Friday 21st June 2024
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By Greg Piper

It is with great sadness that I note the passing of a stalwart of the Lake Macquarie community, Ron Mitcherson. His life was one of exemplified courage, service and sacrifice. As a young man Ron served in the Army's Royal Australian Infantry Corps, completing a 12-month tour in Vietnam, where he faced unimaginable horrors while answering the

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Category: Local Legends
Tuesday 18th June 2024
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By Greg Piper

I would like to congratulate Lake Macquarie's very own wildlife warrior Audrey Koosmen who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in this year's Kings Birthday Honours, for her services to animal welfare. Audrey is a remarkable woman. She founded Hunter Wildlife Rescue almost 45 years ago and remains the not-for-profit organisation's

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Category: Local Legends
Tuesday 4th June 2024
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By Greg Piper

There's no doubt Lake Macquarie is one of the most naturally beautiful areas in our state, but like everywhere the aesthetic can take a hit when marred by rubbish left around by careless individuals. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of 69-year-old Joanna Rees from Toronto, who, for the past two years has made it her personal crusade to

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Category: Local Legends
Tuesday 14th May 2024
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By Greg Piper

Since 1955 residents of New South Wales have been able to turn to the State Emergency Service in times of need, whether it's during or after devastating storms, floods or other natural disasters, we all rest a little easier knowing their help is at hand when we need it. I would like to acknowledge the lifetime of dedication the Local Commander

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Category: Local Legends
Thursday 9th May 2024
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By Greg Piper

I acknowledge the passing of former member for Charlton and my friend Kelly Joy Hoare. Kelly was elected to the House of Representatives for Charlton for the Australian Labor Party in 1998 and held the position until 2007, succeeding her father, Bob Brown. Kelly married Reg Hoare, and they went on to have two children, Naomi and Robert. Unfortunately,

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Category: Local Legends
Tuesday 7th May 2024
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By Greg Piper

Today I wish to acknowledge the volunteers behind the Heaven Can Wait – Charity Sailing Regatta, who for nearly two decades have filled their sails with the winds of generosity and raised desperately needed funds for their beneficiaries, Cancer Council NSW and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie. This past year they have exceeded all previous efforts

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Category: Local Legends
Tuesday 7th May 2024
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By Greg Piper

Lake Macquarie is home to one of Australia's best mountain bike parks, namely the Awaba Mountain Bike Park, which is run and maintained by the Hunter Mountain Bike Association. Recently the Association hosted the 2024 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships, an event which attracted more than 1000 of Australia's best riders with junior,

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Category: Local Legends
Tuesday 7th May 2024
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By Greg Piper

I would like to acknowledge the remarkable achievements and dedication to music education of Trish O'Hearn, musical director of Catalina Brass and Principal cornet of Toronto Brass. Trish is an extremely accomplished musician and has had a star-studded career working alongside music legends such as James Morrison who just last year, she enlisted

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Category: Local Legends
Wednesday 20th March 2024
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By Greg Piper

Figure skating is one of the most physically demanding sports there is, as it requires participants to not only have excellent physical fitness, but also balance, strength, timing and coordination skills. I'm proud to say that Lake Macquarie is home to one of Australia's top young ice skaters, with 14-year-old Elise McLean recently taking

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Category: Local Legends
Wednesday 20th March 2024
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By Greg Piper

I would like to congratulate the extremely talented Emma Dundas from Awaba, who at just 16-years of age has secured a full two-year contract with the Newcastle Jets A-League Women's side. Emma is the fourth Jets women's player to be offered a multi-year contract, after playing with the Women's A-League side in the 2023 – 2024 season.

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Category: Local Legends