Week Four May 2026: Issue 654 (published Sunday May 24)
Scruby Sounds Warning on NSW Government's 'Community Participation Plan': Flats, Shop-top housing, New Dwellings, secondary dwellings, trees to be exempt from Exhibition - feedback closes June 3
Council's whole of LGA Development Control Plan - Local Environment Plan Consultation Imminent
491 Square Metre Liquor shop at Careel Bay Shops Approved: NCAT Review Request May be Lodged by Community - Request for Review Closes June 16
Newport Masterplan Review May 2026: Masterplan to stay as Overarching Guide
Pictures Avalon Bulldogs host Mona Vale Raiders at Hitchcock Park for Barrenjoey Cup 2026 - Ladies Day
Local Bowling Squads Advance to 2026 State Finals
NSW Architecture Awards Shortlist for 2026: Local Projects Included
Council Push for Metro rail to Dee Why - Brookvale: Transport Network Review 2026 Feedback Closes June 15
From classroom to catwalk: Manly fashion designer Tate Boswarva debuts at Australian Fashion Week
Aquatics Seas The Day 2026 returns to Kingscliff Beach NSW - June 20-21
Park Bench Philosophers UN General Assembly backs historic World Court climate crisis ruling: Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change + Australia violated Torres Strait Islanders’ rights to enjoy culture and family life, UN Committee finds + The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union
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Week Three May 2026: Issue 654 (published Sunday May 17)
Profile: Rosie Schonell, Clareville author
Council Draft Budget 2026/27 Open for Feedback Until Sunday May 24: A Delve into the Details
Regan's Bushfire Protection Bill Voted Down
Pictures Mona Vale Raiders Mother's Day 2026 Rounds at Newport Oval: Round 4
Australian Interschools Surfing Championships 2026: Three Local Schools Take Part
Aquatics Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club Lodges Challenge For 38th America’s Cup
Forest High School Official Opening: May 15 2026
Steggall slams Budget for failure of leadership in climate resilience investment - + Will this budget really make housing fairer for more Australians? It’s a good start + A budget with a bundle of reforms in a time of ‘extreme uncertainty’
DA for 120 Mona Vale Road Warriewood site refused by planning panel
Park Bench Philosophers National Volunteers Week 2026: Make This your Year to Volunteer in your Community
DIY Ideas Autumn DIY Jobs: Exterior Jobs to Keep Everything Dry and Cosy Inside the Home
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Week Two May 2026: Issue 654 (published Sunday May 10)
Profile: The Kerry Gleeson Centre, Mona Vale
History: Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club History Celebration of 121 Summers Spent 'Messing About in Boats'
Vale Shane Stedman OAM, 1941-2026
State Government's Wakehurst Parkway flood improvement Works to Commence May 11
Aquatics Merc’s legacy will be part of every boardrider club’s shark surveillance set up: SLSNSW Drone to stay on Peninsula at 4 beaches until June 30
Scotland Island Road + Drainage Works Completed
Narrabeen Lake amenities Building DA Lodged
Pictures Pittwater 2026 for Mother's Day by Joe Mills, A J Guesdon, Kevin Murray and Michael Mannington OAM
Scruby Presses Government For Critical Funding Boost to Women's Services
$387 million boost for the CSIRO - 300+ Jobs still to go
Park Bench Philosophers Archibald - Wynne - Sulman Prize Winners 2026
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Week One May 2026: Issue 654 (published Sunday May 3)
Profile of the Week: David Elfick
History: Palladium Palm Beach 1930 to 2026, Art Deco in Pittwater
George Pittar Wins 2026 Margaret River Pro.!
Northern Beaches Hospital officially transitions to public hands - Nurses and midwives at Northern Beaches Hospital to receive expanded opportunities in public health system
Aquatics: Marine Rescue NSW volunteers complete demanding boating season: more than 7 thousand safely returned to shore - MAYDAY fundraising campaign 2026 Launched
Busy storm season wraps up as SES continues to boost capabilities with new flood rescue vehicles
Pictures Bangalley Headland Hazard Reduction: Open Day for Local Fire-Rescue NSW Stations on Saturday May 9 + Time to check your Fire Alarms
Lion Island Series 2026: Race 1
Not Done Yet: Award Winning Piemaker still at Careel Bay Shops until end of August
Warringah Freeway upgrade completion: Please Familiarise Yourself With The Changes
Historic Sydney Hobart champion Solveig set to shine at CYCA’s Great Veterans Race on May 9 - Entries now Open
Guardians League announced: New Platform for Surf Racing Commences 2027
Park Bench Philosophers: How One pygmy blue whale's song unlocks oceans of data
DIY Ideas Mother's Day 2026: Give Mum some new plants for her Ever Blooming Native Flowering Plants Garden
Residents warned of Ross River Virus risk: Detected at Narrabeen-Warriewood
Hawkesbury-Nepean River System Coastal Management Program (Pittwater) Stage 4: Feedback Invited until May 31
Helen Pitt Returns to Avalon to speak about her new book: Luna Park with Sarah Macdonald - May 7 at ABSLSC, tickets available now
Regulation of sunscreens in Australia: Feedback Invited - closes May 23
Profile of the Week Lorena Otes: Author of 'Solo Mum by Choice'Lorena Otes's memoir, Solo Mum by Choice (Hawkeye Publishing) was out May 16th 2026, and may be of interest to locals. Solo Mum by Choice is an intimate, funny, and fiercely honest memoir about one woman’s journey to motherhood—without a partner, but with unwavering determination.
After a string of failed relationships, Lorena stumbled upon the growing community of women choosing to have children on their own. What follows is a deeply personal ride through IVF heartbreaks, bizarre alternative therapies, and medical mayhem—told with warmth, grit, and sharp self-awareness.
Both tender and laugh-out-loud, Solo Mum by Choice is a love story between a woman and the child she refuses to give up on.
Lorena has written for Feels Blind Literary, The Brussels Review, Mamamia Online, and Bounty Parents. My humour articles have appeared in Witcraft Magazine, Defenestration Literary Humour Magazine, Scalar Comet, and Little Old Lady Comedy.
Aside from writing, Lorena is a classical and contemporary dance teacher, a huge Bonnie Tyler fan, an avid reader, Madonna fan (her 90's phase), a motorbike enthusiast, and proud solo mum by choice to her fabulous, dinosaur-loving six-year-old daughter.
This week a chat with the author herself.
History Early Pittwater Surfers: Avalon Beach I - 1956: The Carnival That Introduced The Malibu Surfboard Able To Surf Across A Wave FacePittwater Offshore Newsletter:
Click on Logo to access the latest PON: 
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
West Pittwater Rural Fire Service Brigade: 70 years in 2026
West Pittwater Progress Association 12/8/55, (a) expressing appreciation of the recent visit to that district by Councillors; stating that Mr. M.J. Barnes has been appointed Captain and Equipment Officer of the West Pittwater Bush Fire Brigade now in the-process of being formed. Resolved - That this letter be ‘received’ and that the appointment of captain for the Bush Fire Brigade be referred to the Warringah Bush Fire Brigade Committee.
Community Forum: Pittwater MP
Pittwater Business Invite
Both the Newport and Mona Vale Chambers of Commerce are working to activate Pittwater village commercial centres and support local small businesses.
On June 25 2026 an event will take place in Newport to bring everyone together. The Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce states:
'Join us in Newport for relaxed after-work drinks to help launch Pittwater Business and bring local businesses together in a genuinely easy, low-pressure way. Come say g’day to other owners and operators from across Pittwater, hear what the pilot is about, and be part of something local from the start.
Drinks are on us — just bring yourself (and feel free to bring another local business owner).
- When: Thursday 25 June, 5:00pm–7:00pm
- Where: 4 Pines Newport, 313 Barrenjoey Rd, Newport
- Cost: Complimentary drinks (RSVP essential)
Spots are limited, so please RSVP to help us plan.
To RSVP, please visit: HERE

Caution when going in the water: Drones until june 30
Mackerel Beach Wharf Build underway
Manly Warringah Netball Association MWNA Notice: Safety First
As we head into Game weekend, it has been wonderful to see such a big support crew down at the courts cheering on our teams. The atmosphere has been fantastic 💙
Just a little reminder though that we have a huge number of games running across a very busy venue, with limited space around the courts. Please ensure younger siblings are supervised at all times. Last weekend we had a few incidents with small children running into umpires, skating onto courts and balls travelling through active games.
John Fisher Park is an open public space, so children should also be supervised when heading to the canteen, toilets or the park.
For everyone’s safety:
❌ Please leave bikes, skateboards and scooters at home
❌ E-bikes are not permitted within John Fisher Park. If they are being used as transport to and from the courts, they are to be left at the bike racks along Abbott Road and not brought between the courts
❌ Our furry friends are best left at home too
❌ Chairs should be set up at the ends of courts and away from the umpire’s lines.
Thank you everyone for helping us create a safe and enjoyable environment for all players, officials and spectators this weekend. Let Netball be the winner.

Narrabeen JRLC Life Members Day
Narrabeen Sharks is a club that has an amazing history. The success of the club is due to many things, but the biggest thing that has gotten this club to where it is today is the people who give hours upon hours of their own time to ensure the club runs smoothly.
On May 31st we will celebrate our life members. So please come down and support Narrabeen Sharks A Grade Vs. Avalon Bulldogs, and thank our life members at the same time.
Manly Warringah Netball Association: 2026 Mens League
We are now seeking players, coaches and managers interested in representing Manly Warringah Netball Association in the 2026 Mens Metro League season. If you are keen to be part of another exciting season of men’s netball, we would love to hear from you.
Interested members can nominate via the links below 👇
🔗 Players: HERE
🔗 Officials: HERE
Please share with anyone who may be interested in getting involved.

Avalon Beach Historical Society June 2026 Meeting

Saltwater Veterans Drone Support Opportunity
- • Capture and share the impact of the SVSP mission through its sailing programs
- • Support organic sail coaching and training seasons
- • Enhance safety, including aerial monitoring for dangerous marine life


Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
BonBon
3yo French Bulldog

BonBon is just the sweetest girl. She is attentive and loving. She is anxious and always looking for a human lap to jump on. She also enjoys sitting on couches and chairs. She is very social with other small dogs and has a fair bit of energy. Roxy has springy legs and can easily jump puppy fencing. Apart from an ear infection which we are currently treating she is in good health, especially for a brachy breed. There is respiratory effort when she gets excited. She has a smooth coat and weighs 13.8kg. She is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $800
Beau
6mth Russian Blue kitten

Beau is a beautiful gentle boy who came as a kitten from the pound. He had angular limb deformity of the forelimbs but this has straightened out over time. Beau is sweet and cuddly and has made friends with Squirt (listed on our site) since being at our vet clinic. He has a short coat and weighs 2.4kg. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Recovery is Prevention: WRC Community Lunch

- When: Wednesday 28 May.
- Where: The Mona, Mona Vale.
- Cost: $65 per person, two-course lunch and keynote included.
Underwater Photos pre-2000 sought


$1.2 million grant program to support community-led resilience projects
Have your say on Health Star Ratings

Community News + what ran in each Issue
Community News Pages list articles that ran each week as well as reports run in other pages: Inbox and Environment News archives etc.
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Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

JP Public Register
- Terry Jones J.P.
- Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P
Report Hate Crimes
- Every report is taken seriously by the NSW Police Force.
- You can expect a respectful and straightforward experience.
- A translator will be used if required.
- When you report to the police, they will request your details. You can choose not to provide these details at the time of reporting however, this will likely affect how police can proceed with an investigation.
- Support services or contact with an appropriate liaison officer will be offered.
- You will be kept informed of what happens next, your rights and the criminal process (if someone was able to be charged).
Letters to the Editor
Vale Geoff Cater

Safety boost for Pittwater Places of Worship
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Liquor shop at Careel Bay Shops Approved

Application for Dan Murphy's at Careel Head Road
Application Details: Dan Murphy's at 1-3 Careel Head Road,, AVALON BEACH NSW 2107Application number: APP-0015360276
Date posted: 16 Dec 2025Submission period end date: 15 Jan 2026Application type: New licence - packaged liquor - bottle shopStatus: Under assessment
Details at: lngnoticeboard.onegov.nsw.gov.au//APP-0015360276
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Newport to Bilgola Track Night Works Notice
- take place near the Newport Beach carpark over 4 nights - Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May, and Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 June
- be between 8pm and 5.30am
- involve a contraflow / stop-go on Barrenjoey Road with traffic control on site.
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Anthony Hardwick Celebration + Paddle out

Digital Wellbeing Event
New bridge at Queenscliff.

Nominate a Nurse

Marine Rescue Cottage Point: Return + Earn
- Save the barcode to your phone (photos or files)
- Scan it at the Return and Earn machine before you start
- Your full refund from that session will be donated to our campaign

- Download and log in to the Return and Earn app
- Go to Charities → Browse charities
- Search for Marine Rescue Cottage Point
- Select Set as payout
- Scan your app barcode at the machine or depot before returning containers
- Return your eligible containers
- When finished, select Donate on the screen
- Choose Marine Rescue Cottage Point and confirm
- Every container helps keep our volunteers on the water!!
- Thank you for supporting us to support you on the water!
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MR CP 30 - the Chris Gillett
Leadership change at Sydney Metro
More outdoor dining and rooftop bars
- Turning up the volume in community facilities like town halls by enabling them to host pop up events without a development application.
- Expanding rooftop dining and entertainment options.
- Making it easier to convert empty shops and offices into licensed small entertainment venues like small wine bars and restaurants.
- Activating commercial buildings and car parks for temporary uses like live music or community events.
- This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering better more vibrant communities where people can live, work and play.
Warriewood SLSC's Biggest Morning Tea

Applications open for grants to improve the lives of people with disability
Support Jason's road to recovery

NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards 2026 Nominations now Open
- Young Volunteer of the Year 24 years and under
- Adult Volunteer of the Year 25 to 64 years
- Senior Volunteer of the Year 65 years and over
- Volunteer Team of the Year Two individuals or over
- Emergency Volunteer of the Year An individual or teams volunteering in emergency prevention, preparation, response, or recovery efforts.
- Volunteer Leader of the Year A designated volunteer manager, a team of volunteer managers or a registered not-for-profit organisation
- Not-for-Profit Voluntary Governance Award An unpaid board of directors or individual board member, who exemplifies excellence in governance
8-Storey SSD lodged for 35-39 Darley Street
- Infrastructure Strain: The Warriewood Sewage Treatment Plant is already at capacity; adding high-density loads to this site is a failure of planning foresight.
- Traffic & Safety: Darley Street East is the main access road to the beach and struggles with local flow at any time. This SSD adds hundreds of daily vehicle movements to a bottleneck.
- Heritage & Character: The proposed height destroys the visual "village" feel that defines Mona Vale.
Avalon water mains renewal construction
- re-established our temporary compound in the grassy area opposite 61 Barrenjoey Road. We appreciate your patience as we occupy two parking spaces on Old Barrenjoey Road so that we can safely move machinery and equipment in and out of the compound.
- re-established our work area within Sydney Water’s Ingleside reservoir site.
- work during the night to continue laying the last sections of water main at the intersection of Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade. This stage of work will take about three to four months to complete, weather and ground conditions permitting.
- work during the night to repair some potholes along Old Barrenjoey Road within our work area.
- set up a laydown area close to our work site near Avalon Parade, in front of Chemist Warehouse. We’ll take some parking spaces while this area is in use.
Women Helping Women SES workshop 2026

Pittwater Community Groups:
Mona Vale Residents Association

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: share Wildlife Data
- The position via GPS or road and suburb
- The date
- The animal

