This week Council held its first Public Forum and Community Engagement Forum providing the opportunity for our community to speak directly to their Councillors.

The Public Forum, held on Tuesday evenings at 6pm in the Council Chambers one week prior to the ordinary Council meeting, gives residents an opportunity to speak directly on agenda items for the upcoming meeting. Registered speakers are allocated 3 minutes to address Councillors. This is followed by a 30 minute Community Engagement Forum, allowing speakers to raise general matters related to Council business.

I encourage anyone interested in speaking at future forums to submit a request via Council's website. Registrations to speak at the forums open online on the same day the Council meeting agenda is published. Support is also available by calling 1300 434 434.

Educating and caring for our youngest residents is a responsibility Council takes very seriously. High quality early education and care deliver lifelong benefits. Council is proud to deliver 7 long day care centres, 3 community preschools and a family day care scheme providing 691 places per day, and delivering education and care to 1221 families.

Belrose Children's Centre is a standout, recognised since 2024 as one of only 29 services in Australia to receive an ‘Excellent’ rating, the highest possible recognition under the national quality system.

At next week's April Council meeting, Council will consider the Draft Early Learning Strategy, which proposes updates to the existing strategy that will ensure our services continue to meet community needs over the next decade.

This week marks some wonderful community milestones, and I was pleased to attend celebrations for the Probus Club of Mona Vale's 30th anniversary, alongside 50 years of Probus in Australia. Probus plays an important role in keeping retirees socially connected and engaged, and I congratulate all members on this achievement.

If you're looking for a creative fix, don't miss the Art Adaptation: Culture Changes Everywhere exhibition, now on across the Northern Beaches. And if you're an artist or know someone looking for a space to create or exhibit, we have plenty of studios and creative spaces available for hire.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

NSW Youth Week might sound like a 7-day celebration, but on the Northern Beaches it's a full month of events, workshops and activities.

Locally, the Youth Week program is a collaboration between Council, young people and local youth services and includes street art, open mic night, car maintenance and a self-defence workshop and a call out for bands for the Beaches' longest-running band comp – Northern Composure. Take a moment to explore the program and share it with the young people in your life.

A special shout out this week for an incredibly talented young artist, Mia Nethery of Mackellar Girls Campus who won the Out Front 2026 KALOF People's Choice Award for her paintings, A Sunday Afternoon at Hartley. Her work has been on exhibition alongside 24 other local HSC Visual Arts students from 21 Northern Beaches secondary schools in the Out Front exhibition at Manly Art Gallery & Museum. Congratulations Mia and all the students included in the exhibition.

This week I'd also like to encourage local businesses to nominate for the 2026 Local Business Awards. Council proudly sponsors two key categories recognising businesses leading the way in disability inclusion and sustainability.

If you're running a business, this is your opportunity! Nominate your business, back your team and put your achievements forward. You can also nominate other businesses you know are delivering exceptional results.

Nominations are open from until 20 May. 

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

As Mayor of the Northern Beaches, I'm proud to share an important update about how we're working together to protect the place we all love.

The NSW Government has set a requirement for all councils to introduce a food waste collection service by 2030 – one of the most significant changes to waste management in decades. Here on the Northern Beaches, we're already taking action.

We've begun trialling new food waste collection pilots, and I want to sincerely thank everyone who has participated so far, especially those who’ve taken the time to provide feedback. Your efforts are making a real difference. Thanks to you, around 330 tonnes of combined food and garden waste have already been collected, processed and recycled.

These two-phase trials are helping us understand what works best for our community. By separating food waste from general rubbish, we can turn it into valuable compost for agriculture and other uses, reducing landfill and supporting a more sustainable future.

In April, we're launching Phase 2 of the pilot with around 1,200 households. What we learn from these trials will shape a service that is practical, effective and environmentally responsible for every home across the Northern Beaches.

As Easter approaches, we're reminded just how lucky we are to call this extraordinary part of the world home. Whether you're planning a relaxed staycation or looking for activities to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays, there's no better place to be. Check out ideas for things to do here.

We also know that many visitors will be joining us over the long weekend. I'd like to acknowledge and thank our dedicated Council staff who will be working hard to keep our beaches, parks and streets clean and safe during this busy time.

Finally, I wish you, your families and friends a safe and happy Easter. And a special thank you to our emergency services, healthcare workers, hospitality staff, volunteers and everyone working across the long weekend. Your commitment keeps our community strong.

Happy Easter, Northern Beaches.

Mayor Sue Heins

The brand-new Warriewood Community Centre is complete and ready to service the diverse needs of our community for decades to come.

What an impressive building it is! With a flexible layout to accommodate small meetings and gatherings to large events, it includes a dance studio, caterer’s kitchen, meeting spaces and plenty of outdoor space.

Sustainability and resilience have been a focus, incorporating green concrete, a 100kW solar array, rainwater harvesting and infrastructure ready for future electric vehicle charging. It is also set to operate as a 24 hour recovery centre if needed during emergencies.

This centre has been many years in the making, shaped by extensive community engagement. A particular shout out to the Warriewood Residents Association for championing this project. I encourage you take a look at the centre and consider how you could use it for your next event, meeting, party or community activity.

In other good news this week, the NSW government announced a tender for works to improve safety and traffic flow on Wakehurst Parkway. It includes flood improvement works at Oxford Falls that was designed by Council before being integrated into the current government works.

Council continues with the complementary project which aims to reduce broader flood impacts, working through the complex issues of land tenure, utilities, environmental assessments and Transport for NSW requirements for a State road at key flood risk sections of the Parkway – Oxford Falls West, the Bends and at the Academy of Sport.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Every day our residents interact with our services and our staff. When your bin is collected or when you borrow a library book; when you report a pothole or get advice from our planners; when you call customer service or participate in a Council-run event. 

Every day, every interaction is an opportunity for us to provide a streamlined, professional and efficient experience. 

Over the past few years we have had a real focus on the customer experience and I am pleased to report that in the last 12 months we have achieved record customer satisfaction levels, with feedback from over 8000 customers consistently rating satisfaction levels at 80% plus, and over 90% in some areas. 
  
We can always do more and this week, following extensive community consultation, Council endorsed a revamped Customer Experience Strategy which plans to boost digital access, cut red tape and ensure interactions continue to be easy, seamless, personal and positive.  

Next week we are expecting NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison to visit the Northern Beaches and I look forward to continuing our work with her and the Government on the complex challenges posed by the Wakehurst Parkway and other State controlled roads in our large local government area.

Finally, a huge welcome to Australia and the Northern Beaches to over 400 new citizens from across the world who made their pledge of commitment to Australia this week. We are so fortunate to have you part of our community. 

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins
 

This weekend I'll be visiting the brand-new Warriewood Community Centre, a light and welcoming community space designed to support creativity and connection and be accessible for everyone.

Our teams are putting the final touches on the building before it opens for hire on Tuesday 24 March. It will join 38 other community centres across the Beaches that support everything from classes to celebrations.

Manly 24/7 Library also had its formal launch this week and it was encouraging to see so much support from the State Library of NSW, media and other guests. We know how much our community values flexible access and the service at both Manly and Forestville is already proving its worth. Safety has been a strong focus, with multiple duress buttons and bookshelves on wheels to remove blind spots. The library is available to members aged over 16 who have completed an onsite induction.

Rise Manly is on the horizon again this year. The 10-day winter festival returns from 19 to 28 June and celebrates all the great things to see, taste and enjoy during the cooler months around Manly. It's one of the ways Council works with the Manly Business Chamber and local business to drive visitation and boost the local economy. Expressions of interest are open for local businesses to host in-venue events or pop-up activations, closing at 1pm on Friday 27 March. The event will be supported by a destination marketing campaign and Council-run activations. Some businesses may be eligible for grants or fee concessions too.

If you're looking for something to do this weekend or next week, the Senior's Festival is still running and there is always plenty of community and Council events happening. Jump on the What's On calendar to find events near you.

Have a good weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

This week we recognise International Women's Day, and it was a pleasure to attend Council's annual International Women's Day Breakfast this morning. The event is a valuable opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and reaffirm our commitment to gender equality. We were fortunate to hear from Dr Ceri Cashell, a specialist GP and advocate for women's health equity, who shared insights on advancing fairer health outcomes for women.

We are also proud to be supporting local charities at this breakfast whose work continues to make a real difference for women and families across the Northern Beaches. International Women’s Day is marked on Sunday 8 March, with events taking place across the community. I encourage you to get involved and celebrate the leadership and contributions of women in our region. Find International Women's Day events. And for the men who wonder, “what about the men?” – you'll be pleased to know International Men’s Day is 19 November each year.

Today, Council is also hosting the Seniors Connect Expo, one of the key events in this year's Seniors Festival lineup. The expo brings together more than 40 local groups and organisations into one place offering information, activities and support services that may be helpful for you or someone in your life. It's a great opportunity to connect, learn and get involved. Come along to Dee Why RSL and take part. The Seniors Festival runs throughout March, so there’s plenty of time to make the most of what’s on offer – a fantastic program of free and low cost activities designed to support wellbeing, creativity and connection for older residents.

Next week is Climate Action Week, a time when inspiration, learning and action go hand-in-hand. The event is organised by the Climate Action Foundation in partnership with City of Sydney, other councils, government agencies, industry and the public. There is a wide range of events happening on the Beaches, from a hands on eco workshop and Kimbriki tour to the Solar & Energy Roadshow. Climate Action Week is all about empowering of us to be part of the solution. Through initiatives like Wild Family Projects at the Coastal Environment Centre and exhibitions at Manly Art Gallery & Museum, including the Mangroves exhibition, you can explore new ways to learn about and care for our coastal and bushland environments.

Have a great weekend.

Mayor Sue Heins
 

This weekend marks the end of summer, and I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to our professional lifeguard service for their dedication, professionalism and calm leadership throughout what has been a particularly demanding season.

Millions of visitors and locals have enjoyed our 21 patrolled beaches and aquatic centres over the summer months. Alongside the usual peak visitation, our lifeguards responded to unprecedented challenges — including shark incidents, CPR resuscitations and a high number of rescues outside the flags. Their commitment to keeping our community safe is nothing short of remarkable. On behalf of Council and our community, thank you.

Our professional lifeguards are supported by an extraordinary network of volunteer surf lifesavers, whose countless hours of service embody the very best of the Northern Beaches spirit. I also acknowledge the many locals in the surf who step in to help when needed. Please join me in celebrating and thanking the volunteers on  Red & Yellow Day, 4 March.

Volunteering is deeply embedded in the culture of the Northern Beaches and reflects the generous community spirit that defines our area. This extends to our local faith communities, which provide vital support across the Northern Beaches, from disability services and pastoral care for older residents to food relief and community outreach.

Last week also marked the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection and preparation for Easter observed by many in our community. It is a time when acts of charity and service are especially encouraged. I wish all who are observing Lent a meaningful and peaceful season.

If you’re looking to prioritise balance and wellbeing, I invite you to take part in Manly Health and Wellness Day. With yoga, meditation, snorkelling and much more, it’s a wonderful opportunity to focus on health and connection. I hope to see you there.

Have a great weekend.

Mayor Sue Heins

This week marks the start of several important cultural celebrations, including Chinese New Year, Tibetan New Year (Losar) and the beginning of Ramadan. This time is a reminder of the diversity that makes the Northern Beaches such a welcoming place to live.

I'm honoured to attend the Tibetan New Year (Losar) 2153 – Year of the Fire Horse celebrations this weekend.

Tonight, I'm thrilled to be attending the opening of 4 new exhibitions at Manly Art Gallery & Museum. I'm particularly proud of Out Front 2026, a dynamic exhibition of HSC visual artworks from local high schools. For the past 32 years, Council has proudly supported young and emerging artists through the annual HSC Visual Arts exhibition. It's fantastic to see 21 local secondary schools represented, with works from 26 talented young artists on display. I encourage you to visit the gallery, support the next generation of artists and enjoy all the exhibitions on display.

Earlier this week, Council resolved to reject planning proposals at Ingleside, which sought to amend planning controls to facilitate 536 new dwellings, and North Balgowlah, which would result in the loss of a highly-valued area of open space. Both decisions reflect Council's view that housing should be planned with great responsibility and public open space protected with great care.

While we acknowledge the real and growing need for housing, it must be delivered in the right locations, with the right infrastructure, and without putting lives or the environment at risk. The community has sent a clear message that any new development must respect the character of our neighbourhoods, prioritise the safety and wellbeing of residents and protect open space. We will continue to champion the community and thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback on these proposals.

In good news, Council recognised the amazing work by Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter, LocalKind and the Beaches Youth Hub and agreed to continue funding them for a further year, while transitioning to a more transparent and equitable grant funding model open to all eligible community services. Council will continue to advocate to the NSW and Federal Governments to provide core funding so these essential services can be properly supported into the future.

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, visit our What's On section of the website. And if you're part of a local not for profit or community group, you can promote your events on here too by adding them to our events calendar.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins