Community News: June 2024

June 23 - 29, 2024: Issue 629

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 629 

Pictures: Mona Vale Road East Upgrade: The Final Pictorial Update - June 2024 + Mona Vale Road West Project Has $5.5million Allocation In 2024-25 NSW Budget

From The Council Chamber June 17, 2024 by Pittwater Greens Councillor Miranda Korzy

North Narrabeen Boardriders Club Win The 2024 Heavyweight Rumble

Volunteers Honoured With Prestigious NSW Sports Awards 2024 - Two Local Stalwarts Of Surf Life Saving + Netball Recognised

Aquatics: Whale Migration Season: Grab A Seaside Pew For The Annual Whalesong But Keep Them Safe If Going Out On The Water

NSW Parliamentary Inquiry Into E-Scooters, E-Bikes Opens

NSW Budget 2024-2025 Focused On Delivering Homes, Infrastructure, Schools + The Manly-Wakehurst-Pittwater Allocations

Park Bench Philosophers Next steps in delivering Universities Accord reforms:  two consultation papers open for feedback until July 26 + A big change is coming for higher education funding. What would a ‘hard cap’ on domestic places mean for students and unis? by Andrew Norton, Professor in the Practice of Higher Education Policy, Australian National University

AEC Proposal To Abolish Division Of North Sydney: Open For Feedback Until July 12 2024

Environment  Ruskin Rowe Tree Vigil: Update, The Koalas: The Film - At The Orpheum June 27, Permaculture NB June events, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew June 2024 Clean: Warriewood/North Narrabeen, Muogamarra Nature Reserve Open Season: Bookings Now Available, Have Your Say: Pest Animal Management Plans For NSW, Sails To Shelter - drop off at RPAYC: 20-21 July 2024, Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategy: Have Your Say, Draft NSW Murray Regional Water Strategy: Have Your Say, Murray Valley Floodplain Management Plan: Have Your Say, NSW Budget Neglects Biodiversity: Nature Conservation Council Of New South Wales, Echidna Love Season Commences, Saving Glossy Black-Cockatoos In The Southern Highlands, Sacred Butterfly Cave Safeguarded For Future Generations, No costing, no clear timelines, no easy legal path: deep scepticism over Dutton’s nuclear plan is warranted, AMA Warns Over Vapes' Toxic Threat To Our Health, Environment and Future, Microplastics and nanoplastics have been found throughout the human body – how worried should we be?, High fliers: pleasure-seeking parrots are using aromatic plants, stinky ants and alcohol, Marine CO₂ removal technologies could depend on the appetite of the ocean’s tiniest animals, Defunct satellites burning up in the atmosphere could damage the ozone layer; Here’s how, What is a heat dome? A meteorologist explains the weather phenomenon baking the eastern US, We’re using drones to map the temperatures of lizards and this could boost reptile conservation, A huge shark terrorises people in new French hit 'Under Paris'; When will we stop villainising these animals?, Australian coal mine and power station workers’ prospects look bleak – unless we start offering more targeted support, Australia needs large-scale energy production – here are 3 reasons why offshore wind is a good fit, Amid scorching heat 900 people died this week in Saudi Arabia; Climate change has made the Hajj pilgrimage more risky, How a little brown bird could sound the alarm on lead poisoning in Australian children, Ending native forest logging would help Australia’s climate goals much more than planting trees, Big batteries are solving a longstanding problem with solar power in California; Can they do the same for Australia?, Bird strike: what happens when a plane collides with a bird?, , Volunteers For Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours Needed, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report Fox Sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare In Pittwater: Where + When, Coastal Floodplain Drainage Project: Have Your Say, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves, Histories, Pictorial Walks, +

Inbox News Which Supermarket Has The Cheapest Groceries? CHOICE Investigation Finds Just 75 Cents Difference Between Duopoly Of Woolworths-Coles, We dated a sacred Aboriginal women’s site used for birthing ceremonies and discovered 7,000 years of tool making, The prosecution of Arundhati Roy is business as usual for the Modi government – and bad news for freedom of expression in India, Our smartphone screening tool could help detect strokes faster – and lead to quicker treatment, Sigma and Chemist Warehouse's Proposed Merger Raises Competition Concerns: ACCC, Australia’s tax system is being weaponised against victims of domestic abuse; Here’s how, Peter Dutton has promised to solve our energy problems – but his nuclear policy still leaves Australians in the dark, Results are looking promising for a combined COVID and flu vaccine. Here’s how it could benefit public health, NSW Health Warns Of High Seasonal Influenza Activity, Have Your Say: A Digital Inclusion Strategy For NSW, Volunteers Honoured With Prestigious NSW Sports Awards 2024 - Two Local Stalwarts Of Surf Life Saving + Netball Recognised, Walking can prevent low back pain a new study shows, Private Health Insurance and Older Australians: ‘Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t’, New Disney documentary The Beach Boys tells the iconic band’s story – but not the whole story, AMA Warns Over Vapes' Toxic Threat To Our Health, Environment And Future, The Chemist Warehouse deal is a sideshow: pharmacies are ripe for bigger disruption, Jack, Life In Sydney In 1966, TAFE NSW Music Graduate Hitting The Right Career Note On World Music Day, Creator Academy Students Tour Optus Satellite Ground Station At Belrose, Hi-Tech Dog Mannequin 'Sheila' Helping TAFE NSW Students Hone Real-World Skills, Your Voice Our Future: Have Your Say, Word Of The Week: Charabanc, A groundbreaking discovery: how we found remnants of Earth’s primordial crust near Perth, Australia’s first civilian jury was entirely female; Here’s how ‘juries of matrons’ shaped our legal history, Alphonse Mucha and Art Nouveau: 100 years after its creation, his work is still a balm for a world in upheaval, An homage to the dad joke; one of the great traditions of fatherhood, Digital public archaeology: Excavating data from digs done decades ago and connecting with today’s communities, Modern human DNA contains bits from all over the Neanderthal genome – except the Y chromosome. What happened?, How Indigenous peoples are reclaiming their celebrations of the summer solstice − and using them to resist, Ultra-processed foods: here’s how they may affect the way the immune system functions

Profile of the Week Stephanie Galloway Brown - Finalist In The 2024 Archibald Prize

Issue 100's Profile of the Week featured renowned Elanora Heights Artist Stephanie Galloway-Brown, as she was bringing out her 'Face of Extraordinary: Volunteers' exhibition and accompanying book. 

Stephanie has been a long-term member of the Pittwater Artists Trail, which holds its Winter Open Studios Weekend this July 27-28, 2024, was very active in Pittwater Community Arts as well as pulling together and overseeing the great Pittwater ArtFest 2012, and has offered classes to others - all atop being a wonderful mum, wife and pursuing her practice in an approach that lends insight into what it means to be a working Artist.

Her 'Face of Extraordinary: Volunteers' project not only celebrated local volunteers, it brought into sharper focus the extraordinary work being done by Stephanie herself.

At the time Lorrie Morgan, the lady who was the dynamo behind so many years of promoting Pittwater Artists, said - ''You watch, Steph will be in the Archibald one day, she's so good''.

This year Stephanie has done it, and become one of the 2024 Archibald finalists. 

When her portrait of Kathrin Longhurst was announced as a 2024 Archibald Finalist Stephanie said:

''I’m absolutely thrilled my portrait of Artist Kathrin Longhurst has been selected as a finalist in this year’s Archibald Prize. Thank you Kathrin for trusting in me, you are such a huge inspiration.''

In April 1788 Australia's first Governor, Captain Arthur Phillip, led a reconnaissance party from Manly Cove upstream through the Stoney Creek (St Ives) area, seeking fertile land for growing crops. On this journey, he noted the tall trees which were to provide timber for the growing colony. 

Mona Vale Road runs along a ridge dividing the watershed on the south east via the Pymble Valley to Middle Harbour and north to Cowan Creek towards Broken Bay, and towards the Lane Cove River catchment. It is likely to have been formed in the path of an Aboriginal route, and is one of the first roads defined as a route to Pitt Water. 

This rough bush track was successively known as Pennant Hills Road, Lane Cove Road, Gordon Road. At what we now call Gordon and St. Ives, the Stoney Creek road commenced and ran from Gordon to meet up with this track. The major transport route in the area was a dirt track known as Stoney Creek Road (now Mona Vale Road), originally constructed by Daniel Mathew to take timber from his saw mill to Sydney.  Access was also in the opposite direction along Pittwater Road to Pittwater. Originally the stretch from the Lane Cove Road (Pacific Highway) to Telegraph Road in St Ives was called 'Stoney Creek Road' and from Telegraph Road(at St. Ives) northwards it was called 'Pittwater Road'.

The Lane Cove Road (now Pacific Highway) was formed closely following the original bullock tracks of these early timber-getters.

At the other end, the Mona Vale/Rocklily end, the road was called the 'Lane Cove road' - simply because it was the 'road to Lane Cove', which later became 'the road to Gordon'. It is important to remember that what we now call Mona Vale had a few names in the past - one being Turrimetta and Taramatta.  The area was also known to be called 'Rocklily' or Rock Lily - some residents had 'Rock Lily' as the birth place on their birth certificates, even into 1910's.

Initially, the council formed to be made responsible for all roads in its area, Warringah Shire Council, contracted local residents to 'grub out trees near Mona Vale Cemetery and into Ingleside'. This was done to facilitate turning farm fields into suburbia.

By 1928 and into the early 1930's the name 'Mona Vale Road' applied as the State Government, eager to ensure the 1920's rollout of 'suburbs for people' continued, took back responsibility for those roads that connected people over several areas and declared this a Main Road.

With the completion of the Mona Vale Road East project, a look into where it all began.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1, 2024

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

Contents: The Tuesday Discussion Group; Market Day: call to stall holders; Winter Café and Market Day; International Folk Dancing; Island Fire Brigade AGM; Free: sideboard; For sale: woodworking tools

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Ruskin Rowe Tree Vigil: Update

Saturday June 22, 2024
The tree guardians of Ruskin Rowe were delighted to be paid a visit yesterday by federal representative, Dr Sophie Scamps, MP for Mackellar.
Dr. Scamps was there to listen and gather information in the hope of trying to help residents achieve the goal of saving the two remaining flooded gums from removal.

Amongst those who were there to speak to Sophie were residents of Ruskin Rowe, members of Canopy Keepers and Pittwater Natural Heritage Association, a consulting arborist who supports the trees' retention, and a local wildlife carer and ecologist.

Dr. Scamps listened with sympathy and has asked for all of the relevant information in writing, so that she can take it to Northern Beaches Council CEO, Scott Phillips.
Further to this goal, members of the Ruskin Rowe tree guard will address councillors in the public forum at this week’s monthly council meeting, on Tuesday 25th of June at the council chambers, 725 Pittwater Road, Dee Why. 

The guardians stated on Saturday:
'' It would be fantastic if we could have community support in the public gallery - so please consider joining us!
Proceedings start at 6pm sharp.''

In the meantime, they encourage residents to sign their Change.org petition in support of the trees at:  ruskin-row-stop-council-s-plan-to-cut-down-two-more-healthy-trees


Friday June 21, 2024 - Ruskin Rowe Tree Vigil. Photo supplied

Visit Issue 628 report: Ruskin Row Blockade Provides Reprieve To Flooded Gums: Residents Fed-Up With Council Destruction Of Pittwater's Trees - 30 Thousand Trees Lost Since Forced Union Of Pittwater With Warringah

Marine Rescue Broken Bay: New U.C. - Thank You To Jimmy Arteaga

Saturday June 22, 2024
Congratulations to Marine Rescue Broken Bay's new Unit Commander Mike Charlton, who has served with the MRBB for 15 years. 

A huge thank you to the outgoing Unit Commander Jimmy Arteaga after 6 years of dedicated leadership, guidance and professionalism.


Vale Ted Blackwood OAM

It is with a heavy heart that the Narrabeen Football Club will head into this weekend after the passing yesterday, June 20 2024, of our club legend Ted Blackwood.

In 1965 Ted founded the Narrabeen Youth Club which was formed after a meeting of soccer, cricket and basketball clubs. For nearly every year after its formation Ted would be a regular visitor to the Boondah fields and each August would be on the sidelines of the semi finals and grand finals cheering on his beloved black and white teams.

Interview with Ted Blackwood - Founder and Patron of NYC.
by Pittwater Online on the Narrabeen Youth Club in 2014

How many different sports were there initially?
Initially the youth club had gymnastics, physical culture, yoga, ballroom dancing, softball, netball, soccer, cricket, badminton, squash, fishing, drama classes, boxing, junior gymnastics. These sports folded after a while due to the lack of people, volunteers to run them. Narrabeen Youth Club continues to manage both football and netball clubs.

When did the Narrabeen Youth Club Begin?
The club began in May 1965, when Narrabeen R.S.L called for a meeting at which every sporting code with the name “Narrabeen” could attend. These included ‘The Narrabeen Amateur Soccer club’, ‘North Narrabeen Cricket Club’ and the ‘Swallows Basketball Club’. These associations agreed to join forces to form what we know today as the Narrabeen Youth Club.

What were the main reasons for beginning the club? Was it a personal dream of yours?
I had been involved in soccer for a long time. I wanted to unite the local sporting clubs and create an association to provide sporting activities for the local community. It was a personal dream of mine to start the youth club after I joined the Narrabeen Amateur soccer club.​

How was the club financially supported in it’s initial years?
A lot of donations were given to the club. The annual fee was our main source of financial support, but we also held fundraisers, raffles, dances, cake stalls, and received lots of donations from different businesses in the area. Our canteen helped a lot.

​When was the Ted Blackwood Hall built, and how important was it to the club?
It was officially opened on the 25th May 1975. The main funding came from the Warringah Shire Council. It was a great advantage to the club and the community. It has been a great asset to the district, as many organisations have hired the hall for various activities.

What kind of activities are involved and what are the age ranges?
Our club consists of Netball and football. Netball provides a program called Net Set Go for 5 to 7 year olds. Nettas divisions are 8 and 9 year olds. Juniors are 10-15 year olds, 16/17 and overs are seniors. Football has Sub Juniors and Juniors, Seniors, Premier League and Over 35’s.

What is a typical year like?
Football registrations begin first weekend in February. Grading of players and teams are formed /announced by end of February. Weekly training begins in March ready for the Manly Warringah Winter Competition which runs from April to August. Presentation day is held at Ted Blackwood hall in September.

Netball also offers an 8 week NET SET GO program for littlies from 5 to 7 years olds in term 2 beginning in May. Manly Warringah Netball Association also offers players a 10 week Spring competition from October to December held Tuesday afternoons. 

How much is membership each year and what does that cover?
Registrations are staggered for all age groups. Registrations costs cover fee to play in their winter competition, fees and insurance with the Association, presentation day awards, lighting costs, venue hire for training purposes, cost of team equipment which includes balls, bibs , first aid box etc.

What is the Narrabeen Youth Club’s favourite places in Pittwater and why?
The Narrabeen Youth Club’s home is Warriewood /North Narrabeen. Our local community stretches from Narrabeen to Warriewood and even up to Elanora Heights. North Narrabeen beach and lagoon are the most beautiful parts of the Northern Beaches. It is our favourite because of the ideal location with its spectacular scenery.

What is the club’s ‘motto for life’ or a favourite phrase it lives by?
The club’s motto is “Citizenship through Sport and Culture”. Narrabeen Youth Club is a very community orientated club who supports local families.

What are your plans to commemorate the club’s 50 year anniversary in 2015?
Ted Blackwood’s answer; “Free beer for everybody! To Celebrate our wonderful 50 years.”  

Marriage:
15465/1953 BLACKWOOD MELVILLE EDWARD to COOPER PATRICIA EUNICE registered at MANLY 



Pictures: Ted Blackwood (centre) with his girls, Daughter and Granddaughter 



Ronda Alterator OAM (R.I.P.) Life Member, Ted Blackwood (Founder) and Gail McDonough (former President). Photos supplied.

Vale Kay Van Norton Poche AO

TRIBUTE TO KAY VAN NORTON POCHE, AO
By Mr. James Griffin, MP for Manly

I acknowledge the unfortunate and very sad passing of Kay Van Norton Poche, AO, one of the most generous philanthropists to have lived in this country. 

Together with her husband, Greg, she donated over $150 million to a variety of generally health-related causes right across the country. 

Kay was a very passionate and active member of the Manly community. 

In 2018 she made a donation of some $6 million to support the then fledgling Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, also known as the AYAH, which opened in 2023. It is the first of its kind in Australia. It provides support, care and respite to young people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as supporting their family members and carers who might like to stay with them.

Kay was born in upstate New York and had lived in Manly for many years. She was a very passionate supporter of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. She supported the club's Indigenous round jersey and a number of other very important causes in and around the Sea Eagles.

In 2019 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to the community as a benefactor and supporter of Indigenous health and medical research initiatives. This was largely through her work founding the Poche Indigenous Health Network. 

Kay was also a very proud supporter of the Melanoma Institute Australia, funding it to the tune of several million dollars. 

But perhaps closest to my heart and that of many people in the community of Manly was her unwavering support for the hospice at North Head. Her support of the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will never be forgotten. 

The hospice is also known as Kay Van Norton Place. 

We are very grateful for her work. I will never forget the moment that she sought me out to make a donation to the hospice. As we were announcing the plans, Kay approached me. I thought, "Who is this lovely older lady?" She said to me, "I want to make a donation." I thought she might hand me a little bit of money to support the cause. In fact, she pulled out her chequebook, there and then, and wrote a cheque for $5 million.

I put that cheque in my pocket. I took it to my electorate office, which was the only place I could think of that had appropriate security, and I locked it in a cupboard. I presented the cheque to NSW Health a couple of weeks later. 

Kay's $5 million donation was enough to get the ball rolling to create what is now a centre that supports people from right across New South Wales. I will never forget when she wrote that cheque, because we were about to do a press conference and I was very nervous about having it. I was thinking, "I've got a cheque for $5 million in my top pocket." 

Kay's version of a meeting was going for a drink at Garfish, the great seafood restaurant in Manly.

What an impact she made with her husband, Greg. 

Kay will be remembered for her outstanding and lasting contribution to the State of New South Wales.

Thank you, Kay. On behalf of many grateful people. 
You were a dear friend and we will miss you.

 

Update On The Vaping Reforms Bill 2024: TGA

June 17, 2024
The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024-  (the Bill) is currently before Parliament. If passed, the Bill will introduce a single consistent framework that applies nationally to regulate the importation, domestic manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertisement of all vapes.      

The Bill is part of a wider set of reforms being implemented by the Australian Government to prevent and reduce the use of vapes in Australia unless clinically appropriate for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence.      

The Bill was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs for public hearings and report. The Committee recommended that the Bill is passed without amendment. The Bill moved through the House of Representatives on 15 May 2024 and was introduced into the Senate on 16 May 2024. If passed, the changes in the Bill may take effect as early as 1 July 2024 or the day immediately following Royal Assent (whichever is later).    

Suppliers and retailers have been given advance warning of the proposed changes since May 2023 and should be actively working towards running down their stocks.       

The TGA’s vaping hub will be updated as the Bill progresses through Parliament.  

Also available (PON Editor):

Birdwood Park Dune Update

by and courtesy Cr Vincent De Luca OAM, Independent for the Northern Beaches
Keeping you informed: Birdwood Park Dune, North Narrabeen reshaping, revegetation and maintenance works
  • Northern Beaches Council is preparing to undertake reshaping, revegetation and maintenance works to the Birdwood Park Dune, North Narrabeen.
  • The works are a medium priority action within the adopted Narrabeen Lagoon Entrance Management Strategy (2022), and are consistent with the North Narrabeen Beach Reserve and Birdwood Park Masterplan. 
  • A review of Environmental Factors has been prepared for the works.
It is anticipated the works will commence on Wednesday 26 June 2024 and take
approximate five days. 

Any questions please email vincent.deluca@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au


Photo: AJG/PON

Boondah Reserve And Surrounds: Update 

By and courtesy Cr Vincent De Luca OAM, Independent for the Northern Beaches
  • Councillors voted unanimously to put out for public consultation a proposal to rename the Netball Courts in Boondah Reserve after the late Ronda Alterator OAM, who gave selfless service to Narrabeen Youth Club and the community for over 40 years.
  • Boondah Road - new footpath - proposed to be constructed as part of the broader upgrade of Boondah Road between Jacksons Road and Spinebill Drive. This work is programmed to follow the construction of the new Warriewood Valley Community Centre project. Construction on the new Warriewood Community Centre has commenced.  At this stage, the works are proposed to commence in the 2025/26 financial year.
  • Safety incidents at Boondah Reserve have concerned many in the community. Council works closely with Police. Council staff will endeavour to act upon any recommendations of NSW Police or measures that arise from recent crime to improve safety.  
Council Staff are currently planning and implementing upgrades across the Boondah sporting precinct including the future demolition of the toilet block.

It is envisaged the new Building and a new shared path connection through the reserve from the B-Line bus stop to Boondah Road, currently under construction, will assist with activating the open space and improve passive surveillance.

The design of all new public facilities are based on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to ensure public safety for the community.
For further information please email me: vincent.deluca@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Celebrate Frank Cridland's 50 Years Of Volunteer Service

Join us for a day of footy, reunions and stories - celebrating one of our mighty Hawks and the contribution he has made to our club and rugby league.

Saturday 29th June - Beverley Job Park
A day of rugby league followed by a celebration in the clubhouse.
All past and present Hawks are invited to celebrate Frank’s contribution.


A Night With The Blokes Of Avalon 2024

When: Tue, 2 Jul 2024 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM AEST
Where: Ocean Room, Avalon Beach SLSC, Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Join us to explore where traditional masculinity has taken us and what tomorrow’s man might look like, as well as looking out for each other within your community.

The tide is changing for men, young + old, and living by outdated stereotypes can leave some of our mates, teammates, workmates, or loved ones stranded without the tools to live a healthy life.

We're getting together to have a no holds barred, honest, open convo about the state of man in today's society. This Tomorrow Man workshop is entirely free.

Doors open at 6:30pm
Workshop begins at 7:00pm

This FREE Tomorrow Man event is proudly brought to you by Avalon Beach SLSC.

18 years+ (under 18 years supervised)

For more information contact: workshops@tomorrowman.com.au

About Tomorrow Man: We facilitate workshops for boys and parents in schools, and men in sporting clubs, workplaces and communities. We question traditional masculinity norms and explore how we can look after ourselves, our mates and families better, training the emotional tools needed for a healthy life, while carving out our own healthier version of the Aussie man.

About Gotcha4Life: Gotcha4Life is Australia’s mental fitness charity, creating meaningful mateship and building emotional muscle and social connection in local communities to end suicide. Visit: https://www.gotcha4life.org

NSW First Trial Uses Insects To Transform Food Waste

June 20, 2024
In a first for New South Wales, maggots will consume food scraps collected from residents as the City of Sydney investigates more sustainable solutions to process waste.

The trial with circular economy solutions company Goterra will be operational later this year. It’s expected to turn up to 600 tonnes of food waste into protein-rich animal feed and fertiliser over the 12-month trial.

“This is the next step in our war against waste. Using maggots is an innovative and sustainable solution for this growing problem,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.

“This service will be set up at a facility in Alexandria, meaning our fuel costs and emissions will greatly reduce because we are transporting this food waste shorter distances.

“This is a brilliant circular economy result as we regenerate what was once considered waste into sustainable commodities: insect protein for animal feed and a natural low-impact fertiliser, both essential for food production.”

Food scraps make up around one-third of the waste in general waste bins. When they reach landfill, the organic material decomposes, emitting methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases on the planet.

The process works by collecting food scraps from Sydney residents and then feeding them to Black soldier fly larvae housed inside shipping container-sized units. The larvae can eat twice their own body weight every day, before their manure is processed into fertiliser and the maggots themselves are processed into protein, rich in vitamins and minerals that can be fed to fish and poultry or even turned into pet food.

Unlike other insects, the Black soldier fly isn’t a vector for disease and its larvae breaks down bacteria in the organic material consumed.

“We're really excited about this project – it has the power to revolutionise food waste management for residential food waste and logistics in Australia’s largest city,” Goterra CEO, Olympia Yarger said.

“We know food waste represents 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If it were a country, its emissions would be the 3rd largest in the world.

“Our Modular Infrastructure for Biological Services are working hard every day to reduce this and turn food waste into a regenerative resource, creating insect protein and fertiliser to help plug the food production shortfall predicted to be 20% by 2050.”

The processing trial with Goterra will begin in late 2024 and run for 12 months. The City of Sydney and Goterra will evaluate the trial with a view to expanding the service in the future.

More than 21,000 households are part of a food scraps recycling trial, which began in July 2019. Residents of apartment buildings can submit an expression of interest for their building to join the program.

The City of Sydney is working to extend the service to all residents in line with the state government’s mandate for councils to provide food and garden waste collections to every NSW household by 2030.


Photo: Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO and Olympia Yarger  at the Goterra Insect and Maggot Farm, Barangaroo. Photo by Nick Langley, courtesy City of Sydney Council

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets Of The Week

Henry

7yo Pug


Henry is a typical sweet Pug who is very social with other small dogs. He loves to sleep on your bed and be close. He does not have separation anxiety. He came from the pound with allergic skin and infected ears which we are treating. Henry is best suited to a family used to brachycephalic breeds and understand their limitations. He is an active boy who is full of fun. He has a short coat and weighs 9.2kg. He suits apartment living and FT working hours. All our dogs come with desexed, fully vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $800. 

Pocket 

12mths Chihuahua X Mini Foxy


Pocket Rocket as he is affectionately known is a sweet active little guy. He is social with other small dogs and delights in playing with other young dogs. He is very affectionate and easy to handle. He has a short coat and weighs 4kg. All our dogs come with desexed, fully vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $700. 

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

Sails To Shelter: 2024

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

On the weekend of 20-21 July, a special drop-off bin will be on-site at RPAYC. 
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - RPAYC
16 Mitala Street, Newport


Please Join Us In Celebrating 100 Years  Of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?
Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.
By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027


Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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


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

Mona Vale Residents Association

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


Report Hate Crimes

If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 
You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

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

JP Public Register

You can find a Justice of the Peace (JP) using the online Public Register. You can search by postcode, name of a JP, day of availability, language spoken and JP registration number. The register lists a JP’s location, availability and telephone number. Please note that JPs are volunteers and may not be available at all times. Click here to access the JP Public RegisterNB: There are  3 J.P’s working in Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch office, we work every Monday (10:30am to 15:30)except on public holidays:
  1. Terry Jones J.P.
  2. Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
  3. Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P

Speed Humps On McCarrs Creek Rd: Please Share Wildlife Data 

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

It records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification. The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place  mitigation. Thanking you all in advance for your help with this. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location. There is a database that volunteers maintain but this needs three pieces of information:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal
The details can be entered into the database directly by you at: www.wildlifemapping.org

Mona Vale Rock Pool Closed

Councillor Michael Gencher advises that a significant piece of concrete has broken off the southern external wall of Mona Vale rockpool. 

''Although this concrete is not in the dive zone, the pool has been closed as a precautionary measure. The removal of the concrete will be arranged as soon as conditions allow for an excavator to be brought into the pool safely.

This concrete was part of the wall integrated with the natural rock formation. I have been advised that the pool is not losing water, but the section where the concrete fell does present a hazard.

Mona Vale rockpool is scheduled for major repairs in late winter, and any rectification work needed due to this incident will be included in that project.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Council. '' Cr. Gencher states


Photo: NSW Government

Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade:  Seeking Recruits

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

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

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

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


Manly Warringah Football Association: Wet Season Adjustments

June 19, 2024
Re: Plans around rescheduling some matches lost due to the persistent wet weather and some changes to competition structures.

It is the MWFA’s intention to make all necessary adjustments and changes to competition structures to ensure everything possible is done to maximise the number of games played for teams and players.

To be able achieve the goal of playing as many matches as possible, we will be moving matches to midweek slots, the middle weekend of the school holidays and on occasions double headers (Friday/Sunday; Saturday/Monday or Saturday/Sunday). While some of these may not be ideal and lead to forfeits, the alternative is not scheduling the matches and therefore games are not played.

Scheduling games midweek will mean that some training is affected, but we are crystal clear in prioritising matches over training, as I am sure the vast majority of the players are.

We are also working with the MWFRA (referees) to try to get as many midweek and double header matches covered by referees but in the instances that this is not achievable, the Playing Rules identify the option to ensure a referee is provided by the club/teams.

When teams and players receive their rescheduled matches, please understand that the following factors were taken into account We lean heavily on the learnings and lessons of previous seasons:
  • -Ground availability
  • -The need for club volunteers to set up fields midweek, as well as the usual weekend efforts
  • -The likelihood and possibility of further wet weather and cancellation
  • -Referee availability
  • -State Cup matches and schedules
  • -Evenness of competitions
  • -Fairness to our 20,000 players
  • -Finishing competitions where promotion and relegation is in play (first grade games only)
  • -Trying at this stage to preserve the semi-final and grand final weekends, which is a huge learning from the feedback following the COVID-affected season
To put this task into context, we schedule more than 13,500 matches across our competitions in a season, most of which have been affected.

Our competitions staff are working tirelessly in a constantly changing environment to provide the best possible solution.


Dunbar Park Changes: June 2024 Concept Plan - ''Have Your Say''

Opened: May 29 2024
Closes: June 26 2024

[Implementing Avalon Beach Place Plan Actions] 

Council states it is 'committed to several actions to improve some of the amenity of Dunbar Park and surrounds in the Avalon Beach Place Plan'. 

''The improvements for the park will make it more appealing and useable for a range of activities, including comfortable places for people to meet, gather and play, improved lighting, and space for performances and events.'' the webpage states
''Our concept plan is preliminary which means, where appropriate, we will take our community's feedback into account as we commence detailed design.''
''Implementation of the improvements will be staged in accordance with funding and scheduled to minimise disturbance to the community.''
The changes listed include:
  • lighting changes
  • providing pop-up play spaces and active play elements
  • increasing public seating, picnic benches and tables
  • increasing footpath widths 
  • providing shelter for shade and weather protection
  • opportunities for arts and performance spaces
  • installing new bike parking rack


Chemical Cleanout: Mona Vale Beach June 29-30

When: Sat 29, Sun 30 June 2024: 9am - 3:30pm
What can I take to a Household Chemical CleanOut event?
You can take household quantities of the following household chemicals and items – up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms of a single item.
  • Solvents and household cleaners
  • Floor care products
  • Ammonia-based cleaners
  • Pesticides and herbicides
  • Poisons
  • Pool chemicals
  • Hobby chemicals
  • Motor fuels
  • Fluorescent globes and tubes
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Smoke detectors
  • Paint and paint-related products
  • Gas bottles
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Car and household batteries
  • Motor oils and cooking oils
This free service, run jointly by the NSW EPA and local councils, provides a safe way to dispose of potentially hazardous household items such as paint, oils and cleaning products.


McCarrs Creek Road Upgrade - 'Have Your Say'

Opened: June 3 2024
Closes: July 1 2024
[Part of the Church Point Precinct Masterplan]
Council states the current road network spanning McCarrs Creek Road and Pittwater Road features high pedestrian activity with insufficient pedestrian crossing facilities and poor sightline for vehicles.

''The proposed road safety improvements will aim to prevent accidents, create safer pedestrian access, reduce speed and create a safer neighbourhood for Church Point residents and visitors.

The proposed design has been assessed by an independent Traffic Engineer and a Road Safety Assessment Report has been completed.'' the consultation webpage states

Proposed changes include:
  • a pedestrian refuge to provide safer pedestrian access to/from the bus stop
  • safety improvements to bus stop
  • traffic calming devices
  • line delineation to separate laneway and parking areas
  • improved signage
  • new Watts profile thresholds
  • footpath upgrade on southside of road
  • some kerb and guttering.
Council's webpage state that all existing trees will be retained as part of this proposal.

The proposed road safety upgrade follows the completion of stage one of the Masterplan, which saw the construction of the new car park, cargo wharf and boardwalk extension.

Council states improvements to Thomas Stephens Reserve, near the Ferry Wharf, will commence following the proposed road safety upgrades.



Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and it brings the positive message, “save lives through early detection” - because bowel cancer is one of the most curable types of cancer if found early.

What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is cancer in any part of the large bowel (colon or rectum). It is sometimes known as colorectal cancer and might also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it starts. Bowel cancer grows from the inner lining of the bowel and usually develops from small growths on the bowel wall called polyps.  Most polyps are harmless (benign), but some become cancerous (malignant) over time.

If untreated, bowel cancer can grow into the deeper layers of the bowel wall and can spread from there to the lymph nodes.  If the cancer advances further, it can spread (metastasise) to other organs.

In most cases, the cancer is confined to the bowel for months or years before spreading. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program aims to improve early detection.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
This program aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease. If found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated. 

Eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can do a free test at home every 2 years. Learn about the program, how to order your FREE kit and how to do the test, here: www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program


New Avalon Path To New Bus Stop

More council concrete laid in Avalon today, June 20, 2024 - a new path goes from the fenced area on Barrenjoey Rd and the bus stop to the Woollies carpark. The grass had been worn away and a dirt track developed along here. 

The workers were pleased with it - a nice smooth curve, skirting the young Cabbage Tree Palms. Thank you to them for what they do and caring about it. 

Cr. Miranda Korzy



Photo: Cr. M K

Avian Flu At Hawkesbury Egg Farm: Update

Update Thursday June 20, 2024 from NSW Government 
The NSW Government on Wednesday 19 June enacted its emergency biosecurity incident plan to contain the detection of avian influenza in the Hawkesbury district on a poultry egg farm.

NSW consumers should not be concerned about eggs and poultry products from the supermarkets, because this detection does not pose a risk to consumer health and the products are safe to consume. As always people should handle and cook using the standard procedures.

Following testing by the CSIRO national research laboratory it was confirmed that Avian Influenza H7N8 has been detected in a mixed barnyard and free-range poultry farm in the Hawkesbury.

This is a highly contagious and deadly virus and that’s why the NSW Government has acted swiftly and decisively in response to this detection. 8,000 birds died from the flu over the last 48 hours.

We have acted and are rolling out our biosecurity incident plan, developed in line with the national approach for avian influenza.

The following actions have been undertaken over the last 24 hours:
  • >Tested samples with CSIRO to detect the bird flu type
  • >Locked down the affected egg farm
  • >Issued a control order to depopulate the farm of its birds and to dispose of the remains in a biosecure manner working with the EPA on disposal
  • >Last night we started depopulating the farm, in a humanely manner, following Australian Veterinary guidelines. This process will take up to 5-7 days to depopulate 240,000 birds.
  • >We have activated the funding agreement with the Commonwealth government, egg industry, and other states, to release compensation funds for directly impacted producers
  • >We have spoken with surrounding chicken industry farms and they have activated their bird flu plans and have locked down their businesses
Today we will be issuing another control order to legally lock down movement of machinery, materials, animals and transport within a radius of 2 kilometres of the affected egg farm.

The localised lock down order will cover three large commercial poultry farms and impacts up to 355,000 birds that we will monitor for any signs of the virus. There will be no movement of eggs or birds or machinery out of the zone during the control order.

This morning the NSW Chief veterinary Officer, who is leading the incident response, met with key industry organisations to discuss next steps and align how we all work together.

We are acting on this bird flu outbreak and will do everything to work through this challenging time for the egg and chicken meat industry.

NSW To Take Action To Prevent Battery Fires

June 21, 2024
At the Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Sydney today, Ministers agreed to take urgent action to help prevent potentially deadly battery fires.

During the meeting at Taronga Zoo, Ministers determined that New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria will work together to lead action on reforms to Australia’s product stewardship arrangements for all batteries.

Product stewardship is the act of minimising the health, safety and environmental impacts of a product and its packaging throughout the entire lifecycle. The state’s Container Deposit Scheme is an example of one successful type of product stewardship model.

Ongoing fires caused by batteries, notably lithium-ion batteries embedded inside a range of devices, show the critical importance of acting quickly to protect lives and property.

In response, Environment Ministers have agreed to accelerate work towards reforming the product stewardship arrangements for all batteries, acknowledging that intervention is needed through the entire lifecycle of a battery or battery-powered device.

This includes looking at options to improve the design, packaging, importation, storage and disposal of batteries.

A key focus will be on creating financial incentives to ensure the safe disposal of all types of batteries, reducing the chances of batteries ending up in our bins and landfills.

NSW will immediately start work on a draft Regulatory Impact Statement, which will assess the costs and benefits of product stewardship models. It will also consider how reforms would relate to existing product stewardship schemes, such as the B-Cycle scheme.

New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland will also start work on model legislation.

This work will enable governments to quickly identify the best reform option to reduce the risk of fires, support the battery recycling sector and deliver the most cost-effective and efficient approach for businesses and consumers.

Ministers acknowledged work already done by Queensland on safe battery disposal and discussed the issue of managing the risks of batteries as a matter of priority.

NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“Fire and Rescue NSW attended more than 270 lithium-ion battery fires in 2023 alone, but we know this is just a small fraction of the true number of battery fires. When batteries are not stored or disposed of properly, they can threaten lives and cause extensive damage to properties and waste infrastructure.

“Ministers from around the country have agreed it is time for urgent action to protect our communities. NSW is proud to work with Victoria and QLD on a regulatory approach for batteries, to drive better design and disposal.”

Measles Alert For Sydney Airport International And Domestic Terminals

June 19, 2024
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a person who was infectious on flights from Dubai to Sydney Airport International Terminal, and from Sydney Domestic T3 to Adelaide on Tuesday 11 June.

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Acting Director, Dr Anthea Katelaris, said people who were on the flights below, or transiting between the terminals at these times should be on the lookout for symptoms.
  • Emirates flight EK416. Departed Dubai on Monday 10 June 2024 at 9:37pm and arrived at Sydney International Terminal on Tuesday 11 June 2024 at 4:57pm.
  • Qantas flight QF749. Departed Sydney Domestic T3 (Qantas) at 8:51pm on Tuesday 11 June and arrived in Adelaide at 10:45pm.
  • Sydney International Terminal arrivals (including baggage collection and transfer bus) from approximately 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday 11 June.
  • Sydney Domestic Terminal 3 departures from approximately 6pm to 8:51pm on Tuesday 11 June.
“While these locations pose no ongoing risk, if you, or someone you know, visited the above locations at those times it is important to be on the lookout for symptoms,” Dr Katelaris said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to stay alert for symptoms until Saturday 29 June 2024.

“Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department and say that they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.      

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important to check before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment."

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn't already had two doses.

Babies can have their first dose of MMR as early as 6 months of age if they are travelling overseas to areas with a high risk of measles. Parents should consult their GP to access early measles vaccine before overseas travel.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get another vaccine to ensure they are protected, as extra doses are safe. This is particularly important before overseas travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).

For more information on measles, view the measles fact sheet.

June 16 - 22, 2024: Issue 628

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 628 

Ruskin Row Blockade Provides Reprieve To Flooded Gums: Residents Fed-Up With Council Destruction Of Pittwater's Trees - 30 Thousand Trees Lost Since Forced Union Of Pittwater With Warringah 

Young People Don't Hold Back At Have Your Say Day 2024

Police Appeal For Information Into Suspicious Death Of Surfer Guy Haymes At Manly

AEC Proposal To Abolish Division Of North Sydney: Open For Feedback Until July 12 2024

Northern Beaches Hospital Audit Welcomed

Construction Of Warriewood Community Centre Commences

The Wilsons and Hy-Brasil - Avalon Beach Historical Society June 2024 Meeting

Community Building Partnership Program: Pittwater + Manly Electorate Allocations Announced - June 2024

Aquatics: 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race: Entries Open - Two RPAYC Yachts Already Signed Up

Pictures: A Stroll Along The Centre Track At Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park: June 2024by Kevin Murray

Park Bench Philosophers Henry Lawson: A Manly Bard and Poet - for his birthday week

DIY Ideas Winter Draught Stops To Lessen Your Power Bill and Keep The Home Warm + JBH EOFY Catalogue

Environment Arcus 'Roll' Clouds: Palm Beach, Loggers Attempting To Make Park Unviable As Koala Sanctuary, NSW Environment Movement "Losing Confidence In The EPA" Over Greater Gliders, North Mackerel Track Closed and Mackerel Trail Closed, Access Track To West Head Beach Closed, Save Manly Dam Bushland: Pollution Incident Update, Join Australian Wildlife Conservancy Webinar: Bridled Nailtail Wallabies – Back From Extinction, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew June 2024 Clean: Warriewood/North Narrabeen, Muogamarra Nature Reserve Open Season: Bookings Now Available, Have Your Say: Pest Animal Management Plans For NSW, Sails To Shelter - drop off at RPAYC: 20-21 July 2024, Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategy: Have Your Say, Draft NSW Murray Regional Water Strategy: Have Your Say, Murray Valley Floodplain Management Plan: Have Your Say, Ending native forest logging would help Australia’s climate goals much more than planting trees, Known unknowns: controversy over CSIRO’s electricity report reveals an uncomfortable truth, Climate holdout Japan drove Australia’s LNG boom; Could the partnership go green?, Peter Dutton’s latest salvo on Australia’s emissions suggests our climate wars are far from over, Global demand for oil could peak soon – NZ’s plan to revive offshore exploration doesn’t add up, South Australia’s enigmatic pink sand was born in ice-covered Antarctic mountains, Playful young male dolphins grow up to have more offspring, Is collapse of the Atlantic Ocean circulation really imminent?; Icebergs’ history reveals some clues, Australia’s ‘learning by doing’ approach to managing large mines is failing the environment, Santos just copped a large fine; What did the oil and gas company do?, We know the seas are rising – so why are Australian governments not planning for it?, Sleight of hand: Australia’s Net Zero target is being lost in accounting tricks offsets and more gas, Groundwater is heating up; threatening life below and above the surface, What will Australia’s proposed Environment Information Agency do for nature?, A renewable energy transition that doesn’t harm nature?; It’s not just possible, it’s essential, What’s that in my nest? How the evolutionary arms race between cuckoos and hosts creates new species, Volunteers For Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours Needed, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report Fox Sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare In Pittwater: Where + When, Coastal Floodplain Drainage Project: Have Your Say, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves, Histories, Pictorial Walks, +

Inbox News Tunnel Boring Near Complete For Sydney Metro Rail To Western Sydney Airport, Changes To Reduce Government Reliance On Consultants: New Unit To Be Set Up Within The Premier’s Department, Inner-City Sydney Vacant Housing To Be Used For Crisis Accommodation For People Seeking Shelter, NSW Government Announces Measures Aimed At Easing Pressure On NSW Emergency Departments, Building Commission NSW’s Digital Capabilities Expanded To Weed Out Dodgy Builders, NSW Government To End Registrars Making Bail Decisions, Brings More Magistrates On Board, NSW Government Passes Law Making It More Difficult For Alleged Domestic Violence Offenders To Get Bail, Operation Amarok VI: More Than 550 Of The State's Most Dangerous Domestic Violence Offenders Arrested, NSW Government Passes Law Introducing Police ‘Wanding’ Search Powers, $274 Million To Staff 'Ghost Hospitals', Insurance Industry To Pay Its Fair Share For Health Care, Real Time Data Aims To See Thousands Of Patients Spend Less Time Waiting In Emergency Departments, Funding Boost To Improve Child Health And Wellbeing Outcomes, Happy 100th Commander Fred Lewis, Draft New Aged Care Act Consultation Feedback Report Available, Have Your Say: A Digital Inclusion Strategy For NSW, New Pharmacy Agreement Delivers Cheaper Medicines, People Aged 65 And Over Urged To Book In For Free Flu Vaccine As Cases Surge Across NSW, Investing In A Strengthened Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?, $34 Million For Research To Improve Primary Care and Chronic Pain Treatment And To Better Understand Long COVID, ‘Screaming, chanting, struggling teenagers’: the enduring legacy of the Beatles tour of Australia, 60 years on, Arcus 'Roll' Clouds: Palm Beach, Laura Jones wins the 2024 Archibald Prize with a portrait of Tim Winton, Fee-Free Training To Deliver Almost 40,000 New Apprentices and Trainees, Your Voice Our Future: Have Your Say, The internet of animals? An inside account of an ambitious plan to track animal movements across the globe, Word Of The Week: Podger, 100-million-year-old fossil find reveals huge flying reptile that patrolled Australia’s inland sea, Fresh water and key conditions for life appeared on Earth half a billion years earlier than we thought, A strange intermittent radio signal from space has astronomers puzzled, 'Eat a rock a day; put glue on your pizza': how Google’s AI is losing touch with reality, Of ice and fire: what sea salt in Antarctic snowfall reveals about bushfires worse than the Black Summer, Why doesn’t water help with spicy food? What about milk or beer?, How do I keep my fruit, veggies and herbs fresh longer? Are there any ‘hacks’?, Friday essay: ‘an engineering and biological miracle’ – how I fell for the science, and the poetry, of the eye, Book Of The Month - June/July 2024: Voss By Patrick White

Profile of the Week 2024 Kings’ Birthday Honours List Of Local Recipients + Maureen Rutlidge OAM Profile As An Extra Celebration

The 2024 King's Birthday Honours list recognises and celebrates 737 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for conspicuous service, including a number of residents of the Manly to Palm Beach peninsula. 

Among local recipients a favourite many have already contacted the news service about this years awards, stating 'well deserved' and 'long overdue' is Elanora Heights, Creative Leisure champion, which celebrates its centenary in 2024, and Narrabeen swim legend Maureen Rutlidge. 

Maureen's call out for memories for Creative Leisure runs as follows:

Please Join Us In Celebrating 100 Years  Of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?
Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.

By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027

Reflecting the changing interests of the community has always been the focus of this local community group, which will have been operating for 100 years in 2024. 

Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc currently provides a range of leisure and learning activities which includes History Walks, Social Cards and Games Days and a Sunday Activity Programme for adults with special needs. 

In 2020 Maureen penned a history for Pittwater Online Readers on Narrabeen Lakes Amateur Swimming Club as support and as the 'go to' lady for a further history page on North Narrabeen Rock Pool: Some History.

With this in mind this Issue is declared, in many ways, 'Maureen's Issue' and a celebration of this wonderful lady who has done so much for some many for so long.

Maureen's Profile from a few years back runs as the base of this list for 2024 and the two Narrabeen swim and pool pages run together this Issue as the History feature.

The community thanks Maureen for her decades of service to our community.

Those also listed here have won high praise since Monday June 10th's announcements too.

Thank YOU ALL for your service.


With an ample provision of clean still water in Narrabeen Lagoon it is no surprise that a rock pool at North Narrabeen took a lot longer to be installed then at other beaches along the coast. Although discussions to build one at the present site commenced in the early 1920's, it wasn't until the mid 1930's that one was completed. People were going into the surf for that exhilarating scouring only salt water can give you, but the majority of earlier residents and visitors made use of the quieter waters due to their  impression of being safer. Subsequent drownings obviously changed that perception, on the lagoon and for those who ventured into the surf at North Narrabeen. 

The inagural meeting of the Narrabeen Ladies Amateur Swimming Club was held on September 17, 1933 at Mrs Selig's House in Narrabeen. Thirty people gathered to discuss the formation of a ladies swimming club. Mrs Mary Chambers from the NSW Women's Amateur Swimming Association presided over the meeting. Mrs Lottie E Woods put forward the motion that a Swimming Club be formed and Mrs Selig seconded the motion and with that, the Narrabeen Amateur Swimming Club was founded.

This week a double dip into all things swimming at North Narrabeen

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1, 2024

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

Contents: The Tuesday Discussion Group; Market Day: call to stall holders; Winter Café and Market Day; International Folk Dancing; Island Fire Brigade AGM; Free: sideboard; For sale: woodworking tools

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and it brings the positive message, “save lives through early detection” - because bowel cancer is one of the most curable types of cancer if found early.

What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is cancer in any part of the large bowel (colon or rectum). It is sometimes known as colorectal cancer and might also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it starts. Bowel cancer grows from the inner lining of the bowel and usually develops from small growths on the bowel wall called polyps.  Most polyps are harmless (benign), but some become cancerous (malignant) over time.

If untreated, bowel cancer can grow into the deeper layers of the bowel wall and can spread from there to the lymph nodes.  If the cancer advances further, it can spread (metastasise) to other organs.

In most cases, the cancer is confined to the bowel for months or years before spreading. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program aims to improve early detection.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
This program aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting early signs of the disease. If found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated. 

Eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can do a free test at home every 2 years. Learn about the program, how to order your FREE kit and how to do the test, here: www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program


Alcohol Prohibited Areas: 4 New APA's  Across The Peninsula

Council’s Community Safety Advisory Committee has considered a review of Alcohol Prohibited Areas, with new locations and changes to some existing locations endorsed by Council in the last week of May 2024.

An Alcohol Prohibited Areas (APA) is a non-road related public place like a park, reserve or beach where drinking alcohol is prohibited. Council can declare an APA at all times or only for specific days, times or events.   

The committee, consisting of representatives from Northern Beaches Police Area Command, Councillors, the community services sector, community members and representatives from both State and Federal Members of Parliament met in November last year to discuss proposed changes. 

The committee subsequently supported the proposal to declare four new areas 24-hour APAs including: Howard Ave Reserve, Dee Why; Village Park, Mona Vale, Wingara Reserve, Belrose; and the boardwalk at Church Point Reserve.

Mayor Sue Heins said the changes bring a consistent approach to community safety.

“Previously, our APAs were inconsistent due to former Council areas having different approaches; however, the police have requested a uniformed approach to provide certainty for them and our rangers as to the restrictions and enforcement,” Mayor Heins said.

“This is a practical way in which Council can assist the police to improve public safety and to reduce alcohol-related incidents ensuring our parks, recreational areas, and public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for all residents.” 

All council beaches (oceans and inner waterway beaches) are already 24-hour APAs. Council parks and reserves are also now APAs from 8pm to 8am, except for those declared as 24-hr Alcohol Prohibited Areas. 

New signage will be installed as operational budgets allow, with high-profile locations prioritised. 


Avalon Surf Life Saving Club Café And Restaurant Set To Reopen

Council states locals and visitors to Avalon Beach are in for a real treat, with the long-awaited arrival of a new operator for the café and restaurant at this amazing beach side location.

Council has signed a lease with Sunny Amarpreet Singh (of A.K.C.N Group Pty Ltd) to fit out and operate the beachfront dining venue.

The new tenant currently owns and manages the popular Lovat restaurant in Newport and plans to offer a similar modern Australia food and beverage menu at their new Avalon Beach restaurant.

The café operation will provide more casual fare, focusing on local coffee and a breakfast and lunch menu.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said Council was delighted to have a new operator in place before the busy spring and summer months. 

“We are thrilled to welcome a new operator for the café and restaurant at this stunning location,” Mayor Heins said.

“With sweeping views over Avalon Beach, it is a fabulous spot for a long lunch with family and friends, a hot coffee after a morning surf or a quick bite to eat after a swim.

“The club building is an excellent community asset and deserves a high-quality dining operation.

“With a track record of success at their Newport restaurant, we can’t wait to see what the new operators have in store at the Avalon location.”

The President and Deputy President of Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club met with Council and Sunny to discuss the new operation of the café and restaurant. 

The club’s Deputy President Richard Cole said they are looking forward to club members and the local community benefiting from this new food and beverage offering right near the sand. 

“We congratulate Sunny and his team and look forward to working with them to support our Bangalley Bar and the many functions held at the Club,” Mr Cole said. 

“Lovat is a great fit and we can't wait to see the spaces reactivated again.”

The 10-year lease will commence on 1 August 2024, with the tenant planning to open in Spring.


Happy 100th Birthday Commander Fred Lewis

Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps was among residents wishing Commander Fred Lewis congratulations on his 100th birthday, which occurred on June 9 2024.

Commander Fred Lewis celebrated his 100th birthday at the RSL War Veterans Village in Collaroy/Narrabeen.

''It was an delight and honour to pass on the congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Australian Parliament and thank him for his committed and distinguished service to our nation.'' Dr. Scamps stated

''It was a very much a delight to meet Commander Lewis who only strengthened my theory that those who live to 100 do so because they have lived their lives with great humour, hope and optimism.''


Dr Scamps and Commander Fred Lewis. Photo: via FB

The NSW War Memorial profiles project provides the following insights on this local gentleman:

FREDERICK LEWIS
Commander, Royal Australian Navy
"I had a love of the Navy and a strong sense of patriotism."

Frederick Lewis enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II, beginning a career in the services that would span 35 years. “I felt it was my duty. I had a love of the Navy and a strong sense of patriotism,” said Frederick. “I pledged to faithfully serve my Queen and country.”

Frederick completed his initial training and was shore based in New Guinea nearing the end of the Pacific War.

“I was not involved in combat as such. We were flushing out stragglers from the main conflict. Japanese numbers were small by then and although there was an element of danger there was no fear of being killed at that time. We picked up the stragglers to bring them by ship to the mainland. We held the Japanese prisoners on the open deck at the stern of the ship with sentries guarding them day and night. We ended up with about 15 prisoners. They were exposed to the elements and bedded down roughly on the quarterdeck with blankets and pillows. They had to endure this for about three or four months. 

The Japanese were our enemies at the time and we had rather a dislike for them. To us the Japanese seemed like a reasonably cruel people. We felt some hatred towards them because of the atrocities of war, but we didn’t harm them. We certainly had the prisoners under control on the ship and rather than harm them we developed some sympathy towards them.”

Frederick remembers the day the war ended. “We were expecting it at the time. The news was received in radio signals and printed on a signal form. The word went out to ‘splice the mainbrace’ which is a Navy order to issue the crew alcohol – beer in the Australian Navy and rum in the Royal Navy.”

During his lengthy service in the Royal Australian Navy, Frederick Lewis was involved in regular deployments to South East Asia on exercises, flag showing visits, and in shows of force involving shore bombardments against communist forces during the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War.

Frederick rose to the rank of Commander before he retired from the Navy in 1980.

“The Navy is a 24-hour-a-day job. I counted it as my duty, but I enjoyed immensely what I was doing. I was at sea for most of the time and there was never a dull moment. There is always something to do on a ship, during wartime and at peace. “

Happy 100th sir! and Thank YOU for your service.

Dunbar Park Changes: June 2024 Concept Plan - ''Have Your Say''

Opened: May 29 2024
Closes: June 26 2024

[Implementing Avalon Beach Place Plan Actions] 

Council states it is 'committed to several actions to improve some of the amenity of Dunbar Park and surrounds in the Avalon Beach Place Plan'. 

''The improvements for the park will make it more appealing and useable for a range of activities, including comfortable places for people to meet, gather and play, improved lighting, and space for performances and events.'' the webpage states
''Our concept plan is preliminary which means, where appropriate, we will take our community's feedback into account as we commence detailed design.''
''Implementation of the improvements will be staged in accordance with funding and scheduled to minimise disturbance to the community.''
The changes listed include:
  • lighting changes
  • providing pop-up play spaces and active play elements
  • increasing public seating, picnic benches and tables
  • increasing footpath widths 
  • providing shelter for shade and weather protection
  • opportunities for arts and performance spaces
  • installing new bike parking rack


North Narrabeen Reserve (Including Rat Park): Draft Plan Of Management - Open For Feedback

Council have placed a draft PoM for North Narrabeen Reserve. Key proposals include:
  • Installing an all-weather synthetic surface on Field 2 subject to appropriate environmental investigations and the release of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s guidelines for synthetic sportsfield planning
  • Formalising Field 7 as a lit sportsfield and formalising the adjacent overflow car park
  • New improved amenities throughout the Reserve that provide better and equitable access for people with a disability, families and female participants
  • Improvements at the Rugby Park (Field 1) for spectators, players, sport, administration and events
  • Upgrades to the other sportsfields, ancillary facilities and the clubhouse buildings
  • New inclusive play and recreation space for children and young people
  • Additional tree plantings and new and upgraded landscaping
  • Improvements to roadways, parking and pedestrian and cycling pathways
  • Safety improvements at the golf centre
  • Providing picnic/seating facilities across the reserve for socialising and passive recreation opportunities
  • Authorisation of leases, licences and other agreements for use of the Reserve
  • Proposed works are dependent on the allocation of funding and will be assessed in accordance with any relevant planning and environmental requirements and legislation.
Feedback is open until June 23 2024 at:  yoursay./north-narrabeen-reserve-masterplan-and-plan-management


McCarrs Creek Road Upgrade - 'Have Your Say'

Opened: June 3 2024
Closes: July 1 2024
[Part of the Church Point Precinct Masterplan]
Council states the current road network spanning McCarrs Creek Road and Pittwater Road features high pedestrian activity with insufficient pedestrian crossing facilities and poor sightline for vehicles.

''The proposed road safety improvements will aim to prevent accidents, create safer pedestrian access, reduce speed and create a safer neighbourhood for Church Point residents and visitors.

The proposed design has been assessed by an independent Traffic Engineer and a Road Safety Assessment Report has been completed.'' the consultation webpage states

Proposed changes include:
  • a pedestrian refuge to provide safer pedestrian access to/from the bus stop
  • safety improvements to bus stop
  • traffic calming devices
  • line delineation to separate laneway and parking areas
  • improved signage
  • new Watts profile thresholds
  • footpath upgrade on southside of road
  • some kerb and guttering.
Council's webpage state that all existing trees will be retained as part of this proposal.

The proposed road safety upgrade follows the completion of stage one of the Masterplan, which saw the construction of the new car park, cargo wharf and boardwalk extension.

Council states improvements to Thomas Stephens Reserve, near the Ferry Wharf, will commence following the proposed road safety upgrades.



Construction Of Warriewood Community Centre Commences

Work has officially begun on the construction of the Warriewood Community Centre with the first soil being turned on Wednesday 29 May 2024.

Pittwater Council had already collected $5.8 million in Developer Contributions for this project. The Warriewood Valley Development Contributions Plan was extended by the NBC to 30 June 2031 at the Council meeting of 28 June 2022.

Contributions in Warriewood Valley currently account for up to $72,000 of the cost of an individual dwelling.

However, the latest Council Budget papers propose borrowing that $10.45 million to the build.

The Estimated amount payable to Belmadar Pty Ltd,  the contractor, under the contract (excluding GST), is $17,040,033.00 - so close to $19 million all up.

The centre is being built on the existing site of the Nelson Heather Centre building at the junction of Jacksons Road and Boondah Road, Warriewood.

The Warriewood Community Centre has long been anticipated by Pittwater residents, since its inclusion in the Warriewood Valley Master Plan of 1998. Pittwater Council circulated architectural plans for the centre in 2010. It, and later the amalgamated Northern Beaches Council, raised funds for the centre through developer contributions - previously known as Section 94 contributions, now Section 7.12. These contributions are levied to fund infrastructure in new developments. 

The  Warriewood Valley Development Contributions Plan of 2022 notes that a community meeting place is essential for community development. However, it continues, in Warriewood Valley: 

“Existing facilities are at capacity, evidenced by the requests for provision of additional activities and services from community groups that cannot be accommodated in existing facilities. It is apparent, through previous research, that there is no capacity in the existing community facilities to cater for the demand likely to arise from expected population growth over the next 10 years. As a consequence, it will be necessary to provide additional floor space to ensure appropriate levels of service to the incoming population.” 

With the Nelson Heather Centre (on the corner of Jacksons and Pittwater Roads), sinking into the old tip site on which it was built, the council planned to demolish it and construct the new community centre at  the same location. 

Excavation to remove loose fill will need to be undertaken and foundation piles used to support it (See Geotechnical Investigation for the Proposed Community Centre).

The population of Warriewood reached 8,425 people in 2022, and Mona Vale 11,019. As a District Centre on the B-line bus route, the Nelson Heather Centre also attracts users from outside the Warriewood Valley and Mona Vale. 

Mayor Sue Heins said at the ground-breaking ceremony this marked the first step to a new spacious and environmentally friendly multi-use community facility.

“I, along with the local community, am delighted the construction phase has finally begun for what will be a truly wonderful facility that will cater for a wide range of community, recreational and educational, activities in the area.”

“There has been a growing need for a multipurpose centre like this to accommodate the expanding local community. I look forward to seeing this beautiful and sustainable new space come to fruition.” Mayor Heins said.

Features of the new centre will include:
  • five multi-purpose halls suited to a wide range of recreational activities
  • two multi-purpose meeting rooms
  • an entry lobby with seating and kitchenette facilities
  • covered outdoor spaces which overlook landscaped gardens
  • modern and accessible amenities
  • multiple kitchen facilities
  • 78 car parking spaces, 5 of which are accessible plus mini-bus drop off
Sustainable features such as passive design, solar panels, 2400Litres of captured rainwater, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging facilities and Australian sustainably sourced cross laminated timber structural elements.

The building is expected to be completed in late 2025, weather permitting.


People Aged 65+ Urged To Book In For Free Flu Vaccine As Cases Surge Across NSW

June 13, 2024
People aged 65 and over are again being urged to book in now for their free flu vaccine, as the virus continues to surge across the state.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the latest NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report shows in the week ending 8 June 2024, there was an increase of more than 25 per cent in people diagnosed with influenza compared with the previous week.

“Flu is rapidly increasing across the state. In the past week alone, presentations to our emergency departments increased by almost 22 per cent for people with influenza-like illness," Dr Chant said.

“We are expecting the flu season will be around for several weeks to come, so now is the time to book in for your free flu vaccine to get the vital protection you need.

“This is particularly important for people aged 65 and over who are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza, and unfortunately our vaccination rates for this group still aren't where we need them to be.

“At present, just half of people 65 and over (52.4 per cent) in NSW have received their flu vaccine."

With influenza, COVID-19 and RSV all circulating in the community, we continue to remind the community to avoid visiting high-risk settings including hospitals and aged care facilities if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.

Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease. Everyone, but particularly those at increase risk of severe disease, is urged to get vaccinated now. By getting vaccinated you also help protect those around you.

The influenza vaccine is free and readily available for those at higher risk of severe illness from influenza. It is available through GPs for any age group, as well as through pharmacies for everyone aged five years and over.

Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza who are eligible for free vaccination include:
  • people aged 65 and over
  • children aged six months to under five years
  • Aboriginal people from six months of age
  • pregnant women
  • those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, severe asthma, kidney, heart, and lung disease.
There are some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV, including:
  • Stay up to date with your recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
  • Stay home if you are sick and wear a mask if you need to leave home
  • Get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
  • Avoid crowded spaces
  • Consider doing a rapid antigen test (RAT) before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness
  • Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines
  • Don't visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 or influenza
  • Practice good hand hygiene, including handwashing.

Chemical Cleanout: Mona Vale Beach June 29-30

When: Sat 29, Sun 30 June 2024: 9am - 3:30pm
What can I take to a Household Chemical CleanOut event?
You can take household quantities of the following household chemicals and items – up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms of a single item.
  • Solvents and household cleaners
  • Floor care products
  • Ammonia-based cleaners
  • Pesticides and herbicides
  • Poisons
  • Pool chemicals
  • Hobby chemicals
  • Motor fuels
  • Fluorescent globes and tubes
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Smoke detectors
  • Paint and paint-related products
  • Gas bottles
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Car and household batteries
  • Motor oils and cooking oils
This free service, run jointly by the NSW EPA and local councils, provides a safe way to dispose of potentially hazardous household items such as paint, oils and cleaning products.


Sails To Shelter: 2024

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

On the weekend of 20-21 July, a special drop-off bin will be on-site at RPAYC. 
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - RPAYC
16 Mitala Street, Newport


Please Join Us In Celebrating 100 Years  Of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?
Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.
By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027


Rotary Art Show 2024: Calling All Artists! 

The Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches  are thrilled to invite you to exhibit your works at the Rotary Art Show 2024, which will take place on July 20th and 21st at the Mona Vale Memorial Hall. 

Applications close Tuesday June 18 2024.

The exhibition will be conducted by the Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches with the proceeds supporting Lifeline and Rotary Youth Programs. 
We are delighted to confirm that Sarah Montgomery from Sydney Road Gallery & ArtSmart will be the official judge, awarding $1,500 for the show's Top Prize. We will also be running a People's Choice Award, which has a prize of $500 for the winner. 


SUBMIT YOUR ART NOW via the link below:

Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or a first-time participant, we welcome you to submit your work. The link includes all the delivery details, key dates, and conditions of entry.


E-Bikes On Footpaths

Residents continue to experience being almost struck or mowed down on footpaths in shopping areas and other places by youngsters and teenagers speeding on e-bikes. The same is occurring with e-scooters and e-skateboards, which are illegal when used in public places -  NSW Police can issue a fine of $723 for the use of these in public places.

In NSW children under 16 can ride on the footpath unless there are signs prohibiting cycling.

Bicycle riders aged 16 years and over must not ride on a footpath unless they are:
  • an adult supervising a child under the age of 16
  • a postal worker riding a bicycle in the course of their work duties
  • a rider carrying a child under 10 as a passenger
  • a rider with a medical condition who is carrying a medical certificate that states a medical practitioner believes the rider should be allowed to ride on the footpath
  • a rider accompanying a rider with a medical condition.
All riders must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians, not expect them to get out of their way when using either a footpath or shard path.

It is legal to ride on some small roads however Transport for NSW recommends children do not ride scooters, skateboards or rollerblades on roads. 

It's the law to wear a helmet in public spaces when on a bicycle.
  • All petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas such as footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths
  • All privately owned e-scooters are illegal in public spaces.
There are two types of permitted e-bikes: 
  • Power-assisted pedal cycles 
  • Electrically power-assisted cycles. 
The rider must primarily propel these bikes – a motor can't be the only source propelling it. The motor should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds

If you see an e-bike speeding over 25kms this is illegal and a Fine of $723 can be imposed by Police.  

If an e-device is endangering the public call 000 or if not an emergency the NSW Police Assistance line on 131 444.  

Those NSW Police information sheets from a few years back show the speed limits and in where they are permitted;


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


Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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


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

Report Hate Crimes

If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 
You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

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

JP Public Register

You can find a Justice of the Peace (JP) using the online Public Register. You can search by postcode, name of a JP, day of availability, language spoken and JP registration number. The register lists a JP’s location, availability and telephone number. Please note that JPs are volunteers and may not be available at all times. Click here to access the JP Public RegisterNB: There are  3 J.P’s working in Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch office, we work every Monday (10:30am to 15:30)except on public holidays:
  1. Terry Jones J.P.
  2. Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
  3. Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P

Echidna Love Season Commences

It's time to slow it down on the roads! Echidnas breed from mid-June to early September in NSW, so from now on, male echidnas begin to actively seek out females to mate.

Echidnas are most active in the lead-up to their Winter mating period, so if you live in an area with lots of native bush nearby, you may have a small spiny visitor. 

Echidnas live solitary lives but in breeding season, the female is suddenly very popular and up to 10 males will start to follow her around. This courtship can last up to a month, at which time the female will make her choice from the remaining males. 

The females breed every 3-5 years – they do not have a proper pouch but the mammary glands swell up on either side of the belly when an egg develops and the egg is laid directly into it. A blind, naked puggle emerges from the egg about 10 days later. Milk is secreted through special pores on the female’s belly. Puggles are suckled in this rudimentary pouch for two or three months. When the puggle develops spines and becomes too prickly, the mother will build a nursery burrow for it.

Unlike many other native animals, Echidnas are relatively unafraid of people and can pop up in the most unexpected places.

If you see an echidna and it is NOT injured please leave it alone and DO NOT approach it and do not attempt to contain it. Never relocate any healthy echidna as it risks them losing their scent trail or leaving young unattended in the burrow. Echidnas have a type of inbuilt GPS which we don’t want to interrupt.

The best thing to do in this situation is for everyone to simply to leave the area for a period of time, allowing the echidna to make its own way. If you have a pet please keep it contained well away from the animal, and you will find that the echidna will move away as soon as it is sure it is out of danger, and feels secure.

If you do find a distressed or injured echidna over the next few months, please call Sydney Wildlife Rescue For 24/7 Emergency Rescue or Advice, Ph: 9413 4300 or WIRES on 1300 094 737.



Photo: a Mona Vale echidna  - pic courtesy Alex Tyrell 

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets Of The Week

Mars 

12mths Foxy X Dachshund


Our planet pups Venus, Neptune, Jupiter, Mars and Neptune came from a rural pound. They are all well socialised with other dogs and easy to handle and pick up. They are very affectionate with people and have a very inquisitive nature.  They are just getting used to suburban living. Mars has a short coat and weighs 5.3kg. He suits apartment living with PT hours alone. All our dogs come with desexed, fully vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $700. 

Isla 

12mths Staffy X Kelpie


Isla is a very sweet, though slightly timid girl. She loves pats and cuddles with people. She has come from a rural pound and is getting the hang of walking on lead. She can be a little scared of cars but walks well on loose lead and ignores other dogs. She is so affectionate with people but looking for someone to build her confidence. She has a short coat and weighs 15.1kg. She suits a PT worker with house and garden. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. Her adoption fee is $450.

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

ICAC Public Inquiry Into Allegations Concerning Canterbury-Bankstown Council Employee, Contractor And Others

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is holding a public inquiry, which started on Monday 3 June 2024, as part of an investigation it is conducting into allegations concerning former Canterbury-Bankstown Council (“council”) employee Benjamin Webb, former council contractor Pietro Cossu and others (Operation Mantis).

The Commission is investigating whether, between May 2020 and December 2022, Mr Cossu and/or Mr Webb partially or dishonestly exercised their official functions by using, and/or attempting to use, PMLV Invest & Const Pty Ltd (“PMLV”) to undertake recruitment subcontractor services through council recruitment contractors in circumstances where Mr Cossu, and/or Mr Webb, failed to disclose their pecuniary interest in PMLV, and/or pecuniary benefits that they anticipated receiving in connection with the use of PMLV.

The Commission is also examining whether, between July 2020 and December 2022, Mr Cossu and/or Mr Webb partially or dishonestly exercised their official functions to favour General Works & Construction Pty Ltd (“GWAC”), by attempting to influence the award of council contract/s to GWAC, and/or using, or attempting to use, PMLV to subcontract GWAC council contracts to benefit themselves and/or others.

The general scope and purpose of this public inquiry is to gather evidence relevant to the allegations being investigated for the purpose of determining the matters referred to in section 13(2) of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988.

Commissioner the Hon Helen Murrell SC will preside at the public inquiry, and Counsel Assisting the Commission will be Ms Georgia Huxley of Counsel. 

The public inquiry is being held in the Commission's hearing room on Level 7, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. The inquiry is set down for up to three weeks. Members of the media and the public may view the proceedings on the Commission’s premises, or via the live stream on the ICAC website.

Hornsby Council To Pay Back $36 Million In Unspent Stronger Communities Grant Given By Coalition Government To Support Forced Council Amalgamations

June 10, 2024
The NSW Government is ordering Hornsby Shire Council to repay $36 million that was provided under the Stronger Communities Fund, a fund that the Auditor General of NSW has described as “deficient” and “lacking integrity”.

The grant program was established in 2017 to support the forced amalgamations of councils - with Manly and Pittwater being subsumed into Warringah and rebranded 'Northern Beaches Council' under the same scheme.

Pittwater was allocated millions under the same scheme; for the Mona Vale SLSC rebuild, the Barrenjoey Performance space and refurbishment of the Currawong Beach cottages.

However, in her April 2024 'From the Chamber' record on that Council Meeting, Cr. Korzy, a former journalist, reported in relation to the next Budget that ''Design and approvals work is budgeted for Great Mackerel Beach and Currawong, however funding for Currawong would be provided by the Pittwater Environmental Foundation''.

Under the former government, 96% of the Stronger Communities Fund grants were awarded to Coalition electorates, including to councils that never actually merged, like Hornsby Shire Council.

As part of this fund, in 2018, the former government awarded a $40 million grant in Round 2 of the Stronger Communities Fund for Hornsby Shire Council’s Westleigh Park project.

Since then, there have been significant delays in the delivery of the project and limited progress has been demonstrated, with most of the grant money yet to be spent.  

The NSW Government has therefore refused a request from Hornsby Council for an extension of time to utilise the unspent funds.

The Council will be required to pay back all unspent funds from the original $40 million grant, estimated to be more $36 million based on the latest report from that Council.

This decision is based on recommendations from an independent inter-agency panel that assessed all council applications for variations to projects funded through the Liberal-Nationals Stronger Communities Fund.  

The Office of Local Government received 16 applications for variations from 10 councils.  

Of these, 12 have been approved. These councils asking for extensions of time have demonstrated that their projects are on-track.

Three requests were refused, including Hornsby’s request regarding the Westleigh Park project.  

The other two refusals included Federation Council, which requested permission to reallocate $83,889 remaining from a grant of $5.4 million to other projects, which is not permitted under the grant guidelines.  

Edward River Council also had a request to reallocate $10,000 in funding refused.  

A separate request from Hornsby Council for an extension of time to utilise a $50 million grant provided for its Hornsby Quarry project has been approved as construction has progressed significantly.  

Additionally, a request from Snowy Monaro Council regarding the delivery of a community centre funded by a grant of $200,000 will be reviewed further.  

Murray River Council also offered to voluntarily repay $131,147 in unspent funds from an almost $1.2 million grant it received in 2018.

Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig has stated:
“The former Liberal-National government’s Stronger Communities Fund has been exposed as one of the most egregious examples of pork barrelling.    

The fund was originally established to support councils which had been forcibly merged by the former government, yet Hornsby Shire Council received $90 million despite not being one of the amalgamated councils.  

“At a time when we are facing a cost-of-living crisis, every dollar counts.  

"Hornsby Council has had years to utilise this funding and the original deadline written into the grant guidelines has long passed.

“Where councils have not demonstrated sufficient progress on projects that received grant funding, the government will be recouping this money and ensuring it is reinvested where it’s needed most.”    

Winter Café And Market Day: Catherine Park Scotland Island

Sunday 23 June, 10 - 1 pm

May 26 - June 15, 2024: Issue 627

This Issue:

Warriewood Community Battery Unveiled

Midget Farrelly Tribute Takes Shape

Restoring Pittwater Council PollDesktop Analysis By Northern Beaches Council States There Is 'High Customer Satisfaction' - Recommends 'Take No Further Action' Re; A Poll At September Council Elections

See Northern Beaches Council’s Draft Local Environment Plan by Cr. Korzy

Aquatics: Round 2 of Sharkskin NSW IRB Premiership Series to be hosted by Fingal Beach SLSC this weekend (25-26 May) prelude report by Surf Life Saving NSW

Pictures: Autumn Sojourn: Cowan Water - May 2024 photos and captions by John Vaughan OAM

Park Bench Philosophers Fungi Season At Irrawong: May 2024 + Magic Of Fungi: David Noble - Photos by Joe Mills

Governor Phillip Park Plan Of Management Changes To Facilitate Trial Of Dogs Offleash On North Palm BeachHave Your Say until June 5

Environment Koala Habitat Clearing In Sydney: Happening Now: some insights from those there, NSW Government Announces 2-Year Extension To Eraring Power Station: 'To Manage Reliability And Price Risks', Peak Environment Group Blasts Taxpayer-Funded Extension Of Coal Plant, New Guidelines For NSW Greenhouse Gas Emissions Welcomed, Speeding Up Connection Of Batteries To NSW Electricity Grid, Barrington Tops New ‘Bark’ Rangers: Alice & Echo Sniff Out Silent Killer Threatening Australia's Biodiversity, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew: Queenscliff Lagoon - May 26, Botanic Gardens Day At Stony Range: May 26, Chickens, ducks, seals and cows: a dangerous bird flu strain is knocking on Australia’s door, Murrumbidgee Regional Water Strategy: Have Your Say, Draft NSW Murray Regional Water Strategy: Have Your Say, Murray Valley Floodplain Management Plan: Have Your Say, Gardens Of Stone Multi-Day Walk And Campsites 20 Year Commercial Lease: Have Your Say, Has logging really stopped in Victoria?; What the death of an endangered glider tells us, Decarbonisation Dynamics: New Analysis Unveils Shifting Trends In The Voluntary Carbon Offset Market, 'Vigorous Melting' At Antarctica's Thwaites 'Doomsday' Glacier, Will government investment make green hydrogen a reality in Australia?, Australia has fuel efficiency standards - but they’re weaker than they could have been, We’re helping farmers access future climate projections as easily as checking the weather, Are some routes more prone to air turbulence? Will climate change make it worse? Your questions answered, A rare find in ancient Timorese mud may rewrite the history of human settlement in Australasia, Evolutionary History Of Extinct Duck Revealed, Bats in Colorado face fight against deadly fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, Electric air taxis are on the way – quiet eVTOLs may be flying passengers as early as 2025, Hedges beat garden fences as wildlife havens and flood barriers – that’s why I’m taking them to the Chelsea Flower Show, Extreme heatwaves in south and south-east Asia are a sign of things to come, I sailed across oceans in search of microplastics – a new film charts my journey, Volunteers For Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours Needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report Fox Sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare In Pittwater: Where + When, Coastal Floodplain Drainage Project: Have Your Say, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves, Histories, Pictorial Walks, +

Inbox News Peter Dutton makes Labor’s case; Tax breaks for landlords should be restricted to those who build homes, Menopause can bring increased cholesterol levels and other heart risks; Here’s why and what to do about it, Safer Staffing Levels To Deliver More Nurses For NSW Hospitals, 'I Feel Like I'm Alice In Wonderland': Why Nightmares and 'Daymares' Could Be Early Warning Signs Of Autoimmune Disease, I can’t afford olive oil; What else can I use?, We still don’t know the extent of the MediSecure breach but watch out for these potential scams, MediSecure data breach: why is health data so lucrative for hackers?, Is it time for Australia to reassess its position on France’s role in New Caledonia?, Déjà vu in New Caledonia: why decades of political failure will make this uprising hard to contain, A pest of our own making: revealing the true origins of the not-so-German cockroach, A century ago; anti-immigrant backlash almost closed America’s doors, Webb Telescope Offers First Glimpse Of An Exoplanet's Interior, Fungi Season At Irrawong, Calling Sydney Harbour: In 1960, A Night At The Zoo: Celebrating World Oceans Day, Your Voice Our Future: Have Your Say, Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships 2024 Are Now Open, Post-Pandemic Career Change Leads To Success For TAFE NSW Landscape Design Graduate, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Love, Was Beethoven truly the greatest?, Some sports leaders are trying to defy term limits – which can open the door to corruption, Alice’s adventures in banking wonderland: how an ambitious finance start-up didn’t change the world, What’s the difference between fiscal and monetary policy?, What is fate? And how can it both limit and liberate us?, The budget has earmarked $8.6 million for live music. Is it enough to save the flailing industry?, Turning the outback into post-apocalyptic wasteland: what Mad Max films tell us about filming in the Australian desert, As governments crack down on fast fashion’s harms could Shein lose its shine?, New fossil brings us a step closer to unravelling the mystery of feather evolution, Iconic Baobabs: The Origin And Long-Distance Travels Of Upside Down Trees, New COVID ‘FLiRT’ Variant In Australia, Calling Sydney Harbour: In 1960, Have Your Say: A Digital Inclusion Strategy For NSW, Who really was Mona Lisa? More than 500 years on; there’s good reason to think we got it wrong, Buried kelp: seaweed carried to the deep sea stores more carbon than we thought, Alice Munro, master of the short story: superlative tales that exalt the drama of the everyday, Exercise, therapy and diet can all improve life during cancer treatment and boost survival

Profile of the Week  The Inaugural Pittwater RSL Boardriders Inclusive Classic: To Run Saturday June 1, 2024 - A Few Words From The Committee Of The Northern Beaches Para Surfer Boardriders Club

This Saturday June 1, the inaugural Inclusive Classic surfing contest, hosted by the Northern Beaches Para Surfers Boardriders Club, will take place at Mona Vale Beach.

Some of the Members were spoken to while taking part in the 2024 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships, run May 13-16 at Waikiki, and where Kirk Watson and Sam Bloom won their Divisions, as did fellow Australians Mark "Mono" Stewart and Jocelyn Neumueller, while Em Dieters secured a great 2nd in her Division. 

You can see these guys + other past and present Australian Irukandjis Para Surf Team in action on the Saturday 1st of June, at the Pittwater RSL Boardriders Inclusive Classic, brought to you by NBPSB, Mona Vale Boardriders and Surfing NSW.

There will be a full day of surfing action, food and treats plus beach games going on. Also there is over $8k in raffle prizes to win.

This Issue a few words from the Committee of Northern Beaches Para Surfers Boardriders on what they are looking forward to during this all day surf-fest.


Peter Neil Muller AO (3 July 1927 – 17 February 2023) was an Australian architect with works in New South Wales, Victoria, Adelaide, Bali, and Lombok, is considered part of the 'Sydney School' of architects, that included contemporaries Bill Lucas, Bruce Rickard, Neville Gruzman, Adrian Snodgrass and Ken Woolley.

As Council is currently seeking contemporary architecture stand outs in our area, those designed by Mr. Muller could form part of that list.

His home for his own family on Bynya road, and that next door for the Walcott's, which was House of the Year in 1957, along with 'Kumale' for the Richardson family and even Palm Beach Kindergarten are wonderful examples of his works. 

Issue 628 Will Be Available June 16 2024

Due to the sudden loss of a family member, Pittwater Online News' next Issue, No. 628, will be published Sunday June 16 2024.

Thank you for your messages of support during this difficult time.

A J Guesdon
E Gumley
Proprietors, Green Wing Press Pty Ltd, Publishers of Pittwater Online News.

Broken Bay Water Police: Restoring Joy

Friday May 24, 2024
Broken Bay Water Police would like to thank several fishos who this morning called in a distraught dog caught on rocks between Whale Beach and Bangalley Head, Avalon.

WP42 responded with one officer swimming onto the rocks reaching the stressed animal. With a lot of encouragement, rock hoping and carrying the pup for over an hour a suitable location was found to successfully extract her from the surging waves. She was then swum back to WP42 using a rescue tube.

Through the magic of Facebook and our awesome community the dog was identified as “Joy” an Airedale Terrier lost on Friday 17th May who had been missing for 7 days. 

About 4pm Water Police had the pleasure of returning “Joy” to her loving family.
It is hoped after a good dinner this pup will make a full recovery. 

A great story to finish the week.


 
 

Photos; Broken Bay Water Police/ Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force

ABHS June 2024 Meeting

The next meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be held on TUESDAY 11 JUNE in the Annexe in the north-west corner of Dunbar Park. As usual it will commence at 8pm sharp!

We have a very different style of presentation for this meeting. 

I received, as a text message (and anonymously?) a 5-page document with the intriguing title of  ‘WE THREE MAIDS’.

One of the 3 maids was 1 of 5 children born to the Wilson family who built ‘Hy Brasil’ in 1935. One of the 3 maids (sisters) Sheila, wrote down her recollections of when the family ventured to Avalon Beach in the late 1920s and until they moved into ‘Hy Brasil’.



She describes their first house as ‘the only house between the golf course and the beach’. It was accessed via a track which led up from (Old) Barrenjoey Road before the (New) Barrenjoey Road was constructed around the golf course in 1928.

She talks about her 2 brothers and the time when their horses helped themselves to oranges and chocolates in the Hanson’s house. We visit the site of a film set in Palmgrove Park, the Ava-Putt mini golf course, the northern veranda of Loggan Rock with a huge Eucalyptus tree protruding through it and a whole lot more!

I have assembled over 60 photographs which illustrate chronologically Sheila’s ‘passage through time’ in early Avalon Beach.

We hope you will join us for this presentation and remember guests and friends of members are very welcome and to stay for supper afterwards.

Geoff Searl OAM
President Avalon Beach Historical Society

Restoring Pittwater Council Poll: Desktop Analysis By Northern Beaches Council States There Is 'High Customer Satisfaction' - Recommends 'Take No Further Action' Re: A Poll At September Council Elections

At the upcoming 28 May 2024 Council Meeting a preliminary desktop analysis by the Northern Beaches Council - Reporting team: Workforce & Technology - states that holding a poll at the September would cost an estimated $348,000.00 although the cost of the poll itself would be under half this at $170,000. 

This is in regards to a Motion tabled by Cr. Korzy at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 30 April 2024, 'considered Notice of Motion No 17/2024 - Holding a poll at the September 2024 Local Government Elections regarding community support for a Council de-amalgamation.'

The rest of the document stating it would cost $348,000.00 consists of hosting a webpage; $19 thousand, another $7 thousand for putting up a post/s on Facebook and sending out an EDMs via the Council's Newsletter and publishing a Media Release on the council website, then Analysis and reporting is costed at $21 thousand.

The report then states this would require a 'Proposed Stage 2 – Engagement and awareness campaign', which is costed at $170,00 and again consists of Promotion (EDMs, Media Release, Facebook, flyers, letterbox drop, posters) and adds in, for an extra $8,000.00, Community information sessions (online and face to face).

Listed under 'Identifiable Risks' are a number of 'against' points, but none for. The 'against' points include this sample:

'Efficiencies and/or economies of scale generated by Northern Beaches Council may not be delivered by the new councils'

'Service levels have risen across the merged council and community dissatisfaction may occur if services are returned to the original lower levels e.g. the Northern Beaches parking sticker.'

'Little to no capacity to increase services in demerged council areas where they may no longer be available.

'The financial performance of the demerged councils is less than that modelled, resulting in the need to either reduce services, find efficiency gains and/or increase rates to address the operating deficit.'

However, Pittwater residents have found service levels have decreased under the current council - 2023 report ' Sediment Running Off Into Creeks And Beaches From Work Sites - Public Parks Not Maintained – Bilgola Plateau Park Still Not Fixed: Residents NOT Happy

The approval or recommendation of approval of non-compliant DA's has also been an ongoing point of difference causing Pittwater residents to call for the return of Pittwater Council, as has any 'Have Your Say' webpage hosted by the NBC (at, apparently, $19 thousand per preliminary round) which residents have said are actually Statements of Intent, not consultations:
The Agenda states the 'Estimated one off costs associated with a demerger [would be]: $42,819,431'.

In 2016 ipart stated it would cost $15.6 million to amalgamate Pittwater, Manly and Warringah Councils - this was provided via a grant from the Coalition State Government which decreed the forced mergers. 

The report records at its base acknowledging using data that has widely been claimed to be flawed or skewed towards stopping any regain of former councils in those forcibly amalgamated areas:

''ACKNOWLEDGEMEMT
It is acknowledged that in the preparation of this report data has been obtained from the publicly available demerger reports of both Inner West Council and Canterbury-Bankstown Council for background information or to make assumptions. It is further acknowledged that, as a part of these publicly available demerger reports, data from industry consultants Morrison Low was also used for background information or to make assumptions.  However, as Morrison Low, Inner West Council and Canterbury Bankstown Council were not consulted or involved in the preparation of this report, any errors or omissions in this report are solely the responsibility of Northern Beaches Council.''

In citing this 'acknowledgement' one of the points derived from the same states: 
''Demerged councils would need to procure and deploy the requisite hardware, screens, laptops, remote communications, associated data, cyber security systems and supporting management protocols.''

It's worth noting that at the April 2023 Council Meeting 'A proposal to fund a new council computer system with money from the Mona Vale Cemetery Reserve is one of the measures proposed within the council’s 2023/24 budget' and was not just proposed, it was formalised - to the tune of $4.6million

The report recommends; - 
'That Council:
1. Note the preliminary desktop analysis of the financial implications of a demerger.
2. Note the community’s current high customer satisfaction scores regarding Northern Beaches Council’s delivery of a diverse range of core services.
3. Take no further action with respect to Council resolution 85/2024 (including in relation to gathering community feedback on the analysis, a report to the Council meeting in June 2024 and facilitating a poll at the September 2024 local government elections) as:
a. The estimated financial implications of a demerger would most likely result in the new councils being financially unsustainable.
b. The process of undertaking a poll at the September 2024 local government election would be costly, is time pressured and does not meet the legislative requirements contained in the Local Government Amendment (De-amalgamations) Act 2024 recently assented to.
c.Taking further action would likely lead to unnecessary disruption and uncertainty for residents, businesses and customers.

Thousands of Pittwater residents have signed a Second Petition* calling for Pittwater Council to be returned to Pittwater residents. Members of the community group working on this have already spoken of putting a Business Case together to support this being presented to the Minister for Local Government, and have within their cohort people with the professional experience and capacity to draft the same.

* the First Petition was 'safely stored' for over a year before then then Minister for Local Government rejected it despite the requirement within the Act that a poll be conducted if residents presented just 250 signatures for the same.

Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig stated during the Second reading debate in the lower house for the recent changes to the Act:

‘I have heard from people from Pittwater and other people who want to demerge, that they have submitted previously in 2016, 2017 or 2008, or they have submitted proposals under section 215 to the Government and have been told that they need 10 per cent of an entire area, and that is how section 215 is being interpreted. If they were told that, it is wrong. If it is an approach to the Office of Local Government while I am the Minister, I will proceed in accordance with the Act. I have a sneaking suspicion why they might have been told that and why they think it is accurate, but it is wrong.

I thought I was clear at budget estimates that there is an opportunity to proceed under section 215. I do not need to read the words to the House a third time for it to be clearly understood. I say clearly to all those who think that they do not have an opportunity that they can proceed under section 215. If 250 people in Pittwater signed a request under section 215, I am not sure on what basis they would persuade a Minister for Local Government to refer that to the boundaries commission, but the opportunity is there to have the Minister at least consider it, as a Minister is required to do.’

Pittwater residents in their thousands signed a petition which was supposed to be given to then Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton in May 2018. The original petition – legally a proposal under the NSW Local Government Act - did not need to be presented to Parliament but should have been passed on to the Office of Local Government for consideration. 

However, despite numerous phone calls and emails asking for an urgent response, the Protect Pittwater group did not receive a written answer until January 2020 and the proposal was then knocked back by the NSW Office of Local Government, who informed the residents they now had to get 10% of the whole newly created LGA to sign - not just from those within the former boundaries of their former council area.

A report run the week before the group finally heard back stated that the 20 amalgamated councils around the state had lost $1.03 billion in three years and Northern Beaches Council was the fifth worst performing amongst them. The current NBC Budget reveals this has not improved.

And this leads back to where the original Motion pointed to - ''the problem with Labor’s demerger changes is that they require amalgamated councils to vote for a poll that threatens their own demise.'' Ms Korzy stated earlier this month

“As one resident said later, ‘Turkeys don’t vote for Christmas’.

Supporting Students With A Disability: ‘Contribute To This Audit’

The Audit Office of NSW is currently looking into the Department of Education’s Disability Strategy and receiving the views of residents.

Overview
Around one in five New South Wales public school students have a disability (183,000 students in 2022). Eighty-six per cent of students with disability learn in mainstream classes in mainstream schools, 11% learn in support classes in mainstream schools, and 3% in schools for specific purposes (SSPs). The Department of Education’s Disability Strategy (2019) committed to build a more inclusive education system and identified actions across four key reform areas:
  • Strengthen support: investing in teachers and other support staff
  • Increase resources and flexibility: enabling schools to operate with more flexibility
  • Improve the family experience: making experiences better and easier
  • Track outcomes: building an evidence base to measure progress. 
This audit will assess whether the department is effectively supporting students with disability in NSW public schools. 

Share your views
If you have experiences or views on support for students with disability in NSW public schools, you can share them with the Audit Office. This can be done anonymously if you wish.

The Audit Office will consider all feedback provided as they audit the NSW Department of Education.

To provide feedback, click on ‘Contribute to this audit’ or the message icon at the top right of this webpage on the NSW Audit Office website.

Feedback will be accepted until close of business Monday 3 June 2024.

Manly MP Supports Opportunity Class Petition  

Manly MP, James Griffin has thrown his support behind an ePetition opposing a reduction in Opportunity Class (OC) places in seven NSW Public Schools, including Balgowlah Heights. 
 
Mr Griffin said the decision to halve the number of quality OC places in these schools fails to uphold the Minns Labor Government’s own commitment to support our public schools. 
 
“While creating new OC classes in schools which currently don’t offer them is welcome, it shouldn’t be at the cost of schools which have been successfully conducting the classes for their intellectually gifted students.” 
 
Mr Griffin said, “Instead of creating new OC places to accommodate population growth, the proposal rearranges existing places, which could harm the quality of the NSW OC program.” 
 
The petition highlights the potential adverse impacts of the proposal.
 
It halves access to well-established OC places, which predominantly serve students who could not otherwise attend these schools and are willing to travel to do so.  
It compromises learning outcomes by moving children to schools with no experience in delivering OC programs or into composite year 5/6 classes, where only half the time is spent delivering their curriculum. 
It affects the emotional well-being of intellectually gifted students with special needs who require extra support. 
It places greater strain on teaching staff, who will struggle to deliver a quality program to students at significantly different learning stages and maturity levels in the same class. 
It reduces learning resources and highly qualified staff in OC schools, negatively impacting other teachers, students, and the broader community. 

Mr Griffin said, “The petition asks the NSW Legislative Assembly to call on the Government to refrain from implementing cuts to existing OC schools and engage with the community on any proposed changes. 
 
“If you agree to the ePetition please click on the link below and add your name.''


Taylors Point Wharf - Remedial Works: Feedback Invited

Council states a condition assessment of the existing wharf located at the end of Taylors Point Road, off Hudson Parade, Clareville has been undertaken and identified safety repairs are needed.

Major refurbishment is needed to bring the wharf back to a good condition and meet the requirements of the Australian Standards - guidelines for the design of marine infrastructure.

Council have prepared an environmental assessment (Review of Environmental Factors) due to the sensitivities around the marine environment and to meet State Government requirements. Council is now encouraging the community to take a look at the document and provide any feedback on the assessment, prior to construction which is expected to commence in the middle of the year.

Council  invite you to provide your feedback at:

Feedback closes June 4 2024


North Narrabeen Reserve (Including Rat Park): Draft Plan Of Management - Open For Feedback

Council have placed a draft PoM for North Narrabeen Reserve. Key proposals include:
  • Installing an all-weather synthetic surface on Field 2 subject to appropriate environmental investigations and the release of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s guidelines for synthetic sportsfield planning
  • Formalising Field 7 as a lit sportsfield and formalising the adjacent overflow car park
  • New improved amenities throughout the Reserve that provide better and equitable access for people with a disability, families and female participants
  • Improvements at the Rugby Park (Field 1) for spectators, players, sport, administration and events
  • Upgrades to the other sportsfields, ancillary facilities and the clubhouse buildings
  • New inclusive play and recreation space for children and young people
  • Additional tree plantings and new and upgraded landscaping
  • Improvements to roadways, parking and pedestrian and cycling pathways
  • Safety improvements at the golf centre
  • Providing picnic/seating facilities across the reserve for socialising and passive recreation opportunities
  • Authorisation of leases, licences and other agreements for use of the Reserve
  • Proposed works are dependent on the allocation of funding and will be assessed in accordance with any relevant planning and environmental requirements and legislation.


Governor Phillip Park Plan Of Management: Have Your Say

Closes: Sunday 2 June 2024
Council states it is currently reviewing and updating the Plan of Management for Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach and considering the recreational, environmental, social and cultural values and characteristics of the area.

The plan will guide the use and management of the park to meet community needs now and into the future.

Council want to know how you use the park, what you value and any ideas and aspirations you have for this well-loved area.

Why is the Council preparing a new Plan of Management (PoM) for Governor Phillip Park?
Council states a new Governor Phillip Park PoM is required to:
  • incorporate a proposal for an off-leash dog trial
  • meet council's obligations under the Crown Land Management Act 2016
  • determine current and future needs of the community in relation to the use and management of the park to ensure that the site and facilities continues to meet the expectations of users and the community
North Palm Beach was the scene, just a few weeks back, where a local wildlife volunteer was fending offleash dogs away from a distressed rare turtle, and where dogs may be seen offleash on the beach, despite this being a no dogs zone, all day every day, unchallenged.

See Pittwater Online April report: Dog Attacks On Wildlife On North Palm Beach

In response to an earlier 'consultation' residents and families who used the beach objected to the area being turned over to becoming a 'dog beach', pointing out this will be used to access the Barrenjoey headland and dunes areas, where wildlife lives.

Council states it resolved on 22 August 2023 to prepare draft Plans of Management for areas proposed for a potential dog off-leash trial at Governor Phillip Park in Palm Beach and Mona Vale Beach (south). Plans of Management are legally required before Council can make a decision to progress any potential trials.

The scope of the Plan of Management relates to the entire reserve, so they want to hear the community’s views on all use and management of Governor Phillip Park.

Barrenjoey Head is managed by the National Park and Wildlife Service and is part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

A plan of management was adopted by the new NSW Government on February 21 2024 and can be viewed at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Lion Island, Long Island and Spectacle Island nature reserves plan of management | NSW Environment and Heritage More information on those changes can be read about in the Pittwater Online January 2024 report:

Governor Phillip Park is Crown land and owned and managed by the NSW Government.

The Minister responsible for Crown land can appoint Council as the Crown land manager for a Crown land reserve. Council is then responsible for it’s care, control and management. The land must be managed in accordance with the Crown Land Management Act 2016 and the Local Government Act 1993.

Key dates listed for changing the Governor Phillip Plan of Management are:
  • Timeline item 1 - active; Apr - Jun 2024: Idea gathering, Gathering residents ideas and aspirations for this area
  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete; Jun - Jul 2024: Review and report - Review community ideas and report what they heard
  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete; Aug - Oct 2024: Prepare the draft PoM
  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete; Nov 2024: Refer draft PoM to NSW Government
  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete; Feb 2025: Report draft PoM to Council, Requesting public exhibition
  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete; Mar - Apr 2025: Public exhibition, Gathering residents feedback on their draft PoM
  • Timeline item 7 - incomplete; May 2025: Review community feedback, update draft PoM
  • Timeline item 8 - incomplete; Jun 2025: Report updated draft PoM to NSW Government
  • Timeline item 9 - incomplete; Aug 2025: Report updated draft PoM to Council, Requesting adoption

Please Join Us In Celebrating 100 Years  Of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?
Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.
By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027


E-Bikes On Footpaths

Residents continue to experience being almost struck or mowed down on footpaths in shopping areas and other places by youngsters and teenagers speeding on e-bikes. The same is occurring with e-scooters and e-skateboards, which are illegal when used in public places -  NSW Police can issue a fine of $723 for the use of these in public places.

In NSW children under 16 can ride on the footpath unless there are signs prohibiting cycling.

Bicycle riders aged 16 years and over must not ride on a footpath unless they are:
  • an adult supervising a child under the age of 16
  • a postal worker riding a bicycle in the course of their work duties
  • a rider carrying a child under 10 as a passenger
  • a rider with a medical condition who is carrying a medical certificate that states a medical practitioner believes the rider should be allowed to ride on the footpath
  • a rider accompanying a rider with a medical condition.
All riders must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians, not expect them to get out of their way when using either a footpath or shard path.

It is legal to ride on some small roads however Transport for NSW recommends children do not ride scooters, skateboards or rollerblades on roads. 

It's the law to wear a helmet in public spaces when on a bicycle.
  • All petrol-powered bicycles are illegal on NSW roads and road-related areas such as footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths
  • All privately owned e-scooters are illegal in public spaces.
There are two types of permitted e-bikes: 
  • Power-assisted pedal cycles 
  • Electrically power-assisted cycles. 
The rider must primarily propel these bikes – a motor can't be the only source propelling it. The motor should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds

If you see an e-bike speeding over 25kms this is illegal and a Fine of $723 can be imposed by Police.  

If an e-device is endangering the public call 000 or if not an emergency the NSW Police Assistance line on 131 444.  

Those NSW Police information sheets from a few years back show the speed limits and in where they are permitted;

 

Have Your Say: A Digital Inclusion Strategy For NSW

Feedback closes: Friday 19th July, 2024.
The NSW Government is developing the first Digital Inclusion Strategy in our state. 
In today's rapidly evolving world, not all members of our community have been able to fully embrace the online age, leading to a growing digital divide.

For example:
  • >60% of Australians feel they can’t keep up with rapid changes in technology.
  • >$66 million was stolen by online scammers from Indigenous Australians, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people with a disability in 2021 alone.
  • >46% of Australians say the rising cost of living has affected their ability to get online.
The NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy will look at how everyone in NSW can access, afford and engage with digital technologies, services, and resources – regardless of where they live, their age, race, gender identity and socio-economic status, or if they have a disability.
The Government wants to understand what challenges people face accessing digital technologies, services and resources and how they can be supported to overcome them.

Tell them what you think
Your feedback will help inform the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy.
You can have your say by completing a survey, taking a quick poll, sharing your story, or making a submission, until Friday 19th July, 2024.

To help you respond, you can refer to the discussion paper.


NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit's Get Ready Workshops 2024

The women of Warringah Pittwater SES are delighted to be presenting their award winning workshops again this winter.

The free 2 hour workshops are for any woman that would like to learn more about how to prepare and protect their home and loved ones during severe weather events.


In March 2024 a group of nine women from the NSW SES Warringah-Pittwater Unit were recognised with an Initiative Award for their “Women Helping Women” workshops, aimed to empower local women with vital home maintenance skills. Through structured sessions, participants gained insights into roof structure, tradie engagement, and emergency preparedness, which helped foster confidence and empowerment.  

See Pittwater Online report:


Invictus Games 2025: EOI Sought

Invictus Games: Team Australia are seeking Expressions of Interest to be part of Team Australia at Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025! 

If you are a current for former serving member of the ADF who has been wounded, injured or become during or as a result of your military service, you are eligible to apply. 

The Games give competitors the opportunity to represent our nation on the global stage as part of a celebration of courage and camaraderie alongside their family and friends. 

Applications can be found at https://bit.ly/3Wm8d5m and close 29 May 2024.


Celebrating Women In Local Government

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, which recognise the outstanding achievements and contribution of women in councils across NSW.

The 17th annual awards will be presented on Tuesday 20 August 2024 during a ceremony at NSW Parliament, co-hosted by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.

The Awards highlight and celebrate women’s excellence with awards recognising individuals and council programs across metropolitan and regional councils. The categories include:
  • Alternative Pathways Award – a female staff member who is breaking down gender stereotypes.
  • Champion of Change Award – a general manager or senior manager who has excelled in supporting and encouraging women’s participation at their council.
  • Elected Representative Award – a councillor who has advanced the position of female elected representatives.
  • Employment Diversity Award – a successful council program to increase female participation in senior leadership roles or at the elected representative level.
  • Woman of Distinction Award – a woman who has demonstrated exceptional innovation, integrity and initiative or who has a positive influence on others.
  • Young Achiever’s Award – an outstanding trainee/apprentice (aged 25 and under).
  • Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award – the winner will be determined by the Minister for Local Government to recognise and honour the dedication and tireless work of a female council staff member or elected representative (nominations not required).
Nominations close Friday 14 June 2024. For more information about the Awards or to make a nomination, go to the Office of Local Government website.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“As I have travelled around the state to visit councils, I have met some incredible women who work exceptionally hard every day to make their community a better place.

“These awards are a chance to showcase their efforts, and the example they provide to any woman interested in working or serving in local government.

“Last year we received a record number of nominations so I encourage everyone to keep up that enthusiasm and submit a nomination for this year’s awards.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Having been a councillor and mayor myself, I’m very much aware of the many hardworking women in councils across the state, supporting and contributing to their communities every day.

“By recognising their achievements and commitment, we can inspire and empower the next generation of local government leaders as we continue to work towards gender equality in NSW.”

Council Information Sessions: NSW Government Housing Reforms

Council is hosting information sessions for residents on the NSW government’s proposals to increase housing heights and density on the Northern Beaches. 

Council has called on the government to scrap the proposals due to the anticipated scale of proposed development having long lasting environmental and social impacts for the local area. 

Mayor Sue Heins encouraged local residents to attend an information session to understand what the proposals would mean for them. 

“We want to be part of the solution to Sydney’s housing crisis, but we cannot support this one-size-fits-all approach to housing density which will put inappropriate housing in inappropriate locations and take away Council’s ability to properly and strategically plan for growth in our area,” Mayor Heins said.  

“We’ll see increased pressure on our already struggling roads, public transport and community infrastructure, and in some areas see a reduction in trees and heritage protection. 

“I encourage residents to register to attend one of the sessions to learn more about what is proposed, how it will affect you and what you can do about it.”

The sessions will be hosted by Council Planning staff who will host one event in each of the 5 Council wards. The events are free but registration is essential. Those interested in attending a session may register here. 

Monday 20 May, 6 - 7pm
Curl Curl Sports Club, Abbott Road, Curl Curl

Thursday 23 May, 6 - 7pm
Tramshed – Berry Hall, 1395 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen

Thursday 30 May, 6 - 7pm            
Belrose Hall, Corner Forest Way & Bambara Roads, Belrose

Monday 3 June, 6 - 7pm 
Manly Seniors - Main Hall, Corner Pittwater & Balgowlah Roads, Manly

Thursday 6 June, 6 - 7pm
Newport Community Centre – Main Hall, 11-13 The Boulevarde, Newport 

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets Of The Week

Azlan 

Husky 8yrs


Azlan is a very friendly boy who is easy to handle and walk. He came from a rural pound with fly bitten ears. Despite his age he is quite active but once he has a good walk he just settles for a nap. He loves having people around but is not clingy. He walks well on loose lead. He has a fluffy coat that needs a lot of brushing and he weighs 25kg. He is best suited to a home with garden and is happy being alone for part-time hours. 

All our dogs come with desexed, fully vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $400. 

Gypsy 

7yo Domestic Short Haired Cat


Gypsy is a shy but sweet girl who has come from a deceased estate. She is getting used to the new surroundings and other cats. She loves affection and is quite smoochy. She just needs a little time to get to know you. She has a short coat and weighs 4.7kg. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 

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

Powerhouse Museum Ultimo Revitalisation: Have Your Say

The community is being encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed design to revitalise the much-loved and iconic Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.

On exhibition until Thursday 30 May 2024, the new design honours the heritage of the buildings by retaining the Wran building, and transforms the heritage listed Boiler House, Turbine Hall, Switch House and Ultimo Post Office buildings to create four flexible, dynamic exhibition spaces.

The NSW’s Government’s $250 million investment in a heritage renewal will reorient the museum’s main entrance and create a new public square and entry via The Goods Line to enable better connection with surrounding precincts and public transport.

Audiences and community will benefit from improved exhibition and programming spaces and allow the Powerhouse Museum to accommodate international exhibitions and increase the community’s access to the renowned Powerhouse Collection of more than 500,000 objects.

The visitor experience will be improved through easier visitor circulation, expanded programming, and increase its use for the community.

Key features of the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo design include:          
  • Four flexible, dynamic exhibition spaces that allow the museum to create and present high quality, internationally leading museum exhibitions across the applied arts and applied sciences and featuring the Powerhouse Collection.
  • New public domain spaces including a 2000sqm square at the northern end of The Goods Line, the Post Office Courtyard on Harris Street and an internal courtyard accessible from Macarthur Street.
  • Establishing one central, intuitive, and accessible visitor circulation system to access exhibition, program, and education spaces to support a high-quality visitor experience.
  • Reorienting the museum’s entrance to the Goods Line, improving access from the light rail and Darling Square. A newly activated façade housing creative industries along Harris Street, which will improve the museum’s contribution to the Ultimo streetscape.
  • Separating front-of-house and back-of-house operations from exhibition and circulation spaces.
  • Dedicated spaces designed for the Powerhouse learning programs, enabling the museum to create immersive educational experiences, workshops and programs catered to students and learners of all ages.
  • Conservation of the heritage-listed original Power Station buildings for their ongoing adaptive reuse by the Powerhouse.
Get more information on the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) and supporting Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and make a submission by Thursday 30 May 2024.

Infrastructure NSW is available to support the community to understand the detailed and technical information through community information sessions held throughout the Public Exhibition period. 


The NSW Government will carefully consider all submissions on the revitalised designs to ensure the community’s voice is actively incorporated into the future of the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.

Five formal consultation periods for the project have been held between 2020 and 2024, with the 6thnow underway. Each has included engagement with the local community, neighbours, stakeholders, government authorities and agencies. The feedback received has been considered during the evolution of the project. Engagement with the community will continue during upcoming phases of the project, including detailed design, construction and operation. All feedback has been used to help inform the current EIS, as part of the SSDA.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:
“The Powerhouse is one of Australia’s oldest and most important cultural institutions. This heritage revitalisation will transform the museum and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy an exceptional experience when they visit the museum.

“The new and improved plans bring the museum into the 21st Century and make good on our commitment to retain and improve the focus of the museum on applied arts and sciences.

“Importantly, in this modest revitalisation we are honouring the history of the museum by revealing the heritage elements of the original Ultimo Power Station buildings and refurbishing the Wran building to achieve greater museum functionality.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Releasing the design for revitalisation of the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo is a major milestone for the project and for the future of the museum.

“The design demonstrates how the museum will be revitalised, whilst maintaining the heritage and character of the buildings.

“We are confident we are providing what the community wants for the future of the museum and we are encouraging anyone interested to have their say.”

Powerhouse Museum Ultimo Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said:
“The design addresses specific community and stakeholder feedback through extending the lifespan of the built form, acknowledging and celebrating the social significance of the Wran Building, addressing circulation and legibility and improving sustainability.

“The revitalised Powerhouse Museum Ultimo will reopen with more and increased quality exhibition spaces. This will be achieved by decluttering the spaces, removing mezzanines allows full use of the spaces. This will restore and reveal the original heritage in the buildings and create high-quality flexible exhibition spaces.

“This revitalisation will celebrate the best of the museum’s past while adding new and enhanced exhibition and programming spaces, along with educational spaces for future generations to engage with the applied arts and sciences.”


Picture: Artists' Impression of new Powerhouse Museum Ultimo community spaces

Avalon Beach Red Cross Needs Volunteers

Red Cross Shops sell new and preloved clothes, accessories and homewares to raise funds to help people experiencing crisis and hardship. Thanks to community donations and the help of volunteers, each year, millions of items are diverted from landfill. Funds raised by our shops ensure other Red Cross teams provide care and support where it is needed the most.

Join our team and make a difference. 

48 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Ph: (02) 8414 1801


Nominate A Volunteer Today

Nominations have now opened for the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year awards which celebrate the hard work and dedication of volunteers in the community. 

Member for Manly, James Griffin said volunteers are the backbone of so many community groups, organisations and initiatives. 

“Volunteers contribute $178 billion to the NSW economy, and I know here locally, our community just wouldn’t run as it does, without the hard work and dedication of volunteers,” Mr Griffin said. 

“I’ve said many times that volunteers are the backbone of our community, and that is particularly true in the Manly electorate. 

“From church groups, surf clubs and emergency services personnel to hospital auxiliaries, St John’s Ambulance volunteers and service club members, there are those in our community who work day and night to make our part of the world a better place to live. 

“There are countless projects and initiatives in our electorate that simply would never have happened without the work of volunteers, and I sincerely thank everyone who sacrifices their time and effort for our community’s betterment.” 

Mr Griffin said, “If you know someone who deserves to be recognised as part of the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, I encourage you to get your nomination in now!” 

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are an annual program aimed at recognising the incredible dedication, effort and community service of our state’s volunteers, volunteer leaders and volunteer teams. 

There are eight categories of awards including Adult Volunteer of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year, Senior Volunteer of the Year, and more. 

Nominations for this year’s awards close on 14 June 2024.
For more information, visit the The Centre of Volunteering website at:  www.volunteering.com.au/awards/about-the-awards

Part of the 100 strong volunteer members of Marine Rescue Broken Bay. Photo: Michael Mannington, Community Photography

Winter Café And Market Day: Catherine Park Scotland Island

Sunday 23 June, 10 - 1 pm


Rotary Art Show 2024: Calling All Artists! 

The Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches  are thrilled to invite you to exhibit your works at the Rotary Art Show 2024, which will take place on July 20th and 21st at the Mona Vale Memorial Hall. 

Applications close Tuesday June 18 2024.

The exhibition will be conducted by the Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches with the proceeds supporting Lifeline and Rotary Youth Programs. 
We are delighted to confirm that Sarah Montgomery from Sydney Road Gallery & ArtSmart will be the official judge, awarding $1,500 for the show's Top Prize. We will also be running a People's Choice Award, which has a prize of $500 for the winner. 


SUBMIT YOUR ART NOW via the link below:

Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or a first-time participant, we welcome you to submit your work. The link includes all the delivery details, key dates, and conditions of entry.


Time To Get Your Flu Vaccine

A statement by the Head of the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control Professor Paul Kelly.

World Immunisation Week (24 – 30 April) is a timely reminder for everyone in Australia to book their annual flu vaccination.

Free vaccines are now available for people most at risk of complications through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program. For those not eligible, you can purchase a vaccine through your immunisation provider.

People can get their vaccine at general practices, pharmacies, and immunisation clinics – and in many cases, at their workplace.

Although we can’t predict the 2024 flu season, we can look at, and learn from, key outcomes from the 2023 season.

Last year, the highest notification rates for flu were in children under 14 years. But concerningly, the vaccine uptake was very low in this population group.

In good news, the 2023 vaccine was very effective at protecting people from needing to go to hospital or visit their GP.'

'Children under 5 years of age are at increased risk of getting severely ill or dying from the flu.

In Australia, 39 people died from the flu last year – and of these, 9 were children younger than 16 years. This was higher than the number of flu-associated deaths in children in 2022 and in many pre-COVID-19 pandemic years.

This is a tragic reminder that the flu is not the common cold, which people often mistake it for. It is a serious virus that can cause severe illness, hospitalisation and death among otherwise healthy children and adults.

I encourage everyone 6 months of age or over to get vaccinated against the flu. It could save your life!

People eligible for free flu vaccine doses include children aged 6 months to under 5 years, pregnant people, First Nations Australians, people aged 65 years or older and people with certain medical conditions that put them at greater risk.

For convenience and if recommended, COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.

Letters To The Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but considering the magazines inability to word limit itself - that remains optional. Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'. Letters should not contain attachments - these will be requested if required to illustrate content/subject.  Letters should be exclusive to Pittwater Online News. The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons, among other considerations. Email: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

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


Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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


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

Report Hate Crimes

If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 
You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

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

JP Public Register

You can find a Justice of the Peace (JP) using the online Public Register. You can search by postcode, name of a JP, day of availability, language spoken and JP registration number. The register lists a JP’s location, availability and telephone number. Please note that JPs are volunteers and may not be available at all times. Click here to access the JP Public RegisterNB: There are  3 J.P’s working in Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch office, we work every Monday (10:30am to 15:30)except on public holidays:
  1. Terry Jones J.P.
  2. Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
  3. Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P

Community News

Community News Pages list articles that ran each week as well as reports run in other pages: Inbox and Environment News archives etc.

March 2013  April 2013 May 2013  June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 October 2013 November 2013  December 2013

January 2014 February 2014  March 2014  April 2014  May 2014 June 2014  July 2014  August 2014  September 2014 October 2014  November 2014  December 2014 

January 2015  February 2015 March 2015  April 2015 May 2015  June 2015  July 2015  August 2015  September 2015  October 2015 November 2015  December 2015 

January 2016  February 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016  August 2016 September 2016 October 2016  November 2016  December 2016  

January 2017  February 2017  March 2017 April 2017 May 2017 June 2017 July 2017  August 2017 September 2017 October 2017  November 2017  December 2017 

January 2018  February 2018 March 2018  April 2018  May 2018  June 2018  July 2018 August 2018 September 2018 October 2018 November 2018  December 2018

January 2019  February 2019  March 2019  April 2019 May 2019  June 2019  July 2019  August 2019  September 2019  October 2019  November 2019   December 2019 

January 2020 February 2020 March 2020  April 2020 May 2020  June 2020  July 2020  August 2020  September 2020  October 2020  November 2020  December 2020

January 2021  February 2021  March 2021  April 2021  May 2021  June 2021  July 2021  August 2021  September 2021  October 2021  November 2021  December 2021

January 2022  February 2022  March 2022  April 2022  May 2022  June 2022  July 2022 August 2022  September 2022  October 2022  November 2022  December 2022

January 2023  February 2023  March 2023  April 2023  May 2023  June 2023  July 2023  August 2023  September 2023  October 2023 November 2023  December 2023

January 2024  February 2024  March 2024  April 2024  May 2024

Speed Humps On McCarrs Creek Rd: Please Share Wildlife Data 

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

It records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification. The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place  mitigation. Thanking you all in advance for your help with this. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location. There is a database that volunteers maintain but this needs three pieces of information:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal
The details can be entered into the database directly by you at: www.wildlifemapping.org