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Professor Tamara Blakemore named 2026 Lake Mac Ambassador
newy.com.au – University of Newcastle academic Professor Tamara Blakemore has been named Lake Macquarie’s 2026 Ambassador, receiving the city’s top annual civic award at Friday night’s Lake Mac Awards for her work in community violence prevention.
Professor Blakemore was recognised as a global leader in the field and as a driving force behind the “Name, Narrate, Navigate” program, which helps young people deal with violence in their lives. She has also trained more than 2500 practitioners and attracted $6.5 million in research funding to the region.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said her achievements showed regional communities could lead global innovation in tackling complex social challenges. Professor Blakemore will serve as the city’s Ambassador over the next 12 months.
The 2026 Lake Mac Awards covered 12 categories. Other winners included Shania Aiolupotea as Young Ambassador, Belmont Hospital Volunteers as Community Group of the Year, The Groundswell Collective for Contribution to Sustainability and the Environment, and Jamal Box as Volunteer of the Year.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ambassador Outstanding contribution to the Lake Macquarie community | Professor Tamara Blakemore |
| Young Ambassador Outstanding demonstration of leadership, skills and community contribution (under 21) | Shania Aiolupotea |
| Volunteer of the Year Outstanding commitment and community contribution | Jamal Box |
| Senior of the Year Outstanding personal achievement, leadership, skills or community contribution | Dawn Lambert |
| Community Group of the Year Outstanding community contribution | Belmont Hospital Volunteers |
| Community Event of the Year Outstanding community event in Lake Macquarie | Morisset High School 60th Anniversary |
| Contribution to Sport Outstanding contribution to sporting life in Lake Macquarie City | Hugh Tait |
| Sports Person of the Year Outstanding performance in sports (19 years or older) | Tori Lee |
| Young Sports Person of the Year Outstanding performance in junior sports (18 years or younger) | Callum Martin |
| Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion Outstanding achievement or contribution to diversity and inclusion | Elevate Esteem Training |
| Contribution to Sustainability and the Environment Outstanding contribution to sustainability and the Lake Macquarie environment | The Groundswell Collective |
| Contribution to Creative and Performing Arts Outstanding contribution to creative and performing arts | Lark (Natalie Clarke) |
