Where the Heart Beats Loud: Discovering Upper Hunter Country

Discovering Upper Hunter Country

A Land Etched with Spirit and Story

Upper Hunter Country, nestled in the heart of New South Wales, is more than a destination — it’s an experience woven with heritage, hard work, and the quiet strength of rural life. Known for its vast landscapes, thoroughbred horses, and tight-knit communities, this region is where tradition meets authenticity. Here, every road winds through paddocks of purpose, every smile speaks of genuine welcome, and every hill tells a tale.

Horses, Heritage and the High Country

The Upper Hunter is the powerhouse of Australia’s thoroughbred breeding industry, proudly home to world-renowned studs. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without a behind-the-scenes look at this prestigious industry that places the region on the global equestrian map. Tours of working horse studs offer rare glimpses into the care and dedication behind breeding champions. Yet, horses are just one part of the region’s story — colonial buildings, museums, and heritage walks in towns like Scone, Muswellbrook, and Merriwa reveal the enduring legacy of generations past.

Nature, Wild and Wonderful

Discovering Upper Hunter Country

From the sandstone escarpments of the Wollemi and Goulburn River National Parks to the rolling green hills and sweeping farmlands, Upper Hunter Country is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. Bushwalking, birdwatching, and scenic drives reward explorers with encounters that range from ancient Aboriginal rock art to panoramic vistas and abundant wildlife. The rugged terrain reflects the resilience of the people who live here and invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature’s raw beauty.

Country Towns With Character

Each town in the Upper Hunter region has its own charm, but what binds them together is the unmistakable sense of community. Whether you're sipping a locally roasted coffee in a main street café, sampling produce at a weekend market, or enjoying a yarn with a local at the pub, the country hospitality is as sincere as it gets. Events like the Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces and the Scone Horse Festival shine a light on local culture, where tradition, pride, and fun intertwine in the most welcoming ways.

Food, Wine and Farm Gate Finds

Beyond the paddocks and pastures, Upper Hunter’s culinary scene is growing into something worth stopping for. Family-owned wineries, artisan producers, and farm gate stalls offer everything from cool-climate wines to homemade jams and award-winning cheeses. Dining here often means sharing a table with those who grew, baked, or poured your meal — and there’s something wonderfully grounding in that.

Planning Your Visit

Discovering Upper Hunter Country

Upper Hunter Country is just a few hours from Sydney by car or rail, but it feels worlds away. It’s a place where stories are shared around campfires, where nature commands your attention, and where community is more than just a word — it’s a way of life. Come ready to explore, to connect, and to experience a part of Australia that wears its heart proudly on its sleeve.

For more information, travel guides, and accommodation options, visit:
https://www.upperhuntercountry.com

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

SCONE EQUINE HOSPITAL HORSE FESTIVAL PARADE

SCONE HORSE FESTIVAL PARADE

SUNDAY 6 MAY COMMENCING 10.45am

Kelly Street Scone

One of the undisputed highlights of the Horse Festival is the annual parade. See Kelly Street transformed into a colourful celebration of all things equine.

School children, community groups and local businesses join forces to produce an eye-catching range of floats and entertainment.

The illustrious presence of the Light Horse Brigade tops off this spectacular occasion.

This years theme: Ignite the Fun of the Festival

Venue: Kelly Street, Scone NSW 2337

SCONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL FETE
SUNDAY 6 MAY AFTER THE PARADE
CORNER KINGDON & HILL STREETS

With over 50 stall holders in attendance offering an enormous selection of wares from plants, food, clothing, home wares, homemade produce, linen, sculptures, and so much more……

The Fete will have on offer food stalls galore, amusement rides for all ages, and entertainment.
Markets 9am-4pm; Fete 12-4pm

LOCATION: Scone Grammar School
CONTACT:
Phone: 6545 3131
Email: admin@sgs.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.sgs.nsw.edu.au

The Scone Horse Festival is a unique event that takes place in beautiful Scone and the surrounding Upper Hunter Valley each year in May.

The festival includes events that showcase the versatility of the horse and the important role they play in the local area. Enjoy 10 days of everything you can (and can’t) imagine that involves horses… from thoroughbreds to farriers, tent pegging to rodeo and everything in between – a stunning street parade, world class horse racing and fun (mostly free) events for people of all ages.

The 2018 Festival will take place from Friday 4 – Sunday 13 May.

KAPUT by Tom Flanagan

Image: © Sean Young

“Watching this hilariously adept performer fighting the forces of chaos was a treat.” – Sydney Morning Herald

“Tom Flanagan’s silent-movie clowning in Kaput is pure delight.” – The Australian

Kaput by Tom Flanagan is a Koral Chandler & Critical Stages Production.

1 May - Merriwa, 2 May - Denman, 3 May - Scone, 4 May - Murrurundi
Video trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsMIudPhi6o&feature=youtu.be

All tickets online $5 plus booking fee at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/artsupperhunter
Or $10 at the door.

These performances are supported by: Critical Stages Muswellbrook Shire Council Create NSW Upper Upper Hunter Shire Council Upper Hunter Shire Library and Arts Upper Hunter

The Scone Horse Festival Story

The Scone Horse Festival

The Scone Horse Festival is 10 days in May of everything you can (& can’t) imagine that involves horses – from thoroughbreds to farriers, tent pegging & everything in between. A stunning street parade, world class horse racing and fun (mostly free) events for people of all ages.

Nearly four decades ago, four community minded, horse passionate men combined their vision to turn a major country race meet into a festival for many to visit Scone, the horse capital of Australia and experience a love of horses and all that goes with it. 

Jim Rodgers, Mike Pritchard, Barry Chapman & Brian Russell created the Scone Horse Festival, by adding a horse parade and forming a volunteer committee to nurture and grow the festival.

Each year, the passion of horses and creating an experience for the masses, grew stronger, through the stability of the equine industry and our strong, energetic and caring community.

Thirty seven years on, we are able to offer something for anyone and everyone with or without a love of horses. A festival filled with fun, unique and ‘once in a year time’ country experiences which we want to share with you.

A parade of family fun at the front end of the festival with around 80 colorful entrants, flows into the Scone Grammar School fete and markets. The original race meet is now followed the next day by a family orientated race day, and combined, form the highest paying standalone country racing carnival in Australia offering $2million in prize money.

Around 60 experiences over 10 days culminating with a spectacular fireworks display at the picturesque Lake Glenbawn.

Live shows from Farrier displays to Australian Tent pegging Championships, Equestrian Vaulting, Polo, Thoroughbred Horse demonstrations, Rodeo, Stud tours to sheep dog trials and Australian Stock Horse demonstrations.


Loads of exhibitions and mostly free events!

Getting Here
Scone, Horse Capital of Australia is located on the New England Highway and can be accessed by car, train, bus and private plane.

• By car - A 3.5 hour drive from Sydney, 2 hours from Newcastle and 1.5 hours from Tamworth.
• By train (more information) - Scone is on the Hunter Line and both SydneyTrains and Trainlink operate services to Scone Railway Station. When travelling to Sydney with SydneyTrains, you will usually have to change trains at Hamilton.
• By plane - Scone airport is accessible by private charter only. Airspeed Aviation and Pay’s Air Service both operate out of Scone.

Accommodation
There is a wide selection of accommodation options available in Scone and the surrounding towns. Book early to avoid disappointment. Click here to view accommodation listings.

https://sconehorsefestival.com.au/

The small rural writers festival with big names and big ideas

Peter FitzSimons

‘COME ON UP’ is the catch cry of the Upper Hunter Valley and the rural town of Scone wants you to ‘come on up’, not just to experience great country hospitality and marvel at the glorious landscape, but to be stimulated and refreshed by making new connections at the annual Scone Literary Festival.

Now in its fourth year, the Festival this year, on 11 and 12 November, boasts a stellar line up of big names worthy of being on the bill of any major city festival. It is the only writer’s festival in the Upper Hunter and is growing in audience size and reputation at breakneck speed.

One of the stars is Peter FitzSimons and significantly, as the 11th November is Remembrance Day, his many books have relevance, covering various conflicts including Fromelles and Villiers-Bretonneux. He will be in conversation with our local literary treasure Phillip Adams. President of the festival committee Jan Sinclair said: ”We may be a small festival in a small town, but we have big ideas and a real desire to grow this wonderful event into one of the region’s biggest events. We are so thrilled to have the likes of Peter FitzSimons on this year’s program. Attracting such names really takes the festival into a different league.

We would like to think that in the next few years we could grow in size and become similar in size to the Byron Bay Writers Festival”.

And with a line up like the 2017 event there is no reason that this might not eventuate!

Phillip will be discussing his most recent book called ‘Insights and Reflections’ recounting topics he has examined in his columns and he will also talk with Don Watson, ex-Prime Minister Keating’s speechwriter and screenwriter of ‘The Man Who Sued God’, about his latest book, ‘There It Goes Again.’

Tom Thompson (publisher, collector and valuer) and local, Peter Haydon, will launch ‘To Beersheba 1917’, a book celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Australian Light Horse and the Charge at Beersheba.

Another star attraction this year is Rosalie Ham, whose great book ‘The Dressmaker’ was made into a very successful movie.The Producer of the movie, Sue Maslin, will also be there and both will speak at the Soiree on Saturday evening, after which there will be a screening of the movie under the stars!

The audience are being encouraged to dress up in 1950s attire and also be inspired by the photographic exhibition from the making of the film which will be on display.

On Sunday 12 November Phillip Adams will be in conversation again, with Gold Walkley Winner and Newcastle Journalist, Joanne McCarthy, who will also be part of a panel talking about ‘The dark art of writing domestic drama’. She will be joined by Mel Jacobs, Paul Mitchell and yet another Walkley Award winner, Melissa Lucashenko.

The list of authors continues with the likes of ‘Red Dog’ photographer and locally based artist David Darcy along with Cathryn Hein, Kim Kelly, Ilka Tampke, Annette Marfording and local Upper Hunter author Leonie Rogers.

Rosalie Ham

The weekend wraps up with a Creative Writing workshop, supported by Arts Upper Hunter, with Paul Mitchell and a laid back, lazy Sunday afternoon Book Club where you are invited to discuss your latest reads with fellow book lovers.

Tickets are on sale now and will go fast so book now and see the full program: www.sconewritersfestival.com.au

Scone Literary Festival mission: To promote books and to nurture a love of literature, learning and writing.

For more information and updates to the program visit: www.sconewritersfestival.com.au

Scone Literary Festival is ‘making connections’ with young readers in the Upper Hunter

To mark national Book Week Scone's floushing writer’s festival has released details of their program dedicated to our young readers and budding writers. In this fast paced digital age the Scone Literary Festival committee is passionate about encouraging their younger audience to ‘maintain the page’ so will once again be hosting a pre-school program at Scone Library on November 10.

Scone Literary Festival President Jan Sinclair said: “We are really excited to be releasing the details of our kids program this week to coincide with Book Week. It’s really important for children of all ages to experience the written word and to establish good reading habits from a very early age. The sessions will feature two authors, Jess Black and Lynn Jenkins and illustrator Kirrili Lonegran. The sessions will run back to back and be repeated so no one misses out and what’s more they are free to attend.”

In addition to the sessions at the Library UNLOAD will once again be running sessions for K-6 on the same day, and for High School aged students there is a writing competition to enter and win a prize pool of $1000. The competition is currently underway and entries close on 1 September. Stories need to be based around the festival theme of ‘Making Connections’ and need only be 500 words so hop onto http://www.sconewritersfestival.com.au/write-up and Write Up!

Scone Literary Festival mission: To promote books and to nurture a love of literature, learning and writing.

For more information and updates to the program visit: www.sconewritersfestival.com.au

The Scone Equine Hospital Horse Festival Parade 2017

The Scone Horse Festival is a unique event that takes place in beautiful Scone and the surrounding Upper Hunter Valley each year in May. The festival includes remarkable events that showcase the versatility of the horse and the important role they play in the local area.


The Festival will take place from 4-14th May and the theme for 2017 is 'May the Horse be with you'; expect to be moved from this world in an amazing 11-day festival in Scone and the Upper Hunter.

The Scone Equine Hospital Horse Festival Parade 

is one of the most striking demonstrations of the kindred of horse and man. This year's Festival Parade takes place on Saturday 6th May and starts at approximately 10.30am. Headed by veteran horsemen and participants, such as marching bands, local schools, equestrian clubs and horses of all breeds, the Parade is a truly remarkable showcase for the Upper Hunter horse world: a great family spectacle that fills the main street of Scone.

Horse Parade Route

The parade starts on the corner of Guernsey and Liverpool Streets. It will turn right from Guernsey Street into Liverpool Street and continue to the traffic lights on Liverpool and Kelly Streets. At the traffic lights, the parade turns left onto Kelly Street. It proceeds down to St Aubins intersection where the parade does a u-turn at The Royal Hotel. Then it proceeds down Kelly Street to the Kingdon Street intersection located near the Thoroughbred Hotel, where it does a u-turn and moves back down to the traffic lights. The parade concludes with one final turn left at the Post Office onto Liverpool Street, and returns to the marshalling area. Commentators are located at a number of positions on the Parade route announcing each of the participants.

Entering the Parade

Please fill in one of the online forms below or to register an entry in the 2017 Festival Parade:

Equine parade entry form

Non-equine parade entry form

Please email completed forms to holbrook18@bigpond.com or drop into the Neighbourhood Centre at 130 Liverpool Street, Scone.

Ensure you read the terms and conditions carefully, and select the correct type of entry, e.g: Equine Entry or Non-Equine Entry. For equine entries, the parade assembles at White Park and for the non-equine entries, assembly is at Kingdon Street.

Further information regarding assembly points, times, parade entry number and street maps will be provided once completed entry forms have been received.

HISTORIC AIRSHOW AT SCONE ON REMEMBRANCE DAY WEEKEND

Aviation enthusiasts will soon be treated to an incredible display of military muscle when a historic World War II aeroplane takes to the skies in Regional NSW.

A lovingly restored vintage Hawker Hurricane will be unveiled to the public in a unique air display event at Scone Airport on 12 November.

The event follows an October 2016 test flight, which marked the first time the Hawker Hurricane had flown in Australia since 1944.

The air show will feature various other aircraft, aerobatics and joy flights, and visitors will also be able to enjoy the Scone country markets. If that’s not enough there will be an opportunity to peek inside the Pay’s Vintage Fighter Restorations hanger to see some incredible war plane restorations underway, including the CAC Mustang and Curtiss P40.

For more information visit Warbirds Online.

Do you have any forgotten treasures collecting dust in your book shelves?

Antiquarian books and ephemera are on the agenda at the Scone Literary Long Weekend on 5-6 November in Scone

One of the feature events of the Scone Literary Long Weekend will be a session run by the ABC’s Tom Thompson, where Tom will talk about what to look for in your collection of books, letters and other objects that you may have hidden away.

Tom will be bringing to Scone over a dozen rare Australian books and ephemera as a way of showing what to look for and to provide some idea of the value of the objects. He is hoping to discover some hidden treasures.

Amongst the treats Tom will be displaying from his own collection, will be Patrick White’s golf club (not a hidden manuscript!) People are encouraged to bring no more than 3 items and Tom will provide a general summation of what discoveries are being made.

Here are a few suggestions: anything hand written prior to 1900 and of course WW1 and WW2 ephemera, photos or books, and if you find any 1st edition of the James Bond books a big fuss will be made of you. Signed copies of pre1960 books are good talking points as well as classics by Ion Idriess or Arthur Upfield. If you have rare or heavier items, then just bring along photos or information.

So start ferreting around and bring along your treasures on Saturday 5th November to the Scone Arts and Crafts Hall.

The whole programme continues all day Saturday and Sunday, with special guest authors, Hugh Mackay, Cate Kennedy, Terry Smyth, Jo Ricconi and Aberdeen’s own Courtney Collins

For more information and updates to the program visit: www.sconewritersfestival.com.au

People in uproar over NSW local council boundary changes that will impact Australia and the world

The AOCE is proposing to merge the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook Shires together. The townships of Scone, Aberdeen Muswellbrook and Denman will come together to create the new super Scabmude Regional Council.  

They are proposing to do away with any reference to Scone, Aberdeen Muswellbrook and Denman after July 2016. All signs, building and shops with these names will need to be changed to Scabmude. In recognition of the huge task ahead, there will be a period of three months grace allowed to achieve this. For example, there will no longer be the Denman Airport, but the Scabmude Airport, the Muswellbrook Patisserie will become the Scabmude Patisserie, The Aberdeen Dog Pound will become the Scabmude Dog Pound, and the Scone Art Gallery will become the Scabmude Art Gallery.

It is felt that the names of Scone, Aberdeen Muswellbrook and Denman are outdated and not appropriate to the fast paced modern society we have today. Scabmude is a far more progressive name that still retains the first two letters of each of the former towns. (The only place where these former towns names will still be allowed is in the new Scabmude Regional Museum.)

The AOCE, which is due to finalise the redistribution of the former  Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook Shires local council areas next month, has received almost 800 objections to the proposed boundary shake-up.  “The Peoples Pestulance Party hopes that the convocation committee will heed the extensive community concerns currently being raised and revisit this disappointing decision,” the party’s spokesperson says. 

"It’s not about institutions or services or licorice – our concern is for the residents and geraniums and their sense of community, card playing and belonging, which once lost cannot be regained. These resilient residents have been a strong part of the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook Shire communities for more than one hundred years. Scone, Aberdeen Muswellbrook and Denman is where they want to stay."

Mayor Hopeful has stated the importance of remaining as independent and sustainable local governments in their own right. "I think that the people of our Shires admire what our councils are doing to try to keep us separate from other surrounding shires."

The reports of the AOCE Delegatoes will go to the Minister for Popular Government as well as the independent Local Council Edges and Boundaries Commission Corporation for comment. The Minister will consider the report of the Delegatoes and Edges Commission comments and will make a decision at the end of this month to create the Scabmude Regional Council. 

The very readable proposals are set out in Chapter 51, Part 5b, Divisions 7D and 9C, and Chapter 72, Part 18f of the Boundary Changes Scene Act\. These can be read at any of the local Scone, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook and Denman Libraries.

Sections 374(3A) and 339G(15) of the Act requires the Delegate to hold a public inquiry. This public meeting will be held at Highbrook Simpsons White Park today at 12 noon. An open invitation is extended to all people to come along and voice their concerns and songs.

Analysis undertaken by DoCFA that supports the Minister’s proposals includes:

• An overarching report outlining merger benefits entitled Local Government Reformation and Recnciliation – Merger beneficial impact analysis.
• The establishment savings of a single Scabmude Regional Council Office. The surplus former Council Offices will be turned into revenue raising B&B's. 
• A technical report accompanied by pretty pictures outlining modelling and devonshire tea assumptions entitled Outline of Financial Modelling Assumptions for Local Concerts and Councils. (This must not be confused with a similar report entitled Clay Modelling Assumptions for Local Potters and Punters.) 
• Cost reductions by only having one Mayor, General Manager, Accountant, Tourism Officer, and Residents Services Officer.

Those in favour of the forced merger of the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook Shires and the creation of the Scabmude Regional Council says that it gets down to a matter of size. As in all aspects of life, bigger is best. The new Scabmude Regional Council will cover a large area of NSW and its size will attract many more tourism developments, hotels & resorts, theme parks, shopping mega malls, coal mines and casinos.

Written submissions will be one of the most important ways for AOCE Delegatoes to gather information. Local people are encouraged to prepare written submissions for or against the proposed boundary changes to create the Scabmude Regional Council and place them in the large Submission Collection Boxes in the foyers of each of the local councils offices before the closing time of 12 noon today. People are encouraged (but are not required) to focus on the factors listed in section 374(4k) of the Act, the greening global local council warming impacts, and the floral aroma projections. 

When the Scabmude Regional Council comes in to effect, it is hoped all residents will be extremely happy. It mays take some time, but it is hoped that they will, in time, refer to themselves as happy little Scabs living in the Scabmude Regional Council area of NSW Australia.

Grand Final Fireworks & Picnic by the Lake

Don't forget the Isuzu ute firework finale on Sunday at Lake Glenbawn this coming Sunday.

It is bigger and better again this year with laser tag, jumping castle, good stalls & pony rides all fundraising for their local community groups.

The major sponsors Isuzu and Toyota Utes will be out there to look at, as well as the SES and fire brigade vehicles/

The LED Chinese dragons are making a come back due to popular demand.

The spectacular fireworks displays will mark the end of a fantastic horse festival.

There will be so much to see and do this year. 

It will be be loads of fun for everyone so make sure you don't miss it.  

It is a a great family afternoon from 2-6pm Sunday 17th May At Lake Glenbawn, located between Scone and Muswellbrook NSW Australia.

Lee Kernaghan coming to Scone this Saturday

Scone Toyota is bringing Lee Kernaghan to Scone for the Horse Festival Parade! 

10am this Saturday 9 May down the main street.

Meet at Scone Toyota after the parade for sausage sizzle & songs.

Scone Horse Festival Parade

Scone is the Horse Capital of Australia and this festival celebrates the place where horses reign and where each year many people from within the region and from far afield come to share our pride in our area and our equine industry.

The Festival has evolved from a simple street parade into a 17-day program of events for everyone.

We have some fabulous new events in our programme this year and we aim to provide as many opportunities for our local community and valued visitors to celebrate the horse.

We hope you can join us for a very exciting and action packed festival.

Don't miss the parade (and much more), 11am Saturday 9 May in Scone.

A procession for all to enjoy. Participants include local schools, drama groups, local businesses, Light Horse Brigade, bands, floats and much more!

See the Parade route here...

When - Saturday 9 May 2015
Time - 11.00am till 12noon
Where - Kelly Street Scone
Theme - EQUINE CELEBRATION

Website: http://www.horsecapital.com.au/festival/index.html

Annual Scone Charity Rodeo

Just a reminder to all the Annual Scone Charity Rodeo will be run on Saturday May 9th.  

The Juniors start at 8am & the Seniors start with the back events at midday. Main Event at 5pm.

It has been voted two years running the ABCRA National Rodeo of the Year for 2013 & 2014.

Adults are $15, Kids/Pensioners$8, Families (2A+2C) $35. 

Bring a chair and rug up. Food Available at the Grounds. ID is required for entry into the Bar area. Bar Lockout 10pm. Live Band Jared Scott & Route 67.

Your support is much appreciated and we hope to see you there on the night

2015 Blue Heeler Film Festival

Join us at the 2015 Blue Heeler Film Festival, 12-15 April 2015 at Muswellbrook, Scone and Denman.

Sunday 12 April 2015 - Junior short film competition and family movie

Starts 10.30am. FREE!
Muswellbrook's BRAND NEW cinema complex!
Current release feature film: Cinderella
2015 / Rated G / 105 min.

Monday 13 April 2015 - Senior short film competition and young adult movie

Starts 5.30pm. FREE!
Muswellbrook Cinema.
Current release feature film: What We Did on Our Holiday
2014 / Rated PG / 95 min.

Tuesday 14 April 2015 - Open short film competition

Starts 5.30pm. FREE!
Old Court Theatre, Scone.
Feature film: Beneath Hill 60
2010 / Rated M / 122 min.

Wednesday 15 April 2015 - Red Carpet Awards Night and Australian feature film

Starts 5.30pm. FREE!
Two Rivers Wines, Denman
Feature film: Red Dog
2011 / Rated PG / 92 min

Join in the celebrations for Australia Day

Today is a special day in Australia. People in small country towns and large cities are celebrating Australia Day in many varied ways. The day provides an opportunity for all people living in Australia, (those who have been here a long time and the more recent arrivals) to appreciate what a wonderful country we live in and to celebrate. This is what is happening in my local area of NSW Australia.

Aberdeen

- Community Breakfast, 7 - 9am, Aberdeen Rose Garden
- Jefferson Park, 9am Golf, 1.30pm lunch, Ambassador address and Awards Ceremony, 3pm bowls

Merriwa 

- Merriwa Sports Club 11am Ambassador address and Awards Ceremony, 12 noon free BBQ lunch

- Merriwa Pool 2-6pm free admission

Murrurundi

- Wllson Memorial Oval 9am Murra Country Marekets, 11am Grand Parade, 12 noon Ambassador address and Awards Ceremony, 1pm games, BBQ and novelty events, 5pm cricket match

- Murrurundi Swimming Pool 2-7pm free admission

Scone

- Council Chambers 10.30am Ambassador address and Awards Ceremony, Citizenship Ceremony, entertainment by Scone RSL Pipes & Drums, Scone Singers

- Scone Memorial Swimming Pool 12 noon - 4pm free admission, Scone Lions free sausage sizzle, Sparkles the Clown, jumping castle, novelty events, music by J&N Sound

Muswellbrook

Join us for a free breakfast as we celebrate the great Aussie tradition of the Australia Day Awards Ceremony from 7.00am to 12.00pm at Muswellbrook Indoor Sports Centre, Rutherford Road.
7.00am - Free BBQ Breakfast
9.00am - Introduction of Official Party and apologies, Acknowledgement of Country, Prayer, Flag unfurl, National Anthem performed by Muswellbrook Shire Band, Welcome by the Mayor
Citizenship Ceremony
9.15am - Nomination Certificates Presented
9.25am - Presentation of Cultural Awards
9.35am - Performance – Platinum Dance Centre
9.45am - Presentation of Northoak Award
9.50am - Presentation of Sports Awards
10.05am - Performance – Muswellbrook Shire Concert Band
10.20am - Introduction of Ambassador and Ambassador Address/Questions
10.30am - Presentation of Citizen Awards
10.40am - Performance – Muswellbrook Physical Culture
10.50am - Presentation of Participations Certificates
11.00am - Conclusion
Attendees receive a free entry pass for Denman or Muswellbrook Aquatic Centres.

2015 Australia Day Ambassadors

Aberdeen - Sarah Garnett, Founder of the Benjamin Andre Footpath Library

Merriwa - John Clarke, ABC Radio Presenter

Murrururundi - Brad Farmer, Founder of Surfrider Foundation & Ocean Care Day
Muswellbrook - Maddi Elliott, Australian Paralympic Swimming Champion

Scone Visitor Information and Wine Centre

Upper Hunter Visitor Information Centres are open to help you with the holidays.

While many services and organisations close over Christmas and New Year, accredited Visitor Information Centres across NSW are open for business every day except Christmas Day.

Everyone is invited to drop into the centres in Scone, Murrurundi and Merriwa for tourism information or to pick up last minute gifts of local produce, crafts and more.

“Our shelves are fully stocked with products to stuff stockings or add to the Christmas table,” said Upper Hunter Shire Council Tourism Co-ordinator Belinda McKenzie.

“If you haven’t been into your visitor information centre lately, it’s a good time to catch up on upcoming events and new attractions, not just in the Upper Hunter but throughout the region.

“We are full of ideas on how to make the most of the holidays.”

Visitor Information Centres are the perfect place to send visiting relatives to find out about local 

attractions they should see while in town.

Currently Scone Visitor Information and Horse Centre, in Kelly Street opposite Elizabeth Park, also has an exhibition on the History of the Pony Club in the Hunter on display.

“Visitor centres are an important resource for locals and visitors alike,” Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Michael Johnsen said.

“Council’s hard working tourism staff will be there every day - except Christmas Day - to help you out.”

Contact Us

Scone Visitor Information and Wine Centre
Cnr Kelly and Susan Street
Scone NSW 2337
Phone: 02 6540 1300
Fax: 02 6545 3089
sconevic@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

‘When I Snap My Fingers’

Always a great night.......
SCADS…..
presents  ‘When I Snap My Fingers’ – a one act play by Bruce Adams.

The play will be held on the 23rd, 24th & 25th October starting at 8pm sharp at the newly restored Old Court Theatre.

Tickets are available at Serendipity, 163 Kelly Street, Scone at a cost of $25.00.

This is a 3 night season so it is suggested that you book early to avoid disappointment

Where:  Old Court Theatre, SCONE, NSW, 2337 Australia

Scone Writers Festival

Scone Writers Festival will be held this weekend the 3rd to 6th October 2014.

Starting with the official opening of the event at 6.30pm on Friday night with special guest Scott

Bevan the scene will be set for a weekend of fantastic opportunities.

Saturday:-

Mark Twain Historical Walk around Scone – 10.00am
Literary Lunch with Scott Bevan – 12.00pm Victoria Hotel Moonan Flat
Saturday night at the Gundy Soldiers Memorial Hall a concert titled ‘An Irish Fantasy’ performed by Jane Rutter will be held at 7.00pm. The cost of this performance will be $45 which includes a 2 hour performance and supper.

Sunday:

High Tea with Anne & Tony Bishop - 10.30am Asser House
Zane Hacker and Patrice Newell – 11.30am Paddock to Pantry
Lisa Herbert with Scott Bevan & James Brown – 12.30pm Belmore Hotel
The Panel Session – 2.30pm Scone Library

Monday:

‘A Conversation’ – 10.30am Scone Library

Visit the website www.sconewritersfestival.com.au to fully appreciate the this wonderful event
For further information please call Sarah Howey on 02 6545 1859

Welcome to the 2014 Scone Writers Festival

Scone Literary Long Weekend – What is the future of publishing? Will the printed word become obsolete? Will paper books become dusty items relegated to antique shops? Or will digital and paper books continue to co-exist?

We have taken ‘Maintain the Page’ as our motto here in Scone where we'll be reining in a superb collection of authors to discuss their latest books.

Come up to Scone and immerse yourself in ‘the word’ - whether it be acoustic, printed or digitally enhanced.

The inaugural Scone Literary Long Weekend kicks off this year on the 3rd of October. There's a lovely program of literary events to while away the long weekend, and showcase some of the wonderful Upper Hunter region.

 

 

Whats On

• Memoir Writing Course with Ben Taaffe
• Official Opening - Special Guest Scott Bevan
• Mark Twain Historical Walk
• Literary Lunch with Scott Bevan – ‘The Hunter’
• Jane Rutter – ‘An Irish Fantasy’
• High Tea with Anne and Tony Bishop
• 'Antarctic Sundays' and 'The Bottom Drawer'
• Scott Bevan and James Brown at the Belmore
• The Panel – ‘The future of the printed word'
• A Conversation

Our Guests

• Anne & Tony Bishop
• Leonie Rogers
• Lisa Herbert
• Scott Bevan
• Zane Hacker

The festival webpage can be found at http://www.sconewritersfestival.com.au/