On Monday, January 20, 14 community groups met to discuss ways each group could boost a united voice, advocating the town was still open for business.

Representatives discussed their priorities surrounding the question 'what makes Lake Cathie a community?', to find focus areas all groups could work within.

The focus areas agreed on were tourism, sport, community, business and the local environment.

"The consensus is Lake Cathie is open for business," Revive Lake Cathie president Danielle Maltman said.

Lake Cathie Progress Association's Vern Warner said that it had been a productive meeting, as lots of groups were feeling forgotten.

"A big majority of community groups in Lake Cathie attended the meeting and we had some great conversations about how we could advocate for our town together," Mr Warner said.

"Recently the Progress Association and Revive Lake Cathie have been some of the more vocal groups in Lake Cathie. There are so many people doing good things we should be talking about as well.

"The meeting confirmed we all want to present a united front, so we can lobby council and government bodies together, to get the best we can for Lake Cathie.

"We are more than just the lake - and although that is a huge issue, there are other things here as well."

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Peter Fitzroy from Lake Cathie Landcare said he looks forward to more collaboration between groups in the future.

"I think the key is we are all doing our own thing and the reality is we could be working together more," Mr Fitzroy said.

"Landcare have lots of long term plans around bush management which might not directly impact some groups but all our groups have work together.

"Us smaller groups only have a small voice separately but together we can make a difference."

The idea behind the meeting and future proposed meetings, is to seek a collaborative approach to showcasing the many beautiful elements and experiences in Lake Cathie, said Tess Herbert.

"From the beach, to nature walks, shopping, dining and sport and recreation there really is something for everyone in Lake Cathie," Ms Herbert said.

"We in Lake Cathie feel we have been forgotten and our single voices aren't loud enough to make a difference.

"We also feel that we get lost between the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie, not necessarily fitting in either community. So we hope if all the groups come together we can make a real difference for everyone."

The groups included in the talks were the Lake Cathie Rural Fire Brigade, Lake Cathie Progress Association, Lake Cathie Amatuer Fishing Club, Lake Cathie-Bonny Hills Lions Club, Lake Cathie Landcare, Lake Cathie Skate & Recreation Park, Hope Shop, Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, Lake Cathie Bowling & Recreation Club, Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Club, Revive Lake Cathie, Lake Cathie Bonny Hills Junior Rugby League Football Club, Lake Cathie Community Hub, Lake Cathie Bowling & Recreation Club.

Another meeting is expected to occur in the coming months.

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