Week Two December 2025 (December 8, 2025 - January 23, 2026: Issues 649 and 650)
Pictures Pictures of the Year 2025
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers return 800+ boaters to safety in November: Summer Holidays Boating Safety 2025-2026 - Please Log On - Log Off
Avalon Beach Historical Society December 2025 Meeting: A Celebration of John Murch by Geoff Searl OAM
Aquatics 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship
Christmas Win for Business with iCare Bills Avoiding Cost Rises and Return of Business Connect
Australia Life Saving Team selected for the 2026 Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Test Series: Collaroy, Curl Curl, Palm Beach Currumbin to represent Australia
Pittwater High School student wows BTS at School Spectacular
Dick Smith Donates One Million Dollar Donation to NSW Policy Legacy
ACCC proposes better protections for licensees and creators under music licensing arrangements: Feedback on Draft open until February 16 2026
Park Bench Philosophers Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2025: Winners - Highly Commended - Australian Finalists
_________________________________
Week One December 2025 (December 1-7)
Profiles of the Week: Natalie Scott Shares her First Memoir, at 97 and Tilly Rose Cooper's Debut Children's Book is set to Inspire a New Generation of Nippers
Sunday December 7 announcement: Minns Government announces $2.5 million boost to summer beach safety with immediate extra shark surveillance drones
Aquatics 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles: Local Winner Ben Zanatta Dedicates His Australian Title Triumph to Mercury Psillakis – Kincumber’s Talia Tebb wins back-to-back Australian Junior Surf Titles by Suzie Leys
Pictures Work Experience: Y10 - Mobile Photography lesson by Joe Mills in a stroll through Warriewood Wetlands
Park Bench Philosophers Australian Government Appointments Framework Released alongside Briggs 'Report of the Review into Public Sector Board Appointments Processes; No Favourites'
DIY Ideas Christmas-New Years 2025-26 Checklists: Preparing The Garden & Home - Entertaining - Gift Ideas For Every Budget
_________________________________
Council's Open Coast & Lagoons Coastal Management Program (CMP's): Scoping Study Feedback until Dec. 14
Newport Pool to Peak Kicks Off Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2026
A new lens on rock fishing safety through AI camera trial: Barrenjoey to Manly high risk rock fishing declared areas map - Lifejacket required
Yule have a great time in Sydney this Christmas - lots of Free Family events, what's on where and when
James Griffin MP Launches ‘Future Manly’ - Putting the Community at the Centre of Decision-Making
Strata overhaul reaches 'final milestone' as fourth reform bill is introduced to NSW Parliament: Double-hit fees-council rates still not addressed - Issues Paper for review into strata managing agents Open for feedback (Until December 14)
Profile of the Week Profiles of the Year: 2025Although there is only one 'Profile of the Week' page there are reports that run each week which get added into the permanent Profiles section or run in the end of year 'wrap' page featuring the Profiles of the Year because that's where such events, awards, adventures, wins, individuals and volunteer community groups and milestones belong, among all that is celebrated, honoured, remembered.
Some of what's been happening and has happened in 2025 runs this Issue.
Park Bench Philosophers Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2025: Winners - Highly Commended - Australian Finalists
Inbox News If social media for kids is so bad should we be allowed to post kids’ photos online?, The social media ban is just the start of Australia’s forthcoming restrictions – and teens have legitimate concerns, How important is the ATAR? 30% of Year 12s who go to uni don’t use it, Caregiver smartphone use can affect a baby’s development. New parents should get more guidance, Study finds PFAS in pregnant women’s drinking water puts their babies at higher risk, It’s so hard to resist overspending at Christmas – here’s how to reinforce your willpower, Space debris: will it take a catastrophe for nations to take the issue seriously?, Why OpenAI is a prime example of the ethical limits of capitalism, New study finds Social media, not gaming, tied to rising attention problems in teens, Illegal tobacco is messing up economic data. That won’t stop until it’s managed like alcohol, Most people with disabling mental health conditions can’t access the NDIS. Here’s a better way to provide support, Hospitals in crisis: why state and federal governments are fighting about funding, If parents designed the new ‘Thriving Kids’ program it’d look like this, The ‘hobbits’ mysteriously disappeared 50,000 years ago. Our new study reveals what happened to their home, Putting away your winter clothes? Science explains how to keep them safe over summer, Construction begins on NSW’s first Hydrogen Centre of Excellence at Glenwood, NSW Government acts on Drake Inquiry report to reform governance of greyhound industry, View from The Hill: in awkward timing, government ends energy rebate as it defends Wells’ spendathon
Food Christmas Sweet Treats You Can Make As Gifts + Hogmanay (New Years) Dinner Australian Style + Summer Picnic Ideas
A few ideas for Christmas, Summer picnics and a New Years Eve feast
Events Christmas - New Years, Summer Sailing for youngsters, Regattas, Art Exhibitions, Music, Markets, Social Groups + Heaps more on!Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
Click on Logo to access the latest PON: 
Contents: Play News; Carols Afloat; Island Café; Merchant of Venice. To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Christmas- New Years Closure Dates

Monika's Doggie Rescue: In need of Good People with Great homes for Pets - Foster Carers

Monika's Doggie Rescue
2 Cowan Road, Ingleside
www.DoggieRescue.com
www.facebook.com/doggierescue
www.twitter.com/monikadogrescue
www.instagram.com/monikadogrescue/
Across Sydney there has been an uptick in dogs aged just 12 months, not just older dogs whose owners may have passed away, who are being dumped. Although some flinch or avoid being touched by people, indicating they have been abused, owners being unaware how much a pet costs has become the primary reason there are a lot of homeless dogs.
According to the Australian Veterinary Association, the average dog owner spends more than $25,000 caring for their canine companion. Cat owners could spend $21,000 on average. The RSPCA states within the first year of dog or cat ownership, people could face up to $3,500 of expenses on vaccinations, vet visits, food, de-sexing, grooming, bedding, toys and treats.
This is also causing a massive slow-down on rehoming animals - and for shelters being able to take on new dogs and cats that need a home. Numerous full shelters are reporting a wait-list of people who want to surrender their dog.
RSPCA national data shows around 81,000 pets were surrendered in the 2023/2024 financial year, with only 27,000 finding new homes.
However, in Pittwater, for over a quarter of a century, Monika's Doggie Rescue has sought to find the homes for these pets.
Monika's DoggieRescue is a registered charity that believes in saving and re-homing as many pets as they can from the council pounds. For many years Monika Biernacki and a group of volunteers have been rescuing pets from death row and successfully re-homing them with permanent and loving owners.
Their motto for Christmas is 'Please; don't shop - adopt'.
Church Point Ferry Service: Christmas Day times 2025
The Joyful Season
- Lifeline - on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline – 24/7 counselling for kids, teens and young adults aged between 5 and 25 - on 1800 551 800
- headspace – mental health support for young people. Offering phone, chat and online community support - on 1800 650 890
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- QLife on 1800 184 527
- ReachOut – mental health service for young people and their parents. Offering self-help information, peer-support program and referral tools.
McCarrs Creek road landslip

NSW Government joins South Australia in seeking to be heard on High Court challenge to National Social Media Age Ban
- Banning mobile phones in all NSW public schools, with recent Department of Education survey results showing:
- 81 per cent of principals say students’ learning has improved
- 87 per cent say students are less distracted in the classroom
- 86 per cent say socialising has improved since the ban
- Introducing a statewide trial to open school ovals, courts and playgrounds outside school hours, giving children more places to be active and off their devices.
- Developing a statewide approach to address bullying in all schools.
- Establishing a $2.5 million research fund to investigate the impacts of excessive screen time, video games and mobile phone use on young people.
- Recruiting 250 additional school counsellors as part of the Government’s commitment to student wellbeing.
Ancillary Consumable Products Available to Charities and Not-For-Profits
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be a charity or not-for-profit and must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for Profits Commission (ACNC)
- have a registered address within Australia to facilitate delivery
- be a legal entity with the capacity to enter into a legally binding agreement or contract
- have a valid use for the consumables which aligns with Government Objectives
- agree to not on sell any provided consumables
- an individual
- unincorporated association
- overseas resident/organisation
- Organisation Name:
- Australian Business Number (ABN):
- Organisation Type:
- Website:
- Australian Charities and Not-for Profits Commission (ACNC) Reg. Number:
- Contact Name:
- Contact Role:
- Contact Phone:
- Contact Email:
- Delivery Address:

Avalon Beach Roadworks

Oppose the Planning Reforms: Petition
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Dobby
2yo Pug X Staffy

Dobby is a friendly happy energetic boy. He is slightly smaller than an English Staffy. He is social with dogs around his size and energy level. Out walking he mostly walks on loose lead. He can lunge playfully at some dogs, and he walks at a good pace. He enjoys being patted and really enjoys back rubs. Dobby is better with women than men. He is also an expert climber so good fencing is required. He has a smooth coat and weighs 15.6kg. Dobby suits a home based worker and ideally a small garden. He is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $400.
Huntrix
12mths DSH

Huntrix arrived at the council pound with tiny newborn babies, terrified and unsure of the world. When Doggierescue rescued her and brought her into our care at The Cottage with her little family, she was so frightened we couldn’t get near her. But with time, patience, and lots of gentle care…Huntrix blossomed.
This beautiful tabby girl has transformed into the most affectionate, smoochy, cuddly young mumma. She raised her kittens with absolute devotion and grace, and now that her babies are ready for their own homes, it’s finally Huntrix’s turn to be cherished.
Huntrix is one of those special cats who truly blossoms once she feels safe.She’s young, affectionate, incredibly sweet, and has overcome so much already. She deserves a home where she will finally be the one cared for. If you’re looking for a gentle soul with a heart of gold, please consider giving Huntrix the loving forever home she has earned.
All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Have your say: 2026-27 Pre-Budget submission
- What is the NSW Government doing well and should continue to do?
- What is the NSW Government not doing well?
- What work should the NSW Government pause or deprioritise?
- What ways could the NSW Government raise funds to support service delivery and infrastructure?
James Griffin MP Launches ‘Future Manly’
Putting the Community at the Centre of Decision-Making
Marine Rescue Broken Bay Christmas Raffle 2025

Avoid the Christmas rush with Australia Posts last-sending dates
- Parcel Post: Parcels should be sent by Monday 22 December for same state deliveries and Friday 19 December for interstate deliveries
- Express Post: Parcels should be sent by Tuesday 23 December
- Letters/cards: Christmas letters and cards should be sent by Thursday 18 December for same state deliveries and Tuesday 16 December for interstate deliveries
- Economy Air: Parcels should be sent between 21 November – 5 December depending on the destination
- International Standard: Parcels should be sent between 28 November – 12 December depending on the destination
- International Express: Parcels should be sent between 5 December – 18 December depending on the destination

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 December 2025
Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: share Wildlife Data
- The position via GPS or road and suburb
- The date
- The animal
Letters to the Editor
Scruby Says Drone Expansion Good Start but will Continue Push for Full Metro Coverage in Next NSW Budget

North Narrabeen SLSC shark bit kits

New Wheelchair Accessible Hop Skip Jump Buses Commence Service
Dick Smith Makes One Million Dollar Donation to NSW Policy Legacy

NSW Police Legacy has received it’s largest ever private donation.
Established in 1987, NSW Police Legacy provides financial and social support to families of police officers who have died both on and off duty. There are currently 1380 legatees ranging in age from a 1-year-old to 104-years-of age.
Today (Monday 8 December 2025), Terrey Hills Businessman Dick Smith and his wife Philippa donated a $1,000,000 cheque to NSW Police Legacy.
This represents the most significant grant ever provided to the organisation by an individual.
Mr Smith said that the reason we live with relative safety and comfort in a country like Australia is due to the efforts of the men and women who wear the police uniform.
“It’s an absolute credit to the risks you take. I have been fortunate to give a number of talks down at the Police Academy at Goulburn. I said I admire you all because you no doubt know it’s a risky job.”
“I admire everyone of you and in my whole life time its wonderful to be protected by the police,” said Mr Smith.
Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM said the donation is gratefully accepted and will go along way to supporting NSW Police Legacy.
“It is not just the financial benefit this will have to those who rely on Legacy for assistance but it actually goes beyond that. It show’s that they haven’t been forgotten by the community when they lose a loved one. It’s a lovely gesture,” said Commissioner Lanyon APM.
Chair of NSW Police Legacy, Superintendent Donna McCarthy APM, went onto say the donation will allow the organisation to greatly expand on its support to those who rely on it.
“We have many kids who rely on us for financial support regarding their education needs. This has now opened the way for additional education grants.”
“Mr Smith has been a great advocate for police as well as NSW Police Legacy for many years. I can’t tell you how grateful we all are to receive this contribution,” said Superintendent McCarthy APM.
For more information about the role of NSW Police Legacy and what they do see www.policelegacynsw.org.au

Council supports bushfire readiness for offshore residents
- From Thursday the 27th of November collect council-provided bags from Scotland Island Residents Association or from public wharves at Mackerel Beach, North Elvina Bay, South Elvina Bay, Lovett Bay, Hall or Morning Bay and at Bonnie Doon and Bennetts Wharf at Coasters Retreat.
- Collect fine fuel from your roof and around your property and fill the bags.
- Leave full bags out before 8am on the day of collection at your collection point.
- Ross Smith Parade, Mackerel Beach residents’ collection point is via the southern corner of the street or near the public wharf.
- Public wharf collections are to be secured at the wharf’s entrance point.
- Roadside collections are to be placed with a 3-metre gap in the road reserve or fire trails to allow emergency access.
- Please note that regular vegetation will not be included in this special collection.

Manly Pathway of Olympians-Paralympians
- Grant Brits – Swimming, Beijing 2008
- Brian Dalton – Judo, Tokyo 1964
- Chloe Dalton – Rugby 7s, Rio De Janeiro 2016
- Rachel Lack – Softball, Tokyo 2020
- Jim Colley – Sailing, Paris 2024
- Shaun Connor – Sailing, Paris 2024
- Julia Bell – Rowing, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004
- Robin Bell – Canoe Slalom, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008
- Emma Lincoln-Smith – Skeleton, Vancouver 2010
Cooking Up a Storm

Pittwater Peninsula Netball Club

Term dates for NSW public schools: 2026
2026 school term dates
Term First day for students Last day for students
Term 1
(Eastern) Monday 2 February 2026 Thursday 2 April 2026
Term 1
(Western) Monday 9 February 2026 Thursday 2 April 2026
Term 2
Wednesday 22 April 2026 Friday 3 July 2026
Term 3
Tuesday 21 July 2026 Friday 25 September
Term 4
Tuesday 13 October 2026 Thursday 17 December
NSW school holiday dates: 2026 school year
Season Division
Autumn holidays Eastern and Western divisions
Tuesday 7 April to Friday 17 April 2026
Winter holidays Eastern and Western divisions
Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026
Spring holidays Eastern and Western divisions
Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026
Summer holidays
Eastern division
Friday 18 December to Wednesday 27 January 2027
Western division
Friday 18 December to Wednesday 3 February 2027
Experienced barristers appointed to Supreme Court of NSW
Capacity of District Court of NSW bolstered with two new appointments
NSW Netball Privacy Policy: Ask Permission

Marine Rescue Middle Harbour launches Club 500 fundraising programme
- 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

Petition: Stop Politicians from spamming & harvesting our data
Sign at: www.katechaney.com.au/spam-and-data-petition
We want political parties to communicate - but without bombarding us or harvesting our personal information.
This is a chance for the Government to act to protect voters.
Political Spam
We’re tired of getting swamped with political texts. Political parties shouldn’t be exempt from the Spam Act 2003 - they need to follow the same rules as every business. Prime Minister Albanese said on ABC Radio, “I certainly think that would be a reasonable thing to do, to ban the texts."
Data Harvesting - Postal Vote Applications
Millions of Australians vote by post. This process should be between you and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) - not political parties fishing for your data. Right now, major parties send postal vote application forms – by SMS, email or to your mailbox - along with their political ads and ask you to send your application to a “processing centre” they control. They can then collect your personal details to use and share before passing the application on to the AEC. As AEC Commissioner Jeff Pope said on 31 March 2025, "Concerns about party postal vote applications through unsolicited outreach is the number one complaint we hear from voters at almost every federal election"
Governments in Victoria and Western Australia have fixed this. NSW is next.
It’s time for the Federal Government to do the same!
More in report: Bill to Stop Politicians Harvesting your Data Via Postal Votes Introduced: Petition to support Bill
Disability safeguards consultation: share your thoughts
- Disability Support Quality and Safeguarding Framework (the Framework), and
- Disability Support Ecosystem Safeguarding Strategy (the Strategy).
- set the standard and culture of the systems, services, supports, people and organisations that together meet the needs of people with disability
- empower people with disability to access quality supports and use safeguards
- unify and strengthen safeguards for people with disability.
- visit Disability Safeguards Consultation
- contact AHA at disabilitysafeguards@ahaconsulting.com.au
- phone 03 8632 9505 (between 9 am and 5 pm AEDT, Monday to Friday).
Report Hate Crimes
- Every report is taken seriously by the NSW Police Force.
- You can expect a respectful and straightforward experience.
- A translator will be used if required.
- When you report to the police, they will request your details. You can choose not to provide these details at the time of reporting however, this will likely affect how police can proceed with an investigation.
- Support services or contact with an appropriate liaison officer will be offered.
- You will be kept informed of what happens next, your rights and the criminal process (if someone was able to be charged).
Pittwater Community Groups:
JP Public Register
- Terry Jones J.P.
- Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
- Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P
Mona Vale Residents Association

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing


