Funding boost for NAIDOC Week and community groups across Lake Mac

More than $14,000 in grant funding has been recommended for approval by Lake Macquarie City Council to support local NAIDOC Week events. 

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At its latest Standing Committee meeting, Councillors endorsed 17 applications for a total of $14,500 through the 2025 NAIDOC Week grant program.

This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, celebrates the strength, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

NAIDOC Week will run from 6-13 July 2025. 

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the grants were an important way to empower local communities to celebrate culture and create meaningful connections.

“These grants help community organisations deliver powerful, inclusive events that reflect our city’s respect for and commitment to First Nations people,” he said.  “They also highlight how grassroots initiatives can have a big impact – strengthening community spirit, fostering pride and sharing culture with the next generation.” 

Twelve community donation applications, worth more than $22,000, were also recommended for approval, benefiting groups including Hunter Heart Safe, South Lakes Art and Cultural Society and Valentine Hydrotherapy Pools. 

“Whether it’s through art, health, safety or social connection, these programs are helping improve quality of life across our city,” Mayor Adam said.  “Council is proud to support these efforts.” 

Other recommendations from the meeting included placing the Local Approvals Policy on public exhibition following a routine review.  

The policy outlines requirements for a range of low-impact activities such as footway trading, outdoor dining, mobile vending, busking and the installation of manufactured homes.  

The proposed changes aim to simplify the document and improve ease of use. 

The meeting took place at Morisset Showground as part of Council’s city-wide road show, launched after a fire damaged the Council Chambers in late 2024.  

“It’s been so wonderful to get out and about in Lake Macquarie and bring local decision making to everyone’s doorstep,” he said. 

Previous stops have included Windale Hub, bilyabayi, the Swansea Centre and Avondale University. 

The Council meeting marked another momentous occasion, with Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz chairing the meeting while wearing a Macquarie Scorpions jersey. 

The clothing celebrated the Scorpions’ 22-20 victory over Lakes United in Saturday’s Lake Macquarie Challenge Shield rugby league match. 

“The Lake Macquarie Challenge is a highlight of the local sporting calendar, and this year's match did not disappoint,” he said. 

“Both teams showed incredible heart in trying conditions, with the Toronto Scorpions emerging victorious.” 

“Congratulations to the Scorps for their hard-fought win! The western side of the Lake now holds the bragging rights and the Lake Macquarie Challenge Shield for the next 12 months.” 

The full agenda and reports are available at meeting agendas and minutes. 

The stream of tonight’s meeting will be available online at lakemac.com.au within 48 hours