11/06/2026
Well done to the nominees who received an Honourable Mention in the Environment, Infrastructure and Recreation Local Heroes Award – Regional category, coming very close to winning one of the official prizes.
Naomi, Ben, Lee, Debbie and Leteisha from Cessnock City Council's Waste Management Centre were recognised for their extraordinary courage, teamwork and compassion during a workplace medical emergency in September 2025. When a colleague suffered a major heart attack, Naomi, Ben and Lee acted immediately, performing CPR and using a defibrillator to sustain his life until paramedics arrived, while Debbie and Leteisha coordinated vital support behind the scenes.
Paramedics confirmed their swift actions gave their colleague valuable extra time, allowing him to spend his final days with family. The facility remained operational during the incident, requiring staff to simultaneously manage members of the public onsite. Despite the distressing circumstances, the team remained calm, professional and supportive, demonstrating the very best of local government service.