From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 10 July 2009
Date: 10-Jul-09
Author: Alison Davey
Council has joined a growing number of local councils which have introduced no smoking policies near children's playgrounds. In 2007 Cessnock Council introduced a no smoking policy at each of its aquatics facilities. Council resolved that the smoking ban is effective immediately at all of Council's 41 playgrounds across the LGA. Council will issue warnings to smokers during the coming months while signage is installed at each playground and an education program is undertaken. It is anticipated that the policy will be self-enforced by the community as there is very strong support for the introduction of no smoking near playgrounds. I believe that the smoking ban is an excellent idea as the dangers of passive smoking in particular to children is a huge concern for parents. The smoking ban is within10 metres from the children's play equipment in the Cessnock LGA
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Congratulations to Mt View High School for a wonderful NAIDOC Week celebration which was held on Tuesday 7 July and in particular congratulations to the Year 8 students who brought the morning's celebration to fruition. I also attended the NAIDOC Week celebrations at Rotary Park Kurri Kurri on Thursday 9 July. The weather cleared and we enjoyed a wonderful morning of celebrations. The theme for this year Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Youth was very appropriate. The Elders are inspirational leaders and nurturers of our young people. Young people are our future and this future largely depends on ensuring that our children from all walks of life have a future to pursue.
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I recently attended the presentation of Certificates and special awards for the Faculty of Industry and Natural Resources Plant & Heavy Vehicle students for TAFE NSW - Hunter Institute Kurri Kurri Campus. Keynote speaker, Gavin Manning, Service Manager, Komatsu Australia gave an inspiring speech to the students and their teachers. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to the many sponsors for sponsoring this great event.
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On Saturday 4 July I attended the Rotary Club of Cessnock Changeover Dinner and District 9670 Changeover at Cessnock Supporters Club. Thank you to the outgoing President George Koncz and committee members for their outstanding service to our community and congratulations to the incoming President Graham Lidbury and his committee. We look forward to continuing good working relationships with Cessnock Rotary Club.
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The Shine Graduation was held on Tuesday 7 July at Cessnock Ex-Services Club. It was a privilege to congratulate the girls who had recently completed their course and to see how they had developed over a short period of time. Thank you to Clr Rachel Main for her active involvement in assisting these young people.
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Happiness comes from within your heart, not from your surroundings.
Alison
