Community News: July 2019

July 28 - August 3, 2019: Issue 414

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 414: Black Cockatoo photographed in the Narrabeen Catchment Reserves this week by Margaret G Woods

Aquatics: 2019 NSW School Surfing Titles Wrap Up With A Bang At Coffs Harbour + 2019 NSW Junior Titles News: The NSW School Surfing Titles ran this week with Cedar Leigh-Jones (Avalon) shone in the Under-16 Girls All-Stars division, taking out the division. Prior to the schools titles Narrabeen natural-footer Jamie Thomson put on an impressive display of backside surfing in the Under-18 Boys to win the NSW Junior Titles.

Pittwater Players Part Of Roos Baseball Team For 2019 Worlds

Pictures: Dorothea Mackellar (of Lovett Bay): On Trees

Muriel Knox Doherty (Of Avalon Beach) July 19, 1896 - September 29, 1988: New family materials sent in added to her page

Park Bench Philosopher: Increasing tree cover may be like a ‘superfood’ for community mental health - National Tree Day!

DIY Ideas DIY Deck Refurbishment: Turning Wood Into Open Tiled Spaces - Groundworks; If you have grown tired of sanding back and reapplying a stain to protect your deck or verandah area from that hot Summer sun, this project may be just what you're looking for. We'll split it into two phases: the groundwork to ready the deck for tile laying, and the tiling itself. + Visit Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 at Mona Vale to see the motorbike you could win thanks to Bahco Australia

Have Your Say On Our Hospital by the Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee - NSW Upper House Inquiry, closes July 28th for written submissions

Locals to Pick Local Projects to Receive NSW Government Funding: cast an online vote for between three and five of 23 nominated projects for Manly or 22 nominated projects for Pittwater, or the 9 nominated projects in Wakehurst. Vote by August 15, 2019 - Projects listed by electorate

Food: Sensational Hot Scones For Cold Winter Mornings and Afternoon Teas - Cold Winter mornings mean you want to serve something hot for morning or afternoon tea and although we're far from our CWA days and the seasons where we made our own jam on the farm, a deft hand at turning out hot scones is still causing eyes to light up and workers to go a bit faster after a few of these beauties with a hot cuppa.

Profile: Pittwater Baseball Club 2019 Updates 
North Narrabeen Reserve ( Rat Park) 
1472 Pittwater Road,
Narrabeen

The Season Start for 2019/2020 Pittwater Baseball Club commences in September. Registrations can take place from early this coming week on their brand new website, launched this week. The Season runs from September to March. 

Also announced this week was the inclusion of Pittwater Baseball members in the 2019 World Boys Baseball Tournament being held in Nettuno Italy from August 1st to 7th. 

In February 2019 a brand new clubhouse was opened for the Pittwater Baseball Club, which they will share with the Narrabeen Tigers Junior Rugby Union.

The club has seen many families through from Ratpackers (4-6 yr olds) to Adult Senior Leagues (16+), plus Masters and Minor Leagues over summer and winter.  They are about having fun with friends, making new ones, learning good sportsmanship, developing skills and making memories. Their home field is Rat Park in Warriewood and they are part of the Manly Warringah Baseball Association.

History: Pittwater Roads II - Where the Streets Have Your Name: Mona Vale

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update July 26th, 2019 

click on Logo: 


To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

National Tree Day Planting At Toongari

National Tree Day activity at Toongari Reserve, Avalon Beach from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on Sunday 28th July 2019.

This is an appeal for community members to plant tubestock and help continue the work already completed by the Toongari Reserve Bushcare Volunteers.

The site of the planting is behind the kindergarten. Come along and get involved in greening your community and making a difference to your local environment.

How to find this hidden gem:
  • The pathway from Central Road is between 55 and 59 Central Road and joins the pathway from Bowling Green Lane, behind Pittwater Palms retirement village leading to Toongari Reserve.
  • The pathway from Avalon Parade is the right-of-way at 118 Avalon Parade, which is beside the KU Avalon Kindergarten.
Please wear suitable clothing for planting including enclosed shoes. Gloves, tools and equipment for planting, watering cans and buckets provided.


Scotland Island Energy Reliability Project Update: Ausgrid

Summary from Briefing Session 1
  • The project is scheduled for 16 weeks, commencing early August.
  • For most of the time, approx. 13 weeks, 47 carspaces are needed for plant and equipment. 
  • 70 carspaces ( 25% of the old carpark ) is needed at the start and finish of the project for a week and a half. 
  • Work is to be completed by 20 December, if that can’t be achieved work will stop, the site area will be returned to carpark until February when work will recommence.
  • The site will be used for plant and equipment including project sheds, materials storage, waste (sludge) processing, the drilling equipment, and vehicles. 
  • The vehicles are trucks and 2 utes.  
  • The trucks obviously transport waste/sludge and materials, the 2 utes will be used as required during the day and transfer of the workers.  
  • There will be a small team of 10 who are coming from interstate, no private vehicles on site or at Church Point anywhere.
  • Compensation to those who agree to relocate to Rowland Reserve is by way of a discount of $350 on the Church Point parking sticker and, to facilitate transfer to Church Point from Rowland Reserve, a choice of either an Opal card or an Uber card loaded with approx. $200 (to be confirmed, may be more), and possibly a taxi option too. 
  • There will be no time limit to use the card credit which may increase the appeal to those who have an infrequently used vehicle. 
  • The actual offers are expected to be finalised shortly. 
Ausgrid really does need those who park at Church Point to do the survey to get a better handle on how people use their cars.
Please visit the link at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sctlndind to complete the questionnaire, so that we can fully understand your needs.

NBC has not agreed to the 1 hour limited spaces being made available during the period on the grounds that the businesses and local onshore residents have needs too and changing the hours will create a precedent.

Mona Vale Road East - Out Of Hours Work Update

Work is continuing along Mona Vale Road out of hours to complete the tree and vegetation removal in the project area. Construction gates will also be installed along Mona Vale Road in the section nearest to Lane Cove Road.

Construction gates installation will involve the removal of concrete barriers, the positioning of gate posts and gates and creating driveways for construction vehicles to enter and exit from these locations.

For safety reasons, we will close one lane of Mona Vale Road during the work. A contra-flow arrangement will be in place, with signage and traffic controllers to direct traffic.

During the lane closure, the speed limit will be reduced to 40km/h to ensure the safety of motorists and workers.

Night work is planned on the following days, weather permitting:
  • Monday 29 July: 8pm – 5am
  • Tuesday 30 July: 8pm – 5am
  • Thursday 1 August: 8pm – 5am
We will minimise noise where possible. Electrical hammers will only be used up until midnight. Other equipment used may include excavators, chain saws, lighting and small tools for the clearing work.

Enquiries and registering for work updates
Please contact the community team for enquiries, feedback or any concerns you may have about the work. 

Call: 1800 413 640 (24 hour number).

For more information about the project, visit rms.work/mvreast
If you have not registered for updates please forward your name/s, address, preferred email and mobile number to the contact details above.

Northern Beaches Mental Health Summit 

The Northern Beaches Mental Health Summit will be held at NSW Parliament House on the 27th of August.

The attendee list will be formed in part by responding to this survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/8GL7SWM

Please share it far and wide among your networks. We want to have a diverse and representative sample of the mental health ecosystem of the beaches.

The Summit will bring together a cross-section of mental health providers and not for profit groups working in our community to address mental health and suicide. Collaborating with good work of the Northern Beaches Council, the outcomes of the Summit will be made public and can be used as a resource to improve service delivery in the future.

To best develop a holistic view of programs and services across our beautiful Beaches, I would be grateful if mental health NGOs, community groups and other service providers could provide feedback on your work via this survey.

Please ensure only one representative from your organisation responds. It should take 10 mins max and will be open until 29 July 5pm.

James Griffin MP, Member for Manly

Mental Health First Aid Course At Warriewood: SLS SNB

17th & 24th August for Over 18's
Limited spots available.
Candidates must attend both days of the course
8.30am - 4pm @ the Branch Office, Surf Life Saving, Sydney Northern Beaches
Unit 9/1 Vuko Place 
Warriewood
Morning tea and lunch provided

Each year 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness. Many people are not knowledgeable or confident to offer assistance. Physical first aid is accepted and widespread in our community, however most do not cover mental health problems. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches people the skills to help someone who they're concerned about. Completing an MHFA Course will help you to develop the skills to support a friend, family member or co-worker. Having mental health first aid skills means that you can assist someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis and make a real difference to your community.

This is an accredited course under the auspices of Mental Health First Aid Australia and all participants will receive a certificate on successful completion.

The course is facilitated by Lindsay Smith who is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable Mental Health first aid trainers in Australia.

Normally these course cost between $290- $350 however the Branch is offering a subsidised rate of $120 for SLS Members and $200 for Non Members. contact jen@surflifesaving.net.au to book

Mona Vale-Warriewood Residents Thrilled With New Safety Fences

New fences alongside the cliff tops in the Robert Duncan Reserve at the south Mona Vale-Warriewood Headland have recieved lots of 'thank you's this week. Installed to prevent children and dogs and dog walkers from falling over the cliff edge, the green space now utilised by young families is much safer.

Photo courtesy Mona Vale- Warriewood Community Group - FB

Sydney Wildlife August 2019 Course

“Goodbye”
It‘s one of the happiest and saddest times of being a wildlife carer. We give the animals a second chance, help them realise their instincts and prepare for the wild. Often we have no idea how they are getting on in their natural habitat after release. We can only hope that the months of dedication and sacrifices pay off.



These two were taken to the vet after being found by members of the public. They were both orphans and soon became close friends in care. Scratchum was found alone in Newtown and Foxy was with her mum (who subsequently died after suspected poisoning) at Fox Studios. Over many months they were bottle fed, introduced to solid foods, increased their strength and climbing skills and now are living in a thick patch of bush in a Sydney suburb.

If you want to become a volunteer carer, rescuer, phone operator, fundraiser or educator, register for the next course to be held 10-11 August in Londonderry. Register here:  http://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/upcoming-courses.html

Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services)

Avalon PS Kindergarten 2020 Open Morning

Tuesday, August 6, 9.45am in the School Hall
Parents and 2020 students are welcome to come along to get a feel for our school and see some of the programs we offer.

You will see performances from one of our dance groups, our school choir and our current Kindergarten students. Visit Kindergarten classrooms to view our students working on literacy, mathematics or technology.

No need to book in, just turn up.
Details of School Tours dates below:

Barrenjoey Performance Space: Roof Going On

On Friday July 26th the first sheets of roofing materials were being fastened atop the beams of the Barrenjoey Community Performance  Space in Barrenjoey High School.

Great News!

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Teddy

AGE/SEX: 12 years / M
BREED: Lakeland Terrier
Teddy is a delightful 12 year old Lakeland Terrier. He is loving and gentle. He is social with other dogs and is easy to handle. His vision is not the greatest but he sees to get round. He has a low shedding coat that needs clipping and weighs about 9.2kg. He would be happy in an apartment environment but wants to have someone around or a doggy pal to share his life with. 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. 

Willy Wonka

Willy Wonka is a super friendly affectionate boy who greets all our visitors. He has a calm relaxed demeanour. He is a handsome boy with that tuxedo look. Willy Wonka is a young adult, about 4yo with unique smokey grey ripples through his coat. Willy is very social with other cats.

Willy was rescued and has now recovered from a broken pelvis from a suspected car accident and cat flu. He has recovered well with rest, love and care. He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com. He is located at Ingleside.

For further details or to meet all cats 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. 

Make Your Own Lost Bird Found 

Help create a flock of birds for North Sydney Council’s Lost Bird Found project by setting up your own bird-making group or workshop.  

Hundreds of small birds will be distributed around North Sydney and beyond during Mental Health Month this October to encourage discussion and awareness of mental illness.  

Council needs groups to help create the birds, which can be made in all colours, shapes and sizes. They can be knitted birds, felt birds, wooden birds, clay birds, book marks or even badges. 

If you are interested in running a bird-making workshop, please contact North Sydney Council’s Access and Inclusion Coordinator who can provide a starter kit and information on how to get involved.  

Council is also interested in hearing from companies who might like to get their staff involved in bird-making as a team-building initiative.  

Alternatively, individuals are welcome to make their own birds and donate them to Council to be included in the project.  

Once these birds are made, they will take flight and be hidden around North Sydney and surrounding areas after the official project launch on Tuesday 1 October at Council Chambers.  

They can be hidden anywhere – at bus stops, in shops, cafes, libraries, art galleries, sporting venues and even in trees.   

If you find one, it’s finders’ keepers, and each unique bird has a card attached with details of the project’s website page, social media accounts, as well as links to mental health support services and community activities.  

Participants are encouraged to follow Lost Bird Found on Facebook and Instagram, share images of their birds online, and help spark discussions and boost awareness about mental health.  

For more information on the Lost Bird Found art project visit Council’s website or www.facebook.com/lostbirdfoundproject


Wildlife Rescue Help Needed: Northern Beaches 

WIRES is called to provide rescue advice and assistance for tens of thousands of animals each year. we have many incredible volunteers however there are never enough to respond to all calls in all areas. To help us respond to the growing number of calls for assistance WIRES is working on a new volunteer programme. The programme is being trialled in Sydney's Northern Beaches.

In the trial, volunteers will complete a new online course, then be able to receive rescue alerts for sick, injured and orphaned native animals nearby that need transfers to vets for initial assessment.
WIRES will follow up to organise animals needing collection to be picked up and transported to a WIRES carer for rehabilitation and ongoing care.

If you live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, are over 18 and have your own transport and would like to register your interest in participating in the free trial please fill in the form www.wildlifetraining.org.au/training/rescue-101

The trial will is planned to run in August/September over 4 consecutive weeks on a Friday.

Participants will need to be available for at least 1 of the 4 Fridays to assist WIRES with rescues. It will be essential you have your own transport.

Avalon Beach Netball Courts Public Hearing And Feedback Opens

To facilitate the construction of these courts the Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to amend the Ocean Beaches generic Plan of Management to re-categorise the land from Park to Sportsground.

It's also time to commence thinking about questions such as:
  • Do you want to lose all that Green Space to hard surface courts that will increase heat in this space during Summer?
  • Where will the families of small and young children who hold safe birthday parties in this soft green field adjacent to the skate park hold them now? 
  • The concept plan does not provide for change rooms - are they needed?
Key features of the concept plan include -
  • four hardcourt netball courts with a green surface
  • a half-court basketball court
  • a bridge across Careel Creek to connect the two sets of courts and
  • lighting to Australian Standards.
How to have your say
Make a submission
in writing - marked 'Ocean Beaches Plan of Management' to Northern Beaches Council PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655
Submissions close Sunday August 11th, 2019


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2019

Pittwater Place, Mona Vale stalls:
July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th
Selling sewing, knitting, craft, books, 9am to 3pm

Sausage Sizzles at Bunnings, Narrabeen:  8am to 3pm
Saturdays, July 13th, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, December 14th


Barrenjoey Seal Colony Growing

Jools Farrell, local ORRCA lady extraordinaire, reminds us that at present the Australian Fur Seal Colony at Barrenjoey is growing. In mid May there were 3 but there will be a lot more as we had up to 20 last year.


This behaviour is called thermoregulating which is normal seal behaviour to regulate their body temperatures.

Please remember that legally you must stay a minimum of 40 metres away from seals, especially if they come ashore on the estuary beaches or ocean beaches to rest.

Also please keep an eye out for them if you are out in a boat as they do venture out of this spot to feed on the estuary or around Barrenjoey Headland. In recent years they have been seen everywhere from Barrenjoey to Clareville and Church Point.

Please do not attempt to feed them as they get plenty of food here in Pittwater. Please also do not attempt to swim with them, Jools asks.

If you do see a seal in distress, please contact ORRCA on their 24/7 hotline: 9415 3333.

Warriewood Development

At: 25-27 Warriewood Road, Warriewood.
Pittwater Online has received numerous queries regarding the above development and associated changed traffic conditions, as well as to why water and power are being turned off for whole days.

Adrian McKinnon, NSW Construction Manager for the Knowles Group, has stated all road works on Warriewood road (that were required as part of the development) will be finished within the next 3-4 weeks. The building construction itself is complete.

Power is being switched off by AusGrid, and water by Sydney Water - which have required an upgrade in the pipes to be used, and are back on site at present (Thursday July 25th). He has endeavoured to ensure letterbox drops informing residents of what is going on have been done 2 weeks prior to any outages or water being turned off.

Mr. McKinnon stated the last thing they want to do is upset neighbours and they are endeavouring to do their best to ensure residents are kept informed and any associated service outages have been kept to a minimum and that residents are informed beforehand. 

For those who need to speak with him, please phone 0427 208 971 - alternatively email adrian.mckinnon@knowlesgroup.com.au. Mr McKinnon will take your call or call you straight back, or answer you via email if that works better for you.

Apparent Excise Of Road Verges 

Palm Beach surfers and residents have expressed concern this week over the apparent excise of a road verge on Ocean Road, Palm Beach, previously used for parking, by the installation of kerbing, a stone wall and plants.

As shown in the photographs below, the difference between the space on Thursday July 25th, 2019 and December 2017 makes it  look as though public space is being made into a private extension of a private property.  

Pittwater Online was informed Council immediately activated the Director of Transport and Roads to determine what is going on. 

Other instances of private property encroachments into road verges or blocking access to public land reserve thoroughfares are becoming more common, although the tramp of public feet, tide, time, and in many cases, seasonal sand shifts, do much to waylay these without every other resident incurring the expense it costs Council to address these issues, and the time that could be spent on other work.

Above; July 25, 2019 - photo supplied
Above: December 2017
Above: view towards south Palm Beach, December 2017

Beach Road Dining No:1 Wedding Venue!

Congratulations to Beach Road Dining, Palm Beach Golf Club, who have just won Best Golf Club Wedding Venue at Wednesday nights Brides Choice Awards! 

Such a credit to their team and our area as this was voted by their Brides and Grooms over the past 12 months!

With great food, great service and Station Beach or Palm Beach Golf Course vistas for those post ceremony wedding snaps - this place will remain a winner for a long time to come!

Boat Stolen From Careel Bay

Please email Pittwater Online if you have seen this boat: this was earned by a young local who worked hard to be able to purchase it - also stolen was his fishing gear: the boat had a 6 month old Parsun 30hp long shaft secured to the hull.

Thank you very much.

Sydney Wildlife Mobile Clinic Update

July 25th, 2019
Meet Amanda and Glen from Jayco. These two legends have done so much to make the experience of purchasing the Mobile Clinic ‘van’ easy and enjoyable.

Amanda has done all the negotiations, paperwork and customer service and guided us through our test-drives (which would’ve been harrowing without her encouragement).

Glen is doing all the internal modifications for us AND he is a fan of snakes which makes him even more special.
Amanda and Glen - you guys rock!

Photos: Amanda and Glen with Joan Reid and Lynleigh Greig of Sydney Wildlife. 

Marine Rescue Broken Bay Winter Training

July 21, 2019
In between assisting the Pittwater boating public today, Broken Bay 30 crews took advantage to refresh their search and rescue skills. The screenshot of the electronic chart demonstrates an expanding square search pattern commonly used to locate missing vessels or people in the water when given an estimated area or Last known position (LKP) to search.



Where possible, always try to give rescue crews your Lat and Long to help us get to you quickly.

During Winter months, in fact all year round, we are training to keep you safe on the water.

Avalon Market Day 2019

Stallholder applications open on Monday 4 August 2019
If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive information regarding the 2019 Avalon Market Day, please complete the form HERE

Malley's And Sons Ltd Query: Auburn Factory

A Researcher has contacted Pittwater Online regarding the Collectors page on Francis Malley & Sons (Gosford to Mosman)and is seeking information on the Auburn factory.

Morgan, Project Scientist with Geo Logix, Warriewood, is seeking information about the actual manufacturing process at the Auburn site or people that used to work there.

Any information on what was manufactured and how it was manufactured would be appreciated. General day to day activity at the site is also sought. 

Please email Morgan if you have any insights or contacts for people that used to work there.

Thank you very much.

Celebrating 60 Years Of The Award In Australia!

This year, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia will celebrate 60 years of empowering young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world and equipping them for work and life. …in other words, making them WORLD READY!

Since it’s inception in 1959, over 775,000 young Australians have challenged themselves to take on the Award. The Award in Australia recognises that its success is primarily attributable to the contributions of the tens of thousands of volunteers over the past 60 years, including the current network of over 60,000 volunteers.

Did you know that our own Palm Beach SLSC founding member Adrian Curlewis was appointed by HRH Prince Philip as the first National Coordinator of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Australia? 


To celebrate the Anniversary, the Award will be particularly recognising volunteers and supporters with receptions held in each State and Territory.

In September, the Award in Australia will host a National Gold Award Ceremony for young Australians, set to be the largest Award Ceremony in Australian history, as well as plaque unveilings at popular Award trails across Australia used by Award Participants doing their Adventurous Journey.

2019 will be a year of celebrations, and provide an opportunity to reach out to many more young Australians and enable them to take part in the Award no matter their location or circumstance.

A Moments That Matter campaign has also been launched to encourage past Awardees and current Award Participants to share their stories of how the Award has impacted their lives, to help inspire others to challenge themselves and get involved with the Award and let it help them become #WORLDREADY !

Watch the video below to take a journey through the past 60 years of the Award in Australia!

To keep up to date with 60th Anniversary news and celebrations, keep an eye on the 60th Anniversary Webpage

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club AGM

Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM
Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club is a recreational swimming club on the Northern Beaches in Sydney. We swim at Bilgola rock pool on Saturday mornings(8:45am till 11:30am).
Our season runs between October and March.

We cater for all standards of swimmers, from the social swimmer to those who enjoy some fun Competition. Our registration fee is $40 per member.

RPAYC AGM Awards Presented For 50 Year Membership & Clubmanship Award

Held July 23rd, 2019
Congratulations to Parry Thomas who was acknowledged for his 50 years of Membership. 



Clubmanship Award 2018/19
The Clubmanship Trophy recognises the effort of Members, who have made a significant contribution to the Club across a range of activities.

The Clubman of the Year is elected by a select committee of one being the Commodore, so it is a very efficient committee, but one which is taken very seriously.

This year the Commodore chose two members who have made a significant contribution across a multitude of areas in the club over the past 55 years.

We are proud to announce that the 2018/19 CLUB “PEOPLE” OF THE YEAR are Kenneth & Janet Moxham!

Ken & Jan have been long standing volunteers at the club through race volunteering, race management, protest panel, regatta organisation & merchandise sales to name a few. It is appropriate for this duo to receive this award as they are a team who are rarely separated and really complement each other. Ken enjoys the accolades of being one of the longest serving rules advisors at the club.

With the passing of Jack Gale, The Moxham’s have taken over as the ‘go to’ people for any club related questions due to their long association and intimate knowledge of the club.
RPAYC Commodore Michael Lockley with Ken and Jan Moxham - RPAYC photo

Sydney To Auckland Yacht Race 2021 NOR

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron are excited to announce that the Notice of Race for the 1250nm Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2021 is now available.

Visit SydneytoAuckland.com to view and download. Entries will open on 1 August, 2019. Don't miss out on the early bird entry fee option.

The race will start on Sydney Harbour on 30 January 2021 and finish in Auckland Harbour in time to help the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron celebrate their 150th Anniversary and enjoy the 36th Americas Cup. This challenging Category 1 race is open to offshore cruising and racing yachts, superyachts, ocean racing multihulls, as well as incorporating a rally for cruisers.

Berthing arrangements:
RPAYC: Berths for competing boats may be available at RPAYC for a discounted rate in the build up to the race. For more details of berthing at the RPAYC and alternative berthing in Pittwater and Sydney; please contact the RPAYC Waterfront department.

RNZYS: Berthing will be provided on arrival in Auckland for 48hrs. The Race Committee will direct boats to their temporary berth. BERTHING SPACE IS LIMITED so boats planning to stay on in Auckland beyond 48hrs should make their own arrangements.
It is a Condition of Entry that boats must moor in accordance with the directions of the Marina Manager and the Race Committee.

The program in Auckland 2021 will be diverse; yachts from around the world. For full details and information about the RNZYS 150th Anniversary program visit: www.rnzys.org.nz.

Start: Sydney Harbour - 30 January, 2021
Finish: Auckland Harbour
Distance: 1250nm
Experience: Priceless


NSW Lifesavers Selected For National Leaders Masterclass

Seven NSW surf lifesavers will attend the 2019 Surf Life Saving Australia National Leaders’ Masterclass, the annual leadership and development program for members who hold a senior leadership role in the organisation.

More than just a standard leadership program, the Masterclass gives our members who are committed to making a difference, the chance to be part of creating an effective national movement.

Over four days, the selected participants will be challenged to think strategically about the future of Surf Life Saving in the company of like-minded members from clubs around Australia. They will further develop their leadership knowledge, learn new skills and create opportunities for personal growth through networking and exposure to lifesaving pathways.

In 2017, SLSA established a partnership with the University of South Australia to assist in the facilitation of leadership programs like the Masterclass. The partnership also benefits members by providing an opportunity for attendees to enrol in a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration that can lead them into credit for an MBA, at the completion of the Masterclass.

The selection of the NSW participants includes a scholarship for multicultural and Indigenous members to encourage diversity within the movement. The scholarship aims to provide opportunities for emerging leaders within Indigenous and multicultural communities to gain the skills and confidence to become future leaders within their communities - strengthening the links between all Australians.

NSW Multicultural and Indigenous scholarship recipient is Ngiare Brown (Coledale SLSC). Ngiare joined Merewether SLSC in 1983 where she completed her Bronze Medallion.  She has since moved to Coledale, her home country, where she continues to be heavily involved in the club as well as a clinical outreach worker for Aboriginal communities.

When told of her scholarship Ngiare said she was thrilled to be accepted. “I’m hoping that the additional skills and networking will help me make a greater contribution to Surf Life Saving. I’m very passionate about the organisation and have a particular interest in helping engage and retain young people,” she said. “There are so many activities that can attract anyone to be part of our community.”

Ngiare says she will use the opportunity to connect Aboriginal people with Surf Life Saving. “When the children I work with see other Aboriginal people involved in something they think, ‘That’s what I want to do’.

“Exposing them to things like volunteering in their community helps them understand the relevance of the skills and what is available, they can see that they too can connect, if not now then in the future.”

Surf Life Saving NSW congratulates our seven members who have been selected to attend the 2019 Masterclass to be held 12-15 September.

Ngiare Brown – Coledale SLSC (received Multicultural and Indigenous scholarship)
Brienna Elford – South West Rocks SLSC
Nicholas Huggins – Tathra SLSC
Nixy Krite – South Maroubra SLSC
Emma Larssen – Cronulla SLSC
Sarah Oaten – South Narrabeen SLSC
Nathan Spinner – Wanda SLSC

Sarah Oaten (nee Haven)
Only original Nipper member to still be a member of South Narrabeen SLSC
Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches North America Lifesaving Tour 2001
1st - SNB Branch Championships - Champion Lifesaver 2001
3rd - NSW State Championships - Champion Lifesaver 2001
Female Youth Patrol Person of the Year, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 2003
Surf Life Saving National Leadership Camp 2004
First female Life Member of South Narrabeen SLSC

Scoreboards Arrive In The Forest!

July 23rd, 2019

The Forest Baseball Club (FBC) is excited to announce the arrival of four brand new scoreboards at our home ground of Aquatic Reserve Baseball Park. All the new scoreboards come with tripods and wireless remotes to allow scores to be updated in real time during game play and will be visible to all players and spectators on EVERY junior ground (A2/A3/A4/A5) during Summer 2019/20. In addition, we are also in the process of selecting and purchasing an even larger scoreboard befitting the status of A1 as the premier baseball ground for everyone involved in Manly-Warringah District Baseball Association. The new scoreboards will enhance the baseball experience at Aquatic for players and spectators from all clubs as they visit the home of FBC.

We look forward to putting the new scoreboards through a trial over the final weeks of the Manly-Warringah Minor League this winter before rolling them out for our juniors in summer. The scoreboards are a welcome addition with Manly Baseball awarded hosting rights for a number of BNSW State Championship tournaments this upcoming summer season. 

We would like to thank the NSW State Government for their support as part of the Community Building Partnership program and John Farrant for his work to prepare the grant submission that has allowed this to happen.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements at the club as we approach registrations opening for Summer 2019/20. To register your interest in playing this summer click here.

The Forest Baseball Club 

2020 NSW Women Of The Year Awards Nominations Open

July 25th, 2019: NSW Government
Nominations are now open for the 2020 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Now in their ninth year, the NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by women across NSW to industry, communities and society.

The 2020 Women of the Year Award categories include:
  • NSW Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year
  • NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
  • Community Hero Award
  • Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year Award
  • Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Award
  • NSW Business Woman of the Year Award
  • First State Super Lifetime Achievement Award.

Minister for Women Bronwyn Taylor said it is important to give the outstanding and inspirational women leading the way throughout NSW, the recognition and acknowledgement they deserve.

“Women from all walks of life make significant contributions to their communities while overcoming gender inequality, raising families, and pursuing careers in male dominated fields,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This is your chance to recognise these women and let them know their hard work does not go unnoticed.”

Nominations close on 25 October 2019. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 5 March 2020.

Submit a nomination for the 2020 NSW Women of the Year Awards

Avalon Craft Cottage At Warriewood

The Avalon Craft Cottage members will be back at Warriewood Square for one week, starting Monday 29th July and finishing on Sunday 4th August.

As always, we will be outside K-Mart, and open during all the normal trading hours for the centre…. finishing at 4pm on the Sunday.

We have eighteen of our members taking part in this display, so a wide variety of lovely items to choose from…. woodwork;  jewellery;  beautiful baby wear; hand-knitted shawls, pram rugs, bootees & hats for the little ones;  a wide range of warm & woolly scarves,hats, socks, bed socks, and hot water bottle covers; beautiful patchwork quilts; greeting cards for all occasions; embroidered or appliqued hand-towels; dichroic or flame worked glass jewellery & ‘collectables’; succulent gardens; pot holders. shoe bags and all sorts of homewares. Too many items to mention them all.



Check our Facebook page or website for photos of some of the lovely new items that will be on display, and for sale.

All customers will receive a colourful bookmark, as  a souvenir of our 50th Birthday.

Hope to see you there.

Maureen Darcy-Smith 

Be A Part Of Manly Jazz

Northern Beaches Council is calling for expressions of interest from businesses wishing to take part in the buzz and excitement at Manly Jazz in October (5 to 7 October).

Council is offering local businesses sponsorship packages tailored to individual business and brand needs.

Potential benefits include prominent logo display at the event and on the event website and involvement in print, digital and social media campaigns.

There is also the opportunity to have a dedicated space at the Jazz Festival’s venues to raise brand awareness and promote products and services.

Mayor Regan said Manly Jazz continues to draw thousands of visitors every year and is an excellent platform to boost a business profile.

“Manly Jazz has a rich history of dishing up some of the best live jazz performances from across Australia and around the world,” Mayor Regan said.

“It’s now in its 42nd year and is sure to bigger and better than ever.

“As a partner you’ll reach over 100,000 music enthusiasts from across Sydney, Australia and the world that flock to Manly beach over the October long weekend.”

“Council will work with businesses to design individual sponsorship packages that best suit business needs and brand objectives.”

Manly Jazz presents a diverse range of genres that include funk, blues, swing, roots and rock. The festival attracts a mixed crowd from ‘hard-core’ jazz aficionados to those who simply want to enjoy great music.

From the traditional three days of outdoor music, the festival has more than tripled to become an 11-day celebration of live music in venues across Manly.

Expression of Interest applications close Friday 9 August.

More information can be found on Council’s website.

July 21 - 27, 2019: Issue 413

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 413: Beryls 21st Variety the Children's Charity B to B Bash - and in her 86th Year!

Floor Plans For New Palliative Care Unit at Mona Vale Hospital Revealed

Champions Crowned at 2019 Skullcandy Oz Grom Open - report by Surfing NSW/WSL + some extras: Ruby Rockstar Trew (Seaforth) placed 1st in Under 12 girls and Xavier Bryce (Mona Vale) placed 2nd place in Under 14 Boys, Bodhi Leigh-Jones made Qtrs. ++ - photos by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW

Pictures: Ain’t No Party Like A DoggieRescue Puppy Party! by Jen Barbour, photography by Michael Mannington

Have Your Say On Our Hospital by the Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee - NSW Upper House Inquiry, closes July 28th for written submissions

Locals to Pick Local Projects to Receive NSW Government Funding: cast an online vote for between three and five of 23 nominated projects for Manly or 22 nominated projects for Pittwater, or the 9 nominated projects in Wakehurst. Vote by August 15, 2019 - Projects listed by electorate

Reflections by George Repin: A GEM ON THE QUAY

Aquatics: Winners Of The 2019 NSW/ACT State Sailing Awards Announced: Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's Richard Slater  recognised as Official of the Year Award, Tom Spithill the Sports Professional Award, Daniel Links is recipient of the Youth Sailor of the Year Award and Annie Wilmot and Tash Bryant are joint Female Sailor of the Year. The club was also part of the great contingent of yacht clubs that made the sailing divisions of the Invictus Games Sydney such a success - another award! 

Park Bench Philosopher: How Public Libraries Can Help Prepare Us For The Future

Collector's Corner: Tablespoons - The Original Soup Spoons:  Many of us are lucky enough to have one or a few of those wonderful old sterling silver tablespoons inherited from mum or grandma lingering in our cutlery drawer.

What may be well-known by our younger generations as that these were originally used as soup spoons and are still in many European countries. Their value has increased as time goes on, not decreased, with well looked after versions attracting good prices from or for collectors and those by preferred makers doing even better than that.

Profile: Beryl Driver OAM  
Guess who's celebrating a 21st during her 86th year on this planet? That effervescent Mermaid of Palm Beach - Beryl Driver!
This time next week, Sunday July 28th, Beryl Driver and Viktorija McDonell will be setting forth from Bondi on a 3869 kilometre journey to Batt Reef in Port Douglas. This will be Beryl's 21st B to B Bash.

History: Pittwater Roads II - Where the Streets Have Your Name: Mona Vale

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update July 14th, 2019 

click on Logo: 


To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Floor Plans For New Palliative Care Unit Revealed

Palliative Care Meeting 

July 16th, 2019

Detailed floor plans of Mona Vale Hospital’s new 10-bed Palliative Care Unit and 10-bed Geriatric Evaluation Management Unit have been presented to the Friends of Northern Beaches Palliative Care and the Inpatient Facility Working Group.

The revised floor plans were shown by the Hospital’s General Manager Jacqui Edgley at a recent meeting and had been updated following input from the groups and the members of Hospital’s Auxiliary.

Jacqui Edgley said the new 10-bed inpatient palliative care service will enable more people to receive care closer to their home and loved ones, during difficult and challenging times.

“Engaging with community groups such as these on the design of the building is so important and the feedback on the floor plans from members the Friends of Northern Palliative Care and the Inpatient Facility Working Group has been invaluable and greatly appreciated.

“They have been campaigning for this important service for many years, and like myself, they are keen to ensure the new facility is the very best it can be for our patients, carers and visitors and built to the highest contemporary standards.

“The planners have carefully considered the hospital’s coastal location in developing the plans based on a residential style environment to create a comfortable and welcoming place,” she said.

Kay Millar, Chair of the Northern Beaches Palliative Care Inpatient Facility Working Group said it was pleasing to see progress on the building, and that their recommendations on the floor plans had been incorporated, where possible.

“This service is something the community has been wanting for a long time so it is great to see the progress being made.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the hospital over the coming months as the building takes shape,” she said.

Construction for the 10-bed Palliative Care Unit and 10-bed specialist aged care unit building is currently underway with expected completion by the middle of next year.

RPAYC Youth Adventures On Vata

Josh Grosser, is a 23 year old, 10 year RPAYC member, who learned to sail through the Newport Primary School program, and raced MJ’s with his good mate Ben Farrugia.

Graduating from the “Hamilton Farmer School of RPAYC tender boat driving”, Josh also attended Pittwater High School in 2014, and on completion worked in the Med on yachts for 12 months.

Josh returned to complete a Mechanical Engineering degree at Sydney University, combined with 2 semesters on exchange at the University of Utah, from where he also managed to score a crewing job sailing back from California through the pacific, on “SY Heitaros”, a 60m high tech ketch.

A surfer,  musician, and general lover of the sea, Josh and 4 of his mates decided 12 months ago, to buy a cruising boat and head off in search of remote surf in the South Pacific.

They acquired the yacht “Vata” from a couple who cruised her out from Canada, and have spent the past 12 months fitting her out for their trip, and learning to sail her.

“Vata” is a 36’ Canadian built sloop - http://sailingmagazine.net/article-568-cs-36-traditional.html

The crew includes Ben Farrugia, Hayden Cook, Lachie Inglis and James Norrish, all Newport locals of a similar age.

At 0800 on July 8th, they cleared Pittwater on the first leg of their voyage. Lord Howe Island will be the first stop, from where they plan to head to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and back down the Australian east cost, to be home for Christmas.

With 3 guitars, 10 surfboards, dive gear and 4 months worth of supplies, Vata is not going to win many races, but they may well win a prize for having the most fun, and hopefully will inspire some of our younger sailors to tackle adventures of their own…..

Vata will be flying the RPAYC and WPYC burgees on her trip, and hopefully will meet up with some fellow members along the way.

Follow the adventures of Vata at https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/SV_Vata


Vata leaving Pittwater - photos courtesy Simon Grosser

Stop Adani Meeting At Narrabeen

We were SO pleased that we got such a good turnout to the 2040 movie we hosted at Collaroy a couple of weeks ago. It was an uplifting movie which created a really positive vibe. So to maintain the momentum we are hosting a ‘Speak Easy’ evening at the Lakeview room, the Tramshed, Narrabeen on Tuesday 23rd of July at 7pm. 

Come and join us for drinks and nibbles on the veranda overlooking the lake; get the latest info on the Stop Adani movement; hear about the upcoming #StopAdani actions that are planned to take on engineering giant GHD and, learn about what you can do to get as many people as possible to the Global Climate Strike on September 20.

We will be providing drinks and nibbles, but do feel free to BYO also.

Please share this invitation far and wide and bring some friends- the more the merrier!

Kind regards
The Stop Adani Mackellar team.

2019/20 Nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Series Set For A Start

Thursday 18th July/2019: Surfing Australia
The pressure cooker team environment of club surfing at the highest level is set to kick off in August as Australia’s best surfers get set for the 2019/20 nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Series for the first of eight state qualifying rounds, beginning on the Gold Coast.

Now in its 7th season, the nudie Australian Boardriders Battle is the country's biggest grassroots boardriders event, involving more than 60 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs and $110,000 in prize money. 

“We’re very proud to partner with Surfing Australia and this iconic Australian club series,” said nudie Senior Brand Manager Emilie Durand.

Taking place across eight state qualifying rounds, 24 clubs qualifying clubs will come together at the National Final to decide who will be crowned Australia’s best boardriders club.

Surfing Australia CEO Chris Mater said, “Nothing beats competing as a team and having that bragging right as the best club in the country. We are excited to see the level of surfing continue to rise in this year’s series and are equally as pumped to have an amazing host of partners supporting the series, in particular, our long term naming rights partner in nudie.”
 
The series is officially sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL), which allows Australian WSL World Tour surfers (Men & Women) the opportunity to represent their local boardriders club at respective State qualifying events and the National Final.

Adding to the high stakes at the State qualifying events will be two speciality awards. The Oakley Prizm Performer will be awarded to the standout surfer, while the AirAsia Air Award will be presented to the surfer who does the biggest and best aerial manoeuvre at each event.

The 2019/20 nudie Australian Boardriders Battle is proudly supported by nudie, Oakley, Woolworths, Hyundai, AirAsia, 2XP, WSL, MySurf.Tv, Fox Sports and Surfing Australia. 

The 2019/20 National Final location and date will be released by Surfing Australia in the coming weeks.

2019/2020 nudie Australian Boardriders Battle Series Calendar

ABB - EVENT 1 - Gold Coast, QLD - Aug 24, 2019
ABB - EVENT 2 - Trigg, WA - Sept 21, 2019
ABB - EVENT 3 - NSW Nth - Coffs Harbour, NSW - Oct 13, 2019
ABB - EVENT 4 - NSW Sth - Kiama, NSW - Oct 26, 2019
ABB - EVENT 5 - NSW Central - North Narrabeen, NSW - Nov 2, 2019
ABB - EVENT 6 - Phillip Island, VIC - Nov 9, 2019
ABB - EVENT 7 - Fleurieu Peninsula, SA - Nov 23, 2019 
ABB - EVENT 8 - Clifton Beach TAS - Dec 14, 2019
ABB - National Final - location TBC, 2020

Entries for the 2019 State Qualifying events open 19th July at www.surfingaustralia.com 

National Tree Day Planting At Toongari

National Tree Day activity at Toongari Reserve, Avalon Beach from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on Sunday 28th July 2019.

This is an appeal for community members to plant tubestock and help continue the work already completed by the Toongari Reserve Bushcare Volunteers.

The site of the planting is behind the kindergarten. Come along and get involved in greening your community and making a difference to your local environment.

How to find this hidden gem:
  • The pathway from Central Road is between 55 and 59 Central Road and joins the pathway from Bowling Green Lane, behind Pittwater Palms retirement village leading to Toongari Reserve.
  • The pathway from Avalon Parade is the right-of-way at 118 Avalon Parade, which is beside the KU Avalon Kindergarten.
Please wear suitable clothing for planting including enclosed shoes. Gloves, tools and equipment for planting, watering cans and buckets provided.


Seasons Change Could Signal More Meningococcal

July 18, 2019: NSW Health
NSW Health is urging people to be alert to lesser known signs of meningococcal disease with 21 cases already reported this year and the peak period for the disease still more than a month away.

NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, said cases normally start to increase towards the end of flu season when people’s immune systems are weaker from viruses.

“Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause death within hours and it’s hard to identify, so the more symptoms people know about, the better,” said Dr Sheppeard.

“Often it can mimic other common illnesses, so be aware nearer spring that nausea symptoms, vomiting, neck stiffness, joint pain, light sensitivity, or a sudden fever, could be something else.

“Most people normally associate meningococcal disease with a rash of red-purple spots or bruises but in some cases a rash doesn’t appear, or it could be the last symptom to take shape.”

Meningococcal infection does not spread easily. It is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying the bacteria. Close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on.

“It more commonly occurs in people aged between 15-24 years as they tend to be involved in more intimate social activities such as kissing, and children aged under 5 years, but it can affect anyone,” said Dr Sheppeard.

Vaccination is the best means of protection against meningococcal disease. Vaccination for meningococcal disease types A, C, W and Y, is available on the National Immunisation Program for infants at 12 months of age and adolescents in Year 10.

Any adolescents aged 15 to 19 years who miss the vaccine in school are eligible for a free vaccine from their GP. However, as there are several strains of meningococcal disease, and vaccination does not cover all strains, even vaccinated people need to be on the lookout for symptoms.

The latest Annual Immunisation Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with close to 95 per cent of five year olds fully vaccinated.

The NSW Government will invest around $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program Budget, including Commonwealth and State vaccines.

Discover The Enjoyment Of Sailing On Pittwater With Avalon Sailing Club

Looking to give sailing a go, or get your kids involved at a young age at a fun, relaxed club? Then consider Avalon Sailing Club which is holding an information and registration day for kids learn to sail on Sunday August 25th from 12 a.m. – 2 p.m at 28B Hudson Parade, Clareville

With a modest timber clubhouse on the shore between Clareville & Paradise beaches, Avalon SC is a unique part of Pittwater’s world class sailing heritage. The Club which is over 80 years old is a volunteer run Club with 400 active members, ranging in age from 8 to 88.  It has a comprehensive and professional sailing program which caters to all ages and skills. 

Avalon is one of those iconic “wooden shed” sailing clubs which has a wonderfully inclusive culture that welcomes newcomers. No flash restaurants, bars or pokies. Just the best place for families to enjoy a BBQ and a drink post sailing whilst taking in the best views on Pittwater. Friday evenings on the deck or on the water in Summer are a popular family friendly way to end the working week. 



The Youth program which runs on Sunday mornings from September through to Easter, starts with Blue Group which is aimed at beginners aged 7 – 12. The Club Nippas & Pacers are used for this program. Once the basics have been learnt, the children progress to the Red and Gold groups for further instruction and an introduction to racing. Race preparation for State & National Titles is also provided. 

This season there will be club dinghies available for season hire so there’s no pressure to commit to buying a boat straight away. For teenagers and adults, there is a very active group sailing Spirals and Waszps with dedicated coaching days. The Club also runs Spring/Summer school holiday camps, open to children of all ages.Classes sailed at Avalon include, Nippas, Pacers, Bics, MJs, Flying 11s, Waszps & Spirals.

Avalon Sailing Club also offers Adult learn to sail classes with an emphasis on a fun activity which teaches many skills and provides opportunities for a lifetime. There are many sailors in their 80s who regularly enjoy cruising & racing! Not many other sports can claim that!!   

The Club also has a healthy Yacht division and a revamped racing program for the coming season will provide a diversity of events and casual entries are encouraged. 

The addition of the Pittwater Couta boat fleet to Avalon Sailing Club last year was a great bonus. The Couta fleet is always looking for crew on a Wednesday afternoon or Sunday! For those that like a more relaxed approach, the Cruising Division organises great weekends away. Members with yachts can take advantage of club moorings dotted around Pittwater. 

Blue Group Learn to Sail is limited to 25 children, and along with sailing camps, positions are provided on a first come, first in basis. 

For more info regarding Registration Day or any club activities, please email info@avalonsailingclub.com.au

Wildlife Rescue Help Needed: Northern Beaches 

WIRES is called to provide rescue advice and assistance for tens of thousands of animals each year. we have many incredible volunteers however there are never enough to respond to all calls in all areas. To help us respond to the growing number of calls for assistance WIRES is working on a new volunteer programme. The programme is being trialled in Sydney's Northern Beaches.

In the trial, volunteers will complete a new online course, then be able to receive rescue alerts for sick, injured and orphaned native animals nearby that need transfers to vets for initial assessment.
WIRES will follow up to organise animals needing collection to be picked up and transported to a WIRES carer for rehabilitation and ongoing care.

If you live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, are over 18 and have your own transport and would like to register your interest in participating in the free trial please fill in the form www.wildlifetraining.org.au/training/rescue-101

The trial will is planned to run in August/September over 4 consecutive weeks on a Friday.

Participants will need to be available for at least 1 of the 4 Fridays to assist WIRES with rescues. It will be essential you have your own transport.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2019

Pittwater Place, Mona Vale stalls:
July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th
Selling sewing, knitting, craft, books, 9am to 3pm

Sausage Sizzles at Bunnings, Narrabeen:  8am to 3pm
Saturdays, July 13th, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, December 14th


Promoting Social Inclusion Through The Companion Card Program 

Tuesday, 16 July 2019
Businesses on the Northern Beaches are being encouraged to support disability inclusion and become a Companion Card affiliate.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the program provides people with a significant and permanent disability access to a range of activities and events, by providing free entry to venues for their companion.

“People with disability should have every opportunity to participate in our community,” Mr Griffin said.

“We are encouraging businesses across our region to sign up to become an affiliate today and show their support to people with disability and their carers.”

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the NSW Government is reigniting the campaign as a way of building more inclusive communities.

“This is also about being a good corporate citizen and helping people with disabilities to live life to the fullest,” Mr Ward said.

“Across NSW there are more than 30,000 Companion Card holders and we want businesses to take advantage of a significant market.”

The program has been helping people with lifelong disability participate in their community for more than 10 years, by providing free entry to events and activities for family members, friends, volunteers or paid carers.

Companion Card affiliates include entertainment venues, health and fitness facilities, transport organisations and more.

For more information about the Companion Card Program or to sign up, visit www.companioncard.nsw.gov.au

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Cupid

AGE/SEX: 6 months / M
BREED: Sharpei X Mastiff
Cupid is a very gentle child friendly dog. He is friendly and playful with other dogs. As a pup he was brought into the pound after being found at the local tip. We do not know who Mum and Dad were but they look like they have a fair but of sharpei and mastiff in them. He will grow to a larger size and have a gentle demeanour. He is very calm and affectionate with people. We expect he will grow to around 30kg and be best suited to family where he is not left for long periods and has a garden to play in. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped and where he has a garden to play in. 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. 

Rose

Rose is the last of Scarlet's litter of 6 kittens still waiting for her own home. She is about 6 months old and has spent a lot of her life in a busy vet hospital around other cats and dogs. Rose needs an experienced calm family who know to go slow with handling to win her over. She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com. She is located at Ingleside.

For further details or to meet all cats 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. 

Scotland Island Kindy Mural Unveiled

A wonderful event was held on the first Sunday of the just finishing Winter School Holidays with a mural by brilliant offshore artist Nettie Lodge being officially unveiled along with a cup of tea and some very nice cakes.

Another equally brilliant all-round Scotland Island Community effort of keeping this place beautiful. 

Photo courtesy SIRA - the Scotland Island Residents Association!

Cane Toad Found On The Central Coast

July 18, 2019
A male cane toad has been found by a local family at a farm dam in Somersby and handed into the Australian Reptile Park. 

The discovery has raised concerns that the species may be adapting to lower eastern weather, with an increase in sightings, amid concern there could be more.

“Absolutely, if there’s one there’s more. They’re toxic - anything native that eats them is going to die,” Tim Faulkner from the Reptile Park said.

NB: Although this toad may have hitchiked on a truck heading south, please keep an eye out for them and if found - report!

Photo courtesy Australian Reptile Park

Have Your Say On Our Hospital

By the Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee 

The NSW Parliament is holding an inquiry into the Northern Beaches Hospital following the closure of acute services at Mona Vale Hospital and ongoing reports of medical and staff problems at the new hospital.

Save Mona Vale Hospital believes the committee conducting the Parliamentary Inquiry needs to be made aware of the huge local concern over our loss of acute services at Mona Vale Hospital in addition to the ongoing problems at Northern Beaches Hospital. 

The Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee will provide a submission to the Parliamentary inquiry but we need you also to make submissions. It is essential that the Parliamentary Committee receives submissions from as many individuals and groups as possible.

Please take some time to make a submission. Talk with family and friends about their experiences. Encourage them to also send submissions. 

This is your chance to have your say about how the loss of services from Mona Vale Hospital has affected you and your family, your experiences at the new hospital and what sort of hospital services you would like into the future. 

Submissions can be as brief or long as you like –  a page is plenty if you can say what you want in that space.

If you are concerned about confidentiality, please contact Save Mona Vale Hospital (see contact number below) and we can include your comments in our submission without identifying you.

A few aspects you could focus on include:

On Mona Vale Hospital:

  • Access – distance, time and hazards
  • Loss of services
  • Need for local emergency and other acute services

On Northern Beaches Hospital

  • Personal experiences at the hospital
  • Availability of services – and public versus private issues
  • Transport

You can make a submission by:

Terms of Reference of the Inquiry into the Operation and Management of the Northern Beaches Hospital can be seen at: 

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lcdocs/inquiries/2524/Terms%20of%20Reference%20-%20Northern%20Beaches%20Hospital%20-%2012%20June%202019.pdf

Please note: We suggest you prepare or keep a copy of your submission in Microsoft Word or similar software because we’ve had reports last week of residents experiencing problems with the inquiry submission site and losing their text.

For more information call: 

Legislative Council Portfolio Committee 2 – Health 9230 3586

Save Mona Vale Hospital 0411 517 035

NSW Pool  Rescue Interstate Team Named

Friday 19 July 2019: Surf Life Saving NSW
Surf Life Saving NSW is pleased to announce the 2019 Interstate Pool Rescue Team. NSW athletes will travel to Queensland in August for the annual representative competition.

A team of 23 highly talented athletes was announced this week with the recent State Championships in Woy Woy on the Central Coast providing plenty of talent for the selectors to choose from.

The Australian Pool Rescue Championships will be held 9-11 August 2019 at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Southport QLD.

The Surf Life Saving NSW Pool Rescue Championships brought together a record 450 lifesavers on the weekend for the 11th year of competition. The State Championship event held at Woy Woy Peninsula Leisure Centre showcased the technical skills that are needed to execute a successful water rescue by our lifesavers.

The NSW Pool Rescue Interstate team chosen blends a mixture of youth and experience with the athletes rewarded for strong performances over a period of time.

NSW will field competitors in the Under 14 division through to the Open Divisions. After taking second-place last year, the selectors are confident that they have a team that will challenge the best Australia has to offer.

Shelly Beach will be well represented with three athletes including James Koch,Tom Simpson and Ethan Garland. James Koch took home a number of gold medals at the State Championships in Woy Woy including the Men’s Open Super Lifesaver with a time of 2 minutes 21 seconds.

Terrigal is again strongly represented with three competitors making the grade this year. Umina has been rewarded for their impressive campaigns, also fielding three athletes.

Emily Doyle from Newport has once again been selected and along with Amelia Wegenaar from North Curl Curl, will together fly the flag for the Northern Beaches branch.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision for the selectors with a number of NSW athletes performing very strongly this year at our State Champs”, said SLSNSW Sports Manager Rob Pidgeon.

“The spread of talent bodes well for the future of pool rescue in NSW. Selectors have chosen a team of top-notch athletes and one of the strongest teams NSW has fielded,” he said.

The NSW Interstate Pool Rescue Team will compete together on Friday afternoon for the relay events. Following this, competitors will race individually for both their State and Club with the final point score not known until the end of Sunday.

2019 SLSNSW Interstate Pool Rescue Team 
U14 Division
Chelsea Jones    Bulli
Katelynn Doyle    Newport
Charlie Walker    Terrigal
Mitch Morris         Newport 

U15 Division 
Holly Holmesby    Bulli
Lily O’Sullivan      Cudgen Headland
Joel Piper            Terrigal
Tom Rodham       Terrigal

U17 Division
Kaylah Holmes     Umina
Zara Sharman      Bulli
Blake Hessel        Umina
Lachlan Braddish Umina

U19 Division
Emily Doyle          Newport
Chantal Luxton    Cudgen Headland*
Bailey Proud        Redhead
Jack Curran         Redhead *  

OPEN Division
James Koch             Shelly Beach
Tom Simpson           Shelly Beach
Jacob Cerniauskas  Redhead   
Ethan Garland         Shelly Beach
Keeley Booth           Avoca Beach    
Emily Curran           Redhead
Amelia Wegenaar    North Curl Curl

Team Management
Team Manager: Max Gonzalez, Bronte SLSC
Assistant Coach: Thomas Simpson, Shelly Beach
Lead Coach: Susan McCaughtrie, Brunswick
Please note * denotes Bronze of Origin Selection

Avalon Market Day 2019

Stallholder applications open on Monday 4 August 2019
If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive information regarding the 2019 Avalon Market Day, please complete the form HERE

Locals PickLocal Projects ToReceive NSW Government Funding

Now is the time for Northern Beaches residents to consider which projects will provide the most benefit to their local area and choose what they would like funded as part of the NSW Government’s My Community Project grant program.

Member for Manly James Griffin said voting in the four Northern Beaches electorates opened on Monday 15 July 2019, giving local residents the green light to cast an online vote for between three and five of 23 nominated projects for Manly or 22 nominated projects for Pittwater or the 9 nominated projects for Wakehurst.

“This is an innovative and exciting program that is putting decision making back in the hands of community members to weigh in on their top picks for projects in the region,” Mr Griffin said.

“It’s very easy to vote, all you need is your Medicare card and a free MyServiceNSW account, which also provides quick access to a wide range of NSW Government services, such as the CTP Green Slip refund for eligible policyholders.

“You can also head down to our local Service NSW centre at 114 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale, or at Warriewood Square, where friendly staff can help residents cast their vote.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said My Community Project is a fantastic opportunity for residents to have a direct say about which projects should be delivered in their local community.

“My Community Project is a great example of real grassroots democracy in action, it asked people to think about things their community needs, develop those ideas with a sponsor and tell us how funding could turn that concept into reality,” Mr Perrottet said.

“The great news is that from Monday July 15th 2019, residents in all electorates across the State will get their chance to vote for their favourite projects in each electorate.”

Residents can view eligible projects in their electorates and vote online at mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au or by visiting their Service NSW centre.

(NB: When voting online add in ''Pittwater, Manly etc.'' under 'select your electorate' to show the projects seeking votes).

Voting concludes on 15 August 2019 with successful projects to be announced from September 2019.

A total of $24.4 million is available for eligible projects, with between $20,000 and $200,000 available for each project.

For further information about My Community Project and program guidelines, go to www.nsw.gov.au/mycommunityproject 

My Community Project is made possible by the NSW Generations Fund.

Local Projects Nominating For Votes - Via Search Function Listed For 'Pittwater, Manly and Wakehurst': 

Descriptions are listed HERE (in Pittwater Online) along with links to NSW.Gov.au pages to vote

Pittwater:

Get Lost Mr Scary! - Anxiety programs for young people - Accessible anxiety programs for young people, helping them learn to better manage their worries, promoting resiliency and mental well-being.

Location: Narrabeen, Project sponsor: The Cottage Counselling Centre, Amount $20,000

CPR friendly and AED ready – saving lives in our community - Changing lives forever by creating a CPR friendly and defibrillator ready community - starting in our own backyard.

Location: Avalon Beach, Project sponsor: Avalon Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Inc, Amount: $88,925

The Good Human Factory - building mental resilience - Cooper Chapman will connect and empower young people of the Northern Beaches to build mental resilience and inspire positive change.

Location: North Narrabeen, Project sponsor: Lifeline Northern Beaches, Amount: $65,000

Improvement of Dog Park - Improvement of a dog park with implementation of equipment for exercises and fun for dogs.

Location: North Narrabeen, Project sponsor: Northern Beaches Council, Amount: $50,000

Avalon Public School's Outdoor Learning Garden - The revitalisation of an existing vegetable garden area and expanding it to become an active, healthy, outdoor, community learning space.

Location: Avalon Beach, Project sponsor: Avalon Public School, Amount: $29,930

Newport Christmas Carnival - A Christmas carnival for all ages with games, challenges, rides, coffee garden, free sausage sizzle, local school bands and more.

Location: Newport, Project sponsor: Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney parish of Newport, Amount: $20,500

Support for Pittwater People living with Parkinson's - A project to achieve a higher quality of life for Pittwater people living with Parkinson’s and inform the Pittwater community.

Location: Narrabeen, Project sponsor: Parkinsons NSW, Amount: $30,087

Mona Vale Golf Club - Course Flood Mitigation Project - Significantly improve management of polluting floodwaters inundating the course, by re-engineering the control gates, channelling outflows to Mona Vale beach.

Location: Mona Vale, Project sponsor: Mona Vale Golf Club Ltd., Amount: $34,200

Our Northern Beaches - Bringing Our Community Together - A photographic exhibition celebrating our community's coastal environment and promoting sustainability and protection of our local natural wonders. Entry will be free, inspiring a community which is environmentally aware and responsible. A hardback book of the exhibition will be given to share the message with friends and family to make a difference to the lives of future generations.

Location: Warriewood, Project sponsor: Australian Nature Association Inc., Amount: $35,757

OneSpace Collective–dream big, we’ll help you make it happen - This is your space to build and foster a stronger community. One Space to gather together, connect, dream and create. This project will offer to our community a gathering space and twenty-one free workshops to build resilience, healthy lifestyle, educate, connect and nurture self-expression. Events such as yoga and mindfulness classes, movie nights, art workshops, cultural food nights, clothes swaps, etc. will be held free of charge for young people and adults. The emphasis of the events will be on self-empowerment and educating for a kinder, healthier society and planet.

Location: Mona Vale, Project sponsor: Share the Spark, Amount: $27,360

The Sun - Delivering a more liveable Mona Vale - Installation of solar panels so that more money is redirected back into community programs, instead of paying power bills.

Location: Mona Vale, Project sponsor: Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney Mona Vale parish, Amount: $37,724

Spend Less Time In Traffic & More Time With Family - To reduce traffic and bring business back to the Northern beaches by allowing commuters to work closer to home. By subsidising the cost of a Coworking space it allows for more Northern Beaches residents to ditch the drive and work closer to home.

Location: Mona Vale, Project sponsor: Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce, Amount: $200,000

Community Pantry Kitchen Serving the vulnerable in Community - Install functional kitchen to serve the community who are less fortunate than ourselves and enhance the facilities for Narrabeen Sharks. 

Location: North Narrabeen, Project sponsor: Narrabeen Junior Rugby League Football Club, Amount: $50,000

New rescue vessel for Marine Rescue Broken Bay - A new, world-class rescue boat to enable Marine Rescue Broken Bay to save lives on the water.

Location: Bayview, Project sponsor: Marine Rescue Broken Bay, Amount: $200,000

Disabled Toilet and Relocated Stairway - Building a new disabled toilet and relocating a stairway which will meet fire safety standards and be Ambulant compliant.

Location: Clareville, Project sponsor: Avalon Sailing Club Ltd, Amount: $48,956

NBISC Seating & Ventilation Upgrade - The project adds 30% to grandstand seating and installs a large overhead ventilation fan over 2 courts.

Location: North Narrabeen, Project sponsor: Manly Warringah Basketball Association, Amount: $34,000

SMART Digital Community Care - An Innovative, intergenerational project using SMART technology improving accessibility and opportunities for students to take careers in the aged/disability sector. Young and old alike will benefit from the interaction of learning together. High school students will volunteer to share their knowledge of SMART technology with seniors in the local community and in turn learn about successful and satisfying career paths in a sector in need of more qualified workers. Advantages include: being multi-generational, mobile and self-sustainable.

Location: North Narrabeen, Project sponsor: MWP Community Aid, Amount: $194,000

Let's light up BMX! - A project to install adequate floodlights at the Manly Warringah BMX facility ensuring greater safety and accessibility for riders.

Location: Terrey Hills, Project sponsor: Northern Beaches Council, Amount: $200,000

Seal the Deal! Let's weather-proof the BMX Track. - Re-surfacing of the much-loved Terrey Hills BMX Track to make it usable by all community riders, rain, hail or shine.

Location: Terrey Hills, Project sponsor: Northern Beaches Council, Amount: $95,000

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club AGM

Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM
Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club is a recreational swimming club on the Northern Beaches in Sydney. We swim at Bilgola rock pool on Saturday mornings(8:45am till 11:30am).
Our season runs between October and March.

We cater for all standards of swimmers, from the social swimmer to those who enjoy some fun Competition. Our registration fee is $40 per member.

Works Completed To Reduce Rock-Fall Risk In Narrabeen

Thursday, 11 July 2019: NBC
Northern Beaches Council has completed the second section of a retaining wall at The Esplanade in Narrabeen to improve safety for road users and residents.

The wall was built to stabilise the adjacent slope and reduce the risk of possible slippage and rock-falls onto The Esplanade roadway.

The works are a continuation of project’s first stage, completed in 2009, and included the construction of a 36-metre-long concrete post-and-panel retaining wall, up to five-metres high, situated alongside The Esplanade. A new fence will be installed between the first and second stages of the retaining wall in July 2019.

Council extended the wall in work recently completed, after tension cracks were detected at the top of the roadside embankment.

Mayor Michael Regan said Council allocated $1.4 million dollars to build the extension of the wall.

“Our priority is to keep our residents and community safe, so stabilising the embankment is a priority,” Mayor Regan said.

“We remain vigilant in regularly monitoring this site alongside other high risk sites across the Northern Beaches.

“This is such a beautiful part of the Narrabeen Lake trail and we want it to be preserved and accessible so it can be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come,” Mayor Regan said.

Sydney Wildlife Rescue And Care Course August 2019

To join Sydney Wildlife, attend an upcoming Sydney Wildlife Rescue and Care Course.

Note: this course is provided for potential new members who intend to rescue and/or care for animals at their own home.  You must have some facilities and quiet space at home in order to care for animals.

We also seek new members who are not able to care and/or rescue, but can volunteer in the Wildlife Office answering calls to the Rescue Line.  
Please email training@sydneywildlife.org.au, or phone 9413 4300 to enquire further.

Start: 10 Aug 2019 8:30 AM
End: 11 Aug 2019 5:00 PM
Location: Londonderry 
Registration
Refresher – $15.00
For members who need to refresh after 3 years
Single Participant – $140.00
TWO Person Family Discount (per person for TWO PEOPLE living at same address) – $100.00
This is PER PERSON for TWO people attending who live together and will share resources. Note: Only ONE SET of materials will be provided.
BOTH PARTICIPANTS NEED TO REGISTER SEPARATELY ON THIS WEBSITE so we have the name, address, contact details of BOTH participants separately.

Footpath Extension Links Clareville Residents With Avalon

Thursday, 4 July 2019: NBC
Northern Beaches Council has completed the construction of an 800-metre footpath extension along the northern side of Hudson Parade in Clareville.

The new path from Delecta Avenue to Taylors Point Road links the residents of Taylors Point, Refuge Cove and Bilgola with existing footpaths to Avalon.

Mayor Michael Regan said the footpath extension will encourage ‘active transport’ in Clareville as well as make it easier and safer for pedestrians to reach Clareville Beach and Avalon Shops.

“The footpath extension will make it safer for local children to walk to schools and nearby beaches, and improve opportunities for activities such as dog-walking, jogging, walking. It will also be of great benefit to local residents with limited mobility.

“I would like to acknowledge the advice Council received from the Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents’ Association and local community, whose local knowledge and expertise proved invaluable during this project,” Mayor Regan said.

The Hudson Parade footpath extension has been funded through the NSW Government’s ‘Stronger Communities Fund’ and was delivered as part of Council’s New Footpath program.

The total estimated cost of the footpath extension and associated works is approximately $550,000.

Barrenjoey Seal Colony Growing

Jools Farrell, local ORRCA lady extraordinaire, reminds us that at present the Australian Fur Seal Colony at Barrenjoey is growing. In mid May there were 3 but there will be a lot more as we had up to 20 last year.


This behaviour is called thermoregulating which is normal seal behaviour to regulate their body temperatures.

Please remember that legally you must stay a minimum of 40 metres away from seals, especially if they come ashore on the estuary beaches or ocean beaches to rest.

Also please keep an eye out for them if you are out in a boat as they do venture out of this spot to feed on the estuary or around Barrenjoey Headland. In recent years they have been seen everywhere from Barrenjoey to Clareville and Church Point.

Please do not attempt to feed them as they get plenty of food here in Pittwater. Please also do not attempt to swim with them, Jools asks.

If you do see a seal in distress, please contact ORRCA on their 24/7 hotline: 9415 3333.

Pittwater Waterway Strategy Adopted

Friday, 5 July 2019
Following extensive community engagement over several years, Northern Beaches Council has adopted the Pittwater Waterway Strategy 2038.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan said the Strategy sets out a strategic direction for sustainably managing the picturesque waterway for the next 20 years.

“The Pittwater Waterway is iconic and one of the area’s most significant natural assets. It is important we have a strategy which informs any decisions we make there now and in the future.

“We need to make sure it is enhanced and protected while balancing the needs of our community and visitors who love to use it and the local businesses who rely on it.

“This Strategy has been a long time coming and it is great to have it finally adopted.

“Thanks to the many residents, business and other stakeholders who worked with us over time in the development of the strategy,’’ Mayor Regan said.

The Strategy focused on the following key elements:
  • Economics of the waterway
  • Natural environment
  • Natural reserves and recreation
  • Development of the waterway
  • Activating the waterway
  • Waterway regulation
Pittwater Waterway extends from the lower reaches of Pittwater around Mona Vale and Bayview, through the Western Foreshores and Scotland Island, up through Newport to Palm Beach and around West Head to Cottage Point.

Avalon Craft Cottage At Warriewood

The Avalon Craft Cottage members will be back at Warriewood Square for one week, starting Monday 29th July and finishing on Sunday 4th August.

As always, we will be outside K-Mart, and open during all the normal trading hours for the centre…. finishing at 4pm on the Sunday.

We have eighteen of our members taking part in this display, so a wide variety of lovely items to choose from…. woodwork;  jewellery;  beautiful baby wear; hand-knitted shawls, pram rugs, bootees & hats for the little ones;  a wide range of warm & woolly scarves,hats, socks, bed socks, and hot water bottle covers; beautiful patchwork quilts; greeting cards for all occasions; embroidered or appliqued hand-towels; dichroic or flame worked glass jewellery & ‘collectables’; succulent gardens; pot holders. shoe bags and all sorts of homewares. Too many items to mention them all.



Check our Facebook page or website for photos of some of the lovely new items that will be on display, and for sale.

All customers will receive a colourful bookmark, as  a souvenir of our 50th Birthday.

Hope to see you there.

Maureen Darcy-Smith 

Be A Part Of Manly Jazz

Northern Beaches Council is calling for expressions of interest from businesses wishing to take part in the buzz and excitement at Manly Jazz in October (5 to 7 October).

Council is offering local businesses sponsorship packages tailored to individual business and brand needs.

Potential benefits include prominent logo display at the event and on the event website and involvement in print, digital and social media campaigns.

There is also the opportunity to have a dedicated space at the Jazz Festival’s venues to raise brand awareness and promote products and services.

Mayor Regan said Manly Jazz continues to draw thousands of visitors every year and is an excellent platform to boost a business profile.

“Manly Jazz has a rich history of dishing up some of the best live jazz performances from across Australia and around the world,” Mayor Regan said.

“It’s now in its 42nd year and is sure to bigger and better than ever.

“As a partner you’ll reach over 100,000 music enthusiasts from across Sydney, Australia and the world that flock to Manly beach over the October long weekend.”

“Council will work with businesses to design individual sponsorship packages that best suit business needs and brand objectives.”

Manly Jazz presents a diverse range of genres that include funk, blues, swing, roots and rock. The festival attracts a mixed crowd from ‘hard-core’ jazz aficionados to those who simply want to enjoy great music.

From the traditional three days of outdoor music, the festival has more than tripled to become an 11-day celebration of live music in venues across Manly.

Expression of Interest applications close Friday 9 August.

More information can be found on Council’s website.

Avalon Beach Netball Courts Public Hearing And Feedback Opens

To facilitate the construction of these courts the Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to amend the Ocean Beaches generic Plan of Management to re-categorise the land from Park to Sportsground.

It's also time to commence thinking about questions such as:
  • Do you want to lose all that Green Space to hard surface courts that will increase heat in this space during Summer?
  • Where will the families of small and young children who hold safe birthday parties in this soft green field adjacent to the skate park hold them now? 
  • The concept plan does not provide for change rooms - are they needed?
Key features of the concept plan include -
  • four hardcourt netball courts with a green surface
  • a half-court basketball court
  • a bridge across Careel Creek to connect the two sets of courts and
  • lighting to Australian Standards.
How to have your say
Make a submission
in writing - marked 'Ocean Beaches Plan of Management' to Northern Beaches Council PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655
Submissions close Sunday August 11th, 2019


July 7 - 20, 2019: Issue 412

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 412: Winter School Holidays Break +++

Mackerel Beach RFB Captain Bob Mitchell Steps Down After 46 Years Of Service To The Community - words and photos courtesy Ingleside RFS

Bulldozers Placed In Way Of Democracy Say Mona Vale Hospital Campaigners - 55 year old public building to be demolished, ASAP, to make way for private operators and private structures

Have Your Say On Our Hospital by the Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee 

Ethel Turner's Seven Little Australians Added To UNESCO Memory Of The World Register - The Missing Pages Restored by Matthew Curlewis: An attempt on behalf of my ancestor Ethel Turner, to correct some Koori history censored out of her children’s book classic: Seven Little Australians

Soibada Update: Craft Workshops and Navy Assistance by Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM

Oracle’s Adventures by Lynleigh Greig

Pictures: ORRCA Whale Census Day 2019: 20th Year In A Row - the Stat.s so far

2019 Etchells World Champions Are RPAYC Members Murray, Beashel and Allanson + RPAYC To Host 100th Year Of The Scandinavian Gold Cup and 5.5m Worlds In January 2020 - some Etchells Worlds and Gold Cup on Pittwater History

Reflections by George Repin: WIELICZKA SALT MINE (sculptures made from salt!)

Aquatics: New Resuscitation Kit Handover To Northern Beaches Surf Clubs report by Surf Life Saving NSW

Park Bench Philosopher: Moon Landing Broadcast Donated To CSIRO By NASA Now Donated To NFSA

DIY Ideas: An Artfull Garden - for Winter School Holidays 2019 

Food: Mekong Merchant Restaurants In Mona Vale And Avalon Beach: Pho Specialists! Pronounced as 'fuh', pho is renowned as Vietnam's most popular dish and is often enjoyed for breakfast and lunch. Kampuchian Pork and Prawns soup, Chicken Noodle and that Traditional Beef Pho are currently available and will cure all - that sniffle, those aching bones, that chill after staying in the surf just half an hour too long.


Artists Encouraged To Join Northern Beaches Public Art Artist Panel by Northern Beaches Council: Panel artists will have the chance to develop integrated artworks for sites along the 36km Northern Beaches Coast Walk from Manly to Palm Beach as well as other potential public art projects - closes July 25th

Profile: Friends of Bungan  
Next Bushcare Day is July 28th: 9am to 12 pm

Dedicated community volunteers have played a major role in the conservation and management of Bungan Beach.

It began in 1969 when Mrs. Betty Morrison (who at the time was living on what now is Betty Morrison Reserve), formed the Bungan Beach Flora and Fauna Committee. In 1970  the Committee received its first grant of $200 from Warringah Shire Council to restore the lands native coastal plants, and improve fauna habitat.

In 1980 the committees name was changed to Bungan Beach Reserve Management Committee, and Bushrangers Hill Reserve was added to the area of care.

The committee continued to work with Warringah Shire Council and then Pittwater Council when it was formed in 1992. In 1995 the committee was renamed the Friends of Bungan and in 1999 was incorporated as a tax exempt charitable institution in order to facilitate the application and receipt of Government grants and to act as an independent body separate from Council.

History: Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your Name - 'Green Hills', Elanora Heights and Ingleside  

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update July 1st, 2019 

click on Logo: 


To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Jason Falinski MP Sworn In As The Member For Mackellar

Mr Jason Falinski MP has today been sworn in as the Member for Mackellar this week, along with all 151 members of the House of Representatives in the 46th Parliament. 

Mr Falinski was first elected to the role in 2016 and this will mark the beginning of his second term.

“It is a great privilege to represent the people of Mackellar in the parliament.”

“During the election, I promised that if you were my voice on May 18, I would be yours for the next three years. You elected me, and now it is time for me to fulfil my promise.” Mr. Falinski said this week

“I would also like to thank my family, friends and team of volunteers who have supported me, not just throughout the election but also the last three years and earlier.”

The Northern Beaches MP has reaffirmed his commitment to fight for lower taxes, secure retirement and improving lifestyle, especially protecting the future of the oceans and planet.

Delivered: Tax Relief For Mackellar 

July 5th, 2019
From the Office of Jason Falinski, MP for Mackellar
Around 75380 low and middle income earners in Mackellar will start to receive immediate tax relief from next week. 

“The Coalition Government has delivered on its promise to build a better tax system and provide more tax relief in Mackellar,” Mr Falinski said.

“This will ensure low and middle income earners on the Northern Beaches will keep more of what they earn and have more money in their pockets. This will ultimately boost household consumption, which will be good for the overall economy.

“Those earning up to $126,000 on the Northern Beaches will receive up to $1,080, and dual income couples will receive up to $2,160.”

The tax package provides a further $158 billion in tax relief, building on the already legislated Personal Income Tax Plan that we announced in the 2018-19 Budget. 

The Government has also locked in the benefits of low and middle income tax relief by increasing the top threshold of the 19 cents in the dollar tax bracket from $41,000 to $45,000 and by increasing the low income tax offset from $645 to $700 in 2022-23.

In combination with the legislated removal of the 37 per cent tax bracket in 2024-25, the Government is delivering structural reform to the tax system by reducing the 32.5 cents in the dollar tax rate to 30 cents in the dollar. 

“Together, these tax relief measures will create a flatter and better tax system that will improve incentives for those working hard on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Falinski said.

“It will also ensure that 94 per cent of Australians will face a marginal tax rate no higher than 30 cents in the dollar in 2024-25. 

“Australians voiced their loud and clear support for our comprehensive tax package at the election. They supported a tax system that rewards aspiration and encourages effort, and we have delivered it.  

“Lower taxes are part of our plan for a stronger economy.”

NAIDOC Week 2019

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.

Each year, there is a different focus city for the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony. The focus city, National NAIDOC Poster Competition and the NAIDOC Awards recipients are selected by the National NAIDOC Committee.

Local community celebrations during NAIDOC Week are encouraged and often organised by communities, government agencies, local councils, schools and workplaces.

In 2019, the theme for NAIDOC Week is 'Voice. Treaty. Truth.'

The Message on the 2019 theme, from the NAIDOC website:

VOICE. TREATY. TRUTH.
We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future. 

The Indigenous voice of this country is over 65,000 plus years old.

They are the first words spoken on this continent. Languages that passed down lore, culture and knowledge for over millennia. They are precious to our nation.

It’s that Indigenous voice that include know-how, practices, skills and innovations - found in a wide variety of contexts, such as agricultural, scientific, technical, ecological and medicinal fields, as well as biodiversity-related knowledge.  They are words connecting us to country, an understanding of country and of a people who are the oldest continuing culture on the planet. 

And with 2019 being celebrated as the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, it’s time for our knowledge to be heard through our voice. 

For generations, we have sought recognition of our unique place in Australian history and society today. We need to be the architects of our lives and futures. 

For generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have looked for significant and lasting change. 

Voice. Treaty. Truth. were three key elements to the reforms set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. These reforms represent the unified position of First Nations Australians. 

However, the Uluru Statement built on generations of consultation and discussions among Indigenous people on a range of issues and grievances. Consultations about the further reforms necessary to secure and underpin our rights and to ensure they can be exercised and enjoyed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It specifically sequenced a set of reforms: first, a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution and second, a Makarrata Commission to supervise treaty processes and truth-telling.   

(Makarrata is a word from the language of the Yolngu people in Arnhem Land. The Yolngu concept of Makarrata captures the idea of two parties coming together after a struggle, healing the divisions of the past. It is about acknowledging that something has been done wrong, and it seeks to make things right.) 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want their voice to be heard. First Nations were excluded from the Constitutional convention debates of the 1800’s when the Australian Constitution came into force.  Indigenous people were excluded from the bargaining table. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia’s democracy. 

In the European settlement of Australia, there were no treaties, no formal settlements, no compacts. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people therefore did not cede sovereignty to our land. It was taken away from us. That will remain a continuing source of dispute. 

Our sovereignty has never been ceded – not in 1788, not in 1967, not with the Native Title Act, not with the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It coexists with the sovereignty of the Crown and should never be extinguished. 

Australia is one of the few liberal democracies around the world which still does not have a treaty or treaties or some other kind of formal acknowledgement or arrangement with its Indigenous minorities. 

A substantive treaty has always been the primary aspiration of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander movement. 

Critically, treaties are inseparable from Truth. 

Lasting and effective agreement cannot be achieved unless we have a shared, truthful understanding of the nature of the dispute, of the history, of how we got to where we stand. 

The true story of colonisation must be told, must be heard, must be acknowledged. 

But hearing this history is necessary before we can come to some true reconciliation, some genuine healing for both sides. 

And of course, this is not just the history of our First Peoples – it is the history of all of us, of all of Australia, and we need to own it. 

Then we can move forward together. 

Let’s work together for a shared future.


Registrations Are Now Open For The 2019 Beach To Bush Program

Proudly sponsored by Clubs NSW and the Cancer Institute, rural primary schools in NSW have been benefiting from our Beach to Bush program for an incredible 25 years.

The week-long program was born out of research in 1994 that showed 50% of people rescued from the surf live more than 50km from the beach.

Last year marked the 25th year of the program which started in 1994 and is free for schools along the tour routes. To date, the program has educated 250,848 young people about safety at the beach and other aquatic environments.

Surf Life Saving NSW thanks ClubsNSW and NSW Cancer Institute for their ongoing support which makes this program possible.

2019 TOURS
Tour 1: Canberra
Tour 2: Dubbo
Tour 3: Wagga Wagga
Tour 4: Deniliquin
Tour 5: Orange
Tour 6: Bathurst
Tour 7: Tamworth

Register Your Interest Online Here For The 2019 Beach To Bush Program

Discover The Enjoyment Of Sailing On Pittwater With Avalon Sailing Club

Looking to give sailing a go, or get your kids involved at a young age at a fun, relaxed club? Then consider Avalon Sailing Club which is holding an information and registration day for kids learn to sail on Sunday August 25th from 12 a.m. – 2 p.m at 28B Hudson Parade, Clareville

With a modest timber clubhouse on the shore between Clareville & Paradise beaches, Avalon SC is a unique part of Pittwater’s world class sailing heritage. The Club which is over 80 years old is a volunteer run Club with 400 active members, ranging in age from 8 to 88.  It has a comprehensive and professional sailing program which caters to all ages and skills. 

Avalon is one of those iconic “wooden shed” sailing clubs which has a wonderfully inclusive culture that welcomes newcomers. No flash restaurants, bars or pokies. Just the best place for families to enjoy a BBQ and a drink post sailing whilst taking in the best views on Pittwater. Friday evenings on the deck or on the water in Summer are a popular family friendly way to end the working week. 



The Youth program which runs on Sunday mornings from September through to Easter, starts with Blue Group which is aimed at beginners aged 7 – 12. The Club Nippas & Pacers are used for this program. Once the basics have been learnt, the children progress to the Red and Gold groups for further instruction and an introduction to racing. Race preparation for State & National Titles is also provided. 

This season there will be club dinghies available for season hire so there’s no pressure to commit to buying a boat straight away. For teenagers and adults, there is a very active group sailing Spirals and Waszps with dedicated coaching days. The Club also runs Spring/Summer school holiday camps, open to children of all ages.Classes sailed at Avalon include, Nippas, Pacers, Bics, MJs, Flying 11s, Waszps & Spirals.

Avalon Sailing Club also offers Adult learn to sail classes with an emphasis on a fun activity which teaches many skills and provides opportunities for a lifetime. There are many sailors in their 80s who regularly enjoy cruising & racing! Not many other sports can claim that!!   

The Club also has a healthy Yacht division and a revamped racing program for the coming season will provide a diversity of events and casual entries are encouraged. 

The addition of the Pittwater Couta boat fleet to Avalon Sailing Club last year was a great bonus. The Couta fleet is always looking for crew on a Wednesday afternoon or Sunday! For those that like a more relaxed approach, the Cruising Division organises great weekends away. Members with yachts can take advantage of club moorings dotted around Pittwater. 

Blue Group Learn to Sail is limited to 25 children, and along with sailing camps, positions are provided on a first come, first in basis. 

For more info regarding Registration Day or any club activities, please email info@avalonsailingclub.com.au

Have Your Say: Before And After School Care 

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019

Parents on the Northern Beaches have been urged to have their say on Before and After School Care, with the NSW Government launching an ‘expressions of interest’ page via Service NSW this week, which will run from July to December 2019.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the NSW Government is ramping up the implementation of their election commitment to make Before and After School Care available to children at all Government primary schools on the Northern Beaches and the rest of the State by 2021.

“We know how important it is for families to have access to flexible, affordable and convenient child care services, which is why we are rapidly rolling out this initiative,” Mr Griffin said. 

“The Service NSW website will help us understand your needs, give us rich insights into where there are gaps in service delivery and help us to ensure the extra places and new services go to where they will make the most difference first.

“Parents can also use the Service NSW site to stay up to date with any new developments in their area.”

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that applications have also opened for grants to assist Before and After School Care services to set up or expand their services with the costs of new facilities and equipment. 

“This Government’s $120 million investment in Before and After School Care includes $50 million for new equipment and facilities; $40 million for rental subsidies to reduce costs to parents and $20 million to help schools where a standalone service may not be viable, including smaller schools and rural and remote communities,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“We will work closely with our schools, P&Cs, principals and parents – as well as the before and after school care sector – to develop flexible and creative solutions that offer parents support and choice, as well as ensuring schools have the equipment and resourcing they need to deliver these wonderful services,” Ms Mitchell said.

A new specialist team in the Department of Education will also be created to coordinate services and manage leases to relieve this burden from principals.

Artists Encouraged To Join Northern Beaches Public Art Artist Panel

 Stone Seal Sculpture in Dunbar Park, Avalon Beach - photo by A J Guesdon in March 2019

By Northern Beaches Council

Northern Beaches Council has a unique opportunity for qualified and experienced artists as well as arts project teams to join the new Northern Beaches Public Art – Artist Panel.

Panel artists will have the chance to develop integrated artworks for sites along the 36km Northern Beaches Coast Walk from Manly to Palm Beach as well as other potential public art projects on the peninsula.

Once completed, the Northern Beaches Coast Walk will be a signature experience of Sydney’s stunning coastline. It will feature dramatic headlands, bushland, rock platforms, wetlands, lagoons, beaches and ocean views, further emphasised by the area’s unique identity, character and history.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan has called on emerging and established artists to support the high profile art project.

“Everyone at Council is very proud about what the Coast Walk will bring to area once completed. 

“I’m also excited that the art works will be of such high quality and have the potential to really inspire our community.

“We have an opportunity to develop the most extraordinary art and environmental experience for locals and visitors to embrace and enjoy. “To be a part of a permanent gallery along our extraordinary coastline will be a real achievement for artists who are successful in gaining a commission.”

A total of 20 sites have been selected for major integrated artworks that are to be both high quality and deeply respectful of the coastal landscape in which they are placed. 

Additionally, due to the multi-layered, multi-use, harsh weather and corrosive nature of the coastal environment, artworks must be made of robust, durable sustainable materials and include approved protective coatings that require minimal maintenance.

Artists will need to submit an application outlining their artistic approach, credentials and qualifications, their ability to undertake the work, a record of their previous completed public artworks, fee proposals and references.

Aboriginal artists and artists from the Northern Beaches are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Artist Panel Tender closes on Thursday 25 July 2019, 2pm (AEST).

For additional information about the Northern Beaches Coast Walk Project, please refer to the following https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/publicarttrail;

https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/council/current-works-and-projects/major-projects/connecting-northern-beaches/coast-walk

Northern Beaches Council reserves the right to adjust the selection process and artist selection as required for the delivery of the project and/or changing program requirements.

Interested parties are required to register via Northern Beaches Councils E-Tendering portal: https://www.tenderlink.com/northernbeaches/

PLEASE NOTE: Council will disqualify any Tenderer that:

  • engages in unethical, corrupt or inappropriate conduct;
  • approaches Councillors or Council officers in relation to this RFT in a manner not consistent with the RFT; or
  • displays intimidating behaviour.

Station Beach Off-Leash Dog Trial REF On Public Exhibition

Friday, 14 June 2019: NBC
An independent Review of Environmental Factors (REF), detailing the potential impacts of a proposed 12-month trial on an off-leash dog area at Station Beach in Palm Beach is now on public exhibition.

Northern Beaches Council has proposed a trial arrangement that would allow people to take their dogs for a walk and a swim off-leash along a section of Station Beach at specified times and days.

Before proceeding with the trial, Council has commissioned a thorough review by independent environmental experts to consider any potential environmental impacts arising from the proposed initiative.

Station Beach is bound to the east by Palm Beach Golf Club and to the west by Pittwater Estuary.

“The purpose of this REF is to inform Council’s decision on the proposed trial,” Northern Beaches CEO Ray Brownlee said.

“The review document gives a detailed description, takes into account relevant planning controls, examines the existing environment in the vicinity of the proposed trial area, as well as potential impacts and any mitigation measures that must be taken.

“It follows a period of extensive community consultation on the nature and scope of the proposed trial.”

The REF is also required as part of Council’s licence application to conduct the trial with the Department of Industry Lands & Water. The REF is publicly available on Council’s ‘Your Say’ website page at Here: LINK.

Public submissions in response to the Review of Environmental Factors (2019) close at 3pm on Friday 12 July.

Council will consider a report about the proposed trial at its July meeting.

Winter School Holidays: No Issue On July 14th 

The NSW Winter School Holidays will run from Saturday, 6 July 2019 to Sunday, 21 July 2019.

Please note that there will be NO Issue on Sunday July 14th as staff attend to their own youngsters/families for that first week. 

Issue 413 will be published on Sunday July 21st.

Thank you very much.

Have Your Say On Our Hospital

By the Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee 

The NSW Parliament is holding an inquiry into the Northern Beaches Hospital following the closure of acute services at Mona Vale Hospital and ongoing reports of medical and staff problems at the new hospital.

Save Mona Vale Hospital believes the committee conducting the Parliamentary Inquiry needs to be made aware of the huge local concern over our loss of acute services at Mona Vale Hospital in addition to the ongoing problems at Northern Beaches Hospital. 

The Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee will provide a submission to the Parliamentary inquiry but we need you also to make submissions. It is essential that the Parliamentary Committee receives submissions from as many individuals and groups as possible.

Please take some time to make a submission. Talk with family and friends about their experiences. Encourage them to also send submissions. 

This is your chance to have your say about how the loss of services from Mona Vale Hospital has affected you and your family, your experiences at the new hospital and what sort of hospital services you would like into the future. 

Submissions can be as brief or long as you like –  a page is plenty if you can say what you want in that space.

If you are concerned about confidentiality, please contact Save Mona Vale Hospital (see contact number below) and we can include your comments in our submission without identifying you.

A few aspects you could focus on include:

On Mona Vale Hospital:

  • Access – distance, time and hazards
  • Loss of services
  • Need for local emergency and other acute services

On Northern Beaches Hospital

  • Personal experiences at the hospital
  • Availability of services – and public versus private issues
  • Transport

You can make a submission by:

Terms of Reference of the Inquiry into the Operation and Management of the Northern Beaches Hospital can be seen at: 

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lcdocs/inquiries/2524/Terms%20of%20Reference%20-%20Northern%20Beaches%20Hospital%20-%2012%20June%202019.pdf

Please note: We suggest you prepare or keep a copy of your submission in Microsoft Word or similar software because we’ve had reports last week of residents experiencing problems with the inquiry submission site and losing their text.

For more information call: 

Legislative Council Portfolio Committee 2 – Health 9230 3586

Save Mona Vale Hospital 0411 517 035

Vale - Neil Montgomery OAM


It is with great sadness that we advise the passing of Collaroy's Neil Montgomery OAM. Neil was 89 years of age.



At the 1951 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in Perth, Collaroy's Neil Montgomery won the open beach sprint championship. He also won another gold medal in Perth as a member of the beach relay team with Barry Heath, Bob Langbein and John Tenison.

He then turned professional and wasn't allowed to compete at future Aussie titles.One of the biggest races Neil won as a pro was the Broken Hill Gift.

While he raised enough money from professional running to buy land and build a home in Collaroy Plateau, Neil became heavily involved with not only the Collaroy SLSC but also Branch, State (NSW) and SLSA.

He served as President of Collaroy SLSC, Chief Instructor at the club, Branch Superintendent, Branch Board of Examiners (34 years). He served on the State Judiciary Panel, State Championships Referee, NSW team manager and Australian Championship Referee.

His first Life Membership was with Collaroy SLSC in 1971, then followed Manly Warringah (now SNB Branch in 1979), followed by State (1993).

In 1999 Neil was awarded an OAM For services to surf life saving.

Neil ultimately challenged Surf Life Saving Australia about their rules regarding professionals not being allowed to run at the Aussies. The head body eventually changed the rules where professionals could compete.

A private service will be held at Mona Vale, on Tuesday, July 9.
This will be followed by a Memorial Service to celebrate Neil's life at the Collaroy Surf Club, commencing at 12.30 pm. All are invited to attend.

The community extends its sincere condolences to Neil's wife Dorothy, sons Gary, Wayne, Glen and Chris, his 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

ASG-MWP July 2019 Speaker - NAIDOC Week

NB: Change of Speaker
Your invitation to a special night Monday 8th July at 7.30pm
  

‘Ablaze’ is a feature documentary in the process of being made that tells the astonishing true story of the first Aboriginal filmmaker William Bill Onus. In it, his grandson and co-director, opera singer Tiriki Onus seek to solve the mystery surrounding a 70-year-old silent film recently discovered inside a vault, believed to be made by Bill, which recorded the birth of the Aboriginal civil rights movement in 1946. ‘Ablaze’ also traces the yet untold story of how a handful of passionate activists stood up against government racial policies intent on destroying First Nations languages, cultures and communities, and how they changed the course of history. 

Special Guest Speakers: 
Alec Morgan, co-director of ‘Ablaze’, will talk about the making of the documentary and screen never-before-seen scenes. 

David Tribe: Explains the Murray-Darling river issues and situation.  

Matt and Marc on the Didgeridoo. 
       
This night will be different to the usual as the supper will be a bowl of soup! Pumpkin or Lentil Soup & bread roll. Tea, coffee and cakes will be available as usual. 
                         
So we know how much soup to make, we need you to help us by booking your seats. No Fee, just let us know how many are coming via info@asgmwp.net

All welcome - this is a Free night, including supper
Mona Vale Memorial Hall
1606 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale
Hosted by ASG-MWP


Author Talks At Avalon Library For NAIDOC Week 

Drop in to the library or call 9918 3013 to book a spot

National Tree Day Planting At Toongari

National Tree Day activity at Toongari Reserve, Avalon Beach from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on Sunday 28th July 2019.

This is an appeal for community members to plant tubestock and help continue the work already completed by the Toongari Reserve Bushcare Volunteers.

The site of the planting is behind the kindergarten. Come along and get involved in greening your community and making a difference to your local environment.

How to find this hidden gem:
  • The pathway from Central Road is between 55 and 59 Central Road and joins the pathway from Bowling Green Lane, behind Pittwater Palms retirement village leading to Toongari Reserve.
  • The pathway from Avalon Parade is the right-of-way at 118 Avalon Parade, which is beside the KU Avalon Kindergarten.
Please wear suitable clothing for planting including enclosed shoes. Gloves, tools and equipment for planting, watering cans and buckets provided.


Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club AGM

Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM
Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club is a recreational swimming club on the Northern Beaches in Sydney. We swim at Bilgola rock pool on Saturday mornings(8:45am till 11:30am).
Our season runs between October and March.

We cater for all standards of swimmers, from the social swimmer to those who enjoy some fun Competition. Our registration fee is $40 per member.

Sydney Wildlife Rescue And Care Course August 2019

To join Sydney Wildlife, attend an upcoming Sydney Wildlife Rescue and Care Course.

Note: this course is provided for potential new members who intend to rescue and/or care for animals at their own home.  You must have some facilities and quiet space at home in order to care for animals.

We also seek new members who are not able to care and/or rescue, but can volunteer in the Wildlife Office answering calls to the Rescue Line.  
Please email training@sydneywildlife.org.au, or phone 9413 4300 to enquire further.

Start: 10 Aug 2019 8:30 AM
End: 11 Aug 2019 5:00 PM
Location: Londonderry 
Registration
Refresher – $15.00
For members who need to refresh after 3 years
Single Participant – $140.00
TWO Person Family Discount (per person for TWO PEOPLE living at same address) – $100.00
This is PER PERSON for TWO people attending who live together and will share resources. Note: Only ONE SET of materials will be provided.
BOTH PARTICIPANTS NEED TO REGISTER SEPARATELY ON THIS WEBSITE so we have the name, address, contact details of BOTH participants separately.

Avalon Beach Netball Courts Public Hearing And Feedback Opens

To facilitate the construction of these courts the Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to amend the Ocean Beaches generic Plan of Management to re-categorise the land from Park to Sportsground.

It's also time to commence thinking about questions such as:
  • Do you want to lose all that Green Space to hard surface courts that will increase heat in this space during Summer?
  • Where will the families of small and young children who hold safe birthday parties in this soft green field adjacent to the skate park hold them now? 
  • The concept plan does not provide for change rooms - are they needed?
Key features of the concept plan include -
  • four hardcourt netball courts with a green surface
  • a half-court basketball court
  • a bridge across Careel Creek to connect the two sets of courts and
  • lighting to Australian Standards.
How to have your say
1. Attend a Public Hearing - Avalon Recreation Centre, Wednesday 26 June, 6.30-7.30pm
2. Drop-in eastern side of Careel Creek, near skatepark -Saturday 20 July, 12-2pm 
3. Make a submission
in writing - marked 'Ocean Beaches Plan of Management' to Northern Beaches Council PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655
Submissions close Sunday August 11th, 2019


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2019

Pittwater Place, Mona Vale stalls:
July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th
Selling sewing, knitting, craft, books, 9am to 3pm

Sausage Sizzles at Bunnings, Narrabeen:  8am to 3pm
Saturdays, July 13th, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, December 14th


Local Historian Shares Insights With Youngsters

What an absolute pleasure it was to have Avalon Historian Geoff Searl OAM speak to our Year 1 and Year 2 students about the history of Avalon Beach SLSC. 
Thank you Geoff! 

Maria Regina Catholic Primary School Avalon
July 4th, 2019

Reminder: Second Active Kids Vouchers Now Available

Youngsters on the Northern Beaches are keeping active while their parents are keeping the cash, with each school-enrolled child now able to access two $100 Active Kids vouchers from July 1st.

Member for Manly James Griffin said one of the most popular programs for kids and parents has just been doubled to help kids stay active all year long.

“Playing sport and keeping active with your friends is part of growing up on the Northern Beaches, and now parents can encourage their kids even more with another voucher to help spread the costs associated with participation,” Mr Griffin said.

“This investment in our young people sets them up for positive health outcomes over a lifetime.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said since the Active Kids program was launched in 2018, more than one million vouchers have been redeemed and more than $100 million saved by NSW families.

“Families across NSW keep telling me how much the Active Kids Vouchers help them manage the cost of living. Now with two per school enrolled child, parents keep even more money in their back pocket while their kids stay happy and healthy,” said Mr Perrottet.

Minister for Sport John Sidoti said it is a big win for NSW when more kids can participate in sport because of the Government’s drive to take down the barriers to expensive registration costs.

“Whether it is soccer, scouts, AFL, rugby, netball, golf or volleyball, you’re sure to find an activity kids will love. Active Kids really is making a difference to children’s participation in sport and active recreation in NSW,” Mr Sidoti said.

From January – June there was an overall increase of 13 per cent in the number of Active Kids’ vouchers created, including a 17 per cent rise in vouchers created for girls following an influx of registrations for dance, gymnastics, tennis and swimming Active Kids providers.

“These are incredible results and demonstrate why the NSW Government is investing an additional $40 million this year to expand the Active Kids program.”

From today, parents of school-enrolled children can access a second $100 Active Kids voucher to use towards registration and membership fees for sport and active recreation each year. For further information visit sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids or call 13 13 02.

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Max

AGE/SEX: 5 years / M
BREED: Kelpie X
Max is a gentle easy well-mannered 5yo Kelpie X boy. He is probably the best behaved boy we have in the shelter at DoggieWood at the moment. Our vets said "cute as a button, we wanted to keep him." He is social with other dogs and walks well on lead. He has a short coat and weighs 17kg. He comes comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped.  Adoption cost is $400. 

Maddie

Maddie is a stunning tortoiseshell girl around 5 years old. She is gentle and smoochy if you are calm. She is social with other cats and would suit a quiet household. 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. She is located at Ingleside.

For further details or to meet all cats 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. 

Barrenjoey Seal Colony Growing

Jools Farrell, local ORRCA lady extraordinaire, reminds us that at present the Australian Fur Seal Colony at Barrenjoey is growing. In mid May there were 3 but there will be a lot more as we had up to 20 last year.

                                                           
This behaviour is called thermoregulating which is normal seal behaviour to regulate their body temperatures.

Please remember that legally you must stay a minimum of 40 metres away from seals, especially if they come ashore on the estuary beaches or ocean beaches to rest.

Also please keep an eye out for them if you are out in a boat as they do venture out of this spot to feed on the estuary or around Barrenjoey Headland. In recent years they have been seen everywhere from Barrenjoey to Clareville and Church Point.

Please do not attempt to feed them as they get plenty of food here in Pittwater. Please also do not attempt to swim with them, Jools asks.

If you do see a seal in distress, please contact ORRCA on their 24/7 hotline: 9415 3333.

Applications Open For Youth Led Projects

From James Griffin, MP for Manly
Organisations looking to kick-start projects promoting youth engagement and inclusion can now apply for a $1.5 million NSW Government fund.

Member for Manly James Griffin today urged Northern Beaches non-government organisations and the Northern Beaches Council to apply for the Youth Opportunities Fund.

“Given some of the recently reported challenges facing our youth, Youth Opportunities is a wonderful program that provides a platform for young people in our state to engage with the community, socialise with others and gain new skills,” Mr Griffin said.

“The program supports young people from all walks of life to thrive, including those from regional areas, Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, disadvantaged youth, and people with a disability.”

One-off grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 are available for new youth-driven projects that use strategies to support participation and community engagement.

Since the program was established in 2012, more than $10 million has been invested in projects across the state.

“Young people involved in the program get the chance to participate in a diverse range of activities and develop a range of skills, including management skills, hospitality skills, event planning and artistic development,” Mr Griffin said.

Applications for grants under this year’s program close on 16 July 2019.

To apply or to find further information about the program, visit: www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities/

June 30 - July 6, 2019: Issue 411

Articles This Week 

Front Page Issue 411 

Advocates Condemn Mona Vale Hospital Demolition Announcement As Inquiry Into NBH and MVH Commences -  Submissions received online to July 28th, 2019

REF For Station Beach off-leash Dog Trial Recommends Over 30 Mitigation & Monitoring Measures In Order To Proceed: Omits Mention Of Resident Seal and Little Penguin Colonies - REF Feedback open until 3pm July 12th, 2019

Pictures: Lion Island's Little Penguins (Fairy Penguins) Get Fireproof Homes - thanks to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Fix it Sisters Shed

Opportunity To Complete The Mona Vale-Ingleside Escarpment Mooted: Residents and members of the Friends of Mona Vale group have recently put forward a proposal to acquire 15 acres of farmland in the Mona Vale - Ingleside escarpment for conservation purposes and to complete the escarpments' run of green to Narrabeen

Jason Falinski MP demands Telstra provide phone reception at Cottage Point

Saving Grevillea Caleyi Project Receives Funding Boost

Artists Encouraged To Join Northern Beaches Public Art Artist Panel by Northern Beaches Council: Panel artists will have the chance to develop integrated artworks for sites along the 36km Northern Beaches Coast Walk from Manly to Palm Beach as well as other potential public art projects on the peninsula

Aquatics: Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Awards Of Excellence 2019: The Full List & Some Great Photos

Soibada Update – Baby Bags, Maternity and More! by Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM

Park Bench Philosopher: UNSW Takes On Climate Change In Our Estuaries: Where 80% Of Australians Live, Work And Play

Artist of the Month: July 2019:  The Camino Diaries by Cilla Cole, Together with Terry Cole and Tom Keelty and Illustrated by Richard Cole 

Available through Beachside Bookshop, Bookoccino and Berkelouw Books Mona Vale or direct from the author:  www.cillacole.com.au  ($25)

What's it about? Is it madness or naivety when a young woman thinks walking the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage path with her husband, her father-in-law, and his architect, would be a fun way to spend her honeymoon?  But it doesn’t take Cilla long to realise that walking 1500 kms across France and Spain with a single-minded judge and an ex- Army commando and avid bushwalker will be no sightseeing holiday. 

Experience the landscapes, cuisines and eccentric personalities of the Camino de Santiago, not to mention the tears and tantrums, through this compilation of the candid journals kept by Cilla, her father-in-law Terry and friend Tom when walking the ancient pilgrim trail across France and Spain together in 1995.  

Much like the medieval pilgrims who walked the same path 800 years before them, as adversities start to take their toll and divergent motivations clash, this unlikely group find themselves inside a walking pressure cooker.  But there are three sides to the story.  READ AN EXTRACT HERE

Profile: Cilla Cole

Cilla grew up in Avalon and after finishing school, spent a year as a Rotary Exchange Student in Indonesia. After studying Economics and Anthropology at Sydney University, she completed a Graduate Diploma in Tourism at James Cook University, Townsville, before returning to Sydney to work in wholesale travel. 

Now with four children she works part time with her husband Richard as the office administrator for the family architecture firm, Richard Cole Architecture and as a volunteer for the NGO Good Return, while spending her spare time planning the next holiday and writing about the last.

Her just released book The Camino Diaries is a great read which shares one of those trips from the perspectives of three walkers; herself, her father in law, and his architect.

History: Pittwater Roads II: Where the Streets Have Your Name - 'Green Hills', Elanora Heights and Ingleside  

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update July 1st, 2019 

click on Logo: 


To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Artists Encouraged To Join Northern Beaches Public Art Artist Panel

 Stone Seal Sculpture in Dunbar Park, Avalon Beach - photo by A J Guesdon in March 2019

Monday, 24 June 2019
By Northern Beaches Council

Northern Beaches Council has a unique opportunity for qualified and experienced artists as well as arts project teams to join the new Northern Beaches Public Art – Artist Panel.

Panel artists will have the chance to develop integrated artworks for sites along the 36km Northern Beaches Coast Walk from Manly to Palm Beach as well as other potential public art projects on the peninsula.

Once completed, the Northern Beaches Coast Walk will be a signature experience of Sydney’s stunning coastline. It will feature dramatic headlands, bushland, rock platforms, wetlands, lagoons, beaches and ocean views, further emphasised by the area’s unique identity, character and history.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan has called on emerging and established artists to support the high profile art project.

“Everyone at Council is very proud about what the Coast Walk will bring to area once completed. 

“I’m also excited that the art works will be of such high quality and have the potential to really inspire our community.

“We have an opportunity to develop the most extraordinary art and environmental experience for locals and visitors to embrace and enjoy. “To be a part of a permanent gallery along our extraordinary coastline will be a real achievement for artists who are successful in gaining a commission.”

A total of 20 sites have been selected for major integrated artworks that are to be both high quality and deeply respectful of the coastal landscape in which they are placed. 

Additionally, due to the multi-layered, multi-use, harsh weather and corrosive nature of the coastal environment, artworks must be made of robust, durable sustainable materials and include approved protective coatings that require minimal maintenance.

Artists will need to submit an application outlining their artistic approach, credentials and qualifications, their ability to undertake the work, a record of their previous completed public artworks, fee proposals and references.

Aboriginal artists and artists from the Northern Beaches are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Artist Panel Tender closes on Thursday 25 July 2019, 2pm (AEST).

For additional information about the Northern Beaches Coast Walk Project, please refer to the following https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/publicarttrail;

https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/council/current-works-and-projects/major-projects/connecting-northern-beaches/coast-walk

Northern Beaches Council reserves the right to adjust the selection process and artist selection as required for the delivery of the project and/or changing program requirements.

Interested parties are required to register via Northern Beaches Councils E-Tendering portal: https://www.tenderlink.com/northernbeaches/

PLEASE NOTE: Council will disqualify any Tenderer that:

  • engages in unethical, corrupt or inappropriate conduct;
  • approaches Councillors or Council officers in relation to this RFT in a manner not consistent with the RFT; or
  • displays intimidating behaviour.

Success For Council At NSW Local Government Awards Night

Thursday, 27 June 2019: NBC
A number of employees from Northern Beaches Council are still on cloud nine after taking home a handful of awards from the NSW Local Government Professionals Awards.

Representatives from the youth-led public art project ‘Tiny Doors’ were delighted after snaring the prestigious Creative Communities award.

Their project drew on the creativity of local youth, featuring a series of miniature art pieces – styled in the form of tiny doorways and portals – placed in public spaces across the Northern Beaches.

Later in the evening, a Northern Beaches Council team of six staff were crowned NSW Management Challenge winners ahead of representatives from Lake Macquarie City Council and Waverley Council.

A second team from Northern Beaches Council finished fourth in the overall standings in the same category.

The victorious team of six will now take part in the national event.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan was quick to pay tribute to the Council award winners.

“I was very happy but not at all surprised when I heard we (Council) left a big mark on the awards evening,’’ he said.

“It shows the talent we have on our staff books. “Congratulations to all our winners and finalists.”

Northern Beaches Council were also highly commended in a further two categories – Excellence in People and Culture (Innovation in Structure – Community Librarian) and Service Delivery Initiative (Three into One Does Go: Migrating from Three to One Library Management Systems).

Disco For Soibada - Postponed To August 

Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 7 PM – 11 PM
Avalon Beach RSL Club
1 Bowling Green Lane, Avalon, New South Wales, Australia 2107
Hosted by Pittwater Friends Of Soibada
Tickets · $35 BOOK HERE

Thank you to all friends that have shown interest in our event. Due to a new project in Soibada we are postponing our event until August. 

Apologies to those of you who have purchased tickets. Please hold on to your tickets for the next event.

Barrenjoey Seal Colony Growing

Jools Farrell, local ORRCA lady extraordinaire, reminds us that at present the Australian Fur Seal Colony at Barrenjoey is growing. In mid May there were 3 but there will be a lot more as we had up to 20 last year.


This behaviour is called thermoregulating which is normal seal behaviour to regulate their body temperatures.

Please remember that legally you must stay a minimum of 40 metres away from seals, especially if they come ashore on the estuary beaches or ocean beaches to rest.

Also please keep an eye out for them if you are out in a boat as they do venture out of this spot to feed on the estuary or around Barrenjoey Headland. In recent years they have been seen everywhere from Barrenjoey to Clareville and Church Point.

Please do not attempt to feed them as they get plenty of food here in Pittwater. Please also do not attempt to swim with them, Jools asks.

If you do see a seal in distress, please contact ORRCA on their 24/7 hotline: 9415 3333.

ORRCA Whale Census Day 2019 At Bilgola's A J Small Lookout

This Sunday, June 30th, is ORRCA 2019 Whale Census Day  when we can all contribute to counting whales!

Jools Farrell, who is 2nd Vice President at ORRCA, will be up at Bilgola's A J Small Lookout from sunup to sundown and will need as many hands as possible to help out. 

This will be the 20th Whale Census so let's all help out and pop by for an hour or two and get involved - maybe even take Jools a hot drink!

Above Barrenjoey Seals - Photo courtesy of Mark Farrell.

Station Beach Off-Leash Dog Trial REF On Public Exhibition

Friday, 14 June 2019: NBC
An independent Review of Environmental Factors (REF), detailing the potential impacts of a proposed 12-month trial on an off-leash dog area at Station Beach in Palm Beach is now on public exhibition.

Northern Beaches Council has proposed a trial arrangement that would allow people to take their dogs for a walk and a swim off-leash along a section of Station Beach at specified times and days.

Before proceeding with the trial, Council has commissioned a thorough review by independent environmental experts to consider any potential environmental impacts arising from the proposed initiative.

Station Beach is bound to the east by Palm Beach Golf Club and to the west by Pittwater Estuary.

“The purpose of this REF is to inform Council’s decision on the proposed trial,” Northern Beaches CEO Ray Brownlee said.

“The review document gives a detailed description, takes into account relevant planning controls, examines the existing environment in the vicinity of the proposed trial area, as well as potential impacts and any mitigation measures that must be taken.

“It follows a period of extensive community consultation on the nature and scope of the proposed trial.”

The REF is also required as part of Council’s licence application to conduct the trial with the Department of Industry Lands & Water. The REF is publicly available on Council’s ‘Your Say’ website page at Here: LINK.

Public submissions in response to the Review of Environmental Factors (2019) close at 3pm on Friday 12 July.

Council will consider a report about the proposed trial at its July meeting.

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Ella


AGE/SEX: 3 years / F
BREED: Kelpie X Rotty?
Ella is a happy friendly girl. She gets very excited to see people and is kid friendly with children 12+yo as she is a bit jumpy. She sits for treats and shakes hands. She has a short coat and weighs 27kg. She 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. Her adoption cost is $450. 

Ted


Ted is a lovely grey and white coloured boy around 5 years old. Ted is very calm, gentle and affectionate. He is social with other cats but tends to keep to himself a bit. He weighs 5.7kg. He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting him, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com. He is located at Ingleside.

For further details or to meet all cats 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 
Register at: putyourfootdownsydney2019.gofundraise.com.au

Jason Falinski MP Demands Telstra Provide Phone Reception At Cottage Point


Northern Beaches MP, Jason Falinski is demanding action from Telstra to upgrade phone reception in Cottage Point. This call comes off the back of a tragic death which may have been avoided if the area had adequate phone reception. A Cottage Point resident suffered a heart attack and his wife had to alert her neighbours to call for help before returning to her husband to perform CPR. Sadly the man died before the ambulance arrived.

“I have been advocating for improved mobile phone coverage at Cottage Point since I was elected in 2016 but this is the last straw. A man has died, and his wife was unable to call for an ambulance as there was no mobile phone reception.” Mr Falinski said.

“Telstra need to stop stuffing the people of Cottage Point around. It doesn’t matter that they may be a small community; they are worth just as much as people living in the CBD of Melbourne or Sydney. Andrew Penn needs to respond immediately and provide them with phone reception.

Cottage Point is home to over 100 residents as well as a Rural Fire Brigade, Marine Rescue Station and the Kuring-Gai Motor Yacht Club. It is also a popular tourist destination and the marina is a popular location for the yachting and boating community.

Over the years Mr Falinski has made numerous requests to Telstra to have the landline switchboard equipment upgraded from an out-of-date 4 E1 Microwave Radio transmission system.

“The current infrastructure in Cottage Point is old and in extremely poor condition. Every time there is a storm, it requires specialists to repair it. This often takes days, leaving residents not only without mobile phone reception but also their landlines. This is totally unacceptable.”

Mr Falinski has made representations to the Minister of Communications, the Hon. Paul Fletcher MP as well as the CEO of Telstra Mr Andrew Penn. Mr Falinski has also set up a petition on his website to gain community support for Cottage Point’s desperate need for phone reception.




Photos: Microwave Transmitter taped to Garbage bin at Cottage Point - Cottage Point view by and courtesy John Vaughan

Winter School Holidays Break Issues

The NSW Winter School Holidays will run from Saturday, 6 July 2019 to Sunday, 21 July 2019.

Please note that there will be NO Issue on Sunday July 14th as staff attend to their own youngsters/families for that first week. 

Please send any Items/Events you want in Issue 412, published Sunday July 7th, to us by 4pm July 6th.

Issue 413 will be published on Sunday July 21st - we will return to loading in very very late items, even on the Monday, for that Issue.

Thank you very much.

Avalon Headland Rockfall

More of Avalon Headland fell on Monday afternoon, June 24th. Although not as dramatic as last time a big cloud of dust went up afterwards - as seen in this capture by lady on the spot - Melissa Aveling.

Barrenjoey Performance Space Advocates Recognised 

Congratulations to the Barrenjoey Community Performance Space Committee for their recent recognition of all the hard work done.
To receive the Executive Directors award 'for significant contribution to Public Schools' is some indication of everything this group has done and continues to do to ensure this project has gone from a dream to soon to be realised reality. 

Special thanks to Cilla Cole, Richard Cole, Kim Hoggard, Christy Bishop and Kalinda Hawson. 

Very special thanks goes especially to Ian Bowsher for his drive and passion for the Performance Space.

Avalon Beach Netball Courts Public Hearing And Feedback Opens

To facilitate the construction of these courts the Local Government Act 1993 requires Council to amend the Ocean Beaches generic Plan of Management to re-categorise the land from Park to Sportsground.

It's also time to commence thinking about questions such as:
  • Do you want to lose all that Green Space to hard surface courts that will increase heat in this space during Summer?
  • Where will the families of small and young children who hold safe birthday parties in this soft green field adjacent to the skate park hold them now? 
  • The concept plan does not provide for change rooms - are they needed?
Key features of the concept plan include -
  • four hardcourt netball courts with a green surface
  • a half-court basketball court
  • a bridge across Careel Creek to connect the two sets of courts and
  • lighting to Australian Standards.
How to have your say
1. Attend a Public Hearing - Avalon Recreation Centre, Wednesday 26 June, 6.30-7.30pm
2. Drop-in eastern side of Careel Creek, near skatepark -Saturday 20 July, 12-2pm 
3. Make a submission
in writing - marked 'Ocean Beaches Plan of Management' to Northern Beaches Council PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655
Submissions close Sunday August 11th, 2019


Council To Put Manly Dam Forward For National Heritage Honours

Friday, 28 June 2019
Northern Beaches Council will nominate the Manly Warringah War Memorial Park for the prestigious Australian National Heritage List.

Affectionately known as Manly Dam, the park has long been a celebrated attraction on the peninsula after it was first opened it 1892 as a water supply dam for residents in the Manly area.

Council decided to nominate the park for the National Heritage List due to its national significance as a war memorial, the dam wall representing a high degree of technical achievement and the fact the site contains endangered and threatened species which need to be preserved.

Mayor Michael Regan said he was pleased Council would put forward a nomination for this significant area of the Northern Beaches.

“It is a very exclusive list to potentially be a part of, joining the likes of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and North Head,’’ he said.

“Manly Dam is an institution on the northern beaches, is popular with the local community and remains an important site for veterans.

“It also boasts rich Indigenous history and is the home of threatened plant and animal species.”

Public consultation will be sought as part of the listing process. 

Manly Dam was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999.

Have Your Say On The Future Of Northern Beaches Tourism

Thursday, 27 June 2019
Northern Beaches Council is seeking community feedback on its inaugural Destination Management Plan (DMP), which will guide the future direction of tourism on the Northern Beaches.

Tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry on the Northern Beaches with this sector generating over $2.5 billion through direct and indirect sales in 2016/17.  This includes spend by visitors in local businesses such as accommodation, hospitality, entertainment and leisure.

And it's great for local employment too with 13,880 jobs in the area relying on the tourism and hospitality sector (9,500 direct, 4380 indirect).

Mayor Regan said the DMP will provide a framework to help manage the impact of tourism on our community.

“We need your help to make sure future tourism is well planned and sustainable along with protecting and enriching our environment and the people who live here.

“People come from all over the world to visit our famous beaches and explore the area's natural beauty but our visitors aren't just holiday makers. In fact, we know that most of these visitors are our friends and family coming to stay.”

Council recently held its inaugural Tourism Industry Summit with representatives from Tourism Australia, Destination NSW, National Parks and Wildlife and a variety of local businesses and community leaders.

“We discussed a sustainable tourism strategy and the feedback gathered will also guide our Northern Beaches Destination Management Plan. It was a standing-room only event,” Mayor Regan said.

People can view Council’s draft Key Directions that will shape the DMP and lodge their feedback on Council’s website. Deadline for feedback is 7 July.

Scotland Island Mural Unveiling

Plans For Little Manly Beach To Go On Public Exhibition

Friday, 28 June 2019
Northern Beaches Council is seeking community input on the draft Masterplan for Little Manly Beach and Little Manly Point.

Mayor Michael Regan said following extensive initial consultation, the draft plan includes only minor upgrades rather than mass changes.

“Our aim is to make the site more practical as well as preserving its existing character,’’ Mayor Regan said.

“The community told us they didn’t want to add a boardwalk or change the position of the kiosk, so we are looking at modest upgrades in the draft Masterplan.

“The draft plan increases seating adjacent to the kiosk and also sees the planting of additional trees and the construction of a new public toilet facility in close proximity to the car park on Little Manly Point.”

Council has already undertaken a thorough stage one community engagement process which received just under 100 submissions. This was used to help identify issues, needs and aspirations for future use of the park.

A long-term hidden gem on the northern beaches, Little Manly Beach is famous for its natural beauty and Sydney Harbour views.

The area was transformed in the 1990s from a derelict industrial site into a large park and is now utilised by local residents and visitors all year round.

The draft Little Beach Masterplan and Little Manly Point will be on public exhibition for 28 days, and following the final Masterplan will be presented to Council for adoption.

Celebrating And Investing In Our Seniors 

Thursday June 27th, 2019
Seniors across the Northern Beaches will benefit from a cash boost to the 2020 NSW Seniors Festival, encouraging them to get active, socialise, learn new skills and connect with services.

Member for Manly James Griffin has announced a share of $200,000 is available for local organisations helping them to deliver events that celebrate seniors.

“The NSW Seniors Festival is growing from strength to strength and celebrates the vital contributions seniors make to communities across NSW,” Mr Griffin said.

“Festival events are designed to get our seniors involved in a range of activities – whether that’s art courses, active sports, playing music, tapping into technology, and travel.”

“The Government is always looking to support events that offer unique and engaging activities. We love bringing younger and older generations together with these innovative projects that promote healthy ageing.”

Minister for Seniors John Sidoti said the NSW Seniors Festival is the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere and has been running for more than 61 years.

“The grants program ensures seniors from areas right across the state have the opportunity to participate in the festival,” Mr Sidoti said.

“Providing funding to a range of organisations means we can reach a broad range of individuals, including those from regional and remote areas, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal communities.”

The 2020 NSW Seniors Festival wall take place from Wednesday, 12 February – Sunday, 23 February 2020.

Applications should be submitted online between Monday, 24 June 2019 and midnight on Friday, 9 August 2019 at 

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2019

Pittwater Place, Mona Vale stalls:
July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th
Selling sewing, knitting, craft, books, 9am to 3pm

Sausage Sizzles at Bunnings, Narrabeen:  8am to 3pm
Saturdays, July 13th, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, December 14th


Medium Density Planning Pause Extended

Friday 28 June 2019
A further three-months planning pause for medium density housing is a sensible step in helping ensuring measured, future-focused planning which will determine neighbourhoods for decades to come, Local Government NSW (LGNSW) said today.

LGNSW President Linda Scott said the delay, granted by the NSW Government following extensive lobbying by the peak body, will allow councils to finalise their local planning rules in time to help prevent shoddy design and builds of low rise apartment buildings and terrace-style homes.

“On behalf of NSW councils, I’d like to thank Housing Minister Rob Stokes for recognising a range of concerns and acting to help prevent any unintended consequences of this code,” Clr Scott said.
“Councils strongly support the need for sufficient housing stock to accommodate our growing population.

“We must ensure NSW Planning system is delivering quality housing, and that’s just as important for low-rise buildings as it is for high rise.

“Our core concern is that the Code removes planning powers from Councils, which risks poor quality dwellings to be built and alienates communities from the development process.

Clr Scott said local council planning instruments helped ensure neighbours had input into the process, and that issues such as privacy and access to natural light for adjoining homes were properly taken into account.

“Councils want to ensure medium density housing is done well,” she said.

“That means sufficient time to get the right local planning instruments in place – a critical planning base to which councils need more involvement.”

Clr Scott said the process was more complex for some councils, particularly those that already faced real challenges of providing sufficient local infrastructure to support high housing density.

“So far 78 NSW councils have been able to introduce the Code, while Armidale Regional, Ballina Shire, Lane Cove and Narromine Shire councils have told us they are planning to introduce the Code from July 1.

“That leaves 45 councils who will benefit from the three-month extension, and unsurprisingly the vast majority of these are in areas experiencing rapid development.”

The Government has announced a short review of the Code by UTS academic Roberta Ryan, and there will be further consultation with councils and other stakeholders.

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to invest this time to ensure the planning process improves quality of life for everyone,” Clr Scott said.

Applications Open For Youth Led Projects

May 28th, 2019: from James Griffin, MP for Manly
Organisations looking to kick-start projects promoting youth engagement and inclusion can now apply for a $1.5 million NSW Government fund.

Member for Manly James Griffin today urged Northern Beaches non-government organisations and the Northern Beaches Council to apply for the Youth Opportunities Fund.

“Given some of the recently reported challenges facing our youth, Youth Opportunities is a wonderful program that provides a platform for young people in our state to engage with the community, socialise with others and gain new skills,” Mr Griffin said.

“The program supports young people from all walks of life to thrive, including those from regional areas, Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, disadvantaged youth, and people with a disability.”

One-off grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 are available for new youth-driven projects that use strategies to support participation and community engagement.

Since the program was established in 2012, more than $10 million has been invested in projects across the state.

“Young people involved in the program get the chance to participate in a diverse range of activities and develop a range of skills, including management skills, hospitality skills, event planning and artistic development,” Mr Griffin said.

Applications for grants under this year’s program close on 16 July 2019.

To apply or to find further information about the program, visit: www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities/