Pittwater Online News

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Includes: Are We Idiots? The stories we tell ourselves; Scotland Island's Emergency Water Supply; Island Fire Brigade AGM; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Black Tie Gala; For Sale: hand-knitted cotton cloths

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Barrell accepts national appointment

Scruby Fought Hard on Speed Limits but No Change

Plastic grass announced For Kamilaroi Park Bayview + Lakeside Park, Narrabeen

''We are planning to install synthetic grass softfall beneath the existing swingset to ensure compliance with current Australian Playground Standards.

We understand the swing set is valued by the local community, so we have consulted with Council’s Tree Services Team as to the best approach to maintain swings in this location without affecting the existing trees.

The existing swing frame will be reused to avoid disturbance to tree roots.

Synthetic grass was chosen over mulch soft fall due to the thickness (and excavation) required to achieve compliance.

Works are currently planned to be undertaken in September 2025. (Weather and contractor availability permitting).''

 ''Works begin on Monday 4 August, and should take approximately 3 weeks to complete, weather permitting.''

Wildlife Hungry: Moving to road Edges to feed - Please Slow down

A Sydney Wildlife Carer has stated this week: ''We've  been getting a lot of calls to Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) lately. 

Please slow down and be aware that food through winter is scarce and many animals are moving closer to the edges of the road in search of winter grass. 

If you see any sick or injured animal please call Sydney Wildlife Rescue 9413 4300.''

Help shape the future of maritime infrastructure in NSW

Navy Clearance Diver Trust’s annual fundraising at Manly

Marine Rescue Broken Bay Christmas Raffle 2025

Warringah-Pittwater SES Volunteer Rescues Kooka Bubba 

Warm feathery news story of the week comes from our local SES crew and member Gary H.

The NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit, out in the past weeks' incessant downpours, were front and centre when an eagle eyed 5 year old spotted a kookaburra that had been swept into a drainage system under her home.  

The unit says:

''Our trucks don't carry nets and things useful for rescuing birds so the team had to get resourceful.

Using a shopping basket attached to a hook on a pole (a hookey thing 😀), after a few attempts they successfully scooped the kookaburra up to safety.

Wrapped up in a towel the resident and 5 year old whisked the  kookaburra off to the Vet.  The little bird seemed cold and wet but appeared to be ok.''

The co-rescuers reported the next day that:

''The Vet says the kookaburra is doing well 🧡 It’s heading to a carer today and will be released back home when the sun’s out. Huge thanks to the wonderful team for the rescue!''

Love your work and creativity team. And Thank You Gary H!

That's one local songster you're likely to hear singing up a rainbow again soon.

If YOU spot one of our areas other locals looking a cold and wet during this weather, please contact local WIRES and Sydney Wildlife volunteers. Resident wildlife is impacted by days of cold rain and can experience hypothermia due to extreme cold, wind, wetness, poor insulation, or compromised health.

Vulnerable animals include the very young, old, injured, sick, and small animals. To help a hypothermic animal, keep it warm and contact local wildlife rescue groups.

With a wet Spring forecast, and more bubs on the way, we can all help out those we live with in this place.

WIRES: 1300 094 737

Sydney Wildlife: 9413 4300  - both 24/7

 

Pics: NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit, 

Narrabeen JRLFC Sharks on a roll

First team into the Grand Final; Narrabeen Sharks under 14s with a good win 44-6, Saturday August 23. Second team into the Grand Finals and the minor premiers Under 15s. Taking the win 36-18. 

Grand Finals scheduled for next weekend, August 30/31, at this stage.

Today at Lake Park - it's A Grade's turn against Asquith:

Newport Breakers Colts and Womens Team Minor Premiers

Last weekend the Breakers boys took down Hunters Hill with only 14 players on the field — absolute grit and heart. With just 2 losses all season and the guidance of Adam Hanks, Angus James, Alex Baczkowski, and Luke Holmes, it’s been an epic ride so far. 

Now it’s time to finish the job and bring home some glory. Go Colts!

Newport's Womens team are also Minor Premiers, Twice-a-week trainers, rain never stopped them — if it wasn’t the gym, it was an indoor hall, theory sesh, or team dinner.

The club says:

• 8 of our 20 had never played rugby before this season — now they’re absolute key players.
• Another 8 carried over from last year, the rest brand new — but all bought straight in.
• Half the team came from surf boat rowing and turned into rugby weapons.

Big shout to Sarah Randall — a foundation player, improving every season, and this year the heart + tank of the team. Our undefeated Ladies will play St Patricks at Pioneers Park, Malabar Sat 23 August​ 2025​. 

Go Girls!

Newport Breakers Ladies Day went well on Saturday 9th August. In spite of no games, (our field was a quagmire) the Cow girls hit the Clubhouse en masse (150 of them). Big thanks to Pittwater MP for stopping by to help with the draw for prizes.

Avalon JRLFC Bulldogs Prelim Finals

The Doggies are also having a good run with Junior teams enjoying their Prelim. Finals on Saturday August 23.

Their A Grade Team is playing Cromer on Newport Oval this afternoon, Sunday August 24, with kick off scheduled for 3pm.

Go Doggies!

August 2025 council Meeting: Decisions

Newport Land

In 2014 the owner of 57 and 59 Grandview Drive, Newport, Lots 29 and 30 DP 16029, decided to bequeath her land to Pittwater Council after she passed away for use as a wildlife sanctuary. The lady who owned the property, and had photographed koalas into the mid 1970's in the spotted gums there, wanted it to be rezoned from residential to environmental protection E2 and named 'Sanctuary'. 

Her wish was that her small house on one block be demolished and its footprint regenerated to bushland. In 2015, by then an elderly lady, she asked Pittwater Environmental Foundation (PEF) and PNHA to assist with managing the land (weeding), which they were happy to do.

Land at Church Point

Item 18.2 on the agenda stated the NSW Government has offered to sell to the council land at Church Point, referred to in a confidential report, at market value. The council resolved to write to the relevant Minister with the recommendation that the land be transferred to council at nominal cost and with the intent that the land be managed as a bushland reserve. The council will only acquire the land if a proposed land transfer at nominal cost is agreed to.

Narrabeen Lagoon Entrance Clearance Works

The council accepted the tender of Coastwide Civil Pty Limited for Narrabeen Lagoon Entrance Clearance Works 2025 for the sum of $904,713 excluding GST. 

Whale Beach - Mona Vale Beach Pool Repairs

The council accepted the tender of Hibernian Contracting Pty Ltd for Whale Beach & Mona Vale Beach Rockpool Repairs for the sum of $331,060 excluding GST.

Dogs Offleash on a Public Beach

The council approved dogs offleash on Mona Vale beach, trampling on residents, scaring/attacking children, chasing and/or killing wildlife and destroying the dunes restored by volunteers.  Those who voted against this were: Crs. Hrnjak, Harvey, Bingham and Korzy. 

See previous report: Northern Beaches Council recommends allowing dogs offleash on Mona Vale Beach

North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club repairs

The council accepted the tender of Pro-Asset Painting Maintenance Services Pty Ltd for External Building Remedial Works at North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club for the sum of $398,870 excluding GST.

Memorial Trees

The council adopted its Memorials and Naming Honours Policy giving effect that council’s preferred form of memorial is a tree with the option of a plaque, if approved by council staff.

Weeds

The council noted its ongoing challenges managing local invasive weeds and the resulting impacts upon the community and environment. It resolved to write to The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, to request: a. an update on the implementation of the recommendations from the 2023 Statutory Review of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and b. increased government support and funding for councils for the management of local invasive weeds.

St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School to close

The Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay has announced its intention to close St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School, Balgowlah at the end of the 2025 school year. The council resolved to 'call on the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay to': a. pause implementation of the proposed closure; b. undertake an additional consultation process with affected children, families, staff, parishioners, and the broader local community before making any final decision; c. extend the timeframe for families to make placement decisions for at least 2 months after a final decision is made; d. consider requests for wellbeing and/or financial support for affected students, families and staff, and request the Mayor write to the Bishop of Broken Bay, the Director of Schools for the Diocese, and the Parish Priest of Manly Freshwater Parish conveying this council’s position and urge a pause, further consultation and support for affected families.

24 Hour Row 2025

At: 24hourrow.com.au/

Get ready for the 24 Hour Row - a powerful challenge where teams row for 24 hours straight to raise funds for Gotcha4Life and build a mentally fit future, where no one worries alone.

This isn’t just a row. It’s a chance to spark meaningful conversations, show up for your mates, and highlight the importance of connection, community, and fitness - both physical and mental. Whether you're rowing at your local gym, sporting club, school or even your garage - this is a challenge anyone can take on.

Register your team for 13–14 September 2025, and be a part of this important conversation, at: 24hourrow.com.au/signup

VALE Joan Lester

13th January 1948 - 13th August 2025

Passed away unexpectedly and peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Loving wife of Rodney Lester.

Cherished mother of Cameron and Sarah. Adored Nanna to Tom and Ella. Beloved sister of Janet, Jenny and Alex.

A very special friend to many.

Funeral service to honour her wonderful life will be held at 10.15am on Wednesday 27th August at Lotus Pavilion, Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium. Dress warm. 

The wake will follow at 1pm at Palm Beach Golf Club.

FoNLC - Forum/AGM

Tuesday 9 September, 2025 at  7:00 pm

Coastal Environment Centre           

Pelican Path, Lake Park Rd,             

Nth Narrabeen

Please RSVP for catering purposes to:  contact@narrabeenlagoon.au 

Guest Speakers 

* Dr Anthony Harris – Professor of Psychology

Topic: Mental Health and the Environment

* Jacqui Marlow – Sydney Wildlife

Topic: Benefits of the wildlife underpass and overpass on the Mona Vale Rd. East upgrade.

The AGM will follow the forum.

All are welcome to attend.

Ron Patton 

President of Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment

Avalon Beach Historical Society September 2025 Meeting

After a very successful film-clip/video presentation at the June meeting (along with popcorn!) we’re heading for a combination ‘slide night’ with some interesting and new ‘stills’ but with a fascinating additional movie segment.

The meeting on 9th SEPTEMBER will be our AGM but as members will assure you, there is little time spent in the Election of Office Bearers so we are able to get onto ‘what really matters’.

The meeting will start at 8pm but if you wish to update your dues - which will be due at this meeting, please arrive that little bit earlier to save time. 

We have recently lost 4 local and wonderful creative geniuses - all in a tiny space of time!

We have assembled (where possible) a brief resume of both their memorial services and some of their amazing works of art!

John has down-loaded Ken G. Hall’s film “SMITHY” produced in 1946. It’s a great piece of work with what appears to be a faithful reworking of ‘Smithy’s’ fantastic trans-pacific flight in 1928 with his co-pilot Charles Ulm. 

HOWEVER, we have found a couple of stand-out anomalies or discrepancies - once when leaving Suva and then the approach to Eagle Farm Airport in Brisbane. Call them early and sloppy attempts at ‘AI’ if you wish, but we will be interested to see what you think!

Geoff Searl OAM

President Avalon Beach Historical Society

$550k For Coastal Art: Newport + Collaroy

On Friday August 22 2025 the council sprang two 'have your say' webpages for a coastal installation at Newport (up to $350,000) and another at Collaroy (up to $200,000). 

The funding is stated to have come from the forced amalgamation of Pittwater with Warringah 'savings funds', not the council much increase permanently rates.

At Newport feedback on themes selected by 'key stakeholders' are:

1. The historic Newport lagoon connecting Newport and its community.
2. Newport’s culture centred around its beach and waterways.

At Collaroy, no 'key stakeholders' are not-named but the site is to be around the rockpool. The council would no be installing trip hazards around this much-loved pool ... which the webpage makes clear.

Interestingly the Newport Lagoon was filled in to facilitate developers then forced into pipes under the Warringah Shire Council - although it regularly reappears during inundations, unbeaten and undeterred.

Feedback and a call for ideas on the scope of each project is open until Sunday September 21st. The webpages for both are listed under the council's 'have your say' sections at:

yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Newport lagoon - circa 1910

''A CREEK AT NEWPORT BEACH,'' (Photo: C. S. Harnett, 1923.)

into a concrete channel by 1934

Ross Street Newport during 1960's. Photo: Dave Whiteman

Newport shopping area flooding in old lagoon site in March 2022

Boondah Road Upgrade 

A few months ago Warriewood residents were excitedly telling the news service the plan for the upgrade at Boondah Road was going to the council's traffic committee for a decision. This week they find the webpage is still stating:

'The final design and engagement outcomes will be presented at an upcoming Local Traffic Forum. Construction is expected to commence early 2026.'

The council's webpage states key works will include:

• new 2.5m wide shared-user path for walking and cycling
• new dedicated footpath for pedestrian safety
• new raised pedestrian crossings for improved safety
• addition of designated parking bays
• road surface improvements
• new road markings and signage
• upgrades to existing lighting and new lighting over pedestrian crossings for enhanced safety
• emergency vehicle driveway access bays
• new landscaping
• new shared path connecting to B-line bus stop on Pittwater Road
• new roundabout installed at the Boondah Road and Jacksons Road intersection.

However, the Warriewood Community Centre build still looks on track to be completed later this year. 

Northern Beaches Police Area Command: Retired police day 2025

2025 North Shore Volunteer of the Year

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now in their 19th year and celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.

This past week leading advocate for the Gidget Foundation Marcelle Cooper was named the 2025 North Shore Volunteer of the Year, for her work raising awareness and support for parents suffering with perinatal depression and anxiety.

The category winners for the 2025 awards are:

2025 North Shore Young Volunteer of the Year: William Webster

William is a crucial cog in the planning and delivery of events for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. His volunteer work includes setting up and delivering equipment for the hospital based events, logistics, on the ground support, packing up, and supporting fundraising.

2025 North Shore Adult Volunteer of the Year: Marcelle Cooper

Marcelle volunteers with the Gidget Foundation Australia, sharing her story of living with perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) with expectant and new parents. Her speaking and engagement helps raise awareness of the support and specialist services available for parents and families suffering with this treatable illness. Her compelling and passionate words have helped to reach more than 6 million viewers on media and social media channels for the Gidget Foundation and PNDA.

2025 North Shore Senior Volunteer of the Year: Garry Standen

Garry gives his time to support the People and Culture team at Taronga Zoo by designing and building elearning and staff recognition programs. His volunteer work over the past seven years has also included administrative work for the volunteer team at the zoo.

2025 North Shore Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Sally Fenton

Sally helps lead the cadet program at St John Ambulance Australia Harborside Combined Division where cadet attendance has experienced a threefold increase under her guidance. She has provided more than 860 duty hours developing training material, leading live sessions including interactive simulations and collaborative exercises that encourage cadets to think critically and work as a team.

2025 North Shore Volunteer Team of the Year: Mary’s House Services Volunteer Team

The 100 volunteers at Mary’s House Services provide day to day support to ensure women and their children staying at the refuge receive the help and care they need during this difficult period of their lives. They provide child minding for clients when they are seeing counsellors or attending legal and financial clinics. They also help with cleaning, laundry, gardening, collecting groceries and donated meals, as well as grant writing, marketing and public relations; and organising community programs.

Photo: Zali-Staggall, Nicolette Boele, Tim James and Felicity Wilson presented the 2025 North-Shore Volunteer-of-the-Year-Award to Marcelle Cooper

Proposed Road Reserve Lease: adjoining 19 Rayner Road Whale Beach

On Friday, 22 August 2025 the council announced:

''We're proposing to grant a road reserve lease for another five years to the owners of 19 Rayner Road, Whale Beach.

The purpose of the proposed lease is for marina (????), brick fence and planter boxes.

Any person is entitled to make submissions to Council with respect to the proposed lease.

Submissions can be made within 28 days of the date of this public notice by:

Submission form below

Email: council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

In writing: Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.

This public notice is in accordance with Section 154 of the Roads Act 1993.

Submissions close Sunday 21 September 2025. 

NB: seems a bit of a dry and too small an area for a marina installation - those commenting may want to check exactly what the typo may be in this Notice.

Monthly dads group launches at McMahons Point Community Centre

North Sydney Dads Group starts next month, giving fathers and father figures a welcoming space to learn, share and grow.

North Sydney Council stated this week it is proud to support the launch of a new dads group at McMahons Point Community Centre, starting Thursday 11 September. 

The free monthly gathering will support fathers and father figures (including grandfathers, uncles and carers) to navigate parental challenges and be the best version of themselves for their kids, from infants to teens.

The group will help fathers and father figures build stronger family relationships, reduce stress and learn positive role modelling, while connecting with other dads in the area.

The sessions combine research-based parenting insights with open discussion and are facilitated by The Fathering Project, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote positive fathering behaviours and fathers’ engagement with their infants, preschool, primary school and adolescent-aged children.

Each meeting will include a 20-minute topic (such as supporting your kids when co-parenting or connecting with daughters) followed by an open floor for sharing challenges, reflections and support.

The first session runs on Thursday 11 September from 4pm to 5pm, and all are welcome. Register here.

Other Upcoming Dates: 9 October 2025 13 November 2025

Cost: Free

Location: McMahons Point Community Centre, 165 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point

Pittwater RSL: new  Developments

Before there was a clubhouse, there was a borrowed pavilion and a few crates of beer from the local pub.

In 1958, Pittwater RSL began as a small group of locals gathering in Mona Vale to stay connected, share stories, and honour service. 

Our first official clubhouse? 

A surplus army hut, lowered onto brick piers built by volunteers. Army boots filled with geraniums on the porch, a single poker machine, and a dance floor that saw more than a few big nights.

Photo: Original Pittwater RSL Sub-branch building, erected 1958 in Huxley St Mona Vale. Purchased from Dame Edith Walker Estate for £600. From 1961 until its demolition in 1966 it was used by 1st Mona Vale Scouts.

It took some guts (and a bold land deal) to move us out to Mona Vale Road, but with a little help and a lot of community spirit, the club found its home.

From those humble beginnings, we've grown into something much bigger, but we’ve never forgotten where it all started.

Now, we’re planning for the future. A new redevelopment will deliver modern club facilities, five brand-new Pickleball courts, dedicated admin offices for the Sub Branch, and a state-of-the-art entry, foyer, and Reward Members parking area, all designed to honour our legacy while securing the club’s future for generations to come. 

Once construction is complete and the courts are functioning, opening hours will be seven days a week, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The refurbishment of the Bocado space within Pittwater RSL is aimed at transforming a currently underutilised 280 sqm area into a versatile, multi-purpose function venue. Over time, the space had undergone several piecemeal alterations, leading to a fragmented aesthetic and limited usability. The proposed redesign, is focused on creating a cohesive, flexible environment that caters to:

• Social gatherings
• Private events
• Corporate functions

The plan includes targeted demolition, installation of new flooring and cladding, a mobile furniture system to support different layouts (theatre, cocktail, dining), and feature lighting to enhance ambiance and functionality.

A $9 million refurbishment will introduce:

• A new lower-level 5-star entry
• A portico for a grand arrival experience
• Accessible parking
• Deck and Club connectivity via the terrace
• New escalators and lifts
• Pittwater Rewards (Platinum members) parking with direct club access

The Club will continue operating, though some areas may be temporarily affected. Members and guests will be kept informed about any changes.

Keep up with the progress here: www.pulseofpittwater.com.au

Pittwater Offshore Community Awards Black Tie Gala

Waterfront Café, Church Point

Saturday 13 September, 6 pm onwards

The Pittwater Offshore Men’s Shed is proud to present the inaugural Pittwater Offshore Community Awards, honouring the everyday heroes of our unique water-access-only community.

The POSMS Pittwater Offshore Community Awards celebrate the spirit of our unique, water-access-only community by recognising the unsung heroes who keep it connected, creative, safe, and afloat – often literally.

Submit your community award nominations here

Purchase your ticket to the Black Tie Gala here

Disability Discrimination Act Review – Issues Paper: Have your say

Closes 24 Oct 2025

The Australian Attorney-General's Department are consulting the public on ways to reform the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the Disability Discrimination Act). 

This is part of the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission). The Disability Royal Commission was extensive and far reaching. It made 222 recommendations. This shows how important it is to do more to stop unacceptable treatment of people with disability.

The review considers the 15 recommendations that the Disability Royal Commission put forward about changing the Disability Discrimination Act. This includes consideration of the Disability Royal Commission recommendations to:

• updating the definitions of direct and indirect discrimination
• introducing a positive duty for duty holders to eliminate disability discrimination
• clarifying the duty to make adjustments for people with disability.

The review also seeks feedback on other ways we could change the Disability Discrimination Act to make sure the law is fit-for-purpose.

The Department has written an Issues Paper [PDF 1.3MB] that talks about each of these areas in more detail.

How to have your say

There are 2 ways that you can give us your views on the Issues Paper:

1. You can make a submission responding to the questions in the Issues Paper. You can do this as an individual or on behalf of an organisation. Please use the ‘Make a submission’ link below.
2. You can also use the community survey. This survey has a shorter set of questions for people in the community who do not want to respond to the questions in the Issues Paper but would still like to contribute to the review.

Please visit this page to view the Issues Paper and upload feedback: 

consultations.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/dda-issues-paper

New grant program to address gender-based violence open

The Minns NSW Government states it is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence from all angles, including primary prevention – to stop the violence before it starts.

This year, the government is committing $100,000 to a new grant program for the 16 Days of Activism to support initiatives that prevent gender-based violence in our communities.

It is part of the Minns Government’s wider effort to work in partnership with local organisations on primary prevention to address the drivers of gender-based violence, to change the attitudes and cultures that tolerate or condone the use of violence against women.

The objective of the 16 Days of Activism Grant Program is to support activities with a primary prevention focus undertaken during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign period (25 November to 10 December).

Grants will be awarded for awareness-raising and initiatives that engage local communities to address the four key drivers of gendered violence identified in the NSW Government’s Pathways to Prevention strategy.

Local Domestic and Family Violence Committees and Networks will be eligible to apply for funding of between $2,500 and $5,000 per initiative.

Applicants can partner with local councils, groups, organisations and schools to run primary prevention activities that promote gender equality and positive masculinity – and reject violence against women.

The grant program opens today and will close on 3 September. Go to the 16 Days of activism 2025 web page to apply.

The 16 Days of Activism Grant program is designed in consultation with key domestic and family violence sector stakeholders and is aligned with the NSW Government’s ‘Pathways to Prevention: NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2028’.

The government has invested $38 million to implement the strategy which includes a multi-year primary prevention grants program, the Multisport Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence and partnering with Local Government NSW to support local communities in their prevention initiatives. It is part of the government’s whole-of-community response to domestic, family and sexual violence.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Primary prevention is a key part of the NSW Government’s work to address domestic and family violence, by stopping violence before it starts. Through this new grant program, we want to encourage local organisations and communities come up with new ideas and initiatives to disrupt the drivers of gendered violence, promote healthy relationships and take action for gender equality.

“We know that local solutions are needed to change the harmful attitudes and behaviours that can contribute to a culture that tolerates violence against women.”

Support

If you are worried about your own behaviour and use of violence, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

Get ready for NSW Women’s Week 2026

Each March, the NSW Government recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions women make to our community with the NSW Women of the Year Awards, inspiring and empowering future generations to achieve great things.

The Awards are also a culmination of NSW Women’s Week – when we encourage women to take part in a week of exciting activities and events across the state that aim to uplift, as well as advance gender equality.

Nominations open

Nominations for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards are now open. The awards program, now in its 14th year, aims to recognise and celebrate incredible women who improve the lives of people in New South Wales. 

The Awards are seeking nomination of women and girls excelling in the following categories:

• NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence
• NSW Community Hero
• NSW Young Woman of the Year (aged 16-30)
• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
• NSW Regional Woman of the Year

Young girls aged 7-15 who show acts of courage, strength, determination and kindness to help support those around them can also be nominated in the Ones-to-Watch award category by parents, carers and teachers. 

The NSW Government’s Women of the Year Awards will be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 5 March 2026.

To nominate an exceptional woman in your life or community, visit the NSW Women of the Year Awards web page. Nominations close Tuesday 9 September.

Apply for Women’s Week Grants now

Grant applications of up to $50,000 for organisations to host NSW Women’s Week events in March 2026 are now open.

NSW Women’s Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contributions women make to our community.

Events must be held within NSW Women’s Week, which begins Monday 2 March and ends on International Women’s Day, Sunday 8 March. They must also align with the objectives of the NSW Women's Strategy (2023-2026), including:

• increasing opportunities and providing career pathways for women in the workplace
• improving women’s health and wellbeing, and safety in the community
• challenging gendered expectations and supporting women’s participation in society.

Organisations interested in hosting events that encourage women and girls to participate, uplift focus communities and challenge gendered norms are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Successful EOIs will be invited to complete a full grant application.

To view the guidelines and submit an EOI, please visit the 2026 NSW Women's Week web page. EOI applications for the NSW Women Week grants close on Tuesday 19 August.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“We all know extraordinary women and girls in our lives and our communities. They’re from all walks of life, doing their best to make the world a better place. They might be ground-breaking thinkers, social reformers, innovative role models or just everyday heroes. Help us give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a NSW Women of the Year Award.

“The NSW Government is keen to work with local organisations to develop events and activities for NSW Women’s Week to help celebrate, connect and honour the women and girls in our lives. This annual showcase of the stories and remarkable achievements of women across our state is a chance to highlight the incredible creativity and diversity of the fantastic women in New South Wales.

“I encourage organisations to put your heads together and share your ideas with us to help make our 2026 Women’s Week the best yet.”

Avalon Dunes: can you help?

Busking for Change 

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

NSW launches ultimate biosecurity guide to weed control

Roadworks

Palm Beach

• Resurfacing: Barrenjoey Road between Currawong Avenue and Iluka Road: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Mon 1 Sep 2025 9pm to 5am. Portable traffic control devices allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Australian Climate outlook for September to December 2025

Changed traffic conditions on Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Includes: Are We Idiots? The stories we tell ourselves; Scotland Island's Emergency Water Supply; Island Fire Brigade AGM; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Black Tie Gala; For Sale: hand-knitted cotton cloths

Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence 2025: Congrats to Nic McGibbon of Bungan SLSC!

Wildlife Hungry: Moving to road Edges to feed - Please Slow down

A Sydney Wildlife Carer has stated this week: ''We've  been getting a lot of calls to Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) lately. 

Please slow down and be aware that food through winter is scarce and many animals are moving closer to the edges of the road in search of winter grass. 

If you see any sick or injured animal please call Sydney Wildlife Rescue 9413 4300.''

Smurfs and Sesame Street appearing at Picnic in the Park

Marine Rescue Broken Bay Christmas Raffle 2025

Avalon Dunes - can you help?

Busking for Change 

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

NSW launches ultimate biosecurity guide to weed control

Community consultation into e-bikes on public transport

Community Forum on E-Bike Use

Residents are invited to a Community Forum on E-Bike Safety hosted by Jacqui Scruby MP, State Member for Pittwater, and Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Federal Member for Mackellar, on Thursday 21 August at 6:45pm at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.

E-bikes are an increasingly popular form of sustainable transport, especially among young people, but concerns are growing across Pittwater and the broader Mackellar electorate about high-powered, often illegally modified e-bikes.

“E-bikes are a game-changer in accessible, clean transport – but we have a responsibility to ensure their growing popularity doesn’t come at the cost of people’s safety including the young people riding them and pedestrians who are feeling unsafe,” said Dr Sophie Scamps MP.

“From a federal perspective, I will be pushing for stronger safety standards and import regulations to make sure the bikes our kids are riding are safe and cannot be modified to exceed legal speed limits.”

The forum will bring together local police, school leaders, and advocacy groups including Bicycle NSW and E-Bike Safety Australia, creating space for practical solutions and open  discussion.

“E-bikes can be part of a cleaner, healthier future, but only if we get the rules right,” said Jacqui Scruby MP.

“We need clearer laws, stronger enforcement, and better education to protect both riders and pedestrians.”

Ms Scruby is advocating for urgent state-level reforms to:

● Introduce a 10km/h speed limit for e-bikes on footpaths and shared paths

● Maintain the ban on adults riding on footpaths, unless they are accompanying children under 16

● Prohibit modifications that allow e-bikes to exceed legal speed and power limits

● Grant police powers to confiscate non-compliant or dangerously operated bikes

● Support rollout of a student bicycle licensing programme in local schools

Recent incidents in Newport, Warriewood, and Mona Vale have highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action, with young riders and pedestrians injured in avoidable collisions.

“This forum is an opportunity for the community to come together, raise concerns, and help shape the changes needed to keep our streets and shared spaces safe,” said Ms Scruby.

Event Details
Date: Thursday 21 August 2025
Time: 6:45pm
Location: Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club
All welcome

24 Hour Row 2025

At: 24hourrow.com.au/

Get ready for the 24 Hour Row - a powerful challenge where teams row for 24 hours straight to raise funds for Gotcha4Life and build a mentally fit future, where no one worries alone.

This isn’t just a row. It’s a chance to spark meaningful conversations, show up for your mates, and highlight the importance of connection, community, and fitness - both physical and mental. Whether you're rowing at your local gym, sporting club, school or even your garage - this is a challenge anyone can take on.

Register your team for 13–14 September 2025, and be a part of this important conversation, at: 24hourrow.com.au/signup

Whale Beach SLSC 2025-2026 Committee

Following our AGM on Sunday August 10, we’re proud to introduce the 2025/26 Whale Beach SLSC Executive, Management Committee, and Captains & Officers. 

This season, our leadership team is united by one vision: a stronger, more resilient Whale Beach — where every patrol is strong, every member is valued and every visitor is protected by the most capable lifesaving team. Together, we’ll grow our membership, build capability across the beach and lift our standards higher than ever before.

‘This is our season and our opportunity to step up together.’ — Brett Babicci, 2025/26 President.

Not too late to get vaccinated against influenza

August 12, 2025

NSW Health is urging the community to book in for a flu vaccine despite the winter season nearing an end, as cases remain high across the state.

The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows that more than 8,200 people in NSW tested positive for influenza in the week ending 2 August.

Most people with the flu do not test, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of people who have had influenza recently.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said influenza is still circulating at high levels in the community.

“Everyone aged six months or older is recommended to get their flu vaccine, even previously healthy children and adults can experience severe complications from influenza,” Dr Chant said.

“It’s not too late to get vaccinated, getting the flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged six months or older.

“Despite the winter illness season nearing an end, we are strongly encouraging people to book in for their flu vaccine now. The flu vaccine which is widely available through pharmacists and GPs and is one of the best ways people can protect themselves against infection or severe disease.

“Influenza is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission, and cause death.

“Complications can occur in anyone but are more likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.”

The flu vaccine is free for people at high risk of severe illness from influenza:

• children aged six months to under five years
• pregnant women
• Aboriginal people aged six months and over
• anyone aged 65 and over
• people with chronic health conditions

People can book their flu vaccine at a GP, pharmacy, or Aboriginal Medical Service. Everyone aged two years or over, can get vaccinated at a pharmacy.

Parents or carers with children aged six months to under two years old should see their GP for their flu vaccine.

If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage the community to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour advice. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.

For more information on how to keep you and your loved ones safe visit Respiratory illness on the Health NSW website.

Northern Beaches Police Area Command: Retired police day 2025

Refreshed Mobys this Summer

Whale Beach SLSC announced on Tuesday August 12 they are thrilled to share an exciting update on the transformation happening at the top of their clubhouse. 

''Earlier this year, we leased the upper two levels of the club to the Merci Group, an experienced hospitality team behind beloved venues like Dunes in Palm Beach and Suki in Mona Vale.'' WBSLSC states

''Their newest venture? A complete reimagining of our historic venue – Mobys – set to open this summer. Mobys will be a vibrant, produce-led Italian restaurant and al fresco café, blending coastal charm with a modern twist. Expect handmade pastas, fresh seafood, perfectly grilled steak, and the kind of long, sun-drenched lunches Whale Beach is made for.

This exciting project wouldn’t be possible without you – our members. Your ongoing support has allowed us to secure a lease agreement that not only enhances our iconic building but also contributes significantly to the financial sustainability of the Club.

Merci’s investment, paired with the Club’s own cooperation, means we are realising a rapid and intensive fit-out and landscaping, creating a stunning new space for the community and a reliable revenue stream for years to come.

The new Mobys will include:

• A standalone restaurant on Level 6
• A stylish alfresco café area on the front courtyard, with direct access to the restaurant
• A refreshed Level 5 hall for private functions and overflow dining

Beyond great food, we believe Mobys will add real value to our members, the Whale Beach community, and the Club’s future.

Stay tuned – we’ll continue to keep you updated as the project progresses. In the meantime, we can’t wait to see you upstairs this summer for a drink, a meal, or simply to soak up the view.''

Have Your Say: Pesticide Use Notification Plan for North Sydney Council 

North Sydney Council is committed to keeping the community informed about pesticide use in outdoor public spaces.

In accordance with the NSW Pesticides Regulation 2017, Council is updating its Pesticide Use Notification Plan to ensure residents are aware of when and where pesticides may be applied. This includes areas such as:

• parks, reserves and bushland
• playgrounds and sportsfields
• other facilities owned by Council

The plan outlines notification methods such as signage, website updates, and direct communication where appropriate. It aims to minimise harm and allow community members to avoid contact with pesticides if they wish.

The Draft Pesticide Use Notification Plan is open for community feedback from August 12 2025 until 25 August.

Hard copy versions of the draft plan are on display at the North Sydney Council Chambers and Stanton Library.

Have your say here

Mosman Council Meeting: August 2025

August 11, 2025

Council considered the following matters at its meeting held on Tuesday 5 August 2025.

Community Grants

Each year Mosman Council provides financial support to groups with projects and initiatives that support the community through the Community Grants Program. This year Council endorsed 22 community grants to community groups of up to $4,000 each and totalling $70,051. The Community Grant applications this year support a wide range of services to the community including programs for our youth to keep them engaged in learning, healthy aging for Mosman’s older adults, community gardeners and music performances from our local musical societies. We look forward to seeing the great initiatives that will be delivered under the 2025/26 grants program.

Draft Flood Study

Council endorsed the draft Flood Study to be placed on public exhibition. The draft Flood Study brings together technical investigations that commenced in 2023 to identify flood-prone areas, assess risks and identify areas in Mosman where water may flow during periods of intense rainfall. The public exhibition period will include community engagement particularly for properties that are identified in the Study. Visit the draft Flood Study webpage and provide feedback by September 30 2025.

Planning Changes by the State Government

Residents attended the August Council meeting to voice their concerns at recent planning changes. Council considered a detailed report on the matter together with a Notice of Motion. Council has continued to advocate for development that is guided by community-led planning controls, is located in the right places and supported by appropriate infrastructure investment. Council resolved to:

• Seek a meeting directly with the Minister, State Member and Premier to ensure Mosman’s concerns are addressed;
• Continue lobbying for a pause in the application of the Low and Mid-Rise (LMR) Housing Policy and any State Significant Developments once Mosman’s housing target of 500 new homes is met; 
• Explore legal advice on challenging the application of the LMR Policy.

Monthly dads group launches at McMahons Point Community Centre

North Sydney Dads Group starts next month, giving fathers and father figures a welcoming space to learn, share and grow.

North Sydney Council stated this week it is proud to support the launch of a new dads group at McMahons Point Community Centre, starting Thursday 11 September. 

The free monthly gathering will support fathers and father figures (including grandfathers, uncles and carers) to navigate parental challenges and be the best version of themselves for their kids, from infants to teens.

The group will help fathers and father figures build stronger family relationships, reduce stress and learn positive role modelling, while connecting with other dads in the area.

The sessions combine research-based parenting insights with open discussion and are facilitated by The Fathering Project, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote positive fathering behaviours and fathers’ engagement with their infants, preschool, primary school and adolescent-aged children.

Each meeting will include a 20-minute topic (such as supporting your kids when co-parenting or connecting with daughters) followed by an open floor for sharing challenges, reflections and support.

The first session runs on Thursday 11 September from 4pm to 5pm, and all are welcome. Register here.

Other Upcoming Dates: 9 October 2025 13 November 2025

Cost: Free

Location: McMahons Point Community Centre, 165 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point

Council's parking permits going digital

On Thursday August 7 the Council announced it is set to modernise its parking permit system, with a streamlined digital system.

This move will be incrementally rolled out over the next 12 months to ensure a seamless transition for residents and other customers.

The new digital system will link permits to vehicle registrations, eliminating physical stickers, simplifying the renewal process, and limiting the misuse of permits. Council states these changes will also save ratepayers approximately $75,000 per annum.

The introduction of the digital system will be staged, starting with the smaller permit schemes (Western Foreshore, Church Point, Rowland Reserve, and Illuka Reserve) in November 2025. 

The larger Manly and Beach parking permit schemes are scheduled to transition to digital in mid to late 2026.

Mayor Sue Heins said there were more than 250,000 permits from 7 different permit schemes across the Northern Beaches that will all move to the new system.

“The move to digital permits will provide for more simple and effective management,” Mayor Heins said.

“The new system will mean no more lost or damaged stickers, no more issues with sticker adhesives, no more misuse of permits and a cost saving for ratepayers.

“This is a large undertaking, and the staged approach will support a streamlined process to the new system.” 

Permits holders will be notified of when they need to apply for their new permits. The change will also help those whose initial Rates Notices, and attached stickers, are stolen from their letterbox annually, and the subsequent Late Notices, and additional late fee charges, they are issued with.

Pittwater RSL: new  Developments

Before there was a clubhouse, there was a borrowed pavilion and a few crates of beer from the local pub.

In 1958, Pittwater RSL began as a small group of locals gathering in Mona Vale to stay connected, share stories, and honour service. 

Our first official clubhouse? 

A surplus army hut, lowered onto brick piers built by volunteers. Army boots filled with geraniums on the porch, a single poker machine, and a dance floor that saw more than a few big nights.

Photo: Original Pittwater RSL Sub-branch building, erected 1958 in Huxley St Mona Vale. Purchased from Dame Edith Walker Estate for £600. From 1961 until its demolition in 1966 it was used by 1st Mona Vale Scouts.

It took some guts (and a bold land deal) to move us out to Mona Vale Road, but with a little help and a lot of community spirit, the club found its home.

From those humble beginnings, we've grown into something much bigger, but we’ve never forgotten where it all started.

Now, we’re planning for the future. A new redevelopment will deliver modern club facilities, five brand-new Pickleball courts, dedicated admin offices for the Sub Branch, and a state-of-the-art entry, foyer, and Reward Members parking area, all designed to honour our legacy while securing the club’s future for generations to come. 

Once construction is complete and the courts are functioning, opening hours will be seven days a week, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The refurbishment of the Bocado space within Pittwater RSL is aimed at transforming a currently underutilised 280 sqm area into a versatile, multi-purpose function venue. Over time, the space had undergone several piecemeal alterations, leading to a fragmented aesthetic and limited usability. The proposed redesign, is focused on creating a cohesive, flexible environment that caters to:

• Social gatherings
• Private events
• Corporate functions

The plan includes targeted demolition, installation of new flooring and cladding, a mobile furniture system to support different layouts (theatre, cocktail, dining), and feature lighting to enhance ambiance and functionality.

A $9 million refurbishment will introduce:

• A new lower-level 5-star entry
• A portico for a grand arrival experience
• Accessible parking
• Deck and Club connectivity via the terrace
• New escalators and lifts
• Pittwater Rewards (Platinum members) parking with direct club access

The Club will continue operating, though some areas may be temporarily affected. Members and guests will be kept informed about any changes.

Keep up with the progress here: www.pulseofpittwater.com.au

NSW Government supports national agreement to strengthen Working with Children Checks

On Friday August 15 the Minns Labor Government announced it has backed national plans to strengthen Working with Children Checks (WWCCs) and shut down loopholes which put children at risk.

At Friday’s Standing Council of Attorneys-General (SCAG) meeting, Attorneys-General from across Australia agreed to urgently work towards implementing mutual recognition of negative WWCC notices by the end of 2025. 

This will ensure anyone denied or stripped of a clearance in one state will be barred from working with children in other states.

The Minns Labor Government also agreed with other states and the Commonwealth to strengthen and improve consistency for a national approach to WWCCs and remove barriers for information sharing.

This will include a consistent risk-assessment framework and WWCC exclusion criteria for consideration at SCAG in late 2025.

Attorneys-General noted the Commonwealth’s commitment to deliver a new National Continuous Checking Capability (NCCC) – a secure system continuously monitoring WWCC holders against fresh criminal history information from national, state and territory datasets.

These national reforms follow major child safety legislation introduced in the NSW Parliament last week, including: 

• Removing external appeal rights for denied WWCCs
• Removing external appeal rights for denied NDIS Worker Checks
• Transferring all appeals to the Office of the Children’s Guardian — the agency best placed to assess risk to children

Attorney General Michael Daley said: 

“NSW has already acted to close loopholes in our WWCC system. Today’s agreement ensures denied Working with Children Checks will be recognised nationally, so offenders cannot move between states to gain access to children.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

 “The NSW Government is determined to see the strengthening of the WWCC system across Australia. Because we want parents to know that people who prey on children can’t slip across state borders unseen.” 

$1 million to establish independent NSW recreational fishing peak body

The Minns Government states it is delivering on another election commitment by commencing consultation on an independent peak body to represent the interests of the State’s more than one million recreational fishers.

This is part of the NSW Government’s plan to build a better NSW and to boost economic activity in regional NSW.

More than $1 million has been earmarked to fund the new body and to assist it drive on ground outcomes for the State’s recreational fishers.

The recreational fishing industry is major contributor to our coastal and inland communities and generates about $3.4 billion of economic activity in NSW each year. The industry also creates the equivalent of about 14,000 fulltime jobs.

The NSW Government made an election commitment to establish a peak body for the State’s recreational fishers and has worked with the fishing representatives to develop their vision for a peak body that is:

• a viable and respected professional body: to deliver representation that effectively champions the future of recreational fishing
• representative of all NSW recreational fishers: including affiliated and unaffiliated fishers from diverse backgrounds
• independent of Government: to enable apolitical representation to advance the priorities and needs of recreational fishers
• collaborative and solutions-oriented: to work constructively with Government and other bodies to deliver solutions for recreational fishers.

The people of NSW are now encouraged to have their say on this important process. Public consultation is open from 6 August 2025 to 1 October 2025.

To learn more and provide your feedback, visit the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website.

Our culturally and linguistically diverse fishing community are encouraged to use the translate feature on the Have Your Say website, which offers access in multiple languages and provides a contact for support with submissions.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Recreational fishing is a vital part of life for many people in NSW.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting a thriving, inclusive and sustainable recreational fishing sector that encourages participation across all communities. This peak body will work closely with the NSW Government to effectively represent the interests of for all NSW recreational fishers.

“The recreational fishing industry is vital to the NSW economy and one the NSW Government is committed to supporting in a cohesive, productive and positive way.”

Peak Body Working Group member, Karl Mathers said:

“The model for this peak body has been designed to ensure an inclusive and collaborative organisation to help advance the priorities and needs of NSW’s recreational fishers.

“Your feedback is important to ensure the final model reflects the needs and perspectives of recreational fishers from all corners of the state.”

Inclusive Employment Australia 

The Disability Employment Services program will change to Inclusive Employment Australia on 1 November 2025.

Inclusive Employment Australia is a new specialist disability employment program that will replace the Disability Employment Program. Inclusive Employment Australia puts participants first. Participants will get more support from their providers to help them find and keep a job.

Participants can be on the program if they can only work a few hours a week and can stay in the program for as long as they need support.

Participants can now call the Transition Hotline on 1800 227 337, or visit www.dss.gov.au/disability-employment-reforms/inclusive-employment-australia for more information.

Department of Social Services

Sports Club Grant Applications now open

Member for Manly, James Griffin is encouraging local sporting clubs throughout Manly and across the Northern Beaches to apply for the latest round of funding under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.  

Mr Griffin said $4.65 million was now available across the state for upgrading or creating new sports facilities, new sport programs, community events and projects that improve sports participation, with $50,000 allocated to the Manly electorate. 

“Last year I was proud to support and help secure funding for Local Rugby, Bowling, Sailing, Boardriding, Cricket and Triathlon clubs,” Mr Griffin said.

“Our grassroots sporting clubs are a vital part of the fabric of our local community and these grants provide a much-needed cash injection to improve facilities and increase participation. I strongly encourage all interested clubs to apply for these grants.”

The key objectives of the Program include:

• Increasing regular and on-going participation in sport.
• Increasing participation opportunities for unrepresented groups.
• Reducing barriers and improve access to participation in sport.  
• Assisting sporting clubs to provide quality experiences to their members and meet community needs.
• Increasing financial sustainability and improve facilities of community level sporting clubs.

Applications must clearly demonstrate an identified need for the project and articulate how the project outcomes will be achieved. Specifically, applications should demonstrate how the project will address at least one of the above objectives. 

The Local Sports Grant Program is now open and will accept applications until Monday 18 August 2025. Outcome will be advised from February 2026 onwards. 

To apply, and for more information visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-grant-program#important-dates 

Barrenjoey High School Fundraiser: Trivia Night

TICKETS HERE

Come along and put your trivia skills to the test as we raise much needed funds for AIR CONDITIONING at BARRENJOEY HIGH SCHOOL!

Date: Saturday 23rd August 2025

Time: 6:30pm - 11pm

Location: Barrenjoey High School Hall (Over 18's Only)

Theme: School Formal Re-do!

Dress Code: What you wore to your High School Formal!

• Dinner Provided - Delicious and hearty meals to fuel your brain!
• Drinks Available for Purchase - Sip and savour as you play!
• DJ and Dancing!
• Prizes for Best Dressed - Strut your stuff in your tackiest school formal attire!
• Wine Raffle Throughout the Night!

Gather your friends, family, and colleagues for a night of trivia and fun. Don’t miss out on the chance to support a great cause and make unforgettable memories!

TICKETS HERE

Pittwater Offshore Community Awards Black Tie Gala

Waterfront Café, Church Point

Saturday 13 September, 6 pm onwards

The Pittwater Offshore Men’s Shed is proud to present the inaugural Pittwater Offshore Community Awards, honouring the everyday heroes of our unique water-access-only community.

The POSMS Pittwater Offshore Community Awards celebrate the spirit of our unique, water-access-only community by recognising the unsung heroes who keep it connected, creative, safe, and afloat – often literally.

Submit your community award nominations here

Purchase your ticket to the Black Tie Gala here

Disability Discrimination Act Review – Issues Paper: Have your say

Closes 24 Oct 2025

The Australian Attorney-General's Department are consulting the public on ways to reform the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the Disability Discrimination Act). 

This is part of the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission). The Disability Royal Commission was extensive and far reaching. It made 222 recommendations. This shows how important it is to do more to stop unacceptable treatment of people with disability.

The review considers the 15 recommendations that the Disability Royal Commission put forward about changing the Disability Discrimination Act. This includes consideration of the Disability Royal Commission recommendations to:

• updating the definitions of direct and indirect discrimination
• introducing a positive duty for duty holders to eliminate disability discrimination
• clarifying the duty to make adjustments for people with disability.

The review also seeks feedback on other ways we could change the Disability Discrimination Act to make sure the law is fit-for-purpose.

The Department has written an Issues Paper [PDF 1.3MB] that talks about each of these areas in more detail.

How to have your say

There are 2 ways that you can give us your views on the Issues Paper:

1. You can make a submission responding to the questions in the Issues Paper. You can do this as an individual or on behalf of an organisation. Please use the ‘Make a submission’ link below.
2. You can also use the community survey. This survey has a shorter set of questions for people in the community who do not want to respond to the questions in the Issues Paper but would still like to contribute to the review.

Please visit this page to view the Issues Paper and upload feedback: 

consultations.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/dda-issues-paper

New grant program to address gender-based violence open

The Minns NSW Government states it is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence from all angles, including primary prevention – to stop the violence before it starts.

This year, the government is committing $100,000 to a new grant program for the 16 Days of Activism to support initiatives that prevent gender-based violence in our communities.

It is part of the Minns Government’s wider effort to work in partnership with local organisations on primary prevention to address the drivers of gender-based violence, to change the attitudes and cultures that tolerate or condone the use of violence against women.

The objective of the 16 Days of Activism Grant Program is to support activities with a primary prevention focus undertaken during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign period (25 November to 10 December).

Grants will be awarded for awareness-raising and initiatives that engage local communities to address the four key drivers of gendered violence identified in the NSW Government’s Pathways to Prevention strategy.

Local Domestic and Family Violence Committees and Networks will be eligible to apply for funding of between $2,500 and $5,000 per initiative.

Applicants can partner with local councils, groups, organisations and schools to run primary prevention activities that promote gender equality and positive masculinity – and reject violence against women.

The grant program opens today and will close on 3 September. Go to the 16 Days of activism 2025 web page to apply.

The 16 Days of Activism Grant program is designed in consultation with key domestic and family violence sector stakeholders and is aligned with the NSW Government’s ‘Pathways to Prevention: NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2028’.

The government has invested $38 million to implement the strategy which includes a multi-year primary prevention grants program, the Multisport Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence and partnering with Local Government NSW to support local communities in their prevention initiatives. It is part of the government’s whole-of-community response to domestic, family and sexual violence.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Primary prevention is a key part of the NSW Government’s work to address domestic and family violence, by stopping violence before it starts. Through this new grant program, we want to encourage local organisations and communities come up with new ideas and initiatives to disrupt the drivers of gendered violence, promote healthy relationships and take action for gender equality.

“We know that local solutions are needed to change the harmful attitudes and behaviours that can contribute to a culture that tolerates violence against women.”

Support

If you are worried about your own behaviour and use of violence, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

Get ready for NSW Women’s Week 2026

Each March, the NSW Government recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions women make to our community with the NSW Women of the Year Awards, inspiring and empowering future generations to achieve great things.

The Awards are also a culmination of NSW Women’s Week – when we encourage women to take part in a week of exciting activities and events across the state that aim to uplift, as well as advance gender equality.

Nominations open

Nominations for the 2026 NSW Women of the Year Awards are now open. The awards program, now in its 14th year, aims to recognise and celebrate incredible women who improve the lives of people in New South Wales. 

The Awards are seeking nomination of women and girls excelling in the following categories:

• NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence
• NSW Community Hero
• NSW Young Woman of the Year (aged 16-30)
• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
• NSW Regional Woman of the Year

Young girls aged 7-15 who show acts of courage, strength, determination and kindness to help support those around them can also be nominated in the Ones-to-Watch award category by parents, carers and teachers. 

The NSW Government’s Women of the Year Awards will be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Thursday 5 March 2026.

To nominate an exceptional woman in your life or community, visit the NSW Women of the Year Awards web page. Nominations close Tuesday 9 September.

Apply for Women’s Week Grants now

Grant applications of up to $50,000 for organisations to host NSW Women’s Week events in March 2026 are now open.

NSW Women’s Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contributions women make to our community.

Events must be held within NSW Women’s Week, which begins Monday 2 March and ends on International Women’s Day, Sunday 8 March. They must also align with the objectives of the NSW Women's Strategy (2023-2026), including:

• increasing opportunities and providing career pathways for women in the workplace
• improving women’s health and wellbeing, and safety in the community
• challenging gendered expectations and supporting women’s participation in society.

Organisations interested in hosting events that encourage women and girls to participate, uplift focus communities and challenge gendered norms are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Successful EOIs will be invited to complete a full grant application.

To view the guidelines and submit an EOI, please visit the 2026 NSW Women's Week web page. EOI applications for the NSW Women Week grants close on Tuesday 19 August.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“We all know extraordinary women and girls in our lives and our communities. They’re from all walks of life, doing their best to make the world a better place. They might be ground-breaking thinkers, social reformers, innovative role models or just everyday heroes. Help us give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a NSW Women of the Year Award.

“The NSW Government is keen to work with local organisations to develop events and activities for NSW Women’s Week to help celebrate, connect and honour the women and girls in our lives. This annual showcase of the stories and remarkable achievements of women across our state is a chance to highlight the incredible creativity and diversity of the fantastic women in New South Wales.

“I encourage organisations to put your heads together and share your ideas with us to help make our 2026 Women’s Week the best yet.”

Roadworks

Palm Beach

• Resurfacing: Barrenjoey Road between Currawong Avenue and Iluka Road: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Mon 1 Sep 2025 9pm to 5am. Portable traffic control devices allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

North Narrabeen

• Resurfacing: Pittwater Road between Rickard Road and Waterloo Street: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Mon 18 Aug 2025, 9.30pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Pittwater Rd and Wakehurst Pkwy will be switched to flashing yellow. Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Beacon Hill

• Intersection upgrade: Warringah Road between Beacon Hill Road and Rodborough Road; Sun 17 Aug 2025 to Fri 22 Aug 2025, 9.30pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Ellis Rd will be blacked out, and portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Australian Climate outlook for September to December 2025

Changed traffic conditions on Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach 

Wildlife Hungry: Moving to road Edges to feed - Please Slow down

A Sydney Wildlife Carer has stated this week: ''We've  been getting a lot of calls to Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) lately. 

Please slow down and be aware that food through winter is scarce and many animals are moving closer to the edges of the road in search of winter grass. 

If you see any sick or injured animal please call Sydney Wildlife Rescue 9413 4300.''

Letters to the Editor

Scruby Secures Hold On Speed Limit Decrease

Busking for Change 

Two Petitions Tabled: NBC Rate Rise

IPART Decision on Council Special Variation Application Approves 25.2% Permanent Increase - May 2025

NB: the council approved its permanent rate rise at its June 2025 Meeting.

WaterNSW Announces 300 Employees to Go

IPART Draft Report on the review of water prices for Greater Sydney from 1 October 2025: Have your say by August 25

Man charged with over 15 break/enter offences- Northern Beaches PAC

E-Bikes Safety Changes Uptick: Scruby

That a bill be introduced for an Act to amend the Road Transport Act 2013, the Road Rules 2014 and other legislation to provide for the regulation of the sale, ownership and use of e-bikes; and for related purposes.

(1) Does NSW Health collect and publish data on injuries involving e-bikes, including hospitalisations and emergency department visits?

(2) Is this data disaggregated from other cycling injuries or personal mobility device-related injuries?

(3) Is there a mechanism for sharing e-bike injury data with Transport for NSW to inform safety policy?

(1) Does Transport for NSW currently collect and publish data on accidents or injuries involving ebikes?

(2) Are e-bike accidents reported separately from other cycling incidents in road safety datasets?

(3) What efforts have been made to standardise reporting of e-bike incidents?

(4) Has Transport for NSW conducted or commissioned any research into injury trends or the risks of modified e-bikes?

(5) How is accident data being used to inform regulation of e-bikes on footpaths, shared zones, and roads?

Community Forum on E-Bike Use

Residents are invited to a Community Forum on E-Bike Safety hosted by Jacqui Scruby MP, State Member for Pittwater, and Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Federal Member for Mackellar, on Thursday 21 August at 6:45pm at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.

E-bikes are an increasingly popular form of sustainable transport, especially among young people, but concerns are growing across Pittwater and the broader Mackellar electorate about high-powered, often illegally modified e-bikes.

“E-bikes are a game-changer in accessible, clean transport – but we have a responsibility to ensure their growing popularity doesn’t come at the cost of people’s safety including the young people riding them and pedestrians who are feeling unsafe,” said Dr Sophie Scamps MP.

“From a federal perspective, I will be pushing for stronger safety standards and import regulations to make sure the bikes our kids are riding are safe and cannot be modified to exceed legal speed limits.”

The forum will bring together local police, school leaders, and advocacy groups including Bicycle NSW and E-Bike Safety Australia, creating space for practical solutions and open  discussion.

“E-bikes can be part of a cleaner, healthier future, but only if we get the rules right,” said Jacqui Scruby MP.

“We need clearer laws, stronger enforcement, and better education to protect both riders and pedestrians.”

Ms Scruby is advocating for urgent state-level reforms to:

● Introduce a 10km/h speed limit for e-bikes on footpaths and shared paths

● Maintain the ban on adults riding on footpaths, unless they are accompanying children under 16

● Prohibit modifications that allow e-bikes to exceed legal speed and power limits

● Grant police powers to confiscate non-compliant or dangerously operated bikes

● Support rollout of a student bicycle licensing programme in local schools

Recent incidents in Newport, Warriewood, and Mona Vale have highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action, with young riders and pedestrians injured in avoidable collisions.

“This forum is an opportunity for the community to come together, raise concerns, and help shape the changes needed to keep our streets and shared spaces safe,” said Ms Scruby.

Event Details
Date: Thursday 21 August 2025
Time: 6:45pm
Location: Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club
All welcome

School Bus Cancellations: Scruby Seeks answers

(1) Is Keolis Downer permitted under its contract with Transport for NSW to cancel dedicated school bus services?

(2) Are school bus services required to be prioritised over general services under the contract with Keolis Downer or other bus operators?

(3) What contractual or regulatory obligations exist to ensure that school bus services are delivered reliably and consistently?

(4) In the event that a school bus service is cancelled, what processes are in place to:

(a) Locate and dispatch a replacement service?

(b) Notify affected students, parents and schools in a timely and transparent manner?

(5) Does Transport for NSW monitor compliance with school bus service obligations by private operators such as Keolis Downer, and if so, how?

(6) What penalties or breach provisions apply under the current contract if a school bus service is cancelled without adequate justification?

(7) Are school bus cancellations by Keolis Downer required to be reported to Transport for NSW, and are those reports made publicly available?

(8) Is Transport for NSW aware of allegations that Keolis Downer may have retrospectively altered or misrepresented real-time tracking data relating to cancelled school bus services on the Northern Beaches?

(a) If so, will this be investigated?

(9) How does Transport for NSW ensure the accuracy and integrity of real-time public transport tracking data in apps used by students and families?

(10) What steps will the Minister take to ensure that future school bus cancellations are avoided and that clear, accurate communication is provided to affected families?

nSW Government to increase wheelchair accessible taxi availability

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Beach Without Sand Odds + Ends Sale

ID Support Bill passes NSW Parliament

Roadworks

Palm Beach

• Resurfacing: Barrenjoey Road between Currawong Avenue and Iluka Road: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Mon 1 Sep 2025 9pm to 5am. Portable traffic control devices allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

North Narrabeen

• Resurfacing: Pittwater Road between Rickard Road and Waterloo Street: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Mon 18 Aug 2025, 9.30pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Pittwater Rd and Wakehurst Pkwy will be switched to flashing yellow. Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Beacon Hill

• Intersection upgrade: Warringah Road between Beacon Hill Road and Rodborough Road; Sun 17 Aug 2025 to Fri 22 Aug 2025, 9.30pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Ellis Rd will be blacked out, and portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Frenchs Forest

• Intersection upgrade: Warringah Road between Wakehurst Parkway and Fitzpatrick Avenue West; Mon 28 Jul 2025 to Mon 4 Aug 2025, 9pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Forest Way will be blacked out, and portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Changed traffic conditions on Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Mona Vale Residents Association

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: share Wildlife Data 

Letters to the Editor

Mona Vale Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre Becomes first in NSW To Roll Out ECAT

NSW Health to further empower parents + carers to raise concerns

Council's parking permits going digital

Pittwater RSL: new  Developments

Photo: Original Pittwater RSL Sub-branch building, erected 1958 in Huxley St Mona Vale. Purchased from Dame Edith Walker Estate for £600. From 1961 until its demolition in 1966 it was used by 1st Mona Vale Scouts.

Avalon Sailing Club Open for Registration

$1 million to establish independent NSW recreational fishing peak body

August 6, 2025

The Minns Government states it is delivering on another election commitment by commencing consultation on an independent peak body to represent the interests of the State’s more than one million recreational fishers.

This is part of the NSW Government’s plan to build a better NSW and to boost economic activity in regional NSW.

More than $1 million has been earmarked to fund the new body and to assist it drive on ground outcomes for the State’s recreational fishers.

The recreational fishing industry is major contributor to our coastal and inland communities and generates about $3.4 billion of economic activity in NSW each year. The industry also creates the equivalent of about 14,000 fulltime jobs.

The NSW Government made an election commitment to establish a peak body for the State’s recreational fishers and has worked with the fishing representatives to develop their vision for a peak body that is:

• a viable and respected professional body: to deliver representation that effectively champions the future of recreational fishing
• representative of all NSW recreational fishers: including affiliated and unaffiliated fishers from diverse backgrounds
• independent of Government: to enable apolitical representation to advance the priorities and needs of recreational fishers
• collaborative and solutions-oriented: to work constructively with Government and other bodies to deliver solutions for recreational fishers.

The people of NSW are now encouraged to have their say on this important process. Public consultation is open from 6 August 2025 to 1 October 2025.

To learn more and provide your feedback, visit the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website.

Our culturally and linguistically diverse fishing community are encouraged to use the translate feature on the Have Your Say website, which offers access in multiple languages and provides a contact for support with submissions.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Recreational fishing is a vital part of life for many people in NSW.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting a thriving, inclusive and sustainable recreational fishing sector that encourages participation across all communities.

“This peak body will work closely with the NSW Government to effectively represent the interests of for all NSW recreational fishers.

“The recreational fishing industry is vital to the NSW economy and one the NSW Government is committed to supporting in a cohesive, productive and positive way.”

Peak Body Working Group member, Karl Mathers said:

“The model for this peak body has been designed to ensure an inclusive and collaborative organisation to help advance the priorities and needs of NSW’s recreational fishers.

“Your feedback is important to ensure the final model reflects the needs and perspectives of recreational fishers from all corners of the state.”

Working With Children legislation introduced to keep Children safe

Inclusive Employment Australia 

Sports Club Grant Applications now open

Barrenjoey High School Fundraiser: Trivia Night

Pittwater Offshore Community Awards Black Tie Gala

Disability Discrimination Act Review – Issues Paper: Have your say

Have your say on NSW’s anti-discrimination laws

NSW Government to strengthen protections against image-based abuse

New grant program to address gender-based violence open

Get ready for NSW Women’s Week 2026

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Includes: Are We Idiots? The stories we tell ourselves; Scotland Island's Emergency Water Supply; Island Fire Brigade AGM; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Black Tie Gala; For Sale: hand-knitted cotton cloths

Newport job site: run off into Pittwater

Dear Editor

This is the old Sirsi Marina at the Crescent Road Newport - every time it rains this is what washes into the Bay. Council have warned them but still it happens. This affects all the fish, people, kayaks, dragon boats, sailors, and birdlife that enjoy the bay.  And the development that they are still trying to get approved is for 8 house with 9 x 22 meter boats that will intrude further into the bay past these original pens.

Pittwater Resident, August 2, 2025

622kg of Rubbish Collected from Local Beaches

Sadly, our beaches are not as pristine as we'd all like to think they are. 

Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches' Adopt A beach ocean conservation program is highlighting that we need to clean up our act.

Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches' states:

''The collective action by our amazing local community at their monthly beach clean events across 9 beach locations is assisting Surfrider Foundation NB in the compilation of quantitative data on the volume, type and often source of the marine pollution occurring at each location.

In just 6 sessions, clear indicators are already forming on the waste items and areas to target with dedicated litter prevention strategies.

Plastic pollution is an every body problem and the solution to fixing it lies within every one of us.

Together we can choose to refuse this fate on our Northern beaches and turn the tide on pollution. 

A cleaner coast together !''

Join us - 1st Sunday of the month, Adopt your local for a power beach clean or donate to help support our program here. https://www.surfrider.org.au/donate/

Next clean up - This Sun 3 August 3 - 4pm. From September, times will revert to 4 – 5 pm.

Event locations 

• Avalon – Des Creagh Reserve (North Avalon Beach Lookout)
• North Narrabeen – Corner Ocean St & Malcolm St (grass reserve next to North Narrabeen SLSC)
• Collaroy– 1058 Pittwater Rd (beachfront next to The Beach Club Collaroy)
• Dee Why Beach –  Corner Howard Ave & The Strand (beachfront grass reserve, opposite Blu Restaurant)
• Curl Curl – Beachfront at North Curl Curl Surf Club. Shuttle bus also available from Harbord Diggers to transport participants to/from North Curl Curl beach. 
• Freshwater Beach – Moore Rd Beach Reserve (opposite Pilu Restaurant)
• Manly Beach – 11 South Steyne (grass reserve opposite Manly Grill)
• Manly Cove – Beach at West Esplanade (opposite Fratelli Fresh)
• Little Manly– 55 Stuart St Little Manly (Beachfront Grass Reserve)

… and more to follow!

Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches

Celebrating 60 Years Of Manly Warringah Netball

1965 – 2025 

In 2025, we proudly celebrate 60 years of the Manly Warringah Netball Association.

We invite all past and present members to join us for a special evening of memories, laughter, and celebration.

Tables of ten or single tickets available.

This is an 18+ event.

Purchase tickets via the QR code or this link.

Let’s come together to honour six decades of netball, community, and connection.

Avalon Sailing Club Open for Registration

The sailing season is not far away.

Registration is open, including for Adult and Children's learn to sail programs. All the information is on our website. Visit: avalonsailingclub/learn-to-sail

Avalon Sailing Club is an Australian Sailing - Discover Sailing Centre and provides courses based on the Discover Sailing Syllabus. Sailing is a sport that can be enjoyed in many different ways, either in yachts or dinghies (small boats also known as centreboards). Avalon has a decades long tradition of teaching adults and children how to sail in boat classes and wind conditions specifically aligned to age (size) and skill of sailor. 

Avalon has a focused program with around 60-80 children and 10-20 Adults sailing dinghies every Sunday. We also have a yacht fleet of around 40 boats with 10 - 20 competing on any given Sunday.

Most sailing clubs offer the Australian Sailing "Discover Sailing" curriculum as a series of 8 week long courses. At Avalon members sign up for a full season of learn to sail which includes 25 weeks of sailing where they typically complete 2 Discover Sailing  course curriculum. 

NAPLAN results highlight NSW students’ strengths but much more to do to lift outcomes

July 30, 2025

The 2025 NAPLAN National Report released today shows some positive progress, with more still to be done to lift literacy and numeracy outcomes across the state.

This year, students in Years 5, 7 and 9 were the first cohort to complete a second NAPLAN cycle under the new proficiency levels first introduced in 2023.

For NSW schools, results in 2025 are stable compared to previous years, with students showing strengths in areas including:

• Year 5 reading up 4.9 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 3 results in 2023
• Year 5 spelling up 6.3 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 3 results in 2023
• Year 7 spelling up 3.6 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same 2023 cohort in Year 5
• Year 5 grammar and punctuation up 7.4 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same 2023 cohort in Year 3

The NSW Government stated in a release ''Today’s results show positive signs for many students in NSW, which is exceeding the national average in writing, reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The results also show where continued and consistent support is required, particularly in Years 5, 7 and 9 writing and Years 7 and 9 reading.''

''The Minns Labor Government is committed to the work of rebuilding public education and lifting outcomes across NSW.''

''Among our most significant reforms has been our work to address the teacher shortage and ensure every classroom in NSW has a dedicated teacher, by lifting wages, improving job security, reducing workload and improving the classroom environment by banning mobile phones and restoring principals’ authority to manage student behaviour. This work has seen teacher vacancies drop 40% to their lowest level in five years and the number of merged and cancelled classes halved.

The Better and Fairer Schools Agreement we signed with the Commonwealth earlier this year ensures every public school is on a path to getting 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard, with the additional funding going directly towards programs and reforms that will lift student outcomes.''

The Government stated its ongoing work to lift student outcomes includes:

• Introducing a new Year 1 Number Screening Check trial to assess students’ early numeracy skills, with wrap-around early intervention;
• Delivering the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check with targeted support for schools to ensure students obtain foundational literacy skills;
• Introducing system-wide literacy and numeracy targets with ambitious goals to improve student outcomes;
• Boosting the Small Group Tuition Program to provide more targeted literacy and numeracy support;
• Building teachers’ capacity to deliver the new knowledge and skills rich K-12 English and Mathematics syllabuses through explicit teaching;
• The explicit and systematic teaching of writing is a key focus in all new NSW syllabuses to better support all NSW students. 

The full 2025 NAPLAN national results are published on ACARA's website.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Congratulations to all of the students across NSW who participated in NAPLAN testing this year, especially those at more than 300 schools in the state’s north who did so in the face of extreme weather conditions.

“Students, families and teachers across NSW should feel proud of these results – and know that where there are gaps, we are focussed on supporting schools and teachers to close them.

“These results show NSW continuing to perform strongly against national benchmarks, and identify areas that require attention.

"We are committed to reforms that will strengthen literacy and numeracy foundations, including the introduction of an early Phonics and Number Check and a knowledge-rich curriculum explicitly taught across all our schools. These will equip NSW public school students with the vital knowledge and skills they need to achieve excellent outcomes.”

Sports Club Grant Applications now open

Member for Manly, James Griffin is encouraging local sporting clubs throughout Manly and across the Northern Beaches to apply for the latest round of funding under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.  

Mr Griffin said $4.65 million was now available across the state for upgrading or creating new sports facilities, new sport programs, community events and projects that improve sports participation, with $50,000 allocated to the Manly electorate. 

“Last year I was proud to support and help secure funding for Local Rugby, Bowling, Sailing, Boardriding, Cricket and Triathlon clubs,” Mr Griffin said.

“Our grassroots sporting clubs are a vital part of the fabric of our local community and these grants provide a much-needed cash injection to improve facilities and increase participation. I strongly encourage all interested clubs to apply for these grants.”

The key objectives of the Program include:

• Increasing regular and on-going participation in sport.
• Increasing participation opportunities for unrepresented groups.
• Reducing barriers and improve access to participation in sport.  
• Assisting sporting clubs to provide quality experiences to their members and meet community needs.
• Increasing financial sustainability and improve facilities of community level sporting clubs.

Applications must clearly demonstrate an identified need for the project and articulate how the project outcomes will be achieved. Specifically, applications should demonstrate how the project will address at least one of the above objectives. 

The Local Sports Grant Program is now open and will accept applications until Monday 18 August 2025. Outcome will be advised from February 2026 onwards. 

To apply, and for more information visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-grant-program#important-dates 

Have your say on NSW’s anti-discrimination laws

Members of the community have the chance to help shape a more inclusive NSW, with the NSW Law Reform Commission (NSWLRC) inviting feedback as part of its review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) (ADA).

The NSWLRC has released a consultation paper (PDF 2.2MB), focusing on conduct prohibited by the ADA, including discrimination, vilification, sexual harassment and victimisation.

It explains the ADA and outlines some concerns and ideas the NSWLRC has heard from the community and in its research.

To encourage feedback from across NSW’s diverse communities, the NSWLRC has also produced:

• a community summary, which provides a more concise and less technical summary of the consultation paper, and
• an Easy Read consultation paper, which uses simple language and pictures to help make information easier to understand.  

These set out key issues about the ADA, including:

• what conduct should be unlawful, and when
• who should be protected
• who should be held responsible for unlawful conduct
• when exceptions are appropriate, and
• whether the ADA should do more to promote substantive equality.

Three ways to have your say on the ADA:

1. respond to the NSWLRC’s community survey
2. make a submission in response to the issues and questions raised in the consultation paper, or
3. answer the questions in the Easy Read consultation paper.

Advocates and people with lived experience of discrimination or other unlawful treatment are encouraged to provide feedback. This includes women and girls, Aboriginal people, people with disability, and those from multicultural backgrounds and faith groups. In 2023 the Attorney General requested the NSWLRC to review the ADA, asking it to consider whether the legislation could be modernised and simplified to better promote the equal enjoyment of rights and reflect contemporary community standards. Terms of reference set out the full scope of the review.

Feedback from the public will help the NSWLRC develop its recommendations to the NSW Government.

For more information about the ADA review and to have your say, visit the NSWLRC website. 

Submissions close on 15 August 2025.

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Bentley 

12mth Beagle

Bentley is a very sweet affectionate Beagle. He is typical of his breed, social with dogs, very interested in all the smells around, especially food ones. Bentley came from the pound with heartworm and is looking for a committed owner to see him through the 3-month process. DoggieRescue is supporting him through the treatment financially and can be adopted at any time. It is important that during the treatment he is kept very quiet and not allowed to engage with other pets. He has a short coat and weighs 13.3kg. He suits apartment living but is looking for a home based worker. All our dogs come with desexed, fully vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $800

Kath

5 months Domestic Short Haired cat

Kath has spent the last few months under DoggieRescue’s loving care at The Cottage Animal Hospital, bravely overcoming early medical challenges. Now she’s healthy, and ready for a forever home filled with patience and kindness. She can be a little shy at first – but worth the wait. Once she trusts you, she blossoms into the sweetest companion. Loves soft pats, warm laps, and curling up somewhere cosy nearby. Quiet, gentle, and observant – the perfect calm presence in your home. She is looking for a peaceful, indoor-only home with patient adopters who will let her come out of her shell in her own time. She’d do best with older children or adults and may thrive with a calm feline companion – perhaps her brave sister Kim, who brings out her confidence. Kath and Kim are a gorgeous duo and adopting them together would be a dream come true for both. But Kath will also shine solo in the right loving home. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 

For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133  or email  Monika@DoggieRescue.com.  RON R251000024

Pittwater Offshore Community Awards Black Tie Gala

Community Forum on E-Bike Use

Residents are invited to a Community Forum on E-Bike Safety hosted by Jacqui Scruby MP, State Member for Pittwater, and Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Federal Member for Mackellar, on Thursday 21 August at 6:45pm at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.

E-bikes are an increasingly popular form of sustainable transport, especially among young people, but concerns are growing across Pittwater and the broader Mackellar electorate about high-powered, often illegally modified e-bikes.

“E-bikes are a game-changer in accessible, clean transport – but we have a responsibility to ensure their growing popularity doesn’t come at the cost of people’s safety including the young people riding them and pedestrians who are feeling unsafe,” said Dr Sophie Scamps MP.

“From a federal perspective, I will be pushing for stronger safety standards and import regulations to make sure the bikes our kids are riding are safe and cannot be modified to exceed legal speed limits.”

The forum will bring together local police, school leaders, and advocacy groups including Bicycle NSW and E-Bike Safety Australia, creating space for practical solutions and open  discussion.

“E-bikes can be part of a cleaner, healthier future, but only if we get the rules right,” said Jacqui Scruby MP.

“We need clearer laws, stronger enforcement, and better education to protect both riders and pedestrians.”

Ms Scruby is advocating for urgent state-level reforms to:

● Introduce a 10km/h speed limit for e-bikes on footpaths and shared paths

● Maintain the ban on adults riding on footpaths, unless they are accompanying children under 16

● Prohibit modifications that allow e-bikes to exceed legal speed and power limits

● Grant police powers to confiscate non-compliant or dangerously operated bikes

● Support rollout of a student bicycle licensing programme in local schools

Recent incidents in Newport, Warriewood, and Mona Vale have highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action, with young riders and pedestrians injured in avoidable collisions.

“This forum is an opportunity for the community to come together, raise concerns, and help shape the changes needed to keep our streets and shared spaces safe,” said Ms Scruby.

Event Details
Date: Thursday 21 August 2025
Time: 6:45pm
Location: Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club
All welcome

Candlelight Vigil on 80th anniversary of Hiroshima - Nagasaki atomic bombings 

Local residents are invited to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the world’s first nuclear bombings in Japan with a candlelight vigil at Oxford Falls Peace Park on August 9. 

The attacks took place at Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, followed by Nagasaki on August 9. 

Pittwater Greens councillor Miranda Korzy said historians are still divided over whether or not the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were needed to bring the bloodshed of World War Two to an end.  

However, it was indisputable that hundreds of thousands of Japanese residents died and suffered lifelong injuries as a result.  

“The vigil will be an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy wrought by these atomic weapons but we hope also to make this an uplifting event, to give young people especially a sense of hope,” Ms Korzy said. 

”Whilst we will pay our respects to those who died, we’ll also be listening to poetry and storytelling as well as making Japanese paper cranes together as a pledge for peace.  

“Many residents, and particularly young people, are alarmed by the fraught nature of international affairs at the moment - and the fact that nuclear weapons are now many times more powerful than in 1945.” 

Frenchs Forest Greens councillor Ethan Hrnjak, who moved a motion seconded by Ms Korzy at the July council meeting for a council commemoration of the 80th anniversary, was disappointed that it was voted down. 

See: 80 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Locals Impacted - Council again sidesteps Opportunity to Support Peace Accord

”However, we know many residents feel it is important to recognise the events of August 1945,” Mr Hrnjak said. 

“As a result of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan, between 150,000 and 246,000 people were killed. The number of wounded and those who would go on to suffer from long-term radiation sickness is incalculable. 

”This sombre anniversary also serves as a timely reminder of the need for peace, its fragility and the importance of working towards a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons. 

“So please join us and like minded residents to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” 

The vigil will take place at Oxford Falls Peace Park on Saturday August 9, at 4.45pm. The ceremony will last about an hour with a light supper to follow.

Roadworks

Palm Beach

• Barrenjoey Road at Palm Beach Road: Mon 4 Aug 2025 to Sat 9 Aug 2025 10am to 3pm. Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place to allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.
• Resurfacing: Barrenjoey Road between Currawong Avenue and Nabilla Road: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Sat 9 Aug 2025 9pm to 5am. Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.
• Resurfacing: Barrenjoey Road between Currawong Avenue and Iluka Road: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Mon 1 Sep 2025 9pm to 5am. Portable traffic control devices allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

North Narrabeen

• Resurfacing: Pittwater Road between Rickard Road and Waterloo Street: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Mon 18 Aug 2025, 9.30pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Pittwater Rd and Wakehurst Pkwy will be switched to flashing yellow. Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Beacon Hill

• Intersection upgrade: Warringah Road between Beacon Hill Road and Rodborough Road; Sun 17 Aug 2025 to Fri 22 Aug 2025, 9.30pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Ellis Rd will be blacked out, and portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Frenchs Forest

• Intersection upgrade: Warringah Road between Wakehurst Parkway and Fitzpatrick Avenue West; Mon 28 Jul 2025 to Mon 4 Aug 2025, 9pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Forest Way will be blacked out, and portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Changed traffic conditions on Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Pittwater Community Groups: 

Residents Associations

Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater

Avalon Preservation Association

Bayview-Church Point Residents Association (BCPRA) 2020

Budawa Aboriginal Signage Group

Clareville & Bilgola Plateau Residents' Association (CABPRA) 

Newport Residents Association 

Palm Beach Whale Beach Association

RAID - Residents Against Inappropriate Developments In Ingleside

Pittwater Environmental Heritage Group 

Scotland Island Residents Association

Warriewood Residents Association

West Pittwater Community Association

Sports (plus Social Members)

Avalon Beach Petanque Club

Avalon Beach RSL Fishing Club

Avalon Beach SLSC

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club

Avalon Bulldogs

Avalon Bulldogs J.R.L.F.C. 2025 A Grade Team

Avalon Sailing Club

Avalon Soccer Club

Barrenjoey Breakers - Palm Beach swimming group

Bayview Yacht Racing Association (BYRA)

Bilgola SLSC

Bilgola SLSC Boat Section 2017

Bei Loon Dragonboat Club

Bungan Boardriders

Bungan SLSC

Couta Boat Club - Pittwater Chapter 

Ingleside Riders Group

Manly Warringah Netball Association 

Mona Vale SLSC

Mona Vale SLSC Surf Boat Section

Narrabeen Amateur Swimming Club (NASC)

Narrabeen Sharks J.R.L.F.C. 2025 A Grade Team

Narrabeen Youth Club

Narrabeen RSL Fishing Group

NASA - North Avalon Surfriders Association

Newport Arms Fishing Club

Newport Bowling Club

Newport Leatherjackets: Social swim groups in Newport SLSC Welcome all Community Members 

Newport Rugby Club

Newport Rugby Club’s Breakettes 

Newport SLSC

Palm Beach Longboarders Club 

Palm Beach Sailing Club

Palm Beach SLSC Surf Boat Crews 2014

Pittwater Baseball Club  

Pittwater Dragonboat Club

Pittwater Motor Enthusiasts Association 

Pittwater Outrigger Racing Club

Pittwater Pinks Dragonboat Club

Pittwater Pirates: Mona Vale Rock Pool Winter Swimming Group

Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay - Multihull Division

RPAYC's DragonForce 65 Group: Radio Controlled Yachting

Saltwater Veterans

Sailability Pittwater

Sailability Crystal Bay

Sailability Manly

The Palm Beach Yacht Club 

The Surfers Group

Warriewood SLSC

Warriewood SLSC Boat Section 

Whale Beach SLSC

Woody Point Yacht Club

Gardens and Environment

Avalon Beach Dunes Bushcare

Avalon Boomerang Bags

Avalon Community Garden

Avalon Golf Course Bushcare

Avalon Honey 

Avalon Preservation Association

Bushcare in Angophora Reserve by Geoff Searl OAM 

Careel Creek Bushcare Group

Careel Multi Layered Coastal Assessment CMCA 

Dragonfly Environmental 

Electrify Mackellar  

Friends of Bungan Bushcare Group

Friends of Currawong

Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment

Grevillea Caleyi Baha’i Temple Bushcare Group

Katandra Bushland Sanctuary

Kukundi Wildlife Shelter

Living Ocean

Manly Lagoon Friends

Mona Vale Beach Dunes Bushcare

Mona Vale Garden Club

Newport Community Garden

Permaculture Northern Beaches - Manly, Warringah, Pittwater 

Pittwater Environmental Foundation

Pittwater Environmental Heritage Group 

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association 

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)2024- 30 years

Save Manly Dam Catchment Committee

Say No To Plastics - Net Bags for Veggies while shopping

SeadragonSearch:  Weedy Seadragons Citizen Scientist Project

South West Lovett Bay Coastcare Group 

Stony Range Regional Botanical Garden

Sydney Wildlife

Sydney Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility at Waratah Park

The Green Team (formerly Av. Green Team)

The Powerful Owl Project 

Rural Fire Brigades

Cottage Point Rural Fire Brigade 

Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade - 9913 2230 

Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade - 9999 4404

Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade

Warringah-Pittwater Headquarters RFB - 9450 3000

West Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade - 9997-3795 

Services - Community Organisations

Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater (ASGMWP) 

Aim for the Stars Foundation

Amnesty International Avalon Group

Avalon Beach Culture Collective Inc 

Avalon Computer Pals Inc. 2021 (AvPals) 

Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc - 2023

Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc. 

Bilgola Plateau Probus Club

Broken Bay Marine Rescue 

Community Care (Northern Beaches)

Computer Pals for Seniors Northern Beaches

Cottage Point Rural Fire Brigade 

Country Women's Association Manly

Easy Transport Manly - Warringah - Pittwater (now EasyLink)

Friends of Northern Beaches Palliative Care

Kukundi Wildlife Shelter

Liberty Foundation: service rehoming animals from research 

Manly-Warringah-Pittwater Care (MWP Care)

Marine Rescue Broken Bay

Marine Rescue Cottage Point

Marine Rescue Sydney - Terrey Hills Radio Base 

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 

Monika's Doggie Rescue

MoWaNa Safe Space

Mums for Mums

Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning

Northern Beaches Interchange (NBI) - support services

Northern Beaches Mums Market  

Peninsula Music Club

Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group

Peninsula Seniors Toy Recyclers - 2024 

Pittwater Friends of Soibada

Saltwater Veterans

Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee 

Share the Spark

Southern Cross Wildlife Care

StreetWork - Turning Young Lives Around: The Change Your Course Program

Surfers Against Suicide 

Sydney Wildlife

Sydney Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility at Waratah Park

The Village Chef By Meals On Wheels

Veterans Centre Sydney Northern Beaches (VCSNB)

Whale Beach SLSC

Women's Resilience Centre

Youth Up Front at Ingleside

Zonta Club of Northern Beaches 

Arts and Social

Avalon Beach Culture Collective Inc

Avalon Beach Historical Society

Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club

Avalon Quilters 

Avalon Voices 

Bilgola Plateau Probus Club 

Elanora Players

Manly Warringah Radio Society

Mona Vale Mountain Cub Scouts

Mumpreneurs 

Narrabeen Lakes Pittwater Ladies Probus Club

Northern Beaches Art Society

Northern Beaches Concert Band 

Northern Beaches Creative Leisure and Learning Inc.

Northern Beaches Orchestra 

Northern Beaches Social Riders 

Northern Beaches Vision Impaired Group

Northern Beaches Youth Bands

Peninsula Bridge Club

Peninsula Music Club

Pittwater Artists Trail

Pittwater Camera Club

Pittwater Community Arts 

Pittwater Community Hub 

Pittwater Model Yacht Club 

Rotary Club of Pittwater

Saltwater Veterans

Surfing Mums Inc. 

Sydney Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Sydney Northern Beaches Woodturners Inc 

Wingala Lapidary Arts & Crafts Group

Woolly Wednesday Knitting Group at Mona Vale Library

JP Public Register

You can find a Justice of the Peace (JP) using the online Public Register. You can search by postcode, name of a JP, day of availability, language spoken and JP registration number. The register lists a JP’s location, availability and telephone number. Please note that JPs are volunteers and may not be available at all times. ​Click here to access the JP Public Register.  NB: There are  3 J.P’s working in Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch office, we work every Monday (10:30am to 15:30)except on public holidays:

1. Terry Jones J.P.
2. Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
3. Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P

Letters to the Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but that remains optional. Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.  The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons. 

Please

Email: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

Report Hate Crimes

If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police. In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station.  

For more information, visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/hate_crimes

Mona Vale Residents Association

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: share Wildlife Data 

Community News + what ran in each Issue

Community News Pages list articles that ran each week as well as reports run in other pages: Inbox and Environment News archives etc.

March 2013  April 2013 May 2013  June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 October 2013 November 2013  December 2013

January 2014 February 2014  March 2014  April 2014  May 2014 June 2014  July 2014  August 2014  September 2014 October 2014  November 2014  December 2014 

January 2015  February 2015 March 2015  April 2015 May 2015  June 2015  July 2015  August 2015  September 2015  October 2015 November 2015  December 2015 

January 2016  February 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016  August 2016 September 2016 October 2016  November 2016  December 2016  

January 2017  February 2017  March 2017 April 2017 May 2017 June 2017 July 2017  August 2017 September 2017 October 2017  November 2017  December 2017 

January 2018  February 2018 March 2018  April 2018  May 2018  June 2018  July 2018 August 2018 September 2018 October 2018 November 2018  December 2018

January 2019  February 2019  March 2019  April 2019 May 2019  June 2019  July 2019  August 2019  September 2019  October 2019  November 2019   December 2019 

January 2020 February 2020 March 2020  April 2020 May 2020  June 2020  July 2020  August 2020  September 2020  October 2020  November 2020  December 2020

January 2021  February 2021  March 2021  April 2021  May 2021  June 2021  July 2021  August 2021  September 2021  October 2021  November 2021  December 2021

January 2022  February 2022  March 2022  April 2022  May 2022  June 2022  July 2022 August 2022  September 2022  October 2022  November 2022  December 2022

January 2023  February 2023  March 2023  April 2023  May 2023 June 2023 July 2023  August 2023  September 2023  October 2023 November 2023  December 2023

January 2024  February 2024  March 2024  April 2024  May 2024  June 2024 July 2024  August 2024  September 2024  October 2024  November 2024  December 2024

January 2025  February 2025  March 2025  April 2025  May 2025  June 2025  July 2025