Community News April 2015 

 May 17 - 23, 2015: Issue 214

 Articles This Week

Front Page Issue 214: Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade turns 60 in 2015 - having served the community as volunteers since 1955

John William Alfred Johnson - The Eulogies for those who could not attend Mass

11th Biggest Morning Tea for Palm Beach Couple - On Saturday May 23rd Janet and Max Petrie will host a Biggest Morning Tea event  at their Pacific Road, Palm Beach home, a community event with their neighbours helping with the distribution of invitations and contributing cakes and finger food for the occasion as well as attending from 10 a.m.

Reflections by George Repin: CHILDREN OF THE TROBRIAND ISLANDS

Royal Australian Navy scores Barrenjoey High School gig: musicians workshop precedes Community Concert performance of The Movies show by the Navy Band then the Concert Band and Stage Band - on Saturday May 23rd

INAUGURAL SYDNEY HARBOUR & COAST WALK - DAY 24 - WATSONS BAY TO COOGEE by John Illingsworth - 215 years at the Signal Station + Macquarie Lightstation, a tour with Nick Hollo.

Aquatics: Champion International Sailors Return To Inspire Objective Future Champion Sailors

Pictures: Pittwater Volunteers - a celebration of all that is achieved by those who invest their time and energy in community

DIY Hints:  Autumn DIY Jobs: Fixing Your Fence: There are three main types of repairs and maintenance usually required for fences – wire ones that are sagging, fence posts that have rotted or shifted from their foundations - causing a fence to 'lean', and palings that have deteriorated or broken. A re-stain of wooden fences every few years will make them last longer as well as make your home look great.

Collector's Corner:  B.B. King - King of the Blues Goes Home: a Timely look into Photographs and Autographs and Being Buyer Aware + some of the items with signatures that have fetched pretty pennies

Held Over:

Guringai Festival 2015 – Pittwater and Northern Beaches Events

JAPAN: AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVES  by Adrian Boddy: an insight into Adrian's inspirations, where they began and why this transmutes into even how his works will be displayed

Manly Art Gallery & Museum May - June 2015: Juliet Holmes À Court: A Sense of Here  Saltwater Artists Connecting to Country

Artist of the Month: Artist of the Month May 2015 - Jamie Nilsson: A photographer for Surf Life Saving New South Wales and Digital Communications Officer, the owner of Roar Digital Services. This month we share some of Jamie's stunning images

Profile: May 2015 - Pittwater Gentlemen -  John and Bob Johnson: Two of Nature's gentlemen who have contributed so much to our community the list would take volumes - a special tribute this Issue to a wonderful family and the generation that began their building up of everyone in Pittwater.

History: May - to June 2015 -  Early Pittwater Watermen: George Mulhall (1809 ?/10 -1885)  first Australian Rowing Champion, First Lightkeeper at Barrenjoey, First family of Wagstaffe Point and younger brother to one of NSW's first coastal steamer capatins

Local Government Reforms – A Few of this Week’s Updates

If you’re beginning to hear the Ride Of The Valkyries theme from Apocalypse Now (envisioning the scene of the helicopter bombing of a beach so some may surf), every time you hear more and more about this, you’re not alone. 

A few of this weeks Developments: 

NSW Govt tips its hand on forced amalgamations

May 15, 2015 - LGNSW

The NSW Government has finally tipped its hand after the Minister for Local Government today told Parliament the Government would not support a motion against forced amalgamations, Local Government NSW (LGNSW) said today.

LGNSW President Keith Rhoades said the statement was the first time the Government had revealed its true intentions for the future of Local Government.

The admission came during yesterday's debate on a motion by Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, that "This House opposes the amalgamation of councils that are financially sustainable and have the support of their communities". 

"That debate was crunch time, and Local Government Paul Toole stood on the floor of the Parliament and stated unequivocally that the Government would not support a motion opposing the forced amalgamation of councils," Clr Rhoades said. 

"It really does suggest that the whole Fit for the Future process is simply tick-a-box, with the Government firmly committed to diluting local democratic representation for purely ideological reasons."

MP Alex Greenwich described the Fit for the Future program as "a farce, so the Government can claim it consulted and assessed". 

"It was instructive to see the arguments trotted out against the motion, which included claims that amalgamations would "drive down rates", that "bigger is better", and that forced amalgamation is "a dead-set non-issue" for our communities."  Cr Rhoades said. 

"It was also interesting how often speakers against the motion adopted a straw man argument, suggesting that the Local Government sector was opposed to any kind of reform. 

"I can assure the community and the Government this is not the case: Local Government welcomes reform that genuinely improves outcomes for residents and ratepayers. 

"What the sector does not support is amalgamations being forced on Councils who are able to show they are financially sustainable, and whose communities have stated clearly that they wish to continue to have grass roots representation via stand alone Councils."

MPs who spoke against forced amalgamations during the debate included Guy Zangari (Fairfield, ALP), Jamie Parker (Balmain, Grn), Greg Piper (Lake Macquarie, Ind), Jodie Harrison (Charlestown, ALP; LGNSW Board Member), and Jenny Leong (Newtown, Grn).  

Government MPs who spoke against the motion, supporting forced amalgamations, included Liberal MPs Geoff Lee (Parramatta), Gareth Ward (Kiama), John Sidoti (Drummoyne) and Ray Williams (Castle Hill).

FIT FOR THE FUTURE - IPART HEARS COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY VIEWS

15 May 2015: IPART Media Release

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will take account of the views of local councils and their communities in determining how council proposals under the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reforms will be assessed.

Dozens of people attended a forum in Dubbo today following a similar forum in Sydney on Monday to discuss IPART’s Methodology for Assessment of Council Fit for the Future Proposals Consultation Paper published late last month. Public forums will be held in Coffs Harbour and Wagga Wagga next week.

IPART Chairman Dr Peter Boxall said the forums provide an invaluable opportunity to hear first hand local views about how the Fit for the Future proposals will be assessed.

“We want the process to be transparent so councils are aware what they need to do and can

consult with their communities accordingly,” Dr Boxall said.

“The Fit for the Future criteria have already been set by the NSW Government and were announced last year.

“We are not revisiting the criteria – that is outside the scope of this review - but we are interested views about how to best assess whether councils meet those criteria and provide that advice to government.”

Dr Boxall said it is up to each council to determine the best way forward to address their specific needs and challenges.

“Councils are able to put forward proposals that do not match the recommendations of the

Independent Local Government Review Panel in 2014, but would have to provide a sound argument as to why that’s not the best option in their case, except in the case of far west councils that are not required to put forward a proposal for assessment,” Dr Boxall said.

Submissions on the Consultation Paper will be received until 25 May 2015. A copy of the Consultation Paper and information about how to make submissions can be found on the IPART websitewww.ipart.nsw.gov.au.

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If you would like to find this Media Release it's filed on the IPART Local Govt. Review page under '31 Dec 9999' - you will have to download and open it to get the correct title and date.

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Forced Amalgamation Agenda Revealed

14 May 2015

During debate on a motion moved by Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, the government finally exposed it intends to force councils to merge regardless of their financially sustainability and community support within existing boundaries, after it skirted around the issue before the election.

Mr Greenwich’s motion called on the House to oppose forced amalgamations of councils that are financially sustainable and have the support of their communities. 

“Amalgamations will lead to significant service and system disruptions, increased costs, lost efficiencies and reduced representation, and most benefits are achievable within exiting boundaries through sharing resources and services.

“There can be no justification to force amalgamations on councils that are sustainable and whose communities do not agree to an amalgamation; if the government is sincere in helping financially struggling councils, its focus would be on other reforms identified by the Sansom review. 

“The government’s focus on forced amalgamations over any other reforms, shows that its “fit for the future” program was merely a disguise for its true agenda while being a massive waste of councils’ time and resources. 

 â€œEvaluations ignore councils’ social and community benefits because these will be eroded under a mega-councils model,” Mr Greenwich said. 

During debate Mr Greenwich called on the government to remove opportunities for corruption and undue influence in local government given larger councils could increase these opportunities.

“Mega councils will mean bigger election campaigns and a greater need to raise funds, yet local government elections have lax rules with no donation caps and inadequate disclosure requirements despite council decisions ability to deliver massive private benefit.

“Local government must cease to be plaything subject to sackings, mergers and de-amalgamations for state government political advantage and should once and for all be recognised in the constitution with democracy protected,” Mr Greenwich concluded.

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Motion was listed on May 12th according to HANSARD trasncripts, and listed there by Hon. Shoebridge

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Legislative Council Notice Paper No. 4—Thursday 14 May 2015 106 

56. Mr Shoebridge to move— 

1. That this House supports the right of members of communities to determine the future of their own local councils. 

2. That this House opposes the forced amalgamations of councils that are financially sustainable and have the support of their communities 

- (Notice given 12 May 2015—expires Notice Paper No. 22)

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As you may have read elsewhere this was Motion was struck down by Local Government Minister Hon. Toole, backed by his party.

More on the Public Forum from one who sat through it all and has led our community in many a push for sanity:

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IPART meeting report: rates WILL go up

MAY 14, 2015 

Storm Jacklin, our outgoing President, reports on the discussion with IPART and highlights the urgency of community action – read his account and see the action points below.

I attended the meeting on Monday morning called by IPART to discuss their terms of reference.

The full panel plus a secretariat were present. The chair is Dr Peter Boxall. There were about 45/50 people there representing councils ,local government, and some community groups. Julie Hegarty was there from Pittwater along with Jane Mulrony. No doubt some of you were listening on line although the power failure may have interfered with that. 

My summary was that the meeting was very – and I mean very – unsatisfactory for all concerned. Councillors seeking clarification got no answers. Nor did anyone else. The chair took multiple questions without giving answer. When pulled up for not giving answers he said that it was a consultation possess and that they were not there to give answers from the chair. All comments would be considered. He was questioned on the 5 days to review that IPART would have to review the submissions on methodology he agreed that it was tight for them too but the time table was set by the government.

The chair outlined that they had to be finished their work by Sept/Oct and they did not know what the government would do with the recommendations. Representatives of community groups Mosman, Hunters hill, Leichardt, Strathfield were present and asked good questions particularly in relation to the imbalance and emphasis on finance. There was a resident from Warringah there who asked a number of good questions and was well across the subject trying to ascertain how IPART would assess interest on developer contributions and how valuation of assets would be treated when one council valued roads at $1.3 million per K while the one next door valued roads at $800000 per k.

He also asked that as IPART had already granted Warringah a levy of 6% to start in year 2016/17 if amalgamation took place would that apply to the new council. The chair refused to answer this and said it was up to the new council. So you can bet that any new council will carry through with the levy. To me this was the most important thing to come out of the day. We already know that if Warringah and Pittwater are put together that due to size etc. Warringah rates will go down and Pittwater’s will go up; this has now been confirmed twice verbally by Mark Ferguson as well as in writing.

So on the evidence of it, amalgamation for Pittwater will mean rate increases of close to 10%.

To me this is the most important message for everyone in the community to know when they Vote.

Storm Jacklin

Please take action NOW to prevent amalgamation:

1. Complete Pittwater Council’s online survey and vote NO to amalgamation – a couple of minutes of your time will make ALL the difference – click here now.

2. Write to a relevant councillor or politician – you can find the contact details here â€“ and NSW Members of Parliament  list here â€“ the more letters or emails, the greater the pressure

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And now, the Public 'Forum'

From Issue 213:  

Councils are required to provide IPART with their FFTF proposals by 30 June 2015. The proposals should show how councils meet the FFTF criteria of scale and capacity, sustainability, effective infrastructure and service management, and efficiency. 

A copy of the transcript and webcast will be available on IPART’s website within a week following the public forum.  â€“now available at: HERE 

From this, as this is what many were drawn to most when reading through these documents (page 21: )prior to the Public Forum on threshold  'scale and capacity' applied to 'population size' : 

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Darcy:] Thanks mate. Darcy Byrne, Leichhardt Councillor. If I could just return as I think about a dozen people have so far to the slide about minimum scale and capacity. If we could just slide back to that. Yep, appropriate minimum population size. So I don’t want to verbal you, but it seems pretty clear we're not going to get an answer about that today. Following this consultation process‐

[Chairman:] About, about what again?

[Darcy:] About what the figure is for an appropriate minimum population size. About fifteen

people have asked, and‐

[Chairman:] No, you're not going to get an answer today, and indeed that's been raised as an

issue. This is a consultation process, so just a second. This is a consultation process.

Those issues have been raised by somebody in reference to page 21, and we're taking on board that a number of you guys, and no doubt you'll put it in your submissions, are not happy with that, and‐

[Darcy:] So can I get a commitment that once you've concluded the consultation on the methodology, that this will be specified before we have to put our submissions in?

That's my first question. 

[Chairman:] Yes.

Does this mean ‘Yes’ an answer, finally, to the figure set for minimum population size or ‘yes’ what is your next question, that yes means:

[Darcy:] Secondly just to raise, to build on the point that Monica made previously, which I don’t think was quite answered. So in Leichhardt's case we're envisaging that we'll make a submission explaining that we can meet all seven of the criteria by 2016‐18.

But there's likely to be a number of the other Councils in the six that we're potentially proposed to merge with who don’t meet the seven criteria. Will your methodology be that you'll say "Okay, Leichhardt's proven its case", or will it be the case that you'll say "Hold on a second, these surrounding Councils, their viability could be strengthened by being merged with an entity that is in itself viable, and therefore that would discount from their argument about standing alone".

[Chairman:] Thank you Darcy. So hypothetically, right, because this is all hypothetical yet. If Leichhardt and five or six other Councils are in a group, or for that matter any other recommendation by the Panel was for say five Councils to merge, if one Council puts in a submission and says "Well, we don’t want our, we don’t want to merge, we reckon we can go it alone", right, we will assess your application to go it alone, and deem you fit or unfit, irrespective of what's happening of the Councils around you.

[Darcy:] And just in relation to the first question about will we get clarity about the minimum population size once this consultation is concluded, but prior to making our submissions?

[Chairman:] The answer to that was yes, and it remains yes.

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May 13 2015 - Temporary 4 month opportunity

IPART have now placed under ‘News’ the news that they are now seeking Senior Analysts and Analysts for the FFTF –  See advert and links to Job Description folks if you want to change things from the inside…. better get in quick though, that opportunity closes May 24th:)!

See and apply at: https://jobsnsw.taleo.net/careersection/all_jobs/jobdetail.ftl?job=00003N0P&lang=en#.VVKM3XPt4Fg.favorites 

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Meanwhile….an extract from a Sydney Morning Herald article of Friday May 15th by Anne Davies, clearly a lady who is a fan of Shakespeare and the doomed prince Hamlet (who went quite mad), under the title of “To merge or not to merge: Councils pop the question as deadline approaches” : 

Pittwater mayor Jacqueline Townsend, an independent, puts a cogent case for staying solo.

"We are an agile, progressive, community council. We have very strong community leadership and we deliver the services our community expects," she says.

But despite that preference, Pittwater and Manly have jointly funded a study on options that include an alternative proposal to dismember Warringah, the council sandwiched between them, to form two larger councils of about 100,000 each.

"Warringah has been dismissed twice and people in Pittwater are concerned about how they manage the built form," says Townsend. "The only way to improve performance is to get rid of the difficult bureaucracy in the middle and form two councils."

See all at:  http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/to-merge-or-not-to-merge-councils-pop-the-question-as-deadline-approaches-20150515-gh20td 

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And as we hold our breath for clarity, in fact exacting numbers, on ‘minimum population size’, among other ‘what, exactly, do you mean?’ our eyes are firmly leveled on another little item that appears in Transcripts from Parliament on that fateful day when the just reelected NSW Government showed the hand of cards they’re currently holding, a small item regarding chaining yourself in protest to things and making that not something you may do anymore… mining protestors take note!

And wonder if those provisions, and making them law, may be extended by incremental words that remain defining less than what must remain obtuse, just in case and lest we all march on Macquarie street muttering other obdurate and negating and ... other profane words in meaningless lingo.

The Dill Pickled.

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To close a possible ‘Sign of the Times’ courtesy of the Mona Vale Residents Association, also from Friday, and spoken of as we went to Press last night

"Sadly this sign only lasted one day at the beginning of the Wakehurst Parkway. So I shall install it here for posterity!"

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Consider it done, citizen, of Pittwater:

 Community Care (Northern Beaches) named as finalist in NSW Business Awards

15 May, 2015 

Community Care (Northern Beaches) (CCNB) has been named as a regional finalist in the NSW Business Chamber’s annual Business Awards. 

CCNB is competing in the ‘Excellence in Business Ethics’ category and if successful on 26 June, will go forward as a finalist in the 2015 NSW Business Chamber State Business Awards. 

The Awards program seeks to celebrate business excellence in New South Wales. The evaluation process takes place over more than 12 months, across 13 geographic regions and at 14 gala award dinners. Hundreds of entries are submitted by organisations from among the 14,000 members of the NSW Business Chamber.   

CEO of CCNB, Sarah Brisbane said, “We are delighted to have been named a finalist in the Business Ethics category of the North Eastern Sydney Business Awards.  It’s another welcomed validation of the terrific work our staff have been doing over the last 21 years, right across Northern Sydney. 

“Ethics – particularly around privacy, confidentiality, duty of care, provision of independent advice and respect for individual needs – are part of our ‘DNA’ at CCNB. 

“CCNB has always had an unwavering commitment to an ethical approach to helping our clients in the ageing, mental health, disability, dementia and carers’ sectors get the most out of life.  

“Being named a finalist is also a testament to the work ethic and commitment of our staff. Working at CCNB is not ‘just a job’ for our staff: they are very passionate about assisting our thousands of clients.  CCNB also has carved out a successful reputation for working with some of the most complex of client cases. 

“Being named a regional finalist in the NSW Business Chamber Awards is a credit to our employees, partners and leadership team. We’re certainly looking forward to the Gala Dinner and Awards night next month. ” Ms Brisbane added. 

About Community Care Northern Beaches

Community Care Northern Beaches (CCNB) is a not-for-profit, non-religious organisation that was established in 1994 and is funded largely by state and federal governments. CCNB supports older people, people with a disability, people with a mental illness, people with dementia and the carers of these people – all living in the Northern Sydney region. 

The organisation has 60 staff and manages more than 20 programs, all aimed at helping people who are vulnerable to maximise their independence, wellbeing, and participation in the community. 

CCNB specialises in providing holistic support for people with complex needs. In 2013/2014 its oldest client was 101 and its youngest was one year old. 

 

Pittwater Council – Have your say - Local Government Reform

Pittwater Council has now commenced its form community engagement and urgently need feedback from the community about about the options available in response to the NSW Government Fit for the Future local government reform process.

Have your say

There are several ways you can support the council and make your voice heard:

Complete the online survey now

Click here  to express your view on the options available – the more responses, the better.

Attend the public meeting on 19th May

Make contact with councillors

Talk to councillors at Food and Wine Fair on 3 May 2015 at Winnererremy Bay or make contact with a representative from your ward to express your views . 

More information

Pittwater Council will be distributing more information to you and for the community as follows:

Information pack

A brochure will be delivered to all residents, ratepayers and business in Pittwater by mid May 2015.  This provides detail about the independent analysis and the local government reform options.

Pittwater Council website   www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/reform

The Council’s website has been updated and will include:

• Council’s position

• Background – research and independent analysis

• Have your Say – including a link to the online survey 

• Frequently Asked Questions – this will be updated throughout the period of engagement

Information displays

From this weekend, displays will be set up at both Mona Vale and Avalon libraries and Customer Service Centres. 

Copies of the information pack and paper survey will be available at all of these locations.

Telephone survey

A random sample community survey will be conducted by an independent research consultant.

Banners

Banners encouraging the community to have their say and advertising the public meeting will go up in banner locations across Pittwater next week.

Key dates:

Tuesday 19th May â€“ Public meeting

Friday 5th June â€“ Community engagement period closes

Monday 15th June â€“ Council meeting to consider community feedback

Tuesday 30th June â€“ Submissions due to Government

 

Expo showcases Mona Vale Library

Libraries today will still lend you books, and the collection at Mona Vale Library is better than ever with multiple copies of best-selling titles available. 

Drop into the Mona Vale Library Expo on Thursday 28 May between 12noon and 2pm to find out more and be in the running to win a $100 book voucher from Berkelouw Books.

Visitors to the Expo will receive information about membership.  There is also a map to assist them navigate the important spots to visit library staff and ask questions.

Information ‘stations’ will be set up around the library where visitors can chat with staff about the range of services on offer including eBooks and online magazines and movies.

Pittwater Council’s General Manager, Mr Mark Ferguson said over the past decade Mona Vale Library has seen considerable expansion.

“This has enabled the library to offer a variety of activities and move into more non-traditional areas. A recent example being regular movie nights; which have raised funds for the Reading Room Project in Timor Leste.

“The library is also being used as a space for other community groups to meet such as the Knitters Guild, and a place to hold education sessions such as Driver Safety Awareness.

“Mona Vale Library hosts a number of Author Talks and is trialling a Literary Lunch series”, added Mr Ferguson.

Pittwater Mayor, Jacqui Townsend invited residents to come along and discover what the library has to offer.

“The open day is an opportunity to browse new books and DVDs and be the first to borrow some popular new titles. I’m amazed you can now borrow audio e-books.

“Young readers are also catered for at the Expo with some fun dinosaur themed activities going on in the children’s area.

Residents are encouraged to find out more about the things that interest them, chat with our friendly library staff and see what Mona Vale Library can offer you.  Expo visitors will go in the draw to win a $100 voucher from Berkelouw Books.

No bookings required, simply drop-in. Mona Vale Library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale.

 Share your views on certification and building laws

Media Release: Department of Planning and Environment

4 May 2015

The community will be able to have its say on an important aspect of building or renovating a home, with an independent and comprehensive review of private and council certifiers now underway."The laws  good look at the system"

A Discussion Paper has been released with Community consultation sessions for the independent review of the Building Professionals Act start across the State this month, a spokesperson for the Department of Planning and Environment said.

This Act covers the accreditation of certifiers, who work independently or for councils, assessing and certifying housing, buildings or subdivisions, and other specialist works within developments.

The spokesperson said the review provided an opportunity for the community and stakeholders to get involved in reforming certification and building regulation laws.

“The laws governing certification in NSW have not been reviewed for almost a decade and so it’s time we take a good look at the system to see if it is adequately serving property owners, the community, councils and developers,” the spokesperson said.

“The review will look at whether the certification and building regulation system is functioning as well as it should and suggest recommendations for improvement.

“While private certification cuts red tape and allows property owners to complete construction faster, we need to ensure corners aren’t being cut or rules broken.

“We also need to ensure certifiers are responding to community needs quickly and not adding to congestion in the system.

“That’s why its important stakeholders get hold of the Discussions Paper so we hear from a range of people with a range of experiences of this crucial aspect of the planning system.”

The spokesperson said the consultation schedule was planned to ensure any interested parties could have their say wherever they lived.

“People can choose to attend a round-table public forum at one of eight locations around NSW, or have their say via an online survey or by making a formal submission by email or post.

“The Discussion Paper outlining some of the issues and will be a useful starting point for interested community members and stakeholders.”

The review is headed by former head of the NSW Treasury, Michael Lambert.

Submissions to the Review close 12 June.

To read the Discussion Paper or register for a forum, visitbpb.nsw.gov.au/building-professionals-act-review 

The public consultation events are planned for: 21 May Sydney

Direct link to Discussion Paper(PDF 4.41 MB)

 Marine Rescue Broken Bay Boat Raffle

Drawn on Monday 8th of June, 2015 at 12 noon at Royal Motor Yacht Club.

Support our local Volunteers. See: www.mrbrokenbay.com.au

Pictured above - BBMR Volunteers at Palm Beach Markets on April 26th, 2015.

Next Palm Beach Markets are Sunday May 24th: 9am to 3pm

 

North Head Sanctuary Foundation 

Next meeting 20 May at 7pm  

Speaker David Jenkins - Whale Spotter

Sydney is about to witness one of the greatest animal migrations on earth! Over 20,000 Humpback whales will travel thousands of kilometres from their summer feeding grounds, deep in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean to their breeding grounds in the warm, tropical waters of Queensland. Come and learn about this epic journey and the animals that make it with David Jenkins from Whale Spotter. 

Everyone is welcome to join us at Bandicoot Heaven (Building 20) on 20 May, 2015 at 7pm.

33 North Head Scenic Drive, Manly NSW 2095

Education Room – Bandicoot Heaven 

Our community education room is open 10am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays in Building 20. Call in to have a look at our displays and our botanical cards range with many new designs. Buy four cards and get one free.

North Head Sanctuary Foundation: Custodians of North Head 

P.O. Box 896, Balgowlah, NSW 2093 

Website: northheadsanctuaryfoundation.org.au 

Email: northhead@fastmail.com.au 

 CALLING ALL ARTISTS IN PITTWATER 


We are having a Forum on the 25th May Monday night 6-8.30pm Mona Vale Hall with Dr Sally Watterson as the facilitator for the evening. Anyone from Pittwater is welcome to share suggestions. RSVP by Friday 22nd May to email:lorriemay@bigpond.com

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 14/5/2015 

click on Logo: 

Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

 Seniors Toy Repair Group needs your help

Volunteers are sought to help out on Wednesday mornings (7.30am to midday) at the group's workshed in Ingleside. Volunteers need their own transport and be willing to sort and clean toys that are picked up at different collection points on the Northern Beaches. 

Prospective volunteers can email Mary Kitchen to arrange a visit to the workshed. To arrange a donation pickup please call Terry Cook on 0410 597 327 or email him. Find out more about this great community group HERE

Southern Cross Wildlife Care 

       Critter of the Month - May 2015           

                  Rasputin’s Rescue
Night-time rescues are always tricky. Especially when the victim is a venomous snake - trapped, injured and terrified!

Adrian, one of Sydney Wildlife’s amazing snake rescuers, dashed out at around 10pm last Tuesday night after a report of a red-bellied black snake caught in bird netting. The poor thing had been struggling for around 2 whole days and nights.
People cover their vegetables and fruit trees in this hideous netting to stop the birds and possums from raiding. The results for wildlife are disastrous...

This poor snake was probably chasing a frog or a skink and got himself entangled in this awful, constrictive netting. If you are someone who uses this netting, I urge you to undertake this challenge: Grab a roll of cotton thread for sewing. Now wrap a small section tightly around your finger and see how quickly you become frantic to be rid of it... It has absolutely no flexibility and constricts tighter the more you struggle.
                                         
Adrian spent almost a whole hour cutting the poor snake free of his bonds. You can see how swollen his head had become and how deep the lacerations around his neck were. 
With every piece that was cut, the snake breathed out visibly as though he was experiencing great relief. 

He sat like a complete gentleman and allowed Adrian to free him, bit by excruciating bit.
                     
It was close to 11:30pm by the time the job was complete and the red-belly was placed on a heat-mat in a soft pillow-slip to rest.
Adrian gave oral fluids but he knew that the snake (now named Rasputin) needed professional treatment.  He contacted SCWC and we arranged for the snake to be treated first thing in the morning. As Adrian works full-time, his brother Bruce was tasked with transporting Rasputin to us.

Dr Howard Ralph cleared the decks for this emergency and had Rasputin under anaesthetic within minutes of his arrival. 

He had lost a lot of fluid and was close to suffering from dehydration so he was given parenteral fluids with B-Complex immediately. Then Dr Ralph set about debriding and cleaning up his wounds. His eye was also damaged so he cleaned that up and applied antibiotic ointment. 

He was given long-acting intramuscular antibiotic injections and pain relief.

Rasputin was sent home with a carer who has experience in giving intramuscular injections. His treatment plan included antibiotic injections every third day, pain relief, more parenteral fluids, eye ointment and warmth for recovery. 

Rasputin doesn’t really look forward to injection days but he endures it and is ever the gentle giant.            
We make use of transparent tubes when undertaking treatment of venomous snakes - for our safety as well as the comfort of the snake. Pinning them down or using tongs is painful - especially if they have head and neck injuries. We just slide the tube over the snake’s head and hold him in there during treatment. We use a local anaesthetic gel topically before injecting to ensure minimal discomfort. 

Rasputin’s head swelling has diminished considerably and he is moving around happily and drinking independently.

We envisage that he will be well enough for release in a week’s time.

Other critters that are often net-caught include bats, possums, lizards and harmless little snakes such as green tree snakes as well as many birds.

Please, please use wildlife-friendly netting which is available at Bunnings. It is tightly-woven - almost like pantihose and will save many lives.

By Lynleigh Greig
Southern Cross Wildlife Care



 

Have your say at public meeting

14 May 2015

All Pittwater residents are urged to attend the Public Meeting on Tuesday 19 May and have your say about the NSW Government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ process.

The Public Meeting will be held at Pittwater RSL Mona Vale on Tuesday 19 May from 6.30-8.30pm. Please rsvp or call 9970 1204.

Residents who wish to speak will need to ring Pittwater Council’s customer service office on 9970 1111, as they would for Council meetings, in order to register by 10.00am Monday 18 May.

All residents are strongly encouraged to review the information pack previously sent out to all households and give their feedback via the online survey. The pack can also be accessed via our website, 

Whilst Council remains committed to a strong independent Pittwater Council providing local representation and delivery of local services to the people of Pittwater on the existing boundaries, "it’s now a matter for our community to consider and voice its opinion on the three options. We need to hear what matters most to the people before we can make our submission to the NSW government,” said Pittwater Council’s Mayor Jacqui Townsend.

Cr Townsend reassured residents that she and her “fellow councillors advocate a consultative approach to local representation, and are available to listen to the community. I urge residents to come forward to discuss their views including how they feel about local representation and amalgamation”.

If you haven’t already, contact your councillors individually.  

The Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday 19 May at the Pittwater RSL in Mona Vale from 6.30-8.30pm. Come along and have your say.

Stay informed

 Hoax Email  -  "Whats App Web" 

C/ - Pittwater Offshore Newsletter

Whatsapp Malware Phishing eMail Scam Will Ask You To Press Big Green ‘Play’ Button - Don’t Press it !

If you get an email saying you have new messages from WhatsApp, you might want to think twice about clicking the big green “play” button, even if the email comes from a known address.

The message will look similar to this....

The emails seem to be part of a well-documented malware scam, and over the past weeks an increasing number of Yellowknifers have reported receiving them, even if they don’t use WhatsApp smartphone messaging.

According to a post on the WhatsApp website: “We do not send you emails about chats, voice messages, payment, changes, photos, or videos. You will only receive an email from WhatsApp if you initiate a conversation with us via our dedicated email channels, such as one of our support channels.

“Unwanted messages come in many forms, such as spam, hoax and phishing messages. All these types of messages are broadly defined as unsolicited messages that try to deceive you and prompt you to act in a certain way.”

It seems the scam uses a phishing technique that allows hackers to access people’s email accounts and send emails from them. 

So just because the email comes from a friend, doesn’t mean you should click on it.

 

Festival celebrates Aboriginal culture and heritage

13 May 2015

Pittwater Council is proud to be one of 11 Councils and many reconciliation and community groups participating in this year’s Guringai Festival.

Founded in 2001, the Guringai Festival aims to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Northern Sydney region. The festival runs between Sorry Day on 26 May to the end of NAIDOC Week in July.

Pittwater Mayor, Jacqui Townsend said the Guringai Festival’s theme ‘Story of Place’ provides a great framework for the line-up of activities this year.

“This celebration of Aboriginal Culture and Heritage, now in its 15th year, boasts a number of events and workshops, art exhibitions, performances, films and talks.

“I commend the Guringai Festival Committee for once again putting together a festival with a  wide array of events that touch our hearts, our minds and our souls – and celebrate US as a whole of community,” added Cr Townsend.

At this year’s festival Pittwater Council will be hosting the following events:

Indigenous Walk

A free guided bushwalk discovering cultural sites, including rock engravings in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.  The tour is led by staff from the Coastal Environment Centre and an Indigenous guide, offering a great opportunity to learn more about this amazing area.  The walk will give you information on the local flora and their uses as bushtucker and medicines. Look for native animals and their tracks as we explore. This event is suitable for the whole family!

When: Sunday 14 June, 9.30 to 11.30am

Where: Meeting point provided on booking.

Turimetta Head Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Pittwater Council will host a free guided walk led by the Aboriginal Heritage Office. Come and learn more about our amazing local Aboriginal heritage in an outstanding setting. This is a great free event for the whole family. This walk is medium grade.

When: Saturday 20 June, 9 to 11am

Where: Meeting point to be provided on booking.

 Pre-school storytelling @ Mona Vale Library

Pre-schoolers are invited to attend a themed story-telling, music and craft session at Mona Vale Library to celebrate the festival.  No bookings required.

 When: Wednesday 24 June, 10am

Where: Mona Vale Library, 1 Park Street Mona Vale.

Events will be held across the Sydney region.  For detailed information on the events happening during the Guringai Festival visit:   www.guringaifestival.com.au

 Careel Creek Planting Day 

May 23rd, 2015

Careel Creek planting day Saturday May 23, 8.30- 11.30. 

Come and help plant trees along the east bank of the creek. 

The above photo shows results of our previous planting along the creek. The plants are provided by a grant from Greater Sydney Local Land Services.

Pittwater Council is our partner in creating a link of native vegetation between Avalon Dunes and Careel Bay. To find us walk north along the track outside Barrenjoey High School from Central Rd east, or south from North Avalon Rd.

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)

 AVALON BEACH RSL - MORNING TEA MESSAGE

We are hosting a Biggest Morning Tea to help raise vital funds for cancer research and support services. In recent times our staff, family and friends have been personally affected by cancer and we would like to show our support through this cause.

We will be hosting our morning tea on Thursday the 28th May from 9-11am. All are welcome and we will be asking for a gold coin donation on attendance along with other fundraising activities such as raffles etc. You can help us, and get involved, by attending or making a donation! Let's raise our cups and together we'll beat cancer. More at: HERE 

 MISSING FEMALE KELPIE 'RB'

‪Missing‬ from near our ‪Fire‬ Station, King Rd, ‪Ingleside‬ - Monday evening 27/4. Help find 'RB' who is female, microchipped, Red/Tan in colour, went missing with a Blue Colour with gold name tag.

Missing only 100m from Ingleside Fire station. 

Contact 0414 181 812 if you see or find her. 

Reward being offered. Please Share this if you have friends in the Ingleside area.

 Sport NSW Announces the Opening of the 2015 Community Sports Volunteer Awards

Friday 15th May 2015

More than four hundred thousand people across NSW voluntarily dedicate their time every year through their involvement in sporting clubs and organisations. Put simply, sport would not exist without them. 

Launching the opening of the awards program today, Sport NSW CEO, Cheryl Battaerd said the Community Sports Volunteer Awards recognise the efforts of those around the state who contribute hours of their personal time to ensure that their fellow community members can participate in sport. 

“We recognize the critical and diverse role volunteers play from club administrators and coaches to officials and canteen staff, regardless of the pouring rain, icy temperatures or scorching heat – they are the ones that give life to community sport,” Battaerd said. 

“Unfortunately the reality is volunteer participation in sport is falling in NSW and is outpacing the national decline. All evidence points towards changes to patterns, behaviours and expectations of volunteers, and this has to be a focus for sporting organisations. There is an urgent need to help build the capacity and capability of managers and administrators in sport to effectively recruit and retain volunteers. By recognising the value of volunteering, showcasing successful models of volunteer management and providing information and resources, we are hopeful that we will assist the sporting sector in reversing the trend of volunteer decline in NSW,” she said. 

Get inspired and read the case study of good volunteer management by the 2014 winners of the Community Sporting Club category - Alstonville & District Football Club.

The Community Sport Volunteer Awards program consists of Individual Awards categories and the Minister’s Sport Volunteer Management Awards recognising sporting organisations. 

The Individual Volunteer Community Sport Awards involve five categories:

Official of the Year,   Young Official of the Year,   Coach of the Year,   Young Coach of the Year, and   Community Sport Administrator of the Year. 

The Minister’s Sport Volunteer Management Awards aims to attract nominations from organisations that have shown innovative ideas and management techniques in the recognition, education and training, coordination, and recruitment of volunteers. These awards include three categories:   Club/District or Regional Community Sport Organisation;   State Sporting Organisations and   Event of the Year. 

NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon. Stuart Ayres, MP will be presenting the 2015 NSW Community Sports Volunteer Awards at a function on Friday 21st August 2015 at NSW Parliament House. 

Nominations are now open and close on Friday 10th July.

The Awards Guidelines and Nomination Forms can be found at:www.sportnsw.com.au/2015communitysportsvolunteerawards

As the peak body for sport and active recreation, Sport NSW represents the collective interests of NSW’s single largest community sector. With over 100 member groups representing 15,000 sporting clubs and associations and well over 2.5 million participants, workers and volunteers, the community sport and active recreation sector makes a significant contribution to the social, physical, health, mental and economic well-being of our NSW communities.

 Honouring Local Nurses On International Nurses Day

12 May 2015

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today praised the invaluable contribution of local nurses and midwives as part of International Nurses Day celebrations.

International Nurses Day is celebrated globally on May 12 each year, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, and recognises the tireless efforts of nurses and midwives in assisting others in need. 

“Our local nurses and midwives provide outstanding service to our community,” Rob Stokes said today. 

“It takes a very special person to take on such a tiring and emotionally challenging role. 

“We’re incredibly lucky to have a large and growing team of talented nurses and midwives on the northern beaches. 

“Their professionalism and commitment is extraordinary and I cannot speak highly enough of their efforts. 

“On any given day the diversity of roles nurses and midwives perform is staggering.

“Today is our opportunity to highlight their incredible efforts and say thank you,” Rob Stokes said.

Now open!

 JAPAN: AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVES  by Adrian Boddy: an insight into Adrian's inspirations, where they began and why this transmutes into even how his works will be displayed

 Frackman – Warriewood Screening

If you haven't seen Frackman yet, or if you saw it and want to make sure that your friends and family see it too - here is your chance - and not too far from home!

Frackman tells the real life story of Dayne Pratzky - Queensland property owner and former Sydney resident - who becomes an accidental activist when a coal seam gas company wanted to drill for gas on his land. And so began a David and Goliath battle against a $200 billion industry. Along the way he found love, tragedy and triumph.

Screenings continue to sell out so book your tickets online to ensure you get a spot.

Warriewood United Cinemas - with special guests Sharyn Munro (Author of Rich Land, Wasteland) and Julie Lyford (former Mayor of Gloucester and Chair of Groundswell Gloucester)

Wednesday 3 June, 7pm

4 Vuko Pl, Warriewood

BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE 

Pablo Brait

North Shore Community Organiser

Nature Conservation Council of NSW, proud partner of the Our Land, Our Water, Our Future Campaign

Call out for Performers Community Groups and Schools for Avalon Winter Solstice Event 

Sunday 21st of June 2015‏

The THIS IS AVALON – WINTER SOLSTICE EVENT – SUNDAY 21ST JUNE 2015- 7AM -6PM IS IN PLANNING STAGE

The impetus for this event is to launch the Wickham Lane Wow Walk with the $5000 Grant received from Keep NSW Beautiful – a joint initiative with Janet Forrester from CABPRA & Enliven Pittwater.

The concept is to clean up the laneway, encourage pedestrian traffic from the park to the village and have an event ready space for the community.

This event is for local businesses in the 2107-2108 area and community and school groups.

The program so far:

Activities on the Beach 5.45am-9am

5.45am-6.45am LIVING OCEAN YOGA PRACTICE By donation Avalon Surf Lifesaving Club.  Followed by a Sunrise beach ritual until 7.30am/7.45am to honour mother ocean, mother earth and father sky

7am Sunrise through Stonehenge Surfboard Sculpture on the Beach assisted by Astronomer Fred Watson

7.45am-9am Share a healthy nourishing breakfast served on BYO or compostable plates and bowls- Food by Chill Bar

9am – ?Jools Farrell Whale talks on South Avalon Headland

9am -6.00pm Activities in the Village

Wickham Lane Art & Gardening

Lantern Making Workshops

Buskers, Street Performers, Art Workshops, Community Garden, Sustainability workshops, Recycling workshops, holistic health activities, food demos (please contact us if you know anyone who wants to participate in these events).

Talks , Sales and Events through the Village- Poetry readings, sales, special menu, performers,etc

School /Community Groups and Members not located in the Village Precinct please contact us if you require stall space.

4.30pm to close –Lantern Parade through the Park

Those interested in being part of this great event please contact us via email at:  info@avalonpalmbeachbusinesschamber.com.au

Ros Marsh

President Avalon-Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc.

Website: www.avalonpalmbeachbusinesschamber

Facebook page for updates

 NSW Govt.Office of Environment and Heritage  - HAVE YOUR SAY

National Parks Commercial Fishing Access

A new vehicle access permit system for commercial fishers to access NSW National Parks. 

To improve management and provide certainty for industry, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is developing a new vehicle access permit system.

The system is to enable commercial fishers to access areas in national parks that may be closed to the public.

The proposal is open to public comment, with the new system to start on 1st July 2015.

There will be a standardised, state-wide application process that applies in all parks across the state. It will also help the NPWS fulfil its responsibilities to manage parks for all people of NSW. 

How do I find out more about the proposal?

For further information on the proposed vehicle access permit system visit https://engage.environment.nsw.gov.au/consult

The new Draft Commercial Fishing Access Policy (PDF 845KB) is now available. 

How do I comment on the proposal?

The proposal is open for public comment until May 29  2015. 

Members of the public are invited to comment on the proposal by sending a submission by email to: npws.pssb@environment.nsw.gov.au or by mail to:

Strategy and Policy Team, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Office of Environment and Heritage, PO Box 1967, Hurstville NSW 2226

See Consultation website page for all documents: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/commercial/changesvapcfa

Page last updated: 06 May 2015

Berowra Valley National Park and Regional Park Draft Plan of Management

The exhibition of the draft plan provides an important opportunity for the community to have a say on future management directions for Berowra Valley National Park and Berowra Valley Regional Park.

Why is a plan being prepared now?

A new plan of management is being prepared, following the reclassification of most of Berowra Valley Regional Park to Berowra Valley National Park, in recognition of the park’s high conservation value.

What has been updated?

Under national park status, conservation measures are a strong point of focus. National park status also allows for sustainable visitor use, subject to strict controls. Nine hectares of the original Berowra Valley Regional Park have been retained in order to accommodate local dog walkers on existing management trails.

What opportunities will the community have to comment?

The draft plan of management is on public exhibition until 6th July 2015 and anyone can make a comment.

Members of the public are invited to comment by submitting a via email submission to

submissions.berowravalley@environment.nsw.gov.au

or by post to:

The Planner, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, PO Box 3031. Asquith NSW 2077

Draft plan of management (POM) on page of Consultation website: HERE 

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY!

Come along to the unveiling of the latest addition to Freshwater Headlands Surfers Walk of Fame, by famed sculptor Mick Purdy. Enjoy an entertaining evening of drinks, food, music and film celebrating the sport of surfing and the importance of protecting our oceans, waves and beaches. 

EVENT FROM 4PM FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2015  AT  HARBORD DIGGERS CLUB.

More event details coming shortly! 

Contact operations@surfrider.org.au for further information.     

Tickets here: www.surfrider.org.au/event/international-surfing-day-2015 

Proudly Sponsored By Barefoot Wines, Four Pines Brewing Co and Harbord Diggers Club

TRIVIA NIGHT FOR WATER - 23 May 2015

Time: 7pm – 10pm

Venue: Avalon Recreation Centre

Cost: $25 per person

Book a table of 10 or we can place you!

PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT  OUR PROJECTS IN PITTWATER’S 

SISTER VILLAGE

In July a group of self-funded volunteers from our  community will travel to Timor Leste to a small school in Salau, a sub village of Soibada. 

There is currently no clean water for the children. We need to raise money for guttering, tanks and the TANKPRO to sterilise the water.

Bookings:tamara.harding@bigpond.com 

 

Draft Delivery Program and Budget up for comment

Pittwater Council has voted to place Council’s Draft Delivery Program & Budget 2015-2019 on public exhibition. 

The Draft Delivery Program and Budget 2015-2019 outlines Council’s key priorities, capital improvement projects and fees and charges.  The document will be on exhibition until 22 May 2015.

Pittwater Council’s Mayor, Jacqui Townsend said the Delivery Program for the next four years aims to deliver some key projects including the road, bridge and footpath at Macpherson Street, Warriewood, improvements to the Church Point precinct including the carpark and foreshore development, the Mona Vale Skate Park development and nearly $1m on footpath and public transport connectivity.

Council’s General Manager, Mr Ferguson said Pittwater Council remains in a financially sustainable position after taking into account all known 2015/16 financial information into its draft budget.

“All of Council’s financial indicators demonstrate that we exceed the Local Government Industry benchmarks,” added Mr Ferguson.

He said pleasingly, Council’s budget forecast for the period 2015-2016 is projecting an operating profit of $1.2 million for the coming financial year, excluding any capital investments.

“In addition, the proposed budget for the 2015/16 year involves a Major Works Program of $39.943 million with $26.863 million on capital works and $13.080 million on recurrent maintenance works programs. 

“This demonstrates Council’s ability to undertake major infrastructure programs within a financially sustainable budget framework,” said Mr Ferguson.               

Residents will also have an opportunity to provide final feedback on the Draft Delivery Program and Budget 2015-2019 at a public meeting being held on Wednesday 13 May from 6.30pm at the Coastal Environment Centre, North Narrabeen. To RSVP for the meeting call:  9970 1224.

The Draft Delivery Program and Budget 2015-2019 is on exhibition for comment until Friday 22 May.  The documents are available on the Council’s website atwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/yoursay or at Council offices and libraries at Avalon and Mona Vale.

Download Pittwater Council’s Draft Delivery Program & Budget 2015-2019 . - (PDF: 2.90MB)

Domestic Waste Audit

Pittwater Council will be conducting surveys of residential waste and recycling (paper and container) and garden organics bins to ensure Council’s domestic waste service is meeting the needs of the community.

The company EC Sustainable will be undertaking the survey on behalf of Council. The survey will include the collection and bagging of waste bin contents of randomly selected households in the Pittwater local government area. The collection will take place from the kerbside on a household’s normal waste, recycling (paper and container) and garden organic collection days. To ensure unbiased results, no further notification will be provided to households being surveyed.

Conditions of the project prohibit the public reporting of any specific details related to any personal information, meaning the data collected is confidential. The survey will take place between 11-22 May 2015.

*Disclaimer: EC Sustainable was engaged to conduct the survey on behalf of Pittwater Council. Pittwater Council is not responsible for any claims of damage or breach of the Privacy Act as a result of the survey. Only information relating to the weight, type and composition of waste will be collected. No personal information including address, names and location will be collected.

If you are concerned with the leaking of personal information, please ensure the secure destruction of any personal documents prior to disposal during the survey period.

For enquires please contactECeducation_team@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or 9970 1194.

 Avalon Craft Cottage at Dee Why 

A very warm Hello to all our loyal customers....... and, at last, some good news for all those friends of the Craft Cottage who have been anxiously waiting on a Notice about our 2015 stalls.

Those of you who keep up to date with all our news on the Avalon Craft Cottage Facebook page will already have the information on hand, but for everyone else ....finally... I am now able to confirm all our booking dates up until end JULY.

In June we are off to St Ives Village (on Mona Vale Rd), another full week, Monday 8th June to Sunday 14th.

Our knitters have all been hard at work all year getting ready for these first two stalls.....the cooler weather is here and out come the scarves, gloves, socks and knee rugs .... so colorful and so very very warm.

In July we will be heading north for our annual BACK TO AVALONshow at the Avalon Recreation Centre, Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon - THREE DAYS ONLY.... 10th, 11th & 12th July.

Lots to look forward: hundreds of beautiful handcrafted items perfect for gift giving, or even better to splurge on for yourself or your home. And this show at Avalon is where the members really have the opportunity to show off their work ...... gorgeous babywear; exquisite hand-painted silk .. scarves, wall hangings & purses; children's knitted cardigans, jumpers and jackets; colorful beaded jewellery; timber bowls, platters & boxes; ceramics; colorful hand knitted knee rugs ; and hundreds of handcrafted cards.

For those of you who have not as yet become one of our Facebook friends...please LIKE our page and consider becoming a 'Friend'. And if you are an A.C.C. friend please help spread the word and let all your Friends know of our activities. 

Otherwise, watch this space for any further information.

Hope to see many familiar faces at the next few shows,

Maureen Darcy-Smith. Publicity Officer

 Blue Star Sustainability Awards - Keep NSW Beautiful

Calling all people dedicated to our environmental future - Our Blue Star Sustainability Awards are now open! These annual awards aim to reward both individuals and group projects in NSW which are committed to promoting responsible environmental practices in their local areas. There are 10 different award categories, each with a regional and metropolitan winner. To enter, all you have to do is submit a short form online - it couldn't be easier! 

Entries close on Wednesday the 20th of May 2015, so if this sounds like you, someone you know, or a project currently underway in your local area, head to our page and get entering! 

See: ow.ly/KO0vE

 Boomerang Bag Avalon Sewing Bees Now Every Tuesday

Surfrider Foundation and  Living Ocean

Thank you to everyone who's been involved in the initiative so far, we've got a wonderful group of regular sewing bee volunteers who are really starting to kick some goals!

Thanks to support from Pittwater Council we can now afford to rent out Avalon Recreation Centre every Tuesday, which is very exciting news!! 

So make sure you pop into Avalon Recreation Centre on Tuesdays, anytime from 11am-5pm and come join the team. All welcome, no sewing skills needed, we need people to cut material, stamp and of course to come along and have a cuppa.

I'd like to also say a big thank you to Laurel who is our lead sewing bee coordinator, we couldn't be running the program without her dedication and patience. 

Jessica Hensman, Operations Manager

PO Box 968, Mona Vale NSW 1660, Surfrider Foundation

E: operations@surfrider.org.au W: www.surfrider.org.au 

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2015
 
June
6: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
13: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
19: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing      

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Cricket

AGE/SEX: 10 years / M

Cricket is quite an active boy for his age. He is sweet and attentive with people and loves kids. He walks well on loose lead and does not pay attention to passing dogs or cars. He is a sweet happy boy with a short coat and weighs a tiny 4kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. His adoption cost is $350

For further details or to meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visitwww.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs.www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

Bushcare in Pittwater - May 2015:Pittwater Council's Cooee Newsletter - May to June 2015: HERE

For further information or to confirm the meeting details for below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367

Sun May 17 
Angophora Res 8:30-11:30am 
Crecent Res 9-12pm 

Sat May 23 
Nth Newport Beach 8:30-11:30am 
Careel Creek 8:30-11:30am 

Sun May 24 
Bungan Beach 8-11am 
Winn Bay 9-12pm 
Kundibah Res 8-11am 
Sat May 30 
Bushcare Workshop 

 April 26 -  May 2, 2015: Issue 211

 Articles This Week

Front Page Issue 211: 

ANZAC Day 2015: Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch's Dawn Service and 11am March and Commemoration Service - Hon. Robert Stokes Commemoration Address

Aquatics: 100 Years 100 Boats – Thousands Attend Gallipoli Landing Commemoration - One Hundred Surfboats to Mark 100 Years - report + photos by Jamie Nilsson

ANZAC Centenary Commemoration Service - Warringah and Mackellar Federal Electorates April 19th, 2015 at Warriewood: transcription of Governor of New South Wales' Address and ANZAC CENTENARY PROLOGUE by Mr. Bill Hardman

Pittwater Council to Purchase Avalon Beach Bowling & Recreation Club’s Green 3 - Keeping our Community’s Future 'Fitting'

Avalon Beach SLSC 90th Anniversary Exhibition, Curated by Geoff Searl ABHS and Celebrations: May 1-3, 2015: All events open to everyone + second delivery of wonderful WA Wines for fundraiser now available: order by the 10th May and pick up on Friday the 22 May.

Northern Beaches attractions feature at this year’s St Ives Show

Pictures: Worst Storm in Pittwater since May 1974? - Pictures from our Readers + Pittwater Council's Notices regarding Clean Up and Hon. Stokes - Pittwater and Warringah Declared Natural Disaster Zones

WALK THE PLANK ON 'NOTORIOUS' - All pirates welcome!! at RMYC: The Story of the Notorious Caravel by Felicite Wylie

Japan : Australian Perspectives 6 May 2015-24 May 2015 at the Incinerator Art Space, sample of works by Pittwater photographer Adrian Boddy and date/s for talk by same gentleman and other participants

Park Bench Philosopher: Poems About Gallipoli: Published in Australian Periodicals and Newspapers – 1915: By those who were there...and those left here to wait...

Artist of the Month: Artist of the Month May 2015 - Jamie Nilsson: A photographer for Surf Life Saving New South Wales and Digital Communications Officer, the owner of Roar Digital Services. this month we share some of Jamie's stunning images

Profile: April 2015 - Pittwater Ladies - Jamie Nilsson: You meet a lot of great people on the beach at surf life saving carnivals. This last season (2014-15)we’ve met one of the nicest and most talented photographers working on bringing us all some of the best moments at each event. Just shy of the big 30, this week we share an insight into one of SLSNSW hard workers to celebrate the close of the 2014-15 Patrol Season

History: April 2015 -  Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay at - Jonah's Road House and Restaurant: As we head into the last week of Summer, and towards the golden days of Autumn, a run of four Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay in, and enjoy the place around you, may inspire a few days away from chores where good food and great memories can be created.

Aussies 2015 - Newport Surf Club Place 2nd!

Due to weather events this week all of you have also experienced we have been unable to finish our Aussies 2015 Wrap Report.

It will run in Issue 212.

Suffice to say that Newport Surf Club  has done extremely well placing 2nd. Newport had 327  Participants, 180  Teams and secured 183 Points with 507 Participations.

Georgia Miller was awarded Most Outstanding  Female Competitor and that is just one of the great results

Aussies 2015

Events: 127

Participants: 3503

Participations: 12671

Top: Picture: Georgia [right] with coach Trent Herring and Lara Moses after the under 19 ironwoman final. Picture courtesy SLS SNB

 Young Wildlife Carer Speaks to NSW Premier Mike Baird

One of Pittwater's young wildlife carers, Kayleigh Greig, daughter of the lady who curates our Southern Cross Wildlife Care Critter of the Month column, this page, recently enlisted our Premier's help to prevent more tragic wildlife deaths on our roads. 

Premier Baird met and cuddled baby Sara Wombat and some other native animals that have been orphaned as a result of road accidents. It has been a very trying week in Sydney with the storms and flooding, so Kayleigh was very impressed that Premier Baird was able to spare time to hear what help we need with the issue of protecting our precious wildlife. He has a wonderful team and we look forward to working together to protect Australia's national treasures.- 

Lynleigh Greig

Top: Kayleigh with Premier Baird - Picture courtesy Lynleigh Greig

 Playtime for Princess Sailors on Pittwater

Palm Beach Sailing Club will be hosting their annual Princess Regatta this Saturday May 2nd at the Iluka and Sand Point Lane Boat Ramp for a 1230 pm start sailing a short marathon style course.

“This is a fun regatta that promotes and encourages the girls and crew to take the lead and helm”, says Linda Renouf from PBSC.  “It can really boost their confidence and make them more understanding of what their skipper does. We also encourage the princesses to think out of the box when it comes to their princess identity, think Princess Leah, Warrior Princess although the we love seeing the Disney princesses too.“

The regatta sees all type of sailors from first time female skippers to the more experienced.  The guys can participate as long as they make an attempt to look like a princess which definitely adds to the entertainment value of the regatta.

There will also be an after race barbeque at the Palm Beach Sailing clubhouse at 1 Iluka Rd in Palm Beach.

Palm Beach Sailing club is an off the beach multihull sailing club.  At the moment there are a few boats looking for experienced female skippers, primarily on Hobie 16s.  

Interested girls, please contact Linda Renouf at ljrenouf@aol.com or visit their facebook site www.facebook.com/groups/pbscoz

Flags Set on 2014/15 Patrol Season

Fri 24 April, 2015 – SLS NSW

Volunteer surf lifesavers will lower the flags on NSW beaches this Sunday 26 April after an action-packed and busy season, which began back in September.

The 21,000 active patrolling members have collectively given over 500,000 hours of their time to ensure that beachgoers around NSW were protected throughout the season.

Favourable weather over the summer holidays and a warm start to autumn meant that an estimated seven million people visited a beach this season, and they certainly kept the lifesavers busy!

Preliminary data*shows that 5,627 rescues have been carried out and 8,850 first aid treatments ranging from cuts, to broken bones, and spinal injuries have been administered.

A key focus this season has been lifesavers intervening in situations before they became potentially dangerous, and as a result over 130,000 preventative actions were undertaken.

These actions include things such as asking swimmers to swim between the flags, and communicating to the public, hazards such as sandbars, submerged rocks and powerful currents.

Sadly there have been 29 coastal drownings since the start of July which is below the ten-year-average for the second year in a row.

NSW Lifesaving Manager Andy Kent praised all the volunteers for their commitment to surf safety, while also reminding people to stay safe along the coast during the cooler months. “The dedication and commitment shown by all our volunteer lifesavers has been fantastic, and we thank them very much for their efforts. They have certainly had a busy season and have risen to the challenges along the way,” Mr Kent said.

“Although the official season ends this weekend and our members will be taking a well-deserved break over winter, surf life saving assets will be on stand-by to respond to any coastal incident through our Surf Rescue Emergency Response System. Keeping people safe is a 365-day-a-year job, and one all of our lifesavers take seriously.”

Some beaches across the state will be patrolled by council lifeguards throughout winter. For patrol times and further information, please see the Beachsafe Website.

Mr Kent also highlighted the many opportunities for surf life saving members to hone their skills over the break.

“Many of our members will also use the winter to keep their skills sharp by competing in the Inflatable Rescue Boat Series and to further their education by taking part in a range of refresher or advanced rescue or first aid training courses.

“It’s an opportunity for them to keep in touch with their club mates, and upgrade their qualifications so they’re ready and able to volunteer again next season,” he concluded. The 2015/16 Patrol Season will commence on Saturday 19 September 2015.

KEY 2014/15 SEASON STATS:

• 21,250 Patrolling Members

• 8,850 First Aids Performed

• 5,627 Rescues

• 132,191 Preventative Actions

*Information correct as of 24 April 2015. Complete statistics from the 2014/15 season will be available from the end of June.

 Marine Rescue Broken Bay Boat Raffle

Drawn on Monday 8th of June, 2015 at 12 noon at Royal Motor Yacht Club.

Support our local Volunteers. See: www.mrbrokenbay.com.au

Pictured above - BBMR Volunteers at Palm Beach Markets this morning - April 26th, 2015.

 Emergency response underway in Pittwater

24 April 2015

Emergency response for residents in Pittwater is well underway – as Council staff continue to work with State Emergency Services and contractors to clear large trees and vegetation debris as quickly as possible.

Pittwater Council’s Mayor, Jacqui Townsend said in the wake of the recently declared natural disaster in Pittwater, safety for residents continues to be our first priority. 

“Vegetation removal trucks will be working their way systematically through every street in Pittwater over the coming weeks.  Residents should leave vegetation that can’t fit into bins in manageable bundles on the kerbside. 

“For larger branches that are too big to be manually loaded into the removal trucks, these will be collected separately at a later date by tree contractors with a chipper,” said Cr Townsend.

Residents are reminded to ensure the debris is placed on the kerbside, as collections will not remove debris from inside private properties. 

The clean-up process is for vegetation only and will not involve the collection of other storm damage such as broken furniture or household material.  For this service residents should contact 9970 1233 for a general goods clean-up service, which is offered to residents free-of-charge twice a year.

Mayor Townsend praised Pittwater residents, saying they are a fine example of how our community joins forces in the face of adversity to help one another.

“I sincerely thank Surf Life Saving Northern Beaches, Newport and Avalon Surf Life Saving Clubs and Lakeside Caravan Park for opening their doors to provide shower facilities for our community.

“The opportunity to have a hot shower, when you have no power for days on end – goes a long way to help cope during times of hardship.

“Again I thank all our residents for their continued patience, this is a major undertaking and will take some time to complete.

Pittwater Council will continue to update the website with information as our emergency response and clean-up continues.   See: Storm Emergency Information at  www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au 

Residents are advised to contact the SES on 132 500 for emergency assistance for property damage on private land or for trees on private land causing damage.

For those experiencing electrical wires down in your street or near your home, please contact Ausgrid Emergency on 13 13 88.

Pittwater Council’s Customer Service, on 9970 1111 is able to assist you in accessing help regarding trees on public land that are posing a risk to safety; flooding as a result of drainage issues on public land or damage to public buildings or Council infrastructure. 

Natural disaster relief may be available to residents experiencing hardship. For more information:  www.mpes.nsw.gov.au

25 April 2015

We hope you are all getting back on your feet!

To assist with disposal of spoiled food waste, from 1pm this Monday Council will provide dedicated skip bins for residents' use at Beeby Reserve Car Park, Mona Vale (near the Girl Guide Hall).

This special waste service is for FOOD WASTE ONLY and will run from 1pm MON 27 April to 5pm FRI 1 May.

For updated storm emergency information, visit our webpage: http://ow.ly/M69a9

____________________________________

Pittwater and Warringah Declared Natural Disaster Zones

 23 April 2015

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today said Pittwater and Warringah are among 12 local government areas across NSW to be declared Natural Disaster Zones.

The joint declaration has been made by the State and Federal Government in response to the catastrophic storms which have swept across NSW this week and means financial assistance will now be activated for local families, councils, small businesses and community groups which have been adversely affected.

“Unfortunately Pittwater and Warringah are among the most affected areas in NSW,” Rob Stokes said today. 

“The scale of the destruction we have seen throughout our community is frightening. 

“The enormous clean-up is now underway and the State and Federal Governments are seeking to offer financial assistance to those with limited means to recover from this disaster. 

“Our local emergency service personnel have done an incredible job under terrible circumstances - but there’s a huge amount of work still to do. 

“Information on the disaster assistance programs which have now been activated for residents in Pittwater and Warringah can be found on the NSW Ministry for Police and Emergency services website www.mpes.nsw.gov.au/nddassistance “, Rob Stokes said.

______________________________________

This week's Pictorial records images by residents and our local Rural Fire Brigades who have worked tirelessly to assist those worst affected by this storm

Unreliable taxi service for seniors living north of Dee Why. 
A Suggested Solution?

As many older residents  cease to drive, we depend on public transport and occasionally on taxis to get home especially with  heavy luggage. The Manly Warringah Taxis used to offer a good service, and one could always find a taxi parked at the rank in Mona Vale or phone and they came fairly soon.  However, this has changed and one is lucky to find a cab at the only rank in Mona Vale. Waiting with luggage at the empty rank, as I have several times experienced can be  for over an hour or more  before  any taxis arrive, even after one has phoned for one. It’s especially the case on some  wet days when more cabs are in demand,  and at certain times in the mid afternoon.  Taxi  drivers complain about  their poor financial returns, and I sympathise with them because they sometimes wait for hours at the stand without passengers and then find they are losing money  and stop driving  cabs, which means even less are available.

So the problem has become worse, as fewer cabs are available and disappointed passengers give up relying on them.

What can be done done to provide older people with better transport?.  One solution might  be for Pittwater Council  to subsidise a small feeder bus service from the Mona Vale area to Palm Beach and suburbs on the way that runs half hourly in daytime from near the main bus stops ,  which could  take people to their homes,  charging by distance as taxis do . Pensioners could have a discount to help with the costs. There is an urgent need for better transport for older people who no longer drive!!

Dr Ruth Fink Latukefu
Newport Beach. 

 CALLING ALL ARTISTS IN PITTWATER 

- PCA Survey

Please take the time to fill out this survey as Pittwater Community Arts has been going for ten years and we are looking to see if there are any new directions we should be going in and your input would be most welcome.

Please click on link for the survey: 

Surveymonkey.Pittwatercommunityarts

We are having a Forum on the 25th May Monday night 6-8.30pm Mona Vale Hall with Dr Sally Watterson as the facilitator for the evening. Anyone from Pittwater is welcome to share suggestions. RSVP by Friday 22nd May to email:lorriemay@bigpond.com

The survey will close on Friday 15 May 2015.

Lorrie Morgan, President PCA

 Take part - Manly Arts Festival 

Manly Arts Festival 2015 celebrates its 22nd year. This year, as always, we’re celebrating the magic of creativity in Manly, with a broad range of exciting events featuring prominent musicians, visual artists and dance performers.

Council is inviting participation by artists, performers and cultural groups to join this exciting arts program that gets underway from Friday 18 through to Sunday 27 September 2015.

You can apply online here. Application deadline is Friday 22 May 2015. 

 2015 Sydney Wildlife Courses

Sydney Wildlife members rescue, rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife and educate the community about native wildlife and its habitat. If you live in Sydney and are at least 18 years old you can apply to complete a two-day Rescue & Care Course and become a member of Sydney Wildlife. Once you have completed the initial course and gained some experience you can go on to do other specialised training courses. Examples of specialised courses include baby possums, baby birds, flying-foxes (bats), macropods (such as wallabies and kangaroos), Raptors (such as birds of Prey) and snake relocation.

Sydney Wildlife Rescue & Care Course:

Rescue & Care courses entail two full days training; are held every 3 months and are always on a weekend.

2-3 May,  1-2 August and 31 October - 1 November

However, occasionally additional courses are operated, so keep an eye on the website for news and information about the Rescue & Care Course.

The cost of attending the Rescue & Care Course is $100.00 per person (or $130 for 2 people who live at the same address and will be sharing materials). The fee includes a rang of materials; start up equipment and resources and a license fee of $30.00 per person.

If you go out to work, own pets or live in a unit you can still be a rescuer or carer.

Places are limited so if you would like to train to become a wildlife rescuer and carer, request an information package as soon as possible. If you are requesting a package on-line and don't have access to a printer, remember to inlcude your name and postal address so that the information can be posted to you.

Got any questions? For more information or to register please email training@sydneywildlife.org.au or call 02 9413 4300.

Find out more at: www.sydneywildlife.org.au

Avalon Beach SLSC 90th Anniversary Exhibition and Celebrations
May 1-3, 2015

Avalon Beach SLSC is celebrating its 90th Anniversary this May with all past and present members invited to join in the celebrations across the first weekend in May.
An historical exhibition will be on display in the Clubs main hall throughout the weekend of May 2-3, curated by Geoff Searl, President of the Avalon Beach Historical Society and a long term member of Avalon Beach SLSC. Many who have visited past ABHS Exhibitions would know there’s always items not seen before, one especially loaned example which we share this week.

The Clubhouse will be open throughout the weekend for anyone to visit and have a look at the exhibition. A gold coin entrance donation will be put towards vital equipment the volunteer members of the club use in saving lives.
Full story HERE
Above ABHS and Avalon Beach SLSC member Geoff Searl in 75th Anniversary shirt and cap - AJG Picture.

 Pittwater RSL's CLUBGRANTS - GRANT ROUND OPEN

The 2015 ClubGRANTS Category 1 Grant Round for the Pittwater LGA is open! We invite Local Community Organisations to apply online. 

Applications for Category 1 Grants can only be made online. To commence an application, please use the link below. NB This link is only operational whilst the Grant Round is open - from January to April. 

The process is fairly straightforward and, once started, you can save your application and return to it at anytime up to lodgement. We have included a Helpful Hints for Applicants link below, to help you with your submission.

Successful ClubGRANTS recipients are required to submit a progress report, using a ClubGRANTS Standard Funding Report form, approximately 6 months after receipt of their funds. This report MUST be lodged prior to any further applications being made. To download a PDF of the ClubGRANTS Standard Funding Report form, please use the link provided. Completed forms can be emailed or mailed to the Club.

Please Note - The annual closing date for Category 1 ClubGRANTS is 30th April

The ClubGRANTS scheme (formerly known as CDSE) was established in 1998. The funding is allocated in accordance with the ClubGRANTS Guidelines, as published by OLGR (the Office of Liqor, Gaming & Racing) and is primarily for the provision of frontline services to the local community.

Category 1 - Funding for specific local community priorities such as Welfare & Social Services, Community Development, Health Services & Employment Assistance Activities.

Please use the Community tab on this website and look under Community Grants for more information regarding ClubGRANTS funding, including Guidelines, FAQ, How to Apply and more.

All information at: www.pittwaterrsl.com.au/club-grants-how-to-apply

 Recognising carers in the Northern Beaches community – nominate a carer for some “me time” 

20 April 2015

Leading national age care and disabilities services provider, Just Better Care (JBC), is running a competition to support carers in the Northern Beaches area, to recognise the many hours of unpaid work they provide.

Chief operations officer, JBC, Trish Noakes (owner of Northern Beaches JBC) said there are 2.7 million unpaid carers in Australia – or one in ten people.

“Carers are amazing people who provide support for a friend or family member, who due to illness, disability, age or mental health issues cannot cope without their support. They are unpaid and often unrecognised, but are the backbone of our community,” Mrs Noakes said.

The competition asks people to nominate a carer they know and enter their name and postcode on the JBC website to enter a drawer to win one of 30, four hour respite packages, worth over $5000.

“Carers can be full-time, part-time, juggling other jobs or be a friend or relative. But the common bond is their determination to help someone they care about,” Mrs Noakes said.

“Carers often talk of the isolation of their roles, and the importance of taking the time to relax and do things they enjoy. That is why respite for the person they are caring for is so important – getting someone else to look after that person and making time available for the carer to relax or unwind.”

Mrs Noakes said with the aged population set to skyrocket in the coming years, the role of carers would be increasingly significant: “Carers save the taxpayer billions of dollars each year – so it is important to recognise their important role in our local Northern Beaches community and celebrate their dedication and determination.

“I encourage you to nominate a carer for this prize and help them have some extra me time or time out for themselves,” Mrs Noakes said.

To enter, visit the website at http://justbettercare.com/carers. The competition closes on June 30.

About Just Better Care

Just Better Care leads Australia in the provision of in-home support for aged people, people living with a disability and people requiring in-home support, enabling them to live independently at home, maintain their personal and social connections and enjoy a better quality of life. Just Better Care operates 31 offices around Australia.

 FREMANTLEMEDIA AUSTRALIA CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THEIR GROUND-BREAKING BLUE SKY DRAMA INITIATIVE

Media Release: Wednesday 15 April 2015

FremantleMedia Australia (FMA) is calling for ambitious ideas and people to be part of the most innovative international story development initiative in Australia. Partnering with Screen Australia, the Blue Sky Drama Initiative is a program for the development of original and compelling drama series by Australians for audiences and platforms outside the traditional marketplace.

Blue Sky will provide Australian writers with a unique opportunity to explore from an embryonic stage projects that lend themselves to global exploitation. The scheme will encourage local writing talent to stretch their imaginations and work practices as they work alongside an international script mentor who will challenge and stimulate their thinking and provide an international filter for their work.  Where projects are not writer led, ie the creator is a director or creative producer, FMA will work with the creator to attach a writer to the project. The successful applicants will be further rewarded with ongoing financial and creative participation in any successful project.

The initiative will develop and test ambitious ideas for the screen and create materials (bibles and first draft scripts) ready for international exploitation. Two successful applicants in round 1 will participate in:

1.A five-day development workshop with an International Script Mentor.

2. Consultation and guidance from FMA drama executives and the International Script Mentor as the projects are developed to a bible and then first draft script stage ready for commissioning.

Where the successful applicants are not based in NSW, FMA will provide flights and accommodation accordingly.

To submit a project for consideration, please visit the FMA website to download a copy of the application formwww.fremantlemedia.com.au

Email your completed application form along with your CV by 9am Monday 4 May 2015 to bluesky@fremantlemedia.com.au

For application enquiries please contact Shay Spencer –

Email: bluesky@fremantlemedia.com.au or Phone: 02 9434 0725

TRIVIA NIGHT FOR WATER - 23 May 2015

Time: 7pm – 10pm

Venue: Avalon Recreation Centre

Cost: $25 per person

Book a table of 10 or we can place you!

PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT  OUR PROJECTS IN PITTWATER’S 

SISTER VILLAGE

In July a group of self-funded volunteers from our  community will travel to Timor Leste to a small school in Salau, a sub village of Soibada. 

There is currently no clean water for the children. We need to raise money for guttering, tanks and the TANKPRO to sterilise the water.

Bookings:tamara.harding@bigpond.com 

 AVALON BEACH RSL - MORNING TEA MESSAGE

We are hosting a Biggest Morning Tea to help raise vital funds for cancer research and support services. In recent times our staff, family and friends have been personally affected by cancer and we would like to show our support through this cause.

We will be hosting our morning tea on Thursday the 28th May from 9-11am. All are welcome and we will be asking for a gold coin donation on attendance along with other fundraising activities such as raffles etc. You can help us, and get involved, by attending or making a donation! Let's raise our cups and together we'll beat cancer. More at: HERE 

 

“PLEDGE TO PLANT – EARTH DAY, APRIL 22, 2015” 

Be a part of the biggest grass-root effort in history by planting a seed/tree as a “give back” to Earth. 

It's an old Native American tradition that when you take something from the Earth, you must put something back. Earth Day 2015 will be a global "give back to Earth" event, as an "offering" for all the planet gives us. Our goal is to plant one billion seeds/trees. Please plant something that is organic, perennial and suitable to the growing conditions in your area. If the temperature is not conducive to planting on April 22nd, please start growing a plant indoors or commit to planting your tree once the outdoor temperature is warm enough. If you live in an apartment, please plant something in a container or donate a tree to a garden in your area. Please nurture your plantings, like children, until they can sustain themselves on their own. 

It is important to keep a certain portion of the planet covered with forests as it is essential for regulating the distribution of rain and snow over the surface, thus, controlling the climate. Every tree planted will assist in stabilizing the climate and provide habitat for various species. 

PLEDGE TO PLANT: Link: forestnation.com/earth-day-tree-planting/

We need your assistance in contacting local organizations, business establishments, schools/universities in your area to get them involved. There is a group page on Facebook for the planning of the event. Feel free to join and offer whatever assistance you can. Everyone is welcome…All ideas are welcome.

See Event page HERE

 Creative workshop for artists

Manly Council has an upcoming exhibition (8 May - 28 June 2015) at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum called Saltwater Country which explores the Aboriginal concept of “country” as a connection to land and place of birth, only in this case specifically in a coastal context. 

As a companion project to Saltwater Country, council is hosting a workshop to encourage artists to produce works around the themes of the coastal environment and sea level rise from climate change. 

•Date: Friday 24 April 2015: Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm

•Cost: Free, materials supplied - More info:Katherine.Roberts@manly.nsw.gov.au or 9976 1418

 Funds To Improve Local War Memorials

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes is encouraging local veteran’s groups, community associations, councils and schools to consider applying for funds to help improve local war memorial sites. 

The NSW Government’s Community War Memorial Fund is providing grants up to $10,000 to repair and conserve community memorial sites, including cenotaphs, commemorative walls, honour boards and flagpoles. 

“War memorials are a key part of the history and social fabric of our community,” Rob Stokes said today. 

“They serve as a constant reminder of the enormous sacrifices local residents have made in defence of our country.

“It’s through these sacred sites and tributes that our shared history is conveyed and passed to younger generations.

“They are as much about respect as they are about remembrance and ensuring they are properly maintained is absolutely vital. 

“Applications for funds will be accepted until Anzac Day this year.

“Project applications will be assessed by the State War Memorials Committee. The NSW RSL, NSW Government’s Architect’s Office and the Office of Veterans Affairs are represented on the Committee,” Rob Stokes said.

Applications can be made by visitingveterans.nsw.gov.au/community-war-memorials-fund or by contacting the NSW Office of Veteran’s Affairs on 9228 4710.

 Seniors Toy Repair Group needs your help

Volunteers are sought to help out on Wednesday mornings (7.30am to midday) at the group's workshed in Ingleside. Volunteers need their own transport and be willing to sort and clean toys that are picked up at different collection points on the Northern Beaches. 

Prospective volunteers can email Mary Kitchen to arrange a visit to the workshed. To arrange a donation pickup please call Terry Cook on 0410 597 327 or email him. Find out more about this great community group HERE

Southern Cross Wildlife Care 

       Critter of the Month - April 2015           

                Hairy eye-balls...! 

“Dopey” got his dubious name for two reasons:
1. He was one of 7 little ‘dwarves’ who were orphaned;
2. He came in with unusually dopey-looking eyes.

He was brought to Dr Howard Ralph for a consultation about a month ago. Dr Ralph did a raft of eye tests to check for signs of deep penetrating injuries and to see if his retinae were still intact and free from scarification. 

He was diagnosed with entropion of the upper eyelids and ectropion of the lower eyelids. Entropion occurs when the eyelids begin to roll inwards, causing the eye-lashes and fur to irritate the cornea. Ectropion occurs when the eyelids begin to roll outwards, exposing the lacrimal puncta to bacteria. 

Left untreated, entropion would cause damage to the clear part of Dopey’s eye (cornea), it would lead to eye infections and eventual loss of vision.  So he was scheduled for surgery to reverse both conditions.

We anaesthetised Dopey for his procedure and 
Dr Ralph began the impossibly difficult task of operating on those miniscule eyelids. Dopey is only a baby ringtail with tiny eyes so it was a very stressful procedure for the team. It was a 2-hour operation.

Poor Dopey had to have his eyebrows and forehead fur shaved for the procedure so he looked a bit strange when he came out from under anaesthetic...!

He went home to his carer with instructions to give twice-daily pain relief and twice-daily antibacterial eye drops.

This week Dopey came back for a check-up. The swelling was well down and the eyelids were looking better. 

The left eye, however, will be requiring further surgery as the entropion hadn’t quite been completely reversed. Dopey has been scheduled for round 2 on Easter Monday. 

We will post another update when he has completed his second round of surgery.
Dopey has returned to his gang of buddies and he was swamped with love and cuddles (he’s the grey one in the middle of the reddish ones).

Ringtail possums are very gregarious little creatures that fret when they are without others of their own species. We didn’t want him to be apart from his gang for a lengthy period. 
We are confident that he will soon be free of the irritations of the entropion and will be another successful patient, free to enjoy his life in the wild.


By Lynleigh Greig
Southern Cross Wildlife Care


 

2015 Northern Beaches Local Business Awards

24 April 2015

Pittwater Council is a proud sponsor of the 2015 Northern Beaches Local Business Awards. The Awards celebrate business excellence, local talent and diversity to give recognition to our dynamic and sustainable business community.

Get Involved!

Have your say on Pittwater’s best local businesses as part of the 2015 Northern Beaches Local Business Awards!.

Business development and employment generation for Pittwater are recognised by the Council as being essential elements for sustainable economic growth in our town and village centres.

Businesses are critical to encouraging local activity, to enhance visitor experience and bring together a range of stakeholders to improve viability, inspire and be inspired. 

Nominations are now open for the 2015 Awards and interest is building fast.

• Register your business to be in to win and / or

• Vote for your favourite business before Friday 15th May 2015.

• Download voting coupons, or vote online atwww.thebusinessawards.com

The awards are open to all small businesses within the retail, service and manufacturing industry sectors. Any new business in the area is especially welcome to nominate!

New Mini Soccer Field at Careel Bay 

 A National Trust Heritage Festival Event - WITH HANDS OUTSTRETCHED

Sunday 3rd May, 2pm – 5pm

Newport Community Centre: 11-13 The Boulevarde Newport 

The Theme for this year’s National Trust Heritage Festival is Conflict & Compassion,  which ties into the centenary of the ANZACS.

Join Pittwater Community Arts to acknowledge two organisations which were born out of conflict.

Established 9 days after the outbreak of WW1, Red Cross has been woven into the fabric of Australian life for 100 years. 

See a short video highlighting its history and hear about its work.

Legacy grew out of the ashes of WW1, supporting families of Defence personnel who have given their lives for their country. Learn about its origins and its continuing mission.

The afternoon will conclude with High Tea. Cost: $10pp payable at the door.

For further information or to make a booking please phone Maureen  9913-1474

 Review of Sydney Water’s Licences

Review of Sydney Water Corporation’s sewage treatment Environment Protection Licences

Image by: Water treatment. Sydney Water Corporation.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is undertaking a five year statutory review of the environment protection licences held by Sydney Water Corporation (SWC) for the operation of its sewage treatment systems.

A state-owned corporation, Sydney Water holds twenty three licences for the sewerage systems it owns and operates across the Sydney, Illawarra and Blue Mountains areas.

The focus of the EPA licence review is to provide the community with an opportunity to contribute to the review and provide feedback on the conditions contained in the Sydney Water sewage treatment licences.

Further information about these licences and the review process are available at www.epa.nsw.gov.au 

How can you have your say?

If you are interested in providing comment, the EPA welcomes your written submission by 5:00pm on Friday 1st May 2015.

Formal Submission

Date: Mar. 30 - May. 1, 2015: Time: 9:00am — 5:00pm

Consultation Website: See:https://engage.environment.nsw.gov.au/sydney-water

 

Get your swimming pool questions answered

Do you worry about the safety of your pool enclosure and want to know whether it complies with current legislation? Pittwater Council will have an information stall for residents at the next Palm Beach Market to provide you with the answers to these questions.

Residents can head to Palm Beach Market on Sunday 26 April between 9am to 3pm to chat with council staff about their pool and are welcome to bring relevant photos or plans of their pool, to assist with their enquiries.

General Manager Mark Ferguson said staff will be on hand to explain to pool owners the new laws affecting backyard pools and spas introduced by the State Government last year.

“Under current laws, all privately owned pools and spas must be registered on a NSW-wide database,” he said.

“As of 29 April 2016 a pool owner must also obtain a swimming pool compliance certificate before they can sell or lease their property. This will be a compulsory requirement for any property with a swimming pool or spa.

“Council staff will be available to help residents understand what they need to do to comply with the new laws.

Mr Ferguson said the intent of the new laws is to protect children from unnecessary risk.

“The statistics are disturbing, with 60 children having drowned in NSW backyard swimming pools in the last 10 years.

“There are over 5500 backyard pools in Pittwater and we are undertaking an extensive education program to get the message out to all our residents.

“We believe that many of our residents will need to remedy their pool barriers and other aspects of their pool in order to meet the requirements.

“It is generally rare for a pool to comply on its first inspection. So we are urging residents to start looking into this matter sooner rather than later,” added Mr Ferguson.

Top: Pittwater Council staff at Palm Beach Markets - April 26th, 2015.

Foodies and wine lovers in for a treat

Foodies and wine lovers are in for a treat with Pittwater Council’s 2015 Food and Wine Fair held at the picturesque Winnererremy Bay in Mona Vale on Sunday 3 May.

Mayor Jacqui Townsend said this year’s fair will have an array of wines and food on offer, cooking demos, eco-stalls and a volunteer’s expo.

“I am particularly excited by the line-up of professional chefs that are participating in cooking demonstrations on the day,” said Cr Townsend.

“The emphasis will be showing us how we can incorporate both tasty and healthy meals within our busy lives.

“We will have cooking demos from Naked Food author Jane Grover, Judy Davie who runs an Avalon business called the Food Coach, along with nutritionist and expert on childhood fussy eaters, Lynsey Bradley.

“For those residents and visitors looking for some enjoyable entertainment, we will have the band Rockhouse featuring the great Aussie rock singer Angry Anderson, joined on stage by Voice participant Simon Meli.

“We will also hear from bands Money Penny, New Tricks as well as a couple of youth bands and  Pittwater High School band.

“The fair will also include a volunteer expo profiling many different volunteering opportunities including community transport, community service groups and disability services,” she said.

“You can also pick up useful tips on living sustainably and protecting our environment and collect free native plants,” said Cr Townsend.

The food and wine online competition is open until the May event, with entries limited to one per person. Visitwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/foodandwinefair to submit an entry.

Great prizes include a degustation lunch for four in the Hunter Valley and a private winery tour as part of the 2015 Pittwater Food and Wine Fair.

Other great prizes include a two-night stay at Currawong Cottages for four people, plus a hamper of Cooks Lot wines and goodies, and a face painting gift certificate to the value of $280.

Winners will be drawn at the Fair on Sunday 3 May and to be eligible for a prize in the competition, you must attend the fair and place your ticket in the barrel.

Recyclable/reusable wine ’glasses’ will be sold on the day from the Council stall for $5. These ‘glasses’ will be required to buy wine tastings from the wineries.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring drink bottles on the day which they can fill up at the water stations provided by Sydney Water.

The fair is proudly sponsored by URM, Kimbriki, McWilliams Mt Pleasant, Pittwater RSL, Molly’s Cradle Wines, Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce and Currawong Beach Cottages.

Winnererremy Bay Reserve is located at Mona Street, Mona Vale.  Residents and visitors are encouraged to cycle to the event if possible, with free bike racks available at the reserve. 

Parking is available at the Council car park adjacent to the reserve (pay and display) or at Pittwater High School for a small donation.

For more information about the Food & Wine Fair, contact Nikki Griffith on 9970 1165 or visitwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/foodandwinefair

 Books For Soibada

Friday April 17, 2015 

Tamara Sloper- Harding has taken more books south this week.On Friday a great selection left her house on their way to the Soibada fundraising sale at Mona Vale Library.

Tamara said “It is very hard to part with them but our shelves are overflowing! Hopefully it will help improve literacy in Soibada when we raise enough money for the Reading Room.”

So far the Robin Williams Movie nights at Mona Vale Library and the sale of these books has raised $1500.00 for the 'Pittwater Friends of Soibada'.

Pittwater Council’s General Manager praised the library for the fundraising initiative, saying it benefited the community of Soibada by providing access to books, which are in very short supply.

“Once the Reading Room is established, it will provide a repository for the books which will be purchased in the appropriate language (Tetun and Portugese).  These books will be cared for by a member of staff – who will open the room at specified hours, allowing access from villagers of all ages.

“Pittwater Council is pleased to part of the Reading Room initiative” added Mr Ferguson.

The next screening is Good Morning Vietnam on Thursday May 7th  from 6.00pm.

One final Robin Williams movie, a ‘People’s Choice’ is slated for Thursday June 11th. 

All screenings will take place in the Pelican Room at Mona Vale Library. 

As places are limited please book early to avoid disappointment.  Bookings can be made by calling 9970 1600 or at the library’s front desk.  The cost for this event is $5 per person, which include free refreshments

Top Photo: Community Development Librarian Mary Anderson, Angela Rudge and Tamara Sloper-Harding at the 'Dead Poets Society' movie night. 

 Avalon Craft Cottage at Dee Why 

A very warm Hello to all our loyal customers....... and, at last, some good news for all those friends of the Craft Cottage who have been anxiously waiting on a Notice about our 2015 stalls.

Those of you who keep up to date with all our news on the Avalon Craft Cottage Facebook page will already have the information on hand, but for everyone else ....finally... I am now able to confirm all our booking dates up until end JULY.

SO .... we start off with our big MOTHERS' DAY and MORE Stall .... to be held this time at DEE WHY GRAND, Cnr Sturdee Pde, Dee Why: Monday 27th April to Sunday 3rd May

As many of you will be aware, the usual venue for our Mothers' Day stall is Warriewood Square but with all the massive renovations going on at the centre at present we were not able to lease a large enough site to enable our members to put up a good display, so.... Dee Why Grand has the space we need, plenty of on-site parking, easy access from Pacific Parade and a bus stop right out the front....AND it's just a short trip down the road from Warriewood Square.

If coming by car, turn into the Sturdee Pde entrance and park downstairs, and then take the escalator to the main level, veer left and head towards the Pacific Parade entrance ...and look for the Craft Cottage display.

In June we are off to St Ives Village (on Mona Vale Rd), another full week, Monday 8th June to Sunday 14th.

Our knitters have all been hard at work all year getting ready for these first two stalls.....the cooler weather is here and out come the scarves, gloves, socks and knee rugs .... so colorful and so very very warm.

In July we will be heading north for our annual BACK TO AVALONshow at the Avalon Recreation Centre, Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon - THREE DAYS ONLY.... 10th, 11th & 12th July.

Lots to look forward: hundreds of beautiful handcrafted items perfect for gift giving, or even better to splurge on for yourself or your home. And this show at Avalon is where the members really have the opportunity to show off their work ...... gorgeous babywear; exquisite hand-painted silk .. scarves, wall hangings & purses; children's knitted cardigans, jumpers and jackets; colorful beaded jewellery; timber bowls, platters & boxes; ceramics; colorful hand knitted knee rugs ; and hundreds of handcrafted cards.

For those of you who have not as yet become one of our Facebook friends...please LIKE our page and consider becoming a 'Friend'. And if you are an A.C.C. friend please help spread the word and let all your Friends know of our activities. 

Otherwise, watch this space for any further information.

Hope to see many familiar faces at the next few shows,

Maureen Darcy-Smith. Publicity Officer

 Frackman The Movie - Avalon Beach - Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30pm

United Cinema - Avalon New South Wales, Australia 2107

Frackman The Movie promoted by Living Ocean

FILM COMMENCES AT 6.30PM

You MUST pre-book tickets BEFORE April 22 to secure your seat. TICKETS SELLING FAST! 

Frackman is like no other Australian film. It aims to spark a broad national conversation about the risks of our headlong rush into massive coal seam gas development. Five years in the making, it not only entertains and engages, it also gives audiences the tools to get involved in what is becoming the largest social movement our nation has seen in decades. It’s a deeply political film, but not the old style that is so badly failing us. This the New Politics, bringing together old and young, city and country, conservative and progressive in a shared effort to prevent an environmental catastrophe. Can we imagine any other issue that would bring together the likes of Alan Jones and Bob Brown? 

See it and find out why.

Book at: https://www.tugg.com/events/1526

 Blue Star Sustainability Awards - Keep NSW Beautiful

Calling all people dedicated to our environmental future - Our Blue Star Sustainability Awards are now open! These annual awards aim to reward both individuals and group projects in NSW which are committed to promoting responsible environmental practices in their local areas. There are 10 different award categories, each with a regional and metropolitan winner. To enter, all you have to do is submit a short form online - it couldn't be easier! 

Entries close on Wednesday the 20th of May 2015, so if this sounds like you, someone you know, or a project currently underway in your local area, head to our page and get entering! 

See: ow.ly/KO0vE

 

AN INVITATION TO A DAY AT CURRAWONG PITTWATER

THURSDAY, 7th May  2015

All welcome to board the special ferry  “Merinda” kindly donated by  Steve Reynolds of Palm Beach Hawkesbury River Cruises

DEPARTING PALM BEACH WHARF AT  9.15 AM - RETURNING AT 3.00 PM

AT CURRAWONG  -  ENJOY . . . . .

• The ambience of “MIDHOLME”

• GOLF  (byo gear)

• TENNIS (byo gear)

• BRIDGE/OTHER GAMES (byo bridge cards etc)

• SHORT BUSH and/or BEACH WALKS

• A LAZY DAY IN THE SUN

Morning tea and lunch will be supplied. Drinks by donation $3.00 per glass  Prizes to be won.

COST: $30.00 per person  -  (includes Ferry return trip, m/tea and lunch)

ALL PROCEEDS TO VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY

2015 will be Beryl’s 17th year driving in the Variety Bash in her 1963 EH HOLDEN CAR NUMBER 2108

Co drivers:  Elyse Cole and Viktorija McDonell

RSVP   MONDAY 20 APRIL or NO LATER THAN  Sunday 26 APRIL  to

BERYL – Telephone  0410 478 897   OR

ELYSE COLE  -  Telephone  0404 000 123   OR

BEV WILSON – Telephone 9918 9756  

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 12/4/2015 

click on Logo: 

Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

 Boomerang Bag Avalon Sewing Bees Now Every Tuesday

Surfrider Foundation and  Living Ocean

Thank you to everyone who's been involved in the initiative so far, we've got a wonderful group of regular sewing bee volunteers who are really starting to kick some goals!

Thanks to support from Pittwater Council we can now afford to rent out Avalon Recreation Centre every Tuesday, which is very exciting news!! 

So make sure you pop into Avalon Recreation Centre on Tuesdays, anytime from 11am-5pm and come join the team. All welcome, no sewing skills needed, we need people to cut material, stamp and of course to come along and have a cuppa.

I'd like to also say a big thank you to Laurel who is our lead sewing bee coordinator, we couldn't be running the program without her dedication and patience. 

Jessica Hensman, Operations Manager

PO Box 968, Mona Vale NSW 1660, Surfrider Foundation

E: operations@surfrider.org.au W: www.surfrider.org.au 

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2015
 
May
7: Avalon Stall, outside ANZ Bank, Bric-a-brac from 8 until 4pm
8: Avalon Stall, Outside ANZ Bank, Craft, from 9am until 4pm
9: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
15: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 
June
6: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
13: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
19: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing      

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Blaze

AGE/SEX: 2 years / M

BREED: Cattle Dog x Staffy

Blaze is a happy friendly energetic dog. He loves pats & cuddles and knows sit. Out on a walk he has lots of energy and wants to run. He is not interested in anything else for the first 30 mins of the walk, only running. Blaze is very social with other dogs and is easy to handle and pick up. He would suit an active family preferably who do some jogging. He has a short coat and weighs about 15kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. His adoption cost is $350. 

For further details or to meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visitwww.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs.www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

Bushcare in Pittwater - April 2015:Pittwater Council's Cooee Newsletter - March - April 2015: HERE

For further information and to confirm the meeting details for the below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367.
 
Sun April 26 
Bungan Beach 8-11am 
Winn Bay 9-12pm 
Kundibah Reserve 8-11am 
Community Planting Day - Turimetta Head 9-12pm 

 April 19 - 25, 2015: Issue 210

Articles This Week

Front Page Issue 210: 

Reflections by George Repin: ANZAC COVE (ARI BURNU) 25 April, 1997

ANZAC Day 2015: - Three Generations will be Marching at Avalon Beach this year to Honour Three Generations who served:  The GEE Family Are Proud of Our Service to Australia by V Gee

Aussies 2015: Avalon Beach SLSC's Antiques Women's Boat Crew Win Branch, States, National and Worlds in One Year - Palmy and Newport Champions are GOLD!

Sail Port Stephens 2015 - RPAYC’s Mark Griffith and Old School Hold Unbeatable Lead in IRC Division 2: last Day of Racing Today (19.4.2015); Tempo change at Sail Port Stephens by Lisa Ratcliff

Youth Week 2015 - Pittwater Council brings the Big Air School Back to Avalon Skate Park for School Holidays Fun Fest

Pictures: Avalon Bulldogs and Mona Vale Raiders Run Rampant In Hitchcock Park ! - the Junior Rugby League Football Season has commenced - some of the action from the Under 8's and Under 6's matches yesterday (18.4.2015)

First Place for First Sail Port Stephens 2015 Entry - RMYCBB's Dave Griffin Takes Divisional Honours by Lisa Ratcliff

Royal Visits to Australia by Jane Connors - A new book from the National Library of Australia that offers a catalogue of wonderful insights and rare images - our interview with the authoress 

Surfest 2015 - NBSC Wins for 5th Consecutive Year by Adriaan van der Wallen + great photographs by Hunter Key & others

Japan : Australian Perspectives 6 May 2015-24 May 2015 at the Incinerator Art Space, sample of works by Pittwater photographer Adrian Boddy and date/s for talk by same gentleman and other participants

25th Anniversary Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta - Queens Birthday long weekend: June 6-8, 2015 on Port Phillip hosted by the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, Victoria - NOR now available - by Lisa Ratcliff

Park Bench Philosopher: The Whiskey Trail by Warwick Dalzell

Pictures: Avalon Bulldogs and Mona Vale Raiders Run Rampant In Hitchcock Park ! - the Junior Rugby League Football Season has commenced - some of the action from the Under 8's and Under 6's matches yesterday (18.4.2015)

Aquatics: WALK THE PLANK ON 'NOTORIOUS' - All pirates welcome!! at RMYC next weekend: The Story of the Notorious Caravel by Felicite Wylie

INAUGURAL SYDNEY HARBOUR & COAST WALK - DAY 22 - THE ROCKS TO ELIZABETH BAY by John Illingsworth

DIY Hints:  Exterior Jobs to Keep Everything Dry and Cosy Inside the Home - Waterproof Checklist - Repoint your Roof, clean and check gutters, downpipes, ventilation, re-stain wood decking, 

“Marvellous” win for Ginger at 2015 MC38 Australian Championship: at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Days 1- 3 reports by Lisa Ratcliff - photos by Bob Fowler and McConaghy Boats

Food: Salt Cove on Pittwater has opened at the Royal Motor Yacht Club - the Perfect Berth for Mother's Day 2015 breakfast, lunch or dinner - somewhere exceptional for something outstanding!

Profile: April  2015 - Pittwater Ladies - Julie Janson: Since 1993, when her play Gunjies was first performed, this award-winning playwright has been adding value to our culture. The great grand-daughter of a Darug Hawkesbury river Aboriginal woman, and a lady of extraordinary inner and outer beauty, Julie has put aside being a playwright and released her first novel, The Crocodile Hotel. This week we share an insight on a life filled with paths less trodden...

History: April 2015 -  Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay at - Jonah's Road House and Restaurant: As we head into the last week of Summer, and towards the golden days of Autumn, a run of four Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay in, and enjoy the place around you, may inspire a few days away from chores where good food and great memories can be created.

Artist of the Month: Artist of the Month April 2015 - Leonie Barton: In 2014 Leonie took up a challenge to create an ephemeral artwork everyday. Prior to this a production manager, opening her own art supplies store and studio and being commissioned to become the background painter for international photographer, Anne Geddes, has inspired and furthered a wonderfully creative spirit.

 Report confirms Pittwater is 'Fit for the Future'

08 Apr 2015

Last night Pittwater Council reaffirmed its position to remain strongly opposed to one council for the Northern Beaches, recognising the recent KPMG analysis that has confirmed Pittwater is sustainable and fit for the future in its current form and structure.

Pittwater Council is however putting three options for structural change to the community—status quo, one council for the Northern Beaches and a Greater Pittwater/Greater Manly. 

Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend said: “In the history of contemporary Pittwater, there will never be a more crucial time to have your say.” 

Cr Townsend said that although Pittwater Council remains committed to a strong independent Pittwater providing local representation and delivery of local services, the NSW State Government’s Fit for the Future program requires all councils to consider structural changes. 

Pittwater and Manly councils commissioned KPMG to undertake an independent analysis of the structural options available to each council and examine the potential impacts of local government structural changes on the Northern Beaches. 

“Issues like development, environmental protection and management, community characteristics, levels of service delivery and local representation are held close to the heart in Pittwater; the KPMG analysis helps us understand the importance of these in the context of the three options,” Cr Townsend added.  

The latest research on the merger options has found that all options are financially viable. It also found that all Northern Beaches councils broadly meet the key Fit for the Future criteria, even in the absence of a merger. 

“Given all three options—status quo, three councils into two, and one council—have each been identified as a viable options, it’s important we talk openly with our community so that they fully understand the intricacies of all three options. 

“It’s now ultimately up to the people of Pittwater to decide if they want to stay as is, to be open to a boundary change or merge into a mega council,” says Cr Townsend. 

“I encourage all residents to review the information pack that will be sent to all Pittwater households in their mailbox or to view it at our website and then partake in one of Council’s engagement activities to have a say. 

“Whilst Pittwater remains viable according to the Fit for the Future criteria, the community needs to consider the non-financial advantages and disadvantages of the viable options—issues like local representation declining, our demographic profile changing and impacts to service delivery—the importance of these issues is something only our residents can tell us. 

“It’s now a matter for our community to consider and voice its opinion on the options available on the table—we need to hear what matters most to the people, before we can make our submission to the state government,” Cr Townsend added. 

Pittwater Council General Manager Mark Ferguson said that the KPMG review builds Pittwater’s evidence base on the potential impacts of local government reform on the Northern Beaches. 

“The findings provide strong evidence that all Northern Beaches councils already demonstrate ‘strategic capacity’ and already meet the state government’s Fit for the Future criteria. 

“It is now time for the Pittwater community to decide if it wants local government or regional government,” Mr Ferguson said.

To stay updated on potential mergers in Pittwater and to view background, report links and relevant website, visit:

www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/council/local_government_reform 

 A National Trust Heritage Festival Event - WITH HANDS OUTSTRETCHED

Sunday 3rd May, 2pm – 5pm

Newport Community Centre: 11-13 The Boulevarde Newport 

The Theme for this year’s National Trust Heritage Festival is Conflict & Compassion,  which ties into the centenary of the ANZACS.

Join Pittwater Community Arts to acknowledge two organisations which were born out of conflict.

Established 9 days after the outbreak of WW1, Red Cross has been woven into the fabric of Australian life for 100 years. 

See a short video highlighting its history and hear about its work.

Legacy grew out of the ashes of WW1, supporting families of Defence personnel who have given their lives for their country. Learn about its origins and its continuing mission.

The afternoon will conclude with High Tea. Cost: $10pp payable at the door.

For further information or to make a booking please phone Maureen  9913-1474

 Review of Sydney Water’s Licences

Review of Sydney Water Corporation’s sewage treatment Environment Protection Licences

Image by: Water treatment. Sydney Water Corporation.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is undertaking a five year statutory review of the environment protection licences held by Sydney Water Corporation (SWC) for the operation of its sewage treatment systems.

A state-owned corporation, Sydney Water holds twenty three licences for the sewerage systems it owns and operates across the Sydney, Illawarra and Blue Mountains areas.

The focus of the EPA licence review is to provide the community with an opportunity to contribute to the review and provide feedback on the conditions contained in the Sydney Water sewage treatment licences.

Further information about these licences and the review process are available at www.epa.nsw.gov.au 

How can you have your say?

If you are interested in providing comment, the EPA welcomes your written submission by 5:00pm on Friday 1st May 2015.

Formal Submission

Date: Mar. 30 - May. 1, 2015: Time: 9:00am — 5:00pm

Consultation Website: See:https://engage.environment.nsw.gov.au/sydney-water

Pittwater Mens Probus Club

Next Probus Activity: Wednesday 22 April - Narrabeen Lagoon Bush Walk

10am meet at Billarong Reserve

Contact John Harston 9940 0446

Location Details  

Probus is an association of active retirees who join together in the club to provide regular opportunities for them to keep their minds active, expand their interests and to enjoy the fellowship of new friends. Membership is open to anyone of good character who has had some measure of responsibility or achievement in any field of worthy endeavour.

Pittwater Mens Probus has no service club obligations and no fund raising activities.

Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am in the Mona Vale Golf Club.

Following the formal part of the meeting, coffee is served followed by a guest speaker which is the highlight of the monthly meeting.

 Monthly meetings every 2nd Tuesday at Mona Vale Golf Club.

Website: probus.pittwater.org.au

 INDIGENOUS FOOD & MEDICINE with FRANCES BODKIN

Thursday, April 23rd at 7:15pm - Narrabeen

Frances Bodkin, known to many as 'Aunty Fran', is a D’harawal woman of the Bitter Water Clans. Her mother was a storyteller, and her grandmother and great grandmother were medicine women. Not only is she now an elder, knowledge-holder and teacher of the D’harawal people, she is also a Western scientist with degrees in climatology, geomorphology and environmental science. Frances is also a recognised botanist, and is the author of 'Encyclopaedia Botanica', which has over 11,000 entries on Australian native plants. She has also published ‘D’harawal: Seasons and Climatic Cycles’, exploring ecological indicators of climatic changes. She works tirelessly to teach traditional Indigenous 'science' and enable a deeper understanding of, and an ability to care for, our natural environment.

"Having Aboriginal knowledge recognised as a science, to me, is one of the most passionate ambitions that I have. And Aboriginal knowledge is a science, because two of the most important elements of any of our sciences is observation and actual experience. And those observations and experiences have been put into story. Some of those observations - some of our science - goes back 80,000 years." Frances Bodkin - ABC, Message Stick.

Since 1998 Frances has worked as an Indigenous Education Officer at Mount Annan Botanic Gardens. This is where she combines her formidable knowledge of Australian botany with her invaluable knowledge of D’harawal creation, history and law, and shares her ancestors' stories to teach future generations about our environment and it's animals, birds and insects which inhabit the land.

"I shall be talking about the importance of plant associations in our bushland and in the production of our medicines and food. It is a subject which has been close to my heart for a very long while, and it has long been my dream to enable people to have their own chemist shop growing in their backyards, or even in common areas near their homes. I began this project before I left school, and have been collecting information ever since. As the technology became available I learned more, and added that knowledge to the work - which now, although still incomplete - numbers some 3,000 pages, and that is confined only to the Sydney Region." Fran says of her PNB presentation.

Please join us in welcoming Aunty Fran Bodkin to the northern beaches for an evening of aboriginal knowledge and science.

Thursday, April 23  at 7:15pm - 9:00pm

Lakeview Room, Narrabeen Tramshed Arts and Community Center, 1395 Pittwater Rd Narrabeen. 

permaculturenorthernbeaches.org.au

 

Get your swimming pool questions answered

10 Apr 2015

Do you worry about the safety of your pool enclosure and want to know whether it complies with current legislation? Pittwater Council will have an information stall for residents at the next Palm Beach Market to provide you with the answers to these questions.

Residents can head to Palm Beach Market on Sunday 26 April between 9am to 3pm to chat with council staff about their pool and are welcome to bring relevant photos or plans of their pool, to assist with their enquiries.

General Manager Mark Ferguson said staff will be on hand to explain to pool owners the new laws affecting backyard pools and spas introduced by the State Government last year.

“Under current laws, all privately owned pools and spas must be registered on a NSW-wide database,” he said.

“As of 29 April 2016 a pool owner must also obtain a swimming pool compliance certificate before they can sell or lease their property. This will be a compulsory requirement for any property with a swimming pool or spa.

“Council staff will be available to help residents understand what they need to do to comply with the new laws.

Mr Ferguson said the intent of the new laws is to protect children from unnecessary risk.

“The statistics are disturbing, with 60 children having drowned in NSW backyard swimming pools in the last 10 years.

“There are over 5500 backyard pools in Pittwater and we are undertaking an extensive education program to get the message out to all our residents.

“We believe that many of our residents will need to remedy their pool barriers and other aspects of their pool in order to meet the requirements.

“It is generally rare for a pool to comply on its first inspection. So we are urging residents to start looking into this matter sooner rather than later,” added Mr Ferguson.

Foodies and wine lovers in for a treat

14 Apr 2015

Foodies and wine lovers are in for a treat with Pittwater Council’s 2015 Food and Wine Fair held at the picturesque Winnererremy Bay in Mona Vale on Sunday 3 May.

Mayor Jacqui Townsend said this year’s fair will have an array of wines and food on offer, cooking demos, eco-stalls and a volunteer’s expo.

“I am particularly excited by the line-up of professional chefs that are participating in cooking demonstrations on the day,” said Cr Townsend.

“The emphasis will be showing us how we can incorporate both tasty and healthy meals within our busy lives.

“We will have cooking demos from Naked Food author Jane Grover, Judy Davie who runs an Avalon business called the Food Coach, along with nutritionist and expert on childhood fussy eaters, Lynsey Bradley.

“For those residents and visitors looking for some enjoyable entertainment, we will have the band Rockhouse featuring the great Aussie rock singer Angry Anderson, joined on stage by Voice participant Simon Meli.

“We will also hear from bands Money Penny, New Tricks as well as a couple of youth bands and  Pittwater High School band.

“The fair will also include a volunteer expo profiling many different volunteering opportunities including community transport, community service groups and disability services,” she said.

“You can also pick up useful tips on living sustainably and protecting our environment and collect free native plants,” said Cr Townsend.

The food and wine online competition is open until the May event, with entries limited to one per person. Visitwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/foodandwinefair to submit an entry.

Great prizes include a degustation lunch for four in the Hunter Valley and a private winery tour as part of the 2015 Pittwater Food and Wine Fair.

Other great prizes include a two-night stay at Currawong Cottages for four people, plus a hamper of Cooks Lot wines and goodies, and a face painting gift certificate to the value of $280.

Winners will be drawn at the Fair on Sunday 3 May and to be eligible for a prize in the competition, you must attend the fair and place your ticket in the barrel.

Recyclable/reusable wine ’glasses’ will be sold on the day from the Council stall for $5. These ‘glasses’ will be required to buy wine tastings from the wineries.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring drink bottles on the day which they can fill up at the water stations provided by Sydney Water.

The fair is proudly sponsored by URM, Kimbriki, McWilliams Mt Pleasant, Pittwater RSL, Molly’s Cradle Wines, Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce and Currawong Beach Cottages.

Winnererremy Bay Reserve is located at Mona Street, Mona Vale.  Residents and visitors are encouraged to cycle to the event if possible, with free bike racks available at the reserve. 

Parking is available at the Council car park adjacent to the reserve (pay and display) or at Pittwater High School for a small donation.

For more information about the Food & Wine Fair, contact Nikki Griffith on 9970 1165 or visitwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/foodandwinefair

 Books For Soibada

Friday April 17, 2015 

Tamara Sloper- Harding has taken more books south this week.On Friday a great selection left her house on their way to the Soibada fundraising sale at Mona Vale Library.

Tamara said “It is very hard to part with them but our shelves are overflowing! Hopefully it will help improve literacy in Soibada when we raise enough money for the Reading Room.”

So far the Robin Williams Movie nights at Mona Vale Library and the sale of these books has raised $1500.00 for the 'Pittwater Friends of Soibada'.

Pittwater Council’s General Manager praised the library for the fundraising initiative, saying it benefited the community of Soibada by providing access to books, which are in very short supply.

“Once the Reading Room is established, it will provide a repository for the books which will be purchased in the appropriate language (Tetun and Portugese).  These books will be cared for by a member of staff – who will open the room at specified hours, allowing access from villagers of all ages.

“Pittwater Council is pleased to part of the Reading Room initiative” added Mr Ferguson.

The next screening is Good Morning Vietnam on Thursday May 7th  from 6.00pm.

One final Robin Williams movie, a ‘People’s Choice’ is slated for Thursday June 11th. 

All screenings will take place in the Pelican Room at Mona Vale Library. 

As places are limited please book early to avoid disappointment.  Bookings can be made by calling 9970 1600 or at the library’s front desk.  The cost for this event is $5 per person, which include free refreshments

Top Photo: Community Development Librarian Mary Anderson, Angela Rudge and Tamara Sloper-Harding at the 'Dead Poets Society' movie night. 

 Bei Loon Dragonboat Club’s WONDERFUL results at 2015 National Championships in Perth

Results:

2nd in Senior A (Masters) Opens 200m 

2nd in Senior A Opens 500m 

3rd in Senior A Opens 2km!!!

The 2015 National Championships were held in Perth, Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 April 2015, at Champion Lakes Armadale WA

Bei Loon Dragon Boat Club Inc. was formed in 2003 and since then has remained one of the largest Dragon Boat Clubs in Australia. The group trains at Bayview every week.

Membership covers all adult age groups, and we field crews in most racing categories- Premiers (18-39 years), Masters (40 – 49 years) and Grand Masters (50+ years).

Bei Loon has won many medals at State and Australian Championship Regattas, and still holds four NSW race record times. We also have a number of Club members who have competed for NSW and Australia.

The Pittwater Pinks as an integral part of the Club. The Pinks are all Breast Cancer Survivors who train with their Bei Loon colleagues three times a week out of Rowland Reserve, Bayview on Sydney’s Northern Beaches......a truly stunning training environment.

Find out more at: www.beiloon.com.au

Top: The Team that went West

 Avalon Craft Cottage at Dee Why 

A very warm Hello to all our loyal customers....... and, at last, some good news for all those friends of the Craft Cottage who have been anxiously waiting on a Notice about our 2015 stalls.

Those of you who keep up to date with all our news on the Avalon Craft Cottage Facebook page will already have the information on hand, but for everyone else ....finally... I am now able to confirm all our booking dates up until end JULY.

SO .... we start off with our big MOTHERS' DAY and MORE Stall .... to be held this time at DEE WHY GRAND, Cnr Sturdee Pde, Dee Why: Monday 27th April to Sunday 3rd May

As many of you will be aware, the usual venue for our Mothers' Day stall is Warriewood Square but with all the massive renovations going on at the centre at present we were not able to lease a large enough site to enable our members to put up a good display, so.... Dee Why Grand has the space we need, plenty of on-site parking, easy access from Pacific Parade and a bus stop right out the front....AND it's just a short trip down the road from Warriewood Square.

If coming by car, turn into the Sturdee Pde entrance and park downstairs, and then take the escalator to the main level, veer left and head towards the Pacific Parade entrance ...and look for the Craft Cottage display.

In June we are off to St Ives Village (on Mona Vale Rd), another full week, Monday 8th June to Sunday 14th.

Our knitters have all been hard at work all year getting ready for these first two stalls.....the cooler weather is here and out come the scarves, gloves, socks and knee rugs .... so colorful and so very very warm.

In July we will be heading north for our annual BACK TO AVALONshow at the Avalon Recreation Centre, Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon - THREE DAYS ONLY.... 10th, 11th & 12th July.

Lots to look forward: hundreds of beautiful handcrafted items perfect for gift giving, or even better to splurge on for yourself or your home. And this show at Avalon is where the members really have the opportunity to show off their work ...... gorgeous babywear; exquisite hand-painted silk .. scarves, wall hangings & purses; children's knitted cardigans, jumpers and jackets; colorful beaded jewellery; timber bowls, platters & boxes; ceramics; colorful hand knitted knee rugs ; and hundreds of handcrafted cards.

For those of you who have not as yet become one of our Facebook friends...please LIKE our page and consider becoming a 'Friend'. And if you are an A.C.C. friend please help spread the word and let all your Friends know of our activities. 

Otherwise, watch this space for any further information.

Hope to see many familiar faces at the next few shows,

Maureen Darcy-Smith. Publicity Officer

 Frackman The Movie - Avalon Beach - Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30pm

United Cinema - Avalon New South Wales, Australia 2107

Frackman The Movie promoted by Living Ocean

FILM COMMENCES AT 6.30PM

You MUST pre-book tickets BEFORE April 22 to secure your seat. TICKETS SELLING FAST! 

Frackman is like no other Australian film. It aims to spark a broad national conversation about the risks of our headlong rush into massive coal seam gas development. Five years in the making, it not only entertains and engages, it also gives audiences the tools to get involved in what is becoming the largest social movement our nation has seen in decades. It’s a deeply political film, but not the old style that is so badly failing us. This the New Politics, bringing together old and young, city and country, conservative and progressive in a shared effort to prevent an environmental catastrophe. Can we imagine any other issue that would bring together the likes of Alan Jones and Bob Brown? 

See it and find out why.

Book at: https://www.tugg.com/events/1526

 Blue Star Sustainability Awards - Keep NSW Beautiful

March 26th, 2015 

Calling all people dedicated to our environmental future - Our Blue Star Sustainability Awards are now open! These annual awards aim to reward both individuals and group projects in NSW which are committed to promoting responsible environmental practices in their local areas. There are 10 different award categories, each with a regional and metropolitan winner. To enter, all you have to do is submit a short form online - it couldn't be easier! 

Entries close on Wednesday the 20th of May 2015, so if this sounds like you, someone you know, or a project currently underway in your local area, head to our page and get entering! 

See: ow.ly/KO0vE

 

AN INVITATION TO A DAY AT CURRAWONG PITTWATER

THURSDAY, 7th May  2015

All welcome to board the special ferry  “Merinda” kindly donated by  Steve Reynolds of Palm Beach Hawkesbury River Cruises

DEPARTING PALM BEACH WHARF AT  9.15 AM - RETURNING AT 3.00 PM

AT CURRAWONG  -  ENJOY . . . . .

• The ambience of “MIDHOLME”

• GOLF  (byo gear)

• TENNIS (byo gear)

• BRIDGE/OTHER GAMES (byo bridge cards etc)

• SHORT BUSH and/or BEACH WALKS

• A LAZY DAY IN THE SUN

Morning tea and lunch will be supplied. Drinks by donation $3.00 per glass  Prizes to be won.

COST: $30.00 per person  -  (includes Ferry return trip, m/tea and lunch)

ALL PROCEEDS TO VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY

2015 will be Beryl’s 17th year driving in the Variety Bash in her 1963 EH HOLDEN CAR NUMBER 2108

Co drivers:  Elyse Cole and Viktorija McDonell

RSVP   MONDAY 20 APRIL or NO LATER THAN  Sunday 26 APRIL  to

BERYL – Telephone  0410 478 897   OR

ELYSE COLE  -  Telephone  0404 000 123   OR

BEV WILSON – Telephone 9918 9756  

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 12/4/2015 

click on Logo: 

Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

 Boomerang Bag Avalon Sewing Bees Now Every Tuesday

Surfrider Foundation and  Living Ocean

Thank you to everyone who's been involved in the initiative so far, we've got a wonderful group of regular sewing bee volunteers who are really starting to kick some goals!

Thanks to support from Pittwater Council we can now afford to rent out Avalon Recreation Centre every Tuesday, which is very exciting news!! 

So make sure you pop into Avalon Recreation Centre on Tuesdays, anytime from 11am-5pm and come join the team. All welcome, no sewing skills needed, we need people to cut material, stamp and of course to come along and have a cuppa.

I'd like to also say a big thank you to Laurel who is our lead sewing bee coordinator, we couldn't be running the program without her dedication and patience. 

Jessica Hensman, Operations Manager

PO Box 968, Mona Vale NSW 1660, Surfrider Foundation

E: operations@surfrider.org.au W: www.surfrider.org.au 

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2015
 
May
7: Avalon Stall, outside ANZ Bank, Bric-a-brac from 8 until 4pm
8: Avalon Stall, Outside ANZ Bank, Craft, from 9am until 4pm
9: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
15: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 
June
6: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
13: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
19: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing      
Bushcare in Pittwater - April 2015:Pittwater Council's Cooee Newsletter - March - April 2015: HERE

For further information and to confirm the meeting details for the below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367.
 

Sun April 19 
Angophora Res 8:30-11:30am 
Crescent Reserve 9-12pm 

Wed April 22 
W’wood Beach 8-11am 

Sat April 25 
Nth Newport Beach 8:30-11:30am 
Careel Creek 8:30-11:30am 
Kywong Reserve 8:30-11:30am 

Sun April 26 
Bungan Beach 8-11am 
Winn Bay 9-12pm 
Kundibah Reserve 8-11am 
Community Planting Day - Turimetta Head 9-12pm 

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Shortcake

AGE/SEX: 2 years 

BREED: Staffy x Cattle Dog

Shortcake is an active young lady who loves to play with other dogs her size. She has lots of energy so an active family with someone to jog with would suit her. She walks on loose lead and ignores passing cars. She knows "sit". She needs secure fencing and prefers a household where someone is home most of the time. She has a short coat and weighs 14.2kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Her adoption cost is $400. 

For further details or to meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visitwww.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs.www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

 

 LEGO AT THE LIBRARY

Local children will have the chance to join a club specialising in one of the most enduring playthings of childhood. Mona Vale Library has started a Lego club on the first Sunday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. Next is May  3rd 2015. The club is open to children aged between seven and twelve years of age, with younger children welcome with parental supervision. If you are interested in attending a Lego at the Library session contact the library on 9970 1622 or book in person at the library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale.

 April 5 - 18, 2015: Issue 209

 Articles This Week

Front Page Issue 209: 

Picnic Against Yamba Development Application on Scotland Island

The Brady Bunch or the Shady Bunch? by Lynleigh Greig

The South Coast Track ‏of Tasmania - Geoff Searl’s pictures

North Narrabeen Boardriders win their Sixth Surftag Australian Title 

Aquatics: New junior series at Sail Port Stephens April 13-19, 2015 by Lisa Ratcliff

Collector's Corner:  The Crinoline – a 550 Year Old Fashion:  One fashion that has had more then a little derision leveled at it, but is still being made, still being worn, is the crinoline. 

STAR ATHLETES JOIN PALM 2 PALMS CHARITY RIDE: New Route: now heading down to North Head, and then back up the northern beaches to Palm Beach - are you up for the challenge?

Profile: April  2015 - Pittwater Clubs and Organisations: Whale Beach SLSC first formed by local residents and holiday visitors in 1929, and recently updated with wonderful facilities for everyone - now is the time to join up and dive in ready for next Season! - there's always waves at Whaley!

History: April 2015 -  Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay at - Jonah's Road House and Restaurant: As we head into the last week of Summer, and towards the golden days of Autumn, a run of four Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay in, and enjoy the place around you, may inspire a few days away from chores where good food and great memories can be created.

Artist of the Month: Artist of the Month April 2015 - Leonie Barton: In 2014 Leonie took up a challenge to create an ephemeral artwork everyday. Prior to this a production manager, opening her own art supplies store and studio and being commissioned to become the background painter for international photographer, Anne Geddes, has inspired and furthered a wonderfully creative spirit.

 Unanimous resolution affirms no merger is best for Manly

April 1st, 2015

At the Extraordinary Meeting held on Monday night, all Councillors present resolved that Manly Council met or exceeded all of the State Government’s Fit for the Future criteria and unanimously agreed that Manly Council is a Fit for the Future Council.

We are in a very stable financial position, we have demonstrated efficient services and infrastructure delivery and we are achieving value for money for current and future ratepayers. 

At the meeting, it was resolved that Council affirm its support for the State Government’s ‘No Forced Amalgamation’ policy and continue supporting the Manly community’s long-held stance against structural change to our local area.

Council further resolved to advise the NSW Minister for Local Government in our ‘Fit for the Future’ response that this Council is, and will continue to be, a sustainable Council.

Manly Council has demonstrable strategic capacity to deliver services and infrastructure to the community into the future and can provide the necessary civic leadership to plan and secure a prosperous future for the whole community.

For those reasons, Manly Council firmly rejects the State Government Independent Local Government Review Panel's structural option for a single Northern Beaches Mega Council. This option is incapable of delivering prosperity to the residents of Manly and is contrary to the community’s democratic interests.

This position has been confirmed by an independent review  (4.04 MB – PDF) of the structural options for Manly and Pittwater Councils by KPMG.

In its ‘Fit for the Future’ response, Council will advise the State Government that it will not consider any structural option, nor put forward any structural option.

Your Manly, Your Say

The NSW Government will make the final decision about the make-up of the Northern Beaches councils. 

Council also resolved to inform, and seek feedback from, the Manly community to assist us in developing our response to the State Government.

Council's final response to the government will be made by 30 June.

It is a matter of record and historical fact that Manly is a cohesive community with a strong and vibrant community of interest that binds it to the geographic area its citizens proudly call home. 

However, we need to know what you want for the future of Manly, should we be forced into amalgamations. All residents will receive an information pack. Please give every issue and option your careful consideration and let Council know your views.

When the Council’s information pack is delivered to you in April, I would like to ask you to provide Council with your considered feedback.

Before the last election, the government said that it would not go down the path of forced amalgamations.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful Easter.

Jean Hay AM

Mayor of Manly

 Review of Sydney Water’s Licences

Review of Sydney Water Corporation’s sewage treatment Environment Protection Licences

Image by: Water treatment. Sydney Water Corporation.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is undertaking a five year statutory review of the environment protection licences held by Sydney Water Corporation (SWC) for the operation of its sewage treatment systems.

A state-owned corporation, Sydney Water holds twenty three licences for the sewerage systems it owns and operates across the Sydney, Illawarra and Blue Mountains areas.

The focus of the EPA licence review is to provide the community with an opportunity to contribute to the review and provide feedback on the conditions contained in the Sydney Water sewage treatment licences.

Further information about these licences and the review process are available at www.epa.nsw.gov.au 

How can you have your say?

If you are interested in providing comment, the EPA welcomes your written submission by 5:00pm on Friday 1st May 2015.

Formal Submission

Date: Mar. 30 - May. 1, 2015: Time: 9:00am — 5:00pm

Consultation Website: See: https://engage.environment.nsw.gov.au/sydney-water

 Frackman The Movie - Avalon Beach - Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30pm

United Cinema - Avalon New South Wales, Australia 2107

Frackman The Movie promoted by Living Ocean

FILM COMMENCES AT 6.30PM

You MUST pre-book tickets BEFORE April 22 to secure your seat. TICKETS SELLING FAST! 

Frackman is like no other Australian film. It aims to spark a broad national conversation about the risks of our headlong rush into massive coal seam gas development. Five years in the making, it not only entertains and engages, it also gives audiences the tools to get involved in what is becoming the largest social movement our nation has seen in decades. It’s a deeply political film, but not the old style that is so badly failing us. This the New Politics, bringing together old and young, city and country, conservative and progressive in a shared effort to prevent an environmental catastrophe. Can we imagine any other issue that would bring together the likes of Alan Jones and Bob Brown? 

See it and find out why.

Book at: https://www.tugg.com/events/1526

 Avalon Beach SLSC – 90 Years of Vigilance and Service

Avalon Beach SLSC is celebrating 90 years of service to our beach. As part of the celebrations we are also fundraising for the Club with a special offer of award winning wines from Margaret River in Western Australia. For every dozen sold $40 goes towards the Club. To order please go to www.theextraordinaryfundraiser or order at club website or come down to the Club Lounge on a Friday night from 5.30pm or on Sunday afternoon from 4pm and place your order.

Avalon Beach SLSC will be holding a special function in early May to celebrate it's 90th Anniversary. If you are a past member and would like to attend please message us your email and we will pass on an invitation. Should be a wonderful weekend. Send messages HERE 

April Fools Day 2015 Cyclone Pam Crisis

From Jason Marty -Guys - it wasn't just me, group effort and guess what!!?? 

We raised over $6000 - still have a little bit to count and collect on Tuesday but Vanuatu thanks you AV!!!!

I'll publish a bit of a break down next week when we get it across to UNICEF!

Bilgola Public School and Avalon Primary of course played a big role with nearly $2000 combined and the other $4000 came from all the tins!!! 

Go Av.

 Use of the word "Guringai"

A review of the historical context for the use of the word ‘Guringai’ has been released by the Aboriginal Heritage Office.

The AHO's new research paper is now available online.  It focuses on the origin, validity and use of the somewhat controversial word "Guringai‟ and refers to the names of languages and clans in the Sydney area.

The research was conducted so that the AHO had a better understanding of the facts relating to the names in northern Sydney in order to provide a more informed response for Councils and residents.

We hope this report is of assistance for those trying to navigate the variable histories of northern Sydney. 

 Issue 210

Please note Issue 210 will be published Sunday 19th of April 2015 instead of April 12th, 2015. 

 Take part - Manly Arts Festival 

Manly Arts Festival 2015 celebrates its 22nd year. This year, as always, we’re celebrating the magic of creativity in Manly, with a broad range of exciting events featuring prominent musicians, visual artists and dance performers.

Council is inviting participation by artists, performers and cultural groups to join this exciting arts program that gets underway from Friday 18 through to Sunday 27 September 2015.

You can apply online here. Application deadline is Friday 22 May 2015. 

 2015 Sydney Wildlife Courses

Sydney Wildlife members rescue, rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife and educate the community about native wildlife and its habitat. If you live in Sydney and are at least 18 years old you can apply to complete a two-day Rescue & Care Course and become a member of Sydney Wildlife. Once you have completed the initial course and gained some experience you can go on to do other specialised training courses. Examples of specialised courses include baby possums, baby birds, flying-foxes (bats), macropods (such as wallabies and kangaroos), Raptors (such as birds of Prey) and snake relocation.

Sydney Wildlife Rescue & Care Course:

Rescue & Care courses entail two full days training; are held every 3 months and are always on a weekend.

2-3 May

1-2 August

31 October - 1 November

However, occasionally additional courses are operated, so keep an eye on the website for news and information about the Rescue & Care Course.

The cost of attending the Rescue & Care Course is $100.00 per person (or $130 for 2 people who live at the same address and will be sharing materials). The fee includes a rang of materials; start up equipment and resources and a license fee of $30.00 per person.

If you go out to work, own pets or live in a unit you can still be a rescuer or carer.

Places are limited so if you would like to train to become a wildlife rescuer and carer, request an information package as soon as possible. If you are requesting a package on-line and don't have access to a printer, remember to inlcude your name and postal address so that the information can be posted to you.

Got any questions? For more information or to register please email training@sydneywildlife.org.au or call 02 9413 4300.

Find out more at: www.sydneywildlife.org.au

 Lifeguards and Lifesavers Prepare for Busy Easter

Wednesday 1 April 2015 - SLS NSW

With just weeks remaining before the flags come down for the final time in the 2014/15 patrol season, the Australian Lifeguard Service and Surf Life Saving NSW are urging all coastal water users to remain safe and look out for each other while enjoying the state’s beaches.

A relatively warm start to autumn, the Easter Break, and NSW School Holidays all point to a busy month for lifeguards as the season winds down, but the emphasis will remain on public safety.

“In excess of three million people have attended an ALS patrolled beach this season, and our lifeguards have performed over 500 rescues,” ALS Coordinator Brent Manieri said.

“Sadly there have been 27 coastal drownings in NSW this season, and we strongly encourage everyone to look out for one another while at the beach.

“There’s been a greater emphasis on preventative actions this season, we want our lifeguards to be able to identify hazardous situations before they become an issue, and so far almost 200 000 preventive actions have been taken. We want people to enjoy the beach and all it has to offer, and our main aim is to keep everyone safe,” Mr Manieri said.

The importance of having patrolled beaches was highlighted earlier this week after lifeguards pulled an unconscious woman from the surf at Salt Beach on the state’s Far North Coast. The woman who was holidaying in the area was resuscitated by both lifeguards and paramedics and is expected to make a full recovery.

The Australian Lifeguard Service will be patrolling beaches throughout the state with most finishing up later this month. In Northern NSW Tweed, Main Beach Byron Bay (year-round), Ballina, Richmond, and Clarence will all be patrolled.

Around the Mid North and Lower North Coast regions Great Lakes and Port Stephens will also have lifeguards stationed on their beaches, while Munmorah, Pittwater, Shoalhaven and Mollymook in the state’s south will all be patrolled by professional lifeguards.

Volunteer lifesavers along the NSW coastline have also had a busy season dedicating an incredible 562,000 hours of patrol time to date keeping our beaches safe. Their vigilance has also resulted in 5,223 rescues, and 8,028 first aid treatments performed.

NSW Lifesaving Manager Andy Kent praised the commitment of the volunteer lifesavers, and urges beachgoers to take heed of any safety warnings.

“Although it’s late in the season, it’s still just as important for people to swim between the flags where lifesavers are monitoring conditions and ensuring people are safe. If you do get into difficulty, don’t panic and signal for assistance. Our lifesavers are extremely well trained and happy to answer any questions about the conditions or how to enjoy the beach safely.”

“I would like to thank all our volunteers who do so much work on the frontline to keep people safe each season,” Mr Kent said.

Volunteer lifesavers will continue to patrol beaches until the official end of the season on Sunday 26 April.

Keeping Safe at the Beach:

At the beach, follow these simple safety tips -

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags

• Read the safety signs

• Ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for safety advice • Learn how to identify a rip

• If you need help, stay calm and attract attention

• Always wear a lifejacket while rock-fishing

• If witnessing an in-water emergency call Triple Zero-Police

For full details on which beaches are patrolled and patrol times go to Beachsafe.org.au, or download the app.

TRIVIA NIGHT FOR WATER - 23 May 2015

Time: 7pm – 10pm

Venue: Avalon Recreation Centre

Cost: $25 per person

Book a table of 10 or we can place you!

PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT  OUR PROJECTS IN PITTWATER’S 

SISTER VILLAGE

In July a group of self-funded volunteers from our  community will travel to Timor Leste to a small school in Salau, a sub village of Soibada. 

There is currently no clean water for the children. We need to raise money for guttering, tanks and the TANKPRO to sterilise the water.

Bookings: tamara.harding@bigpond.com

 New jobactive services to help more jobseekers into work

31 March 2015: Prime Minister, Minister for Employment, Assistant Minister for Employment 

The Commonwealth Government will help more job seekers secure a job and to assist employers find the employees they need to grow their businesses.

The Government is investing $5 billion to establish jobactive which will improve the quality of services delivered to job seekers and employers.

In 1998, the Howard Government introduced the Job Network and revolutionised the delivery of employment services to job seekers. Unfortunately, the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd Government changed the employment services system to reward process over results and encourage training for training’s sake. The system became mired in red tape, letting down job seekers and employers.

The new jobactive system will be focused on results and reward performance not process.

From 1 July 2015, 66 organisations will deliver one or more jobactiveservices to job seekers and employers across Australia. There will be clearer incentives to ensure employment service providers are focused on better preparing job seekers to meet the needs of local employers and helping people to find and keep a job.

Service providers will no longer receive ‘job placement’ payments. The rules around training have also been tightened to ensure that job seekers are not being sent to training for training’s sake as is currently the case.

There will be less red tape so that providers can spend more time doing what they do best – helping job seekers find and keep a job. The new employment services contract will also be extended from three years to five years. A new regional loading for providers in selected regions will be introduced, recognising that labour market conditions vary across Australia.

The new model encourages young job seekers to take up a job and employers to take on new employees.

The Job Commitment Bonus programme will encourage young, long-term unemployed job seekers aged 18-30 to find and keep a job. The Government’s Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job programme will continue to offer eligible job seekers financial assistance if they move to a regional area to take up a job.

The Restart programme will encourage businesses to employ mature age job seekers.

The new model will also provide outcome payments for seasonal job placements that might last only four weeks, as well as a 12 and 26 week outcome payments for longer-term jobs. Data clearly demonstrates that people who have undertaken a few short-term employment opportunities are substantially more likely to gain permanent positions.

Work for the Dole will be rolled out nationally to help job seekers to learn new skills and remain socially active and engaged while looking for work. Work for the Dole allows job seekers to show that they are keen and willing to work while also giving something back to the community that is supporting them.

All of the Government’s policies are focused on getting people into work because the best form of welfare is a job.

 Forest Coach Lines to Sydney Royal Easter Show

The Sydney Royal Easter Show has opened its gates and showgoers are advised to plan ahead and take advantage of extra public transport options available.

ShowLink tickets can be bought online at www.eastershow.com, at ticket booths at the Sydney Showground entry gates or at participating Woolworths stores but are not available at train stations or on Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses.

Throughout the show, frequent trains will run between Central and Olympic Park, stopping at Redfern and Olympic Park. Trains will also run every 10 minutes between Lidcombe and Olympic Park.

On weekends and public holidays, trains will run frequently between Olympic Park and Emu Plains and two trains will run every hour between Olympic Park and Schofields.

Sydney Olympic Park Major Event buses will also run daily from 7am and 7.30am, depending on the route. Return services will operate between 12.30pm and 11pm.

Anyone who decides to drive is advised to expect delays and to pre-book parking as parking is limited.

Traffic is expected to be particularly heavy when major sporting events take place nearby at ANZ Stadium, including Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Monday 6 April.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Forest Coach Lines run buses to and from the Royal Easter Show: Route 1B - Warriewood to Sydney Olympic Park via Mona Vale

Timetable available here: www.forestcoachlines.com.au/html/special

 INDIGENOUS FOOD & MEDICINE with FRANCES BODKIN

Thursday, April 23rd at 7:15pm - Narrabeen

Frances Bodkin, known to many as 'Aunty Fran', is a D’harawal woman of the Bitter Water Clans. Her mother was a storyteller, and her grandmother and great grandmother were medicine women. Not only is she now an elder, knowledge-holder and teacher of the D’harawal people, she is also a Western scientist with degrees in climatology, geomorphology and environmental science. Frances is also a recognised botanist, and is the author of 'Encyclopaedia Botanica', which has over 11,000 entries on Australian native plants. She has also published ‘D’harawal: Seasons and Climatic Cycles’, exploring ecological indicators of climatic changes. She works tirelessly to teach traditional Indigenous 'science' and enable a deeper understanding of, and an ability to care for, our natural environment.

"Having Aboriginal knowledge recognised as a science, to me, is one of the most passionate ambitions that I have. And Aboriginal knowledge is a science, because two of the most important elements of any of our sciences is observation and actual experience. And those observations and experiences have been put into story. Some of those observations - some of our science - goes back 80,000 years." Frances Bodkin - ABC, Message Stick.

Since 1998 Frances has worked as an Indigenous Education Officer at Mount Annan Botanic Gardens. This is where she combines her formidable knowledge of Australian botany with her invaluable knowledge of D’harawal creation, history and law, and shares her ancestors' stories to teach future generations about our environment and it's animals, birds and insects which inhabit the land.

"I shall be talking about the importance of plant associations in our bushland and in the production of our medicines and food. It is a subject which has been close to my heart for a very long while, and it has long been my dream to enable people to have their own chemist shop growing in their backyards, or even in common areas near their homes. I began this project before I left school, and have been collecting information ever since. As the technology became available I learned more, and added that knowledge to the work - which now, although still incomplete - numbers some 3,000 pages, and that is confined only to the Sydney Region." Fran says of her PNB presentation.

Please join us in welcoming Aunty Fran Bodkin to the northern beaches for an evening of aboriginal knowledge and science.

Thursday, April 23  at 7:15pm - 9:00pm

Lakeview Room, Narrabeen Tramshed Arts and Community Center, 1395 Pittwater Rd Narrabeen. 

permaculturenorthernbeaches.org.au

 AVALON BEACH RSL - MORNING TEA MESSAGE

We are hosting a Biggest Morning Tea to help raise vital funds for cancer research and support services.

In recent times our staff, family and friends have been personally affected by cancer and we would like to show our support through this cause.

We will be hosting our morning tea on Thursday the 28th May from 9-11am. All are welcome and we will be asking for a gold coin donation on attendance along with other fundraising activities such as raffles etc.

You can help us, and get involved, by attending or making a donation! Let's raise our cups and together we'll beat cancer.

More at: HERE 

 

AN INVITATION TO A DAY AT CURRAWONG PITTWATER

THURSDAY, 7th May  2015

All welcome to board the special ferry  “Merinda” kindly donated by  Steve Reynolds of Palm Beach Hawkesbury River Cruises

DEPARTING PALM BEACH WHARF AT  9.15 AM - RETURNING AT 3.00 PM

AT CURRAWONG  -  ENJOY . . . . .

• The ambience of “MIDHOLME”

• GOLF  (byo gear)

• TENNIS (byo gear)

• BRIDGE/OTHER GAMES (byo bridge cards etc)

• SHORT BUSH and/or BEACH WALKS

• A LAZY DAY IN THE SUN

Morning tea and lunch will be supplied. Drinks by donation $3.00 per glass  Prizes to be won.

COST: $30.00 per person  -  (includes Ferry return trip, m/tea and lunch)

ALL PROCEEDS TO VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY

2015 will be Beryl’s 17th year driving in the Variety Bash in her 1963 EH HOLDEN CAR NUMBER 2108

Co drivers:  Elyse Cole and Viktorija McDonell

RSVP   MONDAY 20 APRIL or NO LATER THAN  Sunday 26 APRIL  to

BERYL – Telephone  0410 478 897   OR

ELYSE COLE  -  Telephone  0404 000 123   OR

BEV WILSON – Telephone 9918 9756  

 

“PLEDGE TO PLANT – EARTH DAY, APRIL 22, 2015” 

Be a part of the biggest grass-root effort in history by planting a seed/tree as a “give back” to Earth. 

It's an old Native American tradition that when you take something from the Earth, you must put something back. Earth Day 2015 will be a global "give back to Earth" event, as an "offering" for all the planet gives us. Our goal is to plant one billion seeds/trees. Please plant something that is organic, perennial and suitable to the growing conditions in your area. If the temperature is not conducive to planting on April 22nd, please start growing a plant indoors or commit to planting your tree once the outdoor temperature is warm enough. If you live in an apartment, please plant something in a container or donate a tree to a garden in your area. Please nurture your plantings, like children, until they can sustain themselves on their own. 

It is important to keep a certain portion of the planet covered with forests as it is essential for regulating the distribution of rain and snow over the surface, thus, controlling the climate. Every tree planted will assist in stabilizing the climate and provide habitat for various species. 

PLEDGE TO PLANT: Link: forestnation.com/earth-day-tree-planting/

We need your assistance in contacting local organizations, business establishments, schools/universities in your area to get them involved. There is a group page on Facebook for the planning of the event. Feel free to join and offer whatever assistance you can. Everyone is welcome…All ideas are welcome.

See Event page HERE

 

Food & Wine Fair online competition

Foodies and wine-lovers can win a degustation lunch for four in the Hunter Valley and a private winery tour as part of the 2015 Pittwater Food and Wine Fair.

Other great prizes include a two-night stay at Currawong Cottages for four people, plus a hamper of Cooks Lot wines and goodies, and a face painting gift certificate to the value of $280.

The online competition is open until the May event with entries limited to one per person.  Visit pittwater/foodandwinefair to submit an entry.

Winners will be drawn at the Fair on Sunday 3 May and to be eligible for a prize in the competition, you must attend the fair and place your ticket in the barrel.

Now in its sixth year, the Food and Wine Fair will be held at picturesque Winnererremy Bay in Mona Vale, next to the children’s playground and Flying Fox Cafe.

Mayor Jacqui Townsend said this year’s Fair will have an array of wines and food on offer, cooking demos, eco-stalls and a volunteer’s expo.

“The expo will profile many different volunteering opportunities including community transport, community service groups and disability services,” she said.

“You can also pick up useful tips on living sustainably and protecting our environment and collect free native plants,” said Cr Townsend.

Residents and visitors are invited to come along and sample fine Australian wines from boutique and classic wine stalls and enjoy tasty gourmet foods and live music at the Fair.

Recyclable/reusable wine ’glasses’ will be sold on the day from the Council stall for $5. These ‘glasses’ will be required to buy wine tastings from the wineries.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring drink bottles on the day which they can fill up at the water stations provided by Sydney Water.

The fair is proudly sponsored by URM, Kimbriki, McWilliams Mt Pleasant, Pittwater RSL, Molly’s Cradle Wines and Currawong Beach Cottages.

Winnererremy Bay Reserve is located at Mona Street, Mona Vale.  For more information about the Food & Wine Fair, contact Nikki Griffith on 9970 1165 or visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/foodandwinefair

 Creative workshop for artists

Manly Council has an upcoming exhibition (8 May - 28 June 2015) at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum called Saltwater Country which explores the Aboriginal concept of “country” as a connection to land and place of birth, only in this case specifically in a coastal context. 

As a companion project to Saltwater Country, council is hosting a workshop to encourage artists to produce works around the themes of the coastal environment and sea level rise from climate change. 

•Date: Friday 24 April 2015: Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm

•Cost: Free, materials supplied - More info:Katherine.Roberts@manly.nsw.gov.au or 9976 1418

 TRILOGY Art Exhibition

Stephanie Galloway Brown and Mignon Parker would like to welcome you to their exhibition opening Trilogy. Our guest speaker is John Ogden, author of the Saltwater People books. 

Stephanie & Mignon share a passion for painting, colour, old found objects & exploring various techniques & mediums. Included in the show are a collective of still life and figurative artworks in various mediums: oil, encaustic, collage, graphite, pastel, charcoal, acrylic, water colour, fresco, rust oxidisation and patina on board, paper and canvas. The exhibition is to be held at the Warringah Creative Space North Curl Curl 1st April - 13th April. 

Following the exhibition they will run two workshops for still life and portraiture to be held at the Tramshed Narrabeen, Sunday May 24th & 31st 2015.

Location: Warringah Creative Centre, 105 Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl, NSW, 2099.

Author Talk & Demo: Stephanie Galloway Brown, Sunday 5th April 2015, 11.00am. 

Please RSVP here. stephabrown@gmail.com

 Funds To Improve Local War Memorials

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes is encouraging local veteran’s groups, community associations, councils and schools to consider applying for funds to help improve local war memorial sites. 

The NSW Government’s Community War Memorial Fund is providing grants up to $10,000 to repair and conserve community memorial sites, including cenotaphs, commemorative walls, honour boards and flagpoles. 

“War memorials are a key part of the history and social fabric of our community,” Rob Stokes said today. 

“They serve as a constant reminder of the enormous sacrifices local residents have made in defence of our country.

“It’s through these sacred sites and tributes that our shared history is conveyed and passed to younger generations.

“They are as much about respect as they are about remembrance and ensuring they are properly maintained is absolutely vital. 

“Applications for funds will be accepted until Anzac Day this year.

“Project applications will be assessed by the State War Memorials Committee. The NSW RSL, NSW Government’s Architect’s Office and the Office of Veterans Affairs are represented on the Committee,” Rob Stokes said.

Applications can be made by visiting veterans.nsw.gov.au/community-war-memorials-fund or by contacting the NSW Office of Veteran’s Affairs on 9228 4710.

 THE CROCODILE HOTEL

NEW RELEASE: 28 March, 2015

Berkelouw Mona Vale: 12/14 Park St, Mona Vale NSW 2013

Book Launch at 6pm 22nd April 2015

RSVP only. RSVP to oggy@oggy.com.au by 15/4/15.

Author: Julie Janson,  RRP $24.95 (with GST)

This story strikes deep into Australia’s heart. An epic novel about a young Aboriginal single mother’s awakening of identity and compassion in a remote Northern Territory community in 1976. This land holds a terrible secret of Immense proportions, the earth is red with the memory.

Jane Reynolds is swept up in a year of wonders, as she negotiates her place between the black and white societies. She begins teaching in the caravan school on the remote cattle property, Harrison Station, south of Arnhem Land.Jane arrives with her five-year-old son Aaron. She meets traditional Aboriginal elders who change her life forever. She finds love with two charismatic men and fights for Land Rights alongside the Lanniwah, while finding respect and redemption for herself.

The great grand-daughter of a Darug Hawkesbury river Aboriginal woman, Jane takes a journey to recognise her identity and is drawn into the world of race relations in the face of 1970s prejudice and discrimination.

There is grim humour, powerful understatement and memorable characters. Jane is sexual, courageous and passionate as she is swept up in a tempestuous story of the Northern Territory that reveals the bloody history of the country and the Lanniwah people’s spiritual magic realism. This recreation may challenge the way you think about Australia’s history.

ABOUT JULIE JANSON:

The Crocodile Hotel is the debut novel by critically acclaimed playwright, Julie Janson, Her plays Black Mary and Gunjie were published by Aboriginal Studies Press (1996). Black Mary was produced by Co B Belvoir St Theatre for the Olympic Festival of the Dreaming (1997) and by Phoenix Theatre, Arizona, USA.The Eyes of Marege was performed at the Studio Sydney Opera House and the Ozasia Festival at the Adelaide Festival Centre (2007). Julie is a member of theBurruberongal clan, Darug nation of the Hawkesbury River.

“A story that needs to be told: a riveting account of a young Aboriginal woman from Western Sydney asserting her own identity in a remote Northern Territory community in the teeth of entrenched racism at the beginning of land rights." Linda Burney

Published by Cyclops Press ISBN 9780980561951

www.cyclopspress.com.au

 

STEPHEN BOWERS: BEYOND BRAVURA comes to Manly 

JamFactory Icon 2013 

Manly Art Gallery & Museum is delighted to be hosting the Stephen Bowers: Beyond Bravura, a JamFactory touring exhibition. With its reputation for supporting contemporary ceramic practice through its extensive collection and its exhibition partnerships with The Australian Ceramics Association and Northern Sydney Institute TAFE NSW’s ceramics department, MAG&M welcomes the opportunity to exhibit the work of one of Australia’s finest ceramic artists. The exhibition will be launched on Friday evening 27 March at 6pm by Richard Tognetti, Artistic Director of the ACO, and will run to 3 May 2015. 

Stephen Bowers: Beyond Bravura was developed by the JamFactory as the inaugural exhibition for its Icon series celebrating the achievements of South Australia’s most outstanding and influential craft and design practitioners with significant national and international profiles. 

Stephen Bowers is one of Australia’s foremost contemporary ceramic artists. Initially from Katoomba, NSW, Bowers became involved in ceramics in the late 1970s, a seminal time for Australian ceramics particularly in South Australia where the Skangaroovia Funk ethos of ceramics as an expressive medium abounded. Bowers seized the illustrative potential of ceramics and since undertaking a traineeship at JamFactory, Adelaide in the early 1980s, has produced work rich in ornamentation. 

Bowers’ practice differs from the majority of ceramic artists, in that he does not seek to be the ‘sole creator’ responsible for every aspect of production. Instead, his primary role as decorator/designer places him within the long tradition of ceramics as a collective enterprise, from the small rural workshop to the huge manufactories that came into being with the industrial revolution. 

Tapping this history and mining the variety of decorative techniques Bowers’ surfaces are brimming with recurring imagery such as the ubiquitous cockatoos, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Boofhead and the Opera House, which reflect his Australian larrikin spirit, and set against international motifs such as the Willow pattern. An extensive publication by Wakefield Press, profiling Stephen Bowers’ life and work, accompanies the exhibition, as well as an education kit for schools. 

Kids’ Art Adventures: School Holiday Workshops: Tuesday 14 April, 10am-12noon or 2 – 4pm 

Led by artist and educator, Greg Stonehouse, and MAG&M Curator Katherine Roberts, children will be shown through the Stephen Bowers ceramics exhibition then create a unique engraved clay sculpture using three processes. Ages 5 – 12 years. 20pp max each session. 

Bookings essential: artgallery@manly.nsw.gov.au or 9976 1421.Cost: $30 includes materials. 

Manly Art Gallery & Museum I West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095 I 10am - 5pm Tuesday - Sunday I Entry Free

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 12/4/2015 

click on Logo: 

Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2015

April
11: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
17: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 
May
7: Avalon Stall, outside ANZ Bank, Bric-a-brac from 8 until 4pm
8: Avalon Stall, Outside ANZ Bank, Craft, from 9am until 4pm
9: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
15: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 
June
6: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
13: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
19: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing      

 Seniors Toy Repair Group needs your help

Volunteers are sought to help out on Wednesday mornings (7.30am to midday) at the group's workshed in Ingleside. Volunteers need their own transport and be willing to sort and clean toys that are picked up at different collection points on the Northern Beaches. 

Prospective volunteers can email Mary Kitchen to arrange a visit to the workshed. To arrange a donation pickup please call Terry Cook on 0410 597 327 or email him. Find out more about this great community group HERE

Southern Cross Wildlife Care 

       Critter of the Month - April 2015           

                Hairy eye-balls...! 

“Dopey” got his dubious name for two reasons:
1. He was one of 7 little ‘dwarves’ who were orphaned;
2. He came in with unusually dopey-looking eyes.

He was brought to Dr Howard Ralph for a consultation about a month ago. Dr Ralph did a raft of eye tests to check for signs of deep penetrating injuries and to see if his retinae were still intact and free from scarification. 

He was diagnosed with entropion of the upper eyelids and ectropion of the lower eyelids. Entropion occurs when the eyelids begin to roll inwards, causing the eye-lashes and fur to irritate the cornea. Ectropion occurs when the eyelids begin to roll outwards, exposing the lacrimal puncta to bacteria. 

Left untreated, entropion would cause damage to the clear part of Dopey’s eye (cornea), it would lead to eye infections and eventual loss of vision.  So he was scheduled for surgery to reverse both conditions.

We anaesthetised Dopey for his procedure and 
Dr Ralph began the impossibly difficult task of operating on those miniscule eyelids. Dopey is only a baby ringtail with tiny eyes so it was a very stressful procedure for the team. It was a 2-hour operation.

Poor Dopey had to have his eyebrows and forehead fur shaved for the procedure so he looked a bit strange when he came out from under anaesthetic...!

He went home to his carer with instructions to give twice-daily pain relief and twice-daily antibacterial eye drops.

This week Dopey came back for a check-up. The swelling was well down and the eyelids were looking better. 

The left eye, however, will be requiring further surgery as the entropion hadn’t quite been completely reversed. Dopey has been scheduled for round 2 on Easter Monday. 

We will post another update when he has completed his second round of surgery.
Dopey has returned to his gang of buddies and he was swamped with love and cuddles (he’s the grey one in the middle of the reddish ones).

Ringtail possums are very gregarious little creatures that fret when they are without others of their own species. We didn’t want him to be apart from his gang for a lengthy period. 
We are confident that he will soon be free of the irritations of the entropion and will be another successful patient, free to enjoy his life in the wild.


By Lynleigh Greig
Southern Cross Wildlife Care

 

Anzac Memorial Collaroy Beach 100 Years -100 Boats update!

They have had an overwhelming response from clubs around Australia and NZ! There are close to 75 crews now, needing 25 crews to go, they have rowers without a full crew, crews without a boat and clubs with boats wanting crews! 

BUT; the key is a shortage of sweeps to make those combinations happen. If those fitting this category could you please call Janice 0432 839 944, email 100years100boats@gmail.com and don't forget to register at anzacbeachmemorial.com.au

There will be an official "100 Years - 100 Boaties" free function at Collaroy Hotel (details to come) plus all your memorabilia gear as illustrated!

See details at:

Warringah and Mackellar Federal Electorates ANZAC Centenary Commemoration 2015+ 100 Years 100 Boats Anzac Beach Memorial + Pittwater RSL's Centenary Poppy Wall + The first ANZAC Commemorations

 Lego at the Library - NO CLUB TODAY

5th Apr 2015 2:00pm-4:00pm: No club today due to Easter Sunday Holiday

 

Exploring Mona Vale's transport & housing future

02 Apr 2015

Residents and businesses are invited to the next round of events exploring the future of Mona Vale Town Centre.

General Manager Mark Ferguson said that Council has been running a number of urban talks, workshops and interactive activities around the Mona Vale Place Plan.

Mr Ferguson said the place planning process will develop a vision and plan that guides future improvements for the town centre.

“There is a great opportunity for Mona Vale to take advantage of predicted economic growth and position itself as the peninsula’s vibrant urban town centre,” he said.

“We were pleased with the level of interest in our first couple of urban talks and workshop that ran in February and March, with discussion around ‘People & Destinations’ and ‘Retail & Economics’.

“We have already had over 500 residents joining in the discussion over the last few events and are hoping that we will continue to draw more input from community members this month with the topic of ‘Access, Linkages & Housing’.

Mr Ferguson said Council is keen for the community and businesses to have their say on the topic of accessibility in and around Mona Vale, along with the issue of affordable housing.

“We will be touching on transport issues such as the proposed bus rapid transport system from Mona Vale, pedestrian access in the town centre and bike paths, along with exploring the issue of affordable housing for the next generation,” added Mr Ferguson.

A Q&A session with a panel of speakers will take place on Thursday 9 April at Mona Vale Memorial Hall from 6.30 to 8pm. Speakers will include:

• Steven Burgess - Principal with boutique transportation consultancy MRCagney and leading contributor to the planning, design and development of liveable cities

• Rod Simpson , Director of the Urban Design program in the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning and the University of Sydney, with over thirty years’ experience in architecture, master planning and urban design

•  Matt Faber - Manager, Bus Light Rail Active Transport Strategy, has worked on NSW urban transport planning issues since the early 1990s. Matt’s experience includes helping deliver the Western Sydney T-ways system

• Andrew McAnulty - Chief Executive Officer, Link Housing, has been delivering social, affordable and large scale urban renewal outcomes for over twenty years.

The Thursday session will be followed by open-houses at the hall onFriday and Saturday 10-11 April from 10am to 4pm. Residents and businesses are encouraged to provide input either face-to-face with Council staff or through a series of facilitated workshops.

One of the workshops will include the discussion of street design and transport facilitated by Steven Burgess on Saturday 11 April from 10am-midday.

 For more information on how you can have your say on the future of Mona Vale, visit places.pittwater.nsw.gov.au

Elanora Heights village upgrade

Council will begin streetscape works at Kalang Road, Elanora Heights on Monday 20 April 2015. Contractor Hargraves Urban Pty Ltd has been engaged to carry out the work, which is anticipated to be completed in June.  The works include:

A raised pedestrian crossing and street lights on Kalang Road to replace the existing pedestrian refuge

Footpath extension on the eastern side of Kalang Road

A new footpath to the western side of Kalang Road

Paved areas with feature design elements, low walls, and seating for the enjoyment of the local community

Street furniture, bike racks, seating and rubbish bins

The relocation of the bus shelter and services to the south of St Andrews Gate

Removal of the existing gum tree to be replaced with street trees along Kalang Road.

The works will be completed in stages, while maintaining access to shops and residences along Kalang Road. Traffic control measures will be in place along Kalang Road during the duration of the work. Some parking spaces will be closed on occasions to allow the works to take place. Call 99701379 or find out more.

Calling all keen community members!

 Are you interested in what’s happening in your local area at a local level, with our towns and villages, the environment, the community or Council decision-making? Or do you know someone who is?

We’d like to hear from you, and people you know in our community who love Pittwater as much as you do. 

Pittwater Council is looking for community members and organisations to participate in our community reference groups, they play an important role in considering the challenges and opportunities and the big issues facing Pittwater. As a forum where innovative ideas can be discussed, where community can find out about what is going on and have their say, the groups help Council deliver Pittwater 2025 - Our Community Strategic Plan.

What is involved? How do I apply?

To find out what’s involved or how to nominate to join a reference group visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/referencegroups

Nominations for reference group membership may be made online until close of business Friday 10 April.

Queries? Please contact David Bremner on 99701626 or email atdavid_bremner@pittwater.nsw.gov.au


Community Car Boot Sale – it’s time to declutter and sell unwanted items!

02 Apr 2015

Pittwater Council’s Community Car Boot Sale Saturday 18 April – it’s time to de-clutter and sell unwanted items!

It’s the perfect time to de-clutter and sort through your pre-loved treasures, because Council will be holding a community car boot sale on Saturday 18 April - have you booked a stall with Council yet?

Following the success of last year’s inaugural community car boot sale in Avalon, Council will be holding another event at Dunbar Park, Avalon from 8am to 2pm.

Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend said as part of Council’s message of ‘Pittwater loves less waste’ this is just one way we are helping the community to make their homes clutter-free and at the same time reduce waste to landfill.

The car boot sale is not exclusive to Pittwater residents, it’s open to everybody!   Stall holder fees: $30 per car, $45 for car and trailer site (limited spaces available).

All proceeds will be forwarded by Council to a local community group known as Boomerang Bags, who are trying reduce plastic bags in our environment http://boomerangbags.org/our-communities/#avalon

“I’m a big believer in recycling items and I encourage people to go through their things, have a good think about what they do and don’t need and sell it at Council’s car boot sale,” added Cr Townsend.

There’ll also be a sausage sizzle, free face painting, live music and kids can enjoy a play in nearby Dunbar Park!

Register for Council’s car boot sale today! Visit pittwater.nsw.gov.au 

 

Award winning biographer presents A Forger's Progress

27 Mar 2015

Author Alasdair McGregor will discuss his recent work A Forger’s Progress: The Life of Francis Greenway at an upcoming Author Talk at Mona Vale Library on Thursday 16 April from 6.30pm.

McGregor profiles Greenway’s landmark buildings, his meteoric rise and his complex and fraught relationship with Governor Macquarie, along with his thwarted ambitions and self-destruction.

This is the first biography on Greenway since 1953 and gives great insight into Australia’s first government architect.

Alastair McGregor is a writer, painter and photographer.  His professional and creative interests span a number of fields including natural history and the environment, architecture and design, and the history of exploration.

Over the course of his career, McGregor has authored, co-authored or edited seven non-fiction books in the genres of travel, natural history, history, biography, architecture and design, and has been an occasional contributor to edited books, periodicals, newspapers.

In 2011 McGregor was awarded the National Biography Award, for his work Grand Obsessions: The life and work of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.

Bookings are essential; to book phone 9970 1600.  Participants can enjoy light refreshments prior to the talk and there will be book signings afterwards. 

Admission is $8 adult, $6 concession, free admission for students.

 Blue Star Sustainability Awards - Keep NSW Beautiful

March 26th, 2015 

Calling all people dedicated to our environmental future - Our Blue Star Sustainability Awards are now open! These annual awards aim to reward both individuals and group projects in NSW which are committed to promoting responsible environmental practices in their local areas. There are 10 different award categories, each with a regional and metropolitan winner. To enter, all you have to do is submit a short form online - it couldn't be easier! 

Entries close on Wednesday the 20th of May 2015, so if this sounds like you, someone you know, or a project currently underway in your local area, head to our page and get entering! 

See: ow.ly/KO0vE

 Boomerang Bag Avalon Sewing Bees Now Every Tuesday

Surfrider Foundation and  Living Ocean

Thank you to everyone who's been involved in the initiative so far, we've got a wonderful group of regular sewing bee volunteers who are really starting to kick some goals!

Thanks to support from Pittwater Council we can now afford to rent out Avalon Recreation Centre every Tuesday, which is very exciting news!! 

So make sure you pop into Avalon Recreation Centre on Tuesdays, anytime from 11am-5pm and come join the team. All welcome, no sewing skills needed, we need people to cut material, stamp and of course to come along and have a cuppa.

I'd like to also say a big thank you to Laurel who is our lead sewing bee coordinator, we couldn't be running the program without her dedication and patience. 

Jessica Hensman, Operations Manager

PO Box 968, Mona Vale NSW 1660, Surfrider Foundation

E: operations@surfrider.org.au W: www.surfrider.org.au 

 Lyrebird

This Lyrebird was foraging along the edge of Epworth place near the entrance to the Irrawong Waterfall track yesterday when we arrived for bushcare. This area along Mullet Creek is about mid-way through a six year bush regeneration program funded by the NSW Environmental Trust. It is in Ingleside Chase Reserve, a Wildlife Protection Area. Signs remind visitors that NO DOGS area allowed, even on leads.

And this bird shows why. 

The bushcare group meets here on the third Saturday afternoon of each month. The next work day will be April 18, 1-4pm.

Picture by Marita Macrae

Bushcare in Pittwater - April 2015: Pittwater Council's Cooee Newsletter - March - April 2015: HERE

For further information and to confirm the meeting details for the below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367.
 Sun March 29 
Asparagus Fern Out Day Floating Landcare Elizabeth Park 8:30-1:30pm 

Fri April 3 
Norma Park 9-12pm 

Sat April 4 
Algona Reserve 9-12pm 
Plateau Park 8:30-11:30am 
Elizabeth Park 9-12pm 
Mona Vale Basin 8-11am 

Sun April 5 
Avalon Dunes 8:30-11:30am 
W’wood Wetlands 9-12pm 

Mon April 6 
Rocky Point 9-12pm 

Tue April 7 
Browns Bay 9-12pm 

Fri April 10 
Bilgola Beach 8-11am 

Sat April 11 
Mona Vale Dunes 8:30-11:30am 
Coopers Pt 10-1pm 

Sun April 12 
Bangalley Head 9-12pm 
Catherine Park 10-12:30pm 

Thu April 16 
Mona Vale Dunes 8:30-11:30am 

Sat April 18 
Toongari Reserve 8-11am 
Old Wharf Reserve 8-11am 
Nth Palm Beach 9-12pm 
Irrawong Reserve 1-4pm 

Sun April 19 
Angophora Res 8:30-11:30am 
Crescent Reserve 9-12pm 

Wed April 22 
W’wood Beach 8-11am 

Sat April 25 
Nth Newport Beach 8:30-11:30am 
Careel Creek 8:30-11:30am 
Kywong Reserve 8:30-11:30am 

Sun April 26 
Bungan Beach 8-11am 
Winn Bay 9-12pm 
Kundibah Reserve 8-11am 
Community Planting Day - Turimetta Head 9-12pm 

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Gene

AGE/SEX: 2 years / M

BREED: Chihuahua x

Gene is a gentle boy but still getting the hang of walking and being out and about. He has a sweet nature. He walks on loose lead but is a bit scared of cars. He is affectionate and enjoys pats and cuddles & is fine to picked up by strangers. He has a smooth coat and weighs 4.5kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. His adoption cost is $350. 

For further details or to meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visitwww.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs.www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

 To All Community Groups and Schools

Below is an update of the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc. Events we are planning for 2015.

If your school or group would like to participate in these events and/ or you have ideas or contacts for performers, artists, workshops etc please contact us on 0407 932 066 orinfo@avalonpalmbeachbusinesschamber.com.au.

If you are a local NFP or school please contact us direct if you wish to have stall/fundraising activities at  these events.

Please note –we do not have the resources to handle commercial stall enquiries for Avalon Market Day. These will be processed by Blue Sky Markets only.

We have decided to keep Avalon Market Day on the third Saturday of November so this year is Saturday 21/11/15.

Kay Richardson from Young Gourmet has volunteered to be our Market Day Convener for 2015 but we need you all to volunteer to do little bits so please email us and let us know what area of expertise and /or time you can offer. The theme will tie in with the Avalon Art Carnival (below) and extend into our Christmas decorating proposals starting 28/11/15. 

Jayne Denshire –our Events Committee Convenor is working on the Avalon Art Carnival –The Game. A two part project in conjunction with Eramboo and Enliven which we think will be very exciting for the Village.

Stage 1 is the Artists workshops run by Kendal Hendry from USA –Master Public Art Curator - in Avalon 10-2 Wed 8/4/15-sat 11/4/15 open to local and out of area artists. Public talks Tuesday 7/4 at Eramboo and Friday 10/4 5.30pm Avalon at Next Door Bar. Artist Call Out details on artcarnivaleramboo.com.au

The proposal is to bring Kendal back in October to Curate the Avalon Art Carnival –The Game - a public art display of the 20 -30 works produced by the workshop artists and exhibit in Avalon –in business premises, open spaces and laneways for approx. 2 weeks leading up to Market Day 21/11/15. The opening may incorporate a long lunch in the park or laneway.

We are also looking at This is Avalon –Winter Solstice Festival- on Sunday 21/6/15 to bring a bit of Winter sparkle to the village.

This will involve local 2107-2108 businesses and community/school groups only and will be a lower key/low budget event. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer to help with this event and/or have ideas/contacts for entertainment/workshops/activities for this. We would like this to be a fun local community event showcasing our local businesses and community /school groups with an eco-theme.

Sponsorship –We are looking for some major sponsors for these events so if you are interested in coming on board or know someone who may be interested please contact me -0407 93 2066.

We have some other ideas on the boil and some business seminars we are looking at.

Our Business After Hours Networking Events are always the first Wednesday of the Quarter –March, June, September and December from 6pm so please make a note in your diary.

We invite you all to attend. The Events Group meets monthly so please contact Jayne or myself if you would like to attend. 

Our Events & Meeting Calendar is constantly updated on our website – www.avalonpalmbeachbusinesschamber.com.au .

Our Contact list and Member Directory is also on our website. All current financial members are listed.

If you are a Facebook user please like our chamber pages and invite your friends to like- and stay up to date with events and local info.

Please post your business news, events and specials to share on our pages-

Facebook - Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber

Avalon Market Day and This Is Avalon -Winter Solstice Festival - 21/6/2015

Ros Marsh

President, Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc.

 The photograph and Australia 

at the Art Gallery of NSW

21 Mar – 8 Jun 2015

See the images that shaped a nation

Photography has been crucial in the development of our understanding of Australia as a place and Australians as a people. Tracing the evolution of the medium and its many uses from the 1840s until today, The photograph and Australia investigates the role that photography has played in shaping our view of the world, ourselves and each other.

Sourced from more than 35 private and public collections across Australia, New Zealand and England, the exhibition features works by renowned artists, as well as images by unknown photographers and everyday material such as family albums and postcards. Weaving together the multiple threads of Australia’s photographic history, it proposes a new way of thinking about the connections between photography, place and identity.

Artists include Morton Allport, Richard Daintree, Paul Foelsche, Samuel Sweet, JJ Dwyer, Charles Bayliss, Frank Hurley, Harold Cazneaux, Olive Cotton, Max Dupain, David Moore, Sue Ford, Carol Jerrems, Tracey Moffatt, Simryn Gill, Robyn Stacey, Ricky Maynard and Anne Ferran, among many others.

As part of The photograph and Australia, Patrick Pound’s installation The readers 2011-15 is on display in the Gallery’s research library.

Photo: Sunbaker (Culburra NSW), Max Dupain, 1937

 Prince Harry to begin military attachment with the Australian Defence Force

 2 April 2015 | Media Release  

Prince Harry will arrive in Australia on Monday, 6 April to begin a four week attachment to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

On arrival in Australia, Prince Harry will travel to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where he will join the Governor General, The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, MC, and senior Government officials to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and view the World War I and Afghanistan galleries. At the end of the visit he will have the chance to greet members of the public outside at the Australian War Memorial’s main entrance.

Prince Harry will then report to the Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC for duty. The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO and other senior Army officers will join Prince Harry to officially mark the start of his military attachment with the Australian Army.

During his time with the ADF, Captain Wales – as he is known in the British Army – will work and live alongside colleagues in the Australian Army in a number of regiments in Sydney, Darwin and Perth. He is expected to take part in a range of unit-based activities and training exercises. These will include urban training exercises, regional bush patrols, flight simulation and aviation activities, joint fire exercises and Indigenous engagements activities.

Captain Wales will also take part in routine activities, such as physical training, first aid training and pack marches. Additionally, he will have the opportunity to meet wounded, injured and ill service personnel during his time in Australia, which will compliment his advocacy work in this area in the UK.

The British and Australian Armies have a shared military history as well as a long and enduring association. Secondments, exchanges, bilateral training and professional development opportunities are routine practice between our two armies. These exchanges typically range from a few weeks to several months. Military-to-military exchanges provide British and Australian personnel with valuable insight into their counterparts’ operations equipment and training as well as opportunities to build professional personal relationships.

As such, Defence’s focus for this attachment is to provide Captain Wales with an authentic military experience in the Australian Army that builds on his previous experience with coalition forces and complements his work with wounded, injured and ill service personnel. Defence has selected units that best utilise Captain Wales’ skills and allow him to experience a broad range of Army capabilities. The attachment will also allow Captain Wales to share the experience and knowledge he has gained over 10 years of military service in the British Armed Forces, including two operational tours of duty in Afghanistan.

During his attachment, Prince Harry will travel from Australia to Turkey to attend the Gallipoli Commemorations on 24 and 25 April.

 Palm 2 Palms Charity Ride‏ T-Shirts Have Arrived 

P2P shirts have arrived this week in black and white and in all sizes! $20 each: get in touch to get yourself one. All riders in this year's ride get one with entry!!!! 

Its official people, The NSW Police have officially signed off on the ride!!!!!! The P2P is set to go!! Get on board and start riding. Only 60 Days to go

The Palm to Palms Charity Ride is the brainchild of five guys from Newport Surf Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Tom Kellaway, Alex Brown, Lachy Brook, James Brook and Tom Howes set out with a plan to do something a little bit different. They wanted to raise money to support their surf club and to assist in helping the club manage the increasing costs of protecting Australia’s Beaches.

They saw an opportunity to not only help their surf club but also to help other charities too, but also create an event that could bring people from all walks of life together to do something totally different……

Get 100 people to ride from North Palm Beach Surf Club at the foot of Barrenjoey headland at the mouth of the Hawkesbury to the North of Sydney down the coast passing every surf club in Sydney all the way to Burning Palms Surf Club, just to the North of Wollongong, the last surf club in Sydney. An ambitious ride of 130 km’s, passing 36 surf clubs all to coincide with the final day of surf patrols for the 2014/2015 patrol season.

If that's too far you can do the shorter course to Manly Surf Club!

Each rider pays an entry fee of $100 for the ride, and upon entry, set out and fundraise a further $900 to help us reach our goal.

On April 26th,  at North Palm Beach Surf Club, the journey begins…..Get on board and help us support our local community…… See you on the bike!

More details and how to sign up to be 1 in 100 at:www.palm2palmsride.com.au

 Have Your Say on Lifejacket Standards Review

c/- SLS NSW

The Maritime Management Centre in NSW is calling on members of the public to have their say on a draft paper reviewing lifejacket safety standards in Australia.

“This is the first major review of lifejacket standards in almost a decade and I encourage anyone with an interest in water safety to provide their feedback as part of this important process,” General Manager Howard Glenn said.

The draft paper, produced by the Standards Australia committee Buoyancy Aids, contains substantial changes that should help provide safety requirements for lifejackets to cater for a wide range of water activities, including:

• addition of a new lower-buoyancy category of Level 25 (25 newtons of buoyancy) for competent swimmers for specialist activities;

• new requirements for a body mass of between 5 and 10 kg to address public demand regarding lifejackets for infants;

• harmonisation of Level 50 buoyancy requirements with international standards;

• new requirements for testing inflation indicators and gas cylinders; and

• the term “personal flotation device” or “PFD” to be replaced with “lifejacket” across all three parts of the Standard to remove ambiguity for the public.

“Lifejackets are one of the most important items when it comes to keeping people safe on our waterways,” Mr Glenn said.

“Modern lifejackets have already come a long way from the bulky styles of the past but we must continue to look at where we can make more safety improvements in terms of things like design and functionality.

“Remember an enjoyable day on the water is a safe one and this important work will help boost safety for boaters well into the future.”

Members of the public can provide their feedback on the draft paper until Friday 3 April and can access it online at the following link: sapc.standards.org.au/sapc/public/listOpenCommenting

 

 LEGO AT THE LIBRARY

Local children will have the chance to join a club specialising in one of the most enduring playthings of childhood. Mona Vale Library has started a Lego club on the first Sunday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. Next is May  3rd 2015. The club is open to children aged between seven and twelve years of age, with younger children welcome with parental supervision. If you are interested in attending a Lego at the Library session contact the library on 9970 1622 or book in person at the library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale.

 Family Energy Rebate

Applications are now open for the 2014-2015 Family Energy Rebate. The application submission deadline is Midnight 16 June 2015. The Family Energy Rebate (FER) helps NSW family households with dependant children to pay their electricity bills. In 2014-2015 the Family Energy Rebate gives eligible households a $150 credit on their electricity bill. If you live in a residential community (caravan or mobile home park), the 2014-2015 Family Energy Rebate is $165. Find out more at:www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/energy-consumers/financial-assistance/rebates/family-energy-rebate

 March 29 - April 4, 2015: Issue 208

 Articles This Week

Front Page Issue 208: 

Currawong State Park Established

2015 Surftag Australian Championships - local teams into Quarter Finals today at North Narrabeen

Maria Regina Catholic Primary School Walkathon 2015 - Children's Pictorial by Joanne Seve

Beko Best of the Best Surf Boat Challenge 2015 presented by SLS NSW: close of the surf boat racing season, Mona Vale and Avalon Beach winners + VALE Robert Meijer, surf boat gentleman

Securing Energy Supply For Pittwater’s Offshore Communities

STAR ATHLETES JOIN PALM 2 PALMS CHARITY RIDE: New Route: now heading down to North Head, and then back up the northern beaches to Palm Beach - are you up for the challenge?

Reflections by George Repin: ABORIGINAL ROCK ART ON BIGGE ISLAND

INAUGURAL SYDNEY HARBOUR & COAST WALK - DAY 21 – BARANGAROO THE EORA FISHERWOMAN by John Illingsworth

DIY: Autumn Gardens: time to feed the lawn and your soil, plant out Winter cropping vegetables and trim overgrowth for Springtime abundance - there's even underwater adventure item for the kids here this week!

Aquatics: Twice the coral trout in Great Barrier Reef protected zones - long term study confirms expansion of a GBR reserve network led to substantial increases in coral trout stocks

Artist of the Month: Artist of the Month April 2015 - Leonie Barton: In 2014 Leonie took up a challenge to create an ephemeral artwork everyday. Prior to this a production manager, opening her own art supplies store and studio and being commissioned to become the background painter for international photographer, Anne Geddes, has inspired and furthered a wonderfully creative spirit.

Profile: April  2015 - Pittwater Gentlemen:  Richard Stewart OAM 73 years on beautiful Whale Beach, a member since aged 13 of Whale Beach SLSC, now a Life Member, this gentle man has held every position of responsibility there is within a surf club.  This was the beginning of a life dedicated to giving to and doing for others. Mr. Stewart was awarded an OAM in the June 2009 honour lists, “For service to the community through surf lifesaving and church organisations.”

History: April 2015 -  Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay at - The Pasadena Road House, Cabaret, Motel : As we head into the last week of Summer, and towards the golden days of Autumn, a run of four Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay in, and enjoy the place around you, may inspire a few days away from chores where good food and great memories can be created.

Held over - 

Warringah and Mackellar Federal Electorates ANZAC Centenary Commemoration 2015+ 100 Years 100 Boats Anzac Beach Memorial + Pittwater RSL's Centenary Poppy Wall + The first ANZAC Commemorations

Seniors Week in Pittwater 2015 - A Month Long Celebration: Be Inspired During Seniors Week - all activities from Pittwater Council

 Avalon Beach SLSC – 90 Years of Vigilance and Service

Avalon Beach SLSC is celebrating 90 years of service to our beach. As part of the celebrations we are also fundraising for the Club with a special offer of award winning wines from Margaret River in Western Australia. For every dozen sold $40 goes towards the Club. To order please go to www.theextraordinaryfundraiser or order at club websiteor come down to the Club Lounge on a Friday night from 5.30pm or on Sunday afternoon from 4pm and place your order.

Avalon Beach SLSC will be holding a special function in early May to celebrate it's 90th Anniversary. If you are a past member and would like to attend please message us your email and we will pass on an invitation. Should be a wonderful weekend. Send messages HERE 


Show us your true Stripes on April Fools Day for Cyclone Pam Crisis Appeal!

In pure 'AVALON NOW' fashion, we want the whole of Avalon to wear something with stripes on April Fools Day,  Wednesday April 1st. 

If you're confused or have been away and don't know about 'Avalon Now', the Gold 'Willbe' winning film from Creative Creatures Film Festival, you can watch it here :)

www.youtube.com/watch?

Cyclone Pam Crisis Appeal

To show that under those stripes beats a strong generous heart ( ... from all those kale shakes!) we are asking people to wear stripes on Wednesday April 1 and donate a gold coin to the Cylone Pam Crisis Appeal and you as a chamber member can help by putting a collection container on your counter on April 1.

Lots of places to donate:

• La Banette

• Nourished

• Swell

• Smalltown

• Relish

• Haven & Sarah

• Rust

• Vintage Cellars

• Beach Without Sand 

• Avalon Bowling Club

• and more ...

Get Involved

If you'd like to be involved please emailjason.marty@intervision.com.au and he will provide you with a striped collection container to put on your shop counter for the day.

So for a good cause get Stripey on April Fools Day!

 Forest Coach Lines to Sydney Royal Easter Show

The Sydney Royal Easter Show has opened its gates and showgoers are advised to plan ahead and take advantage of extra public transport options available.

ShowLink tickets can be bought online at www.eastershow.com, at ticket booths at the Sydney Showground entry gates or at participating Woolworths stores but are not available at train stations or on Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses.

Throughout the show, frequent trains will run between Central and Olympic Park, stopping at Redfern and Olympic Park. Trains will also run every 10 minutes between Lidcombe and Olympic Park.

On weekends and public holidays, trains will run frequently between Olympic Park and Emu Plains and two trains will run every hour between Olympic Park and Schofields.

Sydney Olympic Park Major Event buses will also run daily from 7am and 7.30am, depending on the route. Return services will operate between 12.30pm and 11pm.

Anyone who decides to drive is advised to expect delays and to pre-book parking as parking is limited.

Traffic is expected to be particularly heavy when major sporting events take place nearby at ANZ Stadium, including Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Monday 6 April.

For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Forest Coach Lines run buses to and from the Royal Easter Show: Route 1B - Warriewood to Sydney Olympic Park via Mona Vale

Timetable available here: www.forestcoachlines.com.au/html/special

 AN INVITATION TO A DAY AT CURRAWONG PITTWATER

THURSDAY, 7th May  2015

All welcome to board the special ferry  “Merinda” kindly donated by  Steve Reynolds of Palm Beach Hawkesbury River Cruises

DEPARTING PALM BEACH WHARF AT  9.15 AM - RETURNING AT 3.00 PM

AT CURRAWONG  -  ENJOY . . . . .

• The ambience of “MIDHOLME”

• GOLF  (byo gear)

• TENNIS (byo gear)

• BRIDGE/OTHER GAMES (byo bridge cards etc)

• SHORT BUSH and/or BEACH WALKS

• A LAZY DAY IN THE SUN

Morning tea and lunch will be supplied. Drinks by donation $3.00 per glass  Prizes to be won.

COST: $30.00 per person  -  (includes Ferry return trip, m/tea and lunch)

ALL PROCEEDS TO VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY

2015 will be Beryl’s 17th year driving in the Variety Bash in her 1963 EH HOLDEN CAR NUMBER 2108

Co drivers:  Elyse Cole and Viktorija McDonell

RSVP   MONDAY 20 APRIL or NO LATER THAN  Sunday 26 APRIL  to

BERYL – Telephone  0410 478 897   OR

ELYSE COLE  -  Telephone  0404 000 123   OR

BEV WILSON – Telephone 9918 9756  

 BAIRD GOVERNMENT ON BOARD WITH SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

 24 March 2015

Environment Minister Rob Stokes today announced funding for Surfrider Foundation Australia to support their efforts to protect and conserve our beaches and oceans. 

Mr Stokes said the $4,000 grant from the Minister’s Conservation Fund will help Surfrider develop online training tools and deliver workshops to enhance the skills of people within the organisation. 

“Surfrider Foundation is a terrific northern beaches-based organisation which works with tenacity to protect our oceans and our beaches,” Rob Stokes said.

 “As an avid surfer, I understand the passion within Surfrider to protect and conserve our natural environment so we leave it in a condition as good or better for the next generation.

 “Surfrider truly embodies the environmental and volunteer ethos on the northern beaches and I’m delighted the Baird Government is able to provide support.

 The Minister’s Conservation Fund provides grants to volunteer community groups to support their conservation projects and initiatives.

 On the Beach (Series 2) Episode 17 - NSW State Championships 

By FitzPics: Published on 22 Mar 2015

The Sunday of the Surf Life Saving New South Wales State Championships - some of the Board and Ski finals, then we talk with the Avoca Beach Scumdogs (Under 19 surf boat crew) and join the boaties for some of the boat action.

 Proposed development at Yamba- Scotland Island

Pittwater Council has given notice of an application to build at Yamba, the large property in the north-western sector of Scotland Island.

Details of the application can be found here: 

The proposed building would stand just to the north east of the existing main house on Yamba and would contain six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and two dining areas.

The main channel for communicating your views is via the Council website following the link above.

Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA) invites comments in relation to the proposed development. Members are welcome to email us at secretary@sira.org.au or post here.

Pittwater Council has extended the period for comment on the development application to 1 April 2015.

Photo: 'Weather and Tides' courtesy June Lahm

 Boomerang Bag Avalon Sewing Bees Now Every Tuesday

Surfrider Foundation and  Living Ocean

Thank you to everyone who's been involved in the initiative so far, we've got a wonderful group of regular sewing bee volunteers who are really starting to kick some goals!

Thanks to support from Pittwater Council we can now afford to rent out Avalon Recreation Centre every Tuesday, which is very exciting news!! 

So make sure you pop into Avalon Recreation Centre on Tuesdays, anytime from 11am-5pm and come join the team. All welcome, no sewing skills needed, we need people to cut material, stamp and of course to come along and have a cuppa.

I'd like to also say a big thank you to Laurel who is our lead sewing bee coordinator, we couldn't be running the program without her dedication and patience. 

Jessica Hensman, Operations Manager

PO Box 968, Mona Vale NSW 1660, Surfrider Foundation

E: operations@surfrider.org.au W: www.surfrider.org.au 

 

Food & Wine Fair online competition

Foodies and wine-lovers can win a degustation lunch for four in the Hunter Valley and a private winery tour as part of the 2015 Pittwater Food and Wine Fair.

Other great prizes include a two-night stay at Currawong Cottages for four people, plus a hamper of Cooks Lot wines and goodies, and a face painting gift certificate to the value of $280.

The online competition is open until the May event with entries limited to one per person.  Visit pittwater/foodandwinefair to submit an entry.

Winners will be drawn at the Fair on Sunday 3 May and to be eligible for a prize in the competition, you must attend the fair and place your ticket in the barrel.

Now in its sixth year, the Food and Wine Fair will be held at picturesque Winnererremy Bay in Mona Vale, next to the children’s playground and Flying Fox Cafe.

Mayor Jacqui Townsend said this year’s Fair will have an array of wines and food on offer, cooking demos, eco-stalls and a volunteer’s expo.

“The expo will profile many different volunteering opportunities including community transport, community service groups and disability services,” she said.

“You can also pick up useful tips on living sustainably and protecting our environment and collect free native plants,” said Cr Townsend.

Residents and visitors are invited to come along and sample fine Australian wines from boutique and classic wine stalls and enjoy tasty gourmet foods and live music at the Fair.

Recyclable/reusable wine ’glasses’ will be sold on the day from the Council stall for $5. These ‘glasses’ will be required to buy wine tastings from the wineries.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring drink bottles on the day which they can fill up at the water stations provided by Sydney Water.

The fair is proudly sponsored by URM, Kimbriki, McWilliams Mt Pleasant, Pittwater RSL, Molly’s Cradle Wines and Currawong Beach Cottages.

Winnererremy Bay Reserve is located at Mona Street, Mona Vale.  For more information about the Food & Wine Fair, contact Nikki Griffith on 9970 1165 or visitwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/foodandwinefair

 Creative workshop for artists

Manly Council has an upcoming exhibition (8 May - 28 June 2015) at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum called Saltwater Country which explores the Aboriginal concept of “country” as a connection to land and place of birth, only in this case specifically in a coastal context. 

As a companion project to Saltwater Country, council is hosting a workshop to encourage artists to produce works around the themes of the coastal environment and sea level rise from climate change. 

•Date: Friday 24 April 2015

•Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm

•Cost: Free, materials supplied

•More info: Katherine.Roberts@manly.nsw.gov.au or 9976 1418

 Issue 210

Please note Issue 210 will be published Sunday 19th of April 2015 instead of April 12th, 2015. 

Contributors and Community Groups which wish to advertise Events for School Holidays or News for the Easter Sunday 2015 - Issue 209 (also when Daylight Saving Ends) published April 5th 2015, and until 19th of April, need to have these to the magazine by 5pm Friday 3rd of April. - Email HERE

We're commencing the 5th year of Pittwater Online News by one Issue and then taking a day off. This will be the first day off in 1463 consecutive days. 

 TRILOGY Art Exhibition Invitation

Stephanie Galloway Brown and Mignon Parker would like to welcome you to their exhibition opening Trilogy. Our guest speaker is John Ogden, author of the Saltwater People books. 

Stephanie & Mignon share a passion for painting, colour, old found objects & exploring various techniques & mediums. Included in the show are a collective of still life and figurative artworks in various mediums: oil, encaustic, collage, graphite, pastel, charcoal, acrylic, water colour, fresco, rust oxidisation and patina on board, paper and canvas. The exhibition is to be held at the Warringah Creative Space North Curl Curl 1st April - 13th April. 

Following the exhibition they will run two workshops for still life and portraiture to be held at the Tramshed Narrabeen, Sunday May 24th & 31st 2015.

Location: Warringah Creative Centre, 105 Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl, NSW, 2099.

Opening Night: Wednesday 1st April 2015, 6.00pm-8.00pm.

Guest Speaker: John Ogden.

Author Talk & Demo: Stephanie Galloway Brown, Sunday 5th April 2015, 11.00am. 

Exhibition Open: 2nd April 2015, 10am - 4pm daily.

Exhibition closes: 13th April 2015.

Please RSVP here. stephabrown@gmail.com

 Funds To Improve Local War Memorials

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes is encouraging local veteran’s groups, community associations, councils and schools to consider applying for funds to help improve local war memorial sites. 

The NSW Government’s Community War Memorial Fund is providing grants up to $10,000 to repair and conserve community memorial sites, including cenotaphs, commemorative walls, honour boards and flagpoles. 

“War memorials are a key part of the history and social fabric of our community,” Rob Stokes said today. 

“They serve as a constant reminder of the enormous sacrifices local residents have made in defence of our country.

“It’s through these sacred sites and tributes that our shared history is conveyed and passed to younger generations.

“They are as much about respect as they are about remembrance and ensuring they are properly maintained is absolutely vital. 

“Applications for funds will be accepted until Anzac Day this year.

“Project applications will be assessed by the State War Memorials Committee. The NSW RSL, NSW Government’s Architect’s Office and the Office of Veterans Affairs are represented on the Committee,” Rob Stokes said.

Applications can be made by visitingveterans.nsw.gov.au/community-war-memorials-fund or by contacting the NSW Office of Veteran’s Affairs on 9228 4710.

 THE CROCODILE HOTEL

NEW RELEASE: 28 March, 2015

Berkelouw Mona Vale: 12/14 Park St, Mona Vale NSW 2013

Book Launch at 6pm 22nd April 2015

RSVP only. RSVP to oggy@oggy.com.au by 15/4/15.

Author: Julie Janson,  RRP $24.95 (with GST)

This story strikes deep into Australia’s heart. An epic novel about a young Aboriginal single mother’s awakening of identity and compassion in a remote Northern Territory community in 1976. This land holds a terrible secret of Immense proportions, the earth is red with the memory.

Jane Reynolds is swept up in a year of wonders, as she negotiates her place between the black and white societies. She begins teaching in the caravan school on the remote cattle property, Harrison Station, south of Arnhem Land.Jane arrives with her five-year-old son Aaron. She meets traditional Aboriginal elders who change her life forever. She finds love with two charismatic men and fights for Land Rights alongside the Lanniwah, while finding respect and redemption for herself.

The great grand-daughter of a Darug Hawkesbury river Aboriginal woman, Jane takes a journey to recognise her identity and is drawn into the world of race relations in the face of 1970s prejudice and discrimination.

There is grim humour, powerful understatement and memorable characters. Jane is sexual, courageous and passionate as she is swept up in a tempestuous story of the Northern Territory that reveals the bloody history of the country and the Lanniwah people’s spiritual magic realism. This recreation may challenge the way you think about Australia’s history.

ABOUT JULIE JANSON:

The Crocodile Hotel is the debut novel by critically acclaimed playwright, Julie Janson, Her plays Black Mary and Gunjie were published by Aboriginal Studies Press (1996). Black Mary was produced by Co B Belvoir St Theatre for the Olympic Festival of the Dreaming (1997) and by Phoenix Theatre, Arizona, USA.The Eyes of Marege was performed at the Studio Sydney Opera House and the Ozasia Festival at the Adelaide Festival Centre (2007). Julie is a member of theBurruberongal clan, Darug nation of the Hawkesbury River.

“A story that needs to be told: a riveting account of a young Aboriginal woman from Western Sydney asserting her own identity in a remote Northern Territory community in the teeth of entrenched racism at the beginning of land rights." Linda Burney

Published by Cyclops Press ISBN 9780980561951

www.cyclopspress.com.au

 

STEPHEN BOWERS: BEYOND BRAVURA comes to Manly 

JamFactory Icon 2013 

Manly Art Gallery & Museum is delighted to be hosting the Stephen Bowers: Beyond Bravura, a JamFactory touring exhibition. With its reputation for supporting contemporary ceramic practice through its extensive collection and its exhibition partnerships with The Australian Ceramics Association and Northern Sydney Institute TAFE NSW’s ceramics department, MAG&M welcomes the opportunity to exhibit the work of one of Australia’s finest ceramic artists. The exhibition will be launched on Friday evening 27 March at 6pm by Richard Tognetti, Artistic Director of the ACO, and will run to 3 May 2015. 

Stephen Bowers: Beyond Bravura was developed by the JamFactory as the inaugural exhibition for its Icon series celebrating the achievements of South Australia’s most outstanding and influential craft and design practitioners with significant national and international profiles. 

Stephen Bowers is one of Australia’s foremost contemporary ceramic artists. Initially from Katoomba, NSW, Bowers became involved in ceramics in the late 1970s, a seminal time for Australian ceramics particularly in South Australia where the Skangaroovia Funk ethos of ceramics as an expressive medium abounded. Bowers seized the illustrative potential of ceramics and since undertaking a traineeship at JamFactory, Adelaide in the early 1980s, has produced work rich in ornamentation. 

Bowers’ practice differs from the majority of ceramic artists, in that he does not seek to be the ‘sole creator’ responsible for every aspect of production. Instead, his primary role as decorator/designer places him within the long tradition of ceramics as a collective enterprise, from the small rural workshop to the huge manufactories that came into being with the industrial revolution. 

Tapping this history and mining the variety of decorative techniques Bowers’ surfaces are brimming with recurring imagery such as the ubiquitous cockatoos, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Boofhead and the Opera House, which reflect his Australian larrikin spirit, and set against international motifs such as the Willow pattern. An extensive publication by Wakefield Press, profiling Stephen Bowers’ life and work, accompanies the exhibition, as well as an education kit for schools. 

Artist Talk: Sunday 29 March, 2 – 3pm 

Join Stephen Bowers for a special illustrated talk about his ideas, inspiration, collaborations and techniques. 

Kids’ Art Adventures: School Holiday Workshops: Tuesday 14 April, 10am-12noon or 2 – 4pm 

Led by artist and educator, Greg Stonehouse, and MAG&M Curator Katherine Roberts, children will be shown through the Stephen Bowers ceramics exhibition then create a unique engraved clay sculpture using three processes. Ages 5 – 12 years. 20pp max each session. 

Bookings essential: artgallery@manly.nsw.gov.au or 9976 1421.Cost: $30 includes materials. 

Stephen Bowers: Beyond Bravura - JamFactory Icon 2013 is a JamFactory touring exhibition. 

Stephen Bowers: Beyond Bravura - JamFactory Icon 2013 is supported by Visions of Australia, an Australian Government program supporting touring exhibitions by providing funding assistance for the development and touring of Australian cultural material across Australia. 

Manly Art Gallery & Museum I West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095 I 10am - 5pm Tuesday - Sunday I Entry Free

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 24/3/2015 

click on Logo: 

Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

 THE GAME - AVALON ART CARNIVAL 

Deadline for Applications: Sunday 29th March, 2015 

Artists Notified by: Wednesday 1st April, 2015

By: Eramboo, Enliven Pittwater and Avalon Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce

WORKSHOP WITH KENDAL HENRY

Who?

Kendal Henry - artist, curator and public art specialist with 25 years of contemporary and public art experience will conduct this fun and innovative workshop. Kendal has created a large range of permanent and temporary projects and festivals in countries including the US, Russia, Central Asia and Australia. The workshop is open to 20 - 30 selected artists, arts specialists, art students, writers, performers and interested members of the general public to participate in the workshop.

What and Why?

Public art is a fast-growing discipline with many unexplored opportunities for artists and communities. This workshop is a hands-on intensive introduction to the field outlining resources, logistics, and opportunities with examples of successful collaborations. It also serves as inspiration and preparation for The Game, an interactive public art festival that will be held in Avalon in November 2015. In this creative process, artists will explore how to find a public outlet for creative ideas and influence their surroundings when given limited resources and time. This workshop will investigate ways to engage the public in play through fun, entertaining, and interactive works of art. 

The underlying goal of the festival is to recognise artistic initiatives as a valuable asset and a catalyst for a dialogue and transformation. This workshop and the resulting festival in Avalon will celebrate how site-specific collaborations in varied cultural, geographic and political areas can influence business, social awareness and economic development as well as provide a unique platform for the participants and the public to rediscover and appreciate surrounding landscapes.

When?

The workshop will run for four days for 4 hours daily in Avalon. Participants will tour the potential sites, learn about the site constraints and opportunities, brainstorm ideas, and develop proposals. 

Concepts will be realised in a final launch in November 2015. 

The workshop will take place from:

Wednesday 8th April - 10am - 2pm 

Thursday 9th April - 10am - 2pm 

Friday 10th April - 10am - 2pm 

Saturday 11th April - 10am - 2pm

Brochure and registration at: www.artcarnivaleramboo.com.au

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2015

April
4: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
11: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
17: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 
May
7: Avalon Stall, outside ANZ Bank, Bric-a-brac from 8 until 4pm
8: Avalon Stall, Outside ANZ Bank, Craft, from 9am until 4pm
9: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
15: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 
June
6: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
13: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
19: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing      

 100 Years – 100 Boats

Don't forget to register for the Anzac Beach Memorial row! To register visit www.anzacbeachmemorial.com.au

There is now just 28 crews needed to achieve the 100 Boat target !!

For details please visit last Issue's page:

Warringah and Mackellar Federal Electorates ANZAC Centenary Commemoration 2015+ 100 Years 100 Boats Anzac Beach Memorial + Pittwater RSL's Centenary Poppy Wall + The first ANZAC Commemorations


 Lego at the Library - NO CLUB TODAY

5th Apr 2015 2:00pm-4:00pm: No club today due to Easter Sunday Holiday

 Community Garden Meeting 

31st Mar 2015: 6pm - 7pm

Would you like to grow your own vegetables?; if so you may like to join a community garden group. Come and chat to others interested in forming a garden group

The meeting will provide an opportunity for:

1. Council to provide an update

2. Members to meet and further organise their groups.

3. Discuss the administration tasks.

Venue: Pittwater Council Operations Centre, 1 Boondah Road, Warriewood.

(carparking available in Boondah Road in front of the sportsfields.)

RSVP: call Jenny Cronan on 9970 1357

 

Award winning biographer presents A Forger's Progress

27 Mar 2015

Author Alasdair McGregor will discuss his recent work A Forger’s Progress: The Life of Francis Greenway at an upcoming Author Talk at Mona Vale Library on Thursday 16 April from 6.30pm.

McGregor profiles Greenway’s landmark buildings, his meteoric rise and his complex and fraught relationship with Governor Macquarie, along with his thwarted ambitions and self-destruction.

This is the first biography on Greenway since 1953 and gives great insight into Australia’s first government architect.

Alastair McGregor is a writer, painter and photographer.  His professional and creative interests span a number of fields including natural history and the environment, architecture and design, and the history of exploration.

Over the course of his career, McGregor has authored, co-authored or edited seven non-fiction books in the genres of travel, natural history, history, biography, architecture and design, and has been an occasional contributor to edited books, periodicals, newspapers.

In 2011 McGregor was awarded the National Biography Award, for his work Grand Obsessions: The life and work of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.

Bookings are essential; to book phone 9970 1600.  Participants can enjoy light refreshments prior to the talk and there will be book signings afterwards. 

Admission is $8 adult, $6 concession, free admission for students.

 Blue Star Sustainability Awards - Keep NSW Beautiful

March 26th, 2015 

Calling all people dedicated to our environmental future - Our Blue Star Sustainability Awards are now open! These annual awards aim to reward both individuals and group projects in NSW which are committed to promoting responsible environmental practices in their local areas. There are 10 different award categories, each with a regional and metropolitan winner. To enter, all you have to do is submit a short form online - it couldn't be easier! 

Entries close on Wednesday the 20th of May 2015, so if this sounds like you, someone you know, or a project currently underway in your local area, head to our page and get entering! 

See: ow.ly/KO0vE

 

Mona Vale Place Plan - Access & Linkages

Thursday 09th of April, 2015 to Saturday 11th of April, 2015 

Time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm 

Location: Mona Vale Memorial Hall, 1606 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale

Parking: Street parking available 

Price: Nil 

Booking Details: Indicate your interest for any of the following sessions:

Thursday 9 April 2015: Q&A - 6.30pm to 8pm

Friday 10 April 2015: Open House Workshop - 10am to 4pm

Friday 10 April 2015: Pop-up Evening Movie Event - 5.30pm to 8.30pm

Accessibility to and within Mona Vale and the rest of the region is critical to local business, job generation and economic growth, as well as the experience of locals and visitors. Between February and May a series of events commencing on a Thursday night and continuing into the weekend will be held around Mona Vale to inform and inspire the community about the elements that make up vibrant and successful ‘places’. Join in on our April Urban Talks and help us explore the range of possibilities for the future of the Mona Vale Town Centre. - See more at: details here 

Movie nights and book sale support Soibada

25 Mar 2015

Mona Vale Library’s recent movie night and book sale has raised over $1000 for the Reading Room project in the village of Soibada, East Timor.

Pittwater Council’s General Manager praised the library for the fundraising initiative, saying it benefited the community of Soibada by providing access to books, which are in very short supply.

“Once the Reading Room is established, it will provide a repository for the books which will be purchased in the appropriate language (Tetun and Portugese).  These books will be cared for by a member of staff – who will open the room at specified hours, allowing access from villagers of all ages.

“Pittwater Council is pleased to part of the Reading Room initiative” added Mr Ferguson.

The movie nights, scheduled between now and June celebrate the life and work of Robin Williams.

The next screening is Dead Poets Society, on Thursday 2 April from 6.00pm.

Details of future movie nights are as follows:

Thursday 7 May, 6pm:                      Good Morning Vietnam

Thursday 11 June, 5.30pm:               People’s Choice

All screenings will take place in the Pelican Room at Mona Vale Library. 

The funds, which have been raised through admission fees and the sale of books, will go towards supporting the community of Soibada, one of the poorest regions of Timor Leste (East Timor), through programs run by Pittwater Friends of Soibada.

Pittwater’s Friendship Agreement with Soibada was established in 2010 as a way to support the community’s independence and wellbeing. 

As places are limited please book early to avoid disappointment.  Bookings can be made by calling 9970 1600 or at the library’s front desk.  The cost for this event is $5 per person, which include free refreshments.

OMG! Don't get distracted

25 Mar 2015

Texting, talking and listening to music on a mobile device is a vital element in the lives of many people, but when coupled with walking and crossing the road, alarm bells ring.

Distracted?  is a pedestrian safety awareness campaign that will run across ten northern Sydney councils aimed at persuading people to put their heads up and their mobiles down while walking. 

In 2013, two pedestrian were killed and 53 pedestrians were injured on the roads across Manly, Warringah and Pittwater according to figures from RMS.  Many of these could have been avoided if people were more alert when crossing the road.

Young people including school children are particularly vulnerable when texting or listening to music while crossing the street. Reminding them to STOP and be aware of all the potential dangers before stepping off the kerb would reduce at least some pedestrian collisions.

Wearing headphones limits hearing the sounds around you and reduces concentration, so pedestrians become more vulnerable when stepping out from the kerb if their head space is occupied with their music and mobile phones. 

Distracted? is a joint initiative of ten Northern Sydney Councils including Ryde, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Pittwater, Warringah, Manly, Hornsby and Willoughby in conjunction with Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and will include print advertising, face-to-face promotions and various types of outdoor advertising designed to engage young pedestrians. 

Pedestrian safety tips:

• Head up phone down

• Don’t walk and text

• Be especially aware in heavily trafficked areas

• If you do need to text, move to one side, stop, then text. 

• Always use pedestrian crossings, if available

• Never assume an approaching driver can see you or will stop

• At intersections, check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb.

Business networking breakfasts are back

24 Mar 2015

Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend is encouraging local businesses to be ‘fab not foolish’ this April Fool’s Day, by joining other motivated business owners at the first Pittwater Business Breakfast of the year!

Pittwater Council is hosting the networking event on Wednesday 1 April at Bayview Golf Club between 7am and 8.45am.

Mayor Jacqui Townsend will be joined by a panel of local experts who will inform businesses as to what local government is doing in relation to economic development, tourism, place making and sustainability.

Mayor Townsend said the event will offer participants the chance to ask any burning questions of the panel or perhaps offer suggestions on ways that Pittwater can become more economically sustainable.

“Developing tourism in Pittwater is just one of the ways that we can build strong, vibrant village economies, generate jobs and provide greater opportunities for local business,” said Mayor Townsend.

“Council’s place making strategy is another aspect of how we are looking at ways to activate our town and village centres, such as exploring the potential of increased night-time economies.

“Well-managed, diverse, vibrant and safe night-time environments appeal to a wide cross-section of the community and have the potential to boost visitation to cafés, restaurants and bars during the evening as well as throughout the day.

“The panel will also be discussing ways that businesses can become more environmentally sustainable.

“Any business can improve its sustainability with simple measures - it could be anything from composting your coffee grounds to lending bicycles to staff,” she said. 

“Reducing energy use and water use are also sure fire ways of not only helping the environment but reducing your business running costs.

Mayor Townsend said it will be a fun, interactive event that will give local businesses helpful advice, useful networking opportunities, along with the chance to win some great prizes on the day.

Bayview Golf Club is located at 1825 Pittwater Road. To book your ticket visit www.pittwaterbusiness.com.au or call 1300 786 126.

The cost for members of Pittwater Business Limited (PBL) is $50 per person (early bird) and $75 for non-members.

 Lyrebird

This Lyrebird was foraging along the edge of Epworth place near the entrance to the Irrawong Waterfall track yesterday when we arrived for bushcare. This area along Mullet Creek is about mid-way through a six year bush regeneration program funded by the NSW Environmental Trust. It is in Ingleside Chase Reserve, a Wildlife Protection Area. Signs remind visitors that NO DOGS area allowed, even on leads.

And this bird shows why. 

The bushcare group meets here on the third Saturday afternoon of each month. The next work day will be April 18, 1-4pm.

Picture by Marita Macrae

Bushcare in Pittwater - March to April 2015: Pittwater Council's Cooee Newsletter - March - April 2015: HERE

For further information and to confirm the meeting details for the below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367.
 Sun March 29 
Asparagus Fern Out Day Floating Landcare Elizabeth Park 8:30-1:30pm 

Fri April 3 
Norma Park 9-12pm 

Sat April 4 
Algona Reserve 9-12pm 
Plateau Park 8:30-11:30am 
Elizabeth Park 9-12pm 
Mona Vale Basin 8-11am 

Sun April 5 
Avalon Dunes 8:30-11:30am 
W’wood Wetlands 9-12pm 

Mon April 6 
Rocky Point 9-12pm 

Tue April 7 
Browns Bay 9-12pm 

Fri April 10 
Bilgola Beach 8-11am 

Sat April 11 
Mona Vale Dunes 8:30-11:30am 
Coopers Pt 10-1pm 

Sun April 12 
Bangalley Head 9-12pm 
Catherine Park 10-12:30pm 

Thu April 16 
Mona Vale Dunes 8:30-11:30am 

Sat April 18 
Toongari Reserve 8-11am 
Old Wharf Reserve 8-11am 
Nth Palm Beach 9-12pm 
Irrawong Reserve 1-4pm 

Sun April 19 
Angophora Res 8:30-11:30am 
Crescent Reserve 9-12pm 

Wed April 22 
W’wood Beach 8-11am 

Sat April 25 
Nth Newport Beach 8:30-11:30am 
Careel Creek 8:30-11:30am 
Kywong Reserve 8:30-11:30am

Sun April 26 
Bungan Beach 8-11am 
Winn Bay 9-12pm 
Kundibah Reserve 8-11am 
Community Planting Day - Turimetta Head 9-12pm 

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Heidi Klum

AGE/SEX: 2 years / F

BREED: Cattle Dog X Boxer?

Heidi Klum is a sweet friendly girl with a very easy going nature. She is social with other dogs and loves a play of tug. Out walking she pays no attention to passing dogs or cars. She has a good pace. She enjoys pats & cuddles and licks volunteers' faces. She has a short cattle type coat and weighs about 15kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Her adoption cost is $400. 

For further details or to meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visitwww.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs.www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

 To All Community Groups and Schools

Below is an update of the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc. Events we are planning for 2015.

If your school or group would like to participate in these events and/ or you have ideas or contacts for performers, artists, workshops etc please contact us on 0407 932 066 orinfo@avalonpalmbeachbusinesschamber.com.au.

If you are a local NFP or school please contact us direct if you wish to have stall/fundraising activities at  these events.

Please note –we do not have the resources to handle commercial stall enquiries for Avalon Market Day. These will be processed by Blue Sky Markets only.

We have decided to keep Avalon Market Day on the third Saturday of November so this year is Saturday 21/11/15.

Kay Richardson from Young Gourmet has volunteered to be our Market Day Convener for 2015 but we need you all to volunteer to do little bits so please email us and let us know what area of expertise and /or time you can offer. The theme will tie in with the Avalon Art Carnival (below) and extend into our Christmas decorating proposals starting 28/11/15. 

Jayne Denshire –our Events Committee Convenor is working on the Avalon Art Carnival –The Game. A two part project in conjunction with Eramboo and Enliven which we think will be very exciting for the Village.

Stage 1 is the Artists workshops run by Kendal Hendry from USA –Master Public Art Curator - in Avalon 10-2 Wed 8/4/15-sat 11/4/15 open to local and out of area artists. Public talks Tuesday 7/4 at Eramboo and Friday 10/4 5.30pm Avalon at Next Door Bar. Artist Call Out details on artcarnivaleramboo.com.au

The proposal is to bring Kendal back in October to Curate the Avalon Art Carnival –The Game - a public art display of the 20 -30 works produced by the workshop artists and exhibit in Avalon –in business premises, open spaces and laneways for approx. 2 weeks leading up to Market Day 21/11/15. The opening may incorporate a long lunch in the park or laneway.

We are also looking at This is Avalon –Winter Solstice Festival- on Sunday 21/6/15 to bring a bit of Winter sparkle to the village.

This will involve local 2107-2108 businesses and community/school groups only and will be a lower key/low budget event. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer to help with this event and/or have ideas/contacts for entertainment/workshops/activities for this. We would like this to be a fun local community event showcasing our local businesses and community /school groups with an eco-theme.

Sponsorship –We are looking for some major sponsors for these events so if you are interested in coming on board or know someone who may be interested please contact me -0407 93 2066.

We have some other ideas on the boil and some business seminars we are looking at.

Our Business After Hours Networking Events are always the first Wednesday of the Quarter –March, June, September and December from 6pm so please make a note in your diary.

We invite you all to attend. The Events Group meets monthly so please contact Jayne or myself if you would like to attend. 

Our Events & Meeting Calendar is constantly updated on our website – www.avalonpalmbeachbusinesschamber.com.au .

Our Contact list and Member Directory is also on our website. All current financial members are listed.

If you are a Facebook user please like our chamber pages and invite your friends to like- and stay up to date with events and local info.

Please post your business news, events and specials to share on our pages-

Facebook - Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber

Avalon Market Day and This Is Avalon -Winter Solstice Festival - 21/6/2015

Ros Marsh

President, Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc.

 The photograph and Australia 

at the Art Gallery of NSW

21 Mar – 8 Jun 2015

See the images that shaped a nation

Photography has been crucial in the development of our understanding of Australia as a place and Australians as a people. Tracing the evolution of the medium and its many uses from the 1840s until today, The photograph and Australia investigates the role that photography has played in shaping our view of the world, ourselves and each other.

Sourced from more than 35 private and public collections across Australia, New Zealand and England, the exhibition features works by renowned artists, as well as images by unknown photographers and everyday material such as family albums and postcards. Weaving together the multiple threads of Australia’s photographic history, it proposes a new way of thinking about the connections between photography, place and identity.

Artists include Morton Allport, Richard Daintree, Paul Foelsche, Samuel Sweet, JJ Dwyer, Charles Bayliss, Frank Hurley, Harold Cazneaux, Olive Cotton, Max Dupain, David Moore, Sue Ford, Carol Jerrems, Tracey Moffatt, Simryn Gill, Robyn Stacey, Ricky Maynard and Anne Ferran, among many others.

As part of The photograph and Australia, Patrick Pound’s installation The readers 2011-15 is on display in the Gallery’s research library.

Photo: Sunbaker (Culburra NSW), Max Dupain, 1937

 2015 COMMUNITY HERITAGE GRANTS NOW OPEN 

The National Library of Australia is calling for applications for the 2015 Community Heritage Grants. The grants of up to $15,000 are available to community groups around the country to help preserve and manage locally held, nationally significant cultural heritage collections of documents and objects for future generations. 

Projects supported include significance assessments, preservation needs assessments, conservation activities and collection management. The National Library manages the Community Heritage Grants Program - which is funded by the Australian Government through the Ministry for the Arts, Attorney General’s Department - with the National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia. 

The Director-General of the National Library of Australia, Ms Anne-Marie Schwirtlich, said the program, which began in 1994, had provided more than $5 million for a total of 1,117 projects around Australia – from cities to the remotest of regions. 

‘I would like to encourage representatives from historical societies, museums, public libraries, archives and Indigenous and migrant community groups and other interested people to apply for this year’s grants,’ she said. ‘The grants allow such groups to ensure the longevity of nationally significant collections which chronicle Australian lives past and present. First-time recipients are invited to Canberra to receive their grant and enhance their skills through the expertise of institutions like the National Library – and take that new knowledge back to their communities to ensure their collections are preserved and managed for future generations.’ 

Applications, which should be submitted online atwww.nla.gov.au/chg , close on Friday 1 May 2015 at 5pm (AEST). 

Information, guidelines and application forms are available atwww.nla.gov.au/chg/

 Palm 2 Palms Charity Ride‏ T-Shirts Have Arrived 

P2P shirts have arrived this week in black and white and in all sizes! $20 each: get in touch to get yourself one. All riders in this year's ride get one with entry!!!! 

Its official people, The NSW Police have officially signed off on the ride!!!!!! The P2P is set to go!! Get on board and start riding. Only 60 Days to go

The Palm to Palms Charity Ride is the brainchild of five guys from Newport Surf Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Tom Kellaway, Alex Brown, Lachy Brook, James Brook and Tom Howes set out with a plan to do something a little bit different. They wanted to raise money to support their surf club and to assist in helping the club manage the increasing costs of protecting Australia’s Beaches.

They saw an opportunity to not only help their surf club but also to help other charities too, but also create an event that could bring people from all walks of life together to do something totally different……

Get 100 people to ride from North Palm Beach Surf Club at the foot of Barrenjoey headland at the mouth of the Hawkesbury to the North of Sydney down the coast passing every surf club in Sydney all the way to Burning Palms Surf Club, just to the North of Wollongong, the last surf club in Sydney. An ambitious ride of 130 km’s, passing 36 surf clubs all to coincide with the final day of surf patrols for the 2014/2015 patrol season.

If that's too far you can do the shorter course to Manly Surf Club!

Each rider pays an entry fee of $100 for the ride, and upon entry, set out and fundraise a further $900 to help us reach our goal.

On April 26th,  at North Palm Beach Surf Club, the journey begins…..Get on board and help us support our local community…… See you on the bike!

More details and how to sign up to be 1 in 100 at:www.palm2palmsride.com.au

 Have Your Say on Lifejacket Standards Review

c/- SLS NSW

The Maritime Management Centre in NSW is calling on members of the public to have their say on a draft paper reviewing lifejacket safety standards in Australia.

“This is the first major review of lifejacket standards in almost a decade and I encourage anyone with an interest in water safety to provide their feedback as part of this important process,” General Manager Howard Glenn said.

The draft paper, produced by the Standards Australia committee Buoyancy Aids, contains substantial changes that should help provide safety requirements for lifejackets to cater for a wide range of water activities, including:

• addition of a new lower-buoyancy category of Level 25 (25 newtons of buoyancy) for competent swimmers for specialist activities;

• new requirements for a body mass of between 5 and 10 kg to address public demand regarding lifejackets for infants;

• harmonisation of Level 50 buoyancy requirements with international standards;

• new requirements for testing inflation indicators and gas cylinders; and

• the term “personal flotation device” or “PFD” to be replaced with “lifejacket” across all three parts of the Standard to remove ambiguity for the public.

“Lifejackets are one of the most important items when it comes to keeping people safe on our waterways,” Mr Glenn said.

“Modern lifejackets have already come a long way from the bulky styles of the past but we must continue to look at where we can make more safety improvements in terms of things like design and functionality.

“Remember an enjoyable day on the water is a safe one and this important work will help boost safety for boaters well into the future.”

Members of the public can provide their feedback on the draft paper until Friday 3 April and can access it online at the following link: sapc.standards.org.au/sapc/public/listOpenCommenting

 

 LEGO AT THE LIBRARY

Local children will have the chance to join a club specialising in one of the most enduring playthings of childhood. Mona Vale Library has started a Lego club on the first Sunday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. Next is May  3rd 2015. The club is open to children aged between seven and twelve years of age, with younger children welcome with parental supervision. If you are interested in attending a Lego at the Library session contact the library on 9970 1622 or book in person at the library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale.