It is wonderful to be able to offer this important financial assistance to community groups or community projects that make a real difference in our community. There is no greater pleasure than supporting and investing in our local community.

Grants will be provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis, that is, up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the cost of the project. Applications can be for an amount up to $3000.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, March 9. Application forms and grant guidelines are available from www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/dollarfordollar. 

Residents who have purchased or built a new home in the 2017/18 financial year are entitled to eight free plants. Council’s free tree give away is on again with the popular program running successfully for nearly two decades.

Planting more trees and shrubs in our community is vital not only for the visual appeal but for the long lasting positive environmental impacts. Application forms are available from council’s customer service officers, Vincent Street, Cessnock or via council’s website at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au. Applications must be received by 5pm Friday, March 2.   

Last week we were notified by Local Government NSW we have been successful in securing a $50,000 grant to help reduce the impact of flying-foxes on residents living in close proximity to the East Cessnock Flying Fox Camp.

Council will match this funding with $50,000 of in-kind staff support making this a $100,000 project. Council looks forward to releasing more detail on this shortly.

Council was very pleased to launch the Business Investment Attraction Program at the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre on February 13.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share this milestone with our business community as we showcase Cessnock and surrounds to potential investors. The exciting initiative highlights the unlocked potential of the Cessnock local government area for businesses looking to start up or relocate into the region.

The business investment attraction prospectus offers a range of information needed by interested parties. It includes site selection information, location, economic development support services, research into sector by sector growth opportunities, commercial and industrial lands and an economic summary report.

The Business Investment Attraction Program is easily accessible and can be located online at advancecessnock.com.au/investment. 

Cessnock Performing Arts Centre’s 2018 season launch was an absolute success. The evening not only marked the season launch but the ten-year anniversary of this important cultural hub.

Congratulations to all the staff for all of your hard work over the years and for putting together another outstanding program. To see what is on this year, visit cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au/shows.