2003

16th January 2003
Vineyard Operators Get Behind Cessnock Employment Rally
Hunter Valley Gardens and some of the Hunter’s vineyard operators have led the way in support of the Cessnock Employment Rally organised for March 11-12, 2003.

Initiated by the Two Bishops Trust, the community rally will harness the skills of Mr Peter Kenyon, a social entrepreneur and community development facilitator. It is hoped that the rally will provide an opportunity for the whole community to work together to take advantage of opportunities to create a healthy and enterprising community.

Hunter Valley Gardens General Manager, Mr David Mulham has given his support to the rally with a substantial sponsorship deal. “By donating the venue we want to make our commitment to the work of the Two Bishops Trust in responding creatively to the problem of unemployment in Cessnock”, Mr Mulham said.

Hunter Valley vineyard operators are coming forward to sponsor a delegate. Mr Bruce Tyrrell, of Tyrrell’s Wines supported the rally saying: “the future for many young people in the Lower Hunter lies in the vineyard and hospitality areas rather than the more traditional areas of mining and manufacturing.”

Mr David Baker, Two Bishops Trust Project Development Coordinator and rally organiser says: “Support is growing amongst the business community to do something about this issue which has had a terrible effect on Cessnock. We call on all members of the community of Cessnock to be represented at the rally.”

“To achieve this we are asking community leaders and all types of organisations to sponsor a delegate, particularly from those most disadvantaged by unemployment. This means we will hear from those who have the most to gain from the outcomes of the rally.”

Mr Baker says that $100.00 will sponsor a delegate and provide an opportunity for local people to take responsibility for their economic future by looking for creative workable solutions to the problems of unemployment.

The rally is founded on the simple premise that each community has within itself or within its grasp considerable capacity and opportunity to influence it’s social, economic and employment future.

All interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to support this exciting opportunity to be involved in the process of community and economic renewal.

The Two Bishops Trust, a collaborative venture between the Hunter's Catholic and Anglican Churches, has been invited to respond to the problem of unemployment in the Cessnock local government area. The Trust aims to inspire and unite the whole community in finding workable, just and creative solutions to unemployment.

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