Local Legends

I'd like to acknowledge a man who has personally been responsible for making sure countless Lake Macquarie residents are dressed to impress with clean and perfectly pressed outfits for more than six decades, 90-year-old Peter Bousles from Carey Bay. Peter has been at the helm of the Toronto Dry Cleaners for most of the 65 years it has been operating.…

Lake Macquarie is home to some of the most prized gardens and enthusiastic green thumbs in New South Wales. I recently had the pleasure of joining members of the Toronto and Districts Garden Club when they hosted the 29th annual Garden Club of Australia's convention at Speers Point.…

In a time of rising living costs and expensive fresh produce, I'd like to acknowledge the efforts of Anna Noon from Wakefield who has created a 'seed library' for Lake Macquarie residents. The seed library is a community-led initiative which encourages people to share fruit, vegetable, herb and flower seeds.…

I wish to acknowledge and thank the wonderful Dianne Sykes who worked in my electorate office at Toronto since I was first elected 15 years ago. Dianne was my Senior Electorate Officer for all of that time but has now retired to allow more time with her family and grandchildren.…

I'd like to congratulate Kevin Stokes from Toronto who was named the 2021 Senior Hunter Volunteer of the Year at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. Kevin was recognised for his tireless efforts over 36 years to the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.…

In times of crisis, it's the actions of ordinary people who often make the difference between life and death.…

For some people, age really is no barrier to accomplishing amazing feats of fitness and strength. 77-year-old Max Bristow of Blackalls Park is one such person. For more than 60 years, Max has competed in power-lifting championships around the world and during that time has secured an impressive 24 world records. Incredibly, four of those records still stand.…

I acknowledge an extraordinary group which brings smiles to the faces of many people with special needs in my community. In 2002 a group of nine families headed by John and Carolyn Thoroughgood began a group called the Waltz-Sing Matildas. Those families each had a child of their own with Down syndrome or other disabilities.…

Toronto Men's Shed has been operating in Lake Macquarie since June 2011 and during that time has provided a space for men of all ages to gather and socialise while working together to build and repair various items for local schools and community groups.…

Graham Hudson has had a very big impact on a very large number of people. The well-known and well-respected teacher last month celebrated 50 years of teaching with the Department of Education. Graham is currently teaching mathematics at Toronto High School which is where his brother Leo has taught German and French for 45 years.…