As 2018 draws to a close it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the last 12 months.
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It has been a wonderful year with many highlights and also some challenges for our community.
I was reminded of our community spirit and the unity we have here in the Cessnock Local Government Area many times this year.
Particularly with the threat posed to some of our local churches, with a united voice we were able to see these important community hubs saved.
This is a good example of the importance of community spirit.
This year we have marked a number of important milestones including one year of operating the Cessnock Waste Management Centre and celebrating one year of the Garden Organics Kerbside Collection Service.
Over the last twelve months Council has been acknowledged and received national, state and regional recognition.
Council accepted an impressive 14 awards for programs and services.
Last week we received another two awards at the Local Government NSW Excellence in Environment Awards.
The Cessnock Waste Management Centre took out the Resource Recovery category and the illegal dumping campaign ‘Better not mess with Cessnock’ took out the Behaviour Change category.
Another huge highlight for Council this year was being named NSW Tidiest Town in the iconic Keep Australia Beautiful NSW 2018 Sustainable Communities Awards.
Our Seniors Festival also took out an award for the second year running at the RH Dougherty Awards, winning the Innovation in Special Events category.
Our Economic Development team took home a national award at the National Economic Development Awards for our Cessnock City Youth First Employment Project and National Toolkit.
These are just some of the incredible achievements for our community this year.
A reflection of an enormous amount of hard work happening across council.
We are truly committed to delivering for our community.
Council’s Christmas Gift and Food Appeal
At this time of year we all need to be thinking about those more vulnerable people in our community.
It is a time we support and show generosity to those who need it most.
It was certainly the case at the Kelman Estate, it was wonderful to see so much community giving, with all donations to be given to The Smith Family.
Thank you to everyone in the community who has donated to Cessnock City Council’s Christmas Gift and Food Appeal.
If you would still like to donate, donations will be accepted up until tomorrow.
Donation drop off points include council’s administration building, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri libraries.
For health and safety reasons, please ensure all donations are new and unwrapped.
This year all donations will go to the Samaritans Information and Neighbourhood Centre (Cessnock).
Christmas can be a challenging time for some and these donations will bring a smile to a family who is doing it tough this festive season.
On behalf of Cessnock City Council I wish you a very Merry Christmas. May it be safe and full of joy shared between family and friends.
