Last Friday evening we were entertained by aspiring young and talented musicians who were coordinated by distinguished and inspirational conductors, music professionals and tutors, who certainly got the best out of their students.  

The entertainment included dancers performing hip-hop, a couple of sessions of junk percussion and talented singers to name a few, all of which was well choreographed.

It was pleasing to have all of the performers from local schools     within the shire participating in the performances. 

Many hours of preparation and practice by the staff and students are needed to coordinate and bring a performance to such a       professional level. 

Of particular note was the individual performances of the pianists.  

To perform in public and at such a high level of professionalism takes a lot of courage and dedication to overcome those ever present nerves.  

Personally for me, it was great to hear an experienced bass player revealing his talent by playing good bass and harmony.

Kaleidoscope for kids

This weekend the Merriwa Rotary Club is hosting a fundraising event with all proceeds going to the Kaleidoscope foundation.  

This foundation supports children, young people and families in need especially when admitted to the John Hunter Hospital or who are referred by a hospital counsellor for help within the Hunter region. 

Various events are planned   starting with a Bush Poets Breakfast on Saturday morning. 

Greg North will entertain with his version of poetry, coupled with various stall displays. 

TV presenter Mike Rabbitt will be the guest speaker at the Saturday night spit roast dinner along with live music. 

Some of our local children from the Upper Hunter have benefited from the kaleidoscope support and the Upper Hunter Shire Council is pleased to have provided support to the foundation in the past. 

Container Deposit Scheme

This scheme is scheduled to start from July 1, 2017 and is part of the government’s broader scheme to reduce litter. 

I believe this is a major environmental win which will result in less used cans and bottles being discarded.  

Some of us can remember when a bottle deposit scheme was     introduced when many young people collected bottles and cashed them in to obtain the benefit of some extra cash.

However, as with all schemes such as this a community education awareness programme needs to be implemented. 

The government has stated that a $20 million programme over five years will be implemented to achieve this result.

Shire anniversary

This is the 10th anniversary of the first Upper Hunter Shire Council meeting that was held on March 21, 2005.

I understand that there are a few out there that believe the amalgamation should not have proceeded. 

I’m equally of the belief that together we have made some great gains over the years as one shire.  

There is always more to do, but it is always much easier to achieve the results we would all like to see with the support of all the residents. 

I would encourage all of us to work together for the betterment of all the residents of the shire. 

Infrastructure works

Council infrastructure works continue with road closures in Bedford and Kyuga Streets, Aberdeen.

These works are proposed to be carried out over the next six weeks which will include storm water, kerb and gutter works.

Essential work will be carried out in Aberdeen, Scone and Murrurundi for the purpose of replacing water mains and sewer rising mains. 

These works are proposed over the next 10 weeks.  

For details which may affect your particular area, please contact your local council office during business hours. 

Maintenance grading is scheduled in the coming month on Middle Creek, Upper Dartbrook, Thompsons Creek, Brawboy, Barrington Tops and Forest Roads along with Hunter Road rehabilitation work.   

All these works are scheduled weather permitting and you should check our website for further details and any updates www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au.

DPOP meetings

Although these meetings are a few weeks away starting (May 5), I would encourage you all to attend and participate in what your council plans to deliver in the coming years. 

These meetings provide you with the opportunity to comment and put forward your views and ideas on proposed works and the services that the council delivers.