This Issue:
Profile Andrew Gregory - Photographer and Volunteer for the Powerful Owl Project In 2020 Pittwater Online News ran a Profile on the Powerful Owl Project - which residents can still get involved in, even if it's just recording that they have heard these nocturnal birds around their home or have sighted one near where they live.
That same year the news service ran a Notice regarding public land belonging to Pittwater being encroached on and razed as part of a private owner seeking to commence a build. Although Council Officers ordered a stop-work, the contractors engaged went back the following day to complete destroying the adjacent bush with the result that two chicks in a Powerful Owl nest on the site were killed and the nesting site destroyed. Those living nearby could then hear the distressed parents calling for them for weeks afterwards - a haunting sound.
The incident points to the need for a Tree App along the lines of that provided by Mosman Council for residents, whereby they may check what they can and cannot do and where individual trees or public land begins and their property line ends. The Mosman Council Tree App also allows for the instant reporting of suspicious or illegal tree clearing and enables and empowers both residents and the Council to take quick action where such practices are being undertaken.
As part of Pittwater Online's Profile on the Powerful Owl Project we provided a link to an article written and photographed by one of Pittwater's PO Volunteers, who also happens to be a brilliant photographer for National Geographic.
Andrew Gregory's work is featured in a current exhibition called Portrait of Australia - 25 years of Australian Geographic at the National Museum in Canberra. Well worth having a look at when down south. The Exhibition is also available and touring around New South Wales this year - the link above will take you to the webpage that lists these locations and dates.
You can also listen to Andrew's podcast “Conservation starts in your own backyard” - an Australian Geographic talking Australia podcast at:
www.australiangeographic.com.au/podcast/conservation-work-starts-in-our-own-backyard-andrew-gregory
You can also find out more about his work and see his brilliant images at Andrew Gregory Photography: andrewgregory.com.au
This time of year you may be lucky to see newly fledged Powerful Owls making their way into the world outside the nest and, hopefully, finding a partner.
An insight into Andrew's experiences may further inspire you to listen or look a little closer at these hidden pockets of green tucked away out of sight and, hopefully, help Council and our wildlife, stop them being destroyed or encroached on by private usurpers.
Newport grew as a place for excursionists and visitors during the 1870s - soon there were thousands catching a paddle-steamer for a weekend jaunt to glorious Pittwater - leaving that vessel for a few hours to explore the beautiful bush gardens onshore, collecting ferns and wildflowers, or eating Newport oysters and going fishing, exploring the 'Newport Maze' -that conglomerate of wetlands and mangroves that spread from the southern end of Newport's Pittwater side over to Winnererremy and Bayview, or strolling to the ocean beach from the Newport wharf disembarkation point, the first near current day Waterview street in Mona Vale, the second the Jeanneret-Pile built jetty at the base of Newport Hotel, for a whiff of ocean air.
The ocean beach side was mostly held by the Farrell family from Bungan Hill down and up to the hill edge which is today's Newport-Bilgola beachfront crossover. John Farrell III, the inheritor of the Farrell family's vast holdings, also subsequently brought under the Real Property Act in 1910. Almost 8 years later the first ocean side boarding house was built on the beach front and verges of Newport Lagoon
Commissioner Fitzsimmons Leads Charge For Graffiti Removal Day 2021
Late last week, February 8th, 2021, NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman unveiled work by renowned street artist Sid Tapia, who has painted the Erskineville Railway Station mural to pay tribute to Resilience NSW Commissioner Fitzsimmons, and the brave efforts of the RFS.
“Our volunteer firies and other emergency services showed remarkable bravery in battling the ferocious 2019/20 bushfires that ravaged NSW. Their heroism and the leadership of their Commissioner is very deserving of recognition,” Mr Speakman said.
“COVID-19 has reminded us of the importance of our homes and taking pride in our precious neighbourhoods. Graffiti Removal Day is the time to pick up a brush and reconnect with your local community in a COVID safe way.”
Sid's mural? It looks great! - et voila; -
Photo courtesy NSW Gov. - Communities & Justice
In Council's Meeting Agenda an Item lists a Response to Councillor De Luca OAM's query on the Cost of Vandalism on Public Buildings in Narrabeen and Pittwater Wards.
Council's staff estimated that the removal costs for these wards from between January 1st 2016 to January 15th 2021 was $350, 000 for the Narrabeen ward and $500,000 for Pittwater. The 'tagged' vandalism for the FY18/19 was $57, 092 for Narrabeen and $69, 286 for Pittwater.
Council's records indicate that the most frequently vandalised buildings ion the Narrabeen ward are the St Matthews Farm sport amenities at Cromer and the Tramshed public amenities at Narrabeen.
In Pittwater it is the Avalon Beach SLSC and Mona Vale Kitchener public amenities that are most frequently targeted.
Clearly a little less 'toilet humour' and more murals alike that recently completed at Mona Vale would not go astray around here:
Graffiti Removal Day calls for people to show pride in their local community by volunteering to remove graffiti in compliance with COVID safe guidelines.
Illegal graffiti costs the State more than $300 million in clean-up expenses each year.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons, the 2021 NSW Australian of the Year, said he was humbled by the artwork, and encouraged people across NSW to volunteer for Graffiti Removal Day on Sunday 28 March 2021.
“Volunteers are at the heart of Australian communities. I will forever be grateful to the volunteers who stood up to be counted during the worst bushfire season we’ve ever had. We saw courage and commitment from volunteers who continually put the wellbeing of their community before themselves,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“2020 was a year like no other and many are still dealing with the impacts of drought, bushfires, floods and storms, and COVID-19. In the face of these challenges, it is our community spirit that empowers us to rebuild, recover and begin to heal.”
Graffiti Removal Day Chairman Bob Aitken said this year up to 3,000 volunteers are expected to remove illegal graffiti from approximately 600 sites around NSW.
“Since we began in 2012, volunteers have removed more than 141,000sqm of graffiti, saving the community $10.4 million,” Mr Aitken said.
People can volunteer or nominate a clean-up site at https://graffitiremovalday.org.au/
Bayview Baths Neglect On The Nose
Residents have expressed a growing impatience with the lack of care and restoration works to ensure the Bayview baths remain in good condition. Mona Vale, Bayview and Church Point locals state this is the only baths on their side of Pittwater and a rejuvenation so these are safe for their children is long overdue.
Those who frequent the area state the netting and wood pylons have rotted, the bottom is covered in glass, rocks and oysters, and pollution from adjacent areas is making this family-friendly location too unfriendly.
Grass Ticks Out At Present
Residents report a high number of grass ticks are around at present, thriving after all the recent rains and humidity. These will be found not only in urban areas and bush backyards, but also occur on playing fields where youngsters may get them after sitting in long grass, and in offleash dog areas, so check your munchkin after a furry romp and keep their tick protection up to date.
The Paralysis Tick, Ixodes holocyclus, is found along the eastern seaboard of Australia. It is commonly referred to as the grass tick, seed tick and bush tick depending upon its stage of development. It is not known to occur in South Australia, Western Australia or the Northern Territory.
While I. holocyclus is the most common, there are two other Ixodes species in Australia which cause paralysis: I. hirsti, which occurs in South Australia and also has been documented in NSW and Tasmania, and I. cornuatus, which occurs in Tasmania and Victoria.
There are four stages in the life cycle of a tick; the egg, larvae (around 1mm and light brown in colour when not full of blood), nymph (around 2mm and pale brown) and the adults (4–5mm in length, without blood). The Paralysis Tick needs to feed on blood to develop through its lifecycle from the larvae stage to a nymph and to an adult. The adult female takes blood to obtain protein for the laying of eggs.
Tick life cycle (S.L. Doggett, Department of Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital) as described above.
This tick has a distinct seasonality; the larval stage is most active during the autumn months, the nymph during winter and the adult during the spring. This tick is most active during periods of high humidity, especially after rain, and this is when you should take particular care to avoid tick bites.
Paralysis Ticks are not particularly mobile, and rely on passing animals for a blood meal. The Paralysis Tick will crawl up the stems of grasses or along branches and ‘perch’ ready to latch on to a passing animal, including humans. They rarely climb higher than 50cm in their habitat, so do not drop out of trees, despite this common belief. However, after landing on a person or animal they can walk up the body and attach to the head area.
How to prevent tick bites?
The best way to prevent tick bites is to avoid tick-infested areas.
If this is not possible, wear appropriate clothing such as:
- a long sleeved shirt
- long pants tucked into socks
- light coloured clothing to make it easier to see ticks on clothes before they attach to the skin
Before entering possible tick infected environments apply an insect repellent containing diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) or picaridin to the skin. The repellent should be applied and re-applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Clothing treated with permethrin is also recommended.
Permethrin wash kits for treating clothes can be obtained from outdoor recreational stores and it is important to follow the label directions. Permethrin-treated clothing is considered the most effective means of preventing tick bite in tick infested areas.
All clothing should be removed after visiting tick infested areas and placed into a hot dryer for 20 minutes to kill any tick that could be still on the clothing. The entire body should be then checked for ticks of all sizes and stages, paying particular attention to areas behind the ears and the back of the head or neck, especially on children.
Pittwater Online has had requests to rerun the Garden Design and Plant Management to Minimise Tick Attacks and Infestations, which includes excellent insights by the now passed and highly-regarded Bill Conroy, formerly of Avalon Beach. You can find that in the DIY Ideas page this Issue.
Warriewood Wetlands Being Trashed; Dogs Offleash Everywhere - Still
Residents report dogs off leash in this wildlife preservation area on a daily basis, weeds choking open patches of water and runoff into the creeks of the Warriewood valley, as well as graffiti on signage.
Other locals have even written this week to state when trying to report the dogs off-leash that the 'make a report about 'Roaming Dogs' webpage and function on council's website is not currently working, and hasn't for days.
Guess that's one way to silence any outcry over the destruction of wildlife and community safety and peace - say there's been 'no reports'.
Similarly, people have been witnessed taking their on-leash dogs off-leash once they have crossed North Avalon road and the Catalina Crescent junction to take them on the backtrack behind Barrenjoey High School - a place where waterbirds were once safe to visit, live and raise their young.
Meanwhile, in other spaces just 200 metres along, rangers handing out parking fines have been thick on the ground - 'illustrates the priorities' has been the oft made remark this week.
New Look Boating Bible Makes It Even Easier To Learn The Ropes
The complete NSW official guide to safe boating has had a revamp and is now available in a new format online.
Acting Executive Director Andrew Mogg said Transport for NSW’s boating handbook is the primary source of safe boating information on the waterways and has been updated to make boating rules and regulations clearer for boaters.
“The handbook is not just for skippers. Passengers also have obligations when out on the water,” Mr Mogg said.
“This boating handbook update supports the NSW Government’s commitment to making information easy to access and simple to understand.”
The handbook features clickable contents on topics, including:
- Staying safe on NSW waterways
- Licences and registration
- Lifejackets and safety equipment
- Being prepared
- Towing
- Navigation marks, lights and sounds
- Waterways and designated areas
- Emergencies and incidents
Mr Mogg said the release of the updated boating handbook coincided with an increase in boating activity, and more people buying boats and getting a boat licence.
“We recorded a 9 per cent increase in new boat licences issued in 2020 compared to 2019, as well as a 9 per cent increase in the number of new vessels registered,” he said.
“All boaters are reminded to always wear a lifejacket – don’t risk your life. In NSW, seven out of ten people who drown while boating are not wearing a lifejacket.”
The boating handbook is available as a PDF which can be downloaded from Transport for NSW Boating Handbook.
Printed copies of the handbook will be available from 15 February from Service NSW outlets as well as from authorised training providers.
You can download it now at: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/resources/handbook.
Wildlife Rescue Phone Line: Care To Help?
Our wildlife has suffered in many ways over the last year with the heat and bushfires and ongoing urban development but it is the day to day collisions on our roads and with our buildings that often take the largest toll on our urban wildlife. I am a volunteer with Sydney Wildlife and coordinator of our rescue line and we get calls every day from people who find stunned or injured birds and animals on our roads and in backyards. If you see an animal hit or lying on the road, if it is safe to do so you can help by checking if it is still alive. If so, please call us on 9413 4300 and one of our rescue line volunteers will be able to assist you. If it is a marsupial please check if this is a female and has a pouch which may contain a baby.
Many of our birds fly fast and don’t realise that a window is a solid object. They hit with great force and often become stunned, concussed or fracture bones. If this happens give the bird time to recover because it may be able to fly off after half an hour or so. If it looks injured or does not recover within a few hours please call Sydney Wildlife or WIRES.
Our rescue line is in great need of volunteers. If you have an interest in wildlife and some time to spare we would love to hear from you. We will provide training in our office systems and lots of support and you will work with like-minded people in a pleasant environment in the Lane Cove National Park. Alternatively if you have a computer or laptop you can work from home.
Carolyn Martin
Sydney Wildlife Rescue
Ph: 9413 4300
Pets Of The Week
Chippy
AGE/SEX: 2 years / M
BREED: American Staffy X
Chippy is super affectionate boy. He is strong on lead and can lunge playfully walking past some dogs. Chippy is great with kids but jumps up when excited so suits 12+yo best. He can be a bit rough taking treats. Walkers say “Took treats gently. Pulled a lot when other dogs in sight. Walked really well otherwise”, “Started off barking at dogs, then got used to others”. He has a smooth coat and weighs 25.5kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.
Camomile
Camomile was a sweet mum who came from the pound with 5 kittens. They have all been adopted. She is a calm friendly lady, about 2yo. She loves napping and is social with other cats. Her adoption fee is $250. If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Powder Works Road Carnage: Please Slow Down
While on the carnage going on locally via humans on the wildlife that lives here too this Summer:
In recent months residents at Ingleside have witnessed turtles being run over by cars, possums being hit, bandicoots being struck and this week, a mother Pacific Black Duck and one of her ducklings being killed by a car going too fast to slow down enough to not kill them. Of that family the 3 remaining escaped - although only 2 were caught to be handed to a wildlife carer. One of these babies could not be found.
All native duck species are protected in New south Wales, with the most common native species being the Pacific Black Duck and the Australian Wood Duck.
Pacific Black Ducks usually have 8-12 ducklings - so, of a possible 13 there are now only 2 left alive.
Beautiful afternoon glow over Clareville an to the park - photo by Paul Wheeler, February 17, 2021
NSW Crews Named For Interstate Surf Boat Challenge
Surf Life Saving NSW announced on Wednesday February 17th, 2021 the surf boat crews selected to represent NSW at the 2021 Interstate Surf Boat Challenge to be held at Mollymook SLSC alongside the 2021 ASRL Open on Friday March 5th.
The Interstate Challenge is a one-day-event and an opportunity for crews from around Australia to go head-to-head with their interstate rivals.
Competition for selection was fierce as the usual selection carnivals were condensed into one, the Manly Boat Carnival, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
NSW will be looking to defend its 2019 title after the 2020 Interstate event was cancelled due to dangerous conditions.
Six clubs including North Cronulla (2 crews), South Curl Curl (1 crew), Wanda (1 crew), Collaroy(2 crews) North Bondi (1 crew) and Bulli (1 crew) will be representing NSW at the elite event, with crews to contest the U19, U23, Reserve and Open Divisions.
NSW INTERSTATE SURF BOAT TEAM
U19 Female – North Cronulla
Paris Donnelly
Mia Donnelly
Chloe Craig
Jade Bofinger
Michael Bofinger (Sweep)
U19 Male - South Curl Curl
Zac Lowery
Tremayne Chivers
Jethro Mulder
Harry Andrew
Rob Lowery (Sweep)
U23 Female – Collaroy
Johanna Brent
Emily Wise
Kenya Fahey
Annika Beesley
Ryan Halangahu (Sweep)
U23 Male - Wanda
Jack Kenning
Bradley Querzoli
Mathew Pescud
Jack Spooner
Nathan Spinner (Sweep)
Reserve Female – Collaroy
Liz Green
Jacinta Kendall
Kelly Trim
Sarah Mcritchie
Ryan Halangahu (Sweep)
Reserve Male - North Bondi
Charlie Bodkin
James Samuels
Sam Horsely
Louis Hugh-Jones
Steve Larnach (Sweep)
Open Female – North Cronulla
Katlynn Coglan
Maggie Mahoney
Alysha Lerond
Hayley Urquhart
Mark McDonald (Sweep)
Open Male - Bulli
Dean Roberts
Heath Mercer
Ben Lowe
Fraser Worthington
Shane Geloven (Sweep)
Team Manager: Greg Heard - Queenscliff
Assistant Manager: Nick Sampson – Avalon Beach
Avalon Beach SLSC's Nick Sampson - photo by Richard Cole
Electric Charging Bays Proposed For Mona Vale
Council has released a proposal this week, in line with their Move - Northern Beaches Transport Strategy 2038, for providing greater support for electric vehicles (EV) by facilitating the introduction of EV charging stations.
Ausgrid and JOLT (a vehicle charging network company) propose to install free 15 minute public EV charging stations in selected locations across the area. The free charging will be funded by paid advertising on Ausgrid's infrastructure (refer DA 2021/0001).
Mona Vale has been identified as the first suitable location for three EV charging stations. Existing Ausgrid infrastructure will supply electricity to the charging stations.
To allow for this, Council needs to change the parking restrictions on the three carspaces in Mona Vale closest to Ausgrid's existing infrastructure.
One parking bay outside 3 Bungan Street, and two parking spaces in Village Park, Park Street, will be converted to ‘No Parking Electric Vehicles Excepted Only While Charging’ (RMS Sign # R5-41-5).
You can view the proposal and provide feedback at:
Balgowlah & Manly Residents Group Update On Community Webinar On The Beaches Link Tunnel
We had over 500 people subscribed to attend the webinar last Monday night and if you missed it - you can watch it here!
Webinar Topics
• The history of the Beaches Link Tunnel Project – what is the process from here?
• The business case – does it really add up?
• Our precious environment – what’s at risk at Manly Dam, Burnt Bridge Creek and Middle Harbour / Clontarf
• Design changes for North Seaforth – putting residents close to the construction zone
• Local traffic jams of the future – new bottlenecks, delays and rat runs
• The tunnel construction timeline
• The construction site at Balgowlah Golf Club – what it means for residents and schools?
• Coming soon – how the tunnel is used to justify over-development on the Northern Beaches
The missing video can be seen here:
We really need you to plan to send in a submission and will be helping you with this very soon. Submissions close 1st March 2021!
Please ensure you choose "I object" rather than making a comment.
Comments count as support!
In the meantime- keep an eye on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SaveManlyDamBushland,
and have a look at https://viabletransportsolutions.com.au/what-can-i-do/
and send in any submission ideas to help us encourage everyone!
Regards, and Notice from: Balgowlah Resident Group and Save Manly Dam Catchment Committee
Please Help Us To Save Wildlife In Our Catchment: Beaches Link Tunnel
The Southern end of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment bushland needs to be connected to the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
We need connectivity for fauna. In the terrible event of bush fires, animals can move to safer areas.
They can recolonise later, moving back into regenerating areas. Connectivity is also vitally important to prevent inbreeding.
Currently, there is significant roadkill particularly of wallabies along Wakehurst Parkway south of the hospital between the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
This is why the widening of Wakehurst Parkway for the Beaches Link tunnel requires devices such as overpasses, underpasses and exclusion fencing just like the ones which are currently being built on the Mona Vale Road East upgrade. These devices connect Kuring Gai National Park and Garigal National Park at the northern end of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Please make a submission on the DPIE website requesting overpasses, underpasses and exclusion fencing along Wakehurst Parkway south of the hospital between the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
The public consultation and submission period closes on 11.59 pm, Monday 1 March 2021.
If you want DPIE to delete your personal information before publication, please make this clear at the top of your letter.
Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Bilgola SLSC Open Saturday Afternoons
A reminder that that great little club down on that great little beach is open Saturday afternoons with great live music and something cool and refreshing to enjoy the tunes by. With so many Ocean Swims and Surf Carnivals cancelled this year, all impacting on the bottom line for our local clubs, you can help them out by giving yourself a little 'time off'.
Space is limited so get in early to get a good spot.
Mona Vale Hospital Palliative Care Unit: Proposal By Pittwater MP To Name New Unit After Eileen Gordon
The Parliament of New South Wales returned to sitting this week. The Hon. Rob Stokes (MP for Pittwater and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces) on Thursday February 11th 2021 in a Private Members Statement said;
''I am bursting with pride at what my community has been able to achieve by working together. In one of my first speeches in this place, shortly after my election in 2007, I spoke about my community's fervent desire to provide inpatient palliative care at Mona Vale Hospital, calling specifically for the number of dedicated palliative care beds to be increased to 10. It has been a long journey and a protracted campaign involving many dedicated citizens.
Last week it was my profound privilege, on behalf of my community, to attend the opening of the inpatient palliative care unit at Mona Vale Hospital. There are now 10 palliative care beds and 10 geriatric beds immediately adjacent to a specialist palliative care outpatients service, which has greatly expanded owing to community action and contributions in the years since that vision in 2007. They all look out over the South Pacific Ocean, ensuring that some of the most vulnerable, fearful and anxious people in our community enjoy some of the best and most peaceful views on the planet.
The enormous effort by the community and the incredible outcome for the community remind me of words attributed to William Wilberforce, "We are too young to realise that certain things are impossible … So we will do them anyway."
Looking back, the dream of an inpatient palliative care unit at Mona Vale Hospital seems impossibly naive. The government of the day was certainly not interested in making any investment in the future of Mona Vale Hospital. The sword of Damocles hung over the very future of any hospital at Mona Vale or even public ownership of the land on which it stood. Palliative care was not a priority of the health system at the time. Almost fantastically, the hundreds of thousands of dollars raised by the community to co-fund a long‑forgotten promise by government to build a hospice on the grounds of Mona Vale Hospital was trapped with what was called the 'Commissioner of Dormant Funds', an office that could only have been dreamed up in some fevered nightmare world of Franz Kafka.
... This is the first time a specialised palliative care unit has been provided on the northern beaches. As mentioned, the new unit has two wings: a 10-bed geriatric evaluation and management unit and a 10-bed palliative care unit. It will join the urgent care, community health, diagnostic, rehabilitation and other speciality services provided at Mona Vale Hospital and further boost the number of medical staff on site.
The journey to this point started more than 30 years ago when a local specialist called John Doran and a wonderful lady called Cora Adcock, both of whom have passed away, had a vision. They supported the idea of an inpatient hospice on the grounds of Mona Vale Hospital.
It is important to acknowledge so many people who have been part of this journey, people from the Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary—Yvonne Parsons, Gail Carew, Waveney Parsons and Jim Parker—and the chief executive of Northern Sydney Local Health District, Deb Willcox. I also acknowledge former chief executive of the Northern Sydney Local Health District Vicki Taylor; former Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner; Jacqui Edgley; former and current acting general managers of Mona Vale Hospital Frank Bazic and Jennifer McConnell; Jo-Ann Steeves and Dr Philip Macaulay of the Palliative Care Working Group; Dr Yvonne McMaster; Geraldine Dixson; Kelly Arthurs; Andrew Johnston; Councillor Kylie Ferguson; and the wonderful Dr Peter Moore. The incredible Kay Millar chaired the group looking specifically at how the palliative care unit should be configured from a community perspective.
I leave the final word to an amazing lady, Eileen Gordon. Eileen recently lost John, her husband of more than 60 years. She is an indefatigable campaigner for Mona Vale Hospital and has devoted her life to achieving this vision of a palliative care unit. It is my fervent desire that the unit be named after Eileen Gordon in recognition of the incredible efforts that she has made.
I will conclude with the words of John Tolkien, who wrote, "No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take."
It is wonderful to know that this journey for residents of the northern beaches is now not taken in fear and not taken alone. It is taken in love, in compassion and with great hope.''
For more, visit last Issue's report: Palliative Care Unit At Mona Vale Hospital Realised
Photos: Eileen, Hon Bronwyn Bishop and Hon Rob Stokes at 2013 opening of Palliative Care services and Eileen being presented with tribute from Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary for 25 years voluntary service to the organisation - both pictures from 2013. Images by A J Guesdon and Michael Mannington OAM.
New Look Boating Bible Makes It Even Easier To Learn The Ropes
The complete NSW official guide to safe boating has had a revamp and is now available in a new format online.
Acting Executive Director Andrew Mogg said Transport for NSW’s boating handbook is the primary source of safe boating information on the waterways and has been updated to make boating rules and regulations clearer for boaters.
“The handbook is not just for skippers. Passengers also have obligations when out on the water,” Mr Mogg said.
“This boating handbook update supports the NSW Government’s commitment to making information easy to access and simple to understand.”
The handbook features clickable contents on topics, including:
- Staying safe on NSW waterways
- Licences and registration
- Lifejackets and safety equipment
- Being prepared
- Towing
- Navigation marks, lights and sounds
- Waterways and designated areas
- Emergencies and incidents
Mr Mogg said the release of the updated boating handbook coincided with an increase in boating activity, and more people buying boats and getting a boat licence.
“We recorded a 9 per cent increase in new boat licences issued in 2020 compared to 2019, as well as a 9 per cent increase in the number of new vessels registered,” he said.
“All boaters are reminded to always wear a lifejacket – don’t risk your life. In NSW, seven out of ten people who drown while boating are not wearing a lifejacket.”
The boating handbook is available as a PDF which can be downloaded from Transport for NSW Boating Handbook.
Printed copies of the handbook will be available from 15 February from Service NSW outlets as well as from authorised training providers.
You can download it now at: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/resources/handbook.
Wildlife Rescue Phone Line: Care To Help?
Our wildlife has suffered in many ways over the last year with the heat and bushfires and ongoing urban development but it is the day to day collisions on our roads and with our buildings that often take the largest toll on our urban wildlife. I am a volunteer with Sydney Wildlife and coordinator of our rescue line and we get calls every day from people who find stunned or injured birds and animals on our roads and in backyards. If you see an animal hit or lying on the road, if it is safe to do so you can help by checking if it is still alive. If so, please call us on 9413 4300 and one of our rescue line volunteers will be able to assist you. If it is a marsupial please check if this is a female and has a pouch which may contain a baby.
Many of our birds fly fast and don’t realise that a window is a solid object. They hit with great force and often become stunned, concussed or fracture bones. If this happens give the bird time to recover because it may be able to fly off after half an hour or so. If it looks injured or does not recover within a few hours please call Sydney Wildlife or WIRES.
Our rescue line is in great need of volunteers. If you have an interest in wildlife and some time to spare we would love to hear from you. We will provide training in our office systems and lots of support and you will work with like-minded people in a pleasant environment in the Lane Cove National Park. Alternatively if you have a computer or laptop you can work from home.
Carolyn Martin
Sydney Wildlife Rescue
Ph: 9413 4300
Pets Of The Week
Kreed
AGE/SEX: 4 years / M
BREED: English Staffy X
Kreed is a lovely friendly dog. He is good around kids 12+yo and our dog trainer says: "Super friendly child orientated dog who sits politely for food." He fetches and returns balls and walks nicely on loose lead. He is social with other dogs and has lived with another dog. He is looking for a home where someone is around most of the time. He has a smooth coat and weighs 19.5kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.
TK
TK is around 17 weeks old. A DSH all black male. He came to us from the pound with a broken tail which is now healed. His tail has a slight kink due to the break. TK is a sweet boy who is happy to have a chat with you! He is also social with other cats. He has short coat and weighs 2.1kg.
He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, and microchipped. His adoption fee is $250.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Please Help Us To Save Wildlife In Our Catchment
The Southern end of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment bushland needs to be connected to the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
We need connectivity for fauna. In the terrible event of bush fires, animals can move to safer areas.
They can recolonise later, moving back into regenerating areas. Connectivity is also vitally important to prevent inbreeding.
Currently, there is significant roadkill particularly of wallabies along Wakehurst Parkway south of the hospital between the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
This is why the widening of Wakehurst Parkway for the Beaches Link tunnel requires devices such as overpasses, underpasses and exclusion fencing just like the ones which are currently being built on the Mona Vale Road East upgrade. These devices connect Kuring Gai National Park and Garigal National Park at the northern end of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Please make a submission on the DPIE website requesting overpasses, underpasses and exclusion fencing along Wakehurst Parkway south of the hospital between the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
The public consultation and submission period closes on 11.59 pm, Monday 1 March 2021.
If you want DPIE to delete your personal information before publication, please make this clear at the top of your letter.
Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: February 9, 2021
Click on Logo to access latest PON: 
To contact Julian: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
These hot days are tough on our wildlife - please put out some water in a shaded location and if you come across an animal that is in distress, dehydrated or injured - please contact your local wildlife rescue group:
Photo: Bronwyn Gould
Florida Falls Palm Beach
Saturday February 13, 2021
Photo screenshot from video by Adriaan van der Wallen
Crystal Bay, Newport, Circa 1920
Pittwater Online's history buff is currently finishing research for another Pittwater Summer House on the beachfront at Newport. This image relates to the other side of Newport on Pittwater. You can see in the background Scott's Hotel, previously 'Collins retreat'. You can also see the bay was a lot bigger, deeper and wider then.
''Cooinoo'' Bungan Beach will stay in place for this Sunday as February 14th 1920 is when Sir Ross Smith touched down in Sydney on his and his crews' historic flight from England to Australia - 101 years ago this Sunday.
March 2021 marks the Centenary of the RAAF and there will be some more Pittwater Pilots of early eras to honour and celebrate our area's connections to the promotion of flight in Australia run then for all lcoal fans of history.
Images: Crystal Bay circa 1920 and Arrival of Ross Smith at Mascot, February 14th, 1920 Item a1921060h, both courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Electric Charging Bays Proposed For Mona Vale
Council has released a proposal this week, in line with their Move - Northern Beaches Transport Strategy 2038, for providing greater support for electric vehicles (EV) by facilitating the introduction of EV charging stations.
Ausgrid and JOLT (a vehicle charging network company) propose to install free 15 minute public EV charging stations in selected locations across the area. The free charging will be funded by paid advertising on Ausgrid's infrastructure (refer DA 2021/0001).
Mona Vale has been identified as the first suitable location for three EV charging stations. Existing Ausgrid infrastructure will supply electricity to the charging stations.
To allow for this, Council needs to change the parking restrictions on the three carspaces in Mona Vale closest to Ausgrid's existing infrastructure.
One parking bay outside 3 Bungan Street, and two parking spaces in Village Park, Park Street, will be converted to ‘No Parking Electric Vehicles Excepted Only While Charging’ (RMS Sign # R5-41-5).
You can view the proposal and provide feedback at:
Balgowlah Residents Group: Community Webinar On The Beaches Link Tunnel - How It Impacts You
Monday 15 February at 6pm
You will need to register to receive a link to the webinar - Register Here:
The Webinar will be facilitated by Candy Bingham.
Following the frustration of watching the Virtual Briefing Sessions of TfNSW giving the community so much misinformation and glossing over some very serious potential problems, we decided to hold our own webinar to help residents get a more honest view of the potential impacts on residents and school children.
A group of residents with relevant professional qualifications and skills have closely studied the 14-volume Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and have listened to the Virtual Briefing Sessions run by Transport for NSW (TfNSW). They will provide a briefing on the potential impacts not only on residents, schools and child-care centres close to the construction sites, but also on the broader community. They will also address important long term issues including new development, increases in traffic volumes and bottlenecks and environmental damage.
The motivation for running the webinar is that the Virtual Briefing Sessions of TfNSW contained misinformation and downplayed the potential impacts on residents, schools and the natural environment, while providing limited opportunities to ask questions. We intend to challenge their misinformation - and tackle issues conveniently glossed over by TfNSW.
The issues to be covered include:
- The history of the Beaches Link Tunnel Project
- The business case – does it really add up?
- The construction site at Balgowlah Golf Club – how will residents and schools cope?
- Local traffic jams of the future – new bottlenecks and rat runs
- How the massive tunnel infrastructure will ‘box in’ Manly CBD and Eastern Hill
- Coming - over-development on the northern beaches
- Design changes for North Seaforth – putting residents close to the construction zone
- Our precious environment – what’s at risk at Manly Dam, Burnt Bridge Creek and Balgowlah
The two Beaches Link Tunnel construction sites in the Manly area will experience massive disruption and loss of amenity during and beyond the 5-7 year construction period. These sites are the Balgowlah Golf Course (opposite Bally Boys) and the Wakehurst Parkway in North Seaforth (around Kirkwood St).
Our ultimate goal is to help encourage residents to have their say and to make well informed submissions in response to the EIS.
Notice from: Balgowlah Resident Group
Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast 2021
Wednesday 3 March 2021 7am at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
please book by February 22nd, 2021
The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc will host the annual Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday 3 March 2021 at The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport. The guest speaker at the breakfast will be Sam Shaw.
Sam grew up on the outskirts of London and studied Musical Theatre at the Arts Educational College in the Barbican. Her career is a long and varied one as a Musical Theatre performer, concert soloist, session singer and recording artist. Sam has appeared in lead roles in many West End of London top rating musicals including Les Miserables, Oliver, Grease and Saturday Night Fever. She has toured Great Britain in many productions and with repertory theatres in many shows. Sam can be heard on many film soundtracks with her favourites including Mama Mia (the movie), A Christmas Carol, Transformers and The Night Before Christmas.
Moving to Sydney in 2008 with her family, Sam now enjoys a full career as a vocal coach teaching at the Sydney Vocal Arts Centre and in her home suburb, Avalon. She is the parish singing leader for the Catholic Parish of Pittwater and runs a community singing group called The BIG SING which is based in Avalon. The Big Sing welcomes anyone who just loves to sing and have fun at the same time. Sam will speak on her life story.
The 2021 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by the Hon Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater.
Zonta Club of Northern Beaches is a member of Zonta International which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta International is affiliated at the United Nations with other major women’s organisations.
This breakfast marks International Women's Day (8 March). It is a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place. Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The cost is $50pp. There will be an appealing raffle supported by local businesses. Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc assisting local women and girls in need.
The delightful location looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. The breakfast is always well attended by the local community. Everyone is invited to attend and men are particularly welcome. With the relaxing of COVID restrictions we expect to be able to host a capacity audience however any COVID restrictions at the date will be strictly adhered to. Please book early as this event may fill quickly.
Enquiries to pittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Susie 0413 623 392 or Sue 0407 850 860. Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 8 to 10. We will seat you. Please book by Monday 22 February.
Bilgola SLSC Open Saturday Afternoons
A reminder that that great little club down on that great little beach is open Saturday afternoons with great live music and something cool and refreshing to enjoy the tunes by. With so many Ocean Swims and Surf Carnivals cancelled this year, all impacting on the bottom line for our local clubs, you can help them out by giving yourself a little 'time off'.
Space is limited so get in early to get a good spot.
Newport Community Garden
Newport Community Garden is at 25 Woolcott Street, Newport. This is Newport residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces; strengthening community, improving health, reconnecting with nature.
We meet every Saturday from 10am till about midday at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.
If you would like to join us please direct message us via our Facebook page or email us to newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.com
Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/newportcgnsw
Everyone is welcome!!!
Photo: A very productive morning. Thanks team
Clay Deposited At Governor Phillip Car Park Sticky When Wet
Residents report that the clay recently deposited in car parks along this popular open space turns the area into a sticky swamp each time it rains, and will remain so until it is all carried away again, via their tyres or as an 'extra paint job' atop that already on their cars.
The expressed wishes of those who frequent the place is that some resolution other than resorting to depositing this material over and over, and what comes as a result, may be reached.
Photo courtesy Guy Finlay.
Beau Needs To Go Home
Meet Mr Beau the ringtail possum. He came into care after a dog attack, unable to walk or stand. After wound treatment, physio and care he is finally climbing and eating well and putting on weight.
But now we need help finding his home and family.
Possums have a territory (home range) and we need to release back to within 50m of where he was found. Unfortunately the man who brought him into care and the vets who treated him for free didn't have time for the paperwork due to needing to immediately attend to his wounds.
We will be posting flyers and sharing info to try and get him home to his family after his long stay in care so am asking you to share this Notice (especially in the Belrose/Davidson/Oxford Falls/Frenchs Forest area).
He was brought to Belrose vet on 9th December. As he loves to eat angophora, Bottle brush, water gum, cotoneaster, plumbago and pink lilly pilly (cascade), these will be in the area. Any info that may help us to track down his home is greatly appreciated.
Please contact Sydney Wildlife on 9413 4300
Thank you.
Coal & Candle Rural Fire Brigade Member Is Citizen Of The Year
Congratulations to Candle member Davie MacDonald and therapy dog Zara who were awarded the second North Sydney Citizen of the year.
Davie and his support dog Zara help support vulnerable people in the community through the Canine Court Companion Team for the Department of Justice NSW Victim Services. Davie and Zara also supported people seeking refuge at Bush Fire Evacuation Centres during last years fires.
Davie, Zara and Mayor of North Sydney, Jilly Gibson - photo courtesy North Sydney Council
Disposable Masks And Balloons Litter: Snip Those Straps And Please Dispose Of Properly - Forgo Releasing Balloons
Residents report finding disposable masks littering every street and footpath lately. Just one short stroll around the block each morning means the picking of 4 on average - that's 28 just this week.
Wildlife rescuers are receiving a significant increase in rescue call-outs to wildlife tangled in balloons and disposable medical masks. Entanglements are a killer. No matter where you’re disposing of your mask please take a moment to snip the straps.
The boom in face mask production to repel the coronavirus is expected to pollute the oceans for hundreds of years, and it is there where many of the 1.5 billion masks from 2020 are expected to end up. However, let us not forget about our land animals. Single use masks will take as long as 450 years to break down and all the while serve as a source of micro plastic and negatively impact wildlife and ecosystems. Please wear a reusable mask if required to.
Balloons are also killing our local wildlife. Balloons are in the top three most harmful waste items to wildlife. Birds and turtles not only ingest balloons, they actively select them as food. This is because a burst balloon often resembles a jellyfish, the natural food sources of many marine species like turtles.
Ingesting balloons, and the clips and strings attached to them, can cause intestinal blockages and results in a slow painful death through starvation. Marine animals don’t have the gastrointestinal pH levels to breakdown a balloon and for turtles, it may also cause floating syndrome. Trapped gases in the gut can cause a turtle to become buoyant, unable to dive for food—making them vulnerable to boat strikes and leading to starvation and severe dehydration. Balloons are the number 1 cause of death in sea birds such as Albatross and Mutton birds that have consumed plastic - Google Lauren Roman's doctoral thesis looking at the effects of plastics in marine birds in Australia and New Zealand to learn more.
Wildlife, both terrestrial and marine, can also become entangled in balloon ribbons or strings, causing injury or death through drowning, suffocation, or an inability to feed and avoid predators.
Even if balloons are disposed of "safely" they go to landfill where it may take up to 1,000 years to decompose, leaching potentially toxic substances into the soil and water.
In recent weeks balloons have returned to all our beaches, some of them wrapped around the carcasses of local water birds, while on land, our local keystone species, the environment-seeding bats are also being found dead, entangled.
Again - please be more careful and thoughtful in your use of disposable masks and let's cut out the use of balloons altogether.
Source: Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew
Pets Of The Week
Harvey
AGE/SEX: 5 years / M
BREED: Lab X Staffy
Harvey was timid when he came from the pound but we have found him affectionate and sweet. Out walking he walks mostly on loose lead but can lunge playfully at some dogs. He loves a run! He enjoys belly rubs and is good to pick up. Waler says: "Well behaved boy. Loves cuddles and belly rubs. Friendly and chilled out. Walked well on lead." Harvey is very scared of thunderstorms. He has a short coat and weighs 20.0kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.
Brussel
Brussel and Sprout and brother and sister. They came from the pound together. They are both 10 weeks old. They are very playful, cheeky and adorable! Sprout was a little shy when she first came in but has come out of her shell with the help of her brother.
He comes with 2 vaccinations, desexing, chipped and worming. His adoption fee is $250.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: February 1, 2021
Click on Logo to access latest PON:
To contact Julian: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
These hot days are tough on our wildlife - please put out some water in a shaded location and if you come across an animal that is in distress, dehydrated or injured - please contact your local wildlife rescue group:
Photo: Bronwyn Gould
Electric Charging Bays Proposed For Mona Vale
Council has released a proposal this week, in line with their Move - Northern Beaches Transport Strategy 2038, for providing greater support for electric vehicles (EV) by facilitating the introduction of EV charging stations.
Ausgrid and JOLT (a vehicle charging network company) propose to install free 15 minute public EV charging stations in selected locations across the area. The free charging will be funded by paid advertising on Ausgrid's infrastructure (refer DA 2021/0001).
Mona Vale has been identified as the first suitable location for three EV charging stations. Existing Ausgrid infrastructure will supply electricity to the charging stations.
To allow for this, Council needs to change the parking restrictions on the three carspaces in Mona Vale closest to Ausgrid's existing infrastructure.
One parking bay outside 3 Bungan Street, and two parking spaces in Village Park, Park Street, will be converted to ‘No Parking Electric Vehicles Excepted Only While Charging’ (RMS Sign # R5-41-5).
You can view the proposal and provide feedback at:
Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast 2021
Wednesday 3 March 2021 7am at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
please book by February 22nd, 2021
The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc will host the annual Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday 3 March 2021 at The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport. The guest speaker at the breakfast will be Sam Shaw.
Sam grew up on the outskirts of London and studied Musical Theatre at the Arts Educational College in the Barbican. Her career is a long and varied one as a Musical Theatre performer, concert soloist, session singer and recording artist. Sam has appeared in lead roles in many West End of London top rating musicals including Les Miserables, Oliver, Grease and Saturday Night Fever. She has toured Great Britain in many productions and with repertory theatres in many shows. Sam can be heard on many film soundtracks with her favourites including Mama Mia (the movie), A Christmas Carol, Transformers and The Night Before Christmas.
Moving to Sydney in 2008 with her family, Sam now enjoys a full career as a vocal coach teaching at the Sydney Vocal Arts Centre and in her home suburb, Avalon. She is the parish singing leader for the Catholic Parish of Pittwater and runs a community singing group called The BIG SING which is based in Avalon. The Big Sing welcomes anyone who just loves to sing and have fun at the same time. Sam will speak on her life story.
The 2021 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by the Hon Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater.
Zonta Club of Northern Beaches is a member of Zonta International which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta International is affiliated at the United Nations with other major women’s organisations.
This breakfast marks International Women's Day (8 March). It is a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place. Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The cost is $50pp. There will be an appealing raffle supported by local businesses. Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc assisting local women and girls in need.
The delightful location looks over the waters of Pittwater and across to Bayview and Scotland Island. The breakfast is always well attended by the local community. Everyone is invited to attend and men are particularly welcome. With the relaxing of COVID restrictions we expect to be able to host a capacity audience however any COVID restrictions at the date will be strictly adhered to. Please book early as this event may fill quickly.
Enquiries to pittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Susie 0413 623 392 or Sue 0407 850 860. Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 8 to 10. We will seat you. Please book by Monday 22 February.
Bilgola SLSC Open Saturday Afternoons
A reminder that that great little club down on that great little beach is open Saturday afternoons with great live music and something cool and refreshing to enjoy the tunes by. With so many Ocean Swims and Surf Carnivals cancelled this year, all impacting on the bottom line for our local clubs, you can help them out by giving yourself a little 'time off'.
Space is limited so get in early to get a good spot.
Wildlife Rescue Phone Line: Care To Help?
Our wildlife has suffered in many ways over the last year with the heat and bushfires and ongoing urban development but it is the day to day collisions on our roads and with our buildings that often take the largest toll on our urban wildlife. I am a volunteer with Sydney Wildlife and coordinator of our rescue line and we get calls every day from people who find stunned or injured birds and animals on our roads and in backyards. If you see an animal hit or lying on the road, if it is safe to do so you can help by checking if it is still alive. If so, please call us on 9413 4300 and one of our rescue line volunteers will be able to assist you. If it is a marsupial please check if this is a female and has a pouch which may contain a baby.
Many of our birds fly fast and don’t realise that a window is a solid object. They hit with great force and often become stunned, concussed or fracture bones. If this happens give the bird time to recover because it may be able to fly off after half an hour or so. If it looks injured or does not recover within a few hours please call Sydney Wildlife or WIRES.
Our rescue line is in great need of volunteers. If you have an interest in wildlife and some time to spare we would love to hear from you. We will provide training in our office systems and lots of support and you will work with like-minded people in a pleasant environment in the Lane Cove National Park. Alternatively if you have a computer or laptop you can work from home.
Carolyn Martin
Sydney Wildlife Rescue
Ph: 9413 4300
Please Help Us To Save Wildlife In Our Catchment
The Southern end of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment bushland needs to be connected to the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
We need connectivity for fauna. In the terrible event of bush fires, animals can move to safer areas.
They can recolonise later, moving back into regenerating areas. Connectivity is also vitally important to prevent inbreeding.
Currently, there is significant roadkill particularly of wallabies along Wakehurst Parkway south of the hospital between the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
This is why the widening of Wakehurst Parkway for the Beaches Link tunnel requires devices such as overpasses, underpasses and exclusion fencing just like the ones which are currently being built on the Mona Vale Road East upgrade. These devices connect Kuring Gai National Park and Garigal National Park at the northern end of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Please make a submission on the DPIE website requesting overpasses, underpasses and exclusion fencing along Wakehurst Parkway south of the hospital between the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
The public consultation and submission period closes on 11.59 pm, Monday 1 March 2021.
If you want DPIE to delete your personal information before publication, please make this clear at the top of your letter.
Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Neighbourhood Watch
A Neighbourhood Watch information session will be held at Glenrose Shopping Village on Saturday 13th February from 8.30 am - 3.30pm.
Representatives from Neighbourhood Watch NSW and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia and NZ will be present on the day to help residents get this up and running.
Come and ask questions, register your interest to keep informed and connected within the network, reserve your sticker etc and importantly learn how we can make our community a safer place for all.
Watch - be aware of what is going on around your immediate area.
Record - keep a record of unusual happenings including date, time, descriptions etc
Report - report to the police either by phone call to the local police station or through Crimestoppers.
This Issue:
Profile Four New OAM's for PittwaterThere are four recipients in the MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION in this year's Australia Day Honours;
Sue Martin OAM, of Clareville, ‘For service to the community of Pittwater’
David Palmer OAM, of Ingleside, ‘For service to conservation and the environment’
Roger Sayers OAM, of Avalon Beach, ‘For service to surf lifesaving’
William Stuart Sherman OAM, of Bayview, 'For service to public relations, to sport, and to the community'.
This week - a few words from those honoured and a celebration of three of these new OAM's who share insights into why they 'give back' to their community. Yes - a 3 for 1 Issue!
History Pittwater Pathways - John Illingsworth's Local History: Two New Films + Two Oldies But Goodies, As Requested By ReadersMr. Illingsworth has sent in two new films this week - a wonderful putting together of the Enemark panoramas of Palm and Whale Beach and a reframe of the 1967 'The Water Dwellers' showing Pittwater and Broken Bay and some iconic scenery and homes, as well as the way we lived then.
Running with these are two films we often get requests to reshare for those who have not seen them yet, John's reprise of the 1956 'Paper Run' showing Newport, Bilgola and Avalon as it was then and one from John's own family memories, a personal favourite of many, John Illingsworth 1921 - 2012: 'A Newport Story'.
We hope you enjoy these two new celebrations of our home and those that you have requested your own 'reprises of'.
VALE JOHN GORDON
1927 - 2021
It is our melancholy duty to inform this community of the passing of John Gordon on Monday, January 25th, 2021.
A member of the Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary, the gentleman who taught many of our premier sailors ‘how to’ and invested many other decades in Sailability at the behest of Kay Cottee, John Gordon also spent time on land. A pursuit of science, a lifelong passion for chemistry and geology led to serving on the N.S.W. Heritage Council for restoration works to sandstone.
As an 18 year old he sailed in the Inaugural Sydney to Hobart yacht race. John also served as one of the inaugural lecturers in Geology when Australia was scarce of teachers in this department.
Our condolences to Eileen and family members.
The community treasures the memories of this 'salty dog' of Pittwater.
This Issue his Profile from 2013 runs as the Aquatics feature as a Tribute to a wonderful gentleman.
Photo by Michael Mannington.
VALE DON IMISON
1927-2021
It is with great sadness I advise that Veteran Life Member Avalon Beach SLSC and SLS Sydney Northern Beaches Distinguished Service award recipient Don Imison passed away on January 26th, 2021 from natural causes.
A private family cremation is arranged and scattering of ashes will take place at some time in the future
Our condolences to wife Beryl and family.
Warren Young OAM
Life Member
Cricket At Hitchy On Oz Day 2021
There was a big, very informal, cricket match at Hitchcock Park on Australia Day with a lot of the local kids (late teens, early 20's) involved. Apparently a Highway Patrol car pulled up and let them know that someone had complained about the noise from the cricket match.
The policeman involved let them know they were doing nothing wrong and then took up the bat and faced an over of terrifying (but I suspect highly inaccurate) pace bowling. The players then made a tunnel and cheered him off the ground.
Courtesy Paul Binns
NB: This is an annual match the local kids organise and get involved in and a good example of what the majority of our local 'next generation' are really about. Ed.
Image: Not this match but another played at Hitchcock during the Cricket Season.
Wildlife Rescue Phone Line: Care To Help?
Our wildlife has suffered in many ways over the last year with the heat and bushfires and ongoing urban development but it is the day to day collisions on our roads and with our buildings that often take the largest toll on our urban wildlife. I am a volunteer with Sydney Wildlife and coordinator of our rescue line and we get calls every day from people who find stunned or injured birds and animals on our roads and in backyards. If you see an animal hit or lying on the road, if it is safe to do so you can help by checking if it is still alive. If so, please call us on 9413 4300 and one of our rescue line volunteers will be able to assist you. If it is a marsupial please check if this is a female and has a pouch which may contain a baby.
Many of our birds fly fast and don’t realise that a window is a solid object. They hit with great force and often become stunned, concussed or fracture bones. If this happens give the bird time to recover because it may be able to fly off after half an hour or so. If it looks injured or does not recover within a few hours please call Sydney Wildlife or WIRES.
Our rescue line is in great need of volunteers. If you have an interest in wildlife and some time to spare we would love to hear from you. We will provide training in our office systems and lots of support and you will work with like-minded people in a pleasant environment in the Lane Cove National Park. Alternatively if you have a computer or laptop you can work from home.
Carolyn Martin
Sydney Wildlife Rescue
Ph: 9413 4300
Avalon 'What's On' Group Attend Penguin Bloom Screening
'Kayla Vee', the lady volunteer Administrator of the community forum page 'Avalon What's On' put out a call a few weeks back to see who among the group would like to attend the Avalon move theatre screening of that new Australian film with a local connection, Penguin Bloom.
There was a great response and on Friday night, January 29th, the group headed off to see this lovely biopic and enjoy a choctop.... or two.
The Community forum page, hosted on the Facebook platform is about:
''Sharing 'What's on' in Avalon Village. Creating a spirit of community.''
Kayla reports:
Our Movie Night was a huge success with around 130 people attending. We were seated across two cinemas in order to spread out and keep Covid safe.
It was really wonderful to meet so many of you face to face. Thankyou all SO MUCH for coming!
It felt really relaxed and fun to be there all together. Penguin Bloom is, as expected, a fantastic film. Many commented how lovely it was to watch a movie set in our very own northern beaches.
The jooshed up cinema looks and smells great. Thanks so much to Shani Molyneux and Roy Mustaca who popped in for a surprise visit!
I gave out badges printed with "I ❤️ Avalon." I hope you enjoy them. Thanks to the wonderful Darbsy Lou for her help with graphic design on the badges 🙏🙂.
Thanks also to my dear friends Tamara Sloper- Harding and Dannie Sloper for their help with meeting & greeting guests. 🙏🙂
Here are a few pix:
And that's what Avalon Beach residents are all about.
Well done and thank you Kayla - a great positive idea for a community in need of a nice feel-good boost.
Please Help Us To Save Wildlife In Our Catchment
The Southern end of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment bushland needs to be connected to the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
We need connectivity for fauna. In the terrible event of bush fires, animals can move to safer areas.
They can recolonise later, moving back into regenerating areas. Connectivity is also vitally important to prevent inbreeding.
Currently, there is significant roadkill particularly of wallabies along Wakehurst Parkway south of the hospital between the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
This is why the widening of Wakehurst Parkway for the Beaches Link tunnel requires devices such as overpasses, underpasses and exclusion fencing just like the ones which are currently being built on the Mona Vale Road East upgrade. These devices connect Kuring Gai National Park and Garigal National Park at the northern end of the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Please make a submission on the DPIE website requesting overpasses, underpasses and exclusion fencing along Wakehurst Parkway south of the hospital between the Manly Dam area and Garigal National Park.
The public consultation and submission period closes on 11.59 pm, Monday 1 March 2021.
If you want DPIE to delete your personal information before publication, please make this clear at the top of your letter.
Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Spotted
Monday January 25th: Masked Teddy on Garbo Truck, Bilgola (kamikaze corner)
Congratulations
Congratulations to the surf boat crews that have been selected to represent Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches at the 2021 NSW Surf Boat Interbranch Championships, which will be held on Sunday February 7th at Queenscliff Beach.
Open Men Collaroy Big Macs
Open Women Collaroy Giants
Reserve Men Avalon Beach Pinkies
Reserve Women Queenscliff Rockets
U23 Men Palm Beach Plumbers
U23 Women Newport Thunder
U19 Men South Curl Curl Under Dogs
U19 Women South Curl Curl Humps & Bumps
Team Manager Ryan Halangahu
Congratulations to all crew members, and best of luck come race time.
Photo by Bill Sheridan
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SNORKELER DROWNS AT NARRABEEN
On Monday 25 January around 3pm Northern Beaches Council Lifeguards contacted Surf Life Saving NSW to inform of a 30 year old male who was last seen in the water and had been reported missing.
The 30 year old man who had been snorkelling at North Narrabeen was pulled from the water by lifeguards who commenced CPR before being assisted by paramedics and NSW Police.
Despite the best efforts of the multi-agency teams the man was declared deceased at the scene.
Surf Life Saving NSW Director of Lifesaving Joel Wiseman acknowledged the efforts of Northern Beaches Council Lifeguards.
“Lifeguards on our beaches in NSW are the best in the world,” he said. “At this time of the year and in these conditions with large swell and hot days they’re tested to the extent of their capability and we’re so thankful they’re there on the frontline to respond to these incidents.
“In this case, as we’ve seen over the last month the outcome has been tragic. One life lost is one too many but we’re thankful for the swift response and care taken by the Northern Beaches Council Lifeguards,” he said.
Surf Life Saving NSW extends it’s sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of the man during this difficult time.
On the eve of the state’s busiest day on the beaches, today’s drowning has prompted Surf Life Saving NSW to emphasise the importance of not taking unnecessary risks on Australia Day as record crowds are expected to flock to the state’s beaches to enjoy the sun and surf.
“Please take extra care this Australia Day,” Wiseman said.
“It’s vital you make the extra effort to swim at a patrolled location and do not swim if you’re drinking. We want everyone to have a great day, a safe day. By swimming between the red and yellow flags, you’re not only keeping your friends and family safe but also supporting our volunteers on the beach who are giving up their time to make sure you have a good day.”
Today’s drowning brings the NSW total to 27 since July 1 2020 with six fatalities since 1 January 2021.
Beach Safety Tips
- >Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafe app or website
- >Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information
- >Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water
- >Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- >If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm
- >In an emergency, dial Triple Zero
For information about patrol times, weather, and beach access restrictions visit the https://beachsafe.org.au/ Website or Download the App
Neighbourhood Watch
A Neighbourhood Watch information session will be held at Glenrose Shopping Village on Saturday 13th February from 8.30 am - 3.30pm.
Representatives from Neighbourhood Watch NSW and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia and NZ will be present on the day to help residents get this up and running.
Come and ask questions, register your interest to keep informed and connected within the network, reserve your sticker etc and importantly learn how we can make our community a safer place for all.
Watch - be aware of what is going on around your immediate area.
Record - keep a record of unusual happenings including date, time, descriptions etc
Report - report to the police either by phone call to the local police station or through Crimestoppers.
Disposable Masks And Balloons Litter: Snip Those Straps And Please Dispose Of Properly - Forgo Releasing Balloons
Residents report finding disposable masks littering every street and footpath lately. Just one short stroll around the block each morning means the picking of 4 on average - that's 28 just this week.
Wildlife rescuers are receiving a significant increase in rescue call-outs to wildlife tangled in balloons and disposable medical masks. Entanglements are a killer. No matter where you’re disposing of your mask please take a moment to snip the straps.
The boom in face mask production to repel the coronavirus is expected to pollute the oceans for hundreds of years, and it is there where many of the 1.5 billion masks from 2020 are expected to end up. However, let us not forget about our land animals. Single use masks will take as long as 450 years to break down and all the while serve as a source of micro plastic and negatively impact wildlife and ecosystems. Please wear a reusable mask if required to.
Balloons are also killing our local wildlife. Balloons are in the top three most harmful waste items to wildlife. Birds and turtles not only ingest balloons, they actively select them as food. This is because a burst balloon often resembles a jellyfish, the natural food sources of many marine species like turtles.
Ingesting balloons, and the clips and strings attached to them, can cause intestinal blockages and results in a slow painful death through starvation. Marine animals don’t have the gastrointestinal pH levels to breakdown a balloon and for turtles, it may also cause floating syndrome. Trapped gases in the gut can cause a turtle to become buoyant, unable to dive for food—making them vulnerable to boat strikes and leading to starvation and severe dehydration. Balloons are the number 1 cause of death in sea birds such as Albatross and Mutton birds that have consumed plastic - Google Lauren Roman's doctoral thesis looking at the effects of plastics in marine birds in Australia and New Zealand to learn more.
Wildlife, both terrestrial and marine, can also become entangled in balloon ribbons or strings, causing injury or death through drowning, suffocation, or an inability to feed and avoid predators.
Even if balloons are disposed of "safely" they go to landfill where it may take up to 1,000 years to decompose, leaching potentially toxic substances into the soil and water.
In recent weeks balloons have returned to all our beaches, some of them wrapped around the carcasses of local water birds, while on land, our local keystone species, the environment-seeding bats are also being found dead, entangled.
Again - please be more careful and thoughtful in your use of disposable masks and let's cut out the use of balloons altogether.
Source: Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew
Pets Of The Week
Daisy Donald
AGE/SEX: 3 years / F AGE/SEX: 3 years / M
BREED: Sharpei X Shepherd BREED: Sharpei X Shepherd
Daisy and Donald are siblings who are very happy together and want to stay together. They can be a bit shy meeting new males but they have lived with a family with children and they love kids. Our trainer says "Copes with children very well. Great family dog." They both love playing fetch and both can catch tennis balls on the full. They are very smart dogs. They are used to walking on lead but have spent a lot of time in a backyard so lots of things are very new to them. They need a family experienced at taking things slowly and let them learn about the outside world. She pulls a little on lead, then walks nicely on loose lead. She ignores cars, lunges playfully at some dogs. She enjoys pats and cuddles. Walkers say: "A bit nervous leaving, often looking back. Walked with encouragement outbound but good pace on the return", They have short coats with undercoat and both weigh 37kg.
They come desexed, vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Their adoption fee is $850 together.
Daisy
Donald
Chia
Chia is a very affectionate social cat. She is 6-8 months old. She is sweet and cuddly! She has a heart murmur and has had a cardiac ultrasound. The cardiologist said she should have a normal long life but recommends checks from time to time. She has a short coat and weighs 2.47kg.
She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Planning Approval For Western Harbour Tunnel
January 22, 2021
The Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade has received planning approval from the NSW Government, in a major step towards delivering the third road crossing of Sydney Harbour.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the mega-project includes a 6.5 kilometre tunnel, with three lanes in each direction, which will help slash travel times from North Sydney to Sydney Olympic Park by up to 20 minutes.
“The Western Harbour Tunnel will take pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor corridors to revolutionise transport capacity in and around our city,” Mr Constance said.
“The new tunnel will start at the new Rozelle Interchange and head under the Harbour to the Warringah Freeway, and will integrate new and existing public transport connections.
“This city-shaping piece of infrastructure will deliver a vital boost to the NSW economy, with the tunnel and freeway upgrade, along with Beaches Link, expected to support around 15,000 full time equivalent jobs.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the project will transform the way people move across our harbour, with traffic volumes to be reduced on some of Sydney’s busiest roads.
“Planning approval means the NSW Government can get on with delivering the first stage, which is an upgrade to one of Sydney’s busiest and most complex road corridors, four kilometres of the Warringah Freeway,” Mr Stokes said.
“Community feedback on the project has been valuable in helping understand and deliver positive changes to the design and plan, and we will continue to work closely with local communities as the project gets underway.
“Conditions of the project include an investigation of more footpaths and cycleways in the area and a requirement that any trees removed need to be replaced at a ratio of two-to-one.”
A survey of local residents and businesses will be carried out in early 2021, to ensure the project team understands and can mitigate the impact of construction.
Following the procurement process and contract awards, construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2021.
The community is also being reminded to have its say on the Beaches Link Environmental Impact Statement which is on public exhibition until March 1st 2021.
For more information and to see the interactive portal, visit:
Future Vet Kids Camp 2021
One of our favourite events of the year is the Future Vet Kids Camp. This was our third year presenting to the lovely youngsters who will be our future veterinarians and we feel very honoured to be included in this incredible initiative.
Aussie Mobile Vet’s Dr Audrey Shen and Dr Alison Shen were a huge help to us when we were first setting up the Mobile Care Unit. Many of the things we love about our van were ideas that we got from them when touring their amazing vehicle.
Thank you to the organisers of the Future Vet Kids Camp for always supporting us.
Sydney Wildlife Mobile Care Unit
Avalon Boomerang Bags 2021
Moving right ahead to 2021 and all going well, our first day back will be Tuesday 2nd February. We will also aim to have a stall outside Woollies Avalon on Saturday 6th and look to getting the boxes back out for Avalonians to use once again.
Happy, safe and joyful Christmas all.
Robyn
Avalon Boomerang Bags: boomerangbagsavalon@hotmail.com
Newport Community Garden
Newport Community Garden is at 25 Woolcott Street, Newport. This is Newport residents creating sustainable gardens in public spaces; strengthening community, improving health, reconnecting with nature.
We meet every Saturday from 10am till about midday at Woolcott Reserve, Newport.
If you would like to join us please direct message us via our Facebook page or email us to newportcommunitygardenau@gmail.com
Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/newportcgnsw
Everyone is welcome!!!
Photo: A very productive morning. Thanks team
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