The occasion was the launch of Council’s ‘pop-up chill out zones’, which are being placed in popular locations around the Lake over the school holidays to encourage activity and enjoyment of our great outdoor environment. By putting bright outdoor furniture, umbrellas, ping pong tables and tether tennis poles on the foreshore, we want to encourage residents to take a second look at our waterside public spaces and reimagine how they use those places.

It is human nature to become complacent about the good things around us, so it is beneficial to be reminded every now and again of what a diverse and wonderful environment we are fortunate to live in.

Holidays are the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with Lake Macquarie’s natural assets – or perhaps discover new places. Council’s summer holiday program, Explore Our Great Outdoors, offers guided nature-based adventures in and around the beaches and waterways of Lake Macquarie.

There are 20 different activities on offer between January 9 and January  21, including a junior fishing clinic, kayaking sessions at Wangi, nature-based art workshops at Lake Macquarie Art Gallery, sand modelling, a shark facts talk, cycling tours and more. Visit: eventbrite.com.au/o/explore-our-great-outdoors-12280988333