World champion cliff-diver Rhiannon Iffland, Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie volunteer Lee Baines, and renowned mural artist Goya Torres are just a few of the remarkable finalists vying for top honors at the 2025 Lake Mac Awards. These awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the local community, cover a wide array of categories ranging from charitable endeavors to sports achievements on the global stage.
This year’s edition boasts 13 distinct categories, with the prestigious Lake Mac Ambassador title standing out as the city’s ultimate accolade. Former RAAF ‘Top Gun’ pilot and local entrepreneur Matt Hall, the 2024 Lake Mac Ambassador, will pass on the torch to one of six distinguished finalists.
Among the finalists are Dr. Alyce Barnes, a trailblazing physical activity researcher dedicated to promoting fitness among girls and women; Aaron Carter, Deputy Principal Wellbeing at Wiripaang Public School, recognized for fostering community engagement; and Bradley Dunn, CEO of the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network, the largest network of its kind in Australia.
Rhiannon Iffland, who clinched her eighth world cliff-diving title last November and has been instrumental in mentoring young divers in New South Wales, is also in the running for the prestigious award. Other finalists include Ann-Maria Martin, Founder of Survivor’s R Us, and Anna Noon, Co-founder of The Groundswell Collective, both recognized for their advocacy and community impact.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz expressed admiration for the finalists’ achievements and highlighted the gala dinner on Friday, 28 March, where the winners will be revealed. He commended the passion, determination, and skill displayed by all individual finalists and community groups, emphasizing their invaluable contributions to the city.
The Lake Mac Community Group of the Year and Lake Mac Volunteer of the Year categories feature extensive lists of finalists, underscoring the depth of positive work being done across the city. Mayor Adam praised the unsung heroes behind these initiatives, noting the awards as a platform to celebrate their outstanding efforts.
The 2025 Lake Mac Awards are proudly sponsored by Allambi Care and Avondale University, with tickets available for the gala evening on lakemac.com.au. The event promises to be a celebration of excellence and community spirit, honoring those who make a difference in Lake Macquarie.
As the city gears up for the awards ceremony, the anticipation is high as the finalists embody the spirit of dedication and service that defines Lake Macquarie’s vibrant community.