December 1 - 31, 2024: Issue 637 - Week Two
Surfing Australia are honoured to announce that former Surfing Australia Chair and seven-time World Champion, Layne Beachley AO, was awarded Surfing Australia Life Membership at the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards held Saturday night, December 7.
Layne Beachley AO is a surfing legend. Claiming a remarkable seven world titles, she is the only surfer in the world to win six consecutively.
Her path to success was filled with challenges: adoption, mental illness, life-threatening injuries, and failures. Embracing setbacks as growth opportunities, Layne’s honest and determined approach to life and success is inspiring. Author, motivational speaker and champion for the environment, she also promotes mental wellness as an ambassador for The Black Dog Institute, RUOK? Day and Gotcha4life. Her journey from adversity to greatness has inspired her to guide others to live happier and more purposeful lives through her transformational work at Awake Academy.
"I’m deeply humbled and grateful to receive this award," Layne said. "While it’s an honour, it also reminds me how much more there is to do. Being the first and only woman to achieve this recognition is not lost on me.
"My surfing career spanned nearly two decades: Seven world titles, 29 tour victories, and 17 years in the top 10. But it was beyond the waves where I found the most purpose—challenging norms, advocating for equality and driving progress.
Serving on the ASP board for 15 years, I fought for pay equity, better events and a fairer future for women’s surfing. I’m proud to have led initiatives like staging the richest surfing event in the world for seven years, raising prize money, wave quality and exposure for the women’s tour.
"Inspired by these challenges, I founded a charitable foundation to support girls and women in achieving their dreams, whether in sport or life. Aim For The Stars granted about 500 women a total of $1 million in scholarships to help them achieve greatness and change the world.
In January 2015 on Australia Day, Layne Beachley received an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) for her outstanding achievements and service, recognising her mentoring of young women and influence in the community, and her work through the Aim for the Stars Foundation.
"I am very honoured and humbled by the award. I have always loved what I do and feel very blessed that I have been able to make a contribution to Australian surf culture and our community". - Layne Beachley
Aim for the Stars 2015 Scholarship Recipients: February 2015 PON Community News Notice - example:
INDIVIDUAL WA: Layne became the first female Patron of Surfing Australia in 2023 after stepping down from the board following 14 years of service.
Layne said this past week; "My 14 years on the Surfing Australia board, including eight as Chair, taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, resourcefulness and collaboration. Together, we pushed the sport forward and shared its stoke.
Building a world class High Performance centre and program, developing clear and powerful pathways for future champions, becoming an Olympic sport and investing heavily into the grass roots are just some of my personal highlights.
"Giving back to my community has been equally rewarding—mentoring, coaching and championing female participation for my local boardriders club and sharing my lessons and experience with the future generation as part of the Talent ID program. Surfing remains at the heart of everything I do, bringing me endless joy and keeping me centred. I love it more now than ever and am forever grateful for the support I’ve received along the way.
"Thank you for this incredible honour. It inspires me to keep riding the wave of progress."
Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said: "Let me tell you something about Layne Beachley. Everyone knows her as one of the greatest surfers of all time—a true champion in the water. But what many might not realise is just how remarkable she is out of the water. As Chair of Surfing Australia, Layne didn’t just lead—she transformed. She doubled the organisation’s turnover, and she did it with the same grit, intelligence, and vision that made her a world champion. Layne is smart, she’s dedicated, and above all, she’s selfless. She didn’t just serve the sport she loves—she elevated it for future generations. That’s leadership. That’s Layne Beachley."
Even today, Layne surfs every day, enjoys Rosé, and admits her biggest weakness is hot chips.
Surfing Australia Life Membership is recognition of a person who has rendered distinguished or special service to the sport of surfing at the national level. It is awarded from time to time when the Surfing Australia Board and the Annual General Meeting of members believe it is warranted.
In 2023 Layne Beachley, AO, become the 24th NSW athlete and the first surfer to be elevated to NSW Legend Status.
Layne is the 10th female athlete to be elevated to NSW Legend Status joining the likes of Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Marjorie Jackson-Nelson, Shane Gould, Louise Sauvage, Anne Sargeant, Heather McKay, Margaret Court, Betty Cuthbert, and Dawn Fraser.
Layne is the first woman to win seven World Championships and in 2018 Layne won an eighth world title becoming the first female winner of the WSL World Masters Championship.
Layne has been inducted into the US and Australian Surfing Halls of Fame and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. She was five times Australian Surfing Life Magazine’s Surfer of the Year, three times NSW Sportsperson of the Year and won the coveted ESPN Surfer of the Year in 2001. She was 2003 Australian Female Athlete of the Year.
Layne with her award. Photo: Sport NSW
2018: Australians Rob Bain, Layne Beachley and Dave Macaulay won the Azores Airlines World Masters Championship in historic fashion claiming victory in the Final bouts against Cheyne Horan (AUS), Rochelle Ballard (HAW) and Shane Beschen (HAW) respectively in the Grand Masters, Women’s Masters and Men’s Masters divisions held in good three foot surf at praia de Santa Barbara. Photo WSL / LAURENT MASUREL
As residents may be aware Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club's clubhouse in Jamieson Park, Narrabeen was destroyed by fire on 27 November 2021, and they have been involved in the process of consultation with Council as to the construction of a replacement.
See Community News November 2021, Community News December 2021 and Pittwater Online report:
Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club Fire: Members Launch Fundraisers to get the kids back on the water after loss of equipment - December 2021
Having been through this process, Council developed a multi-million-dollar proposal which included expanded facilities for the wider community comprising a café as well as boat storage and a meeting room for the club and other sporting community groups.
The NLSC have now been notified by Council that there are no funds available to progress with the building in the foreseeable future.
Council's webpage for the project advises:
''We anticipate construction will begin in late-2025.
We anticipate this project will take 12 months to construct, weather permitting.
As the building was damaged by fire, Council will claim insurance to partially fund a like-for-like rebuild. Subject to the final approved proposal, we will seek grant opportunities to cover any funding shortfalls.
This leaves the NLSC to operate out of storage containers with no all-weather shelter indefinitely.
Artist impression of eastern elevation; View towards cafe and community room: Image: NBC
Artist impression of northern elevation; View towards boat store and water sports facilities: Image: NBC
A spokesperson for the Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club told Pittwater Online on Friday, December 6
''We are exploring other options and members of the club have registered to address Council in the Public Forum on 10th December (of the December 2024 Council Meeting).
''Having followed Council actions closely over a number of years we understand that the replacement of amenities building at Balgowlah Oval was achieved through the use of a demountable structure. This magnificent new structure, highly commended by the then current Mayor Michael Regan was completed within approximately three months at a cost of less than $900,000. The project was jointly funded by Council and grants from the Greater Sydney Sports Facilities Fund.
See: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/Balgowlah_oval_amenities
''We propose to put to Council that installation of such a high-tech demountable would be far more cost and time effective.''
''Our Club will have sailed on Narrabeen Lake for 120 years next year. Many generations of families have learnt to sail on the lake which is considered to be the safest place to sail in Sydney. '' the spokesperson said
''We continue to grow despite not having facilities and provide an element of safety on the lake through our presence by way of rescues each weekend.
The previous clubhouse was relatively small but provided shelter. Council’s now shelved proposed plan was far bigger than the originally mooted like-for-like.
''A demountable structure would effectively meet our needs and incorporate provision for future extension should Council desire to do so.'' the spokesperson said in closing.
In the meantime, the NLSC is still offering its Summer school holidays program for youngsters - details are:
Council made available for feedback a proposal for alterations and additions at North Narrabeen SLSC in April 2023.
The proposed upgrade works comprise a minor extension to provide a suitable meeting space for the NNBC and other building improvements that include alterations to:
- improve accessibility
- provide upgraded facilities - including an enclosed space on the first floor deck
- fix waterproofing of the first-floor deck, and
- provide a general upgrade to the building to improve community and member use of the space.
The proposed works are planned to be carried out in three (3) stages:
Stage 1 – Boardriders room, BBQ area renewal and associated landscaping works (GF) and slab extension (L1).
Stage 2 – Internal refurbishment with new ceiling, lighting, flooring (L1).
Stage 3 – Decking renewal and waterproofing works, new enclosed space, balustrades and cladding (L1).
The project aims to provide a new meeting room for the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club to meet their operational needs, address the failure of the waterproofing of the first floor slab and generally improve the facility for members and the community.
The total project cost including professional fees, authority fees and staff costs is estimated to be in the order of $2.85M.
Stage 1 - $780K
Stage 2 - $135K
Stage 3 - $1.95M
The works are proposed to be funded through Council Capital Works programs and grant applications.
Proposed alterations and additions, concept drawing. Sketch: NBC
- improve accessibility
- provide upgraded facilities - including an enclosed space on the first floor deck
- fix waterproofing of the first floor deck, and
- provide a general upgrade to the building to improve community and member use of the space.
- Stage 1 – Boardriders room, BBQ area renewal and associated landscaping works (GF) and slab extension (L1).
- Stage 2 – Internal refurbishment with new ceiling, lighting, flooring (L1).
- Stage 3 – Decking renewal and waterproofing works, new enclosed space, balustrades and cladding (L1).
No Manly to Barrenjoey WSL event in 2025
- North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club: Proposed alterations and extensions (April 2023 editions)
- Surf Club Facility Program 2024 Allocations are Great News for North Narrabeen, Mona Vale, South Curl Curl (May 2024 Editions)
- Jordan Lawler Wins 2024 World Surf League GWM Sydney Surf Pro.! ( May 2024 editions)
Profile of the Week Marine Rescue Cottage Point%20160.jpg?timestamp=1733360758284)
Community News A doggy perspective on Christmas, North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Extension: Update, No Manly to Barrenjoey WSL event in 2025, Funding to support community-led response to men's mental health crisis, Public Meeting: Sydney North Planning Panel- Patyegarang/Lizard Rock - correct link for Docs, Homes for NSW discussion paper: submissions close December 20, Christmas food 2024: Warriewood trolley, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Rupert + Mr Beans, Elanora Christmas Markets now December 8, Carols on the Green at Av. Bowlo: December 8, Christmas Market on the Green Now December 15, Christmas food 2024: Warriewood trolley, Council invites EOI for Pittwater Golf Centre, Community Building Partnership grants available soon, Avalon Beach SLSC turns 100 in 2025!, National Asbestos Awareness Week – a reminder to always be vigilant, Avalon Beach Historical Society December 2024 Meeting, New virtual care service launching in Sydney in December, Consumers urged to choose quality batteries this sale season after record number of fires, Inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries, Avalon Boomerang Bags: Festive Bags, Dippers at Warriewood Beach, Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2025, Marine Rescue Broken Bay: Christmas Raffle 2024, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter, Whale Beach SLSC: Members Needed, Pittwater Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment and Groups
Environment Turimetta Moods: Friday December 6 2024, Ruskin Rowe Trees Update, Bayview Pollution runoff persists: Resident states raw sewerage is being washed into the estuary, Terrified Koala, Scotland Island Dieback Accelerating: IPART Review of increases In Sydney water's pricing proposals feedback closes December 9, Public Meeting: Strategic Planning Panel of the Sydney North Planning Panel- Patyegarang /Lizard Rock - correct link for documents, Labor refuses to assess climate impacts of three proposed coal projects: Greens urge Albanese to reject them, Government must not sell out environment to big salmon corporations, Trusted partner to the Pacific or giant fossil fuel exporter?; This week Australia chose the latter, Scientists counted 49 ways Australia is destroying the ecosystems we hold dear, A $13 billion, 30-year flop: landmark study reveals stark failure to halt Murray-Darling River decline, Global plastic pollution talks have stalled – but a treaty is possible if countries can agree on these three things, Australia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beetles. Look out for these 5 beauties this Summer, ‘They’re my babies’: what our attitudes to backyard chickens reveals about Australians, Atlantic salmon need saving but current conservation measures could do more harm than good, Plans to stabilise Earth’s climate rely on emerging carbon removal technology – we need to get moving, US Supreme Court could narrow the scope of federal environmental reviews with less consideration of how projects would contribute to climate change: US Test case, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Closed areas: Barrenjoey Access trail (weekdays) - Towlers Bay fire trail - Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails, Garigal National Park: ‘1080 pest management’, Rockfall closes section of track in Blue Mountains National Park, 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 Layne Beachley AO Receives Surfing Australia Life Membership + 2024 Australian Surfing Awards Finalists - Winners
Children Sunday Cartoons- This Issue: Never Give Up, Australia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beetles. Look out for these 5 beauties this summer, Christmas Carols 2024, Curious Kids: why do spiders have hairy legs? + Why do people grow to certain sizes? + how do ants make their own medicine? + Do Mom and Dad really know what’s best? A psychologist explains why kids see their parents as bossier than they are, Stories this Issue: If Mice Pulled the Sleigh + The Magician's Hat, groups for you + more
Youth Freshwater campus to be expanded, More than just a sporting chance: A new Sports High School in 2025, Saving our Species: Meet the Expert – Simon Lee, TAFE Fee-free* courses - semester 1 2025 enrol now, Study subsidies: NSW’s health workforce, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Mercy, Do Mum and Dad really know what’s best? A psychologist explains why kids see their parents as bossier than they are, Australia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beetles; Look out for these 5 beauties this Summer, Spotify Wrapped is about more than what songs you listen to – it’s about what makes you you, Arts Project Australia gives us a small revolution: art reflecting back at us what it is to live in contemporary Australia, New research shows how long, hard and often you need to stretch to improve your flexibility, To map the vibration of the universe astronomers built a detector the size of the galaxy, Victorian Christmases were both thrifty and indulgent – try these DIY projects and yours could be too, An annual roadshow is helping kids from remote Australia realise their dreams of becoming a scientist, 3 surprising vegan foods that can make you sick this Summer, + local services for you
Seniors National action plan on dementia released, Avalon Beach SLSC turns 100 in 2025!, Celebrating 10 years in Seniors’ Stories: Congratulations!, NSA flushed with recommendations for NSW Public Toilet Inquiry, Intergenerational Playgroup Program, More support for managing your super a welcome move: COTA Australia, What’s fair in the fight to keep bank branches open and access to cash alive?, Planning for old age? Here’s what the aged care changes mean for you, Australians still feeling pain in the hip-pocket but there are positive signs of growth ahead, The government wants to create a new class of financial adviser for super fund members. Here’s why – and how it might work, Victorian Christmases were both thrifty and indulgent – try these DIY projects and yours could be too, What your finger length might predict about your drinking habits – new study, Local events, services, groups for you + more
DIY Ideas Christmas-New Years Checklist: Preparing the Garden & Home For Visitors + Entertaining + Gift Ideas For Every Budget
Food Christmas Sweet Treats You Can Make As Gifts + Hogmanay (New Years) Dinner Australian Style + Summer Picnic Ideas
Do you get better food at home than you can eat elsewhere? Do you want to give something this Christmas that will be remembered and bring some sweetness – a gift worth giving? Also - it's Summer Salad Season! A few of the favourites for your picnic season
Inbox News Rates of youth radicalisation are climbing in Australia and abroad; Here’s what to look out for, After 65,000 years caring for this land First Nations peoples are now key to Australia’s clean energy revolution, Indigenous women are dying violent, preventable deaths; Endless inquiries won’t help unless we act, NSW residents urged to take precautions in the heat This Summer, Australians with disability are 4 times more likely to die – often not due to their disability, ADHD medications affect children’s appetites; Here’s how to manage this, Ground-breaking Aboriginal-led research project on precision medicine, Best Books of 2024: our experts share their standout reads, Why does grass make my skin itch?, View from The Hill: Paul Fletcher’s rant against the teals risks insulting voters the Liberals need to win, New construction watchdog lists priorities for Building Commission NSW, Hoons put on notice: Noise camera trial kicks off in Bayside, ACCC welcomes consultation on new digital competition regime, Microsoft, TikTok and AI are ‘disrupting’ book publishing. But do we want their effortless art?, Year 4 students just achieved their best ever result in a major maths and science test
Events Carols, Christmas Panto at MV for Littlies - get in quick, RPAYC and RMYC events, Regattas, Schools Hols sailing options, Solar & Energy Roadshow at Narrabeen Tramshed, Music, Markets, NYE options, Social Groups, + more.Turimetta Moods: Friday December 6 2024
Joe Mills says:
What stood out for me was the dying off of the algae on the low tide rock shelfs, and this morning's fog at Narrabeen rock pool and North Narrabeen Beach.
the mini-blowhole at Turimetta and algae dying off
Turimetta: rock shelf patterns at low tide
Sea mist at North Narrabeen Beach, Friday morning, December 6 2024
Joe's December edition of Turimetta Moods will run Sunday December 15, and as it's the last official Issue of the news service for 2024, will include an overview of all his Turimetta Moods records of our area for 2024.
December 1 - 31, 2024: Issue 637: Week One
Protect Pittwater has responded to the Council’s 4 options regarding rate rises, with its own option - Option 5: reinstate a strong independent Pittwater Council.
They are approaching 5,000 signatures on a petition to take to the NSW Minister for Local Government with a Business Case.
Secretary of Protect Pittwater, Anna Maria Monticelli, explained Saturday evening;
‘’PP had a stall on Saturday in Mona Vale outside the Memorial Hall and next to NBC tent - The 3 Pittwater councillors were there with the CEO and other council staff. I could see people getting very worked up in the council tent. We at the PP table collected hundreds of signatures from people fed up with council’s lack of understanding with Pittwater’s fragile environment - endangered wildlife and our tree canopy disappearing quickly. Now with rates going up there was even more anger as they were promised millions of savings if we amalgamated.
‘’Some staff expenses from a PP angle and comparing it before amalgamation in 2016 to the latest 2024 figure in order to expose the amalgamation failure and the need to break it:
- In FY 2016 the 3 former councils had a total staff expenses of $105.9m 10.5 months (due to amalgamation the books end 12 May 2016), which extrapolated to 12 months represent $121m (compared to $119.9m for 12 months reporting in FY 2015).
- Indeed in FY 2024 the NBC had staff expenses of $159.3m
- This represents a compounded average growth rate of circa 3.5%, above the circa 3% inflation rate for the same period.
Not only did the amalgamation not deliver any staff savings and productivity gains as the government and KPMG claimed at the time during their reform propaganda, but the staff expenses actually grew faster than inflation!'' Anna Maria said
''This became worse when considering that the NBC has increased outsourcing during the last 8 years, which is supposed to replace in house resources, that is staff: material and contracted services have all increased by an even higher average compounded average growth rate of circa 6.8%than between 2024 and 2016!’’
Protect Pittwater have also applied to have a meeting with the Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig, but have received no reply as yet.
Worth noting from an Extraordinary Meeting called by Pittwater Council on June 29 2015 (when being bullied into submitting countless ‘fit for the future’ narratives) is a passage that was not sent in after being discussed at an extraordinary meeting called:
In relation to IPART’s invitation for alternative options, …. [and] ask the government to demonstrate and provide proof to the community of Pittwater how such an option will result in an overall reduction in rates in the long term, improve local infrastructure and council services, enhance the environmental management and most important of all, how it will advance the democratic and community interest of Pittwater residents.”
The Business Case outlined how well Pittwater was doing.
Even into 2016 Pittwater Council's then General Manager, Mark Ferguson, stated all of Pittwater Council’s financial indicators demonstrate that it exceeds the Local Government industry benchmarks.
“Council’s budget forecast for the period 2016-2017 is projecting an operating profit of $1.8M for the coming financial year, excluding any capital investments.
“This demonstrates Council’s ability to undertake major infrastructure programs within a financially sustainable budget framework,” Mr Ferguson said.
The proposed budget for the 2016-17 year involved a major works program of $43.848M with $31.588M on capital works and $12.260M on recurrent maintenance programs.
The permanent Rates Variation proposal for Pittwater is worth delving into just to gauge what may occur.
In the 2021 Census (latest available) Pittwater had 25, 311 private (rateable) dwellings.
Compare this to Manly 2021 Census - All private dwellings; 8,649
At $780 per year variation by year 3 (Option 4 – council’s preferred choice) that equals $19,742,580 extra being derived from Pittwater residents/dwellings.
The proposed increases represent a permanent increase in rates income.
Over the 3 years following that this equates to $59,227,740 in extra dollars, atop the rate peg rises that will also occur, coming out of Pittwater.
Council has stated these funds would be allocated to a gap between what is coming in and what is being spent, and this being impacted by inflation.
No specific details on what projects these extra funds would be allocated to is provided - apart from a $20+ million surf club at Manly and a brand new Warringah Aquatic Centre. Funds to keep shifting sand from Narrabeen Lagoon to in front of the Collaroy seawall Pittwater had to pay for must be part of the 'support environmental and natural risk reduction programs' listed.
What would be spent in Pittwater is not mentioned.
Specific projects the extra money required would be allocated to have formed part of the documents submitted to IPART by other councils.
November 30, 2024
New South Wales claimed victory in the State Tag Team event at the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles today, breaking Queensland’s bid for a three-peat. Despite a rare sea fog delaying the morning's competition, Day 7of the YETI Australian Junior Surfing Titles saw standout performances across all age divisions, setting the stage for an exciting Finals Day on Sunday December 1.
The New South Wales team comprised of Samuel Lowe, Ocean Lancaster, Locana Cullen, Milla Brown and Lucy Darragh, with Queensland finishing in second place, and Victoria third.
NSW Team Captain Samuel Lowe said: "We were really consistent, I think that's what set us apart from the rest of the states and our camaraderie has been really good and that put us ahead, believing in each other and knowing that we can get it done. Pretty stoked to win as a team and hopefully that carries through to the overall team result."
U14 Finalists Decided
Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, NSW) will meet Zac Johnston (Coolangatta, QLD) in the U14 Boys final after a close semi-final heat at Woonona Beach.
"It was just wave for wave, a very tricky heat," Locana said. "I had a 7 and a 6 was under priority so I caught a little wave and did a little air. I've been doing a little bit of travelling recently with Red Bull camps in California, and Portugal, where I've had good waves and been practicing comp surfing and airs."
In the U14 Girls, 11-year-old Ily Fraser (Margaret River, WA) advanced after a narrow semi-final win and will meet Talia Tebb (Kincumber, NSW) in the final.
"I feel so excited to make it," Ily said. "I'm proud of myself and here with my team who all brought pots, pans and spoons down and were making clattering noises and singing songs about me through my heat. It's so cool to feel the support we get from WA."
Quarterfinal Highlights
Ocean Lancaster (Merewether, NSW) and Ben Zanatta (Dee Why, NSW) delivered strong performances in the U16 Men to advance.
"I had a stumble at the start and had to tone it back," Ocean said. "I found a left that gave me a couple good lippy turns. After a couple good ones, I thought I'd try to go to the air because the wind was up. I had one attempt and almost pulled it off and then got another and managed to ride out of that."
Local athletes have been performing well across the duration of the contest.
On Day 4 Milla Brown (Newport, NSW) continued to dominate in the U18 Women's division, posting the highest heat total of the event so far, a 16.38 (out of a possible 20), including an excellent 9.13 single-wave score (out of a possible 10).
"I was watching Ruby Berry from behind, and she did two snaps," Brown said. "I didn't want to go into second and then this really good double up came. So I just did two big turns and got a 9.13. So I'm stoked. It's a little bit bigger today. Good to surf some waves with power and it was super fun surfing with all the girls. I had two of my best mates in my heat so it's always hard because no matter what, one of us will always get knocked. But two of us ended up getting through."
On Day 5 Fletcher Kelleher (Freshwater, NSW), who advanced in the U18 Men with scores of 7.15 and 7.95, said: "I got a couple of set waves, and they kind of just bowled up. It’s been pretty fun out here the last couple of days. It’s pumping—I’ve never seen Woonona this good. I come down here a fair bit. It’s awesome that we get to surf in such good waves, and everyone is stoked. It’s a great comp. It’s got the best bank I’ve ever seen. The lefts are coming off the point, and the rights are going back into the corner. So, yeah, it’s really fun."
Contest Director Jeremy Barnett said: "Surfers were greeted with silky three-to-four foot swell this morning, with light northwest offshore winds. The day kicked off with the U14 Boys Round 3, where Jagger Phillips (Narrabeen, NSW) took advantage of the pristine conditions, scoring a heat total of 13.75 (out of a possible 20).
On Day 6 Locana Cullen (Avalon, NSW) delivered the highest single wave score of the day, an impressive 8.38 (out of a possible 10) in the U14 Boys. "It was a good wave, and I did two snaps. Just going vert," Cullen said. "It’s definitely a lot smaller than the last few days, but it’s still super fun and I get to see all my friends and surf heaps."
Locana Cullen, Day 7 Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
Milla Brown, Day 7 Credit: Aaron Hughes / Surfing Australia
Finals Day
Today, Sunday December 1st, six Australian Junior Champions will be crowned, with winners in the U16 and U18 divisions securing spots on the Irukandjis Team for the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship.
Contest Director Jeremy Barnett said: "The day started with the first two heats in the U14 Boys but had to go on hold due to sea fog, which is a very rare occurrence. When we resumed, Ocean Lancaster in the U16 Men and Samuel Lowe in the U18 Men, who posted the highest heat total of the day—a 16.13 (out of a possible 20)—were standout performers. Meanwhile, Talia Tebb continued to impress in the U14 Girls. The future of female surfing is in great hands.
"The surf is building, setting the stage for an exciting Finals Day."
The Finals results are in and Milla Brown is the 2024 Australian Junior Champion.
Fletcher and Locana just missed out in their age divisions - taking silver.
Champions in U16 and U18 men and women have earned a spot on the Irukandjis Team to represent Australia at the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship
Australia’s peak drowning prevention and water safety bodies, Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia are urging everyone to make water safety a priority amid predictions of a busy, hot summer.
Last summer, 134 people lost their lives to drowning across Australia, with 41% of all drowning deaths occurring during the summer months. Older adults (55+) accounted for 39% of summer drowning deaths, while 10% were children aged 0–14.
Many incidents took place at isolated locations without lifeguards or lifesavers including unpatrolled beaches, rivers, lakes, and dams. Men remain disproportionately affected, representing 78% of summer drowning deaths.
Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir emphasised the importance of vigilance;
“We all love visiting the coast, last year there were over 650 million visits to the coast but tragically, some visits ended in loss.
We urge everyone visiting the coastline to visit our new virtual training platform ‘Beach Passport’ at beachpassport.org.au. It is a free mobile or online course that provides basic water safety knowledge tailored towards kids in primary school, young people in high school and adults.
Last summer, surf lifesavers performed 8,857 rescues and performed more than 2.4 million preventative actions. Surf Life Saving Australia’s new water safety campaign, ‘Stop. Look. Stay Alive,’ targets risk-taking behaviour, particularly among men, and encourages safer choices at the beach.
STOP
- Before you enter the water
LOOK
- For the red and yellow flags, if they’re on the beach swim between them
- For signs and warnings about the area
- At the conditions and weather forecast
- For rip currents and other dangers
STAY ALIVE
- Assess the conditions based on your own ability
- If it’s unsafe, don’t swim
- Don’t go alone
- Complete the online Beach Passport for basic training and education on water safety
Royal Life Saving CEO Justin Scarr highlighted the dangers of inland waterways;
“Rivers and lakes pose significant risks with hidden currents and debris. Men should Make the Right Call—know your limits, wear lifejackets, and avoid alcohol around water.
Royal Life Saving reminds parents of the vital importance of constant supervision around water to prevent child drowning. Over the past decade, 197 children aged 0–4 years drowned in Australia, with 65% occurring in swimming pools or bathtubs, and 37% occurring in summer. The Keep Watch message is clear: designate a responsible adult to supervise children around water, especially during holidays and parties.
National Water Safety Day, declared by the Federal Government on December 1, is an annual reminder to prioritise water safety. Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia are rolling out safety campaigns and resourcing lifesaving services, and working with government agencies, councils and community groups to prevent drowning and keep communities safe this summer.
Royal Life Saving – Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia advise people to:
- Always actively supervise children in, on and around water
- Learn swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills
- Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling
- Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
- Avoid alcohol and drugs around water
- Check the conditions, including weather forecasts
For further safety information visit:
Surf Life Saving Australia – www.sls.com.au
- BeachSafe – www.beachsafe.org.au
- Beach Passport – www.beachpassport.org.au
- National Water Safety Campaign - Stop Look Stay Alive (Full version)
Royal Life Saving Australia – www.royallifesaving.com.au
- Enjoy the Water Safely Campaign – www.royallifesaving.com.au/watersafety
- Keep Watch Campaign – www.royallifesaving.com.au/keepwatch
- Make the Right Call Campaign – www.royallifesaving.com.au/maketherightcall
During the site investigations for the Salt Pan public wharf history page, and celebratory pictorial of the Salt Pan to Refuge Cove bays, it was quickly apparent that that public infrastructure has been neglected there as well - one pile is completely hollowed out while the others on the north-east side look as though they will give way at any moment.
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Above: Site investigations for History page, photos taken Friday November 22, 2024.
Considering that side of Pittwater is equally at danger during bushfire periods should roads be cut, and that wharf would be required for evacuations, the lack of maintenance on these wharves is not only putting lives at risk, it is also placing them at the point where they will fall down and be closed permanently until new infrastructure can be built.
Although this is not the best news for the first day of Summer 2024-2025, there is MORE HERE.
Profile of the Week Paul HughesDecember 1936 to November 2024
Environment Northern Beaches police charge Balgowlah man with allegedly running over and mutilating kangaroos - including joeys, Ruskin Rowe Trees Update: November 28, Bayview Pollution runoff persists: Resident states raw sewerage is being washed into the estuary, Terrified Koala, 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?, Government strengthens penalties for blocking railways: 'Rising Tide' Protests Against Coal Exports Go Ahead in Newcastle + Canberra Anyway, Notice Of Public Meeting: Strategic Planning Panel of the Sydney North Planning Panel- Patyegarang /Lizard Rock, Threatened Species Scientific Committee Final Determinations for 29 November 2024, NSW Government's Biodiversity Offsets Scheme: Update, Grants awarded to ground-breaking electrification projects, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Closed areas: Barrenjoey Access trail (weekdays) - Towlers Bay fire trail - Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails, Garigal National Park: ‘1080 pest management’, Rockfall closes section of track in Blue Mountains National Park, Record sentence issued by NSW Land and Environment Court for illegal clearing of native vegetation exceeding the size of Sydney Airport, Crackdown on wildlife trafficker who smuggled reptiles through post, NSW Water Consultations open for Public Submissions: 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, Science To Revive Our Oceans: SIM's has a PHD Opportunity - operation Crayweed, ‘Divorce’ in songbirds: extreme weather pushes couples past breaking point, This summer will likely be wetter and warmer for most Australians bureau forecast says, ‘A dose of nature’: each time you visit a national park you save the health budget almost $100, Record renewables go into the grid in 2024; generating 45% of electricity in 2025, A new model accurately predicts the migration of humpback whales – and may help them survive climate change, A tax on new plastic would slash waste – if built into the global treaty on plastics, ‘Unprecedented’ climate extremes are everywhere. Our baselines for what’s normal will need to change, After a disappointing COP29 here’s how to design global climate talks that might actually work, After nearly 10 years of debate COP29’s carbon trading deal is seriously flawed, From a US$300 billion climate finance deal to global carbon trading; here’s what was – and wasn’t – achieved at the COP29 climate talks, Humans are killing off the old and wise animals that hold nature together; Here’s what must change, New maps show high-risk zones for whale-ship collisions − vessel speed limits and rerouting can reduce the toll, 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- This Issue: Never Give Up, Wildlife Noises You Can Hear At Night, Christmas Carols 2024, Curious Kids: Why are rainbows round? + why are burps so loud? + Is it possible to dig all the way through the Earth to the other side?, Stories this Issue: If Mice Pulled the Sleigh + The Magician's Hat, groups for you + more
Youth Play Her Way – the next wave in women’s sport, Construction ramps up on Harbour Bridge Cycleway project, Whale Beach SLSC Members in Beach to Bush 2024, 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: Narrative, Australia’s social media ban for kids under 16 just became law. How it will work remains a mystery, Welcome to Babel: new documentary charts the creation of painter Jiawei Shen’s three-storey magnum opus, Australian printmaker Ruth Faerber has died aged 102; She never stopped making art, Who really was Māui, the demigod portrayed in Moana? And did Disney get him right?, Cool water from the deep could protect pockets of the Great Barrier Reef into the 2080s, The beach is an amazing place to teach kids about science; Here are 3 things to try this summer, Minerals in hot springs performed a key chemical reaction for early life on Earth, A man scouring Google Earth found a mysterious scar in the Australian outback – and now scientists know what caused it, + local services for you
Seniors Avalon Beach SLSC turns 100 in 2025!, Celebrating 10 years in Seniors’ Stories: Congratulations!, New Aged Care Bill passes Parliament, Intergenerational Playgroup Program, Historic aged care reform passes Parliament, “Beyond belief” as consumer protections for energy go backwards, New focus for research on health and climate change, Politics with Michelle Grattan: Climate Change Authority head Matt Kean says ‘put more solar panels on commercial rooftops’, Australian printmaker Ruth Faerber has died aged 102; She never stopped making art, Welcome to Babel: new documentary charts the creation of painter Jiawei Shen’s three-storey magnum opus, 3 reasons why kids stick Lego up their nose, The pink elephant test: what your visual imagination predicts about your ability to control your thoughts, Local events, services, groups for you + more
Inbox News Building Homes for NSW delivers more sites: developers invited to register interest - Sites at Frenchs Forest + Seaforth listed, For the sake of our democracy; Australia urgently needs a whistleblower protection authority, Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024: no pathway forward, Australia’s electricity market is getting a big makeover – and these 3 changes will make it future-proof, NSW Government’s crackdown on illegal tobacco passes NSW Parliament, Legislation to strengthen oversight by Mental Health Review Tribunal, Kids Helpline gets $17.1 million funding boost from NSW Government, Central Coast charges up with 17 new EV sites, NSW Government strengthens Bulk-Billing Support Initiative to cover veterans, Support for victim-survivors of financial abuse, Historic award agreement accepted by NSW Police officers, NSW Government receives Independent Panel on Gaming Reform Roadmap for Gaming Reform report, NSW Government commits $100,000 to support men’s mental health charity, NSW Government commits $100,000 to support men’s mental health charity, The Senate has passed the Help to Buy housing scheme; It will help but not much
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 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, Local NYE options, Social Groups, Dancing classes + more.