Community News: April 2020

April  26 - May 2, 2020: Issue 447

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 447 

Pittwater Dodges Major COVID-19 Outbreak So Far – With No New Cases Since Easter by Miranda Korzy

Pictures Anzac Day In Pittwater 2020: Candles, Crosses and Online Commemorative Services

Aquatics Chloe Carr of Bungan Beach SLSC and Kale Puata of North Avoca SLSC Win 2020 State Award for Junior Life Saver of the Year

The Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act Review- Late Submissions Will Be Accepted by David Palmer, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association

World Sailing Launch Youth Sustainability Education Materials For Sailing Clubs: Free to use, for age groups 6-8, 8-10 and 10-12.

DIY Ideas Pittwater's Noxious Weeds: A Great Time To Get Outdoors and Pull Them Out and Replace With Native Plants With so many wanting to be outdoors instead of indoors, and then wondering what to do to 'keep moving' while there, an opportune time to rid our gardens of the weeds that spread into our bush reserves and play fields presents itself. For some ideas on Native plants for your garden, please visit Tips for Growing a Native Garden or Native Plant Garden for A Fairy Arbour  or Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors or Attracting Insectivore Birds to Your Garden: DIY Natural Tick Control This Issue runs weeds that may be in your garden, along with photographs to identify them by. 

Birding at Home in Pittwater: April 2020

Children's Rainbow Trail in Pittwater: April 2020

Reflections by George Repin: THE GONDOLAS OF VENICE

Park Bench Philosopher Citizen Science To Aid Bushfire Recovery: People-powered science will play a role in Australia’s bushfire recovery, with more than 20 projects underway involving citizen scientists of all ages. CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, is working with key agencies and community groups to support research underway throughout bushfire impacted areas. If your direct or surrounding area hasn't been affected by the bushfires, you can still get involved in the recovery efforts. The project finder features projects for people far and wide. 

Pittwater COVID- 19 Food Outlets Restriction Responses: Take Away from Restaurants and Cafes and Grocers and Food Available From Local Outlets  Local food suppliers and cafes and restaurants are currently adapting to social-distancing requirements and the closure of public spaces to large gatherings. Listed this week are those that have food you can order for take away or delivery and also those who supplied these outlets who also have food available to purchase.

Profile The Link Community Food Care Programs: Care Hamper, Lunch Box and Food Care 

Website: www.linkcommunityfoodcare.org.au
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/linkcommunitycare
Ph: 9999 0475
Email: info@link.org.au

The Pittwater RSL have begun a partnership between them and The Link Church, North Narrabeen, with a foodcare program to help those in most need in our area during this challenging time. The program is called ‘CAREHAMPER’ and provides people with staple groceries, bread and a cooked meal professionally prepared by Pittwater RSL chefs. The ‘CAREHAMPER’ has a value of over $60+ and is being made available for a $10 service and handling fee.

The program is provided as a drive-through service to adhere to social distancing protocols and will be available Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm. The ‘CAREHAMPER’ can be collected from Pittwater RSL, 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale (Enter via the lower carpark entry).

A free home delivery service is available for those unable to leave their home.

The program commenced on Wednesday 22nd April.

Pittwater Online spoke with Glenn Wysman, Lead Pastor at The Link who explained

“We started the FOODCARE program 8 years ago and these two programs, the LUNCHBOX and CAREHAMPER, are an expansion of this and our response to needs in the community due to Covid-19.”

“The Link Community Care has a consistent and strong history of helping and serving those on the Northern Beaches in most need. Now because of Covid-19, the need for our services has grown exponentially. 

“The Lunch Box initiative was started on Wednesday March 15th with thanks to a community donation of 5 thousand dollars. The Pittwater RSL has made a seed donation to commence the Care Hamper initiative and we began that on Wednesday April 22nd.” Mr. Wysman explained. “In addition, the Pittwater RSL team are busy cooking lots of yummy meals for each days' collection.”


As we won't be able to commemorate Anzac Day together this year, nor be able to travel overseas for some time, photos from a visit to the Western Front battlefields in 2018 might be of interest to others researching their families. 

The photos show what particular battlefields, where many Australians served in horrific conditions, look like today. “All quiet on the Western Front” is the English title of a German novel of 1928 describing the tragedy and futility of WW1.  It was subsequently banned in Nazi Germany.

Environment Bird of the Month by Michael Mannington, Big Tree Big Problems by John Illingsworth, Cleaning Up Our Act: Redirecting The Future Of Plastic In NSW - feedback invited, 20-Year Waste Strategy For NSW - have your say, Mining Sector Key To Recovery From Drought, Bushfires And COVID-19 In Regional NSW: NSW Government, Planning Changes To Support Growth In Renewable Energy Projects: NSW Government, Online Action - Stop Adani Warringah Mackellar and Pittwater, Birding At Home In Pittwater: April 2020, Port Kembla Gas Terminal Modification Approved, Stronger Protection For Sydney's Water Catchment Following Extensive Review, NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Study, Troubled Waters: WaterNSW Doubles Down On Criticism Of Dendrobium Expansion, Sydney Councils Vote To Send Anti-Fracking Message To Origin Energy, Keelty Report Is A Balanced Response To Basin Dilemmas, Palaszczuk Government’s Arrow Energy Admiration Misses The Mark; Condemns Farmers, COVID-19 No Excuse To Open New Hope's Coal Mine, W.A. EPA Congratulated After Announcing Public Review For Gas-Seeking Seismic Surveys, These 5 images show how air pollution changed over Australia’s major cities before and after lockdown, While towns run dry, cotton extracts 5 Sydney Harbours’ worth of Murray Darling water a year: It’s time to reset the balance, Australia’s inland rivers are the pulse of the outback: By 2070, they’ll be unrecognisable, I travelled Australia looking for peacock spiders, and collected 7 new species (and named one after the starry night sky), The green gig economy: precarious workers are on the frontline of climate change fight, A decade after the Deepwater Horizon explosion, offshore drilling is still unsafe, Even If The Parks Are Closed You Can Still Go Google Trekking, Weed Cassia Now Flowering: Please Pull Out and Save Our Bush, Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans and Bottles and Nominate SW As Recipient, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens And Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News Estuaries Are Warming At Twice The Rate Of Oceans And Atmosphere, First Look Under Central Station, Self-Aligning Microscope Smashes Limits Of Super-Resolution Microscopy, Origins Of Human Language Pathway In The Brain At Least 25 Million Years Old, Australia As A Renewable Energy Exporting Powerhouse, Exoplanet Apparently Disappears In Latest Hubble Observations

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update: April 9, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Dogs Offleash On Beaches And In Wildlife Protection Areas Continues

Residents of Narrabeen, Warriewood and Turrimetta report an increase in dogs on the beaches and offleash in Wildlife Protection Areas in recent weeks, with one lady having to lift her child out the way of a dog that was rushing at her little one, growling, on Warriewood Beach.

A reminder that under the Companions Animal Regulation 2008 it is an Offence if a 'Dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal' - with a penalty of up to $11,000.00 - may help that mum.

Five people witnessed a gentleman taking his two dogs onto the beach at North Narrabeen earlier this week, where one commenced defecating on the beach and finished his defecation process in the water. When asked to clean it up, the owner at first started burying the faeces in the sand and when asked to take it with him stated he did not have any dog bags with him and was under the impression, despite signage, that he could do as he likes.

Walkers have observed a rise in offleash dogs in the Warriewood wetlands - another area where dogs are not allowed due to the wildlife living there.

Residents have also reported a rise of seeing Fairy Penguins along the beaches, with delighted people spotting them at Mona Vale Beach, Warriewood, Turrimetta and Narrabeen.

All native birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are protected in New South Wales by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act).

Clause 31 of the Companions Animal Regulation 2008 requires all councils to report dog attacks in their area within 72 hours of receiving the information.

Clause 33A of the Companions Animal Regulation 2008 also requires all councils to report dog attacks in their area within 72 hours of receiving the information.

The Quarter to December 2019 Dog Attacks reported on the NSW Government Office of Local Government website, the most recent one available, records 65 reported by the Northern Beaches Council. Of these, 7 people were involved in serious attacks, in an area that has 59,135 registered dogs. The only council area recording a higher number of dog attacks in NSW was the Central Coast where 87 attacks occurred. That council has 132,303 registered dogs. 

If you, your child or your dog or any wildlife has been rushed at, harassed, chased, bitten, attacked, then report it to council as a matter of urgency on 1300 434 434. There is a dedicated Dog Attack webpage with information for you HERE

If you see dogs in Wildlife Protection areas or on beaches, report that too. You may be saving a native animal from being destroyed in its own and only home.

NSW Junior State Titles To Return To Coffs Harbour In 2020

Monday, 20 April 2020
From Surfing NSW
Over 350 competitors will call Coffs Harbour home when the NSW Junior State Titles pres. by Ocean and Earth kicks off.
 
The event will see some of NSW’s best junior surfers competing for a coveted state title when the event kicks off on yet-to-be-confirmed dates in August.
 
Unlike previous years, where all qualifiers for the NSW Junior State Titles pres. by Ocean and Earth were determined by eight individual regional titles, the 2020 event will invite all junior competitors to enter in their respective age divisions.
 
Competitors will be vying for an NSW Junior Title and in turn, earn their position into the upcoming 2020 Australian Junior Surfing Titles, which will take place in Queensland at the end of the year.
 
Former competitors in the NSW Junior State Titles pres. by Ocean and Earth include current World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) surfers Owen, Mikey and Tyler Wright, Sally Fitzgibbons, Matt Wilkinson, Wade Carmichael and Connor O'Leary.
 
The event will be fully mobile in the Coffs Harbour area with Macauleys, Park Beach, Diggers, Gallows and Sawtell all venue options.


Photo Ethan Smith/Surfing NSW

New Website For Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 

Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches has launched a new website this week, with ALL the resources YOU and YOUR Club need, accompanied by exclusive insights into Members and their Stories, with information at your fingertips. 

Available now at: www.surflifesaving.net.au

The Federal Environment Protection And Biodiversity Act Review
Late Submissions Will Be Accepted

The Federal Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (1999) (EPBC Act) is currently under review by Professor Graeme Samuel AC, supported by a panel of experts. Pittwater Natural Heritage Association has examined the Act, and believes it is not working properly. 

What is the EPBC Act?

The EPBC Act is the Australian Federal Government’s primary environmental law. It is designed to protect and manage national environmental assets, known as matters of national environmental significance, and other protected matters. This includes nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, migratory species, ecological communities and heritage places. 

It operates alongside other Commonwealth laws and activities and those of state, territory and local governments.

Why are we concerned?

PNHA is concerned because, along with other Australian environmental organisations, we believe that the current act is not giving enough protection to our environment. 

We also are concerned that the review may listen more to those voices that say the Act is restricting their activities, activities which damage our environment. 

Currently almost 1000 species of Australian native plants and animals are categorised as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable, yet we still see instances of environmental damage caused by activities like coal mining and land clearing.

The Northern Beaches has its share of threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, including:

  • Grevillea caleyi 
  • Giant Burrowing Frog 
  • Angus’ onion orchid 

Endangered Ecological Communities such as coastal upland swamps, and littoral rainforest and coastal vine thickets of eastern Australia are also found in the Northern Beaches area. 


Grevillea Caleyei - Ingleside


Littoral rainforest - Newport

A New EPBC Act

We need a new, stronger EPBC Act which provides a robust framework for upholding environmental protection and accountability. Here are a few items that Environmental organisations believe must be in the new act. 

  • An updated EPBC Act must contain measures to prevent the high extinction rate of native animals, the unacceptable rates of land clearing, and effectively address climate change. 
  • The new Act must focus on both protection and recovery of threatened species and endangered ecological environments all over Australia.
  • There must be enough funding for effective implementation and there must be more compliance monitoring and enforcement of the regulations. We have witnessed failure to monitor compliance of regulations to protect coastal upland swamps and littoral rainforest in the northern beaches area.

PNHA made a submission to the EPBC Act review on the lack of protection under the act for local coastal upland swamps. We encourage readers to make their own submissions as, even though the deadline is 17 April, late submissions will be accepted. 

The address for submissions is https://epbcactreview.environment.gov.au/get-involved#make-a-submission

David Palmer
Pittwater Natural Heritage Association

Messing About In Boats Stories Sought

Ann Howard, popular author is collecting material for a new book, Messin’ About in Boat- small boat stories of Dangar Island, and welcomes contributions 500-1000 words and pics of small boast
 
Thank you and keep well!
 
Ann Howard

Inclusive Place To Play On The Way For Clontarf

Thursday, 23 April 2020
Children and families on the Northern Beaches will have a fantastic new place to relax and play once the COVID-19 crisis passes, thanks to $200,000 in funding from the NSW Government.

Member for Manly James Griffin said Northern Beaches Council is one of 30 successful councils to benefit from the latest round of funding from the Everyone Can Play initiative that helps create inclusive playgrounds across NSW.

“The funding will help deliver the new playground at Clontarf Reserve, in partnership with Northern Beaches Council,” Mr Griffin said.

“While many of our beaches and playgrounds are closed at the moment to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community, it’ll be important that everyone will get a chance to play once they re-open.”

“Inclusive playgrounds provide wonderful spaces for families and friends of all ages and abilities to play, relax and connect, and this funding will help make our community more inclusive than ever before.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the COVID-19 crisis had highlighted the importance of open spaces to the community’s health and wellbeing.

“This latest round of funding will help keep the economy moving in these uncertain times and create great spaces for families and children to enjoy once this crisis is behind us,” Mr Stokes said.

This round of funding from the Everyone Can Play program will help build 18 new inclusive playgrounds and upgrade 19 existing playgrounds, with $4 million in NSW Government funding matched dollar-for-dollar by local councils.

For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/everyonecanplay  

New Police Recruits Join Northern Beaches PAC

Monday, 20 April 2020
The safety and security of the Northern Beaches community continues to be the NSW Government’s highest priority with 6 new police officers on the beat following a private attestation ceremony in Goulburn last week.

Member for Manly James Griffin congratulated the new recruits on attesting from the academy after more than eight months of world-class training.

“Our community is in safer hands with more officers joining the ranks of the Northern Beaches Police Area Command,” Mr Griffin.

“Our Government is proud of each and every one of them and wish them every success in their policing careers. Being sworn in as a police officer is a great honour and I commend these new recruits for making the brave decision to put the community’s safety ahead of their own.

“Work continues as we invest $583 million in 1500 extra officers over the next four years, the biggest increase in three decades.”

Class 340 includes 177 men and 86 women. Some recruits entered the NSW Police Academy straight from school or university, while others left established professional careers and trades. The recruits have completed eight months of foundational training and those allocated to metropolitan commands will report to their stations on Tuesday 14 April 2020.

Thirty-one recruits were born overseas in countries including Italy, Afghanistan, USA, Thailand and Lebanon. Five recruits are Indigenous with two coming through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.

Minister for Police David Elliott said the State would be a safer place with the new recruits assigned to local Police Area Commands across NSW.

“Due to the current restrictions, these recruits have not had the send-off into their new careers that they deserve. I am working with Commissioner Fuller to ensure that all recruits attesting this year will be celebrated bigger than ever when it is safe to do so.

NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said the latest intake of probationary constables will provide a valuable boost to police resources as the state faces the threat of COVID-19.
"I welcome our newest police officers from Class 340 who attest at a very significant time. They will hit the ground running, and I want them to know that I have their back," he said.

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families as NSW continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said.

“If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.

“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community in the current environment.”

The NSW Government is constantly adapting as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.

Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
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Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Update: We're Adapting!

Intending to keep our customers and staff safe, we present some additional ways for both our retail and trade customers to do business with us.

Trade and Retail Pick Up

Express Pick up Mona Vale

  • - Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)
  • - Drive into our undercover Trade Drive-Thru area at 73 Bassett St Mona Vale, and your order will be ready for pick-up.
  • - Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Express Pick up Avalon

  • - Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Avalon, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)
  • - Drive into our back lane off Bellevue Avenue, and your order will be ready for pick-up.
  • - Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Online Retail Stores Go Live

We’ve launched two eCommerce sites offering 2hr pick up in-store and flat rate delivery options on the northern beaches*.

Jbhmv.com.au (Mona Vale)

Jbhav.com.au (Avalon)

With the ability to leave the product on your doorstep, this provides an option of an entirely contactless transaction.

*Flat rate delivery is not available to trade sales, building supplies and trade quantities

** The stock availability is updated nightly, which may mean the stock is unavailable when the order is placed

Trade Delivery to Site

Maybe not new, but certainly worth a mention again!  We can get almost anything delivered quickly onto site. As always ring the trade desk direct on 9999 0333 and let them know what you need!

Final Thought

Like everyone, we have found ourselves in a new and uncertain environment, but we’re setting up (and digging in) for the long haul. 

We want to acknowledge that the decision to retain over 120 staff and meet any future challenges head-on, could not have happened without the continued support you provide us as customers.

Thank you and stay safe,

The Johnson Family

2020 Community Heritage Grants Now Open

Now in its 27th year, the Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program provides grants of up to $15,000 to community groups to help preserve and manage locally held but nationally significant cultural heritage collections.

Since the program began in 1994, more than $7.26 million has been allocated to 1,445 collection preservation and management projects. The program has had a significant impact on safeguarding local but nationally significant collections around the country, from inner cities to the most remote parts of Australia.

Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, Director-General of the National Library of Australia, said ‘the range of community groups receiving the grants has highlighted the incredible diversity of Australia’s people and stories. The grants help to preserve and manage these collections for future generations’.

In past years, projects ranging from preserving indigenous languages to caring for rare meteorological equipment have received assistance under the CHG program. Such support includes significance assessments, preservation needs assessments, conservation activities, collection management and training workshops. These ventures are provided to indigenous and multicultural groups, community organisations such as libraries, archives, museums, genealogical and historical societies.

The National Library manages the Community Heritage Grants Program—which is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications—with the National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia.

Applications close on Monday 4 May 2020.

To submit an application or find out more information visit nla.gov.au/chg.


Surf Life Saving New South Wales Seeking Inspirational Womens' Stories

July 1 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of women's involvement in active surf lifesaving duties.
Surf Life Saving NSW is celebrating this important anniversary and the achievements of women over the past 40 years. They're asking for help to recognise our trailblazing women by sharing your stories, photographs and videos.

SLS NSW will showcase these inspirational stories throughout the 2020/21 season and create an archive for future generations. 

How you can help Celebrate
  • Email SLS NSW your stories about the women who inspired change in the Surf Life Saving movement
  • Send them your photos and videos here or via WeTransfer to memberservices@surflifesaving.com.au
  • Post photos on Facebook, lnstagram and Twitter using the hastag #WomenInSLS
  • Send photographs, film and newspaper articles to SLSNSW - PO Box 307, Belrose 2085 (they will digitise and return)
Four of the first official women to patrol our beaches were welcomed at Whale Beach SLSC in 1980. (Sara & Jill Peters, Marion Robb and Tina Gowing)

Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards - RESCA

March 25, 2020
We are proud to officially announce the opening of the 2020 NSW Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards nominations.

Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) is the only time all Emergency Services personnel, both paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards program.

The Awards are open to all, Emergency Service Agency (ESA) Personnel stationed in NSW, serving in either a paid capacity or Volunteer in:
  • Fire and Rescue NSW
  • Marine Rescue NSW
  • Surf Life Saving NSW
  • NSW Ambulance Service
  • NSW Rural Fire Service
  • NSW State Emergency Service
  • NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
In keeping with the Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, RESCA acknowledges and celebrates the selfless Community Service of Emergency Services Personnel whilst also supporting and funding two important Rotary initiatives:
  • Australian Rotary Health – PhD Research Scholarship investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Services Personnel
  • Emergency and Disaster Preparedness training by a competitively selected Vocational Training Team connected with a developing country in the Asia/Pacific Region
Emergency Service Personnel can be nominated by colleague, family and any members of the community. Panels of independent judges will then assess nominees on three (3) key criteria:
  • Community service over and above the call of normal duties which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self (i.e. community involvement when they are not working in their normal roles).
  • Personal attributes
  • Contribution to their organisation
Given the past six months of devastation across the state we anticipate that there will be many worthy applicants for this year’s Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards.

Applications will be open until 1 May 2020 and can be applied for on the RESCA website here - https://nsw.rescawards.org.au/nominations/

Please assist us by sharing this post within your own networks to officially launch the opening of nominations.

Should you have any questions please reach out to the team at Admire Events on resca@admireevents.com.au.

We look forward to seeing your submissions this year.

Dorothy L Hennessy OAM
Chair
Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards

Sewers Needed For Hand Sewn Masks For The Bus, Rail And Tram Workers

We have a few lovely ladies on board to sew masks for the bus and rail workers and I’m starting to get some finished masks returned, however they need loads  (3500) and at this rate it’ll take a month of Sunday’s.  

If there are any Readers who would be interested in making some, I have a pattern and fabric packs for interested people and they can pick them up from my front garden (hung in bags on the garden fence). 

I would prefer people to call or text for futher details.  My phone number is 0417 041 604.  
Thank all in advance.

Jane Russell.

NSW Students To Transition Back To The Classroom In Term 2

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell outlined the plan for students attending NSW public schools to progressively return to face-to-face learning in week three of Term 2.

Ms Berejiklian said health advice continues to be that schools remain open, and parents, teachers and students can be confident that school is safe place.

“We are grateful to all families who kept their children home from school at the end of Term 1 and to teachers who worked tirelessly to deliver education online,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This allowed us critical time to prepare our schools to develop better online learning options and for considering additional hygiene measures to allow schools to return.

“We know that nothing is more important than a child’s education, and we must begin to return our students to their classrooms in a considered way.

“Under these changes, from week three of Term 2, every student will be attending school for one day a week.

“We will look to increase the number of days students are at school in a staged way and hope to have all children back at school full-time by Term 3.

During the first stage of on-campus learning, parents will be encouraged to keep their children home except on their allocated day of face-to-face learning. Initially, about a quarter of a school’s students are expected to be on site at any one time. The specific days students will be required to attend school each week will vary from school to school and will be clearly communicated to parents.

Classes will be split across schools, allowing schools to appropriately social distance students and teachers.

As always, schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school.

Ms Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support the school community, providing clarity and certainty on the path forward.

“This plan provides a clear path that balances community concerns with a need to deliver continuity of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms and provisions are in place for at-risk teachers to work from home. Drop off, pick up, recess and lunchtimes will also be staggered to ensure social distancing.”

In addition to the staged return to school, the NSW Government has committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our casual and temporary teachers and other non-teaching staff across NSW schools are critical to our education system, and will help ensure the educational outcomes for our students during this staged return,” Ms Mitchell said.

A cross-sector working group of teachers will also be established to report back to the Minister on recent innovations and educational developments assembled during the COVID-19 period that are suitable to support future educational delivery.

“It’s important that we have an inventory of the cutting edge teaching solutions and recognise the best efforts of our amazing NSW teachers during a difficult time,” Ms Mitchell said.

Teachers will have an additional day to prepare for Term 2 on Tuesday 28 April making the first day of term for students Wednesday 29 April.

COVID-19 Testing

The NSW Government is urging anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 symptoms include:
  • - Fever;
  • - Cough;
  • - Tiredness (fatigue);
  • - Sore throat;
  • - Shortness of breath.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms please:
  • - Contact your GP;
  • - Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222;
  • -  Visit a NSW Health COVID-19 clinic.
The locations of COVID-19 clinics are available here:

In our area:
Mona Vale Hospital
Address: Building 14, Community Health Centre
Coronation Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, 7 days

Northern Beaches Hospital
Address: 105 Frenchs Forest Road (west), Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086
Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry)
Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm, 7 days

Northern Beaches Hospital Updates

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR:
PATIENTS:
We are now temperature checking all staff and visitors ahead of elective surgery returning to the hospital next week.

These checks will help us ensure the safety of our staff and visitors during this time.

Entry is via the main entrance or emergency department and all other entry points are closed. There is also screening at the dock for deliveries.

The team conducting the checks will take temperatures and ask a few simple questions about wellbeing and possible contact with COVID-19.

Please be patient with our staff conducting the checks.

If you have a high temperature (37.5C or above) or have been unwell with a new cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, you should call the COVID-19 hotline or visit our COVID-19 clinic for assessment.  

VISITORS:
To ensure the safety of all patients and staff, we need to limit the number of visitors to our hospitals and services. Patients will be asked to nominate one visitor, preferably your next of kin, for the duration of your hospital stay. We understand this will difficult for families, but we need everyone to help to protect patients and staff.

Visitors must NOT have travelled overseas in the last 14 days, NOT been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or have fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath.

Visitors to Patient with COVID-19 (or awaiting results)
In order to provide strict infection control, no visitors will be allow to patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or those awaiting test results for COVID-19.

We understand there will need to be some exceptions to this, especially with children and also with extremely unwell patients, so we ask that you talk to your families and if you have any questions, please speak to your clinical care team. 

COVID-19 Testing
Address: 105 Frenchs Forest Road (west), Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086
Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry)
Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm, 7 days

Keoride On Demand Extra Hubs

Keoride On Demand public transport in the Northern Beaches is here for you. We will continue to support the community by making it easy and safe to travel during the COVID-19 crisis.

Whether it’s food shopping, medical appointments or work related travel, Keoride our flexible and personalised transport service is at your fingertips.

During this unprecedented time, we have added additional hubs to better support the community within our service area. We will now drop off and pick up to the following locations during the COVID-19 crisis:
  • Newport Coles and the local pharmacy
  • Woolworths Mona Vale
  • Warriewood Square
  • Elanora Heights pharmacy and IGA
  • Woolworths Narrabeen
  • Mona Vale Hospital
Please note these additional hubs are a temporary offering to support the community during the COVID-19 crisis. These hubs will be in place until further notice.

Marsh Online Action - Stop Adani 

Monday, 27 April 2020 from 17:30-18:30
via: ZOOM
Hosted by Stop Adani Avalon, Stop Adani Warringah and Stop Adani Mackellar
Join our online action (via video-conferencing app ZOOM) where we will call on Marsh to insure our future, not Adani's mine!

Adani needs insurance to build their climate-wrecking coal project. They simply can’t progress critical work without it. Right now, insurance broker Marsh is shopping around the globe to find a company willing to insure this risky, destructive project.

Our movement has already pushed 65+ major companies to abandon Adani, including 16 insurance companies, the likes of Allianz, QBE, and Suncorp, just to name a few. Now it’s Marsh’s turn!
#StopAdani groups on the Northern Beaches are hosting an online rally calling on Marsh to dump Adani, ahead of their AGM.

On 21st May, Marsh will be having their Annual General Meeting, where they will be making key decisions.

A link to the ZOOM meeting will be posted on this event on the day
Event page at and by visiting: www.facebook.com/events/3028562787187414/

Thank you for joining us
Stop Adani Avalon, Stop Adani Warringah and Stop Adani Mackellar

Urban Task Force List Bayview Development As 'Shovel Ready' For Planning System Acceleration Program 

The Urban Taskforce Australia is an industry organisation representing property development interests in Australia. It has been described by media as one of the "most powerful lobby groups" in NSW.

They have listed the Waterbrook Bayview Retirement Living Resort at 52 Cabbage Tree Road, Bayview as a 'shovel ready project' on Urban Taskforce's list of projects to be fast tracked as part of the Covid-19 bounce-back under NSW Plannings' Planning System Acceleration Program. 

See page 56:

Richard Leplastrier - Framing The View 

Revered by architects around the world, Richard Leplastrier’s search for beauty in his career is interwoven with his own life in Pittwater's Lovett Bay.

Richard Leplastrier - Framing the View was filmed over 15 years. It began with filming of the construction of a house in the Blue Mountains, and expanded to houses in Leura, Watsons Bay and Balmain, and visits to Kyoto and the Sydney Opera House, to create a powerful portrait of a seminal figure in Australian architecture. 

WATCH the World Premiere on the ABC on May 12 at 9.30pm. The feature version of the film will be available afterwards on iView for 30 days. 

Director Anna Cater, Writers Anna Cater Producer Susan MacKinnon  Anna Cater. Production Company: Mitra Films Pty Ltd. Photo: Mark Rogers


NSW Animal Welfare Reform – Issues Paper

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is seeking feedback on key issues affecting animal welfare laws in NSW.

What’s this about?
This is your opportunity to help set the direction for animal welfare policy reform. This is an important step towards modernising welfare laws, which is a key commitment of the NSW Animal Welfare Action Plan.
The discussion paper identifies five focus areas for reform:
  • reviewing the purpose of the Acts
  • defining key terms
  • examining compliance powers and tools
  • setting the right penalties
  • streamlining the framework.
Feedback from the paper will be used to develop policy solutions. DPI welcomes feedback from all community members on these focus areas and any other issues that should be considered in the reform process.

Have your say
There are three ways you can submit your feedback:
Download the Issues Paper - NSW Animal Welfare Reform - Issues Paper (PDF, 2MB)

Consultation closes June 21, 2020

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week


Ross

AGE/SEX: 2 years / M
BREED: Sharpei X Boxer?
Ross is a happy friendly boy. He is very affectionate with people and does not mind other dogs around him. He has lots of energy and is looking for an active family. He walks nicely on loose lead, pulling occasionally. He ignores cars and dogs and likes to run. He enjoys pats, cuddles, belly rubs and jumps up to lick your face. He sits on command. Volunteers say: "Good walker, pulls a bit but respects tug back on lead. Ignored all other dogs", "Very affectionate" “Well behaved on whole walk, takes treats nicely”, “Amazing, friendly, calm, smart, lovely dog!” He has a velvety coat and weighs 24kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400. 

Slate

Slate is a super purry and sweet kitten who is approximately 6 mths old. He loves being a kitten - playing, eating, cuddling and hanging out with other kitties. He comes with desexing, wormed, F3 vaccinated and microchipped. Adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting him, please contact DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com. He is located at Ingleside.

NB:


Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Black Bakelite Telephone: Early Pittwater Phone Numbers

In 2018, Issue 345, Pittwater Online News ran a Collectors Corner Page on a Black Bakelite Telephone that brought up some questions as well as answers into means of communication in our area. A few weeks ago we were fortunate to receive clarification on the item from a gentleman in Western Australia, Ross Herbert.

With so many changes in recent times, and texts now taking the place of telegrams, a grateful thank you is extended to Mr. Ross for his insights - and these have now been added into that original page. That 2018 article runs this Issue for those interested.:

I worked for PMG/Telecom/Telstra between 1956 and 1993 and I had some involvement with the design and modification of telephone equipment.

The PWS on the label stands for Postal Workshops Sydney. The R/C means Repair/Construction.
Most states had PMG (as it was until 1975) engineering workshops to both manufacture and repair equipment used by the organisation. Melbourne used PWM on their labels.

While it is not mentioned in the text your telephone is most likely a BPO model 332. It is fitted with a carrying handle so it can be used in a portable installation. The dial is a No.10 which first appeared in the UK in 1929 but the chrome finger plate didn't eventuate until around 1936.

I must admit I have not seen a 332 with the vent plugs on the side - on yours they look to be made of metal and press fitted to the case. The Australian 332 telephone was made in the UK and I believe. Telephones made in the UK for the APO usually were fitted with a dummy card drawer but sometimes you will find a British 332 with the pullout card drawer fitted. If the baseplate has a row of holes punched around where the bell gongs are positioned inside the case then it is definitely a 332. When Australia started to manufacture their own 300 model telephones the baseplate was not punched with holes and there was no dummy card drawer.

The first time I came across a case with the side vents was on the 400 telephone which appeared around 1958 and I seem to recall that the vents were used as finger grips for carrying the telephone because the Australian manufactured 400 was not supplied with a carrying handle. Also, the vents were made of black bakelite.

It is quite possible that the telephone you have was refurbished in the workshops using parts from different telephones - sort of mix and match.

You can find a whole heap of information on the Australian telephones here https://www.britishtelephones.com/aus/telemenu.htm 
Note that Bob Freshwater is in the UK.

Regards
Ross Herbert
Perth WA

On The Water Rules At Present

NSW Maritime - From Centre for Maritime Safety - NSW Transport
Transport for NSW and NSW Maritime appreciates that many boaters and community members have questions about the public health directions and how they relate to water-based activities.

From 31 March 2020, NSW Government Public Health Orders have been updated requiring people to stay at home unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’. The Public Health Order can be accessed here.
Unless you have an essential need to be out - stay home.

A ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home to use your boat could be to:
  • exercise (e.g. kayaking/sailing/paddling/fishing etc);
  • get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home;
  • get groceries; and
  • provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the person’s family.
Socialising or cruising on the water is not a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home.
Remember, social distancing and social gathering rules apply at all times – including at the boat ramp and on your boat. Skippers must also remember their other safety responsibilities regarding safety equipment, alcohol consumption, keeping a proper lookout and proceeding at a safe speed.
For the latest information on coronavirus and current restrictions, members of the community are encouraged to check the NSW Government website for regular updates.

Frequently Asked Questions
If I have a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave home, what water-based activities are still permitted?
The table below addresses the status of common water-based activities under the current Public Health Orders. Social distancing and social gathering rules are to be observed at all times during any of the below activities. The latest information on social distancing and social gathering rules are available on the NSW Government website.

When on a private boat, because it is not a public place, the restriction on gatherings of more than 2 people does not apply. However, the skipper is to ensure there is 4 square metres of space for each person on board. If there is not 4 square metres of space per person, the skipper will not be complying with the Public Health Order.

If you are satisfied you meet all the criteria, please still only boat locally.




Are boat ramps still open?
All boat ramps in NSW are managed by local councils, the National Parks and Wildlife Service or WaterNSW – with the exception of four ramps managed by Transport for NSW at Carrington, North Stockton, South Stockton and Port Kembla.

Contact your local council for more information about specific boat ramps.

There are no current plans to close the ramps managed by Transport for NSW.

What if I see a breach of restrictions on the water?
NSW Police is the relevant enforcement authority for the Public Health Order and will use discretion to assess whether community members have a ‘reasonable excuse’ to be out on the water, and whether there have been any breaches
To report a breach contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report via their website.

For the latest information on coronavirus and current restrictions, members of the community are encouraged to check the NSW Government website (http://nsw.gov.au) for regular updates.

Estuaries Are Warming At Twice The Rate Of Oceans And Atmosphere

April 14, 2020: University of Sydney
Estuaries on the south-east coast of Australia are warming at twice the rate of oceans and the atmosphere, a new study has found.

Researchers say the apparent accelerated impact from climate change on estuaries could adversely affect economic activity and ecological biodiversity in rivers and lakes worldwide.

Dr Elliot Scanes from the University of Sydney said: "Our research shows that estuaries are particularly vulnerable to a warming environment. This is a concern not only for the marine and bird life that rely on them but the millions of people who depend on rivers, lakes and lagoons for their livelihoods around the world."

The researchers say that changes in estuarine temperature, acidity and salinity are likely to reduce the global profitability of aquaculture and wild fisheries. Global aquaculture is worth $US243.5 billion a year and wild fisheries, much of which occurs in estuaries, is worth $US152 billion. More than 55 million people globally rely on these industries for income.

Professor Pauline Ross, who leads the research group in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, said: 
"Estuaries provide services of immense ecological and economic value. The rates of change observed in this study may also jeopardise the viability of coastal vegetation such as mangroves and saltmarsh in the coming decades and reduce their capacity to mitigate storm damage and sea-level rise."

The results are based on 12 years of recording temperatures in 166 estuaries along the entire 1100-kilometre stretch of the New South Wales coast in south-eastern Australia. In that time more than 6200 temperature observations were taken.

The data, which are publicly available, were taken by field officers of the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment and used in a marine research collaboration with the University of Sydney.

On average, the estuary systems experienced a 2.16-degree temperature increase, about 0.2 degrees each year.

Dr Elliot Scanes said: "This is evidence that climate change has arrived in Australia; it is not a projection based on modelling, but empirical data from more than a decade of investigation."

Studies on specific lake and river systems have found evidence of warming, such as along the North Sea, in Germany, in the Hudson River in New York and Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. This is the world's first long-term study that has considered a diverse range of estuary types on such a large scale.

It is published today in Nature Communications.

"This increase in temperature is an order of magnitude faster than predicted by global ocean and atmospheric models," Dr Elliot Scanes said.

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, air and sea temperatures in Australia have increased by about 1 degree since 1910. And over the past decade, air temperatures have increase 1.5 degrees as compared to the 1961 to 1990 average.

"Our results highlight that air or ocean temperatures alone cannot be relied upon to estimate climate change in estuaries; rather, individual traits of any estuary need to be considered in the context of regional climate trends," Dr Elliot Scanes said.

"New models will need to be developed to help predict estuarine changes."

The study also found that acidification of estuaries was increasing by 0.09 pH units a year. There was also changes to the salinity of estuary systems: creeks and lagoons became less saline while river salinity increased.

Temperature increases in estuaries were also dependent on the type, or morphology of the system, the study found.

Professor Ross said: "Lagoons and rivers increased in temperature faster than creeks and lakes because they are shallower with more limited ocean exchange."

She said that this suggests industries and communities that rely on shallow estuaries for culture, income and food could be particularly vulnerable during global warming.

"This is of concern in other dry temperate zones like the Mediterranean and South Africa where many of the estuaries are similar to those studied here," she said.

The study suggests that estuaries that remain open may also soon begin to "tropicalise," and estuarine ecosystems could become colonised by tropical marine species and reflect a warmer environment.

Professor Ross said: "This research will help local fisheries and aquaculture to develop mitigation strategies as the climate changes."

Elliot Scanes, Peter R. Scanes, Pauline M. Ross. Climate change rapidly warms and acidifies Australian estuaries. Nature Communications, 2020; 11 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15550-z


NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment officer collecting data at Bengello, near Batemans Bay. Photo courtesy NSW DPIE.

The data collection for this study was funded by NSW Department Planning, Industry and the Environment.

Community Input On The Future Of Plastics And Waste In NSW

The NSW Government is seeking public input on its plan to tackle the use of plastics, reduce waste and pollution, and improve recycling across NSW.

The NSW Plastics Plan and 20-Year Waste Strategy will establish clear pathways on ways to reduce waste, maximise recycling and improve the protection of our environment.

The discussion paper will help establish ways the NSW Government can better manage resources and environmental factors.

The NSW Plastics Plan provides pathways to:
  • phase-out the use of plastics
  • triple the proportion of plastic recycling by 2030
  • reduce plastic litter items by 25% by 2025
  • make NSW a leader in plastics research and development.
The 20-Year Waste Strategy will provide long-term direction for NSW on ways to reduce waste, increase recycling and outline opportunities for future waste and recycling infrastructure.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Environmental Minister Matt Kean have asked for community feedback to help drive sustainable solutions across NSW.

“The community has high expectations that we need to make sure we put in place the best plans for the future. We know that we need to do a better job of dealing with our waste and delivering sustainable solutions,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Have your say on the NSW Plastics Plan and 20-Year Waste Strategy by 8 May 2020.

April  12 - 25, 2020: Issue 446

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 446 

ANZAC Day 2020: Light Up The Dawn and Post Yourself Reciting The Ode Online

Aquatics THE NAVAL PIONEERS OF AUSTRALIA BY LOUIS BECKE AND WALTER JEFFERY, published in 1899 - yes, the full book; curl up and enjoy

Pictures: Some Pictures from Outdoors and Indoors by Various Residents: done safely, of course - what's blooming in our reserves and who has been creating great Art?

DIY Ideas Thank You and Happy Easter: Autumn Holidays Projects; Let's Go Fly A Kite + Some handy Painting Tips for Interiors and Sprucing up that Outside Deck

Pittwater COVID- 19 Food Outlets Restriction Responses: Take Away from Restaurants and Cafes and Grocers and Food Available From Local Outlets  Local food suppliers and cafes and restaurants are currently adapting to social-distancing requirements and the closure of public spaces to large gatherings. Listed this week are those that have food you can order for take away or delivery and also those who supplied these outlets who also have food available to purchase.

Profile Sydney Wildlife Waratah Park Rehabilitation Facility: 2020 Update - NB: During the current COVID-19 'stay at home' safety measures volunteers are still working to rescue, care for and rehabilitate our wildlife. If you find any animal needing help please call the Rescue/Advice line on 9413 4300.
Waratah Park, once the site where the iconic television series 'Skippy the Bush Kangaroo' was set and filmed 1967-1969, and then the Waratah Animal Park from January 1970 under various operators until 2006, became the scene of operations by the Duffys Forest Residents Association in October 2011 when the NSW Crown Lands issued with a 'Letter of Authority" to the organisation for "temporary occupation of crown land to undertake beautification, eradication of noxious weeds, hazard reduction /bushfire prevention at Duffys Forest." 

A submission in favour of State Heritage Register listing of Waratah Park from Jenny Harris, 2017 Pittwater Community Service Awardee and then Secretary of the Duffys Forest Residents Association dated October 21st, 2104 stated:

'Duffys Forest Residents Association (DFRA) has been working tirelessly with volunteers from outside the community since November 2010 (under a Letter of Authority from Crown Lands) to suppress weeds and to support and promote resilience of bushland across the site. We have developed a significant database of volunteers now exceeding 150 people who volunteer at regular monthly working bees because of their emotional attachment to the 'Home of Skippy'.

'Volunteer contributions have exceeded 3500 hours since work began and the passion of these volunteers epitomises community sentiment that the home of Skippy should be preserved in perpetuity for all Australians and international visitors.'

Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services Inc., referred to as Sydney Wildlife, was launched in May 1997 by Newport lady Sonja Elwood, along with a large group of experienced wildlife carers, to meet the specific needs of urban wildlife in the Sydney metropolitan area.  As the name suggests, Sydney Wildlife operates in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area which extends from the Hawkesbury River in the north, to Picton in the south and from the foothills of the Blue Mountains to the ocean.

As well as caring for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, Sydney Wildlife is also involved in educating the community about native wildlife and its habitat. From kindergartens to retirement villages, community education packages are tailored to meet the specific needs of a wide range of audiences.

Sydney Wildlife is an entirely voluntary, charitable organisation, meaning there are no paid staff what-so-ever, and the costs of rescuing, feeding, rehabilitating and looking after injured wildlife are met through donations or come from the pockets of the carers themselves. 

Within the organisation volunteers have educated themselves to fulfil looking after specific species as well as having the knowledge to care for all the feathered, furred, scaled wildlife they tend to. 

Joan Reid - Volunteer Macropod Co-ordinator, recognised a need to provide a larger rehabilitation area for the wallabies, kangaroos and other macropod species carers were looking after in their own homes. In late 2012 she identified the Waratah Park site, where remnants of wildlife enclosures were available, as one that may work. In 2013 Joan listed the project on the GlobalGiving April Challenge - for a Rehabilitation Centre for Wallabies and Kangaroos at Waratah Park and enough was raised to commence leasing an area of Waratah Park and enlisting the help of volunteers good on the tools and at clearing weeds to convert that area into a place to care for rescued wildlife.

By October 2015 the facility was expanded to include all native wildlife.

One of the best ways to distract yourself from any worries you have is often to invest that same energy in doing something positive for something or someone else. Although, due to the Covid-19 / Coronavirus Sydney Wildlife's Rescue and Care Course in May has been cancelled. Until such time as the next Rescue and Care Course is held (possibly in August), please consider some other really valuable and important ways that you can volunteer with Sydney Wildlife, such as: 

Volunteering your time another way

There is a lot more to Sydney Wildlife than hands-on Rescue and Care animal work.  Animal lovers at all levels of fitness and expertise are needed for these jobs within the organisation: 

Working on the Helpline

Sydney Wildlife need volunteers to help on their Emergency Helpline - filling four-hour shifts, answering calls from the public. From 9am to 5pm, calls are taken in our Head Office in Lane Cove National Park.  With the proper training, you may wish to volunteer directing rescuers to the animals in need.

Collect Foliage or Cut Fruit for Animals in Care

You may not have time or space to care for wildlife at home but you can help those who do. Foliage is constantly needed as food or habitat for animals in care. A local, willing pair of hands to gather the particular ‘browse’ required or cut fruit for rescued bats in care lets a carer concentrate on tending the animals.

Jack-of-all-trades

Sydney Wildlife always needs nesting boxes designed, constructed or installed; donated aviaries transported, erected or adapted; modification and improvements to any and every aspect of infrastructure that helps them do what we do. Tell them how you can help.

Animal transport

Whether moving boxed injured animals from a member of the public to a vet or taking an animal from the vet to a carer, you are improving its chances of survival. This work is invaluable and could suit someone who enjoys the interaction and wants to lighten the load for the busy carers.

Register to offer yourself for one of these valuable contributions and someone will contact you with further details - Fill out the registration form under "Become a Carer"  "Upcoming Courses". OR - Email training@sydneywildlife.org.au if you think you can help in a different way.


In the long and winding roads of Harold Tristram and Mabel Eunice Squire (nee Harvey) is seen families that emigrated to Australia amid the gold rushes of the 1850s, the tragic loss of many children through the epidemic diseases that raged, the start of true Australian Art and a couple that were there at the outset and trained as teachers at Victoria's National Gallery School during the 1880's and 1890s when their contemporaries were shaking it all up and a steady giving back and working, throughout their lives, at Art.

At Bayview and Mona Vale remnants of a shift from painting to sculpture may be seen - although the couple did not forgo dabbling with the brush - their home 'Dungarvon' had walls once covered with seacapes and landscapes.

Environment Shellfish Reef Restoration Survey For Recreational Fishing Community, The Powerful Owl Project: How To Find Powerful Owls, The Bandicoot In 1837, Greater Financial Support For Councils To Address Coastal Erosion, Dr Paul Grimes Appointed Head Of Environment Energy And Science, Next Stage Of Snowy 2.0 Gets Green Light, New Water Metering Telemetry System Now Operational, Tumbarumba To Rosewood Rail Trail Opens, First NSW Case Of Pasture Dieback Confirmed On North Coast, Warkworth Mining Fined For Alleged Dust Emission After Blasting Activities, More Than $1 Million To Clean Up And Tackle Illegal Dumping On Aboriginal Land, Handsome Stalker: Striated Heron In Sydney, 5 Big Environmental stories you may have missed while watching coronavirus, Climate Change Triggers Great Barrier Reef Bleaching, Climate change to affect fish sizes and complex food webs, Cold War Nuclear Bomb Tests Reveal True Age Of Whale Sharks,  Even If The Parks Are Closed You Can Still Go Google Trekking, Weed Cassia Now Flowering: Please Pull Out and Save Our Bush, Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans and Bottles and Nominate SW As Recipient, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens And Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News UNSW Installs First Magnetic Particle Imaging Facility In Australia, Small Biases Multiply Into Big Career Impacts For Australia's Female Surgeons, Don’t Forget Our Kids: OT Researchers Urge Extra Support For Home Schooling Vulnerable Children, Far Stars Firmly In Sight Thanks To Telescope Teamwork, Traces Of Ancient Rainforest In Antarctica Point To A Warmer Prehistoric World, Tooth Be Told: Earless Seals Existed In Ancient Australia

Artists of the Month April 2020: Australia's Great Online Collections In State Art Galleries, Museums And Libraries With local and national galleries, museums and libraries, along with the great exhibitions they curate and then host closed at present an online tour of the great Art within these institutions is one way we can keep supporting and celebrating all they seek to share with Australians.  As many of these have invested in sharing their works online, all digitised, many are available for people to take a virtual tour of. This month a little about these with links to where you can spend happy hours dwelling in their wonderful collections. 

Bear in mind it's not just the city centres that host these wonderful online galleries - many a local history society in regional areas, as well as regional art galleries, have and are currently adding to their online digitised resources so those far from these places can feast their eyes.

You can even take virtual tours of overseas galleries - however, those that are run here are brimful of wonderful Australian works of the places we love. They are a great reminder of the many aspects and offerings these places seek to share with all and how much we have to be thankful for.

This Issue we run from NSW to the Tasmania and over to South Australia - revisit next Issue and the great offerings in Western Australia and Queensland, The National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia and National Portrait Gallery will have been added in, along with some of those regional gems and a few secret places we find wonderful Pittwater and Australian Art and Imagery to share with you.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update: April 9, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Palm Beach Inundated With Holiday Makers In Their Weekenders

Prior to Easter Friday it became apparent to permanent residents of Palm Beach and on the stretch of road between the Careel Bay end of Barrenjoey Road and Iluka road, Palm Beach, that more, not less, traffic was streaming towards the popular destination.

The homes on the hills that were usually dark due to being holiday residences suddenly had lights on and an influx of people buying wine from the local Palm Beach store, who were not familiar faces, as well as a surf break crowded with other non-locals, made it clear going on Easter holidays to Palm Beach was being pursued by a few, if not several. Although this is not the peak of crowding seen over Summer holiday periods, it is definitely more than year round residents present.

The influx drew our local police force to the run along Ocean Road, Palm Beach on Easter Saturday where bumper to bumper parked cars inched Palmy closer to being closed, alike beaches south of Pittwater that were closed until further notice due to a spike in cases of community transmitted coronavirus being reported and pleas to be sensible about social distancing were ignored.

Palm Beach has already been closed a few times during past weeks because of overcrowding and people ignoring the rules and may be heading to a permanent closure, alike Manly and Dee Why.

Residents also report people who usually reside in the city turning up at Avalon Beach to spend the holidays at their 'weekenders'.

A check of postcode data of where cases of this disease are confirms the 2108 postcode of Palm Beach-Mackerel-Whale Beach now has 2 cases among permanent residents. 

Hopefully those who have this special dispensation and decided the rules don't apply to them are not shopping at local supermarkets, buying ice creams from local takeaways or, basically, putting our whole community at further risk.

NSW Reminded That Going On Holidays Is NOT Essential Travel

As the Easter long weekend and the school holidays approach, police are reminding the community that travelling for holidays is not considered ‘essential’ travel.

While it’s understandable for families to want to come together and celebrate during these times, we all must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The NSW Premier and the NSW Health Minister have outlined orders under the Public Health Act that state a person must not leave their home without a reasonable excuse.

These rules do not prohibit people from going to the supermarket and pharmacy, going to and from work if you cannot work from home, going to medical appointments, or leaving for some brief exercise in your own neighbourhood.

NSWPF Commissioner Mick Fuller is reminding the community that while these reasons are legitimate, travel and holidays are not essential at this time.

“To help contain and slow the spread of COVID-19, we all have to work together and that means staying in our homes and our neighbourhoods for the time being.

“Travelling unnecessarily means risking further spread, particularly to smaller communities whose health systems will be put under immense pressure if the virus is introduced into their town.

“With the upcoming holiday period approaching, we continue to see some owners and operators of short-term accommodation facilities promoting non-essential travel. This is not in the spirit of the orders and sends mixed messages to the community.

“Our message is clear – the safest thing you can do right now is to stay at home. Stay at home and save lives,” Commissioner Fuller said.

Stay At Home Rules

You must stay at home, unless you are going to:
  • work (where you can’t work remotely)
  • school or an educational institution
  • shop for food and essentials
  • get medical care or supplies
  • exercise.
You may only leave home with a reasonable excuse, including to
  • avoid injury or illness or escape a risk of harm
  • deal with emergencies or on compassionate grounds
  • access childcare
  • provide care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or to provide emergency assistance
  • attend a wedding (limited to a total of 5 people) or funeral (limited to a total of 10 people, excluding the person/s necessary to conduct the funeral e.g. funeral director)
  • move to a new place of residence, or between your different places of residence (a holiday is not an acceptable reason)
  • donate blood
  • undertake legal obligations
  • access social services, employment services, services provided to victims (including as victims of crime), domestic violence services, and mental health services
  • continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children for children who do not live in the same household as their parents or one of their parents
  • if you are a priest, minister of religion or member of a religious order, go to a place of worship or to provide pastoral care.

Be A Lifesaver - Stay Home This Easter

Thursday April 9, 2020: From Surf Life Saving NSW
Surf Life Saving NSW is urging the public to stay home and away from beaches and the coastline over the Easter long weekend.

Thousands of Australians traditionally head to the beach at Easter. But with many NSW beaches closed due to the threat of Coronanvirus and no volunteer lifesavers on duty, the message from surf lifesavers these Easter holidays is “be a lifesaver – stay home”.

The Easter long weekend is historically one of the most dangerous periods of the season for NSW coastal drownings. Last Easter almost 500,000 people visited NSW beaches. Surf lifesavers and lifeguards were on duty and performed 324 rescues and 20,000 preventative actions. Tragically, two lives were lost in NSW over the Easter long weekend last year.

Surf Life Saving NSW brought forward the end of the 2019/20 patrol season in support of the Government’s advice to stay home, social distance and slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission - and to reduce the chance of volunteer lifesavers being exposed to the Coronavirus while on duty.

Hazardous surf conditions are forecast for most of the NSW coast from Saturday 11 April through to Monday 13 April. Large and damaging swell is forecast to impact the majority of the NSW coastline. 

People who do visit the coastline, particularly rock fishers, are urged to be extra vigilant. Although beach patrols are cancelled, surf Life Saving NSW emergency response services remain on standby along the NSW coastline to respond to Triple-Zero emergency calls.

Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales said supporting the Government’s efforts to slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission and keeping surf lifesavers safe, were the priorities. He said that when the red and yellow flags aren’t flying, it simply isn’t safe to swim.

“We know that the Easter long weekend is synonymous with getting outside and enjoying the coastline. But this weekend we’re sending Australians a strong message to listen to the Government’s social distancing warnings and stay off the beach,” said Surf Life Saving NSW President, George Shales.

“Volunteer surf lifesavers across NSW will not be on duty and patrolling as usual,” added Director of Lifesaving Joel Wiseman. “Many of our most popular NSW beaches are closed due to COVID-19 and we’re urging anyone who doesn’t heed the warnings and visits the coast to be extra vigilant and to call emergency Triple-Zero if they see anyone in distress in the water.

“We have emergency response teams on standby right across the coast that include jetskis Offshore Rescue Boats, Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) and drones (UAVs) that will remain on standby and ready to respond to any coastal emergency.

“We all need to play our part and stay safe. This Easter our message is really simple; be a lifesaver – stay home,” Wiseman said.

Visit beachsafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe App, for beach closure information.

Since 1 July 2019, 34 people have drowned on the NSW coastline.

Hazardous Surf Conditions Safety Tips
  • Avoid rock fishing and water activities on exposed beaches/rock-shelves
  • Don't swim at unpatrolled beaches. See the Beachsafe Website for patrolled locations/times
  • Check the official Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast before undertaking rock fishing and water activities
  • Boaties should seek advice from Marine Rescue NSW and always wear a lifejacket
  • If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero – Police

Scotland Island Energy Reliability Project

April 9, 2020
As you are aware, Ausgrid is currently installing a new electricity cable between Church Point and Scotland Island. This cable will improve the reliability of the power supply to Scotland Island.

Dunstans Construction Group is doing this work on behalf of Ausgrid. The work involves using a directional drilling machine to bore a hole to Scotland island and install conduits (plastic pipes) through the borehole. The cable will then be installed through it. Please see map.



Progress to date
Work started in early February and we have now completed the preparation work for the drilling rig. Preparation work has also started to construct the connection point near Pittwater Road in the Church Point Reserve Carpark.

Next steps
The drilling rig and associated equipment are expected to be delivered to site from Tuesday 14 April 2020. During this work, you will notice large trucks entering the car park during normal construction hours. We will use traffic control to assist pedestrians and cars move around the carpark safely.

The project team will then set up the drilling rig within our compound and additional noise reduction blankets will be installed around the rig and on the compound fencing.

The drilling will then start from Monday 27 April 2020. We still expect to complete the project in late June 2020, weather and ground conditions permitting. We will notify you if this program changes.

Work hours
At this stage, work hours will continue to be Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.

What to expect during our work
Work will be noisy at times, and there will be an increase in vehicle movements. We will minimise the impacts to you by:
  • installing noise blankets around excavations and noise generating equipment
  • directing lighting away from residential properties, and
  • carrying out regular inspections to ensure minimal impact to surrounding residents.
We apologise for any inconvenience that this work may cause.

Parking and traffic
The temporary parking restrictions in the Church Point Reserve Carpark will remain in place, while the work is being done.

Ausgrid work at Scotland Island Wharf, Vivian Street (Bells Wharf)
Ausgrid will need to carry out some protective maintenance work at the Bells Wharf (see map below), to ensure that a safe and reliable electricity supply to the island continues. Pedestrian, boat and ferry access to Bells Wharf will be maintained during this work.

This work will start on Monday 20 April 2020 and should take two days to complete. We will notify affected residents separately.

Keeping you informed
Ausgrid will issue email notification updates detailing work locations and dates. Residents can register for these updates to be emailed to them at majorprojects@ausgrid.com.au.

For enquiries related to construction, please contact Dunstans on 0490 750 197 (24 hours) or at community@dunstans.com.au.

For information related to the project visit our website at www.ausgrid.com.au/scotlandisland.
Alternatively, you can contact Ausgrid on 1800 604 765 or majorprojects@ausgrid.com.au.

We apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause you and thank you for your continued patience.

Yours sincerely,

Leon Hennessy
Project Manager
Dunstans Construction Group
Scotland Island Energy Reliability Project – Work locations

RFS Commissioner Fitzsimmons To Lead New Resilience NSW Agency

April 6, 2020
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced the creation of a new NSW Government agency, Resilience NSW, which will drive world-leading disaster preparedness and recovery approach for the NSW community.

This follows Commissioner Fitzsimmons’ retirement after decades of service in the RFS, including 12 years as its leader. 

Ms Berejiklian said NSW is proud of Commissioner Fitzsimmons’ role during the recent bushfire season and for his outstanding service over many decades to the RFS. 

“The NSW community has shown extraordinary resilience in the face of many disasters – bushfires, drought, flood and now the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We know the next six months will be very difficult but we must already turn our mind to recovery. 

“Through Resilience NSW we will re-double our efforts to prevent, prepare and recover from crisis which impact NSW.” 

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said he was honoured to have the opportunity to continue to serve the people of NSW in this vital new role, and to work alongside the leadership of the state’s combat agencies.

“Resilience NSW will lead the whole-of-government prevention, preparedness and recovery effort. It will oversee and coordinate emergency management policy, service delivery and all aspects of disaster recovery at a state, national and international level,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“There was never a more important time to make sure that communities devastated by drought, bushfires and now COVID-19 are getting the help they need to rebuild and recover.” 


Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order 2020

under the Public Health Act 2010
I, Brad Hazzard, the Minister for Health and Medical Research, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, make the following Order.
Dated 25 March 2020.
BRAD HAZZARD, MP
Minister for Health and Medical Research

Explanatory note
The object of this Order is to deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences by giving a Ministerial direction that a person diagnosed with COVID-19 must immediately travel to a residence or place that has been determined to be suitable for the person to reside in or to a hospital for assessment. On leaving or being discharged from the hospital, the diagnosed person must travel directly to a residence or place of that kind. The diagnosed person must, except in specified circumstances, remain at the residence or place and not permit any other person to enter the residence or place until medically cleared.

Section 10 of the Public Health Act 2010 creates an offence if an individual fails to comply with a direction with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of up to $11,000 (or both) plus a further $5,500 fine each day the offence continues. Corporations that fail to comply with a direction are liable to a fine of $55,000 and $27,500 each day the offence continues.

NB: 7 - Repeal of Order - This Order is repealed on 23 June 2020.

Read the Government Public Health Order in full.

Heroin Seized When Car Stopped By Northern Beaches Police

Friday, 10 April 2020: NSW Police
Heroin – allegedly hidden in a lunchbox – cash and two mobile phones have been seized after a woman was stopped while driving through the Northern Beaches yesterday.

It was about 2.30pm (Thursday 10 April 2020), when officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command stopped a black Toyota Yaris on Powder Works Road in Elanora Heights, for the purpose of a random breath test.

After speaking with the 47-year-old female driver, police searched the car, seizing heroin – which was concealed in a lunchbox – as well as two mobile phones and more than $1200 cash. The heroin has an estimated potential street value of $28,000.

The woman was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station.

When a search warrant was executed at a home on Tallawarra Place in Narrabeen about 7pm, police seized cannabis and a further $3450 cash.

The woman has now been charged with supply prohibited drug (indictable), and deal with the proceeds of crime.

She has been granted conditional bail to appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday 10 June 2020.

The woman’s 14-year-old daughter was a passenger in the vehicle at the time. Family and Community Services is being notified.

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families as NSW continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said.

“If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.

“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community in the current environment.”

The NSW Government is constantly adapting as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.

Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
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Free TAFE Courses To Support Community

Tuesday April 7, 2020
A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Member for Manly James Griffin said these select courses will assist job seekers and workers looking to diversify their skills during these times.

“These fee-free courses will be put to good use on the Northern Beaches during this challenging time,” Mr Griffin said.

“Studying and up-skilling will be key to the economic recovery from COVID-19, and I encourage business to engage their employees to consider these courses.”

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said TAFE is committed to ensuring people have access to the highest quality education.

“The NSW Government understands that circumstances have changed for a lot of people and business owners, which means the way they work and how they conduct their business has also changed,” Mr Lee said.

“The TAFE NSW fee-free accredited courses will contribute to helping businesses stay in business and people stay in jobs. It’s vital we keep people employed and ensure we have the ability to rebound when things do improve.

“We also understand that many industries are in hibernation, so using this period to upskill for the future is time well spent.”

The 21 short courses include:
- eMarketing for Small Business;
- Engaging Customers Using Social Media;           
- Writing and Presentation Skills;    
- Computing Skills;                 
- Team Leader Skill Set; and                                               
- Administration Skills for Team Leaders.

More information, including a full list of courses, is available at the link below or by calling 131 601.

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Update: We're Adapting!

Friday March 27, 2020

Intending to keep our customers and staff safe, we present some additional ways for both our retail and trade customers to do business with us.

Trade and Retail Pick Up

Express Pick up Mona Vale

- Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)

- Drive into our undercover Trade Drive-Thru area at 73 Bassett St Mona Vale, and your order will be ready for pick-up.

- Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Express Pick up Avalon

- Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Avalon, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)

- Drive into our back lane off Bellevue Avenue, and your order will be ready for pick-up.

- Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Online Retail Stores Go Live

We’ve launched two eCommerce sites offering 2hr pick up in-store and flat rate delivery options on the northern beaches*.

Jbhmv.com.au (Mona Vale)

Jbhav.com.au (Avalon – Site goes live tomorrow Sat 28th March)

With the ability to leave the product on your doorstep, this provides an option of an entirely contactless transaction.

*Flat rate delivery is not available to trade sales, building supplies and trade quantities

** The stock availability is updated nightly, which may mean the stock is unavailable when the order is placed

Trade Delivery to Site

Maybe not new, but certainly worth a mention again!

We can get almost anything delivered quickly onto site!

As always ring the trade desk direct on 9999 0333 and let them know what you need!

Final Thought

Like everyone, we have found ourselves in a new and uncertain environment, but we’re setting up (and digging in) for the long haul!

We want to acknowledge that the decision to retain over 120 staff and meet any future challenges head-on, could not have happened without the continued support you provide us as customers.

Thank you and stay safe,

The Johnson Family

Reminder: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park Visitor Areas And Facilities Are Closed

Many high visitation areas and facilities within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are closed until further notice to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff. The closed areas include:

  • Bobbin Head Information Centre
  • All large picnic shelters
  • All picnic and barbecue facilities (including picnic tables)
  • All playgrounds
  • Brooklyn Dam campsites 
  • Barrenjoey Headland and Barrenjoey Lighthouse
  • The Basin, Pittwater
  • Great Mackeral Beach

Berowra track remains closed between Apple Tree Bay and the intersection of Mount Ku-ring-gai track until further notice, while staff fix extensive storm damage.

The closure of toilets and other facilities will be decided on a case-by-case basis, with necessary site assessments considering the management of health and safety risk to visitors and staff, as well as available resourcing to maintain facilities. Access to sanitation products and running water cannot be guaranteed. We recommend bringing hand soap, hand wipes and toilet paper with you to maintain good hygiene as advised by the NSW Government.

If you wish to exercise in a national park, you should choose a park close to your home. Visitors are reminded that non-essential travel is currently not permitted. If your planned visit is for a purpose other than exercise, you should reconsider your plans as you may be in breach of the current public health orders. If you arrive at a national park or other public space and it is too crowded to practice social distancing, it is your responsibility to leave the area. Do not wait to be instructed by NPWS or police.

If you're visiting the park, please bring a card to pay vehicle entry fees.

For more information about closures, call the NPWS Contact Centre on 1300 072 757, the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400 or the NPWS Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. Please check our COVID-19 update for further information.

Surfing Australia Announces 2020 National Titles Schedule

Surfing Australia has announced its schedule for National Title events in 2020 this week.

The SAE Group Australian Surf Championships, Hyundai Australian SUP Titles, the Surf Dive ‘N Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles and the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl are expected to attract more than 1000 surfers from around the country competing for coveted honours.

Once again in 2020, the nudie Australian Para Surfing Titles will be held within the SAE Group Australian Surf Championships hosted in Port Macquarie, while Victoria’s Phillip Island will again host the Hyundai Australian SUP Titles after a highly successful event in 2019.

The Surf Dive ‘N Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles will again host individual divisions incorporating Under 14, 16 and 18 age groups along with Allstars and MR Shield Schools divisions.

The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl, set for May 29-31 have been postponed with dates to be announced by Surfing Victoria at a later date.

 “Surfing Australia is excited to be taking the SAE Group Australian Surf Championships to Port Macquarie. The region has many amazing locations for many different wind and swell conditions, making it the perfect place for the championships,” said Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater.

“We are equally excited to be heading back to Phillip Island for the 2020 Hyundai Australian SUP Titles after nothing but positive feedback from competitors in 2019. And of course, last time the Surf Dive ‘N Ski Australian Junior Titles were held on Queensland’s North Stradbroke Island, the conditions were all-time.”

NOTE: All events and event dates are subject to change. Surfing Australia strictly adheres to any Federal Government directive regarding the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The schedule:
  • Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles presented by Rip Curl – Bells Beach, VIC – Dates TBA
  • SAE Group Australian Surfing Championships - Port Macquarie, NSW - August 7 - 24, 2020
  • nudie Australian Para Surfing Titles - Port Macquarie, NSW - August 22, 2020 (within the Australian Surf Championship window)
  • Hyundai Australian SUP Titles - Phillip Island, VIC - Oct 9 - 13, 2020
  • Surf Dive n' Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles - North Stradbroke Island, QLD - Nov 28 - Dec 5, 2020
Support partners to these events include Woolworths, Hydralyte Sports, 2XP, Pics Peanut Butter and mySURF.tv.

2020 Community Heritage Grants Now Open

Now in its 27th year, the Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program provides grants of up to $15,000 to community groups to help preserve and manage locally held but nationally significant cultural heritage collections.

Since the program began in 1994, more than $7.26 million has been allocated to 1,445 collection preservation and management projects. The program has had a significant impact on safeguarding local but nationally significant collections around the country, from inner cities to the most remote parts of Australia.

Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, Director-General of the National Library of Australia, said ‘the range of community groups receiving the grants has highlighted the incredible diversity of Australia’s people and stories. The grants help to preserve and manage these collections for future generations’.

In past years, projects ranging from preserving indigenous languages to caring for rare meteorological equipment have received assistance under the CHG program. Such support includes significance assessments, preservation needs assessments, conservation activities, collection management and training workshops. These ventures are provided to indigenous and multicultural groups, community organisations such as libraries, archives, museums, genealogical and historical societies.

The National Library manages the Community Heritage Grants Program—which is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications—with the National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia.

Applications close on Monday 4 May 2020.

To submit an application or find out more information visit nla.gov.au/chg.


Surf Life Saving New South Wales Seeking Inspirational Womens' Stories

July 1 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of women's involvement in active surf lifesaving duties.
Surf Life Saving NSW is celebrating this important anniversary and the achievements of women over the past 40 years. They're asking for help to recognise our trailblazing women by sharing your stories, photographs and videos.

SLS NSW will showcase these inspirational stories throughout the 2020/21 season and create an archive for future generations. 

How you can help Celebrate
  • Email SLS NSW your stories about the women who inspired change in the Surf Life Saving movement
  • Send them your photos and videos here or via WeTransfer to memberservices@surflifesaving.com.au
  • Post photos on Facebook, lnstagram and Twitter using the hastag #WomenInSLS
  • Send photographs, film and newspaper articles to SLSNSW - PO Box 307, Belrose 2085 (they will digitise and return)
Four of the first official women to patrol our beaches were welcomed at Whale Beach SLSC in 1980. (Sara & Jill Peters, Marion Robb and Tina Gowing)

Pittwater Online Autumn School Holidays Break

Please note that Issue 446 will be published Easter Sunday, April 12th and that Issue 447 will be published April 26th, 2020. 

The Pittwater Online Facebook page will be kept updated during this break period with any Notices received.

We will be working hard during the interim so drop us a line and we will get to you.

Thank you very much.

Great News: More Little Penguins Out And About

Residents have reported seeing groups of Little (Fairy) Penguins out and about on the beaches at Palm, Whale, Bilgola and Newport this week - a great sign that the work done by National Parks and Wildlife and the Fix-It Sisters in installing fire-proof penguin 'bungalows' on Lion Island this time last year is bearing the right kind of beautiful bird 'fruit' so to speak.

If you do see them please marvel at this great news from a distance and remember this is a protected species we all would like to see more of in the estuary (where they are often seen further south at Clareville and across to the western shores) and along the beaches. All native birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are protected in NSW by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Standing about 30 to 35cm in height, the little penguin weighs approximately one kilogram when fully grown. Its upper body and flippers are slate blue or blue-grey in colour, with the underside and throat being white. The little penguin's bill is black, its feet are pale pink, and its eyes are silvery-grey. The males of the species are slightly bigger than the females, and have a deeper bill and larger head.

The little penguin makes a variety of noises for different situations. It has a short, sharp bark when at sea; it uses a variety of throbbing growls and hoarse whoops when attracting a mate; and if it is disturbed it lets out a sharp, snorting yelp. [1.]

If you are near a little penguin colony, you can help protect these native seabirds:
  • never allow your dog or cat to roam free in areas where the little penguin may have its breeding sites or burrows
  • if you see little penguins when you are near the coast, keep your distance - you may be near breeding sites or habitat areas which can easily be disturbed [1.]
Just remember the Manly colony of Little (Fairy) penguins was declared Endangered in 1997 and work is still going on to protect them.


Photo: These little penguins at North Curl Curl beach were treated by the Sydney Taronga Zoo wildlife clinic after suffering injuries from a dog attack. (Reuters: David Gray (File picture) - 2008 Taronga Zoo)

1. NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

Congratulations C J Raggatt

Past Profilee and Artist of the Month Chris Raggatts' song 'Save My Soul' is currently No. 6 on the Australian Blues Chart - have a listen HERE

Congratulations Chris! Great stuff.


Congratulations Laurie Bimson

People may not be aware that the gentleman who conducts the Guringai Aboriginal Tours through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is an Artist too. Although the tours are obviously currently suspended, Uncle Laurie has been busy at his other works.

This recently installed plaque for Hornsby Shire Council features two totems carved by Laurie - one of the stingray of the Guringai peoples and the other of the possum of the Darug peoples. 

A wonderful work and shared insight into the world's oldest living culture.

New Website For Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 

Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches has launched a new website this week, with ALL the resources YOU and YOUR Club need, accompanied by exclusive insights into Members and their Stories, with information at your fingertips. 

Available now at: www.surflifesaving.net.au

Lights To Cheer All Up

Residents in the 2101 Postcode area of Narrabeen, Ingleside and Elanora Heights have sent in a request for their mates north and south to join in 'lighting up the night' by putting up their Christmas lights, or any other lights they have going to bring a bit of sparkle back. 

Selena Griffith has installed the lights that were part of Vivid Sydney in 2019 while Anne Spencer, another past Profilee and Artist of the Month has been encouraging others to put up their sparklers too. 

For those of us who have left up the solar powered strands of colour we got from Johnson Brothers Hardware last December because they look so pretty and add illumination for free, we're already 'lighting up the night'.

A Facebook Group page has been set up HERE and already any darkness is being chased away, as of old, by the coming of the light!


NBH Requests To Visitors: Please Note

Dear Editor
I write to ask for help from the Northern Beaches communities to heed the advice given by the NSW and Commonwealth governments regarding social distancing, self-isolation and hand hygiene. As the proud CEO of the Northern Beaches Hospital I can say that our staff are doing their utmost to assess and treat many people each day, but they cannot do so unassisted. We are all in this together and we must all play our part.

At the hospital we have made a few changes to protect our patients and our staff and I ask that those attending the hospital adhere to these. Currently there is no visiting to any wards on level 3, or into ward 4C, and this will be made clear at the time of admission. For other wards, strict visiting rules are now in place:
  • Only one nominated visitor for the duration of the patient’s admission
  • This visitor should not have travelled in the past 14 days
  • Not be experiencing cold/flu-like symptoms
  • Not have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-positive person in the past 14 days
We ask visitors to cooperate with these rules and remind everyone to be respectful to our staff as they deal with the effects of COVID situation at work and at home. You will see a support team around the hospital wearing pink hi-viz vests with “I can help you,” so please approach these people and ask if you’re unsure. Many individuals and groups have shown support to the hospital via letter/card or by dropping off sandwiches or lollies for the staff. We are appreciative of the support being received by you all across the Northern Beaches. No matter what their role at the hospital, all staff have my full confidence that they are doing their utmost to help locals.

The COVID pandemic could be a prolonged period so having the support of locals will help give our team the stamina needed to get through this professionally and personally.

Yours sincerely
Andrew Newton
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Beaches Hospital
Date: 3 April 2020

Funding To Combat Isolation For Seniors

NSW seniors at risk of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic will be the focus of $600,000 in funding to keep our older community connected. 

Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee urged eligible organisations to apply for the grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

“While more seniors are staying at home to protect their health, we do not want to create an epidemic of loneliness in our community,” Mr Lee said.

“Our most vulnerable age groups are being advised to follow social distancing rules, so face to face catch-ups and normal daily routines have become difficult.”

Applications for the Combating Social Isolation for Seniors During COVID-19 grants program are now open until 26 April 2020.         

“We want to fund innovative ideas to help seniors keep in touch by utilising phone calls, online platforms or other methods of communication,” said Mr Lee.

“With so many seniors now missing their regular social activities, we want to encourage programs which foster inclusion and encourage positive social outcomes.”

Social inclusion is a key priority of the NSW Ageing Strategy and is part of the NSW Government’s key commitment to meet the needs of our ageing population.

For more information and to apply, visit NSW Communities & Justice.

Postcard Pen Pals! 

In a time of social distancing, we want to reconnect our community. We want to bring young and old together again through our intergenerational pen pal program in collaboration with Your Side Australia. 
We are looking for kids and older people who would like to send and receive postcards in the Northern Beaches.

You will receive a free Postcard Pen Pals pack with postcards, stamps and envelopes for letters. You will also receive the first name and a short biography of your pen pal.

We are also looking for some creative kids who would like to help us design the postcards! 

If you would like to be part of the program, email us at dementiafriendly@yourside.org.au

Northern Beaches Dementia Friendly Community

Seniors, People With Disability And Carers Dedicated Page With All Info.

The NSW State government is committed to helping seniors, people with disability and their families and carers stay safe and well during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page provides useful information and links to help you stay updated on what you need to know and do. 

You can call Service NSW 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 77 88 to find out information about COVID-19. For free help in your language, call Translating and Interpreting Services on 13 14 50 and ask them to contact Service NSW.

Stay safe, stay informed.

On The Water Rules At Present

NSW Maritime - From Centre for Maritime Safety - NSW Transport
Transport for NSW and NSW Maritime appreciates that many boaters and community members have questions about the public health directions and how they relate to water-based activities.

From 31 March 2020, NSW Government Public Health Orders have been updated requiring people to stay at home unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’. The Public Health Order can be accessed here.
Unless you have an essential need to be out - stay home.

A ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home to use your boat could be to:
  • exercise (e.g. kayaking/sailing/paddling/fishing etc);
  • get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home;
  • get groceries; and
  • provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the person’s family.
Socialising or cruising on the water is not a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home.
Remember, social distancing and social gathering rules apply at all times – including at the boat ramp and on your boat. Skippers must also remember their other safety responsibilities regarding safety equipment, alcohol consumption, keeping a proper lookout and proceeding at a safe speed.
For the latest information on coronavirus and current restrictions, members of the community are encouraged to check the NSW Government website for regular updates.

Frequently Asked Questions
If I have a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave home, what water-based activities are still permitted?
The table below addresses the status of common water-based activities under the current Public Health Orders. Social distancing and social gathering rules are to be observed at all times during any of the below activities. The latest information on social distancing and social gathering rules are available on the NSW Government website.

When on a private boat, because it is not a public place, the restriction on gatherings of more than 2 people does not apply. However, the skipper is to ensure there is 4 square metres of space for each person on board. If there is not 4 square metres of space per person, the skipper will not be complying with the Public Health Order.

If you are satisfied you meet all the criteria, please still only boat locally.




Are boat ramps still open?
All boat ramps in NSW are managed by local councils, the National Parks and Wildlife Service or WaterNSW – with the exception of four ramps managed by Transport for NSW at Carrington, North Stockton, South Stockton and Port Kembla.

Contact your local council for more information about specific boat ramps.

There are no current plans to close the ramps managed by Transport for NSW.

What if I see a breach of restrictions on the water?
NSW Police is the relevant enforcement authority for the Public Health Order and will use discretion to assess whether community members have a ‘reasonable excuse’ to be out on the water, and whether there have been any breaches
To report a breach contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report via their website.

For the latest information on coronavirus and current restrictions, members of the community are encouraged to check the NSW Government website (http://nsw.gov.au) for regular updates.

Last Post At Dawn This ANZAC Day

April 2020: James Morrison
At 6am on ANZAC Day musicians everywhere are being called on to take to their front yards to play the Last Post. 

A grassroots campaign for Australians to commemorate Anzac Day at dawn in their driveways is gathering momentum across the country.

With traditional services and marches cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, RSL branches in every state have unanimously endorsed the gesture, with families across the nation expected to stand at their gates, on balconies or verandahs at 6am on Saturday April 25. 

Please join us and the rest of Australia in this special moment to remember all those who have served and sacrificed for this nation.

We may not be able to stand together as we usually would, but we can still stand united in spirit.

Anyone interested should download the sheet music, start practising and notify their neighbourhood via a letterbox drop. http://musicformateship.org/

ANZAC Day 2020 Services On Your Driveway Tribute

There will be no ANZAC Day Commemorative Services conducted by Palm Beach, Avalon Beach, Narrabeen and Pittwater RSL's this year. Some Sub-Branch members are speaking about whether it will be feasible to stream Dawn Services online - Pittwater Online will bring you updates as they come to hand.

There is a community groundswell for everyone to walk to the end of their driveways at 5.55am on the morning of April 25th and hold a light aloft to honour those who have served and continue to service our country in the Defence Forces of Australia.

Locally community members are organising poppies for the end of driveways as well as a service which will be available on the Avalon Beach RSL Facebook page, organised by Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch members. 

There are also a few other ways you may pay your respects this year. Please visit:

Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch News

In related news, those who attended last years service may recall the lady who gave the 2020 Anzac Day Address, Jennifer Wittwer. Ms Wittwer is now a Member of the branch and she has just launched a book. 'Against the Wind'. The tome is filled with practical advice to guide and stretch every woman looking to succeed on her own terms. The book shows women how to work out what they want in their career and life, and their personal values. The book, like Jennifer’s consulting, is focused on empowering women to ‘be what they can’t see’ and to bravely step up to tackle the ‘firsts’ that still remain in their profession.

The Introduction is available to read online here: www.jenniferwittwer.com/book

Another publication features Sub-Branch Member Ryan Carmichael on the cover of the March 2020 edition of Reveille - a good indication of the great work current and past members of our defence services do in our community and for Australia itself.

That Cover:


DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week


August


AGE/SEX: 12 years / M
BREED: English Staffy X
August is a mature boy with a very gentle affectionate nature. He is social with other dogs. He prefers his humans around most of the time and he is hard of hearing, so this can distress him so he needs to know you are near. He came in as a skeleton at 11.2kg but he is gaining weight. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400. 

Eleven

Eleven is a petite domestic short haired girl who was found heavily pregnant in a plastic bag outside the pound. She came to our clinic with her "Stranger Things" kittens Nancy, Maxine, Bart and Dustin. Despite her ordeal, she has settled in well, is friendly and enjoys pats. Eleven is also friendly with other cats.
She comes with desexing, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV tested and microchipped. Adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting her, please contact DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com. He is located at Ingleside.

NB:


Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards - RESCA

March 25, 2020
We are proud to officially announce the opening of the 2020 NSW Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards nominations.

Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) is the only time all Emergency Services personnel, both paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards program.

The Awards are open to all, Emergency Service Agency (ESA) Personnel stationed in NSW, serving in either a paid capacity or Volunteer in:
  • Fire and Rescue NSW
  • Marine Rescue NSW
  • Surf Life Saving NSW
  • NSW Ambulance Service
  • NSW Rural Fire Service
  • NSW State Emergency Service
  • NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
In keeping with the Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, RESCA acknowledges and celebrates the selfless Community Service of Emergency Services Personnel whilst also supporting and funding two important Rotary initiatives:
  • Australian Rotary Health – PhD Research Scholarship investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Services Personnel
  • Emergency and Disaster Preparedness training by a competitively selected Vocational Training Team connected with a developing country in the Asia/Pacific Region
Emergency Service Personnel can be nominated by colleague, family and any members of the community. Panels of independent judges will then assess nominees on three (3) key criteria:
  • Community service over and above the call of normal duties which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self (i.e. community involvement when they are not working in their normal roles).
  • Personal attributes
  • Contribution to their organisation
Given the past six months of devastation across the state we anticipate that there will be many worthy applicants for this year’s Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards.

Applications will be open until 1 May 2020 and can be applied for on the RESCA website here - https://nsw.rescawards.org.au/nominations/

Please assist us by sharing this post within your own networks to officially launch the opening of nominations.

Should you have any questions please reach out to the team at Admire Events on resca@admireevents.com.au.

We look forward to seeing your submissions this year.

Dorothy L Hennessy OAM
Chair
Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards

April  5 - 11, 2020: Issue 445

This Issue

Front Page Issue 445 

Public Health Doctor Warns Of Need For Social Distancing As COVID-19 Cases Rise On The Beaches by Miranda Korzy

Pittwater Businesses Call For Government Clarity On COVID-19 Support by Miranda Korzy

CSIRO begins testing Covid-19 vaccines - from CSIRO

Bush Fire Season Comes To A Close In NSW 

Aquatics Clash Of The Crazies On The Northern Beaches’ Most Beautiful Waterway – F16 National Titles 2020 by Beau White

Pictures The Beautiful photos of Joe Mills - because we need some bright colourful visions by this regular Front Pager ! (who has this week's most glorious Dawn on this Issues' Front Page - again).

Park Bench Philosopher Roderic Quinns Poems And Prose For Manly, Beacon Hill, Dee Why And Narrabeen - 10 Year Celebrations and all in One Place

Reflections by George Repin: THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. JAMES – ŠIBENIK, CROATIA

Collector's Corner Stargazing In Pittwater: An End Of Daylight Savings Pastime - The 2020 CWAS David Malin Photography Awards Are Now Open It's a great time of the year to remind yourself, with the first possum grunt, microbat flit or owl hoot that the universe is available to be seen when the sun slides behind the western horizon. You may even discover your very own comet or galaxy or create your own Star Art!

Inbox News Self-Care In The Time Of COVID-19: Creative Ways Forward, How To Help Your Relatives Stay Connected Online During COVID-19, Lessons Of The Epidemic For Small Government, Keto Diet Showing Promise, Macquarie University Partners With Love Your Sister, Worldwide Scientific Collaboration Unveils Genetic Architecture Of Grey Matter, Mixed News For Women When It Comes To Radiotherapy: Worse Side Effects But More Likely To Be Cured

Environment April Fools Day Announcement 2020 No Joke: Victorian And Federal Government Renew 10 Year Logging Plans For Bushfire Ravaged Areas In Gippsland and Exemptions For Loggers On Threatened Species In These Areas, Natural Resources Commission Report On Land Management in NSW, Reminder Of Closed Areas: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park Visitor Areas And Facilities Are Closed including Barrenjoey Headland and The Basin, Birding At Home, New Department Of Regional NSW To Take On Urgent Needs Of The Bush, Flows Resume In The Lower Darling River And Temporary Water Restriction Repealed, First Record Of Quolls At Tilbuster North Of Armidale In 17 Years, While we fixate on coronavirus; Earth is hurtling towards a catastrophe worse than the dinosaur extinction, A major scorecard gives the health of Australia’s environment less than 1 out of 10, Honeyeaters Send Lightning-Fast Warning Signals, Even If The Parks Are Closed You Can Still Go Google Trekking, On Friday At Sydney Wildlife Waratah Park Rehabilitation Facility: Coco!, A Kookaburra's Outlook: 1933, Feathered Friends in Pittwater in 1931,  Weed Cassia Now Flowering: Please Pull Out and Save Our Bush, Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans and Bottles and Nominate SW As Recipient, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens And Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++

Pittwater COVID- 19 Food Outlets Restriction Responses: Take Away from Restaurants and Cafes and Grocers and Food Available From Local Outlets  Local food suppliers and cafes and restaurants are currently adapting to social-distancing requirements and the closure of public spaces to large gatherings. Listed this week are those that have food you can order for take away or delivery and also those who supplied these outlets who also have food available to purchase.

The World at Your Fingertips Online: How to host conferences and Events, The Great Outdoors from Indoors, Arts and Culture sites allow a Tour Online, Zoos Live Streaming Animals, Books and Movies and Music for Children, Youth, and Seniors - these lists will be added into so worth revisiting by those self-isolating or in lockdown due to age or vulnerability  

Profile Rob Bain
Rob Bain has been announced as a Finalist in the 2020 Australian Surfing Awards in the Peter Troy Lifestyle Award - which is presented to 'the person who has given his or her life over to surfing, and in doing so has enriched the lives of other Australian surfers over time'. 

A former Championship Tour veteran, and having claimed the first-ever World Title in the Grand Masters division in 2018, Rob has grown up in the water and now has around six decades of catching waves under his belt.

When he won the World Title in 2018 it was the second major professional comp he'd won on his birthday. In 1989, Rob Bain won the first-ever pro surfing contest in Portugal - The Instinct/Boundi Pro against Glen Winton. Then, 28 years later, Mr. Bain clinched the Grand Masters Title on the same day, in the same country, in the Azores Airlines World Masters Championship.

"Life is so weird right now," said Bain after his win. "I won the first pro surfing contest in Portugal on my Birthday almost 30 years ago. It was hard not to think about that today. I was with my girlfriend back then who is now my wife and the mother of my kids.

I was walking down the beach this morning and I took a moment to be by myself and take it all in. I'm actually getting pretty choked up right now. This is special. It's taken a life time of ups and downs but this is a dream come true."

As everyone sang Happy Birthday to 'Bainy' while he stood on the podium as the newly crowned World Grand Master, he summed up that week's sentiments: "Surfing is the greatest sport in the world."

He had similar joy when he won the Coke Classic at North Narrabeen in April 1990 - still among his favourite memories and worth raising a beer to later this month. 

Born at Manly Hospital on September 23rd, 1962, Mr. Bain grew up opposite the beach where the first ever World Championship was held in 1964. 

Rob finished third in the 1984 Australian National Titles, then turned pro, steadily worked his way up the ratings and became known as the worlds' best in big hollow waves. He consistently finished in the top 10 from 1988 to 1991, winning four world-class events in his career before he retired from the international tour.  With children being born he left the CT intent on pursuing his passion for the sea and waves in the industry that supports that, and found ways of doing that through persistence - something that many state marked his years in the Tour.

This week a special for those who can't hang around on the sand and in the water too long at present but for whom surfing remains, the greatest sport in the world.


In Smuggling at Broken Bay by Shelagh Champion OAM a notorious instance of smuggling in Pittwater indicates a ‘final straw’ and reason for constructing and maintaining a Customs Station in Broken Bay by 1842. Pittwater, Broken Bay and the many tributaries of the Hawkesbury with all their caves along shorelines and creek beds were obvious places to hide contraband and move it overland into Sydney. The amount of large and small vessels coming and going or mooring in Pittwater’s quieter waters when gales made seas dangerous, and a logged count of these, would have added impetus in checking the destinations and safety of the many ships running up and down the east coast of Australia. 

The Pittwater waterways and sheltered coves in the early days of New South Wales settlement by Europeans were considered to be Sydney’s second harbour and a port people at leisure as well as in the business of shipping goods knew well. Relatives of original settlers speak of an attitude of Pittwater being far enough away from Sydney to be free of the scrutiny of Law keepers. With men who also worked their own holdings appointed as constables for the district, Martin Burke and Robert MacIntosh (Pittwater) Robert Henderson (Brisbane Waters), a man who later sold rum, ambiguity around those sent to catch crooks smuggling or residents running illegal stills focused further scrutiny on the district. Interestingly the name of a local cave, the ‘Hole in the Wall’ at Avalon, seems to illustrate a long held local attitude towards the ‘rogue’s game’;

''Hole In the Wall."
When I was in Scotland, I visited many crofter's homes in the Highlands with my uncle, a minister of the Church of Scotland. The typical home of the Scotch peasants consists of a passage and a "But and Ben" on the ground floor, and a loft above the "But" is the living room or kitchen, and the "Ben"  is the best room. In both are the concealed beds always known as box-beds. Sliding doors hide the beds during the day. I have seen these beds in a modern flat in Glasgow, and in crofters' homes around Grantown, also at Cromarty, Inverness, Dingwall, Oban, and Helensburgh, but never heard them called  "The Hole in the Wall;" they are always termed box-beds. I believe Robbie Burns was born in one, and I think so was Hugh Millar.  

Is it not more likely that the old Inn at Paddington called "The Hole in the Wall" derived its name from the old "Hole In the Wall" at Pittwater, near Sydney, which was well known 70 or 80 years ago, or from some similar natural formation in the cliffs found very frequently along the Cornish coast. These were commonly associated with the smuggling of brandy and French wines to escape the duty. Many a boatload of contraband spirits escaped the excise officers by disappearing through one of these, natural arches called "The Hole in the Wall." It seems very possible that some old Sydney Innkeeper associated with smuggling in his early days, or with the providing of duty free spirits, called his inn by this name in the hope of attracting ex-smugglers, seamen, and others who, on principle, preferred spirits that had evaded the duty. I am, etc.,   MARY E. J. YEO. Yass, Oct. 27. "THE HOLE IN THE WALL.". (1927, October 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28054926

The fictional ‘Three Fifties and a Ten’ by the proprietor of the ‘Hawkesbury Chronicle’ George C Johnson, written under one of his nom de plumes, 'Kooyal', gives a further great recounting of one groups escapades meeting a ship off Barrenjoey and moving contraband up the river. Another letter regarding the then recent offloading of rum and brandy from the Fair Barbadian into Broken Bay ignited the District’s infamy anew and was a clarion call demanding to be answered.

Originally published in Issue 105, April 7th, 2013 - now with added in links to other Barrenjoey History pages worth visiting - part of the Pittwater Online News 10 Years Celebrations.

Pittwater COVID- 19 Restriction Responses: Take Away from Restaurants and Cafes and Grocers and Food Available From Local Outlets  Local food suppliers and cafes and restaurants are currently adapting to social-distancing requirements and the closure of public spaces to large gatherings. Listed this week are those that have food you can order for take away or delivery and also those who supplied these outlets who also have food available to purchase. As a community service, there is no charge to list your eatery here - you do need to email details: name, operating hours along with a menu if available, to pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au - we will keep adding them in as/when received.

The World at Your Fingertips Online: How to host conferences and Events, The Great Outdoors from Indoors, Arts and Culture sites allow a Tour Online, Zoos Live Streaming Animals, Books and Movies and Music for Children, Youth, and Seniors - these lists will be added into so worth revisiting by those self-isolating or in lockdown due to age or vulnerability 

Artists of the Month April 2020: Australia's Great Online Collections In State Art Galleries, Museums And Libraries With local and national galleries, museums and libraries, along with the great exhibitions they curate and then host closed at present an online tour of the great Art within these institutions is one way we can keep supporting and celebrating all they seek to share with Australians.  As many of these have invested in sharing their works online, all digitised, many are available for people to take a virtual tour of. This month a little about these with links to where you can spend happy hours dwelling in their wonderful collections. 

Bear in mind it's not just the city centres that host these wonderful online galleries - many a local history society in regional areas, as well as regional art galleries, have and are currently adding to their online digitised resources so those far from these places can feast their eyes.

You can even take virtual tours of overseas galleries - however, those that are run here are brimful of wonderful Australian works of the places we love. They are a great reminder of the many aspects and offerings these places seek to share with all and how much we have to be thankful for.

This Issue we run from NSW to the Tasmania and over to South Australia - revisit next Issue and the great offerings in Western Australia and Queensland, The National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia and National Portrait Gallery will have been added in, along with some of those regional gems and a few secret places we find wonderful Pittwater and Australian Art and Imagery to share with you.

Help Stop The Spread Of Covid-19

From 31 March 2020, you must stay at home, unless you are going to
  • work and education, where you can’t work remotely
  • shop for food and essentials
  • medical needs or the care of others
  • exercise.
Existing rules around 10 people at funerals and 5 people at weddings still apply.
  • If you go out, stay 1.5 metres away from other people at all times.
  • Wash your hands as soon as you get home.
Do not gather in public with more than 2 people except
  • for members of the same household
  • where the gathering is essential for work or education.
Anyone could spread the virus, even without knowing. 

Together we can help stop the spread of COVID-19.

NSW Government

NBH Requests To Visitors: Please Note

Dear Editor
I write to ask for help from the Northern Beaches communities to heed the advice given by the NSW and Commonwealth governments regarding social distancing, self-isolation and hand hygiene. As the proud CEO of the Northern Beaches Hospital I can say that our staff are doing their utmost to assess and treat many people each day, but they cannot do so unassisted. We are all in this together and we must all play our part.

At the hospital we have made a few changes to protect our patients and our staff and I ask that those attending the hospital adhere to these. Currently there is no visiting to any wards on level 3, or into ward 4C, and this will be made clear at the time of admission. For other wards, strict visiting rules are now in place:
  • Only one nominated visitor for the duration of the patient’s admission
  • This visitor should not have travelled in the past 14 days
  • Not be experiencing cold/flu-like symptoms
  • Not have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-positive person in the past 14 days
We ask visitors to cooperate with these rules and remind everyone to be respectful to our staff as they deal with the effects of COVID situation at work and at home. You will see a support team around the hospital wearing pink hi-viz vests with “I can help you,” so please approach these people and ask if you’re unsure. Many individuals and groups have shown support to the hospital via letter/card or by dropping off sandwiches or lollies for the staff. We are appreciative of the support being received by you all across the Northern Beaches. No matter what their role at the hospital, all staff have my full confidence that they are doing their utmost to help locals.

The COVID pandemic could be a prolonged period so having the support of locals will help give our team the stamina needed to get through this professionally and personally.

Yours sincerely
Andrew Newton
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Beaches Hospital
Date: 3 April 2020

Seniors, People With Disability And Carers Dedicated Page With All Info.

The NSW State government is committed to helping seniors, people with disability and their families and carers stay safe and well during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page provides useful information and links to help you stay updated on what you need to know and do. 

You can call Service NSW 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 77 88 to find out information about COVID-19. For free help in your language, call Translating and Interpreting Services on 13 14 50 and ask them to contact Service NSW.

Stay safe, stay informed.

On The Water Rules At Present

April 2nd, 2020: NSW Maritime 
From 31 March 2020, NSW Government public health directions have been updated requiring people to stay at home unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse.'

However, as there is on land, there are exceptions that apply on water. If you go out, social distancing rules always apply – at the boat ramp and on your boat. 

You should only be on your boat alone, or with no more than one other person; or with family who ordinarily live in the same household as you.

A ‘reasonable excuse’ to use your boat could be to: 
  1. exercise (e.g. kayaking/sailing/paddling etc);
  2. fish;
  3. get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home;
  4. get groceries; and
  5. provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the person’s family.
Unless you have an essential need to be out - stay ashore.

If you do need to go out, stick to your local waters, and do not gather with more than 2 people unless with members of the same household. 

It is important to remember that the self-isolation rules apply at all times.

Packing up your boat for a road trip and a half day fishing expedition is also not in the spirit of the restrictions.

Skippers are always responsible, generally this is applied to safety equipment, keeping a proper lookout and proceeding at a safe speed.

For the latest information on coronavirus and current restrictions, members of the community are encouraged to check the NSW Government website (http://nsw.gov.au) for regular updates.

Reminder: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park Visitor Areas And Facilities Are Closed

Applies from Tue 31 Mar 2020, 10.41am. Last reviewed: Fri 03 Apr 2020: NPWS

Many high visitation areas and facilities within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are closed until further notice to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff. The closed areas include:

  • Bobbin Head Information Centre
  • All large picnic shelters
  • All picnic and barbecue facilities (including picnic tables)
  • All playgrounds
  • Brooklyn Dam campsites 
  • Barrenjoey Headland and Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Berowra track remains closed between Apple Tree Bay and the intersection of Mount Ku-ring-gai track until further notice, while staff fix extensive storm damage.

The closure of toilets and other facilities will be decided on a case-by-case basis, with necessary site assessments considering the management of health and safety risk to visitors and staff, as well as available resourcing to maintain facilities. Access to sanitation products and running water cannot be guaranteed. We recommend bringing hand soap, hand wipes and toilet paper with you to maintain good hygiene as advised by the NSW Government.

If you wish to exercise in a national park, you should choose a park close to your home. Visitors are reminded that non-essential travel is currently not permitted. If your planned visit is for a purpose other than exercise, you should reconsider your plans as you may be in breach of the current public health orders. If you arrive at a national park or other public space and it is too crowded to practice social distancing, it is your responsibility to leave the area. Do not wait to be instructed by NPWS or police.

If you're visiting the park, please bring a card to pay vehicle entry fees.

For more information about closures, call the NPWS Contact Centre on 1300 072 757, the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400 or the NPWS Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. Please check our COVID-19 update for further information.

The Basin Is Now Closed

Advice from the National Parks and Wildlife Service is that The Basin is now closed - we will bring you any updates as/when received.

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

April 2nd, 2020
NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families as NSW continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said.

“If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.

“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community in the current environment.”

The NSW Government is constantly adapting as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.

Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
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$10,000 In Fast Relief For Small Business Battling Covid-19

April 3, 2020
Thousands of small businesses across NSW struggling through COVID-19 will receive grants of up to $10,000 under a new assistance scheme announced today by Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope.

Member for Manly James Griffin welcomed the $750 million Small Business Support Fund as the centrepiece of a third wave of support measures to keep small businesses afloat across Manly and the Northern Beaches.

“Whether we have waived payroll tax and other charges or now providing $10,000 for small businesses, we have worked quickly to adapt to the changing economic environment,” Mr Griffin said.

“Our Small Business Support Fund is based on the highly successful scheme rolled-out during the bushfire season, and it’s about getting cash into the hands of small business right now.

“Many of our local cafes, restaurants, gyms and fitness studios on the Northern Beaches have adjusted to the health guidance and moved their businesses online, this funding will help them keep the lights on and help keep people employed.

“The application process will be easy and done through our one-stop-shop Service NSW.”

To be eligible, businesses will need to:
  • Have between 1-19 employees and a turnover of more than $75,000;
  • A payroll below the NSW Government 2019-20 payroll tax threshold of $900,000;
  • Have an Australian Business Number as at 1 March 2020, be based in NSW and employ staff as at 1 March 2020;
  • Be highly impacted by the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020 issued on 30 March 2020;
  • Use the funding for unavoidable business costs such as utilities, overheads, legal costs and financial advice;
  • Provide appropriate documentation upon application.
Applications for a small business grant of up to $10,000 will be available through Service NSW within a fortnight and remain open until 1 June 2020.

This latest move follows two assistance packages from NSW in the past fortnight, whose combined value far exceeds the support offered by any other state, including:
  • More than $5 billion in payroll tax waivers, deferrals and other tax deferrals;
  • A $1 billion Working for NSW fund to create jobs; 
  • $700 million in additional funding for the health system; 
  • $250 million to bring forward capital works and maintenance on public assets;
  • $500 million to bring forward capital works, maintenance and shovel ready infrastructure projects;
  • $80 million to waive a range of fees and charges;
  • $80 million to help the vulnerable through a range of measures

Northern Beaches Businesses Asked To Join Fight Against Covid-19 

April 2, 2020
Businesses across the Northern Beaches are being encouraged to join the fight against COVID-19 and start producing much needed medical equipment for NSW.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the unprecedented global demand on much needed medical supplies had seen traditional suppliers now unable to fill urgent orders to service NSW.

“Hand sanitiser, hand wash, soap, cleaning products, protective clothing, gloves, masks, eyewear and paper products are now in high demand,” Mr Griffin said.

“The NSW Government is now calling on local businesses across NSW to convert their production lines to make these products to fill the gap.

The products required urgently include:
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Handwash soap
  • Gloves
  • Cleaning products
  • Protective clothing 
  • Masks
  • Eyewear
  • Paper products
Mr Griffin said this is also a great way for businesses who may be seeing a downturn in business due to COVID-19 to adapt and remain strong during these uncertain times.

“Businesses now have the opportunity to diversify and keep as many workers in a job as possible.”

Businesses who are able to join the fight against COVID-19 are urged to register their interest at www.nsw.gov.au 

Palm Beach Golf Club Half Hour Increase In Opening Hours + Level Access Area For Elderly And Disabled Leads To L&E Appearance

A March 20, 2020 judgement in the Land and Environment court will allow Palm Beach Golf Club, once they may open again, to move towards having an area specifically for seniors and those with a disability. Hot House Studio (the applicant), engaged by the Palm Beach Golf Club, lodged an Appeal pursuant to s 8.9 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the EPA Act). The appeal was against the refusal by the Northern Beaches Council (the Council) of Modification Application MOD2018/0209 (the application).

The club on April 27, 2018, lodged at modification application with the Council. As lodged, the application proposed to amend the conditions of the current consent as follows:
  • To modify condition D234 to increase the number of patrons permitted in the alfresco area from 50 to 120; and
  • To modify conditions D238 and D239 to extend the hours of operation of the temporary bar and alfresco area to 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
An acoustic report by Noise and Sound Services dated April 2018 was included with the application to address the noise impacts associated with the proposed modifications.

In May 2018, the application was modified to reduce the proposed hours of operation of the alfresco area to 10am to 6pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and 10am to 8.30pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT); in essence, to daylight hours.

Following the termination of conciliation held under s 34 of the Land and Environment Court Act 1979, the application was further amended to not increase patron numbers and to restrict Sunday operating hours to 10am to 7pm. An updated acoustic report was provided in November 2018, which also proposed the provision of an acoustic screen on the eastern edge of the alfresco area. No music was to be played in the alfresco area and there were no proposed changes to any other aspect of the operations of the clubhouse. In June 2018, this application was refused and the appeal lodged.

In essence, the only issue between the parties was whether or not the noise assessment, and any proposed conditions of consent for the modification sought, should relate to only the alfresco area or to the whole of the clubhouse. Council sought to apply it to the whole of the clubhouse. Judge Smithson contended;

....I do not agree with the Council’s argument that the modification application should provide the opportunity to impose more stringent controls over the use of other areas of the clubhouse when it was not demonstrated that the use of such areas contributed to the likely impacts of the modification proposed. Nor does it link the amended or proposed conditions to the modification as sought.

As amended, the modification application before the Court sought only to extend the hours of use of the alfresco area of the Palm Beach Golf Club to, in essence, daylight hours throughout the week, which is currently not permitted.

In return, the applicant agreed to reduce the maximum number of patrons able to be accommodated in this area from 50 to 30, other than for 26 times in the year (to a maximum of 5 days in any month). This equates to having up to 50 patrons in the area on average fortnightly, whereas that number is currently permitted every Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, the applicant agreed to install an acoustic screen adjoining the ground floor level of the clubhouse to reduce the noise emanating from this area. The applicant also agreed to retain or amend a number of conditions of consent which impose noise limits and management requirements on the Club for the use of the alfresco area.

Judge Smithson found, based on the evidence and having regard to the circumstances, including the support from the nearest adjoining resident, the modification application as amended should be approved on the basis of specific new conditions, but with these conditions relating generally only to the alfresco area.

What was now proposed was a minor modification to the operating hours of that approved use which, on the evidence, of itself will have no unreasonable or adverse noise impacts, or indeed any other impacts, on the amenity of surrounding residents.

The Council sought for the Court to, in effect, impose retrospective controls on the operation of an existing use through the determination of the current application which is for a subsequently separately approved modification to that use. This is even though the modification now sought was minor and will not substantially or materially alter the use of other areas of the clubhouse, with no changes to those areas proposed.

In terms of the new condition D250, being the hours of operation and patron numbers, these were only applied to the alfresco area, given that was the basis of the modification in the first place. There was no basis to limit hours or patron numbers elsewhere in the clubhouse. The agreed limit of 30 patrons in the alfresco area, other than as otherwise agreed in the balance of the condition when 50 patrons can be accommodated, was imposed accordingly.

Judge Smithson also found that there was no material difference in terms of the impacts between the alfresco area closing at 8pm or 8:30pm and there should therefore not be this difference in closing time between the summer school holidays and the rest of summer. There seemed little logic in reducing the closing time by half an hour for the balance of summer given that comprises only a limited additional period and when it was agreed that this time would not be as busy as during the summer school holidays. Condition D250 therefore allows operation of the alfresco area until 8.30pm throughout all of summer.
Condition D241 was therefore imposed as follows:

“D241. Noise associated with the alfresco area

The LAeq noise level emitted from the use of the alfresco area must not exceed a maximum of 55dB(A) during the day and 45dB(A) during the evening when assessed at the boundary of any affected residence.

Note:  Hours of business operation/entertainment restricted to those shown elsewhere in this consent.

For the purposes of this condition:
  • day: means the period from 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • evening: means the period from 6:00pm to 8.30pm.”
The agreed wording of the condition requiring the installation of the ground floor acoustic screen was imposed, but was renumbered to be condition D253 not D254. The judge deleted the Council’s proposed condition D253 requiring the provision of acoustic screening for the first floor balcony.

In closing His Honor, Judge Smithson, stated;

Finally, I note that the (PBGC) General Manager’s evidence was that the Club was seeking a grant to upgrade facilities to enable improved access for disabled or less mobile persons, including disabled golfers and the elderly in the local community, who are otherwise limited from accessing the Club when the alfresco area is closed during the week.

That such visits can be facilitated by the modification proposed during the working day week is not only, in my view, of community benefit but is unlikely to have any adverse impacts, with only 30 people likely to be accommodated in the alfresco area at these times.

The full judgement by Smithson may be read HERE

Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order 2020

under the Public Health Act 2010
I, Brad Hazzard, the Minister for Health and Medical Research, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, make the following Order.
Dated 25 March 2020.
BRAD HAZZARD, MP
Minister for Health and Medical Research

Explanatory note
The object of this Order is to deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences by giving a Ministerial direction that a person diagnosed with COVID-19 must immediately travel to a residence or place that has been determined to be suitable for the person to reside in or to a hospital for assessment. On leaving or being discharged from the hospital, the diagnosed person must travel directly to a residence or place of that kind. The diagnosed person must, except in specified circumstances, remain at the residence or place and not permit any other person to enter the residence or place until medically cleared.

Section 10 of the Public Health Act 2010 creates an offence if an individual fails to comply with a direction with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of up to $11,000 (or both) plus a further $5,500 fine each day the offence continues. Corporations that fail to comply with a direction are liable to a fine of $55,000 and $27,500 each day the offence continues.

NB: 7 - Repeal of Order - This Order is repealed on 23 June 2020.

Read the Government Public Health Order in full.

NSW Police Marine Area Command Coordinates Five Cruise Ship Operation

April 4, 2020
The NSW Police Force Marine Area Command is leading the largest maritime operation undertaken in Sydney Harbour to coordinate the provisioning and crew movements of five cruise ships.

‘Operation Nemesis’, assisted by the Port Authority of NSW, has been working closely with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to safely coordinate the return of the ships to their home ports.

Following several days of planning, Spectrum of the Seas entered the port of Sydney about 4.30pm yesterday (Friday 3 April 2020), guided by a marine pilot, and anchored at Athol Bay to re-provision essential supplies, including fuel, food and medical materials.

It was joined by Radiance of the Seas which entered Sydney Harbour after 5am today (Saturday 4 April 2020).

More than 600 crew members, who are Foreign Nationals, were moved between the two ships in numerous tender operations, before both ships departed NSW waters to return to their home countries just before 2pm.

A third ship – Celebrity Solstice – entered Sydney Harbour just after 2pm, and a further two ships – Voyager of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas – are scheduled to enter the harbour later today.

A further 780 crew members will be transferred in multiple tender operations this evening, before the remaining three ships depart.

A total of five Australian crew members remain on the ships.

Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Steve Hegarty, said the operation has been planned and executed by the Marine Area Command.

“NSW Police has been instrumental in facilitating the movement of more than 750,000 tonnes of shipping through the Port of Sydney over about a 30-hour period,” Supt Hegarty said.

“It will be the largest peace time maritime operation undertaken in Sydney Harbour and has relied on the cooperation of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and the Port Authority of NSW to ensure its success.”

Further information will be available at the conclusion of the operation.



Ruby Princess Update

April 3, 2020: NSW Health
To date there have been 342 confirmed cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in NSW in passengers who all acquired their infection while on, or in some cases, possibly before boarding the Ruby Princess cruise.

Transmission of COVID-19 amongst these passengers could not have been prevented by NSW Health staff. No cases of COVID-19 were identified on board the ship before it docked.

The vast majority of these passengers reported they did not develop symptoms until after leaving the Ruby Princess.

All passengers were advised to self-isolate for 14 days following disembarkation, which NSW Health has confirmed was provided by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.

Probable secondary transmission has been limited to 11 confirmed cases as of 3 April.

International experience shows COVID-19 can rapidly spread among passengers if left on board, so self-isolation at home is a much safer option than leaving passengers on board.

NSW Health had prepared plans in the event COVID-19 being identified on a cruise ship.

On this particular voyage, it was known that influenza activity had been identified on the ship.

The Ruby Princess was assessed as low risk, based on the level of illness on board, the negative COVID-19 tests done on passengers while in New Zealand, and the positive influenza tests done on a large proportion of the passengers with influenza like illness.

The risk assessment process recognised that there is no “no risk” setting for COVID-19, but balanced the level of risk against the benefit of removing passengers from a cruise ship on which the virus could be circulating.

Rapid influenza tests identify only a proportion of people who actually have the infection, meaning some people return a negative result even though they are infected with the flu. The illness and test results identified on board was consistent with influenza.

This is reflected in email correspondence between NSW Health and the ship’s doctor on the Ruby Princess who confirmed influenza was circulating on the cruise. However, in two sick patients referenced in the email, although they had tested negative to influenza, the cause of their respiratory infection was consistent with influenza for which they were receiving treatment.

The reasons for ambulance transport requested by the treating doctor to NSW Health’s assessment panel, were, one passenger had a heart condition likely caused by an infection which was responding to influenza treatment, and the second passenger was suffering severe lower back pain but was also receiving treatment for flu.

Under the Commonwealth Department of Health cruise protocols, an ILI outbreak is defined when ‘more than one per cent of the ships total passengers and crew have an influenza like illness’.

The Ruby Princess had 2647 passengers and 1148 crew. The ship reported to NSW Health there were 104 acute respiratory infections of which 36 people had presented to the ship’s clinic with influenza like illness during the cruise and its numbers fell short of the definition of an ‘outbreak’.

The Commonwealth Department of Health protocol on managing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19 risk from cruise ship) states “provided there are no concerns about the COVID-19 risk profile of the ship or suspected COVID-19 cases reported …the ship may be allowed to continue voyage while samples are tested”.

Thank You To The Department Of Foreign Affairs And Trade

April 3, 2020
Thank you to all the hardworking men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). 

These are difficult times, and they are doing amazing work bringing Australians home. 

According to the department, Mackellar has one of the highest number of people currently overseas, seeking assistance to come home. To date my office has dealt with 25 cases of Australians stuck overseas, while some are ongoing many have since returned home. The DFAT staff have proven to be professional and incredibly dedicated to helping their fellow Australians in need. 

I will continue to liaise with the department and my office is available to assist Northern Beaches residents who are, or who have family stuck overseas attempting to come home. 

These are unprecedented times, but together we will get through to the other side.

Jason Falinski
MP for Mackellar

More Scammers Alerts

April 3, 2020: Northern Beaches Police Area Command
Unfortunately, scammers are using fears around the Coronavirus #COVID19 to take advantage of unsuspecting members of the community. These can range from falsely selling coronavirus-related products online and using fake emails or text messages to try and obtain personal data. 

Other scams include phishing emails and phone calls impersonating the World Health Organisation, government authorities, and legitimate businesses – including travel agents and telecommunications companies. 

Protect yourself and find out more here: www.scamwatch.gov.au/news/covid-19-coronavirus-scams

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week


Basil

AGE/SEX: 11 years / M
BREED: Standard Dachshund (long)
Basil is a sweet affectionate boy. He is easy is to handle and is very social with other dogs and does not mind cats. He is looking for a quiet family where someone is home a lot of the time. He walks well on lead and has a lot of energy. He is very piggy with his food and can be possessive of toys. He is best suited to be the only dog in the household. He has a fluffy coat that is clipped and weighs 13.3kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.

Athena

Athena is a tiny girl who loves to play but also happy to relax at home alone. She came from the pound with a history of food allergies but our vets have sorted it out. She has been used to living in a busy vet clinic around other cats and dogs. She has a short coat and weighs a tiny 2.9kg. She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133. She is located on the Northern Beaches.

Cruz

Cruz is a very affectionate gentleman who ended up in the pound at 16 years old when we recently rescued him. He is the oldest cat we have. He was in poor condition suffering from Hyperthyroidism and very under weight at only 2.79kg. He has a medium length coat.

Cruz is looking for a special person to manage his condition and give him the best life during his final years. Cruz is located on the Northern Beaches and comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting him, please contact DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com. He is located at Ingleside.

NB:


Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Community Input On The Future Of Plastics And Waste In NSW

The NSW Government is seeking public input on its plan to tackle the use of plastics, reduce waste and pollution, and improve recycling across NSW.

The NSW Plastics Plan(external link) and 20-Year Waste Strategy(external link) will establish clear pathways on ways to reduce waste, maximise recycling and improve the protection of our environment.

The discussion paper will help establish ways the NSW Government can better manage resources and environmental factors.

The NSW Plastics Plan provides pathways to:
  • phase-out the use of plastics
  • triple the proportion of plastic recycling by 2030
  • reduce plastic litter items by 25% by 2025
  • make NSW a leader in plastics research and development.
The 20-Year Waste Strategy will provide long-term direction for NSW on ways to reduce waste, increase recycling and outline opportunities for future waste and recycling infrastructure.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Environmental Minister Matt Kean have asked for community feedback to help drive sustainable solutions across NSW.

“The community has high expectations that we need to make sure we put in place the best plans for the future. We know that we need to do a better job of dealing with our waste and delivering sustainable solutions,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Have your say on the NSW Plastics Plan and 20-Year Waste Strategy by 8 May 2020.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update: April 4, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Daylight Savings Ends

Daylight saving time 2019 in New South Wales began at 2:00 am on Sunday, 6 October
and ends at 3:00 am on Sunday, 5 April 2020
Set your clocks back one hour.

Aussie Pops Orchestra Phones It In - What A Wonderful World

by John Foreman's Aussie Pops Orchestra
While we're all staying at home, the talented musicians of the Aussie Pops Orchestra, together with some amazing Australian artists, have phoned in a song for your entertainment. 

To help musicians, singers and other music workers struggling to cope with the impact of the coronavirus, please go to www.supportact.org.au - they're a great charity. Please stay safe - and when this current crisis is over, arts communities everywhere will be looking for your face in the audience! We hope it's not too long before we can experience live music, together in the same room. But, for now, please enjoy the Aussie Pops Isolation Orchestra.

Update On Coronavirus Measures

April 3, 2020
The Hon. Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia
Australian governments met today as the National Cabinet to take further action to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, and to save livelihoods.

We will be living with this virus for at least six months, so social distancing measures to slow the spread of this virus must be sustainable for at least that long to protect Australian lives.

We need to ensure Australia keeps functioning, to keep Australians in jobs. 

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy provided an update on the measures underway on the latest data and medical advice in relation to coronavirus. 

There are more than 5,315 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 27 people have died. 

Testing keeps Australians safe. Australia has one of the most rigorous coronavirus testing systems in the world with more than 270,000 tests completed. 

It is clear the epidemiology curve is beginning to flatten. But it is too early to determine whether such movements will be significant or sustained. 

Leaders thanked all Australians who have acted responsibly towards their fellow Australians and have been undertaking social distancing and isolation measures. 

These measures are helping to slow the spread of the virus, ensure the strength of our health system and save lives.

National Cabinet stressed the critical importance of continuing to adhere to self-isolation, social distancing and quarantine arrangements for returned travellers. Leaders also highlight the importance of people who are self-isolating registering on the COVID-19 app.

National Cabinet noted that Australia was now in the suppression phase of the response, which will last for some time. Restrictions will be reviewed regularly and planning for the medium to long-term has begun. 

Governments are working together to increase supplies of personal protective equipment such as masks, hand sanitiser and gloves. New supplies for the National Medical Stockpile are continuing to be sourced from overseas suppliers and domestic manufacturers.  

The Prime Minister and the Secretary of the Commonwealth Treasury also provided an overview of the economic outlook and the medium and longer term financial risks.  
National Cabinet agreed to meet again on Tuesday 7 April 2020.

Religious Services
Churches and other places of worship, will be considered places of work so that services can be live streamed to the community. This will ensure that religious services, including Easter services, remain accessible to congregations. National Cabinet agreed that providing access to services is important for a sense of continuity and social connection.

Services may be conducted and live streamed providing only essential staff are present, the venue/facility remains closed to the public, and social distancing principles are adhered to.

Any church wishing to conduct religious services, including Easter services, must use the minimum number of participants required to deliver and live stream the service, which may include a priest, attendants, organist, videographer and sound recordist.  

Easter Holidays
Social distancing is slowing the spread of the virus in Australia. These measures are saving lives and livelihoods. National Cabinet reminded Australians that social distancing must continue at Easter and agreed that Australians should stay at home this Easter and not undertake unnecessary holiday travel.  

Commercial Tenancies
National Cabinet made further progress on the issue of commercial tenancies. They have agreed that a mandatory code of conduct guided by certain principles will be developed and subsequently legislated by State and Territory Governments to apply for tenancies where the tenant is eligible for the Commonwealth Government’s JobKeeper assistance and is a small- or medium-sized enterprise (less than $50 million turnover).

The principles that guide the code will be:

a. Where it can, rent should continue to be paid, and where there is financial distress as a result of COVID-19 (for example, the tenant is eligible for assistance through the JobKeeper program), tenants and landlords should negotiate a mutually agreed outcome

b. There will be a proportionality to rent reductions based on the decline in turnover to ensure that the burden is shared between landlords and tenants

c. There will be a prohibition on termination of leases for non-payment of rent (lockouts and eviction)

d. There will be a freeze on rent increases (except for turnover leases)

e. There will be a prohibition on penalties for tenants who stop trading or reduce opening hours

f. There will be a prohibition on landlords passing land tax to tenants (if not already legislated)

g. There will be a prohibition on landlords charging interest on unpaid rent

h. There will be a prohibition on landlords from making a claim to a bank guarantee or security deposit for non-payment of rent

i. Ensure that any legislative barriers or administrative hurdles to lease extensions are removed (so that a tenant and landlord could agree a rent waiver in return for a lease extension)

For landlords and tenants that sign up to the code of conduct, States and Territories have agreed to look at providing the equivalent of at least a three month land tax waiver and three month land tax deferral on application for eligible landowners, with jurisdictions to continue to monitor the situation. Landlords must pass on the benefits of such moves to the tenants. In cases where parties have signed to the code of conduct, the ability for tenants to terminate leases as mentioned in the National Cabinet Statement on 29 March 2020 will not apply. Mediation will be provided as needed through existing State and Territory mechanisms.

The proposed code of conduct will be discussed at the next meeting of the National Cabinet on Tuesday 7 April.

Childcare and Education
National Cabinet welcomed the Australian Government’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) relief package, recognising that the sector is key to supporting essential workers and vulnerable children, while also underpinning economic recovery by allowing parents to work, study and volunteer. The relief package will provide families with free child care, while also offering certainty to ECEC services at a time where enrolments and attendance are highly unpredictable.

National Cabinet also supported the agreements made by Education Ministers on 2 April 2020 to reduce the regulatory burden on early childhood education and care. Amongst other things, it was agreed that ECEC services will remain open for all families who require care and any future decision regarding ECEC services will be consistent with advice of AHPPC (noting families who require care include all essential workers and vulnerable cohorts).

The current AHPPC advice is that ECEC centres are essential services and should continue at this time, but with risk mitigation measures in place. National Cabinet agreed with AHPPC advice that alternative care arrangements should be considered for those children who are highly vulnerable to adverse outcomes if infected with COVID-19 and that parents seek medical advice for these children.

The previous advice on schools has not changed. Education Ministers will work with medical experts to determine how the school year can be conducted.

Local Governments
National Cabinet agreed that states and territories were best placed to address issues related to the impacts of COVID19 and local governments.

Information on Coronavirus COVID-19 in Australia  
To improve access to timely information on COVID19 National Cabinet agreed to the Commonwealth Department of Health releasing a national daily dashboard of data and key facts. The dashboard will shortly be available on www.health.gov.au. 

National Cabinet will review up-dated health system capacity modelling on Tuesday 7 April 2020. This modelling will look at the trajectory of the outbreak in Australia, the capacity of our health care system and the measures put in place to suppress the spread of COVID19.

Planning Rules Relaxed For Food Trucks And 'Dark Kitchens'

April 2, 2020
Food trucks and ‘dark kitchens’ are now easier to set up and operate, thanks to new planning rules in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Dark kitchens – also known as virtual kitchens, cloud kitchens, and ghost kitchens – cook meals solely for delivery, rather than eat-in diners.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes issued the Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Takeaway Food and Beverages) Order 2020 to support the food and beverage industry, which has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Right now, we can’t go out for dinner at our favourite restaurant, or grab a drink with friends at the local pub – and this has been devastating not only for customers, but more importantly, for the businesses themselves and their staff,” Mr Stokes said.

“That’s one of the reasons we’ve made it easier for people to set up and operate a dark kitchen in any existing commercial kitchen, providing they can abide by social distancing rules.

“These businesses could offer additional food delivery options for the increasing number of people working from home, or they could be used to produce greater quantities of meals for people in quarantine, or in medical, health or aged care facilities.”

Finance and Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said the order also included positive changes for food truck owners.

“During the COVID-19 crisis, food trucks will be now be able to operate on any land, at any time, providing they have the landowner’s consent,” Mr Tudehope said.

“This overrides regular development approval processes for food trucks that specify when and where they can operate.

“These are small but important changes that will provide flexibility during these challenging times.”

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 was amended on 24 March to enable Mr Stokes to issue orders that override normal planning controls during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the health, safety and welfare of NSW communities.

Jobs Boost Through Fast-Tracked Planning System

April 3, 2020
The NSW Government will cut red tape and fast-track planning processes to keep people in jobs and the construction industry moving throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the construction and development sectors will be vital in keeping people in jobs and supporting the State’s economic recovery.

“We are fast-tracking assessments to keep people in jobs, boost the construction pipeline and keep our economy moving,” Mr Stokes said.

“Our economic recovery will in many ways be longer and harder than the health one and it’s essential we do everything we can now to keep our State moving forward and allow work to continue wherever possible in line with the best medical advice.”

The Planning System Acceleration Program will:
  • Create opportunities for more than 30,000 construction jobs in the next six months;
  • Fast-track assessments of State Significant Developments, rezonings and development applications (DAs), with more decisions to be made by the Minister if required;
  • Support councils and planning panels to fast-track local and regionally significant DAs;
  • Introduce a ‘one stop shop’ for industry to progress projects that may be ‘stuck in the system’;
  • Clear the current backlog of cases stuck in the Land & Environment Court with additional Acting Commissioners; and
  • Invest $70 million to co-fund vital new community infrastructure in North West Sydney including roads, drainage and public parks to unlock plans for the construction of thousands of new houses.
  • Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the property and construction industry is one of the key drivers of jobs and investment in NSW, employing one in four people in the State.
“In the past six months alone, the NSW Government has approved projects and rezonings worth more than $15 billion and created more than 24,000 jobs across the State – that trend must continue as we move through this crisis,” Mr Perrottet said.

Mr Stokes said the planning system would undergo further reform to ensure it enables economic growth once the COVID-19 crisis is over.

“This will pass and when it does, the planning system will be ready to continue driving economic productivity across the State,” Mr Stokes said.

Further details of additional reforms will be released in the coming weeks.

Construction Hours Extended To Support Industry During Covid-19

April 2, 2020
Construction sites can now operate on weekends and public holidays under new rules introduced today by the NSW Government to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the move allows workers to abide by social distancing rules while keeping construction projects progressing by allowing building work to be spread across more days of the week.

“The construction and development sectors, which make up almost 10 per cent of NSW’s economy, will be vital in keeping people in jobs and keeping investment flowing over the coming weeks and months,” Mr Stokes said.

“We’re doing what we can to support the industry in line with the current medical advice by extending weekday construction site operating hours to weekends and public holidays.

“The extended hours allow the industry to facilitate social distancing on contruction sites, while minimising the potential for lost productivity during the pandemic.”

The Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Construction Work Days) Order 2020 is now in place and will continue until the COVID-19 pandemic is over, or the advice of NSW Health changes.

“In NSW there are almost 400,000 people employed in the property and construction industry and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep each of them in work, but most importantly, to keep them safe and healthy,” Mr Stokes said.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 was amended on 24 March to enable Mr Stokes to issue orders that override normal planning controls during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the health, safety and welfare of communities.

Compliance with this Order will be monitored and reviewed if there any adverse impacts on the community or from a public health perspective.

NSW Reminded That Going On Holidays Is NOT Essential Travel

April 4, 2020
As the Easter long weekend and the school holidays approach, police are reminding the community that travelling for holidays is not considered ‘essential’ travel.

While it’s understandable for families to want to come together and celebrate during these times, we all must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The NSW Premier and the NSW Health Minister have outlined orders under the Public Health Act that state a person must not leave their home without a reasonable excuse.

These rules do not prohibit people from going to the supermarket and pharmacy, going to and from work if you cannot work from home, going to medical appointments, or leaving for some brief exercise in your own neighbourhood.

NSWPF Commissioner Mick Fuller is reminding the community that while these reasons are legitimate, travel and holidays are not essential at this time.

“To help contain and slow the spread of COVID-19, we all have to work together and that means staying in our homes and our neighbourhoods for the time being.

“Travelling unnecessarily means risking further spread, particularly to smaller communities whose health systems will be put under immense pressure if the virus is introduced into their town.

“With the upcoming holiday period approaching, we continue to see some owners and operators of short-term accommodation facilities promoting non-essential travel. This is not in the spirit of the orders and sends mixed messages to the community.

“Our message is clear – the safest thing you can do right now is to stay at home. Stay at home and save lives,” Commissioner Fuller said.

Pittwater Online Autumn School Holidays Break

Please note that Issue 446 will be published Easter Sunday, April 12th and that Issue 447 will be published April 26th, 2020. 

Notices and News for Issue 446 need to be in be 5pm Easter Saturday.

The Pittwater Online Facebook page will be kept updated during this break period with any Notices received.

Thank you very much.

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Update: We're Adapting!

Friday March 27, 2020

Intending to keep our customers and staff safe, we present some additional ways for both our retail and trade customers to do business with us.

Trade and Retail Pick Up

Express Pick up Mona Vale

- Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)

- Drive into our undercover Trade Drive-Thru area at 73 Bassett St Mona Vale, and your order will be ready for pick-up.

- Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Express Pick up Avalon

- Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Avalon, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)

- Drive into our back lane off Bellevue Avenue, and your order will be ready for pick-up.

- Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Online Retail Stores Go Live

We’ve launched two eCommerce sites offering 2hr pick up in-store and flat rate delivery options on the northern beaches*.

Jbhmv.com.au (Mona Vale)

Jbhav.com.au (Avalon – Site goes live tomorrow Sat 28th March)

With the ability to leave the product on your doorstep, this provides an option of an entirely contactless transaction.

*Flat rate delivery is not available to trade sales, building supplies and trade quantities

** The stock availability is updated nightly, which may mean the stock is unavailable when the order is placed

Trade Delivery to Site

Maybe not new, but certainly worth a mention again!

We can get almost anything delivered quickly onto site!

As always ring the trade desk direct on 9999 0333 and let them know what you need!

Final Thought

Like everyone, we have found ourselves in a new and uncertain environment, but we’re setting up (and digging in) for the long haul!

We want to acknowledge that the decision to retain over 120 staff and meet any future challenges head-on, could not have happened without the continued support you provide us as customers.

Thank you and stay safe,

The Johnson Family

HSC Changes Protect Health And Safety Of Students

A statement from the NSW Education Standards Authority about the 2020 HSC.
April 2nd, 2020

Chair of the NESA Board, Professor Peter Shergold today announced a number of key decisions about the 2020 HSC made by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) COVID-19 Response Committee to protect the health and safety of students, teachers and parents during this challenging time.

Effective immediately, the Committee has agreed to:
  • give Principals and system authorities the power to determine the number, type and weighting of tasks for Year 11 school based assessment, in line with the decision communicated last week for HSC students
  • lift the requirement for VET students to undertake NESA work placements
  • cancel mandatory group performance exam in Drama and the mandatory ensemble performance exam in Music Extension.
  • modify other performance exams that breach social distancing requirements.
The Committee will meet next week to provide advice on major projects for Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Textiles and Design, English Ext 2 and Society and Culture.

Professor Shergold said today’s decisions and every future decision made by the Committee will prioritise the adoption of arrangements for the 2020 HSC that are practical and do not disadvantage any student.

“The Committee is continuing to meet weekly to address issues and provide up to date advice.

“I can say with certainty that students will have the opportunity to receive their HSC credential this year, so students should continue to learn, complete their assessments and taking care of themselves.
“This year’s HSC students will be able to continue with the next chapter of their lives, whether that’s university, an apprenticeship or TAFE,” Professor Shergold said.

A Technical Advisory Committee of assessment experts and key stakeholders is currently working to establish a fair and equitable way to calculate a mark for each of the cancelled components of the HSC. NESA will communicate this process as soon as it is finalised.

Detailed advice about today’s decisions will  be available on NESA's COVID advice page next week.

Local Public Areas Now Closed

In the interest of your health and safety, Council is now closing the following outdoor recreation areas:
• Playgrounds
• Skateparks
• Estuary, tidal and harbour pools
• Ocean and rockpools

Please note that public libraries were closed mid-week but council is ramping up their home delivery service for older and vulenrable people in the community who love a good read.

NB: Council is undertaking to support the community through a variety of measures - these are all available to read on their website.

ANZAC Day 2020 Services Cancelled

There will be no ANZAC Day Commemorative Services conducted by Palm Beach, Avalon Beach, Narrabeen and Pittwater RSL's this year. Some Sub-Branch members are speaking about whether it will be feasible to stream Dawn Services online - Pittwater Online will bring you updates as they come to hand.

There is a community groundswell for everyone to walk to the end of their driveways at 5.55am on the morning of April 25th and hold a light aloft to honour those who have served and continue to service our country in the Defence Forces of Australia.

Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards - RESCA

March 25, 2020
We are proud to officially announce the opening of the 2020 NSW Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards nominations.

Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) is the only time all Emergency Services personnel, both paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards program.

The Awards are open to all, Emergency Service Agency (ESA) Personnel stationed in NSW, serving in either a paid capacity or Volunteer in:
  • Fire and Rescue NSW
  • Marine Rescue NSW
  • Surf Life Saving NSW
  • NSW Ambulance Service
  • NSW Rural Fire Service
  • NSW State Emergency Service
  • NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
In keeping with the Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, RESCA acknowledges and celebrates the selfless Community Service of Emergency Services Personnel whilst also supporting and funding two important Rotary initiatives:
  • Australian Rotary Health – PhD Research Scholarship investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Services Personnel
  • Emergency and Disaster Preparedness training by a competitively selected Vocational Training Team connected with a developing country in the Asia/Pacific Region
Emergency Service Personnel can be nominated by colleague, family and any members of the community. Panels of independent judges will then assess nominees on three (3) key criteria:
  • Community service over and above the call of normal duties which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self (i.e. community involvement when they are not working in their normal roles).
  • Personal attributes
  • Contribution to their organisation
Given the past six months of devastation across the state we anticipate that there will be many worthy applicants for this year’s Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards.

Applications will be open until 1 May 2020 and can be applied for on the RESCA website here - https://nsw.rescawards.org.au/nominations/

Please assist us by sharing this post within your own networks to officially launch the opening of nominations.

Should you have any questions please reach out to the team at Admire Events on resca@admireevents.com.au.

We look forward to seeing your submissions this year.

Dorothy L Hennessy OAM
Chair
Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards

March 29 - April 4, 2020: Issue 444

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 444 

Three COVID-19 Patients In NBH As Cases Continue To Rise Exponentially by Miranda Korzy

Aquatics NSW Inclusive Championships Second Year Success by Surf Life Saving NSW

Pictures Warm Fuzzy Cuddles: Mitch And M.J. - Wombats At Sydney Wildlife Waratah Park Talk To You- For Littlies (& Biggies Too) - Photos by Margaret Woods, Joan Reid and Lynleigh Grieg - '2 kangaroos' photo by Victoria Reid.

Park Bench Philosopher ‘Where No Counsel Is, The People Fall’: Why Parliaments Should Keep Functioning During The Coronavirus Crisis

DIY Ideas Autumn Vegepod Garden: Plant Now to Stay Healthy - The science is in! Horticultural therapy is proven to reduce stress and pain, alleviate the blues and increase focus. Gardening helps people connect to living things, nurture their own nature and relax. Joanne Aquilina, founder of Therapeutic Gardening Australia, recently stated “In today’s modern urban environments, many of us don’t have access to a garden but with the Vegepod almost anyone can participate in active gardening.”

What’s great about these is you can also get the younger gardener interested in growing their food and then eating it as they are also just the right size for smaller people. Vegepod is a Sydney based company with headquarters in Terrey Hills. Owned and operated out of Australia, starting in 2009, Vegepod prides itself on providing everyday Australians with a simple and easy way to grow chemical free vegetables at home. Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 stock these great do it yourself gardens at their Narrabeen, Mona Vale and Avalon stores and they have the potting mix and seedlings to plant out in them.

Food Pittwater: Take Away and Grocers and Food Available From Local Outlets  Local food suppliers and cafes and restaurants are currently adapting to social-distancing requirements and the closure of public spaces to large gatherings. Listed this week are those that have food you can order for take away or delivery and also those who supplied these outlets who also have food available to purchase.

The World at Your Fingertips Online: How to host conferences and Events, The Great Outdoors from Indoors, Arts and Culture sites allow a Tour Online, Zoos Live Streaming Animals, Books and Movies and Music for Children, Youth, and Seniors - these lists will be added into so worth revisiting by those self-isolating or in lockdown due to age or vulnerability  

Giving Our Dog A Bath - a story made from Indoors!

Artists of the Month April 2020: Australia's Great Online Collections In State Art Galleries, Museums And Libraries With local and national galleries, museums and libraries, along with the great exhibitions they curate and then host closed at present an online tour of the great Art within these institutions is one way we can keep supporting and celebrating all they seek to share with Australians.  As many of these have invested in sharing their works online, all digitised, many are available for people to take a virtual tour of. This month a little about these with links to where you can spend happy hours dwelling in their wonderful collections. 

Bear in mind it's not just the city centres that host these wonderful online galleries - many a local history society in regional areas, as well as regional art galleries, have and are currently adding to their online digitised resources so those far from these places can feast their eyes.

You can even take virtual tours of overseas galleries - however, those that are run here are brimful of wonderful Australian works of the places we love. They are a great reminder of the many aspects and offerings these places seek to share with all and how much we have to be thankful for.

This Issue we run from NSW to the Tasmania and over to South Australia - revisit next Issue and the great offerings in Western Australia and Queensland, The National Library of Australia, National Museum of Australia and National Portrait Gallery will have been added in, along with some of those regional gems and a few secret places we find wonderful Pittwater and Australian Art and Imagery to share with you.

Profile #ViralKindness Northern Beaches Teams Up With #MyStreetSupport Northern Beaches
 MyStreetSupport a strategic ‘street by street’ social safety net initiative which has been rolling out throughout the Northern Beaches in Sydney, is available as a free national resource for people all over Australia to help them set up their own street support network during the coronavirus pandemic.

With many people being isolated, services are going to be stretched and #MyStreetSupport is a response that helps families and the elderly broaden out their support base by connecting and helping each other as neighbours in the same street. It has been designed to alleviate pressure on services as much as possible so that everyone is cared for and nobody is missed.

#MyStreetSupport provides the resource kit with instructions, support, posters and flyers to help set-up local groups. Street group members are also encouraged to exchange phone numbers just in case there is interruption to internet services and to provide support for those who do not use Facebook or the internet.

Each suburb is also encouraged to set up or join their #ViralKindness suburb or city group so that everyone in each suburb is connected to their community for updates and support. In this way a social ‘grid’ is built to provide a strong social safety network.

ViralKindness Northern Beaches is the local group for support to those living on the Northern Beaches who are in self isolation or are at high risk and unable to leave their home. The group provide updated information to help keep people informed, share uplifting messages or incidences of kindness but  their main focus is being there to assist those in our community who are unable to access general necessities.

Wendy Harper was inspired to set up #MyStreetSupport by the way communities prepared for and dealt with the bushfires.

"“I really felt the need to start a dedicated group for my local community in Terrey Hills just over a week ago, by getting a ‘street to street’ COVID-19 caring and support network going - in the spirit of what happens in my community in a bushfire emergency,” said Ms Harper. 

“I started this on March 13th, and was contacted by Maire O’Brien, who had just set up Covid19 Northern Beaches Sydney Facebook, so the #MyStreetSupport Start Up Pack were shared with this group…and it just keeps spreading!”

There are still a few gaps locally so find out how to start your own suburb's group this week and let's ensure that, if we need to,  everyone is cared for and nobody is missed.

History  Winnererremy Bay: Angus Gordon, the Sequel to Dorothy Hawkins - by John Illingsworth A follow-on from John Illingsworth's film about  Dorothy Hawkins -  Dorothy Hawkins' family, father Joseph Homer, ran a dairy near Winnererremy Bay at Mona Vale from 1936

Inbox News Pets: The Voiceless Victims Of The COVID-19 Crisis, Ancestor Of All Animals Identified In Australian Fossils, Cannabis Helps Fight Resistant Bacteria, eDNA Provides Researchers With 'More Than Meets The Eye', Bushfire Smoke and Pollution Responsible For Over 400 Excess Deaths 2019-2020: conservative estimate,  Art In Times Of Crisis, Aboriginal Scars From Frontier Wars

Environment NSW NPWS Closes Campgrounds And High Visitation Areas, Even If The Parks Are Closed You Can Still Go Google Trekking, 13 Fold Increase In Land Clearing Approvals In NSW Since 2016 Law Changes: Secret Government Report, Weed Cassia Now Flowering: Please Pull Out and Save Our Bush, Eucalypt Of The Year 2020:  Illyarrie, This Bizarre Floating Gadget Could Save Seabirds' Lives, No Beach Driving Or Camping At Samurai Beach and Worimi Conservation Lands, Rising To The 2020 Challenge: Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans And Bottles And Nominate SW As Recipient, Temporary Suspension Of Bushcare Activities, Urban owls are losing their homes; So we’re 3D printing them new ones, Australia's Icebreaker Arrives In Hobart After Final Antarctic Voyage, Captains Announced For RSV Nuyina, Changes To Public Meetings And Hearings: IPC,  Christmas Island Discovery Redraws Map Of Life, How Squid Communicate In The Dark, East Antarctica's Denman Glacier Has Retreated Almost 3 Miles Over Last 22 Years, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens And Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update: March 23rd, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Daylight Savings Ends

Daylight saving time 2019 in New South Wales began at 2:00 am on Sunday, 6 October
and ends at 3:00 am on Sunday, 5 April 2020
All times are in Eastern Australia Time.

Pittwater Online Autumn School Holidays Break

Please note that Issue 446 will be published Easter Sunday, April 12th and that Issue 447 will be published April 26th, 2020. 

Notices and News for Issue 446 need to be in be 5pm Easter Saturday.

The Pittwater Online Facebook page will be kept updated during this break period with any Notices received.

Thank you very much.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bear Hunt In Postcode 2101

Elanora Heights Community Preschool is asking our neighbourhood friends to visibly place a teddy bear in their window, so that children can ‘Go on a bear hunt’ in their car or as they walk along the footpath. We’re hoping this creates the ability for children in our community to develop positive and treasured memories during this difficult time.

We encourage you to share our group with local friends and families to help spread positivity and a sense of togetherness in our community. 

Details:
Our community has many young children with a new daily schedule to spend more time at home and we’re hoping our neighbours can help us in supporting young children through this experience by creating a new adventure in the community while also remaining at a physical distance. 

We’re asking our neighbourhood friends (2101) to visibly place a teddy bear in their window, so that children can ‘Go on a bear hunt’ in their car or as they walk along the footpath.  We’re hoping this creates the ability for children to develop positive and treasured memories during this time. 

FOR CHILDREN THE BEAR HUNT RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 
- Spot a bear whilst in the car or walking on the foot path. Take a picture and share your excitement with us in this group. If you have Instagram we’d also love you to tag us @elanorapreschool (Please don't knock on doors just look with your eyes.

- Practice safe physical distancing. If you spot another ‘bear hunter' remember to keep a safe distance (1.5 metres) from each other.

- Remember we can't go over it, we can't go under it! 

- Share the bears you’ve spotted throughout the neighbourhood and the street name, but not the house number. Please try to keep the exact bear location a surprise for other ‘bear hunters’

- Share our page with your neighbours or print out our flyer as a letterbox drop invitation to invite your neighbours to participate.

- Remember to have fun and stay safe.  We're not scared!

Your friends at Elanora Heights Community Preschool

Coffee Kindness

Although not in this area, I just wanted to say to whoever went in to Fuel in Brookvale this morning (March 25, 2020) and pre paid for 30 coffees for Fuel to give to those waiting in line for centrelink; Thank you for your kindness, it certainly didn’t go unappreciated but also thank you for supporting such a great small local business. You are the kind of person that will be the reason our community is able to survive after this.

Declan J.

Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order 2020

under the Public Health Act 2010
I, Brad Hazzard, the Minister for Health and Medical Research, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, make the following Order.
Dated 25 March 2020.
BRAD HAZZARD, MP
Minister for Health and Medical Research

Explanatory note
The object of this Order is to deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences by giving a Ministerial direction that a person diagnosed with COVID-19 must immediately travel to a residence or place that has been determined to be suitable for the person to reside in or to a hospital for assessment. On leaving or being discharged from the hospital, the diagnosed person must travel directly to a residence or place of that kind. The diagnosed person must, except in specified circumstances, remain at the residence or place and not permit any other person to enter the residence or place until medically cleared.

Section 10 of the Public Health Act 2010 creates an offence if an individual fails to comply with a direction with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of up to $11,000 (or both) plus a further $5,500 fine each day the offence continues. Corporations that fail to comply with a direction are liable to a fine of $55,000 and $27,500 each day the offence continues.

NB: 7 - Repeal of Order - This Order is repealed on 23 June 2020.

Read the Government Public Health Order in full.

Mona Vale Hospital: COVID-19 

March 18, 2020: MVH Facebook posts
Mona Vale Hospital is asking patients and their families to limit visitors to one per patient in response to COVID-19. The requirement has been introduced in the interests of safety and wellbeing of patients, their families and staff. Each patient will need to nominate one person, such as their next of kin, who will be able to visit them during their stay, with other family and friends encouraged to use technology to check in with their loved ones. We know how important visitors are for the wellbeing of our patients, however, to ensure the safety of our patients and staff, we need to limit the number of visitors coming to our hospitals and services. 

Mona Vale Hospital has also temporarily suspended the attendance of volunteers and consumer representatives on site. Thank you for your understanding.

New Nurses For MVH

March 18, 2020
The first intake of graduate nurses for 2020 have started at Northern Sydney Local Health District recently. This year 182 trainee nurses will join our hospitals and medical services and will work in ICU, ED, general surgical, mental health and midwifery. Gathered at Royal North Shore for orientation last week, the graduates will then be welcomed at Hornsby ( 22), Mona Vale (5), Ryde (18), RNSH (89), Mental Health Drug and Alcohol (34), Medical Imaging (2), and Community Health (12).

Photo: Orientation at RNSH - NSLHD photo

Local Government Elections Postponed

Wednesday, March 25, 2020: Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government
The NSW Government has made the regrettable decision to postpone the September local government elections for 12 months in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision follows Parliament passing amendments to the Local Government Act to provide me with the power to postpone the elections.

The NSW Electoral Commissioner has also requested that the Government postpone the council elections.

NSW NPWS Close Campgrounds And High Visitation Areas

March 26, 2020
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has closed campgrounds, visitor centres, high-visitation areas, and historic sites from 26 March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 emergency.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will temporarily close all campgrounds, high visitation areas and historic sites across NSW until further notice, in response to tighter Australian and NSW Government health directives on social distancing and non-essential travel to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the wider community.

National parks and reserves are special environmental, cultural and recreational places for the people of NSW and they will remain open to the community, but the health and safety of our visitors, staff and the wider community is our priority and these measures are important.

The following closures will take effect:
  • Campgrounds closed in line with the Government Public Health Order from 26 March 2020
  • Visitor centres, cafes and high visitation areas will be closed from 26 March 2020
  • Historic sites will be closed from 26 March 2020 (except for permanent residents)
  • All visitors with bookings impacted by the closures will be contacted to arrange full refunds.
For a full list of impacted High Visitation Areas please visit COVID-19 update page.

All roads through national parks remain open.

Most walking tracks and trails will also remain open and visitors should observe necessary social distancing with others while using pathways and other facilities to maximise their safety.

Parks that are already closed due to fire impacts remain closed. Please check our NPWS Alerts page for details.

NPWS staff and volunteer led tours and events have been cancelled with full refunds.

As this is a rapidly changing situation, we ask visitors to check our website regularly for COVID-19 updates.

We know how important our national parks and reserves are as areas for conservation and recreation and we are committed to reopen these areas as soon as possible in line with government and health advice.

NPWS staff will continue to undertake environmental protection and maintenance work in our parks and reserves, subject to all government and health advice, including in areas where important bushfire recovery action is underway. Other NPWS staff will work remotely to continue delivering conservation, research, visitor information and education services.

For more information about COVID-19 in NSW and how to protect yourself and the community, please visit the NSW Health website

Closed Areas: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park - Visitor Precincts Closed

Applies from Friday March 27, 2020, 10.47am. 

Many high visitation areas and facilities within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are closed from Friday 27 March 2020. The closed areas include:
  • All large picnic shelters
  • All barbeque facilities
  • All playgrounds
  • Brooklyn Dam Campsites
Bobbin Head Information Centre is currently closed closed until further notice to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff. You can still contact us by email or phone on 02 9472 8949.

If you are visiting the park, please bring a card to pay vehicle entry fees.

For more information regarding closures, contact the NPWS Contact Centre on 1300 072 757, the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400 or the NPWS Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Barrenjoey Lighthouse tours have been cancelled until further notice to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff. Barrenjoey Lighthouse stands at Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach on Sydney's northern beaches. Built in 1881, this heritage lighthouse is an iconic Sydney attraction.
Take a virtual tour of Barrenjoey Lighthouse captured with Google Street View Trekker



Forestville Office Is Closed Until Further Notice

Applies from Thu 02 Jan 2020, 3.27pm to Fri 01 Jan 2021, 1.00am. Last reviewed: Fri 27 Mar 2020, 9.28am.

Forestville office is closed until further notice to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff. You can still contact us by phone or email for information.

Closed Areas: Collins Flat Beach Closed On Weekends

From Saturday 28 March 2020, Collins Flat Beach will be closed on weekends until further notice.

Affects 2 locations in this park: 
  • Fairfax lookout, North Head
  • North Head

Middle Head Office Closed Until Further Notice

Middle Head office is closed until further notice to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff. You can still contact us by phone or email for information.

Affects 4 locations in this park: 
  • Middle Head
  • Middle Head
  • Fairfax lookout, North Head
  • North Head

Volunteer Beach Patrol Season Ends Early​

Friday March 27, 2020
Surf Life Saving NSW has announced that it is bringing forward the end of the patrol season by four weeks.

The Board of Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) says that effective immediately, all patrols by volunteer surf lifesavers on NSW beaches will be cancelled for the remainder of the season. The unprecedented decision was made to protect the safety and welfare of volunteer surf lifesavers from potential infection by the COVID-19 virus and to discourage large gatherings of people on popular beaches.

In place of beach patrols by surf lifesavers, enhanced Support Operations including jetskis and rescue boats will provide a roving presence, emergency callout teams will be on standby to response, complemented by surveillance patrols using drones.

“Our number one priority is ensuring the safety and welfare of our volunteer members. It was becoming increasingly difficult for us to continue beach patrols while at the same time implement the necessary social distancing measures to protect surf lifesavers from the risk of COVID-19 infection,” said SLSNSW President, George Shales.

“We have a duty as lifesavers to protect the lives of the public on our beaches and along the coastline and we have a proud tradition of doing just that. However, Surf Life Saving NSW also has a duty of care to its volunteers to protect and keep them safe. It’s with our members welfare in mind that the decision was made to cancel the remaining patrols this season - after careful consideration and consultation with key stakeholders,” said George Shales.

It is hoped the decision to withdraw patrols will also support Government attempts to reduce contact between people in order to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“With the Easter school holiday period approaching - and a large number of families expected to head to the coast - cancelling patrols has been an enormously difficult decision for the Board but one that we feel safeguards our members while sending a message to the public about the need for social distancing at this time,” said George Shales.

Surf Life Saving CEO, Steven Pearce, said that on average, between now and the end of April, at least five people drown on the NSW coast and another 650 are rescued.

“We are very concerned about the potential for increased drownings without our surf lifesavers on duty and I want to send a clear message to the public about the need for heightened vigilance and caution. We strongly warn that no one should swim at an unpatrolled location and exercise caution whilst recreating on the coastline,” said Steven Pearce.

“Please be careful - particularly during the school holiday period when more children are on the beach. Remember that our volunteer surf lifesavers will not be present on the beach to protect you and keep you safe as they normally are. We urge everyone to think twice before heading to the beach.

“With the cancellation of patrols, we’re urging members of the public to remain vigilant and to look out for each other and to call Triple Zero if they see someone in distress in the water,” Pearce said.

George Shales, President SLSNSW stressed that although beach patrols were cancelled, emergency response callout teams would remain on duty and could be tasked by Emergency Services to provide assistance.

“Our Support Operations teams will remain on duty along the NSW coastline and will continue to work alongside other emergency service organisations such as NSW Police, Ambulance and Marine Rescue if there’s an incident requiring our response,” said Shales.

Surf Life Saving NSW will also continue UAV (drone) surveillance operations, with UAV pilots monitoring beach conditions, marine creature activity and assisting with search and rescue operations. SLSNSW UAV operators are able to work alone, adhering to social distancing guidelines, while providing very effective beach and coastal surveillance.

Zoom Software

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing, group messaging, and online meetings solution for the educational, financial, health care, and government sectors. It is compatible with both PC and mobile devices. Users can incorporate HD videos and audio to meetings and make them interactive.
There is a FREE option (hosts up to 100 people)

Scammers Alert

March 24, 2020: Northern Beaches Police Area Command
They're professional scammers, they see an opportunity and will milk it for all they can.
Their eyes have lit up at opportunities they see with the Corona virus.

With government departments sending out emergency payments to many in the community, these people are frantically ringing phones at random:

"I'm from the government / Centrelink / Medicare / your bank," they say.

"We want to send your payment but first need to verify your Medicare / Centrelink / bank account details /passwords."

Please be aware:
Government departments already have your details.

Government departments don't ring people at random.

If you're one of the many who get these calls - just hang up.

If you've already had one and passed on personal information or passwords, before you do anything else, contact your bank or relevant government department and let them know.

Importantly, get the number from the bank or department's internet site.

Do not use a link or phone number given by someone else.

As well. report identity theft to ID Care: www.IDcare.org or call 1300 432 273.

Please share if you can.


Remote Access Scams

Also happening locally lately are Remote access scams, wherein they try to convince you that you have a computer or internet problem and that you need to buy new software to fix the problem.

How this scam works
The scammer will phone you and pretend to be a staff member from a large telecommunications or computer company, such as Telstra, the NBN or Microsoft. Alternatively they may claim to be from a technical support service provider.

They will tell you that your computer has been sending error messages or that it has a virus. They may mention problems with your internet connection or your phone line and say this has affected your computer's recent performance. They may claim that your broadband connection has been hacked.

The caller will request remote access to your computer to ‘find out what the problem is’.

The scammer may try to talk you into buying unnecessary software or a service to ‘fix’ the computer, or they may ask you for your personal details and your bank or credit card details.

The scammer may initially sound professional and knowledgeable—however they will be very persistent and may become abusive if you don't do what they ask.

You don't have to be a Telstra or Microsoft customer to be called by these scammers. You don’t even have to own a computer!

Warning signs
  • You receive a phone call out of the blue and the caller claims to be from a large telecommunications or computer company, or a technical support service provider.
  • They tell you that your computer is experiencing technical problems and they need remote access to sort out the problem.
  • They ask you to buy software or sign up to a service to fix the computer.
  • They ask for your personal details and your bank or credit card details.
  • The caller is very persistent and may become abusive.
Protect yourself
  • Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
  • Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
  • If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer and remote access is requested – hang up – even if they mention a well-known company such as Telstra. Telstra does not request credit card details over the phone to fix computer or telephone problems, and is not affiliated with any companies that do. See: Is it really Telstra contacting you?
Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register. Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently.

Make sure your computer is protected with regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Research first and only purchase software from a source that you know and trust.
If you have fallen victim to a scam or you receive a lot of unsolicited emails and phone calls consider changing your email address and phone numbers.

Have you been scammed?
If you have given remote access to your computer, or you fear that your computer has been hacked, seek help or advice from a qualified and reputable computer technician.

If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible.

The ACCC also provide guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.

Spread the word to your friends and family to protect them.

Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards - RESCA

March 25, 2020
We are proud to officially announce the opening of the 2020 NSW Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards nominations.

Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA) is the only time all Emergency Services personnel, both paid and volunteer, are recognised in a combined awards program.

The Awards are open to all, Emergency Service Agency (ESA) Personnel stationed in NSW, serving in either a paid capacity or Volunteer in:
  • Fire and Rescue NSW
  • Marine Rescue NSW
  • Surf Life Saving NSW
  • NSW Ambulance Service
  • NSW Rural Fire Service
  • NSW State Emergency Service
  • NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
In keeping with the Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, RESCA acknowledges and celebrates the selfless Community Service of Emergency Services Personnel whilst also supporting and funding two important Rotary initiatives:
  • Australian Rotary Health – PhD Research Scholarship investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Emergency Services Personnel
  • Emergency and Disaster Preparedness training by a competitively selected Vocational Training Team connected with a developing country in the Asia/Pacific Region
Emergency Service Personnel can be nominated by colleague, family and any members of the community. Panels of independent judges will then assess nominees on three (3) key criteria:
  • Community service over and above the call of normal duties which best exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self (i.e. community involvement when they are not working in their normal roles).
  • Personal attributes
  • Contribution to their organisation
Given the past six months of devastation across the state we anticipate that there will be many worthy applicants for this year’s Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards.

Applications will be open until 1 May 2020 and can be applied for on the RESCA website here - https://nsw.rescawards.org.au/nominations/

Please assist us by sharing this post within your own networks to officially launch the opening of nominations.

Should you have any questions please reach out to the team at Admire Events on resca@admireevents.com.au.

We look forward to seeing your submissions this year.

Dorothy L Hennessy OAM
Chair
Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards

Pittwater Place In Accordance With The Australian Government 

As we continue to adapt to Covid-19 and our rapidly changing reality, we remain committed to keeping our community informed and continuing to provide a safe environment.

In accordance with the Australian Government directive issued on 22 March 2020, we have temporarily closed the kids’ play area and seating zones for our cafes at Pittwater Place.

Our restaurants and cafes remain open for takeaway, offering pick-up or home-delivery options. Further information on takeaway options is available here.

Pittwater Place remains otherwise open and trading, with significantly enhanced measures in place to stop the spread of the virus within our centre. We will continue to provide updates on store changes in real time. A full list of store updates is available below.

Coronavirus and store updates
We will continue to provide updates on store changes in real time.

Coles Community Hour 7am to 8am week days 
Tuesday & Thursday for emergency services and healthcare workers
Monday, Wednesday & Friday for elderly and people with a disability
Coles General Hours Monday to Friday – 8am to 8pm
Saturday – 7am to 6pm
Sunday – 9am to 6pm
Boost Juice Monday to Saturday – 8:30am to 4:30pm
Sunday – 9:30am to 4:30pm
All others closed until further Notice.

Keeping you safe as we navigate coronavirus together
At Pittwater Place, we have strengthened our already stringent cleaning processes by placing a heightened focus on sanitising high-touch points with high-grade disinfectant as well as increasing the number of cleaning rotations each day. We have positioned hand sanitation stations at key points throughout the centre, for our entire community to access. We have placed Australian Government-issued information posters in our bathrooms, which outline crucial information on how you can help stop the spread of Covid-19. We have also rolled out public hygiene advertisements across the centre to reinforce preventative measures that each of us should adopt.

To protect yourself and those around you, we ask every member of our community to adopt safe physical distancing measures while visiting the centre. This includes avoiding crowded areas and maintaining adequate space of at least two metres between yourself and others when queuing or moving through the centre.

We continue to work in close collaboration with our retailers to ensure that we are all doing our part to keep our shared environments clean and safe while keeping our team members up to date with new information and advice from the relevant authorities. 

We are closely monitoring public health updates and prepared to act quickly should advice change. It goes without saying that our community’s health and wellbeing comes first.

We ask for your support in making sure Pittwater Place continues to be a place of kindness and compassion for all our customers and staff throughout this unprecedented situation. We also encourage all customers commit to social distancing whilst visiting.

With all that said, we remain open for business and sincerely look forward to seeing you at Pittwater Place.

Community Input On The Future Of Plastics And Waste In NSW

The NSW Government is seeking public input on its plan to tackle the use of plastics, reduce waste and pollution, and improve recycling across NSW.

The NSW Plastics Plan(external link) and 20-Year Waste Strategy(external link) will establish clear pathways on ways to reduce waste, maximise recycling and improve the protection of our environment.

The discussion paper will help establish ways the NSW Government can better manage resources and environmental factors.

The NSW Plastics Plan provides pathways to:
  • phase-out the use of plastics
  • triple the proportion of plastic recycling by 2030
  • reduce plastic litter items by 25% by 2025
  • make NSW a leader in plastics research and development.
The 20-Year Waste Strategy will provide long-term direction for NSW on ways to reduce waste, increase recycling and outline opportunities for future waste and recycling infrastructure.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Environmental Minister Matt Kean have asked for community feedback to help drive sustainable solutions across NSW.

“The community has high expectations that we need to make sure we put in place the best plans for the future. We know that we need to do a better job of dealing with our waste and delivering sustainable solutions,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Have your say on the NSW Plastics Plan and 20-Year Waste Strategy by 8 May 2020.

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Update: We're Adapting!

Friday March 27, 2020

Intending to keep our customers and staff safe, we present some additional ways for both our retail and trade customers to do business with us.

Trade and Retail Pick Up

Express Pick up Mona Vale

- Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)

- Drive into our undercover Trade Drive-Thru area at 73 Bassett St Mona Vale, and your order will be ready for pick-up.

- Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Express Pick up Avalon

- Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Avalon, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)

- Drive into our back lane off Bellevue Avenue, and your order will be ready for pick-up.

- Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Online Retail Stores Go Live

We’ve launched two eCommerce sites offering 2hr pick up in-store and flat rate delivery options on the northern beaches*.

Jbhmv.com.au (Mona Vale)

Jbhav.com.au (Avalon – Site goes live tomorrow Sat 28th March)

With the ability to leave the product on your doorstep, this provides an option of an entirely contactless transaction.

*Flat rate delivery is not available to trade sales, building supplies and trade quantities

** The stock availability is updated nightly, which may mean the stock is unavailable when the order is placed

Trade Delivery to Site

Maybe not new, but certainly worth a mention again!

We can get almost anything delivered quickly onto site!

As always ring the trade desk direct on 9999 0333 and let them know what you need!

Final Thought

Like everyone, we have found ourselves in a new and uncertain environment, but we’re setting up (and digging in) for the long haul!

We want to acknowledge that the decision to retain over 120 staff and meet any future challenges head-on, could not have happened without the continued support you provide us as customers.

Thank you and stay safe,

The Johnson Family

NSW Lowers Age Limit For Pharmacy Flu Jabs

March 16, 2020
Families will have more access to influenza vaccinations with the NSW Government lowering the age pharmacists can administer flu jabs to children from 16 years to 10 years.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said giving families more options to protect their children against flu is sensible, with the likely convergence of a COVID-19 pandemic with winter flu.

“Last year was the longest flu season on record and in 2017 more than 650 people in NSW died from flu-related conditions, and now we have COVID-19,” Mr Hazzard said.

“While the flu vaccine won’t combat COVID-19, it will help reduce the severity and spread of flu, which can lower a person’s immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses.

“By allowing pharmacists to administer privately purchased flu vaccines to people aged 10 years and over, families now have more choice when booking-in for a flu jab”.

The NSW Government has invested approximately $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this year’s flu vaccine is expected to be available from mid-April and she urges everyone who can be vaccinated to do so.

“Each year in NSW, we have hundreds of flu-related deaths and many of those who die were infected by the people they know and love who weren’t vaccinated,” Dr Chant said.

“Not only do you risk your own life by not getting vaccinated against flu but you can potentially spread the infection to others more vulnerable, like children and the elderly.

“This year’s flu vaccine will be specifically tailored to the strains we expect will pose the greatest risk but as always, call ahead to ensure your GP or pharmacist has your dose.”

Last year, around 2.5 million doses of Government-funded flu vaccines were distributed across NSW. This year, it is expected more than 2.6 million doses will be made available.

People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and those with high-risk medical conditions can be vaccinated for free by GPs under the National Immunisation Program. The free NSW-funded vaccine is available to all children aged six months to five years.

Amendments to the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 to lower the age that pharmacists can supply and administer a private market influenza vaccine to include people aged 10 years and over, are expected to come into effect by mid-March.


Staged Opening Of The Warringah Road Underpass

The NSW Government is upgrading the roads around the Northern Beaches Hospital to provide customers with a better travel experience, increased capacity on the road network and improved access through the area.

Warringah Road underpass
When fully operational the 1.3 kilometre long underpass will enable through traffic on Warringah Road to bypass three sets of traffic lights at Forest Way, Hilmer Street and Wakehurst Parkway.

FRENCHS FOREST TO FORESTVILLE Warringah Rd between Rodborough Rd and Fitzpatrick Ave East
CHANGED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS Warringah Rd underpass opening
Date: Sat 28 Mar 2020 - Fri 3 Apr 2020
Website: Northern Beaches Hospital Road Upgrade - MySydney
Advice:  Allow extra travel time. Exercise caution
Other Info: The new 1.3km long Warringah Rd underpass through Frenchs Forest will open to traffic on Monday 30 March.
** The underpass was due to open on Sunday morning but was delayed due to wet weather.
Two lanes will be available in each direction allowing motorists travelling through the area to bypass the busy intersections of Forest Way, Hilmer St and Wakehurst Pkwy.

The speed limit will be 60km/h when the underpass opens while other works continue in the area.
Access to the Northern Beaches Hospital remains unchanged and is via the surface lanes. Motorists travelling to the hospital will be guided by the blue coloured service signs.

From Monday morning the underpass will open to westbound traffic at the entrance west of Allambie Road.

At this time:
  • the Warringah Road underpass on ramp at Wakehurst Parkway will be closed
  • Warringah Road westbound surface lanes on approach to Wakehurst Parkway will be reduced to two lanes
  • Warringah Road eastbound surface lanes on approach to Forest Way will be reduced to two lanes
  • motorists using the Forest Way slip lane to Warringah Road eastbound will enter Warringah Road in an added lane - no merge will be required at that point.
For more information see the Warringah Road underpass open to traffic project notification (PDF, 856Kb).

Saturday 4 April
From Saturday night 4 April, the intersection of Warringah Road and Wakehurst Parkway will be rearranged to its final configuration.
The Wakehurst Parkway intersection will include:
  • two right turn lanes from Wakehurst Parkway southbound into the underpass westbound and one right turn lane for road users who wish to continue on the surface lanes
  • two left turn lanes from Wakehurst Parkway northbound into the underpass westbound and one left turn lane for road users who wish to continue on the surface lanes
  • one right turn lane from Wakehurst Parkway northbound to Warringah Road eastbound.

Saturday 18 April
From Saturday night 18 April, the intersection of Warringah Road and Forest Way will be rearranged to its final configuration.
The Forest Way intersection will include:
  • three right turn lanes from Warringah Road westbound to Forest Way northbound
  • one through lane for Warringah Road westbound
Road users will not be able to enter the underpass from Forest Way.

General traffic information
Temporary lane closures will be in place during the opening of the underpass.
Delays may occur along Warringah Road, Wakehurst Parkway and Forest Way. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

Temporary traffic changes are needed to ensure the safety of workers and road users and may affect travel times. Please keep to speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs. For the latest traffic updates, you can call 132 701, visit the Live Traffic NSW website or download the Live Traffic NSW app.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all time and bus routes will not be impacted.

Working towards completion
A number of construction activities can only take place after the underpass is open to traffic. This will take a few months to complete and we are on track to complete the project in mid‑2020, weather permitting.

Local Public Areas Now Closed

March 26, 2020: NBC -
In the interest of your health and safety, Council is now closing the following outdoor recreation areas:
• Playgrounds
• Skateparks
• Estuary, tidal and harbour pools
• Ocean and rockpools

Please note that public libraries were closed mid-week but council is ramping up their home delivery service for older and vulenrable people in the community who love a good read.

COVID 19 Update

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
As of 8pm March 27th, there are 85 confirmed cases of coronavirus in our area - up by 17 from the 68 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Northern Beaches area reported on March 25th, 2020. Our area is now recording the second highest incidences of this disease in Sydney - please STAY HOME, don't go the beaches, don't go communal areas.

The NSW Department of Health advises that:
As at 8pm, Friday 27 March 2020, an additional 212 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, since 8pm 26 March, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 1,617.

There are currently 147 COVID-19 cases being treated in NSW, including 22 cases in our Intensive Care Units and, of those, 11 require ventilators at this stage.

What these figures reveal is that testing for COVID-19 is occurring at a significant rate across the state and we urge everyone to follow NSW Health advice about social distancing, personal hygiene and staying at home wherever possible.

Sadly, a female patient in her 90s passed away in hospital this morning. This patient was a resident of the Dorothy Henderson Lodge.

NSW Health passes on our condolences to the family of this patient. Eight people have now died in NSW having tested positive to COVID-19.

Two international flights arrived in Sydney overnight and this morning with 245 passengers. Airport screening was immediately commenced, including symptom assessment and temperature, and no passengers were identified as being unwell.

These passengers include numerous doctors and nurses who had been attending a health convention on-board who had not been able to berth off the South American coast.

All passengers are subject to the requirement for 14 day isolation under Ministerial direction. This includes those who were able to safety return to their place of residence as well as around 150 people who are in quarantine in two Sydney hotels.

The passengers were from the Roald Amundsen and Scenic Eclipse cruises which were unable to berth in South America.

NSW Health will assist should there be any further need for COVID-19 testing or medical care requiring transport to hospital.

There are 171 confirmed cases diagnosed in NSW who were on board the Ruby Princess.

A school teacher working at Ashcroft High School is a confirmed case who attended school for one day while infectious, but did not teach classes. A small number of students and staff have been identified as close contacts and are being contacted by the Department of Education.

There are two confirmed cases at a Sydney childcare centre - a two-year-old child and a childcare worker.

A three-year-old child who is a household contact of an overseas case has confirmed COVID-19. The child is in self-isolation.

Two confirmed cases from a group of 100 Chilean navy personnel are self-isolating in hotels in Sydney. Investigations and contact tracing underway.

A fourth case has been confirmed at the Opal Bankstown residential aged care facility.

NSW Health is providing information to keep the community informed about COVID-19 while also protecting the privacy of patients. We will keep providing information to the people of NSW as it becomes available.

NSW Health is alerting passengers who were close contacts on flights to monitor for symptoms, and contact their GP, but call ahead first, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or visit a NSW Health COVID-19 / Flu assessment clinic should they become unwell.


For information on social distancing see:

NSW Health also wants to remind the public about new regulations surrounding mass gatherings that can be found by visiting Public Health (COVID-19 Gatherings) Order 2020 under the Public Health Act 2010.

Current NSW Health advice is to only get tested for COVID-19 if you have a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath AND EITHER been overseas in the past 14 days or been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Only people who meet this criteria will be tested and considering this advice you can save yourself an unnecessary trip to a testing centre. 
For the latest advice see https://bit.ly/3aTaRV8

The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is the same way you would protect yourself from catching the flu or any other respiratory illness:
  • - Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser.
  • - Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
  • - Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
  • - Stay home if you are sick.

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week


Crumpet


AGE/SEX: 5 years / M
BREED: American Staffy X
Crumpet is a strong friendly boy who gives you lots of kisses and always has his tail wagging. He loves his treats and enjoys his walks. He ignores cars but pulls to meet other dogs. Ideally he would love to run or jog with you. He is child tolerant but does not actively seek engagement with kids. Volunteers say "High energy, likes to run. Lovely temperament", "Gorgeous boy, well behaved", "Nice temperament, easy to walk. Sat for treats and took very gently. Sweetheart" He has a smooth coat and weighs 27kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400


Cruz

Cruz is a very affectionate gentleman who ended up in the pound at 16 years old when we recently rescued him. He is the oldest cat we have. He was in poor condition suffering from Hyperthyroidism and very under weight at only 2.79kg. He has a medium length coat.

Cruz is looking for a special person to manage his condition and give him the best life during his final years. Cruz is located on the Northern Beaches and comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting him, please contact DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com. He is located at Ingleside.

Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Lucy Turnbull Steps Down From The Greater Sydney Commission

March 24, 2020
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has today thanked Lucy Turnbull AO for her leadership and vision as she steps down as Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission.

After more than four years as the inaugural Chief Commissioner, Mrs Turnbull has spearheaded the transformation of Greater Sydney into a thriving and connected global city.

“Greater Sydney is well on its way to becoming a thriving metropolis of three cities and I thank Lucy for her outstanding service and leadership,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Lucy brought an enormous amount of passion to this incredibly important project and I am certain her legacy will live on in the communities and residents of Greater Sydney.”

During her time as Chief Commissioner, Mrs Turnbull has overseen the development and release of the Greater Sydney Region Plan, the NSW Government’s 40-year vision for the growth and development of Greater Sydney and the development and release of five associated District Plans.

She has also championed a personal passion for Greater Sydney’s livability through local open spaces, walkability to promote health and community and a female-friendly focus on improving access for everyone.

Mr Geoff Roberts AM, the Commission’s Deputy Chief Commissioner has been appointed Chief Commissioner from 1 April 2020 until March 2021.

This arrangement will ensure strong continuity of leadership for the Commission.

Mr Roberts was first appointed to the Commission in late 2015 and was reappointed in September 2018.

ANZAC Day 2020 Services Cancelled

There will be no ANZAC Day Commemorative Services conducted by Palm Beach, Avalon Beach, Narrabeen and Pittwater RSL's this year. Some Sub-Branch members are speaking about whether it will be feasible to stream Dawn Services online - Pittwater Online will bring you updates as they come to hand.

There is a community groundswell for everyone to walk to the end of their driveways at 5.55am on the morning of April 25th and hold a light aloft to honour those who have served and continue to service our country in the Defence Forces of Australia.