LAKE Macquarie City Council has been named as a finalist for the Local Council of the Year Award at the NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony last week. The council is hoping to reclaim the title it won in 2017.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Among the sporting events the council helped to organise in the city in the past year were the Lake Mac Running Festival, the Offshore Superboat Championships, Paddlefest and the National Downhill Mountain Bike Series among others.
The council is often lauded for its involvement in environmental initiatives but a council spokesperson said sport was a high priority for the city, too.
“Sporting events bring our community together,” the spokesperson said.
“They promote and encourage healthy lifestyles, create a sense of belonging and value in the community and provide a social and physical outlet for participants.”
Sports can also be a handy earner for the city as well as putting a spotlight on the area.
“Events both large and small are an important economic driver in Lake Macquarie.
“They help grow visitor numbers and encourage tourism – directly when the events are held, and through a flow-on effect with repeat visitation,” the spokesperson said.
“Hosting sporting events helps showcase our city to a wide and diverse audience, many of whom may otherwise not be exposed to all that we have to offer.”