The victory means Warringah Rugby Club has lifted both the Shute Shield and the Sydney Premier Women’s Chikarovski Cup in the same year after their Ratettes won their Grand Final on Saturday August 9.
It's handstands and cartwheels time at Rat Park!
“It’s the proudest moment of my life, proudest moment of my rugby career,” Captain Ben Marr said post-match
“I am a bit lost for words. I am so proud, we worked so hard for this over the last two years. We had a lot of belief in ourselves all year, but we came good at the right time. You saw how much it meant to us today. I reckon that was probably the difference. We wanted this really bad.
“Massive shout out to our bench. All year our bench has been unbelievable and we have come home strong. It has been one of our biggest weapons. The bomb squad, we call them.
“We just had to take it to them in the first half and if we were in the fight in the second half, our bench comes on and finishes the job for us.”
Player of the Match Chlayton Frans, who said he'd been building towards this for a few years, stated it was ''over in a flash'', and that they had focused all Season on getting to the Grand Final and then getting the job done.
Chlayton secured the Rats first try of the match at the 14th minute - and then scored the last try of the game in a HUGE streak down the field during the last minute of play.
In between Warringah lock Keelan Whitman went over the line in the 29th minute and the competition’s top point-scorer Coby Miln's conversion sailed over. Coby Miln went on to chalk up a further three on the stroke of halftime and Warringah had a seven-point lead.
At the 48th minute a penalty gave Coby another opportunity he wasn't going to miss. At the 61th minute Rats replacement forward Malachi Ti'a smashed over for Warringah's third try and Miln's conversion made it a 10-point game.
At the 77th replacement prop Tevita Alatini powered his way over. Around 180 seconds later.... along came Chlay.
Job done.
The Rat Army poured onto the field from a hill a little alike their spiritual home at Warriewood.
Coach Josh Holmes said:
“We showed Rats spirit and when we got the ball, we talked about it all week, 'let’s play Rat footy', and move the ball to space.
“This one is pretty special, this one means a lot. There are lot of boys in this group who have been there for the hard times in the last few years. To see them go and do that, it was pretty special.”
Josh became a coach in 2022, and took the Rats to a Colts premiership in 2023 before taking on first grade last year.
Sue Barry-Cotter, President Warringah Rugby, and the seniors club first lady president, took on her role in 2022 too. Sue had previously served for 3 years as President in the Warringah Rats Junior Rugby Union.
''These guys have given their all - with their eye firmly on the prize, turning up each week and playing for each other and the community.''
‘’Thanks to the support of coaches, managers, directors and support crew, they've taken out the top gong.''
''Huge thanks to our headline sponsor Bayfields and the whole Bayfield Family for their unwavering support.''
''History was made this year by a great team and community. Post game on ground was truly unforgettable.''
There is an extra sweetness about this year's win. The Rats were close in 2024. At North Sydney Oval, Darby Lancaster crossed in the 81st minute to send the Eastern Suburbs into the Grand Final after Warringah had almost pulled off the upset of the Season.
Long-term supporters, the Bayfield family, must be as stoked as the rest of the WRC family.
Pre G.F. traditions - skipper Ben Marr with Mark and Wayne Bayfield, Josh Holmes, and Kaine Bayfield,. Pic; WRC
Founded in July 1922, the Shute Shield is Sydney’s premier grade rugby union competition, played from April to September. The trophy was established in honour of the late Robert Elliott Stewart Shute who passed away on June 5, 1922, following a match at Manly Oval. He was playing for Sydney Uni, and scored 2 tries. In 1923 Sydney University were the first holders of the shield given in his memory.
Robert had only been back from serving with the AIF in France for two years, enlisting as an 18 year-old in April 1917 and seconded to the 32nd Field Reinforcements as a Gunner before being transferred into the 8th Battalion. His parents, Richard and Amelia Stewart Shute, both had to give permission for him to serve. His delayed return to Sydney in October 1920 meant he may have been tasked with some challenging duties in 1919 France - although his war records show he did get leave to go to Paris in June 1919.
Warringah Rugby Club's Shute Shield win is historic. This is a great win by a team that has delivered great rugby all season, and who have in turn great support staff, a great club and great community standing behind them.
Warringah Rats 1st Grade Team for the 2025 Shute Shield Grand Final
Worth noting: Sam Thomson was playing his 100th First Grade game - Rhett Butler was on 100 Grade Games for the Grad Final.
Warringah Rugby Club - about us
Warringah Rats are proud to be a 'top to bottom' Club from Juniors to Colts, Women, Seven's and Grade/Seniors.
We're about rugby and community.
“The Rats” as we are affectionately known, holds significant value for us. After experiencing many difficult years with many humiliating defeats the players were reminded by Doug Leslie Snr. (a Rat of Tobruk), that to give up in the face of adversity is never an option. The tradition of the Rats of Tobruk, of bonding together and making commitments in the true spirit of mateship should always be remembered and will prevail just in the same way as the Desert Rats of Tobruk prevailed.
From that time on the Club became known as the Green Rats and their long held friendship with the ‘Rats of Tobruk Veterans Association’ and their legacy is honoured by a memorial on the hill at the southern end of ‘Rat Park’.
More at: www.warringahrugby.com.au
Go Rats!
On Friday August 29 the NSW Government announced a fleet of 26 new rescue jet skis will be patrolling beaches across the state this summer, following a record investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.
With the warmer months approaching, which will see increased swimmers across NSW beaches, the Government states it is delivering on its commitment to boost community safety and surveillance along the coast.
This jet ski boost brings the state’s fleet up to 56, ensuring rapid responses to emergencies across New South Wales beaches all year round.
They will be delivered ahead of the volunteer patrol season commencing on 27 September, with communities set to benefit including:
- Illawarra and South Coast: Bulli, Stanwell Park, Kiama/Kiama Downs, Gerringong, Broulee, Batemans Bay, Pambula
- Mid and North Coast: Lennox Head, Kingscliff, Kempsey, Crescent Head, Urunga, Crowdy Head, Fingal Rovers, Sawtell
- Newcastle and Central Coast: Newcastle Harbour, Umina, Mereweather, Toowoon Bay
- Sydney: Newport, Cronulla, Warriewood, Palm Beach, Bilgola, Malabar
Last year jet skis were used in 260 rescues performed by volunteer lifesavers, saving critical time during emergency incidents.
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Supporting the jet skis, new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) backed up by drones, are keeping an eye across our states beaches. The beacons are installed on beaches and allow for emergency services to be called during emergencies.
By December 2024 the Government had installed new Emergency Response Beacons at North Palm Beach, Turimetta, Narrabeen, South Curl Curl, Fishermans and Shelly Beaches.
The first of these on the peninsula was installed at Shelly Beach, Manly in 2021.
ERBs directly connect callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre at Belrose, enabling the rapid deployment of lifesaving and emergency services to a potential rescue site. This can drastically reduce response times, particularly in unpatrolled or isolated areas.
The ERB uses the latest mobile technology to communicate between the SOC and the person on the beach and the SOC operator can quickly gather important information, issue instructions or provide reassurance in an emergency situation.
A camera fitted to the ERB can be remotely monitored by the SOC to provide operators with situational awareness of the incident. Surf Life Saving can then respond using a wide range of Support Operations assets, including jetskis, inflatable rescue boats, volunteer callout teams from surf clubs, lifeguards, or helicopter or drone services.
The upgrade in technology provided by the NSW Government’s funding means the new units are solar-powered, can be permanently fixed in position and are easy to install in remote or difficult to access locations. Flashing lights on top of the beacon act as a visual indicator to lifesavers or members of the public that the unit has been activated.
The expansion of emergency response infrastructure comes after the Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib convened a roundtable on coastal safety in early 2024, in response to an increase in coastal drownings over recent years.
The National Drowning Report 2025, published by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, identified 357 drowning deaths in the past year, which was 27% higher than the 10-year average.
When the current rollout is complete, there will be 64 ERBs in operation following recent installations on the South Coast at Racecourse Beach, Tabourie Creek and The Farm at Killalea State Park. Further units are planned for installation in the Illawarra, Sydney, the Far South Coast and the North Coast.
His words again ring true this year with most of the major awards in the 2025 Centre for Volunteering Awards in this LGA going to Pittwater residents.
Whale Beach Surf life saver and Avalon resident Mirek Craney was named the 2025 Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year, for his decades long work running ocean swim events to raise money for vital cancer research through the Can Too charity.
Mr Craney was also recognised as the Senior Volunteer of the Year on Friday August 29 at Dee Why RSL Club as part of the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Close to 100 recipients of other individual and team awards were also announced, including the inaugural Emergency Volunteer of the Year.
Young Volunteer of the Year: Holly Searles from Bilgola Plateau
Holly has been the driving force behind the successful Cricket Blast program for young players at the Peninsula Junior Cricket Club.
The young Manly cricketer gives her time each week during summer to lead fun, encouraging and supportive sessions. Her volunteer work helps young players learn about teamwork, training, and being a good sport.
Adult Volunteer of the Year: Adrian Hill from Narrabeen
When North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club needed both physical upgrades and a boost in volunteer support, Adrian, the club’s president, stepped up.
He’s tackled the challenge of declining volunteer numbers by introducing innovative programs that have attracted younger members to the club. His determination has also put the club on track for a new state-of-the-art facility that will benefit the entire community.
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Adrian Hill, pictured here with Jacqui Scruby, MP for Pittwater. Photo supplied
Barrenjoey Lighthouse - Photo Credit: Tom Elliott
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Veterinary Nurse Lauren Sumner releases a little penguin back into the ocean at Curl Curl. Source: Taronga Wildlife Hospital
Profile of the Week TiARA Immunologist says “Freeze It – Don’t Squeeze It”Website: www.tiara.org.au
A group of eminent professionals from TIARA, (Tick-induced Allergies Research and Awareness Committee) has developed a key communication strategy to help all those at risk of tick bites.
Although you may be bitten by ticks year-round in our area, as we head into Spring and residents go into their garden and outdoors to enjoy the season, please use these resources as a refresher on how to protect your family, yourself, and your pets.
Community News Avalon Dunes Replanting Sunday Sept. 7 - can you help?, Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) Needs People for the Rescue Line, Spraying Weeds at Mona Vale without Warning Signage, Lone Wallaby at Warriewood, Avalon Bulldogs A-Grade Into Grand Final, Australasian Dark Sky Alliance Calls for National Legislation to Curb Light Pollution, Warriewood DA Proposes removal of 11 Hectares of Vegetation, 280+ extra vehicles for streets, Mona Vale Boardriders' Andrew Gobbe on a Roll - Australian Shortboard Champion 2025, Vale Geoff Clarke, 24 Hour Row 2025, Naming ceremony to honour a devoted netball community volunteer, FoNLC - Forum/AGM, Avalon Beach Historical Society September 2025 Meeting, $550k For Coastal Art: Newport + Collaroy, Plastic grass announced For Kamilaroi Park Bayview + Lakeside Park, Narrabeen, Northern Beaches Police Area Command: Retired Police Day 2025, Wildlife Hungry: Moving to road Edges to feed - Please Slow down, Proposed Road Reserve Lease: adjoining 19 Rayner Road Whale Beach, Help shape the future of maritime infrastructure in NSW, Monthly dads group launches at McMahons Point Community Centre, Marine Rescue Broken Bay Christmas Raffle 2025, Pittwater Offshore Community Awards Black Tie Gala, Disability Discrimination Act Review – Issues Paper: Have your say, Get ready for NSW Women’s Week 2026, Busking for Change 2025, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Mickey + Lady, Australian Climate outlook for September to December 2025, Roadworks, Pittwater Sports, Social, Environment, Residents Associations and Groups, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter
Environment Winter Becomes Spring In Pittwater: Photos by Joe Mills, Young Local helps net illegal fishers: Narrabeen Lagoon, Avalon Dunes Replanting Sunday Sept. 7 - can you help?, Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) Needs People for the Rescue Line, Australasian Dark Sky Alliance Calls for National Legislation to Curb Light Pollution, Spraying Weeds at Mona Vale without Warning Signage, Lone Wallaby at Warriewood, Warriewood DA Proposes removal of 11 Hectares of Vegetation, 280+ extra vehicles for streets, Top Knot Pigeon Flock Visits PON Yard, Dozens of criminal offences charged against Forestry Corporation, $10 million to cut food waste in NSW households + businesses, Draft resource recovery order and exemption for biosolids: Have your say to EPA by September 26, Climate Change Licensee Requirements: Have your say to EPA by October 7, 151 new electric buses for Sydney Streets, Fairy penguin found on Pacific Highway returned to Local Pacific ocean waters, Thomas Stephens Reserve, Church Point - boardwalk + seawall works to commence This September, Wildlife Hungry: Moving to road Edges to feed - Please Slow down, South Australia: Air Bubble Curtain to Protect Giant Cuttlefish, How could we clean up the algal bloom?, Morning Birding Walk in Warriewood Wetlands: Sept. 6, 622kg of Rubbish Collected from Local Beaches: Adopt your local beach program, Stony Range Spring Festival 2025: September 14, Eco-Garden at Kimbriki: Spring 2025 Workshops, Taronga volunteers flock together to restore Regent Honeyeater habitat: Capertree Valley BirdFest on this September, This Tick Season: Freeze it - don't squeeze it, Protect local wildlife from your fishing gear, EPA tackling greenhouse gas emissions with new licensee requirements: Have your say, $1.2 million on offer to crack down on illegal dumping, $1 million to establish indi NSW recreational fishing peak body: feedback invited until Oct. 1, Notice of 1080 Poison Baiting, Weed of the Week, Solar for apartment residents: Funding, 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, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Community Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Australia faces a home insurance reckoning – and we can learn from California’s bold move, Getting rid of fossil fuels is really hard – and we’re not making much progress, No room for the timid: setting Australia’s 2035 emissions target is a daring tightrope act, We’re still not measuring our reliance on nature as we rush to boost productivity, Growing push for early decision on climate policy wedges Ley, Lessons from the Incas: how llamas, terraces and trees could help the Andes survive climate change, Himalayan flash floods: climate change worsens them, but poor planning makes them deadly, Australia has banned 3 ‘forever chemicals’ – but Europe wants to ban all 14,000 as a precaution, Buckling rails and lines underwater: how Australia’s ageing train networks are crumbling as the climate changes, For the first time, scientists observed the ‘hidden swirls’ that affect the flow of sand, rocks and snow, Chaos gardening – wild beauty, or just a mess? A sustainable landscape specialist explains the trend, Pittwater Reserves, Environment History insights + Walks, Birds, +
Aquatics New Study Shows Floods from Hawkesbury Causes Abundance of Reef Fish to Drop by 50%
Children Sunday Cartoons - This Issue: Lost Sheep - Paper Stop Motion Short Film by Lukas Rooney, Peninsula Junior Cricket Club open for Spring/Summer cricket; enrol now, Cuious Kids: In what order did the planets in our solar system form? + Why do dolphins jump out of the water? + How can the James Webb Space Telescope see so far? + Why is the object of golf to play as little golf as possible? + How does your body make poop?, Stories this week: Grumpy Monkey Compilation + 'The Magician's Hat' read by Alison Brie, + local fun and clubs for you
Youth Avalon Dunes replanting: can you help? + Some history of the Avalon Dunes, Davidson High School revamped hall finished on time, Green Luck, Opportunities: 10-Minute plays for Short Play Festival + I'm with the Band: Music Comp. + apprenticeship and traineeship reform front and centre: Feedback Invited + Open Mic at Palm Beach, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Conservator, Why do we ‘like a version’ so much? The history of cover songs, from Elvis to TikTok, Zone zero: the rise of effortless exercise, Hydration may be your best defence against stress new study shows, ‘Phubbing’: why ignoring your partner for your phone infuriates certain people – and causes them to retaliate, New finds shed light on Canopus – the ancient Egyptian port city lost to the sea, Taylor Swift is engaged. She’s been getting her fans ready for this moment for 20 years, Why TikTok is the perfect home for absurdist comedy, Mr Squiggle entertained Australia’s children for 40 years. Now he’s back in the spotlight, Why grow plants in space? They can improve how we produce food and medicine on Earth, Uni students are using AI to ‘ask stupid questions’ and get feedback on their work, See Earth’s seasons in all their complexity in a new animated map, , local services for you
Seniors Mona Vale Boardriders' Andrew Gobbe on a Roll - Australian Shortboard Champion 2025, Dementia Support Information Session at Mona Vale Library, Avalon Beach Historical Society September 2025 Meeting, Vale Geoff Clarke, Northern Beaches Police Area Command: Retired police day 2025, Call for applications to join the Aged Care Council of Elders, The Medical Research Future Fund supports dementia, ageing and aged care research in Australia, Naming ceremony to honour a devoted netball community volunteer, New video on the new rights-based Aged Care Act, A key measure used to calculate age pension payments is changing. How will this affect your benefits?, ‘We need to look after our grand-friends’: how childcare in aged care can help young and old, Walk & Talk: Narrabeen, AvPals Term 3, 2025, Local Services for you
Park Bench Philosophers ACYP Evaluation report shows impact of NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People
Pictures Avalon Beach Ocean swim fundraising legend named 2025 Volunteer of the Year - close to 100 locals recognised in the Centre for Volunteering 2025 Awards
DIY Ideas Father's Day 2025: A few Gift Ideas to Spoil the Dad in the world Who Loves Being Outdoors
Father's Day is celebrated Sunday September 7 in 2025.
This year the great team at Johnson Bros Mitre 10 have a special bonus that may sweeten the mix.
For your chance to Win a $200 Mitre 10 Gift Card* for Dad or the special man in your life, delivered just in time for Father’s Day, spend $60 instore or online, and automatically go into the draw for a chance to WIN! It’s that easy.
The competition started Friday 1st August and runs to Sunday 24th August 2025, so there is plenty of time to find that special gift that will help dad in the garden this Spring, or for those jobs he's been planning to get to.
Johnson Brother's Mitre 10 Father's Day Gifts catalogue is also available, with items on sale until September 7.
This Issue a few ideas on how to spoil dad rotten for dads who like being outdoors- some you can make or do yourself and some you can get from your local Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 store - there's gift ideas for every budget.
Inbox News National Anti-Scam Centre calls for continued action this Scams Awareness Week as scam losses trend up at $175M, Speed reduction camera trial: speeding rates nearly halved, Free health service now available to everyone in NSW, Government injects $9.2 million to accelerate building certification and trades licensing approvals, ACCC commences consultation on proposed National Broadband Network quality standards, entry level product and expenditure plans, Driver assist technology saves lives. So why do so many people turn it off?, 1 in 3 teens has thought about suicide this year. Here’s what to look for – and where to get help, Is it too late to get a flu shot?, Eating disorder symptoms in teens can be traced back to family hardship new study shows, Medicinal cannabis is most often prescribed for pain, anxiety and sleep. Here’s what the evidence says, ‘Thriving Kids’ could help secure the future of the NDIS. But what will the program mean for children and families?, Kids with ‘developmental delay’ will be diverted from the NDIS. But how do you know if your child is delayed?, Long COVID is more than fatigue. Our new study suggests its impact is similar to a stroke or Parkinson’s, Australia says Iran was behind two antisemitic attacks; Iranian ambassador expelled
Food Pumpkin Season: Ideas for the Lunchbox and at Home
It's Pumpkin Season - these delightful globes of orange and gold crops are coming in and at $6 a whole pumpkin, the price, weight and taste proves they're fresh from the best fields of Australia. This Issue a few more inspirations for those who, like us, buy the whole pumpkin as they know there will be ideas enough to indulge in this great for you at this Winter vegetable.
Events Spring Workshops and Events, Zonta NB's 50th Anniversary Dinner, Author Talks, Sports, Music, Markets, Social Groups, + Heaps more on!
White-faced Heron foraging for food on Turimetta Beach. Photo: Joe Mills
Mum and juvenile magpie on beach looking for food on Turimetta beach. Photo: Joe Mills
Juvenile magpie on post at southern end of Turimetta beach. Joe Mills, photographer, said ''There were plenty of Magpie groups scouring the beach for food just about every morning. I came across one friendly juvenile who sat on a fence post halfway up the southern steps. He did not move, even when a small family group passed within a metre of the Magpie.''
