April 15 - 28, 2018: Issue 356


Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 356: Lots!

Budawa Sign Unveiled: The First In A Series To Be Installed Here - A striking new piece of signage at Mona Vale Library that honours thousands of years of Aboriginal history and cultural diversity was unveiled at a ceremony on Monday 9th of April, 2018, with more than two hundred members of the local community and visitors in attendance. Addresses and pictures.

Aussies 2018: A Mass Exodus West! - Newport SLSC already winning gold, local surf boat crews moving across the Nullabor

Creative Creatures Film Festival 2018 Wows Big Audience With Big Ideas

Future Lifesaving Leaders Are Sydney Bound: A group of highly dedicated young surf lifesavers will trade school books for surf caps when they make their way to an exciting leadership network opportunity on Sydney’s Northern Beaches from next week. The annual Junior Lifesaver of the Year program (JLOTY) and Youth Opportunity Makers Workshop (YOM) will again run concurrently in 2018 with over  50 teenagers aged 13-17 from the 11 branches preparing to make their way to the 4-day program.

2019 Club Marine Pittwater To Paradise Regatta First Entry: Nexba Racing! by Lisa Ratcliff

Aquatics: Bilgola SLSC Salutes Bruce Robertson's 76 Years Of Service: Lifesaving Legend and Australia's Oldest Active Member Hangs Up His Patrol Cap

Warringah Rugby Club News: Season Openers 2018 -  three of the Rats finest reached Club milestones this weekend + 2019 Rugby Work Cup with the Friends of Warringah  + Rats Autumn School Holiday Holiday Clinics + More!

In Advance Of ANZAC Day... My Two Cents Worth by Jan-Maree Ball OAM

Alyse Saxby Set To Sail At 2018 Special Olympics National Games In Adelaide (April 16-20) - final hitout at Combined Australian Hansa Class Championships over easter weekend + Pittwater's own Allan Jones is now the current Hansa 2.3 State Champion!

Lifesavers Welcome Rock Fishing Announcement: Surf Life Saving NSW has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of the second stage of the Rock Fishing Safety Act made in Sydney on Friday morning. Following the completion of a 12-month trial of mandatory lifejackets in the Randwick Local Government Area, coastal councils can now opt-in to make the legislation active in their area.

Pictures: Avalon Beach Ocean Swims 2018: Includes the Around the Bends Challenge

Some Bayview Memories: The Lloyd Family - by Ken 'Sava' Lloyd

Painted Button-Quail Rescued By Locals - Elanora-Ingleside escarpment-Warriewood wetlands birds

Park Bench Philosopher Scientists Discover Underwater Volcanic Craters, Reefs And Ancient River Beds Off Wollongong Coast

Profile: Tamara Sloper Harding OAM Tamara runs as our Profile of the Week with a focus on her own Service record with the RAN rather than the focus on her passion, The Pittwater Friends of Soibada, Pittwater Online ran  during the early days of this news service. 

In the lead up to Anzac Day 2018 an awareness that many who have served in our Defence Forces of Navy, Army and Air Force are challenged about where they wear their medals, or looked at by puzzled others because they do not 'fit' the traditional idea of what a Veteran looks like, needs to be addressed. Veterans are young, old, male, female, current and ex-serving members of the ADF - we need to thank them all - thank them for their Service.

History: Earlier  Motor Car Tours To and In Pittwater Show Us The Way This Place Once Was in  The Wild Coachmen Of Pittwater - A Long And Sometimes Bumpy Ride On Tracks Instead Of Roads  the change from horse drawn vehicles to motor cars overlapped these forms of transportation to Pittwater, although riding in a horse drawn coach to our area remained in place long after the first motor vehicles appeared.  

Pittwater was one of the places some of these earliest owners of these vehicles would 'take a tour' to. Some became residents and were noted for being among the first, if not the first owners of motor cars in Australia. There is quite a few of these images and reports that show us, alike great old black and white films, what is in the background and what is happening there; the weather, the lands, the fashions - only in collecting all these together in an all compass points direction and arranging them by years going forward, we can see an older, or younger, Pittwater!

Artist of the Month: April 2018  - Lara Duncan - Avalon Beach songstress Lara Duncan is a singer and performer who regularly gigs around Sydney. Lara Duncan has grown up performing on stage dancing, singing and acting. After receiving a Band Six for Music 1 in her HSC in 2016, this Barrenjoey High School student was offered a scholarship to study her Diploma of Musical Theatre at Brent Street for 2017.  This 18 year old has completed her Diploma of Musical Theatre at Brent Street and is a CMAA Academy of Country Music Graduate

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 15/4/2018 

click on Logo: 

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Avalon Beach ANZAC Day March 2018

Hosted by By the Left: Wednesday, April 25 at 10:45 AM - 12 PM

Muster at: Avalon Public School, Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon

AS A ONE TIME INITIATIVE, all current and ex-serving women are invited to march as one in 2018. All ex-service organisations including WRANS, WRAAC, WRAAF, AWAS, Ex Service Womens, WVNA, APPVA, RAANC etc. are invited to participate and proudly parade their banners in one rank at the front of the combined female veteran group. Let's proudly march to highlight the number of women who have and continue to serve.

Never marched before? Don't worry, many veterans haven't. But 2018 is our opportunity to march together and promote the service of ADF female veterans to the community. 'By the Left' needs you to be part of this positive change. So, why not ask a mate or a group of mates to march with you. #bytheleft2018 #yessheserves

Please contact Tamara Sloper Harding, Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch for details or to discuss:

Email: tamara.harding@bigpond.com - Photo source ADF.

Background

Some veterans are challenged about their medals because they look too young to be a veteran. Just remember, we were all young once. Veterans are young, old, male, female, current and ex-serving members of the ADF.

If wearing your own medals, they should be placed on the left-hand side of your chest over your heart. 

If wearing someone else’s medals they should be positioned on the right-hand side. 

Read this Issue's In Advance Of ANZAC Day... My Two Cents Worth.... by Jan-Maree Ball OAM

ANZAC Day in Pittwater 2018

Narrabeen RSL
2018 Narrabeen RSL sub-Branch ANZAC March.
The President and Committee Members of the Narrabeen RSL Sub-Branch cordially invite all Narrabeen sub-Branch Members and RSL Club members to participate in the annual ANZAC Sunday March and Wreath Laying Ceremony, on Sunday, 22nd April 2018 (held prior to the actual ANZAC Day on the 25th April)

Participants commence assembling in the car park (adjacent to the Narrabeen Terminus) from 11:00am, and the March will commence from this point at 11:30am sharp. The parade will again be lead by the Manly Warringah Pipe Band and will precede along Pittwater Road to the Narrabeen Cenotaph, at the intersection of Pittwater Road, Ocean Street.

For those sub-Branch Members that may not be able to participate in the March there will be courtesy bus leaving from Narrabeen RSL Club at 10:45 to the Cenotaph.

Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch
ANZAC Sunday March , Sunday April 22nd
The March will commence in Vineyard Street Mona Vale. We will assemble and form up on Vineyard Street at the rear of the Police Station at 12:20pm and commence in March order at 12:30pm. The Commemoration Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony will take place at the Mona Vale War Memorial at 1:00pm.
 
ANZAC Day Dawn Service, Wednesday 25th April
We will be holding our Dawn Service at 5:40am at the Cenotaph located at the rear of Pittwater RSL Club. The Members will assemble for the March in the undercover Disabled Car Park at 05:20am and the March will commence at 5:30am. Local Military Historian and Sub Branch Member Joe Crumlin OAM will be presenting the ANZAC address. Breakfast will be available to purchase in the Club after the service and again we expect a large turnout this year.
 
A wet weather alternative has been arranged, please contact Pittwater RSL Club on 9997 3833

Avalon Beach RSL
ANZAC Day 2018 Schedule
5:00am - Club Opens
5:30am - Dawn Service at the Club Cenotaph
6:00am - Gold Coin Donation Breakfast is Served in the Club
11:00am - ANZAC March through Avalon Village, finishing at the Club Cenotaph. 
11:20am - Commemorative Service at Club Cenotaph. 
12:00pm - Two-Up Begins in the Surf Lounge on Level one of the club.
12:00pm - Bistro 61 Opens for Lunch to Public - Full Menu Serving all day until 8:30pm
12:00pm - VIP Lunch Commences in Dunbar Park Marquee
6:45pm - Mega Meat Raffle is Drawn in Club. 
12:00am - Club Closes

The crowd for ANZAC Day at Avalon Beach RSL Club is increasing every year, and this year we are making even further changes to accommodate for all Member's & guests. 
This year our VIP Sub-branch Lunch will be held in a marquee in Dunbar Park, so there will be over 100 seats, on the ground floor alone, available for the general public throughout the day to dine.

Palm Beach RSL
ANZAC DAY 2018
Wednesday, 25th April
This is such an important day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".

Every year we hold our Commemorative service outside Club Palm Beach, followed by our Anzac Day Luncheon for Members & Guests with of course the later entertainment of TWO-UP.
 
We encourage everyone - all ages to attend the Commemorative service in the morning & our Luncheon (18+ only).

Schedule
10:30am - Meet at Pittwater Park (next to Palm Beach ferry wharf)
10:45am - March begins from Pittwater Park to Club Palm Beach
11:00am - Commemorative Service outside the Club
12 Noon - Members luncheon with special guest Peter Dean 
Club opens to the public after commemorative service
3.00pm - Two-Up 
18+ only. Sorry, no children permitted in the Club at any time on this day/night.
Luncheon tickets include all meals, beverages & a hilarious comedy performance by special guest Peter Dean. 
Member – $75
Visitor – $85
Tickets available now at reception. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!
If you wish to make a table please inform when purchasing tickets. !!!Tickets will NOT be sold on the day!!!

Gathering For Jervis

Bridget is bringing Jervis home.
Friday, April 27, 2018 – 11:00 am

Lighthouse Cottage 2
Barranjoey Headland
Palm Beach NSW

Family and friends are meeting on the back veranda of the cottage.
The Parks and Wildlife have also opened the Museum in Cottage 1, and will open the tower. There is seating available for 20 at the cottage. The “road” has been upgraded and is easier to manage.

Optional post meeting place: The Dunes Restaurant and Kiosk.
There are picnic tables and BBQ area nearby.

PROGRAM
  • Welcome – Bridget
  • Valasi (Jervis’ sister)
  • Nephews & Other Family Members
  • Jervis’ Personal Friends
  • Chase Alive Volunteers
  • Friends
  • Toast by Judy Engall
ALL WELCOME
Please contact Bridget should you need to discuss: Email here


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2018 Stalls

April
 
20th: Stall, Foyer Mona Vale Hospital   9am to 3pm
Baking, knitting, sewing, books
 
May
5th: Stall, Pittwater Place, Mona Vale                          9am to 3pm
Sewing, knitting, sewing, books
 
5th: Bunnings, Narrabeen                                             8am to 3pm
Sausage Sizzle

11th: Stall: Outside ANZ Bank, Avalon                        8am to 4pm
Knitting, sewing, craft, jam
 
18th: Stall, Foyer Mona Vale Hospital                         9am to 3pm
Baking, knitting, sewing, books
 
June
2nd: Stall, Pittwater Place, Mona Vale                        9am to 3pm
Sewing, knitting, craft, books
 
9th: Bunnings, Narrabeen                                             8am to 3pm
Sausage Sizzle
 
15th: Stall,  Foyer Mona Vale Hospital                        9am to 3pm
Baking, knitting, sewing, books

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Jenkins

AGE/SEX: 10 years / M
BREED: Maltese X Poodle

Jenkins is a sweet gentle boy who is very social with other dogs. He is easy the pick-up and to groom. He has had a dental with 7 extractions and has gained weight from 6.1kg that he was when he came in. He skin was infected and his coat matted but with medication and medicated baths he is looking so much better. He has a non-shedding coat. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400. 

For further details or to meet all dogs at DoggieRescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

Lifesavers Welcome Rock Fishing Announcement

Friday April 13th, 2018: By SLS NSW
Surf Life Saving NSW has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of the second stage of the Rock Fishing Safety Act made in Sydney on Friday morning.

Following the completion of a 12-month trial of mandatory lifejackets in the Randwick Local Government Area, coastal councils can now opt-in to make the legislation active in their area.

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said today’s announcement is an important step in changing behaviour towards wearing lifejackets and increasing safety around rock fishing.

“As first responders, lifesavers see the devastating impact on families and communities when rock fishing accidents occur,” said Steven Pearce.

“In so many of these incidents, a tragedy could well have been averted if the rock fisher had been wearing a simple flotation device. We support any initiative that will help make the sport of rock fishing safer.”

Rock fishing drownings continue to be a source of frustration for the lifesaving community with rescuers forced to put their lives on the line to save anglers in sometimes treacherous conditions.

In the last fortnight there have been two rock fishing tragedies in NSW waters including the death of a fisherman off Windang Island in the Illawarra and an incident at Middle Head in Sydney on Wednesday where the body of a 65-year-old fisherman was recovered.

The two incidents brings the total number of rock fishing fatalities in NSW in 2017-18 to seven and with two and a half months of the season remaining, there is a real concern that number could rise.

In 2016-17 there were a total of eight rock fishing deaths in NSW.
Since August 2015 there have been 25 coastal drownings attributed directly to rock fishing, largely as a result of people either slipping off exposed platforms or being washed into the sea.

Of these, 10 occurred during autumn or winter with many recreational fishers taking advantage of the conditions at this time of the year.

In almost all of these incidents the fishers were not wearing a flotation device, and the victims were overwhelmingly male.

General Rock Fishing Safety Tips:
  • Check the weather, surf conditions and tides before going fishing
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
  • Always wear a lifejacket
  • Wear appropriate non-slip footwear and light clothing
  • Always fish with a friend
  • Check the warnings signs for information about the area
  • Never turn your back to the water
  • Do not try and retrieve anything that has fallen into the water
  • Do not jump in if someone falls into the water - wait for assistance or throw an ‘Angel Ring’ or Lifebuoy if there is one nearby
  • Additionally boaters are urged to always check conditions prior and to log on with their local Marine Rescue Base via radio or using the MarineRescue App. Visit www.mrnsw.com.au or more information
  • Call Triple Zero – Police to report an in-water emergency

The Warriewood-Turimetta Headland - a location of Rock Fisher rescues. A J Guesdon photo, 2018

Avalon Beach Ladies Probus 

meets at Club Palm Beach 
10am first Tuesday of the month -visitors welcome 
Next Meeting Tuesday May 1  our Guest speaker is: 

Lucilla Ronai is the Paper Conservator at the Australian National Maritime Museum, the national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. Completing her masters in Cultural Materials Conservation in 2014 at the University of Melbourne she began her career at the State Library of Queensland. Acting as the Paper/Exhibition conservator, she worked on the Q ANZAC 100 project, preparing items to be part of a major exhibition.

Upon completion of her contract at the end of 2015, she received the Heritage Council Book and Paper Conservation Internship at the Library of Trinity College Dublin. During this internship she worked on exciting projects including architectural plans of Trinity campus and a 17th century Dutch atlas. This led on to an extension of her contract as a Projects Conservator.

By late 2016, Lucilla relocated back home to Australia to work for the Australian National Maritime Museum, bringing her international experience back home to share. 

In 2017, she was awarded the 2017 Nicholas Hadgraft Scholarship which allowed her to attend the Montefiascone Book Conservation Summer School in Italy.

For three intensive weeks, Lucilla and her classmates learned how to bind various historical books from different cultures with a medieval town as their backdrop and an historic seminary as their bookbindery. 

Lucilla likes to think cultural heritage conservation, and her role, is saving the world, one piece of paper at a time. 

School playgrounds open during April school holidays

April 10th, 2018: NSW Government
After a successful trial over the summer, communities will be able to access over 80 public school playgrounds during the April school holidays.

Playgrounds, ovals and sports courts will be open for the community to use from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week, from 16 to 27 April 2018.

Schools participating in the Share Our Space program will receive a $5000 grant that they can use to help upgrade their facilities for community and school use.

Education Minister Rob Stokes said school playgrounds are valuable assets.

“By making them accessible outside of the school term they can provide a broader benefit to the whole community, including opportunities for sport on school ovals,” Mr Stokes said.

“We learned a lot from the pilot program – kids don’t want to be stuck indoors during the holidays, and communities respected and welcomed having access to their outdoor school facilities.” 

Participating schools: Local
Mona Vale Public School
Narrabeen North Public School
Narrabeen Sports High School
Newport Public School
Seaforth Public School
Wheeler Heights Public School

Community Members Sought For NPWS Regional Advisory Committees

April 13, 2018: NSW Office of Environment & Heritage
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is seeking applications from community members to nominate for membership of one of eight NSW Regional Advisory Committees. The advisory committees provide independent advice to the OEH Chief Executive, NPWS Directors and to the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council.

NPWS Executive Director Robert Quirk said this is an excellent opportunity for community members with a strategic interest in caring for and protecting our environment and heritage to be involved in the management of national parks and reserves into the future.

"Advisory committees provide a vital link between NPWS and the broader community, with members contributing their expert knowledge and experience to inform park management and achieve conservation outcomes across NSW," Mr Quirk said.

"The advisory committees are highly valued for their advice about NPWS policies, plans and activities, and for their input into draft plans of management under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

"We are seeking Aboriginal persons and community members with experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas: local government, conservation, Aboriginal cultural heritage, rural or regional issues, agriculture, ecotourism or ecologically sustainable visitor use, environmental education and non-Aboriginal cultural heritage conservation, or science qualifications in conservation biology, wildlife management or related disciplines," Mr Quirk said.

The eight advisory committees cover every corner of New South Wales – the Blue Mountains, Hunter Central Coast, South Coast, West, Greater Sydney, North Coast, Northern Inland and the Southern Ranges.

Members are appointed by the Minister for the Environment in a voluntary capacity for terms of up to four years. Sitting fees are not paid, but approved expenses incurred in attending meetings or conducting regional advisory committee business are reimbursed by NPWS.

Applicants are merit selected based on their relevant expertise and experience, with nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people of non-English speaking background, and young people (aged between 18 and 25) highly valued for government boards and committees.

Applications close on Tuesday 1 May 2018.
Applications forms and more details are available at Advisory committees.

For more information email rac@environment.nsw.gov.au

Professional Learning Program 2018: Office Of The Children’s ESafety Commissioner

Safety and Respect Online
This program includes three hours of professional learning through live webinar participation and the completion of a quiz.

All teachers, and related staff, who complete the program will receive a summative infographic containing key learnings and a participation certificate.

To participate in Safety and Respect Online, register to attend each of the webinar topics during 2018 listed below.

After participating in all three webinars, you will be able to access a 30 minute quiz to complete the three hours of activity.

Please note that certificates of partial completion will not be provided, for example to teachers who have only participated in one of the three webinars, but personal records may be used to support the PD with any teacher association.

Professional Learning Program: Course Contents

Respect and Online Relationships
By the end of the module teachers will be able to:
  • discuss and identify relationships and behaviours that may lead to harm
  • identify teaching strategies and policies to encourage respectful online relationships, including:
  • personal and social capacity building and
  • techniques to assist in managing emotions and building an understanding of online resilience.
2018 dates;
3rd May 2018 - 8.00pm
14th June 2018 - 7.00pm
16th June 2018 - 10.00pm
23rd August 2018 - 8.00pm
6th September 2018 - 7.00pm
17th September 2018 - 10.00pm

Preventing and Managing Cyberbullying
By the end of the module teachers will be able to:
  • understand the challenges of cyberbullying in the classroom
  • identify a range of evidence-based strategies for preventing and dealing with cyberbullying issues when they occur, including:
  • strategies for encouraging helpful bystander behaviour
  • the process for reporting issues to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
2018 dates;
1st May 2018 - 7.00pm
12th June 2018 - 10.00pm
26th June 2018 - 8.00pm
21st August 2018 - 7.00pm
4th September 2018 - 10.00pm
17th September 2018 - 8.00pm

Developing Lifelong Online Safety Practices
By the end of the module teachers will be able to:
  • identify common risks when participating in online environments
  • identify teaching strategies to encourage students to develop a personal approach to online safety, including:
  • managing device and personal security settings
  • managing serious breaches of privacy or security online
2018 dates;
3rd May 2018 - 10.00pm
14th June 201 8- 8.00pm
26th June 2018 - 7.00pm
23rd August 2018 - 10.00pm
4th September 2018 - 8.00pm
17th September 2018 - 7.00pm

Tree-Mendous: Sydney To Get 5 Million New Trees As Part Of $290 Million Package

April 11, 2018: Ministerial Media Release
Five million new trees will be planted in Sydney by 2030, making the city a greener and even greater place to live, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced today. 

The NSW Government will plant more than 380,000 trees every year until 2030 and give away another 15,000 trees to people who are branching out and building homes in new land release areas in Western Sydney.  

It will more than double the tree canopy in Sydney from 16.8 per cent at present to 40 per cent. The trees will all be natives. 

“With more people putting down roots in our suburbs, this tremendous initiative will improve everyone’s quality of life and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come,” Ms Berejiklian said. 

“Sydney is growing, but growth should not come at a cost to the environment or local amenity.” 

The announcement is part of the NSW Government’s new $290 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package, including $100 million to secure strategic green space, $20 million to build more than 200 new or upgraded playgrounds and $30 million to open up 81 school ovals and playgrounds for public use during school holidays. 

The NSW Government is supporting the new ‘Five Million Trees’ initiative with an initial $37.5 million in funding over four years. 

Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts said the money would be provided through an annual grants program that will assist tree planting initiatives across Greater Sydney. 

“Planting more trees will contribute to the lowering of urban heat in Sydney and improve the environment for pedestrians at street level,” Mr Roberts said. 

Commissioner of Open Space and Parklands Fiona Morrison said trees provide many benefits. The Commissioner will help co-ordinate where many of the trees are planted, to ensure a strategic approach. 

“Tree canopy coverage contributes to an improvement in biodiversity habitats for species as well as providing much-needed shade for our streets and homes. Trees also improve visual amenity, landscape and a ‘sense of place’ in our suburbs,” Ms Morrison said. 

Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the benefits from the new trees would reach beyond the communities where they are planted. 

“Planting this many trees across Sydney is equivalent to taking about 355,000 cars off the road each year,” Ms Upton said. 

The 15,000 trees being made available in Western Sydney will be given to people who obtain fast track complying development approval in new land release areas. 

The complying development standards, which relate to issues such as building height and landscaping, have been tailored to ensure homes are well designed and protect the privacy and amenity of neighbourhoods.   

For more information on the code, please visit Greenfield Housing Code. 

For more information and to get involved with the Five Million Trees initiative, please visit the Five Million Tree webpage.

To get involved, plant and register your tree today at 5milliontrees.nsw.gov.au/.

Amendments to Retail Land Use Definitions

April 3rd, 2018: NSW Dept. of Planning
We have identified potential amendments that could be made to the Standard Instrument Local Environmental Plan that would improve the planning system for retailing. 

The initial proposed amendments are:
  • a new definition for artisan premises
  • an amended definition for garden centres
  • a new definition for local distribution premises
  • a new definition for neighbourhood supermarkets
  • an amended definition for bulky goods premises to be known as specialised retail premises. 
 
Submissions should be made by 5pm 18 May 2018.
 

Where can I find out more?
Call our Information Centre on 1300 305 695.
If English isn’t your first language, you can call 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language and then request to be connected to our Information Centre on 1300 305 695.

Nominations open for the Safework NSW awards

April 6, 2018: NSW Government
NSW businesses, individuals and not-for-profit organisations are invited to enter SafeWork NSW award nominations by Friday, 22 June 2018. 
Now in their 15th year, the awards recognise individuals and organisations which have shown exceptional commitment to health, safety and return-to-work practices in NSW.

The awards cover six categories:

Excellence in workplace health and safety culture (small or large business)
Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue (small or large business)
Best individual contribution to workplace safety
Excellence in recovery at work for business
Recovery at work achievement award for injured workers
SafeWork NSW leadership in safety. 
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said these awards recognise workplaces that are putting their employees first, and setting a great example for other organisations.

“SafeWork does an outstanding job helping to protect workers across the state – but at the end of the day, workplace health and safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Mr Kean said.

“Winning a SafeWork Award can have a direct and dramatic impact on your business, clearly differentiating you from competitors, and providing a real competitive advantage when seeking or retaining customers.”

Winners will be announced on Thursday, 25 October 2018.

Community Heritage Grants round opens

March 5th, 2018: Australian government Department of Communications and the Arts
Applications are now open for the 2018 Community Heritage Grants Program.

Grants of up to $15,000 are available for community organisations such as museums, libraries, archives, genealogical and historical societies, and Indigenous and multicultural groups.

The grants assist community organisations in the preservation and protection of locally owned but nationally significant cultural heritage material such as archives and records, oral histories, textiles, paintings, drawings, objects, photographs and audio visual material.

Funding is also available for training workshops, preservation assessment of collections and related conservation activities.

The Community Heritage Grants Program is administered by the National Library of Australia, with support provided by the Department of Communications and the Arts, the National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia.

Applications close on Monday, 7 May 2018 at 5.00 pm.

To find out more visit the National Library of Australia’s website.

Snake Babies

Cute little wrigglers have been turning up in odd places and getting themselves into tricky predicaments in the last few weeks.

January to March is when many little local snakes are born or hatched and they scarper off in different directions trying not to get eaten by kookaburras, magpies and other predators.

Human babies have a mum and dad to teach them about the world and the types of places they should avoid. Snake babies, however, are born independent and there is no parental involvement. But sometimes I think they could benefit from some some advice from mum and dad snake... 

They certainly seem to have a knack for finding trouble! Most commonly: they fall into pools, they choose to curl up in stinky shoes, they find sticky traps and get horribly stuck, they forget to stay hidden and get pounced on by domestic pets and they often shimmy under doors and find themselves in offices, shops and homes by mistake!



This baby green tree snake slithered across a box and got stuck to the packaging tape  

We used olive oil to gently dissolve the adhesive and she was freed fairly quickly. We bathed her in warm water and gave her fluids before releasing her.

This baby whip snake slithered into the open and was grabbed by a cat. She had to have a warm Betadine bath and a course of antibiotic injections to counteract the toxins present in a cat’s mouth.


Photo by S. Woodley


This little baby tiger snake was chasing a lizard and found himself in someone’s bathroom by mistake. He was relocated to nearby bushland.

This baby red-bellied black snake fell into a tank of contaminated water and ended up with giardiasis. She felt too sick to eat so we had to force-feed her until the flagellate-combating medication kicked in.


Reproduction 

As mentioned before, they can either hatch from an egg or be live-born, depending on the species.

Green tree snakes, golden-crowned snakes, eastern brown snakes and pythons are ovoviviparous (egg-layers) whilst marsh snakes, death adders and red-bellied black snakes are viviparous (live bearers).

Egg-layers will deposit their eggs in a suitable site (usually in soil and only shallow as they obviously can’t dig). The eggs are left to incubate and hatch on their own. The exception being pythons. Female pythons will stay with and brood their pile of eggs (which adhere to each other in a mound) and will even use a warming technique called ‘shivering thermogenesis’ to warm her eggs. She uses rapid muscle twitching to raise her own body temperature as she coils protectively around her egg-mound.

This photo shows diamond pythons hatching from their mound of eggs:


Golden-crowned snakes hatching from eggs that were rescued from a construction site. Photo by L. Nettheim 

Some commonly-heard snake fears/questions:

“I have seen a snake in my backyard. Will there be a nest of snakes nearby?” Australian snakes are generally loners and only interact during breeding season. You won’t find nests of snakes together in our area.

“I found a baby snake. Will Mum and Dad snake be close-by?” As mentioned above, the babies are born independent and there is no parental involvement. 

“I want to go bush-walking but am afraid of snakes. Will they hide under a bush and bite my feet as I walk past?” Snakes are fearful of humans and avoid interactions with us. They will tend to stay hidden or move off as a human approaches. They will only react if they are under threat from a human and will then defend themselves.

“I don’t like snakes because they are slimy”. Snake-skin is very dry. Their scales may look shiny in the sun but they are not slimy at all.

Neonate or young snakes can look quite different to how they will eventually turn out. These photos show young eastern brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) - one has quite obvious banding and the other has a black head. This colouration fades with growth.

 

Photo courtesy of P. Saffery



Photo by N. Wedlock

What to do if you find a young snake:

  • Don’t panic
  • Remove pets, children and screaming spouses
  • Ring Sydney Wildlife 9413 4300 or Wires 1300 094 737 or a snake catching company
  • Keep an eye on the snake so that the catcher can easily locate its whereabouts

Snakes are a very important part of our environment and the food chain. They are protected under the Wildlife Act 1972 and it is illegal to harm a snake. An offence carries hefty fines and even jail-time.

Be kind to snakes - they really are amazing animals


By Lynleigh Greig, Sydney Wildlife

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

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services

Arts and Social

Autumn School Holiday Issues of Pittwater Online

Please note Issue 357 will not be published until Sunday April 29th. 

There will be no Issue Sunday April 22nd, however, the office will be open for those sending in items, news, and events for the post-Anzac Day Issue and staff will still be working - attending community during that period.

Newport residents association April Meeting

The next meeting of the Newport Residents Association will be held on Tuesday 17th April 2018 at the Newport Community Centre, The Boulevard Newport at 7 pm. All Community members are encouraged and most welcome to attend.

At the beginning of the meeting we will start with a Presentation about the new Northern Beach Hospital by Nicola Pellegrini of the Northern Beaches Hospital Project Team.

Please come along and hear from Nicola about this important project
(The following May meeting we will have a presentation  with regard to the Mona Vale Hospital).

We have also received some interesting communication from the head of the B-Line project team addressed to one of our members to which we have responded ourselves all under the heading 'Look who is supporting the Newport roundabout' Click on the following link - newport.org.au/the-b-line-service

AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated include:
  • To provide a forum for all interested residents, ratepayers and resident groups in the Pittwater Ward area and particularly in the Newport area.
  • To represent the interests of ratepayers and residents on local issues at all levels of government but particularly at the local government level.
  • To work for responsible planning, environmental protection and the enhancement of the environment of the Northern Beaches Council and in particular the Pittwater Ward area.
  • To achieve community awareness and involvement in Council’s decision-making processes and planning.
  • To take any other action not elsewhere included to further the interests of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated and its members.
MEETINGS
3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.00 pm at the Newport Community Centre (The Boulevarde Newport).

Protect Pittwater Association Community Forum

Where Are We Now?
Thursday, May 3: 7-9pm
Pittwater RSL

Speakers:
Bob Grace - Protect Pittwater Association and former councillor
Brian Halstead - President Save Our Councils
Phil Jenkyn OAM - Save our Councils Coalition
Peter Primrose MLC - NSW Labor Local Government spokesman
David Shoebridge MLC - NSW Greens Local Government spokesman.

Come along to find out the latest news about action to regain Pittwater Council and join the discussion about life since amalgamation.

Vote for Sonja Elwood!

Okay, everyone - we need your votes!!!
Sonja Elwood - founding member of Sydney Wildlife and environmentalist extraordinaire - and she belongs to Pittwater!

Sonja is one of the most incredible, most dedicated and most extraordinary humans we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. She has saved literally thousands of animals and is that lady who helps you do bushcare and takes you on informative walks and talks.

It’s easy - just click and vote.
PS: Ignore name beside - Lynleigh Grieg is the lady who submitted Sonja for consideration. Vote HERE

Background/Previously: 

Excerpt:

To raise awareness of the lack of women in senior STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Maths) positions a photo competition is currently underway with the tag #oglethis. Pittwater's Sonja Elwood has been nominated to be part of this by Lynleigh Greig, regular columnist on rescuing and caring for our local fauna.

As the organisers explain;

'Some calendars might suggest that women spend their time lazing around on over-accessorized cars but we hope to capture the alternative side of life.

Please get involved by posting a photograph of a woman, a mum, or a wild fairy god mother capturing the reality of life or showing off impressive tasks that more accurately portray why women truly are amazing."


Sonja with a nesting box for eastern pygmy possums.

2019 Rugby World Cup with the Friends of Warringah  

Friends of Warringah (FOW) are hosting a tour group for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. 

There will be an information night  on Wednesday the 25th April at 7:00pm at Rat Park in the Clubhouse. WRC will be supplying snacks and beverages… all are welcome!

Please RSVP to Christine@warringahrugby.com.au by 23 April 2018.



Warringah Rugby Club
1472 Pittwater Rd, 
North Narrabeen

Vegetation Fire at Kimbriki

Friday April 13, 2018
Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade responded two tankers this morning about 5am to a vegetation fire at Kimbriki Tip in Ingleside, near Terrey Hills. 33 RFS volunteers worked until 8am to extinguish most of the fire until it was safe to hand back to the occupants for further extinguishment. The vegetation covered a large area. 

RFS Volunteers in 10 tankers were in attendance from:
Terrey Hills Rural Fire Brigade
Coal & Candle Rural Fire Brigade
Warringah / Pittwater Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade
Davidson Rural Fire Brigade
Beacon Hill Rural Fire Brigade

The fire is the second in recent months. On Thursday February 8th, 2018 Ingleside NSWRFS attended Kimbriki Tip about 11.30pm for a General Waste fire about 3000m² in size. The RFS were on site until 2.45am. 7 heavy tankers from five volunteer Brigades were in attendance with RFS crews using Breathing Apparatus in the toxic smoke. 


On Friday a spokesperson said, "Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises is investigating the cause of a fire which broke out in the vegetation receival area of the Kimbriki site in the early hours of Friday morning."
 
"Local Rural Fire Service brigades attended immediately and were supported on-site at Kimbriki by site staff. The fire was contained by 7.00am and fully extinguished before 10am.
 
"Australian Native Landscapes (ANL) is contracted by Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises to operate the vegetation processing area. ANL staff will be in attendance overnight for the next two nights to ensure no further outbreaks.
 
"There has been no interruption to any of Kimbriki’s operations and Kimbriki is open today for customers. A separate receival area for vegetation drop-offs has been established this morning and Kimbriki management asks that customers adhere to changed traffic management conditions once on site.
 
Kimbriki extends their sincere thanks to the local Rural Fire Service units for their rapid response and professionalism."

Bilgola Beach Upgrade 2018

Council has plans to upgrade the landscaping at Bilgola Beach.
The proposed upgrades include:
  • Use of synthetic turf
  • Renewal of the showers and improvement to the accessible shower
  • Removal of koppers logs and replacement with sandstone seat logs
  • Retention of existing memorial seats
Have your say
Make a written submission: To the CEO, Northern Beaches Council, 725 Pittwater Road, Dee Why NSW 2099, marked “Bilgola Beach Upgrades 2018”

If you have any questions, please call the Parks and Recreation team on 1300 434 434.

Bilgola Beach Upgrade 2018: Update 11.05 a.m. April 13th from NBC
Council has removed the synthetic turf from the concept plan and will instead place natural grass along the beachfront. Other aspects of the proposal currently remain the same, pending the results of the community engagement.

Comments close 13 May 2018


Looking For Nippers for Beach rubbish film

Council are seeking local Nippers to be part of a short film to help educate the community on the impact of rubbish on our beach environment. Filming is due to take place in June. Children will be supervised and provided refreshments between shoots.

or call 0438 649 528 for more information.


Photo by A J Guesdon, 2015

Motor Car Tours to and In Pittwater show Us the way this place Once was

The above history page, run last Issue, has brought in a few responses of 'thanks' etc. but also - 'you forgot this':


Warriewood Beach, 1960 ; the old surf club in the background. L-R: Butch Mowbray, Jim Bourke, John E Wright , Paul Cunningham, Billy Godden, Frank Broughton (and Billy Godden's old Vauxhall). With thanks to Paul Cunningham!

Which has been added in of course - how could we forget a Warriewood Beach photo we already have that has a brilliant old car AND Warriewood Beach as she once was.

The history page is actually a forerunner/opener for a series on roads and cars and collating these into different focus areas that will also be a celebration of this beautiful area as it gives us everything in the background. So, if it looks like we've missed something, it may turn up in one of the others - plus a bit more of course - just a tad more.

Motor Car Tours To and In Pittwater Show Us the Way This Place Once Was has also brought us a great insight from Ken Lloyd (Savalloyd), a regular Reader and Contributor who now lives in the country and once lived at Narrabeen and had relatives who were long term residents of Bayview.

Ken has sent in a brilliant photo of a gig owned by Mark Foy which a family member borrowed and also a few other insights on fishing his family enjoyed. That runs this week. 

Thanks Ken - you're a gem.

Songs For Soibada 2018

Saturday, May 19 at 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
at Barrenjoey High school
Tickets; $25 Student, $45 Adult

It will be on again this year - our biggest fundraising event Songs for Soibada! Watch this space to find out more. 

Who will be the performers? - We always have outstanding and well known acts!

What will be the raffle prizes? - Even bigger and better than ever before!

Where will the money go? - All funds raised will go towards the Senior High School Project in Soibada!

Pittwater Sporting Clubs Awarded Defibrillator Grants

10 April 2018
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced NSW Government funding for the introduction of life-saving defibrillators at key local sporting clubs.

The NSW Government’s $4 million Local Sport Defibrillation Program will see more than 2,500 Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) installed at community sporting clubs over the next four years.
Early access to CPR and defibrillation can influence cardiac arrest survival rates by up to 75 percent.

Avalon Beach Bowling and Recreation Club, Mona Vale Bowling Club, Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club, North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club, Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Pittwater Aquatic Club, South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club and Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club are amongst this round’s 430 successful applicants across NSW.

“Pittwater is a sporting paradise and I’m delighted several local clubs have been awarded funding under this new program,” Rob Stokes said today.

“The club members responsible for these applications should be commended for their efforts in helping increase their club’s capacity to provide life-saving intervention, not only for fellow club members - but also the wider community.”

The NSW Government program supports up to 50 percent of the defibrillator cost, training and maintenance. The next round of applications will open in mid-2018.



Anna's walk

It is with great pride and emotion that MVSLSC member Adam Lynch invites you to be part of Anna’s Walk.

Adam's beautiful wife, Anna, lost her battle with bladder cancer last year. On Sunday 27th May we are walking in memory of Anna, and to support her passionate wish to help stop this tragic story happening to other families.

Please take a look at annaswalk.org.au to find out all about it, and to register and donate! 

The imminent threat to Newport and Avalon…

The congestion. All the new apartments. Traffic jams, even between Newport and Mona Vale. Not to mention the shemozzle at Narrabeen bridge. And now the B Line is about to turn Newport Beach into a bus depot. The simple answer is:
The B Line must terminate at Mona Vale

Didn’t we all come here, kilometres away from the city, for the trees, the blue sea and the beach? Well, you might say, it’s only a bus service but, the threat to our way of life this represents is really serious. Consider these four reasons why the B Line termination at Newport, or Avalon or Palm Beach, would wreck the character and amenity of the far north peninsula:
  1. B Line buses are large. Creating a massive roundabout at Newport for these buses means removing trees, widening roads and making an ugly mess of the beach area of Newport. With queues of diesel buses, congestion would be terrible, for the people of Newport and all places further north. 
  2. If the B Line were to go further, negotiating the bends at Bilgola and the Avalon Kamakaze roundabout would be absolute chaos. Particularly congestion at Avalon shops would be unacceptable. 
  3. The government’s stated intention is for increased density. Extending the B Line to Newport invites further development north of Mona Vale. We’ve all noticed the huge increase in congestion between the northern suburbs and Mona Vale. 
  4. If termination is at Newport, the beach parking would be forever filled up. Newport would become a parking station, its beach, its ambiance and its character destroyed.
Bus services north of Mona Vale must be improved

The service is now decidedly worse with the introduction of the B Line. Such is the way all this has been organised, it seems the E88 is now faster from Mona Vale to the city than the B Line.

In some cases, yes , it would be necessary to change at Mona Vale if you are city bound, but everything is a trade-off. If we want to keep the far peninsula as a liveable place, to retain its character and to hold on to a community we all love, the B Line must terminate at Mona Vale. 

At the same time, we must have an improved bus service for the far north peninsula. Make no mistake, the government will make a roundabout at Newport unless we make ourselves heard.

What can we do?
We’ll be talking to the community on the corner of Robertson
road and Barrenjoey road on Saturday mornings from 10.00
to 1.00. Please come and see us. We would welcome your
suggestions as to how to counter this threat.

Friends of Newport Community Group. 
Please email us at friendsofnewport@gmail.com
NB: The authors do not represent that the contents are complete, current and free from error and accept no liability.

Narrabeen Lagoon Aquatic Boardwalk: Have Your Say

Council has developed plans for an aquatic boardwalk for the northern side of the Narrabeen Lagoon trail to improve safety whilst protecting the environment.

Project open for comment: 24 March 2018
Community Drop in Session: 07 April 2018
Comments close: 06 May 2018

Since completion of stage 2b of the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail (NLT) in 2015 the recreational trail has enjoyed high popularity with the community and the Trail is considered a success in promoting a healthy lifestyle while also providing sustainable access to the natural environment.

Council has developed a safe solution for the northern side of the lagoon where the trail is adjacent to the Wakehurst Parkway. This narrow section of trail is a potential hazard for bike riders and pedestrians.

This existing path is in an environmentally sensitive area. The embankment is too unstable to construct a cantilevered structure and would require removal of all vegetation along this part of the riparian zone.

This project has been subject to feasibility reports and substantial planning. We invite you to review the associated documents:

Have your say
Make an online submission
Attend our drop in session at Bilarong Reserve - Saturday 7 April 2018 – 1-3pm

Make a written submission: To the CEO, Northern Beaches Council, 725 Pittwater Road, Dee Why NSW 2099, marked “Narrabeen Lagoon Aquatic Boardwalk”

If you have any questions, please call the Parks and Recreation team on 1300 434 434.
Documents At: HERE 

New clearways on Warringah Road between Roseville Chase and Beacon Hill

11 April 2018: NSW RMS
New and extended clearways will be introduced on Warringah Road from the end of April to help manage traffic flow for motorists who travel along the key corridor between Roseville Chase and Beacon Hill.

A spokesperson said Roads and Maritime Services thanks the community for providing feedback which was considered when finalising the proposed clearways.

“The new and extended weekday clearways are being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $121 million Clearways Program which aims to reduce delays and congestion by maximising use of existing road space,” the spokesperson said.

“The new clearways will take effect from Monday 30 April and will operate in both directions on Warringah Road between Roseville Bridge at Roseville Chase and Beacon Hill Road at Beacon Hill from 6am to 7pm on weekdays and from 9am to 6pm on weekends and public holidays.

“Introducing clearways on this busy transport corridor through Forestville, Frenchs Forest and Beacon Hill will help manage traffic flow and improve journey reliability.

“This important corridor provides access to schools, shopping centres as well as a number of community and recreational services.
“This corridor also provides direct access to Forest Way, Wakehurst Parkway and the Northern Beaches.”

The spokesperson said implementing clearways along this section of Warringah Road will ensure all lanes are available to traffic during the day.

“A single parked car can significantly reduce road capacity and cause delays on busy road corridors so it is important to ensure all lanes are available to improve journey reliability for motorists,” the spokesperson said.

“Clearways will change the ability to park, pick up and drop off family and friends and allow deliveries to be made along Warringah Road.
“During clearway hours, residents will need to reconsider parking arrangements for visitors including parking on local streets.”

Work to install new clearway signage will be carried out between Monday 16 and Sunday 29 April, weather permitting.

Parked vehicles can be reported to the Transport Management Centre on 131 700.

For more information visit Sydney Clearways Program.

Unleashed Dog Exercise Areas Review

Council are currently developing a 'Dogs in Public Places Policy' that will provide key guidelines on how dogs are managed in public places. The Policy will include the list of dog off-leash parks and places where dogs are prohibited.

Go to the project webpage to register your interest in this project.The draft Policy is expected to be ready for public exhibition in May 2018.

Plans to revitalise Gosford

April 10th, 2018: NSW Government
The NSW Government Architect has provided recommendations to revitalise Gosford’s city centre, with Kibble Park as the “civic heart” of the city.

The recommendations for Kibble Park and the surrounding area include:
  • an iconic "green room" – creating respite for a growing city at Kibble Park by planting a frame and corridor of trees
  • activity to the edges – relocating activity to the edges of the park, so people can enjoy the open spaces
  • great civic spaces – re-purposing the library as a public building and creating a civic plaza that is connected to Mann Street will enable flexible spaces for day and night events
  • active street frontages – integrating a café within the park, as well as protecting and promoting nearby retail businesses
  • reduce the dominance of cars – retaining vehicle access but with reduced road widths
  • ensure sunlight access to the park – minimising overshadowing of the park from surrounding developments
Two more reports to be released in the coming weeks will focus on complementing the corridor between Gosford Hospital to the train station in the north and the Waterfront precinct in the south.

Minister for Planning and Housing Anthony Roberts said enhancing Kibble Park and its surrounds is critical to improving the city’s connectivity and drawing people back into a desirable, attractive and functional city centre.

“I am confident that the efforts and plans of the NSW Government will enhance Gosford, making it a most desirable place to live, work and visit,” Mr Roberts said.

Have your say
The Government Architect is seeking feedback on its recommendations for the revitalisation of Gosford City Centre.

Submissions close on 18 June 2018.

Navigation Restriction at The Entrance, Tuggerah Lake: Dredging operations

(Marine Safety Act 1998 s.12)
The Entrance, Tuggerah Lake
Dredging operations
Wednesday 14 March to Monday 31 December 2018

THE WORKS
Vessel operators are advised that dredging operations will take place East of Picnic Point on Tuggerah Lake, in The Entrance Channel from Wednesday 14 March to Monday 31 December 2018.

NAVIGATION WARNING
Vessel operators are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of the works and to pay particular attention to dredging equipment and buoys.

This navigation warning remains in place for the duration of the works.

DIRECTIONS
Roads and Maritime advises:
Persons within the vicinity of the works must comply with any directions given by a Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the works or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).

Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance and speed from the works and operators are reminded that the production of wash which impacts unreasonably on the works is an offence (Marine Safety Regulation – clause 11(2))- Maximum Penalty $5,500.00)

MAPS & CHARTS AFFECTED
Roads and Maritime Boating Map – 8B

For further information concerning this Navigation Advice, please contact Roads & Maritime Services on phone: 131236

MARINE NOTICE SY1811

NB: Central Coast residents advise Pittwater Online News and local sailors/ fishers who visit that the works have commenced first week of April. 

Resilient Australia Awards 2018

The Resilient Australia Awards is a national program, convened by the Office of Emergency Management, that recognises and promotes initiatives that strengthen community disaster resilience across the nation.

By celebrating innovation and exemplary practice, the awards showcase work that is often unseen, motivating others to think about how they can be better prepared and more disaster resilient. The awards program started in 2000, and has a solid history in Australia's emergency management sector.

Submissions will be accepted in each state and territory for business, community, government, schools and photography award categories. Winners from each jurisdiction will be considered for national awards. Both individuals and groups are invited to make submissions. The awards are open to all Australians, including but not limited to individuals, not for profit organisations, small and large businesses, local and state government, schools, education institutions, research bodies, and emergency service agencies.

Last year’s National Resilient Australia Award went to the City of Mandurah in Western Australia for its collaborative equine evacuation project. In the national schools category, St. Ives North Public School in New South Wales was recognised for a forward-thinking education partnership with the Rural Fire Service. Summer Mulvey of Summer Rain Photography received the National Resilient Australia Photography Award for a poignant image of her family in the wake of Cyclone Debbie.

The Australian Government is proud to sponsor the Resilient Australia Awards in partnership with the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience and the states and territories.

For more information visit the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR), apply using the online form or email the NSW convenor at raa@mpes.nsw.gov.au

Submissions will be accepted until 3:00pm AEST on 31 May 2018, via the online platform

Award categories
This year's state and territory award categories are:

Resilient Australia Business Award
Resilient Australia Community Award
Resilient Australia Government Award
Resilient Australia School Award
Resilient Australia Photography Award - People's Choice

The winners of the state and territory award categories will automatically progress to consideration for the three national award categories:

Resilient Australia National Award
Resilient Australia National School Award
Resilient Australia National Photography Award.

If you have a project which crosses over three or more states or territories, you may enter your project directly into the Resilient Australia National Award category. If you have a project which crosses over two states or territories, you may select a lead jurisdiction and enter it in the appropriate award category in that jurisdiction.

Winners of the NSW Resilient Australia Awards will be announced in October 2018. 

The National Resilient Australia Awards will occur in November-December 2018.

Young people need a voice in cabinet - local government

Tuesday, April 10th, 2018: by LGNSW
The local government sector has called on the NSW Government to mark Youth Week 2018 with the appointment of a dedicated Youth Minister.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW), speaking on behalf of members, said it was past time for the Berejiklian Government to give young people a real voice in the future they would inherit.

LGNSW President Linda Scott said young people made up almost one-fifth of the population of NSW, yet had not been represented by a dedicated Minister since 2011.

"Young people are often the focus of Government initiatives around education, employment, health and wellbeing- just to name a few," Clr Scott said.

"Their lives will also be directly impacted upon by planning laws, by the availability - or lack of - social and public infrastructure.

"They have the biggest stake in the future of this state, which is why it is critical they have a voice when decisions that affect them, now and in the future, are being discussed.

"With no Minister dedicated to the specific needs of young people there remains the very real question as to whether young people's needs are being adequately represented in Cabinet."

The Youth Affairs portfolio, last held by the current Local Government Opposition Spokesman, Peter Primrose, was absorbed into the Citizenship and Family and Community Services portfolio after the 2011 election, and now sits with the Minister for Disability and Multiculturalism.

Clr Scott said the need for dedicated political representation of young people in Cabinet was raised by Fairfield City and Wollondilly Shire Councils at the 2017 LGNSW Annual Conference, in a motion passed by delegates representing councils right across NSW.

Also calling for a Youth Minister was the Local Government and Youth Development Network, a collective of youth development officers from across NSW.

"Young people around the world are standing up to be counted," Clr Scott said. "They are interested, committed and passionate about the future.

"Yet work undertaken by Australia's 2017 Youth Representative to the United Nations, Paige Burton, found young people do not feel they have meaningful political representation.

"Ms Burton reported that of the thousands of young people she consulted only 16% of young people from NSW agreed their opinions were represented by those in Government.

"Restoring the ministerial portfolio for youth affairs is one key step to change this situation - and Youth Week 2018, which runs from April 13 to 22, is the time to do it."

Ingleside - Key actions and documents

The next steps in the planning process for Ingleside are as follows:
  • All of the submissions and feedback have been reviewed. Feedback from landowners, Northern Beaches Council, the Ingleside Community Reference Group, state agencies and the community will inform the development of the final Land Use and Infrastructure Implementation Plan.
  • A decision will be made regarding the proposed amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2006 to make Ingleside a Priority Growth Area. An amendment to the policy will help to assist Northern Beaches Council when assessing development applications prior to rezoning. This will ensure that the intended planning outcomes for Ingleside are considered during the assessment of new buildings or projects.
  • The final Land Use and Infrastructure Implementation Plan will be released early in 2018, which forms the basis of the formal planning controls and contributions schemes. The Plan will include new material on energy and water conservation measures as well as affordable housing.
  • The formal planning controls and contributions schemes will also be placed on exhibition for comment at that time, including:
  1. Proposed changes to land use zones and associated controls for Ingleside;
  2. An application for Biodiversity Certification (this is required to be exhibited at the same time as the rezoning proposal). Biodiversity Certification enables areas of high conservation value to be identified upfront and means that landowners, Council and developers don't need to undertake a threatened species assessment during the Development Application stage;
  3. A Development Control Plan, addressing urban design controls for streetscapes, active travel, other public spaces and controls regarding the built form;
  4. A Special Infrastructure Contributions determination (section 94EE), funding biodiversity offsets, major infrastructure and potentially affordable housing;
  5. A Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan (Section 94), funding local infrastructure which will be maintained by Northern Beaches Council.

Fox Baiting - Notice to Pet Owners

Northern Beaches Council is advising dog and cat owners to keep their pets away from several major reserves while fox baiting is being carried out.

Poison baits will be laid between 12 March and 1 April 2017 in the following reserves:
 
• Manly Dam, Manly Vale
• Red Hill, Beacon Hill
• Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
• Oxford Falls, Morgan Road

These reserves will be closed to dogs and cats until 29 April 2018. Warning signs will also be displayed in the areas to notify the public about the program.

The fox baiting program is being conducted in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and involves the use of “Foxoff® Econobait” poison baits, which are designed specifically for fox control. The poison baits contain 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate).

Please Help: Contribute To Significant Trees Register For Our Area

Significant trees listings wanted
February 28, 2018: Avalon Preservation Association
The next step in the Avalon Preservation Association's Avalon Cultural Audit is to identify and list significant trees in the area.

Roger Sayers has nominated the Spotted Gums in the reserve opposite Careel Bay Wharf.

Please help us by contributing your pick of significant trees in the area so we can map them and enter into our database.

You can either post a picture/s on the APA Facebook page and identify location of tree/s and species type if known or email us with same at secretary@avalonpreservationassociation.org.au

Our new Avalon Preservation Association Noticeboard is finally installed on corner of Belle Property Building near Herforts Chemist Old Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach. Many thanks to Mark Griffin Belle Property for use of wall and Robert Adema for installation.

Planning Alerts


Find out what's happening in your area. Get alerts of new applications near here straight in your email. It's free!

Course for a Cause at Avalon

Just beyond the Bilgola Bends as you are about to enter the Avalon Village, nestled in behind a strip of nature that separates it from the often busy Barrenjoey Road – you have the Royal Avalon Golf Course.

Not only 9 holes of golf open to the public every day of the year, with no membership required but also one of the best located venues available for hire on the Northern Beaches, or even Sydney!

Recently we have begun a program called “Course for a Cause”. The initiative is designed to help local charities by offering free use of our facilities to raise money and/or awareness for a worthy cause.

Do you have a cause close to your heart?
Nominate your charity to become part of this program by calling 9918 2606 or emailing manager@avalongolfcourse.com.au

If you don’t want to play golf, but are still after a venue for your function, the clubhouse is available for extended hours. So with plenty of parking on sight, the time of day shouldn’t be a problem when promoting your personal cause. If you don’t have a charity, but are still looking for somewhere to party, the clubhouse can be hired to celebrate all kinds of occasions.

The bar is available and serving some of your favourite beer and wine, or take advantage of our BYO option. Day time events can always incorporate games to raise some extra money with the practice putting green beside the clubhouse being utilised for competitions or a bit of fun for the kids.

If you are interested in our Course for a Cause initiative OR would just like to hire Avalon Golf Course and clubhouse for a function, please email manager@avalongolfcourse.com.au or call 9918 2606


Petition: Save Ingleside from Over-Development

PROPOSED INGLESIDE DEVELOPMENT
We the undersigned, write in connection with the above proposal and wish to object strongly and respectfully to the development of the area in the proposed manner.

Ingleside is a dispersed settlement where development proposals should be considered very carefully: infilling could ruin the character of the area but estate development will not only overwhelm it but also overwhelm the vast majority of residents living from Narrabeen to Palm Beach who will travel through or near Ingleside every day.

Naturally, we understand that the State Government has a determined growth strategy. However, the overwhelming increase in immediate population and thoroughfare traffic will have a devastating effect upon the existing population who live here and contribute to Sydney as a city and as a defined demographic already. 

Pressure for the development in the region is considerable, mainly for housing city commuters, but has been successfully resisted for more than 30 years for the same reasons as now. The infrastructure was not in place and as can be seen by the impact of development in Warriewood, remains at an unsupportive level. The reasons for rejecting those schemes also included the inadequacy of the minor roads apart from Mona Vale Road to accommodate even small increases in traffic. 

Reference is made to the over one thousand comments on the supporting website, mostly by residents of Pittwater external to the immediate area of Ingleside who have failed to have a voice but as your constituents have equal right to be represented as bearing the impact of the development. With the above in mind, we request that the development be reviewed to take into account the residents of Pittwater, whom you represent. Rather than telling them why it will be good for them, consider the voice of the residents and understand why it will be bad for them. 

New Season for Sailability Pittwater 

Sailability Pittwater is a volunteer organisation which provides sailing for people with a disability. Our main recreational sailing activities are at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, and we run competitive sailing for people with a disability out of RPAYC Newport. We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Saturday morning program at Rowland Reserve and Tuesdays at RPA. For more information at  www.sailability.org/au/pittwater or call John on 9982 5656

Red Cross shop Newport

The Newport Red Cross shop desperately needs your quality, discarded clothing items. Now that spring is almost springing, perhaps you are all set to 'declutter' your offshore abode. But what to do with all those gems that are no longer you. Well donate them of course. The Red Cross shop at Newport is very excited to receive your cast offs. We also take small household items but alas, no electrical or furniture. 

Did you know that all profits from Red Cross shops stay in Australia? Profits from Red Cross shops support worthy programmes like providing breakfast for school kids, Telecross - a daily call to elderly people in need of contact, youth services, disaster relief, mental health services and much, much more.

Should you need assistance please feel free to call me or just leave your items in our boat. We live on the northern side of Lovett Bay between Now and Zen and Therese and John. The house is called 'Foreshore' and our boat is a Stabicraft for purposes of identification! 

Don't hesitate to call in to the Newport Red Cross shop with your donations - close to Woolworths petrol station at 334 Barrenjoey Rd Newport or call Lesley Scott to help with donations - 0410 687864



Residents Want 'Welcome to Pittwater' Sign Returned

Pittwater Online has been contacted by a number of residents this week expressing their dismay that the 'Welcome to Pittwater' sign as you come along Wakehurst Parkway has disappeared.

Although many of the former Pittwater Council logos are disappearing or being scrubbed out from the names of wharves, obviously to be replaced by the new 'design', readers have expressed this cheery sign made them many feel welcomed and gave those returning home a boost after a long day.

As Pittwater is now a Ward, with different boundaries, the wish expressed is that such a sign may be returned and placed where the new lines mark Pittwater's circumference so that good cheer may continue.
The Old
 The New?

 Gone Fishing Gallery at Waterfront Store Church Point

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