February 1 - 28, 2025: Issue 639

Front Page Issue 639

Week Four February 2025 (February 17-23)

Tragic Death of 2-year-old Joe Massa at Northern Beaches Hospital ED Prompts Renewed Calls for Hospital to be Returned to Public Hospital model immediately

Mona Vale Set to Become the Dee Why of Pittwater Under NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise policy

Pictures: The ASRL Open 2025 + Surf Life Saving Australia Interstate Surf Boat Championships 2025

Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback

From the Council Chamber 18.2.25 by Miranda Korzy, Pittwater Greens Councillor

Proposal to rename Warriewood Greenspace as 'Ronda Alterator Reserve' Endorsed

National Medals for Dedicated NSW Lifesavers - local recipients

Commissioning of three new vessels to boost NSW's marine policing capability

ACCC's compliance and enforcement priorities update 2025-26: Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb's address

Defending line honours winner in mix for Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race 2025 by Di Pearson

Aquatics Local Historian Geoff Searl Sails south on Historic Replica Vessel HMB Endeavour To 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival

Food: Lovat on the Beach: Avalon Beach (in Avalon Surf Club)

Justine Dupont, Clement Roseyro, Nic Von Rupp Win Big at 2025 Nazaré Big Wave Challenge + Tyler Wright Wins Pipe Pro for Second time

Park Bench Philosophers: Yes, Australia needs new homes – but they must be built to withstand disasters in a warmer world + More than half of Australia’s homes were built before fire standards came in. Here are 5 ways to retrofit them + How to protect more Australian homes from the growing risks of floods, fires and other climate disasters

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Week Three February 2025 (February 10-16)

Non-Compliant DA For Palm Beach General Store Site: Now Supported By Council

Outraged Pittwater Community Fights To Stop Rising Costs Of Failed Merger; Renews Call To Reinstate Pittwater Council

Mackellar MP Dr. Sophie Scamps Introduces Wellbeing Of Future Generations Bill 2025

Inaugural Speech: Jacqui Scruby, MP For Pittwater

20th Anniversary Of The Bush To Beach Program: Thank You South Narrabeen SLSC

Jeffrey Quinn announced as Labor’s candidate for Mackellar

Aquatics All-star cast to converge on Pittwater for 2025 Hansa and Para Worlds by Di Pearson

Pictures: Highway One Screening for Avalon Beach SLSC 100th Year Celebrations by Roger Sayers OAM

Report from Inquiry into E-scooters and E-bikes Released: Recommends Significant and Urgent Reform 

Federal Electoral Reform Bill passed by the Labor-Liberal Alliance

Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for the Mito Foundation

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner praises boaters following reduction in January rescues

Australia Post seals new Bank@Post agreement with major banks

Pave App: to support youth off vapes while tens of thousands of illegal products removed from community

DIY Ideas DIY Repairing Sunken Paver Areas Fix

Park Bench Philosophers Want to make sure you don’t swelter in your next home? Check these 12 features before you rent or buy

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Week Two February 2025 (February  3-9)

New amenities now open at Barrenjoey Headland

Newport’s Conner Maggs wins 2024/25 Iron Series

Aquatics Pittwater Regatta 2025 by Di Pearson

New Bus Timetable Leaving Commuters Stranded Along Essential Routes, again

Australia's climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record: BOM + It’s official: Australia’s ocean surface was the hottest on record in 2024 + Extra Recent Related reports

The King and I on the Hawkesbury (a Chris Hendrikson photo and memory confirms decades of rumours)

Vaping rates falling among young Australians: New Cancer Council 'Generation Vape' Report

Pictures: Careel Bay's Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos: February 2025 Antics

Education News February 2025: Anzac Grants for Barrenjoey High School - Terrey Hills Public School + Manly Students Experience Democracy at Parliament of NSW - 2025 Education Program Available + Out Front 2025 opens February 21 at Manly Art Gallery & Museum + Thousands of students return to new and upgraded schools + Narrabeen Sports High School Upgrade Update + Highest HSC Results for Sports High School in NSW

Park Bench Philosophers: Emergency response beacons can cut drownings at the beach – but 72% of people haven’t heard of them By Rob Brander, Professor, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group - Also available from December 2024;  New Emergency Response Beacons Now Active at North Palm Beach, Turimetta, Narrabeen + South Curl Curl, Fishermans, Shelly Beaches

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Week One February 2025 (January 27 - February 2)

Northern Beaches Council Passes Motion to Apply for a Permanent 40% Increase in Rates

Louis Tilly Crowned 2025 Australian WASZP Champion

Creative additions bolster Pantaenius Pittwater Regatta: Runs February 7 to 9 by  Di Pearson

Aquatics: Project Restore: seagrass from Palm Beach Going to Sydney Harbour - Join the Storm Squad + Environmentally Friendly Moorings – Free Trial Available

Changes coming to council meetings: NSW Government's OLG Public Consultation - closes February 28 2025

Pictures: Turimetta Moods: January 2025 by Joe Mills

Internationals combine for assault on 2025 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race by Di Pearson

Park Bench Philosophers: Australian democracy is not dead, but needs help to ensure its survival

Out Front 2025 Opens this February at the Manly Art Gallery & Museum - stunning HSC works on display

Tilly Rose Cooper's Swimwear Drive For Fijian Youngsters - drop off swimmers to surf clubs by end of Nippers February 9

DIY Ideas: A Job For Life: Apprentice Carpenter + Commencement Tool List

Bus Timetable changes: Be ready for back to school - Reminder on articulated buses

Breeding time for Manly and Pittwater's Little Penguins: Boaters urged to stick to speed limit - First NSW Maritime Blitz for 2025 now on

Wildlife Killed by Same Roaming Dog Pair Again: 2025 Review of NSW Companion Animals Act to Commence following Dog Attack Inquests - (Dogs killing wildlife at: North Narrabeen-Elanora-Ingleside-Warriewood - January 2024; NB - the news service has received MORE of these reports since this first ran - these need to be reported to the Council to enable the Council to act on these) 

Draft Plan of Management for Dogs offleash On South Mona Vale Beach Open for feedback closes Sunday February 9 2025

Profile of the Week Saltwater Veterans: Sailing For Connection, Healing & Growth

Website: saltwaterveterans.org

With the last weekend of Summer upon us - and although they sail year round - a 'dip into the briny' courtesy of the Saltwater Veterans, is more than an appropriate way to bid farewell to the 2024/2025 Season and 'welcome' to all we can do this Autumn.

Saltwater Veterans, originally known as ‘Four Men in a Boat’, was Co-founder Scott Reynolds and three veteran friends with no sailing experience taking to the waters to reconnect with life and each other. Following an 18-year naval career, Scott found the camaraderie, the movement, and the sheer enjoyment of being out on the water had immediate benefits for each veteran’s physical and mental health. Inspired by the effects on his wellbeing, Scott and his wife Jen started volunteering, encouraging more veterans to get involved in sailing.

Saltwater Veterans has been operating since 2017, and commenced here, on the waters of Pittwater's estuary. 

In 2018 they became the Saltwater Veterans.

With a crew of ‘salty volunteers, yacht clubs and sponsors such as Young Veterans and more recently local RSL sub-branches, Saltwater Veterans are now fostering overlapping communities in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Nowra, Perth and Mooloolaba, and upwards of 80–100 veterans each month on water.

reached an important milestone in September 2022 by officially establishing the SWV Ltd trading as Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP) as an Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) registered health promotion charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and as a recognised Australian Sailing club.

Your support will ensure a future of camaraderie, skill-building, and meaningful engagement for those who have served our nation. 

This week, Manly residents Scott and Jen Reynolds, Co-Founders of the Saltwater Veterans & Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project kindly lend a few more insights into this outstanding organisation.

    History Summer in Pittwater: Places to Stay, Ways to Play - Some History

    With the last weekend of Summer 2024/2025 upon us, the bumper-to-bumper stream of traffic to and from Palm Beach which fills the Barrenjoey road from Governor Phillip Park south to Mona Vale ended, and the first scents and cools of Autumn in the dawn over the past few weeks, one last celebratory dive into the history of what a Summer in Pittwater was once all about.

    Although Pittwater was stated from the late 1860's on as the bound to be successful location of a 'future resort', and thousands of excursionists visited year round on paddle steamers and later, ferries, it was those making A Run to Pittwater aboard their own vessels or as a fleet from a yacht club, who then stayed aboard their yachts, that began the exodus to Pittwater from Sydney during Summer. 

    Once places people could stay in were built that the shift from being a food bowl for Sydney, and farmland, towards what would become a holiday area that offered the quieter waters of an estuary and lagoon, beaches and bushland, and abutting a National Park,  a Summer in Pittwater became the break to have.

    From Boxing Day on Pittwater Regattas brought crowds to the estuary. The first Pittwater Regatta was run in 1888, and aimed at bringing people into the area. The Basin Regattas of the 1890’s, led by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron with events for local fishermen when Pittwater was still mainly a farming and fishing food bowl for the colony of Sydney Town, continued this aquatics fun focus, including the RSYS looking at local sites for their 'Pittwater chapter'.

    In 1906 two boys from Bayview, John Roche and P T Taylor's eldest son, William Donald Mawney Taylor, 'Don' Taylor, had a little race up the estuary and around Lion Island against a pair of Queenslanders, the Crouch brothers, and the love of sailing or rowing, and doing so competitively, shifted further down the estuary and attracted thousands by the time the post-WWI 1920's and Pittwater Regattas of the 1930's were taking place - the contrast between those struggling during this decade financially and those able on host visitors on yachts and motor launches featured in all Sydney newspapers - also came with pictures that show the still open fields in the background and the holiday homes now dotting the hills among the farm sheds. 

    Visitors went from camping at The Basin to ‘taking a cottage’ for a week, even during cooler months, or taking up the option of a boarding house, such as The Rock Lily, Collin’s Retreat, later Scotts’ ‘Bay View House’, on Crystal Bay and within a few years, the Newport Hotel, and then the Narrabeen Hotel, or the Mona Vale beachfront resort community envisioned in George Brock's 'The Oaks', although he did not benefit from all his hard work.

    Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

    February 1 2025

    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 with the 2025 raffle quilt, “The Sum Of Us”.

    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). 

    Pittwater Classic Yacht & Couta Regatta 2025

    Runs: March 1-2 2025
    Registration for this event closes at Fri 28 Feb 2025 12:00
    The 2025 Pittwater Classic Yacht and Couta Regatta will once again be hosted by Avalon Sailing Club.

    No specific criteria is being applied to the word 'Classic' but we are hoping to attract mostly timber built yachts.

    There will be 3 short windward / leeward races in 3 Divisions on Pittwater on the Saturday 1st March and a passage race for all divisions on Sunday 2nd.

    We Anticipate entries will include the Wednesday warriors from Woody Point and those Yachts that spend most of the year under covers ! Those less interested in racing are encouraged to join Sunday’s “Parade of Sail” using the same start & finish and a course shared with the racers.

    We welcome and encourage yachts to raft up on moorings at the club after the race for celebration drinks, prize giving and BBQ. A tender service will be available.

    Enter both days, or just Sunday details on the Avalon Sailing Club website: www.revolutionise.com.au/avalonsailingclub/279006

    End of an Era at Pittwater Animal Hospital

    February 20, 2025
    For over 20 years, Pittwater Animal Hospital has been the holding facility for Northern Beaches Pound, caring for countless lost and stray animals. During this time, we have nursed, socialised, and in the last 5 years we have rehomed over 300 cats and kittens, ensuring they found loving forever homes.

    From tiny, frightened kittens to older stray cats needing a second chance, our team has worked tirelessly—providing medical care, desexing, cuddles, and guidance to their new families. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and we are so grateful for the wonderful pet parents who have welcomed these kitties into their homes.

    The council has now chosen to take a different direction, meaning our time as ‘cat cuddling central’ is coming to an end. We still have a few gorgeous cats and kittens left looking for their perfect homes—these will be the last pets we rehome from this special chapter of PAH’s history.

    While this era is closing, our love for animals remains as strong as ever, and we always love hearing updates about our happy, well-loved kitties. 

    If you’ve been thinking about adopting, now is the time! Trax, Eagle, Angel, and Alaska are our final four cats waiting for their forever homes. Make and appointment to meet them and give them the happy ending they deserve.

    Pittwater Animal Hospital
    1 Arnott Crescent Warriewood 
    Ph: (02) 9913 7979

    Marine Rescue Broken Bay News

    Congratulations to Karen McCarthy passing her crew Operational Assessment earlier today. Well done Karen - January 19 2025

    Congratulations to Jamie Cox for passing his Crew OA over the weekend. Well done Jamie - February 17 2025


    Great job 'Romeo Watch' assisting a vessel along with Maritime using pumps to save this yacht. Good job - February 17 2025


    Photos: MRBB

    Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for 'Feedback'

    The Northern Beaches Council is inviting feedback on its new draft Tree Management Policy which the council states ‘aims to strengthen tree assessment and protection requirements and expand the local green links between natural areas’.

    ‘The draft harmonises the former council's policies and provides a consistent and strategic approach to tree management across the area.’ a release by the council says

    Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins encouraged the community to have their say on the draft Policy  

    “This initiative underscores our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the region's exceptional tree canopy coverage, which with an estimated 12 million trees is among the highest for an urban council in Australia.  

    "Our tree canopy is a vital part of our local environment, helping to keep temperatures down, providing important habitat, and is highly valued by our local community.

    The council states the new draft policy provides: 
    • 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
    For more information and to provide feedback, the community can visit the Your Say project page. 

    The policy will be on exhibition from Monday 24 February 2025 to Sunday 30 March 2025.


    Ronda Alterator OAM Reserve Endorsed

    The council has endorsed the proposal to name the Reserve at 3 Boondah Road, Warriewood as Ronda Alterator Reserve at the meeting held February 18, 2025.

    'Naming this very popular area the Ronda Alterator Reserve honours the dedication, contribution and devotion of Ronda Alterator (OAM) towards netball and our local community over many years.' council stated in a release

    Mayor Sue Heins said the naming of the reserve is a tribute to Mrs Alterator.

    “It is a fitting accolade to her unwavering commitment over many years to promoting and encouraging sporting participation and excellence and to building community spirit.

    “Mrs Alterator dedicated over 42 years to Narrabeen Youth Club Netball including 9 years as the director. She also volunteered as president, vice president, coach, coordinator and umpires’ convener over those years. She was deservedly honoured with a life membership.

    In 2020, Mrs Alterator was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to netball.

    “Council is proud to the acknowledge the legacy of Ronda Alterator OAM by naming the Boondah Road Reserve in her honour,” said Mayor Heins.

    Mrs Alterator’s contributions to netball were recognised with multiple awards over the years. 

    Mrs Alterator was a dedicated and valued member of the Narrabeen Youth Club (NYC) for over 42 years, including nine years as the Director. She was honoured with NYC life membership to recognise her commitment and passion to the NYC. Her volunteering contributions to NYC Netball also included President, Vice President, Coach, Net Set Go Coordinator, Umpires Convener and being on the grading committee. 

    Mrs Alterator also volunteered on various Manly Warringah Netball Association committees including grading, competition and coaching committees.

    Her community service was not just limited to netball. She volunteered on various local P&Cs raising much needed funds for local schools as well as being involved in senior citizen programs.

    Mrs Alterator passed away on 10 April 2024, aged 82.

    The council will now seek the approval of the Geographical Names Board of NSW for the new reserve name. Once approved new signs will be installed and a naming ceremony held in the Reserve with Ronda’s family and friends and the Narrabeen Youth Club Netball.

    Ronda Alterator OAM. Image supplied.

    Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc. 2025 Women's Day Breakfast: Tickets link

    The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc invites YOU to join them for their International Women’s Day Breakfast, on Wednesday 5th March, 2025.


    Funds raised go towards their many projects. 

    Details of this year's speaker are:


    Island Café: Catherine Park, Scotland Island

    Sunday 23 February, 10 am - noon

    Free digital mental health supports

    The Australian Government announced on Wednesday February 19 it is delivering high-quality free mental health supports for new parents, younger Australians, LGBTIQA+ people and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

    A $135.2 million investment into the Digital Mental Health Program, will see 12 leading mental health services provide Australians access to digital and online mental health support at a time and place that suits them.

    Programs include a first-of-its-kind Australian digital mental health service for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The program is being delivered by St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney through its THIS WAY UP CALD program. 

    The investment is also supporting new fathers who are experiencing depression. The DadBooster national online treatment program mirrors best-practice cognitive behavioural therapy to meet the needs of postnatal men.

    For the first time, all funded services are accredited against the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards. This aims to improve the quality of digital mental health services offerings. 

    The investment is part of the government’s commitment to a whole-of-system approach to mental health reform.

    Federal Health Minister, The Hon. Mark Butler said: 

    “Every Australian deserves access to mental health care and support at a time and place that suits them.

    “That’s why we are expanding the range and reach of free high-quality digital mental health supports

    “Mainstream services don’t work for everyone, and this $135 million investment will deliver more mental health care, more fairly and more efficiently to the people who need it.” 

    Successful grant applicants:
    • Blue Knot Foundation: Blue Knot Helpline
    • Butterfly Foundation: Butterfly National Helpline
    • E-Hub Health Pty Ltd: e-hub Web Service
    • headspace: eheadspace
    • LGBTIQ+ Health Australia: QLife
    • MQ Health Pty Limited: MindSpot
    • Orygen: MOST
    • PANDA: PANDA National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline
    • Parent-Infant Research Institute: MumMoodBooster and DadBooster
    • ReachOut Australia: ReachOut
    • SANE Australia: SANE's Guided Recovery Community for Complex Mental Health 
    • St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney Limited: THIS WAY UP’s clinician-supported service, CALD community targeted service, and self-help service.

    National worker registration scheme feedback

    The Australian Government is seeking views on the design of a national registration scheme to support personal care workers employed in aged care, including new training and mandatory minimum qualification requirements.

    The scheme will support the growth of a strengthened and skilled aged care workforce, where personal care workers are better valued for the important role they perform, and with greater professional development opportunities and improved conditions.
     
    It will also play an important role in ensuring aged care is a safe place with appropriate protections for older people.
     
    Older people, their friends and family, supporters, advocates, care and support providers and workers, and training organisations and providers are invited to have their say by completing a short survey or providing a written submission by email.
     
    This consultation builds on the Government’s introduction of a Code of Conduct for Aged Care, which commenced 1 December 2022. Compliance with the code ensures safe, respectful and quality care for older people.
     
    To find out more, visit Have your say on the design of a national registration scheme for personal care workers in aged care - Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Citizen Space
     
    The consultation is open from 18 February to 17 April 2025.

    NSW Custody Statistics December 2024

    Link to report summary:
    Release date: Tuesday, 18 February 2025
    The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released the latest NSW Custody Statistics report showing data to December 2024.  

    The key findings include: 
    Adult custody: 
    • In December 2024, the prison population was 12,736.  While the adult prison population remains 899 people fewer than prior to the pandemic in December 2019, over the last 12 months, the number of adults in prison rose considerably (up 645 inmates or up 5.3% from December 2023).
    • The increase in the total prison population over the last year is primarily due to a rise in the remand population which increased by 538 people or 10.6% from December 2023 to December 2024.
    • Additional Domestic Violence (DV) remandees accounted for 55% of the total remand increase over the past year.
    • In December 2024 the number of Aboriginal people in prison was 4,114; equating to 32.3% of the prison population - the highest proportion on record.  The number of Aboriginal adults in prison rose 9.7% in the 12 months from December 2023 to December 2024; Aboriginal adults on remand rose 11.8% and sentenced prisoner rose 8.0%. 
    Youth detention: 
    • In December 2024 there were 225 young people in detention; up 54 or up 31.6% from December 2023.
    • The increase since December 2023 is mainly due to the increase in young people on remand. In December 2024 there were 172 young people on remand, an increase of 34.4% or 44 young people since December 2023.  
    • The main offences driving the increase in the youth remand population are break and enter (up 21 young people to 36 in December 2024) and assault (up 11 young people to 15 in December 2024).
    • At the end of December 2024, there were 129 Aboriginal young people in detention; which is 57.3% of the youth detention population.  The number of Aboriginal young people in custody rose by 21.7% from December 2023 to December 2024.

    Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

    Speckles 

    2yo Dachshund X Cattle

    Speckles is an active fun-loving boy who is super social with other active small dogs. He is sweet and easy to handle and pick up. He has the energy of a cattle dog and loves wrestling with other young dogs so a garden to play in is important for him. He would suit being left alone for part-time hours. Speckles loves his food and very easy to train. He is quite agile despite his short legs. He has a smooth coat and weighs 12kg. He comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $800. 

    Rose

    2yrs Domestic Short Haired Cat

    Rose is a very gently sweet girl who came from the same abandoned house as Jack. They are not really bonded however are very happy to reside together. Rose is very affectionate and easy to handle and social with other cats. She has a short coat and weighs 2.85kg. 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

    North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface? 

    Avalon resident Richard Jeffery is asking residents to look through their old albums and see if they have a clear photo of the surface of the brass directional marker that once graced the plinth on North Bilgola headland, as a project has been launched to replace this.

    Richard explains:
    ‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot. 

    You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event. 

    The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC

    The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content. 

    Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response. 

    The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.

    Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''
     
    I am promoting the headland on HERE
    I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com 

    Thank you
    Richard Jeffery

    Zonta Club's 2025 Birthing Kit Pack Day

    Please join us for our Clean Birthing Kits Packing Day on Saturday 15th March. 

    If you can’t attend, please consider making a donation, details are shown below or please visit: www.zonta-northernbeaches.org

    Newport Surf Life Saving Club: Get your Bronze

    Upcoming Bronze Medallion course!
    Thursdays 7pm-9pm, Saturdays 11am-1pm, starting February 23rd 11am.

    Email director-education@newportsurfclub.com.au for more information.

    Purple Poppy Day Service 2025

    When: Monday 24 February 2025
    Where: Pittwater RSL Cenotaph

    Our fourth Purple Poppy Day Service will be held on Monday 24 February 2025.

    Purple Poppy Day Service honours all Animals currently serving, or served and died, in all conflicts.  “They had no choice”.

    The Service will commence at 11:00 am, at the Lower Cenotaph at the Pittwater RSL Club.  Everyone should be seated by 10:45 am.
    In the event of rain, we will be under cover.

    We ask members of the community NOT to bring their pets to our service!

    Pittwater RSL Club
    82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale.

    Avalon Beach SLSC turns 100 in 2025!

    2025 marks 100 years of Avalon Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

    Planning is underway to celebrate the achievement of Avalon Beach SLSC's Volunteer Surf Lifesavers keeping Avalon Beach safe for residents and visitors for 100 years!

    A number of celebratory events and activities spread throughout the Club's 100th year, are currently under development, and will be progressively announced through the year. 

    The range of celebrations will involve past and present members, the Avalon Beach community, as well as visitors to our area.  The Surf Club is a focal point in and for the Avalon Beach community, so it is fitting that the community takes pride in this milestone.

    Initially, so that our records are up to date, we invite all past members of our Club to Email the Club at 100years@avalonbeachslsc.com.au  with your updated details so we can keep you informed of what will be happening for members.

    If you know of others that may be interested in the 100th Anniversary celebrations please pass the message on. 

    The Club looks to the future, acknowledging and building on the legacy left from those who came before us over the past 100 years.

    Avalon Beach SLSC Centenary Committee

    JP Public Register

    You can find a Justice of the Peace (JP) using the online Public Register. You can search by postcode, name of a JP, day of availability, language spoken and JP registration number. The register lists a JP’s location, availability and telephone number. Please note that JPs are volunteers and may not be available at all times. ​Click here to access the JP Public Register.  NB: There are  3 J.P’s working in Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch office, we work every Monday (10:30am to 15:30)except on public holidays:
    1. Terry Jones J.P.
    2. Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
    3. Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P

    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

    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 2025  February 2025

    National Medals for Dedicated NSW Lifesavers

    Surf Life Saving NSW would like to congratulate a host of surf lifesavers who have been awarded the National Medal, as well as Second Clasps and First Clasps for their sustained service and commitment to Surf Life Saving.

    Established in 1975 as a military recognition award, the National Medal has since branched out into government and voluntary organisations and is now Australia’s most awarded civil medal.

    The National Medal is awarded to individuals on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and recognises long and diligent service in organisations that are dedicated to protecting life and property at a degree of risk to their members.

    National Medals can also be awarded to those who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.

    “The National Medal is a prestigious award, and it always fills me with pride to see a large number of our NSW members among the recipients,” said Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew AM.

    “We are very lucky as a gazetted emergency service to be supported by 80,000 dedicated and passionate members, and this honour, in a way, is testament to their commitment to the movement and their character as individuals.”

    Heading the list of those honoured in Batch 52 are six members from NSW receiving 2nd Clasps for 35 years of service, led by former SLSNSW Vice President, John Restuccia OAM (Maroubra SLSC).

    Clubmate, Michael Gray was also honoured with a 2nd Clasp, as was Paul Johnson (Bronte SLSC), Peter Brown (Dixon Park SLSC), Darren Palmer (North Bondi SLSC), and Bruce Kejda (Shellharbour SLSC).

    SLS SNB Branch recipients include:

    National Medal – 1st Clasp (25 Years)

    • Warren Young OAM – Avalon Beach SLSC

    National Medal (15 Years)

    • Robert Hopton – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Richard Cole – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Geoffrey Ward – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Peter Brennan – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Jeffrey  Nesbitt – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • William Elliott – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Colin Campbell – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Nicholas Wood – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Michael Stanley-Jones – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Roland Luke – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Tim Hixson – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Mark Heffernan – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Jason Brown – Avalon Beach SLSC
    • Romilly Madew – Bilgola SLSC
    • Peter Fenley – Bilgola SLSC
    • Levi Broughton-Rouse – Bilgola SLSC
    • Robert Farr – Bilgola SLSC
    • Andrea Whittet – Bilgola SLSC
    • Bruce Scheffers – Bilgola SLSC
    • Geoff Raper – Bilgola SLSC
    • Craig Poppleton – Bilgola SLSC
    • John Lawson – Bilgola SLSC
    • David Gillard – Bilgola SLSC
    • Greg Franks – Bilgola SLSC
    • Louise Edgley – Bilgola SLSC
    • David Edgley – Bilgola SLSC
    • Nigel Penn – Bilgola SLSC
    • Jodie Trim – Collaroy SLSC
    • Allen Lakeman – Dee Why SLSC
    • Timothy Cuthbert – Manly LSC
    • Michael Studden – Manly LSC
    • Robin Barham – Manly LSC
    • Mark Fletcher – Newport SLSC
    • Benjamin Matthews – Newport SLSC
    • Andrew Thomson-Ko – Newport SLSC
    • Gordon Cockburn – North Narrabeen SLSC
    • Benjamin Neighbour – Palm Beach SLSC
    • Ian Johnston – Queenscliff SLSC
    • Talia Field – Queenscliff SLSC
    • Kevin Harris PSM – Queenscliff SLSC
    • Robert McNamara – Queenscliff SLSC
    • Garth Hickey – Queenscliff SLSC
    • Peter Shapcott – South Narrabeen SLSC
    • Troy Stephen – South Narrabeen SLSC

    President of ABHS Heads South on Historic Replica HMB Endeavour

    Geoff Searl OAM, president of the Avalon Beach Historical Society, was aboard the HMB Endeavour that sailed south to take part in the Australian Wooden Boat Festival a few weeks back.

    The Australian-built replica of James Cook's HMB Endeavour is one of the world's most accurate maritime replica vessels.


    At right in orange: Geoff Helming during one of his watches east of Gabo Island - '2 of our watch on the helm and the navigator in fluoro' - GS. Photo supplied.

    The 'Follow the Wind' Endeavour voyage ran from Sydney to Hobart, Tasmania, from January 28 to February 7, 2025. 

    This was an opportunity to experience eighteenth-century historic replica sailing and an obvious match for a gentleman who has done so much for decades to honour and celebrate our local history in between his 'voyages' on the estuary aboard his own vessel or being on Patrol on the sands of Avalon Beach itself, his eyes always turned seawards. 

    The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) offered thirty positions for active crew and a further four for supernumeraries (non-working passengers) on each voyage - getting there, and then a return voyage back to Sydney. Geoff securd a place on the southward 'Follow the Wind' stage. 

    Geoff explained: ''I was one of 34 applicants from 360 who applied to be a part of the crew.

    We were warned that it wasn’t going to be a cruise and we would not be referred to as passengers but part of a team responsible for getting her to Hobart for the National Classic and Wooden Boat Festival.''

    Insights on the HMB Endeavour, AWBF and from the Captain's Log run as this week's Aquatics Feature.

    NSW Government cracks down on antisemitism and other hatred as three new bills pass Parliament

    February 21, 2025
    The Government has passed three new bills to ensure the community is protected from racial hatred, offensive Nazi symbols, and desecration and harassment at places of worship.

    The Government’s package of legislation was developed in response to a series of unacceptable antisemitic attacks that caused community division and fear.

    The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill 2025, Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025, and Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025 all passed the Parliament overnight.

    The legislation will create new offences and provide for tougher penalties for existing charges.

    It will soon be a crime to:
    • Intentionally block, impede or hinder a person from accessing or leaving, or attempting to access or leave, a place of worship without a reasonable excuse.
    • Harass, intimidate or threaten a person accessing or leaving, or attempting to access or leave, a place of worship.
    Such conduct is punishable by a fine of $22,000 or two years’ imprisonment, or both.

    It will also be a crime to intentionally and publicly incite hatred towards another person, or group of people, on the grounds of race – with an exception for directly referencing religious texts during religious teachings or discussions.

    The incitement of racial hatred will attract a maximum penalty for an individual of two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to $11,000, or both, while corporations can face fines of $55,000.

    The legislation also:
    • Clarifies that graffiti is a “public act” for the purposes of the offences of threatening or inciting violence and displaying Nazi symbols;
    • Provides for tougher sentencing for displaying by public act a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue, the Sydney Jewish Museum or a Jewish school; and
    • Aggravates sentences when a person’s conduct is partially or wholly driven by hate.
    The laws send a clear message that the government takes racial hatred and antisemitism seriously, and we are prepared to act quickly and decisively to protect the community.

    NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
    “The Government has acted quickly in response to disgusting acts we have seen in our state.

    “Our package of legislation is a strong response to recent antisemitism, but it will also protect people of all races.”

    Attorney General Michael Daley said:
    “This package of legislation will protect members of our community in a variety of ways.

    “When we drafted these laws, we were mindful of preserving protest rights and freedom of political expression while also ensuring adequate community protection.

    “In today’s environment, this legislation sends a strong message that hatred will not be tolerated.”

    Clean Up Australia Day

    Sunday, 2 March 2025 - 07:00 am to 08:00 pm

    Community, schools and businesses can volunteer for Clean Up Australia Day to help keep our area pristine.  Now is the time to register for this year’s community event, happening on Sunday 2nd of March 2025.

    Businesses are also encouraged to join the Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday 25 February 2025 and young people can get involved in the School Clean Up Day on Friday 28 February 2025.  

    To register to volunteer, visit Clean Up Australia Day.

    Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together

    The Women’s Resilience Centre & LocalKind Unite for International Women’s Day
    Manly, NSW – 13 March 2025 – This International Women’s Day, two powerhouse local charities—The Women’s Resilience Centre and LocalKind—are coming together to celebrate the theme: "Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together."

    • 📅 Date: Thursday, 13th March 2025
    • 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    • 📍 Venue: Miami Rice (Hotel Steyne rooftop), Manly
    • 🎟 Tickets: $85 – Includes a 2-course gourmet meal, inspiring stories from The Story Room, short speeches, and a raffle/auction to support domestic violence initiatives.
    With $39.50 of each ticket being tax-deductible, every attendee will directly contribute to supporting women facing domestic violence, homelessness, and hardship through the transformative programs of The Women’s Resilience Centre. (www.womensresiliencecentre.com.au) and LocalKind (www.localkind.org.au).

    International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a movement. It’s a call for kindness, empowerment, and resilience. How will you make a difference this IWD?

    This event is your opportunity to be part of the change. Join the conversation. Stand with us. Together, we can build a future where all women thrive.

    NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open

    The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, teachers, training organisations and employers.

    Get recognised and share your vocational success for the NSW Training Awards 70th anniversary. Don't delay, enter today.

    • Individual Awards entries close 14 March 2025 
    • Organisation Award entries close 2 May 2025

    To find out more and nominate, please visit; https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards

    Australian Government invests $12.5 million for King Wally to tackle CTE

    February 21, 2025
    The Australian Government states it is continuing its commitment to tackle dementia, with a $12.5 million funding package to support people living with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

    CTE is a form of dementia linked to repeated head injuries or concussions, which may result in changes in personality, behaviour, and cognitive function.

    Research suggests the number and strength of all head impacts over a lifetime—not just concussions—have a significant impact on the likelihood of developing CTE.

    The $12.5 million in funding will be provided to Dementia Australia, who have worked with rugby league immortal Wally Lewis to raise awareness of the impacts of CTE.

    Dementia Australia will develop and deliver a national pilot program of support services for people impacted by CTE, and a national awareness and education program in schools to protect the brains of Australian children.

    Dementia Australia’s campaign will be informed by consultation with teachers, parents, students, researchers, sports organisations, medical experts and people with living experience of probable CTE.

    Sport plays a critical role in Australian life but we know concussion and sports-related head injuries impact young people more than any other age group.

    In Australia in 2021-22, around 1,600 people between the ages of five and 24 were hospitalised with sports-related concussion.

    The Government recently released the National Dementia Action Plan 2024-2034, marking its commitment to Australia being more dementia inclusive.

    Minister for Aged Care and Sport, Anika Wells said:
    “It is critical we educate sporting clubs, teachers, parents and school children about the importance of looking after our brains for life and who better to get that message across than The King, Wally Lewis.

    “We have one brain and we need to look after it – and investing in support and building a better understanding of CTE and its impact on individuals, families and communities, is money well spent.

    “We know that concussion and sports-related head injuries affect young people more than any other age group, so we want to make sure our kids have the knowledge and skills to help them compete more safely.

    Wally Lewis AM, Dementia Australia Ambassador said: 
    “On behalf of all people impacted by CTE I say thank you.

    “We need to be talking to the whole community about protecting our brains and brain health and continuing to support people who are impacted by the effects of repeated head injury and are at risk of CTE.”

    Senator Marielle Smith, Deputy Chair of Senate Committee Inquiry into Concussion and Repeated Head Trauma in Contact Sports stated: 
    “This measure is a vital step in understanding more about CTE, furthering the national conversation and supporting those affected.”


    Wally Lewis AM was a titan of Australian Rugby League in the 1980s and 90s. He came to embody State of Origin football, making 31 appearances for Queensland between 1980 and 1991 and winning eight man-of-the match awards. It was his domination on the field during State of Origin that earned him the nickname, 'The King'.

    Internationally, his dominance was just as monumental. He played in 33 tests for Australia and captained the Kangaroos 23 times. Following his retirement, a bronze statue was erected at Lang Park, (now known as Suncorp Stadium), in Queensland, and in 1999 he was named an "Immortal" of rugby league. 

    In 2023, Wally revealed he had been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) - brought on by years of head knocks across his storied football career.   

    Wally was appointed as a Dementia Australia Ambassador during Parliamentary Friends of Dementia 2024. He has made the decision to donate his brain for research and hopes to create awareness by sharing his story.

    Changes coming to council meetings: NSW OLG Public Consultation- closes February 28 2025

    The NSW Government stated on December 17 2024 it is continuing to progress reforms to strengthen local government, announcing changes to the way council meetings are conducted to ensure greater transparency and increase community confidence in council decision making.

    All councils are required to adopt a code of meeting practice based on the Model Meeting Code issued by the Office of Local Government.

    The government has now released a consultation draft of amendments to the Model Meeting Code for public comment.

    The changes aim to simplify the Model Meeting Code and ensure councillors are making decisions in the full view of the communities they are elected to represent.

    They also aim to increase the dignity of the council chamber and remove the general manager’s involvement in council politics.

    Key changes, some of which have been recommended by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) include:

    • preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions
    • 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
    • de-politicising the role of the general manager by removing the requirement for them to prepare reports on councillors’ notices of motion
    • expanding the powers of the mayor to expel councillors from meetings for acts of disorder 
    • requiring councillors to stand when the mayor enters and when addressing the meeting

    Changes to the Model Meeting Code were flagged in a discussion paper outlining the government’s proposed reforms to the councillor code of conduct system.

    Submissions will be accepted until COB Friday, 28 February 2025. 

    To learn more and provide feedback, go to:  www.olg.nsw.gov.au/reforms-to-code-of-meeting-practice

    Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said in December 2024:

    “Council meetings are where a council’s most important decisions should be made.

    “It concerns me that these decisions are increasingly being made behind closed doors in private briefings, locking out the community and protecting councils from public scrutiny.

    “As a former mayor, I want to see all councils conducting their business in an open and public forum, where communities can engage with their council on issues that directly affect them.

    “The current Model Meeting Code has become unwieldly and is prone to drawing the general manager into political disputes which should be left to elected councillors to resolve.

    “These changes are part of the government’s commitment to restore public trust in local government which has been eroded by years of neglect and a cultural shift towards secrecy over public service.”

    From that linked to webpage

    Consultation on reforms to council meeting practices

    The Office of Local Government is inviting feedback from the local government sector and others on proposed amendments to the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW (Model Meeting Code).

    The amendments are part of the Government’s agenda to ensure that councillors are visibly in control of their councils, demonstrating to the community that decision making is genuinely local.

    The reform of the code and procedures governing how councillors gather, debate and make decisions was flagged by the Minister for Local Government as part of the discussion paper issued in September, “Councillor conduct and meeting practice: a new framework”.

    The feedback the Office of Local Government receives will be used to inform the amendments that are ultimately made to the Model Meeting Code.

    It is anticipated that the new Model Meeting Code will be prescribed in early 2025.

    The proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code are the first tranche of reforms to the regulation of meetings. The second tranche will be legislated in 2025 as part of the measures implemented to reform the regulation of councillor conduct and will have a particular focus on behaviour at meetings.

    Have your say!

    The Office of Local Government has issued a consultation draft of the amended Model Meeting Code and accompanying paper to seek the views of the local government sector, key stakeholders and the community on the proposed amendments.

    The proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code are indicated in track changes in the consultation draft.

    Submissions will be accepted until COB Friday 28 February 2025.

    What are you being asked to do?

    The paper outlines the key focus areas of the review. We are seeking your input on these matters through the questions asked in the paper and available in the online form.

    We are also seeking your comments on the proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code.

    Feedback can be provided in 3 ways.

    Using the online submission form below (HERE)

    OR

    By email – olg@olg.nsw.gov.au

    OR

    Post: Address – Office of Local Government, Locked Bag 3015, NOWRA NSW 2541

    Submissions must be clearly labelled “Model Meeting Code amendments” and marked to the attention of the Office of Local Government’s Council Governance Team.

    Information on privacy and confidentiality

    When you give us your feedback, the Office of Local Government will be collecting some personal information about you, in particular:

    • your name
    • your email address
    • the name of your organisation (if provided).

    All feedback received through this consultation process may be made publicly available. Please do not include any personal information in your feedback that you do not want published. 

    As part of the consultation process, we may need to share your information with people outside the Office of Local Government, including other public authorities and government agencies. We may also use your email contact details to send you notifications about further feedback opportunities or the outcome of the consultation. You should also be aware there may be circumstances when OLG is required by law to release information (for example, in accordance with the requirements of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. There is also a privacy policy located on the Office of Local Government’s website that explains how some data is automatically collected (such as your internet protocol (IP) address) whenever you visit the Office of Local Government’s website.  The link to that policy is https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/about-us/privacy-policy/.

    NB: you can choose to have your details kept confidential.

    NSW Government releases draft legislation to protect gig workers

    The Government is seeking industry and stakeholder input as it looks to legislate protections for gig workers and other precarious workers in the transport sector to modernise the NSW Industrial Relations Act.

    Consultation on the draft bill will inform the development of the reforms which were a pre-election commitment. This will help ensure the changes are fit-for-purpose for the gig economy and the modern transport sector.

    The proposed changes will extend to gig workers the same legal protections already offered to owner driver truck drivers, couriers and taxi drivers under Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act.

    The reforms will allow platform companies, employers and unions to apply to the Industrial Relations Commission for binding determinations on the workers’ pay and conditions of employment.

    The Commission is required to consider what is fair and reasonable while promoting efficiency and productivity in the economy of NSW.

    The NSW Government’s proposed changes will:
    • Allow the Commission to determine what is fair and reasonable pay and conditions for rideshare and other gig workers in the transport industry.
    • Correct the historical exemption that prevented milk, cream and bread delivery drivers from having the same protections.
    • Explore new offences of accessorial liability for those who break the law in a supply chain.
    • Ensure there are enforceable standards across road transport supply chains to make sure everyone, no matter how big or small, can recover their costs.
    • Consistent with the approach of the Commonwealth Government, the existing exemptions for transport of livestock and produce will remain in place.
    The proposed changes will be complementary to the Federal Government’s gig workers reform.

    Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:
    “We need to ensure our Industrial Relations system is fit for purpose.

    “The public relies on gig workers in the transport industry every day, and workers can rely on us for the same legal protections.

    “This is an important step in supporting the thousands of gig workers to ensure they have the same industrial rights to access the industrial relations commission.”

    Have your say by 5pm Monday 28 February 2025.
    Read the documents and associated information at: nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/gig-workers-and-ir-act-changes

    Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation

    Closes: March 12 2025
    In NSW, retirement village operators are regulated by the Retirement Villages Regulation 2017 (the current Regulation), which supports the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (the Act).

    The current Regulation will expire on 1 September 2025. Remaking the Regulation allows the NSW Government to consider feedback on how to improve, modernise and streamline the current laws.

    The proposed Retirement Villages Regulation 2025 (proposed Regulation) makes significant changes to the asset management plan requirements for retirement villages. The updates aim to improve transparency for residents and reduce unnecessary administrative work for operators.

    The key changes include:
    • reducing the amount of information that operators must record on the retirement villages asset register
    • requiring operators to prepare a 1-year capital maintenance report as part of the annual budget process, instead of a 3-year report
    • requiring operators to record the ‘remaining effective life’ of capital items instead of ‘effective life’.
    The proposed Regulation also makes other minor changes to clarify the laws and improve how they operate, for example, by ensuring key information is disclosed in a form that is easier to understand and accessible.

    Changes are described in detail in the:
    Your feedback will help to ensure retirement village laws balance the rights of residents and support operators.


    Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework

    Experiences of people with disability and their supporter
    Closes: March 14 2025

    The Department of Communities and Justice is seeking feedback on a proposed new framework about using restrictive practices on people with disability.

    We want the framework to reduce use of restrictive practices and stop them being used where this is possible.

    Restrictive practices are interventions that restrict the rights or movement of a person to change their behaviour - when that behaviour is likely to place them or others in serious danger.

    An example of a restrictive practice is using a medication to influence a person's behaviour rather than treat an illness. Another example is restricting where a person can go.

    The Department of Communities and Justice has released a Consultation Paper on the proposed framework.

    An Easy Read summary is available. If you would prefer you can also read the full Consultation Paper.

    Tell us what you think
    You can give your feedback by completing a survey here by Friday 14 March 2025:
    • Survey for people with a disability who have experienced restrictive practices in NSW
    • Survey for supporters - family, carers, guardians and any other supporters of people who experience restrictive practices in NSW
    If you would like to provide feedback in another way, please:
    • Email: policy@dcj.nsw.gov.au to provide written or audio file feedback
    • Speak to a staff member by emailing: policy@dcj.nsw.gov.au to arrange a conversation
    • Post your written feedback to: Locked Bag 5000, Parramatta, NSW, 2124
    Your feedback will help inform the NSW Government as to whether to pursue the reform.

    2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships

    Dates are set for the 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, proudly presented by Your local club.

    Date - Event - Location
    28 February – 2 March 2025
    Lifesaving Championships (Champion Lifesaver & Champion Patrol)
    Freshwater SLSC

    8-9 March 2025
    Lifesaving Championships (First Aid Competition)
    Freshwater SLSC

    6-9 March 2025
    Age Championships
    Queenscliff SLSC

    12-13 March 2025
    Masters Championships
    Queenscliff SLSC

    14-16 March 2025
    Open & Surf Boat Championships
    Queenscliff SLSC.

    Emma Skulander appointed Chief Executive, Health Infrastructure

    The NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM has appointed Emma Skulander to the dual role of Deputy Secretary, Infrastructure and Asset Management Division (IAM) and Chief Executive, Health Infrastructure (HI) effective 17 February 2025. 

    Emma has been a key leader in health infrastructure delivery in NSW, having held the position of Chief Operating Officer of HI since March 2021 and subsequently acting as the Chief Executive of HI from May 2024 to date. 

    Under her leadership, HI has built on its partnerships across government, the construction industry, and the health system, to ensure that capital projects support local communities, align with government priorities, and enable sustainable service delivery. 

    With a career spanning both the public and private sectors, Emma brings a wealth of experience in infrastructure strategy, governance, and project delivery.  

    Before joining HI, she held senior leadership roles in project management and advisory services, leading major infrastructure initiatives across the health, research, and education sectors. Her expertise in strategy, risk, governance, and stakeholder engagement has been instrumental in delivering high-quality infrastructure outcomes that support healthcare excellence. 

    “I am looking forward to shaping the future of health infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of our communities, ensuring that investments are sustainable, efficient, and responsive to emerging challenges,” Emma said.  

    The team at HI looks forward to continuing working with Emma to deliver our $10 billion portfolio over the next four years.

    *The IAM division was established within the Ministry of Health (MoH) in December 2024 to closely align the functions currently managed within the MoH and HI and to streamline the approach to capital planning, infrastructure delivery, and strategic asset management across NSW. This change retained HI’s status as a Health Administration Corporation (HAC) entity and introduced the dual role of Deputy Secretary/Chief Executive to lead both the new Division and HI. 

    First festival to commence pill testing trial in NSW

    On Wednesday February 19 the Minns Labor Government announced the Yours and Owls Festival, to be held on 1 and 2 March at Wollongong, will be the first music festival to participate in New South Wales pill testing trial.

    Illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW. The NSW Government reiterates that there will always be risks involved when consuming these substances and this announcement is not an endorsement of illicit drug use.

    However, the trial is designed to help people make safer choices by connecting them with qualified health staff who can provide harm reduction advice.

    The free and anonymous service allows festival goers to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed by qualified health staff to test for purity, potency and adulterants.  

    The pill testing service will be staffed by peer workers, health workers and analysts who will clearly communicate the limitations of drug checking to festival goers.

    People will never be advised that a drug is safe to use. They’ll be advised that all drug use carries risks, and that the only way to avoid this risk is to not consume drugs.

    Where needed, staff at the service can provide patrons with referral to health and welfare services available at the event or in the community.

    NSW Health and NSW Police are working closely with festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial at these events.

    The trial will operate alongside other harm reduction and medical services at the participating festivals.

    The trial will run for 12 months and will be independently evaluated. The government is working with other festivals on their prospective participation.

    The trial comes after the Government’s Drug Summit concluded in early December. The Drug Summit co-chairs provided interim advice recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.

    Further information on the NSW Drug Checking trial can be found here.

    Minister for Health Ryan Park stated:
    “Let me be clear, no level of illicit drug use is safe and pill testing services do not provide a guarantee of safety. There will always be risks involved when consuming these substances.

    “However, this trial has been designed to provide people with the necessary information to make more informed decisions about drug use, with the goal of reducing drug-related harm and saving lives.

    “Illicit drug use remains illegal in NSW. These services will not be made available to suppliers and police will continue to target them.”

    Ben Tillman, of Yours and Owls, said:
    “We enthusiastically welcome this move by the NSW Government. Pill testing is something we have been fighting for, for some time now.

    “While Yours and Owls maintains a zero-tolerance policy to illegal drugs, we are realists and see the abstinence-only approach as unhelpful. Pill Testing is not a panacea. However, it is a proven harm minimisation strategy that has been successfully implemented in many countries overseas for the past twenty or so years.

    “Ultimately, we ask individuals to take responsibility for themselves and their decision-making to ensure they have a great time safely.

    “We also encourage anyone who finds themselves or their mates in trouble to seek medical assistance immediately; there will be no judgment, you won’t get into trouble, patrons need to remember their safety and that of their mates is the most important thing.”

    Breeding time for Little Penguins: Boaters urged to stick to speed limit

    Say hello to Manly's newest (and cutest) residents - Little Penguins! 

    It's breeding season for these endangered guys, so boaters lets keep them safe by:
    • Keep speed to under four knots when entering North Harbour, Manly
    • Be extra careful at dawn and dusk
    • Don’t anchor in seagrass beds
    • Don’t bring dogs or cats onto beaches
    To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/4g0HUbg

    NSW Maritime 
    January 16, 2025

    NB: there is also a colony of Little Penguins on Lion Island and a colony of seals at Barrenjoey - please do not speed on the estuary. AJG- Ed./PON

     

    Click on logo above to visit their website.

    Pittwater Community Groups: 


    Sports (plus Social Members)

    Gardens and Environment

    Rural Fire Brigades
    Services - Community Organisations

    Arts and Social

    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


    Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: share Wildlife Data 

    Local wildlife rescuers are asking all members of the public to report any roadkill on McCarrs Ck Rd or any other road in the NB (Wakehurst Parkway or Mona Vale Road for instance) on www.wildlifemapping.org

    This records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification. The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place mitigation. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. There is a database that volunteers maintain but this needs three pieces of information:
    1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
    2. The date
    3. The animal
    The details can be entered into the database directly by you at:   www.wildlifemapping.org

    Letters to the Editor

    Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but that remains optional. Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.  

    The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons.  Email: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

    Report Hate Crimes

    If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 
    You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police. In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station.