Read the Mayor’s message for updates on new recreational facilities and libraries, development of the ambitious coastal walkway from Manly to Palm Beach and big picture issues that affect the Northern Beaches.
Friday 2 June 2023
It was wonderful to see the Taste of Manly back last weekend. Some 22,000 people across the Beaches, Sydney and the state, descended on Manly over the two days to enjoy food, fun, music and sunshine. The event showcased our idyllic destination, all nine of the Beaches local breweries, two local distilleries, 14 local eateries, and nine Aussie wineries.
Destination events like this are so beneficial to stallholders, surrounding businesses and the local economy. I’d like to thank everyone involved for making the event a great success.
This week we also hosted the 2023 Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference. Local government staff and councillors from across regional and rural NSW, key industry bodies and local operators came together in Manly to share knowledge and look at the future of our visitor economy. Delegates also visited other parts of the Northern Beaches to experience and learn from the variety of visitor experiences we have to offer.
Now more than ever, we are looking for ways to support the sector, renew tourism opportunities, attract visitors, and boost local businesses. After all, our tourism and hospitality sectors contribute twice as many jobs to the Northern Beaches economy and double the revenue compared to the NSW average. We are looking at increasing visits from friends and families during our quieter, cooler months to balance the pressure of high visitation.
One keynote speaker stole the show and won the hearts of delegates—our very own Northern Beaches born-and-bred Layne Beachley AO. It's no secret that Layne is famous for her seven consecutive world title wins and for sharing stories about overcoming challenges with a winning mindset. For someone who spent two decades travelling the world, there is only one place that Layne would call home. She left us all feeling inspired and, for me personally, very proud that we share a connection and love of the Northern Beaches.
This week has also been one of reconciliation as we mark National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June). There’s still a number of unique art and cultural experiences to get involved with. Find out more here.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mayor Heins
Friday 26 May 2023
Today is National Sorry Day, a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing.
National Reconciliation Week also starts tomorrow and runs through to 3 June. It's a time to recognise the people who walked this land before us and learn about our shared histories and cultures.
I’d love you to attend one of the many events and cultural experiences Council has planned as together we can all better understand and appreciate our Aboriginal and First Nations people and culture.
At this week's Council meeting, Councillor David Walton was elected as Deputy Mayor. Congratulations, Councillor Walton! For those who don't know, he has tirelessly served our community as a councillor and police officer as Commander of the Northern Beaches Local Area Command and is an active community member.
I look forward to working closely with him as we serve our wonderful Northern Beaches community.
Remember, this weekend is our beloved Taste of Manly festival and with the weather so perfect at the moment, I encourage you to get down to Manly! Visit our website for all the details.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mayor Heins
Friday 19 May 2023
Thank you for the warm welcome shown to me by many since being elected as your Mayor on Tuesday night.
I want to thank and congratulate Councillor Michael Regan for his 15 years of service to our community as Mayor of the former Warringah Council and Northern Beaches Council. Although they are big shoes to fill, I am thrilled to be taking on the role and continuing his great work together with the Council and the community.
I am very passionate about ensuring everyone in our community has the opportunity to be heard. I have already been fortunate to meet some of our incredible community organisations and local residents and I am really looking forward to representing our community as your Mayor and hearing and learning more from you.
This week we are celebrating National Volunteers Week 2023. It is a time for us all to celebrate those in our community who give so selflessly of their time for others. I had the opportunity this week to meet some of our amazing volunteers who work in our libraries, and this is just one of the many areas you could contribute as a volunteer. Family History Fridays are a popular volunteer run section of our Library, if you are keen to explore your genealogy, make a booking at Dee Why Library.
If you have the time, I encourage you to take a look at the many volunteering opportunities at Council and in our community here.
Have a lovely weekend.
Mayor Sue Heins