PLAYGROUP THIS FRIDAY
Craft
Free play
Storytime – featuring Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Outdoor exploration (weather permitting)Merriwa Senior Citizens
Seniors Meeting – Tuesday 26th August.
For further information contact Adele on 6548 2081 or Barbara on 0459 482 682.
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Bus Trip to Mudgee
Saturday 13th September
Departing 8:00am from the CWA RoomsWe’ll visit the Mudgee Honey Haven before heading into Mudgee, where you’ll have time to explore, shop, or relax at your leisure.
• Members: $30
• Non-Members: $35
Please note: No refunds will be given.
Adele – 6548 2081
Barbara – 0459 482 628Merriwa Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association
Please follow the Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss any updates
August Breakfast Meeting
Wednesday, 13th August
Merriwa CWA Rooms
7:15 AM arrival for a 7:30 AM start
Cost:
Breakfast provided by the Merriwa CWA Ladies
Topics of Discussion:
Let’s Party – Fundraiser for MND
Community Mental Health Event – Screening of The Promise
Payment can be made via bank transfer (preferred) or in cash on the day.
For help or questions, email merriwachamber@gmail.com or contact Carlita on 0458 482 889
Hunter Local Land Services
Get on-farm, in-paddock with our expert Invasive Species – Biosecurity Team as they give you the run down on all things feral pigs 
Signs to look for
Camera monitoring
Free feeding & baiting
Trapping
Humane destruction
FeralScan Reporting
Cassilis Public School
150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Please spread the word and use the link to RSVP for catering purposes! https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfWJm…/viewform
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Merriwa CWA NSW
KIDS COOKING
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UPCOMING MEETINGS 2025
- 11th August
- 8th September
- 13th October – AGM
- 10th November
- 1st December
Meetings will be held at the Merriwa CWA Hall at 10am.
Any changes – members will be notified on CWA Facebook page and via email.
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Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!
There’ll be a full bar and live music by Gaz Brentnall and a DJ thanks to Singers Karaoke. So stick around after the dust settles.
Admission:
FREE for kids under 5
$10 for kids (5-17)
$20 for adults
$10 for pensioners
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OCTOBER 3rd – 5th at CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB
A family friendly weekend of music and entertainment for the whole family, markets, music and childrens activities plus the NRL Grand Final on the big screen.
Please follow our Facebook Page to stay up to date with all the latest including Artist Announcements!!
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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter – 4 August 2025
JOB CUTS – THE NSW NATIONALS have challenged the Minns Labor Government, and in particular Minister Tara Moriarty, to own up to its decision and provide clarity around jobs losses from the only department dedicated to regional NSW.
The government has confirmed up to 165 jobs will be cut from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development including in the Upper Hunter electorate.
Some of the teams to be impacted by redundancies include agriculture and biosecurity, regional development and delivery in the regional programs and partnerships team and enabling services in the Rural Assistance Authority.
It’s also disappointing to hear the team that helped manage the Resources for Regions and Stronger Country Communities programs are also on the chopping block which raises questions about how any support will flow to the bush.
These gut-wrenching cuts are a slap in the face to an agency that does immeasurable work ensuring country communities are supported in every way, and we need to know right now how these changes will impact every farmer and every resident living in a regional NSW.
EDUCATION’S TIME TO SHINE – Public education is in the spotlight this week as our local schools, teachers and their pupils mark Education Week 2025.
Week 3 of Term 3, this year has the theme “Ignite your potential” to celebrate the achievements of our learning communities.
Public Education Week will see schools open their doors to welcome parents, carers and community members and showcase the incredible learning experiences that happen every day.
Families are encouraged to get involved by attending open days, school events or community celebrations to see firsthand how schools are igniting potential in every child — through creative classrooms, dedicated staff and inclusive school cultures.
For insight into what is happening at NSW public schools visit: www.facebook.com/NSWDepartmentofEducation
RENEWABLES UPDATE – Ark Energy will hold two local consultation sessions next week to provide an update on the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm project.
Hebden Community Hall on Scrumlo Road holds the opening session on Tuesday 12 August, 4-6pm, with Mount Olive Community Centre in Carrowbrook Road the venue for the second on Wednesday 13 August, 4-6pm.
People interested in attending are requested to RSVP for their preferred session and advise the number of attendees by Friday 8 August to: info@bowmanscreekwindfarm.com.au
Stage 1 of the Bowmans Creek project for 54 wind turbines has been approved with Ark Energy also submitting a modification to add a battery energy storage system.
The modification to add battery energy storage can be viewed at: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/mod-1-battery-energy-storage-system-1
Stage 2 of the development proposes a further 21 wind turbines with the extension requiring a separate NSW Government approval, which Ark Energy anticipating it will lodge next year.
APPLY NOW! – Hunter Local Land Services is calling for expressions of interest in its upcoming feral pig control awareness days.
Join in for on-farm, in-paddock practical advice and visual demonstrations of feral pig control activities.
The agenda includes feral pig signs, camera monitoring, free feeding and baiting best practice, feral pig trapping best practice, humane destruction and FeralScan reporting.
Hunter LLS is planning events for Upper Hunter landholders at Merriwa, Denman and Broke with a Lower Hunter event at Dungog.
Express your interest in attending and the LLS will contact you with more details: https://comms.lls.nsw.gov.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz6881c3eacc01d268/interface.html
EYES TO THE SKY – NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team is asking farmers and rural landowners to come forward if they have seen a drone flying over their property or have information about suspicious drone activity.
There have been reports of suspected illegal drone incidents in the Hunter Valley Police District and other areas this year and NSW Police suspects there may be more incidents.
Whilst not always sinister, the Rural Crime Prevention Team would like landholders to report incidents, so they know where and when it is occurring especially if it involves livestock and cropping paddocks or machinery sheds.
You are asked to record the time, location, and description of the drone; take photos or videos if safe to do so; then report the incident to CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) if it’s an incident of unsafe drone use or NSW Police if you suspect criminal activity or surveillance.
A word of caution from police – do not attempt to damage, disable, or interfere with the drone, which is illegal and considered damaging an aircraft under federal law.
Drone operators are also on notice to know and follow CASA’s drone safety rules such as always flying in visual line-of-sight, not flying higher than 120m above ground level, near emergency operations or in prohibited or restricted airspace.
If you are using a drone in a rural area or near a rural industry let people and properties nearby know what you are doing, to help allay their fears.
Anyone with information about suspected criminal activity, such as trespassing or harassment, you can report it to your local NSW Police Station, Police Assistance Line on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and in an emergency call triple zero “000”.
BROOM BREAKTHROUGH – A partnership between Aussie Ark and Scone Landcare has achieved what is being described as an ‘ecological miracle’ in the Barrington Tops.
Back in 2016, a unique biological control program began to eradicate the highly invasive Scotch Broom from the Ark.
The program has paid off with confirmation that the noxious weed has been eradicated from the Ark with the ‘silver bullet’ being the English gall mite, which targets and destroys specifically Scotch Broom.
The mite is dormant in winter and reactivates in spring, which is when Aussie Ark wants to strike again, issuing an invitation for volunteers to join the eradication campaign.
Aussie Ark has a surplus of mites, prompting a call for the NSW Government to urgently implement the same initiative across National Parks and State Forests for wider ecological repair and restoration.
Take a bow Scone Landcare, Aussie Ark is adamant it could not have achieved this amazing milestone without your help and guidance.
Discover more about the Barrington breakthrough at: www.facebook.com/AussieArk
INTERNS REQUIRED – Young people interested in exploring career and volunteer opportunities in emergency management and increasing their emergency preparedness skills can now apply for Singleton’s Emergency Services Internship program.
Open to local residents aged 16-24, the eight-week internship runs from 15 October to 3 December, delivered by Singleton Council in partnership with local emergency services, supporting agencies and Singleton PCYC.
Program participants meet for four hours each Wednesday to learn directly from emergency responders and supporting agencies such as the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
The interactive program teaches young people about emergency response, preparedness and recovery through practical hands-on training with NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance.
Not only do participants learn practical skills and tips from real-life emergency responders, but also receive mental health first aid training and complete the program with a first aid certificate.
Expressions of interest in the limited number of places available close on 29 August with more information at: www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/Live/Residents/Emergency-Management-and-Disaster-Resilience/Emergency-Services-Internship
REZ INFORMATION – Cassilis residents have another reference point for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project.
ACEREZ, the partnership of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy, appointed as the network operator by EnergyCo in April, has opened a Community Information Centre at 30- 32 Church Street, Mudgee.
The ACEREZ team will take questions and feedback on the REZ transmission project Tuesday to Thursday, 9am-5pm, except on public holidays.
The centre will be open at other times for special events and activities and will provide the community with a central hub to learn more about the project and the opportunities it will create.
Residents can continue to contact ACEREZ via the 24/7 Community Information Line, the community email cwo.community@acerez-acjv.com.au and the project website www.acerez.com.au
ONLY RECYCLE – Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority have jointly urged residents to recycle used batteries.
Never bin a battery because up to 12,000 fires a year across Australia are caused by incorrect battery disposal, so getting rid of them safely is essential.
Damage caused by battery fires poses a significant risk to human health, the environment and to critical infrastructure that we rely on to process waste.
Fire and Rescue NSW has advised that Lithium-ion battery fires especially don’t give warnings – they start fast, burn hot and can turn deadly in seconds.
The EPA adding that all used batteries, including small household batteries, should be recycled at a battery drop off point.
You can find your local used batteries recycling location at: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Recycling-an:-reuse/household-recycling-overview/Safe-battery-recycling
MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY – Public consultation is underway as the Mental Health Commission of NSW leads the development of the Strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing in the state.
Anyone with interest and insights about mental health and wellbeing is being asked for feedback to inform the new strategy to improve mental health and wellbeing across the community.
This consultation is not intended to ask about a person’s own mental health and wellbeing, however, is seeking opinions about the mental health service system and about community mental health and wellbeing.
A consultation paper provides some background information and poses consultation questions for written submissions.
There is also an online survey, which can be done anonymously, asking opinions about mental health services and mental health and community wellbeing.
Targeted consultations will take place in the coming months, including community visits and virtual roundtables with stakeholders and government agencies.
Share your views before Friday 29 August at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/mental_health_wellbeing
VACCINATION CALL – NSW Health continues to urge us to get vaccinated this winter as the best way to protect against serious respiratory illnesses.
Vaccinations can protect children and grandparents from serious illness – so kids don’t miss out on having fun and families don’t miss out on precious moments together.
Latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report figures for the week ended 26 July, show a new peak of 776 Influenza cases in the Hunter New England Local Health District which takes the year-to- date total to 6,255.
There were 196 reports of COVID-19 taking the 2025 local total to 4,188, with 181 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases lifting total numbers for the seven months to 5,794.
Lower your risk of severe respiratory illness by talking to your GP or pharmacist about getting the vaccine right for you – learn more at: https://health.nsw.gov.au/respiratory
CAN’T TOUCH THAT! – Learner and provisional driver licence holders have received some sage advice about having a mobile telephone in the vehicle when they are behind the steering wheel.
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Centre for Road Safety sharing their wisdom that you must not use a mobile phone while driving, even when you’re stationary, for example, stopped at lights or stuck in traffic.
This includes texting, photography, phone calls, music, emailing, social media, using the internet, maps and navigation.
The restriction on Learner, P1 and P2 drivers applies to mobile phones that are handheld, in a phone holder or hands-free, for example, via Bluetooth: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/safe-driving/mobiles-screens-and-gps
WEED DOWNLOAD – The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has released the 2025 NSW Weed Control Handbook.
The updated guide has been compiled as a guide for weed control in non-crop, aquatic and bushland situations including best-practice techniques and legal responsibilities.
Contents include integrated weed management, control techniques using herbicides, reducing herbicide spray drift, withholding periods and it also outlines weeds with state priority biosecurity duties in NSW.
To access the handbook and download your copy visit the DPIRD website now: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weed-control/management-guides/noxious-enviro-weed-control
Contact:
Email address: upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au;
New Address: 94 John Street Singleton 2330
Postal Address: PO Box 60 Singleton NSW 2330
Ph: 6543 1065
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Monthly Works Schedule – Week Starting Monday, 16 June 2025
Each month Upper Hunter Shire Council prepares a report detailing the work that our infrastructure crews plan to deliver over the coming month.
Scheduled work is merely an indication of what we intend to undertake and is not a guarantee of work being carried out. As factors such as weather, resource availability and unexpected needs can impact Councils priorities for the coming month.
Merriwa
Works Delivery
- Flaggs Road – Grading
- Summer Hill Road – Grading
- Road inspections as required
- Action requests as required
Parks and Facilities
- Amenities maintenance
- Cemetery maintenance
- Parks, sports fields, rest areas, entrances/approaches, Showground Passive areas and reserves mowing and maintenance
- Playground inspections
- Actions requests as required
Water and Sewer
- Water treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Water and sewer distribution systems and actions requests as required
- Water sampling for total hardness
- Water Main replacement – Graeme Street and Reservoir Site
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Transition Process Underway for Gummun Place Hostel Operations
Published on 11 June 2025
Following its decision to commence the transition of aged care services delivered by Gummun Place Hostel to another operator, Upper Hunter Shire Council has been working closely with the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee, the Department of Health and Aged Care, and a number of prospective service providers.
The decision, made at a recent Council meeting, reflects Council’s commitment to ensuring the ongoing provision of quality aged care services in the Upper Hunter Shire.
Chair of the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee and Deputy Mayor, Cr Pat Ryan, said the committee is focused on finding a sustainable solution that supports local aged care needs.
“Council and the committee are endeavouring to find another provider to take on the operation of Gummun Place Hostel in its current form or under a different business model,” Cr Ryan said. “We recognise the importance of Gummun Place Hostel in the community and we are doing everything we can to ensure that the doors remain open.”
As part of the transition process, Council has appointed a new interim Facility Manager, Tim Whyte, who will oversee the day-to-day operations at the Hostel and provide operational support throughout the transition period. Tim has been engaged for a six-month term and brings with him valuable experience in the aged care sector.
Council will continue to provide regular updates to residents, families and staff as the process progresses.
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Council Meeting Recap 28 July 2025
Published on 30 July 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 28 July, 2025 and considered a wide range of matters to support our towns and villages. Key decisions from the meeting are summarised below.
Appointments to Council committees
Council reviewed nominations for its community advisory committees. Councillors supported the appointment of Rowan Rodgers to the Australia Day Sub‑Committee in the Merriwa district and Jo Caldwell, Des Dugan, Ellen Watson, Darryn Wicks & Marty Wilson to the newly‑formed Murrurundi Recreation Facilities User Group Committee. Expressions of interest for the Murrurundi committee will remain open until 15 August 2025 so that more community members can get involved. Council thanked both nominees and emphasised that committee members must adhere to the Council’s Code of Conduct.
Establishing the Scone Sustainable Community Group Committee
Council endorsed the re‑establishment of the former Scone Tidy Towns Committee as the Scone Sustainable Community Group Committee under the Community Advisory Committee – Scone District. The new committee will support initiatives such as the Scone Community Garden, Scone Spring Garden Ramble, Clean Up Australia Day, and Keep Australia Beautiful programs, and will foster partnerships with schools, aged care, businesses, and other community organisations. Council adopted a draft charter and will call for nominations from the Community Advisory Committee and expressions of interest from local residents. Activities will be funded from existing budgets and environmental grants.
Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee – minutes and next steps
Councillors received minutes from the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee meeting held on 17 June 2025. The committee discussed the future of the Merriwa facility and noted that Council may relinquish its high‑care certification so that Gummun Place reverts to a hostel providing low‑care accommodation. The committee observed that two stakeholders have expressed interest in operating Gummun Place as a low‑care hostel offering home‑care packages and possibly accommodation for National Disability Insurance Scheme supported living. A business case will be prepared for the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Aged Care. Council thanked the committee for their ongoing input and committed to keeping the community informed as the transition progresses.
Traffic and safety signage tender
Council accepted a panel tender for the supply and delivery of traffic and safety signage to the Upper Hunter Shire and other member councils of the Hunter Joint Organisation. The panel runs for three years from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028 with a 12‑month extension option. Successful suppliers include Artcraft, Barrier Signs, Central Signs Road & Safety, HiVis Group, ICombined 360 Services Group, J&M Road Marking Specialists/Traffic MGMT, and The SWF Group. The joint tender achieves value for money and ensures regulatory compliance.
Local Government NSW Annual Conference
Council confirmed that Cr Shields will represent the Upper Hunter at the 2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference, to be held at Panthers Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre from 23–25 November 2025.
A motion to send two delegates, Cr Shields and Cr Stolz, resulted in a tied vote (4 in favour, 4 against). The motion was defeated when the Mayor exercised his casting vote. A subsequent motion to send Cr Shields was carried, with only Cr Stolz and Cr Fraser voting against.
Motions for the conference must be lodged through the online portal by 30 September 2025.
Disclosure obligations for councillors
Councillors were reminded of their obligations to lodge political donation disclosures by 11 August 2025 and electoral expenditure disclosures by 22 September 2025. Separate disclosures apply for donations made between 1 January and 30 June 2025, annual expenditure from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, and any candidate or group campaign expenses.
Support for Westpac Rescue Helicopter fundraising
Council agreed to provide a $400 donation towards the cost of green fees for a community fundraising golf day hosted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service at Scone Golf Club on 28 September 2025. While the request did not strictly meet the criteria of Council’s donations policy, the Corporate Services Committee recommended granting the donation to support this vital emergency service.
Report from the National General Assembly of Local Government
Mayor Maurice Collison, Deputy Mayor Pat Ryan, Councillor Allison McPhee and the General Manager attended the 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra from 24–27 June 2025. The assembly theme, “National priorities need local solutions”, aligned with Council’s focus on financial sustainability, roads and infrastructure, jobs and skills, housing and homelessness. Delegates heard addresses from the Hon Kristy McBain (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Emergency Services) and the newly appointed Governor General Sam Mostyn. Presentations covered climate change adaptation, artificial intelligence, emergency management, safer roads, housing and community infrastructure, and employment in local government. More than 191 motions were debated, including four submitted by Upper Hunter Shire Council.
For more details on other matters discussed, please refer to the meeting agenda, or head to our YouTube channel to watch the meeting.
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MR358 Road Project – June Update
Highlights
Catch drain excavation and concrete lining complete in Sections 1 & 2 Gabion wall construction now 90% complete across the entire project Rock bolting, 3,000 soil nails and all rock mesh installation finished Shotcrete open drains and open drain excavation works now 100% Earthworks nearing completion at 98%
Coming up: Gabion wall and subsoil drainage finalisation in Section 2 Subgrade prep, select pavement and drainage across all sections Kerbing, table drains and cross drainage works continuing Base pavement construction now underway
For more information on the project, please head to: http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/mr358
This project is proudly supported by the NSW State and Australian Federal Governments.———
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