March 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 640
Week Four March 2025 (March 17 - 23)
Aquatics: Hansa Worlds + Para Worlds Will Fire Up the estuary This Week: 'Welcome to Pittwater Athletes'! by Di Pearson and RPAYC (runs March 23-30)
Pictures 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Opens - Newport Wins 11th Straight Title!
Terms of Reference for 2025 Inquiry Into the Safety and Quality of Health Services provided by Northern Beaches Hospital Released: Pittwater MP's Clarion Speech in NSW Parliament on Tuesday March 18
Scamps' Call for Residential Battery Subsidies May Ease Council's EV-Charging Stations Dilemma + Solar for Apartment Residents incentive open until December 31 + EV and Hybrid vehicle data for our area by postcode + NSW Inquiry into Infrastructure for electric and alternative energy source vehicles in NSW (closing date for submissions is Friday 2 May 2025) + ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid
Boaters reminded not to get complacent on the water: MRNSW's February 2025 Rescues - Boating Season Closes Anzac Day 2025
Council Review of Alcohol Free Zones: Feedback closes April 27 2025 - changes for some areas proposed
Elanora's Kalang Road - Newport's Robertson Road Permits Approved by Traffic Committee for Plug & Play: Fairlight + Brookvale approved too
Digital Parking permits coming for across the Peninsula + CellOPark Dispute 2024-2025 + NSW Government's Ticketless Parking Reforms and Consultation on Equal Access to Beach Parking Permits (open until April 17 2025)
Park Bench Philosophers: Australia has promised to end domestic violence within a generation. Jess Hill asks: are our strategies working?
Seas The Day 2025 returns to Kingscliff Beach
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Week Three March 2025 (March 10 - 16)
Pictures: 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Masters Report + Results
Profile of the Week: Judith Friezer - 90-year-old first time author
Aquatics Double celebration for two long-serving Marine Rescue Cottage Point volunteers
Parliamentary inquiry into Safety and Quality of Northern Beaches Hospital Services Announced
It's a 'Bit Sharky' out there: 5 Tagged Bull Sharks Pinged at North Narrabeen on Same Day - Bull Shark spotted at Bayview + some historical insights into Sharks in the estuary and along our beaches
Bus Problems set to Ease: Repaired Buses returning to Service in April - New Buses slated for local routes by end of 2025
Warriewood Community Centre Build: March 2025 Update by Joe Mills
Ethan Hrnjak announced as Greens’ federal candidate for Mackellar 2025
Park Bench Philosophers: Yes, it’s a terrible idea to pick up or interfere with wild animals – especially baby wombats. Here’s why + How to report abuse of Wildlife or help injured wildlife
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Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)
Pictures: The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches: Celebrating 50 years of Action in 2025 - The Zonta Northern Beaches Annual Women's Day Breakfast photos by Michael Mannington OAM, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches and others!
Profile of the Week Pittwater Women of the Year 2025: Lisbeth Lawsen - Simone Allan + 2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess
History: Max Dupain of Newport: Pittwater Photographer
Saltwater Veterans in Hansa Worlds on Pittwater: Let’s Support Our Girls!
Aquatics Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar
Local MP's Call for Funding to fix Narrabeen Athletics Track: Federal Budget scheduled for March 25
Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025
Park Bench Philosophers CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers
DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden (Autumn 2025): Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors
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Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)
Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!
Profile of the Week: The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development
IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open - Closes March 17
Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open
NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4
Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute
Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025
Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month
Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March
Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30
Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024
Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation
The Avalon Quilters have an amazing raffle quilt they have made to raise funds for the Mito Foundation.
The quilt, appropriately named “The Sum Of Us”, was made last year by Avalon Quilter’s 25 members. It is completely handmade and totals over 4500 one-inch pieces, then finished off with hand quilting.
Details show the personal and colourful choices made by Avalon Quilters for each piece, underlining the title of this beautiful quilt.
Raffle tickets at $2 each, are available from members, who meet in the Uniting Church at Avalon every Thursday, 10-2.30, at Patchwork on Pittwater at Mona Vale, and Avalon Fabrics and Craft, in Avalon Parade.
The raffle will be drawn at Easter.
All tickets sales will go to the Mito Foundation, which Avalon Quilters have been supporting for over a decade through making raffle quilts.
The Mito Foundation supports people affected by mitochondrial disease (mito), funds essential research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures of mitochondrial disorders, and increases awareness and education about mito.
Mitochondria are the power houses of the cell providing the body with over 90% of the energy it needs to sustain life. Mitochondria take in sugars and proteins from the food we eat and produce energy called ATP that our bodies use to function properly. Mitochondrial disease (mito) is a debilitating and potentially fatal disease that reduces the ability of the mitochondria to produce this energy. When the mitochondria are not working properly, cells begin to die until eventually whole organ systems fail and the patient's life itself is compromised.
The Mito Foundation was founded in 2009 by Pittwater residents Doug and Margie Lingard, their friends, and experts in the field of mitochondrial disease (mito).
Barmah Forest Virus risk from mosquitos
- Always wear long, loose-fitting clothing to minimise skin exposure
- Choose and apply a repellent that contains either Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Be aware of peak mosquito times at dawn and dusk
- Keep your yard free of standing water like containers, birdbaths, kids toys and pot plant trays where the mosquitos can breed.
Protect Pittwater AGM 2025

World Down Syndrome Day 2025
Join Rally for Cruisers in 2025 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race

Changes to the Minns Government Ministry
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Stitch
2yo Frenchie (French Bulldog)
Stitch is a gorgeous Frenchie who was just deposited in a night cage at a pound. He is such a sweet happy boy. He is social with other small dogs and is easy to handle. He is looking for an owner who understands brachycephalic breeds and their limitations. He is a teenager so still in that chewy stage of his life. He has a smooth coat and weighs about 9kg. He comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $900.
Elphaba and Glinda
7yo Cavoodles
Elphaba and Glinda are sisters who are bonded and are looking for a home together. They have been together all their lives and even sleep in the same bed together. They are gentle affectionate dogs who have lived with older children. They are social with other small dogs. They are easy to groom and bath and loved being told what good girls they are! They have been taught "sit" and used to walking on leash. They are low shedding dogs and have just had dentals. Elphaba weighs 9.0kg and Glinda weighs 7.7kg. They come desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Their adoption cost is $1800 together.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?
Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025

- Pick your wackiest fancy dress costume (the crazier, the better!)
- Bring your inflatable of choice - anything from rubber duckies to pink flamingos, sea monsters, or pool ponies!
- Join in the 1km paddle adventure from Shelly Beach, around the Manly Life Savers buoys, and back to shore.
- Rules? There are none! First to the finish line wins!
National worker registration scheme feedback
NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open
- Australian History Prize ($15,000)
- General History Prize ($15,000)
- New South Wales Community and Regional History Prize ($15,000)
- Young People’s History Prize ($15,000)
- Digital History Prize ($15,000)
- The Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize ($10,000)
History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations
- 🛥️ What happens to communities when water is absent or when it is destructive? How did people in the past use water to travel and trade?
- 🌊 How do waterways connect, or disconnect, communities?
- 🐠 How important is water in cultures of sport, fishing, and play as well as the economy?

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Report Hate Crimes
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
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January 2016 February 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016 August 2016 September 2016 October 2016 November 2016 December 2016
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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
JP Public Register
- Terry Jones J.P.
- Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
- Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P
Vale Andrew Chadwick
Vale Marcia Stewart Cocks
Vale Shane Herring
“I USED TO WEAR MY BELROSE FOOTY JACKET IN THE SURF.SURFING IS IN MY BLOOD.”

Vale Beau Hewitt
Avalon Beach RSL Children's Playground changes
- Kids’ Activity Days – Featuring fun events like face painting, magic shows, and more
- Kids’ Activity Packs – Available before the new area opens
- Giant Outdoor Games – Think Giant Connect 4 and more!
- Discounted Kids’ Meals – Returning on select days very soon
- Kids’ Board Games – Ready to enjoy before the new area opens
Application to Demolish Narrabeen RSL lodged

Loosely Woven 30th Anniversary Concerts: 'Unwound'
Eastwood
1-6pm, Sunday 23rd March, 2025
Eastwood Uniting Church
16 Lakeside Road, Eastwood
Avalon
1-6pm, Saturday 29th March, 2025
Avalon Baptist Peace Church
2 George Street, Avalon
Narrabeen
1-6pm, Sunday 30th March, 2025
The Lakes Parish Hall
21 Lagoon Street, Narrabeen
South Turramurra
1-6pm, Saturday 5th April, 2025
St Andrew's Uniting Church
Chisholm & Vernon Streets, South Turramurra
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Professor Michael Kidd AO: Next CMO

Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road
- temporary parking changes on Old Barrenjoey Road during the day time deliveries. We will temporarily use three parking spaces next to our site compound on Old Barrenjoey Road to allow access to the compound for deliveries.
- installing a gravel road base at our Ingleside compound to create a laydown area within the site.
- installing storage containers for materials and equipment, as well as a single level demountable building for the site office at our Ingleside compound.

Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM
- Lovett Bay Boatshed
- Members free, non-members $50
- All included: food + beverages
- Live music: ‘Nothing Too Serious’

Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards
Housing Delivery Authority: 15 more Developments approved - Brookvale included in this round
- The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.
- The largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs and shopping centres to address the “missing middle.”
- The largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW.
- $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning.
- $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters.
(e) development specified in EOI application 233529 dated 22 January 2025 including development for the purposes of mixed use development comprising commercial premises, residential accommodation and passenger transport facilities at 145 Old Pittwater Road, and 123 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale, Lot 103/DP1247294 and Lot 1/DP529544,
Consulting on payday super draft legislation
New police wanding powers tackling knife crime across the state
- Doubling the penalty for selling a knife to a child under 16 to $11,000 and introducing a custodial sentence of up to 12 months for the offence; and
- Creating a new offence for selling knives to children aged 16 or 17 without a reasonable excuse.
Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback
- a framework that supports the sustainable management and retention of safe and healthy trees
- supports the management of public trees through succession and new tree planting, along with proactive and reactive maintenance programs
- preferences locally occurring native species for new plantings
- prioritises alternative options before pursuing the removal of trees
Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach
Over 18,600 tonnes of batteries are discarded to landfill in Australia each year, even though 95% of a battery can be recycled!
That’s why we are rolling out battery recycling units across our stores! Our battery recycling units accept household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries as well as mobile phones!
How To Dispose Of Your Batteries Safely:
- Collect Your Used Batteries: Gather all used batteries from your home. Our battery recycling units accept batteries from a wide range of products such as household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries.
- Tape Your Terminals: Tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape.
- Drop Them Off: Come and visit your nearest participating store to recycle your batteries for free (at Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Mona Vale and Avalon Beach).
- Feel Good About Your Impact: By recycling your batteries, you're helping support a healthier planet by keeping hazardous material out of landfills and conserving resources.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces hazardous waste in landfill
- Conserves natural resources by promoting the use of recycled materials
- Keep toxic materials out of waterways
Pittwater Community Groups:
Letters to the Editor
Mona Vale Residents Association

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: share Wildlife Data
- The position via GPS or road and suburb
- The date
- The animal