"Enjoy what you've got right in front of you", "enjoy the people not the things" and "live with no regrets", wise words from a very wise woman, namely Lyla Richards who, on the 17th May 2025, celebrated her 100th birthday.

I had the pleasure of meeting Lyla recently at Kilpatrick Court Residential Aged

On behalf of the Lake Macquarie community, I congratulate Southlakes U3A on reaching an incredible milestone, namely, its 10th anniversary.

U3A's motto, "Learn, Laugh, Live", is more than just words; it's a reflection of the vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring community this organisation has built. Over the past decade,

I congratulate Dr Alyce Barnes, who has recently been awarded the highest civic honour, named the 2025 Lake Macquarie Ambassador. Dr Barnes is a University of Newcastle researcher who co-led the internationally acclaimed "Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered" program. This world first physical activity intervention program aims to strengthen

Politics isn't a subject you'd typically expect to find in a children's book, but Lake Macquarie author/illustrator Sheree Chambers has managed to produce a picture book on democracy that's informative, factual and fun. Titled 'You Can Be Prime Minister', Sheree's book employs literary tactics such as rhyme, rhythm and

Since the mid-70s the Toronto Amateur Sailing Club [TASC] has been a flagship of the Lake Macqaurie community and was recently recognised in the 2025 Lake Mac Awards, being highly commended in the Community Group of the Year category. Built by volunteers on reclaimed land, the clubhouse was constructed from donated materials, including repurposed

For more than 30 years, the Westlakes Athletic Club has provided a safe and encouraging haven for anyone and everyone interested in athletics, regardless of age or ability, at the Wangi Oval. This spirit of inclusiveness and community values recently saw the club secure the 2025 Lake Macquarie Community Group Award in recognition of the positive

While all teachers are amazing individuals, I make special mention of Stephen Hindmarsh, Head of Secondary at Heritage College Lake Macquarie, who goes above and beyond for his students. Recently Stephen played a pivotal role in helping students to complete the gruelling Action for Agape Ride. The 250 kilometre, five-day mountain bike ride spans

Members of The Hunter Mountain Bike Association have, once again, ridden the path to success when they represented the Hunter region at the recent Cannonball MTB Festival in Thredbo. Over five days, riders competed in five thrilling events: All Mountain Enduro, Flow, Dual Slalom, Pump Track, and the Cannonball Downhill track. By all accounts, it

Racism and the lasting impact it has on individuals and communities is an ugly and deeply important issue. Recently, I was blown away by the sheer talent of 2024 HSC Visual Arts student Joelle Coutet-Roberts from Charlton Christian College, who managed to encapsulate this topic through her work 'A Bag is a Bag; Wrapped in Plastic, Held in Fear'.

I acknowledge the extraordinary talent of Ken Young, a student from Toronto High School, whose remarkable HSC artwork has earned him a place in the prestigious "First Class 24" exhibition at the Museum of Art and Culture, Lake Macquarie. This exhibition showcases the very best of last year's HSC Visual Arts cohort. Ken's triptych,