Latest News

Today Lake Macquarie photojournalist, Carla Edwards, brings HERStory: Remembering Australia's Military Women, to the NSW Parliament. HERStory, a national documentary and oral history project, ensures the stories of women who served Australia are no longer left at the edges of public memory.

Congratulations to NSW Local Woman of the Year 2026 for Lake Macquarie Chris Gavenlock!

It was a pleasure to join with Chris this morning as she received the prestigious award at the NSW Women of the Year Awards.

I've known Chris for many years, back to our days at Morisset Hospital, and her dedication to our community is truly inspiring.

More than 20,000 Australian women will receive the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer this year.

Breast Cancer Trials (based in Newcastle) are working towards helping more patients in regional areas access cutting-edge trials and new treatment options.

Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children in NSW, and Lake Macquarie sadly, has higher rates than the state average.

Today, I joined Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison MP, to announce a $5.6 million investment to build a new pet-friendly women’s refuge in Lake Macquarie.

The NRLW season kicks off tonight — and the women are ready to play hard, tackle low, and aim high!

It was fantastic to catch up with players including Brydie Parker from the Sydney Roosters at Parliament House last week and talk all things footy at the Season Launch.…

Thank you to the wonderful members of Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle Inc for welcoming me tonight as your guest speaker.

It was wonderful to learn more about the important work you do in supporting women and girls through advocacy, service, and empowerment to create safer and fairer communities both locally and abroad.

Last night there was another Lithium-Ion battery fire in Teralba. I was pleased to hear everyone was safe and the fire successfully managed by local crews. This follows the tragic February 2024 house fire which sadly claimed the lives of two women.

A huge congratulations to our very own Christine Mastello who overnight was named 3rd place for "Woman of the Year" at the international "2025 Women Changing the World Awards" held in London overnight, with Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York one of the ceremony's MCs.

To be recognised on the global stage is nothing less than Christine deserves.

Congratulations to Astrid Hocking from Hearts and Hands Community Development, who this morning was named the 2025 Local Woman of the Year for Lake Macquarie, at the NSW Women of the Year Awards!

Astrid is a tenacious and passionate advocate for child protection, community empowerment and foster carers, both locally and overseas.

Five Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and three die from this disease every day. Known as the "silent killer", there is no early detection test for it.

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, today founder of ROC Incorporated (Rare Ovarian Cancer Inc.) Tasha Armour and, Assoc. Prof.…