From the Mayors Desk - 26 February 2010

Date: 26-Feb-10
Author: Alison Davey
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More than 100 people attended what was an extraordinarily interesting and lively debate at the Performing Arts Centre last week.  My thanks to our outstanding public speakers who took the topic, "We should let the future of Cessnock look after itself" and mounted very persuading arguments for and against. 

Council organised the debate to stimulate discussion within our community about how we want to see the Cessnock LGA in 10 years time because from this week we are starting our series of community workshops.  The workshops are YOUR opportunity to let Council know your visions, your concerns and what is important to you for our future.  All concerns, comments and suggestions will be taken onboard as Council develops its long term strategic plan, Cessnock 2020.  The workshops are being held in eight locations across the LGA and I urge every one of you to attend a workshop and let your views be heard.

As Council wants to know what you think about the future of our community as your views are needed to develop the Cessnock 2020 Community Plan to guide the future of our community over the next 10 years.

You can have your say in a number of ways:

• By attending an interactive community workshop,
• By completing the community survey available online at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au
• By participating in the online forum at www.focusonourfuture.com.au
• By leaving a recorded message on the Cessnock 2020 hotline by phoning 4993 4330.

Community workshops are as follows:-

• Cessnock - 6 pm Wednesday 3 March at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre
• Weston - 7 pm Thursday 4 March - Weston Civic Centre
• Pokolbin - 6 pm Tuesday 9 March - Pokolbin Community Hall
• Branxton - 6 pm Thursday 11 March - McAuley Centre
• Wollombi -10am Saturday 13 March - Wollombi Community Hall
• Kurri Kurri - 6pm Tuesday 16 March - Kurri Kurri Community Centre
• Mulbring - 6pm Wednesday 17 March - Mulbring Community Hall
• Millfield - 6 pm Thursday 18 March - Millfield Community Hall

We look forward to your attendance and input into this important Plan for the future of our City.

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The University of Newcastle is presently seeking nominations for their Leadership Award.  This award aims to recognise and encourage emerging leaders in the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast regions and they are open to individuals aged less than 35 years on 1 January 2010.  This is a great opportunity to recognise, encourage and further the capabilities of tomorrow's leaders.  For information on the Awards go to the Newcastle University website www.leadershipaward.com.au to download a copy of the nomination form.

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Nominations have been received by Council for our Senior Citizen of the Year.  This prestigious award will be announced at our Presentation Day to be held on 25 March at the Performing Arts Centre.  The morning will include music from Cessnock West Public School, Ron Brown reciting his hilarious and enjoyable poems, singing by the very popular Glenn Ward, with a special appearance by "Elvis" Norm Bakker to delight you with music from the past.  For further information on activities throughout Seniors Week please contact Jessica Forbes on 4993 4287.

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Even if you're dealt a bad hand in life, with courage, faith and a belief in yourself, you can play it well.

Alison