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Narrabeen A Grade Wins - post-game and post-rain team pic in the sheds
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Home games at Lake Park, the home ground of the Narrabeen JRLFC, are always a little like a big warm embrace from family with the added 'zing!' a game footy charges the crowd with.
On Sunday June 14, when the Narrabeen club hosted Harbord, it was a 'home week' big time as Frank McKee, the Coach who led the Sharkies to A Grade Grand Final win in 2018, is now coaching Harbord.
While the teams were warming up Ladies Day was happening in the clubhouse, with great food and a broad cross section of the generations of women who have made and make this club hum. There too the sense of family between the girls is the first thing you notice.
As Zac Freudenstein, Sharks President again this year, explains:
''To me it’s not just a football club, it’s a community. I grew up watching all the older generation and then was lucky to play with some of those A Grade players that I looked up to. It’s the old heads that you’ve got around the club that bring you up – we’re all like one big family and that, to me, is what Narrabeen Sharks is all about.''
''In 2026, the Narrabeen Sharks proudly celebrate our 94th season, continuing a legacy that makes us one of the oldest and largest rugby league clubs on the peninsula. For generations, families have come together at Lake Park and worn the black and white with pride.
We welcome players from Under 6s through to Under 20s, along with Open Age A Grade and Over 35s Masters, where some of our members are still running around in their 60s. We are proud to have helped develop Junior Representative, First Grade and Australian Representative players, while still giving every child and adult a place to feel valued.
What truly defines us is our culture. The Sharks are built on family, leadership and a genuine love for rugby league. We are more than a rugby league club. We are a community. We live our values of Honour, Respect, Loyalty, Integrity and Teamwork through how we support each other.
Our players build confidence, learn skills and grow as people with the guidance of qualified coaches in a safe and positive environment. When you join the Sharks, you join more than a team. You become part of a community that celebrates effort, friendship and having fun while playing the greatest game of all.''
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Zac Freudenstein, Sharks President
The Wider Community Family
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MP for Manly James Griffin MP and Emma Laubi
On Thursday 18 June, 200 local Manly residents, businesses, organisations and community leaders gathered for the bi-annual Manly Hospice Gala to raise vital funds for the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH), and the young people and families it supports.
The sold-out event, held at Manly Wharf Events Space against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, brought together supporters from across the Northern Beaches in a powerful demonstration of the community's commitment to the hospice.
As Australia’s first dedicated young adult hospice, the Manly AYAH fills a long-standing gap in clinical care for young people with lime-limiting illnesses who historically would transition from children's palliative services into adult facilities. Through its innovative model, the first-of-its-kind facility enables young people aged between 16 and 30 to receive age-appropriate care in an environment designed to recognise and celebrate the important milestones of young adulthood.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, attended as the Guest of Honour and delivered a captivating address recognising the extraordinary role the AYAH plays in providing specialised care and respite for young people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Guests also heard a deeply moving fireside conversation between James Griffin MP and Emma Laubi, who shared the story of her late brother, Felix, who received care at the AYAH. Speaking with remarkable courage and grace, Ms Laubi reflected on the exceptional care and compassion shown to Felix during his time at the hospice, and the comfort her family experienced in being able to stay close to him and share precious moments together.
Her Excellency The Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales
In his address, Mr Griffin paid tribute to the many community members, organisations and supporters in attendance, and those whose vision and generosity helped bring this remarkable facility to life. Among those acknowledged was the late Kay Van Norton Poche AO, a local Manly resident whose extraordinary philanthropy was instrumental in securing the funds needed to construct the facility.
"There are so many people in our community who have contributed to making this remarkable facility a reality," Mr Griffin said.
"The AYAH is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with compassion and a shared determination to ensure young people facing the most difficult circumstances receive the dignity, care and support they deserve."
The evening was a powerful demonstration of the generosity that defines the Manly community, with local businesses, organisations and supporters contributing an array of auction items and prizes, and guests coming together in support of the hospice and the young people and families it serves.
While final figures are yet to be confirmed as more donations continue to come in, the tally should approach $100,000 in funds raised. This is testament to the compassion shown by those in attendance and the many individuals and organisations whose contributions helped make the event possible.
Located on the former Manly Hospital site at North Head, the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice first opened its doors in 2023 and has since cared for more than 346 patients. Managed and partially funded by NSW Health, the facility relies heavily on donations to sustain its world-class model of care. Today, the AYAH stands as a pioneering model of care and a source of immense pride for the Manly community.
This was the third Bi-annual Gala Dinner which has previously been held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Pilu Freshwater, and most recently at Manly Wharf Events space.
Over 4 years after NBC and its planning panel approved the DA for 351 Barrenjoey Rd (the old Avocado Tree) the demolition of the old buildings commenced with the approval and lodgement of the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP).
On Tuesday June 16 part of the wall being demolished collapsed, causing scaffolding to veer over Robertson road and the closure of it and the main Barrenjoey Road to all traffic for hours until the site could be secured.
Live Traffic still advises ''Robertson Road is closed due to an earlier incident. Pedestrian diversions are also in place. - Reported By Northern Beaches Council, Ph: 1300 434 434'' - although the main road was opened several hours later.
Live Traffic screenshot taken Saturday June 20 2026
There will be major changes during the term of this build:
1. Robertson Rd Parking – all the parking opposite the site in Robertson Rd is removed during the construction phase estimated to last until December 2027.
2. Site hours – Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm – Saturday 8am to 1pm – Night work may happen but separate approvals needed.
3. Robertson Rd Special events – the council has not planned any to occur during the construction phase – another impact to Newport, already showing too many empty commercial premises
4. Construction Phase truck traffic – concrete trucks plan to reverse down Robertson Rd from Foamcrest Ave to the site, while demolition, excavation and construction traffic will enter RR from Barrenjoey and exit via Foamcrest.
A second bird, a giant northern petrel, was found exhausted on an Esperance beach and unable to stand on Thursday. The Minister said samples from the petrel had also returned a suspected positive result.
''Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) in a brown skua in Western Australia.
This is the highly pathogenic strain of concern that has been circulating globally, and is the first detection in Australia.
Samples from a second bird, a giant petrel, have also tested positive for H5 avian influenza at the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s laboratory.
These samples will now also undergo confirmatory testing at CSIRO’s ACDP.
A key priority is to undertake surveillance to determine the extent of the infection in wildlife.'' the issued press release states
The skua was found on a remote beach at the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, around 700 kilometres south-east of Perth. The bird was isolated after it was found on Sunday June 14 and died that night.
This deadly strain of bird flu has killed millions of birds and mammals worldwide, in being confirmed in Australia, has now spread to every continent on the planet.
Australian Antarctic Program scientists finalise H5 bird flu findings from Heard Island and McDonald Island
The Australian Antarctic Division stated on March 14 2024 that monitoring bird and seal colonies in Antarctica had taken on a new urgency with the detection of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza on the continent for the first time.
The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) confirmed that two dead skuas found near the Argentinian Primavera station on the Antarctic Peninsula tested positive to the virus in late February 2024.
The day before, June 18 2026, the Australian Antarctic Division announced Australian Antarctic Program scientists are contributing to global understanding of the spread of H5 avian influenza (bird flu) with the release of findings from recent voyages to the remote sub-Antarctic Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
Samples from nine vertebrate species were tested at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, with six species testing positive for the viral strain that has been spreading globally (Influenza A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b).
These included southern elephant seal, king penguin, gentoo penguin, Antarctic fur seal and South Georgia diving petrel.
Analysis of drone surveys taken on two voyages in October 2025 and January 2026 reveal very high mortality in southern elephant seal pups and elevated mortality in king and gentoo penguins.
Analysis of data collected in October estimated average pup mortality was 76 per cent in the final surveys and as high as 97 per cent in one area.
Total pup production was estimated at around 17,000 and island-wide mortality was estimated at around 13,000 pups on Heard Island.
By January 2026, widespread elephant seal pup mortality was detected in all surveyed breeding areas, including evidence of mortality at McDonald Island (by drone survey).
However, due to the remoteness and protected status, no on-ground sampling was undertaken, meaning laboratory confirmation was not possible.
"These observations of H5 bird flu at Heard Island and McDonald Island are the first detection in an Australian external territory and show the continued eastward movement of the virus around the sub-Antarctic,” lead author wildlife biologist Dr Julie McInnes said.
“Our results show a similar pattern to other sub-Antarctic islands, such as South Georgia, where elephant seals have been hardest hit.
Data collected in January also revealed several hundred dead adult king penguins across the island. While this was a low proportion of the population, the observed mortality was above normal levels.
There was no sign of unusual mortality detected during surveys of albatross or the two endemic species – Heard Island shag and black-faced sheathbill.
However, data were collected over two short periods on Heard Island and it is unknown how the virus may have moved or impacted species since then.
The highest mortalities of all species were initially concentrated in the south-east of Heard island, which is thought to be where the virus first arrived.
Analysis of genetic data suggests H5 bird flu was likely introduced through movement of wildlife from the French sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands, 1,800 km away, with an estimated arrival around August 2025.
Elevated mortality was also encountered among king penguins (Photo: Gemma Woldendorp)
Steps to keep pets safe
The Australian government is already providing advice on how to keep pets safe as Bird Flu spreads. H5 bird flu has spread quickly overseas in animals, causing major impacts on poultry, wild birds and even mammals like seals, cats and dolphins.
The 5 easy ways you can help are:
1. Keep dogs on leash in wildlife areas (or don't take dogs into wildlife areas to begin with)
- Our native species can be sensitive and easily disturbed. Leashing dogs reduces stress on animals and lowers the risk of disease spread.
2. Prevent contact between pets and wildlife
- Don’t leave pet food or water where wild birds and animals can access it. This reduces unnecessary interactions.
3. Keep cats indoors or in secure enclosures
- Cats are natural hunters and can carry and spread diseases. Containing them also helps protect native animals, including birds and small mammals.
4. Wash your hands
- Always wash your hands well with soap and water before and after handling birds and other animals to protect yourself and reduce the chance of spreading germs.
5. Avoid, record, report
- If you see a group of sick or dead wildlife:
- AVOID contact and keep your distance
- RECORD the date, time, locations and take photos or videos if safe to do so
- REPORT it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.
For more information visit: birdflu.gov.au
Profile of the Week Bridget SparksBridget and Jervis Sparks lived at Barranjoey lighthouse from 1968 to 1999. Twenty seven years later on May 17 2026, assisted by NSW NP&WS, Bridget returned to the lighthouse, meeting with today's Chase Alive volunteers. It was my privilege to record that visit, most particularly her return to the 19th century Assistant Lightkeepers cottage which had been her and Jervis' home for nigh on 30 years. - John Illingsworth, June 6 2026
History The Photographic Postcards of Hesketh George Henry Swiney: June 2026 Meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society by Roger Sayers OAM 
Park Bench Philosophers ON Accelerate 2026 showcases national innovation potential in deep tech: CSIRO
Food Winter Warmers: Parsnips, Pumpkin Soup Variations, Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding, Avocado Season - did someone say 'chocolate'?
Community News Pittwater Legends: Jason Death, Warriewood SLSC's Biggest Morning Tea: Sunday June 21, SOS Mona Vale monthly meeting: Thursday 25th June 2026 from 6pm, Bus disruptions due to industrial action, Winter School Holidays Break 2026, Council grants available, Update: Protect Pittwater’s petition progress, Wakehurst Parkway: July Works Notification, Standing with Scott in his fight against MND, Noises Off by Scotland Island Players: Tickets going fast!, Stop Lies in Political Advertising: NSW Parliament Petition, CPR Course at RPAYC, Protect NSW Communities from Developers Overriding SEPP and LEP Controls - e-petiton response, Men’s Table in Avalon, Liquor shop at Careel Bay Shops Approved, Indigo by Moran Pty Ltd v Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Please help Dee Why Lagoon: Clean Up next Sunday June 28, Pittwater Business Invite, Roadworks, Health leaders raise alarm for patient safety as pharmacy prescribing expands, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Churro + Sir Richfield, Energy savings for NSW households: loans and discounts to help families lower their bills, Urgent action needed to ensure high-quality care for aged care residents: AMA, $1 million for multicultural events across NSW: Grants, Northern Beaches Gambling Reform Alliance Planning Workshop: July 7, Nominations Open for 2026 Australian Sailing Awards, Help shape Council's next 4 years of disability inclusion work, Nominate an Environment Hero, Applications open for grants to improve the lives of people with disability, Pittwater Residents Associations, Sports, Environment and Social Groups, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter, Local JP's, Report Wildlife
Environment H5 bird flu findings from Heard Island and McDonald Island: Southern Elephant Seal Pup Mortality 76 per cent - up to 97 per cent in one area - H5 Bird Flu Confirmed in Australia; Brown Skau death, The Surf Swap and Repair Market 2026: sunday June 21 at Narrabeen, Streets as shared spaces - Avalon Beach: New Permanent design open for feedback, Do shark culls keep people safe in the ocean? Here’s what the science says, New community garden set to grow connections in Dee Why, Give electronic devices and household items a new life, PNHA Activities 2026: Sunday June 28 Crown to the Sea Walk, Newport, Please help Dee Why Lagoon: Clean Up - Sunday June 28, National Plant a Tree Day 2026: 30 Year Anniversary, Humpback whale successfully freed from entanglement off NSW South Coast, Have your say on the Caves Beach to Budgewoi Coastal Trail draft master plan, Winter environmental flow to support Lachlan floodplains, $130 million boost to make NSW national parks safer and more accessible for families, Dingoes in national parks in New South Wales Upper House Inquiry, Muogamarra open season 2026: Bookings Open, 2026 Tour de Gorge, Levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in dolphins and whales are rising globally, The weather bureau has just declared an El Niño. What could this mean for Australia?, El Niño is back, and ocean temperatures are already near record highs – that can spell disaster for fish and corals, A ‘super’ El Niño has the power to devastate fishing – and leave seals and sea lions starving, Burning forest ‘waste’ to make cement damages the climate. Let’s pursue cleaner options, Australian farmers are desperate to escape the latest mouse plague – and may soon get relief, How Australia can deliver the secure gas, renewable fuels and battery minerals Asia and the Pacific need, Life isn’t easy at the edge of the power grid. Could batteries and microgrids offer a brighter future?, A waltz over evolutionary timescales: why it’s so hard for animals to invent a new mating dance, How will Australian native bees cope with climate change? Their nests hold a clue, Floating volcanic rock is disrupting life in Papua New Guinea – and the problem will last a long time, Eco‑literate children can be stewards of nature – here’s how to boost environmental education, Four reasons electric vehicle targets shouldn’t be weakened, One of the world’s most important climate threats has an image problem, How local communities are challenging Big Tech data centers’ noise, pollution and rising electricity bills, Heat waves increase wildfire risk – a new study explains how much, and it’s not a small number, Paving paradise: Dismantling the US Roadless Rule threatens to disrupt wildlife, water and peace in the last quiet places in America, Why US states are walking back their own climate and energy laws, and what they could do instead, Mona Vale Dunes bushcare group: 2026, Bangalley Headland WPA Bushcare 2026, Sydney Wildlife Needs People for the Rescue Line, 2025-26 Seal Reveal underway, 622kg of Rubbish Collected from Local 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 +
- All June 2026 Environment News - from Issue weeks
Aquatics H5 Bird Flu Confirmed in Australia; Brown Skau death - H5 bird flu findings from Heard Island and McDonald Island: Southern Elephant Seal Pup Mortality 76 per cent - up to 97 per cent in one area
Children Sunday Cartoon and Animations This week: The Jungle Book Bare Necessities Song, Historic Bridges of Tasmania: From Richmond to Hobart (1949), Microbes destroyed an ancient pterosaur’s wingbone, then preserved it for 100 million years, 2026 Premier's Reading Challenge, Curious Kids: What happens in the body when we sweat? + How do we smell? + Why do we have tonsils????? + Where do rocks come from? + How does electricity work?, Inspirations: Twinkle Twinkle little star, Stories this week: The Good Egg and the Talent Show + 'Just SNOW Already!' read by Julianna Margulies, Local activities and clubs for you
Youth Narrabeen Hosts Harbord at Lake Park on Ladies Day 2026, Tim McGraw at 20: how Taylor Swift’s debut single set her formula for success, Information Sessions: TAFE, Historic Bridges of Tasmania: From Richmond to Hobart (1949), How much clothing is too much? The maths behind having a sustainable wardrobe, Opportunities: The Surf Swap and Repair Market 2026 + RPAYC Women's Development Regatta + Use the winter months to renew or gain your community CPR qualifications + 2026 Premier's Reading Challenge, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Gadrooning, Asteroid or comet? Meteor or meteorite? How to identify and classify the rocks you see streaking through the sky, Your AI habit is wasting precious resources; how to use it responsibly, ‘Disasterclass’ as timid Socceroos fail to show enough ambition against United States, Vodafone has suffered another major outage. A telco expert explains what went wrong, Microbes destroyed an ancient pterosaur’s wingbone, then preserved it for 100 million years, Flying taxis and delivery drones could soon crowd city skies. What happens when they fail?, How bait‑and‑switch sales tricks make us click on online ‘bargains’ – and what to do about it, This Renaissance queen helped build a nation. Her (male) critics called her dangerous, Local Groups- Services for you
Seniors Pittwater Legends: Jason Death, Historic Bridges of Tasmania: From Richmond to Hobart (1949), Building a more connected NSW for seniors and carers: NSW Budget 2026/27 Announcements, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Turning commitments into action for Australians, Politics with Michelle Grattan: Jonno Duniam on guilt and relief about quitting politics, The over‑50s are most likely to overdose. Here’s how older people use drugs, The over‑50s are most likely to overdose. Here’s how older people use drugs, Jeremy Clarkson has aggressive prostate cancer. But what makes some cancers more aggressive than others?, Men’s Table in Avalon, AvPals Term 2 2026 Schedule, Asteroid or comet? Meteor or meteorite? How to identify and classify the rocks you see streaking through the sky, Consumer Medicines Line to close on 30 July 2026, These hidden songs survived the Holocaust – and helped singers to endure their own survival, Local groups, clubs, events and services for you
DIY Ideas Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home
This Issue a look at how to prevent and treat dampness to keep your home free from creeping damp and the problems associated with this, including how this may impact on your and your family's health.
The Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 End of Financial Year Catalogue, which runs from May 27 to June 30 2026 - is filled with great bargains which may help you to keep the dampness out of your home. The Max Your Tax Back catalogue, available online, lists items that are great for businesses who need to replace assets in time to lodge these as write offs for this financial year, and available until June 30 as well.
Inbox News Record health investment for more staff and services: NSW Budget 2026/27 Announcements, $112.3 million to back mental health services: NSW Budget 2026/27 Announcements, Record investment in Sydney Trains to boost maintenance, improve reliability and incident response, New funding set to provide continued long-term support for Bondi community, What does being ‘trauma‑informed’ actually mean?, Frozen fruit and canned veg are cheap, but are they as healthy as fresh food?, Ebola, hantavirus, diphtheria: how distrust in health care is fuelling multiple outbreaks across the globe, Why the US government shut down Anthropic’s latest Claude AI model, Worried about your child’s sleep? Keep screens out of bedrooms and limit iPads before bed, How younger Australians are reshaping the future of news- All June 2026 Inbox, Seniors Youth News - from Issue weeks
Pictures Narrabeen JRLFC Hosts Harbord at Lake Park on Ladies Day 2026
Events Winter Market: Catherine Park, Scotland Island, Surf Swap and Repair Market 2026: June 21, Ladies Day at Narrabeen, Newport and Warriewood: Rugby 2026, Elanora Players July production of Neil Simons 'Rumours', Rise Manly Winter Fest 2026, National Tree Day, Australian Crawl coming to Manly this October, Author Talks, PNHA Walks, Music at all compass points, Markets, Social Groups + more on!
