Wakehurst MP Michael Regan, Federal MP for Mackellar Dr. Sophie Scamps and Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby attended a strike by Nurses and Midwives at Northern Beaches Hospital in NSW on March 24, 2025, as part of a broader series of rolling stoppages at Healthscope hospitals. The strike, led by the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWNMA), aimed to pressure Healthscope, the private operator of the hospital, to address issues like staffing ratios, pay, and working conditions. This was the second such action in recent months - another was held on November 5 2024
Wedding Island Opening Weekend: 'A Triumph'
Let no man stand in the way of an island celebration (l to r): Jess McGowan, Mara Syngros, Roy Baker & Sophie Lepowic
Wedding Island, the latest Scotland Island comedy, opened this weekend to a standing ovation. Here's just a sample of some of the praise received so far:
Awesome opening night! Big effort from all the actors, director & support crew - Get your tickets and enjoy a good laugh. - Massive fun - Hilarious. - The laughter was constant. - Great show, we really enjoyed it. - Amazing. - The crowd was in stitches. - Hope everyone is feeling extremely proud. - Fantastic. - So funny! - Great job. - We loved it ! - So many laughs. - Very clever. - Another great night. - If you haven't got your tickets yet, I highly recommend you do! - Thanks everyone. - What a great laugh! - Well done all! - We didn't know what to expect but it was fabulous entertainment. - Highly recommended. - Loved it, another great night. - Fab production! Everyone was fantastic. - Another great play. - So proud of you.
If you haven't yet seen the play then it's not too late. The run continues this coming weekend, Friday 16 & Saturday 17 May. The venue is Scotland Island Community Hall, and there's a bar provided by the Pittwater Offshore Men's Shed. There's even free food! For full details and to buy tickets, click here.
Below, Scotland Island's resident theatre critic gives his honest, unbiased, if not entirely unsolicited review.
Play Time!
by Bill Gye OAM
Oh my God, what's going on with this bloody island: (l to r): Roy Baker & Alix Ah-Pet.
Clearly, one person stood out as the star of this weekend's opening performances of Wedding Island. But before we say who, we must acknowledge the effort and energy of all involved in contributing so generously and capably to the long tradition of island plays.
The actors danced, sang, and strutted their stuff. They mostly remembered their words - and predominantly in the right order. We laughed a lot, even when I was rooted by a bush turkey while minding my own business in the audience (a trauma I’ll now need therapy for, of course).
I've got a uke!: Jess McGowan plays Steph, the mother of the bride
The plot twists from the future back to the present, with echoes of Monty Pythonesque balaclava-hidden escape plans, medieval community vehicles, gourmet asparagus meals and much more - ending with what I think is technically a real wedding (if Harry really is a JP). Along the way, we also got a very cool permaculture blueprint (thanks Tracy - clearly the brains of the outfit) for how we islanders might survive in a post-Trump tech bro world.
Bogue Anthill pens another polished pile of golden gems. That boy does well at Swiftian type satire - Wedding Island being his second after Secret Island (2024). Lazy bastard also does co-production, lights and sound, set, props, wardrobe, animatronics, and choreography.
Sophie Lepowic, as director, pulls it off again like only a professional can, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout for a happy result. Playing Chloe, she channelled the real estate bridesmaid with a passion for commissions (no resemblance to people living or dead intended).
Still no reception! Nettie Lodge plays Trev, the phobic plumber.
Roy Baker, also co-producer and a rising star in the firmament of local community theatre ('Oh that I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space'), brings Monty to life as the self-important eco-groom with an ironic allergy to nature.
Mara Syngros, a great addition to the community, plays Tracy, the introspective activist bride. I’m sure several in the audience would have liked to be saying 'I do' there.
Alix Ah-Pet, stepping boldly into her first acting role, channels flair and comedic feel as Jade, the well-meaning but misguided celebrant. Between scenes, she doubled as a scene changing shadow in the night.
May Blackband, already confident beyond her years, blended playfulness and professional polish also as Tracy’s granddaughter. Her beating up Monty got some of the best laughs of the night, mainly because she seemed to enjoy it so much.
Grandpa Monty, tell me the story again! May Blackband as the granddaughter
Elise Nicol will, I am told, play the part of the granddaughter this coming Friday. Elise is another burgeoning island talent whose youthful charm, skill and commitment to the play are bound to shine through.
The 2025 NSW Architecture awards Shortlist will be revealed Monday, 12 May, with some beautiful local buildings and great local Architects among those nominated (we’ve had a sneak peek).
You can view all 2025 entrants via the Institute’s 2025 Architecture Awards Gallery.
Among the local NSW nominations is Surfside House – a symphony of pavilions embracing sky, land, ocean and views in south Avalon Beach that embeds this home in the landscape – that’s among the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Category nominations.
Project Practice Team
- Richard Cole, Design Architect
- Karla Wilford, Project Architect
- Project Consultant and Construction Team
- PMI Engineers, Structural Engineer
- Volker Klemm, Landscape Consultant
- Barrenjoey Consulting Engineers, Hydraulic Consultant
Another, this time in the Urban Design category, is the urban renewal of the Torpedo Factory Precinct.
Project Practice Team
- John Guida RAIA, Design Architect
- Harold Guida LFRAIA AIA, Design Architect
- Andrew Donnelly, Project Architect
- Jojemar Manalo, Graduate of Architecture
- Jon Harriman, Graduate of Architecture
- Sally Taylor, Student of Architecture
The summary states:
The urban renewal of the Torpedo Factory Precinct has provided increased public benefit, visitor access and site interpretation to the former HMAS Platypus submarine base at Neutral Bay, Sydney. The project involved partial demolition of a factory built for the manufacture of torpedoes during World War II. The retained building elements, interwoven with new landscaped spaces and urban design, establishes a public domain characterised by distinctive industrial building materials and forms integrated with new planter beds, seating, shade structures, indigenous artwork and a historical interpretive display drawing on the site’s long and rich history.
Torpedo Factory Precinct Urban Renewal | Guida Moseley Brown Architects | Photographer: Thurston Empson
Nominated in both the Public Architecture and Sustainable Architecture categories is Central Station, Sydney by Woods Bagot with John McAslan + Partners.
The summary states;
Servicing 96 percent of Sydney’s train services, Central Station forms the backbone of the entire rail network. The introduction of the new metro station has added an average of 24,400 passenger boardings on a typical weekday to existing customer numbers. The metro interchange required the design of spatially and structurally efficient operational segments, and sophisticated, multilevel passenger flow strategies. Designed with the future in mind, the station serves additional placemaking and regeneration outcomes. The project includes a dramatic new main entrance sequence for the imposing early 20th century edifice and incorporates a distinctive 50m-span vaulted roof. The bold architecture of the original structure dovetails with equally bold, 21st century interventions giving the station an entirely new functional and experiential vibe, accommodating up to 450,000 passengers a day. The Clock Tower, the original canopied concourse, and the Edwardian architecture remain iconic, while the new contemporary interventions elevate the station’s historic status.
Central Station. Photographer: Trevor Mein
More on the 2025 shortlist, once they are officially announced, but you can see there’s a lot to be excited about in what’s being designed and built in NSW.
Site visits will take place from Monday 12 May 2025 - Friday 16 May 2025. The NSW Winners will be announced Friday, 20 June 2025 at the annual Gala.
However, also of note and announced a few days ago is the Australian Institute of Architects 2025 National Prize winners, a new President, and an upcoming symposium this Spring – the Inaugural Murcutt Symposium.
Photo; L- R: Jacqui Scruby, Member of Parliament for Pittwater. Andrew Varasdi Head of AFL NSW/ACT. Chris Davison, President Pittwater Tigers. Sue Heins, Mayor. Sara Archer, Registrar Pittwater Tigers, Pittwater Tigers team members. Pic: NBC/JS
Council announced on Thursday May 8 the Pittwater Tigers AFL club has secured a $50,000 grant for the redesign of the underused area of the North Narrabeen Reserve fields to allow the installation of a new junior Auskick field and to upgrade the amenities.
The Pittwater Tigers Auskick program is for Children aged 5 to 7 years, and includes 15 Sunday sessions, commencing Sunday 27th April, 8:30am to 9:30am at Tigerland, the Tigers home ground at North Narrabeen Reserve. There will also be optional weekly training sessions.
AFL Auskick is a program designed to introduce children aged 5-12 to the sport of Australian Rules Football. It focuses on fun and engagement, with a non-contact, modified version of the game to cater to all skill levels. Auskick is often the first introduction to football for many children and serves as a starting point for their participation in the sport.
Auskick is a stepping stone for children who want to progress to more structured junior football leagues. Auskick participants may have the chance to play during halftime at key AFL and AFLW games. See: Auskick Match Rules – 5 to 8 Years
Register here for Pittwater Tigers Auskick sessions.
The Pittwater Junior AFL Club was founded in April 1970 as the Pittwater Australian Rules Football Club with the official uniform at formation being a yellow jumper with black sash and yellow and black hooped socks. The Tigers have won numerous Premierships across a number of different age groups over their 55 years and have built a culture around being a family friendly local club.
The club states:
‘’We have strong values of Pride, Fun and Community Spirit and our club is run by passionate parents and volunteers. From coaches, team managers, ground managers and a club committee committed to growing our club into the future.
In 2025 we have over 300 young tigers and we have seen significant growth in both the younger groups of Auskick and Under 8’s and huge growth in Youth Girls Footy.
We welcome all kids across all age groups regardless of experience or ability.
Pittwater Tigers Junior AFL Club is the only AFL Club in Pittwater.
We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented Club, teaching young AFL players skills, sportsmanship, team work and Club values. Ages 5 to 17, boys and girls, we welcome everyone to our Club regardless of experience or ability. Come and have a go!’’
Find out more at: www.pittwatertigers.com.au
The Pittwater Tigers are on a roll with the club hosting Swans players Jack Buller and Sam Wicks in late April for an inspirational meet and greet at North Narrabeen.
Sam played junior football for the Manly Bombers and Manly Warringah Wolves. He was recruited from the Manly-Warringah (NSW)/Sydney (NEAFL) and has played as a forward with the Swans. Wicks has been moved into the backline at the Swans this year and featured in every game as a small lockdown defender.
"It is a big change; it came about in my end of season review last year. The coaches asked how I felt about doing some training down back and I said I'd be open to it and then really loved it and the coaches loved having me there, so it's been a good fit," Wicks told AFL.com.au earlier in April
"One thing that's really helped me is knowing what a small forward likes and doesn't like from playing that role. If I can put little things into my game that opposition small forward's hate, it’ll help the team out."
The Sydney Swans Academy player was rookie-listed in November 2018 and was a consistent stand-out for the Sydney Swans’ NEAFL side in 2019. He became Sydney's fifth debutant of season 2020 when he was named to face Collingwood in Round 10, before finishing the season with seven appearances to his name. He enjoyed a breakout 2021 season that saw him make 21 appearances and become a key part of the club's return to finals football. In 2023 he signed a two-year contact which will keep him at the club until the end of 2025.
Fellow Pittwater Tigers visitor was 22-year-old West Australian Jack Buller, who joined Sydney via pick 13 in the 2023 Mid-season Draft from the Claremont Football Club. He is a key forward and ruck.
Some of the Pittwater Tigers cohort
The Manly Warringah Wolves were successful as well, receiving a $11,000 grant that allowed the council to relocate the goal posts at Frank Gray Oval to allow for a second open-age field adding an extra 10 playing hours a week.
The council states this improvement will be further enhanced by the female amenities upgrade due to completed by it in September.
Mayor Sue Heins said, "These grants will not only enhance the facilities for the AFL Clubs but also ensure the community has more opportunities to connect and improve their health and wellbeing."
Some more on this great grrrr- ant from Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby: and MORE HERE
Profile of the Week Big Brother Movement Celebrates 1925 to 2025 Centenary: Now Sends Australians Out into the World - Scholarships Now open for All Young Australians - Celebrating Courage, Care and ConnectionFor a century, the Big Brother Movement (BBM) has been a catalyst for change and opportunity, opening doors for young people to explore the world and make their mark.
It began as Australia’s most successful migration program for young men moving from the UK to Australia, the Big Brother Movement.
Today, built on this legacy, BBM continues to empower young people to venture overseas for work experience through their Global Footprints Scholarships program.
So instead of bringing young people to Australia to access all the opportunities here, they are providing a chance for young Australians to follow their vocational dreams overseas.
A National Monument to Migration Ceremony took place yesterday, Saturday 10 May 2025. This moving ceremony included the unveiling of names on The Welcome Wall, Australia’s National Monument to Migration, highlighting migrant stories and the Australian National Maritime Museum’s role in shaping Australia’s identity.
Their BIG Centenary Grand Celebration at the Maritime Museum will take place on Tuesday 12 August 2025 at the Australian National Maritime Museum and they are currently reaching out and asking all former 'Little Brothers' to contact them and get involved.
Join them as they continue to champion the remarkable journeys of young people in this world.
- 100 years of opening up the world to young people
- The legacy of Australia's most successful historic migration program, the Big Brother Movement
- 40 years of scholarships for vocational work experience around the world
- Celebrating stories of courage, care, and connection
Join us in championing the remarkable journeys of young people growing a better world.
This week a look into their Global Footprints Scholarship, now open for applications and closing June 1 (for young men and women aged 18 to 24), some history of the movement, and an insight from a former Mona Vale resident and Manly Daily gentleman who was a 1950 'Little Brother'.
Independent MP's Jacqui Scruby (Pittwater), Michael Regan (Wakehurst) and Alex Greenwich (Sydney) visited the proposed site of the Great Koala National Park in the last week of April. Jacqui Scruby stated this past week:
''Pittwater once had koalas in our trees and we are heartbroken to see koala signs on our roads, knowing the local population is now extinct.''
''I’m calling on the NSW Government to urgently follow through on their election commitment to establish this park to protect not only our endangered koalas, but to also allow other threatened species like greater gliders and spotted-tailed quolls to thrive. The time is now, let's make it happen!''
Koalas lived throughout Pittwater for thousands of years until the early 1980's, from Palm Beach to Narrabeen and across the estuary, on the western shores.
In fact, over the last 100 years, habitat removal, dog attacks, roads and fences cutting through their ancient and traditional migratory paths, whether moving from one species of trees to another during the season to eat or to find a mate during breeding season, along with cars running them over, has killed every single former koala of Pittwater.
We have borne witness to this occurring, just as we have borne witness to the extinction of others.
This Issue run some of the records that have been made by John Illingsworth, or collected over the years, so that those who were not born when we were losing Pittwater's koalas, among other local extinctions, can see in the timeline what is lost when you do not stop - and then stop taking the wrong route to seek another way.
We hope a perusal of what went wrong may help us all get it right.
Community News Mona Vale Raiders Rugby League Club: Beau Hewitt Cup on May 11, Congratulations Michelle!, Race 2 – Lion Island Series: Pittwater Action Recap, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 2025, Warriewood SLSC's 2025 Ocean Swim results, Support WRC at The online Funding Network Event - 15 May 2025, Stay Safe Jools!, Empowering Women Nationwide: WRC's Online Programs, PBWBA visits MP for Pittwater in Parliament, Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road: Update, Palm Beach-Whale Beach Association AGM + Updates, RMYC Broken Bay: June 2025 Safety Series, RMYC Club Development underway, 'The Future of Northern Beaches Hospital' Forum, Man charged 14 years after armed robbery - Narrabeen, APA Updates, Road Repairs Confirmed For Condamine Street: Manly Vale, Bendy's are Back, Six Double-Decker Buses secured for Dee Why - Manly Routes, Justices of the Peace honoured for half a century of service, Create NSW Cultural Grants - Now Open, Review of doli incapax for young offenders under 14, NSW Government continues to reform the planning system, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Soda and Whiskey + Uma, Review into hate speech protections, ACCC proposes to authorise Australian Payments Network Limited for wind down of Australia’s cheques system, Authorities warn over rise in ‘fantasy’ drug imports, Commissioner Webb APM to retire in September, AFP warn over detections of dangerous drug nitazene in fake pharmaceuticals, Sarah Proudfoot appointed ACCC Chief Executive Officer, Have your Say on SafeWork NSW’s priorities for next financial year, Free parenting webinars, Re-Introducing BluLink: Connecting Police & Community!, Nominations open for the 2025 Public Education Awards, Volunteers in the spotlight as nominations open for inaugural emergency award, 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize Entries Now open, Solar for apartment residents: Funding, ACMA welcomes commercial radio code of practice consultation, Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards, More funding available for war memorials in NSW, Pittwater Sports, Social, Environment, Residents Associations and Groups
Environment Tide's terning: little terns continue remarkable comeback - Central Coast site a standout, Catch a glimpse of giants as the annual humpback whale migration starts in New South W(h)ales, Weed of the Week: Spanish Moss - please get it out of your garden, Urgent repairs to Fisher Bay and Castle Rock sections of Manly to Spit Scenic Walkway, Solar for apartment residents: Funding, Have your say: NSW Sustainable Communities Program - Support to minimise the socio-economic impacts of the Restoring Our Rivers 450 GL target, Have your say: Improving camping in NSW national parks, Avalon Community Garden's screening of Climate Changers - Tim Flannery's search for climate leadership: May 30, NSW Government’s call to action on illegal tree clearing: Have Your Say until June 4, Forgotten Flora: Exploring Plant Communities of a Mabi Remnant on the Atherton Tablelands, NSW Government delivers $10 million to target high-risk weeds control and eradication, Eastern quolls released into NSW bushland, Mountain pygmy-possum bouncing back in the Snowy Mountains, ‘1080 pest management’ until August 1, 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, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when: get involved, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Australia is set to be a renewables nation; After Labor’s win, there’s no turning back, Old drains and railways are full of life; Here’s how to make the most of these overlooked green spaces, 5 huge climate opportunities await the next parliament – and it has the numbers to deliver, Cheap overseas, ruinous in Australia: here’s how to make double-glazed windows the norm, Australia and North America have long fought fires together – but new research reveals that has to change, Moving towns: 4 stories of communities facing relocation show the complex realities of managed retreat, Used EV batteries could power vehicles, houses or even towns – if their manufacturers share vital data, A rubbish election: voting in Australia produces mountains of waste - but there’s a better way, Newly discovered tropical oyster reefs are thriving across northern Australia – they deserve protection, Despite US Supreme Court setback children’s lawsuits against climate change continue, Are turtles not safe in the estuary?, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +
Aquatics Thousands reunited with loved ones thanks to tireless Marine Rescue NSW volunteers during high-demand boating season: MAYDAY Appeal
Children Sunday Cartoon and Animations: The Wrong Trousers Train Chase Scene - Wallace & Gromit, Pittwater Tigers Secure 50k Grant for Auskick field at North Narrabeen + Amenities Upgrade, NSW Government continues to build women’s football legacy, Saving our Species: Meet the Expert – Jill Smith on mountain frogs, A History of Pittwate Part 1: Discovery by Pittwater Pathways, For 100 years we have marvelled at planetariums. Here’s a brief history of how humans brought the stars indoors, Curious Kids: How was the Earth built? + How did the months get their names? + How do tongues taste food?, Stories this week: Be Nice to Spiders + 'Rodeo Red' read by Gillian Anderson, clubs fun and more for you
Youth Aussie music acts set to take the big stage, NSW Government continues to build women’s football legacy, Saving our Species: Meet the Expert – Jill Smith on mountain frogs, A History of Pittwate Part 1: Discovery by Pittwater Pathways (John Illingsworth), Opportunities: Soundboks Oz Grom Open – Now Bigger and Better Than Ever + Bnd Comp. at Palmy + Free TAFE courses to deliver Australia’s manufacturing workforce + 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize - Entries open now, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: microcosm, A new publisher will focus on books by men. Are male writers and readers under threat?, Buddha’s foster mother played a key role in the orphaned prince’s life – and is a model for Buddhists on Mother’s Day, William Morris: new exhibition reveals how Britain’s greatest designer went viral, Can a wooden spoon really stop a pot from boiling over? Here’s the science, How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession, How Lady Gaga acts as a custodian of hope, Labor has promised fast action to cut student debt but arts students will have to wait for lower fees, For 100 years we have marvelled at planetariums. Here’s a brief history of how humans brought the stars indoors, Why do some people get a curved back as they age and what can I do to avoid it?, Women political leaders are rare – but 450 years ago, Anna Jagiellon was elected Queen of Poland, Tailoring and the Black dandy: how 250 years of Black fashion history inspired the 2025 Met Gala, We talk a lot about being ‘resilient’. But what does it actually mean?, local services for you
Seniors Opportunity to refine and reform government agenda: National Seniors, AvPals 25th Year: Term Two Newport Sessions, New chronic pain therapy retrains the brain to process emotions: seeking participants for 2026 2nd Trial, COVID is still around and a risk to vulnerable people. What are the symptoms in 2025? And how long does it last?, Thirty years on, our research linking viral infections with Alzheimer’s is finally getting the attention it deserves, Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13; It’s a risky move, Thirty years on, our research linking viral infections with Alzheimer’s is finally getting the attention it deserves, Wealth, wellness and wellbeing: why healthier ageing isn’t just about personal choices, Alzheimer’s: certain combinations of prescription drugs may slow progression of the disease, What’s the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?, Can drinking champagne reduce your risk of sudden cardiac arrest? Here’s why it’s only a small part of the story, Local services and groups for you
DIY Ideas Potted Colour for Winter Brightness As Summer crop is harvested: Natives + Perennials + what to plant now for A Winter Vegetables crop
The basil, lettuce and rocket planted as seeds at the end of Summer have all gone into yummy tomato and basil salads, bruschetta and the like over the past few weeks. Some of the lettuces are still producing leaves and will for the next several weeks, as will the last of the basil. Just make sure your plants are getting some good sunlight hours as the days shorten and cool.
That's the beauty of a potted food garden - you can move it around to suit what happens each year.
See: A Summer-Autumn Salad Garden for a Balcony or at Waist-height
We didn't need to water them too often due to all the rain, but did get some all-purpose powerfeed, the seaweed variety, from Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 in Avalon to give the plants a boost once the seedlings had settled. Well diluted for young plants, given once week, and with heaps left for what we'll use it for this Winter and next Spring, this product can turn pennies into pounds in your garden.
We also put in some Marjoram, Mint and Rosemary and Thyme to keep the Parsley company a few weeks after the seeds sprouted and to set us up for the use of these over Winter in soups, sauces and to add flavour to roast veggies. Dried herbs are great but no match for that potent sprig just picked from your own little potted garden.
In May in Sydney, you can still plant cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, and beets, as well as some warm-season crops that can tolerate cooler temperatures, such as peas - although you may need a bigger pot for some of these and casters for the base so you can move it around more easily.
May is also a good time to start seeds indoors for warmer-season vegetables like tomatoes and eggplants.
This Issue some flowers you can plant now for Winter brightness.
Park Bench Philosophers It’s almost winter; Why is Australia still so hot? + Even as emissions level off, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is growing faster than ever; Here’s why
Pictures Pittwater's Mother Nature: Mother's Day 2025 - a celebration through some of the best photos taken by Joe Mills and Kevin Murray
Events Inaugural Murcutt Symposium 2025: 11-13 September, Raturdays, Warringah Rugby's Ladies Day and Annual Luncheon, Band Comp. at Palm Beach, Book Talks, Music, Markets, Social Groups, + lots more.Race 2 – Lion Island Series: Pittwater Action Recap
