Lotta Jackson is General Manager of Cessnock City Council, in the NSW Hunter Valley, a diverse mix of towns with a history of coal mining, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, wine and tourism.

Local retail and tourism industries have suffered substantially due to coronavirus, but our community has rallied to support each other.

Council runs an Advance Cessnock website, detailing assistance and opportunities available to businesses, including resources for those affected by bushfires and COVID-19. Now restrictions are easing in NSW, we’re starting a Buy Local campaign, encouraging people to stay within our area not just for infection control, but for goods and services as a step towards economic stimulation.

There have been winners and losers – some retailers like hardware and office supplies have seen an increase in sales, even bike shops, with more people out cycling. Others have shown resilience by doing things outside their norm: some stores started delivery services; Hope Estate brewery began producing hand sanitiser instead of beer. Our library offered online storytelling for children, history sessions for adults, and its 24/7 e-Branch experienced a 31% increase in demand. It also formed a home delivery partnership with Northern Coalfields Community Care Association.

As a council, we’ve been responsive to staff concerns and haven’t stood anyone down. Our teams have been doing risk assessment and business continuity work in their specialist areas, supported by the executive, which has empowered staff to feel safe while ensuring community safety.

One of the positives I see is that, having endured climate change and bushfires, we are now giving animals and nature a breather from human impact. The environment is greener, we have clearer air and we can see the stars again. I hope we carry that forward by considering our impact on the natural environment as we move out of this pandemic.

Lotta Jackson
General Manager
Cessnock City Council