I congratulate and recognise the new mayor of Northern Beaches Council, Sue Heins, who was elected at the council meeting last Tuesday evening. The northern beaches is so fortunate to have Sue step up to the role. But who is Sue Heins?

She was elected to Warringah Council in 2012 and then continued with the amalgamated Northern Beaches Council from 2017. Sue has lived and worked on the northern beaches for over 25 years. She is a passionate supporter of the local small business community, running networking events and facilitating mentoring programs. Sue was also president of the Warringah Chamber of Commerce. Sue is deeply involved with several charities and is currently chairperson of Women and Children First, which provides domestic violence services, and the Women's Healing Sanctuary. Sue is also now a carer for her beautiful partner, Nigel. In 2015 Councillor Heins received the Minister's Award for Women in Local Government for her outstanding contributions to council and the community. We are proud to continue to work with Sue to improve the lives of those in our community. I get to call her friend and mate. I have no doubt that Councillor Heins will make a great contribution as the second only mayor, and first female mayor, of the Northern Beaches Council.