Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby knows the Beaches are at their best when the community shows up for itself, and this winter, she's making sure local business has every reason to do exactly that.

Pittwater is a place people fall in love with. In summer, the beaches are full, the cafés are crowded, and visitors spill through our villages. Winter has its own magic too. Crisp mornings, winter coastal walks and a community that knows how to make the most of every season.

High streets matter. They are made up of the small businesses that are the beating heart of our communities. These are the places that give our suburbs their identity. They are where young people get their first jobs, families go out for dinner, local musicians get a start, older residents stay connected, and the character of a place is built.

This winter, we look forward to another year of the Avalon Winter Solstice Street Festival on 21 June 2026, where local businesses bring the village to life. Last year, a visitor from Los Angeles remarked it was like a ‘Truman Show’ of a village: a quintessential, perfect village experience, with locals out shopping, restaurants full and also offering food stalls, and clothing and homewares stores buzzing with activity. It is exactly the kind of activation that turns a cold June day into a celebration.

On our beaches, North Narrabeen just hosted the East Coast Invitational, a surfing comp where the Beaches’ best go head-to-head with top clubs from across the East Coast.

And of course, as they do all year-round, both small and large venues continue to support our local musical talent, bringing our restaurants and bars to life.

What’s exciting is that state policy is helping build the vibe now and into the future, and I'm working with local Chambers of Commerce, venues, and groups to make sure our region fully capitalises on what's available, including competitive grants that continue to be realised. It's paying off.

The Avalon Business Collective was awarded $170,000 under the Uptown Grant Program for the Deep North Festival, an extraordinary meeting of culture and community.

On the horizon, we have what will be an epic event; the Aloha Music Festival, run by Luke Campbell, has secured $100,000 through the NSW Government's Local Audience Development Grants program ahead of its planned launch in Collaroy. It will be an all-ages contemporary music event celebrating surf culture and featuring local and top Australian artists. It will also partner with the Australian Surf Film Festival for the first time. In November, the Northern Beaches Music Festival will bring traditional and folk music back to the Beaches after a year’s hiatus.

New reforms, such as those in the Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy are also making it easier for venues to create a great local night out – increasing outdoor dining space and allowing cafes to trade later for special events.

One of the most promising reforms on the horizon is the establishment of Community Improvement Districts, giving businesses in a defined area the tools and backing to collaborate on events, beautification, marketing, safety, lighting, and activation – partially funded through generous grants. I'm actively engaging with the business community to build my advocacy for the Northern Beaches to be declared an eligible LGA.

To work, these districts need to be driven by local business. It’s promising to see Mona Vale Chamber has renewed energy with a fantastic new president, alongside Pittwater Business: a new initiative building momentum in Newport and across Pittwater by bringing together local businesses. All are working together to create the vibe we love.

But there is more to do. Trade does drop in winter, empty shop fronts become more noticeable, and too many landlords leave premises vacant without good reason. Although, after much advocacy, we are now seeing illicit tobacconist retailers being closed, we want these shops replaced with other small businesses – not left empty.

In Parliament, I've recently given a notice of a motion to tackle this head-on by examining tax incentives to encourage landlords to lease vacant premises, and whether an empty shopfront levy should apply where properties sit idle. We also need initiatives that give small businesses a fair go with outdoor seating – both to make it easier and reduce costs.

Music and cultural events are always popular and so well attended in Pittwater and we have an army of seasoned and emerging creative talent in music, arts and fashion. I look forward to seeing everyone out and about, building the momentum to ensure sustained, year-round vibrancy that promotes creativity, supports local businesses and strengthens community connection. •

Jacqui Scruby MP  |  Member for Pittwater
Authorised by Jacqui Scruby MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.