With the unseasonal weather and extreme bushfire rating, this week has been an important reminder to be prepared for any emergency. So make sure you check out the NSW Rural Fire Service website and download the Hazards Near Me app.

As part of Emergency Ready Week there are a range of resources on the Australian Red Cross website and Get Prepared app. I encourage you to check it out and create an emergency plan.

With the warmer weather comes busier beaches, and I’m pleased to announce that the beach season has officially begun! Flags will be up across our 21 beaches with professional Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving volunteers on patrol at all beaches across the peninsula from this weekend.

Last year over 10.8 million people visited our beaches, with 1,427 rescues and 4,300 first aid cases requiring attention. There were also 425,000 preventative actions undertaken by the lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers – what an amazing effort.

Pittwater is an amazing place to explore this spring, from boating to bushwalking, there’s something for everyone. Currawong Cottages is also offering a great getaway deal throughout September and October. You can find out more here.

Make sure you swing by Manly this weekend as our biggest and best music festival trumpets soulful tunes along Manly Corso and Beachfront. Manly Jazz is Australia’s longest running jazz festival. This year’s line-up features more than 50 artists from big brass bands to roving performers, emerging artists, blues inspired musicians and local school bands for one great weekend of live music.

With school holidays beginning next week, make sure you check out the range of activities at our facilities and venues.

 Have a great weekend and a safe and happy school holidays.