Mayoral Column - 16 March 2022

Published on 16 March 2022

As Mayor of Cessnock, I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the former mayor Bob Pynsent, who was made an Emeritus Mayor and received an Outstanding Service award at the Local Government Service Awards, held in Sydney this month.

Emeritus Mayor Pynsent served our community for 22 years as a councillor, on two occasions served as deputy mayor, and was Mayor of Cessnock from 2012 until his retirement in 2021. The emeritus mayor has left many legacies, including Cessnock’s annual Seniors Festival, which will be held this year between March 23 and April 9.

The best outcomes for Cessnock are achieved when we listen to the people. I understand that local-knowledge must be part of the mix for any activity council undertakes, and that’s why Council invites the community to participate in decision making by sitting on committees such as the Floodplain Management Committee – which is currently open to community applicants (details on the Council website). Further to that, participation is more than turning up to vote. I encourage people living and working in the Cessnock Local Government Area to participate in the decisions of Council by providing feedback on the proposed Council projects listed on the Have Your Say page of the Council website. Currently, the Apex Park Concept Masterplan is open for submissions until March 28.

The councillors are your elected representatives. On the Cessnock City Council website, you will find the contact details of all the elected Councillors. I encourage you to reach out to your Ward Councillor and raise any issues or feedback with them. Councillors want your input and they want to hear your views. Together we can shape the future of the Cessnock Local Government Area.

Council meetings are broadcast live from Cessnock City Council’s Facebook page and I encourage anyone wanting to know about how decisions are made at Council to tune in. Additionally, the monthly Council meetings are open to the public and are held at Cessnock City Council Chambers on the third Wednesday of each month, from 6.30pm.