Northern Beaches Council are 'coming aboard' efforts to tackle fishing waste with tangle bins being installed at 10 popular fishing spots across the peninsula, making it easy to dispose of your unwanted tackle.
Keep your favourite fishing spots clean and safe for wildlife and your mates!
What can you put in the bins?
- Fishing line
- Rinsed bait packaging
- Hooks
- Lures
- Sinkers
- Swivels.
NBC have fishing tangle net bins in:
- Fishermans Beach
- Sangrado Jetty, Seaforth
- Manly Dam (sections 1 & 3)
In January 2025, Council is collaborating with OZFish and NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to install an additional 6 fishing tangle net bins at the following locations:
- Little Manly Point Park
- Narrabeen Lagoon Bridge area
- Pelican Path at Lake Park Road, North Narrabeen
- Ellery’s Punt Reserve, Clontarf
- Newport Jetty
- Berry Reserve, Narrabeen
Bins will be monitored for usage and contents recycled through the OZfish Tackle Loop program, as well as audited to see what fishing waste is being prevented from contaminating our local environment.
Make sure you make use of these bins if you are fishing in the area. Disposing of your unwanted fishing line and tackle waste appropriately will help keep our coastlines clean and safe for children and wildlife.
Data from the Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database shows that fishing line makes it into the top 10 items found during clean-up events, with over half a million metres removed from over 4,000 clean-up events (by 2023).
On November 26, 2024 it was announced litter at recreational fishing spots is being reeled in by 50% in the next five years with Australia’s largest community fishing conservation charity, OzFish, awarded $420,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
OzFish is tackling litter through on the ground projects like clean-up events, repurposing old fishing gear, and initiatives that educate people around recycling.
OzFish’s Project Manager of Tackling Litter, Emma Kark, said the grant will help shift fisher behaviours and attitudes through promoting a stewardship approach to litter prevention.
“We all need to work together to keep our waterways and our native fish populations healthy,” Ms Kark said. “OzFish is excited to collaborate with the EPA and recreational fishers across NSW to help prevent marine litter by providing better infrastructure, such as OzFish’s TackleLoop recycling bins.
“We’re also repairing end-of-life fishing gear, and recycling old fishing line, line spools, lures and floats into new fishing equipment.”
NSW EPA Executive Director, Programs and Innovation, Alexandra Geddes said this is one of our largest grants awarded to help combat fishing litter.“It is scary to think that by 2050, plastic in the ocean may surpass the weight of fish,” Ms Geddes said.
“The work that OzFish is doing is critical to turning the tide on litter and we are proud to partner with them to protect our rivers, lakes, coastal areas and fish habitats. The two most common types of fishing litter are fishing gear and packaging, which is mostly plastic items such as lines, lures and nets, and general waste from food or takeaway items.”
“Fishing litter is a key stressor to waterways. Nets and fishing line can entangle wildlife and small plastic debris can be ingested by fish and other marine life. Through our work together, we have contributed to an overall 49% reduction in state-wide litter items since 2018-19, and this grant will only further build on that success.”
OzFish was one of the 16 recent successful recipients of the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy (WASM) 2041 Litter Prevention Grants Program.
Find out more at: ozfish.org.au/projects/tackle-loop/
Council announced on Monday January 20 2025 has secured almost $1 million in funding towards upgrades at Mackerel Beach Wharf with works expected to commence mid-year.
The works are part of the of the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program which supports capital works projects that enhance liveability, strengthen social cohesion and support local amenity in communities across Australia's cities and suburbs. Council secured $939,305.00 under the program.
The Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club had $5,150,000 approved under the same program for their Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club Centre of Excellence project.
In partnership with the Northern Beaches Council, that project will develop a multi-sport Centre of Excellence at Nolan Reserve North Manly, which it is stated will; 'provide inclusive facilities for recreational, competitive and high-performance use and improve sporting and education focused community engagement'.
New South Wales' communities will share funding of just over $61 million for 15 approved Thriving Suburbs Program projects.
The Australian Government has committed funding over three years, from 2024–25 to 2026–27, for the Thriving Suburbs Program to deliver investment in community infrastructure projects.
The program has been funded to deliver one round of funding of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations for capital works projects that enhance liveability, strengthen social cohesion and support local amenity in urban, suburban and peri-urban communities across Australia's Greater Capital City Statistical Areas. Projects are required to construct new community infrastructure, or expand or upgrade existing infrastructure for wider community benefit. The program is open competitive with funding awarded on a merit basis.
In August 2020, under the Boating Now Round 3 Successful Projects announcements, the council was allocated $70,657 for the Mackerel Beach Wharf Investigation and Detailed Design. The design has been finessed since then, with feedback from the broader community taking place in November to December 2024.
In June 2021 the Northern Beaches Council committed $3.2 million towards the wharves at Mackerel and Currawong beaches, and design for Church Point wharf. The upgrade for Mackerel Beach wharf was announced in the 2023/24 budget allocations as well.
Mayor Sue Heins said the wharf upgrade aims to meet current engineering standards and improve accessibility for users and the local community.
“We have met with local residents and the ferry operators throughout development of the concept design and have also asked the wider community for any additional feedback.
“We are grateful to the Australian Government for the funding which has co-funded the design aspect of the wharf to provide improved disability access as well as minimising the long-term maintenance requirements.” Mayor Heins said.
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 progressed the L-shaped wharf concept mentioned in the 2008 PoM 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 were jointly funded by Council and the Transport for NSW Boating Now Program.
Construction works are to be funded by Council and the grant funding sought, and announced on January 20.
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.
Mitigation measures may include:
- working only in high tides
- no anchors or spuds to be used to hold barges in place.
- no extended period of mooring barges in the same location (such that seagrass is deprived of sunlight)
- offsetting seagrass away from the new structure.
During construction:
Council are investigating options for a temporary structure for use during construction. This will be discussed with the successful contractor at the tender stage to provide the best outcome. The existing ladders will still be in place.
The Draft Concept Plan (drawing) and Frequently Asked Questions and updates are available at the project webpage: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/mackerel-beach-wharf-upgrade
Serious concerns about the contractors and products the council is selecting have been raised by residents in regards to some recently completed works in public spaces. The sentiment is that Pittwater is beginning to look a bit ‘patched up’ soon after works have been completed.
The accruing costs of repairs, undertaken multiple times within months of works being completed, are also a factor in conversations.
In the new Avalon Beach shared space area pot holes, one quite deep, have appeared over recent months. Although filled in they begin to reappear days afterwards.
At north Avalon, where a concrete pathway was recently completed, a bus run through the just installed asphalt alongside one bus stop soon afterwards, creating a furrow that still has not been repaired.
In the Newport Beach exercise area, completed by May 2021, by November 2022 it was evident that the 'soft-fall' area, a synthetic pad installed as part of the gym equipment underlay, was deteriorating - this has since enlarged.
Toxic pollutants and plastics introduced into the beach environment is the result of this deterioration. Paradoxically, the enlarging pit is catching the 'soft' in the natural beach sand that comprises Newport Beach.
Avalon Beach Shared Space looking worn-out already
In January 2024 the signs of more ‘patching’ in the Avalon Shared Space became evident.
Local resident Rudi Annus, who visits the village centre each day and has engineering experience, told the news service on Friday, January 24:
‘’This lies smack bang in the middle of the shared pedestrian zone in Old Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach directly outside Swell Cafe, yes, the centre of the recent $500,000 Shared Spaces project designed, constructed and supervised by Northern Beaches Council.
‘’The next repair will be at least the sixth, the last around 5th December 2024 when it reached similar proportions. That repair was poorly executed and started collapsing again just 2 days later as did the many previous repairs in the same area.
This project has been an embarrassment from Day 1 and continues to be ‘not fit for purpose’ on many, many levels.
It is good luck, definitely not good management that this hasn’t resulted in a very, very serious accident which has exposed Council to a multi-million dollar insurance claim.
And they want to increase our rates ???
PS: this was AGAIN finally repaired last night (January 21 2025).’’
January 18 2024 - pics by RA and AJG
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January 24 2025 pics:
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Another resident stated:
‘’ For a showcase project it looks terrible. Cheap stamped asphalt, patches everywhere from pot hole and drainage repairs. Shade trees were to be included when if it became permanent - none planted. Three new mature, expensive magnolias in large pots were not watered for over a month when the shared plaza was completed. They were then removed and never replaced. Many residents enjoy this area but it looks cheap, tired and patched.’’
The deterioration at Newport Beach exercise area of installed soft-fall rubber, (safety surfaces and plastic grass) has been ongoing as well.
While some suppliers will offer a six year warranty on their products, all rely on the product being installed according to the instructions provided.
Here too there are ongoing costs. On average, wet-pour rubber surfacing is meant to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. In some spaces the wear and tear of high use will accelerate the product’s deterioration.
However, those who supply the product state, it's important to note that this lifespan can vary based on several factors such as the quality of installation, the level of maintenance, and the choice of rubber granules or binder used.
November 2022 a year and a half on from installation
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January 5 2024 - more patches added in
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The problems associated with people potentially inhaling what is in rubber granules have been widely reported in recent years. Concerns children may come into contact with harmful chemicals have been part of that conversation. However, as one recent study pointed out, despite there being known toxic elements in these, there is no regulatory ground to consider these unsafe as few have an established regulatory limit for their content.
Atop this, while wet pour rubber granules are often considered environmentally friendly due to their recycled tyre origin, there is growing concern about potential pollution from microplastics that can leach from the granules into the environment, particularly when they wear down and become small particles that can enter waterways and soil, raising concerns about potential impacts on aquatic life and ecosystems.
Every July to August, when the first Rates Notices for the following financial year are issued with two parking stickers for those who will be paying rates, and would be factored into the costs somewhere along the line despite the ‘it’s free’ announcements, messages pop up on local social media sites – ‘have you got a pen?’ or ‘I have a spare pen – message me to get it’.
These are referring to an extra parking sticker being available which may change hands for financial gain or be given away freely. The ‘pen’ reference is to avoid being caught for doing what you’re not supposed to. With rates due quarterly, and only going up, those who do not need a second parking sticker may recoup a little they can apply elsewhere, or gift it to a family they know so their youngsters, the boards, towels, food, umbrellas and all the accoutrements of a day at the beach, may be safely taken to a beach.
Fines for parking are a fair amount of any income stream recorded in the council's budget – over $4 million was recorded by the council last year.
Residents who are not ratepayers, and haven’t bought a sticker and get a fine, have pointed out they are less likely to be able to afford fines and have complained about this – especially when they were parking in an area they had not been aware had changed to a pay to park model.
Woorak Reserve and Iluka Park at Palm Beach is one where several people, both residents and visitors, have been caught over recent years. Even those with a ratepayers sticker must pay here – as they must at several other carparks across the area.
The NSW Government's Park'nPay app collects parking fees in Pittwater and across the state. Parking meters in Bayview Park, wheer those without the sticker must pay, are cashless and require the user to enter their vehicle registration number at the time of payment. Parking rangers can see that parking is paid for using the app, so there is no need to display a ticket.
At Rowland Reserve and Church Point, both areas of filled in estuary made solely to provide parking for cars, everyone must pay and display.
There is also an administration fee added on in many areas these are used. Under NSW parking regulations, councils are obliged to pay for the administration of parking fees and to be transparent about the full cost of parking.
The money from park and display car parking goes to the council or an authority that owns and manages the parking. The money can be used to fund parking management, community works, and other projects.
These car parks are virtually full, year round. During summer local businesses such as RSL's with carparks have employed people to monitor who is parking there so they have space left available for genuine customers.
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Residents who live offshore or at Church Point may also opt to pay for parking. This is listed in the 2024/25 fees and charges as costing:
- LGA Residents only full year permits - from 1 September to 31 August - there is no guaranteed space - per permit $619.00.
- Non-residents (outside of LGA) only full year permits - from 1 September to 31 August - there is no guaranteed space - per permit $1,260.00.
- Church Point carpark reserved parking space (Coupon) by direct debit or invoice per space per annum - $6,108.00. GST Applicable; Yes based on; Market Based Pricing.
the completed extra car park at Church Point in 2018
Additionally in high volume visitor areas, Manly of course, a 4 hour time limit is applied to ratepayer parking stickers.
There is also another especial scheme for Manlyites - the Manly Parking Permit Scheme Framework - which aims to improve parking for residents and other users in locations where there is insufficient off-street parking and where on-street parking is restricted. The Scheme was adopted by Council in 2019.
On January 23 2025 the NSW Government announced renters would get ‘’the same rights to beach parking permits in council areas that run two-tiered schemes favouring homeowners, under reforms proposed by the NSW Government’’.
What these reforms are exactly we, the voters, are not privy to as yet. But the ‘same rights’ announcement would mean the government wants to abolish schemes that require local renters to pay for beach parking permits while ratepayers can ‘get them for free’ in the Mosman and Northern Beaches council areas.
A ‘consultation webpage’ has already been set up on Transport for NSW’s website that states;
‘Upcoming consultation
The NSW Government has recently announced a review of the Permit Parking Guidelines.
Proposed changes relate to fairness and accessibility for tenants and apartment dwellers, equitable access to destinations such as beaches, and prioritising on-street parking for those who need it most.
Exhibition of the draft updates and public consultation will begin shortly.
Consultation resources will be available on this page. Parking authorities will be contacted directly. ‘
The page is available at: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/roads-and-waterways/business-and-industry/parking-guidelines
The government’s released statement goes on to say:
‘’Mosman and Northern Beaches councils issue free parking at local beaches to ratepayers – those people who own their own property – but charge people who rent for the same permit to park at the beach.’’
‘’For example, on the Northern Beaches, homeowners are issued two free, annual parking permits to 40 local beaches whereas renters need to apply and pay $250 for a parking sticker.
Homeowners are also allowed to purchase two more permits for a total of four per household - twice as many as a rented household can access.’’
‘’In Mosman, property owners get a free access sticker to four car parks, including Balmoral and the Spit, while resident renters can purchase up to two permits for $61 each. Mosman property owners who reside in their property can also purchase two more on top of a free permit for the same price.
Casual car parking charges at beaches like Manly and Balmoral are up to $10 an hour for those without a permit and Bondi Beach is $10.80 an hour.
A third of people rent their home in NSW and the proportion of those renting is rising.
The NSW Government is alerting councils with parking permit schemes of the proposed changes and inviting their feedback.
Any change would be issued as part of an update to parking Guidelines under the Road Transport (General) Regulation 2021.
The changes are part of a suite of reforms by the Minns Labor Government aimed at ensuring access to Sydney beaches does not depend on someone’s postcode and they remain open and welcoming to all.
An update to the Guidelines in June last year requires that street parking duration is of a minimum one hour when it is combined with permit holder exemptions.
In one case, Woollahra Council had put a time limit of 15 minutes on visitors to Watsons Bay unless you were a resident with an all-day parking permit.
The NSW Government is also considering changes to the Guidelines which will stop councils excluding residents of strata units and multi-dwelling properties from obtaining residential parking permits on the same terms as other residents.'' the statement says
Although this will be interpreted as a Labor-party 'sticking up for the battlers' narrative which may create or reinstate an 'us and them' in communities, and renew the locals getting weary of paying for everyone who visits through footing the bill for local infrastructure [1.], the lack of on-street parking has been a debate for years.
Those already using the street to park their cars, and with all of us seeing streets where children could once safely play now choked with cars on both sides due to building rules which allowed one car park per one bedroom apartment, when those dwelling within may have 2 cars, and a boat and a trailer, as well as homes now supporting up to 4 cars with the youngsters growing up and getting their first vehicle, or schemes to cram thousands more people into the peninsula, with one road in and one road out, the filling of streets with cars aspect – the ‘prioritising on-street parking for those who need it most’ - will be of interest.
With those who then park their cars on a street under a tree then complaining when a branch falls onto said car, and even calling for or arranging for a tree’s destruction, at council's expense, on-street parking issues, before our roads become impassable, will attract scrutiny, especially what the definition of 'for those who need it most’ will be.
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a packed north Avalon street on a long wekend Saturday morning when people have gone away - still only a few spaces left
The mayors of both councils named, Mosman and NBC, have stated this week they had not been consulted by the Minns government on the idea, and this was yet another ‘cost-shifting measure’.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the proposal could cost ratepayers $500,000 a year.
Mayor Heins said she is seeking an “urgent meeting” with NSW Minister for Roads John Graham to understand how the government intends to fund the concept.
In her Mayor's Message of Friday January 24 2025 Mayor Heins states:
''This week I was alerted to a proposal by the NSW Government to provide Council beach parking permits to renters in the same way they are provided to ratepayers.
In a utopian world we’d have 240,000 parking spots available at our beaches for all our residents and no need for permits or to charge for beachside parking at all.
However, we live in the real world where there are limited spots available and the cost to maintain, clean and staff our beaches and rockpools, and surrounding infrastructure, is increasing in line with the cost to provide all council infrastructure and services.
This idea costs the state government nothing (in fact it gives them a great headline), yet once again Council ratepayers pick up the costs.
I have sought an urgent meeting with the Minister to find out his plans to cover the funds ratepayers will lose, potentially over half a million dollars a year, if this proposal is implemented. I will keep the community updated.
Next week is the first council meeting of the year where we will be considering Council's long term financial sustainability. Ongoing cost shifting from the state government is a key reason we need to be having these discussions.''
Profile of the Week Australia Day 2025 Honours ListAustralian Honours: Dr Cameron John Bell of Ingleside (AM), Deborah Killelea of Newport (AM), Lisa Blair of Warriewood (OAM), Lynette Foley of Collaroy (OAM), Martin Meredith of Collaroy (OAM, Peter Owens of Terrey Hills (OAM).
Council's Recognitions: Kevin Lee of Belrose, Ian Hocking of Bilgola Plateau, Saskia Rundle Trowbridge of Narrabeen, Chris Turnbull of Clontarf, Glenn and Clare Wysman of The Link Church, Lifeline Northern Beaches Book Fair Volunteers
Council's Outstanding Community Service Awards 2025: Nicholas Chambers of Cromer, Roland Davies of North Manly, Bruce Davis of Curl Curl, Vipul Jajal of Dee Why, Laurelei Moore and sister, Gay McLindin of Dee Why, Leanne Shanahan of Warriewood, and Mel Thomas of Clontarf.
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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 Australia Day 2025 events: North Narra to Palmy, Narrabeen Lakes Sailing 120th year Celebrations, Pittwater Regatta, Mezcaltones ‘Big Hat No Cattle’ Album Launch, Warringah Rats Sevens by the Sea 2025, Shorty's Surf School open for 2025 bookings: Warriewood, Music, Markets, Social Groups, + lots more.
Pictures Woody Point Yacht Club's 2025 Wooden Putt Putt & Gentleman's Launch Regatta by Michael Mannington OAM
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 involvedFood 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.
