Every community has its quiet achievers. These are the people who volunteer their time, support their neighbours, and make a real difference without seeking recognition. This page is dedicated to celebrating some of these local legends and the outstanding contributions they make to our community.
I'd like to congratulate Peter Pan Preschool at Wangi Wangi on its 60th anniversary. I was pleased to join with the preschool's directors Lynne Howard and Kristin Hopkins to mark the milestone occasion earlier this month.…
I'd like to acknowledge the invaluable support provided by the friends and families of our Rural Fire Service brigade members, particularly during the catastrophic 2019 – 2020 bushfire season. While they may not be on the front lines fighting fires, the support they offer active members behind the scenes is a really important part of the broader firefighting effort.…
I inform the House of the silver lining that emerged over Lake Macquarie from the 2016 Rio Olympics. Last Friday morning people from around my electorate cheered home three local champions who won three silver medals in Olympic sailing events. Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen raced near-perfect final races in the 49er class to win silver.…
I'd like to congratulate four outstanding students from Morisset High School who have been elected as the school's 2021 Captains and Vice-Captains. Bryce Webber and Kaylee Bercli have been elected as School Captains and are wonderful role models. Bryce is a two-time international athlete who won the International Children's Games Fair Play Award in 2017.…
I'd like to acknowledge the passing of a wonderfully community-minded man, John Benning of Toronto. John was just 79 years old when he suddenly passed, leaving behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Barbara, his children Paul, Margaret and David, stepchildren Rod, Grahame (deceased), Michael and Stewart as well as 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.…
I wish to acknowledge a wonderful young student from Blackalls Park Public School who has shown a great deal of initiative in improving his school and local community.
Oliver Croft was in Year 3 when he first wrote to me about the flag poles at his school.…
I congratulate Lake Macquarie Branch of Australian Writers which was recently named as a finalist for the 2021 Lake Mac Artist and Creator award. In particular I'd like to acknowledge the efforts of branch President Pam Garfoot from Brightwaters. The volunteer-run group was formed in 2000 to promote and encourage excellence in writing and support new and aspiring authors.…
Today I pay tribute to a man who dedicated most of his 99 years to making the world a better place. Frank Allen, from Toronto, passed away last week just a few months short of his 100th birthday. He was a gentle man, a former miner and a noted cook.…
The 2019 to 2020 bushfire season was one we will never forget. It was the worst bushfire season on record in New South Wales, unprecedented in its intensity and scale. Over nine catastrophic months fires raged across the state. 26 lives were lost, 2,448 homes were destroyed and 5.5 million hectares of land was burnt.…
I would like to acknowledge and thank members of the Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise for the wonderful work they do for the Lake Macquarie community and so many people in need. Recently members raised $12,000 for the Mark Hughes Foundation by hosting a family friendly Pig Day Out at the Toronto Hotel.…