Cessnock named NSW Tidiest Town!

Cessnock named NSW Tidiest Town!

Cessnock has been named the 2018 NSW Tidiest Town in the iconic Keep Australia Beautiful NSW 2018 Sustainable Communities Awards and picked up another six awards.  

The top award for NSW Tidiest Town recognises ongoing commitment to civic pride, community spirit, community partnerships as well as environmental achievements.  

Tidy Town Assessor Doug MacDonald spent a day in Cessnock earlier in the year learning about the multiple sustainability and environmental initiatives by both community groups and Cessnock City Council.  

The itinerary saw a stop off at the Cessnock Men’s Shed, the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery and Cessnock City Council.  

Highlights of the visit included learning about the extensive community engagement with seniors, young people and the entire community. A presentation was also given on Council’s coordinated waste and recycling program and Council’s Biodiversity Communication Engagement Strategy. The Strategy foucuses on the unique biodiversity of the Cessnock area and explains how the community can help care for it.  

Cessnock not only took out the major award but a number of other significant awards including:  

Cessnock Regional Art Gallery, Heritage and Cultural Award Yengo Gallery Wollombi, Heritage and Cultural Award Cessnock Waste Management Centre Transfer Station, Waste Less Recycle More Waste Minimisation Award  Cessnock Biodiversity Communication Engagement Strategy, Habitat and Wildlife Conservation Award Revolving Energy Fund- Energy Efficiency Project, Sustainable Projects Award Wollombi Display Board, Community Spirit and Inclusion Award

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent said this recognition is a fantastic achievement and reflects countless hours of hard work.  

“Council staff and community groups work tirelessly for our community. Their community spirit and pride is what makes our local government area so special.”  

“A big congratulations and thank you to all involved in these projects. These initiatives are contributing to ensuring the future of our vibrant, sustainable and liveable city.”  

Cessnock is now nominated in the national Tidy Town Awards which will be held in March 2019. As the 2018 Tidiest Town, Cessnock will also have the opportunity to show off the Cessnock Local Government Area as the host of the 2019 state awards.