Pittwater Online News

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:  November 2024

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

Contents: Scotland Island Fire Brigade Needs You!; Toyshed Damage: how do we stop this vandalism?; The Right Path: teenager & family enhancement program; International Folk Dancing; The Tuesday Discussion Group; Scotland Island Christmas Market & Cafe

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Carols on the Green 2024 at Av. Bowlo

Peninsula Seniors Toy Recyclers: Call out for Toys

Just Launched: Living Ocean's OceanSounds! 

Newport Residents Association Meeting: Guest Superintendent John Duncan

The next meeting of the Newport Residents Association will be held on Tuesday evening 19th November 2024  commencing at 7 pm at the Newport Community Centre Activity Room, The Boulevard, Newport.

Australia Post unveils festive new stamp collection for Christmas 2024

New household battery incentives now available for NSW

Boost for Faith community safety with $5 million funding

Legal matters made easier with new Legal Aid NSW client portal

Anticipation builds for the Hansa World and International Championships

Appeal for information after projectiles thrown at B-Line buses

Police are appealing for information following reports of projectiles being thrown at buses on the Northern Beaches.

Officers attached to Police Transport Command, North Central, have been informed that around 1.50am on Saturday 9 November 2024, a bus was travelling south bound on Burnt Creek Deviation, Balgowlah, when a large rock was thrown through its windscreen.

 

The 57-year-old bus driver sustained minor injuries. One passenger on the bus was uninjured.

Police commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with assistance from officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command.

Following inquiries, police were told two other north bound buses has been hit by projectiles at the same location at about 11.42pm on Thursday 8 November 2024 and 1.30am on Friday 9 November 2024; however they weren’t reported to police.

No one was injured in either incident, however the buses were damaged.

Initial inquiries suggest the incidents are linked.

As investigations continue, police are releasing images of the incidents and urging anyone with information, including dashcam vision or CCTV to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. 

Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Libs Announce former RSL NSW President as 2025 Candidate for Mackellar

Current Chairman of Invictus Australia, former Army officer and President of RSL NSW James Brown has been selected by party members as the Liberal candidate to vie with independent MP for Mackellar, Dr. Sophie Scamps, at next year's Federal Election for the seat.

Mr. Brown spent more than a decade in the Australian Army, including deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and Solomon Islands. During that time, he commanded a cavalry troop on combat operations in Southern Iraq, completed a second Iraq deployment as a battle Captain at Australia’s task force headquarters in Baghdad, and was responsible for operations and contingency planning for Australia’s operations in the Solomon Islands. 

In 2008 and 2009 he was deployed to Afghanistan on an attachment to a coalition special operations task force. 

After his military service, he worked at the Lowy Institute of International Policy and the United States Studies Centre before being elected as the youngest ever RSL President to lead the organisation through a significant period of reform. 

In 2020 he was appointed as the CEO of the Space Industry Association of Australia, leading more than 70 businesses working to enable space industry for Australia’s economy, security, international partnerships, and climate future. 

Mr. Brown is the Chairman and co-founder of Invictus Australia which supports more than 3000 veterans and helping the Australian contingent to compete at the international Invictus Games.

Mr. Brown bought a weekender at Mackerel Beach a year ago, so he's now become a member of the 'water access only' Pittwaterians.

No word yet on whether he sails, paddles or putt-putts for his commute.

Announcements of contenders for other seats in 2025 indicate the Liberals will campaign on a 'cost of living' narrative.

Prime Minister Albanese is not expected to confirm the date for the 2025 Federal Election until April.

Boondah Road, Warriewood - Upgrade: feedback sought

Council is proposing to undertake a significant upgrade of Boondah Road in Warriewood, between Spine Bill Drive to Jacksons Road. 

The project is a key component of the Warriewood Valley Roads Masterplan, Landscape Masterplan, and Development Contributions Plan, designed to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Council states the upgrade will enhance access to sports fields, improve connections to the existing road and cycle network, and provide better access to public facilities, including the future Warriewood Community Centre.

Key changes include:

• new 2.5m wide shared-user path for walking and cycling
• new dedicated footpath for pedestrian safety
• new raised pedestrian crossings for improved safety
• addition of designated parking bays
• road surface improvements
• new road markings and signage
• upgrades to existing lighting and new lighting over pedestrian crossings for enhanced safety
• emergency vehicle driveway access bays
• new landscaping
• new shared path connecting to B-line bus stop on Pittwater Road
• new roundabout installed at the Boondah Road and Jacksons Road intersection.

Council states the concept design is based on thorough research, including surveys and geotechnical field investigations.

In conjunction with the proposed Boondah Road upgrade, additional infrastructure improvements are planned for the surrounding area. These include the development of new hard court facilities with lighting and construction of a purpose-built sports amenities building. 

Council will release details of those proposals next year to gather feedback on these designs.

Construction for the Boondah works anticipated to commence in mid-2025, pending outcomes of community feedback and subject to decision of the Local Traffic Committee. Works anticipated to take 6 months to complete, weather dependent.

Have a look, have a say, here: 

yoursay.boondah-road-warriewood-upgrade

Scope of work Illustration courtesy NBC:

Government ends unfair ticketless parking fine system

The state government announced on  November 14 it is making changes to the ticketless parking system.

The NBC introduced the system locally quite recently, reporting it had reduced abuse and assaults on rangers to virtually zero.

See August 20214 report Ticketless parking fines surge under Councils: NBC records a reduction in assault - abuse of rangers since system introduced

The government states the changes bring to an end the ticketless system introduced by the previous Liberal-National Government in 2020. Under the ticketless system, instead of having the infringement notice left on the vehicle, the fine was sent by post, sometimes not being received until weeks after the incident. 

Soon after the introduction of the previous government’s ticketless system, the NRMA and other stakeholders raised issues with the scheme, identifying that it removed transparency and make it more difficult for motorists to contest their fine.

In 2023/24, local councils issued 822,310 ticketless parking fines, a 49% increase over the 551,441 issued in 2022/23.

The government said the Fines Amendment (Parking Fines) Bill 2024 restores fairness and transparency to the parking fine system by:

• Requiring councils to attach an on-the-spot notification to the vehicle.
• Requiring councils to take photos of offences and make them available for Revenue NSW to provide to drivers.
• Providing limited exceptions where an on-the-spot notification is not required, for example where it may be unsafe or hazardous for a ranger to do so.
• Invalidating ‘repeat’ ticketless parking fines, where drivers can be fined multiple times for the same offence before they even become aware of the first infringement.
• Introducing data reporting rules to evaluate if further reforms are necessary.

A working group, which has representatives from stakeholders including Local Government NSW, has been established by Revenue NSW to inform the drafting of regulations and assist with implementation.

Even before the bill passed, a number of councils began proactively providing on-the-spot notifications to drivers.

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“The community feedback on this issue has been clear, and dates all the way back to when ticketless parking was first introduced in 2020.

“No one likes getting a parking fine. Finding out about it two weeks later stings even more.

“Bringing back on-the-spot notification for parking fines is a common-sense reform and restores fairness and integrity to the parking fine system.

“I want to thank the councils which have already started issuing on-the-spot notifications again. There is nothing stopping other councils from joining them. It is clearly in the interest of drivers and the community.”

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said:

“Since some councils began introducing the ticketless parking system four years ago it was clear the system was broken and needed to be fixed – for this reason the NRMA commends the NSW Government on today’s announcement.

Ticketless parking leaves motorists in the dark and robs them of the chance to contest their fine if they believe they have a legitimate case, the NRMA has been against this approach from day one.”

New information to support strata communities and assist with property owner strata debt

The NSW Government  has launched a guide to support the 1.2 million residents living in strata properties such as apartments, townhouses, and duplexes.

The Strata Living Guide has been updated following consultation that has incorporated the community’s feedback and responses.

The Guide will give strata property owners and prospective buyers clear advice in plain English on a range of topics aimed at improving decision-making in strata communities.

The new Guide has practical ‘how to’ information for those living in strata properties, such as how to run strata meetings and other key strata processes, how to manage strata finances, and how to raise issues.

The guide also helpfully suggests ways to go about getting things done such as regular or emergency repairs and approvals for renovations, resolving disputes, and managing relationships with the owners’ corporation and strata manager.

The Guide also highlights the strata law changes coming into effect in February 2025, which expand and strengthen strata managing agents’ disclosure obligations to owners, including reforms to make insurance arrangements more transparent.

NSW Fair Trading is also releasing information for strata property owners, and owners’ corporations, about options available when owners are having difficulty paying their strata levies on time, without compromising the financial viability of strata schemes. 

Proposed legislation to be introduced to Parliament next week will make strata management practices around levies clearer, such as improving levy notice information and fairer conditions for payment plans.

This includes levy notices being accompanied by information encouraging early action by lot owners in financial hardship, and information about how to contact the National Debt Helpline.

To access the Strata Living Guide and other resources to help strata property owners, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strata

Newport Community Garden

We are a membership based Community Garden of local neighbours who get together to learn about gardening, sustainable living, socialise and have a good time! 

You don’t need to be an expert gardener to join. 

Becoming a member of the garden provides the opportunity to forge friendships with your local community and learning the principles of organic gardening, recycling, composting, worm farming, native bees, and other techniques associated with sustainable living.

Together we plan, plant and harvest fruits, vegetables and herbs that we have sustainably and organically grown in our communal garden beds. 

Members meet every weekend (usually on Saturday mornings) for general upkeep; watering, pruning, weeding, pest control, compost and worm farm care, crop harvesting and of course a social chat over a cuppa.

Our Major Working Bee is every second Saturday of the month where we undertake the bigger activities like constructing new garden beds, building trellis frames, mulching and ground maintenance.

All members are expected to attend the major working bee as this is where we discuss future plans for the garden and socialise over a cuppa.

Come and visit us at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.

Find out more here: www.newportcommunitygarden.com.au

Elanora Heights Christmas Market: Saturday November 30

From 3-8pm

Kalang Road, Elanora Heights

Our EPIC Elanora Heights Village Christmas Markets are BACK this year and boasting many amazing small businesses and artists. 

It’s such a fun day and lots of people out buying Chrissy pressies!

Save the date! It’s going to be fun!

VXOne NSW State Championship 2024-2025

When: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 December 2024

The RPAYC and VXOne Class Association welcomes owners and crew to the 2024-25 NSW/ACT State Championship to be held on the waters of Pittwater, NSW. 

The VX One is a modern and light one-design sports boat that has great form stability instead of a deep heavy keel. It accelerates quickly and sails at wind speed downwind with speeds reaching up to 24 knots. 

The flat stern sections and chines make it easy to control. The layout of the VX One is clean and simple, the rig infinately adjustable but set in place for each race. The self-tacking jib and single line to launch and douse the spinnaker makes it easy to control for a crew of 2 or 3 in all conditions. This overall simplicity and “ease of use” allows sailors to focus on sailing the boat, on the competition, on the race, and not on minor tweaks that distract and may inevitably have minimal impact.

NOR

Entry Form

Avalon Boomerang Bags: Festive Bags

We have been busy making Xmas bags for you to purchase, these bags make great alternatives to wrapping paper and can be used over and over. 

If you would like to purchase some, please drop by the Avalon Rec centre on a Tuesday between 11-3.

The Hon Michael Knight AO appointed to Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal

The Hon Michael Knight AO has been appointed to the office of the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal for a term of three years.

Commencing on 13 November 2024, Mr Knight will hold office as the Tribunal responsible for determining the remuneration for Judicial Office Holders, Court and Related Office Holders, Public Office Holders and Public Service Senior Executives.

Mr Knight has advised on several private sector boards and Government bodies, including as President of the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, Chair of Sydney Olympic Park Authority and Chair of Sydney Gas Limited.

His work spans a range of areas including infrastructure, tourism, major events, health, transport, energy and police.

Mr Knight also served in the NSW Parliament from 1981 until 2001 and served as the Minister for Roads, Minister for Public Works and Services, and Minister for the Olympics.

Her Excellency the Governor approved the appointment of Mr Knight in line with the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Act 1975. The term of the previous office holder, The Hon Greg Pearce, expired on 3 November 2024.

Mr Knight succeeds Mr Greg Pearce a Minister in the former Government. The government thanked him for his service.

The Pittwater Ocean Swim Series the Pinnacle of 2025 Ocean Swimming

Ocean swimmers from all over Australia and overseas will be looking forward to a month of ocean swimming in January 2025, in picturesque Pittwater. Swimmers will be enjoying some of the world's best beaches at each of the well organised swims, with a variety of courses on offer.

The Newport Pool to Peak kicks off the series, on Sunday 5 January, followed by Bilgola on the 12th, then Mona Vale 19th. The Big Swim from Palm Beach to Whale Beach will be on Australia Day 26 January and presents a unique ocean swimming challenge. 

The other Pittwater Series ocean swim will be in Avalon on Sunday.23 March. This swim also includes the iconic Newport to Avalon 'Round the Bends' swim. 

The series caters for swimmers of all levels with shorter swims for those wanting to try out their ocean swimming prowess. Each of the swims has strong safety and there will be a prize draw for swimmers who enter at least three swims. More details and entries will be available on www.oceanswims.com and from each participating club.

The swimmers and their support teams can enjoy the shops, clubs and cafes unique to Pittwater after their swims.

John Guthrie

Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 

Children's Art Class With Meredith Rasdall

At: Avalon Sailing Club, Avalon Sailing Club, Hudson Parade, Clareville

• Thu 07 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 14 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 21 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 28 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 05 Dec 2024: 15:00 - 17:30

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

Safer Neighbourhoods Program: Narrabeen to Mona Vale

Comments opened: Mon 14 Oct 2024

Comments close: Sunday 24 Nov 2024

Council are aiming to improve local streets for everyone in the Narrabeen area. 

Council are proposing to implement  speed limits and new traffic infrastructure treatments, to make local residential streets places to live and visit with calmer and quieter traffic, as well as making it safer for people walking, bike riding and driving in the Narrabeen beach area.

Community drop-in session - Coastal Environment Centre (Pelican Path, North Narrabeen)

Saturday 2 November 2024 09:00 am to 11:00 am

Chat to the project team about the proposed speed limit changes in your area and concept designs.

Council are proposing to install new infrastructure treatments such as raised pedestrian crossings, kerb build outs, traffic calming devices, line marking and signage in Narrabeen, especially along Ocean Street, Sydney Road, and Narrabeen Park Parade so that our streets are designed for safer speeds.

Council are proposing a 40km/h speed limit on all local streets east of Pittwater Road, from Narrabeen Beach to Mona Vale Hospital (see zone map below). A comprehensive 40km/h zone, and implementing traffic calming infrastructure treatments, would help ensure our streets are safer for our community.

Council propose to make some streets one-way to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and improve liveability of the area. This includes a section of Wellington Street and Lagoon Street, spanning Loftus Street intersection to Wellington Street intersection, and Lagoon Street spanning from Waterloo Street to Albert Street.

The proposal includes 30 degree angled parking along Waterloo Street and Lagoon Street and reinstating parking on the southern side of Wellington Street to improve parking efficiency in high density locations, improve visibility of drivers, encourage safer speeds and increase safety for pedestrians.

The updated concept plans are available at:  yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-narrabeen#Viewtheplans

All documents available, and provide feedback, at:  yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-narrabeen

Avalon Beach to Palm Beach Safety Zone - have your say

Comments opened: Wed 9 Oct 2024

Comments close: Sunday 24 Nov 2024

Council is proposing  installing new infrastructure treatments including a kerb build out, traffic calming devices, and signage so that street layouts are designed for safer speeds. Council are also proposing to add a raised pedestrian crossing at Whale Beach Road, near the intersection with Barrenjoey Road, and new street lighting to improve safety and visibility for drivers and pedestrians. In addition, they will re-align pram ramps and improve some lane widths and line marking.

Council also will introduce a 30km/h speed limit in some sections of the Avalon to Palm Beach route (east of Barrenjoey Road - see zone map below). A slower speed is proposed in response to the unique geography and active lifestyles of residents using neighbourhood streets in this area. 

''By establishing a comprehensive 30km/h zone, and a 10km/h zone in high pedestrian beachfront car parking areas, we are taking significant steps to ensure our streets are safer and to encourage active lifestyles. Traffic calming infrastructure treatments, combined with an improved road layout aims to naturally reduce vehicle speeds in line with speed zone changes.'' council's project webpage states

View the plans and provide feedback at: 

yoursay./safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-whale-palm-beach

2024 Spiral NSW State Championships: Pittwater

Dates: 23/11/2024- 24/11/2024

Host Club: Avalon Sailing Club

Registrations are now open for the Spiral Association NSW State Championships. 

Here is the 2024-2025 Spiral NSW State Championship NOR

Here are the 2024-2025 Spiral NSW State Championship Sailing Instructions

More at: www.revolutionise.com.au/spiralclass/events/256112

Shoosh for Youngsters:  Calling all junior summer sports! 

Shoosh For Kids is back again this November and now is your chance to sign up your local club or association to support our campaign. We want to ensure the sidelines at grassroots sport are a positive and fun environment for all junior athletes, and we need your help to spread the message. 

When your club signs up as a supporter, you will get access to a library of free resources and promotional content such as posters, social tiles and much more! 

Learn more and sign up here 👇 

https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/shoosh-for-kids

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Charlie

Poodle X Chihuahua 6yrs

Charlie is a very affectionate dog with people he trusts. He rolls on his back for belly rubs. When he came from the pound they said he was snappy and growling but got better the longer he was there. When Charlie went to our vet we found he had his lip hooked over his lower teeth and his teeth were infected and some were loose. He had been like that for a while, so he was in pain. He had a number of extractions. He is feeling much better now and ready to find his forever home. He has a SHEDDING medium coat and weighs 7.8kg. Charlie would suit apartment living and FT working hours with a gentle dog experienced family. He comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $700

Cara 

5mths Cattle X Lab

Cara is a gentle affectionate girl. Our Olympic pups Olympia, Cara, Nina, Elly and Bolt were saved from a rural pound after being brought to a vet clinic for euthanasia. They came in very poor condition, underweight and full of worms. They are working breed types, so they are very clever and demand a lot of exercise. They are not as high energy as pure cattle dogs and will grow more to labrador size and have some larger calmer breeds mixed in them.  They are looking for active families looking for a dog to join in all their activities and train them to be obedient family members. Cara came in weighing 4.3kg at 6 weeks and is currently around 15kg. She suits a family with children with a home-based worker and a house and garden. She comes with desexing , all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $450. 

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

Dippers at Warriewood Beach

Autism Swim are world leaders in making aquatics more inclusive. We host a Dippers program (modified Nippers) across beaches in Sydney, including Warriewood Beach for neurodivergent and other abilities participants. 

Our Dippers program is led by a Clinician and our Volunteers are specifically trained to equip participants with vital water and beach safety skills. 

We run this program because the risk of drowning is 160 times higher for children on the autism spectrum compared to those who are not. 

It's entirely free for participants, and sadly, we have to turn families away because we need more funding to run it. 

We're calling out for sponsors to help this program go ahead and expand this season.

Are you a local business keen to sponsor? Or can you donate to this great cause?

Head to www.autismswim.com.au/dippers to find out more.

2024 Anzac Community Grants applications open

Applications are now open for the 2024 Anzac Community Grants Program.

Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that commemorate and educate local communities on the service and sacrifices of current and former military service personnel.

Activities that support the wellbeing of veterans in New South Wales are also eligible for funding.

The $100,000 program is open to individuals and not-for-profit organisations, including local government authorities, ex-service and non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

Grants cover four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events; and support the members of the NSW veteran community.

The program has delivered more than over $560,000 in grants funding. since its establishment in 2015.

Last year the program funded a record 91 projects, including:

• The NSW Soldier On Veteran Community Program, which provides training and resources to veteran volunteers to deliver socially engaged activities and events in the Hunter, Sydney, and Shoalhaven.
• A brass memorial commemorating Aboriginal war-time service at the Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre.
• An upgrade of the war room at the Woolpack Inn Museum at Holbrook for the preservation and display of war uniforms.
• A memorial mural for Mount Warrigal Public School.

More information and details on how to apply can be found on www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/ACGP

The 2024 grant round closes at 5pm on Monday 11 November 2024.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“I am pleased to announce the opening of the next round of the Anzac Community Grants Program.

“Honouring and commemorating the service and sacrifice of our ex-serving military personnel is a key component of the NSW Veterans Strategy.

“The Anzac Community Grants Program supports initiatives that recognise veterans’ service, educate the local community on our military history or make a positive impact to the welfare of veterans.

“There are so many incredible organisations honouring veterans through their passionate and dedicated work and I encourage them to apply.”

Ms Leisa Mooney from Mount Warrigal Public School said:

“Thanks to the funding from NSW Government, our school was able to create a remembrance mural, which has helped our school honour the strength, courage, and sacrifice of our service men and women.

“The mural will encourage rich discussion about Australia's involvement in peacekeeping operations and war service throughout history within our classrooms and school community.”

Photo: 2024 Anzac Day 11am March at Avalon Beach led by the 201 Army Cadet Unit

Council's Draft Child Safe Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct: Have your say

New technology to detect floods and bushfires: Grants open

Life-saving defibrillators available for NSW sports facilities

$5 million available for NSW Surf Clubs

Marine Rescue Broken Bay: Christmas Raffle 2024

Whale Beach SLSC: New Members Needed

Community News + what ran in each Issue

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Mona Vale Residents Association

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:  November 2024

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

Contents: Scotland Island Fire Brigade Needs You!; Toyshed Damage: how do we stop this vandalism?; The Right Path: teenager & family enhancement program; International Folk Dancing; The Tuesday Discussion Group; Scotland Island Christmas Market & Cafe

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Pittwater By-Election Update

November 7, 204

We have returned the writs for the Epping, Hornsby and Pittwater State by-elections.

The writs were signed and returned by the Acting Electoral Commissioner for New South Wales, Dr Matthew Phillips, to the Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, the Hon. Greg Piper MP.

View the by-election results and for more information: https://bit.ly/3YEO8GT

Results for Pittwater

Total Votes / Ballot Papers 48,700

Votes Distributed - 345 to Scruby, 667 to Ryburn

Exhausted Votes - 881

Informal - 1,250

RENNIE Doug LP - 1,893 First Preference Votes

RYBURN Georgia LIB - 19,852 First Preference Votes

SCRUBY Jacqui IND -  25,705 First Preference Votes

Progressive Totals

RYBURN Georgia LIB - 20,519; 44.06%

SCRUBY Jacqui IND - 26,050; 55.94%

Remembrance Day 2024: 11 November 2024

Aboriginal Support Group Manly Waringah Pittwater November Meeting: Lest we forget  “The Skin of Others”

This documentary honours our Aboriginal Diggers.

Just Launched: Living Ocean's OceanSounds! 

November 5, 2024

Living Ocean has officially launched OceanSounds, their new acoustic monitoring program.

In partnership with Griffith University and Google AI, they’re using advanced audio detection systems to help monitor marine life. 

In June 2024 LO installed their first Hydromoth off Long Reef. The Hydromoth, a hydrophone for recording underwater acoustics, was fixed at 23m on the ocean floor, capturing crucial sounds of the depths.

As humpback whales migrated north through Sydney from May to August, the Hydromoth offered  a unique opportunity to monitor whale calls and understand their behaviours in the context of climate impacts.

Huge shout out to the team at Pro Dive Manly who generously supported Living Ocean with the deployment. 

Living Ocean has extended its efforts with two similar, more advanced SoundTrap installations on the Central and South Coasts of NSW. The SoundTrap records deeper and longer, enhancing Living Oceans data collection capabilities even further.

This collaborative project aims to strengthen biological sound libraries and deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems in the face of climate change.

With Griffith’s research expertise and Google AI’s powerful sound recognition technology, the LO team can help analyse whale songs and other marine sounds in real time, gaining crucial insights into humpback whale habitats.

Guided by Dr. Jan-Olaf Meynecke from Griffith University, Living Ocean visited Coffs Harbour, where they are working with First Nations Rangers, and then went on to Byron Bay, where they teamed up with Sundive citizen science Leopard shark researchers, to set up Hydromoth devices that capture essential marine soundscapes.

Stay tuned for Living Ocean updates from the field.

Art for Oceans

On Friday, Robbi Luscombe Newman, Co Founder and President of Living Ocean, dropped by Amy and Matt Young's The Studio at the Careel Bay Marina for a quick photo shoot for the upcoming exhibition of works by Avalon Beach artist Lisa Wilkes-Hunter.

Amy and Matthew Young of Laing+Simmons Young Property, the local real estate business behind The Studio, have supported local artists and local causes through art exhibitions since early 2021.

The Studio is a community-focused hybrid creative space at Careel Bay Marina, an initiative of Laing+Simmons Young Property. 

To date, the not-for-profit community initiative has raised thousands for local causes and groups including Living Ocean,  Dreams2Live4, Sea Shepherd Australia, the Avalon Beach Historical Society, the Seabin Project and the BeCentre.

Top: Robbi, Lisa, Amy and Matt Young. Above: Robbi is holding one of the Hydromoth devices, Lisa's Shearwater surfboard for LO's Surfboard Auction

Lisa's run at The Studio will commence in early December. 

Lisa is also one of the LO Art for Oceans initiative.

In this 20 recycled surfboards donated by Global Surf Industries have gone around the coast to artists to express their passion for our oceans. 

The Auction venue and date will be confirmed upon completion of the artworks - Lisa's chosen subject was the Shearwater.

Shearwaters are tragically washing onto our shores again this year. 

For anyone interested in helping collect data, LO asks that we all please follow the guidelines below:

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

- Take a photo of the scene and individual bird (photo should include the beak/feet)

- Record how far you walked (estimates are fine)

- Note how many people (we need this to calculate search effort)

- Record the total number of dead/dying birds you observe

WHERE TO SEND YOUR PHOTOS AND DATA?

- Email: adriftlab@gmail.com

- direct message via any of Adrift Lab's social media channels (you can also reply to one of their existing posts)

Living Ocean has been working with Adrift Lab collecting data for a few years now. Especially so over the past 3 consecutive years when we have seen these beautiful birds being washed ashore.

More in week one reports for November 2024: 

Shearwaters washing up on local beaches for third year in a row: Mass Mortalities of Starving Birds attributed to Australia's Lose-Lose Policy on the Australian Environment

Which also includes data released from the BOM's and CSIRO's 2024 State of the Climate report.

Avalon Film Festival

In related news the Avalon Film Festival runs November 29 to December 1 to support Living Ocean's work.

With five themes of 'Local Heroes', 'Ocean', 'What's in a Name?' and 'Shortcuts', and screened at Avalon Cinema and Avalon Beach SLSC, film-goers can treat themselves to classics such as Morning of the Earth, Penguin Bloom, Beneath Hill 60, Kamchatka, Girls Can’t Surf, Summer City and many others.

Details of what's on where and when at: events.humanitix.com/avalon-film-festival

Living Ocean at: https://www.livingocean.org.au/

Peninsula Seniors Toy Recyclers: Call out for Toys

Friendly Grocer Avalon Thieves Caught

On October 2nd 2024 the Friendly Grocer Avalon Beach was broken into around 4 in the morning. The items targeted were cigarettes, with some left strewn all over the road.

On Friday November 8 the owners confirmed to Pittwater Online the NSW Police had caught the culprits, 19 year olds 'visiting' Pittwater from western Sydney.

The community rallied around this lovely family, and were thanked again this week for all the kindnesses and generosity thta came in the aftermath.

On October 18 2024 the proprietors said:

Dear community of North Avalon and Avalon 

It with immense gratitude that we accept the generous support of the residents of Avalon and North Avalon through the money raised from the GOFUNDME page set up by Amethyst Robinson.

The events of 2 weeks ago was extremely traumatic and we are very humbled to think that local people get behind small business to this extent.

We assure the community that the money raised will go toward all repairs and stock replacement not totally covered by insurance.

We look forward to the continuation of our service to our local community.

Many thanks, 

Eric & Maria.

Coffee with A Cop: Mona Vale November 14

Details:

Newport Community Garden

We are a membership based Community Garden of local neighbours who get together to learn about gardening, sustainable living, socialise and have a good time! 

You don’t need to be an expert gardener to join. 

Becoming a member of the garden provides the opportunity to forge friendships with your local community and learning the principles of organic gardening, recycling, composting, worm farming, native bees, and other techniques associated with sustainable living.

Together we plan, plant and harvest fruits, vegetables and herbs that we have sustainably and organically grown in our communal garden beds. 

Members meet every weekend (usually on Saturday mornings) for general upkeep; watering, pruning, weeding, pest control, compost and worm farm care, crop harvesting and of course a social chat over a cuppa.

Our Major Working Bee is every second Saturday of the month where we undertake the bigger activities like constructing new garden beds, building trellis frames, mulching and ground maintenance.

All members are expected to attend the major working bee as this is where we discuss future plans for the garden and socialise over a cuppa.

Come and visit us at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.

Find out more here: www.newportcommunitygarden.com.au

__________________________________________________________

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

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

________________________________________

Elanora Heights Christmas Market: Saturday November 30

From 3-8pm

Kalang Road, Elanora Heights

Our EPIC Elanora Heights Village Christmas Markets are BACK this year and boasting many amazing small businesses and artists. 

It’s such a fun day and lots of people out buying Chrissy pressies!

Save the date! It’s going to be fun!

New household battery incentives now available for NSW

Residents across the state can take advantage of the NSW Government's new incentive to make battery storage more affordable.

Installing more batteries across NSW will enable homes and businesses to maximise their use of generated solar energy, lower electricity bills, enhance grid reliability and stability, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels during peak demand periods.

A battery can provide households with a backup power supply during natural events.

Under this scheme starting 1 November, eligible homeowners and businesses can receive a discount on the upfront installation cost of a battery through government-approved suppliers.

The discount, based on battery capacity, ranges from approximately $1,600 to $2,400 for a typical system of 13.5 kWh. This will be available for both new and existing solar systems.

The scheme also offers an additional incentive of around $250 to $400 for connecting a household or business battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).

This connection allows sites to collectively share their battery capacity with the grid, further enhancing grid stability.

Businesses that operate VPPs in some cases also provide additional incentives and bill reductions to participate which can make this an attractive option.

Interested residents should contact local solar and battery installers to inquire about their participation in the scheme and obtain multiple quotes to compare prices and get advice on choosing the system that is right for their individual energy use.

These incentives are part of the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS), which is a scheme that aims to reduce energy demand during peak hours.

The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme is a key pillar of the recently released NSW Consumer Energy Strategy, designed to ensure households and businesses can participate in and benefit from the energy transition.

For information on how to access the incentives, visit: www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-schemes

Boost for Faith community safety with $5 million funding

The NSW Government has announced an additional $5 million investment in the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program furthering efforts to improve safety and security for faith groups across the state.

This funding comes after a successful first round, where $5 million was distributed to 103 community and faith organisations addressing security needs at places of worship, and congregation.

This funding is part of a $15 million program focused on creating secure, resilient and cohesive spaces for NSW’s diverse faith communities. This new grant round provides new applicants a chance to apply for $5,000 to $250,000 to be used anywhere in NSW at eligible faith-based centres including places of worship, seminaries, religious museums, religious community centres, religious retreats and places of religious significance.

The program takes a holistic approach to safety and security by supporting community preparedness, wellbeing and resilience, as well as more traditional protective security measures at places where faith communities gather.

An information session will be held online on Monday, 18 November 2024 at 4pm. To register for the information session email safeplacesgrants@multicultural.nsw.gov.au by Friday 15 November.

To apply, visit: multiculturalnsw.smartygrants.com.au/SafePlacesforFaithCommunitiesGrants2024-25

Applications close 3pm, Thursday 19 December 2024.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“In NSW we are proud of our reputation as a safe place for people to practice their faiths and come together without fear of harm.”

“This funding will assist faith communities to maintain and improve the security of their places of worship so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees.”

Legal matters made easier with new Legal Aid NSW client portal

The NSW Government is making it easier for Legal Aid NSW clients to access information about their case with a $1.6 million investment in a new digital one-stop-shop for the legal provider.

The new platform will provide clients with real-time updates, access to correspondence and easy document uploads, as well as information about preparing for court appearances and other legal appointments.

The client portal provides a secure digital tool optimised for mobile phone use, helping people without computers or with changing or non-permanent residential addresses. Using the new portal, clients will be able to photograph and upload documents via their mobile phone.

The new portal will also minimise the need for clients to call Legal Aid NSW because they will be directly notified of updates to their case.

In 2022/2023, Legal Aid NSW provided half a million client services, with 35 per cent of these in regional and rural areas.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in the new portal under new focus areas for the Digital Restart Fund which prioritise accessible government services, enhanced cybersecurity and frontline worker support.

Legal Aid NSW expects the portal to be fully operational by late 2025.

For more information on the DRF, visit www.digital.nsw.gov.au/funding/digital-restart-fund

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Navigating the legal process can be stressful and it can be difficult for people in rural or remote communities or those in crisis accommodation to keep track of their case.

“The new Legal Aid client portal will make it easier for people to access key information, receive timely updates and securely upload documentation on the go from their mobile phone.

“Supported by the Digital Restart Fund, this portal uses digital services to help communities and is in line with the Minns Labor Government’s focus on inclusion in the way digital services are designed and delivered.”

CEO of Legal Aid NSW Monique Hitter said:

“This portal is a game-changer for our clients.”

“It enables them to easily view information about their cases, their lawyers, their appointments and court dates. That helps people to keep track of their legal matter and reduces the need for phone calls.

“By providing this secure digital communication channel, and delivering 24/7 access to key information, this portal makes it easier for people to deal with their legal problems.”

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

VXOne NSW State Championship 2024-2025

When: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 December 2024

The RPAYC and VXOne Class Association welcomes owners and crew to the 2024-25 NSW/ACT State Championship to be held on the waters of Pittwater, NSW. 

The VX One is a modern and light one-design sports boat that has great form stability instead of a deep heavy keel. It accelerates quickly and sails at wind speed downwind with speeds reaching up to 24 knots. 

The flat stern sections and chines make it easy to control. The layout of the VX One is clean and simple, the rig infinately adjustable but set in place for each race. The self-tacking jib and single line to launch and douse the spinnaker makes it easy to control for a crew of 2 or 3 in all conditions. This overall simplicity and “ease of use” allows sailors to focus on sailing the boat, on the competition, on the race, and not on minor tweaks that distract and may inevitably have minimal impact.

NOR

Entry Form

Avalon Boomerang Bags: Festive Bags

We have been busy making Xmas bags for you to purchase, these bags make great alternatives to wrapping paper and can be used over and over. 

If you would like to purchase some, please drop by the Avalon Rec centre on a Tuesday between 11-3.

The Pittwater Ocean Swim Series the Pinnacle of 2025 Ocean Swimming

Ocean swimmers from all over Australia and overseas will be looking forward to a month of ocean swimming in January 2025, in picturesque Pittwater. Swimmers will be enjoying some of the world's best beaches at each of the well organised swims, with a variety of courses on offer.

The Newport Pool to Peak kicks off the series, on Sunday 5 January, followed by Bilgola on the 12th, then Mona Vale 19th. The Big Swim from Palm Beach to Whale Beach will be on Australia Day 26 January and presents a unique ocean swimming challenge. 

The other Pittwater Series ocean swim will be in Avalon on Sunday.23 March. This swim also includes the iconic Newport to Avalon 'Round the Bends' swim. 

The series caters for swimmers of all levels with shorter swims for those wanting to try out their ocean swimming prowess. Each of the swims has strong safety and there will be a prize draw for swimmers who enter at least three swims. More details and entries will be available on www.oceanswims.com and from each participating club.

The swimmers and their support teams can enjoy the shops, clubs and cafes unique to Pittwater after their swims.

John Guthrie

Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 

Children's Art Class With Meredith Rasdall

At: Avalon Sailing Club, Avalon Sailing Club, Hudson Parade, Clareville

• Thu 07 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 14 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 21 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 28 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 05 Dec 2024: 15:00 - 17:30

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

Safer Neighbourhoods Program: Narrabeen to Mona Vale

Comments opened: Mon 14 Oct 2024

Comments close: Sunday 24 Nov 2024

Council are aiming to improve local streets for everyone in the Narrabeen area. 

Council are proposing to implement  speed limits and new traffic infrastructure treatments, to make local residential streets places to live and visit with calmer and quieter traffic, as well as making it safer for people walking, bike riding and driving in the Narrabeen beach area.

Community drop-in session - Coastal Environment Centre (Pelican Path, North Narrabeen)

Saturday 2 November 2024 09:00 am to 11:00 am

Chat to the project team about the proposed speed limit changes in your area and concept designs.

Council are proposing to install new infrastructure treatments such as raised pedestrian crossings, kerb build outs, traffic calming devices, line marking and signage in Narrabeen, especially along Ocean Street, Sydney Road, and Narrabeen Park Parade so that our streets are designed for safer speeds.

Council are proposing a 40km/h speed limit on all local streets east of Pittwater Road, from Narrabeen Beach to Mona Vale Hospital (see zone map below). A comprehensive 40km/h zone, and implementing traffic calming infrastructure treatments, would help ensure our streets are safer for our community.

Council propose to make some streets one-way to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and improve liveability of the area. This includes a section of Wellington Street and Lagoon Street, spanning Loftus Street intersection to Wellington Street intersection, and Lagoon Street spanning from Waterloo Street to Albert Street.

The proposal includes 30 degree angled parking along Waterloo Street and Lagoon Street and reinstating parking on the southern side of Wellington Street to improve parking efficiency in high density locations, improve visibility of drivers, encourage safer speeds and increase safety for pedestrians.

The updated concept plans are available at:  yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-narrabeen#Viewtheplans

All documents available, and provide feedback, at:  yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-narrabeen

Avalon Beach to Palm Beach Safety Zone - have your say

Comments opened: Wed 9 Oct 2024

Comments close: Sunday 24 Nov 2024

Council is proposing  installing new infrastructure treatments including a kerb build out, traffic calming devices, and signage so that street layouts are designed for safer speeds. Council are also proposing to add a raised pedestrian crossing at Whale Beach Road, near the intersection with Barrenjoey Road, and new street lighting to improve safety and visibility for drivers and pedestrians. In addition, they will re-align pram ramps and improve some lane widths and line marking.

Council also will introduce a 30km/h speed limit in some sections of the Avalon to Palm Beach route (east of Barrenjoey Road - see zone map below). A slower speed is proposed in response to the unique geography and active lifestyles of residents using neighbourhood streets in this area. 

''By establishing a comprehensive 30km/h zone, and a 10km/h zone in high pedestrian beachfront car parking areas, we are taking significant steps to ensure our streets are safer and to encourage active lifestyles. Traffic calming infrastructure treatments, combined with an improved road layout aims to naturally reduce vehicle speeds in line with speed zone changes.'' council's project webpage states

View the plans and provide feedback at: 

yoursay./safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-whale-palm-beach

Port to Palmy Race

SES: World Tsunami Awareness Day Tuesday November 5

Avalon Preservation Association AGM 2024 

Newport Residents Association Meeting: Guest Superintendent John Duncan

The next meeting of the Newport Residents Association will be held on Tuesday evening 19th November 2024  commencing at 7 pm at the Newport Community Centre Activity Room, The Boulevard, Newport.

Anticipation builds for the Hansa World and International Championships

Marine Rescue Broken Bay New Leading Crew

Congratulations Andrew Curdie, 'Romeo Watch' for passing his Leading Crew. Well done Andrew.

Photo: MRBB, November 2, 2024

VXOne NSW State Championship 2024-2025

When: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 December 2024

The RPAYC and VXOne Class Association welcomes owners and crew to the 2024-25 NSW/ACT State Championship to be held on the waters of Pittwater, NSW. 

The VX One is a modern and light one-design sports boat that has great form stability instead of a deep heavy keel. It accelerates quickly and sails at wind speed downwind with speeds reaching up to 24 knots. 

The flat stern sections and chines make it easy to control. The layout of the VX One is clean and simple, the rig infinately adjustable but set in place for each race. The self-tacking jib and single line to launch and douse the spinnaker makes it easy to control for a crew of 2 or 3 in all conditions. This overall simplicity and “ease of use” allows sailors to focus on sailing the boat, on the competition, on the race, and not on minor tweaks that distract and may inevitably have minimal impact.

NOR

Entry Form

Avalon Boomerang Bags: Festive Bags

We have been busy making Xmas bags for you to purchase, these bags make great alternatives to wrapping paper and can be used over and over. 

If you would like to purchase some, please drop by the Avalon Rec centre on a Tuesday between 11-3.

The Pittwater Ocean Swim Series the Pinnacle of 2025 Ocean Swimming

Ocean swimmers from all over Australia and overseas will be looking forward to a month of ocean swimming in January 2025, in picturesque Pittwater. Swimmers will be enjoying some of the world's best beaches at each of the well organised swims, with a variety of courses on offer.

The Newport Pool to Peak kicks off the series, on Sunday 5 January, followed by Bilgola on the 12th, then Mona Vale 19th. The Big Swim from Palm Beach to Whale Beach will be on Australia Day 26 January and presents a unique ocean swimming challenge. 

The other Pittwater Series ocean swim will be in Avalon on Sunday.23 March. This swim also includes the iconic Newport to Avalon 'Round the Bends' swim. 

The series caters for swimmers of all levels with shorter swims for those wanting to try out their ocean swimming prowess. Each of the swims has strong safety and there will be a prize draw for swimmers who enter at least three swims. More details and entries will be available on www.oceanswims.com and from each participating club.

The swimmers and their support teams can enjoy the shops, clubs and cafes unique to Pittwater after their swims.

John Guthrie

Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 

Children's Art Class With Meredith Rasdall

At: Avalon Sailing Club, Avalon Sailing Club, Hudson Parade, Clareville

• Thu 07 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 14 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 21 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 28 Nov 2024: 15:00 - 17:30
• Thu 05 Dec 2024: 15:00 - 17:30

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

Safer Neighbourhoods Program: Narrabeen to Mona Vale

Comments opened: Mon 14 Oct 2024

Comments close: Sun 24 Nov 2024

Council are aiming to improve local streets for everyone in the Narrabeen area. 

Council are proposing to implement  speed limits and new traffic infrastructure treatments, to make local residential streets places to live and visit with calmer and quieter traffic, as well as making it safer for people walking, bike riding and driving in the Narrabeen beach area.

Community drop-in session - Coastal Environment Centre (Pelican Path, North Narrabeen)

Saturday 2 November 2024 09:00 am to 11:00 am

Chat to the project team about the proposed speed limit changes in your area and concept designs.

Council are proposing to install new infrastructure treatments such as raised pedestrian crossings, kerb build outs, traffic calming devices, line marking and signage in Narrabeen, especially along Ocean Street, Sydney Road, and Narrabeen Park Parade so that our streets are designed for safer speeds.

Council are proposing a 40km/h speed limit on all local streets east of Pittwater Road, from Narrabeen Beach to Mona Vale Hospital (see zone map below). A comprehensive 40km/h zone, and implementing traffic calming infrastructure treatments, would help ensure our streets are safer for our community.

Council propose to make some streets one-way to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and improve liveability of the area. This includes a section of Wellington Street and Lagoon Street, spanning Loftus Street intersection to Wellington Street intersection, and Lagoon Street spanning from Waterloo Street to Albert Street.

The proposal includes 30 degree angled parking along Waterloo Street and Lagoon Street and reinstating parking on the southern side of Wellington Street to improve parking efficiency in high density locations, improve visibility of drivers, encourage safer speeds and increase safety for pedestrians.

The updated concept plans are available at:  yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-narrabeen#Viewtheplans

All documents available, and provide feedback, at:  yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-narrabeen

Avalon Beach to Palm Beach Safety Zone - have your say

Comments opened: Wed 9 Oct 2024

Comments close: Wed 24 Nov 2024

Council is proposing  installing new infrastructure treatments including a kerb build out, traffic calming devices, and signage so that street layouts are designed for safer speeds. Council are also proposing to add a raised pedestrian crossing at Whale Beach Road, near the intersection with Barrenjoey Road, and new street lighting to improve safety and visibility for drivers and pedestrians. In addition, they will re-align pram ramps and improve some lane widths and line marking.

Council also will introduce a 30km/h speed limit in some sections of the Avalon to Palm Beach route (east of Barrenjoey Road - see zone map below). A slower speed is proposed in response to the unique geography and active lifestyles of residents using neighbourhood streets in this area. 

''By establishing a comprehensive 30km/h zone, and a 10km/h zone in high pedestrian beachfront car parking areas, we are taking significant steps to ensure our streets are safer and to encourage active lifestyles. Traffic calming infrastructure treatments, combined with an improved road layout aims to naturally reduce vehicle speeds in line with speed zone changes.'' council's project webpage states

View the plans and provide feedback at: 

yoursay./safer-neighbourhoods-local-road-safety-program-whale-palm-beach

2024 Spiral NSW State Championships: Pittwater

Dates: 23/11/2024- 24/11/2024

Host Club: Avalon Sailing Club

Registrations are now open for the Spiral Association NSW State Championships. 

Here is the 2024-2025 Spiral NSW State Championship NOR

Here are the 2024-2025 Spiral NSW State Championship Sailing Instructions

More at: www.revolutionise.com.au/spiralclass/events/256112

Shoosh for Youngsters:  Calling all junior summer sports! 

Shoosh For Kids is back again this November and now is your chance to sign up your local club or association to support our campaign. We want to ensure the sidelines at grassroots sport are a positive and fun environment for all junior athletes, and we need your help to spread the message. 

When your club signs up as a supporter, you will get access to a library of free resources and promotional content such as posters, social tiles and much more! 

Learn more and sign up here 👇 

https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/shoosh-for-kids

Safer Neighbourhood  Community drop-in session

Safer Neighbourhoods Program - Avalon Beach to Palm Beach

Saturday 9 November 2024 09:00 am to 11:00 am

Community drop-in session - Avalon Recreation Centre (59 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach).

Come and chat to the project team about the proposed speed limit changes in your area and concept designs.

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Mandy 

10mths Mini Foxy X

Mandy is a lovely wriggly attentive girl. She can be a bit flighty at first but is so happy around doggy people and other small dogs. She is athletic and can jump on chairs and desks. She is a lovely friendly happy girl with loads of energy and playfulness. She has a short coat and weighs 4.1kg and is currently a little thin. She suits apartment living and being left alone for PT working hours. She comes desexed, vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $800.

Ricardo 

9mths Domestic Short Haired Cat

Ricardo came from the pound with a loud heart murmur. He has had and echo cardiogram at SASH on 5 July. Unfortunately, after consulting a number of specialists there does not appear a surgical option for him. His condition can be managed with medication in a quiet home where any play with other kittens is controlled or he is the only cat in the household. Vet nursing experience would certainly be beneficial. He is a sweet smoochy boy and we want the best for him.

All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220. 

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

New technology to detect floods and bushfires: Grants open

Testing will soon begin on cutting-edge technology to improve early warnings about floods and bushfires in NSW.

The NSW Government this week launched a proof-of-concept phase as part of a $3.3 million election commitment to build a natural hazards detection system.

The testing will explore a range of scenarios to enhance the state’s response to natural hazards including innovative technology to detect floods and bushfires that can:

• support early identification of flood water across roads
• monitor rainfall and soil moisture data to predict floods
• identify fire ignitions in remote locations
• monitor soil moisture and fuel loads to support improved fire hazard reduction.

Individual grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to successful applicants through the program to support the testing of technologies over a six-month period to demonstrate their feasibility and benefits.

The program delivers on an election commitment by the Minns Labor Government and is being led by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) in collaboration with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

The initiative directly responds to key recommendations from the 2020 Bushfire Inquiry and the 2022 Flood Inquiry, which called for the use of advanced detection systems to provide earlier warnings and give communities more time to respond to natural hazards.

Businesses are encouraged to submit proposals addressing these challenges, with the potential to progress to the next stage of the program which includes scaling up and piloting technologies in real-world settings.

Applications for Phase 1 are open until early December. Grant recipients from Phase 1 will be eligible to apply for Phase 2 through a competitive process.

The outcomes of the pilot will help shape the design of a final product, ready for deployment in hazard-prone areas of NSW. For more information and to apply, visit: www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/nhds.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to better protect communities living in high-risk areas that are prone to floods and fires through better detection systems.”

“We are helping to develop new detection technologies and testing them in unique Australian conditions.”

We are working to identify solutions that allow people to better anticipate natural disasters and prepare for evacuations.”

“This program is not only important to help reduce the impact of disasters, but ultimately can help save lives.”

Minister for Innovation, Science & Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This funding demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to innovation and technology to help improve our response to and preparedness for natural hazards.”

“Supporting businesses to field-test their technologies with NSW Government agencies allows them to bring their innovations one step closer to commercialisation.”

Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer said:

"NSW is looking to the future and investigating how cutting-edge technology can transform our response to natural hazards.”

“By undertaking trials of groundbreaking technology solutions in real world conditions we will ensure that NSW residents are better prepared for natural hazards now and into the future”.  

Dippers at Warriewood Beach

Autism Swim are world leaders in making aquatics more inclusive. We host a Dippers program (modified Nippers) across beaches in Sydney, including Warriewood Beach for neurodivergent and other abilities participants. 

Our Dippers program is led by a Clinician and our Volunteers are specifically trained to equip participants with vital water and beach safety skills. 

We run this program because the risk of drowning is 160 times higher for children on the autism spectrum compared to those who are not. 

It's entirely free for participants, and sadly, we have to turn families away because we need more funding to run it. 

We're calling out for sponsors to help this program go ahead and expand this season.

Are you a local business keen to sponsor? Or can you donate to this great cause?

Head to www.autismswim.com.au/dippers to find out more.

Draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy: Proposed amendments

Submissions opened: Fri 11 Oct 2024

Submissions close: Fri 8 Nov 2024

Council is required to adopt a policy concerning the payment of expenses and the provision of facilities to the Mayor and Councillors within 12 months of the election.

The policy must comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and the guidelines issued by the Office of Local Government (OLG) under section 23A of the Act.

Council have reviewed their Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy (the draft Policy), and propose some amendments to which comply with the above requirements. The draft Policy is based on the OLG’s template policy.

Draft and details at: 

yoursay./draft-councillor-expenses-and-facilities-policy

Life-saving defibrillators available for NSW sports facilities

NSW sporting clubs and organisations have the opportunity to apply for their share of $500,000 in funding from the NSW Government for new life-saving defibrillators.

The equipment is funded under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program which provides up to $3,000 to eligible sporting organisations for the purchase of automated external defibrillators at sports facilities.

Since the Program commenced, more than 2,000 defibrillators have been installed at sports facilities across NSW.

Applications close 27 November 2024 or when funding is exhausted.

For further information, including expanded eligibility criteria, please see the Program guidelines at: www.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program

$5 million available for NSW Surf Clubs

NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs are set to receive a boost with the NSW Government opening the latest round of its Surf Club Facility Program.

Surf live saving clubs can apply for $5.4 million in funding for new and upgraded facilities with grants up to $1 million available.

The Program aims to keep surf life saving clubs modern and accessible, helping surf life savers to better protect beachgoers.

Projects that encourage the participation of women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Grants will be awarded across three categories for projects that involve the upgrade, restoration or construction of new surf life saving facilities.

• Category 1 offers grants up to $100,000 for facility improvement projects and closes on 14 October 2024. 
• Category 2 offers grants up to $400,000 for small-medium construction projects and 
• Category 3 offers grants up to $1 million for large construction projects with both closing on 11 November 2024.

Find further information and apply.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“With the surf life saving season just a few weeks away, we’re providing an additional $5.4 million to our surf life saving clubs to help them protect swimmers and keep people safe at the beach.”

“This is part of a four-year $16 million commitment from the NSW Government to ensure NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs continue to deliver a world-class service.

“This program is making a real difference with more people from all sections of the community now participating in surf life saving.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“As the weather warms up we know that the red and yellow flags on our beaches will be a welcome sight and this investment will support our volunteers by providing them with club facilities they need to support communities.

“The NSW Government is investing in new equipment, safety campaigns and upgraded facilities to support surf lifesaving volunteers and the work they do to keep swimmers safe.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW Peter Agnew said:

“We are pleased to see the NSW Government acknowledge and support the amazing contribution made by our volunteer lifesavers and surf clubs in NSW.”

“Our lifesavers and Nippers deserve safe, secure, and accessible facilities. We have 129 clubs across the state, with over 78,000 members, and this program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives.”

2024 Anzac Community Grants applications open

Applications are now open for the 2024 Anzac Community Grants Program.

Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that commemorate and educate local communities on the service and sacrifices of current and former military service personnel.

Activities that support the wellbeing of veterans in New South Wales are also eligible for funding.

The $100,000 program is open to individuals and not-for-profit organisations, including local government authorities, ex-service and non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

Grants cover four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events; and support the members of the NSW veteran community.

The program has delivered more than over $560,000 in grants funding. since its establishment in 2015.

Last year the program funded a record 91 projects, including:

• The NSW Soldier On Veteran Community Program, which provides training and resources to veteran volunteers to deliver socially engaged activities and events in the Hunter, Sydney, and Shoalhaven.
• A brass memorial commemorating Aboriginal war-time service at the Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre.
• An upgrade of the war room at the Woolpack Inn Museum at Holbrook for the preservation and display of war uniforms.
• A memorial mural for Mount Warrigal Public School.

More information and details on how to apply can be found on www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/ACGP

The 2024 grant round closes at 5pm on Monday 11 November 2024.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“I am pleased to announce the opening of the next round of the Anzac Community Grants Program.

“Honouring and commemorating the service and sacrifice of our ex-serving military personnel is a key component of the NSW Veterans Strategy.

“The Anzac Community Grants Program supports initiatives that recognise veterans’ service, educate the local community on our military history or make a positive impact to the welfare of veterans.

“There are so many incredible organisations honouring veterans through their passionate and dedicated work and I encourage them to apply.”

Ms Leisa Mooney from Mount Warrigal Public School said:

“Thanks to the funding from NSW Government, our school was able to create a remembrance mural, which has helped our school honour the strength, courage, and sacrifice of our service men and women.

“The mural will encourage rich discussion about Australia's involvement in peacekeeping operations and war service throughout history within our classrooms and school community.”

Photo: 2024 Anzac Day 11am March at Avalon Beach led by the 201 Army Cadet Unit

 

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