I would like to acknowledge the exemplary career of Alan Robinson who has recently retired from the NSW Rural Fire Service after nearly 60 years. Alan joined the Blaxland Volunteer NSW Bush Fire Brigades in 1967. He has been involved in many campaign fires and significant fire seasons, including the 1968 Blue Mountains bushfires, 1974 to 1975 bushfire

17-year-old Makaylah Fenwick from Awaba really has secured gold at the end of a rainbow. Makaylah is an extremely talented horse rider, and in January rode her eight-year-old gelding, Rainbow Man, to victory taking out the Off the Track Cup at the Magic Millions Showjumping and Polo event held in Queensland.

Whether they're spinning a yarn or weaving the fibres of new friendships, the members of the Morisset Spinners and Weavers have been a tight knit community group for the past 40 years. It all began in 1984, when an advertisement was placed in a local newspaper calling on anyone who had an interest in spinning and weaving to come together at

I acknowledge two remarkable individuals, Kelvin and Julie Ward from Silverwater whose dedication to the Lake Macquarie community and the environment is truly inspiring. As founding leaders of the Sunshine and Silverwater Landcare Group, Kelvin and Julie have been instrumental in leading efforts to protect and restore the natural beauty of the Morisset

Ian and Leanda Guy are an extraordinary couple from Coal Point, who embody selfless dedication and excellence as volunteers with the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie unit. They have not only committed themselves to serving our community but have also showcased their remarkable skills in the angling categories of the 2024 Police and Emergency Services

Food insecurity and unnecessary hunger is sadly something effecting an increasing number of people throughout Lake Macquarie. While there is no easy solution to this complex problem, I acknowledge the work of Nic Cade and Jeremy Eastham who recently opened the doors to NourishEd Australia in Toronto. NourishEd Australia is a unique charity, created

Running onto the field to present the game ball during an NRL finals match, is something many young footy players can only dream of. But recently Xavier Orchard, an amazing young sports star from Charlton Christian College achieved just that. Xavier has been named the 2024 NSW Rugby League 'Young Person of the Year'. What a fantastic achievement.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Toronto based boxer Blake Minto, who recently claimed the WBC Australasia Welterweight title in a thrilling 10-round bout against Steve Gago. The match took place at HBF Stadium in Perth, and despite Steve Gago enjoying the home crowd advantage, Blake, known as "The Beast from the East",

Lake Macquarie has produced another home-grown world champion, Stephen Craven, from Dora Creek. Braving the Arctic Circle's freezing temperatures, Stephen travelled to Rovaniemi, Finland earlier this month to compete in the 2024 Masters Weightlifting IMWA World Championships. I imagine acclimatising to the harsh environment would challenge most

It's no secret Lake Macquarie is in dire need of more health care professionals and facilities, that's why it's so good to hear when residents are able to respond to a call for help during a medical emergency. 23-year-old Chantel Johnston from Bonnells Bay was getting ready for work at Dominos Pizza in Morisset, when the NSW Ambulance