From the Deputy Mayor - 20 May 2011
Date: 20-May-11
Author: Rachel Main
I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mayor Alison Davey all the best for her continued speedy recovery and to thank all the many community members and groups who have welcomed me so graciously in place of the mayor over the last few weeks.
Mother's Day Concert and Luncheon
On Tuesday 10th of May I had the pleasure of attending the Cessnock Pensioner's Association Mother's Day Concert and Luncheon. It was a wonderful morning filled with poems, skits and singing of many old favourites, followed by a generous lunch served to all present. I have truly appreciated becoming more aware of the valuable work and contribution of so many of our community organisations over the last few weeks I have been busier in the role of Deputy Mayor.
Citizenship Ceremony
It was a big first for me to have the opportunity to welcome two of our long-term residents as 'proper' Australian citizens last week! It is a great honour and privilege to lead people in the oath of allegiance to our beautiful country and to celebrate such a memorable occasion with them and their families. It was also a reminder to me to always be grateful for the amazing freedoms and opportunities we all enjoy as members of the Australian community.
WHO's 10th Anniversary
Recently I attended the 10th anniversary celebration and lunch of the Hunter Valley "We Help Ourselves" drug rehabilitation service. This is a truly valuable service available in our local area to those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. I had previously been aware of the great work of WHO's Hunter Valley, but unaware of the history of how they came to be in our City. Both former Mayor Merv Pyne and the late Freeman of the City, Coogan Frame, were mentioned with appreciation for their roles in the establishment of this service in Cessnock. Some of the current residents also shared their inspiring and moving creative writing, expressing their journeys of recovery.
Mayoral Debate
Last week a meeting was held by the Mayoral Debating Committee which involves, the Principals of the four (4) High Schools, members of the Rotary Club of Cessnock and Cessnock Toastmasters and Council staff. The heats are to be held on Wednesday 10 August and the finals on Tuesday 16 August. This year a workshop has been organised for the teams to attend prior to the Debate commencing. Last year's successful winner, a team from Cessnock High School, will be challenging the three other schools to hold onto their title as Champion Debaters. Good luck to all the schools and enjoy the experience of competing academically with other schools.
Free Wireless Internet Service
In the previous Mayoral Column it was mentioned that there is a free wireless internet service available in the centre of Cessnock CBD and its benefits. Recently I was advised by Council Officers that the free wireless internet service has now ceased to operate and as a result the free service is no longer functioning. However investigations are underway to reinstate the service. An option is the expansion of the wireless service recently installed in Cessnock Library. It is expected that the free service will resume in 6-8 weeks. It will be good to have this important service up and running again.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rachel Main
