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Farewell to Scone Chambers
Last modified: August 26, 2009 - 9:04 AM
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Former Upper Hunter Shire Councillor Les Parson, Council’s Executive PA Robyn Cox and former Scone Councillor Brian Brown at an informal function to mark the last council meeting at the old building |
UPPER HUNTER and Scone councillors past and present took time to reflect on Council's achievements at the last meeting to be held in the current Scone Chambers.
Council is set to relocate early next month to the new administration building with NSW Governor, Professor Marie Bashir, officiating at the official opening on September 19.
The Upper Hunter Shire Council came into being in March 2004 as a result of amalgamation of part of the former Murrurundi Shire, all of the former Scone Shire and part of the former Merriwa Shire - creating a local government area of 8,100 square kilometres and about 14,000 people.
The Shire now encompasses the townships of Aberdeen, Merriwa, Murrurundi and Scone and each town has a distinct character. It includes the villages of Blandford, Cassilis, Gundy, Moonan Flat, Parkville and Wingen, as well as the rural areas of Belltrees, Bunnan, Ellerston, Rouchel and Timor.
Addressing the final meeting in the old chambers, former Scone Councillor Brian Brown said although the old councils had fought against amalgamation with Merriwa and Murrurundi particularly against the plan, the new Upper Hunter Shire Council had proven to have benefits for everyone and its cohesion was a credit to councillors and staff.
He said Council's quick response in 1993 when Gundy Bridge was washed away in floods was a highlight among the former Scone Council's achievements.
Former councillor Les Parsons said the new council was "on the right track" with strong leadership and committed staff. "We can only really go one way and that is to continue to go ahead," he said.
Cr Errol Bates said although some sectors of the community had questioned the need for a new administration building, it was essential to meet basic workplace requirements with staff working in cramped quarters at present.
Mayor Michael Johnsen was among those present to remember the legacy of former Scone and Upper Hunter Mayor Barry Rose. "His significant contribution and abilities during a period of complete upheaval assisted three organisations to come together with a united focus," Cr Johnsen said.
Council's next meeting on September 28 will be held in the new chambers.
Contact details
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Tel: 02 6540 1100
Fax: 02 6545 2671
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
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