Community News: August 2019

August 25 - 31, 2019: Issue 418

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 418 

Pictures The New Mona Vale Hospital Kiosk Is Open For Business: + Some Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary AGM 2019 Updates - Father's Day Stall 2019 this Friday (Aug. 30) at Avalon

Mackellar's MP Jason Falinski Taking Care Of Electorate: August 2019 Updates


Soibada: Installing The Water Tanks For The Maternity Clinic by Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM

Hamilton Island Race Week 2019 by Lisa Ratcliff

Byron Bay Writers Festival 2019 by Robyn McWilliam

Australians Ready For 5.5 Metre World Championship 2020 at RPAYC by Di Pearson

Waterhouse-Darmanin in Enoshima 2019: Ready Steady Tokyo, Hempel World Cup Series Enoshima (25 August – 1 September) + Australian Sailing Team Final Results by Liz Owen, World Sailing

The 2019 SAE Group Australian Surf Championships: Part 2 - Adaptive Surfing, Longboards and Loggers by Surfing NSW - NB:  Australian Longboard Titles and Australian Logger Titles run 19-26 of August

DIY Ideas Father's Day Wish List 2019 + How to Re-stain your Deck timbers and posts for Summer 

Park Bench Philosopher What Kind Of State Values A Freeway’s Heritage Above The Heritage Of Our Oldest Living Culture?

Pittwater's Sailing Season 2019-2020 About To Begin: North To South Clubs Information and sign up, come and try days/dates

Profile Dorothy De Rooy (Vidgen) Dorothy won the NSW open class women’s surfboard riding championship in April 1964 while 16. It was the 3rd year in a row Dorothy had taken out the NSW Championship. 1964 year though was that year – when the World Championships came to Manly and surfing was beginning to take off throughout Australia.

While Dorothy and best friend Marilyn were among a group of accepting and respected male surfers, and were in fact among a group of pioneering and equally brilliant female surfers, she recalls a broader hostility to female surfers from those who thought they belonged on the sand in a bikini, watching the men. Even the foundling industry had a similar slant – decades later Dorothy still cringes at the way photographers favoured ‘cheesecake’ shots of her leaving the surf rather than ripping across a wave. 

That didn't stop her winning competitions and riding waves though, or going on a 10 year round the world cruise on their own hand built yacht with husband Vic Vidgen decades later.

This week an insight into a lady who still has a passion for the ocean.

History Pittwater Roads II - Where the Streets Have Your Name - Bilgola

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update August 23rd, 2019 

click on Logo: 


To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

In The PON This Newsletter:

AUSGRID UPDATE
Scotland Island energy reliability project
Project update and timing
To ensure the Church Point carpark is not impacted  during the busy December–January school holiday period Ausgrid have made the decision to push  back starting the work until next year. With a later start, we would not have time to complete the first stage of the work and re-open the carpark before the holidays.

Shute Grand Final 2019

1st Grade - Full-time score 
WARRINGAH vs SYDNEY UNI
Rats 16 - Uni 21.
A valiant effort by 1st Grade - but it wasn’t to be. Surrounded by their ardent supporters.
“Humble in victory - gracious in defeat”

A brilliant effort all season. Well done Rats!
Worth noting the half time score was Rats 16 - Uni 0
Photo: Rising Sun Photography Sydney

24 Hour Row Success

The 24hr Row, initiated and organised by Mel and Nathan Wellings from Avalon Beach SLSC, was held last weekend. An outstanding effort from our boaties who, together with crews from Collaroy, Warreiwood, Mona Vale, Bilgola South Curl Curl and more, raised over $40,000 for OneEighty and Gotcha4Life. There's still time to donate with all proceeds going to these two charities making a difference to the lives of local youth and men.

Learn more about OneEighty: www.oneeighty.org.au/
Learn more about Gotcha4Life: www.gotcha4life.org/

Photos: SLS NSW CEO Steven Pearce doing his hopur on Sunday morning - photo by Roger Sayers, Life Member AVSLSC
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Palm Beach The Movie Features Spectacular Palm Beach

A few words from Whaley resident and Actor, Bryan Brown:

Damo The Musical

On Sunday September 22nd at the Factory Theatre, we'll be performing "Damo the Musical".

We will do our best to say farewell in honour of him in our own style. Likely to run from around 4pm till 8pm with the music he loved, grew up with and contributed to.

A few covers, some Wigworld tracks and plenty of Celies with guest musicians and multi media tributes to Senor Lovelock.
Tickets will be available in a few days.

Kent Steedman - The Celibate Rifles (Facebook Page)

On Saturday the community held a paddle out and tribute for Damien Lovelock with people gathering in the clubhouse of Newport SLSC afterwards to share a yarn and raise a toast or two.

A few photos from Saturday's Tribute - thank you to Michael Mannington of Community Photography

Support Save Mona Vale Hospital At The Parliamentary Inquiry

Listen to the evidence given at the Parliamentary Inquiry
into the operation and management of Northern Beaches Hospital.
Come and fill the room with Mona Vale Hospital supporters.

When: Monday, 26 August 2019
Where: Macquarie Room, Parliament House, Sydney
Time:    1.30 pm – 2.45 pm. Please arrive by 1.15 pm.

 Appearing will be:
  • Parry Thomas, Chairman of Save Mona Vale Hospital
  • Phil Walker from Friends of Mona Vale Hospital
  • Helena Mooney from Friends of Northern Beaches Maternity Services.
Each speaker will address the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee and will then respond to questions.

Most importantly, please note that the public are invited to attend.
It would be great to fill the room with SMVH supporters.

We have been asked to notify the committee organiser if more than 40 people plan to attend so that they can ensure that there is enough seating.

Please email savemonavalehospital@gmail.com if you are able to attend. We can then ensure there are enough chairs for everyone.

The event will also be live streamed for those unable to attend. The link will become available on the day. 

On your behalf and as a result of your support and information, SMVH has provided to the Parliamentary Inquiry a 59 page submission, accompanied by 21 appendices of relevant background information.

In essence, our submission supports our conviction that the local community and also the private/public Northern Beaches Hospital needs the acute services at Mona Vale Hospital to be reopened. 

In preparing our submission, SMVH became aware of very real fears in the community that recounting their negative and sometime death-threatening experiences, either as patients or as staff, could result in retribution. This has also been reported in the press. 

If you have time on Monday, 26 August, arrive at Parliament House by 1.15 pm.  

Show the Parliamentary Committee how important this issue is to the local community. Join us in supporting Parry Thomas in his 20-year battle to save our hospital. 

See democracy in action! 

Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee

Overturned Barge Off Mackerel Beach

Wednesday August 21, 2019:  Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade
This afternoon members of the Brigade responded to an upturned barge off Mackerel Beach. Scotland Island and West Pittwater Brigades provided assistance to FRNSW. Crews will be back on scene tomorrow morning.



Further:
A barge that had been carrying a sewage truck and a boat crew, capsized at Great Mackerel Beach on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the scene, and found crew members hanging onto the side of the overturned barge.

“On arrival, we found the occupants from the barge had managed to safely make their way away from the barge to a nearby boat,” said an NSW Ambulance spokesperson.

As the barge overturned, thousands of litres of waste spilled into the water from the sewage truck.  

Booms were set up around the barge to contain the waste, diesel and hydraulic fluid. A Hazxmat Team is cleaning up the spills.

Fire and rescue crews commenced a salvage operation.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the spill.

Council Urged To Save Station Beach For Future Generations

From Protect Palm Beach Community Group 
Palm Beach Protection Group today said Station Beach should not be sacrificed for an off-leash dog trial that requires more than 30 mitigation measures and $52,000 of ratepayer’s dollars when the NSW Government and Fisheries want the Council to look at more suitable locations because of environmental risks.
 
“This is a fragile beach and we need to protect it for future generations. Turning it into a dog park will destroy Station Beach and if we lose it, we won’t get it back. We have seen the adverse environmental impact of off-leash dogs at Rowland Reserve and Sandy Bay,” said Richard Kovacs from the Palm Beach Protection Group.
 
“The report to Council recommends evaluating sites less environmentally sensitive, with Fisheries preferring ocean beaches because they don’t support living marine vegetation like Pittwater or have fragile estuaries where endangered species like the Whites Seahorse live.
 
“If after 12 months a better site is found the damage to the environment at Station Beach may already needlessly be done and the trial would have been a complete waste of time and money. A similar proposal to allow dogs off leash in 2008 was rejected due to the same environmental concerns that Fisheries and the Government have raised today. 
 
“The Council report also revealed the more the community became aware of the true environmental impact of this trial, support fell away. The Community has been in the dark from the beginning of this process with the environmental report released after the closure of public submissions, leaving the community unaware of the negative impact of off-leash dogs, the extensive mitigation measures required, along with the extraordinary costs of staging this trial without any consideration of more suitable sites.
 
“The three offshore marker buoys being proposed will do nothing to protect the fragile sea grass and eco-system at Station Beach. Token solutions which fail to protect the environment are simply not good enough. 
 
“There are around 30 off-leash dog parks in the Northern Beaches Council area alone, but beaches where families, children and important wildlife gather need to be protected. The beach and local area are a major tourist destination and we must ensure it is not destroyed by turning it into a dog park.
 
“We urge the Northern Beaches Council to save Station Beach by working towards finding sites that are environmentally better suited for off-leash dogs and ensure we don’t lose a fragile beach in the process,” Richard Kovacs said. 

Jess Hill's Book A Bestseller

The new book by Jess Hill is attracting acclaim across Australia since its release in June. Currently engaged in a round of speaking engagements and featuring in writers festivals, including the upcoming September Brisbane Writers Festival, See What You Made Me Do addresses the flawed logic of victim-blaming, and challenges domestic and family violence with thorough research and riveting storytelling.

The book has recently been picked up by the US and Russia, so Jess may be heading back overseas again soon. 

On Friday night, August 23rd, Jess was doing her thing at Bookoccino in Avalon with funds raised going to the Be Centre. 
There was a great crowd with lots of friends from years back, Jess being a lady who has a long association with Pittwater, her mum and brother still residents.

Melanie Greblo did a great job of drawing out Jess' responses. 
'It was fabulous.' and 'What a brilliant writer' being some of the feedback.

Jess Hill is a multi-award winning investigative journalist who has been writing and researching about domestic violence since 2014. Prior to this, she was a producer for ABC Radio, a Middle East correspondent for The Global Mail, and an investigative journalist, contributing to Background Briefing and The Monthly. She has been listed in Foreign Policy's top 100 women to follow on Twitter, and her reporting on domestic violence has won two Walkley awards, an Amnesty International award and three Our Watch awards. Her book on domestic violence, See What You Made Me Do is available in all good local book stores.

Below: Jess in Avalon on Friday night. Photo courtesy proud mum Lynda Hill

Max Gardner Award Night

Northern Beaches Prostrate Cancer Support Group's Mary Jones was recently presented with her Max Gardner Award at an evening held at Mona Vale Hospital's Palliative Care Centre.

The new CEO of PCFA, Jeff Dunn OA presented the Max Gardner Award. Jeff is a wonderful ambassador for the organisation.

''He was personable, funny and very much in touch with the people who support  those with prostate cancer.
It was a wonderful night.'' Mary said afterwards

In April 2019 Pittwater Online News reported on Mary being named a recipient of the Max Gardener Award

The Max Gardner Award for Distinguished Service is a prestigious award presented by Prostrate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). It is awarded to an individual member of the Network that has made an outstanding and significant contribution to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners and families, recognising the diversity of the Australian community. 

Mary has been a member of the Northern Beaches Prostrate Cancer Support Group since 2007 and during that time has undertaken to provide support and fundraising opportunities for the group, including The Big BBQ and Family Fun Days, as well as having the Baha'i Temple lit blue for Prostrate Cancer Awareness Month. Her volunteer work is raising awareness of this disease in the local community and the opportunity this local support group provides for residents.

Mary also pens the NBPCSG newsletter which is filled with reports on the groups speakers, presentations and developments  in treatment.


Mary with husband Ron and Jeff Dunn OA

Excise Of Public Land At Palm Beach Checked

In July 2019 Pittwater Online News reported on the apparent excise of public parking space along the beachfront at Palm Beach. 

Residents have sent in numerous photos and reports during recent months of people planting out public space areas in front of or adjacent to their homes to block the passage of people using long established public pathways between reserves and to prevent parking in front of their houses.

The on purpose encroachments are happening from Narrabeen to Palm Beach and all suburbs in between.

This week one such matter brought to Pittwater Online's attention has been resolved with council providing an answer, stating that no approval for the works had been issued by council and that the works do not comply with the 'Pittwater Streetscape Management Guidelines', specifically:
  • Maintain Pedestrian access, vehicle access and parking
  • Ensure planted vegetation species is of council approved native species
  • Council and RMS Engineering specifications 
  • Allows for access for utility service providers
It is understood that council is now going to work with the owner to address these unauthorised works: 

Above; July 25, 2019 - photo supplied
Above: December 2017
Above: view towards south Palm Beach, December 2017

Recognising Our Unsung School Heroes

23 August 2019
Schools across the state will celebrate the efforts of their non-teaching staff who help daily in classrooms, school offices, libraries and grounds this week.

These dedicated workers assist in the day-to-day running of our schools.

School Administrative and Support Staff Recognition Week is an annual event to say thanks to SAS staff who include:
  • Aboriginal education officers
  • farm assistants
  • general assistants
  • school adminstrative managers
  • school administrative officers
  • school learning support officers.
Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott thanked the staff who support more than 810,000 public school students.

“Our SAS staff are often the first people parents and students see when they come to a school and that first welcoming impression is incredibly important,” Mr Scott said.

“They are vital to the day-to-day running of schools and are of tremendous support to teachers and students.”

The roles played by SAS staff in schools are varied and complex, from providing first aid care and processing enrolments and finances, to ensuring science labs, libraries and playgrounds are ready for use.

At Cabramatta High School, in Sydney’s south-west, more than 30 SAS staff aid student learning.

“Teachers rely on the SAS staff to organise equipment, purchase and prepare class materials and help students in classrooms understand the lesson,” Cabramatta High School Principal Beth Godwin said.

“The high quality of this support translates directly into high quality student outcomes.

“It is often teachers that get the accolades for student success. It is really the partnership between teachers and administration staff that creates an environment to ensure success.”

NSW Hospitals Providing More Care To Young People

August 21, 2019: NSW Health
The numbers of young people, and people who have intentionally self-harmed, continue to attend hospital in rising numbers.

The independent report released today by the Bureau of Health Information, Healthcare in Focus: People’s use and experiences of mental health care in NSW, highlights intentional self-harm, youth mental health, and emergency department use by people with mental health issues.

The NSW Government is investing a record $2.1 billion into mental health services and infrastructure for people living with mental illness, their families and carers.

Dr Nigel Lyons, NSW Health Deputy Secretary, said the report also shows most people receiving mental health services in the community and hospitals are young people, with emergency department presentations and admitted episodes for 15-24 year olds up 23 per cent over four years.

“NSW has around 700 mental health facilities, including more than 50 hospitals with mental health units and more than 500 community mental health teams. Each year they provide more than 40,000 episodes of hospital care and more than 3 million community contacts to more than 130,000 community clients,” Dr Lyons said.

“It is no surprise to see high numbers of young people using mental health services, with the average age of onset for most mental health conditions in the early twenties.

“These numbers show our efforts to reduce stigma are making a difference, as increasing numbers of people seeking care may represent an increased willingness to seek treatment.”

Dr Lyons said the also report highlights the large number of people in NSW accessing health services to help them with intentional self-harm.

“Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Suicide prevention is everybody’s business and there is still much work to do.”

“The NSW Government has launched an investment of $87 million over three years to implement the Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention 2018-2023. This will complement the NSW Premier’s Priority of reducing the suicide rate by 20 per cent by 2023,” he said.

NSW is committed to delivering mental health care in the least restrictive environment, which in most cases will be community care. The NSW Government is continuing to shift more care into the community through the NSW Mental Health Reform, which is allocated over $100 million in the 2019-20 budget.

If you or someone you know needs crisis support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. For mental health services in your local area call the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

Mackellar Community Grants Open

The Federal Government is delivering on a $22 million commitment to help local communities strengthen local environments, with applications now open or the Communities Environment Program.

Under the Program, the Government will provide up to $150,000 per electorate in 2019-20 for up to 20 projects that enhance local environments. Grants will range from $2,500 to $20,000 per project.

“The Communities Environment Program is backing Australian communities to deliver environmental outcomes in their area,” Environment Minister Sussan Ley said.

“This is about the Government empowering communities, respecting their ability to identify local priorities and, then, backing them with financial support.

“The cumulative impact of local communities across metropolitan and regional Australia all getting involved in these environmental projects will be significant.”

The Communities Environment Program would play a key role alongside the Government’s commitments to the Environment Restoration fund, Landcare and Waste and Recycling initiatives.

“Local Members will work with their communities before nominating  the projects in their electorate,”  Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans, who will manage delivery of the Communities Environment Program, said.

“Members from all parties will consult with community environmental groups, conservation volunteers and local residents to deliver projects such as cleaning local waterways, protecting local habitat areas, planting trees, reducing litter and other innovative concepts,” Assistant Minister Evans said

Mr. Falinski, Member for Mackellar, has forwarded the following to be shared this week, which also includes an allocation for the  Stronger Communities Programme Round Five in the Electorate of Mackellar.

Stronger Communities Programme Round Five 
Grants of up to $20,000 for small capital projects that deliver social benefits to communities across the Mackellar electorate. Aiming to improve local participation and to enhance our vibrant community. 

Fill in the Expression of Interest form HERE before 26 August 2019!

Communities Environment Program
Grants of up to $20,000 for small-scale, community-led projects for environmental priorities such as:
  • waste, litter and plastic reduction
  • protecting native animals, including our threatened species
  • weed eradication
  • restoring and improving coastlines, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways
  • greening parks and urban areas.
Fill in the Expression of Interest form HERE before 26 August 2019!

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2019

Pittwater Place, Mona Vale stalls:
July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th
Selling sewing, knitting, craft, books, 9am to 3pm

Sausage Sizzles at Bunnings, Narrabeen:  8am to 3pm
Saturdays, July 13th, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, December 14th


Manly's Ivanhoe Park Listed On State Heritage Register 

Monday, 19 August 2019
Manly’s Ivanhoe Park is the newest listing on the NSW State Heritage Register, Special Minister of State Don Harwin announced today.

Mr Harwin said Ivanhoe Park is a unique place in NSW with a combined history of Aboriginal heritage and 150 years of recreation, sport and community use.

“The State Heritage Register is a celebration of our history and I am delighted to honour Ivanhoe Park (including Manly Oval) cultural landscape with an official listing on the register,” Mr Harwin said.

“The park is 4.8ha of diverse and complex landscape, featuring Aboriginal elements, Manly’s well-loved Oval, sporting facilities and the characteristically Victorian botanical gardens.”

Listing on the State Heritage Register means the park’s heritage significance is recognised by law, bringing greater certainty that its unique contribution to NSW culture and history will be protected.

“The park holds intangible Aboriginal cultural heritage and may contribute to our further understanding of the Kay-ye-mai people’s history,” Mr Harwin said.

“It’s imperative we protect Ivanhoe Park and sites like it for future generations to enjoy and continue to uncover new facts about our past.”

Member for Manly James Griffin said the site also has significant links to many of NSW’s oldest sporting clubs, international sports people and leaders in public life.

“Ivanhoe Park has been loved by the people of Manly throughout time, including the ‘Father of Manly’ Henry Gilbert Smith, whose vision it was to develop Manly as a primary tourist spot for NSW,” Mr Griffin said.

“It’s great to see that this park, which has been a source of pride for our area for so long, will continue to be enjoyed and protected well into the future.”

Anyone can nominate an item to be considered for the State Heritage Register. Find out more about the listing process at https://bit.ly/2KrKoDZ 

Photo: Oval, Manly [with cricket match in progress] circa 1900-1910, Image No. a116271, courtesy State Library of NSW

Pawsitive News For Manly Court Do Therapy Program 

Tuesday, 20 August 2019
Therapy dogs will continue to bring smiles to the faces of people feeling anxious at Manly Courthouse, with the NSW Government extending the popular Canine Court Companion program for a further 12 months.

Attorney General Mark Speakman and Member for Manly James Griffin today announced that the NSW Government would continue funding Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to keep the service operating at 10 courthouses in suburban and regional NSW.

“The program has been a feel-good hit, with everyone from victims of crime to Sheriff’s Officers raving about the ‘pawsitive’ impact of four-legged friends at courthouses,” Mr Speakman said.

The placid pooches attend Manly Courthouse three days a week, bringing their unique fur therapy to foyers, waiting rooms, safe rooms and witness rooms.

“The specially-trained Labradors have a knack for knowing how to cheer people up,” Mr Griffin said.

“The simple act of patting a gentle and friendly dog can eliminate tension and take people’s minds off a stressful court situation.”

Over the past year, the NSW Government has gradually introduced the Canine Court Companion program in partnership with Guide Dogs NSW/Act at courts in Burwood, Campbelltown, Gosford, Goulburn, Lismore, Nowra, Orange, Sutherland and Wagga Wagga.

The program also continues to operate at Manly, where court therapy dogs were first trialled in 2017.

“Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is excited the NSW Government has extended this important partnership, with our therapy dogs and volunteers looking forward to providing comfort and companionship to hundreds more courts users,” Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT said.

Jobs And Tourism Benefit From National Park Investment

August 13, 2019: NSW Government
The NSW Government is calling for construction workers and businesses to register their interest in working on the state's iconic parks as part of a $149.5 million investment commitment.

Recent figures reveal a 16.6% increase on visitors to national parks across NSW last year. This included 60 million visitors to NSW national parks in 2018, compared to 51.77 million in 2016.

NSW Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said, "We've got some of the world's best and most significant national parks right here in NSW and I'm inviting the best of the construction industry to help make them even better.

"This will create local jobs, support local business and boost regional economies."

Successful applicants will renew walking tracks, enhance visitor information and experiences, facilities and accessibility at national parks across the state.

Register online to expression your interest in improving NSW's iconic parks.

Surf Boats Open Day

Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
At: Bayview

Newport Surf Club is on the lookout for new faces to join our surf boat team!

WHO: Under 23 Men & Women | Under 19 Men & Women 
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
WHERE: Bayview Boat Ramp (Near tennis courts)
JOIN US FOR A ROW AND BBQ BREAKFAST


NSW RFS Declares Start Of Bush Fire Danger Period

August 15, 2019
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has declared the nine areas across the state’s north will commence the Bush Fire Danger Period from Saturday 17 August 2019 – bringing to more than 20 the number of local government areas which have commenced their bush fire season.

NSW RFS Acting Commissioner Rob Rogers said conditions remain extremely dry, and with no prospect of good rainfall, the fire danger is increasing.

“Over the past week, we’ve seen a number of large and fast moving fires in some of these areas, and these have destroyed homes and other buildings,” Acting Commissioner Rogers said.

“The bush fire season traditionally starts statewide on 1 October each year but because of the dry conditions, and in consultation with local volunteers and other agencies, we’ve brought forward the start of the season in a number of areas.”
Landholders are reminded that permits are required during the Bush Fire Danger Period.

“Many people use fire to reduce the risk to their property – but if fire’s not used safely, you become the fire risk,” Acting Commissioner Rogers said.

“Our message is simple. Don’t be the fire risk to your community.

“Get a permit, check conditions and only light up if conditions are safe. Everybody needs to think now about their bush fire survival plan.

“Have the conversation with your family about what you will do during a fire – including where you’ll go, what you’ll take and what you’ll do with animals.”

For information on making a bush fire survival plan, visit www.myfireplan.com.au or for information about permits and fire danger ratings go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Long Nose Point Bush Fire: 1st Of The Season

Earlier this week residents could smell trees burning and knew the first bush fire of our Pittwater fire danger period was happening.
By 10pm on Sunday night (August 18th) the fire could be seen.

On Monday NSW Rural Fire Service reported:
A bush fire is burning on Long Nose Point in the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park, west of Paradise Beach and Clareville. Smoke is likely to drift across Avalon and Newport. There are no threats to homes in the area. NSW RFS & NPWS firefighters will work to contain the fire today.

August 20, 2019: Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade
Crews have now contained the fire at Long Nose Point. Work will continue today and tomorrow to strengthen containment lines. Residents in surrounding areas may still see fire activity today, overnight and tomorrow as operations continue. You can stay up to date using the Fires Near Me app or www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Bushfire Advice: Long Nose Point Fire, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase
UPDATED: 21 Aug 2019 16:34
ALERT LEVEL: Advice
LOCATION: Long Nose Point, North of Towlers Bay, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase, NSW 2101
STATUS: Under control
TYPE: Bush Fire
FIRE: Yes
SIZE: 18 ha
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: Rural Fire Service

August 20th, 2019: NSW Rural Fire Service
Work continues on more than 60 fires burning across NSW, 20 of which are yet to be contained. Firefighters from the NSW RFS, FRNSW, NPWS and Forestry continue to patrol the more than 830km of fire line to strengthen containment lines and extinguish any hotspots. Without any meaning rainfall this work is likely to continue for weeks. 

Tough New Penalty For Bush Fire Arsonists

August 21, 2019
The non-parole period for convicted arsonists will increase from five years to nine years to help protect lives and property. 

The NSW Government will increase the standard non-parole periods for arsonists. 

The introduction of the longer non-parole period is on top of tougher maximum sentences, increased from 14 to 21 years in November 2018.

In 2018, Attorney General Mark Speakman asked the Sentencing Council to review the standard non-parole period.

As a result of the review, the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999(external link) will be amended to increase the standard non-parole period for the bush fire offence under section 203E of the Crimes Act 1900.

The offence will apply to the charge of intentionally causing a fire and being reckless about it spreading on public land or someone else’s property.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said one act of stupidity could bring a community to its knees.

“My message to would-be firebugs is to stop and think about the children and families who could be killed or injured and the huge economic and emotional toll of being homeless and having to rebuild properties and farms from scratch,” Mr Elliott said.

Aussie Bread Tags Collection Points

Collecting bread tags enables us to provide wheelchairs that change the life of disabled people in need, as well as keeping the tags out of landfill to help to preserve the environment. 

Bread Tags for Wheelchairs was started in South Africa in 2006 by Mary Honeybun. It is a community program where individuals and organisations collect bread tags, which are sold to recyclers. The money raised pays for wheelchairs for the less fortunate which are purchased through a local pharmacy. Currently about 500kg of bread tags are collected a month in South Africa, funding 2-3 wheelchairs.

We have been collecting bread tags nationally in Australia since September 2018 and now have more than 100 collection points across the country. In February 2019 we started local recycling through Transmutation - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in Robe, SA, where our tags are recycled into products such as door knobs and bowls. Tags from some states are still sent to South Africa where a plastics company called Zibo recycles them into seedling trays.

These humble bits of polystyrene can make a real difference so get your friends, family, school, workplace and church involved. Ask school tuck shops and boarding school kitchens, child care centres, aged care facilities, hospitals, cafes and fast food outlets to collect for you - they get through a lot of bread!

All the information and signage for collecting or setting up a public collection point is on our website.


Local Collectors
Lesley Flood
Warriewood
Please email for address - lespatflood@gmail.com
Jodie Streckeisen
Balgowlah
Please email for the address - streckeisenjodie@gmail.com

Please Take Your Fishing Line, Hooks And Plastic Bait Packaging Home With You

Australian Sea Bird Rescue Central Coast, Sydney and the South Coast of NSW volunteers have found pelicans and seagulls who have been affected by the left behind accoutrements of fishing in recent weeks.

In late July rescue coordinator Lisa Hood was in Woolooware Bay, Sydney doing some training with new members Yvette and Michael, when they noticed a pelican with a leg issue. After doing an excellent ‘noose hit’ to capture the pelican an examination was done.

It was a Juvenile male with a mostly healed injury on leading edge of left wing, but the main issue was it was extremely lame and very dishevelled and messy looking. The leg was quite warm indicating an infection so he would need some treatment and time in care.
Being in Sydney, it was off to Taronga Wildlife Hospital.

When birds are caught it can be quite stressful for them, although they settle down pretty quickly. The stress usually causes them to regurgitate, not a fun experience if you are the person holding the pelican.

This pelican regurgitated among other things a plastic bag full of some disgusting brown matter possibly fish burley and a foil packet of prawns or something similar.

Clearly someone had either dumped or left these after fishing and the pelican has scooped up the rubbish seeing it as food.




Please let this be a reminder to take your rubbish with you and don’t leave bait unattended. Plastic doesn’t belong anywhere near the shoreline. If you have plastic with you be extra diligent, especially on windy days.

During the same week ASR Central Coast volunteers were doing a health check of pelicans at Picnic Point and came across a poor seagull that had swallowed a hook with line trailing out of the beak.

One volunteer went over with a fish and the seagull was trapped in a picnic table by the fishing line so he was able to grab him.



In recent weeks Sydney Wildlife Volunteers have had to rescue a darter on Narrabeen Lagoon that had fallen victim to discarded fishing lines. Seeing seagulls with legs and beaks impaled with fishing hooks or caught in fishing lines all along the rockshelves off our beaches is not uncommon. 

The injury from the hooks or the lines wrapping around their legs or necks will either be the cause of the loss of a leg or it will kill them. For those sea birds that dive under water to fish, it may be the cause of them drowning when the line snags on a rock or something else underwater.

These incidences are avoidable. Please take home with you any fishing line, hooks and plastic bags your bait comes in.

All photos courtesy Australia Sea Bird Rescue.

They've Got Worms At Mona Vale!!

For all who have picked up their free Worm Farm from Council you can now get your worms too. 

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 at Mona Vale had a stock of these little beauties come in this week so you can get some from there and get our local soils a lot more healthy - just in time for Spring!

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Milo

AGE/SEX: 12 months / M
BREED: Wolfhound X
Milo is a friendly happy boy. He has lots of energy in short bursts. He is affectionate with people and calms down quickly. He is good with children 12+yo as he jumps up. He is super eager to please and needs a home committed to training. He already knows sit and drop. He is social with other dogs. Volunteers say: "Milo is an absolute delight. What an amazing dog! He has so much love to give. Loves a jog, loves belly rubs and cuddles" He has a scruffy coat and weighs 24.5kg. 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. 

Mr Buttons

Mr Buttons a 12yo Ragdoll sealpoint X was in very bad shape when he came from the pound. His coat was poor and had severe dental disease. Mr Buttons has all his teeth extracted apart from his canines. He had severe Stomatitis. He is feeling a lot better after treatment but needs a family willing to socialise him more. He is very shy and hides in the back of his house. He weighs 2.9kg.
He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220..

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. 

August 18 - 24, 2019: Issue 417

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 417 Warringah Rats Are Off To The BIG DANCE In The 2019 Grand Final + Rowing Their Hearts Out For Others

Lobbyists Push To Excise Family Friendly Internationally Loved Tourist Beach - Correspondence Received

Aquatics: Pittwater's Sailing Season About To Begin: North To South Clubs Information It's time to put on your sailing shoes Pittwater- Although many of the local sailing and motor boat clubs have events year round the official Sailing and Boating 2019-2010 Season is set to launch with membership for new members, Open Days, Try Sailing and Opening of Season events scheduled over the next few weeks. This week an overview of where and how you can get amongst those salty airs and skip upon the water fantastic!


Profits Before People: Northern Beaches Hospital Inquiry  Submissions Describe Poor Health Care, Poor Staffing, Poor Communication with local GP's

The Australian Shortboard Titles and Australian Bodyboard Titles have already been run and won with local surfer Mark Tickle taking out the Over 50’s Men Shortboard Division while former BHS Student Col Bernasconi secured 1st place in the Over 45’s Mens.
Whale Beach regular Sam Giddy had an Aussie Titles to remember, taking out both the Under 18’s Junior Men’s and Under 16’s Cadet’s divisions to prove he is the country’s alpha bodyboard grom in 2019.

Pictures A Winter Verges On Spring 2019 Mix

Reflections by George Repin: TRIPITAKA KOREANA 

Park Bench Philosopher VP Day 2019: Anthony Thomas Ruskin Rowe, Spitfire Pilot (1919 To 1943) - Who Defended Darwin And His Mate: An Avalon Beach And Pittwater Hero

Food The Little Oak Tree - A few weeks ago a fresh menu filled with seasonal ingredients that are good for you opened at the Careel Bay Shops opposite the playing fields at Careel Bay. Good for you and fresh in this case also means delicious!

Profile Judith Charnaud
Warriewood resident Judy has had an interesting and varied career including designing and implementing school and community education programs, working as a geologist with a large multi-national mining company, senior secondary science teaching and geology coordinator, costume maker for school musicals and Rock eisteddfods, community volunteer and bush regeneration work.

Travel to places such as India, Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran and South America and outback Australia really broadened her mind then marriage and two children put a stop to her wanderlust for a while. In 1999, needing a break from teaching, Judy decided to volunteer with OzGREEN and the rest as they say is history! She has since been involved in projects such as “Kids, Companies, Creeks”, MyRiver, YouthLEAD and the Great Eastern Ranges biodiversity corridor. Judy has been a committed environmentalist for many years winning awards for environmental initiatives during her teaching career, acting as Streamwatch coordinator, being a founding member of the Narrabeen Lagoon Committee and now working in the field of overseas aid and development.

Since 2001 Judy has been Program Manager of the East Timor Project which has involved living and working in the enclave of Oecusse for seven months a year. The core of the project is Village Environmental Action Planning which is a community based, transformative learning program. Villagers are empowered to critically analyse their environment and livelihoods and design their unique, site specific vision to building a society which is socially and ecologically sustainable.

While Judy’s work is many faceted, she concentrates on two basic areas. The first is to improve the quality of the water supply in remote hillside villages and the second is to foster community cohesion particularly in regards to young people, through the development of sporting activities in the region. 

History: Pittwater Roads II - Where the Streets Have Your Name - Bungan

Barrenjoey Commercialised: To Be Or Not To Be Back On The Table Again - Feedback for the proposal closes September 15th. 

Locals to Pick Local Projects to Receive NSW Government Funding: cast an online vote for between three and five of 23 nominated projects for Manly or 22 nominated projects for Pittwater, or the 9 nominated projects in Wakehurst. Vote by August 15, 2019 - Projects listed by electorate

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update August 18th, 2019 

click on Logo: 


To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Surf Boats Open Day

Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
At: Bayview

Newport Surf Club is on the lookout for new faces to join our surf boat team!

WHO: Under 23 Men & Women | Under 19 Men & Women 
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
WHERE: Bayview Boat Ramp (Near tennis courts)
JOIN US FOR A ROW AND BBQ BREAKFAST


Aussie Bread Tags Collection Points

Collecting bread tags enables us to provide wheelchairs that change the life of disabled people in need, as well as keeping the tags out of landfill to help to preserve the environment. 

Bread Tags for Wheelchairs was started in South Africa in 2006 by Mary Honeybun. It is a community program where individuals and organisations collect bread tags, which are sold to recyclers. The money raised pays for wheelchairs for the less fortunate which are purchased through a local pharmacy. Currently about 500kg of bread tags are collected a month in South Africa, funding 2-3 wheelchairs.

We have been collecting bread tags nationally in Australia since September 2018 and now have more than 100 collection points across the country. In February 2019 we started local recycling through Transmutation - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in Robe, SA, where our tags are recycled into products such as door knobs and bowls. Tags from some states are still sent to South Africa where a plastics company called Zibo recycles them into seedling trays.

These humble bits of polystyrene can make a real difference so get your friends, family, school, workplace and church involved. Ask school tuck shops and boarding school kitchens, child care centres, aged care facilities, hospitals, cafes and fast food outlets to collect for you - they get through a lot of bread!

All the information and signage for collecting or setting up a public collection point is on our website.


Local Collectors
Lesley Flood
Warriewood
Please email for address - lespatflood@gmail.com
Jodie Streckeisen
Balgowlah
Please email for the address - streckeisenjodie@gmail.com

CEC Open Day

Saturday, 7 September 2019 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
The Coastal Environment Centre (CEC) is hosting an open day for the public to celebrate biodiversity month in September.

Come and meet some native animals and learn how to make your garden a wildlife haven with workshops on native bees, making possum boxes and free plant giveaways and information.  There will also be plenty of family friendly talks and  hands on activities.

At 11am the dedication and naming the CEC room to honour Dr Isobel Bennett AO, will take place. Dr. Bennett significantly influenced public awareness of our local marine environment through her extensive educational work and also donated her collection of temperate marine life slides to the CEC.

No bookings necessary, just come to the CEC and join us

Please Take Your Fishing Line, Hooks And Plastic Bait Packaging Home With You

Australian Sea Bird Rescue Central Coast, Sydney and the South Coast of NSW volunteers have found pelicans and seagulls who have been affected by the left behind accoutrements of fishing in recent weeks.

In late July rescue coordinator Lisa Hood was in Woolooware Bay, Sydney doing some training with new members Yvette and Michael, when they noticed a pelican with a leg issue. After doing an excellent ‘noose hit’ to capture the pelican an examination was done.

It was a Juvenile male with a mostly healed injury on leading edge of left wing, but the main issue was it was extremely lame and very dishevelled and messy looking. The leg was quite warm indicating an infection so he would need some treatment and time in care.
Being in Sydney, it was off to Taronga Wildlife Hospital.

When birds are caught it can be quite stressful for them, although they settle down pretty quickly. The stress usually causes them to regurgitate, not a fun experience if you are the person holding the pelican.

This pelican regurgitated among other things a plastic bag full of some disgusting brown matter possibly fish burley and a foil packet of prawns or something similar.

Clearly someone had either dumped or left these after fishing and the pelican has scooped up the rubbish seeing it as food.




Please let this be a reminder to take your rubbish with you and don’t leave bait unattended. Plastic doesn’t belong anywhere near the shoreline. If you have plastic with you be extra diligent, especially on windy days.

During the same week ASR Central Coast volunteers were doing a health check of pelicans at Picnic Point and came across a poor seagull that had swallowed a hook with line trailing out of the beak.

One volunteer went over with a fish and the seagull was trapped in a picnic table by the fishing line so he was able to grab him.



In recent weeks Sydney Wildlife Volunteers have had to rescue a darter on Narrabeen Lagoon that had fallen victim to discarded fishing lines. Seeing seagulls with legs and beaks impaled with fishing hooks or caught in fishing lines all along the rockshelves off our beaches is not uncommon. 

The injury from the hooks or the lines wrapping around their legs or necks will either be the cause of the loss of a leg or it will kill them. For those sea birds that dive under water to fish, it may be the cause of them drowning when the line snags on a rock or something else underwater.

These incidences are avoidable. Please take home with you any fishing line, hooks and plastic bags your bait comes in.

All photos courtesy Australia Sea Bird Rescue.

Council's Focus On Art: Public Art Working Group Members Sought

There is an exciting opportunity for seven community members to assist in the delivery of the community’s vision for public art on the Northern Beaches.

The Working Group will assist with the development of public art strategies, the identification of public art sites and the drafting of artists’ briefs for major public artworks and activities on the Northern Beaches.

The Public Art Working Group will operate from September 2019 until September 2022 with meetings held quarterly, on a Wednesday or Thursday from 5 to 7pm.

Please note that membership to the working group may impact an artist's eligibility to tender for future commissions.

Before applying please read the following documents -
To apply, visit the Coast Walk Public Art project page 

Applications close Sunday 25 August 2019

They've Got Worms At Mona Vale!!

For all who have picked up their free Worm Farm from Council you can now get your worms too. 

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 at Mona Vale had a stock of these little beauties come in this week so you can get some from there and get our local soils a lot more healthy - just in time for Spring!

Applications Open For NSW Government Infrastructure Grants 

Wednesday, 7 August 2019
Community organisations on the Northern Beaches are invited to apply for funding to support local projects under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program, Member for Manly James Griffin said today.

Mr Griffin said $12.5 million is available in the 2019/20 program for new or upgraded facilities across sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and community infrastructure. 

“I encourage all local organisations to consider applying for a project that will help make a real difference to our community,” Mr Griffin said. 

“The 2019/20 program and has been expanded to support projects that build community connections and the application process has been streamlined to make it easier and quicker.   

“For the first time, the grants are available for projects that support youth, mental health, homelessness and domestic violence services – a reflection of the importance the NSW Government places on these services.”

Mr Griffin said that since 2013, the NSW Government has funded over 320 community projects worth $78 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.    

The grants are made possible by the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund which re-invests profits from gaming machines into community projects. Funding is available for infrastructure projects in three key areas:

  • Arts & Culture
  • Disaster Readiness & Community Infrastructure
  • Sport & Recreation
Applications for the first round of funding for 2019/20 are open from Monday 5 August to Monday 26 August. If community organisations are unsure whether their projects are eligible for a grant, they can contact 9995 0992. To find out more information or to apply, please visit responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au 

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Marshall

AGE/SEX: 8 years / M
BREED: Red Cattle X
Marshall is a very timid dog who is nervous of the human hand. He was totally shut down when he came from the pound. He needs a family used to being gentle and calm, speaking softly and moving slowly around him. He is a beautiful gentle boy who loves cuddles when he knows you. He is social with other dogs. He walks slowly on loose lead, still trying to figure everything out. He has a short coat and weighs 19kg. 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. 

Tommy

Tommy is a beautiful fluffy long haired boy with a gorgeous grand tail. He swishes it around as a bit of a tease to tickle your urge to hug him, but he rather likes to play hard to get! His flirty chatter and dreamy green eyes make him even more irresistible. Will you be the one that can win him over?

Tommy is around 3 years old who is social with other cats and is very bonded to his sister Lil who looks just like him.
He is located at Ingleside and comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.

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. 

Jobs And Tourism Benefit From National Park Investment

August 13, 2019: NSW Government
The NSW Government is calling for construction workers and businesses to register their interest in working on the state's iconic parks as part of a $149.5 million investment commitment.

Recent figures reveal a 16.6% increase on visitors to national parks across NSW last year. This included 60 million visitors to NSW national parks in 2018, compared to 51.77 million in 2016.

NSW Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said, "We've got some of the world's best and most significant national parks right here in NSW and I'm inviting the best of the construction industry to help make them even better.

"This will create local jobs, support local business and boost regional economies."

Successful applicants will renew walking tracks, enhance visitor information and experiences, facilities and accessibility at national parks across the state.

Register online to expression your interest in improving NSW's iconic parks.

Support Save Mona Vale Hospital At The Parliamentary Inquiry

Listen to the evidence given at the Parliamentary Inquiry
into the operation and management of Northern Beaches Hospital.
Come and fill the room with Mona Vale Hospital supporters.

When: Monday, 26 August 2019
Where: Macquarie Room, Parliament House, Sydney
Time:    1.30 pm – 2.45 pm. Please arrive by 1.15 pm.

 Appearing will be:
  • Parry Thomas, Chairman of Save Mona Vale Hospital
  • Phil Walker from Friends of Mona Vale Hospital
  • Helena Mooney from Friends of Northern Beaches Maternity Services.
Each speaker will address the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee and will then respond to questions.

Most importantly, please note that the public are invited to attend.
It would be great to fill the room with SMVH supporters.

We have been asked to notify the committee organiser if more than 40 people plan to attend so that they can ensure that there is enough seating.

Please email savemonavalehospital@gmail.com if you are able to attend. We can then ensure there are enough chairs for everyone.

The event will also be live streamed for those unable to attend. The link will become available on the day. 

On your behalf and as a result of your support and information, SMVH has provided to the Parliamentary Inquiry a 59 page submission, accompanied by 21 appendices of relevant background information.

In essence, our submission supports our conviction that the local community and also the private/public Northern Beaches Hospital needs the acute services at Mona Vale Hospital to be reopened. 

In preparing our submission, SMVH became aware of very real fears in the community that recounting their negative and sometime death-threatening experiences, either as patients or as staff, could result in retribution. This has also been reported in the press. 

If you have time on Monday, 26 August, arrive at Parliament House by 1.15 pm.  

Show the Parliamentary Committee how important this issue is to the local community. Join us in supporting Parry Thomas in his 20-year battle to save our hospital. 

See democracy in action! 

Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee

Damien Lovelock Tribute

Paddle out and gathering of the tribe for sharing and celebrating the life of Damien Lovelock.

Newport Surf Lifesaving Club
Saturday 24th August at 2pm.



Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches

New President At Bilgola 

Congratulations Pete Fenley incoming President at Bilgola SLSC who was elected at their AGM, held Sunday August 11th.

Peter is replacing second longest serving President Romilly Madew who has stepped down after six years. Peter will be joined by Vice Presidents Mark Parsons and Romilly Madew.

Great support at this year's AGM by our local representatives Jason Falinski MP, Rob Stokes MP, Mayor Michael Regan and Councillor Kylie Ferguson and Life Members.

Photo: Peter Fenley, courtesy Bilgola SLSC

Newport Residents Association Meeting

Tuesday 20th August 2019
commencing at 7pm
Newport Community Centre 

The NRA invites all persons interested in the future of Pittwater, Newport Village & “its community spirit” to attend this meeting. 
(NRA annual membership is $20 per person or $25 per family).

Next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th September 2019 

Footy Semi And Grand Finals Matches Begin

A rundown of what's been happening and is happening this weekend:

Avalon Bulldogs
It’s Semifinals Footy this weekend with our Under 9’s 10’s 11’s 12’s and 14’s all fighting for finals contention. Our 13’s and A Grade are playing for a chance to go straight through to the Grand Finals!
Avalon A Grade V. Cromer Kingfishers: 3pm at St Matthews Farm Reserve, Cromer. 

Update - Sunday August 18th:
The Avalon Bulldogs beat No. 1 team and Minor Premiers Cromer in the Semi Final today at Cromer with the score 26 to 10 to move to the Grand Final to await which team will meet them.

Also in the Under 20's, Narrabeen Sharkies won today and now move to the Grand Final on Saturday week.

The sky is the limit.
Brian Friend OAM

Avalon Soccer Club
20 teams in action this weekend. 5 grand finals at Cromer on Sunday!:
Last Sunday, August 11th, the WAL1s got the W against the previously undefeated Pittwater, but more importantly both teams doing their bit to start the conversation around mental health, representing the Avalon Youth Hub and One Eighty.
Avalon Soccer club photo.



Newport Junior Rugby Club
Our Annual Presentation Day is Sunday 8 September. from 230pm. awards , team presentations, laser tag, bbq all afternoon, bar open. With 500 registered players from u6 to u18 this is a great day celebrating the year with your mates. Park at the surf club car park.

Newport Breakers Rugby Club
For the first time in a short while the Newport Breakers Rugby Club has all 4 teams through to the 2019 NSW Suburban Rugby Union Semi Finals.

All games in the first week of the Finals will be played at Norford Park in Sefton, Saturday 17 August 2019. Game times are slightly changed to regular schedules.

Campbell Cup (3rd Grade): Newport vs Redfield Old Boys, 10.55 am kickoff
Nicholson Cup (Colts): Newport vs Beecroft, 12.15 pm
Farrant Cup (2nd Grade): Newport vs Hawkesbury Ag, 1.45 pm
Clark Cup (1st Grade): Newport vs Old Iggies, 3.15 pm

Mona Vale Raiders Rugby League Club
Please see below for the Draw for week 1 of the finals. Congratulations to all teams who have made it through, Lets give some support to these teams and get a large crowd to their games!
Saturday 17th 
TEAM HOME TEAM  AWAY TEAM  FIELD  KICK OFF
U/10M Narrabeen (M) Mona Vale St Matthews 12.00 pm
U/11M Cromer          Mona Vale St Matthews   1.00 pm
U13 Girls Mona Vale (1) Cromer         Newport Oval 2.00 pm
U13 Girls Mona Vale (2) Willoughby  Newport Oval 1.00 pm
U/13 Mona Vale Avalon Newport Oval 3.00 pm
U/14 Lane Cove Mona Vale Willoughby      2.00 pm

SUNDAY 18TH
U/15 Girls Mona Vale Moorebank Nolans No.1 10.45 am

Warringah Rugby Club (Rats)
Ratettes Retirements. Congratulations and Farewell.
Amanda Gibson has played 137 games for the club and became the first Father / Daughter combination with her Dad Rex Gibson to have both played 100 games for Warringah. “Gibbo” is retiring to try for her 4th and final child. Brave on and off the field at all times!

Lynda Robertson is the record holder for games played for the Ratettes having pulled on the green and white 290 times. “Skitz” has played every position on the field during her time with the Rats including playing hooker and fullback in the same match. It is hard to imagine a Rats team without her in it and given she is “retiring” so close to the 300, we are hopeful that a few cameo’s next year will get her to that magic 300 number!

Congratulations to Hamish Angus who has been named the 2019 Intrust Super Shield Player of the Year for the third time and awarded the prestigious Ken Catchpole Medal. Photo by Rising Sun Photography Sydney.



Congratulations to Mark Gerrard who has been named the 2019 Intrust Super Shield Coach of the Year and awarded the Dave Brockhoff Medal.

Rats Matches this weekend Include Grand Final Qualifiers at North Sydney Oval and Coogee Oval with First Grade matched against Eastwood on Saturday.
The Result?:


OFF TO THE BIG DANCE

Saturday August 17th, 2019
Today’s victory over Eastwood brought a massive smile across thousands of face, but it truly was the culmination of a lot of different moving parts working in unison.

Whilst the players are the centre piece, a lot of hard work goes into what we all see and enjoy for 80 minutes each Saturday.

A big thank you to all the coaches, strength & conditioning staff, our medical team, managers, water boys, administrators and the team of volunteers who just make things happen.

Naturally, the atmosphere is never complete without our massive fan base including the well renowned band of Hillbillies who keep the smiles going even further after a win. Thank you all for your support so far, but it’s not quite over yet. There one more big party to be had.

Making three consecutive Grand Finals is no mean feat but your support is definitely needed out at BankWest Stadium next Saturday. Buy your tickets online HERE

Well played gentlemen!

SPEAKING OF SUPPORT
If you can’t get enough rugby and you don’t mind an early morning start, our defending Henderson Cup Premiers are playing for a place in next week’s Grand Final tomorrow morning.

Come and watch Jack Slack-Smith lead his side against Sydney Uni.
Date: Sunday, 18 August, 2019
When: Kick off: 10:40am. 
Where: Coogee Oval, Brook St Coogee

Photo: Rising Sun Photography Sydney

Barrenjoey Performance Space: We Have Glass!

Photographed August 16th. 2019 - pic courtesy BHS Highlife

Shortlisted For 2019 Australian Timber Design Awards 

Richard Cole Architecture (Avalon Beach) are excited to be shortlisted for the 2019 Australian Timber Design Awards for their Panorama House.

People can vote for their project in the People's Choice Award: HERE

Mackellar Community Grants Open

The Federal Government is delivering on a $22 million commitment to help local communities strengthen local environments, with applications now open or the Communities Environment Program.

Under the Program, the Government will provide up to $150,000 per electorate in 2019-20 for up to 20 projects that enhance local environments. Grants will range from $2,500 to $20,000 per project.

“The Communities Environment Program is backing Australian communities to deliver environmental outcomes in their area,” Environment Minister Sussan Ley said.

“This is about the Government empowering communities, respecting their ability to identify local priorities and, then, backing them with financial support.

“The cumulative impact of local communities across metropolitan and regional Australia all getting involved in these environmental projects will be significant.”

The Communities Environment Program would play a key role alongside the Government’s commitments to the Environment Restoration fund, Landcare and Waste and Recycling initiatives.

“Local Members will work with their communities before nominating  the projects in their electorate,”  Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans, who will manage delivery of the Communities Environment Program, said.

“Members from all parties will consult with community environmental groups, conservation volunteers and local residents to deliver projects such as cleaning local waterways, protecting local habitat areas, planting trees, reducing litter and other innovative concepts,” Assistant Minister Evans said

Mr. Falinski, Member for Mackellar, has forwarded the following to be shared this week, which also includes an allocation for the  Stronger Communities Programme Round Five in the Electorate of Mackellar.

Stronger Communities Programme Round Five 
Grants of up to $20,000 for small capital projects that deliver social benefits to communities across the Mackellar electorate. Aiming to improve local participation and to enhance our vibrant community. 

Fill in the Expression of Interest form HERE before 26 August 2019!

Communities Environment Program
Grants of up to $20,000 for small-scale, community-led projects for environmental priorities such as:
  • waste, litter and plastic reduction
  • protecting native animals, including our threatened species
  • weed eradication
  • restoring and improving coastlines, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways
  • greening parks and urban areas.
Fill in the Expression of Interest form HERE before 26 August 2019!

Jess Hill Book Event For Be Centre

Jess Hill is an author and award winning journalist. For several years she has been writing on and researching domestic violence.
Prior to this, she was a producer for ABC Radio, a Middle East correspondent for The Global Mail, and an investigative journalist for Background Briefing. 

Her reports on domestic violence have won two Walkley awards, an Amnesty International award and three Our Watch awards.


Jess Hill

This year Jess' long awaited book See What You Made Me Do has been published by Black Inc Books.

See What You Made Me Do is focused on the abuse so many women and children experience – abuse that is often reinforced by the justice system they trust to protect them. Critically, it shows that we can drastically reduce domestic violence – not in generations to come, but today.

Bookoccino in Avalon Beach are hosting Jess, in conversation with Talking Sticks founder Melanie Greblo. This is a fundraising event, with all ticket proceeds going to the Be Centre, helping traumatised children to heal. 

When: Friday August 23rd, 2019
Where: Bookoccino 66 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach

Tickets $25.00 HERE

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2019

Pittwater Place, Mona Vale stalls:
July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th
Selling sewing, knitting, craft, books, 9am to 3pm

Sausage Sizzles at Bunnings, Narrabeen:  8am to 3pm
Saturdays, July 13th, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, December 14th


Help Shape The Future Of The Former Manly Hospital

Help shape the iconic former Manly Hospital site by providing your ideas and thoughts to create a wellness precinct for the future.
 
The NSW Government has tasked the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to consider future uses for the site. The Department will work closely with NSW Health to ensure future uses will complement the development of the hospice.

To help deliver on this vision we are asking for the community’s ideas, thoughts and opinions about what it would like this space to be and how this can be achieved.

Community Consultation
Consultation will take place from 2 August to 2 September 2019. 

Key themes arising from the Community Consultation will be incorporated into the Master Plan. The master planning process will begin in late 2019, with a master plan expected to be lodged with Northern Beaches Council and placed on public exhibition for comment in late 2020. There will be more opportunities to have your say as the project progresses. *


Guidelines
The following Guiding Principles have been developed by the Project Steering Advisory Committee, members comprising representatives from the local community, Local Health District, Northern Beaches Council and the State Member James Griffin, to investigate future opportunities for the sites:
  • The community will have continuing access to the Site for socialisation / recreational activities and use of public and private services.
  • The rainforest area of the Site will be permanently reserved.
  • The services developed on the Site will contribute to the health, wellbeing and care of the Community.
  • The services provided from the Site will address a defined community need for which there are tangible and ongoing social benefits.
  • A diverse range of services and partnerships will be pursued which leverage the greatest collective value for the community. 
  • The services and infrastructure proposals for the Site must demonstrate financial sustainability.
The hospital dates back to 1896 when a cottage hospital served Manly. The land was granted by the Commonwealth in 1917 and Manly Peace Hospital was established in the 1930s.

The Manly District Hospital (former Principal building) is significant for the Inter-War Georgian Revival style. The former Main Ward block is heritage listed.  The relevant block buildings are identified on the map with stars (on the Have Your Say site).

When the closure was announced, the then State Member for Manly, Mike Baird established the Manly Hospital Project Steering Advisory Committee, comprising representatives from the local community, Local Health District, Northern Beaches Council and the State Member to investigate the future opportunities for the site. The Committee remains active today and has endorsed the vision statement, guiding principles and draft concept  plan for the site.

In October 2018, Manly Hospital was closed and all patients and services were relocated to the new Northern Beaches Hospital at Frenchs Forest.

The Premier later announced the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) would be built on a portion of the site.

* Correct at time of publishing, subject to change without notice.

Boat Stolen From Careel Bay

Please email Pittwater Online if you have seen this boat: this was earned by a young local who worked hard to be able to purchase it - also stolen was his fishing gear: the boat had a 6 month old Parsun 30hp long shaft secured to the hull.

Thank you very much.

Expansion Plans For Desalination Plant

August 14, 2019: NSW Government
Dam levels are dropping at record pace in NSW’s worst drought on record with water storages currently at 50.3% per cent capacity, down from 90% two years ago.

Preliminary plans to expand the Sydney Desalination Plant (SDP) are underway to ensure Sydney’s water supply is maintained.

Since the plant commenced operation, dam depletion rates improved by around 0.2% per week.

The plant is currently producing an average of 250 million litres a day, or approximately 15% of Sydney’s supply. At the end of July, the SDP reached full production.

NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said, “By undertaking this planning work, should the drought worsen, and water levels continue to drop, we will be ready to act immediately to increasing water supply.”

NSW Labor To Oppose Berejiklian Govt’s Next Round Of Privatisations

August 14, 2019
NSW Labor will oppose the Berejiklian Government’s next round of privatisations – which were floated on an overseas trade delegation by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

NSW Shadow Treasurer, Walt Secord and NSW Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Paul Scully today said NSW Labor will oppose the Berejiklian Government’s next wave of privatisations.

They were responding to News reports that the Berejiklian Government was set to embark on another round of privatisations including the Forestry Corporation (formerly State Forests) and the remaining half of the Westconnex.

Earlier, the Transport Minister had flagged the privatisation of bus services and separately, there has been speculation about the sale of Service NSW.

Mr Secord and Mr Scully said rather than privatisations, the State Government could fund new projects – if they properly monitored the cost blow-out on current ones like the $1.5 billion on the Sydney Light Rail.

Mr Secord said: “The community’s view is clear. It has had enough of the Berejiklian Government’s privatisations. Since April 2011, they have sold more than $70 billion in public assets.”

“The Berejiklian Government has already sold electricity assets, ports, the desalination plant, the New South Wales Land and Property Information and part of the Westconnex. Enough is enough.”

Mr Scully said that he feared for job losses in rural and regional NSW, if the Forestry Corporation was sold.

“As we saw with the privatisation of electricity, these sell-offs result in job losses especially in rural and regional areas.”

Forestry Corporation of NSW is the largest manager of commercial native and plantation forests in NSW – with more than two million hectares of State forests. Forestry Corporation produces around 14 per cent of the timber produced in Australia annually. It has a number of offices in main centres including West Pennant Hills, Wauchope, Dubbo, Tumut, Bathurst, Coffs Harbour and Bateman’s Bay.

“Selling public assets is a short-sighted approach as it takes away a stable long-term revenue stream for NSW”, Mr Scully said.

“Over the eight years of the current government, Forestry Corporation has contributed $124 million in dividends to the NSW Budget which is a revenue stream that helps pay for essential services throughout the state.”

Mr Secord added the sale of the remaining Westconnex put Sydney on track to be one of the most heavily tolled cities in the world.

Public Release. View in full here.

Barrenjoey Seal Colony Growing

Jools Farrell, local ORRCA lady extraordinaire, reminds us that at present the Australian Fur Seal Colony at Barrenjoey is growing. In mid July there were 9 but there will be a lot more as we had up to 20 last year.


This behaviour is called thermoregulating which is normal seal behaviour to regulate their body temperatures.

Please remember that legally you must stay a minimum of 40 metres away from seals, especially if they come ashore on the estuary beaches or ocean beaches to rest.

Also please keep an eye out for them if you are out in a boat as they do venture out of this spot to feed on the estuary or around Barrenjoey Headland. In recent years they have been seen everywhere from Barrenjoey to Clareville and Church Point.

Please do not attempt to feed them as they get plenty of food here in Pittwater. Please also do not attempt to swim with them, Jools asks.

If you do see a seal in distress, please contact ORRCA on their 24/7 hotline: 9415 3333.

August 11 - 17, 2019: Issue 416

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 416 - 24 Hour Row For One Eighty And Gotcha 4 Life 2019: Set To Sweat Next Weekend

Soibada Update – We’re Back! by Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM

Aquatics: DPI Shark Meshing 2018/19 Performance Report: Local Nets Catch Turtles, a Few Sharks + Alternatives Being Tested + Historical Insights 

Shooting Films - Not Guns: Peninsula Bridge Club Raises Funds To Provide A New Opportunity For Jalalabad Youths

Pictures: The Mermaids Of Palm Beach Pictures 'From The Road' For The 2019 B To B Variety The Children's Charity Bashby Viktorija McDonell et al

2019 SLS NSW Board Riding Championships at North Narrabeen: Opens and U's - Palm Beach SLSC equal 3rd

Airlie Beach Race Week: Fun for all on Pioneer Bay by Di Pearson

Park Bench Philosopher The Restoration Of The Big Scrub Project Reminds Us Spring Is Almost Here and Local Bushcare Groups Need More Hands For Our Own Local Projects - WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the this article contains an image of deceased persons.

Barrenjoey Commercialised: To Be Or Not To Be Back On The Table Again - Feedback for the proposal closes September 15th. 

Locals to Pick Local Projects to Receive NSW Government Funding: cast an online vote for between three and five of 23 nominated projects for Manly or 22 nominated projects for Pittwater, or the 9 nominated projects in Wakehurst. Vote by August 15, 2019 - Projects listed by electorate
Profile Ken 'Davo' Davidson: Tribute
Avalon Beach SLSC legend Life Member Ken (Davo) Davidson passed away peacefully on the morning of June 12th 2019, age 91.

Ken joined the club in November 1946 and obtained his Bronze Medallion the following year. In 2017 Ken received his 70 years service award. Ken was a boatie and a board (toothpick style) specialist and won the board event at many carnivals.  

He was treasurer of the Club for 14 years. During his surf life saving career, Ken had the pleasure of seeing improvements to 4 generations of our Clubhouse.  

Ken completed many rescues over the years but said his most memorable rescue was when he saved a father with his two young daughters caught in the rip at South Avalon. This rescue was carried out with the belt and reel. 

Perhaps his most memorable exploit was when he dived off his board and grabbed the tail of a shark that was in the channel near his brother..To his surprise the shark turned round and bit him!  

Ken gave an extraordinarily sustained contribution to our Club and was awarded Life membership in 1963.  

Even with advancing years he always attended and helped at Club events like the annual swim, IRB carnivals, and still marched with the Club on Anzac Day in his late eighties. He liked a good bottle of red and a good meal on Friday nights with Club members young and old.  

Ken Davidson Tribute

A celebration of life for Avalon Beach SLSC Life Member, Ken Davidson, and brother Neil will take place from 1:30pm this Sunday 11 August 2019 at Avalon Beach SLSC Bangalley Bar. 
Scattering of ashes by surfboat between 1.30 and 2pm

This week, a few words from this much loved member of our community himself - interviewed in 2014.

History: Pittwater Roads II - Where the Streets Have Your Name - Bungan

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update August 4th, 2019 

click on Logo: 


To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Jackson Davies Wins!

Pittwater Online ran NB Art Prize Major Winner for 2019 Jacksonas a Profile of the Week and Artist of the Month in August 2013. 

He has completed a lot more works since then and been part of  innumerable Exhibitions as well as being a Doug Moran Finalist twice. 

Congratulations Jackson - great stuff!

For more, visit: www.jackson-davies.com

Northern Beaches Art Prize Winners Announced

Friday, 9 August 2019: NBC
Congratulations to the winners of the Northern Beaches Art Prize who were announced last night at an awards ceremony at the Creative Space, North Curl Curl.

Winners were announced in two of the categories, namely General and Small Sculpture.

The General Category - includes original paintings or drawings in any medium; printmaking and collage. The winners for this year’s competition include:
  • Major winner, $6,000 - Jackson Davies for Wer mich liebet, der wird mein Wort halten
  • Honourable Mention – Painting, $1,000 - Katika Schultz for Home
  • Honourable Mention - Works on Paper, $500 + $500 framing voucher – Alison Billing for Autumn in the Valley
  • Encouragement Award, $500 – Guy Morgan for James & Me
The Small Sculpture Category winners for this year’s competition include:
  • Winner, $4,000 – Jennifer Everett for Hear Here
  • Honourable Mention Award, $1,000 – Henry Evans for Intruder 
  • Encouragement Award, $500 – Nina Reynolds for Chameleon
Winners and finalists of the other two categories of the Art Prize – Waste-to-Art and Youth categories – will be announced at a combined exhibition opening and awards ceremony on Thursday August 29th with $10,000 in prizes on offer.

The competition’s entries will be on display at the Creative Space in North Curl Curl from 9 - 18 August for General and Small Sculpture, and 30 August to 8 September for Waste-to-Art and Youth.

The public is invited to vote in the People’s Choice Awards for each category, which will be announced on the final day of each exhibition.

Creative Space is open daily (10am - 4pm) and entry is free. 

While On Council's Focus On Art: Public Art Working Group Members Sought

There is an exciting opportunity for seven community members to assist in the delivery of the community’s vision for public art on the Northern Beaches.

The Working Group will assist with the development of public art strategies, the identification of public art sites and the drafting of artists’ briefs for major public artworks and activities on the Northern Beaches.

The Public Art Working Group will operate from September 2019 until September 2022 with meetings held quarterly, on a Wednesday or Thursday from 5 to 7pm.

Please note that membership to the working group may impact an artist's eligibility to tender for future commissions.

Before applying please read the following documents -
To apply, visit the Coast Walk Public Art project page 

Applications close Sunday 25 August 2019

Warringah Rats Win Place In Double Semi Finals

Saturday August 10th, 2019
1st Grade
WARRINGAH vs NORTHERN SUBURBS
.
Full time score
Rats 24 - Norths 7

In other grades:
4th Grade Rats 48 - Randwick 0 (Won)
3rd Grade Rats 41 - Eastwood 12 (Won)
2nd Grade Randwick 27 - Eastwood 20

Congratulations to Warringah Rats for securing a place in the Double Semi Finals to be played next weekend at North Sydney Oval.

Commiserations to the Manly Marlins in their match against Sydney University. Final score: 31-47.

The semi-finals are played between the four clubs that go through from the qualifying finals the previous week. The highest placed winner will versus the highest-ranked loser, and the second-place winner will versus the third-place winner. The winners from those contests will then play each other in the Grand Final.
 
Club Rugby TV Director John Murray said, “this is further excellent innovation from the SRU, and we are really excited to be a part of it. But of course, this would not have been possible without the support of Channel 7’s Aaron Howison and Andrew Nicholls for helping bring this exciting doubleheader to the seven network”.

Qualifying Finals
Spread over two days, the Qualifying Finals will see the top 6 sides of the regular season go head-to-head on the 10th and 11th of August;
Qualifying Final A – 1st vs 6th
Qualifying Final B – 2nd vs 5th
Qualifying Final C – 3rd vs 4th
 
The top three sides (Sydney University, Eastwood & Warringah) gain a home ground advantage and will host the finals;
Qualifying Final A – Sydney University vs Manly | Sydney University Football Ground | Sat 10 Aug | 3 pm
Qualifying Final B – Eastwood vs Eastern Suburbs | T.G. Millner | Sun 11 Aug | 3 pm | LIVE ON 7TWO
Qualifying Final C – Warringah vs Northern Suburbs | Pittwater Rugby Park | Sat 10 Aug | 3 pm | LIVE ON 7TWO 
 
Semi-Finals
The winner of each Qualifying Final will automatically go through to the Semi-Finals, with the highest-ranked loser also receiving a second chance.
Semi-Final A – Highest Ranked Winner vs Highest Ranked Loser
Semi-Final B – Second Ranked Winner vs Third Ranked Winner
Both fixtures will be played one after another in a blockbuster doubleheader on Sat 17 August at North Sydney Oval, with one fixture kicking off at 1 pm and the other at 3 pm.
 
Grand Final
The winner of Semi-Final A and Semi-Final B will go through to the Grand Final and compete for the Intrust Super Shute Shield on Sat 24 August at Bankwest Stadium (broadcast live on the Seven Network at 3 pm).

Grand Final – Winner Semi-Final A vs Winner Semi-Final B

New Mona Vale Hospital Kiosk Now Open

From MVHA
The new kiosk next to the Acute Care Centre and Coronation Street is now open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm serving hot and cold drinks, ice cream, sandwiches etc., There is seating inside and out. Come and try the new coffee.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary


Mermaids Of Palm Beach

This week's Pictorial features the Mermaids of Palm Beach: here's a snippet of what they've been up to this week:

Pittwater High School Hosts Climate Forum

Jason Falinski, MP for Mackellar and Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater, attended a Climate Forum at PHS on Friday, August 9th. 
Year 12 students from various Northern Beaches High Schools attended to quiz Mr. Stokes and Mr Falinski on climate policy and what students as well as the government can do to protect our beautiful environment. 
 
"We discussed single use plastic bans, the governments ban on microbeads as well as renewable energy and emission reduction." Mr Falinski said.

Well done to Claire from Pittwater High for organising the event. 

Mackellar Community Grants Open

The Federal Government is delivering on a $22 million commitment to help local communities strengthen local environments, with applications now open or the Communities Environment Program.

Under the Program, the Government will provide up to $150,000 per electorate in 2019-20 for up to 20 projects that enhance local environments. Grants will range from $2,500 to $20,000 per project.

“The Communities Environment Program is backing Australian communities to deliver environmental outcomes in their area,” Environment Minister Sussan Ley said.

“This is about the Government empowering communities, respecting their ability to identify local priorities and, then, backing them with financial support.

“The cumulative impact of local communities across metropolitan and regional Australia all getting involved in these environmental projects will be significant.”

The Communities Environment Program would play a key role alongside the Government’s commitments to the Environment Restoration fund, Landcare and Waste and Recycling initiatives.

“Local Members will work with their communities before nominating  the projects in their electorate,”  Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans, who will manage delivery of the Communities Environment Program, said.

“Members from all parties will consult with community environmental groups, conservation volunteers and local residents to deliver projects such as cleaning local waterways, protecting local habitat areas, planting trees, reducing litter and other innovative concepts,” Assistant Minister Evans said

Mr. Falinski, Member for Mackellar, has forwarded the following to be shared this week, which also includes an allocation for the  Stronger Communities Programme Round Five in the Electorate of Mackellar.

Stronger Communities Programme Round Five 
Grants of up to $20,000 for small capital projects that deliver social benefits to communities across the Mackellar electorate. Aiming to improve local participation and to enhance our vibrant community. 

Fill in the Expression of Interest form HERE before 26 August 2019!

Communities Environment Program
Grants of up to $20,000 for small-scale, community-led projects for environmental priorities such as:
  • waste, litter and plastic reduction
  • protecting native animals, including our threatened species
  • weed eradication
  • restoring and improving coastlines, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways
  • greening parks and urban areas.
Fill in the Expression of Interest form HERE before 26 August 2019!

Station Beach Dog Excise Fauna Chased, Faeces & Toddlers Run Over Concerns

Pittwater Online News has received emails, phone calls and photographs during recent days, weeks and months expressing concerns over the proposed off-leash dog trial for Station Beach.

Apologies to those who expected the research of what has been raised in these to be complete for this week's Issue. Next Issue!

In the interim, please also send your concerns to all your Councillors. They are your local government representatives - they're for everyone. Their emails are HERE - just click on their names and that will take you to their bios and email addresses.

While on 'Palm Beach' - a much much happier note (that backs up some of those 'statistics' points sent in):

Palm Beach The Movie Opens

The new Rachel Ward - Bryan Brown film Palm Beach officially opened on August 8th, Thursday this week. It's screening in a theatre near you as of now!

Barrenjoey High School parents, friends and supporters attended a special August 7th screening as a fundraiser for the Barrenjoey Performance Space, which is well along in build now, the roof having gone on. The construction/fit out is expected to be finished by mid October. More on that soon.

In an interview about the making of Palm Beach, Director Rachel Ward told Screen Australia's Scott Gillies that husband, actor Bryan Brown, came up with idea while on the trip with friends, when he saw so many of them struggling to adjust with the transitory stage of life after 50.

From there Rachel and Joanna Murray-Smith began writing the story, about a picturesque weekend where long-time friendships and rivalries are tested, and a secret threatens to tear them apart.

“Getting a screenplay right is relentless and an incredible amount of hard work,” Ward said of piecing it all together.

But it meant when it came to the shoot, she tried to let the script and the actors take centre stage.

“I like a very invisible camera. I’m very much about the characters and listening to them and without getting too much in the way of the storytelling,” she said.

“What is incumbent upon films is that we give a cinematic experience and I think that’s the difference between streaming, TV, films [and] drama series,” the Director of Palm Beach said.

“To get people in the cinema you have to give a cinematic experience.” And she says the ‘knock-out’ location of Palm Beach plays a part in that.

Palm Beach and Pittwater itself has featured in many a film and television series, even the mention of Pittwater is included in some films. In Oscar and Lucinda a genuine touch of the times is introduced in one gambling scene by the characters talking about 'taking a steamer to Pittwater'.

Taking a steamer (ferry) to Pittwater as an excursionist became popular in the 1880's, although there were many trips before that. By the 1890's just one 'steamer' operator had brought over 5000 people on visits to here during a three month period.

Visitors came in Summer, Winter, Autumn and Spring - by Steamer, in coaches pulled by horses, on bicycles and on foot. 

Now, 130 years on, millions of overseas visitors go to Manly and they come to Palm Beach - and that's before you count the resident population from all over Sydney and all over Australia.

The stunning photography of Palm Beach capturing Palm Beach proper in all its glory will only add to the worldwide fame of that Internationally Renowned and gloriously beautiful Palm Beach.

That interview with the Director of Palm Beach, Rachel Ward:

Fishcare Volunteers Wanted

Have you a passion for helping others, and helping contribute to better fishing and aquatic systems in the future?

Then why not become a FISHCARE volunteer - it's rewarding, a great way to learn and impart skills, meet new friends and have fun, it also allows you to give back to recreational fishing. Currently DPI has 300 Fishcare volunteers across NSW, volunteers assist in teaching others all about fish, sustainable fishing practices as well as the ecosystems fish live in.

The next free Fishcare training weekend is taking place on the 18th of August at Narrabeen, so jump on board and get involved in this fun, social, stewardship based volunteer program. The training weekend encompasses a variety of topics with a focus on Long Reef Aquatic Reserve (including a guided reef walk), and is open to anyone over the age of 18 years of age.

Places are limited in the training a so if you are interested, please get in contact as soon as possible.

For more info: call (02) 9741 4846 or 0417 445 847 or email simone.mabon@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Date: 18 August 2019 
At: Narrabeen
Narrabeen Coastal Environment Centre, 
entry via Pelican Path, Lake Park Road, 
North Narrabeen 
Details at: HERE


Jess Hill Book Event For Be Centre

Jess Hill is an author and award winning journalist. For several years she has been writing on and researching domestic violence.
Prior to this, she was a producer for ABC Radio, a Middle East correspondent for The Global Mail, and an investigative journalist for Background Briefing. 

Her reports on domestic violence have won two Walkley awards, an Amnesty International award and three Our Watch awards.


Jess Hill

This year Jess' long awaited book See What You Made Me Do has been published by Black Inc Books.

See What You Made Me Do is focused on the abuse so many women and children experience – abuse that is often reinforced by the justice system they trust to protect them. Critically, it shows that we can drastically reduce domestic violence – not in generations to come, but today.

Bookoccino in Avalon Beach are hosting Jess, in conversation with Talking Sticks founder Melanie Greblo. This is a fundraising event, with all ticket proceeds going to the Be Centre, helping traumatised children to heal. 

When: Friday August 23rd, 2019
Where: Bookoccino 66 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach

Tickets $25.00 HERE

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2019

Pittwater Place, Mona Vale stalls:
July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th
Selling sewing, knitting, craft, books, 9am to 3pm

Sausage Sizzles at Bunnings, Narrabeen:  8am to 3pm
Saturdays, July 13th, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, December 14th


Help Shape The Future Of The Former Manly Hospital

Help shape the iconic former Manly Hospital site by providing your ideas and thoughts to create a wellness precinct for the future.
 
The NSW Government has tasked the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to consider future uses for the site. The Department will work closely with NSW Health to ensure future uses will complement the development of the hospice.

To help deliver on this vision we are asking for the community’s ideas, thoughts and opinions about what it would like this space to be and how this can be achieved.

Community Consultation
Consultation will take place from 2 August to 2 September 2019. 

Key themes arising from the Community Consultation will be incorporated into the Master Plan. The master planning process will begin in late 2019, with a master plan expected to be lodged with Northern Beaches Council and placed on public exhibition for comment in late 2020. There will be more opportunities to have your say as the project progresses. *


Guidelines
The following Guiding Principles have been developed by the Project Steering Advisory Committee, members comprising representatives from the local community, Local Health District, Northern Beaches Council and the State Member James Griffin, to investigate future opportunities for the sites:
  • The community will have continuing access to the Site for socialisation / recreational activities and use of public and private services.
  • The rainforest area of the Site will be permanently reserved.
  • The services developed on the Site will contribute to the health, wellbeing and care of the Community.
  • The services provided from the Site will address a defined community need for which there are tangible and ongoing social benefits.
  • A diverse range of services and partnerships will be pursued which leverage the greatest collective value for the community. 
  • The services and infrastructure proposals for the Site must demonstrate financial sustainability.
The hospital dates back to 1896 when a cottage hospital served Manly. The land was granted by the Commonwealth in 1917 and Manly Peace Hospital was established in the 1930s.

The Manly District Hospital (former Principal building) is significant for the Inter-War Georgian Revival style. The former Main Ward block is heritage listed.  The relevant block buildings are identified on the map with stars (on the Have Your Say site).

When the closure was announced, the then State Member for Manly, Mike Baird established the Manly Hospital Project Steering Advisory Committee, comprising representatives from the local community, Local Health District, Northern Beaches Council and the State Member to investigate the future opportunities for the site. The Committee remains active today and has endorsed the vision statement, guiding principles and draft concept  plan for the site.

In October 2018, Manly Hospital was closed and all patients and services were relocated to the new Northern Beaches Hospital at Frenchs Forest.

The Premier later announced the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) would be built on a portion of the site.

* Correct at time of publishing, subject to change without notice.

Boat Stolen From Careel Bay

Please email Pittwater Online if you have seen this boat: this was earned by a young local who worked hard to be able to purchase it - also stolen was his fishing gear: the boat had a 6 month old Parsun 30hp long shaft secured to the hull.

Thank you very much.

Australia's Premier Surf Boat Event Heads To New Location

Australia’s premier surf boat event will be heading to a new location in 2020, bringing over 3000 competitors, supporters and event officials to the region.

The 2020 Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open will be held at Mollymook Beach from 14 – 16 February 2020 and with almost 350 crews from 86 clubs competing at the 2019 event, thousands of surf life savers from far and wide will head to Mollymook for three days of exhilarating surf boat racing.

It is the biggest stand-alone surf boat racing event in Australia with divisions of surf boat racing being contested including Open Male, Open Female, Reserve Male, Reserve Female, Under 23 Male, Under 23 Female, Under 19 Male, Under 19 Female and Masters.

The event also features Australia and New Zealand representative crews do battle in a Trans-Tasman challenge, the Interstate championship, and the final of each division to be crowned on Sunday (Masters on Friday).

ASRL President Michael Brooks understands the membership love to travel to locations they wouldn’t normally visit, and that is what makes the 2020 ASRL Open a thrilling opportunity.

“The ASRL are committed to taking our premier event to new and exciting locations, and through the support of Destination NSW, Shoalhaven Shire Council and Mollymook SLSC, we are able to achieve this in 2020.” Mr Brooks said.

Michael Brooks is confident the three days of racing will engage not just the surf life saving community from Mollymook and surrounding areas, but the wider community.

“This event will not only bring thousands of visitors to the region, it will engage with hundreds of Mollymook SLSC members, council representatives and other volunteers from the community. We encourage everyone to come down and experience what this event has to offer”.

NSW Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres commended on the Government’s commitment to ensuring the State’s tourism and events industry continues to grow.
 
“The NSW Government is dedicated to ensuring we’re supporting our tourism powerhouse and securing even more events to boost the visitor economy and maintain NSW’s dominant position as Australia’s premier destination and events State,” Mr Ayres said.

“We look forward to welcoming competitors and their families to Mollymook next year for another standout NSW event and encourage people to start planning their trip to this beautiful part of the State.”

Mollymook SLSC Club President Ron Austin OAM is confident the club members and wider community will rally to help deliver a successful event.

“Mollymook has a proud history of running major events on its beach, with strong membership, always enjoying strong community support, enabling us to run these events successfully.” Mr Austin said.

There is no cost for participants to witness the action over the three days which makes it an affordable activity for families to come down to the beach, have a wonderful weekend and check out the best surf boat rowers compete from across Australia.

To find out more about the 2020 Australian Surf Rowers League Open please visit www.asrl.com.au or https://www.facebook.com/navyasrl/.

The ASRL Open is proudly supported by Team Navy, the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, Shoalhaven Shire Council and Mollymook SLSC.

Event Details
When: Friday, 14 February to Sunday, 16 February 2020
Where: Mollymook Beach, NSW
Cost: Free for spectators, registration fee for competitors to be announced shortly 

Barrenjoey Seal Colony Growing

Jools Farrell, local ORRCA lady extraordinaire, reminds us that at present the Australian Fur Seal Colony at Barrenjoey is growing. In mid July there were 9 but there will be a lot more as we had up to 20 last year.


This behaviour is called thermoregulating which is normal seal behaviour to regulate their body temperatures.

Please remember that legally you must stay a minimum of 40 metres away from seals, especially if they come ashore on the estuary beaches or ocean beaches to rest.

Also please keep an eye out for them if you are out in a boat as they do venture out of this spot to feed on the estuary or around Barrenjoey Headland. In recent years they have been seen everywhere from Barrenjoey to Clareville and Church Point.

Please do not attempt to feed them as they get plenty of food here in Pittwater. Please also do not attempt to swim with them, Jools asks.

If you do see a seal in distress, please contact ORRCA on their 24/7 hotline: 9415 3333.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

They've Got Worms At Mona Vale!!

For all who have picked up their free Worm Farm from Council you can now get your worms too. 

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 at Mona Vale had a stock of these little beauties come in this week so you can get some from there and get our local soils a lot more healthy - just in time for Spring!

Applications Open For NSW Government Infrastructure Grants 

Wednesday, 7 August 2019
Community organisations on the Northern Beaches are invited to apply for funding to support local projects under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program, Member for Manly James Griffin said today.

Mr Griffin said $12.5 million is available in the 2019/20 program for new or upgraded facilities across sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and community infrastructure. 

“I encourage all local organisations to consider applying for a project that will help make a real difference to our community,” Mr Griffin said. 

“The 2019/20 program and has been expanded to support projects that build community connections and the application process has been streamlined to make it easier and quicker.   

“For the first time, the grants are available for projects that support youth, mental health, homelessness and domestic violence services – a reflection of the importance the NSW Government places on these services.”

Mr Griffin said that since 2013, the NSW Government has funded over 320 community projects worth $78 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.    

The grants are made possible by the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund which re-invests profits from gaming machines into community projects. Funding is available for infrastructure projects in three key areas:

  • Arts & Culture
  • Disaster Readiness & Community Infrastructure
  • Sport & Recreation
Applications for the first round of funding for 2019/20 are open from Monday 5 August to Monday 26 August. If community organisations are unsure whether their projects are eligible for a grant, they can contact 9995 0992. To find out more information or to apply, please visit responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au 

Road Reserve Adjacent To 4 The Avenue Newport: Proposed Lease

Under section 154 of the Roads Act 1993, Northern Beaches Council gives public notice of its intention to consider a lease for a term of five (5) years to the owner of 4 The Avenue, for an area of approximately 38 square metres of road reserve adjacent to 4 The Avenue, Newport (Lot 2 DP 1059003).

The purpose of the proposed lease is for the parking of motor vehicles or boat storage.

Submissions close Sunday 11 August 2019

Disco For Soibada - August 24th

Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 7 PM – 11 PM
Avalon Beach RSL Club
1 Bowling Green Lane, Avalon, New South Wales, Australia 2107
Hosted by Pittwater Friends Of Soibada
Tickets · $35 BOOK HERE


DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Celia

AGE/SEX: 15 years / F
BREED: Kelpie X
Celia is a very gentle affectionate granny girl. She is social with other dogs and easy to handle. Celia has arthritis and is looking for a family who will take special care of her for her remaining years. She is on anti-inflammatories as well as neutraceuticals to help her arthritis. She has a short coat and weighs 22kg. She 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. Her adoption cost is $450. 

Cooper

Cooper is a cheeky boy and with that little face he can get away with anything! He loves interacting with people. He is constantly curious about what the volunteers are doing and will stand up on his hind legs to reach up to say hello to them and receive pats in return. Cooper would be best in an adult household. He is social with other rabbits and currently has a bunny he cohabits with. He is happy as a single bunny but is happy with a friend if properly introduced. Cooper is a Lagomorph rabbit with short coat with navy-grey eyes and weighs around 1.8kg. He comes vaccinated and desexed. If you are interested in Cooper call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. Adoption fee is $40.  

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. 

August 4 - 10, 2019: Issue 415

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 415: Frank Tolhurst Trophy is Coming Home

Barrenjoey Commercialised: To Be Or Not To Be Back On The Table Again



United In Action To Stop Suicide: Northern Beaches Councillors Vincent De Luca, Stuart Sprott and Kylie Ferguson have returned from the National Suicide Prevention Conference inspired to make a difference and help reduce the suicide rate on the Northern Beaches

Aquatics: SLS NSW Board Riding Championships Return To Iconic North Narrabeen

Australians Secure Winners Medals In Molokai To Oahu 2019

Avalon Beach SLSC's 2019 AGM Honours Volunteers Dedication To Community by Roger Sayers and Avalon Beach SLSC

Pictures: Wildflowers in our bush reserves - we're on the verge of Spring! - photos by Marita Macrae, Penny Gleen and John Vaughan 

Vale Geoff Ruggles (13.11.24 - 30.7.19) by Di Pearson


Reflections by George Repin: Pedal Radio and The Royal Flying Doctor Service

Artist of the Month:  August 2019 -  Joe Mills' shares a selection of his Superb Photographs of Magnificent places and peoples

Locals to Pick Local Projects to Receive NSW Government Funding: cast an online vote for between three and five of 23 nominated projects for Manly or 22 nominated projects for Pittwater, or the 9 nominated projects in Wakehurst. Vote by August 15, 2019 - Projects listed by electorate

Profile: Joe Mills: In the Summer of 2013 Joe Mills was among those wonderful local volunteers who featured in Stephanie Galloway-Brown's 'Face of the Extraordinary; Volunteers' project.

In March 2017 his name was popping up again - this time as the creator of a photographic Portrait as a member of the Pittwater Camera Club. Apparently taken of a friend - and classically using light. After a Career in the vocation of Cartographer and Photogrammetrist he was free to continue his pursuit of photography - commenced at 12 years of age.

Born in Schwabisch Gmund Germany in 1946, an area in the US Zone where Lithuanians and Poles were placed, Joe's dad was Polish and his mum Ukrainian. They had been used as slave labour in Germany during WWII. In 1949 they were accepted as Displaced Persons and Migrants by the Australian Government and boarded an ex-US Troopship for a new place, a new home.

History: Pittwater Roads II - Where the Streets Have Your Name - Bungan

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update August 4th, 2019 

click on Logo: 


To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Leptospirosis: Narrabeen Dog Passes Away

We have had a report this morning (August 3rd) of a Narrabeen dog passing away from Leptospirosis after visiting an off-leash dog park in the inner west.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection associated with rat urine and is common in muddy areas and stagnant water often found in parks. Symptoms often appear as a general sickness, including a lack of appetite and movement, fever and chills. This is usually accompanied by haemorrhages, organ failure and swelling of the brain.

The disease is zoonotic, which means it can be passed from pets to people. According to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, over 50 people have been infected with  leptospirosis in 2019.

Dogs who frequently visited Ward Park on Devonshire Street, Surry Hills are among those who have sadly caught the disease and passed away. Cases have also occurred in dogs that have visited Sydney Park in Alexandria and there have most recently been reports of a case as far west as Blacktown, according to a spokesperson from Sydney Animal Hospitals.

University of Sydney experts are warning all dog owners in the inner city and the inner west to have their dog vaccinated against leptospirosis. 

Those who take their dogs to dog parks outside our area may want to consider following the current recommendation for all dog owners in inner Sydney and the inner west to have their dog vaccinated at their local vet.

Pittwater Online has spoken to local vets and they stock the vaccine - The cost is $195.00 for 2 treatments, with a 2 weeks break between needles. You do need to book in for injections.

There is also the added warning for pet owners to not let their dogs near any dead raptors or owls you find as these wildlife species may have eaten rats that have eaten rat baits. Last week the City of Sydney Council announced it was doubling the number of rat baits across the city in response to a rise in the rodent population.

“We will now have 860 rat bait stations in public areas and will place additional baits out when we receive complaints from residents and businesses,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

Rats, whose incontinence causes them to urinate and defecate as they run, are being blamed for the deaths of dogs from leptospirosis.

“We have been very concerned about the recent cases of leptospirosis in Sydney affecting dogs in our local area,” Ms Moore said in a statement last week.

The disease is caused by bacteria found in infected animal urine and tissues. Since the deaths of seven dogs (up to last week), the council's pest controllers have been doubled.



Photo: Matilda Mae BooseBop Gumley-Guesdon, Proprietors/ Editors Sydney Silky - Fully Vaccinated and perfectly ok. Our thoughts and love go to the family who have lost their furry bundle of joy.

Road Reserve Adjacent To 4 The Avenue Newport: Proposed Lease

Under section 154 of the Roads Act 1993, Northern Beaches Council gives public notice of its intention to consider a lease for a term of five (5) years to the owner of 4 The Avenue, for an area of approximately 38 square metres of road reserve adjacent to 4 The Avenue, Newport (Lot 2 DP 1059003).

The purpose of the proposed lease is for the parking of motor vehicles or boat storage.

Submissions close Sunday 11 August 2019

Jess Hill Book Event For Be Centre

Jess Hill is an author and award winning journalist. For several years she has been writing on and researching domestic violence.
Prior to this, she was a producer for ABC Radio, a Middle East correspondent for The Global Mail, and an investigative journalist for Background Briefing. 

Her reports on domestic violence have won two Walkley awards, an Amnesty International award and three Our Watch awards.


Jess Hill

This year Jess' long awaited book See What You Made Me Do has been published by Black Inc Books.

See What You Made Me Do is focused on the abuse so many women and children experience – abuse that is often reinforced by the justice system they trust to protect them. Critically, it shows that we can drastically reduce domestic violence – not in generations to come, but today.

Bookoccino in Avalon Beach are hosting Jess, in conversation with Talking Sticks founder Melanie Greblo. This is a fundraising event, with all ticket proceeds going to the Be Centre, helping traumatised children to heal. 

When: Friday August 23rd, 2019
Where: Bookoccino 66 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach

Tickets $25.00 HERE

Vale Damien Lovelock

May 21st, 1954 - August 3rd, 2019
Damien 'Damo' Lovelock, a dad, frontman for The Celibate Rifles and beloved football broadcaster, yoga teacher, recipe writer, surfer and straight up good bloke has passed away aged 65.

Known for his intelligence, wit, and a funny, incredibly talented man, Mr. Lovelock was well known and well liked, nay loved, around here. 

Many of us would have run into him in the early hours, looking slightly rough post an all-night stint commentating on World Cups or deafened ourselves just a little bit at a Celibate Rifles gig. 

He had a smile for you whatever his condition - unless he was on stage...  

The community extends its sincere condolences and love to Luke, his many close friends and Celibate Rifles band members.

A wonderful tribute has been written by the ABC's Steve Cannane, a long-term mate of Damiens. Worth reading in full HERE

Injured Darter At Narrabeen

Please keep a look out for an injured Darter that has been seen in the Narrabeen Lagoon and surrounds. This bird has fishing line around its feet and an injury to its shoulder.
If you see it, please call Sydney Wildlife immediately on 9413 4300.
Sydney Wildlife volunteers are out looking for it at present and need some help to locate it.

Photo courtesy and by Sarah Hampson; taken Friday, August 2nd.

Man Arrested After Spear Gun Attack At Avalon Beach

Saturday, August 3, 2019 
A man has been arrested after another man was shot with a spear gun on the Northern Beaches yesterday.

Just before 5pm (Friday 2 August 2019), emergency services were called to Coonanga Road, Avalon Beach, following reports a man had been injured with a spear gun.

On arrival, a 48-year-old man was found sitting in a car with a spear in his abdomen after being shot outside a nearby home on North Avalon Road.

The man was treated by paramedics and airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition. He has since been released.

Detectives from Northern Beaches Police Area Command commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following an extensive search today (Saturday 3 August 2019), police were called to a fast food restaurant on Pittwater Road, Brookvale, after a man was found unresponsive in the carpark just before 6.30pm.

Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command attended and arrested a 35-year-old man.

He has been taken to Manly Police Station.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. 

Fishcare Volunteers Wanted

Have you a passion for helping others, and helping contribute to better fishing and aquatic systems in the future?

Then why not become a FISHCARE volunteer - it's rewarding, a great way to learn and impart skills, meet new friends and have fun, it also allows you to give back to recreational fishing. Currently DPI has 300 Fishcare volunteers across NSW, volunteers assist in teaching others all about fish, sustainable fishing practices as well as the ecosystems fish live in.

The next free Fishcare training weekend is taking place on the 18th of August at Narrabeen, so jump on board and get involved in this fun, social, stewardship based volunteer program. The training weekend encompasses a variety of topics with a focus on Long Reef Aquatic Reserve (including a guided reef walk), and is open to anyone over the age of 18 years of age.

Places are limited in the training a so if you are interested, please get in contact as soon as possible.

For more info: call (02) 9741 4846 or 0417 445 847 or email simone.mabon@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Date: 18 August 2019 
At: Narrabeen
Narrabeen Coastal Environment Centre, 
entry via Pelican Path, Lake Park Road, 
North Narrabeen 
Details at: HERE


FOW Rugby Foundation Community Lunch A Huge Success

The annual Friends of Warringah Rugby Foundation community lunch was held at the Park House Hotel on Friday 19 July 2019.
 
The day was a huge success with 181 guests enjoying a great afternoon of festivities. With MC Andrew Swain from Channel 7 and special guests Chloe Dalton (Olympic Gold Medallist), Geoff Toovey (NRL Legend), Brett Sheehan (Rats Legend and Wallaby) and Mark Gerrard (current First Grade Coach and former Wallaby) the crowd were thoroughly entertained in a relaxing afternoon of food, drink and banter.
 
The fundraising on the day was a huge success and the FOW are pleased to confirm the purchase of an Enforcer Scrum Machine, which will be located at the Sydney Academy of Sports at Narrabeen. The scrum machine will be accessible by the Warringah Juniors and individual Junior Clubs.
 
The FOW would like to thank all those that attended the lunch as your support is greatly appreciated and we hope to see you again next year.

Album of photos from the day available HERE
Photo Credit - Karen Watson

Warriewood Development

At: 25-27 Warriewood Road, Warriewood.
Pittwater Online has received numerous queries regarding the above development and associated changed traffic conditions, as well as to why water and power are being turned off for whole days.

Adrian McKinnon, NSW Construction Manager for the Knowles Group, has stated all road works on Warriewood road (that were required as part of the development) will be finished within the next 3-4 weeks. The building construction itself is complete.

Power is being switched off by AusGrid, and water by Sydney Water - which have required an upgrade in the pipes to be used, and are back on site at present (Thursday July 25th). He has endeavoured to ensure letterbox drops informing residents of what is going on have been done 2 weeks prior to any outages or water being turned off.

Mr. McKinnon stated the last thing they want to do is upset neighbours and they are endeavouring to do their best to ensure residents are kept informed and any associated service outages have been kept to a minimum and that residents are informed beforehand. 

For those who need to speak with him, please phone 0427 208 971 - alternatively email adrian.mckinnon@knowlesgroup.com.au. Mr McKinnon will take your call or call you straight back, or answer you via email if that works better for you.

Avalon Beach Netball Courts Feedback Closing

To facilitate the construction of these courts the Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to amend the Ocean Beaches generic Plan of Management to re-categorise the land from Park to Sportsground.

It's also time to commence thinking about questions such as:
  • Do you want to lose all that Green Space to hard surface courts that will increase heat in this space during Summer?
  • Where will the families of small and young children who hold safe birthday parties in this soft green field adjacent to the skate park hold them now? 
  • The concept plan does not provide for change rooms - are they needed?
Key features of the concept plan include -
  • four hardcourt netball courts with a green surface
  • a half-court basketball court
  • a bridge across Careel Creek to connect the two sets of courts and
  • lighting to Australian Standards.
How to have your say
Make a submission
in writing - marked 'Ocean Beaches Plan of Management' to Northern Beaches Council PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655
Submissions close Sunday August 11th, 2019


Help Shape The Future Of The Former Manly Hospital

Help shape the iconic former Manly Hospital site by providing your ideas and thoughts to create a wellness precinct for the future.
 
The NSW Government has tasked the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to consider future uses for the site. The Department will work closely with NSW Health to ensure future uses will complement the development of the hospice.

To help deliver on this vision we are asking for the community’s ideas, thoughts and opinions about what it would like this space to be and how this can be achieved.

Community Consultation
Consultation will take place from 2 August to 2 September 2019. 

Key themes arising from the Community Consultation will be incorporated into the Master Plan. The master planning process will begin in late 2019, with a master plan expected to be lodged with Northern Beaches Council and placed on public exhibition for comment in late 2020. There will be more opportunities to have your say as the project progresses. *


Guidelines
The following Guiding Principles have been developed by the Project Steering Advisory Committee, members comprising representatives from the local community, Local Health District, Northern Beaches Council and the State Member James Griffin, to investigate future opportunities for the sites:
  • The community will have continuing access to the Site for socialisation / recreational activities and use of public and private services.
  • The rainforest area of the Site will be permanently reserved.
  • The services developed on the Site will contribute to the health, wellbeing and care of the Community.
  • The services provided from the Site will address a defined community need for which there are tangible and ongoing social benefits.
  • A diverse range of services and partnerships will be pursued which leverage the greatest collective value for the community. 
  • The services and infrastructure proposals for the Site must demonstrate financial sustainability.
The hospital dates back to 1896 when a cottage hospital served Manly. The land was granted by the Commonwealth in 1917 and Manly Peace Hospital was established in the 1930s.

The Manly District Hospital (former Principal building) is significant for the Inter-War Georgian Revival style. The former Main Ward block is heritage listed.  The relevant block buildings are identified on the map with stars (on the Have Your Say site).

When the closure was announced, the then State Member for Manly, Mike Baird established the Manly Hospital Project Steering Advisory Committee, comprising representatives from the local community, Local Health District, Northern Beaches Council and the State Member to investigate the future opportunities for the site. The Committee remains active today and has endorsed the vision statement, guiding principles and draft concept  plan for the site.

In October 2018, Manly Hospital was closed and all patients and services were relocated to the new Northern Beaches Hospital at Frenchs Forest.

The Premier later announced the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) would be built on a portion of the site.

* Correct at time of publishing, subject to change without notice.

'Business As Usual' For Boathouse Group

Property developers Ben and Jono Isaac have been named as the new owners of the Boathouse Cafe group this week, in a syndicate which also includes former trade minister Andrew Robb and wife Maureen.

The syndicate stepped in to save the chain of popular seaside cafes after mounting debts and a wind-up action by the Australian Tax Office forced owners Andrew and Pip Goldsmith, who is Mr Robb's daughter, to look for outside investors.

The business includes the Boathouse at Palm Beach, and other venues at Shelly Beach in Manly, Balmoral, Whale Beach and restaurants including Barrenjoey House at Palm Beach and the Patonga Hotel on the Central Coast.

Ben Isaac confirmed this week they would keep all existing employees on staff, and it would be "business as usual" with Mr and Mrs Goldsmith continuing to run the day-to-day operations at the cafes.

His brother, Jono Isaac, said the pair and their families both lived locally and were passionate supporters of the business, as are many residents.

Company documents attached to the company's holding group, Palm Group Holdings, reveal the Isaac brothers took ownership on July 22 in a syndicate which also includes accountant Jordan Kennedy.

Onwards and upwards!

Boat Stolen From Careel Bay

Please email Pittwater Online if you have seen this boat: this was earned by a young local who worked hard to be able to purchase it - also stolen was his fishing gear: the boat had a 6 month old Parsun 30hp long shaft secured to the hull.

Thank you very much.

Avalon Market Day 2019

Stallholder applications open on Monday 4 August 2019
If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive information regarding the 2019 Avalon Market Day, please complete the form HERE

Malley's And Sons Ltd Query: Auburn Factory

A Researcher has contacted Pittwater Online regarding the Collectors page on Francis Malley & Sons (Gosford to Mosman)and is seeking information on the Auburn factory.

Morgan, Project Scientist with Geo Logix, Warriewood, is seeking information about the actual manufacturing process at the Auburn site or people that used to work there.

Any information on what was manufactured and how it was manufactured would be appreciated. General day to day activity at the site is also sought. 

Please email Morgan if you have any insights or contacts for people that used to work there.

Thank you very much.

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club AGM

Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM
Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club is a recreational swimming club on the Northern Beaches in Sydney. We swim at Bilgola rock pool on Saturday mornings(8:45am till 11:30am).
Our season runs between October and March.

We cater for all standards of swimmers, from the social swimmer to those who enjoy some fun Competition. Our registration fee is $40 per member.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2019

Pittwater Place, Mona Vale stalls:
July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th
Selling sewing, knitting, craft, books, 9am to 3pm

Sausage Sizzles at Bunnings, Narrabeen:  8am to 3pm
Saturdays, July 13th, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, December 14th


Sydney To Auckland Yacht Race 2021 NOR

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron are excited to announce that the Notice of Race for the 1250nm Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2021 is now available.

Visit SydneytoAuckland.com to view and download. Entries will open on 1 August, 2019. Don't miss out on the early bird entry fee option.

The race will start on Sydney Harbour on 30 January 2021 and finish in Auckland Harbour in time to help the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron celebrate their 150th Anniversary and enjoy the 36th Americas Cup. This challenging Category 1 race is open to offshore cruising and racing yachts, superyachts, ocean racing multihulls, as well as incorporating a rally for cruisers.

Berthing arrangements:
RPAYC: Berths for competing boats may be available at RPAYC for a discounted rate in the build up to the race. For more details of berthing at the RPAYC and alternative berthing in Pittwater and Sydney; please contact the RPAYC Waterfront department.

RNZYS: Berthing will be provided on arrival in Auckland for 48hrs. The Race Committee will direct boats to their temporary berth. BERTHING SPACE IS LIMITED so boats planning to stay on in Auckland beyond 48hrs should make their own arrangements.
It is a Condition of Entry that boats must moor in accordance with the directions of the Marina Manager and the Race Committee.

The program in Auckland 2021 will be diverse; yachts from around the world. For full details and information about the RNZYS 150th Anniversary program visit: www.rnzys.org.nz.

Start: Sydney Harbour - 30 January, 2021
Finish: Auckland Harbour
Distance: 1250nm
Experience: Priceless


2020 NSW Women Of The Year Awards Nominations Open

July 25th, 2019: NSW Government
Nominations are now open for the 2020 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Now in their ninth year, the NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by women across NSW to industry, communities and society.

The 2020 Women of the Year Award categories include:
  • NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year
  • NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
  • Community Hero Award
  • Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award
  • Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Award
  • NSW Business Woman of the Year Award
  • First State Super Lifetime Achievement Award.

Minister for Women Bronwyn Taylor said it is important to give the outstanding and inspirational women leading the way throughout NSW, the recognition and acknowledgement they deserve.

“Women from all walks of life make significant contributions to their communities while overcoming gender inequality, raising families, and pursuing careers in male dominated fields,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This is your chance to recognise these women and let them know their hard work does not go unnoticed.”

Nominations close on 25 October 2019. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 5 March 2020.

Submit a nomination for the 2020 NSW Women of the Year Awards

Be A Part Of Manly Jazz

Northern Beaches Council is calling for expressions of interest from businesses wishing to take part in the buzz and excitement at Manly Jazz in October (5 to 7 October).

Council is offering local businesses sponsorship packages tailored to individual business and brand needs.

Potential benefits include prominent logo display at the event and on the event website and involvement in print, digital and social media campaigns.

There is also the opportunity to have a dedicated space at the Jazz Festival’s venues to raise brand awareness and promote products and services.

Mayor Regan said Manly Jazz continues to draw thousands of visitors every year and is an excellent platform to boost a business profile.

“Manly Jazz has a rich history of dishing up some of the best live jazz performances from across Australia and around the world,” Mayor Regan said.

“It’s now in its 42nd year and is sure to bigger and better than ever.

“As a partner you’ll reach over 100,000 music enthusiasts from across Sydney, Australia and the world that flock to Manly beach over the October long weekend.”

“Council will work with businesses to design individual sponsorship packages that best suit business needs and brand objectives.”

Manly Jazz presents a diverse range of genres that include funk, blues, swing, roots and rock. The festival attracts a mixed crowd from ‘hard-core’ jazz aficionados to those who simply want to enjoy great music.

From the traditional three days of outdoor music, the festival has more than tripled to become an 11-day celebration of live music in venues across Manly.

Expression of Interest applications close Friday 9 August.

More information can be found on Council’s website.

Barrenjoey Seal Colony Growing

Jools Farrell, local ORRCA lady extraordinaire, reminds us that at present the Australian Fur Seal Colony at Barrenjoey is growing. In mid July there were 9 but there will be a lot more as we had up to 20 last year.


This behaviour is called thermoregulating which is normal seal behaviour to regulate their body temperatures.

Please remember that legally you must stay a minimum of 40 metres away from seals, especially if they come ashore on the estuary beaches or ocean beaches to rest.

Also please keep an eye out for them if you are out in a boat as they do venture out of this spot to feed on the estuary or around Barrenjoey Headland. In recent years they have been seen everywhere from Barrenjoey to Clareville and Church Point.

Please do not attempt to feed them as they get plenty of food here in Pittwater. Please also do not attempt to swim with them, Jools asks.

If you do see a seal in distress, please contact ORRCA on their 24/7 hotline: 9415 3333.

Scotland Island Energy Reliability Project Update: Ausgrid

Summary from Briefing Session 1
  • The project is scheduled for 16 weeks, commencing early August.
  • For most of the time, approx. 13 weeks, 47 carspaces are needed for plant and equipment. 
  • 70 carspaces ( 25% of the old carpark ) is needed at the start and finish of the project for a week and a half. 
  • Work is to be completed by 20 December, if that can’t be achieved work will stop, the site area will be returned to carpark until February when work will recommence.
  • The site will be used for plant and equipment including project sheds, materials storage, waste (sludge) processing, the drilling equipment, and vehicles. 
  • The vehicles are trucks and 2 utes.  
  • The trucks obviously transport waste/sludge and materials, the 2 utes will be used as required during the day and transfer of the workers.  
  • There will be a small team of 10 who are coming from interstate, no private vehicles on site or at Church Point anywhere.
  • Compensation to those who agree to relocate to Rowland Reserve is by way of a discount of $350 on the Church Point parking sticker and, to facilitate transfer to Church Point from Rowland Reserve, a choice of either an Opal card or an Uber card loaded with approx. $200 (to be confirmed, may be more), and possibly a taxi option too. 
  • There will be no time limit to use the card credit which may increase the appeal to those who have an infrequently used vehicle. 
  • The actual offers are expected to be finalised shortly. 
Ausgrid really needs those who park at Church Point to do the survey to get a better handle on how people use their cars.
Please visit the link at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sctlndind to complete the questionnaire, so that we can fully understand your needs.

NBC has not agreed to the 1 hour limited spaces being made available during the period on the grounds that the businesses and local onshore residents have needs too and changing the hours will create a precedent.

Mona Vale Road East - Out Of Hours Work Update: August 5th-6th

Work is continuing along Mona Vale Road out of hours to install concrete barriers in the project area.

For safety reasons, we will close one lane of Mona Vale Road during the work. A contra-flow arrangement will be in place, with signage and traffic controllers to direct traffic.

During the lane closure, the speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h to ensure the safety of motorists and workers.

Night work is planned on the following days, weather permitting:
  • Monday 5 August: 8pm – 5am
  • Tuesday 6 August: 8pm – 5am
We will minimise noise where possible. We will be using cranes, lighting, hand tools and trucks for the work.

Enquiries and registering for work updates
Please contact the community team for enquiries, feedback or any concerns you may have about the work. 

Call: 1800 413 640 (24 hour number).

For more information about the project, visit rms.work/mvreast
If you have not registered for updates please forward your name/s, address, preferred email and mobile number to the contact details above.

Sydney Wildlife August 2019 Course

“Goodbye”
It‘s one of the happiest and saddest times of being a wildlife carer. We give the animals a second chance, help them realise their instincts and prepare for the wild. Often we have no idea how they are getting on in their natural habitat after release. We can only hope that the months of dedication and sacrifices pay off.



These two were taken to the vet after being found by members of the public. They were both orphans and soon became close friends in care. Scratchum was found alone in Newtown and Foxy was with her mum (who subsequently died after suspected poisoning) at Fox Studios. Over many months they were bottle fed, introduced to solid foods, increased their strength and climbing skills and now are living in a thick patch of bush in a Sydney suburb.

If you want to become a volunteer carer, rescuer, phone operator, fundraiser or educator, register for the next course to be held 10-11 August in Londonderry. Register here:  http://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/upcoming-courses.html

Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services)

Avalon PS Kindergarten 2020 Open Morning

Tuesday, August 6, 9.45am in the School Hall
Parents and 2020 students are welcome to come along to get a feel for our school and see some of the programs we offer.

You will see performances from one of our dance groups, our school choir and our current Kindergarten students. Visit Kindergarten classrooms to view our students working on literacy, mathematics or technology.

No need to book in, just turn up.
Details of School Tours dates below:

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Hazel

AGE/SEX: 12 months / F
BREED: Staffy X Foxy
Hazel is a sweet happy 12 month old Staffy X Foxy girl. She is very affectionate with people and social with other dogs. She has a fairly confident nature and quick to learn. Hazel is very people oriented and would like to have her humans around most of the time. She has a short coat and weighs a compact 11.1kg. She 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. Her adoption cost is $450. 

Rose

Rose is the last of Scarlet's litter of 6 kittens still waiting for her own home. She is currently 6 months old (20/6) and has spent a lot of her life in a busy vet hospital around other cats and dogs. Rose needs an experienced calm family who know to go slow with handling to win her over.
She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.


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

For further details or to meet all cats 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. 

Council's Latest Synthetic Sportsfields Officially Opened At Lionel Watts Reserve

Northern Beaches Council has opened a $3.4 million upgrade of sporting facilities at Lionel Watts Reserve in Frenchs Forest, making it the area’s largest sporting venue.

Two full size synthetic football fields, a smaller junior football pitch plus a senior AFL oval are now in use and Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan expects to see plenty of happy faces enjoying the new facilities.

“Council has invested heavily into the project and we are very excited about what it offers the community on many levels.

“For me, it is one of our standout projects in recent years, providing a first class all-weather field to football, AFL, softball, cricket and touch football among other sports.

“Everyone knows how popular soccer is on the Northern Beaches when it comes to participation numbers, and it is great to have two more synthetic pitches at Lionel Watts in addition to what we already have at Cromer Park, Narrabeen Sports High and Melwood Oval in Forestville.

“No one likes to see their sporting games cancelled due to wet weather, and the more synthetic pitches we have in use, the more fixtures will be able to be completed.”

Mayor Regan went on to reveal the next planned location for synthetic sporting pitches on the northern beaches.

“Council is excited that the next synthetic conversion, at Millers Reserve in Manly Vale, has started its planning stage,’’ he said.

“We will continue to investigate other opportunities to convert other sporting fields and encourage more kids to participate in active recreation over the coming months,” the Mayor said.

Lionel Watts Reserve was handpicked by Council for an upgrade due to its status as the most intensively utilised sportsfield across the calendar year.

Further projects at the site, including the delivery of a skate park and a regional all-abilities children’s playground, are underway.

Make Your Own Lost Bird Found 

Help create a flock of birds for North Sydney Council’s Lost Bird Found project by setting up your own bird-making group or workshop.  

Hundreds of small birds will be distributed around North Sydney and beyond during Mental Health Month this October to encourage discussion and awareness of mental illness.  

Council needs groups to help create the birds, which can be made in all colours, shapes and sizes. They can be knitted birds, felt birds, wooden birds, clay birds, book marks or even badges. 

If you are interested in running a bird-making workshop, please contact North Sydney Council’s Access and Inclusion Coordinator who can provide a starter kit and information on how to get involved.  

Council is also interested in hearing from companies who might like to get their staff involved in bird-making as a team-building initiative.  

Alternatively, individuals are welcome to make their own birds and donate them to Council to be included in the project.  

Once these birds are made, they will take flight and be hidden around North Sydney and surrounding areas after the official project launch on Tuesday 1 October at Council Chambers.  

They can be hidden anywhere – at bus stops, in shops, cafes, libraries, art galleries, sporting venues and even in trees.   

If you find one, it’s finders’ keepers, and each unique bird has a card attached with details of the project’s website page, social media accounts, as well as links to mental health support services and community activities.  

Participants are encouraged to follow Lost Bird Found on Facebook and Instagram, share images of their birds online, and help spark discussions and boost awareness about mental health.  

For more information on the Lost Bird Found art project visit Council’s website or www.facebook.com/lostbirdfoundproject


Wildlife Rescue Help Needed: Northern Beaches 

WIRES is called to provide rescue advice and assistance for tens of thousands of animals each year. we have many incredible volunteers however there are never enough to respond to all calls in all areas. To help us respond to the growing number of calls for assistance WIRES is working on a new volunteer programme. The programme is being trialled in Sydney's Northern Beaches.

In the trial, volunteers will complete a new online course, then be able to receive rescue alerts for sick, injured and orphaned native animals nearby that need transfers to vets for initial assessment.
WIRES will follow up to organise animals needing collection to be picked up and transported to a WIRES carer for rehabilitation and ongoing care.

If you live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, are over 18 and have your own transport and would like to register your interest in participating in the free trial please fill in the form www.wildlifetraining.org.au/training/rescue-101

The trial will is planned to run in August/September over 4 consecutive weeks on a Friday.

Participants will need to be available for at least 1 of the 4 Fridays to assist WIRES with rescues. It will be essential you have your own transport.