Curl Curl ward councillor Sue Heins has stepped back into the Deputy Mayor role for Northern Beaches Council after incumbent Cr Candy Bingham voluntarily, albeit reluctantly, stepped down following a couple of years in the role.
Cr Heins was elected after Cr Bingham nominated her for the role at Tuesday’s council meeting. Cr Heins is a team member of Your Northern Beaches Independent team, which is spearheaded by Mayor Michael Regan. Cr Candy Bingham leads her own independent group, Good For Manly.
Cr Heins beat challengers Bianca Crvelin from the Liberals and Miranda Korzy from the Greens.
Speaking to Manly Observer after the win, Cr Heins said she hoped to emulate her predecessor and the role would allow greater action on her issues of focus – female representation, advocating for small business and social justice.
“I’m very excited and happy to take over the reigns and thank Candy Bingham for her contribution as Deputy Mayor,” she said.
“I think she’s been an extraordinary Deputy Mayor and an excellent representative of the area. I hope to follow her footsteps.
“I’ll be working on forming a committee to bring together local networking groups to have more say on what goes on in the local area for small business, and I’m very happy that Candy moved a motion about having the local government women’s associations having a conference on the Northern Beaches to bring more focus to local businesses and the area in general.
“Affordable housing is a problem in the area, especially for single parent families who still want to stay in the area but the lack of affordable accomodation prevents many of them.”
Cr Heins, who has been a councillor since 2012, was Deputy of Warringah Council in 2013-14 and Northern Beaches 2018-19. It is a 12 month position.
Cr Bingham congratulated Cr Heinz for her win, but said her work would continue regardless of her title.
“As much as I love the role and was reluctant to step aside, I felt it was time somebody else was given the opportunity,” Cr Bingham said.
“The fact that I don’t have the title of deputy mayor is a pity as it does open doors, but it’s not going to make any difference what I do. I love Manly. I’m very passionate about Manly and there’s a lot that we need to do.”
Cr Bingham highlighted Manly ferries, creating a connecting ocean boardwalk and turning the Manly town hall into a performing arts centre as issues that would receive specific focus.
“I’m working on a major project to bring an iconic ferry and fully electric ferry service to Manly as the Chinese ones aren’t suitable.
“The Manly town hall, I’d ike to see it used as a performing arts space as there’s nowhere to see entertainment in Manly.
“Replacing the boardwalk that was knocked over by a storm in the 1970 linking the harbour areas would really increase the appeal of the local area and be a great hangout for families.”The position of mayor, held by Cr Michael Regan since the formation of the amalgamated council, is up for re-election in September 2023.
Mayor Michael Regan said he is pleased to have Cr Heins back and looks forward to working closely with her.
“Congratulations to Councillor Heins who continues to serve the community with empathy, loyalty and passion,” the mayor said in a statement issued by Council on Wednesday.
“There are few people like Sue – so dedicated to making a difference in their community.
“She puts in hours and hours every week for residents, local businesses, community-based projects. She is an active participant on numerous council committees not to mention charities including her current role as the Chairperson of Women & Children First (domestic violence services) and Women’s Healing Sanctuary. Council and the community are very lucky to have her,” the Mayor said.
Mayor Regan thanked the outgoing Deputy Mayor, Cr Bingham, for her stewardship over the past two years.
“Cr Bingham works tirelessly to serve her community. Thank you for all your outstanding efforts serving the Northern Beaches community as Deputy Mayor.”
Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council may elect one of its members as Deputy Mayor and they may exercise any function of the Mayor at the request of the Mayor or if the Mayor is prevented by illness or absence.
For more information about Councillor Heins achievements see here.
