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 outstanding talent of nationally acclaimed and multi award-winning artist Saretta Fielding from Toronto. Saretta is an Aboriginal woman from the Wonnarua Nation and her work deserves the highest praise. Saretta's works celebrate not only the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie and the wider Hunter Region, but also the traditional culture of her people.…
It's always wonderful to see young people accept responsibility and become leaders, whether it's within their immediate friendship group, broader school class or indeed the entire school. I would like to congratulate Chanel Boudan and Levi Venegas, and Benjamin Lindsay and Olivia Morton on their recent election as Avondale School's Primary and Secondary school captains.…
I'd like to pay tribute to Les Fielding from Toronto who passed away recently and extend my sympathy to his wife Marcia, sons Brian and Michael, daughters-in-law Michelle and Saretta, and his grandchildren Jasmin, Levi and Jaxon. Les was devoted to his family.…
Each year, 870 tonnes of copiers and printers are decommissioned. The majority of their plastics sadly end up in landfill. I'm pleased to say that one Lake Macquarie man has made it his business to save as much of this material as possible from landfill.…
No one knows when the craft of knitting first originated although there is evidence dating back to ancient times. Throughout the ages people have knitted both alone and socially, and I'm pleased to say that one Lake Macquarie woman has used her skill to bring together not only loops of yarn but also like-minded people.…
I'd like to acknowledge Ian Edwards from Speers Point for his efforts in not only overcoming adversity but making life better for many others. Also known as The Blind Chef, Ian's culinary career began in 1982 and he later worked as a chef in some of the Hunter's top restaurants.…
Along with many others in the Toronto area, I was saddened by the recent passing of Gwen Johnston of Blackalls Park. Gwen was an extraordinary woman who stood up for what she knew to be right.…
Domestic violence is a scourge on our society and unfortunately in Lake Macquarie the rate of domestic violence is higher than the State average. I'd like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of one woman who not only lived through domestic violence and found the strength to leave her abuser, but also used her experience to help others.…
Lois Simpson from Toronto has worked tirelessly to protect flora and fauna throughout Lake Macquarie for more than two decades. She has volunteered with numerous environmental projects and organisations over that time, and her dedication to bush regeneration has been relentless.…
I acknowledge the extraordinary talents of Blackalls Park artist Michelle Teear. Michelle's striking landscape paintings capture the raw essence of the Australian environment. Much like the old masters, she makes her own oil and tempera paint and mediums to create and add vibrancy to her works.…