Adam Dwyer has been appointed by Singleton Shire Landcare Network Inc, whilst Pauline Sykes had been appointed by Martindale Creek Catchment Landcare, to help deliver Landcare projects in the Upper Hunter electorate.

These coordinators will be based at Singleton and Muswellbrook, respectively, and are two of 66 part-time Local Landcare Coordinators throughout NSW over a 3.5 year period.

A diverse range of not-for-profit organisations will deliver support to the hard-working Landcare volunteers in the Upper Hunter electorate and in local communities across NSW.  

The appointment of these two coordinators signals the successful fulfilment of stage one of the initiative, that has been designed to build capacity and connections within local communities and increase the effectiveness of the Landcare network.

This initiative has been designed to develop a stronger network of Landcare and community groups and to find a sustainable model to ensure Landcare’s future viability in our Upper Hunter electorate. 

NSW DPI Rural Resilience Program and the Upper Hunter Shire Council are bringing you an informative evening concerning mental health.

Where: Upper Hunter Shire Council Chambers, 135 Liverpool St, Scone. 

When: Thursday, April 7, 6.30pm

 You can hear from locals about how they are coping with trauma, stress, depression and mental  illness.

You will get to meet local service providers including psychologist Clayton Rogers.

 There will also be a presentation from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program – how to have a conversation with someone you’re worried about, how to help someone at risk of suicide. Where to access help.

 Gain a better understanding of emotional resilience,  consider the willingness to accept that there will be good and bad times ahead, understand your reactions to these experiences and have strategies to manage them.

There will be a Q & A session followed by a light supper. If you’re interested in attending, RSVP to Caroline Hayes caroline.hayes@dpi.nsw.gov.au or phone 0407 971 675.

I wish to remind constituents essential maintenance work has started to  improve Kayuga Bridge at Muswellbrook and to be completed by October this year, weather permitting.

Work will take place between 6am and 4pm Monday to Thursday and occasionally between 6am and 4pm on Fridays and 8am and 1pm on Saturdays, weather permitting.

The NSW Government provided $1 million this financial year to upgrade the bridge, ensuring its strength and capacity well into the future.  Work scheduled to be carried out involves replacing the bridge’s timber elements and support structures.

Roads and Maritime thanks the community for providing feedback in February on the project, including about proposed closures and detour routes.

After considering community feedback the bridge closures will take place in the July school holidays when a full bridge closure will be required for five days. Detours will be in place via Kayuga Road and Blairmore Lane to the north or via Wybong and Bengalla Road through Bengalla to the south.

Roads and Maritime will inform the community in advance of any changes to changed traffic conditions.

For traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com, or call the Transport Management Centre on 132 701.