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

Lake Macquarie was hit hard by severe weather and flooding in May, with the SES Lake Macquarie Cluster responding to 806 requests for help, including 15 flood rescues and one evacuation.

The SES Lake Macquarie City Unit played a crucial role during this natural disaster, completing 514 of those jobs and assisting in life-saving rescues.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ron Hansard of Kilpatrick Court Residential Aged Care in Toronto, who turns 100 on the 7th June 2025.

I've known of Ron for many years, as he takes an active interest in the community and has availed me of his wisdom through numerous letters. But, it was only last week that I had the privilege

The May 2025 floods wreaked havoc in Lake Macquarie, particularly for those living in Dora Creek and Cooranbong.

As bad as it was, this natural disaster would have been immeasurably worse if not for the tireless efforts the SES Cooranbong Unit. Though they themselves were cold, wet and utterly exhausted, the 21 SES volunteers left their