Lake Macquarie City Council is calling for nominations for the 2026 Lake Mac Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals and groups who make a difference in their community.
Nominations are now open across 12 refreshed categories, including creative and performing arts, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, sport, volunteering and community contribution.
The awards will culminate in a celebration event on 6 March 2026, recognising the city's most inspiring change-makers.
Top honours on the night include the Lake Macquarie Young Ambassador, previously known as Young Citizen of the Year, and the Lake Macquarie Ambassador, the city's highest annual accolade.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said this year's categories had been updated to be more inclusive and encouraging, with wording designed to better reflect the achievements of nominees.
"We want to encourage high achievers from all corners of our community to get involved, including people living with disability, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and individuals who have overcome adversity," he said.
This year's creative and performing arts categories have been combined into one, and nomination forms now include clearer questions and examples, making it easier for people lodging a nomination to explain why the person they are nominating deserves the award.
The 2026 Lake Mac Awards are proudly sponsored by Avondale University and Glendale City Centre.
Last year's winners included physical activity advocate Dr Alyce Barnes, named Lake Mac Ambassador for her tireless work promoting health and wellbeing, and Emma Walsh, recognised as Lake Mac Young Ambassador for her fundraising efforts through Emma's Warriors.
Other standout recipients included The Groundswell Collective, Lee Baines from Marine Rescue, and Shay Perry, whose Lake Mac Choir has now expanded to include a children's choir.
To nominate, visit lakemac.com.au.
2026 LAKE MAC AWARDS – CATEGORIES
Contribution to Creative and Performing Arts
Contribution to Sustainability and the Environment
Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion
Young Sports Person of the Year (18 years or younger)
Sports Person of the Year
Contribution to Sport
Community Event of the Year
Community Group of the Year
Senior of the Year (65 years and over)
Volunteer of the Year
Young Ambassador (21 years or younger)
Ambassador
