International Women’s Day will be celebrated in Scone on March 5 and in Merriwa on March 6.

On this day thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. 

A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more.

In Scone there will be a social bike ride, ‘gear up girl’ at 7am meeting at the Bill Rose Sports Complex (contact Nicky on 6540 1134), a creative writing workshop at the Scone Library at 10.30am (contact Elizabeth on 6540 1183) and at 2.30pm guest speaker Kaz Delaney will be at the Council Chambers (contact Amanda on 6540 1153). 

Transport is available from Murrurundi for these events, to book contact Heather on 6540 1356.

In Merriwa the Country Women’s Association (CWA) will be hosting a luncheon with guest speaker Lee Luckett at 10.30am at the CWA Rooms. 

For further information, contact Jean on 6548 2456.

Seniors Week

Seniors Week begins on Friday, March 13 with Merriwa hosting Hoi and lunch on Tuesday, March 17 at the RSL Club, a trip to Buttai Barn on Wednesday, March 18 a bus trip to Singleton on Thursday, March 19 and on Friday, March 20 Home Day at the RSL Club. 

For enquiries and to book, contact Mary O’Neill on 6548 2383. 

There are a lot of activities also held in Aberdeen, Murrurundi and Scone, see the council’s website at www.upperhunter.nsw.gov. au for more details. 

Clean Up Australia Day

I urge volunteers to come and help clean up our shire on Clean Up Australia Day. 

It is the perfect opportunity to come together and help keep our environment beautiful.

In Scone meet at Elizabeth Park to sign up from 10.30am. 

The clean up will be followed by a free barbecue for all volunteers. 

For more information or to register your interest,                contact the council on 6540 1100.

In Murrurundi meet at  Wilson Memorial Oval from 10am. 

The clean up will be followed by a free barbecue for all volunteers at 12noon. 

For more information or to register your interest,                contact community services officer Heather Ranclaud on 6540 1356.

Everybody is welcome to volunteer. 

Bags will be available but please bring along a pair of gloves. 

Remember to be sun smart - bring a water bottle, wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

The council is also offering each household one free           rubbish drop off at Upper Hunter Waste Depots in Aberdeen, Murrurundi, Merriwa and Scone on Sunday.

There is a limit of one load which may be either a boot load, ute or box trailer and it must be household or yard rubbish not commercial or building waste.

The free drop offs will be between 9am and 1pm in Aberdeen, Murrurundi and Scone. Merriwa drop off will be between 9am and 2pm as the site closes for lunch between 12noon and 1pm.

Young Endeavour

I had the privilege of listening to previous Young Endeavour participants at the council meeting in Scone this week. 

They spoke of the confidence they had gained by the experience. 

This was particularly in being able to communicate with others and also the physical efforts of climbing to the top of the mast.

A highlight of their 10 day voyage was being on the masts as the ship sailed under the Sydney Harbour Bridge while they sang at top note. 

They felt the fact that the Upper Hunter Shire Council sponsored six berths on this scheme was very beneficial to country students. 

Youth interested should keep an eye out on the council’s website, www. upperhunter.nsw.gov.au for the applications for the next round of participants.

Murrurundi pipeline

It is exciting that the council has been successful in receiving a grant for $11,543,000 from Restart NSW funding through the Water Security for Regions program to build a pipeline from Scone.

This project will cost $14 million in total which includes pipeline and pumping stations to transfer potable water from Scone to Murrurundi instead of it being sourced from inlets to the Pages River.

The next steps will include undertaking necessary studies, planning and designs and then construction of the pipeline and   associated infrastructure.

The 40 kilometre pipeline could be completed as early as 2020 and it is estimated the asset should have an actual life of over 100 years.

Music Camp

Kia-Ora Estates Pty Ltd, Upper Hunter Shire Council and D and C Paradice sponsor the three day, non-residential camp open for school children in the Upper Hunter Shire. 

Children have quite a few categories to choose from to participate in from concert bands to percussion to hip hop dancing.

I for one cannot wait for the Upper Hunter Shire and Kia-Ora Youth Music concert to see how the students, who come from many schools in the Upper Hunter, manage to coordinate the skills after only three days tuition from a bunch of dedicated musical teachers.