March 1 - 31, 2026: Issue 652

 

DIY Bird Houses + Possum Dreys

With more and more trees being removed from the Pittwater canopy, and soaked birds turning up at our windows, residents are asking for plans on how to build and install bird houses and dreys for possums. 

Those who have had furry visitors to their rooves due to a lack of habitat outside have found that installing two of these in nearby areas, and encouraging the possums to visit them by putting in some food for a week, solves the roof tenancy.

Local wildlife rescue and care organisations do provide plans on ‘how to’ along with having volunteer members who can make these for you or work with men’s sheds to build them and supply them to humans. However, as there can be a wait list, this requested DIY help and plans runs this Issue on how to be part of the solution, perfect for those looking for something positive they can do in their own neighbourhood this Autumn school holidays.

As you can see form the photo above, our resident Builder has already been trying out a few of his own models and modifications to be part of the solution here.

soaked Rainbow lorikeets, January 17-18 2026, Careel Bay

To start, WIRES provides and easy quick Home for Ringtail possums.

Making a drey using hanging baskets

It is important that possum homes are strong and waterproof. An artificial drey should resemble as closely as possible in comfort and size the natural drey. Hanging baskets conform perfectly to these specifications.

Materials:

  • 2 x hanging basket (approx. 30cm diameter each)
  • Cable ties OR jute twine
  • Scissors
  • Bolt cutters (for cutting one piece out of the wire frame to ensure the door entrance will be big enough)
  • Tin snips (the coconut fibre of hanging baskets can be tricky to cut with scissors and is far easier to cut with tin snips)
  • Tarp (optional)

How to make the drey

  1. Bottom - put the bottom liner inside the wire basket and stick in place
  2. Top - remove the chain and place the fibre liner on top of the wire basket
  3. Spread the wire apart on the top basket to make an opening. Cut a tennis ball size hole in the top liner to form an entrance, and stitch in place.
  4. Wire the two sections together together in at least four places
  5. Soft leaf litter or coconut fibre can be placed in the bottom of the drey for added comfort for the animal, and a few layers of paperbark tied on top of the drey gives it extra protection from inclement weather and also looks ‘natural’.
  6. If adding a tarp layer, use scissors to spear holes in the corners of the tarp (not too close to its edges or it will pull apart when anchoring it to the drey) and then use cable ties or jute twine to anchor the tarp edges to the wire frame of the baskets. Then use scissors to trim excess cable tie or jute twine.
  7. Take one of the basket chains and use it to attach each of its hooks to the horizontal rims of the baskets (where the two baskets join). Take care to get both rims into each hook.
  8. Your drey is ready for installation. Think about positioning.  Ideally it will be in a tree where there is camouflage against predators, and easy steps in and out on the branches. The foliage would also provide sun protection. Use something sturdy to attach your drey, such as cable ties or rope that is thin enough to thread through the wires but thick enough to last a long time. Cable ties are often not long enough to make it all the way around thick branches. Also try to anchor it from its base to stop it from swinging about when the possum is climbing in or out of the drey.  Ideally do not face the entrance hole west or east or it will cop full sun at some stage in the day. 
  9. Think about how to attract attention to your drey. Possums have incredible sense of smell. A good idea is to pop some flowers in there to attract your possum’s attention.  They’ll smell the flowers and come for a nibble and then realise there’s a great dwelling for them to move into.  IMPORTANT – do not just put any flowers in the drey, as some are of no interest to possums, may encourage insects that will bite, or may be toxic if eaten.  Suitable flowers include bottlebrush and grevillea.

 

How to install your Drey

Dreys are nests made by possums and artificial dreys are designed to be strong and waterproof. An artificial drey should resemble as closely as possible in comfort and size of the natural drey. Hanging baskets conform perfectly to these specifications and are often used when trying to replicate a drey in the wild.

When placing your drey it is important to be aware of the following considerations:

  • When placing the drey in a tree, ensure it is not in an exposed location. Ringtail Possums build their dreys in the canopy and limbs of trees to hide from predators.
  • Do not place the drey in an isolated tree as this will force the possum to come to the ground to move around.
  • The drey should be placed in a tree out of direct sunlight, with shade, cover and somewhere the possum can remain in the trees to get around. Do not place the opening of your drey facing into direct northern or western summer sun.
  • Try to position the drey with the entrance facing away from the direction of the prevailing rain and wind.
  • Try to place your drey at least 5m off the ground (the higher the better), and securely wedged above a branch, out of the way of predators. This way, the possum can walk out directly onto the branch and also use it to access the entrance.
  • It is preferable to place your drey in a native, and non-deciduous tree to ensure that come winter the site is not bare of leaves. If possible, place the drey in a gum tree surrounded by other eucalyptus trees, as their leaves are the possum’s primary food source. If there are native flowering or fruiting plants in the area, that would also help provide additional natural food resources.
  • The drey should ideally be firmly wedged or attached to the tree with ‘occy’ straps or wire so that it will not become easily dislodged.

Brushtail-Ringtail- Sugar Glider Possum Box

By Wildlife Rescue South Coast, sourced from: www.wildlife-rescue.org.au/build-a-possum-box

Possums in your garden - not in your roof!  

You can buy ready-made boxes online, but here are some basic instructions for those who prefer to make their own. There are boxes for various types of possums. This design suits brushtails, ringtails and sugar gliders. For others we recommend the 'Nest Box Book' published by the Gould League of Victoria.

What you need

Use a building materials that are hardy and provide a level of insulation from the heat and cold.

Timber: You can use any timber you like, except chipboard (which disintegrates rapidly outdoors) or treated pine (which is toxic if gnawed on by the possum).

​12mm plywood or untreated pine is excellent. These are reasonably hardy, and not too expensive (ask your local timber yard or cover sheets or seconds). The wood needs to be at least 10mm to provide insulation.

Fastenings: Use screws and glue to hold the construction together. They will last much longer and hold greater weight than nails.

Something to seal the top edge of the box: Sheet metal, piece of aluminium, a rubber flap or piece of old inner tube will work.

  • Drill
  • Saw
  • Wire or chain and a piece of old hose pipe to cover it
  • Heavy gauge flat head nails for fastening
  • Flexible metal strip

Optional extras

  • Small, sturdy branch
  • Sealant and/or UV resistant paint: Choose a colour like dark brown or green that blends in with the surrounding bush.
  • Nesting materials: A few handfuls of dead leaves can provide comfort and insulation.​

The Brushtail Possum Box

The top edge of the roof should be weather sealed with a folded strip of sheet metal, aluminium angle or a rubber flap. To stop rain getting in the lid should overhang by around 120mm.  The entry hole should be located directly under the eaves and be between 110mm to 120mm wide.

Ringtail Possum Box

Is basically the same design as the Brushtail possum box. It is slightly narrower and the entrance hole is 70mm to 80mm wide.

Sugar Glider Box

Although the Sugar Glider is one of the smaller possums, its nest box is quite large. However the entry hole (which would probably be a little higher up than this diagram illustrates) is only 40 mm wide.

Sugar Glider Box

How to build your possum nest box

Box top

While it is not essential, it is best if you can arrange the top so it can be opened for inspection, but latched closed for protection. Fasten the back of the lid to the back with an old inner tube, which provides 'hinge' and a weatherproof seal.

To stop rain getting in, the top should overhang by 110-120mm. The entry hole  should be located directly under it.

Box bottom

The bottom of the box should fit inside the four sides and be screwed in from the side. This gives greater strength than if flush with the walls and screwed in from the bottom. Drill at least four x 5mm to 7mm holes near the corners for drainage.

Baffle

The baffle is a screen that hides the entrance hole from view. It stops direct sunlight entering the box and reduces the effect of wind and rain. The baffle also stops Mynas and Starlings from occupying the box, as they will only choose hollows where they can fly directly into the hole.

The baffle is simply a piece of wood, the same width as the front of the possum nest box, with 'arms' to fix it to the box or lid. The baffle can be made of any thickness, as its main purpose is to provide screening and it should be large enough to cover at least 90% of the entrance hole. There are various ways baffles can be attached. As possums may decide to hang on to these and have to brush past them every time they enter and exit, make sure they are securely fastened.

The distance of the baffle from the front of the box (a to b in the diagram above) should be at least equal to the diameter of the entry hole. As the possum needs to climb under the baffle, the clearance has to be big enough to let him through.

Finish

The wood does not have to be smooth as possums are used to roughing it. However, a good coat of sealant and/or UV resistant paint on the exterior will help the box last years longer. Be sure to seal the edges, as that is where the water gets in and damages the box.

Ladders

A small branch fastened firmly inside and outside under the entrance hole will give the possum something to grab onto while entering and exiting his home.

Placement and installation

The box should be at least 4-5 meters from the ground, to provide protection from pests and a bit of privacy.

The box should face away from prevailing winds and should not face towards the afternoon sun. If it is not possible to avoid both the winds and direct sunshine, having a baffle attached will help.

Hang your nest box using sturdy wire or chain secured to the back of the box. Sheath the wire in old hose pipe to prevent damage to the tree.

Attach the bottom using a flexible metal strip approximately 30 mm from the bottom of the box, and nailed to the tree with a couple of heavy gauge flat head nails. Don't drive these nails in all the way, allow for the growth of the tree and the possibility of relocating the possum box in the future.

Moving the possum into his new home

Don't let the possum near his new home until the paint smell has disappeared.  If you already have a possum in captivity, let him get used to the box before transferring to the tree. If you are trying to attract a possum, you can put some fruit in the box, but remember to take it out before it goes off. Few good homes won't remain empty for long if there are possums in the area.

Download Wildlife Rescue South Coast (Batemans Bay)‘Build a possum nest box’ brochure (275kb PDF) https://www.wildlife-rescue.org.au/uploads/1/8/3/0/18305629/building_a_possum_nest_box_brochure.pdf 

Nest Box Tips

Courtesy of Backyard Buddies 

  • Use untreated wood. Animals may chew it and chemicals can harm them
  • Arrange timber so that growth rings radiate away from the centre of the box. Subsequent “warping” will force the box together rather than apart
  • The box should have drainage holes in the bottom and ventilation holes toward the top but not in the roof, or water will leak in
  • Place the entrance hole near the top so that the bottom remains dark
  • Add “toe holds” inside the box so young can climb out
  • The lid of your box must slope from the back of the box to the entrance with an overhang of at least 25 mm. Use hinges so you can clean it out after breeding season
  • Choose your position carefully. The best place for your box is in a sheltered location, so think about which side of your house takes the brunt of cold wind and driving rain. Position your box at least 3 m above the ground
  • If you attach your nest box to a tree, use wire that is covered with a piece of garden hose to protect the tree from damage
  • Choose a spot with a branch on the opposite side of the tree to rest the wire on
  • Cover the bottom of the box with wood shavings or shredded bark
  • Keep an eye on your nest box and make sure that pest species such as Common Mynas haven’t moved in. If you find that is the case, empty the box and close the entrance hole for a while
  • Put your new nest box up in late winter or early spring. This is the time that early breeders like rosellas are looking for a place to raise their young

Different Buddies like Different Nest Boxes

The size of the animal matters when it comes to finding the right real estate. The entrance hole should be just big enough for the residents to get in. You can also add a stick under the entrance hole to help buddies on their way in and out of the box, if you like.

A nest box may be part of the solution if you have a resident Brushtail Possum in your roof.  At night, when your possum is out, place a bright light in the roof to discourage it from coming back and seal all access holes to your roof. Place the new nest box nearby so your possum can find shelter when it finds your roof locked up.

The measurements below are in millimetres and are the minimum guidelines for the dimensions of the boxes.

  • Ringtail Possum Nest Box: A 400, B 240, C 200, D 70
  • Brushtail Possum Nest Box: A 500, B 250, C 290, D 100-120
  • Rosella Nest Box: A 400, B 240, C 200, D 70
  • Treecreeper Nest Box: A 400, B 190, C 170, D 45-50
  • Sugar Glider Nest Box: A 400, B 240, C 200, D 32-35

It’s easy. All you have to do is care… and take a few simple steps. Backyard Buddies are the native plants and animals that share our urban areas, waterways, backyards and parks.  Backyard Buddies are also the people who value native wildlife and want to protect it.


Building the $2 Birdhouse

By cheapchuckinOutside, CC - NB: measurements used are in inches, simply adjust those we haven't converted to use same in millimetres/centimetres. 

I have built many of these $2 birdhouses as gifts. The basis of the $2 birdhouse is a 6" wide Dog Eared Cedar Picket, which comes in 5 and 6 foot lengths. The cheaper 5 foot picket will be enough to build one birdhouse and typically sells for less than $2. Please make sure your picket has not been stained or treated, just the natural Cedar. Also, keep in mind that any 1"x6" stock will work; I have transformed quite a bit of scrap wood into birdhouses. I have been told to avoid pallet wood as some has been treated with arsenic, but do not know this to be a fact in all cases, just be aware of the possibility.

Step 1: Materials Needed... Tools Needed..

Materials

  1. Some good 4x2 stock, at least 5 feet/1.5metres per house. If using Pickets, try to find some that are not badly warped and have a uniform thickness. Remember to look for wood that you can recycle but make sure it hasn't been treated as the poisons will poison your birds!
  2. Indoor/Outdoor wood glue
  3. 1&1/4 inch cleats, if you plan to use a nail gun, similar sized 16-18 gauge will work very nicely.
  4. Perch is a  twig or other interesting device, such as a Golf Tee, basically anything a small bird would be comfortable perching on.

Tools

  1. As basic as a miter box and saw, all the way to a chop saw and table saw if you have them.

Step 2: Some Plans... (I Use the Term Loosely)

Step 3: Getting Started; Saw Work...

Before getting started, consider where you want to put the birdhouse. Choose the hanging or flush mount Instructable. This Instructable is for the hanging birdhouse is the basis for the flush mount birdhouse, so you will benefit from reading on.

Left: flush bird house. Right: hanging bird house

Saw Work: Cut four 9" pieces for the gable ends and roof pieces. Cut two 6" side pieces. Save the scrap for the floor. If you started with a 6' picket, you will have enough scrap to build a tool box.

Optional saw work, trim one edge of one roof piece the width of the material. This will result in a symmetrical roof, but the birds won't notice!

PICTURES ARE INSTRUCTIONS, SO VIEW ALL OF THEM.

Step 4: Optional Saw Work - Trimming the Roof...

For a perfectly symmetrical roof, you will need to drag out the table saw and trim off one edge of one roof by an amount equal to the thickness of the board. The Picture will explain why...

Step 5: Assembly - the Fun Part!

All points of attachment are glued with an indoor/outdoor Wood Glue, or equivalent, then nailed into place. 

The pictures are the instructions, so view them all...

Step 6: A Front Door and a Perch...

For most urban birdhouses, an entrance of 3.5cm will be good, small birds will be the most likely tenants. If you are lucky enough to have larger birds you'll need to increase the hole size - details on scale for Australian birds run below. A hole saw makes a nice smooth hole, but check for splinters inside the home - alternatively, install the entranceway in that piece of wood prior to assembling and sand smooth.

A twig, slightly larger than the hole works great. Strip the bark off with a knife and glue in place. Usually, the perch is placed 2 inches/5 centimetres below the centreline of the entrance.

The pictures are the instructions, so view them all...

Step 7: A Floor (Clean Out Hatch) and a Wire for Hanging..

Although it is not completely necessary a clean out hatch is a good idea. Many birds will clean out a house themselves, but an occasional problem might render the nest unused. I have found dead birds, wasp nests, and so much nesting material that I needed access to clean.

When installing the floor, it is easiest to place the house on top of the floor and nail in from the sides. Remember to leave a gap for the action of the hinge, which consists of a nail driven in each side towards one end of the floor.

The house will need some type of hardware to hang it from. An old wire hanger, a scrap of wire, a small chain, etc... I have found that installing the hanger on alternate sides of the roof results in a stable house. (You'll understand when you see the pictures.)

Step 8: Final Thoughts

Locating a birdhouse; a few tips...

Try to locate the birdhouse in a shaded area that is free from hazards and not facing into direct sun or wind. A sheltered position and ensuring the birdhouse is securely attached to a tree by something that won't damage that tree will work best and last longer. The bird house needs to be at least 4-5metres from the ground to keep cats away. I hope you enjoyed this Instructable.

Australian Birds Nest Boxes

By Rewild Perth by BirdLife Australia

Artificial tree hollows, known as ‘nest-boxes’ or ‘habitat boxes’, aim to replicate the natural hollow cavities found in old trees. Such hollows are used by a small number of native birds for shelter, breeding or both, but the removal of large trees from the urban landscape is having a significant impact. You are unlikely to see immediate results when you provide a nest-box, but a ReWild garden will be more attractive to native birds over time as plants mature.

Lorikeet nesting box entrance holes should be 50mm to 70mm in diameter, with 60mm-65mm being ideal for Rainbow Lorikeets. Smaller species like Musk or Little Lorikeets prefer a tighter 50mm-55mm hole to reduce competition, while 70mm can accommodate larger parrots. Place the hole near the top of the box.

Nest Box Templates

Land cleared for housing and removal of mature trees from our parks and gardens has impacted nest opportunities for native birds.

We can help reverse this trend.

Nesting boxes need to be installed no less than five metres above the ground on a prominent branch or on the trunk of a tree.

Rosella-and-Regent nest box

Nightjar-and-Elegant Parrot

Kingfisher nesting box

Galah nesting box

Duck nesting box

Boobook nesting box

Pardalote nesting box

Lorikeet nesting box

For a list of some of the plant species to attract birds to your garden, please visit 2018 DIY page: Attracting Insectivore Birds to Your Garden: DIY Natural Tick Control

Early Autumn is a great time to put in some new plants and give them a feed - it's still warm enough for them to settle in and they will get a good dose of rain as the Season changes.

Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing

Possums in your roof? Please do the right thing 
On the weekend, one of our volunteers noticed a driver pull up, get out of their vehicle, open the boot, remove a trap and attempt to dump a possum on a bush track. Fortunately, our member intervened and saved the beautiful female brushtail and the baby in her pouch from certain death. 

It is illegal to relocate a trapped possum more than 150 metres from the point of capture and substantial penalties apply.  Urbanised possums are highly territorial and do not fare well in unfamiliar bushland. In fact, they may starve to death or be taken by predators.

While Sydney Wildlife Rescue does not provide a service to remove possums from your roof, we do offer this advice:

✅ Call us on (02) 9413 4300 and we will refer you to a reliable and trusted licenced contractor in the Sydney metropolitan area. For a small fee they will remove the possum, seal the entry to your roof and provide a suitable home for the possum - a box for a brushtail or drey for a ringtail.

✅ Do-it-yourself by following this advice from the Department of Planning and Environment: 

❌ Do not under any circumstances relocate a possum more than 150 metres from the capture site.
Thank you for caring and doing the right thing.

Products and Tools from Johnson Brothers Mitre to help you get it done On Sale until April 6 2026


Green Life Garden Centre at Johnson Brothers Mona Vale has a great stock of native and other plants and all you need to get gardening - the Avalon store also stocks what you will need, or order it in and pick it up and avoid the 'bends'.

 

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach

Over 18,600 tonnes of batteries are discarded to landfill in Australia each year, even though 95% of a battery can be recycled!

That’s why we are rolling out battery recycling units across our stores! Our battery recycling units accept household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries as well as mobile phones! 

How To Dispose Of Your Batteries Safely: 

  1. Collect Your Used Batteries: Gather all used batteries from your home. Our battery recycling units accept batteries from a wide range of products such as household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries.
  2. Tape Your Terminals: Tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape.
  3. Drop Them Off: Come and visit your nearest participating store to recycle your batteries for free (at Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Mona Vale and Avalon Beach).
  4. Feel Good About Your Impact: By recycling your batteries, you're helping support a healthier planet by keeping hazardous material out of landfills and conserving resources.

Environmental Benefits

  • Reduces hazardous waste in landfill
  • Conserves natural resources by promoting the use of recycled materials
  • Keep toxic materials out of waterways 

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10: Serving Our Community Since 1955

The Independent Hardware Group has awarded Johnson Bros Mona Vale the best in state Store of the Year at the IHG state awards again in 2023.

Johnson Brothers say; ''Thank you to all of our amazing staff and customers for being awesome!''

IHG is Australia’s largest home improvement wholesaler supplying more than 1,500 stores nationwide. These stores cater to a broad range of Trade and DIY customers and range from large format warehouses to convenience operations and Trade centres, as well as frame and truss sites in two States. 

Under the IHG network, there is a clear mandate to support the growth of Independents within the hardware sector in Australia by helping them to be ‘The Best Store in Town’.

The culture of IHG is built on being a low cost and transparent business partner to members, with an unwavering commitment to protect and grow a sustainable independent hardware sector for the long term.

Greenlife garden centre at Johnson Brothers Mona Vale - for all your gardening needs.

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Trade Centre at Mona Vale - everything you need under one roof.

JBH Design Centre 

JBH Design Centre is a tool for builders and DIY'ers to assist in the fit out of houses. It has displays of kitchens, Bathrooms, Doors and Storage as well as knowledgeable staff to assist in making house fit out painless.

Visit: http://jbhdc.com.au/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/design.centre.jbh/



Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 New Store
73 Bassett Street
Mona Vale - Online Store: Jbhmv.Com.Au

Products advice is available from the trained friendly staff at Narrabeen, Mona Vale and Avalon Johnson Brothers Mitre 10. 

Click on logo to visit Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 website

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 - Avalon            (02) 9918 3315

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 - Mona Vale     (02) 9999 3340

JBH Timber & Building Supplies          (02) 9999 0333

JBH Fencing & Landscape Supplies    (02) 9970 6333

www.johnsonbros.com.au Online store: jbhmv.com.au

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Decking Timbers  Caring For Your Deck Decking Finishes  Privacy Screens I Privacy Screens II  Privacy Screening Hardwoods  Autumn Paths and Lawns  Insulation Batts Plasterboard  Ventilation - Edmond's Ecofan Blackboards for Children and Home Spring Lawn Care  Shade Sails & Watering  Basic DIY Tools DIY Tools - Power Drills Recycle Your Trampoline into An Air Bed  How to Build Your Own Backyard Cricket Pitch Christmas Lights Displays around House and Garden Summer Mildew - Refresh, Renew How to Fix Things That Drip and Bump in the Night Time To Plant Winter Vegetables in  a Raised Garden Beds Layout Organsing Your Tool Shed  Make Your Own Weathervane Installing A Garden Watering System  Decking Oils  How To Make Garden Compost  How To Winter proof Your Lawn  How to create Shabby Chic effect on Timber Furniture How to Build Your Own Raised Garden Bed  Growing Your Own Winter Vegies  Winter Heating Guide  Prepare Your Yard For Winter Eradicating Noxious Weeds From Your Yard How to Fix Furniture Finishes Part I  How to Repair Scratches, Dings, and Dents of Furniture Surfaces - Part II Winter Draughts Fix  Classic Wooden Tool Carrier Spring Garden Checklist Part I  Install Your Own Skylight  Retaining Walls for Saving Soil and New Spring Garden Beds  Summer Salad Garden  Native Plant Garden for A Fairy Arbour Renewing Short Flight of Exterior Stairs Deck Maintenance DIY Summer Tasks You Can Do In Time to Get to the Beach  Garden Ponds for Attracting Birdlife, Dragonflies and for the Soothing Sounds of Water  Salt Air: Maintenance and Protection Creating an Outdoor Dining Arbour, Gazebo or Patio - Part I Creating an Outdoor Dining Arbour, Gazebo or Patio Part II  Autumn Garden Tasks  Autumn DIY Jobs: Waterproof Your Home Checklist  Dealing With Dampness Inside the Home  Fixing Your Fence  Repairing and Replacing Damaged Decking boards  DIY Toy Box and Snow Globes: School Holidays Fun - Winter 2015  DIY Wooden Toy Cars and Perfect Painted Flowerpots: School Holiday Fun - Winter 2015  Shoring Up an Under House Earth Bank – Installing a Basic Retaining Wall  DIY One Shelf Sideboard  Early Spring 2015 Garden Care Salad Garden For Children  Keeping Your Garden and Home Cool in Hot Weather  Classic Beach Garden and Camping Chairs 3 Portable Versions Anyone Can Make DIY Outdoor Furniture Mark I: Park Benches for Your Garden Make Your Own Scooter or Skateboard: Summer 2016 Fun  How to Install a Solid Core Door and Door Furniture  Summer Garden Jobs: Pruning A Hedge  How to Make A Swing Chair - With A Frame for Garden Setting  Garden Jobs for March to Make A Beautiful and Healthy Spring  Keeping Outdoor Nooks Warm During Cooler Months  Children’s Step Stool with Storage  Stop Winter Rain Lawn Loss and Soil Erosion on Slopes  DIY Garden Shed: Part 1 of 4 - Base  DIY Garden Shed: Part 2 - Framing Walls  DIY Garden Shed: Part 2b - Gable Roof Framing  Garden Shed Part 3: Roof Installation  DIY Garden Shed: Weather- boards - Door And Window Installation And Paint Finish DIY Coffee Table With Chessboard Inlay  Spring Gardening: Feeding Your Soil And Plants - What Works For Each Plant  DIY Sandstone Flagging Parking Area - Platform  DIY Pre-Summer Checklist For A Safe Home   Summer Spruce Up: Interior Paint Tips and Three easy steps to rejuvenate your timber deck The Perfect BBQ Garden Setting DIY Water Wise Garden   DIY Side Gates  DIY Storm Preparation And Home Protection  One To Two Day DIY Weekend Spruce Ups  Vegepods For Autumn Planting + Easy To Make Lego Table Or Student Desk That Can Be Dismantled + Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Online Store   Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Great New Mona Vale Store: Still In Bassett Street - number 73  Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 New Mona Vale Store: The Greenlife Garden Centre  Go Outside And Play: Creating Garden Spaces To Connect Children With Nature DIY Plasterboard Repair DIY Dolls House Or Garage Or Boatshed  DIY Child's Waggon - or use as a large planter mover DIY Bathroom Refresh: Zing For Spring  Tips for Growing a Native Garden FireCrunch, Australian Developed Fire-proof, Sustainable, Durable and Reliable Building Board Now Available at Johnson Bros. at Mona Vale and Narrabeen School Holidays DIY Ideas for Children: Little Vegetables Garden, Swing, Windchimes Bushfire Season Preparation 2017: Home and Outdoor Areas  Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Trade Centre at Mona Vale + Issue No 1 of Mitre 10’s inSITE Magazine for Tradies and Handymen  Preparing Al Fresco Areas for Christmas Get-Togethers and Summer Visitors  Summer De-bug; Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches and ants - how to keep the outdoors insects where they belong DIY Summer Projects: Install A Fountain Or Water Feature  Late Summer and Early Autumn Projects: A Shed For All Storage Solutions + Garden Tasks + Keeping Our Waterways Clean   Autumn Plantings for Winter Harvests   2018   Paintback Collection Event: Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale Saturday, April 7  Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors Attracting Insectivore Birds to Your Garden: DIY Natural Tick Control  Mother's Day 2018: DIY Rose Garden Winter Mould & Mildew Inside Your home: How to Keep Air and Surfaces Healthier DIY Traditional Rocking Horse  Johnson Brothers Trade Day 2018 DIY Mushrooms and Vege Kits: School Holidays Fun Winter 2018 for Curious Kids  Woodworking Projects for Beginners: School Holidays Fun Winter 2018 - Simple Storage Box + Wood Tool Box Spring Garden Prep: Soil Care  Spring into Spring + JBH August 2018 Trifecta  DIY Backyard Doggie Paradise  Garden Care for Heavy Rain Days + Non-Toxic Snail and Slug Debug Ideas  Garden Design and Plant Management to Minimise Tick Attacks and Infestations - insights from an essay by Bill Conroy BSc. (Agr) (Syd) + a Tribute to Wilfred Lawrence Conroy CBE by Keith Jackson, PNG and others  Make Your Own BBQ Kitchen Garden: Gifts That Grow Past That Giving Day  Christmas Lights 2018: Light Up the Night  How to Keep Your House Cool During a Heatwave Without Using an Air-Conditioner Mid-Summer Garden Care  2018 Winners Of National Hardware Store Of The Year - Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale! + End Of Summer Garden To Do List  DIY Fruits of Your Garden: Growing Figs  Fruits Of Your Garden: Growing Passionfruit - Autumn Is Also The Time To Plant Strawberries For Spring  How To Water Your Plants When Away On Holidays + Some April 2019 School Holidays Fun For Outdoors; A Skateboard Swing Or Indoors; Grow Or Make Pot Plant People Dealing With Autumn Dampness Inside The Home + Mums Day Gifts For 2019 Winter Heating Guide + Get Ready For Winter Specials  Keeping Your Garden Dewful During Times Of Water Restrictions and Drought  Installing Leaf Stopper Gutter Guard + Trade Day 2019  JBH Mitre 10 Trade Day Guests 2019  An Artfull Garden - for Winter School Holidays 2019 DIY Deck Refurbishment: Turning Wood Into Open Tiled Spaces - Groundworks  Father's Day Wish List 2019 + How to Re-stain your Deck timbers and posts for Summer  Installing Posts For Decks and Verandahs With Heavier Loads + Installing Membranes For Tiled Decks National Garden Week's 2019 Focus Is On Children(Oct 13-19): Spring School Holiday 2019 Garden Ideas (to get started on)  Replacing Balustrades Handrails  DIY Tiling Your Verandah: and Choosing Your Simple Or Complex Tile Pattern  Reduce Bushfire Risk To Older Homes + Preparing Your Yard For Bushfires  Time to Put Up those Christmas Lights and Deck your Gum Trees with rows of Jolly!  NSW RFS Bushfire Survival Plan 2020 + Reduce Bushfire Risk To Homes + Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Great Water Saving Ideas during Level 2 water restrictions + some  'Don't Sweat Summer'  Specials  The Inaugural Sydney Edible Garden Trail - Learn how to help your garden survive the heat, drought, and water restrictions  DIY Flyscreens  DIY Privacy Screen In 2 Hours  Family Hardware Store Wins Best In Australia  Autumn DIY Jobs: Exterior Jobs to Keep Everything Dry and Cosy Inside the Home  Autumn Vegepod Garden: Plant Now to Stay Healthy: JBH Response to COVID-19 Restrictions - We're Adapting!  Autumn Holidays Projects: Let's Go Fly A Kite + Some handy Painting Tips for Interiors and Sprucing up that Outside Deck - Easter Hours 2020  Pittwater's Noxious Weeds: A Great Time To Get Outdoors and Pull Them Out and Replace With Native Plants  Blooming Lovely: Late Autumn Planting For Gardens Full Of Colour, Cheer + Great Food For The Table  Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home - June 2020  DIY A Job For Life: Apprentice Carpenter + Commencement Tool List  Winter School Holidays 2020: Easy To Do Garden Mosaic Pavers Little Hands Can Create + Home DIYer: Simple Concrete Slab  DIY - A Job For Life: Landscape Gardener Apprenticeship DIY Fathers' Day ideas for 2020 + August Garden Jobs  DIY Job for Life: Plumber's Apprenticeship Early Spring Garden Care Spring 2020 + Salad Garden For Children  A Job For Life: Certificate III In Electrotechnology - From Apprentice To A Business Owner; Jay Turns Up The Voltage On His Career + Spring Garden Specials - seedlings time!  Spring is here and wattles are out in bloom: a love letter to our iconic flowers  Perfect Tomatoes, Capsicums and Spring Onions - Summer Salad Staples + what to plant now  BBQ Season: some tips to keep your New or Old BBQ Clean  Christmas Lights Time 2020: Deck Your Home With Rows Of Jolly!  Johnson Brothers Avalon Store Renovations & Mona Vale Store: Everything You Need This Summer In Stock  How To Keep Your Home Cool During A Heatwave Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home: The Wet Summer Of 2020/2021 +Nothing By Halves, Johnson Bros. Mitre 10, great new video By Community Requests Autumn/ February 2021 re-run: Garden Design and Plant Management to Minimise Tick Attacks and Infestations  The Bees Knees: what you can plant now to help your garden grow and help the bees  Dealing with Storm Events: Flooding inside and around the home - how to Be Prepared  Fun Project Ideas for Autumn School Holidays  10 Ways to keep your home warm and save money this Autumn and Winter  Mother's Day 2021 Ideas: Grow Her Some Lemons Or Avocadoes Or Get A Pink Step Ladder So She Can Safely Reach The Top Shelf Indoors + JBH Celebrates Upgrade Of Avalon Beach Store  These 3 Tips Will Help You Create A Thriving Pollinator-Friendly Garden This Winter  'Generation Restoration' Is The UN's World Environment Day 2021 Theme: How You Can Help Out At Home  The Johnson Brothers Trade Day Is Back: Thursday June 17th + How To Build A Nesting Box For Our Local Possums and Birds  Winter School Holidays 2021: Fun Projects You Can Do Around The Home - Something For The Young and Even Younger  Winter DIY Ideas: Painting A Feature Wall + Outdoor Heating Options For Your Home + Declutter/Organise That Tool Shed Science Week 2021 Food Theme: A Salad Garden For Children  Early Spring Chores For Great A Summer Outdoors: Clean and Reseal Your Wooden Deck Area  Early Spring Chores For Great A Summer Outdoors: Soil Preparation For Vegetables + Salads + A Few Other Tips To Make Your Garden Ready To Plant Out  Spring School Holidays Projects 2021: A Swing Chair and Dolls' House or Toy Garage  The Beer Ledge: Done In An Afternoon Projects For The Garden  October- November Garden Jobs: Let's Get Busy Planting Out Now + Mow For Your Bros. This Movember   Mow For Your Bros. This Movember: Some Lawn Care Tips To Keep Your Grass Greener This Summer - Aerate, Worm Up!, Fertilise, Watering, Mowing Basics  Christmas-New Years 2021 Checklists: Preparing The Garden & Home - Entertaining - Gift Ideas For Every Budget  DIY Backyard Cricket Pitch DIY Surfboard Rack: Vertical and Horizontal Options  Late Summer - Early Autumn Garden Tips: BOM Forecasts Warm Autumn 2022 With Above Average Rainfall  Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home March 2022  Maintenance Of Your Home's Outside Areas After Storm Events: Paths, Walls & Windows, Dampness Under The House, Dying Lawns And Plants - The DIY Checklist  Fun Project Ideas for Youngsters for Autumn School Holidays: wooden cars, blackboards, bright painted herb pots, grow your own food, make a chessboard  Mother's Day 2022: Promise Her An Ever Blooming Native Flowering Plants Garden  Retaining Walls Save Your Garden's Soil: DIY  Winter Draught Stops To Lessen Your Power Bill   Johnson Brothers Trade Day 2022: June 16 At Mona Vale + Winter Garden Jobs For A Flowering Fruitful Spring  Winter School Holidays Projects For Youngsters On Rainy Days Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home: Black Mould July 2022  Stop Winter Rain Soil Erosion In Your Garden - Especially On Sloping Blocks Increases In Building Materials Costs Adds Pressure To Fixed Price Contracts - Construction Industry  Father's Day 2022 - Some Gift Ideas To Make Dad Feel Special; Some For Those Without A Single Dollar + Some For Those Who Get Pocket Money! Spring 2022: Time To Get In The Garden! What Can Be Done In September - For Youngsters + Oldsters  Spring School Holidays 2022: Handmade Toys - For Youngsters + Oldsters Who Want To Lend A Hand  Spring Lawn Care: During Mow For Your Bro Month - Movember 2022  Preparing Your Garden and Home For Bushfires 2022 - The Rains Will Cease; Now Is A Good Time To Clean Out Your Gutters + Prep. The Home  Preparing Outdoor Areas For Christmas Get-Togethers and Summer Visitors: Wooden Decks, Tiles, Pavers, Outdoor  Furniture, Putting Up The Christmas Lights, Garden Spruce Up   Summer Garden-House Care: when to water, mow, when and how to harvest that crop, how to keep the ants, ticks and mozzies at bay this season + Christmas Gifts for all budgets and everyone + Johnson Brothers Christmas - New Years Trading Hours  End Of Summer Garden To Do List For A Bountiful Indian Summer This Autumn  End Of Summer Garden To Do List For The Lawn: How To Combat Armyworm + Small Jobs Boost Winter Resilience - Aerate, Weed, Feed, Patch Bare Spots  A Dry Autumn Forecast: How To Look After Your Garden During Low Rain Seasons + What Plants Thrive In Dry Conditions  Autumn School Holidays 2023: DIY Project Ideas For Youngsters, Older Youngsters & The Young At Heart: Lava Lamp (60th year of this invention), Wood Building Blocks for Toddlers and Older, Let's go Fly a Kite, Basic Wood Bookshelf, Sundial, Make a rope and wood swing, Making Your Own Windchimes + more  It's starting to get Cold: 11 Ways to keep your home warm, safe and save money this Autumn and Winter - what to look for in a heater; the list!  Mother's Day 2023 DIY Idea: A Basic Bookshelf You Can Make For All Mum's Books  Mould set to rise Inside Your home this Winter: How to Keep Air and Surfaces Healthier  A Job For Life as HSC Trial Exams commence: Apprentice Carpenter + Commencement Tool List  Pittwater's Noxious Weeds: A Great Time To Get Outdoors, Pull Them Out - Replace With Native Plants  DIY Worm Farm: Spring 2023 Garden Prep. + Father's Day 2023 Gift Ideas   DIY Father's Day 2023 Gift Ideas: Some For Little Hands + Those Now Grown + The Best Gifts For The Best Dads From JBH Dry Warm Spring Forecast: Time To Prepare Your Home For Bushfire Season - The RFS's List + 6 Easy To Do Extras You Can Do In The Garden + Home To Be Prepared, Get Ready Weekend 2023 Dry Warm Spring Forecast: Put In Drought Tolerant Native Plants + Spring School Holiday Spring Gardening Ideas For Youngsters Because They Like 'Growing Stuff' Too  Johnson Brothers' Mona Vale Outlet Wins Store Of The Year Again In 2023: Tradies Breakfast Every Friday - Recycling Of Batteries Available + Spring Garden Care For Your Lawn  How To Save Water This Spring-Summer  How To Save Water This Spring-Summer: Retaining Water On A Sloping Site + Best Coastal Plants To Retain Soil  Christmas Lights Time: Deck Your Home With Rows Of Jolly! + Pittwater MP - Leader Of Opposition Visit Mona Vale Johnson Brothers Store  Christmas-New Years-Summer Prep.: Outdoor Areas For Summer Celebrations + How To Keep Your Home Cool During A Heatwave Without An Air-Conditioner + DIY Your Own BBQ Kitchen Garden For Gifts That Grow Past That Giving Day   Johnson Brothers Hardware Mona Vale launches e-Waste Recycle Program Summer De-Bug: How to Keep Flies, Ants, Mozzies and Cockroaches where they belong - In the Garden  Humid Summer + Above Median Rainfall Predicted For Autumn 2024 Means Mould In The Home: Some Tips To Keep The Family Safer & Healthier  Go Outside & Play!: Creating Garden Spaces To Connect Children With Nature This Autumn  Fun Project Ideas for Autumn School Holidays: ideas for those who like making things out of wood, growing things, painting things, storing things and one project for really big kids!  Mother's Day 2024: A Few Handmade Options + Gift Ideas  Mould Inside Your home after all that rain?: How to Keep Air and Surfaces Healthier  Winter Draught Stops To Lessen Your Power Bill and Keep The Home Warm + JBH EOFY Catalogue  Winter School Holiday Ideas 2024: Woodworking Projects For Beginners, An Artfull Garden, Vegepods For Little Hands, Easy To Make Lego Table Or Student Desk That Can Be Dismantled   One Winter Weekend Projects: DIY Carport   Father's Day 2024: a Few DIY 'thank you dad' Ideas for little hands + get the garden ready for Spring  Johnson Brothers partner with Total Tools: Mona Vale Store Now Open - At: 77 Bassett street, Mona Vale  Spring Lawn Care + How to Renew an area with New Turf - Also Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 New Concrete Store at Mona Vale is now open   Get Ready Weekend 2024: A Warm Spring Forecast: Time To Prepare Your Home For Bushfire Season - The RFS's List + 6 Easy To Do Extras You Can Do In The Garden + Home To Be Prepared - Plus: Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale Wins Retail Store of the Year  Go Outside and Play: Creating Garden Spaces To Connect Children With Nature this spring holidays  Spring Garden Care + A Salad Garden For Children: Inspire them to Grow what they will Eat this Summer   Christmas Cheer 2024: Time to Deck Your Home With Rows Of Jolly! + Keeping Mozzies away - Ticks at Bay This Summer   Christmas-New Years Checklist: Preparing the Garden & Home For Visitors + Entertaining + Gift Ideas For Every Budget  DIY A Summer-Autumn Salad Garden for a Balcony or at Waist-height  A Job For Life: Apprentice Carpenter + Commencement Tool List  DIY Repairing Sunken Paver Areas Fix  Reducing Ticks in Your Garden (early Autumn): Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors  BOM's Autumn 2025 Forecast Makes this Season Great for Garden Care + What to Plant Now  Pittwater's Noxious Weeds: A Great Time To Get Outdoors, Pull Them Out, Replace With Native Plants  Potted Colour for Winter Brightness As Summer crop is harvested: Natives + Perennials + what to plant now for A Winter Vegetables crop  Dealing With Dampness Inside Your Home  11 Ways to keep your home Warm, Safe and Save Money this Winter  Winter School Holidays: Fun Projects You Can Do Around The Home - Something For Everyone  DIY Privacy Screen In 2 Hours   Father's Day 2025: A few Gift Ideas to Spoil the best Dad in the world  Father's Day 2025: A few Gift Ideas to Spoil the Dad in the world Who Loves Being Outdoors  Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale - Avalon 70th Birthday Celebrations: September 19 to 22   National Garden Week 2025: School Holiday Garden Ideas for Youngsters + Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Community Grants Fund Launched   Spring Chores For Great A Summer Outdoors: Clean and Reseal Your Wooden Deck Area  Some Lawn Care Tips To Keep Your Grass Greener This Spring-Summer  Christmas Lights Safety Tips + Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Black Friday Sale runs until November 30; Perfect to Help You Get Ready for Christmas - New Years  Christmas-New Years 2025-26 Checklists: Preparing The Garden & Home - Entertaining - Gift Ideas For Every Budget  How To Keep Your Home Cool During Heatwaves  Apprentice Carpenter + Fee-Free Courses + Commencement Tool List + How to Look After Your Tools   Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

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John and Bob Johnson - The Johnson Brothers Profile  John William Alfred Johnson - The Eulogies for those who could not attend Mass

Australia's Prime Minister Visits Mackellar - Informal Afternoon Tea with Hon. Malcolm Turnbull October 2016

JBH Win Awards August 2018 Trifecta - 2018 Free Trade Day supporters, Mitre 10 Heritage Advert features JBH Mona Vale Store, Hardware Australia’s 2018 NSW Hardware Store of the Year over 2500sqm.

Front Page Issue 294: 2018 Winners Of National Hardware Store Of The Year - Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale !!!

National Garden Week's 2019 Focus Is On Children(Oct 13-19): School Holiday Garden Ideas (to get started on) & Congratulations Award Winning Johnson Brothers Mitre10 At Mona Vale - 2019 NSW Store Of the Year, 2019 NSW Trade Centre Of the Year and 2019 Village Garden Centre of the Year

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 were awarded as the best Trade Store in the country: February 2020

Family Hardware Store Wins Best In Australia: Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale Crowned ‘National Trade Store Of The Year’ - Celebrating 65th Year in 2020

Johnson Brothers' Mona Vale Outlet Wins Store Of The Year Again In 2023: Tradies Breakfast Every Friday - Recycling Of Batteries Available 

Anzac Day In Pittwater 2020: Candles, Crosses and Online Commemorative Services: Johnson Brothers Family Donates 20 Thousand Candles to Community Light Up The Dawn Initiativ

Front Page Issue 447: ANZAC DAY 2020

Front Page Issue 478: Johnson Brothers Avalon Store Renovations & Mona Vale Store: Everything You Need This Summer In Stock

Front Page Issue 492:  JBH Celebrates Upgrade Of Avalon Beach Store


Bob, John and Robert Johnson, 2013 - photo by A J G.
Important 
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You should also consider any safety precautions that may be necessary when undertaking the work described in this publication (including wearing any necessary safety equipment such as safety glasses, goggles or ear protectors or hard hats). The information and tips in this publication are provided on the basis that Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 and Pittwater Online News excludes all liability for any loss or damage which is suffered or incurred (including, but not limited to, indirect and consequential loss or damage and whether or not such loss or damage could have been foreseen) for any personal injury or damage to property whatsoever resulting from the use of the information and tips in this publication. 

Pittwater Online News and Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 also advises there may be laws, regulations or by-laws with which you must comply when undertaking the work described in this publication. You should obtain all necessary permissions and permits from council and/or any other relevant statutory body or authority before carrying out any work. Major projects published in this publication always list these and/orlinks to where you may research what your own project requires to meet regulations.