I am proud Cessnock City Council is able to support students who are working hard to achieve their goals. Often students struggle financially as they attempt to keep up with the course load and maintain a job. This practical support can help alleviate the financial strain.

I would also like to acknowledge all those who nominated for a scholarship. We encourage you to consider applying again next year.

The Mayoral Academic Scholarships are made possible by our wonderful sponsors. I thank them and look forward to the Mayoral Academic Scholarships 2018.

On Friday 5 May we welcomed ten new Australian citizens to our community. It was a wonderful service and we are very lucky to have the presence of the Australian Champion town crier Stephen Clarke who always makes the Cessnock ceremony extra special. A warm welcome to each new citizen.

On Friday, May 19 I have the opportunity to speak at the Senate Inquiry into the decentralisation of Commonwealth Government offices. I am proud to say we are one of four regional councils in NSW who has been asked to come before the Senate’s Finance and Public Administration References Committee. I certainly will embrace this unique opportunity and promote Cessnock and Kurri Kurri as preferred locations.

We are currently midway through Microchip Month of May giving residents the opportunity to get their dog microchipped for free. Residents may attend either Manning Park, Cessnock on Thursday 18 May or Stanford Merthyr Park on Thursday 25 May, both running from 1pm to 4pm. For further information go to www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/council/news/microchippingmay.

 I am happy to report we have completed kerb and guttering in Wermold Street, Kurri Kurri, finished works on Maitland Street, Kurri Kurri and completed construction on a  culvert and northern headwall as part of the Hillview Road, Greta drainage project.