Profile of the Week The Deep North: Invites you to Dive into the First Weekend of Summer through a Music-Food-Talk-Activities-Art-Festival in Celebration of hereInstagram: www.instagram.com/the_deep_north
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedeepnorthAU
This December, Avalon Beach and surrounds will transform for a weekend of music, art, dance, creativity and fun. The Deep North welcomes both locals and visitors to a destination of culture and connection.
A three-day festival, from 5–7 December, this is a weekend of music, art, wellness, and connection.
This is where culture meets coastline.
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Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
November 1 2025
Click on Logo to access the latest PON: 
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Richard West Stepping Down from PBWBA Presidency
Associate Professor Richard West AM is retiring after a decade as President of the Palm Beach Whale Beach Association.
During this time, he has remained committed to preserving the natural beauty and residential amenity of our area.
A/Prof West has been a highly effective advocate across all levels of government. Under his leadership he has protected many conservation zonings in the local area, and led the successful campaign against commercial development on culturally significant Barrenjoey Headland.
He has championed long-overdue improvements to Governor Phillip Park, supported multiple submissions against inappropriate development, and advocated for repairs to local rock pools. He has also been a strong voice for completing the Coastal Walkway, improving road and pedestrian safety, keeping Avalon and Newport out of the Transport Oriented Development plan, and ending the Public Private Partnership model for Northern Beaches Hospital.
A/Prof West's broader life has also been one of leadership - as a general and trauma surgeon, a founder of the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation and a key figure behind Australia's national breast-screening program.
There is much much more of course - the news service has been working with A/Prof. West on his Profile over the past several months. More to come.
A/Prof. West's report for the: Palm Beach & Whale Beach Association Annual Report 2024/2025 + Guest Speaker: “Two Lives: Beverlie & Midget Farrelly”
Thank you very much for your service and dedication to our community sir.
Former and current Vice President Frank Edgell-Bush AM will take on the work of the President of PBWBA, ably assisted by current c-Vice President Gordon Lang.
The PBWBA annual Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, 7 December at Dunes Restaurant from 6.30-8.30pm.
Invitations were sent out at the end of October. This is a strictly social evening with only one speech – by the President.
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PBWBA Committee 2025-2026
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PBWBA President, Assoc. Prof. Richard West AM at 2025 PBWBA AGM Pics: AJG/PON
Congratulations Layne!
November 17, 2025
Layne Beachley AO has been announced as the recipient of The Dawn Award.
A seven-time World Surfing Champion, Beachley’s extraordinary courage, resilience and determination helped reshape women’s surfing and create lasting change within the sport.
Her story continues to inspire athletes and communities across Australia.
The Dawn Award, established in 2021 and named in honour of Dawn Fraser AC MBE, recognises an individual, team or organisation whose courage, bravery and example has changed sport for the better.
Layne is just the fifth recipient of The Dawn Award, following Evonne Goolagong-Cawley AC MBE, the late Peter Norman, the Sydney 2000 Olympics Women’s Water Polo champions and basketballer Lauren Jackson AO.
“I was pleasantly surprised and a little overwhelmed to be quite honest. Dawn is one of my absolute heroes, so to receive this award in her name fills me with immense pride and joy,” Beachley said.
“I refer to her as the matriarch of sport in this country and I’m very proud to be receiving this award in her honour.
“When I joined the pro tour in 1990, I was shocked by the state of women’s surfing and committed to changing the sport’s trajectory. Through compromises, sacrifices and battles, we achieved pay equity in 2018. Now women can truly aspire to be seen and respected in what was once a male-dominated environment. It’s incredibly satisfying.”
Sport Australia Hall of Fame
Layne has been the Chair of Surfing Australia and is a current member of the Freshwater Boardriders club, where she has also been involved in projects to regenerate the Freshwater environment through bushcare works.
Freshwater Boardriders said on hearing of the award:
''Congrats to Freshwater Boardriders club member and all round GOAT Layne Beachley on receiving the Dawn Award, for her contribution to Australian sport and surfing, and the adversity she’s overcome in her life.
Freshie Boardriders is so lucky to have a figure like Layne mentoring our young girls to become better in the water and more importantly grow as human beings. Between helping us qualify for 3 consecutive national ABB finals and a packed speaking schedule, she continues to rack up the awards.''
More in this week's report:
Photo: SAHOF
Manly Writers’ Festival Announces the Inaugural Thomas Keneally Oration
A new national platform for ideas, history and public conversation
The Manly Writers’ Festival have announced the creation of the Thomas Keneally Oration, a new annual keynote honouring one of Australia’s most influential and internationally acclaimed writers and Manly local, Thomas Keneally AO.
The inaugural Oration will be delivered by Thomas Keneally himself on Thursday, 19th March, 2026, in Manly. The Oration will open the Manly Writers’ Festival, which will be in its third year and will form the centrepiece of the 2026 Festival program.
The Thomas Keneally Oration will be a permanent fixture of the Manly Writers’ Festival. The concept behind the Oration is to each year invite a distinguished writer, historian, public thinker or leader in cultural who reflects the spirit of Keneally - intellectually curious, morally engaged, and deeply human – to deliver the keynote address at the opening of the Manly Writers’ Festival.
Thomas Keneally said:
“I am honoured — and a little astonished — to have my name attached to an oration. If it helps encourage writers and readers to keep an open mind when wrestling with the great questions of our time, then I will be delighted.
“Storytelling has always been, at heart, a democratic act — a way for us to understand who we are, and who we might become.
“Australia has always produced fine storytellers, but we are still learning how to listen to one another. Anything that strengthens that habit, especially through literature, can only be a good thing.”
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Festival Director Bonita Mersiades said the Oration reflects both Keneally’s towering literary contribution and the Festival’s commitment to serious, public-minded storytelling:
“Tom has written across history, politics, ethics, faith, footy, colonisation, and the inner life of ordinary people. He reminds us that literature is a means of understanding one another and the world. The Oration will carry forward that tradition by inviting a major thinker each year to challenge us, inspire us, and spark conversation.”
Keneally — whose works include the Booker Prize-winning Schindlers Ark — has published more than 50 books across fiction and non-fiction and remains an important and vital voice in Australian cultural life.
Tickets will be available for the Thomas Keneally Oration and the Manly Writers’ Festival from February next year.
Find out more at; www.manlywritersfestival.org.au
Proposed lease expansion at Church Point: Have your say
Crown Lands invites your feedback on a proposal new lease over an expanded area for The Quays Marina at Church Point, Pittwater.
Consultation period: 5th November 2025 - 2nd December 2025
See consultation methods
Location: 1856 Pittwater Rd, Church Point NSW 2105
What’s this about?
Crown Lands's tenant at Church Point, The Quays Marina, proposes to expand the marina footprint (in the area shown by red shading in the aerial diagram) for a development that includes a new marina arm with fixed berths.
Before decisions are made that change the use of Crown land and waterways, Crown Lands engages with the community for feedback on how the proposal would impact their use and enjoyment of the area.
The Quays Marina, Crown Lands's tenant, is also seeking planning approval via a development application (DA) to the council for a proposed expansion of the marina.
While the new Crown Lands lease would enable the proposed development, the lease and council’s development approval are 2 separate matters.
Crown Lands and the council are consulting the community on the 2 different aspects of the project at the same time.
To provide feedback on the development application, visit the Northern Beaches Council Development applications website and search for DA2025/1506 or 1856 Pittwater Road, Bayview. Link and project overview below.
You can provide feedback on the proposed new lease on the Crown Lands website.
Your feedback will be considered in making a decision about this proposed lease. Engagement on this proposed lease is a requirement of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s Community Engagement Strategy. The Strategy has been developed to set an open and transparent framework for engaging the community about important decisions on Crown land. The Strategy acknowledges that needs vary between communities, and that a range of engagement approaches may be required to ensure community views are understood before important decisions are made.
The final decision will be made following the 28-day consultation period, once the Department has reviewed all comments and feedback provided by the community and stakeholders. The final decision will be published on this page.
Have your say
Have your say by 11.59pm on Tuesday 2 December 2025 (AEDT).
Aerial diagram. The red shading shows the indicative boundary of proposed lease. The blue outline shows existing lease boundary held by the applicant for the purpose of commercial marina. Credit: Crownview – Nearmap Imagery
Quays Marina DA through the council
DA2025/1506, open until 3/12/2025 with the council, is for 'Alterations and additions to a marina'; for a reconfiguration of the existing marina facility with an extra Arm C offshore and parallel to the inner Arms A and B (Figure 2) and the relinquishment of swing moorings currently under the control of the marina.
The proponent's documents state:
The proposed arm will provide fixed berthing for 40 vessels ranging in length
from 16 to 18 metres and will replace 40 existing swing moorings, resulting in no net increase in vessel storage capacity; no dredging is proposed, and all infrastructure works will occur within the existing operational footprint of the Marina.
The Marina itself provides employment for over 100 people locally, and its future depends on providing a modern facility which meets a continuing demand for berths and boats of increasing size.
- The proposal in this DA allows us to meet this demand without increasing the number of boats serviced by the marina.
- In providing fixed berths, we can minimise environmental impacts by removing swing moorings, which are known to cause seagrass scouring and seabed damage. Fixed infrastructure, on the other hand, is known to create habitats for fish.
- The proposal will improve safety and navigation through reducing the extent of swing moorings in the waterway and improve safety by providing a stable platform for moving on and off vessels.
- The removal of particular moorings will allow a safer passage for young dinghy sailors under instruction at the local sailing club, BYRA.
The proposal is also in line with the results of community consultation in the Council's Pittwater Waterway strategy 2038, to reduce the cumulative impacts on the waterway as a result of swing moorings.
Cost of Work will be $ 3,432,000.00. Quays Marine Centre at 1856 Pittwater road Bayview is a private marina catering for all things boating with, currently, 110 berths and 69 moorings that are leased out to customers. All documents now available on the council webpage for the proposed project.
Council meetings: new rules Will End the Public Forum Address
Residents who attended or watched online the October 21 2025 will have noticed that in both the Public Forum and Public Address (speaking to an Item tabled in the Agenda) only 2 speakers were not members of a political party, speaking to publicise their party's beliefs, or lobbyist groups.
In recent months residents have seen both the Public Forum and Public Address opportunities being used by members of political parties or lobbyist groups to express their opinions, and are becoming increasingly irate these are being excised in this way.
This is also raising questions about where it is appropriate for unelected politicians or political aspirants to be seen and heard, and whether, in swallowing all the air in the room, speakers are leaving any time for others.
At present the council has a limit of four speakers per agenda item in the Public Address part of each meeting:
- two ‘for’ (in support of) the recommendation in the report, and
- two ‘against’ (not in support of) the recommendation in the report.
The council is currently inviting the community to comment on proposed changes to the way council meetings are held, following recent rule updates by the NSW Government.
- Preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions to discuss matters that should be considered in the public domain at committee and council meetings (unless they are confidential)
- Encouraging councils to hold public forums preferably before committee meetings, or if they choose council meetings, to enable community engagement in local matters
- Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove councillors from meetings for acts of disorder
- Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove members of the public if they disrupt council meetings
- Requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential
- Requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations (as recommended by ICAC)
- Promoting neutrality in the role of the general manager
- Requiring council and committee meetings to be live streamed to give the community and media access to council decision making, and to require those videos to be public for at least the rest of the council term, or 12 months in the case of a meeting in an election year
- The restrictions on mayoral minutes under the previous code have been removed. A mayoral minute may be put to a meeting without notice on any matter or topic that the mayor determines should be considered at the meeting
- Rules of debate: Councils will no longer have the option of reducing the duration of speeches to less than 5 minutes. However, councils continue to have other options to expedite business at meetings such as moving that a motion be put where the necessary conditions have been satisfied and to resolve to deal with items by exception
The changes are part of a new Model Code of Meeting Practice which NSW councils must adopt by December 31 2025.
The council states some of the mandatory changes made by the NSW Government are:
- limitations on councillors attending a meeting by audio-visual link
- a ban on briefings of agenda items
- public forums may not be held as part of the council meeting for hearing submissions on items of business on the agenda for the meeting
- members of the public must not display signs or protest symbols
Although the council has stated the Public Forum Item of the NSW Office of Local Government's Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW for 2025 may not be held as part of a council meeting, they can still be held directly before a council meeting.
The document reiterates:
4 Public forums
4.1 The council may hold a public forum prior to meetings of the council and committees of the council for the purpose of hearing oral submissions from members of the public on items of business to be considered at the meeting. Public forums may also be held prior to meetings of other committees of the council.
4.2 The council may determine the rules under which public forums are to be conducted and when they are to be held.
4.3 The provisions of this code requiring the livestreaming of meetings also apply to public forums.
In the governments' FAQ's it is stated:
'The public forum provisions are now mandatory but leave it to councils to determine whether to hold public forums before council and committee meetings'
The council states it has prepared a draft Code of Meeting Practice that reflects the mandatory requirements of the new rules and that it is calling on the NSW government to reconsider some mandatory changes to the way council meetings are held.
“While we commend the NSW government’s aim to bring more order to council meetings, I hope the Minister will listen to us and other councils and reconsider his position on some of the meeting changes,” Mayor Heins said.
“As councillors, we value democracy and hearing from our community, and we are keen to continue to support the provision of a public forum.”
The council states it is proposing to host a public forum on items on the agenda a week before the Council meeting, rather than before a council meeting, and to provide public access to the meeting papers 2 weeks before.
The council has stated the forum will be live streamed, as is required, and asserts in the agenda for the October 2025 meeting that Re: 'Public forum and address' - 'the NSW Government’s position that the primary purpose of a council meeting is to make strategic decisions relating to the business of the council'.
However, that will not allow for late Items added to meeting agendas to be addressed by residents.
Similarly, as a platform to be used solely for Items in meeting Agendas, although the Public Address component would be retained, the actual Public Forum element that now precedes that is not part of any future model at this stage.
In August 2024 the Northern Beaches Council was proposing to cut the amount of time residents and councillors will be allowed to speak at meetings and to ban photography anywhere near them. Then it was proposed to cut speakers’ time during public forums and addresses from three to two minutes. These had once been 5 minutes but had been reduced already.
Similarly, all councillors were to be limited to speeches of two minutes during the meetings, unless they had proposed a Motion. A ban on photography during meetings would also be extended to before and after, “whilst in the vicinity of the meeting location”.
“Cutting speeches to two minutes might be a great relief for some, but the loss of those 150 words might prevent someone from explaining the intricacies of a complicated issue or describing a particularly pertinent example.'' Cr. Korzy said last year
“Meetings often run from 6pm to 11.30pm, with many of us arriving home well after midnight, and I would dearly love to see them shorter. We’re all aware they deteriorate after about 9pm with participants getting tired, niggling at each other across the floor and losing concentration.
“However, the proposed solution, based on the idea of making meetings more efficient, will add to the slow curtailment of democratic debate.
“The root of the problem is that the council unavoidably has too much business on its agenda, due to its size since the forced amalgamation, and some councillors’ antics delay progress through the agenda.
“The open-ended ban on photography is also an incursion on democracy, and a nonsense when the council itself screens the meetings online.
“Councillors and members of the community would be prevented from focusing the lens on those attending, even outside the chamber, which would limit anyone snapping photos showing numbers of supporters for any issue.”
Although some Councillors have been calling for years for two council meetings each month in order to adequately deal with every Item listed rather than seeing these bounced over to the following month - especially those Items of import to the community - the once a month meeting and the bouncing forward persists.
At the October 2025 Meeting the Item for commencing the North Narrabeen surf club upgrades tender was bounced - not heard, not decided. However, new seating for the theatre at Belrose and a Roof Membrane Upgrade and Associated Works at Dee Why Civic Centre, did get passed.
How to review the council document
The draft 2025 Model Meeting Code has 3 elements:
- mandatory provisions (indicated in black font)
- non-mandatory provisions* (indicated in red font) covering areas of meeting practice that are common to most councils
- bespoke changes (indicated in green font) – e.g. where there may be a need for some variation in practice between councils based on local circumstances.
*Recommended non-mandatory provisions operate to set a benchmark based on what the OLG sees as best practice for the relevant area of practice.
Under Appendix 1 the council's document on Public Forum lists, among its items, Speakers may not make defamatory statements, which have been a part of this platform in the last few ordinary council meetings, but no provision for residents being allowed to own this platform, or for this to be continued to be used by political aspirants, has been made.
Appendix 1 lists, among other items:
A1.6 To speak at a public forum, a person must first make an application to the Council in the approved form. Applications to speak open when the business papers are published and must be received by 5pm on the business day prior to the date on which the public forum is to be held. Applications must identify the item of business on the agenda of the Council meeting the person wishes to speak on, and whether they wish to speak ‘for’ or ‘against’ the item.
Note: The Chief Executive Officer or their delegate may refuse an application to speak at a public forum where the application does not meet the outlined requirements or there is a genuine and demonstrable concern relating to the applicant or their dealings with the Council or their intentions.
A1.7 To speak at a public forum, a speaker must attend in person.
A1.8 Legal representatives acting on behalf of others must identify their status as a legal representative when applying to speak.
A1.11 Speakers must not digress from the item of business on which they applied to speak. If a speaker digresses to irrelevant matters, the chairperson is to direct the speaker not to do so. If the speaker fails to observe a direction from the chairperson, the chairperson may immediately require the person to stop speaking and they will not be further heard.
A1.12 A public forum should not be used to raise questions or complaints. Such matters should be forwarded in writing to the council where they will be responded to by appropriate council officers.
NSW Government's
The NBC's draft Code of Meeting Practice will be on public exhibition from 24 October to 4 December 2025. Community members can view the proposal and make a response via Council’s Your Say webpage for this consultation.
Warringah Council chambers in 2014 when Pittwater was telling Warringah and the State Government to keep its hands off Pittwater - will there soon be a ban on mass t-shirt wearing too?
Marine Rescue Broken Bay Christmas Raffle 2025
How would you spend $5000?? It's raffle time!
Help us to prepare for the summer boating season - every $$ donated helps to keep us on the water AND you get the chance to win some amazing prizes! Scan the QR code or click on the link at: https://rafflelink.com.au/mrbb-xmas25
Hopefully you will never need us, but help us to be there if you do! Manned 100% by volunteers, our Unit relies on fundraising throughout the year to keep our support to boaters running.
Through generous donations we have 2 rescue capable boats but they need maintenance and fuel to remain on the water. We rely heavily on your generous support so we can continue to support our community in need. This year looks to be a bumper festive one with some amazing donations for our local community supporters.
Win big!! Our lucky 1st prize winner gets an amazing $5000 of Woolworths Gift Cards. What a huge way to brighten up that Christmas Shopping. You can get a lot of lobster with that!
2nd prize is a fantastic pamper full of fishing goodies. It includes fishing rod, spin reel, wide range of lures, filleting knife and shears. Plus a selection of fishing clothing and sunglasses and has a total value of $1200!
3rd prize is another great gift to get you out on the water! An adult size Stand Up Paddleboard, PA Aqua Marine All Around Air 10’2″ , complete fit with paddle, pump and shoulder bag, valued at $250
Our 4th prize is a $200 Gift Card from our major sponsor, the RMYC, Newport. Get together with friends or family, for a fantastic night out at your local motor yacht club.
Did you know that you can donate directly?
Your kindness goes towards fuel, training, maintenance and lifesaving equipment. Donations are tax deductible. So, help us to help you by donating NOW!
Community News + what ran in each Issue
Community News Pages list articles that ran each week as well as reports run in other pages: Inbox and Environment News archives etc.
March 2013 April 2013 May 2013 June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 October 2013 November 2013 December 2013
January 2014 February 2014 March 2014 April 2014 May 2014 June 2014 July 2014 August 2014 September 2014 October 2014 November 2014 December 2014
January 2015 February 2015 March 2015 April 2015 May 2015 June 2015 July 2015 August 2015 September 2015 October 2015 November 2015 December 2015
January 2016 February 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016 August 2016 September 2016 October 2016 November 2016 December 2016
January 2017 February 2017 March 2017 April 2017 May 2017 June 2017 July 2017 August 2017 September 2017 October 2017 November 2017 December 2017
January 2018 February 2018 March 2018 April 2018 May 2018 June 2018 July 2018 August 2018 September 2018 October 2018 November 2018 December 2018
January 2019 February 2019 March 2019 April 2019 May 2019 June 2019 July 2019 August 2019 September 2019 October 2019 November 2019 December 2019
January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020 October 2020 November 2020 December 2020
January 2021 February 2021 March 2021 April 2021 May 2021 June 2021 July 2021 August 2021 September 2021 October 2021 November 2021 December 2021
January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 July 2022 August 2022 September 2022 October 2022 November 2022 December 2022
January 2023 February 2023 March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 June 2023 July 2023 August 2023 September 2023 October 2023 November 2023 December 2023
January 2024 February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024
January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025
Mona Vale Residents Association
Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area. Email: mvrasydney@gmail.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/monavaleresidents
Barrenjoey Artwalk 2025
The Barrenjoey Artwalk returns from 29 November – 14 December, and Avalon village will once again come alive with art in every corner. Follow the yellow dots to discover participating retailers and businesses, each showcasing a unique artwork in their shopfronts. Pick up a map in-store or head to https://f.mtr.cool/lfbysxektr to access a digital copy and plan your route.
Every artwork sold helps raise funds for Barrenjoey High School - a simple, meaningful way to support creativity, community, and our local kids.
See you on the Artwalk!
The Barrenjoey Artwalk…
by Barrenjoey High School
Avalon Bulldogs' New Club President
November 18, 2025
We’re pumped to welcome Craig Schlitter as the new President of the Avalon Bulldogs!
Craig’s a lifelong rugby league tragic who’s spent the last four years coaching our juniors — and with three boys pulling on the Doggies jersey in 2026, he’s as invested in the club’s future as anyone. He’s stepping up to help drive the club forward with passion, purpose, and a genuine love for the community.
WHAT’S AHEAD UNDER CRAIG’S LEADERSHIP?
- Better facilities – including upgraded field drainage
- A bigger, more functional clubhouse, especially for our girls and ladies teams
- Stronger pathways and development for all age groups
- A renewed focus on making A Grade a cemented part of the Avalon Bulldogs
- More partnerships with local schools, sponsors, and our community
A MESSAGE FROM CRAIG:
“I’m honoured to take on this role and continue the amazing work of those before me. Let’s make this season one to remember – together!”
Junior rugby league is so much more than a game — it’s where kids build confidence, resilience, friendships, and lifelong memories. Our club is a place where families connect, volunteers shine, and our community rallies around something truly special.''
Photo: Avalon Bulldogs
Governor Phillip Park Working Group Update
Cr. Korzy’s motion to set up a Governor Phillip Park Community Working Group to develop concept plans for future community infrastructure and to identify environmental priorities and opportunities was passed by exception at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 21 October. Terms of reference and composition of the group have yet to be worked out.
The Palm Beach Whale Beach Association supported the motion and looks forward to the formation of the group.
PBWBA are expecting the new Plan of Management for the 'People's Park' to be available for community consultation by April or May next year.
Mona Vale Boardriders - Northern Beaches Para Surfer BC Presentation Night 2025
Presentation Night on Friday 5th Dec, 6.30pm
The club has had many successes this year and would love to celebrate with you and our fantastic boardrider community. Support People welcome too. Tix can be bought via link https://www.trybooking.com/DEUXR
Concerns over Palm Beach Parking Fines
Employees of Palm Beach Kindergarten have expressed concerns over parking fines they received this past week from the council. This is the first time they have been fined for parking at the rear of the reserve and on the street.
The council has a Woorak Reserve and Iluka Park parking permits webpage which states:
'Permits for the Church Point, Rowland Reserve, Woorak Reserve/Iluka Park and Western Foreshore areas are going digital as of Monday 3 November.
Permit holders of the existing Church Point, Rowland Reserve, Woorak Reserve/Iluka Park and Western Foreshore physical permits can now apply for a digital parking permit via the Digital parking permits page (available from Monday 3 November).
If you need any assistance with the application of a digital parking permit, please contact Customer Service on 1300 434 434 or council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Digital permits are being implemented with a staged approach. The rollout of digital parking permits for the Manly Parking Permit scheme is scheduled for March 2026, while the rollout of digital parking for the Beach Parking Permit scheme will commence mid-2026. Further instructions for those permits will be provided in advance of those dates.'
Lion Island Yacht Race 2025
BYRA have changed the date for the annual Lion Island Yacht Race to Sunday 7th December.
All members are welcome to bring their yachts and compete. The Race is also open to yachts from other clubs.
This is a fundraising celebration of the foundation of the club. Prizegiving after the race in the clubhouse from 5pm
The start is at 12.00pm from a line set outside the moorings just off the club, around Lion Island to port and return.
You can enter now at www.byra.com.au/events/322203
AusMusic T-Shirt Day: November 27
AusMusic T-Shirt Day is a national day of celebration, joy and recognition — a chance to show up for the people who make the music happen. From artists and bandmates to crew, techs, managers and beyond, it takes a whole community to bring Australian music to life.
Wearing a tee, raising funds or making a donation is how we celebrate that community — and how we help Support Act continue delivering vital mental health support, crisis relief and dedicated services for those who keep the industry going.
It’s more than a t-shirt. It’s a show of solidarity for the heartbeat of Australian music.
Where do the funds go?
Every dollar raised goes directly to Support Act, helping deliver crisis relief, mental health support, and dedicated First Nations services to artists, crew and music workers in need. Your support helps keep vital programs running — from the 24/7 Wellbeing Helpline to financial grants, mental health education and more.
It’s real help for the people who make the music happen.
Who is Support Act?
Support Act is the music industry’s charity — providing crisis relief, mental health support and wellbeing services to artists, crew and music workers doing it tough. From financial grants to a 24/7 helpline and dedicated First Nations support, we’re here to help the people who make the music happen.
Our services are delivered by a team of qualified social workers and clinical psychologists, with culturally aware support for First Nations music workers provided by First Nations practitioners, or those with strong, cross-cultural training.
How did AMTD come about?
AusMusic T-Shirt Day started as a simple idea — a way to celebrate Australian music and show solidarity with the artists, crew and workers who bring it to life.
What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a national movement — fuelled by the deep love Australians have for music, and the people who create it.
Today, it’s a joyful, unifying moment to wear your support, raise funds, and help ensure the health and future of our music industry.
Find out more and get involved at: ausmusictshirtday.org.au
Newport Pool to Peak Kicks Off Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2026
The annual Pittwater Ocean Swim Series will kick off with the Newport Pool to Peak, ocean swims on Sunday 4 January 2026. The series provides ocean swimmers around the world the opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery and pristine environment of Pittwater.
The Newport Pool to Peak has become one of the biggest ocean swimming events on the annual calendar and has grown from the traditional 2Kms to offer 400m and 800m courses as well. This has enabled swimmers to test their swim skills and gain experience in ocean swimming which is very different to pool swimming, as ocean swimmers will attest.
John Guthrie, chairman of the Pool to Peak, ocean swim organising committee, says the club’s swims feature a strong safety culture with many safety craft in the water and drone surveillance.
“This means swimmers are being observed at all times which helps to build confidence in tackling the surf and currents. Of course, we encourage swimmers to train for their event with a combination of attaining surf skills, lap swimming in addition to general physical training such as weights.
“Ocean swimming can be arduous so swimmers are responsible for their individual fitness. We will have lifesavers in the break to assist any swimmers who are finding it too difficult. Again, entrants are encouraged to put their hand up if they find themselves unable to complete the course,” said John.
The Pool to Peak is known as the friendly affordable swim event and swimmers all go in the draw for a great range of prizes. Medals are also presented to category winners, one of the few ocean swim events to continue the tradition.
“We are proud of the fun atmosphere generated on the day. Swimmers are welcomed back on shore with succulent, fresh fruit, from Harris Farm Markets, our long-term major sponsors, to take away the salty taste in your mouth. Then there is the barbecue, featuring ingredients from Harris Farm Markets, a popular feature with hungry swimmers,” John continued.
Following the prize and medal presentations, swimmers and their families can enjoy a drink at the club’s bar or take advantage of one of the many coffee shops in the Newport shopping centre including The Peak Café a sponsor of the Pool to Peak, Newport has clubs such as the Royal Motor Yacht Club who would like to enjoy lunch with a view of Pittwater.
There is an added incentive for swimmers to enter the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series in 2026. For swimmers who swim at least three of the swims in the series, they will go in the draw for a $250 voucher a male & female swimmer for a fine dining experience at the Basin Restaurant.
The Pittwater swims start at Newport 4 January, then Bilgola on 11 January, Mona Vale on18 January and the Big Swim on 25 January. This will be the 52nd Big Swim event.
To complete the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series the Avalon swims will be on Sunday 15 March. That includes their iconic Around the Bends swim from Newport to Avalon.
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Pool to Peak swimmers in 2025. Photo: AJG/PON
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour launches Club 500 fundraising programme
Marine Rescue Middle Harbour has introduced a new fundraising and community engagement initiative, the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Club 500 Programme, designed to strengthen connections between the boating public and the volunteers who support them.
So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour have performed 188 search and rescue missions, including 24 emergency responses, safely returning 460 people to shore.
The programme has been developed by volunteer crew member Tony Collins, who also serves as the unit’s Community Partnership Manager – Club 500. It invites boat owners and supporters to become Club 500 Members by contributing an annual $500 fee. Members gain access to a range of benefits provided by local marine businesses and national industry partners.
Marine Rescue NSW is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that receives some government funding but relies on community support to sustain its services. Collins said fundraising is essential for Marine Rescue Middle Harbour to maintain its operational readiness.
“The programme raises essential funds to ensure safe and effective operations, while also fostering stronger engagement with the wider boating community. Club 500 is structured so that participating partners also gain commercial value through increased customer engagement,” he said.
Club 500 has attracted a range of partners offering practical benefits to members, including:
- Fuel discounts from d’Albora Marinas
- Antifouling discounts from BoatYard and Short Marine
- Mooring services from Treharne Moorings
- Mechanical servicing by Onboard Marine Services
- Equipment discounts from Boat Warehouse
- Dive service discounts from Underwater Dive Services
- Membership discounts at Manly Skiff Club
- Survey and inspection services from Boatbuy
- Marine training courses from Maritime Training School, Boatwise, and Flying Fish Sailing
The programme is designed so that many boat owners can recover the cost of membership through partner discounts alone. Contributions also support Marine Rescue Middle Harbour search and rescue and emergency response capability on Sydney Harbour and offshore, vessel maintenance and crew training.
“Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s Club 500 establishes a programme grounded in partnership, trust, and community connection, offering a practical way for members of the boating community and the wider public to support volunteer rescue services,” Collins said.
Further information and membership details are available on the Club 500 website: club500.mh.marinerescuensw.com.au
Photo: MH 20 at the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base at The Spit. Photo: MRMH
Mowanna Dads' Group
Hey other dads! I'm starting up a Fathering Group in Narrabeen (I'm a Warriewood dad myself). Is anyone looking to connect with other dads? Mums, would your partner benefit?
It's a monthly group for dads to manage their stress, share stories and get advice to help us all be better parents.
I'm running it with Mowana, a local mental health charity. Drop me a line or book a ticket - next meet-up is December 4 2025:
AJ Tennant
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Kimmi
4yo Maltese X Poodle
Kimmi is a very sweet attentive boy. He is very affectionate and easy to handle. He has a lot of energy and is very playful with young small dogs. He originally came from the pound with a cherry eye (prolapsed third eyelid) which we repaired. He has a non-shedding coat that needs regular clipping and weighs 5.5kg. He suits apartment living and FT hours alone. He is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $700.
Sonny
8yo Jack Russell X Pug
Sonny is a very sweet easy boy. He is friendly with people, social with other small dogs. He has a lot of energy that is typical of his breeding and is very smart. Sonny was surrendered to us due to issues reported when adults visit his former home. Sonny has been great with kids and has lived with young kids all his life. He loves his toys and his walks. He walks on loose lead. He is a very affectionate and attentive. He suits apartment living, FT hours alone but needs rescue experience. He has a short coat and weighs a 10.8kg. He suits apartment living and FT hours alone. He is desexed, fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $600.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing
Please contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue on (02) 9413 4300 for advice if you hit a native animal or come across an injured one while driving. It is helpful if you can provide an accurate location or landmark to assist our rescuers who will pouch check marsupials for joeys, so little lives like Phoebe can be saved.
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane Notice