Today I recognise Aarohi Bansal of Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus for receiving the NSW Order of Australia Association Youth Community Service Award. On 22 August 2025 at Government House, the Governor, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley, presented the award to 25 HSC students across NSW, and Aarohi was among them. A Year 12 leader, she logged 160 volunteer hours in 2023 alone, supporting Special Olympics Australia, Foodbank and local homelessness services, and fundraising for the Kids' Cancer Project. In 2024 she was a 'Ones to Watch' finalist in the NSW Women of the Year Awards. Aarohi's service strengthens inclusion and compassion across the Northern Beaches and sets a standard for her peers. The Wakehurst community and I are so grateful for the way Aarohi turns care into action and brings others with her. Young people in Wakehurst can look to her example of steady leadership, humility and service as a roadmap to contribute. I sincerely congratulate Aarohi Bansal on her well-deserved recognition, and I am very proud to commend her incredible efforts to the House.
Aarohi Bansal
Continue Reading
Read MoreSurf Rider Foundation
February 11, 2026
Today I congratulate the Adopt a Beach Team from Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches on being named the 2026 Community Group of the Year by Northern Beaches Council. For 34 years the Surfrider Foundation has been protecting our coastlines. In 2025 the Northern Beaches branch launched...
Read moreJohn Balfour
February 10, 2026
I congratulate John Balfour on being named Northern Beaches Council Senior Citizen of the Year. This is an incredible and well-deserved honour. Like many, John started off as a cadet. He later took part in the Australian Army Reserves for 48 years and gave...
Read more