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 acknowledge the talent and efforts of Shaquira Hobbs from Booragul who has not only become one of Australia's top photographers but is also using her talent to inspire and mentor young women. Shaquira owns Forbidden Fruit Photography and is renowned for producing powerful and emotive photographs of live music events.…
It's important that children grow up to appreciate the value of a dollar, so I was pleased to learn about the entrepreneurial efforts of some budding young green thumbs at Toronto Adventist School. Each student from pre-kindergarten all the way through to year six has been digging deep to help the school's market garden bloom.…
I pay tribute to James Bennett, who continues to achieve extraordinary things for people with impaired vision despite his own disability. Mr Bennett, from Fennell Bay, was last month acknowledged with an Order of Australia Medal [OAM] for his services to people who are blind or who have low vision.…
After three devastating years, the Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show came back for its 69th event, bigger and better than ever. The show was established in 1954 and has become a favoured annual event for generations of not only Lake Macquarie residents, but also for visitors from afar.…
I'd like to acknowledge the excellent efforts that a small but dedicated group of Lake Macquarie residents made to clean up their local environment.…
I'd like to congratulate the 10 Charlton Christian College students who have been selected to form the school's 2021 leadership team.…
It's always pleasing to see young people taking active steps to improve our natural world, so I'd like to extend my congratulations to the staff and students at St John Vianney Primary School in Morisset who were named the winners of both the 'Innovation' and 'Ongoing Commitment' categories in the 2021 Lake Macquarie School Environment Awards.…
Being diagnosed with cancer is something everyone fears, but remains a sad reality for one out of every two Australians. I'd like to acknowledge the excellent work being done by Lisa Greissl from Macquarie Hills, the founder of non-profit charity Big Hug Box.…
I'd like to extend my congratulations to an extraordinary young man who topped the State in last year's Retail Services exam for the Higher School Certificate. Caleb Baker from St Paul's Catholic College at Booragul is a true young leader.…
Every night in Lake Macquarie, an estimated 400 people are experiencing homelessness and do not have access to a proper meal. I am very grateful to organisations such as the Development and Relief Agency which are working towards eliminating homelessness and poverty in our local community.…