Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has requested at least 2000 more signatures from eligible Pittwater voters before he will refer the proposal to reinstate Pittwater Council to the NSW Boundaries Commission.
Minister Hoenig conceded in a parliamentary speech on 8 May 2024 that the legislation only required 250 signatures for a community-lead s215 proposal to be valid. Back then, he added that it would take a lot more than that to convince him to refer such a proposal to the boundaries commission – but never gave a precise number.
In the months that followed that speech, Protect Pittwater’s hardworking volunteers set about gathering those signatures from Pittwater Electors and well over 4000 signatures were presented to the Minister at Parliament House on 19 March 2025.
In a letter to Protect Pittwater President Simon Dunn earlier this month, Minister Hoenig recognised the significant effort Protect Pittwater had put into its s215 proposal and apologised for his delayed response. In his letter, copied to all Northern Beaches Local Members, and to Northern Beaches Council, he went on to say:
“For a proposal to proceed to the Boundaries Commission, I need to be assured that it has a substantial degree of support.”
“Accordingly, I request that you seek at least a further 2,000 signatures.”
After so long waiting for a response, Protect Pittwater is now regrouping to achieve the new target set by the Minister Hoenig and is spurred on in its mission not only by the growing discontent with Northern Beaches Council but also by Minister Hoenig and the NSW Boundaries Commission furthering two other proposals for de-amalgamation.
The Pittwater community will see our volunteers back on the streets in the coming weeks as we gather additional signatures from those residents who desperately want to bring back a lean and local council that listens to its community and safeguards Pittwater’s precious natural environment.
We are confident that Pittwater’s proposal will be next to be referred to the Boundaries Commission and that Local Government will be restored to this area.
Protect Pittwater
More at: protectpittwater.org
Background
Pittwater Council, initially part of the Warringah Shire, was proclaimed as a separate municipality on May 1, 1992. It existed as an independent local council for about 24 years before being forced to amalgamate with Manly and Warringah Councils to form the Northern Beaches Council on May 12, 2016. This was despite strong local opposition, including an 89% vote against amalgamation in a Pittwater Council survey.
In 2023 Protect Pittwater members again began gathering signatures on a petition for a plebiscite and a return of Pittwater Council following the first one becoming ‘lost’ for 12 months and then once 'found' again being rejected by the then Coalition Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton, despite meeting the criteria under the Local Government Act for the same.
However, the most recent '12 month delay' repeat has not deterred residents.
“So be it. The longer this forced amalgamation continues, the more apparent its failure becomes.” residents have stated
Residents have witnessed the passing of the selling off of Pittwater assets at a meeting residents could not address due to the removal by the council of the Public Address prior to council meetings, and conjecture circulating the council is compiling a list of other Pittwater land assets it could sell off, the slaughter of a Little Penguin on Warriewood beach by an offleash dog, with dogs offleash everywhere and a rise in attacks being attributed to the messaging coming out of the council, the passing of a DA in a known flood zone at Mona Vale, and residents stating there are now several DA's where the council has denied due process to the community and the individuals this will directly impact, along with generational debt and stress to those now in school who will pay to fix the piled on problem, and the Northern Beaches Council topping complaints to the NSW Office of Local Government data in recent weeks.
Atop this the installation of more concrete in a green area Pittwater residents adamantly wanted kept as is, that serves no purpose for the elderly, those in wheelchairs of pushing prams due to it being a series of steps, is just more cement locals say they can't wait to rip out once that imposed on them is gone, indicates the difference in culture, values - and even what is still considered the 'visual amenity' difference between the Warringah and Pittwater councils.
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the new concrete that creates more 'access and visual amenity', unless you're pushing a pram, in a wheelchair, or using a walking stick
Chapter 9 How are councils established? of the Local Government Act states:
Part 1 Areas
Division 2 What must be done before areas can be constituted?
215 Who may initiate a proposal?
(1) A proposal may be made by the Minister or it may be made to the Minister by a council affected by the proposal or by an appropriate minimum number of electors.
(2) An appropriate minimum number of electors is—
(a) if a proposal applies to the whole of an area or the proposal is that part of an area be constituted as a new area—250 of the enrolled electors for the existing area or 10 per cent of them, whichever is the greater, or
(b) if a proposal applies only to part of an area—250 of the enrolled electors for that part or 10 per cent of them, whichever is the lesser.
Hunkered down into the landscape, with exterior pavilions open to the sky and breeze, the new centre has been sustainably designed, features four multi-purpose halls including a dance studio and large function space with caterer’s kitchen, two adaptable meeting rooms, and a welcoming entry lobby.
Mayor Sue Heins welcomed the opening of this incredibly versatile space, stating in her Address to those gathered:
''This new facility has been a long time in the pipeline, with extensive community engagement over the years regarding a new expanded facility to replace the Nelson Heather Seniors Centre as it came to the end of its life, and to provide expanded community space for the incoming Warriewood Valley residents and the broader community.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank the Warriewood Residents Association. Not only has this group championed the development of a new community centre on this site for many years, but they have also generously donated the digital information screen in the foyer. This will keep our community connected to new activities, events and with each other.''
Mayor Heins with Warriewood Residents Association members at the opening. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM
''I’m pleased to say that Nelson Heather’s contribution through his active involvement in several community organisations and the building of the original centre here will be memorialised through recognition of the history of the site in the foyer. I encourage you to take a look and learn about Nelson Heather’s contribution.''
Profile of the Week Ruby Scholten: Local Nurse and Sailor Taking on the Atlantic Ocean - Rowing 3000 nautical miles to support two important Women's charitiesRuby Scholten, an Avalon local who has represented Australia win Women's Match Racing sailing events, will leave safe shores on the 12th of December this year taking on the Atlantic Ocean - rowing 4800kms as part of a race called the World's Toughest Row.
Ruby explains:
‘’Growing up in Avalon fostered my love for the water and being part of such an active community developed my passion for sport. I grew up spending every spare moment at Avalon Beach or on Pittwater. If I was outside on the water I was happy.
I am now a Registered Nurse (beginning my career at Northern Beaches Hospital), competitive sailor, learning to sail at Avalon Sailing Club, then competing from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, and now representing the country on the world stage. With my latest challenge I will take on the Atlantic Ocean. ‘’
The challenge:
''I have teamed up with 3 other incredible women and we will be racing 4800 kilometres from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. This will be an adventure of a lifetime, and will push us to our limits.
We are taking on this challenge not just to test ourselves but we want other women and girls to see that they can dream fearlessly and take on big scary adventures that may challenge the social norms. We are just 4 very normal women, working full time jobs, while preparing to take on this adventure of a lifetime, pushing ourselves to the very limits. Any support we can get is beyond helpful.''
''We are rowing to aid two charities that aim to uplift and support women. CoppaFeel! - a breast cancer awareness charity and Women In Sport - a research based charity looking at the disparity of girls in sport and how this affects society and the future. By supporting these two charities we want to create space for women to pursue their dreams, while facilitating the conversation on historically taboo topics through educating women on their body and prioritising health.''
A chat with Ruby provides a few more insights this Issue.
The acres of Mona Vale land alongside the Black Swamp Camping Ground bought by George Brock for £450 according to him, others state £650, although this may have been when he added the north Mona Vale headland section 'B' in, acquired from the agents in the Mona Vale Land Company and from Marjory Woodman, wife of William Woodman of Balmain, in 1897/98 for 'a consideration of £210' and paying off the residual mortgage.
Community News Praise for Pittwater Offshore Men's Shed’s Community Projects, Marine Rescue Broken Bay Skipper Training, Regulation of sunscreens in Australia, Oliver's Pies Update, Autumn School Holidays Break, Mona Vale Place Plan Presentation + Q&A, Parliamentary Shark Inquiry Mooted, Former Narrabeen RSL Site Setout DA open for feedback, Daylight saving end in NSW: Sunday April 5 2026, Newport Breakers First Home Game for 2026 Season, Narrabeen Sharks 2026 Season, Avalon Bulldogs 2026 Committee, Shark Kit at North Av., Marine Rescue Hawkesbury's New Master, Lion Island Series 2026, NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit Storm Works, Patients, families, carers encouraged to Raise It, Australia Post statement regarding fuel surcharge, Police re-issue warning over stealing and fraud offences targeting the elderly, Health professionals celebrated at the NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards, Petition: SOS Mona Vale, Petition: Fix Sandbanks at Queenscliff Beach, Environmental Art & Design Prize 2026: Open, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Freckles + Pretzel + Louie, Woody Point Yacht Club AGM 2026: Saturday 11 April, Reminder: Vote for INXS, NSW Government's Heat Pump Feasibility Grant for businesses: closes March 31, Scamps: Capital Gains Tax Survey, Open Arms group programs, Lock it or Lose it, BHS Surf Team Raffle, Narrabeen Lakes Amateur Swimming Club: Saturday Afternoons, Saltwater Veterans: Helping Hands Needed, MWP Care Seeking Volunteers, AOK: Thursday Volunteers Needed, Petition: Stop Politicians from spamming & harvesting our data, Pittwater Residents Associations, Sports, Environment and Groups, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter
Environment Autumn in Pittwater, Weed Cassia Now Flowering: Please Pull Out And Save Our Bush, Steggall Launches the Warringah Sustainability Guide: households, apartments and businesses can make the renewables switch, Australia has dedicated more than 20% of its land to conservation but not where it matters most, The latest world climate report is grim but it’s not the end of the story, Australia’s forests are finally doing better — but ‘underwater bushfires’ hit oceans hard, Fake news on everything from whales to wind farms: Australia is flooded with climate misinformation, Parks are sanctuaries but can also harbour disease – here’s how to protect yourself, Stay safe around water in NSW national parks this Easter, Federal government backs giant QLD gas project, Broad coalition calls for economy-wide plan to slash NSW gas use, Historic declaration launched: Gomeroi Traditional Owners, unions, farmers vow to fight Narrabri gas project amid land grab fears, Crisafulli government Ends farmers hopes of protection of farms from gas, Fledgling frenzy on the Shoalhaven coast, Forestry Corporation slammed with $450,000 fine for unlawfully logging in Wild Cattle Creek, Rare waterbirds flock to Riverina wetlands filled with environmental and cultural flows, Council's Wildflower Project + Bushcare Volunteers, NSW Government's Heat Pump Feasibility Grant for businesses: closes March 31, Have your say on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review, Oil reserves last for weeks. Solar panels last for decades, Our interest in electric vehicles has grown due to oil price spikes. And it’s likely to remain, Time to buy local: war fuel price shocks reveal the folly of a long food supply chain, Australia has plenty of diesel for now. But running out could upend our economy, Cyclone Narelle is now larger and ‘more severe’ as it crosses the Western Australian coast, ‘Coral houses’ are dotted throughout the Pacific. Now scientists know exactly when they were built, Mosquitoes carrying malaria are evolving more quickly than insecticides can kill them – researchers pinpoint how, As Bolivia’s glaciers melt new lakes threaten mountain communities, Will the world fill the climate leadership void left by the US?, , Mona Vale Dunes bushcare group: 2026 Dates, Bangalley Headland WPA Bushcare 2026, Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) Needs People for the Rescue Line, 2025-26 Seal Reveal underway, 622kg of Rubbish Collected from Local Beaches: Adopt your local beach program, This Tick Season: Freeze it - don't squeeze it, Protect wildlife: dispose of fishing gear responsibly, Notice of 1080 Poison Baiting, 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 on the Central Coast, 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, Pittwater Environment History insights + Walks, Birds +
Aquatics WSL Returns to North Narrabeen This April For Pro Junior + Surfing Australia Junior Comp.
Children Sunday Cartoons and Animations - this Issue: Outdoors, Autumn in Pittwater, WSL Returns to North Narrabeen This April For Pro Junior + Surfing Australia Junior Comp., Hands-on learning takes centre stage at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show, Youth Week 2026: ‘Dream. Dare. Do.’, 2026 Premier's Reading Challenge, Angel in Training: Autumn School Holidays movie, Curious Kids: Who made the alphabet song? + Do cats and dogs lose baby teeth like people do? + Where does the oxygen come from in the International Space Station, and why don’t they run out of air? + Where does my poo go when I flush the toilet? Does it go into the ocean? + How can penguins stay warm in the freezing cold waters of Antarctica? + How would the disappearance of anglerfish affect our environment? + Why do we sigh?, Stories this Issue: Pumpkin Jack + 'Otters vs. Badgers' read by Uzo Aduba + The Wind and the Sun, Local clubs +groups 4U
Youth Autumn School Holidays Break, Autumn in Pittwater, Remembering the Hon. James J. Macken (Jim), WSL Returns to North Narrabeen This April For Pro Junior + Surfing Australia Junior Comp., Youth Week 2026: ‘Dream. Dare. Do.’, Opportunities: 2026 Premier's Reading Challenge + Government delivers cost-of-living relief + Training and professional development opportunities for aged care workers + Game Changer Challenge 2026 + Girls Can't Surf available for Free on ABC iview, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Home, Money isn’t free. Here’s what to know before downloading a cashback app, Meta and Google just lost a landmark social media addiction case. A tech law expert explains the fallout, This is how the 1970s oil shock played out. There are lessons for the economy today, A brief history of denim – and why the ‘perfect pair’ of jeans remains elusive, Giant dragonflies once roamed Earth’s skies. New research upends the textbook theory of why they went extinct, Morgan le Fay was King Arthur’s sister – but also a healer, mathematician and murderer, How much do you really need to retire? It’s probably a lot less than $1 million, This Mediterranean‑style diet could keep your brain sharp as you age – new study, What is the ‘boy kibble’ trend? And is it healthy? A nutrition expert explains, ‘I lost hope in humanity, but I now call myself human’: what refugees told us about settling in regional Australia, Dusking is a trend aimed at helping people switch off at the end of the day. How does it work?, Yorta Yorta Elder Wayne Atkinson reflects on a life of activism and the quest for justice, Local services and groups for you
Seniors Integrated Assessment Tool: good or bad?, Seniors’ Stories Volume 12, Advocates report rising demand as older people navigate Support at Home changes: OPAN, Pension increase offers small reprieve for older Australians: COTA Australia, “Forced to choose between health and household budget”: NSA releases 2026 Federal Budget recommendations, Medication management in residential aged care - eNRMC update, Avalon Bowling Club's Wednesday Night Jazz, ‘Manners for machines’: how new rules could stop AI scrapers destroying the internet, Manly Warringah Choir May Concert: Mozart, Police issue warning over stealing and fraud offences targeting the elderly, Is dark chocolate healthier than milk chocolate? 2 dietitians explain, This Mediterranean‑style diet could keep your brain sharp as you age – new study, How much do you really need to retire? It’s probably a lot less than $1 million, Gone but not forgotten: how fuzzy memories improve decision‑making, Local groups, clubs, events and services for you
DIY Ideas DIY Bird Houses + Possum Dreys
With more and more trees being removed from the Pittwater canopy, and soaked birds turning up at our windows, residents are asking for plans on how to build and install bird houses and dreys for possums.
Those who have had furry visitors to their rooves due to a lack of habitat outside have found that installing two of these in nearby areas, and encouraging the possums to visit them by putting in some food for a week, solves the roof tenancy.
Local wildlife rescue and care organisations do provide plans on ‘how to’ along with having volunteer members who can make these for you or work with men’s sheds to build them and supply them to humans. However, as there can be a wait list, this requested DIY help and plans runs this Issue on how to be part of the solution, perfect for those looking for something positive they can do in their own neighbourhood this Autumn school holidays.
Inbox News Meta and Google just lost a landmark social media addiction case. A tech law expert explains the fallout, Community sport volunteers need better support to keep children safe from abuse ‑ new research, We showed a 20% tax on junk food would save more lives than a sugar tax, Money isn’t free; Here’s what to know before downloading a cashback app, Your smart home can be easily hacked. New safety standards will help, but stay vigilant, How reducing ‘just in case’ purchases can help avoid empty shelves and fuel bowsers, Couples share 30% of their gut bacteria. Here’s how that may affect health, Hospital audit finds siblings of children with serious conditions are overlooked, lack support, I’m a kidney surgeon. Here’s why I hope I never see you, What is ‘air hunger’? And can it be treated?, Wondering if you really need that dental treatment? Here’s what to ask and how to get a second opinion, Is it OK to drink in front of your kids? New research shows the age they’re most influenced, Half of psychologists assessing for ADHD don’t follow the diagnostic guidelines; new study, Australia has set new expectations for AI data centres – they should serve the public, Prosecco makers lose out as Australia seals EU free‑trade deal after 8 long years of talks, $5 million to improve outcomes for sexual violence victim-survivors, Commuter car parking boost for public transport passengers: Gordon, Trump is remaking the US media in his own image – and smashing accountability with it
Park Bench Philosophers Henry Lawson: on Being A Stranger's FriendHenry Lawson, a Poet of Manly, who some state was also part of the group taking visiting fellow-bard 'Mark Twain', Samuel Langhorne Clemens, to a fishing spot at Narrabeen, also penned short stories. A novella collection of these, Mateship and the Strangers’ Friend, published after he passed away and printed in South Australia, includes 'The Stranger's Friend', well worth a Autumn-Easter break read, as this underlines how much we can achieve when we care about others, and work together, to include caring for others as part of what we are as Australians.
All are Welcome - All Belong.
Food Easter Feast 2026: Our Tried-Tested Recipe Ideas - There are many old traditions and folklore associated with the Feast of Easter, many of these aligning with the Festival of Passover - the eight-day festival celebrated in the early Spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan. Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
Pictures Warriewood Community Centre Opening Worth Smiling About
Events Woody Point Yacht Club AGM 2026: Saturday 11 April, 2026 Annual Group Exhibition & Fund Raising Event for Pittwater Artists Trail at Newport: March 27-29, French Film Festival Music, Markets, Social Groups + more on!
The scientific name for Little Corella, Cacatua sanguinea, means 'Blood-stained Cockatoo' and refers to the dark pink markings between the eye and the bill. Little Corellas can form large flocks, especially along watercourses and where seeding grasses are found.
Little Corellas are mostly white, with a fleshy blue eye-ring and a pale rose-pink patch between the eye and bill. In flight, a bright sulphur-yellow wash can be seen on the underwing and under tail. The sexes are similar in plumage, and young birds look like the adults, but are slightly smaller.
Little Corellas are thought to pair for life and will start breeding at the start of a long period of rain. The nest site is a suitable tree hollow, lined with shavings of wood. This is normally used for several years in row. Both sexes incubate the eggs and both care for the young chicks. The chicks hatch naked and totally dependent on their parents. They are in the nest for around 7 weeks.
In Autumn, fledged flocks disperse and return to rural bush areas unless they are year round residents, as this pair are having made their nest in a spotted gum here.
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Feed me!
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Parents grooming youngster
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underside of wings
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Long-billed corella who visits each day, now called 'Long Bill'. Photo: A J Guesdon, March 24, 2026
The Long-billed Corella, Cacatua tenuirostris, is a medium-sized white cockatoo with a short crest (not always visible), short tail, stocky body and a distinctive long upper bill. Faint yellowish wash on the undersides of its wings and tail; orange-red splashes on its forehead and throat; and an orange-red crescent across its upper breast. Eye ring is pale grey-blue. They live in grassy woodlands and grasslands, as well as parks in urban areas. They are a gregarious bird; often seen foraging in large flocks on the ground. They too form monogamous pairs and both parents prepare the nest, incubate the eggs and feed the young. Nests are made in the hollows of large old eucalypts, and sometimes in cavities of loose gravelly cliffs. Info: Australian Museum