Northern Composure is back, and the heats are giving our community the chance to discover the next generation of Northern Beaches music talent.

As the area's longest-running youth band competition, Northern Composure provides young musicians with invaluable live performance experience, opportunities to connect with industry professionals and the chance to compete for major prizes. Hit bands Ocean Alley, The Rions and Lime Cordiale got their start at Northern Composure, just to name a few.

Check out upcoming heats in Forestville and Warriewood before the grand final at the PCYC on 1 August. Whether you're cheering on a friend or supporting local bands, the heats are a great way to celebrate the creativity and talent of our young people.

For those looking for something to keep the younger kids entertained these school holidays we have plenty on offer. From exploring nature through the popular Kids on the Coast program at the Coastal Environment Centre, to hands-on library workshops, author talks and creative craft sessions, there's something for every interest. Families can also make a splash with school holiday inflatable fun, swimming clinics and diving activities at our aquatic centres. Check out the school holiday survival guide to find out more.

Finally, if you haven't already, now's a great time to apply for your new digital Beach Parking Permit before your windscreen sticker expires on 31 August. We've already issued more than 10,000 permits in the past week. Remember there is a comprehensive list of FAQs and how-to instructions available and our Customer Service team is ready to help you in person or over the phone. Dee Why Customer Service is also open Saturdays through July, 9am to 1pm.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

There's been lots of news since my last message, with some significant wins for the Northern Beaches community.

Firstly, our Beach Parking Permits are moving to a digital system which is now open for applications. Permits will link to vehicle registration, removing the need for physical stickers. This modern approach means no more lost or damaged stickers, a reduction in the misuse of permits, less plastic waste and ultimately a financial saving for ratepayers.

With over 208,000 permits to transition we understand this is a significant change for our community and have put in place lots of measures to support you. Check out the eligibility, comprehensive digital parking permit FAQs, instructions and how-to video, or call or visit our fantastic Customer Service staff. We are extending hours and opening Dee Why Customer Service Centre on Saturdays in July, 9am to 1pm. And our library staff have also been trained to provide assistance on the new system.

In other news, you may have seen the NSW Government's announcement to expand drone surveillance along the Northern Beaches coastline. This follows strong advocacy from Council and recognises the important role drones play in supporting beach safety. With our beaches attracting millions of visitors each year, the additional surveillance will help lifeguards and volunteers monitor conditions and respond quickly when needed. I thank the NSW Government for listening to our calls for greater investment in this important safety initiative.

Another positive development this week is the new powers given to councils to better manage shared e-bike operators. We've been asking for stronger tools to help address community concerns around parking, safety and operator accountability. These changes will help ensure shared e-bikes remain a convenient transport option while giving us greater ability to manage their operation including implementing 'no-go' and 'go-slow' zones, set parking zones and to penalise operators if necessary.

Finally, happy NAIDOC Week! It's an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to learn from the world's oldest continuing cultures. I encourage everyone to take part in local NAIDOC Week events and activities across the week and to join us in acknowledging and celebrating the significant contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to our community every day.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

This week I'm writing from Canberra, where I've joined local government representatives from across the country to advocate for improved funding, policy reform and support for our communities.

As an area highly exposed to coastal erosion, storm surges, flash flooding and bushfire, we urgently need stronger backing on the Northern Beaches to protect community assets and to recover when disasters strike. The Australian Local Government Association's national conference is an important platform to highlight these issues and make the case for greater investment at the federal level.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who acknowledged the growing challenges our region faces from natural emergencies every year. Together with other Mayors from impacted communities, we discussed how we can drive more ambitious resilience and sustainability agendas to help address these issues.

Also this week, the NSW Government committed a welcome $86.6 million to shark mitigation and management, including SMART drumlines, tagged shark listening stations, drones, education and research. It's pleasing to see the government respond to our calls for greater investment to keep beach-goers safe and we'll continue working with the government and Surf Life Saving NSW to ensure the Northern Beaches remains a priority area for these measures.

Finally, a reminder to head to Manly for the last weekend of Rise Manly. With light installations, Ferris wheel, live music and plenty of treats in the cafes, bars and restaurants, you'll be sorry if you miss it. Check out the Rise Manly program.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

This week Council endorsed the $598m Budget and Delivery Program for 2026/27 after a month of public consultation that drew more than 8,500 online visitors and 135 submissions. Our community was clear about what they wanted to see – better footpaths, cycling links, upgraded roads and refreshed parks. In response, the Council is making a record $130 million investment in the places locals use every day, from beaches and community facilities to streets and open spaces.

The budget sets a strong direction for the future by improving essential services, maintaining vital community assets, strengthening our community's ability to withstand natural hazards and emergency situations, while identifying millions of dollars in productivity savings. It outlines major capital works across the region, including road resurfacing, upgrades to community and sporting facilities, foreshore improvements, stormwater projects, new footpaths and expanded environmental programs such as tree planting and bush regeneration.

Thanks to everyone who shared their feedback. I'm excited to see these improvements come to life in the year ahead.

Council's community grants program is now open with applications encouraged across a range of categories designed to support local initiatives and communities. From arts and creativity, community development and environmental projects to events, business to business initiatives and sports and recreation infrastructure, the grants range from $2,000 up to $35,000. Check out the grants criteria and apply. You can also learn more and get tips on your application by joining the Community Grants Information Session next Friday, 26 June.

Finally – a reminder to get out and enjoy Rise Manly. Ten days of light installations, music, great food and even a Ferris wheel on the beach front. Check out the Rise Manly program – there are lots of free activities and some excellent ticketed events, all kicking off today. Support our local businesses and make the most of all on offer.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

With more than one in five Northern Beaches residents aged 60 and over, it's important that we continue planning for a community that is accessible, inclusive and welcoming for people of all abilities. The needs of people living with disability, older residents, carers and families must remain at the forefront of how we shape our local area.

Council has developed a draft four-year Disability Inclusion Action Plan, now open for community comment. The plan focuses on creating safer, more liveable neighbourhoods, expanding meaningful employment opportunities, strengthening Council systems and fostering more positive attitudes towards people with disability.

A big thank you to the many people with disability, carers, families and local service providers who helped shape this draft. Your insights and lived experience have been invaluable. The plan is now on public exhibition until Sunday 5 July and we welcome feedback from the wider community. Your voice will help guide how we focus our efforts over the next 4 years and beyond.

Congratulations to all the remarkable local recipients recognised in the King's Birthday Honours. This year's list highlights individuals whose dedication, service and achievements have made a profound impact on our community. Their contributions to public service, the arts, science, education, philanthropy, sport and community leadership reflect the very best of the Northern Beaches community spirit.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Our emergency service agencies, RFS, SES and NSW Fire and Rescue, are incredibly important to the preparation, response and recovery of an increasing number of natural disasters and other emergencies. 

You may be interested to learn that in NSW these agencies are funded in large part by a levy paid by local councils and insurance companies. Our Council contributes the highest Emergency Services Levy of any council in the state. In the 2026/27 financial year we’ll pay $10.5 million, which is a $1 million (10.8%) increase on the current year. This cost has to be absorbed through general rates and represents $100 for every ratepayer for the year. 

Every year the levy increases exponentially, without warning, and is charged to councils after the draft budget has been exhibited, requiring last minute reallocations. 

The NSW Government is currently reviewing this funding model and proposing to replace the levy paid by insurance companies with a new levy paid by every property based on its land value. 

It’s unclear how the proposed model will be administered but we can only assume councils will again carry the administrative burden. The NSW Government must retain full responsibility for the administration, billing, collection, and debt management of any new levy. This would provide greater transparency and accountability for the community, ensure consistency across the state and avoid further cost shifting onto our ratepayers. 

I am asking the Council to consider putting in a submission to address these concerns and I will keep the community updated as the issue progresses. 

Finally, a shout out to all the emergency services personnel on call or working across the long weekend and to the many local council staff working to keep our area clean and safe while the rest of us enjoy a break. And a reminder that double demerits are in place from today through to Monday.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

This week we mark National Sorry Day and the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, an important time to reflect, learn and come together as a community.

National Sorry Day acknowledges the experiences of the Stolen Generations and the lasting impact these past policies continue to have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities today. It is also a time to recognise the strength, resilience and enduring culture of First Nations peoples.

There are a range of wonderful Reconciliation Week events happening locally and across Sydney and I encourage everyone to get involved.

In other exciting news, 170 finalists have now been announced for this year's Northern Beaches Environmental Art and Design Prize. Selected from a record-breaking 700+ entries, the standard continues to rise each year. The shortlisted works are creative, thought-provoking and inspiring. Exploring our relationship with the environment in imaginative and unexpected ways. The exhibition will be on display across the Northern Beaches in August, so keep an eye out for more details soon.

And finally, I'm pleased to see the return of Rise Manly this June, with Council partnering with the Manly Business Chamber to bring some extra winter energy to our town centre.

The Corso, laneways, local venues and beachfront will come alive with live music, light projections, winter menus and plenty more. The Rise Manly program is now live, so it's a great time to start planning a visit.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Every day, people across the Northern Beaches are battling to get in, out and around our area. Roads are more congested, buses are overcrowded, cycling links remain limited and frustration in the community is growing.

At the same time, the NSW Government is pushing for more housing and higher density around our town centres. Growth cannot continue without serious investment in the roads, public transport and active transport networks our community relies on every day.

This week, Council endorsed a submission to the NSW Government's Northern Beaches Network Review – an important opportunity to highlight what's working, what's not and what urgently needs attention. The government should be commended for starting the review, but our community also needs to see long-term commitment, clear priorities and real funding for improvements.

Council's submission continues our strong advocacy for better transport outcomes and identifies practical opportunities to ease congestion, improve connections and plan properly for future growth.

I encourage everyone to have their say before submissions close on 15 June. It's important the government hears directly from local residents about the daily pressures they face and the solutions they want delivered.

We also want your feedback on Council's draft Budget and Delivery Program for the next financial year. The documents outline proposed projects, services, capital works and environmental initiatives across the Northern Beaches, along with how Council plans to use funds raised through the Special Variation and deliver savings. Consultation closes this Sunday, so please take the opportunity to get involved.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Next week is National Volunteer Week which gives me a fantastic platform to thank the 900 volunteers that work with us here at Council. We could not do without this dedicated army who help protect our bushland and waterways, provide local advice to visitors, assist our library staff and more.

In fact, we are lucky to have a very strong culture of volunteering on the Northern Beaches with thousands every week supporting local sport, helping in schools and community organisations and providing lifesaving and emergency services.

A huge thank you to all of you for your commitment and dedication.

Thomas Stephens Reserve in Church Point is looking fantastic with the completion of the timber walkway, ferry gangway, restored sandstone seawall, landscaping and picnic tables – in addition to the new amenities completed at the end of last year. Over the next few months you'll also see the final stage of the masterplan implemented with improvements to road and traffic infrastructure.

Finally, a reminder to all local artists and designers that the clock is ticking on entries for the 2026 Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize. There are some great prizes available and the finalists will have an opportunity to have their works exhibited. Submissions close Monday 18 May.