Community News December 2016

December 18, 2016 - January 7, 2017: Issue 294

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 294: 

Pittwater Camera Club's Images Of The Year For 2016

Connecting Community Through Linked Coastal Walkways and Cycleways + Inclusive Play - the Connecting Northern Beaches programs

Farr 40 Pittwater One Design Trophy 2016 by Lisa Ratcliff

2016 Aon Youth Sailing World Championships by Richard Aspland - World Sailing

Marine Rescue Broken Bay Marine: Promotions, Citations and 10 Tips for Boating Summer Safety by Lt. Alan Turner-Morris

Local Explorers’ Modern Day Discovery - GOVERNOR PHILLIP’s FIRST LANDING SITE, CAMPSITE AND CONTACT WITH LOCAL ABORIGINES IN PITTWATER: THE CASE FOR WEST HEAD BEACH by Roger Sayers and Geoff Searl

Reflections by George Repin: GINGERBREAD HOUSES

Pictures: Bilgola's Billy Swim: An Open Inspiration To Get Into The Summer Swim Of Things

Aquatics: Jubliees Come To Pittwater: the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in 1938 and Huntingfield Cup of 1946

NSW Interbranch Championships 2016 by Surf Life Saving New South Wales

Draft Plan For Ingleside Land Development Released - Community Information session during Feb 2017 - have a say until 28th of same month

Celebrating 60 Years Of Club Palm Beach - call out for memories and photos + President's Report For 2016 and a few insights from the past to inspire 

Profile: Kamikaze Corner Roundabout Pop Up Art Since 2012 a local gentleman has been brightening the lives of many who make it through the Bilgola Bends heading north, or have to depart the green valley of Avalon for the land beyond the bends, with soft sculptural moments of joy. A small record and tribute!

History:  Pittwater Fields of Dreams II: Waratah Farm and Narrabeen Plums - from 10 acres in Ingleside, and a man who learnt his trade in Ryde orcahrds, sprang a fruit that will be in season again in a few more weeks

Artist of the Month: December 2016 : Linda Buchan - Our December 2016 Artist of the Month is a lady we've been a big fan of for a few years now, first meeting her through the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's IdS program when victorious in winning the inaugural Islands Race aboard Bob Bennet's SoFarr. Linda is much more than a great sailor though, her credits now encompass being a motivational speaker and extend to writer with the launch of STEP BY STEP: Finding My Way Back to Me.

Why this title? - In 1998, Linda was a casualty of a devastating house fire that claimed the life of her sister Kim and changed her own life forever. Since that day Linda has fought her way, step by step, towards a new life by overcoming the devastating physical effects of smoke inhalation and the emotional pain losing a loved one causes. 

Pittwater Online News End Of Year THANKS!

We'd like to thank everyone for your contributions this year, requests for stories, suggestions and feedback on items and pages run.

In 2017 we will continue bringing you a News Service that is connected to and remains For, By and About Pittwater and a place where everyone can have a say, or get a go, as well as ask people who should be lauded and applauded for all they have brought or bring to us to allow us to share their voice, their songs. These records are enriching us all in the weekly Issue they run, and ever afterwards as a reference hub.

We look forward to bringing you something inspirational, historical, uplifting and probably a bit funny at times, as well as remaining empowering and current in 2017!

The email Inbox will continue to be monitored, finalising what runs in the first Issue for 2017 from January 3rd.

We wish you and yours the very best for Christmas and New Years - thank you very much for a wonderful 2016.

Pittwater Online News.

2016 Recap And End Of Year Message

With the year drawing to a close, it’s my pleasure to provide a recap of some of the key announcements made throughout 2016. 

These announcements range from new infrastructure and services at Mona Vale Hospital, through to road improvements, sport facility upgrades and environmental initiatives

Key highlights during 2016 included;
  • The opening of Mona Vale Hospital’s new $30 million Community Health Service Building;
  • The opening of Warriewood Square’s new Service NSW Centre;
  • Work underway on the introduction of a dedicated inpatient palliative care unit at Mona Vale Hospital – the first of its type on the northern beaches;
  • Funds allocated towards the upgrade of Mona Vale Road East and preliminary works underway;
  • Improvements undertaken to the entrance of Narrabeen Lagoon to help improve tidal flow and water quality;
  • Work completed on the expansion of the Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre at Warriewood;
  • Mona Vale Hospital’s annual recurrent budget increased to a record $72 million - 24% more than in 2011;
  • Registrations of Interest being sought from experienced health service providers to co-locate additional health services at Mona Vale Hospital;
  • Almost $10m allocated for extensive walking and cycling projects at Palm Beach, Bilgola Beach, Narrabeen and Collaroy;
  • Work underway on the introduction of the new B-Line bus service – including new commuter interchanges, car parks and pedestrian links;
  • Traffic flow improvements completed along Pittwater Road at Narrabeen - and soon to commence at Collaroy;
  • Funds allocated to continue essential native bush regeneration works at Waratah Park in Duffys Forest;
  • Additional school zone flashing lights announced for local schools with potentially higher pedestrian risks;
  • Access restored to West Head’s historic WWII gun battery following a $370,000 walkway project;
  • Funds provided to assist with the rebuild of the shared clubrooms used by Pittwater Baseball Club and Narrabeen Junior Rugby Union Club at North Narrabeen;
  • Funds provided for an improved coastal walkway linking Mona Vale Beach and Mona Vale Hospital;
  • Sun protection improvements introduced at Bert Payne Reserve Playground in Newport;
  • Funds allocated to the Scotland Island Residents Association to assist with pathway improvements;
  • School hall improvements completed at Pittwater High School; 
  • 10 new medical graduates and 16 graduate nurses assigned to Mona Vale Hospital;
  • Additional early morning and evening bus services operating between Pittwater and the CBD;
  • Improved long-term lease arrangements introduced for local surf clubs;
  • Funds provided for improved disabled sailing infrastructure and equipment at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club;
  • Pedestrian safety improvements on Barrenjoey Road through Avalon Beach and Palm Beach;
  • Funds provided to assist with the construction of a new wharf and boardwalk extension around the historic general store at Church Point; and 
  • $3.3 million in further Gonski funding allocated to Pittwater’s 11 local public schools.
There’s a range of other exciting and beneficial projects currently being planned and I look forward to these being announced throughout 2017.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their ongoing support for our community and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a relaxing New Year.

Warm regards,

Rob Stokes MP
Member for Pittwater

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 17/12/2016 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2016 Works

Mona Vale Hospital Management recently hosted a Christmas Lunch at Mona Vale Golf Club for all the Volunteers who work in various areas of the Hospital. Our thanks for a wonderful end of year event.

On October 26 and 27, 2016  nine MVHA members attended the United Hospitals Auxiliaries of NSW Conference at Bankstown. The theme for this year's conference was Community.

Mona Vale was the host Auxiliary this year and it was very successful. All the ladies worked hard at the Conference but a special mention must go to Carolyn Butcher who made all the table centre pieces, the art work around the raffle table and the blue fascinators worn by all our members, the Conference attendees were very impressed! 

Here are some interesting statistics we learned of at the United Auxiliaries Conference of NSW Inc At Bankstown:

There are 5,680 Auxiliary members in NSW of which 250 attended the Conference. 
Number of branches - 192
The gross funds raised this financial year are : $10,888,084.94 * The net funds raised this financial year are: $ 5,996,282.33 
Gifted Items : $ 5,429,390.81
Hours worked : 910,202 - this equals 506 full time workers !

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary won two awards and two merit certificates for our fundraising 2015-2016 and has hosted stalls and events throughout Pittwater to raise funds for the hospital.

Our thanks to all our volunteers, all who have baked, made craft items or donated prizes for raffles in 2016. 

We'd also like to thank everyone in the community who have supported us through purchasing items or raffle tickets  throughout this year.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary is a branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW Incorporated and is active on the Northern Beaches in Pittwater and Warringah areas of Sydney. Members raise funds to purchase equipment for the comfort and care of patients in Mona Vale Hospital. Various fundraising activities, craft stalls, sausage sizzles, fashion parades, fun runs, raffles are run throughout the year. The Hospital Kiosk is manned by volunteers 7 days a week.

Ingleside RFS Christmas 2016

Santa's helpers from Ingleside NSWRFS delivered Santa Claus this evening (Dec16, 2016) to some kids in Forestville to hand out a few Christmas presents. The big fella was looking well, although we think Mrs Claus has been feeding him well in his off season.



Ingleside NSWRFS volunteers were out today (Dec 17, 2016)at Warringah Mall Woolworths selling raffle tickets to 'Win a Car'. Thanks to all who supported us and bought a ticket. Thanks to Woollies to for giving us the day at their Warringah Mall store. 
Good luck and Merry Christmas.

Extra Intensive Care Paramedics Based In Pittwater

21 December 2016
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today welcomed the commencement of additional ambulance response capacity on the northern beaches.
 
The NSW Ambulance Service has introduced a Paramedic Immediate Care Unit (PICU) at Narrabeen Ambulance Station which enables additional specially trained intensive care paramedics to be deployed across the northern beaches.
 
The PICU initiative has recently been trialled in the Hunter region and has proven effective in increasing the capacity of local ambulance crews to respond to patients suffering from high level injury or illness.
 
“This specialist unit has provided a great boost to the capabilities of our local ambulance services,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“Paramedics attached to the PICU are deployed across the northern beaches in rapid response vehicles to assist patients with life threatening conditions and to support other crews responding to incidents with multiple or complex patients.
 
“This additional medical expertise is particularly effective in situations where an initial rapid response is critical.
 
“Ambulance crews are almost constantly mobile within our community and modern technology allows them to be deployed based on their exact location at any given time.
 

“All our local paramedics do an incredible job so it’s great to see new initiatives being introduced which support their efforts and improve the scope of services available to our community,” Rob Stokes said.

Funding To Protect And Promote Local Heritage

21 December 2016
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced $120,000 in NSW Government funding to support local heritage projects.
 
The funding has been provided to the Northern Beaches Council and includes $100,000 towards public access improvements around the historic Church Point General Store and $20,000 towards the development of a self-guided historical tour of Mona Vale Cemetery.
 
The projects are part of the NSW Government’s Heritage Near Me initiative which supports the protection, promotion and celebration of local heritage across NSW.
 
"Conserving our local heritage is vital to help ensure the ties between our current, past and future generations continue,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“Both projects will support key areas of our community and help maintain the stories of our past.
 
“The Church Point precinct is currently undergoing generational upgrades – but it’s essential that public access to the historic General Store area is maintained and improved.
 
“It’s iconic local buildings such as this which help characterise our community and showcase our past.
 
“Local cemeteries like Mona Vale provide a continuous link to those who have contributed to our community over many generations and it’s important this is recognised and celebrated.
 
“I’m delighted the NSW Government is supporting these initiatives which will provide ongoing benefits to our community,” Rob Stokes said.


Avalon Craft Cottage Thanks

The Avalon Craft Cottage members would like to wish all their customers, and friends,  a very joyous Christmas Season…. and good health and happiness in the New Year.

Our members are now enjoying a well-earned rest, after what has been a very busy year, but we will be back revived and rejuvenated next year with lots more wonderful gift ideas for you.
Merry Christmas!

Maureen Darcy-Smith
Avalon Craft Cottage

Marine Rescue Broken Bay Promotions, Citations And Summer Safety

On Saturday 10th of December 2016 members of Broken Bay Marine Rescue Base at Rowland Reserve (Bayview) were awarded for promotions and the award of a citation for rescuing a yachtsman on Sunday 23rd October 2016 was presented.


L to r: Damian Fehon, Joe Ellmas, Mike Charlton, Victor Lawrence Unit Commander, Marine Rescue Broken Bay, Lt  Alan Turner-Morris, John Sutton - Photo by Michael Mannington, Volunteer Photography

Report by Lt. Alan Turner-Morris, Broken Bay Marine Rescue, including Summer Safety Tips for boating and how to let MRBB when you're going and when you will be back HERE

Congratulations!

Lots of excitement down at North Cronulla today (Dec. 17, 2016) as Newport's Pistol Shrimp U23 Boat Crew is named as the Pathway Australian Team who will compete against New Zealand in the Trans Tasman 2017!! 

Congratulations to Katherine Hulton, Zoe King, Celestine May, Piret May & Michael King.

The Trans Tasman National Team Trials for the Open Male and Female Australian representative crews will battle it out at Elouera on Sunday.

Manly, Queenscliff and South Curl Curl have teams contesting in the Open Womens. 

Bilgola, Newport and Queenscliff each have a crew in the Open Mens while Palm Beach SLSC has two Open Mens crews contetsing.

LIVE STREAM Sunday December 18 from 9am NSW time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNmcBqs44MQ

Pasadena DA: Refused

C/- Pittwater Offshore Newsletter (The PON)
The Northern Beaches Independent Assessment Panel - North refused the DA for the Pasadena in its assessment published today. Please find the full text of the determination below:

Refurbishment, BCA upgrade and fitout of the existing building in order to achieve a licensed restaurant and motel accommodation and the construction and use of a new day spa

At: 1858 PITTWATER ROAD, CHURCH POINT NSW 2105 (Lot 142 DP 752046)

Decision:
That the development application be refused for the following reasons:-

1. The panel considered the issue of existing use rights for the purposes of Part 4, Division 10 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) and concluded that the subject land does not enjoy the benefits of “existing use rights”.

2. The proposed motel use is prohibited within the B1 Neighbourhood Centre Zone under PLEP 2014.

3. The application is unsatisfactory in that the parking demands are not met on the site having regard to the shortfall in existing and future parking demand in the Church Point Locality, and particularly in peak demand periods.

4. The application is unsatisfactory in that it has not adequately addressed the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, as submitted information has not provided information that specifies the maximum number of persons proposed to operate the development as a whole.

5. The application is unsatisfactory in having regard to Section 79C (1)(c),(d) submissions made in accordance with the Act or the regulations and (e) the public interest.

NOTES
1. This determination was taken under delegated authority on behalf of the elected Council pursuant to Section 377 of the Local Government Act 1993.

2. An applicant may under Section 82A of the Act, apply to council to review this determination.

3. Section 97 of the Act confers on the applicant who is dissatisfied with the determination of a consent authority a right of appeal to the Land & Environment Court exercisable within 6 months after receipt of this notice.

4. Any person who contravenes this notice of determination of the above mentioned development application shall be guilty of a breach of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, 1979, and shall be liable to a monetary penalty and for a restraining order which may be imposed by the Land and Environment Court.

RMYC BB V NBC In LEC Update

C/- Horshoe Cover Residents Association
On the 7th , the Court made orders setting the matter down for hearing on 13, 14 and 15 February 2017, commencing on-site at 9:30am.

The parties will then return to the Land and Environment Court in Macquarie Street for the remainder of the hearing. 

The hearing will be public so anyone who wants to attend may do so.

New Years Eve Fireworks Across The Beaches 

Fireworks are on at:
  • Rowland Reserve, Bayview, with vantage points around the area, at 9pm & 12pm
  • Dee Why Beach, 9pm
  • Manly Cove, 9pm.
All displays free of charge. 
There is an alcohol prohibited zone in place at Rowland Reserve, Bayview from 6am on 31 December until 6am on 1 January 2017.

2016 End Of Year Message

2016 has been a big year for me! Newly elected to the Federal Parliament, I’ve realised to what extent Australia is one of the great marvels of the modern world; and how lucky I am to have grown up, to live and to represent the Northern Beaches, the most marvellous part of that world. 

A caring community that looks after all who come here, ours is an open and fair minded place, one that spends little time blaming people for our problems, but a lot of time working together solving them and helping each other out.  The tremendous clean-up efforts in response to the June 2016 storms is a perfect example.

Christmas is a time when families and friends come together. It is a joyous occasion. It is also a time when many amongst us will selflessly give up their time to volunteer for surf clubs, the rural fire service, marine rescue, and too many other organisations to mention. Thank you for your dedication and contribution.

I am looking forward to a great 2017 and working with as many of you as possible to make an even better Northern Beaches, hopefully one with a little less traffic congestion.

In the meantime I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Jason Falinski MP, 
Federal Member for Mackellar

Jason Falinsi with Amber Cook, the winner of our ‘Mackellar Christmas Card Competition’ from St Joseph’s Primary School Narrabeen

2016 A Year Of Change And Challenges 

The months have just flown past, just packed with many rescues, Mums with kittens from local pounds through to bigger dogs from rural pounds. To me it all seems to be going faster and faster but perhaps I am just getting older. Whilst our kennel team have been busy caring for all the new dogs and settling them in, volunteers have been out fundraising for us to make sure we stay afloat. In past months some of our volunteers searched for opportunities to sell calendars, do sausage sizzles and drive community events. This has included some of our very young volunteers who already strive to make this world a better place.
 
We started 2016 with some amazing adoptions, with 47 dogs and 12 cats being adopted in the first 30 days. A bit under half were mature dogs. I was so excited to find people out there who care about our little mature fellows and appreciate how much pleasure and joy they bring to a family.  At DoggieRescue we are constantly seeing animals come and go. It is sad for us to see them go, but it dissipates when we hear updates of how the doggie or kittie is loved by their new family. The new wave of dogs desperate to leave the pound crashing at our door shakes us back to reality and onto the tasks at hand. 
 
In the last year, I’ve seen a change in the profile of dogs needing our help. The good news is that fewer small dogs are ending up on death row at the pounds since they are becoming more successful in their own adoption programs. As a result, DoggieRescue is getting more medium and large sized dogs which brings new challenges. The smaller dogs that are entering our doors now seem to be either the more mature ones who tend to have more medical issues or younger ones with behavioural problems. Both groups test our resources but fortunately, we do have veterinary and dog training expertise on board to help make the dogs more adoptable.

Saving more lives than before: Another changing aspect of our rescue work is that we are now offering cat and kitten adoption. We rescue where we can and deliver kittens to vet clinics who are willing to care for and adopt out these vulnerable little souls. At The Cottage Animal Hospital we care for and house cats and kittens and do not shirk away from litters who are unwell. It takes a lot of resources and love to nurse these little ones to good health and the wonderful, caring staff at The Cottage Animal Hospital do an amazing job!
 
Making a difference - providing hope: This is what DoggieRescue is all about, making those 11th hour rescues and not giving up hope even when all the odds are stacked against us. Without our wonderful supporters, these dogs and cats would have no future. We could not do what we do without their support!!
 
Looking to the future: DoggieRescue continues to lead by example within the animal rescue arena, showing that the No-Kill philosophy works. With our team of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters, I am looking forward to the year ahead, ready to meet new challenges and to work even harder to save as many lives as we can. I am humbled by the support that DoggieRescue receives from so many people who share my vision. Your support gives me the strength and the confidence to continue. 

The year 2016 has seen our adoption total climbing to 11,900 (not incl. kitties). Without our hardworking team this would not have been possible, so THANK YOU one and all….

Monika Biernacki

Lifeguards To Resume Sydney Patrols

Friday 16 December 2016: SLS NSW
Sydney’s hot start to summer means that lifeguards from the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) will need to be at the top of their game as they ramp up patrolling duties ahead of what is expected to be another busy summer.

The summer holidays are traditionally the busiest time of the year for these professional lifeguards who are trained to handle and respond to any emergency situation.

Lifeguards have been patrolling beaches across Pittwater since late September. The ALS is anticipating an influx of out-of-area visitors as people look to make the most of their Sydney break.

North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, Bilgola Beach, Newport, Bungan, Mona Vale and Warriewood will all be patrolled until April from Monday – Friday.

Water users at Lake Parramatta will again be under the watchful eye of the ALS with a further year’s extension to the contract that began back in in 2015. Lifeguards will be back on deck for a third season at the inland waterway seven-days-a-week from Monday 19 December.

Two lifeguards will also be stationed at Garie Beach in Sydney’s iconic Royal National Park from Monday providing a five-days-a-week service until late January, and also ensuring that help will be on hand for visitors to this unique location.

In addition local surf life saving clubs will be patrolling beaches throughout Sydney on weekends and public holidays providing total coverage to water users at some of the city’s most popular coastal destinations.

ALS Pittwater Supervisor Brad Woodward said that the lifeguards are looking forward to resuming their patrol duties after performing strongly in their annual proficiency tests.

“This year we will be continuing to emphasise preventative actions on the part of our lifeguards to ensure that potentially dangerous situations are dealt with before they escalate. This could include such actions as encouraging swimmers to swim between the flags and identifying hazards that could impact on beachgoers safety,” Mr Woodward said.

He also praised the respective Councils and Royal National Park for their commitment to the safety of all beach goers throughout Sydney.

“Our focus, like all our contract partners, is ensuring the safety of all beach goers in the area, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with each contract partner and delivering a high level of service to everyone who frequents beaches across Sydney.”

Lifeguards from the ALS will be on patrol at the following beaches throughout the summer.
  • Lake Parramatta Parramatta Lake 19/12/16 to 26/01/17 (7 days)
  • Royal National Park Garie 19/12/16 to 27/01/17 (5 days)
For a full list of patrolled beaches and times please visit the BeachSafe Website  

Don't Trust Your Tired Self.

by Transport For NSW
Find out how tired you might be at www.testyourtiredself.com.au

Driving when tired is one of the top three killers on NSW roads, along with speeding and drink driving. Fatigue crashes are also twice as likely to be fatal than other crashes. You can't brake while you're asleep.

PLEASE Be careful during this Christmas - New Years period!

Strong NSW Team Named For Interstate Champs

Thursday 15 December 2016 - by SLS NSW
The 2017 NSW Surf Interstate Team which will be led by Captain Hannah Minogue (Newport SLSC) boasts a strong combination of youth and experience with many of the competitors having enjoyed success the very highest level of surf sport.

The 24 selected elite athletes will compete for NSW at the 2017 Interstate Championships at Alexandra Headland SLSC on Friday 20 January.

Five members of the squad competed for Australia in The Netherlands at the 2016 World Life Saving Championships, while Riley Fitzsimmons made his Olympic debut at the Rio Olympics in August.

There is a fresh face too in the coaching department with Jim Walker making his State debut after he was selected to replace long-serving head coach Jeff Mowbray who retired after last year’s Interstate Titles at Torquay.

The one goal that is on everyone’s minds is to regain the Interstate Trophy they lost narrowly to Queensland in January, and doing it in their rival’s backyard would make it that much sweeter.

New South Wales and Queensland enjoy a healthy rivalry and while the battle in the surf is always fierce there is much mutual respect between the competitors.

Outstanding performances at the Summer of Surf Series and last weekend’s Interbranch Championships have given the athletes a boost in confidence and they enter the final weeks of training knowing that they are in good condition.

The strong results achieved by members of this team have not been lost on selectors either with NSW Sports Development Officer Tim Piper hailing the team as one of the strongest squads assembled in recent memory.

“We have seen a number of strong results for NSW athletes already this and are confident that they will only improve as they ramp up their training ahead of what we expect will be a fiercely contested Championships,” said Tim Piper.

“Congratulations to all those selected and we wish the team and coaching staff the very best of luck as they plot to end Queensland’s grip on this important trophy.”

The Interstate Championships are a highlight of the surf sport representative season with state pride going on the line. Each state is allowed to field a maximum of 12 competitors (6 male, 6 female) in the Open and Youth category with four U17 athletes to be part of the Youth squad.

The NSW team will fly to Maroochydore on Wednesday 18 January where they will fine-tune their preparations, and participate in team building exercises ahead of the competition proper on Friday 20 January.

NSW Interstate Team:

Open Female:
Hannah Minogue - Newport (Captain)
Georgia Miller - Newport
Kirsty Higgison - Surfers Paradise (SOO)
Lara Moses - Newport
Laura Shorter - Newport
Taylar Puskaric - Manly

Open Male:
Blake Drysdale - Newport
Daniel Collins - Redhead
Jay Furniss - Manly
Kendrick Louis - Manly
Riley Fitzsimmons - Avoca Beach
Max Brooks - Newport

Youth Female:
Ngaire Hadfield - Cronulla
Rachel Wood - Umina
Lizzie Welborn - North Bondi
Jemma Smith - Umina
Grace Gurr - Manly (U17)
Naomi Scott - Manly (U17)

Youth Male:
Bradley Woodward - Shelly Beach
Luke Chaffer - Cudgen Headland
Matthew Day - North Cronulla
Justin McMorland - Redhead
Matthew Sperring - Warilla-Barrack Point (U17)
Jake Evans - Elouera (U17)

Team Management:
Coach - Jim Walker (North Bondi)
Assistant Coach - Scott McCartney (Cudgen Headland)
Team Manager - Stephen Marley (Catherine Hill Bay)
Assistant Team Manager - Tracey McKinniery (North Cronulla)
Assistant Team Manager - Damien Benson (Avoca Beach)
Team Physio - Troy Eady
Sports Development Officer - Tim Piper

Position Available On The Island

Experienced and or very good cleaner who can also be a concierge to greet guests wanted for house on Scotland Island. You need your own run about or to live on the Island.

Please contact Katy 
Ph: 9974 2144

Scotland Island Dog Race 

It's on again!
Same time same place
Christmas Eve 6pm @ Church Point
 
DETAILS:
Register your Dog from 2:30 to 5:30pm
Entry fee is 1 Longneck (Cold !) and 1 x Large Tin Dog Food

Official starting time 6pm (or thereabouts)

Holiday Office Hours

We’re open throughout most of the holiday
Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Our main office will be closed on the public holidays of 26th & 27th December 2016 and 2 January 2017.

Best of the Best Surfboat Challenge
Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 7 AM - 5 PM
North Narrabeen Beach

The 2017 Best of the Best Surf Boat Challenge will be returning to the shore of North Narrabeen Beach on 5 February 2017. The challenge includes crews from all six divisions from each of the Regional/Branch Boat Series. 
Visit www.surflifesaving.com.au/bob for more event info.

Where Is This?

8th December 2016  
These 2 photos were found in an unwanted folder at Barrenjoey High School. The folder contained documents pertaining to Avalon Beach and it is thought the 2 photos were taken here. 

We are hoping someone out there might recognise either people in the photos, where the houses might have been (or still are!) and any other details which might be of interest – help please!
Geoff Searl
Avalon Beach Historical Society: 

Please Help SWD Meet Its Target

For 22 years, SWD has brought smiles to the faces of children with disabilities and facing disadvantage on board our boats.

The transformational stories of change we receive each week from teachers, parents, and children themselves, are proof of the impact that sailing with SWD is having.
We need your help to keep this going.

We need to raise $12,000 to fix the keel on our main program boat, Kayle, and we are hoping you may be willing to help us do that.

Kayle runs Winds of Joy and Winds of Change programs in Sydney, northern NSW, Queensland and Hobart for over 2100 children each year.
If we meet our $12k target, we will be able to fix the keel and get the boat ship shape for programs starting early next year.

With Christmas coming up, everyone at SWD appreciates your generosity. Any donation, however small, really will help.

Please take care of yourself and loved ones over this festive season.

Thank you in advance.
David Pescud,
CEO & SWD Founder

An outstanding Skipper on board Kayle in Winds of Joy in June 2016

Greater Sydney Commission: North District 

Have your say on the draft District Plans!

GSC: We invite you to attend one of our upcoming community drop-in sessions across Sydney's six districts to learn more about planning for Sydney’s long-term future, and how to provide feedback.

Follow the link to find out more details on your local session.

North District
The North District is a place of coastline suburbs, harbour communities and bushland neighbourhoods located around vibrant urban centres with lively high streets, busy shopping districts and employment hubs.

From document, Full Draft District Plan, available to read and download in full at 'North district' link above:

Mona Vale Proposed priorities: 
• protect and enhance the commercial and retail function of the centre to provide employment growth and maintain high job containment 
• ensure sufficient retail and commercial floor space is provided to meet future demand 
• leverage the Mona Vale B-Line stop to facilitate intensification of uses in the centre, with an emphasis on the provision of housing affordability to retain 18 to 35 year olds 
• explore opportunities to increase residential diversification around the centre 
• improve access and linkages to local destinations, such as Mona Vale Hospital, through priority pedestrian networks 
• promote walking and cycling to the centre and within it 
• retain and protect the industrial precinct to the north of the centre to serve the growing population 
• investigate feasibility of existing planning provisions and controls as they relate to mixed-use and residential development within the centre 
• prioritise place making initiatives to promote mixed-use activities, urban activation and more diverse housing, and improve connectivity and integration with existing networks.

Brookvale-Dee Why Proposed priorities: 
• maintain the mix of uses so that Brookvale-Dee Why continues to perform strongly as a well-balanced, self-sustaining combined centre 
• encourage and support improvements to Warringah Mall and better integrate it with the fabric and life of Brookvale-Dee Why 
• encourage provision of affordable housing to attract and retain key workers in local industries, particularly in Brookvale 
• recognise and enhance the economic and employment opportunities along Pittwater Road and encourage revitalisation along this commercial strip 
• promote walking, cycling and public transport to Warringah Mall, the Brookvale industrial area and Dee Why to alleviate traffic congestion on Pittwater Road and to reduce car dependency 
• encourage the establishment of new, innovative and creative industries in the Brookvale industrial area 
• encourage new lifestyle or entertainment uses to activate local streets in Brookvale-Dee Why 
• improve connections between Brookvale-Dee Why and Northern Beaches Hospital and beyond.

Manly Proposed priorities: 
• further develop Manly as a cultural, tourist, retail and entertainment precinct 
• improve transport connections to Manly Wharf from other lower Northern Beaches suburbs 
• provide faster public transport to Chatswood, Frenchs Forest, St Leonards, Macquarie Park and Macquarie University 
• encourage diversified commercial activity to improve economic resilience 
• encourage eco-tourism around North Head and the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.

3.5 Prioritising Northern Beaches Hospital as the catalyst for a new centre
The Northern Beaches Hospital will anchor a new health and education super precinct for the North District and Greater Sydney.
Associated road upgrades are intended to ease congestion and improve travel times to, from and within the super precinct as it develops.
The Northern Beaches Council is preparing a Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct Structure Plan to consider the wider land use implications of this investment. The Structure Plan will analyse opportunities and constraints to plan for future development around the Hospital.

2016-2021 Housing Target - Northern Beaches 3,400
The NSW Government is also accelerating the capacity for housing supply across the District through the following projects: 
• Cherrybrook Station Precinct: which is part of the Sydney Metro Northwest Priority Urban Renewal Corridor to maximise access and opportunities for more housing and jobs 
• Ingleside Precinct: in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area. 

From page 16:
1.1.3 Status of the draft District Plan
While councils are required to give effect to District Plans as soon as practicable after a District Plan is made, draft District Plans will guide the preparation of planning proposals under Part 3 of the Act. This is established by the Department of Planning and Environment’s Guide to Preparing Planning Proposals (August 2016).

The Guide lists assessment criteria for a planning proposal, which include but are not limited to consideration of the strategic merit of the proposal, the site-specific merit of the proposal and consistency with strategic plans, including draft District Plans, State environmental planning policies and Ministerial directions.
Local environmental plans will continue to determine whether development is permitted or prohibited on land. While a draft District Plan or District Plan is not a mandatory matter for consideration in the determination of a development application, a consent authority may decide to consider a draft District Plan or District Plan to the extent it relates to the objects of the EP&A Act.
The inclusion of Our vision – Towards our Greater Sydney 2056 in Chapter 2 of this draft District Plan foreshadows our research and the evolution of our thinking that will inform the review of A Plan for Growing Sydney during 2017. It does not replace the legal status of A Plan for Growing Sydney as the current Greater Sydney Region Plan.

NB: More details are available by downloading the Full Draft District Plan - (PDF: 8.95 MB)

Sydney Wildlife - Our Year In Pictures

2016 has been an eventful, successful and sometimes exasperating year for all our Sydney Wildlife rescuers.  We received in excess of 13,000 calls - many of which were received after hours to which our poor volunteers were dispatched at all hours of the night.   Sydney Wildlife is made up of a team of volunteers that ensure a rescue runs smoothly - from the very first call taken by our incredible office volunteers - right through to the release of the animal.  So many people are involved - the office staff, the rescuers, the carers, veterinarians and staff, our coordinators and species experts.  It takes an entire army to protect our wildlife.  

Summer was all about reptiles - snakes, goannas, water dragons, blue-tongue lizards, turtles - moving from place to place, breeding, babies emerging and getting into weird places and generally scaring the living daylights out of unsuspecting members of the public.  There were also many heat-stress events which affected our beautiful flying foxes.  


Autumn brought the crazy storms and many little birds and possums were blown from the trees and freshwater turtles were almost washed out to sea.  Our Rehabilitation Facility in Duffy’s Forest bore the brunt of the storms and our aviaries and fences were crushed by fallen trees.  The big clean-up took weeks!  


Kobie Joyce of Echo Property Management and Matt of the Tree Smith were absolutely brilliant and volunteered their time, skills and equipment to come and help us clean up the storm damage.  

Winter was meant to be our quieter season but as soon as the days became shorter, our nocturnal critters came out earlier and many were being hit on the roads and required late-night assistance.  We also attended the Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference in Melbourne over winter.  Two of our members - Joan Reid and Bev Young - presented at the Conference and did us very proud.  


Spring is the season we all dreaded the most…  Baby birds, baby possums, snakes emerging…  It all happened in Spring!  

Over-development, new roads, an increase in traffic and changes to our biodiversity laws contributed to an increase in wildlife being displaced, losing habitat and being injured on the roads and getting into strange predicaments.  We have been run ragged trying to dart wallabies in backyards that have been displaced by the construction and destruction in Frenchs Forest.



Wallabies in backyards trying to escape the bulldozers.

In September, we hosted some High School students who were undertaking Work Experience with us.  The gorgeous Tiarna McCombe enjoyed a week on the Northern Beaches with some of our volunteers.  


Tiarna meeting Cloudy the eastern grey kangaroo at our Rehab Facility.


Our Rehabilitation Facility manager, Joan Reid, came up with the idea to start up a Mobile Wildlife Clinic to assist our injured and displaced wildlife.  We started lobbying our local politicians for donations and advice.  We visited our Premier, Minister Rob Stokes, Minister Brad Hazzard and Minister Mark Speakman.  They suggested we apply for Governemnt Grants which we did but we also decided to hold a Fundraiser in October at Sue and Peter Glasson’s wonderful Bayview home.  We raised an amazing $26K towards our goal of $200K.  Other fundraising efforts have brought our current total to $53K so far but we are really depending on those Grants…


Ministers Rob Stokes and Brad Hazzard.


The banners for our fundraiser.

In November Ernst & Young came to our Rehab Facility and built a brand new shed for us to store all our equipment.  They also had a team-building exercise in the afternoon once the shed-building was complete.


The Ernst and Young team outside the newly-constructed shed at the Rehab Facility.  

Babies of every kind rained down on us throughout the year!  Ringtail possums, brushtail possums, swamp wallaby joeys, baby turtles, cute little blueys, baby snakes, chicks of every kind, water dragons and cute little flying fox pups.


Harry the ringtail possum.                                                                                   Cadel the blue-tongue lizard baby.


We incubated a clutch of water dragon eggs which were found in a long-jump pit at Oxford Falls Grammar School.  


Cute baby water dragons emerged 6 days after we found the eggs. 


Tiny turtles were almost washed out to sea in the storms.


Wallaby joeys were found when their deceased mums’ pouches were checked by our volunteers.


Critters in strange places…  This boobook owl flew indoors and perched on the railing of a lady’s bed.  Isn’t she adorable?


Tawny frogmouth rescued from a barbed-wire fence after storms.


Dr Howard Ralph with a powerful owl.                                                                                Dr David Ward with a wallaby joey.

We couldn’t possibly achieve what we do without our amazing veterinarians.  They are often the first port of call, the renderers of first aid and the drop-off points for baby animals.  Some even undertake 3-hour operations on our wildlife to save them - most notably Dr Howard Ralph and Dr David Ward.   We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their passion and dedication to our wildlife.

And our thanks go out to the many, many members of the public who are the ones that discover the injured critters whilst on their morning walk or on their way to work.  Thank you for caring enough to contact us for assistance.  

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy the festive season.  We hope for a brighter future in 2017 for all of us - humans and wildlife together.

If you would like to support our work, please visit www.sydneywildlife.org

By Lynleigh Greig
Sydney Wildlife 

Blast From Our Past: II
Mona Vale Annual Carnival - 1954

March past Mona Vale 1 with North Palm Beach 1 Bilgola 3 Senior R and R Bilgola 1 Mona Vale, 2 North Palm Beach, 3 Senior surf race M Irvine (Avalon) I Johnson (Palm Beach), 2 K Murrell (Palm Beach) 3 Junior surf race G Martin (Whale Beach), 1 T Merrett (Newport), 2 J Angwin (Mona Vale) 3 Senior bell rice H Bailey (Whale Beach), 1 R Stanford (Palm Beach), 2, M Unicombe (Avalon) 3 Junior belt race G Martin (Whale Beach), 1 J Angwin (Mona Vale), 2 Payne (Newport) 3 Senior boat race Whale Beach, 1 North Palm Beach 2 Mona Vale, 3 Junior boat race Mona Vale, 1 Newport, 2 Whale Beach, 3 Surf ski race N David son (Avalon) 1 S Fisher (Bilgola) 2 D Lyall (Bilgola) 3 Surf board race O Ramsey (Whale Beach), 1, I Gorrie (Avalon) 2 K Davidson (Avalon), 3 Beach sprint Donohue (North Palm Beach) 1, Parker (Bilgola), 2 Oag (Bilgola), 3 Beach relay North Palm Beach, 1, Avalon, 2, Bilgola, 3. DETAILS OF SPORT (1954, March 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18412604 

NSW Government Funding For Community Projects 

Monday, December 14, 2016

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced $200,000 for key community projects throughout Pittwater.
 
The funding has been allocated under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program and will help support eleven projects that will deliver wide-reaching community benefits.
 
Community groups to receive funding under this year’s program include:
  • $80,000 allocated to Pittwater Baseball Club and Narrabeen Junior Rugby Union Club to assist with a rebuild of their shared clubhouse at North Narrabeen;
  • $15,559 allocated to Surf Life Saving Northern Beaches to assist with improvements to its training centre;
  • $15,000 allocated to Narrabeen Amateur Swimming Club to assist with a kitchen upgrade;
  • $15,000 allocated to the Scotland Island Residents Association to assist with community pathway improvements;
  • $14,961 allocated to the Manly Warringah Basketball Association to assist with the installation of new fixtures at the Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre at Warriewood;
  • $14,230 allocated to Sunnyfield to assist with improvements to a local group home;
  • $12,000 allocated to Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club to assist with a kitchen upgrade; 
  • $10,000 allocated to Whale Beach Surf Club to assist with a first aid room upgrade;
  • $8,000 allocated to the Collaroy Plateau Scouts to undertake repairs to its hall;
  • $8,000 allocated to Sacred Heart Primary School at Mona Vale to help create a new outdoor learning area; and
  • $7,250 allocated to the Manly Warringah Basketball Association to assist with a safety fit out and landscaping at the Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre.
"This is a direct investment into a range of fantastic community projects,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“Many of these groups have been fundraising for years to help get these projects underway.
 
“This year’s recipients range from a small local scout hall through to our community’s largest indoor sports facility.
 
“There’s a huge number of local residents that will benefit from this investment in improved services and facilities.
 
“Congratulations to everyone involved in the development of these projects – I look forward to seeing the opportunities they provide,” Rob Stokes said.
 
Other projects to have benefited from this NSW Government initiative over recent years have included the reconstruction of Avalon Beach Surf Club, Narrabeen Sport High School’s synthetic sports field, Pittwater High School’s new security fencing, Cottage Point’s new Marine Rescue Wharf and the upgrade of Narrabeen Community Kindergarten’s playground.

New Police For The Northern Beaches

13 December 2016
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today welcomed the NSW Government’s allocation of a further 7 Probationary Constables to the Northern Beaches Local Area Command.
 
A total of 130 graduate Police officers have commenced work across NSW this week following last Friday’s attestation ceremony at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn. 
 
The new officers will now complete on the job training with experienced senior officers and will help contribute to the invaluable work our Police do right across the northern beaches.
 
“These new officers have commenced just in time for summer,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“Our local police do an incredible job and play a huge role in making our community such a great place to live.
 
“The vast majority of their work happens behind the scenes and goes completely unnoticed.
 
“Very few jobs are as diverse and challenging as policing and often they’re the ones dealing with the most unimaginable situations.
 
“We’re really lucky to have such an outstanding team of Police officers on the northern beaches and these latest recruits can be assured they’ll be learning from some of the best in the state.
 
“I congratulate all our new officers on their graduation and thank them for pursuing such an important and rewarding career, Rob Stokes said.

Church Point Car Park Poll

December 14, 2016
Council are seeking your feedback on the preferred car park bay widths of the new carpark. This will not affect the design of the disabled (DDA) car spaces.

The options are
Option 1:
The carpark bay widths at 2.6m (status quo)
This will provide easier vehicle manoeuvering and access and will comply to a ‘Class 3’ carpark under Australian Standards
This is the current design specification and produces the original amount of design spaces (120 number in total)
Option 2:
The carpark bay widths at 2.5m
This will make vehicle manoeuvering and access more difficult and will comply to a ‘Class 2’ carpark under Australian Standards
The smaller bay widths will allow for a minimum 2 extra spots per level (so minimum 4 extra spots in total) in the new carpark. There is an opportunity in further detailed design to potentially have an extra 2 spaces in total with this option (so possibly 6 extra spots in total).
Share your thoughts in a quick poll

Christmas Carols - On The Water!

Thursday 22nd December

7.00pm start at Lovett Bay Boatshed 
(tie up in your tinny, with a picnic etc).
8.30pm repeat performance at Church Point.
Everyone is welcome

image by June Lahm

Nesting Box News

December 15, 2016
Seasons Greetings Nesting Boxers and Friends,

Below is a link to some of the happenings on the Western Shores of Pittwater over the last few months.


Best wishes and all the best for the New Year

PPLOP
Pygmy Possum Liaison Officer (provisional) 
Rocky Point Bush Care Group

2017 AUSTRALIAN OPENS SURF LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS TIMETABLES

Wednesday 29th MARCH, 2017 to Sunday 2nd April, 2017

THE AUSSIES
Members from Australia’s 313 Surf Clubs come together annually to compete in more than 400 beach and ocean events.
Draft Timetables 
Event Dates:
Sat 25 – Sun 26 March: Australian Youth Surf Life Saving Championships. Download Timetable.
Sun 26 March: The Aussie Ocean Swim. Download Timetable.
Sat 25 March: Australian Lifesaving and Board Riding Surf Life Saving Championships. Download Timetable.
Mon 27 – Tues 28 March: Australian Masters Surf Life Saving Championships. Download Timetable.
Wed 29 March – Sun 2 April: Australian Open Surf Life Saving Championships. Download Timetable.
Download a calendar of key dates.

Event Locations
All water events will be run at North Kirra Beach
Ocean Swim will be run at North Kirra Beach
Beach events will be run at North Kirra Beach
Surf Boat events will be run at Tugun Beach
Life Saving events will be run at Bilinga Beach
Board Riding events location TBC

60th Anniversary Of Club Palm Beach

Club Palm Beach is going to celebrate the 1957 opening, its 60th anniversary and we would like to get as many people from the past and present as possible to join us in a reunion here at the Club. This includes old friends, relatives, neighbours, local sports clubs, sailing mates, students from local schools, campers from the old camping ground near the Golf course, EVERYONE! 

Leading up to the reunion we want to hear your old stories & share your photos from the good old days. Stories from the camping grounds, for example some families lived at the camping grounds while their family homes were built. John Oliver was one, he says the camping ground was a community in itself. Other campers such as the Trainor family loved the camping community so much they moved permanently to Palm Beach.


Camping at Palm Beach - photo courtesy National Library of Australia

Palm Beach RSL started off as a shed, it was originally built in Lucinda Park, Nabilla Rd Palm Beach. The shed, built from weather board by Dick Martin, Jack Martin and Fred Verrills, was then moved to Barrenjoey Rd, the current Club site, sitting approximately where the bistro dinner room is now. The land purchased in Barrenjoey Rd was instigated by Carl Gow. The little Club traded there from the very early 50's until the current Club opened in December 1957. The original shed was removed by Peter Verrills and Bill Martin then transported by Bill's semi-trailer to Wisemans Ferry and there it was used as a cabin for the Verrills family & friends for their water skiing holidays. In the early days the Cub (shed)l opened daily at 4pm and operated on an honour system, any purchases were fixed up on pay day.

The Club as it is today was built by R. Martin & Sons. It was opened on the 14th December 1957. The president at the time of the opening was Alf Curtis and the secretary was Ron Vance. Some of the early committee members were Harold Richardson, Ken Wardrop, Fred Verrills, Jack Martin, Bill McTaggart, Ron Vance, Jack Henman, Brian Oxenham and Chic Whitchard. Some old local family names were the Gonsalves, Martins, and Goddards. There was a big variety of local businesses including the chemist, butcher, bakers, doctors and the fruit and veg shop.

Apparently there were two garages as well. To Peter Verrills' recollection, the Palm Beach bottle shop is the only shop still operating as it was when opened. The original owners were the Goddard's.

Lola was their daughter who married Jack Martin.

We would love to hear all the history on the ferry service, fishing charter boats, builder's ship wrights etc... before it is all lost. 

Please start posting any stories, pictures or memories to our Facebook page - Club Palm Beach. Save the date and come down and join us and tell us a bit about it. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

This is a great time to catch up with that old Palm Beach friend of yours - you always say you will but never seem to get the chance.

John Sinclair
Club Palm Beach Secretary - Manager

NB: Contributors may also email High Res photos to Pittwater Online News and we'll forward them to the club.

We will be running some Historical insights into aspects of the formation of Club Palm Beach/Palm Beach RSL in August 2017, in the lead up to the 60th Anniversary Celebrations.

A few examples run here

A J Guesdon
Editor - Pittwater Online News.

2016 Community Building Partnership Program Funding Announced: Manly

The successful Projects in the Manly electorate for 2016 are
  • Balgowlah North Public School P & C Assoc.:COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area) $30,000 
  • Northern Beaches Council: Accessibility Upgrade to facilities at Nth Harbour and Clontarf Reserves $40,000 
  • Manly Life Saving Club: Education and Training room $15,000
  • Baptist Churches of New South Wales: Seaforth Baptist Church Improve Building Access for Disabled and Elderly $25,000
  • Balgowlah Suns Junior AFL Club Incorporated: Balgowlah Oval - Lighting Upgrade $90,000

2016 Community Building Partnership Program Funding Announced: Wakehurst

Monday, December 12, 2016 - Office of Hon. Brad Hazzard, MP
Wakehurst electorate has secured grant funding of almost $200,000 for a total of 15 projects as part of the NSW Government’s 2016 Community Building Partnership (CBP) program.

The NSW Government has committed funds to new community infrastructure projects that will enhance much needed local facilities.

This grassroots funding will directly benefit our community and will deliver new infrastructure for schools and community groups, and will help pay for much-needed improvements.

I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and I am pleased this funding will help community groups make a positive difference in the local area.

The successful Projects in the Wakehurst electorate for 2016 are:
  • Aspect – Playground equipment $10,000
  • Collaroy SLSC – Upgrade public and member amenities $40,000
  • Northern Beaches Council – Accessibility improvements at Beacon Hill War Memorial Hall/Community Centre $10,000
  • Sunnyfield – Allambie Enterprises Warehouse and Cafe upgrade $15,828.
  • Manly Warringah Gymnastic Club – Energy Efficient Lighting Upgrade $15,000
  • Life Education NSW Ltd – Mobile Learning Centre $5,000
  • Diocese of Broken Bay – Transforming and optimizing outdoor spaces and environments $16,000
  • The Burdekin Association Inc – The Sandcastle makeover in Dee Why $38,000
  • The Girl Guides – Forestville Guide Hall – Electrical & Plumbing $10,009
  • The Girl Guides – Frenchs Forest Guide Hall – Repair and Upgrade
  • St Albans Frenchs Forest Anglican Church – Paint Hall $4,000
  • Narraweena Tennis Club Inc – Pro Shop and storage area
  • Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney – Projection System Upgrade $4,818
  • Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club Inc – Members Lockers $3,000
Further details of the program and all successful grants funded for the 2016 program can be found at www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au under the ‘successful grants’ tab

2017-18 Budget: Submissions Now Open

9 December 2016: Media Release
Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack today issued an invitation to interested parties to make submissions to the 2017-18 Budget.

The Government is seeking submissions from individuals, businesses and community groups on their views regarding priorities for next year’s Budget.

The 2017-18 Budget will maintain the Government’s commitment to economic growth, to boost job creation, and to sensibly and responsibly restrain government expenditure.

A strong budget ensures our country is positioned to handle any future challenges in the global financial system and ensures the future of government services.

Through the 2017-18 Budget, the Government will continue working towards returning the Budget to balance, while continuing to provide the services the community needs and expects.

While the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) is yet to be released, in order for the Government to consider submissions to the Budget process, interested parties should lodge their submissions as soon as possible.

Submissions should be received not later than close of business Thursday 19 January 2017.

Further information on how to lodge submissions is available at the Treasury website.

Fight For A Cure With An SQ Bauble

This Christmas, add a little sparkle to families affected by cancer with an SQ bauble!

Warriewood Square in conjunction with Fight on the Beaches & Fight for a Cure is aiming to raise $10,000 to fund cancer screening clinics for local women, with free a crèche facility. These clinics will focus on reducing the incidence of skin, breast and cervical cancer in Northern Beaches women.
 
Get involved and decorate this Fight for a Cure Wall!
1. Visit our Information Desk opposite Gloria Jeans to ‘purchase’ an SQ paper bauble.
2. You may write your name on the bauble; dedicate it to a loved one or create a beautiful piece of art!
3. ‘Hang’ the bauble on this Fight for a Cure Wall or leave it at the Information Desk and we will ‘hang’ it for you.
4. 100% of all monies will be donated to Fight on the Beaches.
5. Fight on the Beaches is a Northern Beaches fundraising initiative which has raised in excess of $468,000 for cancer research over the past 2 years.

100% of all monies raised will be donated to Fight on the Beaches. Fight on the Beaches is a Northern Beaches fundraising.

Fight on the Beaches is a Northern Beaches fundraising initiative which has raised in excess of $468,000 for cancer research over the past 2 years

Visit www.fightonthebeaches.com for more information.

Tree Of Joy

Warriewood Square welcomes back the Tree of Joy by the Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches. Our new coastal style tree is located near Swish Homewares. 

Last year, our generous customers added a little sparkle to those supported by the following charities: 
  • Homes for Heroes, Narrabeen
  • Lifeline / Manly Women’s Resource Centre
  • Vincentian House & Matthew Talbot
  • Brighter Futures – Benevolent Society
  • Shine for Kids, Silverwater

Ocean Swims 2016-17

Are you ready for the Blackmores Billy Ocean Swim? 
See you at Bilgola Beach Sun 11 Dec - first race at 9am, 1km at 10am. Check out all the action from last year in this video. See you at the beach!

Bilgola is Race 1 in the Pittwater Swim Series 2016/17. 
Swimmers who do at least three of the five swims in the series will go into a draw to win a weekend in Byron Bay to take part in the Byron Bay Swim on May 7, 2017. 

Other swims in the series are Newport (Jan 8), Avalon (Jan 15), Mona Vale (Jan 22), and Palm-Whale (Jan 29)

The Map To Paradise 

The Map to Paradise 
Curl Curl

Two of our fellow residents are doing their utmost to share something wonderful with the rest of the world by creating the documentary 'Map to Paradise'.

More about the project is available at the above link to a kickstarter page, halfway to reaching its target by January 9th, 2017.

Co-Director Danielle Ryan says, "Local ocean NGO, the Sea Life Trust, was one of the first generous backers, but we still have a long way to go, so it would be wonderful if you could share the story with the community. 

We certainly couldn’t of made it this far without community backing. "

About this project
If a ‘Map to Paradise’ existed, what would this map look like? 
We will take you on a journey to discover what ‘underwater paradise’ might look like, and to show you that dreams do come true. 
We want to make sure that people feel and believe that it is possible to save our planet.

On the way, we will visit the old wealthy fishing ports of Europe and some far off remote islands in Asia where an old chief sets sail to spread the knowledge of what a new world might look like. You’ll meet a fisherman from a sleepy fishing village of Greece, who laments that he is the last generation of fishermen – as he says there are no fish left to fish. 

Meanwhile, in his neighbouring country of Italy, lives a scientist, who dreams big and beyond his time. He meets a prince, who helps him on his quest to save the ocean, while a former park ranger from the United States meets a Hollywood celebrity, who also has the power to change the fate of our dying underwater world, to turn it back into a brilliant underwater paradise like it once was - before the advent of fishing and navigation technology changed our blue world forever. 

The quest to document this story about finding our way to paradise isn’t an easy journey – on the way, (we) the filmmakers risk our lives in the process of filming this story, but we pick ourselves up after tragedy hits. 
We continue the quest, because it is important to show the world that we must never lose sight of this end dream.  

Blast From Our Past I - The Fires Of 1944

BUSHFIRES SWEEP FASHIONABLE BEACH RESORTS; HOMES MENACED
Bushfires last night swept Sydney's fashionable beach resort area from Avalon to Newport, halted traffic on the main Palm Beach highway and threatened property valued at thousands of pounds before they were brought under control. At Newport police assisted householders to pack belongings and move them on to the streets.

One house in Hillside-road, was surrounded completely by flames, but occupants refused to leave, and played a hose over it for several hours. Reports received at Sydney Fire Headquarters this afternoon indicate that bushfires on the mountains are again out of control.

In the Avalon-Newport area, several small fires are still burning, but the main -outbreak has been controlled. The cliff face between Avalon and Newport is blackened. The fire jumped the main highway at Bilgola and traffic was halted until this section was controlled The outbreak was fought by firemen from Avalon, Narrabean and Manly, assisted by local residents. 

Two truck loads of Air Trainees also were sent to assist. Members of the Women's Fire Brigade-Auxiliary were at a dance at North Sydney when the alarm was given.. They took the brigade's mobile kitchen to the fire, and remained all night serving refreshments to the firefighters. 

A house occupied by Mrs. Winifred Bridges, in Hillside-road, Newport, had a remarkable escape from destruction, for the second time since 1938. Fire surrounded the premises on both occasions. Roared Through Bush Mrs. Bridges said she did not bother to remove- any belongings from the house last night. 

"In the 1938 fire we moved most of our furniture on to the roadway, she explained. "A spark caught it, and it was burned, while the furniture left in the house was untouched. "Although the police warned us of the danger we were content last night to play the hose on the house continually and hope for the best." A laundry about 50ft. from the house also was encircled by the flames but this was undamaged, too. 

Ten houses, mostly permanent residents, in the area were endangered. The fire started on the Avalon plateau about 1.30 pm yesterday It was noticed first by Mr. J. D. Handley, of Plateau-road. Mr. Handley and other residents fought the flames until the arrival of the Avalon brigade under Captain Hock  

Said Mr. Handley: "The wind soon had the flames roaring through the bush. At several places they were 20ft. over the treetops. "We built firebreaks wherever possible, but could not prevent the flames spreading."

Property in this area is very valuable. Chief Fire Officer, Mr. W. Beare, today praised the work of civilians and volunteer -firefighters. Mr. Beare said the men worked unceasingly until the fire was put out. He praised also the women who remained up all night serving refreshments. 
BUSHFIRES SWEEP FASHIONABLE BEACH RESORTS; HOMES MENACED (1944, November 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229281276 

Are You Bushfire Ready?

Getting ready for a bush fire is easier than you think. By taking 20 minutes with your family to discuss what you’ll do during a fire, you could save their lives, as well as your home.

Invitation To Nominate Significant Places To The National Heritage List

13 December 2016: Media release - The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, Minister for the Environment and Energy
All Australians are invited to nominate places of exceptional natural, Indigenous, or historic significance to the nation for possible inclusion in the National Heritage List.

Nominations are now open for the 2017-18 assessment period and all Australians are welcome to recommend a place that contributes to our national story.

The National Heritage List celebrates and protects places of outstanding heritage value to all Australians. It reflects the story of our development as a nation, our spirit and ingenuity, and our unique, living landscapes.

There are 107 sites in the National Heritage List, from well-known places such as Uluru and Bondi Beach to lesser-known but equally important sites such as the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument in Queensland or the Bonegilla Migrant Camp in Victoria.

Listed places are protected under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and approval must be obtained before taking any action to ensure there is no significant impact on the national heritage values of the place.

Nominations for the National Heritage List should set out the qualities or values of the place that make it outstanding to the nation by indicating how it meets one or more of the heritage criteria. It is also important to ensure that the nomination is supported by all owners and occupiers and Indigenous people with rights or interests.

After consideration of all the places nominated and advice from the Australian Heritage Council on them the Government will decide on a final list of places for the Council to assess.  

The Australian Heritage Council will invite public comment on the places under assessment and consult extensively with everyone interested in the place, particularly owners and occupiers and Indigenous people with rights or interests.

Everyone is encouraged to get involved in this process and nominate places of outstanding significance to our nation.

The nomination period for the National Heritage List opens today (13 December 2016) and closes on 17 February 2017. For more information visit www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/nominating-heritage-place

The Spirit Of Christmas: Doggie Rescue Calendar 2017 

Here’s the story…of three little rescue pups Marcia, Jan and Cindy, and a special Foster doggy mummy Lexi 

On the 16 September DoggieRescue received three, one week old pups that were dumped outside a vet clinic without their Mum.  The pups were very weak and it was a struggle to get them to feed. We tried tube feeding, bottle feeding and syringe feeding but none were particularly successful.
At the time they arrived we had a Chihuahua X Mum, Lexi who had given birth to a litter of 4 pups a month earlier. Lexi was rescued from the pound pregnant.  So we tried to see if Lexi would accept these orphaned pups as her own, and amazingly she did!  The new pups were only slightly smaller than her own, and we think are possibly staffy x.   She started to feed and clean them just as she did her own. We were so relieved! 

We named the new pups Marcia, Jan and Cindy, from the Brady Bunch as they were now a blended family.  The girls are now almost 6 weeks old, and feeding on their own but will always try and get some Mummy milk as that is always the best!
 
DoggieRescue is all about saving lives like Cindy, Marcia and Jan, 365 days of the year.  To keep our doors open we have launched our major fundraiser for the year, our 2017 calendar full of pics of DoggieRescue dogs who have found their forever homes and what these dogs mean to their families. 

Marcia, Jan and Cindy would love you to buy a calendar this year for your friends and family – they think its the perfect Christmas stocking filler!  Click on the pic of the pups below to pre order your copy now.
Marcia, Jan and Cindy thank you from the bottom of their paws.

Have Your Say On The Container Deposit Regulation

November 30, 2016: NSW Government
The NSW Environmental Protection Authority is seeking feedback on the draft container deposit scheme (CDS) regulation. Submissions are due by 5pm on 23 December 2016. 

The draft Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (Container Deposit Scheme) Regulation 2016 sets out the operational details for the day-to-day running of the NSW scheme and annual reporting requirements.

The draft regulation covers topics such as:
  • the types of containers that will be accepted
  • the amount that will be refunded to consumers at collection points
  • the circumstances in which a container may not be accepted at a collection point.
NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said finalising these operational details would be another key step towards rolling out the NSW container deposit scheme in 2017.

"The CDS is the single largest litter reduction initiative in NSW so it's fitting that community members can have their say on these important details and I encourage them to do so.”

View the draft regulation and have your say by 23 December 2016

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Rollo

AGE/SEX: 4 years / M
BREED: Sharpei
Rollo is a very sweet happy boy. He loves attention from strangers and walks well on lead. He walks calmly past other dogs on lead. He has a very short coat and weighs 21.2kg. 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. 
For further details or to meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS!!!!!

Northern Beaches Concert Band is looking for flute, clarinet, saxophone, tuba and trombone adult players.  We cater for players from beginner to advanced and have a varied and exciting repertoire.  

Come and join us during school term time at 7.30pm, Pittwater High School, Mona Street, Mona Vale. 
  
Details 9970 7131 or 0414 560 263.

Improving Voluntary Planning Agreements

The NSW Government is seeking your feedback on improving the policy framework for voluntary planning agreements (VPAs). 

The framework includes a draft Ministerial Direction, draft Practice Note and draft Planning Circular. 

The Government wants to encourage councils and developers to work together to get the best possible outcomes out of VPAs so that: 

• There’s a clear public benefit arising from the VPA that relates to the development; 
• The VPA negotiation process is fair and reasonable between parties, and is transparent to the broader community; 
• The identification of infrastructure in a VPA is informed by an assessment of local community needs. 

We welcome your feedback on the draft Ministerial Direction, draft Practice Note and draft Planning Circular. Submissions can be made until 27 January 2017.

Have Your Say On Proposed B-Line Work

5 December 2016: NSW Transport
Member for North Shore Jillian Skinner today invited the community to have their say on proposed changes to Military Road, Spit Road and Spit Junction designed to improve bus journey times and bus service reliability ahead of the implementation of the new B-Line services in late 2017.

“The NSW Government is providing more frequent and reliable bus services between the Northern Beaches and the Sydney CBD,” Mrs Skinner said.

“Customers will soon be able to catch a new B-Line bus every five minutes in the busy morning and afternoon peak, in the peak direction, and every 10 minutes at other times of the day, including weekends.

“The B-Line bus service will stop at new citybound and outbound bus stops located on Military Road near Wycombe Road in Neutral Bay and on Spit Road near Clifford Street in Mosman.

“To deliver this project we are proposing road improvements between Spit Junction and Neutral Bay, including new bus bays, new turning lanes, new and extended traffic flow lanes, new traffic lights and widening sections of the road.

“Transport for NSW purchased the former cinema building at 7-11 Spit Road. The plan is to remove the existing building and use the site for B-Line and local bus stops, including constructing a bus bay that requires closing Clifford Street.

“There’s also a proposal to partially close Cabramatta Road, which will prevent traffic from turning left on to Military Road, helping to ease congestion.

“A Review of Environmental Factors document, which outlines all of these proposed changes and likely impacts on the local area, will be on public display from 5 December 2016 to 1 February 2017.

“We encourage the local community and stakeholders to review and have their say on these plans. All submissions received during the public display period will be considered by the project team and help to guide the final design.”

The Review of Environmental Factors is available to download at www.b-line.transport.nsw.gov.au

Copies of the document can also be viewed at:
• North Sydney Council Customer Service Centre:
200 Miller Street, North Sydney
• Mosman Council Civic Centre:
Mosman Square, Spit Junction
• Barry O’Keefe Library:
605 Military Road, Mosman
• Transport for NSW:
Level 5 Tower A, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood

The project team will also be available to discuss proposed work at a number of community information sessions during the public display period.

These sessions will be held on:
• Monday 16 January, 5pm to 7pm - Neutral Bay Community Centre, 190 – 192 Military Road, Neutral Bay
• Thursday 19 January, 5pm to 7pm - Seniors Centre, Mosman Council Civic Centre, Mosman Square, Spit Junction

All submissions must be made in writing and received by 5pm on 1 February 2017.
Submissions can be emailed to projects@transport.nsw.gov.au 
or mailed to:
Northern Beaches B-Line Program
Transport for NSW, Locked Bag 6501
St Leonards NSW 2065

If planning approval is granted, construction of the proposed works is expected to start in the second quarter of 2017 and continue through to late 2018.

Friends Of Bungan Beach Restoration

Bungan Beach's superb backdrop of bushland is being cared for by donations from the Pittwater Environmental Foundation (PEF) and the determination and hard work of local people who love this wonderful place. Volunteers and contractors remove weeds and plant native plants where natural regeneration is unlikely because of dense weeds for many years.

Can you lend a hand to Friends of Bungan? go to http://www.friendsofbungan.org.au/about-us/


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Barefoot Ball

Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 6 PM
Newport Surf Life Saving Club
Take part in Sydney's premier black-tie barefoot charity ball at the Newport Beach Club on 14th January and help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club!

Join us for a night of summer festivities, delicious food, great entertainment, and bare feet all under the stars at one of Sydney's most stunning beaches. Enjoy a first class 3 course meal accompanied by premium beer, wine a soft drinks. Entertainment will include live music, a silent auction and combined speeches from Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club.

All proceeds of the Barefoot Ball go towards Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited, life threatening condition affecting young Australians. Cystic Fibrosis is life shortening and there is no cure.


Ticket Prices: - Single: $195 - Table (10 People): $1950

The purpose of  www.westpittwater.com.au  - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.

To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.

To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.

To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.

To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Pittwater Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au

 Gone Fishing Gallery at Waterfront Store Church Point

Open again TODAY in the top room Waterfront Store. Open mainly weekends as an addition to the waterfront cafe. Keep up to date on their Facebook page

New Season for Sailability Pittwater 

Sailability Pittwater is a volunteer organisation which provides sailing for people with a disability. Our main recreational sailing activities are at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, and we run competitive sailing for people with a disability out of RPAYC Newport.

We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Saturday morning program at Rowland Reserve and Tuesdays at RPA. Visit our website for more information at  www.sailability.org/au/pittwater or call John on 9982 5656

Bushcare in Pittwater 


For further information or to confirm the meeting details for below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367






BUSHCARE SCHEDULES 
Where we work                      Which day                              What time 

Avalon     
Angophora Reserve             3rd Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Dunes                        1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Golf Course               2nd Wednesday                3 - 5:30pm 
Careel Creek                         4th Saturday                      8:30 - 11:30am 
Toongari Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon (8 - 11am in summer) 
Bangalley Headland            2nd Sunday                         9 to 12noon 

Bayview     
Winnererremy Bay                 4th Sunday                        9 to 12noon 

Bilgola     
North Bilgola Beach              3rd Monday                        9 - 12noon 
Algona Reserve                     1st Saturday                      9 - 12noon 
Plateau Park                          1st Friday                           8:30 - 11:30am 

Church Point     
Browns Bay Reserve             1st Tuesday                      9 - 12noon 
McCarrs Creek Reserve       Contact Bushcare Officer     To be confirmed 

Clareville     
Old Wharf Reserve                 3rd Saturday                     8 - 11am 

Elanora     
Kundibah Reserve                   4th Sunday                      8:30 - 11:30am 

Mona Vale     
Mona Vale Beach Basin          1st Saturday                   8 - 11am 
Mona Vale Dunes                     2nd Saturday+3rd Thursday     8:30 - 11:30am 

Newport     
Bungan Beach                          4th Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
Crescent Reserve                    3rd Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
North Newport Beach              4th Saturday                    8:30 - 11:30am 
Porter Reserve                         2nd Saturday                   8 - 11am 

North Narrabeen     
Irrawong Reserve                     3rd Saturday                   2 - 5pm 

Palm Beach     
North Palm Beach Dunes       3rd Saturday                   9 - 12noon 

Scotland Island     
Catherine Park                          2nd Sunday                    10 - 12:30pm 
Elizabeth Park                           1st Saturday                     9 - 12 noon 
Pathilda Reserve                      3rd Saturday                     9 - 12 noon 

Warriewood     
Warriewood Wetlands             1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 

Whale Beach     
Norma Park                               1st Friday                            9 - 12noon 

Western Foreshores     
Coopers Point, Elvina Bay      2nd Sunday                        10 - 1pm 
Rocky Point, Elvina Bay           1st Monday                          9 - 12noon

December 11 - 17, 2016: Issue 293

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 293: Christmas + Sailing + Key + Creative + Summer 

True Champion Of All Honoured: CDRE Graham Vaughan Sloper AM RANR

Pictures: It's Beginning to Sound A Lot Like Christmas - Carols At The Beach 2016

Further Improvements For Mona Vale Hospital

Sydney Wildlife - Our Year in Pictures by Lynleigh Grieg

Collaboration Key To Saving Critically Endangered Northern Sydney Native to Continue under Saving Our Species Program

8,000 Northern Beaches Premises Are Finally Connected To The NBN - From Office of Jason Falinski MP, Federal Member for Mackellar

Creative Creatures Film Festival 2018: Get Ready To Get Those Red Shoes Tapping! - New Prizes Best Original Music and Poster

Aquatics: Sailing World Cup 2016 Final In Melbourne - Pittwater Sailors Bring Home More Medals

Park Bench Philosopher A Few Memories Of Early Years At Narrabeen: The Plane Sailing Day Of 1944 by Ken Lloyd (Sava)

DIY Ideas The Perfect BBQ Garden Setting - some ideas on BBQ's and Outdoor settings plus some great Christmas - New Years and Summer special gift ideas for everyone in the family beginning from $5.00

Draft Plan For Ingleside Land Development Released To Meet 2021 Completion Dates - Community Information session during Feb 2017 - have a say until 28th of same month

Celebrating 60 Years Of Club Palm Beach - call out for memories and photos + President's Report For 2016 and a few insights from the past to inspire 

Profile: Bill Phillips -  The Pittwater Swim Series commences with the Billy Swim at Bilgola and culminates in  The Big Swim on January 29th - this week we have a chat with Whale Beach SLSC Life Member Bill Philips - who loves a good swim and especially The Big Swim!

History:  Pittwater Fields of Dreams II: Waratah Farm and Narrabeen Plums - from 10 acres in Ingleside, and a man who learnt his trade in Ryde orcahrds, sprang a fruit that will be in season again in a few more weeks

Artist of the Month: December 2016 : Linda Buchan - Our December 2016 Artist of the Month is a lady we've been a big fan of for a few years now, first meeting her through the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's IdS program when victorious in winning the inaugural Islands Race aboard Bob Bennet's SoFarr. Linda is much more than a great sailor though, her credits now encompass being a motivational speaker and extend to writer with the launch of STEP BY STEP: Finding My Way Back to Me.

Why this title? - In 1998, Linda was a casualty of a devastating house fire that claimed the life of her sister Kim and changed her own life forever. Since that day Linda has fought her way, step by step, towards a new life by overcoming the devastating physical effects of smoke inhalation and the emotional pain losing a loved one causes. 

Pittwater Online News Christmas-New Years Break

Please note the last Issue for 2016 will be published on December 18th - No.: 294. The first Issue for 2017 will be published on January 8th - No.: 295. 

If you have Events, News or Notices you wish to run in Issue 294 for that break period you will need to have it to us no later than 7.55 a.m December 18th, 2016. 

UTIEKAH II
On Pittwater

Published December 8, 2016 - by Young Rabit - visuals specialist
Music - John Butler - Oceans

This will get in you in the mood for all the great things that will come this season. What a beautiful and classic yacht - surrounded by the best place in Sydney.

Utiekah II - built 1911 (current - RMYC) owners Peter and Felisa Kershaw
Winner of Pittwater Regatta races during the 1930's.

Toys 'N' Tucker Christmas Appeal

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes is encouraging local residents, businesses, community groups and schools to support Anglicare’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker Christmas appeal.
 
Toys ‘n’ Tucker is part of Anglicare’s annual Christmas campaign where donations of non-perishable foods and new toys are collected and packed into hampers for families across Sydney who would otherwise go without.
 
Donations are being received at the Pittwater electorate office in Mona Vale, located at 1725 Pittwater Road, until Tuesday 13 December.
 
“This is a fantastic initiative which helps to support some of Sydney’s most vulnerable families,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“Our community has been extremely generous over recent years and has helped provide invaluable assistance to those who would otherwise go without.
 
“Christmas is a time of great joy and happiness – but for many families it can be the cause of financial difficulty, stress and disappointment.
 
"Toys n' Tucker aims to help ensure everyone can enjoy this very special time of the year.
 
"I encourage everyone to dig deep, get involved and make a contribution to this really important appeal", Rob Stokes said.

2016 Newport Sculpture Trail Winners

December 7, 2016: Newport Sculpture Trail
The winner of the 2016 RUKUS People's Choice award goes to Matt Dillon's "The Islands Keeper". 

The Island's Keeper, is appropriately named as it has been sold and will be going to a new home on a private wharf on Scotland Island.

The second highest number of votes went to "Migaloo" by Ron Tuck in Vampt Vintage Design, closely followed by "Woman, Child and Cat" by Polly Ryrie in My Organic Hairdresser.

All voters also went into the draw to win a prize. The winner of the Newport-Pittwater Business Community $100 shopping voucher went to Rachel Mac, and the $50 Design65 customised tshirt voucher went to Suzi Poland.

Of course winners were also the artists who, in record numbers, sold their artworks or commissions during the 2016 Newport Sculpture Trail, and the shopkeepers of Newport who saw visitation to the village shops significantly rise over the 2 week period. Many commented that they particularly enjoyed the window shopping at night time during a leisurely stroll after dining at Newport's famous eateries.

The NEWPORT SCULPTURE TRAIL is a collaborative, sculpture and ceramic arts exhibition featuring the works of Pittwater & Northern Beaches artists in Newport’s Christmas shop window displays.
 
Born out of the collaboration between local artist, Patsy Clayton-Fry and local shopkeeper, Chris Riou from Newport Travel, the first trail was launched in 2013, with 28 participating shops and as many exhibiting sculptors.
 
The 2nd Newport Sculpture Trail in 2014 saw the introduction of a theme –inspired by the sea – prizes & a spectacular launch event on the 21st of November, a twilight Newport Beach Arts Market.
 
In 2015 the theme of the Newport Sculpture Trail was – Bush and Beach – and ran from the 13th of November through to the 30th of November.

The theme for the 2016 Newport Sculpture Trail was an open one – “Anything Goes”.  In 2016 the Newport Sculpture Trail was managed through the Newport-Pittwater Business Community inc. who have taken on the trail as a major event in their annual calendar.

To find out more visit the website www.newportsculpturetrail.com

Neverfail Creek, Terrey Hills Information

December 8, 2016: from Northern Beaches Council
The health and wellbeing of our environment is of paramount importance to Northern Beaches Council. This incident is being taken very seriously. Urgent and appropriate action was taken, and further follow-up action, including legal action, is being taken by Council.
 
NSW Government agencies (HAZMAT –Fire & Rescue NSW) attended the initial calls regarding pollution at Neverfail Creek, and decided to flush rather than contain the pollutant. This is often the method used to dilute harmful substances.
 
Council’s understanding was that the incident was largely under control, and based on the location description received by Council this appeared to be the case.
 
Streamwatch volunteers expressed concern about additional impacted areas downstream, and notified Council staff, who inspected these areas (approximately 1km from the site of the original spill).
 
As soon as Northern Beaches Council was aware of the significance of the situation, immediate action was taken to identify the source so that the pollutant could be contained appropriately and cleaned up. The polluter has been identified and Council is taking appropriate legal action.
 
Council deputy general manager David Kerr said any spills or other environmental incidents are treated very seriously.
 
“Our priority has been the clean-up of the creek and prevention of any further situations occurring.”
 
Council has been working closely with both the NSW Environment Protection Authority and NSW Office of Environment & Heritage to ensure we are all in agreement about the right response.
 
Council staff installed hay bales and floating booms in a number of locations to contain pollution for removal, and removed surface pollution as well as a number of deceased eels.
 
National Parks and Wildlife Service staff installed a barricade downstream to minimise the spread of pollution.
 
At Council’s request, the Rural Fire Service deployed three tanker trucks and approximately 25 members to assist with the clean-up efforts.
 
The EPA deployed two staff to attend and provide advice, also at Council’s request.
 
Council engaged two liquid waste vacuum trucks to remove pollution, with one cleaning the pits and pipes at the site of the incident, and the second working in conjunction with the RFS to flush the stream and remove the pollutants from a small dammed area. RFS members manually scrubbed deposited pollution from within the stream for removal from the dammed area.
 
Council has engaged contractors who are working on the site on a daily basis continuing the clean-up, along with Council staff who have deployed additional booms and are monitoring the site.
 
A third liquid waste vacuum truck revisited the incident site and removed remaining pollution.
 
Council will continue to monitor the recovery of the creek and is ready to take further action if required.
 
Council wishes to thank the community and the many volunteers who have been on site assisting the Council and providing water for the local wildlife.
 
If people do see a local pollution incident we encourage them to contact us immediately on 9942 2111 so prompt action can be taken.

State's Best Ready For Interbranch Champs

December 6, 2016: SLS NSW
An elite team of representative athletes from all 11 NSW Surf Life Saving Branches will this weekend be fighting for bragging rights at the 2016 Interbranch Championships, which will be held at The Lakes SLSC on NSW’s Central Coast.

The Interbranch Championships are a unique event on the surf sports calendar, with a maximum of 40 athletes from each branch, consisting of three male and female competitors in the Under 12, Under 13, Under 14, Under 15, Under 17, Under 19 and Open age groups who compete in both ocean and beach events.

With such a limited amount of athletes contesting each event, points will be at a premium during the two-day carnival, and finishing on the podium for their branch will be crucial in deciding who gets to take home the ultimate prize.

For the athletes themselves performances are crucial with the carnival being their last opportunity to push their chances of being named in the NSW Interstate team, which will be announced later this month.
In a continuation of last year’s changes to the format that included the implementation of Branch of Origin rule and drafting process, this weekend’s event look set to be closer than ever with a host of NSW medallists lining up to compete against each other.

The Branch of Origin rule gives country branches the option to pick a former open competitor who hasn’t been selected by their primary branch of residence. Hunter Branch made the most of this, selecting Australian and NSW Board Champion, Stewart McLachlan who moved from Redhead to Manly this season.

Meanwhile the draft also gives smaller teams a chance to select available athletes from the larger branches. The benefits of this practice are significant with the selected athlete getting the chance to further their own representative experience and competition increasing across the field.

This year the NSW Interbranch Championships return to The Lakes after the club last hosted the event in 2009 and 2010 which will bring smiles to the Central Coast Branch who will be out to improve on last year’s third place on their home beach.

Having being crowned champions for the last two seasons, Sydney Northern Beaches will be out to defend their crown, while fierce rivals Sydney will undoubtedly be pushing to reclaim the title they last won in 2013.

After 6 years of finishing third and fourth in the overall standings, both the Central Coast and Hunter teams will enter this year’s competition confident of ending the Sydney juggernaut, while Illawarra will also fancy their chances.

All three branches have named strong teams and results from local carnivals indicate their athletes are hitting their straps at the right time of the season. For the athletes from the Country Branches (Far North Coast, North Coast, Mid North Coast, Lower North Coast, South Coast, and Far South Coast) will be using the event as their last chance to tune up against their bigger rivals before attention switches to February’s Stramit NSW Country Championships which will be held at South West Rocks.

Surf Life Saving NSW Sports Manager, Rob Pidgeon believes this year’s event will be keenly fought with all athletes at the top of their game for this, the first major NSW carnival of the 2016/17 season.

“The Interbranch is always a tough event with every Branch determined to do their best and score crucial points over their rivals. It’s always hard to predict a winner.

“Sydney Northern Beaches will be doing their best to defend their success from last year, but I am sure the other branches will be hot on their heels,” Mr Pidgeon said.

The Interbranch Championships run Sat 10 Dec – Sun 11 Dec 2016
Full event details, team lists and timetables are online atwww.surflifesaving.com.au/interbranch

Pittwater Mens Probus Club December Speaker

Tuesday 13th December 2016 at 11AM
“Presidents Pick”
 Speaker Bill Sherman

December each year is “Presidents Pick”. 2016 President Bill Sherman will talk about the many blends of whisky from around the world. Bill will describe how whisky is made and what makes one whisky different from another. The difference between single malt and blended whisky. How to enjoy whisky, that is how to drink it! 

To top off the talk, Bill will have a number of different samples to taste. A good quality blended Scottish whisky; a heavily peated whisky from the Scottish Isles; an Indian whisky; a Tasmanian single malt; a straight bourbon from the USA and a Moonshine for the brave. Certainly, an enjoyable way to end the year!

Pittwater Mens Probus Meetings
10am 2nd Tuesday every Month
Venue: Mona Vale Golf Club
Find out more at: probus.pittwater.org.au

AvPals Christmas Lunch 2016

What a wonderful Christmas lunch at Avalon Computer Pals, with great entertainment from The Big Sing Choir!! Great turn out!!


Photo courtesy Kylie Ferguson


‘YE OLDE SLIDE NIGHT’

Our last meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday, 13 DECEMBER in the Avalon Beach Bowling Club in Bowling Green Lane. It will commence at 8pm and for those of you who love old photographs, especially of this area, this meeting will be one you won’t want to miss. 

Instead of the old slide nights of the past we have got a veritable plethora of DIGITAL slides (?) some which will no doubt amaze you!
The topics to be covered are too numerous to isolate and we have some ‘out of area’ as well.  To find out more, you will just have to come along.  Feel free to bring a guest or friend  (along with their $10 for membership as well – cheeky!).

At our last meeting, we were hoping to show you some of the more recent photographs we have acquired, however, we ran out of time so we will show these at this meeting.

Don’t forget if you haven’t visited our/your website yet go to 
abhs.org.au and check out our gallery so far with 25 great photos.

We have updated our membership list and discovered some of you are not yet financial for the coming year. We will have the list available on the night for you to check your membership status.
With our upcoming Ninth Great Historic Photographic Exhibition over the long weekend in October next year, all funds will be greatly appreciated. 

As usual CHRISTMAS FARE will be the order of the night for supper so stay if you wish for a chat and a cuppa and a rum ball (or 2 if you’re not the driver!).
If you are unable to attend the meeting the executive committee would like to wish you the happiest of Christmases and the healthiest of New Years and we look forward to your company in 2017.

Geoff Searl, President
Avalon Beach Historical Society

Surf Photo And Surf Video Of The Year 

December 9, 2016 Surfing Australia
Entries are open for the Nikon Surf Photo and Surf Video of the Year categories for the 2017 Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame. There is a heap of Nikon Camera gear to be won. Click through below to enter NOW! 

Photo: 2016 Nikon Surf Photo of the Year by Leroy Bellet

Where Is This?

8th December 2016  
These 2 photos were found in an unwanted folder at Barrenjoey High School. The folder contained documents pertaining to Avalon Beach and it is thought the 2 photos were taken here. 

We are hoping someone out there might recognise either people in the photos, where the houses might have been (or still are!) and any other details which might be of interest – help please!
Geoff Searl
Avalon Beach Historical Society: 

60th Anniversary Of Club Palm Beach

Club Palm Beach is going to celebrate the 1957 opening, its 60th anniversary and we would like to get as many people from the past and present as possible to join us in a reunion here at the Club. This includes old friends, relatives, neighbours, local sports clubs, sailing mates, students from local schools, campers from the old camping ground near the Golf course, EVERYONE! 

Leading up to the reunion we want to hear your old stories & share your photos from the good old days. Stories from the camping grounds, for example some families lived at the camping grounds while their family homes were built. John Oliver was one, he says the camping ground was a community in itself. Other campers such as the Trainor family loved the camping community so much they moved permanently to Palm Beach.


Camping at Palm Beach - photo courtesy National Library of Australia

Palm Beach RSL started off as a shed, it was originally built in Lucinda Park, Nabilla Rd Palm Beach. The shed, built from weather board by Dick Martin, Jack Martin and Fred Verrills, was then moved to Barrenjoey Rd, the current Club site, sitting approximately where the bistro dinner room is now. The land purchased in Barrenjoey Rd was instigated by Carl Gow. The little Club traded there from the very early 50's until the current Club opened in December 1957. The original shed was removed by Peter Verrills and Bill Martin then transported by Bill's semi-trailer to Wisemans Ferry and there it was used as a cabin for the Verrills family & friends for their water skiing holidays. In the early days the Cub (shed)l opened daily at 4pm and operated on an honour system, any purchases were fixed up on pay day.

The Club as it is today was built by R. Martin & Sons. It was opened on the 14th December 1957. The president at the time of the opening was Alf Curtis and the secretary was Ron Vance. Some of the early committee members were Harold Richardson, Ken Wardrop, Fred Verrills, Jack Martin, Bill McTaggart, Ron Vance, Jack Henman, Brian Oxenham and Chic Whitchard. Some old local family names were the Gonsalves, Martins, and Goddards. There was a big variety of local businesses including the chemist, butcher, bakers, doctors and the fruit and veg shop.

Apparently there were two garages as well. To Peter Verrills' recollection, the Palm Beach bottle shop is the only shop still operating as it was when opened. The original owners were the Goddard's.

Lola was their daughter who married Jack Martin.

We would love to hear all the history on the ferry service, fishing charter boats, builder's ship wrights etc... before it is all lost. 

Please start posting any stories, pictures or memories to our Facebook page - Club Palm Beach. Save the date and come down and join us and tell us a bit about it. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

This is a great time to catch up with that old Palm Beach friend of yours - you always say you will but never seem to get the chance.

John Sinclair
Club Palm Beach Secretary - Manager

NB: Contributors may also email High Res photos to Pittwater Online News and we'll forward them to the club.

We will be running some Historical insights into aspects of the formation of Club Palm Beach/Palm Beach RSL in August 2017, in the lead up to the 60th Anniversary Celebrations.

A few examples run here

A J Guesdon
Editor - Pittwater Online News.

Greater Sydney Commission: North District 

Have your say on the draft District Plans!

GSC: We invite you to attend one of our upcoming community drop-in sessions across Sydney's six districts to learn more about planning for Sydney’s long-term future, and how to provide feedback.

Follow the link to find out more details on your local session.

North District 
Saturday 3 December 10am – 1pm
Dougherty Centre
7 Victor Street, Chatswood

North District
The North District is a place of coastline suburbs, harbour communities and bushland neighbourhoods located around vibrant urban centres with lively high streets, busy shopping districts and employment hubs.

From document, Full Draft District Plan, available to read and download in full at 'North district' link above:

Mona Vale Proposed priorities: 
• protect and enhance the commercial and retail function of the centre to provide employment growth and maintain high job containment 
• ensure sufficient retail and commercial floor space is provided to meet future demand 
• leverage the Mona Vale B-Line stop to facilitate intensification of uses in the centre, with an emphasis on the provision of housing affordability to retain 18 to 35 year olds 
• explore opportunities to increase residential diversification around the centre 
• improve access and linkages to local destinations, such as Mona Vale Hospital, through priority pedestrian networks 
• promote walking and cycling to the centre and within it 
• retain and protect the industrial precinct to the north of the centre to serve the growing population 
• investigate feasibility of existing planning provisions and controls as they relate to mixed-use and residential development within the centre 
• prioritise place making initiatives to promote mixed-use activities, urban activation and more diverse housing, and improve connectivity and integration with existing networks.

Brookvale-Dee Why Proposed priorities: 
• maintain the mix of uses so that Brookvale-Dee Why continues to perform strongly as a well-balanced, self-sustaining combined centre 
• encourage and support improvements to Warringah Mall and better integrate it with the fabric and life of Brookvale-Dee Why 
• encourage provision of affordable housing to attract and retain key workers in local industries, particularly in Brookvale 
• recognise and enhance the economic and employment opportunities along Pittwater Road and encourage revitalisation along this commercial strip 
• promote walking, cycling and public transport to Warringah Mall, the Brookvale industrial area and Dee Why to alleviate traffic congestion on Pittwater Road and to reduce car dependency 
• encourage the establishment of new, innovative and creative industries in the Brookvale industrial area 
• encourage new lifestyle or entertainment uses to activate local streets in Brookvale-Dee Why 
• improve connections between Brookvale-Dee Why and Northern Beaches Hospital and beyond.

Manly Proposed priorities: 
• further develop Manly as a cultural, tourist, retail and entertainment precinct 
• improve transport connections to Manly Wharf from other lower Northern Beaches suburbs 
• provide faster public transport to Chatswood, Frenchs Forest, St Leonards, Macquarie Park and Macquarie University 
• encourage diversified commercial activity to improve economic resilience 
• encourage eco-tourism around North Head and the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.

3.5 Prioritising Northern Beaches Hospital as the catalyst for a new centre
The Northern Beaches Hospital will anchor a new health and education super precinct for the North District and Greater Sydney.
Associated road upgrades are intended to ease congestion and improve travel times to, from and within the super precinct as it develops.
The Northern Beaches Council is preparing a Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct Structure Plan to consider the wider land use implications of this investment. The Structure Plan will analyse opportunities and constraints to plan for future development around the Hospital.

2016-2021 Housing Target - Northern Beaches 3,400
The NSW Government is also accelerating the capacity for housing supply across the District through the following projects: 
• Cherrybrook Station Precinct: which is part of the Sydney Metro Northwest Priority Urban Renewal Corridor to maximise access and opportunities for more housing and jobs 
• Ingleside Precinct: in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area. 

From page 16:
1.1.3 Status of the draft District Plan
While councils are required to give effect to District Plans as soon as practicable after a District Plan is made, draft District Plans will guide the preparation of planning proposals under Part 3 of the Act. This is established by the Department of Planning and Environment’s Guide to Preparing Planning Proposals (August 2016).

The Guide lists assessment criteria for a planning proposal, which include but are not limited to consideration of the strategic merit of the proposal, the site-specific merit of the proposal and consistency with strategic plans, including draft District Plans, State environmental planning policies and Ministerial directions.
Local environmental plans will continue to determine whether development is permitted or prohibited on land. While a draft District Plan or District Plan is not a mandatory matter for consideration in the determination of a development application, a consent authority may decide to consider a draft District Plan or District Plan to the extent it relates to the objects of the EP&A Act.
The inclusion of Our vision – Towards our Greater Sydney 2056 in Chapter 2 of this draft District Plan foreshadows our research and the evolution of our thinking that will inform the review of A Plan for Growing Sydney during 2017. It does not replace the legal status of A Plan for Growing Sydney as the current Greater Sydney Region Plan.

NB: More details are available by downloading the Full Draft District Plan - (PDF: 8.95 MB)

Ocean Swims 2016-17

Are you ready for the Blackmores Billy Ocean Swim? 
See you at Bilgola Beach Sun 11 Dec - first race at 9am, 1km at 10am. Check out all the action from last year in this video. See you at the beach!

Bilgola is Race 1 in the Pittwater Swim Series 2016/17. 
Swimmers who do at least three of the five swims in the series will go into a draw to win a weekend in Byron Bay to take part in the Byron Bay Swim on May 7, 2017. 

Other swims in the series are Newport (Jan 8), Avalon (Jan 15), Mona Vale (Jan 22), and Palm-Whale (Jan 29)

Have Your Say On Proposed B-Line Work

5 December 2016: NSW Transport
Member for North Shore Jillian Skinner today invited the community to have their say on proposed changes to Military Road, Spit Road and Spit Junction designed to improve bus journey times and bus service reliability ahead of the implementation of the new B-Line services in late 2017.

“The NSW Government is providing more frequent and reliable bus services between the Northern Beaches and the Sydney CBD,” Mrs Skinner said.

“Customers will soon be able to catch a new B-Line bus every five minutes in the busy morning and afternoon peak, in the peak direction, and every 10 minutes at other times of the day, including weekends.

“The B-Line bus service will stop at new citybound and outbound bus stops located on Military Road near Wycombe Road in Neutral Bay and on Spit Road near Clifford Street in Mosman.

“To deliver this project we are proposing road improvements between Spit Junction and Neutral Bay, including new bus bays, new turning lanes, new and extended traffic flow lanes, new traffic lights and widening sections of the road.

“Transport for NSW purchased the former cinema building at 7-11 Spit Road. The plan is to remove the existing building and use the site for B-Line and local bus stops, including constructing a bus bay that requires closing Clifford Street.

“There’s also a proposal to partially close Cabramatta Road, which will prevent traffic from turning left on to Military Road, helping to ease congestion.

“A Review of Environmental Factors document, which outlines all of these proposed changes and likely impacts on the local area, will be on public display from 5 December 2016 to 1 February 2017.

“We encourage the local community and stakeholders to review and have their say on these plans. All submissions received during the public display period will be considered by the project team and help to guide the final design.”

The Review of Environmental Factors is available to download at www.b-line.transport.nsw.gov.au

Copies of the document can also be viewed at:
• North Sydney Council Customer Service Centre:
200 Miller Street, North Sydney
• Mosman Council Civic Centre:
Mosman Square, Spit Junction
• Barry O’Keefe Library:
605 Military Road, Mosman
• Transport for NSW:
Level 5 Tower A, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood

The project team will also be available to discuss proposed work at a number of community information sessions during the public display period.

These sessions will be held on:
• Monday 16 January, 5pm to 7pm - Neutral Bay Community Centre, 190 – 192 Military Road, Neutral Bay
• Thursday 19 January, 5pm to 7pm - Seniors Centre, Mosman Council Civic Centre, Mosman Square, Spit Junction

All submissions must be made in writing and received by 5pm on 1 February 2017.
Submissions can be emailed to projects@transport.nsw.gov.au 
or mailed to:
Northern Beaches B-Line Program
Transport for NSW, Locked Bag 6501
St Leonards NSW 2065

If planning approval is granted, construction of the proposed works is expected to start in the second quarter of 2017 and continue through to late 2018.

FREE EVENT; Thursday December 6th
Have fun shopping for Christmas gifts that are fair trade and ethically produced, while the kids enjoy free activities such as face painting, holiday crafts, yoga classes and more! 

Our exciting line-up of stalls includes fair trade and social enterprise organisations selling jewellery, clothing, skincare, homewares, toys, books and more from around the world. 

Other vendors will be donating 15% of profits to a registered charity of their choice.

Other highlights include:
- Free yoga classes for kids and adults
- Santa photos to raise money for the children's charity Be Centre
- Christmas carols
- Healthy food stalls
- Discounted Blackmores products with proceeds going to charity

So come along for a great afternoon/evening of fun!

Tree Of Joy

Warriewood Square welcomes back the Tree of Joy by the Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches. Our new coastal style tree is located near Swish Homewares. 

Last year, our generous customers added a little sparkle to those supported by the following charities: 
  • Homes for Heroes, Narrabeen
  • Lifeline / Manly Women’s Resource Centre
  • Vincentian House & Matthew Talbot
  • Brighter Futures – Benevolent Society
  • Shine for Kids, Silverwater

Sydney Wildlife - Our Year In Pictures

2016 has been an eventful, successful and sometimes exasperating year for all our Sydney Wildlife rescuers.  We received in excess of 13,000 calls - many of which were received after hours to which our poor volunteers were dispatched at all hours of the night.   Sydney Wildlife is made up of a team of volunteers that ensure a rescue runs smoothly - from the very first call taken by our incredible office volunteers - right through to the release of the animal.  So many people are involved - the office staff, the rescuers, the carers, veterinarians and staff, our coordinators and species experts.  It takes an entire army to protect our wildlife.  

Summer was all about reptiles - snakes, goannas, water dragons, blue-tongue lizards, turtles - moving from place to place, breeding, babies emerging and getting into weird places and generally scaring the living daylights out of unsuspecting members of the public.  There were also many heat-stress events which affected our beautiful flying foxes.  


Autumn brought the crazy storms and many little birds and possums were blown from the trees and freshwater turtles were almost washed out to sea.  Our Rehabilitation Facility in Duffy’s Forest bore the brunt of the storms and our aviaries and fences were crushed by fallen trees.  The big clean-up took weeks!  


Kobie Joyce of Echo Property Management and Matt of the Tree Smith were absolutely brilliant and volunteered their time, skills and equipment to come and help us clean up the storm damage.  

Winter was meant to be our quieter season but as soon as the days became shorter, our nocturnal critters came out earlier and many were being hit on the roads and required late-night assistance.  We also attended the Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference in Melbourne over winter.  Two of our members - Joan Reid and Bev Young - presented at the Conference and did us very proud.  


Spring is the season we all dreaded the most…  Baby birds, baby possums, snakes emerging…  It all happened in Spring!  

Over-development, new roads, an increase in traffic and changes to our biodiversity laws contributed to an increase in wildlife being displaced, losing habitat and being injured on the roads and getting into strange predicaments.  We have been run ragged trying to dart wallabies in backyards that have been displaced by the construction and destruction in Frenchs Forest.



Wallabies in backyards trying to escape the bulldozers.

In September, we hosted some High School students who were undertaking Work Experience with us.  The gorgeous Tiarna McCombe enjoyed a week on the Northern Beaches with some of our volunteers.  


Tiarna meeting Cloudy the eastern grey kangaroo at our Rehab Facility.


Our Rehabilitation Facility manager, Joan Reid, came up with the idea to start up a Mobile Wildlife Clinic to assist our injured and displaced wildlife.  We started lobbying our local politicians for donations and advice.  We visited our Premier, Minister Rob Stokes, Minister Brad Hazzard and Minister Mark Speakman.  They suggested we apply for Governemnt Grants which we did but we also decided to hold a Fundraiser in October at Sue and Peter Glasson’s wonderful Bayview home.  We raised an amazing $26K towards our goal of $200K.  Other fundraising efforts have brought our current total to $53K so far but we are really depending on those Grants…


Ministers Rob Stokes and Brad Hazzard.


The banners for our fundraiser.

In November Ernst & Young came to our Rehab Facility and built a brand new shed for us to store all our equipment.  They also had a team-building exercise in the afternoon once the shed-building was complete.


The Ernst and Young team outside the newly-constructed shed at the Rehab Facility.  

Babies of every kind rained down on us throughout the year!  Ringtail possums, brushtail possums, swamp wallaby joeys, baby turtles, cute little blueys, baby snakes, chicks of every kind, water dragons and cute little flying fox pups.


Harry the ringtail possum.                                                                                   Cadel the blue-tongue lizard baby.


We incubated a clutch of water dragon eggs which were found in a long-jump pit at Oxford Falls Grammar School.  


Cute baby water dragons emerged 6 days after we found the eggs. 


Tiny turtles were almost washed out to sea in the storms.


Wallaby joeys were found when their deceased mums’ pouches were checked by our volunteers.


Critters in strange places…  This boobook owl flew indoors and perched on the railing of a lady’s bed.  Isn’t she adorable?


Tawny frogmouth rescued from a barbed-wire fence after storms.


Dr Howard Ralph with a powerful owl.                                                                                Dr David Ward with a wallaby joey.

We couldn’t possibly achieve what we do without our amazing veterinarians.  They are often the first port of call, the renderers of first aid and the drop-off points for baby animals.  Some even undertake 3-hour operations on our wildlife to save them - most notably Dr Howard Ralph and Dr David Ward.   We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their passion and dedication to our wildlife.

And our thanks go out to the many, many members of the public who are the ones that discover the injured critters whilst on their morning walk or on their way to work.  Thank you for caring enough to contact us for assistance.  

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy the festive season.  We hope for a brighter future in 2017 for all of us - humans and wildlife together.

If you would like to support our work, please visit www.sydneywildlife.org

By Lynleigh Greig
Sydney Wildlife 

Christmas Carols - On The Water!

Thursday 22nd December

7.00pm start at Lovett Bay Boatshed 
(tie up in your tinny, with a picnic etc).
8.30pm repeat performance at Church Point.
Everyone is welcome

image by June Lahm

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 9/12/2016 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

2 Minute Clean

December 9, 2016: Living Ocean
2 minute Beach Clean on Avalon Beach this morning...  It's crazy to see how much rubbish is being left on the beach everyday! PLEASE do the right thing with your trash and say NO PLASTIC PLEASE



5 Minute Clean

December 9, 2016: Wander Lightly
5 minute beach clean across 20mtrs of dunes at Newport this morning. Plastic bag full of fish & chips, cans, chocolate & cracker wrappers & loads of polystyrene. If you're enjoying the beach take your rubbish with you... bin was 5mtrs away!

Electrical Storm - Warriewood

8 December 2016 by Alex Chesser

Northern Beaches New Suburb Could Have More Height

Monday 5 December 2016: Media Release – Urban Task Force
The proposed new suburb on the Northern Beaches will help provide additional housing supply, but lacks tall buildings, particularly in the town centre says the Urban Taskforce.
 
“The new suburb of Ingleside on the Northern Beaches with its 3,400 new homes is a welcome addition to Sydney’s housing supply.” Says Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson “But the Urban Taskforce is concerned that there appear to be no buildings higher than 3 storeys.”
 
“New town centres in Western Sydney, like Oran Park, have heights of 6 and 8 storeys in their town centres to provide a diversity of housing types. It is important that all parts of Sydney pull their weight in terms of providing new housing as Sydney’s population grows. The government must get the right density and height upfront as it is very hard to change the built form after it is constructed.”
 
“The general approach to a green, environmentally sensitive, suburb can lead to excellent life styles and we understand that sensitive land like that at Ingleside will need to be managed carefully. This can still be done with taller buildings as this can limit the spread of dwellings across the landscape.”
 
The Ingleside strategy will include a component of 5-10% affordable housing however the documents have not provided information on how a proposed target will be calculated. The requirement to provide affordable housing will increase the costs of developing this site, and it is essential that these additional costs do not deter developers and investors from developing and investing in Ingleside.

Position Available On The Island

Experienced and or very good cleaner who can also be a concierge to greet guests wanted for house on Scotland Island. You need your own run about or to live on the Island.

Please contact Katy 
Ph: 9974 2144

DA 47 Central Road Avalon

December 8, 2016: From Save Central Road Residents

Make a submission by Wednesday December 14, 2016 
Developers from the Eastern suburbs have recently lodged a development application with Northern Beaches Council for a 72 child Early Learning Child Care Centre at 47 Central Rd.

The scale and intensity of both the building and the business will have massive negative consequences for our street and on our broader community. This is a community issue that affects all residents of Avalon that use Central Rd and even those who don't...this could happen to you!! we cannot afford to have Central Rd congested and made unsafe.

WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP!!!!
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR OBJECTIONS TO COUNCIL BY FOLLOWING THE GUIDELINES BELOW

Send written submission to: 
Northern Beaches Council
PO BOX 882
Mona Vale NSW 1660
Reference: DA Inquiry N0542/16
- Write a basic letter of how this development will affect you personally

Send Email to: 

Include in subject:
DA Enquiry: N0542/16

Paralympic Team Of The Year

December 8, 2016: Australian Paralympic Team
The Paralympic Team of the Year goes to the Australian Sailing Team!
With three gold medals on offer, the Australians achieved a near-perfect haul of two gold and one silver in Rio.

Picked by the co-captains Danni Di Toro and Kurt Fearnley themselves, the Uncle Kevin Coombs Medal for the Spirit of the Games goes to seven-time Paralympian Liesl Tesch AM.

Stuff Your Chopper Challenge

08 December 2016: NSW RFS
Summary
This week the NSW Police Force filled a helicopter with groceries for families doing it tough this Christmas – and challenged the NSW RFS to respond.

 NSW Police gathered 762kg of food, which is admirable... but we think we can do better. So we’re sending a semi-trailer on the road, and we need your help to fill it up. The food will then be taken to Bankstown to ‘stuff a chopper’ or two.

How to help:  
1. Gather non-perishable items, like cereal and canned food
2. Drop it off at one of the Fire Control Centres listed below by 19 December.
3. Encourage others in your brigade and community to do the same
4. Share photos of the goods you’ve collected by emailing them tophotos@rfs.nsw.gov.au

What happens next?
We’ll gather all the items and hand it over to FoodBank NSW, a not-for-profit organisation which collects food from farmers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and the public and makes it available to Australia’s hard working charities and community groups.

Any food you are able to contribute will help the more than half a million Aussies who will struggle to put food on the table this Christmas.
Christmas is the time for giving, so any contribution is greatly appreciated.
So which area will be most generous? We’ll be profiling the work of the districts providing the biggest donations.

There are only a few days to get donations together – so get your districts or brigades together and let’s stuff our chopper!

The collection points will be at the following NSW RFS fire control centres during normal business hours:
• Wollongong – 37 Airport Road, Albion Park Rail – (02) 4230 8200
• Canberra/Queanbeyan – 10 Ellerton Drive, Queanbeyan – (02) 6128 0600
• Albury – 25 Airport Drive, Albury – (02) 6051 1511
• Wagga Wagga – 208 Fernleigh Rd, Wagga Wagga – (02) 6971 4500
• Orange – 1385 Forest Road, Orange – (02) 6363 6666
• Dubbo – Lot 10 Cooreena Rd, Dubbo – (02) 6881 3900
• Tamworth – 19-23 Lockheed St, Tamworth – (02) 6762 7641
• Coffs Harbour – 1 Aviation Drive, Coffs Harbour – (02) 6651 6133
• Port Macquarie – 108 Cameron Street, Wauchope – (02) 6588 9000
• Casino- 40 Neville Bienke Memorial Dr, Casino – (02) 6663 0000
• Hunter Valley – 110 Mt Vincent Road, East Maitland – (02) 4015 0000
• Young – Shop 3, Lovell Place, Young – (02) 6382 5677
• Batemans Bay – 7 Kylie Crescent, Batemans Bay – (02) 4475 1300
Sydney
• Sutherland – 126 Wilson Parade, Heathcote – (02) 8508 4040
• Northern Beaches – Gate 4 Thompson Drive, Terrey Hills – (02) 9450 3000
• Hornsby – 1049 Pacific Highway, Cowan – (02) 9883 2000
• Cumberland – 8-12 Jeanette Street, Regentville – (02) 4734 7777
• Hawkesbury –  Macquarie Road, Wilberforce – (02) 4560 6400
• Blue Mountains – Cnr Bathurst and Valley Road, Katoomba – (02) 4784 7444
• The Hills – 1A Angus Road, Kenthurst – (02) 9654 1244
• Campbelltown – Cnr Alderney Street and Townson Avenue, Minto – (02) 9608 7777

Scotland Island Dog Race 

It's on again!
Same time same place
Christmas Eve 6pm @ Church Point
 
DETAILS:
Register your Dog from 2:30 to 5:30pm
Entry fee is 1 Longneck (Cold !) and 1 x Large Tin Dog Food

Official starting time 6pm (or thereabouts)

Operational Update Post Mondays Storm


Monday December 5, 2016: NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit
The NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit has finished storm operations across the Northern Beaches with 45 jobs in total. Most jobs were in the Bayview, Mona Vale and Warriewood suburbs and include trees and power lines that have come down as well as leaking roofs. Please enusre you stay away from any power lines and assume they are live until told otherwise by the authorities.

Thanks to NSW SES - Gosford Unit, Ku-Ring-Gai SES and NSW Rural Fire Service for assisting our local volunteers in the storm response and fielding 15 teams in a short amount of time.

If you require emergency assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500.

Mona Vale – Bayview Waterscapes

Monday December 5, 2016
A great reminder that our landscape reflects that it is part of and adjoined to a water thoroughfare

Photo courtesy Pittwater High Volleyball Squad.

Inaugural Bowen Bungaree Celebration

from Budawa Aboriginal Signage Group: November 20 
Inaugural Picnic Lunch to celebrate the life of Bowen Bungaree 1802-1853, an extraordinary Indigenous local of the Northern Beaches, and reclaim the cultural history of this area.

Sunday 11th December 2016 Time 10.30am. 
Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach 
Meet at BBQ at the entrance to park.

Traditional Smoking Ceremony, Didgeridoo playing
BYO Meal and drinks, chairs or blankets.
Free parking if you have a Northern Beaches Council sticker. Otherwise $4 hour. 

Contact Neil Evers 0419 219 770 

Cambage Court Christmas Lights 2016

We look forward to welcoming you once again to Cambage Court Christmas Lights 2016. We have over 100,000 Christmas Lights on show with some great new items for your enjoyment. Our address is still 10 Cambage Court Davidson.

Please share the display with your family and friends. 100% of the funds raised will be equally divided between Red Nose formally (SIDS and Kids), Cure Brain Cancer Foundation and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

2016: Display times!
December 3rd - 14th December will be 8pm - 10:30pm
15th - 27th December 7:30pm - 11:00 pm
28th December - 2nd January 8:00pm- 10:00 pm
*above times are confirmed unless the Weather is adverse

Fight For A Cure With An SQ Bauble

This Christmas, add a little sparkle to families affected by cancer with an SQ bauble!

Warriewood Square in conjunction with Fight on the Beaches & Fight for a Cure is aiming to raise $10,000 to fund cancer screening clinics for local women, with free a crèche facility. These clinics will focus on reducing the incidence of skin, breast and cervical cancer in Northern Beaches women.
 
Get involved and decorate this Fight for a Cure Wall!
1. Visit our Information Desk opposite Gloria Jeans to ‘purchase’ an SQ paper bauble.
2. You may write your name on the bauble; dedicate it to a loved one or create a beautiful piece of art!
3. ‘Hang’ the bauble on this Fight for a Cure Wall or leave it at the Information Desk and we will ‘hang’ it for you.
4. 100% of all monies will be donated to Fight on the Beaches.
5. Fight on the Beaches is a Northern Beaches fundraising initiative which has raised in excess of $468,000 for cancer research over the past 2 years.

100% of all monies raised will be donated to Fight on the Beaches. Fight on the Beaches is a Northern Beaches fundraising.

Fight on the Beaches is a Northern Beaches fundraising initiative which has raised in excess of $468,000 for cancer research over the past 2 years

Visit www.fightonthebeaches.com for more information.

Christmas Stalls: MVHA

Full list of all our upcoming stalls runs below

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Fundraising Dates 2016

Meetings: First Tuesday  of every month at  Pittwater RSL Club from 10.30am  to  12 noon   Membership is $5.00 per year Ring us on 9979 5115 ... or just turn up

December 12th & 17th: Stall, Pittwater Place, Mona Vale Craft, knitting, books, jam

Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal

The Warriewood Square Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is the largest and longest Christmas appeal and is celebrating it’s 29th year!

So grab a tag from the Xmas tree in front of Kmart and donate to this worthy cause.

The Spirit Of Christmas: Doggie Rescue Calendar 2017 

Here’s the story…of three little rescue pups Marcia, Jan and Cindy, and a special Foster doggy mummy Lexi 

On the 16 September DoggieRescue received three, one week old pups that were dumped outside a vet clinic without their Mum.  The pups were very weak and it was a struggle to get them to feed. We tried tube feeding, bottle feeding and syringe feeding but none were particularly successful.
At the time they arrived we had a Chihuahua X Mum, Lexi who had given birth to a litter of 4 pups a month earlier. Lexi was rescued from the pound pregnant.  So we tried to see if Lexi would accept these orphaned pups as her own, and amazingly she did!  The new pups were only slightly smaller than her own, and we think are possibly staffy x.   She started to feed and clean them just as she did her own. We were so relieved! 

We named the new pups Marcia, Jan and Cindy, from the Brady Bunch as they were now a blended family.  The girls are now almost 6 weeks old, and feeding on their own but will always try and get some Mummy milk as that is always the best!
 
DoggieRescue is all about saving lives like Cindy, Marcia and Jan, 365 days of the year.  To keep our doors open we have launched our major fundraiser for the year, our 2017 calendar full of pics of DoggieRescue dogs who have found their forever homes and what these dogs mean to their families. 

Marcia, Jan and Cindy would love you to buy a calendar this year for your friends and family – they think its the perfect Christmas stocking filler!  Click on the pic of the pups below to pre order your copy now.
Marcia, Jan and Cindy thank you from the bottom of their paws.

Open For Ideas: Try, Test And Learn Fund

7 December 2016: Media Release - The Hon. Christian Porter MP, Minister for Social services
Innovative ideas that help move people from welfare to work will be funded by the Turnbull Government, with the opening of the $96 million Try, Test and Learn Fund on Friday.

Using insights from the Australian Priority Investment Approach to Welfare, the Try, Test and Learn Fund will initially target and invest in groups of young people who are at-risk of long-term welfare dependency.

Speaking at Mission Australia’s Campsie site in western Sydney, Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, encouraged new and forward-thinking ideas on how we can support people to have better lives through work and independence from the welfare system.

“This is an innovative Government initiative; from Friday 9 December until late-February, we want your ideas on how we can help people who may be at risk of being on welfare for the long term to find, retain and flourish in long-term employment,” the Minister said.

“Our priority groups for this first round of the Try, Test and Learn Fund are young carers, young parents and young students at risk of long-term unemployment.

“Mariam and Rola are fine examples of parents taking initiative and utilising programs offered by the Coalition Government, in conjunction with services providers like Mission Australia.

“Existing programs such as ParentsNext and the Empowering YOUth Initiatives are already supporting innovative new service approaches. Through the first phase of the Fund, we want to build on these approaches by trying and testing scalable, efficient initiatives that help young people establish themselves in the workforce.

“At the end of the day, the Fund isn’t about kicking people off welfare and saving money. Nor is it about replacing programs that are already doing great work across Australia, or expanding existing programs. It is about investing in people who may need some extra help.

“The evidence from the Baseline Valuation Report tells us that what we’re currently doing isn’t helping people as it should be. That’s why we need your ideas to do it differently. We need your ideas to better help people at risk of welfare dependence, and better help their children.”

From Friday 9 December, ideas for the Fund can be submitted using a simple online form on the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Engage website.

Ideas will be published on DSS Engage for everyone to see, to encourage collaboration and innovation. A discussion forum will run alongside the ideas generation phase, to encourage people to share views about how to help people in our priority groups, through the Try, Test and Learn Fund.

“We expect proposals to come from industry, the not-for-profit sector, NGOs – any group with ideas about how we can help improve lives through self-reliance and employment,” Mr Porter said.

“The most promising ideas will be selected for development into possible policy initiatives, which will involve refinement and co-design of the idea in preparation for funding.

“Our aim is that by May 2017, the first handful of successful ideas will have been selected by Government, and we will be on our way to on-the-ground implementation.”

The Fund itself is the product of innovation. Over thirty key stakeholders—representing service providers, academia, social enterprise and business—helped design the Fund, including how ideas are published online for public review and collaboration.

“I’m absolutely committed to making sure that the Fund operates in a way that fosters innovation and collaboration, while minimising the burden of red tape,” Mr Porter said.

More information about the Try, Test and Learn Fund and the Priority Investment Approach is available on the Department of Social Services website—dss.gov.au/priority-investment-approach

To submit an idea for the Try, Test and Learn Fund, visit www.engage.dss.gov.au

Have Your Say On The Container Deposit Regulation

November 30, 2016: NSW Government
The NSW Environmental Protection Authority is seeking feedback on the draft container deposit scheme (CDS) regulation. Submissions are due by 5pm on 23 December 2016. 

The draft Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (Container Deposit Scheme) Regulation 2016 sets out the operational details for the day-to-day running of the NSW scheme and annual reporting requirements.

The draft regulation covers topics such as:
  • the types of containers that will be accepted
  • the amount that will be refunded to consumers at collection points
  • the circumstances in which a container may not be accepted at a collection point.
NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said finalising these operational details would be another key step towards rolling out the NSW container deposit scheme in 2017.

"The CDS is the single largest litter reduction initiative in NSW so it's fitting that community members can have their say on these important details and I encourage them to do so.”

View the draft regulation and have your say by 23 December 2016

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Picasso

AGE/SEX: 7 years / M
BREED: Maltese x
Picasso is a sweet easy boy. He is social with other dogs and is easy to handle. He loves a little cuddle and is easy to groom. He has a non-shedding coat and came in underweight at 5.3kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400. 

For further details or to meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS!!!!!

Northern Beaches Concert Band is looking for flute, clarinet, saxophone, tuba and trombone adult players.  We cater for players from beginner to advanced and have a varied and exciting repertoire.  

Come and join us during school term time at 7.30pm, Pittwater High School, Mona Street, Mona Vale. 
  
Details 9970 7131 or 0414 560 263.

Improving Voluntary Planning Agreements

The NSW Government is seeking your feedback on improving the policy framework for voluntary planning agreements (VPAs). 

The framework includes a draft Ministerial Direction, draft Practice Note and draft Planning Circular. 

The Government wants to encourage councils and developers to work together to get the best possible outcomes out of VPAs so that: 

• There’s a clear public benefit arising from the VPA that relates to the development; 
• The VPA negotiation process is fair and reasonable between parties, and is transparent to the broader community; 
• The identification of infrastructure in a VPA is informed by an assessment of local community needs. 

We welcome your feedback on the draft Ministerial Direction, draft Practice Note and draft Planning Circular. Submissions can be made until 27 January 2017.

Pittwater Mens Probus Club Christmas Lunch

Christmas Lunch
Date and time: Tuesday 20th December, 12 noon
Venue: Mona Vale Golf Club
 
Menu: Welcome drink (wine, beer, soft) at bar
Two courses (main and dessert), each by alternate drop
           Bottle of red wine and white wine per table
           Tea and coffee

Cost:  $45 per head, inclusive of above menu and Lucky Door prizes
Registration and payment: To be made on or before November meeting, 8.11.16
Payment method: Cash, or cheque made out to Probus Club of Pittwater.

Pittwater Mens Probus Meetings
10am 2nd Tuesday every Month
Venue: Mona Vale Golf Club

Kiel To Host 2017 Para World Sailing Championships

Monday 5 December 2016
Kiel, Germany has been selected by World Sailing to host the 2017 Para World Sailing Championships from 20-25 June during the world-renowned Kiel Week 2017.

Kiel's announcement as the host venue falls less than one month after World Sailing released the Para World Sailing Strategic Plan for 2017-2020. The Plan outlines four main priorities as well tactics to achieve the goals, ensuring World Sailing presents a strong bid to the International Paralympic Committee for re-introduction into the 2024 Paralympic Games and future editions.

Click here for the Para World Sailing Strategic Plan.   (PDF: 10.28MB) 

The 2017 Para World Sailing Championships will be an integral part of World Sailing's continued efforts for reinstatement and the governing body has committed £90,000 to support sailor participation at the event. In addition, World Sailing's logistics and shipping partner, GAC Pindar, will support the transportation of Para World Sailing equipment to the 2017 Worlds and the 2017 Sailing World Cup Hyeres.

The disciplines proposed by the Para World Sailing Committee for inclusion in the 2017 Championships are:
 
• One Person Keelboat (Norlin 2.4 OD) – Open
• One Person Keelboat (Hansa 303) – Female
• One Person Keelboat (Hansa 303) – Male
• Two Person Multihull (Weta) – Mixed
• Two Person Keelboat (SKUD 18) – Open (International Championship)
• Three Person Keelboat (Sonar) – Open (International Championship)
• Other formats may also be tested in the Weta and Hansa 303.

Kim Andersen, President of World Sailing said, "The 2017 Para World Sailing Championships is a pivotal event for World Sailing to demonstrate to the International Paralympic Committee the strides we have taken to develop and enhance Para World Sailing.

"Positive steps have been taken since the sport was removed from the 2020 Paralympic Sports Programme and we continue to work closely with the athletes, our members, classes and the media to push for reinstatement in 2024 and continuity beyond.

"Kiel have a long running history of delivering exceptional sailing events and through our combined efforts and with the support of our partners we aim to deliver record attendance at a Para World Sailing event.”

On the selection of Kiel, Massimo Dighe, Para World Sailing Manager, added, "All four bids received for the 2017 Para World Sailing Championships were excellent and this highlighted the significance and importance of the event.

"The decision of the Para World Sailing Committee to select Kiel as host venue for 2017 is a great occasion for the sport, being a part of a big event like Kieler-Woche, that every year grabs the interest of sailors and attention of the media around the world is really important.

"World Sailing will start to work with the organisers immediately to ensure that the event is a success and showcases the progression of Para World Sailing.”

Dirk Ramhorst, Event Chairman of Kieler Woche said, "We are proud and happy to host the Para World Sailing Championships 2017 in Kiel within the Kieler Woche. We will make sure that this event will contribute to the return of sailing in the Paralympic Games in 2024.

"Inclusion of disabled sailing has always been an integral part of the Kieler-Woche portfolio. The city of Kiel and the state of Schleswig-Holstein have invested significantly in the recent years to make the venue and harbour of Kiel Schilksee fully wheelchair friendly. I am personally looking forward to welcoming all Para World Sailors in Kiel next year.”

By Daniel Smith - World Sailing

Friends Of Bungan Beach Restoration

Bungan Beach's superb backdrop of bushland is being cared for by donations from the Pittwater Environmental Foundation (PEF) and the determination and hard work of local people who love this wonderful place. Volunteers and contractors remove weeds and plant native plants where natural regeneration is unlikely because of dense weeds for many years.

Can you lend a hand to Friends of Bungan? go tohttp://www.friendsofbungan.org.au/about-us/


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Barefoot Ball

Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 6 PM
Newport Surf Life Saving Club
Take part in Sydney's premier black-tie barefoot charity ball at the Newport Beach Club on 14th January and help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club!

Join us for a night of summer festivities, delicious food, great entertainment, and bare feet all under the stars at one of Sydney's most stunning beaches. Enjoy a first class 3 course meal accompanied by premium beer, wine a soft drinks. Entertainment will include live music, a silent auction and combined speeches from Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club.

All proceeds of the Barefoot Ball go towards Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited, life threatening condition affecting young Australians. Cystic Fibrosis is life shortening and there is no cure.


Ticket Prices: - Single: $195 - Table (10 People): $1950

The purpose of  www.westpittwater.com.au  - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.

To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.

To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.

To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.

To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Pittwater Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au

 Gone Fishing Gallery at Waterfront Store Church Point

Open again TODAY in the top room Waterfront Store. Open mainly weekends as an addition to the waterfront cafe. Keep up to date on theirFacebook page

New Season for Sailability Pittwater 

Sailability Pittwater is a volunteer organisation which provides sailing for people with a disability. Our main recreational sailing activities are at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, and we run competitive sailing for people with a disability out of RPAYC Newport.

We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Saturday morning program at Rowland Reserve and Tuesdays at RPA. Visit our website for more information at  www.sailability.org/au/pittwater or call John on 9982 5656

December 4 - 10, 2016: Issue 292

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 292: 

Draft Plan For Ingleside Land Development Released To Meet 2021 Completion Dates - Community Information session during Feb 2017 - have a say until 28th of same month

Neverfail Creek Polluted: Community Finds Council Response Completely Inadequate

Mona Vale Rally on Mona Vale Place Plan Reopens Recent Wounds - Pittwater Council's MVPP List echoes Greater Sydney Commissions List for Mona Vale

Avalon Beach SLSC Youth Programs New Zealand Tour 2017 by Roger Sayers - sponsors sought

Celebrating 60 Years Of Club Palm Beach - call out for memories and photos + President's Report For 2016 and a few insights from the past to inspire 

Reflections by George Repin: COLLONGES-LA-ROUGE

Margaret Olley’s Legacy by Robyn McWilliam

Pictures: Warriewood SLSC Surf Boat Carnival 2016 - Round 3 of the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 2016-17 Premiership

Aquatics: Club Marine Pittwater To Southport Race Length Draws Keen Skippers: Entry extended to December 15,  RPAYC’s comp ‘The Prep’ closes Dec. 19 with winner getting $700 prize pack, including a GoPro Hero 5- by Lisa Ratcliff

Collector's Corner: Australian Trade Tokens Record Enriching Colonial Histories: the Cascade Shilling First Art Form To Record 'Tasmania' And Kangaroos Australia's oldest 'coins' aren't coins at all but some, once worth a penny or even a whole ten cents, are now fetching many thousands of dollars - even a 1966 20 cent  piece will fetch a pretty penny - if it's a rare fish!

Pittwater Artists Trail Open Studios Weekend Summer 2016: December 3rd and 4th by Cindy Goode Milman

Artist of the Month: December 2016 : Linda Buchan - Our December 2016 Artist of the Month is a lady we've been a big fan of for a few years now, first meeting her through the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's IdS program when victorious in winning the inaugural Islands Race aboard Bob Bennet's SoFarr. Linda is much more than a great sailor though, her credits now encompass being a motivational speaker and extend to writer with the launch of STEP BY STEP: Finding My Way Back to Me.

Why this title? - In 1998, Linda was a casualty of a devastating house fire that claimed the life of her sister Kim and changed her own life forever. Since that day Linda has fought her way, step by step, towards a new life by overcoming the devastating physical effects of smoke inhalation and the emotional pain losing a loved one causes. 

Profile: Linda Buchan -  Fire and Rescue NSW's Face of Winter Fire Safety Campaign 2011, Motivational Speaker, Pittwater Sailor and Authoress of STEP BY STEP: Finding My Way Back to Meshares a few insights into the writing of her first book, among other things


History:  Pittwater Fields of Dreams II: Waratah Farm and Narrabeen Plums - from 10 acres in Ingleside, and a man who learnt his trade in Ryde orcahrds, sprang a fruit that will be in season again in a few more weeks

Search Pittwater Online News: 

Congratulations!

HUGE congratulations to Jess Hill on wining a Walkley this week for Print/Text Feature Writing Long (Over 4000 Words)
Jess Hill, The Monthly, “Suffer the Children: Trouble in the Family Court”.

This is the second award Jess has won in recent weeks, receiving the the print/online award at the Amnesty International Media Awards on November 21st.

Jess is the daughter of Pittwater Online Astrologer Lynda Hill and a resident.  Brains and good taste is clearly a family trait!

In her shell shocked speech Jess urged other journos to report what's happening to abuse victims in the family law system. 

"It's a great shame of the judicial system, and it needs to be exposed." Jess said.

Read her feature here

Congratulations!

NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year
(up to 24 years)

Ben Matthews from Newport, 
Newport Surf Life Saving Club

Ben Matthews of Newport SLSC has won the NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year this week. The Award was announced on Friday December 2nd.

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are run by The Centre for Volunteering – the State’s peak body for volunteering – to highlight the contribution 2.4 million volunteers make in NSW. In 2016, the 10th year of the Awards, a record 100,000 volunteers have been acknowledged through the nomination process and in regional awards - Ben won the Sydney Northregion earlier this year as well as the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Volunteer of the Year.

Ben has right sided hemiplegia but devotes a lot of his time to surf lifesaving. He is an able member of the Newport training team and has assisted training new Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate groups for almost six years. Ben is part of Newport's IRB racing team and, outside of surf lifesaving, volunteers at Rural Fire Service. For two years Ben volunteered to mentor a young boy at Newport Public School who also suffers with the same type of Cerebral Palsy as he does.

New Ambulance For Scotland Island

Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade and the Island's NSW Ambulance First Responders took possession of their completely refurbished PC/Ambulance on Thursday November 24th. Now fully equipped with the most current emergency equipment required to service our community.


Images and Notice courtesy PON - Pittwater Offshore Newsletter

Local Skaters Give Mona Skate Park Thumbs Up

While waiting for a bus at Palmy on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 2nd, 2016) with a couple of 10 year olds, skateboards in hand, they explained they were on their way to Mona Vale skate park, one stating;
'It's really cool"
the other proclaiming;
'It's the best skate park in Australia"

Pretty much a ditto from three others waiitng at Warriewood bus stop when heading back north later that same afternoon - although they may have been 12 years of age.

Our young citizens love it - and they're outdoors getting some fresh air and exercise - triple bonus! 

Chooks Missing

Has anyone seen our 2 brown chooks?
In the sand dunes or along the creek?
We now have only 2 brown and white.

Avalon Community Garden - contact via message on ACG facebook

New Council Code Of Meeting Practice Helps Head Off Emergency

The November 22nd Council Meeting held at Dee Why was the last to be held under Manly Council code of Meeting practices, which opened with a prayer. 

A new Code of Meeting Practice, dated November 2016, has now been published - available here in full and includes under 'PART 1 BEFORE THE MEETING':

1.1 Holding Meetings
(1) The Council is required to meet at least 10 times each year, each time in a different month [S365]
(2) The Council shall, by resolution, set the time, date and place of Ordinary Meetings of the Council.
(3) The General Manager may call an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council for any specific purpose.
(4) If the Mayor receives a request in writing signed by at least 2 Councillors, the Mayor must call
an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council to be held as soon as practicable but in any event
within 14 days after receipt of the request. [S366]
(a) The Mayor, in consultation with the General Manager, shall determine the time and place of an Extraordinary Meeting
(5) Extraordinary meetings are not only held in ‘extraordinary’ circumstances. These meetings can be held to deal with special business or in the exceptional circumstance where there is so much
business to be dealt with that an additional meeting is required.
(6) Unless resolved otherwise, all meetings are held in the Council Chambers at the following locations:
(a) Mona Vale Memorial Hall, 1 Park St, Mona Vale NSW 2103
(b) Civic Centre, 625 Pittwater Road, Dee Why, NSW 2099
(c) Town Hall, 1 Belgrave Street, Manly, NSW 2095

1.2 Notice of Meetings
Notice to Councillors
(1) The General Manager of a Council must send to each Councillor, at least 3 business days before each meeting of the Council, a notice specifying the time and place at which and the date on which the meeting is to be held and the business proposed to be transacted at the meeting. [S367(1)]
(2) Notice of less than 3 business days may be given of an extraordinary meeting called in an emergency. [S367(2)]
(a) The Act does not define ‘emergency’. It could cover things other than natural disasters, states of emergency or urgent deadlines that must be met. Initially, the General Manager would decide what is an ‘emergency’ and therefore if an extraordinary meeting is required.
(3) A notice under this section and the agenda for, and the business papers relating to, the meeting may be given to a Councillor in electronic form but only if all Councillors have facilities to access the notice, agenda and business papers in that form. 

On Wednesday November 30th an Extraordinary Meeting was called for by the General Manager, then held, with the Agenda issued on that same day, to;
'present to Council the Draft Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct Structure Plan and to seek Council’s endorsement to publicly exhibit the Draft Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct Structure Plan (‘the Plan’).'
Agenda published on Council's website HERE

Luckily there will be no elected Councillors until after September 2017 so such emergencies that may need to be addressed, for any specific purpose, can have an Extraordinary Meeting called for, held, and then dealt with on the same day! 

All materials regarding the Draft Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct Structure Plan are subsequently now available here, with an online 'having a say' the preferred feedback method and submissions closing on February 28th, 2017

Saving Grevillea Caleyi – Bushcare At Baha’i

Our last volunteer bush regeneration session at the Baha'i Temple under the GSLLS funding is on Monday December 5.
Meet at the picnic shelter at 8.30 am.

If you haven't been to this event before now is your last chance to join our volunteers end experience this wonderful site and see this lovely rare shrub.The new leaves are as colourful as the flowers. Equipment is provided.

There will be a special morning tea at 10 am
In the event of rain the morning tea will still go ahead.

For more information please contact David Palmer on 0404 171 940

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA) 

Toys 'N' Tucker Christmas Appeal

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes is encouraging local residents, businesses, community groups and schools to support Anglicare’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker Christmas appeal.
 
Toys ‘n’ Tucker is part of Anglicare’s annual Christmas campaign where donations of non-perishable foods and new toys are collected and packed into hampers for families across Sydney who would otherwise go without.
 
Donations are being received at the Pittwater electorate office in Mona Vale, located at 1725 Pittwater Road, until Tuesday 13 December.
 
“This is a fantastic initiative which helps to support some of Sydney’s most vulnerable families,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“Our community has been extremely generous over recent years and has helped provide invaluable assistance to those who would otherwise go without.
 
“Christmas is a time of great joy and happiness – but for many families it can be the cause of financial difficulty, stress and disappointment.
 
"Toys n' Tucker aims to help ensure everyone can enjoy this very special time of the year.
 
"I encourage everyone to dig deep, get involved and make a contribution to this really important appeal", Rob Stokes said.

Avalon Beach SLSC invites you to our much anticipated community event, “Carols at the Beach” on Saturday 10 December 2016 at the Surf Club. 
The popular food fair kicks off at 4:00pm followed by carols at 6:00pm. 

This year we are very excited to announce that carols will be performed by Jubilation Choir. The evening will conclude at 9:00pm with our spectacular evening fireworks over Avalon Beach. 

This joyful night of carols, music and entertainment brings together over 3000 members of our community to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. We hope to see you there.

Like our facebook page to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/CarolsAtTheBeach/


‘YE OLDE SLIDE NIGHT’

Our last meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday, 13 DECEMBER in the Avalon Beach Bowling Club in Bowling Green Lane. It will commence at 8pm and for those of you who love old photographs, especially of this area, this meeting will be one you won’t want to miss. 

Instead of the old slide nights of the past we have got a veritable plethora of DIGITAL slides (?) some which will no doubt amaze you!
The topics to be covered are too numerous to isolate and we have some ‘out of area’ as well.  To find out more, you will just have to come along.  Feel free to bring a guest or friend  (along with their $10 for membership as well – cheeky!).

At our last meeting, we were hoping to show you some of the more recent photographs we have acquired, however, we ran out of time so we will show these at this meeting.

Don’t forget if you haven’t visited our/your website yet go to 
abhs.org.au and check out our gallery so far with 25 great photos.

We have updated our membership list and discovered some of you are not yet financial for the coming year. We will have the list available on the night for you to check your membership status.
With our upcoming Ninth Great Historic Photographic Exhibition over the long weekend in October next year, all funds will be greatly appreciated. 

As usual CHRISTMAS FARE will be the order of the night for supper so stay if you wish for a chat and a cuppa and a rum ball (or 2 if you’re not the driver!).
If you are unable to attend the meeting the executive committee would like to wish you the happiest of Christmases and the healthiest of New Years and we look forward to your company in 2017.

Geoff Searl, President
Avalon Beach Historical Society

60th Anniversary Of Club Palm Beach

Club Palm Beach is going to celebrate the 1957 opening, its 60th anniversary and we would like to get as many people from the past and present as possible to join us in a reunion here at the Club. This includes old friends, relatives, neighbours, local sports clubs, sailing mates, students from local schools, campers from the old camping ground near the Golf course, EVERYONE! 

Leading up to the reunion we want to hear your old stories & share your photos from the good old days. Stories from the camping grounds, for example some families lived at the camping grounds while their family homes were built. John Oliver was one, he says the camping ground was a community in itself. Other campers such as the Trainor family loved the camping community so much they moved permanently to Palm Beach.


Camping at Palm Beach - photo courtesy National Library of Australia

Palm Beach RSL started off as a shed, it was originally built in Lucinda Park, Nabilla Rd Palm Beach. The shed, built from weather board by Dick Martin, Jack Martin and Fred Verrills, was then moved to Barrenjoey Rd, the current Club site, sitting approximately where the bistro dinner room is now. The land purchased in Barrenjoey Rd was instigated by Carl Gow. The little Club traded there from the very early 50's until the current Club opened in December 1957. The original shed was removed by Peter Verrills and Bill Martin then transported by Bill's semi-trailer to Wisemans Ferry and there it was used as a cabin for the Verrills family & friends for their water skiing holidays. In the early days the Cub (shed)l opened daily at 4pm and operated on an honour system, any purchases were fixed up on pay day.

The Club as it is today was built by R. Martin & Sons. It was opened on the 14th December 1957. The president at the time of the opening was Alf Curtis and the secretary was Ron Vance. Some of the early committee members were Harold Richardson, Ken Wardrop, Fred Verrills, Jack Martin, Bill McTaggart, Ron Vance, Jack Henman, Brian Oxenham and Chic Whitchard. Some old local family names were the Gonsalves, Martins, and Goddards. There was a big variety of local businesses including the chemist, butcher, bakers, doctors and the fruit and veg shop.

Apparently there were two garages as well. To Peter Verrills' recollection, the Palm Beach bottle shop is the only shop still operating as it was when opened. The original owners were the Goddard's.

Lola was their daughter who married Jack Martin.

We would love to hear all the history on the ferry service, fishing charter boats, builder's ship wrights etc... before it is all lost. 

Please start posting any stories, pictures or memories to our Facebook page - Club Palm Beach. Save the date and come down and join us and tell us a bit about it. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

This is a great time to catch up with that old Palm Beach friend of yours - you always say you will but never seem to get the chance.

John Sinclair
Club Palm Beach Secretary - Manager

NB: Contributors may also email High Res photos to Pittwater Online News and we'll forward them to the club.

We will be running some Historical insights into aspects of the formation of Club Palm Beach/Palm Beach RSL in August 2017, in the lead up to the 60th Anniversary Celebrations.

A few examples run here

A J Guesdon
Editor - Pittwater Online News.

Greater Sydney Commission: North District 

Have your say on the draft District Plans!

GSC: We invite you to attend one of our upcoming community drop-in sessions across Sydney's six districts to learn more about planning for Sydney’s long-term future, and how to provide feedback.

Follow the link to find out more details on your local session.

North District 
Saturday 3 December 10am – 1pm
Dougherty Centre
7 Victor Street, Chatswood

North District
The North District is a place of coastline suburbs, harbour communities and bushland neighbourhoods located around vibrant urban centres with lively high streets, busy shopping districts and employment hubs.

From document, Full Draft District Plan, available to read and download in full at 'North district' link above:

Mona Vale Proposed priorities: 
• protect and enhance the commercial and retail function of the centre to provide employment growth and maintain high job containment 
• ensure sufficient retail and commercial floor space is provided to meet future demand 
• leverage the Mona Vale B-Line stop to facilitate intensification of uses in the centre, with an emphasis on the provision of housing affordability to retain 18 to 35 year olds 
• explore opportunities to increase residential diversification around the centre 
• improve access and linkages to local destinations, such as Mona Vale Hospital, through priority pedestrian networks 
• promote walking and cycling to the centre and within it 
• retain and protect the industrial precinct to the north of the centre to serve the growing population 
• investigate feasibility of existing planning provisions and controls as they relate to mixed-use and residential development within the centre 
• prioritise place making initiatives to promote mixed-use activities, urban activation and more diverse housing, and improve connectivity and integration with existing networks.

Brookvale-Dee Why Proposed priorities: 
• maintain the mix of uses so that Brookvale-Dee Why continues to perform strongly as a well-balanced, self-sustaining combined centre 
• encourage and support improvements to Warringah Mall and better integrate it with the fabric and life of Brookvale-Dee Why 
• encourage provision of affordable housing to attract and retain key workers in local industries, particularly in Brookvale 
• recognise and enhance the economic and employment opportunities along Pittwater Road and encourage revitalisation along this commercial strip 
• promote walking, cycling and public transport to Warringah Mall, the Brookvale industrial area and Dee Why to alleviate traffic congestion on Pittwater Road and to reduce car dependency 
• encourage the establishment of new, innovative and creative industries in the Brookvale industrial area 
• encourage new lifestyle or entertainment uses to activate local streets in Brookvale-Dee Why 
• improve connections between Brookvale-Dee Why and Northern Beaches Hospital and beyond.

Manly Proposed priorities: 
• further develop Manly as a cultural, tourist, retail and entertainment precinct 
• improve transport connections to Manly Wharf from other lower Northern Beaches suburbs 
• provide faster public transport to Chatswood, Frenchs Forest, St Leonards, Macquarie Park and Macquarie University 
• encourage diversified commercial activity to improve economic resilience 
• encourage eco-tourism around North Head and the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.

3.5 Prioritising Northern Beaches Hospital as the catalyst for a new centre
The Northern Beaches Hospital will anchor a new health and education super precinct for the North District and Greater Sydney.
Associated road upgrades are intended to ease congestion and improve travel times to, from and within the super precinct as it develops.
The Northern Beaches Council is preparing a Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct Structure Plan to consider the wider land use implications of this investment. The Structure Plan will analyse opportunities and constraints to plan for future development around the Hospital.

2016-2021 Housing Target - Northern Beaches 3,400
The NSW Government is also accelerating the capacity for housing supply across the District through the following projects: 
• Cherrybrook Station Precinct: which is part of the Sydney Metro Northwest Priority Urban Renewal Corridor to maximise access and opportunities for more housing and jobs 
• Ingleside Precinct: in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area. 

From page 16:
1.1.3 Status of the draft District Plan
While councils are required to give effect to District Plans as soon as practicable after a District Plan is made, draft District Plans will guide the preparation of planning proposals under Part 3 of the Act. This is established by the Department of Planning and Environment’s Guide to Preparing Planning Proposals (August 2016).

The Guide lists assessment criteria for a planning proposal, which include but are not limited to consideration of the strategic merit of the proposal, the site-specific merit of the proposal and consistency with strategic plans, including draft District Plans, State environmental planning policies and Ministerial directions.
Local environmental plans will continue to determine whether development is permitted or prohibited on land. While a draft District Plan or District Plan is not a mandatory matter for consideration in the determination of a development application, a consent authority may decide to consider a draft District Plan or District Plan to the extent it relates to the objects of the EP&A Act.
The inclusion of Our vision – Towards our Greater Sydney 2056 in Chapter 2 of this draft District Plan foreshadows our research and the evolution of our thinking that will inform the review of A Plan for Growing Sydney during 2017. It does not replace the legal status of A Plan for Growing Sydney as the current Greater Sydney Region Plan.

NB: More details are available by downloading the Full Draft District Plan - (PDF: 8.95 MB)

Avalon Beach SLSC Patrol Saves Swimmers

Congratulations to Patrol 4 who performed a mass rescue of three young girls caught in the rip at North Avalon recently. The rescue was carried our close to the rocks in big and dangerous surf. A special mention to Brent Williams and Michael Kurtz on rescue boards and Alan Mahn and Sam Nesbitt in the IRB.
The attached photo is not of the rescue, but indicates what to do if you are in trouble in the water. A reminder that there is deceptively strong surf at present and the rip currents are extremely strong, particularly at North Avalon, in the centre of the beach and at South Avalon. Please only swim between the flags and do not swim if the beach is closed.

How to Spot a Rip Current

Published on 4 Oct 2016 by Surf Life Saving Australia
Rips are complex, can quickly change shape and location, and at times, are difficult to see. The things to look for are deeper, dark-coloured water; fewer breaking waves; a rippled surface surrounded by smooth waters; and anything floating out to sea or foamy, discoloured, sandy, water flowing out beyond the waves. Rips don’t always show all of these signs at once. Can you spot a rip?

Ocean Swims 2016-17

Are you ready for the Blackmores Billy Ocean Swim? 
See you at Bilgola Beach Sun 11 Dec - first race at 9am, 1km at 10am. Check out all the action from last year in this video. See you at the beach!

Bilgola is Race 1 in the Pittwater Swim Series 2016/17. 
Swimmers who do at least three of the five swims in the series will go into a draw to win a weekend in Byron Bay to take part in the Byron Bay Swim on May 7, 2017. 

Other swims in the series are Newport (Jan 8), Avalon (Jan 15), Mona Vale (Jan 22), and Palm-Whale (Jan 29)

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 1/12/2016 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Scotland Island Dog Race 

It's on again!
Same time same place
Christmas Eve 6pm @ Church Point
 
DETAILS:
Register your Dog from 2:30 to 5:30pm
Entry fee is 1 Longneck (Cold !) and 1 x Large Tin Dog Food

Official starting time 6pm (or thereabouts)

Lifesavers Welcome New Rock Fishing Bill

Friday 2 Dec 2016 - SLS NSW
The NSW Government’s Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016 came into effect on Thursday with the lifesaving community welcoming the initiative as a positive step towards decreasing fatalities in one of Australia’s most hazardous recreational activities.

Under the terms of the Act, all rock fishers and those assisting them in the Randwick Local Government Area must now wear a lifejacket while fishing from a rock platform.

Sanctioned law enforcement officers including NSW Police, the Department of Primary Industries, the Department of Fisheries, and local council officers will be monitoring fishers for compliance, however the first 12 months will be about educating the public, and there will be a year’s grace period on fines.

The death of two rock fishers in NSW waters last month brought the dangers of this sport into sharp focus. There have now been 12 deaths in NSW waters in the last 18 months with the common factor across all these incidents being that no victims were wearing a lifejacket.

Acting NSW Operations Manager Andy Kent has welcomed the introduction of the Act.

“Wearing a lifejacket increases your chance of survival if you do end up in the water and as lifesavers we strongly encourage rock fishers to consider lifejackets an essential piece of fishing equipment.

“If you choose to not wear one you’re putting not only yourself but also rescuers at risk. Any drowning is a tragedy but preventable ones are a source of great frustration to lifesavers,” Mr Kent said.

Although the 12 month trial is at this stage restricted to the Randwick LGA, Andy Kent has urged the entire rock fishing community to embrace wearing lifejackets regardless of where they fish.

General Rock Fishing Safety Tips:
• Check the weather, surf conditions and tides before going fishing
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
• Always wear a lifejacket
• Wear appropriate non-slip footwear and light clothing
• Always fish with a friend
• Check the warnings signs for information about the area
• Never turn your back to the water
• Do not try and retrieve anything that has fallen into the water
• Do not jump in if someone falls into the water - wait for assistance or throw an ‘Angel Ring’ or Lifebuoy if there is one nearby
• Additionally boaters are urged to always check conditions prior and to log on with their local Marine Rescue Base via radio or using the MarineRescue App. Visit www.mrnsw.com.au for more information
• Call Triple Zero – Police to report an in-water emergency

Amendment To Beach Parking Permit Policy: Retirement Villages 

At an Extraordinary Council meeting on the 19 May 2016, Council resolved to implement one beach parking permit across the Northern Beaches, allowing free permit parking in designated Council operated Pay and Display carparks.

The Beach Parking Permit Scheme Policy was developed and provides a framework for Council to determine eligibility for the allocation of beach parking permits, including the provision of additional permits, the replacement of permits and the locations where these permits are valid.
In the past, the former Councils provided Beach Parking permits upon application to residents of retirement villages. This was changed to only allow for rateable properties.

It has come to my attention that this policy has omitted to recognise senior citizens who reside in a non-rateable retirement villages and has caused a considerable level of concern amongst these residents.
I would like to review the subject policy to include the impacted group.

ADMINISTRATOR MINUTE NO 10/2016
RECOMMENDATION
That the policy be amended to read:
3.6 Tenants in Common and Retirement Villages
Tenants in Common and residents of retirement villages, are entitled to apply for up to two (2) Beach Parking Permits per household. Application forms must be completed and signed by the applicant as well as authorised by the relevant property administrator. Applications will be considered once the necessary completed forms are returned to Council.

Dick Persson
ADMINISTRATOR

Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)

The Northern Beaches Council are developing our first Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) to create a more inclusive and accessible community for all residents and visitors to the Northern Beaches.

They are asking people to Complete a Survey online or complete a paper copy available at local libraries and upon request.

They are also holding two information and feedback sessions for people living with a disability, family, carers, service providers and community members.

• Evening session: Tuesday 29 November, Pittwater RSL, 6:30pm-8:30pm, registrations and refreshments from 6pm.

• Day time session: Thursday 1 December, Dee Why RSL, 10:30am-12:30pm, registrations and refreshments from 10am.

Bookings are essential. Please advise of any special needs when booking.

Comments Close: 9 December 2016

To find out more, complete the survey or register t attend an Information Session, please visit http://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/DIAP 

Inaugural Bowen Bungaree Celebration

from Budawa Aboriginal Signage Group: November 20 
Inaugural Picnic Lunch to celebrate the life of Bowen Bungaree 1802-1853, an extraordinary Indigenous local of the Northern Beaches, and reclaim the cultural history of this area.

Sunday 11th December 2016 Time 10.30am. 
Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach 
Meet at BBQ at the entrance to park.

Traditional Smoking Ceremony, Didgeridoo playing
BYO Meal and drinks, chairs or blankets.
Free parking if you have a Northern Beaches Council sticker. Otherwise $4 hour. 

Contact Neil Evers 0419 219 770 

Pittwater Online News Christmas-New Years Break

Please note the last Issue for 2016 will be published on December 18th - No.: 294. The first Issue for 2017 will be published on January 8th - No.: 295. 

If you have Events, News or Notices you wish to run in Issue 294 for that break period you will need to have it to us no later than 7.55 a.m December 18th, 2016. 

Fight For A Cure With An SQ Bauble

This Christmas, add a little sparkle to families affected by cancer with an SQ bauble!

Warriewood Square in conjunction with Fight on the Beaches & Fight for a Cure is aiming to raise $10,000 to fund cancer screening clinics for local women, with free a crèche facility. These clinics will focus on reducing the incidence of skin, breast and cervical cancer in Northern Beaches women.
 
Get involved and decorate this Fight for a Cure Wall!
1. Visit our Information Desk opposite Gloria Jeans to ‘purchase’ an SQ paper bauble.
2. You may write your name on the bauble; dedicate it to a loved one or create a beautiful piece of art!
3. ‘Hang’ the bauble on this Fight for a Cure Wall or leave it at the Information Desk and we will ‘hang’ it for you.
4. 100% of all monies will be donated to Fight on the Beaches.
5. Fight on the Beaches is a Northern Beaches fundraising initiative which has raised in excess of $468,000 for cancer research over the past 2 years.

100% of all monies raised will be donated to Fight on the Beaches. Fight on the Beaches is a Northern Beaches fundraising.

Fight on the Beaches is a Northern Beaches fundraising initiative which has raised in excess of $468,000 for cancer research over the past 2 years

Visit www.fightonthebeaches.com for more information.

Christmas Stalls: MVHA

Full list of all our upcoming stalls runs below

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Fundraising Dates 2016

Meetings: First Tuesday  of every month at  Pittwater RSL Club from 10.30am  to  12 noon   Membership is $5.00 per year Ring us on 9979 5115 ... or just turn up

December 3rd: Sausage sizzle, Narrabeen Bunnings car park    

December 9th: Stall, Mona Vale Hospital foyer  Baking, craft, knitting, books

December 12th & 17th: Stall, Pittwater Place, Mona Vale Craft, knitting, books, jam

Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal

The Warriewood Square Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is the largest and longest Christmas appeal and is celebrating it’s 29th year!

So grab a tag from the Xmas tree in front of Kmart and donate to this worthy cause.

The Spirit Of Christmas: Doggie Rescue Calendar 2017 

Here’s the story…of three little rescue pups Marcia, Jan and Cindy, and a special Foster doggy mummy Lexi 

On the 16 September DoggieRescue received three, one week old pups that were dumped outside a vet clinic without their Mum.  The pups were very weak and it was a struggle to get them to feed. We tried tube feeding, bottle feeding and syringe feeding but none were particularly successful.
At the time they arrived we had a Chihuahua X Mum, Lexi who had given birth to a litter of 4 pups a month earlier. Lexi was rescued from the pound pregnant.  So we tried to see if Lexi would accept these orphaned pups as her own, and amazingly she did!  The new pups were only slightly smaller than her own, and we think are possibly staffy x.   She started to feed and clean them just as she did her own. We were so relieved! 

We named the new pups Marcia, Jan and Cindy, from the Brady Bunch as they were now a blended family.  The girls are now almost 6 weeks old, and feeding on their own but will always try and get some Mummy milk as that is always the best!
 
DoggieRescue is all about saving lives like Cindy, Marcia and Jan, 365 days of the year.  To keep our doors open we have launched our major fundraiser for the year, our 2017 calendar full of pics of DoggieRescue dogs who have found their forever homes and what these dogs mean to their families. 

Marcia, Jan and Cindy would love you to buy a calendar this year for your friends and family – they think its the perfect Christmas stocking filler!  Click on the pic of the pups below to pre order your copy now.
Marcia, Jan and Cindy thank you from the bottom of their paws.

Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club Hire

Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club is situated just off Pittwater  Road on Surfview Road, Mona Vale overlooking the magnificent Mona Vale Beach, with spectacular views from the function room and large spacious deck overlooking the beach to the Basin in the north and Warriewood Headland in the south.

Our venue offers you great choice for your special functions. It is ideal for weddings, birthday celebrations and corporate events. We also take weekly bookings for exercise groups, community groups etc.

Facilities:
The upstairs function room and deck with full uninterrupted beach and ocean views has capacity to cater for 70 guests seated (inside and out) or 120 for a cocktail style function.

Included is:
• Full audio / visual equipment
• Small kitchen
• Café style round tables and associated seating with arms
• Trestle Tables
• Full bar with a large variety of refreshment and tap beer
• Two professional bar staff and full liquor license
• BBQ facilities including sturdy picnic tables on the deck

The cost to hire the venue is $650 (including bar staff) for an evening or $44 per hour during the day (plus bar staff if required). A deposit of $500 is required to secure your booking and preferred date. Full payment is required 21 days prior to the event.

Please see the terms and conditions and contract for more information. Please note that we do not accept bookings for children’s parties, 18th or 21st birthdays.

Please submit a booking enquiry form and we will be in contact.
For all forms and details visit: monavaleslsc.org.au/venue-hire

Have Your Say On The Container Deposit Regulation

November 30, 2016: NSW Government
The NSW Environmental Protection Authority is seeking feedback on the draft container deposit scheme (CDS) regulation. Submissions are due by 5pm on 23 December 2016. 

The draft Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (Container Deposit Scheme) Regulation 2016 sets out the operational details for the day-to-day running of the NSW scheme and annual reporting requirements.

The draft regulation covers topics such as:

  • the types of containers that will be accepted
  • the amount that will be refunded to consumers at collection points
  • the circumstances in which a container may not be accepted at a collection point.
NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said finalising these operational details would be another key step towards rolling out the NSW container deposit scheme in 2017.

"The CDS is the single largest litter reduction initiative in NSW so it's fitting that community members can have their say on these important details and I encourage them to do so.”

View the draft regulation and have your say by 23 December 2016

Warriewood Development Application

41 WARRIEWOOD ROAD 
WARRIEWOOD 
Lodged 28/10/2016
Application Number: N0491/16
Subdivision of land and provision of infrastructure, resulting in 30 Torrens title residential lots, 4 Community title lots, dedication of the creekline corridor, and the creation of a new public road 

More HERE 

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Dickens

AGE/SEX: 5 years / M
BREED: Beagle x Jack Russell
Dickens came is a friendly happy boy who came from the pound with an old fracture on his hind leg which we had repaired. Recently Dickens has had a bulging disc which resulted in him being paralysed. After one month of rest he has made an amazing recovery. He can run again. Dickens loves his exercise but also likes to lounge about the house and sunbake. He makes eye contact with people and loves being stroked and patted. He is social with other dogs. There are still things that can startle him. He has a short coat and weighs 6.8kg. 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. 


For further details or to meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS!!!!!

Northern Beaches Concert Band is looking for flute, clarinet, saxophone, tuba and trombone adult players.  We cater for players from beginner to advanced and have a varied and exciting repertoire.  

Come and join us during school term time at 7.30pm, Pittwater High School, Mona Street, Mona Vale. 
  
Details 9970 7131 or 0414 560 263.

Improving Voluntary Planning Agreements

The NSW Government is seeking your feedback on improving the policy framework for voluntary planning agreements (VPAs). 

The framework includes a draft Ministerial Direction, draft Practice Note and draft Planning Circular. 

The Government wants to encourage councils and developers to work together to get the best possible outcomes out of VPAs so that: 

• There’s a clear public benefit arising from the VPA that relates to the development; 
• The VPA negotiation process is fair and reasonable between parties, and is transparent to the broader community; 
• The identification of infrastructure in a VPA is informed by an assessment of local community needs. 

We welcome your feedback on the draft Ministerial Direction, draft Practice Note and draft Planning Circular. Submissions can be made until 27 January 2017.

Pittwater Mens Probus Club Christmas Lunch

Christmas Lunch
Date and time: Tuesday 20th December, 12 noon
Venue: Mona Vale Golf Club
 
Menu: Welcome drink (wine, beer, soft) at bar
           Two courses (main and dessert), each by alternate drop
           Bottle of red wine and white wine per table
           Tea and coffee

Cost:  $45 per head, inclusive of above menu and Lucky Door prizes
Registration and payment: To be made on or before November meeting, 8.11.16
Payment method: Cash, or cheque made out to Probus Club of Pittwater.

Pittwater Mens Probus Meetings
10am 2nd Tuesday every Month
Venue: Mona Vale Golf Club

Friends Of Bungan Beach Restoration

Bungan Beach's superb backdrop of bushland is being cared for by donations from the Pittwater Environmental Foundation (PEF) and the determination and hard work of local people who love this wonderful place. Volunteers and contractors remove weeds and plant native plants where natural regeneration is unlikely because of dense weeds for many years.

Can you lend a hand to Friends of Bungan? go tohttp://www.friendsofbungan.org.au/about-us/


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Barefoot Ball

Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 6 PM
Newport Surf Life Saving Club
Take part in Sydney's premier black-tie barefoot charity ball at the Newport Beach Club on 14th January and help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club!

Join us for a night of summer festivities, delicious food, great entertainment, and bare feet all under the stars at one of Sydney's most stunning beaches. Enjoy a first class 3 course meal accompanied by premium beer, wine a soft drinks. Entertainment will include live music, a silent auction and combined speeches from Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club.

All proceeds of the Barefoot Ball go towards Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited, life threatening condition affecting young Australians. Cystic Fibrosis is life shortening and there is no cure.


Ticket Prices: - Single: $195 - Table (10 People): $1950

The purpose of  www.westpittwater.com.au  - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.

To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.

To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.

To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.

To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Pittwater Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au

 Gone Fishing Gallery at Waterfront Store Church Point

Open again TODAY in the top room Waterfront Store. Open mainly weekends as an addition to the waterfront cafe. Keep up to date on theirFacebook page

New Season for Sailability Pittwater 

Sailability Pittwater is a volunteer organisation which provides sailing for people with a disability. Our main recreational sailing activities are at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, and we run competitive sailing for people with a disability out of RPAYC Newport.

We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Saturday morning program at Rowland Reserve and Tuesdays at RPA. Visit our website for more information at  www.sailability.org/au/pittwater or call John on 9982 5656

Bushcare in Pittwater 


For further information or to confirm the meeting details for below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367






BUSHCARE SCHEDULES 
Where we work                      Which day                              What time 

Avalon     
Angophora Reserve             3rd Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Dunes                        1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Golf Course               2nd Wednesday                3 - 5:30pm 
Careel Creek                         4th Saturday                      8:30 - 11:30am 
Toongari Reserve                 3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon (8 - 11am in summer) 
Bangalley Headland            2nd Sunday                         9 to 12noon 

Bayview     
Winnererremy Bay                 4th Sunday                        9 to 12noon 

Bilgola     
North Bilgola Beach              3rd Monday                        9 - 12noon 
Algona Reserve                     1st Saturday                      9 - 12noon 
Plateau Park                          1st Friday                           8:30 - 11:30am 

Church Point     
Browns Bay Reserve             1st Tuesday                      9 - 12noon 
McCarrs Creek Reserve       Contact Bushcare Officer     To be confirmed 

Clareville     
Old Wharf Reserve                 3rd Saturday                     8 - 11am 

Elanora     
Kundibah Reserve                   4th Sunday                      8:30 - 11:30am 

Mona Vale     
Mona Vale Beach Basin          1st Saturday                   8 - 11am 
Mona Vale Dunes                     2nd Saturday+3rd Thursday     8:30 - 11:30am 

Newport     
Bungan Beach                          4th Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
Crescent Reserve                    3rd Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
North Newport Beach              4th Saturday                    8:30 - 11:30am 
Porter Reserve                         2nd Saturday                   8 - 11am 

North Narrabeen     
Irrawong Reserve                     3rd Saturday                   2 - 5pm 

Palm Beach     
North Palm Beach Dunes       3rd Saturday                   9 - 12noon 

Scotland Island     
Catherine Park                          2nd Sunday                    10 - 12:30pm 
Elizabeth Park                           1st Saturday                     9 - 12 noon 
Pathilda Reserve                      3rd Saturday                     9 - 12 noon 

Warriewood     
Warriewood Wetlands             1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 

Whale Beach     
Norma Park                               1st Friday                            9 - 12noon 

Western Foreshores     
Coopers Point, Elvina Bay      2nd Sunday                        10 - 1pm 
Rocky Point, Elvina Bay           1st Monday                          9 - 12noon