This January the weather was wet and hot and the ideal conditions for grass to grow and get out of hand. I would like to give a big shout out to our Parks and Facilities staff across the Shire who have done a great job in bringing these areas under control.

If at any time you feel Council has missed an area or you are aware of a day approaching where there may be a need for additional maintenance or a tidy-up is required please contact any of the Council offices across the Shire or complete an Action Request form available at Council offices and Libraries and on the Council’s website www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au.

School is back

By now all school children would have returned or commenced school for 2016. I wish all students good luck through this year where you will learn great things and meet new friends.

Clean Up Australia

On March 6 we all get the chance to do our bit to Clean Up Australia. 

Why not start organising your event today and be inspired and take part in an activity across the Shire. 

Last say on design plans

Over 40 Scone Golf Club members attended Upper Hunter Shire Council’s public information session to discuss the proposed plans for the Scone Golf Course redesign project at the end of January along with the design team Shape On It Pty Ltd and Scone Sporties. 

Harley Kruse, Rod Hinwoods, Mark Wylie and Hugh Lester from Shape On It Pty Ltd and Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services Alan Fletcher presented the plans for the golf course. 

The redesign is necessary because of the planned bypass for Scone.

The majority of the crowd thought the plans were positive with some suggestions for different number of pars and lengths for the fairways. Shape On It Pty Ltd have now gone back to their office to see if they can incorporate the suggestions raised at the meeting into their plans.

Council is seeking community views on the draft redesign for Scone Golf Course with written comments closing tomorrow, Friday 12 February 2016.

The design can be viewed on Council’s website www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au or at Council offices in Scone, Merriwa and Murrurundi and at Scone Sporties Clubhouse. 

Please provide written comments by Friday 12 February 2016 to:

* Council offices in Scone, Merriwa or Murrurundi, fax to 02 6545 2671

* Post to General Manager, Upper Hunter Shire Council, at PO Box 208, Scone 2337

* By email to: council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

Author coming to town

We are lucky enough to have Kaz Delaney, award winning young author and children’s author coming to the Upper Hunter Shire to launch her new book and host a creative writing workshop this Saturday, 13 February 2016.

Kaz's latest title ‘The Reluctant Jillaroo’, (Allen & Unwin) is set in Scone NSW - think horses, a rollicking mystery and a bit of romance thrown in. Suitable for ages 10, young adults and upwards.

Her previous title ‘Almost Dead’, (Allen & Unwin) long listed for a Davitt Award with Sisters in Crime. ‘Dead, Actually’, her previous title in this series is the happy recipient of the ARRA Award for Favourite Paranormal for 2012, and the Aurealis Award for Best Young Adult Novel for 2012, and was also long listed for a Davitt Award in the children’s and young adult’s section. 

Dividing her time between teaching and writing, Kaz formerly tutored Creative Writing for CSU’s Enrichment Program as well as teaching and creating courses for the Australian College of Journalism.

As Kerri, she is best known for the near 60 humorous works for the Trade and Education Markets aimed at Primary school children.

Kaz’s book launch will be held Saturday, 13 February, 2016 from 10.00am to12.00 noon at Scone Library and the Creative Writing Workshop will be held on the same day at the Murrurundi Library from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.