A RECORD field of finalists has been nominated for the 2020 Lake Mac Awards to be presented at Swansea this Saturday night.
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They include champion athletes, tireless volunteers and acclaimed artists.
Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said she and other selection panel members had been "extremely impressed" with the quality and diversity of entries across 11 categories.
"The Lake Mac Awards celebrate the people and groups that make our city such a creative, active and inclusive place," Cr Fraser said.
"It's always an honour to meet them and shine a light on the wonderful work they do."
This year's awards have been revised to include four sports categories, two for achievements in volunteering, two recognising the arts and creative production, one for environmental enhancement and two for community contribution.
"Some of our finalists need no introduction," Cr Fraser said.
"Others may not be household names but they certainly deserve to be - working tirelessly behind the scenes to help the community."
Among the finalists are artists Helene Ruma (Wangi Wangi), Saretta Fielding (Toronto) and Tracy Thomas (Fishing Point).
In the Community Group of the Year section, the finalists include the Toronto Baths Swimming Group and Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance (Toronto).
The Environmental Leader Award contenders include Nico Marcar (Carey Bay).
Among the finalists in the sporting categories are Rhonda Finlay (Rathmines), Sharon Mackay and Katrina Croquett (Kilaben Bay), Angela Jones (Buttaba), and Dallas Barham (Morisset).
The Volunteer of the Year finalists include Bill Bolton of Blackalls Charity Band (Blackalls Park), Beth Lucas of Lake Macquarie U3A Recorder Group (Blackalls Park), Mitzi Hopwood of Dora Creek Workers Ladies Bowling Club (Dora Creek), and Penny Furner of Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Association (Carey Bay).
The Lake Mac Awards will be held from 6.30pm on Saturday, February 8, at Swansea RSL Club.
Tickets cost $75 for adults, $55 for nominees, and $35 for children, and include a grazing table, main meal, dessert, drink on arrival and table wine.
"It's always a fantastic night, not just for nominees and their families, but for anyone passionate about their community and the people who make it special," Cr Fraser said.
Go to lakemac.com.au for more information and bookings.
