Council committed to minimising disruption to services
Published on 27 March 2020
While a number of services, events and regular programs have been impacted due to the ongoing COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) situation, Cessnock City Council is committed to ensuring that disruption to both community and staff is minimised as much as is practicable.
In order to ensure the safety of staff and our community a number of Council services have ceased face-to-face operations. This includes Council’s Administration Building, the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre, Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, and our libraries.
Council also today announced that all public barbecues, children's playgrounds, outdoor gyms, skateparks, and a number of public toilets be closed effective Friday 27 March.
The good news is we’re able to provide all of our services online or via the phone. Customers can browse our website, call our Contact Centre or send us an email. Where possible it’s ‘business as usual’ for Council and it’s staff.
Cessnock Library has moved it's ever-popular Storytime sessions online, with regular “Song and Story” videos from the Library’s Childrens and Young Adult Officer Sandy Ryan being uploaded to their Facebook page. The Library’s e-Branch is also available at any time with access to a range of digital media, a service that may prove invaluable as State and Federal Governments call for people to stay at home.
All major works and projects underway remain unaffected at this time. Residents will still notice our works crews are carrying out jobs across the community and will continue to do so to ensure key targets are being met.
Advance Cessnock City will continue to provide advice and support for businesses through their online business portal, with up to date information and resources relating to COVID-19.
Council’s General Manager, Lotta Jackson said it’s important during this time that community interactions with Council continue.
“Our aim is to ensure that our community can still access vital services and up to date information during this time. Work from home contingency arrangements are in place for staff to guarantee that there is as little disturbance to services as possible.”