This Issue: full list in Contents page
Profile of the Week StreetWork - Turning Young Lives Around: The Change Your Course ProgramWebsite: www.streetwork.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/streetworkpage
Instagram: instagram.com/streetworkaus
Twitter: twitter.com/StreetWorkEO
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCqO9DwP8cnET8rO-nG2JOog
Each year the Rotary Club of Balgowlah recognises people and organisations for their outstanding service to the local community. In May this year StreetWork Northern Beaches' Youth Services Manager (Thomas Dent) and Northern Beaches' Chairperson (Jane Vincent) were the proud recipients of an award.
StreetWork is a Sydney based, for purpose charity, supporting at-risk young people aged between 11 and 18, to turn their lives around. There are three local Boards focused on the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Hornsby-Ku-ring-gai.
StreetWork provides one-on-one mentoring to at-risk 11-18-year-olds, so that they are supported to break their cycle of destructive influences and behaviours, and turn their lives around.
During the past 12 months alone, the StreetWork team has provided mentoring support to 860 medium to high-risk youth.
Our unique, early intervention and prevention program, mentors participants to regain self-esteem, build vital skills, and turn their lives around.
StreetWork has been confirmed as the lead agency in a new Federal Government Fund, Safer Communities benefiting vulnerable young people affected by crime.
The Government's objective for the funding is to preserve the safety of Australians by supporting early intervention and prevention strategies that address criminal behaviours of high-risk youth aged 12-24.
The programs funded by the Safer Communities Grant support marginalised young people to develop life, educational and vocational skills to prevent them from becoming entrenched in the youth criminal justice system.
At approximately $1,344 per young person per day or $490,560 per year, youth detention centres are costly. And there is no guarantee youth incarceration prevents ongoing criminal behaviour.
Increasingly the youth services sector is favouring less damaging responses to youth crime by assessing the drivers - drug and alcohol misuses, school disengagement and problems with home or school life and mental health.
A 2021 report on Youth Justice in Australia by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that all governments across Australia agree that effective evidence-based intervention and/or rehabilitation programs are preferable to detention as a solution to reducing youth crime rates.
A June 16 2022 released report by the Australian Government's Australian Institute of Criminology, 'Adverse childhood experiences and trauma among young people in the youth justice system', examines the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a representative sample of young people under youth justice supervision in South Australia. The analysis showed that not only was the prevalence of ACEs particularly high in this population (89% experienced a combination of maltreatment and household dysfunction), but so too were trauma symptomatology, substance use, and internalising and externalising behaviours (with more than two-thirds of young people scoring in the clinical ranges on each of these measures). When viewed collectively, the data provides a foundation for understanding and responding to the vulnerabilities of young people in the youth justice system. They suggest that developmentally focused and trauma‑informed approaches may offer the greatest promise in assisting young people and keeping the community safe from crime.
This week a look into the great work being done by StreetWork, the Change Your Course Program, and how YOU can help support this great organisation.
The Snow Season for 2022 opened over the June long weekend, with heavy falls signalling a great Snow Season ahead for those who like to head south to the New South Wales snowfields.
With the school holidays for Winter commencing those heading to the snowfields may be interested in some local connections to these actually coming about as a sport and as resorts for people to be ‘on the fields’. One is a gentleman who had a weekender at Careel Bay, another is connected with the beginnings of Surf Life Saving and lived at Manly, while a third frequented Palm Beach during the opposite weather side of each year - glorious Summer - and another is associated with some of our early photographers of Pittwater scenes as well as the beginnings of skiing in Australia, while yet another has connection to Bilgola and the beginnings of radio in Australia.
We focus on three of these people - Charles Kerry, Percy Hunter and Herbert Schlink, and share some of their insights from the beginning of skiing as a recreation and sport in Australia, along with a few insights into these gentlemen themselves. Their work and passion for the snow and what was then known as 'snow-shoeing' opened up the possibility of what is today enjoyed by so many, and they were known as the 'fathers of skiing in Australia' by their peers.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1, 2022
Click on Logo to access the latest PON: 
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
NAIDOC Week 2022
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.
Find out more at: www.naidoc.org.au
Pittwater Forum: A Discussion On How To Save Our Area
A forum calling for conserving the Heritage and values of Pittwater.
We will hear from distinguished local landscape architect Craig Burton and other architects/design professionals (to be confirmed) in July.
Northern Beaches Council is currently developing a new Local Environment Plan for the entire LGA - as the NSW government requires for all amalgamated councils.
Pittwater Environmental Heritage group organiser Anna Maria Monticelli said speakers at the forum will include landscape architect Craig Burton and young architect Sacha Lesiuk.
“We’re losing Pittwater on our watch. The current avalanche of development is destroying the character and environment in our area forever,” Ms Monticelli said.
“Pittwater needs urgent protection from developers and their political allies - so we encourage residents to come to this forum to hear how we can do this. There needs to be a ruled based LEP/DCP approved by the community that is not up for interpretation or compromise - this includes incorporating heritage elements throughout the area, to preserve our natural habitat and lifestyle.”
Craig Burton a long-time resident believes Pittwater could be an “environmental and cultural national park” and will discuss the area’s historic views, natural forms, environmental value and why these should be protected. Craig established the school of landscape architecture at the University of Western Australia, where he is now an adjunct professor.
Ms Sacha Lesiuk, born and bred in Pittwater won a prestigious internship in Genoa, Italy, as a final year Masters student at the University of NSW in 2019. She’s representing her family architectural legacy in the area.
The forum, which is supported by Pittwater Councillor Miranda Korzy, will be held on Sunday, July 24, from 3pm to 5.30pm at Mona Vale Memorial Hall. 1 Park StreetEntrance is free.
For more information email: pittwaterenvironmentalheritage@gmail.com
A forum calling for conserving the Heritage and values of Pittwater.
We will hear from distinguished local landscape architect Craig Burton and other architects/design professionals (to be confirmed) in July.
Northern Beaches Council is currently developing a new Local Environment Plan for the entire LGA - as the NSW government requires for all amalgamated councils.
Pittwater Environmental Heritage group organiser Anna Maria Monticelli said speakers at the forum will include landscape architect Craig Burton and young architect Sacha Lesiuk.
“We’re losing Pittwater on our watch. The current avalanche of development is destroying the character and environment in our area forever,” Ms Monticelli said.
“Pittwater needs urgent protection from developers and their political allies - so we encourage residents to come to this forum to hear how we can do this. There needs to be a ruled based LEP/DCP approved by the community that is not up for interpretation or compromise - this includes incorporating heritage elements throughout the area, to preserve our natural habitat and lifestyle.”
Craig Burton a long-time resident believes Pittwater could be an “environmental and cultural national park” and will discuss the area’s historic views, natural forms, environmental value and why these should be protected. Craig established the school of landscape architecture at the University of Western Australia, where he is now an adjunct professor.
Ms Sacha Lesiuk, born and bred in Pittwater won a prestigious internship in Genoa, Italy, as a final year Masters student at the University of NSW in 2019. She’s representing her family architectural legacy in the area.
The forum, which is supported by Pittwater Councillor Miranda Korzy, will be held on Sunday, July 24, from 3pm to 5.30pm at Mona Vale Memorial Hall. 1 Park Street
Entrance is free.
For more information email: pittwaterenvironmentalheritage@gmail.com
Wanted: Photos Of Flies Feeding On Frogs (For Frog Conservation)
June 21, 2022Do you have any photos of frogs being bitten by flies? Submit them to our study to help in frog conservation.
By sampling the blood of flies that bite frogs, researchers can determine the (sometimes difficult to spot) frogs in an environment. Common mist frog being fed on by a Sycorax fly. Photo: Jakub Hodáň
UNSW Science and the Australian Museum want your photos of frogs, specifically those being bitten by flies, for a new (and inventive) technique to detect and protect our threatened frog species.
You might not guess it, but biting flies – such as midges and mosquitoes – are excellent tools for science. The blood ‘sampled’ by these parasites contains precious genetic data about the animals they feed on (such as frogs), but first, researchers need to know which parasitic flies are biting which frogs. And this is why they need you to submit your photos.
“Rare frogs can be very hard to find during traditional scientific expeditions,” says PhD student Timothy Cutajar, leading the project. “Species that are rare or cryptic [inconspicuous] can be easily missed, so it turns out the best way to detect some species might be through their parasites.”
The technique is called ‘iDNA’, short for invertebrate-derived DNA, and researchers Mr Cutajar and Dr Jodi Rowley from UNSW Science and the Australian Museum were the first to harness its potential for detecting cryptic or threatened species of frogs.
The team first deployed this technique in 2018 by capturing frog-biting flies in habitats shared with frogs. Not unlike the premise of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park, where the DNA of blood-meals past is contained in the bellies of the flies, Mr Cutajar was able to extract the drawn blood (and therefore DNA) and identify the species of amphibian the flies had recently fed on.
These initial trials uncovered the presence of rare frogs that traditional searching methods had missed.
“iDNA has the potential to become a standard frog survey technique,” says Mr Cutajar. “[It could help] in the discovery of new species or even the rediscovery of species thought to be extinct, so I want to continue developing techniques for frog iDNA surveys. However, there is still so much we don’t yet know about how frogs and flies interact.”
In a bid to understand the varieties of parasites that feed on frogs – so Mr Cutajar and colleagues might lure and catch those most informative and prolific species – the team are looking to the public for their frog photos.
“If you’ve photographed frogs in Australia, I’d love for you to closely examine your pictures, looking for any frogs that have flies, midges or mosquitoes sitting on them. If you find flies, midges or mosquitoes in direct contact with frogs in any of your photos, please share them.”
The submitted photos will be analysed for the frog and parasite species they contain, helping inform future iDNA research. Mountain Stream Tree Frog (Litoria barringtonensis) being bitten by Sycorax. Photo: Tim Cutajar/Australian Museum
“We’ll be combing through photographs of frogs submitted through our survey,” says Mr Cutajar, “homing in on the characteristics that make a frog species a likely target for frog-biting flies.
“It’s unlikely that all frogs are equally parasitised. Some frogs have natural insect repellents, while others can swat flies away. The flies themselves can be choosy about the types of sounds they’re attracted to, and probably aren’t evenly abundant everywhere.”
Already the new iDNA technique, championed in herpetology by Mr Cutajar, has shown great promise, and by refining its methodology with data submitted by the public – citizen scientists – our understanding of frog ecology and biodiversity can be broadened yet further.
“The power of collective action can be amazing for science,” says Mr Cutajar, “and with your help, we can kickstart a new era of improved detection, and therefore conservation, of our amazing amphibian diversity.”
June 21, 2022
Do you have any photos of frogs being bitten by flies? Submit them to our study to help in frog conservation.
By sampling the blood of flies that bite frogs, researchers can determine the (sometimes difficult to spot) frogs in an environment. Common mist frog being fed on by a Sycorax fly. Photo: Jakub Hodáň
UNSW Science and the Australian Museum want your photos of frogs, specifically those being bitten by flies, for a new (and inventive) technique to detect and protect our threatened frog species.
You might not guess it, but biting flies – such as midges and mosquitoes – are excellent tools for science. The blood ‘sampled’ by these parasites contains precious genetic data about the animals they feed on (such as frogs), but first, researchers need to know which parasitic flies are biting which frogs. And this is why they need you to submit your photos.
“Rare frogs can be very hard to find during traditional scientific expeditions,” says PhD student Timothy Cutajar, leading the project. “Species that are rare or cryptic [inconspicuous] can be easily missed, so it turns out the best way to detect some species might be through their parasites.”
The technique is called ‘iDNA’, short for invertebrate-derived DNA, and researchers Mr Cutajar and Dr Jodi Rowley from UNSW Science and the Australian Museum were the first to harness its potential for detecting cryptic or threatened species of frogs.
The team first deployed this technique in 2018 by capturing frog-biting flies in habitats shared with frogs. Not unlike the premise of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park, where the DNA of blood-meals past is contained in the bellies of the flies, Mr Cutajar was able to extract the drawn blood (and therefore DNA) and identify the species of amphibian the flies had recently fed on.
These initial trials uncovered the presence of rare frogs that traditional searching methods had missed.
“iDNA has the potential to become a standard frog survey technique,” says Mr Cutajar. “[It could help] in the discovery of new species or even the rediscovery of species thought to be extinct, so I want to continue developing techniques for frog iDNA surveys. However, there is still so much we don’t yet know about how frogs and flies interact.”
In a bid to understand the varieties of parasites that feed on frogs – so Mr Cutajar and colleagues might lure and catch those most informative and prolific species – the team are looking to the public for their frog photos.
“If you’ve photographed frogs in Australia, I’d love for you to closely examine your pictures, looking for any frogs that have flies, midges or mosquitoes sitting on them. If you find flies, midges or mosquitoes in direct contact with frogs in any of your photos, please share them.”
The submitted photos will be analysed for the frog and parasite species they contain, helping inform future iDNA research. Mountain Stream Tree Frog (Litoria barringtonensis) being bitten by Sycorax. Photo: Tim Cutajar/Australian Museum
“We’ll be combing through photographs of frogs submitted through our survey,” says Mr Cutajar, “homing in on the characteristics that make a frog species a likely target for frog-biting flies.
“It’s unlikely that all frogs are equally parasitised. Some frogs have natural insect repellents, while others can swat flies away. The flies themselves can be choosy about the types of sounds they’re attracted to, and probably aren’t evenly abundant everywhere.”
Already the new iDNA technique, championed in herpetology by Mr Cutajar, has shown great promise, and by refining its methodology with data submitted by the public – citizen scientists – our understanding of frog ecology and biodiversity can be broadened yet further.
“The power of collective action can be amazing for science,” says Mr Cutajar, “and with your help, we can kickstart a new era of improved detection, and therefore conservation, of our amazing amphibian diversity.”
Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade 70th
Ingleside RFS turns 70 on Saturday July 2nd, and will be hosting an evening celebration. Ingleside are lucky to be having 10 of our past Captains confirmed as attending:Phil G (Capt 78-81)Greg B (Capt. 83-85)Al L (Capt 90-93) Geoff P (Capt 93-95)Scott M (Capt. 95-99)Ian K (Capt 99-01)Ron H (Capt. 01-05)Sean M (Capt. 05-17)Brad K (Capt. 17-19)Gary S (Capt. 19-22)
Congratulations Ingleside RFB - we hope you have a grand catch-up next Saturday - and THANK YOU all for your 70 years of Service.
Pics: Ingleside RFS Station 1972 and 2022
Ingleside RFS turns 70 on Saturday July 2nd, and will be hosting an evening celebration. Ingleside are lucky to be having 10 of our past Captains confirmed as attending:
Phil G (Capt 78-81)
Greg B (Capt. 83-85)
Al L (Capt 90-93)
Geoff P (Capt 93-95)
Scott M (Capt. 95-99)
Ian K (Capt 99-01)
Ron H (Capt. 01-05)
Sean M (Capt. 05-17)
Brad K (Capt. 17-19)
Gary S (Capt. 19-22)
Congratulations Ingleside RFB - we hope you have a grand catch-up next Saturday - and THANK YOU all for your 70 years of Service.
Pics: Ingleside RFS Station 1972 and 2022
Congratulations Sam!
Newport/Bungan's Sam Bloom has taken out her Division at the recent Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour event in Hawaii.
Held over June 7-11 in Waikiki, Sam was among a powerhouse of Australian surfers who scooped the pool in winning their events.
Sam took out the prone non-assist division, Jocelyn Neumueller won the prone assist women's division, Mark "Mono" Stewart from Byron Bay triumphed in the men's Any Kneeling Kneel division, Matt Formston won the men's Partial Vision division, while Chloe Murnane came third in the prone assist division.
Congratulations Sam and Congratulations to all members of the Australian Para Surfing Team!
Sam has posted on her FB page:''Representing your country doing what you love is an incredible feeling. In just 6 years, the Australian Para Surf team has created so many beautiful memories and opportunities for me and many others. I’m lucky to have met so many surfers from around the world who’ve all overcome huge challenges and found happiness through surfing and competing for their country.
If you want to compete at the Australian Para Surfing Titles on the 20th August in Port Macquarie then check out the information here: https://australiansurfchampionships.com/ ''
Winners in Waikiki: Sam and Mark "Mono" Stewart. Photo Sam Bloom, FB
Newport/Bungan's Sam Bloom has taken out her Division at the recent Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour event in Hawaii.
Held over June 7-11 in Waikiki, Sam was among a powerhouse of Australian surfers who scooped the pool in winning their events.
Sam took out the prone non-assist division, Jocelyn Neumueller won the prone assist women's division, Mark "Mono" Stewart from Byron Bay triumphed in the men's Any Kneeling Kneel division, Matt Formston won the men's Partial Vision division, while Chloe Murnane came third in the prone assist division.
Congratulations Sam and Congratulations to all members of the Australian Para Surfing Team!
Sam has posted on her FB page:
''Representing your country doing what you love is an incredible feeling.
In just 6 years, the Australian Para Surf team has created so many beautiful memories and opportunities for me and many others.
I’m lucky to have met so many surfers from around the world who’ve all overcome huge challenges and found happiness through surfing and competing for their country.
If you want to compete at the Australian Para Surfing Titles on the 20th August in Port Macquarie then check out the information here: https://australiansurfchampionships.com/ ''
Winners in Waikiki: Sam and Mark "Mono" Stewart. Photo Sam Bloom, FB
NSW Rural Fire Service Northern Beaches District Communications Brigade: National Emergency Medal
In recognition for their efforts towards the enormous 2019/2020 bushfire seasons, a number of our members were recognised at our recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the National Emergency Medal.
This is a medal which is administered by Government House and is awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally-significant emergencies in Australia.
This is a very special honour to receive this award and the brigade is extremely proud of ours and other brigade members throughout NSW who have received this award.
The brigade executive is always extremely proud of all its members efforts towards the community especially when they are presented with the National Emergency Medal.
For anyone interested in this medal further information can be located here:
Photo courtesy: NSW Rural Fire Service Northern Beaches District Communications Brigade
In recognition for their efforts towards the enormous 2019/2020 bushfire seasons, a number of our members were recognised at our recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the National Emergency Medal.
This is a medal which is administered by Government House and is awarded to persons who rendered sustained or significant service during nationally-significant emergencies in Australia.
This is a very special honour to receive this award and the brigade is extremely proud of ours and other brigade members throughout NSW who have received this award.
The brigade executive is always extremely proud of all its members efforts towards the community especially when they are presented with the National Emergency Medal.
For anyone interested in this medal further information can be located here:
Photo courtesy: NSW Rural Fire Service Northern Beaches District Communications Brigade
Marine Rescue Broken Bay AGM 2022
With a big thank you to the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay our Marine Rescue Broken Bay unit was able to hold its AGM at the Horseshoe Cove function room on Saturday, June 18th. Our Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga and Deputy Unit Commander Andrew Majewski were re-elected unopposed for another two years.
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L to R: Marine Rescue Broken Bay Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga, Marine Rescue NSW CEO Stacey Tannos ESM, and then NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services The Honourable David Elliott MP at the Official Launching of the MRBB30 - The Michael Seale- A J G pic.
Andrew Majewski, Deputy Unit Commander of the Broken Bay unit (left) presents Venijamin (Veni) Hadzic for attaining his 10 year service award. MRBB pic
With a big thank you to the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay our Marine Rescue Broken Bay unit was able to hold its AGM at the Horseshoe Cove function room on Saturday, June 18th. Our Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga and Deputy Unit Commander Andrew Majewski were re-elected unopposed for another two years.
L to R: Marine Rescue Broken Bay Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga, Marine Rescue NSW CEO Stacey Tannos ESM, and then NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services The Honourable David Elliott MP at the Official Launching of the MRBB30 - The Michael Seale- A J G pic.
Andrew Majewski, Deputy Unit Commander of the Broken Bay unit (left) presents Venijamin (Veni) Hadzic for attaining his 10 year service award. MRBB pic
Woolworths Avalon Being Restocked
Opens July 6 2022 according to the people working on the site.
Photo taken Friday June 24, 2022 - A J G pic
Opens July 6 2022 according to the people working on the site.
Photo taken Friday June 24, 2022 - A J G pic
Avalon Preservation Trust (APA) Update: June 2022
Avalon Beach Place PlanAPA have made further recent submissions to Council regarding the draft Avalon Beach Place Plan which is expected to be reported to Council for approval at one of the next two meetings.In summary APA sought the removal of the following items from the Plan:- - Cycle paths through the central village area.
- - Massive concrete works proposed near the rockpool.
- - Terracing of the South Avalon Headland
APA are concerned that Council staff continue to support this proposal despite what APA believe to be negligible community support. APA describe it as terracing which would spoil a pleasant grassy headland and serve no purpose except seating with ‘great’ views of Barrenjoey Rd traffic and the Shell Service Station.
APA believe staff confuse this proposal with a desire to widen the footpath at the bus stop for safety reasons, which can be achieved without any of the proposed terracing.
The following items were however supported by APA:- - Repaving of all village footpaths, to be the first item to be undertaken. It is the most sought after project and brings substance to the whole process.
- - Introduction of appropriate soft village lighting throughout for the same reasons as above
- - Undertaking the trial of the pedestrian-friendly area and one way 10 kph vehicle traffic in Old Barrenjoey Rd, including moving the car park entry to alongside the existing exit. For those with reservations we emphasise that is the reason for being a trial and note the State Government is contributing $500,000 to its conduct.
- - Urgent attention to the budgeting for these works including the priority of new paving and lighting.
- - Creation of a Place Plan Newsletter to keep the community informed and to give the various works, spread over many years, a cohesive identity which will otherwise be lost.
NBC have advised the APA that the paving and lighting works have been placed as a ‘short-term’ project with a timeframe of 1-3 years. NBC anticipate the draft Avalon Beach Place Plan will be considered at the July 2022 Council Meeting.
Bilgola Bends DevelopmentsIn 2021 former Councillor Alex McTaggart moved successfully for NBC to write to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) about properties on Bilgola Bends thought to belong to it, and the possibility of transferring ownership to Council. TfNSW replied to NBC last December.
An APA committee member put in a GIPA request for the TfNSW letter and just received the reply. TfNSW has confirmed that it owns 513, 515 and 519 Barrenjoey Road. It also advised NBC that "The land has been acquired for the future widening of Barrenjoey Road" and it is therefore "unable to consider classifying the land as surplus for disposal or transfer". The letter further notes that there is no date for this work to commence. Assuming TfNSW never get the go-ahead to widen the Bends, that leaves the 3 blocks unavailable for development.
So this is a mixed result: while we may have preferred that NBC obtain control of the blocks to take them out of play, as long as the NSW government is never foolish enough to propose widening of the Bends it effectively stalls possible development of these blocks.
Further Careel Creek WorksAPA recently provided NBC with a letter of support for a grant application to the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to control weeds near the tennis courts. The project aims to control the many weeds along the creek that are damaging native vegetation. The creek is an important link for wildlife and provides habitat for small birds and other fauna.
Avalon Village Rubbish BinsNBC has recently replaced the Avalon village public bins with stainless steel units. They have become a target for graffiti and often look dirty as rubbish accumulates on the lip and have proved difficult to keep clean. Residents were under the impression that any replacement would be part of the Avalon Place Plan and there would be some input by the community into new designs. The old bins (stainless steel and wood slats) were a design that very much suited our beachside suburb, and were also practical.
APA have requested NBC consider a new design for the next round of replacements, that replicates the original wood/stainless steel type, but uses Mod-wood, Ekodeck or similar (from recycled plastic) which would be in keeping with community expectations to use renewables and environmentally sustainable products – and look good too.
original wood/stainless bins still in place at Clareville
Norfolk Island Pines on public reserve at South Avalon BeachNBC legal team is currently investigating unauthorised pruning in this public reserve. Permanent signs have been installed by NBC at the site advising of vandalization of the trees.
APA Membership Renewals
APA Membership Renewals for 2022 are due in the next few weeks. We will be sending out an email reminder very soon. We appreciate the support of our members and also ask that you consider contributing to our APA Fighting Fund which helps us advocate for the community and may be needed for specific projects to pay for expert advice on the community’s behalf.
AVALON PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION AIMS TO:- - preserve the natural beauty of the area through promoting proper planning of all future
- development;
- - express positively and in appropriate quarters the point of view of the residents with regards to any proposed development and to protect the residential amenity of the area; and
- - work with and assist local government in any efforts to improve and beautify the locality and where appropriate instigate such improvements.
Find out more by visiting: avalonpreservationassociation.org.au
Newsletter compiled by APA Assistant Secretary Chelsey Baker
Avalon Beach Place Plan
APA have made further recent submissions to Council regarding the draft Avalon Beach Place Plan which is expected to be reported to Council for approval at one of the next two meetings.
In summary APA sought the removal of the following items from the Plan:
- - Cycle paths through the central village area.
- - Massive concrete works proposed near the rockpool.
- - Terracing of the South Avalon Headland
APA are concerned that Council staff continue to support this proposal despite what APA believe to be negligible community support. APA describe it as terracing which would spoil a pleasant grassy headland and serve no purpose except seating with ‘great’ views of Barrenjoey Rd traffic and the Shell Service Station.
APA believe staff confuse this proposal with a desire to widen the footpath at the bus stop for safety reasons, which can be achieved without any of the proposed terracing.
The following items were however supported by APA:
- - Repaving of all village footpaths, to be the first item to be undertaken. It is the most sought after project and brings substance to the whole process.
- - Introduction of appropriate soft village lighting throughout for the same reasons as above
- - Undertaking the trial of the pedestrian-friendly area and one way 10 kph vehicle traffic in Old Barrenjoey Rd, including moving the car park entry to alongside the existing exit. For those with reservations we emphasise that is the reason for being a trial and note the State Government is contributing $500,000 to its conduct.
- - Urgent attention to the budgeting for these works including the priority of new paving and lighting.
- - Creation of a Place Plan Newsletter to keep the community informed and to give the various works, spread over many years, a cohesive identity which will otherwise be lost.
NBC have advised the APA that the paving and lighting works have been placed as a ‘short-term’ project with a timeframe of 1-3 years. NBC anticipate the draft Avalon Beach Place Plan will be considered at the July 2022 Council Meeting.
Bilgola Bends Developments
In 2021 former Councillor Alex McTaggart moved successfully for NBC to write to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) about properties on Bilgola Bends thought to belong to it, and the possibility of transferring ownership to Council. TfNSW replied to NBC last December.
An APA committee member put in a GIPA request for the TfNSW letter and just received the reply. TfNSW has confirmed that it owns 513, 515 and 519 Barrenjoey Road. It also advised NBC that "The land has been acquired for the future widening of Barrenjoey Road" and it is therefore "unable to consider classifying the land as surplus for disposal or transfer". The letter further notes that there is no date for this work to commence. Assuming TfNSW never get the go-ahead to widen the Bends, that leaves the 3 blocks unavailable for development.
So this is a mixed result: while we may have preferred that NBC obtain control of the blocks to take them out of play, as long as the NSW government is never foolish enough to propose widening of the Bends it effectively stalls possible development of these blocks.
Further Careel Creek Works
APA recently provided NBC with a letter of support for a grant application to the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to control weeds near the tennis courts. The project aims to control the many weeds along the creek that are damaging native vegetation. The creek is an important link for wildlife and provides habitat for small birds and other fauna.
Avalon Village Rubbish Bins
NBC has recently replaced the Avalon village public bins with stainless steel units. They have become a target for graffiti and often look dirty as rubbish accumulates on the lip and have proved difficult to keep clean. Residents were under the impression that any replacement would be part of the Avalon Place Plan and there would be some input by the community into new designs. The old bins (stainless steel and wood slats) were a design that very much suited our beachside suburb, and were also practical.
APA have requested NBC consider a new design for the next round of replacements, that replicates the original wood/stainless steel type, but uses Mod-wood, Ekodeck or similar (from recycled plastic) which would be in keeping with community expectations to use renewables and environmentally sustainable products – and look good too.
original wood/stainless bins still in place at Clareville
Norfolk Island Pines on public reserve at South Avalon Beach
NBC legal team is currently investigating unauthorised pruning in this public reserve. Permanent signs have been installed by NBC at the site advising of vandalization of the trees.
APA Membership Renewals
APA Membership Renewals for 2022 are due in the next few weeks. We will be sending out an email reminder very soon. We appreciate the support of our members and also ask that you consider contributing to our APA Fighting Fund which helps us advocate for the community and may be needed for specific projects to pay for expert advice on the community’s behalf.AVALON PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION AIMS TO:
- - preserve the natural beauty of the area through promoting proper planning of all future
- development;
- - express positively and in appropriate quarters the point of view of the residents with regards to any proposed development and to protect the residential amenity of the area; and
- - work with and assist local government in any efforts to improve and beautify the locality and where appropriate instigate such improvements.
Find out more by visiting: avalonpreservationassociation.org.au
Newsletter compiled by APA Assistant Secretary Chelsey Baker
Col's Pig Party - Oink For Soibada!
Retired Avalon Butcher Col Dalgliesh has donated his massive pig collection to raise funds for projects in the village of Soibada, Timor Leste. Join us as we launch the campaign and farewell our team of volunteers before they head over to Timor.
DATE: Friday 8 July 2022 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM (UTC+10)LOCATION: The Stella Room Avalon Beach RSL Club, 1 Bowling Green Lane, Avalon Beach
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Retired Avalon Butcher Col Dalgliesh has donated his massive pig collection to raise funds for projects in the village of Soibada, Timor Leste. Join us as we launch the campaign and farewell our team of volunteers before they head over to Timor.
DATE: Friday 8 July 2022 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM (UTC+10)
LOCATION: The Stella Room Avalon Beach RSL Club, 1 Bowling Green Lane, Avalon Beach
Help Eli Make A Difference For Mothers And Babies In Soibada
Elijah Thomson will form part of the team finally getting to head back to Soibada as the Pittwater Friends of Soibada (now Friends of Soibada) as Covid restrictions ease.
When Avalon Beach's Eli Thomson was school captain of Barrenjoey High he gave a Remembrance Day Address at our Cenotaph. Now a Registered Nurse, he is heading to Timor-Leste as a volunteer with a couple of veterans who served there, and others, to make a difference in a community that was ravaged by war.
Eli’s focus will be on gathering information on what medical equipment is needed. He is currently fundraising to supply ‘Baby Bags’ – an initiative commenced by Timor-Leste doctors to support mothers and babies during birth and afterwards.
You can be part of that by contributing at:
https://chuffed.org/project/healthy-mothers-healthy-babies-invest-in-soibadas-future
Pittwater Online News spoke to Eli last week about his pending trip. Read more in his Profile.
Elijah Thomson will form part of the team finally getting to head back to Soibada as the Pittwater Friends of Soibada (now Friends of Soibada) as Covid restrictions ease.
When Avalon Beach's Eli Thomson was school captain of Barrenjoey High he gave a Remembrance Day Address at our Cenotaph. Now a Registered Nurse, he is heading to Timor-Leste as a volunteer with a couple of veterans who served there, and others, to make a difference in a community that was ravaged by war.
Eli’s focus will be on gathering information on what medical equipment is needed. He is currently fundraising to supply ‘Baby Bags’ – an initiative commenced by Timor-Leste doctors to support mothers and babies during birth and afterwards.
You can be part of that by contributing at:
https://chuffed.org/project/healthy-mothers-healthy-babies-invest-in-soibadas-future
Pittwater Online News spoke to Eli last week about his pending trip. Read more in his Profile.
Walking Across Australia For Trees
Local Newport/Avalon Beach gentleman Richard Van Pijlen is walking from Sydney to Perth to raise funds to plant trees - LOTS of trees!!
Follow his journey at: https://www.instagram.com/freewayricardo/?hl=en
Local Newport/Avalon Beach gentleman Richard Van Pijlen is walking from Sydney to Perth to raise funds to plant trees - LOTS of trees!!
Follow his journey at: https://www.instagram.com/freewayricardo/?hl=en
Be Fire-Safe, Not Sorry This Winter
New Rules In Line For Recreational Fishers
On Friday June 17th, 2022 the NSW Government announced it is introducing new recreational fishing rules for Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead in NSW, which will see the bag limit for lobsters increase.
The new rules were developed with the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council and follow a comprehensive community consultation process, which showed strong support for changes related to both species, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Director General Sean Sloan, said today.
“This is an exciting development in the recreational fishing space for Rock Lobster in NSW, with the combined bag limit set to increase from two to three per person,” Mr Sloan said.
“The changes in the bag limit for Rock Lobster are a result of effective research and management controls in NSW over the past few decades, with recreational fishers as well as commercial fishers helping to enable the population of Eastern Rock Lobster to recover to a healthy level.”
Ongoing stock assessment modelling by DPI scientists demonstrates an increase in abundance of Eastern Rock Lobster within the legal-size range (104mm to 180mm) since the mid-1990s, when the stock was in a depleted state.
For commercial fishers, the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for Eastern Rock Lobster has been increased to the current level of 180 tonnes per year, using comprehensive data monitoring programs and careful management through the Total Allowable Catch setting process to improve the health of the fishery.
“These changes in the Lobster fishery are a good demonstration of the benefits of the partnership and investments made by Government and commercial fishers in the science that have led to effective management,” Mr Sloan said.
“A new harvest strategy has been adopted for the Lobster fishery to guide decision-making in the future and support equitable catch sharing between the fishing sectors, and DPI will continue to monitor and assess the fishery’s ongoing health.”
Mr Sloan also said DPI has answered the ongoing calls from the fishing community for rule changes to Dusky Flathead, to help boost the stock of bigger fish and ultimately provide better fishing opportunities.
“We have changed the bag limit of Dusky Flathead per person from 10 to 5 and introduced a ‘slot limit’ of 36 to 70cm for recreational fishers,” Mr Sloan said.
“These proactive changes are designed to increase the number of spawning fish and boost egg production, which will in turn improve fishing opportunities.”
Professor Johann Bell, Chair of the Recreational Fishing Ministerial Advisory Council, said the changes will provide for greater protection of large and reproductively important female fish.
“A new maximum size limit and a lower bag limit will promote a more natural age structure (comprising more ‘older’ fish), which is expected to increase stock resilience over time,” Professor Bell said.
“There have been no changes to recreational fishing rules for Dusky Flathead since 2001. Maximum size limits for Dusky Flathead have been widely accepted in Queensland and Victoria where their current limits have been in place since 2009 and 2012, respectively, and it’s fantastic to see NSW adopt these new fishing rules which will benefit Dusky Flathead and ultimately all recreational fishers in NSW.”
Mr Sloan said the changes to the flathead rules will improve fishing and tourism opportunities even further in recreational fishing havens, such as Lake Macquarie and St Georges Basin, which are well known trophy flathead fisheries, as well as increasing recreational fishing opportunities all along our coastline.
“Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead are important species for all of our fishing sectors and consumers, and are highly sought after,” Mr Sloan said.
“These changes will be implemented on 1 August and enable fishers to hit the water and fish knowing these species are in good hands.”
For more information on these new rules, visit
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs
A Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus). Fairy Bower, Manly. Photo: Richard Lang.
Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) are found in estuaries and coastal bays, from Cairns in Queensland to the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. They occur over sand, mud, gravel and seagrass and can inhabit estuarine waters up to the tidal limit. They are more commonly caught during the summer months.
Colour varies from sandy with brown spots and blotches to dark brown/black with white spots. They have a distinctive black spot on their caudal fins. Dark bars are often visible across the rear of the body. The preopercular spines on each side of the head are very sharp and should be avoided when handling the fish.
On Friday June 17th, 2022 the NSW Government announced it is introducing new recreational fishing rules for Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead in NSW, which will see the bag limit for lobsters increase.
The new rules were developed with the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council and follow a comprehensive community consultation process, which showed strong support for changes related to both species, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Director General Sean Sloan, said today.
“This is an exciting development in the recreational fishing space for Rock Lobster in NSW, with the combined bag limit set to increase from two to three per person,” Mr Sloan said.
“The changes in the bag limit for Rock Lobster are a result of effective research and management controls in NSW over the past few decades, with recreational fishers as well as commercial fishers helping to enable the population of Eastern Rock Lobster to recover to a healthy level.”
Ongoing stock assessment modelling by DPI scientists demonstrates an increase in abundance of Eastern Rock Lobster within the legal-size range (104mm to 180mm) since the mid-1990s, when the stock was in a depleted state.
For commercial fishers, the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for Eastern Rock Lobster has been increased to the current level of 180 tonnes per year, using comprehensive data monitoring programs and careful management through the Total Allowable Catch setting process to improve the health of the fishery.
“These changes in the Lobster fishery are a good demonstration of the benefits of the partnership and investments made by Government and commercial fishers in the science that have led to effective management,” Mr Sloan said.
“A new harvest strategy has been adopted for the Lobster fishery to guide decision-making in the future and support equitable catch sharing between the fishing sectors, and DPI will continue to monitor and assess the fishery’s ongoing health.”
Mr Sloan also said DPI has answered the ongoing calls from the fishing community for rule changes to Dusky Flathead, to help boost the stock of bigger fish and ultimately provide better fishing opportunities.
“We have changed the bag limit of Dusky Flathead per person from 10 to 5 and introduced a ‘slot limit’ of 36 to 70cm for recreational fishers,” Mr Sloan said.
“These proactive changes are designed to increase the number of spawning fish and boost egg production, which will in turn improve fishing opportunities.”
Professor Johann Bell, Chair of the Recreational Fishing Ministerial Advisory Council, said the changes will provide for greater protection of large and reproductively important female fish.
“A new maximum size limit and a lower bag limit will promote a more natural age structure (comprising more ‘older’ fish), which is expected to increase stock resilience over time,” Professor Bell said.
“There have been no changes to recreational fishing rules for Dusky Flathead since 2001. Maximum size limits for Dusky Flathead have been widely accepted in Queensland and Victoria where their current limits have been in place since 2009 and 2012, respectively, and it’s fantastic to see NSW adopt these new fishing rules which will benefit Dusky Flathead and ultimately all recreational fishers in NSW.”
Mr Sloan said the changes to the flathead rules will improve fishing and tourism opportunities even further in recreational fishing havens, such as Lake Macquarie and St Georges Basin, which are well known trophy flathead fisheries, as well as increasing recreational fishing opportunities all along our coastline.
“Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead are important species for all of our fishing sectors and consumers, and are highly sought after,” Mr Sloan said.
“These changes will be implemented on 1 August and enable fishers to hit the water and fish knowing these species are in good hands.”
For more information on these new rules, visit
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs
A Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus). Fairy Bower, Manly. Photo: Richard Lang.
Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) are found in estuaries and coastal bays, from Cairns in Queensland to the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. They occur over sand, mud, gravel and seagrass and can inhabit estuarine waters up to the tidal limit. They are more commonly caught during the summer months.
Colour varies from sandy with brown spots and blotches to dark brown/black with white spots. They have a distinctive black spot on their caudal fins. Dark bars are often visible across the rear of the body. The preopercular spines on each side of the head are very sharp and should be avoided when handling the fish.
RPAYC Archive Volunteer Needed
The RPAYC Heritage Committee would be grateful to hear from volunteers who may be able to assist with tasks such as:- recording the club’s historical information; and
- writing articles about the club’s history for the E-News.
Any amount of time you’re able to donate would be gratefully accepted.If you are able to offer any help, please contact the club (ph: 9998 3700).
The RPAYC Heritage Committee would be grateful to hear from volunteers who may be able to assist with tasks such as:
- recording the club’s historical information; and
- writing articles about the club’s history for the E-News.
Any amount of time you’re able to donate would be gratefully accepted.
If you are able to offer any help, please contact the club (ph: 9998 3700).
NSW Education Proposes Change To Vaccine Mandate
Pittwater Connection - Memorial Project
St Pius X College garden occupies land that was previously used as Coopers Flat Cemetery. The College is compiling a memorial publication and monument to the 170 or so people interred there between 1865 and 1911. A number of them came from the Pittwater District.
Further details and a list of those interred are at
People are warmly invited to view the names and details and contact the College via the form provided (on page linked to) if they are able to supply further information or are related to those listed.Thank You
Tony CunneenHead of PublicationsSt Pius X College
St Pius X College garden occupies land that was previously used as Coopers Flat Cemetery. The College is compiling a memorial publication and monument to the 170 or so people interred there between 1865 and 1911. A number of them came from the Pittwater District.
Further details and a list of those interred are at
People are warmly invited to view the names and details and contact the College via the form provided (on page linked to) if they are able to supply further information or are related to those listed.
Thank You
Tony Cunneen
Head of Publications
St Pius X College
Scheduled Roadwork: Surveying-Wakehurst Parkway
Frenchs Forest; Wakehurst Parkway between Dreadnought Road and Oxford Falls RoadMon 11 Jul 2022 to Thu 14 Jul 2022: 9:00pm to 5:00amTraffic affected both directionsAdvice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage, Exercise cautionOther Advice: Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.
Frenchs Forest; Wakehurst Parkway between Dreadnought Road and Oxford Falls Road
Mon 11 Jul 2022 to Thu 14 Jul 2022: 9:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions
Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage, Exercise caution
Other Advice: Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.
Narrabeen Tragic Tigers: Over 35’S Rugby Team
Have you been coaching or watching your little tacker running around? Getting pumped watching Subbies or the big boys play?Come and have a run with Narrabeen Tragic Tigers Over 35’s rugby team!
Next game is after Subbies at Porters Reserve Newport Saturday 14/5 from 5 pm.
It’s competitive rugby, played with modified rules to make sure you turn up to work on Monday.Challenging, great team spirit, and maybe a beer or three after it.
Contact us to find out more at: vpnarrabeentigers@gmail.com
Have you been coaching or watching your little tacker running around? Getting pumped watching Subbies or the big boys play?
Come and have a run with Narrabeen Tragic Tigers Over 35’s rugby team!
Next game is after Subbies at Porters Reserve Newport Saturday 14/5 from 5 pm.
It’s competitive rugby, played with modified rules to make sure you turn up to work on Monday.
Challenging, great team spirit, and maybe a beer or three after it.
Contact us to find out more at: vpnarrabeentigers@gmail.com
Midget Farrelly Tribute Statue For Palm Beach
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.
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
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
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 JaneNotice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue
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
Speed Humps On McCarrs Creek Rd: Please Share Wildlife Data
Winter School Holidays Issues 2022
Please note that Issue 545 will be published Sunday July 3rd, 2022.
Issue 546 will be published Sunday July 17th.
There will be no Issue on Sunday July 10th as we take a few days to spend with out families.
We hope you all enjoy your own Winter School Holidays 2022 break
Avalon Boomerang Bags: School Holidays Break
We will be closed for the two weeks of school holidays, so next week will be our last meeting for two weeks.
School Holidays start on the 4th of July and finish on the 15th of July. We will meet again at the Rec Centre on the 19th of July. Avalon Boomerang Bags workshop is at the Avalon Recreational Centre on Tuesdays from 11.30am - 3pm.
Have a great break!
Mike Conway: Emotional And Mind Coach Of The Socceroos - Avalon Player
There's a great chat with Mike Conway, O-45s player with the Avalon Soccer Club on their website at present.
The Socceroos won a must-win, nail-biting World Cup Qualifier against Chile.
Fresh off the plane from Dohar, he shared some of his insight, experience, and advice.
A great read available at:
Congratulations Ben!
Congratulations to the Warringah Rats Ben Woollett who has signed with the Jersey Reds in the UK.
Ben heads over to the UK after this weekends game against Eastwood. We will miss having you in the Green and White, but know you will do great things with the Jersey Reds!
Lease Of Restaurant Space: Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club
Public Notice
Submissions close Monday July 18, 2022
Council are proposing to grant a 10-year lease to fit out and operate the restaurant within Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) on Surfview Road, Mona Vale.
Through a public tender process (RFT 2021/232), at the meeting held on 22 March 2022 Council resolved to award the Tender for Fit-out and Operation of the Restaurant within the new Mona Vale SLSC redevelopment to Douglas and Kylie Fraser.
The purpose of the proposed lease is to use part of the Mona Vale SLSC building as a restaurant.
Details of the lease plan and restaurant space as well as an artist's impression of the restaurant location within the club are provided in the images below.
View the plan and have your say on the proposed lease by:
- completing the submission form linked to below
- emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
- writing to marked ‘Lease of restaurant space at Mona Vale Surf Club’, Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.
Council is the owner of the land formally known as part of Lot 104 in DP 1066371 and this public notice is in accordance with Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993.
All submissions in their entirety will be treated as public documents and made available on request.
The granting of the lease is subject to Council’s final approval.
Have your say at:
Manly Warringah Softball Association: Over 45 Team
MWSA is holding trials for its first ever Over 45 Representative team!
To be eligible, players must turn 45 by 31 December 2022.
Trials will be held on Wednesday 29 June, 6.30pm - 9.00pm and an additional trial may be advised.
Register for the trials by Sunday 26 June - 45 and Over Representative Team
Expression of interest - https://forms.gle/aRqJtRCPaANhWjEbA
O45s State Championships are scheduled for 30 September - 2 October at BISP.
More at: https://mwsa.com.au/
Congratulations!
A massive congratulations goes to our U18 team who competed in the State Championships on the weekend and came out with a silver medal!
Warriewood Bus Indicator Working Again: Thank You!
Residents who use the Warriewood Park and Ride facility state the bus indicator is working again and have forwarded their thanks to the Office of Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater and his great staff for ensuring this facility for residents has been fixed and is as it should be.
See last Issue's:
Uplifting At Careel Bay
Nada Herman's latest exhibition, 'Uplifting', will be launched at a special event at The Studio at Careel Bay Marina, at 5pm, Thursday 7 July, and will run for the whole month.
In lieu of any gallery commission, 30% of sales will be donated to local youth mental health charity, OneEighty.
Nada Herman lives and paints from her home studio set high in the bush at Avalon Beach, the same home the family have shared since 1953. With over 90 exhibitions, group shows and galleries across the world, Nada's paintings create a sense of joy and energy through her use of bright colour and thick texture, and she depicts waterways, flora and fauna, cityscapes, nudes, still life and abstracts.
I N V I T A T I O N - O P E N I N G N I G H T
'Uplifting’, by Nada Herman
5pm, Thursday 7th July
Drinks and live music
The Studio by Laing+Simmons
Careel Bay Marina
94 George Street, Avalon Beach
Avalon Craft Cottage At Warriewood
We are back again at Warriewood. Avalon Craft Cottage will be at Warriewood Shopping Centre for one week, commencing Monday, 27th June and packing up at 4pm on Sunday,3rd July, opening normal business hours.
Our stall will be outside KMart and will showcase our skills in handmade goods; Australiana, Screen printed items, Cards, Homewares, Children's clothes, Patchwork quilts, Local Art, Jewellery, Hand-painted Silks, Bedsocks, and Handknits for babies and children, baby shawls, rugs, scarves and beanies.
We look forward to seeing you there,
Avalon Craft Cottage Members.
Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week
Marley
8 weeks Staffy X
Marley a tiny staffy x pup was about 5 weeks old when he came from the pound under Duty of Care. He came with crusty lesions on his face and the pup was ataxic, falling to one side. He can be a quiet pup at times but he loves running in the garden. He tucks into his 3 meals a day with gusto and loves his puppy milk. So far we have run bloods which showed a huge white cell count so he is on anti-biotics. He is negative for ringworm, parvo and giardia.
Update 21/6: Marley has just come back after MRI and CSF (spinal fluid) tap. The report reveals he has Cerebellar Hypoplasia, a condition where his cerebellum has not developed properly and is smaller. There is no medication to give and he should have a normal life, but he will always be a bit wobbly and can fall at times. He is about 7kg and has a smooth coat. He is looking for a family with house and garden where someone is home a lot of the time.
Fantale
8mths Domestic Short Hair
Fantale is a very friendly curious kitten who came from the pound. He enjoys playing with his sister Sherbie. He is very affectionate and loves people and is social with other cats.
All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Australia Post Pays It Forward With Community Grants Focusing On Mental Health And Wellbeing
Applications are open for Australia Post’s 2022 Community Grants program, helping build community connections to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians across the country.
From today, not-for-profit groups across Australia can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects with the primary purpose of improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities. Last year’s program saw half of all grants made to organisations in regional and remote locations.
Australia Post Head of Community, Nicky Tracey said past recipients included projects such as friendship and buddy programs, peer support groups for young people, mental wellbeing workshops and community morning teas.
“We are delighted to once again offer these grants to help support the mental health of Australians all around the country. We’ve seen how these grants make a real difference in local communities, building connection and encouraging open and positive conversations around mental health,” Ms Tracey said.
“As an organisation that delivers to customers everywhere - in cities, rural areas and the most remote corners of the country - we want to support local communities deliver a diverse range of projects, and we’re delighted to once again do that through the 2022 Community Grants program.”
The program illustrates Australia Post’s longstanding commitment to mental health, which includes supporting mental health and wellbeing in the transport and logistics industries as a founding member of Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, and a partnership with Beyond Blue that to date has delivered mental health resources to more than 6 million letterboxes across Australia.
Applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines carefully to check eligibility requirements, with eligible community organisations able to apply until 11.59pm on 3 July 2022 at auspost.com.au/grants.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome in September 2022.
About Australia Post’s Community Grants Program:
Each year Australia Post’s Community Grants program awards grants of up to $10,000 to fund community-led, local projects that connect individuals and communities. Since 2020, our focus has been on supporting projects that connect individuals for improved mental health and mental wellbeing outcomes in local communities. Since 2013, Australia Post’s Community Grants program has awarded $4,285,761 to 675 community groups. Visit: auspost.com.au/grants
Roadworks: Beacon Hill
Warringah Road at Willandra Road: Tue 21 Jun 2022 to Tue 28 Jun 2022 - 10:00pm to 5:00am - Road affected all directions
Advice; Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage, Allow extra travel time
Other Advice: Traffic signals at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Willandra Rd will be blacked out with alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.
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
Palm Beach RSL Veterans Ocean Therapy
Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch has approved the formation of Veterans Ocean Therapy in order to improve Physical and Mental Health of Veterans.
Storage will soon arrive at 29 Iluka Rd that will house kayaks and paddle boards with direct access to Pittwater.
A regular paddle club will shortly afterwards commence for veterans including BBQ breakfast at the club.
Veterans Ocean Therapy will be looking for assistance or donations of watercraft and gear.
Any veterans interested in joining please stay tuned for more updates. Or contact Dave Good at dave@good.id.au
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Palm-Beach-NSW-RSL-Veterans-Ocean-Therapy
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls
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.
This Issue:
Profile of the Week Elijah ThomsonElijah Thomson will form part of the team finally getting to head back to Soibada as the Pittwater Friends of Soibada (now Friends of Soibada) as Covid restrictions ease.
On June 16, 2022, Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell was pleased to announce the conclusion of Australia’s market access negotiations with Timor-Leste as part of its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
His statement reads:
I am pleased to announce the conclusion of Australia’s market access negotiations with Timor-Leste as part of its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
I am particularly pleased to make this announcement following a meeting with my Timor-Leste counterpart H.E. Mr Joaquim Amaral, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, in the sidelines of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva.
The conclusion of bilateral market access negotiations will be formalised with an exchange of letters between Australia’s and Timor-Leste’s Permanent Representatives to the WTO.
Australia looks forward to working with Timor-Leste to enhance its access to, and benefits from, the multilateral rules-based trading system. Its accession to the WTO will support Timor-Leste’s further integration into the regional and global economy, and promote its sustainable growth and economic resilience.
Australia will continue to support Timor-Leste’s accession to the WTO through targeted technical assistance and capacity building to help Timor-Leste accede and implement its WTO obligations.
Timor-Leste applied for WTO Membership in 2016 and is aiming for WTO accession by early 2023.
Although this is great news for Timor-Leste there is still much to be done immediately and long-term.
When Avalon Beach's Eli Thomson was school captain of Barrenjoey High he gave a Remembrance Day Address at our Cenotaph. (See transcript below.) Now a Registered Nurse, he is heading to Timor Leste as a volunteer with a couple of veterans who served there, and others, to make a difference in a community that was ravaged by war.
Eli’s focus will be on gathering information on what medical equipment is needed. He is currently fundraising to supply ‘Baby Bags’ – an initiative commenced by Timor-Leste doctors to support mothers and babies during birth and afterwards.
You can be part of that by contributing at: https://chuffed.org/project/healthy-mothers-healthy-babies-invest-in-soibadas-future
Pittwater Online News spoke to Eli this week about his pending trip.
In 2017 Pittwater Online's history buff had the privilege of being able to listen to early summertime visitors to Bayview, Don Taylor, youngest son of W. D. M. Taylor, who was eldest son of P. T. Taylor and brother to P. G. 'Bill' Taylor, and Margaret Tink (nee Andrews, whose mother was a Snow) provided an opportunity to see into a world many of us would not have visited or heard a lot about.
Both families kindly shared some family album photographs to illustrate these places. Our thanks to Barbara Tink for tirelessly working on and contributing to this work.
Our thanks to the wonderful recall of Don Taylor and Margaret Tink for their generosity in taking the time to place these records where the community may access them.
Their recollections open a whole new field of records that must be sought in fuller measure and this first small insight should be considered an opening and a few verses from Summers past to warm the depths of the current Winter.
With some great news out of Council and the State Government this week regarding some improvements to the Bayview foreshore where that has deteriorated over time, a look back provides Readers with a double shot of Bayview celebrations this Issue.
Artist of the Month June 2022: Gemma Rasdall - Water Access Only Exhibition - at Bather's Pavilion and ONLINE Website: www.gemmarasdall.com - Scotland Island Artist Gemma Rasdall was announced as a Finalist in the 2022 Wynne prize in May 2022, a credit to her work but also for developing her practice. Known for her very popular marine paintings on sailcloth – some of which can be quite large in scale – her Wynne Prize finalist work is something quite different, and signals a shift in her work. Gemma's ''Framed by life offshore'', watercolour and gouache on paper; 75 x 85.5 cm (overall) Artists' Statement reads: Welcome to Scotland Island: a short boat ride, casual paddle or vigorous swim from Church Point Wharf on Garigal Country, NSW. We offshore dwellers blow in and out with the tides, basking like seals when the sun shines and washing up like drowning rats when the squalls hit. This place and its people – a quirky and multifarious community – warm my soul and flood my creative practice with colour and movement. This artwork is a collection of moments captured around the island and its surrounding bays from friends’ and neighbours’ houses. It is an ode to the place I call home.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1, 2022
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Marine Rescue Broken Bay: BB21 Here
And she is home! BB21 completed her long journey by road from Yamba to Bayview arriving late this afternoon, Tuesday June 14.
BB21 was quickly splashed and moored alongside her bigger sister BB30. Over the next couple of weeks, our members will be inducted into the vessel with the aim to have her responding to rescues late July 2022.
The current 6.5m Gemini RHIB had reached its end of life, and it’s possibly had a hard life. This was the ‘go-to’ boat that MRBB volunteer members have used for fast response; it’s also been used in flood rescues up at Taree and again this year at Wiseman’s Ferry, and it’s completed many trips to Sydney Harbour as well on top of the frequent use around the waters of Pittwater and Broken Bay. Consequently, it has reached its end of life and the MRBB Unit needed a replacement.
The new boat is a split console Naiad RHIB, a little bit smaller than our current vessel at 7.5metres, and the first 7.5 vessel in the Marine Rescue fleet in this configuration.
At this stage it will have twin 175 horsepower engines. It has been designed to have a drop-down bow as one of the learnings we found in helping people off beaches or off rocks with the Gemini, it was difficult to get ‘not so nimble’ people into the Gemini because of the high sides, therefore the drop-down bow on the new boat will make it a lot easier for people to get in and out of the new boat removing any potential injury.
Photos: MRBB
More In; - Marine Rescue Broken Bay and Marine Rescue Cottage Point Part Of Whale Disentanglement Training + Old Base At Bayview Removed As Build Commences + ORRCA's Whale Census Day 2022 + Living Ocean Traditional Welcome To Country For The Southern Humpback Whale Migration - June In Pittwater!
- Marine Rescue Broken Bay In Old Base Signals Exciting Construction About To Commence For New Base At Bayview + MRNSW Says 'Stay Safe Around Whales During This Migration Season'
And she is home! BB21 completed her long journey by road from Yamba to Bayview arriving late this afternoon, Tuesday June 14.
BB21 was quickly splashed and moored alongside her bigger sister BB30. Over the next couple of weeks, our members will be inducted into the vessel with the aim to have her responding to rescues late July 2022.
The current 6.5m Gemini RHIB had reached its end of life, and it’s possibly had a hard life. This was the ‘go-to’ boat that MRBB volunteer members have used for fast response; it’s also been used in flood rescues up at Taree and again this year at Wiseman’s Ferry, and it’s completed many trips to Sydney Harbour as well on top of the frequent use around the waters of Pittwater and Broken Bay. Consequently, it has reached its end of life and the MRBB Unit needed a replacement.
The new boat is a split console Naiad RHIB, a little bit smaller than our current vessel at 7.5metres, and the first 7.5 vessel in the Marine Rescue fleet in this configuration.
At this stage it will have twin 175 horsepower engines. It has been designed to have a drop-down bow as one of the learnings we found in helping people off beaches or off rocks with the Gemini, it was difficult to get ‘not so nimble’ people into the Gemini because of the high sides, therefore the drop-down bow on the new boat will make it a lot easier for people to get in and out of the new boat removing any potential injury.
Photos: MRBB
More In;
- Marine Rescue Broken Bay and Marine Rescue Cottage Point Part Of Whale Disentanglement Training + Old Base At Bayview Removed As Build Commences + ORRCA's Whale Census Day 2022 + Living Ocean Traditional Welcome To Country For The Southern Humpback Whale Migration - June In Pittwater!
- Marine Rescue Broken Bay In Old Base Signals Exciting Construction About To Commence For New Base At Bayview + MRNSW Says 'Stay Safe Around Whales During This Migration Season'
Multi Layered Coastal Assessment Careel Bay: First Study Session
FIRST STUDY BOOKED FOR TUESDAY JUNE 21stFirst study session will be the ocean bound waste centred on micro & macro plastics using the AUSMAP and Tangaroa Blue programs. That will be at the Etival St beach area on Tuesday 21 June, starting 8.00 am. This is the dog park street and there is parking at the entrance
Please register your intent to attend to
Also call Robbie on 0410 374 333 if you have queries.Once you register they will contact you directly with further information.It may be subject to weather check but we will advise.
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FIRST STUDY BOOKED FOR TUESDAY JUNE 21st
First study session will be the ocean bound waste centred on micro & macro plastics using the AUSMAP and Tangaroa Blue programs. That will be at the Etival St beach area on Tuesday 21 June, starting 8.00 am. This is the dog park street and there is parking at the entrance
Please register your intent to attend to
Also call Robbie on 0410 374 333 if you have queries.
Once you register they will contact you directly with further information.
It may be subject to weather check but we will advise.
Pittwater Ward Community Meeting
Be Fire-Safe, Not Sorry This Winter
New Rules In Line For Recreational Fishers
On Friday June 17th, 2022 the NSW Government announced it is introducing new recreational fishing rules for Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead in NSW, which will see the bag limit for lobsters increase.
The new rules were developed with the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council and follow a comprehensive community consultation process, which showed strong support for changes related to both species, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Director General Sean Sloan, said today.
“This is an exciting development in the recreational fishing space for Rock Lobster in NSW, with the combined bag limit set to increase from two to three per person,” Mr Sloan said.
“The changes in the bag limit for Rock Lobster are a result of effective research and management controls in NSW over the past few decades, with recreational fishers as well as commercial fishers helping to enable the population of Eastern Rock Lobster to recover to a healthy level.”
Ongoing stock assessment modelling by DPI scientists demonstrates an increase in abundance of Eastern Rock Lobster within the legal-size range (104mm to 180mm) since the mid-1990s, when the stock was in a depleted state.
For commercial fishers, the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for Eastern Rock Lobster has been increased to the current level of 180 tonnes per year, using comprehensive data monitoring programs and careful management through the Total Allowable Catch setting process to improve the health of the fishery.
“These changes in the Lobster fishery are a good demonstration of the benefits of the partnership and investments made by Government and commercial fishers in the science that have led to effective management,” Mr Sloan said.
“A new harvest strategy has been adopted for the Lobster fishery to guide decision-making in the future and support equitable catch sharing between the fishing sectors, and DPI will continue to monitor and assess the fishery’s ongoing health.”
Mr Sloan also said DPI has answered the ongoing calls from the fishing community for rule changes to Dusky Flathead, to help boost the stock of bigger fish and ultimately provide better fishing opportunities.
“We have changed the bag limit of Dusky Flathead per person from 10 to 5 and introduced a ‘slot limit’ of 36 to 70cm for recreational fishers,” Mr Sloan said.
“These proactive changes are designed to increase the number of spawning fish and boost egg production, which will in turn improve fishing opportunities.”
Professor Johann Bell, Chair of the Recreational Fishing Ministerial Advisory Council, said the changes will provide for greater protection of large and reproductively important female fish.
“A new maximum size limit and a lower bag limit will promote a more natural age structure (comprising more ‘older’ fish), which is expected to increase stock resilience over time,” Professor Bell said.
“There have been no changes to recreational fishing rules for Dusky Flathead since 2001. Maximum size limits for Dusky Flathead have been widely accepted in Queensland and Victoria where their current limits have been in place since 2009 and 2012, respectively, and it’s fantastic to see NSW adopt these new fishing rules which will benefit Dusky Flathead and ultimately all recreational fishers in NSW.”
Mr Sloan said the changes to the flathead rules will improve fishing and tourism opportunities even further in recreational fishing havens, such as Lake Macquarie and St Georges Basin, which are well known trophy flathead fisheries, as well as increasing recreational fishing opportunities all along our coastline.
“Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead are important species for all of our fishing sectors and consumers, and are highly sought after,” Mr Sloan said.
“These changes will be implemented on 1 August and enable fishers to hit the water and fish knowing these species are in good hands.”
For more information on these new rules, visit
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs
A Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus). Fairy Bower, Manly. Photo: Richard Lang.
Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) are found in estuaries and coastal bays, from Cairns in Queensland to the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. They occur over sand, mud, gravel and seagrass and can inhabit estuarine waters up to the tidal limit. They are more commonly caught during the summer months.
Colour varies from sandy with brown spots and blotches to dark brown/black with white spots. They have a distinctive black spot on their caudal fins. Dark bars are often visible across the rear of the body. The preopercular spines on each side of the head are very sharp and should be avoided when handling the fish.
On Friday June 17th, 2022 the NSW Government announced it is introducing new recreational fishing rules for Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead in NSW, which will see the bag limit for lobsters increase.
The new rules were developed with the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council and follow a comprehensive community consultation process, which showed strong support for changes related to both species, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Director General Sean Sloan, said today.
“This is an exciting development in the recreational fishing space for Rock Lobster in NSW, with the combined bag limit set to increase from two to three per person,” Mr Sloan said.
“The changes in the bag limit for Rock Lobster are a result of effective research and management controls in NSW over the past few decades, with recreational fishers as well as commercial fishers helping to enable the population of Eastern Rock Lobster to recover to a healthy level.”
Ongoing stock assessment modelling by DPI scientists demonstrates an increase in abundance of Eastern Rock Lobster within the legal-size range (104mm to 180mm) since the mid-1990s, when the stock was in a depleted state.
For commercial fishers, the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for Eastern Rock Lobster has been increased to the current level of 180 tonnes per year, using comprehensive data monitoring programs and careful management through the Total Allowable Catch setting process to improve the health of the fishery.
“These changes in the Lobster fishery are a good demonstration of the benefits of the partnership and investments made by Government and commercial fishers in the science that have led to effective management,” Mr Sloan said.
“A new harvest strategy has been adopted for the Lobster fishery to guide decision-making in the future and support equitable catch sharing between the fishing sectors, and DPI will continue to monitor and assess the fishery’s ongoing health.”
Mr Sloan also said DPI has answered the ongoing calls from the fishing community for rule changes to Dusky Flathead, to help boost the stock of bigger fish and ultimately provide better fishing opportunities.
“We have changed the bag limit of Dusky Flathead per person from 10 to 5 and introduced a ‘slot limit’ of 36 to 70cm for recreational fishers,” Mr Sloan said.
“These proactive changes are designed to increase the number of spawning fish and boost egg production, which will in turn improve fishing opportunities.”
Professor Johann Bell, Chair of the Recreational Fishing Ministerial Advisory Council, said the changes will provide for greater protection of large and reproductively important female fish.
“A new maximum size limit and a lower bag limit will promote a more natural age structure (comprising more ‘older’ fish), which is expected to increase stock resilience over time,” Professor Bell said.
“There have been no changes to recreational fishing rules for Dusky Flathead since 2001. Maximum size limits for Dusky Flathead have been widely accepted in Queensland and Victoria where their current limits have been in place since 2009 and 2012, respectively, and it’s fantastic to see NSW adopt these new fishing rules which will benefit Dusky Flathead and ultimately all recreational fishers in NSW.”
Mr Sloan said the changes to the flathead rules will improve fishing and tourism opportunities even further in recreational fishing havens, such as Lake Macquarie and St Georges Basin, which are well known trophy flathead fisheries, as well as increasing recreational fishing opportunities all along our coastline.
“Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead are important species for all of our fishing sectors and consumers, and are highly sought after,” Mr Sloan said.
“These changes will be implemented on 1 August and enable fishers to hit the water and fish knowing these species are in good hands.”
For more information on these new rules, visit
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs
A Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus). Fairy Bower, Manly. Photo: Richard Lang.
Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) are found in estuaries and coastal bays, from Cairns in Queensland to the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria. They occur over sand, mud, gravel and seagrass and can inhabit estuarine waters up to the tidal limit. They are more commonly caught during the summer months.
Colour varies from sandy with brown spots and blotches to dark brown/black with white spots. They have a distinctive black spot on their caudal fins. Dark bars are often visible across the rear of the body. The preopercular spines on each side of the head are very sharp and should be avoided when handling the fish.
RPAYC Archive Volunteer Needed
The RPAYC Heritage Committee would be grateful to hear from volunteers who may be able to assist with tasks such as:- recording the club’s historical information; and
- writing articles about the club’s history for the E-News.
Any amount of time you’re able to donate would be gratefully accepted.If you are able to offer any help, please contact the club (ph: 9998 3700).
The RPAYC Heritage Committee would be grateful to hear from volunteers who may be able to assist with tasks such as:
- recording the club’s historical information; and
- writing articles about the club’s history for the E-News.
Any amount of time you’re able to donate would be gratefully accepted.
If you are able to offer any help, please contact the club (ph: 9998 3700).
Manly Warringah Softball Association: Over 45 Team
Congratulations!
A massive congratulations goes to our U18 team who competed in the State Championships on the weekend and came out with a silver medal!
A massive congratulations goes to our U18 team who competed in the State Championships on the weekend and came out with a silver medal!
Pittwater Connection - Memorial Project
St Pius X College garden occupies land that was previously used as Coopers Flat Cemetery. The College is compiling a memorial publication and monument to the 170 or so people interred there between 1865 and 1911. A number of them came from the Pittwater District.
Further details and a list of those interred are at
People are warmly invited to view the names and details and contact the College via the form provided (on page linked to) if they are able to supply further information or are related to those listed.Thank You
Tony CunneenHead of PublicationsSt Pius X College
St Pius X College garden occupies land that was previously used as Coopers Flat Cemetery. The College is compiling a memorial publication and monument to the 170 or so people interred there between 1865 and 1911. A number of them came from the Pittwater District.
Further details and a list of those interred are at
People are warmly invited to view the names and details and contact the College via the form provided (on page linked to) if they are able to supply further information or are related to those listed.
Thank You
Tony Cunneen
Head of Publications
St Pius X College
Avalon Public School: Winter Solstice
Winter solstice is coming up. It’s the shortest day of the year, and an opportunity to get together for an early morning hot chocolate / coffee, watch the sunrise and walk to school together. A crew of classes are heading out and meeting at Avalon Beach.
It was a tradition for years before Covid struck so let’s welcome it back and reconnect as the incredible school community we are. Everyone brings a small plate to share, we watch the sunrise, maybe do a beach clean if time permits, then walk to school together. If parents are unavailable they can drop their kids and I can walk them up to school.
Sunrise is at 7am on the 21st, so aim to arrive before sunrise. Rug up because it will be cold.Please join @thehivebyavalonps to keep up to date with all of the events by our fantastic P&C community.
Winter solstice is coming up. It’s the shortest day of the year, and an opportunity to get together for an early morning hot chocolate / coffee, watch the sunrise and walk to school together.
A crew of classes are heading out and meeting at Avalon Beach.
It was a tradition for years before Covid struck so let’s welcome it back and reconnect as the incredible school community we are. Everyone brings a small plate to share, we watch the sunrise, maybe do a beach clean if time permits, then walk to school together. If parents are unavailable they can drop their kids and I can walk them up to school.
Sunrise is at 7am on the 21st, so aim to arrive before sunrise. Rug up because it will be cold.
Please join @thehivebyavalonps to keep up to date with all of the events by our fantastic P&C community.
Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week
Ollie and Candy
16 weeks Chihuahua X
Ollie and Candy, affectionately nick named Dancer and Prancer are very sweet, well socialised lively pups. They are brother and sister. They play very well together and love engagement with people. Candy is a little more outgoing. They are looking for an adult family or with older children who have the time to train them and are ready to have their lives turned upside down. Ollie is 3.5kg and Candy 3.3kg.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 together is $1600. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
16 weeks Chihuahua X
Ollie and Candy, affectionately nick named Dancer and Prancer are very sweet, well socialised lively pups. They are brother and sister. They play very well together and love engagement with people. Candy is a little more outgoing. They are looking for an adult family or with older children who have the time to train them and are ready to have their lives turned upside down. Ollie is 3.5kg and Candy 3.3kg.
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 together is $1600. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Dash
6 months Domestic Short haired ginger kitten
Dash and Dart are brothers who were dumped outside out vets one night. They are both sweet cuddly kittens who are very hard to tell apart! All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
6 months Domestic Short haired ginger kitten
Dash and Dart are brothers who were dumped outside out vets one night. They are both sweet cuddly kittens who are very hard to tell apart! All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Scheduled Roadwork: Surveying-Wakehurst Parkway
Frenchs Forest; Wakehurst Parkway between Dreadnought Road and Oxford Falls RoadMon 11 Jul 2022 to Thu 14 Jul 2022: 9:00pm to 5:00amTraffic affected both directionsAdvice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage, Exercise cautionOther Advice: Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.
Frenchs Forest; Wakehurst Parkway between Dreadnought Road and Oxford Falls Road
Mon 11 Jul 2022 to Thu 14 Jul 2022: 9:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions
Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage, Exercise caution
Other Advice: Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.
Narrabeen Tragic Tigers: Over 35’S Rugby Team
Have you been coaching or watching your little tacker running around? Getting pumped watching Subbies or the big boys play?Come and have a run with Narrabeen Tragic Tigers Over 35’s rugby team!
Next game is after Subbies at Porters Reserve Newport Saturday 14/5 from 5 pm.
It’s competitive rugby, played with modified rules to make sure you turn up to work on Monday.Challenging, great team spirit, and maybe a beer or three after it.
Contact us to find out more at: vpnarrabeentigers@gmail.com
Have you been coaching or watching your little tacker running around? Getting pumped watching Subbies or the big boys play?
Come and have a run with Narrabeen Tragic Tigers Over 35’s rugby team!
Next game is after Subbies at Porters Reserve Newport Saturday 14/5 from 5 pm.
It’s competitive rugby, played with modified rules to make sure you turn up to work on Monday.
Challenging, great team spirit, and maybe a beer or three after it.
Contact us to find out more at: vpnarrabeentigers@gmail.com
Midget Farrelly Tribute Statue For Palm Beach
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.
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
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
JP Public Register
The purpose of www.westpittwater.com.au - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.
To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.
To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.
To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.
To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au
The purpose of www.westpittwater.com.au - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.
To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.
To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.
To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.
To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au
Speed Humps On McCarrs Creek Rd: Please Share Wildlife Data
Lease Of Restaurant Space: Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club
Public Notice
Submissions close Monday July 18, 2022
Council are proposing to grant a 10-year lease to fit out and operate the restaurant within Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) on Surfview Road, Mona Vale.
Through a public tender process (RFT 2021/232), at the meeting held on 22 March 2022 Council resolved to award the Tender for Fit-out and Operation of the Restaurant within the new Mona Vale SLSC redevelopment to Douglas and Kylie Fraser.
The purpose of the proposed lease is to use part of the Mona Vale SLSC building as a restaurant.
Details of the lease plan and restaurant space as well as an artist's impression of the restaurant location within the club are provided in the images below.
View the plan and have your say on the proposed lease by:
- completing the submission form linked to below
- emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
- writing to marked ‘Lease of restaurant space at Mona Vale Surf Club’, Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.
Council is the owner of the land formally known as part of Lot 104 in DP 1066371 and this public notice is in accordance with Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993.
All submissions in their entirety will be treated as public documents and made available on request.
The granting of the lease is subject to Council’s final approval.
Have your say at:
Newport Residents Association: June 2022 Meeting
Our next meeting will be Tuesday evening 21st June 2022 commencing at 7 pm at the Newport Community Centre Activity Room, The Boulevard, Newport. The aims and objectives of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated include:
- To provide a forum for all interested residents, ratepayers and resident groups in the Pittwater Ward area and particularly in the Newport area.
- To represent the interests of ratepayers and residents on local issues at all levels of government but particularly at the local government level.
- To work for responsible planning, environmental protection and the enhancement of the environment of the Northern Beaches Council and in particular the Pittwater Ward area.
- To achieve community awareness and involvement in Council’s decision-making processes and planning.
- To take any other action not elsewhere included to further the interests of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated and its members.
MEETINGS
3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.00 pm at the Newport Community Centre (The Boulevarde Newport).
To find out more, please visit: https://newport.org.au/
Narrabeen Bridge Night Works And Footpath Closures
Night works on Narrabeen’s Pittwater Road Bridge have been scheduled for Tuesday 14 June from 7pm to 5am and access to the pedestrian footpath will be closed from 14 to 24 June, excluding weekends.
The night works will allow Council contractors to extend the roadside fence on the western side of bridge to better protect pedestrians from vehicles. During construction, the left turn from Pittwater Road to Wakehurst Parkway will be closed and traffic will be diverted to turn left at the lights to get to Wakehurst Parkway.
The pedestrian footpath will be closed from 14 to 24 June, excluding weekends, while the Council upgrade the footpaths at either end of the bridge.
Ramps and signage will be in place during this time to direct pedestrians to cross at the traffic lights and walk along the eastern side of the bridge.
The new footpaths will link to the Pittwater Road Bridge and the new pedestrian and cycle bridge to provide walkers and cyclists on the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail with a connection across the lagoon, away from vehicles.
All other works on Narrabeen’s new pedestrian and cycle bridge will be completed from water barges to minimise disruption to the community. These works are expected to be complete in August.
Photo: NBC
Australia Post Pays It Forward With Community Grants Focusing On Mental Health And Wellbeing
Applications are open for Australia Post’s 2022 Community Grants program, helping build community connections to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians across the country.
From today, not-for-profit groups across Australia can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects with the primary purpose of improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities. Last year’s program saw half of all grants made to organisations in regional and remote locations.
Australia Post Head of Community, Nicky Tracey said past recipients included projects such as friendship and buddy programs, peer support groups for young people, mental wellbeing workshops and community morning teas.
“We are delighted to once again offer these grants to help support the mental health of Australians all around the country. We’ve seen how these grants make a real difference in local communities, building connection and encouraging open and positive conversations around mental health,” Ms Tracey said.
“As an organisation that delivers to customers everywhere - in cities, rural areas and the most remote corners of the country - we want to support local communities deliver a diverse range of projects, and we’re delighted to once again do that through the 2022 Community Grants program.”
The program illustrates Australia Post’s longstanding commitment to mental health, which includes supporting mental health and wellbeing in the transport and logistics industries as a founding member of Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, and a partnership with Beyond Blue that to date has delivered mental health resources to more than 6 million letterboxes across Australia.
Applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines carefully to check eligibility requirements, with eligible community organisations able to apply until 11.59pm on 3 July 2022 at auspost.com.au/grants.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome in September 2022.
About Australia Post’s Community Grants Program:
Each year Australia Post’s Community Grants program awards grants of up to $10,000 to fund community-led, local projects that connect individuals and communities. Since 2020, our focus has been on supporting projects that connect individuals for improved mental health and mental wellbeing outcomes in local communities. Since 2013, Australia Post’s Community Grants program has awarded $4,285,761 to 675 community groups. Visit: auspost.com.au/grants
Roadworks: Beacon Hill
Warringah Road at Willandra Road: Tue 21 Jun 2022 to Tue 28 Jun 2022 - 10:00pm to 5:00am - Road affected all directions
Advice; Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage, Allow extra travel time
Other Advice: Traffic signals at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Willandra Rd will be blacked out with alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.
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
Palm Beach RSL Veterans Ocean Therapy
Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch has approved the formation of Veterans Ocean Therapy in order to improve Physical and Mental Health of Veterans.
Storage will soon arrive at 29 Iluka Rd that will house kayaks and paddle boards with direct access to Pittwater.
A regular paddle club will shortly afterwards commence for veterans including BBQ breakfast at the club.
Veterans Ocean Therapy will be looking for assistance or donations of watercraft and gear.
Any veterans interested in joining please stay tuned for more updates. Or contact Dave Good at dave@good.id.au
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Palm-Beach-NSW-RSL-Veterans-Ocean-Therapy
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls
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.
This Issue:
Artist of the Month June 2022: Gemma Rasdall - Water Access Only Exhibition - at Bather's Pavilion and ONLINE Website: www.gemmarasdall.com - Scotland Island Artist Gemma Rasdall was announced as a Finalist in the 2022 Wynne prize in May 2022, a credit to her work but also for developing her practice. Known for her very popular marine paintings on sailcloth – some of which can be quite large in scale – her Wynne Prize finalist work is something quite different, and signals a shift in her work. Gemma's ''Framed by life offshore'', watercolour and gouache on paper; 75 x 85.5 cm (overall) Artists' Statement reads: Welcome to Scotland Island: a short boat ride, casual paddle or vigorous swim from Church Point Wharf on Garigal Country, NSW. We offshore dwellers blow in and out with the tides, basking like seals when the sun shines and washing up like drowning rats when the squalls hit. This place and its people – a quirky and multifarious community – warm my soul and flood my creative practice with colour and movement. This artwork is a collection of moments captured around the island and its surrounding bays from friends’ and neighbours’ houses. It is an ode to the place I call home.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1, 2022
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Public Health Alert: High-Dose MDMA (Ecstasy) Circulating In NSW
June 10, 2022
NSW Health is warning of high-dose MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy tablets, circulating in the community after tablets seized by NSW Police contained more than two times the average dose of MDMA per tablet.
The tablets are pink in colour, irregular shaped and are marked with an Audi logo.
High dose MDMA tablets have recently been found in NSW (average dose of 196 mg). This is more than twice the amount usually contained in MDMA tablets circulating in NSW.
Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, Dr Darren Roberts, said consuming high doses of MDMA has been linked to cases of serious illness and death in NSW.
"It can cause severe agitation and paranoia, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm and death," Dr Roberts said.
"While one MDMA tablet alone can cause life-threatening toxicity, the risk is greatly increased if high doses or multiple MDMA tablets are consumed over a short period, or if MDMA is consumed in combination with other stimulants, such as cocaine."
Dr Roberts urged anyone who was unwell from MDMA to immediately call Triple Zero.
"Importantly, look after your mates. If you feel unwell, or if your friend feels unwell, do something about it. Don't ignore it. You won't get into trouble for seeking medical care," he said.
For images and more information on the high dose MDMA (ecstasy) visit the NSW Health website
Effects to look out for
Feeling really hot and sweaty, light headedness, rigid muscles (e.g. difficulty walking), confusion or agitation, racing pulse/heart, feeling aggressive, uncontrolled repetitive movements, vomiting, seizures, difficult to rouse / unconscious.
Getting help
Seek help immediately from your nearest emergency department or call Triple Zero (000). Start CPR if someone is not breathing.
For information about the potential adverse effects of MDMA, please contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
For support and information on drug, alcohol and other substance, please contact: The Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015. This is a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information.
Congratulations Tegan Murdock
Narrabeen resident and Artist Tegan Murdock is celebrating this week after her design now makes a tram down south look much much better.
Posting on FB on June 8, 2022 Tegan said:
''What an amazing opportunity to have my weaving on a Tram for 12 months weaving around Melbourne.
I cried when I seen It for the first time yesterday.
Tears of happiness, pride and tears of is this really happening.
My little hands created this beauty and I’m so proud how it turned out.
I thank my beautiful Mum for teaching me and our Beautiful Aunt that shared with her.
I believe we were passed this for a bigger reason than ourselves.''
''So happy I got to have my family there by my side. I love you so much Ben Murdock (husband)
Huge thank you to Jarra Steel for curating it all, you’re truly amazing, the hard work you’ve put into all this is just so deadly! Thanks to Rising for this opportunity.
Thank you all so much for your beautiful words, your support towards my little journey helps me more than you know.''
Weaving Culture Through Community
Tram route: 6, 19
Tram 5002
Tegan Murdock founder of ‘Love Yourself Sister’, is married with two daughters and a proud Aboriginal woman from the Barkindji nation in far west NSW.
''I am a proud member of the Barkindtji tribe originating from Coomealla, Lake Victoria and the Mungo regions from my mothers ancestors. While also belonging to the Yorta Yorta and Dhudaroah tribes originating from the Shepparton area from my father’s ancestors.''
Tegan Murdock was raised in the small country town of Coomealla (25kms north west of Mildura on the NSW and Victorian border of Australia) on the Namatjira Mission.
''My beautiful Mum Margaret taught me to weave several years ago. I started weaving earrings and then kept creating new pieces as the inspiration came to me. I now create jewellery and wall pieces as well as teach others to weave in face to face and online workshops, school visits and corporate staff development days.''
Find out more at: https://loveyourselfsister.com/
Photos courtesy James Morgan
Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services: Possums In Your Roof
Possums in your roof? Please do the right thing
On the weekend, one of our volunteers noticed a driver pull up, get out of their vehicle, open the boot, remove a trap and attempt to dump a possum on a bush track. Fortunately, our member intervened and saved the beautiful female brushtail and the baby in her pouch from certain death.
It is illegal to relocate a trapped possum more than 150 metres from the point of capture and substantial penalties apply. Urbanised possums are highly territorial and do not fare well in unfamiliar bushland. In fact, they may starve to death or be taken by predators.
While Sydney Wildlife Rescue does not provide a service to remove possums from your roof, we do offer this advice:
✅ Call us on (02) 9413 4300 and we will refer you to a reliable and trusted licenced contractor in the Sydney metropolitan area. For a small fee they will remove the possum, seal the entry to your roof and provide a suitable home for the possum - a box for a brushtail or drey for a ringtail.
✅ Do-it-yourself by following this advice from the Department of Planning and Environment:
❌ Do not under any circumstances relocate a possum more than 150 metres from the capture site.
Thank you for caring and doing the right thing.
Sydney Wildlife photos
Narrabeen Bridge Night Works And Footpath Closures
Night works on Narrabeen’s Pittwater Road Bridge have been scheduled for Tuesday 14 June from 7pm to 5am and access to the pedestrian footpath will be closed from 14 to 24 June, excluding weekends.
The night works will allow Council contractors to extend the roadside fence on the western side of bridge to better protect pedestrians from vehicles. During construction, the left turn from Pittwater Road to Wakehurst Parkway will be closed and traffic will be diverted to turn left at the lights to get to Wakehurst Parkway.
The pedestrian footpath will be closed from 14 to 24 June, excluding weekends, while the Council upgrade the footpaths at either end of the bridge.
Ramps and signage will be in place during this time to direct pedestrians to cross at the traffic lights and walk along the eastern side of the bridge.
The new footpaths will link to the Pittwater Road Bridge and the new pedestrian and cycle bridge to provide walkers and cyclists on the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail with a connection across the lagoon, away from vehicles.
All other works on Narrabeen’s new pedestrian and cycle bridge will be completed from water barges to minimise disruption to the community. These works are expected to be complete in August.
Photo: NBC
Avalon Surf Life Saving Club Beach House Kiosk And Restaurant
Trippas White Group have been operating the Beach House Restaurant and Kiosk in the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club premises since 2015.
The venue has been closed to the public since Winter 2021, and Northern Beaches Council and Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club have reached agreement with the operator to end the restaurant and café arrangements in place.
In July, Council plans to release a tender for a new operator to take over the operation of these fabulous assets, however in the interim the function space is available to the community now, with bookings made through Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Council looks forward to seeing a new operator refresh this fabulous beach-front location for the community to enjoy.
Photos: AJG
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
VALE Wal Williams
10th October 1922 - 4th June 2022
It is our sad duty to inform this community that WW2 Veteran Wal Williams OAM has passed away.
Wal died on Saturday 4th June at Kokoda Hostel, War Veterans, Narrabeen- Collaroy, where he was a resident. Wal was a past President of Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch and a past Director of Pittwater RSL club Ltd.
Wal was awarded his OAM on 14th June 2021 for his services to the Veteran Community.
Wal is survived by his son Neil, grandsons Robert and Nicholas, and great‑granddaughter, Sophia.
The community expresses sincere condolences to Wal's family at this time.
Wal’s funeral will be held at the War Vets Chapel Tuesday 14th June at 10am with a Wake to follow at the Gallipoli Centre starting at 1130-1330.
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Photo: Wal during his profile interview - Wal's Profile from 2017 runs this Issue as a Tribute to this wonderful gentleman.
Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade AGM
At our Brigade AGM on Sunday June 5th we said thankyou to the team that led us through the last 12 months. Despite the challenges posed by COVID (and sometimes because of the challenges posed by COVID!) we achieved a lot.
We also elected the leadership team for the next 12 months.
Congratulations to the following Field Officers:
Tom Lvslett (Deputy Captain)
Craig Laslett (Deputy Captain)
Ian White (Senior Deputy Captain & CFR Team Lead)
Peter Lalor (Captain)
Congratulations also to the following Administration Officers:
Roy Baker (President)
Vanessa Barry (Secretary)
Lara Hasell (Treasurer)
Tim Ives (Training Officer)
John Marshall (Equipment Officer)
Kylie Bennetts (First Aid Officer)
Steve Yorke (Station Officer)
Lizzie Hazelwood (Social Secretary)
Congratulations to the following award winners:
Member of the Year - Tim Ives
CFR Member of the Year - Emma Ives
CFU Member of the Year - Penny Wise
Photo: SIRFB
Coal & Candle Rural Fire Brigade News
Congratulations to our Captain-elect Bill Dunlop and to all those voted into positions at our AGM on Sunday.
A special shout out to our outgoing Captain Chelsea Varga on becoming the brigades newest Life Member.
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who held positions in the last 12 months.
RPAYC Archive Volunteer Needed
The RPAYC Heritage Committee would be grateful to hear from volunteers who may be able to assist with tasks such as:
- recording the club’s historical information; and
- writing articles about the club’s history for the E-News.
Any amount of time you’re able to donate would be gratefully accepted.
If you are able to offer any help, please contact the club (ph: 9998 3700).
Marine Rescue Cottage Point + Marine Rescue Broken Bay Winter Training: Whale Disentanglement + Night Navigation
June 9, 2022: Just when you thought it was an ordinary Thursday, MRCP and MRBB were part of the whale disentanglement training with NPWS (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service) in Pittwater today.
Marine Rescue NSW and the NPWS have a memorandum of understanding that sees the two organisations collaborate when a whale requires assistance, with our members training together and our rescue vessels providing a large work platform or 'mother ship' during actual responses.
June 6, 2022 MRCP: Night Navigation Training; MR Cottage Point was out completing essential night navigation training and will continue to over the next few weeks. This was was led by our very own Unit Commander Tony Gordon and Dave Robofish. A great night which was also joined by members of Surf 30.
Photos: MR Cottage Point and MR Broken Bay
Pittwater Connection - Memorial Project
St Pius X College garden occupies land that was previously used as Coopers Flat Cemetery. The College is compiling a memorial publication and monument to the 170 or so people interred there between 1865 and 1911. A number of them came from the Pittwater District.
Further details and a list of those interred are at
People are warmly invited to view the names and details and contact the College via the form provided (on page linked to) if they are able to supply further information or are related to those listed.
Thank You
Tony Cunneen
Head of Publications
St Pius X College
Avalon Public School: Winter Solstice
Winter solstice is coming up. It’s the shortest day of the year, and an opportunity to get together for an early morning hot chocolate / coffee, watch the sunrise and walk to school together.
A crew of classes are heading out and meeting at Avalon Beach.
It was a tradition for years before Covid struck so let’s welcome it back and reconnect as the incredible school community we are. Everyone brings a small plate to share, we watch the sunrise, maybe do a beach clean if time permits, then walk to school together. If parents are unavailable they can drop their kids and I can walk them up to school.
Sunrise is at 7am on the 21st, so aim to arrive before sunrise. Rug up because it will be cold.
Please join @thehivebyavalonps to keep up to date with all of the events by our fantastic P&C community.
Living Ocean Traditional Welcome To Country For The Southern Humpback Whale Migration: June 24
Environmental organisation Living Ocean is proud to host a traditional indigenous Whale Welcome to Ocean Country to be held at 7:30AM on Friday 24 June at the Avalon Surf Club, 558 Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach. Details of the great whale census, to be held by collaborative partner ORRCA on 26 June, will also be announced at this event.
Tens of thousands of Humpback Whales are expected to migrate north along the East Coast of Australia from June to September. Traditionally the local indigenous people, the Garigal of the Guringai whose totem is the whale, have always welcomed the migration to their Ocean Coast.
Local elder Uncle Neil will perform a smoke ceremony, followed by whale songs on the didgeridoo, and finally the local community will call the whales in the traditional way by squeaking their feet in the sands of Avalon Beach.
The annual Southern Hemisphere whale migration is one of nature’s most spectacular events, with these magnificent animals travelling up to 10,000 kilometres. However, it’s not just about their journey, as the importance of whales in terms of climate change is staggering when you consider each great whale captures 33 tons of CO2 on average, taking that carbon out of the atmosphere for centuries. At the same time, whales supply the ocean with the nutrients required to grow phytoplankton, which capture ~40% of all CO2 produced. Just a 1% increase in phytoplankton thanks to whales would capture hundreds of millions of tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 2 billion trees.
David Cousins, Living Ocean Vice President, says ‘the preservation of the marine ecosystem to boost whale populations is paramount, as the lungs of our planet actually reside in the ocean.’
Living Ocean is a not-for-profit organisation which operates as a centre for marine studies with a focus on marine animal behaviour, macro and micro plastics, and marine environment processes. They promote awareness of human impact on the ocean through research, education, creative activation and support of others who sustain ocean health and integrity.
The role of the ocean is fundamental as it regulates rainfall and droughts, holds 97% of our planets water, and is the greatest carbon sink on earth, far surpassing all vegetation. Therefore, the impact of ocean health is profound.
Living Ocean strives to promote and educate on the importance of ocean health as necessary to the survival of all life (human, animal and botanical) on earth.
The Welcome to Ocean Country for the Southern Hemisphere’s great whales will be held at 7:30AM on Friday 24 June at the Avalon Surf Club, 558 Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach.
CABPRA Winter Newsletter
The Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents Association (CABPRA) Newsletter for Winter 2022 now available for download.
Please click here to access.
CABPRA’s vision is:
- To encourage residents to take an active interest in their community
- To preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area including native flora and fauna
- To promote sound environmental planning and management sympathetic with Pittwater’s natural beauty
- To protect and enhance the residential amenity of the area including public reserves, access lanes, footpaths, cycle ways, beaches, wharves and foreshores
- To speak with one voice and represent the interests and quality of life of the CABPRA community when in discussion with Council and other relevant government bodies
Photo: Geoff Clark
Update On SIRA Activities
Want to find out what the Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA) and its subcommittees have been doing in the first part of this year?
You can now view a short report on activities in areas such as communications, road improvements, the environment, wharves and the emergency water system, as well as recreation. To download the report, please click here.
Some of the members of the SIRA Committee, 2021-22
Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week
Jack 2yo And Jill 4yo Jack Russell X
Jack and Jill are a bonded pair came from the pound after their owner died. They might be mother and son. They are active playful dogs who have good dog social manners. They are both affectionate dogs once you get to know them but initially shy. Jill is slower at making friends than Jack. She watches what he does. Once they relax with you they are very affectionate dogs. Jack is a bit overweight at 7.8kg and Jill is 7.5kg. They both have short coats.
Jack
Jill
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 $850. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Fantale
5 month old Domestic Short Hair
Fantale
Fantale is a very friendly curious kitten about 5 months old. He enjoys playing with his sister Sherbie. He is very affectionate and loves company. 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 Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
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
Narrabeen Tragic Tigers: Over 35’S Rugby Team
Have you been coaching or watching your little tacker running around? Getting pumped watching Subbies or the big boys play?
Come and have a run with Narrabeen Tragic Tigers Over 35’s rugby team!
Next game is after Subbies at Porters Reserve Newport Saturday 14/5 from 5 pm.
It’s competitive rugby, played with modified rules to make sure you turn up to work on Monday.
Challenging, great team spirit, and maybe a beer or three after it.
Contact us to find out more at: vpnarrabeentigers@gmail.com
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
Johnson Brothers Trade Day 2022: June 16 At Mona Vale
Thursday June 16 2022 is the annual Johnson Brothers Trade Day at the Mona Vale from Noon until 5.30 pm this year, and will feature a range of great products and services and information stalls for local Tradies and those keen on their DIY projects.
Johnson Bros Trade Day is an annual Expo which showcases both best practice and innovation. With stands manned by reps from over 60 brands, it provides a great resource for information and advice to anyone interested in learning about tools and materials within the hardware industry. CPD points will be available for builders.
PLUS: Winter Garden Jobs For A Flowering Fruitful Spring
Also this Issue: With snow winds blowing around our ears now is a great time to get the toes warm through doing some outdoors work and setting your garden up for a fruitful flowering Spring. At present many of our local trees are shedding leaves, so it's also a great seasons to re-gear your mulch and compost heaps to feed your garden's earth health.
This Issue a look into some jobs you can do around the garden this month.
Keolis Downer Northern Beaches: Recruitment Open Day
Want to put yourself in the Driver’s seat?
Keolis Downer Northern Beaches is now hiring!
Enjoy autonomy, work-life balance, supportive team culture and social connection.
No experience is needed. You just have to love to drive!
Part-time, full-time, casual, and job share options are available.
Potential earnings of $70-90k (full-time average).
Other benefits include FREE license upgrade, health and wellbeing programs including Fitness Passport for you and your family, staff rewards and discounts, and more
Recruitment Open Day Details:
Come and meet our HR and Operations team to discuss starting your career within Australia’s largest private multi-model Transport operator.
There will be info sessions, depot tours and a BBQ. You can apply on the spot or just have an obligation free talk to one of our experienced drivers.
When: Saturday 18 June 2022 between 8:00am and 4:00pm
Where: Brookvale Bus Depot, 630-636 Pittwater Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100
For more information or to book in a time, contact us at kdnb.recruitment@keolisdowner.com.au or call 029941 5888.
Free Bright Blooms And Bush Tucker On Offer
June 9, 2022
The NSW Government has launched the latest round of its Free Tree Giveaway, with up to 9,000 trees – from beautiful red waratahs to the hardy Wynyarbbie Gem – up for grabs by Greater Sydney residents.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes said it was exciting to keep the momentum of the popular program going, as the Government fast approaches its goal of 1 million trees planted by the end of 2022.
“We started the giveaway almost two years ago and, thanks to the passion of residents across Greater Sydney, we’ve seen more than 45,000 trees planted. The last giveaway alone saw 6,000 trees claimed in just a matter of days,” Mr Roberts said.
“More trees mean more shade, cleaner air, and healthier, happier and more resilient communities, so bolstering our tree numbers is something we can all get behind.
“This latest round focuses on providing native tree options, including fingerlimes, native thyme and lemon myrtle, giving residents the added bonus of growing something they might one day be able to eat.”
To deliver the giveaway, the NSW Government has partnered with Sydney-based IndigiGrow, a 100 per cent Aboriginal owned and operated social enterprise.
IndigiGrow CEO Peter Cooley said the purpose of IndigiGrow is to help sustain people, land and culture, through the propagation of native plants, including bush foods.
“This partnership helps us to provide apprenticeships for our young people, where they learn traditional plant knowledge and gain nationally-recognised training at the same time,” Mr Cooley said.
Every tree planted from this giveaway will be registered towards the Greening our City Premier’s Priority, which aims to plant 1 million trees in Greater Sydney by the end of the year.
The Tree Giveaway is open to residents from all 33 LGAs across Greater Sydney, who have not already received a free tree in 2022.
Australia Post Pays It Forward With Community Grants Focusing On Mental Health And Wellbeing
Applications are open for Australia Post’s 2022 Community Grants program, helping build community connections to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians across the country.
From today, not-for-profit groups across Australia can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects with the primary purpose of improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities. Last year’s program saw half of all grants made to organisations in regional and remote locations.
Australia Post Head of Community, Nicky Tracey said past recipients included projects such as friendship and buddy programs, peer support groups for young people, mental wellbeing workshops and community morning teas.
“We are delighted to once again offer these grants to help support the mental health of Australians all around the country. We’ve seen how these grants make a real difference in local communities, building connection and encouraging open and positive conversations around mental health,” Ms Tracey said.
“As an organisation that delivers to customers everywhere - in cities, rural areas and the most remote corners of the country - we want to support local communities deliver a diverse range of projects, and we’re delighted to once again do that through the 2022 Community Grants program.”
The program illustrates Australia Post’s longstanding commitment to mental health, which includes supporting mental health and wellbeing in the transport and logistics industries as a founding member of Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, and a partnership with Beyond Blue that to date has delivered mental health resources to more than 6 million letterboxes across Australia.
Applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines carefully to check eligibility requirements, with eligible community organisations able to apply until 11.59pm on 3 July 2022 at auspost.com.au/grants.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome in September 2022.
About Australia Post’s Community Grants Program:
Each year Australia Post’s Community Grants program awards grants of up to $10,000 to fund community-led, local projects that connect individuals and communities. Since 2020, our focus has been on supporting projects that connect individuals for improved mental health and mental wellbeing outcomes in local communities. Since 2013, Australia Post’s Community Grants program has awarded $4,285,761 to 675 community groups. Visit: auspost.com.au/grants
Scheduled Roadwork: Surveying-Wakehurst Parkway
Frenchs Forest; Wakehurst Parkway between Dreadnought Road and Oxford Falls Road
Mon 11 Jul 2022 to Thu 14 Jul 2022: 9:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions
Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage, Exercise caution
Other Advice: Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.
Newport Residents Association: June 2022 Meeting
Our next meeting will be Tuesday evening 21st June 2022 commencing at 7 pm at the Newport Community Centre Activity Room, The Boulevard, Newport. The aims and objectives of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated include:
- To provide a forum for all interested residents, ratepayers and resident groups in the Pittwater Ward area and particularly in the Newport area.
- To represent the interests of ratepayers and residents on local issues at all levels of government but particularly at the local government level.
- To work for responsible planning, environmental protection and the enhancement of the environment of the Northern Beaches Council and in particular the Pittwater Ward area.
- To achieve community awareness and involvement in Council’s decision-making processes and planning.
- To take any other action not elsewhere included to further the interests of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated and its members.
MEETINGS
3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.00 pm at the Newport Community Centre (The Boulevarde Newport).
To find out more, please visit: https://newport.org.au/
In 2022 Newport Rugby Club has teamed up with The Newport to present Ladies Day 2022!
Given that we have had two years without acknowledging the amazing women who contributed to our community rugby club, we have decided to go all out!
Here is what is included in your ticket;
- 12:00pm Meet at The Newport for Canapés and Drinks
- 1:55pm The Newport courtesy bus to transport from the venue to Porters Reserve
- 2:00pm COCKTAIL HOUR where Newport Rugby Clubhouse will exclusively be available to the Ladies with Live Music and Cocktails
- 3:00pm Continued normal bar access with bar service (1hour)
- 5:00pm Post Match Ceremony Barker & Newport
- 7:00pm Transport available to transfer to The Newport
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever
Mona Vale Village Park
Saturday July 16, 2022 at 11.30 am
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is coming to Mona Vale. This is a free community event where people come together, dressed in red flowing clothes and recreate the Kate Bush iconic video for her song Wuthering Heights. This event is performed all over the world on the middle weekend of July.
After the performance, we float across to The Park House where all the Cathie’s can gather and Wuther some more.
In addition at the Park House, we will have some raffles and silent auctions to raise funds and awareness of local charity The Womens Resilience Centre.
Palm Beach RSL Veterans Ocean Therapy
Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch has approved the formation of Veterans Ocean Therapy in order to improve Physical and Mental Health of Veterans.
Storage will soon arrive at 29 Iluka Rd that will house kayaks and paddle boards with direct access to Pittwater.
A regular paddle club will shortly afterwards commence for veterans including BBQ breakfast at the club.
Veterans Ocean Therapy will be looking for assistance or donations of watercraft and gear.
Any veterans interested in joining please stay tuned for more updates. Or contact Dave Good at dave@good.id.au
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Palm-Beach-NSW-RSL-Veterans-Ocean-Therapy
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls
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.
This Issue:
Profile of the Week Robyn Edelle Friend (B.A. & Dip Ed.)July 7th 1946 To May 14th, 2022
A Celebration Of Her Life
On Friday May 27th at 12.01pm a Celebration of the Life of Robyn Friend was held on the front lawn of the Avalon Bowling Club.
This Celebration had been fully planned and written out by Robyn and the following adheres to her instructions and wishes, and those of her family.
Robyn's Notice, as hand penned to Pittwater Online to be run, stated, in part; ''All are invited to Celebrate BUT must bring smiles and dancing shoes.'' All were asked to wear colourful clothing as well - no dark colours.
Dick Harris, of Avalon Bulldogs and First Grade Manager of the Warringah Rats was asked to be MC and read the Eulogy Robyn had written to be read, as her speaking. Similarly Robyn had a full itinerary of the Order of Celebration which included her children, her wider family and her best friends from her sport - Netball.
This Issue a Tribute to one of Avalon Beach's Treasures.
Artist of the Month June 2022: Gemma Rasdall - Water Access Only Exhibition - at Bather's Pavilion and ONLINE Website: www.gemmarasdall.com - Scotland Island Artist Gemma Rasdall was announced as a Finalist in the 2022 Wynne prize in May 2022, a credit to her work but also for developing her practice. Known for her very popular marine paintings on sailcloth – some of which can be quite large in scale – her Wynne Prize finalist work is something quite different, and signals a shift in her work. Gemma's ''Framed by life offshore'', watercolour and gouache on paper; 75 x 85.5 cm (overall) Artists' Statement reads: Welcome to Scotland Island: a short boat ride, casual paddle or vigorous swim from Church Point Wharf on Garigal Country, NSW. We offshore dwellers blow in and out with the tides, basking like seals when the sun shines and washing up like drowning rats when the squalls hit. This place and its people – a quirky and multifarious community – warm my soul and flood my creative practice with colour and movement. This artwork is a collection of moments captured around the island and its surrounding bays from friends’ and neighbours’ houses. It is an ode to the place I call home.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1, 2022
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Be Fire-Safe, Not Sorry This Winter
Acknowledgement To All Candidates Following Historic Mackellar Election Outcome
CABPRA Winter Newsletter
The Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents Association (CABPRA) Newsletter for Winter 2022 now available for download.Please click here to access.
CABPRA’s vision is:- To encourage residents to take an active interest in their community
- To preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area including native flora and fauna
- To promote sound environmental planning and management sympathetic with Pittwater’s natural beauty
- To protect and enhance the residential amenity of the area including public reserves, access lanes, footpaths, cycle ways, beaches, wharves and foreshores
- To speak with one voice and represent the interests and quality of life of the CABPRA community when in discussion with Council and other relevant government bodies
The Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents Association (CABPRA) Newsletter for Winter 2022 now available for download.
Please click here to access.
CABPRA’s vision is:
- To encourage residents to take an active interest in their community
- To preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area including native flora and fauna
- To promote sound environmental planning and management sympathetic with Pittwater’s natural beauty
- To protect and enhance the residential amenity of the area including public reserves, access lanes, footpaths, cycle ways, beaches, wharves and foreshores
- To speak with one voice and represent the interests and quality of life of the CABPRA community when in discussion with Council and other relevant government bodies
Update On SIRA Activities
Want to find out what the Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA) and its subcommittees have been doing in the first part of this year?
You can now view a short report on activities in areas such as communications, road improvements, the environment, wharves and the emergency water system, as well as recreation. To download the report, please click here.
Some of the members of the SIRA Committee, 2021-22
Want to find out what the Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA) and its subcommittees have been doing in the first part of this year?
You can now view a short report on activities in areas such as communications, road improvements, the environment, wharves and the emergency water system, as well as recreation. To download the report, please click here.
Some of the members of the SIRA Committee, 2021-22
ICAC Forum On Pork Barrelling
Narrabeen Tragic Tigers: Over 35’S Rugby Team
Have you been coaching or watching your little tacker running around? Getting pumped watching Subbies or the big boys play?Come and have a run with Narrabeen Tragic Tigers Over 35’s rugby team!
Next game is after Subbies at Porters Reserve Newport Saturday 14/5 from 5 pm.
It’s competitive rugby, played with modified rules to make sure you turn up to work on Monday.Challenging, great team spirit, and maybe a beer or three after it.
Contact us to find out more at: vpnarrabeentigers@gmail.com
Have you been coaching or watching your little tacker running around? Getting pumped watching Subbies or the big boys play?
Come and have a run with Narrabeen Tragic Tigers Over 35’s rugby team!
Next game is after Subbies at Porters Reserve Newport Saturday 14/5 from 5 pm.
It’s competitive rugby, played with modified rules to make sure you turn up to work on Monday.
Challenging, great team spirit, and maybe a beer or three after it.
Contact us to find out more at: vpnarrabeentigers@gmail.com
Lakeside Park 'Proposed' Carpark Changes
See below - no details or plans of boat trailer parking bay numbers or where these will be provided - just this sign on the site itself.
overhead shot of current site - per Google maps.
Email feedback to council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au use Reference: 2022/281231 by June 10.
See below - no details or plans of boat trailer parking bay numbers or where these will be provided - just this sign on the site itself.
overhead shot of current site - per Google maps.
Email feedback to council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au use Reference: 2022/281231 by June 10.
Midget Farrelly Tribute Statue For Palm Beach
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.
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.
Celebrating NSW's Top Scientists And Engineers
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.
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
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
Speed Humps On McCarrs Creek Rd: Please Share Wildlife Data
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 JaneNotice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue
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
Helping Households With Energy Bills
Households experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills will be able to access up to $1,600 a year in help after Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean increased support payments on May 26, 2022.
The Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) program has helped 49,000 NSW households experiencing short-term financial hardship with their energy bills. From Monday May 29, 2022, each application will have its limit increased from $300 to $400, up to a maximum of $1,600 a year.
“Eligible customers can receive payment assistance of up to $400 per application for electricity and up to $400 per application for gas bills twice a year,” Mr Kean said.
“This means the annual maximum limit of vouchers has increased from $1,200 to $1,600 per household.”
The boost to assistance for electricity and gas bills comes as the Australian Energy Regulator released its final determination today showing NSW energy customers on standing offers will face price increases from July 1.
The price increases are driven primarily by external factors including the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has affected supply and led to global price pressures on coal and gas. Extreme weather events in NSW and Queensland have also had an impact on prices.
The extra assistance is part of a $330 million per year package the NSW government is providing which also includes energy rebates to around 1 million households.
“With cost-of-living pressures increasing, colder weather arriving and days shortening, we want to make sure households in NSW not only keep the lights on but keep their families safe, warm and comfortable,” Mr Kean said.
Eligible households can also apply for different rebates including the Low Income Household Rebate, Gas Rebate, Family Energy Rebate, and Seniors Energy Rebate.
Around 800,000 households received the Low Income Household Rebate last year and 286,000 received the Gas Rebate.
“I encourage all households to shop around to find the best deal for their energy,” Mr Kean said.
Customers can see what they are eligible for by using the Service NSW Savings Finder, phoning 13 77 88 or visiting a Service NSW centre.
Households and small businesses can also use the free and independent Australian Government service – Energy Made Easy – to compare energy plans.
Newport Residents Association: June 2022 Meeting
Our next meeting will be Tuesday evening 21st June 2022 commencing at 7 pm at the Newport Community Centre Activity Room, The Boulevard, Newport. The aims and objectives of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated include:
- To provide a forum for all interested residents, ratepayers and resident groups in the Pittwater Ward area and particularly in the Newport area.
- To represent the interests of ratepayers and residents on local issues at all levels of government but particularly at the local government level.
- To work for responsible planning, environmental protection and the enhancement of the environment of the Northern Beaches Council and in particular the Pittwater Ward area.
- To achieve community awareness and involvement in Council’s decision-making processes and planning.
- To take any other action not elsewhere included to further the interests of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated and its members.
MEETINGS
3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.00 pm at the Newport Community Centre (The Boulevarde Newport).
To find out more, please visit: https://newport.org.au/
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
In 2022 Newport Rugby Club has teamed up with The Newport to present Ladies Day 2022!
Given that we have had two years without acknowledging the amazing women who contributed to our community rugby club, we have decided to go all out!
Here is what is included in your ticket;
- 12:00pm Meet at The Newport for Canapés and Drinks
- 1:55pm The Newport courtesy bus to transport from the venue to Porters Reserve
- 2:00pm COCKTAIL HOUR where Newport Rugby Clubhouse will exclusively be available to the Ladies with Live Music and Cocktails
- 3:00pm Continued normal bar access with bar service (1hour)
- 5:00pm Post Match Ceremony Barker & Newport
- 7:00pm Transport available to transfer to The Newport
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever
Mona Vale Village Park
Saturday July 16, 2022 at 11.30 am
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is coming to Mona Vale. This is a free community event where people come together, dressed in red flowing clothes and recreate the Kate Bush iconic video for her song Wuthering Heights. This event is performed all over the world on the middle weekend of July.
After the performance, we float across to The Park House where all the Cathie’s can gather and Wuther some more.
In addition at the Park House, we will have some raffles and silent auctions to raise funds and awareness of local charity The Womens Resilience Centre.
This Issue:
Profile of the Week Gemma Rasdall Scotland Island Artist Gemma Rasdall was announced as a Finalist in the 2022 Wynne prize in May 2022, a credit to her work but also for developing her practice.Known for her very popular marine paintings on sailcloth – some of which can be quite large in scale – her Wynne Prize finalist work is something quite different, and signals a shift in her work.
In 2013 Gemma featured as a Profile of the Week when she had just left high school and commenced studying at the College of Fine Arts (COFA). Since then Gemma has completed her studies and embarked on taking part in local exhibitions, such as ArtSpot and Artzpace, and Solo and Group exhibitions outside of Pittwater, including;
Selected Solo Exhibitions - 2019 - The Calm, Art Gallery on Darling; 2018 - Illusions, Frances Keevil Gallery; 2018 - Waterfront, Art Gallery on Darling; 2017 - Paintings on Recycled Sailcloth, Frances Keevil Gallery, and Selected Group Exhibitions; 2021 - Winter Salon, Michael Reid Northern Beaches; 2020, 2019 - Summer Annual, Sydney Road Gallery, Seaforth; 2019 - Collection 10, Rochfort Gallery, North Sydney; 2018 - Land and Sea, Rochfort Gallery, North Sydney.
The daughter of Richard and Meredith Rasdall, who founded and coordinated the Pittwater Artfest, a highly successful bi-annual children's art festival and who were also very active in the Avalon Sailing Club and other aquatic passions, Gemma has grown up on and in the water and surrounded by her mum's passion for Art.
Gemma's work is currently featured in a 'Water Access Only' Exhibition at The Bather's Pavilion in Balmoral, which runs until June 20th, 2022, as well as making this Exhibition available online via her website, visit: www.gemmarasdall.com/water-access-only-exhibition
With a new Artists Residency coming up, this time in France (Gemma had one in 2018 on Finders Island, Tasmania) a catch-up with one of our great local Artists is due, and includes some of that current Wynne work. Gemma Photographic Portrait by Natalie Page, Scotland Island photographer
The Narrabeen Hotel has been part of our community for well over 130 years and has changed from being a simple structure to a larger one with tea gardens and then a huge edifice. Its name has changed over the years too, from being an Inn to a Hotel to a Royal Hotel to the Royal Antler Hotel (replete with a stag's head added to the sign) and today is known as the Narrabeen Sands Hotel.
Charles William Prowse, a coach proprietor who provided local transport from the ferry wharf in Manly Cove was the first licensee of what was then called the ‘Narrabeen Inn’ in 1886:
A publican's license was granted to C. W. Prowse, for premises situated at Pittwater-road, Narrabeen. LICENSING COURTS. (1886, January 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13609631
Mr. Prowse and his wife Margaret were also running The Pier Hotel at Manly Wharf from 1883 to 1886 and later had 'Prowse's Refreshment Rooms' on the west side of Manly Corso. A keen cyclist, he was part of the Manly Cycling Club and later the Ferndale cycling club of Manly, as well as being active in the community. His son, 'Ossy' Prowse was a well known champion cyclist of that time as well - a few notes from the pages of the past are under Extras.
Mr Prowse transferred the licence to Robert Norris in 1887, a Narrabeen local, although there were clearly others who also had been given a publican's licence in the vicinity:
Narrabeen Hotel, Pittwater-road, from Charles W. Prouse to Robert Morris ... LICENSING COURT. (1887, March 11). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article236754960
Publicans' licenses were also granted to Henry Whiting, Freshwater Hotel Narrabeen, and Thomas Henry Purvis, Narrabeen Lake, Narrabeen... LICENSING COURTS. (1888, October 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13700225
This week a look into the changing licensees and building that is the Narrabeen Hotel.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 1, 2022
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
National Reconciliation Week 2022
The 2022 theme, Be Brave. Make Change. asks all Australians to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can make change for the benefit of all Australians.
“Our research shows that the majority of Australians support reconciliation and value the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine said.
“But – together – we still have a few big things to achieve.
“For reconciliation to be effective we need constitutional reform, treaties, and truth-telling.
“National Reconciliation Week 2022 follows a weekend marked by a change of government and a new Parliament presenting an opportunity for brave action with a commitment to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
“Its five years since the Uluru Statement was presented to the Australian people and the time for change starts now.
“We are also buoyed by the rise in the number of First Nations people in the new parliament, representing a range of views, and wish them strength in their work.
“But we can’t leave everything to our leaders and this is where Be Brave. Make Change comes in.
“The real work of reconciliation happens in our everyday actions and interactions; where live, work, learn and socialise.”
Brave Actions
Once again this year Reconciliation Australia suggests brave actions people can take with them every day of the year, not just during National Reconciliation Week.
We start by Acknowledging Country
National Reconciliation Week launched this year – as we have done for the previous two years – by bringing Australians together for a National Acknowledgement of Country at 12:00 PM AEST on Friday 27 May.
What began as a lockdown strategy has become a tradition; people – wherever they are at work, home, or school, virtually or in person – pausing to acknowledge that wherever we are in Australia we are on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands.
That we understand the truth of the history of these lands and people, and that we take action to move forward together to a reconciled future.
It’s a simple yet profound act and one we should not just perform but also make substantial through action.
Events everywhere
All over Australia people are marking National Reconciliation Week 2022 by holding events based around the theme, Be Brave. Make Change. Join in with those near you.
Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club Grand Opening Day: June 4
MVSLSC Grand Opening is on the 4th of June. Doors will be open to the community to walk through the building from 1pm and the bar opens at 3pm with Miffi Music playing live! Hope to see you there!
NB Youth For Peace Open Mic Night
Bilgola Beach: Sunday May 29
Join this group of altruistic young people hosted by Bilgola SLSC wanting to do their bit for Ukraine with an Open Mic Night fundraiser.
All funds raised on the night will go to charities doing humanitarian work in the Ukraine.
Bring cash and/talent!
To perform sign up here: https://bit.ly/3vg484Y
Sunday, May 29th 2-5pm at Bilgola Surf Club
In 2022 Newport Rugby Club has teamed up with The Newport to present Ladies Day 2022!
Given that we have had two years without acknowledging the amazing women who contributed to our community rugby club, we have decided to go all out!
Here is what is included in your ticket;
- 12:00pm Meet at The Newport for Canapés and Drinks
- 1:55pm The Newport courtesy bus to transport from the venue to Porters Reserve
- 2:00pm COCKTAIL HOUR where Newport Rugby Clubhouse will exclusively be available to the Ladies with Live Music and Cocktails
- 3:00pm Continued normal bar access with bar service (1hour)
- 5:00pm Post Match Ceremony Barker & Newport
- 7:00pm Transport available to transfer to The Newport
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever
Mona Vale Village Park
Saturday July 16, 2022 at 11.30 am
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is coming to Mona Vale. This is a free community event where people come together, dressed in red flowing clothes and recreate the Kate Bush iconic video for her song Wuthering Heights. This event is performed all over the world on the middle weekend of July.
After the performance, we float across to The Park House where all the Cathie’s can gather and Wuther some more.
In addition at the Park House, we will have some raffles and silent auctions to raise funds and awareness of local charity The Womens Resilience Centre.
Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week
Zac
13yo Maltese X Shihtzu
Zac came from the pound after his owner died. He is a gentle sweet dog who is easy to handle and is very social with other dogs. He is a bit possessive of his dinner so needs to be fed away from other dogs. He has just had a dental with 7 extractions. He has a heart murmur but does not currently need any medication. He has a non-shedding coat and weighs 7.7kg. He would prefer a family where someone is home most of the time. He suits apartment living. 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
Pinot
6mth Mini Lop Ear
Pinot is one of Champagne's kits. Champagne was one of 5 bunnies dumped at a park, all but one were pregnant. Champagne gave birth to 5 kittens - our wine litter on 24 Nov 21. Pinot is a sweet boy who loves gentle pats. He has beautiful black and white markings and looks to be a Dwarf Lop eared bunny.
Pinot comes with 2 vaccinations, chipping and desexing and his adoption fee is $195.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Would You Like To Help Our Wildlife?
The next Sydney Wildlife Rescue and Care Course starts on 4 June 2022, so you can learn how to rescue, rehabilitate and release our sick, injured and orphaned native birds and animals – just like these Pacific Black Ducklings which were saved by our volunteer Tracey.
The course involves two parts:
- Part 1 is a self-paced online course over 3 weeks which should take about 12 hours to complete.
- Part 2 is a practical hands-on, in person, instructional training session conducted over a half-day on a weekend.
We urgently need volunteers across the Sydney metropolitan area, so if you’re wildlife-loving and would like to meet like-minded people to help our native birds and animals, please consider enrolling. More information is available on this link:
Palm Beach RSL Veterans Ocean Therapy
Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch has approved the formation of Veterans Ocean Therapy in order to improve Physical and Mental Health of Veterans.
Storage will soon arrive at 29 Iluka Rd that will house kayaks and paddle boards with direct access to Pittwater.
A regular paddle club will shortly afterwards commence for veterans including BBQ breakfast at the club.
Veterans Ocean Therapy will be looking for assistance or donations of watercraft and gear.
Any veterans interested in joining please stay tuned for more updates. Or contact Dave Good at dave@good.id.au
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Palm-Beach-NSW-RSL-Veterans-Ocean-Therapy
Vale David Forbes OAM
The Australian sailing community is mourning the passing of one of its greatest contributors, David Forbes OAM (January 26, 1934-May, 2022).
Mr Forbes was an honorary member of Palm Beach Sailing Club and was a member at the time he won a gold medal in the Star Class at the 1972 Olympics. He was present at the club's 50th anniversary celebrations.
Champions and Olympians at PBSC's 50th Anniversary celebrations. David with moustache at front, mid photo; AJG Pic
Born in Sydney, Forbes went on to become one of Australia’s most successful yachtsmen through a lengthy domestic and international career.
“We have lost one of the most passionate and creative yachtsmen ever born in Australia,” said Australian Sailing President Daniel Belcher. “David was a friend to many, and his loss will be felt right across the country. He achieved so much on the water in his competitive career, off the water as a designer and later in the business world.
“On behalf of Australian Sailing I would like to send our condolences to David’s family and many friends at this sad time.”
Forbes will be remembered by many for his Olympic gold medal win the Star Class at Munich 1972 alongside crew John Anderson OAM.
It came after Australia's first Olympic sailing gold medal with the Barranjoey’s victory at Tokyo eight years earlier, and on the same day John Cuneo OAM, Tom Anderson and John Shaw also won Gold for Australia in the Dragon class.
But there was so much more to his career, one which spanned over 20 years and included a 5.5m world championship in 1970, a Sydney to Hobart race in 1974, and ten Australian championships, in the Star (seven times), 5.5m, Soling, and Etchells classes. He represented Australia at three Olympic Games, 1968 Mexico City, 1972 Munich, and 1976 Montreal, and was a member of two America’s Cup challenges. He was a part of the ‘Gretel II’ crew in the 1970 America’s Cup and was relief helmsman in the 1977 America’s Cup.
John Bertrand AO was a life-long friend of Forbes, having met in 1969 as a part of Sir Frank Packer’s Gretel II America's Cup challenge.
“He was the most naturally gifted sailor I ever met,” said Bertrand at the passing of his great mate. “David’s career both in sport and business is one of celebration. He was an Olympic gold medallist in 1972 when there was no coaching and very limited support, he took on the world’s best and got the job done.
“His business career was outstanding, building the soft drink company Shelley Ecks, which developed many modern in-house technologies and was eventually sold to Coca Cola. Right up until the end his mind was as sharp as a whip, he was completely tuned into environmental technologies, including solar energy and even nanotechnologies.
“He was a friend and mentor to so many, including myself and the rest of the Bertrand family. He truly was a wonderful human being.”
Forbes was recognised as Australian Sailing’s Yachtsman of the Year in 1972-73, he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1988, in 2000 he received the Australian Sports Medal, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day 2015 for his service to Yachting and in 2018 he was inducted into the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame.
Tribute by Australian Sailing
Australian Energy Regulator (AER) Sets Energy Price Cap To Protect Consumers
May 26, 2022
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released its final determination for the 2022–23 Default Market Offer (DMO). The DMO is the safety-net price cap that ensures consumers are protected from unjustifiably high prices.
From 1 July 2022, the DMO prices in New South Wales, south-east Queensland and South Australia will increase for households (between 1.7% and 8.2% above inflation) and small businesses (0.2% and 13.5% above inflation), largely due to significant rises in wholesale electricity costs over the past year.
Since DMO 2021, wholesale costs for retailers have risen by 41.4% in New South Wales, by 49.5% in Queensland, and by 11.8% in South Australia, due to reductions in thermal generation resulting from unplanned outages and higher coal and gas prices, slowing of investment in new capacity, and increasingly ‘peaky’ demand (sharp highs and lows) driving up the cost of wholesale electricity contracts for retailers.
These wholesale market conditions have persisted since the AER’s draft determination in February and have been compounded by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has led to significant pressure on coal and gas prices globally; extreme weather in NSW and Queensland which has affected coal supplies and electricity demand; and further unplanned outages at multiple generators.
In New South Wales, increases in network costs for Essential Energy and Endeavour Energy have also pushed up retail prices in these distribution areas.
AER Chair Ms Clare Savage said this year’s DMO determination was a particularly difficult decision as the regulator sought to balance the additional cost pressures on consumers with ensuring retailers could recover their rising wholesale and network costs.
“In setting these new DMO prices, we understand the significant impact they will have on some consumers who may already be struggling with cost of living pressures,” Ms Savage said.
“We have given scrutiny to all factors affecting the DMO calculation and have set safety-net prices that reflect the current conditions and underlying costs to retailers.
“Setting the DMO is not about setting the lowest price. We are required to set a price that will allow retailers to recover their costs, earn a reasonable margin and support retailers to compete and offer better deals and products in a competitive retail environment. If a large number of retailers are unable to recover their costs and are forced to exit the market – as we have seen recently in the United Kingdom – that will add more cost to consumers,” she said.
“Our safety net DMO price will continue to protect consumers from unjustifiably high prices and will continue to provide the reference point from which consumers can shop around for a better deal.”
Reach out for support from your retailer
A default energy contract is usually referred to as a ‘standing offer’ contract. It has basic terms and conditions and is generally more expensive than the competitive deals retailers offer, known as a ‘market offer’.
Ms Savage said with cost-of-living pressures increasing, it is especially important that customers engage with their retailers to ensure they are on the best energy plan for their individual circumstances.
The AER’s dedicated price comparison website Energy Made Easy is designed to make it easier for consumers to take control of their power bills. By entering in a few basic details or uploading their bill, the site allows customers to see what other retailers are offering and find the best plan for them.
“Residential customers can currently save around $443 or 24% off their bill, and small businesses can save around $1,308 or 29% by switching,” Ms Savage said.
And she urged any consumers in financial difficulty to reach out for support through payment plans and hardship programs that retailers must provide, and the AER enforces, under national energy retail rules.
“Any Australians struggling with their power bills should contact their energy provider as soon as possible to get help. Don’t ignore the problem and hope it will go away. Contact your retailer to ensure you are getting any concessions or rebates you may be entitled to and agree a payment plan you can afford.”
Residential customers on DMO by region
About the DMO
The DMO price cap is set each year by the AER to protect customers from unjustifiably high prices, while allowing retailers a sufficient margin to enable them to recover costs and offer new products and customer innovations to the market.
Households on the DMO make up around 10% of the total market, about 550,000 customers, as set out below in absolute and percentage terms by region:
New South Wales – 331,070 (9.8%)
South-east Queensland – 158,113 (10.7%)
South Australia – 62,198 (7.8%)
Small businesses on the DMO make up around 18%, about 90,000 customers:
New South Wales – 57,411 (17.8%)
South-east Queensland – 21,686 (19.8%)
South Australia – 13,631 (15.7%)
The DMO acts as a reference price on bills so all customers can easily compare plans with other retailers. It is designed to protect those customers who haven’t negotiated a better deal from unjustifiably high prices.
Avalon Craft Cottage: May 2022
After a long time away, we are delighted to be coming back to St Ives Shopping Village for one week, commencing Monday, 23rd May through to Sunday, 29th May.The stall will be downstairs opposite the Newsagency and will be open during normal business hours, closing at 4pm on Sunday.
We will have a wonderful variety of handcrafted gifts and homewares: Australian woodwork, potted succulent gardens, Australiana, screen printed items, baby and children's wear, silk scarves, flame worked glass figurines, patchwork quilts, jewellery and handknits for children, baby shawls, rugs scarves and beanies.
We look forward to seeing you there.
All the best,
Avalon Craft Cottage Members.
Narrabeen Tragic Tigers: Over 35’S Rugby Team
Have you been coaching or watching your little tacker running around? Getting pumped watching Subbies or the big boys play?
Come and have a run with Narrabeen Tragic Tigers Over 35’s rugby team!
Next game is after Subbies at Porters Reserve Newport Saturday 14/5 from 5 pm.
It’s competitive rugby, played with modified rules to make sure you turn up to work on Monday.
Challenging, great team spirit, and maybe a beer or three after it.
Contact us to find out more at: vpnarrabeentigers@gmail.com
Lakeside Park 'Proposed' Carpark Changes
See below - no details or plans of boat trailer parking bay numbers or where these will be provided - just this sign on the site itself.
overhead shot of current site - per Google maps.
Email feedback to council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au use Reference: 2022/281231 by June 10.
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.
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
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