It's almost April, which means Cessnock's Youth Week and Seniors Festival are just around the corner.
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With more than 40 free COVID-safe events on each program, there really is something for everyone.
Youth Week actually runs for a fortnight - kicking off on Saturday, April 10 and running through to Saturday, April 24.
The Cessnock Youth Week Planning Committee are excited about the program of events they have put together.
A skate jam, live music, art and photography workshops, fitness events, a gaming day, and youth TEDX talks are only a small taste of what's on offer.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent congratulated the committee on their work in creating an excellent program.
"Last year Youth Week had to be moved completely online due to COVID-19. It's great we can now return to a more interactive format and see our young people enjoy face-to-face activities," he said.
"I look forward to the TEDX event and listening to what our local young people care about and are inspired by.
"The special thing about Youth Week is the program is created with the help of our young people.
"Well done to all involved, especially our Youth Week Ambassadors who put in a huge amount of effort to ensure the week is representative of their peers."
The Cessnock City Seniors Festival gets underway on Tuesday, April 13 and also concludes Saturday, April 24.
Seniors can take advantage of cooking days, technology workshops, heritage events, health related information sessions, gym sessions, film screenings and even ukulele lessons.
Cr Pynsent is looking forward to the festival more than ever after almost a year of limited opportunities for the community to connect.
"It' great pleasure to present the Seniors Festival 2021 to the community on behalf of the Seniors Reference Group," he said.
"Our community, over the last year, has had limited community events to attend and socialise at due to COVID-19. Our seniors community have been particularly vulnerable to the isolation experienced during this time.
"The Festival is a wonderful time to celebrate and reconnect as a community. I encourage everyone to consider participating and picking at least one event or activity to enjoy.
"Seniors card holders can get a fitness passport and access all the classes and facilities at Kurri Kurri Aquatic and Fitness Centre. You could check out one of the women's sheds in Kurri Kurri, Cessnock or Branxton, or come and see how our community feels about love at the Love Stories exhibition in Cessnock Library."
For any residents needing transport, Lower Hunter Transport Services offers door-to door return transport to events across the festival for a subsided fee. The fee ranges from $8 to $20. To book call 4019 9750.
"These events are always a fantastic morale boost for our community and I commend the Youth Week Planning Group and Seniors Reference Group for their hard work curating them," Cr Pynsent said.
Programs for both events are available from council's administration building, Cessnock Performing Arts Centre and Cessnock and Kurri Kurri library branches; and can also be viewed and downloaded council's website: cessnock.nsw.gov.au/youth-week-2021 and cessnock.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival-2021.