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A/Professor Richard West, is stepping down as President of the Palm Beach Whale Beach Association (residents group) at the end of this year after ten significant years during which there have been many successes.
A/Prof West AM took over the reins after previous President of the PBWBA Storm Jacklin stepped down
Never forgetting the Association’s main objective to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area and protect its residential amenity, Professor West has worked tirelessly representing the Association across all levels of government. He has focused on achieving the most important safeguards and directed the Association’s efforts in the most practical ways.
With the drive to build more houses we now see a willingness to increase density without regard for historical significance or suitability of site. A major achievement has been to ensure that the majority of properties in Palm Beach and Whale Beach have retained their conservation zone status where the effects of the planning reforms will not be felt as they will be in other areas.
From the early months of his presidency Professor West campaigned to preserve the Rendezvous Tea Rooms c.1923 (now The Corner) at the junction of Barrenjoey Road and Beach Road from being developed as two town houses, always mindful of protecting our local heritage.
Each year he has backed numerous submissions concerning inappropriate residential and commercial developments made to the Northern Beaches Council, the Local Planning Panel and the Land & Environment Court. He has also worked to ensure that Avalon Beach and Newport were not included in the State Government’s Transport Oriented Development Plan (TOD) which would have had the effect of changing the nature of our local villages.
Since the early years of the 20th century Governor Phillip Park has been threatened by development which would have transformed the Park and removed it as a community recreation area. This threat returned in recent years in a different form with the proposal that the Lighthouse buildings be converted to short term accommodation.
After an active campaign by PBWBA, spearheaded by the President, with the help of local residents and culminating in a lively demonstration in the Park, in February 2024 Penny Sharpe, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and the Environment gave an undertaking in person that Barrenjoey Headland and the heritage Lighthouse buildings would not be commercialised.
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Penny Sharpe MLC, then Shadow Minister for the Environment at the second Barrenjoey Rally, stated:
‘I’d like to begin by Acknowledging the Garigal people who for tens of thousands of years have looked after places like this. We owe them a great debt, we also owe them the responsibility of making sure we don’t wreck it.
I’d also like to thank Rob for giving that overview of what is happening at Barrenjoey and also across the state, and that’s what I want to talk to you about today.
National Parks are given the highest status of protection for a reason. We decide that we’re going to set them aside to conserve everything that is important about what’s in them. That includes, obviously, the plants and animals and the stories that are there, but it also includes the cultural and built heritage that has developed over time that tells a story of this nation.
This is something that is on the National Heritage register. It’s on the State Heritage register. There have been more studies done about this lighthouse than we may ever read in a lifetime, thousand and thousands of pages and millions of words.
What it comes down to is this is a very special place. It is owned by the public, it’s actually our responsibility and the government’s responsibility to care for it into the future.’
[Applause]
‘I was glad that Rob reminded us of the Plan of Management (PoM) to get the detail of what needs to be done and how we can turn this around.
In 2002 the previous Labor Government did the Plan of Management. The PoM’s that are developed for National Parks are extremely important, they’re very detailed, they are based on science, based on heritage assessments, and if they’re working properly, they actually involve the local community and involve the First Nations people as they are developed.
It was decided then that this was a special place and it wasn’t going to be commercialised or privatised.
In 2013 a new government comes in and straight away they’re looking at how we can commercialise the site. No one is opposed to fixing it and looking after it and how the public can better use and access those buildings. No one is arguing against that – but when you start to put on all this about ‘adaptive reuse’ or a potential for a ‘conference centre’, as has been proposed across the water, or the potential for accommodation here, then you know you are starting to degrade the place straight away. There needs to be a careful conversation if ever that happens and it really is unacceptable.
What is also unacceptable is that the government ruled out exactly what they’re trying to do right now.
You fought back in 2013, and good on you to all of you who have been doing this for decades. I don’t think I’ve been here since I was about 15 I worked out this morning.
This was a promise that this wouldn’t occur. And let’s not forget that the current government has ignored the PoM since 2002, so why the unseemly rush, literally less than 60 days out from a state election, to try and sign this off and say there is nothing that can be done?
There’s always something that can be done – and the first thing that should happen today is that Minister Griffin, the Minister for Environment and Heritage, should make the commitment that he is not going to sign off on the Draft Plan of Management until after the election and the people of this area and beyond can have their say about what they think should happen here.
The last thing I wanted to say is it’s not just Barrenjoey. After 2013 when Rob Stokes said ‘no, we’re not going to do that, we’re going to look after it and care for it’, the current government has stripped over a period of time $120 million out of National Parks system.
In 2015 I was leaked a memo from the National Parks and Wildlife Service that basically said ‘we cannot sustain the cuts that are being made by the government. If we are forced to try and implement all these cuts we will have to look for commercial opportunities everywhere across the state.’
Fast forward to 2023 and it doesn’t matter where it is, across the state communities like yours are fighting against this kind of commercialisation, and frankly, privatisation of these very precious places.
It has to stop.
I urge you all today to do a couple of things; keep speaking loudly about this. Speak to Rob Stokes, he is still the local Member here, he still has a responsibility here. Speak to all the local candidates for the state election – it’s good to see Jeffrey Quinn here, who is our Labor candidate, and Jacqui Scruby’s people – I think I saw Elizabeth Farrelly over there, and Rory is here, and the Greens candidate Hilary Green – you need to raise your voices. Speak up and speak together – you can turn this around but you need to stay together.
I’m very happy to be here with you today. Thank you.’
[applause]
Professor West has never let up on his efforts to upgrade the maintenance of the Park and make improvements there. With a new Plan of Management prepared and funding at last earmarked for these improvements there has been considerable progress in 2025.
Installation of the Walkway from Palm Beach Wharf to Governor Phillip Park has been another huge success and Professor West has also continued to press for the Manly to Palm Beach Coastal Walkway to be completed.
Conscious of the importance of the ocean pools to residents and visitors, he has been a strong advocate for their maintenance and upgrading and also the monitoring of pollution at Kiddies‘ Corner, an area providing immense enjoyment to many children. He has also lobbied tirelessly for landscaping and a pathway along the beachfront at Palm Beach with eventual success.
Parking has always been a matter of great concern. However, The Pittwater Park Parking Demand Study resulted in vastly improved parking for residents and visitors and the implementation of the 40km High Pedestrian Activity Zone in front of Pittwater Park has improved the safety of the area.
The monthly Coffee Morning Meetings under his chairmanship have been an important way of strengthening community engagement, hearing members’ concerns and solving innumerable smaller problems in a comparatively short time thanks to the co-operation we get from Northern Beaches Council. The speakers have been entertaining and the morning meetings very enjoyable. They are now an important part of the life of the association.
Despite an extraordinary life of service, we know from his family that Professor West also made the time to be a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
Richard and Anne West in 2016 at the Pacific Club's Blanc de Blanc Fundraiser for Palm Beach SLSC Opens Social Season
Richard West: A bit more in Depth
The news service has a more extensive biography on this esteemed member of our community - for now we share a few insights from a chat with A/Professor West AM from a few years ago.
Professor West was born on the 23rd of July 1939 in a small hospital in Newtown, Sydney, to Thomas Hugh West and Jessie Stewart. His Grandfather was Thomas Henry West and his Grandmother was Rose, his sister is Jan. His oldest Australian descendant was Surgeon Lieutenant West who was an officer in the second fleet. The Wests have a family tradition where all males have the initials THW, with the second name Hugh, except Richard, who is RHW - Richard Hugh West.
His education begun at Russell Lea infant school. He was asked to speak about his time there at the school's 75th anniversary. He continued at Drummoyne Public school from years 3 to year 5 and started high school at Sydney Grammar in year 6, which his father had attended before him.
During his childhood he played tennis as his parents also played and rugby union, his favourite team sport. When older, he used to go to drive-in movies, listen to the radio and watch the news at the movie theatre. Professor West also thoroughly enjoyed Sunday school with his friends. He was lucky enough to go on cruises with his parents, and his lifelong love of the sea and ships developed from there.
In 1956 professor Richard West had acute appendicitis and had a, at that time, fairly risky operation to have it removed. This contact with a surgery inspired him to take up medicine and become a surgeon.
Professor West studied at Sydney University and graduated on the 25th of February 1964 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
He was appointed to the Prince Henry hospital in 1965 as a resident medical officer. There he met his future wife Anne Scoble, who was a physiotherapist.
''I instantly feel in love - she was so beautiful, such a wonderful and simply lovely person.'' Richard said
Professor West used to deliberately find patients who needed a physiotherapist so he could see Anne again through helping them. They soon married Anne and will celebrate 60 years together in April 2026.
Wedding day, April 1966
Soon after the Wests travelled to England where A/Prof West obtained the Fellowship Royal College of Surgeons, England, which meant he could be a surgeon.
They lived in London for two years and had their first child Catherine Jane, at the Queen Charlotte Hospital in London. After this they moved to Colchester Essex where he worked at the Essex County Hospital for a year then came back to Australia.
Anne and Richard's second child, Deborah Leigh, was born in Sydney and has red hair, a gift from her grandmother, Jessie.
A/Prof West worked at the Prince of Wales hospital and Children’s Hospital where he did what he recalls as his most satisfying operations ever.
While Surgical Registrar at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital he was sent to Darwin for 4 months. When he and Anne arrived back from Darwin their third and last child Timothy Hugh West was born.
''Shortly after I was appointed VMO as a general surgeon to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Rachel Forster Hospital, where I served for over 40 years. VMO stands for Visiting Medical Officer. This meant I was responsible for the care of patients and training surgeons.'' Richard explained
''The Rachel Forster Hospital has a very interesting history – it was started by and for women as the big hospitals wouldn’t give them residency, for among other reasons, because they didn’t have toilets for the women doctors.
''One of our fellow former Palm Beach residents, Lucy Gullett, was one of the founders of this hospital. This only treated women and children for years. One of the first Breast Clinic Units was set up there initially – a very appropriate place to commence this.
I joined in 1970. This was very successful in treating Breast cancer and other problems. The Foundation was there and at Prince Alfred Hospital, which had, a few years ago, raised 20 million dollars for research.''
Because of his work in surgery Professor West initiated the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation with Professor Renwick. This remains a hugely successful foundation, responsible for saving the lives of countless mothers, daughters, wives and sisters.
Concurrently A/Prof West taught many students who have now become extremely successful surgeons.
For many years A/Prof West was the RACS Supervisor of Training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He participated in the training of over 100 surgical registrars, many of whom now have very successful surgical practices.
He established the Central Sydney Area Basic Surgical Training Programme as Director of the programme. He has served on numerous administrative committees at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, including the Hospital Management, Infection Control, Operating Theatre Committee and Head of the Colorectal and Breast Surgery Departments.
He has been Chairman of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Medical Board, Chairman of the Central Sydney Medical Staff Executive, Medical Staff Representative to the Central Sydney Area Health Service Board and Member of the Area Board Finance Committee.
He has been very active in the area of infection control, being the convenor of the RACS management of HIV and Hep B Infection Control Committee. The committee produced two editions of the RACS infection control policy. He was executive producer of the RACS Educational Video “Old Dogs New Tricks” on Infection Control in the Operating Theatre.
He was a member of the Ministerial Infection Advisory Group NSW Health, a Member of the National Health and Medical Research Council Working Party on Infection Control 1994-1995, and dedicated decades of service to the RACS. He was a member of the NSW State Committee RACS and subsequently a Federal Counsellor. He participated in all aspects of the College.
However, A/Prof West's main interests were in education and infection control.
Why was upgrading infection control important to you?
Because I got Hep. B from a patient – I was squirted in the eye and was off work for 3 months as a result. Fortunately, I recovered and could continue treating patients. But when we looked at it there were no guidelines and no structure in place about how to treat patients who were infected. So, I got involved and wrote the guidelines for the College of Surgeons.
As Chairman of the Board of Basic Surgical Training, A/Prof West introduced a new innovatively taught basic surgical training programme which also introduced a basic skills course.
As the Censor in Chief of the College, he was responsible for supervision of all the surgical training in Australia and New Zealand.
In his retirement at Palm Beach he became President of the Palm Beach and Whale Beach Residents Association. For his work as a member and President of this association he has been mentioned in both the NSW and Australian Parliament.
You have been President of the Palm Beach-Whale Beach Association for over 10 years – what have the achievements of the association been under your custodianship?
The objects of the Palm Beach Whale Beach Association are to preserve the environment in which we live and I think we’ve done well in meeting this, although it is becoming more and more difficult.
One of recent achievements have been getting the Palm Beach footpaths fixed and saving Barrenjoey headland from becoming a short-term hire venue.
We have done many other things; getting a de-fib installed in Governor Phillip Park for instance, or supporting applications for grants to maintain and repair and de-weed the crown land areas in Governor Phillip Park. The PBWBA has been advocating for and looking after this area for over 100 years now.
Why is it important, to you, to get involved in your local residents association?
I was very involved at the hospital in medico-political discussions and progressions; we were fighting to keep the hospital going and lift the standard in all areas we worked in. I’ve always enjoyed getting involved in medico-political aspects of our work and that would apply to what happens where we live too. I think you have to get involved in order to keep the politicians honest, and that applies to where you live too. In the process I’ve met a lot of very nice people and made a lot of friendships here at Palm Beach.
It's not just the Palm Beach-Whale Beach Association – when Mona Vale and Manly Hospitals were closed on the eve of the Northern Beaches Hospital opening and we had such a shemozzle, you were standing up for the community before then too – even going to the first Upper House Inquiries hearings to present to the committee then as well – speaking up, among other matters, about the distance and time before treatment now created - about how we needed a stroke unit available...
Yes, I gave evidence to the Parliamentary Committee. And they’re still not treating them properly, as quickly as they are able to. The point there is the sooner you administer the treatments for stroke, the better the outcome. An unnecessary delay means a worse outcome.
The reason I get involved, apart from the obvious need for us all to speak up for our communities, is it keeps me active.
What are your favourite places in Pittwater and why?
Palm Beach, because I think it is one of the best beaches in the world. Look at the view from Barrenjoey and of Barrenjoey – its just spectacular.
What is your ‘motto for life’ or a favourite phrase that you try to live by?
Be persistent and honest.
Professor West has had a distinguished career as a teacher and surgeon at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and at the University of Sydney. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services in the field of infection control and medical education. In particular he was a pioneer in infection control in clinical surgery. The Australian Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare are based on his work.
He was Censor in Chief of the College of Surgeons of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and had over 40 years’ experience as a colorectal and breast surgeon. He was a founding member of the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation, Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee and a driving force behind Australia’s national screening program for breast cancer. With this background he was able to make the strongest case for an end to the Public/Private Partnership at Northern Beaches Hospital, appearing at the NSW Parliament Upper House Inquiry into the hospital and arguing for it to be upgraded to a Level 6 hospital and to retain private services. This fight is continuing.
Dr.s King and Daly and Professor West at Second Public Hearing - photo supplied
Professor West has left an incredible legacy as he leaves the Presidency. He has been at the forefront of many campaigns, taken part in some robust debates and been a tenacious leader. He has the great respect of the community for his energy, hard work and commitment. We would also like to pay tribute to his wife, Anne West, for her warmth and generosity and unfailing support to members, particularly the Committee.
Richard West will remain a member of the Committee where his considerable experience will continue to be valued. We thank him for his enormous contribution.
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A/Prof West Speech at Palm Beach Whale Beach Association Christmas function, Sunday December 7 2025:
Good evening everyone,
I would like to begin by welcoming our special guests:
- Dr Sophie Scamps — Member for Mackellar
- Jacqui Scruby — Member for Pittwater
- Mayor Sue Heins — Northern Beaches Council
It is a privilege to have representatives here tonight from all three levels of government. Our Association greatly values our working relationship with our MPs and Council — we have had many productive meetings, and I genuinely believe that each of them holds the best interests of Pittwater at heart.
I would also like to acknowledge our Pittwater Councillors Korzy and Dillon.
Thank you both for your support and for attending our Monday morning coffee meetings. Your feedback, your involvement, and your availability to our community have been invaluable.
To the representatives of our local community groups — thank you for joining us.
We are fortunate to have such strong and passionate voices in Pittwater. These groups play a vital role in protecting what makes this place so special, and our relationship with them is one of the great strengths of our Association and community.
I would particularly like to acknowledge my old mate Peter Mayman of the Avalon Preservation Association. Peter and I worked closely together for many years, and it was always a pleasure.
To our two life members, Storm Jacklin and Susie Kennedy — thank you both.
Susie, you are a wealth of knowledge and history, and both your contributions over so many years has been extraordinary. To both of you, my sincere thanks.
It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as President of the PBWBA. However, the time has come for me to step down as President and hand over the reins.
It is wonderful to reflect that our Association celebrates its 107th anniversary this year — a legacy built through the commitment of countless presidents and committee members.
The extraordinary number of volunteer hours devoted to protecting Palm Beach & Whale Beach over more than a century is something to be proud of.
During our centenary year, our local members Stokes and Falinski each paid tribute to the Association in both Houses of Parliament. Our work and history are now recorded in Hansard — which is a remarkable achievement.
The purpose of our Association has always been clear:
To preserve the unique environment in which we live.
Palm Beach and Whale Beach are precious places, and protecting them for future generations is our shared responsibility. Looking around us here at Governor Phillip Park, it is worth remembering that in the 1920s our Association successfully prevented its subdivision into residential lots. More recently, commercial development at Barrenjoey Headland was halted — preserving the jewel in the crown of Pittwater for the future.
It has been a very busy year,.
It is pleasing to see progress across important local services, particularly the Northern Beaches Hospital. It is encouraging that the hospital has now been taken over by the government and will continue to treat both public and private patients. We must ensure that it provides full **Level 5 services**, with the long-term goal of progressing to a **Level 6 hospital**, so that critical treatment is available here without residents needing to travel to Royal North Shore.
In particular, stroke care and clot-busting treatment must be available locally for faster response and better outcomes. I thank our local members for their support in working toward achieving this.
This past year has been particularly busy with new NSW Government planning regulations. We worked hard — and successfully — to retain the status quo in Palm Beach & Whale Beach. All Whale Beach remains conservation areas and the great majority of Palm Beach.
This allows both suburbs to remain beautiful residential communities, while also welcoming visitors.
But we must remain vigilant — our landscape requires constant protection.
We have also continued positive engagement with Northern Beaches Council and I would like to acknowledge Andrew Johnston, our community representative, for his ongoing commitment and attendance at all meetings.
To my committee — past and present — thank you.
You have each contributed your time, passion and capability, and I could not have asked for a better group to work alongside.
My role has been made easier and more enjoyable because of you — and I look forward to continuing with you as a committee member.
I also want to take a moment to thank my family.
Anne and I have been very blessed with our three children and ten grandchildren. It is wonderful to have Catherine, Timothy, Deborah and her husband Steve here with us tonight.
I could not have done what I have without Anne — she has been beside me throughout, improving every speech and supporting every step of the way
Next April we will celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary — thank you Anne, for everything.
Finally, to all our members — thank you for your continued support.
I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year.
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