Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—Business is alive and well in Lake Macquarie, and many outstanding local businesses were recognised at the 2026 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards for their innovation, leadership and commitment to serving our community. These annual awards celebrate the entrepreneurs, business owners and dedicated teams whose hard work strengthens our local economy, creates employment opportunities and delivers valuable services to residents across the region. Their success is a testament to the resilience, creativity and determination that continue to define the Lake Macquarie business community. This year, several businesses from across the Charlestown electorate were recognised for their excellence. Flying Colours Education received the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, Strata Tech Solutions was honoured with the Outstanding New Business Award, and A Growing Understanding Speech Pathology received the Excellence in Medium Business Award. Recognition is also extended to Kira Ridgewell from Lake Mac Zoo, Creative Pipeline, Food Farmacy, Nexus Built, Healing Path to Wellness and Mileen Group, whose were finalists in their categories. Congratulations to every finalist and award recipient on this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication, innovation and contribution continue to make the Charlestown electorate an outstanding place to live, work and do business.

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!