Narelle is co-chair of the Northern Beaches StreetWork committee, (serving local kids at risk) and volunteers with Ocean Care Day and the Manly Weaving Bridges Project. Recently working with a start-up company to create Energy Saving Certificates for companies reducing their energy consumption by upgrading their commercial lighting to LED.

 

LISTENING TO THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

 

 Narelle Kinsey fell in love with the Northern Beaches as a child when her family would head there for holidays from their farm in Trangie in north-western NSW. She’s never forgotten her excitement as the car headed down Sydney Road and the sparkling, blue ocean came into view.

 

These days, living in Fairlight, the businesswoman still gets a thrill from the lifestyle she has well and truly embraced, immersing herself into the local community with passion and commitment. 

 

She has launched a local Women’s Investment Club, been president of Manly Village P&C, sat on the social and fundraising committee and the canteen committee which introduced a healthy eating program for the school canteen.

 

Currently, Narelle volunteers with Ocean Care Day and the Manly Weaving Bridges Project and is co-chair of the Northern Beaches StreetWork committee, which provides opportunities for local kids at risk.

 

Describing herself as honest, enthusiastic and empathetic, it’s clear Narelle is a born organiser. She has raised funds for Hope for the Children, coordinated three seniors expos and most recently worked with a start-up company to create Energy Saving Certificates for companies reducing their energy consumption by upgrading their commercial lighting to LED.

 

Having been selected in country rep netball and tennis teams, Narelle understands the benefits of teamwork and believes a strong, united front from the Northern Beaches Council will be needed to achieve the best outcomes for local residents and rate payers. She’s particularly concerned by the impact the new Frenchs Forest hospital precinct will have on public transport and traffic, the lack of affordable housing and the future of the Manly and Mona Vale hospital sites.

 

As a Northern Beaches Independent Team candidate, she is hoping the newly amalgamated council will be progressive, both socially and financially, and work more closely with the community. Admitting she has been frustrated in the past when her own communications with council have been ignored, she’d like an “attitude change” with a more service-oriented and consumer friendly council available to all. She would also like to see an open forum created on the council website to give residents the opportunity to be heard, engage with each other and alert councilors to their issues.