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 would like to recognise the efforts of Paul Johnson from Killingworth, who for nearly two decades has nurtured and guided teenagers not only through high school, but also the challenging Duke of Edinburgh Awards program.…
I'm honoured to acknowledge the efforts of a wonderful woman from Kilaben Bay who has devoted more than 45 years of her life to volunteering in the community, while at the same time raising three children and caring for chronically ill older family members. Beverly Cowdroy's selfless commitment to the wider Toronto community is truly remarkable.…
I often wonder how some people find the time to get everything done as they commit their days to going above and beyond, not just for family and friends, but for their entire community. Dora Creek's Laurene Mulcahy is one of those people. I've known Laurene for many years.…
Avondale College has been an important and integral part of the Lake Macquarie community for more than 122 years, but I’m very pleased to inform the House that the college is now known as the Avondale University College.…
It's with sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Wakefield resident, Australian singer and musician Ronnie Peel, also remembered by some as Rockwell T James. Ronnie was a bassist well known for his solo 1977 Top 40 hit Roxanne, his work in the La De Das and with the John Paul Young Allstars.…
I'd like to acknowledge the work and dedication of Morisset High School's agriculture students in Years 9 and 10, along with their teachers Peter Hillard and Ali Peacock who raised some very special poultry. Three Hy-Line Brown chickens were selected as entrants to the poultry section of this year's Royal Easter Show, specifically in the egg laying competition.…
I wish to acknowledge and congratulate the Dora Creek Swampies who broke a 13-year drought at the weekend and won Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League's A-grade grand final. The Swampies took an army of local supporters up to Waratah Oval in Newcastle on Saturday and after a tight first half, ran away in the second to beat Belmont Souths 44-4.…
I'd like to acknowledge the fundraising efforts of two of Lake Macquarie's inspiring young residents, Carly Shiels and Luke Marks. Carly from Wangi Wangi and Luke from Speers Point displayed incredible dedication and hard work during their recent trip to Uganda where they worked closely with KAASO school, home to 448 school children and 47 staff.…
I'd like to acknowledge the efforts of Astrid Hocking from Kilaben Bay who goes to extraordinary lengths to protect children. Astrid is the chairperson of Lake Macquarie charity Hearts and Hands Community Development. I had the pleasure of recently meeting Astrid and some of her volunteer team.…
The idea of wasting perfectly good beer is a bridge too far for many, especially for David Woods and the Wangi Bakehouse he co-owns.…