Lake Macquarie is home to some truly generous business owners, and I acknowledge Sam and Hayat Zoghbi from Simply Pharmacy Toronto who continually give back to our community. I recently had the pleasure of joining Sam and Hayat outside the pharmacy building for the official opening of the 'Lake and Land' Mural. This huge artwork spans the

I recognise Lake Macquarie photojournalist Carla Edwards for bringing her powerful exhibition HERStory: Remembering Australia's Military Women to the Fountain Court, NSW Parliament House. I was proud to launch the display in April, and to see these portraits and recorded stories take their place where they belong—at the heart of our public

Relatively few people ever trek to Everest Base Camp, let alone do it twice in rapid succession. I'm proud to recognise Lake Macquarie mum Katrina Croquett, co-founder of Women Embrace Adventure, who recently completed back-to-back Everest Base Camp journeys in Nepal. In April, Katrina first trekked with her husband Pete and their sons Luke,

I wish the wonderful Lynne Howard, from Peter Pan Preschool in Wangi Wangi, a very happy and well-deserved retirement. Lynne has led Peter Pan Preschool for 29 years and, under her guidance, it became one of the most respected community-based early learning services in our region. As long-serving Director, Lynne was instrumental in the preschool

For more than a decade, Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group volunteers have worked tirelessly to improve Toronto, Carey Bay, Coal Point and Kilaben Bay, helping make these communities more sustainable places to live, work and play. Established in 2012, the group developed a Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan that brought residents, schools,

We have a real-life Drop Bear in Lake Macquarie, and she is fighting fit. I congratulate Danielle "Drop Bear" Curtis from Rathmines on her latest international success, returning from Auckland with a third-round submission victory over an undefeated opponent from one of the world's top gyms. Danielle is a proud Hunter athlete and Australian

What began as a way to boost confidence and learn to defend himself against schoolyard bullying, has blossomed into a promising boxing career for 19-year-old Jack Arrowsmith from Uppercut Boxing Toronto. Last month Jack was named the NSW Orana Welterweight Champion, bringing home the all-important gold belt. The win marks a major step forward in

It's a real pleasure to acknowledge the outstanding achievement of Lake Macquarie High School, which has been recognised by the NSW Department of Education as one of just 45 public schools across the state showing the most improved HSC results in 2025. This recognition doesn't come easily. It reflects sustained, consistent effort over

In just two years, the growth of the Lake Mac Triathlon Festival was recognised by being featured on the national triathlon calendar, attracting competitors from across NSW and beyond. Held at Speers Point Park on the 8th March, the Festival brought together swimmers, cyclists and runners of all ages and abilities for a weekend of triathlon, aquathlon

Lake Macquarie is home to so many fantastic volunteer-run organisations, and I congratulate the incredible work of the volunteers at Wyee Community Hub, who recently went above and beyond to give our seniors a truly special day. I had the pleasure of attending the Hub's inaugural Seniors Fun Day, a wonderful celebration as part of the 2026 Seniors