Pittwater Online News

Community News: July 2024

July 28 - August 3, 2024: Issue 632

This Issue: full list in Contents page

Council to cut time of speeches - ban photography: February 2018 proposed Restrictions resurface

Pittwater Greens Councillor calls for review of tree management policy

Manly Dam's plastic Trail Build: bushland being removed - wallabies pathway to water being blocked SMDCC states

Pictures: Walk On The Bairne Track In Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, July 18 2024. Photos by Kevin Murray and Joe Mills

Crown Land Reserves Improvement Fund: Local Grants 2023-2024 Total $625,699.00

Aquatics: Surf’s Up: Australia’s Breaks Inject Almost $3 Billion Into The Economy Each Year

Make It Safe: Protect Wildlife When Fishing

2024 Australian IRB Championships - Newport SLSC Does Best out of Local Clubs

Park Bench Philosophers: Wreck Of MV Noongah Identified 55 Years After Ship Was Lost At Sea

DIY Ideas One Winter Weekend Projects: DIY Carport

Environment Manly Dam's plastic Trail Build Underway: bushland being removed - wallabies pathway to water being blocked SMDCC states, Make it safe: protect wildlife when fishing, Crown Land Reserves Improvement Fund: Local Grants 2023-2024 Total $625,699.00, Barrenjoey access trail closed on weekdays until November, South Collaroy Foreshore & Stormwater Improvements: Detailed design and environmental assessment - Have your say, Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches: Surf Swap & Repair Market, Avalon Beach Bike Facility: Have Your Say, Lethal bird flu could decimate Oceania’s birds. From vigilance to vaccines, here’s what we’re doing to prepare, Yes, Australia’s environment is on a depressing path – but $7 billion a year would transform it, Environmental pollution and human health – how worried should we be?, The greater stick-nest rat almost went extinct. Now it’s found an unlikely ally: one of Australia’s worst weeds, Landmark new research shows how global warming is messing with our rainfall, Monday was the warmest day recorded on Earth. But how do scientists actually measure that?, Almost 1 in 6 of the world’s banknotes feature wildlife – and they’re not always the creatures you’d expect, Your world is different from a pigeon’s – but a new theory explains how we can still live in the same reality, Ghosts of species past: shedding new light on the demise of NZ’s moa can help other flightless birds, The greenest games ever? How claims of Olympic sustainability hit a reef in Tahiti, Timber venues, river swimming and re-use: how the Paris Olympics is going green – and what it’s missing, Paris Olympics promote sustainability for good reason: Climate change is putting athletes and their sports at risk, False stereotypes mean endangered animals are being protected in the wrong places, Fewer bees and other pollinating insects lead to shrinking crops, Counter-drug strategies in Central America are worsening deforestation, threatening many species of birds, National Tree Day 2024: Planting At Narrabeen Sunday July 28, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs Mona Vale collection point, Volunteers For Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours Needed, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report Fox Sightings, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare In Pittwater: Where + When, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves, Histories, Pictorial Walks, + more

Inbox News Australia’s largest iron ore deposits are 1 billion years younger than we thought, Loneliness in the workplace is greatest among men with traditional views about being the breadwinner, Gosford’s Oldest Train Driver Marks 55 Years Of Service, Modular Homes To Deliver More Social Housing In NSW, LB.1, or D-FLiRT, is the newest COVID subvariant. What do we know about it? Where has it come from?, Long COVID puzzle pieces are falling into place – the picture is unsettling, Despite what you’ve read Jim Chalmers’ wellbeing framework hasn’t been shelved – if anything it’s been strengthened, Vaping and mental health are closely linked; That can make quitting even harder, Cheeky diet soft drink getting you through the work day? Here’s what that may mean for your health, Can Kamala Harris win the US presidency after Joe Biden’s withdrawal? Here’s what the polls say, An academic publisher has struck an AI data deal with Microsoft – without their authors’ knowledge, DF65 Masters Challenge 2024, Seen In Sydney – Seven Species Of Gull Or Tern In Stunning Scenery, Tribute to Bill Wall Sunday 28th July @ 3.15pm @ ABSLSC, Nominate Someone Inspiring For An Australian Of The Year Award, Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign Important Step Towards Ending Scourge Of Abuse, New War Memorial Honouring Australians Who Served In The Middle East, 10 Commandments for Seniors, From The Pages Of The Past, Australian Government Ensuring More Nurses In Aged Care Homes, Age Pension Information Session at Mona Vale Library: August 1, Funding For On-Site Pharmacists In Aged Care Homes, Dr Danielle McMullen Elected Unopposed As New AMA President, A Call To Volunteer Trainers and Students, Manly Sailability Needs Volunteers, Exercise Can Help Boost Your Brain Power, NSA Slams Scammers As They Hit An All Time Low, We have too few aged care workers to care for older Australians. Why? And what can we do about it?, Grattan on Friday: Eyes are on Sunday’s reshuffle but government’s fears are about Wednesday’s inflation number, AvPals Term 3 2024, FraudGPT and other malicious AIs are the new frontier of online threats; What can we do?, Golf: neuroscience reveals the secrets of better putting – new study, From The Pages Of The Past, Seen in Sydney – Seven species of gull or tern amidst stunning scenery, Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp. 2024, Avalon Beach Bike Facility: Have Your Say, Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches surf and swap market 2024,New Driver Knowledge Test Online Launched For Learner Drivers, Word Of The Week: Programme, Lions in a Uganda park make a perilous journey across a 1.5km stretch of water: study suggests the drive is to find mates, A delicious history of the apple – from the Tian Sian mountains to supermarket shelves, Desk jobs can be killers – here’s how strength training at work can help, Want to sleep longer? Adding mini-bursts of exercise to your evening routine can help – new study, Retaining flavour while removing caffeine − a chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee, Seafloor sediment reveals previously unknown volcanic eruption 520,000 years ago in south Aegean Sea, White rice with side dishes isn’t really ‘traditional’ Japanese food. So where did we get this idea?, Compulsory voting in Australia is 100 years old. We should celebrate how special it makes our democracy,

Profile of the Week Mike Charlton: New Unit Commander At Marine Rescue Broken Bay

At the 2024 AGM of Marine Rescue Broken Bay a new Unit Commander, Mike Charlton, was elected.

Mike holds a Coxswain 1 NC Coxswain Licence with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, has been a volunteer Leader for the Scout Association of Australia, and is a strong community and social services professional, who graduated from Monash University.

However, his passion for looking after those who go on the water amounts to almost 15 years with the Marine Rescue Broken Bay Unit, after a lifetime of being on boats in our area.

Marine Rescue Broken Bay is equipped with two rapid response rescue vessels, a 10m Naiad offshore vessel and a 7.5m Walkthrough Naiad for inshore and near shore rescues. The rescue vessels are equipped to respond to all boating craft in any kind of trouble or support activities such as administering first-aid, working with NSW Police in coordinated search and rescue operations and on water-safety coverage for aquatic events.

Unlike most emergency services, MRBB are not a Government agency but an independent not-for-profit organisation and rely on donations from the public to keep operating.

While MRBB are committed to their mission of saving lives on the water in Pittwater, Broken Bay and out at sea, Marine Rescue Broken Bay also provides education to the boating public which include Boat & PWC licence courses, Marine Radio (Both SROCP and LROCP) courses and Flare usage and demonstration.

Find out more at: brokenbay.marinerescuensw.com.au

Marine Rescue Broken Bay is one of the busier volunteer Marine Rescue NSW Units along our coastline. The June 2024 statistics sent in from MRNSW show even during the quieter months the Pittwater and Broken Bay areas are those where boaters and recreational watersports people may need assistance.

This week a chat with MRBB's new UC, Mike Charlton.

History Eddie Scarf: an Olympian, butcher of North Narrabeen, Palm Beach + Dee Why & North Narrabeen SLSC Member

With the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics now complete, and the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad officially underway, a further 'dip' into a local who took part in two Olympic Games, 1932 and 1936, as a wrestler, Eddie Scarf.

From Issue 631:

Edward Richard Scarf, wrestler and butcher, was born on 3 November 1908 at Quirindi, New South Wales, fourth child of Lebanese-born parents Michael Eli Scarf, grocer, and his wife Amelia, née Zraysarty. His father's surname had originally been Alissis, his mother's first names Jamili Brahim.

Eddie was educated at the Marist Brothers' School, North Sydney, where he excelled at sport. At five feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall and 15 stone 8 lb. (99 kg) in weight, with large hands and a chest measurement of 45½ ins (116 cm), he was considered to be ideally equipped for wrestling.

In 1927 Scarf won the New South Wales amateur heavyweight wrestling championship. Although he retained it in 1928, and also won the State middleweight title and an Olympic Games test-tournament, he was not selected for the Olympics that year.

In 1930 he took the New South Wales heavyweight championships in both wrestling and boxing. A string of wrestling titles, including the Australian heavyweight championship in 1929 and 1932, earned him a place in the national team for the 1932 Olympics, held at Los Angeles, from 30 July to 14 August 1932.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: July 2024

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:

Contents: Acknowledging our Offshore Firies; Support for Older Offshore Residents; 'Where Are All The Children?'; Newcomers' Welcome: call to service providers; Island Café; Island Fire Brigade AGM; The Tuesday Discussion Group; International Folk Dancing

To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Bungan Head Rockfall

film by Pittwater Pathways: July 25, 2024

John Illingsworth explains:

First Coastal Instability Survey for Bungan Head (for comparative purposes) is dated 2021 03 09.

The clean cliff face left by this fall was first noted 2024 07 19. Thus the fall date is bracketed but probably occurred in the first half of 2024.

Manly sailability needs volunteers

We have a fantastic team of volunteers who help us with a range of jobs. A roster system ensures that we don’t overdo things but many of our volunteers nevertheless are there even when they’re not on the roster. We set up a marquee for shade, put out the urn for tea and coffee, bring the boats out from the shed, set up the boats and put them into the water, sail the boats, ensure that everyone signs in, operate the radio, observer on the safety boat, and at the end of our day’s sailing, do all this in reverse.

You don’t have to be a sailor to be a volunteer, landlubbers are most welcome too. And some of our volunteers are themselves disabled.

Volunteering for Sailability Manly will give you many amazing personal rewards… for starters, what better way of spending a few hours on a Saturday than on Manly Cove? And you’ll find that you will grow as a person through meeting and interacting with a diverse range of wonderful and inspiring people with various disabilities.

If you’re not a sailor don’t let that stop you – we have numerous things that need doing on the jetty and we’re happy to take you for a sail or even train you to become a sailor if you wish.

Please help us share Freedom on the Water, regardless of ability, by getting involved and contact secretary@manlysailability.com.au

Hansa Class Worlds 2025 at RPAYC

The Notice of Race for the 2025 Hansa Class World and International Championships has been released. The regatta will take place at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club from March 23rd to 30th 2025.

The RPAYC and Hansa Worlds look forward to welcoming sailors in the Hansa 2.3, 303 singles and doubles, Liberty and SKUD18 to Pittwater in Sydney, Australia. The NOR can be found on the event website at - https://hansaworlds.org/entry/

The Hansa World Class encourage sailors planning to attend to complete the EOI on the same website page.

Exhibition Notice Development Proposal: 10 & 12 Boondah Road Warriewood

Lot 3 & Lot 4 DP 26902. DA2024/0944

Applicant: Henroth Investments Pty Ltd

Exhibition Start Date: 30 July 2024

Exhibition End Date: 27 August 2024

Cost of Work: $ 11,637,999.00

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The proposal is ‘Nominated Integrated Development’ and approval is required from the Department of Planning and Environment - Water under s91 (Controlled Activity Approval) of the Water Management Act 2000.

Submissions can be made to Council during the exhibition period. Any submission must specify the grounds for objection.

The application and the documents accompanying the application, including any environmental impact statement, are available on Council’s Application Tracking for the minimum period required under the Act.

Documents available at: HERE

We Belong – new program for emerging community leaders

If you have a passion for the community and celebrating cultural diversity then Council want to hear from you.

Northern Beaches Council is launching a new program funded by the NSW Government to connect and strengthen the skills of emerging community leaders.

The We Belong: Intercultural Community Leaders Program is now accepting applications from people who want to grow their skills and experience.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the program aims to celebrate diversity, foster intercultural understanding and develop future leaders.

“This exciting program will nurture the next generation of community leaders working in our diverse community,” Mayor Heins said.

“It will equip people with the right skills to become a leader, to promote cultural awareness and advocate on behalf of the community.”

“It also connects like-minded individuals, local leaders, Council and community organisations to share ideas and learn from each other.”

The program includes:

Interactive workshops covering leadership, intercultural understanding, community development, project management and more.
Mentorship opportunities to gain insights and guidance from experienced community leaders.
Community projects where participants can plan and execute intercultural initiatives that have a lasting impact in the community.
Networking opportunities to meet and work alongside like-minded people championing diversity in our community.
Recognition with a certificate of completion and recognition as an Intercultural Community Leader on the Northern Beaches.

Nominations are open to people aged 18 years or older who are living, studying or working on the Northern Beaches and are available for the 6-9 month duration of the program.

The program aims to represent the Northern Beaches’ diversity, and is open to people of all ages, genders, abilities, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, education and employment status.

Nominations close Sunday 11 August 2024.

15 nominees will be selected to participate and notified by the end of August 2024. Community leadership workshops will begin from September.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in eight workshops to facilitate new ideas and intercultural awareness, before working together on their chosen projects.

Northern Beaches Council will support the participants and provide mentorship throughout the program period.

Council received funding from the NSW Government through the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government to support this community leadership program.

For more information or to apply visit here: our-diverse-community/our-multicultural-community/we-belong-intercultural-community

Council Grants program open

Council has announced its grants program is accepting applications. Now in its seventh year, the grants program funds projects from local environment groups, sporting clubs, artists, individuals and not-for-profit organisations.

Mayor Sue Heins said the grants help fund vital projects, creating a more enriched and sustainable community.

“The grants program assists a wide range of projects with the aim of strengthening the community’s collective environmental, economic, social, community and cultural experience.

“Our grants program enables individuals and groups that are often unable to fully fund their ideas or activities to gain the green light, greatly benefiting our community.

“The selection process is rigorous and comprehensive, selecting projects with strong merit, that fit the criteria of the category, meet our sustainability requirements and enhance outcomes for the community.”

The 2024/25 grant categories cover:

Arts and creativity, up to $10,000 per grant
Community development, up to $10,000 per grant
Environmental, up to $5,000 per grant
Placemaking, up to $4,000 per grant
Sports and recreation infrastructure, from $10,000 up to $35,000 per grant

Applications for arts and creativity, community development, environmental and placemaking grants close on Monday 5 August 2024.

Sports and recreation infrastructure grants close Friday 9 August 2024.

For more information on each grant program, and to view videos and resources which may help applications stand out from the crowd, head to the grants page on Council's website.

Protect our older community with a COVID-19 vaccine

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care has stated COVID-19 vaccination rates are lower than needed to protect our older community, particularly aged care residents.

On June 25 the Department stated older age continues to be the biggest risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease.

Everyone aged 75 years and over is recommended to have a COVID-19 vaccination every 6 months.

For those aged 65 to 74 years, a COVID-19 vaccination is recommended at least every 12 months.

You don’t have to wait 6 months anymore between your last infection and having a COVID-19 vaccination.

''COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and effective. The vaccine will protect our older community and you, from serious illness.'' The Department stated

''If you have a family member, friend or loved one living or working in an aged care home, please help them to get their COVID-19 vaccine now.

COVID-19 vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death.''

Book a vaccination

To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you:

speak with your aged care provider, doctor, community health centre or pharmacist
book an appointment on the health service finder.

Call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 if you need COVID-19 advice.

Read the COVID-19 residential aged care vaccination information.

Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade: Seeking Recruits

Ingleside is recruiting now. Do you live in the local area of Ingleside, Elanora Heights, Bayview, Warriewood, Mona Vale and North Narrabeen?

Are you interested in learning new skills, meeting new people and helping the local and the wider community?

We are holding a new member information night on Tuesday the 2nd of July from 7pm at Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade, King Road Ingleside.

Find out more at: www.inglesiderfs.org.au

Council launches campaign to Target illegal dumping

Council has announced it wants to know if people are illegally dumping items so it can hold dumpers to account and stamp out this anti-social behaviour.

Is there building rubble in your local bushland reserve or an abandoned fridge in your street?

This is Illegal dumping, and is not only an eyesore, but puts you at risk of fire and injury, pollutes your neighbourhood and can harm native wildlife.

Illegal dumping happens when individuals or businesses dispose of waste or litter on land or in water without legal approval. It includes:

Dumping rubbish or green waste in the bush or by the side of a road
Abandoning items on a footpath when there’s no pre-booked council collection
Adding to other people's bulky goods clean-up piles
Asbestos waste
Littering

Council states:

''Recent updates to Environment Protection have strengthened our powers to prosecute offenders, including doubling of penalties and increased fines for repeat offenders and large-scale waste dumping.

''Our investigators have issued numerous waste and litter fines over the past few months.

In a recent case, residents in Bantry Bay Road, Frenchs Forest reported a ute entering the street and the driver unloading vegetation waste at the side of the road.

On arrival, our officers discovered a second load being dumped by the same person. The offender admitted the activities, was directed to clean up the discarded vegetation on the spot and was ultimately prosecuted and fined $1,000. '' Council stated

Council states their Rangers can’t be everywhere at once; so they rely on the eyes of the community to keep them informed about illegal dumping.

''If you do see dumped material in your neighbourhood or bushland areas - whether you know who’s responsible or not – let us know, so we can take action to identify those involved, issue fines and arrange removal of material. ''

For residents wanting to dispose legally of their end-of-life items, every household has the opportunity to book two free bulky good collections in every 12-month period.

Or for on-the-spot disposal, you can take your waste to Kimbriki Recycling and Resource Centre, for a fee. Alternatively the items may be able to be disposed for free at one of Council's drop-off waste reduction events.

Building and vegetation waste can also be taken to Kimbriki, where you can substantially reduce disposal prices by separating waste loads for recycling.

''Together we can all work harder to stop illegal dumping and maintain our beautiful Northern Beaches and reduce what we waste. '' Council states

For more information, visit Council's 'How to report Illegal dumping' webpage at: www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/services/rubbish-and-recycling/illegal-dumping

July 21 - 27, 2024: Issue 631

This Issue:

Front Page Issue 631

Over-Development At Palm Beach General Store Land: Palm Beach Whale Beach Association For Residents Encourages All To Attend On Site Hearing on July 24

Pictures: Out & About: July 2024 - Barrenjoey To Paradise Beach To Bayview To Narrabeen + Middle Creek - by John Illingsworth, Adriaan van der Wallen, Joe Mills, Suzanne Daly, Jacqui Marlowe and AJG

2024 NSW Architecture Awards Celebrate Excellence In Design, Placemaking, Sustainability: Local Projects At Bayview, Long Reef, Manly Are Award Winners

Narrabeen RSL Site At North Narrabeen Placed On Market: 1.884-Hectare Property

Barrenjoey Road - Careel Head Road Corner Creeks Overflow: July 2 2024 - The Drains In Pittwater Are Just For Rain

Paradise Beach Pool Renewal Project Update: June-July 2024

Osprey Nesting Platform Project At Careel Bay Wetlands Avalon Beach Doomed To Fail Due To Council's Inability To Keep Offleash Dogs Out Of EPA - Off Playing Fields

Wildlife Are NOT Pets: Volunteer Carers - NSW NPWS Issue Plea To Surrender Found Wildlife To Trained Registered Carers + NSW Government Is Looking To The Future: Improving Wildlife Rehabilitation and Care

Aquatics: 2024 Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Awards Of Excellence

Park Bench Philosophers: Mona Vale SLSC's Frederick Claude Vivian Lane - Gold Medal Olympian At Paris 1900 Games: A Few Insights Into A Local Legend

Environment Barrenjoey Road - Careel Head Road Corner Creeks Overflow: July 2 2024 - The Drains In Pittwater Are Just For Rain, Paradise Beach Pool Renewal Project Update: June-July 2024, Osprey Nesting Platform Project At Careel Bay Wetlands Avalon Beach Doomed To Fail Due To Council's Inability To Keep Offleash Dogs Out Of EPA - Off Playing Fields, Osprey: Parents + Offspring At Narrabeen Lagoon, Stepping stones for wildlife: how linking up isolated habitats can help nature thrive in our cities, A Pittwater Suburban Tree, Winter Wattle At Middle Creek, Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches: Surf Swap & Repair Market: August 11, Avalon Beach Bike Facility: Have Your Say, Ramsar Listed Macquarie Marshes Under Threat From Mining: NSW Resources Regulator Grants Approval From Desktop Study/ Proponents' Statement - Then Halts Works 'To Investigate', Climate in the courtroom: all sides are using ‘green lawfare’, and it’s good for democracy, Echidna Love Season Commences, Sewing Bee With Boomerang Bags At Kimbriki Ingleside: July 27, Sails To Shelter: 2024, National Tree Day 2024: Planting At Narrabeen Sunday July 28, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs Mona Vale collection point, Volunteers For Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours Needed, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report Fox Sightings, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare In Pittwater: Where + When, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, More harm than good: plea for wildlife care to be left to trained experts, Innovative Digital Storytelling Brings Sydney's National Parks To Life, NSW Plan For Nature Puts Biodiversity Protections and Landholder Support Front and Centre Government States: Environment Groups Disappointed Habitat Clearing Not To Be Addressed Until 2025, Strong progress – from a low base: here’s what’s in NSW’s biodiversity reforms, The first published results from Juukan Gorge show 47,000 years of Aboriginal heritage was destroyed in mining blast, Our cities’ secret gardens: we connect with nature in neglected green spaces just as much as in parks, Beyond the Barrier Reef: Australia’s 3 other World Heritage reefs are also in trouble, Is Australia becoming a dumping ground for unrepairable appliances?, No room for nuclear power unless the Coalition switches off your solar, Achieving net zero with renewables or nuclear means rebuilding the hollowed-out public service after decades of cuts, ‘Southerly busters’ are becoming more frequent but less severe as the climate changes, stirring up east coast weather watchers, Our new tech helps find hidden details in whale, cassowary and other barely audible animal calls, Fortescue has put its ambitious green hydrogen target on hold – but Australia should keep powering ahead, Pittwater Reserves, Histories, Pictorial Walks, + more

Inbox News From FLiRT to FLuQE: what to know about the latest COVID variants on the rise, Cryptosporidiosis: what to know as gastro surges among Australian children, NDIS reforms are still in limbo. What’s going on, and are people with disability getting enough say?, The Good Guys In Court Over Allegedly Misleading Store Credit Promotions: ACCC, New research shows small lifestyle changes are linked to differences in teen mental health over time, Australian army private and husband charged with allegedly spying for Russia, ‘Real time’ donation disclosure and spending limits in Labor electoral reforms, What is AuDHD? 5 important things to know when someone has both autism and ADHD, Our blood-brain barrier stops bugs and toxins getting to our brain. Here’s how it works, Journalists in Indonesia are being killed, threatened and jailed. A new draft law could make things even worse, Olympic swimmers improving by … running? How exploration can help elite athletes and weekend warriors alike, Breakdancing, DJs and Tahitian surf: Paris 2024 is going for gold in Olympic innovation, For a century, it’s been illegal to swim in the Seine. Will Paris’s clean-up make the river safe for Olympic swimmers?, Age Pension Information Session at Mona Vale, National Seniors: Support Builds For New Minister For Older Australians, NSA Slams Scammers As They Hit An All Time Low, More Urgent Action Needed On Dental Care For Older People: COTA, Hearing Service Program 2024 Public Consultation: Findings, Nominate Someone Inspiring For An Australian Of The Year Award, AvPals Term 3 2024, The Australian government hands out hundreds of millions per year in grants to businesses. We find much of it is wasted, Tastes from our past can spark memories, trigger pain or boost wellbeing. Here’s how to embrace food nostalgia, Maggie Beer’s aged care eating mission is feel-good TV – but is it a recipe for real change?, Fines of $10 million will force supermarkets to think carefully before exploiting suppliers, but more could have been done, ‘I keep away from people’ – combined vision and hearing loss is isolating more and more older Australians, Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp. 2024, Avalon Beach Bike Facility: Have Your Say, Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches: Surf Swap and Repair Market, Try T-Ball and Baseball days: Pittwater Baseball, New Driver Knowledge Test Online Launched For Learner Drivers, NSW SES Donates Clothes Through Uniforms 4 Kids Partnership, Your Voice Our Future: Have Your Say, School Leavers Support + Information Service, Word Of The Week: Lively, Newport Pool Surf: 14 and 15 July 2024, Sharehousing can be fun, but fraught with risk – and the law offers little protection. These 3 changes could help, Young Australians feel they are ‘missing out’ on being young: new research, How does Australia’s progressive tax system work – and what is ‘bracket creep’?, What are family trusts?, Trying to stay warm in bed this winter? In pre-industrial Europe they did it with ten in the bed, Sports policy focuses on the grassroots – is this missing from arts policies?, No croutons, no anchovies, no bacon: the 100-year-old Mexican origins of the Caesar salad, Feminist theatre on trial in Russia – the latest in Putin’s purge of contemporary culture, Why the stinky durian really is the ‘king of all fruits’

Profile of the Week Paris 2024 Olympic Games: 18 Locals Representing Australia

The Paris Summer Olympic Games takes place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The Paralympic Games takes place from August 28 to September 6.

The Australian Olympic Team has been finalised with 460 athletes to represent Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in 33 sports. The Team is the third largest to compete at a Games held overseas, behind Tokyo 2020 (486) and Athens 2004 (482). The Australian Team is also likely to be the third largest delegation in Paris.

Of this number 18 are from the Neutral Bay to Barrenjoey area. They will represent Australia as part of Rugby, Rowing, Sailing, Water Polo and Football Teams, as well as in individual events such as Athletics disciplines.

Equestrian Shane Rose, 51, is the oldest member of the 2024 Australian Olympic team while skateboarder Arisa Trew is the youngest at just 14, just younger than Narrabeen Sports High School student and surfer, and fellow Olympics skateboarder for Australia, Ruby Trew, aged 15.

This week a few insights into who to cheer on in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

History Hordern Park Palm Beach: Some History

Although this wedge of creek-threaded land was dedicated by the Barrenjoey Land Company to the public in 1912, along with the beachfront as part of the original land sales, and as shown in the first January 1912 sales pamphlet, the formalisation and registration of that handover of land for Hordern Park did not occur until September 1921 according to the document of registration. Likewise, on June 24 1924 the formalisation of land for Wilshire Park - when the Barrenjoey Land Company was selling off the remainder of its Barrenjoey peninsula holding to what would become the Palm Beach Land Co - was also some time after that initial dedication of access and parklands for residents, visitors and wildlife. Hordern Park became the site of the Palm Beach SLSC 'shed' for a surf boat and a place for members to rest, and ostensibly the clubhouse during those first few years of the 1921 formed Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club, a place for picnics, where generations of seagulls have bathed in the freshwater creek runoff onto the sand, and latterly, the place where Johnny Carters Swim school 'watermelon fights' took place at the end of each Summer Swim Season. What we today call 'Hordern Park' was first sighted by Europeans in 1788 according to a sign dedication and named for one of the plants found growing in both Hordern and Wilshire parks still - the beautiful Cabbage-tree Palm.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: July 2024

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:

To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Wakehurst Parkway Flood Improvement: Council Update On Design Options

July 12, 2024; Project update

The Wakehurst Parkway Flood Improvement project, combined with Transport for NSW (Transport) Safety and Capacity Upgrades, represents an investment of more than $100 million into the critical road network.

Council and Transport are working together to undertake these improvements in an efficient manner, with the goal of minimising inconvenience, lowering costs, and ensuring community and road user safety.

Council states it is currently looking at two options for Oxford Falls Road West which include a Box Culvert or a Bridge option.

''We are working with various authorities to confirm approvals required for each option prior to selection.''

Design options: (images by NBC)

1. Oxford Falls West - Box Culvert Option

2. Oxford Falls West - Bridge Option

3. Oxford Falls West - Location; Driver view

Stay up to date at: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/wakehurst...

Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade: AGM Report

July 7, 2024

Thanks to those members and members of the community that were able to attend our AGM today.

For a "quiet" season the Brigade was pretty busy with 37 emergency responses during the year. Almost 1 per week. Incidents ranged from medical emergencies through boat fires, bushfires, structure fires and hazmat incidents.

Elections for the upcoming year resulted in the following appointments:

President: Roy Baker

Secretary: Vanessa Barry

Treasurer: Lara Hassell

Equipment officer: John Marshall

First Aid Officer: Kylie Bennetts

CFR Leader: Ian White

Station Officer: Steve Yorke

Captain: Peter Lalor

Senior Deputy Captain: Ian White

Deputy Captain: Craig Laslett

Deputy Captain: Tom Laslett

Steve Yorke AFSM

Today at our AGM we recognised the extraordinary contribution that Steve Yorke AFSM has made to our Brigade and the RFS by appointing him a Life Member of the Brigade.

Steve's career with the RFS started way back in the 1970's when he helped create the state's first Remote Area Firefighting Team.

Steve Yorke AFSM. Photo: SIRFB

He also helped start the Evans Shire Headquarters Brigade and became a Deputy Captain of that Brigade.

In 1991 he joined our Brigade and became an active member of the Warringah Pittwater district.

In 1999 he was appointed Deputy Fire Control Officer.

He was the NSWRFS Senior Liaison Officer during the 2000 Olympics.

During the early 2000's he held a number of District and Regional roles including Fire Control Officer for Blacktown, Regional Business Manager and Regional Manger for Region East.

Between 2009 and 2017 he was responsible for the State Operations Centre, the Operational Communications Centre, aviation and other specialist capabilities in the RFS.

He was appointed Assistant Commissioner in 2013.

In 2017 Steve was appointed Director Operational and Mitigation Services.

In 2020 Steve was appointed Director Procurement and Logistics.

In his career with the RFS Steve has managed major incidents in NSW as well as every other state and territory in Australia and in the USA, Canada and France.

He has also been instrumental in helping establish the RFSA and has served as Councillor and State President. He is currently the chairperson of the RFSA Greater Sydney Area Division 4 and a State Councillor.

Steve was appointed a Life Member of the RFSA in 2007.

Steve also helped establish the RFS workplace giving program known as Coffee4Kids which has raised more than $700,000 for the Randwick and Westmead Children's Hospitals.

Steve retired from the RFS as a salaried office in 2023.

While doing this he has been a member of our Brigade and over the years has held various positions including Deputy Captain and Senior Deputy Captain.

We're proud to have Steve in our Brigade and incredibly grateful for his contribution to the RFS and communities all over NSW, Australia and other parts of the world.

Steve Yorke AFSM with SIRFB Captain Peter Lalor. Photo: SIRFB

Avalon Beach Bike Facility: Have Your Say

Comments opened: Mon 8 Jul 2024

Comments close: Sun 11 Aug 2024

Council states it has collaborated with Avalon Beach residents to find out what they value most and what features make Avalon Beach such a special and unique place. Through this collaboration, Council developed the 'Avalon Beach Place Plan, My Place: Avalon', which was adopted in 2022.

The place plan sets out a number of short, medium and long-term actions for Council to implement, including:

Action item 13: Create an off-road bicycle facility aimed at young people.

The bike facility would be a designated space for bike riders of a range of abilities and confidence levels, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.

Location

Council have identified two sites where a bike facility could be installed:

Des Creagh Reserve
Avalon Beach Reserve.

Council states both sites are large enough for a bike facility and installation of a bike track and landscaping is permissible under the Plan of Management. They are easily accessed on foot, bike and by car or public transport, and close to other complementary recreational facilities and amenities.

The strengths and constraints of each site are summarised on Council's webpage. Council states they want to hear from you to see which site you prefer for a bike facility.

Visit: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/avalon-beach-bike-facility

Images: Location and options plan - NBC

VALE - WILLIAM (BILL) WALL

Tribute to Bill Wall

Sunday 28th July @ 3.15pm,

immediately following the Avalon Beach SLSC AGM

Entrance via the beach side stairs.

Everyone welcome, please spread the news.

Avalon Beach SLSC Life Member William (Bill) Wall passed away 01 May 2024.

Bill was born 27/12/41, in Mt Tye Northumberland, most northern county to Scotland.

He trained as a fitter and turner in the UK’s largest city Newcastle.

He first came to Australia as a ten pound Pom in 1961, came back in 1964 with wife Jill both worked for BHP on Groote Island NT. They had two sons Nathan born in 1969 and Simon in 1972.

The family moved into Catalina Crescent Avalon Beach and the beach soon became their second home. The boys joined Nippers, Bill was asked by Ken Brown to help out with the wade and that was the start of a very long association with Avalon Beach SLSC.

Bill qualified for his Bronze Medallion 20 May 1979, and these awards followed ARC, Patrol Captain, Trainer, IRB Crew Certificate, IRB Captain, Training Officer IRB, IRB Instructor, Assessor IRB, Silver Medallion IRB Driver, First Aid Certificate, CPR, Operate Communications Systems and equipment.

In 1985/86 He did 135 Patrol Hours on the beach as Club Captain. He was part of our team to win an IRB Bronze Medal in the NSW State Championships in 1980/81. He was crew with Roger Sayers driving they undertook a mass rescue on the Australia Day Long Weekend 2008 where they saved four people. He was one of our volunteers that took to the water in Pittwater when bushfires threatened people living on the Western Foreshores.

Bill held various positions Club Captain, Deputy President, Branch Delegate, Judiciary, Life Membership Committee, Radio Officer, and a short time as President July 1989/February 1990. He ran the Club Bar QY’s for many years was Club Caretaker 1985/86.

As a Sales Manager for Formica, CSR and other building suppliers he was successful in arranging sponsorship for of our club in various ways.

He received his 40 year Long Service Award in July 2020.

Never shy of a challenge he paddled in the Sydney Harbour Surfboard Challenge, Palm Beach to Whale Beach Big Swim, Blue Mountains Canyon trek with 5 club members, climbed to the Base Camp in the Himalayas with club member Bowie Wolthers was riding a Harley Davidson motorbike at the ripe age of 82 !

Bill was also part of Craig Goozee’s team with A2B4C raising funds for children’s cancer research in honour of Lisa and Craigs daughter Jessica. Bill completed three campaigns with Craig, the charity raising in excess of $5 million dollars.

I would like to invite you all to remember the special moments, words, experiences you shared with a Bill, a man that appreciated people, took the time to listen to them, understand their stories, to be there for people in their time of need. A man that enjoyed life to the fullest, proud of his heritage, proud of his family and proud to be an Aussie.

AS BILLY WOULD SAY ''gan canny, man”, GORDIE to say goodbye, take care or take it easy.

Rest in Peace our mate Billy

Warren Young OAM, Life Member

Avalon Beach SLSC.

New Driver Knowledge Test Online Launched For Learner Drivers

People wanting to get their learner licence will now have the option to take their Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) in the comfort of their home or anywhere with internet access with the launch of Transport for NSW’s Driver Knowledge Test online.

A commitment in the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, the Driver Knowledge Test online has been developed by Transport for NSW in conjunction with Service NSW and comes with a host of benefits, including supporting a broader, deeper understanding of the road rules and safe driving practices.

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary, Safety, Environment and Regulation Sally Webb said the new DKT online delivers a modern learning experience and an accessible path for learner drivers.

“We know that learning has changed over the years and this new digital, accessible and interactive product is a reflection of how people learn today,” Ms Webb said.

“It gives easier access to the test to people who are in regional or remote locations who may not live close to a Service NSW Centre and it also has text to speech functionality which makes the product accessible for people with low literacy or dyslexia.

“It provides a cost benefit because the test can be taken as many times as needed to pass and a fee of $55 is only paid when you come into the Service NSW Centre to apply for your learner licence and have your photo taken.”

“Most importantly, it is an engaging way for people to learn about the road rules and safe driving behaviour, which forms the foundation of how they drive once they are on the road,” Ms Webb said.

Service NSW A/Executive Director Partnerships, Projects & Insights, Lauren Nagel, said the DKT online provides several other benefits.

“Service NSW is all about making it easier for the customer to interact with Government and by simply offering the Driver Knowledge Test online, aspiring drivers can complete the course and test at a time and place with internet access that suits them,” Ms Nagel said.

“By going online, this means students don’t need to miss out on school or extra curricular activities to visit a Service Centre to complete the test. They can do this in the comfort of their own home and at any time. The Driver Knowledge Test online is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

“If customers are unsuccessful passing, learners won’t have the hassle of organising another visit to a Service Centre and trying to find a time that works with parents or guardians to drive them there, they can simply try again at home.”

“Within 12 months, we’re expecting about 200,000 customers to complete the DKT online so this will also free up our Service NSW team members to dedicate their time to other critical transactions,” Ms Nagel said.

DKT online also allows young people to get a head start as it can be accessed at 15 years and 11 months. When it is passed, they can visit a Service NSW Centre on their 16th birthday to apply for their learner licence.

The DKT online will initially launch in English and Simplified Chinese. Additional languages will be added in the future.

Similar products for learners have already had success in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The statewide launch in NSW comes after a successful 6-week pilot in metro and regional locations with 94 per cent of participants giving the product four or five stars.

To enrol in DKT online or for further information visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/driver-knowledge-test-online

Photo Creator: PHIL CARRICK

NSW SES Donates Clothes Through Uniforms 4 Kids Partnership

Friday July 19, 2024

Retired NSW State Emergency Service (SES) uniforms will be saved from landfill thanks to a partnership with Uniforms 4 Kids, a charity that will turn the former orange and blue uniforms into clothes and items for children and families in need.

Officially launched today, the partnership means donated emergency service uniforms can be turned into evacuation bags, children’s clothes, hats, pencil cases, library bags and soft toys.

The partnership is an opportunity for the NSW SES to help the communities it serves even further, while also supporting sustainability.

The charity relies on volunteers to cut, stitch and sew the items. It also partners with the New South Wales Police Force, Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Ambulance Victoria, Queensland Ambulance Service, Royal Flying Doctors and Australia Zoo.

Uniforms 4 Kids was founded in 2015 by Order of Australia recipient Yvonne Pattinson, who began recycling donated police uniforms for children in remote and rural communities.

To date, more than 55,000 items made by the charity have been donated to domestic violence shelters, remote communities, families and children in need throughout Australia and in countries overseas where the AFP and Australian Border Force provide assistance.

Anyone interested in getting involved can visit www.uniforms4kids.com.au

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our dedicated SES volunteers do a lot for their local communities, and this partnership with Uniforms 4 Kids extends that ethos of helping people out.”

“This partnership will help ensure fewer retired SES uniforms go to waste, not only helping families who might need financial assistance during these challenging times, but also helping to reduce landfill.”

“Volunteerism makes the world a better place, and to have two volunteer organisations partner to improve the lives of the communities they serve is inspiring.”

NSW SES Acting Commissioner Deb Platz APM said:

“We’re proud to partner with Uniforms 4 Kids, which is a very worthy cause that will make a difference to the lives of others in need.”

“Not only that, but being able to give children evacuation bags made from old NSW SES uniforms will further develop community awareness and get families talking about what they may do, or pack, into the bag should they need to evacuate during a natural disaster.”

Uniforms 4 Kids Chairman Glenn Ferguson AM said:

“We are thrilled to have the NSW State Emergency Service partner with us to further deliver on our mission of creating unique clothing for children in need, no matter who or where they are.”

“By being able to repurpose donated uniforms for the good of others, we’re continuing the use of the NSW SES uniform to protect and serve communities, all while reducing waste.”

“Our dedicated sewing volunteers are based all over the country, with some groups formed in nursing homes, assisted living villages, church groups, or social groups, adding to the social impact we’re having.”

“Our team is made up of volunteers, and all monies raised go towards enabling the creation of outstanding and beautiful clothes.”

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets Of The Week

Lenny

14yo WOLFHOUND x LAB

Lenny is just a sweet gentleman. He walks well on lead, and is an affectionate boy. He is super easy to bath. He belonged to a homeless person so spent a bit of time on the streets. He is more the size of a small lab but has that wolfy coat. Our trainer says: "Gentle older dog. Very calm. relaxed with children though not particularly playful. Takes treats very gently and will sit down asked. Accepts pats from children very gently. Copes well with kids play and noise. Lovely family dog." He has a short scruffy coat and weighs 18.7kg. He suits FT workers and copes with apartment living. All our dogs come with desexed, fully 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 $300.

Flopsy

6mths Domestic Short Haired

Flopsy was brought to our clinic with a paralysed front leg from a traumatic injury. After spending months at our clinic seeing if the nerves would recover, unfortunately it did not happen. Our vets have amputated the leg and she is a happy 3 legged girl happy affectionate girl. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. To find out more call The Cottage Animal Hospital on 98907220 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

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

Sails To Shelter: 2024

Do you have aging sails or sails you no longer need? RPAYC is supporting Bambak, a new business repurposing retired sails from ending up in landfills through their Sail-to-Shelter program in Vanuatu. They repurpose recycled sails to build shelters and household goods in Vanuatu and Australia, promoting community well-being and environmental health.

On the weekend of 20-21 July, a special drop-off bin will be on-site at RPAYC.

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - RPAYC

16 Mitala Street, Newport

Council Launches Campaign To Target Illegal Dumping

Council has announced it wants to know if people are illegally dumping items so it can hold dumpers to account and stamp out this anti-social behaviour.

Is there building rubble in your local bushland reserve or an abandoned fridge in your street?

This is Illegal dumping, and is not only an eyesore, but puts you at risk of fire and injury, pollutes your neighbourhood and can harm native wildlife.

Illegal dumping happens when individuals or businesses dispose of waste or litter on land or in water without legal approval. It includes:

Dumping rubbish or green waste in the bush or by the side of a road
Abandoning items on a footpath when there’s no pre-booked council collection
Adding to other people's bulky goods clean-up piles
Asbestos waste
Littering

Council states:

''Recent updates to Environment Protection have strengthened our powers to prosecute offenders, including doubling of penalties and increased fines for repeat offenders and large-scale waste dumping.

''Our investigators have issued numerous waste and litter fines over the past few months.

In a recent case, residents in Bantry Bay Road, Frenchs Forest reported a ute entering the street and the driver unloading vegetation waste at the side of the road.

Council states their Rangers can’t be everywhere at once; so they rely on the eyes of the community to keep them informed about illegal dumping.

For residents wanting to dispose legally of their end-of-life items, every household has the opportunity to book two free bulky good collections in every 12-month period.

Building and vegetation waste can also be taken to Kimbriki, where you can substantially reduce disposal prices by separating waste loads for recycling.

''Together we can all work harder to stop illegal dumping and maintain our beautiful Northern Beaches and reduce what we waste. '' Council states

For more information, visit Council's 'How to report Illegal dumping' webpage at: www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/services/rubbish-and-recycling/illegal-dumping

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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

Mona Vale Residents Association

Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area. Email: mvrasydney@gmail.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/monavaleresidents

Report Hate Crimes

If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information.

You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station.

For more information, visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/hate_crimes

Nominate Someone Inspiring For An Australian Of The Year Award

Nominate an inspiring older person or someone making a difference to the lives of older people for a 2025 Australian of the Year Award.

Do you know someone who is achieving great things as they get older? What about an aged care worker or volunteer dedicated to helping older people?

If someone comes to mind, why not nominate them for a 2025 Australian of the Year Award?

For the last 65 years, the Australian of the Year Awards have celebrated the achievements and contributions of exceptional Australians. In 2025, we'd love see more nominations for Senior Australians and those improving the lives of older people.

You can nominate an older person who is making Australia a better place, like Glenys Oogjes, 2024 Victoria Senior Australian of the Year. Glenys is the head of an influential animal advocacy group and has been a force behind historic changes in Australian animal policy.

You can nominate someone making a positive difference to the lives of older people, like Professor Ralph Martins, 2010 Western Australia Australian of the Year. Ralph is recognised as a leader in research into Alzheimer’s disease. He is responsible for a series of breakthroughs that have advanced the understanding of Alzheimer’s across the world.

Nominating someone for an award is easy. Being nominated gives amazing Australians the opportunity to share their passion, gain more support and shows them the recognition they deserve.

Categories include:

Australian of the Year
Senior Australian of the Year (people aged 65 years or over)
Young Australian of the Year (people aged 16 to 30 years)
Australia’s Local Hero.

Nominations close 31 July 2024.

Visit Australian of the Year Awards to submit your nomination.

Photo Credit the National Australia Day Council 2024

Council Grants Program Open