MANLY TALKS

​​Since launching in October 2019, Manly Talks has become a vibrant forum for thought-provoking discussions on the issues that matter most.

Our core pillars are connection, conversation and community - they drive every event, bringing together thought leaders and locals alike to dive into topics that shape our world and our future. From the environment and mental health to climate change, relationships, technology, and the Voice to Parliament, we've welcomed leading experts who share insights on the most pressing issues of our time.

It’s more than just a talk – it’s an opportunity to connect with your community, spark meaningful conversations, and enjoy great food and drinks with friends, all while expanding your perspective and learning from the best. Join us at Manly Talks – where ideas meet action and we come together to make a difference.

Join us for our last Manly Talks for 2024 - Book your tickets HERE

We're All Living Longer - Now What?

Between 2025 and 2030, Australia will see a surge in its over-65 and over-85 populations, reshaping our communities and economies. On the Northern Beaches, nearly 38% of residents are already aged 50 years and over (Census 2021), affecting everything from housing and employment to healthcare and finances.

Welcome to the Longevity Economy – a transformative force impacting every generation and everyone has a role in shaping this new era.

Valued at around $60 billion in 2021-22, Australia’s "Silver Economy" is projected to skyrocket to over $110 billion by 2026-27. On top of that, the intergenerational transfer of wealth will exceed $3.5 trillion in the coming decade.So how do we reshape the way we age, live, work, care, connect and retire? As we start a new term of Council, how can we work together with policymakers at all levels of government to ensure better outcomes and a more resilient longevity ecosystem? Join us for our final Manly Talks November 2024, where we’ll tackle these critical questions with a powerhouse panel of experts.

We’re thrilled to welcome back Good For Manly's favourite futurist, Mark Pesce, who will walk us through the Longevity Community and how it will shape our future. Joining him is Anne-Marie Elias from PrimeLife Partners, who will dive into the numbers and strategies to help the Northern Beaches lead the way and Councillor Candy Bingham, recently re-elected for her fourth term, who will share the Council’s approach to addressing this vital demographic shift. Don’t miss this conversation, it’s time to shape the future of longevity and let’s shape a future where we all thrive! ​

How to Create Healthy & Sustainable Food Systems

Totem Club Balgowlah
Wednesday June 12 2024,  6.00pm-7.30pm

​Some of the world's most urgent health and environment challenges are created by the way we grow, manufacture, transport, sell, consume and dispose of food.

Tackling these challenges requires action by all sectors of society, at both international and national levels. However, local governments also play an important role.  This is often overlooked in Australia, where we equate local governments with 'rates, roads and rubbish'. Australian councils have created innovative programs, policies and initiatives addressing issues such as food insecurity and access to healthy food, diet-related ill health, food waste, and food system sustainability. 

In this presentation, Associate Professor Belinda Reeve will unpack the role and functions of Australian local governments and describe how they're using their powers to help create a healthier and more sustainable food system for all local residents - and how they could do more with the right supports from state governments, as well as from the communities they serve. 

StoryLink - The Key to Communication & How to Use It

Balgowlah RSL
Wednesday March 6 2024, 6.00pm - 7.30pm

We've locked in 3 amazing women who have been at the intersection of storytelling and community their entire working lives. Our panel, with the help of host Mel Arbuthnot and your questions, will deliver insights into the art of getting your voice heard.  Pick up tips from the worlds of public life, journalism, media and books. ​
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CANDY BINGHAM is the President of Good for Manly and a Councillor on the Northern Beaches Council. She brings more than 25 years' experience in public relations and community engagement.
BONITA MERSIADES is the founder of the inaugural Manly Writers' Festival which will kick off soon. She has also set up her own publishing house.
ANGELA PRIESTLEY is the Co-Founder of Agenda Media, an independent daily news publication that is fully female funded, owned and run. She's a journalist and media entrepreneur.

Drinks and dinner available before the talk or join us to eat afterwards.  Tickets are $10 and are on sale via Eventbrite.

PAST EVENTS

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Balgowlah Bowling Club
Wednesday November 8 2023, 6.00pm-7.30pm

​Let's Talk AI with Futurist and Author Mark Pesce 

For the last Manly Talks for 2023, we are excited to introduce futurist, inventor, author, entrepreneur, educator and broadcaster, Mark Pesce.

Artificial Intelligence is already here, and will undoubtably become increasingly important in our lives.  Mark will demystify the concept of AI, making it approachable, digestible, and empowering. Regardless of your familiarity with the technology, Mark will leave you feeling enlightened and inspired by the power of AI and its ongoing integration in our lives.

Drinks and dinner available during the talk or join us to eat afterwards.  Tickets are $10 and are on sale here. 

​St Matthews Church Auditorium
Wednesday July 19 2023, 6.00pm - 7.30pm

The Voice to Parliament. Yes or No?

Our latest Manly Talks will feature a Forum of three outstanding indigenous community leaders on the topic of The Voice to Parliament - Yes or No?

Come and hear the views of these outstanding speakers, and have your questions answered.
Tony McAvoy SC, Barrister & Senior Counsel with extensive legal experience, particularly in native title. Tony was also the Acting Northern Territory Treaty Commissioner from December 2021 to 30 June 2022.
Chloe Wighton is a Wirdjuri woman who specialises in first nations cultural engagement. She is currently a Director with Lend Lease.
Jasper Thatcher juggles many roles, working as a deckhand on Manly Ferries, as a member of Transdev's Reconciliation Action Plan Committee and as a paralegal one day a week.

 Darley Smith Building (next to St Matthew's Church), The Corso, Manly.
Free Entry - But Booking Essential here 

How to create better local cycling experiences?

During the past 18 months locals took to cycling like never before. Mountain bike tracks were discovered (and created); kids explored their local areas by bike, and families discovered the joys of cycling. But is your local area providing the facilities that cyclists need? How can safety be improved for those on bikes?

Join Deputy Mayor, Candy Bingham and our panel of speakers for this interesting discussion and share your ideas too!

​Wednesday 3rd November 7.00 pm - 8 pm. FREE - but registration essential 

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Manly Dam: Heritage, History and Country

Good For Manly is delighted to present Aboriginal Education Officer Karen Smith, Live via Zoom, to tell the story of Manly Dam and the surrounding Country. 

This popular talk has now been rescheduled to Wed 20 October at 1pm.  If you have already registered, we will send you the new Zoom link. Otherwise please sign up below. ​

Wednesday 20 October 1.00 pm - 2 pm FREE - but registration essential 

​What make a great village?
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Join Deputy Mayor, Candy Bingham and our panel of business and community leaders in an open online discussion on the issues affecting the villages of the Manly Ward: Fairlight, Seaforth, Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, North Balgowlah and Manly Vale.
​Our guest panellists are architect Joshua Zoeller, The Butchers Cafe Fairlight owner Andrew Dawes and community leader Sonia Walsh. ​

Wednesday 13 October 7.00 pm - 8 pm FREE - but registration essential