State Matters - 5 October 2026
COMMUNITY GRANTS
TWO Upper Hunter Electorate organisations have secured almost $14,000 from the Australia Post 2026 Community Grants program.
The funding supports projects that enhance mental wellbeing and build resilience in disaster-impacted communities, reflecting support for communities before, during and after disasters.
Rotary Club of Paterson receives $9,800 for ‘The Famous Paterson River Orange Project.’
The community arts and heritage project aims to improve mental health and wellbeing by bringing people together through creativity storytelling and shared local history.
More than 60 participants of all ages will take part in six sketching workshops to contribute family stories, photographs and memories to help create a community exhibition celebrating Paterson's unique orange-growing heritage.
Howes Valley Community Association (HVCA) secured $4,000 for the ‘Connected in Howes Valley Project.’
HVCA will deliver a year-long community wellbeing program including ten Cuppa and Chat mornings, 12 community dinners and four workshops that create regular opportunities for people to connect, build friendships and reduce social isolation.
The Putty Road community of Howes Valley is located in a rural and remote area of approximately 80 residents and 100 part-time residents with limited opportunities for regular social connection.
LOOK LEFT, LOOK RIGHT – LOOK OUT FOR JO, JOE!
Motorists in the MidCoast and Maitland council areas are being asked to be alert for motorcyclists on local roads this week.
Spot Jo/Joe Rider is part of Motorcycle Awareness Month and it’s also a chance to win.
Jo/Joe Rider vests will be out and about on MidCoast and Maitland roads until Friday 9 October.
Volunteer motorcyclists are wearing distinct bright yellow or high-visibility vests emblazoned with "I am Jo Rider" or "I am Joe Rider" while going about their everyday riding.
Motorists, passengers, and pedestrians who spot them, take note of the time, road, and location, then submit the sighting by telling the Motorcycling Council of NSW for the chance to win a daily prize.
By turning rider awareness into an interactive game, the campaign builds behavioural habits for drivers to check blind spots, look twice at intersections, and eliminate the SMIDSY excuse - "Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You."
Enter your sighting online for the chance to win, at:
OFF-ROAD BIKE NOISE
NSW Environment Protection Authority is encouraging dirt bike owners and riders to familiarise themselves with the state’s noise laws.
Whilst riding dirt bikes off-road might be super fun for enthusiasts if you get really loud and disruptive, and can be heard from inside a neighbour's house, there is a chance it could be classed as offensive noise.
Under new rules, the owner or occupier of the property where the bike is being ridden could be responsible for keeping the noise under control.
Important to note though, agricultural vehicles and motor vehicles and bikes entering and leaving a property are exempt.
This is part of a wider change to NSW noise regulations, now in effect, so for all the details, check: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/noise-regulation
STUDY LOCK-IN
Muswellbrook and Maitland councils are supporting the current Higher School Certificate (HSC) cohort with HSC Study events this week.
The Study Space at Muswellbrook Library is open to local Year 11 and 12 students until Friday, 9 October, with quiet study zones, breakout spaces, snacks, games and chill-out areas available during Library opening hours.
East Maitland Library is staying open late on select Wednesdays just for Year 11 and 12 students on Wednesday, 7 October and 14 October, from 5.30pm.
Bring your laptop, textbooks and notes, settle in and make the most of a productive night at the library.
HSC written exams start on Tuesday, 13 October, for completion by Thursday, 5 November, with the 2026 HSC results to be released on Wednesday, 16 December.
Bookings are essential for Muswellbrook Library via the QR code at the library or call 6543 1913 to reserve your spot.
Bookings for East Maitland Library can be made at:
ARE YOU READY?
The Bush Fire Danger Period is now in force across the Upper Hunter Electorate with Dungog, Maitland and Cessnock Local Government Areas joining in from 1 October.
NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW want anyone who sees an unattended or out-of-control fire to report it to Triple Zero (000) especially during the danger period which continues until the end of March 2027.
If you are planning a hazard reduction burn you will need a fire permit.
Fire permits are free and easy to obtain from the NSW RFS website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/know-your-risk/Bush-fire-hazards-and-your-property/fire-permits
Before lighting up, make sure you understand the rules and have everything in place to safely manage the burn.
Ensure you notify the NSW RFS at least 24 hours before burning, check the weather and conditions, make sure you have the equipment and people needed to control the fire and never leave a fire unattended.
Prepare. Act. Survive – visit: www.myfireplan.com.au and stay up to date by checking the Fires Near Me NSW app: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm
NEREZ FIELD WORK
EnergyCo will conduct a program of field work for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ) between Muswellbrook and Armidale from October until December.
Most activities are in publicly accessible areas and where activities need to be carried out on private property, EnergyCo will consult with landholders directly to seek permission for access.
The work is to support and inform the planning and design of the New England REZ including the Port to REZ road upgrades to help identify potential constraints and minimise impacts to landowners and the environment.
Locations for the field work include Barry, Pages Creek, Gundy, Rouchel and Aberdeen with more information from: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/our-projects/new-england-rez
WATER SHARING ROUNDUP
Proposed water sharing plan amendments are the subject of discussion for the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, October Water Engagement Roundup.
This webinar will provide an overview of proposed amendments to the Hunter Unregulated and Alluvial Water Sharing Plan, Inland Unregulated Water Sharing Plans, NSW Murray and Lower Darling Regulated Rivers Water Sharing Plan and the Greater Metropolitan Region Unregulated Water Sharing Plan.
The session will explain the proposed changes, provide an update on the progress of each amendment package, and outline the next steps in the process.
Presenters on Wednesday, 21 October, 11 am-12pm, include Director Coastal and Groundwater Planning, Water Group’s Anna Bailey, Director Planning Implementation, Water Group’s Allan Raine, and Peter Hyde, the Director Inland Planning, Water Group.
A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation with questions welcome when participants register or questions can also be asked during the live event.
To book your place, go to: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/df26c8c2-fd66-4d9f-afbd-611ab285aef3@96ef8821-2a39-471c-b89a-67b0833dd3b9?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog
MAYORAL ELECTIONS
Two new Mayors are leading councils in the Upper Hunter Electorate following annual mayoral ballots.
Councillor Pat Ryan has replaced Councillor Maurice Collison as Mayor of Upper Hunter Shire Council after Cr Collison’s six years at the helm.
Councillor Peter McGill was elected as Upper Hunter Council’s Deputy Mayor.
MidCoast Council elected Cr Alan Tickle as Mayor replacing Cr Claire Pontin, who was elected Mayor in January 2022, October 2023 and October 2024.
Cr Jeremy Miller was re-elected as MidCoast’s Deputy Mayor.
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
The NSW Nationals and Liberals encourage everyone to shop local this Small Business Month which runs until Saturday, 31 October.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, especially in regional NSW, providing jobs and contribute to local organisations like schools and sporting clubs.
As struggling businesses face rising costs, weak confidence and record insolvencies, the NSW Coalition has already committed to deliver significant payroll tax relief if restored to Government at the March 2027 state election.
Small Business Month arrives with the NSW Nationals and Liberals calling on the Minns Labor Government to stand-up to the Albanese federal government’s decision to cut the Working Holiday Maker program.
Labor needs to fix the backpacker mess they have created for the state’s tourism and hospitality industries.
Backpackers are an essential part of the hospitality and tourism workforce in regional NSW, particularly through peak summer and school holiday periods.
Pubs, clubs, cafés, retailers, and businesses are now urgently looking at ways to fill positions that have been filled by backpackers for decades.
BOAT WARNING
As the weather warms-up and covers come off boats for a new season on the water, NSW Police Marine Area Command is reminding mariners to complete checks on their vessel before heading out.
Vessel owners and operators should ensure all required safety equipment is onboard, is within date and fully operational.
Inspect the vessel’s battery and electrical systems to ensure they are functioning correctly and check that you have clean, suitable fuel and sufficient fuel for your intended trip.
Before departing check the latest weather and sea conditions; confirm your mobile phone, marine radio and other communication equipment are operational, and let a family member or friend know where you are going and your expected return time.
A few minutes spent preparing before departure to ensure your vessel is suitable, seaworthy and prepared for the forecast conditions can make all the difference to a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
Be prepared. Stay safe, Get home safely – for more safety tips check the NSW Police Marine Area Command social media feed: www.facebook.com/NSWPoliceMAC
THINK HEATWAVES, THINK AMBULANCE
Did you know that when the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) declares a heatwave, NSW Ambulance is the state’s combat agency for heatwaves?
NSW Ambulance is then responsible for providing health and safety advice to the communities that will be impacted.
A heatwave is different from a hot day - heatwaves are defined as three or more days where the daytime maximum and nighttime minimum temperatures are forecasted to be above average for that location at this time of year.
The real danger is not just one hot day, it is the relentless heat over consecutive days, when the temperature does not drop at night and your body hasn’t had time to recover.
Vulnerable people who are most at risk include the elderly, people with pre-existing health conditions, pregnant women, babies and small children.
NSW Ambulance will provide updates throughout summer when heatwaves are forecast.
Please share the information with your friends and families and stay safe:
BRIDGE NEWS
The heritage listed Cooreei Bridge on Stroud Hill Road, east of Dungog, will be closed to all vehicles 7am-5pm for up to one week until Friday 9 October, weather permitting.
During the temporary bridge closure, a detour will be in place for all light vehicles via Alison Road, Clarence Town Road, Mary Street and Dowling Street which is expected to add around 30 minutes travel time.
Motorists may prefer to use alternative detour routes during the closure including travelling along Fosterton Road.
Heavy vehicles travelling towards Stroud will travel in one direction along Fosterton Road, which is expected to add around 40 minutes travel time.
Heavy vehicles travelling towards Dungog and Clarence Town will travel in one direction along Alison Road, which is expected to add around 30 minutes travel times.
Transport for NSW is undertaking a $7.3 million rehabilitation of Cooreei Bridge to provide a safer, longer lasting bridge and protect the bridge’s heritage value.
Transport is also asking Upper Hunter communities to share their views on the future of NSW’s historic timber truss bridges and their role in our local communities.
The Timber Truss Bridge Strategy is out for community consultation until 30 October with submissions accepted at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/TTBS-review
DROUGHT IN FOCUS
Hunter Local Land Services’ September local board meeting has discussed the difficult decisions producers are facing as seasonal conditions continue to deteriorate across most of the region.
Chair, Allison Mudford, has advised the board considered the importance of early planning for a potentially hot, dry summer with elevated bushfire risk in the region and noted recent visits to the region from the LLS Drought Coordinator and Agricultural Commissioner.
Hunter LLS board members heard how the local team is working closely with communities heading towards the warmer months.
Drought support and planning remains a priority for Hunter producers, with dry conditions persisting across parts of the region and areas near Dungog moving into the Intense Drought category during August.
A range of tools and services are available through the NSW Government, including financial assistance, free feed and water testing, Farming Forecaster and the drought feed calculator.
The Drought Ready and Resilient Fund low-interest loan cap for eligible primary producers has doubled to $500,000 for longer-term investments that improve drought preparedness.
A Drought Relief Loan of up to $100,000 is also available to provide immediate, low-cost assistance to drought-affected farmers.
Producers can also contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service or Rural Assistance Authority to discuss their circumstances and available options.
For drought information, decision-making tools and available assistance, visit the NSW Government drought webpage: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/drought?utm_source=Hunter&utm_medium=email#atid=b6579235a7b3b184
NSW PARLIAMENT FAMILY DAY
Families are invited to join the Parliament of NSW for the 15th annual Family Fun Day this Friday, 9 October, 9.30am to 3pm.
This free one-day event is packed with hands-on activities for children aged 5 to 12, however, all family and friends are welcome to join the fun.
The Education and Engagement Team will explain the workings of Australia’s oldest Parliament as you step inside the historic chambers where laws are made.
Learn about voting and how to complete your ballot papers with the NSW Electoral Commission and have your say in a mock committee roleplay.
Enjoy live music and the democracy sausage sizzle at Parliament, then continue the fun next door at the Hyde Park Barracks and State Library for more family activities taking place across the Macquarie Street precinct.
Secure your Family Fun Day ticket, at: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/family-fun-day-2026-free-event-tickets-1998698467921?aff=publiceventsEDM
GO FISHING!
The NSW Government's Gone Fishing Weekend is on Saturday, 17 October and Sunday, 18 October.
Whether you are casting a line for the very first time or are a seasoned angler, there is something for everyone at one of the eight free, family-friendly events taking place across the state.
Event locations on Saturday, 17 October, include Lake Oberon, then on Sunday,18 October,
Wangi Wangi Foreshore at Lake Macquarie; Lake Wallace, Lithgow; and Lawson Park, Mudgee.
Gone Fishing Weekend is funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust allowing people to connect with fellow fishing enthusiasts, learn new fishing skills, get expert tips and advice, test casting accuracy as well as enjoy fun activities and giveaways.
For more on Gone Fishing Weekend, check:
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
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