It was a wonderful evening on Sunday, so thank you to everyone who joined us for a singalong to celebrate the holiday season.

A reminder that the Mayor's Christmas Appeal is open until Monday, December 16. In partnership with Samaritans, we're seeking your donations of gifts, non-perishable foodstuffs, toiletries and other essential household items so that we can provide to the many people in our community who face a difficult time over Christmas.

If you would like to donate, you can drop off gifts at Council's Administration Building or any of our Lake Mac Libraries.

This week we announced our Lake Macquarie team of young athletes and swimmers who will be heading over to Hungary next year to compete in the International Children's Games. Sixteen athletes have been selected in the team to compete in Kecskemet next July in what is the biggest youth multi-sport event in the world.

In the new year the team will step up their efforts for sponsorship, so I encourage our local businesses to get behind the team and help them get to Hungary.

There are a range of community consultation opportunities open for people to have their say. From feedback on documents focused on our library and cultural collections, questions about surf amenity at Blacksmiths Beach, and your comment on the International Engagement Policy, there is something that covers a range of personal interests.

One opportunity that really stands out for me is the chance to share your thoughts on the Lake Mac Housing Strategy. It looks at addressing housing affordability, diversity of housing and ensure our housing meets people's needs into the future. See the Lake Macquarie City Housing Strategy at shape.lakemac.com.au