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Young Writers' Competition

I recognise the amazing students from my community who submitted their work to the Young Writers' Competition run by Northern Beaches Council. This year entries were received from students across 70 schools. A special round of applause goes to the six highly talented students who won their respective categories: Mia Bennett, Georgia Greenwell, Maya Gaffney, Moana Chujo, Alice Surace and Maya Reed. What an outstanding achievement. This year marks the sixteenth anniversary of the competition, which gives local students an amazing opportunity to showcase their creative talents to a panel of author judges. The theme of this year's competition was "Change". That is fitting for a world that never stands still. Writing is not just about words; it is about courage and imagination. I thank all the students who entered for sharing their voices. I know their families and teachers are very proud of them. Congratulations to all the participants. They should keep writing and dreaming, and they may just change the world. Right now, more than ever, we need creative thinking.

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Vale Mary Ryland

August 06, 2026

I acknowledge the passing of Mary Ryland, a much-loved former Deputy Principal and Acting Principal of Stella Maris College, who passed away on 14 July aged 75. For generations of Stella students, Mary was far more than a school leader. She was a steady,...

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Allambie Heights Village

August 06, 2026

Today, I rise to recognise the extraordinary contribution of Allambie Heights Village and its ongoing commitment to the people of my community. This year marks an incredible milestone, with the organisation celebrating 101 combined years of service to people all across the Northern Beaches....

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