The VW State Classic 2025, a historic event, brought together five Surfing NSW State Titles: Junior, Masters, Longboard, SUP, High School, under one banner for the very first time.
Taking place in Coffs Harbour from May 27 – June 1, the six day event featured over 600 of NSW’s best surfers, aged 9 to 80+.
Surfing NSW CEO Lucas Townsend said the VW State Classic signals a new focus for the organisation on uplifting grassroots competition and bringing community together to celebrate our surf culture.
“The VW State Classic is a first for Surfing NSW, bringing shortboard, longboard and SUP together in one flagship event. It’s a celebration of grassroots competition and the legacy of being a NSW State Champion.
Beyond the lineup, it unites competitors and the local community at Aanuka Beach House to honour the region’s rich surf culture and coastal spirit.
We’re stoked to have Sawtell, Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour Boardriders Clubs involved, and we’re grateful to the local surf community for generously sharing their waves with our State competitors.”
Surfers from Manly to Palm Beach have featured across the event with the evening of Wednesday May 28 marking a special part of the celebrations of surfing when Tim Reilly was inducted as a Life Member of Surfing NSW, joined by other outstanding Life Members and surrounded by the NSW longboard community.
Surfing NSW said:
''Tim’s unwavering dedication to the grassroots of our sport and his support for the next generation run deep. He’s been a vital connector for longboarding within Surfing NSW, always showing up with open arms, knowledge, and a full heart. Whether it’s funding junior competitors out of his own pocket or creating pathways that didn’t exist before, his impact speaks for itself.''
Curl Curl Longboard Club's Tim Reilly - Surfing NSW's latest Life Member
A Curl Curl Longboard Club President Tim Reilly, along with fellow clubmates John Fraser, Jason Livingston, Tom Bennetts, Matthew Anderson and Adam McManus were also competing, with great results for some. Local high school teacher Neale Ashby also had a great run, bowing out just before the semi-finals.
In the Junior event, Ocea Curtis and local surfer Ben Zanatta claimed the Under 18 Girls and Boys titles, while Lucy Darragh and Joey Silk secured wins in the Under 16 divisions.
Keira Buckpitt took out the Open Women’s title, with Koda Killorn claiming victory in the Open Men’s division.
NASA surfer Shane Carroll took out his division, with fellow Pittwaterian Shane Conwell rounding out the final 4 in their Masters comp.
Former Avalon Beach and Barrenjoey High School alumni Col Bernasconi won his age division in the Masters shortboard competition - not the first time Col has been a State Champion.
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Profile of the Week The King's Birthday 2025 Honours List Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, announced the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours list on Monday 9 June 2025.
The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List recognises 830 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service. This represents an increase of awardees of almost 30% since the Australia Day 2025 List.
The list includes people recommended to the Governor-General by the Council of the Order of Australia and organisations responsible for recommending meritorious, gallantry, distinguished and conspicuous honours.
“I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List,” the Governor-General said. “These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country.
“As your Governor-General, I see the values of care, kindness and respect in the many Australians who are honoured today, and in those who have been recognised throughout the fifty-year history of our Australian honours system.
“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve. To all who are being recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, I want to offer my congratulations and gratitude for all that you have given to Australia – and I look forward to meeting many of you at the investiture of your awards,” the Governor-General said.
In addition to the 581 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (14 AC, 31 AO, 123 AM and 413 OAM), today’s Honours list includes:
- 36 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (3 AO, 10 AM and 23 OAM) and 64 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards
- 149 Meritorious awards
Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at the Government House in their respective state or territory in coming months to receive the insignia of their award.
2025 Kings Birthday Honours from and those who have served the community in this area are Michael Bate - AM, Peter Meldrum Biscoe KC - AM, Richard Penn - AM, Teresa Plane - AM, Andrew Warden - AM, Robert (Bob) Connors - OAM, Dean Gardiner - OAM, Kim Mukuka - OAM, Ray Petersen OAM, Juris Turmanis - OAM, Michael Richer - ASM, Commissioner Alex Barrell - ESM, Douglas Lucas - ESM, Lance Miller - ESM.
History WEA's Newport Summer School – for Workers, WANS + Future U.S., B.P.F. Wives: Local Insights for The 80th Commemoration of VP Day in 2025In the lead into VP Day 2025 we share a few local connections to the World War Two conflict in the Pacific that may not be well-known, commencing with the Workers' Educational Association 'Summer School' facility, which once stood on the corner of Wallamatta and Nullaburra roads at Newport, and was the venue for Women's Australian National Service (WANS), in particular the Sydney University Wans (known as "Swans") training, and by 1945 was the place for US and UK War Brides (BPF: British Pacific Fleet servicemen) who learnt skills which may make their new lives in their husband's countries easier.
Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day in 2025 will be commemorated on Friday, August 15th in 2025, and will be mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allied forces in 1945. This day signifies the end of World War II in the Pacific and is a time for Australians to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of all those who served in this conflict, and particularly in the Pacific.
A combined Sub-Branches VP Day Commemoration Service will be held at the Avalon Beach RSL Cenotaph, commencing at 11.30am, led by Vice President Tamara Sloper-Harding, OAM, with the 2025 Guest Speaker being Commanding Officer HMAS Waterhen; Commander Lucy Frauenfelder, RAN.
In the Pacific theatre of World War II, Australia experienced significant casualties. The Australian War Memorial records at least 27,073 Australian soldiers were killed and 23,477 wounded from enemy action. Additionally, over 30,000 Australians were captured by the Japanese during the war, with a significant number dying in captivity.
On September 3rd, 1939, the day Great Britain declared war on Germany, Australia also declared war, announced by then Prime Minister Robert Menzies on national radio.
The conflict, which would continue for 6 years, saw Australia attacked for the first time, at Darwin, and through the mini-submarine attacks within Sydney Harbour and along the eastern seaboard, with one of these being found off Bungan Beach, now an official war grave.
When the Empire of Japan captured the British stronghold of Singapore between February 8 to 15 1942, imprisoning young men like Warriewood's Walter Williams and Palm Beach SLSC's Adrian Curlewis, by then Prime Minister John Curtin recalled many of the Australians serving in North Africa and the Europeans theatres of conflict.
Pittwater's Anthony Ruskin Rowe, a spitfire pilot and one of those recalled, lost his life on June 20th 1943 defending Darwin, while Narrabeen resident Lindsay Dufty served on the ground in the top end.
In Pittwater a submarine boom would be placed between Barrenjoey and the West Head headlands, anti-tank traps would rip up the countryside between Mona Vale, Bungan and Bayview, barbed wire would be placed along the beaches to thwart invasion and troops would be stationed at gun emplacements along the peninsula, while Coast Watchers, along with women who stayed would be part of the 'spotter' squads - stationing themselves along each headland - with the women taking on a roster of each staying atop the headlands twice each each week to look out for and report enemy ships, submarines and planes. Only one known fatality is recorded, at this stage, of those all-women 'spotter' squads, Palm Beach resident Ailsa Craig, by then the wife of Captain George Urquhart (Scotty) Allan.
Events Raturdays, Warringah Rugby's Annual Luncheon, Band Comp. at Palm Beach, 'Warringah and Music, Markets, Social Groups, + lots more.
Community News Friendly's 50 Years of Coaching: Community Recognition statement, ABHS June Meeting, Labor introduces laws to crack down on misuse of affordable housing, Pothole Problems: How to report, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel tolls rise, Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road: Update, Nominations open for the 2025 Australian Mental Health Prize, Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf Closure, The 2025 CWAS "David Malin Awards", Bilgola Beach Carpark Accessible parking upgrade: Feedback Invited, Parliamentary Committee to examine early childhood education and care sector in NSW, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Lady + Tango, Proposed Road Reserve Lease - Wilga Street and Powderworks Road, Elanora Heights, Proposed Laneway Closure and sale of land: 20-28 Montauban Avenue, Seaforth, More funding available for war memorials in NSW, Create NSW Cultural Grants - Now Open, Pittwater Sports, Social, Environment, Residents Associations and Groups
Environment Discover Sydney’s blooming spectacular Muogamarra, Decades of searching and a chance discovery: why finding Leadbeater’s possum in NSW is such big news, Hello Leadbeater's Possum! Species thought extinct in NSW found in Kosciuszko National Park, Welcoming winter gardens: BirdLife Australia - FREE Online Habitat Course, 2025 World Albatross Day: 19 June, Surfrider Foundation: June 22 2025 Surf Swap at Narrabeen, Whale Census Day 2025: June 29, Have your say on council's climate change policy, Council's Draft Land Dealings Policy: Have your Say, Council's Proposed Amendments to Development Control Plans (DCPs) For Low and Mid-Rise Housing: Have Your Say, Weed of the Week: Morning Glory - please get it out of your garden, First Strategy to protect NSW heritage released, Sydney Water sewage licences reviews open for public consultation: Warriewood + Manly, Sydney Water Management Regulation 2025: have your say, WIRES 2025 Grants Applications Now Open, First NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan released: Feedback invited, Solar for apartment residents: Funding, Have your say: NSW Sustainable Communities Program, Mine safety cost recovery regulation: have your say, Dorrigo Arc Rainforest Centre environmental review available: Have your say, We tracked 13,000 giants of the ocean over 30 years, to uncover their hidden highways, Could a river sue a corporation? Robert Macfarlane’s books change the world – now he’s advocating for the world’s waterways, Extreme weather events have slowed economic growth, adding to the case for another rate cut, Kids care deeply about our planet so adults need to start listening, The Top End’s tropical savannas are a natural wonder – but weak environment laws mean their future is uncertain, Australia’s latest emissions data reveal we still have a giant fossil fuel problem, Unprecedented heat in the North Atlantic Ocean kickstarted Europe’s hellish 2023 summer. Now we know what caused it, Five geoengineering trials the UK is funding to combat global warming, The chicks are alright: what songbirds can teach us about divorce and moving on, The Queensland government is cancelling renewable energy projects. Can the state still reach net zero, These 5 roadblocks are standing in the way of energy-efficient home, ‘1080 pest management’, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, Marine wildlife rescue group Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +
Aquatics NSW Government announces Beachwatch program to continue under current model for another two years
Children Sunday Cartoons - This Issue: "Laika & Nemo", 2025 NSW School Sport Games: Results + State Team for Australian Football, Net-Set-Go at Avalon: Peninsula Netball Club, 2025 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards entries are now open, What bird is that? Ravens & Crows, Curious Kids: can spiders swim? + why do some dogs get ‘snow nose’ in winter? + why is air colder the higher up you go? + how is snow made?, Stories this week: Sneezy the Snowman + 'Just Snow Already!' read by Julianna Margulies, clubs fun and more for you
Youth High schools Get Hooked on new fishing program, North Narrabeen in 1911 - Panoramas taken for West's Lakeside Estate, Opportunities: Surfrider Foundation's June 2025 Surf Swap + Kay Cottee Women's Development Regatta + The 2025 CWAS "David Malin Awards" + More places available in innovative jobs program for women + 2025 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards entries are now open + Band Comp. at Palmy, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Snow, The four best non-lyrical vocal moments in pop music – from la la las to duh duh duhs, ‘There are too many unpleasant things in life without creating more’: why Impressionism is the world’s favourite art movement, Both novelty and familiarity affect memory – how to make use of this when preparing for exams, Your smartphone is a parasite according to evolution, Australia’s lowest paid workers just got a 3.5% wage increase. Their next boost could be even better, Austen and Turner: A Country House Encounter captures the spirit of two great geniuses, Friday essay: let’s rethink Australia’s national security – and focus on fairness and climate action,local groups and services for you
Seniors Friendly's 50 Years of Coaching: Community Recognition statement, Avalon Beach Historical Society June Meeting, History of Narrabeen: U3A Speaker, New Aged Care Act to start from 1 November, E-learning now available for the new Aged Care Act, AvPals 25th Year: Term Two Newport Sessions, Your smartphone is a parasite, according to evolution, COTA Australia statement regarding Aged Care Act delay, Reform delay backed but home care action needed now, Resident-to-resident aggression is common in nursing homes. Here’s how we can improve residents’ safety, The Potter Museum of Art relaunches with the outstanding 65,000 Years; a Short History of Australian Art, Too much sitting increases risk of future health problems in chest pain patients – new research, Local services and groups for you
Pictures Long Reef Sunrise Headland Walk by Joe Mills
DIY Ideas 11 Ways to keep your home warm, safe and save money this Winter
Inbox News Do the quick and easy bowel screening test that could save your life: Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Exercise proves powerful in preventing colon cancer recurrence: new study, Rosalind Croucher appointed NSW Information Commissioner, National Anti-Scam Centre calls for stronger business role to disrupt scams, Average retail petrol prices edge higher in the March quarter on the back of a lower Australian dollar, Three years after the Jenkins report there is still work to be done on improving parliament culture, Is the private hospital system collapsing? Here’s what the sector’s financial instability means for you, Newcastle ready for global take-off with first international flight outside Australasia, With a government review underway we have to ask why children bully other kids, Police aren’t properly trained for mental health crises – but they’re often the first responders. Here’s what works better, People with severe mental illness are waiting for days in hospital EDs; Here’s how we can do better, What’s a ‘Strombolian eruption’? A volcanologist explains what happened at Mount Etna
Food Winter Warmers Leek And Potato Soup, Coq Au Vin + Apple, Date and Walnut Cake With Caramel Sauce
It's that time of year when you want something hot and substantial - 'rib sticking' food in other words. With food prices having increased an average of 25% over the past few months, choosing seasonal ingredients, that usually come at a better price, and items grown not too far from home to eliminate transporting goods add-on costs, this Issue a few of the dishes we've been making to feed a hungry family without breaking the budget.
Park Bench Philosophers Snow Season 2025: Local Connections with the Sport of Skiing beginnings in Charles Kerry, Percy Hunter and Herbert
