From the (Deputy) Mayors Desk - 6 May 2011

Date: 06-May-11
Author: Alison Davey and Rachel Main
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I have had many calls, cards and flowers from residents about my health and I am pleased to advise that I am recovering well. I take this opportunity to thank the nursing staff and medical officers at Cessnock Hospital for looking after me during my stay.

During my absence the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rachel Main, has been performing many of my Mayoral functions and has been doing a great job and this column is written by Rachel about some of the functions she attended.

Anzac Day

It gave me great pleasure to attend the Wollombi Anzac Day Dawn Service on behalf of the Mayor this year. It was a beautifully reverent service in the idyllic backdrop of the Wollombi valley and a truly magical experience with the Kookaburras singing in the background. Well done to Ken Maurer and his team for their efforts in organising such a memorable occasion.

I also attended the Main Service and March in Cessnock later in the day and am always proud to see so many of our school children and young people marching in honour of our diggers, past and present.

Business Breakfast

I attended the recent April Business Breakfast which was a belated celebration of International Women's Day. Dr Jennifer Waterhouse, Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle (and Secretary of Lovedale Chamber of Commerce), gave a wonderful speech on the need to address the gender inequality still evident in the corporate world. It was great to be able to meet and network with so many of the inspiring women in our community.

St Philip's "Turning of the Sod" Service

It was with great anticipation and excitement that I attended St Philip's Christian College's "Turning of the Sod" Ceremony last Friday. The entire school and community met on the Nulkaba site for a service to signify the commencement of building works for the new school. Congratulations must go to Principal Malcolm Bromhead for his resolve in finally seeing his vision starting to be realised. I was personally very pleased to attend in a triple capacity as a school parent, teacher and the Deputy Mayor!

Free Wireless Internet Access

I would like to remind you about the free wireless internet service which is available in the centre of the Cessnock CBD, which was initiated and organised by Council in 2010. This access is available within 100 metres of the junction of Cooper and Vincent Streets and local businesses are able to advertise on the homepage of the internet service for a small fee. Those who are interested should contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 4993 4300 who will give details of the provider. Another initiative by Council is the free wireless internet access at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries for those who wish to take their own laptop computers to the Libraries for research purposes. This service will be very useful for senior high school students and tertiary students as well as people who, for example, may be researching their family history.

'Life is a school. Those who learn to love and help others graduate with honours'

Alison