PITTWATER BUILDINGS MAKE THEIR MARK
Council-owned properties in Pittwater are now being signposted for their sustainability features through a trial of so-called ‘eco-markers’. The distinctive signs have been installed at seven locations including community centres, Pittwater Rugby Park, Lakeside Holiday Park, the Coastal Environment Centre and Council administration buildings. Each sign highlights a sustainable feature in the building, ranging from rainwater tanks and solar panels through to irrigation systems and retrofitted lighting.
The signs also point to the Council website for more detailed information about the sustainable features.
Eco-markers are the brainchild of local resident Graeme Jessup, who is also a member of one of the Council’s advisory committees looking at ways to improve Pittwater’s natural environment. Mr Jessup is no stranger to sustainability, having built a new home at Mona Vale to be energy self-sufficient by using a combination of solar panels and thermal design. The eco-markers were installed as a trial and a review is carried out to decide whether to continue the project.
Mayor Jacqui Townsend said the Council had embarked on a rolling program of improvements to public buildings to make them more sustainable.
“One example is the huge water savings we have been able to make at Pittwater Rugby Park, just by recycling rainwater collected from the roof and using bore water. We estimate we are saving over 300,000 litres every week in using mains water for irrigation.”
“We have also installed dimmer lights at the fields saving a further 52,000 kWh each year.”
To find out more about Pittwater’s eco-markers visitwww.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/ecomarker
PITTWATER BEACHES SET TO BE SMOKE-FREE
The Council has signalled its intention to make Pittwater beaches smoke-free, following a decision at its meeting last week.
The Council’s smoke-free policy in public buildings is set to be extended to include all nine of Pittwater’s beaches. The amended policy is now on public exhibition for comment until 6 October.
Pittwater’s public playgrounds, spectator areas at sportsgrounds, public transport stops including ferry wharves and outdoor dining areas are already smoke-free.
If adopted by the Council, the amended policy will mean no smoking signage will be placed at all beaches advising the public that smoking is banned.
Mayor Jacqueline Townsend said the Council had been commended by the Heart Foundation for its move.
“Passive smoking is directly linked to a range of diseases and we believe we need to take a leadership role on this issue,” she said. “The other concern is the damage to the environment that cigarette butts cause. Clean Up Australia estimate that 50% of litter is made up of discarded butts.”
Mayor Townsend said she believed community sentiment would be strong enough to discourage people from lighting up at beaches, but added that if the policy came into effect Council rangers could be given the power to issue on-the-spot fines.
To view the draft policy visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/exhibition
ARTS PAPER ADOPTED
Pittwater Council adopted a new arts paper for Pittwater at its meeting this week. The paper which was developed over a six month period, forms part of Pittwater’s Social Plan known as ‘Live, Connect, Participate’ 2012-2016.
Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend said the paper assesses the opportunities and challenges for artistic development in the local area, with a view to identifying partnership opportunities and informing resource allocation over the next three years.
“I am excited to see what will emerge from the arts paper, given that there is certainly no shortage of creative talent in Pittwater,” said Mayor Townsend. “We have many wonderful artistic events already on our social calendar such as ArtZpace, Artfest, the Northside Aboriginal Art & Craft Exhibition and our Pittwater Artists Trail,” said Mayor Townsend.
Council’s Social, Community & Economic Coordinator Melinda Hewitt said the document had been developed through extensive consultation with the arts community and local residents.
“We conducted a survey, spoke to local creative people and held the Picnic Perfect event, allowing residents to talk about their vision for the arts in a relaxed environment,” said Ms Hewitt.
“From these discussions we gained a clearer perspective of the local arts scene including an understanding of audiences and creative professionals.”
“Overall Pittwater has a creative population and this document informs us of the opportunities and challenges,” she said.
Some of the key findings of the draft arts paper include:
• Pittwater audiences strongly support the events run in Pittwater, and expressed their wish for a more regular program of arts activities
• Creative people in Pittwater want more opportunities to present their work
• Public art has been identified as the top priority in community consultation
• Community members have highlighted the potential of linking art events with the natural environment; along the lines of the ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ exhibition.
• Pop-ups and short-term leases are identified as possible ways of showing more arts, retail and recreation.
A copy of the arts paper is available at HERE
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Hon Bronwyn Bishop – Nominee for Speaker of the House
Popular Federal member for Mackellar Hon. Bronwyn Bishop has been nominated by newly elected Prime Minister Abbot to become the next Speaker of the House.
"I want to bring some dignity back to the parliament and that means a Speaker who can control the parliament and who can act without fear nor favour," Prime Minister Abbott said this week. "And I want someone who is as tough on the government as on the opposition, because I think the people expect a parliament which is a genuine debating chamber and not just a chamber where the government bludgeons the opposition."
Ms Bishop said: "I certainly feel that the parliament itself is entitled to have dignity returned to it. That doesn't mean it won't be a robust place but it does mean that it will have a dignity that has been lacking in the last little while.
"Just as I feel it will have a strong and dignified government, I think the parliament needs to be that way as well.
"So I am delighted to put myself forward as a nominee for the Speaker of the House of Representatives."
Hon Bronwyn Bishop is the first woman senator popularly elected from NSW and would become the first woman speaker from the Coalition side. Mr Abbott is Australia’s 28th Prime Minister and Ms Bishop will be the 29th Speaker in the House of Representatives - the final decision will be made by the party room just before the first sitting of Parliament.
Photo by A J Guesdon.
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Pittwater Rotary’s Spring Concert a Success
The fourth annual Pittwater Rotary Club's Northern Beaches Spring Concert on Wednesday 18th September showed once again that there is a demand in the area for fine orchestral music. Local superstars the Northern Beaches Orchestra, along with special guest, acclaimed Australian flautist Jane Rutter, provided a stellar evening of music from the great Broadway and Hollywood musicals. The musical numbers included medleys from Chicago, West Side Story and Phantom of the Opera, plus songs such as "Fascinating Rhythm" and "I Could Have Danced All Night". Jane Rutter brought her dramatic sensual flute style to the party, entertaining the packed Grand Theatre at Warriewood Cinema with her virtuoso playing and bright personality.
Event sponsors and VIPs, including Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend and state MP Rob Stokes, mingled in a pre-concert reception hosted by Roy and Josephine Mustaca, the owners of United Cinemas.
Proceeds from the evening, which amounted to about $30,000 from ticket and raffle sales, a silent auction and generous sponsorships by local businesses, will go towards equipment for the newly-expanded Palliative Care Centre at Mona Vale Hospital.
The evening would not have been possible without the efforts of Rotary's local volunteers and the kind participation of Roy and Josephine Mustaca and their wonderful staff.
NSW Surf Patrol Season Begins- Fri 20 Sep 2013
Our flags are up! Patrol season has begun.
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher, has officially launched the 2013/14 NSW Surf Life Saving patrol season today at the brand new North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.
From this Saturday (21.9.2013), over 21,000 volunteer surf lifesavers will hit beaches across the state, patrolling on weekends and public holidays through until the end of April 2014.
“Last year just under 4000 lives were saved while over 18,000 people were treated for first aid from volunteer surf lifesavers along our coastline,” Minister Gallacher said.
“When anyone puts their hand up in the water, it’s our surf life savers who respond to that call for help. The volunteers put their lives on the line to ensure safety at some of our most popular beaches and swimming spots.
“As a member of Surf Life Saving for over a decade, I know the dedication and passion our surf lifesavers have both on and off the beach,” Minister Gallacher said. “I am proud to be part of such an important organisation and look forward to patrolling our coastline this summer."
Surf Life Saving NSW has also seen a boost in membership numbers across the organisation which has reached an all-time high of 76,922, including more than 31,000 nippers.
Surf Life Saving NSW President, Tony Haven, said that the movement continues to go from strength to strength on the back of the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to Surf Lifesaving.
“This year our lifesavers will once again spend in excess of 670,000 voluntary hours patrolling beaches along the state’s coastline. This enormous contribution will continue to help create a safer swimming environment for beachgoers as it has done for over 100 years,” Mr Haven said.
With last season's NSW coastal drowning statistics remaining high (48), Surf Life Saving NSW is urging beachgoers to swim at patrolled locations in between the red and yellow flags.
With the growing demand for more effective lifesaving services, Surf Life Saving is working closely with equipment providers such as BRP which has provided Rescue Water Craft and All-Terrain Vehicles to surf clubs across the state.
At the season launch at Nth Bondi, BRP General Manager Gregoire Dupont said the company was proud to support the state's volunteers with vital lifesaving equipment.
"Without the life savers’ commitment and bravery, Australia would not be able to boast about its vibrant and safe beach culture which is the envy of many around the world."
The volunteer patrol season ends on Sunday 27 April 2014
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PCA makes first donation to the Mona Vale Hospital 50 Year Golden Jubilee. Peninsula Community Arts President Lorrie Morgan has made the first donation of one thousand dollars to the Golden Jubilee organising committee. The event is scheduled for 22 and 23 February next year and will be a celebration of the Hospital and its half century as the centre of the Pittwater community. The organising committee's chairman Parry Thomas said "The event will be a fun a day to commemorate the role the hospital has played in our community. So many residents have personal connections with the hospital and it is hoped that it will also be a reunion of friends who have worked or been connected through the volunteer organisations. Everyone will be welcome and we are very grateful for this donation towards making this a fun day for everyone." PCA's Lorrie Morgan said "it is very appropriate that our community organisation should donate to this significant day in recognition of the role the hospital has played in our community. We hope other community organisations can follow our lead." Details of the 50 year Golden Jubilee will be available shortly at www.mvhospitaljubilee.org and on Facebook.PCA – Open Meeting
Pittwater Community Arts held an open meeting on Wednesday with guest presenter local artist Mignon Parker. Mignon is well know as an art teacher and holds classes in many parts of Australia. PCA President Lorrie Morgan says "Mignon is a fantastic teacher who has been painting all her life." "Last night she demonstrated techniques to get colours to 'pop' by using a black background". Mignon well known for her floral art, painted hydrangeas on a black canvas under the close watch of everybody attending. This attracted the audience to come up close to interact with Mignon and see her painting technique in detail. After supper another local artist Karen Hick won the major raffle prize, a painting on canvas donated by Mignon worth $900. Other prizes were deliciously consumable.
Pittwater Community Arts hold two open meetings each year.
Below: Mignon Parker on Wednesday evening. Photos by Michael Mannington
Kenya Care Wear Launch – Keen Hall, 15th of September, 2013 - TODAY!
Kenya Care Wear is a Not for profit venture of 2 Australian mothers aiming to educate and empower children and families amongst the poorest in Kenya. All money raised goes direct to Kenyan beneficiaries with whom we have direct contact. All admin costs donated. The launch of this is today at Keen Hall, Kevin Avenue, Avalon and as you can see from the above photo, these are beautiful prints on cool fabrics.
We will bring you a full report on Kenya Care Wear next Issue but suggest you get along from 11.15 am today to get yourself some great cool cotton pants for summer, cute little dresses for little girls, a unique apron or one of the many other items for sale. Kenya Care Wear on Facebook
Website: www.kenyacarewear.com/
To find out more about one of the ladies behind this great new venture, please look at Brenda Allsop's Profile of the Week page.
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PITTWATER BEACHES SET TO BE SMOKE-FREE
The Council has signalled its intention to make Pittwater beaches smoke-free, following a decision at its meeting last week.
The Council’s smoke-free policy in public buildings is set to be extended to include all nine of Pittwater’s beaches. The amended policy is now on public exhibition for comment until 6 October.
Pittwater’s public playgrounds, spectator areas at sportsgrounds, public transport stops including ferry wharves and outdoor dining areas are already smoke-free.
If adopted by the Council, the amended policy will mean no smoking signage will be placed at all beaches advising the public that smoking is banned.
Mayor Jacqueline Townsend said the Council had been commended by the Heart Foundation for its move.
“Passive smoking is directly linked to a range of diseases and we believe we need to take a leadership role on this issue,” she said. “The other concern is the damage to the environment that cigarette butts cause. Clean Up Australia estimate that 50% of litter is made up of discarded butts.”
Mayor Townsend said she believed community sentiment would be strong enough to discourage people from lighting up at beaches, but added that if the policy came into effect Council rangers could be given the power to issue on-the-spot fines.
To view the draft policy visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/exhibition
COUNCIL REFUSES WARRIEWOOD DEVELOPMENT
An application seeking to increase the development potential for 23-27 Warriewood Road Warriewood has been unanimously refused by Pittwater Council at its meeting this week. The application – for a unit development of up to five storeys and a density of 98 dwellings per developable hectare - was lodged in June on behalf of Karimbla Properties Pty Ltd, which is linked to the Meriton Group of companies.
The Council refused the application citing its departure from the ‘orderly planning process’ outlined by the Warriewood Valley Strategic Review which was adopted by the Council in June 2013.
The Strategic Review was jointly prepared by the NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure and Pittwater Council as a means of planning for the remaining undeveloped land in the Warriewood Valley.
The Review, completed after 18 months with extensive input from the community and independent consultants’ reports, recommended a maximum dwelling density of 32 per hectare, up from the previous 26 per hectare.
The application sought for 23-27 Warriewood Road exceeded this recommendation by almost three times.
Mayor Jacqui Townsend and Cr Julie Hegarty both declared an interest and withdrew when voting took place on the proposal, due to their positions on the Joint Regional Planning Panel.
Deputy Mayor Bob Grace, speaking after the meeting, said the Council would now seek an urgent meeting with local MP Rob Stokes over the development proposal.
“It’s our belief the developer will now seek what’s called a pre-gateway review of the Council’s decision by the NSW Department of Planning, which could potentially overturn our refusal and the recommended densities of the Warriewood Strategic Review,” he said.
“Given the community’s unrest over the government’s planning reforms and the extent of consultation that went into the Strategic Review, we believe this cannot go unchallenged. We will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Planning Minister Brad Hazzard to seek his reassurance that he will not use his powers to overturn the Council’s refusal of the planning proposal.
Cr Grace said that the community, Council and the Department have agreed on the future densities of Warriewood Valley after an exhaustive process over the last 18 months.
“Council has rejected a development which is totally inconsistent with these agreed densities and Council’s decision should be supported by the Department and the Minister,” added Cr Grace.
SPRING INTO READING AT MONA VALE LIBRARY
Bookworms are invited to take part in Mona Vale Library’s Spring reading competition called Transformations during September and October, with the winner receiving a free Kobo glo e-book reader.
Transformations invites library members to read three books of their choice, then comment on them by completing a mini-review form.
Library Manager Cathy Howie said the competition gave readers the opportunity to share their thoughts on the books they had read with other readers.
“Each review form will be made into a bookmark that will be placed in the reviewed books and then made available at the front desk”, said Ms Howie.
Event Librarian Heather Thomson said many readers enjoy sharing their reading experiences.
“We’ve designed easy to complete review forms, that are quite short,” said Mrs Thomson. “There are questions about the themes explored in the book and if the book was an enjoyable read. The reader is also asked to comment on whether they learned anything new and if they would recommend the book to another reader,” added Mrs Thomson.
The competition will open on Monday 16 September and run until Friday 25 October.
For more information about what’s happening at Mona Vale Library, visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/library
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The Lion Island Challenge is on Saturday October 12th, 2013. Race will include ocean and spec skis, SUPs, racing mals and 12 foot an unlimited paddleboards. Registrations are opening in the next week. See all details on Lion Island Challenge Facebook page.
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Wearing of Lifejackets by Rock Fishers
Discussion Paper
A significant number of people drown every year in and around our coastal environment. This has necessitated significant rescue attempts, often utilising volunteers in treacherous conditions. Anglers also drown while rock fishing in NSW.
Among other initiatives, the NSW Government is responding to this level of drowning rates for rock fishers through this discussion paper. A range of actions to address other areas of concern are being progressed under the direction of the Water Safety Advisory Council.
The discussion paper does not deal with the wearing of lifejackets while boating or fishing from a vessel, or while undertaking other recreational water activities.
The issues for consideration are questions that were aired during the development of the paper by the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services. They are included solely to prompt discussion and not every ‘question’ needs to be answered in a submission.
Submissions may include a general comment or may answer a number of specific questions posed. Certain questions in the online submission are mandatory to provide a minimum of information on which to consider outcomes, however do not indicate a particular preference and may be answered with a no comment.
The questions raised in this paper are intended to stimulate discussion and are not indicative of a proposed course of action. They do not reflect the formal views of the NSW Government.
The last date for submissions is 30 September 2013
See Paper and do survey at: HERE
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RPAYC Sailor Stacey Jackson selected for SCA All Women Sailing Team in Volvo Ocean Race in 2014-2015 – from Volvo Ocean Race
SCA has confirmed that Stacey Jackson (AUS) and Abby Ehler (GBR) have joined their all-female Team SCA crew for the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15. Stacey and Abby will be joining the five selected crew announced earlier this year, which includes Carolijn Brouwer (NED), Sophie Ciszek (AUS), Sam Davies (GBR), Annie Lush (GBR) and Liz Wardley (AUS).
For Stacey Jackson, one of Australia's few female boat captains, the call to join Team SCA comes a few months after she was one part of the first selection trials for the all-women’s team.
“I joined Team SCA for the initial delivery sail of the VO70 training boat to Lanzarote, Spain. It was a really interesting experience and gave me a taste of the potential for the team. We were a group of girls from different disciplines and nationalities, so much of the first week was just getting to know everyone. But it was a really great session and I am thrilled to be asked to join the team as a confirmed crew,” she comments.
Selected crew are:
Carolijn Brouwer (NED), Sophie Cizcek (AUS), Sam Davies (GBR)Annie Lush (GBR), Liz Wardley (AUS), Stacey Jackson (AUS),Abby Ehler (GBR)
Aged 30, Stacey Jackson is one of Australia’s leading female match racers and boat captains and she was part of the first selection trial for the all-women’s team back in February.
“It was a really interesting experience and gave me a taste of the potential for the team. It was a really great session and I am thrilled to be asked to join the team as a confirmed crew.” Stacey says.
With seven sailors now confirmed, there are still four spots to be filled, as well as the role of Onboard Reporter. All-female teams will race with 11 sailors plus 1 embedded OBR while the standard crew size will be 8 plus 1 embedded OBR.
Team SCA currently have four sailors taking part in the selection programme and, once the sea trials are completed in the UK, they will join the confirmed crew in sailing the race boat back to the team’s base at Puerto Calero in Lanzarote.
The team, backed by global hygiene and forest products company SCA, will take delivery of their Volvo Ocean 65 race boat later this month.
The Volvo Ocean Race is the world's pre-eminent round-the-world yacht race and one of the most coveted prizes in the sport. The Race is owned by Volvo Cars and Volvo Group and managed by a dedicated team working from state-of-the-art headquarters in Alicante, Spain.
The event, which began life as the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973, moved from its home in England to the Valencia region in 2010 and is preparing for its 12th edition in 2014-15 and the 13th in 2017-18.
Interest in the Race has never been higher after an 11th edition that proved the closest in history.
Across four oceans and five continents, the six teams that contested the 2011-12 race around the world experienced scorching days and freezing nights in impossibly cramped conditions on board. Over 39,270 nautical miles (45,000 miles or 72,000 kilometres) and over eight months of competition, the sailors took on a challenge of breathtaking scope, hitting maximum speeds of 42 knots (77.8 kph) and being faced with waves as high as 16 metres.
The route for the 2014-15 edition of the race is currently being announced port by port after a selection process involving over 80 potential Host Cities.
SCA is a leading global hygiene and forest products company that develops and produces sustainable personal care, tissue and forest products. Photo by Rick Tomlinson/Team SCA
Wearing of Lifejackets by Rock Fishers
Discussion Paper
A significant number of people drown every year in and around our coastal environment. This has necessitated significant rescue attempts, often utilising volunteers in treacherous conditions. Anglers also drown while rock fishing in NSW.
Among other initiatives, the NSW Government is responding to this level of drowning rates for rock fishers through this discussion paper. A range of actions to address other areas of concern are being progressed under the direction of the Water Safety Advisory Council.
The discussion paper does not deal with the wearing of lifejackets while boating or fishing from a vessel, or while undertaking other recreational water activities.
The issues for consideration are questions that were aired during the development of the paper by the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services. They are included solely to prompt discussion and not every ‘question’ needs to be answered in a submission.
Submissions may include a general comment or may answer a number of specific questions posed. Certain questions in the online submission are mandatory to provide a minimum of information on which to consider outcomes, however do not indicate a particular preference and may be answered with a no comment.
The questions raised in this paper are intended to stimulate discussion and are not indicative of a proposed course of action. They do not reflect the formal views of the NSW Government.
The last date for submissions is 30 September 2013
See Paper and do survey at: HERE
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Wingala Lapidary Club re-opened
After several weeks closed for major maintenance, Wingala Lapidary Arts and Crafts Council has reopened and members have resumed turning precious, semi-precious and common gems and stones into their own jewellery creations.
While the club was closed, repair work was undertaken by members on the flooring and workbenches. The lapidary machinery was also refurbished.
The only lapidary club on the northern beaches, Wingala is located in Harbord Park, off Wyadra Avenue, near the intersection with Oliver Street, Freshwater.
The club is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM and on the first and third Tuesday evening each month from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. New members are always welcome.
For further information, phone Ian Lee, President, on 9918 2900.
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Funding To Help Can Graffiti At Berry Reserve - 16 August 2013
NSW Attorney General Greg Smith SC and Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced the NSW Government has awarded Warringah Council $131,000 to revitalise the Community Recreation Precinct at Berry Reserve in Narrabeen and make it more resistant to graffiti.
Mr Smith said the planned improvements to the precinct were designed to increase legitimate use of the area’s facilities and deter vandals.
“The installation of outdoor fitness equipment and new seating will attract more visitors to the community precinct, which will increase ‘natural surveillance’ in the area and make it harder for vandals to avoid being seen,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Stokes said clever landscaping and art installations would provide further protection to commonly vandalised sections of the precinct.
“Unfortunately this area is regularly targeted by graffiti vandals and it’s tarnished what can be a great community precinct,” Rob Stokes said. “This funding will enable Council to create a more vibrant atmosphere by installing coloured paving and covering graffiti-damaged walls, including those at the basketball court, with ‘non-aerosol’ art.”
“Trees or shrubs will be planted along the blank walls to minimise access to surfaces that could be used for graffiti. Security mesh will also be installed to limit access to the roof of the precinct’s toilet block, which is frequently damaged by vandals.
The NSW Government has awarded more than $2.3 million to local councils over the past three years as part of its Graffiti Hotspot Program.
The Government is also teaming up with Rotary Down Under to conduct Graffiti Removal Day, which will give community members an opportunity to clean up their area. Graffiti Removal Day will be held on Sunday, October 20 between 10am and 4pm.
“Cleaning up graffiti costs our local Councils ridiculous amounts of money every year which could be better spent on improved community services. I encourage all local sporting clubs, businesses and community organisations to sign up for this event and demonstrate what people power can achieve in the fight against graffiti,” Mr Stokes said.
People can volunteer or nominate a clean-up site for Graffiti Removal Day by completing an online registration form atwww.graffitiremovalday.org.au . Volunteers will be provided with training, graffiti removal equipment and protective gear on the day. Anyone can report graffiti by contacting the Graffiti Hotline on 1800 707 125.
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Surfing NSW's Surfers Rescue 24/7 Wins NSW Water Safety Award - Thursday, 5 September 2013 - from Surfing Australia
Surfing NSW initiative Surfers Rescue 24/7 has won the Community Education Program of the Year at the NSW Water Safety Awards in conjunction with the AUSTSWIM NSW Awards of Excellence in Sydney.
Surfers Rescue 24/7 is a free CPR and board rescue course for recreational surfers in NSW. It provides crucial training to assist in an ocean emergency situation and ultimately save a life. Since November 2012 more than 2000 recreational surfers have completed the course across NSW.
AUSTSWIM and Communities NSW held the awards to recognise and honour individuals and organisations across NSW for their respective contribution to aquatic education and water safety.
The Surfers Rescue 24/7 initiative to educate surfers in life saving techniques was sparked by a need to cover the gap between patrolled beaches and remote beaches in an effort to reduce deaths from drowning in NSW.
Surfing NSW CEO Mark Windon said: “We have been blown away by the demand and support for this program.
“The three-hour course is free and tailored to surfers who will use their surfboard as the rescue tool. The course is substantially quicker and cheaper than any other rescue qualification in the market and means more locations are now patrolled in an unofficial capacity."
Surfing Australia’s executive team recently completed Surfers Rescue 24/7 with CEO Andrew Stark commenting: “It’s a fantastic program that has the opportunity to save lives on Australian beaches.
"I would like to congratulate Surfing NSW on creating the commendable water safety program. Surfing Australia is excited about rolling out Surfers Rescue 24/7 on a national level in the future."
Four-time ASP World Surfing Champion Mark Richards is a huge supporter of the course.
“I found the whole Surfers Rescue 24/7 course to be very enlightening and it made me think about what I would do if I happened to stumble across a bad situation that’s happening in the water,” Richards said.
“I think this is something everybody should be taught. A course like this should be part of a school’s curriculum. It’s just as important as learning to read or write.
“A surfer’s recreational enjoyment can often take place in some pretty dangerous environments, so it’s safe to say that over the course of their life, they will have to assist in a rescue or even perform CPR on someone. I think it’s essential for anyone who surfs to have these skill sets. I thought the course was great.”
Surfing NSW are encouraging recreational surfers of all levels to go to surfersrescue247.com and register for the course and report any rescues.
For regular updates and happenings, become a fan of our Facebook page here.
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Flying Daughters and Tree Stories
Flying Daughters and Tree Stories is a joint exhibition featuring well known artist and teacher Meredith Rasdall and Award winning artist and printmaker Julia Sample.
As part of the Manly Art Festival they will be showing their latest work at Angel Restaurant at Freshwater from 4th of September to the 30th of September.
Flying daughters is an apt title for a show of Meredith’s work as the 3rd of her artistic daughter’s has just completed her HSC major work and will be leaving school. After nurturing her daughter’s artistic endeavours she can now focus on her own work.
Still life continues to be a recurring theme and expression of Meredith’s immediate environment as the views inside and outside her Clareville house continue to inspire; bowls, vases, vessels and windows. She explores the simplicity of the forms through painting, printing and encaustic with focus on the juxtaposition of colours: red and earthy tones that contrast with aquas and stone.
Meredith and Julia met at Warringah Printmakers and have exhibited together at Artspot in Avalon January 2013. Both artists tell a story which relates to their immediate environment. Meredith focusing on a reflection of home life and Julia’s latest body of work relating to her natural environment.
The latest body of work from Julia Sample has been a labour intensive, but enjoyable process. Julia won the Warringah Art Prize this year with the latest work from this series, “ Arboreal Legend”.
These relief prints have been taken from recovered tree trunk which she sands and then burns the surface before brushing out the burnt areas, leaving the rings of wood that reveal the tree’s story and age. After printing on Japanese paper, Julia uses an encaustic medium to finish the process.
“Every tree is unique and my art is recording these tree stories ”.
Angel Restaurant 29 Crown Road Queenscliff NSW
Restaurant hours
Breakfast Saturday – Sunday 8:30am-12
Lunch Monday to Sunday 12-3pm
Dinner Thursday to Saturday 6pm-10pm
Meredith Rasdall: meredith.rasdall@westnet.com.au
Julia Sample: jules.sc@optusnet.com.au
Top: photo of Meredith with daughter Lily at her year 12 majorwork exhibition. Below: Julia Sample working on artwork.
Southern Cross Wildlife Care - Critter of the Month - September 2013
Baby Water Dragon
In January of this year, a baby water dragon was found in Chatswood running around awkwardly in someone’s backyard. The home owner noticed he wasn’t using his front legs correctly, picked him up and took him to a local vet. He was then passed on to us.
This is Greville. All 4 grams of him!
Dr Howard Ralph examined him. He was convinced Greville was suffering from a cervical injury and took him down to the clinic in Braidwood for an X-ray. Sure enough, the X-ray showed a neck injury and so began Greville’s 8-months of physiotherapy...
You can see from this photograph that he was just folding his front legs behind him.
We had to train his front legs to move, to bend and to hold him upright. We used hydrotherapy as well. This was undertaken daily.
For company, Greville shared accommodation with a pair of baby Bearded Dragons. They became very good friends and all cuddled together on a log at bedtime. They also shared mealtimes: crickets, mealworms and veggies. Yum...
As the months went by, Greville began to get the feeling back into his tiny front legs and his muscles began to build up again. We were so pleased with his progress! Once or twice he managed to wriggle free and have a run...! Water dragons are quite tricky to catch...
After 8 months of daily treatment, Greville was ready to face the world again. We took him to a gorgeous area with an abundance of insects for mealtimes, lots of water and plenty of undergrowth in which to hide.
This photo shows him looking to his new and brighter future.
Good luck, little man!