Published on 04 August 2021
Over the last couple of weeks again our region has experienced change and the impacts of COVID-19. On Saturday 24 July it was announced the NSW Local Government Elections would again be postponed. While it is of course disappointing for the many candidates who had started campaigning and were motivated to achieve for their community, the safety of us all remains paramount. I thoroughly enjoy representing the people of Cessnock and will continue to hold office until a new Mayor is elected in December. Our Council will continue to work hard for this community. At this time many of us may be experiencing heightened stress levels or anxiety due to the developing situation surrounding the spread of COVID-19 in NSW. Some of us may not be able to see family and friends who live in Greater Sydney or interstate. As a community we must all look out for each other and check-in. Any one struggling can ask for help in many ways. One step is picking up the phone and calling Beyond Blue who are providing information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during the pandemic. They can be reached on 1800 512 348 or visit their website. Luckily we live in a world that enables us to connect digitally despite the need for our community to be physically distant, and for the second year we have held the School Leaders’ Breakfast via ZOOM. Over 250 students participated from 20 schools located across the Cessnock Local Government Area. Students heard from former Newcastle Knight’s Player Alex McKinnon who suffered a life changing spinal injury. Alex had an important message to share, he asked students to focus on the things they can control and think about their values and qualities when making a decision. Alex and I share similar values around leadership, he spoke about how leadership is not about being popular but about being respected for the decisions and actions you make. Thanks Alex for being open and sharing with our future leaders! Congratulations to our very own Daniel Repacholi for competing in the Tokyo Olympics. We are so proud of everything you have achieved. Well done!