The Tidy Town Awards kicked off with a barbecue at the Cessnock Men's Shed and our visitors had the opportunity to experience all we have to offer during local tours on Saturday. The event culminated with the awards presentation at Pokolbin Hall where Murrurundi was named the overall Tidy Town award winner.

In 2018 Cessnock was named the NSW Tidiest Town and this was a reflection of our fantastic community members. It is wonderful to see the Murrurundi community working closely together despite the tough times they are enduring in the midst of a harsh drought. It is a reminder of how getting community involved and engaged makes for successful community outcomes.

Hosting the awards was a big effort. A big thank you to all the community groups who were involved including Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Wollombi Tidy Towns, Cessnock Men's Shed, the Country Women's Association Cessnock branch and the Rotary Club of Cessnock. Council was also supported by Tara Naysmith, Aunty Cynthia, Trinity Woodhouse and Reece Hamilton.

Congratulations to the organisers of the Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix. This event, now six years on, is much loved and is becoming a huge attraction. Council is a proud supporter of this unique event.

Last week I had the opportunity to appear in front of the Senate Select Committee, with an inquiry into Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas. It was an opportunity to advocate for more investment in the Cessnock LGA to see an increase in local jobs and more training.

There needs to be a commitment from the Australian Government to training and investing in future talent relative to the needs of jobs of the future.

In our LGA it is tough being a young person, with only so many jobs available yet many young people looking for work locally. One apprenticeship position could easily receive over 100 applicants. We want to retain our talented young people and have them contribute to our local economy.