INDEPENDENT west ward councillor Wendy Harrison was elected deputy mayor at LMCC's meeting on Monday night. Cr Harrison was also endorsed to be the council's representative at the NSW Public Libraries Conference in November.

LAKE Macquarie City Council has agreed to help Rathmines Memorial Bowling Club to increase patronage through a number of short-term measures including the installation of directional signage, hosting events, marketing, and refunding the club's rent. Longer term, the council will consider installing a children's playground and new kitchen at the club, which sits on council-owned community land.

RATHMINES Community Hall is the venue this Saturday and Sunday for Rathmines on Parade. The military-supported event will celebrate the Rathmines flying boat base's 75th anniversary, and the centenary of Australian military aviation. Memorabilia, interactive displays, and live entertainment will be highlights.

DORA Creek Progress Association will hold its next meeting at Dora Creek Community Hall, in Doree Place, at 6.30pm next Wednesday, October 1. The main discussion item will be the new flood study. Attendees should take a plate of food to share.

WYONG mayor Doug Eaton has called on state and federal government support as the council manages the challenges of accommodating an extra 43,500 residents over the next 17 years, requiring nearly 1200 new dwellings annually. "We will need to increase residential housing approvals by two or three fold and expedite affordable housing as well as build better roads to cope with the increased demand," Cr Eaton said. "We need funding from all levels of government for new infrastructure, facilities and services."

LMCC has approved sponsorship funding totalling $49,500 this financial year. Among the events to benefit are the Rathmines Catalina Festival and Lake Macquarie Classic Boatfest.

NORTHLAKES High School student Luke James has received a citizenship award from federal member for Shortland, Jill Hall, at a ceremony at the school. "Last week I was privileged to attend a number of year 12 farewells and presentations at local schools and I was overwhelmed by the achievements of the young people involved," Ms Hall said.

NSW Rural Fire Service officers will undertake two hazard reduction burns simultaneously this Sunday near Fennel Bay.

MOTORISTS were given another reminder this week that 40km/h speed limits are being enforced at the roadworks at the insection of Wyee and Rutleys roads, at Wyee. Police were stationed at the intersection on Monday morning, and nabbing drivers who ignored the limit.

BUNNINGS Warehouse Morisset will host a school holiday DIY workshop for grandparents and their grandchildren on Wednesday, October 1, from 10am. Expert staff will provide advice on all things gardening and DIY. Book on 4973 9600.

HUNTER Water customers enjoy the cheapest average water bills in Australia, new data shows. Hunter Water ($1079) has the lowest average water bill, closely followed by Wyong Water ($1089) and Sydney Water ($1053). The study did not take into account any government rebates.

THE winners of the Lakes Mail's Australian Reptile Park competition are: Ray Cawley of Dora Creek, Peta McLean of Bonnells Bay, and Jill Shipard of Gorokan. Each has won a family pass to the park. Congratulations!

LAKE Macquarie City Council's native plant giveaway is on again as part of the Living Smart Festival this Saturday. Residents can choose two native plants to add to their garden. Proof of address is required. If you can't make it to the festival, pick up your free plants at Morisset Library on October 1.