During April we held our bi-monthly Board meeting day involving the Mayors and General Managers of the member councils. Hosted by Cessnock City Council at their Performance Arts Culture Centre, the days meetings and workshops focused on:

• Refining the shared vision and objectives that will underpin our new Hunter Joint Organisation Strategic Plan 2035
• Confirming our shared regional advocacy priorities and their focus
• Identifying the most effective approach to advocacy for collaborative delivery by our Mayors over the coming year.
• Identifying Mayoral spokespersons to support our media and communications efforts across our suite of advocacy priorities.

We were grateful to receive briefings from guest speakers on key initiatives being delivered that will benefit our whole region, including:

• Andrew Warrender: Newcastle Airport, Interim CEO providing an update on the new International Terminal and associated Air Freight Precinct Advocacy along with Astra Aerolab Precinct and regional economic opportunities.
• Glenn Caldwell: Destination Sydney Surrounds North, General Manager providing an update on Hunter Global Tourism Strategy to increase international tourism to leverage Newcastle Airport upgrade.

We wrapped up the day with a tour of Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, another amazing local facility run by local government that is showcasing the work of local artists and providing a theatre for tours and events that continues to enhance the liveability of our local communities.