Community News: February 2026 - Issue 651

Week One February 2026: Issue 651 (published Sunday February 1 2026)

Front Page Issue 651

Week One February 2026: Issue 651 (published Sunday February 1 2026)

Vale Mike Fletcher AM -  9.10.33 - 30.1.26

The fauna bridge on Mona Vale Road East – will it be a bridge to nowhere?

Pittwater MP Launches Survey Asking For Local Knowledge on Sharks: State Government Announces Further $4.2 million to Improve Shark Safety this Summer + How to reduce the risk of an encounter with a shark

Aquatics Synthetic grass fragments are increasingly prevalent microplastics in waterways across Metropolitan Sydney: Report finds Microplastics Have tripled in Sydney's waterways in three years - Manly Cove's 'very high' reading -NSW microplastics report 2026 

NSW Government announces New Northern Beaches Hospital 'High Volume Surgery Hub' to power through waitlist:  Pittwater MP Confirms Locals Will Have Priority

Summer BirdFest 2026: Play antics of New Locals - Blue-faced Honeyeaters Breeding In Pittwater

Australian Sailing Team Appoints Pittwater's Jim Colley as 49erFX National Coach

Pantaenius Pittwater Regatta 2026: titans versus raiders by Di Pearson - held from 13 to 15 February, Entry closes at 1700 hours on 2 February. Late entries may be accepted at an additional fee.

Pictures: From Red Dust to Blue Water: Bush to Beach Celebrates 21 Years of Changing Young Indigenous Lives

Autism Swim’s Dippers program launches at Queenscliff: Inclusive Beach & Ocean Safety - Free, starts Feb, 2026

Manly Writer's Festival Announces 2026 Program: Exploring Ideas, Storytelling and Civic Debate - Thomas Keneally AO to open four-day festival, 19–22 March 2026, Tickets now open

Community Concern As Another Tree Up for Destruction by the Council - Doubling of prior Bassett Street Mona Vale DA proposal under NSW government SSD's provides stark illustration of impact on local environment of laws written 'for developers' (Feedback closes Feb 2, 2026) - Community Objections Being silenced or Ignored - Dec, 2025 Address to Council by Secretary of Protect Pittwater

Environment The fauna bridge on Mona Vale Road East – will it be a bridge to nowhere?, Synthetic grass fragments are increasingly prevalent microplastics in waterways across Metropolitan Sydney: Report finds Microplastics Have tripled in Sydney's waterways in three years - Manly Cove's 'very high' reading - NSW microplastics report 2026, Summer BirdFest 2026: Play antics of New Locals - Blue-faced Honeyeaters Breeding In Pittwater, Wildlife Dies in Extreme Heat: Please put water out - ‘Sad and distressing’: massive numbers of bird deaths in Australian heatwaves reveal a profound loss is looming + We know how to cool our cities and towns. So why aren’t we doing it?, Mona Vale Dunes bushcare group: 2026 Dates, Bangalley Headland WPA Bushcare 2026, North Head visitor access Changes: open for feedback until Feb 27, Shelly Beach Echidna, Oil-Gas Exploration in Southern Seas reopened by Albanese Government: feedback closes Feb 6, community invited to have a say on recreational opportunities In Great Koala National Park: Feedback closes March 1, Royal National Park plan draft amendment: Have your say until Feb 20, Ku-ring-gai Council fined for water pollution in creek incident from Legacy Landfill beneath North Turramurra Golf Course, DNA breakthrough for elusive Rufous Scrub-bird in NSW, Australian Government pilots national solar panel recycling program, Australia’s circular economy: unlocking the opportunities - Jan 2026 Report, $60,000 penalty to Forestry Corp NSW for Mogo State Forest water pollution: EPA, Birdwood Park Bushcare Group Narrabeen, Where did southern Australia’s record-breaking heatwave come from?, Anatomy of a heatwave: how a cyclone, humid air and atmospheric waves drove brutal heat in the southeast, Fossil fuels are doomed – and Trump can’t save them, Will killing dingoes on K’gari make visitors safer? We think it’s unlikely, Red flowers have a ‘magic trait’ to attract birds and keep bees away, Paying attention to birdsong while walking in nature can boost wellbeing - new research, Welcome to the ‘Homogenocene’: how humans are making the world’s wildlife dangerously samey, How to cut harmful emissions from ditches and canals – new research, PFAS are turning up in the Great Lakes, putting fish and water supplies at risk – here’s how they get there, Octopus numbers exploded around the UK’s south-west coast in 2025 – a new report explores this rare phenomenon, Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) Needs People for the Rescue Line, 2025-26 Seal Reveal underway, 622kg of Rubbish Collected from Local Beaches: Adopt your local beach program, This Tick Season: Freeze it - don't squeeze it, Protect wildlife: dispose of fishing gear responsibly, Notice of 1080 Poison Baiting, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves, Environment History insights + Walks, Birds +

Inbox News The rise of the ‘Super-K’ flu: what you need to know, Government announces public hospital funding deal with states, Free 2026 street events make blockbuster events accessible to all, NSW to name and shame property rule breakers, $2.5m Lung Bus tour of NSW begins in Newcastle to protect workers against dust diseases, Scientists once thought the brain couldn’t be changed. Now we know different, A new company tax mix has been proposed. We need to be careful how we assess it, How this ‘dirtbag’ billionaire chose to do capitalism differently, Back to school: what are the money lessons to teach your kids at every age?, Swap muesli bars for homemade popcorn: 5 ways to pack a lower-waste lunch box, Did the kids stay up late in the holidays? 3 ways to get sleep routines back, Should I take a fish oil supplement for my heart, joints or mood?, ChatGPT Health promises to personalise health information. It comes with many risks, Does your child want a part-time job? Here’s what the law says about kids at work, View from The Hill: Dysfunctional federal opposition is in gridlock, NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show serving up laughs in Sydney: tickets available from 10am Tuesday 3 February 2026, AvPals Term 1 2026 Short Courses at Newport, MWP Care Seeking Volunteers, Congratulations to 2026 Senior Australian of the Year, Establishing the Neale Daniher National MND Clinical Network, Your experiences matter – please share them with us, Star power lineup confirmed for 2026 Premier's Gala Concerts: to be Live Streamed, 2026 Resident Experience Survey has started, Small improvements in sleep, physical activity and diet are linked with a longer life, ‘Bold’. ‘Elegant’. ‘Introverted’? How words describing wine get lost in translation, People who survive cancers are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s – this might be why, How interwar fiction made sense of an increasingly noisy world, Summer BirdFest 2026: Play antics of New Locals, Blue-faced honeyeaters Breeding In Pittwater, Sierra Kerr - The First Female Backflip: Surfing Australia, Scheriya seals her future in the waterproofing industry, Opportunities: Battle of the Bands – Youth Edition: at Palm Beach, Fix our Feeds + Play Women's Social or Competitive Cricket with Cromer! + Pittwater Peninsula Netball Club 2026 rego + Avalon Bulldogs Announcement: Female Tackle Teams Kicking Off in 2026! + Female Tackle Coming to the Sharks in 2026!, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Chord, Animation on never giving up on your dreams:  The Necktie - by Jean-François Lévesque, Can shoes alter your mind? What neuroscience says about foot sensation and focus, It’s easy making green: Muppets continue to make a profit 50 years into their run, Submarine mountains and long-distance waves stir the deepest parts of the ocean, Friday essay: how hard is it to govern?, A brief history of sugar, Did a tsunami hit the Bristol Channel four centuries ago? Revisiting the great flood of 1607, Rethinking Troy: how years of careful peace, not epic war, shaped this bronze age city, In ancient Mesopotamia; what was a ziggurat?, A red Moon, a blue Moon, a supermoon and more: your guide to the southern sky in 2026, Beach swimming was once banned in Australia. How did it become a treasured pastime?, How interwar fiction made sense of an increasingly noisy world

Profile of the Week A community legacy: Art Auction of works from the Home of Susan Duncan & Bob Story to Support West Pittwater RFS

A thoughtfully gathered collection of locally inspired artworks from the home of Susan Duncan and Bob Storey will soon be offered at auction, bringing together art, place and community in a way that feels unmistakably Pittwater.

Following Susan’s passing late last year, Bob has since moved away from Pittwater. In a generous and considered gesture, a substantial selection of artworks from their home has been donated to the West Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade. The donation reflects Susan and Bob’s long-standing connection to the brigade and to the people it serves. It is not a dispersal of a formal collection. Rather, it is a practical and heartfelt decision to pass on works that were part of everyday life, allowing them to be lived with again rather than packed away or lost from view.

Key details

  • Online auction: Open now, closing Monday 9 March at midnight
  • Live auction: Saturday 7 March, Elvina Reserve, 3.30pm
  • Approximately 20 works will be concluded live
  • Live auction works will pause online bidding from 1.00pm on Saturday 7 March
  • All other works remain available online until final close
  • Printed catalogue available at the live event by donation 

Full event details, images and catalogue previews are available here: airauctioneer.com/the-art-of-living


International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, is an international memorial day on 27 January each year that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which resulted in the genocide of two-thirds of the European Jewish population along with countless numbers of individuals of other minority groups, by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945.

The choice of 27 January for the annual commemoration aligns with the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp by the Red Army in 1945.

However, the European Jewish population were murdered in several other Nazi camps as well.

One of these was the Bergen-Belsen camp to which Avalon Beach Nursing Sister, Matron Muriel Knox Doherty, was tasked to when peace was regained. Her letters home described the challenges of trying to help thousands of people, many very ill, all of them homeless.

Bergen-Belsen began as a camp for Allied prisoners of war. After it was turned over to the SS, it became a Nazi concentration camp in 1943. Beginning in fall 1944, the SS deported to Bergen-Belsen large numbers of prisoners evacuated from Nazi camps further east.

As a result of overcrowded and horrific living conditions, where disease and starvation flourished, tens of thousands of people imprisoned there died. Anne Frank and her older sister Margot died at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in February or March 1945. 

Enthusiastic to provide aid in Europe, Sister Doherty arrived in Germany on July 11th 1945 as Principal Matron for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA).  Muriel wrote extensive 'Community Letters' to family and friends in Sydney, recording her insights of the camp and the extraordinary suffering she witnessed.

Muriel was then deployed to Poland, to Warsaw. This Issue her insights in her voice.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

January 1 2026


Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Congratulations Tilly -Nixon

Congratulations to Tilly Hobbis from Bilgola Beach SLSC and Nixon West from Dee Why SLSC and on being named SNB Branch Junior Lifesavers of the Year on Friday January 30.  

We all wish them the very best as they head to the SLSNSW JLOTY program in April.

Congratulations to all candidates from SNB clubs - wonderful to see such bright, intelligent, caring young lifesavers stepping up to make a difference in their community.

SNB Branch Championships 2026

Open & Masters SNB Branch Champs: https://liveheats.com/events/454919
Inclusive SNB Branch Champs: https://liveheats.com/events/455843
March Past SNB Branch Champs: https://liveheats.com/events/455019
Surf Boats SNB Branch Champs: https://liveheats.com/events/454127
Junior SNB Branch Champs: https://liveheats.com/events/454259

Please submit your entries by 11pm Monday 2nd February. Any questions please contact surfsportsadmin@surflifesaving.net.au

Branch Distance Runs Championships will be held at Queenscliff on Fri, Feb 6, 2026. This includes Juniors, Opens and Masters Events will be held at 5:00 PM

Branch Open & Masters Championships will be held at Queenscliff on Sat, Feb 7 2026. This includes Water & Beach events, March Past and Surf Boats

Branch Inclusive Branch Championships will be held at Queenscliff on Sat, Feb 7 2026

Branch Age Championships will be held at Queenscliff on Sun, Feb 8, 2026. This includes Water & Beach events.

Congratulations Cindy Gardiner

Bilgola Plateau Public School Principal, Cindy Gardiner, has been awarded a Fellowship with the Teachers Guild of NSW. 

''I was deeply honoured to be awarded a Fellowship with the Teachers Guild of NSW,.'' Ms Gardiner said, stating this was, to her, ''A humbling and meaningful acknowledgement.''

A Fellowship with the Teachers Guild of NSW is given in recognition of leadership that drives innovation, upholds professional commitment and keeps students at the centre of decision-making. 

Cindy Gardiner has certainly being doing that in spades for quite some time at the 'little school on the hill'.

Cindy commenced at BPPS in 2023, meaning this Term is her lucky 13th!

The award was presented by Dr Frederick Osman, President of the Teachers Guild of NSW, and Murat Dizdar, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education. 

Congratulations Cindy - very well deserved.

Image: BPPS on Instagram

Bayview baths, wharf and tidal pool upgrade: Project update 

A project to repair and upgrade Bayview Wharf is underway. This project also provides an opportunity to restore the tidal pool. 

The council advises the groyne (40 metre heritage barrier) replacement work in the area has now commenced.  To see the next steps please visit the project page on the council website. 


Bayview wharf and baths last year.

Bronze Medallion Course at WBSLSC

Ready to take the next step in surf lifesaving?
Our Bronze Medallion Course starts 12 February and is the foundation qualification for becoming a surf lifesaver. Learn surf awareness, rescue techniques, first aid and teamwork - and be part of keeping our beaches safe.

Group Bike Ride Feb. 1: Wear A helmet - Follow the Rules

NSW Police state they are aware of a planned large group bike ride through the northern beaches at 11am on Sunday, 1 February.

Police will have a high-visibility presence to monitor the event. Unsafe or antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated, including reckless riding, blocking roads, or putting pedestrians and other road users at risk.

All riders must:
✔️ Wear a helmet
✔️ Ride a compliant bike
✔️ Follow road rules and police directions


Northern Beaches Police Area Command Appeal for Information: Wakehurst Parkway


AOK: Urgent - Thursday Volunteers Needed

Every Thursday, we serve a hot meal to our homeless community — and right now, we urgently need help to make that happen.
We’re looking for one or two reliable people with transport and a working oven who can help heat pre-cooked meals each Thursday.

Quick details:
  • Food already cooked
  • Trays provided
  • Pick up Warriewood – Thursday morning
  • Heat in your oven
  • Return hot by 4pm
That’s it. No cooking. Just heating.

This has become a critical weekly gap, and having consistent Thursday support would take enormous pressure off and ensure our community doesn’t miss out on a hot meal.

If you:
💜 Live near Warriewood 
💜 Have a working oven
💜 Can help most Thursdays (even fortnightly)
👉 Please comment or message us ASAP. at: 

If Thursdays aren’t possible but you’d like to help in another way, still reach out — we have other roles too.

Thank you for helping us keep our community fed with dignity.
— Sarah & the AOK team

MWP Care Seeking Volunteers

Our business relies on the kindness of strangers...
Looking for a way to give back without giving up your lifestyle?

Become part of our Volunteer IMPACT Club and gain access to exercise classes, social events, Silver Surfers, tables at trivia as well as training and development workshops! Plus – have your petrol re-imbursed!!

Volunteering with MWP fits around your life and your schedule, letting you make a real impact in your local community. Enjoy meeting like-minded people, learning new skills, and knowing that your time is changing lives every day.
Your Time. Your Way. Your Impact. 

Find out more here: mwpcare.com.au/get-involved

NSW Libs establish New portfolio - announce shadow Parliamentary Secretaries: Davidson MP Matt Cross Announced as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Health

On January 27 2026 the NSW Liberals and Nationals announced they have established a dedicated Men’s Health portfolio, 'reinforcing the Opposition’s commitment to improving health outcomes for men and boys across NSW'. 

Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane announced the appointment of Member for Davidson Matt Cross as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Health, tasking him with developing a men’s health strategy for NSW. 

Ms Sloane said improving the health of men and boys is a clear priority for the NSW Liberals and Nationals and one that demands renewed focus and leadership. 

“We owe it to the four million boys and men in NSW to do better,” Ms Sloane said. 

“We should not accept the status quo where men continue to die around four years younger than women from largely preventable causes, or where suicide remains the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44.” 

“I want NSW to have the best health outcomes for men and boys in Australia, and that means a clear strategy, modern policies and practical support for men at every stage of life.” 

Ms Sloane said a future Liberal and Nationals Government would develop a men’s health strategy, building on existing frameworks but ensuring they are fit for purpose in 2026 and beyond. 

“This will include a stronger focus on prevention and early detection, better engagement with primary care, improved health information tailored to men, and practical support for fathers and families,” Ms Sloane said. 

“The framework developed in 2018 was an important first step, but eight years on it is clear more needs to be done.” 

Mr Cross said his appointment was deeply personal and reinforced by his own experience as a cancer survivor and new father. 

“Too often men delay seeking help, whether it is for their physical health or their mental health,” Mr Cross said. 

“I know first hand how critical prevention and early detection can be. My experience surviving bowel cancer reinforced the importance of men feeling comfortable talking openly about their health.” 

“The birth of my son has given me a new perspective on why this work matters. We need to make it easier for men to look after themselves, not harder.” 

Mr Cross said the Liberals and Nationals approach would be practical, evidence based and focused on measurable improvements in outcomes. 

“This is about saving lives, supporting families and ensuring men and boys across New South Wales have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives,” Mr Cross said. 

On the same day the NSW Coalition announced the appointment of Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries.

Among the appointments are newly established roles, including the aforementioned Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Health, along with a Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Home Ownership and Rental Affordability, and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for the Prevention of Regional Crime.

The Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries will support the Shadow Ministry in delivering a long-term plan for NSW that unleashes our state’s ambition and potential.

Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane, said the expanded team highlight the priorities of the Opposition ahead of the 2027 NSW Election.

“These appointments add depth and focus to our Shadow Ministry, ensuring we apply constant pressure on the Government while developing credible, practical solutions for New South Wales.” Ms Sloane said.

Leader of the NSW Nationals, Gurmesh Singh, said the Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries would play a key role in supporting communities across the State, particularly in regional NSW.

“Our communities expect strong advocacy and real outcomes. These appointments ensure regional and local priorities are front and centre.”

The full list of Shadow Ministry members responsibilities is available on the Parliament of New South Wales website.

Both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council next sits on Tuesday February 3rd 2026

The NSW Parliament was recalled on Monday 22 December in the afternoon and Tuesday 23 December 2025, the only items of business were a condolence motion and legislation arising from the Bondi incident.

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

Mali Thai Careel Head Road: History Query

The news service is currently finalising a History page on the Careel Head Road shops, and Careel Head (east-north section) creeks and would like to hear from anyone who recalls who owned and ran the original Mali Thai at 9-11 Careel Head road (corner with Burrawong) which commenced in 1990.

We can see their faces but cannot remember their names. 
All help appreciated.


Thank you very much.

Development Coordination Authority (DCA) changes: Feedback invited

January 29 2026
The Minns Government has announced it is putting the proposed regulatory changes to create the Development Coordination Authority (DCA) on public exhibition.

The government states the changes will make navigating the planning system faster and easier for applicants and councils by centralising State agency advice and decision-making so applicants no longer need to navigate at times conflicting and confusing advice from up to 22 different areas of Government.

Through the DCA, the NSW Government is putting a stop to unnecessary delays ending a system which saw a DA with just one referral take an average of 60 days longer to assess than a DA without one, and where each additional referral added up to 100 days to assessment timeframes.

Under proposed regulatory changes the need for expert advice from the DCA and other bodies on local DAs will be consolidated from more than 800 requirements across 175 planning instruments into a single list aligned with the government's State priorities.

The government states this list will sit in State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021, making it easier to access and understand for all users of the planning system and safeguarding areas like the environment, heritage, bush fire management and infrastructure operation with the DCA as a single point of contact on all State matters.

The DCA will be required to meet strict timelines.

The government states the DCA and other bodies will have 28 days to provide feedback on development applications (DAs), providing consistent response times and helping speed up assessment times.

The DCA, began initial operations in December and is already helping connect applicants to the right areas of Government and providing post-development consent support so projects can begin construction sooner.

Its main stated functions - to bring together experts from a broad range of state agencies so conflicts can be resolved quickly and allow a single, coordinated response - will begin on 1 July. Find out more here.

The government states the proposed changes are part of a landmark overhaul of the State’s planning system designed to tackle delays and complexity adding to construction costs and create a faster, fairer and modern planning system in NSW.

How DCA will work and proposed regulatory changes, will be exhibited from Thursday, 29 January to Wednesday, 25 February 2026. To have your say, visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/have-your-say-establishing-development-coordination-authority-dca

This is the first public exhibition to implement the landmark Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 which passed parliament in November 2025.

See: Scruby slams government and opposition teaming up to make it easy for developers as NSW Planning System Reform Bill passes - community asks: who are these elected Representatives actually representing?

Narrabeen Lakes Amateur Swimming Club: Saturday Afternoons

Some say the key to keeping New Year's resolutions is to make them specific, measurable, and achievable. If health and wellness is yours, then swim clubs can help you achieve them.  It’s an easy exercise habit to develop, super cheap ($40 for the rest of the season), with measurable improvements.  And its heaps of fun and so good for your wellbeing.  

Just walking down the path to our beautiful Narrabeen ocean and lagoon sheds will help you destress and then you get to swim in our spectacular pool with some pretty wonderful people (at the most magical time of the year to swim).  

You can learn more about us at www.nlasc.com.au or just come down and swim a length of two with us and see what we're all about.  

You'll find us at Narrabeen rockpool every Saturday arvo from 1pm.

Opening soon: funding round for the NSW Government's Holiday Break Autumn/Winter 2026 program

If you want to bring young people together during the Autumn and/or Winter school holidays then this may be good news; a new round of the NSW Government’s Holiday Break funding is just around the corner.

Start preparing now so you can be ready to submit as soon as the funding round opens! We will notify you once the funding round opens.

Key program guidelines:
  • Applicants are encouraged to design high quality, fun and engaging activities for the exclusive participation of young people aged 12-24 years.
  • Applicants can deliver the activities in the Autumn and/or winter holidays, and apply for both rounds in a single application.
  • Eligible organisations can apply for funding which can be split across the autumn and/or winter school holidays. Additional travel loading is still available per organisation if an external supplier is needed to deliver the program in remote or very remote parts of NSW.
  • Successful applicants will receive one funding agreement for the program.
Please email grants@officeforyouth.nsw.gov.au with any questions, or find out more by visiting nsw.gov.au/HolidayBreak.        
NSW Office for Youth

Oppose the Planning Reforms: Petition

Liberals have worked with Labor to radically reform NSW's planning rules to be developer-led. 

NSW is implementing the biggest reforms in 50 years - overriding council-led planning and existing planning controls, and reducing community voices in planning decisions. 

These blanket planning laws disregard strategic council-led planning and centralise state-power, opening up the risk of corruption and lack of transparency in decision making. 

Although some mum and dad developers will welcome some streamlining, the reality is that we will face a development onslaught that will allow developers more scope to build where they want, when they want. 

We all knew the NSW Government was focused on delivering housing and was going to embark on these reforms, but we thought there would be resistance from the Opposition. Instead, the Liberal party worked with the government. 

"We are now a pro-supply, yimby-based (Yes In My Back Yard) party... getting government out of the way and letting developers build houses," according to Liberal MLC the Hon. Chris Rath.

I have spoken in parliament against these reforms and was one of only four MPs out of 93 who voted against these reforms in the Legislative Assembly. Please view my speech for details on the reform. 

We must continue this fight, which is likely to be long and difficult. Many small groups are popping up, but we are stronger together. 

This petition will allow me to build a co-ordinated campaign and keep you informed on planning. 

If you want to keep community voice in planning decisions and balanced developments that protect the environment, please sign my petition and remember to tell us if you are affected by any development applications or offers to purchase your property.

Jacqui Scrub,
MP for Pittwater

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

NSW Netball Privacy Policy: Ask Permission

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Fix our Feeds

The social media feeds that once connected us are now driving us apart. Social media algorithms are flooding young men’s feeds with radical misogynistic content, inciting real-world harm.

We’re calling on the Australian Government to act, and introduce an opt-in feature for social media algorithms so we can bring affirmative consent to our screens, and turn our feeds on and off at will.

Add your name to the Open letter, and more information available at: www.teachusconsent.com/fix-our-feeds

This has already been signed by Mackellar MP, Dr. Sophie Scamps, Warringah MP Zali Steggall and Wentworth MP Allegra Spender.

Independent MP Allegra Spender states:
''Great to see Chanel Contos in Sydney, and talk about the “Fix Our Feeds” campaign by @teachusconsent.

It’s simple but brilliant idea - social media algorithms should be opt-in, not forced upon us - so we have a real choice over what we’re shown.

Giving people the ability to switch off the algorithm would help reduce the spread of misinformation, misogyny, extremism and harmful body image content.

If this is something you would like to support, sign the open letter to Anthony Albanese at teachusconsent.com and share their campaign with your friends.''

The Teach Us Consent site states:

Systematic radicalisation
It takes just 23 minutes for a social media  mimicking a 16-18 year old boy to be fed misogynistic content, regardless of the account’s viewing preferences.

Misogynistic content is rife
73% of Gen Z social-media users have  misogynistic content online, with 70% saying they believe misogynistic language and content are increasing. This rises to 80% for women.

Sexual violence is increasing
Instances of reported sexual assault have  by 10% in the last year in Australia. This accompanies a  in the overall reporting rate.

Chanel explains:

Scam Alert: Counterfeit currency

We're reminding businesses and community members to stay alert following reports of counterfeit currency being used during transactions. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts - don’t accept the cash and contact police.
NSW Police Force

McCarrs Creek road landslip

The council, in partnership with Sydney Water, Ausgrid and the Public Works Advisory (PWA), are working to fix a landslip that occurred on December 7, near 139 McCarrs Creek Rd, Church Point. 

Agencies have been working to ensure public safety and to provide access for residents, public transport and road users, with immediate measures taken to manage traffic and coordinate emergency works.

Emergency works by Ausgrid meant a full closure of the road on December 9, to relocate and guarantee power supply for affected properties. The road has been reopened with single-lane restrictions expected to continue while temporary stabilisation works and investigations are conducted.

Advice: Use an alternative route, avoid the area, expect delays. Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time. Drive with Caution
Diversions: Use Mona Vale Road as an alternative

Agencies will provide regular updates including the road status via Live Traffic. 

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Snowy

8yo Jack Russell X

Snowy is a gentle sweet natured boy who is social with other small dogs. He is very affectionate with people and active for his age. He has a very happy easy personality. He has just had a dental with 8 teeth extracted. Snowy has a cherry eye in right eye that will be repaired soon. He has some cataract development in both eyes but he can see well in good light. He has a short soft coat and weighs 8kg. He is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $600. For further information call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

Koda and Kenai brothers DSH

These gentle smoochy brothers came in from a fairly dire situation. They came from a hoarder's house, and they were covered in mites and fleas. They were under socialised and quite fearful, but it did not take long before they became very friendly and affectionate. Their itchy skin has settled, and they are such affectionate boys. They are very bonded and want to stay together. Kenai had previously tested positive to Feline Leukaemia but both are negative now. We are so excited! We are looking for an experienced home where they can stay together and are the only cats in the household. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. 

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

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

2026 Manly Junior Rugby League & NSWRL Season Dates

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

Community News + what ran in each Issue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 2025  February 2025  March 2025  April 2025  May 2025  June 2025  July 2025  August 2025  September 2025  October 2025  November 2025  December 2025

January 2026 

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: share Wildlife Data 

Local wildlife rescuers are asking all members of the public to report any roadkill on McCarrs Ck Rd or any other road in the NB (Wakehurst Parkway or Mona Vale Road for instance) on www.wildlifemapping.org

This records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification. The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place mitigation. 

Simply enter:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Please contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue on (02) 9413 4300 for advice if you hit a native animal or come across an injured one while driving. It is helpful if you can provide an accurate location or landmark to assist our rescuers who will pouch check marsupials for joeys, so little lives like Phoebe can be saved. 


 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane Notice

Mona Vale Residents Association

Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area. Email: mvrasydney@gmail.com

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

JP Public Register

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

Letters to the Editor

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

Send yours via email to: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au