Pittwater Online News

Front Page Issue 649

Week One January 2026: Issue 650 (January 1 - 24 2026)

Palm Beach SLSC's Adrian Curlewis Twilight Masters Carnival - January 2 2026 Album: report on return, January 25/26 2026

Palm Beach SLSC's BBB's Carnival - January 3 2026 Album: report on return, January 25/26 2026

Newport SLSC's 2026 Pool to Peak Ocean Swims - January 4 2026 Album: report on return, January 25/26 2026

Summer in Pittwater - Birds, Beaches, Pittwater Estuary Album January 5-6, 2026

DIY Ideas: How To Keep Your Home Cool During Heatwaves - With much of NSW forecast to experience severe to extreme heatwave conditions over the coming days, a few tips residents can take to beat the heat.

Week Two December 2025: Issue 649 (December 8 - 31, 2025)

Attack on Bondi Chanukah event: Support Services available - Online Condolence Book - One Mitzvah - Requesting Privacy - Jack Hibbert of Narrabeen, Fundraiser

TfNSW launches safety review of Wakehurst Parkway intersection after Scruby intervention + calls for biggest upgrade to our roads in decades to include Mona Vale Road West Potholes

End of year message from Jacqui Scruby MP: 2025 – Thank You Pittwater, We’ve Achieved So Much Together 

Pictures  Pictures of the Year 2025

A/Professor Richard West AM BS(Syd.) FRCS(Eng.) FRACS: Stepping down after 10 Years as President of Palm Beach Whale Beach Association - Profile

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers return 800+ boaters to safety in November: Summer Holidays Boating Safety 2025-2026 - Please Log On - Log Off

Avalon Beach Historical Society December 2025 Meeting: A Celebration of John Murch by Geoff Searl OAM

Aquatics 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship:  Australia Claims Back-to-Back Team Gold Medals 

Christmas Win for Business with iCare Bills Avoiding Cost Rises and Return of Business Connect

Australia Life Saving Team selected for the 2026 Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Test Series: Collaroy, Curl Curl, Palm Beach  Currumbin to represent Australia

Pittwater High School student wows BTS at School Spectacular

Local songwriters honoured in national awards

Young Socceroos 20-Player squad named for SBS Cup in Japan Includes Avalon - Curl Curl Players from Barrenjoey-Narrabeen schools

NSW Coalition Announces it will introduce license plate scheme for e-bikes if elected: Pittwater MP Scruby Urges they back her Bill for same

Dick Smith Donates One Million Dollar Donation to NSW Policy Legacy

ACCC proposes better protections for licensees and creators under music licensing arrangements: Feedback on Draft open until February 16 2026

Park Bench Philosophers Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2025: Winners - Highly Commended - Australian Finalists

Environment The Good, Bad and Ugly: 2025, Fledging - Baby Birds coming to ground: Please try and Keep them close to Parent Birds - Please Put out shallow dishes of water in hot weather, Mona Vale Dunes bushcare group: 2026 Dates, Albanese Government Opening new areas for offshore gas exploration, Toxic pollution in Sydney’s drinking water catchment surges far beyond approved limits, NSW Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report, NSW koala baseline survey to drive conservation action, Stay safe around water in NSW national parks this Summer, Tasman and Corinya properties enhance conservation and culture, From trash to treasure: transforming an old tip into koala habitat, Taronga protects environmental jewel in North-West NSW, This is Saving our Species, Birdwood Park Bushcare Group Narrabeen, Council's Open Coast & Lagoons Coastal Management Program (CMP's): Scoping Study Feedback invited until December 14, Australia has new laws to protect nature. Do they signal an end to native forest logging?, Primed to burn: what’s behind the intense, sudden fires burning across New South Wales and Tasmania, We watched these coral colonies succumb to black band disease. 6 months later, 75% were dead, Big batteries are now outcompeting gas in the grid – and gas-rich Western Australia is at the forefront, Hundreds of iceberg earthquakes detected at the crumbling end of Antarctica’s Doomsday Glacier, Millions of hectares are still being cut down every year. How can we protect global forests?, Can smart greenhouses bring back food production in cities?, Government reveals taxpayer-funded deal to keep Australia’s largest aluminium smelter open. How long will we pay?, Travel influencers ‘do crazy things’ to entertain us – and downplay the risks, How European colonisation has created more animal hybrids, Songbirds swap colorful plumage genes across species lines among their evolutionary neighbors, Reptiles are neglected and mistreated. Here’s how we can take better care of them, Australia’s supercomputers are falling behind – and it’s hurting our ability to adapt to climate change, What do stingrays actually eat? New study reveals some only prefer a single type of prawn, A 2,000-year-old building site reveals the raw ingredients for ancient Roman self-healing concrete, Australia wants to be a critical minerals superpower – but processing is messy and dangerous, How eating oysters could help restore South Australia’s algal-bloom ravaged coast, Australia’s $2.3 billion green energy program is funding oversized batteries and blowing out in cost,  Magpies in Spring, 2025-26 Seal Reveal underway, Adopt your local beach program, This Tick Season: Freeze it - don't squeeze it, Notice of 1080 Poison Baiting, Weed of the Week, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue group, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment, Community Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations, Ringtail Posses,  Pittwater Reserves, Environment History insights + Walks, Birds +

Inbox News If social media for kids is so bad should we be allowed to post kids’ photos online?, The social media ban is just the start of Australia’s forthcoming restrictions – and teens have legitimate concerns, How important is the ATAR? 30% of Year 12s who go to uni don’t use it, Caregiver smartphone use can affect a baby’s development. New parents should get more guidance, Study finds PFAS in pregnant women’s drinking water puts their babies at higher risk, It’s so hard to resist overspending at Christmas – here’s how to reinforce your willpower, Space debris: will it take a catastrophe for nations to take the issue seriously?, Why OpenAI is a prime example of the ethical limits of capitalism, New study finds Social media, not gaming, tied to rising attention problems in teens, Illegal tobacco is messing up economic data. That won’t stop until it’s managed like alcohol, Most people with disabling mental health conditions can’t access the NDIS. Here’s a better way to provide support, Hospitals in crisis: why state and federal governments are fighting about funding, If parents designed the new ‘Thriving Kids’ program it’d look like this, The ‘hobbits’ mysteriously disappeared 50,000 years ago. Our new study reveals what happened to their home, Putting away your winter clothes? Science explains how to keep them safe over summer, Construction begins on NSW’s first Hydrogen Centre of Excellence at Glenwood, NSW Government acts on Drake Inquiry report to reform governance of greyhound industry, View from The Hill: in awkward timing, government ends energy rebate as it defends Wells’ spendathon, Cooking Up a Storm, Uptown Downstairs Abbey (Downton Abbey Parody) | Comic Relief, Woy Woy The Venice Of Australia in the 1930's, Greens chair Aged Care inquiries - cost of care + future of system: Submissions invited, What cost of living crisis?: National Seniors, New Resources Empower Advance Care Planning for Older Adults with Mental Illness, As the population ages, the RBA’s interest rate policy is no longer fit for purpose, We are hardwired to sing − and it’s good for us too, Best books of 2025: our experts share their picks, Rage bait: the psychology behind social media’s angriest posts, The year’s best meteor shower is about to start – here’s how to see it, Loosely Woven's Final Concert for 2025 in Avalon, Summer Break, 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, Pittwater High School student wows BTS at School Spectacular, Hottest 100 of 2025, Fab Four arrive at Taronga Zoo Sydney!, The year’s best meteor shower is about to start – here’s how to see it, Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards 2025: Winners - Highly Commended - Australian Finalists, Woy Woy The Venice Of Australia in the 1930's, Summer Movies 2025-2026, Term dates for NSW public schools: 2026, Opportunities: Pittwater Peninsula Netball Club + New cadet traineeship program launched to encourage young people to join the NSW Police Force + Applications Now Open for 2026 NSW Youth Parliament + Avalon Bulldogs Announcement: Female Tackle Teams Kicking Off in 2026! + History in the Making: Female Tackle Coming to the Sharks in 2026! + Newport Pool to Peak Kicks Off Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2026 + Street League Skateboarding in Sydney, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Party, I’m heading overseas. Do I really need travel vaccines?, Year 12 results are being released. What if you don’t want to share your ATAR with friends and family?, 8 ways to drink less during the silly season, Family time: how to survive – and even thrive – over the holidays, We are hardwired to sing − and it’s good for us too, An expert’s pick of the best board games to play (and gift) this summer, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard quit Spotify in protest, only for an AI doppelgänger to step in, Everything from air fryers to TVs suck up our personal data – here’s how to give gadgets that respect privacy this Xmas, Friday essay: experts are predicting a stock market crash – what does 1929 have to teach us?, Nnena Kalu has won the 2025 Turner prize – working with her has inspired my work and academic research, A 2,000-year-old building site reveals the raw ingredients for ancient Roman self-healing concrete, How self-taught, self-made mavericks Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo redefined punk

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Week One December 2025 (December 1-7)

Profiles of the Week:  Natalie Scott Shares her First Memoir, at 97  and Tilly Rose Cooper's Debut Children's Book is set to Inspire a New Generation of Nippers

History: Newport's Dearin Reserve has had Residential Environmental Defenders Since 1906: Third Time inspired Iconic Logo Epitomising the Mangroves of the estuary Became Symbol of Pittwater Council 

2025 Australian Surfing Awards Honourees: Long Reef Boardriders Win Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award - Locana Cullen receives Mick Fanning Rising Star Award - Tom Myers Wins Heavy Water Award - More Positive News on the Way

Sunday December 7 announcement: Minns Government announces $2.5 million boost to summer beach safety with immediate extra shark surveillance drones

Aquatics 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles: Local Winner Ben Zanatta Dedicates His Australian Title Triumph to Mercury Psillakis – Kincumber’s Talia Tebb wins back-to-back Australian Junior Surf Titles by Suzie Leys

Maximum legal power output of e-bikes in NSW to be reduced to 250 watts - Federal Government reinstating EN-15194 standard: Scamps Welcomes changes, Scruby calls for NSW to lead with e-bike licensing and registration

Fledging - Baby Birds coming to ground: Please try and Keep them close to Parent Birds - Please Put out shallow dishes of water in hot weather

Pictures  Work Experience: Y10 - Mobile Photography lesson by Joe Mills in a stroll through Warriewood Wetlands

Park Bench Philosophers Australian Government Appointments Framework Released alongside Briggs 'Report of the Review into Public Sector Board Appointments Processes; No Favourites'

NSW Health: residents urged to take care this mosquito season - Visitors-Residents of 60 LGA's urged to guard against JE Virus

DIY Ideas Christmas-New Years 2025-26 Checklists: Preparing The Garden & Home - Entertaining - Gift Ideas For Every Budget

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Council's Open Coast & Lagoons Coastal Management Program (CMP's): Scoping Study Feedback until Dec. 14

Australia Post Dog Attack Warning as Christmas Runs Begin - deliveries to a property or street will Cease if a Postie is threatened or injured by an aggressive dog - 2024-2025 Dog Attack Statistics for NSW Not Released + South Australia's Tougher Penalties for Dog Attacks Begin 

Newport Pool to Peak Kicks Off Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2026

A new lens on rock fishing safety through AI camera trial: Barrenjoey to Manly high risk rock fishing declared areas map - Lifejacket required

Yule have a great time in Sydney this Christmas - lots of Free Family events, what's on where and when

James Griffin MP Launches ‘Future Manly’ - Putting the Community at the Centre of Decision-Making

Strata overhaul reaches 'final milestone' as fourth reform bill is introduced to NSW Parliament: Double-hit fees-council rates still not addressed - Issues Paper for review into strata managing agents Open for feedback (Until December 14)

Woody Point Yacht Club's 2026 Putt Putt and Gentlemen's Launch Regatta

Entry form at: www.wpyc.com.au/putt-putt-regatta-2026

Australia Day Breakfast at Newport

Scruby Says Drone Expansion Good Start but will Continue Push for Full Metro Coverage in Next NSW Budget

Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby says the NSW Government’s announcement of $2.5m over the weekend to expand shark-mitigation drone programs is a positive step - but she’ll continue to push for funding for comprehensive metro beach coverage in the 2026 NSW Budget.

She said the recent attacks - including the tragic loss of local surfer Mercury Psillakis at Long Reef - underlined the need for modern, evidence-based technology.

“The Psillakis’ family’s grief and their ongoing advocacy with local MPs, Ministers and the Premier, has led to this funding announcement - one that will benefit our whole community and beyond.”

Ms Scruby says investment in Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW’s proven Shark Mitigation Drone Programs for metro beaches, including in Pittwater, is necessary in light of high participation in surfing, nippers and surf safety programs.

“This expansion is progress. Boardriders clubs on the peninsula, including Long Reef, will be given drones, but we need to increase the number of beaches with SLS NSW drones. At the moment we only have three," Ms Scruby said. 

“I’ll be pushing for further funding in the next NSW Budget for SLS NSW drone surveillance on all metro beaches, including across the Northern Beaches and for year on year commitment.”

“Technology matters. We don’t want nippers, teens doing their Surf Certificate Program, or boardrider comps losing trust in beach safety. Shark nets give false confidence. Drones give real-time information. The risk can never be eliminated, but it can be better managed with modern technology.”

Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW already run highly effective drone detection and training programs across the state. Last year SLS NSW drones operated at 50 beaches and covered 160,000 km of coastline, detecting more than 1,000 sharks and triggering 850 management actions - sirens, evacuations and targeted warnings.

The Northern Beaches SLS NSW drones currently operate only at Palm Beach, South Narrabeen and Dee Why - and only during school holidays, however these will now start one week earlier.  Before this announcement, our local boardrider clubs missed out on specialist drone equipment and training being rolled out elsewhere, including to Cronulla Girls Boardriders and Avoca Boardriders. It’s wonderful our boardriders will now have the capacity to keep themselves as safe as possible with this technology.”

“We owe it to our community to use the safest, smartest technology available - and I’ll be doing everything I can, and working with other MPs on the Northern Beaches to secure further investment in the next NSW Budget.”

See: 

Sunday December 7 announcement: Minns Government announces $2.5 million boost to summer beach safety with immediate extra shark surveillance drones

November 2025 report: Jacqui Scruby - Council - Long Reef Boardriders - Maria Psillakis Call for Expanded Drone Surveillance to Improve Safety at Beaches

Drone and pilot. Photo: supplied by Surfing NSW 

Application for Dan Murphy's at Careel Head Road

Application Details: Dan Murphy's at 1-3 Careel Head Road,, AVALON BEACH NSW 2107

Application number: APP-0015360276

Date posted: 16 Dec 2025

Submission period end date: 15 Jan 2026

Application type: New licence - packaged liquor - bottle shop

Status: Under assessment

Details and provide feedback at: lngnoticeboard.onegov.nsw.gov.au//APP-0015360276

North Narrabeen SLSC shark bit kits 

In the current climate of marine and shark activity, and the increased focus on safety within the community, North Narrabeen SLSC has recently purchased and set up two (2) shark bit kits on the beach for use in the unfortunate event that an incident occurs at North Narrabeen. These can be found outside the First Aid room next to the AED, and down the main entrance near the public use rescue tube.

North Narrabeen Surf Club

New Wheelchair Accessible Hop Skip Jump Buses Commence Service 

December 2025

Member for Manly, James Griffin MP, has welcomed the unveiling of two brand new wheelchair-accessible Hop Skip Jump buses, made possible thanks to $102,131 in funding secured by Mr Griffin for the Northern Beaches Council under the 2024 Community Building Partnership Program.

Mr Griffin said the upgraded vehicles would ensure the popular community bus service remains reliable, inclusive and responsive to local needs.

“Last year, I was proud to secure this funding from the NSW Government to keep the Hop Skip and Jump running and ensure that the buses operating on the routes are fully wheelchair accessible,” Mr Griffin said. 

“For almost two decades, the Hop Skip Jump has long played a vital role in connecting the parts of the Manly electorate that the larger State Government buses cannot access.

“For many residents, particularly those with mobility issues or lacking in private transport options, the Hop Skip Jump is more than just a bus service - it’s a lifeline that keeps them connected to local shops, services and each other.” 

Mr Griffin acknowledged the community concern following Council’s decision earlier this year to decommission four of the five routes.

“Like so many in our community, I was disappointed that a majority of councillors voted to decommission four of the five routes this year.

“Despite this, the introduction of wheelchair-accessible buses marks a major improvement in accessibility and comfort across the remaining route.

“Equity in public transport is essential, and these new buses will mean more people can get where they need to go safely and with dignity. It’s a positive step, and I’ll continue advocating for practical transport solutions that keep our area connected,” Mr Griffin said. 

Dick Smith Makes One Million Dollar Donation to NSW Policy Legacy

Mr. Smith presents a cheque to Chair of NSW Police Legacy, Superintendent Donna McCarthy APM. Photos supplied

NSW Police Legacy has received it’s largest ever private donation.

Established in 1987, NSW Police Legacy provides financial and social support to families of police officers who have died both on and off duty. There are currently 1380 legatees ranging in age from a 1-year-old to 104-years-of age.

Today (Monday 8 December 2025), Terrey Hills Businessman Dick Smith and his wife Philippa donated a $1,000,000 cheque to NSW Police Legacy.

This represents the most significant grant ever provided to the organisation by an individual.

Mr Smith said that the reason we live with relative safety and comfort in a country like Australia is due to the efforts of the men and women who wear the police uniform.

“It’s an absolute credit to the risks you take. I have been fortunate to give a number of talks down at the Police Academy at Goulburn. I said I admire you all because you no doubt know it’s a risky job.”

“I admire everyone of you and in my whole life time its wonderful to be protected by the police,” said Mr Smith.

Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM said the donation is gratefully accepted and will go along way to supporting NSW Police Legacy.

“It is not just the financial benefit this will have to those who rely on Legacy for assistance but it actually goes beyond that. It show’s that they haven’t been forgotten by the community when they lose a loved one. It’s a lovely gesture,” said Commissioner Lanyon APM.

Chair of NSW Police Legacy, Superintendent Donna McCarthy APM, went onto say the donation will allow the organisation to greatly expand on its support to those who rely on it.

“We have many kids who rely on us for financial support regarding their education needs. This has now opened the way for additional education grants.”

“Mr Smith has been a great advocate for police as well as NSW Police Legacy for many years. I can’t tell you how grateful we all are to receive this contribution,” said Superintendent McCarthy APM.

For more information about the role of NSW Police Legacy and what they do see www.policelegacynsw.org.au

Council supports bushfire readiness for offshore residents

As the weather heats up, many residents on bush blocks or close to public spaces are getting bush fire ready. 

From clearing out gutters, sweeping up leaf litter to trimming and removing trees, shrubs, mulch and grass, there are many ways to prepare your home so you and it are more likely to survive in a bush fire or ember attack.

For offshore communities across the Pittwater, managing vegetation can be challenging. To help residents get prepared, the council is offering a special collection of ‘fine fuels’ for residents of Scotland Island, Mackerel Beach, and the Western Foreshore starting Monday, 8 December.

What are fine fuels?

Fine fuel are leaves, twigs and bark that can easily catch fire and that are smaller than a little finger width – material that ignites easily during fires.

How to prepare if you live offshore

• From Thursday the 27th of November collect council-provided bags from Scotland Island Residents Association or from public wharves at Mackerel Beach, North Elvina Bay, South Elvina Bay, Lovett Bay, Hall or Morning Bay and at Bonnie Doon and Bennetts Wharf at Coasters Retreat.
• Collect fine fuel from your roof and around your property and fill the bags.   
• Leave full bags out before 8am on the day of collection at your collection point.  

Collection points

Depending on where you live collection is via the public wharves, the roadside outside your property or from private jetties that are accessible at low tide.

Follow the special instructions:

• Ross Smith Parade, Mackerel Beach residents’ collection point is via the southern corner of the street or near the public wharf.
• Public wharf collections are to be secured at the wharf’s entrance point.
• Roadside collections are to be placed with a 3-metre gap in the road reserve or fire trails to allow emergency access.
• Please note that regular vegetation will not be included in this special collection.

For more information email our waste services team wasteservices@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or follow signage being displayed at public wharves in the coming weeks.

Manly Pathway of Olympians-Paralympians

The Manly Pathway of Olympians and Paralympians along Manly Cove, honours residents selected to represent Australia in summer or winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Nine new inductees have been added.

The nine new inductees honoured are:

• Grant Brits – Swimming, Beijing 2008
• Brian Dalton – Judo, Tokyo 1964
• Chloe Dalton – Rugby 7s, Rio De Janeiro 2016
• Rachel Lack – Softball, Tokyo 2020
• Jim Colley – Sailing, Paris 2024
• Shaun Connor – Sailing, Paris 2024
• Julia Bell – Rowing, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004
• Robin Bell – Canoe Slalom, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008
• Emma Lincoln-Smith – Skeleton, Vancouver 2010

The new plaques are supported by the NSW Government in partnership with the council.

Cooking Up a Storm

A group of aged-care residents is proving that kindness has no age limit, donning aprons to cook heartfelt, home-style meals for people experiencing homelessness. In partnership with ONE MEAL Northern Beaches, the residents are helping provide vital food support to vulnerable locals and families. Their involvement not only delivers nourishment to those in need but also brings renewed purpose, connection, and joy to the seniors themselves, a powerful reminder of the impact community-driven compassion can have.

 

Around a dozen residents from the Scalabrini Allambie Heights Aged Care look forward to a special “in-house” get-together once a month, when they cook up a storm to support the charity, One Meal’s efforts to feed homeless and less fortunate locals.

 

The initiative which both the aged-care residents and locals in need have been enjoying for around three years, is a win/win for both community elders and those living rough, with the former relishing getting creative in the kitchen and the latter able to enjoy a delicious hot meal.

One Meal is a not-for-profit, community organisation that helps to feed and support the homeless, disenfranchised, vulnerable and at-risk members of our local communities offering weekly meals at seven different locations including Manly and Narraweena. 

 

Part of the fun for Scalabrini’s residents is the menu planning as they aim to make the meal special.  This week they cooked up 50 serves of pasta and meatballs and Bruschetta before busing over to One Meal at Brookvale to distribute the meals.  

 

“The residents really love getting involved in this charity activity. It gives them a sense of purpose, and they can see the impact first-hand when we bring the food to One Meal during our afternoon trip on the bus. Even residents who don’t particularly enjoy cooking take part, because they understand the meaningful reason behind what they’re doing” explains Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Alessandra Salso.

 

Typically a couple of residents family come to assist and also donate sweet treats to go with the meals.

 

Needless to say, their monthly cook-up creates some truly fun and heart-warming opportunities.

Photo: some of the Allambie Heights Team. Image supplied

Pittwater Peninsula Netball Club

2026 season - let's go! Registrations are open until early February.

Term dates for NSW public schools: 2026

2026 school term dates

Term           First day for students      Last day for students
Term 1 
(Eastern)    Monday 2 February 2026 Thursday 2 April 2026
Term 1 
(Western) Monday 9 February 2026 Thursday 2 April 2026
Term 2 
               Wednesday 22 April 2026 Friday 3 July 2026
Term 3  
                Tuesday 21 July 2026         Friday 25 September 
Term 4 
                Tuesday 13 October 2026 Thursday 17 December 

NSW school holiday dates: 2026 school year

Season                    Division
Autumn holidays Eastern and Western divisions
Tuesday 7 April to Friday 17 April 2026
Winter holidays Eastern and Western divisions
Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026
Spring holidays Eastern and Western divisions
Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026
Summer holidays
Eastern division
Friday 18 December to Wednesday 27 January 2027
Western division
Friday 18 December to Wednesday 3 February 2027

Experienced barristers appointed to Supreme Court of NSW

Thursday, 11 December 2025

Two of Australia’s most experienced barristers, Phillip Boulten SC and Gregory Sirtes SC, have been appointed to the Supreme Court of NSW.

Mr Boulten has appeared in complex trials and appeals involving offences such as bribery, corruption, espionage, drug trafficking, money laundering and homicide.

He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2003 after becoming a barrister in 1988 and beginning his legal career in 1979.

He is a former President of the NSW Bar Association and a long-term member of the Law Council of Australia’s Criminal Law Committee.

Mr Sirtes specialises in property transactions, family law, construction and contract disputes, commercial and equity matters, insurance, professional negligence and estate litigation.

He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2008, called to the Bar in 1992 and admitted as a solicitor in 1990.

He is a member of the NSW Bar Council and has also undertaken work for the Australian Defence Force, serving as both a Judge Advocate and Defence Force Magistrate.

Mr Boulten will be sworn in on February 3 and Mr Sirtes on February 5.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Mr Boulten and Mr Sirtes come to the bench with a strong track record of advocacy and wealth of courtroom experience.

“The appointments are a testament to both barrister’ skill, professionalism and commitment to serving the people of New South Wales.

“They replace retiring justices Stephen Rothman AM and Peter Garling RFD who have served on the Supreme Court for more than 35 years combined. I thank them both for their distinguished service to the community.”

Capacity of District Court of NSW bolstered with two new appointments

Thursday, 11 December 2025

The capacity of the District Court on NSW will be bolstered with the appointment of two Deputy Chief Judges.

Judges Stephen Hanley SC and Christopher O’Brien AM will commence their new roles on December 15.

The establishment of the Office of the Deputy Chief Judge will assist with the administration Australia’s largest trial court which hears serious criminal offences, appeals from lower courts and civil proceedings.

They will assist Chief Judge Sarah Huggett to manage sitting arrangements, monitor the jurisdiction’s performance and provide professional support to more than 80 judges.

Judge Hanley was appointed to the District Court in 2013. He was previously appointed Senior Counsel in 2010, to the Bar 1986 and admitted as a solicitor in 1977.

His professional memberships have included the NSW Bar Association, Board of the Legal Aid Commission and Criminal Defence Lawyers Association.

Judge O’Brien was appointed to the Local Court in 2007 and as a Deputy Chief Magistrate in 2014.

In 2018, he was appointed to the District Court and the following year was made a member (AM) of the Order of Australia for significant service to the law and judiciary.

Judge O’Brien will serve as a Deputy Chief Judge for five years while Judge Hanley’s term will conclude on his retirement in June 2027.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I congratulate Judges Hanley and O’Brien on their appointments.

“Both judges both have an extraordinary depth of legal knowledge, demonstrated ability to enhance the operational efficiency of the District Court and outstanding records of service to the profession.

“The addition of two Deputy Chief Judges will strengthen the capacity of the District Court to manage its growing workload.”

NSW Netball Privacy Policy: Ask Permission

Marine Rescue Middle Harbour launches Club 500 fundraising programme

Marine Rescue Middle Harbour has introduced a new fundraising and community engagement initiative, the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Club 500 Programme, designed to strengthen connections between the boating public and the volunteers who support them.

So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour have performed 188 search and rescue missions, including 24 emergency responses, safely returning 460 people to shore.

The programme has been developed by volunteer crew member Tony Collins, who also serves as the unit’s Community Partnership Manager – Club 500. It invites boat owners and supporters to become Club 500 Members by contributing an annual $500 fee. Members gain access to a range of benefits provided by local marine businesses and national industry partners.

Marine Rescue NSW is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that receives some government funding but relies on community support to sustain its services. Collins said fundraising is essential for Marine Rescue Middle Harbour to maintain its operational readiness.

“The programme raises essential funds to ensure safe and effective operations, while also fostering stronger engagement with the wider boating community. Club 500 is structured so that participating partners also gain commercial value through increased customer engagement,” he said.

Club 500 has attracted a range of partners offering practical benefits to members, including:

• Fuel discounts from d’Albora Marinas
• Antifouling discounts from BoatYard and Short Marine
• Mooring services from Treharne Moorings
• Mechanical servicing by Onboard Marine Services
• Equipment discounts from Boat Warehouse
• Dive service discounts from Underwater Dive Services
• Membership discounts at Manly Skiff Club
• Survey and inspection services from Boatbuy
• Marine training courses from Maritime Training School, Boatwise, and Flying Fish Sailing

The programme is designed so that many boat owners can recover the cost of membership through partner discounts alone. Contributions also support Marine Rescue Middle Harbour search and rescue and emergency response capability on Sydney Harbour and offshore, vessel maintenance and crew training.

“Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s Club 500 establishes a programme grounded in partnership, trust, and community connection, offering a practical way for members of the boating community and the wider public to support volunteer rescue services,” Collins said.

Further information and membership details are available on the Club 500 website: club500.mh.marinerescuensw.com.au

Photo: MH 20 at the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base at The Spit. Photo: MRMH

Petition: Stop Politicians from spamming & harvesting our data

Sign at: www.katechaney.com.au/spam-and-data-petition

We want political parties to communicate - but without bombarding us or harvesting our personal information.

This is a chance for the Government to act to protect voters.

Political Spam

We’re tired of getting swamped with political texts. Political parties shouldn’t be exempt from the Spam Act 2003 - they need to follow the same rules as every business. Prime Minister Albanese said on ABC Radio, “I certainly think that would be a reasonable thing to do, to ban the texts."

Data Harvesting - Postal Vote Applications

Millions of Australians vote by post. This process should be between you and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) - not political parties fishing for your data. Right now, major parties send postal vote application forms – by SMS, email or to your mailbox - along with their political ads and ask you to send your application to a “processing centre” they control. They can then collect your personal details to use and share before passing the application on to the AEC. As AEC Commissioner Jeff Pope said on 31 March 2025, "Concerns about party postal vote applications through unsolicited outreach is the number one complaint we hear from voters at almost every federal election"

Governments in Victoria and Western Australia have fixed this. NSW is next. 

It’s time for the Federal Government to do the same!

More in report: Bill to Stop Politicians Harvesting your Data Via Postal Votes Introduced: Petition to support Bill

Disability safeguards consultation: share your thoughts

The Australian Government is consulting on a new Framework and Strategy to improve safeguards for people with disability.

The government wants to improve safeguards for people with disability. The government is developing a:

• Disability Support Quality and Safeguarding Framework (the Framework), and
• Disability Support Ecosystem Safeguarding Strategy (the Strategy). 

The Framework and the Strategy are intended to support all people with disability, within and outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Framework and the Strategy will:

• set the standard and culture of the systems, services, supports, people and organisations that together meet the needs of people with disability
• empower people with disability to access quality supports and use safeguards
• unify and strengthen safeguards for people with disability.

This is intended to improve quality and safeguarding for all people with disability.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has engaged Australian Healthcare Associates (AHA) to consult with the disability community and the disability sector. AHA is working with the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations to ensure people with disability can contribute to this project.

AHA welcomes submissions for this consultation by 22 December 2025.

Submissions can be made in a number of ways. Auslan and Easy Read versions of the survey are available. Interpreting services are available at no cost.

For more information: 

• visit Disability Safeguards Consultation
• contact AHA at disabilitysafeguards@ahaconsulting.com.au
• phone 03 8632 9505 (between 9 am and 5 pm AEDT, Monday to Friday).

To share your thoughts, visit: Disability Safeguards Consultation.

Report Hate Crimes

Recent reports to the news service would indicate this reminder is needed at present.

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.

When not on social media and when there is no crime committed, but an action is still motivated by hate, prejudice or bias, it is known as a hate incident. Both hate crimes and hate incidents are taken very seriously by the NSW Police.

When you report hate that you witness or experience, you become part of a larger movement to remove it from our society.

What you can expect from the NSW Police Force:

• Every report is taken seriously by the NSW Police Force.
• You can expect a respectful and straightforward experience.
• A translator will be used if required.
• When you report to the police, they will request your details. You can choose not to provide these details at the time of reporting however, this will likely affect how police can proceed with an investigation.
• Support services or contact with an appropriate liaison officer will be offered.
• You will be kept informed of what happens next, your rights and the criminal process (if someone was able to be charged).

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  www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/hate_crimes

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Monika's Doggie Rescue: In need of Good People with Great homes for Pets - Foster Carers 

Monika's Doggie Rescue
2 Cowan Road, Ingleside
www.DoggieRescue.com
www.facebook.com/doggierescue
www.twitter.com/monikadogrescue
www.instagram.com/monikadogrescue/

Across Sydney there has been an uptick in dogs aged just 12 months, not just older dogs whose owners may have passed away, who are being dumped. Although some flinch or avoid being touched by people, indicating they have been abused, owners being unaware how much a pet costs has become the primary reason there are a lot of homeless dogs. 

According to the Australian Veterinary Association, the average dog owner spends more than $25,000 caring for their canine companion. Cat owners could spend $21,000 on average. The RSPCA states within the first year of dog or cat ownership, people could face up to $3,500 of expenses on vaccinations, vet visits, food, de-sexing, grooming, bedding, toys and treats.

This is also causing a massive slow-down on rehoming animals - and for shelters being able to take on new dogs and cats that need a home. Numerous full shelters are reporting a wait-list of people who want to surrender their dog.

RSPCA national data shows around 81,000 pets were surrendered in the 2023/2024 financial year, with only 27,000 finding new homes.

However, in Pittwater, for over a quarter of a century, Monika's Doggie Rescue has sought to find the homes for these pets. 

Monika's DoggieRescue is a registered charity that believes in saving and re-homing as many pets as they can from the council pounds. For many years Monika Biernacki and a group of volunteers have been rescuing pets from death row and successfully re-homing them with permanent and loving owners.

Their motto for Christmas is 'Please; don't shop - adopt'.

Front Page Issue 649

Week One December 2025 (December 1-7)

2025 Australian Surfing Awards Honourees: Long Reef Boardriders Win Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award - Locana Cullen receives Mick Fanning Rising Star Award - Tom Myers Wins Heavy Water Award - More Positive News on the Way

Sunday December 7 announcement: Minns Government announces $2.5 million boost to summer beach safety with immediate extra shark surveillance drones

Aquatics 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles: Local Winner Ben Zanatta Dedicates His Australian Title Triumph to Mercury Psillakis – Kincumber’s Talia Tebb wins back-to-back Australian Junior Surf Titles by Suzie Leys

Natalie Scott Shares her First Memoir, at 97

Maximum legal power output of e-bikes in NSW to be reduced to 250 watts - Federal Government reinstating EN-15194 standard: Scamps Welcomes changes, Scruby calls for NSW to lead with e-bike licensing and registration

Fledging - Baby Birds coming to ground: Please try and Keep them close to Parent Birds - Please Put out shallow dishes of water in hot weather

Pictures  Work Experience: Y10 - Mobile Photography lesson by Joe Mills in a stroll through Warriewood Wetlands

Park Bench Philosophers Australian Government Appointments Framework Released alongside Briggs 'Report of the Review into Public Sector Board Appointments Processes; No Favourites'

NSW Health: residents urged to take care this mosquito season - Visitors-Residents of 60 LGA's urged to guard against JE Virus

DIY Ideas Christmas-New Years 2025-26 Checklists: Preparing The Garden & Home - Entertaining - Gift Ideas For Every Budget

Environment Fledging - Baby Birds coming to ground: Please try and Keep them close to Parent Birds - Please Put out shallow dishes of water in hot weather, ''Limoncello'': Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo with rare colouring, Mona Vale Dunes bushcare group Update; last work morning for 2025 will be on Thursday December 13 - all hands welcome, Seasonal Bushfire Outlook Summer 2025: Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services, The Bureau issues long-range forecast for summer, Destruction of 670 trees and baby birds during nesting season for transmission infrastructure proves biodiversity offsets are nature negative - you cannot 'offset' a tree that's 200+ years old, $32 million lost by the Forestry Corporation in Public Native Forest Logging, Wildlife at risk as Redbank biomass-fired power station appeal commences, NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee final determinations for December 2025, Greens slam public purchase of gas as Labor risks locking in decades of new climate bombs, New Australian DNA library ready to revolutionise environmental monitoring, Will the government’s new gas reservation plan bring down prices?; Yes, if it works properly, Meet the weird, wonderful creatures that live in Australia’s desert water holes. They might not be there much longer, What our missing ocean float revealed about Antartica’s melting glaciers, Protecting fish on the Great Barrier Reef helps prevent crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, Coral reefs have orchestrated Earth’s climate for 250 million years, The way Australia produces food is unique. Our updated dietary guidelines have to recognise this, In 1939 a Royal Commission found burning forests leads to more bushfires. But this cycle of destruction can be stopped, Death and devastation: why a rare equatorial cyclone and other storms have hit southern Asia so hard,  Storms in the Southern Ocean are producing more rain – and the consequences could be global, Temperatures in a patch of Antarctic moss can vary as much as an entire mountain range, Britain’s ponds are disappearing – here’s why restoring them is vital for wildlife and climate resilience, Seen but not forgotten: How citizen science helps document biodiversity in remote Borneo villages, Rhino: documentary unravels the challenges rangers face, but that’s not the whole story, Iran’s president calls for moving its drought-stricken capital amid a worsening water crisis – how Tehran got into water bankruptcy, COP30: petrostates block climate deal once again, but some countries are taking their own decisive steps to phase out fossil fuels, When the world’s largest battery power plant caught fire, toxic metals rained down – wetlands captured the fallout, 56 million years ago, the Earth suddenly heated up – and many plants stopped working properly, Nature’s greatest method actors: the insects that cosplay bumblebees,  Magpies in Spring, Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) Needs People for the Rescue Line, 2025-26 Seal Reveal underway, Adopt your local beach program, This Tick Season: Freeze it - don't squeeze it, Notice of 1080 Poison Baiting, Weed of the Week, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, Marine Wildlife Rescue group, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Community Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves, Environment History insights + Walks, Birds, + 

Inbox News 5 tips to reduce the risk of tech-based abuse: Australian e-safety commissioner, Public health warning: Multiple high dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablets and capsules, ketamine analogues circulating in NSW, AI Fake news on Australian road rules- airline consumer protections, With a sneaky tweak the Australian government has made welfare recipients guilty until proven innocent, When did people first arrive in Australasia? New archaeogenetics study dates it to 60,000 years ago, Google ordered to pay $55m in penalties for anti-competitive conduct: pre-install search on phones, Longer influenza season continues to impact NSW Hospitals, NSW Government acts on late night gambling harm, New NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO announced, Marles confirms Australia is monitoring Chinese ships, announces defence delivery shakeup, Australia’s national AI plan has just been released. Who exactly will benefit?, Antifungal resistance is making thrush hard to treat – here’s why, Euphemisms and false balance: how the media is helping to normalise far-right views, ‘Make the platforms safer’: what young people really think about the social media ban, What are small language models and how do they differ from large ones?, Natalie Scott Shares her First Memoir, at 97, The 12-year gap: how Australians can stay healthier for longer, Aged care reform falling short of its promise to older people: COTA, Silver Surfers: at Manly + Palm Beach, Greens chair Aged Care inquiries - cost of care + future of system, Storms in the Southern Ocean are producing more rain – and the consequences could be global, Worried after sunscreen recalls? Here’s how to choose a safe one, Kimchi may boost immune function recent study shows, No more call to cancel: the government wants to crack down on ‘subscription traps’, Frank Gehry, the architect of the unconventional, the accidental, and the inspiring, ‘It’s wanting to know that makes us matter’: how Tom Stoppard made us all philosophers, Manly Warringah Choir: Dec. 7, 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles: Local Winner Ben Zanatta Dedicates His Australian Title Triumph to Mercury Psillakis – Kincumber’s Talia Tebb wins back-to-back Australian Junior Surf Titles, 2025 Australian Surfing Awards Honourees: Long Reef Boardriders Win Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award - Locana Cullen receives Mick Fanning Rising Star Award - Tom Myers Wins Heavy Water Award - More Positive News on the Way, Tilly Rose Cooper's Debut Children's Book is set to Inspire a New Generation of Nippers, Natalie Scott Shares her First Memoir, at 97, Fledging - Baby Birds coming to ground: Please try and Keep them close to Parent Birds - Please Put out shallow dishes of water in hot weather, Work Experience: Y10 - Mobile Photography lesson by Joe Mills in a stroll through Warriewood Wetlands, More Christmas Adverts 2025, Avalon Bulldogs Announcement: Female Tackle Teams Kicking Off in 2026!, History in the Making: Female Tackle Coming to the Sharks in 2026!, Opportunities: New cadet traineeship program launched to encourage young people to join the NSW Police Force + Backing buskers: delivering a soundtrack to Sydney’s harbour precincts + Applications Now Open for 2026 NSW Youth Parliament + Lion Island Yacht Race 2025 + Newport Pool to Peak Kicks Off Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2026 + Street League Skateboarding Announces Return to Sydney To Kick Off 2026 World Championship Tour, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support,, Word Of The Week: Ensemble, Frank Gehry, the architect of the unconventional, the accidental, and the inspiring, 8 ways to drink less during the silly season, Jane Austen shunned literary fame – but transformed the novel from the shadows, What ancient Athens teaches us about debate – and dissent – in the social media age, From the Miller’s Tale to King Lear’s roaring sea, a history of flooding in literature, How the ‘hypnagogic state’ of drowsiness could enhance your creativity, A brief history of mulled wine – from health tonic to festive treat, Impossible translations: why we struggle to translate words when we don’t experience the concept, Cassette tapes are making a comeback. Yes, really, Prada buys Versace in a €1.25 billion deal. Here’s what that means for fashion, How we created new Noongar song and dance for kworlak – the bull sharks of Perth, ‘It’s wanting to know that makes us matter’: how Tom Stoppard made us all philosophers, We built a database of 290,000 English medieval soldiers – here’s what it reveals

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Council's Open Coast & Lagoons Coastal Management Program (CMP's): Scoping Study Feedback until Dec. 14

Australia Post Dog Attack Warning as Christmas Runs Begin - deliveries to a property or street will Cease if a Postie is threatened or injured by an aggressive dog - 2024-2025 Dog Attack Statistics for NSW Not Released + South Australia's Tougher Penalties for Dog Attacks Begin 

Newport Pool to Peak Kicks Off Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2026

A new lens on rock fishing safety through AI camera trial: Barrenjoey to Manly high risk rock fishing declared areas map - Lifejacket required

Yule have a great time in Sydney this Christmas - lots of Free Family events, what's on where and when

James Griffin MP Launches ‘Future Manly’ - Putting the Community at the Centre of Decision-Making

Strata overhaul reaches 'final milestone' as fourth reform bill is introduced to NSW Parliament: Double-hit fees-council rates still not addressed - Issues Paper for review into strata managing agents Open for feedback (Until December 14)