Summer has landed with a bang, and we are set for extreme heat this weekend. Hot weather can affect everyone, with some at greater risk, including seniors with existing medical conditions, babies and young children, pregnant women and others. Learn more about what to do in heatwaves.

As we embrace the extreme weather, we are concerned our beaches will be extremely busy with locals and visitors seeking relief from the heat. More people on beaches could mean more rescues and drownings.

Last year, over 10.8 million people visited our beaches, with 1,427 rescues and 4,300 first aid cases requiring attention. Sadly, six people lost their lives in the Sydney Northern Beaches Surf Life Saving Branch area over the last year.

We're doing our bit to arm beachgoers with tips to stay safe this beach season with a new 'Be Beach Safe' campaign. Please do your bit by taking beach safety seriously and spreading the word with your visiting friends and relatives.

This week, Council hosted our annual Disability Services Expo, where over 35 local service providers connected with people with disability, their families, and carers. I am so proud that we have so many local services committed to a more inclusive Northern Beaches. We all want to make life better for people with disability. We are proud of our Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which has 62 actions, from disability awareness training for staff to delivering new accessible parking spaces, and we report on our progress each year to keep ourselves accountable.

Finally, as Christmas approaches, I encourage you to shop local as much as possible. While you’re out and about, view the beautiful shop front windows participating in the Northern Beaches Christmas Window Competition. This joyful initiative features local shopfronts transformed into enchanting displays spreading warmth and cheer. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite!

Have a lovely weekend.

Mayor Sue Heins