Locals continue to recognise the strong sense of community that comes from living on the Northern Beaches. The village feel of the area contributes to this sense of belonging.

Extensive community engagement was completed during the development of Better Together, our Social Sustainability Strategy 2040. The key components of our community vision to be a safe, inclusive and connected community, continue to serve as our community’s key aspirations in this space. Additional and improved community services in our main centres and in smaller places are considered important to achieving these aims.

There’s general support for providing opportunities and places for artists, musicians, and creatives. Two new creative spaces opened, the Avalon Workshop and Mona Vale Creative Pop Up which provide studio, workshop and presentation spaces and a unique program of exhibitions. The Northern Beaches Coast Walk which stretches from Manly to Palm Beach includes a public art trail and will help to support the community’s aspirations in understanding more about Aboriginal history, heritage and culture.

The value of community centres and libraries are recognised by the community. These spaces provide a safe place for connection and community belonging. A new community centre is being developed in Warriewood, serving a wide range of recreational activities and local community needs.

There is a perception that youth crime and antisocial behaviour is increasing, particularly towards the northern end of the Local Government Area. The community has identified a lack of services available to ensure the safety of young people, particularly at night, with requests for increased availability of safe night-time activities for teenagers and more community activities.

There is also a concern that youth suicide is a significant problem despite the affluence of the area. Some residents have identified a lack of awareness and understanding regarding disability, both physical and mental, within the Northern Beaches community.

The high cost of living on the Northern Beaches impacts the ability of younger people to stay in the area they have grown up in. Many young people have expressed concerns about housing affordability and that they don’t see an opportunity to be able to continue to live where they have strong social and family connections.

Entertainment and festivals have been suggested by the community as a way to bring the community closer together, while generating employment and positive effects for the local economy. Our community also identified the need for more networking, meeting places and support of cultural activities which bring people together.

Our community feels that an increased feeling of community value and belonging can be achieved through leisure and social services. These include cultural and sporting facilities, encouraging and promoting multiculturalism and by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Wellbeing and mental health services should be strengthened, particularly for those in at-risk groups.

Intergenerational opportunities have been recognised as an opportunity to support health and wellbeing across different age demographics, particularly the elderly. These include skills sharing opportunities between older and younger residents and incorporating pre-schools with nursing homes.