I have carefully considered all material submitted by Asset Energy Pty Ltd and formed a preliminary view that the applications should be refused.
As part of the ordinary fair process I have given Asset Energy an opportunity to provide further information to address concerns that I currently hold about the applications.
This gives Asset Energy an opportunity to address my concerns before any final decision is made.
Statement on PEP-11The Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science17 January 2025On 16 January 2025, the Commonwealth-New South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority (Joint Authority) made the decision to refuse both the PEP-11 applications.The Joint Authority refused the applications for reasons of public interest, concerns about the applicants’ estimate of the cost of works and their ability to raise the necessary capital to fund the proposed works.In making this decision, I have carefully considered all relevant materials, including those submitted by Asset Energy Pty Ltd, and the requirements set out under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.As part of the decision-making process, Asset Energy Pty Ltd was given an opportunity to respond to the concerns that I raised in forming my preliminary view that the Joint Authority should refuse the applications. Asset Energy’s response was considered before reaching this decision.The Australian Government is committed to following due process for all offshore petroleum applications to ensure the fair and safe regulation of the petroleum industry in Australia.
Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps stated, 'Our community strongly opposed the building of oil and gas rigs off our beaches for years. Thank you to all the community groups and everyone who has tirelessly stood up against this.'
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Robbi Newman, President of Living Ocean, at work on the LO plastics analysis project at Careel Bay. Photo: AJG/PON
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Avalon Beach Storm Swell
Saturday afternoon: 3pm, January 18 2025
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The second offering in the Pittwater Ocean Swim series, Bilgola SLSC’s 'Billy Swims', were run on Sunday January 12 on beautiful Bilgola beach with support from sister surf clubs on water safety duty.
Mayor Sue Heins, Mackellar MP Dr. Sophie Scamps along with Bilgola SLSC Member and Patron John Brogden AM were on hand to support surf club members, led by Bilgola’s President, Peter Fenley.
Swimmers were able to compete in the 500m or 1.5km events, or complete both for those looking for an even greater challenge.
Mayor Heins welcomed swimmers to the beach, thanking them for their support of the local surf clubs in enjoying these swims and hoping they were enjoying the weather.
After a few days of rain, balmy warm breezes and clear skies shone above participants.
Dr. Scamps, who joined in the first swim, wished all those taking the longer plunge a great swim and thanked them for being a part of the ocean swim series and supporting Bilgola surf club volunteers to look after others on the beach.
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Mayor Sue Heins, Bilgola SLSC Member and Patron John Brogden AM, Mackellar MP Dr. Sophie Scamps
Romilly Madew, Bilgola SLSC’s media officer, said after the event;
‘’ What a brilliant day - our 459 legendary swimmers had the best of the best - sunny weather, warm waters, gentle breeze and a small swell.
Our volunteer and VIP crew were in fine form with Sue, Sophie and Rebecca on the starter horn, Lance our carpark concierge, Triona on transport, Manny on the Jet Ski, Ian on the mike, SRCs out on boards, crews in IRBs and a surfboat, Dave, Dan and Dougal on the BBQ, Rosie and Penny selling merch, and so, so many more.
Our standout volunteer Nikki Curtin, deserves a special mention. Nikki has worked tirelessly for the last six months ensuring Sunday ran like clockwork. From the Club and Community, thank you SO very much for your stellar efforts, you are a superstar!
A huge thanks and congratulations to everyone who contributed to create an amazing day. Even a burst water main couldn’t hold us back! ‘’
Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club was formed in the Summer of 1949 when a small band of locals commenced patrols on Bilgola Beach. In 1950 work commenced on the clubhouse, which was constructed of sandstone. The original clubhouse had a hall with boat shed and toilet facilities.
The 75th Annual General Meeting of Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated took place at the clubhouse on Sunday 25th August 2024.
A history of the formation of the club was compiled by Pittwater Online News after interviewing founding Life Member and past President David Lyall PSM ESMM FAIB (R.I.P.). That’s available here.
Unfortunately conditions this week have led to the cancellation of Mona Vale SLSC's Pittwater Ocean Swims for the 2025 series.
All Bilgola SLSC’s Billy Swims 2025 results are available at: https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/bilgola-ocean-swim-2025
PON's Bilgola SLSC's 2025 Billy Ocean Swims Album photos are available at: flic.kr/s/aHBqjBXToX for participants and the surf club's own family albums.
Wildlife killed by Same roaming dog Pair Again: 2025 Review of NSW Companion Animals Act to Commence following Dog Attack Inquests
Residents have reported that a pair of dogs witnessed killing a water dragon in 2023 are once more on the loose in North Narrabeen, Elanora and Ingleside.
On Wednesday January 15 2025 one of the pair was seen with another dead water dragon dangling from its mouth.
One resident stated they 'had seen these two killing wildlife in November 2023 as well, so repeat offenders'.
Another witness stated 'they caused havoc February to March 2023, were seen killing a water dragon and chasing down wallabies, trashed a couple of nurseries in Ingleside, attacked chooks and native ducks. And that's only what people saw. '
Another resident stated; 'These dogs have been a menace for years - it’s time these dogs were sorted out - they’ve killed so much wildlife.'
The photograph sent into the news service in 2023 shows this is the same pair of dogs in that new image of January 15.
Chasing macropods can cause stress myopathy, a fatal condition that causes muscle tissue to break down.
All native birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals (except the dingo) are protected in New South Wales by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act). This includes eggs and young ones.
However, wildlife continues to be attacked and/or killed in this area. Photographs, videos and emailed reports come in to the news service on a daily basis of dogs offleash across all public spaces and in wildlife preservation areas (WPA's).
Visit: - Dog Attacks On Wildlife On North Palm Beach - March 2024
- Dog Attack Kills Another Wallaby In Our Area: NBC Council LGA tops dog attack statistics in first 2023/24 statistics reported - February 2024
- Australia Post urges councils to take strong action as dog attacks on Posties continue: Northern Beaches Council Dog Attack Numbers for 2023/24 Higher than LGAs with more than twice the number of registered dogs - October 2024
The latest available official number of dog attack incidents reported by the northern beaches council to the Office of Local Government (NSW Gov.) from 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024 (1st Quarter 2024/25) records 53 attacks. Of those on people, 5 were serious (required medical treatment and/or hospitalisation) and there were 15 less serious attacks, and 39 animals were attacked by dogs. The NBC LGA records forwarded to the NSW OLG states it has 74,025 microchipped dogs registered in the area.
In comparison Central Coast Council recorded 58 attacks on people, with 11 requiring medical attention or hospitalisation, 34 people recorded as reporting to their council what was deemed a 'less serious attack', and 56 animals attacked. The CC LGA records it has 162,490 microchipped dogs registered for the LGA.
Shoalhaven City Council, the council area where 90 year old Ada "Sally" Holland died after she was attacked by a pack of unregistered dogs on a south coast beach, recorded 68 attacks of which 6 were people and serious and required medical treatment and/or hospitalisation, and 37 'less serious attacks' on people and 68 animals attacked as well. That council records 60,512 microchipped and registered dogs.
The Quarterly NSW Report of all Dog attack incidents reported by all councils from 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024 (1st Quarter 2024/25) records 1,358 attacks on people.
These figures also record the victims as:Adult 739Child (Child is up to 16 years) 115Dog 688Cat 64Livestock 235Other (animal) 202
The injuries on people that were more serious record:Medical treatment required 197Hospitalisation 69
The Number of injuries on animals records 1188 in total for the first quarter of 2024-2025, and:Medical treatment required 212Hospitalisation 72Deaths 383
Young Wallaby in Warriewood. Photo: by Kevin Murray, March 2022.
In June 2024 the New South Wales coronial inquiry into dog attacks found the death of Ada Holland could have been prevented if the council had responded appropriately to another attack by the same dogs a week earlier.
On the 29th of March 29, 2020, a Sunday, Ada was walking on Collingwood beach with her daughter, Gloria Holland, when a group of three dogs attacked them.
Magistrate Forbes found Ms Holland had a heart attack after suffering "extreme injuries" in the "brutal attack" and could not be revived.
Gloria was also seriously injured and required 38 stitches while another lady, Carol Evans, was also injured and required 120 stitches.
"Her children and friends have been severely traumatised and are left bereft by her unnecessary and savage death," Magistrate Forbes told the court.
On Friday, January 17 2025, Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes delivered the findings of the inquest into the death of the "very cherished" five-week-old baby who died in July 2021 at Kariong on the Central Coast from "fatal injuries", including puncture wounds to his chest by an American Staffordshire terrier.
The inquest heard that around a month before the baby's death, a council ranger was called to the home because a neighbour's Cocker Spaniel was found dead in the yard. A hole was found under a fence between the two properties, but it was unclear whether the Cocker Spaniel had been dragged under the fence or was attacked after making its way beyond its home yard.
The ranger from the Central Coast Council who attended observed traits of the attacking animal including yellow eyes, white tips on its toes and its build, which made her suspect the dog was part Pit Bull. The Pit Bull is deemed in Australia, American Staffordshire Terriers are not. The council gave the owner one month to provide proof the dog was not a restricted breed or cross breed and sent a notice of intention to declare it a restricted breed.
Coroner Forbes made 10 recommendations, including that: The Minister and the OLG, in consultation with councils and other stakeholders, introduce a licensing requirement for dog ownership, which may involve particular licence conditions calibrated for particular breeds of dogs and with applicants being required to undergo education with respect to safety and risk management, and the Minister and the OLG examine the adequacy of the maximum penalties for the offences provided by ss 12A, 13, 14, 16 and 17 of the CA Act.
In 2025 the NSW Government is reviewing the Companion Animals Act and Regulations. The 2025 CA Review will take a broad-based approach considering: responsible ownership of companion animals, compliance, and enforcement role of councils and the important consideration of the issues relating to the rehoming of companion animals.
The 2025 CA Review will include extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including NSW Local Councils, pet owners, breeders, veterinarians, rehoming and rescue organisations, animal welfare organisations, Department of Primary Industries in regional development, NSW Police, and NSW Department Communities and Justice.
A discussion paper to initiate the review is expected to be published in early 2025 for public comment. The paper will invite feedback on the three key focus areas relating to the management of companion animals.
The review is scheduled to commence at the conclusion of the series of dog attack inquests that Deputy State Coroner Forbes has been conducting and at the conclusion of the relevant Parliamentary Inquiries.
The timing of the review has been specifically set to allow those conducting the review to benefit from the findings from the inquests into dog attacks and the Parliamentary Inquiries.
The Northern Beaches Council was contacted to query what action it has taken between 2023 and now to address these two dogs hunting, chasing, attacking and killing local wildlife, and whether the dogs' owner was fined for the wildlife killed in 2023. A spokesperson for council stated:
''Council is aware of several complaints regarding these dogs and have confirmed the owner’s identity. In March 2023 reports were made to Council about a brown poodle allegedly attacking a water dragon on private property (?) in Ingleside and in addition a duck being killed at a nursery on Powderworks Road, Ingleside. The matter was investigated and there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the owner at this time. A second complaint has been received this week regarding allegations of two dogs attacking wildlife on Powderworks Road. This matter is currently under investigation by Council to confirm the dogs identity, their owners and the allegations made.
Residents are encouraged to contact Council directly about these alleged incidents if they haven’t already to assist staff with their investigations, especially if they have witnessed them first-hand.''
The most recent attack on wildlife in the North Narrabeen-Elanora-Ingleside-Warriewood area was reported to the council, as had those that had been witnessed previously by others.
The news service chose not to run the images of the two dogs sent in in 2023 and in January 2025 so as NOT to make them targets - all dogs are hunters; it's built into their DNA - responsible pet ownership to ensure they do not chase wildlife is what is required, under law, of all pet owners in NSW.
Both are larger dogs, one black - which looks like a labradoodle - one dark brown - which looks like a curly haired retriever.
If you have seen a dog attack a person or animal, or you have been attacked by a dog yourself, report it to your local council. This advice stands for attacks that happen in public and private settings.
If the attack happened outside local council hours, you may call your local police station. Police officers are also authorised officers under the Companion Animals Act 1998. Authorised officers have a wide range of powers to deal with owners of attacking dogs, including seizing dogs that have attacked.
You can report dog attacks, along with dogs offleash where they should not be, to the NBC anonymously and via your own name, to get a response, at: https://help.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/s/submit-request?topic=Pets_Animals
If the matter is urgent or dangerous call Council on 1300 434 434 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
If you find injured wildlife please contact:- Sydney Wildlife Rescue (24/7): 9413 4300
- WIRES: 1300 094 737
Residents have reported that a pair of dogs witnessed killing a water dragon in 2023 are once more on the loose in North Narrabeen, Elanora and Ingleside.
Visit:
- Dog Attacks On Wildlife On North Palm Beach - March 2024
- Dog Attack Kills Another Wallaby In Our Area: NBC Council LGA tops dog attack statistics in first 2023/24 statistics reported - February 2024
- Australia Post urges councils to take strong action as dog attacks on Posties continue: Northern Beaches Council Dog Attack Numbers for 2023/24 Higher than LGAs with more than twice the number of registered dogs - October 2024
Young Wallaby in Warriewood. Photo: by Kevin Murray, March 2022.
- Sydney Wildlife Rescue (24/7): 9413 4300
- WIRES: 1300 094 737
On Tuesday January 14 nine beaches in our area were closed after white/grey, ball-shaped debris was found washed up along the shore.
Council was alerted to the debris and stated it is working closely with the state agency to collect samples for testing.
'So far, most samples identified are marble-sized with a few larger in size.' council said
'The council is organising the safe removal of the matter and is inspecting other beaches.'
Beachgoers were advised to avoid Manly, Dee Why, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne and North Narrabeen beaches until further notice and keep away from the material while the clean-up and investigations continue.
Most of the mysterious greyish balls that appeared on Sydney's Northern Beaches were the size and shape of a marble. (Supplied: Northern Beaches Council)
On Wednesday morning council advised it had reopened all beaches apart from South Curl Curl and Dee Why following the clean-up of marble-sized ball-shaped debris.
South Curl Curl and Dee Why were still being assessed, and the clean-up is continuing at these locations until 2pm that afternoon, when the council stated it had reopened South Curl Curl but Dee Why beach remained closed while the clean-up there continued.
A spokesperson for Sydney Water stated there had been no issue with the operation of its nearby Warriewood and North Head Water Resource Recovery plants.
"Sydney Water is continuing to work with the EPA to investigate the cause of the grease balls," the spokesperson said.
The NSW Greens stated on Tuesday repeated occasions where wastewater is causing pollution and with no clear source must be addressed by the Environment Protection Authority and Sydney Water.
Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said “The repeated discharge of sewage material onto Sydney Beaches in recent months is a sign that there is a systemic failure in Sydney’s waste water management.
We know that Sydney loses significant amounts of water through cracked and damaged pipes, it’s time for Sydney Water to tell the public how much sewage is leaking into our environment. If they don’t know, why don’t they don’t know, because they should know.
Anyone who notices this kind of white-grey balls debris on other beaches is encouraged to contact the council on 1300 434 434.
Profile of the Week Rebecca Capell: Vice President of Newport SLSCAs the proud mum of two boys and a girl 'Bec' Capell has long been focussed on equipping her by no young adults with everything and anything they need to become all they want to be.
Her focus has been on keeping it real and relative. After joining Newport SLSC as a Nippers mum, Bec has undertaken various roles in the club - everything from womanning the shop to looking after the littlies and now looking after members across the club structure as VP of Newport surf club.
Bec introduced 'The Top 5' at Newport, a newsletter featuring the top five stories for club members, when her role was Member Protection Information Officer, contributing a story for the first edition on Tips for Schoolies and how to stay safe if attending. The other 4 stories for that edition were about Newport athletes excelling at surf sports, a working bee on the garden at the front of the club, and the Return and Earn scheme for bottles the club had recently signed up to and Bec again penned an update on Taking 3 for the Sea the Nippers were involved in, setting up the under 7s, 8s and 9s to be current and future custodians of their own and any other beach they find themselves on.
Bec is also an athlete - especially in water sports; a love and passion that commenced when she was young and has been renewed through the opportunities being a member of a surf club provides for all ages and all genders.
Bec won Gold in the 2022 Aussies in the Champion Lifesaver event. That had been preceded by a Silver in the same event at the NSW State Championships in 2020. Bec also takes part in the Patrol Competition team event, again with great team results from Newport SLSC's volunteers working as one crew.
However, getting in the swim of things runs in the family with her daughter Abigail part of the next generation of athletes coming out of the club that sees commentators at Branch, State and National carnivals calling out 'Newport!, Newport!, Newport!' as competitors cross the finish line.
Surf sports have their grounding in honing the skills that enable surf lifesaver volunteers to save lives on the beach and in the water; everything from sprinting on the sand to being able to successfully complete a surf rescue via a range of equipment, and should that be needed, complete first aid and resuscitation once a patient is brought back to the shore.
The carnivals held locally and across Australia also bring together old friends and continue to foster the camaraderie of one team all working together to look after each other and the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our beaches each Season. This, in essence, creates an extended family centred in every surf club - a foundation available for all Bec says gives everyone a place to belong to because all are welcome as all belong - there is something you can do in your local surf club to help your community, help complete strangers, even if you are not an athlete.
This week a few insights into a Season at Newport SLSC from a lady who has undertaken 'Vigilance and Service' for over two decades on glorious Newport Beach.
Environment Wildlife killed by Same roaming dog Pair Again: Elanora-Ingleside-Warriewood, Breeding time for Little Penguins: Boaters urged to stick to speed limit - NSW Maritime Blitz 2025, Ball shaped debris washes up on Local Beaches: Call for Sydney Water to 'Come Clean' on How much Sewerage is leaking into environment, Community rallies against accelerated logging in Great Koala National Park: Scruby Not backing Down Until GKNP Formalised - Higginson Calls for Labor to Honour its Election promise, PNHA Newsletter 102: Summer 2024-2025 - Station Beach seagrass meadow, New project, what's in Avalon's ponds?, Pelican singing in the rain at McCarrs creek + More, Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) Needs Volunteers: new course starts in February, An egg-cellent beach activity, Draft Plan of Management for Dogs offleash On South Mona Vale Beach Open for feedback: closes Feb. 9, Garigal National Park: ‘1080 pest management’, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs: Mona Vale drop-off point, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, 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, NSW marine life – the importance of seagrass, Study shows hot leaves can’t catch carbon from the air. It’s bad news for rainforests – and Earth, We tracked the Tasmanian boobook as it flew a remarkable 250 kilometres non-stop across Bass Strait, Nothing new under the sun: Australia’s long history of missed chances to build sustainable homes, Cabana drama: 5 expert tips on how not to be branded a twit when using a beach tent, This summer please leave the sea shells by the seashore, How is Antarctica melting, exactly? Crucial details are beginning to come into focus, Arctic has changed dramatically in just a couple of decades – 2024 report card shows worrying trends in snow, ice, wildfire and more, Trees ‘remember’ wetter times − never having known abundant rain could buffer today’s young forests against climate change, Property developers installing as few as half of promised ecological features – new report, How the world’s tallest bridge saves thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Pictorial Walks, Pittwater's Birds, + more
Children Sunday cartoons and animations - This Issue: A Winter Fairy Tale: A Magical Story from The Glen by Victoria Beata, Congratulations Joel!, This summer, please leave the sea shells by the seashore, NSW marine life – nature’s art, Curious Kids: why are people colour blind? + Interactive: What Earth’s 4.54 billion-year history would look like in a single year + Why does a rocket have to go 25,000 mph to escape Earth? + How long would garden snails live if they were not eaten by another animal?, Stories this week: Chocolatina + 'Too Much Glue' read by Nicole Byer, + more
Youth Congratulations Joel!, Applications open for 2025 Tertiary Health Study Subsidies, Applications to join the DOVES Council are open for 2025, Hottest 100 Voting now open, TAFE Fee-free* courses - semester 1 2025 enrol now, The Rions - Physical Medicine (Official Music Video), School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: psithurism, 50 years of Triple J: challenging censorship, supporting Australian artists, and ‘no dope in the studio!’, Going for a bushwalk? 3 handy foods to have in your backpack (including muesli bars), No, you don’t need the ‘Barbie drug’ to tan, whatever TikTok says; Here’s why melanotan-II is so risky, Behind the viral selfie location of Saint Ignatius is a 350-year-old story of an optical illusion, Staring blankly at your screen? You probably have post holiday blues; The good news is you can get through it, Beware of bad customers – and 3 other ways small and medium businesses can thrive in 2025, Looking for a summer or longer-term job? Here’s how to find one and avoid being exploited, Research suggests those who use buy-now-pay-later services end up spending more, A bright ‘Sun-skirting’ comet will grace southern skies this week; Here’s how to see it, This summer please leave the sea shells by the seashore, The history of women cyclists – an uphill climb to equality, How Sydney’s cultural festivals cultivate a sense of hope and optimism for Australia’s future, If Greenland were for sale, what would it be worth? How to put a ‘price tag’ on a territory, Fruit and veg, exercise, frequent bloodletting and more tips on staying healthy from medieval travellers, These 16 nuns were guillotined in the French Revolution. Now the Pope has declared them saints, local services for you
Seniors Ground-breaking work in geriatric pharmacology: NSLHD News, Why some people deserve an age pension before others: new Australian research, Household spending rises with Black Friday sales: ABS, Assistive Tech and Home Modifications List now available, Avalon Beach SLSC turns 100 in 2025!, Going for a bushwalk? 3 handy foods to have in your backpack (including muesli bars), Remembering Simon Townsend as a conscientious objector and fearless anti-Vietnam War activist, How we diagnose and define obesity is set to change – here’s why, and what it means for treatment, 50 years of Triple J: challenging censorship, supporting Australian artists, and ‘no dope in the studio!’, ‘AI agents’ promise to arrange your finances, do your taxes, book your holidays – and put us all at risk, The history of women cyclists – an uphill climb to equality, Local events, services, groups for you + more
Inbox News New study challenges a major theory on why some kangaroos mysteriously went extinct, A deadly brain-eating amoeba lurks in freshwater swimming holes – here’s what you need to know, Children with traumatic experiences have a higher risk of obesity – but this can be turned around, Australia has a new autism strategy but questions remain for those who don’t get NDIS support, Aboriginal message sticks are a fascinating insight into a complex system of written communication, A bright ‘Sun-skirting’ comet will grace southern skies this week; Here’s how to see it, LA is on fire; How will Australia cope when bushfires hit Sydney, Melbourne or another major city?, Ecology of Fear: Mike Davis’ history of LA and natural disaster is re-read whenever fire rages in California, Blinking radio pulses from space hint at a cosmic object that ‘shouldn’t exist’, ‘Solar shepherds’ earn big by grazing sheep on solar farms — and they benefit everyone involved
Food Summer Peaches
Large Australian Yellow Peaches are currently available in shops and very sweet and juicy. The boxes state they're from Wyong - so no cold storage and long travelling times there - and the prices, at around $3-4 a kilo, indicate we are in the middle of harvest season for this particular variety of scrumptious Summer fruit.
DIY Ideas DIY A Summer-Autumn Salad Garden for a Balcony or at Waist-height
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast, issued 9 January 2025, states the forecast for February to April shows above average rainfall is likely for much of coastal parts of New South Wales and warmer than average days are likely across much of eastern Australia along with warmer than average nights being very likely with an increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures across Australia.
As everyone in our household are BIG salad consumers, and ‘getting on’, this Issue we’d like to share a DIY project that will suit those who now want to garden at waist-height or have access to food they can harvest from their flat’s balcony.
All seeds, planter boxes and pots, as well as the seed-raising mix and watering can, were bought online through Johnson Brothers Mitre 10. To avoid the traffic jam that happens at this time of year, known as dodging the Bilgola Bends Barrage of cars heading north, we arranged to pick up everything needed from the Avalon Beach store.
Who wants to sit in traffic when you could be on the beach or pottering in the garden?
You can simply drive around the back of the Avalon Beach store once notified your order is in, to what's known locally as 'Johnson's Lane', and load up from there - thus avoiding that Avalon Parade in Summer trying-to-get-a-parking-spot challenge as well.
Events Woody Point Yacht Club's 2025 Wooden Putt Putt & Gentleman's Launch Regatta, Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach, 189th Australia Day Regatta on Pittwater hosted by Avalon Sailing Club, Australia Day 2025 events: North Narra to Palmy, Mezcaltones ‘Big Hat No Cattle’ Album Launch, Warringah Rats Sevens by the Sea 2025, Shorty's Surf School open for 2025 bookings: Warriewood, Pittwater Regattas, Music, Markets, Social Groups, + lots more..JPG?timestamp=1737229322870)
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Profile of the Week Virginia Head: TributeOn Boxing Day, December 26 2024, Virginia Head, Beloved Wife of Malcolm and Loving Mother of Diana and Michele, lost her battle with cancer.
A long-term Member of Avalon Beach SL:SC, the Barrenjoey Breakers swimming group, Pittwater Outrigger Racing Club and the Manly Warringah Kayak Club, Virginia had a passion for watersports and was a very kind lady who sought to save lives in the water.
Virginia made her time available to all who had never swum to teach them 'how to' and extended this to looking after those who had never swum in the ocean and wanted to have someone beside them who would introduce them to this environment.
Virginia Head was that lady who would stand beside you, or more accurately, swim beside you.
Thousands of people were enabled to take to the water through her six decades of teaching others to swim.
In 2023 she was spotted taking part in the Bilgola SLSC 'Billy Ocean swims' - she could still kick, still swim, even if her legs made it hard to negotiate the sand when walking.
Virginia still made it through, and threw her fist up in triumph when she made it back to the beach.
Her love for children, for other people, for inspiring others to 'get in the swim' or try paddling, her favourites, will remain in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.
As a volunteer Patrol member of Avalon Beach SLSC Virginia was known for her sharp eyes and not missing her duties until she could no longer serve the community in this capacity.
As a member of two paddling clubs in our area Virginia would encourage people to get involved either as a team member or as a solo athlete, sharing how fit and free taking to the water and exploring our area via kayak or outrigger will make you, and how getting to represent your club, state or country will connect you to those who share this passion across the world.
As a mark of respect, love and celebration of a lovely lady who will be much missed in our community, her Profile from 2014 runs this Issue.
Environment Summer's New Pittwater Bubs, Fully recovering Australia’s threatened species would cost 25% of GDP; We can’t do it all at once – so let’s start here, Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) Needs Volunteers, Albanese Government Approves Four more coal mines: one until 2088 - Destroying Habitat; robbing today's + future generations of climate safety to benefit the greedy, NSW Forestry Corporation Cost NSW Taxpayers $29 Million in 2023-2024, much more in loss of Habitat and Wildlife - 'State Government can’t see the forest for the trees': Greens, Developer-State Government Koala slaughter continuing in Western Sydney, Draft Plan of Management for Dogs offleash On South Mona Vale Beach Open for feedback, Preliminary summary of Australia's climate in 2024: second warmest year since records began - BOM, Garigal National Park: ‘1080 pest management’, Science To Revive Our Oceans: SIM's has a PHD Opportunity - operation Crayweed, I Built a Wildlife Pond... and so Many Animals Came: Wildlife Habitats by Robert E Fuller, In 2025 let’s make it game on – not game over – for our precious natural world, La Niña back this summer?; Not likely – and unofficial declarations are jumping the gun, Monarch butterflies are in decline in NZ and Australia – they need your help to track where they gather, Australia needs better ways of storing renewable electricity for later; That’s where ‘flow batteries’ can help, Relentless warming is driving the water cycle to new extremes the 2024 global water report shows, Shrinking wings, bigger beaks: birds are reshaping themselves in a warming world, Don’t go chasing waterfalls: slippery rocks, currents and daredevil jumpers make Australia’s waterways surprisingly deadly, Whales can live way longer than scientists had thought with potential lifespans as much as double previous estimates, Heatwaves and bushfires can be a dangerous mix for the electricity grid; Here’s how to shore up your supplies this summer, A push to cool Australian cities may inadvertently increase our skin cancer risk, Spiders ‘smell’ with their legs – new research, Repression of climate and environmental protest is intensifying across the world, Travelling in 2025?; Here’s how to become a ‘regenerative’ tourist, How China’s appetite for salmon could reshape global seafood markets – new research, Plastic Bread Ties 4 Wheelchairs, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, 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, Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Pictorial Walks, Pittwater's Birds, + more
Children Sunday cartoons and animations returns this year. This Issue: Stick Man loves family time, The Elephants of Avalon Beach, Australia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beetles. Look out for these 5 beauties this summer, The beach is an amazing place to teach kids about science. Here are 3 things to try this summer, Curious Kids: How does the International Space Station orbit Earth without burning up? + What is the universe expanding into if it’s already infinite? + why do trees have bark? + what did people use before toothpaste was invented?, Stories this week: Sweet Tooth + 'The Magician's Hat' read by Alison Brie, + more
Youth The Elephants of Avalon Beach, School’s out for 2024 as record 70,000 students celebrate completing their HSC, Applications to join the DOVES Council are open for 2025, Hottest 100 Voting now open, Interstate Glory up for grabs, TAFE Fee-free* courses - semester 1 2025 enrol now, Science To Revive Our Oceans: SIM's has a PHD Opportunity - operation Crayweed, Study subsidies: NSW’s health workforce, First 'Word of the Week' for 2025; Spell, A total eclipse of the Moon, Saturn’s rings ‘disappear’, meteors and more: your guide to the southern sky in 2025, Hidden women of history: the Australian children’s author who captured the bush – before May Gibbs’ Australiana empire, 2025 will see huge advances in quantum computing. So what is a quantum chip and how does it work?, Guide to the classics: written more than 2000 years ago, Cicero’s On Old Age debunks stereotypes that persist today, Nobleman, soldier, revolutionary, humanist – who was Tadeusz Kościuszko, the man behind the mountain?, Cane toads on the barbie? How eating invasive species might help manage them, The closest thing Australian cartooning had to a prophet: the sometimes celebrated, sometimes controversial Michael Leunig, Gabrielle Chanel: the untold story of a pioneering self-made woman, What fashion enthusiasts can learn from older, dapper gentlemen, Summer holidays haven’t changed much since ancient Greece and Rome (except maybe the sand wrestling), Sunglasses reflect more than the light: a brief history of shades from Ancient Rome to Hollywood, The surprising ways ‘swimming off’ a hangover can be risky, even if alcohol has left your system, 5 tips to ace a job interview – including how to prepare for the question they’ll definitely ask, Bob Dylan and the creative leap that transformed modern music, Pompeii comes to Australia and ancient and contemporary stories of disaster and loss converge, Can animals make ‘art’? These examples from nature suggest so, Is it important to read the explanatory labels next to artworks? We asked 5 experts, The multi-billion dollar startup sector is bouncing back – 8 big trends will shape 2025, The discovery of a rare new fossil sheds light on NZ’s extinct dolphin-like reptiles, Isidore of Seville: the patron saint of the internet who shaped knowledge for generations, Word Of The Week: Summer, local services for you
Seniors At Palm Beach SLSC: 96 Years Young, Assistive Technology and Home Modifications List now available, 2025 Heralds New Era of Quality Aged Care, AHPC Statement – Appreciation Statement for Professor Paul Kelly, Cheaper medicines stay cheaper as Australians save $1.1 billion, $440M investment welcome but more is needed for thousands of older Australians who will be kept waiting for support, Energy protections?, Avalon Beach SLSC turns 100 in 2025!, Bob Dylan and the creative leap that transformed modern music, Hidden women of history: the Australian children’s author who captured the bush – before May Gibbs’ Australiana empire, Pompeii comes to Australia, and ancient and contemporary stories of disaster and loss converge, What is reformer pilates? And is it worth the cost?, ‘Cold violence’ – a hidden form of elder abuse in New Zealand’s Chinese community, Local events, services, groups for you + more
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
Events Woody Point Yacht Club's 2025 Wooden Putt Putt & Gentleman's Launch Regatta, Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach, 189th Australia Day Regatta on Pittwater hosted by Avalon Sailing Club, Pittwater Regattas, Music, Markets, Social Groups, + more.
Park Bench Philosophers 
Inbox News New excavation of ‘rings of mystery’ in Victoria reveals rich Aboriginal history, NSW Public Health Warning: Severe overdoses after using drugs thought to be cocaine, The surprising ways ‘swimming off’ a hangover can be risky even if alcohol has left your system, NSW Government welcomes Engineered Stone importation ban, Do natural fabrics really keep us cooler in summer? Here’s the science, Businesses can’t escape the AI revolution – so here’s how to build a culture of safe and responsible use, A total eclipse of the Moon, Saturn’s rings ‘disappear’, meteors and more: your guide to the southern sky in 2025, Most adults will gain half a kilo this year – and every year. Here’s how to stop ‘weight creep’, Dreading the school or daycare drop-off? How to handle it when your child doesn’t want you to go, How do mosquito repellents work? Even calm people can fly into a rage behind the wheel. Here’s how to curb your road rage – before it’s too lateDIY Ideas DIY A Summer-Autumn Salad Garden for a Balcony or at Waist-height
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast, issued 9 January 2025, states the forecast for February to April shows above average rainfall is likely for much of coastal parts of New South Wales and warmer than average days are likely across much of eastern Australia along with warmer than average nights being very likely with an increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures across Australia.
As everyone in our household are BIG salad consumers, and ‘getting on’, this Issue we’d like to share a DIY project that will suit those who now want to garden at waist-height or have access to food they can harvest from their flat’s balcony.
All seeds, planter boxes and pots, as well as the seed-raising mix and watering can, were bought online through Johnson Brothers Mitre 10. To avoid the traffic jam that happens at this time of year, known as dodging the Bilgola Bends Barrage of cars heading north, we arranged to pick up everything needed from the Avalon Beach store.
Who wants to sit in traffic when you could be on the beach or pottering in the garden?
You can simply drive around the back of the Avalon Beach store once notified your order is in, to what's known locally as 'Johnson's Lane', and load up from there - thus avoiding that Avalon Parade in Summer trying-to-get-a-parking-spot challenge as well.
