State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP

Member for Upper Hunter – 4 May 2026

NEW RECRUITS – EIGHT new probationary constables are reporting for duty this week across the Upper Hunter Electorate after graduating from the NSW Police Force Academy, Goulburn.

Class 368 comprises 349 probationary constables with 62 students allocated to the Northern Region. 

Hunter Valley Police District receives 2 recruits, Port Stephens-Hunter and Manning-Great Lakes Police Districts have both received 3 officers each. 

The graduating students begin their first day as sworn officers on Monday, 4 May, and for the next 12 months will complete on-the-job training and study by distance education.

At the end of the 12-month period, they will officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice and will be confirmed to the rank of Constable.

Learn more about a NSW Police Force career at: www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment_links

P.O. OPERATORS NEEDED – Australia Post is now searching for two new operators to provide postal services in the Upper Hunter Electorate.

The Merriwa Licensed Post Office (LPO) in Bettington Street, will close on 23 July after the licensees decided to hand back their license.

It follows the Branxton LPO operator notifying Australia Post of their intention to cease operating the outlet on Friday 26 June.

Options for the provision of postal services in Merriwa are being investigated with the nearest alternative outlets located at Cassilis and Denman LPOs.

Expressions of interest from suitable small businesses to provide postal services to the Branxton and Merriwa communities can be registered by emailing: EOINSWACT@auspost.com.au

EVENING WITH ANTONY! – As the countdown to the March 2027 NSW Election gathers momentum, Parliament Unpacked presents ‘Calling It with Antony Green’ this Wednesday, 6 May  from 5.30pm.

The NSW Parliament Education and Engagement Team has secured the nation’s foremost authority on elections, former ABC Chief Elections Analyst, Antony Green, to give you the insider’s view  of the fast-moving world of political trends and electoral patterns.

Antony will explore key marginal seats likely to decide the next contest, examine long-term voting trends and dive into the growing influence of independents and minor parties.

The event at the Theatrette of Parliament will be livestreamed online so viewers from across the state can join from home or a location with a stable internet connection.

To participate in this rare opportunity with Australia’s most trusted and respected election analyst for an evening that pulls back the curtain on how elections are analysed, understood, and  Ultimately called, go to: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/Parliament-Unpacked-Calling-It-with-Antony-Green.aspx

HUNTER LLS ROADSHOW – A dry autumn so far has Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) ready to deliver a Livestock Roadshow across the region from later this week.

Record cattle yardings at Scone and neighbouring saleyards have signalled that producers are already making proactive decisions as seasonal conditions tighten across the landscape.

The on-ground responses aligning with other key indicators, as soil moisture levels sit in the red zone and forecasts suggest much of the Hunter Valley could be drought-affected by next month.

Hunter LLS Livestock Officers, District Veterinarians and industry advisors will use the Livestock Roadshow to provide practical guidance on feeding, animal health and sale strategies.

Krambach is first stop this Friday, 8 May 9.30am-1pm, with next week’s schedule including Merriwa on Tuesday, 12 May 6-8pm, Millfield on Wednesday 13 May and Gresford, Thursday 14 May,  9.30am-1pm both days.

Scone hosts the Roadshow Wednesday 20 May and Denman on Monday 25 May, with both events scheduled for 6-8pm.

To register, visit the NSW Government Local Land Services events page: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/local-land-services/events?Keyword=livestock+roadshow&sort=soonest&regions%5B0%5D=Hunter&atid=78632dfcb3aaf4d1&utm_source=Hunter&utm_medium=email

CHECK DEVICES – NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team Detectives want public help after a series of recent grass fires in the Hunter Valley.

Between Monday 2 March and Friday 24 April, a total of 24 grass fires were reported in areas surrounding Singleton on weekdays between 12pm and 5pm. 

The fires have occurred along the Golden Highway at Warkworth, Mitchell Line of Road-Jerrys Plains Road, and Putty Road at Mount Thorley. 

Hunter Valley Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Andrew Wheatley, is asking motorists who were in these locations to review any dashcam footage they may have.

Information can be provided anonymously with anyone who can assist urged to contact Branxton Police Station on 4940 7440 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

TALK WITH YOUR COUNCIL – Invitations are going out across the Upper Hunter Electorate asking residents to tell their local council how they would like their rates spent.

Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plans including Draft Budgets for the 2026-27 financial year are out for public consultation giving residents a chance to have their say.

This week, Dungog Shire Council is holding community information sessions at Doug Walters Pavillion, Dungog on Monday 4 May, Vacy School of Arts Hall Tuesday 5 May and Clarence Town  School of Arts Hall Wednesday 6 May, with all meetings held 5-6pm.

Upper Hunter Shire Council’s Community Consultation Sessions are at Aberdeen Community Hall Monday 11 May, Murrurundi CWA Hall Wednesday 13 May, Scone Council Chambers Monday  18 May and Merriwa Wednesday 20 May, all starting at 5pm.

Maitland City Council’s public exhibition of its draft plans to turn community priorities into real outcomes, from local infrastructure to essential services runs until 24 May.

Check your local council website and social media channels for further information.

CORRIDOR UPDATE – EnergyCo has released a refined corridor for the proposed transmission line between Muswellbrook and Walcha.

A 3km-wide study area released last October has now been trimmed to a 1km-wide corridor from the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) to the existing electricity grid at Bayswater  Power Station. 

EnergyCo received around 480 submissions from community and stakeholder feedback during the study area submission period, and alongside detailed field investigations and technical  assessments, has now refined the proposed corridor.

Changes have reduced the number of impacted landholders from around 200 to around 150, avoided environmentally sensitive areas at Timor Caves and near Barry, and reduced visual impacts at  properties near Gundy, Waverly and Timor by locating infrastructure further away from dwellings and public viewpoints.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being developed for the proposed Muswellbrook-Walcha transmission line based on a narrower corridor of around 250m-wide located within the  broader 1km corridor.

The new corridor, and the narrower EIS corridor, can be viewed on an interactive map: https://caportal.com.au/energyco/rez?referrer=ne-rez

Further information about the changes can be viewed at: https://caportal.com.au/energyco/new-england-rez/

ROADWORK AHEAD – Construction on the Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zones (Port to REZ) project this month focuses on the Golden Highway-Denman Road, Denman  intersection.

Removal and laying of new asphalt for the whole intersection is scheduled to take three nights with a further night required for line marking at the location.

The night shifts will be scheduled between Sunday to Thursday, 6pm to 7am, weather permitting.

The intersection will be under full traffic control, with traffic controllers in place and EnergyCo advises that those directly impacted will be contacted prior to the works commencing.

Live Traffic will be updated for the night works, however, they are not expected to have any major impact on motorists.

For the latest updates, check www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

HEART BEAT! – This is Heart Week (4–10 May) and the theme this year is, “Never miss a BEAT.”

Heart disease remains one of Australia’s biggest killers with a person living in Australia experiencing a heart attack or stroke every four minutes, yet much of this is preventable.

The Heart Foundation encourages us to take simple, early action on heart health particularly during Heart Week by booking a Medicare-subsidised Heart Health Check with a GP. 

For the Stroke Foundation, the month of May is Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check because high blood pressure is the single biggest preventable risk factor for stroke, heart disease, kidney  disease, and dementia.

Around 7 million Australians have high blood pressure and nearly half don’t even know it.

Remember “Never miss a BEAT” because getting your blood pressure checked is easy, quick and painless.

ENVIRONMENTAL WATER – Managing Water for the Environment will be in the spotlight for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water during the May Water  Engagement Roundup webinar.

This month’s topic was inspired by suggestions and feedback from attendees at previous webinars.

The presentation will unpack what the program does, how it works, and how outcomes are planned, delivered, and tracked.

Program Director Julie-Anne Harty will share how Water for the Environment is making a positive difference at a landscape scale and why it matters.

The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday 20 May between 11am and Noon, so reserve your spot at: www.water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/roundup

TAFE CAREERS – TAFE NSW has put the call out for tradespeople who want to turn their industry experience, passion and expertise into a new career.

Applications are now open for the TAFE NSW Paid to Learn Program to become a qualified TAFE NSW teacher in just 14 weeks, earning the equivalent of a full-time teacher’s salary while  completing your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122).

Teaching positions are now available in Heavy and Light Vehicle Automotive, Automotive Electrical, Mobile Plant, Electrical Trades, Refrigeration, Ageing and Disability Services, Nursing and  Literacy, Numeracy and Foundation Skills.

With over 150 campus locations offering fulltime, part-time and casual opportunities, it could be a career of life changing impact.

To find a role that matches with your skills and experience, check: https://careers.tafensw.edu.au/jobs/search?page=1&query=Paid+to+Learn&utm_campaign=20260423%20001%20b2c%20edm%20Paid%20to%20Learn%20initial%20generic%20awareness&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

REDUCE FOOD WASTE – New food waste requirements are coming from 1 July and there’s support available to help you get ready.

Workers in the food and hospitality industry are encouraged to view an online course TAFE NSW has launched which has free enrol until 11 May.

The course will help businesses reduce food waste, save money and improve kitchen operations.

It covers simple, practical ways to prepare for the new food waste rules such as to plan menus more efficiently, manage stock and storage and reduce waste in the kitchen.

To build skills and make small changes that can have a big impact, enrol today: https://store.training.tafensw.edu.au/…/food-waste…/

CARERS WEEK GRANTS – Applications are now open for the NSW National Carers Week Grants program.

Not-for-profit organisations and local councils can apply for a share of $220,000 in NSW Government grant funding to support initiatives with a focus on bringing carers together, strengthening  social connection and increasing recognition of the vital role carers play.

Suitable initiatives include social gatherings, wellbeing or cultural events, workshops and creative activities designed in partnership with carers and tailored to local needs.

Applications from organisations working with carers from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, including Aboriginal carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers, LGBTQIA+ carers, young  carers, older carers and carers in regional and rural communities.

Applications close Monday, 25 May, with successful applicants to be announced in July.

Grant enquiries can be directed to the Department of Communities and Justice at: carerstr@dcj.nsw.gov.au and, for more information and to apply, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-national-carers-week-grants-2026

STUDENT ART PRIZE – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students have until May 28 to enter the 2026 ACAS Prize visual arts competition.

Led by ACAS, the Aboriginal Children’s Advancement Society, artists currently enrolled as a student in a NSW or ACT secondary school will be in the running for $8,500 in prizemoney.

The Prize has two divisions for Traditional visual art styles and Contemporary visual arts styles with the finalists celebrated during NAIDOC Week in July. 

The ACAS Prize will culminate in a prestigious three-week exhibition at Hazelhurst Regional Gallery, located in southern Sydney.

Questions about the competition can be emailed to: admin@acas.org.au or discover more about the Prize at: www.acas.org.au

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
www.davelayzell.com.au/news/categories/state-matters

___________________________