Pittwater Online News

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 298: 

Australia Day by Selena Griffith

Australia Day Awards 2017: Recognising Outstanding And Long-Term Service - our chat with John McInerney OAM and the full list of Northern Beaches Honours

Renewed Calls To Return Pittwater Council To Pittwater By Pittwater People in Wake of Recent Retirement Announcements

Bodhi Leigh-Jones Scores Win In Subway® Pro Junior's Event 2 at Cronulla this week - reports from Surfing NSW

Pictures: Summer in Pittwater: on Pittwater! - by Stephen Collopy - RPAYC Media - the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club hosts great regattas for all classes of yachts over every Summer - this week some of those that have happened and are happening

Aquatics: World Wetlands Day 2017: the 20th Year - February 2nd is World Wetlands Day each year, commenced in 1997 as a way to raise awareness of these vital ecosystems - this Thursday, get in a Pittwater wetland!

DIY Ideas DIY: Side Gates - living in the suburbs means living on a road and requires installing side gates to create a safe backyard so children and dogs cannot wander  

Draft Plan For Ingleside Land Development Released  - Community Information session during Feb 2017 - have a say until 28th of same month

Profile: Christine Hopton OAM Congratulations to former Avalon Beach SLSC President Christine Hopton who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division in the Australia Day Honours List for service to surf lifesaving this week. Christine currently serves as a Director of Surf Life Saving Australia. She is a past Vice-President of Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches and was President of Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club for 8 years as well as the first female president. In 2014 she was the Pittwater Woman of the Year. A small celebration and reprise of a wonderful lady this week

History:  Pittwater Fields of Dreams II: St Cloud's Jersey Stud at Elanora Heights and The Stewart Legacy  + a few notes on local dairies and the people who gave Stewart House, Curl Curl, during the 1930's Australian Depression years

Artist of the Month: January 2017 : Jacqueline Andronicus - one of our great contributing photographers - Portrait, Lifestyle, Art and Landscape photography with decades of building on her craft and style 

New Medical Staff Commence At Mona Vale Hospital

VALE

Edgar Britt

30 October 1913 - 28 January 2017

SADLY THE PASSING OF A LEGEND 

Legendary Australian jockey and Avalon Beach resident EDGAR BRITT passed Saturday morning at the age of 103 years

Words can't express the extraordinary life this fine gentleman led

Edgar Britt won for the first time in 1930 at Canterbury racecourse in Sydney.

Riding thoroughbreds in close proximity to other thoroughbreds for year after year would seem like a recipe for a brief life span, but Edgar Clive Britt, born 1913, defied the odds and lives to this day to reach the milestone of a century on the planet.

Edgar Clive Britt was one of the greatest Australian jockeys of all time, even though he did most of his riding abroad.

He rode in America in 1933, winning the Baltimore Cup for trainer Mick Polson.

Mr. Britt returned to Australia in 1934 and won the Sydney Cup. Edgar Clive Britt then spent a decade riding in India where he won virtually every major race, some of them on more than one occasion, and heading the jockeys' premiership no fewer than eight times.

At the conclusion of WWII, Edgar Clive Britt accepted an invitation from the Maharaja of Baroda to ride in England.

Britt remained there until his retirement from racing in 1959, during which time he rode the winners of 1200 races, averaging around 85 victories per year. His peak years were between 1947 and 1956, where he was never lower than sixth on the premiership list. In 1948, he rode 145 winners.

Some of his significant wins include the Cesarewitch Handicap, Manchester November Hnadicap, two English St. Legers, two English 1,000 Guineas, an Epson Oaks, and the 2,000 Guineas whilst riding for Charles Elsey's stable. He also won an Irish Derby and two English Oaks.

Edgar Clive Britt's most famous mounts were Winooka, My Babu and Sayajitao, who carried Britt to his Irish Derby win. Britt was riding Broad Arrow for his 1934 Sydney Cup victory.

Edgar remained active in racing after his retirement from riding in 1959, serving as a commentator and journalist.

He was recognised with the Order of Australia medal at the age of 90 in 2004, the same year that he was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Visit: Legend of the Racetrack Turns 100 by Steve Meacham

Outstanding Service To The Community: Cass Gye

Scotland Island lady Cass Gye, of the Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA) has been recognised this week for all her work to look after Scotland Islanders during local 2017 Australia Day Awards. 

THE NEW NSW CABINET IN FULL

Gladys Berejiklian MP

Premier

John Barilaro MP

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Skills, and Minister for Small Business

Dominic Perrottet MP

Treasurer, and Minister for Industrial Relations

Niall Blair MLC

Minister for Primary Industries, Minister for Regional Water, and Minister for Trade and Industry

Donald Harwin MLC

Minister for Resources, Minister for Energy and Utilities, Minister for the Arts, and Vice-President of the Executive Council

Anthony Roberts MP

Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing, and Special Minister of State

Andrew Constance MP

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure

Brad Hazzard MP

Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research

Rob Stokes MP

Minister for Education

Mark Speakman SC MP

Attorney General

Troy Grant MP

Minister for Police, and Minister for Emergency Services

Victor Michael Dominello MP

Minister for Finance, Services and Property

Pru Goward MP

Minister for Family and Community Services, Minister for Social Housing, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Paul Toole MP

Minister for Lands and Forestry, and Minister for Racing

David Elliott MP

Minister for Counter Terrorism, Minister for Corrections, and Minister for Veterans Affairs

Gabrielle Upton MP

Minister for the Environment, Minister for Local Government, and Minister for Heritage

Stuart Ayres MP

Minister for Western Sydney, Minister for WestConnex, and Minister for Sport

Melinda Pavey MP

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight

Matthew Kean MP

Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation

Adam Marshall MP

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and Assistant Minister for Skills

Tanya Davies MP

Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Women, and Minister for Ageing

Sarah Mitchell MLC

Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Assistant Minister for Education

Raymond Craig Williams MP

Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Disability Services

PARLIAMENTARY OFFICE HOLDERS:

John Ajaka MLC

President of the Legislative Council (elect)

Shelley Hancock MP

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

Trevor Khan MLC

Deputy President and Chair of Committees

Thomas George MP

Deputy Speaker

Andrew Fraser MP

Assistant Speaker

Donald Harwin MLC

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council

Anthony Roberts MP

Leader of the House

Niall Blair MLC

Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council

Christopher Patterson MP

Government Whip

Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC

Government Whip in the Legislative Council

Mr Kevin John Anderson MP

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads and Transport

The Honourable David Clarke MLC

Parliamentary Secretary for Justice

The Honourable Richard Hargrave Colless MLC

Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resources and Western NSW

Mr Mark Joseph Coure MP

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure

The Honourable Catherine Cusack MLC

Parliamentary Secretary for Education and the Hunter

The Honourable Scott Glynn Farlow MLC

Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier (Leader of the House) in the Legislative Council

The Honourable Benjamin Cameron Franklin MLC

Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy and Northern NSW

Mr Christopher Gulaptis MP

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Planning

Mr Alister Andrew Henskens SC MP

Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Services and Property

Dr Geoffrey Lee MP

Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney and Multiculturalism

Mr Scot MacDonald MLC

Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and the Central Coast

Mr Daryl Maguire MP

Parliamentary Secretary for the Centenary of ANZAC, Counter Terrorism, Corrections and Veterans

Mr Jonathan O’Dea MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Treasurer

Mr Anthony John Sidoti MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Cabinet

The Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC

Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and Southern NSW

Mr Gareth Ward MP

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast

Mrs Leslie Gladys Williams MP

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Health

Fresh Premier, Fresh Start In NSW

23 January 2017: Media Release - LGNSW

The local government sector has welcomed NSW’s new Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and described her commitment to listen to communities as a “fresh new start” for the state.

In a media conference held immediately after her elevation to the premiership, Premier Berejiklian said she would run a more inclusive government, which would take more time to listen the community.

The new Premier also pledged to consult with National Party leader John Barilaro and the community on the issue of forced council amalgamations.

“This is a fresh new start for the NSW Government, and I commend the new Premier on her proposed approach to leadership,” Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Keith Rhoades said.

“Recent history has shown that ‘consultation’ can mean a lot of things: from tick-a-box public forums at one end of the spectrum, to genuine efforts to achieve constructive outcomes all parties can support.

“The second way takes longer, but it delivers outcomes that last.”

Clr Rhoades said given LGNSW’s experience with the former Treasurer, now Premier, he was confident that she would keep her promise to listen to the wishes of the community.

“We worked closely with Ms Berejiklian in our ongoing advocacy work to protect councils and communities as the Government implements its Emergency Services Property Levy,” Clr Rhoades said.

“As a result of those discussions we were able to achieve a number of wins, which will benefit ratepayers.

“For example, Ms Berejiklian listened to LGNSW’s arguments and agreed to full cost recovery for councils, as well as clear indication on rates notices that the ESPL is a State Government levy and not a council one.

“Make no mistake – there is still a lot of work to be done on the ESPL – but such wins for the sector are a clear demonstration that the new Premier is prepared to listen and respond.”

Clr Rhoades said National Party leader John Barilaro had already demonstrated his commitment to community consultation in regard to forced council amalgamations.

Blue Button (Porpita Porpita)

At Narrabeen, January 26, 2017

Photographed by Selena Griffith

Blue Button (Porpita porpita) P. porpita, also called the blue button, actually consists of a colony of hydroids, though it is often mistaken to be a jellyfish. This species consists of two main parts: the float and the hydroid. The float is a yellowish brown, and is shaped like a hard, slightly convex disc, approximately an inch across. It is actually filled with gas which is essential to keeping the organism afloat. 

The hydroids can range in color from turquoise to yellow and resemble the tentacles of a jellyfish. Each hydroid branches out in multiple strands that end in knobs of nematocysts. Fortunately, the sting is not lethal, though they will irritate the skin upon contact. 

It is dependent on prevailing sea currents and the wind for movement. They are often seen in large aggregations, and it is not uncommon for them to be washed up on the beach in large numbers.

Bubble Cup At Avalon Bowlo

Fancy something totally different for 2017? 

Come along and get involved in 'Bubble Soccer' on Sunday 19th February on the front green at the Avalon Bowling Club. Should be a unique, fun event. 

Follow it up with some barefoot bowls, petanque, pizza and then the great vibes from the classic rock band '2Shots'.

Poster in Events page gives details or visit Avalon Bowling Club onFacebook and website: www.avalonbowlingclub.com.au

International Women's Day 2017 Breakfast At RPAYC

Wednesday March 8th, 2017

Hosted by Zonta Club of Northern Beaches

7am - 9am Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport. Tickets $42.Pittwater 

Speaker: Superintendant Doreen Cruickshank APM

Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc will host the annual Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday 8 March 2017 at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport.  

Zonta Club of Northern Beaches is a member of Zonta International which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta International is affiliated at the United Nations with other major women’s organisations.  

This breakfast marks International Women's Day. It is a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place.  Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The 2017 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast. 

The guest speaker at the breakfast will be Superintendent Doreen Cruickshank APM. With over 45 years of service, Doreen is Australia’s longest serving policewoman. Growing up in country NSW, and being focussed on a career in the police from an early age, Doreen has witnessed revolutionary changes for women in the profession from policewomen being a segregated group to now being fully integrated into the force. Doreen was Pittwater Woman of the Year in 2008. She will speak on her life story and her career.

The IWD Breakfast will be held at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club at 7am till 9am on Wednesday 8 March 2017. The cost is $42.  The delightful location looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. The breakfast is always well attended by the local community. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Enquiries topittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Sue on 0407 850 860. Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc assisting local women in need, and Zonta International projects in developing countries. Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 8 to10.  We will seat you.

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 27/1/2017 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Avalon Boomerang Bags 2017

January  2017

Time to turn the tide, and in Avalon we are trying to do our bit. 

Boomerang Bags workshops are starting again in the Avalon Recreation Centre on Tuesday 24th January 2017, 11.30am - 5pm. 

Can't sew? 

We can teach you, plus we need people with all sorts of different skills...stamping, cutting, chatting, stalls, admin...

Workshop: Change of Venue

Regular workshops resume this Tuesday.

For the next 2 weeks ( Tuesday January 24th and 31st) workshops will be at Avalon Recreation Centre at the new time of 11.30am until 3.30pm.

From Tuesday February 7th workshops will be run at:

Sewcraft

Unit 20/14 Polo Ave , Mona Vale. 

9.30-2.30

We would like to say a big welcome from Avalon Boomerang Bags to Kate at Sewcraft and a HUGE Thank You for offering us the use of this fabulous space.

For those that cannot attend our regular workshops but still want to be involved, get together 2-6 friends and we can run a workshop for you at a mutually convenient time. Or perhaps you would like to donate some nice bright fabric or some thread or help out in other ways behind the scenes. 

If you can help call Laurel on 0410 608 315 or reply to this email.

2017 is going to be great, can't wait to see all our baggers again.

Just quick reminder that we are running a bag SHARING program. The bags are called Boomerang Bags because we would like the ones you're not using to Boomerang back into our boxes , so that there are always plenty available for shoppers who may have forgotten their own. 

E: boomerangbagsavalon@hotmail.com

F: www.facebook.com/avboomerangbags/

I : www.instagram.com/avalon_boomerangbags

W : http://boomerangbags.org

Join us, and let's rid our beautiful coastal suburb of polluting, wild life entangling plastic bags.

2017 ASRL Australian Short Course Championships Live Stream

Local Community Transport Not-For-Profit Calls For Volunteer Board Members 

2017 WRC Memberships Are On Sale Now

This year will see Warringah Rugby Club (WRC) play nine home games at Pittwater Rugby Park with Colts joining grade for Super Saturdays against Penrith, Easts, University and Manly. 

NSW Surf Lifesavers In Australian Honours List

Friday January 27th, 2017 - BY SLS NSW

Indian Myna Action Group

Successful Resus At Mona Vale

Funding Opportunity For Local Surf Clubs

Funding To Help Combat Local Crime Hot Spots

Wheel Easy Website Launched

Planning Reforms To Boost Housing Supply

Signing Up For The NBN Info Session At Newport

The coming of the NBN to Pittwater is now a reality with the Avalon exchange users able to connect to the NBN. After much, often political discussion, this technology is now available to those who sign up to change.

SWD Making Waves Regatta 2017

Get A Life! Get The Job You Want
...And Work Locally!

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Maya

AGE/SEX: 12 months / F

BREED: Dalmatian X  

Maya is a gentle but super excited, inquisitive, very friendly girl with people. She has not had much experience walking on lead so needs a family who are patient and willing to show her the ropes. She is social with other dogs and loves licking volunteer's faces! She has a smooth coat and weighs 18.9kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450. 

Greater Sydney Commission: North District 

Harmony Day Event Registrations Now Open

60th Anniversary Of Club Palm Beach

Club Palm Beach is going to celebrate the 1957 opening, its 60th anniversary and we would like to get as many people from the past and present as possible to join us in a reunion here at the Club. This includes old friends, relatives, neighbours, local sports clubs, sailing mates, students from local schools, campers from the old camping ground near the Golf course, EVERYONE! 

Leading up to the reunion we want to hear your old stories & share your photos from the good old days. Stories from the camping grounds, for example some families lived at the camping grounds while their family homes were built. John Oliver was one, he says the camping ground was a community in itself. Other campers such as the Trainor family loved the camping community so much they moved permanently to Palm Beach.

Camping at Palm Beach - photo courtesy National Library of Australia

Palm Beach RSL started off as a shed, it was originally built in Lucinda Park, Nabilla Rd Palm Beach. The shed, built from weather board by Dick Martin, Jack Martin and Fred Verrills, was then moved to Barrenjoey Rd, the current Club site, sitting approximately where the bistro dinner room is now. The land purchased in Barrenjoey Rd was instigated by Carl Gow. The little Club traded there from the very early 50's until the current Club opened in December 1957. The original shed was removed by Peter Verrills and Bill Martin then transported by Bill's semi-trailer to Wisemans Ferry and there it was used as a cabin for the Verrills family & friends for their water skiing holidays. In the early days the Cub (shed)l opened daily at 4pm and operated on an honour system, any purchases were fixed up on pay day.

The Club as it is today was built by R. Martin & Sons. It was opened on the 14th December 1957. The president at the time of the opening was Alf Curtis and the secretary was Ron Vance. Some of the early committee members were Harold Richardson, Ken Wardrop, Fred Verrills, Jack Martin, Bill McTaggart, Ron Vance, Jack Henman, Brian Oxenham and Chic Whitchard. Some old local family names were the Gonsalves, Martins, and Goddards. There was a big variety of local businesses including the chemist, butcher, bakers, doctors and the fruit and veg shop.

Apparently there were two garages as well. To Peter Verrills' recollection, the Palm Beach bottle shop is the only shop still operating as it was when opened. The original owners were the Goddard's.

Lola was their daughter who married Jack Martin.

We would love to hear all the history on the ferry service, fishing charter boats, builder's ship wrights etc... before it is all lost. 

Please start posting any stories, pictures or memories to our Facebook page - Club Palm Beach. Save the date and come down and join us and tell us a bit about it. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

This is a great time to catch up with that old Palm Beach friend of yours - you always say you will but never seem to get the chance.

Invitation To Nominate Significant Places To The National Heritage List

WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS!!!!!

Friends Of Bungan Beach Restoration

Bungan Beach's superb backdrop of bushland is being cared for by donations from the Pittwater Environmental Foundation (PEF) and the determination and hard work of local people who love this wonderful place. Volunteers and contractors remove weeds and plant native plants where natural regeneration is unlikely because of dense weeds for many years.

Can you lend a hand to Friends of Bungan? go tohttp://www.friendsofbungan.org.au/about-us/

Click on logo above to visit their website.

The purpose of  www.westpittwater.com.au  - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.

To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.

To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.

To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.

To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Pittwater Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au

 Gone Fishing Gallery at Waterfront Store Church Point

Open again TODAY in the top room Waterfront Store. Open mainly weekends as an addition to the waterfront cafe. Keep up to date on theirFacebook page

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 297: 

Peninsular Rock Pools by Selena Griffith - NEW Columnist!

Pictures: Summer in Pittwater: Avalon Beach SLSC's 2017 Ocean Swim- the 25th Anniversary - by Tim Hixson, Warren Young OAM and Roger Sayers

Aquatics: North Narrabeen Hosts Rip Curl GromSearch National Final: The Triumphant! by Surfing NSW

Reflections by George Repin: DELOS

Farr 40 Newcastle One Design Trophy 2017 by Lisa Ratcliff

Draft Plan For Ingleside Land Development Released  - Community Information session during Feb 2017 - have a say until 28th of same month

Profile: Paul Hughes The gentleman who won the first Big Swim, back in 1974, has been a member of Surf Life Saving since the 1950's, first at Ocean Beach SLSC, then at Whale Beach. A Life Member of Whale Beach SLSC, Paul has spent his life serving others and saving lives. It is swimming and getting in the water that has been his lifelong passion though, that and being on the beach.

History:  Pittwater Fields of Dreams II: St Cloud's Jersey Stud at Elanora Heights and The Stewart Legacy  + a few notes on local dairies and the people who gave Stewart House, Curl Curl, during the 1930's Australian Depression years

Artist of the Month: January 2017 : Jacqueline Andronicus - one of our great contributing photographers - Portrait, Lifestyle, Art and Landscape photography with decades of building on her craft and style 

Selena Griffith Joins Pittwater Online News

Statement From Mike Baird

Published 19th January, 2017

As I have reflected on the approaching halfway mark of our current term of government, and the opportunity it presents to refresh the Cabinet team, I have decided that this is the perfect time for me to hand the reins over to a new Premier.

Serving as Premier of NSW has been a tremendous honour, but I have made clear from the beginning that I was in politics to make a difference, and then move on. After 10 years in public life, this moment for me has arrived.

I am immensely proud of what Barry O’Farrell and I – together with Andrew Stoner, Troy Grant, John Barilaro and our teams – have achieved over the past six years.

We have repaired the State budget, rejuvenated the economy, created jobs in unprecedented numbers, boosted frontline services and unleashed an infrastructure boom in Sydney and the regions, which everyone can see with their own eyes.

I have always stressed that sound management of the budget and balance sheet is not done for its own sake. As well as enabling us to improve services and infrastructure, it allows us to protect the vulnerable. Among other achievements in this area, I am proud of the extra resources we have been able to direct towards our neediest schools (as the first State to sign up to the Gonski agreement); towards those with disability and their carers (as the first State to implement the NDIS); and towards vulnerable families, including through additional support for our FACS caseworkers.

The infrastructure miracle unfolding around us has been possible only because the Liberals & Nationals took a plan to the NSW public in 2015, and prevailed over a massive scare campaign mounted by Labor and the unions.

As a result, the agenda that I entered public life to establish is being implemented. What matters now is that the new Cabinet should have time to settle in and reaffirm its own agenda ahead of the election in 2019 -- because only the Liberals & Nationals can be trusted to manage the continuation of the economic recovery and the infrastructure boom.

Next week there will be a Liberal party-room meeting and a spill of leadership positions. Following that meeting, I will resign from Parliament, effective immediately. It has also been an immense honour to represent the people of Manly since 2007, and my retirement from politics will enable fresh leadership for my community.

__________________

From Facebook post (January 19, 2017):

In my maiden speech in 2007, I said I was entering politics to make a difference in people’s lives - not to become another career politician.

After ten years in politics - three as Treasurer and three as Premier - I am making good on that pledge and announcing my retirement from public office.

A decade ago, NSW was a very different place. It was an economic basket case. Our hospitals and schools had been under-funded. Our budget was heavily in deficit. Our roads and rail lines had been totally neglected. Fancy brochures followed by broken promises was just the way politics was done.

Today, we live in a very different NSW. We are leading the nation economically. Unemployment is at just 4.9%. More money has been invested in our schools than in any time in our history. The same is true of our hospitals - in fact, we opened nine new hospitals, just last year. Crime statistics are at twenty year lows. There is an infrastructure miracle underway, as we build the rail and roads of the future. There are budget surpluses as far as the eye can see. And we have made huge inroads in caring for our most vulnerable people.

Although there is still much work ahead, the truth is, I believe that I’ve largely done what I came into politics to achieve - our team has made a positive difference in people’s lives.

Thank you to everyone in NSW for placing their trust in me, and in this government, at the last election. You chose hope over fear, and your trust was well placed - the government is delivering on its promises.

Thank you particularly to the people of Manly. I’ve door-knocked most of your homes, been chased down some of your driveways… and I’ve tried my best to serve you every day since you first elected me.

Finally, to my family. Kerryn - your support has been my lifeline. I’ll never forget the burden you have carried for our family over these past years. I love you. And to my kids Luke (who has long wanted his dad to coach his soccer team), Cate (who does her HSC this year) and Laura (who is getting married) - thank you for bearing the enormous cost that has come with this job. I’m proud of you all. And to my mum, dad and sister - who are all struggling with serious health issues - it has pained me how little time I’ve had to be with you. That changes today.

Thanks for everything, NSW.

It has been an honour.

Mike

STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF THE PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES, THE HON. MIKE BAIRD MP

19 January 2017

Prime Minister

Thank you, Mike, for your leadership of New South Wales.

Your state - our state - and the nation owe you a great debt.

You've restored the state's finances and you are building the infrastructure that sets New South Wales up for the 21st century economy.

You've played a great innings and we thank you for it.

You've opened your heart and explained why you are retiring all too soon.

We understand that and I want to wish you, on behalf of myself and Lucy, you and Kerryn and all your family the very best and the greatest success in the years ahead.

Hon. Malcolm Turnbull

Prime Minister of Australia.

Avalon Sailing Club Australia Day Regatta

January 14, 2017

A cordial invitation is extended to owners of all yachts - including centreboard classes, one-design keelboats, gaff-rigged and classic yachts - to enter the oldest continuously conducted sailing regatta in the world on Australia Day, Thursday 26th January 2017 on Pittwater. 

The Regatta will be conducted by the Avalon Sailing Club (ASC) on behalf of the Australia Day Regatta Management Committee. 

Entry includes a sausage sizzle at ASC after the presentation (16:30 approx).

181st AUSTRALIA DAY REGATTA

Thursday 26th January 2017

Download the Notice of Race and Entry Form here

Bubble Cup At Avalon Bowlo

Fancy something totally different for 2017? 

Come along and get involved in 'Bubble Soccer' on Sunday 19th February on the front green at the Avalon Bowling Club. Should be a unique, fun event. 

Follow it up with some barefoot bowls, petanque, pizza and then the great vibes from the classic rock band '2Shots'.

Poster in Events page gives details or visit Avalon Bowling Club onFacebook and website: www.avalonbowlingclub.com.au

Mixed Media Art Classes At Avalon Sailing Club 

MEREDITH RASDALL VISUAL ART

Term starts week of 14th Feb.

• Tues  10am-1pm

• Thursday 10am -1pm

Contact –Meredith 0402 121 184

Email: meredith.rasdall@westnet.com.au

Visit: www.meredithrasdall.com.au/index.htm

International Women's Day 2017 Breakfast At RPAYC

Wednesday March 8th, 2017

Hosted by Zonta Club of Northern Beaches

7am - 9am Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport. Tickets $42.Pittwater 

Speaker: Superintendant Doreen Cruickshank APM

Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc will host the annual Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday 8 March 2017 at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport.  

Zonta Club of Northern Beaches is a member of Zonta International which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta International is affiliated at the United Nations with other major women’s organisations.  

This breakfast marks International Women's Day. It is a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place.  Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The 2017 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast. 

The guest speaker at the breakfast will be Superintendent Doreen Cruickshank APM. With over 45 years of service, Doreen is Australia’s longest serving policewoman. Growing up in country NSW, and being focussed on a career in the police from an early age, Doreen has witnessed revolutionary changes for women in the profession from policewomen being a segregated group to now being fully integrated into the force. Doreen was Pittwater Woman of the Year in 2008. She will speak on her life story and her career.

The IWD Breakfast will be held at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club at 7am till 9am on Wednesday 8 March 2017. The cost is $42.  The delightful location looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. The breakfast is always well attended by the local community. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Enquiries topittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Sue on 0407 850 860. Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc assisting local women in need, and Zonta International projects in developing countries. Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 8 to10.  We will seat you.

Head On Photo Awards Now Open For Entries!

Head On Foundation invites photographers, creatives, amateurs and enthusiasts to enter the Head On Photo Awards 2017. The prize pool is worth $50,000 in cash, equipment and software from a variety of industry leaders.

 

All finalists will be exhibited in Head On Photo Festival 2017, Australia’s premier event of its kind and one of the world’s leading photo festivals.

Entries Close: Sunday 26 February 2017, 11pm (AEDT)

Head On Portrait Prize

Open internationally. Finalists to be exhibited at Museum of Sydney.

Head On Mobile Prize

Open internationally. Finalists to be exhibited at Museum of Sydney.

Head On Landscape Prize

Including NSW Parliament Landscape Photography Prize.

Open internationally. Finalists to be exhibited at NSW Parliament House.

Head On Student Prize

Open to Australian school-age students (K-12). Finalists will be exhibited at Museum of Sydney and at #LitFest2444 in Port Macquarie.

Enter now:  www.headon.com.au/awards

Rotary Global Grant Scholarship In 2017

Invitation to a young person interested in international postgraduate study to apply for a Rotary District 9685 Global Grant Scholarship

The purpose of the Global Grant Scholarship program is to support international study at post graduate level.

 

Rotary District 9685 supports the Global Grant Scholarship Program of The Rotary Foundation and will offer one Global Grant Scholarship in 2017. This scholarship program is funded by a District 9685 grant of US$15,000 which is matched by the Rotary Foundation providing a scholarship to the total value of US$30,000. 

 

Scholarship Information

Applications are invited from candidates who work or live within District 9685. The scholarship is awarded through a globally competitive process. Relevant details include:

• The scholarship will be for an amount from US$30,000.
• The scholarship must be aligned to one or more Rotary’s six areas of focus.
• The Scholarship must be for overseas study at a post-graduate level at a recognised university or institution.
• The Scholar must provide confirmation of admission to his/her selected university or institution.
• The period of study may be used to contribute towards gaining a higher degree or qualification.
• The applicant must not have commenced the proposed year of study at his/her selected university or institution prior to applying for the scholarship. 
• The applicant must be proficient in the language of instruction of the host country.

During the course of study Scholars are expected to interact with local Rotarians and Rotary clubs and should always be mindful that they serve in the role of ambassadors of District 9685 and Rotary to the community where they will be studying.

 

Applicant Eligibility

We are seeking candidates with the following attributes:

• A proven record of success in his/her academic field or vocation.
• Commitment to a career in one of Rotary’s six areas of focus.
• Demonstrated personal commitment to community service.
• Personal qualities to be a good ambassador for Rotary and Australia.
• Excellent leadership skills and potential.
• Well-defined and realistic goals.
• Concrete ideas for advancing within his/her chosen field.
• Commitment to participate in Rotary activities.
• Sincerity about maintaining a lifelong relationship with Rotary after the scholarship period.

Exclusions: The Applicant cannot be: (1) a Rotarian; (2) an employee of a club, district, or other Rotary entity, or of Rotary International; (3) the spouse, a lineal descendant (child or grandchild by blood or stepchild, legally adopted or not), the spouse of a lineal descendant, or an ancestor (parent or grandparent by blood) of any person in the foregoing two categories.

 

Scholarship Application Process and Timeline

Scholar Applicants must be sponsored by a Rotary Club in District 9685. Applications forms are available online and should be submitted to the local Rotary Club in January – March 2017. The Club will assess the applicant’s suitability based on interview, the completed application form and referees’ reports. Nominations from the Rotary Clubs must be forwarded to the District 9685 Scholarship Committee by 31st March 2017 District interviews and selection will be held in April 2017. The selected candidate and his/her Sponsor Clubs will be notified of the District 9685 decision in May 2017. The District Scholarship Committee will proceed with the on-line grant application process of The Rotary Foundation together with the selected Applicant in May 2017. Please note that the final decision in the selection of the District 9685 Global Grant Scholar is by The Rotary Foundation. An early decision is expected to allow the student to depart at the beginning of August 2017.

 

Closing Date for Applications:

Applications must be received by Pam Pritchard, Chair of District 9685 Global Grant Scholar Committee, by 31 March, 2017 to 5 Kapunda Place, Belrose, 2085

 

For more information: http://rotarydistrict9685.org.au/SitePage/d9685-global-grant-scholarship

Rotary District 9685 is one of two districts covering the Sydney metropolitan area in Australia.  The District covers an area of almost 4,500 square miles (11,650 square kilometres). Its boundaries stretch from the Blue Mountains to the Sea north of Sydney Harbour, reaching across the Hawkesbury River and north to Toukley on the Central Coast.  Within its boundaries are the business districts of North Sydney, Chatswood, Gosford, Penrith, and the Ryde industrial area.  The Blue Mountains define its western boundary, beautiful beaches define its eastern border, and rural communities make up its western and northern borders. 

Visit website of the Upper Northern Beaches Rotary Club

Indian Myna Action Group

January 19, 2017

One of our Trappers in Warriewood has produced a short video of Indian Myna situation at his house. He highlights the health concerns from bird droppings and how these birds are highly attracted to backyards with chickens.  He also gives us useful tips on trapping the birds. 

If anyone has chickens and have Indian Mynas coming to feed on the chuck food you need a Northern Beaches Indian Myna Action Group trap! 

Contact Nick on 0416 288874

Find Out More at: www.facebook.com/MynaProblems

Avalon Boomerang Bags 2017

January  2017

Time to turn the tide, and in Avalon we are trying to do our bit. 

Boomerang Bags workshops are starting again in the Avalon Recreation Centre on Tuesday 24th January 2017, 11.30am - 5pm. 

Can't sew? 

We can teach you, plus we need people with all sorts of different skills...stamping, cutting, chatting, stalls, admin...

Workshop: Change of Venue

Regular workshops resume this Tuesday.

For the next 2 weeks ( Tuesday January 24th and 31st) workshops will be at Avalon Recreation Centre at the new time of 11.30am until 3.30pm.

From Tuesday February 7th workshops will be run at:

Sewcraft

Unit 20/14 Polo Ave , Mona Vale. 

9.30-2.30

We would like to say a big welcome from Avalon Boomerang Bags to Kate at Sewcraft and a HUGE Thank You for offering us the use of this fabulous space.

For those that cannot attend our regular workshops but still want to be involved, get together 2-6 friends and we can run a workshop for you at a mutually convenient time.

Or perhaps you would like to donate some nice bright fabric or some thread or help out in other ways behind the scenes. 

If you can help call Laurel on 0410 608 315 or reply to this email.

2017 is going to be great, can't wait to see all our baggers again.

Just quick reminder that we are running a bag SHARING program. The bags are called Boomerang Bags because we would like the ones you're not using to Boomerang back into our boxes , so that there are always plenty available for shoppers who may have forgotten their own. 

E: boomerangbagsavalon@hotmail.com

F: www.facebook.com/avboomerangbags/

I : www.instagram.com/avalon_boomerangbags

W : http://boomerangbags.org

Join us, and let's rid our beautiful coastal suburb of polluting, wild life entangling plastic bags.

Vote For Your Favourite: Help Your Surf Club Win New Outboard Motor

Where is your favourite patrolled beach in Australia?

SLSA Major Partner DHL is giving you the chance to win a Sea-Doo Spark or 1 of 100 beach towels, plus your chosen surf club could win a NEW Evinrude motor!

The major prize winner will select their favourite Surf Life Saving Club to receive the prize of an Evinrude Outboard Motor. The final prize winners will be selected from a random draw. Don't forget, the more times you enter, the more chances you have of winning.

Visit DHLsummer.com and enter now!

Help Build Inclusive Physical Activity Programs

"Bringing together research and sporting excellence 

so all kids can play and dance".

Click on the survey link below to help us build inclusive physical activity programs around Australia for all children, regardless of developmental challenges or disabilities.

If you’re a parent of a child with a disability aged 4-17, help drive inclusivity in sport by completing this survey about the benefits and barriers of participation www.allplaysportsanddance.org.au

Research proudly supported by Deakin University, NDIA, Moose Toys and the AFL.

Australia Council Invests In Arts Projects 

10 January 2017 

The Australia Council for the Arts has today announced a $5.8 million investment through its October project grant round. This will support 184 projects, including $3 million for 141 individuals and groups, and $2.8 million for 43 small-to-medium organisations.

Australia Council for the Arts Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski said the round included the highest number of successful multi-art form applications under the new model, and a continued commitment to a large proportion of the investment going to individual artists, in recognition that the Council is the lead Commonwealth funder of this part of the sector. 

“We received 1,373 applications from across Australia, and the 128 peer assessors had another impressive group of diverse projects to assess in an increasingly competitive funding environment,” Mr Grybowski said.

“With ‘arts in daily life’ as one of our strategic goals, I’m particularly pleased that 31% of the successful applicants had audience engagement, and access and participation in the arts as the primary outcomes of their projects.

“It was encouraging to see that 19% of successful applicants were based in regional and remote areas; more than half of grant funding to individuals went to female artists; and multi-art form grant funding has hit a five-round high, all of which continue the trend in fostering diversity, strength and vibrancy of the arts across Australia,” Mr Grybowski said.

The rigorous assessment process which underpins this program draws on the diverse experience and deep knowledge of expert peers from across the national arts sector. In this round, 19% of peer assessors identified as being culturally and linguistically diverse, 18% identified as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and 20% were from regional or remote Australia.

January 2017 also marks the beginning of the Four Year Funding program, with $28 million invested annually in 128 small to medium companies who represent all state, territories and areas of practice.

A full list of the grants outcomes can be found on the Australia Council for the Arts grants register. Applications are now open for the first round of grant funding for 2017 and close on Tuesday 7 February for projects starting after 1 May 2017.

Grants - October 2016 Project Round

Mackellar

Shoufay Derz - Visual Arts

Kirsty Eager - Literature

Tina Harrod - Music

Warringah

Colin Black - Music

Tim Bruniges - Visual Arts

Tin Alley String Quartet - Music

Review Of The National Disability Insurance Scheme Costs

20 January 2017: The Hon Christian Porter MP, Minister for Social Services, Joint Media Release with: The Hon. Scott Morrison, Treasurer

The Government has announced a Productivity Commission review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme costs consistent with the Heads of Agreements with the states and territories and the Commonwealth.

This review is intended to inform the final design of the full scheme, prior to its commencement, by focussing on updating initial cost projections estimated by the Productivity Commission and by providing advice on longer term projections and overall sustainability issues.

The Productivity Commission is due to report to Government within eight months of receipt of the terms of reference.

Public consultation will be undertaken as part of the study and the Government encourages all interested parties to participate. 

Further information and the terms of reference are available on theCommission's website.

Australian Heritage Festival 2017

Hosting an event in the Australian Heritage Festival is a great way to grow awareness of your club or special interest group and share your story in your local community!

Whether it's your surf life saving club, heirloom vegetable growers or artisanal makers and craftspeople, our theme for 2017 is Having A Voice and we want to hear yours. 

The Australian Heritage Festival is Australia’s biggest annual community-driven heritage festival. NSW’s contribution to the festival sees over 500 events, 330 event organisers  and up to 200,000 visitors each year attend our state’s celebration of heritage. The Festival provides an opportunity for communities, individuals, local governments and organisations to celebrate the places and events that have shaped our heritage.  It’s an opportunity to share NSW’s stories state-wide and nationally – and we’d like you to be involved.

Visit the Heritage Festival website to learn more today:http://bit.ly/AHFVoice 

Registrations close on the 31st of March 2017.

The dates for the 2017 festival are 18th April to 21st May

‘The Australian Heritage Festival is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Trusts Partnership Program’

Congratulations!

2017 SLSA Interstate Championships

Funding Opportunity For Local Surf Clubs

Funding To Help Combat Local Crime Hot Spots

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 22/1/2017 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Thank You Dear Scribbly Gum 

A FOREST KING — And His Loyal Subjects.

Four Men Fined $2000 For Illegal Lobster Harvest At Long Reef

Local Government Welcomes Barilaro Stance

Wheel Easy Website Launched

Planning Reforms To Boost Housing Supply

Signing Up For The NBN Info Session At Newport

The coming of the NBN to Pittwater is now a reality with the Avalon exchange users able to connect to the NBN. After much, often political discussion, this technology is now available to those who sign up to change.

Get A Life! Get The Job You Want
...And Work Locally!

Heritage Matters – Environment Panel Advisory Paper For The Greater Sydney Commission

Greater Sydney Commission: North District 

Harmony Day Event Registrations Now Open

60th Anniversary Of Club Palm Beach

Club Palm Beach is going to celebrate the 1957 opening, its 60th anniversary and we would like to get as many people from the past and present as possible to join us in a reunion here at the Club. This includes old friends, relatives, neighbours, local sports clubs, sailing mates, students from local schools, campers from the old camping ground near the Golf course, EVERYONE! 

Leading up to the reunion we want to hear your old stories & share your photos from the good old days. Stories from the camping grounds, for example some families lived at the camping grounds while their family homes were built. John Oliver was one, he says the camping ground was a community in itself. Other campers such as the Trainor family loved the camping community so much they moved permanently to Palm Beach.

Camping at Palm Beach - photo courtesy National Library of Australia

Palm Beach RSL started off as a shed, it was originally built in Lucinda Park, Nabilla Rd Palm Beach. The shed, built from weather board by Dick Martin, Jack Martin and Fred Verrills, was then moved to Barrenjoey Rd, the current Club site, sitting approximately where the bistro dinner room is now. The land purchased in Barrenjoey Rd was instigated by Carl Gow. The little Club traded there from the very early 50's until the current Club opened in December 1957. The original shed was removed by Peter Verrills and Bill Martin then transported by Bill's semi-trailer to Wisemans Ferry and there it was used as a cabin for the Verrills family & friends for their water skiing holidays. In the early days the Cub (shed)l opened daily at 4pm and operated on an honour system, any purchases were fixed up on pay day.

The Club as it is today was built by R. Martin & Sons. It was opened on the 14th December 1957. The president at the time of the opening was Alf Curtis and the secretary was Ron Vance. Some of the early committee members were Harold Richardson, Ken Wardrop, Fred Verrills, Jack Martin, Bill McTaggart, Ron Vance, Jack Henman, Brian Oxenham and Chic Whitchard. Some old local family names were the Gonsalves, Martins, and Goddards. There was a big variety of local businesses including the chemist, butcher, bakers, doctors and the fruit and veg shop.

Apparently there were two garages as well. To Peter Verrills' recollection, the Palm Beach bottle shop is the only shop still operating as it was when opened. The original owners were the Goddard's.

Lola was their daughter who married Jack Martin.

We would love to hear all the history on the ferry service, fishing charter boats, builder's ship wrights etc... before it is all lost. 

Please start posting any stories, pictures or memories to our Facebook page - Club Palm Beach. Save the date and come down and join us and tell us a bit about it. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

This is a great time to catch up with that old Palm Beach friend of yours - you always say you will but never seem to get the chance.

Invitation To Nominate Significant Places To The National Heritage List

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Jerry

AGE/SEX: 10 years / M

BREED: Beagle

Jerry is a very lovable well mannered Beagle. He is super food motivated, always sniffing out for treats. He is very social with other dogs and is very agile and active. No problems getting the paws up on the kitchen bench! He is looking for a home where someone is usually home. He has a short coat and weighs 18.7kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400. 

WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS!!!!!

Improving Voluntary Planning Agreements

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 296: 

Natasha Bryant And Annie Wilmot Win 2017 Australian Youth Championships

Pictures: Summer in Pittwater - Newport SLSC's Sandcastle Creations And The Barefoot Ball

Polo By The Sea 2017 Brings Perfect Pony Delight To Palm Beach Youngsters

Aquatics: International Etchells 2017 Australian Championship - Hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club by Lisa Ratcliff

MP For Mackellar Champions Community Call For Upgrade Of Narrabeen Track & Field Facility

The Switch From 2G To 3G And 4G Networks How To Avoid Being Upgraded To Big Costs -  the Telstra 2G Network has Closed (Optus and Vodafone's go in 2017) Customers who must shift onto New Devices for 3G and 4G  may find 'built-in' surprises and 'Plans' being changed without Permission - a few tips for these changes

Draft Plan For Ingleside Land Development Released  - Community Information session during Feb 2017 - have a say until 28th of same month

Further Improvements For Mona Vale Hospital - EOI for New Facilities

Celebrating 60 Years Of Club Palm Beach - call out for memories and photos + President's Report For 2016 and a few insights from the past to inspire 

Profile: Bob Langbein A gentleman many will have seen on Pittwater beaches during annual carnivals and swims, a SLS SNB Coach, Bayview Golf Day Organiser for the Interbranch Team and a man who once ran with Australian sprint king John Treloar, is one of our own local living legends and in 2017 clocks up 70 years as a member of Collaroy SLSC

History:  Pittwater Fields of Dreams II: Waratah Farm and Narrabeen Plums - from 10 acres in Ingleside, and a man who learnt his trade in Ryde orcahrds, sprang a fruit that will be in season again in a few more weeks

Artist of the Month: January 2017 : Jacqueline Andronicus - one of our great contributing photographers - Portrait, Lifestyle, Art and Landscape photography with decades of building on her craft and style 

Congratulations!

Coastal Reforms - Planning For Our Future On The Coast

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 1/1/2017 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Planning Reforms To Boost Housing Supply

Avalon Sailing Club Australia Day Regatta

January 14, 2017

A cordial invitation is extended to owners of all yachts - including centreboard classes, one-design keelboats, gaff-rigged and classic yachts - to enter the oldest continuously conducted sailing regatta in the world on Australia Day, Thursday 26th January 2017 on Pittwater. 

The Regatta will be conducted by the Avalon Sailing Club (ASC) on behalf of the Australia Day Regatta Management Committee. 

Entry includes a sausage sizzle at ASC after the presentation (16:30 approx).

181st AUSTRALIA DAY REGATTA

Thursday 26th January 2017

Download the Notice of Race and Entry Form here

Australia Council Invests In Arts Projects 

10 January 2017 

The Australia Council for the Arts has today announced a $5.8 million investment through its October project grant round. This will support 184 projects, including $3 million for 141 individuals and groups, and $2.8 million for 43 small-to-medium organisations.

Australia Council for the Arts Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski said the round included the highest number of successful multi-art form applications under the new model, and a continued commitment to a large proportion of the investment going to individual artists, in recognition that the Council is the lead Commonwealth funder of this part of the sector. 

“We received 1,373 applications from across Australia, and the 128 peer assessors had another impressive group of diverse projects to assess in an increasingly competitive funding environment,” Mr Grybowski said.

“With ‘arts in daily life’ as one of our strategic goals, I’m particularly pleased that 31% of the successful applicants had audience engagement, and access and participation in the arts as the primary outcomes of their projects.

“It was encouraging to see that 19% of successful applicants were based in regional and remote areas; more than half of grant funding to individuals went to female artists; and multi-art form grant funding has hit a five-round high, all of which continue the trend in fostering diversity, strength and vibrancy of the arts across Australia,” Mr Grybowski said.

The rigorous assessment process which underpins this program draws on the diverse experience and deep knowledge of expert peers from across the national arts sector. In this round, 19% of peer assessors identified as being culturally and linguistically diverse, 18% identified as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and 20% were from regional or remote Australia.

January 2017 also marks the beginning of the Four Year Funding program, with $28 million invested annually in 128 small to medium companies who represent all state, territories and areas of practice.

A full list of the grants outcomes can be found on the Australia Council for the Arts grants register. Applications are now open for the first round of grant funding for 2017 and close on Tuesday 7 February for projects starting after 1 May 2017.

Grants - October 2016 Project Round

Mackellar

Shoufay Derz - Visual Arts

Kirsty Eager - Literature

Tina Harrod - Music

Warringah

Colin Black - Music

Tim Bruniges - Visual Arts

Tin Alley String Quartet - Music

2017 RFS Recruitment Intake Information Night

Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 PM

Davidson Rural Fire Brigade

43 Borgnis Street, Davidson

With our next recruitment intake now open, come down to Davidson Rural Brigade's information evening to find out what being part of the world's largest volunteer fire service is all about.

Find out more at: www.facebook.com/DavidsonNSWRFS

New Law Excludes Community Input Where It Matters Most

January 10, 2017: Media Release - LGNSW 

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) welcomed planning reforms but urged the NSW Government not to give private certifiers the green light to approve medium density development in local streets without community input.

LGNSW President Keith Rhoades said that while local government supported a modern planning system and faster processes for Development Applications (DAs), a planning system that eroded community input into local plans and development was not the answer.

"NSW has been crying out for major planning reform and I commend the Minister on his commitment to consult on the detail so any 'fixes' don't create new issues," Clr Rhoades said.

"Local government is concerned about the proposal to expand complying development to riskier, larger-scale development which could completely change the character of a local area.

"We welcome the Government's plans to address some existing issues with complying development, like requiring developers to pay a compliance levy and strengthening enforcement powers to manage illegal work, but we don't support expanding this model to larger-scale development.

"Complying development means tick-a-box development - it gives developers and certifiers the green light to replace single houses with multiple townhouses.

"We're concerned because certification doesn't allow neighbours to have any real say. They find out the hard way: they get two letters before the bulldozers turn up next door."

"We strongly support the Government's decision not to mandate local panning panels, after accepting our sector's concerns that another layer of administration and decision-making was unnecessary.

"At the same time we're concerned about the Planning Minister being given powers to impose local planning panels on councils, and about excluding councillors from those panels, because being the voice of the community is what they were elected to do.

"It is not clear what the criteria for replacing councillors with a local planning panel would be, and this needs clarification so there is no risk of arbitrary decisions.

"It also concerns us that the sign-off process of the proposed new local strategic statements reinforces the already top-down plan-making process, squeezing the character and life out of local planning in NSW.

"We are opposed to any persistent erosion of the rights of communities and councils to have a real say in the future of their neighbourhoods via local planning powers.

"We would like to see an independent process that respects the importance of local plans in giving life to the community and Government's big picture, with less interference on local details that are so important to communities, such as the protection of local amenity and character."

LGNSW welcomed the Government's commitment to increase community consultation at the front end of strategic planning - the ideas phase - but cautioned this must not come at the cost of community input at the practical end, when it comes to local developments that affect neighbours the most.

"The Planning Minister has been very good on the consultation front with councils so far, and we welcome his commitment to work with us on the details."

Signing Up For The NBN Info Session At Newport

The coming of the NBN to Pittwater is now a reality with the Avalon exchange users able to connect to the NBN. After much, often political discussion, this technology is now available to those who sign up to change.

Get A Life! Get The Job You Want
...And Work Locally!

Greater Sydney Commission: North District 

60th Anniversary Of Club Palm Beach

Club Palm Beach is going to celebrate the 1957 opening, its 60th anniversary and we would like to get as many people from the past and present as possible to join us in a reunion here at the Club. This includes old friends, relatives, neighbours, local sports clubs, sailing mates, students from local schools, campers from the old camping ground near the Golf course, EVERYONE! 

Leading up to the reunion we want to hear your old stories & share your photos from the good old days. Stories from the camping grounds, for example some families lived at the camping grounds while their family homes were built. John Oliver was one, he says the camping ground was a community in itself. Other campers such as the Trainor family loved the camping community so much they moved permanently to Palm Beach.

Camping at Palm Beach - photo courtesy National Library of Australia

Palm Beach RSL started off as a shed, it was originally built in Lucinda Park, Nabilla Rd Palm Beach. The shed, built from weather board by Dick Martin, Jack Martin and Fred Verrills, was then moved to Barrenjoey Rd, the current Club site, sitting approximately where the bistro dinner room is now. The land purchased in Barrenjoey Rd was instigated by Carl Gow. The little Club traded there from the very early 50's until the current Club opened in December 1957. The original shed was removed by Peter Verrills and Bill Martin then transported by Bill's semi-trailer to Wisemans Ferry and there it was used as a cabin for the Verrills family & friends for their water skiing holidays. In the early days the Cub (shed)l opened daily at 4pm and operated on an honour system, any purchases were fixed up on pay day.

The Club as it is today was built by R. Martin & Sons. It was opened on the 14th December 1957. The president at the time of the opening was Alf Curtis and the secretary was Ron Vance. Some of the early committee members were Harold Richardson, Ken Wardrop, Fred Verrills, Jack Martin, Bill McTaggart, Ron Vance, Jack Henman, Brian Oxenham and Chic Whitchard. Some old local family names were the Gonsalves, Martins, and Goddards. There was a big variety of local businesses including the chemist, butcher, bakers, doctors and the fruit and veg shop.

Apparently there were two garages as well. To Peter Verrills' recollection, the Palm Beach bottle shop is the only shop still operating as it was when opened. The original owners were the Goddard's.

Lola was their daughter who married Jack Martin.

We would love to hear all the history on the ferry service, fishing charter boats, builder's ship wrights etc... before it is all lost. 

Please start posting any stories, pictures or memories to our Facebook page - Club Palm Beach. Save the date and come down and join us and tell us a bit about it. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

This is a great time to catch up with that old Palm Beach friend of yours - you always say you will but never seem to get the chance.

Invitation To Nominate Significant Places To The National Heritage List

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Anika

AGE/SEX: 1-2 years / F

BREED: Staffy X Border Collie

Anika came from the pound as a very nervous flighty girl. She has settled in well but more trusting of women than men. She is gentle and sweet but needs a family with time and commitment to bring her further out of her shell. She has a short coat and weighs around 15kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450. 

WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS!!!!!

Improving Voluntary Planning Agreements

Friends Of Bungan Beach Restoration

Bungan Beach's superb backdrop of bushland is being cared for by donations from the Pittwater Environmental Foundation (PEF) and the determination and hard work of local people who love this wonderful place. Volunteers and contractors remove weeds and plant native plants where natural regeneration is unlikely because of dense weeds for many years.

Can you lend a hand to Friends of Bungan? go tohttp://www.friendsofbungan.org.au/about-us/

Click on logo above to visit their website.

The purpose of  www.westpittwater.com.au  - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.

To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.

To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.

To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.

To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Pittwater Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au

 Gone Fishing Gallery at Waterfront Store Church Point

Open again TODAY in the top room Waterfront Store. Open mainly weekends as an addition to the waterfront cafe. Keep up to date on theirFacebook page

New Season for Sailability Pittwater 

Sailability Pittwater is a volunteer organisation which provides sailing for people with a disability. Our main recreational sailing activities are at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, and we run competitive sailing for people with a disability out of RPAYC Newport.

We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Saturday morning program at Rowland Reserve and Tuesdays at RPA. Visit our website for more information at  www.sailability.org/au/pittwater or call John on 9982 5656

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 295: 

Park Bench Philosopher Palm Beach Link With 1817 and 1917 Set to Disappear in 2017: Beach Road Rendezvous 

Reflections by George Repin: CAPE SOUNION

DIY Ideas: A Water Wise Garden; how to gear your garden to beat the heat and stay lush and green all year round while reducing your water costs

Collector's Corner: Australian Vinyl Singles: 1950-1960's - everything old is new again!

Pictures: Summer in Pittwater

Aquatics: Pittwater To Southport Yacht Race 2017 by Stephen Collopy and Lisa Ratcliff

Draft Plan For Ingleside Land Development Released  - Community Information session during Feb 2017 - have a say until 28th of same month

Further Improvements For Mona Vale Hospital - EOI for New Facilities

Artist of the Month: January 2017 : Jacqueline Andronicus - one of our great contributing photographers - Portrait, Lifestyle, Art and Landscape photography with decades of building on her craft and style 

Draft Plan For Ingleside Land Development Released - Community Information session during Feb 2017 - have a say until 28th of same month

Celebrating 60 Years Of Club Palm Beach - call out for memories and photos + President's Report For 2016 and a few insights from the past to inspire 

Profile: Jacqueline Andronicus wonderful local photographer

History:  Pittwater Fields of Dreams II: Waratah Farm and Narrabeen Plums - from 10 acres in Ingleside, and a man who learnt his trade in Ryde orcahrds, sprang a fruit that will be in season again in a few more weeks

PBSC Sailors At Hobie Nationals

Pittwater Mens Probus Club January 2017 Speaker

Tuesday 10th January 2017 at 11AM

Petition: Help Save Midwifery Continuity Of Care On Northern Beaches 

Coastal Reforms - Planning For Our Future On The Coast

Health Warning To Avoid Mosquitoes During Holiday Season

NSW Dept. of Health

NSW Health is renewing its call for people to protect themselves against mosquito bites when spending time outdoors during the Christmas holidays.

 

Dr Ben Scalley, Director of Environmental Health, said the December-January period is usually the peak time for mosquito numbers, but this year there has been a marked increase in mosquito numbers.

 

“We’ve recorded higher numbers of mosquitoes with Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses earlier in the summer season due to stagnant waters from earlier heavy rains and subsequent heatwaves,” Dr Scalley said.

 

“This is a potent combination for mosquito breeding, resulting in swarms of insects that may carry harmful viruses.

 

“So far this season, NSW Health has seen 490 confirmed cases statewide of people with Ross River and Barmah Forest virus and expects heightened activity in the coming months.

 

“Infection with these viruses can cause unpleasant symptoms including tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints.

 

“These symptoms usually last a few days, but some people may experience these symptoms for weeks or even months.

 

“Murray Valley Encephalitis and Kunjin virus infection are two other rare but serious mosquito-borne infections that can cause symptoms that include severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness and confusion.

 

“There is no specific treatment for these viruses. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”

 

Simple steps to avoid mosquito bites include:

• Screening all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside.
• Avoid being outside unprotected, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When outside cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear.
• Apply mosquito repellent regularly to exposed areas (as directed on the container). Repellents containing Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin are best. Repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or p-Menthane-3.8-diol (PMD) also provides adequate protection.
• Don’t use repellents on the skin of children under the age of three months. Instead, use physical barriers such as netting on prams, cots and play areas for babies.
• Use vaporising mats indoors. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective.
• When mosquitoes are present inside the room, use over-the-counter insecticide sprays, especially behind furniture and dark places.
• When camping, use flyscreens, or sleep under mosquito nets.
• Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water or by emptying the containers.

For copies of NSW Health fact sheets on mosquito-borne viruses, click on the links below:

• Ross River Virus
• Barmah Forest Virus
• Kunjin Virus
• Murray Valley Encephalitis

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 1/1/2017 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Elanora Players Present 'Hotel Sorrento' 

Elanora Players, in celebration of over 50 years of community theatre, will present the Australian drama 'Hotel Sorrento' written by Hannie Rayson and directed by Northern Beaches local Jen Davidson this January  13th - 21st.  

Cast members: Mathew Burke and Vicki Castorina

Meg (Tracey Keene), an ex-pat living in London with her English husband Edwin (Gerard Hawkins), has written a novel which appears to be set in Sorrento (a Victorian coastal town), but denies it’s autobiographical.  The book has been nominated for the Mann Booker Prize and not only does the book get a lot of attention from the press but it also gets a lot of attention from Sorrento itself.  The family and Sorrento locals have mixed feelings and the novel is met with strong reactions – and by some with a deafening silence.

Marge (Vicky Castorina), an ex-teacher has a weekender by the beach and is enamoured with melancholy seeing her own life reflected in one of the characters and faithfully defends the work. Her bestie, Dick (Matt Burke), is a left-wing journo and is outraged by Meg’s rise in profile and her ironically misquoted views on Australia, via the London media.

Youngest sister, Pippa (Samantha Dickinson), on a working holiday in Melbourne - all the way from New York - is home for a week, and the family are delighted to have her back. Hillary (Chris Richardson), the oldest sister, has stayed in the family home as the matriarch, looking after widowed dad, Wal (Robert Longley).  However, it's Tory (newcomer, Alison Akhurst), Hillary's 16 year old daughter, who starts asking questions about Aunt Meg’s book – “is it about my Dad?”. 

The sisters are forced to face the truth about a man that affected them all. Their desperate need to reconnect and become a family again will be determined by how they deal with their secrets.

Cast members: Tracey Keane, Chris Richardson and Samantha Dickinson

Tickets

$25 full price - $22 concession - $20 groups (10+)

Bookings: 

To make a booking for Elanora Players' latest production please contact our Booking Manager, Margot Beckett:

Phone: (02) 9979 9694 or Contact Us: Click here to request tickets  

Barefoot Ball

Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 6 PM

Newport Surf Life Saving Club

Tickets

Take part in Sydney's premier black-tie barefoot charity ball at the Newport Beach Club on 14th January and help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club!

Join us for a night of summer festivities, delicious food, great entertainment, and bare feet all under the stars at one of Sydney's most stunning beaches. Enjoy a first class 3 course meal accompanied by premium beer, wine a soft drinks. Entertainment will include live music, a silent auction and combined speeches from Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club.

All proceeds of the Barefoot Ball go towards Cystic Fibrosis NSW and the Newport Surf Life Saving Club. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited, life threatening condition affecting young Australians. Cystic Fibrosis is life shortening and there is no cure.

Limited tickets are available on Eventbrite, so get in quick!

Ticket Prices: - Single: $195 - Table (10 People): $1950

Greater Sydney Commission: North District 

Have your say on the draft District Plans!

GSC: We invite you to attend one of our upcoming community drop-in sessions across Sydney's six districts to learn more about planning for Sydney’s long-term future, and how to provide feedback.

Follow the link to find out more details on your local session.

www.greater.sydney/community-drop-in-sessions

North District

The North District is a place of coastline suburbs, harbour communities and bushland neighbourhoods located around vibrant urban centres with lively high streets, busy shopping districts and employment hubs.

http://www.greater.sydney/north-district

Make a Formal Submission

From document, Full Draft District Plan, available to read and download in full at 'North district' link above:

Mona Vale Proposed priorities: 

• protect and enhance the commercial and retail function of the centre to provide employment growth and maintain high job containment 

• ensure sufficient retail and commercial floor space is provided to meet future demand 

• leverage the Mona Vale B-Line stop to facilitate intensification of uses in the centre, with an emphasis on the provision of housing affordability to retain 18 to 35 year olds 

• explore opportunities to increase residential diversification around the centre 

• improve access and linkages to local destinations, such as Mona Vale Hospital, through priority pedestrian networks 

• promote walking and cycling to the centre and within it 

• retain and protect the industrial precinct to the north of the centre to serve the growing population 

• investigate feasibility of existing planning provisions and controls as they relate to mixed-use and residential development within the centre 

• prioritise place making initiatives to promote mixed-use activities, urban activation and more diverse housing, and improve connectivity and integration with existing networks.

Brookvale-Dee Why Proposed priorities: 

• maintain the mix of uses so that Brookvale-Dee Why continues to perform strongly as a well-balanced, self-sustaining combined centre 

• encourage and support improvements to Warringah Mall and better integrate it with the fabric and life of Brookvale-Dee Why 

• encourage provision of affordable housing to attract and retain key workers in local industries, particularly in Brookvale 

• recognise and enhance the economic and employment opportunities along Pittwater Road and encourage revitalisation along this commercial strip 

• promote walking, cycling and public transport to Warringah Mall, the Brookvale industrial area and Dee Why to alleviate traffic congestion on Pittwater Road and to reduce car dependency 

• encourage the establishment of new, innovative and creative industries in the Brookvale industrial area 

• encourage new lifestyle or entertainment uses to activate local streets in Brookvale-Dee Why 

• improve connections between Brookvale-Dee Why and Northern Beaches Hospital and beyond.

Manly Proposed priorities: 

• further develop Manly as a cultural, tourist, retail and entertainment precinct 

• improve transport connections to Manly Wharf from other lower Northern Beaches suburbs 

• provide faster public transport to Chatswood, Frenchs Forest, St Leonards, Macquarie Park and Macquarie University 

• encourage diversified commercial activity to improve economic resilience 

• encourage eco-tourism around North Head and the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.

3.5 Prioritising Northern Beaches Hospital as the catalyst for a new centre

The Northern Beaches Hospital will anchor a new health and education super precinct for the North District and Greater Sydney.

Associated road upgrades are intended to ease congestion and improve travel times to, from and within the super precinct as it develops.

The Northern Beaches Council is preparing a Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct Structure Plan to consider the wider land use implications of this investment. The Structure Plan will analyse opportunities and constraints to plan for future development around the Hospital.

2016-2021 Housing Target - Northern Beaches 3,400

The NSW Government is also accelerating the capacity for housing supply across the District through the following projects: 

• Cherrybrook Station Precinct: which is part of the Sydney Metro Northwest Priority Urban Renewal Corridor to maximise access and opportunities for more housing and jobs 

• Ingleside Precinct: in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area. 

From page 16:

1.1.3 Status of the draft District Plan

While councils are required to give effect to District Plans as soon as practicable after a District Plan is made, draft District Plans will guide the preparation of planning proposals under Part 3 of the Act. This is established by the Department of Planning and Environment’s Guide to Preparing Planning Proposals (August 2016).

The Guide lists assessment criteria for a planning proposal, which include but are not limited to consideration of the strategic merit of the proposal, the site-specific merit of the proposal and consistency with strategic plans, including draft District Plans, State environmental planning policies and Ministerial directions.

Local environmental plans will continue to determine whether development is permitted or prohibited on land. While a draft District Plan or District Plan is not a mandatory matter for consideration in the determination of a development application, a consent authority may decide to consider a draft District Plan or District Plan to the extent it relates to the objects of the EP&A Act.

The inclusion of Our vision – Towards our Greater Sydney 2056 in Chapter 2 of this draft District Plan foreshadows our research and the evolution of our thinking that will inform the review of A Plan for Growing Sydney during 2017. It does not replace the legal status of A Plan for Growing Sydney as the current Greater Sydney Region Plan.

NB: More details are available by downloading the Full Draft District Plan - (PDF: 8.95 MB)

Sydney Wildlife - Our Year In Pictures

2016 has been an eventful, successful and sometimes exasperating year for all our Sydney Wildlife rescuers.  We received in excess of 13,000 calls - many of which were received after hours to which our poor volunteers were dispatched at all hours of the night.   Sydney Wildlife is made up of a team of volunteers that ensure a rescue runs smoothly - from the very first call taken by our incredible office volunteers - right through to the release of the animal.  So many people are involved - the office staff, the rescuers, the carers, veterinarians and staff, our coordinators and species experts.  It takes an entire army to protect our wildlife.  

Summer was all about reptiles - snakes, goannas, water dragons, blue-tongue lizards, turtles - moving from place to place, breeding, babies emerging and getting into weird places and generally scaring the living daylights out of unsuspecting members of the public.  There were also many heat-stress events which affected our beautiful flying foxes.  

Autumn brought the crazy storms and many little birds and possums were blown from the trees and freshwater turtles were almost washed out to sea.  Our Rehabilitation Facility in Duffy’s Forest bore the brunt of the storms and our aviaries and fences were crushed by fallen trees.  The big clean-up took weeks!  

Kobie Joyce of Echo Property Management and Matt of the Tree Smith were absolutely brilliant and volunteered their time, skills and equipment to come and help us clean up the storm damage.  

Winter was meant to be our quieter season but as soon as the days became shorter, our nocturnal critters came out earlier and many were being hit on the roads and required late-night assistance.  We also attended the Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference in Melbourne over winter.  Two of our members - Joan Reid and Bev Young - presented at the Conference and did us very proud.  

Spring is the season we all dreaded the most…  Baby birds, baby possums, snakes emerging…  It all happened in Spring!  

Over-development, new roads, an increase in traffic and changes to our biodiversity laws contributed to an increase in wildlife being displaced, losing habitat and being injured on the roads and getting into strange predicaments.  We have been run ragged trying to dart wallabies in backyards that have been displaced by the construction and destruction in Frenchs Forest.

Wallabies in backyards trying to escape the bulldozers.

In September, we hosted some High School students who were undertaking Work Experience with us.  The gorgeous Tiarna McCombe enjoyed a week on the Northern Beaches with some of our volunteers.  

Tiarna meeting Cloudy the eastern grey kangaroo at our Rehab Facility.

Our Rehabilitation Facility manager, Joan Reid, came up with the idea to start up a Mobile Wildlife Clinic to assist our injured and displaced wildlife.  We started lobbying our local politicians for donations and advice.  We visited our Premier, Minister Rob Stokes, Minister Brad Hazzard and Minister Mark Speakman.  They suggested we apply for Governemnt Grants which we did but we also decided to hold a Fundraiser in October at Sue and Peter Glasson’s wonderful Bayview home.  We raised an amazing $26K towards our goal of $200K.  Other fundraising efforts have brought our current total to $53K so far but we are really depending on those Grants…

Ministers Rob Stokes and Brad Hazzard.

The banners for our fundraiser.

In November Ernst & Young came to our Rehab Facility and built a brand new shed for us to store all our equipment.  They also had a team-building exercise in the afternoon once the shed-building was complete.

The Ernst and Young team outside the newly-constructed shed at the Rehab Facility.  

Babies of every kind rained down on us throughout the year!  Ringtail possums, brushtail possums, swamp wallaby joeys, baby turtles, cute little blueys, baby snakes, chicks of every kind, water dragons and cute little flying fox pups.

Harry the ringtail possum.                                                                                   Cadel the blue-tongue lizard baby.

We incubated a clutch of water dragon eggs which were found in a long-jump pit at Oxford Falls Grammar School.  

Cute baby water dragons emerged 6 days after we found the eggs. 

Tiny turtles were almost washed out to sea in the storms.

Wallaby joeys were found when their deceased mums’ pouches were checked by our volunteers.

Critters in strange places…  This boobook owl flew indoors and perched on the railing of a lady’s bed.  Isn’t she adorable?

Tawny frogmouth rescued from a barbed-wire fence after storms.

Dr Howard Ralph with a powerful owl.                                                                                Dr David Ward with a wallaby joey.

We couldn’t possibly achieve what we do without our amazing veterinarians.  They are often the first port of call, the renderers of first aid and the drop-off points for baby animals.  Some even undertake 3-hour operations on our wildlife to save them - most notably Dr Howard Ralph and Dr David Ward.   We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their passion and dedication to our wildlife.

And our thanks go out to the many, many members of the public who are the ones that discover the injured critters whilst on their morning walk or on their way to work.  Thank you for caring enough to contact us for assistance.  

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy the festive season.  We hope for a brighter future in 2017 for all of us - humans and wildlife together.

If you would like to support our work, please visit www.sydneywildlife.org

By Lynleigh Greig

Sydney Wildlife 

Signing Up For The NBN Info Session At Newport

The coming of the NBN to Pittwater is now a reality with the Avalon exchange users able to connect to the NBN. After much, often political discussion, this technology is now available to those who sign up to change.

Get A Life! Get The Job You Want
...And Work Locally!

2017 AUSTRALIAN OPENS SURF LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS TIMETABLES

60th Anniversary Of Club Palm Beach

Club Palm Beach is going to celebrate the 1957 opening, its 60th anniversary and we would like to get as many people from the past and present as possible to join us in a reunion here at the Club. This includes old friends, relatives, neighbours, local sports clubs, sailing mates, students from local schools, campers from the old camping ground near the Golf course, EVERYONE! 

Leading up to the reunion we want to hear your old stories & share your photos from the good old days. Stories from the camping grounds, for example some families lived at the camping grounds while their family homes were built. John Oliver was one, he says the camping ground was a community in itself. Other campers such as the Trainor family loved the camping community so much they moved permanently to Palm Beach.

Camping at Palm Beach - photo courtesy National Library of Australia

Palm Beach RSL started off as a shed, it was originally built in Lucinda Park, Nabilla Rd Palm Beach. The shed, built from weather board by Dick Martin, Jack Martin and Fred Verrills, was then moved to Barrenjoey Rd, the current Club site, sitting approximately where the bistro dinner room is now. The land purchased in Barrenjoey Rd was instigated by Carl Gow. The little Club traded there from the very early 50's until the current Club opened in December 1957. The original shed was removed by Peter Verrills and Bill Martin then transported by Bill's semi-trailer to Wisemans Ferry and there it was used as a cabin for the Verrills family & friends for their water skiing holidays. In the early days the Cub (shed)l opened daily at 4pm and operated on an honour system, any purchases were fixed up on pay day.

The Club as it is today was built by R. Martin & Sons. It was opened on the 14th December 1957. The president at the time of the opening was Alf Curtis and the secretary was Ron Vance. Some of the early committee members were Harold Richardson, Ken Wardrop, Fred Verrills, Jack Martin, Bill McTaggart, Ron Vance, Jack Henman, Brian Oxenham and Chic Whitchard. Some old local family names were the Gonsalves, Martins, and Goddards. There was a big variety of local businesses including the chemist, butcher, bakers, doctors and the fruit and veg shop.

Apparently there were two garages as well. To Peter Verrills' recollection, the Palm Beach bottle shop is the only shop still operating as it was when opened. The original owners were the Goddard's.

Lola was their daughter who married Jack Martin.

We would love to hear all the history on the ferry service, fishing charter boats, builder's ship wrights etc... before it is all lost. 

Please start posting any stories, pictures or memories to our Facebook page - Club Palm Beach. Save the date and come down and join us and tell us a bit about it. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

This is a great time to catch up with that old Palm Beach friend of yours - you always say you will but never seem to get the chance.

Invitation To Nominate Significant Places To The National Heritage List

2017-18 Budget: Submissions Now Open

The Map To Paradise 

Barrenjoey Lighthouse - 1881

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Rollo

AGE/SEX: 4 years / M

BREED: Sharpei

Rollo is a very sweet happy boy. He loves attention from strangers and walks well on lead. He walks calmly past other dogs on lead. He has a very short coat and weighs 21.2kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400. 

WIND, BRASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS!!!!!

Improving Voluntary Planning Agreements

Have Your Say On Proposed B-Line Work

Friends Of Bungan Beach Restoration

Bungan Beach's superb backdrop of bushland is being cared for by donations from the Pittwater Environmental Foundation (PEF) and the determination and hard work of local people who love this wonderful place. Volunteers and contractors remove weeds and plant native plants where natural regeneration is unlikely because of dense weeds for many years.

Can you lend a hand to Friends of Bungan? go tohttp://www.friendsofbungan.org.au/about-us/

Click on logo above to visit their website.

The purpose of  www.westpittwater.com.au  - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.

To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.

To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.

To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.

To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Pittwater Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au

 Gone Fishing Gallery at Waterfront Store Church Point

Open again TODAY in the top room Waterfront Store. Open mainly weekends as an addition to the waterfront cafe. Keep up to date on theirFacebook page

New Season for Sailability Pittwater 

Sailability Pittwater is a volunteer organisation which provides sailing for people with a disability. Our main recreational sailing activities are at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, and we run competitive sailing for people with a disability out of RPAYC Newport.

We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Saturday morning program at Rowland Reserve and Tuesdays at RPA. Visit our website for more information at  www.sailability.org/au/pittwater or call John on 9982 5656