Manly MattersOctober 2025 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the October 2025 edition of Manly Matters, my monthly e-newsletter covering the latest news and issues across the Manly area.
- Future Manly Launch
- 16th Annual Bear Pit Competition
- Outdoor Dining Fees
- 2025-26 Patrol Season Commences
- Legacy Week
- NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards
- AYAH Calabria Club Cheque Presentation
- Out and About in the Community
As always, my office is here to help. 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.
I look forward to seeing you out and about in our community.
Yours sincerely,
James Griffin MP
Member for Manly
Future Manly Launch
That is why I have just launched Future Manly – a large-scale community conversation designed to give you the opportunity to shape both a shared vision for our area and the projects and issues you want to see championed in State Parliament.
Too often, politicians spend their time speaking about issues and not getting on with delivering. As your local MP, I am committed to action and results. Insights gathered through the Future Manly survey will help drive policy development and direct my work in Parliament. Just as importantly, it will ensure that the decisions I advocate for reflect your lived experiences and priorities.
The survey will run over the summer months, giving residents time to reflect and contribute their perspectives. Once the survey closes, I will report back to the community on what I’ve heard, ensuring accountability every step of the way.
Your insights will remain confidential, and your data will only be used so I can communicate with you about the results and next steps.
I invite you to contribute your ideas and visit FutureManly.com or click on the button below:
16th Annual Bear Pit Competition at NSW Parliament
On 22 September, I had the pleasure of hosting the 16th annual ‘Bear Pit’ public speaking competition in the NSW Parliament Chamber. It’s always a highlight seeing the best young speakers from our local public and Catholic schools showcase their skills in the very forum where NSW laws are made.
The judges had their work cut out for them this year, and all the students who competed should be immensely proud of their efforts. A fantastic day and a great reminder about how bright our future is with these young minds!
Outdoor Dining Fees
Like many of you, I was disappointed to see a majority of Northern Beaches Councillors vote to remove Rollers Café’s outdoor seating. We should be encouraging outdoor dining and street vibrancy, not winding it back.
This decision highlights a broader issue facing local businesses. In recent months I’ve met with the Manly Business Chamber and local operators to discuss the impact of Council’s outdoor dining fees on small businesses.
I’ll continue working with the Manly Business Chamber and Northern Beaches Council to explore opportunities for reviewing these fees so our local businesses can thrive.
Image: Rollers Cafe following the removal of its outdoor seating
2025-26 Patrol Season Commences
The weather is warming up, summer is almost upon us and the 2025-26 Patrol Season is officially underway!
It was great to join Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club for the inaugural raising of the flags ceremony to mark the Club’s 103rd Patrol Season.
Our Surf Clubs and their outstanding volunteers represent the very best of our community, and I thank them for their continued dedication to keeping our beaches safe. I wish all our local Surf Life Savers the very best for the season ahead.
Legacy Week 2025
Thank you to all those who stopped to have a chat and bought badge during whilst I was at Manly Wharf during this year’s Legacy Week.
The Legacy Week appeal is a fantastic cause supporting widows and children whose loved ones have served our country since 1941. The Legacy Badge is a special emblem of support for our veteran’s families, and while they may be small in size, the funds they raise make a huge impact for the lives of our veteran’s families.
NSW Volunteers of the Year Awards
It was great to see so many fantastic local organisations and individuals nominated at this year’s NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards – including Ben (pictured) who represented the mighty NSW Manly SES Unit.
Congratulations to young Manly Cricketer Holly Searles, who won 2025 Northern Beaches Young Volunteer of the Year for her work on the successful Cricket Blast program, and Michael Gencher, who was named Emergency Volunteer of the Year.
Well done to all our local volunteers on receiving such well-deserved recognition.
AYAH Calabria Club Cheque Presentation
A big thank you to the Manly Vale Calabria Club for hosting such a wonderful fundraising event in support of the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice. Thanks to their support and the generosity of those guests who attended the fundraiser, $20,000 was raised to directly support patients and their families.
It was very special to attend the cheque presentation at the Hospice up at North Head. These funds will ensure the Manly AYAH continues to provide compassionate care for those who need it most.
Out and About in Our Community
One of the great privileges of representing Manly in NSW Parliament is getting the opportunity to acknowledge and promote the incredible individuals and organisations doing great things in our community. If you know anyone or any business you think is deserving of acknowledgment, please reach out to me or my office!
Last modified: October 3, 2025
