The council’s 2014 Cultural Activity Grants are providing $12,868 in funds to 14 incorporated non-profit community organisations in the Upper Hunter for art, history, music, films, festivals, food and many other activities.

Old Court Theatre Scone

The Old Court Theatre will have a grand re-opening at 2pm tomorrow after a five-month, $280,000 restoration.

Funding for the $280,000 project came from a grant of $127,000 from the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage, $137,000 from the Council, $10,000 from Hunter Mutual and $6000 from the former owners of the building Scone Community Amateur Dramatic Society (SCADS).

A great way to say ‘thanks’

Nominations are open for the Upper Hunter Shire Australia Day 2015 awards.  

Awards are made at Australia Day celebrations in Scone, Merriwa, Aberdeen and Murrurundi on January 26 each year.

A variety of awards are available in each district including: Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year which are awarded to people who are inspirational role models and have made significant contributions to the community; Sportstar and Young Sportstar of the Year for inspirational people in sporting fields; and Community Group of the  Year for outstanding beneficial contributions over the past year.

In addition Merriwa district also has special awards for Achiever of the Year for general achievement, Environmental Achievement for inspirational work in protecting and enhancing the environment, and Sustainability in Business for an inspirational business demonstrating best practice.

Nomination forms are available at the Council Administration Offices in Scone, Merriwa and Murrurundi and Shire Libraries, and can be downloaded from the Upper Hunter Shire website or you can also submit your nomination online. 

Nominations close on November 21. 

Swinging Bridge 

Come along and celebrate the resurrection of the iconic Swinging Bridge at 2.30pm on Saturday, October 25 at the corner of Mayne and Murulla Streets. 

There’s lots on in Murrurundi that day so come on up.

Aberdeen Skate Park

Construction will start in October on the Aberdeen Skate Park and the council is running a competition to name the new recreation spot.

The $110,000 project has been funded the Council ($60,000), the NSW Government Funding under the 2013/14 Sport and Recreation Participation and Facility Grant Program ($25,000), and fundraising by a dedicated group of young people and their supporters, the Deen City Youth Group ($25,000).

Well done everyone.

Aberdeen’s All 4 Alex

A formal fundraising event is being held at St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen on Saturday, November 22 to raise funds for Aberdeen-born Newcastle Knights forward Alex McKinnon who suffered a spinal cord injury in the 2014 NRL season.