Mayoral Column - 1 September 2021
Published on 01 September 2021
Recently I’ve written to both our Member for the Hunter, the Hon, Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson MP and Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr MP expressing my concern at our low vaccination rates in the Cessnock Local Government Area. The NSW Government has made it clear there will be certain freedoms once the targets of 70% and 80% vaccination rates have been reached. We know Cessnock is well below the state average of double dose vaccinations. We need to look at ways to increase vaccinations in our area including a local, larger facility that is closer than Belmont. Firstly, if you are eligible, book your vaccination today. There will be wait times for those who are required to get Pfizer, but booking an appointment puts you and your family one step closer to being safer. Reaching a high level of vaccination will provide protection for all of our community, especially those who are more vulnerable. So please, there is AstraZeneca available in our community at local pharmacies and GPS, so do your part and get vaccinated.
Recently, Shane Fitzsimmon ASFM Head of Resilience NSW said something that really resonated, especially with the extension of lockdown until Friday 10 September. He does not like the phrase, socially distant rather prefers physically distant, and stressed the point now is time to be more socially connected than ever before. Let’s remember this as a community and look for ways to continue connecting.
Council’s Seniors Reference Group is already working towards the 2022 event. We have an extremely motivated group of people who are already coming up with great ideas for the next Festival. At the latest meeting representatives presented some wonderful, innovative ideas that can be enjoyed no matter the COVID-19 restrictions. Great work by the Group and no doubt it will be another fantastic celebrations of our seniors.
Congratulations to Councillor Jay Suvaal who was elected to the position of Deputy Mayor at the latest meeting of Council. A big thank you to Councillor Darrin Gray who has served his community honourably as Deputy Mayor. Cr Gray is dedicated to his community, listening to residents and advocating for them. Congratulations to Darrin on a job well done. I look forward to working alongside Cr Suvaal for the benefit of the community until the Local Government Elections planned for December.
One of the most unique aspects of the Cessnock LGA is our rich history. When driving around the area we are reminded of this with buildings giving us a glimpse into the past. Heritage listed property owners can now apply for grants under the 2021/22 Local Heritage Fund. Owners could be eligible for up to $2,000 to fund renovations. Applications for funding are due by Thursday 30 September 2021 and successful projects need to be finalised by 1 March 2022. For more information, including the application form, please visit Council's Heritage section.