There is lots to share this week!

First up, congratulations to the 2024 Environmental Art & Design Prize winners. From an incredible field of entrants, the judges had the unenviable task of choosing winners in four categories.

The works of the winners and finalists are now on display across three Northern Beaches venues until 25 August. And don’t forget you also get a chance to judge - vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Awards.

Good news for young families this week with Council extending our partnership with EarlyEd to continue the toy library service for another 5 years. This popular service offers over 2600 toys for loan at Manly or Mona Vale libraries. This service is great for kids, great for the environment and great for the family hip pocket.

Today has been declared National Green and Gold Day and we are joining in the celebrations to support our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. If you were in Manly last night, you may have seen the Town Hall lit up in our national colours to mark the day. We have a number of locals competing and I am sure, like me, you are all cheering them on from afar.

Finally, it’s Local Government Week, a great opportunity for me to recognise the incredibly dedicated people at Council who work to make the Northern Beaches the best it can be every day. A shout out to our waste collectors and our cleaners, our pool attendants, cemetery, community development and customer service teams. To our events producers, librarians, compliance, arts and environment teams. And to our road, construction and footpath and parks crews, our early learning educators, lifeguards and planners and so many more! Local government delivers an array of services and community infrastructure that make a huge contribution to protecting and enhancing our way of life.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins