Gratitude and giving were the themes of Lake Macquarie City Council's final meeting for 2025.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz opened the meeting with a heartfelt thank you to all who helped protect the community after a blaze broke out north of Redhead on Saturday evening, threatening homes and an aged care facility.
"When an emergency-level fire impacts our communities we can't control the weather conditions, but it is the preparedness of residents and the expertise of the emergency services that save lives," he said.
"We are all feeling a deep sense of gratitude for those who worked tirelessly to fight the fire and protect the local community.
"We're also thinking of our neighbours on the Central Coast and in Bulahdelah who have lost so much."
Councillors placed gifts under the Christmas tree for the Mayor's Christmas Appeal, which partners with Samaritans to ensure donations reach local families doing it tough this festive season.
"It's my hope that no one in Lake Macquarie wakes up empty handed this Christmas," he said.
"In the spirit of giving I encourage residents to donate an unwrapped gift to any Lake Mac Library branch before Friday 12 December if you have the means."
Two plans focused on strengthening unity, respect and belonging within the community were adopted.
The Multicultural Lake Mac Plan 2025-2029 and Aboriginal Community Plan 2025-2029, Bayikulinan, were both approved by Council following public exhibition.
"These plans empower people from all backgrounds to fully participate in civic life and local opportunities, driving innovation and strengthening our economy.
"By reducing barriers and fostering inclusion, we're building a more vibrant, resilient and prosperous Lake Macquarie."
Councillors endorsed a Mayoral Minute detailing next steps in recruiting a new CEO for Council, including the appointment of Local Government Management Solutions to assist in the selection process.
Council also adopted the Stockton and Neighbouring Creeks Flood Study following public exhibition.
The study aims to improve understanding of flood behaviour and impacts, as well as better inform management of flood risk, for Morans Creek, Stockton Creek, Mullards Creek, Clacks Creek, Melaleuca Creek and Dora Creek.
Council approved 22 applications for event funding for a total of $63,709 in round two of its annual program.
Funding was recommended for a range of events including the Australian Windsurfing Association national titles at Wangi Sailing Club, Raffertys Coastal Run 2026, a 750-person mountain biking event at Awaba MTB Park next October and the Australian Surf Rowers League national short course and mixed championship at Blacksmiths Beach.
Councillors also endorsed four applications under round one of the Community Environment Grants for a total of $19,940 for projects that showed a clear community benefit in alignment with Council's environmental strategies.
Among the recipients was MycoNet: The Mycelium Solution, which will deliver a series of workshops exploring sustainable mushroom cultivation using waste products such as hemp.
Next year's Council meetings will be held at the Hunter Sports Centre while the administration building and Council chambers are offline.
The full agenda and reports are available at meeting agendas and minutes.
The stream of tonight's meeting will be available online at lakemac.com.au within 48 hours.
