Community News: February 2022

February 20 - 26, 2022: Issue 527

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 527 The 2022 Australian Surf Rowers League Open (ASRL): NSW Retain Interstates Trophy, Avalon Beach SLSC's Pinkies Win!

Residents State Newport Development Approval Is A Death Certificate For Robertson Road Community Space Possibilities

Covid Update Issue 527: Variant Called BA.2 Spreading; 5 More Local Seniors Lost This Week; Easing Of Restrictions; Extension Of Red Tape Relief For Business During Omicron; New Visitation Guidelines For Aged Care Residents Announced

Aquatics Perfect Send Off For Two ABSLSC Club Legends - Life Members Reg Wood and Don "Imo" Imison by Roger Sayers OAM + their earlier Profiles

A Preschool Education Can Give Kids The Best Start In Life! by Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM, Chair of Friends of Soibada

Pictures The 2022 Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open

Six MLALC Sites On The Northern Beaches Identified For Development: 71 Hectares At Lizard Rock For 450 Houses Proposed To Be Commence In 2022 - comments open with NSW Dept. of Planning until March 21

Australian First All-Female Surfing Series Launches: Challenge Her Team's Classic

Avalon 100 - Avalon Centenary Celebrations Hosts Great Events This March: Avalon Sailing Club's  'Sail Of The Century' + Radio Northern Beaches Launches 'The Avalon Story' Series

DIY Ideas Late Summer - Early Autumn Garden Tips: BOM Forecasts Warm Autumn With Above Average Rainfall - Late Summer heat can be tough on plants, or it can be fruitful, if you have the know-how. With the BOM forecasting above average temperatures and rainfall for the coming months, here are some must do’s to keep the garden tip-top as we head out of Summer and into Autumn.

The Sydney Edible Garden Trail 2022 - Peek inside some of Sydney’s private backyard fruit and veggie gardens this March and discover their secrets to living sustainably: list of local gardens participating so far as part of this years SEGT

Food How To Make Your Diet More Sustainable, Healthy Or Cheap – Without Giving Up Nutrients by Brad Ridoutt, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Agriculture

Park Bench Philosopher ADHD Affects Girls Too, and It Can Present Differently To The Way It Does In Boys: Here’s What To Look Out For

Inbox and Environment News: Issue 527 - PEP-11 Update, Australia’s Eucalypt Of The Year Voting Is Open For The 5th Year!, Clean Up Australia Day: Sunday March 6; 2022 - Local Sites List, Asparagus Fern Flowering Now: Dispose Of This Weed To Stop The Spread, RECYCLING AND RESOURCE RECOVERY AT KIMBRIKI, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment - Next Forum; The Pan Gnammas, Rock-gardens, Rainforests and Conifers of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment,  Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew Next Clean Is At: Queenscliff: Sunday 27th Of February, Powerhouse Brookvale - Australia's First Urban Renewable Energy Zone: Launch February 28, Electrify! Saul Griffiths On The Big Switch, Bushcare In Pittwater, Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Helpers Needed, $100 Billion Of Investment Potential For Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, Origin Proposes To Accelerate Exit From Coal-Fired Generation, NSW Government Response To The Closure Of The Eraring Power Station, Australia’s largest coal plant will close 7 years early – but there’s still no national plan for coal’s inevitable demise, How our album of birdsong recordings rocketed to #2 on the ARIA charts, Western Sydney will swelter through 46 days per year over 35°C by 2090, unless emissions drop significantly, ‘Highly exaggerated’: experts debunk Morrison government claim of 53,000 fewer jobs from coal and gas ban, World-first research confirms Australia’s forests became catastrophic fire risk after British invasion, Microchips, 3D printers, augmented reality: the high-tech tools helping scientists save our wildlife, In heatwave conditions Tasmania’s tall eucalypt forests no longer absorb carbon, 'Blue Blob' Near Iceland Could Slow Glacial Melting, Lichens Are In Danger Of Losing The Evolutionary Race With Climate Change, Oceans are better at storing carbon than trees. In a warmer future, ocean carbon sinks could help stabilise our planet, Sydney shark attack triggers calls for a cull – but let’s take a deep breath and look at the evidence, Environmental footprint calculators have one big flaw we need to talk about, Avalon Golf Course Bushcare Needs You, Pittwater Reserves: Histories + Notes + Others, New Shorebirds WingThing  For Youngsters Available To Download, Shorebird Identification Booklet, Aussie Bread Tags Collection Points, Australian First All-Female Surfing Series Launches: Challenge Her Team's Classic, All In A Day's Work, Word Of The Week: Chortle, Military History Lesson On Offer For Students, Applications Now Open For NSW Youth Advisory Council 2022, Morning Of The Earth: 50th Anniversary Screening At Cremorne, The International Space Station is set to come home in a fiery blaze – and Australia will likely have a front row seat, I helped introduce silver medallist Jaclyn Narracott to the fearsome 130kph skeleton event; Here’s how it’s done, Want to delete your social media, but can’t bring yourself to do it? Here are some ways to take that step, Quokka-sized fossil species show kangaroos evolving to eat leaves – for the fourth time, Yes; words can harm young trans people - Here’s what we can do to help, The new Lord of the Rings prequel, The Rings of Power, is set in the Second Age of Middle-Earth - here’s what that means, Smishing – The Scammers Latest Phone Threat To Your Savings, Nursing home residents are paying $800 a week for services they are barely getting, Isolated, confused and depressed: the pandemic’s toll on people with dementia and their carers, Is this love … or an arrhythmia? Your heart really can skip a beat when you’re in love, Haven’t yet been vaccinated for COVID? Novavax might change your mind, Researchers Create Molecule That Can Pave Way For Mini-Transistors, Algorithm Could Shorten Quality Testing - Research In Many Industries By Months, Study Finds COVID-19 Vaccination Boosts Mental Health Along With Immunity, How Mars Lost Its Oceans, Aboriginal Australians In Cities Have Dementia Rates As High As Those In Rural Areas, Study Highlights Worldwide Disparities In Treatment Rates For Major Depressive Disorder

Profile of the Week Mona Vale SLSC Boaties Need An Aussies 2022 Boost: MV's Fluffy Ducks, Venom + Drifters

By MVSLSC Boaties Supporter 

What do Mona Vale SLSC’s Boat Crews Venom, the Fluffy Ducks and the Drifters have in common?

They are the young men and women of Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving Club’s Boat Division, and they need our help. Currently they face one main challenge and it's not Covid. The Mona Vale crews need 2 sets of new oars, a new club tent, new rowlocks and some team gear.  All this will cost around $10,000 and the crews have launched a raffle with brilliant prizes far exceeding the price of a ticket to meet these costs. Golf for 4, a case of Towler’s Bay wine, and even a Tom Carrol designed and signed surfboard, and more, are up for grabs. 

You can buy tickets HERE

When considering Mona Vale Beach was one of the first places to have a surf rescue boat, the next generation seeking to continue this tradition is one we can all understand and want to see realised. 

For context, in 1908, an item in Warringah Shire Minutes of Meetings reads:

14th August 1908: 51st Meeting, Minutes - Motions – Purchase of life boat – CR. Powell and Cr. Quirk, seconded the following motion: That the Works Committee report on the advisability of purchasing a life-boat for Mona Vale and establishing a life-boat Brigade – carried unanimously 

By the end of that year:

The North Steyne Surf Club journeyed from Manly to Mona Vale on December 12, and gave life-saving exhibitions on the beach, which proved interesting, as well as instructive. In the evening, the visitors were entertained at dinner by the Mona Vale Surf Club and residents. President A. Ralston (of the Warringah Shire) presided, and thanked the visiting life-savers for their beach display. He said the local club bad been doing good work, and would now be better able to cope with accidents. The other speakers included Councillor Powell, Mr. C. D. Paterson (captain North Steyne Surf Club), Mr. S.A. Rigney (secretary N.S.S.C.), Rev. F. R. Ford. Councillor Quirk, and Mr. E. Lincoln. SOCIAL ITEMS. (1908, December 19). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113762480

Their aim is to represent their community and club at the 2022 Aussies - the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. When you consider how much these young men and women have already given to our community and how important it is we support the next generation in to continue this iconic sport, a chance to sip a good red or ride a great board for 1% of the real price is a bargain. 

Some sources refer to 1920 as the year Barrenjoey House was first built. The book Palm Beach 1788 – 1988 (p.55) states Barrenjoey House was built in 1923 by Albert Verrills as a guesthouse and restaurant for Mr Resch – and was the first place in Palm Beach to have a telephone. Palm Beach House, over the hill on the ocean side, originally had PB1 as its phone number for years - whereas Barrenjoey House was PB35 until 1930 when it became PB1. The Verrills family recollections place its construction and commencement of operations as between 1920 and 1922 - so perhaps it was built that year and completed in time for the beginning of the 1921-1922 Summer Season. 

Edmund Resch junior was buying the Steyne Hotel at Manly at this time - there was a John Regan, retiring as a successful grazier, who was buying land and properties in our area during this time and certainly owned Barrenjoey House by 1926:

Hardie and Gorman Pty., Ltd., acting under instructions from the Permanent Trustee Co. of New South Wales. Ltd.. held an auction of properties in the estate of the late C. T. Burchmore. They cleared the Hotel Steyne as a going concern for £64,000, the purchaser being Mr. Edmund Resch, jun. The other large property was the Arcadia picture theatre, fronting North Steyne, which realised £10,000; while a block of land in Sydney Road was knocked down for £1500. As the result of private negotiations for the sale of a second block of land in Henrietta Lane, the total of sales Is expected to reach £77,000. REAL ESTATE MARKET (1922, September 9). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245788617

Albert Verrills chose the land behind that on which Barrenjoey House still stands as a home site as lumber for building was being offloaded at the pier named Palm Beach Jetty by the Barrenjoey Land Company when bringing people into the far end of Pittwater, and what became Gow's Wharf, and stored in what is now Pittwater Park. He wanted to keep an eye on these valuable supplies. Later the family would live in Iluka road, Palm Beach.

This published construction item confirms the existence of one of a growing number of boarding establishments and that it was trading at least earlier then the Spring of 1923 and shows up on the landscape in January to June 1925 photos as the whitewashed two storey building still kept as a heritage building today:

For making additions and generally re-modelling the hotel at Palm Beach, plans have been prepared by Mr. W. H. H. Thomson, architect, who has let a contract to Mr. A. Verrills, builder, to carry out the work. GENERAL NOTES. (1923, September 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16094390 

This week a few insights into a Palm Beach icon.

Artist of the Month February 2022: Alex Chesser, Photographer For the last decade and a bit whenever Pittwater Online News needed photos of responses to local fires in our area our go to photographer was Alex Chesser. His great images have showcased the work of the NSW Rural Fires Service, with whom he has been a member for almost 17 years. Pittwater Online hasn't been the only one to notice the brilliant standard of Alex's photography, and encouraged by us all, he has expanded his range and now makes these captures available at:  alex-chesser  If you're looking for a high quality image of our area these all come highly recommended. Examples of these run this month and include a link to where you can get your own copy.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: February 20, 2022

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Thank You Dr. Doherty

February 14, 2022: Mona Vale Hospital 
After close to 50 years of service to Mona Vale Hospital, Dr Jack Delohery has hung up the stethoscope to enjoy his retirement.

Jack started his career in medicine at Mona Vale Hospital as an intern in 1975, and briefly left during his registrar years before returning as a consultant in 1984.

A champion for rehabilitation, Jack was instrumental in the opening of NSW’s first purpose built rehabilitation ward, the Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit, at Mona Vale in 1987.

Mona Vale Hospital General Manger Jennifer McConnell said Jack would forever be a part of the hospital, having helped create the positive culture that exists at the hospital today.

“Jack is a most dedicated doctor and a quiet and considerate leader,” she said.

“He is tireless in his service and contribution to the Northern Beaches community.”

Jenny said Jack was widely respected by his colleagues across multiple disciplines.

“He has enormous respect from his colleagues who note his quirky sense of humour, and regard him as one of the world’s gentlemen,” she said.

Happy retirement Jack!


MVH photo

New Medical Interns Commence At Mona Vale Hospital

February 18, 2022
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today welcomed the latest group of medical interns commencing clinical training at Mona Vale Hospital.

Six new nurses and two doctors are joining the experienced medical team at Mona Vale Hospital and will put into practice their many years of university preparation.

Mona Vale Hospital has secured dozens of medical interns over recent years and is continuing its long-standing role in educating NSW’s medical workforce.

“This is a really exciting time for these graduates and a great boost for our hospital network,” Rob Stokes said today.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has delivered enormous challenges over recent years and it’s been our hospital staff who have gone above and beyond to help ensure continuity of care.

“Mona Vale Hospital has an outstanding team of experienced medical staff – so we know these graduates will have a wealth of knowledge to draw from.

“The ongoing introduction of modern hospital infrastructure and services at Mona Vale Hospital is providing real benefits to our community – but it’s the medical staff who are the real heroes.

“I congratulate these graduates on reaching this important milestone in their training and wish them every success with their careers,” Rob Stokes said.

More than 350 staff are employed at Mona Vale Hospital across its inpatient, community health, urgent care and diagnostic services. 

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls Return

The Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members are having a stall at Pittwater Place on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 3pm selling knitting for babies and children, beanies, bedsocks and scarves for oldies, sewing items, craft and jams, raising funds for the rehabilitation and palliative care units.


Shark Alarm At Avalon Beach Means Get Out Or Stay Out Of The Water

On Saturday afternoon, February 19th, the shark alarm was sounded by Avalon Beach SLSC members. The alarm is a call to get out of or stay out of the water.

A drone spotting a 3 metre white shark off Bangalley headland heading towards Avalon beach. A big shark harassed local surfers at LA and South Avalon beach.

Given the tragic loss of a loved young man Simon Nellist this week, the first loss of life to a shark attack in Sydney in almost 60 years, please heed any warnings issued by those on patrol on our beaches.

Tragically a man has died after a shark encounter off rocks at Little Bay beach late on Wednesday 16 February.

At about 4.45pm on 16 February, the SLSNSW State Operations Centre was advised by Police of a man missing after being observed by rock fishers in an encounter with a shark. SLS Duty Officers attended, along with Randwick Council lifeguards, SLS Sydney jetski and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

Surf lifesavers were back on scene the next morning with two Surf Life Saving Sydney jetskis on the water and two UAVs in the air to assist Police and the Department of Primary Industries.

Randwick, Sutherland and Waverley Councils closed beaches for 24 hours after the incident occurred.

“This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends,” said SLSNSW President George Shales.

“While these incidents are extremely rare, it is still shocking to comprehend and I want to thank our volunteers who responded to assist Police.”

Residents have seen sharks in the estuary as well this week so please avoid areas where you can see fish feeding.

You can follow Dorsal Shark Reports Australia, Australia's largest shark reporting service, at: https://www.facebook.com/dorsalaus/


Mosquito Monitoring Program Update: Council

Council is reminding the community to remain vigilant following an increase in mosquito trappings as part of the NSW Arbovirus Surveillance and Mosquito Monitoring Program.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said this is the third year Council has participated in the program.  

“Mosquitos are a nuisance, but unfortunately, we have to live with them and there are some environments on the Beaches which are more prone to them.

“While nothing sinister has been reported in the trappings in the last few months, the numbers are up on previous years due to increased rain this summer as a result of La Niña.

“Fortunately, while the counts have been high, these numbers have mostly been nuisance biters and not species that usually transmit viral infections.

“Please remain vigilant in areas of concern around our wetlands and bushland habitats by wearing appropriate clothing to minimise skin exposure, use mosquito repellent and be aware that mosquito peak times are dawn and dusk.

“Also be aware of removing optimal breeding areas in your backyard including water-holding items like containers, kids toys and even pot plant trays.” Mayor Regan said.

During both December and January weekly mosquito counts have been between medium (50-100) and high (101-1000 per trap) throughout the trapping season and it is expected to remain this way due to current weather patterns.

The two key species (Culex annulirostris, Aedes vigilax) that are associated transmission of viral infections like Ross River Virus or Barmah Forest virus have only been present on the Northern Beaches in lower numbers than previous seasons with some higher numbers recorded in other parts of the State.
Mosquito monitoring is currently being undertaken at Warriewood Wetlands and near Deep Creek near the Narrabeen Lagoon trail.

The program kicked off in November 2021 and will run through until 30 April 2022.
The Northern Beaches Council Mosquito Management Plan is available here: https://files.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/.../nbcfinalmosq...

Check out this NSW Health page for more tips on how to control mosquitoes around the home and the weekly surveillance results of the program can be viewed on the NSW Health website.  



Boat House In Governor Phillip Park - Almost Gone

Photo: February 16, 2022 - by Cameron Greaves
The Boat House is currently undergoing a rebuild with a brand new but still the same version due to open in 2023.
More next week!

PEP-11 Update

February 17, 2022: The Hon Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia
The Australian  Government has taken the next step to formally reject the application for the Offshore Petroleum Exploration Permit PEP-11. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said following the Government’s proposed decision to not suspend, extend and vary the title conditions of PEP-11 on 16 December 2021, the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) issued the applicant a Notice of Intention to Refuse and granted the applicant 30 days to respond to the notice.

“After considering the applicant’s response, I have made the decision under section 59(3) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 to propose to refuse the application,” the Prime Minister said.

“As a result, I have written to New South Wales Deputy Premier Paul Toole, as the joint authority partner, advising of the Government’s proposed decision.“

Deputy Premier Toole has 30 days to respond, following which a decision will be finalised.


photo by A J Guesdon.

Australia’s Eucalypt Of The Year Voting Is Open For The 5th Year!

Tuesday 15 February 2022 
Get ready to witness eco passion because voting for the 2022 Eucalypt of the Year opens today. Celebrating its 5th birthday, the much loved - and highly contested - Eucalypt of the Year award is sure to bring out the competitive spirit in gumtree lovers across the country.

“The 2022 Eucalypt of the Year gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate their own personal favourites with the winning species to be announced on National Eucalypt Day (23 March) by Eucalypt Australia, says Linda Baird, CEO Eucalypt Australia.

“From John Williamson’s ‘Home Among The Gumtrees’ to May Gibbs’ ‘Snugglepot and Cuddlepie’, eucalypts feature in the fabric of Australians’ lives.

“In a time of uncertainty, gum trees provide Australians with a constant in our lives, synonymous with the unique beauty of our country”, says Ms Baird.

National Eucalypt Day is Australia’s biggest annual celebration of eucalypts held every year to celebrate and promote Australia’s eucalypts and what they mean to our lives and hearts.

There are over 900 eucalypt species across the continent – from the towering Mountain Ash of south eastern Australia, to the haunting Ghost Gum of the outback, to the Western Australian Mottlecah aka The Rose of the West with flowers as big as your palm, it will be exciting to see which eucalypt will take out this year’s gong.

People can vote for their favourite eucalypt from a shortlist of 25 species, including our own local Angophora costata, until 20th March on the Eucalypt Australia website at:  www.eucalyptaustralia.org.au

Fairy Penguins Coming Ashore

The Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue Central Coast advises that during the last few weeks they have seen an increase in little penguins being found along our coastline. 

Little penguins on the Central Coast, off Barrenjoey and in the Hunter region live and breed on offshore islands.

If one is found along our coastline, the penguin may be suffering from exhaustion, is unwell, injured or is currently moulting. Please report any penguins that are found onshore and please don’t place them back into the ocean.


Seals Coming Ashore: Please Keep 40 Metres Distance

ORRCA would like to remind residents it is that time of year when we get the odd special visitor to our beaches and bays looking for a spot to rest and relax in the summer sun. 

If you are out and about and come across a seal that is resting, please don't approach it! Keep well back (40 meters is required under NSW Laws) and enjoy the special visitor from a distance. 

It is also important to report your sighting into the ORRCA Rescue Hotline on 02 9415 3333 so they can track and, if needed, assess the seal. 

ORRCA often track seals moving up and down our coastline over days, weeks and months so your report could add to the seal travel journey.


Leopard Seal at Bungan Beach. Photo: Jools Farrell

Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed

Pittwater Online News has interviewed Lynette Millett OAM (WIRES Northern Beaches Branch)this week for a February 2022 Profile. 

February is one of two times each year when a lot of baby wildlife comes into care. Lyn spoke about needing more bird cages of all sizes for keeping the current huge amount of baby wildlife in care safe or 'homed' while they are healed/allowed to grow bigger to the point where they may be released back into their own home. 

If you have an aviary or large bird cage you are getting rid of or don't need anymore, please message or email us and we'll pass on the details - pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

There is also a pressing need for release sites for brushtail possums - a species that is very territorial and where release into a site already lived in by one possum can result in serious problems and injury. 

If you have a decent backyard and can help out, Lyn and husband Dave can supply you with a simple drey for a nest and food for their first weeks of adjustment, please message or email us and we'll pass on the details - pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

Thanking you all in advance.


Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast 2022 Speaker Announced

When: Wednesday 2 March 2022 at 7am at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc will host the annual Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday 2 March 2022 at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport.

The guest speaker at the breakfast will be Val Edwards. Val grew up in Wollongong. She moved to Sydney in 1970 and has been an active member of the Palm Beach community since 1989. She is married with three children and seven grandchildren.

When Val left school, she was invited to enter the Miss Australia Quest and raised the most money in her region for the Spastic Centre, now named the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Val was recently asked to assist the Lung Foundation Australia and NSW Health in presenting up to date information online for people who suffer from COPD.

In 2000, Val was invited to participate on three levels at the Sydney Olympic Games. She was chosen:
  • to be an Attaché for Tajikistan;
  • to train the 150 medal presenting staff,
An official Olympic Games postage stamp featuring Val commemorated the “best ever” games.

Twenty eight years ago Val bought her business ‘Sydney Model Agency and Sydney Etiquette College’. Val has a career focused on helping build confidence in boys and girls from 13 years of age from all backgrounds. 


Val Edwards

The 2022 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by the Hon. Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater. 

The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches is a member of Zonta International, which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Zonta International is affiliated at the United Nations with other major women’s organisations. This breakfast marks International Women’s Day (8 March). It is a day to acknowledge women’s
contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place. 

Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The cost is $55pp. Please book by Monday February 21st.
Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 8 to 10. We will seat you. 
Please book early as this event may fill quickly.
Enquiries to pittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Sue 0407 850 860 or Susie 0413 623 392. 

The delightful location looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. The breakfast is always well attended by the local community. Everyone is invited to attend and men are particularly welcome. With the relaxing of COVID restrictions we expect to be able to host a capacity audience however any COVID restrictions at the date will be strictly adhered to. 

Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc. assisting local women in need, and Zonta International projects in developing countries. 

Zonta International is a global service organisation of executives working together to advance the status of women through service and advocacy.

Purple Poppy Day

On February 24th 2019, Federal Minister Scott Buchholz announced that this day would be set aside every year to commemorate and honour the animals that continue to fight for the sovereignty of our great country.
 
Australia joined many other countries in the world in marking the War Animal Day. We are all being encouraged to wear a purple poppy in recognition of the deeds and sacrifice our four legged and feathered diggers have made, and continue to make serving alongside our troops. 
 
The announcement came at the backdrop of another yet great milestone that saw the opening of the first international war animal memorial. The memorial is located near the French town of Pozieres, which was a central battlefield for WW1.

The Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch has decided to conduct a Purple Poppy Day Commemorative Service every 24 February, Australia’s official War Animal Day.  Our new plaque is now in place on the Upper Cenotaph.  This will be our fourth Commemorative Service for 2022.

Politicians, Councillors, local schools and all general public are invited to attend.

The Service will commence at 11:00am on Thursday 24 February 2022 at the Lower Cenotaph – Pittwater RSL, 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale

Covid regulations will be adhered to, whatever they may be at the time.



Safety Rebate Doubles To Help Small Businesses Be COVID Safe

Small business owners and sole traders can now apply for a NSW Government rebate of up to $1,000 to make their workplaces safer with $1 million added to the Small Business Rebate Program. 

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the rebate has been doubled and the program expanded with a renewed focus on helping businesses ensure they are COVID safe. 

“We have doubled the rebate support from $500 to $1,000 per application to encourage small business owners and sole traders to think about how they can make their workplaces safer,” Ms Petinos said.

“Small businesses have experienced challenges through the Omicron wave of the pandemic and this initiative is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to support small businesses in bouncing back.”

Projects that may be eligible for the rebate include:
  • >Workplace hygiene products including portable and fixed hand sanitiser stations and sneeze/cough guards
  • >Access ramps to move products safely
  • >Guard rails to reduce falls for those working at heights
  • Items that reduce risks of injury from lifting and moving heavy equipment
  • >Forklift safety measures such as specialised seatbelts, anti-vibration seats, automatic stop/go barriers and reversing light systems
  • >Machinery protection measures such as pressure mats with auto cut-off sensors
  • >Protections including ramps to load goods onto vehicles, conveyor systems and specialised stacking and racking systems
  • >Specialised hearing protectors for noisy workplaces to prevent industrial deafness 
  • >Sunshade protection to help safeguard outdoor workers from sunburn and skin cancer. 
Ms Petinos said the Small Business Rebate Program has been in operation since 2012 with the rebate providing safety information and incentives for small businesses to improve and invest in safety outcomes.  

“The program also has a strong focus on education and supports small businesses across all industries by helping to start conversations about improving safety outcomes in the workplace,” Ms Petinos said.

“I encourage small business owners and sole traders to apply for the rebate if they are eligible.”

Further information about the Small Business Rebate Program is available at:

Your Vision For The Future – Help Update The Community Strategic Plan

Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Shape 2028 is under review and the community is being asked to confirm if their priorities for the future remain the same.

Council is required to lead the community in developing a long-term vision and strategy with an outlook of at least 10 years, to identify community priorities and aspirations, and to develop a set of goals and strategies for their achievement. It is known as the CSP.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the community is at the centre of everything Council does.
“Shape 2028 was first published in 2018 and captured our community’s vision and key aspirations for the Northern Beaches over 10 years to 2028.

“Councils are required by the state government to review the CSP following the election of a new Council, so it is a time to check in with the community and ensure that we are headed in the right direction,” Mayor Regan said.

As part of this review, Council analysed community engagement carried out since the development of the CSP and conducted a series of focus groups as an initial test of any significant changes in community sentiment.

A discussion paper has been released to:
  • present the outcomes, goals and strategies as identified in Shape 2028 with a summary of where we are now, some of the challenges we face to achieving these and a few of the opportunities that the council are looking at including in the revised draft CSP
  • Highlights actions and progress towards achieving the outcomes and goals consider the longevity of the outcomes, goals and strategies and whether these can be extended beyond 10 years
  • summarise community engagement that has taken place over the last five years as it relates to the eight CSP outcomes to report any changes in sentiment over time.
“Council encourages you to read this discussion paper and tell them what you think may need to be changed or updated. Does the community still agree that the vision, outcomes, goals, and strategies meet their aspirations?

“As the CSP serves as the overarching guiding document in the development of all Council’s strategies and plans, we would also like to understand if you believe the aspirations are relevant for an outlook to 2040.

“Jump online to learn more and be part of our conversation so we get this right.” Mayor Regan said.

For more information or to have your say visit:

Submissions close Wednesday 2 March 2022.

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

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby weighed less than a kilogram when she was orphaned on the roadside after her mother was hit and killed by a vehicle. Fortunately, Phoebe was uninjured, taken to a local vet and raised and then released by Sydney Wildlife volunteer Jane.

While Phoebe was fortunate, other native birds and animals are not so lucky.

So, if you’re returning home after your summer holiday (or just out and about on Australia Day), please slow down - particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas identified with wildlife crossing signs, for your safety and the welfare of our wildlife.

Please contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue on (02) 9413 4300 for advice if you hit a native animal or come across an injured one while driving. It is helpful if you can provide an accurate location or landmark to assist our rescuers who will pouch check marsupials for joeys, so little lives like Phoebe can be saved. 



 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane
Notice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue

JP Public Register

You can find a Justice of the Peace (JP) using the online Public Register. You can search by postcode, name of a JP, day of availability, language spoken and JP registration number. The register lists a JP’s location, availability and telephone number. Please note that JPs are volunteers and may not be available at all times. Click here to access the JP Public Register

Graeme Crayford Memorial

Catherine Park, Scotland Island
Saturday 26 February, 4:00 - 6:30 pm


Graeme Crayford, former resident of Scotland Island, fire brigade president and community vehicle co-ordinator, died recently.

A memorial function will be held for Graeme in Catherine Park, Scotland Island on Saturday, 26 February from 4pm. During the function members of Graeme's family and the local community will share their memories of this much-admired islander, and talk about the contribution he made to our community.

At 6pm the Scotland Island fire boat will take Graeme's family out onto Pittwater to scatter his ashes.

Members of the brigade and the community are invited to join us in Catherine Park from 4pm and to accompany the fire boat onto Pittwater at 6pm. A BBQ and drinks will be available in Catherine Park.

Members of the brigade are encouraged to arrive early and help with setting up and running the BBQ. Anyone available to help should contact Peter Lalor on 0401 716194.

To help with planning, please register here: http://sirfb.org.au/event-4704076

VALE: Scott David Bode
21/02/1963 - 09/02/2022

Son of Carl Roelof and Helena Adriana Charlotte (Dec.), brother to Ron and Frank.

Started life with a full bottle.
Adventured the East Coast of Australia from Orbost to Cairns. Lived in Avalon. (Insular Peninsula).
Barrenjoey High School Boy, lived the thought of goodness and happiness, a good and true friend to many in our community.

Missed by family, mates and friends, and the sun coming up every day.
Aged 58
Forever in our hearts
and the funny times.

A Wake for Scottie was held at Avalon Beach RSL Club on Thursday February 17th, 2022.



Photo: cropped section from singing along with a mate after a hard day on the Carpentry tools.

Invitation To The Greens' Local Federal Campaign Launch


Join Adam Bandt, leader of the Australian Greens and lead Senate candidate David Shoebridge at this exciting joint campaign launch. Adam and David will be discussing climate action, adaptation, and justice with Mackellar candidate Ethan Hrnjak and Warringah candidate Kristyn Glanville.

11:30am - 12:30pm
Sunday 27 February
Frazer Reserve, Collaroy


The Collaroy-Narrabeen seawall embodies the monumental policy failure of the federal government in dealing with the impacts of climate change and coastal erosion. Our event is particularly focused on highlighting how a national approach to climate policy is urgently required. The Greens are the only party with comprehensive plans for climate action, adaptation and justice.

All community members are welcome at this event. Coffee and other light refreshments will be provided by a local coffee van.

Parking for the event can be found nearby on Pittwater Road, Frazer Street, or at Collaroy Beach Carpark. Alternatively, there are frequent buses to Collaroy B-Line bus stop, which is a four minute walk from Frazer Reserve. In case of wet weather, we will advise you of a suitable location nearby.

NSW-Built Electric Buses Power Local Manufacturing Jobs

February 14, 2022 Announcement
The NSW Government is supporting the creation of local manufacturing jobs in Western Sydney with a $70 million investment to transition the state’s bus fleet to zero-emissions technology.

Western Sydney-based company Custom Denning has been awarded a contract to design, manufacture and assembly 79 new electric buses.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott toured the St Mary’s factory this morning to inspect the production line and meet workers.

“This is a true Western Sydney success story and our Government is proud to have played a part in this business producing the first locally-built electric bus,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Custom Denning employs 160 workers at their St Mary’s factory and this investment will now provide more jobs to ensure our buses are built to the highest standard.

“Our Government is getting closer to securing a cleaner, healthier future for the people of NSW and at the same time this electric bus transition will generate hundreds of local manufacturing jobs, which is an amazing outcome for our state.” 

Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the $70 million investment takes the number of bus orders placed with Custom Denning past 100, which will help drive a post pandemic jobs recovery and a boost for local manufacturing.

“The NSW Government’s commitment to transition the entire 8,000-plus bus fleet is supercharging jobs and manufacturing in Western Sydney,” Mr Elliott said.

“Bus customers are already experiencing the benefits of electric buses from Penrith to Bondi, and we will continue to back local manufacturing.

“I’m committed to exploring opportunities to secure more local manufacturing, component supply and workforce skills development to boost our economy.”

Once built, the 79 buses will operate services in Sydney’s inner west. Transport for NSW, in collaboration with its contracted bus operators, have ordered 101 electric buses from Custom Denning.


Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott at St. Mary's this week

Plan For Aboriginal Development Of Local Lands On Exhibition

February 7, 2022: NSW Dept. of Planning media release
A proposal to help Aboriginal people fulfil potential economic benefits from their land in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is now on public exhibition for community feedback.

The Northern Beaches Aboriginal Land Development Delivery Plan (DDP) identifies six sites owned by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) that may be suitable for new homes, job-generating development, other community assets or biodiversity protection.

Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said if progressed the plan means new homes and jobs for the area as well as strengthened self-determination of the Indigenous community.

“This proposal is about Aboriginal people taking charge of using their land in ways that best supports their communities and protects their heritage,” Mr Roberts said.

“Helping Aboriginal Land Councils achieve better economic outcomes from their land has long been a priority of mine and this project is a great first step forward for Aboriginal development in the Northern Beaches area.”

If the plan is adopted, specific detailed proposals for each site would then need to be prepared for community feedback, with the first possibly kicking off as early as this year.

The DDP provides a framework for the potential development of six sites owned by the MLALC in the Northern Beaches LGA.  

Of the nine sites (totalling 912 ha) owned by the MLALC in the Northern Beaches LGA, only the 71ha Lizard Rock site is currently endorsed by MLALC members and the NSW ALC to be actively investigated for land dealing.

The site comprises 22 separate allotments with a total area of approximately 71 hectares.

The proposed amendment to the Aboriginal Land SEPP and supporting Development Delivery Plan (DDP) has been prepared in consultation with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) and Northern Beaches Council.

The proposals fit well within the North District Plan as part of that Greater Sydney Plan.

The draft DDP is on exhibition for public comment until Monday 21 March 2022. 

Find out more by: 
Following the exhibition period, all feedback on the State Environmental Planning Policy amendment and DDP will be carefully considered by the Department of Planning and Environment to inform their finalisation later this year.  

If approved, the six sites will be mapped in an amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Aboriginal Land) 2019, which will then allow the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to lodge planning proposals for independent review to the North District Planning Panel.  

Manly Dam Link Trail Proposal Open For Comments

To help improve safety and accessibility, we are proposing a new boardwalk that connects Picnic Area 2 and Picnic Area 3. 

The link trail is to be approximately 433 m long and will consist of a raised boardwalk traversing through bushland and a short section of coloured concrete path.

An REF and Concept Drawing is available at: 

Comments will close on Sunday 13 March 2022.

Council will also be holding an online information session on Thursday 24 February 2022 from 6 to 7pm to give you an opportunity to meet the project team and ask some questions.

Bookings are essential, register here for the session.


Artists Impression: Proposed viewing deck

The Basin On Sydney Weekender

Look out for Sydney Weekender on Sunday February 27th at 5.30 on Channel 7. The producers filmed in our beautiful Basin on Thursday Feb. 10th featuring a few of our local businesses and animal residents - something worth having a look at!

In January, and after 27 fun-filled years of travelling our incredible state, Mike Whitney was allowed to put his feet up and pass the baton onto Matt Shirvington, who now hosts the show. 

Raised in Davidson, Mr. Shirvington attended St Martin de Porres Catholic Primary School in Davidson.
Matt held the Australian 100m national sprint title from 1998 to 2002 and is the third fastest Australian sprinter of all time. He qualified for the 100m semi-finals in Sydney 2000, finishing 5th.


Closure Of Public Road Reserve: 32 Watkins Road Avalon - Have Your Say

The Council is considering the formal closure of a public road reserve in Avalon Beach. The road reserve is a 3.66 metre wide unconstructed pathway on Watkins Road between 32 Watkins Road, and 34 & 36 Watkins Road. The dimensions of the proposed road reserve closure are approximately 95.69m long by 3.66m wide. The approximate area of the proposed road reserve closure is 347.8sqm.

The purpose of the proposed closure is to enable the sale of the land to the adjoining owner at 32 Watkins Road (Lot 16 DP 11096) for the potential construction of a second dwelling (behind the existing dwelling at 32 Watkins Road) and subdivision of land. 

The area of the road reserve closure is on the northern boundary of the applicant’s property known as 32 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach (Lot 16 DP 11096). It located between 32 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach and 34 and 36 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach (Lot 32 DP 21756 and Lot 31 DP 21756).

There has been a desire from local residents to have a public accessway from Watkins Road to Careel Headland Reserve. However, due to safety issues that could potentially arise from the steepness of the terrain, as well as alternative accessways to the reserve available nearby, Council states on the webpage for this proposal that it is unlikely that a public accessway would be supported in the future.

The notice relates to the proposed closure of this public road reserve (unconstructed pathway) only in accordance with Section 38A of the Roads Act 1993.

If the closure of the road reserve is approved, any proposed sale of the land will be managed by NSW Department of Planning Industry & Environment – Crown Lands.

The Council has no role in any future sale and will not receive any proceeds. Any proposed sale of the road reserve will be managed by DPIE - Crown Lands. For more information, please refer to Crown Land’s road purchase application process.

You can view the proposed road closure plan via the link below and have your say by:
  • completing the submission form at the link below
  • emailing: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
  • writing to Council marked 'Proposed road reserve closure adj. 32 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.
If you have any questions before making your submission, please contact Council’s Property Officer on 1300 434 434 (during business hours) or by email. council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

 
Submissions close Sunday 6 March 2022.

Scheduled Roadworks: Terrey Hills - Mona Vale Road At McCarrs Creek Road

Thu 17 Feb 2022 to Fri 25 Feb 2022: 9:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected all directions
Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Allow extra travel time, Exercise caution
Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.
Reported By; Transport Management Centre

Scheduled Roadworks: Narrabeen - Pittwater Road At Waterloo, Albert And Robertson Streets.

Sun 6 Feb 2022 to Sat 19 Feb 2022; 9:30pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions
Advice; Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Exercise caution. Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.

Scheduled Roadworks: North Narrabeen - Pittwater Road Between Garden Street And Ramsay Street

Sun 6 Feb 2022 to Sat 19 Feb 2022; 9:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions
Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Exercise caution. Contraflow traffic conditions will be in place.

DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Sylvia 


5mths: German Shepherd

Sylvia came from the pound at about 12 weeks. She was surrendered as she had seizures and owner did not want that commitment. Since being with us she had a number of tests done to determine what her issue is. She has even had a MRI and we are awaiting results. In the meantime she is eating L/D diet food (for liver disease) and taking anti-seizure medication and has had no seizures since commencing this.

Sylvia is a happy bouncy puppy, perhaps slightly more subdued than a normal healthy pup but still  full of beans. She walks well on lead, plays well with other dogs and has such a loving gentle nature. True to her breed she learns quickly and is so intelligent.

All our dogs come 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 DoggieRescue Vet. Her adoption fee is $450. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

Freckle 


12mths: Domestic short haired Cat

Freckle was one of our Mum cats who came from the pound. She has a gentle nature and is social with other cats. She has a short coat and weighs 3.35kg. She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. She is located at Ingleside  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.

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. 

Marine Notices

Simulated fire fighting exercise
Where: Milson Island, Lower Hawkesbury River
When: Tuesday, 22 March 2022 
Vessel operators are advised that a Special Event pursuant to Section 12(2) of the Marine Safety Act 1998 is to be held on the Hawkesbury River at Milson Island.

Due to the potential to affect the safety of navigation, Transport for NSW has granted an Exclusive Use Aquatic Licence to the NSW Rural Fire Service to conduct the event, and an Exclusion Zone will be established on the navigable waters of the Lower Hawkesbury River, within 200 metres of Milson Island’s north west, north and eastern shores between the above times. The Zone will be patrolled by control vessels.

Transport for NSW advise that in relation to the Zone;
a) Persons within the vicinity of the Zone must comply with any directions given by any Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the Special Event or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).
b) No unauthorised vessels or persons are permitted to enter the Zone and to do so may be an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.12(5) — Maximum Penalty $1,100.00)

To see the area affected refer to: 




North Sydney Wharf upgrade
Where: Port Jackson, Neutral Bay
When: Monday, 14 February 2022 to Tuesday, 22 February 2022
Vessel operators are advised that the NSW Government is upgrading the North Sydney Wharf as part of the Transport Access Program and construction is currently underway. Piling works and heavy lifts are required for the installation of new steel piles, gangway and a floating pontoon at the site of the North Sydney Ferry Wharf at the bottom end of High Street. Piling barge establishment will commence on Monday 14 February 2022 and is estimated to continue for 10 weeks during normal construction hours.

Navigation restriction and warning
Due to the potential to affect the safety of navigation, the western channel of Neutral Bay, Port Jackson will be closed to recreational and fishing vessels with access restricted to essential construction plant and vessels from Monday 14 February 2022 to Friday 22 April 2022. Four anchor cables are to be installed in the western channel of Neutral Bay. Accordingly vessel operators will be required to use the channel on the eastern side of Neutral Bay to access Neutral Bay Marina and moorings to the north of the construction site.  

There will be an increased number of commercial vessel movements for the duration of the works.  The works barge will be appropriately lit and the anchors for the mooring lines marked with lit yellow buoys. 

All vessel operators and persons using the vicinity must keep a proper lookout, keep well clear of the works, pay particular attention to construction work vessels, any advisory signage and exercise extreme caution when navigating in the area. This navigation restriction and warning remains in place for the duration of the works.

Transport for NSW advises:
  • Persons within the vicinity of the works must comply with any directions given by a Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the works or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).
  • Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance and speed from the works and operators are reminded that the production of wash which impacts unreasonably on the works is an offence (Marine Safety Regulation 2016 – clause 11(2)) - Maximum Penalty $5,500.00).
Maps and charts affected. To see the area affected, refer to:
Transport for NSW Boating Map – 9G (PDF, 4.34 MB) and 9D (PDF, 4.23 MB)


North Sydney Wharf Upgrade: Artists Impression. Image: Transport for NSW


North Sydney Wharf Upgrade: Plan. Image: Transport for NSW

February 13 - 19, 2022: Issue 526

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 526 

$15 Million For Crown Land Upgrades: $198,859 Allocated To Council For Weed Control - Governor Phillip Park Misses Out

Water Dragons Attacked By Blow-Darts At Warriewood Wetlands: Update

A Diamond Within A Diamond, Albeit A Bit Rough Around The Edges, We Are On The Precipice Of Losing Two Little Jewels Of The Northern Beaches by Ed Rolfe - Narrabeen RSL closure report

Six MLALC Sites On The Northern Beaches Identified For Development: 71 Hectares At Lizard Rock For 450 Houses Proposed To Be Commence In 2022 - comments open with NSW Dept. of Planning until March 21

Avalon 100 - Avalon Centenary Celebrations Hosts Great Events This February To March: Avalon Sailing Club's 'Pittwater Sailors From Bungaree To Today' + 'Sail Of The Century' + Radio Northern Beaches Launches 'The Avalon Story' Series

Aquatics Pittwater Regatta 2022 - Hosted By The RPAYC - Celebrates Over 130 Years Of Regattas On Our Estuary and Offshore Reaches - some history notes and all the reports by Di Pearson and action shots by the RPAYC from this year's regatta

Pictures Lucinda Park, Palm Beach: Some History + 2022 Pictures

Koalas Now Listed As Endangered In NSW - QLD - ACT

Lazy Dog Catches The Trophy On Pittwater by Lisa Ratcliff

The Sydney Edible Garden Trail 2022 - Peek inside some of Sydney’s private backyard fruit and veggie gardens this March and discover their secrets to living sustainably: list of local gardens participating so far as part of this years SEGT

First Entrant Fired Up For Airlie Beach Race Week 

Park Bench Philosopher Giant Sponge Gardens Discovered On Seamounts In The Arctic Deep Sea

Environment  Koalas Now Listed As Endangered, Long-Billed Corella: Birds In Your Backyard and Urban Street, Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo (Cacatua Galerita) Swinging On Norfolk Pine Branch: Summer 'Larking' About, Cicada 'Rain': Summer Of 2022, Asparagus Fern Flowering Now: Dispose Of This Weed To Stop The Spread, Bushcare In Pittwater, Back From The Brink: Bettongs, Numbats and Phascogales Flourish, Billagoe Listed On State Heritage Register, Australian government spends $50 million saving koalas while taking away their homes, Native birds have vanished across the continent since colonisation; Now we know just how much we’ve lost, Is the buff-breasted button-quail still alive? ; After years of searching, this century-old bird mystery has yet to be solved, ‘Time is their secret weapon’: the hidden grey army quietly advancing species discovery in Australia, The stunning recovery of a heavily polluted river in the heart of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area, Just 16% of the world’s coastlines are in good shape – and many are so bad they can never fully recover, COP26 Deal Sparks Hope For Positive Tipping Points, Lotus Effect: Self-Cleaning Bioplastics Repel Liquid And Dirt, Pacific Ocean As The Greatest Theatre Of Bird Migration, Pink Pumice Key To Revealing Explosive Power Of Underwater Volcanic Eruptions, Unique Seagrass Nursery Aims To Help Florida's Starving Manatees, Genome Of Steller’s Sea Cow Decoded, Gabon Provides Blueprint For Protecting Oceans, Arctic Winter Warming Causes Cold Damage In The Subtropics Of East Asia, Golfing Cockatoos Ability To Use Combined Tools, 7 reasons Australia is the lucky country when it comes to snakes, How Australia can boost the production of grains while lowering its carbon footprint, National parks are not enough - we need landholders to protect threatened species on their property, Exploring Antarctica’s hidden under-ice rivers and their role in future sea-level rise, Permaculture Northern Beaches: North Head Bush Regeneration workshop on Feb 13 and Resource and Recycling at Kimbriki (zoom) on Feb. 24, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment - Next Forum on Feb 28 (zoom): The Pan Gnammas, Rock-gardens, Rainforests and Conifers of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment - Speaker  Jayden Walsh, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew Next Clean Is At: Queenscliff on Monday 28th of February,  Avalon Golf Course Bushcare Needs You, Community Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Local  Environment History

Inbox News Making change, making history, making noise: Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame at the National Press Club, Liberal revolt removes all discrimination against gay and transgender children, Researchers Confirm Newly Developed Inhaled Vaccine Delivers Broad Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants Of Concern, Sewer Slime Can Hang On To SARS-CoV-2 RNA From Wastewater, Gut Bacteria Linked To Immune Suppression In Pancreatic Cancer, Root Symbiosis Is Regulated Through Nutrient Status Of Plants, Time for a reckoning: Cricket Australia, fossil fuel sponsorship and climate change

Profile of the Week Lynette Millett OAM

Bilgola Plateau resident Lynette Millett was announced as an OAM in the 2022 Australia Day AwardsThe citation read: For service to animal welfare.

Lyn Millett has volunteered for WIRES for 27 years.  She readily shares expertise on possums and gliders by teaching new WIRES members throughout NSW; advises veterinarians; and gives talks to community groups such as scouts, schools, pre-schools, tree loppers, vet nurses and fire brigades. Lyn helps with research into possum diseases by collecting data for Sydney University’s Veterinary Science Department.

Lyn has also volunteered her time in many other local community organisations, stating that if her children were involved she thought their parents should be involved too and help out in whatever volunteer capacity they could.

It is her work saving our local wildlife that has been a decades long passion for Lynette though. At present this Wildlife Carer is asking our community for home sites from brushtail possums, a species that is very territorial and where release into a site already lived in by one possum can result in serious problems and injury. If you have a decent backyard and can help out, Lyn and husband Dave can supply you with a simple pot-drey for a nest and food for their first weeks of adjustment.

Lynette also needs new cages or materials for aviaries - these are needed for the wildlife to exercise and grow the muscles they will need when released back into their own home. Anyone who can help out with either of these can email Lynette at: lynettemillett@iprimus.com.au

This Issue a few insights into a lady who must have saved thousands of members of our local wildlife community by now.

Some sources refer to 1920 as the year Barrenjoey House was first built. The book Palm Beach 1788 – 1988 (p.55) states Barrenjoey House was built in 1923 by Albert Verrills as a guesthouse and restaurant for Mr Resch – and was the first place in Palm Beach to have a telephone. Palm Beach House, over the hill on the ocean side, originally had PB1 as its phone number for years - whereas Barrenjoey House was PB35 until 1930 when it became PB1. The Verrills family recollections place its construction and commencement of operations as between 1920 and 1922 - so perhaps it was built that year and completed in time for the beginning of the 1921-1922 Summer Season. 

Edmund Resch junior was buying the Steyne Hotel at Manly at this time - there was a John Regan, retiring as a successful grazier, who was buying land and properties in our area during this time and certainly owned Barrenjoey House by 1926:

Hardie and Gorman Pty., Ltd., acting under instructions from the Permanent Trustee Co. of New South Wales. Ltd.. held an auction of properties in the estate of the late C. T. Burchmore. They cleared the Hotel Steyne as a going concern for £64,000, the purchaser being Mr. Edmund Resch, jun. The other large property was the Arcadia picture theatre, fronting North Steyne, which realised £10,000; while a block of land in Sydney Road was knocked down for £1500. As the result of private negotiations for the sale of a second block of land in Henrietta Lane, the total of sales Is expected to reach £77,000. REAL ESTATE MARKET (1922, September 9). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245788617

Albert Verrills chose the land behind that on which Barrenjoey House still stands as a home site as lumber for building was being offloaded at the pier named Palm Beach Jetty by the Barrenjoey Land Company when bringing people into the far end of Pittwater, and what became Gow's Wharf, and stored in what is now Pittwater Park. He wanted to keep an eye on these valuable supplies. Later the family would live in Iluka road, Palm Beach.

This published construction item confirms the existence of one of a growing number of boarding establishments and that it was trading at least earlier then the Spring of 1923 and shows up on the landscape in January to June 1925 photos as the whitewashed two storey building still kept as a heritage building today:

For making additions and generally re-modelling the hotel at Palm Beach, plans have been prepared by Mr. W. H. H. Thomson, architect, who has let a contract to Mr. A. Verrills, builder, to carry out the work. GENERAL NOTES. (1923, September 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16094390 

This week a few insights into a Palm Beach icon.

Artist of the Month February 2022: Alex Chesser, Photographer For the last decade and a bit whenever Pittwater Online News needed photos of responses to local fires in our area our go to photographer was Alex Chesser. His great images have showcased the work of the NSW Rural Fires Service, with whom he has been a member for almost 17 years. Pittwater Online hasn't been the only one to notice the brilliant standard of Alex's photography, and encouraged by us all, he has expanded his range and now makes these captures available at:  alex-chesser  If you're looking for a high quality image of our area these all come highly recommended. Examples of these run this month and include a link to where you can get your own copy.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: February 1, 2022

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Plan For Aboriginal Development Of Local Lands On Exhibition

February 7, 2022: NSW Dept. of Planning media release
A proposal to help Aboriginal people fulfil potential economic benefits from their land in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is now on public exhibition for community feedback.

The Northern Beaches Aboriginal Land Development Delivery Plan (DDP) identifies six sites owned by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) that may be suitable for new homes, job-generating development, other community assets or biodiversity protection.

Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said if progressed the plan means new homes and jobs for the area as well as strengthened self-determination of the Indigenous community.

“This proposal is about Aboriginal people taking charge of using their land in ways that best supports their communities and protects their heritage,” Mr Roberts said.

“Helping Aboriginal Land Councils achieve better economic outcomes from their land has long been a priority of mine and this project is a great first step forward for Aboriginal development in the Northern Beaches area.”

If the plan is adopted, specific detailed proposals for each site would then need to be prepared for community feedback, with the first possibly kicking off as early as this year.

The DDP provides a framework for the potential development of six sites owned by the MLALC in the Northern Beaches LGA.  

Of the nine sites (totalling 912 ha) owned by the MLALC in the Northern Beaches LGA, only the 71ha Lizard Rock site is currently endorsed by MLALC members and the NSW ALC to be actively investigated for land dealing.

The site comprises 22 separate allotments with a total area of approximately 71 hectares.

The proposed amendment to the Aboriginal Land SEPP and supporting Development Delivery Plan (DDP) has been prepared in consultation with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) and Northern Beaches Council.

The proposals fit well within the North District Plan as part of that Greater Sydney Plan.

The draft DDP is on exhibition for public comment until Monday 21 March 2022. 

Find out more by: 
Following the exhibition period, all feedback on the State Environmental Planning Policy amendment and DDP will be carefully considered by the Department of Planning and Environment to inform their finalisation later this year.  

If approved, the six sites will be mapped in an amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Aboriginal Land) 2019, which will then allow the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to lodge planning proposals for independent review to the North District Planning Panel.  

Manly Dam Link Trail Proposal Open For Comments

To help improve safety and accessibility, we are proposing a new boardwalk that connects Picnic Area 2 and Picnic Area 3. 

The link trail is to be approximately 433 m long and will consist of a raised boardwalk traversing through bushland and a short section of coloured concrete path.

An REF and Concept Drawing is available at: 

Comments will close on Sunday 13 March 2022.

Council will also be holding an online information session on Thursday 24 February 2022 from 6 to 7pm to give you an opportunity to meet the project team and ask some questions.

Bookings are essential, register here for the session.


Artists Impression: Proposed viewing deck

Newport Residents Association Meeting Tuesday February 15, 2022

Our next meeting is this Tuesday evening 15th February 2022
 7.00 pm Activity Room 1, Newport Community Centre,
The Boulevard, Newport NSW

Come along to hear and have a say on the latest on Robertson Rd and other proposed developments plus lots more 

Update yourself on Newport matters visit our website: https://newport.org.au/
NRA annual membership is $20 per person or $25 per family


IGA Bilgola Plateau Store: Opening In March 2022

For those worrying about being able to access groceries north of the Bilgola Bends after Woolworths Avalon closes after Easter for works for its conversion to a Metro store, IGA have announced their store at Bilgola Plateau will be opening in March, at 223 Plateau Road.

IGA Bilgola Plateau are looking for staff. If you want to join their team, please send an email to: Admin@igabp.com.au

IGA is a network of over 1,300 independent family owned businesses operating in local communities across Australia, giving back and supporting local producers, suppliers and charities wherever possible.

This week, February 8th, the franchise announced the stores have raised $361,214 for St Vincent's Australia. All funds raised will support those struggling to pay for basic expenses like food, bills, and rent.




Photos: Exterior of new store, Mid week progress shot, Wednesday February 9; - Refrigeration cabinets are installed. Images: iga_bilgola_plateau Instagram page and Facebook pages

Marine Rescue Broken Bay News

February 10, 2022:
The build of our replacement 7.5m (hardtop) walkthrough two zero class Naiad vessel has begun and estimated to be completed in late May 2022. We are excited to bring this new asset online for our Pittwater and Broken Bay community with  our current centre console Gemini reaching its end of serviceability life.





February 11, 2022:
Working together! Our Marine Rescue Port Stephens members visited our Unit to review our large response BB30 vessel the 'Michael Seale'. With the purpose built Naiad as standard MRNSW response vessel, our Port Stephens Unit is due to receive their vessel it was a great opportunity to find out more about the fundamentals of this vessel. Our Broken Bay members where more than happy to show the team around and complete a sea trial.



Photos; MRBB

The Basin On Sydney Weekender

Look out for Sydney Weekender on Sunday February 27th at 5.30 on Channel 7. The producers filmed in our beautiful Basin on Thursday Feb. 10th featuring a few of our local businesses and animal residents - something worth having a look at!

In January, and after 27 fun-filled years of travelling our incredible state, Mike Whitney was allowed to put his feet up and pass the baton onto Matt Shirvington, who now hosts the show. 

Raised in Davidson, Mr. Shirvington attended St Martin de Porres Catholic Primary School in Davidson.
Matt held the Australian 100m national sprint title from 1998 to 2002 and is the third fastest Australian sprinter of all time. He qualified for the 100m semi-finals in Sydney 2000, finishing 5th.


Closure Of Public Road Reserve: 32 Watkins Road Avalon - Have Your Say

The Council is considering the formal closure of a public road reserve in Avalon Beach. The road reserve is a 3.66 metre wide unconstructed pathway on Watkins Road between 32 Watkins Road, and 34 & 36 Watkins Road. The dimensions of the proposed road reserve closure are approximately 95.69m long by 3.66m wide. The approximate area of the proposed road reserve closure is 347.8sqm.

The purpose of the proposed closure is to enable the sale of the land to the adjoining owner at 32 Watkins Road (Lot 16 DP 11096) for the potential construction of a second dwelling (behind the existing dwelling at 32 Watkins Road) and subdivision of land. 

The area of the road reserve closure is on the northern boundary of the applicant’s property known as 32 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach (Lot 16 DP 11096). It located between 32 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach and 34 and 36 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach (Lot 32 DP 21756 and Lot 31 DP 21756).

There has been a desire from local residents to have a public accessway from Watkins Road to Careel Headland Reserve. However, due to safety issues that could potentially arise from the steepness of the terrain, as well as alternative accessways to the reserve available nearby, Council states on the webpage for this proposal that it is unlikely that a public accessway would be supported in the future.

The notice relates to the proposed closure of this public road reserve (unconstructed pathway) only in accordance with Section 38A of the Roads Act 1993.

If the closure of the road reserve is approved, any proposed sale of the land will be managed by NSW Department of Planning Industry & Environment – Crown Lands.

The Council has no role in any future sale and will not receive any proceeds. Any proposed sale of the road reserve will be managed by DPIE - Crown Lands. For more information, please refer to Crown Land’s road purchase application process.

You can view the proposed road closure plan via the link below and have your say by:
  • completing the submission form at the link below
  • emailing: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
  • writing to Council marked 'Proposed road reserve closure adj. 32 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.
If you have any questions before making your submission, please contact Council’s Property Officer on 1300 434 434 (during business hours) or by email. council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

 
Submissions close Sunday 6 March 2022.

Nurse And Midwives To Strike Statewide This Tuesday Over Ratios

Friday February 11, 2022
​​​​​​Thousands of nurses and midwives from more than 150 public hospitals and health services will strike statewide on Tuesday 15 February, over the NSW government’s failure to introduce nurse-to-patient ratios on every shift.

Over the past week, 99 per cent of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) branches who voted were in favour of strike action and called on the NSW Premier to urgently implement shift by shift nursing and midwifery staffing for safe patient care.



NSWNMA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said the strike was a culmination of ten years’ inaction by the government and its refusal to negotiate with nurses and midwives to secure safe staffing on each shift in every hospital.

“Our members have overwhelming indicated how fed up they are with the NSW government for continuing to ignore the need for nurse-to-patient ratios on every shift across our public health system, similar to those already working successfully in Queensland and Victoria,” said Mr Holmes.

“Nurses and midwives across NSW have had to fight to be safe at work during the current pandemic. Fit testing, workers’ compensation and leave entitlements have been a constant battle under this government.

“Each peak of this pandemic has demanded more from our members and put them under considerable strain. Working conditions have deteriorated as staff vacancies increased, scope of practice has been diluted, admissions have skyrocketed, and untrained staff have been introduced into care models. All of this impacted the level of care they can provide to patients.

“COVID-19 has exacerbated the failings of our health system and highlighted the disrespect shown to nurses and midwives by this government. The platitudes will not be enough to sustain our already fatigued and diminished health workforce.”

In addition to their request for nurse-to-patient ratios in every hospital, Mr Holmes confirmed NSWNMA members were seeking:
  • a fair pay rise above 2.5%, for recognition of nurses and midwives’ workloads during the pandemic and to compensate for their wage freeze in 2020. A COVID-19 allowance would be additional recognition but does not replace other demands.
  • withdrawal of the amendment to the Workers’ Compensation Act that would force workers to prove they contracted COVID-19 at work.
NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said Tuesday’s action was a pivotal moment for nurses and midwives statewide because many had reached the end of their good will.

“Our members are done with being told to just keep going. They have gone above and beyond to sacrifice themselves, particularly over the past two years, but this issue goes further to securing the future of our state’s nursing and midwifery workforce,” said Ms Candish.

“Nurse-to-patient ratios and safer midwifery staffing would drastically improve the level of patient care our members can provide and must be introduced across the state.

“Our members do not take industrial action lightly. They want to deliver high quality care to the patients of NSW, but the government’s refusal to listen has placed our members in an impossible situation. So far, the government hasn’t given them a thing except pats on the back.”

Tuesday’s strike action will be staggered across the morning, with some nurses and midwives walking off the job for up to 24 hours. During the strike, life-preserving services will be maintained in all public hospitals and health.

The local hospitals that will be affected are:
  • Hornsby & Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital - duration: 12hrs starts 7am
  • Macquarie Hospital - duration:8hrs 30min starts 7am
  • Northern Sydney Child & Family Health Nursing Services Branch - duration:8hrs 30min starts 8:30am
  • Royal North Shore Hospital - duration: 24hrs starts 7am
  • Ryde Hospital and Community Health Service - duration: 8hrs 30min starts 7am

As part of the strike action, NSWNMA members will march down Macquarie Street ahead of a COVID-safe rally outside Parliament House from 10am next Tuesday.

In conjunction, major regional rallies will occur in Bathurst, Bega, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Newcastle and Tamworth. While further rallies will also take place outside local hospitals or health services, parks or state MP’s offices.

The NSWNMA reiterated its ongoing willingness to hold discussions with the NSW Premier and has not ruled out further actions over the coming months.

Photo: NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA)

VALE John Bryson 
25 December 1935 – 5 February 2022


The writer and former barrister died not ‘peacefully’ (he’d not countenance such a cliché) but uncharacteristically quietly at his home in Lovett Bay, Pittwater, NSW.

He was ‘My Love’ to Therese, ‘Dad’ to Fran and Matt, ‘Grumps’ to Freya and Anneke also to Islay, Tao, Chloe and Charlie. Loved, too, by Siobhan, Liam, Robert and their spouses. He was known as ‘The Chief’ to some and was a great friend to many.

A Memorial Service for writer John Bryson, late of Lovett Bay and formerly of Carlton and Brighton Victoria, was held at 3pm on Thursday 10th of February 2022 at The Royal Motor Yacht Club at 46 Prince Alfred Parade, Newport.

Memorial arrangements in Melbourne and Sydney will be announced soon.

John Bryson AM  was born in Melbourne. In 1971, after practising law for 10 years, first as a solicitor and later as a barrister, he became chairman and managing director of a Melbourne public company. In 1978, he rejoined the Victorian Bar. He was a member of the Literature Board of the Australia Council, later becoming acting chairman.

Since 1973, Bryson's articles and stories have been published in Australian newspapers.
A Journalism Schools Panel included him in The Top 100 Australian Journalists of the Century, in 2000.

Bryson's best known work is his 1985 book Evil Angels: The Case of Lindy Chamberlain which chronicles the story of Lindy Chamberlain's trial for murder, following the Death of Azaria Chamberlain. It was made into a film of the same name starring Meryl Streep in 1988. It was released under its original title in Australia and New Zealand and as A Cry in the Dark in other English-speaking territories, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa. It is also known by similar titles internationally.

Bryson was also the author of a 1981 collection of short fiction, Whoring Around, and a collection of reportage, Backstage at the Revolution. His novel of the Spanish Civil War, To the Death, Amic, was published by Viking in 1994 and as Hasta la Muerte, Amigo by Editorial Milenio Spain in 2006. In 2004 he originated and co-produced Secrets of the Juryroom, a documentary for SBS-TV.

In 2013, he was published in eBook format for both works of fiction and non-fiction. Many of the non-fiction titles included collections of articles he had published as a journalist.

VALE John Doorley

Long term Whale Beach habitués are saddened to hear of the passing of John Doorley this week, best remembered locally for naming 'Dolphin Bay' at Whale Beach after seeing a dolphin leap there from his former home on the south point and for his love of the surf and surfing. 

John joined his father’s agency Doorley Buchanan as creative director in the early 1980s, building it up to be among the most successful independent agencies of the 80s. In the early 1990s Doorley Buchanan merged with Davis & Chapman to form Doorley Abram Davis & Chapman. Clients included NRMA, Air Force, Navy, OPSM, Sarah Lee, Speedo, AEC, Crown Corning, Konica, ASIC, VW, Freedom and Thai Airways. Doorley sold out of the agency at the end of the 90s, heading to a new life in the USA, where he spent many years before returning to Australia.

He passed away at Coffs Harbour from heart failure On February 9th, 2022.

The community extends its heartfelt condolences to daughter Ava and his family.

Creative Director Rodd Chant, who worked for Doorley in the 90s, said in a Facebook Tribute he was always larger than life, always with a big smile: 

''JD was a character, a larrikin, and as we say in Australia ‘a good bloke’. He loved life, surfing, the ocean, advertising, and simply having fun. When I worked for him he showed a hell of a lot of character and real respect for his staff. I remember some great times at his beloved Whale Beach home, in a spot he renamed Dolphin Bay due to the regular dolphins that would play in the water in front of his house. He even had a dolphin tattoo on his arm in honour of them. JD was one of a kind. He made his mark and there will be an empty void on this planet now without his big grin and laugh. Wherever you are now JD I am sure you’re riding a wave, keep on riding, mate.”


John (centre) and a few of the Doorley Buchanan crew in the late 1980s. Image: Ömer R. Incekara

Mark Falzon also posted a Tribute:
''When I was a young man-child fresh out of school bright eyed and bushy tailed I moved from my small hometown at The Entrance to live in Sydney with my big brother. I was introduced to John Doorley, who at the time was setting up his own ad agency, and John took me under his wing. I remember him getting an L-plate and putting some string on it and hanging it around my neck. I was part of the fledgling team charged with running around all over the place organising things. It was an incredible experience and gave me an amazing insight to business and the ad world. 

I remember one client meeting we had. When we arrived, the clients were in the glass boardroom sitting around the table all wearing expensive suits. John walked in with a white cheesecloth shirt unbuttoned to the waist and a pair of faded blue jeans with frayed bottoms and no shoes. Watching this master ad man walk into the room, command everyone’s attention with his presence and captivate their imagination whilst he shared his vision for their marketing campaign was life changing for me. 

Some years later after I had spread my wings and set up my own ad agency, John invited me back to help him with a major campaign for 2 Day FM. We worked closely on this project and I valued the experience immensely. 

Another time we travelled to the Maldives together and I remember after a particularly bad monsoon almost wrecked our sailing boat, John surfaced from below with bags packed and said, “I’m out of here”. He found his way back the the main island and flew to a resort by the beach in Thailand.
I have so many stories and such good memories. 

John was bigger than life. He had an amazing heart and was always so supportive. 
I will miss him dearly. ''

VALE Dorothy May Brown - "May"
15.01.1931 - 30.01.2022

Aged 91 years. Late of Manly.
Loving wife of the late Eric. Loving mother to Gary and Christine. Beloved grandmother to Philippa, Geoffrey, Robbie, Renelle, Stephen and Louise and a much adored great grandmother.
Will be sadly missed.

The family and friends of May are warmly invited to attend her Funeral Service to be held Monday, 14th February 2022, Frenchs Forest Cemetery graveside service, 1 Hakea Ave, Davidson at 10am

Hills Family Funerals
340 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill

VALE Wendy Russell
Died On 2nd February, 2022.  

Aged 86 years. Late of Fairlight.
A Rich Life Well Lived.
Beloved partner of Max Beardmore ( Dec’d). Loved sister of Rosemary, Bruce, James ( Dec’d) and Susan. Loving mother of Peter, Tim and Sarah and stepmother to Simon, Anna and Anton. Doting grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother to her extended family.

Family and friends of Wendy are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of her Life to be held in the Camellia Chapel, Macquarie Park Crematorium, Cnr Plassey and Delhi Roads North Ryde on Monday 14th February, 2022, commencing at 2:30pm and afterwards at Lane Cove Golf Club, River Road, Lane Cove.

Hospital Electrical Fire: Frenchs Forest

Time of incident: 07 Feb 2022 - 2.56am
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have helped evacuate 30 patients during an overnight electrical fire at a hospital at Frenchs Forest.



Just before 3am this morning, firefighters answered an Automatic Fire Alarm at the hospital in Frenchs Forest Road. Six fire trucks arrived to find the electrical cupboard in the emergency ward alight.

The crews quickly got to work with CO2 extinguishers and used sprinklers to douse the blaze, caused by a lithium battery recharging unit. They helped staff and police to move the patients, 10 of them bedridden, into safe wings of the hospital.

Part of the facility has suffered serious water damage. Firefighters mopped up the scene, allowing hospital staff to resume operations.

Superintendent Scott Dodson from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said this is a timely reminder that calling Triple Zero (000) for a fire emergency can be the difference between life and death, or a building or other property being saved or destroyed.

The Triple Zero (000) service is the quickest way to get the right resources from emergency services to help you. It should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services in life-threatening or time-critical situations.

Update: Darting Of Water Dragons In Warriewood Wetlands 

See report in Issue 524:

Council staff liaised with wildlife carers and bush regeneration contractors working in the reserve to investigate the incident and also notified the Police. As the use of these types of weapons is unlawful the lead agency for investigation rests with the NSW Police. 

Members of Sydney Wildlife conducted searches for injured animals and remain on call. A small number of injured Water Dragons were rescued by Sydney Wildlife Rescue. One of two that was in care has been returned to the wetlands earlier this week.

Contact details for local wildlife rescuers and local Police officers have been distributed to council's bush regeneration contractors and Council Rangers should further injured wildlife or evidence of such activities be observed. 

Council Rangers will continue to undertake regular patrols of the Warriewood Wetlands, and Council’s Biodiversity team have also liaised with local National Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers regarding the matter and will continue to work with all agencies involved to assist in the investigation and identification of injured wildlife.

Update courtesy Cr. Vincent De Luca OAM


Narrabeen Walkway-Cycle Path Works Commence

Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment shares on February 10th:

'Work has started on the new pedestrian bridge at Narrabeen.  Very loud bangs as they work away. '

Part of the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail. In our backyard. Worth protecting. 

To join the Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment group, visit: https://www.narrabeenlagoon.org.au/



Photo: Margaret G Woods

Fairy Penguins Coming Ashore

The Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue Central Coast advises that during the last few weeks they have seen an increase in little penguins being found along our coastline. 

Little penguins on the Central Coast, off Barrenjoey and in the Hunter region live and breed on offshore islands.

If one is found along our coastline, the penguin may be suffering from exhaustion, is unwell, injured or is currently moulting. Please report any penguins that are found onshore and please don’t place them back into the ocean.


Seals Coming Ashore: Please Keep 40 Metres Distance

ORRCA would like to remind residents it is that time of year when we get the odd special visitor to our beaches and bays looking for a spot to rest and relax in the summer sun. 

If you are out and about and come across a seal that is resting, please don't approach it! Keep well back (40 meters is required under NSW Laws) and enjoy the special visitor from a distance. 

It is also important to report your sighting into the ORRCA Rescue Hotline on 02 9415 3333 so they can track and, if needed, assess the seal. 

ORRCA often track seals moving up and down our coastline over days, weeks and months so your report could add to the seal travel journey.


Leopard Seal at Bungan Beach. Photo: Jools Farrell

RPAYC To Welcome New General Manager

Great news out of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club this week with the announcement of the appointment of Nigel Gibson to the role of General Manager.

Nigel has been involved in club management for over twenty years, most recently as the General Manager of Manly Golf Club. He was instrumental in rebuilding the club’s membership and solidifying their financial longevity during his eight-year tenure. He has also held the role of General Manager for the Royal South Australia Yacht Squadron.

Nigel has a strong skill set which includes qualifications in Hospitality Management, Corporate Governance, Club Management and Leadership Principles.

Nigel will be commencing on Tuesday 8th March and the Board are pleased to have such a strong senior executive to further drive the club forward.

Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed

Pittwater Online News has interviewed Lynette Millett OAM (WIRES Northern Beaches Branch)this week for a February 2022 Profile. 

February is one of two times each year when a lot of baby wildlife comes into care. Lyn spoke about needing more bird cages of all sizes for keeping the current huge amount of baby wildlife in care safe or 'homed' while they are healed/allowed to grow bigger to the point where they may be released back into their own home. 

If you have an aviary or large bird cage you are getting rid of or don't need anymore, please message or email us and we'll pass on the details - pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

There is also a pressing need for release sites for brushtail possums - a species that is very territorial and where release into a site already lived in by one possum can result in serious problems and injury. 

If you have a decent backyard and can help out, Lyn and husband Dave can supply you with a simple drey for a nest and food for their first weeks of adjustment, please message or email us and we'll pass on the details - pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

Thanking you all in advance.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Meritorious Service Award – Peter Robson

February 9, 2022; by Manly Warringah Football Association
Manly Warringah Football Association would like to congratulate Peter Robson on receiving the MWFA’s Meritorious Service Award for his years of dedication, commitment, and passion he has given to our footballing community and our game.



On 19 July 2021, Peter reached the milestone age of 90 as well as 43 years as an active referee. At 90 years of age, Peter has been confirmed as the oldest active referee in NSW and may also be the oldest active referee in Australia.

Despite his age, Peter has continued to referee junior games on a regular basis throughout the 2021 season and even refereed a full 90-minute lower division Men’s AL match when the team referee did not show up.

In 2006, when Peter was 75 years of age, he was awarded Senior Referee of the Year. It is remarkable to consider that he has gone on to referee for another 15 years. Incredible!

In addition to his lengthy career as a referee, Peter has served on the Committee of Manly Warringah Football Referees Association (MWFRA).

His first position on the Committee was Secretary in 1990. He subsequently served as Treasurer from 1991-92, again as Secretary from 1993-97 and ultimately President from 1997-99. He also briefly served as Gear Steward in 2002.

It was during this period of service that Peter was awarded Life Membership of MWFRA (in 1995) to recognise his contribution to the Association.

Throughout his lengthy career, Peter has also been heavily involved in the development of referees.

As a course presenter/instructor, he was responsible for countless new referees completing the Level 4 Course. More recently, he has also assisted with the mentoring of junior referees.

Peter is incredibly proud to have been able to continue to referee for so long. Indeed, when he accepted his trophy for 40 years’ service as a referee, Peter said he would love to see people referee for as long as they can, as he has.

DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Huckleberry 

8mths Aust Cattle Dog


Huckleberry is a friendly happy cattle boy who has spent a lot of his puppyhood in a rural pound waiting for a home. He is super affectionate with people. He walks well on loose lead a lot of the time but can lunge at some dogs. He ignores cars.  He adored belly rubs and cuddles and jumps up to lick your face. He is an active smart boy who needs a family into lots of exercise and giving him jobs to do so he does not get bored. He has a short coat and weighs about 22kg.

All our dogs come 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 DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $400. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

Squeak 

19 week DSH (pic was taken a while ago)


Squeak came with his Mum Mrs Tiggy from the pound at a very early age. He is a social kitten who loves to play with others and often hangs out with Benjamin his step brother. He is about 19 weeks.

Squeak is affectionate and enjoys cuddles from people who spend time with him. His adoption fee is $250. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. 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.

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. 

Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast 2022 Speaker Announced

When: Wednesday 2 March 2022 at 7am at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc will host the annual Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday 2 March 2022 at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport.

The guest speaker at the breakfast will be Val Edwards. Val grew up in Wollongong. She moved to Sydney in 1970 and has been an active member of the Palm Beach community since 1989. She is married with three children and seven grandchildren.

When Val left school, she was invited to enter the Miss Australia Quest and raised the most money in her region for the Spastic Centre, now named the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Val was recently asked to assist the Lung Foundation Australia and NSW Health in presenting up to date information online for people who suffer from COPD.

In 2000, Val was invited to participate on three levels at the Sydney Olympic Games. She was chosen:
  • to be an Attaché for Tajikistan;
  • to train the 150 medal presenting staff,
An official Olympic Games postage stamp featuring Val commemorated the “best ever” games.

Twenty eight years ago Val bought her business ‘Sydney Model Agency and Sydney Etiquette College’. Val has a career focused on helping build confidence in boys and girls from 13 years of age from all backgrounds. 


Val Edwards

The 2022 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by the Hon. Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater. 

The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches is a member of Zonta International, which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Zonta International is affiliated at the United Nations with other major women’s organisations. This breakfast marks International Women’s Day (8 March). It is a day to acknowledge women’s
contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place. 

Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The cost is $55pp. Please book by Monday February 21st.
Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 8 to 10. We will seat you. 
Please book early as this event may fill quickly.
Enquiries to pittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Sue 0407 850 860 or Susie 0413 623 392. 

The delightful location looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. The breakfast is always well attended by the local community. Everyone is invited to attend and men are particularly welcome. With the relaxing of COVID restrictions we expect to be able to host a capacity audience however any COVID restrictions at the date will be strictly adhered to. 

Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc. assisting local women in need, and Zonta International projects in developing countries. 

Zonta International is a global service organisation of executives working together to advance the status of women through service and advocacy.

Active Transport (Walking And Cycling) Program Grant Funding Proposals

The council also has Active Transport (walking and cycling) program Grant funding proposals for 2022/23 listed at present, seeking feedback from residents on opportunities to introduce more shared paths in 2022 and 2023. The projects proposed on their webpage are grant dependent, which means the council can only build them if they receive the funding under the NSW Active Transport Grant.

Those proposed are:

Bassett Street, Mona Vale - Shared path and pedestrian crossing upgrade

proposing a 2.5m shared path for pedestrians and bicycle riders which will provide an active travel connection between Mona Vale Beach and Winnererremy Bay as well as to commercial and industrial areas and Pittwater High School. Existing trees would be maintained. Length of path: 1060m Typical width of path: 2.5m

The proposal would also see improved pedestrian and cyclist crossing points at:

1. Bassett Street – 2.5m shared path on the southern side, between Barrenjoey Road and Mona Street

a. Improved crossing at Tengah Crescent and Perak Street

2. Mona Street – 2.5m shared path on the eastern side between Bassett Street and Pittwater Road

b. Upgrade existing pedestrian crossing to a raised combined pedestrian and bicycle crossing

View the plan  

Jacksons Road, Warriewood - Shared path and pedestrian crossing upgrade

A 2m shared path for pedestrians and bicycle riders through Warriewood Valley Sportsground which will provide active travel connections to the Narrabeen Education Precinct, sporting facilities, Warriewood B-Line, Warriewood Square and other key destinations.

The upgrade to the pedestrian crossing in Jacksons Road, near the Boondah Road intersection, to a raised pedestrian and bicycle crossing will connect existing and planned shared paths.

Future shared paths will be constructed as part of the Warriewood Valley Community Centre and Boondah Road upgrade.

View the plan 

Collins Street, North Narrabeen - Shared path

Proposing to provide a 2.5m shared path on the eastern side of Collins Street and Lake Park Road between the existing shared path in Walsh Street and Narrabeen Lagoon.

Council states this will provide a valuable connection for pedestrians and bike riders in the local area to access facilities such as Pittwater Rugby Park, Warriewood B-Line and recreational facilities around Narrabeen Lagoon. However it should be noted that the proposal involves removing four on-street carparking spaces.

View the plan 

Pittwater Road, Queenscliff - Pedestrian and cycle bridge upgrade

View the plan  

Addiscombe Road & Kenneth Road, Manly Vale - Shared path and pedestrian crossing

View the plan  

Highview Avenue, Manly Vale - Footpath and stairs

View the plan 

Blackbutts Road, Frenchs Forest - Shared path

View the plan 

Allambie Road, Allambie Heights - Shared path

View the plan 

To find out more and view the plans visit: yoursay/202223-active-transport-proposals

Comments for all proposals close Friday February 18th 2022 (5pm). 

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Your Vision For The Future – Help Update The Community Strategic Plan

Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Shape 2028 is under review and the community is being asked to confirm if their priorities for the future remain the same.

Council is required to lead the community in developing a long-term vision and strategy with an outlook of at least 10 years, to identify community priorities and aspirations, and to develop a set of goals and strategies for their achievement. It is known as the CSP.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the community is at the centre of everything Council does.
“Shape 2028 was first published in 2018 and captured our community’s vision and key aspirations for the Northern Beaches over 10 years to 2028.

“Councils are required by the state government to review the CSP following the election of a new Council, so it is a time to check in with the community and ensure that we are headed in the right direction,” Mayor Regan said.

As part of this review, Council analysed community engagement carried out since the development of the CSP and conducted a series of focus groups as an initial test of any significant changes in community sentiment.

A discussion paper has been released to:
  • present the outcomes, goals and strategies as identified in Shape 2028 with a summary of where we are now, some of the challenges we face to achieving these and a few of the opportunities that the council are looking at including in the revised draft CSP
  • Highlights actions and progress towards achieving the outcomes and goals consider the longevity of the outcomes, goals and strategies and whether these can be extended beyond 10 years
  • summarise community engagement that has taken place over the last five years as it relates to the eight CSP outcomes to report any changes in sentiment over time.
“Council encourages you to read this discussion paper and tell them what you think may need to be changed or updated. Does the community still agree that the vision, outcomes, goals, and strategies meet their aspirations?

“As the CSP serves as the overarching guiding document in the development of all Council’s strategies and plans, we would also like to understand if you believe the aspirations are relevant for an outlook to 2040.

“Jump online to learn more and be part of our conversation so we get this right.” Mayor Regan said.

For more information or to have your say visit:

Submissions close Wednesday 2 March 2022.

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

Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby weighed less than a kilogram when she was orphaned on the roadside after her mother was hit and killed by a vehicle. Fortunately, Phoebe was uninjured, taken to a local vet and raised and then released by Sydney Wildlife volunteer Jane.

While Phoebe was fortunate, other native birds and animals are not so lucky.

So, if you’re returning home after your summer holiday (or just out and about on Australia Day), please slow down - particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas identified with wildlife crossing signs, for your safety and the welfare of our wildlife.

Please contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue on (02) 9413 4300 for advice if you hit a native animal or come across an injured one while driving. It is helpful if you can provide an accurate location or landmark to assist our rescuers who will pouch check marsupials for joeys, so little lives like Phoebe can be saved. 



 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane
Notice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue

Scheduled Roadworks: Terrey Hills - Mona Vale Road At McCarrs Creek Road

Thu 17 Feb 2022 to Fri 25 Feb 2022: 9:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected all directions
Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Allow extra travel time, Exercise caution
Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.
Reported By; Transport Management Centre

Scheduled Roadworks: Narrabeen - Pittwater Road At Waterloo, Albert And Robertson Streets.

Sun 6 Feb 2022 to Sat 19 Feb 2022; 9:30pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions
Advice; Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Exercise caution. Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.

Scheduled Roadworks: North Narrabeen - Pittwater Road Between Garden Street And Ramsay Street

Sun 6 Feb 2022 to Sat 19 Feb 2022; 9:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions
Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Exercise caution. Contraflow traffic conditions will be in place.

Safety Rebate Doubles To Help Small Businesses Be COVID Safe

Small business owners and sole traders can now apply for a NSW Government rebate of up to $1,000 to make their workplaces safer with $1 million added to the Small Business Rebate Program. 

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the rebate has been doubled and the program expanded with a renewed focus on helping businesses ensure they are COVID safe. 

“We have doubled the rebate support from $500 to $1,000 per application to encourage small business owners and sole traders to think about how they can make their workplaces safer,” Ms Petinos said.

“Small businesses have experienced challenges through the Omicron wave of the pandemic and this initiative is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to support small businesses in bouncing back.”

Projects that may be eligible for the rebate include:
  • >Workplace hygiene products including portable and fixed hand sanitiser stations and sneeze/cough guards
  • >Access ramps to move products safely
  • >Guard rails to reduce falls for those working at heights
  • Items that reduce risks of injury from lifting and moving heavy equipment
  • >Forklift safety measures such as specialised seatbelts, anti-vibration seats, automatic stop/go barriers and reversing light systems
  • >Machinery protection measures such as pressure mats with auto cut-off sensors
  • >Protections including ramps to load goods onto vehicles, conveyor systems and specialised stacking and racking systems
  • >Specialised hearing protectors for noisy workplaces to prevent industrial deafness 
  • >Sunshade protection to help safeguard outdoor workers from sunburn and skin cancer. 
Ms Petinos said the Small Business Rebate Program has been in operation since 2012 with the rebate providing safety information and incentives for small businesses to improve and invest in safety outcomes.  

“The program also has a strong focus on education and supports small businesses across all industries by helping to start conversations about improving safety outcomes in the workplace,” Ms Petinos said.

“I encourage small business owners and sole traders to apply for the rebate if they are eligible.”

Further information about the Small Business Rebate Program is available at:

Marine Notices

Simulated fire fighting exercise
Where: Milson Island, Lower Hawkesbury River
When: Tuesday, 22 March 2022 
Vessel operators are advised that a Special Event pursuant to Section 12(2) of the Marine Safety Act 1998 is to be held on the Hawkesbury River at Milson Island.

Due to the potential to affect the safety of navigation, Transport for NSW has granted an Exclusive Use Aquatic Licence to the NSW Rural Fire Service to conduct the event, and an Exclusion Zone will be established on the navigable waters of the Lower Hawkesbury River, within 200 metres of Milson Island’s north west, north and eastern shores between the above times. The Zone will be patrolled by control vessels.

Transport for NSW advise that in relation to the Zone;
a) Persons within the vicinity of the Zone must comply with any directions given by any Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the Special Event or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).
b) No unauthorised vessels or persons are permitted to enter the Zone and to do so may be an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.12(5) — Maximum Penalty $1,100.00)

To see the area affected refer to: 




North Sydney Wharf upgrade
Where: Port Jackson, Neutral Bay
When: Monday, 14 February 2022 to Tuesday, 22 February 2022
Vessel operators are advised that the NSW Government is upgrading the North Sydney Wharf as part of the Transport Access Program and construction is currently underway. Piling works and heavy lifts are required for the installation of new steel piles, gangway and a floating pontoon at the site of the North Sydney Ferry Wharf at the bottom end of High Street. Piling barge establishment will commence on Monday 14 February 2022 and is estimated to continue for 10 weeks during normal construction hours.

Navigation restriction and warning
Due to the potential to affect the safety of navigation, the western channel of Neutral Bay, Port Jackson will be closed to recreational and fishing vessels with access restricted to essential construction plant and vessels from Monday 14 February 2022 to Friday 22 April 2022. Four anchor cables are to be installed in the western channel of Neutral Bay. Accordingly vessel operators will be required to use the channel on the eastern side of Neutral Bay to access Neutral Bay Marina and moorings to the north of the construction site.  

There will be an increased number of commercial vessel movements for the duration of the works.  The works barge will be appropriately lit and the anchors for the mooring lines marked with lit yellow buoys. 

All vessel operators and persons using the vicinity must keep a proper lookout, keep well clear of the works, pay particular attention to construction work vessels, any advisory signage and exercise extreme caution when navigating in the area. This navigation restriction and warning remains in place for the duration of the works.

Transport for NSW advises:
  • Persons within the vicinity of the works must comply with any directions given by a Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the works or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).
  • Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance and speed from the works and operators are reminded that the production of wash which impacts unreasonably on the works is an offence (Marine Safety Regulation 2016 – clause 11(2)) - Maximum Penalty $5,500.00).
Maps and charts affected. To see the area affected, refer to:
Transport for NSW Boating Map – 9G (PDF, 4.34 MB) and 9D (PDF, 4.23 MB)


North Sydney Wharf Upgrade: Artists Impression. Image: Transport for NSW


North Sydney Wharf Upgrade: Plan. Image: Transport for NSW

Lifeline’s Crisis Text Service Goes 24/7

February 7, 2022
Lifeline has today launched a 24/7 crisis text service to expand its support for Australians struggling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The expanded service is due to a $1.5 million grant from the Federal Government.

Australians are reaching out to Lifeline’s crisis support and suicide prevention services in record numbers, hitting more than 3700 calls in one day last month.

The Lifeline Crisis Support Text Service is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via confidential text message to 0477 13 11 14. Following a few questions via text, Australians are connected to a trained Lifeline crisis supporter.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Lifeline’s 24/7 text service is an important expansion of the vital service the charity provides in crisis support.

“The significant surge in demand for Lifeline’s services during COVID means more people are reaching out for help, and services like Lifeline are there to help,” Minister Hunt said.

“The expansion of the text service is backed by data showing that it is the preferred channel for high risk members of the community including young people, those experiencing family and domestic violence, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.” 

“The introduction of the 24/7 service follows a successful 2-year pilot of a limited text service, made possible with $2.5 million from the Government.”

Lifeline received a record 1,070,860 calls from Australians in crisis in 2021, but managed to increase its average call answer rate to 90.4%.  In the same time period, the service also responded to 51,265 text conversations.

The Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said the Government’s long partnership with Lifeline was part of its resolute commitment.

“Lifeline’s crisis service and the passion of its volunteers mean that no Australian has to experience their darkest moment alone – they literally save lives,” Mr Coleman said.

“The 24/7 lifeline crisis support text service makes Lifeline’s support available to groups who might otherwise not reach out for help, particularly young people who are often more comfortable using text services.

Lifeline's 13 11 14 crisis support service is available 24/7. Australians can speak to a trained crisis supporter any time of the day or night.

Purple Poppy Day

On February 24th 2019, Federal Minister Scott Buchholz announced that this day would be set aside every year to commemorate and honour the animals that continue to fight for the sovereignty of our great country.
 
Australia joined many other countries in the world in marking the War Animal Day. We are all being encouraged to wear a purple poppy in recognition of the deeds and sacrifice our four legged and feathered diggers have made, and continue to make serving alongside our troops. 
 
The announcement came at the backdrop of another yet great milestone that saw the opening of the first international war animal memorial. The memorial is located near the French town of Pozieres, which was a central battlefield for WW1.

The Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch has decided to conduct a Purple Poppy Day Commemorative Service every 24 February, Australia’s official War Animal Day.  Our new plaque is now in place on the Upper Cenotaph.  This will be our fourth Commemorative Service for 2022.

Politicians, Councillors, local schools and all general public are invited to attend.

The Service will commence at 11:00am on Thursday 24 February 2022 at the Lower Cenotaph – Pittwater RSL, 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale

Covid regulations will be adhered to, whatever they may be at the time.



Sydney Wildlife Recycled Bottles For Wildlife 2021

Sydney Wildlife Rescue is registered for return and earn in NSW. This time it is accessed by an App called My Tomra  - which is the organisation that runs the recycling. 

Once you have downloaded the My Tomra App. Just search “Our Wildlife” you will see Sydney Wildlife Rescue listed. You can set that as the payout. 

So you just scan the bar code from the App  at the recycling machine and the 10c will be donated to Sydney Wildlife Rescue. The machines can be located anywhere in NSW.  

Please have a look it’s a good way to support us to care for wildlife and do your bit to keep Australia Beautiful.

February 6 - 12, 2022: Issue 525

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 525 

Covid-19 Update Issue 525: Hundreds Of Seniors Dying; another four have lost their life in our area this week, Thousands of Students have Contracted Coronavirus During First Week Back At School, Businesses Closing, Events Being Postponed, The NSW Government's Support Packages For Business have been outlined, Elective Surgeries To Return, Free RSA Courses Offered To Meet Staff Shortfall While TAFE Is In 'Disarray' - those starting an Apprenticeship this year have had their Course start pushed back until mid-March

Works Begin On New Narrabeen Bridge For Walkers and Bike Riders + Some Narrabeen Lagoon Bridge No 1 History Notes + Proposals 

Aquatics Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Newcastle Grand Final

Junior Irukandjis Team Presented By Woolworths Announced For 2022 ISA Juniors Campaign - Congratulations Gabi Spake, Kobi Clemments! + IOC Session Approval Of Surfing For The LA28 Olympic Games

No Sediment Barriers At Collaroy-Narrabeen Seawall Site: Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches February 4th Video Of Runoff + Extension North Proposal

First Fun Run Of The Year Draws Thousands: Beach2Beach Runs Next on March 27, 2022

Trauma Kits Presented To 15 NSW Boardrider Clubs At Australian Boardriders Battle Final

Pictures South-West-North-East Summer 2022 Nature Mix by Joe Mills, Selena Griffith and Adriaan van der Wallen

ABHS AGM 2021 Featuring Geoff Mills - The Penguin Man Of Lion Island + 2022 Program (next meeting March 8th) by Roger Sayers OAM

Kimberley Country Part 3 by Robyn McWilliam

Park Bench Philosopher Ship Of Firsts: RSV Nuyina's First Voyage 

DIY Ideas DIY Surfboard Rack: Vertical and Horizontal Options Residents here may have collected a few surfboards over the years for a few different waves or surfing preferences. In the Pittwater Online News yard there are some that date from the 1960's and 1970's for sentimental reasons, a bright green Nat Young one for instance, as well as a Malibu, a few longboards and a few different shortboards that have been more recently acquired. This 50+ years collection, all still used, needs to be stored safely so the boards don't get damaged, and so they can be accessed for use when there's a good wave running. As some surfboard racks you can buy can cost several hundred dollars, money that could be spent on another board, wax or burgers after a good session, this Issue we offer a few easy to make surfboard racks that will costs one tenth of the average price for a commercially manufactured surfboard rack.

Environment  Long Grass - Weeds Taking Over Parks, Dunes, Reserves Across The LGA: Where To Report These, Asparagus Fern Flowering Now: Dispose Of This Weed To Stop The Spread, No Sediment Barriers At Collaroy-Narrabeen Sea Wall Site: Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches February 4th Video Of Runoff + Extension North Proposal, Avalon Dunes Bushcare: Sunday Feb. 6, Permaculture Northern Beaches: North Head Bush Regeneration workshop on Feb 13 and Resource and Recycling at Kimbriki (zoom) on Feb. 24, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment - Next Forum on Feb 27 (zoom): The Pan Gnammas, Rock-gardens, Rainforests and Conifers of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment - Speaker  Jayden Walsh, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew Next Clean Is At: Queenscliff on Monday 28th Of February, Bushwalkers Reminded To Be Prepared Before Heading Outdoors After Recent Rescues, Bushcare In Pittwater, Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Helpers Needed, First Records Of Killer Whales Hunting Blue Whales: Western Australia, The Path To Renewable Fuel Just Became Easier, Number Of Earth's Tree Species Estimated To Be 14% Higher Than Currently Known With Some 9,200 Species Yet To Be Discovered, The ancient, intimate relationship between trees and fungi; from fairy toadstools to technicolour mushrooms, Queensland has an important network of private conservation areas but they’re dangerously exposed to mining,  Labor’s plan to green the Kurri Kurri gas power plant makes no sense, UK Plants Flowering A Month Earlier Due To Climate Change, Satellites And Light Reflections Help RMIT Researchers Spot Coastal Plastic Waste, Scientists Uncover 'Missing' Plastics Deep In The Ocean: 51 Trillion Microplastics In World's Oceans, Ocean Eddies Could Explain Antarctic Sea-Ice Paradox, The $1 billion Great Barrier Reef funding is nonsensical; Australians and their natural wonder deserve so much better,  Research Suggests Paris Agreement Limits Still Catastrophic For Coral Reefs, Extreme Heat Is The 'New Normal' For The Ocean, Climate Change Has Likely Begun To Suffocate The World’s Fisheries, Avalon Golf Course Bushcare Needs You, Community Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Local  Environment History

Inbox News Researchers Study Impact Of Waves Created By Recreational Boats On Shorelines - Vegetation, How The Connections Inside Bird Brains Work Together, What Is Your Dog’s Lifespan?: You Might Be Surprised, New Novel Nanoparticle SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Combines Immune Focusing And Self-Assembling Nanoparticles To Elicit More Potent Protection, Mechanism Revealed Behind Loss Of Smell With COVID-19, What we know now about COVID immunity after infection – including Omicron and Delta variants, Our NSW hospitals are at greater risk of flooding as the climate changes; We need better evacuation plans, Research Shows Depression and Anxiety Spiked In Pregnant Women During COVID-19 Pandemic, Towards Greener Smart Cities With Machine Learning-Based 'Sleep Schedules', Power At Sea: Towards High-Performance Seawater Batteries

Profile of the Week Alpine Odyssey - Trekking For Wildlife 
This week's Profile is by Lynleigh Greig

A group of Northern Beaches young men are trekking 680 kilometres through the tough terrain of the Australian Alps to raise money for Sydney Wildlife Rescue to purchase an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) which will be used to rescue wildlife in need of assistance, particularly after natural disasters such as fires, floods and cyclones.

In the 2020 Black Summer Bushfires, teams of Search and Rescue volunteers had to carry heavy rescue gear and darting equipment across many kilometers in search of fire-affected wildlife. They also had to carry heavy kangaroos and wallabies (that had been sedated) across the fire grounds to get them to the triage facilities, one of which was Sydney Wildlife’s Mobile Care Unit.

Nearly 3 billion koalas, kangaroos and other animals are estimated to have died or been displaced in Australia's Black Summer bushfires.

“The electric ATV and trailer will help volunteers with future Search and Rescue efforts and transportation of sedated wildlife across difficult terrain, and hopefully save more lives,” said Lynleigh Greig, Sydney Wildlife Rescue volunteer and co-manager of the Mobile Care Unit.

Lynleigh Greig’s son Connor (20) and his schoolfriends Yannick Müller (20), Alex Burton (aka Sanchez, 19), Jonty Earp (20) and Ben Harris (20) aim to raise $20,000 by trekking from Walhalla, VIC to Namadgi Visitor Centre in the ACT. 

As we go to press the boys are almost three quarters finished on their Alpine Odyssey and almost three quarters of the way to their fundraising goal.

They commenced their six-week trek on January 3 and will finish this week, around February 11. 

Lynleigh said, “I don’t remember what I was doing when I was 19 years old, but I am certain it wasn’t something as purposeful and selfless as what these youngsters are doing! They are wrecking their own feet to save ours. I feel very proud to know them!” 

Please support the young hikers on their wild, treacherous journey on the Australian Alps Walking Track through Victoria, NSW and the ACT. 

DONATE HERE: https://gofund.me/2e69ce99

You can follow their amazing journey here: On Facebook and On Instagram and read up and watch Lynleigh's interviews of the boys this week.

John Illingsworth, long-term champion of all things Pittwater under his You Tube channel Pittwater Pathways, created to celebrate the beautiful and unique places in Pittwater, has published two new films this week, 'Newport Beach Boys', which shares some great old photos of a slide show from the night some 15 years ago when John was turning 60, and 'The Water Dwellers' which features the Commonwealth Film Unit, courtesy the National Film & Sound Archive film of the same name and shares vision of Pittwater and Broken Bay in 1967.

These two films add to Mr. Illingsworth's growing catalogue of historic features focussed on our area, all of them painstakingly bringing back to life views of the people, landscape and culture of Pittwater, and include John's great use of old photos as well as his interviews with residents whose families have been part of Pittwater for generations.

John's research is brilliant, his camera skills amazing, while the use of archival materials enhances these brilliant historical insights.

This Issue John kindly allows us to share those great two new films, plus we've added in a few personal favourites. There is much more available at the Pittwater Pathways channel at:   www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0LtKp8CtDX_uE9gesVtqA

Artist of the Month February 2022: Alex Chesser, Photographer For the last decade and a bit whenever Pittwater Online News needed photos of responses to local fires in our area our go to photographer was Alex Chesser. His great images have showcased the work of the NSW Rural Fires Service, with whom he has been a member for almost 17 years. Pittwater Online hasn't been the only one to notice the brilliant standard of Alex's photography, and encouraged by us all, he has expanded his range and now makes these captures available at:  alex-chesser  If you're looking for a high quality image of our area these all come highly recommended. Examples of these run this month and include a link to where you can get your own copy.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: February 1, 2022

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

VALE Graeme Crayford 
(1948 - 2022)


Graeme Crayford, former Scotland Island resident, president of the fire brigade, SIRA committee member and coordinator of the community vehicle, has died aged 73. 

Graeme moved to the island in 2007, buying a house just a few doors away from Bell Wharf. He had retired some years earlier, having been a communications engineer for Telstra. Before coming to the island Graeme had lived and worked in Singapore.  
It rapidly became obvious that Graeme was eager to contribute to community life. Bill Gye, SIRA president at the time, quickly identified Graeme’s organisational potential. ‘I managed to persuade him to join the SIRA committee’, says Bill. ‘He clearly had a lot to offer: politically astute and well-informed, and committed to the fabric of island life.’

For the rest of his time on the island Graeme maintained an involvement in SIRA. He was a member of its Roads and Drainage sub-committee, headed by Sharon Kinnison. ‘He was a splendid man’, remembers Sharon. ‘His contributions to committee discussions were often spot on. He was a clear thinker, a great mind.’

But it will be through his contributions to Scotland Island fire brigade that Graeme is best remembered. Graeme qualified as a firefighter in 2012. Around that time the brigade was setting up its Community First Responder (CFR) unit to deal with medical emergencies. According to its leader, Ian White, Graeme was one of the first to qualify for the CFR team. ‘He was always one of the first to put up his hand for a CFR call. And he was still attending medical emergencies well into his 70s.’

Besides being a member of the CFR team, Graeme was involved in firefighting activities. ‘He was one of our most active operational members’, says Captain Peter Lalor. ‘Graeme was almost always one of the crew responding to bushfires, boat fires, trees down and medical emergencies on and around the island’. Graeme won several brigade awards, including ‘member of the year’. 

Besides his operational involvement in the brigade, Graeme contributed administratively. He became vice president in 2013, then president in 2015, a position he held until August 2021, when he left the island. It says something about Graeme’s commitment to the brigade that he was still chairing a brigade AGM on his last day on the island, rushing to catch his last ferry ride at the end of the meeting.  

One particular contribution to community life stands out. For around 10 years Graeme, along with other brigade members, but especially Nathalie and Julian Muir, helped organise dozens of fire shed dinners. Just about anyone attending a dinner over the last decade will remember Graeme serving behind the bar. But a lot of his involvement was behind the scenes, including shopping for food and drink for each dinner.  

What Graeme gave to community life went well beyond the fire brigade. Starting in 2011, Graeme drove the community vehicle, and for the last seven years he was vehicle coordinator. Cass Gye remembers him as a ‘wonderful, generous human being, a good friend to many, and a well respected and loved community member’.  

Despite these many contributions to island life Graeme was, in many respects, a very private man. Reserved and unassuming, many will remember him jogging around the island in his trademark white shirt, black shorts and cap, or stretching tired muscles on Tennis Wharf. 

The outpouring of grief on Facebook is a measure of the island’s love for Graeme. ‘He knew the spirit of community’, comments Melanie Marshall. ‘A revered member of our great community’, says David Wagner-mccullough. He was an ‘absolute gentleman’, according to Matt Blackwood; ‘the quiet achiever who loved helping out’, writes Lisa Jane. Many met the news of his passing with shock. 

Graeme moved away from the island in August 2021, when he bought a unit on McMahons Point. ‘He loved his new home’, says Julian Muir, who feels honoured to have counted himself among Graeme’s closest island friends.   

Leader, volunteer, helper, rescuer, mate and mentor: Graeme was many things to many people. It’s hard to exaggerate both his practical and emotional impact on the island. Perhaps that’s because, in the words of Ian White, ‘Graeme did everything’. 

Vale courtesy Roy Baker
Editor,
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter

Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed

Pittwater Online News has interviewed Lynette Millett OAM (WIRES Northern Beaches Branch)this week for a February 2022 Profile. 

February is one of two times each year when a lot of baby wildlife comes into care. Lyn spoke about needing more bird cages of all sizes for keeping the current huge amount of baby wildlife in care safe or 'homed' while they are healed/allowed to grow bigger to the point where they may be released back into their own home. 

If you have an aviary or large bird cage you are getting rid of or don't need anymore, please message or email us and we'll pass on the details - pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

There is also a pressing need for release sites for brushtail possums - a species that is very territorial and where release into a site already lived in by one possum can result in serious problems and injury. 

If you have a decent backyard and can help out, Lyn and husband Dave can supply you with a simple drey for a nest and food for their first weeks of adjustment, please message or email us and we'll pass on the details - pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

Thanking you all in advance.


Narrabeen RSL Closure Announcement

Thursday February 3rd, 2022
The Board of Directors at Narrabeen RSL have made the difficult decision to temporarily close The Razza from Sunday February 6th.

Whilst we hope this isn’t farewell, we face an uncertain future; an ongoing pandemic, restrictions on singing and dancing, minimal government support as well as difficult landlord and rent negotiations.

Narrabeen RSL has stood in this valley supporting and serving its community for over 65 years. It has been a privilege and an honour to be part of something that spans generations and captures the essence of both the past and future of Narrabeen.

We invite you ALL, members and guests that have helped make this Club what it is to come along on Sunday and raise your glass to the friendliest little club on the peninsula. To all the singing, dancing, good times and bad that The Razza has always managed to be there for.... just up the road or down the hill.

WE WILL BE OPEN THURSDAY TILL SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6TH 3-7PMSUNK HOURS SATURDAY 5TH & SUNDAY 6TH 2-7PM

The President, BOD, Management and staff thanks you for your ongoing support throughout this difficult time. 



Photo credit: Narrabeen RSL

Night At The Barracks Events Postponed Until Spring

Due to the extension of the NSW Public Health Order concerning major events and to ensure a wonderful experience, the Night at the Barracks team have today made the difficult decision to postpone the concert series until September/October 2022.  

The Night at the Barracks team have advised:
Our primary concern is the health and safety of our audiences, artists, sponsors and team members. With ongoing unpredictability due to Covid-19, we feel it is the safest and most proactive decision to move to new dates in Spring with an absolute  commitment of providing our Manly and the broader community this world-class event that all of Sydney can be proud of. 

With our incredible North Head Barracks location, ‘the show will go on’ and we will revert with information regarding new performance dates and programming in the coming days.

In the meantime, we’d like to thank you for your patience, understanding and support. We can’t wait to host you in Spring for a concert series like no other under the night sky at North Head, Manly whilst experiencing some of Australia’s most extraordinary talent.



Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast 2022 Speaker Announced

When: Wednesday 2 March 2022 at 7am at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc will host the annual Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday 2 March 2022 at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport.

The guest speaker at the breakfast will be Val Edwards. Val grew up in Wollongong. She moved to Sydney in 1970 and has been an active member of the Palm Beach community since 1989. She is married with three children and seven grandchildren.

When Val left school, she was invited to enter the Miss Australia Quest and raised the most money in her region for the Spastic Centre, now named the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Val was recently asked to assist the Lung Foundation Australia and NSW Health in presenting up to date information online for people who suffer from COPD.

In 2000, Val was invited to participate on three levels at the Sydney Olympic Games. She was chosen:
  • to be an Attaché for Tajikistan;
  • to train the 150 medal presenting staff,
An official Olympic Games postage stamp featuring Val commemorated the “best ever” games.

Twenty eight years ago Val bought her business ‘Sydney Model Agency and Sydney Etiquette College’. Val has a career focused on helping build confidence in boys and girls from 13 years of age from all backgrounds. 


Val Edwards

The 2022 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by the Hon. Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater. 

The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches is a member of Zonta International, which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Zonta International is affiliated at the United Nations with other major women’s organisations. This breakfast marks International Women’s Day (8 March). It is a day to acknowledge women’s
contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place. 

Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The cost is $55pp. Please book by Monday February 21st.
Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 8 to 10. We will seat you. 
Please book early as this event may fill quickly.
Enquiries to pittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Sue 0407 850 860 or Susie 0413 623 392. 

The delightful location looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. The breakfast is always well attended by the local community. Everyone is invited to attend and men are particularly welcome. With the relaxing of COVID restrictions we expect to be able to host a capacity audience however any COVID restrictions at the date will be strictly adhered to. 

Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc. assisting local women in need, and Zonta International projects in developing countries. 

Zonta International is a global service organisation of executives working together to advance the status of women through service and advocacy.

Taste Of The Beaches Grants For Local Businesses: Closes Feb. 7

Council's Taste of the Beaches Event Grants are available to local businesses to hold their own special Taste of the Beaches food and drink experience during the month of May.

Applications are now open and close on Monday 7 February. 

''From Manly to Palm Beach to Terrey Hills and everywhere in between, the Northern Beaches will be the place to eat, drink and play in May.''

More details are available, and apply at:


Active Transport (Walking And Cycling) Program Grant Funding Proposals

The council also has Active Transport (walking and cycling) program Grant funding proposals for 2022/23 listed at present, seeking feedback from residents on opportunities to introduce more shared paths in 2022 and 2023. The projects proposed on their webpage are grant dependent, which means the council can only build them if they receive the funding under the NSW Active Transport Grant.

Those proposed are:

Bassett Street, Mona Vale - Shared path and pedestrian crossing upgrade

proposing a 2.5m shared path for pedestrians and bicycle riders which will provide an active travel connection between Mona Vale Beach and Winnererremy Bay as well as to commercial and industrial areas and Pittwater High School. Existing trees would be maintained. Length of path: 1060m Typical width of path: 2.5m

The proposal would also see improved pedestrian and cyclist crossing points at:

1. Bassett Street – 2.5m shared path on the southern side, between Barrenjoey Road and Mona Street

a. Improved crossing at Tengah Crescent and Perak Street

2. Mona Street – 2.5m shared path on the eastern side between Bassett Street and Pittwater Road

b. Upgrade existing pedestrian crossing to a raised combined pedestrian and bicycle crossing

View the plan  

Jacksons Road, Warriewood - Shared path and pedestrian crossing upgrade

A 2m shared path for pedestrians and bicycle riders through Warriewood Valley Sportsground which will provide active travel connections to the Narrabeen Education Precinct, sporting facilities, Warriewood B-Line, Warriewood Square and other key destinations.

The upgrade to the pedestrian crossing in Jacksons Road, near the Boondah Road intersection, to a raised pedestrian and bicycle crossing will connect existing and planned shared paths.

Future shared paths will be constructed as part of the Warriewood Valley Community Centre and Boondah Road upgrade.

View the plan 

Collins Street, North Narrabeen - Shared path

Proposing to provide a 2.5m shared path on the eastern side of Collins Street and Lake Park Road between the existing shared path in Walsh Street and Narrabeen Lagoon.

Council states this will provide a valuable connection for pedestrians and bike riders in the local area to access facilities such as Pittwater Rugby Park, Warriewood B-Line and recreational facilities around Narrabeen Lagoon. However it should be noted that the proposal involves removing four on-street carparking spaces.

View the plan 

Pittwater Road, Queenscliff - Pedestrian and cycle bridge upgrade

View the plan  

Addiscombe Road & Kenneth Road, Manly Vale - Shared path and pedestrian crossing

View the plan  

Highview Avenue, Manly Vale - Footpath and stairs

View the plan 

Blackbutts Road, Frenchs Forest - Shared path

View the plan 

Allambie Road, Allambie Heights - Shared path

View the plan 

To find out more and view the plans visit: yoursay/202223-active-transport-proposals

Comments for all proposals close Friday February 18th 2022 (5pm). 

Your Vision For The Future – Help Update The Community Strategic Plan

Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Shape 2028 is under review and the community is being asked to confirm if their priorities for the future remain the same.

Council is required to lead the community in developing a long-term vision and strategy with an outlook of at least 10 years, to identify community priorities and aspirations, and to develop a set of goals and strategies for their achievement. It is known as the CSP.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the community is at the centre of everything Council does.
“Shape 2028 was first published in 2018 and captured our community’s vision and key aspirations for the Northern Beaches over 10 years to 2028.

“Councils are required by the state government to review the CSP following the election of a new Council, so it is a time to check in with the community and ensure that we are headed in the right direction,” Mayor Regan said.

As part of this review, Council analysed community engagement carried out since the development of the CSP and conducted a series of focus groups as an initial test of any significant changes in community sentiment.

A discussion paper has been released to:
  • present the outcomes, goals and strategies as identified in Shape 2028 with a summary of where we are now, some of the challenges we face to achieving these and a few of the opportunities that the council are looking at including in the revised draft CSP
  • Highlights actions and progress towards achieving the outcomes and goals consider the longevity of the outcomes, goals and strategies and whether these can be extended beyond 10 years
  • summarise community engagement that has taken place over the last five years as it relates to the eight CSP outcomes to report any changes in sentiment over time.
“Council encourages you to read this discussion paper and tell them what you think may need to be changed or updated. Does the community still agree that the vision, outcomes, goals, and strategies meet their aspirations?

“As the CSP serves as the overarching guiding document in the development of all Council’s strategies and plans, we would also like to understand if you believe the aspirations are relevant for an outlook to 2040.

“Jump online to learn more and be part of our conversation so we get this right.” Mayor Regan said.

For more information or to have your say visit:

Submissions close Wednesday 2 March 2022.

Do You Want To Be A Radio Presenter?

Radio Northern Beaches, the Peninsula’s own community radio station, is putting on a one-day Radio Skills Workshop on Saturday 12th February at the Station’s studios in Terrey Hills.  

The Workshop runs from 9am to 4pm. It’s limited to 10 students and costs $140 for the day.  
Email training@rnb.org.au for more info or book through Northern Beaches and Mosman College at www.nbmc.nsw.edu.au/course/Radio_Workshop.

If the February Workshop is booked out, you can book ahead for Workshops on Saturday 5th March and Saturday 2nd April. 


Sydney Art Space Now At 63 Bassett Street Mona Vale

February 1, 2022: Our new digs is ready to go, see you at Onespace, 63 Bassett Street, Mona Vale from here on in.



Sydney Art Space in Mona Vale is the vision of artist and educator Christine Simpson who has created a supportive, nurturing, and fun place for adults and children to make all different types of art.

Whether you want to:
  • * engage your child in a quality creative program
  • * get help with the HSC Body of Work
  • * begin and explore your journey into creativity
  • * further your arts practice
  • * do a Sunday or Weekend Creative Workshop
  • * book a Sunday morning art party
  • * or have a social dabble with creativity after work
Sydney Art Space is the place for you!

Pets Of The Week

Casper 


Chihuahua X:11 yrs

Casper is a very gentle calm boy. He has a sweet nature and is easy to pick up and brush. He is social with other small dogs. He loves squeaky toys and balls.  He walks on lead however barks at other dogs. He has a miebomian gland tumour on his eyelid but it is not worrying him. He has a short coat and weighs a chunky 6.3kg. He is looking for a quiet adult home.

All our dogs come 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 DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $400.

For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

Benjamin 


16 weeks: Domestic Short Haired Kitten

Benjamin was an orphan kitten that one of our Mums, Mrs Tiggy raised from a young age. He is now about 16 weeks. He is a happy playful boy who plays with his step brothers and sisters. He was born 11 Oct 21. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $250. 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.

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. 

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

Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby weighed less than a kilogram when she was orphaned on the roadside after her mother was hit and killed by a vehicle. Fortunately, Phoebe was uninjured, taken to a local vet and raised and then released by Sydney Wildlife volunteer Jane.

While Phoebe was fortunate, other native birds and animals are not so lucky.

So, if you’re returning home after your summer holiday (or just out and about on Australia Day), please slow down - particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas identified with wildlife crossing signs, for your safety and the welfare of our wildlife.

Please contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue on (02) 9413 4300 for advice if you hit a native animal or come across an injured one while driving. It is helpful if you can provide an accurate location or landmark to assist our rescuers who will pouch check marsupials for joeys, so little lives like Phoebe can be saved. 



 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane
Notice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue

Closure Of Public Road Reserve: 32 Watkins Road Avalon - Have Your Say

The Council is considering the formal closure of a public road reserve in Avalon Beach. The road reserve is a 3.66 metre wide unconstructed pathway on Watkins Road between 32 Watkins Road, and 34 & 36 Watkins Road. The dimensions of the proposed road reserve closure are approximately 95.69m long by 3.66m wide. The approximate area of the proposed road reserve closure is 347.8sqm.

The purpose of the proposed closure is to enable the sale of the land to the adjoining owner at 32 Watkins Road (Lot 16 DP 11096) for the potential construction of a second dwelling (behind the existing dwelling at 32 Watkins Road) and subdivision of land. 

The area of the road reserve closure is on the northern boundary of the applicant’s property known as 32 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach (Lot 16 DP 11096). It located between 32 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach and 34 and 36 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach (Lot 32 DP 21756 and Lot 31 DP 21756).

There has been a desire from local residents to have a public accessway from Watkins Road to Careel Headland Reserve. However, due to safety issues that could potentially arise from the steepness of the terrain, as well as alternative accessways to the reserve available nearby, Council states on the webpage for this proposal that it is unlikely that a public accessway would be supported in the future.

The notice relates to the proposed closure of this public road reserve (unconstructed pathway) only in accordance with Section 38A of the Roads Act 1993.

If the closure of the road reserve is approved, any proposed sale of the land will be managed by NSW Department of Planning Industry & Environment – Crown Lands.

The Council has no role in any future sale and will not receive any proceeds. Any proposed sale of the road reserve will be managed by DPIE - Crown Lands. For more information, please refer to Crown Land’s road purchase application process.

You can view the proposed road closure plan via the link below and have your say by:
  • completing the submission form at the link below
  • emailing: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
  • writing to Council marked 'Proposed road reserve closure adj. 32 Watkins Road, Avalon Beach', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.
If you have any questions before making your submission, please contact Council’s Property Officer on 1300 434 434 (during business hours) or by email. council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

 
Submissions close Sunday 6 March 2022.

The Baird Family Of Mona Vale - The Wentworths Of Newport

Dear Editor
I much enjoyed your long research article on The Baird Family of Mona Vale - The Wentworths of Newport. Your readers might be interested in two books on the Chisholm family which features in the article. 

Details may be found at my web site: http://www.chismaxwell.com

With all good wishes

Emeritus Professor Chis Maxwell AM

Safer Internet Day: February 8 2022

This Safer Internet Day, e-Safety are calling on everyone to play it safe and fair online. 

The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) was established in 2015 and is Australia's national independent regulator and educator for online safety. Our mandate is to ensure Australians have safer and more positive experiences online.

You can join the global initiative that brings families, schools, organisations and governments from 170 countries together to raise awareness about online safety.

There is no place for online abuse. We can all help to make life online enjoyable by being kind and respectful to each other.

Explore eSafety's range of resources to find out how you and your community can get involved in the 2022 campaign. 

Sign up to support Safer Internet Day. Together, we can all #PlayitFairOnline.

Research shows that Australians are learning and caring more about online safety than ever before.

Show your support by sharing an image or posting a message. Download our campaign kits to find out how to promote online safety at home, school, work or in your community.



Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service Crew Member To Address Next Rotary Meeting

At: Avalon Beach RSL Club
When: WEDNESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 2022 AT 19:00
Upstairs in the function room (or join us for a meal in the bistro from 6pm).
Free Admission - all welcome.

The Rotary Club of the Upper Northern Beaches are honoured to welcome rescue crew member Stewart Bailey from The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service (Southern) as our guest speaker for the evening.

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service has been saving lives since 1973. It’s one of the longest community partnerships in Australia; to date performing more than 80,000 missions nationally.
Last year, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service (Southern) flew over 224 hours and assisted with 256 missions. The crew are on standby to respond to missions 7 days a week, 365 days a year across the Sydney region and Southern NSW areas.

The Service is a registered charity and heavily reliant on community funding to support its operations each and every year. The generous support from the community has ensured that no one has ever had to pay to be rescued.

This is a topic very close to our hearts on the Northern Beaches.
If you would like to know more about The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service or Rotary, you are welcome to attend.

For more info on the evening or Rotary, feel free to email contact@rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org  or call 02 8005 0711. 

Like and share our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/RotaryUpperNorthernBeaches

You can also donate directly to The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service at Westpac.com.au/rescue or at https://lifesaver.org.au/


Man Charged With High Range PCA Whilst Baby In Car - Curl Curl

Friday, February 4, 2022 
A man has been charged with high-range drink-driving after allegedly being caught more than three times the legal limit with a baby in the car in Sydney’s Northern Beaches yesterday.

About 4.40pm (Thursday 3 February 2022) officers attached to Northern Beaches Traffic and Highway Patrol were patrolling the Curl Curl area when they stopped a Toyota Landcruiser on Garderer Avenue, after observing the driver not wearing his seat belt.

The driver, a 38-year-old man – who was travelling with an eight-week-old baby and a dog at the time – was subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result.

The man was arrested and taken to Dee Why Police station where he underwent a secondary breath analysis which returned an alleged reading of 0.197.

He was issued a traffic infringement for driver not wear seatbelt properly adjusted/fastened, a Court Attendance Notice for the offence of high range PCA, and his driver’s licence was suspended.

The Collaroy Plateau man was granted conditional bail to appear before Manly Local Court on Wednesday 16 March 2022.

The baby was uninjured.

Man Charged With PCA After Falling Overboard - Central Coast

Thursday, February 3, 2022 
A man has been charged with operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol after falling overboard and being rescued by police on the Central Coast yesterday.

About 5pm (Wednesday 2 February 2022), a man was operating an aluminium runabout in Brisbane Water off Koolewong, when he reportedly fell overboard while on a video call with family.

Emergency services were notified and officers from Brisbane Water Police Area Command responded.
With the assistance of a member of the public, police boarded his vessel and conducted a large water search with the assistance of the Marine Area Command and the 26-year-old man was located adrift in water off Point Clare.

He was rescued and subjected to a breath test, returning a positive result.

The Woy Woy man was arrested and taken to Woy Woy Police Station, where a breath analysis returned an alleged reading of 0.168.

He was issued a court attendance notice for operate vessel with high range PCA and is due to appear at Gosford Local Court on Thursday 7 April 2022.

NSW DPI Fisheries: Tuggerah Crab Poacher Convicted, Pays $12,000 And Loses Boat And Motor 

An illegal fisher has been convicted in Wyong court on February 3rd receiving over $8,000.00 in fines and ordered to pay over $4000.00 in professional costs.

NSW Fisheries Officers from the central Coast conducted targeted surveillance of Tuggerah Lakes as a result of several reports of recreational and commercial crab traps being tampered with and possible catch being taken.

During a storm event officers were rewarded with their patience and diligence with both photographic and video evidence able to be obtained of the fisher retaining crabs from the lifting of 30 traps that were both recreationally and commercially set.

Fisheries Officers were assisted by NSW Police from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command in apprehending the fisher at The Entrance under cover of darkness. The fisher was found to be in possession of 39 mud crabs and 5 blue swimmer crabs. Fisheries Officers seized the catch, along with the fisher's boat and outboard motor, both of which have been forfeited to NSW Fisheries during court proceedings.

Report illegal fishing to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or online via DPI website at http://fal.cn/3gJWh.



NSW DPI Fisheries photo

Purple Poppy Day

On February 24th 2019, Federal Minister Scott Buchholz announced that this day would be set aside every year to commemorate and honour the animals that continue to fight for the sovereignty of our great country.
 
Australia joined many other countries in the world in marking the War Animal Day. We are all being encouraged to wear a purple poppy in recognition of the deeds and sacrifice our four legged and feathered diggers have made, and continue to make serving alongside our troops. 
 
The announcement came at the backdrop of another yet great milestone that saw the opening of the first international war animal memorial. The memorial is located near the French town of Pozieres, which was a central battlefield for WW1.

The Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch has decided to conduct a Purple Poppy Day Commemorative Service every 24 February, Australia’s official War Animal Day.  Our new plaque is now in place on the Upper Cenotaph.  This will be our fourth Commemorative Service for 2022.

Politicians, Councillors, local schools and all general public are invited to attend.

The Service will commence at 11:00am on Thursday 24 February 2022 at the Lower Cenotaph – Pittwater RSL, 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale

Covid regulations will be adhered to, whatever they may be at the time.



Sydney Wildlife Recycled Bottles For Wildlife 2021

Sydney Wildlife Rescue is registered for return and earn in NSW. This time it is accessed by an App called My Tomra  - which is the organisation that runs the recycling. 

Once you have downloaded the My Tomra App. Just search “Our Wildlife” you will see Sydney Wildlife Rescue listed. You can set that as the payout. 

So you just scan the bar code from the App  at the recycling machine and the 10c will be donated to Sydney Wildlife Rescue. The machines can be located anywhere in NSW.  

Please have a look it’s a good way to support us to care for wildlife and do your bit to keep Australia Beautiful.


January 30 - February 5, 2022: Issue 524

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 524 

Protected Water Dragons Targeted By Illegal Blow Darts In Warriewood: Disgraceful Cruel Act On Our Wildlife - Police Appeal For Information

Pictures Patrick Alexander Soars Cup 2022 - The annual Newport Rugby (The Breakers) Paddy Soars Cup took place on Saturday January 29th at Hitchcock Park, Avalon Beach. and a great time was had by all - more Breakers News this Issue.

Annual Ride With Aboriginal Peoples Attracts Big Crowds Along Route From Manly To Church Point

Australia Day 2022 Honours List: 19 Residents Recognised

Council Recognises Extraordinary Contributions To Community In Australia Day 2022 Awards

Woolworths Announces Avalon Supermarket Will Become A Metro Store: Three Month Closure For Conversion After Easter 

COVID-19 Settings Remain In Place Until February 28th To Maintain Community Safety + COVID Plan For Start Of 2022 School Year

Ethan Hrnjak Standing As Greens Federal Candidate For Mackellar In 2022

Forest High School Relocation: Drawings - Project Scope Made Available

New Online Safety Act Commences: Haters Hiding Behind Anonymity Or Page 'Names' Can Now Be Prosecuted

Aquatics World Wetlands Day 2022 Focus Is To Restore Degraded Wetlands - Some Careel Bay Insights

Summer Babies 2022: Channel-Billed Cuckoo Pair Being Fed By Currawong + Dollarbird Babies

Park Bench Philosopher Radio Footprints Of Galactic Interactions Discovered In The Shapely Supercluster

Artist of the Month February 2022: Alex Chesser, Photographer For the last decade and a bit whenever Pittwater Online News needed photos of responses to local fires in our area our go to photographer was Alex Chesser. His great images have showcased the work of the NSW Rural Fires Service, with whom he has been a member for almost 17 years. Pittwater Online hasn't been the only one to notice the brilliant standard of Alex's photography, and encouraged by us all, he has expanded his range and now makes these captures available at:  alex-chesser  If you're looking for a high quality image of our area these all come highly recommended. Examples of these run this month and include a link to where you can get your own copy.

Environment  Summer Babies 2022: Channel-Billed Cuckoo Pair Being Fed By Currawong, Dollarbird Babies, Narrabeen's Octopus, Avalon Dunes Bushcare, World Wetlands Day 2022, Birds Flock To Breed In North-West NSW Wetlands, Narrabeen Clean up and old surfboard drop off: January 30, Bushcare In Pittwater, Community Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Helpers Needed, Citizen Scientists Needed To Help Record Impact Of Fires On Biodiversity, NSW Planning Department Recommends Approval Of Climate Wrecking Whitehaven Coal Mine, WaterNSW Flushes South32’S Number 2 Dendrobium Extension Plan, Taxpayers Fork Out For Most Expensive Water Ever, Murray Cod Stocks Surpass One Million, 3 local solutions to replace coal jobs and ensure a just transition for mining communities, Net zero: UK government sued for weak strategy – so here’s what makes a good climate change plan, Methane in the atmosphere is at an all-time high – here’s what it means for climate change, Some endangered species can no longer survive in the wild; So should we alter their genes?, ‘Life finds a way’: here’s how rainbowfish survive in Australia’s scorching desert, New Economic Model Finds Wetlands Provide Billions In Filtration Value, Urban Greening 'Not A Panacea' For Dealing With Extreme Weather, Scientists Discover New Avian Immunological Pathway, Forest Emissions Scheme Makes 'Tiny' Contribution To Indonesia’s Paris Targets, Southern Ocean Storms Cause Outgassing Of Carbon Dioxide, Leaf oysters: the unsung heroes of estuaries are disappearing and we know almost nothing about them, 5 ways climate change increases the threat of tsunamis; from collapsing ice shelves to sea level rise, How this little marsupial’s poo nurtures urban gardens and bushland (and how you can help protect them), Ancient knowledge is lost when a species disappears; It’s time to let Indigenous people care for their country their way, What drove Perth’s record-smashing heatwave – and why it’s a taste of things to come, Local  Environment History

Inbox News Scientists Regrow Frog's Lost Leg, Constant Tinnitus Is Linked To Altered Brain Activity, New Study Suggests Two Paths Toward 'Super Immunity' To COVID-19, New Study Validates Benefits Of Convalescent Plasma For Some COVID-19 Patients, New Hair Dyes Avoid Allergic Reactions, Faulty BRCA Genes Linked To Prostate and Pancreatic Cancers, Using The Eye As A Window Into Heart Disease, 'Smart Saddle' Could Help Equestrians Hit Their Stride, Young-Onset Cancers Rise and Experts Don't Know Why: Flinders University, New Test To Screen Newborns For Rare Genetic Disorders Paves The Way For Earlier Diagnosis and Treatment, $13m For National Eating Disorder Research Centre: Sydney University

Profile of the Week Joan Reid OAM: Sydney Wildlife Rescue Volunteer 
This year's Australia Day Honours List included an OAM for local Sydney Wildlife Rescue volunteer Joan Reid.

The citation reads; 'For service to conservation and the environment'.

Joan is a Wildlife Carer, and Manager of the Waratah Park Rehabilitation Centre, Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services. Joan was the lady who came up with the idea  of having a Sydney Wildlife's Mobile Care Unit. Joan has been a Wildlife Rescuer/Carer with Sydney Wildlife Rescue since 2007.

This week Pittwater Online News spoke to Joan about the recognition the OAM represents and about how it all began.

With the cricket season in full swing and locals enjoying their own games as well as watching the Australian men's and women's teams give the visiting teams a bit of a run for their wickets its worth remembering some of our own local cricket history and that the first team to tour the United Kingdom was an indigenous team and that they played at Manly during the Summer of 1867, 155 years ago this February.

This team played over forty matches in England in 1868. The tour was backed by George Smith and Charles Lawrence of Manly, and stayed in quarters at Lawrence’s Pier Hotel at Manly when they came to Sydney and played at least three matches at Manly between February and March of that year.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Readers are advised that this website may contain images, voices and videos of deceased persons. Users are warned that there may be words and descriptions that may be culturally sensitive and which might not normally be used in certain public or community contexts.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: January 21, 2022

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Warriewood Beach Carpark : Fines For Unlawful Parking Update

Update: courtesy Councillor Vincent De Luca OAM
If you have any questions please email me at vincent.deluca@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 

Response from Council's Manager of Compliance 
Council staff are currently exploring longer term parking solutions for the Warriewood Beach precinct, and proactive patrols will not be undertaken of the area whilst these investigations are being carried out. 

This has been communicated to the Rangers, and the Surf Club president is also aware of the arrangement.

The Traffic team have also investigated the concerns and advise that signage currently delineates parking within bays only.  

The team will review whether additional bays can be installed safely within the area.

Azmeena Kelly
Executive Manager Environmental Compliance



Avalon Boomerang Bags Returns

Avalon Boomerang Bags are starting back at the Avalon Rec Centre on Tuesday 1st February, usual time of 11am - 3pm.

Please visit and to find out how YOU can help us turn the tide on plastic bags.


Vale Donny Maxwell

It is with much sadness that Manly Rugby Club wishes to inform it members we have lost one of our most loyal life members, Donny Maxwell.

Donny has been involved with the club for many years in administration roles, refereeing, timekeeping and helping with the game-day experience amongst many other things.
Donny will be greatly missed by his Manly Rugby family.

We pass on our sincere condolences to Donny's family. 
Our thoughts are with you.
RIP 

Jet Ski Problem On Pittwater

Residents have spoken this week over their growing concern about the observance of rules for those using jet skis on the Pittwater estuary. 

On the Australia Day holiday this week numerous jet skis were seen speeding through the moorings or 'buzzing' the shore where swimmers were or when the the ferry was coming in. 

One was observed 'flying' past the Boat Shed in Governor Phillip Park towing two children in a blow up ring at about 20 knots with no observer. 

Another was seen taking off from Snapperman beach flat out through the moorings.

Rocks And Debris On Collaroy Beach

January 27, 2022: Courtesy Councillor Vincent De Luca OAM
Any reports or enquiries please 'phone Council on 1300 434 434 or email council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 

From the Manager of Environment, Yianni Mentis:

Council has received 10 enquiries regarding debris and rocks at Collaroy Beach which have been or are being responded to. 

Matters raised in each enquiry have been investigated. The site was also investigated by Council staff a number of times during the heavy swells, and has been under regular inspection since then. The matter is currently under investigation by Environmental Compliance.

Council staff began removal of geofabric and debris on 7 January 2022, and this has been continued by the contractor responsible for the site including material on the beach and in the water.

Council and the contractor are taking steps to ensure bund breaches do not happen again and our Environmental Compliance are also investigating in that regard.

Rocks will continue to be removed from the beach as conditions allow, and it is safe to do so. Once the works are complete, the beach sand will be sieved to further remove rocks as has been done for earlier works sites.

Council’s lifeguards are also undertaking regular visual inspections and installing temporary signage where required.

Council has been and will continue to take action to reduce the risk from the debris.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Barrenjoey High School's Noah Smith from Year 10, who has spent his holidays representing the Pittwater electorate at the NSW Youth Parliament. 

Noah was one of 90 young people from across NSW gathered virtually to discuss, debate, advocate and legislate on important issues including the response to COVID, modernising sex education, and a code for inclusive school uniforms. 

Noah won the award for Youth Parliamentarian of the Year - an impressive achievement given many of the participants are much older. Noah is an active member of Barrenjoey's SRC and Ecojoey citizenship groups and the school community are very proud of his participation and achievements in the Youth Parliament.

Taste Of The Beaches Grants For Local Businesses

Council's Taste of the Beaches Event Grants are available to local businesses to hold their own special Taste of the Beaches food and drink experience during the month of May.

Applications are now open and close on Monday 7 February. 

''From Manly to Palm Beach to Terrey Hills and everywhere in between, the Northern Beaches will be the place to eat, drink and play in May.''

More details are available, and apply at:


Fire At Kimbriki

There was an early start to Australia Day for Ingleside Brigade volunteers when they were called to a fire at Kimbriki. This was a large scale operation involving the following NSW RFS Brigades; Terrey Hills Brigade, Coal & Candle Rural Fire Brigade, Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade, Belrose Rural Fire Brigade, Davidson Rural Fire Brigade, Beacon Hill Rural Fire Brigade, Warringah / Pittwater Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade and NSW RFS Northern Beaches Catering Brigade.

Over 50 personnel responded to a vegetation fire at Kimbriki Tip. There was a large amount of smoke in the area whilst volunteer crews worked to extinguish the fire. Contractors were on site assisting with vegetation removal using excavators. 

The fire was reported to the RFS about 4.30am with smoke drifting across the area.
Rural Fire Services attended and the fire was fully extinguished.
Kimbriki advised there was no disruption to services and it is open for tipping.


Photo: Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade


Photo: NSW RFS - Terrey Hills Brigade

Man Injured After Rubbish Truck Rollover - Bilgola

Police have commenced an investigation following a serious crash on the Bilgola Bends.

About 7am on Monday 24 January 2022, emergency services were called to Barrenjoey Road, near Bilgola Beach, after reports a garbage truck rolled onto its side, trapping a utility.

The driver and sole occupant of the truck – a 26-year-old man – was uninjured. He was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital for assessment and mandatory testing.

The driver and sole occupant of the utility – a 30-year-old man – was trapped. 

With assistance from Fire and Rescue NSW, a crane was utilised to remove the garbage truck from the utility to free the man. 

He was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition with minor injuries.

Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

As inquiries continue, police are appealing to anyone that may have information or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Information is treated in strict confidence.  The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Fire and Rescue NSW stated their crews attended a truck rollover at Barrenjoey Road at the Bilgola "Bends."

''Ambulance NSW stabilised the ute driver as we stabilised the vehicles and a crane arrived via Police NSW escort to ensure the truck could be lifted as soon as possible. Our crews worked quickly to cut the ute up so the driver could be freed. They were then transferred to the hospital via the Careflight Rescue helicopter.''

''Thanks to teamwork and quick response between the emergency services, this was an incredibly successful outcome from a dangerous crash.''

The below Fire and Rescue NSW video provides further insight.

Do You Want To Be A Radio Presenter?

Radio Northern Beaches, the Peninsula’s own community radio station, is putting on a one-day Radio Skills Workshop on Saturday 12th February at the Station’s studios in Terrey Hills.  

The Workshop runs from 9am to 4pm. It’s limited to 10 students and costs $140 for the day.  
Email training@rnb.org.au for more info or book through Northern Beaches and Mosman College at www.nbmc.nsw.edu.au/course/Radio_Workshop.

If the February Workshop is booked out, you can book ahead for Workshops on Saturday 5th March and Saturday 2nd April. 


Works Start On New Bridge Over Narrabeen Lagoon

A walk over Narrabeen Lagoon is about to get a lot more relaxing with construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge starting this week. The project was first opened for feedback in July 2018.

Once completed residents will be able to stop and take in the view with the new 3 metre wide bridge providing plenty of space for everyone. 

Council states the bridge will be built alongside the Pittwater Road bridge and will be a welcome addition to the popular Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, which is an 8.4km track that circles the lagoon.

The existing path on the Pittwater Road bridge has been identified as a bottleneck and a safety issue for walkers and cyclists. The new bridge will help alleviate these issues.  

It will also be higher than the existing road bridge to reduce the flood risk, with ramps installed at both ends to ensure its easily accessible for everyone.

Works are expected to be completed in May 2022, weather permitting.


Purple Poppy Day

On February 24th 2019, Federal Minister Scott Buchholz announced that this day would be set aside every year to commemorate and honour the animals that continue to fight for the sovereignty of our great country.
 
Australia joined many other countries in the world in marking the War Animal Day. We are all being encouraged to wear a purple poppy in recognition of the deeds and sacrifice our four legged and feathered diggers have made, and continue to make serving alongside our troops. 
 
The announcement came at the backdrop of another yet great milestone that saw the opening of the first international war animal memorial. The memorial is located near the French town of Pozieres, which was a central battlefield for WW1.

The Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch has decided to conduct a Purple Poppy Day Commemorative Service every 24 February, Australia’s official War Animal Day.  Our new plaque is now in place on the Upper Cenotaph.  This will be our fourth Commemorative Service for 2022.

Politicians, Councillors, local schools and all general public are invited to attend.

The Service will commence at 11:00am on Thursday 24 February 2022 at the Lower Cenotaph – Pittwater RSL, 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale

Covid regulations will be adhered to, whatever they may be at the time.



Pets Of The Week

Charles & Ray: 11yo Border Collie X Whippet

Charles and Ray appear to be brothers and appear to have always lived together. They came from a deceased estate. They can be shy at first but soon warm up. They are both very obedient to commands. They are social around other small dogs and have an inquisitive nature. Once they feel settled they are affectionate sooky dogs. They love their dinner, especially chicken necks and cooked chicken. Charles weighs 10.6kg and Ray 15.8kg. They both have short coats. They would do best in a house with garden and suitable for FT working hours. 


Charles


Ray 

All our dogs come 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 DoggieRescue Vet. Their adoption fee is $800. 

For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

Missy 10yo Domestic Short Hair


Missy is a super affectionate sweet easy girl. She was surrendered to the pound as her owners could not care for her. She was terribly overweight and had an abscess with matted fur on her back. This has almost totally healed and slowly she is slimming down. She is such a lovely talkative girl who gets along with other cats. She has a short coat and came in weighing 5.8kg.

All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 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.

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. 

Announcement On NSW Treasury Secretary

January 25, 2022
After almost five years as NSW Treasury Secretary and close to 10 years in the NSW public service, Michael Pratt AM has signalled his intention to return to the private sector.

Mr Pratt has made an enormous contribution to NSW during his near-decade of service. In July 2012 he was appointed as the State’s inaugural Customer Service Commissioner, leading the reform of service delivery to citizens and business. 

He also led the design, build and implementation of Service NSW, including the delivery of the Service NSW App and the digital driver’s licence, now replicated across other NSW licences.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said as Treasury Secretary since August 2017, he played a vital and leading role in guiding the economy through the greatest economic challenge that NSW has faced since the Great Depression – the COVID-19 pandemic – saving tens of thousands of jobs and businesses. 

“Mr Pratt’s sound fiscal management and expert advice allowed the NSW Government to help people when they needed it most during drought, bushfires, floods and the pandemic as well ensuring the State will continue to deliver for future generations,” Mr Perrottet said. 
 
“Mr Pratt has helped revolutionise the way government interacts with the public and through his incredible commitment, dedication and professionalism helped deliver better services and outcomes for people right across the State for years to come.”

Mr Pratt led the development of the State’s first Economic Blueprint, the Productivity White Paper and the five-yearly Intergenerational Report. The framing and approach to the NSW Budget also fundamentally changed, with the implementation of Outcomes-Based Budgeting, which measures value for taxpayer spend through outcomes delivered rather than measure inputs.

Dr Paul Grimes PSM is to take over as the 28th Secretary of the NSW Treasury from 29 January, 2022. 

“I congratulate and welcome Dr Grimes’ appointment and have every confidence he will serve the people of NSW with distinction,” Mr Perrottet said.

Treasurer Matt Kean paid tribute to Mr Pratt’s many years of service and thanked him for his insights, advice and assistance in the delivery of the 2021 NSW Half Year Economic Review.

“Mr Pratt has been an outstanding public servant and I extend the State’s appreciation for his exceptional service to the people of NSW. I wish him well in his future endeavours,” Mr Kean said.

“As one of the nation’s leading public servants, combined with his extensive treasury knowledge and experience, Dr Grimes is ideally placed to help guide the NSW economy through the next phase of the pandemic and set us up for the future.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dr Grimes over the past 22 months as my Co-Ordinator General while I was the Minister for Energy and Environment, and I congratulate him on his appointment.”

Dr Grimes is a former Secretary for the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture.

He has served as head of the Commonwealth Treasury's Budget Policy Division, Deputy Secretary in the South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance, Chief Executive of the ACT Treasury, and Deputy Secretary leading the Budget Group in the Commonwealth Department of Finance. 

He was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) for his role in the development of the Commonwealth’s response to the global financial crisis.

Zonta Club Of Northern Beaches 2022 Women's Day Breakfast

The Pittwater International Women's Day Breakfast 2022 will be held at the Royal Price Alfred Yacht Club on Wednesday 2nd March 2022 in accordance with NSW Health Orders relevant at the time.  Another interesting speaker is being arranged and The Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced. Bookings will open in late January.

Who can join Zonta? 
Professional women who want to help other women in the local community and overseas, and who want to share in friendship and networks and are keen for the opportunity to share their skills. Club members meet for dinner and Zonta business on the fourth Monday of each month. We welcome anyone interested in our club to come to a meeting.

Please contact us at:
Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc. 6 Siobhan Place, Mona Vale NSW 2103

Sydney Wildlife Recycled Bottles For Wildlife 2021

Sydney Wildlife Rescue is registered for return and earn in NSW. This time it is accessed by an App called My Tomra  - which is the organisation that runs the recycling. 

Once you have downloaded the My Tomra App. Just search “Our Wildlife” you will see Sydney Wildlife Rescue listed. You can set that as the payout. 

So you just scan the bar code from the App  at the recycling machine and the 10c will be donated to Sydney Wildlife Rescue. The machines can be located anywhere in NSW.  

Please have a look it’s a good way to support us to care for wildlife and do your bit to keep Australia Beautiful.

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

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

Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby weighed less than a kilogram when she was orphaned on the roadside after her mother was hit and killed by a vehicle. Fortunately, Phoebe was uninjured, taken to a local vet and raised and then released by Sydney Wildlife volunteer Jane.

While Phoebe was fortunate, other native birds and animals are not so lucky.

So, if you’re returning home after your summer holiday (or just out and about on Australia Day), please slow down - particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas identified with wildlife crossing signs, for your safety and the welfare of our wildlife.

Please contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue on (02) 9413 4300 for advice if you hit a native animal or come across an injured one while driving. It is helpful if you can provide an accurate location or landmark to assist our rescuers who will pouch check marsupials for joeys, so little lives like Phoebe can be saved. 



 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane
Notice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue

Avalon Dunes Bushcare

Avalon Dunes are really special and need our special care. Tiny birds like Blue Wrens like the thick bush, but we need to get rid of weeds that will take the place of good bird habitat.

We'll be back on Sunday February 6, meeting  at 8.30 near the Montessori School, off Tasman Rd.  We're concentrating on chasing Morning Glory, peacefully weeding and chatting in the shade. Quite a bit is left for next time though. Can you give us a hand?


Local Company BioCarbon Pty Ltd Secures Federal Government Grant

BioCarbon is winning recognition as a leader in the move to green steel. The latest advance for this Ingleside innovator comes by way of a $293,840 grant from the Federal Government.

The grant supports companies advance environmental innovations to market and  is part of more than $12 million in funding for small businesses.

BioCarbon Pty. Ltd., from Ingleside with a head office at Cromer, will use the funding to scale renewable carbon for green steelmaking.

Jason Falinski MP congratulated Biocarbon and said the successful grants were a win for the environment, small business, and the people of our area.

''This grant will help Biocarbon grow its innovation around green steelmaking while creating local jobs in Ingleside,” Mr. Falinski said.

“We have a booming green economy in Mackellar that is only getting bigger, whether it’s the innovation in recycling through the Government’s ReMade Australia program or funding to install solar panels and battery storage across the electorate.”

The Accelerating Commercialisation Grant is part of the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme, which has provided 573 grants worth more than $281 million to Australian businesses since it was established in 2014.

More information on the grant recipients is available at www.business.gov.au/ac-funding-offers.

Information on how to join the Entrepreneurs’ Programme and apply for an Accelerating Commercialisation grant is available at www.business.gov.au/ep

Renewable Carbon entails all carbon sources that avoid or substitute the use of any additional fossil carbon from the geosphere. Renewable carbon can come from the biosphere, atmosphere or technosphere – but not from the geosphere.

In traditional steel-making coal or natural gas is used in a process that releases CO₂. In green steel production, hydrogen made from renewable energy replaces fossil fuels.

You can find out more about BioCarbon Pty Ltd at: biocarbon.com.au

Health System Boost With Record Intern Intake

January 27, 2022
More than 1,000 medical graduate interns have this week joined the ranks of the NSW Health system – a record number of new starters and the most of any state or territory in Australia. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said that a record number of 1,073 interns are joining the NSW Health team this year, an increase of 32 positions compared with the previous year.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the intern class of 2022, many of whom have already worked either as Assistants in Medicine or student vaccinators as part of the COVID-19 workforce response,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We have invested record amounts in our health system throughout the pandemic and these new interns will play a significant role in bolstering the ranks of our health workers as we continue to deal with the challenges of COVID-19.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard extended a warm welcome to the new interns and thanked them for their readiness to join their dedicated fellow health workers during such a pivotal time in the State’s history.

“Our selfless health heroes have worked tirelessly to keep the people of NSW safe and well throughout the enormous challenges of this one-in-one-hundred year pandemic,” Mr Hazzard said. 

“These new interns are starting their careers at a critical time in our battle against COVID-19 and will play a vital role in supporting existing health staff during our COVID-19 response.”

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said that of the 1,073 positions, 162 belong to the Rural Preferential Recruitment scheme – an increase of 12 positions compared with the previous year. 

“The innovative Rural Preferential Recruitment Scheme allows interns to undertake the majority of their training in our rural hospitals, encouraging Junior Medical Officers (JMOs) to continue working in rural and regional NSW once they complete their training,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I am so pleased that the intern class of 2022 also includes 24 JMOs recruited via the Aboriginal Medical Workforce Pathway.”

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.

The new doctors who commenced orientation this week will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing on the job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience. They also join different units in each hospital, including surgery and emergency medicine.  

In the largest ever health workforce boost in the state, the NSW Government has invested a record $2.8 billion to recruit an additional 1,060 doctors, 5,000 nurses, 880 allied health staff and 1,360 hospital support staff over a four year period.


Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

JP Public Register

You can find a Justice of the Peace (JP) using the online Public Register. You can search by postcode, name of a JP, day of availability, language spoken and JP registration number. The register lists a JP’s location, availability and telephone number. Please note that JPs are volunteers and may not be available at all times. Click here to access the JP Public Register