Many people would remember Robert "Dutchie" Holland taking wickets for Australia in the mid-1980s cricket tests and famously demolishing the batting line-up of the West Indies, but in Lake Macquarie we acknowledge him equally for his unswerving commitment to his local community. I have known Bob for many years and was pleased to see him

Professor Stephen Deane from Fennell Bay was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for his significant contribution to the world of medicine. Professor Deane has been a significant and driving force behind improvements to the ways in which hospitals deal with trauma patients, both at home and abroad. Drawing on his

I recently had the pleasure of attending the New South Wales Rural Fire Service volunteer appreciation service at Doyalson. Among those honoured was Neville Koch, currently the captain of Mandalong Rural Fire Service Brigade, who has served on local brigades for 39 years. I have come to know Nev and his wife, Sandy, well. Our community would be

Each September we pause to remember and pay tribute to the police men and women who have been killed on duty while serving to protect our local communities. Since the inception of Police Remembrance Day 254 members of the NSW Police Force have died on the front line protecting our values and our way of life. I recently had the privilege of attending

There are few people who have not been touched by cancer either directly or indirectly. There are even fewer of the likes of Lisa Greissl who have not only had the strength to beat it but help to cure it. This young Lake Macquarie mum was diagnosed with a rare tumour just four days after giving birth to her first child several years ago. With chemotherapy,

Lake Macquarie is blessed with many wonderful community-minded people, and a fine example is Vivienne Bruce. I recently had the privilege of presenting Viv with the Lake Macquarie Woman of the Year Award, which recognised her many years of service to a range of community groups.

I pay tribute to James Bennett, who continues to achieve extraordinary things for people with impaired vision despite his own disability. Mr Bennett, from Fennell Bay, was last month acknowledged with an Order of Australia Medal [OAM] for his services to people who are blind or who have low vision. James and his trusty guide dog, Brogan, are a regular

I acknowledge an incredible community effort led by Jacinta Gomez from Morisset Park. Jacinta, whose mother, Kirsten, was a teacher at Wyee Public School, was 12 when she was diagnosed with cancer in April this year. Teachers and friends at neighbouring schools soon heard about the Gomez family's plight. Therese Blair, a teacher at Bonnells

I pay tribute to the wonderful people of Wangi Wangi on the shores of Lake Macquarie who will come together and celebrate the centenary of their town this weekend. Born as a picturesque lakeside holiday town, Wangi has a history that is almost as colourful as some of the characters who have lived there over the years. It was home to one of Australia's

I pay tribute today to an extraordinary man who provides inspiration to many in the community. Bill Hall will celebrate his 104th birthday in November, yet he still lives independently in his Coal Point home. Bill is a legend in amateur radio circles and much loved by those who know him. He took up what became a lifelong interest in radio in the