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One of the nation’s most iconic symbols of public safety returns to the coastline on Saturday September 26, with more than 22,000 volunteer lifesavers marking the beginning of the 2026/27 patrol season by bringing the red and yellow flags back to the beach.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib joined surf lifesavers and Nippers for the symbolic raising of the red and yellow flags at Maroubra Saturday morning, recognising the important role volunteers play within the state’s emergency service landscape.
For the next seven months lifesavers will patrol beaches all over NSW, with volunteer flags up on weekends and public holidays from today (Saturday 26 September) until Monday 27 April 2027.
The return of patrolling lifesavers comes at an important time – just last weekend unseasonable warmth brought many to the beach and coast, with three drownings at locations across NSW marking a horror 24 hours on our coastline.
Then just two days ago, a swimmer drowned at the unpatrolled Marley Beach, south of Cronulla.
It brings the state’s coastal and ocean drowning toll since 1 July 2026 to nine (9). From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, 60 people drowned along the NSW coastline. All these drownings occurred outside the red and yellow flags, at unpatrolled locations or away from lifesaving services.
“The return of the red and yellow flags is a sure sign that summer is on its way, and a reminder of the extraordinary work of our dedicated Surf Life Saving volunteers,” Minister Dib said.
“Our Surf Life Saving volunteers give their time to protect others, respond to emergencies and help ensure people return home safely to their families.
“We are proud to support these volunteers with record investment in rescue equipment and technology, ensuring our lifesavers have resources they need to protect beachgoers this summer.
“Whether you’re swimming at Bondi, surfing on the South Coast or spending a day on the sand in Newcastle, the message is simple: swim between the flags and follow the advice of lifesavers and lifeguards.”
2026 Raising of the Flags Ceremony at Maroubra. Photo: Surf Life Saving New South Wales
Volunteer Numbers are Up
Surf Life Saving in NSW continues to grow, and the organisation proudly enters the new season buoyed by significant member milestones – last year, total membership grew by 4% to reach a new record high of 86,456.
Active patrolling membership rose by 2% to 22,123 and Nipper numbers increased by 4.7%, totalling 31,023.
Despite this, forecasts for an extremely hot, dry summer means more people are expected to head to our beaches and waterways. This places greater demand on our volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards.
“We’re incredibly proud to have more than 86,000 volunteer lifesavers across NSW, our largest membership base yet, all eager to return to the beach and embrace the season ahead,” SLSNSW President Elissa Hancock said.
“This summer is shaping up to be one of the most demanding on record. As millions of people head to our beaches, Surf Life Saving will be on the frontline of public safety, backed by an enhanced shark drone surveillance program delivering greater coverage and protection along the NSW coast.
“We have a significantly expanded shark drone surveillance capability, with greater coverage across more beaches and for longer hours throughout the state.”
Additionally, lifeguards with the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) will commence patrols across many of its locations this weekend and on weekdays during the school holidays, working alongside surf clubs and their volunteers to keep beachgoers safe.
A dig down into the data presented through the report records:
Pittwater Estuary:
- Barrenjoey Beach - Good
- Great Mackerel Beach - Very Good
- The Basin - Very Good
- Paradise Beach Baths - Good
- Clareville Beach - Good
- Taylors Point Baths - Good
- Elvina Bay - Good
- North Scotland Island - Good
- South Scotland Island - Good
- Bayview Baths - Poor
See August 226 report: Mackerel Beach Wharf, Pittwater, Wharf Upgrade works + Dune Renewal: Pictorial Update - Bayview groyne repair works now completed - pool and public wharf works to commence in September 2026
Pittwater Beaches:
- Palm Beach - Very Good
- Whale Beach - Very Good
- Avalon Beach - Very Good
- Bilgola Beach - Very Good
- Newport Beach -Very Good
- Bungan Beach - Very Good
- Mona Vale Beach - Very Good
- Warriewood Beach - Good
- Turimetta Beach - Good
Narrabeen Lagoon:
- Bilarong Reserve - Poor
- Narrabeen Lagoon (Birdwood Park) - Poor
L to r: Narrabeen Sports High School Principal Heidi Currie, Suzie Stanford President of the NSHS P&C, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby with the Hon. Prue Car, Deputy Premier and NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning when visiting NSHS to announce the new performing arts hall for NSHS. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM
Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby MP is celebrating a win for local public school Narrabeen Sports High, after a project update for a brand-new performance hall has advanced with a construction contract awarded to TCQ Construction.
The announcement comes with the NSW Government’s promise to deliver $9.2 billion for upgrades in schools. After completed upgrades and improvements across Narrabeen Sports High, this is a welcomed addition.
“Pittwater infrastructure has been lacking for 70 years, so it is great to see our local schools being supported to bring out the best in our students,” Ms Scruby said.
“Narrabeen is going from strength to strength - it’s not only an Olympic pathway school but now also one which will be known for performing arts. The better the school environment, the more opportunities students have to perform and reach their full potential.”
Ms Scruby acknowledged the incredible advocacy of the P&C, particularly Suzie Stanford, and Principal Heidi Currie, with whom she has worked to push for improvements like this to allow students with all interests and talents to thrive in a school environment.
“Meeting the high school students in our community has shown the amount of talent and range we have throughout Pittwater. Spaces like these are an incredible opportunity for our students to enhance their skills and find out what they are capable of. I am excited to see the students of Narrabeen Sports High lean into the arts and take advantage of this new creative space,” Ms Scruby said.
Narrabeen Sports High School Principal, Heidi Currie said:
“We are excited for staff and students to be able to use the new and upgraded facilities, and we’re looking forward to the new hall. These learning spaces are designed with each child’s success in mind, and we are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead. Education is the key to opportunity in life, and we are committed to partnering with our community to create a school where all students are challenged to excel in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
The hall will provide students with a performance space that seats up to 380 people, with creative spaces for students to workshop their talents, and overall a brand new facility to enhance their education in the arts.
Components of the new build's design include:
- Paved forecourt on Lower Ground Level
- A covered entry with access via lift and stairs;
- A foyer with adjoining circulation space;
- 2 airlock entry rooms providing access to the main hall;
- A 117.40m2 stage with an additional 66.60m2 holding area and airlock room;
- An 86.45m2 band rehearsal room with associated storage;
- Storage areas including:
- A large equipment storeroom,
- A cleaner’s storeroom,
- A chair storeroom,
- A loading room with an associated 4.85m2 lift (future lift);
- 2 change rooms including toilets (Male and Female);
- 3 bathrooms (including Male, Female and accessible bathrooms);
- A first aid room;
- An office;
- A covered outdoor deck on the western side of the hall with access via the hall or external stairs; and
- Stairs and an internal lift (future lift) to Level 1.
Artist impression of Narrabeen Sports High School Performance Hall Internal.
NSW Department of Education Infrastructure said:
''Site establishment works are expected to begin in late September 2026. We are currently in the final stages of planning the construction vehicle site access entrance. We will share further information on the site establishment works and construction timeline when details are finalised.''
Construction for the performance hall is set to commence in the coming weeks and is projected to be completed by mid-2027.
Narrabeen Sports High School Upgrade was allocated $2.898 million in the 2025-2026 NSW Budget and a further $9.46 million in 2026/27 to complete the new Performance Centre and deliver other upgrades in the 2026-2027 NSW Budget.
For more information about the project please refer to the projects page, Narrabeen Sports High School upgrade.
The REF and designs may be accessed at NSW Planning's webpage New Hall at Narrabeen Sports High School
Profile of the Week Pittwater Business - New Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce Initiative: Every Village, one business communityNew South Wales Small Business Month runs October 1 - 31 2026. NSW Small Business Month is a month-long program for small businesses across New South Wales to attend free and low-cost events aligned to their individual business interests. The program is a unique opportunity to celebrate our vibrant small business community and their contribution to the economy.
Throughout October, NSW Small Business Month Collaboration Partners are hosting hundreds of events to choose from both virtually and across the state. The NSW Small Business Commission together with other government organisations, chambers of commerce, industry associations and private enterprise organisations are coming together this October to provide meaningful opportunities for the small business community of New South Wales. Whether you are looking to build connections, learn new skills or gain insights you are sure to find the event for you.
Delivered through the Service NSW Business Bureau, the new program offers tailored, real-world guidance built directly on feedback from more than 3,000 business owners, peak bodies, business chambers and Councils state-wide following a major review led by prominent entrepreneur Mark Bouris AM.
The new fee-free service will offer flexible digital, phone and face-to-face support, ranging from AI adoption and customer acquisition to cash-flow strategy and financial health checks.
Pittwater Business (Powered by the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce), runs as a Profile of the Week this Issue so locals can find out more about this new initiative out of the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce as local business owners head into Small Business Month.
History Manly's Early Sand Sculptors: How Pennies Became Pounds, Founded A New form of Art - Spring School Holidays Inspirations A Spring School Holidays 2026 special for all those who may venture on to our beaches to create a little Art over the next fortnight! A few years ago Pittwater Online News ran a page on the annual Palm Beach Castles in the Sand event which would raise funds for Cure Cancer Australia Foundation. Always held in the second or third week of January the competition culminated in what became known as the Opening Party for the Sydney Social Calendar in the Barefoot and Blacktie Cocktail Party held in a large marquee erected beside North Palm Beach SLSC. 
Community News SOS Save our Suburb Mona Vale Parliamentary Delegation: Oct. 21, Pittwater MP's Praise for Woody Point Yacht Club, SLSNSW Members Presented with OAMs, Call-Out for Iconic Trees, Children's chance to spread Grandparents Day Joy, Spring 2026 School Holidays Break, Sydney man sentenced to three years’ jail for performing Nazi salute and offensive online posts, Bird Flu Info Session at Warriewood: Wednesday Sept. 30, Stop Misleading Ads Petition: Update, Appealing a seizure: e-bikes, Notification of Amended SSD Application: Indigo by Moran Seniors Living, Local Liquor Accord: Barring Notices, SSD: Residential Flat Building: 45-47 Elimatta Road and 1667-1671 Pittwater Road Mona Vale: Update, Narrabeen Girls High School and Narrabeen Boys High School 50 Years Reunion, Mens Mental Health Night at Warriewood surf club, 2026 Bondi to Manly Ultra, Avalon Preservation Association AGM 2026, 10-year plan for music education in New South Wales public schools, New DA's, World first music bill passes to protect NSW live music, Fishing Frothers: Spring School Holidays, Better Together Grants: Council, Mobility Parking applications go online, NSW renters landmark protections against privacy breaches and misleading rental ads, Consultation now open on proposed NDIS access changes, Extension of Feedback for Draft LEP - DCP, Calling All Stallholders: Elanora Heights Christmas Market, New price limits set for NDIS supports, Manly Warringah District Junior Rugby League Girls Tackle 2027 EOI, Have your say on the independent evaluation of Australia’s Disability Strategy, Migrant women to discuss health in their language, Veteran and Family SPUR Engagement Day, Pittwater Pitch Night: Oct. 15 at Mona Vale, ASIC strengthens AI trading safeguards and streamlines market integrity rules: feedback invited, ASIC seeks feedback on future access to information on companies register, NDIS Reform: Have your say on the future NDIS support coordination and connection service, Veterans’ Community Grants NSW, Discover Sailing Day Resources Now Available, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Iggy + Frappe, Marine Rescue Broken Bay Christmas Raffle, SNB Surf Sports Calendar for 2026-2027, Defib funding returns for NSW clubs, Avalon Community Library Volunteers, Pittwater Residents Associations, Sports, Environment and Social Groups, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter, Local JP's, + more
Environment Some Narrabeen Lagoon Birds, Call-Out for Iconic Trees, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association AGM 2026, Avalon Armchair Gardeners: October 10 Meeting - Bush to Bowl, New Crowther Report highlights significant impact of the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP) on Koalas in South West Sydney: 9 koalas killed in 1 week as report is released, WA offshore oil and gas rig clean up on the taxpayer, West Gables biodiversity certification application: Have Your Say, $6 million for research on climate and mental health, NSW Snapper Harvest Strategy: Have Your Say, NSW Yellowtail Kingfish Harvest Strategy: Have Your Say, NSW Draft National Parks Establishment Plan: Have Your Say, NSW consulting on Australia's first mandatory solar panel recycling scheme: Have your say, Garigal + Ku-ring Gai National Park: 1080 Operation, Strategic assessment of NSW forestry underway - '20 more years of logging': Have your say, Unlocking faster and simpler assessments and approvals through environmental law reforms: have you say by Oct. 13, IPART Review of the water pricing framework for NSW data centres: Have your say on terms of reference, Public comment invited on industrial port and dredging proposal threatening Exmouth Gulf-Ningaloo, Katandra Bushland Sanctuary Season 2026, PNHA Activities 2026, Coming up at Kimbriki, September’s Antarctic ozone hole was the biggest in 20 years; The warning signs appeared months ago, Earth’s tides are shaped by more than the Moon. And they’re changing as the planet warms, Two native turtles are vying to survive in a coastal Australian river. One doesn’t belong there, The dingo debate is heating up. How we manage these animals will determine their future, The space race should not endanger Australian wildlife, Sharks often swim across national borders. Our conservation efforts must travel with them, Personal locator beacons save lives. But they can’t make hiking safe, Earthshot and the science of positive tipping points: how environmental progress can become unstoppable, ‘Small, flowering islands’: German city reveals how nature thrives when neighbours care for street tree beds, Tonnes of fishing gear and plastic are washing up on Seychelles beaches. We tracked where it was coming from, From war to weather, Australian farmers are planting spring crops in an uncertain world, It’s getting easier to live off‑grid – but it comes with certain costs, Australia’s vast Nullarbor Plain hides deep caves that can teach us about alien worlds, We found the hidden force that created two chains of underwater volcanoes running side by side, Mona Vale Dunes bushcare group: 2026, Bangalley Headland WPA 2026, Sydney Wildlife Needs People for the Rescue Line, 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, 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: The Story of LEGO: How It All Started, Spring School Holidays Break, Little photographers see the big picture, Spring's Winged Thing: Lots of Bogong Moths on NSW South Coast + Butterflies so far this Season, School Holidays Movie: An Angel on Abbey Street, Pittwater Softball Club: Play Tee-ball or Softball this Summer, Touch Footy at Hitchcock Park, Curious Kids: How do moths eat our clothes? + How do babies learn to talk? + Why do we always fall asleep in cars? + How does glow in the dark paint work? + Why aren’t birds pulled down by gravity while they’re flying? + Do animals sleep like people? Do snails sleep in their shells?, Stories this Issue: The Scariest Sleepover + 'So Much Slime' read by June Squibb, Activities and Clubs for you +
Youth Congratulations Class of 2026, Spring School Holidays Break, Little photographers see the big picture, Spring's Winged Thing: Lots of Bogong Moths on NSW South Coast + Butterflies so far this Season, Pittwater's MP Update: Narrabeen Sports High School's New Performance Hall Contract Awarded, NSW Athletes to Contest 2026 Iron Series, Former NZ PM Jacinda Ardern inspires Mackellar students + Who is Dame Jacinda Ardern?, Norfolk Island's Bounty Day Tradition, Opportunities: Mens Mental Health Night at Warriewood surf club + Manly Warringah District Junior Rugby League Girls Tackle 2027 EOI + Mick Fanning, Surfing Legend, Sporting Hero, All Heart, in Conversation with Tom Carroll + Pittwater Dragonboat Club have a try days + Pittwater Softball Club: Play Tee-ball or Softball this Summer, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Cuddle, Year 12 students can feel lonely after graduating. Here’s how to stay connected, Gen Z communicates differently in the workplace, but older colleagues can still decode them, How firelight may have shaped the origins of spoken language, Once rejected as ‘too outlandish’, Zandra Rhodes’ archive is helping to shape fashion’s future, The English paid off the Vikings for almost a century. But was the Danegeld such a bad idea?, Danielle Wood’s blunt message to politicians: don’t undermine public trust by attacking institutions, Fit, thin, curvy, toned: the contradictory body ideals young NZ women face online, Australian poetry classics: Les Murray’s The Broad Bean Sermon is inexhaustible food for contemplation, Curious Kids: does music affect how plants grow?, Forgotten Mozart notebook reveals how a young woman learned to compose, How a love of gossip could make you a better reader, Groups and Activities and Supports for you ++
Seniors First national survey hears from Australians living with dementia and their carers, Intergenerational Report an important opportunity to tackle ageism; highlights need for a whole-of-government plan for ageing Australia, Surcharge ban welcomed, Aged care failures fuelling hospital logjam; landmark AMA report warns, New research helps older Australians leave hospital sooner, AMA NSW President’s Message: a wake-up call the NSW Government cannot ignore, Card surcharges are banned from October 1. What’s changing at the checkout?, Mens Mental Health Night at Warriewood surf club, Narrabeen Girls High School and Narrabeen Boys High School 50 Years Reunion, Apple’s new watches are always listening, Veteran and Family SPUR Engagement Day, Charity Ceilidh for Cancer Research, Pittwater/Narrabeen Parkinson's Support Group 2026 Meetings, Should you get a PSA test for prostate cancer?, Australian poetry classics: Les Murray’s The Broad Bean Sermon is inexhaustible food for contemplation, In a culture obsessed with staying young, we ignore the many benefits of ageing, MWP Care Seeking Volunteers, Pittwater Probus, Local groups, clubs, events, services for you
DIY Ideas Go Outside and Play: Creating Garden Spaces To Connect Children With Nature this Spring School Holidays + Children's Salad Garden + Backyard Farmer Raised Garden Bed
Inbox News Housing stress is on the rise: 7 essential charts from this year’s HILDA survey, Are older Australians really safer from crime? The evidence says the harms are just harder to see, An OpenAI agent hacked Medicare. Will anyone be held responsible?, What does the OpenAI Medicare hack reveal about Australia’s cyber security?, The Intergenerational Report says we need more vocational skills – but federal funding for them is set to drop, NSW Memorial to historical forced adoption practices unveiled, ACCC opposes IAG's proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance, digiDirect pays penalties and admits to making misleading strikethrough discount claims, Can nutrients in our foods mimic calorie restriction and increase our healthspan?, How a traditional Nordic way of eating could help you live longer, Why the start of your run feels so difficult, School holidays are coming. Here’s how families can keep some sort of routine, Making a claim at the Fair Work Commission? These are the new AI rules you need to follow, Calls for global regulation of AI are growing. What exactly could it look like?, Peptides are spreading on social media. Here’s how platforms can better protect public health, Personality tests, dodgy reward programs, AI bots: how rent tech platforms make renting a ‘dehumanising’ experience, As AI reshapes jobs and workers change industries, employers need to be more flexible too, Australia in the 2060s: an optimistic outlook dominates budget in the Intergenerational Report, Intergenerational Report says AI will be ‘a defining influence’ on Australia’s economy over next 40 years, Australia set for 39 million people by mid‑2060s – but slower population growth, No, you’re not imagining it. Flu season is late and cases are up, ‘I want a visa, so I have to do farm work’: how new visa rules will hit regional Australia, Whyalla may make steel again one day. But years of uncertainty could still reshape the town, How the government’s new immigration policy will cause more trauma for victim‑survivors of domestic violence, Are girls getting their periods earlier? And can parents do anything about it?
Pictures McKay Reserve - Dark Gully Park, Palm Beach, Pittwater: Some History + Current photos: Celebrations of Spring in Pittwater 2026
Aquatics Wild Little Penguins at Manly begin receiving bird flu vaccine + Update on NSW Cases - Locations
Food Spring Salad Ideas
If you crave the fresh light stuff here are a few inspirations for your Spring table - all using now in Season vegetables and fruits which means they're not only high quality ingredients but also at seasonal prices - cheap!:
Events Pittwater Softball Club: Play this Summer, Pittwater Dragonboats: try it out!, Shark Management: Community Info Session at Avalon Beach SLSC Today: Sept. 20, Bird Flu Info Session at Warriewood: Wednesday Sept. 30, Manly Warringah District Junior Rugby League Girls Tackle 2027 EOI, Fishing Frothers on Pittwater: Spring School Holidays fun for 12-17 year olds, The Waiting Room: New Comedy by Mike Bullen runs in Mona Vale Performance Space this October, Author Talks, Art Shows, PNHA Walks, Music at all compass points, Markets, Social Groups + more on!