Newport Rugby Club have taken out 3 of the 5 Grades in Division Two of Suburban Rugby (Subbies) and won all three of the Grand Finals Games they played in on Saturday August 29.
Newport Rugby Club won the 2026 Richardson Cup on the bell in a thriller against St Patricks, 22-20 in the Grand Final at Concord Oval.
2026 Richardson Cup winners
Soon after Newport was happy again, for taking out the Blunt Cup in a 20-19 victory over Forest.
2026 Blunt Cup winners
After an extraordinary game of footy, running in excess of 100 minutes, Newport snatched the First Grade Barraclough Cup from UNSW in the last seconds of extra time with a final score of 46-44. If we hadn’t seen it, we wouldn’t have believed it! Suggest you watch the replay on NSW Rugby TV. Congratulations Newport. You’ll be talking about this one for a while.
2026 Barraclough Cup winners
Newport Rugby Club (The Breakers) played in Division Two in the 2026 Season with clubs competing for the Barraclough, Stockdale, Robertson (U21 Colts), Blunt and Richardson Cups.
Newport Rugby Club remains among the 'best of the best' in suburban rugby union, having won the Barraclough Cup and Blunt Cup in 2024, and were also Division 2 Club Champions for 2024. The year before, Newport were Robertson Cup winners in 2023.
Suburban Rugby Cups: "What are you playing for?"
Barraclough: Presented 1969. John Barraclough (Colleagues) Union Patron, John Barraclough, AM (1926 - 2005) and his father, H.H Barraclough, presented this cup to the MSDRU in 1969 for a new one team competition that arose with the rapid increase of clubs at the time. In 1971, following a restructuring of sub-district rugby competitions, the Barraclough Cup headed the new sub-district second division, and continues to this day.
Stockdale: Presented 1971. Ted Stockdale (Briars). Presented to the MSDRU by Ted Stockdale, a previous Secretary of the Union, in 1971, this cup was first won by AMP.
Blunt: Presented 1971. Charles Blunt (ARU President) Donated in 1971 by ARU President Charles Blunt, who was patron of the MSDRU from 1965 to 1989. The cup was first won by Manly.
Richardson: Presented 1971. Eric Richardson (Newington Old Boys) Also introduced in 1971 by Eric Richardson of Newington Old Boys. Eric had a long involvement with Newington Old Boys, particularly as a coach. At the time this cup provided an extra competition for those second division clubs with extra teams, with the remainder of teams in the comp being one team clubs. By 1981, the Richardson Cup and second division was only available to four team sub-district clubs.
Robertson: Presented 1981. Brian Robertson (Hunters Hill). Named after former Suburban Chairman (1978-80), Brian Robertson, this cup was first won by Port Hacking. After not being contested between 1988-93, the Robertson Cup was revived to become the Colts trophy for second division.
Reliance Shield: Presented 1983. Reliance Club. "The Reliance Club Shield" was presented to the the SSDRU in 1983 for the Division Two Club Champions, by surviving members of the Reliance Club of Ashfield.
*Cup histories courtesy of "The Game for the Game Itself - The History of Sub-District Rugby in Sydney".
Photos: NSW Suburban Rugby Union (Subbies)
NOOSA, Queensland, Australia (Wednesday August 26, 2026)
Today, Milla Coco Brown (Bungan Boardriders- Pittwater/AUS) and Willem Watson (Victoria, AUS) won the inaugural Murf Electric Bikes Noosa Pro Junior Presented by Surfboard Empire World Surf League (WSL) event. The pair overcame a massive field of Australia and Oceania’s best 20-and-under surfers in small but fun waves at Noosa’s Sunshine Beach.
Milla Coco Brown (Bungan Boardriders - AUS) chaired to victory at the 2026 Murf Electric Bikes Noosa Pro Junior, presented by Surfboard Empire. Credit: WSL / SQ
Today’s win was Milla Coco Brown’s second event win for the season and enough to catapult her into the top spot on the WSL Australia / Oceania Rankings to not only win the regional series but also book a spot at this year's WSL World Junior Championships to be held in El Salvador this November.
After just sneaking through the Quarterfinals, Brown’s trademark progression and speed saw her claim dominant wins in the Semifinals and eventually the Final, where she overcame Siqi Yang (CHN), Willow Hardy (AUS) and Stella Green (AUS), who finished in second, third and fourth respectively.
“It’s been a big day for me,” Brown said.
“I had to win the Final to win the series, and now I get the big silver trophy, so I’m frothing. Finding out that I’m off to the World Junior Championships is amazing as well; I can’t wait for that. I knew it before the Final, which took a lot of the pressure off.”
Milla Coco Brown (AUS) in the Finals for the 2026 Murf Electric Bikes Noosa Pro Junior, presented by Surfboard Empire. Credit: WSL / SQ
An evening of reverence, reflection, and ultimately celebration of all that makes the movement special marked the evening for more than 650 volunteer lifesavers and their supporters at the 2026 Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence in Sydney on 22 August.
Held in Darling Harbour for the second straight year, award categories spanning youth, membership, education, lifesaving and surf sports were contested by members representing all 11 Branches along the NSW coastline.
The esteemed Rescue of the Year was also awarded to Charlie Verco (North Bondi SLSC), Ben Heenan (Coogee SLSC) and Kassandra McGregor (Tamarama SLSC) for their brave efforts in rescuing Leah Stewart, the lady involved in a shark incident at Coogee Beach on June 13 2026.
One historically significant category win is Newport SLSC competitor, Jemma Smith’s second straight Athlete of the Year crown.
No one has done it three times consecutively, a feat she will chase in 2027, and something she tackles with some pedigree to lean on – Jemma previously won the Youth Athlete of the Year category three times in a row between 2016 and 2018.
Announced: Friday August 28 2026
The NSW Government has commenced a rollout of targeted vaccinations for vulnerable species of birds to help protect them against H5 avian influenza (bird flu).
A combination of insurance populations in captivity and wild populations of birds will be vaccinated. This includes the Little Penguins in Manly and Barunguba Montague Island.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia vaccinated the first birds this week, with trial cohorts of Little Penguins, Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos among the first species to receive the initial dose of the two-dose vaccine course.
The NSW Government is working with Taronga to vaccinate and monitor wild Little Penguins at Manly Point.
Other wildlife facilities across NSW will join the state’s vaccine program, ensuring as many species as possible can be covered.
The vaccine requires two doses, administered three-to-four weeks apart. Birds in trials must remain in a controlled environment while completing their primary vaccination course and for 14 days following the second dose so they can be closely monitored for any adverse effects.
The NSW Government is continuing to work with wildlife organisations and other relevant partners to assess potential vaccination sites and ensure appropriate infrastructure, safety measures, veterinary oversight and other requirements are in place before vaccination commences.
NSW is continuing to learn about how the vaccine performs in native wildlife. The controlled vaccination program will provide an opportunity to closely monitor vaccinated animals and identify any potential adverse effects as further plans to vaccinate are progressed.
Complementing the broader rollout of vaccinations, Taronga is leading a vaccine trial that will provide valuable data on immune responses, vaccine effectiveness and future vaccination strategies in threatened and zoo-managed birds.
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Palm Beach Sailing Club launches from off-the-beach at Sand Point, Palm Beach
Profile of the Week Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment: August 2026 Forum Speakers + AGMWebsite: narrabeenlagoon.au
We are a group of concerned individuals who live either locally or within the Sydney northern region who wish to see the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment properly and sustainably protected for the benefit of current and future generations, as well as the rights and needs of the ecosystems within the catchment.
We have come together to encourage the State Government and to support Northern Beaches Council (formerly Warringah and Pittwater Councils) in the conservation of crown lands and the sustainable protection of the bushland, creeks, landform and flora and fauna within the catchment, whether it be on private or public lands.
Many of us have been involved in community actions to protect areas with natural and cultural significance. We have significant links within the local community and elsewhere and we aim to inform and educate others about the importance of properly protecting and managing the Catchment.
Speakers at the August Forum.
Angus Gordon – Former General Manager, Pittwater council and Chairman of the Industry Advisory Board to the University of NSW’s Water Research Centre. Topic: Siltation of Middle Creek due to disturbance in the upper catchment.
Ron Patton – Outgoing President, FoNLC. Topic: Changes to the Local Environment Plan (LEP) for the Northern Beaches local government area and their impact on the bushland of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
History Great Photo of 1906 Charabancs To Narrabeen-Rock Lily- Pittwater turns up in a roof cavity: Vroom Vroom time!
Park Bench Philosophers Full exhibition program for Powerhouse Parramatta revealed: Opens Saturday November 7 2026
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Food Father's Day Feast: Recipe ideas
With Father's Day next Sunday, September 6, families will gather to share food and laughs around the BBQ and table, and cook dad's favourite dishes.
Although dad's favourites will range as wide and as numerous as there are dads, for those who would like to contribute something towards that special meal and celebration of dad, a few examples this Issue of what you can do. This could be as simple as getting some early Spring strawberries and melons, giving them a good wash, and whipping some fresh cream to go with them - yum! - or something a little more complicated, such as Eggs Benedict for breakfast.
We've stuck to recipes that will do for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, just to give you some inspirations for what you may cook up for your special dad - or use our tried and tested ones.
Aquatics Sailing Season 2026-2027: Where you can Dive Into the Place between the Green and Blue, whether a Beginner or a long-term Salty - a list from north to south of what our local sailing clubs have on offer for the small to tall, the young to mature
Pictures Beach2Beach Charity Running Festival 2026 - Photos by Michael Mannington OAM
Events Sailing Day Registration at Avalon Sailing Club: Sunday Aug 30, Kids Try Sailing at RPAYC, Down to Earth Space opening at Newport this September, Corgi Picnic at Bayview, North Palmy Surf Club Anniversary Celebrations Author Talks, Art Shows, PNHA Walks, Music at all compass points, Markets, Social Groups + more on!
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Environment Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay's 2026 Custodians of the Ocean program commences, Rewilding project at Allenby Park shows promising results, Manly's Little Penguins to be vaccinated Against H5 Bird Flu + Lion Island Little Penguins Update, More than 4,500 calls to Emergency Animal Disease Hotline as community asked to protect pet birds: NSW, H5 bird flu events in wildlife: Australian Government Update - Mammals impacted Update: South Australian Dolphin, Government to remove Australian Antarctic Program from sub-Antarctic island as H5 bird flu threat approaches, Australia’s bird flu response: too little, but it’s not too late, Backyard bird feeding could be a bird flu ‘superspreader’. An expert explains, First bird flu death in an Australian mainland mammal is a grim milestone. We know how bad this can get, Iconic Australian mammals could be at real risk from bird flu. Could we protect them using vaccines in baits?, ‘Frequently fumigate the hen‑houses’: how ancient Greeks and Romans tried to treat sick birds, Data centres and democratic decline could lead to more water conflict in the future, Australia’s backdown on data centres allows them to use energy from coal and gas. Here’s what that means, Andrew Charlton’s warning on data centres’ impact on power bills, Proposed classification of proposed public land at Seaforth, Public comment opens on industrial port and dredging proposal threatening Exmouth Gulf-Ningaloo, Australian Bass and Estuary Perch season commences 1 September, ACCC proposes to re-authorise coordination of maintenance for LNG export facilities at Curtis Island, Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: Spring 2026, Get Ready Weekend 2026, Flying-fox Census, Katandra Bushland Sanctuary Season 2026, Stop the plastic Flow Film Evening at Narrabeen: Sept. 3, Sydney Spring Garden Competition, Stony Range Spring Festival 2026: September 13, PNHA Activities 2026, National Parks protect Southern Right Whales with new ‘stay away’ distance of up to 500 metres, Australia’s lizards and snakes are in far more trouble than we thought. It’s time to act, From Australia to the Andes, we’re discovering new biodiversity hotspots worldwide, Nepal’s flash floods show the devastating power of ‘cascading hazards’, Tsunami of dirt: what caused Nepal’s deadly glacial flood?, Historic sulphur emissions the likely cause of damage to Murujuga rock art: new research, Climate change may halve omega‑3 fatty acids in fish and the organisms they eat, Antarctic bacteria share ‘life‑support’ genes to survive extreme conditions, We finally have some encouraging news on Great Barrier Reef water quality, Floating wetlands a promising way to decrease wastewater emissions: new research, How will this year’s record‑breaking El Niño affect NZ and the world? 5 things to know, Green roofs can help cool cities in the summer heat, but building them is only the first step – many don’t survive, Antarctic krill fishing is now concentrated in the exact pattern conservation rules were designed to prevent, Iran oil spill: the war is leaving environmental scars that ceasefires cannot heal, Climate change is driving some entire communities to relocate – but simply moving isn’t enough, What if our cities were designed for wildlife as well as people?, From nightlife to life at night: cities must stay open later to beat the rising heat, Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: Spring 2026, Get Ready Weekend 2026, Mona Vale Dunes bushcare group: 2026, Bangalley Headland WPA 2026, Sydney Wildlife Needs People for the Rescue Line, 2025-26 Seal Reveal underway, 622kg of Rubbish Collected from Beaches: Adopt your local beach program, This Tick Season: Freeze it - don't squeeze it, Protect wildlife: dispose of fishing gear responsibly, Notice of 1080 Poison Baiting, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Pittwater Gardens, Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Environment History insights + Walks, Birds +
Children Sunday Cartoon and Animations This week: Kayak, Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay's 2026 Custodians of the Ocean program commences, Milla Coco Brown - Willem Watson Win The Noosa Pro Junior, Banksias of Pittwater, Royal Australian Navy Jet Pilots in Action; 1960s Aerobatic, Curious Kids: How do ice cubes cool a drink? + Why are there waves? + What is dew? + Can snails fart? + Who was the first ancient mummy?, Stories this week: Meesha Makes Friends + 'Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll' read by Marissa Bode, Sport and events for you, 2026 Premier's Reading Challenge, Activities-clubs 4U
Youth Newport Breakers Secure A 2026 Season Trifecta!, Milla Coco Brown Wins Noosa Pro Junior, Banksias of Pittwater, Royal Australian Navy Jet Pilots in Action |1960s Aerobatic, Dee Why locals digital upskilling, Opportunities: 2027 Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging) + Try Rowing + Try Surfing + OptiChicks 2026 + Nature Writing Prize 2026 Now Open to Enter + North Palm Beach SLSC 80th + Premier's Reading Challenge, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Shine, Videos capture humpback whales stopping to snack as they migrate along Australia’s coast, NASA’s new telescope will transform our view of the universe. This is the story of its namesake, Aussie players are smashing transfer records. Does this benefit or harm Australian soccer?, How weaving helped invent modern computing — and is shaping its future, Jolene, I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5: the genius of Dolly Parton in three songs, Australian children’s classics: Playing Beatie Bow is a time‑slip novel that makes Sydney strange, ++
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DIY Ideas DIY Fathers' Day ideas for the Gardening-BBQing Dad
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A path into Warriewood Wetlands extends a sunshine invitation. Photo: A J Guesdon/PON