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Anna Noon

Published on 30 May 2024

Winner of the 2024 Lake Mac Volunteer of the Year

Anna Noon is constantly seeking practical ways to inspire, educate, and bring hope to our community in the face of a changing climate. A member of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance and a former board member, she is also the director of the non-profit Groundswell Collective. Anna delivers presentations, tours and talks on nature-based solutions to climate change to business teams, service groups, special interest groups and schools, along with a variety of programs that have tangible benefits for our local environment. From engaging the community in establishing tiny forests to devising recycling solutions for face masks during the pandemic, Anna’s innovative approach to sustainability is truly refreshing.

We asked Anna a few questions about her passion for Lake Macquarie.

Why do you love doing what you do in Lake Macquarie?

I love volunteering (and working) in Lake Mac because it allows me to meet and connect with so many incredible local people. Over the past two decades, I've had the privilege of contributing my time to various organisations, including preschool and school P&Cs, disability organisations and sustainability groups. Through these experiences, I've had the pleasure of meeting people from diverse backgrounds and ages. People who I otherwise may not have met.

Anna Noon photo shoot May 2024-7.jpg

What drew you to Lake Macquarie and how has your experience been living here?

I grew up in a rural area in the New England, moving originally to Newcastle to attend university. I met my husband, who is a ‘true’ Lake Mac local having grown up in Belmont North.

We were always drawn to the lake. Any free time we had we’d spend picnicking at Warners Bay, so when the time came to buy a house and start a family, the decision to buy by the lake was an easy one for us. We loved the relaxed atmosphere, the ability to walk or cycle around the lake from our front door and over time my whole family of origin moved here too!

I’ve been fortunate to travel to lots of beautiful parts of the world but am always happy to come home. We have it all here: beautiful natural areas, friendly people, safe and inclusive communities.

Anna Noon photo shoot May 2024.jpg

Why do you love living in Lake Macquarie?

I love living in Lake Mac because to me it feels like the perfect fit: big enough that there is always something happening, but small enough it’s still friendly and easy to get around.

Learn more about the not-for-profit organisation of change-makers in Lake Mac – Groundswell Collective.

Each year we celebrate unsung heroes from our community that help make our city a great place to live.