Annual Report 2023
This year the Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance has continued with renewed enthusiasm, ready to continue working towards our vision to foster eco-conscious neighbourhoods. I was honoured to start 2023 by representing our organisation at the official opening of our new home at Council’s Landcare and Sustainable Living Centre, umali baraki-ku.

Throughout the year we have been engaging with our community through pop up stalls, car boot sales, newsletters, community festivals, litter clean ups, community gardens and through sustainability workshops, covering topics like energy conservation and solar, waste reduction, Boomerang Bags, wreath making, Beeswax wraps, tool maintenance, sustainable Christmas decorations and growing food.

Our greening projects were a huge success with the first Tiny Forest in Lake Mac, Blackalls Park planting, Ross Street Verge Garden, Styles Point planting and the Tree Trail at the MAC, including flourishing vegetables at Holmesville Community Garden.

Our consistent work to reduce plastics and waste is making an impact as we witness our community’s increasing willingness to embrace plastic free living. Waste to Art has returned this year, engaging artists of all ages and skills to create an inspirational and varied display for our community.
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I want to acknowledge the tremendous impact of our volunteers, who are the driving force behind our accomplishments. Along with not-for-profit organisations across the country, we have felt the impact of decreasing volunteer numbers in recent years. Despite this, the impact of our volunteers’ efforts continues to increase. For example, our digital reach has grown by almost 200% since June 2020. We’ve delivered 70 events and engaged with more than 8500 people through our projects and campaigns this year. These numbers are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers.
As we continue on this sustainable eco-living journey, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers, members and supporters. Your passion and commitment are the heart of our Alliance, and your enthusiasm continues to drive our mission forward.
Go well.
Gabrielle Clappison, Chairperson
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Annual Report 2022
​A number of Sustainable Neighbourhood projects have made considerable progress this year.
The ReLeaf Lake Mac team is developing the Tree Trail at the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang. Community greening projects at Blackalls Park and Rathmines are now underway, and substantial planning for the Tiny Forest project is proceeding.
Our volunteers planted trees at eight locations for National Tree Day and took part in Clean Up Australia.
Reduce, reuse and waste reduction messages were emphasised at five Repair Cafe sessions, through the Plastic Free Cafes project, a worm farm workshop and three Waste to Art exhibitions.

We have been pleased to influence the development of Council’s Urban Greening Strategy, circular economy initiatives, and continue to actively support other key measures to improve the liveability of the city and manage climate change. We continue to collaborate with a range of generous community partners and other groups to strengthen and share our messages.

On behalf of the Alliance board, I give sincere thanks to all of our amazing volunteers and supporters who deliver sustainable living campaigns and projects to communities across the city with great energy and enthusiasm.
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Annual Report 2021
I am proud that the Sustainable Neighbourhood network continues to exhibit resilience, patience and innovation. We have stayed connected with our members and the wider community by embracing hybrid meetings, small outdoor events, social media and our citywide projects.

To our amazing volunteers, thank you. Without your commitment, dedication and forward-thinking, Sustainable Neighbourhoods would not have made the 10-year mark. In your roles as Sustainable Neighbourhood volunteers and advocates, may you continue to inspire and empower the residents of Lake Macquarie to live a more sustainable life.

- Robyn Charlton, Chairperson
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Annual Report 2020
We are delighted to present the 2020 Sustainable Neighbourhoods Annual Report, highlighting our achievements and activities in the 2019-20 financial year.
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This year has provided the Alliance and the Sustainable Neighbourhood Network with many challenges.
Through drought, bushfires and COVID-19, Sustainable Neighbourhoods has evolved and become stronger and more resilient, leading the way for a more sustainable future across Lake Macquarie City.
- Robyn Charlton, Chairperson
Annual Report 2019
We are pleased to present the 2019 Sustainable Neighbourhoods Annual Report, highlighting our achievements and activities in the 2018-19 financial year.
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 Annual Report 2018
We are proud to publish the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Annual Report 2018.
The report summarises our achievements and activities in the 2017-18 financial year.
"We are not done and there is much yet to do, but the Sustainable Neighbourhood volunteers' positivity, perseverance and preparedness to act will head us resolutely towards our vision for the City in which we live, 'Neighbourhoods that are empowered to live sustainably'."
Colin Mondy, Chairperson
Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance
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