We are very proud to say that our Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, Steve Graham, is a part of what is Awesome Lake Mac. This group is doing wonderful things for our community and continues to jumpstart a number of grassroots projects in our region. They recently won the award for Local Community Group of the Year at the Lake Mac Annual Awards.
Awesome Lake Mac is a volunteer group of local residents who have privately funded $12,000 to support 12 community led projects and activities elevating the creativity, wellbeing and social connection of Lake Macquarie. It is like our own Lake Mac version of the Shark Tank! Awesome Lake Mac believes individuals, groups and organisations have awesome ideas that can make a big impact and sometimes need a little funding to kick start or grow. Awesome Lake Mac is a unique grant chapter; offering a no-strings attached approach to ensure it remains accessible and flexible for all.
Every month or two, three projects pitch their ideas to the Board. One projects wins $1,000 and the Board provides feedback, connections and sometimes alternative opportunities to support the development of all projects through their individual networks so even unlucky applicants still walk away with something. We often hear ideas that have pitched have benefited more from the advice and connections Awesome Lake Mac offers.
Awesome Lake Mac consists of ten permanent Board members, all residents of Lake Macquarie, who each volunteer their time and donate out of their own pocket to support community initiatives which benefit Lake Mac. In addition to the permanent Board members we have welcomed 18 guest board members who have contributed to the success of Awesome Lake Mac on an ad-hoc basis. Board members come from a variety of backgrounds bringing their passion and expertise, including local small businesses and not for profits.
Every month Board members read and consider the list of applications and vote for the projects they would like to see pitch. The Board volunteer their time to attend meetings and pitch events – taking nothing in return except that feel good feeling that they have helped others. The Chapter is simply a few folks passing on some cash to encourage another person to pursue their awesome idea with lots of trust and no fuss.
All Board Members provide a steering role to the sustainability of Awesome Lake Mac and champion activities as mascots.
Awesome Lake Mac have to-date funded $13,000 towards local community initiatives - all money out of their own pocket.
Awesome Lake Mac moved into virtual delivery due to the public health restrictions in 2020 and continued to support projects to run throughout this period. Another example of Awesome Lake Mac pivoting to meet the flexible and innovative needs of our community.
Funded projects include:
1. Accessibility in the City website and smart phone app providing information on access needs at venues around the city for people with a disability.
2. Barre and Move inclusive ballet portable barres providing accessible movement classes for over 55s.
3. Warners Bay Netball club mural and family fun day event .
4. Mt Hutton Tennis club improvements to fund a children’s and accessible tennis court.
5. Toronto High free formal wear event providing pre-loved formal attire to young people they may not have otherwise been able to access.
6. Baby in Time infant loss support group connecting parents who have miscarried or lost young children to find comfort and connection through loss.
7. Yoga Magic Lake Mac kids yoga equipment to support yoga classes in preschools and daycare centres around the Lake Macquarie area.
8. Hope in a Suitcase donating suitcases and personal hygiene items to foster children to provide a sense of care and dignity as they move between homes.
9. Fun Resources for Families and Children to provide arts and crafts for parents and children to make at home, and fund safe social outings during COVID-19 in Lake Macquarie.
10. 80s Skaties family-friendly events for anyone on wheels to skate at Speers Point Park providing speakers, merchandise and first aid kit.
11. Care Collection Days for community members to donate pre loved items and toiletries for families and childre.,
12. Warm Blankets for Everyone supporting a local charity to make and deliver warm blankets to the community made out of upcycled materials with funding to repair sewing machines.
The impact and reach of Awesome Lake Mac continually surprises. Awesome Lake Mac is a community group whose core focus is to support passionate people with passionate ideas that increase the wellbeing and social connection of Lake Macquarie and the far-reaching impact it grows. They have supported projects where the funded has improved their eligibility to apply for larger grants to sustain their community sports, or enabled a small business to begin operating, or supported individuals to continue to provide a community service which they wouldn't have been able to do without a little injection of support from Awesome Lake Mac. Awesome Lake Mac champions community spirit, generosity and giving in Lake Macquarie.
To find out more please head to https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/lakemac
