Local Legends

October 18, 2024

Today I commend the year 9 students and three staff members from Pittwater House who successfully completed the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea in June this year. The students from years 8 and 11 worked together with their Adventure Kokoda trek leader, Major...

October 16, 2024

I commend an outstanding initiative by The Forest High School under the leadership of principal Nathan Lawler, the Friday morning boot camp for primary school students. This awesome program is helping ease the daunting transition from primary to high school. Each Friday morning, around...

September 26, 2024

I congratulate Link Wentworth on recently celebrating its fortieth year as a community housing provider [CHP]. CHPs like Link Wentworth play a vital role in delivering affordable housing options to individuals and families in need, and in reducing the rate of homelessness. 

August 15, 2024

Congratulations to the Manly Eagles Baseball U18s boys team, who this year claimed the Baseball NSW State League title. The team, finished 4th place in the regular season, then went on to win all 3 finals games, and to be crowned the Baseball NSW...

August 15, 2024

Today I congratulate the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society, which is celebrating 100 years this month, making it the second oldest local historical society in New South Wales. 

August 13, 2024

Today I congratulate the Northern Beaches Chorus, which recently received a second place medal in Fremantle, Western Australia, for small barbershop chorus performances in Australia. The Northern Beaches Chorus is a local women's singing group that rehearses in Belrose. It is part of the...

August 09, 2024

Vale to Collaroy Plateau resident Richie Lytham, OAM, who passed away on 7 May aged 78, leaving three children and four grandchildren. Richie joined Collaroy Surf Life Saving Club in 1983 and was on the club's committee for nine seasons. 

August 08, 2024

Today I congratulate Toy Libraries Australia, which has been awarded Marie Claire's 2024 Sustainability Award in the parenting category. The award celebrates companies, organisations and individuals who are doing their bit to recycle and re‑use goods in the community. 

August 07, 2024

I commend the Manly Warringah Pipe Band, which had the great honour of performing in July at the Basel Tattoo 2024 in Switzerland. The Basel Tattoo attracts an audience of up to 8,000 people, with over 1,000 performers, making it the second largest tattoo...

August 06, 2024

Today I thank and congratulate retiring senior firefighter Steven Chiddy on over 40 years of service to Fire and Rescue NSW. Steve joined the then NSW Fire Brigade in 1983. He worked in stations across Sydney, including over 20 years at Dee Why.

June 21, 2024

I acknowledge a local rising star: Zac Jones from Northern Beaches Secondary College Cromer Campus. As school captain, Zac is an important leader in his school, but he has also excelled at two parliamentary conferences over the past year.

June 19, 2024

Today I recognise Angus McInnes, a student at St Augustine's College - Sydney, for his most admirable fundraising for the 'Cut for a Cure' campaign to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer research at the Children's Cancer Institute.

June 18, 2024

Sue Fairless is a remarkable woman who has served the Northern Beaches community on our buses since 1964. Starting out as a conductress, Sue was one of the original agitators who pushed for the right for women to be bus drivers. 

June 06, 2024

Last week, Northern Beaches Secondary College Cromer Campus, a comprehensive high school from Northern Sydney, won the under-16 division two Basketball NSW State Championships.

June 05, 2024

Today I recognise and commend the local organisation EarlyEd. Its toy library initiative provides toys for children of all abilities to borrow, offering families a more sustainable and affordable alternative to buying toys firsthand.

June 04, 2024

I acknowledge the remarkable efforts of the Knitting Nannas on the northern beaches. It is wonderful to welcome them to Parliament House this week. Bound by a common cause, the group works tirelessly to ensure that our precious land, air and water are preserved...

May 16, 2024

Today I recognise GLAM Plus, a diverse group of queer young people who connect on the Northern Beaches. Run by the incredible Melissa Spencer and Lee Amber, GLAM Plus is a vital platform for dynamic young people to find social connection, the health and...

May 15, 2024

Today I acknowledge the nearly 150 former teachers across New South Wales who have taken up the Government's offer of the Teachers Re-engage program to help alleviate the ongoing teacher shortage crisis.

May 14, 2024

I would like to commend Northern Beaches lifeguards, David Hooper and Tiaan Cronje, who on the 17th March this year, rescued an endangered leatherback turtle a kilometre off the coast of Dee Why Beach. 

May 07, 2024

Today I congratulate Dr Gabrielle Morrissey, Michelle Povah and the entire team at Women and Children First. It is an amazing women's refuge on the northern beaches that services all of Sydney.