People in crisis are often forced to make the heartbreaking decision of surrendering their pets, just when the unconditional love and support of their animals is most needed. This reality is experienced by too many in our community, either due to cost-of-living pressures, the threat of homelessness, domestic violence, or other challenges. I acknowledge

People in crisis are often forced to make the heartbreaking decision of surrendering their pets, just when the unconditional love and support of their animals is most needed. This reality is experienced by too many in our community, either due to cost-of-living pressures, the threat of homelessness, domestic violence, or other challenges. I acknowledge

Lake Macquarie's Lisa Greissl is known for making a splash both in and out of the water and she's now made her mark on the international stage, securing a podium finish at the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai. Lisa and her rowing partner, Sam Stunell powered home to claim third place and the bronze medal in the PR3 Mixed Double

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