It’s Volunteer Week! Australia has a huge volunteer community – over 14 million people giving 3.2 billion hours to help others. On the Northern Beaches, we’re lucky to have so many people supporting local charities, community, sporting and environmental groups, and essential services.

Here at Council, more than 900 volunteers contribute to 13 different programs. They deliver library books, restore our natural bushland, maintain cemetery gardens or assist visitors to enjoy the local area. A huge thank you to you, and all volunteers on the Northern Beaches, for all that you do.

The upcoming National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and Gai-mariagal Festival provide an opportunity to acknowledge and remember the Stolen Generation, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture and significance and learn how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Locally, you can join an Aboriginal Heritage Talk, weaving workshop or bushtucker tasting. We’ve had a great response to these events so far so get in quickly or join the waitlist if the event you want to attend is already booked out.

Finally, a shout out to the incredible young people who spoke at Have Your Say Day 2025 – a youth led initiative supported by Council and local youth services at NBSC Freshwater Senior Campus. Eighteen leaders from across the Northern Beaches came together and spoke to 8 issues identified in a comprehensive survey of over 2000+ local young people. It was an inspiring and thought-provoking event and I am constantly impressed to see the breadth of talent on display in our local young people.

Have a good weekend – stay dry! Here's hoping flood conditions on the mid north coast start to ease soon and our area has seen the worst of it.

Mayor Sue Heins