Warriewood's creeks are set to stay choked with weeds in 206/27. Photo supplied
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Try! + Raiders U21's team, May 10
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Photo: Surfing Australia/Andrew Shield
The Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club confirmed on May 14 that their challenge for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, Naples, the sixth in strict line of entry, has been accepted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. The fleet contesting the America’s Cup in Naples is now confirmed as seven – the largest number of entries since the 2007 America’s Cup in Valencia.
Representing the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club will be Team Australia with backing from John Winning and family who so fantastically supported the Australian entries in the Youth & Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024.
In a further announcement, the team confirmed Tom Slingsby, Olympic gold medallist, multiple foiling champion, and two-time World Sailor of the Year, will join the team as Head of Sailing. Three-time Cup winner Glenn Ashby joins the team as Head of Performance & Design.
Grant Simmer, famously a member of the winning ‘Australia II’ campaign in 1983 that ended the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year winning streak, is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Team Australia.
Image: Australia II in the 1983 - 25th America's Cup
Chief Executive of Team Australia, Grant Simmer said:
''For me, this campaign is both deeply personal and incredibly exciting. I first became involved in the America’s Cup in the early 1980s and was fortunate to be part of the legendary Australia II team that changed the course of the Cup forever.
Over the decades, Australian talent has spread across teams all over the world. Thanks to John Winning and this new challenge, we now have the opportunity to bring that talent back together to compete again for Australia. What excites me most is helping build the next generation of Australian America’s Cup sailors, designers and engineers, while creating a long-term foundation for Australia in the modern era of the Cup.''
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will mark a significant evolution for the event, with new AC75 rules requiring at least one female sailor to be included in each race crew for the first time in the competition’s history. The shift to battery-powered systems will also place greater emphasis on skill, strategy and flight control, while continuing to strengthen pathways between the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup programmes and senior teams.
Pittwater athlete and Team Australia Sailor, Tash Bryant, said the changes represented an important moment for the future of the sport:
“This feels like an exciting new era for the America’s Cup. The evolution of the boats and the competition is opening the door to broader opportunities and visibility for women in elite sailing, while also creating clearer pathways for younger generations coming through the sport. For young Australian sailors watching this campaign launch, that representation and ambition matters greatly.”
During the press conference launch Tash recalled her first encounter with the America's Cup was watching neighbour Jason Waterhouse as the Australia Youth America’s Cup Campaign Launch at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in 2013, and realising from that there was now a pathway for sailors to have a career in their chosen field.
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Photo L to R: Darcy Robbins, Eva Attwood, Tash Bryant and Sienna Brown at a Palm Beach Sailing Club Open day in 2022. Photo: A J Guesdon
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Wakehurst MP Michael Regan. Pic: AJG/PON
Profile of the Week Rosie Schonell: ‘Grades don’t define you’ - author and former teacher challenges education norms in debut novelClareville local Rosie Schonell is a former English teacher with a passion for telling spooky tales. Her debut novel, Breaking School Rules is Easy was published on March 6 by Hembury Books.
Breaking School Rules is Easy is a middle-grade mystery that follows main characters Billie and Minty as they investigate the eerie happenings tied to a tragic local family and the abandoned house behind the girls’ college they attend. As they solve riddles and puzzles linked to the mystery, they learn being smart isn’t necessarily about academic success - it can also be about curiosity, creativity and having the courage to think differently.
Rosie has a Bachelor of Arts with a Diploma of Education from Macquarie University and a Master of Special Education from the University of Sydney. These qualifications have led her to work as a specialised teacher for students with learning difficulties.
Rosie also volunteers teaching literacy skills to disadvantaged children and adult migrants. She firmly believes that learning to read ignites one’s imagination, fills you with knowledge and opens doors in the real world. Rosie’s debut novel is a middle-grade mystery called Breaking School Rules is Easy. Her upcoming children’s book Maggie Moo The Cow Who Forgot What To Do is a fun story about a friendly and forgetful cow.
BSRIE follows this philosophy, tapping into an honest pre-adolescent experience, whilst exploring the emotional ups and downs of friendship and identity as a tween.
Rosie has adult children and lives with her husband, spending her time between Balmain and Clareville, Pittwater. She enjoys pickleball, cold water swimming, outrigging and volunteers as a Crisis Supporter at Lifeline.
This week a chat with Rosie about her debut book.
History Barangaroo colonial era boat to be preserved for permanent display + the Short Life and Long Voyages of Scotland Island Schooner the Geordy
Community News Anna's Walk 2026: May 17, Vale Kerry Traynor, Vale Anthony Hardwick, Digital Wellbeing Event, Shane Stedman's Service-Paddle Out, Seas the Day 2026, Manly Warringah Netball Association MWNA Notice: Safety First, NSW Nurses celebrated for their commitment to communities: Nominations for Excellence now open, Barrenjoey Cup 2026: Bulldogs Vs. Raiders, Marine Rescue Cottage Point: Return + Earn, Narrabeen Vs. Forestville at Lake Park: May 17, APS: Celebration of Mrs Weber on her retirement, Manly Warringah Netball Association: 2026 Mens League, Avalon's Dr John Eccles to Retire, Support Jason's road to recovery, Warriewood SLSC's Biggest Morning Tea, Congratulations Kirk!, Applications open for grants to improve the lives of people with disability, Saltwater Veterans Drone Support Opportunity, Stop Vertical Seawalls: Petition, NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards 2026 Nominations now Open, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Sasha + Bunny, 8-Storey SSD lodged for 35-39 Darley Street, Recovery is Prevention: WRC Community Lunch, Avalon water mains renewal construction, Underwater Photos pre-2000 sought, Community Participation Plan: Feedback open, $1.2 million grant program to support community-led resilience projects, Have your say on Health Star Ratings, Women Helping Women SES workshop 2026, Pittwater Residents Associations, Sports, Environment and Groups, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter
Environment ANZAC Village Seniors Housing SSD to Remove almost 500 Trees from Narrabeen area - allow for 1600 vehicle spaces, Six properties purchased to create 7,000 hectare refuge for threatened species in the Great Dividing Range, A real ‘intergenerational equity’ budget would address our unceasing environmental decline, Electric transport is no longer niche. This year’s budget shows it’s the future, Stop Vertical Seawalls: Petition, Power, Prosperity & Planet: Climate and Energy Policy for All with Thom Woodroofe and Marian Wilkinson - at Avalon Beach surf club May 27, Solar for apartment residents: Co-funding, Dolphin Census: May 30 2026, PNHA Activities 2026, Feedback on biodiversity certification of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2026 open Until May 18, Dedicated alpine weather page part of latest BOM website improvements, Why the race to save these cherished penguins just became more urgent, Should emissions from coal burned overseas be considered in Australian mine approvals? For the first time, the High Court will decide, Why has this autumn been so hot and dry?, Like solar, most of the first home battery subsidies went to the wealthy. We need a fairer approach, Wealthy people were the first to buy electric vehicles. The current boom risks entrenching inequality, Gas and coal have long tied Japan to Australia. It’s time for a new climate and green industry partnership, Why are there so many lizards in Australia? The ancient climate holds a clue, In an ant colony, the queen isn’t in charge. So who is?, Conserving 30% of the planet will only succeed if people are part of the plan, Nature restoration isn’t often top of the political agenda – here’s how Wales does it, How big oil companies can slow the green transition by suing governments that ban fossil fuels, New DNA evidence shows dingoes are almost 90% pure – and fall into eight distinct groups, A ‘super El Niño?’ Why it’s too early to forecast one with certainty, but not too soon to prepare, We proved these ‘forever chemicals’ can last longer than three decades, 370 billion crickets are farmed for food every year. Scientists have discovered they may feel pain, The Humber region and its cities are a hub for carbon removal – here’s why, How much is a bat worth? Protecting these tiny insect‑eaters isn’t just good for farms – their deaths cost taxpayers and the wider economy, Mona Vale Dunes bushcare group: 2026 Dates, 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, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves, Pittwater Environment History insights + Walks, Birds +
Aquatics Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club Lodges Challenge For 38th America’s Cup
Children Sunday Cartoon and Animations This week: Shaun the Sheep Season 3 All Episodes, 2026 Junkyard Surf All Schools Surftag at Queenscliff, Little Mermaids of Northern Climes, Royal Australian Navy Jet Pilots in Action:1960s Aerobatics in HD Colour, Mr Bean is Fish-Sitting, 2026 Premier's Reading Challenge, Curious Kids: Why did Tyrannosaurus rex have such short arms? + Why do volcanoes erupt? + What’s the history of aircraft squawk codes and how do they work? + Why can some cups go in the microwave and some not? + What causes windy weather?, Stories this week: Papa's Mechanical Fish + 'When a Dragon Moves In' read by Mark Duplass, clubs4U
Youth Forest High School Official Opening: May 15 2026, Australian Interschools Surfing Championships 2026, Mona Vale Raider's U21's, 2026 Junkyard Surf All Schools Surftag at Queenscliff, Manly Warringah Netball Association MWNA: Safety First, Help! I’m almost finished school but don’t know what I want to do next, Sydney’s newest cultural venue to welcome the community for a weekend of free festivities, Six storytellers. Ten films. One winner. Race Around The World returns, Cole reappointed as youth games general manager for Malta, Royal Australian Navy Jet Pilots in Action: 1960s Aerobatics in HD Colour, Opportunities: Barrenjoey Cup 2026: Bulldogs Vs. Raiders + Narrabeen Vs. Forestville at Lake Park + Narrabeen JRLC Life Members Day on Sunday May 31 + Seas the Day 2026 + Bilgola SLSC Open Day; May 31 + More free live music added to Vivid Sydney’s Tumbalong Nights + Pathways for the Future gives insight into post-school choices + Northern Composure is back – Entries now open + Celebration of Mrs Weber on her retirement + Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard arrives this May at the ANMM, The high‑tech shipbuilding methods that helped Vikings dominate the seas + 2026 Premier's Reading Challenge, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Field, What is a ‘digital detox’ and will it make me healthier?, Budget 2026 brings a small tax handout to workers and a crackdown on tax breaks and trusts, We tested the new World Cup ball – this is what you need to know about how it will fly, dip and swerve, Stardust trapped in Antarctic ice reveals tens of thousands of years of Solar System’s past, More and more websites want proof you’re human. Blame the bots, Guide to the classics: ‘all for one, and one for all’ – the enduring appeal of The Three Musketeers, Conspiracy theories: do 300,000 Kiwis really believe Canada is building an army of mutant super‑raccoons?, Why was an Egyptian mummy stuffed with a fragment of Homer’s Iliad?, What it would have been like to experience a dinosaur ‑killing asteroid: a blow‑by‑blow account, Local Groups 4U
Seniors Royal Australian Navy Jet Pilots in Action:1960s, Federal Budget delivers mixed outcomes for older Australians: COTA Australia, ABC Classic invites Australia to vote for the ‘Greatest Of All Time’, Mobility Parking Scheme: Have your say, ‘This is where she comes alive’: for ageing migrants, community choirs are more than music, Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard arrives this May at the ANMM, The high‑tech shipbuilding methods that helped Vikings dominate the seas, Narrabeen JRLC Life Members Day, Manly Warringah Netball Association MWNA: 2026 Mens League, Should I take vitamin D now there’s less sun, or for bone or immune health?, Local groups, clubs, events and services for you
DIY Ideas Autumn DIY Jobs: Exterior Jobs to Keep Everything Dry and Cosy Inside the Home
As Autumn settles in and before it gets too cold and rains too much, it’s a good idea to Winter-proof your indoor rooms. Ensuring gutters and roof valleys (gullies) are cleared of leaves and gutter guards are intact, that rooves are waterproof and windows don’t have draughts or installing some new and thicker ceiling insulation are all ways we can ensure we’re warmer in cold months, cooler in hot months, and are keeping our energy bills down. This Issue we look at some of the checklists and tips for DIY jobs you can get done now.
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Food Rhubarb: Autumn crops
Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable at its best here in Australia in late Summer and Autumn with a harvest season that lasts for a few months. A bunch costs around $3-4 at this time although prices will rise as the season ends. When preparing rhubarb always remove leaves if they come with the bunch, as they are poisonous.
Rhubarb is a versatile ingredient, best used in classic crumbles, tarts, and jams, or paired with apple, strawberry, ginger, or orange. Favourites include rhubarb custard cake, strawberry-rhubarb jam, roasted rhubarb parfaits, and glazed rhubarb lemon loaf. A few of our favourite sweet and savoury recipes using rhubarb are shared this Issue.
Pictures Mona Vale Raiders Mother's Day 2026 Rounds at Newport Oval: Round 4
Park Bench Philosophers National Volunteers Week 2026: Make This your Year to Volunteer in your Community
Inbox News Coles’ discounts misled shoppers; court rules, NSW Nurses celebrated for their commitment to communities, After dumping Inland Rail Australia has no plan to stop relying on diesel trucks for freight, Specialist doctors are charging too much. 4 options to rein in excessive fees, Governments keep trying to make childcare safer. Could a new ‘national commission’ make a difference?, What is frozen shoulder? And will I need surgery?, Australian teens don’t eat enough nutritious food. But we can change that, Doctors can act as gatekeepers or brokers for patients – how they decide can be crucial, Instagram can now read all users’ private messages. Will this make kids safer or just boost ad targeting?, Sydney’s best and worst suburbs for fuel price transparency revealed, We found hundreds of huge ancient mass graves hidden in the Sahara desert
Events Anna's Walk, PNHA Events, Bilgola SLSC Open Day, Author Talks, Walks, Music at all compass points, Markets, S
