Pittwater Online News

Community News: May 2024

May 26 - June 15, 2024: Issue 627

This Issue:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

History Peter Muller Designed 'Organic Architecture' - His Pittwater Buildings: 'Kumale' + Others, Are Great Suggestions For the ''Modern Architecture Study'' List

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

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

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

Issue 628 Will Be Available June 16 2024

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

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

A J Guesdon

E Gumley

Proprietors, Green Wing Press Pty Ltd, Publishers of Pittwater Online News.

Broken Bay Water Police: Restoring Joy

Friday May 24, 2024

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

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

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

About 4pm Water Police had the pleasure of returning “Joy” to her loving family.

It is hoped after a good dinner this pup will make a full recovery.

A great story to finish the week.

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

ABHS June 2024 Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Geoff Searl OAM

President Avalon Beach Historical Society

At: abhs.org.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The approval or recommendation of approval of non-compliant DA's has also been an ongoing point of difference causing Pittwater residents to call for the return of Pittwater Council, as has any 'Have Your Say' webpage hosted by the NBC (at, apparently, $19 thousand per preliminary round) which residents have said are actually Statements of Intent, not consultations:

Residents Object To Newport’s Historic Trafalgar Park Being Cut In Two By 2.5m Wide Concrete Path - 2021
Northern Beaches Open Space And Outdoor Recreation Strategy Recommended For Approval At December 2022 Council Meeting - 'The accompanying Community engagement report for the Final Draft document states residents are 'mostly supportive', and that the Council has a 'reach of 160,000 through its newsletter'. However the statements from residents who use Whitney Reserve at Mona Vale, where it is planned to formalise dirt bike jumps, are overwhelmingly rejecting the plan, with some stating they had not been informed and were unaware the consultation was occurring' - subsequently approved and included formalising illegal bike tracks

The Agenda states the 'Estimated one off costs associated with a demerger [would be]: $42,819,431'.

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

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

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

In citing this 'acknowledgement' one of the points derived from the same states:

''Demerged councils would need to procure and deploy the requisite hardware, screens, laptops, remote communications, associated data, cyber security systems and supporting management protocols.''

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

The report recommends; -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overview

Around one in five New South Wales public school students have a disability (183,000 students in 2022). Eighty-six per cent of students with disability learn in mainstream classes in mainstream schools, 11% learn in support classes in mainstream schools, and 3% in schools for specific purposes (SSPs). The Department of Education’s Disability Strategy (2019) committed to build a more inclusive education system and identified actions across four key reform areas:

Strengthen support: investing in teachers and other support staff
Increase resources and flexibility: enabling schools to operate with more flexibility
Improve the family experience: making experiences better and easier
Track outcomes: building an evidence base to measure progress.

This audit will assess whether the department is effectively supporting students with disability in NSW public schools.

Share your views

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

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

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

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

Manly MP Supports Opportunity Class Petition

Manly MP, James Griffin has thrown his support behind an ePetition opposing a reduction in Opportunity Class (OC) places in seven NSW Public Schools, including Balgowlah Heights.

Mr Griffin said the decision to halve the number of quality OC places in these schools fails to uphold the Minns Labor Government’s own commitment to support our public schools.

“While creating new OC classes in schools which currently don’t offer them is welcome, it shouldn’t be at the cost of schools which have been successfully conducting the classes for their intellectually gifted students.”

Mr Griffin said, “Instead of creating new OC places to accommodate population growth, the proposal rearranges existing places, which could harm the quality of the NSW OC program.”

The petition highlights the potential adverse impacts of the proposal.

It halves access to well-established OC places, which predominantly serve students who could not otherwise attend these schools and are willing to travel to do so.

It compromises learning outcomes by moving children to schools with no experience in delivering OC programs or into composite year 5/6 classes, where only half the time is spent delivering their curriculum.

It affects the emotional well-being of intellectually gifted students with special needs who require extra support.

It places greater strain on teaching staff, who will struggle to deliver a quality program to students at significantly different learning stages and maturity levels in the same class.

It reduces learning resources and highly qualified staff in OC schools, negatively impacting other teachers, students, and the broader community.

Mr Griffin said, “The petition asks the NSW Legislative Assembly to call on the Government to refrain from implementing cuts to existing OC schools and engage with the community on any proposed changes.

“If you agree to the ePetition please click on the link below and add your name.''

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/Pages/ePetition-details.aspx?q=46XNxiBDlnGHcXSY7Xf7dQ

Taylors Point Wharf - Remedial Works: Feedback Invited

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

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

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

Council invite you to provide your feedback at:

https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/taylors-point-wharf-remedial-works

Feedback closes June 4 2024

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

Council have placed a draft PoM for North Narrabeen Reserve. Key proposals include:

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

Feedback is open until June 23 2024 at: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/north-narrabeen-reserve-masterplan-and-plan-management

Governor Phillip Park Plan Of Management: Have Your Say

Closes: Sunday 2 June 2024

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

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

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

Visit: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/governor-phillip-park-plan-management

Why is the Council preparing a new Plan of Management (PoM) for Governor Phillip Park?

Council states a new Governor Phillip Park PoM is required to:

incorporate a proposal for an off-leash dog trial
meet council's obligations under the Crown Land Management Act 2016
determine current and future needs of the community in relation to the use and management of the park to ensure that the site and facilities continues to meet the expectations of users and the community

North Palm Beach was the scene, just a few weeks back, where a local wildlife volunteer was fending offleash dogs away from a distressed rare turtle, and where dogs may be seen offleash on the beach, despite this being a no dogs zone, all day every day, unchallenged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Short-Term Accommodation In Barrenjoey Headland Buildings Ruled Out: Formalisation Of Plan Of Management To Occur Soon

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

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

Key dates listed for changing the Governor Phillip Plan of Management are:

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

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

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?

Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.

Email: manresa123@optusnet.com.au

By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc

PO Box 1718 WARRIEWOOD 2102

Phone: 9944 6027

E-Bikes On Footpaths

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have Your Say: A Digital Inclusion Strategy For NSW

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

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

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

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

Provide feedback at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/digital-inclusion-strategy

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

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

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

Book on https://forms.office.com/r/9YLYb9dk36

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

See Pittwater Online report:
Inspirational Leaders Recognised With NSW SES Awards On International Women's Day: Warringah-Pittwater Unit Award

Invictus Games 2025: EOI Sought

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Women In Local Government

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

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

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

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

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

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

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

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

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

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

Council Information Sessions: NSW Government Housing Reforms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets Of The Week

Azlan

Husky 8yrs

Azlan is a very friendly boy who is easy to handle and walk. He came from a rural pound with fly bitten ears. Despite his age he is quite active but once he has a good walk he just settles for a nap. He loves having people around but is not clingy. He walks well on loose lead. He has a fluffy coat that needs a lot of brushing and he weighs 25kg. He is best suited to a home with garden and is happy being alone for part-time hours.
All our dogs come with desexed, fully vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $400.

Gypsy

7yo Domestic Short Haired Cat

Gypsy is a shy but sweet girl who has come from a deceased estate. She is getting used to the new surroundings and other cats. She loves affection and is quite smoochy. She just needs a little time to get to know you. She has a short coat and weighs 4.7kg. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

Powerhouse Museum Ultimo Revitalisation: Have Your Say

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get more information or book a session on the Powerhouse Ultimo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Avalon Beach Red Cross Needs Volunteers

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

Join our team and make a difference.

48 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Ph: (02) 8414 1801
Email: avalonbeachredcrossshop@gmail.com

Nominate A Volunteer Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Café And Market Day: Catherine Park Scotland Island

Sunday 23 June, 10 - 1 pm
To book, email: communications@sira.org.au

Rotary Art Show 2024: Calling All Artists!

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

Applications close Tuesday June 18 2024.

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

SUBMIT YOUR ART NOW via the link below:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7RC8HHJ

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

Time To Get Your Flu Vaccine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letters To The Editor

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

May 19 - 25, 2024: Issue 626

This Issue:

Front Page Issue 626

'Lynne's Park' At Warriewood Officially Opened

Council Initiates e-bike Safety Campaign

No Free Pass Granted By Vibrancy Reforms Amendment Bill

Synthetic Turf Installed In Pittwater Without Consultation

From The Council Chamber - May 14, 2024 by Councillor Miranda Korzy

Surf Club Facility Program 2024 Allocations Are Great News For North Narrabeen, Mona Vale, South Curl Curl

Local Power Poles Transformed To Boost EV Uptake: Australian-First Trial Taking Place Across The Peninsula

2024 NSW Architecture Awards: Six Local Projects On The Shortlist + Nominated Projects + Bondi Mermaids Submission + Jane Cassidy Appointed National President Of The Australian Institute Of Architects - 2024 National Prizes: Philip Thalis Receives Gold Medal

Freshwater- Manly Boy Ian Hanson OAM Inducted As Life Member Into Commonwealth Games Australia

Aquatics: The Irukandji's Win Eighth Team World Championship and Two Individual Gold Medals At The 2024 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship

Pictures: 2024 Sharkskin NSW IRB Premiership Round 1 at Collaroy - Race Results + Action pictures by Richard Black

Park Bench Philosophers Australian Government’s Joint Select Committee Into Social Media Now Established: Opinions - Proposals Welcomed

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

DIY Ideas Mould Inside Your home after all that rain?: How to Keep Air and Surfaces Healthier

Inbox News UTI Pharmacy Trial Now Permanent In NSW, Relief on energy bills for all in a federal budget that bets on lower inflation, Budget A Missed Opportunity To Tackle Health System Issues: AMA, It’s so hard to see a doctor right now; What are my options?, Binge drinking is a growing public health crisis − a neurobiologist explains how research on alcohol use disorder has shifted, Longer appointments are just the start of tackling the gender pain gap; Here are 4 more things we can do, A minute’s silence is fine but when it comes to violence against women being quiet isn’t enough, David McBride goes to prison – and Australian democracy takes a hit, Whistleblower David McBride Sentenced To Almost Six Years’ Prison For Helping To Expose Wrongdoing: Human Rights Law Centre, An NRL player died at training due to exertional heat stroke; What is it and what should coaches and athletes know?, 154 million lives saved in 50 years: 5 charts on the global success of vaccines, The Irukandji's Win Eighth Team World Championship and Two Individual Gold Medals At The 2024 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, Cool Old Truck Spotted At Mona Vale This Week, Why Are Auroras So Hard To Predict? And When Can We Expect More?, What Causes The Different Colours Of The Aurora? An Expert Explains The Electric Rainbow, Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships 2024 Are Now Open, Music To The Ears: New Recording And Touring Grants, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Exuberant, 15,000 squares, 500 hours, 19 months: how I used embroidery to make sense of Australia’s catastrophic fires, Cumberland Council’s book ban has been overturned but what is really happening in Australian libraries?, We mapped a lost branch of the Nile River – which may be the key to a longstanding mystery of the pyramids, Why so many animals have a third eyelid including our pets – yet humans don’t, Let It Be: rerelease of 1970 Beatles film reveals how the history of popular music is written, Fossil captures starfish splitting itself in two – showing this has been happening for 155 million years, Florence Nightingale overcame the limits set on proper Victorian women – and brought modern science and statistics to nursing, Black holes are mysterious, yet also deceptively simple − a new space mission may help physicists answer hairy questions about these astronomical objects, ‘Dancing’ raisins − a simple kitchen experiment reveals how objects can extract energy from their environment and come to life, ‘Hidden mother’ photos don’t erase mums − rather they reveal the labor and love that support the child, Small but mighty; plankton are some of the most powerful creatures on Earth, Freshwater- Manly Boy Ian Hanson OAM Inducted As Life Member Into Commonwealth Games Australia, COTA NSW: Message From New CEO, Budget 2024–⁠25: Investing In Quality Aged Care, Budget Delivers Trifecta For Older Australians: National Seniors, Federal Budget 2024 – Update: COTA Australia, We mapped a lost branch of the Nile River – which may be the key to a longstanding mystery of the pyramids, Reimagining Where We Live Design Ideas Competition: Winners Announced, Choice and control: what can the ACCC do to stop NDIS price gouging and reduce costs?, Why is New Caledonia on fire? According to local women, the deadly riots are about more than voting rights

Environment NSW Government Is Looking To The Future: Improving Wildlife Rehabilitation and Care, NSW Gears Up For Humpback Migration With Expanded Disentanglement Team, Redcycle Clean-Up Extended To Increase Recycling Options, First Nations Engagement For Renewable Energy Zones, New England Weeds Authority Board Suspended Over Financial Concerns, NSW Parliament To Explore Productive Uses Of Land After Mines Close, Greens Quash Gas Fast-Track Bill, Advancing A Nature Positive Australia - Budget 2024: Federal Minister For Environment and Water, Threatened species have declined 2% a year since 2000; Nature positive? Far from it, Green industry yes-conservation no: a budget for people, not for nature, Protecting Our Water For Generations To Come - Budget 2024: Federal Minister For Environment and Water, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew: Queenscliff Lagoon - May 26, Botanic Gardens Day At Stony Range: May 26, Local Power Poles Transformed To Boost EV Uptake: Australian-First Trial Taking Place Across The Peninsula, Another Striped Marlin Satellite Tagged: The Great Swordfish and Striped Marlin Race, Gardens Of Stone Multi-Day Walk And Campsites 20 Year Commercial Lease: Have Your Say, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Two-thirds of us support banning pet cats from roaming; A ban would save millions of native animals – and billions of dollars, More desalination is coming to Australia’s driest states – but super-salty outflows could trash ecosystems and fisheries, How a long-lost fish species was brought back to Bendigo, Cameras reveal wombat burrows can be safe havens after fire and waterholes after rain, Floating robots reveal just how much airborne dust fertilises the Southern Ocean – a key climate ‘shock absorber’, Are we really about to talk to whales?, Seagrass meadows are rapidly expanding near inhabited islands in Maldives – here’s why, Floods in south Brazil have displaced 600,000 – here’s why this region is likely to see ever more extreme rain in future, ‘Everywhere we looked we found evidence’: the godfather of microplastics on 20 years of pollution research and the fight for global action, Migratory birds are on the move and nature-friendly farms can help them on their way, Swifts delayed by cold and wet springs face mounting problems as the climate changes, Vatican conference on ‘climate resilience’ is the latest in a long line of environment initiatives by Pope Francis and the Catholic Church – 5 essential reads, Stirring films made the Snowy scheme a nationbuilding project. Could the troubled Snowy 2.0 do the same?, Summer 2023 was northern hemisphere’s hottest for 2,000 years tree rings show, Volunteers For Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours Needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report Fox Sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare In Pittwater: Where + When, Coastal Floodplain Drainage Project: Have Your Say, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves, Histories, Pictorial Walks, +

Profile of the Week Jordan Lawler Wins 2024 World Surf League GWM Sydney Surf Pro.!: WSL Leaves North Narrabeen In A High Stoke - Tahiti Pro. Commences This Week At Venue For Paris 2024 Olympics Surfing Comp

The WSL roadshow has rolled into North Narrabeen and rolled out again, leaving the site of this National Surfing Reserve a little bit too quiet after 6 days in a row of spectacular surfing by some of the best athletes. There is a lingering, palpable, high stoke.

Just as happened at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro the week before, when icons of surfing Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, and Stephanie Gilmore joined Kelly Slater in a World Champ's Super Heat celebrating the best of competitive surfing, local legends were part of this iconic surf festival.

On Sunday May 12, Mother's Day, the last heat of the day saw a group of local surfing greats take over the line-up at North Narrabeen for a 40-minute spectacle to see who still rules the roost and entertain the solid Sunday crowds that lined the shore.

Surfers included 2018 Grand Masters World Champion Rob Bain, Two-time World Champion Tom Carrol, Former CT competitor and big wave world record holder Laura Enever, two-time World Champion and North Narrabeen Boardriders Club President Damian Hardman, and CT event winner Nathan Hedge.

All five surfers traded waves and had their moments, but it was Laura Enever who earned the biggest highlight of the session for a long left-hander with multiple turns completed on the sand.

However, the highlight of this year's WSL GWM Sydney Surf Pro presented by Bonsoy was witnessing North Narrabeen's own Jordan Lawler take out the event.

A great way for the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club to kick off their 60 years celebration.

History Council's Search For Modern Architecture Gems From 1940 To 1970 - An Invitation To Provide Input/Suggestions: 12 Local Examples

Council is embarking on a significant initiative to identify and protect the architectural gems of the peninsula and seeks the community’s input and suggestions.

The Modern Architecture Study, supported by a grant from Heritage NSW, has been commissioned to identify notable Modernist and Mid-Century Modern buildings on the Northern Beaches. It will contain two sections:

the preparation of a thematic history of the modern architecture movement on the Northern Beaches and
the identification and assessment of prime local examples of the movement from the 1940s through to the 1970s

Spurred on by technological and economic changes during this post WWII period, as well as the increased accessibility of the area, building designs rapidly changed. Notable architects of the day such as Harry Seidler, Peter Mueller, Bruce Rickard, Arthur Baldwinson, Stan Symonds, Sydney Anchor, Richard Le Pastrier, Kenneth Woolley and Bruce Rickard amongst others, were increasingly commissioned to design buildings that either embraced the increased availability of new building materials such as reinforced concrete, steel and large pane glass or were designed to sit within the local landscape and embrace natural materials, giving rise to the ‘Sydney Regional School of architecture’ and ‘Organic Architecture’.

The expression of Modernist Architecture in our area was not restricted purely to residential and domestic architecture. There were many examples of industrial, commercial, civic and ecclesiastical buildings which were built in this period, following modernist design principles. Examples include the former Roche office buildings at Cromer, Dee Why Library and St Kevin’s Catholic Church in Dee Why.

A distinct local style of modern architecture called ‘Sydney Regional Architecture’ or the ‘Sydney School” emerged and began to be practised by architects of the day. Inspired by the landforms and beauty of Sydney they increasingly incorporated the existing site conditions and vegetation into their designs, giving rise to a distinct ‘Organic Architecture’ movement which was prevalent in this area. Buildings were designed based on the conditions of the site, with an emphasis on the use of natural materials, such as timber and sandstone, and the retention and integration into the natural landscape. Alexander Stewart Jolly, who designed a number of significant houses in the area, including Hy-Brasil at Avalon Beach, was an early exponent of this organic form of modern architecture.

More information about this study and how to nominate a building for consideration, go to Council’s website here to have your say. Nominations are now open and will close on Sunday 9 June 2024.

This Issue extracts of two examples from Bayview and Church Point first run in 2023. Both these still exist, retaining their original credos, and were built at the commencement of this emerging movement, melding Art Deco influences with Modernistic lines and materials.

Along with other local examples from the 1938 to circa 1954 period, from Arthur Baldwinson, to inspire and renew the way we see what is around us.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 1, 2024

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:

Contents: Church Point Landscaping, Cancer Council Fundraiser, Charity Boat Race, Fire Shed Dinner, The Tuesday Discussion Group, International Folk Dancing, Island Café, Winter Café and Market Day

To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Monika's DoggieRescue Needs Volunteers

Monika's DoggieRescue is currently asking for new volunteers to help out at Ingleside.

If you are unable to foster or adopt but are still looking for a way in which to help DoggieRescue, you may be able to assist with looking after the lovelies at Ingleside.

With no experience you can walk Monika's Doggie Rescue dogs or even transport them between various locations.

With minimal training you can help in the office or promoting Monika's Doggie Rescue at off-site events.

Monika's Doggie Rescue can provide more intensive training so that you can help with feeding their dogs and cats or even assisting the kennel hands.

Experienced volunteers can even go on to advanced tasks including work placement for those studying in fields related to animal care.

To find out more please visit: doggierescue.com/contact/#contact and give this great local organisation a hand.

Monika's DoggieRescue is a registered charity that believes in saving and re-homing as many pets as they can. For many years Monika Biernacki and a group of volunteers have been rescuing pets from death row and successfully re-homing them with permanent and loving owners.

DoggieRescue E-Magazine MAY 2024 is now available with the beautiful Maeve on the cover. She has a heart-breaking story to tell, and is now looking for her forever family to love. Visit: https://online.anyflip.com/ourh/tfpi/mobile/index.html

Warriewood Community Centre Build Has Commenced

Screening up around Heather Nelson centre at Warriewood on Monday May 13 2024. AJG/PON pics

NSW Police Force Pay Tribute To 118 Years Of Service

NSW Police Force Media Unit:

Today (Friday 17 May 2024), marked the retirement of three NSWPF officers with a combined service of 118 years.

Sergeant Ian Miller APM is unique in that he has spent his entire service at the one command – all 46 years of it!!!

Joining as a 19-year-old in 1978 he commenced at Balmain Police Station and later transferred to Glebe Police Station. Both stations now fall under the Leichhardt Police Area Command.

In 1984 he was commended for his actions when he saved the life of a man who was drowning in Blackwattle Bay.

For his distinguished service to policing Ian was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2020.

Today, his own son is a police officer who also holds the rank of sergeant.

Another rare achievement for Ian is that despite his lengthy career he has only taken two days as sick leave in that entire time.

Sergeant Ian Miller being farewelled today outside of Glebe Police Station. Photo: NSW Police Force

Not only has Senior Constable Mick Taplin of Mt Druitt Police Area Command served the people of NSW for 37 years but he also served the nation from 1985 until 2020 as a Commando in the Australian Army Reserve.

Whilst with the Reserves he performed deployments in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

After having spent the first two years of his service at Manly Police Station Mick would transfer to the Tactical Response Group in 1989 and would later go on to be one of the founding members of the Tactical Operations Unit.

Since 2000 he has been attached to Mt Druitt Police Area Command.

Senior Constable Mick Taplin at his march out parade at Mt Druitt Police Station today. Photo: NSW Police Force

For the team here at the Police Media Unit who brings you these posts on social media it’s on a very sad note that we farewell one of our own – Acting Inspector Meg Burke.

Meg only commenced with the PMU late last year but quickly made a favourable impression with her enthusiasm and pleasant nature.

She started her policing career in 1989 performing general duties in what is now the Northern Beaches Police Area Command.

In 1997 she transferred to the Police Recruitment Branch where she would spend the next 26 years.

It was whilst she was at the PRB that her and a colleague launched a series of online fitness videos to assist potential police recruits known as 'Meg & Mick’s Training Tips'. The videos quickly developed a cult following and are credited with helping many applicants achieve the minimum fitness standard to join the NSWPF.

Acting Inspector Meg Burke. Photo: NSW Police Force

We would like to extend a big thanks to Ian, Mick and Meg for their service and we wish them all the best in their retirement.

Pittwater Baseball Club: New Life Member Announced

Friday May 17 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Stuart Hanrahan has been unanimously voted in as a Life Member of the Pittwater Baseball Club.

Stuart's journey with us began as a young Pittwater Junior, and throughout his baseball career, he has consistently given back to the Pittwater community and the local baseball scene in countless ways.

His dedication, passion, and unwavering support have made a significant impact, and we are proud to honour Stuart with this well-deserved recognition.

Below is a summary of some of Stuart's baseball achievements and accolades throughout his career thus far.

Played at Pittwater 1981-89
Played Manly Junior Reps 1984-89
Played Manly U18 1990 (champions) and 1991
Played Manly 1st – 3rd grade at various stages during the 1990s
Inaugural Manly USA Tour 1988
Coached Manly Junior Reps 1989-1999
Coached various Manly Grade teams in the 1990s
Youngest coach to receive BA Level 2 accreditation at age 21
Level ‘0, 1 and 2’ instructor for Manly coaches at numerous stages over the past 30 years
NSW Junior U14 Assistant and Head Coach 1996-2001
Cal Ripken Australian Team Coach 2002
Coached Manly 1st Grade to their first Championship in 31 years (2007) and runners-up (2008)
Head Coach – Australian Schoolboys Team (USA tours) in 2009 + 2011
Coached Manly Junior Rep teams over the past 5 years
Current Head Coach Manly Junior Rep Program
Cal Ripken Australian Team Coach 2022
PBC Committee member past 5 years
Manly Association Secretary 2020-2022
Junior League Coach 2023 -2024
Pittwater Cup Tournament Director
Pittwater Baseball Club Sponsor 2023-2024 via High Performance Baseball.

Congratulations, Stuart, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to Pittwater Baseball Club and the sport of baseball as a whole.

Pittwater Baseball Club

Find out more at: www.pittwaterbaseball.com.au

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

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

Overview

Strengthen support: investing in teachers and other support staff
Increase resources and flexibility: enabling schools to operate with more flexibility
Improve the family experience: making experiences better and easier
Track outcomes: building an evidence base to measure progress.