Pittwater Online News

Polo By The Sea 2019 Delights Visitors And Pittwater Residents Again

Mr. McCarthy has become quite a hit with locals over the last few years - and was happy to let all little horse lovers near this girl.

Palm Beach SLSC Hosts A Summer Of Surf Life Saving Carnivals

Summer in Pittwater is the Palm Beach SLSC's annual Brats (Freshers), Brutes and Bruisers (Masters) Carnival - bonding members, building teamwork, fitness and ability to Save Lives on the beach through a fun within club carnival. The carnival events have some comic elements to them but the drive to place first means everyone pushes themselves just a little bit harder and gets better and better as a result - faster on the sand, stronger in the water, more cohesive as one crew, watching out for and supporting each other in every little task.

PBSLSC also hosts the (Sir) Adrian Curlewis Carnival each January and the Fast Fives during December.

In February the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Championships will head back to Palm Beach too, including the Masters, Boats, Patrol, Champion Lifesaver, Open, Junior Water and First Aid events.

For many this beach and its two clubs at either end are iconic institutions, especially when you take into account that one of PBSLSC's founding members was known as 'the Father of Australian Life Saving'.

More HERE

Damp weather has meant lots of different tiny mushrooms are popping up everywhere. This one, Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, is a species of gilled mushroom in the family Agaricaceae. This mushroom is common in the tropics and subtropics, but in temperate regions frequently occurs in greenhouses and flowerpots, hence its common names of flowerpot parasol and plantpot dapperling. The mass above was photographed in a lawn.

Alwyn Doolan’s Message Stick Walk Brings Reconciliation Ideals To Pittwater

At Palm Beach was greeted by young Taimana and walked with The Message Stick Walk flag.

Upgrade Of Mona Vale Road East To Commence This Month

Mona Vale Road East animation - NSW Roads: Published on 20 Jan 2019

Summer In Pittwater: January 2019

'Summer' by Adriaan van der Wallen

'Careel Bay' by Adriaan van der Wallen

'Early Morning Sea Mist' by Adriaan van der Wallen

Tony Edwards: An Exhibition Of Paintings - Launch.

Friday January 18, 2019: at Avalon Beach

Local Artists and legends gathered in Avalon Recreation Centre to view some brilliant works by the gentleman who once brought us Captain Goodvibes via Tracks magazine. These works are an eclectic mix of his passion for our area and chart a few decades of views as much as relating the stories they capture. With some wonderful Still Life works and pastiches that appeal for the resonances they invoke, many of the works have sold already.

Luminaries such as Palm Beach Artist Bruce Goold and Documentary maker James Ricketson rubbed shoulders with Tony's mates from his long career in print and art as well as those who love and support Art culture and its development locally.

The Exhibition's final day is to today, Sunday January 20th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photos by A J Guesdon

Sea Mist Stillness on Pittwater - photo by Selena Griffith

Flagstaff Hill Lookout, Lovett Bay - photo by Lynleigh Greig

Woody Point Yacht Club's Gentleman's Launch And Putt Putt Regatta 2019

Sunday January 27th dawned brilliantly clear and warm to shine on the Woody Point Yacht Club's annual Gentleman's Launch and Putt Putt Regatta Races, a chance for members and their friends to dress their boats and themselves up and do a lap around Scotland Island.

For many this annual regatta epitomises what a Summer 'messing about in boats' on Pittwater is really about, an ethos described in the original charter of the WPYC itself.

The 'crew' aboard Major Perseverance. Photo courtesy Tracy Smith

2018 Winners Of National Hardware Store Of The Year - Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale !!!

At the Awards of Excellence Dinner held at Adelaide Exhibition Centre at approximately 10:30pm on Wednesday the 20th of February 2019, the Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale store was announced as the 2018 National Hardware Store of the Year. The national win awarded by the Independent Hardware Group, comes in addition to state wins in the trade store and large format category’s as well as a finalist in the Garden Centre category and a previous state win for Hardware Australia’s store of the Year.

The National awards are scored across a range of categories including product range, presentation, staff training and customer experience. The customer experience includes heavily weighted mystery shopper results that can ultimately be the deciding factor. “This is the result of years of hard work by a passionate team of staff and 65 years of hard work by a passionate family” says Ged Johnson, Store Manager of Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale. “We can’t do this without the support of the beaches community and the support of our amazing customers”

Stores are only considered eligible after trading on a new site for a full twelve months. Having opened in April of 2017, The 2018 awards were the first year that the Mona Vale store was eligible for consideration.

Successful Resuscitation Of 57 Year Old Man By Avalon Beach SLSC Bronze Squad Member: AED Awareness Courses

While Cain was preparing for his game, a 57 year-old male collapsed on another court. Bystanders were calling for help. Cain immediately responded, moving to help the gentleman who was on his back, on the ground, unconscious. 

"I took the head, airway, breathing and led the resus. I recruited a willing bystander, placed his hands over the sternum and told him to press down a third of the chest, showing him how deep and how fast. He did a great job with his compressions, timing and counting, while I delivered breaths checking for effective rise of the chest. After the first cycle we had a return of breathing, but it was erratic and shallow. His pulse was weak, and he soon went back into cardiac arrest." Cain explained.

Summer In Pittwater 2019

three favourite and revered local Historians getting together for a catch-up - The Hon. James (Jim) Macken, Geoff Searl OAM and George Champion OAM. All sharp as a tack still!

southerly busters and storms cooling down the end of hot humid days - and capturing it - like in this great photo by Joe Mills - "This is looking west over Lake Narrabeen about 6 pm, just before the big storm hit." Joe said.

Friendly's MO To GO! In 2019 World's Greatest Shave - The 21st Year

Waterhouse And Darmanin Win Gold Medal In 2019 Miami World Cup

Jason and Lisa WIN! ©JESÚS RENEDO/SAILING ENERGY, 02 February, 2019.

A good way to start the year.

Pittwater Electorate Returns Rob Stokes

The NSW Liberal - Nationals Coalition Government have won a 3rd term, the first time since 1977 this has occurred.

In another first, the state’s first popularly elected female leader has finally arrived in Gladys Berejiklian being re-elected as New South Wales Premier, just over 100 years and a few months since women could finally become representatives of voters in New South Wales.

Ms. Berejiklian told an exuberant crowd, which included the former prime minister John Howard and the former premier Nick Greiner, that she was proud of NSW, “a state in which someone with a long surname – and a woman – can be the premier”.

“I will continue to – my team and I – will continue to work our guts out to make sure this state and its people continue to ensure that we have the best opportunities on this planet,” she said in her victory speech.

2019 Vissla Sydney Surf Pro Goes Off!

Jordy Lawler of North Narrabeen WINS!!!

Jordy Lawler wins! photo by Matt Dunbar/WSL

Warriewood SLSC Surf Boats Carnival: End Of Season Pre-Aussies Training - Homage To Legendary Warren Molloy

Warriewood SLSC's 'Rusty's at Warriewood yesterday, Sweep: Russell Lamb. Photo by Ashley Cardiff, ABSLSC.

Surf Boat crews made their way to Warriewood Beach yesterday, March 23rd, for an End of Season carnival hosted by the beach's surf club.

Organiser Russell Lamb said the main object of Warriewood SLSC's Boat Carnival was to give crews an opportunity to have a bit of training before they headed off to Aussies.

“Each division had 4 races each, “ Russell explained after the carnival

“We had a little bit of surf, but not too much, so it wasn’t too hard for the younger crews and newer rowers to gain some more experience. People at all levels had a good run. ”

“This is such a good sport for so many, brings people from all walks of life together to learn about rowing, surf life saving, the ocean, and have some great fun.”

Crews from south of the harbour and all along the northern beaches made their way to that beautiful little beach tucked beside Turrimetta. Mr. Lamb ensured there were some great prizes yesterday – Eco Downunder beach towels for all U19’s crews for starters.  

“Great prizes and a great carnival – thank you Russell and Warriewood SLSC.” Avalon Beach SLSC President Ashley Cardiff said after the event. 

The End of Season carnival participants also paid homage to legendary Sweep Warren Molloy who passed away on March 16th. He was aged 82.

Warren Molloy was the sweep of the 1977 Gold medal winning Warriewood Open Mens Crew. The champion ‘77 crew were in attendance at yesterday’s carnival.

Warren Molloy Tribute at Warriewood Beach - March, 23, 2019 - photo by Russell Lamb.

Mr. Molloy was captain of the Australian representative surf team to New Zealand in 1972 and won two Australian open boat championships. Overall, he won 25 Branch, Interbranch, Metropolitan, State, Interstate and National Championships and two international contests against South Africa and New Zealand. Warren was inducted into the ASRL Hall of Fame in 2006.

Warren Molloy was not only one of Australia's best sweeps in surfboat racing but a man who was strong on discipline and behaviour.

Current North Narrabeen sweep Don McManus said ''He influenced my life tremendously in surfboats,'' during his Profile interview of 2014.

''He taught me about team effort, training, discipline, how to row and behaviour out of the boat.''

Don first met Mr. Molloy when he started out with Port Macquarie in 1960. ''He was my sweep and coach,'' Don said.

Photos courtesy Don McManus.

Warren first started out with the Garie SLSC in 1955 and became their boat captain at just 19.

As he had a long association with Queenscliff SLSC and was their club president in 1980-81 the family celebrated his life on Friday, March 22 at Queenscliff surf club. In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to Queenscliff SLSC.

Warren will be forever remembered by all especially his support of his wife, Helen. At the State Titles a few weeks ago he could be heard yelling out “run for the line”.

Professionally, as a Special Licensing Branch, Acting First Class Sergeant with the NSW Police Force, Warren Molloy was instrumental in bringing an end to reign of Abe Saffron at Kings Cross and ending the corruption that had crept into some parts of the force during the 1980's. He was incorruptible - a country boy, and you know what is said about country people - you can take us out of the country, but you can't take the country out of us.

On being a policeman Mr. Molloy said in an interview seven years ago, “I only ever wanted to be a police officer. All I wanted was to catch the baddies and look after the good people.” 

Joining the mounted police force at 19, Warren started his career in the country. He was later transferred to Campsie, Lakemba and Port Macquarie, eventually landing himself in Kings Cross.  

Mr. Molloy left the Force in 1990, having been promoted to Inspector shortly after the tribunal that sorted out some aspects of what was going on. A scholarship awarded to him by the dean of the Law faculty of The University of Sydney allowed him to study law, where he graduated aged 55. Success followed him to the field of law where he ran the largest licensing law firms in Sydney in the 1990s. 

Sporting success remained a constant in his life. In 1972, Molloy was named the Police Sportsman of the Year, an honour of which he is obviously very proud. He was also a surfer, some residents remembering this week seeing him out at Queenscliff Bombie, acing it.

When asked if the sporting success helped his career. “In some small way, yes; it’s all self discipline and really to preserve, to do something, it’s just a matter of giving it your best shot really and keep[ing] at it,” he observed.  

The northern beaches community extends deepest condolences to Helen, son David and daughter Vikki, grandchildren Charli, Jordan and Jayden, and great grandchild Willem.

Certainly a record to be proud of. The gentleman was a legend.

More legends will be heading to the 2019 Surf Life Saving Australia Championships (The Aussies) this coming week. Hosted by Broadbeach SLSC and North Burleigh SLSC and running from March 30th  to April 7th 2019, the event brings together life savers from all over Australia. This year over 7,000 athletes from 314 Surf Clubs will compete in more than 400 beach and ocean events. 

In announcing the return to the Gold Coast for the 2019 and 2020 Aussies in April 2018 Graham Ford AM, President, Surf Life Saving Australia said “the Gold Coast is a world-class location for surf sports and the region’s recent experience hosting the Commonwealth Games means it is an opportune time to return to Queensland.

“Millions of dollars have been spent in the region on public infrastructure and beach facilities, making it an ideal location for the country’s biggest and most prestigious surf sports event.”

The Youth Championships will be conducted at North Burleigh SLSC from 30-31 March, with the Masters and Open Championships being held from 1-7 April at Broadbeach SLSC.

Timetables here: sls.com.au/aussies/the-aussies-2019-maps-and-timetables

The Surf Boat Events will take place on Broadbeach.

Warriewood is sending three crews north – the Rustys (2019 State Championships Gold medal winners), the Crustys and the Warriewood SLSC Angels.

“The Angels hope to win the Boaties Convention,” Russell joked yesterday after the club’s carnival.

“I’d like to thank all who attended our End of Season carnival – it was great fun and had an awesome vibe.” Mr. Lamb said

“Thank you for honouring the great man, Warren Molloy.” 

And, “Good Luck at the Aussies!”

Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade Win Inaugural Merv Collins Trophy: 2019 Combined District Fire Boat Exercise

Saturday March 9th, 2019 

The Scotland Island brigade competed in the annual RFS Combined Districts Fire Boat Competition held at Milsons Island on the Hawkesbury River today and won the inaugural Merv Collins Trophy. The trophy is named after the late Marine Rescue Hawkesbury Unit Commander and 24-year service veteran, who passed away in 2017.

MRNSW Greater Sydney Regional Operations Manager Glenn Evans and MR Hawkesbury member Ken Bate presented the Merv Collins memorial trophy to the Scotland Island brigade's Peter Lalor, Captain of Scotland Island RFB.

The competition required teams to complete 5 scenarios: controlling a marina fire, rescuing a sinking vessel, controlling a ferry fire, controlling an LPG fire and searching for and rescuing people missing in the water. 

SIRFB took the opportunity to practice using another boat - thanks to West Pittwater RFB. Ten RFS boats, four MRNSW vessels and more than 200 personnel took part in the event. Crews from Marine Rescue Hawkesbury, Broken Bay and Cottage Point joined their volunteer colleagues from the NSW Rural Fire Service for the training exercise today.

Palm Beach Ferry Runs Aground

Volunteer crews from three Marine Rescue NSW units responded to a Palm Beach ferry that had run aground at Half Tide Rocks at the entrance to Brisbane Water, at 6.50 p.m. on Saturday night, March 9th. The ferry service was on its last run back from Ettalong to Palm Beach.

Rescue vessels Cottage Point 31, Broken Bay 20 and Central Coast 30 were deployed and assisted passengers, ferry staff and Police on the scene.

One hour later a MRNSW Update stated: 

'The ferry that earlier ran aground at Half Tide Rocks at the entrance to Brisbane Water is now safely on an emergency mooring and all Marine Rescue NSW vessels have been stood down.

Thirty ferry passengers were safely transferred to shore before NSW Police vessel WP 42 and MRNSW vessel Cottage Point 31 relocated the vessel.

Cottage Point 31 was able to secure a tow line to the ferry's bow and with all passengers removed and a solid 3 knot current, tow the large vessel to deeper water.

All three crews from Marine Rescue Cottage Point, Broken Bay and Central Coast are returning to their bases.'

MR NSW posted; 'Thanks to all our volunteers who responded, particularly the crew members from Broken Bay and Cottage Point, who have been on the water since 5.30-6.00 a.m. to take part in the joint NSW Rural Fire Service - MRNSW training exercise on the Hawkesbury River.'

Transport NSW Roads & Maritime Services has currently listed the following Marine Notice:

Navigation Warning and Advice - Little Box Head to Lobster Beach, Brisbane Water -shallow water in marked channel
Little Box Head to Lobster Beach, Brisbane Water

SHALLOW WATER IN MARKED CHANNEL
Until Further Notice 

ADVICE
Vessel operators are advised that the depth of water has been decreased due to the ongoing movement of sand in the vicinity of Little Box Head to Lobster Beach, Brisbane Water potentially restricting navigation to some vessels.

NAVIGATION WARNING 
Vessel operators are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of the area due to the reduction of water depths in the marked channel. Additional navigation safety marks have been placed in this location to advise deepest channel areas.

DIRECTIONS
Roads and Maritime advises: 
Vessel operators are advised that the marked channel from Little Box Head to Lobster Beach remains a navigable channel with areas of shallow water which may not be suitable for navigation by vessels with a deeper draft.
All vessel operators are advised that large vessels and deeper draft vessels navigating in the area from Little Box Head to Lobster Beach may be constrained by their draft, therefore requiring right of way in the navigable channel.
The marked channel in the vicinity of Lobster Beach is a 4 knot zone speed restriction zone. Vessels operators are advised to navigate with caution at reduced speed in the 4 knot speed restriction zone.
All vessel operators are to provide all due care when transiting this stretch of the waterway until further notice.

MAPS & CHARTS AFFECTED 
Roads & Maritime Services Boating Map – 8B
Australian Hydrographic Chart – AUS216
For further information concerning this Navigation Restriction, please contact the Roads and Maritime Info line on 13 12 36.
MARINE NOTICE SY1816

Avalon Bulldogs A Grade Trial Game: Pre-Season Heart Starter At Home

Mona Vale Road Upgrade - Changed Traffic Conditions

Friday March 15th, 2019

Motorists are being reminded that a 60km/h speed limit has been introduced as part of the Mona Vale Road Upgrade.

Work on the $140 million eastern section of the project is underway with work crews progressing vegetation and rock removal, utility relocation and site establishment works. 

The completed project will include the introduction of additional climbing and descending lanes, wider shoulders, median separation, fauna connectivity improvements and a heavy vehicle arrester bed.

“This is an essential project that’s been on our community’s to-do list for decades,” Rob Stokes said.

“There’s an enormous amount of work involved in this project and its scale is now becoming apparent as vegetation is progressively removed.

“With heavy machinery and construction crews onsite - it’s really important that motorists follow directional signage and use extra caution.

“Along with all local residents, I’m really pleased to see this upgrade funded and work underway,” Rob Stokes said.

Further information on the project is available on the Mona Vale Road Upgrade webpage www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydney-north/mona-vale-road

Below: Mona Vale upgrade has commenced:

Katie Pellew Running For CanToo In Hawkes Bay Marathon 2019

Local Groups Vow To Continue Return Mona Vale Hospital And Return Pittwater Council Campaigns: Post State Election 

Hooligan And Koa Capture Top TP52 Honours In Newcastle's SailFest Finale

SLSA Australian Championships -The Aussies 2019: Masters And Opens!

Participants from local clubs showed their strength on the sand and in and on the sea again this year with Mona Vale SLSC's Kristyn Monnock again bringing home a swag of Gold - 2 in the Ironwoman and Single ski, Silver- 5 one on the sand in the Sprint and in the Board Race and 3 in the Team events with club members Lise Layard and Sophie Stokes in the Board Relay, with Andrea Smith and Janet Proudfoot in the Surf Team, with Paula Tocquer in the Double Ski event and a Bronze with Janet Proudfoot and Lisa Critoph. 

Fellow team members also picked up a number of medals - there was Aussie Gold in the Board Rescue for Chrisitine Hopton OAM and Lisa Critoph, Gold for Andrea Smith in the Single Ski and a Silver with Sophie Stokes in the Double ski, while Lisa Critoph secured Bronze in the 1 k Beach run and the Board race.

The MVSLSC Surf Boat crews brought home some great results too with Silver for the 'Masters of the Universe';  Sean Needs, Matthew Collins, Kai Cooper, Ryan Halangahu, Nathan Wilson in the 160 years Division. Their Open Surf Boat Crews have brought home some Bronze as well - Mona Vale SLSC's 'Sludge'; Christopher Bridge, Fraser Campbell, Luke Chivers, Matthew Collins, Ethan Farmer in the Open Male Surf Boat Short Course Race and Bronze for Mona Vale SLSC's 'Snow Whites'; Matthew Collins, Yvette Giblin, Taylor Richards, Kristina Larsen, Ash Watson in the Open Female Surf Boat Short Course Race.

Mona Vale SLSC  Double Ski Medallists: Paula Tocquer, Kristyn  Moonock, Andrea Smith, Sophie Stokes, Lise Barry and Jan Proudfoot - photo by Christine Hopton OAM

MVSLSC Surf Boaties - pretty happy about that!

Mona Vale SLSC's Masters Team accrued the most points of all clubs in the SLS SNB with 105 in total while that other very strong Masters Team Queenscliff notched up with 99 points and Manly LSC continue to fly their club's colours across Youth, Masters and Opens - in fact Anthony Vieceli won Bronze behind legend Grant Kenny in the Single Ski as some gauge as to how good the level of athleticism is on our beaches and some indication as to why these people continue to save lives. Manly Masters had 92 points by the time their 2019 Aussies

Golds, Silvers and Bronze have been secured in all clubs that participated from Palm Beach SLSC to Manly LSC with many backing up their efforts from last year in.

Warriewood SLSC's 'Rusty's' have successfully defended their Masters 200 years Female Surf Boat bout with Alex Coates, Tanya Deer, Louise Kemp, Russell Lamb and Kathryn Maguire bringing back their second successive Australian Championship while fellow Masters Surf Boat Team - 220 years, the 'Crustys'; David Peaston, Stuart Torrington, Mark Hodgson, Carl Quitzau and Russell Lamb, secured Bronze.

Australian Champions - Warriewood SLSC's 'Rusty's

Bilgola SLSC romped home too, Gold for their 140 yrs min Male Surf Boat  crew of Jason Crump, Ben Gill, Mark Hooley, Matthew Nugent and Luke Perrin,  the ' Bilgola Bends', and Gold again for 200 yrs min Male Surf Boat crew of Ben Gill, Grant Jacobs, Mark Parsons, Norman Pounder and Garett Smith.

Avalon's Chris McGuckin and Robert Richardson boosted their club's Masters point score this year - Gold in Board Rescue and Chris went on to notch up another Gold for himself in the Board Race. Avalon's Jean Harper won Bronze in the 50-54 Male Beach Flags and points in the Grand Final for the Beach Sprint. All up Avalon Beach SLSC's Masters Team secured a very respectable 45 points.

Australian Champions - Chris McGuckin and Robert Richardson

Pittwater's Little Penguin Colony: The Saving Of The Fairies Of Lion Island Commenced 65 Years Ago This Year

Little Penguin  - photo by fir0002

Pittwater is blessed with birds – those that live in trees, and those that live on our foreshores and and in the waters.

Just about every other week some resident reports sighting Fairy (or Little) penguins carousing in the waters of Pittwater, fishing mostly – one just this week from Clareville Beach on the estuary is yet another reminder that we share our home waters and beaches with these delightful creatures. They have also been seen to Church Point, as have seals, dolphins and all manner of other aquatic mammal. 

Secure in this spot at Lion Island, which is stated to be the largest Little or Fairy penguin colony still intact in Sydney, residents delight in seeing them. They are protected not only by the wish to keep their presence part of this place but by their own gregarious nature.

Firefighters who attended the August 2018 fire sparked by a lightning strike reported that on landing on the island the little creatures waddled up curiously to watch their efforts:

Their Post reads:

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: PLEASE ADHERE TO THE SIGNS AND RULES ON LION ISLAND. IT IS NOT FOR PUBLIC ACCESS. 

We have had many many enquiries about the Lion island Penguins. We don’t have the information on if the colony was affected, National Parks will hopefully provide an update soon, once they have had a chance to assess. 

The good news was that the fire was a very slow moving one and started on the top of the island. We are no experts in Little Penguins but is quite possible that any, which were in the immediate area, would have had enough time to waddle away. The fire was contained to the top. Shore areas were left intact.

We can report that the crews were joined by a few nosy ones on and off during the night. This one was inspecting Warringah HQ’s crew work. 

Even Penguins have a fire plan.  

Photo by: Alex Milgate, Warringah HQ Brigade

Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade: August 26, 2018 - Last night Scotland Island Brigade and other Northern Beaches RFS Brigades (Warringah / Pittwater Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade, West Pittwater, Davidson, Terry Hills) fought a fire on Lion Island in Pittwater. A control line was quickly established restricting the fire to a relatively small section of the island. Crews worked incredibly hard in difficult terrain to protect Lion Island which is a protected nature reserve and in the Australian National Heritage List.

Photo: Alex Milgate, Warringah HQ Brigade, courtesy SIRFB

Our Pittwater Little Penguins are also Protected under State and Federal legislation, a discussion that began locally 65 years ago this year. Considering current reports that keep popping up in the news about whole colonies being wiped out elsewhere through dog attacks, the idea to protect these birds from such an early stage has meant succeeding generations of residents gain an insight into one of the beauties of living in an aquatic community - the locals who began this movement can be spotted in:

Lion Island reservation

A suggestion to have Lion Island, at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, declared a bird sanctuary was supported by last meeting of the Gosford Fauna and Flora Protection Society.

In asking for this support, the Royal Australian Ornithological Society said that colonies of two species of shearwater gulls had been found on the island representing one of the only two known nesting places of the breed. There were also some fairy penguins. In view of what happened at Terrigal and Avoca, Lion Island Sanctuary could have distinct value. "I am not certain that the Terrigal incidents are due to human misbehaviour," Mr. R. Wallace commented. Lion Island reservation (1954, November 23). The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162872258 

In 1956 Lion Island was dedicated as a Fauna Reserve. This was only the 4th Faunal Reserve declared. Cabbage Tree Island was gazetted in 1954 as John Gould Faunal Reserve No.1. It was the first faunal reserve in NSW and was established specifically to protect the breeding site of the endangered Gould’s Petrel. 

Of Lion Island:

FAUNA PROTECTION ACT, 1948— PROCLAMATION.

(l.s.) J. NORTHCOTT, Governor.

I, Sir John Northcott, Kniglit Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Companion of the Most Honourable Orde* of the Bath, Lieutenant-General on the Retired List of the Australian Military Forces, Governor of the State of New South Wales and its "Dependencies in the. Commonwealth of Australia, with the advice of the Executive Council, do, by. this my Proclamation, declafe the land as set out hereunder to be a Faunal Reserve for the purposes of the abovenamed Act.

Signed and sealed at Sydney this twenty-ninth day of February, 1956.

By His Excellency's Command, J. F. McGRATH.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

Description. Lion Island Faunal Reserve No. 4.
County of Northumberland, parish of Patonga.
Elliot or Lion Island situated within Broken Bay.

FAUNA PROTECTION ACT, 1948.—PROCLAMATION. (1956, March 9). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 634. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220321769

In 1977, the island was reclassified as the Lion Island Nature Reserve (a protected nature reserve), and became part of the Australian National Heritage List in 2006 under Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park - Australia's second oldest national park.

The island is home to Sydney’s largest population of Little or Fairy penguins (Eudyptula minor) who come ashore each night to sleep in burrows on the hillsides or near rocks. These delightful ocean creatures are said to parade home in the exact same order each evening with each bird remembering its part in this sequence. Shearwaters also breed on this bird sanctuary.

Lion Island and the Pittwater estuary environs and beaches isn't the only place you may spot these delightful birds - there's a colony at Manly and they do pop up on beaches south of here - the mention in this article of then Marine Parade, North Avalon ornithologist Neville Cayley must run first:

Two Little Penguins 

AS Mr. Neville Cayley mentions in the 'Mail' that there is very little known regarding the length of time these penguins care for their young before turning  them out, I thought the following account would be of especial interest to readers of 'Outdoor Australia.' 

At a crowded Museum lecture Mr. Kinghorn told us this unusual incident. One morning towards the end of August, 1921, the peace and serenity of some dwellers at Collaroy Beach were disturbed by extraordinary noises and weird cries at the back door.When the astonished owner of the house opened the door in rushed two little penguins, which with loud voices announced their intentions of staying. Then they danced about and waved their little wings in a most ingratiating way. After a short time these noisy visitors were shown the door, and they disappeared for a while. But, having chosen their home, Mr. and Mrs. Penguin returned later, and as they could not get inside the house they went underneath as far as they could get, and there made their nest of seaweed. The noise every night was almost unbearable; they would scream and cackle, and later, after about six weeks their songs of joy were terrific, for two youngsters were hatched. 

About four months after their arrival the penguin family suddenly departed. Where they wintered is their own secret: but late in the following August a terrible cackling outside advised these householders that they were back. When the door was opened Mr. and Mrs. Penguin marched triumphantly in, followed by two grown chicks, which were inquisitive and rather shy. Then followed extravagant dances of greeting and vociferous songs of 'Here we are again,' etc., in which the young ones also joined. 

They could not be quietened, and the neighbours hastened across to see if someone had gone mad. The owners of the house put the whole family down on the beach and drove them away. It was then that the parents sent off the chicks to fend for themselves, and they themselves returned later and went under the house to their old nest. The celebrations were so overpowering that the householders took down some boards next day, got the noisy pair out, and drove them at night by car to Palm Beach, about twelve miles distant, and there left them. But next morning saw them back. 

They were taken a second time, but returned, and were allowed lo stay; but a home was made for them in the far corner of the garden. The house side was netted off and a hole cut in the fence to allow them free access to the beach. They made a nest of seaweed, and later two eggs were laid. The birds look it in turn to sit on them, and there was always much shouting and scolding when one returned from the sea at night. 

After about six weeks two sooty-brown chicks appeared, and the noise that night and the next few days while the celebrations lasted was tremendous. The parents took it in turn to fish and swim during the day that followed, but at night they often went out together to find a suitable supper, and about 9 p.m. would return, arguing together as they came up the beach. The following summer my father saw a young penguin land on the rocks at Coogee. I think it quite likely that it was one of the young ones turned out at Collaroy. It was evidently not very used to fending for itself, for a patch of feathers was torn from its shoulder, possibly through not being an adept at landing. 

At the time of the lecture these queer visitors were still in residence at Collaroy, and what became of them I do not know. It is likely enough that the nesting-place on North Head mentioned by Mr. Cayley is occupied by these little penguins or their descendants.  Outdoor Australia (1925, March 18).Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), , p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159721727 

It is recorded that two Fairy penguins for a number of years made seasonal visitations to Collaroy, near Sydney, and often laid their eggs under the floor of one of the houses there. — F.J.B. Quaint and Beautiful Sea Birds (1934, October 31). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), , p. 56. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166107257 

Long Reef – Reef Care: reefcarelongreef.org.au/little-penguins/ States: 

"There are over 140 birds seen on Long Reef and 40 of these are listed as NSW threatened or protected species. Long Reef forms an important link with Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge and the NSW coastline. Birds listed include Lewin’s Rail, Little Grassbird, Little Penguin, Osprey, Sooty Oystercatcher and many migratory wader birds. Little Penguins are seen regularly feeding and swimming off Long Reef. Up until the 1940’s Little Penguins nested on Long Reef Beach." 

Pittwater Lady Announced As Max Gardner Award Recipient

Mary and Ron Jones at an Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch Remembrance Day function. Photo by A J Guesdon.

Mary Jones, a committee member of Northern Beaches Prostate Cancer Support Group, has been announced as a winner of the prestigious Max Gardner award this week. 

"Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia received many Max Gardner Award nominations from across the country in 2018 for Support Group Leaders and Ambassadors. I am extremely proud of the wonderful accomplishments made by all those nominated and the collective, positive impact being made by the Support Groups and Ambassadors nationally." Steve Callister, the National Chairman of PCFA said 

The award will be presented in June this year.

Pittwater residents may remember Mary as the lady whose work saw the Baha'i Temple lit Blue for Prostrate Cancer Awareness Month in 2011, or is the one who sends us in details of fundraising Trivia Nights or those Family Fun Days and Big Aussie BBQ's at Rat Park with wonderful vehicles on display from members of the Pittwater Motor Enthusiast Association.

Sunday Afternoon On Pittwater April 2019

Barrenjoey High School Students To The Rescue At Avalon Beach

Two students from Barrenjoey High School were heroes on Wednesday this week when they rescued a young boy who got into difficulties in the surf at Avalon Beach.

Five boys from the school were doing their Surf Survival Assessment when they heard cries for help in the water.

Two brothers from Darwin were at the beach with their grandmother. The younger boy, 7, got into trouble about 50m from shore and was in distress, yelling out for help.

Rudy Duke-Yonge fortunately had the rescue tube around him and swam to the boy's aid and held him up until Remy Garner arrived to assist. Remy removed the tube from Rudy and put it around the boy and he was taken safely back to shore.

It certainly turned out to be an eventful day for the boys from Barrenjoey High. Rudy did the course because he just wanted to do something different.

While he was not involved in the rescue, Jacob Cowan told one of the SLS Sydney Northern Beaches instructors Tracey Hare-Boyd that he wants to do the course again in fourth term because he gained so much out of it.

Autumn In Pittwater 2019

Swamp Mahogany, Eucalyptus robusta, is currently flowering - providing food for local fauna.

Narrabeen's Indy Griffith Announced As A 'Skillaroo' For 45th WorldSkills International Championship 

North Narrabeen Graphic Designer, Indy Griffiths

North Narrabeen Graphic Designer, Indy Griffiths, was one of nineteen young Australians who won the right to compete at the Global Skills Challenge following her success at the 2018 WorldSkills National Championships. Indy and her Australian team mates will take on international competitors from 16 countries including the United Kingdom, China, Russia and Brazil in 24 skills competitions across the 4-day event. 

The Global Skills Challenge was the largest international skills competition taking place in Australia this year. Held in Melbourne (10 – 14 April), the competition was staged in conjunction with the Victorian Skills Commissioner and WorldSkills Australia and hosted in several Victorian TAFE institutes, including the Holmesglen Institute, Kangan Institute and RMIT University. 

21-year-old Indy, who is employed by Style Communications in Mona Vale and recently graduated from Enmore Design Centre, won a gold medal in the Graphic Design Technology category at the 2018 WorldSkills Australia National Championships. 

Indy’s win secured her place in the WorldSkills Australia training team, and she is hoping that the last seven months of training had set her up for success at the Global Skills Challenge, which was the final stage for selection in her bid to become a Skillaroo; an elite team of young Australian apprentices and trainees who will represent Australia at the WorldSkills International Championships to be held in Kazan, Russia in August.

Indy was excited about the Global Skills Challenge and now representing her country at the WorldSkills International Championships. 

“Representing my country on the international stage would be a life-changing experience and I really hoped that my attitude, training efforts and Global Skills Challenge results will be enough to get me there,” she said.  

“As part of my training I have been fortunate enough to have travelled to both New Zealand and Kazan where I learned so much more than I expected and made some incredible friends.  

“I am beyond grateful for my experiences with WorldSkills so far and am very proud of what I have already achieved,” she continued.  

LIFESAVERS CONCLUDE SEASON WITH 3,500 RESCUES

Monday, April 29th, 2019

The 2018/19 Surf Life Saving patrol season came to an end on Sunday 28 April. All 129 surf clubs in NSW lowered their flags for the final time until September.

There were a number of significant rescues this season that involved our volunteers going above and beyond to preserve life. A number of these rescues occurred outside patrol hours and in challenging conditions.

We celebrated a number of remarkable milestones and miraculous rescues between September and April. Once again we thank our 75,000 members and 20,000 active patrolling members for their service to the community. 

Restoring Wetlands Near Careel Bay Final Field Day: More Volunteers For Careel Creek Bushcare Group Needed!

The Careel Creek Bushcare group with council Bushcare Officer Karin Nippard

Local Creatives Install Ocean Sentinels For Vivid Sydney 2019

Big Contingent Of Local Surfers Making Best Of Small Waves In 2019 Hydralyte Sports Shoalhaven Pro Junior

Narrabeen's Tru Starling, Day 2 of  Hydralyte Sports Shoalhaven Pro Junior - photos by Ethan Smith/Surfing NSW

Autumn In Pittwater 2019

Turimetta Sunrise, May 2019 - photos by Joe Mills

Permission To Conduct Seismic Testing Off Our Beaches Sparks 'Drawing A Line In The Sand' Response At Manly 

The Northern Beaches Surfrider Foundation in conjunction with Living Ocean organised a joint 'Hands Across The Sand' show of support to demonstrate the communities opposition to seismic testing off our coastline on Saturday May 11th. At short notice a long line of people gathered on the beach at Manly with one clear message. Other 'Hands Across the Sand' events were held north and south of here.

Last Sunday, May 5th, 1000 people gathered at Umina to show the community's connection to our coast and to oppose seismic testing and offshore oil and gas. Another was held on the same day at Port Willunga Beach in South Australia to highlight the prospect of licences being granted for oil rigs in the Great Australian Bight.

The organisers state the Federal Government have given approval for intense 3D seismic testing along the East Coast approximately from Newcastle to Manly. The PEP11 site is in the direct migratory path of the Humpback whales Megaptera novaeanglia, and home to dolphins, turtles and a myriad of marine life. 

Science-based evidence shows that ocean noise, such as sonar and seismic testing, has potentially wide ranging and devastating impacts on whales, dolphins and many, as yet not studied forms of marine life. The collapse of fisheries and the fishing industry has also been cited as an after effect of such tests.

To raise awareness in our community of the proposed testing and its potential impact, Northern Beaches ocean-based conservation group, Living Ocean, have partnered with Newcastle group ‘Save Our Coast’ and Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches. 

The 'Hands Across the Sand' movement began in the United States in 2009 with a Mission Statement that reads;- 

'Bring together individuals and organisations to promote a clean energy future across the world and end our dependence on dirty fuels. Gather thousands of Americans and global citizens at beaches and cities to draw metaphorical and actual lines in the sand; human lines in the sand against fossil fuels that threaten our future. Move local, state, national and world leaders to adopt policies encouraging the growth of clean and renewable energy.'

The message is people are 'drawing a line in the sand' - with themselves. 

It seems those days when oil companies had to only respond to 'stakeholder only' objections prior to being given permission to proceed are reaching their limit. 

Background HERE

Umina 'Hands Acroos the Sand - May 5th, 2019 - photo: Save Our Coast

Ingleside Firies Recognition

Meanwhile...In San Francisco

Iconic Palm Beach Bus Shelter To Get Rebuilt

Sydney Wildlife Carers Course May 2019

Next Generation Taking To Local Streets To Demand Action On Climate Change

At Manly on Friday - picture supplied

At Manly, outside Warringah MP Tony Abbott's office, students and others gathered filling the area. There was a much smaller crowd outside Jason Falinski, MP for Mackellar's Narrabeen office, but he wasn't left out.

The strikes came just days after the Climate Council released it's report, ‘Climate Cuts, Cover-Ups and Censorship’, on Tuesday April 30th. The Climate Council states their report -

'provides a detailed overview of the Australian government’s approach to climate change since the election of the Liberal-National Coalition government in 2013. The period is characterised by slashing climate science funding, cutting effective climate change programs, rejecting the expert advice of national and international bodies, senior ministers making publicly misleading claims, a lack of credible climate policy, and consistently covering up poor performance.'

The Climate Council's head of research Dr Martin Rice said the government had also been known to deliberately release climate information at the busiest times of the year and block other information from being released altogether. 

“The Federal Government has repeatedly tried to avoid scrutiny by releasing greenhouse gas emissions data just before Christmas or on the eve of football grand finals when fewer people are paying attention,” Dr Rice said. 

"The Federal Government censored a UNESCO report on climate change and World Heritage sites, convincing the UN agency to delete all references to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef."

Other misleading claims are, the report states;

• Greenhouse gas emissions have risen for four years running. Australia is unlikely to meet its 2030 emissions reduction target according to the government’s own department. Regardless, senior ministers continue to falsely claim that emissions are going down and targets will be met.
• The government has used discredited accounting methods, for instance including land-use emissions or Kyoto “carryover credits”, which makes its record look better than reality.

The full ‘Climate Cuts, Cover-Ups and Censorship’ can be downloaded here.

A report out of Queensland universities also released this week and focusing on the four Fijian communities forced to relocate from the effects of climate change, and more than 80 communities being earmarked by the Fiji government for potential future relocation, with Fiji being a place local students have gone on holidays or with school groups or on sports tours, only further sets the resolve of those calling for better decision making about our environment.

These climate strike actions are one way those not eligible to vote yet can be seen and heard.

At Manly on Friday - picture supplied

Mona Vale SLSC Win Prestigious “Club Of The Year” At SLS Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Awards Of Excellence 

Mona Vale SLSC Members at this year's SLS SNB Awards of Excellence - photo by Bill Sheridan

Mona Vale SLSC has won the prestigious “Club of the Year” at Friday night's SLS SNB Awards of Excellence!

But that's not all - MVSLSC Members have been recognised in the following too:

Kris Monnock - Masters Athlete of the Year
Michael Wasley- Lifesaver of the Year
Paula Tocquer- Administrator of the Year
Ross James - Trainer of the Year
Zali Beuzeville - Young Lifesaver of the Year

As well as Most Outstanding Support for Member Services and Most Outstanding Support for Surf Sports!

The standing ovation given to Newport SLSC Member Doug Menzies who was awarded SLSSNB Life Membership at the SLSSNB Awards of Excellence bears testament to the appreciation this gentleman's years of service is held in by his peers.

Newport Members Kieran Menzies and Peter Finch were recognised as part of the SLSSNB RWC training program which won Services Team of the Year, their U23 Women’s boat crew “The Thunder” won Surf Sports Team of the Year, Lance Barnes was awarded SLSSNB Distinguished Service, and congratulations to all the Newport Patrols who were assessed in the Branch Audit this season - Newport won first place in the SLSSNB Branch Patrol Assessment.

Warriewood was awarded Most Improved Club and was recognised with an Award of Excellence for Support to Youth Services.

Social Pittwater: A Verge Of Winter Mix Of Wonderfully Brilliant Smiles!

MP For Pittwater Hosts Student Leaders In NSW Parliament House

Rob Stokes has been working hard since being returned by the Electorate but not so busy he can't find time to host the next generation and show them around the hsitoric building where he does a lot of that work.

Posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, May 30th this week:

'If kids are the future, we’re in safe hands with these exceptional student leaders from my electorate of Pittwater who visited NSW Parliament today.'

Bayview To Church Point Stairs Opened!! 

New community stairs are now officially open to all, creating a formal connection through a lovely piece of bushland, between Captain Hunter Rd, Bayview Heights and Quartersessions Rd Church Point The funding came from a NSW Govt Community Building Partnership Grant awarded to the Bayview Church Point Residents Association, with Roberta Conroy as project sponsor.

“Before the stairs were built residents in Bayview Heights had to bush-bash through the rocky hillside, but now the community has much easier access to Church Point transport, water, eateries, and egress in emergencies e.g.; bushfires. BCPRA and our community are very grateful to Northern Beaches Council, they have been tremendously supportive throughout the whole project, in fact it could not have happened without them.” Roberta said on Tuesday, May 28th at the official opening.

AvPals Hosts Illuminating E-Safety Forum On The 'Be Connected' Free Education Website For The Online World

Avalon Computer Pals Inc (AvPals) hosted a presentation on Tuesday, June 18th by Greg Gebhart, Senior Trainer for the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

Mr. Gebhart provided an overview of how people can use technology for enjoyment and how to protect themselves from the risks they may be exposed to through being the targets of scammers.

Pittwater Online reporter and Community Photographer founder Michael Mannington spoke with Greg prior to the presentation:

What is eSafety Greg?

The eSafety commission is part of the Australian government’s commitment to try and ensure all Australians are safe online. Those over 55 years of age are certainly vulnerable to the increasing amount of online scams and what we’re trying to do is educate them in how to keep themselves safe online as well as giving them as grandparents tips on how to look after the grandkids online.

Do you have a Program for this?

Yes, we have developed a special Program called ‘Be Connected’ which encompasses face to face presentations like that we have done today as well as webinars. We also have a large online learning platform which is free for anyone in Australia to go on and learn how to use technology and where people may access information on how to enjoy the experience of the online world and do this in a safe way.

Do you think Seniors are adapting quickly to this program?

Yes. We have kept it modelled on the basics  - so it’s not technical, we’ve made sure font sizes are larger so you can see the content. We’ve also developed a lot of resources in different languages as well as made it very visual as older Australians seem to find it more enjoyable and more accessible to learn with visual aids included. 

We hear nowadays about more and more scams and even scammers who will go around and knock on peoples doors. How do we keep pace with the varying kinds of scams, especially those that are done through the online portals?

One of the things people can do is go to the e-safety website or Be Connected webpages and read the information about how to manage their technology. There is also scamwatch.gov.au that has a list of the most common scams happening around Australia. 

There is also the fact that we have computer clubs like this (AvPals) helping the local community out and providing access to expertise and information if they need it. 

Visit: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/

NSW Upper House To Hold Inquiry Into Northern Beaches Hospital

The Northern Beaches Hospital will be scrutinised by a NSW parliamentary committee, with the power to subpoena past and present staff. On Thursday, June 6th, Labor Shadow Health Minister Walter Secord tabled a Motion which read;

1.That Portfolio Committee No. 2 – Health inquire into and report on the operation and management of the Northern Beaches Hospital, and in particular:

(a)the contract and other arrangements establishing the hospital;

(b)changes to the contract and other arrangements since the opening of the hospital;

(c)ongoing arrangements for the operation and maintenance of the hospital;

(d)standards of service provision and care at the hospital;

(e)staffing arrangements and staffing changes at the hospital;

(f)the impact of the hospital on surrounding communities and health facilities, particularly Mona Vale Hospital, Manly Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital;

(g)the merits of public private partnership arrangements for the provision of health care; and

(h)any other related matter.

2.That the committee report by the first sitting day in 2020.

Labor Shadow Health Minister Walter Secord said he pushed for the parliamentary inquiry because the Auditor-General cannot examine the performance or operations of the $600 million hospital as it is a public-private partnership. On May 8th he tabled the Public Finance and Audit Amendment (Northern Beaches Hospital) Bill 2019 - Long Title: An Act to amend the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 to authorise the Auditor-General to conduct performance audits of the Northern Beaches Hospital - which is also due for its second Debate.

The 488-bed hospital opened in late-October last year but from day one has been marred by reports of shortages of essential drugs and medical equipment, understaffing and industrial disputes. Anaesthetists threatened to cancel elective surgery over concerns for patient and staff safety within hours of the hospital's opening.

The day after the official ribbon-cutting, the hospital's chief executive Deborah Latta resigned. The departure of the hospital's medical director followed soon after.

Winter In Pittwater 2019

Living Ocean's AUSMAPS Microplastic Team gathering data at North Palm Beach, June 8th, - World Oceans Day - A J Guesdon photo

Barrenjoey Lighthouse on a Misty Saturday morning, June 8th, 2019 - A J Guesdon photo

Narrabeen Headland and Turimetta Beach - photo by Joe Mills

Reflections with Tondelao at anchor in Little Jerusalem Bay. Taken this week - June, 2019. Photo by John Vaughan

Eucalyptus Blossom Feast at Mona Vale for this Rainbow Lorikeet, June 6th, 2019 - A J Guesdon photo

 Sundew, Drosera spatulata along Chiltern Track Ingleside. PNHA photo, Sunday June 2nd.

PNHA Bird Walk June 2019

Sunday June 2nd, PNHA Bird Walk and Talk - PNHA photo

So many birds, and swamp wallabies, in Warriewood Wetland on our guided bird walk this morning. Still mild weather really helps us find birds, and so we did, 37 species in all. Our group included two young boys, bird conservationists of the future, we hope.

We were surprised to see several Royal Spoonbills foraging out in the open and flying about – an unusually close view for us. We watched one sweep its sensitive broadtipped bill swiftly from side to searching by feel for invertebrate prey. 

Royal Spoonbill - photo by AJG

Another highlight was a pair of Rose Robins, near the Jim Rivett walk on the western side of Garden St.  

Male Rose Robin - photo by Gunjan Pandey

Mackerel Beach RFB Captain Bob Mitchell Steps Down After 46 Years Of Service To The Community 

Ingleside NSWRFS volunteers had a busy day today, Saturday July 6th. Our crew attended the Mackerel Beach RFS Brigade AGM, where after 46 years, their Brigade Captain, Bob Mitchell stood down from the Captains role. 

Bob is a founding member and has been instrumental in the management of Mackerel Beach RFS with his wife Christine also holding many roles over the years. In 1997, Bob was Captain, his wife Christine was Snr. Deputy Captain, their son a Deputy Captain and their daughter a fire fighter in the Brigade. 

Bob is stepping away from the Captain role, but still holds an officer position within the Brigade.

Christine and Bob Mitchell 

After looking through some old photos, even spotting our current RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons in one from the station opening when he was a volunteer, Ingleside RFS took off for some fire boat training in Broken Bay, where the crew from West Pittwater RFS explained the boat operations.

A great day at Mackerel Beach Brigade and a great day on the water.

Thank You Bob Mitchell for your decades of service to our community.

Report and photos courtesy Ingleside RFS

Bob Mitchell, ?, ?, Ron Castle, Keith Simpson, Jan Bennett, Craig Geddes, ?, Peter Owens, Laurie Bagnall, Shane Fitzsimmons, Ingleside Captain in 1989 Rex Mitchell in light blue on the far right behind Shane - Patrick Williams front right

Ingleside RFS Volunteers out in Broken Bay near Lion Island.

Winter In Pittwater 2019

Pittwater Players Part Of Roos Baseball Team For 2019 Worlds

Beryl Driver OAM: Her 21st Variety The Children's Charity B To B Bash

Beryl Driver OAM - a Palm Beach Mermaid!

That effervescent Mermaid of Palm Beach - Beryl Driver OAM!

This time next week, Sunday July 28th, Beryl Driver and Viktorija McDonell will be setting forth from Bondi on a 3869 kilometre journey to Batt Reef in Port Douglas. This will be Beryl's 21st B to B Bash.

Winners Of The 2019 NSW/ACT State Sailing Awards Announced

Floor Plans For New Palliative Care Unit Revealed

Freinds of NB Palliative Care Meeting 

Bulldozers Placed In Way Of Democracy Say Mona Vale Hospital Campaigners

Residents have called for a halt to demolition of buildings at Mona Vale hospital next week while a Parliamentary inquiry is underway into facilities serving the area.

Save Mona Vale Hospital chairman Parry Thomas said the group had received information that demolition of the 1960s-era Mona Vale Hospital buildings will begin next week – starting with the removal of asbestos.

Construction crews were preparing for the demolition on site, according to reports last weekend of NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard saying the “former main building and nurses’ accommodation, which has asbestos, will go”.  

Mr Thomas said it was appalling and unbelievable that the government would demolish the hospital buildings just as a Parliamentary inquiry begins into hospital services on the Northern Beaches.

“The NSW Coalition is placing bulldozers in the way of democracy,” Mr Thomas said in a statement. 

Mona Vale Hospital buildings fenced off this week - a construction site requirement. Photo supplied.

Ethel Turner's Seven Little Australians Added To UNESCO Memory Of The World Register - The Missing Pages Restored

Matthew Curlewis at the State Library of NSW on Monday, July 1st, examining his great grandmother's Seven Little Australians - State Library of New South Wales Photo

The original manuscript for Ethel Turner’s Seven Little Australians, held in the State Library of NSW’s collection, was added to the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Register in February 2019. 

Ethel Turner’s manuscript becomes the 57th item in the register, placing it alongside the 'Endeavour' journal of James Cook, the collective journals of the First Fleet, and ‘Core of my Heart’, the original manuscript of Dorothea Mackellar’s über famous poem, ‘My Country’. This in turn makes Ethel Turner (married name Curlewis), the second of only two women of literature to be included in the Australian Chapter of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program.

‘Sketched out’ on her 23rd birthday in 1893, Ethel’s 182-page manuscript would become one of Australia’s best known children’s stories and arguably her greatest achievement. The manuscript, written on scraps of paper of different shapes and sizes, is a record of her creative process. The first few pages alone document the progression from working title ‘Six Pickles’ through to ´Seven Little Australians’.

Seven Little Australians draft - Image No.: a2104001r, courtesy State Library of NSW

It is rare for a 19th century literary manuscript to survive, especially one with the significance of Seven Little Australians. The inscription of the manuscript on the UNESCO register acknowledges the important place that Ethel Turner and Seven Little Australians holds in Australian literary history.

Seven Little Australians marked a turning point in Australian children’s literature. She wrote about everyday family life in urban Sydney and her characters were not only believable children – significantly, they were recognisably Australian. Seven Little Australians features a girl as its hero and, consequently, contributed to the foundation of girls' literature in Australia. 

Ethel Turner married a lawyer, H.R. Curlewis in 1896 and by the time of her death in 1958 had produced over 40 books as well as numerous short stories and poems.

Ethel Turner, 1927 / photographic portrait by May Moore, Sydney, 1927, Image No.: a1528308h, courtesy State Library of NSW

Most in Pittwater also remember Ethel Turner as a frequent Palm Beach visitor and the mother of (Sir) Adrian Curlewis, a founding member of Palm Beach SLSC, the 'father of Australian Surf Life Saving', and her daughter Jean Curlewis, also a prolific writer, with Palm Beach, Newport and Pittwater featuring among her stories.

Adrian was the father of Ian and Philippa Curlewis (Poole) - Ian is the father of Matthew Curlewis.

This early T Model Ford was one of the four cars to be seen at Palm Beach in the early 1900’s. In this photo Ethel and her sister Lilian and son were having a picnic whilst Adrian, looking out to sea, seems to be contemplating what lay ahead for him. - Photo courtesy Philippa Poole

What runs this Issue is written by Matthew Curlewis. Matthew originally wrote this shortly before Australia Day 2016 and has given us permission to republish it. His The Missing Pages was recently published in the 2019 edition Blume Illustrated, a fantastic annual arts and illustration focused magazine dedicated to bringing ideas to light through the print medium.

A Launch of this year's Blume Illustrated was held in the Blue Mountains, at Katoomba's Carrington Hotel, in the Baroque Room, on Thursday May 30th, 2019.

Matthew read his article about an aboriginal-themed story that is ‘missing’ from ‘Seven Little Australians’ editions published between 1896 and 1994. He also read from some Blue Mountains-themed work written by Ethel’s writer daughter, Jean Curlewis.

Two generations represented. 

Then with his father, himself and one of his sisters Luisa, plus one of his nieces Lily, they achieved five generations of family, in the room, who have all had specific and valuable relationships with the Blue Mountains over the years. 

With his lovely husband Mart by his side, crying tears of happiness along with his parents, plus the huge grins of support from friends who had travelled especially to this event, it was a pretty extraordinary and emotional evening. 

Artist Faye Wilson showing Matthew's article in Blume, including her amazing illustration of Ethel Turner, in which Faye has inlaid an illustration from the cover of Seven Little Australians' first edition, into the pattern of Ethel's dress. Matthew's parents to the left, along with niece Lily and sister Luisa.

Family!

As we commence NAIDOC Week 2019 Matthew's eloquence prefaces his restoration of the four Missing Pages from his great grandmother's wonderful Seven Little Australians  HERE

Winter Mists over Ku-Ring-Gai National Park and Pittwater - photo by Paul Wheeler

Enjoying a sunny afternoon at Avalon Beach - A J Guesdon photo

Sunset at Palm Beach - Adriaan van der Wallen photo

Ain’t No Party Like A DoggieRescue Puppy Party!

Sharyn Attenborough, Monika Biernacki, Brittany Bloomer & Natalie Burns. Dogs: Valentine looking down, Cupid looking at Brittany. 

On Sunday July 7th Monika’s DoggieRescue hosted a party of a different kind, nine of their puppies (all under 12 months old) enjoyed the sunshine and the shelters recently completed Freedom Park to meet and greet with the public. All nine dogs are residents of DoggieRescue and are looking for their forever home. 

Monika’s DoggieRescue is home to over 100 dogs and is raising awareness that shelters are home to all sorts of dogs including puppies. 

Over 50 guests made their way through the Freedom Park to play, cuddle and take pictures with these gorgeous pups and it looks like they had great fun!

2019 Etchells World Champions Are RPAYC Members Murray, Beashel And Allanson - RPAYC To Host 100th Year Of The Scandinavian Gold Cup And 5.5m Worlds In January 2020

The 2019 Etchells World Champions are Havoc skippered by Iain Murray with Colin Beashel and Richard Allanson.

The cup goes to! - photo courtesy Etchells Worlds 2019 Corpus Christi

Placing second were Graeme Taylor, James Mayo and Tom Slingsby aboard Magpie.  In total, 4 out of 5 of the top placed boats were Australian Etchells teams.

The 2019 Etchells Worlds were hosted by the Corpus Christi Yacht Club on Corpus Christi Bay, Texas. 

Australians Secure Winners Medals In Molokai To Oahu 2019

Team Newport SLSC!

Australian athletes have taken out all top 10 positions in the 22nd Hawaiian Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard race this year with half of those hailing from NSW Surf Life Saving clubs.

The 52-kilometre ocean race across the Ka’iwi ‘Channel of Bones’ attracts over 200 hardcore competitors from all over the world.

Ironman Matt Bevilacqua has won his fifth consecutive win in the Men’s Solo Unlimited Prone Paddleboard and set a new course record of 4 hours 20 minutes, beating his own 2016 record by 10 minutes.

In the stock division, Lachie Lansdown held the lead in what was a back and forth battle between fellow Australian and 2018 champion Stewart McLachlan. McLachlan was able to take the lead in the last leg coming in first at 4:43:23 and Lansdown second at 4:45:23. The previous world record crushed by both athletes from a bar set in 2017 by Stewart (5:02:43).

“This year was hard and it took a lot to get here. I can’t believe I stand here knowing that I have made another crossing and won with ideal conditions.” McLachlan said.

Stewart McLachlan from Manly LSC won the top title in the 30-39 stock division, his fourth consecutive title. He also broke the five-hour milestone, a personal best for him. 

"I really wanted to break five hours this year and I achieved it with 4 hours 43 minutes," said McLachlan after the race. "The race this year was actually very comfortable compared to other years. That said, it's never an easy race." 

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Lachie Lansdown had an impressive 2019 race across the channel as he snagged the gold in the Under 29 Men’s Stock Prone, with his time of  4:45:23 also setting a new personal best for him.

Fellow Manly LSC Ironman and teammate Harrison Stone won a silver in his own division in the Men’s Stock Prone Paddleboard Under 29 category.

Ironwomen Harriet Brown (QLD) and Lizzie Welborn from North Bondi SLSC battled it out for the top spot in the Women’s Solo Unlimited Prone Paddleboard. Lizzie led for much of the race but Harriet dug deep in the final three kilometres of ‘flatwater’ and passed her to finish first – her third straight win. Harriet set a new course record of 4 hours 50 minutes.

“I looked in front of me and thought, how can I do this, everything hurt and Lizzie had a strong lead.  But I made it, and I’m so proud of both myself and Lizzie.  The channel takes everything and gives you everything back at the same time” Harriet said.

After finishing third overall in the Unlimited division in 2018, Newport SLSC's Maddie Spencer returned to the Stock division and nabbed a silver in 2019.

Madison Spencer and Nick Carroll - Newport SLSC

Spring Wildflowers Are Now Coming Out

This week some of what's been seen out around here lately. Our thanks to Penny Gleen of Church Point Ferry Services, Marita Macrae of the Pittwater Natural Heritage Association, and for their wonderful captures for all of us stuck inside!

Sydney Golden Wattle - Acacia longifolia

A species of Acacia native to southeastern Australia from the extreme southeast of Queensland, eastern New South Wales, eastern and southern Victoria, and south-eastern South Australia - photo by John Vaughan

On Chiltern Track- Ingleside

On The Elvina Track

Photos by Penny Gleen

Boronia

Banksia ericfolia

Red spider flower, Grevillea Speciosa

Hibbertia - Guinea Flower

Darwinia fascicularis

Dillwynia elegans - Eggs and Bacon Bush Pea

Pultenaea - Bush Pea

Pink Spider Flower Grevillea sericea

Long Nose Point Bush Fire: 1st Of The Season

Warringah Rats Are Off To The BIG DANCE In The 2019 Grand Final

The New Mona Vale Hospital Kiosk Is Open For Business: + Some Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary AGM 2019 Updates 

Rowing Their Hearts Out For Others

2019 SAE Group Australian Surf Championships: Part 1

Sam Giddy. Photo: Surfing Australia / Nikon Australia / Blainey Woodham

The 2019 SAE Group Australian Surf Championships incorporating the Australian Shortboard Titles, Australian Bodyboard Titles, Australian Adaptive Surfing Titles, Australian Longboard Titles and Australian Logger Titles  commenced on August 10th and runs until August 26th.

The Australian Shortboard Titles and Australian Bodyboard Titles have already been run and won with local surfer Mark Tickle taking out the Over 50’s Men Shortboard Division while former BHS Student Col Bernasconi secured 1st place in the Over 45’s Mens.

Whale Beach regular Sam Giddy had an Aussie Titles to remember, taking out both the Under 18’s Junior Men’s and Under 16’s Cadet’s divisions to prove he is the country’s alpha bodyboard grom in 2019.

Earlier in the week Alysse Cooper  and Tru Starling excelled in the Open Womens Division.

With the Australian Adaptive Surfing Titles being run today (August 18th), and the Australian Longboard Titles and Australian Logger Titles to come this week - the Tweed Coast is hosting Australia's formative wave-smiths again this week.

MORE HERE

Mark Tickle. Photo: Surfing Australia / Nikon Australia / Blainey Woodham

Frank Tolhurst Perpetual Trophy Coming Home To Pittwater From Helsinki

Congratulations to RPA's John Bacon, Terry Wetton and James Major for winning the Int. 5.5m Frank Tolhurst trophy for world champions in the ex Olympic 5.5 (Evolution) class in Helisnki this week. 

The trophy honours legendary Australian Frank Tolhurst. Mr. Tolhurst was part of the Pittwater Fleet and was a successful businessman with diverse interests, including pastoral and construction works. Frank won numerous 5.5 Metre Class championships, including three World Championships. All his yachts bore the name “Arunga”.

The Team will defend the trophy next January in Pittwater as the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club hosts the World Championship, commencing with the Scandinavian Gold Cup on January 4, with the 2020 World Championship running from January 9-13. 

Ku-Ring-Gai dominated all week, as she did in last week’s Hankø Evolution Cup, and finished 11th in the overall World Championship standings.

The RPAYC has an historic association with the 5.5M class. Club member, Bill Northam, won Australia’s first ever sailing gold medal at the Olympics Games in the 5.5M at age 59. He remains the oldest Australian to win sailing Olympic Gold.

Northam sailed Barranjoey to Gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics crewed by Dick Sargeant and Peter ‘Pod’ O’Donnell. Beforehand, in 1963, he joined O’Donnell and Sargeant as crew on Sir Frank Packer’s Gretel, the Challenger for the 1963 America’s Cup.

Winter In Pittwater 2019

Lion Island from West Head, July 30th 2019 - photo by John Vaughan

Winter In Pittwater 2019

Boronia is out at Irrawong/Elanora - photo by Selena Griffith

Pink Spider flower at Stony Range Dee Why - photo by Joe Mills

Local RFS Volunteers Helping Fight Fires Far From Home

Littoral Rainforest On The Newport-Bilgola Verge Secured As Public Space 

Littoral Rainforest At Newport-Bilgola Secured As Public Open Space - completing the Crown to the Sea Loop!

On The Verge Of The 2019-2020 Sailing Season - Historic Insights From The Australian National Maritime Museums 1890 Pitt Water 'Era' Yacht Collection

Pittwater, the estuary itself, has long been a rendezvous for brilliant watermen and women from the thousands of years prior to European arrival, right through colonial eras and into the days when Sydney yachtsmen began to build Australian inspired yachts and bring them here for 'seasonal'racing and regattas and simple enjoyment of the great outdoors away from 'Sydney Town'.

In fact Pittwater almost had a chapter of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron with one member, Dr James Frederick Elliot, purchasing lands at Careel Bay for the purpose a few decades after members had first started visiting The Basin.

An album of wonderful earlier photographs of Pittwater recently donated to the Australian National Maritime Museum, 'Photographs of boating on Pittwater including steam yacht ENA' circa 1890, includes views on board the yacht ERA, the crew of ERA, antics on board, fishing off West Head, picnic scenes, WAITANGI and ELECTRA, racing, the launch of the TUFA, men and women in rowing boats, scenes around Sydney Harbour and more. The album, of 55 pages, was a Gift from Tim McCormick Rare Books and shows there are still many more items around that show Pittwater and her environs than have been seen so far and underline the vital part in our heritage and history, as much as showcasing current developments, the Australian National Maritime Museum has.

The National Maritime collection contains a rich and diverse range of over 140,000 historic artefacts. Using the search term 'Pittwater'brings up a vast array of images and insights, many of them of those celebrated earlier Pittwater Regattas and the grogeous yachts and motor launches that once massed here around Christmas and into New year's each year. 

The Australian National Maritime Museum is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology.  The museum, at Darling Harbour, presents a changing program of stimulating exhibitions and events to share Australia’s maritime history and connect the stories, objects, people and places that are part of our country’s narrative. The ANMM welcomes over 850,000 visitors annually including families, interstate and international tourists. Over 13,000 members support the museum and regularly enjoy special events and activities. It's well worth a visit or two if you haven't been. To find out more about what's coming up, visit: www.sea.museum

In the collection's album 'Photographs of boating on Pittwater including steam yacht ENA', one of these images appears to show the terraces of gardens that once went upwards on the hills above the Basin, as mentioned by Jim Macken in one of his great history books, Sally Morris of the Basin:

It is due to the existence of the ANMM and the generosity of Mr. McCormick, that reports from those times of these fleets, some of which have run here as insights, are illuminated by the images in this album.

Those featuring the yacht Era and other yachts at Pittwater when it as still called 'Pitt Water' bring back scenes of Springs, Summers and Autumns past.

As our based on the Pittwater estuary sailing clubs commence their own Open days and Open of Sailing Season Celebrations, a few insights into those who sailed here, for fun and to test their sailing skills, a few generations ago.

Among these images are the owner and crew of 'Era', one of those celebrated early Australian-designed and built yachts that eventually ended her days as a fishing vessel in Western Australia.

THE YACHT 'ERA.'

The yacht 'Era' was designed by Mr. Walter Reeks, Marine Architect of this city, and built for Mr. A. G. Milson, Commodore of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, by Geo. W. Ellis, of Balmain, and launched from the latter's shed on 5th December, 1887. 

Launch of the Era, from ANMM/McCormick album

She is the beau ideal of a racing cutter, being rigged as such for the racing season, and as a yawl for cruising. Her measurements are - Length, 71ft. 6in. overall; length on the waterline, 58ft.; beam, 12ft. 9in.; depth from keel to deck, 8ft. The ballast floor is 12in. from the keel, and gives plenty of head room, namely, 7ft. 

from ANMM/McCormick album

The inside is divided into separate cabins, two of which are fitted with walnut and oak, and upholstered with the best of material. The decks are of yellow pine, caulked and paid with marine glue. The hull is very strongly built of hard-wood on the bottom and kauri pine above, with fitted and bent timbers, to which through the keelson are bolted 30 tons of lead, besides which she has about 4 tons of trimming ballast. The hatches, skylights, and coamings are all made of teak. The lengths of the spars for cutter rig are - Mast, deck to hounds, 38ft. 9in.; topmast, 32ft. 9in.; main racing boom, 52ft.; gaff, 35ft.; bowsprit, outboard, 25ft.; three topsail yards of 32ft., 16ft., and 6ft. respectively, with jacky ards of 26ft. 6in. and 15ft. for the two largest. The spars for the yawl rig measure - Mainmast, same as cut; main boom, 40ft. 6in.; gaff', 21ft.; jigger mast, 21ft. 3in.; boom, 17ft.; gaff, lift. 6in. Her total sail area is about 4136 square feet. The sails were imported from England, being from Lapthorne's loft, and, it is said cost upwards of £300. Her displacement is 50 tons. She is with all canvas 41 rating, and without her square-heated topsail 39 rating.THE YACHT 'ERA.' (1890, March 20). Illustrated Sydney News(NSW : 1881 - 1894), p. 4. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63610629

This article, with some of those great old photographs from 'Photographs of boating on Pittwater including steam yacht ENA', also points out that from the outset those yacht clubs that did visit here from early on, the RSYS and the RPAYC when it was still the PAYC, included the locals in their Basin Regattas. NB: 'Elliott Island' in this case was a former name for Lion Island:

Sailing Notes.
Easter Cruise and Regatta.— Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron.

For some few weeks back a regatta in connection with the usual Easter cruise of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron has been freely discussed, especially by those more interested in yachting, the outcome of which was that, owing to the liberality of Mr. A. G. Milson (commodore) and the Hon. R. H. D. White (vice-commodore), assisted by members of the squadron, a most successful aquatic carnival was held in the vicinity of the Basin (Broken Bay.) This charming place, with its safe anchorage and otherwise pleasant surroundings, was during Saturday last seen, perhaps, to better advantage than on any previous occasion. 

from ANMM/McCormick album

from ANMM/McCormick album

The commodore (Mr. A. G. Milson), Mr. Hoare, and Mr. Thompson, nothing daunted, got underweigh early on Thursday evening, and after a quick run along the coast Barrenjoey was rounded and things were made snug for the night. Mr. Dibbs's launch Ena also brought up during the evening, the quartet being the only occupants of the basin for the night. 

On Friday the number of yachts was increased by the arrival of Violet, Bettina, Isea, Archina, Guinivere, and the White Star (s.), the fleet being further added to on Saturday by the arrival of Ione, Jess, and several others, the squadron presenting a very pretty sight as they lay moored almost in a circle with the White Star in the centre. 

Ena II on Sydney Harbour 1890's. Kerry Image Courtesy Powerhouse Museum Tyrell Collection on Flickr.

Scarcely, if ever, has the basin been so alive with craft, from the stately 40-rater Era, and the Hon. E. H. D. White's fine steamer White Star to the 10ft. canvas dingy, which flitted across the cove. There was the usual fleet of fishing craft hailing from Pittwater and its vicinity, the whole forming a most pleasing spectacle, especially to the nautical eye. The weather for the occasion could net nave been better. The programme numbered half a dozen events two of which were sailing and the rest rowing, all of which were very well contested. The White Star having on board a number of yacht owners and other gentlemen followed the two sailing races, a most enjoyable time being the result. In the evening a large party of gentlemen assembled on board the commodore's vessel Era for dinner, after which the vocal powers, assisted by the piano, were made good use of, all present voting the commodore a jolly good fellow. Sunday was devoted to quiet visits, a large number finding their way on board the handsome White Star and Era, on board both of which the most lavish hospitality was extended. 

 'White Star' on Sydney Harbour, c. 1880-1893 - courtesy  Tyrell Photographic Collection, Powerhouse Museum 

The Yacht 'Era' 1890. photo By Henry King. Courtesy of Powerhouse Museum [85/1285-165] (Tyrrell Photographic Collection.

Long will the 1892 Easter Cruise be remembered by those who had the good fortune to take part in it. The success of the cruise, &c, is mainly due to the efforts of Mr. A. G. Milson (commodore), and the Hon. R. H. D. White (vice-commodore), both gentlemen having put themselves out considerably to further the interests of the squadron. 

General Handicap Race, for all yachts of the R. S. Y. S., cruising- Hails and jib-headed topsails only. First prize, £5 ; second prize, £2 1-M.— Thelma (yawl), Mr. J. F. Hoare, scratch, 1; Guinevere (cutter), Mr. H. S. Harden, 10 minutes, 2 ; Electro (yawl), Mr. H. L. Thompson, 5 minutes, 3. Other starters: Bettina (sloop), Mr. P. W. Creagh, 4 minutes, and lone (cutter), Mr. Woolcott Valey, 15 minutes. The course for this race, which covered a distance of about 11 miles, was as follows : — 

From a flying start at noon from a line between the Era and a mark boat, down to and around Elliott Island, thence round the Era (moored in the basin), around a boat off Barranjoey, and back to flagboat in the basin. The start was effected punctually to time by the 'bow chaser ' of the commodore's ship, the report making the bay re-echo again. 

from ANMM/McCormick album

Bettina was first away, followed by Thelma, lone, Electra, and Guinevere. The wind came light from the S.W., which carried them out of the bay in the same order. When off Mackerel Beach the Thelma overhauled the Bettina and passed her shortly after. 

The Guinevere treated the lone similarly; the latter drew up again at West Head. The two leaders, Thelma and Bettina. were so far making a good race of it, and at the island there was only a few lengths between them. The order coming over a wind was— Thelma, Bettina, Electra, Guinevere, and lone. The breeze freshening, came about S.E., in which the yachts stood seaward for about 1 1/2 mile. Both Thelma and Bettina went further than was necessary to make the basin. The Electra and others which had fallen somewhat astern, in seeing the error made by the leaders, came in stays at the same time, and by doing so had, when West Head was abeam, almost overhauled them on the long stretch back. The Thelma opened up the gap, while the rear boats had come somewhat on the Bettina. From the mouth of the basin in to the flagship the positions were further changed. The wind came all round the compass. The Electra and Guinevere both passed the Bettina before reaching the Era and the times of rounding were as follows :— 

Thelma, at 1h. 54m. 10s.; Electra, 2h. 1m.14s.; Guinevere, 2h. 8m. lto. ; Bettina, 2h. 4m. 31s. and lone, at 2h. 14m. 32s. On the lead to the boat off Barranjoey the Bettina got a start opening out, and passed Electra and Guinevere, and in this order they rounded the mark— Thelma, at '2h. Him. Ms.; Bettina, 2h. 25m. 30s; Electra, 2b. 25m. 35.i. ; Guinevere. 2h. 26m. 4!)s. ; and lone, at 2b. 40m. 20s. On the wny back to the finish Thelma increased her lend, while the Electra drew up with the Bettina. The former's topsail sheet, however, carried away. This was the means of allowing Bettina to hold her own to the finish, which was passed by the Thelma at 2h. 41m. 39s ; Electra, 2h. 53m. 60s. ; Bettina, 2h. 63m. .12s. ; Guinevere, 2h. 66m. 16s ; and lone shortly after out of her time. The Thelma and Guinevere, 'sailed by their owners, secured first and second prizes respectively. 

Bona-fide Fishing Boats of Pittwater, under ordinary working canvas, for prizes of £5 and £2. Course same as for yachts.— Katie, 22ft, W. Boggan, scratch, 1; Little Bill, 22ft.. J. Smith, 2 minutes, 2 ; Kingfisher, 22ft , J. Hastie, scratch, 3. The limited number of entries in this race was due to the fact that several of the craft having run a freight of fish to the metropolis, were unable to get back in time to take part. However, a lot of interest was evinced in this content, which proved a close and exciting one. They crossed the line together, and in rounding Elliott Island only a few lengths separated them. Katie had her work cut out to shake the Little Bill off, which was saving very well. The Manoeuvring of the fishermen as they neared the 'doldrums ' was worth seeing; advantage being taken of every puff, no matter where it came from. The flagship was eventually passed as follows :— Katie at 2h. 49m. 50s. ; Kingfisher, 2h. 51m. 10s.; Little Bill, 2h. 52m. 41s. 

Yachts' Dingy Race, over 11ft., handicapped, for amateurs ; Prize, a trophy. Start at S.!-0. Course : From flagship round the fleet.— Ena (Mr. T. W. Cape), 1 ; Electra (Mir. Thompson), 2; Ena (Mr. Hixson), 3. Other starters: Eras (Mr. Cockshott), Archuia (Mr. Sharpe), Bettina (Mr. Roxburgh). This race, in which there were several fouls, proved an easy win for Mr. Cape, who, followed by Mr. Thompson, made the pace all round the course, eventually winning by two lengths from Electro. 

Race for Dingies 11ft, and under. Course : From flagship round Ena, Archuia and White Star, and back. Prize, a trophy.— Era (Mr. F. W. B. Love), 1 ; Thelma (Mr. C. Pearson), 2; Ena (Mr. Cape), 3. Other starters : Archuia (Mr. A. A. Griffiths), Violet (Mr. Lambton), Guinevere (Mr. Shaw). This was most exciting from start to finish. Era's dingy, which was well rowed, took the lead and retained it throughout, Thelma and Archuia being next in order. The latter was passed by Ena, and the winner kept up a good pace all round, and won easily by about 10 lengths. 

Race for Yacht Hands, in yachts' boats or dingies, handicapped. First prize, £1 10s ; second, 10s. Course : From flagship once round the fleet. — Era, gig, two hands, 1 ; Eva, dingy, one hand, 2 ; Electra, dingy, one hand, 3. Other starters : White Star, Bettina, and Archuia. Era, gig, at the word 'off ' was first to move, the dingy rowed by Wrixon following. Before half the course was covered, Electra quietly worked into third place, and if the distance had been twice round instead of once, the result might have been reversed. Bettina appeared to be rowing a waiting race, and when her occupant began to really exert himself the race had finished, and he was then in the rear. The win was an easy one right through for the gig by fully 20 lengths. 

Gig and Dingy Chase, 10 minutes, for amateurs, for a trophy.— Gig (Mr. Cape), 1 ; dingy (Mr. T. 'W. Cape). More excitement was caused by this than any previous event during the day. From the gunfire until the time had almost elapsed both hunter and hunted were kept hard at it. The dingy for a time kept round the flagship, there not being sufficient length to get way on before you were either round the bow or stem. The monotony was broken when the dingy made a bold attempt in open water, the gig being in hot pursuit. On rounding the White Star, Mr. Hoxburgh, of the gig, got on board the steamer, and as the dingy came under her from made a spring. Its occupant immediately taking to the water was captured before gunfire denoted time was up. This closed the racing, which throughout passed off most satisfactorily.

Sailing Notes. (1892, April 23). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 955. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162181050

AQUATICS. Easter Cruise. 

A meeting of the committees of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Prince Alfred Yacht Club was held a short time back for the purpose of discussing the best means of carrying out the proposed Easter cruise. It will be remembered that a successful regatta was held under the auspices of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron last year on the waters of Pittwater, Broken Bay. On that occasion there were several races, including all yachts handicapped under cruising canvas, bona fide fishing-boats, and quite a number of rowing events m the various yachts dinghies. The outcome of the meeting held above was, on the proposition of Mr A A Griffiths (vice-commodore of the Prince Alfred Yacht Club), unanimously carried. 

It was as follows -That all yacht-owners be requested to rendezvous at the "Basin" Broken Bay, this morning, when a draft programme will be submitted. This, it is expected, will embrace a number of sailing and rowing events sufficient to fully occupy the following day (Saturday). A handicap race back to Sydney Harbour on Easter Monday by those yachts whose time is limited will wind up what at present promises to be the most successful cruise, numerically speaking, ever hold by the yachting fleet of Port Jackson. Fine weather is the only thing necessary to make it so. Several of the yachts  got away yesterday afternoon and evening with a E.S.E. breeze, and should have made a fine run up. AQUATICS. (1893, March 31). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13903258

One more - just to show off those wonderful images from the ANMM/McCormick album:

Sailing Notes.

The number of yachts and boats that made for Broken Bay during the Easter holidays was quite up to the average. Most of them started on Thursday afternoon, and, as the wind dropped light, they made a long passage. Thelma and Sao got there the same night, but most of the yachts were becalmed all night outside. On Friday evening the following yachts were moored in the basin Era, Archina, Thelma, Electra, Isea, Violet, Guinevere, Zerelde, Assegai, lone, Freda. Lah Loo, Thisbe ; also several open and half-decked boats. Sao, Era, Oithona, and Iris were up the river, and magic in Evening Bay. 

from ANMM/McCormick album

from ANMM/McCormick album

from ANMM/McCormick album

On Saturday morning a meeting was held on board the Era, and a programme of races arranged. The following races took place : — All Yachts, handicapped, under fore-and-aft canvas only. Course : From a flying start at noon from a line between two mark boats moored in the outer basin down to and around Elliott Island, thence round the flagship and a buoy off Barranjoey, and back to the flagship, a distance of about 11 miles. Pair three prizes. — Assegai (Mr. P. H. Sullivan), 9 minutes, 1 ; Archina (Mr. A. A. Griffiths), 7} minutes, 2; Lah Loo (Mr. W. H. Murrell), 35 minutes, 3. Other starters : Thelma (Mr. J. F. Hoare), scratch; Electra (Mr. H. L. Thompson), 7 1/2 minutes; Guinevere (Mr. H. 8. Harden), 16 minutes; and lone (Mr. F. Woolcott-Waley), 20 minutes. Start at noon, wind E.N.E., light. 

Assegai was first away, followed by Archina, Guinevere, Thelma, Electra, Lah Loo, aad lone, in that order. Working out of Pittwater, Archina took first place, with Thelma second. lone, having a fortnight's stores on board, was left a long way behind. The same order was kept to the flagship. 

Making- to the buoy at Barrenjoey, Thelma and Assegai got a slant of wind from the 8.E. This put them ahead of Archina, but Archina picked this up again ; and the finish was — Archina, 3h. l8m. 22s. : Assegai, 9h. 20m. 9s. ; Thelma, 8h. 21m. 34s. ; Electra, 3h. 29m. 34s. ; Lah Loo 8h. 36m, 15s. Thus the Assegai heat the Arniiinn. by 43 seconds, the latter beating the Lah Loo by 8 minutes 23 seconds, the latter securing the third' prize by 1 minute 19 seconds from the Thelma. With the exception of the Assegai, which was sailed by George Ellis, the rest of the fleet were in charge of their respective owners. 

from ANMM/McCormick album

Bona Fide Fishing Boats, handicapped, under ordinary working canvas, no extra sails allowed. Conditions as to prizes were— three starters or no race, five starters or no second prize, seven starters or no third prize. Course : From the basin round a buoy off Barranjoey, round the flagship, thence round the buoy off Barranjoey, and back to the finish between a flagmark and the flagship. Time allowance, 1 minute per foot.— Ettie, 23ft., 13. Strongman, scratch, 1 ; Little Bill, 20ft., J. Smith, jun., 4} minutes, 2. Other starters : Our Boys, 22ft., J. Smith, 1} minute, and Maid, 19ft., T. Wilson, 6 minutes. The fishing craft were despatched at 2 p.m. in a light air, which the wily crews knew how to make the most of. The Ettie, followed by the Little Bill, soon outsailed their opponents, and in that order rounded the buoy off Barranjoey. On the second round Little Bill passed Ettie off Mackrell Beach. A dock calm followed. Shortly before dark the wind came westerly with heavy squalls of rain, and brought the rear boats up. Ettie passed Little Bill, and, the wind dropping again, these were the only two to finish. Ettie took first prize and Little Bill second. 

Yachts' Hands in yachts' dingies (handicapped) ; prizes £2, £1, 10s. Course : From the flagship round a flagboat moored in the middle of the bay, round the yacht Archina, and back to flagship. — J. Powell (Electra), 1 ; W. Fletcher (Era), 2; W. Wnxton (Era), 3. Other starters : Max (Era), Smith (Era), Alf (Archina), Johnson (Violet), J. Evans (Thelma), Brown (Assegai). Powell soon took the lead and kept it to the finish, with Fletcher second, and Wrixton third. Amateurs, single sculls in yachts' dingies. Course : From the flagship round the yachts Electra and Violet and back to the flagship. Prize, a trophy.— Mr. E. A. Pearson (Freda), 1 ; Mr. N. Dangar (Era), 2 ; Mr. G. Trouton (Archina), 3. Other starter : Mr. J. Boxburgh (Thelma). 

Dangar and Boxburgh fouled soon after the start, and took Bome time to get dear. Pearson got away and had an easy win, Dangar and Trouton being second and third. Bain prevented the double -sculling race for yacht hands and the gig and dingy chase from bathing place. 

In the evening a display of fireworks lit up the bay. A quiet Sunday was spent. On Monday Bronzewing and Magic started after breakfast, the rest of the fleet at noon, for Sydney. With a strong westerly wind and smooth sea quick passages were made. Sailing Notes. (1893, April 8). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 730. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162196515

from ANMM/McCormick album

The Era changed hands, as all these sturdy yachts do, a subsequent owner being Nicholas Johnson of Sydney. She was then purchased by Charles Nelson on behalf of Winter, Brandt & Co. of Geraldton in Western Australia, and sailed in full racing trim by Nelson to Fremantle to become a fishing vessel. The voyage took only 21 days, which was considered to be a very fast passage at that time. One of the conditions of the sale was that the Era be taken out of eastern states waters, as Milson could not bear to see her converted into a fishing boat.

A Week In Pittwater: September 2019

Rain Week

A great week for everything parched in Pittwater and for those missing the sound of rain in all its variations; fast and slow, soft and heavy. There has been frogsong everywhere, the wonderful smell of the earth and trees as the clouds lifted, centipedes, snails and slugs for little boys to 'ooo' and 'ahh' over, small ants re-digging their escape routes, small and big puddles and lots of mud for everyone to stomp through, birds taking a bath, the gloruous colour that comes out in the eucalypts trunks when they're wet and early morning low mists as the water rises.

Wet Day In Pittwater, September 18 2019 - a Michael Mannington photo

Bad Hair Day In Pittwater, September 19 2019 - a Michael Mannington photo

Misty morning below Careel Bay hills, September 19, 7am, A J Guesdon photo

KIALOA II Returns To Pittwater

On Friday, September 20th, KIALOA II rounded the Barrenjoey headland to come home after taking part in the 50th edition of the Transpac LA - Honolulu yacht race. They left Pittwater in late April with stops in Apia, Samoa and Honolulu on the way to Long Beach, California.

KIALOA II was designed in 1963 for Jim Kilroy by the premier naval architecture firm of Sparkman and Stephens. John B. "Jim" Kilroy (May 1, 1922 – September 29, 2016) owned and raced the record-breaking Kialoa sailboats from the 1950s to the 1980s, helping pioneer the era of maxi yacht racing.

In 1962 he and his KIALOA I crew won the San Diego-Acapulco race in record time. Within two years, KIALOA II had been designed with even faster speeds in mind and took line honours in the 1971 Sydney to Hobart.

KIALOA III, a maxi yacht, was the dominant sibling, winning the 1975 Sydney-Hobart race with a record time that stood for 21 years. A 1982 article described her legacy this way: "From her debut in 1975 until her retirement last year, Kialoa (a Hawaiian word for 'long, beautiful canoe') took part in 24 SORC (Southern Ocean Racing Conference) races. Time and again she was first across the line only to have some little 42-foot creep bring the wind from behind and beat her on corrected time. Still, Kialoa won four of her 24 SORC tests on corrected time — a remarkable showing, considering that in the same period only three other biggies out of a total of 19 won so much as one race without benefit of age allowance."  Kilroy followed up with KIALOA IV and KIALOA V.

Patrick and Keith Broughton bought the 73’ yawl KIALOA II in 2016 with the view to compete in the classic ocean races as Kialoa II did under Jim Kilroy. In 2017 KIALOA II completed the Rolex Fastnet Race and headed home to prepare for the second major goal for the owners Patrick and Keith Broughton, the 2017 Rolex Sydney Hobart. A broken boom during that race slowed the yacht and crew down a bit but they still finished.

On Boxing Day she and her crew will line up again to take part in the 2019 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

In July KIALOA II was among the fleet in the 50th Transpac. Although the first Transpac race for all 16 crew members aboard, this was the 4th for yacht having raced the 2,300nm to Diamond Head, Waikiki in 1965, 1967, and 1971.

Transpac 2019 Crew: from back - Dallas Kilponen, James Shepherd, Paddy Broughton, Keith Broughton, Dave Sawdon, Gen White, Lindsay May, Jamie Hastie, Tony Hearder, George Jackson, Front - Matt Souter, Grant Chessels, Pete Sheldrick, Jason Toyne, Tom Gresty, Jeff Beaton.

At 20:09  on July 22nd KIALOA II crossed the finish line at Diamond Head, Hawaii to complete the 50th Transpac race and placed second in Division II and 51st overall. The 2210 nautical miles took 10 days 11 hours to complete.

The Ronald L. Burla Trophy for Media Excellence - awarded to the entry that provides the most creative and original media content related to their on-board experience while sailing in Transpac 50 - was presented to KIALOA II's Dallas Kilponen. 

In early August she began the long sail home again, completed as this week ended, with the 75th Rolex Sydney to Hobart now in their sights. 

You can follow her adventures on the KIALOA II Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kialoa2 and Website: kialoa2.com.au

Well done and Welcome Home - it's great to see you back!

As we approach Barrenjoey Head at the end of the @transpacrace odyssey, the LOG ticks over to 15,000nm travelled for Paddys 5 month round trip.  - Kialoa II, September 20, 2019 at 10:34 AM - Facebook post

Wakehurst Parkway Closed

On Tuesday September 17th, Live Traffic advised: Road Closed: Oxford Falls Road between Wakehurst Parkway AND Forest Way. Road closed in both directions. Reported 17 Sep, 2019 - 10:31 PM - Updated 18 Sep, 2019 - 5:08 AM

By  10:24 am, September 18th Road Closed: Wakehurst Parkway At Oxford Falls - Road closed in both directions.

The closure, one of several that have occurred this year, prompted many residents to question how safe anyone needing to access the new Northern Beaches Hospital is if they live beyond the Parkway and renewed calls for the road to be upgraded.

Photo courtesy Selena Griffith.

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club Medallists At WASA Meet

September 21, 2019

Oh what a night! We had 15 swimmers in the Avalon Bilgola team for the WASA (Warringah Amateur Swimming Association) meet tonight. Congratulations to all swimmers who tried their best and swam so well. We had some medal winners - Jarrah (4 gold), Tahli (2 silver, 1 bronze), Harvey (2 silver), Krystal (3 bronze), Joy (1 bronze medal). And third place ribbons to the 14/u relay team of Jarrah, Krystal, Joy and Josh. 

Thanks to our officials on pool deck - Bob, Richard and Nicole. 

See you all at the first swim club meet at Bilgola pool on Saturday 19th of October.

Ingleside And Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade Volunteers At Work Far From Pittwater

September 17, 2019

Busy last day for our Ingleside and Scotland Island NSWRFS volunteers yesterday at the Long Gully Rd, Drake bushfire. Our crew as part of the 8 from the Northern Beaches District area were directly involved in saving 5 homes from the fire, particularly around the Drake and Rover Park areas. 

This is a better shot of what was heading towards us - this is not a Hazard Reduction. If it doesn’t rain the expected containment date for the is 7th of Oct but that could change.

This crew is due to return today and we have another volunteer heading to assist on the next rotation which will be deployed into the field today.

You too can volunteer: www.inglesiderfs.org.au/join-us

September 21, 2019

Ingleside NSWRFS continues to put RFS volunteers in the field at the Long Gully Rd, Drake bushfire near Tenterfield. Our volunteer Josh was deployed into the field Friday, patrolling Fire edges, clearing trees and mopping up smaller fires. Whilst they had a dusting of rain, that's already evaporated and it's dry again on the 53,000Ha fire.

Ingleside had 90mm of rain in the last week.

Ingleside NSWRFS have been volunteering since 1952 from our station in King Rd, Ingleside. The fire truck to the right is the Nubian, formerly an Airport Fire tender.

Left to R: Ingleside Senior Deputy Captain Graeme 'Willo' Wilson, Bob Birrell, Geoff Auckett, Geoff Phillips, Paul Wilson, Nick Nolan, Dave Walters. 

Photo from NSW RFS Heritage. Heritage is great... The history is what made the 70,000 RFS volunteers what they are today...

Photos by and courtesy Ingleside RFB and and  Wayne Gluyas, Scotland Island RFB

Thousands Of Residents Join Climate Strike

Students, workers and parent supporters headed into town on Friday to be part of the Spring 2019 Student Strike 4 Climate Change with hundreds of thousands of other Australians across the country and millions world wide. A report runs this Issue.

On Monday a standing room only meeting was held at Avalon Bowling Club, hosted by OneEighty, Stop Adani Mackellar and Stop Adanai Avalon. 

Thanks to everyone who came to our ‘Climate Change and Our Community’ event last night , we had 80+ in attendance - standing room only! It was so great to hear snippets from David Attenborough himself, Tipping Point legend Josh Creaser, John Brooks from Future Super telling us how to divest our money from fossil fuels and Tess Northcott (Manly Selective) who’s been helping with the School Strike 4 Climate! So great to see so many members of our community keen for more action on climate change and hoping to reduce their carbon footprint! Big thanks to One Eighty Inc. for helping us out, to the Avalon Bowlo for having us and to Julien Pulvermacher for MCing. - Stop Adani Avalon

Photos - heading into town from Mona Vale on Friday morning, and from Manly Wharf, and some of the Stop Adani Avalon crew in at The Domain on Friday - photos supplied

UAV Course For The SLS Sydney Northern Beaches Branch

The Volunteer Surf Patrols on all Pittwater ocean beaches commence from next Saturday, September 28th.

Palm Beach Sailing Club Members Catching Early Spring Winds

Meanwhile, at the northern end of the Pittwater Estuary yesterday, September 21st, PBSC members were making the most of the end of this week's windy weather and making it look easy in their turns off Station Beach. Photos by Trevor Gourlay

Mona Vale Road Upgrade Photographic Update: September 2019

Newport SLSC Athlete Scoops Major Lifesaving Award

 Athlete of the Year - Jackson Borg, Newport SLSC. Photo by Surf Life Saving NSW

Jackson Borg from Newport Surf Life Saving Club had plenty to smile about as he took home the Surf Sports Athlete of the Year Award at the Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence in Sydney.

The annual Awards of Excellence honour outstanding achievements in all aspects of surf life saving, including surf sports. A record number of lifesavers from across NSW attended the event held Sydney on 31 August.

Television personality and Surf Life Saving member, Tom Williams, hosted the evening. He shared the stage with the state’s top surf lifesavers as they were honoured in front of their peers. 

The Athlete of the Year is a highly competitive award with all the finalists this season achieving considerable success on the state, national and international stage.

Newport’s Jackson Borg took out the award due to the consistency of his performance at every level of competition. He won from a group of eight finalists from across NSW.

“I’m super stoked. I didn’t expect to win the award. I’m glad all the hard work paid off.

“Everyone who was nominated are extremely amazing athletes, so I was just pleased to be in the running with them,” said Jackson Borg.

Not only is Jackson the 2019 NSW Open Ironman champion, his outstanding results across all levels of competition include gold in the NSW Interstate Board Race, the Interbranch Open Ironman and the Sydney Northern Beaches Taplin and Board Rescue events.

He brought home silver in the Open Ironman at the International Life Saving World Championships and the Ocean 6 Series Run Swim Run.

“In ten years’ time I still want to be competing in Ironman competition. I want to be solidified in the Nutri-Grain series - hopefully in the top five,” said Jackson.

Jackson was a member of the successful Australian Life Saving Open Team competing for the Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup in Japan. This was the third time he represented Australia and returned with a swag of medals.

As well as spending countless hours training, he is an active and popular member of the Newport Surf Life Saving Club, promoting positivity and perseverance in everyone.

“I also want to help all the younger guys at the surf club. Help them to hopefully be where I’m at. It’s extremely important for me to be able to give back to the surf club.

“It’s a goal of mine to be a good role model for the younger kids,” said Jackson.

Jackson has spent a lot of time passing on his skills and surf knowledge as an instructor and team leader with the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches education team.

“It’s great to be fit and to be able to compete at a high level but it’s awesome to be able to help someone in trouble and potentially safe a life. It’s the foundation of what we do,” Jackson concluded.

In Education Assessor of the Year is Mike Le Geyt, South Curl Curl SLSC. 

Mike has great passion for education and training. An active trainer, assessor and facilitator, he is one amazing Chief Instructor, keeping his club’s 25 patrols proficient and thriving. 

As one of the most active educators in the state, Mike has been part of updating and renewing courses, promoting and integrating e-learning as well as coordinating advanced training opportunities branch-wide.

Mike has lead the way in education at South Curl Curl and the Sydney Northern Beaches branch for the last four seasons. He facilitated 14 out of 21 club courses last season.

Assessor of the Year is Mike Le Geyt, South Curl Curl SLSC, with SLS SNB Branch President Doug Menzies.  Photo by Surf Life Saving NSW

Louis Tassone, North Curl Curl SLSC and Naomi Scott, Manly LSC both were recognised at this year's Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence, Louis being named Official of the Year and Naomi winning Youth Athlete of the Year.

One of the friendliest and most level-headed Officials on the beach, Louie is dedicated to the development of surf sports locally and nation-wide. A senior Official at branch, state and national events, Louie is recognised by his fellow officials, competitors, managers and spectators for his respect, fairness and positivity.

Last season Louis delivered key initiatives including practical training sessions for new officials and deployed the Sports Team App to improve communication and efficiency for all involved in Branch events. 

Louis has worked with neighbouring Sydney and Central Coast branches to coordinate event calendars to provide greater opportunities for competitors and promote overall participation. Louis has recently been elected as Sydney Northern Beaches Director of Surf Sports. In his role he will deliver and drive some of the biggest events in the state, represent Surf Sports officials and continue his work all areas of surf sports.

Official of the Year - Louis Tassone, North Curl Curl SLSC.  Photo by Surf Life Saving NSW

Whether it’s in the waves or pool, 2019 Youth Athlete of the Year from Manly Life Saving Club, Naomi Scott always gives 100 percent. 

Naomi is one of the state’s most talented and promising athletes. She continues to improve her record every season. 

In the 2018/19 season, Naomi was the silver medallist in the Australian Championship Under 19 Ironwoman and took out the State Titles in the Under 19 Swim Team, Board Relay and Ski Relay and the Open Sprint Relay. She won Branch Titles in the Open Taplin, Under 19 Double Ski, Open Board Rescue, Under 19 Board Rescue and the Open Ski Relay. 

Suffice to say she’s won more gold medals than most people twice her age. She has competed at the highest level of competition and represented the branch, state and Australia across two age groups. 

Naomi was the co-captain of the Australian Youth Life Saving Team for the 2018 ILS World Championships in Adelaide and again she led the successful Australian Open Team competing for the Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup in Japan.

Naomi is a positive role model for her club and has shown an extraordinary ability to find balance across her training that includes 12 sessions per week, second-year university studies, patrols, coaching juniors and elite competition.

Youth Athlete of the Year - Naomi Scott, Manly LSC. Photo by Surf Life Saving NSW

2019 AWARD RECIPIENTS

SPORT

Official of the Year - Louis Tassone, North Curl Curl SLSC

Coach of the Year - Sean Golding, Sawtell SLSC

Surf Sports Team of the Year - Under 17 Male Board Relay, Swansea Belmont SLSC

Youth Athlete of the Year - Naomi Scott, Manly LSC

Masters Athlete of the Year - Paul Lemmon, Terrigal SLSC

Athlete of the Year - Jackson Borg, Newport SLSC

MEMBERSHIP

Junior Lifesaver of the Year (female) - Mikala Campbell, Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC

Junior Lifesaver of the Year (male) - Ainsley Dalton, Woolgoolga SLSC

Administrator of the Year - Michael Cameron, Taree-Old Bar SLSC

Services Team of the Year - Bondi Education Team, Bondi SBLSC

Youth Volunteer of the Year - Aidan Yourell, Evans Head Casino SLSC

EDUCATION

Innovation Award - Development of Joint Operations Search and Rescue Capability, Far South Coast

Community Education Program of the Year - Maroubra Marlins, Maroubra SLSC

Trainer of the Year - Markus Meier-Lindner, Bulli SLSC

Assessor of the Year - Mike Le Geyt, South Curl Curl SLSC

Facilitator of the Year - Paul Duignan, Copacobana SLSC

LIFESAVING

Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year - Kai Darwin, Umina Beach SLSC

Patrol Captain of the Year - Kaitlin Smith, Cudgen Headland SLSC

Patrol of the Year - Patrol 12, Umina Beach SLSC

Rescue of the Year - North Cronulla SLSC

President's Medal - Cheryl McCarthy, Bermagui SLSC

Lifeguard of the Year - Ben Dickens, Ballina

OVERALL

Branch of the Year - Far South Coast

Club of the Year - Umina Beach SLSC

Volunteer of the Year - Wendy Law, Broulee Surfers SLSC

Port Authority of NSW Surf Lifesaver of the Year - Mathew Harper, Maroubra SLSC

The 2019 SLSNSW Awards of Excellence are proudly supported by Port Authority of New South Wales. Almost 500 of Surf Life Saving’s most outstanding lifesavers, athletes, educators, coaches, and administrators from around the state celebrated the awards.

By Surf Life Saving NSW

West Head Waratah 

photo by Selena Griffith, September 28th, 2019

Mona Vale Garden Club's 48th Spring Flower Show: 2019

Judges Kathy Koutfoukis and Cecily Rogers with Club President Pauline Pallister - photo by Michael Mannington

Questions Raised Over Asbestos Removal At Mona Vale Hospital + Local Doctors Address Upper House Inquiry Into Northern Beaches Hospital

MVH Demolition photo taken on Saturday September 28th, 2019 by and courtesy of Mona Vale resident Mark Horton.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Pittwater residents are concerned that asbestos is being removed from Mona Vale Hospital without following the proper safeguards.

Save Mona Vale Hospital chairman Parry Thomas said that buildings at Mona Vale Hospital which contain asbestos are being demolished without notice given to local residents. 

A letter sent to residents on July 2nd 2019, informed them that construction would start on the redevelopment of the Mona Vale Hospital Campus beginning the week of July 8, 2019 but made no mention of asbestos removal. 

“Like any building site, there will be some noise and dust, however, we will make every effort to keep this to a minimum,” the letter from NSW Health Infrastructure said.   

Mr Thomas said that the hospital buildings earmarked for demolition have been fenced off for weeks and the hospital’s nurses’ quarters have now been pulled down. 

“Everything about this demolition shows a complete contempt for the community,” Mr Thomas said. 

“Most people expect their neighbours to let them know when they’re removing asbestos - to give you a chance to at least close the windows. 

“But the government appears to be carrying out these demolitions without giving due notice. 

“The fact that this is occurring whilst a parliamentary inquiry is being carried out into our local hospitals and despite concerted long-term opposition from the community shows the level of disregard local politicians have for our community."

Palm Beach And Mona Vale SLSC Members To The Rescue

Avalon Craft Cottage 50 Year Celebratory Luncheon At Avalon Beach RSL

Members of the Avalon Craft Cottage gathered in the Stella Room at Avalon Beach RSL on Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 to celebrate the 50th year of this co-operative of creatives and their craft works. Originally based in a cottage shop on Old Barrenjoey road, once the collective moved out of this premises, and went mobile, they were able to bring their wares to a broader audience through holding stalls at Warriewood shopping centre, St Ives shopping centre, with annual sojourns at Avalon Community Centre as well.

The Avalon Craft Cottage has always had a strong emphasis on supporting and contributing to community with the Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary and the Women's Shelter at Manly being the recipients of fundraisers and raffles held during Exhibitions in years past.

Maureen Darcy-Smith has recently stepped down after years as President and Publicity Officer, a position she has held for 27 years, for the co-operative. The new President is Lesley Warren.

Avalon Craft Cottage 50th Luncheon: Robin Thomson, Nola Marshall, Lesley Warren, Jenny Fraser, Frank Wyld, Meg Sedgwick. Photo by Michael Mannington.

Attending the 50th Birthday Luncheon were Founding member Nola Marshall as well as Jenny Fraser, who joined the Avalon Craft Cottage within its first weeks. 

Nola spoke about how she had time on her hands when her children went to school and so that was how the Avalon Craft Cottage came about. 

Jenny Fraser was also there from the beginning and said that the first sale was hers and it was a big paper sunflower that sold for $2. Jenny was a florist in her past life and still sells with us, her sachets embellished with dried flowers are very popular when they are at our sales. Jenny also makes all those lovely decorations and pomander balls at Christmas.

Nola Marshall and Jenny Fraser. Photo by Michael Mannington.

Meg, Rita and Frank were all very early members too (pictured below) but Rita was the first of them to join. Rita is treasurer and Meg is bookkeeper for the group. Frank at over 90 still helps with setting up and they have trouble keeping him off the ladder :)

The Avalon Craft Cottage only have two more venues planned for the remainder of this year, so only two chances left for you to buy those special hand-made Christmas cards and do your Christmas shopping with them.

The first venue is at Warriewood Square for one week starting on Monday 21st October. This is the first of their Christmas stalls, with one table devoted to Christmas with decorations, candles and beautiful Christmas cards and jewellery. Apart from this the stall will be packed with wonderful gift ideas; brilliant silk scarves, gorgeous hand-knitted scarves,  beautiful embroidered baby clothes and toys,  colourful jewellery,  patchwork quilts, lovely hand-knitted baby bootees, jumpers, hats and shawls, stunning dichroic glass brooches and pendants, screen printed tea-towels, pretty embroidered or appliqued hand-towels and much more. The stall will be located outside K-Mart.

The last stall for 2019 will be at St Ives Village shopping centre, upstairs, near the concierge desk and will commence on Monday, November 11th. This too will feature beautiful handmade Christmas cards and decorations, as well as all the other wonderful hand-crafted gift items and homewares that the Avalon Craft Cottage is known for.

Some more photos from this week's 50th Birthday Luncheon:

Avalon Craft Cottage members at 50th Birthday Luncheon. Photo by Michael Mannington, Community Photography

Maureen Darcy-Smith, Robin Thomson, Nola Marshall, Meg Sedgwick, Jenny Fraser, Frank Wyld, Lesley Warren, Meg Sedgwick, Jane Hinde. Photo by Michael Mannington, Community Photography

Bilgola SLSC Celebrates 70 Years

HUGE Thanks to Rowan Jacob - these photos from Bilgola's 70th Anniversary Celebrations are brilliant!:

One Framers 

Angophora Reserve Bushcare

"Grateful to have been given this responsibility to care for this spectacular and diverse bushland so close to home"

Warriewood SLSC SRC 

Training kicked off last weekend starting with the 200m swim assessment at the newly upgraded Narrabeen Rock Pool. 

"Everyone made it in the time required - a great effort in challenging conditions."

Australian Sailing Awards 2019: Pittwater Winners And Hall Of Fame Inductees

Newport SLSC 110th Anniversary Celebration

George Shales, President of Surf Life Saving NSW attended and during the course of speeches presented a plaque to Glen Borg, President of Newport SLSC, to commemorate our 110th year of service.

Mackellar MP Jason Falinski attended and stated, “It was a pleasure to attend Newport’s recent 110th anniversary celebrations.”

“For over a century Newport SLSC has not only kept Newport beach safe, but also provided a place for the youth in our community to socialise, exercise and give back to their community with other locals.”

“I know they are well prepared for the season ahead and I look forward to heading down to the beach for a swim soon!”

MP for Pittwater, The Hon. Rob Stokes also attended the gala event and said this week,

“Newport Surf Club has an incredible history and this is another important milestone.

“The club has been unwavering in its support for local beachgoers and it performs an integral community role.

“The club is well placed to continue providing services and opportunities into the future, and building upon its proud traditions." Rob said.

MORE HERE

The Other Angels From Avalon: 50th Anniversary Of The IRB Marks The Saving Of Over 100 Thousand Lives

Avalon Beach SLSC was the birthplace of the IRB with the world’s first successful trial of an inflatable rescue boat (IRB) for surf rescues taking place at Avalon Beach on November 2nd 1969. 

This trial was carried out by Warren Mitchell and his brother, Don, both members (later Life Members) of Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club. 

Warren Mitchell OAM grew up here and joined Avalon Beach SLSC at 12. At 17 he was in the first group of Lifeguards to travel to the U.K. to work on the beach. After a terrible drowning of a child while in the U.K. Warren started working on how an inflatable boat could work to negotiate a surf break to reach patients faster than the line and reel method.

A month after that first trial the first IRB surf rescue took place at Avalon Beach when Warren and John Fuller rescued eight children caught in a rip. 

Warren pioneered the development and use of inflatable boats for surf rescues right here at Avalon Beach. 

“Given the great air of uncertainty that had surrounded the concept, I was just a little happy to find the bloody thing worked! We worked against great odds. It was a team effort by Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club.” - Warren Mitchell OAM.

The IRB is now used in over 50 countries as a superior surf rescue craft. Across Australia there are 1,094 IRBs currently in operation in the 314 Australian surf clubs, with 7,292 Active and proficient IRB drivers and 14,388 Active and proficient IRB crew members.

There have been 108,244 Recorded rescues by the IRB since 1979 (Between 1970-79 the rescues performed by IRB were recorded as board or ski rescues).

All those whose lives have been saved can thank Warren for persevering with his original idea. 

“Everytime somebody puts their hand out for an IRB to rescue someone, it’s my hand and all the other crews; it’s our hand saving lives.” - Warren Mitchell OAM

On Saturday 2nd of November 2019, Surf Life Saving celebrated the 50th anniversary of that first trial of an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) in Australia unveiling a plaque to mark the place where this all began.

MORE HERE

Don Mitchell at IRB plaque unveiling - photo by Michael Mannington

Fraser Dovell, NASA - Photo by Ethan Smith/Surfing NSW

Spring In Pittwater 2019

Pittwater's Hobie 16 Master’s International Cup Winners

Thank You For Your Service Brian Friend OAM

Trudie’s Whale

Christmas Hampers For Farmers And Their Families

Ingleside RFB - Warringah/Pittwater Headquarters RFB Volunteers Deployed To North Coast Of NSW Infernos 

Ingleside RFB Members Race To Assist On North Coast 

November 8, 2019

Ingleside NSWRFS heavy bushfire Tanker was deployed 5am this morning to the Port Macquarie area to assist with the bushfire effort. An additional 5 tankers were also responded to Taree just after lunch. Ingleside currently have 4 RFS volunteers involved in this bushfire effort.

The 2nd Strike Team that left just after lunch from the Northern Beaches RFS District today (Friday November 8th) ended up at the Rainbow Flat bushfire, just South of Taree. Hot times for that Strike Team. 

Later same day (8.11.2019):

The four Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade NSWRFS volunteers have continued to assist with the bushfire effort on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Their heavy bushfire tanker continues to work in the area. They have saved homes! 

The Ingleside NSWRFS Tanker is up in the Port Macquarie area.

At 12:30am, November 10th, 74 bush fires continue to burn across NSW with 43 still not under control. 1 fire remains at Emergency Warning at Hillville Rd on the Mid-Coast and 15 still at Watch and Act.

Crews are using favourable conditions on a number of firegrounds to undertake backburning to strengthen containment lines ahead of worsening conditions early this week.

Here are some photos from our RFS volunteers over the last 24 hours. Keep up to date with the Fires Near Me App.

You too can volunteer with the Ingleside RFB: www.inglesiderfs.org.au/join-us

Photos courtesy Ingleside RFB

Warringah / Pittwater Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade

November 8, 2019

This Afternoon, 4 Warringah HQ members responded North to assist the Mid coast District With the current fire emergency.

This video shows our Captain and Senior Deputy Captain leading the crew into Holdens Lane, Rainbow Flat, and shows just how bad the fire situation currently is. 

Please visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me if you want to keep up to date with the emergency situation around eastern NSW.

Video by: Deputy Captain McGowan

Major Fire Updates: Dangerous Fire Conditions Forecast For Tuesday 12 November

Sunday, November 10th, 2019: NSW RFS

Tuesday will be a dangerous day.

Based on the latest forecast, we are likely to see widespread Severe and Extreme fire danger. This is expected to stretch from the Queensland border to the south coast, and across the Central West.

There is already extensive fire activity across the north coast and northern NSW areas. These fires won’t be contained in time.

Under these conditions, these fires will spread quickly and will threaten homes and lives.

These conditions will be as bad, if not worse, than those experienced on Friday as they will be across a much broader area including large population centres like Sydney.

There are significant resources committed to fires and they are limited.

If you are threatened by fire, you may not get help.

Monitor conditions over the next few days. Use the time now to get ready.

Stay up to date on bush fires in your area and take responsibility for your own safety.

This coming Tuesday has the potential to be a very serious fire danger day for most of NSW including the Greater Sydney area.

Are YOU Bush Fire Prepared?

Have YOU and YOUR family discussed what to do in the event of a bushfire?

Preparing for a bush fire is easier than you think. It’s your responsibility to prepare yourself, your home and your family. There are four simple steps to get ready for a bush fire:

1. DISCUSS what to do if a bush fire threatens your home.

2. PREPARE your home and get it ready for bush a bush fire event.

3. KNOW the bush fire alert levels. IE: Advise - Watch & Act - EMERGENCY WARNING

4. KEEP all the bush fire information numbers, websites, and the smart phone app.

More information including guides to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan can be found at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/bush-fire-survival-plan

Stay up to date with current Bush Fires in your area by going to the Fires Near Me Website (https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me) or download the app to your smart device.

Remembrance Day 2019: Commemorative Services In Pittwater - 100 Years Since The First Armistice Day Service

From Our Special Correspondent

Sunday, July 6, 1919, will long live in the memory of Australians, for in accordance with the command of His Majesty King George it was a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessing of peace. From one end to the other of our vast continent, wherever there was a place of worship the church bells rang out a great Te Deum. Sydney was blessed with most perfect weather, and though owing to the influenza epidemic the outdoor services had to be abandoned, in every church of every denomination services were held and were crowded, all classes being well represented. It seemed as if the wish to express to the Almighty our gratitude, for His great mercies, and the peace which crowned all, made us 'one kin,' and no thought of creed interfered with our thankfulness. 

Just before the Nestor left London a big Peace Ball was given at the Piccadilly Hotel and was attended by all the 'diggers' and many well known Australians who were then in London. Miss Dorothy Brunton and her mother brought a large party, so did Sir John and Lady Monash. Miss Ivy Shilling, Miss Sybil Arundalo, and many other well known folks. Influenza was very bad while our men were in London and still is, but it does not in any way interfere with one's social life. SOCIAL GOSSIP. (1919, July 11). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article142254713

The newspapers were filled with notices about sons and daughters coming home:

COMING HOME.

Lieut. W. D. Scott, son of Mr. and M A. W. Scott, of Cavendish-street,. Stanmore is returning, after being on active service for three and a half years. He enlisted in the Victorian regiment He was gassed twice, a wounded twice-once in the knee and once the head.

Lance-corpl. Robert V. Pell, only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Pell, of Glebe Point, is returning by the Dorset, after having been on active service for three and a half years. He is suffering from malaria.

Mrs. M. Moneur, of William-street, Canterbury, has been informed that her second son, Sergt. D. G. Moneur, is returning by the Marathon, after four years' active service in Gallipoli and in France. His elder brother returned quite recently.

Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Marsh, late of Bourke now of Kogarah, have received news that their son, Driver P. P. Whittaker, of a machine gun section, is returning on the Boonah, after an absence of two and a half years.

Mrs. F. Shepherd, late of White and Brenn streets, Leichhardt, has been advised that her son, Lieut. H. J. Murray, D. C. M., is returning to Australia by the troopship Boonah.

Mrs. Chisholm, of Strathalbyn, Colin-street, North Sydney, has received news that her son Lieut. A. R. Chisholm, is returning by the hospital ship Karoola, and is expected to arrive in Sydney about June 25. Lieut. Chisholm served on the Western front, and sine the signing of the armistice has been acting as an education officer.

Mrs. K. Miller, of Hordern-parade, Croydon, has received advice that her son, Driver E. F. Miller, is returning by the Commonwealth, which is due in Sydney on June 16. His brother is expected in July.

Mr. and Mrs. B. Rhodes, of Tasma, Bondi road, Bondi, have been notified that their son, Private Cecil Rhodes, M.M., of the 4th Batt. is returning by the steamer Boonah, after an absence of three and a half years on the Western front.

Mr. W. E. Wearne. M.L.A., has received news that his two sons, Driver D. E. Wearne and Driver Eric Wearne, of the 39th Battery Field Artillery, who have been away for three and a half years, are returning by the steamer China, which will reach Sydney about June 12.

Mr. James Hickey, of Fitzroy-street, Moore Park, has been advised that his eldest son, Sergt. J. J. Hickey, D.C.M., of 1st Light Trench Mortar Battery, is returning to Australia by the Boonah, after being abroad for four years. His two brothers and a brother-in-law are still with their units.

Mr. and Mrs. Honeyman, of Kingston road, Camperdown, have been notified that their youngest son, Ted Honeyman, is returning from Egypt after three years' active service, by the Dorset. Two brothers are still on active service.

Mrs. C. L, Harrison, of Glebe Point and Byrock, Narrabeen, has received information that her son, Lance-corporal C. S. Harrison, is returning by the Boonah. He has been on active service since 1916, and has been wounded twice. He was for some years an alderman of the Queanbeyan Municipal Council, and was later in business at Byrock, near Bourke. - Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Wednesday 4 June 1919, page 8

However, from 1914 on, more page space was taken up with column upon column of those who had lost their lives or been wounded in action. Their names would continue to be listed among the masses of 'In Memorium' tributes which would persist for as long as their grieving relatives would live.

The first Remembrance Day in Britain and the Commonwealth was held on November 11th 1919 at 11 a.m., one year to the day and hour since the Armistice that ended World War One commenced. Australian born journalist Edward George Honey is originally thought to have proposed the idea of an observance for all those who fell in a letter published in the London Evening News on May 6th, 1919, under the pen-name 'Warren Foster', in which he appealed for five-minutes of silence of national remembrance. South African politician Sir Percy Fitzpatrick echoed this idea for observance and called for a period of silence on Armistice Day, 11th of November, in all countries of the British Empire which was approved by King George V. As five minutes silence was deemed too long, two minutes was decided upon.

King George V issued a proclamation calling for a two minute silence: "All locomotion should cease, so that, in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead."

Services were held in Australia with some Australians, still on active service or healing in England prior to being shipped home, attending that first Armistice Day Remembrance Service in London.

At Avalon Beach RSL Cenotaph on Monday the 100th Year Remembrance Day Service was conducted by Acting President of the Avalon RSL Sub-Branch Drew Martin, with the 2019 Remembrance Day Address being given by Colonel Mathews Stevens DSC CSC, Director of Personnel. The Legacy Widows were the Guests of Honour.

The Colour Party was formed by the Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch, with Vice President of the Sub-Branch Tamara Sloper Harding giving the Prologue. Cmdr. John Davies RAN gave the Prayer for the Fallen. Sub-Branch Member John McInerney gave the Prayer for the Services. Samantha Shaw (The Big Sing) lead the hymns, Eternal Father Strong to Save and Abide With Me.

The Ode of Remembrance was read by Vice President of the Sub-Branch Tamara Sloper Harding before all observed One Minutes Silence. Wreaths were laid by Mark Houlder, President of the Avalon Beach RSL Club, and Vice President of the Sub-Branch Tamara Sloper Harding, following which attendees laid sprigs of rosemary on commemorative pavers dedicated to family members as well as at the base of the cenotaph marker itself. The names inscribed on these stones of tribute commence from the Boer War (1899-1902) on, and so mark 120 years of conflict Australians have served in.

Acting Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch President Drew Martin gave the Welcome.

Welcome

I wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians on where we are conducting today’s ceremony and pay my respect to the elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of Indigenous Australia.

Remembrance Day Tradition

Why is this day special to Australians?

At 11am on 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the preceding four months.

In November, the Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the allied terms that amounted to unconditional surrender.

The 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post war years. The moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war. This first modern world conflict had brought about the mobilisation of over 70 million people and left between 9 and 13 million dead, perhaps as many as one third of them with no known grave. The allied nations chose this day and time for the commemoration of their war dead.

On the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919, two minutes silence was instituted as part of the main commemorative ceremony at the new Cenotaph in London. King George V personally requested that all the people of the British Empire suspend normal activities for two minutes on the hour of the armistice “which stayed the worldwide carnage of the four preceding years and marked the victory of Right and Freedom.” The two minutes silence was popularly adopted and it became a central feature of commemorations on Armistice Day.

After the end of the Second World War, the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day. Armistice day was no longer an appropriate title for a day which would commemorate all war dead.

Remembrance Day ceremonies were conducted simultaneously in towns and cities all over Australia and in 1997, Governor General Sir William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring 11 November to be Remembrance Day. He urged all Australians to observe one minutes silence at 11am on 11th November of each year, to remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.

Also recognised as part of Remembrance Day tradition and ritual is the Flanders Poppy. During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of Northern France and Belgium and in soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy comes from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground. 

In closing, we remember all those who fell in the air, on the sea and on the land. May we and our successors, prove worthy of their sacrifice. 

Lest we forget.

I would also ask you to remember all those police, fire services personnel and emergency services people who have given their lives for the community and a special thought to those who have tragically lost family members in this current fire emergency.

Thank you.

Prologue 

Given by Tamara Sloper Harding
Vice President Avalon Beach RSL Sub Branch

We gather here today and remember those who, in the great tragedy of war gave their lives for Australia and the freedom of all people. 

It is important that our broader community and particularly our youth are included in our commemoration ceremonies, for they will take these memories forward and keep the spirit alive. It is imperative that we instil in the next generation the understanding that what they will need more than anything in order to face the world as free, self-assured, and empathetic young Australians is one another. The tales of courage, endurance, sacrifice and mateship that personified the Australian troops of WW1 are essential in the formation of our youth as our future leaders.

Our Sub Branch President Captain Maley is still on active duty, currently serving in the Royal Australian Navy. His job takes him all over the world and he plays an integral part in ensuring our peace and security. He sent the following message from somewhere in Afghanistan this morning.

“A quick message to all of you on the Northern Beaches and in Avalon RSL Sub Branch. Today we too will stop at about 1040. We will have a service in the chapel here in Afghanistan and wear our poppies.

Very poignantly for us we will read the names of the 24 people we have lost since I have been here. We will remember them. 

I am lucky enough to come home in just over 2 and a half months. Those 24 from the US, Croatia, Romania are not so lucky.

For November 11 is a day we remember all those in all wars that did not get to come home.

We remember them for their sacrifice - it doesn’t matter what nationality they are. They served their countries and didn’t get to come home

They are not lucky enough to be on the Northern Beaches today.

They are not lucky enough to be with their kids instead they made the ultimate sacrifice and that is what we need to remember.

We need to nurture the living, care for the wounded and honour the dead.”

We are very privileged to have Michael Maley as our RSL Sub Branch President and will welcome him home early next year.

As a veteran myself, I have been fortunate to wear the uniform of the Navy for 19 years and now, I reflect on how lucky I am to have come home safely, permanently changed - but still living. Unlike those 60,000 Australians who never returned from WW1. Every Australian, regardless of whether we have a direct link to those that wore the uniform or not, is a benefactor of their sacrifice. They have given us a legacy from the past on which to build the future. They have given us the Gifts of determination, of compassion and self-confidence, but most of all, of service.

Today as we have one minute of silence, we also remember the service and sacrifice of all men and women who have fought for us in all wars and armed conflicts and whose lives were changed forever.

We remember those who bear physical and psychological wounds as a result of their service to our nation and the families who love and support them; It is only due to them that we enjoy peace.

War comes at a cost. A human cost. For those who return, and the families to whom they return, none are unaffected by their service.

Their battles do not end the day they step off the battlefield. Coming home often marks the beginning of a new fight – a fight to live in a now unfamiliar world. In World War 1 soldiers returned with shell shock. Today it is known as PTSD. The effects of war are long lasting. In commemorating our dead, we must acknowledge that we have young men and women returning from conflicts overseas now – in our lifetime. In paying homage to those who died in past conflicts we must endeavour to welcome the veterans of the new age home.

Let us continue to make reference to the past, but go forward into the future with honour and courage. To truly commemorate the lives, service and sacrifice of these men and women we must understand that they were driven by a love for Australia and each other. To truly honour them we must live our lives with the same courage, the same loyalty. We must be motivated by the same desire for fairness and compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves.

On this day, above all days we remember those who, in the great tragedy of war, gave their lives for Australia and the freedom of all people. We remember all those who fell in the air, on the sea and on the land and our loyal friends of the Commonwealth and Allied forces. We think of every man woman and child who died so that the lights of freedom and humanity might continue to shine. 

May we and their successors prove worthy of their sacrifice.

_______________________________________________________________

At Pittwater RSL at Mona Vale and overlooking the northern mouth of the Warriewood valley, the Commemorative Service was conducted by President of the Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch Deborah Hendy, with Mackellar MP Jason Falinski and The Hon. Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater and NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, in attendance. Special guests of this service included representatives from local school choirs Mona Vale Public, Narrabeen North Public and St Lukes Bayview Campus singing 'Always Remember' as well as a performance by Soprano Anna Gebels.

HMAS Penguin sailors formed the Honour Guard along with Pittwater RSL Executives, much to the delight of WWII RAN Veteran Gwynneth Sneesby. Photos of the Pittwater RSL 2019 Commemorative Service by Michael Mannington, Community Photography:

Mackellar MP Jason Falinski with Pittwater MP Rob Stokes at the Pittwater RSL Remembrance Day Service 2019.

Member for Mackellar, Mr Jason Falinski honoured all those who have served and continue to serve in our military at the Pittwater RSL Remembrance Day service. 

“The Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch has hosted yet another magnificent Remembrance Day Service.” Mr Falinski said.

“Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we mark Remembrance Day because it was at this time and date in 1918 that the guns fell silent on the Western Front, officially ending the First World War,”

“The war came at a great cost for Australia, with more than 60,000 service men and women never returning home, from the 416,000 who enlisted.”

“This affected every community, large and small, across the country, in what was a very young nation at that time.”

“More than 102,000 names are today listed on the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour in Canberra to honour the lives lost at war and it is vital we continue to remember their service and sacrifice today.” 

“It is incredibly important to instil an ongoing sense of remembrance and respect in future generations of Australians so our current and former serving defence personnel and their families know their sacrifices are honoured, now and into the future.”

Mr Falinski reminds all Australians, including our younger generations, to continue the Remembrance Day tradition and pay tribute to those who have proudly served our nation in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations by attending a local commemorative service and wearing a red poppy in honour of the sacrifices made by our brave service men and women.

Below run some more photographs taken at the Pittwater Commemorative Services for Remembrance Day 2019.

The Long Awaited Barrenjoey Community Performance Space Officially Opened

Barrenjoey High School was delighted to host the Official Opening of the Barrenjoey Community Performance Space on Friday November 15th 2019. The school has dedicated the space to Principal Ian Bowsher, the gentleman who has been behind so many local projects coming to fruition for the younger members of our community - the Avalon Youth Hub among them. 

Committee: Richard Cole, Cilla Cole, Ian Bowsher, Kalinda Hawson, Christy Bishop, Kim Hoggard - photo by Michael Mannington

Officially opened by the Hon Rob Stokes MP Member for Pittwater, Mr Jason Falinski MP for Mackellar, Barrenjoey School Principal Ian Bowsher, and members of the P&C Steering Committee Cilla Cole, Richard Cole, Kalinda Hawson, Kim Hoggard and Christy Bishop were also part of the proceedings. Mr. Wayne Brown of Brown Bros. Skip Bins, Gold Sponsors of the building, who regularly supply bins for school working bees for no fee and kicked in 10 thousand dollars to see the project realised, also attended the opening.  

The Barrenjoey Community Performance Space is a purpose built, architecturally designed theatre with state of the art audio visual equipment and tiered seating for 200 people as well as an art gallery space. The building supports the vision of the school to better showcase the talents of students and the wider community.  

The project has been led by the school’s P&C Association who spent the past five years fundraising through such events as the Full Moon Markets and 'buy a brick' campaign as well as successfully securing local, state and federal government grants to deliver the Performance Space at a cost of approximately $1.9M.

School Infrastructure NSW managed the build and delivered the original Richard Cole Architecture concept drawings through SARM Architects and Clifford Constructions to completion.  The aim and result was to provide a genuine educational and community facility.

Barrenjoey High School has always recognised the unique artistic and creative talent of its local community and has created multiple platforms where students can showcase those talents. The wider community can experience high quality art exhibits, drama and musical performances.  

Principal Ian Bowsher said today, “The exciting part of this build has been the genuine support from all areas of the community, from local member Rob Stokes to local businesses who are now able to utilise the venue.”

“The benefits it will provide to the school and the wider community are enormous as it will further support the development of our exceptionally talented performing artists, musicians and community groups.” 

Pittwater's MP secured $1.234 for the project overall; $124,000 under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants Program and a further $50,000 under the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.  Earlier funding contributions included $1 million under the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund and $60,000 under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program.

Mr Rob Stokes stated, “This project is a great example of the school community and the government working together and I’m really looking forward to attending events here.” 

“Barrenjoey High School has a proud reputation as a leader in performing arts education and this type of dedicated space will support this into the future” Mr Stokes reiterates.

The construction of the purpose-built community performance space is one of several improvements the school and its community have undertaken in recent years. The building of the much needed school hall could not have been possible without that support and commitment, as well as other projects such as the outdoor BBQ area, the Art Shed and the Art Gallery.  

Guy Hawson, teacher visual arts with BHS Mural - the work is 6m x 4.8m, theme is rock pool and/or ocean - photo by Michael Mannington

The school leadership has consistently worked hard to successfully access grants and state funding which has resulted in new technology in the classrooms, new hospitality kitchens, resurfaced basketball courts and significantly improved landscaping.  The various programs built around achieving high educational outcomes have been extremely effective, including the “Senior Study” library facility, advanced HSC course offerings, tutoring programs, and PCS sharing of HSC courses to provide a wider choice of subjects for students.  HSC results have significantly improved, particularly over the last decade, were students are achieving at the highest levels.

Barrenjoey has always recognised the unique artistic and creative talent of our local community and has created multiple platforms where students can showcase those talents, and the wider community can experience high quality art exhibits and drama and musical performances.  The hugely popular Music Room regularly features student talent as well as professional musical groups, and the School’s MADD nights have been widely embraced as a great way for students of all year levels to stage music, dance and drama performances for the whole community.  The BHS concert and jazz bands regularly feature in competitions and local community events - that's the BHS band you hear playing at the annual ANZAC Day Services and no market day is complete without the talented younger musicians of the community offering up their compositions. 

The Barrenjoey Community Performance Space supports the vision of the school's leadership to better showcase the talents of our students and the wider community.  

A performance of Oliver is scheduled for after the Christmas-New Years 2019-2020 break and as the design lends itself acoustically to sounding that soft true note, all those who have called for years for a place and stage where great music may be accessed will now have a venue designed and built for just that purpose.

Presented by Avalon Architect Richard Cole, the plaque reads 'Go out and create that new and bold world with a positive purpose'. Ian Bowsher, Principal - photo by Michael Mannington

Annual Art Shows Around Avalon Market Day

The annual Mixed Palette Art Show and the End of Year Sydney Art Space at Mona Vale opened their 2019 Exhibitions on Friday night with a wide range of Mediums on offer from Sculpture to Paintings to Crafts. Both are still open today for Avalon Market Day 2019 in the Recreation Centre - well worth popping in and having a look.

A few highlights:

Earlier this year her husband and iconic Australian Sculptor Mike Kitching passed away. It has taken Antonia six months to be able to enter the studio they shared again.

Of this work(pictured with) the lady says:

In 1988 Mike research the Indigenous calendar , their way of defining the seasons is very different to ours. I have 2 X  collaborative works in the exhibition and after all these years I did as he wished and painted an image onto these panels.

Australia’s climate does not fit comfortably into the concepts of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter and the Aboriginals defined 9 X seasons and 6 X seasons depending on the region and what part of Australia they lived. Something of the subtlety of these seasons can be seen in the cycle of colour changes in the bark of the eucalyptus know as Spotted Gum, Corymbia Maculata.

The red painting below is divided into the 9 seasons very subtlety as the indigenous people knew how to manage the land with controlled burns and work with the cycles of nature and we have a lot to learn from them. Also the Chinese painter Xie is very powerful with his simple but strong brush strokes which have influenced this work. 

I hope Mike would be pleased with what I have done and so far I have received a good reception. It took me 6 X months to enter and work in his studio without bursting into tears.So these works were only completed a few weeks ago.

Palm Beach Views

Saturday morning, November 16th

A J Guesdon pics.

Summer Springs From Narrabeen's Rock Platform To Palm Beach

A few great photographs taken by residents this week as we head into the first day and week of Summer 2019-2020

From Joe Mills

Mona Vale pool sunrise

Narrabeen Rock Platform waking up

Warriewood Beach's Dawn Surfers

Powerful Owl spotted on Thursday this week - photo by Margaret G. Woods

Smoke and dust haze over Narrabeen Lagoon on Tuesday this week - photos by Selena Griffith

Cricket game on Hitchcock Park, North Avalon - Saturday November 30th

Palm Beach Markets: 
4th Sunday of the month, 9am to 3pm.

Upcoming dates

29th December 2019 9:00am to 3:00pm
26th January 2020         9:00am to 3:00pm
23rd February 2020 9:00am to 3:00pm
29th March 2020         9:00am to 3:00pm
26th April 2020         9:00am to 3:00pm
31st May 2020         9:00am to 3:00pm
28th June 2020         9:00am to 3:00pm
26th July 2020                 9:00am to 3:00pm

The Palm Beach Market has been operating since 2008. As Palm Beach is the most northerly part of Sydney, every weekend tourists and locals alike stream north attracted by Palm Beach’s idyllic setting and its ‘destination’ status with the market trading all year round.

The market offers customers a wider choice of products to peruse to add to the current high quality homewares, fashion and jewellery. Buy a loaf of fresh Berkelo bread, grab some French cheese or take home some famous Pho Bay Vietnamese soup and as always a great coffee.

Buskers and Hair Feathers also available.

At: Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach

Manly LSC's Bevan Lyons Surf Life Saving Drone Dream Comes True On Mona Vale Beach

Bevan Lyons is lucky to be alive. He suffers from a rare respiratory disease and his doctors told him that he wouldn’t live past last Christmas. A year later, he’s proven the experts wrong and thanks to Surf Life Saving NSW, last Sunday Bevan’s dream of becoming a drone pilot and surf lifesaver became reality.​

Bevan, who is 67 and undergoing palliative care, wanted nothing more than to join surf lifesavers on active patrol duties as a Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone pilot. Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) was only too happy to grant Bevan his wish by putting him through the drone pilot training program.

Last Sunday (Nov. 24th) Bevan donned the iconic red and yellow patrol uniform and reported for his first Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone patrol duty on Mona Vale beach. He was joined by other members of the UAV team who are among the 350 pilots who patrol the NSW coastline.

Surf Life Saving drone pilots conduct coastal surveillance, monitor surf conditions, spot marine species and assist with search and rescue operations.

Although Bevan’s condition limits his physical activity, he can easily operate a drone and is determined to ‘give something back to the community’ by becoming a surf lifesaver.

Bevan, who is a member of Manly Life Saving Club, is rostered on active patrol duty as a surf lifesaver on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

“It’s fantastic. The course was just magic. They gave me so many tips that make it easier to fly drones,” said Bevan Lyons.

“If I can help someone I can. I’ve got so many people helping me, I just want to give my time to help others.

“These guys go out and save people. I can help make their job easier,” said Bevan.

Like traditional surf lifesavers, drone pilots are rostered on for volunteer patrols several times during the summer season.

Bevan’s wife Sylvia was there to see Bevan take the controls of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone for his first patrol. She spoke about his passion and determination.

“He doesn’t have the capacity to do a lot of physical exercise or anything like that,” said Sylvia Lyons.

“He keeps his brain active and he decided to get a drone.

“He’s reached this point which allows him to do a lot of things that can be beneficial to the community,” said Sylvia.

Surf Life Saving NSW UAV Coordinator Paul Hardy, who organised Bevan’s training, said the SLSNSW UAV training program was attracting people from diverse backgrounds.

“Surf Life Saving’s partnership with Westpac offers people a unique opportunity to become a surf lifesaver. We want to be as inclusive as possible and offer people the chance to participate and help save lives, even if they are unable to perform rescues in the surf,” said Paul Hardy.

Surf Life Saving NSW congratulates Bevan Lyons on achieving his drone pilot’s licence and looks forward to him contributing to saving lives through the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone program.

By Surf Life Saving NSW

Barrenjoey 365

Please enjoy a year in the life of Barrenjoey High School!  Barrenjoey 365!

Our aim with this video is to celebrate everything our students experience across one year - from the Year 7 Lighthouse Walk, various carnivals, excursions to Year 12 Graduation and the Year 12 Dawn Walk to the Lighthouse.

Our vision, in concert with parents and the wider community, is to consistently deliver quality education within a safe and nurturing environment where we foster opportunities for students to contribute to the ethos of the School.

Our aim is to develop respectful future citizens and leaders with a self-awareness exuding pride and confidence, students who are active, lifelong learners who embrace responsibility.

Barrenjoey aims to provide an individually tailored school experience that is created from consistent processes, innovative strategies and enriched with relevant teaching practices.

Barrenjoey aims to support the wellbeing of all students while consistently rewarding student effort, setting high expectations and promoting academic rigour.

The community can expect Barrenjoey to be a comprehensive centre for academic and creative excellence.

Mona Vale Hospital Demolition Continues

 'and not a Warning Asbestos sign in sight'.

Christmas Hampers For Farmers And Their Families: Thank You!

To the most amazing community I have ever had the privilege of being part of. THANK YOU DOES NOT SEEM ENOUGH...

Donations are now closed, (except for prepaid Visa cards). 

We have 4 storage lockers at Kennards full, Di’s garage is full, Tammys back room and my deck are full. So let the hamper making begin.

We leave this coming Thursday to deliver them.

There are so many people that I need to thank, but it’s just too many, I am unbelievably grateful as will these farmers and their families will be. 

Thank you for bringing a little bit of happiness to these peoples lives and to give them some joy, on Christmas Day.

THANK YOU

Brewarinna Bound Caring

Santa 'Drops In' To Carols At The Beach 2019: Hosted By Avalon Beach SLSC

Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club with the support of sponsors and the local business community proudly presented Carols at the Beach at Avalon Beach on the 7th December 2019. In response to the catastrophic bushfires that have been occurring, all money collected in tins this year went to the volunteers at the Rural Fire Service, Warringah-Pittwater Headquarters at Terrey Hills.

The Carols at The Beach annually brings the Pittwater community together for a night of singing, Christmas celebration and fireworks all set against the spectacular backdrop of Avalon Beach. This year the Carols featured performances from local musicians Lara Duncan, Kasey Kramer, The Rions, and the fantastic voices of the Jubilation Choir, which was formed in 1993 by world renowned local chanteuse Joy Yates. The evening also includes a market style food fair and a visit by Santa. 

This free community event, attracting well over 3000 people every year, has been running since 2014 and would not be possible without the generous support of our Platinum Sponsors, McGrath Avalon and Gold Sponsor Aveo and supporters Johnson Bros Mitre 10 and the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber.

Ashley Cardiff, President of Avalon Beach SLSC, welcomed all, stating:

I would like to personally thank all our amazing volunteers. It is an accomplishment that such an event can be run so professionally when organised and run entirely by volunteers. Thanks once again top our event manager Volker Klemm and his team of Di Cutrie, Kalinda Hawson, Leanne Austin, Tom Waters, Alan Moran, Richard Cole and many others.

We are also very grateful to the scores of lifesavers, Club Members, friends of Avalon Beach SLSC and local businesses who have donated raffle prizes and worked incredibly hard to set up, run and support this evening.

Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club is a community club and a community building. I invite all members of our community to participate in our classes during the week, hire our venue for celebrations or come and have a drink at the bar and enjoy the view from the verandah on a Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. We are also delighted to welcome new members.

On behalf of Avalon Beach SLSC I wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas. Our members love patrolling our wonderful beach, but we don't want you to become one of our statistics, so please, always swim between the flags.

A photo album has been made available of this year's Carols at the Beach HERE for those who would like to download images for their own Family Albums. A few of these run in this week's Christmas Cheer pictorial.

PM Presents National Rescue Award To New South Wales Surf Lifesavers 

Jemima McGahey (Palm Beach SLSC) and Mr Jason Falinski MP, Federal Member for Mackellar - photo by SLSNSW

On Monday 2 December, Prime Minister Scott Morrison presented National Rescue of the Month Awards to NSW volunteer surf lifesavers at a function in Canberra’s Parliament House.

Surf lifesavers from Kiama, Elouera, Palm Beach and Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Clubs were among those recognised for their brave and selfless actions.

The Prime Minister hosted the function to honour the commitment, bravery and achievement of volunteer surf lifesavers across Australia. The awards recognised outstanding rescues performed between July and October this year. 

“I want to say thank you very much, for everyone across the surf life saving movement. You keep Australians safe and you do it as one of the most wonderful traditions of our country,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

The event was also attended by the Co-Chairs of Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving, Jason Falinksi MP, Member for Mackellar, and the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Member for Kingsford Smith, with a host of other Federal MPs also in attendance.

Federal Leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese, also attended the event and congratulated the National Rescue Medal recipients.

Jemima McGahey from Palm Beach surf club was in Canberra to receive an award. She said that she, and fellow Mona Vale SLSC lifesaver Alex Taylor, were honoured to be recognised for the recent, multiple rescues they performed at Seven Mile Beach near Forster in October.

MORE HERE

Summer In Pittwater

Men Of League Northern Sydney Branch's Xmas Function At Nth Narrabeen SLSC 

December 6th 2019 

Photos and report from Brian Friend OAM: We had the best time with great blokes and ladies. There was laughter all around as this is what's needed during Christmas time. Thick skin was the order of the day and tall tales and unbelievable stories from the past were resurrected and exaggerated. 

Big thanks to Trevor Bailey, Ken Vessey, Norm Pounder, Fred Jackson, Ian Dodds and many others who made it a great function. And of course our Manly Sea Eagles players led by Wayne Cousins. And we can't forget John Gibbs as interviewer and Steve 'The Race caller' Windbank for his call on the Melbourne Cup replay.

Farmers And Their Families Christmas Drought Run: Pictures From The Road

December 5th, 2019

Report and Photos by Lisa Hewitt and Krystal Haycock (Yeoval): Words cannot express the wonderful generosity of the Pittwater Community. A small group of people yesterday, came through the towns of Cumnock and Yeoval. With them they bought the Christmas Spirit and shared their Love with our local farming families. Even Santa managed to fight through the drought to find over 50 farm kids through this region. They also bought family hampers, women's and men's gift packs, precious water and a tonne of organic Fresh Fruit and Vegetables for our farmers, pre-paid visa cards for all families who attended, the massive donations of dog food for our working dogs, the crisp wine and cold beer, clothes, tonnes and tonnes of groceries, the 15,000 baby wipes and nappies, aeroguard and sunscreens and even some plum puddings and special treats for Christmas. They came to say thank you to us for being farmers. I say we need to thank the community of Northern Beaches for believing in us and what we do.

I would like to thank the Amazing Lisa and her kids Josh and Ellie, it has taken a month of late night phone calls. I can't thank you guys enough for your determination and dedication to bringing the best drought drive one would ever see to the small town of Yeoval.

A huge shout out to the 6 beautiful people from Avalon who spent yesterday helping above and beyond 150 people from the local district.

A massive thank you to those who donated:

The Avalon, Bilgola and Newport communities, Kennards, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10, Palm Beach kindy, Newport Public School, Peninsula Bridge Club, Palm Beach RSL, Avalon Beach RSL, to my amazing past and present swimming parents and kids, Anne Wilson Funerals, Avalon Bulldogs, Newport Red Cross, Avalon - Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, Cabana Avalon, Pest Rid, Kobi, Avalon PS School Canteen, Lara Rowell, Tammy Carter for the most awesome wrapping, Kelly Kelly Lee Schott, Trina Leslie, Simone Sinclair, Stone Real Estate, The Fruitful Boxes, Bilgola Organic Deli, Harris Farm, Dianne Cutrie and her husband Darren, Matt and Eliza Cutrie. Lisa Swinton, Scotty Wilcox. Oliver's Pies, Amber Waves, Julie and Richard. If I have forgotten anyone - apologies.

You have made entire towns a Christmas one to remember.

Visit previous The Christmas Drought Run - Hampers For Farmers And Their Families: 2019

Lisa: Some photos of our trip to Cumnok and Yeoval -;

Fletcher with his mango and cricket bat, his dad told me his favourite thing in the world is mangoes and he’s been playing cricket with a shovel. Unfortunately kids in the country during drought times don’t get to be kids, all hands on deck working.

This says it all a farmer on his knees praying for rain holding a rain gauge. But ironic on the green lawn. It’s watered by bore water.

Hay shed nearly empty.

City dog wondering what the?...

Cows enjoying the vitamin block: As they are only eating hay, and not eating any grass they are missing out on so many vitamins, so these blocks replace that, Krystal told me after they lick and lick and lick them they run around and moo and feel amazing.

Just some of the food you have donated that has been distributed in these towns.

Just some of the food you have donated that has been distributed in these towns.

Just some of the food you have donated that has been distributed in these towns.

Fruit being delivered to Yeoval central school, this school goes from kindy to year 12.

Santa arrives to distribute your presents to the youngsters.

All done!