Local Legends

Each September we pause to remember and pay tribute to the police men and women who have been killed on duty while serving to protect our local communities. Since the inception of Police Remembrance Day 254 members of the NSW Police Force have died on the front line protecting our values and our way of life.…

There are few people who have not been touched by cancer either directly or indirectly. There are even fewer of the likes of Lisa Greissl who have not only had the strength to beat it but help to cure it.…

Lake Macquarie is blessed with many wonderful community-minded people, and a fine example is Vivienne Bruce. I recently had the privilege of presenting Viv with the Lake Macquarie Woman of the Year Award, which recognised her many years of service to a range of community groups.…

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.…

I acknowledge an incredible community effort led by Jacinta Gomez from Morisset Park. Jacinta, whose mother, Kirsten, was a teacher at Wyee Public School, was 12 when she was diagnosed with cancer in April this year. Teachers and friends at neighbouring schools soon heard about the Gomez family's plight.…

I pay tribute to the wonderful people of Wangi Wangi on the shores of Lake Macquarie who will come together and celebrate the centenary of their town this weekend. Born as a picturesque lakeside holiday town, Wangi has a history that is almost as colourful as some of the characters who have lived there over the years.…

I pay tribute today to an extraordinary man who provides inspiration to many in the community. Bill Hall will celebrate his 104th birthday in November, yet he still lives independently in his Coal Point home. Bill is a legend in amateur radio circles and much loved by those who know him.…

Today I recognise young Lake Macquarie people who offer yet more proof that our future is in good hands. At the age of 11, Cejay Alsop found himself drawn to his father's back shed at their Silverwater home, which was equipped with an array of tools including welders and presses.…

Today I recognise the extraordinary efforts of 16-year-old Nate Fullerton, 15-year-old Samuel Terry and 15-year-old Hamish Chalmers from Heritage College Lake Macquarie, who last month pushed their bodies and minds to the limit to raise desperately needed funds for Majimoto Secondary School in Kenya.…

I acknowledge a large and very dedicated team of volunteers within Morisset Lions Club which until last January had operated the Driver Reviver station on the M1 for the past 23 years.

Many motorists heading north of Sydney through the Hunter region would have seen this driver rest stop at Beresfield.…