The NSW government’s proposed Sydney Marine Park includes 25 sites between Newcastle and Wollongong is a significant advance for marine conservation across the Hawkesbury bioregion, including in particular the Sutherland Shire. As a coastal MP and former Environment Minister, I know how important it is to protect and nurture our marine environment and to implement measures that aim to protect and increase our marine biodiversity.
The Towra Point Aquatic Reserve will grow by 349ha, to incorporate additional adjacent Posidonia australis seagrass and shorebird habitat as a special purpose zone. The reserve protects the largest and most diverse wetland complex in the Sydney region. It’s adjacent to the Towra Point Nature Reserve, a wetland of international importance and declared Ramsar site. It’s also an important nursery area for fish and invertebrates, a habitat for migratory seabirds, and rich in marine biodiversity.
Cabbage Tree Creek, a small tidal creek on the southern side of Port Hacking, will be a new 23ha sanctuary zone. The area contains extensive estuarine habitats, including saltmarsh, seagrass and mangroves. It’s a significant area for the local Aboriginal community, as is Towra Point.
An 85ha conservation zone in Royal National Park will go from Martin Head south to the northern end of Garie Beach, including Wattamolla Beach and Wattamolla Lagoon, and 100m seaward.
Some old favourites will be included with no changes to management rules, such as Boat Harbour and Shiprock.
All proposed sites have been carefully analysed by the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority following extensive community consultation. You can provide feedback at: https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/key-initiatives/hawkesbury-shelf-marine-assessment. Submissions close 27 September.
An information stall will be visiting Cronulla Mall on 15 September from 8 am to 12 noon.
An honour to join the vibrant and joyful Nagar Yatra procession, in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha - an extraordinary celebration of peace at the new BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Sydney temple at Kemps Creek.
BAPS AUS ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you, Mark Speakman, for joining the vibrant Nagar Yatra procession in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Grateful to have shared this special occasion with you.
The golden moments.
☺ Congratulations, HaVe A GrEaT Day! #Amazing_Work, #Great_PhotoS, #Great_VideO, #GreAt_LeAdeR
🩷Happy International Women’s Day!
This week we celebrated Fiona Sutton’s award as 2025 Cronulla Woman of the Year.
Fiona joins a distinguished list of previous awardees. We’re blessed to have these trailblazing women who’ve done so much for our community!
2014 – Dr Karen Crawley (Mitochondrial disease awareness)
2015 – Megan Barnes (Pancreatic cancer awareness)
2016 – Jen Armstrong (Founder of the Beauty Bank; also NSW Woman of the Year)
2017 – Alison Todd (Cancer Council volunteer)
2018 – Kate Fitzsimons (Safe travel awareness - Nicole Fitzsimmons Foundation)
2019 – Shirley Smith (Caringbah RSL sub-branch President)
2020 – Margaret Corbett OAM (netball leadership)
2021 – Cathy Mason (Rotary, Sutherland Shire Relay for Life)
2022 - Rebecca Hinshelwood (Kurnell Rural Fire Brigade president and deputy captain)
2023 - Lisa Tilsed and Adriarn Crane (Wondering Women)
2024 - Julie McKinnery (breast cancer fundraising and advocacy) ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you Mark.
International Women’s Day brunch this morning supporting @thefamilyco_ - each year helping over 10,000 people through youth, child and family services and around 9,000 people through domestic violence support offerings. ... See MoreSee Less
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💜 I’m thrilled to announce, in the lead up to International Women’s Day, that Wanda Surf Life Saving Club President Fiona Sutton is the 2025 Cronulla Woman of the Year.
Fiona is a remarkable leader who has quietly made a difference to life in the Sutherland Shire over many years.
She’s been an active volunteer and leader at Wanda.
A driving force in Wanda’s ‘nippers’ that introduces children aged 5 to 14 to surf lifesaving, one of Fiona’s proudest achievements as Chair of the club’s Junior Activities Group is the successful introduction of the inclusive and accessible ‘Red Fins’ program.
Once a nipper herself, Fiona holds 13 surf lifesaving awards and a Bronze Medallion in Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue.
Fiona is also an active member of Wanda’s surf patrols.
Fiona runs her own successful business ‘The Music Bus’.
She’s been described by the Wanda club as an inspirational leader, much loved mum, and friend to all in in the club family and beyond.
Fiona’s enthusiastic and friendly way is appreciated by many in the Shire. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations!
Congratulations! 💕
A true leader and an inspirational woman.
Thank you Mark. I am very honoured and humbled to receive this award. There are so many amazing women in our local community who make great contributions.
Congratulations! This is wonderful news! Another amazing Shire volunteer recognised! Welcome to the Club! 💓
Congratulations to Fiona. We are so fortunate to have you as a volunteer. Welcome to the club.
Congratulations Fiona well deserved
Congratulations Fiona! Very well deserved!
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Tropical Cyclone Alfred Update:
NSW SES is advising residents in the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers to prepare for damaging and destructive winds, large powerful surf, coastal erosion and heavy rainfall with Tropical Cyclone Alfred expected to cross the coast from Friday.
Moderate to major flooding is possible.
Stay informed by downloading the Hazards Near Me App via the SES NSW website, which will include the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.
Follow SES NSW on social media at NSW SES or visit its website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found at reception.abc.net.au
Check latest weather and warnings at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/
For information on temporary school closures in your area, check www.education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/school-operational-status ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to the 2025 Cronulla Senior of the Year! I announced the award to Kirrawee’s Robert ‘Rocko’ Bryant at a local morning tea today for finalists and their supporters, celebrating the vital contribution that seniors, especially volunteers, make to our community.
Having represented Australia in water polo at multiple World Cups, World Championships and the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Robert has been supporting Cronulla Sharks Water Polo Club for more than half a century.
He’s facilitated the development of the Sutherland Shire Junior Water Polo Association for over 30 years.
He’s held senior committee positions, been a coach and mentor for both the Cronulla Club and the Shire juniors and can be found at Sutherland Leisure Centre most days and evenings assisting teams, coaches and specifically new parent coaches.
Robert also actively assists with the junior association’s “Polobility” competition, a modified game of water polo designed for inclusion of young people with a diverse range of disabilities.
The other outstanding finalists (all volunteers) are:
Greg Allum AM, Cronulla, Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, Wanda Surf Life Saving Club
Lynette (‘Lyn’) Bates, Woolooware, Rotary Club of Cronulla and Oyster Bay Probus
Andrew (‘Andy’) Britton, Burraneer, Surfing Sutherland Shire.
Robert and Nerida Broady, Caringbah, Caringbah Baptist Church.
Helen Forsyth, Cronulla, Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter.
Robert (Bob) King, Cronulla, Elouera SLSC.
Noel Parkinson, Cronulla South, Marine Rescue NSW.
Cronulla’s Ernest ‘Solly’ Stephens OAM, Cronulla, Wanda Surf Life Saving Club.
Lyn Turnbull, Caringbah South, Caringbah Baptist Church.
Steve Willett, Caringbah South, Lilli Pilli Football Club. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations Steve Willett. Amazing efforts supporting the community. A big cheer to all the finalists. A great line up.
Outstanding Mark. A great group f dedicated local members of our community!
Thank you Mark Speakman for your initiative with these awards. I have been fortunate to have known Bob Bryant for over 50 years. He is a most worthy winner. Congratulations Rocko and to all the other nominees. 👏👏👏
Congratulations to Steve and all the amazing finalists. Our community applaud you.
All very deserved nominees. Congratulations Rocko on an amazing career as a player and coach. You have helped so many kids realise their dreams in waterpolo.
Congratulations 🙌
Congratulations
Well done, and your rewards are not only in a trophy, but with the memory of the many lives that you saved and encouraged.
Btw Miss Forsythe Happy Birthday 🥳
Helloooo Helen Forsythe
It’s pure and simple—if Labor doesn’t invest in new metro lines, that’s it. I’m voting Liberal because they will.
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