Mayoral Column - 12 March 2025
Published on 12 March 2025
It’s been really heart-warming to see such a fantastic turn out at so many of our 2025 Seniors Festival events. The festival has been a wonderful celebration of our senior community members, bringing residents together to take part in a variety of unique and enjoyable experiences. From arts and culture workshops, to technology assistance sessions, to history and heritage talks, the engagement, enthusiasm and energy from our residents has been nothing short of electric.
And it’s not over yet! There are a few exciting events left before the festival wraps up for another year, one being the Herstories Author Talk on Saturday 15 March from 10:30am – 12pm at Kurri Kurri Library. Authors Paula Beavan, Tea Cooper and Cathryn Hein will offer insights into the creative process of storytelling. This event promises to be an inspiring opportunity for attendees to connect with these talented authors and delve into the art of writing. To reserve your spot, visit the What’s On section on our library’s website.
Speaking of celebrating members of our community, we recently marked International Women’s Day 2025 with an inspiring event at Cessnock Library. The event honoured the remarkable, often unsung women who have shaped our region’s history. The powerful stories shared that day left everyone deeply inspired by the lasting impact these local heroines have had on our community.
I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who came along to the special event and contributed to Jodie’s Place, a local organisation dedicated to providing vital support and resources to vulnerable women in the Cessnock area.
On the topic of community support, I’m incredibly happy to advise that applications for the 2025 Mayoral Scholarship Program are now open.
Students often face challenges balancing work and education. This initiative aims to ease that burden, allowing them to focus on their academic and career aspirations.
Since its inception in 2002, the Mayoral Scholarship Program has supported 262 students, awarding a total of $655,500 in scholarships, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors.
Eligible applicants who reside in the Cessnock LGA and are currently studying at university or TAFE, are encouraged to apply. Each scholarship is valued at $2,500, and can be used at the recipient’s discretion to support their studies.
Applications for the Mayoral Scholarship Program close on Wednesday 9 April 2025.
On that note, I’d also like to remind local businesses that sponsorship opportunities for this fantastic program remain open. Supporting our students is an investment in the future of our community, and I encourage businesses to consider joining the program.
For more information, including how to apply for a scholarship, or how to become a sponsor, visit the Mayoral Scholarship page here.