It was great to see so many people out across our local government area this Anzac Day. I attended services at Kurri Kurri, Cessnock, Kearsley and Aberdare and was blown away with the number of people, young and old, paying their respects at each service. Thank you to all of our RSL Sub-Branches for their fantastic organisation and also to the Councillors who gave up their time to attend services.
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The Neath Hotel was again a busy spot after dawn services in the morning, where the annual lighting of the lamp was undertaken. For those who might not know the story, Joseph Henry ‘Harry’ Littlefair left his miner’s lamp at the hotel in 1915, asking them to keep it until he returned from war. Sadly, he never returned however his legacy lives on with the annual lighting of his lamp which is proudly displayed behind the bar all year round.
I would like to give special mention to Bert Ferris, a 90-year-old resident of Calvary, and one of only the 13 remaining ‘Rats of Tobruk’. The defenders of Tobruk are known for their determination and bravery and became a source of inspiration during some of the war’s darkest days. I was honoured to see Mr Ferris so proudly lay his wreath last week at the Calvary service. Lest We Forget.
ART GALLERY
I encourage all of our local residents to visit Cessnock Regional Art Gallery’s current exhibition – I won’t be long: a tribute to Les Elvin. The late Uncle Les gave so much to our community, it is very special to see his artistic achievements being displayed in this fitting tribute – 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday until June 5.
WELCOME TO ALL
A big Cessnock welcome to our city’s newest citizens. Eight people attended our ceremony in the Council Chambers last week along with their families and friends, each taking the step to officially become Australia citizens. You can register your interest in becoming an Australian Citizen at a future ceremony by contacting my office on 02 4993 4210.