Pittwater Online News

Front Page Issue 257:  Barrenjoey - Pittwater - Expresses - Newport - Rock - Autumn

Pittwater Artists Trail Exhibition At Newport Easter Art Festival:  Open Easter Sunday and Easter Monday

Barrenjoey Headland Slated For Accommodation and Conferences (March2016): Public to Be Excluded From Keepers, Boatmans and Fishers Cottages and Areas Around These - 30-40 people/beds on Architects Plans - NO Specification Documents Published to accompany these - " We have not excluded the provision of spaces within some of the buildings for community use and small scale gatherings." - OEH/NPWS

Soibada Children Need a Senior High School: Let's Build One! by Tamara Sloper Harding OAM

nbn™ Rollout Comes to Pittwater: Be Prepared for Medical Alarm Changes and Nodebox Placements 

Pittwater Residents Reject Mega Council Proposal at Public Inquiry Meetings - Written Submissions To Close on April 8th

Pictures: Newport Village and Beach; Easter Saturday 2016

Aquatics: Rock Pools: Adventure Grounds for the Young and Those Now Grown by Adriaan van der Wallen School Holidays begin for our younger readers on April 9th and run until April 26th. For the next two Issues we'd like to share a few ideas fun activities that are absolutely FREE 

Profile: Warriewood SLSC Boat Section: an insight into what creates and keeps longevity in a great surf club boat section, courtesy of Boat Captain Shaun Taylor

History:  Early Pittwater Schools - From Provisional to Public:- Newport - the small beginning of great things sprung from an 1880 shift in thinking and a lovely green paddock! Newport Public School is Pittwater's oldest continually run school, celebrating 128 years in 2016.

DIY Ideas: Keeping Outdoor Nooks Warm to Prolong Alfresco Dining and Outdoor Enjoyment During Cooler Months

Artist of the Month:  March 2016 Jessica b Watson - threads and Identity, Installation Art and Drawings, threaded collages and vibrancy - a brilliant Australian Artist

People of Pittwater say no to mega council

22 Mar 2016: Pittwater Council

As another council merger is considered, Pittwater residents spoke out at the first of three public inquiry meetings at Mona Vale to reaffirm their opposition to Warringah’s mega council proposal.

Of more than 70 speakers, almost 80% spoke against the proposal to merge Pittwater with Manly and Warringah with losing voice, community connectedness, and areas of environmental sensitivity being under threat by over development the major concerns voiced to the independent delegate, Mr Richard Pearson.

Residents, businesses, sporting groups, community organisations and councillors spoke passionately about their areas with the majority stating a mega council is too big, too removed and too bureaucratic.

A broad cross-section of the community including business chambers, surf life saving clubs, environmental groups, councillors and residents voiced their concerns about council mergers and in particular the scale and bulk of one really big council.

There were concerns about the homogenous approach to planning and the lack of recognition of cultural and demographic differences that characterise the more metropolitan south to open space and bushland of the north.

The proposal’s omission of any references to Mona Vale Hospital as a major health facility and any commercial assets north of Dee Why were also highlighted by speakers.

This is the second proposal the Pittwater community is now being asked to comment on – this time from Warringah Council to merge Pittwater with Manly and Warringah.

Pittwater Mayor Jacqueline Townsend said it was inspiring to hear about the strong connection and love the people of Pittwater have for their area.

“Local government reform is about value for the community, not just financial savings. Value comes from connection, voice, being local, responsive and independent, as well as good financial management. The issue is about balance and how reform can be achieved while not creating a large bureaucratic agency that is disconnected to its people. Pittwater wants a proposal where size and scale work to retain a closeness and connectedness to the community and the environment.

“Pittwater is financially sustainable, met all the NSW Government financial benchmarks and continues to work with our SHOROC partners for financial efficiencies. Amalgamation into one large council is not necessary for this to happen.

“The financial benefits of both the NSW Government’s proposal for two councils for the SHOROC region and Warringah Council’s mega council proposal are very similar and both will yield strong financial results. The government estimated its proposal would mean a community benefit of $121 million over 20 years – a benefit of 1.77% of annual operating revenue compared to 1.98% of one council.

“The real difference is in community voice, representation and engagement. Our residents told us they don’t want a centralised bureaucracy making planning and budgeting decisions away from the community.

“We are a council supportive of reform but not when it will negatively impact our community. Even local government expert Professor Dollery has said that SHOROC two council model is ‘the most sensible and economically responsible for the region possible’. Let's work together to create a council linking areas of similar character, culture and density with appropriate levels of representation and community connectedness,” Mayor Townsend said.

Submissions on this new proposal can be made at www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au; or Council Boundary Review, GPO Box 5341 Sydney NSW 2001 by Friday 8 April.

Lodge a submission HERE

We will also have community information stalls in our village centres including Avalon, Elanora Heights, Mona Vale, Newport and Warriewood as well as our Mona Vale Library and Avalon Recreation Centre on Saturday 2nd of April.

Southern Cross Wildlife Care 

       Critter of the Month - March 2016

Madmartigan vs Spanner

(lace monitor vs staffy)

Madmartigan arrived at the surgery with a very chequered past.  He’d spent his whole life living in bushland adjacent to a property in Mt Colah which was jealously guarded by Spanner the Staffy.  They’d managed to avoid any confrontations over the 9 years that they’d lived in adjoining territories.  Then one day, Madmartigan broke with protocol and entered Spanner’s zone.  We don’t know what made him do it, but he did and it did NOT end well for either of them…  The staffy pounced on the lace monitor and got him in a chest bite, fracturing his ribs and puncturing his lung.  Madmartigan spun around and bit at the only thing he could reach which happened to be Spanner’s ears and shoulder.  When Spanner’s owner arrived home she was horrified at the bloodbath!  She immediately yelled and caused a rucous to break them apart.  She grabbed Spanner and bundled him into the car to get him to the vet ASAP but not before watching where the lace monitor limped off to and leaving chalk arrows for Sydney Wildlife rescuers.  Such a brilliant lady!  She was every bit as concerned about our wildlife as she was about her pet.  

Two Sydney Wildlife rescuers arrived on the scene.  They followed the chalk arrows and caught sight of Madmartigan under a tree - looking very unwell.  After a bit of a chase and grab (during which one of the rescuers sustained a bite to the forearm), the lace monitor was bundled up and taken to a vet.  Not many veterinarians are equipped to deal with an adult goanna so he ended up going to a few different places before he received some first aid.  The same applied to the poor rescue who visited a couple of hospitals…!!!

Once the lace monitor had had his treatment, he went home with a Southern Cross Wildlife Care volunteer who was equipped to house a large lace monitor and to administer the antibiotic injections, subcutaneous fluids and pain relief.   He was placed on a heat-mat to maximise the assimilation of his medications.

Poor Madmartigan looking very lethargic and unhappy.

On surgery day, Madmartigan arrived to see Dr Howard Ralph.  Dr Ralph made holding the massive reptile look easy…!  He was given a thorough examination which revealed multiple fractured ribs, possible bilateral pneumothoraces and other associated lacerations.  It was decided that he should have a cannula inserted to make it easier to administer daily fluid therapy.  As he was too compromised to undergo a general anaesthetic, local anaesthetic was injected into the site where the cannula was to be inserted. One assistant held the head and another assistant held the tail.  Dr Ralph inserted and sutured in the cannula.  He was given further treatment and released back to his carer.  

Holding a lace monitor is quite tricky - having big hands is very advantageous.  

A quick look at his buccal mucosa to check that he has proper oxygenation and no signs of internal bleeding.

Lace monitors are amazing creatures.  They can grow to lengths of up to 2m (including their tail) and they have a broad and varied diet including birds, insects, bird eggs, reptiles and small mammals. They will readily feed on carrion, including road kill. After a large feed they are able to go for many weeks without feeding again.

Lace monitors lay between 6 and 12 eggs each year. These are usually laid in termite mounds, particularly those found in trees. The female excavates a hole in the side of the termite mound, lays the eggs and then leaves the termites to reseal the eggs inside the nest.  After 8-9 months the young will hatch and the female will actually return to dig them out.

Madmartigan has a long road to recovery but we are hopeful that he can return to his territory in Mt Colah and will choose not to embark on another encounter with a staffy!!!

Beautiful ‘beaded’ reptilian skin.

By Lynleigh Greig

Southern Cross Wildlife Care

Tax Deductible Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade Building Fund

By Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade

Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade is an entirely volunteer NSW Rural Fire Service station located on Sydney's northern beaches.
We are responsible for protecting people and property from bushfire in the Davidson, French Forest, Forestville and Killarney Heights area, which includes over 10,000 homes. We also assist in search and rescues, storm damage and other incidents whenever called upon.

Our Brigade has more than 100 volunteers who commit thousands of hours every year to the service of our community. Our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Last year the Brigade contributed over 9,500 hours in service of the community.

Why We Need Your Help
In recent years, the Brigade has outgrown the current station, which is unable to adequately accommodate our volunteers, vehicles and equipment. As such, we are embarking on a building project, which will:
• Add two additional fire truck garages (doubling our firefighting capacity),
• Provide a dedicated education room for the public and a training facility to ensure our volunteers receive the best training to help better serve the community.

How you can help
We need your help to raise a further $150,000. The State government has committed substantial funding to the building project. However, there is a shortfall of $150,000 we need to raise to ensure our project is undertaken and ready for Fire Season 2016/17. We hold deductible gift recipient status. Any donation you make to us is tax deductible and we will issue you a receipt which indicates this. You can give a tax deductible donation:

1. Online through Chuffed: www.chuffed.org/project/buyabrick 
2. By EFT by direct deposit to: Account Name - Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade Gift Fund Account, BSB: 032-299 Account number: 111245,
3. By Cheque made payable to the Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade, or Cash, posted to PO Box 128, Belrose West NSW 2085.    Your help in raising $150,000 is greatly appreciated and will help us better serve and protect.

Thank you!
Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade.

New Rotary Club Brings a Fun Day of Golf to the Northern Beaches for a Great Cause

The Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches is inviting men and women to sign up for a fun Charity Golf Day at Bayview Golf Club (1825 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale) on Friday 29 April, with proceeds going to the charitable projects of the Rotary club.

"Golf experience is entirely optional," said club President Tony James. "The event will appeal to the golfing enthusiast as well as the casual golfer. We're planning a great day out for all."

The 18-hole event will follow the popular 4-ball Ambrose format, in which each player can participate regardless of skill level. The day begins with golf registration at 7:30AM followed by a shotgun start at 8:30, with the teams starting on different holes and all finishing at about 1:00PM. A complimentary snack and drinks cart will be available on the course during the morning, as well as optional novelty events.

Following the golf there will be a delicious buffet lunch at the Bayview Golf clubhouse, featuring a raffle with a selection of tempting prizes. The day's activities will wrap up around 3:00PM.

This is the first golf day event organised by the Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches since it was formed last year by the merging of the talents of the Rotary Clubs of Pittwater, Narrabeen Lakes and Terrey Hills. "We're excited to be able to run this event in our local area," said President James. "We're offering golfers a fun day out at beautiful Bayview Golf Club and also raising some money for our club's worthy causes."

Players can register as individuals or as foursomes. The full golf-and-lunch package costs $150. Or you can register for just golf for $100 or lunch for $60. Sponsorship packages are available for the event.

Golf Day proceeds will go to the Palliative Care Centre at Mona Vale Hospital and other projects of Upper Northern Beaches Rotary.

Golf Day information and registration forms are available at the Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches website (www.rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org) and at the Bayview Golf Club reception. For details, contactgolfday@rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org or call Simon on 0402 037 032 or Patrick on 0405 457 950.

Join free 'Hollows as Homes' Workshop

24 March, 2016

Be part of a real scientific research project, ‘Hollows as Homes’ and learn how tree hollows form, the role they play in supporting our wildlife and what wildlife you’re likely to spot using them. You’ll never look at a tree in the same way again!

Hosted at Pittwater Council’s Coastal Environment Centre (CEC) on Sunday 17 April, 10am-12 noon, this fascinating free workshop will be delivered by Dr Adrian Davis from the University of Sydney.

Mayor Jacqueline Townsend said this workshop is a unique opportunity to learn new skills and connect with the natural environment in a very special way.

“Come along and learn how to take measurements, observe tree characteristics and discover why hollows are important to different animals,” she said 

In NSW alone, tree hollow-dependent species include at least 46 mammals, 81 birds, 31 reptiles and 16 frogs! And of these, 40 species are listed as threatened with extinction. 

“As a member of the community, you will also have the opportunity to locate a tree near you that has a hollow in it, take some measurements of the tree and then regularly observe which animals may be using it; is it a home for a possum, a parrot or a powerful owl?

“By coming along, not only will you learn the ins and outs of tree hollows and the role they play in supporting our wildlife, you will be providing valuable information to aid in conservation of our local wildlife,” she added.

Hollows as Homes is an exciting project run by the University of Sydney, the Australian Museum and the Royal Botanic Garden and funded by Sydney Coastal Councils.  

This fascinating project will help scientists, councils and the community further understand the role of tree hollows in providing homes for our urban wildlife, as well as discover what wildlife is using our local tree hollows.

Spaces are limited so register soon for your spot—1300 000 232 or in person at the CEC.  

If you can’t make the workshop but would still like to participate in the program, you can register at www.hollowsashomes.com or email Dr Adrian Davis hollows.ashomes@gmail.com

Closed areas: Smugglers track

Applies from Mon 11 Jan 2016, 7.00am to Fri 27 May 2016, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 01 Mar 2016, 10.57am.

Smugglers track is closed due to track upgrade works. Access to Barrenjoey Head is via the management trail. This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Ku-ring-gai Chase area office on (02) 9451 3479 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

See list of affected locations on park alerts page at:

www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Kuringgai-Chase-

Australian Federal Government Senate Inquiry on Tick-borne Disease that causes Lyme like Illness

Growing evidence of an emerging tick-borne disease that causes a Lyme like illness for many Australian patients

On 12 November 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report:

The growing evidence of an emerging tick-borne disease that causes a Lyme like illness for many Australian patients.

The terms of reference are:

a. the prevalence and geographic distribution of Lyme-like illness in Australia;

b. methods to reduce the stigma associated with Lyme-like illness for patients, doctors and researchers;

c. the process for diagnosis of patients with a Lyme-like illness, with a specific focus on the laboratory testing procedures and associated quality assurance processes, including recognition of accredited international laboratory testing;

d. evidence of investments in contemporary research into Australian pathogens specifically acquired through the bite of a tick and including other potential vectors;

e. potential investment into research to discover unique local causative agents causing a growing number of Australians debilitating illness;

f. the signs and symptoms Australians with Lyme-like illness are enduring, and the treatment they receive from medical professionals; and

g. any other related matters.  

Submissions should be received by 31 March 2016. The reporting date is 20 June 2016.

Make a submission at: www.aph.gov.au/Lyme-like_Illness

Senate Committees: Upcoming Public Hearings

9 June 2016: Senate Community Affairs References Committee

Contact: Committee Secretary, Jeanette Radcliffe (02) 6277 3005

Growing evidence of an emerging tick-borne disease that causes a Lyme like illness for many Australian patients 

SYDNEY NSW: Hudson Fysh Room, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport Hotel, Time TBA

Palm Beach Ferry Wharf Car Park Too Full Too Often

We have had persistent emails and phone calls from residents regarding the unavailability of parking spaces at Palm Beach (Pittwater Park) car park in recent months. 

A report has been forwarded and an article will be run in Issue 255 or 256 once all information has been compiled.

We would appreciate feedback from anyone who has a comment to make regarding this matter in the meantime.

Contact us via email HERE - please make the subject line 'PB Car Park'.

Top and below: 5.30 Friday afternoon March 11, 2016: both car parks at Pittwater Park are full and cars are parked either side of the road leading to car park. Above shows cars doing laps or sitting waiitng for a car park that won't come.

Support Your Local Womens Refuge - Donations Needed

Women that are escaping a violent husband or partner, on their own or with their children, often arrive at a refuge with nothing but the clothes on their back, they literally must start again. As part of

International Women’s Week we are asking you to donate:

• New and High-Quality Second Hand Clothes

• New Household Items including Kitchen Appliances

• Suitcases and Overnight Bags to pack the Donated Items in

• New Linen, Pillows, Towels, Toiletries, Make Up

• New Toys, Shopping & Experience Vouchers

PLEASE DONATE GOOD AT AVALON BEACH RSL FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF MARCH. The Sista Code

Wild Things Talk At Warriewood: Get Native Bee Hives or Nest Boxes For your Own Backyard

Thursday 21 April, 7:15pm

Nelson Heather Centre, Banksia Room, 5 Jacksons Road, Warriewood

If you are passionate about our wildlife and their presence in our local areas – why not get help in your own backyard?

The Wild Things program, based at Ku-ring-gai Council, aims to protect urban wildlife and create suitable habitat in our backyards to encourage the return of wildlife. Wild Things work with Permaculture Northern Beaches and supply native bee hives. They also supply native fish, nest boxes as well as promote swimming pool conversions to aquaponics.

For more information please contact elle232@gmail.com

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 19/3/2016 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

NORTHERN BEACHES CONCERT BANDencourages new adult players who are learning brass or woodwind instruments to come and join us.   We are particularly looking for tuba, euphonium, trombones, clarinets and flutes.

NBCB offers a fun, supportive and social environment with rehearsals each Wednesday during term times at Pittwater High School, Mona Street, Mona Vale at 7.30pm.

NBCB has a new director this year, Ms Sarah Shaw, and we have an exciting new repertoire.  The band has 3-4 gigs a year and a 2-day workshop in May.

Dust off that old instrument and come and make music with us!

For more information, please call Denise 0414 560 263

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Squall

AGE/SEX: 6 years / M

BREED: Foxy x

Squall is gentle boy who is social and playful with other dogs. Squall is a bit nervous walking and does best with another confident dog. On a walk he ignores passing cars and dogs, enjoys being patted and will sit on command. He needs a gentle experienced owner with time to let him get comfortable with new situations. He has very worn teeth and longish legs. He weighs 9.4kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $350. 

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

Community input sought into revised guidelines for Community Consultative Committees

Media Release - Department of Planning and Environment

The Department of Planning and Environment is inviting the public to have its say on proposed changes to Community Consultative Committee Guidelines, which would see them be able to be used for any State Significant project in NSW, if needed.

Community Consultative Committees have been in operation for a number of years, primarily within mining and related industries.

The committees are currently appointed by the company running the project and comprise representatives from relevant local groups like environmental and community organisations.

The Department has reviewed the guidelines and held a workshop with a number of Committee Chairs on how to improve the operation of the committee.

The proposed changes now on public exhibition for community comment include:

• Allowing the guidelines to be used for any State Significant project that will benefit from establishing a committee

• Ability to form a committee earlier in the assessment process, rather than only in the post approval stage

• Revised criteria for community representatives

• Revised procedures for selecting the independent chair

• Involving the independent Chair in the selection of community representatives

• Clear procedures for replacing committee members

• Stronger guidance on the conduct of meetings

• Greater assistance on how to establish a Committee.

We’ve reviewed the guidelines after speaking with a number of stakeholders, and now we are asking the public to provide input on how to improve the consultation process when it comes to the CCCs,” the spokesperson said.

The community can make submissions on the draft guidelines until 31 March. To make a submission and view the draft, visitwww.planning.nsw.gov.au/onexhibition. 

Early Surge of Entries for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 

If the initial burst of entries for the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 is an indicator, this year’s regatta will once again be something very special. 

Near 40 yachts representing a diverse cross-section of the sport have already nominated for what will be the 33rd staging of the high-profile series. Should this momentum continue, the number of entries will soon surge past 50, a milestone that would indicate a final fleet of around 200 is likely for the series which is scheduled from August 20 to 27. 

Race Week at Hamilton Island is recognised as Australia’s premier offshore regatta; an event that stands among the best in the world when it comes to excellent racing on courses that weave around tropical islands, a unique onshore party environment, and exceptional camaraderie among participants. 

The fact that the regatta caters for the full spectrum of sailboats, from superyachts through to small trailable yachts and multihulls of all sizes, is already reflected in this year’s entry list: there are four yachts over 20-metres in length, a broad sample of Grand Prix level racers and cruiser-racers, casual cruising yachts and eight multihulls. 

Bringing added status to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 is the decision by the sport’s governing body, Yachting Australia, to once again host the Australian Yachting Championships for Grand Prix, Performance Handicap and Offshore Multihull yachts at the series. 

Of those registered to date, it’s clearly evident that no-one was more enthusiastic about entering for this year than Drew Jones, from Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast. He entered the Bavaria 44, Stormy Petrel V, which he owns with his partner, Leslie Richards, within days of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015 being completed. With there being no entry form available at the time for this year’s regatta, he simply entered on last year’s form!

“I’ve done 12 Race Weeks crewing for other people, and I have to say the regatta gets better every year – it’s the full bottle, a cut above everything else,” Drew Jones said when speaking about the appeal of the regatta. 

“So, with Leslie and me having bought Stormy Petrel V, and us enjoying last year’s regatta so much when sailing as crew with friends, we decided to race our own boat this year. I went on-line and entered there and then, not realising until later it was last year’s entry form. That obviously didn’t matter, because we are entered and recognised as being the first. I hope that’s a good omen for the series.”

Jones, who started his sailing life racing dinghies on Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake, then worked his way up to where he was part of the shore crew for John Bertrand’s OneAustralia America’s Cup campaign in 1995, moved to the Gold Coast about eight years ago and became part of the local keelboat scene. He said it was possible 12 yachts from Southport Yacht Club would compete at Race Week this year. 

The Notice of Race and entry form for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 are now posted on the Race Week website,www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au The regatta – Australia’s largest offshore sailing series – caters for a remarkably wide range of sailboats: from sportboats and trailer sailers through to Grand Prix level keelboats, maxi yachts, cruising yachts of all sizes and configuration, and multihulls.

Audi Australia returns as the naming right sponsor of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week for an incredible eleventh year. Throughout the past decade of partnership, Audi and Hamilton Island have worked hand-in-hand to create the most impressive sailing regatta in Australia, with even more activities on offer for sailors and onshore guests alike. This shared vision is based on a joint passion for winning performance, technological innovation and spirited competition.

Image: Heading away from the start and towards the Whitsunday Passage: Images like this reveal why 30-year America’s Cup legend, Tom Ehman said: ‘Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is the best kept secret in the world of yachting.’ (Image credit: Andrea Francolini)

Report by Rob Mundle

Independent review of liquor law reforms

The Deputy Premier has appointed the Hon. Ian Callinan AC QC to chair an independent, evidence-based review of the effectiveness of the 1.30am lockouts, 3am last drinks, 10pm take-away liquor laws and the periodic licence fee system. 

Mr Callinan is a retired Justice of the High Court of Australia with experience conducting complex inquiries across a range of issues affecting the community.

The review will consider the impact of the 1.30am lock out and 3am last drinks laws on alcohol-related violence and other harms, on businesses and their patrons, and on the community.

The review will consider the impacts of the state-wide 10pm restriction on take-away liquor sales and the periodic licence fee system.

The review will also be informed by data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research relating to alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour, and information provided by community and business stakeholders.

A review report will be submitted to the government in August 2016.

Have your say

The release of an issues paper and a call for formal submissions will occur shortly, however in the meantime you can send your feedback on the 1.30am lock out, 3am last drinks, 10pm take away liquor restrictions and periodic licence fee system via email toliquorlawreview@justice.nsw.gov.au.   

Submit your feedback by 31 July 2016 via post to:

Liquor Law Review Team, GPO Box 7060, Sydney NSW 2001

Formal Submission: Date: Feb. 11 - Jul. 31, 2016

More Information: liquorlawreview@justice.nsw.gov.au

 02 9995 0300 

Agency Website   Consultation Website  

2016 Community Heritage Grants Open 

8 March, 2016

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. Eligible projects 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 Department of Communication and the Arts—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 AM, said the program, which began in 1994, had provided more than $5.7 million for a total of 1,192 projects around Australia—from cities to the remotest of regions.

‘We invite everyone from historical societies, museums, libraries, Indigenous groups, migrant community groups—everyone who believes they have a special collection in their local community, to apply for this year’s CHG,’ Ms Schwirtlich said. ‘Through these grants, you will receive expert guidance to assess the significance of such collections and financial help to carry out the work required to preserve and document them.’

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 knowledge back to their communities.

Applications, which should be submitted online atwww.nla.gov.au/chg, close on Monday 9 May 2016.  

New Season for Sailability Pittwater 

Sailability Pittwater is a volunteer organisation which provides sailing for people with a disability. Our main recreational sailing activities are at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, and we run competitive sailing for people with a disability out of RPAYC Newport.

We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Saturday morning program at Rowland Reserve and Tuesdays at RPA. Visit our website for more information at  www.sailability.org/au/pittwater or call John on 9982 5656

 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

 Gone Fishing Gallery at Waterfront Store Church Point

Open again TODAY in the top room Waterfront Store. Open mainly weekends as an addition to the waterfront cafe. Keep up to date on their Facebook page

Click on logo above to visit their website.

The purpose of  www.westpittwater.com.au  - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.

To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.

To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.

To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.

To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Pittwater Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au

 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 April 3rd, 2016. 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.

Help to Build Barrenjoey High School's Future

BHS are now in full swing with their latest fundraising project which is the building of The Barrenjoey Community Performance Space! 

Designed by renowned local architect Richard Cole - this acoustically designed purpose built space will seat an audience of 200, and will play host to many Community and School performing arts programs such as dance, drama, musical concerts, film nights, lectures and so much more! 

BHS need your support Community! If you think you can help, please call Barrenjoey High School 02 99188811 or visit their website www.barrenjoeyhighschool.com.au Or leave a message here and we'll get in touch!

Below; external front of the Barrenjoey Community Performance Space - end of phase 3 – completion

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 256:  

The Pilliga Push, March 2016: An account of the experience of observing first hand the push to end CSG mining in the Pilliga Scrub, by Dick Clarke

Reflections by George Repin: KRKA NATIONAL PARK – CROATIA

Park Bench Philosopher: The Royal Easter Show and 125th Celebration of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College: Farmers Feed Us!

Pictures: An Australian Autumn and Pittwater colours

Aquatics: New South Wales Surf Life Saving Surf Boats Championships 2016 and Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Boat Wrap - results and a few season highlights

Enliven your Easter with the Newport Art Festival

Profile: Warriewood SLSC Boat Section: an insight into what creates and keeps longevity in a great surf club boat section, courtesy of Boat Captain Shaun Taylor

History: Early Pittwater Schools - From Provisional to Public:- Barrenjoey - the Customs Station and Lightkeepers children's school

Artist of the Month:  March 2016 Jessica b Watson - threads and Identity, Installation Art and Drawings, threaded collages and vibrancy - a brilliant Australian Artist

Scotland Island and Western Foreshores power supply improvements

Ausgrid is planning works on the electricity distribution network to Scotland Island and the Western Foreshores of Pittwater to improve reliability of the local power supply_ This follows extended outages in December 2013 and February 2015.

The project involves the installation of a new high-voltage cable between Scotland Island and the Foreshores. The cable would run approximately one kilometre between Catherine Park and Little Lovett Boy.

Why is the project needed?

Currently, two separate 11,000 volt submarine cables supply Scotland Island and the Western Foreshores from Church Point. These two cables operate independently in a radial or spur feeder arrangement.

Under this configuration, a fault or third-party damage to the submarine cables, or a fault on the local overhead network, can result in Lengthy interruptions for customers.

Repairs to the local electricity network are usually complex, due to underwater access difficulties and the challenge of getting heavy equipment and crews to the area by water transport or fire traits.

Installation of a third cable would connect the existing feeders in a ring format, improving both reliability and restoration times if one of the cables is damaged or develops a fault in the future.

When is the work happening?

Design work for the project is underway and a Review of Environmental Factors will be prepared for public consultation.

In planning and scoping the project, Ausgrid must consider any environmental and community impact, and ensure construction Is completed as safety and efficiently as possible.

Subject to the REF and community consultation, works are expected to commence in late 2016. The timing and duration of works may also depend on the final design, including the construction method.

Will I be affected?

As works commence we will provide more information and Let customers know if and when power interruptions need to occur. We will notify any residents whose power supply may be interrupted during the course of the project.

We aim to minimise disruption by keeping you informed. You can ask questions about the project at facebook.com/Ausgrid and twitter.com/Ausgrid. You can also call us at 13 13 65 or email us at yoursay@ausgrid.com.au interpreter service 131450

Road closure during Bobbin Head Cycling Classic event

Applies from Sun 20 Mar 2016, 6.15am to Sun 20 Mar 2016, 9.15am. Last reviewed: Tue 15 Mar 2016, 10.55am

The North Turramurra park entrance on Bobbin Head Road will be closed to all vehicles (cars and bicycles) on Sunday 20 March 2016 from 6.15am to 9.15am. During this time, please use the Mount Colah park entrance on Ku-ring-gai Chase Road to access Bobbin Head and Apple Tree Bay picnic area and boat ramp.

West Head Road - temporary closures

Applies from Wed 10 Feb 2016, 3.53pm. Last reviewed: Thu 10 Mar 2016, 4.10pm.

West Head Road - from where it intersects with Liberator General San Martin Drive to Resolute picnic area and West Head lookout -will have temporary road closures covering all lanes in both directions from 6.30am to 10.30am on the second Sunday of each month. This is to allow for Manly Warringah Cycling Club cycle races. The closures will be managed under an RMS Road Occupancy Licence, which has an approved stop/slow traffic control process using pilot vehicles to lead vehicles at slow speed. This may cause traffic delays of no more than 5 minutes. Access to all West Head visitor attractions between where Liberator General San Martin Drive gate intersects with the southern end of West Head Road, and north out to West Head lookout will be affected by these temporary closures. Penalties apply for non-compliance with road closures. For more information, please contact the NPWS Ku-ring-gai Chase Area Forestville office on (02) 9451 3479 or email npws.kuringgaichase@environment.nsw.gov.au.

See list of affected locations on NPWS park alerts page

Closed areas: Smugglers track

Applies from Mon 11 Jan 2016, 7.00am to Fri 27 May 2016, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 01 Mar 2016, 10.57am.

Smugglers track is closed due to track upgrade works. Access to Barrenjoey Head is via the management trail. This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Ku-ring-gai Chase area office on (02) 9451 3479 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

See list of affected locations on park alerts page

Barrenjoey Headland closed

Applies from Fri 18 Mar 2016, 7.00am to Fri 18 Mar 2016, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Wed 16 Mar 2016, 3.32pm

Some areas of this park are closed due to helicopter operations to lift materials for track work. This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. Closed areas are:

• The Smuggler's track

• Barrenjoey Access trail

• Barrenjoey lighthouse

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NSW National Parks Ku-ring-gai Chase area office on (02) 9451 3479 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

From NPWS Alerts Page visit to find out more at:

www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Kuringgai-Chase-

Council bowls a win for Avalon

18 March, 2016

Avalon is the beneficiary of a great win-win agreement between Pittwater Council and Avalon Beach Bowling and Recreation Club through a recent purchase of land at the Club.

General Manager Mark Ferguson said that Council had secured valuable open space for Avalon and helped secure the financial future of the Club.

“Council has purchased one of the greens at the club which will become an extension of Avalon’s Dunbar Park,” he said.

Mr Ferguson said Council had been in negotiations with the Club over the last few years looking at ways to secure the Club’s long term viability.

“We wanted to ensure that the Club could continue operating successfully into the future.

“The purchase of the land also means that the broader community will gain an asset in the centre of Avalon village by having more open space at Dunbar Park,” he said.

The recent signing of the agreement by Council’s General Manager Mark Ferguson and the Club President Maurie Altman will see the land reclassified as community land and rezoned from low density residential to public recreation.

Mr Altman said he and members of the Club were delighted with the outcome.

"This agreement means that the existence of the Club is assured into the foreseeable future and it is great to have the support of Pittwater Council to achieve this outcome,” he said.

The agreement will see the two parties enter into a new consolidated lease comprising the Clubhouse and two of the greens.

Australian Federal Government Senate Inquiry on Tick-borne Disease that causes Lyme like Illness

Growing evidence of an emerging tick-borne disease that causes a Lyme like illness for many Australian patients

On 12 November 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report:

The growing evidence of an emerging tick-borne disease that causes a Lyme like illness for many Australian patients.

The terms of reference are:

a. the prevalence and geographic distribution of Lyme-like illness in Australia;

b. methods to reduce the stigma associated with Lyme-like illness for patients, doctors and researchers;

c. the process for diagnosis of patients with a Lyme-like illness, with a specific focus on the laboratory testing procedures and associated quality assurance processes, including recognition of accredited international laboratory testing;

d. evidence of investments in contemporary research into Australian pathogens specifically acquired through the bite of a tick and including other potential vectors;

e. potential investment into research to discover unique local causative agents causing a growing number of Australians debilitating illness;

f. the signs and symptoms Australians with Lyme-like illness are enduring, and the treatment they receive from medical professionals; and

g. any other related matters.  

Submissions should be received by 31 March 2016. The reporting date is 20 June 2016.

Make a submission at: www.aph.gov.au/Lyme-like_Illness

Senate Committees: Upcoming Public Hearings

9 June 2016: Senate Community Affairs References Committee

Contact: Committee Secretary, Jeanette Radcliffe (02) 6277 3005

Growing evidence of an emerging tick-borne disease that causes a Lyme like illness for many Australian patients 

SYDNEY NSW: Hudson Fysh Room, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport Hotel, Time TBA

A Bit of History

AVALON GOLF LINKS

Sir,-The playing fields of Sydney are steadily being taken for Governmental and developmental purposes, and no provision is being made for their replacement.

The latest threat is to the golf course at Avalon Beach, through which Warringah Shire Council is contemplating making a road. The closing of this popular 9 hole public course would be a serious loss.

Bonnie Doon and North Brighton courses have been taken for Mascot Aerodrome, and The Lakes, Eastlakes, and Rydalmere links are still threatened.

There is a strong body of opinion against the proposed route, and it is hoped that, before the matter is finally decided, the value of the golf links as a recreation area will be taken into full account.

W. L. HUME, Hon. Secretary, Parks and Playgrounds Movement of N.S.W.

AVALON GOLF LINKS (1947, June 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 2. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18028473 

Six unidentified men and women playing golf, Avalon, New South Wales, 1930. Image No.: nla.pic-an24768627, courtesy NLA.

Australia: Strengthen laws and mechanisms to uphold human rights

March 17, 2016: (Geneva) - International Service for Human Rights

Australia should strengthen national laws and institutions to uphold human rights, including fundamental democratic rights such as freedom of expression, association, assembly and protest, ISHR and the Human Rights Law Centre told the UN Human Rights Council today.

Speaking at the adoption of a major United Nations (Australia, UPR Report Consideration - 45th Meeting, 31st Regular Session Human Rights Council) report on Australia's human rights record, ISHR and the HRLC said that the report reflected many of the key concerns and recommendations of Australian civil society and urged that the Australian Government accept and implement them in accordance with its obligations and good practice under international law.

'Australia has a vibrant and highly effective civil society. This is reflected in the fact that Australia received 290 Universal Periodic Review recommendations, the majority of which were advocated by a coalition of over 190 NGOs, ably coordinated by the Human Rights Law Centre and the National Association of Community Legal Centres,' ISHR Director Phil Lynch told the Human Rights Council.

In their joint statement, ISHR and the HRLC welcomed Australia’s substantive response to the UPR recommendations, including the Government's commitment to elaborate a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and to develop a process for monitoring Australia’s progress against UPR recommendations. They emphasised that continued close engagement with human rights defenders and other civil society actors is crucial to the integrity and impact of these processes, warmly welcoming Australia’s strong support for the Human Rights Defender resolution being considered at the current session of the Human Rights Council in this regard.

ISHR and the HRLC expressed regret, however, that Australia did not accept a wide range of other UPR recommendations in an approach which seems incoherent with the pillars of Australia’s Human Rights Council candidacy for 2018.

Through its Human Rights Council candidacy, Australia has committed to promote good governance and stronger democratic institutions. This should include legal frameworks and mechanisms to ensure that universal rights are protected and enforceable, and that remedies are available to victims. It also requires robust mechanisms to promote implementation and follow up on UN human rights recommendations.

'Consistent with its commitments, we urge Australia to accept recommendations to develop a national Human Rights Act, to extend the mandate of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to include monitoring and follow up on UN recommendations, and to ratify the Optional Protocol to ICESCR,' the joint statement said.

The candidacy also commits Australia to support strong national human rights institutions.

'This commitment starts at home. It should include accepting the UPR recommendation to restore adequate funding to the Australian Human Rights Commission, and appointing Age and Disability Commissioners through public, transparent, merit-based processes that are fully compliant with the Paris Principles,' Mr Lynch told the Human Rights Council.

The joint statement also recalled that respect for freedom of expression is a vital pillar of Australia’s Human Rights Council candidacy.

'We are gravely concerned at regression in this area since the UPR.Just this week, there are two separate Bills before state parliaments that curtail the right to peaceful assembly,' the joint statement said. 'The Human Rights Law Centre’s landmark ‘Safeguarding Democracy’ report documents recent legislative and policy measures which undermine community sector advocacy, threaten press freedom and whistleblowers, and severely restrict the right to protest, particularly against business interests. We call on the government of Australia to carefully consider and implement the recommendations of this report, which has very widespread civil society support,' Mr Lynch told the Human Rights Council.

According to Human Rights Law Centre Advocacy Director, Anna Brown, 'Australia remains the only liberal democracy without a bill or charter of rights. We are witnessing a slow but steady erosion of our basic democratic freedoms. In this context, restrictions on the ability of independent organisations to speak out about human rights violations is cause for growing concern,' said Ms Brown.

The joint statement is available here. (PDF: 173.73kb)

A video of the statement runs below.

New Concept Plans for Barrenjoey

In January this year  this publication was contacted regarding an image we ran as part of our Barrenjoey Rally report and asked for permission to use said image - which we gave, asking the report being prepared be forwarded for our records as 'where used' files are kept.

This report will be put on public exhibition and published online imminently.

Pittwater Online has received various outlines of what is contained in the new concept plan and prefer to wait for the document/s, which will speak for itself, to be officially released.

Stay Tuned!

Barrenjoey - 'Progress at last! (in most sarcastic voice) - drawing courtesy Tony Edwards (aka Captain Goodvibes)

While on Captain Goodvibes

Tony Edwards, one of our favourite artists, has been confirmed as the gentleman who will be Speaker on the Opening Night of the Pittwater Artists Trail Exhibition, March 25th, as part of the Enliven Pittwater's Newport Art Festival!

Captain Goodvibes, aka the Pig of Steel, was the creation of Australian cartoonist Tony Edwards and became an icon of Australian surfing culture in the 1970s. The Goodvibes cartoons were first published in Australia's "surfing bible" Tracks in May 1973 and appeared regularly until July 1981.

More in Tony Edwards' Profile

Barrenjoey Shed, 2006 - by and courtesy of Tony Edwards 

Enliven your Easter with the Newport Art Festival

The Newport Easter Art Festival will see an exciting range of art offerings and activities celebrating the culture of Newport over the Easter holiday weekend.

The event, coordinated by Council’s Enliven Pittwater program and supported by organisers of the Pittwater Artists Trail, will feature an art exhibition running from Good Friday through to Easter Monday at the Newport Community Centre with a series of events and activities for all ages throughout the day on Easter Saturday.

The art exhibition will feature the most recent prints and drawings, paintings, ceramics, textile and glass artworks, alongside a selection of hand crafted jewellery produced by the 25 renowned local artists who make up the popular Pittwater Artists Trail, including; Julie Hickson, Jacqui Giuliano, Elfriede Bartnitzky, Nada Herman, Robyn Park, Martin Wale, Geoff Searl and Tabitha Higgins to name just a few. The exhibition will be open on Friday 25 March through to Monday 28 March.

Mayor Jacqueline Townsend said “…Visitors are encouraged to embrace the artistic and cultural possibilities of Newport, and come along and experience first-hand the Newport Community Centre transformed into a vibrant cultural and exhibition space”.

The Easter Saturday Festival Day will include a range of fun activities and events for all ages from 11am-3pm including:

• Ephemeral art workshop hosted by popular local artist Leonie Barton (followed by 3325 on Instagram) offering participants the opportunity to create art works from found objects in the natural environment, to be photographed and posted online. (10.30am-12.30pm) Bookings required – email rsvp@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or call 9970 1171

• Intimate artisan market selling handcrafted/bespoke items

• Fabulous live music by local jazz duo The Blue Jays and classical string trio Ahava Ensemble

• Delicious food and coffee offerings from local business including handmade chocolate treats

• Easter Bike Parade and competition with great prizes for the best bike decoration. All ages are invited to decorate themselves and their bikes in a Newport Beach/Easter theme (arrive by 11am with judging at 12 noon).

• Easter craft & face painting for kids (12noon-2pm)

• Official Opening Event with Pittwater Mayor Jacqueline Townsend (1pm).

“I really encourage the community to take public transport or hop on their bike to attend this event - they could even be in the running for a prize in our Easter Bike Parade!” she added.

For workshop bookings and further event details please visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/all_events or check out the Events section on the enliven app for more info. Don’t have the app? Download it – it’s FREE.

Newport Easter Art Festival - Art Exhibition

Runs from Friday 25 through to Monday 28 March. Open daily

The Newport Easter Art Festival will see an exciting range of art offerings, cultural activities and events celebrating the culture of Newport over the Easter Holiday break.

The Art Exhibition will run from Friday 25- Monday 28 March showcasing selected works by artists from the Pittwater Artists Trail, including prints, drawings, paintings, ceramics, textiles, glass artworks and jewellery. Works are for sale.

Cost: Free

Venue: Newport Community Centre

Bookings: not required

Newport Easter Art Festival - Festival Day

26th Mar 2016: 11am - 3pm

An intimate artisan market, live music, delicious food, kids Easter craft activities, and an Easter Bike Parade will be on offer throughout the day

The Newport Easter Art Festival will see an exciting range of art offerings, cultural activities and events celebrating the culture of Newport over the Easter Holiday break.

An intimate artisan market, live music, delicious food, kids Easter craft activities, and an Easter Bike Parade with great prizes will be on offer throughout the day.

Program: 

10.30-12.30

Leonie Barton’s Ephemeral Art Workshop – Popular local artist Leonie Barton will take you foraging for interesting items in the surrounding environment to create works to be photographed and posted online #NewportArtFest. 

Bookings essential rsvp@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or 9970 1171

11-3pm

Exhibition of artworks produced by artists from the Pittwater Artist Trail

11-2pm

Kids Easter craft activities and face painting

11-12noon

Easter Bike Parade & Competition - decorate your bike in a beachy/Easter theme and ride it to the festival for some great prizes. 

1-2pm

Exhibition Opening Event – all are welcome to celebrate the official launch of the Newport Easter Art Festival and Exhibition

11-3pm

Artisan Craft Market – selling handcrafted bespoke works

An exclusive sneak peek of The Newport

Published on 14 Mar 2016

With its breathtaking views and iconic status, rejuvenating The Newport has been no mean feat. And with just a week and a half until the doors open for Easter, it’s all systems go with this inspiring and challenging build! “For me, this is the most exciting venture I’ve ever undertaken,” says Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes. “We’re building this for the residents and are excited to bring them this new chapter!”

THE NEWPORT SET TO OPEN ON GOOD FRIDAY

15.03.2016: Merivale Media Release

The Newport officially opens its doors this month, when Merivale launches the first phase of the venue’s landmark redevelopment on Friday 25 March. Looking out over the stunning vista of Pittwater estuary, The Newport will be a vibrant gathering place that embraces the property’s remarkable location and offers a diverse range of spaces to drink, dine and admire the unrivalled views.

Justin Hemmes, Merivale CEO, said: “The Newport is at the heart of so many wonderful memories in the local community, so it is incredibly important for us to honour this as we create the new chapter in its history. With its sprawling grounds, magnificent landscaping and team of over 450 passionate locals, this is one of the biggest ventures we have ever undertaken. We are so excited and proud to finally open the first phase”. 

The Newport will be spearheaded by Executive Chef Sebastien Lutaud who has designed an extensive menu that reflects the Northern Beaches’ enviable coastal lifestyle. Guests can journey through a diverse marketplace of food and drink experiences, enjoying sizzling grass-fed beef and chicken burgers with soft potato buns from ‘The Burger Shack’; fresh seafood including classic fish and chips, salt and pepper calamari and crispy basil prawns; seasonal salads and exceptional Australian meats like smoked brisket, barbeque chicken and hot-smoked salmon; fresh juices and smoothies from ‘The Juice Bar’; and freshly-brewed coffee, pastries and donuts at ‘The Kiosk’. 

The Newport will also be home to ‘Vinnie’s Pizza’, where Merivale’s own pizza superstar Vincenzo Biondini will be whipping up his lightly-charred, wood-fired creations in the open kitchen. Guests can order pizzas directly from The Newport app and simply collect when ready.

A wide selection of wine, beers and quintessentially Sydney drinks will be on offer. Frozen cocktails such as the Yuzu (made famous at the pop-Asian hangout Ms.G’s), Pina Colada, Miami Vice and Strawberry Slushie will be served alongside margaritas and classics - all drinks made to sip as the sun sets over the peninsula.  

The Newport will present an exciting programme of free events and activities. Over the Easter long weekend, children can enjoy face painting, Easter egg hunts, bunny rabbits and a petting zoo, with gold coins being collected for ‘Mums for Mums’, a local charity group supporting families of Newport, Bilgola Plateau and Avalon Public Schools through times of illness and bereavement. For children and adults young at heart, The Newport will also feature a retro-inspired games area with badminton, ping pong tables, exercise bikes that can charge mobile phones and a giant magnetic scrabble board. 

Live music will be at the heart of the entertainment experience. An expansive alfresco deck has been built to showcase amazing local talent, seven days a week. The likes of Rob Somatik, Rad Dan, Gangs of Brothers and Paper Parade will all be performing during the opening weekend. The Newport will also play host to Sunday Sundown, Merivale’s live music series. Melbourne's nine-piece soul outfit Saskwatch kick off the programme on Easter Sunday, followed by indie duo Gypsy & The Cat on 3 April, Tasmanian singer songwriter Asta on 10 April and Sydney synth-pop trio Mansionair on 17 April. Entry to Sunday Sundown sessions at The Newport is free.

Drawing on influences from Montauk, The Hamptons and the Mediterranean, the reimagining of The Newport has been led by a team including Kelvin Ho and Emilie Delalande of Akin Creative, stylist Amanda Talbot and Justin and Bettina Hemmes. Due to the sheer scale of the property, Merivale has planned a gradual and thoughtful approach to its redevelopment, with stages two and three set to be revealed later in 2016.   

THE NEWPORT: OPENS 12noon, FRIDAY 25 MARCH

2 Kalinya St, Newport, 2106

Palm Beach Ferry Wharf Car Park Too Full Too Often

We have had persistent emails and phone calls from residents regarding the unavailability of parking spaces at Palm Beach (Pittwater Park) car park in recent months. 

A report has been forwarded and an article will be run in Issue 255 or 256 once all information has been compiled.

We would appreciate feedback from anyone who has a comment to make regarding this matter in the meantime.

Contact us via email HERE - please make the subject line 'PB Car Park'.

Top and below: 5.30 Friday afternoon March 11, 2016: both car parks at Pittwater Park are full and cars are parked either side of the road leading to car park. Above shows cars doing laps or sitting waiitng for a car park that won't come.

ABHS March 2016 Meeting

No you haven’t missed a meeting this year (and there have been a few enquiries!).

I have been in contact with ABCTV archives for some time in the hope of tracking down footage of the sand-mining at North Avalon dunes in the 1960s shot by our late member John Davis.

A Colette (not our Collette) has very diligently searched through the archives under the different titles of ‘sand-mining’, ‘Avalon Beach’ and ‘John Davis’ etc. but has come up empty-handed!

I had hoped to screen this at the meeting, hence the delay.

HOWEVER….. we’re set to go on Tuesday 22 March @ 8pm in the Avalon Beach Bowling Club in Bowling Green Lane.

Member BOB PAULING has recently published a beaut book titled ‘GOING TO THE PICTURES in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater’ (with a little help from our Society) and Collette and I attended the very successful launch at the Manly Art Gallery on Saturday 27 February. Bob has consented to relate some of the stories told and the histories revealed, especially those appropriate to our area. Bob will have some copies for sale on the night for $35 and is happy to sign one for you.

The second speaker ALISON GUESDON you will have seen occasionally buzzing around our meetings but especially around Pittwater on the end of her camera capturing photos and stories for her excellent ‘PITTWATER ONLINE NEWS’ weekly magazine and website.

In her own words – “The digitization of records, photographs and interviews with people who have lived here for generations, through Pittwater Online ‘Profiles’ and ‘History’ pages is allowing us to create records, that where they link (and hyperlink), unfold a dynamic and living map that stretches back to the earliest days of Pittwater”.

Guests of members are very welcome to attend and stay for supper.

Geoff Searl, President Avalon Beach Historical Society

Support Your Local Womens Refuge - Donations Needed

Women that are escaping a violent husband or partner, on their own or with their children, often arrive at a refuge with nothing but the clothes on their back, they literally must start again. As part of

International Women’s Week we are asking you to donate:

• New and High-Quality Second Hand Clothes

• New Household Items including Kitchen Appliances

• Suitcases and Overnight Bags to pack the Donated Items in

• New Linen, Pillows, Towels, Toiletries, Make Up

• New Toys, Shopping & Experience Vouchers

PLEASE DONATE GOOD AT AVALON BEACH RSL FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF MARCH. The Sista Code

Letter Advises NBN Node Box to Be Placed Mid-Lawn in Front Garden

Also from Palm Beach this week a resident advises they were informed via a letter and brochure, replete with imagery of an orange traffic cone, of an NBN Node Box it is proposed will be placed in the middle of their front lawn.

An extract from a letter send to the Minister of Communications by this resident, unanswered as yet:

" Here is a mock up of the proposed box.  I am 5’1” and the box is nearly as tall as me at 1200mm high.  (See Above photo)

Surely you can see the scale is inappropriate for the middle of my lawn and in relation to the scale of my modest home with it’s particularly low roof line.  The orange traffic cone you are using to inform me of the location of the node box is unhelpful at best, and bordering on deceitful, as it does not show the true dimensions of the node box.

I would also like you to know that your NBN call centre advised me that Pittwater Council had agreed to the proposed location and that to change the location would require a DA.  Firstly, clearly I cannot apply for a DA, so this information essentially is using an impossibility to stonewall my attempts to resolve this issue; a carefully crafted statement that is rote read by a call centre operator, no doubt written by a highly paid PR genius, to get complainants to go away - as a citizen, rate payer and tax payer this leaves a very nasty taste in my mouth.  More importantly the Council has advised it has nothing to do with the siting of the box and that the call centre operator has been untruthful.

We hope common sense prevails and we also hope that you can help us in relocating the box to a more practical and sensible location on our side boundary where we can use garden beds to reduce it’s visual pollution.  At least move it to the border of the property to our right between.... if it cannot be close to the driveway at ....  "

WE would like to hear from any other residents who recievd such missives and shall also be folowing up on this matter in coming Issues.

Please contact us via email HERE - with a subject line of 'They're telling me they'll be putting an NBN Node Box in the middle of my lawn!'

Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club Hosting 2016 Navigatum Cup Match Racing Day

March 6, 2016  

Calling all Heron Sailors! On March 20, the Heron Association will be holding the annual Navigatum Cup Match Racing Day at Narrbeen Lakes Sailing Club. 

This is a great opportunity to have fun putting the racing rules into practice on the water.

Whether your knowledge of the blue book is basic, good or just a bit rusty, this is one not to miss!! Entry forms will be available soon.nsw.heronsailing.com.au

Wild Things Talk At Warriewood: Get Native Bee Hives or Nest Boxes For your Own Backyard

Thursday 21 April, 7:15pm

Nelson Heather Centre, Banksia Room, 5 Jacksons Road, Warriewood

If you are passionate about our wildlife and their presence in our local areas – why not get help in your own backyard?

The Wild Things program, based at Ku-ring-gai Council, aims to protect urban wildlife and create suitable habitat in our backyards to encourage the return of wildlife. Wild Things work with Permaculture Northern Beaches and supply native bee hives. They also supply native fish, nest boxes as well as promote swimming pool conversions to aquaponics.

For more information please contact elle232@gmail.com

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 19/3/2016 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

NORTHERN BEACHES CONCERT BANDencourages new adult players who are learning brass or woodwind instruments to come and join us.   We are particularly looking for tuba, euphonium, trombones, clarinets and flutes.

NBCB offers a fun, supportive and social environment with rehearsals each Wednesday during term times at Pittwater High School, Mona Street, Mona Vale at 7.30pm.

NBCB has a new director this year, Ms Sarah Shaw, and we have an exciting new repertoire.  The band has 3-4 gigs a year and a 2-day workshop in May.

Dust off that old instrument and come and make music with us!

For more information, please call Denise 0414 560 263

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Frederick

AGE/SEX: 7 years / M

BREED: Kelpie x Jack Russell?

Frederick is a happy active boy who is well socialised with other dogs. He walks well on loose lead. He has a sweet affectionate nature with people and is easy to handle. He has a short coat and weighs 14.3kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $350. 

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

Plenty of podium potential in Olympic Sprint paddling Team

March 16, 2016 CANOE/KAYAK: The 12 paddlers named on the 2016 Australian Olympic Team on the Gold Coast today have the depth to produce more Olympic medals in Rio than any previous Australian Team.

Following the two selection trials over the Australian summer, the athletes nominated by Australian Canoeing and selected by the Australian Olympic Committee are a mixture of Olympic champions, medallist veterans and half are exciting Olympic debutants.

Seven kayak men – Daniel Bowker, Jacob Clear, Riley Fitzsimmons, Murray Stewart, Lachlan Tame, Kenny Wallace and Jordan Wood - have been named across the K4, K2 and K1 1000m events. Combinations will be tested at training camps and World Cup races over the coming months. The final combinations are sure to provide formidable opposition to the rest of the world.

Australia won gold in the K4 1000m at London 2012 and two of those champions – Murray Stewart and Jacob Clear – have been selected for Rio 2016. The third Games for Clear and second for Stewart.

“I’m really excited about what this K4 boat can do,” Stewart said after the Trials. “There is still a bit to go but we are going to keep going up from here.”

Kenny Wallace, who won K1 gold (500m) and bronze (1000m) at the Beijing Olympics and K2 1000m 4th in London has also been named after demonstrating the best form of his career.

“Making the Olympic Team is the hard bit,” Wallace said after the Trials. “Because once you are at the Games you have left no stone unturned, you’ve done the training and you can just go your hardest.

“It’s great to have such a strong team with the young guys coming through keeping us older guys on our toes.”

Wallace and Olympic debutant Lachlan Tame have won silver the in the K2 1000m at the past two World Championships and they joined Stewart and Clear to win the K4 selection trials.

Tame, like many of the athletes comes from a surf lifesaving background. As a national surf champion he was dared by a mate to try to make the Olympics after London 2012 and he has achieved that with in a 1000m squad that is stronger than ever.

“I was contacted by some competitors from overseas who said ‘congratulations you’ve just made the hardest Olympic Games team in the world’,” Tame said.

Riley Fitzsimmons and Jordan Wood are the under-23 K2 1000m World Champions and pushing the older guys every step of the way. Wood is continuing the family tradition of champion paddling. His late father Steve Wood was in the K4 team that won bronze at Barcelona 1992 and his mother Anna won bronze in the K2 500m at Atlanta 1996 and placed sixth at Sydney 2000.

Daniel Bowker has been trying longer than any of these athletes to make a senior Australia Team and he is now on the Olympic Team.

“It’s exciting and a big relief,” Bowker said. “It’s been eight plus years of work that has led to this. I moved interstate back in 2013 to be surrounded by the best squad in Australia and try to get Olympic selection.

“Personally it’s awesome to be selected for my first Olympic Team but the job’s only half done. I’m putting my best foot forward to make sure I win another gold with these guys.”

West Australian Stephen Bird has made his second Olympic Team. After placing sixth in the K2 at the London 2012 Games he will focus on the K1 at the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas venue in downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Sunshine Coast pair Alyssa Bull and Alyce Burnett will make their Olympic debuts in the K2 500m event after winning both selection events against London Olympians Naomi Flood and Jo Brigden-Jones **. The under-23 World Championship bronze medallists, who both first paddled as surf lifesavers, have been training and studying on the Gold Coast in the lead up to Rio 2016.

“Being on the Olympic Team definitely hasn’t sunk in yet but with the announcement today Rio is starting to feel closer,” Burnett said.

“Alyssa and I are great friends and we have made training fun while working really hard. We train out of the same base as the boys and it is great to be around that winning culture.

“We are only a really steep improvement curve and with 22 weeks until the Games you never know what could happen. We set one of the fastest times in Australia to win the trials so it will be good to get to the World Cups and see how we are going against the other teams ahead of Rio.”

Burnett lives with Wood and is coached by his dual Olympian Mum Anna, so it is a close knit kayaking community.

London 2012 Olympians Naomi Flood and Jo Brigden-Jones remain in contention for the third and final women's spot on the Team. The duo will compete at the World Cup event in Juisberg in May with the athlete with the best result getting the chance to compete at their second Games.

In the canoe events veterans Martin Marinov and Ferenc Szekszardi have capitalised on the opportunity to claim the C2 1000m spot.

For 49-year-old Marinov this will in fact be his fifth Games as an athlete. The three-time bronze medallist from 1988 and 1992 first raced for Australia at the Athens Olympics. He only decided to really go for Rio 2016 a few months ago.

“I said if these young guys can’t beat a 50-year-old man then they’re not good enough to go to the Olympics.”

With the depth in Australian kayaking never being stronger plenty of Olympic and World Championship medallist experience across the board the prospects of success in the Olympic regatta have never been stronger.

CANOEING AUSTRALIA

Community input sought into revised guidelines for Community Consultative Committees

Media Release - Department of Planning and Environment

The Department of Planning and Environment is inviting the public to have its say on proposed changes to Community Consultative Committee Guidelines, which would see them be able to be used for any State Significant project in NSW, if needed.

Community Consultative Committees have been in operation for a number of years, primarily within mining and related industries.

The committees are currently appointed by the company running the project and comprise representatives from relevant local groups like environmental and community organisations.

The Department has reviewed the guidelines and held a workshop with a number of Committee Chairs on how to improve the operation of the committee.

The proposed changes now on public exhibition for community comment include:

• Allowing the guidelines to be used for any State Significant project that will benefit from establishing a committee

• Ability to form a committee earlier in the assessment process, rather than only in the post approval stage

• Revised criteria for community representatives

• Revised procedures for selecting the independent chair

• Involving the independent Chair in the selection of community representatives

• Clear procedures for replacing committee members

• Stronger guidance on the conduct of meetings

• Greater assistance on how to establish a Committee.

We’ve reviewed the guidelines after speaking with a number of stakeholders, and now we are asking the public to provide input on how to improve the consultation process when it comes to the CCCs,” the spokesperson said.

The community can make submissions on the draft guidelines until 31 March. To make a submission and view the draft, visitwww.planning.nsw.gov.au/onexhibition. 

Early Surge of Entries for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 

If the initial burst of entries for the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 is an indicator, this year’s regatta will once again be something very special. 

Near 40 yachts representing a diverse cross-section of the sport have already nominated for what will be the 33rd staging of the high-profile series. Should this momentum continue, the number of entries will soon surge past 50, a milestone that would indicate a final fleet of around 200 is likely for the series which is scheduled from August 20 to 27. 

Race Week at Hamilton Island is recognised as Australia’s premier offshore regatta; an event that stands among the best in the world when it comes to excellent racing on courses that weave around tropical islands, a unique onshore party environment, and exceptional camaraderie among participants. 

The fact that the regatta caters for the full spectrum of sailboats, from superyachts through to small trailable yachts and multihulls of all sizes, is already reflected in this year’s entry list: there are four yachts over 20-metres in length, a broad sample of Grand Prix level racers and cruiser-racers, casual cruising yachts and eight multihulls. 

Bringing added status to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 is the decision by the sport’s governing body, Yachting Australia, to once again host the Australian Yachting Championships for Grand Prix, Performance Handicap and Offshore Multihull yachts at the series. 

Of those registered to date, it’s clearly evident that no-one was more enthusiastic about entering for this year than Drew Jones, from Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast. He entered the Bavaria 44, Stormy Petrel V, which he owns with his partner, Leslie Richards, within days of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015 being completed. With there being no entry form available at the time for this year’s regatta, he simply entered on last year’s form!

“I’ve done 12 Race Weeks crewing for other people, and I have to say the regatta gets better every year – it’s the full bottle, a cut above everything else,” Drew Jones said when speaking about the appeal of the regatta. 

“So, with Leslie and me having bought Stormy Petrel V, and us enjoying last year’s regatta so much when sailing as crew with friends, we decided to race our own boat this year. I went on-line and entered there and then, not realising until later it was last year’s entry form. That obviously didn’t matter, because we are entered and recognised as being the first. I hope that’s a good omen for the series.”

Jones, who started his sailing life racing dinghies on Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake, then worked his way up to where he was part of the shore crew for John Bertrand’s OneAustralia America’s Cup campaign in 1995, moved to the Gold Coast about eight years ago and became part of the local keelboat scene. He said it was possible 12 yachts from Southport Yacht Club would compete at Race Week this year. 

The Notice of Race and entry form for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 are now posted on the Race Week website,www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au The regatta – Australia’s largest offshore sailing series – caters for a remarkably wide range of sailboats: from sportboats and trailer sailers through to Grand Prix level keelboats, maxi yachts, cruising yachts of all sizes and configuration, and multihulls.

Audi Australia returns as the naming right sponsor of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week for an incredible eleventh year. Throughout the past decade of partnership, Audi and Hamilton Island have worked hand-in-hand to create the most impressive sailing regatta in Australia, with even more activities on offer for sailors and onshore guests alike. This shared vision is based on a joint passion for winning performance, technological innovation and spirited competition.

Image: Heading away from the start and towards the Whitsunday Passage: Images like this reveal why 30-year America’s Cup legend, Tom Ehman said: ‘Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is the best kept secret in the world of yachting.’ (Image credit: Andrea Francolini)

Report by Rob Mundle

Front Page Issue 255:  

2016 NSW Surf Life Saving Open Championships by NSW SLS

Avalon Quilters 2016 Exhibition of Members Work - a wonderful display of Antique, Contemporary and Traditional Quilts seen at Avalon Beach this week

2016 Pittwater Woman Of The Year and the Zonta Club of Northern Beaches International Women's Day Breakfast

Pictures: A Week in Pittwater: March 2016

Aquatics: New South Wales Surf Life Saving Masters Championships 2016

DIY Ideas: Autumn Garden Preparation for Winter and Spring 2016

Collectors Corner:  Heart Padlock Charm Bracelets for Newborns: A Golden Tradition

Food: Autumn Vegetables: Zucchini 

___________

Peninsula Music Club - 2016 Programme and Information regarding Performers: First Concert is Friday 18 March, 2016: Bach to Boogie Featuring Valerie Forbes-Mavridis and Yuri Mavridis

Enliven your Easter with the Newport Art Festival

Profile: Louise Park - We had a wonderful morning this week speaking with children’s Author Louise Park who let us in on some great news – you can now speak to Harriet Clare and she will write back to you! Visit the harrietclare.com.au/blog to see!

Newport Author Louise has a background of over 25 years in education, beginning as a primary school teacher and spent the last two decades leading the training of teachers in guided reading, writing and literacy acquisition in children. Part of this was creating and developing successful reading resources to help children crack the reading code.

History: Early Pittwater Schools - From Provisional to Public:- Barrenjoey - the Customs Station and Lightkeepers children's school

Artist of the Month:  March 2016 Jessica b Watson - threads and Identity, Installation Art and Drawings, threaded collages and vibrancy - a brilliant Australian Artist

Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce Raises $40,000 for Mona Vale Hospital

March 7th, 2016 - by Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce News

The patient care at Mona Vale Hospital’s new Rehabilitation Centre will be substantially improved following the successful local Chamber Hospital Dinner held on 19 February 2016.

“This is a fantastic result and the funds raised will be a welcome boost for Mona Vale Hospital.” said Hon. Rob Stokes. 

“With the help of the local business community in Mona Vale and our government leaders including Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, MP Mackellar, Hon. Rob Stokes MP Pittwater and Pittwater Council Mayor Jacqueline Townsend, the Chamber dinner raised $40,000. 

"The money will be used to purchase a range of new equipment including Bariatric Wheel Chairs and Shower Commodes, essential equipment for the ongoing care of patients.” said Mr John Scutt, Vice President of Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce.

The Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce has been an active voice for the local business community and a state finalist for local chamber of the year in 2014.

Following the successful Golden Jubilee Mona Vale Hospital celebrations in February 2014, the Chamber decided to plan for a follow-up fundraiser in 2016. 

Mr Simon Dunn, President Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce said, “It is important for the Mona Vale community that a strong viable patient facility is maintained at Mona Vale Hospital to support the world standard health and aged care professional community in Mona Vale.”

Mona Vale Hospital’s role will transform post-2018 when its focus will shift to sub-acute, community health, urgent care and primary care services in order to complement the acute care to be delivered at the new level-five Northern Beaches Hospital.

The new Community Health building is opening this week and will co-locate treatment and consultation facilities for a range of essential health services including dentistry, occupational therapy, paediatric speech pathology, mental health services, drug and alcohol counselling, rehabilitation, community nursing and aged care.

Mr Frank Bazik, General Manager of Mona Vale Hospital said, “The building would house 100 professionals with consultation rooms and shared facilities.”

In another exciting development as part of transforming and modernising Mona Vale Hospital, Hon. Rob Stokes announced at the Hospital Dinner that planning has commenced for the development of a dedicated inpatient palliative care unit.

Hon. Rob Stokes said “The peninsula has an aging population and a specialist inpatient palliative care service will be a valuable addition that helps meet the increasing needs of our community. The Northern Beaches is currently without a dedicated inpatient palliative care unit – so this new service will help offer greater convenience for local families during extremely challenging circumstances.”

_________________

Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce was reformed on 26 May 2010, was registered as incorporated association on 29 June 2010 and exists to promote and protect the trade, commerce, industries and tourism of Mona Vale and its immediate surrounds.

Our mission is to:

Create memorable business oriented Chamber events as a normal part of the Mona Vale community calendar.

Inspire Government decision-makers to consult with the Chamber in as many of their community decisions as possible.

Give each member of the Chamber the opportunity to contribute and share in the Chamber’s success.

Conduct all business dealings in a moral and ethical manner.

Find out more at: www.monavalechamber.org

Mona Vale Community Health Centre Construction Complete

Retrieved from Northern Beaches Health Services Redevelopmentwebsite

As part of the major investment in health facilities at Mona Vale Hospital, the NSW Government has allocated more than $30 million for the construction of a new Mona Vale Community Health Centre.

The new Mona Vale Community Health Centre will be home to a range of services including:

• Rehabilitation and Aged Care Community Services

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

• Chronic Disease Community Rehabilitation Services (CDCRS)

• Community Nursing

• Acute Post-Acute Care (APAC)

• Paediatric Occupational Therapy

• Paediatric Speech Pathology

• Child and Family Health Services

• Community Adult Mental Health Services

• Child and Youth Mental Health Services

• Community Drug and Alcohol Services

• Adult and Paediatric Oral Health Services

These services will be in addition to services provided by the Mona Vale Hospital including a 24-hour, seven-days a week urgent care centre and state-of-the art rehabilitation, community palliative and aged care services.

Construction on the Mona Vale Community Health Centre is now complete and services are in the process of moving in.

A video fly through of the new community health centre is availablehere

New Concept Plans for Barrenjoey

In January this year  this publication was contacted regarding an image we ran as part of our Barrenjoey Rally report and asked for permission to use said image - which we gave, asking the report being prepared be forwarded for our records as 'where used' files are kept.

This report will be put on public exhibition and published online imminently.

Pittwater Online has received various outlines of what is contained in the new concept plan and prefer to wait for the document/s, which will speak for itself, to be officially released.

Stay Tuned!

Barrenjoey - 'Progress at last! (in most sarcastic voice) - drawing courtesy Tony Edwards (aka Captain Goodvibes)

While on Captain Goodvibes

Tony Edwards, one of our favourite artists, has been confirmed as the gentleman who will be Speaker on the Opening Night of the Pittwater Artists Trail Exhibition, March 25th, as part of the Enliven Pittwater's Newport Art Festival!

Captain Goodvibes, aka the Pig of Steel, was the creation of Australian cartoonist Tony Edwards and became an icon of Australian surfing culture in the 1970s. The Goodvibes cartoons were first published in Australia's "surfing bible" Tracks in May 1973 and appeared regularly until July 1981.

More in Tony Edwards' Profile

Barrenjoey Shed, 2006 - by and courtesy of Tony Edwards 

Palm Beach Ferry Wharf Car Park Too Full Too Often

We have had persistent emails and phone calls from residents regarding the unavailability of parking spaces at Palm Beach (Pittwater Park) car park in recent months. 

A report has been forwarded and an article will be run in Issue 255 or 256 once all information has been compiled.

We would appreciate feedback from anyone who has a comment to make regarding this matter in the meantime.

Contact us via email HERE - please make the subject line 'PB Car Park'.

Top and below: 5.30 Friday afternoon March 11, 2016: both car parks at Pittwater Park are full and cars are parked either side of the road leading to car park. Above shows cars doing laps or sitting waiitng for a car park that won't come.

ABHS March 2016 Meeting

No you haven’t missed a meeting this year (and there have been a few enquiries!).

I have been in contact with ABCTV archives for some time in the hope of tracking down footage of the sand-mining at North Avalon dunes in the 1960s shot by our late member John Davis.

A Colette (not our Collette) has very diligently searched through the archives under the different titles of ‘sand-mining’, ‘Avalon Beach’ and ‘John Davis’ etc. but has come up empty-handed!

I had hoped to screen this at the meeting, hence the delay.

HOWEVER….. we’re set to go on Tuesday 22 March @ 8pm in the Avalon Beach Bowling Club in Bowling Green Lane.

Member BOB PAULING has recently published a beaut book titled ‘GOING TO THE PICTURES in Manly, Warringah and Pittwater’ (with a little help from our Society) and Collette and I attended the very successful launch at the Manly Art Gallery on Saturday 27 February. Bob has consented to relate some of the stories told and the histories revealed, especially those appropriate to our area. Bob will have some copies for sale on the night for $35 and is happy to sign one for you.

The second speaker ALISON GUESDON you will have seen occasionally buzzing around our meetings but especially around Pittwater on the end of her camera capturing photos and stories for her excellent ‘PITTWATER ONLINE NEWS’ weekly magazine and website.

In her own words – “The digitization of records, photographs and interviews with people who have lived here for generations, through Pittwater Online ‘Profiles’ and ‘History’ pages is allowing us to create records, that where they link (and hyperlink), unfold a dynamic and living map that stretches back to the earliest days of Pittwater”.

Guests of members are very welcome to attend and stay for supper.

Geoff Searl, President Avalon Beach Historical Society

Support Your Local Womens Refuge - Donations Needed

Women that are escaping a violent husband or partner, on their own or with their children, often arrive at a refuge with nothing but the clothes on their back, they literally must start again. As part of

International Women’s Week we are asking you to donate:

• New and High-Quality Second Hand Clothes

• New Household Items including Kitchen Appliances

• Suitcases and Overnight Bags to pack the Donated Items in

• New Linen, Pillows, Towels, Toiletries, Make Up

• New Toys, Shopping & Experience Vouchers

PLEASE DONATE GOOD AT AVALON BEACH RSL FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF MARCH. The Sista Code

Letter Advises NBN Node Box to Be Placed Mid-Lawn in Front Garden

Also from Palm Beach this week a resident advises they were informed via a letter and brochure, replete with imagery of an orange traffic cone, of an NBN Node Box it is proposed will be placed in the middle of their front lawn.

An extract from a letter send to the Minister of Communications by this resident, unanswered as yet:

" Here is a mock up of the proposed box.  I am 5’1” and the box is nearly as tall as me at 1200mm high.  (See Above photo)

Surely you can see the scale is inappropriate for the middle of my lawn and in relation to the scale of my modest home with it’s particularly low roof line.  The orange traffic cone you are using to inform me of the location of the node box is unhelpful at best, and bordering on deceitful, as it does not show the true dimensions of the node box.

I would also like you to know that your NBN call centre advised me that Pittwater Council had agreed to the proposed location and that to change the location would require a DA.  Firstly, clearly I cannot apply for a DA, so this information essentially is using an impossibility to stonewall my attempts to resolve this issue; a carefully crafted statement that is rote read by a call centre operator, no doubt written by a highly paid PR genius, to get complainants to go away - as a citizen, rate payer and tax payer this leaves a very nasty taste in my mouth.  More importantly the Council has advised it has nothing to do with the siting of the box and that the call centre operator has been untruthful.

We hope common sense prevails and we also hope that you can help us in relocating the box to a more practical and sensible location on our side boundary where we can use garden beds to reduce it’s visual pollution.  At least move it to the border of the property to our right between.... if it cannot be close to the driveway at ....  "

WE would like to hear from any other residents who recievd such missives and shall also be folowing up on this matter in coming Issues.

Please contact us via email HERE - with a subject line of 'They're telling me they'll be putting an NBN Node Box in the middle of my lawn!'

McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study

The draft McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study (2015) will be on exhibition for public comment from Monday 29 February until Friday 1 April. 

The draft study can be viewed online or at customer service centres and libraries at Avalon and Mona Vale and at the Coastal Environment Centre, North Narrabeen. For more information visitwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/yoursay.

Draft McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study Report and Map

Full Report - McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study - Download (40mb pdf)

Report and Appendices as individual downloads

Main document excluding appendices   Download  (8.5mb pdf)

Appendix A Note: All maps have windows A, B and C 

Peak Flood Depths - Figures A1 to A8 Download (10mb pdf)

Peak Flood Velocity, Provisional Flood Hazard, Hydraulic Categorisation - Figures A9 to A15 Download (9.5mb pdf)

Climate Change Mapping - Figures A16 to A23  Download (8.8mb pdf)

Development Control Mapping - Figures A24 to A25    Download (2.8mb  pdf)

Appendix B

Community Consultation Information Download (239kb pdf)

Appendix C 

Design Hydrographs Download (337kb pdf)

Community information sessions

You may book a 15 minute appointment with a flooding specialist to discuss what the draft study means for your property. You may choose in person or over the phone during these times: 

In Person                                          

Tuesday 8 March       1 - 3pm

Tuesday 8 March       4 - 8pm

Tuesday 16 March     1 - 3pm

Tuesday 16 March     4 - 8pm

Thursday 17 March    1 - 3pm

Thursday 17 March    4 - 8pm

Over the Phone

Wednesday 9 March 2pm - 4pm

Wednesday 9 March 10am - 12 noon

Wednesday 16 March 10am - 12 noon

Wednesday 16 March 2pm - 4pm

Note - The in person appointments are held in the Mona Vale Conference Room. It is located above Mona Vale Library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale and is accessed via Council’s Customer Service office.

Book an appointment

You will need to provide your name, email address and a contact phone number. You will also need to supply the property address that has been identified as subject to flooding risk under the draft study.

Visit: www.mccarrs_creek,_mona_vale_and_bay_view_flood_study

Come and Try Surfboat Rowing at Warriewood SLSC

We are currently on the search for girls and boys in the 15 -18yrs age bracket who are interested in giving the great sport of surfboat rowing a go. 

On the 20th March at 9am at Bayview we will be hosting a come and try morning for anyone who like to come down and find out more about this great sport and get in and have a try of rowing. Both girls and boys are welcome and we will have some of our very experienced and highly skilled coaches on hand to show you the ropes.  

If you are interested please contact the Boat Captain Shaun Taylor on 0405 451 880 or email shaun.taylor1215@gmail.com to register your interest. 

Pittwater’s Clean Up Australia Day 2016 A Great Success

Hundreds of residents attended 24 sites last Sunday around Pittwater for the annual Clean Up Australia Day. During the week Clean Up Australia reported 682,000 volunteers rallied to clean up their local parks, waterways, beaches, sporting fields, bushland and roadways at over 7,117 locations across Australia. This is an increase of nearly 1,000 sites over 2015.

Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman and Founder of Clean Up Australia, speaking from the 2016 Clean Up Day official site in Sydney, says that Clean Up Australia Day always makes him proud to be an Australian, “So long as we are prepared to get involved and get our hands dirty, Clean Up events such as those of this last week will continue to make a difference. The ever increasing presence of plastics, beverage containers and other single-use packaging mean we need to continue to challenge our governments to implement effective waste management and recycling programs to reduce the amount of wasted resource that ends up in our precious environment. Clean Up activities provide vital community led data and feedback that influences decision makers.”

“Volunteers are already reporting a staggering array of rubbish, ranging from physically small items such as cigarette butts and recyclables including plastics, beverage containers, glass and paper to larger items such as construction waste and illegally dumped materials.” 

As an indicator of how much support for the campaign has grown, teams from NSW Roads and Maritime have reported in excess of 125 cubic metres of rubbish removed from major highways and waterways during their week of action in support of the annual Clean Up Day. Around 80% of the rubbish removed each year would have been recyclable if it wasn’t left to deteriorate in the environment

“For me every day is Clean Up Australia Day”, says Kiernan. “And while it’s great to focus community attention on a national event, we all need to take more responsibility for the rubbish we create every day of the year. “My life equation is E=1, where the state of our environment is the centre of all things. Awareness starts with the simple act of picking up rubbish when you see it, reducing the amount of packaging we need to get rid of and recycling wherever possible” said Kiernan. 

Working with limited resources, Clean Up Australia is a not-for-profit NGO which relies on corporate sponsors and donors to supply funding and resources and will continue to provide free bags, gloves and other equipment for as long as it has the funds to do so. Donations can be made online www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au 

Top: Two Clean Up Australia Day heroes of Avalon: Ronan and Erin Duggan. Erin is only 5, but worked for hours with her Dad and made great use of the picker-upper. Thanks so much to you both.

Photo courtesy Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)

Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club Hosting 2016 Navigatum Cup Match Racing Day

March 6, 2016  

Calling all Heron Sailors! On March 20, the Heron Association will be holding the annual Navigatum Cup Match Racing Day at Narrbeen Lakes Sailing Club. 

This is a great opportunity to have fun putting the racing rules into practice on the water.

Whether your knowledge of the blue book is basic, good or just a bit rusty, this is one not to miss!! Entry forms will be available soon.nsw.heronsailing.com.au

Wild Things Talk At Warriewood: Get Native Bee Hives or Nest Boxes For your Own Backyard

Thursday 21 April, 7:15pm

Nelson Heather Centre, Banksia Room, 5 Jacksons Road, Warriewood

If you are passionate about our wildlife and their presence in our local areas – why not get help in your own backyard?

The Wild Things program, based at Ku-ring-gai Council, aims to protect urban wildlife and create suitable habitat in our backyards to encourage the return of wildlife. Wild Things work with Permaculture Northern Beaches and supply native bee hives. They also supply native fish, nest boxes as well as promote swimming pool conversions to aquaponics.

For more information please contact elle232@gmail.com

Expressions of Interest Open for $2.5 million In ClubGRANTS for Arts and Cultural Infrastructure 

Expressions of interest are sought for $2.5 million in grants under the ClubGRANTS Category 3 program to help organisations build arts and cultural infrastructure in their local communities. Councils are eligible to apply. The ClubGRANTS Category 3 program, managed by Liquor and Gaming NSW, will provide between $100,000 and $300,000 for new and upgraded infrastructure for up to 25 projects in the 2015/16 financial year. 

Particular emphasis will be given to projects that support disadvantaged and regional and remote communities, as they often struggle to attract this level of funding. 

Projects eligible for funding include:  

Arts or cultural facilities or venues based in metropolitan, regional or remote NSW that benefit the general public or community 

Facilities that significantly improve and enhance arts and cultural infrastructure to increase capacity, use and outcomes for local communities 

Upgrading, building, renewing or expanding cultural infrastructure or acquiring land in conjunction with the  construction of a cultural facility 

The applicant must have the right to use the land for the project and successful projects must be shovel-ready to commence by 30 September 2016 and be completed no later than 30 September 2018.

Dates and location EOIs close 18 March 2016 Online informationwww.liquorandgaming.justice.nsw.gov.au

Contact clubgrants.category3@olgr.nsw.gov.au  Ph: 02 9995 0940 

NORTHERN BEACHES CONCERT BANDencourages new adult players who are learning brass or woodwind instruments to come and join us.   We are particularly looking for tuba, euphonium, trombones, clarinets and flutes.

NBCB offers a fun, supportive and social environment with rehearsals each Wednesday during term times at Pittwater High School, Mona Street, Mona Vale at 7.30pm.

NBCB has a new director this year, Ms Sarah Shaw, and we have an exciting new repertoire.  The band has 3-4 gigs a year and a 2-day workshop in May.

Dust off that old instrument and come and make music with us!

For more information, please call Denise 0414 560 263

Enliven your Easter with the Newport Art Festival

The Newport Easter Art Festival will see an exciting range of art offerings and activities celebrating the culture of Newport over the Easter holiday weekend.

The event, coordinated by Council’s Enliven Pittwater program and supported by organisers of the Pittwater Artists Trail, will feature an art exhibition running from Good Friday through to Easter Monday at the Newport Community Centre with a series of events and activities for all ages throughout the day on Easter Saturday.

The art exhibition will feature the most recent prints and drawings, paintings, ceramics, textile and glass artworks, alongside a selection of hand crafted jewellery produced by the 25 renowned local artists who make up the popular Pittwater Artists Trail, including; Julie Hickson, Jacqui Giuliano, Elfriede Bartnitzky, Nada Herman, Robyn Park, Martin Wale, Geoff Searl and Tabitha Higgins to name just a few. The exhibition will be open on Friday 25 March through to Monday 28 March.

Mayor Jacqueline Townsend said “…Visitors are encouraged to embrace the artistic and cultural possibilities of Newport, and come along and experience first-hand the Newport Community Centre transformed into a vibrant cultural and exhibition space”.

The Easter Saturday Festival Day will include a range of fun activities and events for all ages from 11am-3pm including:

• Ephemeral art workshop hosted by popular local artist Leonie Barton (followed by 3325 on Instagram) offering participants the opportunity to create art works from found objects in the natural environment, to be photographed and posted online. (10.30am-12.30pm) Bookings required – email rsvp@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or call 9970 1171

• Intimate artisan market selling handcrafted/bespoke items

• Fabulous live music by local jazz duo The Blue Jays and classical string trio Ahava Ensemble

• Delicious food and coffee offerings from local business including handmade chocolate treats

• Easter Bike Parade and competition with great prizes for the best bike decoration. All ages are invited to decorate themselves and their bikes in a Newport Beach/Easter theme (arrive by 11am with judging at 12 noon).

• Easter craft & face painting for kids (12noon-2pm)

• Official Opening Event with Pittwater Mayor Jacqueline Townsend (1pm).

“I really encourage the community to take public transport or hop on their bike to attend this event - they could even be in the running for a prize in our Easter Bike Parade!” she added.

For workshop bookings and further event details please visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/all_events or check out the Events section on the enliven app for more info. Don’t have the app? Download it – it’s FREE.

Newport Easter Art Festival - Art Exhibition

Runs from Friday 25 through to Monday 28 March. Open daily

The Newport Easter Art Festival will see an exciting range of art offerings, cultural activities and events celebrating the culture of Newport over the Easter Holiday break.

The Art Exhibition will run from Friday 25- Monday 28 March showcasing selected works by artists from the Pittwater Artists Trail, including prints, drawings, paintings, ceramics, textiles, glass artworks and jewellery. Works are for sale.

Cost: Free

Venue: Newport Community Centre

Bookings: not required

Newport Easter Art Festival - Festival Day

26th Mar 2016: 11am - 3pm

An intimate artisan market, live music, delicious food, kids Easter craft activities, and an Easter Bike Parade will be on offer throughout the day

The Newport Easter Art Festival will see an exciting range of art offerings, cultural activities and events celebrating the culture of Newport over the Easter Holiday break.

An intimate artisan market, live music, delicious food, kids Easter craft activities, and an Easter Bike Parade with great prizes will be on offer throughout the day.

Program: 

10.30-12.30

Leonie Barton’s Ephemeral Art Workshop – Popular local artist Leonie Barton will take you foraging for interesting items in the surrounding environment to create works to be photographed and posted online #NewportArtFest. 

Bookings essential rsvp@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or 9970 1171

11-3pm

Exhibition of artworks produced by artists from the Pittwater Artist Trail

11-2pm

Kids Easter craft activities and face painting

11-12noon

Easter Bike Parade & Competition - decorate your bike in a beachy/Easter theme and ride it to the festival for some great prizes. 

1-2pm

Exhibition Opening Event – all are welcome to celebrate the official launch of the Newport Easter Art Festival and Exhibition

11-3pm

Artisan Craft Market – selling handcrafted bespoke works

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Snoopy

AGE/SEX: 6 years / M

BREED: Maltese x

Snoopy is a happy very playful dog. He is very social with other dogs but people are most important to him. He is easy to groom. He has a non-shedding coat and weighs 4.9kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $350.

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

Community input sought into revised guidelines for Community Consultative Committees

Media Release - Department of Planning and Environment

The Department of Planning and Environment is inviting the public to have its say on proposed changes to Community Consultative Committee Guidelines, which would see them be able to be used for any State Significant project in NSW, if needed.

Community Consultative Committees have been in operation for a number of years, primarily within mining and related industries.

The committees are currently appointed by the company running the project and comprise representatives from relevant local groups like environmental and community organisations.

The Department has reviewed the guidelines and held a workshop with a number of Committee Chairs on how to improve the operation of the committee.

The proposed changes now on public exhibition for community comment include:

• Allowing the guidelines to be used for any State Significant project that will benefit from establishing a committee

• Ability to form a committee earlier in the assessment process, rather than only in the post approval stage

• Revised criteria for community representatives

• Revised procedures for selecting the independent chair

• Involving the independent Chair in the selection of community representatives

• Clear procedures for replacing committee members

• Stronger guidance on the conduct of meetings

• Greater assistance on how to establish a Committee.

We’ve reviewed the guidelines after speaking with a number of stakeholders, and now we are asking the public to provide input on how to improve the consultation process when it comes to the CCCs,” the spokesperson said.

The community can make submissions on the draft guidelines until 31 March. To make a submission and view the draft, visitwww.planning.nsw.gov.au/onexhibition. 

Early Surge of Entries for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 

If the initial burst of entries for the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 is an indicator, this year’s regatta will once again be something very special. 

Near 40 yachts representing a diverse cross-section of the sport have already nominated for what will be the 33rd staging of the high-profile series. Should this momentum continue, the number of entries will soon surge past 50, a milestone that would indicate a final fleet of around 200 is likely for the series which is scheduled from August 20 to 27. 

Race Week at Hamilton Island is recognised as Australia’s premier offshore regatta; an event that stands among the best in the world when it comes to excellent racing on courses that weave around tropical islands, a unique onshore party environment, and exceptional camaraderie among participants. 

The fact that the regatta caters for the full spectrum of sailboats, from superyachts through to small trailable yachts and multihulls of all sizes, is already reflected in this year’s entry list: there are four yachts over 20-metres in length, a broad sample of Grand Prix level racers and cruiser-racers, casual cruising yachts and eight multihulls. 

Bringing added status to Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 is the decision by the sport’s governing body, Yachting Australia, to once again host the Australian Yachting Championships for Grand Prix, Performance Handicap and Offshore Multihull yachts at the series. 

Of those registered to date, it’s clearly evident that no-one was more enthusiastic about entering for this year than Drew Jones, from Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast. He entered the Bavaria 44, Stormy Petrel V, which he owns with his partner, Leslie Richards, within days of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015 being completed. With there being no entry form available at the time for this year’s regatta, he simply entered on last year’s form!

“I’ve done 12 Race Weeks crewing for other people, and I have to say the regatta gets better every year – it’s the full bottle, a cut above everything else,” Drew Jones said when speaking about the appeal of the regatta. 

“So, with Leslie and me having bought Stormy Petrel V, and us enjoying last year’s regatta so much when sailing as crew with friends, we decided to race our own boat this year. I went on-line and entered there and then, not realising until later it was last year’s entry form. That obviously didn’t matter, because we are entered and recognised as being the first. I hope that’s a good omen for the series.”

Jones, who started his sailing life racing dinghies on Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake, then worked his way up to where he was part of the shore crew for John Bertrand’s OneAustralia America’s Cup campaign in 1995, moved to the Gold Coast about eight years ago and became part of the local keelboat scene. He said it was possible 12 yachts from Southport Yacht Club would compete at Race Week this year. 

The Notice of Race and entry form for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2016 are now posted on the Race Week website,www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au The regatta – Australia’s largest offshore sailing series – caters for a remarkably wide range of sailboats: from sportboats and trailer sailers through to Grand Prix level keelboats, maxi yachts, cruising yachts of all sizes and configuration, and multihulls.

Audi Australia returns as the naming right sponsor of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week for an incredible eleventh year. Throughout the past decade of partnership, Audi and Hamilton Island have worked hand-in-hand to create the most impressive sailing regatta in Australia, with even more activities on offer for sailors and onshore guests alike. This shared vision is based on a joint passion for winning performance, technological innovation and spirited competition.

Image: Heading away from the start and towards the Whitsunday Passage: Images like this reveal why 30-year America’s Cup legend, Tom Ehman said: ‘Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is the best kept secret in the world of yachting.’ (Image credit: Andrea Francolini)

Report by Rob Mundle

Timber Heritage Surfboats Require Storage or Museum Home: 1947 N & E Towns + 1971 Bill Clymer

Last week an item came to our attention regarding two wonderful restored heritage surfboats that we need to keep for the ages - please help if able, or suggest who may be able to.

From Kim Marsh, the gentleman who has gone to considerable effort to ensure these pieces of Australian History remain here for all:

We have an immediate problem finding storage for a restored 1947 Towns double ender surfboat and a restored 1971 Clymer surfboat. The property where they were securely stored on the Sydney Northern Beaches has been sold. 

The 1947 boat is 7.5m long. If displayed on its trailer the overall length is 8.8m and 2.1m wide. The 1971 boat is 8.15m long. If displayed on its trailer the overall length is 9.2m and 2.1m wide.

1947 Towns boat

1971 Clymer boat

Both are on a trailer so need about 9.5 metres in length. If you can help or have a suggestion please contact Kim Marsh on 0418 248 894 or email ecodirections@bigpond.com.

I am also open to suggestions or expressions of interest where both boats may eventually be permanently housed. I hope the double ender will be housed in a museum environment or somewhere similar where it will be accessible for interested people to view. The 1971 Clymer is used occasionally for special events.

The boats can be viewed on my website at www.surfboatdirections.com.au

We run a condensed history of these two beauties, some of Mr. Marsh's photos and their specs as this Issues Aquatics feature

Front Page Issue 254:  

2016 Australian Open Of Surfing and Aussie Bodies Women's Pro: Finals Day Chapman and Enever Into Quarterfinals by Surfing NSW/Ethan Smith

Hemp Building in Australia – where it’s at and where it’s going: interview with Dick Clarke, director at Envirotecture in Elanora Heights, post a hemp building workshop held last weekend of February 2016

Taking Flight: Lores Bonney's Extraordinary Flying Career by Kristen Alexander - to be launched by Gaby Kennard OAM on International Women's Day, 8 March 2016 and coinciding with Women of Aviation World Wide Week, 7-13 March 2016

Pittwater Artists Trail 2016: Autumn Open Studios Weekend (10am – 5pm on Saturday March 5th and Sunday March 6th)+ all 2016 dates + New Artists + sharing studio space: meet two at once

Reflections by George Repin: TIVKIN CEMETERY

Pittwater's Future Down to A Numbers Game? Warringah Council's Bid to Have it ALL Revives New/Old One Council Proposal 

Pictures: Battle of the Bends Hybrid Match

Aquatics: New South Wales Surf Life Saving Age Championships 2016 - reports and pictures and results by SLS NSW

____________________

Avalon Quilters 2016 Exhibition of Members Work and Raffle Quilt - March 11-12, 2016

Enliven your Easter with the Newport Art Festival

Timber Heritage Surfboats Require Storage or Museum Home: 1947 N & E Towns + 1971 Bill Clymer by Kim Marsh

Profile: Jessica b Watson - thread and Identity have woven a clear path for this premier Artist, a Finalist in the Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing 2016, Finalist in the inaugural SEED STITCH textile exhibition at Warringah Creative Space, and the 2016 Eramboo/Enliven Pittwater Artist in Resident + a new Installation work placed in town this week - and a mum!

History: Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Paddon Family - of Clareville, Avalon and The Northern Rivers of NSW

Artist of the Month:  March 2016 Jessica b Watson - threads and Identity, Installation Art and Drawings, threaded collages and vibrancy - a brilliant Australian Artist

Clean Up Australia Day: Pittwater Clean Ups - March 6th, 2016

Narrabeen
Narrabeen State Park
9am to 11am
Meeting Point: Berry Reserve
Join us to help clean up, fix up and conserve the environment.
Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment

Coastal Environment Centre
9am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Meet at the Coastal Environment Centre Pelican Path, Lake Park Rd North Narrabeen 2101
Join us to help clean up, fix up and conserve the environment.
Pittwater Council

Warriewood
Warriewood Beach and SLSC
9.30m to 10.30am
Join us to help clean up, fix up and conserve the environment.
Meeting Point: The wooden platform between the carpark and Warriewood Beach
Bruce Kelly - coordinator

Jackson Rd Playing fields
8.30am to 12.30pm
Meeting Point: Amenity block building, Jackson Road Playing Fields, North Narrabeen
Michael Asbridge - coordinator

Mona Vale
Mona Vale Beach
10 am to 12 pm
Meeting Point: North end toilet blocks
Deborah Reimann - coordinator

Bayview
Bayview Sea Scouts
8.30am to 1.30pm
Meeting Point: Bayview Sea Scouts Hall
Bayview Sea Scouts

Rowland Reserve Boat Ramp
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Rowlands Reserve Boat Ramp
David Phipps - coordinator - David Group

Help Clean Bayview
8.00am to 10am
Meeting Point: On Pittwater Road in front of Stowaway Cafe/ Paddlecraft (kayak hire shop). Check time closer to date as need to pick up rubbish at low tide. Let's have breakfast together afterwards at Stowaway!
Clean Up Bayview Crew
Jessica moore - coordinator

Scotland Island - Church Point 
Bell Wharf
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting point: Bell Wharf
Cass Gye - coordinator
Cargo Wharf
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Leahvera Reserve foreshore
Cass Gye - coordinator
Carols Wharf
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Harold Reserve
Cass Gye - coordinator
Eastern Wharf
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Eastern Wharf
Cass Gye - coordinator
Tennis Wharf
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Tennis Wharf
Cass Gye - coordinator
Catherine Park
10.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Catherine Park
Shona Forsyth - coordinator
Scotland Island Reserves
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Leahvera Reserve
Cass Gye - coordinator
Church Point Wharf
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Church Point Ferry Wharf
Cass Gye - coordinator
ALL: Scotland Island Residents Association

Elvina - Morning Bay - Lovett Bay - McCarrs Creek
Elvina Bay
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Elvina Bay North and South Wharves
Melinda Broughton - coordinator
Halls - Morning Bay
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Track between Halls and Morning Bay
Edwina Dusseldorp - coordinator
Lovett Bay
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Lovett Bay Wharf
Melinda Broughton - coordinator
McCarrs
9.00am to 12pm
Meeting Point: Elvina Fire Trail
Melinda Broughton - coordinator
ALL: West Pittwater Community Association

Avalon

Patterson Lane - 10am to 12pm
If you are up for a bit of Sunday Morning Fun bring Gloves and join us this Sunday 6 March 2016 in Patterson Lane -Dunbar Park end between 10am and 12 noon for our Clean Up Australia Day Laneway Spruce up.
Roslyn Marsh - coordinator Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber

Careel Creek and Avalon Dunes

8am to 11 am meet: near skate park
Come and help us clean up Careel Creek and Avalon Dunes.
Let's keep that plastic out of the waterways and ocean.
You'll see why we think container deposit legislation is a great idea.
Marita Macrae - Coordinator Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)

Careel Bay
2.00pm to 3.15pm
Meeting Point: Careel Bay tennis court car park
Kim Hubner - coordinator
Living Ocean

Coasters Retreat

Meeting Point: Fire shed
8.00am to 3.00pm
Wilma Taylor - coordinator
Coasters Residents

Completed
Winnererremy Bay Mangrove
March 4th, 2016
9-10am
Paul Cannings - coordinator - Pittwater High School

Narrabeen Sports High
March 4th, 2016
9am to 3pm
Rheanna Hesp - coordinator

Narrabeen Rock Pool
March 5th 2016
11am to 12pm
Peter Collings - coordinator

Turra Rovers Narrabeen Lagoon
March 5th, 2016
2pm to 5pm
Meeting Point: Lakeside Carpark opposite Melting Room Cafe
Thomas Hickman - coordinator

Business Clean Up Day: Tuesday 1 March

Schools Clean Up Day: Friday 4 March

Clean Up Australia Day: Sunday 6 March

You can always pick up rubbish where you find and place it where it may be recycled or in a bin. 

You can always report people who dump on our enviroment too:

Report illegal dumping

22nd February 2016: NSW Government

The RIDonline website lets you report the types of waste being dumped and its GPS location. Photos of the waste can also be added to the report.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA), councils and Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) squads will use this information to investigate and, if appropriate, issue a fine or clean-up notice.

Penalties for illegal dumping can be up to $15,000 and potential jail time for anybody caught illegally dumping within five years of a prior illegal dumping conviction.

This is the first time RIDonline has been opened to the public. Since September last year, the EPA, councils, RID squads and public land managers have used it to report more than 20,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste across more than 70 local government areas.

Palm Beach Ferry Wharf Car Park Too Full Too Often

We have had persistent emails and phone calls from residents regarding the unavailability of parking spaces at Palm Beach (Pittwater Park) car park in recent months. 

A report has been forwarded and an article will be run in Issue 255 or 256 once all information has been compiled.

We would appreciate feedback from anyone who has a comment to make regarding this matter in the meantime.

Contact us via email HERE - please make the subject line 'PB Car Park'

Letter Advises NBN Node Box to Be Placed Mid-Lawn in Front Garden

Also from Palm Beach this week a resident advises they were informed via a letter and brochure, replete with imagery of an orange traffic cone, of an NBN Node Box it is proposed will be placed in the middle of their front lawn.

An extract from a letter send to the Minister of Communications by this resident, unanswered as yet:

" Here is a mock up of the proposed box.  I am 5’1” and the box is nearly as tall as me at 1200mm high.  (See Above photo)

Surely you can see the scale is inappropriate for the middle of my lawn and in relation to the scale of my modest home with it’s particularly low roof line.  The orange traffic cone you are using to inform me of the location of the node box is unhelpful at best, and bordering on deceitful, as it does not show the true dimensions of the node box.

I would also like you to know that your NBN call centre advised me that Pittwater Council had agreed to the proposed location and that to change the location would require a DA.  Firstly, clearly I cannot apply for a DA, so this information essentially is using an impossibility to stonewall my attempts to resolve this issue; a carefully crafted statement that is rote read by a call centre operator, no doubt written by a highly paid PR genius, to get complainants to go away - as a citizen, rate payer and tax payer this leaves a very nasty taste in my mouth.  More importantly the Council has advised it has nothing to do with the siting of the box and that the call centre operator has been untruthful.

We hope common sense prevails and we also hope that you can help us in relocating the box to a more practical and sensible location on our side boundary where we can use garden beds to reduce it’s visual pollution.  At least move it to the border of the property to our right between.... if it cannot be close to the driveway at ....  "

WE would like to hear from any other residents who recievd such missives and shall also be folowing up on this matter in coming Issues.

Please contact us via email HERE - with a subject line of 'They're telling me they'll be putting an NBN Node Box in the middle of my lawn!'

Spotted watching the 1st Qtr of the 2016 Battle of the Bends Hybrid Match at Rat Park from Light stand - then flew off towards Turrimetta and Warriewood headlands

Southern Cross Wildlife Care 

       Critter of the Month - March 2016

Madmartigan vs Spanner

(lace monitor vs staffy)

Madmartigan arrived at the surgery with a very chequered past.  He’d spent his whole life living in bushland adjacent to a property in Mt Colah which was jealously guarded by Spanner the Staffy.  They’d managed to avoid any confrontations over the 9 years that they’d lived in adjoining territories.  Then one day, Madmartigan broke with protocol and entered Spanner’s zone.  We don’t know what made him do it, but he did and it did NOT end well for either of them…  The staffy pounced on the lace monitor and got him in a chest bite, fracturing his ribs and puncturing his lung.  Madmartigan spun around and bit at the only thing he could reach which happened to be Spanner’s ears and shoulder.  When Spanner’s owner arrived home she was horrified at the bloodbath!  She immediately yelled and caused a rucous to break them apart.  She grabbed Spanner and bundled him into the car to get him to the vet ASAP but not before watching where the lace monitor limped off to and leaving chalk arrows for Sydney Wildlife rescuers.  Such a brilliant lady!  She was every bit as concerned about our wildlife as she was about her pet.  

Two Sydney Wildlife rescuers arrived on the scene.  They followed the chalk arrows and caught sight of Madmartigan under a tree - looking very unwell.  After a bit of a chase and grab (during which one of the rescuers sustained a bite to the forearm), the lace monitor was bundled up and taken to a vet.  Not many veterinarians are equipped to deal with an adult goanna so he ended up going to a few different places before he received some first aid.  The same applied to the poor rescue who visited a couple of hospitals…!!!

Once the lace monitor had had his treatment, he went home with a Southern Cross Wildlife Care volunteer who was equipped to house a large lace monitor and to administer the antibiotic injections, subcutaneous fluids and pain relief.   He was placed on a heat-mat to maximise the assimilation of his medications.

Poor Madmartigan looking very lethargic and unhappy.

On surgery day, Madmartigan arrived to see Dr Howard Ralph.  Dr Ralph made holding the massive reptile look easy…!  He was given a thorough examination which revealed multiple fractured ribs, possible bilateral pneumothoraces and other associated lacerations.  It was decided that he should have a cannula inserted to make it easier to administer daily fluid therapy.  As he was too compromised to undergo a general anaesthetic, local anaesthetic was injected into the site where the cannula was to be inserted. One assistant held the head and another assistant held the tail.  Dr Ralph inserted and sutured in the cannula.  He was given further treatment and released back to his carer.  

Holding a lace monitor is quite tricky - having big hands is very advantageous.  

A quick look at his buccal mucosa to check that he has proper oxygenation and no signs of internal bleeding.

Lace monitors are amazing creatures.  They can grow to lengths of up to 2m (including their tail) and they have a broad and varied diet including birds, insects, bird eggs, reptiles and small mammals. They will readily feed on carrion, including road kill. After a large feed they are able to go for many weeks without feeding again.

Lace monitors lay between 6 and 12 eggs each year. These are usually laid in termite mounds, particularly those found in trees. The female excavates a hole in the side of the termite mound, lays the eggs and then leaves the termites to reseal the eggs inside the nest.  After 8-9 months the young will hatch and the female will actually return to dig them out.

Madmartigan has a long road to recovery but we are hopeful that he can return to his territory in Mt Colah and will choose not to embark on another encounter with a staffy!!!

Beautiful ‘beaded’ reptilian skin.

By Lynleigh Greig

Southern Cross Wildlife Care

Bushcare in Pittwater 

January - February 2016 Pittwater Council Cooee Newsletter

HERE

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

BUSHCARE SCHEDULES 
Where we work                      Which day                              What time 

Avalon     
Angophora Reserve             3rd Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Dunes                        1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 
Avalon Golf Course              2nd Wednesday                3 - 5:30pm 
Careel Creek                         4th Saturday                       8:30 - 11:30am 
Toongari Reserve                 3rd Saturday                       9 - 12noon (8 - 11am in summer) 
Bangalley Headland            2nd Sunday                         9 to 12noon 

Bayview     
Winnererremy Bay                 4th Sunday                        9 to 12noon 

Bilgola     
North Bilgola Beach              3rd Monday                        9 - 12noon 
Algona Reserve                      1st Saturday                      9 - 12noon 
Plateau Park                            1st Friday                          8:30 - 11:30am 

Church Point     
Browns Bay Reserve             1st Tuesday                      9 - 12noon 
McCarrs Creek Reserve       Contact Bushcare Officer     To be confirmed 

Clareville     
Old Wharf Reserve                 3rd Saturday                     8 - 11am 

Elanora     
Kundibah Reserve                   4th Sunday                      8:30 - 11:30am 

Mona Vale     
Mona Vale Beach Basin          1st Saturday                   8 - 11am 
Mona Vale Dunes                     2nd Saturday+3rd Thursday     8:30 - 11:30am 

Newport     
Bungan Beach                          4th Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
Crescent Reserve                    3rd Sunday                      9 - 12noon 
North Newport Beach              4th Saturday                    8:30 - 11:30am 
Porter Reserve                          2nd Saturday                  8 - 11am 

North Narrabeen     
Irrawong Reserve                     3rd Saturday                   2 - 5pm 

Palm Beach     
North Palm Beach Dunes      3rd Saturday                    9 - 12noon 

Scotland Island     
Catherine Park                          2nd Sunday                     10 - 12:30pm 
Elizabeth Park                           1st Saturday                       9 - 12noon 
Pathilda Reserve                      3rd Saturday                      9 - 12noon 

Warriewood     
Warriewood Wetlands             1st Sunday                         8:30 - 11:30am 

Whale Beach     
Norma Park                               1st Friday                            9 - 12noon 

Western Foreshores     
Coopers Point, Elvina Bay      2nd Sunday                        10 - 1pm 
Rocky Point, Elvina Bay           1st Monday                            9 - 12noon

New Season for Sailability Pittwater 

Sailability Pittwater is a volunteer organisation which provides sailing for people with a disability. Our main recreational sailing activities are at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, and we run competitive sailing for people with a disability out of RPAYC Newport.

We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Saturday morning program at Rowland Reserve and Tuesdays at RPA. Visit our website for more information at  www.sailability.org/au/pittwater or call John on 9982 5656

Tax Deductible Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade Building Fund

By Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade

Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade is an entirely volunteer NSW Rural Fire Service station located on Sydney's northern beaches.
We are responsible for protecting people and property from bushfire in the Davidson, French Forest, Forestville and Killarney Heights area, which includes over 10,000 homes. We also assist in search and rescues, storm damage and other incidents whenever called upon.

Our Brigade has more than 100 volunteers who commit thousands of hours every year to the service of our community. Our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Last year the Brigade contributed over 9,500 hours in service of the community.

Why We Need Your Help
In recent years, the Brigade has outgrown the current station, which is unable to adequately accommodate our volunteers, vehicles and equipment. As such, we are embarking on a building project, which will:
• Add two additional fire truck garages (doubling our firefighting capacity),
• Provide a dedicated education room for the public and a training facility to ensure our volunteers receive the best training to help better serve the community.

How you can help
We need your help to raise a further $150,000. The State government has committed substantial funding to the building project. However, there is a shortfall of $150,000 we need to raise to ensure our project is undertaken and ready for Fire Season 2016/17.

We hold deductible gift recipient status. Any donation you make to us is tax deductible and we will issue you a receipt which indicates this. You can give a tax deductible donation:

1. Online through Chuffed: www.chuffed.org/project/buyabrick 
2. By EFT by direct deposit to: Account Name - Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade Gift Fund Account, BSB: 032-299 Account number: 111245,
3. By Cheque made payable to the Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade, orCash, posted to PO Box 128, Belrose West NSW 2085.

Your help in raising $150,000 is greatly appreciated and will help us better serve and protect.

Thank you!
Davidson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade.

McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study

The draft McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study (2015) will be on exhibition for public comment from Monday 29 February until Friday 1 April. 

The draft study can be viewed online or at customer service centres and libraries at Avalon and Mona Vale and at the Coastal Environment Centre, North Narrabeen. For more information visitwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/yoursay.

Draft McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study Report and Map

Full Report - McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study - Download (40mb pdf)

Report and Appendices as individual downloads

Main document excluding appendices   Download  (8.5mb pdf)

Appendix A Note: All maps have windows A, B and C 

Peak Flood Depths - Figures A1 to A8 Download (10mb pdf)

Peak Flood Velocity, Provisional Flood Hazard, Hydraulic Categorisation - Figures A9 to A15 Download (9.5mb pdf)

Climate Change Mapping - Figures A16 to A23  Download (8.8mb pdf)

Development Control Mapping - Figures A24 to A25    Download (2.8mb  pdf)

Appendix B

Community Consultation Information Download (239kb pdf)

Appendix C 

Design Hydrographs Download (337kb pdf)

Community information sessions

You may book a 15 minute appointment with a flooding specialist to discuss what the draft study means for your property. You may choose in person or over the phone during these times: 

In Person                                          

Tuesday 8 March       1 - 3pm

Tuesday 8 March       4 - 8pm

Tuesday 16 March     1 - 3pm

Tuesday 16 March     4 - 8pm

Thursday 17 March    1 - 3pm

Thursday 17 March    4 - 8pm

Over the Phone

Wednesday 9 March 2pm - 4pm

Wednesday 9 March 10am - 12 noon

Wednesday 16 March 10am - 12 noon

Wednesday 16 March 2pm - 4pm

Note - The in person appointments are held in the Mona Vale Conference Room. It is located above Mona Vale Library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale and is accessed via Council’s Customer Service office.

Book an appointment

You will need to provide your name, email address and a contact phone number. You will also need to supply the property address that has been identified as subject to flooding risk under the draft study.

Visit: www.mccarrs_creek,_mona_vale_and_bay_view_flood_study

Pittwater getting active with Pathway Program

04 March, 2016

Pittwater Council has been working in partnership with the Clareville and Bilgola Residents Association on a pilot program to improve pedestrian access and linkages in the Clareville area.

Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend said the initiative, known as the Pathway Program, forms just one part of Council’s commitment  to improving active travel connections across Pittwater. 

“Improving these pathway connections is a key goal in Council’s Active Travel Strategy, which is currently being developed,” said Mayor Townsend.

Work has commenced on pathways connecting Hilltop Road and Hudson Parade at Clareville, including general maintenance, vegetation clearing as well as constructing steps to improve pedestrian safety. 

Mayor Townsend said these improvements will make walking to local destinations such as Clareville Beach much easier.

“We see the Pathway Program as an important part of encouraging more residents to walk to local destinations rather than using their cars for short trips.”

“Walking not only offers obvious benefits such as improved health and fitness and a reduction in pollution from cars, but also a chance for residents to get to know their local area and neighbours,” added Mayor Townsend.

Council is seeking input from other community members or associations, regarding existing pathways that could be considered for inclusion in the Pathways Program. 

For further information or to suggest a pathway contact Michelle atmichelle_carter@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or on 9970 1196.

Avalon Beach RSL Fishing Club

Avalon Beach RSL Fishing Club is a community fishing club that fishes the 3rd Friday of every month from 5pm until the 1.30pm weigh-in on Sunday at the Avalon Beach RSL Club.

Membership forms are available from the RSL and the club encourages all ages and families to join in the fun. Regular weekends away camping and fishing feature throughout the year

On the first Friday of each month they hold a Meat Raffle at Avalon Beach RSL Club.

Love those Shirts! Find out more HERE

Hollows as Homes Citizen Scientist Project: Sydney and NSW

Launched March 3rd, 2016: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and University of Sydney

With the help of the community this project aims to assess the availability of tree hollows and their use by wildlife across the Sydney region. The Hollows as Homes team wants you to report tree hollow(s) in your backyard, street, park and/or paddock through

Find out more and Register at: www.hollowsashomes.com

Facebook page

Participants will take measurements of the hollow-bearing tree and periodically conduct monitoring and report wildlife using the hollow(s). Training is available through workshops and the website.

Background

Around 300 animal species rely on tree hollows in Australia, including birds, possums, gliders, microbats, frogs, lizards, snakes, insects and spiders. Changes to the landscape from urbanisation and agriculture not only reduce the amount of trees and homes for animals, but also create big gaps between the remaining trees and bushland. In New South Wales, of terrestrial vertebrate species that are reliant on tree hollows for shelter 40 species are listed as threatened with extinction.

Why does tree hollow loss matter?

Tree hollows are so important to our native wildlife, that their loss has been classed as a Key Threatening Process to biodiversity in New South Wales. It can take decades for a tree hollow to form. In Australia, there are no animals that are able to create tree hollows (e.g. wood pecker), thus hollow creation is a slow process that relies on fungus to eat away at the tree. What can we do to help?Cities and agricultural areas provide habitat for endangered animals and plants. We can encourage animals to share our cities, suburbs and farms by retaining:

Large, hollow bearing trees

Remnant patches of bushland that surround these trees which make it easier for them to move through the environment

Dead trees which provide important habitat whether they are standing or on the ground.

Top: Lorikeet in Angophora, McKay Reserve, Palm Beach

Wild Things Talk At Warriewood: Get Native Bee Hives or Nest Boxes For your Own Backyard

Thursday 21 April, 7:15pm

Nelson Heather Centre, Banksia Room, 5 Jacksons Road, Warriewood

If you are passionate about our wildlife and their presence in our local areas – why not get help in your own backyard?

The Wild Things program, based at Ku-ring-gai Council, aims to protect urban wildlife and create suitable habitat in our backyards to encourage the return of wildlife. Wild Things work with Permaculture Northern Beaches and supply native bee hives. They also supply native fish, nest boxes as well as promote swimming pool conversions to aquaponics.

For more information please contact elle232@gmail.com

Pacific Palms - Battle of the Boats 2016

Saturday 27 Feb 2016 – Sunday 28 Feb 2016

Last weekend the Boat Section of Pittwater Clubs made the trek north to beautiful Pacific Palms just south of Foster for the annual Battle of the Boats.    

Unfortunately the crews met with a 6 foot shore break and no beach to speak of so racing was conducted on nearby Wallis Lake. While this is not ideal for SURF boat rowers it has to be said that the correct call was made and all the crews that travelled, of which Warriewood sent 6, were able to get in some good hard racing over the 2 days. The crews certainly found out where their boat speed is at and with State tiles at Unima in 2 weeks it was a good tune up for some with our open women's crew the Wahinies making the final. Well done girls. 

The Battle of the Boats commenced in 1999 as a carnival for boaties and with their needs in mind. That first year 63 crews competed. In 2014 130 crews participated and in 2015 we hosted 180 crews.

Pacific Palms offers an ideal location for a boat carnival with a fantastic beach, a large variety of accommodation close to the club and plenty for non-boating family and friends to do.

The carnival has deservedly gained a reputation as a well run event in a beautiful part of the world. It provides crews with top level competition leading into State and Aussie titles.

2016 RESULTS

Open Men’s:  1. Bulli   2. Mona Vale   3. Palm Beach

Open Women’s:   1. Palm Beach   2. Bilgola   3. Collaroy

U19s:   1. South Maroubra   2. Avoca Beach   3. South Curl Curl

U23 Men’s:   1. Ocean Beach   2. Palm Beach   3. Avalon Beach

U23 Women’s:   1. Newport   2. Palm Beach   3. Avalon Beach

Reserves:   1. Queenscliff   2. Coogee   3. Palm Beach

Masters Men:   1. Kempsey/Crescent Head   2. Bronte   3. Bilgola

Masters Women:   1. Avoca Beach   2. Queenscliff   3. Kempsey/ Crescent Head

Expressions of Interest Open for $2.5 million In ClubGRANTS for Arts and Cultural Infrastructure 

Expressions of interest are sought for $2.5 million in grants under the ClubGRANTS Category 3 program to help organisations build arts and cultural infrastructure in their local communities. Councils are eligible to apply. The ClubGRANTS Category 3 program, managed by Liquor and Gaming NSW, will provide between $100,000 and $300,000 for new and upgraded infrastructure for up to 25 projects in the 2015/16 financial year. 

Particular emphasis will be given to projects that support disadvantaged and regional and remote communities, as they often struggle to attract this level of funding. 

Projects eligible for funding include:  

Arts or cultural facilities or venues based in metropolitan, regional or remote NSW that benefit the general public or community 

Facilities that significantly improve and enhance arts and cultural infrastructure to increase capacity, use and outcomes for local communities 

Upgrading, building, renewing or expanding cultural infrastructure or acquiring land in conjunction with the  construction of a cultural facility 

The applicant must have the right to use the land for the project and successful projects must be shovel-ready to commence by 30 September 2016 and be completed no later than 30 September 2018.

Dates and location EOIs close 18 March 2016 Online informationwww.liquorandgaming.justice.nsw.gov.au

Contact clubgrants.category3@olgr.nsw.gov.au  Ph: 02 9995 0940 

Avalon Quilters 2016 Exhibition of Members Work and Raffle Quilt

The cooling rooms on a hot day of the Avalon Uniting Church in Bellevue Avenue Avalon will again play host to the 2016 Exhibition of Works by Avalon Quilters members.

The 2016 Show is open Friday March 11th from 9 a.m.to 7 p.m. and Saturday March 12th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - $5.00 Entrance fee.

This year's Raffle Quilt, called "Ladies Leaping at the Zebra Crossing" has been made by members Judy and Jane. Judy brought along the centre piece and Jane completed and added all the 'bits and peices' after a 'Quilters discussion' - imagine the girls standing around the fledgling quilt, one hand on hips, cup of tea in other hand, amiably discussing ideas.

Tickets for the 2016 Raffle Quilt may now be purchased at Avalon Fabrics in the arcade that runs besides Amber waves bakery, and some may be left for sale at the 2016 Exhibition. Raffle tickets are $5.00 as well.

Top: Jane and Judy with "Ladies Leaping at the Zebra Crossing"

NORTHERN BEACHES CONCERT BANDencourages new adult players who are learning brass or woodwind instruments to come and join us.   We are particularly looking for tuba, euphonium, trombones, clarinets and flutes.

NBCB offers a fun, supportive and social environment with rehearsals each Wednesday during term times at Pittwater High School, Mona Street, Mona Vale at 7.30pm.

NBCB has a new director this year, Ms Sarah Shaw, and we have an exciting new repertoire.  The band has 3-4 gigs a year and a 2-day workshop in May.

Dust off that old instrument and come and make music with us!

For more information, please call Denise 0414 560 263

Enliven your Easter with the Newport Art Festival

The Newport Easter Art Festival will see an exciting range of art offerings and activities celebrating the culture of Newport over the Easter holiday weekend.

The event, coordinated by Council’s Enliven Pittwater program and supported by organisers of the Pittwater Artists Trail, will feature an art exhibition running from Good Friday through to Easter Monday at the Newport Community Centre with a series of events and activities for all ages throughout the day on Easter Saturday.

The art exhibition will feature the most recent prints and drawings, paintings, ceramics, textile and glass artworks, alongside a selection of hand crafted jewellery produced by the 25 renowned local artists who make up the popular Pittwater Artists Trail, including; Julie Hickson, Jacqui Giuliano, Elfriede Bartnitzky, Nada Herman, Robyn Park, Martin Wale, Geoff Searl and Tabitha Higgins to name just a few. The exhibition will be open on Friday 25 March through to Monday 28 March.

Mayor Jacqueline Townsend said “…Visitors are encouraged to embrace the artistic and cultural possibilities of Newport, and come along and experience first-hand the Newport Community Centre transformed into a vibrant cultural and exhibition space”.

The Easter Saturday Festival Day will include a range of fun activities and events for all ages from 11am-3pm including:

• Ephemeral art workshop hosted by popular local artist Leonie Barton (followed by 3325 on Instagram) offering participants the opportunity to create art works from found objects in the natural environment, to be photographed and posted online. (10.30am-12.30pm) Bookings required – email rsvp@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or call 9970 1171

• Intimate artisan market selling handcrafted/bespoke items

• Fabulous live music by local jazz duo The Blue Jays and classical string trio Ahava Ensemble

• Delicious food and coffee offerings from local business including handmade chocolate treats

• Easter Bike Parade and competition with great prizes for the best bike decoration. All ages are invited to decorate themselves and their bikes in a Newport Beach/Easter theme (arrive by 11am with judging at 12 noon).

• Easter craft & face painting for kids (12noon-2pm)

• Official Opening Event with Pittwater Mayor Jacqueline Townsend (1pm).

“I really encourage the community to take public transport or hop on their bike to attend this event - they could even be in the running for a prize in our Easter Bike Parade!” she added.

For workshop bookings and further event details please visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/all_events or check out the Events section on the enliven app for more info. Don’t have the app? Download it – it’s FREE.

Newport Easter Art Festival - Art Exhibition

Runs from Friday 25 through to Monday 28 March. Open daily

The Newport Easter Art Festival will see an exciting range of art offerings, cultural activities and events celebrating the culture of Newport over the Easter Holiday break.

The Art Exhibition will run from Friday 25- Monday 28 March showcasing selected works by artists from the Pittwater Artists Trail, including prints, drawings, paintings, ceramics, textiles, glass artworks and jewellery. Works are for sale.

Cost: Free

Venue: Newport Community Centre

Bookings: not required

Newport Easter Art Festival - Festival Day

26th Mar 2016: 11am - 3pm

An intimate artisan market, live music, delicious food, kids Easter craft activities, and an Easter Bike Parade will be on offer throughout the day

The Newport Easter Art Festival will see an exciting range of art offerings, cultural activities and events celebrating the culture of Newport over the Easter Holiday break.

An intimate artisan market, live music, delicious food, kids Easter craft activities, and an Easter Bike Parade with great prizes will be on offer throughout the day.

Program: 

10.30-12.30

Leonie Barton’s Ephemeral Art Workshop – Popular local artist Leonie Barton will take you foraging for interesting items in the surrounding environment to create works to be photographed and posted online #NewportArtFest. 

Bookings essential rsvp@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or 9970 1171

11-3pm

Exhibition of artworks produced by artists from the Pittwater Artist Trail

11-2pm

Kids Easter craft activities and face painting

11-12noon

Easter Bike Parade & Competition - decorate your bike in a beachy/Easter theme and ride it to the festival for some great prizes. 

1-2pm

Exhibition Opening Event – all are welcome to celebrate the official launch of the Newport Easter Art Festival and Exhibition

11-3pm

Artisan Craft Market – selling handcrafted bespoke works

Community input sought into revised guidelines for Community Consultative Committees

18.02.2016: Media Releases - Department of Planning and Environment

The Department of Planning and Environment is inviting the public to have its say on proposed changes to Community Consultative Committee Guidelines, which would see them be able to be used for any State Significant project in NSW, if needed.

Community Consultative Committees have been in operation for a number of years, primarily within mining and related industries.

The committees are currently appointed by the company running the project and comprise representatives from relevant local groups like environmental and community organisations.

The Department has reviewed the guidelines and held a workshop with a number of Committee Chairs on how to improve the operation of the committee.

The proposed changes now on public exhibition for community comment include:

• Allowing the guidelines to be used for any State Significant project that will benefit from establishing a committee

• Ability to form a committee earlier in the assessment process, rather than only in the post approval stage

• Revised criteria for community representatives

• Revised procedures for selecting the independent chair

• Involving the independent Chair in the selection of community representatives

• Clear procedures for replacing committee members

• Stronger guidance on the conduct of meetings

• Greater assistance on how to establish a Committee.

We’ve reviewed the guidelines after speaking with a number of stakeholders, and now we are asking the public to provide input on how to improve the consultation process when it comes to the CCCs,” the spokesperson said.

The community can make submissions on the draft guidelines until 31 March. To make a submission and view the draft, visitwww.planning.nsw.gov.au/onexhibition. 

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Comet

AGE/SEX: 9 years / M

BREED: English Staffy

Comet is a very gentle sweet natured dog. He tends to be submissive and rolls over waiting to be hit. He needs gentle slow hand movements to learn to trust people and also to take treats gently. He walks well on loose lead and has basic obedience. He is social with other dogs. He has a smooth coat and weighs 16.3kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $350. 

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

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 6/3/2016 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Timber Heritage Surfboats Require Storage or Museum Home: 1947 N & E Towns + 1971 Bill Clymer

Last week an item came to our attention regarding two wonderful restored heritage surfboats that we need to keep for the ages - please help if able, or suggest who may be able to.

From Kim Marsh, the gentleman who has gone to considerable effort to ensure these pieces of Australian History remain here for all:

We have an immediate problem finding storage for a restored 1947 Towns double ender surfboat and a restored 1971 Clymer surfboat. The property where they were securely stored on the Sydney Northern Beaches has been sold. 

The 1947 boat is 7.5m long. If displayed on its trailer the overall length is 8.8m and 2.1m wide. The 1971 boat is 8.15m long. If displayed on its trailer the overall length is 9.2m and 2.1m wide.

1947 Towns boat

1971 Clymer boat

Both are on a trailer so need about 9.5 metres in length. If you can help or have a suggestion please contact Kim Marsh on 0418 248 894 or email ecodirections@bigpond.com.

I am also open to suggestions or expressions of interest where both boats may eventually be permanently housed. I hope the double ender will be housed in a museum environment or somewhere similar where it will be accessible for interested people to view. The 1971 Clymer is used occasionally for special events.

The boats can be viewed on my website at www.surfboatdirections.com.au

We run a condensed history of these two beauties, some of Mr. Marsh's photos and their specs as this Issues Aquatics feature

 Government moves to reduce organic waste in landfill

Businesses can now seek support from the Australian Government for projects to keep greenhousegas producing organic waste out of landfill.

A method to benefit organisations that deal with food or garden waste is now available under the Government's Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF).

The Emissions Reduction Fund provides positive incentives for Australian businesses to adopt smarter practices that go beyond their business as usual to cut the amount of greenhouse gases they create.

Participants can earn carbon credits by setting up a project under an approved method, which sets out the rules for the activity including how the abatement is to be measured.

The Source Separated Organic Waste method will help to reduce the more than 6.6 million tonnes of organic waste, including food and garden waste, which goes to landfill each year.

Entities such as local councils, retailers, charities, hospitality businesses, manufacturers, waste processors and composting facilities will be able to take advantage of this new method.

It covers new projects that separate organic material from other waste types and divert it away from landfill to eligible alternative treatments such as composting.

In landfill, organic waste breaks down to release methane, a potent greenhouse gas which contributes considerably to climate change.

The Source Separate Organic Waste method joins a growing suite of opportunities for eligible participants right across the economy in the next Emissions Reduction Fund auction in April 2016.

Other recent innovative methods announced provide for projects in beef cattle, refrigeration and high efficiency commercial appliances to register under the fund.

This new method will build on the success of the ERF in helping to meet and beat Australia's 2020 target and in working towards our 2030 target to cut emissions by 26 to 28 per cent.

Under the ERF to date, 275 projects have been contracted by the Clean Energy Regulator through the two auctions in 2015, resulting in 92.8 million tonnes of abatement, including 51.3 million tonnes from vegetation projects, 20.4 million tonnes in the waste sector, 8.3 million tonnes from agriculture and 7.1 million tonnes in savanna burning projects.

There is no 'throwing money at big polluters'. All projects must be beyond business as usual. Another obligation of all projects under the scheme is to deliver the agreed emissions reductions on time. Payment is on delivery only.

The current list of methods is available on the ComLaw website . 

To apply for an for emissions reduction project, visit the Clean Energy Regulator

For more information about the Emissions Reduction Fund, visit  HERE  

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Help to Build Barrenjoey High School's Future

BHS are now in full swing with their latest fundraising project which is the building of The Barrenjoey Community Performance Space! 

Designed by renowned local architect Richard Cole - this acoustically designed purpose built space will seat an audience of 200, and will play host to many Community and School performing arts programs such as dance, drama, musical concerts, film nights, lectures and so much more! 

BHS need your support Community! If you think you can help, please call Barrenjoey High School 02 99188811 or visit their website www.barrenjoeyhighschool.com.au Or leave a message here and we'll get in touch!

More information to follow. This is what we've all been waiting for!

Top; external front of the Barrenjoey Community Performance Space - end of phase 3 – completion

Front Page Issue 253:  'Battle of the Bends' Hybrid Match Set to Rock Rat Stadium Next Weekend

Pittwater's Future Down to A Numbers Game? Warringah Council's Bid to Have it ALL Revives New/Old One Council Proposal 

Sydney Grom Challenge Heats Up Ahead of Australian Open of Surfing at Manly (Four New Inaugural Champions) by Ethan Smith - Surfing NSW

Sydney Wildlife’s facility at Waratah Park: For All Creatures Great and Small - March 3rd, is World Wildlife Day 2016, theme is: “The future of wildlife is in our hands.” 

Pittwater Artists Trail 2016: Autumn Open Studios Weekend (10am – 5pm on Saturday March 5th and Sunday March 6th)+ all 2016 dates + New Artists + sharing studio space: meet two at once

Premier League Inaugural Sapphires Shine at Launch of 2016 Season

Creative Creatures Film Festival 2016: A Case of Oranges and Apples Stealing the Show!!

Pictures: Summer in Pittwater reprise - on the 2nd last day of Summer 

Aquatics: Sailability NSW stages Presidents Cup regatta to mark 20th Anniversary  by Graeme Adam - Sailability Australia + Alyse Saxby and sailing partner Melissa Nelson are now the NSW HANSA 303 Doubles champions. 

_____________________________

Avalon Quilters 2016 Exhibition of Members Work and Raffle Quilt - March 11-12, 2016

Enliven your Easter with the Newport Art Festival

Timber Heritage Surfboats Require Storage or Museum Home: 1947 N & E Towns + 1971 Bill Clymer by Kim Marsh

Profile: Paul Collins - In December 2015 Paul Collins, 'PC'  to his mates, was awarded the first ever Avalon Bulldogs Life Membership with Honours. Mr Collins has put over 40 years into the Bulldogs, taking on every role from secretary to president to line marker. As Mr. Collins has often told parents, supporters and members of Avalon JRLFC, ‘we’re not here for personal gain, we’re here for the kids’. 

Avalon is holding two Come and Try Clinics during the next fortnight, one on Wednesday 2nd and another on Wednesday 9th of March (4pm to 5pm – ages 5 to 15 years).

Next Saturday, March 5th, Avalon are part of the Hybrid Match raising dollars for the Starlight Foundation, at Rat Park, with tickets for adults a mere $5.00.

History: Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Paddon Family - of Clareville, Avalon and The Northern Rivers of NSW - This is the last in this first round of four pages of Early Pittwater Paddlers and Rowers, we'll revisit this subject next Summer - From March 2015 we're heading Back To School!

Artist of the Month:  February 2016 Linda Haig: Tad Art Sculpture, Mosaics, Ephemeral Art

Speak up now...your voice matters

Pittwater Council is calling on residents to speak up and support the NSW Government’s proposal for an expanded Pittwater joining with northern suburbs of Warringah. 

The Pittwater community has strongly expressed the desire to stand alone with no change. Council and the community have also fought hard against the creation of one mega council.

Pittwater is urging residents to have a say so that the campaign run by Warringah does not drown out the legitimate voice of Pittwater.

Now is the time for our community to fight hard given that the goal posts may now change.

Pittwater Council General Manager Mark Ferguson said with 85% of Pittwater residents vehemently opposing the establishment of one council for the northern beaches, now is the time for our community to speak up and show their support for the current proposal or they risk becoming a mega council.

Submissions can be made online atcouncilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au until 5pm Sunday 28 February. More information is also available atwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au

“Pittwater is committed to local government reform and the proposal for an expanded Pittwater and northern Warringah council is the best solution that increases efficiencies and scope while continuing to provide the highest standards of service delivery, representation, environmental management, community connectedness and regional planning.

“This proposal balances the divergent views of the community and creates a strong council by achieving economy of scale while maintaining agility, connection to community and local representation.

“In addition, Pittwater has been and will continue to be a strong and financially viable council. An expanded council will increase those efficiencies, while still retaining our high level of services to our community.

Much has been made of financial savings that may occur under one council but we question at what cost? The facts are that Warringah’s financial analysis is based on invalid assumptions grossly exaggerates its implications and has been discredited through the Government IPART process.

In particular an expanded Pittwater Council with suburbs of northern Warringah will ensure:

• Community connectedness and keeping voter representation ratios at local levels – one councillor for 14,000 voters compared to 25,000 voters under the one council model

• High standards of service delivery which will only decrease under one council due to reduction in staffing levels proposed under a mega council savings model.

• Communities of interest are recognised in each council area – the southern area is characterised by higher density housing and larger commercial centres. The northern area contains lower density housing and offshore communities with proven management of unique marine and bushland assets.

• Two equal councils working in collaboration and partnership for the entire region while still being able to recognise local differences in each area.

• The region would also stand to receive $45 million - $20 million more than would be received under one northern beaches council and almost eliminating our infrastructure backlog.

“We need to make the most of this opportunity to create a progressive and responsive local government sector and so we urge our community to show their support and speak up for the proposal,” Mr Ferguson said.

Council will be considering its own submission at an extraordinary meeting held on Saturday 27 February at 10am at Mona Vale Memorial Hall.

Closing date for submissions is Sunday 28 February 2016, 5pm.

Visit: www.councilboundaryreview.pittwater-and-warringah-councils/

Pittwater best in Sydney on development applications

26 Feb 2016

Pittwater Council is the highest performing council in the metro Sydney region for the second year running, according to data released by the NSW Planning & Environment.

General Manager Mr Ferguson said he was delighted with the results that showed Pittwater had topped DA processing times across the city two years in a row.

“Our Council planning staff assessed and determined DAs within an average of 44 days; ahead of all other councils in the metro Sydney region over the 2014-2015 period,” he said.

“This is a great result for our Council and demonstrates the hard work of our staff in managing what is often a very complex assessment process.

Mr Ferguson said the result is well below the average processing time across the state which is 71 days.

The Member for Pittwater and Minister for Planning The Hon. Rob Stokes said for the second year running Pittwater Council is leading Sydney in efficient development processes.

Council also assessed an increased number of DAs compared with last year, with 982 DAs and 141 Section 96 applications in 2014-2015.

The scores are based on the average gross days to process a DA as specified in the Local Development Performance Monitor (LDPM) for 2014-15.

To view the NSW Planning & Environment report visit  http://datareporting.planning.nsw.gov.au

Disabled Surfers Association Sydney 30th Birthday Celebration

The DSA Sydney branch, the branch where it all began, held their 30th birthday and hands on open day at Collaroy beach yesterday, Saturday Februay 27th. 

With over 160 plus participants the crew behind the scenes worked tirelessly to keep participants and the volunteers fed and hydrated. Fun in the water was capped off with a great big cake, the day was an unqualified success.

The Disabled Surfers Association was established in 1986 by Gary Blaschke after a motorcycle accident which he lost his knee cap and under went extensive rehabilitation.

From very humble beginnings when Gary and a few mates got together to take a few disabled people out surfing to now catering for a hundred plus participants and a couple of hundred volunteers – the Hands on Days are huge, exciting and are not to be missed!

DSA Hands on Days start before the sun rises and goes long into the afternoon. 

The DSA Sydney branch are supported by other DSA branches, members, local Council, Collaroy Surf Life Saving Club, local community, hard working volunteers, sponsors and supporters among them Pittwater volunteers who have been helping out for years, and loving it!

Joining DSA as a member or donating a few dollars helps the Association with providing the insurances and the special equipment such as aquatic wheelchairs, soft long boards, surf socks, rash vests, etc that are required to get participants in the water and to get ‘smiles on dials’.

Smiles on dials is DSA's Mission in life - something the local and associated branches succeed in doing all year round.

Membership is $20.00 a year - jump aboard HERE

McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study

The draft McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study (2015) will be on exhibition for public comment from Monday 29 February until Friday 1 April. 

The draft study can be viewed online or at customer service centres and libraries at Avalon and Mona Vale and at the Coastal Environment Centre, North Narrabeen. For more information visitwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/yoursay.

Draft McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study Report and Map

Full Report - McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study - Download (40mb pdf)

Report and Appendices as individual downloads

Main document excluding appendices   Download  (8.5mb pdf)

Appendix A Note: All maps have windows A, B and C 

Peak Flood Depths - Figures A1 to A8 Download (10mb pdf)

Peak Flood Velocity, Provisional Flood Hazard, Hydraulic Categorisation - Figures A9 to A15 Download (9.5mb pdf)

Climate Change Mapping - Figures A16 to A23  Download (8.8mb pdf)

Development Control Mapping - Figures A24 to A25    Download (2.8mb  pdf)

Appendix B

Community Consultation Information Download (239kb pdf)

Appendix C 

Design Hydrographs Download (337kb pdf)

Community information sessions

You may book a 15 minute appointment with a flooding specialist to discuss what the draft study means for your property. You may choose in person or over the phone during these times: 

In Person                                          

Tuesday 8 March       1 - 3pm

Tuesday 8 March       4 - 8pm

Tuesday 16 March     1 - 3pm

Tuesday 16 March     4 - 8pm

Thursday 17 March    1 - 3pm

Thursday 17 March    4 - 8pm

Over the Phone

Wednesday 9 March 2pm - 4pm

Wednesday 9 March 10am - 12 noon

Wednesday 16 March 10am - 12 noon

Wednesday 16 March 2pm - 4pm

Note - The in person appointments are held in the Mona Vale Conference Room. It is located above Mona Vale Library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale and is accessed via Council’s Customer Service office.

Book an appointment

You will need to provide your name, email address and a contact phone number. You will also need to supply the property address that has been identified as subject to flooding risk under the draft study.

Visit: www.mccarrs_creek,_mona_vale_and_bay_view_flood_study