I'd just like to acknowledge the history, stories, and spirits of our First Nations people and pay my respects to indigenous elders, past, present, and emerging. 

Mayor Sue Hines, Scott Phillips, CEO, my fellow Councillor colleagues, friends, family, and staff at the back.  Three years ago in my inaugural speech, I spoke about how fortunate we are to live on the Northern Beaches, we're surrounded by natural beauty with bushland, beaches and waterways. Our school's vibrant, cultural diversity, thriving local businesses, sporting clubs, creative spaces, cafes and restaurants all contribute to making this truly a very special place to live. For the past three years as the Narrabeen Ward Councillor, I've been honoured to work with the residents of my ward and the greater community of this local government area. 

My priority as a councillor was to be part of an open, transparent, and accountable council that has the interest and wellbeing of the community at the forefront of decision making, in dialogue, discussion, and debate with respect and inclusion of our whole community. While the journey has had its challenges, including tough debates and difficult decisions, I've also felt a very strong sense of pride representing our community, in civic duty at important events like Anzac Day and Citizenship Ceremonies. I followed my passion for inclusivity and acted as a bridge between residents and council staff, assisting with community issues. I've also been inspired by the many community groups that have engaged me and welcomed my interests in their pursuits. And as I enter the next four years, I'm excited about continuing this work. 

When I was a young professional in my mid twenties, there was a saying frequently used by the female workforce, was that all we wanted was to desperately break the glass ceiling. Back then, in the good old days, I worked as a teacher at TAFE, working with women to become assertive, to help them write out their resumes, practise interview techniques. It was a daunting and frustrating occupation when no matter what you achieved then as a woman, the workforce promotion was a slim chance and the boys club at the top. However, 40 years on, and you don't need to do the maths, it's taken a while, but now we have representation on the Northern Beaches of two Federal female Members of Parliament, Dr Sophie Scamps, Zali Steggall, a likely female representative in the state electorate of Pittwater, nine female Councillors, and a female Mayor and Deputy Mayor. For me, as an older woman, that's a wow. The glass may not be entirely broken, but we've given it a bloody good crack. 

It's well documented that for good decision making it's imperative to have a diversity of viewpoints, authentic debate, inclusivity and respect, not to mention the emotional intelligence that women bring to the table. Our new council has capability and intellect in spades with lawyers, high levels of expertise in finance, economics, AI, passion for social justice, inclusion and community. Experienced business owners, environmentalists and grassroots are sports enthusiasts, but most importantly, we have some of our youngest members of council to date, Ethan and Bonnie sitting in the chamber. Last year, the council adopted the Youth Voice Action Plan, and the number one recommendation being was to consult and engage with our young people and to listen what they have to say when we plan our future, not making assumptions based on, probably mine, outdated life experience, a strategy that I think we've now looking at our very engaged and hearing from our very engaged young guns in the room. 

I actually believe the Northern Beaches has taken a step forward away from the traditional conservative council it has been considered in the past to become an a modern, diverse, and inclusive group of community leaders and representatives. We face hard decisions and challenges ahead, but the key to our success is continued collaboration and community engagement. 

To our council CEO, Scott Phillips, and the directors and the nearly 1800 staff, I always believe you're council's greatest asset, and I look forward to continuing working alongside you all. To get here, I need to acknowledge and thank Chris Jackson and Adam Hughes, my running mates for their incredible support throughout the election. Without them, I wouldn't be here, and I can also say that were the same for the amazing volunteers that we had behind us. To all the mums and dads and kids in Eleanora, who supported my campaign and had kids doing the letterbox drops for me, riding up and down on their bikes and their message of support, so I have to say that they all rock. And to Lindsay, Chloe, Alexandra, and Dominique, my family, thank you for your encouragement, love, and help. And I guess for me particularly not raising your eyebrows and thinking, oh no, here she goes again, but being so positive, supportive, and unquestioning. Thank you.