Mayors Column 9 October 2026
Published on 09 October 2026
Following Council’s recent mid-term mayoral election, I would like to begin my first column as Mayor by acknowledging and thanking former Mayor Maurice Collison for his many years of service to the Upper Hunter. First elected as a Councillor in 2012, Maurice went on to serve as Deputy Mayor before taking on the role of Mayor in 2020. His commitment to our Shire over the past 14 years deserves recognition, and I thank him for his leadership, dedication and contribution to our communities. I look forward to working alongside our new Deputy Mayor, Cr Peter McGill, as we lead Council through to the next mayoral election in September 2028.
As the October school holidays draw to a close, what a weekend of football we have just had! It was great to watch the Newcastle Knights take on the Sydney Roosters in the NRL Grand Final, with what seemed like the entire Hunter getting behind the Knights. While losing 19–18 was heartbreaking, the team has given our region plenty to be proud of. If you haven't had your fill of football, touch football returns to Scone next week, so make sure you're registered and ready for another season.
Council’s youth activities have been keeping young people entertained throughout the school holidays, including a Zombie Colour Run in Murrurundi and movie and pizza nights held across Murrurundi, Scone and Merriwa. The movie nights were held as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity for young people to come together, socialise and have important conversations around mental health and wellbeing. A big thank you to everyone involved in organising these activities and helping make the school holidays enjoyable for our young people.
Murrurundi certainly had plenty happening towards the end of September, with the King of the Ranges Stockman's Challenge and Bush Festival drawing an impressive crowd. I'm told it was one of the biggest turnouts yet, perhaps helped by the exposure the event received on *Better Homes and Gardens* last year. Congratulations to the organising committee and volunteers who put so much work into making this event possible.
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Upper Hunter Shire Australia Day Awards, and I encourage everyone to consider putting someone forward. Every community has those familiar faces who quietly make a difference, whether it's the volunteer who turns up to every sporting event, someone who has spent years helping others, or a local who has dedicated their time to preserving our history and traditions. These are the people who make our towns what they are, and they deserve recognition. Completing a nomination only takes around five to ten minutes, so please don't leave it until the last minute. Nominations close at 4.30pm on Wednesday 4 November. Head to Council's website and search 'Aus Day' to nominate.
Council is currently recruiting for our next Director Infrastructure Services. This is an important leadership position overseeing areas such as roads, water, sewer and other essential infrastructure. If you have experience in engineering, managing large teams and delivering major projects, I encourage you to look at the position advertised on Council's website. Applications close on Thursday 22 October.
There has been some welcome news for regional roads, with the NSW and Australian governments announcing a $1.74 billion investment across three major road corridors. This includes upgrades along the Golden Highway and New England Highway, both important routes for our region. The program aims to improve road safety, freight efficiency and connections between regional communities. Further information is available through the Transport for NSW website.
Looking ahead, the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza returns to White Park in Scone from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 October. This event attracts students and schools from across the country, providing valuable hands-on experience in livestock handling, judging and the agricultural industry. It is a wonderful opportunity for young people to develop their skills and interests in agriculture, and I wish all participants and organisers a successful event.
Finally, Council's annual Bulk Waste Clean Up begins next week. This weekend might be the perfect opportunity to have a clean-out and get rid of some larger household items you no longer need. However, please remember that there are rules about what can and cannot be collected. Items such as furniture and floor coverings are accepted, but mattresses, tyres and garden waste are not. Council holds a separate mattress and tyre disposal event earlier in the year, so please keep these items aside.
Collections will take place across the Shire from 12 to 30 October, depending on your town. Please only place your waste out on the Sunday immediately before your scheduled collection week, keeping footpaths and nature strips clear and safe for pedestrians. I encourage everyone to visit the Bulk Waste Clean Up page on Council's website and read the brochure before putting anything out.
As we head further into October, I look forward to getting out into our communities, meeting more residents and continuing the work ahead of us. There is plenty to be done, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve the Upper Hunter as Mayor.
Cr Pat Ryan
Mayor