The veteran pilot, who took out the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in September, was among a host of high achievers recognised at the 2020 Lake Mac Awards ceremony on Saturday night.

"My passion for aviation started here in Lake Macquarie, and now, all these years later, this award has made it all worthwhile to represent the city doing something I'm still passionate about," Mr Hall said.

Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said the awards highlighted the achievements, dedication and tireless work of people in the community.

"The Lake Mac Awards demonstrate the breadth and depth of talent and passion in our city," she said.

"I want to congratulate not only this year's winners, but all finalists and nominees - and everyone else in our community who works behind the scenes to make it a better place."

This year's awards were expanded to 11 categories, including two new awards recognising achievements in arts and creative production.

Rhonda Finlay, who has dedicated countless hours to a range of initiatives assisting Aboriginal welfare and education, as well as Wangi Lions Club, received the 2020 Ambassador Award.

"What an incredible woman, and a very fitting ambassador for our city," Cr Fraser said.

Fishing Point's Tracy Thomas took out the Lake Mac Artist and Creator Award following ongoing success in Australia and overseas.

Thomas, a former winner of the International Emerging Artist Award whose work has featured on the side of a building in Dubai, said she was honoured to receive this latest accolade.

"I hope this award brings more awareness to arts in the community," Thomas said.

"I want to inspire other people, and especially young mums, because we really can achieve great things."

Cerebral Palsy Alliance volunteer Amelia Coleman took out the Young Citizen of the Year Award for her work with children with and without a disability.

Judges couldn't separate rising athletics star Ashlyn Blackstock and soccer prodigy Riley Pockett, with both sharing this year's Rising Sports Star Award.

Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland received the Sports Leader Award.