Food insecurity and unnecessary hunger is sadly something effecting an increasing number of people throughout Lake Macquarie. While there is no easy solution to this complex problem, I acknowledge the work of Nic Cade and Jeremy Eastham who recently opened the doors to NourishEd Australia in Toronto. NourishEd Australia is a unique charity, created

Running onto the field to present the game ball during an NRL finals match, is something many young footy players can only dream of. But recently Xavier Orchard, an amazing young sports star from Charlton Christian College achieved just that. Xavier has been named the 2024 NSW Rugby League 'Young Person of the Year'. What a fantastic achievement.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Toronto based boxer Blake Minto, who recently claimed the WBC Australasia Welterweight title in a thrilling 10-round bout against Steve Gago. The match took place at HBF Stadium in Perth, and despite Steve Gago enjoying the home crowd advantage, Blake, known as "The Beast from the East",

Lake Macquarie has produced another home-grown world champion, Stephen Craven, from Dora Creek. Braving the Arctic Circle's freezing temperatures, Stephen travelled to Rovaniemi, Finland earlier this month to compete in the 2024 Masters Weightlifting IMWA World Championships. I imagine acclimatising to the harsh environment would challenge most

It's no secret Lake Macquarie is in dire need of more health care professionals and facilities, that's why it's so good to hear when residents are able to respond to a call for help during a medical emergency. 23-year-old Chantel Johnston from Bonnells Bay was getting ready for work at Dominos Pizza in Morisset, when the NSW Ambulance

Cooranbong Public School was the first school established in Lake Macquarie, opening its doors to 38 students in 1861. Over the past 163 years, the school has served generations of families and developed a reputation for providing a caring and supportive school environment. I would like to congratulate two Cooranbong Public School teachers

I would like to acknowledge a truly outstanding achievement by Jessica and Wade Tracey, owners of the Morisset Newsagency, who for the second year in a row have been named Newsagent of the Year by the National Lotteries and Newsagents Association. Winning the award is a testament to their exceptional customer service, professionalism and the high

It is with great sadness that I note the passing of a stalwart of the Lake Macquarie community, Ron Mitcherson. His life was one of exemplified courage, service and sacrifice. As a young man Ron served in the Army's Royal Australian Infantry Corps, completing a 12-month tour in Vietnam, where he faced unimaginable horrors while answering the

I would like to congratulate Lake Macquarie's very own wildlife warrior Audrey Koosmen who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in this year's Kings Birthday Honours, for her services to animal welfare. Audrey is a remarkable woman. She founded Hunter Wildlife Rescue almost 45 years ago and remains the not-for-profit organisation's

There's no doubt Lake Macquarie is one of the most naturally beautiful areas in our state, but like everywhere the aesthetic can take a hit when marred by rubbish left around by careless individuals. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of 69-year-old Joanna Rees from Toronto, who, for the past two years has made it her personal crusade to