Manly MattersJuly 2026 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the July 2026 edition of my monthly e-newsletter, Manly Matters, where I share a snapshot of the latest news, the issues I’ve been working on, and what I’m focused on in the months ahead.
In this edition of Manly Matters:
- 31st Defence of Sydney Commemorative Service
- Update on Dee Why Assault
- 2026 Bi-Annual Manly Hospice Gala Dinner
- E-bike License Plates Needed Now More Than Ever
- Damaged Telstra Bollard Removed from Corso
- Save Victoria Barracks
- Supporting Our Small Businesses
- Out and About in the Community
Should you wish to get in touch to discuss an issue, or would like to learn more about what I’ve delivered and what I stand for, please head over to my website: https://jamesgriffinmp.com/
You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin for further news covering the Manly Electorate.
Yours sincerely,
Yours sincerely,
James Griffin MP
Member for Manly
31st Defence of Sydney Commemorative Service
It was wonderful to see such a huge turnout for the 31st Defence of Sydney Commemorative Service at North Head which remembers the night Japanese submarines entered Sydney Harbour during World War II.
Thank you to all the local schools, RSL sub-branches and organisations who took part and a huge thank you also to Rear Admiral Chris Smith, Commander of Australian Fleet, Royal Australian Navy for being a special guest speaker. As always, the day was wonderfully supported by RSL NSW and the Harbour Trust.
Watch the video recap of this important annual community event by clicking the button below:
Update on Dee Why Assault
Thank you to the Northern Beaches Police Area Command who recently arrested and charged a man following the sickening assault in Dee Why. My thoughts are with the victim and his family during this difficult time.
I remain in close contact with our local Police who are working hard behind the scenes to investigate this incident and reports of others, to bring those responsible to account. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in our local area, and I encourage anyone who witnesses an act of antisocial or criminal activity to report it directly to Police.
2026 Bi-annual Manly Hospice Gala Dinner
The third bi-annual Gala dinner in support of the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) was a fantastic success, with more than 200 guests coming together to raise close to $100,000 in support of this nation-leading facility.
Located on a portion of the former Manly Hospital site, the Manly AYAH was borne out of an idea to give children at Bear Cottage a place to transition to once they reach the age of 16, and since opening its doors in 2023 has cared for more than 340 young adults from across NSW.
A sincere thank you to everyone who supported the evening, particularly Her Excellency Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, for joining us as our special guest and making the night so memorable.
E-Bike Licensing Scheme Needed Now More than Ever
Last week in NSW Parliament, I called on the Government to adopt our plan for mandatory licence plates and road safety education for e-bike riders under 18 and commercial operators, including Lime bikes and delivery riders.
Our proposal would require riders under 18 to display a visible identification plate linked to a parent or guardian, giving authorities a practical way to identify dangerous and reckless riders.
I’ve heard from countless residents about near misses, unsafe riding and growing concerns that the rules haven’t kept pace with the rapid rise of e-bikes. Communities are tired of seeing dangerous behaviour go unchecked. This targeted scheme would help close the enforcement gap and improve safety for everyone.
To read more, please click on the button below:
Damaged Telstra Bollard Removed from Corso
In last month’s issue, I let you know that I had contacted Telstra to expedite the removal of this eyesore from the Corso after residents contacted me.
I’m pleased to report that the redundant bollard has now been removed entirely and the area has been repaved.
A big thank you to the Telstra team for acting so quickly once the issue was raised, and to the Northern Beaches Council for facilitating the approvals needed to complete the work.
Save Victoria Barracks
I am proud to stand alongside colleagues from across the political spectrum in calling on the Albanese Labor Government to reconsider any proposal to sell the historic Victoria Barracks as part of its broader divestment of Defence sites.
Victoria Barracks is not surplus land – it is the beating heart of the Australian Army.
As we are seeing with the Government’s plans for HMAS Penguin in Balmoral, selling Victoria Barracks would risk trading nearly two centuries of sacrifice, service and national memory for short-term financial gain.
The sale of the site is a disastrous decision and should be stopped.
Supporting Our Small Businesses
Visiting EDCON Steel in Brookvale with Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane to discuss the pressure payroll tax places on the small business and the impact that has on decisions to hire and replace staff
I know how tough conditions are right now for small and medium-sized businesses in our local area. That’s why the NSW Opposition has announced the most comprehensive overhaul of payroll tax in Australia, aimed at delivering real relief and supporting business growth.
Our plan would lift the payroll tax threshold from $1.2 million to $1.5 million, reduce rates for thousands of businesses, and introduce CPI indexation to prevent bracket creep. Around 4,000 businesses would be removed from the system entirely, with many more seeing lower costs and greater capacity to invest, hire and expand.
For the 32,905 small businesses across the Northern Beaches, this would mean savings of up to $75,850 a year. When our local operators thrive, so too does our local community and the broader NSW economy.
Out and About in the Community
Great to participate in STRYDE4 Day with the Manly Business Chamber raising crucial funds for local charities.
Speaking at the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter and HAKE House of Art event, ‘Art with Heart’ to raise vital funds to support women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
Delighted to recognise veteran and all round legend Rodney Cottam who recently ran non-stop for 48hrs on a section of the Dobroyd Head Track at Balgowlah Heights to raise money for Invictus Australia.
Visiting the Manly Freshwater Parish to inspect their new chairs I was proud to secure funding for. The chairs will not only benefit the Parish but also the many groups and community organisations who hire the hall for events.
MC’ing Manly Salvos’ annual Red Shield Appeal Night to help raise funds for those doing it tough in our community.
Catching up with the Manly, Warringah, Pittwater Historical Society in NSW Parliament, Australia’s oldest Parliament
Last modified: July 8, 2026
