This Issue: full list in Contents page
Profile Allan Porter - The first Deputy-Mayor of Pittwater Council considers himself to still be a 'student'. Growing up at Castlecrag where his father was a wool-buyer, it was an industry open to Allan until the great wool crash of the early 1960’s when synthetic fibres changed the whole nature and future for the wool industry. Attending Knox Grammar School and the National Institute of Dramatic Art, he started a broadcasting career and joined ABC Radio and TV in Queensland in news and current affairs, then went to the English Service of Radio Hong Kong and later to Independent Radio News in the UK. In Queensland his love of sailing having started around the shores and in the bays of Middle Harbour developed further. ''It was hard for it not to'' he says, with the Barrier Reef and coastal islands within easy reach and that led to gaining a small ship Master’s qualification which became very useful during a ‘sabbatical’ in the Mediterranean at a time when Malta was a popular place to where British owners liked to have their yachts delivered. ''Someone had to do it'' he said and it was a great adventure until it became time to get back to work. He’s only just completed a First Aid Certificate Course to comply with the requirements of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for his Master Mariner qualification. And he says he’s a member as a ‘qualified ancient’ of the League of Ancient Mariners, a body that has its origins back in the early 1900’s.
This week a few insights from one of our local assets on volunteerism and having a great life.
History Marine Rescue Broken Bay Unit's Beginnings In The Volunteer Coastal Patrol - Some RMYC BB Connections November each year is a special month for the Marine Rescue Broken Bay unit (at Bayview), as it was in this month that the original unit was formed as the Volunteer Coastal Patrol, making this month in 2020 the 84th year in a row volunteers have served the local and visiting boating community.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: November 15, 2020
Click on Logo to access latest PON: 
To contact Julian: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
These hot days are tough on our wildlife - please put out some water in a shaded location and if you come across an animal that is in distress, dehydrated or injured - please contact your local wildlife rescue group:
Photo: Bronwyn Gould
Outback Mermaids & MerPigs Complete Variety's Resurrection Run
The local girls have completed the Variety Resurrection Run and have been part of the large B to B team that have raised over $330, 000.00 for Australian children this past week.
Pittwater Online rang Beryl yesterday to check in BUT they were all at a 60th Birthday somewhere out in rural NSW (how unusual!). So, we're holding the follow-up over until next Sunday's Issue so the full story (Tales from the Road 2020) can be told.
Day 6 Photo by Sallymae Bailey (that's Sallymae at the front!)
“The Rob Emerson” Surf Boat
Rob Emerson was surprised with Newport SLSC's new boat being named in his honour on Sunday, November 15th 2020. Thank you to Julie Emerson for the photo and Sheldon for the sponsorship.
A great tribute to a gentleman with a passion for surf boats and surf life saving.
More Than $18 Million Secured For Wakehurst Parkway Flood Mitigation
November 17, 2020
The NSW Government has allocated a further $13.1 million in the State Budget to support the introduction of flood mitigation along Wakehurst Parkway.
The funding will be added to $5 million secured for the project in 2017, bringing the total NSW Government allocation to $18.1 million, and enabling a strategic works schedule to be implemented.
Northern Beaches Council is responsible for managing the Narrabeen Lagoon catchment surrounding Wakehurst Parkway and has partnered with the NSW Government to help address the road’s historic flood challenges and significantly reduce the frequency of flood events.
A comprehensive flood and ecological study was commissioned by Northern Beaches Council and the final outcomes and recommendations have recently been presented to the NSW Government for funding consideration.
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said the funding announcement was an important step in addressing the challenges associated with Wakehurst Parkway and is another example of the NSW Government working collaboratively with Northern Beaches Council to progress major projects.
“This is fantastic news for our community and will enable work to proceed on this essential project,” Rob Stokes said.
“Northern Beaches Council has done an outstanding job developing a comprehensive strategy for this unique road corridor which previously divided the former Pittwater and Warringah Council areas.”
Member for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard said the Wakehurst Parkway corridor contains unique bushland and ecological communities which required detailed consideration as part of the project design.
“The Parkway contains magnificent natural bushland and nobody wants this to be impacted more than is necessary,” Brad Hazzard said.
“Securing this funding means we’ll now be able to progress essential flood improvements, whilst also limiting environmental impacts along the corridor.
Member for Davidson Jonathan O’Dea said the funding will support multifaceted flood mitigation at the three key locations susceptible to flooding along the corridor – with works including new under road culverts and drainage, creek realignment, sediment removal and new levees.
“Road closures are a huge inconvenience for motorists so it’s great the NSW Government is addressing the underlying issues along the corridor,” Jonathan O’Dea said.
“There’s been plenty of commentary about the Parkway – but lots of work has been occurring behind the scenes to develop a detailed plan and we now have the necessary funds to make it happen.”
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan has welcomed funding measures in the State Budget dedicated to addressing local issues for the State’s fourth largest council.
“I would like to thank the State Government for its ongoing partnership in solving some of the issues facing the Wakehurst Parkway,” Cr Regan said.
“This extra funding will help improve access to the Northern Beaches Hospital, and will make a difference to the issues motorists face regularly on the Wakehurst Parkway following rain.
“Now we have more certainty around funding and what’s possible to deliver, we look forward to bringing details to the community.
“This is another great example of how state and local government partnerships can make a big difference to our community.”
Cr Regan said the Budget showed the Government had shown confidence in the work of local governments, supporting council to drive locally-led economic recovery following a devastating year of drought, bushfires and a global pandemic.
Public Health Promise To Northern Beaches Locals Broken
November 20, 2020
As activity returns to pre-pandemic levels inside Sydney’s Northern Beaches Hospital, concerns are rife that private operator, Healthscope, is not living up to its commitments to the local community.
Despite the NSW State Government promising locals their new hospital would offer the same level of care as any equivalent public hospital in NSW, Healthscope is shifting away from the government’s promise, just two years into their 20-year contract, according to the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA).
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said the Berejiklian Government’s claims have turned out to be false, with Healthscope attempting to remove the protections of minimum nursing care numbers from the local community, which all other NSW residents receive.
“When Northern Beaches Hospital opened its doors in late 2018, patients and their families were assured access to equivalent public health care and private health services. Now, Healthscope is breaking that promise by cutting the legal requirement for minimum nursing hours and other important conditions” said Mr Holmes.
“Healthscope wants to remove minimum staffing requirements inside the hospital, pulling the rug out from under nurses and midwives who transferred across from the publicly-run former Manly and Mona Vale hospitals.
“Healthscope is refusing a ten-hour break between shifts for nurses and midwives, which aims to keep patients safe by reducing fatigue among the staff.
“Our members have also told us they’re constantly missing breaks within their shifts now that elective surgery is returning to pre-COVID-19 levels.
“Healthscope will also strip back a host of other working conditions, including maternity and carers leave.
“The nurses and midwives at Northern Beaches Hospital want to continue providing a safe level of care to their community, but Healthscope’s plan will only make that harder.
“Research clearly tells us that reducing the numbers of qualified nursing hours leads to poorer patient outcomes.
“This could mean less nurses, working more fatigued across the hospital,” Mr Holmes concluded.
The NSWNMA is in talks over a new enterprise agreement with Healthscope, including members working at Northern Beaches Hospital. The NSWNMA is calling on Healthscope to live up to its promises to the government and the Northern Beaches community.
Photo NB Hospital by Cabrils.
Rotary Tree Of Joy 2020
The Rotary Club of the Upper Northern Beaches has its annual Tree of Joy now installed in Warriewood Square.
Donated gifts left there by people will be collected and delivered to local charities.
Please help out if you can – this year has been very tough on all of us and tougher yet for some.
Newport Surf Boat Carnival Report: Held On November 14 2020
Report by Michael King
A beautiful sparkle-arkling day at Newport for the first surfboat carnival of the season. As usual, another fantastic all of club effort; thanks to Lily Tancred and all the first aiders and Peter Finch, Matt Edwards and water safety who were there from early to late. As carnival organiser, its so satisfying that our club pulls together for these events. A message to Jess Menzies, Bec Capell, Lily Tancred and Matt Edwards and the support is provided. Our officials also helped make the event a success, thanks Megan and Mark Hayward and Bernie Howard.
Finally a big thankyou to all the rowers, new and old, a long day on the beach. They were there early to set up, then compete, then pack up all the gear at the end of the day. They even put up their own tent.
To top it off we had some solid results. The Australian champion U23 girls, Thunder, kept their record intact, winning a hard fought final to make it four wins in four years at Newport carnival. The Open men, Hellfish, were well placed for a win when three crews came through on a wave- dare I say it… ‘that’s surfboats’. The reserve women ‘Nudies’ finished third in their first race together and the u19 boys ‘Noodlefish’ gave away too much at the start of the final to feature in the placings. Our other two crews, reserve men and U23 girls ‘Nemos’ didn’t make their finals, but have a solid base to work on.
Freshwater in one week.
Photo credit: SLSSNB
The Fascinating Story Of Australia's First Children's Author
The identity of the author of Australia’s first book for children, 'A Mother’s Offering to her Children’, written in 1841, has long been a mystery. Known only by the description ‘a Lady Long Resident in New South Wales’, the author was the subject of much speculation.
In 1980, after a decade of sleuthing, legendary bibliographer Marcie Muir gave her a name: Charlotte Waring Atkinson.
But another 40 years was to pass before the full story of this fascinating woman would be uncovered by Charlotte’s own descendants.
Northern Beaches authors and sisters, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell, tell the story of their great-great-great-great grandmother in their new book, Searching for Charlotte, The Fascinating Story of Australia’s first Children’s Author, published by The National Library of Australia.
Kate and Belinda talk about their “detective” work uncovering the truth about Charlotte, in the latest episode of By the Book on community radio station Radio Northern Beaches.
The sisters are award-winning writers for children. Kate also specialises in historical fiction for adults (The Wild Girl, Bitter Greens, Beauty in Thorns), while Belinda has a loyal fan base among younger readers (Lulu Bell, The Sun Sword, The Timeslip Series).
In their conversation with By the Book host Brydie Wright, Kate and Belinda discuss what would have motivated Charlotte to write the book; describe the strength of spirit that pushed the English-born Charlotte through tough times in the Australian colonies; and detail Charlotte’s social connections with early feminist author Mary Wollstonecraft (mother of Frankenstein’s Mary Shelley) and distant cousin, Charles Darwin.
Using primary source and early biographical material, their book reveals Charlotte’s extraordinary struggles as a pioneering woman, and her hard-fought victory against a patriarchal legal system, defeating a violent husband in a custody battle for her children.
For Kate, Charlotte “passed down a legacy of strength and determination and belief in the right of women to have a voice and tell their own story.” Belinda agrees, adding that her ancestor’s story shows how tough colonial life was for women and noting how important it is that those stories are brought to life for modern readers.
You can listen to Brydie’s conversation with Kate and Belinda on By the Book on Saturday 21 November at 3pm and on Tuesday 24 November at 9am, on Radio Northern Beaches 88.7/90.3FM (stream via www.rnb.org.au).
By the Book is a weekly radio show about what's happening in the world of kids' books on the Northern Beaches, with lots of news, reviews and great interviews with local identities.
You can also catch Brydie’s interviews via podcast at www.mixcloud.com/brydiewright.
Photo L to R: Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell
Slow Down For Turtles: Presently Out And About - Please Take Care On Our Roads
If you see a large rock in the road, you slow down safely and wait for an opportunity to go around it, right? The same should be done if you see a turtle on the road. It is always best to either allow the turtle safe passage across the road or - if it is safe to do so - the turtle can be carried across to the side to which it was headed.
We have recently had an influx of eastern long-necked turtles (Chelodina longicollis) with carapace fractures of varying severity, after being hit by cars.
Long-necked turtles are freshwater turtles that live in dams, creeks, lakes and sometimes even slightly brackish lagoons. Often - when it is rainy - the turtles will move from one body of water to another and their journey can take them across roads, through horse paddocks and backyards. At the moment many female turtles are out searching for a place to lay their eggs.
Unfortunately they are fairly slow-moving on land and they end up being hit by cars, bitten by pets or occasionally relocated to the ocean by well-meaning members of the public.
The shell of a turtle is a bit like an exoskeleton - imagine that the carapace (top shell) is like a spine and ribs that have been flattened and fused. As such, a fracture of the carapace is tantamount to a broken bone in any other animal.
Carapace fractures can be tricky to fix as they need to be properly cleaned, debrided, reduced and stabilised and pain relief is essential. A fracture of the ‘bridge’ is very serious as it joins the carapace (top shell) and the plastron (bottom shell) and if the bridge has been compromised it can indicate internal injuries as well.
Occasionally vacuum-assisted treatment can be used in turtles.
Please SLOW DOWN for turtles and call us on 9413 4300 if you spot one in need of rescuing.
Sydney Wildlife
Photos by Margaret Woods
Newport Community Garden
Newport Community Garden is at 25 Woolcott Street, Newport. This is Newport residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces; strengthening community, improving health, reconnecting with nature.
We meet every Saturday from 10am till about midday at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.
If you would like to join us please direct message us via our Facebook page or email us to newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.com
Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/newportcgnsw
Everyone is welcome!!!
Photo: November 15, 2020: A very productive morning. Thanks team
Australia Post: Christmas Parcels 2020
Australia Post is encouraging people to ‘Spread the Merry’ this festive season with a uniquely Australian Christmas campaign that shows the value in helping others feel more connected.
Highlighting the beloved Australian landscape and some colourful characters, this year’s campaign builds on the successful campaign from 2019 and shows the thoughtfulness of a little girl named Audrey, who makes an important connection with an unlikely hero - a Major Mitchell cockatoo.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Community & Consumer Nicole Sheffield said after everything we have been through this year, the message of connecting and reconnecting has never been more important.
“We’ve been connecting people to their families, friends and communities at Christmas for over 210 years and our new ‘Spread the Merry’ campaign demonstrates how that sense of connectedness can make us all feel better,” she said.
“This year we’ve seen communities support each other in so many ways and we want to encourage that thoughtfulness throughout the Christmas season with simple gestures like a card or a small gift that can mean so much.
“As we’ve been getting ready for our biggest Christmas ever, we’ve also been encouraging people to send gifts and cards as early as they can, and by certain dates, for the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas.”
For delivery within the country Australia Post recommends presents are sent no later than Saturday 12 December for Parcel Post, and by Saturday 19 December for Express Post.
International sending dates mostly fall in November however, these differ based on location. Recommended final sending dates for standard post to major destinations begin from Monday 16 November.
Recommended final sending dates for major destinations (Standard Post):
- USA, Canada, UK, Europe: Monday 16 November 2020
- Most of Asia: Monday 23 November 2020
- New Zealand: Friday 27 November 2020.
As Australia Post continues to manage the impacts of COVID-19 and more parcels than ever before, it is utilising additional parcel processing facilities, chartering extra freighter flights and hiring 5000 extra people to help deliver across the country.
For more information on Christmas sending visit auspost.com.au/christmas
Soibada Update
Friends of Soibada and the community in the village want to say thank you!
Don’t forget, please share our crowdfunding campaign to as many people as you can. We are about half way to our target and you can see in this video what a difference your generosity is making!
Crowdfunding page: https://bit.ly/3gfsAcd
Avalon Boomerang Bags Workshop News
New Tuesday workshop times in the Avalon Recreation Centre 11am - 3pm. All are welcome, if you can't sew we will teach you.
Bags and plastic free reusable goodies are for sale during the workshops so please pop in.
Remember there is no excuse for single use plastics, even during wretched COVID19, and washed reusables are best. Do our ocean, waves and beaches a favour and BYO bags, bottles, cups and straws.
2021 Doggie Rescue Calendar
Monika's Doggie Rescue have just opened orders for their 2021 Superheroes calendar.
This is the major fundraising activity for the whole year for this organisation to save all these darling dogs, cats, rabbits (and others) and these wonderful calendars make an excellent Christmas gift that brings delight to those you give it to all year round - for 12 months in fact!
Pittwater Online has already secured ours and no, we will not be handing them over should you miss out - staff and family have already put their hands up, and there will be howling, literally, should anyone find theirs has been 'reallocated'.
Order yours at: www.doggierescue.com/2021calendar.
Barrenjoey Boating Services
Any locals looking for camper transfers to the Basin this Xmas can get beach to beach or wharf to wharf transfers through Barrenjoey Boating Services - Phone: 9974 4229 to avoid trying to find a park at Palm Beach wharf and lugging all your gear down the wharf.
There are bunch of local pickup spots adjacent to free parking areas, so if you are planning the get across the bay, they are an excellent option. They have a wide range of barges catering from two to 32 passengers at a time.
Pets Of The Week
Fletcher
AGE/SEX: 4 years / M
BREED: Bull Arab X
Fletcher is a sweet gentle dog. He walks with encouragement but ignores other dogs and cars and builds up pace. He enjoys being patted and cuddled. Fletcher did not mind being arounds kids but does not engage much with them. He has a short coat and weighs 34.2kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.
Albert
Albert is a grey and white short coated boy who is approximately 2 years old. He is coming out of his shell and starting to enjoy pats and cuddles from our volunteers. He is social with other cats and has a calm nature. Albert weighs 4kg.
He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting him, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com
DOG WALKING is recommencing
DoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite.
We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time.
We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.
We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
New Wildlife Hospital For Taronga Zoo Sydney
A brand new state-of-the-art wildlife hospital will open at Taronga Zoo by 2024.
Funding from the NSW 2020-21 State Budget will give $37.5 million towards the new $77 million wildlife hospital that will be called the Centre for Wildlife Rescue, Conservation Medicine and Species Recovery.
Construction will start in mid-2021 for the new wildlife hospital which will operate at both Taronga Zoo Sydney and Western Plains Zoo Dubbo.
Once open, the new hospital will:
- increase the zoos emergency care capacity
- continue emergency wildlife welfare work
- allow teams to complete annual surgeries and health checks on their animals
- boost important preventative health care and biosecurity programs.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said Taronga Zoo is the primary wildlife hospital on the east coast of NSW, with admissions coming from as far as Newcastle in the north, Lithgow in the west and Jervis Bay in the south.
“Not only are we building a brand new wildlife hospital, this will also provide an upgraded, state-of-the-art Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Centre – to ensure important species, such as Corroboree Frogs, are protected for generations to come,” Mr Kean said.
This Issue:
Profile Bayview-Church Point Residents Association (BCPRA) 2020 Update Following successful community lobbying in 1898, the Bayview Groyne/Wharf, built in a then common but now very rare earthen groyne/wharf combination was officially opened to much acclaim in December 1900. It is a matter of record that the official party was met at Bayview by PT Taylor Esq, President of the local Progress Association, and that by 1907, residents had formed and named the Bayview-Church Point Progress Association, making this Association possibly the oldest continuously active community group on the Northern Beaches. In 1993, the Progress Association was incorporated, and in 2005, in accordance with changing times, the name was changed to Residents, rather than Progress, Association. The Association’s objectives are a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our unique environment whilst balancing this with the need for controlled development, thus enabling the on-going enjoyment of local residents and indeed of the wider community.
History Marine Rescue Broken Bay Unit's Beginnings In The Volunteer Coastal Patrol - Some RMYC BB Connections November each year is a special month for the Marine Rescue Broken Bay unit (at Bayview), as it was in this month that the original unit was formed as the Volunteer Coastal Patrol, making this month in 2020 the 84th year in a row volunteers have served the local and visiting boating community.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: November 1, 2020
Click on Logo to access latest PON:
To contact Julian: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Rotary Tree Of Joy 2020
The Rotary Club of the Upper Northern Beaches has its annual Tree of Joy now installed in Warriewood Square.
Donated gifts left there by people will be collected and delivered to local charities.Please help out if you can – this year has been very tough on all of us and tougher yet for some.
The Rotary Club of the Upper Northern Beaches has its annual Tree of Joy now installed in Warriewood Square.
Donated gifts left there by people will be collected and delivered to local charities.
Please help out if you can – this year has been very tough on all of us and tougher yet for some.
Mona Vale Road Upgrade (East): November 16 To 27, 2020
Newport Community Garden
Newport Community Garden is at 25 Woolcott Street, Newport. This is Newport residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces; strengthening community, improving health, reconnecting with nature.
We meet every Saturday from 10am till about midday at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.If you would like to join us please direct message us via our Facebook page or email us to newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.comFacebook page at: www.facebook.com/newportcgnsw
Everyone is welcome!!!
Photo: November 15, 2020: A very productive morning. Thanks team
Newport Community Garden is at 25 Woolcott Street, Newport. This is Newport residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces; strengthening community, improving health, reconnecting with nature.
We meet every Saturday from 10am till about midday at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.
If you would like to join us please direct message us via our Facebook page or email us to newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.com
Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/newportcgnsw
Everyone is welcome!!!
Photo: November 15, 2020: A very productive morning. Thanks team
Australia Post: Christmas Parcels 2020
Australia Post is encouraging people to ‘Spread the Merry’ this festive season with a uniquely Australian Christmas campaign that shows the value in helping others feel more connected.
Highlighting the beloved Australian landscape and some colourful characters, this year’s campaign builds on the successful campaign from 2019 and shows the thoughtfulness of a little girl named Audrey, who makes an important connection with an unlikely hero - a Major Mitchell cockatoo.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Community & Consumer Nicole Sheffield said after everything we have been through this year, the message of connecting and reconnecting has never been more important.
“We’ve been connecting people to their families, friends and communities at Christmas for over 210 years and our new ‘Spread the Merry’ campaign demonstrates how that sense of connectedness can make us all feel better,” she said.
“This year we’ve seen communities support each other in so many ways and we want to encourage that thoughtfulness throughout the Christmas season with simple gestures like a card or a small gift that can mean so much.
“As we’ve been getting ready for our biggest Christmas ever, we’ve also been encouraging people to send gifts and cards as early as they can, and by certain dates, for the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas.”
For delivery within the country Australia Post recommends presents are sent no later than Saturday 12 December for Parcel Post, and by Saturday 19 December for Express Post.
International sending dates mostly fall in November however, these differ based on location. Recommended final sending dates for standard post to major destinations begin from Monday 16 November.
Recommended final sending dates for major destinations (Standard Post):- USA, Canada, UK, Europe: Monday 16 November 2020
- Most of Asia: Monday 23 November 2020
- New Zealand: Friday 27 November 2020.
As Australia Post continues to manage the impacts of COVID-19 and more parcels than ever before, it is utilising additional parcel processing facilities, chartering extra freighter flights and hiring 5000 extra people to help deliver across the country.
For more information on Christmas sending visit auspost.com.au/christmas
Australia Post is encouraging people to ‘Spread the Merry’ this festive season with a uniquely Australian Christmas campaign that shows the value in helping others feel more connected.
Highlighting the beloved Australian landscape and some colourful characters, this year’s campaign builds on the successful campaign from 2019 and shows the thoughtfulness of a little girl named Audrey, who makes an important connection with an unlikely hero - a Major Mitchell cockatoo.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Community & Consumer Nicole Sheffield said after everything we have been through this year, the message of connecting and reconnecting has never been more important.
“We’ve been connecting people to their families, friends and communities at Christmas for over 210 years and our new ‘Spread the Merry’ campaign demonstrates how that sense of connectedness can make us all feel better,” she said.
“This year we’ve seen communities support each other in so many ways and we want to encourage that thoughtfulness throughout the Christmas season with simple gestures like a card or a small gift that can mean so much.
“As we’ve been getting ready for our biggest Christmas ever, we’ve also been encouraging people to send gifts and cards as early as they can, and by certain dates, for the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas.”
For delivery within the country Australia Post recommends presents are sent no later than Saturday 12 December for Parcel Post, and by Saturday 19 December for Express Post.
International sending dates mostly fall in November however, these differ based on location. Recommended final sending dates for standard post to major destinations begin from Monday 16 November.
Recommended final sending dates for major destinations (Standard Post):
- USA, Canada, UK, Europe: Monday 16 November 2020
- Most of Asia: Monday 23 November 2020
- New Zealand: Friday 27 November 2020.
As Australia Post continues to manage the impacts of COVID-19 and more parcels than ever before, it is utilising additional parcel processing facilities, chartering extra freighter flights and hiring 5000 extra people to help deliver across the country.
For more information on Christmas sending visit auspost.com.au/christmas
Bayview Church Point Residents Association
Bayview Church Point Residents Association, established in 1907, is possibly the oldest continuously active community group on the Northern Beaches. Newly elected President Peter Blanchard describes the Association’s objectives as commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our unique environment whilst balancing the need for controlled development, to ensure the on-going enjoyment of local residents and their families.
“We currently have a very committed committee which in this difficult year has remained actively engaged in resolving a wide range of local issues in liaison with Northern Beaches Council and our State and Federal representatives Rob Stokes and Jason Falinski” Mr Blanchard said.
The BCPRA committee meets monthly. Issues presently under consideration include at Bayview: Restoration of the historic Bayview Baths, and upgrading of the dangerous Scout Hall to Baths walkway; at Church Point: Monitoring the current traffic calming trial, problems relating to inappropriate use of the Cargo Wharf, upgrading of Thomas Stephens Reserve and resolution of related road access and walkway ‘pinch point’ issues.
BCPRA is happy to welcome new members, and to be advised of any additional issues which could benefit from BCPRA support. BCPRA membership is open to all adult residents of Bayview and Church Point at an annual subscription cost of $25.00 per family.
Enrolment details are available on the Bayview Church Point Residents Association website https://bcpra.wordpress.com.
For any queries or suggestions of further issues to be addressed, contact BCPRA at PO Box 348 Church Point 2105, or by email at bvcpra@gmail.com
Bayview Church Point Residents Association, established in 1907, is possibly the oldest continuously active community group on the Northern Beaches. Newly elected President Peter Blanchard describes the Association’s objectives as commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our unique environment whilst balancing the need for controlled development, to ensure the on-going enjoyment of local residents and their families.
“We currently have a very committed committee which in this difficult year has remained actively engaged in resolving a wide range of local issues in liaison with Northern Beaches Council and our State and Federal representatives Rob Stokes and Jason Falinski” Mr Blanchard said.
The BCPRA committee meets monthly. Issues presently under consideration include at Bayview: Restoration of the historic Bayview Baths, and upgrading of the dangerous Scout Hall to Baths walkway; at Church Point: Monitoring the current traffic calming trial, problems relating to inappropriate use of the Cargo Wharf, upgrading of Thomas Stephens Reserve and resolution of related road access and walkway ‘pinch point’ issues.
BCPRA is happy to welcome new members, and to be advised of any additional issues which could benefit from BCPRA support. BCPRA membership is open to all adult residents of Bayview and Church Point at an annual subscription cost of $25.00 per family.
Enrolment details are available on the Bayview Church Point Residents Association website https://bcpra.wordpress.com.
For any queries or suggestions of further issues to be addressed, contact BCPRA at PO Box 348 Church Point 2105, or by email at bvcpra@gmail.com
Call For Photos Of Volita
Pets Of The Week
Sansa
AGE/SEX: 5 years / F
BREED: Bull Arab X Kelpie?
Sansa is a beautiful gentle child friendly girl. She is well mannered with people and walks on loose lead. Sansa came from the pound with nodules on her thighs. We have had them removed. They were low grade mast tumours which we have been excised with a second surgery with wide margins. She has the all clear they are completely removed. She has a smooth coat and weighs 29.1kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450.
AGE/SEX: 5 years / F
BREED: Bull Arab X Kelpie?
Sansa is a beautiful gentle child friendly girl. She is well mannered with people and walks on loose lead. Sansa came from the pound with nodules on her thighs. We have had them removed. They were low grade mast tumours which we have been excised with a second surgery with wide margins. She has the all clear they are completely removed. She has a smooth coat and weighs 29.1kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450.
Albert
Albert is a grey and white short coated boy who is approximately 2 years old. He is coming out of his shell and starting to enjoy pats and cuddles from our volunteers. He is social with other cats and has a calm nature. Albert weighs 4kg.
He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting him, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com
DOG WALKING is recommencingDoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite.
We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time.
We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.
We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.
Foster Carers NeededNot everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Albert is a grey and white short coated boy who is approximately 2 years old. He is coming out of his shell and starting to enjoy pats and cuddles from our volunteers. He is social with other cats and has a calm nature. Albert weighs 4kg.
He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting him, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com
DOG WALKING is recommencing
DoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite.
We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time.
We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.
We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Northern Beaches Awarded NSW’s Most Sustainable City
Thursday, 12 November 2020
The Northern Beaches has today won the prestigious Keep Australia Beautiful NSW 2020 Sustainable Cities Award thanks to the combined efforts of Council, schools and community groups.
The awards recognise and support the accomplishments of Councils and volunteer environmental projects that actively work towards making Sydney a prime model for sustainable practices across all sectors of the community and industry.
Mayor Michael Regan, along with Council officers accepted the award from Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales at a ceremony in Granville today.
“We’re so lucky on the Northern Beaches to have such amazing natural assets like our beaches, waterways and bushland.
“We know how much our community value our local environment and that’s why at Council we have such a key focus on enhancing and protecting it.
“It’s fantastic that the Northern Beaches has been recognised as a leader in sustainability and it’s all thanks to a massive joint effort from Council, community organisations and schools that we’re this year’s Most Sustainable City in NSW. This award is testament to their hard work – congratulations to all.”
Northern Beaches Council was also the joint winner in the Response to Climate Change Award for the Protect.Create.Live – Northern Beaches Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the Swap for Good business program won the Environmental Communication Award and the Closed Loop Organic Recycling Program won the Recycled Organics Award. Waste education messaging on our garbage trucks ‘What a load of rubbish – say no to single-use plastic’ was Highly Commended in the Don’t Be a Tosser! Litter Action Award.
Mayor Regan also recognised the Northern Beaches community organisations that scooped up awards and helped us win the overall Sustainable Cities Award.
Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP) won the Coastal and Waterways Protection Award for their Reducing Litter in Dee Why Lagoon Catchment project and Operation Straw, Highly Commended in the Coastal and Waterways Protection category for their good work retrieving plastic straws from our local oceans.
Our local schools also got involved with Seaforth Public School taking out the School Achievement Award for their Kitchen Garden program and Northern Beaches Secondary College, Cromer Campus awarded Highly Commended for their recycling project. Read about the amazing submissions our local schools submitted to the awards.
NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit News
November 10, 2020
Tonight at our unit, we had the following awards presented to volunteers:
- 4 members received their 5 Year Service Award
- 26 members received a NSW Premiers Bushfire Emergency Citation. In recognition of their assistance to the RFS during the 2019/2020 Bushfires.
Thank you to all of our members and congratulations to everyone that was recognised for their efforts!
If you need emergency assistance due to flood/storm damage, call NSW SES on 132 500. If life threatening, call 000.
Monika Biernacki & Mabel With Doggie Rescue Calendar 2020 - More Next Issue!
The Serpentine Bilgola Shared Space Consult
Submissions close: Sunday November 22, 2020
Over the next 12 months Council will be trialling a walking and cycling-friendly link within The Serpentine, Bilgola, which also forms Section 2 of the Newport to Avalon Pedestrian and Cycle Link.
The changes include:
- more space for cycling with cycle lanes on the uphill sections of The Serpentine
- a 10 km/h posted speed limit
- planter boxes, pavement paintings and marked parking bays.
This new safe cycling route supports the Move - Northern Beaches Transport Strategy 2038's aim to double active travel trips for households, commuters and school students. The project also supports various objectives outlined in the Northern Beaches Bike Plan, Walking Plan and Road Safety Plan.
Council hope to commence construction in November ready for the trial to start in December. This project is funded by the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program and Northern Beaches Council.
The consultation period has been extended and will now close Sunday 22 November. Council will also check in with the community to monitor how the trial is going at various stages over the next 12 months.
Provide feedback here: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/streets-shared-spaces-serpentine
Artist impression of changes in one section
Newport - Avalon Pedestrian & Cycle Link Section 1
Submissions close: Sun December 6, 2020
This section commences at the northern end of Newport Beach carpark, adjacent to Neptune Road and finishes at The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach.
A key theme identified during stage 1 consultation for this section was to minimise impact on vegetation where possible. Council have now revised the plans and reduced the width of the path to 3 metre (originally 3.5m) to reduce vegetation loss.
Construction is expected to begin in mid 2021.
View the revised design and have your say here: section-1-newport-beach-bilgola-beach
Newport - Avalon Pedestrian & Cycle Link
Submissions close: Sun December 6, 2020
This section of the Newport to Avalon Pedestrian and Cycle link commences at the northern intersection of The Serpentine and Barrenjoey Road and finishes at Avalon Parade, Avalon.
Following ongoing consultation with the community Council revised the design to protect the local environment and maintain the existing amenity of the area.
The design now features:
- 2.5 meter wide shared path from The Serpentine to Surfside Avenue (originally 3.5 meters wide)
- new path on Surfside Avenue (Eastern side) crossing to the western side and continuing into Avalon Parade
Council are also no longer proceeding with formalisation of the South Avalon Headland Carpark or the concrete path along the eastern edge of the carpark.
High resolution designs and images are available in the document library. View the latest design and provide feedback here: https://yoursay./bilgola-beach-avalon-beach
2021 Doggie Rescue Calendar
Monika's Doggie Rescue have just opened orders for their 2021 Superheroes calendar.
This is the major fundraising activity for the whole year for this organisation to save all these darling dogs, cats, rabbits (and others) and these wonderful calendars make an excellent Christmas gift that brings delight to those you give it to all year round - for 12 months in fact!
Pittwater Online has already secured ours and no, we will not be handing them over should you miss out - staff and family have already put their hands up, and there will be howling, literally, should anyone find theirs has been 'reallocated'.
Order yours at: www.doggierescue.com/2021calendar.
 | Where to get help - March 2020.pdf Size : 465.979 Kb Type : pdf |
Remembrance Day 2020
Each year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to pay our respects to all those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Pleasingly, Remembrance Day Services will still be able to go ahead this year.
The NSW Government have approved an exemption to allow up to 100 people to gather at community war memorials (with social distancing) to pay their respects.
Notice Of Intention To Revoke Interment Rights At Mona Vale
On a stroll around Mona Vale Cemetery on Thursday 29 October 2020 a Reader came across these signs which are "Notice of Intention to Revoke Interment Rights".
He counted at least a dozen of these signs at various locations around MV Cemetery.
If you, or someone you know, have interment rights at MVC you may want to check this to make sure it does not affect you.
photo courtesy Ross Downie
FrogID Week
FrogID Week is on this week and we need the entire FrogID community to get involved! Every recording contributes to the annual ‘audioshot’ of Australian frogs, and helps measure the health of our frogs and environment.
This year, there is a competition for the FrogID user who submits the highest submissions of verified frogs during FrogID Week. The ‘Top Frogger’ will win a Bunnings gift card valued at $500, as well as a video conference opportunity with FrogID Lead Scientist, Dr Jodi Rowley!
Please familiarise yourself with the Terms & Conditions of the Top Frogger competition here: https://portal.frogid.net.au/top-frogger-competition
Thanks to your FrogID submissions from all across Australia, the FrogID team have produced seven scientific papers so far. This month, FrogID research revealed that Australian frogs indeed have accents, and their accents change across the country, and even over time. They also used FrogID data to take a closer look at just how much frogs restrict their calling to night-time, and found that most Australian frogs actually call during the day, some at surprisingly high rates!
All the research produced by the FrogID project is a reminder of how your records are providing information about frogs on scales never before possible. Last month, the team revealed how your FrogID records are providing an early understanding of frogs persisting after the Black Summer bushfires, but this picture is not yet complete. Your continued use of FrogID is very important this year, more than ever.
Whether you’re at a nearby creek, pond, nature reserve, or your own backyard – every recording of a frog call contributes to the research. So far, FrogID has identified more than 250,000 frog calls and identified 199 of the known 242 Australian frog species. During FrogID Week last year, over 5,000 frog records from 71 species were counted! The best way to stay up to date with this year’s FrogID Week information, stats, and exciting discoveries, is by following FrogID on social media.
With La Niña underway and the likelihood of above average rainfall across much of Australia, we hope more frogs will be breeding and calling this year. Head outside each day of FrogID Week and help FrogID find calling frogs – together, we can build our understanding and better protect our frog species.
Safe frogging, everyone!
Image: Southern Barred Frog (Mixophyes balbus) by Jodi Rowley.
Can You Help Restore Our Environment? R&R Grants Open
November 5, 2020
If your community or government group could rehabilitate or conserve our natural environment, then apply for Environmental Restoration & Rehabilitation grant of up to $150,000.
NSW Environmental Trust Director Grants Tina Bidese is pleased to announce new program conditions.
“For the first time, all applicants will need to address at least one of these two new immediate priorities for the Environmental Trust: supporting threatened species recovery, and/or addressing climate change impacts on the natural environment – either mitigation or adaptation.
“Also, we’re now offering 2 grant streams – for new and experienced grantees – with new applicants eligible for up to $100,000, and experienced applicants for up to $150,000,” Ms Bidese said.
Experienced applicants are previous R&R grantees.
Additionally, for the first time this year a small amount of extra funding is available to each successful applicant to cover costs of a media and communications package (up to $4000), project monitoring (up to 10% of the grant value), and financial audit (up to $1000 for non-government and community applicants).
This extra support will help optimise and promote project outcomes, while also injecting money into the broader local community.
Potential project areas could be bush regeneration, weed management, capacity building, signage and educational resources, erosion control, fencing, ecological/cultural burning, formalisation of tracks, habitat creation structures, pest animal management, employment of project staff, revegetation, seed production areas/orchards and threatened species management.
Community organisations must be not-for-profits in order to apply, and could be community groups, incorporated associations, incorporated non-profit organisations, non-commercial cooperatives, companies limited by guarantee or non-government organisations. See guidelines for further detail.
Eligible government organisations include state government agencies and/or statutory committees, councils, regional organisations of councils, other local government-controlled organisations and universities (only eligible to apply for funding for projects on their own land).
Applications close 3pm on 14 December 2020. More information available online.
Vale Robert ( Dunlop ) Ferguson
Robert has passed away last weekend. A Top Bloke and a Manly Warringah Rugby League player President Cup to First Grade. He was also a member of South Narrabeen SLSC .
Vale Dunlop.
Ken 'Sava' Lloyd
Ride The Train To End Polio – A Rotary Initiative
On October 23, members of our local Rotary Clubs (Upper Northern Beaches and Dee Why – Warringah) joined other Rotarians who spent the whole day riding on trains going through all 190 Railway Stations on the Sydney network to raise further funds to eradicate Polio from the world for good. These other Rotarians had started at 4.30am. at Cronulla and finished at 10pm, 17 ½ hours later at Tallawong, near Rouse Hill. With no trains on the Northern Beaches, our local Rotarians drove to Gordon and joined the travellers, giving them moral support on their journey out of the city on the T1 route to Berowra and back to Hornsby, where the ongoing travellers changed trains on their way onto Strathfield.
On the train our local Rotary clubs presented a cheque for $1,000. On the same day, there were similar train rides taking place across Perth, SE Queensland, Wellington and Auckland with over $100,000 collected to end Polio.
Because of Rotary and its partners, almost 19 million people are walking today, who would otherwise have been paralysed. Wild polio has recently been eradicated totally in Africa with it only remaining now in Afghanistan and Pakistan. For every dollar that Rotary donates to ending Polio, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donates a further two dollars, so tripling the impact to assist in eradicating this terrible disease. The Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches are planning to start a Crowd Funding campaign to assist further within a few months.
On train near Hornsby, our local Rotarians presenting the cheque.
Rotarians Mark and David Anderson, who visited all 190 Sydney Stations.
Rob Haines
President
Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches
Bayview Church Point Residents Association
Bayview Church Point Residents Association, established in 1907, is possibly the oldest continuously active community group on the Northern Beaches. Newly elected President Peter Blanchard describes the Association’s objectives as commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our unique environment whilst balancing the need for controlled development, to ensure the on-going enjoyment of local residents and their families.
“We currently have a very committed committee which in this difficult year has remained actively engaged in resolving a wide range of local issues in liaison with Northern Beaches Council and our State and Federal representatives Rob Stokes and Jason Falinski” Mr Blanchard said.
The BCPRA committee meets monthly. Issues presently under consideration include at Bayview: Restoration of the historic Bayview Baths, and upgrading of the dangerous Scout Hall to Baths walkway; at Church Point: Monitoring the current traffic calming trial, problems relating to inappropriate use of the Cargo Wharf, upgrading of Thomas Stephens Reserve and resolution of related road access and walkway ‘pinch point’ issues.
BCPRA is happy to welcome new members, and to be advised of any additional issues which could benefit from BCPRA support. BCPRA membership is open to all adult residents of Bayview and Church Point at an annual subscription cost of $25.00 per family.
Enrolment details are available on the Bayview Church Point Residents Association website https://bcpra.wordpress.com.
For any queries or suggestions of further issues to be addressed, contact BCPRA at PO Box 348 Church Point 2105, or by email at bvcpra@gmail.com
Pets Of The Week
Mikey
AGE/SEX: 18 months / M
BREED: Pointer X Cattle
Mikey is a sweet natured boy. He is excited to go on a walk and walks on loose lead. He ignores cars and passing dogs and sits on command. Volunteers say "Very sweet dog but when he got overexcited, was a bit mouthy." "He loves to roll in the grass, very playful and cuddly". Our trainer says "lovely dog but typical of his breed, gets aroused by movement and likes to chase and jumps up and becomes mouthy". For this reason he is not suitable as a dog park dog. He suits kids 12+yo. Mikey knows sit and shake. He has a short coat and weighs 25.7kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.
Bella
Bella is a tortoiseshell approximately 10 years old. She is very affectionate with visitors and is a little purr machine. She has just had a dental with 1 extraction. She weighs 3.1kg. She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com
DOG WALKING is recommencing
DoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite.
We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time.
We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.
We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Neutral Bay Village Tests Out A New Plaza
Neutral Bay is test driving a new plaza on Young Street which will enhance the vibrant shopping and restaurant precinct and add much needed public open space. The temporary plaza, which will be suitable for a range of recreational uses, will be built from hired fixtures and elements that can be re-used elsewhere.
The temporary plaza will be constructed on Young Street between Military Road and Grosvenor Lane from Monday 2 November. Construction is estimated to take eight weeks and the completed plaza will then be trialled for three months. The community is invited to give feedback on both the road closure and the plaza.
North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson said the initial community consultation had revealed mixed attitudes within the community to the proposal.
“Many people could see the plaza becoming a central community hub as Ernest Place in Crows Nest is – a place where you can meet friends for a coffee, listen to a busker or just sit in the sun to read a book. Others were concerned that the road closure would create delays or make traffic heavier on nearby streets.
“Council decided to trial the closure to give the community an opportunity to see the impact and benefits of the plaza before making a final decision.”
Mayor Gibson said that in recent years Neutral Bay had emerged as a popular destination with high quality restaurants drawing in residents and people from further afield.
“I believe the contemporary design of the plaza will add to the vibrancy of the village and provide a creative recreation place. I encourage everyone to visit Neutral Bay early in 2021 to judge for themselves.”
The works are fully funded by Transport for NSW as part of the funding deed with Council for the streetscape upgrade works that complement the Northern Beaches B-Line Bus Service. The project is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to make Military Road and the villages more appealing as a shopping destination for residents and visitors.
Mums For Mums Xmas 2020 Fundraiser
These ‘Gingerbread Folk’ gingerbread house kits are a wonderfully festive family activity, and come in three varieties – Original, Gluten Free, and Chocolate, complete with lollies to decorate!
Assembled house approx 16cm (h) x 15cm (w) x 12cm (d)
packaging dimensions 20cm (h) x 27.5cm (w) x 4.7cm (d)
- Made in Australia
- Vegan
- Nut free
- Palm oil free
- No added colours or flavours
- No added preservatives
- Compostable wrapper
- Kosher
Order your kits with us between now and FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20th. Pick up locally from the Newport Rugby Club House on SUNDAY DECEMBER 6th between 10 am and 2 pm.
Order at: www.mumsformums.org.au/christmas-gingerbread-houses
The Serpentine Bilgola Shared Space Consult
Submissions close: Sunday November 22, 2020
Over the next 12 months Council will be trialling a walking and cycling-friendly link within The Serpentine, Bilgola, which also forms Section 2 of the Newport to Avalon Pedestrian and Cycle Link.
The changes include:
- more space for cycling with cycle lanes on the uphill sections of The Serpentine
- a 10 km/h posted speed limit
- planter boxes, pavement paintings and marked parking bays.
This new safe cycling route supports the Move - Northern Beaches Transport Strategy 2038's aim to double active travel trips for households, commuters and school students. The project also supports various objectives outlined in the Northern Beaches Bike Plan, Walking Plan and Road Safety Plan.
Council hope to commence construction in November ready for the trial to start in December. This project is funded by the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program and Northern Beaches Council.
The consultation period has been extended and will now close Sunday 22 November. Council will also check in with the community to monitor how the trial is going at various stages over the next 12 months.
Provide feedback here: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/streets-shared-spaces-serpentine
Artist impression of changes in one section
Newport - Avalon Pedestrian & Cycle Link Section 1
Submissions close: Sun December 6, 2020
This section commences at the northern end of Newport Beach carpark, adjacent to Neptune Road and finishes at The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach.
A key theme identified during stage 1 consultation for this section was to minimise impact on vegetation where possible. Council have now revised the plans and reduced the width of the path to 3 metre (originally 3.5m) to reduce vegetation loss.
Construction is expected to begin in mid 2021.
View the revised design and have your say here: section-1-newport-beach-bilgola-beach
Newport - Avalon Pedestrian & Cycle Link
Submissions close: Sun December 6, 2020
This section of the Newport to Avalon Pedestrian and Cycle link commences at the northern intersection of The Serpentine and Barrenjoey Road and finishes at Avalon Parade, Avalon.
Following ongoing consultation with the community Council revised the design to protect the local environment and maintain the existing amenity of the area.
The design now features:
- 2.5 meter wide shared path from The Serpentine to Surfside Avenue (originally 3.5 meters wide)
- new path on Surfside Avenue (Eastern side) crossing to the western side and continuing into Avalon Parade
Council are also no longer proceeding with formalisation of the South Avalon Headland Carpark or the concrete path along the eastern edge of the carpark.
High resolution designs and images are available in the document library. View the latest design and provide feedback here: https://yoursay./bilgola-beach-avalon-beach
2021 Doggie Rescue Calendar
Monika's Doggie Rescue have just opened orders for their 2021 Superheroes calendar.
This is the major fundraising activity for the whole year for this organisation to save all these darling dogs, cats, rabbits (and others) and these wonderful calendars make an excellent Christmas gift that brings delight to those you give it to all year round - for 12 months in fact!
Pittwater Online has already secured ours and no, we will not be handing them over should you miss out - staff and family have already put their hands up, and there will be howling, literally, should anyone find theirs has been 'reallocated'.
Order yours at: www.doggierescue.com/2021calendar.
| Where to get help - March 2020.pdf Size : 465.979 Kb Type : pdf |
This Issue: full list in Contents page
Profile Mark RobinsonBarrenjoey High School continues to promote a vision of providing a school experience where Respect, Effort and Challenge are highly valued. Here, students respect the subjects they study, the content, teachers, environment and themselves, where effort is expected, valued, recognised and celebrated and where students see the worth in challenging themselves to ‘be the best they can be’.
Barrenjoey is a community comprehensive high school with an exceptional geographic position, and, as an integral part of a cosmopolitan, artistic and creative community, has developed a unique blend of academic performance, artistic expression and social awareness.
This term a new Principal, Mark Robinson, has commenced. A Lifelong Learner, someone who keeps acquiring new skills and capabilities well past their formal education years, Mark reflects Barrenjoey's own vision of striving to be the best you can be.
Lifelong learning involves not only studying new topics but also developing an open-minded, positive attitude about the dynamic nature of the world - Lifelong learning is a form of self-initiated education that is focused on personal development.
His overall goal and vision for Barrenjoey is to continue to offer the widest possible curriculum, ensuring that students have the option of learning a diverse range of subjects to drive their passion and commitment for deep learning. His desire is to see students to continue to strive for excellence, to be well-informed global citizens, with a strong sense of social justice and be ready for whatever lies ahead of them for their future careers and personal lives.
Mr. Robinson's wife Tania also works in education and both their families have a long history of teaching.
This week a few insights from the newest member of our community for those currently at the school and those who will commence high school learning next year.
The fairly recently introduced Keoride system for connecting commuters to the B-Line at Mona Vale may seem like a revolutionary idea but a glance backwards 100 years shows a similar type and size of vehicle was running people to Narrabeen and further south from Palm Beach in the early 1920's. A bus taking the long from Palm Beach to Manly is also one of the not only longest routes in Sydney but also one of the oldest as, before the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened in 1932, everyone caught a bus to Manly to catch a ferry over the water to the city or used the punt at The Spit to travel to Mosman and North Sydney and catch a ferry from there. Even then it was a few years after the bridge provided direct access into town from Palm Beach that a service commenced.
The first 'rumour' of a privately-run motor bus for Pittwater came through the Mosman Mail who stated the proprietor of the Rock Lily would be overseeing this wonderful new shift from coaches pulled by horses to machines that would make the horses run and fill the air with a scent quite unlike that of horse hair and hay. This could have been expected by any who knew Leon Houreux, especially since so many accounts of his life in Paris prior to coming to Australia and becoming one of the timber fellers around the Elanora-Ingleside Powder Works state he revelled in being a coach driver with a penchant for haste.
Environment Parra'dowee Season, Bark Shedding Time - Pittwater Spotted Gums, You Could Be Driving On Recycled Garbage From Here, Avoid The Mozzies This Summer, Federal Environment Minister Approves Port Stephens Endangered Koala Habitat Destruction Of Over 128 Acres For Mine Expansion, NSW Government-Owned NSW Forestry Corporation Currently Logging In Key Critically Endangered Swift Parrot Habitat, NSW State and Federal Bushfire Inquires Done: Still No Recommendations To Save The Next 3 Billion Animals Or Support Volunteer Carers In The Firegrounds Afterwards - Do State & Federal Governments Expect Local Or Overseas Agencies and Volunteers To Pick Up The Tab Again & Again & Again?; Yes!, Tick Population Booming In Our Area, Shorebird Identification Booklet: free to download, Pittwater Reserves, Community Gardens and Environment Groups, Pittwater Reserves++
Inbox News A Bark With Bite: Australia Needs An ICAC-Styled National Independent Watchdog, Appointments To The High Court Of Australia, Prime Minister's Prizes Celebrate The Best Of Australian Science, UNSW Solar Pioneer Named Physical Scientist Of The Year, Divide And Conquer :A New Formula To Minimize 'Mathemaphobia'
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: November 1, 2020
Click on Logo to access latest PON:
To contact Julian: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Remembrance Day 2020
Each year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to pay our respects to all those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Pleasingly, Remembrance Day Services will still be able to go ahead this year.
The NSW Government have approved an exemption to allow up to 100 people to gather at community war memorials (with social distancing) to pay their respects.
The Serpentine Bilgola Shared Space Consult
Submissions close: Sunday November 22, 2020
Over the next 12 months Council will be trialling a walking and cycling-friendly link within The Serpentine, Bilgola, which also forms Section 2 of the Newport to Avalon Pedestrian and Cycle Link.
The changes include:
- more space for cycling with cycle lanes on the uphill sections of The Serpentine
- a 10 km/h posted speed limit
- planter boxes, pavement paintings and marked parking bays.
This new safe cycling route supports the Move - Northern Beaches Transport Strategy 2038's aim to double active travel trips for households, commuters and school students. The project also supports various objectives outlined in the Northern Beaches Bike Plan, Walking Plan and Road Safety Plan.
Council hope to commence construction in November ready for the trial to start in December. This project is funded by the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program and Northern Beaches Council.
The consultation period has been extended and will now close Sunday 22 November. Council will also check in with the community to monitor how the trial is going at various stages over the next 12 months.
Provide feedback here: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/streets-shared-spaces-serpentine
Artist impression of changes in one section
Newport - Avalon Pedestrian & Cycle Link Section 1
Submissions close: Sun December 6, 2020
This section commences at the northern end of Newport Beach carpark, adjacent to Neptune Road and finishes at The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach.
A key theme identified during stage 1 consultation for this section was to minimise impact on vegetation where possible. Council have now revised the plans and reduced the width of the path to 3 metre (originally 3.5m) to reduce vegetation loss.
Construction is expected to begin in mid 2021.
View the revised design and have your say here: section-1-newport-beach-bilgola-beach
Newport - Avalon Pedestrian & Cycle Link
Submissions close: Sun December 6, 2020
This section of the Newport to Avalon Pedestrian and Cycle link commences at the northern intersection of The Serpentine and Barrenjoey Road and finishes at Avalon Parade, Avalon.
Following ongoing consultation with the community Council revised the design to protect the local environment and maintain the existing amenity of the area.
The design now features:
- 2.5 meter wide shared path from The Serpentine to Surfside Avenue (originally 3.5 meters wide)
- new path on Surfside Avenue (Eastern side) crossing to the western side and continuing into Avalon Parade
Council are also no longer proceeding with formalisation of the South Avalon Headland Carpark or the concrete path along the eastern edge of the carpark.
High resolution designs and images are available in the document library. View the latest design and provide feedback here: https://yoursay./bilgola-beach-avalon-beach
Proposed Outdoor Dining Licence On Crown Land At Church Point
1860 Pittwater Road, adjoining McCarrs Creek Road, Church Point
Submissions close: Friday November 27, 2020
In May 2020, community members were notified and submissions were invited on a proposed 12-month Outdoor Dining Licence to the business trading as the 'Waterfront Café & General Store'.
This licence is now being re-notified as Council has been asked to consider a longer-term and larger area licence.
The proposed length of this licence is approximately 18 years, terminating on 31 October 2039.
Submissions received on the initial 12-months proposal will be taken into consideration as part of this current engagement.
Have your say by:
- completing the submission form here
- emailing: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
- writing to marked 'Proposed Outdoor Dining Licence, 1860 Pittwater Road, Church Point, C000839/04 ' Northern Beaches Council, PO BOX 82 Manly 1655.
If you have an enquiry, please contact the Property team on 1300 434 434.
Licence notification
In accordance with the Crown Land Management Act 2016, section 70 (2)(f) Crown Land Management Regulation 2018 70(2)(f) and Section 47A of the Local Government Act 1993, Northern Beaches Council hereby gives notice of its intention to consider granting a licence to the business trading as Waterfront Café & General Store, to use the 38.4 sqm located on the proposed walkway adjacent to 1860 Pittwater Road in Church Point Reserve.
The purpose of the licence agreement is to enable the applicant to operate its business to provide seating and other dining facilities to customers of the adjoining restaurant. The licence is subject to the payment of a licence fee and Council approval. The licence does not propose any increase to patron numbers.
Bayview Church Point Residents Association
Bayview Church Point Residents Association, established in 1907, is possibly the oldest continuously active community group on the Northern Beaches. Newly elected President Peter Blanchard describes the Association’s objectives as commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our unique environment whilst balancing the need for controlled development, to ensure the on-going enjoyment of local residents and their families.
“We currently have a very committed committee which in this difficult year has remained actively engaged in resolving a wide range of local issues in liaison with Northern Beaches Council and our State and Federal representatives Rob Stokes and Jason Falinski” Mr Blanchard said.
The BCPRA committee meets monthly. Issues presently under consideration include at Bayview: Restoration of the historic Bayview Baths, and upgrading of the dangerous Scout Hall to Baths walkway; at Church Point: Monitoring the current traffic calming trial, problems relating to inappropriate use of the Cargo Wharf, upgrading of Thomas Stephens Reserve and resolution of related road access and walkway ‘pinch point’ issues.
BCPRA is happy to welcome new members, and to be advised of any additional issues which could benefit from BCPRA support. BCPRA membership is open to all adult residents of Bayview and Church Point at an annual subscription cost of $25.00 per family.
Enrolment details are available on the Bayview Church Point Residents Association website https://bcpra.wordpress.com.
For any queries or suggestions of further issues to be addressed, contact BCPRA at PO Box 348 Church Point 2105, or by email at bvcpra@gmail.com
Landslip At Mackerel Beach
Police have assisted with rescue efforts after wild weather caused extensive damage on our western shores at the beginning of this week.
About 12.15am (Monday 26 October 2020), officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Great Mackerel Beach, Pittwater after reports of a land slip.
Emergency services assisted with the evacuation of 15 people from eight homes in the area.
Six homes remain in the exclusion zone and residents from the affected houses have made alternative arrangements.
There were no reports of injury.
Damage assessments will be conducted by the relevant agencies when weather permits.
Police are appealing for people to stay away from the affected area as forecasted weather may render it unsafe.
Pets Of The Week
Pablo 
AGE/SEX: 9 years / M
BREED: Lab X Mastiff
Pablo is a calm quieter child tolerant dog. He is polite and friendly but not overly engaged with children. Our trainer says "Very calm dog. Children should use flat hand as can be a bit rough with treats but sits politely." Pablo Knows sit and drop. He has a short coat and weighs 35kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.
Purdy
Purdy is sweet and smoochy blue tortiseshell girl approximately 8 years old. She is super relaxed and friendly and is social with other cats.
She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com
DOG WALKING is recommencing
DoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite.
We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time.
We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.
We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Mums For Mums Xmas 2020 Fundraiser
These ‘Gingerbread Folk’ gingerbread house kits are a wonderfully festive family activity, and come in three varieties – Original, Gluten Free, and Chocolate, complete with lollies to decorate!
Assembled house approx 16cm (h) x 15cm (w) x 12cm (d)
packaging dimensions 20cm (h) x 27.5cm (w) x 4.7cm (d)
- Made in Australia
- Vegan
- Nut free
- Palm oil free
- No added colours or flavours
- No added preservatives
- Compostable wrapper
- Kosher
Order your kits with us between now and FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20th. Pick up locally from the Newport Rugby Club House on SUNDAY DECEMBER 6th between 10 am and 2 pm.
Order at: www.mumsformums.org.au/christmas-gingerbread-houses
2021 Road Safety Calendar ‘Best Of’ Collection
An eye-catching reminder of road rules for the family or workplace, the 2021 Road Safety Calendar features a ‘best of’ collection bringing together some of the best road safety messages from the past four calendars.
Catchy slogans, vintage poster art, and interesting facts highlight a road safety message each month in a fun and engaging way. The calendar is available free to all northern Sydney residents by contacting your local council or picking up from various community locations.
The calendar year begins in January with a reminder on driveway safety and ends with a December specials pub menu, listing options for a night out in the festive season. Other topics include driving safely in school zones, the importance of driving to the conditions, being a courteous road user and sharing the road safely with all road users.
The calendar is an important reminder for all drivers, riders, cyclists and pedestrians alike, and has been delivered to residents since 2001 with the aim of educating and encouraging positive behaviour for all road users, across all ages.
The 2021 Road Safety Calendar is a collaboration between six northern Sydney councils: North Sydney, Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Northern Beaches and City of Ryde. Please contact your local council for a copy of the calendar.
Soibada Update
Friends of Soibada and the community in the village want to say thank you!
Don’t forget, please share our crowdfunding campaign to as many people as you can. We are about half way to our target and you can see in this video what a difference your generosity is making!
Crowdfunding page: https://bit.ly/3gfsAcd
| Where to get help - March 2020.pdf Size : 465.979 Kb Type : pdf |
Avalon Boomerang Bags Workshop News
New Tuesday workshop times in the Avalon Recreation Centre 11am - 3pm. All are welcome, if you can't sew we will teach you.
Bags and plastic free reusable goodies are for sale during the workshops so please pop in.
Remember there is no excuse for single use plastics, even during wretched COVID19, and washed reusables are best. Do our ocean, waves and beaches a favour and BYO bags, bottles, cups and straws.
2021 Doggie Rescue Calendar
Monika's Doggie Rescue have just opened orders for their 2021 Superheroes calendar.
This is the major fundraising activity for the whole year for this organisation to save all these darling dogs, cats, rabbits (and others) and these wonderful calendars make an excellent Christmas gift that brings delight to those you give it to all year round - for 12 months in fact!
Pittwater Online has already secured ours and no, we will not be handing them over should you miss out - staff and family have already put their hands up, and there will be howling, literally, should anyone find theirs has been 'reallocated'.
Order yours at: www.doggierescue.com/2021calendar.