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Local Legends

Local Legends
  • 20th March 2025 While all teachers are amazing individuals, I make special mention of Stephen Hindmarsh, Head of Secondary at Heritage College Lake Macquarie, who goes above and beyond for his students. Recently Step...
  • 19th March 2025 Members of The Hunter Mountain Bike Association have, once again, ridden the path to success when they represented the Hunter region at the recent Cannonball MTB Festival in Thredbo. Over five days, r...
  • 19th March 2025 Racism and the lasting impact it has on individuals and communities is an ugly and deeply important issue. Recently, I was blown away by the sheer talent of 2024 HSC Visual Arts student Joelle Coutet-...
  • 19th March 2025 I acknowledge the extraordinary talent of Ken Young, a student from Toronto High School, whose remarkable HSC artwork has earned him a place in the prestigious "First Class 24" exhibition at...
  • 18th March 2025 Today I recognise the extraordinary efforts of 16-year-old Nate Fullerton, 15-year-old Samuel Terry and 15-year-old Hamish Chalmers from Heritage College Lake Macquarie, who last month pushed their bo...
  • 18th March 2025 I acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of Jess Ward, a talented student from Avondale School, whose HSC artwork, Simply Being, has been selected for the prestigious First Class 24 exhibition at ...
  • 18th March 2025 I acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of Jess Ward, a talented student from Avondale School, whose HSC artwork, Simply Being, has been selected for the prestigious First Class 24 exhibition at ...
  • 11th February 2025 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 Briga...
  • 11th February 2025 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 ...
  • 21st November 2024 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 bega...
  • 12th November 2024 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 Sun...
  • 15th October 2024 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 the...
  • 15th October 2024 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...
  • 15th October 2024 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 Char...
  • 17th September 2024 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...
  • 17th September 2024 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 t...
  • 6th August 2024 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...
  • 6th August 2024 Cooranbong Public School was the first school established in Lake Macquarie, opening its doors to 38 students in 1861. Over the past 163 years, the school has served generations of families and develo...
  • 21st June 2024 I would like to acknowledge a truly outstanding achievement by Jessica and Wade Tracey, owners of the Morisset Newsagency, who for the second year in a row have been named Newsagent of the Year by the...
  • 21st June 2024 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 serve...
  • 18th June 2024 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 a...
  • 4th June 2024 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 individua...
  • 14th May 2024 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, ...
  • 9th May 2024 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 th...
  • 7th May 2024 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 desper...
  • 7th May 2024 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 Associ...
  • 7th May 2024 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 ex...
  • 20th March 2024 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 ski...
  • 20th March 2024 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 ...
  • 20th March 2024 I was recently invited to be the guest speaker at a Lions Club of Toronto meeting, and while I enjoyed talking with members about the big things happening in Lake Macquarie, I was blown away to h...