January 17 - 23, 2021: Issue 479



This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 479 

Aquatics: Under The Sea: Weird and Wonderful Creatures To Look For While Snorkelling This Summer + Operation Crayweed Newport Has Commenced - 2021 1st Update

Pictures A Walk Through Warriewood Wetlands To The Sea Of Narrabeen by Joe Mills

Park Bench Philosopher How A Long-Lost List Is Helping Us Remap Darug Place Names and Culture On Dyarubbin, The Hawkesbury River

Beaches Link Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Released: Open For Feedback Until March 1st 2021

Profile Elizabeth Aird

History Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your Name - Narrabeen

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: January 17, 2021

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au


These hot days are tough on our wildlife - please put out some water in a shaded location and if you come across an animal that is in distress, dehydrated or injured - please contact your local wildlife rescue group:
Photo: Bronwyn Gould

Second Freshwater ferry retained

January 14, 2021
A second Freshwater class vessel will continue to operate on Sydney Harbour, following further consultation and feedback from the community.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the oldest in the fleet, the MV Freshwater, will continue to operate alongside the MV Collaroy on weekends.

“I want to thank the local member for Manly who has continued to fight on behalf of his community to save an additional Freshwater,” Mr Constance said.

“This decision is about balancing the needs of all our customers, with the community feedback and additional maintenance costs, and moving forward with a solution that we can all get onboard with.”

The two Freshwaters will see services run between Circular Quay and Manly every hour on weekends and public holidays, year round.

“Weekday commuters, who want faster and more frequent services, will be served exclusively by the new generation Emerald class vessels, which are fully accessible, more energy efficient and cheaper to run,” Mr Constance said.

Member for Manly James Griffin has welcomed the decision to save a second Freshwater class ferry on the Manly to Circular Quay route.

“I want to thank the Minister for Transport and Transport for NSW for listening to my community’s feedback and retaining another Freshwater,” Mr Griffin said.

“This decision strikes the right balance between keeping the grand old boats for tourists and residents who want to enjoy the scenic trip to Manly on weekends and public holidays, and a more frequent service that commuters want during the week.”

The Freshwater will temporarily cease operation in the first quarter of 2021 while it undergoes major maintenance.

During this time, the remaining three Freshwater ferries will continue to run services.

The Narrabeen and Queenscliff will officially retire around the middle of the year when the Freshwater returns from major maintenance and the Emerald Class vessels begin operation on the F1 Circular Quay – Manly route.

Transport for NSW will update the community about farewell plans for the MV Queenscliff and MV Narrabeen early this year.

All four Freshwater class vessels will operate throughout this summer.

Have your Say on Classification of land: 62 & 85 Hillside Road Newport

Those who fought to ensure the green space atop Newport Hill could be added into the Reserves for people and wildlife may like to provide feedback on the current Council's proposal to classify this land into two parcels. Under Section 31 and 34 of the Local Government Act 1993, prior to acquisition of land Council is required to classify land as either 'operational' or 'community' land and give public notice of this proposed resolution.  

Council is proposing classification of 85 Hillside Road (Lot 2 DP 1036400) as operational land and 62 Hillside Road (Lot 1 DP 408800) as community land within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993.

The primary distinction between community land and operational land classifications is that
  • Operational land can be alienated from the public, ie: sold or leased for more than 21 years.
  • Community land cannot be sold, is subject to restrictions to ensure its long term retention for the public and is required to be used and managed in accordance with an adopted plan of management.
Have your say, until January 31st, 2021, at: 

Have your say: Local Housing Strategy

The NSW Government requires all Councils to prepare a local housing strategy to address the short-term housing targets identified in the relevant District Plan.

The Draft Northern Beaches Local Housing Strategy has been prepared and is now open for public comment from Friday January 15th, 2021 to Sunday February 21st 2021. 

The documents state the peninsula of the northern beaches (Manly to Palm Beach) needs to plan for approximately 12,000 new dwellings by 2036.

The draft document has been uploaded in 8 Sections to provide as much clarity on each component as possible. 

Section 4 (The right locations for new housing) states that Brookvale, Dee Why and Mona Vale are classified as strategic centres in State level planning, and Manly Vale and Narrabeen, while smaller, offer many opportunities to build on their existing characteristics,  along the existing B-Line, are all suited to medium to higher density development in the medium term.

Low to medium density housing will be investigated in the one kilometre radius around other local centres including Avalon, Newport, Warriewood, Terrey Hills, Belrose, Forestville, Beacon Hill, Freshwater, Balgowlah and Manly, excluding areas with environmental and other constraints. 

In the longer term, if a second B-Line to Chatswood goes ahead, centres such as Forestville and Beacon Hill could also be a focus for medium to higher density housing.

Local centres suited to low to medium density housing such as dual occupancies, seniors accommodation and boarding houses include the strategic, town and village centres that are not on the existing B-Line or not proposed for significant housing renewal. These include: Avalon, Newport, Warriewood, Terrey Hills, Belrose, Forestville, Beacon Hill, Freshwater, Balgowlah and Manly.

Find out more and provide feedback at: 

Have your say: Councillor use of Social Media Policy

In June 2020, Council endorsed a Notice of Motion (No 25/2020) to develop a Social Media Policy for Councillors. Subsequently, the draft policy was prepared in late 2020 and resolved by Council in November to be placed on public exhibition.

This policy will provide guidance for Councillors with regards to confidentiality, governance, privacy, record keeping and other legal and regulatory risks when using social media.

The draft policy defines a set of principles to ensure communication between Councillors and the community will be in a manner that:
  • informs the community about the decisions of Council, policies, programs, services and decisions
  • promotes two-way communication
  • builds a highly informed and engaged community
  • accurately responds to community comments and requests
  • complies with relevant laws and regulations, and ensures the confidentiality of Council information
  • respects the democratic process acknowledging Council resolutions represent the majority view.

Feedback on this Policy until from Monday January 11 to Wednesday 10 February 2021.

Surf Life Saving NSW Receives Wave of Hand Sanitiser

Tuesday January 12, 2021
Thanks to an anonymous donation and the assistance of Good360 and JJ Lawson, Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW will this week start receiving boxes of free hand sanitiser to assist with preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Good360 is an organisation that matches donated product with the needs of not-for-profits. It recently connected Surf Life Saving NSW with a donation of eight pallets of hand sanitiser which will be distributed across its 11 branches and 129 surf clubs.

The donation has meant a cost saving in the order of $64,000 in keeping frontline volunteer surf lifesavers COVID-safe whilst on patrol.

Not only was the hand sanitiser donated but so was the transportation of the products to Surf Life Saving NSW headquarters in Belrose, Sydney, by the good people at JJ Lawson.

When told about this generous donation, Mike Hallahan of the Far South Coast Branch said, “We would be thrilled to receive the donated hand sanitiser on behalf of our clubs”.

Club Development Officer at Surf Life Saving Sydney, Karen Byron, who accepted the donation on behalf of the Sydney Branch and its 15 clubs said, “How fortunate are we to receive this!”.

Surf Life Saving NSW branches will coordinate the distribution of the hand sanitiser to each of their clubs so they can start making use of it as part of the COVID-19 Safety Plans every surf club is required to have in place.

Chief Executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, Steven Pearce said that the safety of volunteer lifesavers is paramount, particularly because they are frontline first responders in an emergency service charged with the responsibility of lifesaving and coastal aquatic rescue.

“Not only has COVID presented many challenges in terms of our operations, but it has also had a financial impact on our 129 Surf Life Saving clubs who have to comply with new health and safety regulations and also manage member safety.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW, George Shales OAM, said the donation could not have come at a better time.

“The donated product will provide much needed budget relief and additional personal safety assurance for our clubs. It’s just one less thing they need to worry about and we are delighted and extremely appreciative to be able to facilitate this for them,” George Shales said.

Surf Life Saving NSW encourages all clubs and branches to visit www.good360.org.au and take advantage of the free registration to keep abreast of other donated products that may assist in day-to-day operations.

Surf Life Saving NSW would like to thank the anonymous donor, Good360 and JJ Lawson for the generous donation and for making the distribution of the hand sanitiser possible.

Your invitation to come join us: Manly to Church Point Bike Ride 26th January 2021 - Ride with Aboriginal Peoples

This is not a race, just a friendly ride to show respect for Aboriginal People. You can do the full 24km or join the ride at Dee Why or Narrabeen and Mona Vale.

There will be a support car with you all the way so no one is left behind. The cost, a smile.

Meet at West Esplanade, Manly 
At the monument between Manly wharf and Manly Art Gallery, where Wil-Le-Me-Ring a Garigal Aboriginal man Speared Governor Captain Arthur Phillip 1778. 
We will be sent off to the sound of the didgeridoo.

Meet 7.00 to leave Manly 7.30 am - 7km to Dee Why –  via Queenscliff, Freshwater, Curl Curl
8.15am Meet at the Dee Why Beach at the southern crossing, then we do not have to cross Pittwater Road until out of Dee Why.
8.30am leave - 7km to Narrabeen – via Pittwater/Sydney Road.
9.15am Meet at North Narrabeen Surf Club car park. 
9.30am leave – 3km to Mona Vale – via Ocean Street and Narrabeen Park Parade. 
9.40am Meet at Robert Dunn Reserve at Coronation Street.
9.50am leave – 7km to Church Point Wharf – via Pittwater Road
10.30am - be welcomed by friends at Church Point.

Meet local Aboriginal Garigal man, Neil Evers. Hear stories about the Aboriginal people who once lived in the area while you enjoying a well-deserved rest. 

While you listen to the haunting sound of the didgeridoo echo across Pittwater and you play the clap sticks. (clap sticks provided) Listen and learn to dance along to the Aboriginal language.
Please pass this on to your friends.

For more information and to book in: please contact Colin Hutton  
P: 0404 353 253 | E: colin.httn@bigpond.com

Curriculum overhaul

January 15, 2021: NSW Government
NSW Curriculum Reform is powering on with the first stage of decluttering that will see a reduction of more than 80 courses developed by schools classified as unnecessary.

As part of the NSW Curriculum Reform, new criteria have been developed to ensure elective courses developed by schools provide students with strong foundations for future learning and life beyond school. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government has exceeded its target to reduce the number of elective courses developed by high schools by at least 20 per cent. 

“We need our schools to be focussed on the core learning areas,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Removing unnecessary courses allows schools and teachers the time and resources to deliver the essentials for students.”

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that she wanted to ensure schools are delivering high quality syllabuses to set students for success after school. 

“New criteria will ensure that courses are only approved where the course provides a high quality elective option for students, and does not duplicate or overlap with existing opportunities within the syllabus,” Ms Mitchell said. 
 
“While courses will be cut, students will still have opportunities to explore their interests. For example, courses like print-making would no longer be standalone courses, but they could still be options as part of a core course like Art.  

“Removing these courses is the first step in our curriculum reform with the development of the new, streamlined K-2 English and Maths syllabuses also on track to be released for consultation in March this year.”
 
With the exception of languages, Auslan and Braille, all Year 9 and 10 elective courses developed by schools will be phased out by 2022.  Year 9 and 10 students will have the opportunity to select elective subjects that will be developed by the NSW Education Standards Authority and will be available statewide.

Pittwater High School 2021

December 16, 2020
Our latest newsletter contains really important information for 2021, we advise all parents to check their emails. This includes a schedule of important dates (see image) including our student and parent information evenings to be held the beginning of next year.


Barrenjoey High School 2021 uniforms



Newport Surf Life Saving Club Building extensions

Input welcome until January 22nd, 2021
Over the past two years Council have worked closely with Newport Surf Life Saving Club, architect, coastal, geotechnical and structural engineers as well as Council's heritage team to refine the building extension concept plan for Newport Surf Life Saving Club.

The building extension proposal, first exhibited in August 2017 was based on a masterplanning concept commissioned by the Newport Surf Life Saving Club.

Following the initial consultation Council engaged an architect and carried out additional detailed investigations to inform the development of the updated concept plan. The updated concept addresses the building site conditions, heritage constraints and the requirement for coastal protection works.

The building extension concept plan provides a design that addressed the need to maintain the important heritage elements, provide increased floor space and improve access.

Key design features include:
  • increased equipment storage
  • a new internal lift, foyer and improved circulation
  • two dedicated training rooms with secondary access
  • extension of north facing terrace
  • grouping amenities
  • a buried seawall
Images (courtesy NBC) : East elevation, North east Corner, North elevation, West Elevation, South Elevation.







For Concept in detail and to provide feedback - Visit:  https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/NewportSLSC

2021-2023 NSW Heritage Grants now open: Closes Feb 8, 2021

Grants totalling more than $5 million over a two-year period are now available for heritage projects across NSW.  

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and the Arts Don Harwin said the 2021-23 NSW Heritage Grants Program will identify, conserve and celebrate our state’s rich heritage. 

“I have witnessed first-hand the impact recent disasters have had on our Aboriginal cultural heritage, built heritage and the natural environment,” Mr Harwin said. 

“So this year, we are offering grants that will help those impacted to remediate sites and improve resilience. 

“Protecting and celebrating Aboriginal cultural heritage continues to be a key focus for the NSW Government.”  

There are three grant categories including Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, Caring for State Heritage and Community Heritage. The program has also been expanded to help owners and custodians of heritage places affected by natural disasters.

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Grants category aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthen and empower Aboriginal communities across NSW and increase understanding, respect, celebration and cultural participation in Aboriginal cultural heritage.

“Projects in this category can include works to Aboriginal cultural heritage sites, as well as projects that celebrate and promote greater understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage,” Mr Harwin said. 

“Owners of state significant heritage can apply for grants for works to restore, activate and interpret those items through the Caring for State Heritage Grants category.”

The Community Heritage Grants category is for projects that engage communities in the celebration and promotion of heritage especially projects that connect future generations with our heritage.

The 2021-23 NSW Heritage Grants funding round is now open for applications until 8 February 2021. Funding is also available for local government initiatives.

For more information, including guidelines and an application, visit the Heritage NSW website at: www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/grants

$10 million grants program to assist women to get back into the workforce

Women across the state will have access to grants of up to $5000 through the NSW Government’s new $10 million Return to Work program, as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the program would provide women with financial assistance and targeted support including mentoring, advice and training to help them return to the workforce.

“These grants will help women whose employment has been affected by COVID-19 to overcome some of the obstacles in returning to the workforce,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I encourage women from all walks of life to apply for these grants and use this springboard to jump back into their former career or even start a new one.” 

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said helping more women get back to work will not only provide a financial lifeline for them and their families, it will also boost the economy.

“We know that many part-time or casual positions and female-dominated industries were severely impacted by COVID-19, so we are looking to empower as many women as possible to be able to get back into paid employment,” Mr Perrottet said. 
 
It is estimated that women make up 53 per cent of directly affected industries and 65 per cent of secondary industries impacted by the pandemic. These include accommodation and food services, retail, arts, and professional services.   

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the grants are available to all women who have been out of work for at least one month.

“There are so many costs involved in starting up again, so it is great that women looking to return to work will be able to use these grants towards things like training and education, office supplies, or whatever it is they need to get back into a job,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The money can also be used for childcare, including before and after school care and transport, which will really help mothers overcome some of the biggest barriers to getting back into work.”

Eligible recipients will be given a Return to Work Coordinator to develop a plan, which will set out the resources that will assist them getting back in the workforce. They must be a resident of NSW and plan to start paid work within six months.

The Return to Work Program aligns with the NSW Women’s Strategy, which sets the NSW Government’s priorities for supporting women and girls, especially following times of crisis. 

Find out more information about the program here: 

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

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

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

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

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

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

And we are Back!

Well, wasn't that a wonderful break Pittwater?

Clocked off on December 13, 2020, rubbing my hands with glee in anticipation of a Whole Day Off by New Years, headed west to do mum's gardening, do a bit of scrubbing around her home pre-Christmas (mum is 81 now you know; needs a hand with a few things, and family XMAS was planned for there this year), managed to get some of that done between 14th and 16th and then Guess What?!"!! - could see a lockdown coming for our place - so shopped for food there and headed back out here on Thursday January 17th to be 'on duty' to provide just-the-facts reports both here and via social media, as well as send out updates via the Subscribers Lists. Who needs sensationalised, ambulance-chasing hype under these circumstances? No one!

And then, on December 19th, 2020, the Principality of Pittwater was relaunched along its original boundaries....
(ssshh don't say that word -'Pittwater' !! - the Northern part of the Northern Beaches is acceptable)



Outside of those daily 11 am briefings or later that night Cases/Places updates, witnessed:
  • wonderful local businesses who had all their festive catering cancelled delivering the same for free to hungry people manning and womanning clinics at Mona Vale Hospital, Narrabeen and all points north - and kept that up with coffee etc., with whatever they could give - and giving that special Pittwater 'wave' to the circling old media/news helicopters - bit sharky out there!
  • wonderful social media community forums sharing the love and trying to make each other laugh with a silly photo or glory in the beauty of the place we live in with snapshots of OUR PLACE - + the frank admittance by many that they rarely stray outside of Pittwater anyway ...
  • birdsong and children's laughter
  • packed beaches with visitors from Mosman or Blacktown despite the 'verboten!' orders
  • another 'boating' fiasco
  • also witnessed virtual hugs to each other as our Christmas get togethers were cancelled  - same again as New Years outings were 'NOT' for all in Pittwater
  • and this week witnessed wonderful community stalwarts from Narrabeen to Palm Beach, as well as our local MP for ... wait for it... Pittwater!, getting together to figure out how they can help everyone who has lost all their Christmas and Summer trading or work in any other capacity to get back on their feet and survive - nay, thrive in 2021 E.G.: https://www.facebook.com/BuyOnTheBeaches/ - and more announcements to come it would seem - Shop Local!
  • a wonderful community spirit comprised of loving individuals giving a damn about each other throughout the December 19 2020 to January 9 2021 lockdown of Pittwater (Principality of) and deftly and kindly steering each other clear of any silliness, anger, arrogance or ignorance
For all of you Pittwaterians still on a break - live it up - hope you're loving every moment!
For all of you Pittwaterians struggling due to loss of income during your busiest season or the multitude of others also locked out of earning your own way - may those at state and federal level now working out how they can best help you make those announcements this week

For all who think Pittwater residents cannot remember as far back as May 12th, 2016, or any of what preceded that, we say unto thee;

Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, 
Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, Pittwater, 

WELCOME TO PITTWATER!!!

A. J. Guesdon
Editor
Pittwater Online News
For, About, and By Pittwater




COVID leasing regulations extended to March 28th

Small businesses will have continued protections into next year with the Retail and Other Commercial Leases Regulation amended and extended until 28 March 2021.

Under the amended legislation, the annual turnover threshold for eligible businesses has been reduced to less than $5 million, down from $50 million, and excludes non-retail commercial leases.

Tenants will also need to re-establish their eligibility by demonstrating a 30 per cent decline in turnover for the 2020 December quarter.

Landlords of small retail tenants who establish eligibility under the new regulation from 1 January 2021 will be able to access further land tax relief of up to 25 per cent, where they provide rent reductions to their eligible tenants from 1 January 2021 to 28 March 2021.

Relief will be applied to any unpaid 2021 land tax liability and refunds will be issued for payments already made this year.

The NSW Small Business Commission can act as a professional mediator to ensure small businesses are heard and treated fairly in disputes over commercial leases.

For more information, please see the NSW Government's COVID-19 commercial leasing frequently asked questions.

NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit's New Boat

January 9, 2021
Our new Gen 4 Bowloader WPW741 was taken out on its maiden job today, and we couldn’t ask for better weather to do it! We had a crew head over to Coasters Retreat this afternoon to cut up some fallen branches that were blocking access on a path for local residents. 



If you need emergency assistance due to flood/storm damage, call NSW SES on 132 500. If life threatening, call 000.

Australian Builders Plate Standard – Edition 5 now available

December 18, 2020: NSW Centre for Maritime Safety
A new edition of the National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats (the Standard) is now available for viewing and downloading.

The information is currently hosted on the Maritime Safety Victoria website – accessible here. 
The standard will be published on a new national website in early 2021. Please note the standard applies to all recreational boats in NSW.

Vandalism of Narrabeen Clubhouse and Temporary Covid Testing Facility Rat Park

Response from Council’s Property Manager:
Council officers have been working with representatives of both sporting clubs that occupy the North Narrabeen Reserve Amenities & Clubhouse building, and more recently with the operator of the drive through COVID testing clinic in the car park at this site to mitigate the issues associated with vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

The following response is provided regarding the specific issues raised:

1. The clubhouse currently has exterior sensor lights on the northern and southern sides of the building which were checked in early December by Council’s electrician. Following a meeting with representatives of both clubs (Baseball and Rugby), an additional sensor light is being installed on the western/car park side of the building.

2. Temporary CCTV cameras were installed on 8 January 2021.

3. Council is liaising with the Police Area Command and is discussing additional measures to address the vandalism and anti-social behaviour occurring in this area.

4. Council has arranged for a nightly security patrol of this area, which commenced on the evening of Tuesday 12 January 2021 and will continue for the remainder of the school holidays. This will be reviewed at the end of the school holidays.

Courtesy Vincent De Luca OAM, Independent for the Northern Beaches

Update: abandoned trolleys around Warriewood, Narrabeen and Mona Vale 

Please see below from the Manager of Environmental Compliance.  
If you see abandoned trolleys, please first report them to the Supermarkets by logging on to www.trolleytracker.com.au if within 7 days they are not removed, telephone Council on 1300 434 434 and the trolleys can be impounded.
___________________________________________

Council officers are working with supermarkets in the Warriewood Square Shopping Centre, and are meeting with store managers to discuss how they can better manage their abandoned trolleys.

Some stores report having significantly reduced or no trolley collections due to limitations on contractors during the recent lock down COVID 19 Health Orders within the ‘North Zone’ of the Northern Beaches.
The Cleansing team have recently retrieved 6 trolleys from Mullet Creek adjoining the under-road culvert in Jacksons Road Warriewood.

Council Rangers continue to manage abandoned trolleys within known hotspot areas including notifying trolley owners to arrange collection, utilising the external service provider “Trolley Trackers”, and applying the impounding provisions under the Impounding Act 1993. A fee of $124 applies (per trolley) where Council impounds trolleys under the Act.

The Office of Local Government have advised that consideration of all submissions to the Review of the Impounding Act 1993 are continuing and it is likely that a response from NSW Government will be released in the first half of 2021.

Courtesy Vincent De Luca OAM, Independent for the Northern Beaches

Australia Day in Pittwater

Council has no events on in Pittwater this year - the usual Newport Breakfast and associated entertainments cannot be held due to Covid-19 safety concerns and restrictions. 

Council has issued a reminder though, that special Australia Day Alcohol Free Zones on all beaches sand areas and attached reserves will be in place from 6am, Tuesday 26 to 6am, Wednesday 27 January.

Events by council for those outside of Pittwater are listed at: 

Veterans Centre at DY Reopens

The Veterans Centre Sydney Northern Beaches team are back on site. Thank you for your patience and cooperation whilst their services were moved online. For assistance or to organise an appointment, please call 0409 154 074 or email info@vcsnb.org.au

Avalon Boomerang Bags 2021 

Moving right ahead to 2021 and all going well, our first day back will be Tuesday 2nd February. We will also aim to have a stall outside Woollies Avalon on Saturday 6th and look to getting the boxes back out for Avalonians to use once again.

Happy, safe and joyful Christmas all. 
Robyn

Avalon Boomerang Bags:  boomerangbagsavalon@hotmail.com



Do you believe people coming out of prison deserve a second chance?               
 
Can you lend a helping hand to someone coming out of prison?
 
Are you willing to be a mentor to someone who needs guidance?
 
ITV STUDIOS  is casting for a ground-breaking new documentary series that puts people leaving prison, back on the right track.
  
Filming is expected to commence from late January 2021.
 
People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply. For more information, please email us at:  LOTO@itv.com

2021 Sponsorship Opportunities: Narrabeen Sharks

The Narrabeen Sharks Junior Football Club is looking for local businesses to sponsor our great junior rugby league community for the 2021 season.

As with all sporting clubs, the Narrabeen Sharks are dependent on charitable sponsorship and fundraising to help provide uniforms, training equipment, and safety gear to cover all 24 of our teams from u6 to u21s!

The Club’s aim is and has always been, to promote the game of rugby league in a fun and fair environment and in 2021 it is more important than ever to encourage our members and children to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

There is a package for every business, BIG and small; and I will personally work with you; to ensure you maximise your sponsorship $$ in building brand awareness to our community. We are the largest Junior Rugby League Club on the beaches and we are growing; our brand is highly visible.

The feedback from our Sponsors is they love the Sharkies community, they love being involved with our brand as our Sharkies families are loyal, passionate, hard-working local community members who support their business back for their involvement with the Club.

If you would like to discuss any sponsorship plans or require additional information at all, please do not hesitate to contact Francesca on 0410 144 286 or email at francesca@cuttingedgeservices.com.au.
Go the Sharkies!


$45 Million Boost For Smart Places In NSW: EOI Sought

The NSW Government will co-invest up to $45 million over three years to accelerate the development of smart places across NSW.

The NSW Smart Places Acceleration Program will allow the Government to partner with councils and place-owners, such as government agencies, owners, councils or regional organisations, to accelerate the adoption of smart technologies and capabilities in their areas.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said this program will connect and empower communities by driving investment in new technology and data.

“This $45 million investment will play a significant role in helping deliver the Smart Places Strategy,” Mr Dominello said.

“We want to use technology to make life easier for people. Whether it’s busting congestion or improving health outcomes, this funding is about strengthening communities.

“We are calling on expressions of interest and encourage all relevant councils and place-owners to bring forward ideas.”

The Government is seeking ideas and initiatives that respond to the priorities our communities see, and that can be deployed across the whole of NSW if they prove successful in trials.

Initial initiatives that are progressing have been designed to tackle challenges around parking, water recycling, mobile coverage and managing kerbside open space.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock called on all councils to take advantage of this unique opportunity to deliver measurable benefits for their local communities.

“Smart Places will open up a range of improvements for communities, from the introduction of smart CCTV to reduce crime, to reducing water usage through the use of real-time meters,” Mrs Hancock said.

“I encourage councils across the State to put their thinking caps on and get involved in this innovative project.”

To successfully access the Smart Places Acceleration Program, councils and NSW agencies should be able to demonstrate that they can meet and apply the foundational requirements established through the Smart Places Strategy. Learn more about the Smart Places Strategy and to view the criteria and details on how to submit an expression of interest, please visit Smart Places Acceleration Program.

For further information please contact Smartplaces@planning.nsw.gov.au

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Bindi

AGE/SEX: 2 years / F
BREED: English Staffy X
Bindi is an energetic affectionate girl. She mostly walks nicely on loose lead, ignoring cars lunges playfully at passing dogs. She likes to jog/run. She enjoys pats, cuddles and belly rubs. She is good with children 12+yo as she can jump up when excited to say hello. Our trainer says "Sweet dog who has a lot of enthusiasm that she works to contain". She sits on command. Walkers say "Friendly, energetic, happy dog. Walked nicely on loose lead gently pulling on occasion. Ignored most dogs but did react occasionally. Gets a little mouthy when playing." She has a smooth coat and weighs 20kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450. 

Athena


Athena is a sweet girl who loves to play but also happy to relax at home alone. She is about 3 years old. She came from the pound with allergy issues which are being managed with medication and special diet. She has been used to living in a busy vet clinic around other cats and dogs but is best suited to a calm household where she can unwind and relax. She has a short coat and weighs a tiny 2.9kg. She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com


Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Scheduled roadworks - Utility works: Avalon Beach

Barrenjoey Road between The Serpentine and Coles Parade
Sun 7 Feb 2021 to Mon 15 Feb 2021

Scheduled roadwork this week; Sun (10:00pm to 5:00am), Both directions affected
Mon (9:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected
Tue (9:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected
Wed (9:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected
Thu (9:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected
Sun (10:00pm to 5:00am); Both directions affected

Grants to fund innovative re-use and recycling projects

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for innovative and new projects looking for ways to re-use discarded materials to make new products or for new uses, and for construction projects that want to re-use materials like construction waste, glass or plastic, to apply for new grants to help create a circular economy.

New intakes for the EPA’s Circulate and Civil Construction Market Programs are now open and aiming to divert valuable materials from landfill for re-use, recycling and industrial ecology projects.

The grant funding helps organisations including businesses, councils, not-for-profits, waste service providers and industry bodies, among others, design projects that promote the circular economy, instead of a disposable culture.

EPA Director Circular Economy Programs Kathy Giunta said these programs will provide grant funding to support industry to respond to the decision by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) this year to ban the export of certain wastes that have not been processed into value-added material.

“One of the ways to mitigate the effects of China’s National Sword policy and to prepare NSW for the waste export ban is to invest in projects that demonstrate innovative uses of recyclables,” Ms Giunta said.

“The Circulate Program provides grants of up to $150,000 for innovative, commercially-oriented industrial ecology projects. Circulate supports projects that will recover materials that would otherwise be sent to landfill, and to instead use them as feedstock for other commercial, industrial or construction processes.

“The Civil Construction Market Program provides grants of up to $250,000 for civil construction projects that re-use construction and demolition waste or recyclables from households and businesses such as glass, plastic and paper.”

Previous projects in the Circulate Program include Cross Connections’ Plastic Police, which supplied soft plastics to the Downer Group’s Reconophalt project, the first road surfacing material in Australia to contain high recycled content from waste streams, also including glass and toner, which would otherwise be bound for landfill or stockpiled.

Previous projects in the Civil Construction Market Program include supporting Lendlease’s use of recycled glass from Lismore Council in pavement concrete on three trial sites as part of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade.

Applications will be open until Friday 12 February 2021. For details of the grants and how to apply, visit:

Newport Community Garden

Newport Community Garden is at 25 Woolcott Street, Newport. This is Newport residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces; strengthening community, improving health, reconnecting with nature.

We meet every Saturday from 10am till about midday at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.
If you would like to join us please direct message us via our Facebook page or email us to newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.com

Everyone is welcome!!!


Photo: A very productive morning. Thanks team

Domestic Violence support 

NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said. “If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.
Where to get help - March 2020.pdf Where to get help - March 2020.pdf
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Type : pdf

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: please share Wildlife Data 

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

It records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification
The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place  mitigation. Thanking you all in advance for your help with this.

We need your help. Thank you for reporting wildlife road fatalities. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location.

There is a database that volunteers maintain but this needs three pieces of information:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal
The details can be entered into the database directly by you at:

Where You Can Get Tested In Our Area:

Mona Vale Hospital - Building 14, Community Health Centre, Coronation Street, Mona Vale. Please ring to register for testing.  PHONE: 9998 6296
Mona Vale Hospital message:  The recent changes to our mask guidelines means patients, carers and visitors are to wear a mask at our hospital.  Staff will also wear a mask when they are delivering care or when they can’t socially distance 1.5 metres. Open 9am-4:30pm, 7 days. 

Dee Why Respiratory Clinic - G/5 Mooramba Road, Dee Why. 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday
Booking required via (02) 8416 5005
Booking web address; https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/dee-why-NSW-2099/dee-why-respiratory-clinic/doctors?purpose=respiratory

Brookvale Community Health Centre Clinic - 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale. 8am-6pm 7 days. No booking required

Frenchs Forest Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology - 5 Forest Way, Frenchs Forest, 8am-4pm Monday to Friday. Booking required via 1800 026 622 or (02) 9111 3405

Frenchs Forest MedLab Pathology-  8 Hilmer Street, Frenchs Forest, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday No booking required.

North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology - 1416 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. 10am-4pm Monday to Friday. No booking required.

Northern Beaches Hospital - 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest;  Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry) 8am- 5pm, 7 days - No booking required.
Drive directly to the clinic by following the signs, please do not use the main car park.  
For people walking or travelling by public transport, follow the red line outside the hospital, then ring the Emergency Department intercom and they will be escorted to the clinic  for testing. 

PATIENTS: We are now temperature checking all staff and visitors ahead of elective surgery returning to the hospital next week. These checks will help us ensure the safety of our staff and visitors during this time.
Entry is via the main entrance or emergency department and all other entry points are closed. There is also screening at the dock for deliveries. The team conducting the checks will take temperatures and ask a few simple questions about wellbeing and possible contact with COVID-19.
Please be patient with our staff conducting the checks.
If you have a high temperature (37.5C or above) or have been unwell with a new cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, you should call the COVID-19 hotline or visit our COVID-19 clinic for assessment.  


VISITORS: To ensure the safety of all patients and staff, we need to limit the number of visitors to our hospitals and services. Patients will be asked to nominate one visitor, preferably your next of kin, for the duration of your hospital stay. We understand this will difficult for families, but we need everyone to help to protect patients and staff.

Visitors must NOT have travelled overseas in the last 14 days, NOT been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or have fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath. 

Visitors to Patient with COVID-19 (or awaiting results)
In order to provide strict infection control, no visitors will be allow to patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or those awaiting test results for COVID-19. We understand there will need to be some exceptions to this, especially with children and also with extremely unwell patients, so we ask that you talk to your families and if you have any questions, please speak to your clinical care team. 

Mask requirements: In line with NSW Health guidelines, please note all patients will be required to wear a mask when presenting to the hospital and when outside of their rooms. Visitors must wear a mask before entering the hospital. Please bring a mask from home where possible.​