Surfing, Festivals and Fireworks Among Dozens of Lake Mac Events to Receive Council Funding

newy.com.au – A series of community and sporting events across Lake Macquarie will receive Council funding after 21 applications were approved at the ordinary meeting held on 30 June 2025. The funding, totalling $75,004, falls under round one of the 2025–2026 Event Funding Program.

Key recipients include Let’s Surf Lake Mac at Redhead Beach and the Youth Surfing National Battle, which will be held at Caves and Hams Beach. Other events set to receive support are the Lake Macquarie Max Adventure Race at Cam’s Wharf, the Wangi New Year’s Eve fireworks, the 2025 Lake Mac Run, and the Italian Festival Lago Di Mac.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said local events brought economic and cultural benefits to the area. “Events and festivals play a crucial role in stimulating community spending, leading to increased employment opportunities and economic benefits, as well as contributing to our culture,” he said. “Council is proud to support grassroots events like these that foster community pride and put Lake Macquarie in the spotlight.”

During the meeting, Council also confirmed its rates for the 2025–2026 financial year. These are based on a 4.5 per cent rate peg set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal and land valuations as of 1 July 2022.

An action plan arising from the Lake Macquarie Housing Forum, held in April, was endorsed by Councillors. The plan outlines strategies to improve housing supply and affordability, assigning responsibilities and timelines to each action. As part of the resolution, Councillors agreed to a 100 per cent discount on development contributions for social and affordable housing projects for the next two years.

“Removing barriers around the development of social and affordable housing is just one way we can make it more attractive for these projects to be considered in Lake Macquarie,” Mayor Shultz said.

Council also agreed to seek a transfer of registration for the Hunter Sports Centre, reflecting the expanded scope of works and services underway at the upgraded venue.

Meeting agendas, reports and the full stream of the Council session will be available at lakemac.com.au within 48 hours.