Community champions fill finalist list for Lake Mac Awards 2026

Community champions fill finalist list for Lake Mac Awards 2026

Outstanding community contributions are set to be highlighted at this year’s Lake Mac Awards, recognising the best and brightest talents working for the good of the city.

The list of finalists for the 2026 awards reveals the diversity of community work and elite achievement that has taken place over the past 12 months across 12 categories.

Winners will be announced at a formal gala event at Belmont 16s on 6 March.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the awards recognised excellence and outstanding contribution in leadership, advocacy, innovation, bravery, skill or community spirit.

“Each year, the Lake Mac Awards highlight just how much talent, generosity and hard work exists across Lake Macquarie,” he said.

“Every individual finalist demonstrates real commitment and excellence in their field, while the shortlisted community groups and events continue to go above and beyond, quietly making a meaningful difference to life in our city.”

The Lake Mac Volunteer of the Year category attracted the largest field of finalists this year, with eight good Samaritans in the running.

Mayor Adam said some award categories had been revamped this year to better reflect how entrants have made tangible contributions to their community.

“We’ve also changed what used to be known as our Young Citizen of the Year to Young Ambassador, to better reflect the role the winner plays representing our city and reflecting our values,” he said.

Dr Alyce Barnes, the city’s 2025 Ambassador, will hand over the reins at the awards ceremony in March to one of four outstanding 2026 finalists, including:

• Professor Tamara Blakemore, a social work practitioner, researcher and educator who has emerged as a global leader in youth violence prevention

• Jamal Box, a senior leader with the NSW State Emergency Service, whose advocacy work extends to community safety, mental health, inclusion and wellbeing

• Bradley Dunn, CEO of the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network , who has established a free, multi-agency space for mental health and wellbeing

• Shay-Alison Perry, Director of Lake Mac Choir and owner of Sunny Music Studios, whose inclusive approach fosters creativity, confidence and community.

“I’d like to congratulate all our 2026 finalists, each of whom has a unique story about community contribution and achievement,” Mayor Adam said.

“The one thing they all share is a passion for Lake Macquarie, and I’m looking forward to learning more about them at this year’s awards ceremony.”

Go to lakemac.com.au for more information about the awards and tickets to the 6 March ceremony.

Lake Mac Awards 2026 Finalists

Contribution to Creative and Performing Arts

Outstanding contribution to creative and performing arts

• Lark• Nikinpa Women’s Art Group• Nikisha Priest• Shay‑Alison Perry

Contribution to Sustainability and the Environment

Outstanding contribution to sustainability and the Lake Macquarie environment

• Central Rankin Park Landcare Group• Gayle Russell• Jai Lonsdale• Mardi Lee• The Groundswell Collective• Trees in Newcastle

Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion

Outstanding achievement or contribution to diversity and inclusion

• 80’s Skaties• Elevate Esteem Training• Lake Macquarie City Football Club• Shay‑Alison Perry

Young Sports Person of the Year

Outstanding performance in junior sports (18 years or younger)

• Anika McCarthy• Callum Martin• Liam Blair• Shania Aiolupotea• Zachary Tait

Sports Person of the Year

Outstanding performance in sports (19 years or older)

• Brooke Summers• Jemma Pollard• Lisa Greissl• Rhiannan Iffland• Tori Lee

Contribution to Sport

Outstanding contribution to sporting life in Lake Macquarie City

• Hugh Tait• Few For Shoe• Macquarie Hunter Athletics Norm Johnson Carnival

Community Event of the Year

Outstanding community event in Lake Macquarie

• 80’s Skaties Rollertopia• Lake Macquarie BMX Club Inc.• Morisset High School 60th Anniversary• Morisset Lake Macquarie Show• Orange Ride 4 Child Protection Awareness• Wangi Wangi ANZAC Day

Community Group of the Year

Outstanding community contribution

• Belmont Country Women’s Association• Belmont Hospital Volunteers• Lake Mac Safe Space• Morisset Lake Macquarie Show• Repair It Lake Mac• Toronto Community Hub• Wyee Community Hub

Senior of the Year

Outstanding personal achievement, leadership, skills or community contribution

• Dawn Lambert• Donald Roach• Laraine Dunn• Paul Morris

Volunteer of the Year

Outstanding commitment and community contribution

• Brian McEnearney• Donald Roach• Gary Griffin• Hugh Tait• Jamal Box• Madison Lowe• Paul Morris• Sophie Van Woerkom

Young Ambassador

Outstanding demonstration of leadership, skills and community contribution (under 21)

• Anika McCarthy• Harper Nelmes• Jasmine Seidel• Shania Aiolupotea• Toby Moloney

Ambassador

Outstanding contribution to the Lake Macquarie community

• Bradley Dunn• Jamal Box• Professor Tamara Blakemore• Shay‑Alison Perry