I congratulate the dedicated team of volunteers behind NourishEd Australia on reaching a significant milestone, namely the first anniversary since opening their doors in Toronto. Under the leadership of Directors, Nicholas Cade and Jeremy Eastham, NourishEd has secured it's standing as an essential service in the Lake Macquarie area. Nick and

For the past 60 years, members of the Toronto and District Brass Band have brought a little bit of musical magic to a myriad of Lake Macquarie events. Whether it's through annual performances at Anzac Day ceremonies, community festivals, hosting concerts or fostering budding musicians' talents via their junior arm, Catalina Brass, the band

Some desperately needed new homes are becoming available in Lake Macquarie, and it's all thanks to the efforts of Lake Macquarie Landcare. Coordinator Simon Lubinski says the inspired and cost-effective project, by Lake Macquarie Landcare has already seen new homes created in Teralba with many more planned for other areas of the region. But

For the past 60 years Morisset High School has served western Lake Macquarie as an educational centre of excellence, inclusion and student empowerment. Under the guidance of Principal Darren Brailey, the school has fostered an environment where "every student is valued, every story matters, and every dream has a chance to grow." I recently

As we inch closer to the bushfire season, I congratulate the Wyee Point Rural Fire Brigade for taking proactive action to ensure their station can remain operational during anticipated summer-time blackouts. Power outages are a real concern in Lake Macquarie during the warmer months, especially during bushfires and heatwaves when there is increased

I congratulate Aunty Selena Archibald, Aboriginal Education Officer at Morisset High School, on receiving the prestigious Aboriginal Education Award at the 2025 Newcastle NAIDOC Awards. Aunty Selena is a Gamilaroi woman originally from Moree, who, for the past 25 years has worked tirelessly to promote Aboriginal education and strengthen cultural

An awesome foursome is about to take on the world-first, record breaking challenge of riding a Quad Tandem Bike from Perth to Sydney, in a bid to raise $500,000 for suicide prevention education and charity Gotcha 4 Life. This unique endeavour, termed Ride 4 Life, is the brainchild of Ride 4 Rescue founder Louise Ginn from Bonnells Bay. Completing

Engaging with the next generation of leaders is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Member of Parliament. Recently 88 young leaders from across 73 electorates, had the opportunity to speak and debate youth-led bills in the NSW Legislative Assembly, at the 2025 YMCA NSW Youth Parliament. Lake Macquarie was very proudly represented by Sienna

I would like to recognise and celebrate the life of Douglas Saxon from Fishing Point, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in this year's King's Birthday Honours, for service to education, local history and music.

Doug had a passion for local history and wrote 21 books including A History of Eraring

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Stephen Raymond of Dora Creek, for being awarded the Emergency Services Medal in this year's King's Birthday Honours. This is a significant achievement, and one that is well deserved.

Stephen first joined the emergency services back in 1989 with the Rural Fire Service, he quickly