The Scone Horse Festival is almost with us, running from 3 to 12 May. This year's theme is Legends, Myths and Fantasy so start thinking about how you will decorate your float in the Horse Parade!

Nominations for Young Achiever, VIP and Horse of the Year (last year won by Millie Fisher, Des Collison and Acres Liberty Beau) are open until Friday 29 March, with winners to be announced at a prestigious dinner on Thursday 2 May 2019. They will then lead the Festival Parade down the main street of Scone on Sunday 5 May 2019.

View the full festival program including tentpegging, polo, vaulting, jousting, rodeo, sports quiz night, stud tours, junior stockmans challenge, the farrier and blacksmith competition, and the picnic and fireworks at Glenbawn, at www.sconehorsefestival.com.au or pick one up at the Scone Visitor Information Centre (VIC).

As in previous years, the Friday of the Scone Cup 10 May is a half day public holiday from noon across the shire with the exception of the Merriwa region.

White Park Arena

It was so exciting to have the official opening of the Scone White Park Arena on the 9 March 2019 by Dr Judy White AM, New England MP Barnaby Joyce and Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen. Dr White of Belltrees officially cut the ribbon, and this was 95 years after a similar ceremony when the White family gifted the land to the community.

The benefits of the undercover arena were certainly on show on the night with some much welcome rain, but we all stayed dry and enjoyed the display of equine and musical talent.

There will be many more great shows to be held in this venue and Council will continue to make improvements.

For information about hiring the White Park facilities, contact Council on 6540 1100.

This will attract many equine disciplines in this Area and further afield.

Murrurundi Water Pipeline

The construction of the 40 kilometre Scone to Murrurundi water pipeline has taken another Step forward with Council deciding last week to award the tender to Leed Engineering and Construction

The pipeline is expected to be completed in 2020 and will provide Murrurundi with a much-needed secure water source from Lake Glenbawn.