As the end-of-year exhaustion kicks in, and we succumb to last-min Chrissie shopping-panic (was that a slab of Bucketty’s cold ones, or a soap-on-a-rope for Uncle Frank?!), and despite existing local challenges (*insert quib about Council’s impending rate rises), with economic uncertainty and global tribalism on the rise, there is still much to celebrate and for which to be thankful for us lucky locals living on the Beaches.
So, as we lay 2024 down to rest, here are 10 tales and feel-good news stories of good Beaches’ people doing great things for our community to bring in the new year.
1. Centennial celebrations
We celebrated lots of centuries this year, marking 100 years of a richer, safer, and more vibrant community. Queensie SLSC, Royal Far West, Manly Art Gallery and Museum, Manly Warringah Pittwater Historical Society, and Dee Why Firies. Happy Birthday!
IG @goqueensie @royalfarwest @magamnsw
2. Surf’s saviours
The thankless and tireless dedication of our lifeguards and surf-life-saving volunteers is unsurpassed. This year we’ve seen so many lives saved in heroic and dangerous rescues. We see you; thank you!
3. Home grown surfing glory
In May, our very own Jordy Lawler claimed his first Challenger Series victory in North Narra, in the GWM Sydney Surf Pro, a key event in the World Surf League; we couldn’t be prouder.
IG @jordylawler @wsl
4. Good business, unique experiences
Small biz is the lifeblood of our Beaches’ economy. Some gem experiences this year, including Manly’s Open Air Cinema under the stars, and Cedar & Salt Saunas, post refreshing winter dips.
IG @manlyopenaircinema @cedar.and.salt.saunas
5. Narrabeen’s New Nest
Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter (NBWS) opened Narrabeen House, a beautiful temporary housing for up to 90 women in crisis, in July. These fully furnished one-bedroom units empower women transitioning to stable, independent living, within a caring community. IG @nbws_org
6. Parisian pride
Who could forget cheering with gusto our 19 local legends representing Australia at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic games on the world stage.
7. Beaches Youth Hub rebrands and relaunches
In September, Beaches Youth Hub, underpinned by Burdekin, rebranded and relaunched its multi-purpose, multi-service safe space that supports young people with an array of mental health services. If you don’t know where to even start, start with Beaches Youth Hub. They’re there to help. IG @beachesyouthhub
8. Coffee for a cause
Roland at EMU PARADE kept serving up the free coffees and cleaning up our beaches. His idea is simple: pick up the plastic and be rewarded with a free flatty-white. Genius. IG @ep.cleanup
9. Engage launches more engaged parents
Jo from Engage Northern Beaches gave parents and carers an early Christmas gift in November: a free website packed with tips and tricks for kids’ experiences. What once was a simple socials-following has now transformed into a full-blown, easy-to-navigate, (and free) website for Beaches’ carers. Thanks for taking the mental load, Engage! IG @engage_northern_beaches
10. Playful places pop up
This year also delivered the goods with the opening of three new and improved open spaces. These included the new mini-Ninja Warrior circuit (Fairlight), the renamed and improved Lynne Czinner Park (Warriewood), and more recently, the new Freshie Playground. IG @beachescouncil
Thanks 2024. As they say, may your summer days be merry and bright. Cheers to 2025.