October 28 - November 30, 2024: Issue 636 - Week Four
Residents will have noticed the change in the tree canopy of Scotland Island over the past decade and witnessed an accelerated increase in dieback of the tree canopy in just the past few years.
Scotland Island on April 7 2013:
Scotland Island March 7 2015:
Scotland Island in July 29, 2023:
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In July 29, 2023 (from Church Point):
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Scotland Island from Salt Pan Cove and Florence Park (Newport/Clareville) on November 22, 2024:
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Northern Beaches Para Surfer Boardriders Inc First Official Competition crew, 2023 - finalists in the Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award
Left to Right: Lee Ferrier, Lori Foti, Michael Foti, Jack Jackson, Max Devery (from WA!), Sam Bloom, Chris Astill
Back Row: Kirk Watson, John Crampton, Chook Harris
Front Row: Em Dieters
Notable Absentees: Cam Bloom, Jaz Astill
Photo Byron Chadwick - nomoredahl
Some of the biggest names in surfing have been revealed as finalists in the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame. Mick Fanning, Nathan Hedge, Laura Enever, Sally Fitzgibbons, Molly Picklum, Jack Robinson, and Ethan Ewing are all in the running for accolades.
Northern Beaches Para Surfer Boardriders Club are finalists in the Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award, as are NBPSBC members Kirk Watson, Captain of the Irukandjis Para Surfing Team that won bronze at the Worlds in the first week of November, along with Emma Dieters and Sam Bloom.
The Northern Beaches Para Surfer Boardriders Club launched the Inaugural Boardriders Inclusive Classic this year. Club President Em Dieters sent through a 'save the date' poster for the 2025 edition earlier this past week:
The crew are pretty excited and honoured by the nomination.
Other locals named as finalists include Milla Brown, who is up for the Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award, while the big two, Male Surfer of the Year finalist sees George Pittar named as a finalist and a Female Surfer of the Year finalist nomination for Laura Enever alongside Sally Fitzgibbons and Molly Picklum.
Laura is also a finalist in the Heavy Water Award.
The awards honour the outstanding achievements of Australia’s top surfers and celebrate those contributing behind the scenes in areas such as event organisation, business, media, photography, and more.
This year, the awards will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at a new location—HOTA, Home of the Arts, on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
The full list is HERE
Features of the design included:
- Widened tidal steps, an external ladder and tie up location on the north side and widening of the wharf deck.
- A new internal stainless steel ladder.
- Raising the wharf deck and pool walls to keep them above water levels in higher tides.
- Replacing the collapsing rocky groyne with a new sandstone block groyne topped with a sand coloured concrete slab. The groyne is proposed to be reduced 2-3m in length and increased to 2m in width.
- Maintaining the heritage aspect of the wharf and pool by providing timber decking and timber materials on the upper portion of the structure including a timber waler along the top of the pool walls.
- Long term durability of the structure will be achieved by using steel piles surrounded by black HDPE (high density polyethylene) sleeving. Timber fender piles will be used to maintain the heritage feel at the end of the wharf.
- New shower and foot tap.
Council sated; ''Due to its heritage listing, the footprint of the new wharf and pool will have similar proportions as the existing structure - so a like for like replacement. This will help maintain its heritage aesthetic as well as minimise any impact to the threatened species of Posidonia seagrass in the vicinity.''
Council stated the reason the design included raising the wharf deck pool walls and groyne was that the current wharf, pool and groyne were too low; 'On higher tides the entire structure is underwater presenting a boating hazard and other safety issues. The proposal is to raise the wharf deck and pool walls 600mm so they remain out of the water. The groyne is proposed to be raised 200mm.'
Construction was to be approximately three months, between June and October 2024, subject to weather conditions.
Council stated 'The work must occur outside the seahorse breeding season. Seahorses will be relocated to a nearby location as approved by the NSW Fisheries Department.'
By July 2024 the works were underway. An October 2024 visit to the Paradise Beach shores showed the works had progressed.
On Friday November 22 2024 another visit showed the site was deserted, the contractors gone, and the works look to be complete - ahead of schedule!
All that was left was the falling to bits plastic barrier marking off the work site, blowing fragments of the same into the estuary waters.
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All that's missing is the restoring of the jetty name sign for visitors to the estuary.
Some pictures below.
In more great news, the replacement of the Tylor's Point Public Wharf is also at 'full steam ahead' stage. The demolition of the old rotted structure is complete and the contractors are already installing the new structure.
Profile of the Week Lisa Wilkes Hunter: At The Studio, in the Careel Bay Marina, this December - For Living OceanMany know Lisa as the friendly face who oversees many of the weekend and evening game shows that occur in our local clubs, a successful business she began several years ago.
Lisa is also a wonderful mum of two, and an artist who has been accepted into both the Mosman Art Prize and has exhibited in the Warringah Art Prize 2015.
Lisa took art lessons with well-known artist Barry Chamberlain, who entered her work into art competitions. An award winning entry titled 'Siamese Cat' caused some consternation when the judges discovered that the artist was just eight years old.
Pittwater Online first spoke to Lisa a few years ago. Recently a quick catch-up chat was a chance to see a current artwork being developed - a shearwater on a surfboard - not her usual medium. But this one is in aid of a great cause - supporting local organisation Living Ocean to continue in their great projects and collaborative studies.
The Flesh-footed Shearwater surfboard artwork will be a core feature of her upcoming exhibition at Amy and Matt Young's The Studio in the Careel Bay Marina.
History Salt Pan Cove Public Wharf on Regatta Reserve + Florence Park + Salt Pan Reserve + Refuge Cove Reserve: Some History
Environment Scotland Island Dieback Accelerating: IPART Review of increases In Sydney Water's Pricing Proposals An Opportunity to ask: 'what happened to the 'Priority Sewerage Scheme' for our Island?, Ruskin Rowe Tree Vigil Update: November 2024, We rated the urban forests of 8 global cities – only Singapore passed the 30% canopy test, Notice Of Public Meeting: Strategic Planning Panel of the Sydney North Planning Panel- Patyegarang /Lizard Rock, NCC: NSW must strengthen Biodiversity Offset laws as threatened species list grows: 48 uplisted in 2024, Garigal National Park: ‘1080 pest management’, NSW Water Consultations open for Public Submissions: Billabong Creek EIS; NSW Recycled Water Roadmap; Murrumbidgee water sharing plan; Gwydir water sharing plan; Macquarie/Wambuul water sharing plan; Namoi-Peel water sharing plan; Macquarie-Wambuul Water Security Project, As Australia privatises nature repair; the cheapest approach won’t save our threatened species, Could keeping native species as pets save them from extinction? Here’s why it’s not that simple, In a record-breaking drought bush birds from around Perth flocked to the city, Meltwater from Greenland and the Arctic is weakening ocean circulation, speeding up warming down south, How our regions can help make Australia’s growing cities more sustainable, Science To Revive Our Oceans: SIM's has a PHD Opportunity - operation Crayweed, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue Group on the Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Pittwater's Birds, + more
Aquatics Australian Boardriders Battle Central Round at North Narrabeen: Freshwater Boardriders win
Children Sunday Cartoons: A Charming Chameleon Learns to Live by His Own Colours, Little green insect that can walk backwards is a planthopper, Christmas Ads 2024; a focus on Food, Glorious Food! - and TOYS this week, Curious Kids: what is brain freeze? + how is water made? + can snails fart? + why can’t we do whatever we want? + What happens if a venomous snake bites another snake of the same species?, Stories this week: Interrupting Chicken + Rodeo Red
Youth New works at Narrabeen Sports High School: November 2024 update, Celebrating 10 years in Seniors’ Stories: Congratulations!, Waiting for exam results can be awful; Our research shows how best to manage the stress, First off, have a plan – 5 ways young people can stay safe at schoolies, TAFE Fee-free* courses - semester 1 2025 enrol now, Word Of The Week: Illustrious, Casting a spotlight on the Black convicts of African descent who helped shape Australia, 5 fun podcasts for when you need a break from the news, Books that shook the business world: Talking About Machines by Julian E. Orr, Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love album was revolutionary – and exploded the myth of the tortured artist, Why it’s important to take a week off from the gym every now and again – the science behind ‘deload weeks’, How The Cure went back to their gothic roots for their new number one album, Eating less sugar would be great for the planet as well as our health, What are tariffs?, To move or not to move: is it cheaper to find a new place or stay when your rent increases by 10%?, Air is an overlooked source of nutrients – evidence shows we can inhale some vitamins, + local services for you
Seniors Celebrating 10 years in Seniors’ Stories: Congratulations!, Intergenerational Playgroup Program, Government's choice in aged care: cap free gardening-cleaning, Aged Care Transition Taskforce to help deliver historic reform, Silver Surfers, Super changes to make super system easier for Australians in retirement an important step forward, Mandating cash for essential goods and services long overdue, crucial reform: COTA Australia, Alan Jones once seemed unassailable; What ended it was a peculiarly Sydney story of media, politics and power, The latest COVID booster will soon be available; Should I get one?, The government wants to keep cash alive for buying essentials; Here’s why it’s such a challenge for businesses, Air is an overlooked source of nutrients – evidence shows we can inhale some vitamins, Businesses will have to accept cash for essentials under government plan, Casting a spotlight on the Black convicts of African descent who helped shape Australia, What is ‘doll therapy’ for people with dementia? And is it backed by science?, Local events, services, groups for you + more
DIY Ideas Christmas Cheer 2024: Time to Deck Your Home With Rows Of Jolly! + Keeping Mozzies away - Ticks at Bay This Summer Anyone who visits Elaine Avenue in Avalon during Christmas week knows how lovely this street looks with all its lights. The neighbours create visual splendour for little people that adults also drive down or stroll by, simply to enjoy. More consumers are switching to LED lights for decorating outdoors as energy-efficient LED lights use less power and require less repairs. Over time, they can be a better investment. Nowadays the range of solar lights are growing as well and as usual, Johnson Brothers are front and centre of these developments with a great range of these on offer for some Christmas Cheer for 2024.
Inbox News 2024 Premier’s Awards celebrate public service excellence, New strata laws introduced to protect owners and make strata living easier, Full-strength beer trial For Western Sydney Stadiums, Harsher penalties for vape suppliers as NSW Government seizes 300,000 products, New Fire and Rescue NSW Vessels launched to protect against water pollution, Budget update will revise down company tax receipts but treasurer Chalmers welcomes economy’s ‘soft landing’, We pay less for houses in one-in-100 year flood zones – but overlook risks of more devastating floods, NSW Magistrates to be called judges under historic change to Local Court Act, Albanese government gives firm ‘no’ to joining UK-US agreement to advance nuclear technology, Bunnings breached privacy law by scanning customers’ faces – but this loophole lets other shops keep doing it, Women are still being paid almost $30,000 a year less than men and the gap widens with age, Australia’s new anti-vaping program in schools is a good step – but education is only part of the puzzle, 10 years after the Lacrosse building cladding fire, the defects and disasters continue, What’s the difference between liquid and powder laundry detergent? It’s not just the obvious
Food Spinach (or Kale), Ricotta and Chicken (or Mushrooms) Cannelloni: Spring Dishes to give you Vim!
If you may find a roast chicken on Sunday now means leftovers. Here is a simple recipe to turn leftovers into a feast that’s loaded with a few ancient ingredients that are still proving their worth in beneficial health today. We also make this dish with mushrooms for lighter fare - and it's perfect for those one day hot next day cool days of Spring - littlies will love it too.
October 28 - November 30, 2024: Issue 636 - Week Three
Four new inductees to the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame (ASHoF) were announced at the Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Gala on Friday evening, November 1, with those announced officially named as part of the top echelon of sailors in our nation’s history.
The top honour a sailor can receive in Australia, the ASHoF was established in 2017 to recognise the greats of the sport, those who have achieved at the highest level and contributed to make sailing what it is today, including those in supporting roles such as coaches and designers.
The first to be announced on the night was Pittwater's James (Jimmy) Spithill. A two-time America’s Cup winning skipper, world match-racing champion and multiple Sydney to Hobart Champion, James raced in his eighth consecutive America’s Cup last month.
“It is an absolute shock and honour to be recognised in this way,” said Spithill.
“If you told me I'll be fortunate enough to skipper eight teams in eight America's Cup campaigns in a row and win a couple along the way, mate, I would have thought you were just downright crazy.
“I’d really like to thank Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club who have really supported me every step of the way, and also my family, my friends and my incredible team mates who I would not be here without.”
James' father Arthur accepted the award on his eldest sons behalf.
Growing up in Elvina Bay on Pittwater, Jimmy Spithill spent his youth surrounded by water. With no access by road, Jimmy’s home was only accessible by boat, so sailing became an everyday necessity.
“It was a way of life to spend hours on the water,” he says. “It’s like a surfer growing up at Sunset Beach.”
James started windsurfing at the age of five and when nine his father Arthur found an old abandoned wooden dinghy which they restored.
He then won the first race he entered at age 10 with his younger sister Katie. Younger brother Tom rounds out the trio of Spithill sailing excellence.
Precociously talented, James progressed to junior match-racing success before finishing third in the deadly 1998 Sydney to Hobart aboard the late Syd Fischer’s Ragamuffin.
A year later at 19 he was asked to helm Young Australia and at 20 became the youngest skipper in the history of the America’s Cup when he led the young crew into the 2000 Louis Vuitton Cup.
In 2003 and 2004 Spithill won back-to-back Nations Cup titles and in 2005 was the Match Racing World champion after a victory on home waters.
In 2003 he made the semifinals of the Louis Vuitton Cup aboard Oneworld, before being handed the reigns of the Italian syndicate Luna Rossa Challenge for the 2007 Cup which made it all the way to the Challenger Finals.
In 2010, Spithill again rewrote history as the youngest winner of the America’s Cup as helmsman and skipper of BMW Oracle Team.
“It was relief and ecstasy, like a huge weight came off my shoulders,” he said about the 2010 win.
Three years on he led one of the greatest sporting comebacks ever, as Oracle Team USA came from minus two behind to beat New Zealand 9-8 to claim his second America’s Cup victory.
He was again at the helm of Oracle’s 2017 defence Bermuda, where they lost to the innovative challenge from Emirates Team New Zealand by a score of 7-1.
Spithill then join the Challenger of Record entry, Luna Rossa Challenge and in 2021 he steered Luna Rossa to victory in the Prada Cup before losing in the Finals, and in 2024 Luna Rossa made the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
James Spithill, AC, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team. Credit: Luna Rossa/Carlo Borlenghi
Spithill now holds the honour of winning the most races in the history of the America’s Cup as a skipper.
This sailing ace has also raced five Sydney Hobarts with his results including a line honours win in LDV Comanche in 2017.
He was also helmsman and CEO of the United States SailGP Team from 2020 to 2023 before departing to launch the Italy SailGP team.
During his stellar career he won Australian Male Sailor of the Year twice in 2006 and 2010 and was named Rolex World Sailor of the Year in 2014.
He's is also known locally as a really nice bloke, always has time for youngsters and goes out of his way to inspire and foster the next generation of sailors.
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James at BYRA in 2023
The other three inducted into the ASHoF were the only sailor in history to defend an ILCA 7 gold medal at the Olympics, Matt Wearn OAM, Australian great in Sailboarding with four Olympic appearances and multiple world titles to her name, Jessica Crisp, and Lindsay Cunningham AM, who was recognised with his induction as one of the greatest and most innovative multihull designers of all time. In addition to being an accomplished sailor, Cunningham’s contributions include the design of many of Australia’s best catamarans.
The Australia Sailing Awards were held in Sydney on November 1 2024, celebrating the best in this sport and the great achievements across the past year.
In an email to residents the MP for Pittwater stated:
''I was walked into the chamber by my fellow independents Alex Greenwich (Independent Member for Sydney) and Michael Regan (Independent Member for Wakehurst). NSW now has the largest crossbench of independents in its history with 10 members
Taking the Pledge of Loyalty was a proud moment for me personally, but also a moment of humility reflecting on the enormous trust the people of Pittwater have placed in me and the responsibilities that come with that.
Now, it's officially time to get to work on delivering our priorities.
I promised to hit the ground running, with just over two years of this parliamentary term remaining there’s no time to waste, and I’m determined to make good on that promise.
I know our community wants to see an end to vape and tobacco shops that are potentially operating illegally. In the first few days of parliament, legislation has passed to protect our community against illegal tobacco sales and related crime, such as the break-in at the Friendly Grocer Avalon. I voted with the Coalition to increase the penalties for illegal tobacco operations and will continue to call on the government to do more.
I’ve met with Ministers, including the Minister for Roads in relation to Mona Vale Rd and the broader Northern Beaches Road Strategy and the Minister for Planning to fight against the Mid-Rise Housing Strategy allowing 6-7 storey buildings in R3 zones with further announcements anticipated prior to the end of the year. These fights will be long ones – but they have started.
I’m excited to join an influential and effective cross bench to deliver for Pittwater and ensure our voice is heard on broader NSW issues. As an independent, serving my community instead of a political party is a key part of how I do politics differently.
I'm incredibly proud to be the new MP and represent the people of Pittwater.
Constituents have had almost three months without an MP, so I'm keen to hear from you and help you resolve any state-related issues.
The electorate office is at Suite 1, 1725 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale and will be open for visitors from Monday 18 November.
In the meantime, you can contact me via pittwater@parliament.nsw.gov.au or ring the office on 02 9999 3599.
My inaugural speech in the NSW Parliament will be in February next year when parliament resumes, and I’ll let you know the date ASAP as it would be wonderful if you could make it.
As we embark on this journey, I’d like to thank everyone again for placing your trust in me.
My team and I will work hard to represent everyone in Pittwater by doing politics differently, free from party politics, listening and working together in the interests of this community. It’s a new way of doing things and I look forward to using my strong independent voice to benefit the people of Pittwater. '' Pittwater MP Scruby stated
Alex Greenwich, Independent Member for Sydney, and Michael Regan, Independent Member for Wakehurst, with Jacqui Scruby, Independent Member for Pittwater.
On November 7, 2024 the NSW Electoral Commission stated: ''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.
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%
View the by-election results and for more information: https://bit.ly/3YEO8GT
Remembrance Day Services were held across Pittwater on Monday November 11th 2024.
At Avalon Beach RSL cenotaph there was standing room only. Elder Veterans of conflicts that occurred before some attending were born, were joined by members of local businesses, Legacy Widows and young children from Avalon Public school.
Representing Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps was Rebecca Clarke and Meredith Robinson, with another key staff member representing Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby. Cr. Rowie Dillon attended representing Mayor Sue Heins.
Pittwater MP Scruby attended an equally large Service at the Pittwater RSL Cenotaph, led by their Sub-Branch president Deborah Carter.
A large contingent of students from local schools attended the Pittwater RSL Service, including students from Mona Vale Primary school, whose Honour Boards list almost 200 former students who have served Australia as Defence Service personnel since the school was inaugurated in 1906.
Samantha Shaw led the hymns at Avalon. Prayers and Flag ceremonials were conducted by Avalon Ministers and Sub-Branch members.
Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch Vice President and former RAN Lieutenant Commander Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM conducted the Service and introduced the Guest Speaker, daughter of President Richard Menhinick RAN, and serving member of the RAN, Lieutenant Charlotte Menhinick.
Tamara Sloper Harding said in her introduction:
As our members know I’m constantly talking about welcoming the next generation of Service men and women to the RSL. It’s essential for the longevity of the League and in order for us to fulfil our Charter and purpose of looking after Veterans and their families.
Our Sub-Branch is blessed to have a large number of contemporary Veterans and members in our membership. I’m of ten asked ‘where are they?’ at meetings and functions.
They are still serving our nation, they’re on Active Duty, deployed around the globe on land, air and sea. So what a wonderful connection they are for us to today’s ADF. They are perfectly placed to keep us abreast of current issues and challenges, and prepare us for the best ways to support our Veterans in the future.
Today we have the privilege to have one of them here to present the Remembrance Day Address. And I know that her father wishes he was here to introduce her.
Charlotte Menhinick was born and raised in Canberra. After her parents moved to the US for work she then attended Barker College in Sydney as a boarding student. This parting was good practice for her mother Michelle because Charlotte then joined the Royal Australian Navy for as a Gap Year Sailor in 2017.
On completion of Basic Training she then worked as a General Duties sailor in Cairns before applying successfully to be a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2018. She completed her training at HMAS Creswell and since then has served on a variety of ships.
She gained her Bridge Watch Keeping Certificate at HMAS Watson in 2021 and then was posted to the guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart as an Officer of the Watch.
During her two years on Hobart Charlotte consolidated her skills as a Maritime Warfare Officer. Her time at sea included two regional deployments in the vicinity of northeast Asia and the south China sea. So, you can only imagine what that was like.
She was posted to the Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour as an Operations Officer in mid-2023. In this role she is part of an amazing team of Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors, who are specially trained to sail a square-rigged tall ship and deliver a youth development program for young Australians.
So ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Lieutenant Charlotte Menhinick.
Lieutenant Charlotte Menhinick:
I’m sure most of you know my dad, I’m Lieutenant Charlotte Menhinick, I’ve been a Naval Officer for 8 years and have sailed on multiple operations on numerous ships.
It is my privilege this morning to deliver your Remembrance Day Address.
Since Federation Australia has been called on many times to serve in operations and conflicts. They have served on o under the sea, on the land and in the air.
In August 1914 Britain declared war against Germany and Australia, following in her wake, joined soon after. The First World War is remembered on land, for its brutal trench warfare, the use of artillery and machine guns; at sea for the big fleets and the mass use of submarines to disrupt trade. And of course, in the air; combat occurred for the first time ever, with dog fights between fighters and bombers and massive civilian deaths.
Known as the Great War, it remains one of the deadliest conflicts in history. In just over 4 years 17 million people were dead. Amongst the lives lost were more than 60 thousand Australian service personnel.
For a young nation, still fresh from Federation, the loss of life was devastating for every community.
The fighting stopped when an Armistice between the Allied countries and Germany came into effect at 11 o’clock on the morning of the 11th of November 1918.
The momentous announcement that fighting was over on the Western Front caused joyful celebrations around Australia – but that joy was not universal. Too many had died, too many were wounded and made ill by their war service. There was a schism that ran through society, with numerous families having lost loved fathers, husbands and sons. Others were maimed physically and mentally scarred for life.
It was out of this conflict the RSL was resolved.
In 1919 King George V called for two minutes silence at 11am on the 11th of November. At the appointed hour people around Australia gathered before local memorials and paused together in reflection to remember the dead, beginning a tradition that we honour still today.
On Remembrance Day we gather not to glorify war but to remind ourselves that we value who we are and the freedoms we possess, and to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us. Those service men and women that contributed to shaping the identity we have as a nation, and those who continue to Serve.
In our modern world we are constantly confronted with devastating news about at any hour of the day. Some nights my phone will light up at 9pm, as I am getting ready to sleep, to politely inform me that Russia has dropped another bomb on a Ukrainian town or that tensions have once again escalated in the Middle East.
It is easy to grow apathetic in the face of an overwhelming barrage of bad news, but it is our duty to the fallen Australians, and the fallen Allies who have fought with us for over a century, to pause and honour them, and to not give into despair and apathy.
As my dad said last year; all of us here today are fortunate to live in a democratic country, where our government is decided at regular intervals via orderly ques of citizens, pieces of paper and a cardboard voting box. Not by guns, secret police or government terror. However, events in the world, and even some disgraceful behaviour recently at home, reminds us that a duty of being a citizen in a democratic country is to stay vigilant and to be active in the community; to ensure that those who wish to impose hatred, intolerance or violence on us are called out so that all in our society can live in harmony and peace in our beautiful land.
The fact that we can enjoy a democracy sausage is due in large part to the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, who have fought against those who have fought and defeated those who sought to impose a totalitarian regime on us.
We are fortunate to have access to quality education, where you have the right to learn and to speak freely and debate with your own ideas. We have unlimited access to news publications and the right to make up our own opinions based on what information is made available. These rights are held because those who have gone before us have fought those battles to ensure we have and keep these rights.
As I speak today, man and women of your Army, Navy and Air Force, decent everyday Australians with families and friends, are serving you, our country, and the cause of freedom here and all over the world.
As I stand here today ships and submarines are serving, some in northeast Asia, as I was two years ago, ensuring the transport lines, such as freedom of navigation in international waters are maintained. We have pilots flying in international air space dong the same, and we have soldiers deployed across many regions of the world.
Members of the Australian Defence Force are also diplomats, and beacons of hope of what it means to be Australian to people across the world.
Australia beat England in the rugby yesterday; an amazing last minute breath-taking victory that the Wallabies managed to pull out for the ages and record books. [England vs Wallabies (37 - 42)]
But I wish to draw your attention to the pre-game ceremony; the Last Post, the Minute of Silence, the Reveille. There, in front of 80 thousand people, the collective sacrifice of two nations for freedom, liberty and humanity was honoured. There front and centre was an officer of the Australian Army, in full ceremonial dress and slouch hat carrying our flag alongside a comrade British Officer and their flag.
This is showing what we are and why we have fought together for the world.
This is indicative of what the young Australians who serve today are doing for the world as part of our Defence Force do.
I think we are the same as those who have gone before us and take immense pride in how we serve. We have the memories and deeds of our forebears to look to and uphold.
This is the greatest country on earth, we just need to understand what makes it so great.
Together, as we remember 103 thousand dead Service Australians, and the Service of those who survived, and those who still Serve, take a moment to reflect on our country and how lucky we are to live in this place.
As you go back to your daily life, take a few minutes in your day to investigate the devices behind the divisive headline, to not give in to stereotypes, and seek to maintain a civilised dialogue in all our conversations with each other.
It is our duty to the fallen to care about our fellow Australians, to care about what is behind the stories people are trying to sell us, and to engage in our countries struggles in the world.
Thank you very much.
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Australia has two new world champions, with Jocelyn Neumueller (Park Holme, SA) and Kai Colless (Burleigh Heads, QLD) winning gold medals in their divisions at the 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championship, held November 3-9 US time at Huntington Beach, California.
The Irukandjis Para Surfing Team took home a total of eight individual medals and an overall bronze at Surf City USA, Huntington Beach. Joel Taylor (Lennox Head, NSW) claimed silver, while Emma Dieters (Mona Vale, NSW) and Cliff Gralton (Tuncurry, NSW) secured bronze. Mark 'Mono' Stewart (Byron Bay, NSW), Kirk Watson (Mona Vale, NSW) and Matt Formston (Wamberal, NSW), each earned copper in their respective divisions. Chris Astill (St Leonards, NSW) and Chris Blowes (Netley, SA) also reached the Finals in their divisions.
Australia, fielding their strongest team in many years, claimed their first Team Medal since 2017 with Bronze.
Jocelyn Neumueller said: "I am stoked that we were able to take out the World Championship title in the Prone 2 category in such challenging conditions. It really tops off what was a great week, scoring the top two highest heat totals of the comp, and is a testament to the hard work my whole team has put in this year.
"Getting to lead our team as co-captain and achieve a team bronze medal just took the experience to a whole new level! I couldn’t be prouder of the team and what we achieved together.
"Massive shout-out to Insurance Advisernet for backing us this season! Their support amped everyone up, and it was awesome to bring home our first team medal since I started in 2021."
Jocelyn Neumueller. Photo Credit: ISA / Pablo Franco
Kai Colless. Photo Credit: ISA / Pablo Franco
Kirk Watson. Photo Credit: ISA / Sean Evans
Emma Dieters. Photo Credit: ISA / Pablo Franco
Kai Colless said: "It feels incredible to take the gold and be crowned 2024 ISA World Champion, but even more so in the same year as winning back-to-back AASP 2023 and 2024 Professional World Championships.
"Representing my country and being part of the Irukandjis Team has been an absolute honour. Being on the beach each day and celebrating all of our team's achievements has been amazing, and I’m really grateful for our team coach Josh and his input and encouragement this past week. I’m going home to graduate high school this coming Friday, so I’m looking forward to celebrating with all my family and friends."
Also competing as part of the Irukandjis Team were Lee Ferrier (Narrabeen, NSW), Michael Fonti (Nowra, NSW), and Annie Goldsmith (Erindale, SA). Joining them at Huntington Beach was Head Coach, Josh Fuller and Team Manager, Byron Hoskins.
The ninth edition of the ISA World Para Surfing Championship (WPSC) has come to a close after a massive week of action in ideal conditions at Huntington Beach.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:
“What an amazing ISA World Para Surfing Championship, held and presented by Surf City Huntington Beach. It was incredible days, great waves. I remember at our very first Adaptive Surfing World Championships, which was the original name, one of the competitors was asked about their hope for the event. Their answer was simple: ‘I hope to bring home hope.’ And that’s what we all bring. We hope that you take hope home.
“We will continue our paddle for Paralympic Surfing. We will continue our paddle for a better world through surfing and para surfing, and we will continue to support this amazing community. Congratulations to every one of you. Thank you to Visit Huntington Beach and big, big thank you to all the volunteers and the staff of the ISA for making this event an amazing history-making event.”
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Central NSW qualifier at North Narrabeen has been won by Freshwater Boardriders Club. After a great day in the sun at North Narrabeen Beach, the Australian Boardriders Battle Central NSW qualifier sees other local boardrider clubs qualify to progress.
The crew from Freshwater Boardriders comprised Lex O'Connor, Fletcher Kelleher, Tommy Myers, Layne Beachley, and Sam Brown.
Freshwater had multiple standout moments as they progressed through heats, but it was team leader Tommy Myers who carried his team to victory.
"This is probably one of the sickest days of the whole year., " Myers said. "Congratulations to all the other finalists and teams. We traditionally haven't always been in the final, so it feels good to start to get a bit of momentum and have some great juniors coming up through Freshy!"
North Narrabeen, Queenscliff, Bungan, North Steyne, Freshwater, North Avalon, Avoca, and Curly United have now qualified for the Hyundai ABB Grand Final, which will be held on March 8-9, 2025, at Burleigh Heads, QLD.
Surfing NSW Contest Director Corey Ross said: "We were super excited to head to Narrabeen for stop number two of the NSW Regional Qualifiers for the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle.
We had a record 16 clubs locked in to compete for the prize of being the Central Region's best boardrider club. Waves were fun for the event, in the two-foot range with light winds all day. There was plenty of exciting action, along with a number of sponsor activations at the event, so there was lots to do for everyone."
As can be seen from the photos from Surfing Australia, the Australian Boardriders Battle rounds are proving to be a great family event for all ages and a chance to see some of the best local surfers in action.
Final Results:
1st - Freshwater Boardriders
2nd - North Narrabeen Boardriders
3rd - North Steyne Boardriders
4th - Avoca Boardriders
Awards:
- Boost Mobile Wave of the Day Winner - Talia Tebb (Avoca)
- Oakley Prize Performer Award - Jordy Lawler (North Narrabeen)
- Dometic Top Performing Junior Award - Sol Gruendling (North Steyne)
- Jim Beam Club Spirit Award - Freshwater Boardriders Club
Clubs that competed in the event included Merewether, Norah Head, Dee Why, Avoca, Freshwater, Wamberal, North Avalon, North Steyne, Curly United, East End, Queenscliff, North Narrabeen, Bungan, Long Reef, Mona Vale, and North Shelly.
Local team crews were:
North Avalon Surfriders Assoc (NASA)
Van Whiteman
Shane Carroll
Ollie Heinz
Molly Shepperd
Isaiah Vaeleki
Bungan Boardriders
Darcy Crump
Luca Elder
Milla Brown
Lucy Brown
Phil Hoile
Mona Vale Boardriders
Harry Stevenson
Jasper Welsh
Archie Hellmich
Mark Lacroski
Chloe Bosnjak
North Narrabeen Boardriders
Nathan Hedge
Davey Cathels
Jordy Lawler
Jesse Daish
Ruby Trew
Long Reef Surfers Association
Baxter Hurt
Steve Clements
Gabi Spake
Ruben Casteigt
Jonny Grainger
Dee Why Surf Fraternity
Ben Zanatta
Gor Ozharosky
Isaac Buckley
Luke McManus
Brooke Carlson
Curly United
Harley Ross
Brett Moore
Ed Aubrey
Mikel Bang
Lola Aspiosis
Freshwater Boardriders Club
Lex O'Connor
Fletcher Kelleher
Tommy Myers
Layne Beachley
Sam Brown
Queenscliff Boardriders
Sampson Coulter
Winter Vincent
Austin Ware
Hunter Sutcliffe
Georgia May Hicks
North Steyne Boardriders
Sol Gruendling
Blake Levett
Dayyan Neve
Izzy Higgs
Tiaan Cronje
There are more than 230 boardrider clubs across the country, where members gather regularly, often monthly, to organise grassroots competitions at world-class waves such as Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. The boardrider club phenomenon in Australia has made a significant contribution to the nation's competitive success on the global stage, fostering close-knit communities that support young surfers on their journeys to becoming the next World Champions.
Surfing Australia last year expanded the Grand Final format to include 42 boardrider clubs (previously 24) from across Australia, with more than $115,000 in total prize money up for grabs throughout the series.
There are three specialty awards presented at each regional round: The Jim Beam Club Spirit Award, Oakley Prizm Performer Award and Boost Mobile Wave of the Day.
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series is proudly supported by naming partner Hyundai and support partners Jim Beam, ACCIONA, Ruffie Rustic Foods, BC™ Protein Snacks, Kennards Hire, Oakley, Dometic, Boost Mobile, Blackroll and Surfers for Climate.
The Hyundai ABB Gold Coast Grand Final is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
For more information, please visit australianboardridersbattle.com.
A few more happy snaps of the on sand variety:
Profile of the Week Peninsula Seniors Toy Recyclers: Call out for Toys - 50th Year to be Celebrated in 2025
Community News Appeal for information after projectiles thrown at B-Line buses, Carols on the Green 2024 at Av. Bowlo, Libs Announce former RSL NSW President as 2025 Candidate for Mackellar, Boondah Road, Warriewood - Upgrade: feedback sought, Government ends unfair ticketless parking fine system, Peninsula Seniors Toy Recyclers: Call out for Toys, New information to support strata communities and assist with property owner strata debt, Australia Post unveils festive new stamp collection for Christmas 2024, Hon Michael Knight AO appointed to Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal, Newport Community Garden, Elanora Heights Christmas Market: Saturday November 30, Just Launched: Living Ocean's OceanSounds!, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Charlie + Cara, 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, Marine Rescue Broken Bay New Leading Crew, VXOne NSW State Championship 2024-2025, Avalon Boomerang Bags: Festive Bags, Newport Residents Association Meeting: Guest Superintendent John Duncan, Anticipation builds for the Hansa World and International Championships, Dippers at Warriewood Beach, Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2025, Children's Art Class With Meredith Rasdall, Council's Draft Child Safe Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct: Have your say, Safer Neighbourhoods Program: Narrabeen to Mona Vale, Avalon Beach to Palm Beach Safety Zone - have your say, 2024 Spiral NSW State Championships: Pittwater, Shoosh for Youngsters: Calling all junior summer sports!, New technology to detect floods and bushfires: Grants open, Council's Draft Managing Unreasonable Conduct by Complainant Policy: Have Your Say, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: November 2024, Eramboo Artist in Residence program applications, Life-saving defibrillators available for NSW sports facilities, $5 million available for NSW Surf Clubs, 2024 Anzac Community Grants applications open, Marine Rescue Broken Bay: Christmas Raffle 2024, Whale Beach SLSC: Members Needed, Pittwater Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment and Groups Lists
Environment Ruskin Rowe Tree Vigil Update: November 2024, NCC: NSW must strengthen Biodiversity Offset laws as threatened species list grows: 48 uplisted in 2024, NSW Government Approves HumeLink transmission link, Framework to support NSW’s clean energy future announced, Birds at Our Window: Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Helping map Monaro koala populations, Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Grants now open: Closes November 22, NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the management of cat populations in New South Wales: open for submissions until November 22, Garigal National Park: ‘1080 pest management’, Events: Invitation to NBCAN Picnic and Soapbox Sunday 17 November + The Koalas: Film Screening at Collaroy - Nov. 17 + African Violet Show and sale + Introduction to Permaculture Course: Nov. 23-24 at Narrabeen, Avalon Film Festival 2024 + Silver Surfers + Ocean Festival 2024: 30 November - 8 December + Free Festive Fun at the Coastal Environment Centre: 1 December 2024 + Solar & Energy Roadshow – Narrabeen Tramshed: Dec 12, NSW Water Consultations open for Public Submissions: Billabong Creek EIS; NSW Recycled Water Roadmap; Murrumbidgee water sharing plan; Gwydir water sharing plan; Macquarie/Wambuul water sharing plan; Namoi-Peel water sharing plan; Macquarie-Wambuul Water Security Project, Hunter Coast national parks now hiring, Science To Revive Our Oceans: SIM's has a PHD Opportunity - operation Crayweed, Discussion paper: Review and report into the NSW wildlife rehabilitation sector, ‘Catastrophic declines’: massive data haul reveals why so many plants and animals suffer after fire, ‘Death hotspot’: we found 145 koalas killed along a single Queensland highway last year, Tiny oceanic plankton adapted to warming during the last ice age but probably won’t survive future climate change – new study, The COP29 climate talks are about to kick off in Baku; Here’s what to expect, A single atom can change the colour of a bird; These are the genes responsible, Mangroves in the Maldives have been drowning as sea level rises – new study, You will soon be able to power your house with your electric car; Here’s how, If our hot water heaters ran off daytime solar we would slash emissions and soak up cheap energy, Orbital by Samantha Harvey wins the 2024 Booker prize – a short but powerful story urging us to save the planet, A beginner’s guide to greenwash and four ways to avoid falling for it, Scientific models trust the land to soak up lots of CO₂ – the reality is a lot more messy, Companies are buying up cheap carbon offsets − data suggest it’s more about green-washing than helping the climate, Authoritarian fossil fuel states keep hosting climate conferences – how do these regimes operate and what do they want?, Prime time for cicadas: what a once-in-1,547-year bug population surge tells us about the nature of reality, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue Group on the Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Pittwater's Birds, + more
Aquatics Australian Boardriders Battle Central Round at North Narrabeen: Freshwater Boardriders win
Children Sunday Cartoons: "Laika & Nemo" - by Jan Gadermann & Sebastian Gadow, All 4 One at Schools Spectacular first combined rehearsal, Christmas Ads 2024: clebrating the most wonderful time of the year, Curious Kids: how did spoken language start? + Why do we need soap? + What is dew? + How can Jupiter have no surface? A dive into a planet so big, it could swallow 1,000 Earths + Why does everything look flat even though the Earth is round?, Stories this Issue: If Mice Pulled the Sleigh (kids books read aloud) + 'Fresh Juice' read by Da'Vine Joy Randolph + More.
Youth All 4 One at Schools Spectacular first combined rehearsal, Have a plan – 5 ways young people can stay safe at schoolies, National anti-vaping program for young Australians, TAFE Fee-free* courses - semester 1 2025 enrol now, TAFE NSW apprentice plumber gets a jump on career to join next-gen tradies, Natteisha waltzes into new career shaping young hearts and minds, Word Of The Week: Delightful, Government to impose ‘duty of care’ on digital platforms: Communications Minister Rowland, The Incas used mysterious stringy objects called ‘khipus’ to record data; We just got a step closer to understanding them, Why is the oboe used to tune an orchestra?; And other questions about tuning answered, A 41-million-digit prime number is the biggest ever found – but mathematicians’ search for perfection will continue, Meta now allows military agencies to access its AI software; It poses a moral dilemma for everybody who uses it, TikTok and WHO are getting together to help combat widespread health misinformation on social media, Stitched: from high-born women to crofters’ daughters, exhibition showcases two centuries of Scotland’s finest embroidered art, Five animals that behave differently in moonlight, Cacti are surprisingly fragile – and five other intriguing facts about these spiky wonders, Ancient Greece’s cultural rise started a century earlier than previously thought – new research, Can you sleep your way to better decision making?; Here’s what the science says, London: Lost Interiors – new book provides a rare look inside of Victorian, Edwardian and early 20th century houses, A distant planet seems to have a sulphur-rich atmosphere, hinting at alien volcanoes, + local services for you
Seniors Pittwater Chillies winners in Pan Pacs 2024, Where and when no news is bad news, Ageing and Disability Commission data shows increased reports about abuse by relatives, Scam prevention framework crucial step towards protecting older Australians from scams, Report shows aged care providers’ concerns over Australia’s readiness for an ageing population, Aged & Community Care Providers Association requests delay in Nurses pay-rise, ASIC’s lawsuit against Cbus has put the big super funds on notice, Australia has backed away from plans to introduce local quotas on streaming platforms – again, Silver Surfers Event: November 29, Vale Leon Paroissien: the first director of the Museum of Contemporary Art who shaped how Australians experience art, AvPals Term 4 2024, Brain-training games remain unproven, but research shows what sorts of activities do benefit cognitive functioning, Local events, services, groups for you + more
DIY Ideas Spring Garden Care + A Salad Garden For Children: Inspire them to Grow what they will Eat this Summer
Inbox News NDIS providers put on notice about consequences of misleading advertising: ACCC, ACCC publishes ‘free range’ labelling guidance for poultry industries for a potential H5N1 outbreak, Online games should not be included in Australia’s social media ban – they are crucial for kids’ social lives: USyd., Increased support for women with severe menopause symptoms, Applications open for program to boost women’s employment opportunities in NSW, New appointees to Venues NSW board, More paramedics and call takers to join NSW Ambulance, Free dental check-ups for NSW children, NSW to rollout new free RSV prevention program in 2025, Our new study shows teen vaping is linked to childhood trauma; Here’s why it might be harder to quit, ACCC to livestream public hearings for Supermarkets Inquiry, Domestic airfares increase amid reduced airline competition, Mail order company Magnamail in court for alleged misrepresentations to hundreds of thousands of consumers, Blackstone’s proposed acquisition of I’rom raises concerns, Sigma and Chemist Warehouse proposed merger not opposed; subject to undertaking, Shortsightedness is on the rise in children; There’s more we can do than limit screen time
Events Carols-Carols-CAROLS!, Christmas Panto at MV for Littlies - get in quick, Introduction to Permaculture Course at Narrabeen, RPAYC and RMYC events, Regattas, Schools Hols sailing options, Solar & Energy Roadshow at Narrabeen Tramshed, Music -music - MUSIC!, Ocean Festival 2024, Christmas Markets, Book events, Flower Show, Local NYE options, Social Groups, Dancing classes + more.
October 28 - November 30, 2024: Issue 636 - Week Two
Newport SLSC's 'Fit to Learn' wins SLSA's Award of Excellence. Photo: Newport SLSC/SLSA
A Turtle-y Awesome Rescue By Whale Beach SLSC + Shell us what you see this Summer: TurtleWatch needs your help!
See: Ringtail Posse: 1 – February 2023; Anna Maria Monticelli: King Parrots/Water Dragons - Jacqui Scruby: Loggerhead Turtle - Lyn Millett OAM: Flying-Foxes - Kevin Murray: Our Backyard Frogs - Miranda Korzy: Brushtail Possums
- walk your local beach early in the morning, as sea turtles generally nest during the night
- keep your eyes peeled for any tracks in the sand, which are usually 80–100 cm wide and can sometimes be mistaken for tyre tracks
- take your phone with you so you can quickly call NSW TurtleWatch or NPWS if you see signs of turtles, tracks or a nest, as well as potential threats to these nesting turtles.
Mackellar MP Tables 'Save the Aussie Bush' Petition in Parliament
See September 1, 2024 report: For Those Whose Home Is Among The Gum Trees: Scamps, Labor Members, Greens, Australians at Local, State + Federal Level call for a Cessation of Habitat Destruction as NSW Government touts an 'Forestry Industry Action Plan' ConsultationMore in September 2023 report: Local MP's call for halt on habitat logging in state forests: Logging Continues Within So-Called 'Great Koala Park' - 20% To Be Destroyed Before Koala Park Even Established Under RFA's That Run Until 2048 In NSW - meanwhile, more habitat of last population of Sydney Koalas to be razed for profit
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The wharf upgrade aims to meet current engineering standards and improve accessibility for users and the local community.
Council have met with local residents throughout development of the concept design, and would now like to hear from the wider community for any additional feedback.
Feedback closes Sunday December 8, 2024.
Key features of the proposed upgrade include:
- moving the wharf back to the area where it slopes to the wharf head
- extending the wharf by approximately 35m to approximately 105m total length to provide access at all tidal times for all users that complies with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992
- providing a dedicated bin storage area.
3D model of the Mackerel Wharf Design. Image courtesy: Northern Beaches Council
Council haven't we progressed the L-shaped wharf concept mentioned in the 2008 PoM 2008 masterplan due to the impact the construction would have on the Posidonia Grass (an endangered species of seagrass) and White Seahorses, as it would cover a very large area of seagrass.
This type of construction would also reduce the number of dinghy moorings available.
Council states this type of wharf extension provides improved disability access to the wharf, as well as minimising the long-term maintenance requirements. The area before the ramp will be widened for the dedicated bin storage.
Council have been working with the ferry operators to ensure the wharf will meet their present and future needs. The ferry operator will continue to operate on the northern side with the option to berth on the southern side if required by the tidal impact.
Council have been working with the ferry operator regarding ferry overrun and the risk of the occurrence. Any requirements to manage this will be established as part of the final design.
Ladders will be installed on both sides of the wharf to provide additional access means for residents. Tidal steps have been provided on the southern side of the wharf for day-to-day access by visitors and occupants.
The design works are jointly funded by Council and the Transport for NSW Boating Now Program.
Construction works are to be funded by Council and grant funding will be sought.
Environmental impacts
The concept design has taken a number of environmental impacts into consideration including:
- short‐term impacts to water quality during the works
- loss of public access during the works area
- short‐term noise and vibration impacts associated primarily with the piling works
- loss of or damage to seagrasses
- risk of dislodgement and dispersal of the aquatic pest Caulerpa taxifolia
- short‐term impacts to biodiversity, particularly White’s Seahorse, due to noise and localised loss of habitat and water quality impacts
Council have engaged a local ecologist to provide advice and a report regarding ecological impacts on the site. These recommendations will be fed into our Review of Environmental Factors (REF).
Marine life
The most significant environmental impacts from future construction would be damage to the Posidonia Grass (seagrass) and White Seahorses.
To mitigate risks to the environment, specialised dive teams will relocate all seahorses before any demolition works were to commence.
Barge work will also be undertaken to minimise any potential damage to seagrass.
Nurses and midwives have kicked off a campaign against foreign-owned Healthscope, launching historic protected industrial action against the country’s second largest private hospital operator.
Hundreds of NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members participated in two and three-hour work stoppages on Tuesday November 5, as they fight for an improved pay and conditions offer.
NSWNMA members are demanding a 15% one-year increase in line with the union’s public sector pay claim, mandated nurse/midwife to patient ratios across all wards and units, doubling night shift penalty rates from 15% to 30%, and improved leave entitlements.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said members voted emphatically in favour of taking a stand against Healthscope.
“More than 77% of members voted in the ballot, and over 95% of those who participated voted ‘Yes’. It’s clear our members are tired and fed up with the pay and conditions at Healthscope,” said Ms Candish.
“How does Healthscope think it is acceptable to pay its NSW nurses and midwives up to 16% less than their colleagues in Queensland-based Healthscope hospitals for the same work?
“Our members have been negotiating with Healthscope for almost six months now with little progress on our pay and conditions claim. Members feel they have no choice but to take industrial action, after being undervalued and receiving inadequate recognition for their incredible contribution to patients and workplaces.”
NSWNMA Northern Beaches Hospital Branch President, Sheridan Brady, said nurses and midwives at Healthscope deserved better.
“Our nurses and midwives are being pushed beyond what is manageable. We have a professional obligation and a moral conviction to give each patient the care they deserve. Sadly, it’s just not an option to give the best care we are capable of without safe staffing ratios,” said Ms Brady.
“We are haemorrhaging staff to the public sector, interstate or completely out of the profession. Poor staffing has led to burnout and fatigue and the daily dilemma of not being able to provide consistent quality care has left us broken. Our buckets are empty.
“We get less annual leave, maternity leave and personal leave than the public sector. Why would any nurse or midwife choose to work for Healthscope?
“The Northern Beaches Hospital is unique. We are a private hospital offering public health services, and this model was implemented by the former state government to replace the Manly and Mona Vale public hospitals. We have been excluded from the Safe Staffing ratios reform promised in the public health system. Our patients deserve the same level of care they would receive at any public hospital.”
NSWNMA members will also consider other forms of industrial action including overtime bans, bans on non-clinical duties such as answering phones and making beds, and refusing changes to rosters.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, who attended the stoppage action in support of local Nurses and Midwives, said:
''I stood with nurses today who are calling for nurse to patient ratios and 15% pay rise from Healthscope.''
''Northern Beaches Hospital should never have been a Public-Private partnership. As a result NSW nurse ratios have not been implemented by the private operator and pay rises aren’t what they need to be.
As a result of no ratios nurses report patients being left in wet beds, not enough nurses to feed meals on time and longer waits in emergency.
Healthscope need to prioritise patient outcomes and that starts with employing nurses with better conditions.
I ask that anyone with an experience at NBH - either good or bad - to make a submission to the audit of the hospital currently underway. There is only10 days to go to have your voice heard.''
Wakehurst MP Michael Regan and Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby stood with NBH Nurses and Midwives during work stoppages. Photo: NSW Nurse and Midwives Association
Mandated nurse-to-patient ratios were announced following the NSW Government’s Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce earlier this year, which prioritised boosting the number of frontline healthcare workers in all NSW public hospitals.
Northern Beaches Hospital, the only remaining Public-Private Partnership in NSW, is not subject to the mandated nurse-to-patient care ratios that operate in all other public hospitals in the State.
Dr Sophie Scamps, MP for Mackellar, said:
“This is simply unacceptable. The people of the Northern Beaches deserve to have the same quality of care and safety in our local hospital,”
“As a former emergency doctor, I know first-hand that providing the highest quality care to patients relies on hospitals being adequately staffed so that nurses and doctors are not overworked and can provide safe and effective care.” Dr Scamps said.
Northern Beaches Hospital nurses have asked Healthscope, the private operator of the hospital, to include equivalent nurse-to-patient ratios to those mandated in public hospitals in their latest Enterprise Bargaining negotiations without success, with the hospital operator refusing to agree to their request.
“Our nurses and midwives are being pushed beyond what is manageable,” NSW Nurses and Midwives Association Northern Beaches Hospital Branch President Sheridan Brady said.
“We have a professional obligation and a moral conviction to give each patient the care they deserve. Sadly, it’s just not an option to give the best care we are capable of without safe staffing ratios..
Nurses have also asked for improved working conditions - including a pay rise after years of stagnant wages, better maternity leave, carers leave and other entitlements - which are far below other hospitals, forcing many nurses to move to public hospitals, interstate or take a second job to stay afloat.
“As this issue clearly illustrates, having a private entity running a public hospital is problematic.
I am proud of the work I have achieved with Michael Regan, the State Member for Wakehurst, in getting a full performance audit of the hospital and I urge the community to make a submission,” Dr Scamps said.
Submissions to the public audit of Northern Beaches Hospital close Friday November 15 and can be made here: www.audit.nsw.gov.au/our-work/reports/northernbeaches-hospital
Profile of the Week Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA) Celebrates 30 years About PNHA
With urbanisation, there are continuing pressures that threaten the beautiful natural environment of Pittwater. Some impacts are immediate and apparent, others are more gradual and less obvious.
The Pittwater Natural Heritage Association has been formed to act to protect and preserve the Pittwater areas major and most valuable asset - its natural heritage.
PNHA is an incorporated association seeking broad based community membership and support to enable it to have an effective and authoritative voice speaking out for the preservation of Pittwater's natural heritage.
Park Bench Philosophers New CSIRO facility takes printed flexible solar tech from lab to real world - The $6.8 million facility is the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of research and will help meet the growing demand for renewable energy across sectors.Community News NSW Electoral Commission: 2024 Pittwater By-Election Update, Friendly Grocer Avalon Thieves Caught, Coffee with A Cop: Mona Vale November 14, Newport Community Garden, Elanora Heights Christmas Market: Saturday November 30, Peninsula Seniors Toy Recyclers: Call out for Toys, Just Launched: Living Ocean's OceanSounds!, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Charlie + Cara, 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, Marine Rescue Broken Bay New Leading Crew, VXOne NSW State Championship 2024-2025, Avalon Boomerang Bags: Festive Bags, Remembrance Day 2024: 11 November 2024, Port to Palmy Race, Newport Residents Association Meeting: Guest Superintendent John Duncan, Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater November Meeting: Lest we forget “The Skin of Others”, Anticipation builds for the Hansa World and International Championships, Dippers at Warriewood Beach, Northern Beaches Police Newsletter, Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2025, Children's Art Class With Meredith Rasdall, Council's Draft Child Safe Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct: Have your say, Safer Neighbourhoods Program: Narrabeen to Mona Vale, Avalon Beach to Palm Beach Safety Zone - have your say, 2024 Spiral NSW State Championships: Pittwater, Shoosh for Youngsters: Calling all junior summer sports!, New technology to detect floods and bushfires: Grants open, Council's Draft Managing Unreasonable Conduct by Complainant Policy: Have Your Say, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: November 2024, Eramboo Artist in Residence program applications, Life-saving defibrillators available for NSW sports facilities, $5 million available for NSW Surf Clubs, 2024 Anzac Community Grants applications open, Marine Rescue Broken Bay: Christmas Raffle 2024, Whale Beach SLSC: Members Needed, Pittwater Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment and Groups Lists
Environment A Turtle-y Awesome Rescue at Whale Beach + Shell us what you see this Summer: TurtleWatch needs your help!, Independent MPs call for major parties to release 2035 emissions reduction targets before the next election, Mackellar MP Tables 'Save the Aussie Bush' Petition in Parliament, Favourite Trees in Pittwater: In John street, Avalon Beach - Angophora Costata (Sydney Red Gum), Blueberry Ash currently flowering, Blue-banded bee named 2024 ABC Australian Inaugural Insect of the Year, Boosting populations of the critically endangered eastern bristlebird, Taronga hosts 79th Annual World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Grants now open: Closes November 22, NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the management of cat populations in New South Wales: open for submissions until November 22, Garigal National Park: ‘1080 pest management’, re than 1,000 willing sellers respond to Basin tender towards 450, Wyangala water treatment plant complete, NSW Water Consultations open for Public Submissions: Billabong Creek EIS; NSW Recycled Water Roadmap; Murrumbidgee water sharing plan; Gwydir water sharing plan; Macquarie/Wambuul water sharing plan; Namoi-Peel water sharing plan; Macquarie-Wambuul Water Security Project, Major milestone for Tottenham Water Supply, NPWS statement on Warragamba catchment feral animal control operations, Applications open to register for Kosciuszko wild horse rehoming, Hunter Coast national parks now hiring, Kimbriki Open Day to Celebrate 50 years: November 16 from 9:00 - 3:00, Red Triangle Slugs Making Whoopee, Turimetta Moods: Week ending Friday November 1, Small Scale Edible Gardens Workshop: November 9, Bikes4Life Workshop: November 13, Composting & Worms Workshop: November 15, Wombat Trapped Beside Appin Road: deadliest road for Koalas - The Koalas: Film Screening at Collaroy - Nov. 17, Invitation to NBCAN Picnic and Soapbox Sunday 17 November, African Violet Display and Sale: November 23, Osprey Livestream, Science To Revive Our Oceans: SIM's has a PHD Opportunity - Operation Crayweed, NSW Government taking action so Sydney doesn’t run out of landfill, Antarctic Conservation takes backward step, Krill nets kill humpbacks in Antarctica, Krill Research Aquarium at Taroona to be named after pioneering marine biologist and Newport's Dr Isobel Bennett, Living Seawalls expansions continues to draw marine life back to Sydney Harbour, Discussion paper: Review and report into the NSW wildlife rehabilitation sector, Next steps to tackle problematic plastics for a cleaner and safer NSW: Have Your Say, Coles becomes first Aussie retailer to add electric prime mover truck to its grocery delivery network, Calls for Urgent Protections as New Report Warns Antarctica is Approaching a Climate Change Tipping Point, State of the Climate 2024: Australia is enduring harsher fire seasons, more ocean heatwaves and sea-level rise, 5 things you can do to end the biodiversity crisis as the world talks about it at COP16, Earth’s climate will keep changing long after humanity hits net-zero emissions; Our research shows why, 215 million hectares of forest – an area bigger than Mexico – could grow back by itself, if we can just leave it alone, Individual action on climate was tarred as greenwashing or virtue signalling; But it still has a place, Spreading crushed rock over farmland can remove CO₂ from the atmosphere if we do it right, Why building more big dams is a costly gamble for our future water security and the environment, Queensland election signals both major parties accept pumped hydro and the renewable energy transition as inevitable, How the state of our oceans is intrinsically linked to human health – new report, Wild animals can experience trauma and adversity too; we came up with an index to track how it affects them, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue Group on the Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Pittwater's Birds, + more
Children Sunday Cartoons: "Cat and Moth" by India Barnardo, Winners Crowned at the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final, A good design award for an innovative design thinking challenge, Curious Kids: What causes windy weather? + How and why do magnets stick together? + Where do dreams come from? + What makes a shooting star fall? + When a snake sheds its skin, why isn’t it colourful? + Why do spiders have hairy legs?, Stories for you: This Is A Taco - This is a squirrel + 'The Magician's Hat' read by Alison Brie, + More.
Youth Government Announces Proposed Changes to student loan repayments, Winners Crowned at the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final, Surfer of the Year: Laura Enever, Dive into HSC: From 28 November, ACYP NSW for Children and Young Annual Report, TAFE NSW sets regional photographer on path to success, surveying graduate helping build Sydney’s transport future, Former Buenos Aires real estate agent turns to TAFE NSW to start new landscape design career, students create juicy new design beverage company, From homeschool to professional artist: Charlie Owens launches new career, Word Of The Week: Evoke, How to overcome your device dependency and manage a successful digital detox, Friday essay: cure or kill? The deadly serious world of poison gardens – and why I planted my own, Misinformation is more than just bad facts: How and why people spread rumors is key to understanding how false information travels and takes root, ‘We knew she was a fairy when we saw her:’ How Irish folklore around spinning instructed women artisans, ‘Consciousness, rationality and the search for meaning’: René Magritte led the Belgian surrealist movement, You’ve heard of Asterix and Obelix, but who really were the Gauls? And why were they such a problem for Rome?, How light can shift your mood, Why do I get so anxious after drinking? Here’s the science behind ‘hangxiety’, Astronomers just found complex carbon molecules in space – a step closer to deciphering the origins of life, Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy overshadowed by her brother. A new documentary tells her story, We analysed 35,000 Wikipedia entries about Australian places. Some of them sanitise history, What should I do to prepare for a monologue performance?, What are Veblen and Giffen goods?, + local services for you
Seniors Older Australians Deserve Better Support at Home: Open letter signed by Care Leaders, Assistant Minister for Ageing; speech – 29 October 2024, RSL LifeCare appoints Sangeeta Venkatesan as Chair, AvPals Term 4 2024, Australia’s new digital ID scheme falls short of global privacy standards. Here’s how it can be fixed, Smoky Dawson's heritage listed gates at Ingleside: Fundraiser, In Norway, students get grades for their behaviour – could this work in Australia?, New tool helps stroke recovery, 2025 Legal Topics for seniors diary, , Pittwater-Narrabeen Parkinson’s Support Group, Manly Sailability needs volunteers, Local services, groups for you
Food Spinach (or Kale), Ricotta and Chicken (or Mushrooms) Cannelloni: Spring Dishes to give you Vim!
If you may find a roast chicken on Sunday now means leftovers. Here is a simple recipe to turn leftovers into a feast that’s loaded with a few ancient ingredients that are still proving their worth in beneficial health today. We also make this dish with mushrooms for lighter fare - and it's perfect for those one day hot next day cool days of Spring - littlies will love it too.
Events Music at all compass points, Christmas and New Years events already in, Scotland Island Cafe, Scottish Dancing, Fundraisers, Social Groups, Dancing classes + more.Inbox News Renowned mental health researcher Professor Helen Christensen AO named NSW Scientist of the Year, Court rules Harvey Norman and Latitude advertising misled consumers, ASIC sues Oak Capital alleging unconscionable conduct designed to avoid the National Credit Code, For type 2 diabetes focusing on when you eat – not what – can help control blood sugar, Dingoes are not mating with dogs – but that could soon change if the culling continues, Collisions between planes and birds follow seasonal patterns and overlap with breeding and migration – new research, Fit kids have better mental and physical health; What’s the best way to get them active?, Moderators protect us from the worst of the internet; That comes at huge personal cost, In failing to probe Robodebt Australia’s anti-corruption body fell at the first hurdle; It now has a second chance, Framing the future of financial services: strengthening competition and consumer engagement - keynote address for the Gilbert + Tobin Financial Services Forum by ACCC Chair Ms Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Brookfield’s acquisition of Neoen not opposed; subject to divestments, Optus in court for alleged unconscionable sales and debt collection, Survey results highlight need for improved gender diversity in the construction industry, $7.2m boost for little learners – more free health checks rolled out for preschoolers, Three experienced barristers appointed as judges of the District Court, Justice Michael Ball appointed to Court of Appeal, New board members appointed to Independent Liquor and Gaming AuthorityDIY Ideas Spring Garden Care + A Salad Garden For Children: Inspire them to Grow what they will Eat this Summer Spring has definitely Sprung, the air smells sweet, days are getting warmer, and people are wanting to get outdoors and enjoy the day. This is a time to enjoy your garden and get ready for a brilliant crop of your own salad ingredients or just do those little chores that will mean your garden is a great place for the family and visitors to enjoy over the coming months. Children can be engaged in planting out 'mini' crops such as grape tomatoes or baby carrots or be helped to plant out luscious herbs such as parsley and basil to make great salads even better.
October 28 - November 30, 2024: Issue 636 - Week One
Team Irukandjis Masters has had a great time in El Salvador for the ISA World Masters and have maintained Australia's consistent performance at this event to secure wins all over the waves.
The 2024 Australian Team had NASA surfer, coach at Manly Surf School, and proud dad of two wonderful girls, Shane Conwell as the 40-49 division representative.
Shane came into the ISA's 2024 Masters comp. with some consistent surfing at home. He won the Surfmasters Over 35 Men at the Australian Surf Championships held in Port Macquarie on August 4-7. North Narrabeen Boardriders former world circuit surfer Christo Hall won second.
Shane and Christo both competed in the 2024 Volkswagen NSW Port Stephens Surf Master’s State Titles in June, with Christo winning the O35's and both securing placings in the O40's division.
On being announced as part of Team Irukandjis Masters Shane (Whale Beach, NSW) said;
“I feel honoured and overwhelmed to follow in the footsteps of previous great surfers who have represented Australia. I’m looking forward to the surf and experiencing the culture of El Salvador.
I’m going there to do my best for Australia, my family, NASA boardriders community, friends and to make my girls proud. I have been a Surf Coach for 23 years Manly Surf School, was Aussie Champion in the over-40s last year and a finalist in previous state and Aussie Titles.”
Shane in action on Day 2 of ISA Masters. Credit: ISA / Sean Evans
However, it is Scott Schindler (Sawtell, NSW) who has returned home as a World Champion after winning Gold in the Men’s Grand Masters (over 50) at the 2024 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship (WMSC).
The Irukandjis team also secured the overall Bronze at the event in El Salvador.
Serena Brooke (Noosa Heads, QLD) and Rod Baldwin (Copacabana, NSW) won Silver in the Women’s Masters (over 40) and Men’s Kahunas (over 60), respectively. Meanwhile, Sandra English (Budgewoi, NSW) earned her fourth WMSC medal, taking Copper in the Women’s Kahunas (over 60).
The next great ISA event is the 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championship (WPSC) which has gathered the world’s best Para Surfing athletes in Huntington Beach, California and will run from today, November 3rd, until next Saturday the 9th.
The Irukandjis Para Surfing Team attended the great Opening Ceremony as this Issue was being finalised.
At the 2023 ISA World Para Surfing Championship, the team brought home seven medals, including Emma Dieters (Mona Vale, NSW), Kirk Watson (Mona Vale, NSW), and Joel Taylor (Lennox Head, NSW) all winning gold in their respective divisions.
Australia's 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championship – Team Irukandjis - is:
- Chris Blowes (Netley, SA) – Para Surf Stand 3
- Joel Taylor (Lennox Head, NSW) – Para Surf Prone 1
- Kai Colless (Burleigh Heads, QLD) – Para Surf Prone 1
- Cliff Gralton (Tuncurry, NSW) – Para Surf Prone 2
- Lee Ferrier (Narrabeen, NSW) – Para Surf Prone 2
- Mark ‘Mono’ Stewart (Byron Bay, NSW) – Para Surf Kneel
- Michael Fonti (Nowra, NSW) – Para Surf Kneel
- Kirk Watson (Mona Vale, NSW) – Para Surf VI 1
- Emma Dieters (Mona Vale, NSW) – Para Surf Kneel
- Annie Goldsmith (Erindale, SA) – Para Surf Prone 2
- Jocelyn Neumueller (Park Holme, SA) – Para Surf Prone 2
You can follow all the action at ISA's site on: isasurf.org/event/2024-huntington-beach-isa-world-para-surfing-championship
Go Em, Kirk and Lee and the whole Team.
Shane being chaired by Christo (in yellow) after becoming Australian Champion ( 40’s) at Port Macquarie in August 2024. Photo: Manly Surf School
Issue 636 November 2024: Week One
Profile of the Week Kimbriki Open Day to Celebrate 50 years: 1974 to 2024 
Park Bench Philosophers Weeks One to Two November 2024; New CSIRO facility takes printed flexible solar tech from lab to real world - The $6.8 million facility is the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of research and will help meet the growing demand for renewable energy across sectors.Community News Marine Rescue Broken Bay New Leading Crew, VXOne NSW State Championship 2024-2025, Avalon Boomerang Bags: Festive Bags, Remembrance Day 2024: 11 November 2024, 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, Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater November Meeting: Lest we forget “The Skin of Others”, Peninsula Seniors Toy Recyclers: Call out for Toys, Anticipation builds for the Hansa World and International Championships, Dippers at Warriewood Beach, Northern Beaches Police Newsletter, Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2025, Children's Art Class With Meredith Rasdall, No Nonsense Avalon moving south, Safer Neighbourhood Program Community drop-in session, Safer Neighbourhoods Program: Narrabeen to Mona Vale, Avalon Beach to Palm Beach Safety Zone - have your say, Council's Draft Child Safe Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct: Have your say, 2024 Spiral NSW State Championships: Pittwater, Shoosh for Youngsters: Calling all junior summer sports!, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Mandy + Ricardo, New technology to detect floods and bushfires: Grants open, Council's Draft Managing Unreasonable Conduct by Complainant Policy: Have Your Say, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: November 2024, Eramboo Artist in Residence program applications, Life-saving defibrillators available for NSW sports facilities, $5 million available for NSW Surf Clubs, 2024 Anzac Community Grants applications open, Marine Rescue Broken Bay: Christmas Raffle 2024, Whale Beach SLSC: Members Needed, Pittwater Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment and Groups Lists
Environment Kimbriki Open Day to Celebrate 50 years: November 16 from 9:00 - 3:00, Red Triangle Slugs Making Whoopee, Turimetta Moods: Week ending Friday November 1, Small Scale Edible Gardens Workshop: November 9, Bikes4Life Workshop: November 13, Composting & Worms Workshop: November 15, Wombat Trapped Beside Appin Road: deadliest road for Koalas - The Koalas: Film Screening at Collaroy - Nov. 17, Invitation to NBCAN Picnic and Soapbox Sunday 17 November, African Violet Display and Sale: November 23, Osprey Livestream, Science To Revive Our Oceans: SIM's has a PHD Opportunity - Operation Crayweed, NSW Government taking action so Sydney doesn’t run out of landfill, Antarctic Conservation takes backward step, Krill nets kill humpbacks in Antarctica, Krill Research Aquarium at Taroona to be named after pioneering marine biologist and Newport's Dr Isobel Bennett, Living Seawalls expansions continues to draw marine life back to Sydney Harbour, Discussion paper: Review and report into the NSW wildlife rehabilitation sector, Next steps to tackle problematic plastics for a cleaner and safer NSW: Have Your Say, Coles becomes first Aussie retailer to add electric prime mover truck to its grocery delivery network, Calls for Urgent Protections as New Report Warns Antarctica is Approaching a Climate Change Tipping Point, State of the Climate 2024: Australia is enduring harsher fire seasons, more ocean heatwaves and sea-level rise, 5 things you can do to end the biodiversity crisis as the world talks about it at COP16, Earth’s climate will keep changing long after humanity hits net-zero emissions; Our research shows why, 215 million hectares of forest – an area bigger than Mexico – could grow back by itself, if we can just leave it alone, Individual action on climate was tarred as greenwashing or virtue signalling; But it still has a place, Spreading crushed rock over farmland can remove CO₂ from the atmosphere if we do it right, Why building more big dams is a costly gamble for our future water security and the environment, Queensland election signals both major parties accept pumped hydro and the renewable energy transition as inevitable, How the state of our oceans is intrinsically linked to human health – new report, Wild animals can experience trauma and adversity too; we came up with an index to track how it affects them, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue Group on the Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Pittwater's Birds, + more
Children Sunday Cartoons: "Cat and Moth" by India Barnardo, Winners Crowned at the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final, A good design award for an innovative design thinking challenge, Curious Kids: What causes windy weather? + How and why do magnets stick together? + Where do dreams come from? + What makes a shooting star fall? + When a snake sheds its skin, why isn’t it colourful? + Why do spiders have hairy legs?, Stories for you: This Is A Taco - This is a squirrel + 'The Magician's Hat' read by Alison Brie, + More.
Youth Government Announces Proposed Changes to student loan repayments, Winners Crowned at the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final, Surfer of the Year: Laura Enever, Dive into HSC: From 28 November, ACYP NSW for Children and Young Annual Report, TAFE NSW sets regional photographer on path to success, surveying graduate helping build Sydney’s transport future, Former Buenos Aires real estate agent turns to TAFE NSW to start new landscape design career, students create juicy new design beverage company, From homeschool to professional artist: Charlie Owens launches new career, Word Of The Week: Evoke, How to overcome your device dependency and manage a successful digital detox, Friday essay: cure or kill? The deadly serious world of poison gardens – and why I planted my own, Misinformation is more than just bad facts: How and why people spread rumors is key to understanding how false information travels and takes root, ‘We knew she was a fairy when we saw her:’ How Irish folklore around spinning instructed women artisans, ‘Consciousness, rationality and the search for meaning’: René Magritte led the Belgian surrealist movement, You’ve heard of Asterix and Obelix, but who really were the Gauls? And why were they such a problem for Rome?, How light can shift your mood, Why do I get so anxious after drinking? Here’s the science behind ‘hangxiety’, Astronomers just found complex carbon molecules in space – a step closer to deciphering the origins of life, Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy overshadowed by her brother. A new documentary tells her story, We analysed 35,000 Wikipedia entries about Australian places. Some of them sanitise history, What should I do to prepare for a monologue performance?, What are Veblen and Giffen goods?, + local services for you
Seniors Older Australians Deserve Better Support at Home: Open letter signed by Care Leaders, Assistant Minister for Ageing; speech – 29 October 2024, RSL LifeCare appoints Sangeeta Venkatesan as Chair, AvPals Term 4 2024, Australia’s new digital ID scheme falls short of global privacy standards. Here’s how it can be fixed, Smoky Dawson's heritage listed gates at Ingleside: Fundraiser, In Norway, students get grades for their behaviour – could this work in Australia?, New tool helps stroke recovery, 2025 Legal Topics for seniors diary, , Pittwater-Narrabeen Parkinson’s Support Group, Manly Sailability needs volunteers, Local services, groups for you
Food Spinach (or Kale), Ricotta and Chicken (or Mushrooms) Cannelloni: Spring Dishes to give you Vim!
If you may find a roast chicken on Sunday now means leftovers. Here is a simple recipe to turn leftovers into a feast that’s loaded with a few ancient ingredients that are still proving their worth in beneficial health today. We also make this dish with mushrooms for lighter fare - and it's perfect for those one day hot next day cool days of Spring - littlies will love it too.
Events Music at all compass points, Christmas and New Years events already in, Scotland Island Cafe, Scottish Dancing, Fundraisers, Social Groups, Dancing classes + more.Inbox News Renowned mental health researcher Professor Helen Christensen AO named NSW Scientist of the Year, Court rules Harvey Norman and Latitude advertising misled consumers, ASIC sues Oak Capital alleging unconscionable conduct designed to avoid the National Credit Code, For type 2 diabetes focusing on when you eat – not what – can help control blood sugar, Dingoes are not mating with dogs – but that could soon change if the culling continues, Collisions between planes and birds follow seasonal patterns and overlap with breeding and migration – new research, Fit kids have better mental and physical health; What’s the best way to get them active?, Moderators protect us from the worst of the internet; That comes at huge personal cost, In failing to probe Robodebt Australia’s anti-corruption body fell at the first hurdle; It now has a second chance, Framing the future of financial services: strengthening competition and consumer engagement - keynote address for the Gilbert + Tobin Financial Services Forum by ACCC Chair Ms Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Brookfield’s acquisition of Neoen not opposed; subject to divestments, Optus in court for alleged unconscionable sales and debt collection, Survey results highlight need for improved gender diversity in the construction industry, $7.2m boost for little learners – more free health checks rolled out for preschoolers, Three experienced barristers appointed as judges of the District Court, Justice Michael Ball appointed to Court of Appeal, New board members appointed to Independent Liquor and Gaming AuthorityDIY Ideas Spring Garden Care + A Salad Garden For Children: Inspire them to Grow what they will Eat this Summer Spring has definitely Sprung, the air smells sweet, days are getting warmer, and people are wanting to get outdoors and enjoy the day. This is a time to enjoy your garden and get ready for a brilliant crop of your own salad ingredients or just do those little chores that will mean your garden is a great place for the family and visitors to enjoy over the coming months. Children can be engaged in planting out 'mini' crops such as grape tomatoes or baby carrots or be helped to plant out luscious herbs such as parsley and basil to make great salads even better.