Mayoral Column - 5 June 2024
Published on 05 June 2024
At the end of May, National Reconciliation Week 2024 was commemorated beautifully with an Elders morning tea hosted by Council at Bridges Hill Park. The event was a powerful acknowledgement of cultural heritage within our local community, where Council staff, community members and about 100 students gathered at the yarning circle to pay respects to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders.
Reflecting on impactful endeavours within our community, I’m also proud to note that since 2002, the Cessnock City Council Mayoral Scholarship program has awarded $655,500 to 262 students across the region. The calibre of students who apply each year is simply outstanding, and this year was no different. Congratulations to this year’s recipients who are studying a broad range of courses including law, social work, aviation, nursing, medicine, paramedical science, education, counselling, physiotherapy, marketing, electrotechnology and climate science.
This year, a record-breaking 16 scholarships of $2,500 each were granted, marking a 45% increase on last year. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to this year’s wonderful sponsors: Austar Coal Mine, Central Waste Station, Retired Mineworkers Association, Galah Cyber, Hunter Resource Recovery, Belford Land Corporation, Cessnock Leagues Club, Fulton Hogan, Roche Group, Dr Russell Kift NuSmiles Clinic, Lisa McGuigan Wines, Cessnock Lions Club, Bloomfield Group, Rotary Club of Cessnock, and Creightons Funerals. Without their generous support, this program would not be possible.
In other exciting community news, a brand-new, state-of-the-art multi-purpose court at Centenary Park, Abermain, is now open to residents. Line-marked for basketball, pickleball and handball, this court is equipped to cater to the diverse interests of the local community. The project underscores Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering healthier and happier lifestyles for our residents.
Construction has also commenced on a memorial garden dedicated to honouring the victims of the tragic bus crash that occurred on 11 June 2023. The devastating crash, which claimed the lives of 10 individuals and injured 25, has had a profound and wide-reaching impact, and Council has worked closely with the families of those who lost their lives to establish a lasting tribute.
Situated less than 1km from the crash site, part-way along the Branxton to Greta Memorial Shared Pathway currently under construction, the space aims to provide a serene space for remembrance. I’d like to sincerely thank everyone involved in making this project happen, including the NSW Government who are making a financial contribution. The memorial garden is set to be completed by the one-year anniversary of the crash.