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Head Above Water Swim

I acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the organisers and volunteers behind Head Above Water, an annual 24-hour swim raising funds and awareness for mental fitness and suicide prevention. This year's event saw a phenomenal 603 swimmers take part, clocking a staggering 27,587 laps. That is like swimming from Sydney to Adelaide—amazing! Together they have already raised $120,000, with donations open until Sunday evening. 

Among the standout achievers were Matt Harris, who swam 1,000 laps, or 50 kilometres; and Mooseman, aged 61 and new to swimming, who completed 480 laps, or 24 kilometres. Together as team Gotta Keep Showing Up they raised $12,5000. There were also young swimmers, including Seren Johnson, who swam 300 laps, and Connor Ward, who swam 251 laps. This year's relay event was especially meaningful because it was named in honour of Bruce Murray, a dear friend of Head Above Water and TV industry legend, who passed away last October. Since its first swim in 2019, Head Above Water has raised an incredible $880,000 for mental health initiatives, and it now has its sights set on reaching the $1 million milestone next year. Amazing effort, you guys.

26 March 2025, 19:32.

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Surf 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...

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John 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...

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