Profile of the Week Readers Festival at Avalon Beach Set to Run Panel Discussions, Workshops + Festival Fiver Sessions: Runs September 26-27The Northern Beaches Readers’ Festival, which will run solely in Avalon Beach over the weekend of Saturday September 26 through Sunday September 27, is a biennial event focused on connecting readers with popular Australian fiction authors, and will feature some of Australia’s leading storytellers in panel discussions and more intimate ‘in conversation’ events.
This is the only literary festival in Australia with a 100% focus on both fiction and Australian authors, providing support for new and emerging authors. The 2026 festival will have nine debut authors and a bumper program with something for everyone.
The not-for-profit festival was established in 2022 by a group of local authors to provide a platform for genres that are often overlooked at other literary festivals, such as crime, historical fiction, and romance. The festival’s main focus is reading for pleasure, and the event allows authors to connect with readers.
This year there will be 52 authors participating, including Michael Robotham, Ali Lowe, Matt Nable, Tara Rae Moss, and local author Petronella McGovern.
There will be plenty for aspiring and early-stage writers. The two writing workshops, with Pamela Cook and Hayley Scrivenor, and three $5 ‘Festival Fiver’ sessions on:
- ‘Ask us anything’ (three authors spill the beans on exactly what it’s like to be a writer)
- ‘How to birth a book’ (an author, an agent and a publisher give specific practical advice)
- ‘Book club’ (Meg Dunn from Avalon Community Library and others will run a session on Liane Moriarty’s new book, Big Little Truths).
Have a look at the program and book your tickets before they sell out. Visit: www.nbrf.com.au/2026program
History Avalon Public School's 75th Celebrations: Fete on Sunday September 20 - A few Insights into the History of A great school for its Diamond JubileeAlong with great food and rides, there will be a museum, curated by Avalon Beach Historical Society's President, Geoff Searl OAM, who was in the first cohort to go through the school, a Games Alley where you can try your luck at old-school carnival favourites such as Hook A Duck or Feed The Pig – or test your skills at Hoop Shoot or Hole In One - a Silent Disco, a Craft Zone where you can make stuff, a drumming workshop, face painting, teddy bears’ picnic game and other exciting activations. As some of these activities will need tokens, the P&C for Avalon Public School has set up a 75th APS website where you can see what's on where and get ready to dance! Visit: avalonps75.com.au
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
September 2026 - Contents: Winter in Catherine Park: a hive of activity!; Anchored: a callout to offshore artists & makers; Be a Good Neighbour: Scotland Island's mosquito campaign; Island Café; Advert: interior design
Click on Logo to access the latest PON: 
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Shark Management: Community Info Session
Recent shark activity along our coastline has understandably raised questions about how Surf Life Saving and the NSW government is responding.
Join us for an informative panel discussion bringing together Surf Life Saving and NSW Government representatives. Hear from the experts, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the work underway to help keep our beaches safe.
Panel
- MC: Jenni Darwin SLSNSW UAV Operations Manager
- Marcel Green - DPIRD, Shark Program Manager, Sharksmart
- James Bassam - SLSNSW Chief Remote Pilot
- Tracey Hare-Boyd - CEO
- SLS Northern Beaches Branch
- Giles Stoddard, ABSLSC Director of Life Saving.
Sunday 20 September | 3:30pm | Avalon Beach SLSC
Please register your interest so we can plan accordingly for numbers: https://www.trybooking.com/DPWRS
Avalon Beach SLSC
National Medals for RFS Volunteers
Two Rural Fire Brigade members have been presented with the National Medal at a District Medal Ceremony held Tuesday September 15 at the Warringah Pittwater Headquarters (renamed 'Northern Beaches Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade').
Inspector Luke Robinson, for 15 Years of Service
Firefighter Owen Grylls, for 18 Years of Service
The National Medal recognises long and diligent service by members who have dedicated themselves to protecting and assisting the community.
Thank you Luke and Owen for your continued service and commitment to this community and communities across the state.
Not all heroes wear capes.
Photos: NBH RFB
Bird Flu Info Session at Warriewood: Wednesday Sept. 30
With recent H5 bird flu detections in NSW, we're partnering with NSW Health, Local Land Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service and local councils to bring the latest information to communities affected by these events.
These free information sessions are a chance to find out what’s happening, what’s being done in response and what you can do to help reduce the risk of spread.
There’ll also be plenty of time to ask questions and chat with the people working on the response.
Join us at an information session near you:
If you see sick or dead birds: Avoid, Record, Report. Use the online form https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/23970 or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Motions to Rescind Passed Motions: Dogs On Beaches Near children-Wildlife + Community Voices via a Forum Restoration to Council Meetings
An Extraordinary Council Meeting has been scheduled on the council's YouTube channel for Tuesday September 22. Although not listed on the council meetings webpage, this may be when two Rescission Motions will be debated that are currently listed for the October 20 2026 Meeting.
At the September 15 2026 council meeting Councillors Vincent De Luca and Glanville tabled a Motion which was successfully passed. This was to restore the Public Forum and Community Engagement Forum to directly prior to council meetings.
Item 9.3 'Community Engagement Forum Trial' Resolved:
That Council:1. Restore the Public Forum and Community Engagement Forum on the same evening as the Ordinary Council Meeting, immediately prior to the commencement of the formal Council meeting.2. Commence the Public Forum at 5pm on items on the agenda, for a period of 40 minutes, followed immediately by 20 minutes for Community Engagement Forum.3. Limit each speaker's address to 3 minutes.4. Commence the Ordinary Council Meeting at 6.30pm and make the necessary revisions to other documentation relating to the start time of the council meeting and the forums for the remainder of the calendar year.
Voting for the Motion were: Cr Dillon, Cr Giltinan, Cr Bingham, Cr Singh, Cr De Luca, Cr Harvey, Cr Hrnjak and Cr Glanville (8)
Voting against was recorded as: Cr Robins, Cr Beaugeard, Cr Williams, Cr Hackman, Cr Grattan and Cr Heins (6).
Immediately after the meeting Cr.s Williams, Grattan and Hackman lodged a Notice of Motion to Rescind Council's Resolution made on 15 September 2026 in respect of item 9.3 - Community Engagement Forum.
Should the rescission motion be carried, notice has been given that the following be passed:
That:1. Council continue holding a community engagement forum event once per month following the public forum.2. Council adopt the following guidelines for whether a speaking request will be accepted:
a. An individual can not speak in the community engagement forum if they have already spoken in public forum on the same evening.b. An individual can only speak once in the community engagement forum on the same evening.c. An individual can not speak on the same topic at the community engagement forum in the same 3-month period.d. An individual must read out their speech in person and cannot assign their speaking registration to another person unless there are exceptional circumstances.
A second Notice of Motion to rescind Council’s resolution in respect of Mona Vale Beach (south) Off-leash Dog Trial – Proposed Extension to the Trial Period, made at the 15 September 2026 Council meeting was received by the Chief Executive Officer from Cr.s Hrnjak, Harvey and Glanville.
Although the council had already recommended this proceed, despite their own 'engagement report' recording the stink of urine along the pathway leading to the beach, numerous instances of non-compliance, along with a sentiment in the community that the 'mostly just the old Warringah council is part of the problem' [that now sees 1. dogs offleash everywhere, 2. the death through a dog attack of a fairy penguin on Warriewood Beach, metres away and 3. a disbelief that it will take 12 months to compile a report on the first 12 months of the trial], Cr.s Robins, Singh, Giltinan, De Luca, Dillon, Beaugeard, Williams, Hackman, Grattan and Heins voted to continue destroying the environment of this part of pristine Pittwater and keep putting all wildlife and children at risk.
This was the same site a child was attacked by a dog prior to the 'trial' commencing, in July 2022. Children are still being nipped by dogs while wandering down to their local pool for a swim in Summer (January 2026), with their owners, dubbed the 'entitled ones to whom the law and rules don't apply' by locals, verbally abusing their parents should they object.
The Dog Attack Statistics required to be sent into the NSW OLG for the whole of July 2025 to June 2026 have recently been made available and record the Northern Beaches Council is still recording more dog attacks than LGA's with 100 thousand more registered dogs.
The total for 2025/2026 is 238.
In 2023-2024 this was 247 (73 recorded during the Jan-March Summer qtr.). In 2024-2025 the NBC LGA again had 247 ‘reported’ attacks (attacks recorded 73 in Oct. to Dec. 2024, 67 during the Jan to March qtr).
Central Coast Council, with 100 thousand more registered dogs, had 194 total attacks recorded from July 2025 through June 2026, 44 less than the NBC LGA data. Here again the Summer quarter was when the highest number of attacks were recorded, at 54 for that period – and a rise of 1000 dogs in that LGA over Summer, but still 10 less attacks than the 64 dog attacks that occurred here.
As residents have found council rangers require photographs of the attacking dog and/or medical records of injuries sustained, a further belief the Companion Animals Act definition of a dog attack may be being ignored here as a reason to actually record an attack has taken place is also growing in the community.
That Act states;
Just because a dog is not on a lead in an off-leash area, or is secured in a cage or vehicle or is tethered to a fixed object or structure, does not mean that an offence under section 16 is not committed if the dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal, whether or not any injury is caused.
The Act further states:
Dogs prohibited in some public places(1) Dogs are prohibited in the following places (whether or not they are leashed or otherwise controlled)—(a) Children’s play areas (meaning any public place, or part of a public place, that is within 10 metres of any playing apparatus provided in that public place or part for the use of children).(b) Food preparation/consumption areas (meaning any public place, or part of a public place, that is within 10 metres of any apparatus provided in that public place or part for the preparation of food for human consumption or for the consumption of food by humans).(c) Recreation areas where dogs are prohibited (meaning any public place, or part of a public place, provided or set apart by a local authority for public recreation or the playing of organised games and in which the local authority has ordered that dogs are prohibited and in which, or near the boundaries of which, there are conspicuously exhibited by the local authority at reasonable intervals notices to the effect that dogs are prohibited in or on that public place or part).(d) Public bathing areas where dogs are prohibited (meaning any public place or any part of a public place that is used for or in conjunction with public bathing or public recreation (including a beach), in which the local authority has ordered that dogs are prohibited and in which, or near the boundaries of which, there are conspicuously exhibited by the local authority at reasonable intervals notices to the effect that dogs are prohibited in or on that public place).(e) School grounds (meaning any property occupied or used for a purpose connected with the conduct of a government school or non- government school under the Education Act 1990, other than any property used for a residence or the curtilage of a residence).(f) Child care centres (meaning any property occupied or used for a purpose connected with the conduct of an approved education and care service within the meaning of the Children (Education and Care Services) National Law (NSW) or the Children (Education and Care Services) Supplementary Provisions Act 2011, other than any property used for a residence or the curtilage of a residence).(g) Shopping areas where dogs are prohibited (meaning a shopping arcade or shopping complex, including any part of it that is used by the public for parking or access to shops, in which or part of which the local authority has ordered that dogs are prohibited and in which, or near the boundaries of which, there are conspicuously exhibited by the local authority at reasonable intervals notices to the effect that dogs are prohibited there). This paragraph does not apply to any shop or part of a shop.(h) Wildlife protection areas (meaning any public place or any part of a public place set apart by the local authority for the protection of wildlife and in which the local authority has ordered that dogs are prohibited for the purposes of the protection of wildlife and in which, or near the boundaries of which, there are conspicuously exhibited by the local authority at reasonable intervals notices to the effect that dogs are prohibited in or on that public place).
Crs Hrnjak, Harvey, and Glanville's Notice of Rescission 6 2026 - Item 11.1 Mona Vale Beach south includes the council Motion verses on extending the 'trial' until October 2027 and that:
In the event the rescission motion is carried, the proposed alternate motion is:
That Council receive and note the report.
Pittwater Councillor Korzy, although currently on leave, sent in the following this week in regards to the growing instances of birds being impacted by the H5 bird flu:
“The offleash dog trial at South Mona Vale beach should end right now.The NSW government has advised pet owners to keep their dogs leashed and cats contained due to the arrival of bird flu.The council should not be making decisions contrary to that advice.HN5 on the Northern Beaches will change the nature of the current trial anyway.It never had any criteria set up to test for its impact on wildlife - rather council staff were looking for the success of measures to ameliorate impacts.HN5 introduces a new variable that is likely to have a significant effect on local birds and mammals.This is a question of a potential crisis for wildlife and we must take as much pressure off it as possible at this time.”
Brian, a Speaker at the September 8 2026 forum, speaking against the extension, stated:
''Thank you councillors for the opportunity. I speak to oppose the motion. As a regular visitor over decades to South Mona Vale Beach, commonly known as Cooks Terrace and elsewhere. My stance is guided purely by an abiding desire to protect the natural environment. Dog recreation is well catered for in this LGA and ocean beaches should remain prohibited due to the environment's sensitivity.The reality of the impact of dogs is to exclude other beach users, most importantly native fauna.The beaches is where the line should be drawn to set a clear expectation for dog owners.Beyond the evidenced infringements on quiet enjoyment, interaction with seabird habitat is a primary consideration.The documented death of an endangered little penguin by suspected dog attack at Warriewood metres from the trial area. One more death among a few remaining breeding pairs in the only mainland New South Wales colony should be reason enough to wait for the trial evaluation to conclude before extending access. The unwelcome appearance of the H5 bird virus subsequent to the REF update should be more than enough.The peninsula has a sad history of indigenous fauna extinction. I specifically reference the koala populations of Scotland Island and Avalon, which were largely attributed to dog attacks. Will the current council oversee similar wilful ignorance?The REF statements of ‘no significant impact’ and ‘not a known breeding area’ inspire little confidence. Meanwhile, the beach trial is a green light to non-compliant dog owners, of whom there are far too many, signalling that there are no effective prohibitions.The absence of a full environmental impact statement is an abrogation of care.Council is demonstrably failing to uphold current prohibitions on off leash dogs in public spaces. So, the pretence of managing sensitive environments such as this is a farce. Council would therefore be negligent in the extreme to extend this trial prior to evaluation.Given the abundant evidence of negative impacts on local fauna and social amenity, there is no logical option other than to wait for the evaluation before deciding how to proceed.Public opinion is clearly divided and council should not be persuaded by the loudest voices on social media.I stand with the penguins.''
Bird flu now on the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula: September PON Issues Weeks Two, Three and Four
Bird flu is now spreading to other species in New South Wales, including the death of a myna bird at earlier Berry this past week.
As this Issue goes to publication the NSW Government has advised a further 7 new H5 bird flu events were confirmed in terns found at Eden, Wallagoot, and Pambula on the Far South Coast, and Coledale in the Illawarra, and in silver gulls at Tathra and Edrom, as well as a sea eagle at Potato Point.
NSW has now recorded 52 H5 bird flu events.
Additional H5 bird flu events in NSW: One at Dee Why - a Greater Crested Tern + How to Look After Your Pets - week 3 report
Dog attacking formerly resting seal at Long Reef Aquatic Reserve in November 2020 - a No Dogs area, clearly signposted as such. Photo supplied
Spring School Holidays Break
Please note that the news service will be taking a Spring School Holidays break in order to spend time with family.
The final Issue for September 2026 will be published Sunday September 27.
The first Issue for October 2026 will be published Sunday October 18.
If you have Notices or Events you want run in that Spring School Holidays break period, please have them in no later than 6am Sunday September 27. Email: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au
Thank you very much.
The Spring School Holidays run Saturday 26 September to Friday 9 October 2026 for Public schools and Private schools.
Beach Patrol Season Start
The 2026/27 NSW Volunteer beach Patrol Season starts on Saturday, 26 September 2026 and finishes on Monday, 26 April 2027. More than 21,000 Volunteer surf lifesavers will patrol 129 beaches across NSW on weekends and public holidays. You can locate your nearest patrolled location via Beachsafe.
Daylight Saving Starts
Please remember Daylight Saving time starts on Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 2:00 am in New South Wales and participating regions, during the Spring school holidays break. Clocks move forward by 1 hour from 2:00 am AEST to 3:00 am.
Home Again: Volunteers return from USA
On Thursday September 17 the final contingent of Australian and New Zealand firefighters safely returned home from the United States. These crews spent the past five weeks supporting fire agencies and communities across several states in the Pacific Northwest.
In total, more than 350 personnel deployed to the US, continuing the long-standing tradition between our countries of supporting each other during periods of heightened fire conditions.
We’d like to thank all of the personnel who travelled to the US to support our international firefighting partners. You’ve definitely earned some well-deserved rest and recuperation as we head into our own fire season back home.
NSW Rural Fire Service
Fishing Frothers: Spring School Holidays
with Justin Duggan, Pittwater legend
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Iggy
5yo Staffy X
Iggy is a friendly, sweet girl who comes up to people for pats and cuddles. She is food motivated and easy to train. Iggy does have good dog social skills. Iggy walks on loose lead and is easy going and is easy to handle walking past other dogs. She has a short coat and weighs 18.8kg. She is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $450.
Frappe
11yo Cavoodle
Frappe is such a beautiful gentle dog. He is friendly and very dog social but he came from the pound with a lot of medical issues. He has lived as a very neglected dog. Being a Cavalier X he does have a heart murmur but also has severe dental disease and awful ear infections which we are treating. His right ear is very painful. We are slowly getting through his medical issues but on top of all this he is heartworm positive from living as an outside dog. DoggieRescue is committed to supporting him through this treatment regardless of when he gets adopted. He is looking for some spoiling in his twilight years with a family where someone is usually home. He has a low-shedding coat and weighs 8.4kg. He comes desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $700.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Calling All Stallholders
The Elanora Heights Village Christmas Market is coming… and we’re looking for some AMAZING local businesses to join us!
- When: Sunday 29th November from 3-7:30pm!
- Where: Kalang Road, Elanora Heights
Are you a small business with something unique to sell?
Based in 2101 or the surrounding area?
Got a gorgeous handmade, creative, festive or foodie business?
Book yourself a stall - STALL FEE: $120
Food trucks needed
If you’re a food truck looking for a fabulous local crowd, we’d LOVE to hear from you!
This is a great opportunity to get your business in front of the local community, meet new customers and spread some Christmas cheer!
Charity of Choice 2026
This year, we’re proud to support the 2101 Surf Life Saving Clubs, giving back to the community that makes our area so special.
Interested in being a stallholder?
Contact Karla at ehvm@gmail.com
Spots are limited, so get in touch and come celebrate Christmas with us!
Manly Warringah District Junior Rugby League Girls Tackle 2027 EOI
Any girls interested in playing tackle in 2027 season?
Register your interest (Expression of Interest) through the form - HERE
Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine before the event as 13 Pittwater Business members take the stage, each with just 5 minutes to share their story, business journey and expertise:
- Kylie Harding
- Marika Marinez
- Murray Warner
- Anne McGuire
- Jacqui Turner
- Crombie Pitts
- Leigh Crebert
- Angela Rasspass
- Karin Rook
- Gordon Lang
- Cara Morgan
- Ana Angelique
- Tony Loughran
Stick around for a glass of wine afterward.
- Thursday 15 Oct at Mona Vale Performance Space.
Come along and support the local businesses giving it a go. It promises to be a great night. Open to the public.
Pittwater Business, powered by Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce, is the voice, advocate and connector for businesses across the Pittwater region. Our mission is to build a vibrant, collaborative and prosperous business community where local enterprises can connect, grow and succeed.
Representing businesses in Pittwater, we bring together business owners, professionals and community leaders who share a commitment to supporting local economic growth and strengthening our region's business network.
Through networking events, educational workshops, business promotion, advocacy and strategic partnerships, we help members build valuable relationships, increase their visibility and access opportunities that support long-term success. Whether you're a sole trader, start-up, small business or larger organisation, Pittwater Business provides a platform to connect with like-minded people and contribute to a thriving local economy.
As a member-driven, not-for-profit organisation, we are passionate about giving back to the communities in which we live and work. We support local charities, community initiatives and projects that enhance the prosperity, resilience and vibrancy of the Pittwater region.
While our public-facing brand has evolved to better represent businesses across the wider Pittwater area, we remain proudly powered by the Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce, building on a strong foundation of advocacy, leadership and community involvement.
Our vision is simple: Every Village. One Business Community.
If you are looking to grow your network, raise your profile, support local business and be part of shaping the future of Pittwater, we'd love to welcome you as a member.
Find out more at: www.monavalechamber.org.au/home
Pittwater Online News Profile runs this Spring.
Discover Sailing Day Resources Now Available
With Discover Sailing Month set to return this November, Australian Sailing states now is the time for clubs and Discover Sailing Centres to start planning their Discover Sailing Day events.
Australian Sailing will be actively promoting Discover Sailing Month throughout November; however, Discover Sailing Days can be delivered at any time of the year, giving clubs the flexibility to schedule events when it best suits their needs.
To support promotion, a brand-new suite of marketing resources is now available, designed to make it easier to create engaging, consistent and effective materials across all channels, including:
- Editable Canva templates (posters, flyers, social media tiles and story templates)
- Promotional video
- Teardrop banners
- Marketing guides and checklists
SheSails Resources
Clubs hosting SheSails Discover Sailing Days can access a dedicated suite of female-focused marketing assets. Resources include tailored social media graphics, posters, and leaflets available on Canva. SheSails branded merchandise, including tote bags, stickers and sun visors, are also available to support SheSails Discover Sailing Day events. To enquire about merchandise, please contact your local Australian Sailing office.
For activities delivered through the Sail Our Way Funding Program, a range of customised promotional assets are available in the Sail Our Way Marketing Toolkit HERE.
A marketing webinar will be held on 3 August 2026 to support clubs in using these resources effectively, with more information coming soon.
For more information or clarification, please contact your relevant state or territory General Manager here.
Avalon Community Library Needs Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers for our wonderful community library. Love books, reading, have good computer skills and love working in a team of like minded people? Call into the library or send us an email info@avalonlibrary.org.au
.JPG?timestamp=1697163924249)
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
January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 September 2026
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
Mona Vale Residents Association
Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area. Email: mvrasydney@gmail.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/monavaleresidents
SOS Save our Suburb Mona Vale Parliamentary Delegation: Oct. 21
On Wednesday, 21st October we are going to Parliament House to meet our Independent member Jacqui Scruby and hand her a dossier about the State Significant Disasters in Mona Vale. She will hand it to the Premier and the Minister for just let the developers do the Planning. We will be hiring a bus (or two) and taking the "scenic route" and then to Hyde Park for lunch on the way back. Want to come?
Visit: www.sosmonavale.com.au
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is scheduled for the long weekend - Saturday, 3rd October from noon at our beloved Mona Vale Memorial Hall.
The only agenda item will be our trip to Parliament - "The Mona Vale Moratorium Makes a B-line for Parliament" on Wednesday 21st October. You will very shortly get an email with all the details.
In the next few days and weeks you will receive a number of very important emails: Please do not be tempted to unsubscribe if I bug you a little too much over the next month.
First you will shortly receive the initial draft of our dossier of demands for delivery to Jacqui Scruby in front of Parliament: worked up over the last year from the wisdom of our brains trust and the feedback from all of you.
A special request - I invite every member to write a one page "submission" to be included in the dossier. I will need it by the end of September - start jotting down your thoughts now - details of how to get it to us will come with the draft dossier. One page - a few paragraphs - a documented moment in the saving of our beautiful suburb - Mona Vale. You must be involved.
Next, details of our trip to Parliament: & the opportunity to grab one of the limited seats on our bus. The legend John Ilingsworth has agreed ride along to capture the day.
Third, the re-release of our volunteer survey: We asked for volunteers months back - 77 of you stepped up but we are many hundreds stronger now and, as we approach the March elections we will need everyone on their feet, visible and using their outside voice.
Fourth, the release of our new summer t-shirt - the slogan - "Let's fight them on the Beaches"
So take the time to read your minutes; pull out your calendar and reserve the dates; we are coming to the pointy end of this battle - the March elections and we will need every member of our community on board - as always encourage a friend or neighbour to join us - forward this to them or click here right now to get them onboard.
All the best champions,
John David
Convenor
SOS Save Our Suburb Mona Vale
Appealing a seizure: e-bikes
Under the legislation, the e-bike’s owner has 14 days to appeal a seizure, but only if:
- they or an immediate family member were NOT the rider at the time and- the suspected unlawful use of the bike happened without the owner’s knowledge or consent.
An immediate family member is defined as:
- (a) the person’s spouse or de facto partner,- (b) the person’s parent, step-parent or guardian,- (c) the person’s grandparent or step-grandparent,- (d) the person’s child or step-child or another child for whom the person is the guardian,- (e) the person’s grandchild or step-grandchild,- (f) the person’s sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling
See Road Transport Act 2013 No 18 - NSW Legislation - Section 4.4
Northern Beaches Police Area Command
See report week 3 Sept. 2026: 36 e-bikes seized across Manly to Avalon Beaches under new laws
Local Liquor Accord: Barring Notices
BARRING NOTICES NOW IN FORCE
The Northern Beaches Police Area Command has posted on social media this past week that:
'Patrons who play up in our pubs and clubs now can be barred on the spot. Barring terms range from 6 months to life depending on the seriousness of the offence.
- Fail to quit offenders will get 6 months;
- common assault, drug use and minors using fake IDs 12 months;
- serious assault 24 months
- anyone assaulting staff will be barred for life.
It's all about reducing alcohol related violence and repeat offences in our wonderful northern beaches venues.' NBPAC's post states
The post also shares a 'Liquor Accord' form.
A liquor accord is a group of local businesses, community members, police, and government working together to solve problems related to alcohol, like bad behaviour and violence, in their area.
The benefit of developing strategies through a local liquor accord is that it sets a consistent approach for all venues in the accord to follow. This helps customers understand the expectations from all venues in an area, making it easier for them to comply.
These are local, cooperative partnerships between licensed venues, police, local councils, and community groups designed to reduce alcohol-related harm and anti-social behaviour.
Groups of local licensees (hotels, clubs, small bars, bottle shops, and restaurants) work alongside each other and the police. Joining is generally voluntary unless specifically mandated as a condition of a venue's liquor licence.
Each accord addresses the specific issues of its local precinct, such as safe transport, patron behaviour, and responsible service of alcohol (RSA).
The below Liquor Accord form reads:
'NORTHERN BEACHES
LIQUOR ACCORD
LOCAL IDEAS. REAL SOLUTIONS.
BARRING NOTICE
NORTHERN BEACHES PRECINCT
By being served this notice, the owners of the listed premises, temporarily withdraw your implied right to enter upon their premises for the period of this barring notice.
If you enter any of the listed licensed venues during this period of this exclusion, you may be subject to prosecution as a trespasser s.4(1)(b) Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901. This will commence from the date of serving this notice.
Name
Exclusion period start date. Finish date
Due to an incident that occurred at on - at approximately.
am/pm, you have been barred from all venues as noted on the leaflet you have been presented.
Reason for Barring
- Fail to Quit Offence (6 Months bar)
- Common or ABH Assault (12 Months bar)
- Drug Use/Possession/Supply (12 Months bar)
- Minor Using Fake ID's (12 Months from 18th Birthday bar)
- GBH Assault (24 Months bar)
- Assault on Staff (Lifetime bar)
- Other (please specify):
Should you require any further information please contact the undersigned below.
Licensee name
Signature
Venue'
A Liquor Accord multi-venue barring policy (often known as "Barred from one, barred from all"), means someone is refused entry to all participating licensed venues in that designated area or local government area.
Narrabeen Girls High School and Narrabeen Boys High School 50 Years Reunion
It has been 50 years since Narrabeen Girls High School and Narrabeen Boys High School became Cromer High and Narrabeen High co-ed schools. This November a Reunion is taking place. Details are:
50 YEARS ON NARRABEEN & CROMER REUNION WEEKEND
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026
Fifty years later, it is time to reconnect with the people who shared an important chapter in our school years.
This reunion celebrates the cohort who began Year 7 in 1971 and were in Year 10 in 1974, together with former teachers and staff.
Everyone from our year is warmly welcome, whether you continued at Narrabeen High, transferred to the newly opened Cromer High, or left Narrabeen Boys’ or Narrabeen Girls’ before completing school.
Saturday 21 November
Main Reunion Celebration
At: Pittwater RSL, Mona Vale
Sunday 22 November
Relaxed Reunion Catch-Up
At: The Sands Hotel, Narrabeen
Choose whichever gathering suits you best, or make a weekend of it and join us for both.
Booking and payment details for Saturday will be available shortly.
For reunion news and updates, join our Facebook group:
Please share this invitation with former classmates, teachers and staff who may enjoy reconnecting.
Let’s celebrate the friendships, memories and journeys that began all those years ago.
Enquiries:
Jeffrey Quinn, Reunion Organising Crew Member
Email: frontrunnerjq@gmail.com
Aerial view looking south over Warriewood, Turimetta Beach and Narrabeen Headland, Northern Beaches (1976) Credit: National Archives of Australia Via: retrosydney. This aerial view from December 1976
Veteran and Family SPUR Engagement Day
Meet the team from RSL LifeCare's Spur Ranch and the Northern Beaches Veteran Wellbeing Centre. Open to veterans, families and the community.
- Ashen Arena, St Ives Showground
- Thursday 15 October, 10:30am to 1:30pm
- Register by Monday 12 October: northernbeachesvwc@rsllifecare.org.au
Narrabeen Indigo DA Update: Demolition - Tree Removal refused, Change of Use for Site Manager's Office Refused
The council advised on September 11 2026, Re; Application No. DA2026/0714, Address: 156-164 Ocean Street Narrabeen, that following assessment, including consideration of all submissions, the application for Demolition of aged care facility including associated tree removal has been refused.
The Notice of Determination for the above application and the assessment report for the above application are available on Council’s website, in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the Act) and Environmental
Planning and Assessment Regulation 2001. Visit www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au Planning and Development > Application Search to find these details.
The council further advised that:
'For all applications, the applicant has the right to request the consent authority to review the determination under Section 8.3 of the Act, and the right to appeal the determination under Section 8.7 of the Act. Where the application constitutes designated development, an objector has a right of appeal against the determination under Section 8.8 of the Act. Under Division 9.5 of the Act, any person may bring proceedings in the Court for an order to remedy or restrain a breach of the Act.'
Using Site Manager's Office as a Sales Office
Also at that NBPP September 2 Meeting a further DA addressed the proponents changing the use of a shed they had installed on the site to a sales office (DA2026/0605).
Details in:
CPP 'Exclude Exhibition' Rules
The Determination may also be subject to new rules introduced through the 'Community Participation Plan' formalised by the NSW Government earlier in September 2026, and which commenced from September 1 2026.
The CPP formalises 'Development types excluded from public exhibition' and includes, among others:
- Ancillary development to existing residential accommodation (such as but not limited to pools, sheds, pergolas and carports)
- Bed and breakfast accommodation
- Change of use (excluding a change of use to a registered club or pub, and excluding any development that adjoins, or is located on, land in a residential zone)
- Demolition
- Dual occupancy (up to two storeys)
- Attached dwelling (up to 5 dwellings)
- Dwelling house (up to two storeys)
- Multi dwelling housing (up to 5 dwellings)
- Secondary dwelling
- Tree Removal on private land
See Week One September 2026 report:
Court Action
In June 2026 the 'Protect NSW Communities from Developers Overriding SEPP and LEP Controls' e-petition, an official NSW parliamentary petition sponsored by Independent Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, received a response from the NSW Planning Minister, the Hon. Paul Scully.
This advised the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has not approved the proposed development, and the proponent for consent has commenced an appeal to the NSW Land and Environment Court.
The ePetition was forwarded to the Department's assessments team and its legal representatives in these proceedings, for them to consider including the petition in material to be considered by the Court.
All submissions that were received during the public exhibition period will be provided to the Court for consideration. Anyone who made a submission during public exhibition will be contacted shortly by the Department's legal representatives, with information on the next steps in the Court process.
Instead of appealing an actual refusal, the proponent is relying on “deemed refusal” provisions, which allow an applicant to go to the Land and Environment Court when a consent authority has not determined an application within the statutory timeframe.
In Indigo by Moran Pty Ltd v Minister for Planning and Public Spaces a court-ordered conciliation conference took place on July 21, 2026, on site, but failed to resolve the dispute, leading to an upcoming full hearing, which is scheduled for three days, commencing December 15, 2026.
Signs of the Times at Narrabeen, November 1 2025. Pic: ELG/PON
veterans’ Community Grants NSW
The 2026 Veterans Community Grants program opened Monday September 7. The amount of funding available to individuals and non-for-profit organisations in NSW has been increased to $205,000 from $100,000 in 2025.
For the first time the program also introduces a new Infrastructure and Equipment category to support organisations to improve facilities and equipment that supports veterans and their families, including minor building repairs, equipment upgrades, lighting improvements, storage solutions, marquees and Automated External Defibrillators.
Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for the Infrastructure and Equipment category.
Up to $3,000 in funding is available for the other three categories including local history heritage and education projects, public commemorative events and commemorative spaces and activities that provide support to members of the NSW Veteran community.
Last year’s grant round provided funding to 70 projects dedicated to commemorating and educating NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former servicemen and servicewomen.
Successful projects to receive funding included an upgrade to the Rocky Hill Memorial Museum Firearms and Weapon Display, an archery program to assist the wellbeing of veterans and the creation of a school Anzac mural.
Educational institutions, ex-service organisations, community groups, local government associations, museums, historical societies and individuals are encouraged to apply for a grant.
The 2026 grant round closes at 5pm on Wednesday 11 November 2026.
More information and details on how to apply are available here: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/VCGP
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"I am pleased to announce the opening of the Veteran Community Grants Program, which provides funding for projects across the state that support veterans while educating communities about the significance of our military history.
“For 11 years, the program has supported initiatives that honour the service and sacrifice of ex-serving military personnel and the changes to this year’s program and increased funding, will enable us to support more projects.
“I encourage organisations and community groups to submit applications and look forward to seeing the valuable projects that will strengthen appreciation of our veterans' contributions across New South Wales."
Goulburn Mulwaree Council Museums Coordinator Mr Justin Croft said:
“Thank you to the NSW Government for the grant funding as part of the 2025-26 Veteran Community Grants Program, to help us upgrade the Rocky Hill Memorial Museum Firearms and Weapon Display.
“This funding was vitally important as it allows us to honour those from our community who served in the Great War.”
St Mary’s RSL sub-Branch Vice President Mr Bradley Silveright said:
“The funding was a valuable contribution and allowed us to organise our archery program, which was vital to the wellbeing of our local veterans. We are averaging 20 participants each month, and we could not have started this popular activity without the support of the NSW Government.
“Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to help more veterans. The grant has allowed the sub-Branch to reach out to veterans across our area as well as partners and children of veterans.
“Our sub-Branch is grateful for the support, and we look forward to continuing this activity in the future on an ongoing basis.”
Figtree Heights Public School Assistant Principal Mrs Mellanie Pirie said:
“Thank you to the NSW Government for funding to contribute to the creation of our school Anzac Mural.
“It’s a beautiful mural and we very much appreciate your support which enabled us to create a central space for our school community to gather on important dates throughout the year to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
Marine Rescue Broken Bay Christmas Raffle
Hopefully you will never need us, but help us to be there if you do!
As many of you know, we are manned 100% by volunteers and our Unit relies on fundraising throughout the year to keep our support to boaters running. Through generous donations we have 2 rescue capable boats but they need maintenance and fuel to remain on the water. We rely heavily on your generous support so we can continue to support our community in need.
So this year we are starting early, and it looks to be a bumper festive season with some amazing donations for our local community supporters.
Get your tickets and check out the goodies up for grabs at:
SNB Surf Sports Calendar for 2026-2027
The final SNB Surf Sports Calendar for the 2026-2027 season is now live!
To access the calendar please use the following link HERE
See you on the sand!
Notice of Works: Submarine Cable Installation Palm Beach to Umina Beach
Please be advised that submarine cable installation works will be carried out between Sand Point, Palm Beach and Umina Beach from July to October 2026. This project will involve the use of a specialised cable lay vessel and commercial dive team to lay and bury two submarine cables along the route indicated in the map below.
Cable Laying Operations
- During cable laying operations, the barge will be restricted in its ability to manoeuvre. To ensure public safety and safe navigation, a 100-metre exclusion zone will be enforced around the barge at all times.
- The barge will display the “Restricted in Ability to Manoeuvre” day shapes and appropriate navigation lights in accordance with maritime regulations.
Diving Operations
- Diving operations will be undertaken before and after the cable lay to conduct essential protective works on the cable.
- During these operations, divers may be working up to 50 metres from the dive vessel. To ensure the safety of divers and other waterway users, a 60-metre exclusion zone will be maintained around the dive vessel.
- The dive vessel will display “Flag Alpha” to indicate that diving activities are in progress.
Important Safety Advisory
- No Anchoring, trawling, or any seabed disturbance along the cable route.
- Until the cable is fully protected following diving operations, it will lie unshielded on the seabed.
- Anchoring, trawling, or any seabed disturbance along the route poses a significant entanglement risk to the cable and must be avoided.
We thank all waterway users for their cooperation and request that all vessels maintain a safe distance from the cable barge and dive vessels throughout the duration of the works.
For further information or enquiries, please contact Dive Co.
