Layne Beachley AO Receives Surfing Australia Life Membership + 2024 Australian Surfing Awards Finalists - Winners
Surfing Australia are honoured to announce that former Surfing Australia Chair and seven-time World Champion, Layne Beachley AO, was awarded Surfing Australia Life Membership at the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards held Saturday night, December 7.
Layne Beachley AO is a surfing legend. Claiming a remarkable seven world titles, she is the only surfer in the world to win six consecutively.
Her path to success was filled with challenges: adoption, mental illness, life-threatening injuries, and failures. Embracing setbacks as growth opportunities, Layne’s honest and determined approach to life and success is inspiring. Author, motivational speaker and champion for the environment, she also promotes mental wellness as an ambassador for The Black Dog Institute, RUOK? Day and Gotcha4life. Her journey from adversity to greatness has inspired her to guide others to live happier and more purposeful lives through her transformational work at Awake Academy.
"I’m deeply humbled and grateful to receive this award," Layne said. "While it’s an honour, it also reminds me how much more there is to do. Being the first and only woman to achieve this recognition is not lost on me.
"My surfing career spanned nearly two decades: Seven world titles, 29 tour victories, and 17 years in the top 10. But it was beyond the waves where I found the most purpose—challenging norms, advocating for equality and driving progress.
Serving on the ASP board for 15 years, I fought for pay equity, better events and a fairer future for women’s surfing. I’m proud to have led initiatives like staging the richest surfing event in the world for seven years, raising prize money, wave quality and exposure for the women’s tour.
"Inspired by these challenges, I founded a charitable foundation to support girls and women in achieving their dreams, whether in sport or life. Aim For The Stars granted about 500 women a total of $1 million in scholarships to help them achieve greatness and change the world.
In January 2015 on Australia Day, Layne Beachley received an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) for her outstanding achievements and service, recognising her mentoring of young women and influence in the community, and her work through the Aim for the Stars Foundation.
"I am very honoured and humbled by the award. I have always loved what I do and feel very blessed that I have been able to make a contribution to Australian surf culture and our community". - Layne Beachley
Layne became the first female Patron of Surfing Australia in 2023 after stepping down from the board following 14 years of service.
Layne said this past week; "My 14 years on the Surfing Australia board, including eight as Chair, taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, resourcefulness and collaboration. Together, we pushed the sport forward and shared its stoke.
Building a world class High Performance centre and program, developing clear and powerful pathways for future champions, becoming an Olympic sport and investing heavily into the grass roots are just some of my personal highlights.
"Giving back to my community has been equally rewarding—mentoring, coaching and championing female participation for my local boardriders club and sharing my lessons and experience with the future generation as part of the Talent ID program. Surfing remains at the heart of everything I do, bringing me endless joy and keeping me centred. I love it more now than ever and am forever grateful for the support I’ve received along the way.
"Thank you for this incredible honour. It inspires me to keep riding the wave of progress."
Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said: "Let me tell you something about Layne Beachley. Everyone knows her as one of the greatest surfers of all time—a true champion in the water. But what many might not realise is just how remarkable she is out of the water. As Chair of Surfing Australia, Layne didn’t just lead—she transformed. She doubled the organisation’s turnover, and she did it with the same grit, intelligence, and vision that made her a world champion. Layne is smart, she’s dedicated, and above all, she’s selfless. She didn’t just serve the sport she loves—she elevated it for future generations. That’s leadership. That’s Layne Beachley."
Even today, Layne surfs every day, enjoys Rosé, and admits her biggest weakness is hot chips.
Surfing Australia Life Membership is recognition of a person who has rendered distinguished or special service to the sport of surfing at the national level. It is awarded from time to time when the Surfing Australia Board and the Annual General Meeting of members believe it is warranted.
In 2023 Layne Beachley, AO, become the 24th NSW athlete and the first surfer to be elevated to NSW Legend Status.
Layne is the 10th female athlete to be elevated to NSW Legend Status joining the likes of Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Marjorie Jackson-Nelson, Shane Gould, Louise Sauvage, Anne Sargeant, Heather McKay, Margaret Court, Betty Cuthbert, and Dawn Fraser.
Layne is the first woman to win seven World Championships and in 2018 Layne won an eighth world title becoming the first female winner of the WSL World Masters Championship.
Layne has been inducted into the US and Australian Surfing Halls of Fame and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. She was five times Australian Surfing Life Magazine’s Surfer of the Year, three times NSW Sportsperson of the Year and won the coveted ESPN Surfer of the Year in 2001. She was 2003 Australian Female Athlete of the Year.
Layne with her award. Photo: Sport NSW
2018: Australians Rob Bain, Layne Beachley and Dave Macaulay won the Azores Airlines World Masters Championship in historic fashion claiming victory in the Final bouts against Cheyne Horan (AUS), Rochelle Ballard (HAW) and Shane Beschen (HAW) respectively in the Grand Masters, Women’s Masters and Men’s Masters divisions held in good three foot surf at praia de Santa Barbara. Photo WSL / LAURENT MASUREL
Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club post-fire Clubhouse Replacement Option Proposed
As residents may be aware Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club's clubhouse in Jamieson Park, Narrabeen was destroyed by fire on 27 November 2021, and they have been involved in the process of consultation with Council as to the construction of a replacement.
See Community News November 2021, Community News December 2021 and Pittwater Online report:
Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club Fire: Members Launch Fundraisers to get the kids back on the water after loss of equipment - December 2021
Having been through this process, Council developed a multi-million-dollar proposal which included expanded facilities for the wider community comprising a café as well as boat storage and a meeting room for the club and other sporting community groups.
The NLSC have now been notified by Council that there are no funds available to progress with the building in the foreseeable future.
Council's webpage for the project advises:
''We anticipate construction will begin in late-2025.
We anticipate this project will take 12 months to construct, weather permitting.
As the building was damaged by fire, Council will claim insurance to partially fund a like-for-like rebuild. Subject to the final approved proposal, we will seek grant opportunities to cover any funding shortfalls.
This leaves the NLSC to operate out of storage containers with no all-weather shelter indefinitely.
Artist impression of eastern elevation; View towards cafe and community room: Image: NBC
Artist impression of northern elevation; View towards boat store and water sports facilities: Image: NBC
A spokesperson for the Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club told Pittwater Online on Friday, December 6
''We are exploring other options and members of the club have registered to address Council in the Public Forum on 10th December (of the December 2024 Council Meeting).
''Having followed Council actions closely over a number of years we understand that the replacement of amenities building at Balgowlah Oval was achieved through the use of a demountable structure. This magnificent new structure, highly commended by the then current Mayor Michael Regan was completed within approximately three months at a cost of less than $900,000. The project was jointly funded by Council and grants from the Greater Sydney Sports Facilities Fund.
See: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/Balgowlah_oval_amenities
''We propose to put to Council that installation of such a high-tech demountable would be far more cost and time effective.''
''Our Club will have sailed on Narrabeen Lake for 120 years next year. Many generations of families have learnt to sail on the lake which is considered to be the safest place to sail in Sydney. '' the spokesperson said
''We continue to grow despite not having facilities and provide an element of safety on the lake through our presence by way of rescues each weekend.
The previous clubhouse was relatively small but provided shelter. Council’s now shelved proposed plan was far bigger than the originally mooted like-for-like.
''A demountable structure would effectively meet our needs and incorporate provision for future extension should Council desire to do so.'' the spokesperson said in closing.
In the meantime, the NLSC is still offering its Summer school holidays program for youngsters - details are:
Warriewood Community Centre Build: December 2024 Update
Joe Mills has taken some updated photos for the Warriewood Community Centre build on Monday December 2 2024. These run below.
Background on this project under NBC is a report noting community feedback and recommending the project proceed to Development Application was endorsed by Council in October 2020.
The Development Application DA2021/0199 was lodged on 29 March 2021 and approved by the Sydney North Planning Panel on 18 August 2021.
At the Council Meeting on 24 October 2023 it was resolved to finalise contract negotiations.
The preferred Contractor Belmadar Pty Ltd, Naremburn based, was selected.
After the details were finalised in mid December 2023 Belmadar stated:
''Belmadar is excited to announce it has been engaged by the Northern Beaches Council to build the new Warriewood Community Centre.
The project includes demolishing the existing community centre and constructing a new single-storey facility arranged in pods and joined through a complex roof structure. The structure will be built from a mixture of Glulam, CLT panels and Structural Steel. The project includes significant landscaping works around the perimeter of the site.
North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Extension: Update + only One NSW WSL Event in 2025
Council made available for feedback a proposal for alterations and additions at North Narrabeen SLSC in April 2023.
The proposed upgrade works comprise a minor extension to provide a suitable meeting space for the NNBC and other building improvements that include alterations to:
- improve accessibility
- provide upgraded facilities - including an enclosed space on the first floor deck
- fix waterproofing of the first-floor deck, and
- provide a general upgrade to the building to improve community and member use of the space.
The proposed works are planned to be carried out in three (3) stages:
Stage 1 – Boardriders room, BBQ area renewal and associated landscaping works (GF) and slab extension (L1).
Stage 2 – Internal refurbishment with new ceiling, lighting, flooring (L1).
Stage 3 – Decking renewal and waterproofing works, new enclosed space, balustrades and cladding (L1).
The project aims to provide a new meeting room for the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club to meet their operational needs, address the failure of the waterproofing of the first floor slab and generally improve the facility for members and the community.
The total project cost including professional fees, authority fees and staff costs is estimated to be in the order of $2.85M.
Stage 1 - $780K
Stage 2 - $135K
Stage 3 - $1.95M
The works are proposed to be funded through Council Capital Works programs and grant applications.
Proposed alterations and additions, concept drawing. Sketch: NBC
- improve accessibility
- provide upgraded facilities - including an enclosed space on the first floor deck
- fix waterproofing of the first floor deck, and
- provide a general upgrade to the building to improve community and member use of the space.
- Stage 1 – Boardriders room, BBQ area renewal and associated landscaping works (GF) and slab extension (L1).
- Stage 2 – Internal refurbishment with new ceiling, lighting, flooring (L1).
- Stage 3 – Decking renewal and waterproofing works, new enclosed space, balustrades and cladding (L1).
No Manly to Barrenjoey WSL event in 2025
- North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club: Proposed alterations and extensions (April 2023 editions)
- Surf Club Facility Program 2024 Allocations are Great News for North Narrabeen, Mona Vale, South Curl Curl (May 2024 Editions)
- Jordan Lawler Wins 2024 World Surf League GWM Sydney Surf Pro.! ( May 2024 editions)
Aquatics Layne Beachley AO Receives Surfing Australia Life Membership + 2024 Australian Surfing Awards Finalists - Winners
Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club post-fire Clubhouse Replacement Option Proposed
Warriewood Community Centre Build: December 2024 Update
North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Extension: Update + only One NSW WSL Event in 2025
Safe Speed Program for Safer Neighbourhoods Being applied across local roads: new surface for Bilgola Bends + Speed humps on Tasman road + Upgrades for Mona Vale pedestrian Crossings
Pictures: Clareville from on high: views over Pittwater
Zali Steggall Welcomes Funding for Upgraded Warringah Sporting Facilities
Liberal Candidate for Warringah in 2025 Election announced: Mr Dutton Visits Dee Why
Marine Rescue NSW boosts Sydney Harbour rescue capability for peak boating period: Marine Rescue Middle Harbour + Marine Rescue Port Jackson will provide 7-days-a-week duty across December-January
DIY Ideas Christmas-New Years Checklist: Preparing the Garden & Home For Visitors + Entertaining + Gift Ideas For Every Budget
Park Bench Philosophers: Social media platforms are throttling access to real and genuine independent news – with far-reaching implications for democracy
Education News: Freshwater campus to be expanded - Forest High School revised boundaries - New Sports High School in 2025 - How to Best Support Students with disability accessing HSC exams: Review underway
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Week One - December 2024, Issue 637
Rates Variations Options 1 to 4 Prompt ‘Option 5’: Reinstate Pittwater Council
Pittwater MP shows NSW Premier unfinished Mona Vale Road West Construction site
Local surfers help NSW win the Australian Junior Surfing Titles - Milla Brown is the 2024 Australian Junior Champion!
Aquatics National Water Safety Day 2024: A Timely Reminder to Stay Safe Around Water This Summer
Park Bench Philosophers Liberal-Labor collaboration on Electoral Reform to lockout all others – lock in just themselves collapses: Update
Bayview Public Wharf Gone; Bayview Public Baths still not netted - Salt Pan Public Wharf Going
Bayview Pollution runoff persists: Resident states raw sewerage is being washed into the estuary
Pictures Bayview's new walkway, current state of the Bayview public Wharf & Baths + Maybanke Cove
Consumers urged to choose quality batteries this sale season after record number of fires + Nation-first Information Standard for lithium-ion e-bikes and e-skateboards: feedback open to December 6
Mackerel Beach Wharf Upgrade Design Open for Feedback: Submissions close Sunday December 4
Scotland Island Dieback Accelerating: IPART Review of increases In Sydney Water's Pricing Proposals An Opportunity to ask: 'what happened to the 'Priority Sewerage Scheme' for our Island? - Submissions Close December 9
Council Consultation on Special Variation to Rates Submissions close Sunday January 12, 2025
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November 2024 Week Four of Issue 636: Articles reported by Readers to have broken links to be resent to subscribers
A Host of Local Athletes among Finalists Announced for the 2024 Australian Surfing Awards
Paradise Beach Baths renewal Complete - Taylor's Point Public Wharf Rebuild Underway
Salt Pan Public Wharf, Regatta Reserve, Florence Park, Salt Pan Cove Reserve, Refuge Cove Reserve - Pictorial
2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Has A Diverse Fleet: 5 RPAYC Entries
DIY Ideas Christmas Cheer 2024: Time to Deck Your Home With Rows Of Jolly! + Keeping Mozzies away - Ticks at Bay This Summer
Community News A doggy perspective on Christmas, North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Extension: Update, No Manly to Barrenjoey WSL event in 2025, Funding to support community-led response to men's mental health crisis, Public Meeting: Sydney North Planning Panel- Patyegarang/Lizard Rock - correct link for Docs, Homes for NSW discussion paper: submissions close December 20, Christmas food 2024: Warriewood trolley, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Rupert + Mr Beans, Elanora Christmas Markets now December 8, Carols on the Green at Av. Bowlo: December 8, Christmas Market on the Green Now December 15, Christmas food 2024: Warriewood trolley, Council invites EOI for Pittwater Golf Centre, Community Building Partnership grants available soon, Avalon Beach SLSC turns 100 in 2025!, National Asbestos Awareness Week – a reminder to always be vigilant, Avalon Beach Historical Society December 2024 Meeting, New virtual care service launching in Sydney in December, Consumers urged to choose quality batteries this sale season after record number of fires, Inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by Lithium-ion batteries, Avalon Boomerang Bags: Festive Bags, Dippers at Warriewood Beach, Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2025, Marine Rescue Broken Bay: Christmas Raffle 2024, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter, Whale Beach SLSC: Members Needed, Pittwater Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment and Groups
Environment Turimetta Moods: Friday December 6 2024, Ruskin Rowe Trees Update, Bayview Pollution runoff persists: Resident states raw sewerage is being washed into the estuary, Terrified Koala, Scotland Island Dieback Accelerating: IPART Review of increases In Sydney water's pricing proposals feedback closes December 9, Public Meeting: Strategic Planning Panel of the Sydney North Planning Panel- Patyegarang /Lizard Rock - correct link for documents, Labor refuses to assess climate impacts of three proposed coal projects: Greens urge Albanese to reject them, Government must not sell out environment to big salmon corporations, Trusted partner to the Pacific or giant fossil fuel exporter?; This week Australia chose the latter, Scientists counted 49 ways Australia is destroying the ecosystems we hold dear, A $13 billion, 30-year flop: landmark study reveals stark failure to halt Murray-Darling River decline, Global plastic pollution talks have stalled – but a treaty is possible if countries can agree on these three things, Australia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beetles. Look out for these 5 beauties this Summer, ‘They’re my babies’: what our attitudes to backyard chickens reveals about Australians, Atlantic salmon need saving but current conservation measures could do more harm than good, Plans to stabilise Earth’s climate rely on emerging carbon removal technology – we need to get moving, US Supreme Court could narrow the scope of federal environmental reviews with less consideration of how projects would contribute to climate change: US Test case, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Closed areas: Barrenjoey Access trail (weekdays) - Towlers Bay fire trail - Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails, Garigal National Park: ‘1080 pest management’, Rockfall closes section of track in Blue Mountains National Park, Science To Revive Our Oceans: SIM's has a PHD Opportunity - operation Crayweed, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue Group on the 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 Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Pittwater's Birds, + more
Aquatics Layne Beachley AO Receives Surfing Australia Life Membership + 2024 Australian Surfing Awards Finalists - Winners
Children Sunday Cartoons- This Issue: Never Give Up, Australia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beetles. Look out for these 5 beauties this summer, Christmas Carols 2024, Curious Kids: why do spiders have hairy legs? + Why do people grow to certain sizes? + how do ants make their own medicine? + Do Mom and Dad really know what’s best? A psychologist explains why kids see their parents as bossier than they are, Stories this Issue: If Mice Pulled the Sleigh + The Magician's Hat, groups for you + more
Youth Freshwater campus to be expanded, More than just a sporting chance: A new Sports High School in 2025, Saving our Species: Meet the Expert – Simon Lee, TAFE Fee-free* courses - semester 1 2025 enrol now, Study subsidies: NSW’s health workforce, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Mercy, Do Mum and Dad really know what’s best? A psychologist explains why kids see their parents as bossier than they are, Australia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beetles; Look out for these 5 beauties this Summer, Spotify Wrapped is about more than what songs you listen to – it’s about what makes you you, Arts Project Australia gives us a small revolution: art reflecting back at us what it is to live in contemporary Australia, New research shows how long, hard and often you need to stretch to improve your flexibility, To map the vibration of the universe astronomers built a detector the size of the galaxy, Victorian Christmases were both thrifty and indulgent – try these DIY projects and yours could be too, An annual roadshow is helping kids from remote Australia realise their dreams of becoming a scientist, 3 surprising vegan foods that can make you sick this Summer, + local services for you
Seniors National action plan on dementia released, Avalon Beach SLSC turns 100 in 2025!, Celebrating 10 years in Seniors’ Stories: Congratulations!, NSA flushed with recommendations for NSW Public Toilet Inquiry, Intergenerational Playgroup Program, More support for managing your super a welcome move: COTA Australia, What’s fair in the fight to keep bank branches open and access to cash alive?, Planning for old age? Here’s what the aged care changes mean for you, Australians still feeling pain in the hip-pocket but there are positive signs of growth ahead, The government wants to create a new class of financial adviser for super fund members. Here’s why – and how it might work, Victorian Christmases were both thrifty and indulgent – try these DIY projects and yours could be too, What your finger length might predict about your drinking habits – new study, Local events, services, groups for you + more
DIY Ideas Christmas-New Years Checklist: Preparing the Garden & Home For Visitors + Entertaining + Gift Ideas For Every Budget
Preparing for Christmas and that long relax that commences Boxing Day is a great way to relieve stress and take the hassle out of 'getting it all done'. We prepare a few lists each year and just tick everything off as it gets done; the jobs around the house, the jobs around the garden, the food list, the guests list and of course, the gifts list - with an emphasis on getting it all locally so time isn't wasted sitting in traffic. This Issue a few tips to ensure you enjoy your holidays and keep the youngsters busy.
Food Christmas Sweet Treats You Can Make As Gifts + Hogmanay (New Years) Dinner Australian Style + Summer Picnic Ideas
Do you get better food at home than you can eat elsewhere? Do you want to give something this Christmas that will be remembered and bring some sweetness – a gift worth giving? Also - it's Summer Salad Season! A few of the favourites for your picnic season
Summer in pittwater: December 2024
Turimetta Moods: Friday December 6 2024
Joe Mills says:
What stood out for me was the dying off of the algae on the low tide rock shelfs, and this morning's fog at Narrabeen rock pool and North Narrabeen Beach.
the mini-blowhole at Turimetta and algae dying off
Turimetta: rock shelf patterns at low tide
Sea mist at North Narrabeen Beach, Friday morning, December 6 2024
Joe's December edition of Turimetta Moods will run Sunday December 15, and as it's the last official Issue of the news service for 2024, will include an overview of all his Turimetta Moods records of our area for 2024.
Pittwater Online News is Published Every Sunday Morning
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