Northern NSW Football won a treble of awards at the 2025 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards on Friday night.
NNSWF was the evening’s big winner at Belmont 16s, taking out the Outstanding Community Organisation and Excellence in Sustainability categories.
NNSWF CEO Peter Haynes was also named Outstanding Business Leader for his work growing football participation and inclusion and for his concerted push to improve the sport’s local infrastructure.
Haynes said he was proud and honoured for NNSWF to receive the recognition.
“To accept these awards in front of the Lake Macquarie business community is a humbling and exciting opportunity for our executive team and board of directors,” Haynes said.
“We understand the quality of the Lake Macquarie business community and the standard of business leaders in this region. For Northern NSW Football to be recognised and take home three great awards is really a wonderful achievement.
“It is recognition for an outstanding board of directors, a wonderful executive team, a fantastic group of staff and also a broader football family including our member zones and clubs. These awards are representative of the fantastic work that they all do and we’re really thankful for the recognition.”
Based at Speers Point, NNSWF is responsible for the delivery of football across an area of 188,000km2 – larger than England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined – and boasts almost 100,000 participants.
NNSWF Chairman Mike Parsons said the wins belonged to the entire northern NSW football community.
“These awards are a reflection of the dedication and passion of everyone involved with Northern NSW Football. I want to thank my fellow directors, our CEO Peter Haynes and his executive leadership team and every member of staff for their commitment to serving our game and community,” Parsons said.
“Our mission is to inspire and unite everyone in northern NSW to reach their potential in football. Guided by our vision to empower everyone in northern NSW to be part of a thriving community and staying true to our values of integrity, inclusivity, transparency, respect, innovation and ambition, we are proud to deliver outcomes that make a real difference across northern NSW.
“This recognition belongs to the entire NNSWF family and reinforces that together we are building a stronger future for our game."
Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor Adam Shultz said this year’s list of winners reflected the changing face of business in Lake Macquarie.
“The 100-plus nominations this year were a mix of new and returning applicants and really demonstrated how we’re seeing success across the business spectrum in our city,” Shultz said.
“That’s everything from football administration to five-star dining and dental services to design studios.”
