These people and community groups often do their incredible work to the benefit of others without seeking reward or recognition, which is a wonderful human characteristic.

In past years, we have recognised these people with Citizen of the Year awards and volunteer awards separately, but this year council is combining these awards together to celebrate all our amazing people at one awards night.

The Lake Macquarie Awards, as they are now known, are a celebration of local people who enhance the social, cultural, economic and environmental functions of the city or for raising Lake Macquarie’s profile regionally, nationally and internationally.

Our first awards night is this Friday, February 22, and I am eagerly looking forward to meeting all our nominees and showcasing the fantastic things they have achieved.

It is a diverse and exceptional group this year, with marine rescuers, Landcare groups, a roller derby sports administrator and an author among the 42 volunteers, community groups, and elite sportspeople who will be recognised.

I would like to congratulate all the nominees on their achievements so far. Thank you for your continued effort and commitment to our city.

I wish you all the very best of luck for the Lake Macquarie Awards.

For more information about our award nominees visit lakemac.com.au

Next Wednesday, council will be opening the Awaba Waste Management Facility’s $30 million expansion, including the new Community Recycling Centre, Weighbridge, Waste Transfer Station and other site facilities.

Wednesday will be an exciting day in waste services for our city because it will see added capacity for our landfill, easier access for customers to the transfer station, improved technology in our management of landfill.

There will also be a new facility for recycling difficult waste items, such as batteries, gas bottles and fluorescent lights.