On Saturday 8 February, the Lake Mac Awards were held at Swansea RSL celebrating the people and groups that demonstrate the creative, active and inclusive community that make up the Lake Macquarie region.

This year’s awards were expanded to include 11 categories, including two new awards recognising achievements in arts and creative production.

Flying ace Matt Hall was named Lake Macquarie’s Sports Star of the Year for his outstanding performance on the world stage.

The veteran pilot, who took out the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in September, was among the high achievers recognised for their excellence at Saturday night’s 2020 Lake Mac Awards.

“My passion for aviation started here in Lake Macquarie, and now, all these years later, this award has made it all worthwhile to represent the City doing something I’m still passionate about,” he said.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the awards highlighted the achievements, dedication and tireless work of people in the local community.

“The Lake Mac Awards demonstrate the breadth and depth of talent and passion in our City,” she said.

“I want to congratulate not only this year’s winners, but all finalists and nominees – and everyone else in our community who works behind the scenes to make it a better place.”

Rhonda Finlay, who has dedicated countless hours to a range of initiatives assisting Aboriginal welfare and education, as well as Wangi Lions Club, received the 2020 Ambassador Award.

Mayor Kay Fraser, who presented the award, noted the years of effort Rhonda had put into Lake Macquarie’s community.

“What an incredible woman, and a very fitting ambassador for our City,” she said.

Fishing Point contemporary abstract and impressionist artist Tracy Thomas took out the Lake Mac Artist and Creator Award following ongoing success in Australia and overseas.

Tracy, a former winner of the International Emerging Artist Award whose work has featured on the side of a building in Dubai, said she was honoured to receive this latest accolade.

“I hope this award brings more awareness to arts in the community,” Thomas said.

“I want to inspire other people, and especially young mums, because we really can achieve great things.”

Cerebral Palsy Alliance volunteer Amelia Coleman took out the Young Citizen of the Year Award for her work with children with and without disability.

Judges couldn’t separate rising athletics star Ashlyn Blackstock and soccer prodigy Riley Pockett, with both sharing this year’s Rising Sports Star Award.

“The fact we had joint winners in two categories this year really shows how difficult it was for the judging panel to make its decision,” Kay said.

“Across the board, we were all impressed with the quality of entries and the stories behind each one.”

IMAGE | Lake Mac Awards celebrate the local community at Swansea RSL Club