Profile of the Week Brian Friend OAM, Q.C., B.C., - on 50 Years of Coaching Avalon Bulldogs Rugby League LittliesBrian Friend, known is ‘Friendly’ and now 82-years-young, has commenced his 50th year of coaching the little ones at Avalon Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Club for the Winter Season.
After the Season for youngsters closes in August, there's a short pause, and then the Touch Footy Season, to keep the kids outdoors in the fresh air having some fun with their mates, begins - a few years ago the Avalon JRLC they had 730 youngsters doing handstands and cartwheels in between sprints down the field with the ball tucked firmly under one arm.
As our final Seniors Celebration Profile for Seniors month 2025, Friendly shares a few insights on what his Under 7’s gain through joining a team and having a play, as well as a few insights into his own long-term playing with the Narrabeen Sharks, now as a Master, and his ongoing commitment as a volunteer referee.n't have to be an expert, just join in the fun.
With the council inviting feedback on its Draft Tree Management Policy until the end of today, March 30, a delve into the past changes to our landscape's trees may provide inspiration on a better way forward.
In April 1788 Australia's first Governor, Captain Arthur Phillip, led a reconnaissance party from Manly Cove seeking fertile land for growing crops. On this journey, he noted the tall trees which were to provide timber for the growing colony.
By December 8 1795 there was a prohibition on timber cutting on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, an Order that was issued by Captain John Hunter, RN, who took office as the second Governor of New South Wales on September 11, 1795.
By October 1803 the third Governor, Captain Philip Gidley King, RN, ordered settlers to desist and commence re-planting.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
March 1 2025
How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.
Click on Logo to access the latest PON: 
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Consultation on Bus Stop Relocation: Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach
Dear Editor,
The council advises that development consent has been granted through the Land and Environment Court for a shop top housing development at No.s 1112-1116 Barrenjoey Road.
One of the conditions of development consent requires the developer to seek approval for the relocation of the bus stop to a new location outside No.1102 Barrenjoey Road in order for the developer to facilitate using the current bus stop position for their DA's proposed driveway to their underground carpark.
The developer has, in liaison with TfNSW and its bus services contractor Keolis Downer prepared a concept plan for the required work.
Barrenjoey Road is a State Road under the management of Transport for NSW (TfNSW), and they would ultimately be responsible for approving any required changes to the signposted parking and Bus Zone restrictions, but Council would like to provide an opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the proposed changes.
We have been informed the concept plan, attached, is indicative only and may be subject to change following consideration of feedback:
The project team would like residents feedback on this proposal by visiting the following URL:
You will then be directed to an online form.
Comments close on 4 May 2025.
For your response to be considered include your name and address. Please note that individual responses to submissions will not be given.
Once feedback has been reviewed, the feedback will be provided to TfNSW and a report noting their decision on the matter presented to the Local Traffic Committee for the information of the Committee.
Could you please ensure the wider community is apprised of the mooted changes.
Two Palm Beach Residents
Change to Western Sydney Airport night time flight paths: now over Palm Beach!
Dear Pittwater Online News,
This information has been provided by an eagle-eyed resident. Could you please ensure the community is aware of what is currently proposed.
According to the revised Aircraft Noise Technical Paper (attached PDF 12MB - October 2024 document), all the departing night flights (and remember it is a 24 hour airport) after turning at Richmond RAAF base will fly in a direct line towards Barrenjoey Lighthouse at Pittwater.
This is currently Sydney's only listed urban dark sky area. While the details of the heights of the aircraft flights haven't been looked into by our diligent resident, in times of low cloud and inclement weather the aircraft fly lower. Has anyone noticed how low some aircraft are flying over Hornsby at times?
While the reports do not mention specific suburbs in the documentation read so far, our kind and helpful resident has worked out the following -
All night time departures (11pm - 5.30am) from all runways from Western Sydney airport will be flying over Glenorie, Cowan, Berowra Waters and Muogamarra Nature Reserve then over West Head to just north of and over Barrenjoey Lighthouse and flying out to sea. The good folk of Palm Beach are in for a surprise!
Only Runway 5 day time departures (5.30am - 11pm) will fly over Marramarra National Park, Mount White and then will fly over Copacabana and fly out to sea.
The reason given for the change is to reduce the impact on the Lower Blue Mountains community along the Great Western Highway.
To date there hasn't been anything in the media about this change. Might be time for people to be asking our Federal representative about this and putting it on local social media pages.
Thank you for running this and remaining a news service, that is For, About and BY your community.
The documents for the flight paths are able to be viewed at
regards,
K.E., March 28, 2025
Proposed Road Reserve Closure - Land adjoining 9 Careel Head Road and 38 Burrawong Road Avalon Beach
Friday March 28, 2025
Notice is hereby given that Council proposes to close the council public road reserve adjoining 9 Careel Head Road and 38 Burrawong Road Avalon Beach.
The purpose of the proposed road reserve closure is to enable the sale of the subject land to the adjoining owner, subject to retaining the same number of public car park spaces (including in any future development of the site) to be controlled by Council.
The road reserve adjoining Lot 1 DP 622354 is a parallelogram with dimensions of 12.58 metres by 22.86 metres and an area of 251.5 square metres.
The road reserve adjoining SP 16792 is approximately a parallelogram, with one curved edge, with dimensions of 12.575 metres by 19.43 metres by 9.525 metres by 16.38 metres and an area of 211.6 square metres.
Please refer to notification plan identifying the proposed road reserve closure:
_Avalon (1).JPG?timestamp=1743534411323)
This road reserve land, containing public car parking spaces, was dedicated to the then Warringah Shire Council at no cost on 21 August 1979 and 20 April 1982 as part of Building Application approvals for development (3986/78 and A1126/76), specifically for public car parking.
If the land is disposed of by sale, the proceeds of sale (less the costs of the sale) are to be paid to Council. Money received by Council from the proceeds of sale of the land is not to be used by Council except for acquiring land for public roads or for carrying out road work on public roads.
Any person is entitled to make submissions concerning the proposal within 28 days of the date of this public notice.
Submissions close Saturday April 26 2025.
You can make a submission in one of the following ways:
In writing: Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW, 1655.
Once the submission period is completed, Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road reserve closure proposal.
This public notice is in accordance with Section 38B of the Roads Act 1993.
Palmgrove Park Avalon planting morning
Residents will remember that two years ago our project to revegetate part of this park from turf to its original endangered Spotted Gum forest was completed. This is in the area between Dress Circle Rd and Bellevue Avenue. The project was funded by an environmental grant from Northern Beaches Council.
Then Council set up a bushcare group to maintain the planted area. Trees, shrubs and groundcovers are growing well.
Next Saturday April 5 we will be extending the planted area with more tubestock.
We would love some help with the planting. We meet at 8.30 and work until 11.30. You need to wear enclosed footwear and bring light gardening gloves.
Tools and morning tea provided. Park in Bellevue Avenue Avalon.
Not keen to plant?Just come along for a visit to see what's going on here!
Pittwater Natural Heritage Association
Planting Area August 2021 Before work
Planted Area March 1 2025. Photos; PNHA
Sunday 13 April:
- Dee Why RSL – 3pm Commemoration Service, Club Memorial Garden
Forestville RSVL – 2.40pm March to RSL Club followed by service from 3 - 3.40pm
Information: March steps off at 1440 on Sunday 13 April and heads South on Starkey Street to Violet Street then West on Violet Street and Bushland Ave to the RSL Club on Melwood Ave. The march will be led by the Manly Warringah Pipe Band and will include veterans, cadets, guides and scouts, the Davidson Bush Fire Brigade and NSW police escorts.
Information: The Commemoration Service will be held in the carpark of the RSL Club on Sunday 13 April, following the march
Narrabeen RSL Sub-Branch ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration
Time: 11.30am march from Narrabeen Surf Club to Narrabeen Cenotaph, followed by service.
Date: Sunday April 20
Wednesday 23 April
RSL LifeCare ANZAC Village (The War Vets) – 9.30-10am village march and service
Friday 25 April
Forestville ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration
Dawn Service
Address: 22 Melwood Avenue, Forestville NSW, Australia View on Google Maps
Time: 5:30 am
Date: Friday 25 April
Information: The Dawn Service will be conducted around the Forestville RSL Club Cenotaph and will be followed by breakfast in the Club for all attendees who wish to participate.
Collaroy RSL sub-Branch ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration
Address: Collaroy Beach, New South Wales, Australia View on Google Maps
Time: 5:00 pm
Date: Friday 25 April
Information: Sunset Service on the Beach.
RSL LifeCare ANZAC Village (The War Vets) Dawn Service
Date: 6am Veterans Parade Cenotaph
Pittwater RSL sub-Branch ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration
Date: Friday 25th April Anzac Day 2025
Address: 82 Mona Vale Rd, Mona Vale
Please join us at the lower cenotaph at 5:20am for the Dawn Service in remembrance and gratitude to honour Anzac Day - Breakfast to follow at 6.30am . ALL WELCOME!
Newport Anzac Day Dawn Service 2025
Time: 5.30 am
Address: Trafalgar Park Cenotaph, Gladstone Street, Newport
This year we are delighted to welcome Brigadier Georgina Whelan to deliver the address at the Newport Anzac Day Dawn Service.
The community with gather once again under the trees (and the kookaburras) to remember those who have served our wonderful country.
Church Point
On Anzac Day, April 25th, there will be a commemoration service at Thomas Stephens Reserve in Church Point, starting at 10:45 am. All Welcome.
Bilgola
8.30am for an 8.45am start, Surf Life Saving (SLS) Anzac Day Memorial Service and March Past, outside Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach. Bar open at 1.00pm, with Two-up in the BBQ area. Hosted by Bilgola SLSC.
Avalon Beach RSL sub-Branch ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration
Avalon Beach RSL sub-Branch
Address: Avalon Beach RSL Club 1 Bowling Green Lane AVALON BEACH NSW 2107
Email: Avalon-BeachSB@rslnsw.org.au
Phone: 02 9883 9815
Dawn Service
Address: Dunbar Park, Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach NSW, Australia View on Google Maps
Time: 5:30 am
Date: Friday 25 April
Service: 0550 am – Members Assemble 0540 am – Dawn Service Commences This service will be conducted by Commodore Richard Menhinick AM,CSC, RAN, the President of Avalon Beach RSL Sub Branch, assisted by Paul Sinclair, the President of Avalon Beach RSL Club Limited. After the ceremony is complete, please join us veterans in the RSL Club and enjoy an egg and bacon roll for a small donation.
March
Address: Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach NSW, Australia View on Google Maps
Time: 11:00 am
Date: Friday 25 April
Information: The march will gather at 1030 for an 1100 start out front of Avalon Public School on Old Barrenjoey Rd, it will then turn left onto Avalon Parade and right onto Bowling green Lane. From there those marching will turn into Dunbar Park and disperse into the arranged seating.
Main Service Address: Dunbar Park, Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach NSW, Australia View on Google Maps
Time: 11:40 am
Date: Friday 25 April
Information: Once the March has concluded, our service will be conducted by Commodore Richard Menhinick AM, CSC, RAN, the President of Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch. He will be joined by LCDR Tamara Sloper-Harding, Vice-President of Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch and our Guest Speaker, Colonel Brad Robertson CSC, president of the veteran’s charity, Carry On. Once completed, please join our veterans in the RSL Club and enjoy refreshments, lunch and later on Two Up from 1.00pm to 7.00pm in the Surf Lounge on level 1 - if you wish and are 18 or older.
Whale Beach
ANZAC DAY dawn service will be held at Whale Beach at 6am in front of the Surf Club. Conducted by Palm Beach RSL sub-Branch and Whale Beach SLSC.
Palm Beach RSL sub-Branch ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration
1087 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach
March
Time: 10.45am March from Iluka road to Palm Beach RSL, followed by Service.
Date: Friday 25 April
Followed by Veterans Lunch in the club.
Two-Up from 1pm in back paddock.
.JPG?timestamp=1743193596624)
2025 Election Questions for Candidates: Send yours in now + Enrolment details
The 2025 federal election has been announced for Saturday 3 May 2025.
The Pittwater Online News 2025 Election Profiles on Candidates will run as the Profile of the Week feature on Sunday April 27.
Residents can send in their questions for the Candidates from now until Sunday April 13.
Please send these into the news service via email: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au with header '2025 Election Q's'
NB: 'Why should I vote for you?' is already on the list.
Those who have nominated for the seat of Mackellar so far are:- Dr. Sophie Scamps, Independent and incumbent member
- James Brown, Liberal Party
- Jeffrey Quinn, Labor Party
- Ethan Hrnjak, Australian Greens
No others have advised they are standing for the seat as yet.
On Friday March 28 Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the announcement serves as the starter’s gun for the AEC’s work to deliver Australia’s largest ever election.
“There are more voters on the electoral roll than ever before, there’ll be more voting venues than ever - both within Australia and overseas, there’ll be greater accessibility options than we’ve ever had, and we again need around 100,000 staff to deliver it,” Mr Pope said.
Key statistics:- 710,000 more people on the electoral roll (2022 federal election – end 2024)
- 570 early voting centres
- 7,000 polling places
- 100+ overseas voting centres
- 100,000 staff needed, 240,000 vests
- 250,000 pencils, 250,000 lengths of string
- 40,000 transport routes, 90,000 transport containers, 5,000 rolls of tamper proof tape
- 80,000 ballot boxes, 1.4 millions security seals
“We’re ready to go. You also need to be ready as well – check your enrolment now and please consider putting up your hand for paid election work. aec.gov.au allows you to do those things in just minutes.”
Enrolment- Enrolment closes at 8pm local time on Monday 7 April 2025.
- If you are an Australian citizen and over 18 years of age, it is compulsory by law to enrol and vote.
- Enrolling or updating your details is easy via the AEC website and takes five minutes to complete.
- Australia’s enrolment rate is the envy of most democratic nations with the last estimate at 97.8% completeness (end 2024).
- The AEC expects to process hundreds of thousands of enrolment transactions in the next week.
- The final enrolment number and rate for this federal election is highly likely to be a record high.
Postal voting applications- Applications for postal votes are now open on the AEC’s website.
- You are eligible to apply for a postal vote if you are unable to get to a polling place on polling day.
- The AEC expects around 2.5 million Australians will apply for a postal vote.
- Voters are encouraged to consider their eligibility and apply for a postal vote as early as possible.
- Postal delivery timeframes may mean voters who wait until the final week of the election period to apply – especially voters in regional areas – may miss out.
- While it is legal for political parties to mail postal vote application forms to voters, the AEC is continuing to urge voters to apply directly through the AEC.
- The AEC cannot send your postal voting pack until the ballot papers have been printed. Printing will occur after the Declaration of Nominations at 12pm local time on Friday 11 April 2025. The Declaration of Nominations determines the order candidates will appear on the ballot paper.
Election jobs available- The AEC needs around 100,000 temporary staff to run the election.
- Workers are needed across the country but particularly in regional areas.
- There are roles available for a single day (Election Day) or for several weeks before, on and after voting day.
- It is paid employment, good for the CV and will ensure locals the opportunity to vote close to home.
- Register interest online now.
Voting Options- Australia’s access to voting options is significantly better than most democratic nations.
- Australians can vote on election day, during the two weeks before election day, interstate, in-person overseas, overseas via international courier, via domestic post, through a mobile voting team at some hospitals and residential care facilities, via a remote area voter services team and via phone (for people who are blind or have low vision or in Antarctica).
- Full details of voting options will be made available on the AEC website as they are confirmed.
Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said:“A federal election is Australia’s great festival of democracy, and no matter what your circumstances are the Australian Electoral Commission has voting options available.”
“Today is an important reminder to all Australians who are eligible to vote to visit the AEC’s website, check your enrolment and make sure it is up to date.”
“Australia’s electoral roll is already sitting at an incredible 97.8% of eligible voters enrolled, but we know the announcement of an election will be an incentive for new voters in particular to get enrolled.”
“Enrolling takes less than five minutes and can be done online. For the first time at a federal election, you can now use your Medicare card to enrol – it’s never been easier.”
Key Dates
Graphic: AEC
The 2025 federal election has been announced for Saturday 3 May 2025.
The Pittwater Online News 2025 Election Profiles on Candidates will run as the Profile of the Week feature on Sunday April 27.
Residents can send in their questions for the Candidates from now until Sunday April 13.
Please send these into the news service via email: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au with header '2025 Election Q's'
NB: 'Why should I vote for you?' is already on the list.
Those who have nominated for the seat of Mackellar so far are:
- Dr. Sophie Scamps, Independent and incumbent member
- James Brown, Liberal Party
- Jeffrey Quinn, Labor Party
- Ethan Hrnjak, Australian Greens
No others have advised they are standing for the seat as yet.
On Friday March 28 Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the announcement serves as the starter’s gun for the AEC’s work to deliver Australia’s largest ever election.
“There are more voters on the electoral roll than ever before, there’ll be more voting venues than ever - both within Australia and overseas, there’ll be greater accessibility options than we’ve ever had, and we again need around 100,000 staff to deliver it,” Mr Pope said.
Key statistics:
- 710,000 more people on the electoral roll (2022 federal election – end 2024)
- 570 early voting centres
- 7,000 polling places
- 100+ overseas voting centres
- 100,000 staff needed, 240,000 vests
- 250,000 pencils, 250,000 lengths of string
- 40,000 transport routes, 90,000 transport containers, 5,000 rolls of tamper proof tape
- 80,000 ballot boxes, 1.4 millions security seals
“We’re ready to go. You also need to be ready as well – check your enrolment now and please consider putting up your hand for paid election work. aec.gov.au allows you to do those things in just minutes.”
Enrolment
- Enrolment closes at 8pm local time on Monday 7 April 2025.
- If you are an Australian citizen and over 18 years of age, it is compulsory by law to enrol and vote.
- Enrolling or updating your details is easy via the AEC website and takes five minutes to complete.
- Australia’s enrolment rate is the envy of most democratic nations with the last estimate at 97.8% completeness (end 2024).
- The AEC expects to process hundreds of thousands of enrolment transactions in the next week.
- The final enrolment number and rate for this federal election is highly likely to be a record high.
Postal voting applications
- Applications for postal votes are now open on the AEC’s website.
- You are eligible to apply for a postal vote if you are unable to get to a polling place on polling day.
- The AEC expects around 2.5 million Australians will apply for a postal vote.
- Voters are encouraged to consider their eligibility and apply for a postal vote as early as possible.
- Postal delivery timeframes may mean voters who wait until the final week of the election period to apply – especially voters in regional areas – may miss out.
- While it is legal for political parties to mail postal vote application forms to voters, the AEC is continuing to urge voters to apply directly through the AEC.
- The AEC cannot send your postal voting pack until the ballot papers have been printed. Printing will occur after the Declaration of Nominations at 12pm local time on Friday 11 April 2025. The Declaration of Nominations determines the order candidates will appear on the ballot paper.
Election jobs available
- The AEC needs around 100,000 temporary staff to run the election.
- Workers are needed across the country but particularly in regional areas.
- There are roles available for a single day (Election Day) or for several weeks before, on and after voting day.
- It is paid employment, good for the CV and will ensure locals the opportunity to vote close to home.
- Register interest online now.
Voting Options
- Australia’s access to voting options is significantly better than most democratic nations.
- Australians can vote on election day, during the two weeks before election day, interstate, in-person overseas, overseas via international courier, via domestic post, through a mobile voting team at some hospitals and residential care facilities, via a remote area voter services team and via phone (for people who are blind or have low vision or in Antarctica).
- Full details of voting options will be made available on the AEC website as they are confirmed.
Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said:
“A federal election is Australia’s great festival of democracy, and no matter what your circumstances are the Australian Electoral Commission has voting options available.”
“Today is an important reminder to all Australians who are eligible to vote to visit the AEC’s website, check your enrolment and make sure it is up to date.”
“Australia’s electoral roll is already sitting at an incredible 97.8% of eligible voters enrolled, but we know the announcement of an election will be an incentive for new voters in particular to get enrolled.”
“Enrolling takes less than five minutes and can be done online. For the first time at a federal election, you can now use your Medicare card to enrol – it’s never been easier.”
Key Dates
Graphic: AEC
Good Luck to All Aussies 2025 Athletes
Good luck to all athletes travelling north to take part in the 2025 edition of the Australian National Life Saving Championships (the Aussies).
This year, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships will run for nine days between North Kirra SLSC and Tugun SLSC from 29 March through to 6 April. The Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Nipper and Youth Championships will be held from 29 – 30 March.
The updated timetables, all available on the Aussies site, are:
- Youth Championships: Saturday 29 March and Sunday 30 March - at North Kirra
- The Aussies Ocean Swim: Sunday 30 March at North Kirra Beach with two start times:
- Youth (U13|U14|U15) Age Categories - 7:15 AM
- Open, U19, U17 and Masters Age Categories - 8:30 AM. The course start and finish line will be located on the beach at the Southern end of the carnival environment, near the Beach Sprint track
- Masters Championships: Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April 2025 - at North Kirra
- Surf Boat Competition – Tuesday 1 April 2025 to Sunday 6 April 2025 - at North Kirra
- Open Championships: Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 6 April - at North Kirra
- Adaptive Events: Saturday 5th April, 2025 - at North Kirra Beach
- Board Riding: Sunday 30 March 2025 to Friday 4 April 2025
- Life Saving Competition - Saturday 29 March 2025 to Tuesday 1 April 2025 at Bilinga
In the lead into the events, which kicked off this weekend, Surf Life Saving Australia announced the Australian Life Saving Championships has undergone a branding refresh in the lead up to this year’s competition.
United. Inspired. Iconic. The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, where volunteerism and community spirit meet athleticism and lifesaving mastery.
The pinnacle of the Australian surf sport calendar, and the most historic surf lifesaving event on the planet, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships hold a storied place in Australian sporting history as one of the nation’s most prestigious and enduring sporting events, SLSA stated
Now in its 109th year, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships are more than just a competition; they represent the rich tradition of volunteer surf lifesaving, a uniquely Australian movement dedicated to beach safety and rescue services.
To win an Australian Surf Life Saving title is a highly coveted achievement, symbolising elite athleticism and mastery of lifesaving skills, and the new branding reflects the rich prestige, heritage, and significance of the event.
Whilst the colloquial term ‘the Aussies’ will still be permissible for use, particularly in casual contexts and among the surf lifesaving community where it carries a sense of familiarity and tradition (and a logo suite has been created for this context); the preferred naming convention is the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, Surf Life Saving Australia says.
The full name reflects the gravity and historical importance of the championships as the pinnacle of surf lifesaving in Australia. The formal title highlights the event’s legacy and underscores the high level of competition and skill required to win such a coveted title. It also aligns with other major national and international sporting events, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of the Australian sporting calendar and a critical and iconic part of the country’s cultural identity.
The colour palette of red, yellow, and blue is reflective of the iconic Surf Life Saving Australia colours, albeit slightly altered to reflect the individual brand of the Championships. The secondary elements are a subtle nod to the club cap patterns; the iconic cap proudly worn by all competitors as they represent their Surf Life Saving Club.
The new tagline – United, Inspired, Iconic – pays homage to club culture, community, inspirational athleticism, and the iconic sporting nature of the event. United together, inspiring each other and the public, at one of the most iconic sporting events in Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia has said.
The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, brings 315 Surf Life Saving Clubs from across Australia together to compete in more than 480 events, ranging from traditional lifesaving and surf boat events to ocean and beach events. With Youth, Open, Masters, and the newly introduced Adaptive Events – the Aussies truly is the largest event of its kind, comparable to the likes of the Commonwealth Games, fostering a combination of athletic prowess, teamwork, and community spirit.
Each day of the Nipper and Youth Championships and the Australian Open Championships will be livestreamed on the SLSA YouTube Channel. Results for all competitions and categories will be available through LiveHeats.
Keep up to date at the Hub: sls.com.au/aussies
The livestream will be available at: www.youtube.com/user/slsaofficial 
Good luck to all athletes travelling north to take part in the 2025 edition of the Australian National Life Saving Championships (the Aussies).
This year, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships will run for nine days between North Kirra SLSC and Tugun SLSC from 29 March through to 6 April. The Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Nipper and Youth Championships will be held from 29 – 30 March.
The updated timetables, all available on the Aussies site, are:
- Youth Championships: Saturday 29 March and Sunday 30 March - at North Kirra
- The Aussies Ocean Swim: Sunday 30 March at North Kirra Beach with two start times:
- Youth (U13|U14|U15) Age Categories - 7:15 AM
- Open, U19, U17 and Masters Age Categories - 8:30 AM. The course start and finish line will be located on the beach at the Southern end of the carnival environment, near the Beach Sprint track
- Masters Championships: Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April 2025 - at North Kirra
- Surf Boat Competition – Tuesday 1 April 2025 to Sunday 6 April 2025 - at North Kirra
- Open Championships: Wednesday 2 April to Sunday 6 April - at North Kirra
- Adaptive Events: Saturday 5th April, 2025 - at North Kirra Beach
- Board Riding: Sunday 30 March 2025 to Friday 4 April 2025
- Life Saving Competition - Saturday 29 March 2025 to Tuesday 1 April 2025 at Bilinga
In the lead into the events, which kicked off this weekend, Surf Life Saving Australia announced the Australian Life Saving Championships has undergone a branding refresh in the lead up to this year’s competition.
United. Inspired. Iconic. The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, where volunteerism and community spirit meet athleticism and lifesaving mastery.
The pinnacle of the Australian surf sport calendar, and the most historic surf lifesaving event on the planet, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships hold a storied place in Australian sporting history as one of the nation’s most prestigious and enduring sporting events, SLSA stated
Now in its 109th year, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships are more than just a competition; they represent the rich tradition of volunteer surf lifesaving, a uniquely Australian movement dedicated to beach safety and rescue services.
To win an Australian Surf Life Saving title is a highly coveted achievement, symbolising elite athleticism and mastery of lifesaving skills, and the new branding reflects the rich prestige, heritage, and significance of the event.
Whilst the colloquial term ‘the Aussies’ will still be permissible for use, particularly in casual contexts and among the surf lifesaving community where it carries a sense of familiarity and tradition (and a logo suite has been created for this context); the preferred naming convention is the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, Surf Life Saving Australia says.
The full name reflects the gravity and historical importance of the championships as the pinnacle of surf lifesaving in Australia. The formal title highlights the event’s legacy and underscores the high level of competition and skill required to win such a coveted title. It also aligns with other major national and international sporting events, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of the Australian sporting calendar and a critical and iconic part of the country’s cultural identity.
The colour palette of red, yellow, and blue is reflective of the iconic Surf Life Saving Australia colours, albeit slightly altered to reflect the individual brand of the Championships. The secondary elements are a subtle nod to the club cap patterns; the iconic cap proudly worn by all competitors as they represent their Surf Life Saving Club.
The new tagline – United, Inspired, Iconic – pays homage to club culture, community, inspirational athleticism, and the iconic sporting nature of the event. United together, inspiring each other and the public, at one of the most iconic sporting events in Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia has said.
The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, brings 315 Surf Life Saving Clubs from across Australia together to compete in more than 480 events, ranging from traditional lifesaving and surf boat events to ocean and beach events. With Youth, Open, Masters, and the newly introduced Adaptive Events – the Aussies truly is the largest event of its kind, comparable to the likes of the Commonwealth Games, fostering a combination of athletic prowess, teamwork, and community spirit.
Each day of the Nipper and Youth Championships and the Australian Open Championships will be livestreamed on the SLSA YouTube Channel. Results for all competitions and categories will be available through LiveHeats.
Keep up to date at the Hub: sls.com.au/aussies
The livestream will be available at: www.youtube.com/user/slsaofficial
Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards
Seven outstanding locals in Pittwater have been honoured for their valuable contribution to the community with a Local Achievement Award, as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival.
Jacqui Scruby, Independent MP for Pittwater, presented six of the awards at a celebratory morning tea at Narrabeen Surf Club on Monday 24 March.
“Warm congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards, who are doing so much to make our community better every day,” Ms Scruby said.
“We have a wonderful, diverse group of seniors in Pittwater who generously share their time and expertise and make a really positive impact on our whole community. They are part of what makes Pittwater special.”
Recipients for the Pittwater Local Achievement Awards 2025 are:- Margaret White, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches
- Philip Jackson, Warringah Rats Rugby Club.
- Vivien Jackson, Women’s Resilience Centre
- Christine Boyce, Cicada Australia
- Marita Macrae, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association
- John Pratten, Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- George Wester, Bei Loon Dragon Boat Club.
The Local Achievement Awards are among a range of exciting events taking place across the state as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival, which celebrates older people and helps keep them active and engaged with their community.
Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison said the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival and Local Achievement Awards are key initiatives in the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting seniors. “The theme for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival is ‘Time to Shine’ and there is no better sentiment to express the contribution older people make to this state,” Minister Harrison said.
Pictured left to right: Vivien Jackson, Margaret White, Jacqui Scruby MP, George Webster, Marita Macrae, Christine BoyceUnable to attend the presentation: Philip Jackson & Jon Pratten. Photo credit: Michael Mannington OAM, Community Photography
Seven outstanding locals in Pittwater have been honoured for their valuable contribution to the community with a Local Achievement Award, as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival.
Jacqui Scruby, Independent MP for Pittwater, presented six of the awards at a celebratory morning tea at Narrabeen Surf Club on Monday 24 March.
“Warm congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards, who are doing so much to make our community better every day,” Ms Scruby said.
“We have a wonderful, diverse group of seniors in Pittwater who generously share their time and expertise and make a really positive impact on our whole community. They are part of what makes Pittwater special.”
Recipients for the Pittwater Local Achievement Awards 2025 are:
- Margaret White, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches
- Philip Jackson, Warringah Rats Rugby Club.
- Vivien Jackson, Women’s Resilience Centre
- Christine Boyce, Cicada Australia
- Marita Macrae, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association
- John Pratten, Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- George Wester, Bei Loon Dragon Boat Club.
The Local Achievement Awards are among a range of exciting events taking place across the state as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival, which celebrates older people and helps keep them active and engaged with their community.
Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison said the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival and Local Achievement Awards are key initiatives in the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting seniors.
“The theme for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival is ‘Time to Shine’ and there is no better sentiment to express the contribution older people make to this state,” Minister Harrison said.
Pictured left to right: Vivien Jackson, Margaret White, Jacqui Scruby MP, George Webster, Marita Macrae, Christine Boyce
Unable to attend the presentation: Philip Jackson & Jon Pratten. Photo credit: Michael Mannington OAM, Community Photography
Classics, Hot Rod and Bikes Show 2025
The Pittwater Motor Enthusiasts' Association and Northern Beaches Hot Rod Club are jointly staging the Northern Beaches Classics, Hot Rod and Bikes Show at Pittwater RSL on Sunday the 27th of April.
We have a 150+ cars and motorcycles registered.
This will raise greatly needed funds for our featured charities, namely Mens Shed Australia (Men's Health) -Pittwater Senior Toy Repair Group Northern Beaches and the local Ingleside Rural Fire Service-RFS.
Club volunteers will collect 'gold coin' entry donations from the public at two different entry gates.
During the morning, Pittwater Pelicans Bowling Club will be running a sausage sizzle in the grounds surrounding the car show, available to purchase for $5.00. Several coffee vans will be also onsite during the morning.
When: Sunday 27 April; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm AESTWhere: Pittwater RSL, Mona Vale Road, Mona ValeCost: gold coin entry.
Vroom - VROOM!
The Pittwater Motor Enthusiasts' Association and Northern Beaches Hot Rod Club are jointly staging the Northern Beaches Classics, Hot Rod and Bikes Show at Pittwater RSL on Sunday the 27th of April.
We have a 150+ cars and motorcycles registered.
This will raise greatly needed funds for our featured charities, namely Mens Shed Australia (Men's Health) -Pittwater Senior Toy Repair Group Northern Beaches and the local Ingleside Rural Fire Service-RFS.
Club volunteers will collect 'gold coin' entry donations from the public at two different entry gates.
During the morning, Pittwater Pelicans Bowling Club will be running a sausage sizzle in the grounds surrounding the car show, available to purchase for $5.00. Several coffee vans will be also onsite during the morning.
When: Sunday 27 April; 9:00 am - 1:00 pm AEST
Where: Pittwater RSL, Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale
Cost: gold coin entry.
Vroom - VROOM!
Monika's Doggie Rescue: Chihuahua Pups
It’s been a busy couple of weeks at DoggieRescue with three related chihuahuas giving birth within days of each other .
🙏🏻PLEASE NOTE THESE PUPS AND MUMS WONT BE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION UNTIL MID - LATE MAY. You are welcome to submit expressions of interest by completing the adoption questionnaire on our website.
Bonita our Chinese Crested x was first and had five pups on 12 March. Three boys two girls. One of her little boys is hairless, the Chinese Crested trait just like mama!
That same afternoon, Chiquita gave birth to two pups, and during the night another one was born. All girls and all look like her.
We were not sure what was happening with Vida. The ultrasound suggested she would only have one but two days later she gave birth to two, a boy and the last was a girl, both choc in colour. They were born 15 March.
Sadly, the last pup, we called Rosa started losing weight right away. She was sent to the vet and stayed in an incubator for the day, and tube feeding started. Dr. Dee picked up she had a cleft palette and warned us that she may have other things going on as well. We commenced tube feeding. We held her weight, but she did not increase. Sadly, she gained her wings after her early morning feed.
We have to be grateful we have 9 healthy pups who are gaining weight each day and are now about two weeks old. The Mums are doing a great job!
This week, their little eyes started to open! We will keep you updated as these little beans continue to flourish.
If you would like to donate towards their ongoing care you may do so via the fundraiser or via bank transfer and quote reference “Chihuahua pups”.
If you would prefer to donate by Internet bank transfer, here are our bank details:BANK: Westpac TurramurraACCOUNT NAME: DoggieRescue.comBSB: 032-089ACCOUNT NUMBER: 155573
Thank you for your ongoing support so we can continue to save lives 🙏🏻🤍
Monika Biernacki OAMVisit: doggierescue.com
It’s been a busy couple of weeks at DoggieRescue with three related chihuahuas giving birth within days of each other .
🙏🏻PLEASE NOTE THESE PUPS AND MUMS WONT BE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION UNTIL MID - LATE MAY. You are welcome to submit expressions of interest by completing the adoption questionnaire on our website.
Bonita our Chinese Crested x was first and had five pups on 12 March. Three boys two girls. One of her little boys is hairless, the Chinese Crested trait just like mama!
That same afternoon, Chiquita gave birth to two pups, and during the night another one was born. All girls and all look like her.
We were not sure what was happening with Vida. The ultrasound suggested she would only have one but two days later she gave birth to two, a boy and the last was a girl, both choc in colour. They were born 15 March.
Sadly, the last pup, we called Rosa started losing weight right away. She was sent to the vet and stayed in an incubator for the day, and tube feeding started. Dr. Dee picked up she had a cleft palette and warned us that she may have other things going on as well. We commenced tube feeding. We held her weight, but she did not increase. Sadly, she gained her wings after her early morning feed.
We have to be grateful we have 9 healthy pups who are gaining weight each day and are now about two weeks old. The Mums are doing a great job!
This week, their little eyes started to open!
We will keep you updated as these little beans continue to flourish.
If you would like to donate towards their ongoing care you may do so via the fundraiser or via bank transfer and quote reference “Chihuahua pups”.
If you would prefer to donate by Internet bank transfer, here are our bank details:
BANK: Westpac Turramurra
ACCOUNT NAME: DoggieRescue.com
BSB: 032-089
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 155573
Thank you for your ongoing support so we can continue to save lives 🙏🏻🤍
Monika Biernacki OAM
Visit: doggierescue.com
2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize judges announced - Entries open now
Honouring extraordinary efforts during major NSW floods
Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road
Construction update – Friday 28 March 2025
This week we set up our off-site compound in Ingleside that will be used to support our work along Old Barrenjoey Road and continued the setup of our storage area near the Woolworths carpark. Next week we will be potholing along the alignment. Our work will involve: - temporary road closures will take place in sections, depending on where we’re working each night. This will include:
- temporary closure of the shared space zone to traffic along Old Barrenjoey Road during night work hours. A traffic diversion will be in place – please follow the directions of our traffic controllers, who will be on hand to keep traffic moving safely around the closure.
- temporary closure of Old Barrenjoey Road, between Avalon Parade and The Crescent will be in place during our night work hours. General traffic will be diverted via local streets, but we will maintain access to driveways, businesses and parking spaces for local traffic at all times. Our traffic controllers will be on site to assist you in and out if needed and to help keep traffic flowing safely.
- vacuum excavator trucks will be used to do our potholing along Old Barrenjoey Road, between Avalon Parade and The Crescent. There will be some noise from our equipment and machinery as our work progresses along Old Barrenjoey Road. The level of noise you may experience will vary based on how far you live from our work area and what type of property you live in.
As a reminder, our night work hours are 8 pm to 5 am, Monday nights to Friday mornings. We will not work on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights. Our work may be noisy at times, however we are working to reduce impacts where we can. We always aim to avoid unnecessary loud noises where possible and turn off vehicles when not in use. At the end of each shift, we will temporarily restore Old Barrenjoey Road to allow for continued use during the day. We would like to sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding while we do this essential work.
Contact us For more information on our work along Old Barrenjoey Road, please visit our website.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to know more about this work – you can contact our community engagement team on 1800 943 119 or confluence@sydneywater.com.au. For other Sydney Water repairs or faults, please call 13 20 90 (24 hours).
Thank you again for your understanding during this essential work.
Sydney Water & Confluence Water project team
Construction update – Friday 28 March 2025
This week we set up our off-site compound in Ingleside that will be used to support our work along Old Barrenjoey Road and continued the setup of our storage area near the Woolworths carpark.
Next week we will be potholing along the alignment. Our work will involve:
- temporary road closures will take place in sections, depending on where we’re working each night. This will include:
- temporary closure of the shared space zone to traffic along Old Barrenjoey Road during night work hours. A traffic diversion will be in place – please follow the directions of our traffic controllers, who will be on hand to keep traffic moving safely around the closure.
- temporary closure of Old Barrenjoey Road, between Avalon Parade and The Crescent will be in place during our night work hours. General traffic will be diverted via local streets, but we will maintain access to driveways, businesses and parking spaces for local traffic at all times. Our traffic controllers will be on site to assist you in and out if needed and to help keep traffic flowing safely.
- vacuum excavator trucks will be used to do our potholing along Old Barrenjoey Road, between Avalon Parade and The Crescent. There will be some noise from our equipment and machinery as our work progresses along Old Barrenjoey Road. The level of noise you may experience will vary based on how far you live from our work area and what type of property you live in.
As a reminder, our night work hours are 8 pm to 5 am, Monday nights to Friday mornings. We will not work on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.
Our work may be noisy at times, however we are working to reduce impacts where we can. We always aim to avoid unnecessary loud noises where possible and turn off vehicles when not in use.
At the end of each shift, we will temporarily restore Old Barrenjoey Road to allow for continued use during the day. We would like to sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding while we do this essential work.
Contact us
For more information on our work along Old Barrenjoey Road, please visit our website.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to know more about this work – you can contact our community engagement team on 1800 943 119 or confluence@sydneywater.com.au. For other Sydney Water repairs or faults, please call 13 20 90 (24 hours).
Thank you again for your understanding during this essential work.
Sydney Water & Confluence Water project team
Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM
Trophy awards and other constitutional necessities along with great food, drink and live music!
Saturday 5th April / 5pm 'til late- Lovett Bay Boatshed
- Members free, non-members $50
- All included: food + beverages
- Live music: ‘Nothing Too Serious’
Free transport courtesy of Church Point Ferry Service:4:00 Newport, 4:15 Church Point, 4:30 Bells Wharf, 4:45 Tennis Wharf, First ferry home 10:15 pm, Last ferry home 11:15 pm
RSVP and pre-book tickets woodypyc.treasurer@gmail.com
Trophy awards and other constitutional necessities along with great food, drink and live music!
Saturday 5th April / 5pm 'til late
- Lovett Bay Boatshed
- Members free, non-members $50
- All included: food + beverages
- Live music: ‘Nothing Too Serious’
Free transport courtesy of Church Point Ferry Service:
4:00 Newport, 4:15 Church Point, 4:30 Bells Wharf, 4:45 Tennis Wharf, First ferry home 10:15 pm, Last ferry home 11:15 pm
RSVP and pre-book tickets woodypyc.treasurer@gmail.com
Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards
Funding for Veteran Services Welcomed, But Disappointed re Funding for Royal Commission Recommendations and Defence
NSW Government’s Rental Taskforce intervention results in almost $50,000 in refunds for renters
Government delivers on rental reform by ending no grounds evictions on 19 May 2025
Consulting on payday super draft legislation
Government passes new laws to protect gig workers and owner drivers in the road transport sector
Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback
National worker registration scheme feedback
Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach
Over 18,600 tonnes of batteries are discarded to landfill in Australia each year, even though 95% of a battery can be recycled!
That’s why we are rolling out battery recycling units across our stores! Our battery recycling units accept household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries as well as mobile phones!
How To Dispose Of Your Batteries Safely:
- Collect Your Used Batteries: Gather all used batteries from your home. Our battery recycling units accept batteries from a wide range of products such as household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries.
- Tape Your Terminals: Tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape.
- Drop Them Off: Come and visit your nearest participating store to recycle your batteries for free (at Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Mona Vale and Avalon Beach).
- Feel Good About Your Impact: By recycling your batteries, you're helping support a healthier planet by keeping hazardous material out of landfills and conserving resources.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces hazardous waste in landfill
- Conserves natural resources by promoting the use of recycled materials
- Keep toxic materials out of waterways
Over 18,600 tonnes of batteries are discarded to landfill in Australia each year, even though 95% of a battery can be recycled!
That’s why we are rolling out battery recycling units across our stores! Our battery recycling units accept household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries as well as mobile phones!
How To Dispose Of Your Batteries Safely:
- Collect Your Used Batteries: Gather all used batteries from your home. Our battery recycling units accept batteries from a wide range of products such as household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries.
- Tape Your Terminals: Tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape.
- Drop Them Off: Come and visit your nearest participating store to recycle your batteries for free (at Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Mona Vale and Avalon Beach).
- Feel Good About Your Impact: By recycling your batteries, you're helping support a healthier planet by keeping hazardous material out of landfills and conserving resources.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces hazardous waste in landfill
- Conserves natural resources by promoting the use of recycled materials
- Keep toxic materials out of waterways
Falling flu vaccinations and potential horror flu season a recipe for more deaths: AMA
March 27, 2025
Falling influenza immunisation rates due to vaccine fatigue and misinformation, combined with the risk of a horror flu season like the one experienced in the Northern Hemisphere, could result in more lives lost from flu and other respiratory diseases this year.
Australian Medical Association President Dr Danielle McMullen said there had been a fall in the number of Australians receiving their flu vaccine in 2024 compared to the previous year, and that we can’t afford to continue the decline.
“We know there’s some vaccine fatigue out there following the pandemic, and some wildly misleading and damaging information on social media, and this is contributing to fewer people getting their shots,” Dr McMullen said.
“I can’t be too blunt about this: thousands of people die each year from respiratory disease including flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Older people, immunocompromised people, babies, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to some of these respiratory viruses.
“People should get their flu vaccine each year, as the formulation is updated annually to match circulating strains, and the protection from a flu vaccine only lasts a season. This is also a good time to think about a COVID-19 booster, particularly if you are aged over 65 or at higher risk of severe COVID-19.
“Cases of flu pop up all year long, but our peak season is usually from June to September, and the best time to get your flu vaccine is from April onwards.
“People need to start booking appointments now with their GPs, who are trained to ensure that people, including vulnerable cohorts, such as the elderly and children, receive their vaccinations in a safe and timely manner.”
Dr McMullen warned there is potential for a horror flu season in Australia following a severe season in the Northern Hemisphere.
“Countries like the United States had a very severe influenza season, with the Centre for Disease Control estimating at least 41 million illnesses, 540,000 hospitalisations, and 23,000 deaths from influenza during their season so far,“ Dr McMullen said.
Dr McMullen said it was critical that people were not dissuaded from getting their flu vaccine or other vaccines because of misinformation about vaccines spread on social media, vaccine hesitancy or complacency.
“If people have any concerns, they should speak to their GP who can spend time with them and answer questions,” she said.
The Australian Government recommends everyone over the age of six months has an influenza immunisation every year. Flu is the most common illness that can be prevented with a vaccine.
Information about the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, including who should get vaccines, can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.
The influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged six months and over; children aged six months to under five years; pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy; people aged 65 years or over, and people aged six months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease.
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Benny
12mth Pug X Jack Russell
Benny is a boisterous happy boy who is very social with other small dogs. He is looking for an active family who will let him enjoys lots of family activities. He came from the pound with bilateral cherry eyes which we have had repaired. He is very food driven so quick to learn new routines. He is a typical pug who loves everybody and be part of what you are doing. Benny is a very agile to climb and has a lot of stamina to play with energetic dogs. Benny loves people around but can cope being left alone for a few hours. He has a smooth coat and weighs 12.6kg. He suits apartment living provided he gets lots of exercise. He comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $700.
Jack
2yo Domestic Short Haired Cat
Jack is the biggest smoocher and came from an abandoned house with Rose. Jack is happy to live with Rose but they can happily live apart. Jack came in a little chubby at 6.1kg but he is on a weight loss program. He is affectionate and easy to handle. He is friendly with other cats and has a short coat. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Fortaleza selected to host 2027 World Sailing Championships one-person events
March 27, 2025
The Brazilian city of Fortaleza has been chosen to host the one-person events at the 2027 World Sailing Championships.
The move, which will see Fortaleza host the one-person events in the first quarter of 2027, together with the decision to host the two-person events in Gdynia, Poland in the summer of 2027, will ensure an exciting year of Olympic class sailing ahead of the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Fortaleza is the capital of the seaside state of Ceará and a popular sailing destination with a strong record of hosting international events in many World Sailing classes. The venue will stage the Men’s and Women’s Kite, Men’s and Women’s Windsurfing, Men’s and Women’s Dinghy, and Para Inclusive events.
The event will be delivered in partnership with CB Vela – the Brazilian sailing federation – with support from the City of Fortaleza, the Marina Hotel and the Iate Clube Fortaleza.
Quanhai Li, World Sailing President, said:
“We are very pleased to choose Fortaleza as hosts of the World Sailing Championship and have complete confidence that the venue will continue to build on its sailing legacy.
This will be the first time we will use a split format for the World Sailing Championships which will help to grow the sport and allow sailors to compete in the most suitable conditions for their event.
The facilities in Fortaleza are exceptional and conditions will be ideal for the one-person events, and we are sure that sailors and visitors alike will have a wonderful experience in Brazil.”
David Graham, World Sailing CEO, added:
“The city of Fortaleza submitted an excellent bid proposal, and we are delighted to award the event to CB Vela. The city possesses all the facilities required to host an event of this size and has successfully held several national and world championship events in the past.
The chance to share this event with the city of Fortaleza and the South American sailing community is an exciting opportunity we are all looking forward to.”
Marco Aurelio, CB Vela President, said:
“Hosting the World Sailing Championships is a wonderful opportunity for Fortaleza as we look to cement the city’s reputation as a sailing destination on the global stage.
We look forward to working with the World Sailing team to deliver an event which will give some of the world’s greatest athletes a stage on which to shine.”
The decision to award the one-person events to Fortaleza came after Real Club Náutico Valencia withdrew from the hosting process.
The two-person events will be held in Gdynia, Poland, in the summer of 2027 as part of the annual Gdynia Sailing Days festival and will be organised by Polish Yachting Association in partnership with the Ministry of Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Poland, the devolved government of Pomeranian Voivodship and the City of Gdynia.
Photo: supplied
Join Rally for Cruisers in 2025 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) is excited to announce a Rally for Cruisers has been added to the second edition of the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, due to start on Sydney Harbour at 1pm on Saturday, 11 October.
Cruising yachts (with a minimum waterline length of 8.50 metres) and cruising multihulls (with a minimum waterline length of 9.50 metres) are invited to enter, but will require a Category 1 certificate for the 1250 nautical mile endurance course.
Those who opt to join the Rally have the choice of starting at Pittwater or from Sydney Harbour and will race to Auckland Harbour via Cape Reinga.
“I highly recommend the Rally to any sailor looking for adventure. You’ll be in good company with other boats on the same journey,” RPAYC Commodore, Rob McClelland says.
“As a sailor who has returned to New Zealand many times and cruised its coastline extensively, I can say without hesitation that New Zealand is one of the most spectacular cruising grounds in the world. The scenery, the beautiful harbours, bays, and islands are unparalleled.
“Once in New Zealand you can explore the Bay of Islands, Whangaroa Harbour, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula and so many other hidden gems in between. It’s a truly wonderful area to explore, and I look forward to welcoming all rally and race participants to this incredible destination," the Commodore ended.
The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race is a Category 1 event open to fully crewed racing and cruising yachts, two-handed yachts, superyachts and ocean-going multihulls.
Charles Meredith is the latest entry received for the race with his Chris White 46 MKII multihull, Peccadillo.
Peccadillo at Airlie Beach Race Week. Photo: Andrea Francolini
Meredith is a vastly experienced multihull sailor from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in Victoria. His race resume includes Melbourne to Devonport, Melbourne to Hobart and Brisbane to Hamilton Island races.
The Victorian sailor said, “This is the chance to do a race where you need a passport – to do an international race. I’ve often thought going to New Zealand would be good. We’ve got plenty of preparation and practice to do in advance. This will be the longest race we’ve done.
“We’re allowing up to ten days for the race, but seven days is our average working time.”
In the lead-up, Meredith said, “We’ve had a busy racing program here (Victoria) already. We just did the ORCV’s (Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s) King Island Race and next is their Apollo Bay Race and Winter Series.
“We’ve just started to think about the race to Auckland. If I can get enough crew, we will stay a while and do a few races. They have a good multihull fleet in New Zealand. Then we’ll do some cruising. It would be a shame to race and come straight back,” he ended.
Meredith and fellow competitors are looking forward to the day when they line up on Sydney Harbour for the start. From there, it is a left turn at Sydney Heads, then then round a turning mark off Barrenjoey Headland at Pittwater before sailing off into the wild blue yonder on the Trans-Tasman crossing to Auckland.
The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race is organised by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in NSW in association with New Zealand’s Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
Entries close on 11 September 2025. For all information, including access and Notice of Race and Notice of Rally, please visit: www.sydneytoauckland.com
Entries received after the Closing Date shall be accepted at the sole discretion of the Organising Authority.
For enquiries regarding the race and rally, please contact Race Director, Nick Elliott on +61 2 9998-3700 or email: nick.elliott@rpayc.com.au
By Di Pearson
North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?
Avalon resident Richard Jeffery is asking residents to look through their old albums and see if they have a clear photo of the surface of the brass directional marker that once graced the plinth on North Bilgola headland, as a project has been launched to replace this.
Richard explains:
‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot.
You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event.
The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC
The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content.
Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response.
The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.
Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''
I am promoting the headland on HERE
I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com
Thank you
Richard Jeffery
NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions open
The Awards acknowledge the contribution of historical research to our culture and communities, and to society at large.
All works must have been first published, broadcast or screened and made publicly and commercially available between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
A total of $85,000 in prize money will be awarded across six categories.
Administered by the State Library, in association with Create NSW, the NSW History Awards will offer prizes in six categories this year:
- Australian History Prize ($15,000)
- General History Prize ($15,000)
- New South Wales Community and Regional History Prize ($15,000)
- Young People’s History Prize ($15,000)
- Digital History Prize ($15,000)
- The Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize ($10,000)
A discounted early-bird entry fee is available until Thursday 13 March at 5pm!
All entries close at on Thursday 3 April at 5pm. Find more information via the link below.
Visit: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about/news-and-media/media-centre/2025-nsw-history-awards-call-nominations
History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations
Announcing the History Council of NSW's theme for History Week 2025: Water Stories!
And...HCNSW are very excited to announce Event Registrations are now open for History Week, earlier than ever before!
From the caring for water practices of First Nations people to non-Indigenous transformations of creeks and rivers, and the building of dams, there is an abundance of histories of water waiting to be ‘tapped’ and told.
Members are invited to stage online or in-person events. Your event will form part of the HCNSW’s media campaign and be promoted in the History Week 2025 Program Event Calendar on our website.
Registrations for History Week events are now open via the link below
For all History Week inquiries, please contact programs@historycouncilnsw.org.au
A little bit more about Water Stories:
Water is fundamental to life. It also underpins our histories. From floods to droughts, from oceans to creeks, rivers and wetlands, our pasts are bound up with the ebbs and flows of water.
History Week 2025 will engage with stories of how water was cherished, contained, diverted, contaminated, looked after and shared, or withheld.
The theme invites History Council members to dive into their water stories.
- 🛥️ What happens to communities when water is absent or when it is destructive? How did people in the past use water to travel and trade?
- 🌊 How do waterways connect, or disconnect, communities?
- 🐠 How important is water in cultures of sport, fishing, and play as well as the economy?
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
Profile of the Week Loosely Woven Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 'Unwound' Concerts - A Few Insights from and Into Founder Wayne RichmondPittwater Online recently had the pleasure and privilege of chatting with Wayne Richmond, founder of the music group 'Loosely Woven', which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary with a series of free concerts called 'Loosely Woven Unwound'. Two will run next weekend at Avalon and Narrabeen.
Loosely Woven has put a new repertoire together for free public concerts three to four times a year during the last three decades. The Programme ranges from pop to opera to folk, and includes a variety of singers and performers playing instruments such as the harmonium, violin, saxophone, harp and glockenspiel.
Wayne says new instrumentalists and singers are always welcome to join the group - you don't have to be an expert, just join in the fun.
With Council inviting feedback on its new draft Tree Management Policy until Sunday March 30, a policy which aims 'to strengthen tree assessment and protection requirements and expand the local green links between natural areas’, two insights into the history of Pittwater's trees are coming your way.
This week an oldie in a few insights into Annie Forsyth Wyatt OBE, conservationist with more than a few local links. Celebrated as the driving force behind the establishment of the National Trust movement in Australia, establishing the organisation in 1945 to protect Sydney's historic natural and built sites - some know her more for the work that led to this as part of the Tree Lovers League.
Next week a delve into what we were doing to trees even further back - for instance, did you know that by 1803 colonisers along the Hawkesbury had cut down so many trees that they had created the flooding Sydney is still trying to deal with along the Haweksbury-Nepean and Pittwater channels.
Despite then Governor of New South Wales Captain Philip Gidley King ordering settlers to stop and start replanting, the wholesale tree massacre continued.
They had landed on these shores just a scant 15 year prior to this. They would steal millions of tonnes of the virgin bush by the 1850's. Some would argue this is still going on today.
But first, a few songs about our girl Annie.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
March 1 2025
How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Protect Pittwater AGM 2025
Dear Protect Pittwater Members, Residents and interested friends,
Another year has gone by and much has happened in Pittwater.
So please come along to our AGM on the 24th March 6:00pm at the Avalon Bowling Club.
You can grab a drink while we share all our news and update on our recent very positive meeting with the Minister for Local Government regarding our proposed reinstatement of Pittwater Council.
See AGM Agenda below. We hope you can join us and meet other members.
Ps: If you need to re-join please bring $10.00 cash for membership or use the transfer bank details at the bottom of the AGM Agenda.
Monday 24th March 2025: 6:00pm @ Avalon Bowling Club, Avalon Beach
AGENDA
Apologies.
1. Minutes of Annual General Meeting 25th March 2024.
2. Tabling of Reports:
a) President’s Report 2024
b) Treasurer’s Report 2024
3. Election of Committee
4. General Business
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW DUE
Please make a payment of $10 to Protect Pittwater’s Westpac Account: BSB:032-095 Account: 295062 prior to the date of this AGM or bring $10 cash on the day.
Protect Pittwater Inc. 1700707
P.O.Box 402 Avalon 2107
Anna Maria Monticelli
Secretary, Protect Pittwater.
Join Rally for Cruisers in 2025 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) is excited to announce a Rally for Cruisers has been added to the second edition of the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, due to start on Sydney Harbour at 1pm on Saturday, 11 October.
Cruising yachts (with a minimum waterline length of 8.50 metres) and cruising multihulls (with a minimum waterline length of 9.50 metres) are invited to enter, but will require a Category 1 certificate for the 1250 nautical mile endurance course.
Those who opt to join the Rally have the choice of starting at Pittwater or from Sydney Harbour and will race to Auckland Harbour via Cape Reinga.
“I highly recommend the Rally to any sailor looking for adventure. You’ll be in good company with other boats on the same journey,” RPAYC Commodore, Rob McClelland says.
“As a sailor who has returned to New Zealand many times and cruised its coastline extensively, I can say without hesitation that New Zealand is one of the most spectacular cruising grounds in the world. The scenery, the beautiful harbours, bays, and islands are unparalleled.
“Once in New Zealand you can explore the Bay of Islands, Whangaroa Harbour, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula and so many other hidden gems in between. It’s a truly wonderful area to explore, and I look forward to welcoming all rally and race participants to this incredible destination," the Commodore ended.
The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race is a Category 1 event open to fully crewed racing and cruising yachts, two-handed yachts, superyachts and ocean-going multihulls.
Charles Meredith is the latest entry received for the race with his Chris White 46 MKII multihull, Peccadillo.
Peccadillo at Airlie Beach Race Week. Photo: Andrea Francolini
Meredith is a vastly experienced multihull sailor from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in Victoria. His race resume includes Melbourne to Devonport, Melbourne to Hobart and Brisbane to Hamilton Island races.
The Victorian sailor said, “This is the chance to do a race where you need a passport – to do an international race. I’ve often thought going to New Zealand would be good. We’ve got plenty of preparation and practice to do in advance. This will be the longest race we’ve done.
“We’re allowing up to ten days for the race, but seven days is our average working time.”
In the lead-up, Meredith said, “We’ve had a busy racing program here (Victoria) already. We just did the ORCV’s (Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s) King Island Race and next is their Apollo Bay Race and Winter Series.
“We’ve just started to think about the race to Auckland. If I can get enough crew, we will stay a while and do a few races. They have a good multihull fleet in New Zealand. Then we’ll do some cruising. It would be a shame to race and come straight back,” he ended.
Meredith and fellow competitors are looking forward to the day when they line up on Sydney Harbour for the start. From there, it is a left turn at Sydney Heads, then then round a turning mark off Barrenjoey Headland at Pittwater before sailing off into the wild blue yonder on the Trans-Tasman crossing to Auckland.
The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race is organised by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in NSW in association with New Zealand’s Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
Entries close on 11 September 2025. For all information, including access and Notice of Race and Notice of Rally, please visit: www.sydneytoauckland.com
Entries received after the Closing Date shall be accepted at the sole discretion of the Organising Authority.
For enquiries regarding the race and rally, please contact Race Director, Nick Elliott on +61 2 9998-3700 or email: nick.elliott@rpayc.com.au
By Di Pearson
Changes to the Minns Government Ministry
March 17, 2025
Announcement: The Hon. Chris Minns, Premier of NSW
Today I am announcing changes to the Cabinet and the Ministry of the NSW Government.
The Hon John Graham MLC will remain the Special Minister of State, the Minister for the Arts, the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy and will permanently take on the role of Minister for Transport
The Hon Jenny Aitchison MP will become the Minister for Roads and the Minister for Regional Transport. Regional roads will now be incorporated into the Roads portfolio. As a regional MP Jenny Aitchison is well placed to ensure the needs of regional and rural communities are met.
John Graham will continue to take carriage of the Government’s response to the toll review given the Government is mid-negotiation with toll companies about reforming the system.
The Hon Steve Kamper MP will be sworn in as the Minister for Jobs and Tourism, in addition to his responsibilities as the Minister for Lands and Property, the Minister for Multiculturalism and the Minister for Sport.
The Minns Labor Government is proud to welcome Janelle Saffin into the NSW Cabinet, to be sworn in as the Minister for Recovery, the Minister for Small Business, and the Minister for the North Coast.
Janelle is one of the most experienced MPs in the NSW Government. She has been instrumental in helping the Lismore community and surrounds recover from the 2022 floods as well as the recent impacts from Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
She has intimate knowledge of the workings of the NSW Reconstruction Authority and will be a very strong advocate and voice for the North Coast as well as small businesses across the state.
Emily Suvaal will also be appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business.
Parliamentary Secretaries perform an important role in supporting Ministers and driving action to deliver on government priorities in Parliament and Emily is an excellent addition to the team.
These are important changes to the NSW Ministry that will ensure we continue to invest in essential services that people rely on, and build a better NSW.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Vale Andrew Chadwick
31.01.1955 - 07.03.2025
Late of Narraweena, but always of Avalon.
Aged 70 years
Loved brother of Paul & Antonia, father of Gabriel & grandfather of Louie.
Finally at peace.
Family & friends are warmly invited to attend a Funeral Service to celebrate Andrew's life, to be held in the South Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, North Ryde on Monday 31st March, commencing at 2:00pm.
Followed by farewell refreshments for friends & family at Avalon Beach RSL from 3:30pm
Vale Marcia Stewart Cocks
20/02/1921 - 15/03/2025
Aged 104 years
Late of Mona Vale
Passed away peacefully at Northern Beaches Hospital. Beloved wife of Allan (dec), mother of Howard and Neralie.
A long life - a wonderful life.
The family and friends of Marcia are warmly invited to attend her Funeral Service to be held in it's entirety at St. Johns Anglican Church, Cnr. Oaks Ave & Avon St, Dee Why on Friday 28th March 2025 at 1:30pm.
Vale Shane Herring
1971- 2025
Born at Manly. Late of Dee Why, resident of Tweed Heads.
Beloved son of Sandy and Bob, and brother to Brett.
“I USED TO WEAR MY BELROSE FOOTY JACKET IN THE SURF.SURFING IS IN MY BLOOD.”
In Memory of Shane Herring
The surfing world has lost a true talent with the passing of Shane Herring. A surfer ahead of his time, Shane burst onto the scene in the early ‘90s with unmatched style and raw ability, famously claiming victory at the 1992 Coke Classic. His effortless approach and deep connection to the ocean made him a standout in Australian surfing.
Shane’s influence on the sport remains undeniable. He inspired a generation with his smooth rail game and fearless approach to waves.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his surfing and spirit.
Rest easy, Shane—you’ll always be part of our lineups.
Surfing Australia
Photo: Shane in his happy place: First Rock, Dee Why Point (Credits: Peter Crawford)
Vale Beau Hewitt
Just 12 years of age.
Beloved son of Belinda and Scott, adored brother to Tye, much-loved nephew of Lisa.
Student of Narrabeen Lakes Primary School, junior with Mona Vale Rugby League - the Raiders, and Narrabeen Sharks OzTag team, Manly Sea Eagles supporter, particularly the Trbojevic boys and Tom in particular(former Raiders players).
The community mourns the loss of darling Beau and extends its sincere condolences, sympathy, respect and love to Belinda, Scott, Tye and Lisa and her children, Beaus' cousins, at this time.
Today's game against Canberra, at Brookvale, the home of the Manly Sea Eagles, is dedicated to Beau.
Application to Demolish Narrabeen RSL lodged
A DA that surprises no one has been lodged with the council to demolish the Narrabeen RSL.
The Narrabeen RSL site, which was put into voluntary administration in 2022, sold for $15.4 million + GST in October 2024.
That ended ownership of the site by the not-for-profit, which commenced in the 1950's.
Seven offers were made to Savills agents for the 1.9 hectare site. A three-storey building, bowling greens and car parks are sited on the area, which is currently zoned C4 (Environmental Living).
The site and building was owned by Narrabeen Sub-Branch. The Sub-Branch is one of several hundred Sub-Branches who are part of RSL NSW. The financial status of all these entities is available online.
That for Narrabeen RSL Sub-Branch in 2021 stated:
Narrabeen RSL Sub-Branch (RSL NSW) - we operate as an RSL Sub-Branch to support veterans and their families including monthly sub-Branch Membership meetings as well as social, health wellbeing, camaraderie and commemorative events throughout the year. We also support those members with assistance where hardship may be affecting them or their families.
More in Pittwater Online News's July 2024 report: Narrabeen RSL site at North Narrabeen placed on Market: 1.884-hectare property
An inspection of the property identified hazardous materials in various locations across the site. These materials will require appropriate management and removal prior to demolition activities to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Demolition materials will be recycled where possible.
Eleven exempt trees are proposed for removal and one non-exempt tree are proposed for removal. No objections were raised by the council subject to pre-clearance surveys being undertaken to ensure that native fauna is not displaced.
If native wildlife is found within habitat to be removed, the animal is to be safely relocated by the Project Ecologist to a suitable location. If construction activity associated with this development results in injury or displacement of a native mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian, a licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organisation must be contacted for advice.
The demolition works are a precursor to a separate development application proposing the residential subdivision of the land, a 1.872 hectares site.
Loosely Woven 30th Anniversary Concerts: 'Unwound'
Pittwater Online recently had the pleasure and privilege of chatting with Wayne Richmond, founder of the music group 'Loosely Woven', which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary.
''In fact, there is really no such group as 'Loosely Woven' – it is merely the name given to whoever I am able to round up for a particular concert." explains Wayne
Back in 1995 Loosely Woven played at Warriewood Surf Club, and other venues across the peninsula, including St David’s Anglican Church in Dee Why. They also did a fundraiser for Amnesty International's Avalon chapter at Avalon Baptist Church.
“We’ve never accepted money, not even for expenses,” says Wayne. “But we are happy for other people to use our concerts as fundraisers.”
Loosely Woven has put a new repertoire together for free public concerts three times a year for some time now. The Programme ranges from pop to opera to folk, and includes a variety of singers and performers playing instruments such as the harmonium, violin, saxophone, harp and glockenspiel. Wayne says new instrumentalists and singers are always welcome to join the group.
Loosely Woven usually has 15 to 25 musicians playing at any one time. Wayne’s wife, Gial, sings duets with Wayne and plays the glockenspiel and violin. Wayne plays the keyboard, concertina and piano accordion.
They also entertain residents at retirement villages, performing a morning concert at one venue, before packing up and proceeding to the next venue.
The community-based musical ensemble will hold ‘all-afternoon extravaganzas’ titled Loosely Woven Unwound. over the next few weeks with one at Avalon Baptist Church next Saturday, March 29, followed by another at The Lakes Catholic Parish Hall in Lagoon Street, Narrabeen on Sunday March 30 - a venue Wayne says has the best acoustics and well worth attending just to hear how great Loosely Woven can sound.
The following weekend 'Unwound' will feature at St. David's Uniting Church in Dee Why - Sunday April 6th for that edition, with all the concerts running from 1-6pm - although there will be an intermission so attendees can have some afternoon tea.
Details of all the FREE Unwound concerts, for our out-of-area Readers, as there is one to the west and even further west, are:
Eastwood
1-6pm, Sunday 23rd March, 2025
Eastwood Uniting Church
16 Lakeside Road, Eastwood
Avalon
1-6pm, Saturday 29th March, 2025
Avalon Baptist Peace Church
2 George Street, Avalon
Narrabeen
1-6pm, Sunday 30th March, 2025
The Lakes Parish Hall
21 Lagoon Street, Narrabeen
South Turramurra
1-6pm, Saturday 5th April, 2025
St Andrew's Uniting Church
Chisholm & Vernon Streets, South Turramurra
Dee Why
1-6pm, Sunday 6th April
St David's Uniting Church
St Davids Avenue, Dee Why
 this one.jpg?timestamp=1742851035085)
Wayne pops by the PON office
Professor Michael Kidd AO: Next CMO
The Department of Health and Aged Care announced on Wednesday March 19 Professor Michael Kidd AO, MBBS, MD, FAHMS, FRACGP has been appointed as Australia’s new Chief Medical Officer from 1 June 2025.
Professor Kidd is a highly respected medical leader known for his significant contributions to public health and primary health care, in Australia and internationally.
He has extensive experience as a general practitioner, primary care researcher, educator and academic and has served as president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the World Organisation of Family Doctors.
Most recently, Professor Kidd has been the Professor of Global Primary Care and Future Health Systems at the University of Oxford, and Director of the International Centre for Future Health Systems at the University of New South Wales.
Professor Kidd served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Principal Medical Advisor with the Department of Health and Aged Care during the COVID-19 pandemic making a significant contribution to the national primary care response.
Professor Kidd stated this week:
“I am looking forward to re-joining the Department of Health and Aged Care and supporting national reforms in public health and healthcare services.”
Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road
Construction update – Friday 21 March 2025
This week we set up our site compound near the Woolworths carpark and carried out further survey work.
Next week we will be setting up our off-site compound in Ingleside that will be used to support our work along Old Barrenjoey Road. There will also be some deliveries during the day to our compound on Old Barrenjoey Road near the Woolworths carpark. Our work will involve:
- temporary parking changes on Old Barrenjoey Road during the day time deliveries. We will temporarily use three parking spaces next to our site compound on Old Barrenjoey Road to allow access to the compound for deliveries.
- installing a gravel road base at our Ingleside compound to create a laydown area within the site.
- installing storage containers for materials and equipment, as well as a single level demountable building for the site office at our Ingleside compound.
There won’t be any night work required on Old Barrenjoey Road next week while we are setting up our compound in Ingleside. Deliveries to our compound on Old Barrenjoey Road near the Woolworths carpark will happen during our standard day time working hours of 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday.
Our work may be noisy at times, however we are working to reduce impacts where we can. We always aim to avoid unnecessary loud noises where possible and turn off vehicles when not in use.
We would like to sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding while we do this essential work.
Contact us
For more information on our work along Old Barrenjoey Road, please visit our website.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to know more about this work – you can contact our community engagement team on 1800 943 119 or confluence@sydneywater.com.au. For other Sydney Water repairs or faults, please call 13 20 90 (24 hours).
Thank you again for your understanding during this essential work.
Sydney Water & Confluence Water project team
Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM
Trophy awards and other constitutional necessities along with great food, drink and live music!
Saturday 5th April / 5pm 'til late
- Lovett Bay Boatshed
- Members free, non-members $50
- All included: food + beverages
- Live music: ‘Nothing Too Serious’
Free transport courtesy of Church Point Ferry Service:
4:00 Newport, 4:15 Church Point, 4:30 Bells Wharf, 4:45 Tennis Wharf, First ferry home 10:15 pm, Last ferry home 11:15 pm
RSVP and pre-book tickets woodypyc.treasurer@gmail.com
Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach
Over 18,600 tonnes of batteries are discarded to landfill in Australia each year, even though 95% of a battery can be recycled!
That’s why we are rolling out battery recycling units across our stores! Our battery recycling units accept household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries as well as mobile phones!
How To Dispose Of Your Batteries Safely:
- Collect Your Used Batteries: Gather all used batteries from your home. Our battery recycling units accept batteries from a wide range of products such as household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries.
- Tape Your Terminals: Tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape.
- Drop Them Off: Come and visit your nearest participating store to recycle your batteries for free (at Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Mona Vale and Avalon Beach).
- Feel Good About Your Impact: By recycling your batteries, you're helping support a healthier planet by keeping hazardous material out of landfills and conserving resources.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces hazardous waste in landfill
- Conserves natural resources by promoting the use of recycled materials
- Keep toxic materials out of waterways
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Stitch
2yo Frenchie (French Bulldog)
Stitch is a gorgeous Frenchie who was just deposited in a night cage at a pound. He is such a sweet happy boy. He is social with other small dogs and is easy to handle. He is looking for an owner who understands brachycephalic breeds and their limitations. He is a teenager so still in that chewy stage of his life. He has a smooth coat and weighs about 9kg. He comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $900.
Elphaba and Glinda
7yo Cavoodles
Elphaba and Glinda are sisters who are bonded and are looking for a home together. They have been together all their lives and even sleep in the same bed together. They are gentle affectionate dogs who have lived with older children. They are social with other small dogs. They are easy to groom and bath and loved being told what good girls they are! They have been taught "sit" and used to walking on leash. They are low shedding dogs and have just had dentals. Elphaba weighs 9.0kg and Glinda weighs 7.7kg. They come desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Their adoption cost is $1800 together.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?
Avalon resident Richard Jeffery is asking residents to look through their old albums and see if they have a clear photo of the surface of the brass directional marker that once graced the plinth on North Bilgola headland, as a project has been launched to replace this.
Richard explains:
‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot.
You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event.
The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC
The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content.
Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response.
The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.
Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''
I am promoting the headland on HERE
I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com
Thank you
Richard Jeffery
Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025
Member for Manly, James Griffin has called on the community to get behind one of the Northern Beaches’ most outrageously fun charity events, the 2025 Manly Inflatable Boat Race.
Awarded ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the 2016 Australia Day Awards in Manly, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is once again gearing up to take over Manly & Shelly Beach on Sunday 30 March this year, with waves of colour, chaos, and community spirit.
Since its inception, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race has raised over $300,000 for charity. The event will see competitors paddle from Shelly Beach to raise funds for the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) Australia’s first dedicated young adult’s hospice, and cancer research charity Tour de Cure.
“The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an epic event and one which showcases the very best of Manly. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a splash for a fantastic cause,” Mr Griffin said.
With over 500 participants and thousands of spectators expected, the 2025 edition promises to be as wild as ever. Registration and float pumping will take place from 7:30am at South Steyne, near Manly Surf Club, with the actual race being held at Shelly Beach at 10:00am.
Founder and organiser Denver Bevan expressed his own excitement for the event. “The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is a highlight on the Sydney calendar because it’s just so much fun! Race-goers love the thrill of paddling through the waves in crazy, colourful inflatables, and the spectators get a front-row seat to all the mayhem. It’s a fantastic day at the beach for all ages,” Mr Bevan said.
Service Manager at AYAH Tayia Yates welcomed the support, saying the funds raised on the day would make a profound difference.
“Supporting the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an opportunity to contribute to a vital cause, offering respite and care to those who need it most. We encourage everyone to participate in this unique community event to help raise funds towards the AYAH and assist us in creating a lasting impact on the families and young individuals in our care.” Ms Yates said
The concept of the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is simple:
- Pick your wackiest fancy dress costume (the crazier, the better!)
- Bring your inflatable of choice - anything from rubber duckies to pink flamingos, sea monsters, or pool ponies!
- Join in the 1km paddle adventure from Shelly Beach, around the Manly Life Savers buoys, and back to shore.
- Rules? There are none! First to the finish line wins!
In a generous showing of support, 4 Pines Brewing Co have been announced as the major sponsor of this year’s event, with General Manager Adam Dearing declaring that he was ‘stoked to come on board as a major sponsor this year to help bring this fabulous charity event back to life after Covid.” The Boathouse Shelly Beach, Budgy Smuggler and OnlineProjects have also thrown their support behind the Race as key event partners.
To purchase tickets and for any further inquiries, please visit the Manly Inflatable Boat Race website at manlyinflatableboatrace.com.au
NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open
The Awards acknowledge the contribution of historical research to our culture and communities, and to society at large.
All works must have been first published, broadcast or screened and made publicly and commercially available between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
A total of $85,000 in prize money will be awarded across six categories.
Administered by the State Library, in association with Create NSW, the NSW History Awards will offer prizes in six categories this year:
- Australian History Prize ($15,000)
- General History Prize ($15,000)
- New South Wales Community and Regional History Prize ($15,000)
- Young People’s History Prize ($15,000)
- Digital History Prize ($15,000)
- The Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize ($10,000)
A discounted early-bird entry fee is available until Thursday 13 March at 5pm!
All entries close at on Thursday 3 April at 5pm. Find more information via the link below.
Visit: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about/news-and-media/media-centre/2025-nsw-history-awards-call-nominations
History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations
Announcing the History Council of NSW's theme for History Week 2025: Water Stories!
And...HCNSW are very excited to announce Event Registrations are now open for History Week, earlier than ever before!
From the caring for water practices of First Nations people to non-Indigenous transformations of creeks and rivers, and the building of dams, there is an abundance of histories of water waiting to be ‘tapped’ and told.
Members are invited to stage online or in-person events. Your event will form part of the HCNSW’s media campaign and be promoted in the History Week 2025 Program Event Calendar on our website.
Registrations for History Week events are now open via the link below
For all History Week inquiries, please contact programs@historycouncilnsw.org.au
A little bit more about Water Stories:
Water is fundamental to life. It also underpins our histories. From floods to droughts, from oceans to creeks, rivers and wetlands, our pasts are bound up with the ebbs and flows of water.
History Week 2025 will engage with stories of how water was cherished, contained, diverted, contaminated, looked after and shared, or withheld.
The theme invites History Council members to dive into their water stories.
- 🛥️ What happens to communities when water is absent or when it is destructive? How did people in the past use water to travel and trade?
- 🌊 How do waterways connect, or disconnect, communities?
- 🐠 How important is water in cultures of sport, fishing, and play as well as the economy?
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
Profile of the Week Judith Friezer Avalon Beach lady Judith Friezer, a 90 year old mum of four, has been a prolific home writer for 40 years, and finally published her first book, “Wilma’s Secret”, for a younger audience of readers.
The book is about a teenage girl who finds an old trunk belonging to her great grandma, and soon discovers she is also a witch.
Judith will have a book launch at her local Avalon bookshop, Bookoccino on April 6th 3-4 pm!
Wilma’s Secret is the story of a young girl who finds an old tin trunk, containing her great grandmother's belongings. Wasn’t she once a Witch? And where did she disappear to? Teenage Wilma discovers hidden treasures inside the trunk and struggles to understand and use them to their full power. All the while attempting to keep them a SECRET from her pesky brother and worried parents. But why is the West Wind trying to stop her in her learning quest?
Will she ever unravel the real secret that lays buried inside?
Judith C. Friezer (Gale) was born in Western Australia 1935, Jude has led an amazing life. She travelled the world as an air hostess, then again as a life explorer. She also worked as a nurse, a beauty product salesperson, an entrepreneur, even a marriage celebrant. All through that time, she was also a devoted wife, a fantastic mother to 4 boys, and an avid bush gardener. She still is.
Hidden inside though, Jude has always been a writer!
Judith has been prolific in her output: countless pages of typed, handwritten, or scrawled poems and short stories; her kaleidoscopic biography is a multi-tomed epic that is still expanding…. yet despite this avalanche of creativity, this is her first published book!
Judith lives at Avalon and will soon share this tale, 20+ years in the making, with all the aspiring witches (and warlocks) out there.
This week a chat with Judith, with HUGE thanks to her son Robert Gale for his help with this Issue's Profile of the Week.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
March 1 2025
How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Total Fire Ban
A Total Fire Ban will be in place today, Sunday 16 March, for the Greater Sydney, Central Ranges, Southern Ranges and Southern Slopes areas.
Hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast across parts of the state, with the Greater Sydney Region and Southern Slopes forecast to experience Extreme fire danger. Know your fire risk and what you will do if fire threatens.
Remember to report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000). For more information on Total Fire Ban rules, visit the #RFS website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fdr
Man arrested in Anna Bay for holiday rental scam
A man will face Manly court for an alleged holiday rental scam, which defrauded people of more than $500,000.
Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command began an investigation on Monday 17 February following reports of individuals being in our area not receiving payment for holiday rentals
It’s believed the scam claimed 31 victims, who lost in excess of half-a-million dollars in total, along the peninsula.
Following inquiries by police, officers executed a search warrant in Argyle Avenue, Anna Bay, on Thursday 13 March.
A 51-year-old man was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station.
He was charged with 31 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and one count of contravene AVO.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday 30 April.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
Photo: NSW Police
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bookoccino Carpark Polis: 2025 Election
Bookoccino Carparks are a series of events that will run over the next 4 weeks focussing on the matters that may be important to you and the policies of those who have nominated as a candidate for Mackellar in the 2025 Australian election.
Those who have nominated for the seat of Mackellar so far are:
- Dr. Sophie Scamps, Independent and incumbent member
- James Brown, Liberal Party
- Jeffrey Quinn, Labor Party
- Ethan Hrnjak, Australian Greens
No others have advised the news service they are standing for the seat as yet.
Prime Minister Albanese is expected to announce the date for the 2025 election after a Budget is handed down on March 30.
You can peruse the list and reserve a place at any of these upcoming Bookoccino Carparks events via: trybooking.com/eventlist/bookoccinoevents
Appeal for Information: Warriewood theft
Anzac Memorial 2025 Residency
Applications are now open for the 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program.
The program is open to creative practitioners who have served in the Australian Defence Force and preference will be given to applicants from New South Wales.
Applicants must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia.
There are no educational pre-requisites. However, applicants should have experience as a maker/creator and be able to demonstrate a capacity to communicate their artwork to a general audience, including children, if there is an exhibition element.
The applicant must be able to spend at least a portion of the program in residence on-site at the Anzac Memorial, located in Sydney, prior to 30 June 2025.
The guest veteran artist (or group) will have a unique chance to explore the Memorial's architecture, history and artefacts as part of a creative project that reflects on and interprets Australian military experience, the Anzac Memorial and/or memorialisation.
The Anzac Memorial welcomes project proposals across a broad variety of creative formats including:
- 👉 Music composition
- 👉 Written works such as poetry and prose
- 👉 Performance and theatrical work
- 👉 Film, animation and video
- 👉 Visual art, including painting, graphic art and photography
APPLY NOW: www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/vair
Applications close Monday 24 March 2025 at 5pm.
Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach
Over 18,600 tonnes of batteries are discarded to landfill in Australia each year, even though 95% of a battery can be recycled!
That’s why we are rolling out battery recycling units across our stores! Our battery recycling units accept household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries as well as mobile phones!
How To Dispose Of Your Batteries Safely:
- Collect Your Used Batteries: Gather all used batteries from your home. Our battery recycling units accept batteries from a wide range of products such as household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries.
- Tape Your Terminals: Tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape.
- Drop Them Off: Come and visit your nearest participating store to recycle your batteries for free (at Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Mona Vale and Avalon Beach).
- Feel Good About Your Impact: By recycling your batteries, you're helping support a healthier planet by keeping hazardous material out of landfills and conserving resources.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces hazardous waste in landfill
- Conserves natural resources by promoting the use of recycled materials
- Keep toxic materials out of waterways
Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025
Member for Manly, James Griffin has called on the community to get behind one of the Northern Beaches’ most outrageously fun charity events, the 2025 Manly Inflatable Boat Race.
Awarded ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the 2016 Australia Day Awards in Manly, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is once again gearing up to take over Manly & Shelly Beach on Sunday 30 March this year, with waves of colour, chaos, and community spirit.
Since its inception, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race has raised over $300,000 for charity. The event will see competitors paddle from Shelly Beach to raise funds for the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) Australia’s first dedicated young adult’s hospice, and cancer research charity Tour de Cure.
“The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an epic event and one which showcases the very best of Manly. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a splash for a fantastic cause,” Mr Griffin said.
With over 500 participants and thousands of spectators expected, the 2025 edition promises to be as wild as ever. Registration and float pumping will take place from 7:30am at South Steyne, near Manly Surf Club, with the actual race being held at Shelly Beach at 10:00am.
Founder and organiser Denver Bevan expressed his own excitement for the event. “The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is a highlight on the Sydney calendar because it’s just so much fun! Race-goers love the thrill of paddling through the waves in crazy, colourful inflatables, and the spectators get a front-row seat to all the mayhem. It’s a fantastic day at the beach for all ages,” Mr Bevan said.
Service Manager at AYAH Tayia Yates welcomed the support, saying the funds raised on the day would make a profound difference.
“Supporting the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an opportunity to contribute to a vital cause, offering respite and care to those who need it most. We encourage everyone to participate in this unique community event to help raise funds towards the AYAH and assist us in creating a lasting impact on the families and young individuals in our care.” Ms Yates said
The concept of the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is simple:
- Pick your wackiest fancy dress costume (the crazier, the better!)
- Bring your inflatable of choice - anything from rubber duckies to pink flamingos, sea monsters, or pool ponies!
- Join in the 1km paddle adventure from Shelly Beach, around the Manly Life Savers buoys, and back to shore.
- Rules? There are none! First to the finish line wins!
In a generous showing of support, 4 Pines Brewing Co have been announced as the major sponsor of this year’s event, with General Manager Adam Dearing declaring that he was ‘stoked to come on board as a major sponsor this year to help bring this fabulous charity event back to life after Covid.” The Boathouse Shelly Beach, Budgy Smuggler and OnlineProjects have also thrown their support behind the Race as key event partners.
To purchase tickets and for any further inquiries, please visit the Manly Inflatable Boat Race website at manlyinflatableboatrace.com.au
Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM
Trophy awards and other constitutional necessities along with great food, drink and live music!
Saturday 5th April / 5pm 'til late
- Lovett Bay Boatshed
- Members free, non-members $50
- All included: food + beverages
- Live music: ‘Nothing Too Serious’
Free transport courtesy of Church Point Ferry Service:
4:00 Newport, 4:15 Church Point, 4:30 Bells Wharf, 4:45 Tennis Wharf, First ferry home 10:15 pm, Last ferry home 11:15 pm
RSVP and pre-book tickets woodypyc.treasurer@gmail.com
Manly Warringah Sapphires Claim 2025 HeartKids Cup
Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens HeartKids Cup 2025 Champions! L-R Sue Gill, Charlotte Craig, Eloise Egan, Mardi Aplin, Audrey Little, Eugenie Little, Kiara Bloor, Mel Clarke, Erin, Chelsea Mann, Latika Tombs (C), Allegra McDonald, Jemma Donoghue. Photo: Clusterpix
The Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens team has emerged victorious in the 2025 HeartKids Cup, setting an exceptional standard for the upcoming Netball NSW Premier League season.
Their thrilling grand final victory, secured by just one goal on the whistle, was a testament to their resilience and skill.
Netball NSW proudly hosted the 2025 HeartKids Cup, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for HeartKids, a non-profit organization supporting those affected by childhood heart disease in Australia. Held on the 1st and 2nd of March at Sydney Olympic Park’s Netball Central, the tournament featured all 10 Netball NSW Premier League franchises in a highly competitive preseason event.
The HeartKids Cup was founded by Netball NSW Performance and Pathways General Manager Mardi Aplin, whose son Carter was born with a rare and complex heart condition. In 2012, Mardi channelled her passion for netball and her family's journey, including significant financial and emotional challenges, into a meaningful initiative to raise awareness and funds.
Since then, The HeartKids Cup has raised thousands and grown significantly from its inaugural match between Orange and Baulkham Hills.
2025 marked the first year The HeartKids Cup partnered with Premier League as the official preseason tournament.
Both of our Sapphires teams were thrilled to participate in and contribute to such an important initiative and both teams delivered strong performances, over two intense days of competition in challenging conditions, gaining valuable confidence heading into Round 1.
Congratulations to the Sapphires, and all participating teams for their outstanding efforts, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making the 2025 HeartKids Cup a resounding success.
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Turbo
Mini Foxy X12mths
Turbo is a sweet friendly boy. As his name implies, he has loads of energy and is fast at all he does including zooming through doorways. He does have his calm chilled side as well. Turbo is friendly with small dogs and is very respectful of older dogs. He is easy to handle and has an affectionate nature. He has a short coat and weighs just under 5kg. He suits apartment living and can be left alone for PT hours. He comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $800
Bubbles
Maltese X 10yo
Bubbles is a very sweet affectionate, gentle girl. She has been very neglected dog, but things are looking up for her now. Bubbles did not have much hair on her back from chewing fleas. She has just been desexed, and she had cystic ovaries, so she is feeling a lot better now. We still need to do a dental on her. She also has a cataract in her right eye. She loves human company and attention. She is also social with other small dogs. She is so easy and loves to sleep on the foster carer's bed at night. She has a low shedding coat and weighs about 5kg. She suits apartment living and a home-based worker. 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. Her adoption fee is $700.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?
Avalon resident Richard Jeffery is asking residents to look through their old albums and see if they have a clear photo of the surface of the brass directional marker that once graced the plinth on North Bilgola headland, as a project has been launched to replace this.
Richard explains:
‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot.
You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event.
The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC
The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content.
Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response.
The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.
Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''
I am promoting the headland on HERE
I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com
Thank you
Richard Jeffery
NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open
The Awards acknowledge the contribution of historical research to our culture and communities, and to society at large.
All works must have been first published, broadcast or screened and made publicly and commercially available between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
A total of $85,000 in prize money will be awarded across six categories.
Administered by the State Library, in association with Create NSW, the NSW History Awards will offer prizes in six categories this year:
- Australian History Prize ($15,000)
- General History Prize ($15,000)
- New South Wales Community and Regional History Prize ($15,000)
- Young People’s History Prize ($15,000)
- Digital History Prize ($15,000)
- The Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize ($10,000)
A discounted early-bird entry fee is available until Thursday 13 March at 5pm!
All entries close at on Thursday 3 April at 5pm. Find more information via the link below.
Visit: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about/news-and-media/media-centre/2025-nsw-history-awards-call-nominations
History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations
Announcing the History Council of NSW's theme for History Week 2025: Water Stories!
And...HCNSW are very excited to announce Event Registrations are now open for History Week, earlier than ever before!
From the caring for water practices of First Nations people to non-Indigenous transformations of creeks and rivers, and the building of dams, there is an abundance of histories of water waiting to be ‘tapped’ and told.
Members are invited to stage online or in-person events. Your event will form part of the HCNSW’s media campaign and be promoted in the History Week 2025 Program Event Calendar on our website.
Registrations for History Week events are now open via the link below
For all History Week inquiries, please contact programs@historycouncilnsw.org.au
A little bit more about Water Stories:
Water is fundamental to life. It also underpins our histories. From floods to droughts, from oceans to creeks, rivers and wetlands, our pasts are bound up with the ebbs and flows of water.
History Week 2025 will engage with stories of how water was cherished, contained, diverted, contaminated, looked after and shared, or withheld.
The theme invites History Council members to dive into their water stories.
- 🛥️ What happens to communities when water is absent or when it is destructive? How did people in the past use water to travel and trade?
- 🌊 How do waterways connect, or disconnect, communities?
- 🐠 How important is water in cultures of sport, fishing, and play as well as the economy?
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
Profile of the Week Pittwater Women of the Year 2025: Lisbeth Lawsen - Simone Allan + 2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess + NSW Women of the Year 2025 Award Recipients
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
March 1 2025
How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
ABHS March 2025 Meeting
The next Avalon Beach Historical Society meeting will be held on Tuesday March 11, at 8 p.m. in the Annexe at Dunbar Park.
Part One:
Bill Goddard and Geoff Searl have been researching and compiling the history of the first private residence at Palm Beach. Albert Verrills built Sunrise Cottage in 1911 to accommodate the surveyors for the Barrenjoey Company Limited. Its early history is fascinating, and we have some great photos shared by the original owner's great-grandson.
Part Two:
Geoff Searl has just returned from an 11-day voyage from Darling Harbour to Hobart as one of the ‘voyage crew’ on the replica HMB Endeavour. Geoff managed to get some worthwhile photos and some amazing details on the ship, which members may find interesting.
Part Three:
If we don’t look like running overtime and into suppertime, we have dug out the ‘Skippy’ episode from 1967, which featured Avalon Beach. It will be screened over the October long weekend this year as a part of the celebrations of the centenary of the surf club. It’s bound to cause a few chuckles!
To assist you with your future planning, here are the dates of the meetings for this year:
- Tuesday, 10 June
- Tuesday, 9 September (AGM) and
- Tuesday 9 December
Geoff Searl OAM
President Avalon Beach Historical Society
Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM
Trophy awards and other constitutional necessities along with great food, drink and live music!
Saturday 5th April / 5pm 'til late
- Lovett Bay Boatshed
- Members free, non-members $50
- All included: food + beverages
- Live music: ‘Nothing Too Serious’
Free transport courtesy of Church Point Ferry Service:
4:00 Newport, 4:15 Church Point, 4:30 Bells Wharf, 4:45 Tennis Wharf, First ferry home 10:15 pm, Last ferry home 11:15 pm
RSVP and pre-book tickets woodypyc.treasurer@gmail.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update: March 2, 2025
Our work for Section 1 planned to start on Monday 10 March and is expected to take about 22 weeks to complete, weather and ground conditions permitting.
We’ll write to you again before work starts in Section 2 to provide more details about our work and confirm our exact start date.
We expect to finish construction by the end of October 2025, weather and ground conditions permitting.
Night work hours
Our work in Section 1 needs to be done at night to reduce the impact on daytime traffic flows and local businesses.
Our night work hours are 8 pm to 5 am, Monday nights to Friday mornings (four nights a week). We won’t work on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights, or on Public Holidays.
.JPG?timestamp=1741029325016)
No work on Public holidays: Anzac Day 11 am March in Avalon Beach along Old Barrenjoey Road
In Section 1, we’ll need to temporarily close part of Old Barrenjoey Road where we’re working at night. Our friendly traffic controllers will maintain access for residents, and parking on either side of our work zone. General traffic will be detoured via connecting streets.
At the end of each night shift, we’ll restore the road so it can be used as normal during the day.
We’ll need up to borrow up to eight parking spaces for equipment storage next to our work area. This storage area will move along the road as we progress.
Come and talk with us
We’ll have monthly drop-in sessions in Dunbar Park. Our team will be there to discuss our work and answer any questions you have.
When: First Wednesday of every month, between 1 pm and 4 pm.
We understand our work can be disruptive. We will make every effort to reduce our impact on residents, local businesses, and pedestrians as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about our work, please contact our friendly Community Engagement team by:
- calling 1800 943 119 or emailing confluence@sydneywater.com.au
- speaking to our team in person at our drop-in sessions held on the first Wednesday of every month in Dunbar Park.
We’ll be sending out weekly project updates to anyone subscribed to our electronic mailing list, this will outline the work we have completed that week and what we will be doing in the next week.
If you would like to receive these updates, please sign up to our email list here.
Previously:
Women and girls' football participation soars in 2024
March 4, 2025
The 2024 National Participation Report has shown a big jump in women and girls playing football (soccer).
Inspired by the excitement of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and the Matildas' success, over 21,000 more women and girls now play football. This means there are now over 158,000 women and girls playing football in Australia.
The 2024 National Participation report showed a 10 per cent increase in outdoor football participation and highlighted an 11 percent increase in overall football participation numbers.
This increase makes football the most participated team sport in the country with over 1.9 million Australians now participating in football.
The Australian Government's Play Our Way Program is also playing a big role in supporting grassroots football initiatives. Funding for facilities, participation and equipment initiatives is creating more opportunities for women and girls to engage in football.
There are many ways to get involved in playing football. One of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 tournament legacy initiatives Mini Roos for Girls continues to drive participation, and inspire the younger generation across the country.
Women’s Asian Cup 2026 fast approaching
It’s less than one year to go until the Women's Asian Cup 2026 is hosted in Australia, and excitement is building. The Matildas will be striving for success in front of a home crowd, as the tournament brings together 12 of Asia’s top women’s national football teams.
Anzac Memorial 2025 Residency
March 4, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program.
The program is open to creative practitioners who have served in the Australian Defence Force and preference will be given to applicants from New South Wales.
Applicants must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia.
There are no educational pre-requisites. However, applicants should have experience as a maker/creator and be able to demonstrate a capacity to communicate their artwork to a general audience, including children, if there is an exhibition element.
The applicant must be able to spend at least a portion of the program in residence on-site at the Anzac Memorial, located in Sydney, prior to 30 June 2025.
The guest veteran artist (or group) will have a unique chance to explore the Memorial's architecture, history and artefacts as part of a creative project that reflects on and interprets Australian military experience, the Anzac Memorial and/or memorialisation.
The Anzac Memorial welcomes project proposals across a broad variety of creative formats including:
- 👉 Music composition
- 👉 Written works such as poetry and prose
- 👉 Performance and theatrical work
- 👉 Film, animation and video
- 👉 Visual art, including painting, graphic art and photography
APPLY NOW: www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/vair
Applications close Monday 24 March 2025 at 5pm.
Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together Womens Day
The Women’s Resilience Centre & LocalKind Unite for International Women’s Day
Manly, NSW – 13 March 2025 – This International Women’s Day, two powerhouse local charities—The Women’s Resilience Centre and LocalKind—are coming together to celebrate the theme: "Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together."
- 📅 Date: Thursday, 13th March 2025
- 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- 📍 Venue: Miami Rice (Hotel Steyne rooftop), Manly
- 🎟 Tickets: $85 – Includes a 2-course gourmet meal, inspiring stories from The Story Room, short speeches, and a raffle/auction to support domestic violence initiatives.
Secure your spot now: https://events.humanitix.com/iwd-lunch-lkwrc
With $39.50 of each ticket being tax-deductible, every attendee will directly contribute to supporting women facing domestic violence, homelessness, and hardship through the transformative programs of The Women’s Resilience Centre. (www.womensresiliencecentre.com.au) and LocalKind (www.localkind.org.au).
International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a movement. It’s a call for kindness, empowerment, and resilience. How will you make a difference this IWD?
This event is your opportunity to be part of the change. Join the conversation. Stand with us. Together, we can build a future where all women thrive.
%20(1)%20(1).jpg?timestamp=1739826895360)
Zonta Club's 2025 Birthing Kit Pack Day
Please join us for our Clean Birthing Kits Packing Day on Saturday 15th March.
If you can’t attend, please consider making a donation, details are shown below or please visit: www.zonta-northernbeaches.org
NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre
A new health and wellbeing centre has opened its doors in a major boost for people living with progressive neurological conditions across the state.
MS Plus officially opened its new Lidcombe Wellbeing and Accommodation Precinct on Wednesday March 5, courtesy of a $16 million funding agreement with the NSW Government.
The new centre at Betty Cuthbert Drive will provide important allied health and support services, including exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietetics, for people living with neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, dementia and strokes.
The NSW Government provided MS Plus with a 8,900 square metre parcel of land to ensure it has a new permanent home to continue its important work. The $16 million funding was allocated to support the construction of the centre.
The Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre includes eight therapy areas, a large multipurpose space for various activities; a purpose-built gym, lounge and café areas, a children’s play area, a sensory garden, landscaped outdoor spaces, and accessible parking, toilets, showers and lockers.
For more information, visit the 80 Betty Cuthbert Drive, Lidcombe webpage.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“I am delighted that MS Plus has opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art wellbeing centre, which will provide critical care and support for so many in our community.
“This is a great example of the work of Property and Development NSW, which has facilitated MS Plus’ access to land so that it can be put to best use for community benefit.”
Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:
“The NSW Government is proud to partner with MS Plus, helping deliver this impressive precinct which will make a real difference to people's lives.
“By bringing together specialist services, accessible accommodation, and a strong network of support, it ensures more people with disability can live independently and with dignity.”
MS Plus Chief Executive Officer John Blewonski said:
“The Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre provides everything needed for vital connection, health and wellbeing in one place: a one-stop-shop for neuro and ageing support, and a place of solace, where patients are understood, and can be supported to live well.
“We know that more people are being diagnosed with a variety of neurological conditions — often lifelong and requiring ongoing care. Living with a neuro condition can mean a lot of appointments, and being able to access multiple health professionals from one familiar, welcoming place is so important for people living in Sydney.”
Photos: MS Plus
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Harry
Domestic Short Hair 6 mths.
Belle came to us as a heavily pregnant stray cat. She gave birth to 7 beautiful kittens the boys being Jay, Ben, Carlos, Harry and girls are Dizzy, Uma and Evie. They are all sweet smoochy kittens. Harry is a sweet active but easy to handle kitten. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.
Emily
2yo Sharpei X
Emily was a very sad shut down girl when she came from the pound. As soon as we found her some doggy friends she became a happy dog. Emily has been a breeding dog but that life is now behind her. She has entropion, typical of the breed which we are having repaired. She came from the pound, very thin and reached 16.5kg at the time of desex. Emily is very gentle and would do best with another dog to help build her confidence. She comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $450.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Wilma's Secret to Be Launched this April
Avalon Beach lady Judith Friezer, a 90 year old mum of four, has been a prolific home writer for 40 years, and finally published her first book, “Wilma’s Secret”, for a younger audience of readers.
The book is about a teenage girl who finds an old trunk belonging to her great grandma, and soon discovers she is also a witch.
Judith will have a book launch at her local Avalon bookshop, Bookoccino on April 6th 3-4 pm!
The news service will run more on this soon - but one for your diaries. Apparently the first 5 people that come dressed as a witch will get a free copy!
Wilma’s Secret
The story of a young girl who finds an old tin trunk, containing her great grandmother's belongings. Wasn’t she once a Witch? And where did she disappear to? Teenage Wilma discovers hidden treasures inside the trunk and struggles to understand and use them to their full power. All the while attempting to keep them a SECRET from her pesky brother and worried parents. But why is the West Wind trying to stop her in her learning quest?
Will she ever unravel the real secret that lays buried inside?
Judith C. Friezer (Gale)
Born in Western Australia 1935, Jude has led an amazing life. She travelled the world as an air hostess, then again as a life explorer. She also worked as a nurse, a beauty product salesperson, an entrepreneur, even a marriage celebrant. All through that time, she was also a devoted wife, a fantastic mother to 4 boys, and an avid bush gardener. She still is.
Hidden inside though, Jude has always been a writer!
Judith has been prolific in her output: countless pages of typed, handwritten, or scrawled poems and short stories; her kaleidoscopic biography is a multi-tomed epic that is still expanding…. yet despite this avalanche of creativity, this is her first published book!
Judith lives at Avalon and will soon share this tale, 20+ years in the making, with all the aspiring witches (and warlocks) out there.
More soon!
2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships
Dates are set for the 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, proudly presented by Your local club.
Date - Event - Location: remaining events
12-13 March 2025
Masters Championships
Queenscliff SLSC
14-16 March 2025
Open & Surf Boat Championships
Queenscliff SLSC.
North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?
Avalon resident Richard Jeffery is asking residents to look through their old albums and see if they have a clear photo of the surface of the brass directional marker that once graced the plinth on North Bilgola headland, as a project has been launched to replace this.
Richard explains:
‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot.
You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event.
The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC
The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content.
Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response.
The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.
Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''
I am promoting the headland on HERE
I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com
Thank you
Richard Jeffery
Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025
Member for Manly, James Griffin has called on the community to get behind one of the Northern Beaches’ most outrageously fun charity events, the 2025 Manly Inflatable Boat Race.
Awarded ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the 2016 Australia Day Awards in Manly, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is once again gearing up to take over Manly & Shelly Beach on Sunday 30 March this year, with waves of colour, chaos, and community spirit.
Since its inception, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race has raised over $300,000 for charity. The event will see competitors paddle from Shelly Beach to raise funds for the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) Australia’s first dedicated young adult’s hospice, and cancer research charity Tour de Cure.
“The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an epic event and one which showcases the very best of Manly. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a splash for a fantastic cause,” Mr Griffin said.
With over 500 participants and thousands of spectators expected, the 2025 edition promises to be as wild as ever. Registration and float pumping will take place from 7:30am at South Steyne, near Manly Surf Club, with the actual race being held at Shelly Beach at 10:00am.
Founder and organiser Denver Bevan expressed his own excitement for the event. “The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is a highlight on the Sydney calendar because it’s just so much fun! Race-goers love the thrill of paddling through the waves in crazy, colourful inflatables, and the spectators get a front-row seat to all the mayhem. It’s a fantastic day at the beach for all ages,” Mr Bevan said.
Service Manager at AYAH Tayia Yates welcomed the support, saying the funds raised on the day would make a profound difference.
“Supporting the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an opportunity to contribute to a vital cause, offering respite and care to those who need it most. We encourage everyone to participate in this unique community event to help raise funds towards the AYAH and assist us in creating a lasting impact on the families and young individuals in our care.” Ms Yates said
The concept of the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is simple:
- Pick your wackiest fancy dress costume (the crazier, the better!)
- Bring your inflatable of choice - anything from rubber duckies to pink flamingos, sea monsters, or pool ponies!
- Join in the 1km paddle adventure from Shelly Beach, around the Manly Life Savers buoys, and back to shore.
- Rules? There are none! First to the finish line wins!
In a generous showing of support, 4 Pines Brewing Co have been announced as the major sponsor of this year’s event, with General Manager Adam Dearing declaring that he was ‘stoked to come on board as a major sponsor this year to help bring this fabulous charity event back to life after Covid.” The Boathouse Shelly Beach, Budgy Smuggler and OnlineProjects have also thrown their support behind the Race as key event partners.
To purchase tickets and for any further inquiries, please visit the Manly Inflatable Boat Race website at manlyinflatableboatrace.com.au
NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open
The Awards acknowledge the contribution of historical research to our culture and communities, and to society at large.
All works must have been first published, broadcast or screened and made publicly and commercially available between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
A total of $85,000 in prize money will be awarded across six categories.
Administered by the State Library, in association with Create NSW, the NSW History Awards will offer prizes in six categories this year:
- Australian History Prize ($15,000)
- General History Prize ($15,000)
- New South Wales Community and Regional History Prize ($15,000)
- Young People’s History Prize ($15,000)
- Digital History Prize ($15,000)
- The Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize ($10,000)
A discounted early-bird entry fee is available until Thursday 13 March at 5pm!
All entries close at on Thursday 3 April at 5pm. Find more information via the link below.
Visit: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about/news-and-media/media-centre/2025-nsw-history-awards-call-nominations
History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations
Announcing the History Council of NSW's theme for History Week 2025: Water Stories!
And...HCNSW are very excited to announce Event Registrations are now open for History Week, earlier than ever before!
From the caring for water practices of First Nations people to non-Indigenous transformations of creeks and rivers, and the building of dams, there is an abundance of histories of water waiting to be ‘tapped’ and told.
Members are invited to stage online or in-person events. Your event will form part of the HCNSW’s media campaign and be promoted in the History Week 2025 Program Event Calendar on our website.
Registrations for History Week events are now open via the link below
For all History Week inquiries, please contact programs@historycouncilnsw.org.au
A little bit more about Water Stories:
Water is fundamental to life. It also underpins our histories. From floods to droughts, from oceans to creeks, rivers and wetlands, our pasts are bound up with the ebbs and flows of water.
History Week 2025 will engage with stories of how water was cherished, contained, diverted, contaminated, looked after and shared, or withheld.
The theme invites History Council members to dive into their water stories.
- 🛥️ What happens to communities when water is absent or when it is destructive? How did people in the past use water to travel and trade?
- 🌊 How do waterways connect, or disconnect, communities?
- 🐠 How important is water in cultures of sport, fishing, and play as well as the economy?
NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open
The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, teachers, training organisations and employers.
Get recognised and share your vocational success for the NSW Training Awards 70th anniversary. Don't delay, enter today.
- Individual Awards entries close 14 March 2025
- Organisation Award entries close 2 May 2025
To find out more and nominate, please visit; https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards
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
Profile of the Week The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development reveals strong support for a more community-driven approachOn Wednesday February 26 around one hundred residents, urban planners, experts and community leaders came together for a public forum at Mona Vale Memorial Hall, to explore local housing and development challenges and opportunities. The forum, hosted by The Better Cities Initiative, also looked at how citizen-led approaches can be a pathway for building consensus and delivering better outcomes.of planning and combat our triple crises of housing, climate and democracy by listening Northern Beaches? forum provided a platform for open discussion on housing growth,
History Lucy Edith Gullett (Dr.) IWD2025 Celebrations Lucy Edith Gullett (Dr.) 28 September 1876 - 12 November 1949Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
March 1 2025
How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Officeworks Mona Vale Is Helping Students
The Mosman to Barrenjoey community has helped Officeworks Dee Why, Mona Vale, Mosman and Belrose provide essential education support to 39 students impacted by poverty, by raising more than $28,700 for The Smith Family.
From 27 December to 9 February, Officeworks Dee Why, Mona Vale, Mosman and Belrose fundraising has contributed to the total $1.3 million raised by Officeworks stores across the nation during the Officeworks’ 2025 Back to School Appeal, and ensured more than 1,800 students have the essential tools and resources needed to succeed in their education.
Officeworks Team Mona Vale: Back to School Appeal
Funds raised go to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life sponsorship program, helping children and families facing disadvantage afford the cost of their child’s essential school supplies like uniforms, books and excursions, as well as providing personal support and extra educational programs to help students stay motivated and connected to their learning.
Over the 12-year partnership with The Smith Family, the Officeworks Back to School Appeal has transformed the lives of over 60,000 students impacted by poverty and raised more than $9 million for The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, thanks to the generosity of Officeworks customers and team members.
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor said:
“Education is the foundation of opportunity, and together, we’re ensuring that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. Thanks to the support of partners like Officeworks, we're not just providing school supplies—we're unlocking potential and creating brighter futures for students in need."
Officeworks Mona Vale Store Business Manager Rob Plant said: “Along with Officeworks Dee Vale, Mosman and Belrose, we are incredibly proud to have raised over $28,700 for The Smith Family, made possible by the kindness and generosity of the community, digging deep and donating.
A heartfelt thank you to every customer and team member who played a part in this year’s appeal, supporting The Smith Family’s Learning for Life sponsorship program and its vital mission to give all Aussie children the educational opportunities they deserve.”
The Back to School Appeal is part of Officeworks’ People and Planet Positive commitment to support 30,000 students by 2025. Officeworks revised this goal to support 60,000 students by 2025 and is now further progressing initiatives that aim to deliver year-round support and explore ways to bridge the digital divide for Indigenous and disadvantaged students across the country. Learn more in Officeworks’ latest People and Planet Positive Report.
To find out more about the Back-to-School Appeal, visit: www.officeworks.com.au/campaigns/donate
Officeworks Mona Vale
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Protect Pittwater Update: Meeting Secured
In an update to last week's report, 'Outraged Pittwater Community Fights To Stop Rising Costs Of Failed Merger; Renews Call To Reinstate Pittwater Council', members of Protect Pittwater, the community group working to have Pittwater Council reinstated, advised the news service on Friday February 28 they have heard back from the Office of NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig, and a meeting will take place in the third week of March 2025.
Bring Back Pittwater Council sticker design by Pru Wawn.
An update: March 2, 2025
Our work for Section 1 planned to start on Monday 10 March and is expected to take about 22 weeks to complete, weather and ground conditions permitting.
We’ll write to you again before work starts in Section 2 to provide more details about our work and confirm our exact start date.
We expect to finish construction by the end of October 2025, weather and ground conditions permitting.
Night work hours
Our work in Section 1 needs to be done at night to reduce the impact on daytime traffic flows and local businesses.
Our night work hours are 8 pm to 5 am, Monday nights to Friday mornings (four nights a week). We won’t work on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights, or on Public Holidays.
No work on Public holidays: Anzac Day 11 am March in Avalon Beach along Old Barrenjoey Road
In Section 1, we’ll need to temporarily close part of Old Barrenjoey Road where we’re working at night. Our friendly traffic controllers will maintain access for residents, and parking on either side of our work zone. General traffic will be detoured via connecting streets.
At the end of each night shift, we’ll restore the road so it can be used as normal during the day.
We’ll need up to borrow up to eight parking spaces for equipment storage next to our work area. This storage area will move along the road as we progress.
Come and talk with us
We’ll have monthly drop-in sessions in Dunbar Park. Our team will be there to discuss our work and answer any questions you have.
When: First Wednesday of every month, between 1 pm and 4 pm.
Next session: Wednesday 5 March, 1 pm to 4 pm.
We understand our work can be disruptive. We will make every effort to reduce our impact on residents, local businesses, and pedestrians as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about our work, please contact our friendly Community Engagement team by:
- calling 1800 943 119 or emailing confluence@sydneywater.com.au
- speaking to our team in person at our drop-in sessions held on the first Wednesday of every month in Dunbar Park.
We’ll be sending out weekly project updates to anyone subscribed to our electronic mailing list, this will outline the work we have completed that week and what we will be doing in the next week.
If you would like to receive these updates, please sign up to our email list here.
Previously:
Water main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March
Sydney Water have advised they are renewing the water main along Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach.
Sydney Water states they are renewing a 500 metre section of the existing water main along Old Barrenjoey Road in Avalon Beach, between Barrenjoey Road and The Crescent. The map below shows the work area.
''You may remember, we completed some investigations between November 2022 and April 2023 to help us plan for this work. Since then, we’ve been working behind the scenes to refine our plans for construction.'' Sydney Water state
''We know that Old Barrenjoey Road is a busy street, that is much loved by locals and visitors. While our work will be disruptive, we will make every effort to reduce our impact on local businesses, residents, and pedestrians as much as possible.
Following feedback from residents and businesses, and in consultation with Northern Beaches Council, we’ve planned this work to start in March 2025, to avoid working over the peak summer season. Our work is expected to finish by the end of October 2025, weather and ground conditions permitting.
Most of our work will be done at night to minimise impact on traffic and local businesses. Our night work hours are 8 pm to 5 am, Monday nights to Friday mornings (four nights a week). We won't work Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.
Sydney Water Details of Works
Open trench
We’ll install the new pipe in Section 1 using the open trench method. Each night, we’ll dig a trench, lay the water main, backfill the trench, and temporarily restore the road.
We’ll repeat this process as we move from The Crescent to Dunbar Park. The work will take about 22 weeks to complete.
Tunnelling
We’ve found technical challenges in Section 2, including other buried services, soft ground, and high groundwater. We’ll use a tunnelling method to install the new water main in this area. This involves digging entry and receival pits at either end, and installing the main by tunnelling between the two points. The work will be done during the day and should take about 12 to 16 weeks.
How will the work be staged?
We’ll have two crews working at the same time so that Section 1 (night work) and Section 2 (day work) can be done together. This helps us finish more work in the quieter months and avoid the next summer peak season.
We’ll start night work on Section 1 first and we’ll write to you again to confirm when the second crew will start on Section 2.
After the new water main is installed, we’ll do final connections, clean, and prepare the new pipe for use. Once that’s done, we’ll pack up and restore any areas affected by our work.
The final connections and restoration work is usually less disruptive and should take about 12 weeks to complete. This part of the work will also be done at night.
Temporary laydown areas
We’ll need three temporary storage areas to support these works including:
- in the grass reserve next to the carpark near Woolworths
- a storage area in the parking lane (eight spaces used) that follows as we work progressively down the road for Section 1
- in the grass reserve opposite Avalon Primary School.
Traffic and parking changes Section 1 (night work)
In Section 1, we’ll need to temporarily close part of Old Barrenjoey Road where we’re working at night. Our friendly traffic controllers will maintain access for residents, and parking on either side of our work zone. General traffic will be detoured via connecting streets.
At the end of each night shift, we’ll restore the road so it can be used as normal during the day.
We’ll need up to borrow up to eight parking spaces for equipment storage next to our work area. This storage area will move along the road as we progress.
Traffic and parking changes Section 2 (day work)
Our work area will be very space constrained during the tunnelling work in Section 2.
- this section of Old Barrenjoey Road will be one-way (southbound only), with traffic directed around our work area via the carpark next to Woolworths
- on-street parking on this section of Old Barrenjoey Road will be restricted for the duration of the tunnelling work
- all parking in the Council carpark next to Woolworths will remain free for use.
We won’t be able to pack up our work areas at the end of each shift. This means that these traffic changes will be in place 24/7 for the 12 to 16 weeks while we work in this area.
An overview of the traffic and parking changes for Section 2 is shown on the map below.
Keep up to date with weekly emails
Join our email list to get weekly updates about our construction activities in the months to come. Click here to join.
You’ll only receive emails about this project, and we won’t share your details without your permission.
Come and talk with us
We’ll have monthly drop-in sessions in Dunbar Park. Our team will be there to discuss our work and answer any questions you have.
When: First Wednesday of every month, between 1 pm and 4 pm.
Palm Beach Whale Beach Association Update: Feb-March 2025
PLANNING LAW CHANGES
Recent changes to planning laws and rules are seriously concerning. They are:
- Changing the Land & Environment Court Rules, the State Government has decided that no appeals may be lodged by the community against decisions of commissioners and single judges of the Court on the merits of a case: such appeals may be lodged only on a point of law
- Where a developer appeals to the Court on a deemed refusal of a D/A (i.e. no decision by the Council within 40 days of lodgement) the Council has now decided not to refer the case to the Local Planning Panel, irrespective of the number of objections, thus removing an avenue for public representations
- The Council will apply an unusual interpretation of the Model Litigant Policy (which is designed to provide fairness between a council and a private litigant in legal proceedings) which means it will not defend its own LEP, DCP or planning policies before the Court – this removes protection of community interests
MOBY DICKS AND THE DECK
The Boathouse Group’s lease of Moby Dicks has come to an end since functions can no longer be held there. Whale Beach SLSC has been negotiating with potential lessees interested in opening another restaurant and a lease has been negotiated. Coffee and snacks and lunch can still be had at The Deck on the Surf Club deck from 8.30am to early afternoon and this is proving a very popular location.
OVERFLOW PARKING AT CAREEL BAY
Conditions at the overflow parking area at Careel Bay do not encourage people to park there and catch the bus when parking is stretched. There is no seat or shelter, drainage is poor, and we continue to press the Council to rectify this.
Long Term Parking of Trailers at Thyra Reserve, 877a Barrenjoey Road) Trailers which have been left for long periods near Thyra Reserve (where trees were poisoned recently) will soon have to move. ‘No Parking – motor vehicles excepted’ signs will shortly be installed.
GOVERNOR PHILLIP PARK AND BARRENJOEY HEADLAND
Amenities at Barrenjoey Lighthouse Construction of permanent amenities on Barrenjoey Headland for those who climb to the Lighthouse started in early July 2024. These are now complete. The wheels grind slowly – it took six and a half years since the Association discussed it with National Parks and Wildlife Service.
PON report: New amenities now open at Barrenjoey Headland
EMERGENCY RESPONSE BEACON (ERB) – NORTH PALM BEACH
Have you wondered what the structure is at the northern end of the eastern carpark at North Palm Beach?
It’s an EMERGENCY RESPONSE BEACON (ERB) which is designed to offer 24/7 support at unpatrolled beaches. It’s monitored by Surf Life Saving NSW state operations centre.
Members of the public press a button and speak to an operator. There is also a rescue tube and a camera to monitor incidents. The camera can be remotely monitored by the State Operations Centre so that there will be an appropriate response. This might include jetskis, inflatable rescue boats, volunteer callout teams from surf clubs, lifeguards and helicopter or drones.
COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Association has been liaising with the Northern Beaches Council as part of the Coastal Management Plan discussions. Council has made available some information material for residents to inform them online about the progress of the Coastal Management Plan. There is a page for suggestions/feedback and the Council also has ‘pop ups’ where they answer questions and inform residents in person.
Signage for sea grass was discussed and the damage made by large boats going into the existing mangrove area at Careel Bay. Also by dogs at Station Beach, Sand Point Reserve and Snapperman’s Beach at low tide.
Large boats damaging the underwater floor are the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries. They can be contacted on 1300 550 474 if people see them entering the mangrove area. It was agreed an education campaign needs to be started for the community to be aware of how crucial the sea grass is in the ecological cycle and to be more aware of protecting sea horses and other marine species that depend on it. Council’s sea grass warning signs need to be more visible and their content improved. Recent signs placed at The Barrenjoey Boathouse could be a start of an awareness campaign to protect rhizomes from which the sea grass roots grow. There are not enough signs regarding sea horses.
signage at Sand Point
Water contamination
Palm Beach Kiddie’s Corner drain has been included in the council schedule for periodical monitoring/maintenance of vegetation and other debris blocking the drain. It should be noted that dog faecal matter forms part of the vegetation debris. In addition, there is sewerage run off from adjoining houses. The serious issue of monitoring for noxious pollution affecting people’s health is still left to the Beach Watch website.
There was discussion of signage in visible areas to warn people not to swim when there is sewerage run off after big rains. There are ongoing discussions between Council and Beach Watch about allocation of responsibilities in the future because of funding issues. Nevertheless, residents are free to contact the Council if they see suspicious flow into the beach from the drains.
Scotland Island representatives discussed their ongoing problem of sewerage contamination that is making swimming dangerous and could potentially extend to the rest of Pittwater. Residents have not received a satisfactory answer from government entities who suggest they should pay for the cost of fixing run off individually. Independent contamination evidence is being gathered to lobby government.
Dumping of old boats in Pittwater
Council only has responsibility for old boats dumped on land. Boats abandoned in the ocean are a State responsibility and residents should report directly as this is a serious source of water contamination. You can do this by telephoning 132 213.
Lithium battery storage
Lithium battery storage at marinas is another issue of concern which remains pending. Not all marinas comply with safety legislation. There is no mechanism to update licences before the legislation passed to make them comply. The granting of moorings was restricted some years ago by the State government but numbers are now proliferating.
Jet skis
Regulations for Jet Skis and for floating accommodation were discussed. It is an area outside Council’s responsibilities. For unsafe behaviour at the beach: call NSW MARITIME PWC hotline on 131 236 or the NSW Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Roads and Maritime Services is also responsible for commercial operations and regulations can be obtained from them.
Avalon Preservation Association: Feb-March 2025 Updates
TREE CANOPY - Ruskin Rowe
Recently Council commissioned an 'Out of Area’ Arborist to make another assessment of two Flooded Gums in Ruskin Rowe. For the information of our members here is the link to a video on the topic prepared by Canopy Keepers.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
APA continues to lobby council to install additional 10kph speed signage at the entry to the Shared Space AND to improve safety for pedestrians particularly school students crossing Sanders Lane, adjacent to Avalon Public School.
.JPG?timestamp=1681550691834)
COAST WALK/SHARED PATH
Newport to top of hill/south end of Serpentine: this section has funding. Vegetation clearing is to begin at the end of this month to enable detailed survey information which is required for completion of the final design.
There is currently no funding for the Serpentine North to Surfside Pathway section of the Coast Walk.
PON report; Newport Beach to Bilgola Beach CoastWalk Tender Accepted to 'Design + Construct'
AVALON BEACH BIKE FACILITY AND DUNBAR PARK (as part of Place Plan)
Council will be updating the ‘Have Your Say’ page after assessing community submissions.
OSPREY NESTING PLATFORM
This is with Council’s Capital Works team and awaiting further information. This is funded by a grant from the NSW Government.
NORTH AVALON DUNES
A successful grant application means Council will soon start stabilization of the dunes at the north end of the beach, funded by NSW Government.
CALL FOR SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANCE
APA requires assistance with appropriate, targeted, posting to Social Media, eg Instagram.
APA was established in 1967, almost 60 years ago. We want to lift our profile and be more accessible and relevant to a wider group of younger residents who are passionate about where we live.
Can you help? Do you know someone who is comfortable with Social Media and could assist on a volunteer basis? Contact us at avalonpreservationa@gmail.com
The aims of APA are to
- Preserve the natural beauty of the area through promoting proper planning of all future development
- Express positively and in appropriate quarters the point of view of residents with regards to any proposed development and to protect the residential amenity of the area
- Work with and assist local government in any efforts to improve and beautify the locality and where appropriate instigate such improvements
APA depends on your support. Donations of time, money and expertise are always welcome.
PO Box 1 Avalon Beach 2107
Website: avalonpreservationassociation.org.au
Clareville Bilgola Plateau Residents Association: Quick Update
CLAREVILLE BEACH PLANTING SCHEME
We’re pleased to share with you the new Clareville Beach tree planting strategy. At CABPRA, we lobbied for some grass planting on the edges to help combat beach reserve erosion.
This has now been incorporated into the plan which is good news.
Here is the plan below, for your reference. There is still some debate about the definition of a “problematic tree” and we understand that Canopy Keepers are trying to clarify this after the upset over the Ruskin Rowe trees.
PARKING AT TAYLORS POINT & PARADISE BEACH
We’ve asked NBC to take a look at the situation and especially at Paradise Beach where the six spots are mostly taken up with full time cars from people living on boats. From your observation over summer, let us know what you think the problems are so we can chase this up with the NBC.
ON THE HUNT FOR NEW COMMITIE MEMBERS
Our wonderful treasurer Rafaela Salzer has moved away. Thanks, Rafaela, for organising us into the modern age so efficiently. So we are looking for another volunteer in this role and indeed other committee members. It’s a great organisation and needs to survive. Contact us via email or visit our website to find out more: cabpra.wordpress.com
CABPRA’s vision is:
- To encourage residents to take an active interest in their community
- To preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area including native flora and fauna
- To promote sound environmental planning and management sympathetic with Pittwater’s natural beauty
- To protect and enhance the residential amenity of the area including public reserves, access lanes, footpaths, cycle ways, beaches, wharves and foreshores
- To speak with one voice and represent the interests and quality of life of the CABPRA community when in discussion with the Council and other relevant government bodies
Bayview-Church Point Residents Association Updates
Houseboat Proliferation
As a result of a policy document on houseboats released by Transport for NSW and a local marketing campaign the number of houseboats around our shores is set to escalate.
The houseboat marketing material states:
"Until recently you could only have one of these if you had a waterfront property. Now you can have one anywhere, and even better, you can move it whenever you want a better view."
There are no DA type processes involved with the design and construction of houseboats nor are there any requirements for waste management. Hence there are significant potential environmental, visual amenity and safety implications for Pittwater residents and users.
Bayview Church Point Residents Association has approached Transport for NSW in an effort to contain the spread of houseboats in Pittwater and to secure better overall management of their approval and usage.
Update July 2024: While this issue was taken up with the Minister for Transport by the Member for Pittwater in 2022 no changes to limit or better manage houseboats on Pittwater have been achieved. It is hoped however that our representations have created greater awareness of community concerns at the policy and operational levels of State Government.
Bayview Baths Restoration
The Bayview Wharf, lobbied for by locals, was officially opened to much acclaim on 1 December 1900. It was built in an earthen groyne/wharf configuration which was common at the time but of which very few remain. The adjoining baths were first added circa 1915. Together, this complex comprises the earliest intact evidence of European settlement in the Bayview area (see attached video for more detailed history).
Over the years, the baths have provided an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to safely access calm and shark protected tidal seawater swimming. While the area continues to be a popular community hub, due to lack of maintenance over recent decades, the pool itself is no longer viable. BCPRA continues to lobby for its renovation for present and future generations to enjoy.
In mid-2024 part of the earthen groyne and part of the wooden wharf collapsed. Due of the obvious resulting danger, Northern Beaches Council has restricted entry to both of these areas.
However, it has led to Council commencing holistic planning for the whole Baths/Groyne/Wharf area.
Any real progress will still be dependent upon Council obtaining grant funding.
The link below has many historic photos and details of the Bayview Wharf and Baths from Pittwater Online News.
McCarrs Creek Reserve
This beautiful natural public reserve sits at the western end of McCarrs Creek Road, Church Point, almost completely surrounded by 15,000 hectares of the Ku- Ring - Gai Chase National Park. It is much cherished by locals and numerous visitors and used extensively as an off leash dog park, boasts a modern pontoon and boat staging ramp along with a storage rack for dinghies. There are several fixed tables and vast grassed areas for picnicking and recreation. There is a well maintained toilet block facility available during daylight hours central to the area, with good parking and access throughout the reserve on sealed roads.
Northern Beaches Council has recently updated and installed good signage throughout the reserve indicating that overnight camping and the lighting of open fires on the grounds are prohibited. Local residents and park visitors endeavour to help council maintain this beautiful facility so that it continues to provide a safe and welcoming destination for all to enjoy. In the past, locals have formed “bush care” groups to help manage the natural beauty and weed control throughout the park.
Issues of continuing concern which have been brought to Council’s attention over the past year include:
Fire risk
The lighting of large ground fires throughout the reserve, often destroying nearby trees by breaking limbs off to fuel fires along with leaving large burnt patches on the grassed areas. Significant concerns are held by locals of fires getting out of control and sparking much greater fires in the adjoining National Park.
Illegal camping
The reserve is being continuously used by “itinerant travellers” as a “ free camping area”, in some instances for continuous weeks and months. Apart from closing off areas of the reserve to general public use, these “ campers” have been noted to light fires on the grounds, spill their grey water onto the roadways and use surrounding bushland for toileting.
Illegal dumping
Illegal dumping of rubbish occurs occasionally, sometimes in large quantities. When this is seen it is immediately reported to the relevant council division.
These concerns remain active on the Association’s business agenda and are continuously reported to Council.
As a local community we can all play a part in the maintenance and preservation of this unique reserve. Now that the new signage clearly indicates that the lighting of open fires is prohibited and with the temperatures heating up it will be critical for anyone noting such behaviours to report them, either by calling 000 or Council Rangers via Northern Beaches Council on 1300 434 434.
Church Point Reserve Foreshore Walkway
The existing informal walkway from Bennett’s Beach (eastern end of Church Point Reserve Car Park) along the foreshore to the Pasadena (western end) is not safe for pedestrians because of the uneven surface caused by tree roots. This causes some pedestrians to walk through the Car Park putting them at risk.
On 15 January 2024 the Senior Asset Management Officer from Council’s Park Assets advised that the Church Point Reserve Foreshore Walkway does not form part of the current Thomas Stephens Reserve upgrade program which is being undertaken in 2024 and 2025.
At the BCPRA monthly meeting held on 1 August 2024 the Council representative acknowledged that the walkway around the external perimeter of the Church Point Reserve (Car Park) needed to be upgraded as a priority to improve pedestrian access along the foreshore.
The Foreshore Walkway upgrade is not scheduled until 2026-27 under the Council’s “Reserves Pathway and Lighting Program”.
The Bayview Church Point Residents Association (BCPRA) is a not for profit incorporated community association open to all adult residents of Bayview and Church Point.
BCPRA has been representing the interests of our local community for over 100 years. In this role it has regular contact with State and local government authorities as well as the community we serve.
The association is managed by a committee elected each year at an annual general meeting. The committee meets each month to discuss local issues and through consultation, strives to represent the best interests of local residents.
Association Objectives
- Being a voice for the residents of Bayview and Church Point
- Preserving and enhancing the unique environment and quality of the area
- Facilitating environmentally sustainable progress
- Maintaining ongoing rapport with Council, MPs, Police and local authorities ensuring awareness of local issues
- Liaising with other Associations and Residents groups to ensure a meaningful voice in local matters
Find out more and become a member at: www.bcpra.net
Newport Residents Association: Update
Our next meeting will be Tuesday 1st April 2025 commencing at 7pm at the Newport Community Centre, The Boulevard Newport.
Council changed the dates of their monthly meetings from 4th Tuesday in the month to 3rd Tuesday in the month.
This created a clash with the NRA who for decades have met on the 3rd Tuesday of every month (excluding January). To enable our councillors to attend our meetings should they so wish we have reluctantly changed our meetings to the 1st Tuesday of each month commencing on Tuesday 1st April 2025. Normally we would have met on Tuesday 18th March 2025 but felt that 2 meetings so close together was not warranted.
NSW GOVERNMENT PLANNING REFORMS
February 2025 Update – NSW Government announces which suburbs are affected in the Northern Beaches – Newport not included.
In the Northern Beaches local government area, the second stage of the Low and Mid-Rise Policy will apply to all residential zones within 800 metres walking distance to the following town centres or train stations:
- Balgowlah Stockland shopping centre
- Dee Why town centre
- Forestville town centre
- Forestway shopping centre
- Frenchs Forest Precinct (Warringah Road)
- Manly town centre
- Manly Vale town centre
- Mona Vale town centre
- Warringah Mall shopping centre
PON report:Mona Vale Set to Become the Dee Why of Pittwater Under NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise policy
NRA President Gavin Butler makes the following comment following the announcement.
This is great news for Newport (and Avalon) in that we do not have our building heights increased beyond the current allowed under the Newport Masterplan for Newport which on Barrenjoey Rd with appropriate setback can go to 3 storey (11.5 metres). Under the Minns government proposals, and allowed elsewhere, would have allowed up to 6 storeys in Newport town centre and within 400m of the town centre and up to 3 storeys within 800m of the town centre.The NRA presumes the lack of movement forward by developers around Robertson Rd precinct has been attributed to the uncertainty in buildings heights that may have been allowed under the original Minns government announcements and welcomes the clarification of these planning controls.The NRA welcomes these announcements which currently confirms the Newport Masterplan as the primary determinate of building heights, setbacks and format.
COLES NEWPORT CLOSURE FOR 12 WEEKS FROM 19th JANUARY 2025
Coles Newport is planning to close it’s doors on the 19th January for a planned 12 weeks and convert it to what they call a ‘Coles Local’ store.
When we asked the management of our local store what a ‘Coles Local’ would offer they said they would be closing the fresh bakery section, the fresh fish section and limiting their Delicatessen and concentrate on ‘Ready to eat’ type options. They plan to continue with cooked chickens.
Our local State MP Jacqui Scruby questioned Coles as to whether they would offer a satellite store similar to what Woolworths did when they converted their Avalon store recently, but Coles said they would not. Jacqui Scruby issued a Press Release covering her expressed community concerns and can be read by clicking the following – J Scruby press release.
Assistance for those finding it difficult to do their basic shopping
Jacqui Scruby indicated that she had approached MWP Community Care (MWP) to help transport seniors to alternative supermarkets during the stores closure. MWP said it was happy to assist and invited residents to call Linda at MWP on 9913 3244
NEWPORT TO BILGOLA SHARED PATH
The Shared Pathway Newport to Bilgola to commence at night 24th February 2025 – click here for details.
Starting in February 2025,the contractor will commence preliminary works for the Newport to The Serpentine shared-user path. This work will involve vegetation clearing and surveying.
Following these initial works the detailed design will be completed and put on public exhibition. Further advice will be provided once this timing becomes available.
The Newport Residents Association Incorporated is an organisation of residents and/or ratepayers whose concerns are the welfare and advancement of Pittwater in general and Newport in particular. AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated include:
- To provide a forum for all interested residents, ratepayers and resident groups in the Pittwater Ward area and particularly in the Newport area.
- To represent the interests of ratepayers and residents on local issues at all levels of government but particularly at the local government level.
- To work for responsible planning, environmental protection and the enhancement of the environment of the Northern Beaches Council and in particular the Pittwater Ward area.
- To achieve community awareness and involvement in Council’s decision-making processes and planning.
- To take any other action not elsewhere included to further the interests of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated and its members.
Find out more and become a member at: newport.org.au
2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships
Dates are set for the 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, proudly presented by Your local club.
Date - Event - Location
28 February – 2 March 2025
Lifesaving Championships (Champion Lifesaver & Champion Patrol)
Freshwater SLSC
8-9 March 2025
Lifesaving Championships (First Aid Competition)
Freshwater SLSC
6-9 March 2025
Age Championships
Queenscliff SLSC
12-13 March 2025
Masters Championships
Queenscliff SLSC
14-16 March 2025
Open & Surf Boat Championships
Queenscliff SLSC.
Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together
The Women’s Resilience Centre & LocalKind Unite for International Women’s Day
Manly, NSW – 13 March 2025 – This International Women’s Day, two powerhouse local charities—The Women’s Resilience Centre and LocalKind—are coming together to celebrate the theme: "Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together."
- 📅 Date: Thursday, 13th March 2025
- 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- 📍 Venue: Miami Rice (Hotel Steyne rooftop), Manly
- 🎟 Tickets: $85 – Includes a 2-course gourmet meal, inspiring stories from The Story Room, short speeches, and a raffle/auction to support domestic violence initiatives.
Secure your spot now: https://events.humanitix.com/iwd-lunch-lkwrc
With $39.50 of each ticket being tax-deductible, every attendee will directly contribute to supporting women facing domestic violence, homelessness, and hardship through the transformative programs of The Women’s Resilience Centre. (www.womensresiliencecentre.com.au) and LocalKind (www.localkind.org.au).
International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a movement. It’s a call for kindness, empowerment, and resilience. How will you make a difference this IWD?
This event is your opportunity to be part of the change. Join the conversation. Stand with us. Together, we can build a future where all women thrive.
Northern Beaches Police Area Command Updates
Strike Force Woodarra
Northern Beaches Police Area Command have established Strike Force Woodarra to investigate a significant number of fraud reports involving a holiday rental business called Northern Beaches Holiday Rentals.
Landlords and short-term renters have allegedly lost significant sums of money. Victims paid deposits on the assumption they were getting a short stay at a holiday house. Several of these alleged victims turned up to the advertised properties to find they were permanently occupied by residents with no knowledge of the rental agreements. Others engaged the business to rent their properties out as holiday rentals and did not receive rental income.
Anyone with information about the matter is urged to contact Dee Why Police Station or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
Mental Health Services
Sydney North Mental Health Network - Mental Health Triage:
Scammers: Remote Access - Bitcoin
Breaking Down Barriers: A Conversation on Mental Health
Join an engaging panel discussion with Dr Sophie Scamps MP featuring Jack Toohey known for his work in breaking down generational issues and Cooper Chapman whose goal is to connect people with simple tools to improve their wellbeing and thrive. Together, they will explore pressing social issues that affect our community and mental health challenges, offering insights and innovative solutions.
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with leading thinkers on mental health and shaping the wellbeing for our future generations.
Food and drinks available to purchase at the bar.
WHEN: March 06, 2025, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
WHERE: Hang10 Distillery, Unit 48/5 Ponderosa Parade, Warriewood
Performance-Arts Centre at Narrabeen Sports High School Mooted
On Thursday February 20 2025, during Question Time at the NSW Parliament sitting session, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, asked The Hon. Prue Car, Deputy Premier, and Minister for Education and Early Learning whether the Government will commit to a fit-for-purpose creative and performing arts centre, amongst other upgrades, at Narrabeen Sports High School.
The Hon. Prue Car replied:
''We completed the upgrades to Narrabeen North Public School upon winning government. I believe the school community has embraced the new upgrade, and it looks fantastic. There are 15 new classrooms, three new support classrooms, a new covered outdoor learning area, landscaping and a new hall.
Next door at Narrabeen Sports High School, it is fair to say that the local community is rightly frustrated at the lack of investment. We got to work straight away to address the school's needs. I know it is a huge priority of the member for Pittwater.
Last year we refurbished classrooms, science labs, the STEM room, technology rooms, change rooms and amenities. We resurfaced the school's outdoor basketball and tennis courts. We have upgrades for a further 20 classrooms on the way.
The member for Pittwater, though, rightly raises that the school community has been calling out for increased investment, particularly in creative and performing arts facilities.
That speaks to the fact that at every high school, whether it is a selective academic school or a sports program school, we need to provide facilities so that every child can be pushed and challenged to be the best they can be.
In the first instance, we are working with the school to convert classrooms into dedicated music rooms for students, but I know there is a lot more to do.
Following the advocacy of the new member for Pittwater, I have asked the Department of Education to work with Narrabeen Sports High School on its infrastructure priorities.
I say that knowing that a creative and performing arts space is at the top of the list of needs that the school would like to see addressed.
I look forward to meeting with the member in coming weeks to discuss those priorities and what we can do together to support Narrabeen Sports High School with improved creative and performing arts facilities.''
Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program
Green Music Australia is thrilled to announce the latest drop in its “NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET” t-shirt fundraising campaign in collaboration with Lime Cordiale.
Lime Cordiale is the fourth artist to join the series of merchandise collaborations raising vital funds to mobilise the music community for urgent climate action.
The design, by Louis, is printed on 100% recycled materials by Tmorrow Apparel. Profits from the sales will help to activate fans and musicians to speak up about the climate and advocate for the planet.
Missy Higgins, The Rubens and Midnight Oil are also part of the Green Music Australia tees designs, and they are going fast. Get yours at: merchjungle.com/collections/green-music
100% of all sales go to Green Music Australia.
Addressing the impacts of what humans have done to the planet, the environment which sustains all life, and decarbonsing the music industry in particular, is work brothers Oliver and Louis Leimbach have been focussed on in recent years.
Green Venue Program
In related news, Green Music Australia launched its Green Venue Program on February 17 2025. This is a landmark initiative designed to help live music venues improve their environmental footprint.
Supported by the NSW Government through Sound NSW, the program is underpinned by the Green Venue Certification pilot, which incentivises and celebrates venues undertaking positive change for the planet. Participating venues will be assessed for their action in key environmental areas and published as a certified venue on Green Music Australia’s website.
Green Music Australia states venues are a major source of carbon emissions in the music industry, with overseas research putting their contribution at around 23% of the total impact. To help venues take environmental action, Green Music Australia has launched a free, comprehensive Green Venue Guide.
Developed with funding from Sound NSW and the City of Sydney, the guide provides practical strategies, tools, and case studies to improve sustainability in areas like energy use, waste management, food, procurement, and backline practices.
Green Music Australia will be on the road this March delivering a series of six in-person sustainability workshops at music venues across Sydney, Northern Rivers, Newcastle and Wollongong. Free for venues, industry, and artists to attend, each workshop will support participants to improve their environmental literacy and understand opportunities for change.
GREEN VENUE PROGRAM NSW WORKSHOPS
- Thursday March 20 – Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads / Bundjalung
- Friday March 21 – Metro Theatre, Sydney / Gadigal
- Monday March 24 – King Street, Newcastle / Mulubinba
- Tuesday March 25 – Drifters Wharf, Gosford / Darkinjung
- Wednesday March 26 – La La Las, Wollongong / Dharawal
- Thursday March 27 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney / Gadigal
Emma Bosworth, National Program Manager of Green Music Australia, says,
“Music venues are the beating heart of our music scene – they are where artists connect with audiences, and culture comes to life. Ensuring these spaces are environmentally sustainable is critical not just for the planet, but for the longevity of live music itself.”
“From workshops to accreditation, the Green Venue Program will create a clear pathway for venues to reduce their environmental impact while inspiring others to follow suit.”
To learn more about the Green Venue Program, participate in a workshop, or express interest in the certification scheme, visit Green Music Australia.
Further information on Green Music Australia
Founded in 2012, Green Music Australia is the national peak body for music and the environment. Led by a staff and board of musicians and music industry leaders, its role is to organise, facilitate and inspire musicians and the broader industry to make changes to improve our environmental performance and to advocate for ambitious political climate action. Through leading by example and bringing audiences along with us, Green Music Australia is sowing the seeds for deep, cultural change.
The “NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET” movement was launched in the UK in 2021 by Music Declares Emergency. The project invites the global music community to call for bold climate action, and activate the power of music fans to vote for the planet. To date, artists across the world have collaborated on the campaign including Billie Eilish, Thom Yorke, & Joy Division.
In 2025, Green Music Australia are relaunching their NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET campaign, aiming to make climate a central focus of the upcoming federal election.
Lime Cordiale Up North at present
The boys are currently on tour in North America and Canada - to wild applause if updates posted are anything to go by.
They will be home in Sydney for a special stripped back Lime Cordiale acoustic show at The Metro on Sunday April 6 - part of the Great Southern Nights, with 300+ gigs across Sydney and NSW from March 21 to April 6.
AOK Community Outreach Needs an Earth Angel
We’re looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to help us support the homeless and struggling in our community. If you’re organised, compassionate, and great with people, this is your chance to make a real impact!
What’s Involved?
- ✔️ 1–3 hours a week (flexible)
- ✔️ Admin & organizational support (emails, scheduling, record-keeping)
- ✔️ Recruiting & coordinating volunteers
- ✔️ Helping events, food rescue, & outreach run smoothly
- ✔️ A judgment-free, service-driven heart
💛 Be part of something bigger. Make a difference. 💛
For more details or to apply now, please send a short letter or resume to aokcommunityoutreach@gmail.com
ABHS March 2025 Meeting
The next Avalon Beach Historical Society meeting will be held on Tuesday March 11, at 8 p.m. in the Annexe at Dunbar Park.
Part One:
Bill Goddard and Geoff Searl have been researching and compiling the history of the first private residence at Palm Beach. Albert Verrills built Sunrise Cottage in 1911 to accommodate the surveyors for the Barrenjoey Company Limited. Its early history is fascinating, and we have some great photos shared by the original owner's great-grandson.
Part Two:
Geoff Searl has just returned from an 11-day voyage from Darling Harbour to Hobart as one of the ‘voyage crew’ on the replica HMB Endeavour. Geoff managed to get some worthwhile photos and some amazing details on the ship, which members may find interesting.
Part Three:
If we don’t look like running overtime and into suppertime, we have dug out the ‘Skippy’ episode from 1967, which featured Avalon Beach. It will be screened over the October long weekend this year as a part of the celebrations of the centenary of the surf club. It’s bound to cause a few chuckles!
To assist you with your future planning, here are the dates of the meetings for this year:
- Tuesday, 10 June
- Tuesday, 9 September (AGM) and
- Tuesday 9 December
Geoff Searl OAM
President Avalon Beach Historical Society
Ingleside Riders Group: Autumn Obstacle Course
Fun but challenging obstacles to test your skill. To book please message Amanda Nielsen directly on 0402 917 745.
- 4 sessions available over 2 days.
- Max 6 horses per session.
See flyer for details.
$65 per session (plus $25 for non-members of IRG)
Enter the Ingleside Equestrian Park on McLean St, Ingleside. Float parking available. Bring your own water for your horse.
Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025
Member for Manly, James Griffin has called on the community to get behind one of the Northern Beaches’ most outrageously fun charity events, the 2025 Manly Inflatable Boat Race.
Awarded ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the 2016 Australia Day Awards in Manly, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is once again gearing up to take over Manly & Shelly Beach on Sunday 30 March this year, with waves of colour, chaos, and community spirit.
Since its inception, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race has raised over $300,000 for charity. The event will see competitors paddle from Shelly Beach to raise funds for the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) Australia’s first dedicated young adult’s hospice, and cancer research charity Tour de Cure.
“The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an epic event and one which showcases the very best of Manly. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a splash for a fantastic cause,” Mr Griffin said.
With over 500 participants and thousands of spectators expected, the 2025 edition promises to be as wild as ever. Registration and float pumping will take place from 7:30am at South Steyne, near Manly Surf Club, with the actual race being held at Shelly Beach at 10:00am.
Founder and organiser Denver Bevan expressed his own excitement for the event. “The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is a highlight on the Sydney calendar because it’s just so much fun! Race-goers love the thrill of paddling through the waves in crazy, colourful inflatables, and the spectators get a front-row seat to all the mayhem. It’s a fantastic day at the beach for all ages,” Mr Bevan said.
Service Manager at AYAH Tayia Yates welcomed the support, saying the funds raised on the day would make a profound difference.
“Supporting the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an opportunity to contribute to a vital cause, offering respite and care to those who need it most. We encourage everyone to participate in this unique community event to help raise funds towards the AYAH and assist us in creating a lasting impact on the families and young individuals in our care.” Ms Yates said
The concept of the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is simple:
- Pick your wackiest fancy dress costume (the crazier, the better!)
- Bring your inflatable of choice - anything from rubber duckies to pink flamingos, sea monsters, or pool ponies!
- Join in the 1km paddle adventure from Shelly Beach, around the Manly Life Savers buoys, and back to shore.
- Rules? There are none! First to the finish line wins!
In a generous showing of support, 4 Pines Brewing Co have been announced as the major sponsor of this year’s event, with General Manager Adam Dearing declaring that he was ‘stoked to come on board as a major sponsor this year to help bring this fabulous charity event back to life after Covid.” The Boathouse Shelly Beach, Budgy Smuggler and OnlineProjects have also thrown their support behind the Race as key event partners.
To purchase tickets and for any further inquiries, please visit the Manly Inflatable Boat Race website at manlyinflatableboatrace.com.au
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Suki
6yo Retriever X Bulldog
Such a sweetheart! Suki is a gentle but active and very affectionate girl. She is social with other dogs and walks well on lead. Suki has a smooth coat and is underweight at 25.2kg. She is currently on 2 meals per day. She suits a FT worker with house and garden. She comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $450.
Mr Biggles
2yo Beagle X
Biggles is your typical beagle, nose to the ground and always checking out if there is some food around. He is social with other small dogs. He is very responsive to training and knows sit well and takes treats gently. On lead he barks at other dogs going past but his tail is wagging and just wants to say hello to everyone. We feel he has not had a lot of socialization with other dogs and his barking is an expression of his nervousness. He settles well at night and is very easy to bath and handle. He has a short coat and weighs 16.4kg. He would suit a part-time worker with some rescue expereince living in a house and garden. He comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $700.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open
The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, teachers, training organisations and employers.
Get recognised and share your vocational success for the NSW Training Awards 70th anniversary. Don't delay, enter today.
- Individual Awards entries close 14 March 2025
- Organisation Award entries close 2 May 2025
To find out more and nominate, please visit; https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards
North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?
Avalon resident Richard Jeffery is asking residents to look through their old albums and see if they have a clear photo of the surface of the brass directional marker that once graced the plinth on North Bilgola headland, as a project has been launched to replace this.
Richard explains:
‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot.
You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event.
The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC
The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content.
Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response.
The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.
Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''
I am promoting the headland on HERE
I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com
Thank you
Richard Jeffery
Zonta Club's 2025 Birthing Kit Pack Day
Please join us for our Clean Birthing Kits Packing Day on Saturday 15th March.
If you can’t attend, please consider making a donation, details are shown below or please visit: www.zonta-northernbeaches.org
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
Community News + what ran in each Issue
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 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024
Mona Vale Residents Association
Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area. Email: mvrasydney@gmail.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/monavaleresidents
