Mayoral Column - 13 October 2021

Published on 13 October 2021

CCC-Mayoral-Column-1-2.jpg

Are you looking forward to the benefits and freedoms for those who are fully vaccinated? Have you been fully vaccinated yet? With the recent fluctuations of COVID-19 numbers in the Cessnock LGA, now, more than ever, it’s important to take advantage of vaccination centres in our area. Our local businesses have suffered, so as a community we need to do everything we can to support their re-opening and to ensure jobs for our families and friends.

The NSW Government has announced that Cessnock Racecourse will receive $11.5 million for much-needed upgrades, which is just fantastic news. The funding will enable the construction of 300 extra stables and an additional synthetic training track, which will make it a first-class training facility. This is such positive news for both our local racing industry and the community, as it will create over 100 jobs.

Following the approval of our COVID-19 Safety Plan, I was delighted to see both Cessnock and Branxton Pools reopen to the community over the October long weekend. At this stage, our pools will only be open to fully vaccinated residents under a new booking system, to allow for the safety of residents and staff. Fully vaccinated residents are encouraged to call Cessnock (02 4990 3704) or Branxton (02 4938 1450) pools to book a lane, which will be allocated in one hour time slots. We will be sure to keep the community informed as the situation changes. Please visit  the Pools section of Council's website for more information.

A Community consultation is currently underway for residents to have their say on the upgrade of the BMX facility at Carmichael Park in Bellbird, and by doing so, there are great prizes to be won! Council wants to know what the community values in a BMX facility and what elements are important to you, so community ideas can be incorporated into a concept plan. There are a number of ways to get involved including an online survey, online ideas wall, a drawing competition for the kids, and online workshops. This will be a wonderful community facility and I encourage residents to get involved. Visit the ‘Have your say’ section of Council’s website to find out more.

The award-winning team from the children’s hit TV show dirtgirlworld and Get Grubby TV have launched an exciting online subscription program called Get Grubby for Families. In an effort to support the local community during what has been a challenging time for many, Council is gifting the subscription to all families within the Cessnock LGA, for free. Council will be also giving away a worm themed prize pack. To sign up, visit getgrubbyprogram.com/cessnock-families-login and use the code 2325 to join.

I am pleased to let residents know that roadworks on Mitchell Avenue in Kurri Kurri are underway. The road upgrade will include drainage improvements, a new section of kerb and gutter, road pavement resurfacing, signs and line marking, and guardrail repairs and extension. Our dedicated crews do a great job and I’m sure residents of Kurri Kurri will be pleased to see these works taking place.

Nominations for the 2022 Australia Day Awards are still open and I’d like to call on the community to jump on Council’s website and nominate locals who deserve to be recognised. The Australia Day Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise those in community who make a difference – whether it be an outstanding achievement during the past year, or a significant contribution over a number of years. Nominations are open until 11:30pm on Sunday 24 October. For more information, including award categories and how to nominate a local legend, visit  the Australia Day Awards page on Council's website.


Tagged as: