Cessnock City Council brought together ideas from the community, Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, Cessnock Business Chamber and Hunter Water in the desire to create an iconic tourism gateway that includes local cultural history. Apex Park is located at the intersection of Wollombi Road, Allandale Road, Maitland Road and Vincent Street where over 20,000 cars pass every day. The feature statement in the form of a Aboriginal storytelling, interpretive art, naturalised waterways and a modern meeting place will signal the entrance to Cessnock and to Hunter Valley Wine Country when travelling north. Apex Park will become and icon with visitors and has the potential to be part of the Town Centre’s branding and story.
Cessnock City Council are currently seeking grant funding to enable the construction of Apex Park Masterplan.
The new park, amphitheatre and outdoor cinema was designed to provide a multipurpose outdoor space for the community and visitors to enjoy. The new park incorporates a labyrinth for kids play, an entry shelter, picnic seats, trees for shade, sculptures and an outdoor concert area suitable for outdoor cinemas. Cessnock City Council received $602,421 in funding from the NSW Government Resources for Regions Program Round 9 to complete the project. The park was officially opened on 9 December 2023 with live music and a movie under the stars.
Cessnock City Council developed the first ever Hunter Valley Monopoly Board Game following the community survey that received over 650 responses.
The Hunter Valley Monopoly edition is a unique way to promote the Cessnock Local Government Area as a must-see visitor destination. With a focus on showcasing the Hunter Valley’s exceptional tourist attractions, Hunter Valley Monopoly is a window into the region’s rich heritage and remarkable visitor experiences.
The game features locations from Laguna, Wollombi, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Neath, Pokolbin, Singleton and Lake St Clair.