Front Page: March 2025

March 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 640

Week Four March 2025 (March 17 - 23)

 

Hansa Worlds + Para Worlds Will Fire Up the estuary This Week: 'Welcome to Pittwater Athletes'!

Pittwater's Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club: venue for the Hansa Worlds and International Championships this week. Photo: RPAYC

Over 200 sailors and race officials from around the globe will descend on Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) this week for the Hansa World and International Championships, Australian and NSW Hansa Class Championships plus the Para World Championships, among them Paralympic gold medallists, Saltwater Veteransworld and former world champions. 

Sailors from Australia wide, Chile, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Türkiye and USA will congregate for these events to be held from 23-30 March.

This week the RPAYC's Commodore, Robert McClelland, made available the club's, and Pittwater's, Welcome.

MORE HERE

 

2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Opens - Newport Wins 11th Straight Title!

Years and years of Open success has continued on Queenscliff beach after Newport SLSC claimed the club’s 11th straight NSW Open and Surf Boat Surf Life Saving Championships title.

The Sydney Northern Beaches Branch club has enjoyed more than a decade of dominance at the top of the sport, and as Sarah Locke crossed the line after her swim leg in the Open Female Taplin Relay – the carnivals' last event – some several hundred metres ahead of Swansea Belmont SLSC in second, it was perhaps an appropriate way to finish.

Photos by Shane Abrahamson and volunteer snapper, Anthony Rose, and Surf Life Saving NSW

MORE HERE

Open March Past Results

  • 1 North Cronulla Team A - 
  • 2 Collaroy Bears 
  • 3 Collaroy Ladies 
  • 4  Freshwater Maroons 
  • 9 Collaroy Comebacks
  • 12 Queenscliff Team A

 

Scamps Call for Residential Battery Subsidies May Ease Council's EV-Charging Dilemma

The JOLT EV charger battery installed at Pittwater Park, Palm Beach was a lot larger than that poriginally slated for Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach.
Among the matters tabled in the February 18 2025 Agenda for the Council Meeting was Item 13.1; 'Outcome of public exhibition - provision of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure' and where new charging stations could be. 

A late memo sent to councillors stated this would be deferred to a later meeting on the basis that JOLT would like to meet with Councillors to discuss its position and the value that its service provides as well as the findings of the community consultation process which was conducted for the locations proposed. 

Two of the spots nominated were at Avalon Beach, in the beach car park, and a postcode where there is a high uptake of electric vehicles but no charging station for the same, and Newport.

At the council meeting held Tuesday February 18 the council was slated to approve only 4 new EV charging stations – 3 in Warringah and 1 in Manly; at Forestville Seniors Centre Carpark 1 - Starkey Street (corner of Warringah Road, Forestville), outside 19 Sydenham Road, Brookvale, Narraweena Shops Carpark - 52 May Road, Narraweena and at Victoria Parade - outside 29 East Esplanade, Manly.

Proposals to place EV charging infrastructure in Newport and Avalon Beach - at 558A Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach were deemed ‘Not feasible’ as it was cost prohibitive for the provider, and that proposed for outside 327 Barrenjoey Road, Newport was ‘Not supported’ and 'an alternate location nearby could be considered, subject to further investigation and removal of advertising'.

However, with data from the Australian Automobile Association showing more and more locals are buying an EV as their next car, Mackellar MP Dr. Sophie Scamps last week released a policy that may help with this shift in car choice and gaps in the EV charging stations, as well as support more solar power coming back into supply.

Dr. Scamps proposes federal subsidies for residential batteries. Dr Scamps’ policy would see the existing Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) expanded to include subsidies for home batteries.

MORE HERE - + Solar for Apartment Residents incentive open until December 31 + EV and Hybrid vehicle data for our area by postcode + ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid

 

Tender Accepted for Female friendly Accessible change facilities at Pittwater Rugby Park: Construction Scheduled to commence in April

Pittwater's Rat Park at Warriewood has long been a community common ground. Photo: ANZAC Centenary Commemorative Service Warringah Mackellar, held 19.4.15 
At the council meeting held on Tuesday March 18 councillors voted to accept the tender of JXB Projects Pty Limited for the Construction of a New Sporting Amenity Building at Pittwater Rugby Park, Warriewood for the sum of $1,349,328 excluding GST. 

The detailed design was finalised late last year, followed by a tender process for construction services. 

Council states it anticipates works will commence in April 2025.

Sporting groups and other hirers will still be able to use the grounds during construction.

The new facilities will include lockable shower and toilet cubicles to ensure dignified inclusion, along with accessible toilet and shower facilities.

Due to flood risk, the building will be raised. 

MORE HERE

 

Digital Parking permits coming for across the Peninsula + CellOPark Dispute 2024-2025 + NSW Government's Ticketless Parking Reforms and Consultation on Equal Access to Beach Parking Permits (open until April 17 2025)

Park'nPay currently in place at Bayview Baths and Wharf.

At the council meeting held on Tuesday March 18 the tender for a Digital Parking Permit system of CellOPark Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 63130676149), trading as Smarter City Solutions for a Digital Parking Permit System for the sum of $585,483 excluding GST for the initial 3-year term with two (2) optional one (1) year extensions at Council’s discretion, was accepted.

This proposal is to introduce a common digital parking system of permits across the Northern Beaches Council LGA.

This is a key operational project in the Delivery Program 2024-2028. All existing parking schemes will be transitioned from physical permits to digital, including the Manly Resident Parking Schemes. 

Due to the complexity of existing parking permit schemes, which are currently issued through six different systems, the rollout of the digital parking permit system will be staged. 

The staged rollout is planned to commence from late 2025 starting with the smaller parking permit schemes, before progressing to the larger parking permit schemes.

This will be welcome news to those whose parking permits on their rates notice disappears out of their letterbox each July.

CellOPark Dispute 2024-2025

However, a recent dispute between CellOPark Australia and OPark in the week leading into Christmas 2024, although apparently resolved, illustrates what can go wrong when such a lucrative market is in dispute.

The first email, sent on Wednesday, December 18, told users their CellOPark accounts would be transferred to the new app OPark.

A day later, another email was sent out, claiming the first was sent “by the local representative in breach of his obligations” and that there was no connection between the two brands.

Then in another email customers were told that “the court of competent jurisdiction has issued a temporary injunction prohibiting the transfer of users from CellOPark to O-Park”.

A Smarter City Solutions company spokesperson then stated: ''That email [alleging that the changeover had been cancelled] was not sent with our authorisation and, after an urgent investigation, it became clear that this email was sent as part of what is now a commercial dispute about the transition away from our overseas supplier of the CellOPark system and an attempt to derail the transition using unauthorised access to our email domain,” 

The problem must have persisted as on January 8 2025 Sydney University updated students and staff with:

'Due to the uncertainty created by an ongoing commercial dispute between our parking app provider, CellOPark Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Smarter City Solutions (SCS), and the business that provides its parking system technology, the University will not be issuing infringement notices to any staff or students parking on University campuses from Wednesday 8 January until Monday 27 January.

Vehicles parked illegally (for example in ‘No stopping’ zones) will still be issued infringements.

We are continuing discussions with SCS about the dispute and the transition generally and we are exploring the options available to us. We acknowledge the importance of getting an effective parking payment system for our people and we will share more information and guidance, including arrangements that will take effect from 28 January, as soon as possible.'

Parking across the University of Sydney, University of NSW, Macquarie University, and many other campuses across Australia is managed by this company.

There are a number of councils using SCS as well. Mosman Council adopted the CellOPark, from Australian technology company Smarter City Solutions in February 2021.

MORE HERE

 

Council Review of Alcohol Free Zones: Feedback closes April 27 2025

Alcohol Free Zones (AFZs) may be established by councils to prohibit alcohol consumption in road-related public places to reduce antisocial behaviour and crime.

There are currently 19 AFZs in place across the peninsula which are all due to expire in 3 stages between 31 August 2025 and 30 June 2026. To streamline the review process and have a consistent expiration date the council are reviewing all AFZs together.

The council want to hear your thoughts on the AFZs proposed for establishment or re-establishment.
The proposals are:

To re-establish AFZs in:

  • Brookvale (Pittwater Road: Warringah Mall bus stops)
  • Church Point (Pittwater Road: Cargo wharf to Church Point Reserve carpark)
  • Dee Why (CBD to the beach)
  • Freshwater A (Shopping centre across to beach)
  • Manly (CBD and bounding Ivanhoe Park)
  • Narrabeen (Pittwater Road: Bridge to Goodwin Street and Wellington Street carpark).

To establish AFZs with altered boundaries in:

  • Avalon (CBD and surrounds)
  • Collaroy (Pittwater Road: adjacent to licensed premises)
  • Mona Vale (CBD and surrounding streets and across to beach, and bounding Seabeach Retirement Village)
  • Newport A (CBD and along to end of beach carpark)
  • Newport B (around The Newport and across to Barrenjoey Road).

This reflects changes in community behaviour.

Not re-establishing the following AFZs after the expiry of their current term:

  • Belrose A (Streets bounding Lionel Watts Park)
  • Belrose B (Streets bounding Wingara Reserve)
  • Cromer (Fisher Road adjacent to James Morgan Reserve)
  • Forestville (Forestville Shopping Centre across to Warringah Road)
  • Freshwater B (Adjacent to Freshwater A and Harbord Diggers).

These no longer meet the criteria under the Ministerial Guidelines.

The proposed establishment of Alcohol-Free Zones in Avalon, Collaroy, Mona Vale, Newport Zone A and Newport Zone B will run for the period of 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2029. The proposed re-establishment of the Alcohol-Free Zones in Brookvale, Church Point, Dee Why, Freshwater, Manly and Narrabeen will run for the period of 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2029. 

MORE HERE

Week Four March 2025 (March 17 - 23)

Aquatics: Hansa Worlds + Para Worlds Will Fire Up the estuary This Week: 'Welcome to Pittwater Athletes'! by Di Pearson and RPAYC (runs March 23-30)

Pictures 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Opens - Newport Wins 11th Straight Title!

Terms of Reference for 2025 Inquiry Into the Safety and Quality of Health Services provided by Northern Beaches Hospital Released: Pittwater MP's Clarion Speech in NSW Parliament on Tuesday March 18 

Scamps' Call for Residential Battery Subsidies May Ease Council's EV-Charging Stations Dilemma + Solar for Apartment Residents incentive open until December 31 + EV and Hybrid vehicle data for our area by postcode + NSW Inquiry into Infrastructure for electric and alternative energy source vehicles in NSW (closing date for submissions is Friday 2 May 2025) + ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid 

Tender Accepted for Female friendly Accessible change facilities at Pittwater Rugby Park: Construction Scheduled to commence in April

Boaters reminded not to get complacent on the water: MRNSW's February 2025 Rescues - Boating Season Closes Anzac Day 2025

Council Review of Alcohol Free Zones: Feedback closes April 27 2025 - changes for some areas proposed

Elanora's Kalang Road - Newport's Robertson Road Permits Approved by Traffic Committee for Plug & Play: Fairlight + Brookvale approved too

Digital Parking permits coming for across the Peninsula + CellOPark Dispute 2024-2025 + NSW Government's Ticketless Parking Reforms and Consultation on Equal Access to Beach Parking Permits (open until April 17 2025)

Park Bench Philosophers: Australia has promised to end domestic violence within a generation. Jess Hill asks: are our strategies working?

Seas The Day 2025 returns to Kingscliff Beach

ACCC recommends supermarket reforms to provide better outcomes for consumers and suppliers: Final Report released

Custom designed Tactical Armoured Vehicles  handed over to NSW Police Force: five new Lenco ‘Bearcat’s

Food Pears: Autumn Fruits + Packham's Pear - the Australian Pear

Environment Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Open for Feedback until March 30, Chlamydiosis discovered in South West Sydney Koalas: public kept in the dark, New walking track linking Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh and Georges Head Now Open, Coastal Dynamics 2025 Conference, Smoky mouse reintroduced to South East Forest National Park feral cat and fox-free area, Giant Sunfish washes up on WA Beach, New skink a second unique species for Scawfell Island, Grants open for the $81 million FOGO fund, NSW's tree-mendous icons: Eucalyptus Day 2025, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Ku-ring-gai's natural treasures Killara Park: What Bush Care Volunteers Achieve, Woodside’s bid to expand a huge gas project is testing both Labor and the Coalition’s environmental credentials, We found the only kangaroo that doesn’t hop – and it can teach us how roos evolved their quirky gait, Dozens of surfers fell ill after swimming in seas that turned into a ‘bacterial smoothie’ of sea foam; What was in it?, Sand-sized fossils hold secrets to the history of climate change, Renewables are cheap. So why isn’t your power bill falling?, Rain gave Australia’s environment a fourth year of reprieve in 2024 – but this masks deepening problems: report, Flooding in the Sahara, Amazon tributaries drying and warming tipping over 1.5°C – 2024 broke all the wrong records, Why build nuclear power in place of old coal when you could have pumped hydropower instead?, 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 and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, + 

Inbox News NSW Government's Workers comp. reform to address psychological safety, MotherSafe celebrates its 25th anniversary, New board to lead NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust to 2030, Streaming, surveillance and the power of suggestion: the hidden cost of 10 years of Netflix, Sydney man fined more than $470,000 for unlicensed and uninsured building work, DP World Australia's proposed acquisition of Silk raises preliminary concerns: ACCC, Basin irrigation operator Cadell admits to breaching the Water Charge Rules, Airports report record aeronautical revenues despite slower growth in passenger numbers, Safety switch: Date set for Average Speed Camera trial, Less than 1% of the world’s biggest radio telescope is complete – but its first image reveals a sky dotted with ancient galaxies, You’ve heard of the Big Bang. Now astronomers have discovered the Big Wheel – here’s why it’s significant, ASIC puts payday lenders on notice they may be breaching the law, Loosely Woven 30th Anniversary Concerts: 'Unwound', New virtual nursing project: aged care, Professor Michael Kidd AO: Next CMO, Vaccination saves lives – prepare and protect, AMA will continue to work with government on private health fee transparency, Japanese encephalitis has claimed a second life in NSW and been detected in Brisbane. What is it?, Sugar tax needed to help tackle Australia’s obesity crisis: AMA, Cardio and strength training boost health as you age. But don’t forget balance exercises to reduce your chance of falls, I’m avoiding a hearing test because I don’t want chunky hearing aids. What are my options?, Treatment for Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome is linked with risky behaviour – here’s what you need to know, Changes to speech and language can help detect Alzheimer’s early – here are five things to look out for, AvPals Term 1 2025, Seas The Day 2025 returns to Kingscliff Beach, We found a new wasp! Students are discovering insect species through citizen science, State Champs 2025 Surf Boat Highlights, NSW's tree-mendous icons, Word Of The Week: State, Dozens of surfers fell ill after swimming in seas that turned into a ‘bacterial smoothie’ of sea foam; What was in it?, What’s the difference between baking powder and baking soda? It’s subtle, but significant, If your tween or teen doesn’t know how to swim, it’s not too late for lessons, Long before debates over ‘wokeness’, Epicurus built a philosophy that welcomed slaves, women and outsiders, Streaming, surveillance and the power of suggestion: the hidden cost of 10 years of Netflix, Chinese only introduced a feminine pronoun in the 1920s. Now, it might adopt a gender-inclusive one, Hundreds of livestock breeds have gone extinct – but some Australian farmers are keeping endangered breeds alive, Japanese encephalitis has claimed a second life in NSW and been detected in Brisbane. What is it?, We combed through old botanical surveys to track how plants on Australia’s islands are changing, Opportunities: Youth Week creative arts competition: ACYP + NSW Youth Week 2025: Local Events + NSW YAC + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online + NSW History Awards 2025 + Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, local services for you

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Week Three March 2025 (March 10 - 16)

Pictures: 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Masters Report + Results

Profile of the Week:  Judith Friezer - 90-year-old first time author 

History:  Avalon Beach Historical Society March 2025 Meeting: Sunrise Cottage, Palm Beach + Geoff Searl OAM Great Adventure on HM Bark Endeavour Replica report by Roger Sayers OAM

Aquatics Double celebration for two long-serving Marine Rescue Cottage Point volunteers

Parliamentary inquiry into Safety and Quality of Northern Beaches Hospital Services Announced

It's a 'Bit Sharky' out there: 5 Tagged Bull Sharks Pinged at North Narrabeen on Same Day - Bull Shark spotted at Bayview + some historical insights into Sharks in the estuary and along our beaches

Bus Problems set to Ease: Repaired Buses returning to Service in April - New Buses slated for local routes by end of 2025

Warriewood Community Centre Build: March 2025 Update by Joe Mills

Ethan Hrnjak announced as Greens’ federal candidate for Mackellar 2025

Park Bench Philosophers: Yes, it’s a terrible idea to pick up or interfere with wild animals – especially baby wombats. Here’s why + How to report abuse of Wildlife or help injured wildlife

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Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

Pictures: The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches: Celebrating 50 years of Action in 2025 - The Zonta Northern Beaches Annual Women's Day Breakfast photos by Michael Mannington OAM, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches and others!

Profile of the Week  Pittwater Women of the Year 2025: Lisbeth Lawsen - Simone Allan + 2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess 

History:  Max Dupain of Newport: Pittwater Photographer 

Saltwater Veterans in Hansa Worlds on Pittwater: Let’s Support Our Girls!

Aquatics Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar

Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why + What Services are Available 24/7 at Mona Vale Hospital UCC: Reminder + Tribute to Eileen Gordon Unveiled

NSW Government's Low and Mid-rise Housing policy – Exemptions for Avalon, Newport, Palm Beach: Residents Associations Responses

Local MP's Call for Funding to fix Narrabeen Athletics Track: Federal Budget scheduled for March 25

Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

Park Bench Philosophers CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers

DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden (Autumn 2025): Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

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Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

Profile of the Week:  The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development 


Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed 

IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open Closes March 17

Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open 

NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4

Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025

Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30

Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024

Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

Profile of the Week Loosely Woven Celebrates 30th Anniversary with  'Unwound' Concerts - A Few Insights from and Into Founder Wayne Richmond

Pittwater Online recently had the pleasure and privilege of chatting with Wayne Richmond, founder of the music group 'Loosely Woven', which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary with a series of free concerts called 'Loosely Woven Unwound'. Two will run next weekend at Avalon and Narrabeen. 

Loosely Woven has put a new repertoire together for free public concerts three to four times a year during the last three decades. The Programme ranges from pop to opera to folk, and includes a variety of singers and performers playing instruments such as the harmonium, violin, saxophone, harp and glockenspiel. 

Wayne says new instrumentalists and singers are always welcome to join the group - you don't have to be an expert, just join in the fun.

    With Council inviting feedback on its new draft Tree Management Policy until Sunday March 30, a policy which aims 'to strengthen tree assessment and protection requirements and expand the local green links between natural areas’, two insights into the history of Pittwater's trees are coming your way.

    This week an oldie in a few insights into Annie Forsyth Wyatt OBE, conservationist with more than a few local links. Celebrated as the driving force behind the establishment of the National Trust movement in Australia, establishing the organisation in 1945 to protect Sydney's historic natural and built sites - some know her more for the work that led to this as part of the Tree Lovers League.

    Next week a delve into what we were doing to trees even further back - for instance, did you know that by 1803 colonisers along the Hawkesbury had cut down so many trees that they had created the flooding Sydney is still trying to deal with along the Haweksbury-Nepean and Pittwater channels. 

    Despite then Governor of New South Wales Captain Philip Gidley King ordering settlers to stop and start replanting, the wholesale tree massacre continued. 

    They had landed on these shores just a scant 15 year prior to this. They would steal millions of tonnes of the virgin bush by the 1850's. Some would argue this is still going on today.

    But first, a few songs about our girl Annie.

    Community News Vale Andrew Chadwick, Vale Marcia Stewart Cocks, Vale Shane Herring, Vale Beau Hewitt, Avalon Beach RSL Children's Playground changes, Application to Demolish Narrabeen RSL lodged, Loosely Woven 30th Anniversary Concerts: 'Unwound', Professor Michael Kidd AO: Next CMO, Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation, Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road: Update, Barmah Forest Virus risk from mosquitos: Council advice, Protect Pittwater AGM 2025, Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM, World Down Syndrome Day 2025, Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards, Housing Delivery Authority: 15 more  Developments approved - Brookvale included in this round, Join Rally for Cruisers in 2025 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, Consulting on payday super draft legislation, Changes to the Minns Government Ministry, New police wanding powers tackling knife crime across the state, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Stitch + Elphaba and Glinda, Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback, National worker registration scheme feedback, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?, Pittwater Offshore News, Pittwater Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment, Residents Associations and Groups

    Environment Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Open for Feedback until March 30, Chlamydiosis discovered in South West Sydney Koalas: public kept in the dark, New walking track linking Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh and Georges Head Now Open, Coastal Dynamics 2025 Conference, Smoky mouse reintroduced to South East Forest National Park feral cat and fox-free area, Giant Sunfish washes up on WA Beach, New skink a second unique species for Scawfell Island, Grants open for the $81 million FOGO fund, NSW's tree-mendous icons: Eucalyptus Day 2025, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Ku-ring-gai's natural treasures Killara Park: What Bush Care Volunteers Achieve, Woodside’s bid to expand a huge gas project is testing both Labor and the Coalition’s environmental credentials, We found the only kangaroo that doesn’t hop – and it can teach us how roos evolved their quirky gait, Dozens of surfers fell ill after swimming in seas that turned into a ‘bacterial smoothie’ of sea foam; What was in it?, Sand-sized fossils hold secrets to the history of climate change, Renewables are cheap. So why isn’t your power bill falling?, Rain gave Australia’s environment a fourth year of reprieve in 2024 – but this masks deepening problems: report, Flooding in the Sahara, Amazon tributaries drying and warming tipping over 1.5°C – 2024 broke all the wrong records, Why build nuclear power in place of old coal when you could have pumped hydropower instead?, 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 and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, + 

    Children Sunday Cartyoon: Shakira – Try Everything (Flamedragonz cover) OST Zootopia, We found a new wasp! Students are discovering insect species through citizen science, Curious Kids: Why do I need to yawn when someone else yawns? + How does the International Space Station orbit Earth without burning up? + Is ranch dressing a liquid or a solid? A physicist explains + What was the first thing scientists discovered? A historian makes the case for Babylonian astronomy, Stories this week: Stick and Stone + 'Being Frank' read by Bob Odenkirk, + more for you

    Youth Seas The Day 2025 returns to Kingscliff Beach, We found a new wasp! Students are discovering insect species through citizen science, State Champs 2025 Surf Boat Highlights, NSW's tree-mendous icons, Word Of The Week: State, Dozens of surfers fell ill after swimming in seas that turned into a ‘bacterial smoothie’ of sea foam; What was in it?, What’s the difference between baking powder and baking soda? It’s subtle, but significant, If your tween or teen doesn’t know how to swim, it’s not too late for lessons, Long before debates over ‘wokeness’, Epicurus built a philosophy that welcomed slaves, women and outsiders, Streaming, surveillance and the power of suggestion: the hidden cost of 10 years of Netflix, Chinese only introduced a feminine pronoun in the 1920s. Now, it might adopt a gender-inclusive one, Hundreds of livestock breeds have gone extinct – but some Australian farmers are keeping endangered breeds alive, Japanese encephalitis has claimed a second life in NSW and been detected in Brisbane. What is it?, We combed through old botanical surveys to track how plants on Australia’s islands are changing, Opportunities: Youth Week creative arts competition: ACYP + NSW Youth Week 2025: Local Events + NSW YAC + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online + NSW History Awards 2025 + Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, local services for you

    Seniors Loosely Woven 30th Anniversary Concerts: 'Unwound', New virtual nursing project: aged care, Professor Michael Kidd AO: Next CMO, Vaccination saves lives – prepare and protect, AMA will continue to work with government on private health fee transparency, Japanese encephalitis has claimed a second life in NSW and been detected in Brisbane. What is it?, Sugar tax needed to help tackle Australia’s obesity crisis: AMA, Cardio and strength training boost health as you age. But don’t forget balance exercises to reduce your chance of falls, I’m avoiding a hearing test because I don’t want chunky hearing aids. What are my options?, Treatment for Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome is linked with risky behaviour – here’s what you need to know, Changes to speech and language can help detect Alzheimer’s early – here are five things to look out for, AvPals Term 1 2025, Local services, groups

    DIY Ideas  Reducing Ticks in Your Garden (early Autumn): Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

    It’s that time of year when warm conditions combined with wet weather can cause a mini tick population explosion. We've had half a gazillion grass ticks latch onto us during the past few weeks - and with warm, humid and wet conditions set to persist, requests to re-run this earlier DIY record have been coming in.

    The largest numbers of juvenile ticks are around in Autumn, with the middle phase, called “nymphs”, peaking in Winter and the adult numbers appearing through Spring and Summer. The life cycle of a tick averages 12 to 14 months and their eggs can take up to 6 months to hatch depending on conditions. 

    There are some things you can do to lessen the incidence of being bitten by ticks in your own garden and some plants that have been shown to repel them from the out door areas your family uses. 

    You could also add a couple of family pets in the form of chickens, known to eat ticks, and in doing so guarantee yourself a supply of really free range organic eggs! You will need to build a hen coop for them though as some other pets; dogs, can decide to do a night-time hunt if not owned by responsible carers, and you will lose your chickens.

    Although American studies have shown the Opossum is a great tick eater, and our own brush-tailed possum is known to eat insects, no similar study has been conducted in Australia with only the echidna being noted as a voracious eater of ants and lizards.

    Small bird insectivores, species like Silvereyes, Treecreepers, Gerygones and Thornbills, which normally feed on the ticks, are fast being replaced by larger species such as Currawongs and Ravens, as well as being chased out of urban backyards by Noisy Miners. 
    A DIY page on how to attract these small tick-eating birds back into your home is available in: Attracting Insectivore Birds to Your Garden: DIY Natural Tick Control
    Inbox News NSW Government's Workers comp. reform to address psychological safety, MotherSafe celebrates its 25th anniversary, New board to lead NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust to 2030, Streaming, surveillance and the power of suggestion: the hidden cost of 10 years of Netflix, Sydney man fined more than $470,000 for unlicensed and uninsured building work, DP World Australia's proposed acquisition of Silk raises preliminary concerns: ACCC, Basin irrigation operator Cadell admits to breaching the Water Charge Rules, Airports report record aeronautical revenues despite slower growth in passenger numbers, Safety switch: Date set for Average Speed Camera trial, Less than 1% of the world’s biggest radio telescope is complete – but its first image reveals a sky dotted with ancient galaxies, You’ve heard of the Big Bang. Now astronomers have discovered the Big Wheel – here’s why it’s significant, ASIC puts payday lenders on notice they may be breaching the law

    Food Pears: Autumn Fruits + Packham's Pear - the Australian Pear

    Pear crops have been coming into local produce stores during the last few weeks and this year’s fruit is sweeter than it has been for a few seasons. With many health benefits related to these wonderful Autumn fruits, as well as ensuring you get your daily fibre intake for good digestive health, and with prices that reflect a bumper crop this year and freshness straight from the farm, a big bowl of pears for the youngsters to help themselves to may be a good idea.


    If you find you can purchase a whole boxful relatively cheaply, you can stew and freeze them or try out the Pear Chutney recipe – a great addition to any cheese plate or on the side of vegetables or freshly caught fish. This Issue a few of our favourite recipes for this seasonal fruit.

    Events Talk Forums, Book Launch, Pittwater to Coffs 2025, Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025,Music, Markets, Social Groups, + lots more.

     

    Autumn in pittwater

    Long Reef Sunrise, Friday March 21, 2025. Photo: Joe Mills

    Week Three March 2025 (March 10 - 16)

     

    2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Masters Report + Results

    GOLD for  Newport SLSC's YTNL - Rebecca Capell Ski Paddler, Julia Jones-Hughes Board Paddler, Amanda Lehman Swimmer

    The 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, proudly presented by Your local club has kicked back off at Queenscliff, with Masters athletes from across the state contesting a full program of events in beautiful conditions on Wednesday March 12.

    After a two-day break following the finale of the Age Championships, athletes 30 years and older descended on for what would end up being the first day of water competition at the host beach.

    Tim Gates bagged gold for his club, Palm Beach SLSC in the 65-69 Male Swim, Stephanie Carey from Shelly Beach pipped Manly LSC’s Rachel Crerar to the 30-34 Female Swim gold, and Ethan Whiteman from Cooks Hill SLSC wasn’t fazed by the benign surf conditions, powering to gold in the 35-39 Male Swim. 

    MORE HERE

    Fi Rae and husband Tim Gates both win their respective Ironman/Woman events.

     

    Double celebration for two long-serving Marine Rescue Cottage Point volunteers

    Marine Rescue Cottage Points' Chris Gillett and Paul Millar

    A combined half-century of service by two volunteers at Marine Rescue Cottage Point was celebrated on Friday March 14 2025, with Christopher Gillett ESM and Paul Millar both honoured during a ceremony at the unit base on the banks of Cowan Creek. 

    One of Marine Rescue Cottage Point’s longest-serving volunteers, Christopher Gillett, was acknowledged for more than 35 years of dedicated service and was presented with his Second National Medal Clasp. He was also awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for Service by Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell. 

    “Chris is an incredible individual who has dedicated more than three decades to serving the local boating community and carrying out Marine Rescue NSW’s mission of saving lives on the water. 

    “He has played a crucial role in developing and providing leadership, capability, and professionalism at the unit. The quality of training and ongoing mentoring of volunteers has ensured that Marine Rescue Cottage Point has the capability to deliver a professional rescue service. 

    “Chris is a highly skilled vessel Master and continues to impart his knowledge to other volunteers in his role as the unit’s Trainer and Assessor. He has had a major influence on the performance and direction of the unit and has made a significant contribution to the safety of the boating community on NSW waters. 

    “Chris began volunteering with the Coast Guard back in 1989. He has saved countless lives over the years, and Marine Rescue NSW is grateful for his service,” Commissioner Barrell said.

    The Second National Medal Clasp and Commissioner’s Commendation for Service are the latest on a long list of honours for the retired teacher, who was awarded the Emergency Services Medal in the 2001 Queen’s Birthday Honours list and Life Membership of Marine Rescue NSW in 2010. The unit’s rescue vessel, CP 30, bears his name and is affectionately known as the Chris Gillett.

    L to R Greater Sydney Regional Director Peter Steigrad - Chris Gillett ESM - Commissioner Alex Barrell - Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer

    Marine Rescue NSW Greater Sydney Regional Director Peter Steigrad and Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer also attended the ceremony, with Director Steigrad presenting Coxswain Paul Millar with the National Medal for 15 years of service. The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in times of emergency or natural disaster. 

    “Paul is a valued and trusted member of Marine Rescue Cottage Point. The local community is privileged to have such a highly skilled seaman ready to assist them in their time of need. 

    “Paul knows the operation inside out. He began his journey at the unit with Volunteer Coast Guard and has previously served as Unit Commander and Treasurer. We congratulate him on his diligent service,” Regional Director Steigrad said. 

    Marine Rescue Cottage Point Acting Unit Commander Leanne Chandler said both Gillett and Millar continually go above and beyond to ensure the safety of boaters on local waterways. 

    “Chris and Paul are brilliant operators, and Marine Rescue Cottage Point is extremely appreciative of what they bring to the unit day in, day out. 

    “Both men continue to give their time to train and educate our members. They are excellent teachers and great mentors,” she said. 

    Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

    Marine Rescue Cottage Point Ceremony – (L to R) Marine Rescue NSW Greater Sydney Regional Director Peter Steigrad, Marine Rescue Cottage Point Acting Unit Commander Leanne Chandler, Marine Rescue Cottage Point Deputy Unit Commander Elizabeth Watts, Chris Gillett ESM, Paul Millar, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell and Marine Rescue NSW Central Zone Commander Dan Duemmer
    Marine Rescue Cottage Point vessels CP 30 and CP 31

     

    It's a 'Bit Sharky' out there: 5 Tagged Bull Sharks Pinged at North Narrabeen on Same Day - Bull Shark spotted at Bayview

    North Narrabeen where Lagoon meets sea. Photo: Kevin Murray

    Shark Smart, the NSW Government's tips and info to help reduce your risk of shark interactions - including live tweets from tagged sharks, has pinged 5 tagged bull sharks at North Narrabeen on Wednesday March 12.

    The day before, a young fisher had a large bull shark chase a squid he was reeling in at Bayview. This one was reported to DorsalHQ, another app that re-reports those tagged sharks pinged on SharkSmart as well as sharing reports by residents across Australia and outside of areas where shark listening stations have been installed. 

    This bull shark was estimated to be 6-8 foot and was encountered near Loquat Valley drive and Pittwater Rd, just around the corner from the dog park where people swim their dogs.

    A fortnight ago another resident reported catching a shark inside Narrabeen Lagoon, towards the section where it empties into the ocean.

    In February sharks were spotted near the dog swimming area at The Spit west reserve.

    On March 12 Bradley Seeto posted a video on YouTube of fishing in Pittwater over summer, stating;

    ''Bronze whalers, hammer head and a shovel nose ray. Pittwater Sharks! Just too many around.''

    This is not the first instance of sharks being reported in Pittwater or Narrabeen Lagoon. Bull sharks have been seen, sometimes in the multiples following each other, throughout the estuary in Autumn annually, and historically have been known to be in the estuary for generations. Scotland Island residents in the 1950's remember being unable to swim in anything other than the fenced off pools and even sanding on the edge of the water and watching large ones swim past..

    In our area there are three shark listening stations, at Palm Beach, North Narrabeen and North Steyne. When a tagged shark swims within 500 m of a listening station, an instant alert is sent to the SmartSmart App, website and Twitter feed @NSWSharkSmart providing real-time updates to the public and beach authorities. These were installed in March 2022.

    MORE HERE

     

    Parliamentary inquiry into safety and quality of Northern Beaches Hospital services Announced

    Photo of NB Hospital by Cabrils.

    On Friday March 14, 2025 the government announced the NSW Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee will conduct an inquiry into the safety and quality of health services provided by Northern Beaches Hospital, after a request by Health Minister Ryan Park.

    Minister Park wrote to the Committee’s Chair Jason Yat-Sen Li requesting the inquiry following the tragic death of Joe Massa after receiving care at the hospital.

    The scope of the inquiry will stretch back to the hospital’s commencement as a privately operated facility from October 2018.

    It will consider incidents at the hospital including those the subject of serious adverse event reviews (SAERs); how the hospital responded; and the extent to which it implemented changes prompted by those incidents.

    It will look at how the hospital supports patient and carer escalation, including the Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way (REACH) protocol – an initiative which was found to be insufficiently accessible in the case of Joe Massa. 

    See: Tragic Death of 2-year-old Joe Massa at Northern Beaches Hospital ED Prompts Renewed Calls for Hospital to be Returned to Public Hospital model immediately

    It will also examine the adequacy of systems and processes designed to prevent adverse events, as well as the staff standards and capabilities.

    The hospital was similarly the subject of another parliamentary inquiry in 2019, which looked at its operation and management.

    See: Hospital Inquiry Report Released: Recommends Looking after the people – not the profiteers + ceasing demolition of MVH + returning an Emergency Department to Mona Vale Hospital - February/March 2020

    The upcoming inquiry will focus more on the safety and quality of health services at the hospital, while also having regard to the findings of the 2019 inquiry, in particular, the extent to which findings and recommendations from that inquiry have since been implemented.

    NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park stated this morning:

    “We made a commitment to Elouise and Danny to undertake the necessary reviews to understand how they and their son have been let down, as well as to learn what changes need to be made to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.

    “To that end, I’ve asked the NSW Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to conduct an inquiry into the safety and quality of health services provided at Northern Beaches Hospital. 

    “I am grateful to the Massas for their generosity in time and spirit in working with us to honour Joe’s memory.”

    Chair, NSW Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee Jason Yat-Sen Li stated:

    “I understand the strong community interest in this matter, and I am confident the committee is well placed to undertake this important inquiry.

    “I am determined to get this inquiry underway as quickly as possible, but I also want to get it right.

    “We will announce the opening of submissions as well as hearing dates in due course.”

    MORE HERE

     

    Warriewood Community Centre Build: March 2025 Update

    The Warriewood Community Centre build continues apace with local photographer Joe Mills taking the opportunity of a few bouts of blue skies to pop by the site on Wednesday March 12 2025 and get some updated photos for readers.

    Joe says ''The total shape is now apparent.  Progress is good, despite the rain periods.''

    MORE HERE

     

    Bus Problems set to Ease: Repaired Buses returning to Service in April - New Buses slated for local routes by end of 2025

    The hit-and-miss 190x from Careel Head road - which was to replace the discontinued in 2020 188x and 189x.routes. Photo: AJG/PON
    The problems with buses cancelled on popular commuter and student routes are set to ease by the end of 2025, with the Minns NSW Government announcing on Wednesday March 12 2025 it is addressing the gap in the aging high-capacity bus fleet by moving to buy 50 new diesel-powered Euro 6 articulated buses as well as 10 double decker buses to supplement the B-Line fleet.

    The Manly to Barrenjoey bus region, known as Region 8, has faced serious issues with a shortage of high-capacity buses since 83 Volvo articulated buses were temporarily removed from service in October 2024 because of safety concerns after cracking had been found in their chassis. More than half of these buses normally operate in Region 8.

    See: New Bus Timetable Leaving Commuters Stranded Along Essential Routes, again - February 2025 PON report (includes Audit Office of NSW released report on Bus contracts in metropolitan Sydney).

    'Procurement of these much-needed extra buses will improve reliability on the B-Line and increase capacity across the Northern Beaches, North Shore and the wider network. They will be the first new articulated buses bought in 14 years and will provide a big boost to the ageing fleet after more than a decade of neglect by the former Liberal Government.' the government said

    'These new buses are expected to roll out and enter service towards the end of 2025.

    'Repairs to the first six existing articulated buses are currently underway and are forecast to return to service from April 2025.  Transport is currently working to deliver a repair program for the remaining articulated buses for a staged return to service over 2025.

    'Pressure on northern beaches key routes is expected to ease over the coming months as the repaired articulated buses begin to return to service.

    MORE HERE

    B-line at Warriewood. Photo: Joe Mills

     

    Ethan Hrnjak announced as Greens’ federal candidate for Mackellar 2025

    Councillor Ethan Hrnjak will stand as the Greens candidate for Mackellar at the upcoming federal election.

    Mr Hrnjak will be familiar to local residents as a current Frenchs Forest Ward councillor and was the Greens candidate for Mackellar in the 2022 federal election.

    He will be campaigning with NSW Senator Mehreen Faruqi as Greens candidates at the election. 

    Dr Faruqi, who is a civil and environmental engineer, holds the tertiary education, climate adaptation and anti-racism portfolios. She is the Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens.

    “We’re very excited to announce Ethan as our candidate. He’s an incredibly sharp young man, passionate and on top of the issues that matter to Mackellar residents,” Northern Beaches Greens’ Co-Convenor Miranda Korzy said.

    Mr Hrnjak, who is studying Environment and Climate Change Law at Macquarie University, will be fighting for real action to address the cost of living, housing and environmental crises we face. 

    “Over the next six weeks, I’ll be out in Mackellar with our team, asking residents what they’re concerned about and putting forward our people-focused, progressive policies.” Mr Hrnjak said.

    “In a wealthy country like ours, everyone deserves access to the healthcare they need, housing they deserve and education that benefits the whole community.

    “By taxing the billionaires and making large corporations pay their fair share, real change is possible. We just have to vote for it.

    “We can then build hundreds of thousands of public, affordable and accessible homes.

    “We can fund mental health and dental in Medicare, make preschool to PhD education completely free, provide an annual $800 back to school payment for every public school student and invest in publicly-owned renewable energy for all. 

    “The Greens have a progressive and comprehensive policy platform going into the upcoming federal election. See greens.org.au/platform

    “And we have a 40-year-long record of fighting to deliver just outcomes for the people and environment of Australia."

    The 2025 Federal election must be held before May 17.

    Week Three March 2025 (March 10 - 16)

    Pictures: 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Masters Report + Results

    Aquatics Double celebration for two long-serving Marine Rescue Cottage Point volunteers

    Parliamentary inquiry into Safety and Quality of Northern Beaches Hospital Services Announced

    It's a 'Bit Sharky' out there: 5 Tagged Bull Sharks Pinged at North Narrabeen on Same Day - Bull Shark spotted at Bayview + some historical insights into Sharks in the estuary and along our beaches

    Bus Problems set to Ease: Repaired Buses returning to Service in April - New Buses slated for local routes by end of 2025

    Warriewood Community Centre Build: March 2025 Update by Joe Mills

    Ethan Hrnjak announced as Greens’ federal candidate for Mackellar 2025

    Park Bench Philosophers: Yes, it’s a terrible idea to pick up or interfere with wild animals – especially baby wombats. Here’s why + How to report abuse of Wildlife or help injured wildlife

    ____________________

    Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

    Pictures: The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches: Celebrating 50 years of Action in 2025 - The Zonta Northern Beaches Annual Women's Day Breakfast photos by Michael Mannington OAM, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches and others!

    Profile of the Week:  Pittwater Women of the Year 2025: Lisbeth Lawsen - Simone Allan + 2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess


    Saltwater Veterans in Hansa Worlds on Pittwater: Let’s Support Our Girls!

    Aquatics Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar

    Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why + What Services are Available 24/7 at Mona Vale Hospital UCC: Reminder + Tribute to Eileen Gordon Unveiled

    NSW Government's Low and Mid-rise Housing policy – Exemptions for Avalon, Newport, Palm Beach: Residents Associations Responses

    Local MP's Call for Funding to fix Narrabeen Athletics Track: Federal Budget scheduled for March 25

    Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

    Park Bench Philosophers CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers

    DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden (Autumn 2025): Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

    ____________________

    Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

    Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

    Profile of the Week:  The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development 


    Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed 

    IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open Closes March 17

    Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open 

    NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4

    Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

    Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025

    Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

    Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

    Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30

    Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024

    Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

    Profile of the Week Judith Friezer 
    Avalon Beach lady Judith Friezer, a 90 year old mum of four, has been a prolific home writer for 40 years, and finally published her first book, “Wilma’s Secret”, for a younger audience of readers.

    The book is about a teenage girl who finds an old trunk belonging to her great grandma, and soon discovers she is also a witch.

    Judith will have a book launch at her local Avalon bookshop, Bookoccino on April 6th 3-4 pm!

    Wilma’s Secret is the story of a young girl who finds an old tin trunk, containing her great grandmother's belongings. Wasn’t she once a Witch? And where did she disappear to? Teenage Wilma discovers hidden treasures inside the trunk and struggles to understand and use them to their full power. All the while attempting to keep them a SECRET from her pesky brother and worried parents. But why is the West Wind trying to stop her in her learning quest?
    Will she ever unravel the real secret that lays buried inside? 

    Judith C. Friezer (Gale) was born in Western Australia 1935, Jude has led an amazing life. She travelled the world as an air hostess, then again as a life explorer. She also worked as a nurse, a beauty product salesperson, an entrepreneur, even a marriage celebrant. All through that time, she was also a devoted wife, a fantastic mother to 4 boys, and an avid bush gardener. She still is. 

    Hidden inside though, Jude has always been a writer! 
    Judith has been prolific in her output: countless pages of typed, handwritten, or scrawled poems and short stories; her kaleidoscopic biography is a multi-tomed epic that is still expanding…. yet despite this avalanche of creativity, this is her first published book! 

    Judith lives at Avalon and will soon share this tale, 20+ years in the making, with all the aspiring witches (and warlocks) out there.
    This week a chat with Judith, with HUGE thanks to her son Robert Gale for his help with this Issue's Profile of the Week.

      Community News Total Fire Ban, IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open: Closes March 17, Bookoccino Carpark Polis: 2025 Election, Appeal for Information: Warriewood theft, Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation, Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards, Man arrested in Anna Bay for holiday rental scam, Anzac Memorial 2025 Residency, Consulting on payday super draft legislation, Free RSV immunisation for newborns: NSW, Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM, Government to extend unfair trading practice protections to small businesses, Manly Warringah Sapphires Claim 2025 HeartKids Cup, New government action to help tradies get paid on time and in full, Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Turbo + Bubbles, North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?, Pittwater Offshore News,  Pittwater  Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment, Residents Associations and Groups

      Environment It's a 'Bit Sharky' out there: 5 Tagged Bull Sharks Pinged at North Narrabeen on Same Day - Bull Shark spotted at Bayview, Wildlife protection at the heart of road technology trials, Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Open for Feedback until March 30, Australia’s Eucalypt of the Year 2025: The Travel Edition voting opens, World-first analysis of seabirds who’ve eaten plastic reveals slow insidious health impacts, Kultarrs are tiny, cryptic creatures that only come out at night. Scientists are finally learning how they live, Tonnes of microplastics infiltrate Australia’s agricultural soils each year, Luxury hiking developments look picture-perfect but could stop everyday Australians from accessing national parks,  Not just bees and butterflies: beetles and other brilliant bugs are nature’s unsung pollinators, Plants struggled for millions of years after Earth’s worst climate catastrophe – new study, How North Sea tanker collision could affect one of Britain’s most important coastlines, Sustainability ideals are often crushed by corporate demands. Here’s how businesses can let them flourish, The end of capitalism – or the end of civilisation? The choice could be that stark, The ‘sustainable’ cod in your shopping basket may be no such thing – new study reveals mislabelling, What’s that microplastic? Advances in machine learning are making identifying plastics in the environment more reliable, Beloved beaches were washed offshore by Cyclone Alfred – but most of this sand will return, Australia’s superb lyrebirds ‘farm’ the forest floor to increase their prey – a behaviour rarely seen in nature, Butterflies declined by 22% in just 2 decades across the US – there are ways you can help save them, America’s clean air rules boost health and the economy − what EPA’s new deregulation plans ignore, Recycle batteries at JBH Mona Vale and Avalon, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council: how to, 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 and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, + 

      Children Sunday Cartoons This Issue: Paddington plays football, Not just bees and butterflies: beetles and other brilliant bugs are nature’s unsung pollinators, Curious Kids: what was the biggest dinosaur that ever lived? + how did the months get their names? + where do rocks come from? + does the Sun spin as well as the planets?, Stories this week: The Girl who makes a Million Mistakes + 'I'm Not Scared, YOU'RE Scared!' read by Seth Meyers, + more for you

      Youth Education Minister wishes 380,000 students good luck as NAPLAN testing starts, Manly Warringah Sapphires Claim 2025 HeartKids Cup, Pittwater's Early Aviators Among First Australians to Fly: + Some Early Stuntwomen, Opportunities: Youth Week creative arts competition: ACYP + NSW Youth Week 2025: Local Events + NSW YAC + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online + NSW History Awards 2025 + NSW Training Awards + Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, Word Of The Week: Ball, Friday essay: Miles Franklin’s other brilliant career – her year as an undercover servant, The rate of sports betting has surged more than 57% – and younger people are betting more, Fragments of a million-year-old face found in Spain shed new light on ancient human migrations, Philly Roller Derby league turns 20 - here’s how the sport skated its way to feminism, anti-racism and queer liberation, 3D printing will help space pioneers make homes, tools and other stuff they need to colonise the Moon and Mars, Formula One drivers face temperatures up to 50°C. High tech racing suits help keep them cool, How the color of St. Patrick’s Day went from blue to green, Three memorable ways the COVID pandemic shaped Black music – five years on,  local services for you

      Seniors Profile of the Week Judith Friezer - 90 years young!, Payday super a win for all Australians: COTA Australia, Consulting on payday super draft legislation, Bookoccino Carpark Polis: 2025 Election, Modest Age Pension rise as some scrimp to survive, Independent MPs are elected for a reason – hung parliaments may be precisely what voters want, New research highlights social impacts of COVID five years since pandemic declared, Two of the best ways to respond to people with dementia who think they are in a different time or place, Newspapers cannot justify running Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots ads as freedom of speech, Saturn now has 274 moons – but exactly what makes something a moon remains unclear, AvPals Term 1 2025, Seniors Festival 2025: Local events, Local events, services, groups

      DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

      It’s that time of year when warm conditions combined with wet weather can cause a mini tick population explosion. We've had half a gazillion grass ticks latch onto us during the past few weeks - and with warm, humid and wet conditions set to persist, requests to re-run this earlier DIY record have been coming in.

      The largest numbers of juvenile ticks are around in Autumn, with the middle phase, called “nymphs”, peaking in Winter and the adult numbers appearing through Spring and Summer. The life cycle of a tick averages 12 to 14 months and their eggs can take up to 6 months to hatch depending on conditions. 

      There are some things you can do to lessen the incidence of being bitten by ticks in your own garden and some plants that have been shown to repel them from the out door areas your family uses. 

      You could also add a couple of family pets in the form of chickens, known to eat ticks, and in doing so guarantee yourself a supply of really free range organic eggs! You will need to build a hen coop for them though as some other pets; dogs, can decide to do a night-time hunt if not owned by responsible carers, and you will lose your chickens.

      Although American studies have shown the Opossum is a great tick eater, and our own brush-tailed possum is known to eat insects, no similar study has been conducted in Australia with only the echidna being noted as a voracious eater of ants and lizards.

      Small bird insectivores, species like Silvereyes, Treecreepers, Gerygones and Thornbills, which normally feed on the ticks, are fast being replaced by larger species such as Currawongs and Ravens, as well as being chased out of urban backyards by Noisy Miners. 
      A DIY page on how to attract these small tick-eating birds back into your home is available in: Attracting Insectivore Birds to Your Garden: DIY Natural Tick Control
      Inbox News What can you do if your child is being bullied?, Beloved beaches were washed offshore by Cyclone Alfred – but most of this sand will return, How ocean giants are born: tracking the long-distance impact and danger of extreme swells, Fresh fruit down junk food up: our modelling suggests Australians’ diets will get worse by 2030, First wind then rain; Next come the mozzies – here’s how to reduce your risk of bites and infections, Labor is promising a national food security strategy – but there’s no mention of Australians who are going hungry, Woolly mice are a first step to resurrecting mammoths but there’s a very long way to go, Fighting fungal nail infections: simple steps for healthier toenails, A late start then a big boom: why it took until 1975 for Australians to finally watch TV in colour, Earth’s oldest impact crater was just found in Australia – exactly where geologists hoped it would be, Retailers will soon need a licence to sell cigarettes. But more is needed to control the illegal trade, 5 years since COVID was declared a pandemic; we’re still poorly prepared for the next one
      Events Talks, Book Launch, Pittware to Coffs 2025, Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025,Music, Markets, Social Groups, + lots more.

       

      Autumn in pittwater

      Avalon Beach SLSC Members photo 2025 - in the 100th Anniversary Year for this club. More in: Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC! Picture taken Sunday March 9 2025
      North Av. wave - Sunday March 9 2025.
      Sunday Morning breakfast at Avalon Beach, March 9 2025. Photos: A J Guesdon.

      Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

       

      Pittwater Women of the Year 2025: Lisbeth Lawsen - Simone Allan + 2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess

      Ms Scruby, the first female MP for Pittwater, has honoured the achievements of two outstanding women supporting women who have experienced domestic violence as Pittwater Women of the Year 2025.

      Lisbeth Lawsen was honoured on Wednesday morning for her work as a leading force behind the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter, which has recently opened a new crisis accommodation, safe, secure and supported by professional teams 24/7 for women with their children on the Northern Beaches, amongst other achievements.

      Ms Lawsen, a tireless advocate for women’s safety and empowerment, was presented with her Pittwater Woman of the Year Award at the Zonta breakfast at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht club, ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday March 8. She will visit the NSW Parliament as the guest of Ms Scruby for a formal ceremony.

      Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and Beth Lawsen at the Zonta Women's Day Breakfast, held Wednesday March 5, 2025. Photo by Michael Mannington OAM, Community Photography and Pittwater Online News

      Ms Scruby also proudly recognised the contribution of Simone Allan, founder of The Women's Resilience Centre in Mona Vale, with her Pittwater Woman of the Year 2025 award at a breakfast event in the city the following day.

      Simone founded The Women’s Resilience Centre in Mona Vale in 2020, creating an innovative recovery service for women and families who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence. The centre focuses on mental health support, counselling, and resilience building programs, offering group workshops and positive psychology initiatives. 

      Programs include employment readiness, caring conversations, peer-to-peer mentoring and free legal consultation. They work to build the confidence and skills women need to move onto the next part of their life. At the end of 2024 they also opened a retail shop in Mona Vale.

      ‘The key focus of The Resilience Centre’s work is supporting survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their confidence, independence, and emotional well-being. Simone and her team provide crucial support for those affected by domestic and family violence, empowering them to move forward with strength and thrive,’ said Jacqui Scruby.

      MORE HERE

      Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and Simone Allan

      Member for Manly, James Griffin has congratulated Melissa Burgess on being named Manly’s Local Woman of the Year for 2025.

      “As the founder and managing director of local charity op shop, Op for Change, Melissa has made a profound impact on the Manly community. “I am delighted that Melissa Burgess has been rightfully recognised as our Local Woman of the Year at this morning’s NSW Women of the Year Awards at Sydney’s International Convention Centre,” Mr Griffin said.

      When Melissa launched Op for Change a little over three years ago, she did so with the goal of ensuring that all profit would be diverted directly to local charities and not-for-profits in the Manly area. 

      Since then, Op for Change has evolved into a successful enterprise, which provides critical support charities and individuals in need within the Manly area.

      MORE HERE

      Manly MP James Griffin and Melissa Burgess 

       

      The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches: Celebrating 50 years of Action in 2025

      The Zonta Northern Beaches Annual Women's Day Breakfast

      Photos by Michael Mannington, OAM, Community Photography and Zonta Club of Northern Beaches, and others!

          

      Pittwater Woman of the Year in 2021, Lynleigh Greig OAM, Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps and Pittwater Woman of the Year 2020 Roberta Conroy OAM

      The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches was formed in January 1975 as the Zonta Club of Warringah, which means this year the club has been serving the community for 50 years.

      The Club was charted as the Zonta Club of Warringah in 1975 with 14 Charter Members when Maggie Vaile, a member of Sydney Zonta Club and career journalist who lived in Rayner Road at Whale Beach, invited local business women to join her in a local Club.  Sydney Zonta Club became the new club’s sponsor, organiser and mentor. Maggie Vaile was the first President, and the Guest of Honour at the Charter was Lady Helen Cutler, the wife of the then Governor of NSW.  

      The Club’s first fundraiser was held at Avalon Cinema Theatre in 1975 to support the victims of Cyclone Tracy. Since then, the Club has long term ongoing projects including its October Advocacy Dinner, an International Women’s Day Breakfast, and Australia Day Breakfast.  All events are widely supported by the community. 

      In June 2003 the Club changed its name to its current name, the Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc. The Club charted the Mackellar Girls Campus Z-Club in 2014 and in 2024 Mater Maria Catholic College also became involved, helping with the Mater Maria Birthing Kits Packing Day, with 600 kits packed by the students.

      On Wednesday March 5th 2025 the club hosted its annual Women’s Day Breakfast.

      ‘’Many thanks to our guest speaker, Dr Anna Williams for your wonderful address this morning, at our IWD Breakfast.  And congratulations to Lizbeth Lawsen, a very well deserved recipient of the Pittwater Woman of the Year award

      Great to see so many of our ZClub members, past and present, and their teachers attend our event this morning. Thank you to everyone who attended for your ongoing support. ‘’ the club stated after the breakfast

      Squadron Leader Dr Anna Williams, co-author of the recently published Changing Altitudes: Stories of Australian Air Force Women, shared insights into this new book which captures the unique experiences of Air Force women who have served over the decades. 

      Anna Williams is a museum curator, educator and social historian. She holds a Master of Arts – Museum Studies and a Doctorate of Philosophy from The University of Sydney. Her multidisciplinary thesis, awarded in 2022, sought to understand the disparities between the artefactual, archival, and written histories of Air Force training in Australia during the Second World War. Anna was appointed as a squadron leader (specialist capability officer) in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in December 2021. She currently works as a curator for the Royal Australian Navy and holds a reserve position with History and Heritage – Air Force. As an extracurricular activity, Anna enjoys singing for and with military veterans, transporting them to yesteryear with the sweet harmonies of the Second World War-era and beyond with her band Company B.

      Attendees found her insights inspiring and empowering.

      Squadron Leader Dr Anna Williams. Photo by Michael Mannington OAM, Community Photography

      MORE HERE

       

      Saltwater Veterans in Hansa Worlds on Pittwater: Let’s Support Our Girls!

      The 2025 Hansa Class World and International Championships will take place at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club from March 19 to March 30, 2025.

      Invited Hansa Classes are the Hansa 2.3, 303 singles and doubles, Liberty and SKUD18.

      With competitors and officials from 19 Countries coming to Australia, Pittwater will be a buzz of action for this fantastic sailing event. 

      Not only will we see competitive sailing on Pittwater, but shoreside will be a hub of activity with daily social events planned.

      The RPAYC is hosting these skilled sailors in the best club, and on the best estuary in the world, with an army of volunteer RPAYC members already in action mode training for the event.

      RPAYC Commodore Robert McClelland said this week;

      ‘’One of the biggest events ever held at our Club is fast approaching – the Hansa World Championships 2025, including both the Para Worlds and the Hansa Worlds. We will be welcoming over 180 sailors competing in more than 150 Hansa yachts across various designs. Racing will take place over six days, starting on 24 March, with the IDP pre-event running from 18 to 22 March. The Club will be hosting competitors, support teams, and spectators from around the world, and this is our chance to showcase the RPAYC and Pittwater at its very best.’’  

      “Hansa sailing is about inclusivity, opportunity, and ‘Freedom on the Water’ - a principle that resonates deeply with Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s values. This event will bring together nearly 200 sailors from 16 yacht clubs across the world, competing on a level playing field. We are honoured to provide a world-class venue and a warm welcome to these sailors,” Commodore McClelland said.

      “The Club takes great pride in hosting events of this calibre and we’re committed to making it a successful Championships. Our experienced race management team, dedicated volunteers and the natural beauty of Pittwater will ensure an unforgettable regatta - both on and off the water. We’re looking forward to a week of thrilling competition and fun ashore.” 

      Taking part in the event are two Saltwater Veterans, Sharon and Paula.

      With the support of Crystal Bay and Pittwater Sailability, Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project recently conducted a three-day Hansa coaching camp for our Salty Crew Sharon and Paula to develop their crew work ahead of the Hansa World Championships.

      The program was coordinated by our incredible volunteer, Sean Wong. Sean is a dedicated member of the sailing community, volunteering not just with Saltwater Veterans but also with Crystal Bay, Pittwater Sailability, and RPAYC. He was the perfect person to bring together the community and resources to make this camp happen.

      Sharon flew down from Brisbane, which was a great opportunity for her to refine the logistics of travelling with her 210kg electric wheelchair—a significant challenge when navigating commercial air travel and ground transport!

      We’re so proud of these two Salties for stepping up to the challenge! Sharon (sails on the Sunshine Coast) and Paula (in Sydney) first started sailing with Saltwater Veterans a few years ago. Fast forward to December 2024, and while volunteering together on the Sunny Coast, they came up with a plan to enter the Hansa World Championships—and now it’s happening!

      Despite the hurdles of forming a new crew, interstate travel as a wheelchair user, and even enduring rain on Day 1 of race coaching on Pittwater, they’re tackling it all with humour and determination.

      However, bringing together sailors from around the world and this country can be a challenge in itself, especially financially.

      As an example of what it has taken for these two ladies to get on the water for Worlds so far:

      • Hansa 303 Rental $550 
      • Hansa registration $42.45 
      • Entry Fee $795

      Sharon as an interstate / wheelchair user travelling from Brisbane 

      • Training Camp Accessible Accommodation $398 (21-23 February)
      • Training Camp Flights $297
      • Training camp RHIB fuel approx. $250
      • Worlds Accommodation Accessible Accommodation $3258 (18-31 March)
      • RHIB Fuel for Worlds - will be similar to the training camp approx. $250-300 noting it is a week of on water 

      If you know of any sponsors keen to support this inspiring crew, please let us know—they would greatly appreciate it!

      Any support from the community would be appreciated.

      If anyone can help support the girls, please use our direct donation link. You can include a note of encouragement and a reference to the intended use—for example, "for the Salty Crew Hansa 303 World Championships." for example.

      Visit: www.revolutionise.com.au/svsp/donate

      Let’s get behind these legends!

      Stay Salty!

      And Thank You!

      Scott & Jen Reynolds
      Co-Founders,
      Saltwater Veterans & Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project

       

      Marine Rescue NSW boosts flood rescue and support capability following Women in Flood Rescue training


      Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar. Photo: MRNSW

      Marine Rescue NSW now has almost 130 endorsed flood rescue and support field operators within its State Operations Group (SOG) after 12 female volunteers took part in intensive training at Marine Rescue NSW’s first-ever Women in Flood Rescue course, ahead of International Women’s Day this Saturday, 8 March.

      In response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, Marine Rescue NSW created a State Operations Group and has built capability and capacity to support the NSW Government’s response during weather emergencies.

      The Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood course was held at Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters at Cronulla and Penrith’s Whitewater Stadium and included practical on and off-water training and assessment, as well as a leadership seminar.

      Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said this group of highly skilled women is an asset to their local communities and the state.

      “Now that they have had this specialised training, these women can be deployed either in their local communities or throughout NSW with specialist vessels and equipment to ensure they can support the community.

      “Marine Rescue NSW is committed to the training and development of all its volunteers. Now this core group of women, who have been trained in this specialist skill, can take that expertise back to their communities to support them in times of need,” Commissioner Barrell said.

      The three-day Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue course was supported through a $25,000 NAB Foundation Community Grant.

      Marine Rescue NSW volunteers used two multi-purpose vessels during the course

      Commissioner Barrell said the generosity of the NAB Foundation was greatly appreciated.

      “The NAB Foundation's support is vital in helping Marine Rescue NSW expand its flood rescue and support capabilities in local communities,” he said.

      NAB Private Client Director David Novakovic attended the leadership seminar and was in awe of what the women achieved during the course.

      “For them to achieve what they have in three days is incredible. It is really a testament to them, giving them confidence to take on leadership positions in marine services—that is what it is all about.

      “The NAB Foundation chose to support this particular course for two reasons. First, flood and rescue services are so needed in Australia due to the climate and environment in which we live.

      “Secondly, it is great to see women gain confidence and be empowered to take on leadership roles. For those two reasons, this grant submission was received so highly.

      “Flood rescue and support is one of those things—you always want to be prepared but hope you never have to use it. These are exactly the kinds of causes the NAB Foundation loves to support,” he said.

      Marine Rescue NSW Capability Manager Dave Bowing said participants took part in extensive training before being assessed.

      “The women who participated in this course over the last three days undertook prerequisite training in electrical safety, flood rescue awareness, and a range of fitness assessments.

      “They attended and completed the self-rescue / land-based flood rescue course at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

      “They also completed their induction on multi-purpose vessels and IRBs (inflatable rescue boats), which are the SOG assets, in addition to deployment activities and taskings, as well as vehicle and equipment familiarisation,” he said.

      Volunteers from ten Marine Rescue NSW units (Point Danger, Brunswick, Nambucca, Tuggerah Lakes, Broken Bay, Port Jackson, Botany Port Hacking, Narooma, Bermagui, and Merimbula) took part in the Women in Flood Rescue course.

      MORE HERE

      Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar

      Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

      Pictures:  The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches: Celebrating 50 years of Action in 2025 - The Zonta Northern Beaches Annual Women's Day Breakfast photos by Michael Mannington OAM, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches and others!

      Saltwater Veterans in Hansa Worlds on Pittwater: Let’s Support Our Girls!

      Aquatics Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar

      Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why + What Services are Available 24/7 at Mona Vale Hospital UCC: Reminder + Tribute to Eileen Gordon Unveiled

      NSW Government's Low and Mid-rise Housing policy – Exemptions for Avalon, Newport, Palm Beach: Residents Associations Responses

      Local MP's Call for Funding to fix Narrabeen Athletics Track: Federal Budget scheduled for March 25

      Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

      Park Bench Philosophers CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers

      DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

      ____________________

      Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

      Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

      Profile of the Week:  The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development 


      Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed 

      IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open Closes March 17

      Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open 

      NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4

      Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

      Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025

      Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

      Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

      Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30

      Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024

      Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

      _________________________________________________________________________________________________________


      Profile of the Week Pittwater Women of the Year 2025: Lisbeth Lawsen - Simone Allan + 2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess NSW Women of the Year 2025 Award Recipients


        Maxwell Spencer Dupain took thousands of photographs during his life, ranging from landscapes, to portraits, natural and informal scenes of people, and still life to nudes and architecture, along with a vast body of works taken for commercial use – the State Library of NSW holds almost 54 thousand of his images; a testament not only to his appetite for work but also the longevity of his career. 

        However, the subject he took many photos of was Newport Beach where the Dupain family had a holiday home, and here all of the genres that featured in his work can be seen, along with Newport ‘happenings’ – such as the launch Aklavic that was driven ashore in October 1954 by 20 year old Robert Michael Brown, ‘fugitive’ – who was eventually caught on Bushrangers Hill - or the storm of May 1974 that demolished the 'ablutions' block on Newport beach.

        Inbox News New free virtual health service opens to all of Sydney, Eating disorders don’t just affect teen girls. The risk may go up around pregnancy and menopause too, I’m a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what people can expect from a health response after a sexual assault, Alcohol and gambling firms donate to political parties multiple times. And new rules won’t stop them, Nangs are popular with young people. But are they aware of the serious harms of nitrous oxide?, Without change, half of Australian kids and adolescents will be overweight or obese by 2050, We looked at what supermarkets in 97 countries are doing to our waistlines. Here’s what we found, Microsoft cuts data centre plans and hikes prices in push to make users carry AI costs, Head lice are getting harder to kill. Here’s how to break the nit cycle, Schools agreement provides NSW $4.8 billion extra for public schools over a decade, Misinformation on refugees and migrants is rife during elections. We found 6 ways it spreads – and how to stop it, Women’s annual salaries are narrowing the gap. But men still out-earn women by an average $547 a week, A quantum computing startup says it is already making millions of light-powered chips

        Community News IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open: Closes March 17,  Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025, Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation, ABHS March 2025 Meeting, NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre, Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why, Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback, Number Screening Check for Year 1 students to be trialled in 150 NSW public schools next term, Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards, Women and girls' football participation soars in 2024, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Harry + Emily, Anzac Memorial 2025 Residency, Wilma's Secret to Be Launched this April, Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together Womens Day, Zonta Club's 2025 Birthing Kit Pack Day, 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, Tree Management Open for Feedback, NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open, National worker registration scheme feedback, 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?, Pittwater Offshore News,  Pittwater  Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment, Residents Associations and Groups

        Environment Sydney to lead the charge on climate action with Climate Action Week Sydney 2025: Shifting to optimism and action - runs March 10-16 with heaps of Free and Online events, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has been taken to court over 11 threatened species; Here’s why, Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback: closes March 30, Australia’s Eucalypt of the Year 2025: The Travel Edition voting opens, Back from the brink: Lord Howe woodhen population surges, Innovative technology installed in Menindee to restore native fish passages, Hot frogs and sizzling salamanders: climate change is pushing amphibians to their limits, Weakening currents in the Atlantic may mean a wetter northern Australia and drier New Zealand, DNA detectives in Antarctica: probing 6,000 years of penguin poo for clues to the past, Fires used to terrify city residents; New research suggests climate change could see this fear return, Why can’t I sleep? 4 ways climate change could be keeping you up at night and what you can do about it, The atmosphere is getting better at cleaning itself – but that’s not all good news, NZ hopes to store carbon in marine ecosystems – but some are so degraded they’re already a source of emissions, Toxic Town offers a stark warning on environmental rollbacks, Melting Antarctic ice will slow the world’s strongest ocean current – and the global consequences are profound, Submarine cables keep the world connected. They can also help us study climate change, Delhi: how weather patterns and faraway mountains made this the world’s most polluted megacity, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council: how to, 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 and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, + 

        Aquatics Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar

        Children Sunday Cartoons This Issue: Paddington and the Balloons, What Is A Platypus? 10 Facts about the Platypus!, Curious Kids: why do leaves fall off trees? + What is dew? + Who were the Spartans? + How are clouds’ shapes made? A scientist explains the different cloud types and how they help forecast weather, Stories this week: What a Mess Kid! + 'A Bad Case of Stripes' read by Sean Astin, + more for you

        Youth Winner of the 2025 NAWIC NSW Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship: Nicole Waterman, CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers, A Day in the Life: Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force, History this Issue: the Prospector Powder Hulk at Towler’s Bay, Opportunities: NSW Youth Advisory Council + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online   + NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open + NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open + Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Challenge, What can you do if you’ve started uni and you don’t like it?, Sick of pie charts for your uni, school or work projects? Here are 5 other options, The female explorers who braved the wilderness but were overlooked by the history books, Why you should revisit the classics even if you were turned off them at school, Democracy’s bad eggs: corruption, pork-barrelling and abuses of power, ‘High agency’: what the science says about the latest tech buzzword, Bill Gates’ origin story describes a life of privilege, exposing the DNA of some of the tech industry’s problems, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has been taken to court over 11 threatened species; Here’s why, ‘I can’t be friends with the machine’: what audio artists working in games think of AI, Who is Sean Baker, the indie filmmaker behind Oscar sweeper Anora?, ‘Ghosts of the radio universe’: astronomers have discovered a slew of faint circular objects, Digital Luddites are rising; They want to democratise tech not destroy it, local services for you

        Seniors Reform authority a must for a sustainable private health system: AMA, ABHS March 2025 Meeting, Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM, Onshore manufacturing to secure supply of IV fluids, NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre, Increase to the Home Care Package subsidy, Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation, Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards, Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework, Wilma's Secret to Be Launched this April, Digital Luddites are rising; They want to democratise tech, not destroy it, When patients are harmed in hospital issues aren’t always fixed to avoid it happening again, The female explorers who braved the wilderness but were overlooked by the history books, Just having a pet doesn’t help mental health – but pet-owners with secure relationships with their pets are less depressed, AvPals Term 1 2025, Seniors Festival 2025: Local events, Local events, services, groups

        DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

        It’s that time of year when warm conditions combined with wet weather can cause a mini tick population explosion. We've had half a gazillion grass ticks latch onto us during the past few weeks - and with warm, humid and wet conditions set to persist, requests to re-run this earlier DIY record have been coming in.

        The largest numbers of juvenile ticks are around in Autumn, with the middle phase, called “nymphs”, peaking in Winter and the adult numbers appearing through Spring and Summer. The life cycle of a tick averages 12 to 14 months and their eggs can take up to 6 months to hatch depending on conditions. 

        There are some things you can do to lessen the incidence of being bitten by ticks in your own garden and some plants that have been shown to repel them from the out door areas your family uses. 

        You could also add a couple of family pets in the form of chickens, known to eat ticks, and in doing so guarantee yourself a supply of really free range organic eggs! You will need to build a hen coop for them though as some other pets; dogs, can decide to do a night-time hunt if not owned by responsible carers, and you will lose your chickens.

        Although American studies have shown the Opossum is a great tick eater, and our own brush-tailed possum is known to eat insects, no similar study has been conducted in Australia with only the echidna being noted as a voracious eater of ants and lizards.

        Small bird insectivores, species like Silvereyes, Treecreepers, Gerygones and Thornbills, which normally feed on the ticks, are fast being replaced by larger species such as Currawongs and Ravens, as well as being chased out of urban backyards by Noisy Miners. 
        A DIY page on how to attract these small tick-eating birds back into your home is available in: Attracting Insectivore Birds to Your Garden: DIY Natural Tick Control
        Events ABHS March 2025 Meeting, Ingleside Riders Group: Autumn Obstacle Course, Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025,Music, Markets, Social Groups, + lots more.

         

        Autumn in pittwater

        Turimetta Beach; thousands of baby Bluebottles washed up on the beach at high tide, including some small school fish, Friday March 7, 2025. Photo: Joe Mills

        Pittwater Online News is Published Every Sunday Morning


        Past Features  

        Archives (pre 2014)

        Pittwater Online News was selected for preservation by the State Library of New South Wales and National Library of Australia. This title is scheduled to be re-archived regularly.

        Archived Issues (2014 on) may be accessed herepandora.nla.gov.au/tep/143700

        Past Issues are also listed on site on the Community News page, by month.

        Environment Sydney to lead the charge on climate action with Climate Action Week Sydney 2025: Shifting to optimism and action - runs March 10-16 with heaps of Free and Online events, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has been taken to court over 11 threatened species; Here’s why, Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback: closes March 30, Australia’s Eucalypt of the Year 2025: The Travel Edition voting opens, Back from the brink: Lord Howe woodhen population surges, Innovative technology installed in Menindee to restore native fish passages, Hot frogs and sizzling salamanders: climate change is pushing amphibians to their limits, Weakening currents in the Atlantic may mean a wetter northern Australia and drier New Zealand, DNA detectives in Antarctica: probing 6,000 years of penguin poo for clues to the past, Fires used to terrify city residents; New research suggests climate change could see this fear return, Why can’t I sleep? 4 ways climate change could be keeping you up at night and what you can do about it, The atmosphere is getting better at cleaning itself – but that’s not all good news, NZ hopes to store carbon in marine ecosystems – but some are so degraded they’re already a source of emissions, Toxic Town offers a stark warning on environmental rollbacks, Melting Antarctic ice will slow the world’s strongest ocean current – and the global consequences are profound, Submarine cables keep the world connected. They can also help us study climate change, Delhi: how weather patterns and faraway mountains made this the world’s most polluted megacity, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council: how to, 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 and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +

        Inbox News New free virtual health service opens to all of Sydney, Eating disorders don’t just affect teen girls. The risk may go up around pregnancy and menopause too, I’m a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what people can expect from a health response after a sexual assault, Alcohol and gambling firms donate to political parties multiple times. And new rules won’t stop them, Nangs are popular with young people. But are they aware of the serious harms of nitrous oxide?, Without change, half of Australian kids and adolescents will be overweight or obese by 2050, We looked at what supermarkets in 97 countries are doing to our waistlines. Here’s what we found, Microsoft cuts data centre plans and hikes prices in push to make users carry AI costs, Head lice are getting harder to kill. Here’s how to break the nit cycle, Schools agreement provides NSW $4.8 billion extra for public schools over a decade, Misinformation on refugees and migrants is rife during elections. We found 6 ways it spreads – and how to stop it, Women’s annual salaries are narrowing the gap. But men still out-earn women by an average $547 a week, A quantum computing startup says it is already making millions of light-powered chips, Reform authority a must for a sustainable private health system: AMA, ABHS March 2025 Meeting, Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM, Onshore manufacturing to secure supply of IV fluids, NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre, Increase to the Home Care Package subsidy, Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation, Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards, Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework, Wilma's Secret to Be Launched this April, Digital Luddites are rising; They want to democratise tech, not destroy it, When patients are harmed in hospital issues aren’t always fixed to avoid it happening again, The female explorers who braved the wilderness but were overlooked by the history books, Just having a pet doesn’t help mental health – but pet-owners with secure relationships with their pets are less depressed, AvPals Term 1 2025, Seniors Festival 2025: Local events, Winner of the 2025 NAWIC NSW Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship: Nicole Waterman, CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers, A Day in the Life: Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force, History this Issue: the Prospector Powder Hulk at Towler’s Bay, Opportunities: NSW Youth Advisory Council + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online   + NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open + NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open + Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Challenge, What can you do if you’ve started uni and you don’t like it?, Sick of pie charts for your uni, school or work projects? Here are 5 other options, The female explorers who braved the wilderness but were overlooked by the history books, Why you should revisit the classics even if you were turned off them at school, Democracy’s bad eggs: corruption, pork-barrelling and abuses of power, ‘High agency’: what the science says about the latest tech buzzword, Bill Gates’ origin story describes a life of privilege, exposing the DNA of some of the tech industry’s problems, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has been taken to court over 11 threatened species; Here’s why, ‘I can’t be friends with the machine’: what audio artists working in games think of AI, Who is Sean Baker, the indie filmmaker behind Oscar sweeper Anora?, ‘Ghosts of the radio universe’: astronomers have discovered a slew of faint circular objects

        ____________________

        Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

        Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

        Profile of the Week:  The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development 


        Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed 

        IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open Closes March 17

        Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open 

        NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4

        Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

        Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025

        Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

        Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

        Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30

        Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024

        Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

        Inbox News NSW records first death of person with Japanese encephalitis since 2022, NSW Government to put handbrake on hidden fees from parking apps., Climate change could make more turtles female – but some are starting to adapt, It’s the biggest Egyptian tomb discovery in a century. Who was Thutmose II?, How the Victorians started the modern health obsession with collagen, A 380-million-year-old fossil ‘fish’ from Scotland has been discovered in Australia, Falling vaccination rates put children at risk of preventable diseases; Governments need a new strategy to boost uptake, There’s an outbreak of melioidosis in north Queensland; Here’s what to know about this deadly ‘mud bug’, Studies of Parkinson’s disease have long overlooked Pacific populations – our work shows why that must change, ‘It’s disgusting that they can get away with this’: here’s how eviction can affect tenants’ lives, Scientists have discovered a 3 billion-year-old beach buried on Mars, Calling 000 for help in an emergency doesn’t work in parts of Australia – but a new plan could change that, Multiple warnings and huge fines are not stopping super funds, insurers and banks overcharging customers, 2025 Theo Batten Youth Art Award Winners announced, Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels, NSW marine life – the importance of seaweed, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Feeding time, Performance-Arts Centre at Narrabeen Sports High School Mooted, Ingleside Riders Group: Autumn Obstacle Course, Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open, Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour applications Now open, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Munificent, Which type of note-taking is better for learning: laptop or pen and paper?, Whales sing when they’ve had a good meal – new research, Quantum navigation could transform how we travel. So what is it, and how does it work?, NASA’s new telescope will create the ‘most colourful’ map of the cosmos ever made, Remembering Roberta Flack, a spellbinding virtuoso of musical interpretation, What do young people want to see in politics? More than 20,000 pieces of their writing hold some answers, 500 years ago, German peasants revolted – but their faith that the Protestant Reformation stood for freedom was dashed by Martin Luther and the nobility, Tomb of Egyptian pharaoh is first found in Luxor since Tutankhamun – here’s how we know who lay inside, Five tips to find what really brings you joy outside of work, How to be happy with what you have – and avoid the trap of comparison, Joan Lindsay published Picnic at Hanging Rock at 71. Her writing life presents its own mysteries, Microsoft just claimed a quantum breakthrough. A quantum physicist explains what it means, Seniors call for Private Health review as premiums rise, Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation - closes March 12, NSA releases policies ahead of Federal Election, Can Wearable Technology Be Used to Prevent Falls in Older People in Clinical Settings?, Do Older Drivers Trust Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems?, Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework, Creating a more accessible Australia, Having an x-ray to diagnose knee arthritis might make you more likely to consider potentially unnecessary surgery, Bipartisan agreement on investment in Medicare acknowledges critical importance of general practice: AMA, Strengthening Medicare will provide crucial cost of living relief for older Australians, Your super fund is invested in private markets. What are they and why has ASIC raised concerns?, Electronic muscle stimulators are supposed to boost blood flow to your legs – here’s what the evidence says, Dutton hints he’ll sack 36,000 public servants; Voters deserve to know what services will be affected, Australia could make it easier for consumers to fight back against anti-competitive behaviour; Here’s how, Seniors Week event at MVSLSC

        Environment Measuring the true value of Australia’s natural environment: National Ecosystem Accounts, National Ecosystem Accounts, experimental estimates: ABS, New report slaps an official price tag on Australia’s precious natural assets, Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback, Clean Up Australia Day; local sites, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Feeding time, Australia’s Eucalypt of the Year 2025: The Travel Edition voting opens, MAG&M stages Signs in the Sand, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Remember Gus the Groper?, World Heritage values threatened by delays to the Great Koala National Park, Join the flock: help protect threatened birds by becoming a citizen scientist, Whales sing when they’ve had a good meal – new research, Presumed extinct, this desert rat-kangaroo may still be alive in hiding; New analysis reveals its delicate diet, Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC, $10.5 million for water use monitors across NSW Murray-Darling, New Recreational Fishing Trust Advisory Council to oversee expenditure on recreational fishing funds, Threatened native Trout Cod recovery underway with innovative fish breeding & stocking, ACCC authorises major supermarkets to continue cooperation on soft plastics recycling, NSW supports new long-duration storage projects to boost reliability of the energy system, Emergency action to save native fish at risk of extinction, Government funded Antarctic voyage to depart: Denman Glacier Research, Statement: Bureau of Meteorology CEO and Director of Meteorology, A powerful force is stopping the Indian Ocean from cooling itself – spelling more danger for Ningaloo, The promise of green iron, steel and ammonia is keeping the green hydrogen dream alive, Farmers, investors, miners and parents: how unconventional climate advocates can reach new audiences, Want a side of CO₂ with that? Better food labels help us choose more climate-friendly foods, Nose-to-tail mining: how making sand from ore could solve a looming crisis, Intense heat changes our biology and can make us age significantly faster: study, New report skewers Coalition’s contentious nuclear plan – and reignites Australia’s energy debate, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, 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 and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, + 

        Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

         

        Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

        Next Sunday March 9 2025, Members of Avalon Beach SLSC will gather on the sand of Avalon Beach before their clubhouse for their annual members photo.

        Although this is the usual practice for Avalon Beach SLSC, next Saturday, March 8, marks a very special milestone for the club as this is the day, 100 years ago, when the surf club was first formed.

        The archives tell us:

        Avalon - first Meeting of Avalon Beach SLSC founders at A J Small's weekender of same name in Bellevue Avenue, Avalon Beach. photo taken by David 'Rex' Hazlewood (who had to walk around the corner, a whole 100 yards, to take this photo),  Item: SLNSW_FL3809946 courtesy State Library of NSW. 

        Photo: The foundation meeting for the Avalon Beach SLSC, Sunday March 8th 1925 - on the steps stand Dr. Sydney dentist, Arthur Cecil Hanson with A J Small (second from left in white trousers) on his right, Stan Wickham (2nd) and Bert Paddon (also white trousers).  Also among these founders of Avalon Beach is A G (Tom) Hanson - verandah, and Small’s son Geoff is on the far right of the verandah, who was also in the first squad. Third boy from left in balcony bay alcove is Neville Fox, gentleman without collar back row of those on steps is Mr. Henry Fox while the tall lad beside him looks like Vincent. If you compare the faces in this picture with those of the Fox-Williams wedding picture and that of the Pittwater rowers at Parramatta in 1935.

        Mr Small and Mr Wickham and others then became more organised; please note that it should be an 'A' instead of H for Mr. Small's initials:

        A CLUB FOR AVALON. A surf life-saving club has been formed at Avalon, the spot rendered famous by the song, or vice-versa. A meeting was held on Sunday at the residence of Mr. H. J .Small, who was appointed president. Mr. Stan Wickham the Rugby Union International, is hon. secretary-treasurer of the new club. THE SURFERS. (1925, March 13 - Friday). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103545114

        INSTRUCTION FOR AVALON.
        Collaroy and North Narrabeen Clubs are each sending an instructional team to Avalon Beach today. Mr. H. Ramsay Sharpe, vice-president , of the S.L.S.A. will be in charge of the teams. Avalon beach is steadily increasing in popularity, and a life saving club was formed there last year under the hon. secretaryship of Mr. Stan Wickham, the well-known footballer of earlier years. WHATS WRONG WITH COOGEE ?. (1926, January 3). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 5 Section: Social and Magazine Section. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128132940 

        Geoff Searl OAM states the members of the first bronze medallion squad were Geoff Small, Vincent Fox, Cecil Holmes, Harold Metcalf and Bert Paddon.


        Since then the club has evolved through four clubhouses, initiated a number of firsts in the surf lifesaving movement, such as introducing the IRB as equipment, was the first local club to witness mal surfing in 1956, the 24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness, and today sits at the heart of the Avalon Beach community not only as an organisation but as a place where all are welcome because all belong.

        The club set itself a mandate to be a community hub and not only  succeeded in hosting a variety of other organisations and interests, it continues to do so.

         Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club members - last day in the old clubhouse, 2012/2013 Season. Photo by Mike O'Flynn.

        US Surfers Show New Technique. (Avalon) 
        Nearly 20,000 went to Avalon for the surf life saving carnival in which lifesavers from United States, Hawaii and New Zealand  competed against Sydney clubs. 
        The American surfers, standing sideways on small 10ft. boards and moving at high speed, received a warm reception from the crowd. 
        One of the American surfers, Ted Levine (Tad Devine) had the opportunity to demonstrate his country's rescue technique in a genuine emergency. 
        Instead of the Australian belt and reel, he used a "torpedo buoy'. Thousands Throng Beaches: Many Saved. Sydney Morning Herald. Monday 19 November, 1956. Page 3. 

        Surfers To Sell Boards 
        The visiting Hawaiian surfers will sell their seven lightweight surfboards, which created a sensation at Avalon last Sunday, after their farewell appearance at Collaroy on December 9. 
        The boards, which are made from balsa reinforced with two two long strips of redwood and coated with a thick layer of fibre-glass, weigh 26lb. 
        The lightest racing boards in Sydney, made from 1/2 inch plywood weigh from 33 to 23 lb. 
        The Hawaiian boards, which have been used at Waikiki Beach for seven or eight years, can be made in less than a week. 
        Shorter, Wider 
        They are eight feet long, compared with the average Australian length of 16 feet, but are about five inches wider than the local board's 20-21 inches. 
        Three hundred people saw the Hawaiians give an exhibition of board riding after a special carnival at Avalon in a big surf last Sunday. 
        Unlike Australian boardriders, the Hawaiians stood on the middle of their balsa boards, even when heavy white water from the broken waves swept around their feet. 
        Harry Shaffer, captain of the Hawaiian squad, said last night of the boards : "There is no question of selling out to the highest bidder. 
        "We plan to give our boards to the fellows we consider to be the real enthusiasts at only a token cost." Surfers To Sell Boards. (Wednesday 21 November, 1956. Page 15) Sydney Morning Herald 


        Avalon Beach SLSC Carnival Sunday, 18th Of November, 1956 - March Past - Whale Beach, NSW, Australia leads visiting American team (courtesy Beryl and Don Imison)

        Last week Surf Life Saving New South Wales announced a host of surf lifesavers who have been awarded the National Medal, as well as Second Clasps and First Clasps for their sustained service and commitment to Surf Life Saving.
        Established in 1975 as a military recognition award, the National Medal has since branched out into government and voluntary organisations and is now Australia’s most awarded civil medal.

        The National Medal is awarded to individuals on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and recognises long and diligent service in organisations that are dedicated to protecting life and property at a degree of risk to their members.

        National Medals can also be awarded to those who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.

        Unsurprisingly 14 of those on the list are from Avalon Beach SLSC. Members of Avalon Beach SLSC not only stick around, those who joined as Nippers or teenagers find they return to the club, even after years away, to be part of that community.

        Why?

        Through the many Profiles the news service has been fortunate to run over the years, when asked what the club and surf lifesaving gives to them, they have all replied this is 'an opportunity to give to the community' foremost, that they have met and made some of their best lifelong friends though the club, and that this is 'like a family' to them.

        Today that family is growing great humans from ages 5 up to those in their 80's and 90's. Members are not only proficient in the water, those that cannot patrol are involved in training, in administration, in all of the 100 tasks that make a surf club run smoothly and support, what are today, almost a thousand members.


        During every month of the year Avalon Beach SLSC members are being of service to the community here and across the state during adverse weather events.

        They are part of that One Big Team of people who are heroes to the rest of us. Although you won't hear their siren as the rescue trucks, the ambulances, police cars and a helicopter race to where they will all work together, with skills learned, to save a life, often they are the first on the scene, or in the waters offshore, helping to save lives.

        Although there are many more celebrations to come for the Avalon Beach SLSC this year, we'd just like to take the opportunity this weekend, in the lead into that 100th birthday day, to say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE to all Avalon Beach SLSC members past and present.

        And Happy 100th Birthday for next Saturday/Sunday, March 8-9 2025 ABSLSC!

        We hope there will be a HUGE red and green cake.

        Avalon Beach SLSC IRB drivers and crew members were joined by sister clubs Queenscliff and Mona Vale on the beach where it all began in November 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of IRBs. A J Guesdon photo

         

        Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed 

        Mid-afternoon pre-school let out Monday traffic at Mona Vale - photo taken in February 2023. Traffic has increased since then.

        Plans for higher density housing in Mona Vale should be shelved until the bus crisis and Mona Vale Road are fixed, says Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby. 

        The government announced the planning reforms last week that would allow developments of up to six storeys, including terraces, town houses and shop top housing in Mona Vale. 

        See: Mona Vale Set to Become the Dee Why of Pittwater Under NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise policy

        “We simply cannot support higher density housing. We can’t transport our current population at the moment. 

        “I invite the Premier to join me for a 190x commute to the city in the morning, if it turns up, to show him exactly what we are dealing with up here. Frustrated Pittwater commuters endure the longest bus ride in Sydney with miserable journeys to and from work and uni – with continuous cancellations adding to insult to injury. 

        “Everyday, including today, I get sent screenshots where half the morning services have been cancelled, images of winding queues for the B1, and complaints about long waits for Keoride on-demand services – which frankly would be more accurately called Keo-45 minutes later–ride services.  

        See: New Bus Timetable Leaving Commuters Stranded Along Essential Routes, again

        “The Mona Vale Road is our main arterial route out of Pittwater and is unsafe in its current state. It can’t cope with daily traffic and the unfinished section is a bottle neck unsuitable for the many larger trucks that use it. 

        “It is also our main evacuation route for people in the event of bush fires and flooding. The recent LA fires have illustrated how important escape routes are in emergencies.

        “Creating hundreds of new homes is not going be sustainable until our transport infrastructure problems are fixed. There is a limit to how many people we can squeeze onto existing bus services and roads. 

        “We support appropriate housing development and understand we have targets to meet, but we need infrastructure to keep pace. We need to see significant improvements before we can cope with higher housing density.  

        “We have to address our current problems, including bus driver shortages, the return of the bendy-bus fleet, bus operator Keolis Downer being held to contracted services and the reinstatement of the full 190x timetable.  

        “Longer term we need to look at full bus rapid transit options, so people can commute quickly and comfortable to the CBD, where they work and study, as well as local bus network and how we quarantine capacity for Pittwater commuters. 

        “Lastly the unfinished Mona Vale Road West has to be finished. With a single lane in each direction, it is an accident, flood or bushfire away from gridlock every day, not to mention a safety risk.  

        See: Pittwater MP shows NSW Premier unfinished Mona Vale Road West Construction site

        “I appreciate that the NSW Government is trying to deliver much-needed new homes to address the housing crisis, and it has sensibly decided not to earmark other villages in Pittwater under these reforms. I am very happy that most of Pittwater retains local control over planning issues. 

        “But, we cannot just build and hope for the best. We need to carefully co-ordinate planning of homes, infrastructure, and transport, if we don’t want to grind to a halt every morning and every afternoon,” said Ms Scruby. 

        Last week, Ms Scruby met Transport Minister John Graham, with other MPs representing electorates affected by the current bus reliability crisis in Region 8 (North Shore and Northern Beaches) Greater Sydney Bus Contract to get clarity from the government on what is being done to remedy the bus issues. She presented the Minister with a dossier of complaints from her recent survey on the 190x service or lack of service, calling on the Minister to address the current crisis.  

        Low to mid-rise planning reforms announced last week allow 2-3 storey terraces, townhouses, low and mid-rise apartments and shop-top housing within R2 zones, within 800 metres of Mona Vale town centre.  Additionally, certain R3 zones in Mona Vale will permit buildings up to six storeys within 400 metres of the town centre and up to four storeys between 401 and 800 metres from the centre. 

        School Traffic Jam on the First Day Back to School in 2019 - at North Avalon. With one road in an out of Pittwater, traffic builds up right along Barrenjoey road. This also occurs during Summer and other Public holidays throughout the year

        Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby had an opportunity in November 2024 to show The Hon. Chris Minns, Premier of NSW, around the MVR West site. Photo supplied, all others by AJG/PON.

         

        Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

        At Pittwater RSL 2025 Purple Poppy Day Service. Photo: Michael Mannington, OAM

        On Monday February 24 2025 War Veterans Village (Narrabeen) RSL sub-Branch held a moving Service to honour all animals past and present who have served in conflicts. John Sowden, Secretary, War Veterans Village (Narrabeen) RSL sub-Branch, provides a report.

        At Pittwater RSL, the sub-Branch held its fourth Purple Poppy Day Service.

        Pittwater RSL sub-Branch President Deborah Carter stated there were over 90 people attending, including representatives from  Collaroy RSL sub-Branch and Narrabeen RSL sub-Branch, while Rick Myburgh, a South African Veteran who lay a wreath, and is now a member of Collaroy sub-Branch, extended the capacity .

        ''I thank all those who attended our Service to honour all the animals and birds who have served in Australia's defence.'' Deborah said, 

        ''SGT Ian Moss and his dog Daisy and CPL Sean McGuckin and his dog Kipper, the students from schools; Mona Vale Public School, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Pittwater High School and Mater Maria Catholic College, our Patron, The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop AO, Dr Sophie Scamps, MP, Member for Mackellar, Jacqui Scruby, MP, Member for Pittwater, Mayor Sue Heins, Northern Beaches Council, John Fairless, President, Collaroy RSL sub-Branch, Garry Maurer, President, Narrabeen RSL sub-Branch, Barry Andrews, President, Sydney Northern Beaches National Servicemen sub-Branch, and Leigh Arnold, President, Pittwater RSL Club and Jason Manning, CEO, Pittwater RSL Club.

        ''Pittwater RSL Club has been an outstanding support in all the Sub-Branch's endeavours to honour past Service personnel and to be of assistance to those who serve still, and are always looking to do more for us in any capacity they can. I thank them for their approach, kindness and service to those who have Served.

        I also would like to thank all our Sub-Branch members and those from the community who attended our fourth Purple Poppy Day Service. It is important to honour all who Served, and this opportunity to honour the animals and birds of our Australian Defence Forces, past and present. To see so many here embrace the opportunity Purple Poppy Day presents

        Purple Poppy Day Service honours all Animals who are currently serving, or have served and died, in all conflicts. ''

         “They had no choice”.

        In 2013 the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) introduced the purple poppy to Australia; it is sometime referred to as the “Animal Poppy”. Purple poppies are designed to be worn alongside the traditional red one as a reminder of their bravery and that both humans and animals served together. 

        MORE HERE

        Pittwater's MP Jacqui Scruby at Pittwater RSL 2025 Purple Poppy Day Service with another of the VIP's. 

        Photo: Michael Mannington, OAM

         

         

        IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open: Closes March 17, 2025

        At its meeting on 28 January 2025 Northern Beaches Council passed a motion to apply to the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation.

        The Councillors could only vote for or against Option 3 although four options were set out in the Have Your Say documents which were presented to residents by way of consultation and giving them opportunity to express their opinions. Option 3 will allow, by the end of three years, an increase of 39% on residential and business rates. This includes the IPART component which would automatically apply if no vote were taken by Councillors.

        On Tuesday February 25 2025 IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the Tribunal is now seeking community feedback on applications from Federation, Gunnedah Shire, Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Shoalhaven City and Upper Hunter Shire councils. Gunnedah Shire and North Sydney councils had also applied for minimum rate increases.

        “Community feedback is an important part of the Tribunal’s assessment of special variation applications,” Ms Donnelly said.

        "We encourage affected ratepayers and community members to fill out the survey on the IPART website or lodge a submission in relation to any of the applications we’ve received.”

        IPART sets a rate peg annually for each of the 128 councils in NSW which caps each council’s increase in the income they collect from ordinary rates. For 2025-26, the core rate pegs range from 3.6% to 5.1% across NSW. 72 of the 128 councils also received an additional allowance to reflect an adjusted population factor of up to 3.8%.

        In general, the councils that have applied this year have indicated they are applying for a special variation to improve financial sustainability and to maintain their current service levels, IPART states.

        Ms Donnelly said “IPART must assess Special Variation applications against criteria set by the Office of Local Government (OLG). Councils can only apply to IPART for a Special Variation if the elected councillors pass a resolution to go ahead with the application.”

        As set out in the OLG assessment criteria, IPART will consider whether councils have:

        • demonstrated the need for the additional income
        • provided evidence that the community is aware of the need for and extent of the proposed rate rise
        • established that the impact on affected ratepayers is reasonable
        • exhibited, approved and adopted relevant planning documents
        • explained and quantified the council’s productivity improvements and cost containment strategies.

        IPART may also consider other relevant matters.

        All Special Variation applications for 2025-26 are available for review on the IPART website, along with a short survey and information about how to lodge a submission. IPART will accept feedback on Special Variation applications until 11:59pm on Monday 17 March 2025.

        The documents lodged by the  Northern Beaches council are available to view at: www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/node/1726

        To fill out the IPART Survey or lodge a submission, go to: www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Special-Variations-and-Minimum-Rates-2025-26 - and click on the 'Have Your Say' link, then choose 'Northern Beaches Council' from the dropdown menu.

        IPART's Fact Sheet explains more about how to make a submission on a special variation application. It also explains some factors that are outside IPART’s remit in assessing applications but have been common concerns of ratepayers.

        You can also subscribe to receive email updates about the Special Variations process for 2025-26: subscribe here.

        IPART does not hold public hearings when assessing council applications for special rate variations (SRVs). 

        IPART can wholly or partially approve or not approve a council’s application.

        IPART will release the final decisions on Special Variation and Minimum Rate increase applications by May/June 2025.

        In an update to last week's report, 'Outraged Pittwater Community Fights To Stop Rising Costs Of Failed Merger; Renews Call To Reinstate Pittwater Council', members of Protect Pittwater, the community group working to have Pittwater Council reinstated, advised the news service on Friday February 28 they have heard back from the Office of NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig, and a meeting will take place in the third week of March 2025.

          Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

          NSW Government's Low and Mid-rise Housing policy – Exemptions for Avalon, Newport, Palm Beach: Residents Associations Responses

          Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

          Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

          Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

          Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed 

          IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open Closes March 17

          Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open 

          NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4

          Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

          Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025

          Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

          Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

          Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30

          Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024

          Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

          Profile of the Week The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development reveals strong support for a more community-driven approach
          On Wednesday February 26 around one hundred residents, urban planners, experts and community leaders came together for a public forum at Mona Vale Memorial Hall, to explore local housing and development challenges and opportunities. The forum, hosted by The Better Cities Initiative, also looked at how citizen-led approaches can be a pathway for building consensus and delivering better outcomes.of planning and combat our triple crises of housing, climate and democracy by listening Northern Beaches? forum provided a platform for open discussion on housing growth, 
            History Lucy Edith Gullett (Dr.) IWD2025 Celebrations Lucy Edith Gullett (Dr.) 28 September 1876 - 12 November 1949

            Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby will announce the Pittwater Woman of the Year at the Zonta International Women's Day Breakfast to be held at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club this coming Thursday, March 6.

            International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. The 2025 theme is 'Accelerate Action'. 

            At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

            IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.

            In the lead into the announcement of the 2025 Pittwater Woman of the Year, and next Saturday's IWD celebrations, one of our former Pittwater inspirational ladies who would certainly have warranted being a Pittwater woman of the Year, Dr.  Lucy Gullett, who spent most of her life calling for gender equality.

            While investigating Lucy a picture emerged of a Socialite who was also a socially conscious woman. Dr Gullett gave numerous Talks on various subjects, was a keen golfer and loved the outdoors, a bridge player, a frequenter of Race Days (horses), was very literate, a doctor of Medicine with a Major in Chemistry, an advocate for indigenous peoples health rights, but mostly a champion of women’s and children’s issues.

            Lucy was a member of Sydney’s Feminist Club when ‘feminism’ was defined as ‘the Women’s Movement is no sex-limited thing, but a great human movement in which women are free to serve their day and generation in what ever direction their talents give them the opportunity, not apart from their men folk, but in conjunction with them'. 

            Park Bench PhilosophersMinns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024 - the review of the water rules for Menindee Lakes and the Lower Darling/Baaka River by the Natural Resources Commission  recommended that the water sharing plan be replaced to improve social, environmental, cultural and economic outcomes taking into consideration recommendations from our plan review. The Minister has responded to our review report. The Plan is currently in force and is due to be replaced or extended by 1 July 2026.

            Inbox News NSW records first death of person with Japanese encephalitis since 2022, NSW Government to put handbrake on hidden fees from parking apps., Climate change could make more turtles female – but some are starting to adapt, It’s the biggest Egyptian tomb discovery in a century. Who was Thutmose II?, How the Victorians started the modern health obsession with collagen, A 380-million-year-old fossil ‘fish’ from Scotland has been discovered in Australia, Falling vaccination rates put children at risk of preventable diseases; Governments need a new strategy to boost uptake, There’s an outbreak of melioidosis in north Queensland; Here’s what to know about this deadly ‘mud bug’, Studies of Parkinson’s disease have long overlooked Pacific populations – our work shows why that must change, ‘It’s disgusting that they can get away with this’: here’s how eviction can affect tenants’ lives, Scientists have discovered a 3 billion-year-old beach buried on Mars, Calling 000 for help in an emergency doesn’t work in parts of Australia – but a new plan could change that, Multiple warnings and huge fines are not stopping super funds, insurers and banks overcharging customers

            Pictures Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

            Food Lovat on the Beach: Avalon Beach (in Avalon Surf Club)

            Lovat on the Beach Trading Hours
            CAFE Mon - Sun 6am-2pm
            RESTAURANT Lunch: Fri – Sun from 12pm, Dinner: Tue – Sun from 5pm
            For Menus and to Book In, visit: www.lovatavalon.com.au

            On Saturday, 7th September 2024 Lovat on the Beach opened in Avalon Beach surf club, featuring a café at beach level and a restaurant upstairs, overlooking the sand and ocean.

            This long awaited return of a place to get a cuppa and a bite to eat at Avalon surf club can be attributed to Sunny Singh, the proud owner of Lovat Newport and Lovat on the Beach, who is not the same gentleman currently representing the community as a councillor. 

            In order to miss the summer crowds our first venture into trying the food took place at the café outlet on a Thursday towards the end of the lunch shift, with a wonderful sea breeze blowing the humidity and heat away.

            Events Breaking Down Barriers: A Conversation on Mental Health - March 6 at Warriewood, ABHS March 2025 Meeting, Ingleside Riders Group: Autumn Obstacle Course, Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025,Music, Markets, Social Groups, + lots more.

            Community News Protect Pittwater Update: Meeting Secured, Officeworks Mona Vale Is Helping Students, Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + The Green Venue Program, Water main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road Avalon Beach to Commence this March, Palm Beach Whale Beach Association Update: Feb-March 2025, Avalon Preservation Association: Feb-March 2025 Updates, Clareville Bilgola Plateau Residents Association: Quick Update, Bayview-Church Point Residents Association Updates, Newport Residents Association: Update, IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open: Closes March 17, 2025, Northern Beaches Police Area Command Updates, Breaking Down Barriers: A Conversation on Mental Health - March 6 at Warriewood, Performance-Arts Centre at Narrabeen Sports High School Mooted, AOK Community Outreach Needs an Earth Angel, ABHS March 2025 Meeting, Ingleside Riders Group: Autumn Obstacle Course, Takayna Trail Run 2025: For local wildlife, Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback, Clean Up Australia Day, Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together, Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation, NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc. 2025 Women's Day Breakfast: Tickets link, Free digital mental health supports, National worker registration scheme feedback, 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships,  Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Suki + Biggles,  New Roadmap Aims to Address Health Inequities Faced by Autistic People, Creating a more accessible Australia, North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?, Breeding time for Little Penguins: Boaters urged to stick to speed limit, Zonta Club's 2025 Birthing Kit Pack Day, Avalon Beach LSC turns 100 in 2025!,  Pittwater Offshore Newsletter,  Pittwater  Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment, Residents Associations and Groups

            Environment Measuring the true value of Australia’s natural environment: National Ecosystem Accounts, National Ecosystem Accounts, experimental estimates: ABS, New report slaps an official price tag on Australia’s precious natural assets, Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback, Clean Up Australia Day; local sites, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Feeding time, Australia’s Eucalypt of the Year 2025: The Travel Edition voting opens, MAG&M stages Signs in the Sand, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Remember Gus the Groper?, World Heritage values threatened by delays to the Great Koala National Park, Join the flock: help protect threatened birds by becoming a citizen scientist, Whales sing when they’ve had a good meal – new research, Presumed extinct, this desert rat-kangaroo may still be alive in hiding; New analysis reveals its delicate diet, Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC, $10.5 million for water use monitors across NSW Murray-Darling, New Recreational Fishing Trust Advisory Council to oversee expenditure on recreational fishing funds, Threatened native Trout Cod recovery underway with innovative fish breeding & stocking, ACCC authorises major supermarkets to continue cooperation on soft plastics recycling, NSW supports new long-duration storage projects to boost reliability of the energy system, Emergency action to save native fish at risk of extinction, Government funded Antarctic voyage to depart: Denman Glacier Research, Statement: Bureau of Meteorology CEO and Director of Meteorology, A powerful force is stopping the Indian Ocean from cooling itself – spelling more danger for Ningaloo, The promise of green iron, steel and ammonia is keeping the green hydrogen dream alive, Farmers, investors, miners and parents: how unconventional climate advocates can reach new audiences, Want a side of CO₂ with that? Better food labels help us choose more climate-friendly foods, Nose-to-tail mining: how making sand from ore could solve a looming crisis, Intense heat changes our biology and can make us age significantly faster: study, New report skewers Coalition’s contentious nuclear plan – and reignites Australia’s energy debate, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, 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 and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, + 

            Children Sunday Cartoons This Issue: The Wrong Trousers: Train Chase Scene - Wallace & Gromit, NSW marine life – the importance of seaweed, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Feeding time, Curious Kids: Can animals have mental disabilities? + How do mountains form? + Why do we need food? + Do butterflies remember being caterpillars?, Stories this week: Sweet Tooth + 'The Magician's Hat' read by Alison Brie, + more for you

            Youth 2025 Theo Batten Youth Art Award Winners announced, Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels, NSW marine life – the importance of seaweed, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Feeding time, Performance-Arts Centre at Narrabeen Sports High School Mooted, Ingleside Riders Group: Autumn Obstacle Course, Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open, Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour applications Now open, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Munificent, Which type of note-taking is better for learning: laptop or pen and paper?, Whales sing when they’ve had a good meal – new research, Quantum navigation could transform how we travel. So what is it, and how does it work?, NASA’s new telescope will create the ‘most colourful’ map of the cosmos ever made, Remembering Roberta Flack, a spellbinding virtuoso of musical interpretation, What do young people want to see in politics? More than 20,000 pieces of their writing hold some answers, 500 years ago, German peasants revolted – but their faith that the Protestant Reformation stood for freedom was dashed by Martin Luther and the nobility, Tomb of Egyptian pharaoh is first found in Luxor since Tutankhamun – here’s how we know who lay inside, Five tips to find what really brings you joy outside of work, How to be happy with what you have – and avoid the trap of comparison, Joan Lindsay published Picnic at Hanging Rock at 71. Her writing life presents its own mysteries, Microsoft just claimed a quantum breakthrough. A quantum physicist explains what it means, local services for you

            Seniors Seniors call for Private Health review as premiums rise, Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation - closes March 12, NSA releases policies ahead of Federal Election, Can Wearable Technology Be Used to Prevent Falls in Older People in Clinical Settings?, Do Older Drivers Trust Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems?, Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework, Creating a more accessible Australia, Having an x-ray to diagnose knee arthritis might make you more likely to consider potentially unnecessary surgery, Bipartisan agreement on investment in Medicare acknowledges critical importance of general practice: AMA, Strengthening Medicare will provide crucial cost of living relief for older Australians, Your super fund is invested in private markets. What are they and why has ASIC raised concerns?, Electronic muscle stimulators are supposed to boost blood flow to your legs – here’s what the evidence says, Dutton hints he’ll sack 36,000 public servants; Voters deserve to know what services will be affected, Australia could make it easier for consumers to fight back against anti-competitive behaviour; Here’s how, Seniors Week event at MVSLSC, AvPals Term 1 2025, Seniors Festival 2025: Local events, Local events, services, groups

            DIY Ideas DIY Repairing Sunken Paver Areas Fix

            A few decades ago we installed pavers over an area in our yard that was a thoroughfare for rain and had regularly become slippery before this change. Since then we've had to scrub them to get moss and slippery build up on them off, using a pressure washer, but that area remained relatively slipover-free.

            Recently it became apparent the amount of water passing through the soil - we live on a hill - along with the pressure washer cleaner, had also carried away enough of the bedrock layer of sand originally placed under them to cause some to 'dip' or sink a little.

            Clearly the sand base had been washed away in the ensuing years and needed a little repair - something all of us can do quite easily.

            If the sinking is widespread and quite deep, consider seeking professional assistance as something else may be going on. 

            This Issue a step-by-step guide to fix the problem.

             

            Autumn in pittwater

            Narrabeen Sky - Reflected. Photo: Joe Mills
            Narrabeen Dinghy. Photo: Joe Mills

            Pittwater Online News is Published Every Sunday Morning


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            Pittwater Online News was selected for preservation by the State Library of New South Wales and National Library of Australia. This title is scheduled to be re-archived regularly.

            Archived Issues (2014 on) may be accessed herepandora.nla.gov.au/tep/143700

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