February 23 - 29, 2020: Issue 439
Barrenjoey Supports Fire-Ravaged Mogo Public School
On Thursday night, February 20th, Barrenjoey High School came together to support Mogo Public School. Local bands, The Rions and Marvell performed for over 200 students in the school hall. The highlight of the evening was both bands performing Marvell’s hit, Come a Little Closer. Jesse from Marvell said the band was thrilled to participate in the evening and have built a close bond with The Rions over the last year. Noah Buckley from The Rions felt that the hall “went off!” for both bands.
Kalinda Hawson, P&C President said “for some of these kids it is their first rock concert. Year 7s and Year 12s were all in the ‘mosh pit’ dancing together. So thrilling to see.”
The other thrill of the night was how many people donated their time so freely. Seventeen teachers from Barrenjoey attended to help run the event, Barrenjoey parents were there too. Duncan Ritchie donated all his lighting and sound equipment and time to ensure that the night looked and sounds incredible. Both bands appeared without a fee. Ronny Berg from Creek Street Photography came and shot the bands and students so we will have professional shots of the night. The SRC students cooked the bbq and donated all their time and money from the sales for the evening. Retro Birdie donated the profits from the sale of ice-creams.
Mogo Public School students and staff were affected by the recent bushfires and Barrenjoey Principal, Ian Bowsher, contacted Mogo Principal, Lyndall Schuchmann, to offer financial support for the kids.
Mogo Public School is a 150 year old timber built school surrounded by old growth forest that the kids lovingly called the 'enchanted forest'. The school has 33 students from K-6 including 12 Aboriginal students, 3 classes, 4 teachers and two Admin / support staff. It is a very tight community.
When the fires came the fire trucks spent 3 hours continuously spraying water on the heritage timber buildings to save them which they managed to do. As Lyndall explained the 'fire lick' marks are all over the blistered paint - it came that close.
While the school buildings were saved the town and surrounding bush was destroyed. The school lost their heritage forest and all its gardens (it is simply a small cluster of buildings in a black landscape). The chicken coop and outdoor learning space which the kids loved were also obliterated. Six of the school kids lost their homes and almost all other families homes were damaged in some way or another.
Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open 2020 A Success
Team Navy ASRL Open 2020: Newport Beach SLSC - photo by Malcolm Trees
The 2020 Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) Open took place over the weekend of 14 – 16 February 2020. ASRL President Michael Brooks said that the event was a success and we were extremely proud of bringing the event to Mollymook and the neighbouring region.
"The surf boat community were passionate about coming to this region to compete in a friendly manner and support the community after the devastating fires." Mr Brooks said.
"I am proud to say that the event was a success and I can't thank the local community for their welcoming nature."
With huge swells hitting the original location at Mollymook Beach on Friday, the events were moved for safety to their back-up location and a challenging shore break at Long Beach, just outside of Bateman’s Bay on Day 2 - Trans Tasman Test day.
In a dominant display of surf boat prowess, the Aussies won 11 out of 12 races against the Kiwis and retained the Trans-Tasman Trophy for an eighth consecutive year. Australia’s U23 crews were also dominant over their rivals with a five to one victory in the Under 23 age group, with South Curl Curl Under 23 crew (The Lamp) taking out their races 3-0.
Despite logistical changes the races were able to be broadcast live on the Team Navy ASRL Facebook platform and their YouTube site. The 2020 ASRL Open went back to Mollymook on the Sunday with the Interstates competition, postponed on Friday due to conditions, further postponed on the day due to the conditions and timings. An announcement will be made as to rescheduling for the Interstates once that has been worked out.
Five surf boat crews from Sydney Northern Beaches won their finals at the ASRL Open at Mollymook. The Mona Vale Drifters (Under 19 female), Palm Beach Playboys (Under 23 male), North Narrabeen Smokos (Reserve male - sweep the legendary Don McManus, who has returned to the club he first joined in 1962), South Curl Curl White Bread (Masters 240 Mixed) and the Avalon Beach Antiques (Masters 180 Female) were all successful in securing gold last weekend. Palm Beach also did well in the Under 19's, with the Possums securing a bronze while Queenscliff's Blue Car Keys took the silver and South Curl Curl's Underdogs finished 4th in the same finals.
Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Under 23 Newport 'Thunder' won bronze with Palm Beach's Piranhas placing 4th. The Warriewood Rustys secured bronze medals in the 200 Female Masters with the Long Reef Vets taking silver in the 260 Mixed Masters Division.
With 345 crews from Australia and New Zealand competing across Junior, Open, Reserve and Master categories throughout the three days, peninsula crews were up against the best of the best.
"Sydney Northern Beaches ( SNB ) crews, as always, delivered on the big stage in a number of categories" Mr Brooks said this week.
"SNB is the strongest surf boat area in Australia and we are always excited to see what the crews can bring to our events."
Results and more HERE
Palm Beach SLSC on the run back to the beach - photo by Malcolm Trees
2020 Mothernest Great Lakes Pro.: Local Surfers Aim High
North Narrabeen's Tru Starling this week - photo by Ethan Smith/Surfing NSW
Luminaries such as Jordy Lawler have been getting their teeth wet, so to speak, and having a great time getting in some solid performances with many speaking about the upcoming Sydney Surf Pro. at Manly. Mr. Lawler, coming in as defending champion of 2019, has been particularly acrobatic!
The Mothernest Great Lakes Pro forms the second leg of the Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series - World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series. The elite 5-day competition is a part of three stops on the Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series, comprising of the Carve Pro Maroubra, Mothernest Great Lakes Pro and Vissla Central Coast Pro.
The finals run today (Sunday February 23rd) and will be broadcast live.
Catch up with what's been happening so far HERE
Summer Is Becoming Autumn In Pittwater 2020
Did you know that Roger Sayers, Life Member of Avalon Beach SLSC does the weekend Surf Report on ABC 702 with Simon Marnie?
Known as 'TG' aka The Goat, Mr. Sayers is very articulate and has deftly described local conditions this week. Well worth tuning into before dipping a toe!
Kookaburra sits on our balcony
Kookaburra may be winking at me.....
A J Guesdon photo - responsible for the very poor rhyme as well....
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