Merriwa and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Notice of AGM
Thursday 11th September
RSL Games Room, Merriwa
6:00 PM
New Members Welcome! 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟕 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝟔𝐏𝐌 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝟔:𝟑𝟎𝐏𝐌 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐰𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛
𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 are available now:
𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 – the global colour for MND awareness
Prize for the most outrageous blue outfit!
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 platters available to pre-order for $𝟓𝟎 + 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑒𝑒
Club bar & bistro open for meals and drinks
𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐𝐬 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 | 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟖𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬
𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐱 – limited tables, don’t delay!
Let’s make a difference together.THE PROMISE
Exciting Community Event Coming to Merriwa Friday, 10th October The Studio – Merriwa High School
Keynote by Craig Hamilton + Screening + Q&A with Craig & Jye___________________________
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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Merriwa CWA NSW
KIDS COOKING
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UPCOMING MEETINGS 2025
- 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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CWA ANNUAL PLANT SALE
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Merriwa Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association
MERRIWA SHOW CAMPDRAFT
Please follow the Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss any updates
Who’s excited for the show?! We are!! 
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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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Cassilis Public School P&C
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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CELEBRATION DINNER
Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!
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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter – 8 September 2025
GRANT BACKFLIP – SERVICE NSW is taking applications from a group of Hunter and Mid North Coast farmers who were denied disaster assistance payments for the May flood event.
The farmers were deemed ineligible for the Primary Producer Grant and the Small Business Recovery Grant under the joint federal-state disaster recovery arrangements.
The NSW Government has now decided to update the eligibility criteria and remove a clause which previously excluded farming enterprises.
Eligible applicants will receive a small business grant fully funded by the state government following the review prompted by Regional Recovery Coordinator, Dave Owens.
Further details from Service NSW by calling 13 77 88 or go to: www.service.nsw.gov.au
SPRING DUST BUST – Upper Hunter mines are again on notice to protect local air quality with the annual Bust the Dust campaign underway for Spring 2025.
During the campaign, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Operations Officers will be out in force doing roadside surveillance, unannounced inspections and using drones to monitor dust generation.
Mines found to be in breach of licence conditions now face significantly higher penalties, including $30,000 for a first offence and $45,000 for a subsequent offence.
While the EPA regulate dust emissions year-round, regional air quality monitoring shows spring is a peak time for particle pollution: www.airquality.nsw.gov.au/air-quality-in-my-area/concentration-data or www.airquality.nsw.gov.au/upper-hunter
The Bust the Dust campaign is a timely reminder for operators to have the right practices in place by deploying water on stockpiles and roads or ceasing work during dry and windy conditions.
Local residents are encouraged to report concerns about dust emissions to the Environment Line 131 555 or via email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au
NEW ENGLAND ROADWORK – Motorists are being advised several night roadwork jobs are being undertaken on the New England Highway at Muswellbrook and Singleton from this week.
Maintenance is being carried out from Monday 8 September to Wednesday 10 September, between 6pm and 6am on the highway between Bell Street and Lorne Street, Muswellbrook.
Transport for NSW aims to avoid impact to the local community and the environment by reducing noise as much as possible and turning off equipment and vehicles when not in use.
Upcoming traffic lights maintenance at the intersection of the New England Highway and York Street / Boundary Street, Singleton is scheduled for the week commencing Tuesday 16 September, 7pm to 5am, and is expected to be completed in one night, weather permitting.
Motorists are asked to follow the directions of traffic controllers and signage, comply with lane closures and a 40km/h speed limit during works hours.
For traffic updates call 132 701, visit www.livetraffic.com or check the Live Traffic NSW app.
REHOMING GRANTS – Animal rehoming organisations can apply now for a share of the NSW Government’s $6 million funding injection to help vulnerable cats and dogs.
The Companion Animal Welfare and Rehoming Grant program will provide between $10,000 and $100,000 to eligible rehoming organisations and registered charities based in NSW.
The grant program will see $1.5 million a year available per year for four years to help organisations cover the costs associated with caring and rehoming companion animals.
Since 2020-21, on average these organisations have received more than 10,000 animals per year.
The support comes as the government undertakes the first review of the Companion Animals Act in over 20 years to examine all aspects of the care and management of pet dogs and cats, including ways to minimise the number of animals entering the rehoming system.
Applications for the first round of the grant program close Wednesday, 1 October, with information on the Office of Local Government website: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/responsible-pet-ownership/companion-animal-welfare-grants/
CHANGES AHEAD – Wine and spirit bottles and larger drink containers are set to be accepted into an expanded NSW container deposit scheme.
The expansion of both the NSW and South Australian programs by late-2027 also includes cordials and juice concentrate containers and larger containers of up to three litres of beverages already in the scheme, such as flavoured milk, fruit and vegetable juice.
Plain milk and health tonic containers will continue to be excluded from the schemes.
Return and Earners are encouraged not to take wine bottles to the local refund machines just yet.
The NSW Government wants to work with industry to ensure a smooth transition giving the wine and spirits industry time to adjust and allowing collection points and systems to ramp up for the additional new containers by mid-2027.
COFFEE WITH COPS DATE – Motorbike riders have a date for Coffee with the Cops at Putty on Sunday 21 September.
Local Highway Patrol and Transport for NSW will be at Grey Gum Cafe to chat road safety, share handy route maps – and shout free coffee.
It’s being described as a ride on ‘The Putty’ for a caffeine hit and a safety tip – all on the house.
Singleton Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council and Upper Hunter Shire Council are supporting Transport and NSW Police to hold the event.
SPRING INTO THE ACTION – Winter hibernation across the Upper Hunter will certainly come to an end this weekend when the Cassilis Rodeo takes centre stage on Saturday.
The action launches from 9am and the main event will be under lights from 5pm with both cowgirls and cowboys taking to the dirt arena.
Merriwa Springtime Show is next stop from 7am on Friday 19 September, with a bumper line-up of events over the three days including campdraft, dog high jump and a Sunday horse program.
And, Singleton Show welcomes the crowds over three days from Friday 26 September featuring the Australian Wife Carrying Titles, working dog trials and fireworks.
VICTIM NOTIFICATION – Victim-survivors of serious offenders will receive mandatory notifications about NSW Victims’ Registers, including the information and services they can receive if they chose to register.
The reforms apply to the three NSW Victims’ Registers: the Corrective Services NSW Victims’ Register, Youth Justice Victims’ Register and the Specialist Victims’ Register for victims of forensic patients.
All eligible victims will now receive a notification about the Register and their eligibility to opt-in, or the option to be contacted at a later date to discuss whether they would like to be registered.
Those who opt-in will receive timely, accurate, and trauma-informed updates including details about the offender’s location while in custody, sentence, location while in custody, parole eligibility, and any changes that may affect the victim’s safety and well-being.
Education on the Registers will also be provided to frontline professionals across the justice system, including NSW Police, the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and other relevant service providers.
FISH RESTOCKING – Glenbawn Dam, Scone and Lake St Clair, Singleton will receive Australian bass as part of the NSW Government’s native fish stocking program.
Community groups have received $62,000 to release the fish into seven rivers and dams across NSW with up to 260,000 Australian Bass to stock the waterways from this October under the program.
Anglers are reminded that a strict bag limit of two and possession limit of four applies to Australian Bass and Estuary Perch, either for a single species or a combination of both species, and only one fish is permitted to be over 35cm in length when fishing in rivers.
For information about freshwater fishing rules: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs/freshwater-bag-and-size-limits
COMING SOON! – Spring has sprung, the September show season is almost upon us and a long weekend in only weeks away.
Yes, Daylight Saving is set to begin during that long weekend at 2am on Sunday 5 October, when clocks are moved forward by one hour to 3am.
Changing your clocks can affect sleep and daily routine with the NSW Government offering a few tips to help you adjust more easily.
Gradual bedtime changes like adjusting your bedtime by 15 minutes each night before the change to help your body transition smoothly.
Then, stay consistent by keeping your sleep schedule consistent to avoid disruption.
Also, maximise morning light by going outside in the morning to help reset your body clock.
The 2025-26 Daylight Saving period ends at 3am, Sunday 5 April 2026, when clocks move back one hour: www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/daylight-saving
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, 18 September 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
- Witneys Road – Maintenance Grading
- Old Scone Road – Maintenance Grading
- Webimble Road – Maintenance Grading
- Dales Creek – Maintenance Grading
- Cockatoo Gap Road – Maintenance Grading
- Gummun Road – Maintenance Grading
- Middle Creek Road – Maintenance Grading
- Inglewood Road – Maintenance Grading
- Cream of Tar Tar Road – Maintenance Grading
- Judy Kelly Road – Maintenance Grading
- Mountain Station Road – Maintenance 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
- 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
- Water sampling for PFAS
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Street Sweeping Schedule: September 2025
Scone – Please refer to map: Cassilis: Merriwa: Aberdeen: Murrurundi (via Blandford): Catch-up week:
Residents: Please move vehicles, trailers, caravans and other items away from kerbsides where possible by using your driveway. This helps crews complete the job quickly and thoroughly.
Upper Hunter’s Annual Bulk Waste Clean Up Is Approaching!
2025 Collection Dates:
Scone, Gundy, and Moonan Flat: October 13 – 17 Murrurundi, Blandford, Wingen, Parkville, and Bunnan: October 20 – 24 Cassilis, Merriwa, Aberdeen: October 27 – 31
Important Info:
Garden waste will NOT be accepted. Mattresses and tyres are also prohibited. No liquid waste of any sort.
Frequently Asked Questions:Council Meeting Recap 25 August 2025
Published on 26 August 2025
Decisions Shaping Community and Infrastructure at August Council Meeting 26 August 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Council met on Monday 25 August 2025 to consider a wide range of matters, from recognising long-serving staff to progressing key infrastructure and policy updates.
Paul Smith recognised for 20 years’ service Senior Environmental Planner Paul Smith was acknowledged for two decades of dedicated service. Councillors praised his professionalism, highlighting his long record of providing expert advice on development and environmental matters, and presented him with a certificate of appreciation.
Scone Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan Council adopted the Scone Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan following public consultation. The plan provides a clear framework for reducing flood risk and will enable Council to apply for funding to implement key mitigation measures.
Liverpool Range Wind Farm – Planning agreement Council endorsed entering into a planning agreement with Tilt Renewables for the Liverpool Range Wind Farm. The agreement will provide an indexed annual contribution of $1,050 per megawatt installed, supporting community benefit programs, road maintenance and administration.
Code of Meeting Practice Council resolved to place its current Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition. This is in line with NSW Government requirements, ahead of the release of a new Model Code under the state’s Councillor Conduct Framework reforms.
Rural Halls Rejuvenation Grants Council approved funding under the 2025/26 Rural Halls Rejuvenation Grants Program for:
- Timor Sports and Recreation Club – $6,581.35 for replacement of fencing and installation of air conditioning.
- Abbotsford Park Trust (Wingen Community Hall) – $4,750.00 for replacement of guttering and downpipes.
This allocation exhausts the 2025/26 program funding.
Flying-fox impacts Councillors debated a notice of motion regarding the impact of flying-fox camps across the shire. While the animals are protected and play an important environmental role, Council resolved to advocate for stronger assistance from state agencies and to improve communication with affected communities.
Community appreciation Council received a quarterly report of letters and messages from community groups, acknowledging positive feedback for Council staff and services.
Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre Council considered submissions from the recent expression-of-interest process for the Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre. The General Manager was authorised to negotiate with existing proponents on operational and financial models while also inviting further proposals from other qualified parties to ensure the centre delivers strong long-term outcomes for the community.
Glenbawn Tunnel Pipeline encasement works Council reviewed a report on storm-related damage to the Glenbawn Tunnel Pipeline concrete encasement project. An additional $460,000 has been allocated from the Water Reserve to complete rectification works, with authority delegated to the General Manager to approve contract variations up to this amount.
Councillors noted that under current state government guidelines, damage to critical water infrastructure caused by recent storms cannot be claimed for disaster recovery assistance, leaving Council to fund the works from its own reserves. The General Manager has been authorised to raise this matter directly with the responsible Minister.
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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