Come Sunday, our community in the north will be free from the lockdown. This is a great opportunity for us all to get together, support each other and our local businesses that have been hit so hard over this period. Particularly those of us in the south who had a head start. We all need to show our appreciation for our residents in the north who have done the hard yards - multiple rounds of testing, isolation and weeks of lockdown. Rob Stokes and I lobbied hard to get the restrictions eased or boundaries changed, but were told it was not safe to do so. That said, thanks to everyone’s amazing efforts, restrictions can now be lifted and we can join the rest of Sydney.

While the threat of COVID is certainly still here, together we can safely get back to business. Council is working closely with our small business community and the local business chambers to put in place measures that continue to support them. This includes waiving of fees and rental charges, rates subsidies and our latest initiative - a phone and liaison Business Support Service, connecting local businesses to range of resources available through state and federal agencies including support for mental health and wellbeing which is so important for everyone.

Please make the most of it this weekend - head outdoors, hire a bike or try a stand up paddle board and book in for lunch or dinner with friends and family.

Council’s services will also be opening up in the north from Sunday, with the mini-golf at Narrabeen open for a game on Sunday.

While our new found freedom is most welcome, let’s not become complacent. I urge everyone to keep up the hand hygiene, wear masks where required and stay informed of the latest COVID locations. Keep up the testing rates. It is the best defence as we are told every day.

By looking out for each other and working to support one another, we will again get through this.

Enjoy the weekend.

This year has certainly been like no other and the Christmas period has been especially tough for us on the Northern Beaches.  

I am so proud of the way our community has handled the challenges of 2020, especially in this current situation. I thank everyone for doing the right thing. The fact that so many people have been getting tested is a sign that we’re all looking out for one another. I also want to thank everyone who has, and may still be in isolation – that is not an easy thing at any time let alone this time of year, but your efforts are making a difference.

If we all continue to do our bit hopefully the restrictions can ease soon and we can get back on the road to recovery. And again, thank you for playing your part.

The local COVID outbreak has been particularly hard on our small businesses, the local stories of hardship and stress are devastating to hear. I want you to know Council will continue to help in whatever way we can.  It was great to hear the Premier and her support in her message today, and we will all welcome the support initiatives the government is working on right now. Council will continue to advocate for immediate financial assistance from state and federal governments and we will keep you updated.

I hope you can mark the year-end with some friends and family and look ahead to a new year with hope and promise. Remember, follow the health advice, stay in your zone and let's continue to look out for each other so together, we’ll get through this. 

Michael Regan

Our community is facing an enormous challenge, in a situation that is evolving day by day.

I can’t thank you enough for responding to the call to stay home, get tested and wear a mask. It’s our spirit of community that will get us through again.

Remember your local small businesses. Get your take away, home delivery and buy a gift voucher from your local retailers, so together we can help them through this too.

Get familiar with the restrictions in the Public Health Orders for the Northern Beaches that is in effect until midnight Wednesday 23 December.

The government also announced today restrictions for Greater Sydney, measures to help all of us get ahead of the threat. Your health and safety is the priority right now.

Again, thank you. Keep looking after yourselves and each other. We got through this once, we will do it again.

Please stay safe.

I was thrilled to open the incredible Bare Creek Bike Park this week, alongside Member for Davidson Jonathan O’Dea. 

Created from a rehabilitated portion of the former Belrose Waste Management landfill site, this world-class bike park provides for riders of all skill levels and is an incredible asset for locals, and will no doubt provide a tourism boost to our area.

This is the result of a good 10 years of collaboration and would not have been possible without the advocacy of some passionate locals and significant investment from the NSW state government.

A shout out to mountain bike trail builders, Dirt Art, who have built this amazing facility and to Trail Care for advice on design and ongoing help with maintenance.

I know many a rider who has been patiently waiting to see this park open – now you can see just how great it is for yourselves. Don’t forget your helmet!

And if you missed last week’s gorgeous rendition of Silent Night on Shelly Beach by 2020 Northern Composure Unplugged winners Nat & Jules, I encourage you to take a look. It is really something special. This was the first of a series we are recording to get you in the Christmas mood. Today we launched Prinnie's version of Away in Manger and we will be launching two more performances by local artists in the lead up to Christmas, so stay tuned for more to come. 

Some of our community carol events are back on too – check our website for details and if you have a community event please be sure to add it so others can see what’s on across the Beaches.   

Have a great weekend