Cessnock’s Australia Day ambassador, international pop star Leo Sayer, stole the show at Cessnock City’s Australia Day celebrations at East Cessnock Bowling Club on Saturday.
Sayer sang a selection of his hits, including “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” and “Thunder In My Heart”, to the packed auditorium, worked his way down the aisle, dancing, signing autographs and having photos taken with fans along the way.
It was a special day for Mayor of Cessnock, Cr. John Clarence, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to local government and the community of Cessnock.
Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon, congratulated the Mayor on his award, saying that he has made a very significant contribution to the community.
“He goes beyond his direct responsibilities, and has been instrumental in important initiatives like the Mayoral Academic Awards, seniors’ concerts and Christmas concerts. He is a great community leader,” Mr. Fitzgibbon said.
The Mayor responded by thanking the many people who have helped him in his achievements.
“It is indeed an honour, but anything you think I have achieved has not just been done by me. There are so many people who help me, so may people that have a wonderful commitment to the Cessnock local government area,” he said, in particular thanking his wife Lyn, musical director Margaret Albury and personal assistant Pauline Ross.
Besides his work on the council, of which he has been a member since 1987 and Mayor since 1999, John Clarence has also a been involved with the Kurri Community Centre since 1983 and a board member since 1992, a board member of Kurri Hospital for many years, a member of committees formed after the dissolution of boards within Hunter Health, a member of the Miners' Federation Pipe Band, and was the chairperson of the Cessnock District Learning Centre from 2000 to 2004.
The Australia Day celebrations focussed around the theme “Cessnock – Keeping Our Dream Alive”, and featured performances by several talented local artists, as well as the presentation of the Australia Day Awards.
Cessnock’s Citizen of the Year was awarded to Emma and Roger Neville for their dedication, commitment and outstanding contribution to the city of Cessnock by supporting the community through the devastating floods of June 8 and 9, 2007.
Weston’s Matt Petherbridge was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for his outstanding commitment and dedication in working with young people in the Cessnock LGA.
The Community Event of the Year award went to Mount View High School’s Battle of the Bands for showcasing the skills of the students from high schools in the city of Cessnock.
Council’s Sports Award was awarded to Jake Gordon for his outstanding achievement in the sport of cricket, representing the Hunter Academy, NSW Under-17’s and NSW All Schools, who won the national carnival for the first time in history.
The Heritage Award was awarded to Jack Delaney for a lifetime of recording the history of the Hunter; researching and documenting Australian history at a localised level.
Council awarded an Achievement Award to Kurri Towns with Heart for its Kurri Community Wall project, for raising public awareness of the contribution of individuals, families and groups to the history of the Kurri area and its cultural diversity.
Appreciation Awards were awarded to Peter Hodges for his volunteer work and philanthropy, particularly in the Greta area, Patricia Black for her involvement with a variety of charity and community groups in Cessnock for the past 50 years, and Cessnock Community Transport for their outstanding service and contribution to the community.
The Marthaville Arts and Cultural Award was presented to Mount View High School music teacher Julie Myers.
Twenty one new citizens were welcomed to the Cessnock LGA during the Naturalisation Ceremony, and Cessnock’s first baby for 2008, Riley James Daniel Hardidge, was presented with a gift basket.
The many winners of the colouring competition and window dressing competition received congratulations for their efforts.
Cessnock City Council would like to thank the major sponsor, Harrigan’s Irish Pub – Hunter Valley Gardens, contributing sponsors Cessnock Hunter Radio – 2CHR.FM, Cessnock Achievement Centre, The Advertiser, Cessnock Business and Professional Women’s Club, East Cessnock Bowling Club, Hunter Family Jewellers – Cessnock, Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri Pty Ltd, KFC Cessnock, McDonalds Cessnock, McGuigan’s Simeon Wines Ltd, O’Neill’s Tyres – Cessnock, Priceline Pharmacy – Cessnock and The Roche Group for contributing to the success of the 2008 Australia Day celebrations.
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ABERMAIN FLOOD HEROES NAMED CITIZENS OF THE YEAR
Former Abermain Hotel publicans Roger and Emma Neville were named Cessnock City’s Citizens of the Year for their efforts in supporting the community during the June long weekend floods last year.
After the area “under the subway” at Abermain was devastated by the flood, when up to 40 homes were lost, Mr. and Mrs. Neville welcomed those affected by the flood into their hotel, whether it was for a warm bed, a shower, clean clothes or just a shoulder to lean on.
“They gave their time freely, embraced and supported their community through those initial horrific days. Their hotel became the focal point for donations, and they walked door-to-door in order to identify everyone’s needs,” said Mayor of Cessnock, Cr. John Clarence.
Mrs. Neville said that they simply “had to do something” in the event of the flood, as proud members of the Abermain community.
“We appreciate this award more than anything. We would like to dedicate it to the victims, for their courage. The bonds that we have formed will be life-lasting,” she said.
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