Happy New Year!

I hope you are having a well-deserved break and are loving everything great about summer in our area, from our pristine beaches, various outdoor events, thriving local businesses and mixing with your neighbours.

If you are having a staycation and looking for something different to do, please refer to this list of 30 reasons to love the Northern Beaches this summer and you're sure to be inspired.

For those with a little spare time on their hands, you may consider entering the Northern Beaches Writers' Competition 2024: Art & Words Project.

This year's theme is 'glass'. Whether you're an experienced writer or just looking to try your talents at storytelling, you can submit entries of up to 2,500 words accompanied by at least one image that complements and elevates your narrative. With a prize pool of $450 and the opportunity for online publication, your creativity could be celebrated far beyond the Northern Beaches!

Northern Beaches Council proudly supports this competition and is a testament to our community's commitment to fostering the arts.

Tonight, the World Food Markets kick off at Freshwater Beach. Come down for a dip and bring a picnic rug to enjoy food from various multicultural food trucks in Freshwater Beach Park. The food trucks will be back in Freshwater next Friday 12 January.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins