It's been a tough week for many on the Northern Beaches following the shocking events at Dee Why Beach last weekend.

Across the Northern Beaches our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Mercury Psillakis. I know our close-knit community are supporting one another as we all come to terms with the tragedy.

I'd like to again commend NSW Police, paramedics, Council lifeguards, Surf Life Saving NSW, volunteers and members of the public who all supported the emergency response. We are all grateful for your extraordinary dedication, professionalism and compassion.

Serious incidents like these can impact people in different ways and as we mark R U OK? Day this week, it's a good time to check in with loved ones and neighbours. Lifeline counsellors will be at Dee Why Beach between 9am and 1pm until next Wednesday and I'd encourage anyone who needs to talk to use their service. There are also many other local support services available – please do reach out to them as needed.

All the beaches have been reopened now and Manly, Dee Why and Freshwater are patrolled at this time of year. All other beach patrols are back for the season at the end of September. As always please check local signage and our website for beach closure information and updates.

The debate around the proposed shark net removal trial has been inevitable under the circumstances and the NSW Government's decision to pause the trial for the season is understandable. While our focus is on our grieving community now, we expect to continue the conversation with the NSW government ahead of the next season.

Stay safe and look after one another.

Mayor Sue Heins

This week Council installed a 23-metre-high Osprey nest platform at the rear of Hitchcock Park in Avalon. This is a big step in our ongoing efforts to protect local wildlife and support threatened species like the Eastern Osprey. In recent years, these remarkable birds have taken to building nests on cranes and lighting towers, which can put them at risk. This purpose-built platform offers a safe, elevated alternative and has been warmly welcomed by the community.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit our website to see how your Special Rate Variation for 2025/26 is being put to work. From stormwater, footpaths and roadworks to playgrounds and rockpool upgrades, there’s a lot happening across the Beaches with these funds. You can see by suburb what’s planned near you. The Special Variation tracker on the web page will be regularly updated as Special Variation projects are delivered.

With Father’s Day on Sunday, I want to wish all the dads, grandads and father figures in our community a wonderful day. For some, this weekend may be bittersweet, and I want to acknowledge those who are missing someone special.

If you’re still looking for a gift, please shop local. Over on Council’s Instagram, we’ve shared some great ideas for locally sourced gifts and experiences. If you’re a local business with something to offer, feel free to comment and share your ideas and offering on the post.

Have a good weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Nothing says spring quite like the red and yellow beach safety flags going up at our beaches. From this Saturday, patrol seasons kicks off at Dee Why and Freshwater, with patrolling across all 21 beaches by Saturday 27 September. Manly Beach, as a popular tourist destination, remains patrolled 365 days a year. Council's professional lifeguard service, supported by Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers on weekends and public holidays, will help keep our coast and beachgoers safe 7 days a week.

It's been a big month for capital works, with many other exciting upgrades and new projects rolling out in various location across the Beaches. Renewal works are now underway at Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club to refresh and future-proof the facility, supporting Surf Life Saving volunteers and ensuring the club continues to thrive as a hub for safety, sports and community connection. Over at Mona Vale and Whale Beach rockpools, we're doing essential renovations to preserve these treasured swimming spots. With over a century of history, our ocean pools are a special part of local life, providing a place to swim, cool off and bring people together.

Next week the much-anticipated upgrade of the Long Reef boardwalk and bridge begins. The new design will be durable and low maintenance with the boardwalk sitting further inland to better withstand wild weather and coastal conditions for years to come. You can still enjoy the loop walk while work is underway with some temporary detours in place.  For those who love to walk or explore by bike, get ready for the new shared path through Frenchs Forest. This project will help connect residents, encourage physical activity and make getting to and from Glen Street Theatre, the Library, Glenrose Village, Frenchs Forest Showground and Lionel Watts Reserve easier than ever.

You may have seen media reports this week about the NSW Government's shark net program, which named Palm Beach as a potential site for a net-free trial. Council has long advocated for the removal of traditional mesh nets and their replacement with modern technologies on all our beaches, yet the final decision rests with the NSW Government. If a trial at one of our beaches, as decided by the NSW Government, brings us closer to this goal, we welcome it. We eagerly await further details about their plans for the program.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

What a lovely Vietnam Veterans' Day service we shared this week. Council is proud to host this annual event and moved by the turnout, despite the chilly and wet weather.

The anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan is a powerful moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of Australians who served in the Vietnam War. It was comforting to see our community come together to thank those who served and recognise the families and loved ones who carried their own burdens.

This week, Council endorsed a 12-month trial allowing dogs off-leash at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach. This is a big step forward for our dog-loving community and a response to strong public support for more pet-friendly spaces.

The trial aims to strike a balance between recreational opportunities for dog owners and the needs of beachgoers and the environment. It will run from 14 October 2025 to 13 October 2026. During daylight savings, dogs will be permitted off-leash from 5.30am to 10am and from 5pm to 9pm daily. In standard time, the hours will be 6am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm. Dogs are not permitted in the trial area outside these times and remain prohibited at all times on Mona Vale Beach outside the trial area.  We will be monitoring the trial closely to ensure it works for everyone.

Finally, I have had the privilege of attending several local surf club AGMs recently. These meetings are an important part of club life and offer members a chance to engage and help shape the future of their clubs. A warm welcome to all the new presidents and officials and sincere thanks to those who have served in positions and continue to volunteer their time and energy.

As the rain subsides, if you're looking to get out and about, I encourage you to join our Council’s Coastal Environment Centre for an outdoor adventure or workshop to learn about local biodiversity and come along to the annual open day on Saturday 30 August. Learn more and book in for these events.  

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Congratulations to the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO), celebrating an incredible 25-year anniversary. The AHO is the result of a partnership between Northern Beaches and 4 other northern Sydney councils that has protected and promoted Aboriginal heritage since 2000.

To mark the milestone, all councils have signed a new five-year agreement to support the AHO’s work which includes Aboriginal site management, education and advisory services for partner councils.

We are fortunate to have the AHO Museum and Keeping Place here on our doorstop in Freshwater and I encourage you to drop in to meet the staff and learn more about the Aboriginal heritage of our area.

We are moving to modernise our parking permits over the next 12 months and introduce a digital system that links to registrations. The introduction will be staged, starting with the smaller North Permit Schemes (Western Foreshore, Church Point, Rowland Reserve and Illuka Reserve) later this year. The Beach Parking Permit Scheme is planned to be digitised mid next year.

The new system will put an end to the annual task of removing old stickers from windscreens and streamline the management and delivery.

Importantly there is no need for any permit holders to act yet – we’ll keep you posted when it’s your time to apply and provide easy instructions and FAQs to support the transition.

Finally, if you have littlies, don’t forget to grab you ticket for Picnic in the Park on Saturday 30 August. The kids will love singing and dancing with Elmo, Cookie Monster and the Smurfs. And you'll love the food trucks! Tickets are only $10 and selling fast.

Or if a weekend celebrating jazz is more your style, you can now check out the Manly Jazz 2025 program and get excited for what's coming in mid September.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

It’s Local Government Week, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the vital role our council plays in shaping the everyday lives of our community.

From maintaining roads, cleaning rockpools and keeping people safe at the beach, to managing local sportsgrounds, running library programs, educating young children and collecting your weekly waste, the breadth of what local government does is extraordinary. These services are the backbone of our daily lives and often go unnoticed, until we need them most.

We’re also passionate about sustainability and want to help our community live more sustainably. We continue to explore ways to help you throw less out and recycle more. One great example is a new event, The Fixery, a repair service staffed by volunteers with skills in electricals, sewing, soldering and woodwork. We’ve held 2 so far and they’ve been so popular that we’ve planned another 3 for this year. The next one is on Saturday 6 September. Bring your damaged electricals, household items, textiles, or knives for a free repair. If you’ve got something in need of fixing, book in early as slots fill fast.

And for our small business owners and sole traders, our popular Let’s Chat Business support sessions have new dates and locations. This free concierge service helps businesses navigate Council and NSW services to grow and thrive. If you’re in or around Forestville or Narrabeen, book in for a free 30-minute business advisory session.

I encourage you to explore the services we offer on our website and follow us on social media to stay connected – on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin.

Thank you to all Council staff and volunteers whose hard work and commitment ensure our community’s needs are met every day. Their work may sometimes be behind the scenes, but the impact is deeply appreciated.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Last night I was proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize. In its fifth year, this prestigious prize attracts artists and designers from across the country to shine a light on the challenges facing our environment and the powerful role creativity plays in inspiring change.

As always the standard of work submitted this year was exceptional and I am pleased I am not a judge! Congratulations to all the finalists and especially the incredible winners.  

The winners and finalists works will be exhibited at Manly Art Gallery & Museum, Curl Curl Creative Space and Mona Vale Creative Space Gallery from today until 14 September. And be sure to cast a vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award while you’re there. 

If you are a local business, you may be familiar with Council’s Business Concierge phone service which is designed to help you navigate Council processes and connect you with the right people to support you. 

We are also currently running a series of face-to-face pop up sessions in our libraries with a range of staff available to offer advice on things like planning and DA requirements, permit applications and environmental health matters. Staff from Service NSW are also on hand to point businesses to other support at the state level. Book your 30 minute appointment online - sessions are running through August and September.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Some great opportunities coming up for local photographers and videographers. The popular Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp is now open for registrations. Now in its 21st year, this comp asks locals aged 12 to 24 to create a 7-minute film in just 4 days using an item, keyword and phrase which is only released the night before. Top films are screened at HOYTS Warringah Mall and there is a prize pool for the winning entries.

The annual Underwater Photography Competition​​​​​​​ also launches this week. I am always blown away at the images submitted for this competition – the world beneath our ocean is incredible. There are 8 categories including behaviour, human connection and reels. Check out the details and get your entry in by 17 August.

An important heads up for ratepayers this week. Your beach parking permits which have been previously inset in your rates notice will be loose in the envelope instead. This is to prevent the issues we’ve had in the past with the sticker adhesive. So be sure to keep an eye out and don’t inadvertently dispose of them with your envelope!

Finally, it was fantastic to spend some time this week with the grandson and great grandchildren of Francesco Panucci as we launched the new name for a playing field in North Curl Curl – Panucci Field.

Francesco Panucci owned the land the field sits on from the 1940s and established a market garden. Following World War II, Francesco sponsored many families from southern Italy, providing them with accommodation, food, friendship and support. He was instrumental in helping new immigrants integrate into the Australian way of life. It’s fitting the field now honours his contribution to our community.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Did you watch the ABC series ‘Old People’s Home for 4-year-olds’ and see its incredible benefits for both the young and senior participants?

If so you’ll have an insight into a new initiative being run in 2 of Council’s Early Learning Centres which seeks to connect the generations and promote positive health and education outcomes for young and old. If you are over 65 and would like to get involved in this intergenerational program, we’d love to hear from you.

Over the last 6 months we’ve had the difficult conversation with ratepayers about the growing gap in our maintenance budget thanks to huge inflationary pressures and cost shifting from other levels of government. A new report released last week by LGNSW found a whopping $1.5 billion a year is shifted from State and Federal governments onto local government – that’s costs for services councils have not been funded to deliver. That equates to almost $500 per ratepayer across the state – a significant amount that could otherwise be spent on roads, playgrounds, stormwater or sportsfields.

We echo LGNSW’s call for an end to cost shifting, a review of existing regulations and the introduction of a more realistic and fair funding system for local government.

Legacy is seeking volunteers to donate their time to sell badges, bears and other merchandise during Legacy Week. If you have time, volunteer 31 August – 6 September – this helps raise awareness and vital funds to assist the families who have sacrificed so much for our country. For more information about volunteering, please visit the Legacy Week website or contact Heather Milnes at Northern Beaches Legacy on 0419 481 054.

The Mind Café in Narrabeen, which is an integral part of our community and helps so many, has a fundraiser coming up. Show your support by attending their Rock the Mind night.

Finally, a reminder the community grants program is taking applications. Whether you're a not-for-profit, community group, artist, event organiser or business, the grants program aims to support your initiatives. Time is running out so apply for a grant now.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins