MORE than 10,000 visitors converged in Lake Macquarie on Saturday, September 21, for the 13th annual Living Smart Festival.
Three major headliners - Alone Australia winner Gina Chick, River Cottage Australia host Paul West and MasterChef Australia contestant turned food influencer Steph De Sousa took turns spilling their secrets on sustainable living and cooking as part of the festival.
There was plenty to see and do on the day including a First Nations Zone with traditional arts and craft workshop and a World Zone, featuring stalls from countries and cultures across the globe.
The community got a special look and taste at Mexico, Tibet, Italy, Colombia, Syria and Kenya.
In the school garden bed competition, Floraville Public School took out the winning title, where students had to create raised garden beds reflecting the theme of the festival. GEM Academy at Hunter Sports High won the People's Choice award.
Mexico artist Goya Torres who now calls Lake Macquarie home, painted a mural on the day where visitors could leave a message.
Lake Macquarie City Council coordinator sustainability engagement Chris Harle, said the festival united people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate culture, community and sustainable living.
"The energy from start to finish was incredible," she said.
"We had a real focus this year on creating an inclusive event that would appeal to everyone, from those who are already well entrenched in sustainable living to those who are just starting out on that journey."
