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.
On behalf of the Lake Macquarie community, I congratulate Southlakes U3A on reaching an incredible milestone, namely, its 10th anniversary.
U3A's motto, "Learn, Laugh, Live", is more than just words; it's a reflection of the vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring community this organisation has built.…
I congratulate Dr Alyce Barnes, who has recently been awarded the highest civic honour, named the 2025 Lake Macquarie Ambassador. Dr Barnes is a University of Newcastle researcher who co-led the internationally acclaimed "Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered" program.…
Politics isn't a subject you'd typically expect to find in a children's book, but Lake Macquarie author/illustrator Sheree Chambers has managed to produce a picture book on democracy that's informative, factual and fun. Titled 'You Can Be Prime Minister', Sheree's book employs literary tactics such as rhyme, rhythm and fun illustrations to educate young readers about political processes.…
Since the mid-70s the Toronto Amateur Sailing Club [TASC] has been a flagship of the Lake Macqaurie community and was recently recognised in the 2025 Lake Mac Awards, being highly commended in the Community Group of the Year category.…
For more than 30 years, the Westlakes Athletic Club has provided a safe and encouraging haven for anyone and everyone interested in athletics, regardless of age or ability, at the Wangi Oval.…
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 Stephen played a pivotal role in helping students to complete the gruelling Action for Agape Ride.…
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, riders competed in five thrilling events: All Mountain Enduro, Flow, Dual Slalom, Pump Track, and the Cannonball Downhill track.…
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-Roberts from Charlton Christian College, who managed to encapsulate this topic through her work 'A Bag is a Bag; Wrapped in Plastic, Held in Fear'.…
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 the Museum of Art and Culture, Lake Macquarie. This exhibition showcases the very best of last year's HSC Visual Arts cohort.…
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 the Museum of Art and Culture. Simply Being, a deeply moving piece created with charcoal and soft pastels on paper, portrays three significant people from Jess's life.…