Mayoral Column - 3 April 2024
Published on 03 April 2024
Book lovers are in for a treat with the big book sale currently underway at Cessnock City library. The shelves are stacked high and prices slashed low, offering locals a chance to stock up on their book collection. By coming along and purchasing something from the wide variety of books, magazines, music and DVD’s, you’re helping the library make room for new materials. Make sure you visit the library and grab a deal as the sale runs for 10 days and wraps up on Friday 12 April.
Throughout the month of April, we’re partnering with KitchenHand for the Cessnock Smarter Kitchens Challenge. This innovative partnership harnesses the power of AI technology via KitchenHand to help local residents save time and money in the kitchen, while reducing food waste. I recently tested out the platform and whipped up a delicious shepherd's pie using ingredients I had on hand at home!
To take advantage of 12-months free access to the platform and to participate in the challenge, create an account at www.kitchenhand.io/cessnock-sign-up. Use the app to generate custom recipe ideas, cook the recipe and upload a photo of the finished meal, and you can be in the running for fantastic weekly prizes. I can’t wait to see what people cook!
Youth Week is just around the corner, kicking off on Thursday 11 April and running until Sunday 21 April. The theme for this year’s Youth Week is ‘Express. Empower. Get Loud!’ and we have a fantastic program filled with lots of fun and creative activities. The events will take place across various locations in our LGA and cater to all abilities and interests. I want to thank the 2024 Cessnock Youth Ambassadors as well as other young people who contributed their time to help pull together a great program. You can find the details at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/YW2024. I hope everyone has a fantastic time at Youth Week 2024!
Don’t forget about our next Wollombi Road information session coming up on Saturday 13 April, at Bellbird Hotel from 10am-12pm. This is your opportunity to come along and go through the REF and Design Options Report with the Project team. To find more dates and locations of upcoming community information sessions visit the webpage. https://together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/wollombi-road-ref
Seniors Festival has now wrapped up and it was great to see so many locals getting involved across the two weeks. We had a fantastic turnout, with over 1000 locals attending 52 events and activities. I’d like to say a huge thank you to our local sponsors for your support, NCCCA, Priceline Cessnock, Campbell Lifestyle Estate by Lincoln Place, Calvary, Specsavers Cessnock, Green Ridge Hunter Valley, Cessnock Hospitality Group, KFC Cessnock, Cessnock Pharmacy, Creightons Funeral Services & The Hunter Valley Gardens.