Community News
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Discover what's happening in your local community this February...
NEWCASTLE HONOURS SELFLESS SENIORS AND COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
For the first time in history, City of Newcastle has honoured two seniors as joint winners of the Senior Citizen of the Year award, acknowledging their decades of service to vulnerable communities.
John Cross has been recognised for his quiet, dedicated support for Newcastle residents experiencing homelessness, while Wanda McInnes-Fogg has been acknowledged for her longstanding, vital role at Zara's House, where she supports refugee settlement in Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the joint award recognises the extraordinary dedication of two seniors who have spent decades strengthening the city's social fabric.
"John and Wanda have each dedicated countless hours, often unnoticed, to supporting people doing it tough," Cr Kerridge said.
"John's consistent advocacy for rough sleepers to access care and Wanda's work supporting refugee women and children with settling and education both contribute to stronger community cohesion across Newcastle."
One of John's most cherished achievements was helping reclaim the identity of Vietnam veteran Alwyn "Shorty" Craig, from decades of anonymity on the streets to long-term housing, medical care and reunion with his family.
Over the last five years, Wanda has served as Secretary and Public Officer for Zara's House, forging key partnerships with the Red Cross, University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW to build disaster resilience and create skills and employment pathways for refugee women.
City of Newcastle also named Peter 'Sleapy' Sleap as Citizen of the Year for transforming his own stage-four throat cancer survival into a powerful force for good. Since 2019, his charity, Sleapy's Foundation, has delivered immediate financial relief and meaningful experiences to people living with cancer and their families, with 99 per cent of funds going directly back into the community.
Young Citizen of the Year went to 21-year-old Alyssa Wharton for her leadership in cricket, while Community Group of the Year was awarded to Jenny's Place Women's Refuge for its commitment to assisting women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.
LAKE MACQUARIE WELCOMES ALMOST 100 NEW CITIZENS
Almost 100 people from 32 nations became official Aussies at a special citizenship ceremony in Lake Macquarie on Australia Day, joining more than 18,800 people welcomed across the country.
The Rathmines ceremony was a celebration of diversity and belonging, with new citizens hailing from countries as diverse as Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. For Sri Lankan-born Nadeeka Parana Manage, the moment she took the Australian Citizenship Pledge alongside her husband, Rasangeeth, and five-year-old daughter, Hazel, marked a new chapter after 13 years in Australia.
"There's more of a sense of belonging, and we feel grateful to be part of the Australian community," she said.
"This is such a beautiful country. It's so free, and everyone is so friendly and lovely." Nadeeka originally moved to Australia to study at university and complete a PhD in environmental engineering, but now calls Lake Macquarie home.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said becoming an Australian citizen was a truly special moment for people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures.
"It's one today's participants will look back on and treasure for many years to come," he said. "They bring a whole range of skills, experiences and cultures to our community, and I'm proud we are a city that embraces these things."
Assistant Minister for Citizenship Julian Hill praised the contribution of migrants to Australian society, saying an Australian was "anyone committed to our country and to the principle of mutual respect for our fellow Australians."
"Every town, every suburb, every sporting club in our nation charts the success stories of migrants who have worked to build their lives and build a better Australia," he said.
MAITLAND CELEBRATES COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
Long-time educator and Rotary leader Trevor Lynch has been named Maitland's 2025 Citizen of the Year for decades of tireless service and support to his community.
Lynch has provided outstanding service as a maths teacher, committed Rotarian, leader, mentor and Chair of the Maitland HealthStays project – an initiative he's driven from inception, working tirelessly to mobilise Rotary clubs, secure funds and advocate for much-needed accommodation for families of patients at the new Maitland Hospital.
He also champions various Rotary initiatives, fostering support for young students, those experiencing homelessness and other community groups. His leadership has earned him numerous awards, including multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognitions and East Maitland's 2025 Rotarian of the Year.
Nominator Suzanne Morgan said Trevor "embodies the spirit of community service, living by the Rotary motto 'Service Above Self'."
"His quiet, unwavering commitment to service has positively impacted countless lives, and his humility in the face of such dedication is truly inspiring," she said.
The Australia Day ceremony at Maitland Town Hall also honoured five other community members. Twenty-five-year-old athlete and mentor Meg Jackson was named Young Citizen of the Year for her contributions to all-abilities sport, while Carol Coffey received the City of Maitland Service Award for her dedicated volunteer work.
Star softball player Arwen Kavanagh was named Sportsperson of the Year for her exceptional talent, representing Australia's under-18 women's team at the World Cup qualifiers in Dallas, Texas, while Alcyon Manen was announced Creative Arts Person of the Year for her outstanding contribution to Maitland's musical theatre scene.
The Maitland Patchwork Quilters received the City of Maitland Medal for its heartfelt support of people in need, having donated over 300 quilts and 200 dignity bags to disadvantaged people throughout the region.
Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold says each recipient "is truly deserving of this recognition for their selfless dedication and passionate support of the people of Maitland."
The ceremony also welcomed 25 new citizens from 14 countries to the Maitland community.
