Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said the awards gave recognition to individuals and groups based in Lake Macquarie City who had made a positive impact within our community and further afield. 

“If you know someone who has inspired you with their selfless work within the community or environment, nominating them for an Australia Day Award is the perfect way to give back to them by acknowledging their contribution,” Cr Fraser said. 

Nominations for the awards are open in the following categories:

For more information or to make a nomination, visit lakemac.com.au/ausawards.

Nominations close on October 27.

Cr Fraser will announce the award winners at a special event on Monday, January 22, 2018, at the Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre.

LAKE Macquarie City Council wants to know how seriously residents take home security, as it prepares to roll out a new awareness campaign to the community.

Council’s acting community planning manager, Wes Hain, said it was a priority for council that Lake Macquarie City is a safe place for people to live and for business to operate.

“According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, about four households in Lake Macquarie become victims of home burglary each day,” Mr Hain said.

“Council’s Lake Macquarie Crime Prevention Strategy provides a focus on actions to prevent crime across the city, including residential burglary, but we are keen to hear what our residents think of this issue and what measures they are taking around the home to help prevent crime.”

Lake Macquarie residents who complete council’s home security survey before Tuesday, October 31, will go into the draw to win one of three $50 Charlestown Square gift cards.

MEANWHILE, council is supporting the region’s youngest innovators and entrepreneurs through the Hunter Young Business Mind Awards program for 2017.

Visit ybma.com.au.