You may have seen we are calling on the State Government to support two new direct public transport routes between the Cessnock and Greta/Branxton areas.
Diverting via Maitland, as is currently necessary, adds over an hour to commute times and bypasses major employment areas in the wine country completely.
This is especially concerning as access to reliable transport is a known barrier for job seekers, and one that has been particularly acute in the Cessnock LGA for some time with data showing around 50% of the LGA's registered jobseekers lacked a licence and transport.
Supporting additional public transport connections through major employment areas, and connecting communities, is a no brainer and I hope to update you with positive progress on this important matter in the future.
In more positive news, it was a pleasure to visit the new and upgraded hockey fields at Baddeley Park with members of the Cessnock District Hockey Association.
The revitalised hockey field not only looks great, it also provides a safer playing surface. As a keen hockey player myself, it fills me with pride to see that Cessnock City Council continues to invest in sporting and recreational facilities right across our LGA. I want to thank the council staff who delivered the project and recognise that it was only made possible with funding support from the State and Federal governments.
Being the July holidays means that school formal season is fast creeping up and will be here sooner than you think! That's why we're partnering with Maitland City Council to host a free formal clothes swap event from 1 to 2.30pm on Saturday 27 July at the Gillieston Heights Community Hub.
Whether gearing up for a school formal, end-of-year celebration, job interview, or fresh start in the workplace, this unique event is specially targeted towards young people and school leavers.
Attendees are invited to bring clothing or accessories no longer used but that still have plenty of life left in them - think party dresses, formal wear, office attire, handbags, jewellery, and shoes - to exchange for tokens to purchase other items checked-in at the swap.
To register for the formal clothes swap, and go in the draw to win a lucky door prize, visit the event page here.
Nominations are now open to the City of Cessnock Hall of Fame, which celebrates individuals and families who have attained significant achievements and prominence in their chosen field, and have a strong association with our LGA.
The Hall of Fame has six categories of recognition including Arts, Sport, Public Service, Science, Business, and Meritorious Families, and is taking nominations until 9 September. Nomination forms, along with guidelines of entry, can be found on the Hall of Fame page here.
