A Community of People

It is no secret the Manly electorate is the best place in Australia to live, work and raise your family. From North Head to Curl Curl, to Seaforth, Clontarf, and everywhere in between, our corner of the world is packed with natural beauty.

But what really makes the Manly community so special is our people, who dedicate much of their time to the causes that are important to them. Following the theme of this edition, I have decided to highlight a very small sample of community members dedicated to making Manly even better than it already is.

CRAIG SUSANS / QUEENSIE SURF CLUB

Craig Susans is a Life Member at Queenscliff SLSC where he has volunteered for the past 40 years. Craig is a wonderful member of our community whose organisational and people skills help bring people together.

SEAN ROUT / HARBORD DIGGERS

Sean Rout is a Freshwater local, having been a member of the RSL movement for over 35 years. Currently serving as President of Harbord Diggers RSL SubBranch, he organises the local ANZAC and Remembrance Day services each year. Sean is an avid historian, initiating local projects at Soldiers Avenue and Jacka Park. In 2019, Sean organised an Australian fl ag to be fl own at the war memorial in Villers Bretonneux, France which was then donated to Harbord Public School. He is a pillar of our community.

COL JOHN PLATT, CSC (RETD.)

Col Pratt is a Balgowlah local, currently the longtime Chair of the Australia Remembers Committee overseeing with dedication and passion the annual Defence of Sydney Service at North Head. Col Platt was the last commander of the School of Artillery at North Head and is a valued Director of the Manly Life Saving Club.

LYNNE AND PHIL YOUNG

As Clontarf locals, they are the long-serving Secretary and President of Clontarf Community Forum. They raise concerns with the Council and successfully advocate on issues such as Clontarf Pool and Playground, to traffi c matters to improve parking in the area and slow down traffi c in local streets.

LLOYD KEEN (WITH HIS WIFE DENISE KEEN)

Lloyd is a hard-working enthusiastic member of our electorate of Manly. Up until recently, Denise and Lloyd lived adjacent to the Ivanhoe Park Botanical Gardens. This led to Lloyd generating community support for the NSW Government to support the establishment of Botanic Gardens. The Gardens exist today because of the Friends of the Gardens, and they have a bright future in the heart of Manly.

VALE RAY MATHIESON

A former long serving Chair of Manly Community Forum (formerly Little Manly Precinct Committee), Ray gave his time selfl essly on numerous former Manly and current Northern Beaches Council’s committees, advocating ceaselessly for issues the community was concerned with. Ray was highly regarded by locals and leaders of our community alike.

DELENE EVANS

A long term member of the Balgowlah Heights community, Delene has been both Secretary and President of North Harbour Community Forum. Working with Local and State Government on local issues, she prosecutes these issues in her typical professional and effi cient manner.

MEL KOEMAN

Mel is a passionate member of our community who has recently set up Manly Lagoon Friends. Mel and the team are wanting the Lagoon to be improved, protected, and restored for future generations to enjoy.

MATTY ABEL AND OLLY WOOLRYCH

They are innovative, passionate, and enthusiastic Manly locals. In addition, they are cofounders of Vipers RC which was set up to engage men (like myself) in running and supporting one another.

JACQUI EMERY

Part of the Royal Far West Family in Manly, she was appointed in 2021 as the new CEO. Jacqui champions the Royal Far West cause with passion and dignity, always promoting the crucial work the RFW does for children in the country.

SHIRLEY MASHMAN

She’s the passionate and long serving president of United Hospital Auxiliaries Manly Branch. Shirley leads the Branch with professionalism and enthusiasm for their many activities, with a new focus on the new Manly Adolescent & Young Adult Hospice at North Head.

NARELLE HAND, MANAGER AND KIRSTIE CHRISTENSEN FUNDRAISING/COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FOR THE NORTHERN BEACHES WOMEN’S SHELTER, both work quietly behind the scenes to advocate and raise funds to enable the shelter to continue their amazing work.

CHANTELLE HOARE AND MONIQUE EGGELING

Executive Offi cers of Manly Business Chamber, members witness their professionalism assisting their President Charlotte Rimmer to promote and advocate for businesses in Manly.

Being able to serve these fantastic community for over the past 5 years has been and continues to be a great honour. I look forward to continuing to deliver great projects to support the local community. •

JAMES GRIFFIN, MP // MEMBER FOR MANLY // NSW MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE // FB & INSTA: @JAMESGRIFFINMP // www.jamesgriffinmp.com