Pittwater Online News

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Safer Internet Day 2026

Pittwater Online News supports @eSafetyOffice Safer Internet Day Tuesday 10 February 2026. We rely on the internet for almost everything in our lives, so online safety is more important than ever.  We’ll be kicking off our year with conversations about [how our staff] can stay safe online.

What will you be doing to help create safer, more positive online spaces? 

Safer Internet Day is a global day of action dedicated to raising awareness of online safety. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to make online safety visible in your school, workplace or community. Visit: eSafety.gov.au/SID

Mona Vale SLSC's New Surf Boat

Maximum fares released for private ferry services

Warriewood Community Centre Build: Update

Mow for Ol'Mate in March

Sunday, 1 March 2026 - 09:00 am to Tuesday, 31 March 2026 - 05:00 pm

It's a simple idea with a big heart: neighbours helping neighbours, right in their own backyards. By mowing a couple of lawns for older members of the community, you're not just tidying up - you're checking in, having a chat and making sure they're safe, supported and doing OK at home.

A freshly mown lawn can mean independence, dignity and peace of mind - and sometimes a reason to to stop, say hello and connect. So, grab a mower in March and be part of something special in the Northern Beaches Community.

Join this amazing community mow-ment today. Register your interest via enquiries@mwpcare.com.au or call 9913 3244.

OR Are you over 65 and would like your lawn mowed? Call our friendly team on 9913 3244 to register your interest.

Contact information

MWP Community Care, email: enquiries@mwpcare.com.au

Victa rotary lawnmower and Mervyn Victor Richardson of Careel Bay, the owner of the company - 1955 - photo by Jack Hickson, Australian Photographic Agency - 01148. Taken by Australian Photographic Agency for account: Graves, Hayes & Baker 1642/55.

North Sydney Council to Apply for 52.66% Rise In Rates

At an Extraordinary Meeting held on January 21 2026 North Sydney Council  resolved to apply to IPART for a 52.66% cumulative increase to rates over three years (including the rate peg) together with an increase to the minimum residential and business rates of $396.08 above rate peg over the three-year period.

The council stated the submission will be focused on financial sustainability and infrastructure management while providing modest funding to respond to community needs and growth pressures.

The council had to submit its application by Monday 2 February. IPART will run a public consultation process where community members can provide feedback directly. 

IPART states its community consultation on special variation and minimum rate increase applications will commence on 17 February 2026 and run for 3 weeks. 

'During this period, we invite community feedback to help the Tribunal make an informed decision when assessing a council's application.

Your submission should address one or more of the criteria set by the Office of Local Government, as outlined below. You can provide feedback via a survey or through a submission (see here for IPART’s submissions policy). ' IPART states

More in IPART's webpage:

Special Variations & Minimum Rates 2026-27

Wildlife rehabilitators to get $9 million in funding

On Sunday February 1 2026 there was welcome news as the Minns Government announced an allocation of nine million dollars to boost support for the thousands of volunteers and veterinary professionals caring for injured, sick, and orphaned native animals.

Led by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Ms Trish Doyle MP, the NSW Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Review commenced in July 2024 and involved extensive consultation across the state.

The review was undertaken to address funding, training, and logistical challenges for over 8,600 dedicated wildlife volunteers rescuing over 110,000 animals annually.

The Minns Government announced Recommendations from the review will be adopted in full. This includes reinstating the much-loved Wildlife Heroes initiative with a centralised resource hub that is proposed to support wellbeing and sector cohesion.

Actions from the review include:

• Expanding training and upskilling carers for situations like fires and natural disasters
• Grants to cover the cost of food, bandages, medication and vaccinations
• Upgrading mental health support for volunteers, including access to counselling and peer support networks
• Relaunching of the Wildlife Heroes initiative, which will act as a centralised hub for information.

The $9 million package will include a number of support programs for small operational expenses and collaborative initiatives for rehabilitators, veterinarians, and researchers.

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said:

“We’ve known that our carers were under immense pressure and this review gives us a clear direction to support the work they do.

“The work our carers do to rehabilitate our native animals is irreplaceable.

“I’m thrilled to announce this funding, and I’m committed to working with the sector to implement these recommendations for our rehabilitators and our wildlife.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary Trish Doyle said:

“It's been a privilege to hear the stories of our wildlife rehabilitators. I’ve been moved by the dedication, resilience and passion for our native wildlife.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked with me to pull together this incredible piece of work to make a real difference in the sector.”

One of the Founders of Sydney Wildlife and a representative of the NSW Wildlife Council, Pittwater's Sonja Elwood Wesley, was on hand for the announcement, stating this was an amazing morning and a first for the volunteer wildlife rehab sector in NSW.

''Big thanks to Minister Penny Sharpe MLC and Parliamentary Secretary Trish Doyle MP for their support and recognition of all the hard work of the volunteers in our sector.''

Photo: Sonja (left with white t-shirt), and NSW Environment Minister, The Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, at the announcement. Photo: NSW Government

New NSW Children’s Guardian Appointed

Announced: Wednesday February 4, 2026

Ms Rachael Ward has today been permanently appointed as the Children’s Guardian for NSW.

Ms Ward has been the Acting Children’s Guardian since March 2025 and during that time has demonstrated strong and stable leadership as the head of the Office of the Children’s Guardian.

The Children’s Guardian is an independent statutory officeholder responsible for the safety of children and young people in NSW, including the administration of the Working with Children Check system, and the Reportable Conduct and Child Safe schemes.

Ms Ward brings a depth of legal and professional experience, with over 24 years of specialisation in child protection law. Ms Ward is a member of the Children’s Court Advisory Committee and was previously the Director of Child Law at the Department of Communities and Justice.

During her time as the Acting Children’s Guardian, Ms Ward has focused on rebuilding the capability of the regulator and increasing compliance and enforcement activities.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in improving children’s safety, with the Office of the Children’s Guardian recently receiving a $5.5 million funding boost over two years, meaning the office is now more than $10 million a year better off compared to 2022-23.

Ms Ward’s appointment is for a five-year term and will expire in February 2031.

Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

“I am pleased to confirm the permanent appointment of Rachael Ward as the Children’s Guardian.

“As the Acting Children’s Guardian, Ms Ward has demonstrated strong leadership and professionalism driven by her longstanding dedication to child safety.

“I acknowledge and welcome Ms Ward’s proactive approach to compliance activities. The Minns Labor Government is investing in stronger enforcement of child safety laws, with the Office of the Children’s Guardian now more than $10 million a year better off.”

Children’s Guardian, Rachael Ward said:

“I am honoured to be appointed as the Children’s Guardian. Over the past year it has been my privilege to lead the excellent staff at the Office of the Children's Guardian and I look forward to our continued work to make NSW safer for children and young people, and people living with disability.”

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: 

aokcommunityoutreach@gmail.com

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

Inaugural Surf Lifesaving Red & Yellow Day

On Wednesday 4 March 2026, Surf Life Saving Australia will launch the very first Red & Yellow Day, a new nationwide celebration of Surf Life Saving and the thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers who keep our beaches safe.

With one month to go until the inaugural Red & Yellow Day, Surf Life Saving Australia is calling on everyone across Australia to take part, by wearing the colours, donating, fundraising, signing up at your local club and by staying beach-safe.

Red & Yellow Day is an opportunity to:

• Improve public awareness of the vital work of Surf Life Saving and the thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers around the country
• Educate communities, families and individuals about essential water safety information
• Increase fundraising to maintain and replace equipment, train volunteer surf life savers and deliver water safety education in communities
• Inspire more Australians to get involved and support their local community

Events and activations are being planned around the country as the countdown to March 4 begins, with more information about national and local activity to be shared in the lead up to Red & Yellow Day.

Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir said:

“With one month until Red & Yellow Day, now is the time for schools, clubs, businesses, and individuals across Australia to get behind the day.

“Red & Yellow Day is an opportunity for all of us to show our support for the thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers who give their time to keep our beaches safe.

“The best way you can get involved is by wearing red and yellow on March 4, and by always swimming between the red and yellow flags.”

Surf Life Saving Australia’s major national partner DHL is supporting Red & Yellow Day by delivering up to 1000 Red & Yellow Day Party Packs nationally, with 100% of the purchase price going directly to supporting volunteer surf lifesaving services.

The Red & Yellow Day Party Pack contains everything you need to host a Red & Yellow Day event and are available to purchase now via redandyellowday.org.au.

For inspiration on how to get involved on March 4, check out the Red & Yellow Day campaign video below, or to learn more about Red & Yellow Day, visit redandyellowday.org.au.

By getting behind Red & Yellow Day, you’ll be supporting the vital work of Surf Life Saving volunteers around the country.

When you back the surf lifesavers on Red & Yellow Day, you can help save lives too.

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.

Register here.

Development Coordination Authority (DCA) changes: Feedback invited

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.

Now Open: 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 now open

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

Sign the petition here

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

NSW Netball Privacy Policy: Ask Permission

Barrenjoey High School P&C Welcome event: Feb. 19

Narrabeen Sports High School 2026 Open Night

Feedback on Middle Harbour flood study findings Invited

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

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

Report Hate Crimes

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Congratulations Tilly -Nixon

Congratulations Cindy Gardiner

Bayview baths, wharf and tidal pool upgrade: Project update 

Bayview wharf and baths last year.

Bronze Medallion Course at WBSLSC

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

For more on the rules, head to:

www.transport.nsw.gov.au/.../bicycle-riders/ebikes

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: 

aokcommunityoutreach@gmail.com

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.

Please email pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

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

Sign the petition here

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

 

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Fix our Feeds

Scam Alert: Counterfeit currency

McCarrs Creek road landslip

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

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

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.

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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 

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Mona Vale Residents Association

Pittwater Community Groups: 

JP Public Register

Letters to the Editor