Pittwater Online News

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: December 1, 2020

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To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Pittwater Online December-January Editions

2020 Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race Cancelled: COVID-19

PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER FOR NORTHERN BEACHES LGA

December 19, 2020

A Public Health Order for the Northern Beaches Local Government Area (LGA) has been signed by the NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research, Brad Hazzard MP, to control the spread of COVID-19.

The new Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order 2020 enforces the stay-at-home advisory issued on the 17th December for the Northern Beaches LGA. The order requires local residents or people in short-term accommodation (such as hotels or rental accommodation) to stay at home. 

People are also not permitted to enter the Northern Beaches LGA without a lawful reason. The Order will remain in effect until 11.59pm on Wednesday (subject to health advice).

Hospitality venues and function centres in the Northern Beaches LGA will close for the duration of the Order, with the exception of takeaway from hospitality venues. Gyms and places of worship will also close, for example. 

A resident of the Northern Beaches may not participate in a public gathering involving more than two people, unless for permitted reasons such as attending work. 

Other exemptions to the two-person rule are listed in the Order, and include gatherings involving your own family.

Acceptable reasons for leaving home include: 

• - Shopping for food and other essential goods and services
• - Travel for work purposes if working from home is not possible, and travel to or from a school or educational institution
• - Exercise
• - Medical care, carer’s responsibilities or compassionate needs.

Other acceptable reasons for leaving your home include accessing childcare, providing care or emergency assistance and to escape a risk of harm. A full list of requirements under different circumstances can be found in the Order.

“We need people to adhere to this order to protect the community and control the spread of COVID-19,” NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said. 

“Wear a mask when shopping and engaging in other essential permitted activities.”

Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties. The maximum penalty for individuals is $11,000 and potential imprisonment for six months. The NSW Police may also issue on-the-spot fines of $1000 for an offence. 

Latest COVID-19 Case Locations And Alerts In NSW

This NSW Health Webpage lists ALL of the Locations and Alerts for COVID-19. 

At: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/case-locations-and-alerts.aspx

Confirmed COVID-19 cases are associated with these locations and have been classified by NSW Health for action. This information will be updated if further locations are identified. Locations are removed when 14 days have passed since the last known date that a confirmed case.

Self-isolate and get tested

If you have been to any of these locations during the time and date indicated you should:

1. immediately self-isolate until 14 days after you were last there
2. get tested even if you have no symptoms
3. watch for COVID-19 symptoms and get retested should any symptoms recur
4. even if you get a negative test, you must stay in isolation for 14 days as it can take 14 days before you may show symptoms or test positive.

Clinics: Pop Up + Others:

Palm Beach Laverty Pathology Drive-through Clinic

Governor Phillip Park Car Park , Entry off Beach Road, 2108, Palm Beach, NSW, AU

• Appointments are not required
  
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle

Avalon Pop-up Clinic

59 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Recreation Centre, 2107, Avalon

• Appointments are not required
  
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle
• GP referral is not required

Avalon Laverty Pathology drive-through clinic

Avalon Parade, Avalon Bowling Club Car Park, 2107, Avalon Beach

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

Newport Pop up COVID-19 testing clinic

11-13 The Boulevard, Newport Community Centre, 2106, Newport

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

Mona Vale Hospital Clinic

Mona Vale Hospital, Gate 3, Coronation Street (entry behind Urgent Care Centre), Mona Vale

Babies under the age of 6 months will not be tested and should attend Northern Beaches Hospital Emergency Department. 

• 
  
• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Wheelchair accessible

Warriewood Histopath Pathology drive-through clinic

1472 Pittwater Road, Rat Park, Warriewood

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology Drive-through Clinic

1416 Pittwater Road,Narrabeen

• Appointments are not required
• Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle
• GP referral is required

Cromer Park Medlab drive-through pathology

120 South Creek Road,Cromer

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

Dee Why Respiratory Clinic

G/5 Mooramba Road, Dee Why

• Approximately 16.5km away
• Appointments are required
• Hours: 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday
• (02) 8416 5005

St Ives Douglas Hanly Moir Drive-through Pathology

450 Mona Vale Road, St Ives Showground, St. Ives

• Children under 5 years are not tested at this clinic. 
• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

Northern Beaches Hospital

105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), (Rear of Emergency Department), Frenchs Forest, 

• Clinic at rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry).
• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 5pm 7 days a week

Frenchs Forest 4Cyte Pathology Drive-through and Walk in Clinic

4 Russell Avenue,Frenchs Forest

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 8pm 7 days a week
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle
• GP referral is not required

Warringah Aquatic Centre pop-up drive-through clinic

1 Aquatic Drive,Frenchs Forest

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Not wheelchair accessible
• GP referral is not required

Brookvale Community Health Centre Clinic

612-624 Pittwater Road, 2100, Brookvale

• Appointments are not required
• Hours: 8am to 10pm 7 days a week
• Wheel chair accessible but patrons must remain in motor vehicle

Public Health Alert – New Advice And Venues

December 19/20, 2020: 11pm

NSW Health has revised the advice for several hundred people who attended an Avalon gym in light of further COVID-19 cases.

Known cases of COVID-19 attended Anytime Fitness on Avalon Parade in Avalon over several days while infectious. Anyone who attended the gym on any day on or after Tuesday 8 December is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days after they were last at the gym.

Additionally, anyone who attended the gym between Monday 23 November and Monday 7 December is advised to get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. 

Anytime Fitness Avalon is closed until further notice and is undergoing cleaning.

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have also visited a number of locations around Sydney.

NSW Health is advising all customers who dined-in at Oceana Traders – Seafood Merchants, 31 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach on the following dates is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days after they were last at the venue:

• Monday 14 December

• Tuesday 15 December

• Wednesday 16 December

• Thursday 17 December

Additionally, all customers who purchased take away from Oceana Traders are casual contacts and should get tested and isolate until they have a negative result.

Anyone who was at the following venue for one hour or more during the times below is considered a close contact and should get tested immediately and self-isolate until 30 December.  Other people who attended the venue for less than an hour during the times below should monitor for symptoms, and get tested immediately if they appear:

• Nomad Restaurant, 16 Foster St, Surry Hills: Wednesday 16 December, 12:45pm - 2pm
• Café Toscano (outdoor verandah area), 1 Wallis St, Forster: Wednesday 16 December, 6pm-7:45pm
• Strawberry Hills Hotel, 453 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills: Wednesday 16 December, 3:30pm-6pm

Anyone who attended the following locations is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result:

• Avalon RSL, 1 Bowling Green Ln, Avalon Beach: Monday 14 December, 6pm-8pm
• The Sands, 1260 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen: Tuesday 15 December, 6pm-8pm Salon for Hair, 3/1335 Pacific Hwy, Turramurra: Thursday 17 December and Friday 18 December, 9:30am – 3:30 pm
• Rose of Australia, 1 Swanson St, Erskineville: Tuesday 15 December, 7pm – 8.45pm
• Sydney Trapeze School, St Peters: Tuesday 15 December, 10am – 12pm (only staff and patrons who attended the class for beginners)

Anyone who attended the following venues at the below times is considered a casual contact and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result:

• Mitre 10 Mona Vale, 73 Bassett St, Mona Vale: Tuesday 15 December, 8:30am - 5:30pm and Wednesday 16 December, 8:30am - 5:30pm
• 2108 Espresso, 3/24 Ocean Rd, Palm Beach: Monday 14 December, 8am – 9am
• McDonald’s Raymond Terrace, William Bailey St, Raymond Terrace: Tuesday 15 December, 11.45am -12.15pm
• Warringah Mall: Wednesday 16 December, 10.40am – 1.40pm
• High Tek Aquarium, 732 Pittwater Rd, Brookvale: Wednesday 16 December, 1.55pm – 2.55pm
• Beach Bums Café, Corner Beach Street and North Street, Forster: Wednesday 16 December, 8am – 9am and Thursday 17 December, 8am–9am
• Rose of Australia, 1 Swanson St, Erskineville: Tuesday 15 December after 8.45pm
• Sydney Trapeze School, St Peters: Tuesday 15 December, any class after 10am
• Cuckoo Callay on Crown, 413-415 Crown St, Surry Hills: Tuesday 15 December, 11am – 12pm
• Harris Farm Warehouse, Flemington Markets, Homebush: Tuesday 15 December, 2am- 11am, Wednesday 16 December, 2am – 11am, Thursday 17 December, 2am- 1pm

A confirmed case also travelled between the following train stations during the times below. Other passengers are considered casual contacts and should monitor for symptoms:

• T1 North Shore Line, Monday 14 December, departing Artarmon 8:27am, arriving Wynyard 8:49am
• T1 North Shore Line, Monday 14 December, departing Wynyard 6:42pm, arriving Artarmon 7:01pm
• T1 North Shore Line, Tuesday 15 December, departing Artarmon 9:17am, arriving Wynyard 9:38am
• T3 Bankstown Line, Tuesday 15 December, departing St James 6:34pm arriving  Erskineville 6:48pm
• T3 Bankstown Line, Wednesday 16 December, departing Erskineville 7:03am, arriving Central 7:12am

The details for the below venue announced in the Public Health Alert earlier this afternoon have been revised. Please note amendments in bold:

• Fitness First Mona Vale, Pittwater Place Shopping Centre, 10 Park Street Mona Vale: Sunday 13 December, 2pm- 4pm and Monday 14 December, 10.30am – 12.30pm and Wednesday 16 December, 8.30am – 10am

Anyone in the state with even the mildest symptoms such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until a negative result is received.

December 19, 2020 (11am): 38 Cases Now In 'Avalon Cluster' - Venues/Transport List Grows

December 19, 2020: NSW recorded 23 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, and an additional seven cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.

From 5pm today, public health orders will enforce the stay at home advisory previously issued. This will require the closing of hospitality venues and function centres in the Northern Beaches LGA, until 11.59pm on Wednesday (subject to health advice), with the exception of takeaways. Gyms and places of worship will also close.

All residents of the Northern Beaches LGA will be required to stay at home, unless permitted to leave for certain reasons, such as essential shopping, exercise and medical care. The full list of circumstances will be listed in the published order.

People are not permitted to enter the Northern Beaches LGA unless these reasons apply.

NSW Health can advise there are now 38 cases associated with the Avalon cluster, as of 8pm last night.

NSW Health is calling on several hundred people who attended Avalon gym Anytime Fitness to take urgent action, get tested and isolate immediately until further advice is provided by NSW Health. A known case of COVID-19 attended Anytime Fitness on Avalon Parade in Avalon over several days while infectious. A number of people who attended this gym will be identified as close contacts and will be required to isolate for 14 days.

The total number of cases in NSW is 4,523 since the beginning of the pandemic.

Of the new cases to 8pm last night:

• 21 cases are locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster (Avalon)
• Two cases are local acquired with their source under investigation
• Seven were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine

Of the 38 cases in the Avalon cluster, 15 cases are linked to the Avalon RSL, 23 cases are linked to the Avalon Bowling Club, and several cases attended both venues.

The remaining two new locally acquired cases reported in today’s numbers are of Northern Beaches residents whose infection source and potential links to other cases remain under investigation.

NSW Health announced yesterday a NSW resident whose COVID-19 infection was diagnosed in Queensland was excluded from the NSW count. Following conversations with Queensland, this case will be counted as a NSW case, and is now included in today’s numbers.

Further venues of concern have been identified in relation to these cases. Anyone who travelled on the following bus routes is considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result:

• Route B1-1, 14 December, Departing Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd 6.55am, arriving Wynyard Station, York Street Stand M, 7.50am
• Route B1-2, 14 December 2020, Departing Wynyard Station Stand B 5.45pm, arriving Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 6.40pm
• Route B1-1, 15 December 2020, Departing Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd 6.35am, arriving Wynyard Station Stand M, 7.35am
• Route B1-2, 15 December 2020, Departing Wynyard Station Stand B 5.25pm, arriving Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 6.20pm
• Route B1-1, 16 December 2020, Departing Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd 6:50am, arriving Wynyard Station Stand M, 7.35am
• Route B1-2, 16 December 2020, Departing Wynyard Station Stand B 4.45pm, arriving Warriewood BLine, Pittwater Rd, 5.30pm

Anyone who attended the following venue at the below times, is considered a casual contact and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result:

• Nick Scali at SuperCentre, 4/6 Niangala Cl, Belrose, 16 December, 10am -5.30pm

A known case of COVID-19 attended Anytime Fitness on Avalon Parade in Avalon over several days while infectious. A number of people who attended this gym will be identified as close contacts and will be required to isolate for 14 days.

These days were:

• Saturday 12 December
• Friday 11 December
• Tuesday 8 December
• Monday 7 December
• Sunday 6 December

NSW Health has updated advice for people who have visited the following shopping malls. People are considered casual contacts, and should monitor for symptoms, and isolate and get tested if symptoms develop:

• Cronulla Mall, 15 December, 8-9pm and 16 December 11am-12pm
• Westfield Bondi Junction, 15 December, 1-2.30pm

Anyone in the Northern Beaches LGA has been asked to wear a mask when indoors until at least Monday, except in your own home.

To assist with contact tracing and reducing the spread of the virus, Northern Beaches residents have been asked to stay home as much as possible over the weekend.

This includes working from home where possible, not visiting friends or family in aged care facilities or hospitals unless essential, avoiding unnecessary gatherings and high-risk venues such as clubs, restaurants, places or worships and gyms, and avoiding unnecessary travel outside of or to the Northern Beaches area.

Businesses are urged to ensure full compliance with their COVID-Safe plans, including ensuring appropriate electronic recording of patrons’ contact details.

Many Northern Beaches locations have been added to the list of venues of concern visited by confirmed cases in recent days. The complete list of these venues are available on the NSW Government website www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

NSW Health has already seen an excellent response from the Northern Beaches community for testing, but it is absolutely vital everyone comes forward for testing isolates immediately if they have even the slightest of symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, fever, sore throat or runny nose.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19:

If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay.

Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.

Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.

Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back.

More at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/

NSW Records Two New Cases Of COVID-19 In Pittwater

December 16, 2020: 6pm

NSW Health has confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The source of the infections is under investigation. No links to other known cases have been identified. The infected people are a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s who are close contacts of each other. 

NSW Health has been notified of venues of concern following two new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon in the northern area of the Northern Beaches. 

Anyone who has attended the following venues is considered a close contact and should get tested and isolate for 14 days even if they receive a negative result:

• Palm Beach female change rooms – Sunday, 13 December 9-9.15am
• Coast Palm Beach Café, Barren Joey Rd, Palm Beach – Sunday, 13 December 10 11am
• Hungry Ghost Café, 20 Avalon Parade, Avalon – Sunday, 13 December, 9.30am-11am and Tuesday, 15 December 9.30-11am
• Sneaky Grind Café, 3/48 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 9.30-11am 
• Barramee Thai Massage and Spa, 4/42-44 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 2-3.30pm
• Bangkok Sidewalk Restaurant, 1/21-23 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December 7-8pm 
• Avalon Bowlo (bowling club), 4 Bowling Green Ln, Avalon Beach – Sunday, 13 December, 5-7pm and Tuesday, 15 December 3-5pm

People who have visited the following venues should get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result:

• Woolworths Avalon Beach, 74 Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Sunday, 13 December, 12-5pm 
• Oliver’s Pie, Careel Shopping Village, 1 Careel Head Rd, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 9-9.15am
• Bing Lee, Gateway, 1 Mona Vale Rd, Mona Vale – Monday, 14 December, 4.30 4.45pm
• Woolworths Avalon Beach, 74 Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Tuesday, 15 December, 12-12.30pm

Everyone living in the Beaches area should monitor for even the mildest of symptoms and come forward for testing immediately if they appear, then isolate until a negative result is received.

Testing clinics are located at:

• Mona Vale Hospital, Gate 3 Coronation Street, Mona Vale – walk-in clinic – open 7.30am-5.30pm seven days a week
• North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology, 1416 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen – drive-through clinic – open 10am-2pm Monday-Friday

There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 testing clinics or contact your GP. A full list of where you can get tested in this area runs at the base of this page.

The new cases will be included in the numbers reported on Thursday.

Reminder: Bus Route Changes Commence December 20

TfNSW Greater Sydney Bus Contracts 7, 8, 9 NSW Government Tenders webpage shows that tenders close for these regions now closes on April 30th, 2021.

A June 2020 Sydney Morning Herald report, 'Coronavirus pushes back government privatisation of Sydney bus services' by Tom Rabe states the government will now delay and stagger the tender process for the regional services. The impact of Covid is cited as a reason for the delay.

Region 8 encompasses Sydney's Northern Beaches and the Lower North Shore.

However, Transport NSW has published a reminder on December 7th that new services and the withdrawal of other routes commences from Sunday, December 20th.

The Notice states that from the December 20 more than 2,000 additional weekly bus services will be added in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore.

New services include overnight B-Line services operating between Mona Vale and the Sydney CBD for the first time, and buses operating every 10 minutes on key routes as part of the creation of an all-day frequent network operating throughout the day, seven days a week.

The new frequent routes operating every 10 minutes across the day, seven days a week are:

• Route 100 - Mosman to City
• Route 144 - Manly to Chatswood via St Leonards
• Route 160X - Dee Why to Chatswood
• Route 199 - Palm Beach to Manly via Mona Vale and Dee Why

New B-Line overnight services will be introduced, operating every 30 minutes seven days a week between Mona Vale and the CBD between midnight and 4am. This means the B-Line will now be running 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Overnight services will also operate between Avalon and Manly seven days a week as part of the new network.

The listed Bus Route Changes may be accessed HERE

Newport To Stage Pool To Peak Ocean Swims In January

The annual Newport Pool to Peak ocean swims will be held on Sunday January 3rd 2021 at Newport Beach thanks to the hard work of the Newport Surf Club’s organising committee.

The club will have a 400mm, 800m and a 2Kms swim on the day with an approved Covid Safe Plan in place.

According to John Guthrie, chairman of the Pool to Peak organising committee, a lot of detailed planning was required, before the club could receive Council approval, but the effort has been well worthwhile.

“A lot of ocean swims have been cancelled this season but we wanted to be able to offer ocean swimmers the opportunity to bring in a fresh New Year with a well organised ocean swim at a beautiful location.

“We will have a cordoned-off area for swimmers only and as each swim is completed, we will be asking swimmers to leave the area. In addition, we will have 10 Covid marshals on duty ensuring social distancing throughout the morning. Sanitisers will be placed in the cordoned-off area.

“We have moved the starting time for the 400m course to the earlier time of 8.45 am so entrants will have to make sure they give themselves plenty of time to pick up their caps and timing anklets before the start,” said John.

“Only online entries are being accepted at oceanswims.com and numbers so far are good, indicating that ocean swimmers want to plunge into the ocean once again. 

“Quite a few swimmers are entering for two of the three swims. There will be no presentations but medals will be posted to the winners following the event,” John Guthrie continued.

Harris Farm Markets are again the major sponsors of the Pool to Peak which means mandarins and bananas will be handed out to swimmers on their return to the beach. Those fruits have been chosen because of their protective skins eliminating the need for handling and cutting fruit.

 

“We are expecting a big day with the normal barbecue observing Covid safe rules. Social distancing and hand sanitising will be the key to staying safe.

“There will be plenty of water safety personnel in the water and in the break to protect swimmers but as usual it is up to each individual swimmer to make sure they are fit enough to take on their chosen swim course,”.

All swimmers will be asked to return to the finish line whether they have completed the course or not. “This is to ensure all swimmers have returned safely and so that we can retrieve the timing anklets,” John concluded.

Numbers may be limited so make sure you get your entry in at www.oceanswims.com

Avalon Boomerang Bags 2020-2021 Break

The last day for Boomerang Bag workshops will be Tuesday 15th December.

The core group of elves have decided that we will be having a 'proper sit-down' lunch together.  A delicious lunch is planned and reindeer antlers allowed.

We WILL be making bags in the morning and we WILL also have a "show and tell" with something you've made or "know and tell" , share the history of a fabric related item.

If you would like to come, please RSVP and you'll be allotted something to bring too.

Moving right ahead to 2021 and all going well, our first day back will be Tuesday 2nd February. We will also aim to have a stall outside Woollies Avalon on Saturday 6th and look to getting the boxes back out for Avalonians to use once again.

Happy, safe and joyful Christmas all. 

Robyn

Avalon Boomerang Bags:  boomerangbagsavalon@hotmail.com

Councils Must Be Consulted On Future Bushfire Clearing Rule Changes

December 11, 2020

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Linda Scott expressed concerns over the State Government’s rule changes around bushfire prevention without consulting councils and other stakeholders today.

She said the NSW Government must include councils in designing future changes, including revisions to the contentious issue of vegetation clearing, to ensure rules were clear and easy to navigate.

“I am deeply concerned that the Bushfire Amendment Act 2020 Bill was passed through Parliament without consulting councils, which are not only at the forefront of making their communities safe from bushfires but also for supporting them through the recovery process,” she said.

“As was demonstrated last in last summer’s horrific fires, councils led the way in supporting firefighting efforts and have been there ever since to continue to help those affected.

“While it is too late to consult with councils on the Amendment Act now, it is not too late to include them in developing a critical new Rural Boundary Clearing Code that allows councils the ability to determine what is appropriate for their communities and will maximise bushfire prevention.

“LGNSW is seeking an assurance that Government will consult local government in that process.”

Cr Scott said the Bushfire Amendment Bill was designed to improve upon the 23-year-old Rural Fires Act and other legislation following the NSW Bushfire Inquiry earlier this year.

“I appreciate Government’s desire to act as quickly as possible on the Inquiry’s recommendations in order to keep people safe but pushing through poorly consulted regulation could be just as detrimental to communities from an environmental and social front,” she said.

“The reason councils should be consulted on this issue is simple: NSW’s regions are diverse and frankly a one-size-fits-all approach is not an effective or appropriate way to best defend our State from the increasing risk of bushfires.”

One of the recommendations of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry was that the NSW Government would support local councils’ efforts to plan and implement locally targeted hazard reduction strategies.

“Councils can’t do this effectively if they are not consulted in the process of making the rules, which is why I am concerned the Government made these latest changes seeking input from councils” Cr Scott said.

“I have written to the Minister asking him to commit to consulting with local government on the Rural Boundary Clearing Code before it is adopted, rather than letting us know after the fact.”

Do you believe people coming out of prison deserve a second chance?               

 

Can you lend a helping hand to someone coming out of prison?

 

Are you willing to be a mentor to someone who needs guidance?

 

ITV STUDIOS  is casting for a ground-breaking new documentary series that puts people leaving prison, back on the right track.

  

Filming is expected to commence from late January 2021.

 

People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply. For more information, please email us at:  LOTO@itv.com

We want to thank all of you for supporting and trusting us through this 2020, without you we could not be receiving these two important awards.

Thank you for being our customer and thanks to all our great staff for making this possible especially though this full of surprises year.

2021 Sponsorship Opportunities: Narrabeen Sharks

The Narrabeen Sharks Junior Football Club is looking for local businesses to sponsor our great junior rugby league community for the 2021 season.

As with all sporting clubs, the Narrabeen Sharks are dependent on charitable sponsorship and fundraising to help provide uniforms, training equipment, and safety gear to cover all 24 of our teams from u6 to u21s!

The Club’s aim is and has always been, to promote the game of rugby league in a fun and fair environment and in 2021 it is more important than ever to encourage our members and children to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

There is a package for every business, BIG and small; and I will personally work with you; to ensure you maximise your sponsorship $$ in building brand awareness to our community. We are the largest Junior Rugby League Club on the beaches and we are growing; our brand is highly visible.

The feedback from our Sponsors is they love the Sharkies community, they love being involved with our brand as our Sharkies families are loyal, passionate, hard-working local community members who support their business back for their involvement with the Club.

If you would like to discuss any sponsorship plans or require additional information at all, please do not hesitate to contact Francesca on 0410 144 286 or email at francesca@cuttingedgeservices.com.au.

Go the Sharkies!

Speed Limit Changes On Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach

Transport for NSW is extending the existing 40km/h speed zone on Barrenjoey Road, from Beach Road to Nabilla Road, Palm Beach.

The extended speed zone will cover the Palm Beach Walkway and other sections of the commercial strip along Barrenjoey Road.

The existing 50km/h speed limit signs and numerical pavement markings will be removed and replaced by 40km/h signs and pavement markings.

The work will be carried out over one night shift on Monday December 14th 2020 from 8:30pm to 5am, weather permitting.

DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Bindi

AGE/SEX: 2 years / F
BREED: English Staffy X
Bindi is an energetic affectionate girl. She mostly walks nicely on loose lead, ignoring cars lunges playfully at passing dogs. She likes to jog/run. She enjoys pats, cuddles and belly rubs. She is good with children 12+yo as she can jump up when excited to say hello. Our trainer says "Sweet dog who has a lot of enthusiasm that she works to contain". She sits on command. Walkers say "Friendly, energetic, happy dog. Walked nicely on loose lead gently pulling on occasion. Ignored most dogs but did react occasionally. Gets a little mouthy when playing." She has a smooth coat and weighs 20kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450. 

Athena

Athena is a sweet girl who loves to play but also happy to relax at home alone. She is about 3 years old. She came from the pound with allergy issues which are being managed with medication and special diet. She has been used to living in a busy vet clinic around other cats and dogs but is best suited to a calm household where she can unwind and relax. She has a short coat and weighs a tiny 2.9kg. She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com

Foster Carers Needed

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

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

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Rescue A Pet In Need This Christmas

Families thinking about welcoming a new pet cat or dog into their home this Christmas are being encouraged to ‘adopt not shop’.

A large increase in new pets during the COVID-19 pandemic has put additional pressure on NSW council pounds.

The NSW Government is offering a 50% discount on lifetime pet registration fees for people who rescue an animal in need of a home. 

People who are considering a new pet are encouraged to visit a council pound, an RSPCA shelter or one of the many approved rehoming organisations.

Adopting rather than shopping for a pet will reduce the burden on pounds and help to lower euthanasia rates.

Before adopting, you should consider the ongoing responsibility and commitment required to care for a pet dog or cat. Make sure that you or the person you are buying a pet for can meet the long-term cost and care requirements of the animal.

The NSW Government will also give $6 million to the Companion Animals Fund in 2020-21. The fund pays for companion animal management by local councils – including pounds and shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.

The lifetime cat registration fee has also been reduced by $10 this year to encourage higher registration rates and the adoption of desexed cats from pounds and shelters.

Find out more about buying or adopting a pet in NSW

Belrose Lights

Take a drive by 36 Childs Circuit Belrose to see this unique Synchronised Christmas light display - with handcrafted arches and stars including a 5 metre mega tree with 3600 smart LEDs, tune your car radio into 99.5 on the FM dial and look out for Santa in the top window 8–10pm each night. 

There is a Wishing Well as Dad Cooley, the gentleman who has worked on this display for over a year, is Collecting for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Visit: https://www.amf.org.au/

Thank you

The Cooley Family

New Information And Privacy Committee Appointed

December 11, 2020

The NSW Government has appointed an Information and Privacy Advisory Committee to provide ongoing strategic advice to government, and to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration across government, industry and academia.

The NSW Government has appointed an Information and Privacy Advisory Committee to provide ongoing strategic advice to government and to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration across government, industry and academia.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Committee will be chaired by the NSW Information Commissioner Ms Elizabeth Tydd and will advise the Information and Privacy Commission, the Minister for Customer Service and the Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

“This new Committee will bring together specialists from a range of sectors – including data science, technology, business and law – to ensure we remain at the forefront of these issues,” Mr Dominello said.

“It will provide the government with information, advice, assistance and training to deliver world-leading information and privacy management practices.

“The digital age presents many opportunities but it is important that our policies and laws reflect its challenges.”

Ms Tydd said the Committee is being formed at the right time to draw together expertise that can address the unique challenges faced by government and the community in the digital age where technology, service delivery and consumer expectations are changing rapidly.

“The Committee has the expertise to provide assistance to public sector agencies in adopting and complying with information governance in a contemporary public sector context, including access to information rights, with information protection principles and implementing privacy management plans in ways that account for these challenges,” Ms Tydd said.

As well as the Committee’s core membership, experts with knowledge in a relevant area may be invited to attend to contribute as required by the Committee.

The Committee consists of the Information Commissioner (Chairperson) and Privacy Commissioner, Ms Samantha Gavel, alongside data and legal experts including:

• Dr Ian Oppermann, NSW Government Chief Data Scientist
• Mr Barry Sandison, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Professor Lyria-Bennett Moses, Director of the Allens Hub for Technology, Law and Innovation and a Professor in the Faculty of Law at UNSW Sydney
• Mr Malcolm Crompton – Lead Privacy Advisor and founder of Information Integrity Solutions Pty Ltd (IIS)
• Mr Paul McKnight, Deputy Secretary, Department of Communities and Justice
• Mr Peter Leonard, Principal of Data Synergies, a business and legal consultancy for data driven businesses and Professor of Practice at UNSW Business School.

Scheduled Roadworks - Utility Works: Avalon Beach

Barrenjoey Road between The Serpentine and Coles Parade

Sun 7 Feb 2021 to Mon 15 Feb 2021

Scheduled roadwork this week; Sun (10:00pm to 5:00am), Both directions affected

Mon (9:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected

Tue (9:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected

Wed (9:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected

Thu (9:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected

Sun (10:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected

Barrenjoey Boating Services 

Any locals looking for camper transfers to the Basin this Xmas can get beach to beach or wharf to wharf transfers through Barrenjoey Boating Services - Phone: 9974 4229 to avoid trying to find a park at Palm Beach wharf and lugging all your gear down the wharf. 

There are bunch of local pickup spots adjacent to free parking areas, so if you are planning the get across the bay, they are an excellent option. They have a wide range of barges catering from two to 32 passengers at a time.

Newport Community Garden

Newport Community Garden is at 25 Woolcott Street, Newport. This is Newport residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces; strengthening community, improving health, reconnecting with nature.

We meet every Saturday from 10am till about midday at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.

If you would like to join us please direct message us via our Facebook page or email us to newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.com

Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/newportcgnsw

Everyone is welcome!!!

Photo: A very productive morning. Thanks team

Domestic Violence Support 

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

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families.

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

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said. “If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

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

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

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

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

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

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

	Where to get help - March 2020.pdf Size : 465.979 Kb Type : pdf

Speed Humps On McCarrs Creek Rd: Please Share Wildlife Data 

Local wildlife rescuers are asking all members of the public to report any roadkill on McCarrs Ck Rd or any other road in the NB (Wakehurst Parkway or Mona Vale Road for instance) on www.wildlifemapping.org

It records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification

The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place  mitigation. Thanking you all in advance for your help with this.

We need your help. Thank you for reporting wildlife road fatalities. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location.

There is a database that volunteers maintain but this needs three pieces of information:

1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
2. The date
3. The animal

The details can be entered into the database directly by you at:

www.wildlifemapping.org

Where You Can Get Tested In Our Area:

Mona Vale Hospital - Building 14, Community Health Centre, Coronation Street, Mona Vale. Please ring to register for testing.  PHONE: 9998 6296

Mona Vale Hospital message:  The recent changes to our mask guidelines means patients, carers and visitors are to wear a mask at our hospital.  Staff will also wear a mask when they are delivering care or when they can’t socially distance 1.5 metres. Open 9am-4:30pm, 7 days. 

Dee Why Respiratory Clinic - G/5 Mooramba Road, Dee Why. 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday

Booking required via (02) 8416 5005

Booking web address; https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/dee-why-NSW-2099/dee-why-respiratory-clinic/doctors?purpose=respiratory

Brookvale Community Health Centre Clinic - 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale. 8am-6pm 7 days. No booking required

Frenchs Forest Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology - 5 Forest Way, Frenchs Forest, 8am-4pm Monday to Friday. Booking required via 1800 026 622 or (02) 9111 3405

Frenchs Forest MedLab Pathology-  8 Hilmer Street, Frenchs Forest, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday No booking required.

North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology - 1416 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. 10am-4pm Monday to Friday. No booking required.

Northern Beaches Hospital - 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest;  Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry) 8am- 5pm, 7 days - No booking required.

Drive directly to the clinic by following the signs, please do not use the main car park.  

For people walking or travelling by public transport, follow the red line outside the hospital, then ring the Emergency Department intercom and they will be escorted to the clinic  for testing. 

PATIENTS: We are now temperature checking all staff and visitors ahead of elective surgery returning to the hospital next week. These checks will help us ensure the safety of our staff and visitors during this time.

Entry is via the main entrance or emergency department and all other entry points are closed. There is also screening at the dock for deliveries. The team conducting the checks will take temperatures and ask a few simple questions about wellbeing and possible contact with COVID-19.

Please be patient with our staff conducting the checks.

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

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

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

Visitors to Patient with COVID-19 (or awaiting results)

In order to provide strict infection control, no visitors will be allow to patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or those awaiting test results for COVID-19. We understand there will need to be some exceptions to this, especially with children and also with extremely unwell patients, so we ask that you talk to your families and if you have any questions, please speak to your clinical care team. 

Mask requirements: In line with NSW Health guidelines, please note all patients will be required to wear a mask when presenting to the hospital and when outside of their rooms. Visitors must wear a mask before entering the hospital. Please bring a mask from home where possible.​

Retrieved from and more at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/clinics

Christmas Messages 2020

From our local MP's:

Jason Falinski, MP for Mackellar- Christmas Message 2020

This year has challenged all of us. Be it through loss of life or employment, separation from friends and family or perhaps even the frustration of home schooling, it has been a year like none other.  

This Christmas let us look forward not backward. In 2021, let us seek to advance towards the world we want not move away from the one we fear.  Let us talk of opportunities, hopes and empowerment of all peoples, everywhere and turn our faces from the allure of an unknown and feared dystopia.  

Humanity’s greatest hope has always been hope.  Our capacity to imagine things that never were, and to then make them so, comes from hope not hopelessness.  

Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy, Pitt the Younger and Abraham Lincoln and many others all lived in tumultuous times; times that lent to a sense of hopelessness, but all knew that the long arc of human history bends towards justice.  I think, at our best, we are all seeking to bend that arc a little bit more towards justice.  

On behalf of my family and team, may I wish you a joyous Christmas and fervently wish that this new year gives you great cause to believe in a hopeful 2021. 

Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater - Christmas Message 2020

One thing we will all remember about 2020 is the remarkable spirit of kindness and goodwill seen throughout our community.

There have been so many wonderful stories of locals supporting each other – thank you to everyone who has gone above and beyond.

Our amazing health workers, first responders, supermarket staff, cleaners, bus drivers, pharmacists, tradies, teachers, parents, and school students – everyone has operated outside their comfort zone this year, and adapted so impressively to meet the immense challenges.

I am so proud to be a part of this community!

We are very fortunate the management of COVID-19 in Australia has enabled us to come together with our families and loved ones this special Christmas season.

As we gather, please remember the simple hygiene messages and continue to take precautions to keep each other safe.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

–Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater

Pittwater High School 2021

Barrenjoey High School 2021 Uniforms

Avalon Beach Place Plan (Draft) Slated To Go On Public Exhibition

Newport Residents Association Meeting

Double Demerit Period 2020 To 2021

Double demerit points apply for speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences during some holiday periods such as long weekends, Christmas, New Year and Easter.

Opal Connect To Join Northern Beaches Service

The Feds ‘Step In’ To Save Local Infrastructure

Newport Surf Life Saving Club Building Extensions

Zonta Club NB: End Of Year Thank You

‘Stay Safe In Seconds’ Online Game To Raise Awareness Of Beach Safety This Summer

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), the peak coastal safety organisation, and DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, have launched a new online game, Stay Safe in Seconds, to help raise beach safety awareness as Australians head to coastlines around the country this summer.

From 7 December 2020 to 10 January 2021, campaign participants can play the educational game at dhlsummer.com/staysafeinseconds. In playing, they will learn key beach safety messages including the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags, obeying safety signage, knowing what to do if caught in a rip current, supervising children on, in and around water, swimming in the company of others, and wearing a lifejacket when rock fishing, boating or using watercraft.

In identifying the safety hazards that appear onscreen, participants can compete to win the major prize DHL grant of $10,000, to be split equally between the winner and their nominated Surf Life Saving Club. The winner will be the participant who achieves the game’s highest individual score, based on the fastest time entry and selection of the most correct safety items during the game.

Gary Edstein, CEO and Senior Vice President at DHL Express Oceania said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of this season’s Stay Safe in Seconds online game, which aims to educate Australians this summer on the importance of beach safety awareness. Each patrol season, Surf Life Saving members dedicate their time to look out for us at beaches across the country. We can all do our part to help reduce the occurrence of unsafe situations that require Surf Life Saving intervention by understanding and practising safe beach behaviour.”

“The Australian coastline is recognised internationally as being amongst the best in the world. Australians love visiting the coast with more than 300 million individual visitations each year,” Adam Weir, SLSA CEO said.

“By being able to identify hazards and knowing what to do to stay safe means that hopefully your day is one of enjoyment. The Stay Safe in Seconds online game helps get key safety messages out to others in a fun and interactive way, which in turn we hope will ensure their safety.”

SLSA are encouraging all to stay safe this summer by getting their knowledge with Stay Safe in Seconds and:

• Swimming at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags
• Wearing a lifejacket when rock fishing, boating or on watercraft
• Supervising children on, in and around water
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs while around water
• Reading and obeying signs
• Seeking the advice of lifeguards or surf lifesavers if unsure

Previous DHL campaign grants have supported clubs across the country, including Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club (QLD), Bonbeach Surf Life Saving Club (VIC), Cairns Surf Life Saving Club (QLD), Black Head Surf Life Saving Club (NSW), Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club (SA) and Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club (NSW).

Play now: dhlsummer.com/staysafeinseconds

Pittwater Outriggers Club Open Morning And Trial Paddle

Are you over 40 and looking for a new summer sport? 

Digger

Seniors Stories Volume 6 (2020) Now Available

Save Our Freshwater Class Ferries 2021 Calendar

New Road Maintenance Contracts Announced

2021-2023 NSW Heritage Grants Now Open: Closes Feb 8, 2021

$10 Million Grants Program To Assist Women To Get Back Into The Workforce

Grants To Fund Innovative Re-Use And Recycling Projects

2021 Doggie Rescue Calendar

Major Rolling Back Of COVID-19 Restrictions In NSW

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: December 1, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Pittwater Online December-January Editions

If you are late getting your Notice or Event in, don't panic!, staff will be checking the Inbox and answering the phone in the interim, and these will be added in to Issue No.: 478.

Newport Surf Life Saving Club Building Extensions

Zonta Club NB: End Of Year Thank You

New Sports Courts For Warriewood Valley

Digger

Seniors Stories Volume 6 (2020) Now Available

DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Memphis

AGE/SEX: 9 years / M
BREED: American Staffy X
Memphis is a sweet mature boy who is friendly with people and other dogs. He came in weighing 36kg and has been on a fitness program since. He has a smooth coat. 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. 

Coconut

Cottontail and Coconut were left at the pound from the one litter. They are gentle rabbits, easy to handle by adults. They are 6 months old (Nov 20). They come desexed, with a vaccination voucher and microchipped. Coconut is 953010004899442 and weighs 1.5kg.
His adoption fee is $150. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com

Foster Carers Needed

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

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

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Level 1 Water Restrictions Lifted In Greater Sydney

December 1, 2020

From 1 December 2020, Level 1 Water restrictions for Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra will be lifted and replaced with Water Wise Guidelines.

Drinking water uses

Under the Water Wise Guidelines, you can use drinking water to:

• water lawns and gardens before 10am and after 4pm using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, sprinklers or standard water systems
• water new turf and gardens at any time for up to 28 days
• water lawns and gardens with drip irrigation systems or smart water systems at any time
• top up pools and spas to replace water lost through evaporation
• fill new or renovated pools and spas
• wash vehicles with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or high-pressure cleaning equipment
• clean buildings (including windows, walls and gutters) with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or high-pressure cleaning equipment
• cool down people or animals.

You will not be able to:

• allow water to run off onto hard surfaces
• leave taps and hoses running unattended
• allow pools or spas to overflow when being filled.

Exemption permits for household and business water use will no longer be required.

Minister for Water Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said people across Greater Sydney have done an outstanding job during water restrictions, collectively saving 77GI of water – the equivalent of 31,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. 

"Water restrictions have helped curtail demand by around 65ML each day, taking pressure off the filtration plant to provide clean water from Sydney’s dams which have been impacted by bushfires and heavy rainfall,” Mrs Pavey said. 

Find out more about the Water Wise Guidelines

More Trees Across Greater Sydney

December 1, 2020

New, green life will be breathed into Greater Sydney with more than 40,000 trees to be planted and a series of innovation projects delivered thanks to $10 million in NSW Government grants.

The Greening Our City program will provide grants to 30 councils and two partner organisations across two funding streams - Cooler Suburbs and Green Innovations.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the program would help reach her target to plant one million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 and increase the proportion of homes in urban areas within 10 minutes’ walk of quality green, open and public space by 10% by 2023.

“This fantastic program will result in more than 40,000 trees being planted in the ground and will also see exciting innovation projects that protect native species and help to green urban spaces,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said planting more trees would bring enormous environmental benefit while making public spaces more attractive.

“Our city is framed by parks – we know how valuable tree cover is for lowering heat, providing shade and enhancing our neighbourhoods,” Mr Stokes said.

“This program will see trees planted in more developed areas like Miranda and Parramatta and in growing areas like Camden, Blacktown, Campbelltown and Hawkesbury.”

Local Government NSW President Linda Scott welcomed the announcement and said the program was a great example of partnership between local and State Government.

“Councils take a lead role cultivating healthy and sustainable environments for local communities and funding support is always welcome,” Cr Scott said.

Under the Cooler Suburbs stream, 29 local councils will receive more than $8 million in funding, supporting 39 tree planting projects that will add more than 40,000 trees to Greater Sydney.

The 12 projects to receive funding in the Green Innovations stream include:

• Planting 500 genetically diverse Camden White Gum within the Nepean River corridor at Camden South, a species listed as vulnerable;
• Transformation of a Penrith carpark into an open, green space;
• Revegetation of native trees and grasses across Randwick;
• A new state-of-the-art research facility and demonstration site testing the growth and performance of 48 diverse native and exotic tree species in the Hawkesbury.

The grant program is being administered by Local Government NSW on behalf of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

A list of successful applicants is available at the NSW.gov.au website on the Greening our city page.

Stream 1 - Cooler Suburbs: Northern Beaches Council: Green canopy – Condamine St, Manly Vale - $121,000

Dorothea Mackellar Art

Our old friend from Narrabeen, 'Sava' Lloyd sends in this photo this week of the poet our electorate area is named for taking shape on the heritage listed Gunnedah Maize Mill. 

The Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society has worked with Gunnedah Maize Mill to design a concept for a new silo mural. This will be one of the new mural projects and will be a wonderful addition to the silo art trail, along with the popular mural already at Gunnedah’s Water Tower Museum. Funding for the work came from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities program.

'Sava' is unsure if it's complete yet as it looks a little different to the concept design shown in August of this year:

Sava's photo - taken December 5th, 2020:

Exciting News At Barrenjoey P&C

Kalinda Hawson’s last child has graduated in Year 12 and as such she will be leaving the P&C position of President.  On Wednesday night, Simon Bateson was elected unopposed and has become the latest President of Barrenjoey P&C.

Simon is married to Sam Bateson, Assistant Principal at Avalon Public school and has two daughters at Barrenjoey.  Simon also works as a School Learning Support Officer at Barrenjoey.  Simon has been at Barrenjoey for a couple of years now and is well loved by the students.

Kalinda said “I couldn’t think of a better replacement for me.  Simon understands the vision of the school and the P&C.  He gets the alignment of both and will know how to guide parents and the executive at the school to be on the same path.”

“I am looking forward to working with the new Principal, Mark Robinson, with like minded goals – supporting all our students in their learning” said Simon.

Nicky Inger (on the right) and Simon at opening of the Barrenjoey HS Performance Space.

CABPRA Annual General Meeting

This year we are going virtual due to Covid wokeness

CABPRA's AGM will be held on December 16 at 6pm via Zoom where we will welcome Beth Mott, Officer of the Powerful Owl Project at Birdlife Australia and Andrew Gregory, CABPRA committee member and passionate Powerful Owl Project volunteer to share a breakdown on what we can do for wildlife in the Northern Beaches area, why our patch is important for the owls and other wildlife and whether NBC are falling short. 

OUR BIRDS ARE FIGHTING TO THE DEATH FOR NESTING HOMES, so sensible management of our trees, habitat and reserves to keep our bird population safe is vital.

And of course CABPRA President, Catherine Kerr will give you all an update on the Avalon Place Plan, a precis on the outcome of the shared pedestrian and cycle zone in the Serpentine as well as the plans to date for the Coast Walk. 

We'd love you all to join us but be sure to RSVP by December 10th to cabpraeditor@gmail.com and we will send you a zoom link 48 hours prior. 

Newport Rugby: "Subbies Club Of The Year" 

At the subbies AGM on Tuesday December 1st Newport Rugby won the "Suburban Club of the Year" in addition to the "Division Three Club of the Year".

This means they have bettered all the clubs from Div One down.

Congratulations to the Newport Breakers for an outstanding Season and another first for the club.

AJ tells us:

"The clubs and delegates were very impressed with our results as were the board, who voted on Club of the Year.

Jake was well received as a Board member of the Next Generation.

They were queuing up for trials with us next season and the competition at this stage is full".

Vice President Alan Jones and President Jake Osborne with Newport's 2020 awards 

News from our own AGM

Our AGM took place on Sunday 29th Nov 2020 at 3.05pm in our club rooms.

It was hot!

Committee 2021

A largely unchanged committee was elected as follows:

​Patron:                                    Iain Taylor (Tubby)

President:                               Jake Osborne

Vice President:                       Alan Murray-Jones

Secretary:                               Shane Pretty

Treasurer:                               Gus Hunt

Registrar:                                Matt Wellings

Website:                                 Cameron Greaves

Hospitality Managers:            Chris and Paul Evans 

​House & Grounds Manager:  Tynan Linton

Gear Steward:                        Scott Newey

General committee:               Luke Duesbury

General committee:               Tim Malone 

Sponsorship Co-ordinator:    TBC

Media & PR Representative:  TBC

Welfare Ambassador:            TBC

General committee &

Special Events Coordinator:  Bec Hunt

Physio:                                    Holistic Physio Fitness

Broken Breakers:                    Bob Stanbridge & Peter North

Veterans Centre Sydney Northern Beaches News

A big thank you to those who attended our Christmas Celebration on Friday, and to all our supporters and sponsors that have assisted us throughout 2020. 

We would also like to congratulate the recipients of the Veterans Centre Sydney Northern Beaches Challenge Coins – Lisa Hewitt, Nicole Belling, the DYRSL Club Finance Team and VCSNB Staff & Advocates – that were recognised at the event for their outstanding commitment and service to the veteran community.

Marine Rescue Broken Bay News

Our new BB30 was put to the test last Sunday needing to tow its largest vessel to date. With deteriorating conditions, high winds and with a skilful Deputy Unit Commander Andrew Majewski at the helm, expertly bringing the 41ft Riviera back safely to its swing mooring.  

Our MRNSW volunteers are amazing, they continually give up their time in generally poor conditions to help their community when they need it the most. Thank you.

MRBB photo

Newport Red Cross Shop Beach Bags

Brand new beach bags have just arrived priced modelled by our lovely student volunteers Sienna and Bella;

Pittwater Outriggers Club Open Morning And Trial Paddle

Are you over 40 and looking for a new summer sport? 

Jump in an outrigger and paddle on Pittwater with us - looking for competitive paddlers and social paddlers.

When: Saturday, 19 December 2020 from 10:30 to 12:00 

Where: BYRA Bayview Yacht Racing Association Sailing Club, 1842 Pittwater road, Bayview

Speed Limit Changes On Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach

Transport for NSW is extending the existing 40km/h speed zone on Barrenjoey Road, from Beach Road to Nabilla Road, Palm Beach.

The extended speed zone will cover the Palm Beach Walkway and other sections of the commercial strip along Barrenjoey Road.

The existing 50km/h speed limit signs and numerical pavement markings will be removed and replaced by 40km/h signs and pavement markings.

The work will be carried out over one night shift on Monday December 14th 2020 from 8:30pm to 5am, weather permitting.

Life On The Outside: Hosts Sought

Calling on households to open up their spare room for 100 days to give someone in need a fresh start. 

ITV Studios Australia is seeking potential participants in a ground-breaking observational documentary series that follows the experience of 5 individuals from the day they are released from gaol.

 

LIFE ON THE OUTSIDE will be based on a successful community based initiative in the United States called The Homecoming Project (https://impactjustice.org/impact/homecoming-project/) where men and women coming out of prison are offered accommodation with suitable private households to help turn their lives around.  The project has been operating for almost 2 years with no returns to prison. 

 

Recognising that one of the biggest hurdles on release is finding suitable accommodation, we are looking for willing hosts with a spare room to accommodate 1 formerly incarcerated person for a period of 100 days.  Our low-key documentary crew will film with all the selected participants, by arrangement, over that key period of time.   A case worker, community organisations, NGOs and mentors will provide guidance and support to enable the newly released man or woman to seek longer term accommodation, upskill for employment and take the necessary steps to a successful return to society.

 

The host household will be provided with an agreed allowance to cover board and out of pocket expenses.

 

Participating householders (all over 18 years old) will provide a safe and secure environment, as a valuable first step for those who have been in a Corrections Institution for a period of time.  The person coming out of prison and the householders will be carefully matched. 

 

This is an opportunity to make a difference and reveal to Australian audiences the true nature and challenges of life on the outside. 

 

If you have a spare room to offer in NSW, please email us at: LOTO@itv.com

MVHA Christmas Stalls

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members are back at work and will be having stalls on Friday and Saturday, December 4th and 5th at Pittwater Place, Mona Vale from 8.30am to 3pm and on Friday, 11th December outside the vacant fruit shop, 41 Avalon Parade, Avalon, also from 8.30am to 3pm.

Come and choose some Christmas presents, baby items, craft, books and jams.

Photo by A J Guesdon

Rotary Tree Of Joy 2020

The Rotary Club of the Upper Northern Beaches has its annual Tree of Joy now installed in Warriewood Square.

Donated gifts left there by people will be collected and delivered to local charities.

Please help out if you can – this year has been very tough on all of us and tougher yet for some.

Belrose Lights

Take a drive by 36 Childs Circuit Belrose to see this unique Synchronised Christmas light display - with handcrafted arches and stars including a 5 metre mega tree with 3600 smart LEDs, tune your car radio into 99.5 on the FM dial and look out for Santa in the top window 8–10pm each night. 

There is a Wishing Well as Dad Cooley, the gentleman who has worked on this display for over a year, is Collecting for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Visit: https://www.amf.org.au/

Thank you

The Cooley Family

Scouts Christmas Trees 2020

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by supporting your local Scout Group. 

Next Issue two History pages, one on Scouts in our area and the other on Girl Guides, which celebrates its 100th year in NSW in 2020, will share some insights on how these were the Pre-Nippers Lifesavers and some of the influences that made and keep this self-empowering, self reliant way of having great fun so popular.

Each year, Scout Groups raise much-needed funds for programs, building maintenance, equipment repairs and purchases through the sale of Christmas trees. This year is no different, and with the added impact of COVID-19 on Groups, there's no better time to support your local Scouts than now.

Browse the list of Scouts Christmas Tree sales below.

Cromer-Dee Why Scout Group

Date: 12-13 December 2020

Location: May Road Shops – May and Warringah Roads, Narraweena NSW 2099

Contact: Jim Baldwin at 0404 931 743 or jim.baldwin@nsw.scouts.com.au

Price: $60 (small), $70 (medium), $80 (large)

1st Elanora Heights Scout Group

Date: Saturday 12 December 2020 from 7 am- 12 noon (or until sold)

Location: Bilarong Reserve, Wakehurst Parkway, North Narrabeen NSW 2101

Price: $80 (large trees)

Contact: Rick Shires on rick.shires@nsw.scouts.com.au

Additional Information: Trees and stands available from 7 am until 12 noon or sold. Direct deposit accepted

1st / 2nd Harbord Scout Group

Date: 5-6 December from 7 am,  AND 11-12 December from 7 am

Location: Freshwater Senior Campus – 153 Harbord Road, Curl Curl NSW 2096

Contact: Justin O’Hare (phone 0404 856 371)  justin.ohare@nsw.scouts.com.au

Price: $85 (small tree), $685 (medium tree), $100 (large tree)

Additional Information: Treat your family to a fresh real Christmas tree this year! Support the 1st/2nd Harbord Scout Group, get in early as trees were sold out by 10.30 am last year.

Six foot real Christmas trees, tree stands, and Lions Christmas cakes are available. We will be selling trees outside Freshwater Campus on Harbord Rd, Curl Curl (click here for more info)

1st North Sydney Scout Group

Date: 5 December and 12 December

Location: North Sydney Demonstration School – Bay Road, Waverton NSW 2060

Contact: Jane Curbishley on 0412 098 087 or jane@curbishley.net

Price: $80 (medium)

Additional Information: We will only have one size this year due to drought conditions over previous years. For more information, head to www.northsydneyscouts.org.

Right Skills, Right Now: TAFE NSW To Reskill Locals To Help Kickstart Post-COVID Recovery

TAFE NSW will play a leading role in helping Pittwater locals reskill for the jobs of the future as part of a landmark NSW Government initiative, TAFE NSW Managing Director Steffen Faurby has announced.

As a key plank of the state’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, the NSW Government has committed close to $160 million to match the Australian Government’s JobTrainer fund.

Enrolments for job seekers and school leavers are now open at TAFE NSW through the JobTrainer and Summer Skills programs. 

The programs offer hundreds of fee-free and low cost courses targeted at growth employment sectors such as healthcare, early childhood, community services, food sciences, agriculture, horticulture, accounting and finance, and building trades. 

Mr Faurby urged locals to investigate how the JobTrainer and Summer Skills programs could help them gain the skills to be in-demand in the post-COVID jobs market.

“We have to skill the workforce to take advantage of future job opportunities which may be very different to jobs in the pre-COVID economy,” Mr Faurby said. 

“TAFE NSW is absolutely committed to ensuring NSW remains the most highly skilled workforce in the country.”

“We are working closely with industry to ensure we are delivering a pipeline of job-ready graduates armed with the latest skills to help kick-start the economy,” Mr Faurby said.

TAFE NSW’s Summer Skills fee free short course program is specifically designed to help school leavers bridge the gap from school to work, or school to further study. 

“The Summer Skills program is a great opportunity for young people to get a taste of different industries and ensure they get a head start in the changing jobs market,” Mr Faurby said.

Eligibility criteria for Job Trainer and Summer Skills apply. To find out more visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 13 16 01. 

Mr Faurby 

Barrenjoey Boating Services 

Any locals looking for camper transfers to the Basin this Xmas can get beach to beach or wharf to wharf transfers through Barrenjoey Boating Services - Phone: 9974 4229 to avoid trying to find a park at Palm Beach wharf and lugging all your gear down the wharf. 

There are bunch of local pickup spots adjacent to free parking areas, so if you are planning the get across the bay, they are an excellent option. They have a wide range of barges catering from two to 32 passengers at a time.

Slow Down For Turtles: Presently Out And About - Please Take Care On Our Roads

If you see a large rock in the road, you slow down safely and wait for an opportunity to go around it, right?  The same should be done if you see a turtle on the road.  It is always best to either allow the turtle safe passage across the road or - if it is safe to do so - the turtle can be carried across to the side to which it was headed.

We have recently had an influx of eastern long-necked turtles (Chelodina longicollis) with carapace fractures of varying severity, after being hit by cars.  

Long-necked turtles are freshwater turtles that live in dams, creeks, lakes and sometimes even slightly brackish lagoons.  Often - when it is rainy - the turtles will move from one body of water to another and their journey can take them across roads, through horse paddocks and backyards. At the moment many female turtles are out searching for a place to lay their eggs. 

Unfortunately they are fairly slow-moving on land and they end up being hit by cars, bitten by pets or occasionally relocated to the ocean by well-meaning members of the public.

The shell of a turtle is a bit like an exoskeleton - imagine that the carapace (top shell) is like a spine and ribs that have been flattened and fused.  As such, a fracture of the carapace is tantamount to a broken bone in any other animal.  

Carapace fractures can be tricky to fix as they need to be properly cleaned, debrided, reduced and stabilised and pain relief is essential. A fracture of the ‘bridge’ is very serious as it joins the carapace (top shell) and the plastron (bottom shell) and if the bridge has been compromised it can indicate internal injuries as well. 

Occasionally vacuum-assisted treatment can be used in turtles. 

Please SLOW DOWN for turtles and call us on 9413 4300 if you spot one in need of rescuing.

Sydney Wildlife

Photos by Margaret Woods

Avalon Boomerang Bags Workshop News

New Tuesday workshop times in the Avalon Recreation Centre 11am - 3pm. All are welcome, if you can't sew we will teach you.

Bags and plastic free reusable goodies are for sale during the workshops so please pop in.

Remember there is no excuse for single use plastics, even during wretched COVID19, and washed reusables are best. Do our ocean, waves and beaches a favour and BYO bags, bottles, cups and straws.

Save Our Freshwater Class Ferries 2021 Calendar

2021-2023 NSW Heritage Grants Now Open: Closes Feb 8, 2021

$10 Million Grants Program To Assist Women To Get Back Into The Workforce

Grants To Fund Innovative Re-Use And Recycling Projects

Have Your Say On Changes To How Building Design And Constructions Is Regulated 

New Appointments For Cultural Institutions

2021 Doggie Rescue Calendar

Newport Community Garden

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: November 15, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Pittwater Online December-January Editions

If you are late getting your Notice or Event in, don't panic!, staff will be checking the Inbox and answering the phone in the interim, and these will be added in to Issue No.: 478.

NSW Premiers Bush Fire Citation Award For Marine Rescue Broken Bay Volunteer Members

Marine Rescue Broken Bay is proud and congratulates the following Broken members who received their NSW Premiers Bush fire citation award last Sunday, November 22nd, for volunteering their time during the 2019/2020 bush fires. Our Broken Bay members gave up their time to support the RFS by working on the Bushfire Information Line and performed extra patrols, proactively monitoring the Pittwater and Broken Bay community in the event emergency action was required.

Thank you to Ted Talbot, Lindsay Rawson, Venijamin Hadzic, Beverley Stewart, Robert  Chant, Tim Lewis, Ron Carr, Chris Guy, Zubin Irani, Andrew Majewski, Bruce Hale, Jimmy  Arteaga, Duncan Watts, Tony  Hendel and Brian Alexander.

Regional Operations Manager Glenn Evans was on hand to present the awards to our members.

MRBB photo:

The Dog Project

A goal to photograph and interview 100 people and their dogs. A project from the heart of the community for a good cause. Learn more through our page: www.thedogprojectcpa.com

The book is $39 without postage and handling. Come get it in person and we’ll sign it and say Thankyou... to your face... because we will be very glad to see you.

Speed Limit Changes On Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach

Transport for NSW is extending the existing 40km/h speed zone on Barrenjoey Road, from Beach Road to Nabilla Road, Palm Beach.

The extended speed zone will cover the Palm Beach Walkway and other sections of the commercial strip along Barrenjoey Road.

The existing 50km/h speed limit signs and numerical pavement markings will be removed and replaced by 40km/h signs and pavement markings.

The work will be carried out over one night shift on Monday December 14th 2020 from 8:30pm to 5am, weather permitting.

Former Manly Hospital Site Project Update

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment have submitted a planning proposal to the Northern Beaches Council for the site to help realise the community's vision for the health and wellbeing sanctuary.

The proposal seeks approval to expand the range of health, wellbeing and related uses permitted on the site under its the existing health services facility zoning.

The proposed additional new uses include: a group home, community facility, educational establishment, food and drink premises, centre-based child care facility, indoor recreational facility, neighbourhood shop, function centre, respite day care centre and seniors housing.

The proposal will go on non-statutory public notification on 20 November 2020 until 4 December 2020 where the public will be able to make a submission.

You may view the plans and documents and make a submission via ‘Application Tracking’ at https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/ using the sites address, 150 Darley Road.

MVHA Christmas Stalls

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members are back at work and will be having stalls on Friday and Saturday, December 4th and 5th at Pittwater Place, Mona Vale from 8.30am to 3pm and on Friday, 11th December outside the vacant fruit shop, 41 Avalon Parade, Avalon, also from 8.30am to 3pm.

Come and choose some Christmas presents, baby items, craft, books and jams.

Photo by Michael Mannington

Rotary Tree Of Joy 2020

The Rotary Club of the Upper Northern Beaches has its annual Tree of Joy now installed in Warriewood Square.

Donated gifts left there by people will be collected and delivered to local charities.

Please help out if you can – this year has been very tough on all of us and tougher yet for some.

Belrose Lights

Take a drive by 36 Childs Circuit Belrose to see this unique Synchronised Christmas light display - with handcrafted arches and stars including a 5 metre mega tree with 3600 smart LEDs, tune your car radio into 99.5 on the FM dial and look out for Santa in the top window 8–10pm each night. 

There is a Wishing Well as Dad Cooley, the gentleman who has worked on this display for over a year, is Collecting for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Visit: https://www.amf.org.au/

Thank you

The Cooley Family

Scouts Christmas Trees 2020

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by supporting your local Scout Group. 

Next Issue two History pages, one on Scouts in our area and the other on Girl Guides, which celebrates its 100th year in NSW in 2020, will share some insights on how these were the Pre-Nippers Lifesavers and some of the influences that made and keep this self-empowering, self reliant way of having great fun so popular.

Each year, Scout Groups raise much-needed funds for programs, building maintenance, equipment repairs and purchases through the sale of Christmas trees. This year is no different, and with the added impact of COVID-19 on Groups, there's no better time to support your local Scouts than now.

Browse the list of Scouts Christmas Tree sales below.

1st Narrabeen Scout Group

22 NOVEMBER 2019

Location: Lot 1 Anzac Reserve Kent Street Collaroy, NSW

Dates: 7 December & 8 December (if not sold out)

Contact: Neville Osborne – 0427229692

Additional Notes: Trees start at $55.

1st Mona Vale Scout Group

Date: Saturday 5 December

Location: Coles Express Service Station – Barrenjoey Road, Avalon NSW 2107

Contact: Kate Holland on 0425 253 836 or kate.holland@nsw.scouts.com.au

Price: $70 (medium). Additional Information: Opens at 6am until sold out – mid to late morning, so be quick!

Cromer-Dee Why Scout Group

Date: 12-13 December 2020

Location: May Road Shops – May and Warringah Roads, Narraweena NSW 2099

Contact: Jim Baldwin at 0404 931 743 or jim.baldwin@nsw.scouts.com.au

Price: $60 (small), $70 (medium), $80 (large)

1st Elanora Heights Scout Group

Date: Saturday 12 December 2020 from 7 am- 12 noon (or until sold)

Location: Bilarong Reserve, Wakehurst Parkway, North Narrabeen NSW 2101

Price: $80 (large trees)

Contact: Rick Shires on rick.shires@nsw.scouts.com.au

Additional Information: Trees and stands available from 7 am until 12 noon or sold. Direct deposit accepted

1st / 2nd Harbord Scout Group

Date: 5-6 December from 7 am,  AND 11-12 December from 7 am

Location: Freshwater Senior Campus – 153 Harbord Road, Curl Curl NSW 2096

Contact: Justin O’Hare (phone 0404 856 371)  justin.ohare@nsw.scouts.com.au

Price: $85 (small tree), $685 (medium tree), $100 (large tree)

Additional Information: Treat your family to a fresh real Christmas tree this year! Support the 1st/2nd Harbord Scout Group, get in early as trees were sold out by 10.30 am last year.

Six foot real Christmas trees, tree stands, and Lions Christmas cakes are available. We will be selling trees outside Freshwater Campus on Harbord Rd, Curl Curl (click here for more info)

Belrose Scout Group

Date: Saturday, 5th December, 8 am until sold

Location: Wakehurst Public School (8 Glen Street, Belrose 2085 NSW)

Contact: Belrose Fundraising Committee (phone 0403 964 530)   fundraising@belrosescoutgroup.com

Price: $70 (small tree).

Additional Information:  Tree stands are also available ($35.00) Delivery: $20.00 (postcodes 2085 & 2086 only)

Order online at www.belrosescoutgroup.com or pay cash on the day.

Please note that we cannot supply taller trees this year (due to the ongoing drought).

1st Terrey Hills Scout Group

Date: Saturday, 5th December, 8 am until sold

Locations: Cnr Mona Vale Road/Aumuna Road, Terrey Hills 2084 NSW

Cnr Mona Vale Road/Kamber Road, Terrey Hills 2084 NSW

Contact: David O’Bryen (phone 02 9402 0187)  david.obryen@nsw.swcouts.com.au

Price: $70 (small tree), $80 (medium tree), $100 (large tree)

Additional Information: Tree sales are on both sides of Mona Vale Road from 7.30 am until sold.

Fairlight/Manly Scout Group

Date: Saturday, 5th December (all day), and 6th December (from morning until sold)

Location: Hinkler Park, North Manly 2100 NSW

Contact: Leigh Costin (0404 246 652)  leigh.costin@nsw.scouts.com.au 

Price: $60 (small tree), $80 (medium tree), $90 (large tree)

Additional Information:  Tree stands are also available. Credit cards accepted.

1st Beacon Hill Scout Group

Date: 5th December (Saturday) and 6th December (Sunday)

Location: Beacon Hill Oval, Willandra Road, Beacon Hill  2100 NSW

Contact: Phil Donald (phone 0406 320 416)  Phillip.Donald@nsw.scouts.com.au

Price: $75 (medium tree)

1st North Sydney Scout Group

Date: 5 December and 12 December

Location: North Sydney Demonstration School – Bay Road, Waverton NSW 2060

Contact: Jane Curbishley on 0412 098 087 or jane@curbishley.net

Price: $80 (medium)

Additional Information: We will only have one size this year due to drought conditions over previous years. For more information, head to www.northsydneyscouts.org.

Restrictions Eased In Time For Christmas

November 25, 2020

More people will be allowed to gather both at home and in outdoor public spaces, and smaller hospitality venues can increase their capacity under a major easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the people of NSW have demonstrated that by working together and following COVID-Safe protocols restrictions can safely be eased.

“The community has done an incredible job this year under trying circumstances,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I hope these changes provide a boost to the hospitality industry and give people certainty in how they can celebrate safely with family, friends and colleagues over the Christmas and New Year period.”

From Tuesday, 1 December:

• Up to 50 people (currently 20) can visit a residence as long as an outdoor space is being utilised, however, it’s recommended no more than 30 people gather if the residence has no outdoor area.
• Up to 50 people can gather outdoors in a public space (currently 30).
• Small hospitality venues (up to 200 square metres in size) will be allowed to have one person per two square metres indoors.

From Monday, 14 December:

• The Public Health Order requiring employers to allow employees to work from home (where it is reasonably practicable to do so) will be repealed.

As employees return to the office, workplaces are encouraged to have COVID-Safe plans. Employers are encouraged to stagger staff starting and finishing times to reduce the impact on public transport. Customers using public transport are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the increased capacity at smaller hospitality venues would make a big difference to cafés and small restaurants across the State.

“We won’t let this be the COVID that stole Christmas. An increase for gatherings at home and a return of the 2m2 rule for smaller hospitality venues, I hope, will be welcome news across the State. We want the people of NSW to have a proper festive season, they deserve it,” Mr Barilaro said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government has worked closely with the experts at NSW Health to ease restrictions safely for end of year celebrations.

“It’s important we work together to keep the community safe; so where possible gather together outdoors, get tested if you have any symptoms and if you are elderly or have underlying health issues you should be particularly cautious,” Mr Hazzard said.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said as we head into the festive season there would be more people moving around the community, which means it is vital people continue to come forward for testing.

“More people will be hosting gatherings in their homes, going out for lunches and dinners and socialising – so if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, please come forward for testing,” Dr Chant said.

Right Skills, Right Now: TAFE NSW To Reskill Locals To Help Kickstart Post-COVID Recovery

TAFE NSW will play a leading role in helping Pittwater locals reskill for the jobs of the future as part of a landmark NSW Government initiative, TAFE NSW Managing Director Steffen Faurby has announced.

As a key plank of the state’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, the NSW Government has committed close to $160 million to match the Australian Government’s JobTrainer fund.

Enrolments for job seekers and school leavers are now open at TAFE NSW through the JobTrainer and Summer Skills programs. 

The programs offer hundreds of fee-free and low cost courses targeted at growth employment sectors such as healthcare, early childhood, community services, food sciences, agriculture, horticulture, accounting and finance, and building trades. 

Mr Faurby urged locals to investigate how the JobTrainer and Summer Skills programs could help them gain the skills to be in-demand in the post-COVID jobs market.

“We have to skill the workforce to take advantage of future job opportunities which may be very different to jobs in the pre-COVID economy,” Mr Faurby said. 

“TAFE NSW is absolutely committed to ensuring NSW remains the most highly skilled workforce in the country.”

“We are working closely with industry to ensure we are delivering a pipeline of job-ready graduates armed with the latest skills to help kick-start the economy,” Mr Faurby said.

TAFE NSW’s Summer Skills fee free short course program is specifically designed to help school leavers bridge the gap from school to work, or school to further study. 

“The Summer Skills program is a great opportunity for young people to get a taste of different industries and ensure they get a head start in the changing jobs market,” Mr Faurby said.

Eligibility criteria for Job Trainer and Summer Skills apply. To find out more visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 13 16 01. 

Mr Faurby 

SCAM ALERT! 

Northern Beaches Police Area Command have had several reports of scammers calling people from what appear to be trusted NSW Police Force numbers and threatening the call recipients with fines or arrest.

These scammers are using technology to make it appear that the calls originate from legitimate police phone numbers; a practice known as ID spoofing. The caller impersonates a NSW Police Force officer and states that the person receiving the call has an outstanding fine or warrant. The scammer demands a form of payment to prevent arrest or further court action.

The NSW Police Force will never call a member of the public and demand payment over the phone in order to avoid going to court or being arrested.  

If you get an unexpected call from someone who states they're from the police, and starts asking for personal details or threatens you, please hang up. If you’re concerned, you can always verify by contacting your local police or the Police Assistance Line directly on 131 444.

To find out more information about scams, or to find out other ways to protect yourself, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au. If you have been the victim of a scam, you can report it to local police or to the ACCC online at the ‘SCAMwatch report a scam’ page.

Barrenjoey Boating Services 

Any locals looking for camper transfers to the Basin this Xmas can get beach to beach or wharf to wharf transfers through Barrenjoey Boating Services - Phone: 9974 4229 to avoid trying to find a park at Palm Beach wharf and lugging all your gear down the wharf. 

There are bunch of local pickup spots adjacent to free parking areas, so if you are planning the get across the bay, they are an excellent option. They have a wide range of barges catering from two to 32 passengers at a time.

Slow Down For Turtles: Presently Out And About - Please Take Care On Our Roads

If you see a large rock in the road, you slow down safely and wait for an opportunity to go around it, right?  The same should be done if you see a turtle on the road.  It is always best to either allow the turtle safe passage across the road or - if it is safe to do so - the turtle can be carried across to the side to which it was headed.

We have recently had an influx of eastern long-necked turtles (Chelodina longicollis) with carapace fractures of varying severity, after being hit by cars.  

Long-necked turtles are freshwater turtles that live in dams, creeks, lakes and sometimes even slightly brackish lagoons.  Often - when it is rainy - the turtles will move from one body of water to another and their journey can take them across roads, through horse paddocks and backyards. At the moment many female turtles are out searching for a place to lay their eggs. 

Unfortunately they are fairly slow-moving on land and they end up being hit by cars, bitten by pets or occasionally relocated to the ocean by well-meaning members of the public.

The shell of a turtle is a bit like an exoskeleton - imagine that the carapace (top shell) is like a spine and ribs that have been flattened and fused.  As such, a fracture of the carapace is tantamount to a broken bone in any other animal.  

Carapace fractures can be tricky to fix as they need to be properly cleaned, debrided, reduced and stabilised and pain relief is essential. A fracture of the ‘bridge’ is very serious as it joins the carapace (top shell) and the plastron (bottom shell) and if the bridge has been compromised it can indicate internal injuries as well. 

Occasionally vacuum-assisted treatment can be used in turtles. 

Please SLOW DOWN for turtles and call us on 9413 4300 if you spot one in need of rescuing.

Sydney Wildlife

Photos by Margaret Woods

Newport Community Garden

Newport Community Garden is at 25 Woolcott Street, Newport. This is Newport residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces; strengthening community, improving health, reconnecting with nature.

We meet every Saturday from 10am till about midday at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.

If you would like to join us please direct message us via our Facebook page or email us to newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.com

Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/newportcgnsw

Everyone is welcome!!!

Photo: November 15, 2020: A very productive morning. Thanks team

Australia Post: Christmas Parcels 2020

Australia Post is encouraging people to ‘Spread the Merry’ this festive season with a uniquely Australian Christmas campaign that shows the value in helping others feel more connected.

Highlighting the beloved Australian landscape and some colourful characters, this year’s campaign builds on the successful campaign from 2019 and shows the thoughtfulness of a little girl named Audrey, who makes an important connection with an unlikely hero - a Major Mitchell cockatoo.

Australia Post Executive General Manager Community & Consumer Nicole Sheffield said after everything we have been through this year, the message of connecting and reconnecting has never been more important.

“We’ve been connecting people to their families, friends and communities at Christmas for over 210 years and our new ‘Spread the Merry’ campaign demonstrates how that sense of connectedness can make us all feel better,” she said.

“This year we’ve seen communities support each other in so many ways and we want to encourage that thoughtfulness throughout the Christmas season with simple gestures like a card or a small gift that can mean so much.

“As we’ve been getting ready for our biggest Christmas ever, we’ve also been encouraging people to send gifts and cards as early as they can, and by certain dates, for the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas.”

For delivery within the country Australia Post recommends presents are sent no later than Saturday 12 December for Parcel Post, and by Saturday 19 December for Express Post.

International sending dates mostly fall in November however, these differ based on location. Recommended final sending dates for standard post to major destinations begin from Monday 16 November.

Recommended final sending dates for major destinations (Standard Post):

• USA, Canada, UK, Europe: Monday 16 November 2020
• Most of Asia: Monday 23 November 2020
• New Zealand: Friday 27 November 2020.

As Australia Post continues to manage the impacts of COVID-19 and more parcels than ever before, it is utilising additional parcel processing facilities, chartering extra freighter flights and hiring 5000 extra people to help deliver across the country.

For more information on Christmas sending visit auspost.com.au/christmas

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Avalon Boomerang Bags Workshop News

New Tuesday workshop times in the Avalon Recreation Centre 11am - 3pm. All are welcome, if you can't sew we will teach you.

Bags and plastic free reusable goodies are for sale during the workshops so please pop in.

Remember there is no excuse for single use plastics, even during wretched COVID19, and washed reusables are best. Do our ocean, waves and beaches a favour and BYO bags, bottles, cups and straws.

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

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

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

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

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said. “If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

	Where to get help - March 2020.pdf Size : 465.979 Kb Type : pdf

Where You Can Get Tested In Our Area:

Mona Vale Hospital - Building 14, Community Health Centre, Coronation Street, Mona Vale. Please ring to register for testing.  PHONE: 9998 6296

Mona Vale Hospital message:  The recent changes to our mask guidelines means patients, carers and visitors are to wear a mask at our hospital.  Staff will also wear a mask when they are delivering care or when they can’t socially distance 1.5 metres. Open 9am-4:30pm, 7 days. 

Dee Why Respiratory Clinic - G/5 Mooramba Road, Dee Why. 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday

Booking required via (02) 8416 5005

Booking web address; https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/dee-why-NSW-2099/dee-why-respiratory-clinic/doctors?purpose=respiratory

Brookvale Community Health Centre Clinic - 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale. 8am-6pm 7 days. No booking required

Frenchs Forest Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology - 5 Forest Way, Frenchs Forest, 8am-4pm Monday to Friday. Booking required via 1800 026 622 or (02) 9111 3405

Frenchs Forest MedLab Pathology-  8 Hilmer Street, Frenchs Forest, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday No booking required.

North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology - 1416 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. 10am-4pm Monday to Friday. No booking required.

Northern Beaches Hospital - 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest;  Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry) 8am- 5pm, 7 days - No booking required.

Drive directly to the clinic by following the signs, please do not use the main car park.  

For people walking or travelling by public transport, follow the red line outside the hospital, then ring the Emergency Department intercom and they will be escorted to the clinic  for testing. 

PATIENTS: We are now temperature checking all staff and visitors ahead of elective surgery returning to the hospital next week. These checks will help us ensure the safety of our staff and visitors during this time.

Entry is via the main entrance or emergency department and all other entry points are closed. There is also screening at the dock for deliveries. The team conducting the checks will take temperatures and ask a few simple questions about wellbeing and possible contact with COVID-19.

Please be patient with our staff conducting the checks.

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

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

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

Visitors to Patient with COVID-19 (or awaiting results)

In order to provide strict infection control, no visitors will be allow to patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or those awaiting test results for COVID-19. We understand there will need to be some exceptions to this, especially with children and also with extremely unwell patients, so we ask that you talk to your families and if you have any questions, please speak to your clinical care team. 

Mask requirements: In line with NSW Health guidelines, please note all patients will be required to wear a mask when presenting to the hospital and when outside of their rooms. Visitors must wear a mask before entering the hospital. Please bring a mask from home where possible.​

Retrieved from and more at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/clinics

Max Arnold: Lifesaver

Community Has Spoken On Proposed Changes To The Serpentine

Yes To Footpath,  No To Shared Path

Stage 1, Pedestrian Path: The construction of a 1.5m wide footpath (similar to the Palm Beach footpath), for Barrenjoey Road between The Serpentine and Surfside Lane. 

Separate the pedestrian path from the road with a 1.0m safety zone of indigenous vegetation.  Retaining walls of local sandstone and the use of local flora will benefit the environment by attracting native birds and insects.

Stage 2, Integrated Cycle and Vehicle Road:  Widening Barrenjoey Road through Bilgola bends to Palm Beach and reducing the speed limit to 50 km/h will provide a safe world class cycling route.  Everyone will breathe a sigh of relief when the hazardous sections are widened.

Future For Freshwater Ferry Secured

Save Our Freshwater Class Ferries 2021 Calendar

DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Fletcher

AGE/SEX: 4 years / M
BREED: Bull Arab X
Fletcher is a sweet gentle dog. He walks with encouragement but ignores other dogs and cars and builds up pace. He enjoys being patted and cuddled. Fletcher did not mind being arounds kids but does not engage much with them. He has a short coat and weighs 34.2kg. 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.  

Albert

Albert is a grey and white short coated boy who is approximately 2 years old. He is coming out of his shell and starting to enjoy pats and cuddles from our volunteers. He is social with other cats and has a calm nature. Albert weighs 4kg.
He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting him,  call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com

DOG WALKING is recommencing

DoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite. 

We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time. 

We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.

We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.

We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.

Foster Carers Needed

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

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

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Free General Admission To Upgraded Australian Museum

2021-2023 NSW Heritage Grants Now Open: Closes Feb 8, 2021

$10 Million Grants Program To Assist Women To Get Back Into The Workforce

Grants To Fund Innovative Re-Use And Recycling Projects

Draft Bush Fire Management Policy

Navigation Restriction - Gosford Broadwater, Brisbane Water - Inflatable Activity Park

2021 Doggie Rescue Calendar