newy.com.au – Nominations have opened for the 2027 Lake Mac Awards, recognising local people and groups for contributions ranging from volunteering and community work to sport, the arts and the environment.
Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking entries across 12 categories before Monday 2 November 2026. Winners will be announced at a gala celebration on 5 March 2027.
The top honours are Lake Macquarie Ambassador, the city’s highest annual accolade, and Young Ambassador, for people aged 21 or younger. Other categories recognise community groups and events, seniors, and contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Current Ambassador Professor Tamara Blakemore works in community violence prevention. Council said she had established the Centre for Violence Prevention and Healing at the University of Newcastle since taking on the role.
“Being Lake Macquarie Ambassador has been an incredible privilege; it has opened doors to conversations with people I may never otherwise have met – young people, volunteers, community groups and families who are quietly doing extraordinary things,” she said in a statement.
“I’d encourage everyone to take a moment to think about who makes a difference in their corner of Lake Macquarie and put them forward. Being recognised can mean more than people realise.”
Previous recipients include Young Ambassador Shania Aiolupotea, a leader at Southlakes Roosters Rugby League Football Club, and Belmont Hospital Volunteers, named Community Group of the Year for its fundraising and support work.
Community greening organisation The Groundswell Collective received the Contribution to Sustainability and the Environment award, while Dawn Lambert was named Senior of the Year for leadership, community service and volunteering spanning more than five decades.
People can nominate themselves or someone else by completing the online nomination form on council’s Lake Mac Awards page.
