From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 6 March 2009
Date: 06-Mar-09
Author: Alison Davey
Cessnock City Council goes live - Council officers have reviewed the way in which the Council meeting agendas and minutes are produced and members of our community who come to Council meetings will also benefit from the new system.
The introduction of a large screen in the Council Chambers has been integrated with a new electronic business paper system which means that as the Minute Secretary records the debate and resolutions, members of the public in the Chamber audience will be able to see this happening on the screen. Sometimes it can be confusing when there is a lot of debate around an issue, so the audience will be able to see clearly what is happening and what the end result is.
We have also introduced an electronic resolutions tracking report to indicate the progress of Council resolutions from adoption through to implementation. These new systems will assist Council in its continuous improvement endeavours.
Come along to a Council Meeting in the near future in order to experience our new communication format and to keep abreast of what is happening in your Council.
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A combined donation of $12,000 has been raised for the Red Cross Bushfire appeal to the victims of the recent disaster which occurred in the communities of Victoria. Staff, Councillors and staff members of the United Services Union of Council have worked together to achieve this outstanding donation for the families that were affected by this catastrophe.
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Community volunteers combined their efforts in Clean Up Australia Day activities on Sunday March 1 with participants lending a hand to clean up roadsides, parks and waterways at 23 registered sites across the Cessnock Local Government Area. Together these sites collected over 26 tonnes of rubbish. A further 76 tonnes of waste was taken to the Waste and Reuse Centre by local residents on the day. In addition, 6 schools across the LGA registered for participation in the Schools Clean Up Day activities.
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Last week the Hon. Michael Forshaw, Senator for NSW and myself officially opened the revamped Cessnock Civic Indoor Sports Centre. This impressive venue will provide additional community facilities for the community and will cater for a number of community based events such as civic ceremonies, school events as well as providing a great sporting facility for the community... another great venue for our residents.
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Enjoy Seniors Week next week and the great activities and entertainment that have been organised by the Seniors Week Advisory Committee. For further information on Seniors Week contact Council's Jessica Forbes on 4993 4287.
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The Mayoral Academic Scholarships Presentation Night will be held on Thursday 26 March in Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre. The night will showcase not only the academic brilliance of our youth but also the artistic talents of our young people.
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A very important event will be occurring on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March.... the Cessnock Relay for Life challenge. Every five minutes, another Australian is diagnosed with cancer, so register your team/s so you can be involved with this great fundraiser for cancer research. For further information phone 1300 65 65 85 or contact Ian or Sue Howson on 4990 7379.
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Aim as high as you can. Don't let anything limit your faith.
Alison
