Home » News Updates » Week Starting Monday 6th April 2026

Week Starting Monday 6th April 2026

SOCIAL BOWLS

Social Bowls every Saturday. 12.30 pm for 1pm start. No experience needed. Everyone welcome

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FLU VACCINATIONS

Merriwa Surgery is offering free flu vaccinations for our eligible patients.
 
No appointment is necessary, just call in between 9.30am – 12.30pm or between 1.30pm and 4.30pm Monday to Thursday.
 
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🏇 Merriwa Cup Race Day – Saturday 18 April 2026

Five races, Fashions on the Field, Calcutta, picnic on the hill and a great day of country racing. Make a day of it with friends and family.
 
Gates open 11am
 
Local races from 1pm – 5 race program
 
Courtesy Bus – thanks to Cowan’s
 
Departing 12:00pm and 12:30pm from the Royal Hotel and Merriwa Sports Club
 
Returning 5:00pm and 5:30pm
 
Licensed bar operating and CWA canteen available.
 
You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. No alcohol or glass permitted to be brought onto the grounds – alcohol must be purchased from the bar. The licensed area has been expanded this year to better cater for those enjoying a picnic.
 
Entry $20 per person
Under 16s free
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Cassilis Bowling Club

Cost of fuel getting you down? Need a night of fun and laughter?
 
Come along to a comedy night at the Cassilis Bowling Club, Saturday April 11th, 8:30pm start, JIMBO & GARY THE GOAT… plenty of laughs guaranteed, profanity ear muffs optional ��
 
$20 p.p. at the door – CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB

 
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Royal Hotel Cassilis

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH

Celebrate Mother’s Day at your local pub and treat mum to a selection of our specials.
 
Bookings essential!
 
Reserve your table early to avoid missing out!
 

 

 

 

 

 

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SEWING/CRAFT GROUP

The Anglican Sewing Group will next meet on Saturday 18th April 2026.
9:30am – 3:00pm.
 
This is a week earlier than usual, as it is Anzac Day on the 4th Saturday of the month when we usually meet.

 

 

 

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Merriwa RSL Sub-Branch 

ANZAC DAY

Calling all Merriwa groups!!

You are invited to participate in the ANZAC Day parade on Saturday 25th April 2026

Please email MerriwaSB@rslnsw.org.au for more info and to confirm your involvement

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WREATHS

Merriwa RSL Sub Branch is taking wreath orders for this year’s service.

If you would like to order a wreath made from fresh flowers, please email MerriwaSB@rslnsw.org.au or msg Terri Cunningham 0434089962. Wreaths will be taken to the Cenotaph prior to the main service at 10.45am.

Wreaths are $50ea. Orders close Friday 10 April 2026.

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AUSSIE BUFFET BREAKFAST

Aussie Breakfast Buffet will be available at the Merriwa RSL from 7am
$15pp
Saturday 25th April 2026

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ANZAC DAY MEDICAL CARS

Merriwa RSL Sub Branch are organising medical cars to carry anyone who is not physically able to march on ANZAC Day.

If you would like to be included, please message the Merriwa RSL Sub-Branch by the end of March to book your seat.

We want to include as many men and women as possible so please do not be shy about asking!

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FREE KIDS BBQ

Merriwa RSL Sub Branch invites all children to a free BBQ lunch after the ANZAC Day parade – all are welcome.

BBQ will be held behind the RSL Club in the recreation area.

Free fun for all kids

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ANZAC DAY LUNCH

Merriwa RSL Sub Branch will be hosting a lunch to honour our veterans. You are welcome to join us for a traditional 3 course roast lunch (incl tea/coffee).

Tickets are available at the bar for $35pp. Tickets must be pre-purchased, only a very limited number will be available on the day.

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Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces

OPENING NIGHT

Join us for an exciting Opening Night to kick off the Festival of the Fleeces.

Settle in for a great evening with live music from Mick Fetch, along with raffles, an auction and a few lucky door prizes along the way.

We’re also delighted to welcome special guest Marlene Brewer from ABC’s Muster Dogs 🐾

Catch up with friends, enjoy a dance, and soak up the good atmosphere as we begin a wonderful festival opening.

Just $15.00 – don’t miss it!

Follow the link to get your tickets or scan the QR code – https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1546220

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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP

Member for Upper Hunter – 6 April 2026

FUEL SECURITY – THE NSW Government has agreed to the National Fuel Security Plan to coordinate a consistent national response to  the restriction on crude oil exports from the Persian Gulf.

The plan is guided by four levels of action:
1. Plan and prepare
2. Keeping Australia moving
3. Taking targeted action
4. Protecting critical services for all Australians

Our current status is level 2, Keeping Australia Moving.

Everyone can participate in getting fuel to those who need it most by only buying what you need when you need it, avoid stockpiling fuel in  unsafe or inappropriate containers which can be dangerous, and download the FuelCheck app: www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app

The Australian Government has announced temporary relief for businesses unable to meet their tax obligations due to fuel supply issues.

To find out more, visit: www.ato.gov.au/media-centre/ato-responds-to-impacts-of-high-fuel-costs

For more information on NSW fuel security, check: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/fuel-update-for-nsw

LOCAL SPORT GRANTS – Ten Upper Hunter electorate sporting organisations have been awarded funding from the NSW Government  Local Sport Grant Program.

Each electorate is allocated $50,000 with grants up-to-$20,000 available for minor facility upgrades, new equipment and programs that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation.

Singleton Golf Club receives $10,000 for practice chipping green and training area upgrades, Maitland Rugby Club’s women and girls team  $7,038 for uniforms, Gloucester Horse Riding Club $6,600 towards an equipment trailer, Greta Branxton Junior Soccer Club $5,990 for  portable goals and Murrurundi Bowling Club’s Pathways Project allocated $5,270.

Also sharing in the grant money, Upper Hunter Dressage Association $4,222, Northern Suburbs Maitland Cricket Club $3,500, Denman  Junior Cricket Club $3,305, Stroud Little Athletics $2,074 and Gloucester Junior Cricket Association $2,000. 

For further information, including the list of the latest successful projects, go to: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

BUSINESS CONNECT REVIEW – A 90-day review is being conducted by the NSW Government into the former Business Connect  business advisory service.

There are more than 890,000 small businesses in the state that employ around 1.8 million people, with the review’s feedback to inform a  future business advisory model for NSW small businesses.

Under Business Connect, the NSW Government supported up to eight hours free advice from independent business advisory services with 10  providers across the state offering either general advice or a more specialised service.

Small businesses and business groups are now encouraged to participate in a survey which will close on Sunday, 19 April. 

To access the survey, go to: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/New-small-business-advisory-service

VOTE NOW! – Gloucester and Broke are representing the Upper Hunter electorate in this year’s Top Tourism Town Awards.

Gloucester making the final five in the Small Tourism Town category for a population of 1,500-5,000.

In the Tiny Tourism Town category for a population of under 1,500, Broke is in the running for the title having made the final three.

The historic village at the foot of the Brokenback Range has been a finalist every year since 2021 and runner-up for the past two years.

Online voting is now underway until 3 May, at: https://nswtourismassoc.kartra.com/survey/anmWRKOLCr9c

JOIN THE TOUR – Paterson Court House Museum is the starting point for the annual Paterson Town Walk being held this Sunday, 12  April, from 1pm.

Dr Cameron Archer AM will guide the popular yearly event which provides a fascinating account of the town’s heritage, buildings and history, some dating back to the 1830s. 

In addition to describing the origins of European settlement, the tour also covers the Aboriginal heritage of the Paterson Valley.

Bookings are not required, however, participants are requested to arrive at least ten minutes beforehand.

The cost is $10 for adults, which includes museum entry and afternoon tea, and there is no charge for school children to participate in the  tour. 

The walk takes about an hour and a half and requires reasonable walking mobility, so bring a hat, walking shoes and a water bottle.

Following afternoon tea, a guided tour of the nearby Paterson Rail Motor Society Museum will also be available.

PLAYGROUNDS OPEN – School is out for the autumn holiday but some local public school playgrounds will be open for use over the next few weeks.

The Share Our Space program allows local community members to enjoy quality outdoor facilities like playgrounds, multipurpose courts and  ovals during the Term 1 school holiday.

Ellerston, Scone, Broke, Dungog and Booral Public Schools are open daily 8am- 5pm, with Stroud and Gloucester Public Schools open 8am- 5pm on weekends.

Conditions of entry prohibit activities including use of bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, drones or model aeroplanes, playing golf, smoking, lighting  fires or drinking alcohol.

Visitors are encouraged to keep noise to a minimum and respect the school’s neighbours, treat the school site with care and report any  damage, and show respect for others using this school site. 

Discover more about Share Our Space at: www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/we-support-communities/share-our-space.html

SECOND DWELLINGS – NSW Parliament’s Select Committee on Rural Housing and Second Dwellings Reform has now tabled its report entitled ‘Rural housing and second dwellings reform’.

The Select Committee was established on 6 August 2025 to inquire into concerns about the number of restrictions and regulations imposed  on second dwellings and the challenges faced by landowners in obtaining council approval.

Current planning controls and approval pathways for second dwellings were widely regarded as overly restrictive, complex, time-consuming  and costly by stakeholders. 

The reforms proposed within the report to liberalise the construction of second dwellings on rural and conservation zoned land present an  opportunity for the NSW Government to enable second dwellings to become a viable and practical solution for many rural landholders.

The Select Committee’s recommendations also include the NSW Government require local councils to conduct an audit of all roads under  their control and report on their existing condition.

View the report at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/reports/pages/reports.aspx

ELECTRIFICATION ASSISTANCE – NSW Government funding to the Hunter Joint Organisation is helping local councils to provide  advice on regional household electrification under its Net Zero Acceleration program.

Hunter Joint Organisation is partnering with ZapCat to help the communities of the Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Cessnock and  Maitland LGAs to electrify their homes.

Book a free expert consultation for independent advice on solar panels and batteries, electric vehicle charging, induction and electric cooking, reverse cycle air conditioning, hot water heat pumps, insulation and draught proofing and energy efficiency options including for renters.

ZapCat is a certified social enterprise which can provide instant online estimates for costs, savings and available rebates, by calling (02) 6145  0446 or visit: https://www.zapcat.com.au/hunter/ 

WATER METERING – Stage 2 metering amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2025 are in the spotlight for the  NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s April Roundup.

The Regulation is being amended to formally implement the final recommendations from the non-urban metering review.

The aim of the amendments is to achieve a more accurate and reliable measurement of water taken in NSW. 

The live monthly Water Engagement Roundup webinar is on Wednesday, 15 April, 11am-12pm, with a question and answer session to follow  the presentation. 

Get your invitation from: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/80f06925-ceaa-4297-aa78-c5484207dee4@96ef8821-2a39-471c-b89a-67b0833dd3b9

COMMUNITY GRANTS – Transgrid is taking applications for Round 1 of its Community Partnerships Program (CPP) grants until Sunday 3 May.

The program offers grants of up to $5,000 for not-for-profit organisations that are local to the organisation’s planning, operations and major  project areas.

Community organisations within the local postcodes of 2329, which includes Merriwa and Cassilis, 2333 Muswellbrook shire and 2330  Singleton LGA are encouraged to apply.

Organisations seeking guidance or looking to refine their applications are encouraged to register for one of next week’s free online drop-in  sessions via Microsoft Teams being held Wednesday-Friday, 15-17 April, 3-6pm. 

CPP information can be found at: www.transgrid.com.au/community/community-partnerships-program

PARLIAMENTARY INVITATION – The invitation has been issued for you to come along and help the NSW Parliament celebrate the  Festival of Democracy this April school holidays.

The free, one-day only civics spectacular on Friday 17 April, 9.30am-3pm, is packed with hands-on activities for children aged 5 to 12, with all family and friends welcome to join in the fun.

You will step inside the historic Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council Chambers where laws are made, get involved in an interactive  reenactment of the signing of the Magna Carta, have your say in a mock committee roleplay and get creative with arts and crafts workshops. 

The Festival of Democracy encourages an understanding of civics, citizenship, and the history and significance of the Parliament of NSW,  Australia’s first and oldest legislature: https://education.parliament.nsw.gov.au/free-event-festival-of-democracy-2026/

CONSTRUCTION SCHOLARSHIP – A fee-free scholarship to upskill in construction has been launched to give NSW more of the skilled  construction workers it needs.

The Institute of Applied Technology Construction 2026 Scholarship Program is offering 3,000 fully subsidised places across 27 courses in  contract administration, leadership, WHS, digital skills and sustainability.

New scholarships are available to help NSW professionals upskill and stand out by gaining industry-ready skills in just 6–8 weeks. 

Eligibility criteria apply, with scholarships applicants to be a resident of NSW and currently an existing worker in the state, aged 16 years or  over and prepared to acknowledge you will complete the microcredential.

Further details at: www.iat.tafensw.edu.au/iat-construction/scholarships

OFF-SCREEN ROLES – Screen NSW’s Crew Development Program is offering a pathway to work behind the scenes in film and television. 

The program is part of a broader effort to build a more sustainable and inclusive screen industry, and provides access to opportunities often  difficult to reach from outside metropolitan areas.

Designed to fast-track careers in the screen industry, participants will build practical, on-set experience and make those vital industry  connections as they move through a combination of training, paid placements, and mentorship across production and location, production management and post-production plus the costume and art departments.

The Screen NSW Crew Development Program is open now for entry-level and mid-career practitioners, who are NSW residents aged 18 and  over including those living in regional NSW.

Discover how you could get your off-screen break at: www.screen.nsw.gov.au/funding-support/crew-development-program

NATIVE REVEGETATION – Hunter Local Land Services now has an easy to use, informative guide to native revegetation on your  property for the Hunter and Mid Coast regions.

This rebranded and revised guide replaces the very popular edition published in 2022, with the Planting your Patch guide designed to  provide you with the information to re-establish trees, shrubs and groundcovers back into your landscape.

It is important to carefully plan your revegetation project, taking into consideration what you aim to achieve with your planting, where you  will be planting, what species you will plant and how you will plant them.

Contact the Natural Resource Management officer in your area to get an electronic or printed copy of this guide. 

More information and resources are available from: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/natural-resource-management?utm_source

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

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Future secured for Gummun Place through new care model

Published on 02 April 2026

Council has resolved a clear pathway forward for Gummun Place, confirming a transition that will allow the facility to continue supporting older residents in the community under a revised care model.

Following careful consideration and extensive work to identify a sustainable long-term solution, Council has endorsed a leasing arrangement that will see Gummun Place continue operating with a focus on supported accommodation and home care services.

Deputy Mayor Cr Pat Ryan, Chair of the Gummun Place Advisory Committee, said the outcome reflects a significant amount of work behind the scenes to secure the facility’s future.

“This has been a complex process, but the focus has always been on finding a solution that keeps services in our community and supports residents both now and into the future that is also affordable for our community” Cr Ryan said.

At Monday nights council meeting Council resolved:

  1. To accept the offer from provider A to lease Gummun Place as a licensed assisted boarding house supported by home care services.
  2. Delegate authority to the General Manager to execute the lease and conduct all relevant functions under the lease.
  3. Publicly announce the name of the provider once the lease negotiations have been finalised.
  4. Confirm its intention to cease operating Gummun Place Hostel as a residential aged care facility by 30 April 2026 and apply to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to revoke its registration as an aged care provider.

Council would like to acknowledge the hard work that has been put in by the Gummun Place Advisory Committee to achieve this outcome.

Cr Ryan said the transition provides a positive and realistic path forward for the facility. “This outcome ensures Gummun Place remains open and continues to support older residents in a way that is sustainable and better aligned with current care models,” he said.

This outcome provides a clear and positive path forward for Gummun Place and the community. While the residential aged care model is no longer viable, the transition ensures the facility will continue supporting older residents locally.

Under a licensed assisted boarding house model supported by home care services, Gummun Place will remain open, maintain local services and jobs, and continue to play an important role in the Upper Hunter’s care network.

Council remains committed to working closely with the selected provider, residents, families and staff throughout the transition period to ensure a smooth and respectful changeover ahead of 30 April 2026.

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March 2026 – Council Meeting Recap

Published on 01 April 2026

Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 30 March 2026 to consider a range of matters relating to community services, infrastructure, planning and governance.

Recognition of staff service – Sonia Broadbent was recognised for 20 years of service and Jason Chapple for 30 years, acknowledging their long-standing contribution to Council operations and the Upper Hunter community.

Environmental and Community Services Committee – Council adopted the minutes of the Environmental and Community Services Committee, including support for a development application for dwelling alterations at Oxford Road, Scone, and the re-establishment of alcohol-free zones across Scone, Aberdeen, Merriwa and Murrurundi from 15 April 2026 to 15 April 2030.

Further details are available in the Environmental and Community Services Committee agenda on Council’s website: https://www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/ECS-10-March-2026

Infrastructure Services Committee – The minutes of the Infrastructure Services Committee were adopted, with reports received on water and sewer operations, works delivery, and updates on key projects including the Cassilis Sewerage Scheme and Cassilis Footbridge.

Further details are available in the Infrastructure Services Committee agenda on Council’s website: https://www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/ISC-10-March-2026

Corporate Services Committee and financial reporting – Council adopted the Corporate Services Committee minutes, noted financial and investment reports, and adopted the Rosedale Estate Masterplan. Council also reaffirmed its previous position regarding lease arrangements for the Scone Regional Saleyards.

Further details are available in the Corporate Services Committee agenda on Council’s website: https://www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/Council-and-Committee-Meetings/CORP-20-March-2026

General administration matters – Items considered included motions for the 2026 National General Assembly, policy reviews and planning for 2026 ANZAC Day services.

Confidential reports – Council considered matters including a request for quote for the Kingdon Street causeway and culvert upgrade, the appointment of an independent member to the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, the Gummun Place Hostel transition, and the General Manager’s performance review.

In relation to Gummun Place, council resolved:

  1. To accept the offer from provider (A) to lease Gummun Place as a licensed assisted boarding house supported by home care services.
  2. Delegate authority to the General Manager to execute the lease and conduct all relevant functions under the lease.
  3. Publicly announce the name of the provider once the lease negotiations have been finalised.
  4. Confirm its intention to cease operating Gummun Place Hostel as a residential aged care facility by 30 April 2026 and apply to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to revoke its registration as an aged care provider.

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Monthly Works Schedule – Month Starting Monday, 16 March 2026

Each Month Upper Hunter Shire Council prepares a report detailing the work that our infrastructure crews plan to deliver in 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

  • Pembroke Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Bulgin Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • Borambil Racecourse  Road – Maintenance Grading 
  • 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
  • Tree maintenance

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

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Have you seen something that needs attention?

Please use the Customer Request Management Form available online by clicking here to lodge an action with UHSC.

Alternatively, you can download and use the Snap, Send, Solve app from the App store. This app allows you to submit requests with various authorities or Local Council with ease. Learn more about the Snap, Send, Solve app here

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