Mayors Column 24 August 2026
Published on 24 August 2026
September is shaping up to be a busy month across the Upper Hunter, with several great initiatives bringing people together, supporting important conversations and creating opportunities for people in our community.
Council is proud to once again support Jared’s 949 – "Every Step Mattas", which returns to Aberdeen for its third annual Nine for Nine Walk on Wednesday 9 September. The walk brings family, friends and the wider community together to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention, while raising funds for Lifeline.
The official walk begins at 10.00am at the Aberdeen Sport and Recreation Centre, with an earlier start from 7.00am for those wanting to take part before work. Participants can walk any distance up to nine kilometres, with no entry fee and donations of $9 or more encouraged. This year Australian sporting legend Wally Lewis and his family will join the walk, alongside Jared’s 949 ambassadors, Hunter Therapy Dogs and Next Step Mental Health.
Events like this are about more than the kilometres covered on the day. They create an opportunity to come together, check in with one another and keep conversations around mental health going. I encourage anyone who can to get involved, whether that means walking, donating or simply showing your support. There are several other Jared’s 949 activities happening across the region throughout September, with further details available through their Facebook page.
September will see another Hunter Learner Night Drive held at Scone Memorial Airport. The program gives learner drivers practical experience in a safe and controlled environment, including interacting with police, breath testing, vehicle manoeuvring, roadcraft and understanding real-world situations they may encounter once they are driving independently. It is a great initiative for learners of any age and their supervising drivers, and places are limited. More information and booking details are available through the Events section of Council’s website.
Another opportunity coming to Scone is the Stablehand Job Ready Program through the Team Thoroughbred NSW Training Academy. Beginning on Monday 7 September, this free three-week program is designed for people interested in taking their first step into a career in the racing industry. Participants will receive hands-on training with thoroughbred racehorses, learn daily stable operations and safe work practices, and connect with employers and industry professionals. No previous stable experience is required, and only ten places are available.
The thoroughbred industry is such an important part of the identity and economy of the Upper Hunter, so it is encouraging to see opportunities like this being delivered locally and creating pathways for the next generation of workers.
Whether it is supporting one another, helping young drivers build confidence or opening the door to a new career, these initiatives are a good reminder of what can be achieved when opportunities are created close to home.