Upper Hunter Employment and Education Network: Session Four

This Network is a continuation of the former Singleton Advisory Network, led by the former Singleton Skills and Employment Program; This has now been expanded to encompass Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter LGAs.

The Upper Hunter Employment and Education Network has been established by the Local Jobs Program (LJP). (Workforce Australia Local Jobs is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations).

The intention of this network is to collaboratively work together to ensure school leavers, job seekers and community across Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter Local Government Areas are supported in accessing secure and meaningful training and employment pathways. 

Purpose 

The purpose of the Upper Hunter Employment and Education Network is to: 

• Facilitate regular connection, information sharing, and collaboration among key Upper Hunter stakeholders. 

• Improve understanding of local labour market trends, emerging industries and opportunities and skills and employment needs across the Upper Hunter. 

• Identify and address system-level barriers that limit participation in education, training, and employment. 

• Support development and alignment of projects, pilots, and initiatives that strengthen pathways for learners, job seekers, and transitioning workers. 

• Ensure that insights and evidence from the region are communicated to government to inform program design, policy development, and investment decisions. 

• Build coordinated and regionally relevant responses to industry transition and workforce change.

Membership 

Membership is open to organisations with a role or interest in education, training, employment, workforce development, industry engagement, or regional economic growth. This includes: 

• Australian, state, and local government agencies 

• Council economic development teams (Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter Shire) 

• Training providers (TAFE NSW, Registered Training Organisations, Group Training Organisations) 

• Schools, school-based programs, and youth engagement initiatives 

• Universities and higher education institutions 

• Business chambers and Peak bodies 

• Community organisations and Employment Service Providers 

• Local Jobs Program partners and working groups 

• Industry representatives, employers and emerging industry proponents 

Additional organisations may be invited based on identified needs or project opportunities. 

Meeting Arrangements 

• Meetings will occur four times per year and rotate across the four Upper Hunter LGAs. 

• Sessions will typically run for approximately three hours, including networking time. 

• Sessions will be facilitated in a round table/workshop style, encompassing guest presentations/speakers and interactive sessions.

• Sessions will be held in person only – there is no online attendance option. 

• Agendas will be issued at least one week prior to each meeting by the Local Jobs team. 

• Notes, action items, and follow‑up communications will be provided to all members by the Local Jobs team. 

• Special sessions or working groups may be convened as required. 

• Light lunch will be provided at each Network meeting.  

• You MUST register via Humanitix prior to attending each session to confirm your attendance. 

Meeting 1 

WHERE: Singleton  

WHEN: Thursday 26th March 2026, 10:00AM to 1:00PM 

Meeting 2 

WHERE: Lovedale

WHEN: Thursday 25th June 2026, 10:00AM to 1:00PM 

Meeting 3 

WHERE: Muswellbrook 

WHEN: Thursday 10th September 2026, 10:30AM to 2:00PM 

Meeting 4 

WHERE: Cessnock

WHEN:  Wednesday 2nd December 2026, 10:00AM to 1:00PM 

Responsibilities of Network Members 

Members are expected to: 

• Attend and participate in quarterly Network meetings and activities (members must register via Humanatix for each meeting)

• Contribute updates, insights, and data from their sector or organisation 

• Identify emerging needs, opportunities, and barriers in the region 

• Participate in collaborative projects or working groups where relevant 

• Promote Network activities and engagement opportunities within their networks 

• Support accurate and constructive communication across the region 

SESSION FOUR:

Agenda and guest speakers yet to be confirmed.

What we will discuss at session four:

• A recap of the insights captured during session three and updates on Upper Hunter jobs and skills initiatives.

• Local guest speakers - showcasing Upper Hunter opportunities.

• Updates from Hunter Local Jobs and DEWR.

• More open discussion across Upper Hunter jobs and skills.

This Network is a great opportunity for you to connect with other key Upper Hunter stakeholders, promote your local opportunities, gain valuable local intel and insights, and work together toward solutions.

There are limited spots - register now to secure your spot.

Upon registration - please add to your Calander.

An agenda for meeting #4 will be shared closer to the event. We encourage you to attend all sessions, as each session is different.