For something that only just started in Cessnock, I can see it getting bigger each and every week! This event is a great thing for our region as it will help to promote the importance of a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Yesterday my wife Kathy and I enjoyed the company of the Branxton-Greta Country Women’s Association as they hosted a Biggest Morning Tea to support the Cancer Council.

It was a brilliant morning supporting a cause that so many of us have been touched by in some way, so well done to all involved. 

We also held our 2018 Mayoral Academic Scholarships Presentation at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre last night, which was a fantastic evening with some our brightest young people.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every person who received one of the $2500 scholarships. I believe this will not only help each student financially to achieve their academic goals, but it will provide them with important recognition they are on the right track.

These scholarships wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful sponsors including Hunter Resource Recovery, Austar Coal Mine, Solo Resource Recovery, Cessnock Leagues Club, Cessnock Rotary Club and the Retired Mineworkers Associations of Cessnock and Kurri Kurri.

On Wednesday, May 2 we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Cessnock Youth Centre and Outreach Service (CYCOS), which was a fantastic afternoon.

This milestone anniversary was an opportunity to look back at how far the service has come over the years which highlighted CYCOS’s enormous commitment to our local young people.

One of the biggest achievements has been the recognition of our Youth Week program at a State level. This reflects the hard work of our young people, the CYCOS team and other community groups who make the program so vibrant. Well done to all involved and keep up the great work.

We are proud to once again offer local residents free microchipping days for their furry friends during the month of May.

Microchipping your pet is one of the most important things you can do as it ensures they are easily returned home if they become lost rather than being unnecessarily impounded.

The free microchipping days will take place on Thursday, May 17 at the Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre carpark and Thursday, May 31 at Turner Park in Aberdare. On both days, council rangers will be there in the morning from 8am to 10am and then again in the afternoon from 2pm to 4pm.

While it will only be dogs microchipped on these days, cat owners are encouraged to contact council to make an appointment to get their cat microchipped.

Our popular mattress drop-off will also be happening again on Saturday, May 26 from 8am to 12pm at the Council Works Depot car park on Old Maitland Road.

We always get a huge turnout for these drop-off days and it is fantastic to be able to offer such a helpful service to local residents while also ensuring these materials are disposed of correctly.