celebrate inspire connect - Warringah Council - NSW Government

celebrate inspire connect

CONTENTS 

1. Executive Summary 4 

2. Mapping Warringah’s Identity 6 

3. A Cultural Vision for Warringah 8 

4. Developing a Cultural Plan for Warringah 10 

a. What is Culture? 

b. What is a Cultural Plan? 

c. Why is Local Government Involved? 

d. Benefits of a Cultural Plan 

e. Aims of the Cultural Plan 

5. Warringah’s commitment to Cultural Planning 14 

a. Cultural and Heritage Strategy 2000 

b. Recognising the Importance of a Cultural Plan 

c. Strategic Context 

d. Regional Planning 

6. Warringah Past and Present 18 

a. Character Statement 

b. Future Challenges 

FRONT PAGE: L-R Northern Composure Band Competition, Anak the Water Demon 

from Firecrackerslive, Tenzin Kunkap from Warringah’s Tibetan Community

7. Development of the Cultural Plan 22 

8. Cultural Action Plan 26 

a. Issues, Outcomes, Strategies and Actions 

9. Implementation Plan 66 

10. Developing Cultural Indicators 68 

11. Appendices 70 

a. Glossary 

b. Cultural Resources Audit 

c. Data Summary – Online Survey 

d. Evaluation of Previous Plan 

e. References 

THIS AND PREVIOUS PAGE: Ripple Festival Treasured Water event 

Adopted August 2007

4 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

ABOVE: Detail - Ceramic feature - ‘The Gardens’ Public Art. Artist: Stuart Slough

5 

celebrate 

inspire 

connect 

Welcome to ‘Celebrate, Inspire, Connect’ 

– Warringah Council’s new Cultural Plan. This 

is the first Cultural Plan for Warringah developed 

in line with the NSW Ministry for the Arts and the 

Department of Local Government guidelines. 

The Cultural Plan is a strategic document that 

defines the way Warringah Council will provide for 

the cultural wellbeing of the community. 

This document has been prepared based on the 

needs and aspirations of the Warringah community. 

A wide range of community consultations took place, 

which allowed us to gain a shared understanding of 

the local cultural picture. A number of themes and 

issues arose during the community consultations 

that have informed the strategies and actions for the 

Cultural Plan. These are: 

• Natural Environment 

• Built Environment 

• Celebrating our Diversity 

• Lifestyle 

• Connecting our Community 

• Events and Cultural Projects 

• Access to information 

• Young People 

• Indigenous Community 

• The Arts 

• Libraries 

• Accessibility 

Many of the strategies and actions contained in 

the Cultural Plan are not necessarily new initiatives, 

some of the actions recognise services that are 

already provided to the Warringah community, or 

suggest different ways of managing resources and 

processes to provide the best possible outcome. 

Some of the new initiatives contained in the Cultural 

Plan include: 

• Specifications for public art in Development 

Control Plans for significant private and 

commercial developments on completion of a 

Public Art Strategy 

• Engage residents in placemaking activities and 

programs to increase a sense of community pride, 

place and belonging 

• Facilitate and fund community cultural 

development programs which foster community 

connections across cultures 

• Design, develop and maintain innovative 

community noticeboards in key locations 

throughout Warringah 

• Establish a formal Council advisory committee 

made up of Indigenous representatives to advise 

Council on issues relating to the local Indigenous 

community 

• Develop an arts and events e-newsletter to 

promote the arts and culture 

The Cultural Plan is one of a number of strategic 

documents that allow Warringah Council to 

take a leadership role in creating stronger, safer, 

more connected communities. The Cultural Plan 

focuses on developing a culturally rich and vibrant 

community. 

This Plan aims to not only reflect the cultural life of 

our community today, but provide a vision for our 

community’s culture into the future.

6 

MAPPING WARRINGAH’S IDENTITY... IN YOUR WORDS 

Throughout the consultation period for the Cultural Plan, we collected many 

statements and words about what it is you like about living in Warringah. 

Together, these form a picture of our identity as a community, and the 

things that make Warringah unique. 

We have captured some of these statements in the map opposite to 

form a visual map of Warringah’s identity, as told by you.....

peaceful place Forestville Library great place to live eating at restaurants strong community great place to grow up friendly atmosphere peaceful place Forestville Library great place 

we love that our children can still play in the streets we love 

I want to stay as I grow older freedom for our kids it’s home and we love it I want to stay as I grow older 

community spirit sense of belonging walking around Narrabeen Lake birds tranquillity small town vibe – no one is a stranger community spirit sense of belonging walking around 

Collaroy cinema playground at Collaroy – great way to meet other mums long Reef headland is beautiful 

unspoilt great surf great kayaking at the Lake 

shopping in Dee Why eating out coffee rock pools family atmosphere dolphins at Dee Why outdoor lifestyle Stoney Range ocean breeze everything is central I can walk everywhere friendly 

walking to Long Reef headland multicultural Dee Why 

friendly involved relaxed lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle paradise, contentment, safety swimming at Manly Dam picnics 

Horse Riding at Terrey Hills cycling to Cottage Point we are so lucky to have so much natural beauty Glen St Theatre Dee Why Library Belrose Library Warringah Mall Library Kimbriki Tip mountain bike tracks at Oxford Falls walking at the Cascades fishing at Bantry Bay Horse Riding at Terrey Hills cycling to Cottage Point we are so lucky to have so much natural beauty Glen St Theatre Dee Why Library Belrose Library Warringah Mall Library Kimbriki Tip mountain bike tracks at Oxford Falls walking at the 

bushwalking shopping at Warringah Mall Warringah Printmakers 

Why eating out coffee rock pools family atmosphe 

7 

MONA VALE 

WARRIEWOOD 

NARRABEEN 

COLLAROY 

LO NG REEF 

DEE WHY 

CURL CURL 

FRESHWATER

8 

A CULTURAL VISION FOR WARRINGAH 

ABOVE: Singers at Voices from Oceania, a celebration of Pacific Islander culture in 

Warringah

9 

Warringah is a community where…. 

cultural vitalityand creativity are a 

part of everyday life, we can embrace 

our unique identity and feel 

like we belong, we can be engaged and 

connect to one another and celebrate 

our diversity. Culture is 

integrated into the way Warringah 

Council does business.

10 

DEVELOPING A CULTURAL PLAN FOR WARRINGAH 

ABOVE: ‘Prayer Flags’ at the Oxford Falls Peace Park Anniversary Event

11 

What is 

culture? 

What is culture? 

For many of us, culture means the ‘Arts’ – music, 

dance, theatre, opera etc. But culture is more than 

just entertainment. Culture is who we are as a 

community. It is an expression of our beliefs and 

values, our ideas, aspirations and our humanity. 

Culture is all around us, it is on the street and at the 

beach, on the football field and in our backyards. 

Culture is the expression of the way we live and how 

we want to live together. 

Why is local government involved? 

Local government is the level of government that 

works most closely with its community. 

Many people still think local government 

responsibilities are confined to ‘roads, rates and 

rubbish’, however, Council also provides a broad 

range of services and activities which encompass 

social concerns, environmental responsibilities and 

cultural planning. 

“Culture is not a pile of artefacts – it is us. The living, breathing, sum of us” 

Hawkes:2004:23 

What is a Cultural Plan? 

Cultural planning gives Council a clearer sense of 

a community’s aspirations and values. By finding 

out what matters to our community, a Cultural Plan 

can define the way we provide for the cultural life 

of our community. A Cultural Plan can underpin 

and connect other policy documents to improve 

the quality of life in Warringah. Cultural planning 

can help build safe, vibrant, diverse and creative 

communities. 

In 2004, The NSW Department of Local Government 

and the Ministry for the Arts produced Cultural 

Planning Guidelines for Local Government. Along 

with the NSW Cultural Accord, these guidelines 

recognise the importance of a whole of government 

approach to cultural planning and underpin all NSW 

Ministry for the Arts funding programs relating to 

local government. The Cultural Planning Guidelines 

encourage local councils to develop cultural plans 

to set strategic directions and increase funding 

opportunities.

12 

The benefits of Council developing and implementing a Cultural 

Plan include: 

• Creative skills are developed; opportunities and employment 

in the creative industries are increased 

• Providing strategic direction for the provision of cultural 

services to the community 

• Better public spaces, cultural infrastructure, a more vibrant 

community life and increased community pride 

• Providing an integrated approach to cultural planning 

including actions from across the organisation to enhance the 

quality of life for the community 

• A commitment to the cultural wellbeing of the community, 

including building social cohesion, enhancing cultural vitality 

and promoting a sense of identity and belonging within the 

community 

Aims of the Cultural Plan 

• Provide an integrated, ‘whole of council’ approach to 

cultural planning which places culture strategically across the 

organisation, not just focussing on arts-based outcomes 

• Build the creative capacity of the community and remove the 

obstacles for cultural expression within the community and 

the region 

“Art and Cultural activity is no longer thought of as only for special occasions.” 

Jackson et al:2006:4 

• Policies and actions based on the needs and aspirations of 

the community are integrated strategically throughout the 

organisation 

What are the benefits for the community? 

• A strong sense of local identity and distinctiveness is 

developed and preserved through the stories, places, people 

and activities that make Warringah special 

• Develop ‘best practice’ cultural planning processes to bring 

Warringah Council into line with the Department of Local 

Government and the Ministry for the Arts Cultural Planning 

Guidelines 

• Enhance the cultural wellbeing of the community through the 

provision of vibrant, high quality public places, a strong sense 

of identity and belonging, and access to creative practices. 

• Community wellbeing and strength is enhanced

14 

WARRINGAH’S COMMITMENT TO CULTURAL PLANNING 

ABOVE: Members of the Warringah community make the “Wishing Tree” as part of the 

2005 International Women’s Day Celebrations

15 

What 

we’ve 

already 

done 

What we’ve already done 

Warringah Council’s Cultural and Heritage Strategy 

adopted in September 2000 has provided a 

framework for the development of cultural and 

heritage activities. Some of Council’s achievements 

since the development of this Strategy have been: 

• The upgrading of the Glen Street Theatre (with 

the assistance of a grant from the NSW Ministry 

for the Arts) 

• The completion of the Oxford Falls Peace Park 

• ‘Tale of a Whale’ Aboriginal Local History Project 

completed in 2002 

Relevant unactioned strategies have been carried 

forward into this Cultural Plan and include the 

development of a public artists register and 

improving the process for the contracting and 

commissioning of public art works. 

There’s still a lot to do to improve the cultural life 

of the Warringah community and this Cultural Plan 

provides a platform to develop new projects and 

enhance existing programs for the community. 

Warringah Council recognises the importance of a 

Cultural Plan to: 

• Enhance our quality of life 

• Heritage brochure completed in 2004 explaining 

the rights and obligations for heritage property 

owners 

• Aboriginal Heritage Officer position funded jointly 

with other northern Sydney councils 

• Youth activities run as part of an ongoing program 

including band nights, hip hop and graffiti art 

workshops 

• Grant funding received from Federal Government 

agencies to run cultural development projects 

‘Whale Songlines’ (2004) and ‘Connexions in 

Time’ (2005) 

Despite these successes, resource constraints 

have meant that many projects from the Cultural 

and Heritage Strategy 2000 remain unactioned. 

• Raise the profile of our creative industries and 

practices 

• Enhance a sense of local identity and 

distinctiveness 

• Increase participation in community and 

cultural life 

• Create vibrant public spaces 

• Increase employment in the cultural industries 

• Develop partnerships between Council and the 

Warringah community 

• Integrate art into everyday life

16 

How the Cultural Plan fits into 

Council’s Strategic Planning process 

Council’s 10 year Strategic Plan ‘Living 

Warringah’ provides a framework to guide 

Council’s operations between 2005 – 2015. 

The Cultural Plan is one of Council’s major 

strategic documents and the relationship 

between these documents is illustrated below: 

Management Plan 

Compiled annually 

Strategic Plan 

Living Warringah 

Business Plans 

Annual summary of actions and 

budget for each team/unit 

Major Plans/Strategies 

Eg Cultural Plan, Social Plan, 

Environmental Strategy 

Warringah Council’s Strategic Plan recognises 

Council’s commitment to Ecologically Sustainable 

Development (ESD). Traditionally, ESD includes 

Social, Economic and Environmental principles. 

This Cultural Plan has an emphasis on arguably the 

fourth pillar of sustainability - ‘Cultural Vitality’. This 

means, planning for a future in which our culture is 

at least as strong or stronger than it is now. 

The Cultural Plan addresses two goals within the 

Living Warringah strategic document: 

Living Communities: Goal 4 

To build a community that shows pride in its sense of 

identity and where people are comfortable meeting 

and interacting in public spaces 

Living Communities: Goal 7 

To build a vibrant community that reflects the 

culture, heritage and lifestyles of the people in 

Warringah 

Strategic Context 

The Cultural Plan should be considered with other 

strategic reviews being undertaken by Council 

• Review of Glen St Theatre 

• Community Centres review 

• Development Control Plan review 

• Local Environment Plan 

and other Strategic documents including: 

• Asset Management Plans 

• Long Term Financial Strategies

17 

Glen Street Theatre 

Cultural Assets and Activities Audit 

Regional Planning 

Glen Street Theatre is a 400 seat proscenium 

arch auditorium that presents a subscription 

season of professional theatre productions, 

quality children’s shows and community 

events throughout the year including school 

productions and dance concerts. 

Glen Street Theatre regularly presents 

productions from many of Australia’s 

major performing arts companies including 

Sydney Theatre Company, Company B, 

Bell Shakespeare, Griffin Theatre Company, 

Queensland Theatre Company, Melbourne’s 

Playbox Theatre, Perth Theatre Company, The 

State Theatre Company of South Australia 

and other significant independent production 

companies including Circus Oz, Pork Chop 

Productions, Performing Lines and Hit 

Productions. 

The theatre has enjoyed a long association with 

community organisations including local dance 

and theatre schools, which continue to use the 

venue for their concerts and productions. 

The number of Glen Street Theatre subscribers 

has increased dramatically over the last decade, 

with over 4,500 subscribers in 2006. 

During the preparation of the Cultural Plan, a cultural 

assets and activities audit was undertaken to help develop 

a clear picture of the assets, resources and activities 

already available in the Warringah area. This list was 

developed by utilising Council’s community directory, The 

Yellow Pages, Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, and 

Council statistics and reports. These assets and resources 

have included: reserves and sportsfields, employment 

in the cultural and recreational industries, commercial 

resources, and restaurants and café’s. 

A summary of the audit results are contained in Appendix 

B, with a full list available from Council’s website. 

ABOVE: Hannie Rayson’s Life after George performed at 

Glen Street Theatre 

In addition to planning for culture throughout the 

local government area, this plan also considers 

culture in a regional context. Communities and 

culture are not bounded by local government areas 

and it is not always possible or desirable to replicate 

resources already being provided on a regional basis. 

Major cultural facilities located in the northern 

Sydney region in addition to those provided by 

Warringah Council include: 

• Manly Art Gallery and Museum 

• Star of the Sea Theatre – Manly 

• Zenith Theatre – Chatswood 

• Ku-ring-gai Art Centre and Gallery 

• Proposed Civic Place Development – Chatswood 

o Concert Hall 

o 500 seat theatre 

o Exhibition Hall 

o Rehearsal space 

o Library

18 

WARRINGAH PAST AND PRESENT 

ABOVE: Surfing has been a popular part of the cultural life of Warringah for over 70 

years. Surfing in Warringah in 1935 and 2006. Historic photo courtesy of Laurie 

Seaman and Warringah Library Service

19 

The bush 

and the 

beach 

These regional facilities have been considered during 

the development of this Plan. 

Character Statement 

Warringah Council is located on Sydney’s northern 

beaches and covers an area of 152 square kilometres 

including 14 kilometres of coastline. Warringah’s 

distinctive natural environment includes nine beaches 

and almost 6,000 hectares of natural bushland and 

open space. 

Warringah’s traditional owners are the Guringai 

people and the name ‘Warringah’ is the Indigenous 

word for ‘middle harbour’. There are no known 

descendants of the Guringai people, however, 

Warringah is proud of its Aboriginal Heritage and the 

vibrant culture of the Indigenous people who now call 

Warringah home. 

Warringah combines a diverse range of land uses 

and economic activities. The first wave of urban 

development in Warringah dates from the 1920s 

following the development of the tramway to 

Narrabeen and later the opening of the Spit and 

Roseville bridges. Although this promoted the 

construction of holiday houses in the area, it was 

not until after the Second World War that the area 

went through its first rapid growth phase, with the 

development of many inland suburbs away from 

the traditional transport corridors. This growth was 

facilitated by better infrastructure, most notably roads 

and bridges and more widespread access to cars. 

Warringah ‘s role in the housing industry in 

during this time was to provide home ownership 

opportunities within the northern suburbs of 

Sydney. Over time a variety of housing options have 

emerged, including free standing housing, units and 

town houses. This diversity in housing and costs 

has attracted a broader range of residents including 

young adults and the elderly. 

Warringah is now home to approximately 140,000 

people with a steady population growth since 1991. 

Alongside traditional ‘beach’ culture, Warringah is 

proud of its diverse community. We are a community 

of all nations and faiths. In the 2001 census, 420 

people in Warringah identified as being of Aboriginal 

or Torres Strait Islander descent, and 13.6% of the 

population from a non English speaking background 

(NESB). There are relatively large and well established 

communities from culturally and linguistically diverse 

(CALD) backgrounds in Warringah, in particular the 

Chinese and Italian communities. There are also 

more emerging communities with Warringah now 

home to the largest Tibetan community in NSW, if not 

Australia.

20 

The identity of the Warringah community is 

deeply connected with and defined by the natural 

environment. It features places of cultural 

and heritage significance including hundreds of 

significant Aboriginal sites, Manly Dam (Manly War 

Memorial Park), lagoons in Narrabeen, Dee Why 

and Curl Curl, Stony Range Botanic Garden and 75 

threatened native plant and animal species. 

Future Challenges 

Like all local government areas, Warringah Council 

faces future challenges to provide for a changing 

population. 

While the 2006 Census data was not available at 

the time of writing this Plan, through forecasting 

tools available to Council, some predictions of future 

trends are available. 

The population of Warringah is expected to continue 

to grow and increases in population are focused 

in the areas of Dee Why, Brookvale, Narrabeen, 

and Belrose/Oxford Falls. Most areas are expected 

to have a rise in population particularly between 

the ages of 55 – 74 years as a result of the ageing 

population. 

Couples without children are expected to be a 

significant growth household type in Warringah 

with all areas anticipating increases. There are also 

projected increases in lone parent households. 

The challenge for Cultural Planning and future 

forecasts is: How do we preserve and enhance the 

things that make Warringah special, distinctive and 

unique, while allowing for progress and change? 

Just as Council plans for the social, economic and 

environmental sustainability of our community, we 

can also preserve cultural vitality of the community 

by planning for our cultural sustainability.

22 

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CULTURAL PLAN 

ABOVE: Artworks on display for the ‘Art Connections’ exhibition in a local café

23 

770 

residents 

In line with the Cultural Planning Guidelines, the 

development of the Cultural Plan has included 

several stages of research and community 

consultation. 

Evaluation of the Previous Plan 

of the development of this Plan, a Project Team 

was formed made up of members with multiple 

skills including: strategy, policy and planning, 

community and cultural services, environmental 

education, marketing and communications and asset 

management. 

made their 

contribution 

A review was undertaken of the previous Cultural 

and Heritage Strategy. Council staff were asked 

to comment on the progress of each of the actions 

set out in this strategy. A full evaluation of this 

document is available in Appendix D. 

to the Plan 

Review of the Key Literature 

A review of the current literature relating to cultural 

planning, public art, urban renewal and cultural 

development was undertaken. This literature was 

studied alongside other relevant Council documents, 

demographic information, cultural mapping and a 

cultural audit. 

Forming a Project Team 

An important part of providing an integrated 

approach to Cultural Planning was the engagement 

of staff from across Council. In the very early stages

24 

Community Consultation Summary 

Community consultations took place throughout 

February 2007. A variety of community consultation 

methods were used including: 

The consultation process was designed to develop 

an understanding of these issues within the 

Warringah community. 

Developing Strategies 

• A cultural mapping exercise at three locations in 


• Three community workshops 

• An online survey 

Once the data from these consultations was 

collected and analysed, a summary of issues was 

presented to Council’s internal Project Team to 

develop strategies and actions. 

As a result, approximately 770 residents made their 

contribution to the Plan. 

Throughout the consultation process residents were 

asked ‘values’ based questions specifically developed 

to gauge what the community sees as important, 

what they like and dislike about living in Warringah 

and the things that make Warringah special or 

unique. 

A presentation of the suggested strategies and 

actions was held for community members who 

participated in earlier workshops to assist in the 

development of priorities for the Cultural Plan. 

The three key concepts commonly acknowledged as 

important when examining the role of culture within 

communities are: 

1. Cultural vitality 

2. Identity and belonging 

3. Social cohesion and community engagement

26 

CULTURAL ACTION PLAN 

ABOVE: Edmund Longlunch and Frances Costly ‘The Art Critics’ at the 2006 Warringah 

Art Exhibition. The Warringah Art Exhibition is a highlight on the local arts calendar and 

attracts over 500 entries every year

27 

Strategies 

and 

Actions 

Cultural Action Plan 

A number of key themes and issues emerged from 

the community consultation for the Cultural Plan. 

These issues have provided the foundation for the 

development of the strategies and actions in the 

‘Cultural Action Plan’. Each theme has a discussion, 

outcome, strategies and actions developed to 

address each issue. None of these themes are 

designed to exist in isolation; some will overlap and 

link with other strategies. 

To identify the difference between new, ongoing 

and actions in need of review, the following key has 

been developed: 

Ongoing 

The action is part of Council’s ongoing program of 

services or activities 

Review 

The action suggests a review or improvement in the 

process for delivery 

New 

A new initiative developed for this Cultural Plan 

These identifiers have been partnered with a priority 

rating – high, medium or low, which will guide 

the order in which the strategies and actions are 

completed.

RIPPLE FESTIVAL 

The Ripple Festival was a celebration of water 

in Warringah and was developed to reflect 

the strong connection between the natural 

environment and the local community. 

The themes that influenced the Ripple Festival 

were about remembering, protecting, treasuring 

and celebrating water in our lives. The Festival 

aimed to support a greater understanding 

and appreciation of the value of water in our 

community from an educational and cultural 

perspective. It was an opportunity to reflect on 

personal connections to Warringah’s beautiful 

beaches, lagoons and creeks. 

The Festival program included a community 

event to celebrate the aquatic life in Manly 

Dam, a concert series at Dee Why Beach, a 

movie night at Warringah Aquatic Centre and 

an arts project where large images from the 

Warringah Printmakers Studio were projected 

onto Dee Why Beach. 

Natural Environment 

The relationship between the Warringah community 

and the natural environment is one of the strongest 

themes that emerged from community consultations. 

The identity of the Warringah community is 

deeply connected with and defined by the natural 

environment – particularly the beaches and bush 

areas. Preservation of open space and natural 

bushland is a major concern for the community with 

this issue being raised across all consultations. 

The natural environment plays an important part in 

the cultural life of the Warringah community. The 

relationship between the natural environment and 

the community contributes to a sense of identity 

and belonging and is an integral part of what makes 

Warringah unique. 

Stony Range Botanic Gardens and Manly Dam 

feature as natural environmental assets in the 

Warringah community. 

The ‘Living Warringah’ ten year strategic plan 

outlines many goals that relate to the management 

of our natural environment including biodiversity, 

environmental protection and sustainability. 

The strategies and actions outlined in the Cultural 

Plan consider the cultural value of the natural 

environment, how it shapes and defines our identity, 

and how we can celebrate and recognise the unique 

connection between the environment that surrounds 

us and the community who live here. 

The Cultural Plan explores opportunities to reflect 

the relationship between the natural environment 

and Warringah residents through public art projects, 

28 

The natural environment also features in the way 

using creative practice to promote environmental 

Warringah residents spend their time. Recreational 

messages, and using the natural environment as a 

walking is an important part of life for many people, 

theme for community celebrations. 

with 78.6% of survey respondents saying they did 

so for recreation every week or every fortnight. 

Visiting local or natural areas is also a popular past 

time with 53% of respondents indicating they visit 

these areas every week or every fortnight. The nine 

beaches in Warringah are visited, on average, by 

over 2 million people every year. 

Lanterns at the Treasured Water Ripple Festival Event

29 


Objective: To preserve and enhance the relationship between the Warringah community and our natural environment 

Strategy 1: 

To preserve and enhance open space and bushland which form an important part of the cultural life of the Warringah community 

A1 

A2 

A3 

Action Who is responsible Partners Priority Examples 

Ensure open space plans recognise and respond to Strategy & Policy New - High local events, village 

local culture and cultural opportunities in addition to 

greens, performance 

recreational pursuits 

spaces or markets 

Continue to develop information that explains and Natural Environment 

Ongoing - Low 

celebrates the natural environment 

(Environmental Education) 

Expand and promote environmental walks to educate Natural Environment Aboriginal Heritage Ongoing - Medium 

residents and visitors on the significance of our unique (Environmental Education) Office, volunteer 

bush and beach environment 

bushwalking groups, 

environmental 

committees and local 

volunteers

30 

Strategy 2 

To draw on the uniqueness of the natural environment to inform other activities or projects which could enhance the identity of the Warringah community 

A4 

A5 

A6 

A7 

A8 


Continue to develop and support the work of the 

Environmental Education Team in promoting the natural 

environment and a culture of sustainable living 

Enhance partnerships between the Environmental Education 

and Cultural Services Teams to develop innovative and creative 

methods of promoting environmental messages and enhance 

existing environmental projects and programs with cultural 

aspects 

Continue to develop and fund cultural events that celebrate 

the natural environment 

Use themes relating to the natural environment to inform 

public art projects, programs, activities and events 

Continue to strengthen and expand Council’s relationship 

with schools in the area to promote environmental education 

through creative methods including supporting and promoting 

local schools involvement in events 


Ongoing - Medium 



Review - High Temporary sculpture 


exhibition made 

Cultural Services 

from found objects; 

Stencil project for 

storm water drains 


Ongoing - High 

Cultural Services, 

Review - High 



Natural Environment Local Schools Ongoing - Medium Wakakirri – National 

(Environmental Education), 

Story Festival, 


School Eco Grants 

program, World 

Environment Day

31 

The Built Environment 

The quality of the urban environment is also an issue 

MOORAMBA PARK 

PUBLIC ART PROJECT 

The information collected through these consultations 

has suggested that Warringah residents do not have 

a positive relationship with the built environment. 

Many people indicated that Warringah has suffered 

from poor quality development to the detriment 

with many people expressing their approval of the 

recently upgraded Dee Why beachfront, but their 

disappointment in the quality of Dee Why town 

centre. Graffiti, rubbish removal and the quality of 

amenities were also identified as issues. 

As part of the upgrade of Mooramba Park, a 

community public art project has transformed 

this space into a vibrant and unique park and 

playground. 

of community life. There is not a strong level of 

ownership with the built environment and a feeling 

that the urban environment lacks identity, is dirty 

and rundown, and that development has not been 

sensitive to or reflective of the natural environment. 

Respondents do not have a high level of community 

pride for the built environment. 

Interacting with the built environment is central to 

everyday life for most of us. Well designed and vibrant 

public spaces can help promote a sense of place, build 

community identity and enhance community life. By 

including cultural values into planning and design 

processes, public places can retain their distinctiveness 

and meaning. 

Public art also has an important role to play in the 

development of the urban environment. Public 

art can be a powerful medium to reflect diversity, 

share stories and connect us to the history of a 

place. It can be a powerful agent for connecting the 

community to the places around them and can be 

a highly visual, interactive and creative reflection of 

culture in the community. Public art can give a place 

a human voice and scale. 

In an area as large and diverse as Warringah, 

enhancing local community identity could be more 

beneficial than trying to give Warringah an identity 

as a ‘whole’. 

Local Indigenous artist Jessica Birk was 

commissioned to create an overall design for 

the artworks in the park and playground. This 

included a design in the ‘soft fall’ under the 

playground and the ‘Fish Dreaming’ feature. 

Ceramic Artist Fran Bartolo was engaged to 

make over 600 fish ‘tiles’, which were painted 

by students from Dee Why Public School 

and members of the community. These tiles 

were then laid into the pavement to create a 

distinctive feature within the park. 

Warringah residents expressed a concern about the 

‘homogenisation’ of our built environment. There is 

an interest in the revitalisation of existing shopping 

precincts into ‘cultural hubs’ or meeting places. The 

term ‘deli shopping’ was used to describe the desirable, 

eclectic local shopping village people aspire to.

32 

Built Environment 

Objective: To develop a connection to place that will contribute to and foster community identity, ownership and pride 

Strategy 3 

To promote better quality urban design 

A9 

A10 

A11 


Ensure that public domain projects recognise local cultural themes Strategic Planning, Asset 

New - High 

and distinctiveness in their design 

Management 

Recognise and support urban design as a key priority of Council Strategic Planning, Parks, 

New - Medium 

and review Council’s resourcing of urban design 

Reserves & Foreshores, 

Property & Commercial 

Development 

Recognise the value of urban design in the cultural life of the Strategic Planning New - High Develop urban design 

community 

principles, Training and 

education for Staff 

Strategy 4 

Recognise that culture plays an important role within the built environment and consider that role when assessing new developments, or developing open space 

A12 

A13 

Action Who is responsible Partners Priority 

Develop guidelines for measuring cultural impacts when assessing 

Cultural Services, Planning & 

New - Low 

developments 

Assessment 

Recognise cultural values in key planning activities including Council Strategic Planning, Strategy & Policy 

New - Medium 

Masterplans, concept plans, Plans of Management and Environmental 

Planning instruments

33 

Strategy 5 

Promote a suburban centres approach to enhance local identity and the built environment 

A14 

A15 

A16 


Continue the program of upgrades to existing local shopping precincts to Roads, Traffic & Waste 

Review - Medium 

promote community identity and a sense of place 

Maintain and enhance the local distinctiveness of neighbourhood centres when Planning Policy, Asset Management 

New - High 

planning and developing key sites 

Ensure that accessible and inviting meeting places are identified and built when Strategic Planning, Asset 

New - Medium 

planning and assessing major commercial precincts 

Management, Property & Commercial 

Development

34 

Strategy 6 

Develop Public Art projects and programs to enhance local identity and capacity 

A17 

A18 

A19 

A20 

A21 

A22 

A23 


Develop a policy and guidelines to improve the process for the 


New - High 

development and commissioning of public art projects 

Actively foster community participation in enhancing Council building 

projects through public art programs 

Develop an ongoing funding program for public art including public art 

projects as part of Council building projects, Developer Contributions 

fund, and public art in significant private or commercial developments 

Include specifications for public art in Development Control Plans for 

significant private and commercial developments on completion of a 

Public Art Strategy 

Develop a Public Art Strategy which uses and builds upon themes 

established in the Cultural Plan and identifies potential locations for public 

art throughout the Warringah area 

Develop a register of artists to ensure that artists, where possible local 

Artists, are employed and commissioned as part of public art projects in 

Council projects and for external contractors 

Record and maintain Public Art through Council’s Asset Management 

Register 

Community & Envrinmental Services 


Division 

Cultural Services, Strategic Planning, 

New - Medium 

Property & Commerical Development 

Strategic Planning 

New - Medium 

Cultural Services, Strategic Planning 

New - High 


New - High 

Cultural Services, Property & Commercial 

New - High 

Development

35 

Strategy 7 

Develop placemaking projects to enhance local identity and activate community spaces 


A24 Continue to mark and identify the Warringah area using gateway Cultural Services, Asset Management, 

Ongoing - Low 

markers and iconic signage 

Roads, Traffic & Waste 

A25 Engage residents in placemaking projects and programs to increase Cultural Services 

New - High 

sense of community pride, place and belonging 

A26 Include local themes in signage, place naming, seating, banner Community & Envrinmental Services 


poles, paving and street enhancement programs 

Division 

A27 Incorporate heritage themes in placemaking projects and programs Community & Envrinmental Services Manly Warringah New - Medium 

Division 

Pittwater Historical 

Society 

A28 Assist local organisations to manage, conserve and raise awareness Cultural Services 

Manly Warringah Review - Low 

of local history and local heritage items 

Pittwater Historical 

Society 

A29 Recognise the importance of ‘humanising’ places through local Cultural Services 

New - High 

stories and public art projects 

A30 Program cultural activities in key locations to activate community Cultural Services 

Review - High 

spaces and encourage local community participation 

A31 Consider locally appropriate street plantings as part of programs to 

enhance identity 

Parks, Reserves & Foreshores 

Review - Low

Celebrating our Diversity 

Warringah is an area that is diverse in race, religion 

and culture. These elements all combine to create 

a rich cultural fabric which enhances our identity 

as a community. By celebrating our diversity and 

connecting people from different backgrounds, 

we can encourage understanding, respect and 

cooperation in the community. 

According to the 2001 Census data, 13.6% of the 

Warringah population comes from a non English 

speaking background (NESB). There is currently no 

data available on the future projections of culturally 

and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in 

From formal and informal consultations with the 

CALD community the major issues are access to 

low cost community space, and recognising and 

celebrating our cultural diversity. 

In addition to providing opportunities to celebrate 

our diversity, culture can be used to address issues 

of racial and religious intolerance and to provide 

opportunities to support groups with interaction 

through arts, creative practice and other activities. 

Through this Cultural Plan Warringah Council is 

taking a leadership role in providing opportunities 

for our community to meet in a place of friendship, 

understanding and diversity. 

SISTER CITIES 

Warringah Council has two Sister Cities. A 

relationship was established in 1996 with 

Chichibu in Japan and in 2000 with Brewarrina 

in rural NSW. The Sister Cities program 

develops youth, cultural and sporting links with 

these diverse local government areas, fostering 

friendships and creating opportunities for 

sharing ideas, information and resources. 

The relationship with Chichibu has focused on 

youth exchanges involving local high school 

students and teachers. There have also been 

reciprocal visits of government delegates, an 

active community committee and friendship 

association, a local artist’s visit to Chichibu and 

a substantial gift of trees to Warringah’s Oxford 

Falls Peace Park. 

36 

Warringah, however, the diverse population of NSW 

as a whole is expected to rise. 

Generally the diversity of the population is seen as 

a positive part of the Warringah community and 

Brewarrina is situated on the Barwon River, 

808 kilometres north-west of Sydney and has a 

population of 2,100. Sports, cultural and youth 

exchanges have been the basis of Warringah’s 

relationship with Brewarrina. 

residents have suggested that our diverse population 

is one of the things that makes this community 

unique. Consultations have suggested that 

residents would like to recognise and celebrate our 

cultural diversity more through events and projects. 

Many people have also stated that there is a lack of 

opportunity to meet and connect with people from 

diverse backgrounds. 

Students from Chichibu 

get into the local spirit 

during a recent exchange visit

37 

Celebrating Our Diversity 

Outcome: To acknowledge and celebrate cultural diversity within Warringah 

Strategy 8 

Increase the profile of diverse communities within Warringah 

A32 

A33 

A34 


Develop appropriate community consultation practices to ensure Strategy & Policy 

Migrant Link New - Medium 

CALD groups are consulted as part of the business of Council 

Community 

Facilitators 

Ensure that key cultural groups are recognised by Council through Customer Services, Cultural Services, 

New - Low 

the development of translations on key Council publications and Marketing & Communications 

appropriate Council signage 

Develop and fund a program of events and activities to highlight Cultural Services 

Review - High 

cultural diversity 

Strategy 9 

Enhance opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to interact and connect with each other within the Warringah community 


A35 Identify an affordable, non-faith based meeting space for diverse groups Community & Safety Services New - High 

A36 Facilitate and fund community cultural development programs which foster 

community connection across cultures 


New - High

38 

Strategy 10 

Develop projects and programs to celebrate Warringah’s cultural diversity 

A37 


Further develop Harmony Day initiatives and enhance Cultural Services 

Northern Beaches Multicultural Network, Review - High 

partnerships with organisations to implement programs 

Living in Harmony initiative

39 

Lifestyle 

Primarily, Warringah residents enjoy a relaxed 

and casual lifestyle. There are many factors that 

contribute to this feeling and preserving this sense 

of community wellbeing is an important part of the 

development of this Plan. 

There are many factors that go into making 

Warringah an enjoyable place to live. For many 

people, being close and within easy walking distance 

to everything is a significant contributing factor to 

our quality of life. 

To enhance and preserve the relaxed lifestyle of 

Warringah residents there is a need to retain the 

streetscape environment – allowing for pedestrian 

access around local community precincts. 

Council’s ten year strategic plan, ‘Living 

Warringah’, recommends a ‘Living Streets’ 

Strategy that recognises the cultural value of the 

urban streetscape. The Cultural Plan supports the 

development of a ‘Living Streets’ Strategy. 

Eating out and ‘café culture’ are also an important 

part of community life in Warringah. Some 46% of 

survey respondents said they eat out every fortnight 

or more and 23% eat out every week. Some 

community members expressed a desire to have 

more opportunities to eat or have a coffee where 

their children can play. 

There were also negative elements relating to the 

Warringah lifestyle offered by residents. Comments 

were made that people lacked a certain respect for 

place – through the destruction and vandalism of 

property. These issues are often linked to a lack of 

pride and ownership of the built environment. As 

discussed already in this Plan, there appears from 

consultations to be a general lack of connection and 

pride between Warringah residents and the urban 

environment. 

One of the critical issues in this section is the use 

of regulatory signage. While there is undoubtedly 

a need to regulate behaviour in public spaces, 

through the strategies and actions in the Cultural 

Plan, Warringah Council is promoting a positive 

reinforcement model, encouraging community 

ownership and respect for place. 

Warringah also includes non urban areas such as 

Terrey Hills and Duffy’s Forest, where residents can 

enjoy a wide range of recreational pursuits such as 

horse riding.

40 

Lifestyle 

Outcome: To maintain a casual, relaxed lifestyle for Warringah residents 

Strategy 11 

Encourage community responsibility and foster respect for place 

A38 

A39 

A40 


Continue to use low-key signs supported by positive information Community & Environmental Services Division 

Review - Low 

messages in public spaces 

Encourage ownership of public places through creative education Natural Environment (Environmental Education), Local Businesses New - Medium 

and support programs 


Support the development of a ‘Living Streets’ Strategy as Roads, Traffic & Waste 

New - High 

outlined in Council’s Strategic Plan 

Strategy 12 

Ensure access to public spaces is maintained for community leisure 

A41 

A42 


Ensure that a balance is maintained between Parks, Reserves & Foreshores 

Review - Low 

organised activities and free public space 

Ensure that parks and other public places provide Parks, Reserves & Foreshores New - Low Large Chess Sets, Boules 

facilities to support and encourage casual games 

and activities

41 

Connexions in Time 

‘Connexions in Time’ was a photography 

project for young people between the Sister 

Cities of Warringah and Brewarrina. 

The project participants were young people 

aged between 12 – 20 years and included seven 

Indigenous young people from Brewarrina, 

and nine from Warringah. These young 

people learnt new skills in photography and 

also discovered aspects about each others 

lives through exchange visits to each sister 

community. 

Some 80 photographs were selected and 

presented for an exhibition shown in both 

Warringah and Brewarrina and NSW Parliament 

House during NAIDOC Week, 2006. 

The ‘Connexions in Time’ Exhibition reflected 

common issues and differences between the 

lives of young people on the northern beaches 

and those in the remote outback. 

Connecting our Community 

Strong community networks are indicators of a 

healthy community. Providing opportunities for 

people to be involved in their community is an 

important way for local government to foster social 

connections. Active participation in community life 

can be a way to promote partnerships, cooperation, 

understanding and to bridge divides in the 

community. 

Volunteering is one of the ways in which people 

can express their commitment to community life. 

There is a recognised culture of volunteerism in the 

Warringah community which is seen as something 

that makes Warringah unique and special. 

Preserving this culture of volunteerism, recognising 

volunteers and providing information on how to be 

involved is seen to be an important part of Council’s 

role within the community. 

Significant numbers of people involved in the 

consultation process said they felt part of the 

Warringah community because they had lived here 

all their lives, and/or they knew their neighbours. 

However, for people who live in unit blocks, or have 

arrived here more recently, there is more commonly 

a lack of a sense of belonging or community. Within 

these communities there is a need for opportunities 

to meet and connect with their neighbours and local 

community. This issue seems prevalent amongst the 

Dee Why community where community comments 

“Community grows from a recognition of common identity and shared values 

expressed through cultural practice and objects” – Matarasso: 2001:8 

have included references to “faceless unit blocks”. 

Using creative practice or the arts can be a powerful 

mechanism to connect community, increase 

community pride and enhance community networks. 

ABOVE: (left) Photo by Tiffany Winters - Brewarrina. 

(right) Photo by Adam Smith - Warringah 

‘Connexions in Time’ Exhibition 

Promoting and preserving community spirit and 

creating events or activities that strengthen the 

community are also seen as important to the cultural 

life of the Warringah community.

42 

Connecting our Community 

Outcome: Develop and enhance community programs that promote social inclusion and cohesion 

Strategy 13 

To preserve and encourage a culture of volunteerism 

A43 

A44 

A45 

A46 


Promote volunteer and training opportunities within Cultural Services, Natural Environment 

Local Volunteer Ongoing - Medium 

the community 

(Conservation and Land Management ) 

organisations, 

Centrelink 

Celebrate and recognise current volunteers and Cultural Services, Natural Environment (Bushland 

Review - High 

groups 

& Biodiversity) 

Develop partnerships with volunteer organisations Cultural Services, Natural Environment 

Local Volunteer New - Medium 

and local businesses who are interested in 

Organisations, Local 

volunteering programs with their staff 

Businesses 

Encourage and provide opportunities for young Cultural Services, Community & Safety Services, 


people and diverse groups to volunteer within the Natural Environment (Environmental Education, 

Warringah community 

Bushland & Biodiversity)

43 

Strategy 14 

Promote and preserve community spirit 

A47 

A48 

A49 


Develop strategic partnerships for ongoing community cultural Cultural Services Local Business New - Medium 

development projects 

Continue to encourage active participation in community life Cultural Services, Community & Safety Services, 


through the promotion of involvement in community and cultural Natural Environment (Environmental Education, 

programs including events, bush regeneration. 

Bushland & Biodiversity) 

Continue to promote Outstanding Community Service Awards and Cultural Services 

Ongoing - Low 

Australia Day Awards 

Strategy 15 

To build a sense of community pride 


A50 Use creative practice (eg murals) as a preventative method Cultural Services, Community & Safety RTA, Energy Australia Review - High 

for vandalism and graffiti on Council and other public 

infrastructure. 

Services 

A51 Investigate community building programs such as ‘adopt a Strategy & Policy 

New - Low 

park’ strategies 

A52 Revise and update Council’s graffiti Management Plan Community & Safety Services Review - Low

44 

Strategy 16 

To facilitate and promote opportunities for residents to meet and connect 

A53 

A54 

A55 


Investigate the concept, strategies and community Natural Environment (Environmental Kimbriki New - Medium 

support for a community garden in Dee Why or an Education), Parks, Reserves & Foreshores 

area of similar housing density 

Expand the program of events and cultural Cultural Services Review - Medium ‘Meet your Street’ 

projects to promote community connections at a 

program 

neighbourhood level 

Ensure that commercial activities on public open Strategy & Policy, Property & Commerial 

Review - Low 

space are accessible for all residents and consider Development, Parks, Reserves & Foreshores 

low cost alternatives

45 

WHALE SONGLINES 

Whale Songlines was a community event to 

celebrate the migration of the whales along our 

northern beaches coastline. 

Seven Indigenous and non Indigenous 

artists were commissioned including writers, 

choreographers, artists, lantern makers and 

musicians to create a spectacular theatrical 

event at Freshwater Beach. 

Almost 1,000 members of the community 

participated directly in this event through 

school, community and dance workshops which 

brought to life the contemporary dreaming 

story about the whales’ journey along this 

coastline. 

Events and Cultural Projects 

Events and cultural projects can enhance our quality 

of life and contribute to cultural vitality by activating 

community spaces, providing opportunities for the 

community to meet and connect, and celebrating 

the things that are important to us. Generally, the 

events that Council runs are well received by the 

Warringah community particularly in Dee Why 

where many of the events are concentrated. 

Community consultations have revealed a desire 

for more events specifically markets and night 

noodle markets – “I have always thought a night 

food market would be great in the central Dee Why 

carpark - bridging all the cultural barriers in Dee 

Why”. 

There are also suggestions for more arts-based 

activities – outdoor theatre and cinema were 

mentioned many times as cultural activities the 

to be everything to everyone, should the Warringah 

community necessarily have to commute to attend 

or participate in high quality cultural activities? 

Celebrations play an integral part in community life 

– they are about the community getting together 

and taking part in marking the passing of things 

that are important to them as a community. Small 

scale or localised celebrations can be a powerful 

way of connecting the community and building 

social cohesion and identity. As we increasingly 

live in isolation, in unit blocks or within suburban 

communities, it is becoming difficult to meet our 

neighbours and people around us. 

Warringah Council is committed to not just 

providing community events and projects in the 

community but also to facilitating community 

activity. Events and cultural projects are the highly 

visible and accessible elements of arts and culture in 

our community. 

community would like to see developed. There 

are suggestions for live music and generally “more 

activities after 5pm”. 

Survey statistics reveal that 69% of people surveyed 

are travelling out of the area to attend cultural 

activities mostly because the quality of the activity 

is not available in Warringah. While it is impossible 

Children from local schools participated in the 

Whale Songlines Event

46 

Events and Cultural Projects 

Outcome: Contribute to and enhance community vitality by providing and facilitating a variety of events and cultural projects within the 

Warringah Community 

Strategy 17 

Provide greater opportunities for events and cultural activities within the Warringah community 

A56 

A57 

A58 


Build and enable local capacity to run community based events Cultural Services 

Review - High 

and projects by providing support and access to information 

Investigate opportunities for Council to overcome barriers to Cultural Services, Human Resources 

New - High 

insurance for community groups 

Develop strategic funding partnerships to promote ongoing Cultural Services 


events within the Warringah community 

Strategy 18 

Continue to provide and enhance access to a range of high quality activities of various types including large, small, ‘signature’ and local events 

A59 

A60 

A61 


Review structure and resourcing of the Events Cultural Services, Human Resources, 

Review - High 

and Cultural Services Team to allow for more Executive Management Team 

events in the community 

Define and promote an annual program of Cultural Services, Natural Environment 


events and activities 

(Environmental Education), Marketing 

& Communications 

Continue to develop events and projects that Community & Environmental Services Northern Sydney Ongoing - 

work across the Northern Beaches region Division 

Region Council’s Medium 

Guringai Festival, 

Youthfest

47 

Strategy 19 

Improve funding opportunities for community cultural activities for community organisations and artists 

A62 

A63 

A64 


Increase funding for Council’s cultural development Cultural Services 

Review - High 

grants program to assist community groups to run 

events and activities 

Review Cultural Grants funding program to provide Cultural Services Review - High Ongoing funding, one 

more opportunities for cultural activity 

off funding, artist in 

residence funding 

Actively pursue grant opportunities for Council Cultural Services 

State & Federal Ongoing - High 

projects and support the community in applying for 

Governments 

grants

48 

Access to Information 

Providing access to information is as much about 

raising awareness of what’s on in the community 

as empowerment. Access to information can be an 

important part of involving individuals in community 

life. 

One of the major issues that has emerged from this 

community consultation is access to information 

and the promotion of events and activities in the 

Warringah community. People generally don’t 

know how to find out about cultural activities or 

programs that are being run. While the Manly Daily 

is seen as a significant community resource there is a 

consensus among the community that they are not 

able to find information about what’s on easily. 

The strategies and actions outlined in the Cultural 

Plan focus on Council taking a more proactive 

approach to the supply of information. They are 

also designed to explore Council’s options for 

providing a wide range of information about the 

activities, events and programs that are happening 

within the community of Warringah.

49 

Access to Information 

Outcome: To improve access to information about what’s on and activities within the Warringah community 

Strategy 20 

Utilise existing and develop innovative communication techniques to increase awareness of activities and events in the Warringah community 

A65 

A66 

A67 

A68 


Continue to produce a seasonal printed What’s On calendar of Marketing & Communications 


events within Warringah 

Utilise existing school newsletters and community resources to Marketing & Communications 

New - Low 

promote Council activities 

Design, develop and maintain innovative community ‘noticeboards’ Cultural Services, Marketing & Communications 

New - Medium 

in key locations throughout Warringah 

Create an email newsletter for subscribers with regular updates of Marketing & Communications 

New - High 

What’s On in Warringah based on Council’s website 

Strategy 21 

Develop a regional approach across the Peninsula to promote events and activities 

A69 

A70 


Engage other Councils in creating a central What’s On website for events and Marketing & Communications Manly & Pittwater Councils New - Low 

activities across the Peninsula 

Enhance partnerships with peninsula Council’s to provide a seasonal events Marketing & Communications Manly & Pittwater Councils New - Low 

and activities supplement in key local media

NORTHERN COMPOSURE 

BAND COMPETITION 

Young People 

Young people in Warringah would like opportunities 

to connect with other young people and the wider 

50 

Young people are an important part of our community, 

community. Generally in Warringah there are a lack 

Now in its sixth year this competition for young 

unsigned bands has become a highlight of the 

youth entertainment calendar. In 2007, 32 local 

bands entered with 18 performing in the heats. 

Local business has been very supportive with over 

$14,000 in prizes supplied. 

Over 1,500 people attended the three heats and 

final, showing a great deal of support for local 

musicians and providing supervised, affordable 

and alcohol free entertainment options for the 

they are a key target group for the provision of services 

within the community. 

Council runs a number of programs that provide 

opportunities for young people including band nights, 

24/7 Youthfilm Festival and Youthfest. Council also 

manages YoYo’s, a drop in youth centre with programs 

such as graffiti art workshops and hip hop workshops. 

Young people are consulted about Council activities 

through the annual Youth Forums and Warringah’s Youth 

Advisory Committee which meets monthly. 

The time of year has made it difficult to consult with 

of meeting places, both indoor and outdoor, that meet 

the needs of young people. There is seen to be a lack 

of activities and facilities for young people that do not 

revolve around surfing or traditional ‘youth culture’ 

activities. The Youth Forum reports indicated that young 

people would like the opportunity to “learn new creative 

skills”. 

Opportunities to connect with people from diverse 

backgrounds and people from different faiths are 

also issues for young people as is increasing cultural 

awareness. Young people would also like opportunities to 

be more involved in the planning processes of Council. 

youth of the Northern Beaches. 

young people during the development of the Cultural 

Plan. Of the survey respondents only 14% were from 

young people aged 12-24 years. 

Warringah Council’s Social Plan makes a number of 

recommendations for young people in the community 

and covers issues such as public transport, drug and 

To assist in understanding issues relating to young people 

alcohol issues, affordable housing and personal safety. 

data has been reviewed from the annual Youth Forums 

reports held in 2004 and 2005. These forums are run by 

Warringah Council and attract between 60 and 80 young 

people who discuss a broad range of issues relating to 

young people. 

Many of the issues that have been raised by the wider 

Northern Composure finalist Bridgemary Kiss 

Warringah community have also been reflected in the 

information collected from the Youth Forums.

51 

Young People 

Outcome: Continue to provide and enhance opportunities for young people to engage in the community through activities and arts practice. 

Strategy 22 

Consider the needs of young people when planning for open space in Warringah 


A71 Consider meeting places within open space and the urban environment for young people Parks, Reserves & Foreshores, 

Community & Safety Services 

New - High 

Strategy 23 

Continue to provide and improve access to and opportunities for creative practice for young people 

A72 

A73 


Develop a ‘mentorship’ program for young people in Cultural Services, Community & Local businesses and New - High mural projects, 

creative practices and business 

Safety Services 

Chambers of Commerce 

creative businesses 

Continue to assist Glen St Theatre in their support of Cultural Services, Community & Glen St Theatre Ongoing Swoop Youth Theatre 

Youth Arts and Education programs 

Safety Services 

- Medium 

Strategy 24 

To connect young people from different backgrounds and faiths to increase mutual understanding 

A74 


Develop projects and programs for young people Cultural Services, Community & Safety Services Living in Harmony New - Medium 

as part of broader Harmony Day initiatives

52 

Strategy 25 

Continue to develop programs that include young people in the activities of Council 

A75 

A76 


Continue to support annual Youth Forums and Warringah Youth Community & Safety Services 


Advisory Committee 

Actively engage young people in the planning and design Community & Environmental Services 

New - Medium 

process for Capital Works projects

53 

Indigenous Community 

Warringah’s Indigenous residents are an important 

and active part of our local community. According 

to the 2001 Census, Warringah was home to 420 

persons of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 

descent. Warringah is also home to approximately 

145 known Aboriginal Heritage sites. Council assists 

in the management of these sites, with the Northern 

Sydney Aboriginal Heritage Office – a joint initiative 

between six northern Sydney councils. 

Warringah’s Statement of Commitment to 

Reconciliation encourages Aboriginal and non- 

Aboriginal people to work together to celebrate their 

different cultures and to go forward together. 

In 2004, Warringah Council and the Metropolitan 

Local Aboriginal Land Council signed ‘Principles of 

Cooperation’ where both parties agreed to a number 

of issues including: 

• To actively work together to foster reconciliation 

between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people, 

• To actively work together to promote an increased 

understanding of Aboriginal Culture. 

The Community is in the very early stages of setting 

up a local group which will act as a contact for 

people wishing to get in touch with the Indigenous 

community and as a network for Indigenous people 

in the area. They have expressed a need for an 

ongoing meeting space with future opportunities to 

raise the profile of the group through noticeboards, 

signage and ongoing funding. 

The Aboriginal community feel there is a general 

lack of awareness from the Warringah community 

about the Indigenous community. The Indigenous 

community would like to be more ‘visible’ within 

Warringah. There has also been a request for 

signage to acknowledge heritage sites to educate 

the community about the significance of the sites 

and encourage respect from the community in the 

way they interact with and understand these sites. 

Consultations indicate that the Indigenous 

community feels particularly disenfranchised from 

Council and would like consultations to include 

the local Aboriginal community along with the 

Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and the 

Aboriginal Heritage Office. 

The Guringai Festival 

The Guringai Festival is a celebration of 

Aboriginal culture and heritage across the 

northern Sydney region. The festival is 

organised by nine metropolitan Sydney Councils 

and features over 40 events each year. 

The festival aims to raise awareness of 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

living in northern Sydney. The Festival promotes 

friendship, reconciliation and a shared love for 

the land. 

Warringah Council has organised events such 

as Whale Songlines, Art Connections, Film 

Screenings, the Festival Launch and a play 

reading as part of the Guringai Festival. 

Warringah Council was one of the first councils to 

sign such an agreement. 

A consultation was held with members of the 

Warringah Indigenous community to understand 

the specific cultural issues relating to Indigenous 

people living in Warringah. Members of the local 

Indigenous community have raised a number of 

issues to be considered as part of the Cultural Plan. 

Among the wider community there is support 

for greater recognition of Indigenous culture and 

heritage. 

Traditional 

performance by 

Thullii Dreaming 

at the 2006 

Guringai Festival 

Launch at Dee Why 

Beach

54 

Indigenous Community 

Outcome: Acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal culture and heritage 

Strategy 26 

To improve the consultation process between Warringah Council and the local Indigenous community 

A77 


Establish a formal Council advisory committee made up of Indigenous representatives Strategy & Policy Local Indigenous Community, New - High 

to advise Council on issues relating to the local Indigenous community 

Metropolitan Local Aboriginal 

Land Council 

Strategy 27 

To assist the development of an Indigenous community network through access to meeting space and funding 


A78 Identify an appropriate low cost meeting space Community & Safety Services New - High 

A79 Provide ongoing funding through Council’s community grants or cultural 

grants funding schemes 

Cultural Services, Community & Safety 

Services 

New - Medium

55 

Strategy 28 

To raise awareness and visibility of Warringah’s Indigenous community 

A80 

A81 

A82 

A83 


Develop appropriate signage for and around sites of Community & Environmental Services, Aboriginal Heritage Office, New - Medium 

cultural significance to educate and encourage respect Marketing & Communications 

Local Aboriginal Community, 

from residents and visitors 



Design and construct Acknowledgement/Welcome to Marketing & Communications, Roads, 

New - Low 

Country signage to accompany current iconic gateway Traffic & Waste 

signage 

Consider Indigenous place naming for parks and/or Strategy & Policy, Parks, Reserves & Aboriginal Heritage Office, New - Medium 

open space including joint naming opportunities Foreshores 

Local Aboriginal Community, 



Commission Indigenous Artists for appropriate Public Cultural Services 


Art projects

56 

Art Connections 

This special project brought together 

Indigenous women from the ‘Connections’ Art 

Therapy group in Chippendale and women 

from the Warringah Printmakers Studio. 

Over a period of six weeks, both groups of 

artists learnt and taught the art of printmaking, 

shared their stories and created art together. 

The project resulted in a very successful 

exhibition which raised money for the 

‘Connections’ group and the artists themselves. 

The Arts 

Supporting the Arts and the creative capacity of 

the community is an integral part of enhancing 

community wellbeing. 

The Arts allow us to discover new ways of seeing 

ourselves as a community and the world around 

us. It allows us to view things from a different 

perspective and value the ideas and opinions of 

others that might differ from our own. The Arts are 

not limited by time or language, they allow us to 

connect to our local identity, stories and heritage. 

There is a general perception in the community that 

there is a lack of support for the Arts in Warringah. 

There is a feeling that there is more of a focus on 

sport than art in everyday life. 

Community consultations have revealed that there 

work of Artists. Community Cultural Development 

encourages active participation in creative projects, 

and allows us to be involved in making Warringah a 

vibrant, exciting and enjoyable place to live. 

Community consultation has revealed a need for 

more arts activities for children and young people 

including theatre and the visual arts. There is also a 

desire for more ‘cutting edge’ activities in addition to 

promotion and support of more traditional art forms. 

Community consultations have also suggested a 

multi purpose arts facility in Dee Why as a central 

point to connect artists, the community and to 

provide facilities for a range of Arts activities. 

Glen St Theatre provides an important professional 

performing arts resource for the Warringah 

Community and beyond. The future development of 

Glen St Theatre will see a stronger relationship being 

“Creativity is inextricably linked to our wellbeing – people’s lives are changed, and 

communities and cultures are strengthened, wherever imagination is encouraged” 

Art and Wellbeing: 2004: 3 

are not enough local facilities and activities for arts 

practice, and a general lack of support or promotion 

for the Arts and Artists. There is a need to promote 

a more diverse and vibrant arts scene and promote 

networks to help build a stronger arts community. 

As well as a leadership role, there may be a role for 

Council as a facilitator within the Arts and business 

community to assist in this process. 

Participation in arts activities is not restricted to the 

forged with Warringah Council in the development 

of new Festivals and Events for the Community. 

Through the development of this Cultural Plan, 

Warringah Council aims to nurture both Artists and 

the creative abilities of the Warringah Community. 

The strategies and actions within this Plan provide 

opportunities for interaction with, and participation 

in the Arts as part of everyday life.

57 

The Arts 

Outcome: To encourage and promote a vibrant and exciting Arts scene for the Warringah community 

Strategy 29 

To increase support to the Arts within the Warringah community 


A84 Facilitate partnerships between local businesses and Artists/Arts 

organisations to fund opportunities for the arts in Warringah 

Cultural Services Local Artists/Arts 

organisations, Local 

New - 

Medium 

Business 

A85 Continue to promote corporate gift buying from local Artists Marketing & 

Communications, 

Ongoing 

- Low 


A86 Develop strategic partnerships with local business to promote arts 

activities 

Cultural Services Local Business New - 

Medium 

Art exhibitions in local 

cafés 

A87 Consider the creative industries as a potential driver in future 

economic development strategies and programs 

Strategy & Policy New - 

Medium 

A88 Commission and facilitate Artists from a variety of artistic Cultural Services 

Review - Low 

disciplines to work with key community groups eg young people, 

CALD groups to develop cultural projects and programs 

A89 Continue to assist Glen St Theatre in their support of community 

engagement programs 

Cultural Services Glen St Theatre Ongoing - 

Medium 

Sydney Dance North 

Festival, local school 

performances

58 

Strategy 30 

To foster a strong local arts network in Warringah 

A90 

A91 

A92 

A93 


Develop a regular ‘arts and events’ e-newsletter to Marketing & Communications, Cultural Services 

New - High 

promote the arts and culture 

Facilitate artists forums for networking opportunities, Cultural Services 

Glen St New - High 

information sharing and skills development 

Theatre 

Continue to promote local artists and their work Marketing & Communications 

Ongoing - Low 

through Council publications such as Warringah 

Matters 

Actively engage local artists in a range of Council Cultural Services, Natural Environment (Environmental 


projects, programs and services 

Education) 

Strategy 31 

To provide increased opportunities for young people and children to engage in the Arts 


A94 Actively program community centre activities and vacation programs with Cultural Services 

New - Low 

Arts based activities for young people 

A95 Provide Cultural Grant funding for young and emerging artists Cultural Services New - High 

A96 Continue to promote Youth Encouragement Awards at Warringah Art 

Exhibition 


Ongoing Low

59 

Strategy 32 

Facilitate innovative arts activities in addition to more traditional art forms 

A97 

A98 

A99 


Work with local businesses, Chambers of Commerce Cultural Services 

Local Business, and New - High 

and local artists to develop a program of art in shop 

Business Organisations 

windows 

Facilitate opportunities and develop partnerships Cultural Services Glen St Theatre New - High 

for the provision of outdoor theatre, markets and 

cinema in key locations 

Review the Warringah Art Exhibition to consider Cultural Services Review - Medium wearable art, 

developing new categories 

multimedia art 

Strategy 33 

To provide access to a multipurpose arts facility in Dee Why 


A100 Consider the development and funding of a multipurpose arts facility Cultural Services New - Low 

Strategy 34 

To integrate art into every day life for the Warringah community 


A101 Undertake a program of local art in bus shelters – including commercially Cultural Services, Roads, Traffic & Waste Adshell New - High 

advertised shelters to retain a sense local identity 

A102 Develop temporary and ephemeral public art programs Cultural Services New - 

Medium 

A103 Encourage performances in open spaces through the development of a 

busking policy 

Cultural Services, Strategy & Policy 

New - Low

60 

Libraries 

Libraries are a valuable cultural resource. They 

provide information in a variety of formats including 

books, audio resources, CD’s, DVD’s and access 

to online information such as databases and the 

Internet. 

In addition to providing an information service, 

libraries also provide an important role in connecting 

community – it is a unique and safe place to go 

for all members of the community where they can 

feel like they belong without the need to join a 

community group. 

Warringah has four branch libraries at Dee Why, 

Warringah Mall, Forestville and Belrose. There are 

also two community libraries at Harbord and Terrey 

Hills. Just over half of Warringah’s population have 

library membership. 

area, enhanced access to the book collections, a 

large range of online journals, youth lounge and kids 

space. 

Warringah libraries are well known and well liked 

by the Warringah community. Access to Dee Why 

Library is problematic for some residents because of 

its location (on top of a hill) and general accessibility 

for people in wheelchairs and with prams. Some 

elderly people have said although they live in Dee 

Why they still have to drive to the Library because 

of the hill. 

The survey statistics show that 55% of respondents 

visit Warringah libraries every two months or more. 

Warringah Library Service statistics show that 

Warringah libraries process over 1 million loans per 

year making them among the most efficient in terms 

of loan turnover in NSW. 

In 2004 Warringah Library Service introduced the 

Millennium Library Management System which 

increased the service capacity of the libraries 

through enhanced web access. 

In 2007 Warringah Library Service launched a new 

website giving community members increased access 

to the library’s resources including a membership

61 

Libraries 

Outcome: Continue to position Warringah Libraries as a key stakeholder in the cultural fabric of Warringah 

Strategy 35 

Recognise that the Local Studies section is a central resource in documenting the cultural life of the community 

A104 

A105 


Review the staff resources allocated to Local Studies to facilitate the provision Cultural Services 


of projects and programs 

Review the physical resources available to Local Studies and ensure that Cultural Services 


adequate storage, archive and exhibition space are considered in any future 

development plans for Dee Why Library 

Strategy 36 

Recognise the Library’s role in fostering community connections 


A106 Enhance existing community programs and develop innovative Cultural Services 


programs within Warringah Library Service 

A107 Reflect community trends in programming Library activities Cultural Services Review - Medium Bookclubs, Living 

Libraries 

A108 Ensure that any future developments for Library buildings 

include a flexible community meeting/activity space for cultural 

activities in addition to adequate space for Library projects and 

programs 


New - Low

62 

Accessibility 

Accessibility is not just about providing services for 

people with disabilities. It’s about making projects, 

programs and activities accessible for all people - 

removing barriers that might exist including cost, 

language, transport or access. 

The consultations have identified there are three 

major barriers to the Warringah community 

accessing cultural activities or facilities: cost, public 

transport and awareness. 

The cost of some activities including performances 

at Glen St Theatre and self education classes is 

seen as a significant barrier to some members of 

the community accessing cultural activities and 

programs. 

Adequacy of public transport is a continuing issue 

for the whole northern beaches area. While there 

is little that this Plan can do in terms of addressing 

wider public transport issues, strategies and actions 

that relate to public transport for events and cultural 

projects are included in this section of the Plan. 

As addressed earlier in the Plan, awareness 

and finding out about activities and facilities 

is a significant issue for Warringah community 

members. Innovative communication solutions 

can be implemented as part of this Plan to increase 

awareness and promote events and activities in 

Warringah. 

The Warringah local government area is fortunate in 

having a number of major disability service providers 

located within the municipality including the Spastic 

Centre, Sunnyfield, Autism Association (ASPECT) 

and Centacare. These organisations were identified 

in consultation for the Cultural Plan as elements that 

make Warringah unique. 

Warringah Council is committed to improving 

access in the Warringah community. Council’s 

Access Committee meets bi-monthly and aims 

to increase awareness of the access needs of the 

wider community and in particular the needs of 

people with disabilities and mobility issues. Some 

recent access improvements implemented by 

Council include providing wheelchair access to the 

Council Chambers, installation of a hearing loop in 

the Chambers and a new accessible unisex toilet 

located in the Civic Centre. Other access features in 

Warringah include the recreation facilities at Collaroy 

Beach including the liberty swing – a swing designed 

specifically for children in wheelchairs and the 

freewheeler beach wheelchair.

63 

Accessibility 

Outcome: Reduce barriers for the community to access or participate in cultural activity 

Strategy 37 

Provide low or no cost access to cultural programs and activities including arts based activities 

A109 

A110 


Ensure that a number of programs in the community are retained Cultural Services, Community & Safety 


as low or no cost activities 

Services 

Continue to support community cultural development programs Cultural Services 


that provide access to arts opportunities for no cost 

Strategy 38 

Acknowledge the wider transport needs of the community in the planning of cultural activities and facilities 


A111 Develop transport access plans for major community events Cultural Services New High 

A112 Consider public transport as a key factor in the future planning and 

utilisation of community facilities 

Strategy & Policy, Property & 

Commercial Development 

New - Low 

Strategy 39 

Ensure that cultural programs and activities are accessible for people with disabilities 

A113 

A114 

A115 


Develop the relationship between Council and specialist Cultural Services Sunnyfield, Spastic Centre New - Medium 

organisations for participation in arts activities 

Consider the needs of people with disabilities at events Cultural Services Glen St Theatre Ongoing - High 

and cultural activities 

Recognise the importance of Arts programs for people Cultural Services Glen St Theatre Review - Medium 

with disabilities

64 

Council Facilities 

Warringah has 24 community centres which provide 

access to community space across the area. There 

are two community art centres – Forestville Arts 

Centre and the Tramshed Community Arts Centre. 

These centres are available for tutors to hire but 

there is no ‘active’ programming of activities at the 

centre. 

Council provides access to and maintenance for 

buildings for arts organisations such as the 

Warringah Printmakers Studio and the Wingala 

Lapidary Building. As part of the Community 

Centres Review an assessment of the existing levels 

of service within community centres including the 

provision and maintenance of fixtures and fittings 

and the acquisition of new equipment will take 

place. 

The Cultural Plan survey respondents were asked 

about access to and quality of Warringah’s cultural 

facilities and whether they meet the needs of the 

community. Generally people rate access to the 

facilities as good or very good (63%). Access in 

this context meant location, availability as well as 

physical access to the buildings. Similar results are 

shown in the quality of the facilities with 73% rating 

the quality as good or very good. 

This is in contrast to open ended survey comments 

which show that generally respondents think 

facilities are poorly maintained. This may be 

because of the limitations of the survey, where 

respondents were not asked about specific centres or 

facilities. This information should emerge with more 

clarity during the current Community Centre Review. 

As with events and activities, awareness of facilities 

is a problem with many respondents saying they 

weren’t aware of facilities or the programs they 

offer. 

There is an issue with access to quality low cost 

meeting space. Informal meetings with CALD 

community facilitators has shown the many of these 

groups would like access to non faith based (eg 

not at a church hall) space where they can practice 

and maintain their cultural activities. There is also 

a suggested lack of quality arts facilities including 

performance, workshop, rehearsal and exhibition 

space particularly in the Dee Why area. 

Strategies and Actions relating to the issues raised in 

this section are contained throughout the Cultural 

Action Plan. 

Other Issues 

Some other issues were identified as significantly 

impacting on the quality of life for the Warringah 

community but are not within the scope of this Plan. 

These are outlined as follows: 

Traffic, Parking, Public Transport and Waste 

Management 

All these issues were raised during the consultations 

for the Cultural Plan. These issues were also 

identified as part of Council’s Strategic Planning 

process and are being addressed through, Council’s 

Strategic Plan, Living Warringah 

Bike Paths and Shared Pathways 

There is an identified significant need to address the 

issue of bike paths and shared pathways throughout 

the Warringah area. This issue will be examined 

as part of a new Recreation Plan scheduled to be 

developed in the 07/08 financial year.

66 

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 

ABOVE: Warringah is proud of the diversity that makes our local area unique. Members 

of the Manly Warringah Islamic Society contributed to the ‘Fish Dreaming’ feature at 

Mooramba Park. Photo Sarah and Marie Wachjo

67 

Implementation Plan 

Once the Cultural Plan is adopted by Council, 

the most critical stage of the process, the 

implementation phase begins. The Plan will be of 

little use to the community if the recommended 

actions are not implemented. 

Several key steps in the implementation of the 

Cultural Plan are outlined below: 

Internal Project Team 

An internal Project Team has already been formed 

to oversee the development of the Cultural Plan. It 

is recommended that this Team continue to meet 

on a quarterly basis based on Council’s budgetary 

and management plan processes. The Team 

would be charged with the responsibility of the 

implementation of this Strategy. 

Resourcing proposed actions 

Some of the recommended actions will be from 

existing staff and budgetary allocations or the reallocation 

of existing resources, while other actions 

may require additional resources. The allocation 

of resources to enable actions to be carried out will 

need to be a part of the Council’s annual budgetary 

processes. 

Enabling Documents 

In some cases there are other documents and 

strategies that may need to be updated to assist in 

actioning some strategies within this Cultural Plan. 

Relationship to Council’s Management Plan 

It is proposed the internal Project Team meet four 

times a year at appropriate times to discuss the 

following: 

Management Planning Process – Identify 

strategies and actions to be implemented in 

the following year to assist with a coordinated 

approach to implementation of the Cultural Plan 

Budget Process – Securing funding for action 

implementation 

Responsibility – Who and when will actions be 

implemented 

Update – Updating the team on current actions 

Cultural and Heritage Committee 

The role that the Cultural and Heritage Committee 

may play in the implementation of the Cultural Plan 

is under discussion. 

Quarterly reporting 

Funded actions being implemented as part of the 

Cultural Plan are reported through the Quarterly 

Performance Report. This report is the formal 

mechanism for reporting on implementation of 

Council’s Management Plan. 

Measuring Outcomes 

To measure the impacts and outcomes of this Plan, 

and the cultural vitality of Warringah it is proposed 

that Council develop Cultural Indicators which will 

provide a picture of the cultural life and wellbeing 

of the community. Developing Cultural Indicators 

also allow us to measure over a period of time the 

changes that are taking place with regard to culture 

and the Arts. Proposed Cultural Indicators are 

included in this document – Developing Cultural 

Indicators. 

Reviewing this Strategy 

This Cultural Plan and the process used to prepare 

it represents the first steps towards a more strategic 

approach to planning for the cultural life of the 

Warringah community. It is intended to be a living 

document subject to ongoing review. This Plan is 

intended to be formally reviewed approximately five 

years after the date of adoption.

68 

DEVELOPING CULTURAL INDICATORS 

ABOVE: Playgrounds and parks are an important meeting place within Warringah and form part of 

the cultural life of the community

69 

Developing Cultural Indicators 

Research into and the development of cultural 

indicators is still in the early stages both in Australia 

and overseas. The challenge for cultural indicators is 

to not only measure how many people are attending 

cultural events and activities but how culture affects 

community wellbeing. 

As cultural indicator research continues it would 

be valuable for Council to keep abreast of what is 

happening in this field to ensure that the suggested 

measures of cultural vitality are still current and 

valid. 

The indicators below for Warringah’s Cultural Plan 

have been based on research by The Urban Institute 

in the paper ‘Cultural Vitality in Communities: 

Interpretation and Indicators’(2006). 

Measure 1 – Presence of Opportunities for 

Cultural Participation 

This measure builds on the cultural audit undertaken 

during the preparation of this Cultural Plan, 

and suggests a more detailed audit to measure 

opportunities for cultural participation. This may 

include an audit of: 

• Venues where a wide range of cultural 

participation occurs 

• Arts organisations, their budget and function 

including organisations that cater to both amateur 

and professionals 

• Cultural events or venues that host short term 

events 

• Public spaces suitable for cultural activity 

• Formal and informal cultural districts or community 

meeting places 

• Web based opportunities for cultural engagement 

Measure 2 – Participation in Arts and Cultural 

Activity 

Participation is not limited to purchasing or viewing 

the work of professional artists or audience 

numbers. People participate in the cultural life of 

the community in many different ways and this 

measure aims to capture some of that information. 

Data collected should include: 

• Enrolments in arts or cultural based activities in a 

range of venues 

• Participation in collective art making practices 

such as community cultural development projects, 

festivals or other community events 

• Audience numbers at various venues and events 

• Library membership and number of books 

borrowed 

Measure 3 – Support for Cultural Activity 

Support in this context is not only measured in 

financial terms. It looks at employment, volunteers, 

strength of networks and the integration of cultural 

policy into other areas of Council. 

Measures include: 

• Expenditure in support of cultural activities and 

what they support. This measure should not only 

measure Council’s support, but grants, donations, 

sponsorship and partnerships between Council, 

local business and cultural organisations 

• Indirect support for culture – open space 

development, parks and playgrounds and 

economic develop strategies that support the arts 

and culture 

• Volunteering and personal support for cultural 

activity 

• Advocates and networks available for culture 

• Policies and plans that relate to culture and the 

arts 

• Integration of culture into other policy areas, for 

example, strategic planning documents, quality of 

life indicators 

• Number of people employed in the arts or cultural 

industries 

(Jackson et al:2006) 

Council’s annual Community Survey should capture 

information on a regular basis about how people feel 

about their community, their sense of belonging and 

connectedness to the community around them. 

It would also be beneficial to start documenting the 

experience of people who participate in Council’s 

cultural events and projects to capture the links 

between community strength and belonging and 

participation in cultural activity.

70 

APPENDIX A 

ABOVE: Jacaranda Follk Dancing Group performing at the Oxford Falls Peace Park 

anniversary event

71 

GLOSSARY 

OF TERMS 

Culture 

In this document, culture is defined in its broadest 

or ‘anthropological’ term. This means - as our way 

of life, or who we are as a community. For a further 

description of culture please see the introduction of 

this Cultural Plan. 

Placemaking 

Placemaking refers the ‘humanising’ of public spaces 

and is both a design process, philosophy and activity. 

It allows people to connect and interact with spaces 

around them and imbues public spaces with a sense 

of meaning and identity. 

Community Cultural Development 

Commonly abbreviated to CCD. This practice is 

focussed on the active participation of community 

members in the creation of their own culture. CCD 

includes a range of activities and usually involves 

community members working with Artists or 

facilitators to develop their skills. CCD practice has 

a number of benefits and outcomes including social 

inclusion, skills development, and improving a sense 

of belonging and community wellbeing. 

Community Engagement 

Community engagement refers to the way council 

connects with its residents and connects residents 

to one another. It can incorporate community 

consultations, programs and services. 

Creative Practice 

Includes activities that are carried out intentionally as 

an expression of creativity or culture. It includes all 

disciplines of the arts and is not limited to the work 

of Artists. 

Public Art 

Public art is art in the public realm. It can be created 

by artists or by the community and can reflect a 

diverse range of artistic styles and practices. Public 

art can be a stand alone piece such as a sculpture 

or memorial, it can be integrated into the design of 

a building or it may be functional such as lighting, 

seating or pavement finishes. Public art can be 

permanent, temporary or ephemeral. 

Wellbeing 

Wellbeing goes hand in hand with quality of life. 

Wellbeing recognises the relationship between 

“environmental responsibility, social equity, 

economic viability and cultural development” (Art 

and Wellbeing: 2004:4). 

CALD 

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) is the 

term used to include people from minority groups 

in Australia who do not fall into NESB (non English 

speaking background) or ATSI (Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander) categories. CALD has now replaced 

NESB as the terminology to describe diversity.

72 

APPENDIX B 

ABOVE: Warringah’s rockpools are a significant local heritage item

73 

Cultural 

Resources 

and 

Activities 

Audit 

Summary 

Resource 

Number 

Reserves and sportsfields 60 

Neighbourhood 

301 

Reserves 

Sports Facilities 13 

Bowling Clubs 12 

Surf Clubs 10 

Beaches 10 

Headlands 3 

Libraries 

Community Libraries 

4 

2 

Community Centres 24 

Heritage items as listed 

135 

in WLEP 2000 

Conservation Areas 

15 

listed in WLEP 2000 

Commercial Art Galleries 7 

Not for profit clubs 20 

Art Schools 4 

Artist Materials 1 

Jewellers 16 

Photographers 22 

Cinemas 3 

Resource 

Number 

Art/Craft/Drama/Music 

50 

Schools and Clubs 

Bookshops* 9 

Antique Dealers 2 

Accommodation/ 

12 

Conference venues 

Restaurants 101 

Churches and Religious 

49 

Organisations 

CALD Community 

8 

groups and Services 

Persons employed 

2295 

in Cultural and 

Recreational Services 

Annual Events 17 

Schools 56 

RSL Clubs 3 

Sports Clubs 121 

Media/advertising/ 

publishers 

12 

*This list recognises that there are other sellers of fiction an non fiction such as newsagents and department 

stores. For the purposes of this Audit, only specialist sellers have been included.

74 

APPENDIX C 

ABOVE: Local community members performing as part of the Whale Songlines event

75 

DATA SUMMARY – ONLINE SURVEY 

Some 230 survey forms were completed, the 

majority of these at the Dee Why Australia Day 

breakfast event on January 26. 

Most of these survey respondents were from 

Warringah’s coastal areas with 78% of people 

coming from the 2099 (Dee Why/Cromer), 2096 

(Harbord/South Curl Curl) and 2100 (Narrabeen) 

postcodes. 

The two largest age category responses came from 

the 35-49 age group (45%) and the 25-34 age 

group (15%). Some 70% of the respondents were 

female and 83% of respondents did not speak 

another language at home. 

The survey covered a broad range of issues including 

attendance at cultural activities, attitude towards 

cultural facilities and questions about identity and 

belonging. 

A summary of the results is as follows: 

Which programs or facilities are you 

aware of that affect the way we think 

and feel about living in Warringah? 

Most common responses were: 

Australia Day 

Festivals 

Library 

Glen St Theatre 

Surf Lifesaving Clubs 

Parks/Playgrounds 

Which of the following activities do 

you participate in, in Warringah? How 

often are you involved? 

Theatre 

According to the Cultural Plan survey statistics 42% 

of people surveyed never attend theatre and 55% 

attend the theatre once a year or more. According 

to ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) statistics this 

is much higher than the national average with 17% 

of people nationally attending theatre in the year 

previous to the survey. 

Warringah Council currently subsidises Glen St 

Theatre, located in Belrose. In 2006, the number of 

subscribers to the theatre was 4,636. The top seven 

feeder suburbs for these subscribers are Frenchs 

Forest, Forestville, Belrose, St Ives, Wahroonga, 

Turramurra and Killarney Heights. 

Libraries 

55% of survey respondents attend libraries every 

two months or more. This is slightly less than the 

national average with 65% of people nationally 

attending libraries every two months or more. 

Cinema 

64% of survey participants attend the cinema 

every 2 months or more and 94% of respondents 

indicated they attended the cinema once a year 

or more. Nationally, 65% of people attended the 

cinema every year and over half of those attended 

five times or more. 

Music Event/Concert 

46% of survey respondents attended a music 

concert or event every six months or more. 

Art Exhibitions or Galleries 

42% of respondents never attend art exhibitions. 

55% of people do attend once a year or more. 

Warringah has no public galleries and seven 

commercial galleries. There is exhibition space 

available at Glen St Theatre which operates as a 

commercial gallery. Council organises the Warringah 

Art Exhibition which runs for ten days during July 

each year.

76 

Sporting activities 

46% of people surveyed attend sporting activities 

every week. 19% of people surveyed never play 

sport. 

Festivals 

85% of survey respondents attended festivals once 

a year or more. 

Fairs/Market Days 

70% of surveyed people attended a fair or market 

day every six months or more. 

Walking is by far the most popular recreational 

activity with 71% of respondents walking every 

week or more. 

Religious activities 

55% of respondents never attend religious activities. 

19% of respondents attend religious activities every 

week or more. 

Visiting local and/or natural areas 

53% of respondents visit local and/or natural areas 

once every two weeks or more. 

are involved as participants. 

Access to cultural facilities/activities: 

42% of respondents rated access to cultural facilities 

or activities as good, 31% as very good and 19.5% 

as average. 

Other feedback received from survey respondents 

was around these main issues: 

Access/Public Transport 

Awareness 

Libraries 

Museums 

59% of surveyed people said they never attended 

museums in Warringah. Warringah has two small 

museums – a surfing museum at Freshwater Surf 

Club, and a war museum at the Collaroy War Vets 

Village. The attendance result may be higher than 

expected due to people completing this question for 

museums outside the Warringah area. 

Clubs, interest or hobby groups 

39% of people surveyed attend every month or 

more. 34% of people surveyed never attend clubs, 

interest or hobby groups. 

Recreational Walking 

Eating out at restaurants 

74% of survey respondents eat out every two 

months or more. 23% of those eat out every week. 

Education or self improvement 

39% of survey respondents attend education or 

self improvement classes every six months or more. 

37% never attend. 

Arts Activities 

52% of respondents never attend arts activities. 

38% attend every year or more. 

How people are involved 

41% of people involved in these activities are 

involved as spectators or audience members. 29% 

Quality of cultural facilities 

47% rated the quality of cultural facilities as good, 

23% as average and 18% as very good. 

Other comments relating to the quality of cultural 

facilities/activities have been categorised into the 

following: 

Events 

Maintenance 


Access to information 

Arts Facilities needed 

Do the cultural facilities in Warringah 

meet your needs? 

43% of survey respondents said often, 33% 

sometimes and 14% said always.

77 

The main comments relating to this question 

include: 

Events 

Access to information 

Public transport/parking 

Do you feel there are any barriers 

for you attending cultural facilities or 

participating in cultural activities in the 

community? 

Main barriers listed were: 

Cost 

Awareness 

Accessibility 

Parking 

Do you feel you are a part of your local 

community? 

81% yes 

18% no or unsure 

Comments Yes: 

Member of a community group 

Community spirit 

Know my neighbours 

Always lived here 

Comments: No 

New to the area 

No sense of Community 

Don’t participate 

Do you feel a part of the wider 

Warringah community? 

66% yes 

33% no or unsure 

Yes 

Participate in Community 

Community Spirit 

Know people 

No 

New to area 

No sense of community/belonging 

Not involved 

Know more people elsewhere 

Do you think Warringah has a 

distinctive identity? 

67% yes 

31% no or unsure. 

How would you describe Warringah’s 

identity in 10 words or less 

Common Themes 

Beach 


Relaxed/Laid back 


Bush 

Fun 

Friendly 

Family 

Outdoor Lifestyle 

Diversity 

What do you like about living in 


Beaches 

Atmosphere 


Laid back/casual 

Shopping 

Relationship to city 

Outdoor 

Restaurants/cafes 

Multicultural 

Sport 

What do you dislike about living in 


Development 

Transport 

Lack of Pride/respect/community

78 

Council 

Parking 

Overcrowded 

Safety 

Cost of living 

Parks 

What cultural facilities or activities 

would you like to see developed or 

improved in Warringah 

Music 

Events 

Outdoor cinema 

Markets 

Promotion 

Theatre 

Resturants 

Playgrounds/parks 

Youth 


Diversity 

Sport 

Indigenous Culture 

Do you attend cultural facilities or 

activities outside the area? 

69% of respondents attended cultural activities 

outside the Warringah area. 

The most popular cultural activities 

that people are attending outside the 

area are: 

Sport 

Markets 

Festivals/Fairs 

Concerts 

Art galleries 

Theatre 

Why do you travel outside the area to 

attend these activities? 

Not available here 

Quality 

Variety/something different 

Atmosphere 

Access 

Do you have any other comments that 

might assist Council in developing a 

new Cultural Plan ? 

Main themes 

Other events 

Connecting Community 

Kids/Young People 

Promotion 

Facilities

80 

APPENDIX D 

ABOVE: The Warringah Australia Day breakfasts are an important local celebration

81 

Cultural and Heritage Strategy 2000 progress on actions outlined in Strategy 

Strategy Action Responsibility 2006 Update 

1. Position Warringah’s Open Air Beach and 

Strategy and Policy with 

Open Air Bush and Beach Culture Museum 

Bush Culture Museum as the centre piece of 

Information and Cultural 

abandoned. Some Public Art projects may 

Warringah’s Cultural and Heritage Program 

Services 

have been developed around this theme 

2. Position Warringah’s Coastal Walk as 


Coastal walkways information brochures 

Warringah’s premier cultural, environmental 

Environmental Services and 

being updated and reprinted - due for 

and heritage feature 


completion end 2006 

Services 

Upgrades of the walkways - Harbord to South 

Curl Curl, Dee Why Headland, and Long Reef 

Headland due to be completed 06/07 year 

3. Position the Oxford Falls Peace Park as 

Work closely with the Peace 

Strategy and Policy with Design 

Park works completed 

a distinct cultural and heritage feature that 

Park Committee and the Oxford 

Services, and Information and 

Heritage conservation plan uncompleted 

is representational of our ‘bush’ culture as 

Falls Progress Association to 


Promotion of the Park taking place through 

adapted by life in Warringah 

develop a heritage conservation 

hirings and annual anniversary event 

plan and complete the park 

4. Recomend and instigate a suitable model 

Investigate a percent for art 

Strategy and Policy 

Not Actioned 

for funding public art including a percent for 

policy that will see 1-2% if 

art policy covering Council’s works program 

the total Council capital works 

and private developments 

budget allocated to public art 

Investigate a percent for 


Not Actioned 

art policy that will see 

1% of private commercial 

development funds over a 

certain value (possibly $75,000) 

dedicated to public art

82 


Develop a pamphlet for 


Not Actioned 

developers explaining Council’s 

requirements when a condition 

of consent is the inclusion of 

public art. The information will 

include ways that Council can 

provide support such as access 

to the Public Art Register 

5. Promote and maintain the Public Art 

Establish the procedure and 


Not Actioned 

Register including the procedure by which 

staff resources by which the 

artists are selected from the register 

public art register is promoted, 

maintained and utilised 

Expand and update the register 


Not Actioned 

by calling for Expressions of 

Interest every two years 

6. Improve the contracting and 

Ensure public art projects are 


Public Art Projects are being implemented in 

commissioning process of public art to ensure 

simultaneously identified with 

the latter stages of projects, but are not being 

high quality artworks 

capital works projects during 

identified simultaneously with CAPEX projects 

the capital expenditure budget 

process 

Allocate 15-20% of the 


Not Actioned 

public art budget to project 

management for projects over a 

certain value

83 


7. Develop and promote the Local 

Establish strategic directions 


ICS - space available, limited to development 

Studies Collection to reflect its vital role in 

for Local Studies for collecting, 


of resources and service. Local Studies 

Warringah’s cultural heritage 

storing, accessing and 

Services 

remains the Library’s busiest information 

resourcing to further enhance/ 

service for external customers 

develop its position as a key 

cultural resource integrated 

into many aspects of Council’s 

operations 

Prepare and resource Local 


ICS - N/A 

Studies partnership role in 


Council’s art and exhibition 

Services 

program by increasing the 

exhibitions budget 

Prepare a budget to continue 


ICS - ongoing but limited by space and 

resourcing the oral history 


resources 

collection to include migration 

Services 

history, sporting history, and 

the industrial history of the 

Warringah area

84 


Establish the Library as an 

essential ‘consultant’ in 

the preparation of all Local 

Conservation Plans for heritage 

listed sites, to ensure more 

informed decisions can be made 

eg Rock Pools conservation plan 

Continue to collect and 

promote information on 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait 

Islander themes and issues 

Complete and promote the 

Aboriginal Local History project 



Services 



The Library, in particular Local Studies, is an 

important component to assist in providing 

information as required by consultants 

preparing conservation management plans 

(CMP) for new listings of heritage items, or as 

part of the development application process 

for heritage listed items; however, it is does 

not prepare CMP, nor does it provide heritage 

advice on CMP, or as part of the development 

application process for locally listed heritage 

items where Council is the consent authority 

Cultural Services received limited funding 

to implement projects and programs for the 

Guringai Festival. 

Council continues to jointly fund the 

Aboriginal Heritage Office positions with 

Manly , North Sydney, Willoughby and Lane 

Cove Councils 

Tale of a Whale completed and published in 

2002

85 


8. Position Warringah’s built and natural 

Complete a schedule of 


The Warringah LEP 2000 has heritage items 

heritage as a key cultural resource owned and 

Heritage items for inclusion 

Strategic Land Use Planning 

contained in its locality statements; this will 

shared by the community as well as affected 

in the new Local Environment 

not be re-formatted until Planning Policy Unit 

owners and stakeholders 

Plan and develop the process 

completes & exhibits as part of its new LEP 

by which this list is regularly 

based on the Standard Instrument legislation 

reviewed 

a schedule that lists heritage items. This is 

due for completion in 2008, and will aim 

to translate existing heritage items to the 

new format requirements. A review of 

heritage items is presently not expected to be 

undertaken until after 2008 

Prepare a pamphlet for owners 


A Heritage Brochure/ pamphlet was 

of heritage items that explains 


completed in 2004 by Planning Policy Unit 

their rights and obligations 

that explains rights & obligations for heritage 

property owners 

Improve community access 


There has been no progress on this action 

to information via a centrally 


located database 

Re-establish a Heritage 


The Cultural and Heritage Committee 

Committee responsible for 


continues to exist, but its functions do 

heritage promotion and 

not extend to heritage promotion and 

education and all other heritage 

education and all other heritage projects; 

projects 

these responsibilities for heritage projects are 

undertaken by Council officers rather than the 

Committee

86 


Complete the Heritage 

Conservation plans of all 

heritage listed properties 

owned by, or under the care 

of Warringah Council, in 

consultation with Local Studies. 

These include: Oxford Falls 

Peace Park, rock pools and 

Aboriginal sites 

Maintain the Heritage database 

and prepare it for inclusion in 

the virtual museum 

Promote and celebrate our 

heritage by continuing to 

integrate statutory heritage 

planning with Local Studies 

via exhibitions, programs and 

events 

Continue improving knowledge 

and protection of Aboriginal 

sites 



Policy and Strategy with 


Services and Strategic Land Use 

Planning 



Services and Strategic Land Use 

Planning 


Heritage conservation plans have been 

completed for Rock Pools. 

An Aboriginal Sites Management Plan has 

been completed 

Heritage conservation plans for other heritage 

listed properties owned by, or under the care 

of Council have not been completed 

There has been no progress on this action. 

Heritage celebrations and promotions are 

co-ordinated and managed by Local Studies 

where applicable 

Aboriginal Heritage Office Manager position 

funded Sites management plan compete 

GIS Layer for sites and DA referral process 

developed. There is annual training for sites 

for Council staff

87 


A premier beach culture event 


ICS - Symphony on the Sand funding was 

9. Further develop Council’s Festivals and 

to be built on the success of 

Services 

withdrawn by Council after the event in 2002. 

Events program and Cultural Grants scheme 

Symphony on the Sand and 

A new ‘signature’ project has been funded for 

to enhance the Open Air Museum 

other beach culture activities be 

06/07 

developed as part of the events 

mission statement 

A premier bush culture event 


N/A - The Warringah Lifestyle Festival is no 

be built on the success of the 

Services 

longer funded 

Warringah Lifestyle Festival 

Incorporate greater 


N/A 

10. Develop event program and activities 

opportunities for ethnic 

Services 

to ensure participation by people of diverse 

communities, multicultural 

cultural backgrounds and of all ages 

and Indigenous arts in existing 

festivals and events 

Incorporate greater range of 


N/A 

suitable activities into Festivals 

Services 

and events 

Conduct a feasibility study to 


Not Actioned 

11. Prioritise the development of a dedicated 

investigate all possible options 


visual arts exhibition space 

for the location management 

Services 

and costing of an exhibition 

space 


N/A 

12. Continue to assess and review the 

Services 

Cultural Grants program and schools cultural 

awards to ensure that objectives and criteria 

fully support the strategic directions of this 

strategy.

88 



Not Actioned 

13. Investigate other means of supporting 


artistic and cultural activities within the 

Services 

community (loans, guarantees, in kind 

support) 

Develop a planning framework 


Hip Hop, breakdancing and graffiti at Yo Yo’s 

14. Develop a diversity of cultural 

for a Hip hop touring 

Services with Youth Services 

as part of regular program. W/shops (Hip 

opportunities for youth which, rather than 

performance 

Hop) funded through Voices from Oceania 

being entertainment focussed, reflect an 

project 

acceptance of youth culture and aim to 

develop skills and opportunities 

Develop performance 


12-14yrs Band Night, including band camps. 

opportunities for young 


DJ workshops as indicated. Facilitate private 

musicians, DJ’s and other 

promoters to run dance parties 

performers 

Incorporate more attractions 


Voices from Oeania Youth component. Youth 

for youth into Council’s events 


report on Warringah Centenary Committee 

programming

89 


15. Continue to support and develop cultural 

programs and activities which facilitate 

reconciliation 

This strategy is being implemented as part of 

Council’s Reconciliation Strategy 

16. Continue to recognise and promote the 

value of cultural industries to Warringah’s 

local economy 

Marketing consortium - “Made 

in Warringah” Facilitate the 

development of a marketing 

consortium of businesses selling 

and producing goods with a 

Made in Warringah label 

Business Database - 

maintenance of the Cultural 

Industry Database and 

expansion of it to include 

artists. Continue to promote 

the Database and to provide 

information regarding financial 

support, grants and industry 

opportunities 




Services 



Services 

Youth Exchanges with sister City Brewarrina 

have been successful 

Projects such as ‘Connexions in Time’, ‘Whale 

Songlines’, ‘Art Connections’ have been 

developed and run. ‘Connexions in Time’ was 

funded by the Federal Government Grant - 

Visions Australia 

‘Whale Songlines’ was jointly funded 

by Warringah Council and the Federal 

Government through Festivals Australia 

Continued funding of the Aboriginal Heritage 

Office 

Not Actioned 

Not Actioned

90 


17. Ongoing promotion and evaluation of 

Council’s cultural services and programs 

Artists studios - The provision 

of low cost artist studio should 

be considered as a) part of 

the future development and 

planning of community centres 

and other council facilities b) as 

part of the development control 

process 

Identify local cultural producers 

such as artists and craftspeople 

for the supply of Council’s 

corporate gifts 

Monitoring by the Strategy 

group the inclusion and 

attachment to this strategy of 

all Council action plans relating 

to culture and heritage, to 

be monitored by the Cultural 

officer, Policy, Planning and 

Commissioning Unit 

Reinstate cultural development 

seminars 

Reinstate cultural development 

seminars as a means of 

promoting Warringah’s cultural 

focus to the community, staff 

and other local councils 



Services 


Community and Cultural 



Council has committed funds to the Eramboo 

Artist development which will provide artist in 

residence facilities provided the project also 

receives Ministry for the Arts funding 

Forestville Community Arts Centre opened 

in 2002 and provides a range of work 

spaces suitable to a variety of artists at very 

competitive costs 

ICS - Glass artist Emma Varga has been 

commissioned to create a range of glass 

corporate gifts 

Not actioned Cultural Planning position was 

deleted from Strategy and Policy 

Not Actioned

91 


Fully utilise web sites. Utilise 

the Australian Arts website 

and the Warringah website to 

promote key cultural projects 

Strengthen the visual identity 

of culture. Develop a visual 

identity or logo for cultural 

projects and services 

Monitor best practice. 

Continue to monitor best 

practice models and to 

participate in cultural 

benchmarking 




Cultural Services utilise the Council website 

to promote events, however it is not a key 

resource for promotion 

Not Actioned 

Not Actioned

APPENDIX E 

92

93 

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Brown, P & Mills, D 2004, Art and Wellbeing , 

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Artlink, vol. 9, pp. 1-4. 

Florida, R 2003, The Rise of the Creative Class, Pluto 

Press Australia, Melbourne, Victoria. 

Grogan, D & Mercer Colin 1995, The Cultural 

Planning Handbook, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 

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Guppy, M (Ed) 1997, Better Places, Richer 

Communities Cultural Planning and Local 

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94 

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation 1999, 

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95 

“I have a dream too, but it’s about singing and dancing and making people happy. It’s the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with.” 

Kermit the Frog, The Muppet Movie 1979

celebrate inspire connect - Warringah Council - NSW Government

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