Latest news with #MaitlandCityCouncil
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Plans lodged for $4.6 million driving range to revive old Rutherford golf site
THE former site of Tom's Golf Range at Rutherford is set to undergo a $4.6 million rebrand. Plans have been lodged with Maitland City Council to redevelop the site into a social golfing experience. Swing Factory, which runs golf businesses in Sydney and Melbourne, has chosen the Hunter for its first regional facility. One of its founding directors, Nick Cutler, has links to the region. "The Hunter Region has always been a key area of focus for Swing Factory," a spokesperson for the business said. "It's a sporting region, and with golf booming since COVID, it makes more sense than ever for Swing Factory to invest in the region. Golf has become the 'cool' sport and is everyone's second sport. The key areas of growth for the game have been the under 35's market and women over 40, and that's no different with local courses consistently busy. "We have seen with Swing Factory's other locations that only around 50 per cent of those who visit Swing Factory are traditional golfers. The rest are families, entertainment seekers, and groups of friends looking to have a good time. We are genuinely excited to bring the concept to the area." The plans include a modern clubhouse with integrated alfresco spaces for casual dining and social gatherings Undercover driving bays with lounge seating, an 18-hole mini golf course, auto-tee systems in every bay with robotic ball collection and a curated food and beverage menu. One of the big changes is the installation of Toptracer Range technology, which does real-time ball tracking, game modes and performance analytics. Construction is set to start in late 2025, pending council approval, with the "grand opening" pencilled in for mid to late 2026. "At this stage, Maitland remains our primary focus. Given the region's growing population and the rising popularity of golf, we wouldn't rule out future Hunter locations." THE former site of Tom's Golf Range at Rutherford is set to undergo a $4.6 million rebrand. Plans have been lodged with Maitland City Council to redevelop the site into a social golfing experience. Swing Factory, which runs golf businesses in Sydney and Melbourne, has chosen the Hunter for its first regional facility. One of its founding directors, Nick Cutler, has links to the region. "The Hunter Region has always been a key area of focus for Swing Factory," a spokesperson for the business said. "It's a sporting region, and with golf booming since COVID, it makes more sense than ever for Swing Factory to invest in the region. Golf has become the 'cool' sport and is everyone's second sport. The key areas of growth for the game have been the under 35's market and women over 40, and that's no different with local courses consistently busy. "We have seen with Swing Factory's other locations that only around 50 per cent of those who visit Swing Factory are traditional golfers. The rest are families, entertainment seekers, and groups of friends looking to have a good time. We are genuinely excited to bring the concept to the area." The plans include a modern clubhouse with integrated alfresco spaces for casual dining and social gatherings Undercover driving bays with lounge seating, an 18-hole mini golf course, auto-tee systems in every bay with robotic ball collection and a curated food and beverage menu. One of the big changes is the installation of Toptracer Range technology, which does real-time ball tracking, game modes and performance analytics. Construction is set to start in late 2025, pending council approval, with the "grand opening" pencilled in for mid to late 2026. "At this stage, Maitland remains our primary focus. Given the region's growing population and the rising popularity of golf, we wouldn't rule out future Hunter locations." THE former site of Tom's Golf Range at Rutherford is set to undergo a $4.6 million rebrand. Plans have been lodged with Maitland City Council to redevelop the site into a social golfing experience. Swing Factory, which runs golf businesses in Sydney and Melbourne, has chosen the Hunter for its first regional facility. One of its founding directors, Nick Cutler, has links to the region. "The Hunter Region has always been a key area of focus for Swing Factory," a spokesperson for the business said. "It's a sporting region, and with golf booming since COVID, it makes more sense than ever for Swing Factory to invest in the region. Golf has become the 'cool' sport and is everyone's second sport. The key areas of growth for the game have been the under 35's market and women over 40, and that's no different with local courses consistently busy. "We have seen with Swing Factory's other locations that only around 50 per cent of those who visit Swing Factory are traditional golfers. The rest are families, entertainment seekers, and groups of friends looking to have a good time. We are genuinely excited to bring the concept to the area." The plans include a modern clubhouse with integrated alfresco spaces for casual dining and social gatherings Undercover driving bays with lounge seating, an 18-hole mini golf course, auto-tee systems in every bay with robotic ball collection and a curated food and beverage menu. One of the big changes is the installation of Toptracer Range technology, which does real-time ball tracking, game modes and performance analytics. Construction is set to start in late 2025, pending council approval, with the "grand opening" pencilled in for mid to late 2026. "At this stage, Maitland remains our primary focus. Given the region's growing population and the rising popularity of golf, we wouldn't rule out future Hunter locations." THE former site of Tom's Golf Range at Rutherford is set to undergo a $4.6 million rebrand. Plans have been lodged with Maitland City Council to redevelop the site into a social golfing experience. Swing Factory, which runs golf businesses in Sydney and Melbourne, has chosen the Hunter for its first regional facility. One of its founding directors, Nick Cutler, has links to the region. "The Hunter Region has always been a key area of focus for Swing Factory," a spokesperson for the business said. "It's a sporting region, and with golf booming since COVID, it makes more sense than ever for Swing Factory to invest in the region. Golf has become the 'cool' sport and is everyone's second sport. The key areas of growth for the game have been the under 35's market and women over 40, and that's no different with local courses consistently busy. "We have seen with Swing Factory's other locations that only around 50 per cent of those who visit Swing Factory are traditional golfers. The rest are families, entertainment seekers, and groups of friends looking to have a good time. We are genuinely excited to bring the concept to the area." The plans include a modern clubhouse with integrated alfresco spaces for casual dining and social gatherings Undercover driving bays with lounge seating, an 18-hole mini golf course, auto-tee systems in every bay with robotic ball collection and a curated food and beverage menu. One of the big changes is the installation of Toptracer Range technology, which does real-time ball tracking, game modes and performance analytics. Construction is set to start in late 2025, pending council approval, with the "grand opening" pencilled in for mid to late 2026. "At this stage, Maitland remains our primary focus. Given the region's growing population and the rising popularity of golf, we wouldn't rule out future Hunter locations."
The Advertiser
23-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Weekly green bin collections to begin in Maitland, Singleton and Cessnock
Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and Singleton Council have partnered to deliver a coordinated Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service across the region, with weekly green bin collections starting from Monday, June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can now place food scraps, such as vegetable peels, meat and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection and processing into high-quality compost rather than going to landfill. This initiative meets the NSW Government requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030 and aligns with each council's broader environmental and sustainability strategies and programs. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the coordinated rollout demonstrates what strong regional collaboration can achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," he said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste. We know that our residents care about the environment, and FOGO provides them with a simple and effective way to make a difference every week." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marks a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer. We're proud to be delivering it across Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton and giving our communities a real opportunity to lead the way in reducing landfill and turning waste into something worthwhile," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore highlighted the simplicity of the new system for households. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go. Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June," she said. "We're here to support our communities through this transition, and there'll be ongoing education and information to help everyone make the most of FOGO." A comprehensive education campaign is already underway to support residents with practical tips on what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting for the region. The campaign also ensures residents in each local government area are kept informed about operational details specific to their council. A local effort all around, the councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost.
The Advertiser
31-05-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Maitland, Gloucester and MidCoast earmarked for war memorial funding in wake of floods
The Gloucester RSL Sub Branch in the Upper Hunter has been given $10,000 in state funding for the preservation of the community's memorial clock owner, while an equal figure was awarded to the MidCoast Council for similar works on the Wingham memorial town hall to fix devastating flood damage. The funding, released by a statement from Veteran Minister David Harris on Saturday, May 31, was part of almost $135,000 in state funding to be put towards memorial upkeep across NSW. Mr Harris said the state had extended time for communities to complete grant agreements given the recent widespread flooding across the Hunter and Mid-North Coast. The Wingham town hall was opened in April 1924 and was first dedicated to those who served in the First World War. It now includes plaques honouring those who served in the Second World War, Korea and Vietnam. The memorial's foundation stone was laid by Major General Sir Charles Rosenthal KCMG, who served on the frontline at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. All tolled, 14 sub-branches, councils and other veterans organisations were earmarked for a portion of the funding, from a total pool of some 31 applications, in the second round of the annual allotment of the Community War Memorials Fund. Among them, Maitland City Council similarly won a $10,000 slice of the pie for works to the East Greta Soldiers Memorial, and the Tomaree Museum Association was slated for $635 for maintenance to the HMAS Assault Memorial at Port Stephens. Mr Harris said the funding was a reflection of communities "proud of their military history, and local war memorials", describing them as a "vital part of our culture". "This funding will be used to undertake important conservation work so our local war memorials can continue to honour our veterans who have served our community," he said. The Gloucester RSL Sub Branch in the Upper Hunter has been given $10,000 in state funding for the preservation of the community's memorial clock owner, while an equal figure was awarded to the MidCoast Council for similar works on the Wingham memorial town hall to fix devastating flood damage. The funding, released by a statement from Veteran Minister David Harris on Saturday, May 31, was part of almost $135,000 in state funding to be put towards memorial upkeep across NSW. Mr Harris said the state had extended time for communities to complete grant agreements given the recent widespread flooding across the Hunter and Mid-North Coast. The Wingham town hall was opened in April 1924 and was first dedicated to those who served in the First World War. It now includes plaques honouring those who served in the Second World War, Korea and Vietnam. The memorial's foundation stone was laid by Major General Sir Charles Rosenthal KCMG, who served on the frontline at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. All tolled, 14 sub-branches, councils and other veterans organisations were earmarked for a portion of the funding, from a total pool of some 31 applications, in the second round of the annual allotment of the Community War Memorials Fund. Among them, Maitland City Council similarly won a $10,000 slice of the pie for works to the East Greta Soldiers Memorial, and the Tomaree Museum Association was slated for $635 for maintenance to the HMAS Assault Memorial at Port Stephens. Mr Harris said the funding was a reflection of communities "proud of their military history, and local war memorials", describing them as a "vital part of our culture". "This funding will be used to undertake important conservation work so our local war memorials can continue to honour our veterans who have served our community," he said. The Gloucester RSL Sub Branch in the Upper Hunter has been given $10,000 in state funding for the preservation of the community's memorial clock owner, while an equal figure was awarded to the MidCoast Council for similar works on the Wingham memorial town hall to fix devastating flood damage. The funding, released by a statement from Veteran Minister David Harris on Saturday, May 31, was part of almost $135,000 in state funding to be put towards memorial upkeep across NSW. Mr Harris said the state had extended time for communities to complete grant agreements given the recent widespread flooding across the Hunter and Mid-North Coast. The Wingham town hall was opened in April 1924 and was first dedicated to those who served in the First World War. It now includes plaques honouring those who served in the Second World War, Korea and Vietnam. The memorial's foundation stone was laid by Major General Sir Charles Rosenthal KCMG, who served on the frontline at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. All tolled, 14 sub-branches, councils and other veterans organisations were earmarked for a portion of the funding, from a total pool of some 31 applications, in the second round of the annual allotment of the Community War Memorials Fund. Among them, Maitland City Council similarly won a $10,000 slice of the pie for works to the East Greta Soldiers Memorial, and the Tomaree Museum Association was slated for $635 for maintenance to the HMAS Assault Memorial at Port Stephens. Mr Harris said the funding was a reflection of communities "proud of their military history, and local war memorials", describing them as a "vital part of our culture". "This funding will be used to undertake important conservation work so our local war memorials can continue to honour our veterans who have served our community," he said. The Gloucester RSL Sub Branch in the Upper Hunter has been given $10,000 in state funding for the preservation of the community's memorial clock owner, while an equal figure was awarded to the MidCoast Council for similar works on the Wingham memorial town hall to fix devastating flood damage. The funding, released by a statement from Veteran Minister David Harris on Saturday, May 31, was part of almost $135,000 in state funding to be put towards memorial upkeep across NSW. Mr Harris said the state had extended time for communities to complete grant agreements given the recent widespread flooding across the Hunter and Mid-North Coast. The Wingham town hall was opened in April 1924 and was first dedicated to those who served in the First World War. It now includes plaques honouring those who served in the Second World War, Korea and Vietnam. The memorial's foundation stone was laid by Major General Sir Charles Rosenthal KCMG, who served on the frontline at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. All tolled, 14 sub-branches, councils and other veterans organisations were earmarked for a portion of the funding, from a total pool of some 31 applications, in the second round of the annual allotment of the Community War Memorials Fund. Among them, Maitland City Council similarly won a $10,000 slice of the pie for works to the East Greta Soldiers Memorial, and the Tomaree Museum Association was slated for $635 for maintenance to the HMAS Assault Memorial at Port Stephens. Mr Harris said the funding was a reflection of communities "proud of their military history, and local war memorials", describing them as a "vital part of our culture". "This funding will be used to undertake important conservation work so our local war memorials can continue to honour our veterans who have served our community," he said.
The Advertiser
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Latest road closures: More than 40 roads closed across Maitland
More than 40 roads remain closed on Monday afternoon, including the New England Highway from the Cessnock Road roundabout to High Street roundabout. The New England Highway is closed in both directions from the roundabout and diversions are in place. Cessnock Road is closed at Maitland roundabout. Testers Hollow is now open to Gillieston Heights residents, carers and essential workers only under traffic control guidance. Maitland City Council encourages the community to keep monitoring updates regularly, as ongoing road closures and changed traffic conditions continue around Maitland. Check Live Traffic for the most up to date information. Roads currently closed as at 3.10pm Monday, May 26, according to Maitland City Council: On public transport: For the latest public transport information, visit or download a transport app. For the latest traffic information, visit or download the Live Traffic NSW app. For the latest information about local council roads, make sure the "Council Supplied Information" filter on or the app is selected, or check with local councils. More than 40 roads remain closed on Monday afternoon, including the New England Highway from the Cessnock Road roundabout to High Street roundabout. The New England Highway is closed in both directions from the roundabout and diversions are in place. Cessnock Road is closed at Maitland roundabout. Testers Hollow is now open to Gillieston Heights residents, carers and essential workers only under traffic control guidance. Maitland City Council encourages the community to keep monitoring updates regularly, as ongoing road closures and changed traffic conditions continue around Maitland. Check Live Traffic for the most up to date information. Roads currently closed as at 3.10pm Monday, May 26, according to Maitland City Council: On public transport: For the latest public transport information, visit or download a transport app. For the latest traffic information, visit or download the Live Traffic NSW app. For the latest information about local council roads, make sure the "Council Supplied Information" filter on or the app is selected, or check with local councils. More than 40 roads remain closed on Monday afternoon, including the New England Highway from the Cessnock Road roundabout to High Street roundabout. The New England Highway is closed in both directions from the roundabout and diversions are in place. Cessnock Road is closed at Maitland roundabout. Testers Hollow is now open to Gillieston Heights residents, carers and essential workers only under traffic control guidance. Maitland City Council encourages the community to keep monitoring updates regularly, as ongoing road closures and changed traffic conditions continue around Maitland. Check Live Traffic for the most up to date information. Roads currently closed as at 3.10pm Monday, May 26, according to Maitland City Council: On public transport: For the latest public transport information, visit or download a transport app. For the latest traffic information, visit or download the Live Traffic NSW app. For the latest information about local council roads, make sure the "Council Supplied Information" filter on or the app is selected, or check with local councils. More than 40 roads remain closed on Monday afternoon, including the New England Highway from the Cessnock Road roundabout to High Street roundabout. The New England Highway is closed in both directions from the roundabout and diversions are in place. Cessnock Road is closed at Maitland roundabout. Testers Hollow is now open to Gillieston Heights residents, carers and essential workers only under traffic control guidance. Maitland City Council encourages the community to keep monitoring updates regularly, as ongoing road closures and changed traffic conditions continue around Maitland. Check Live Traffic for the most up to date information. Roads currently closed as at 3.10pm Monday, May 26, according to Maitland City Council: On public transport: For the latest public transport information, visit or download a transport app. For the latest traffic information, visit or download the Live Traffic NSW app. For the latest information about local council roads, make sure the "Council Supplied Information" filter on or the app is selected, or check with local councils.
