Dear Michael

Given the easing of the restrictions for the Northern Beaches on 9 January 2021 I felt it timely to acknowledge the extraordinary effort of yourself and the Northern Beaches Council in response to the Northern Beaches COVID-19 outbreak.

The actions of the Council in supporting the NSW Health response were crucial in achieving what could only be described as an exemplary response to managing the outbreak. Your prompt and timely communication with the key health leadership team Deputy Secretary, Susan Pearce and the CE of the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Deb Willcox were so important in assisting the mobilization of the effort required and gave us great confidence in the Council’s capabilities.

Your assistance in the establishment of pop up testing clinics, with prompt approval of locations and facilitating resources to support them eg tents, flood lighting and generators, facilities support such as mobile toilets and minor equipment, traffic management and offers of council staff for deployment eg for deep cleans, were all instrumental in achieving some of the highest levels of community testing that has occurred in NSW. This was so important in keeping the residents of the Northern Beaches safe and reassured.

I consider that the exemplary response of both yourself as Mayor and the Council represents what could be described as a gold standard in local council working in partnership with NSW Health and the results to date speak for the effectiveness of the response. I congratulate your Council for the contribution and consider the residents of the Northern Beaches are fortunate to have such leadership in their region. Congratulations, and NSW Health thanks you for your efforts.

Yours sincerely
Elizabeth Koff
Secretary, NSW Health

11/1/21