Community News: July 2025

Week One July 2025 (June 30 - July 20):

Front Page Issue 644

De-amalgamation news: Protect Pittwater Update - 'Fit for the Future' a ruse to effect Amalgamations

Tree Management Policy Adopted 

Turimetta to Avalon Dunes Being Trashed: Young Locals Need Some Where to go - Something to do

Aquatics Locana Cullen wins his Age division in 2025 Oz Grom Open: Posts only 10-Point Ride of Comp.

Joe Lacey Scores Winning Goal for Sydney FC

2025 NSW Community Sports Award winners announced: Collaroy Tennis Club is Community Club of the Year, Warriewood's Distinguished Long Service Honouree; Mark Stephenson

Topknot Pigeon Flock of 10-12 Spotted: Winter Visitors to Pittwater

Pictures Crown Reserves Grants 2025 Announced: Local focus on Weeds + Repairs to Long Reef Boardwalk + some pictures of council's recent works at Hitchcock Park - Careel Bay playing fields - CRIF 2025

Australian Longboard Titles Return To The Tweed Coast: 22nd - 27th July 2025

New internship program seeking businesses and students to charge towards net zero: Opportunity at Blackmore's Warriewood campus Now Open

Still no EV Kerbside Chargers for Postcode 2107 Despite 66 allocated for across the peninsula in latest grant funding announced:  Mapping Photovoltaic installations Across Pittwater Postcodes - some More data

2025 Crackdown on illegal e-bike riders: 32 Local riders fined - Operation Kilowatt

Park Bench Philosophers 80 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Locals Impacted - Council again sidesteps Opportunity to Support Peace Accord

Over 10 million vapes seized and fewer young people taking up vaping - Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner Appointed

DIY Ideas DIY Privacy Screen In 2 Hours

Food Whole Pumpkin Stuffed With Chorizo, Rice and Goat Cheese: Winter Food

Environment Still no EV Kerbside Chargers for Postcode 2107 Despite 66 allocated for across the peninsula in latest grant funding announced:  Mapping Photovoltaic installations Across Pittwater Postcodes: some more data, Calls for mandated solar on new buildings to help make Sydney a Renewable Energy Zone, Weed of the Week: Morning Glory, Solar for apartment residents: Funding, 1080 pest management’, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, Marine Wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals, Control fire and ferals in Australia’s tropical savannas to bring the small mammals back, Federal Court rules Australian government doesn’t have a duty of care to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change, Experiencing extreme weather and disasters is not enough to change views on climate action; study shows, Antarctic summer sea ice is at record lows. Here’s how it will harm the planet – and us, ‘Completely unexpected’: Antarctic sea ice may be in terminal decline due to rising Southern Ocean salinity, More and more tourists are flocking to Antarctica. Let’s stop it from being loved to death, Why investing in climate-vulnerable countries makes good business sense, The Bangladesh delta is under a dangerous level of strain, Cleaner air in east Asia may have driven recent acceleration in global warming, Underwater lake heatwaves are on the rise; threatening aquatic life, Plant theft is often overlooked – that’s why it’s on the rise, Queensland’s horrific lion attack shows wild animals should not be kept for our amusement, Fewer people doesn’t always mean better outcomes for nature – just look at Japan, Mauna Loa Observatory captured the reality of climate change. The US plans to shut it down, Ageing bridges around the world are at risk of collapse. But there’s a simple way to safeguard them, Can a pizza box go in the yellow bin – or not? An expert answers this and other messy recycling questions, What’s happened to Australia’s green hydrogen dream? Here are 5 reasons the industry has floundered, We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why, Thirsty future: Australia’s green hydrogen targets could require vastly more water than the government hopes, Tears, trauma and unpaid work: why men in tinnies aren’t the only heroes during a flood disaster, Melting ice will strengthen the monsoon in northern Australia – but cause drier conditions north of the Equator, Many fish are social but pesticides are pushing them apart, Pittwater Reserves, Environment History insights + Walks, Birds, + 

Inbox News XFG could become the next dominant COVID variant; Here’s what to know about ‘Stratus’, Can’t fill your ADHD script?; Here’s why, and what to do while the shortage persists, Power bank recalls on the rise due to serious burn and property damage risks: ACCC, Increase in NSW adults getting sunburnt - even during Winter, National Anti-Scam Centre: New fusion cell focuses on emotional and financial harm of romance scams, ACCC grants conditional authorisation to collaboration between energy distribution networks, Badgerys Creek Master Plan for former ingham chicken farmer's site gets greenlight: Western Sydney Aerotropolis 2025, Remote-controlled Drone Response System to be applied to NSW Roads, Inaugural SafeWork NSW Commissioner Appointed, Segal’s antisemitism plan gives government controversy, not clarity + Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism + Jewish Council of Australia Rejects Special Envoy’s antisemitism plan + Antisemitism plan fails on a number of fronts – a contentious definition of hate is just the start, The ACT wants dog owners to spend 3 hours a day with their pet, Treasury warns the government it may not balance the budget or meet its housing targets, How much salt is OK in drinking water? ; Without limits, Australia’s health gap widens in remote and regional areas, Do I have prostate cancer?; Why a simple PSA blood test alone won’t give you the answer, From athlete’s foot to smelly soles: why daily washing is key to healthy feet,  Even a day off alcohol makes a difference – our timeline maps the health benefits when you stop drinking, Murdoch’s News Corp has moved into the mortgage business; Where are the regulators?, Right-wing political group Advance is in the headlines. What is it and what does it stand for?, Say No To Plastics, New Support at Home resources, SCAM Alert – Fake emails claiming to be from COTA Australia, Nominate someone inspiring for an Australian of the Year Award for 2026, Weekly injection could be life changing for Parkinson’s patients, Older Australians value super- want it to be even stronger: National Seniors Australia, Will my private health insurance cover my surgery? What if my claim is rejected?, Socioeconomic differences in 15-year prevalence trends for modifiable dementia risk factors in Australia, Loosley Woven's 'Memory' concert: August 3 at Avalon, Manly Warringah Choir's 50th anniversary concert: August 17, AvPals Term 3 2025 at Newport courses, Planning a ‘Euro summer’ or cruise? Why another flu shot might save your holiday, UNSW Researchers Propose Pension Reform Blueprint for Emerging Economies, I created a Vivaldi-inspired sound artwork for the Venice Biennale. The star of the show is an endangered bush-cricket, New internship program seeking businesses and students to charge towards net zero: Opportunity at Blackmore's Warriewood campus, Joe Lacey Scores Winning Goal for Sydney FC Locana Cullen wins his Age division in 2025 Oz Grom Open: Posts only 10-Point Ride of Comp., Opportunities: The wisdom of youth to help steer our oldest arts institutions: EOI Closes July 25 + Open Mic at Palm Beach + More places available in innovative jobs program for women, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Wallow, From Sister Rosetta Tharpe to Ronnie Yoshiko Fujiyama: how electric guitarists challenge expectations of gender, Why it’s important young unemployed Australians get a good job instead of just ‘any’ job, Distressed by all the bad news?; Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself, Almost half of young workers expected to work unpaid overtime while a quarter aren’t paid compulsory super, Are ‘ghost stores’ haunting your social media feed? How to spot and avoid them, Cycling can be 4 times more efficient than walking; A biomechanics expert explains why, Can’t work out without music? Neither could the ancient Greeks and Romans, A new exhibition is a thoughtful examination of the lasting relationship between Asia and Australia, ‘Fashion helped the pride come out’: First Nations fashion as resistance, culture and connection, Bayeux tapestry set to return to the UK – in medieval times it was like an immersive art installation, Men traded wares – but women traded knowledge: what a new archaeological study tells us about PNG sea trade, A brief history of the slogan T-shirt, How do we understand life on Earth? An 18th-century rivalry charts the tension between two types of science ‘genius’


Profile of the Week Say No To Plastics - Net Bags for Veggies while shopping

In 2022-23, NSW alone generated 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste. Only 14% of this material was recycled. About 79% of litter washed into our waterways is plastic. Plastic litter can have disastrous consequences and significant cost on the environment and communities.

Barbara Elkan has kindly shared some news on a local initiative to bring back the use of reusable string bags for veggies when you're shopping.

String bags or bags made from compostable materials such as woven reeds have been around from time immemorial. During the 1930s, string bags, also known as mesh or net bags, were a common and practical item for shopping in Australia. They were lightweight and could hold items of various shapes, making them a popular choice for carrying groceries and other purchases. While they had some drawbacks, like the tendency for items to fall out if not carefully placed and the potential for getting caught on clothing, their affordability and convenience ensured their continued use. 

What's more they were not going harm the environment or all other animals living in it through being carelessly discarded or because they were made from something unable to be recycled.

Barbara shared that you can actually buy a version of these - 3 for $1.50 - at Woollies and Coles.

Woolworths states that in recent years, they’ve removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and veg range and plan to keep that momentum as they continue to reduce plastic and increase their use of recycled content. In June 2022 they announced the discontinuation of their use of those white and green 'recyclable plastic bags' your shopping could be packed in, removing a further 9,000 tonnes of plastic from circulation annually. 

But the ubiquitous plastic bag for those grapes, apples and potatoes is lingering. 

Our home delivery shop from Woollies each week comes packed in papers bags now - even the green beans are in a smaller paper bag - just as they were when many of us were younger. But some fresh items, such as apples or pears, although they will turn up in a recyclable cardboard box, are wrapped in plastic. The option there is to choose our apples and pears singly, and then they will come just as they are in the paper bag.

All we have to do, as individuals choosing what to do, is opt for the plastic-free choice. 

This Issue a few insights on this next local focus on eliminating plastics from our own and others food chain, and the state government's next phase of its rollout of alternatives and eliminating plastics, as outlined in NSW Plastics: The Way Forward Plan

From the earliest records of European settlement in Pittwater reports and anecdotes of the great array of fruits once grown here have formed part of what was told. Newport peaches, bananas and paw-paws, Church Point grapes, oranges and lemons, Narrabeen Plums and Warriewood tomatoes have all been produced abundantly and their quality was second to none, winning prizes at the annual Royal Easter Show for some producers and renown for record prices fetched for those tomatoes that came out of the Warriewood valley.

The State Library of New South Wales, in its ongoing digitisation of materials and making these available for the populace, has added photographs of a 'tropical fruit orchard at Pittwater' which, according to the sources, were taken on July 11th, 1938, possibly taken for Woman magazine or Woman: Incorporating the Woman's Budget - a woman's magazine published in Sydney, by Sungravure [Sun newspapers] from 1934 to 1954 with Issues originally cost three pence each.

Among these images of paw paws, bananas, strawberries, pineapples and more appear some 'models' and one of the farmer or caretaker with a tomato vine. The location of this 'farm' was on the Crescent at the Newport-Mona Vale verges, a nice suntrap at this time of the year and naturally given to promoting the growth of such fruits

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

July 1 2025


Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

De-amalgamation news: Protect Pittwater Update 

On July 17 2025 it was confirmed approval has been given for the Cootamundra and Gundagai Councils to de-amalgamate. The path is now clear for the Council to commence the detailed transition work needed to initiate the dissolution of Cootamundra-Gundagai and establish two new councils.

The Council will establish a transition management office to prepare the specifics of the demerger, including allocation of assets, liabilities, funding, shared service arrangements, staffing and governance arrangements.

Completing the detailed planning and transition work is essential to ensure each Council has the best start following proclamation.
This work will also inform the drafting of legal instruments by the NSW Government required to establish the two new councils.

The Office of Local Government will continue to support Cootamundra-Gundagai including monitoring the implementation of Council’s demerger proposal, and work with the Council to identify funding sources to support the transition to two new council areas.

This has provided confidence to Protect Pittwater in our efforts to have Pittwater Council reinstated, representing all residents north of Narrabeen Lagoon to Barrenjoey and west to Ingleside. 

Local Government Minister, The hon. Ron Hoenig said:
“The work by the Boundaries Commission confirms what the Council had been saying since 2016 and what I had been saying since 2012 – the former government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ policy was only a ruse to effect widespread amalgamations.

“Within several years of the merger I spoke with Mayor Abb McAlister and remember being impressed with the work the Council had done calculating the cost of the merger on the new Council. The community’s opposition was not just philosophical – it was financial and practical.

“It was for that reason in October 2023 that I decided I would do whatever I could within my power under the Act, to enable this demerger.

“Now, the detailed transition work needs to be led by the Council, and the councillors elected in 2024 who have the mandate to do it. They are best positioned to drive this process forward and should be the ones to shape the future of their respective communities.

“Demerging a council is significantly more complex than amalgamating one. The Council’s own implementation plan highlighted there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to get to a point where two new councils can be proclaimed.

“I am confident Mayor McAlister and the elected councillors can do what is required of them to reach this outcome so we can finally close this disappointing chapter in local government history.

“Let Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council serve as a cautionary tale for future governments and academics who believe that merged councils provide better economies of scale and better services.

“May it stand as the folly that it was, so we can finally discard forced amalgamations for amalgamations sake into the waste bin of history.”

Protect Pittwater agree with the Minister. The forced amalgamation of Pittwater with Warringah and Manly Councils resulted in an area and population too large for a local council to administer on an efficient basis. He might have added on a sensitive basis as well.

T. Harrison.
Protect Pittwater, July 17, 2025

Examples of what Pittwater residents have been campaigning for since May 2016 and more in:
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Jack's Paddle Out

The report for the Paddle Out to honour ad Celebrate surf film maker Jack McCoy will run Sunday week.

We're fundraising for Bear Cottage! 

Avalon charity soccer game for Bear Cottage: PLEASE DONATE!
On Saturday 26 July two teams from Avalon Soccer Club will raise funds again for Bear Cottage in their annual charity league game. It's Avalon A Vs Avalon B in the MWFA Over 45 division 2 competition. The game will be at Careel Bay Playing Fields, field 1, kick off 3pm.


Please donate all you can to help children with terminal illnesses here: www.superheroweek.com.au/bear-cottage-cup-2025

This marks the tenth year that a team from the Avalon Over 45s has held an annual fundraiser for Bear Cottage, raising close to $15,000 during that time. This year we're hoping to raise $2,000, which would beat last year's record of $1,800.

It's previously been Avalon Vs Manly Vale each year, but this time we're bringing it solely to Avalon.

Come down on the day! All spectators are welcome!

Bear Cottage is the only children’s hospice in NSW, providing respite and end-of-life care for children with terminal illnesses and their families in a medically supported ‘home away from home’. For children in their care there is no happy ending or miracle cure.

Bear Cottage gives them as much love, care, laughter, fun, and support, as they need.

Please support us as we fundraise for this amazing cause!

Barrenjoey Cup 2025

Griffin Welcomes Council Motion to Revisit Manly Town Hall Redevelopment 

Member for Manly, James Griffin, has welcomed the Northern Beaches Council’s unanimous support for a renewed push to transform Manly Town Hall into a live theatre and entertainment venue, following a motion passed at this month’s ordinary meeting of Council on Tuesday, 15 July 2025.

The successful motion will see Council prepare a report setting out options for expressions of interest for the adaptive reuse of the Manly Town Hall to provide long term financial and community benefits while retaining Council’s ownership and the heritage value of the building. 

A similar proposal was explored in 2022 following strong community support, but was shelved due to projected costs.

“I congratulate all Councillors for revisiting this important proposal and for backing a vision that could redefine arts and culture in Manly. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to breathe new life into one of our most iconic heritage buildings,” Mr Griffin said.

“As far back as 2020, I’ve been arguing that Manly deserves a top-tier theatre and live performance venue. In Parliament, I’ve spoken in strong support of Council revisiting the adaptive redevelopment of Manly Town Hall to deliver just that. With Council now backing this motion, we’re one step closer to making it a reality.”

Mr Griffin extended particular thanks to Manly Ward Councillors Candy Bingham and Robert (Bob) Giltinan OAM for bringing the motion to Council and acknowledged the role of the Manly Business Chamber in championing the project.

“I applaud Councillor Bingham for her advocacy and for bringing this motion alongside Councillor Giltinan. 

I also recognise Ramsie Taylor of the Manly Business Chamber executive committee, who addressed Council on the night and has been a consistent and passionate supporter of this initiative,” Mr Griffin said.

Currently used to house Council administrative staff, the Town Hall has long been considered a prime candidate for redevelopment into a live performance and cultural venue. 

“Naturally, a project of this scale comes with challenges, but abandoning it off the back of one feasibility report would have been a missed opportunity. With the right partners and a flexible delivery model, we can create something truly unique that honours our heritage and sets Manly apart as a new cultural destination,” said Mr Griffin.

Mr Griffin continues to encourage residents to stay engaged with the process and show their support for the project by contacting their local representatives on Council.

Narrabeen Youth Club's 60th: Call for old photos

Can you help? It will soon be the 60th anniversary of Narrabeen Youth Club and they would LOVE to have a presentation of photos from across the past 60 years provided by those who have played for NYC over the years. They are putting a call out for photos of NYC sports teams. 

There has been netball, soccer, physical culture, gymnastics, softball, cricket, badminton, boxing, squash and fishing over the years.

In 1965 Ted Blackwood and a few others formed the Narrabeen Youth Club (NYC). Bill Gooding was President in the first year and from 1966 until 2008 Ted maintained that role. When the Club was first formed there was no official clubhouse. In 1975 NYC purchased a building owned by the Narrabeen RSL. 

Photos can be email to nycnetballmarketing@gmail.com
Thank you for your help.

Sports Club Grant Applications now open

Member for Manly, James Griffin is encouraging local sporting clubs throughout Manly and across the Northern Beaches to apply for the latest round of funding under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.  

Mr Griffin said $4.65 million was now available across the state for upgrading or creating new sports facilities, new sport programs, community events and projects that improve sports participation, with $50,000 allocated to the Manly electorate. 

“Last year I was proud to support and help secure funding for Local Rugby, Bowling, Sailing, Boardriding, Cricket and Triathlon clubs,” Mr Griffin said.

“Our grassroots sporting clubs are a vital part of the fabric of our local community and these grants provide a much-needed cash injection to improve facilities and increase participation. I strongly encourage all interested clubs to apply for these grants.”

The key objectives of the Program include:
  • Increasing regular and on-going participation in sport.
  • Increasing participation opportunities for unrepresented groups.
  • Reducing barriers and improve access to participation in sport.  
  • Assisting sporting clubs to provide quality experiences to their members and meet community needs.
  • Increasing financial sustainability and improve facilities of community level sporting clubs.
Applications must clearly demonstrate an identified need for the project and articulate how the project outcomes will be achieved. Specifically, applications should demonstrate how the project will address at least one of the above objectives. 

The Local Sports Grant Program is now open and will accept applications until Monday 18 August 2025. Outcome will be advised from February 2026 onwards. 


Have your say on NSW’s anti-discrimination laws

Members of the community have the chance to help shape a more inclusive NSW, with the NSW Law Reform Commission (NSWLRC) inviting feedback as part of its review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) (ADA).

The NSWLRC has released a consultation paper (PDF 2.2MB), focusing on conduct prohibited by the ADA, including discrimination, vilification, sexual harassment and victimisation.

It explains the ADA and outlines some concerns and ideas the NSWLRC has heard from the community and in its research.

To encourage feedback from across NSW’s diverse communities, the NSWLRC has also produced:

  • a community summary, which provides a more concise and less technical summary of the consultation paper, and
  • an Easy Read consultation paper, which uses simple language and pictures to help make information easier to understand.  
These set out key issues about the ADA, including:
  • what conduct should be unlawful, and when
  • who should be protected
  • who should be held responsible for unlawful conduct
  • when exceptions are appropriate, and
  • whether the ADA should do more to promote substantive equality.
Three ways to have your say on the ADA:
  1. respond to the NSWLRC’s community survey
  2. make a submission in response to the issues and questions raised in the consultation paper, or
  3. answer the questions in the Easy Read consultation paper.
Advocates and people with lived experience of discrimination or other unlawful treatment are encouraged to provide feedback. This includes women and girls, Aboriginal people, people with disability, and those from multicultural backgrounds and faith groups.

In 2023 the Attorney General requested the NSWLRC to review the ADA, asking it to consider whether the legislation could be modernised and simplified to better promote the equal enjoyment of rights and reflect contemporary community standards. Terms of reference set out the full scope of the review.

Feedback from the public will help the NSWLRC develop its recommendations to the NSW Government.

For more information about the ADA review and to have your say, visit the NSWLRC website. 
Submissions close on 15 August 2025.

2026 Australian of the Year Nominations now open

Nominations Close 31 July 2025

The National Australia Day Council invites all Australians to nominate outstanding individuals for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards by 31 July 2025. Now is your chance to spotlight the extraordinary Australians among us – the local legends and changemakers whose efforts have significantly enriched our communities.

Your Nomination Finds The Australians Of The Year
The Australian of the Year Awards rely entirely on public nominations to identify outstanding individuals around the nation and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for our nation’s most prestigious awards. 

The person you nominate could be the next Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year or Australia’s Local Hero.

Nominating is easy and can be done by anyone. Simply visit australianoftheyear.org.au to submit the details of someone who inspires you. 

Why Your Nomination Matters
Every nomination is a powerful acknowledgment of someone’s impact and dedication. It's your opportunity to ensure the contributions of someone who inspires you, or makes Australia better, are celebrated. One nomination can elevate their voice, help them access more support or give them the recognition they deserve.

National Australia Day Council Chair John Foreman AM said the role of the public was crucial in finding award recipients each year.

“Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact – it’s these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate,” said Mr Foreman.

“The Australian of the Year Awards recognise 128 people across all state and territories each year and from them, we select the Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.

“Extraordinary Australians are all around us but if we don’t know about them, they can’t be recognised. When you see them or hear about them, nominate them so we can consider them.”
How The Awards Program Works

The awards program recognises Australians who stand out in four categories:
  • Australian of the Year
  • Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over)
  • Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30)
  • Australia's Local Hero
These categories ensure the diverse contributions of Australians across all sectors and ages are honoured.

From the public’s nominations, each state and territory announce a recipient in each category.  These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of 25 January 2026 in Canberra. 

We can all play our part by giving extraordinary Australians the recognition they deserve – nominate now at australianoftheyear.org.au.

Nominations open for the 2025 Australian Mental Health Prize

It's been 10 years since the national prize first launched to recognise Australians who have made outstanding contributions to mental health awareness and treatment.

Despite improvements in mental health, urgent challenges to help those in need still remain. That's the overwhelming sentiment from some of Australia's leading mental health experts.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the highly regarded Australian Mental Health Prize. As nominations open for the 2025 prize, leading mental health advocates reflect on a decade of transformation, and the urgent challenges that remain.

Established by UNSW Sydney, the Prize honours Australians who have made outstanding contributions to mental health across four categories: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Lived Experience, Professional, and Community Hero.

“This milestone year is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come — and where we need to go next,” said University of Sydney Adjunct Professor Sophie Scott, Chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group and award-winning journalist and author.

“It’s a chance to recognise the individuals and community leaders who are making a real difference, often with little fanfare and limited support.”

Over the past decade, the Prize has spotlighted leading clinicians, researchers, advocates, peer workers, educators and community leaders. Many have influenced national mental health policy, shaped new models of care, and driven cultural change within their own communities.

UNSW Scientia Professor Gordon Parker, 2020 recipient and founder of the Black Dog Institute, said Australia must continue to value rigorous research and independent thinking — particularly as new approaches to treatment emerge.

“There is promising work being done in fields like the gut-brain connection and mood disorders, but we must stay evidence-based and challenge ideas that don’t hold up. We also need to do more to support the next generation of researchers. Without them, innovation stalls.”

Ellison Professor of Aboriginal Young Peoples’ Social and Emotional Wellbeing at Murdoch University and 2024 winner, Professor Juli Coffin works with Aboriginal young people in regional Western Australia. She said mental and physical health must be treated together — and that relational, culturally grounded care must be properly funded.

“People are realising that wraparound, community-led models work. The challenge is that they’re often overlooked in favour of programs that continue to deliver little impact. We need to shift how success is measured — and who gets to define it.”

Professor Kimberlie Dean, forensic psychiatrist at UNSW Sydney and member of the Prize Advisory Group, said the past decade has seen progress in recognising lived experience and community-led innovation, but significant gaps remain.

''We’ve seen encouraging growth in the peer workforce and online service delivery. Yet the burden of mental ill-health, especially among young people, continues to rise. The system must evolve to better support what we know works — and do so at scale.''  Professor Dean said

As part of this milestone year, past winners are also sharing their advice to the next generation of changemakers — from championing lived experience and challenging broken systems, to leading with courage, kindness and conviction.

“Have the courage to not know and let the people most affected provide the answers you don’t have,” said Dr Louise Byrne, 2024 recipient and Director of Lived Experience Training. “That’s how we build a system that actually works — by listening deeply, challenging old assumptions, and backing real-world knowledge.”

“Be kind to the marginalised, and lead with love, truth and conviction,” said Megan Krakouer, 2023 recipient and Director of the National Suicide Prevention and Trauma Recovery Project. “Real change starts with honesty, integrity and heart.”

Professor Attila Brungs, UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, said the Prize reflects the University’s commitment to fostering long-term, evidence-based impact through trusted partnerships.

“For a decade, the Australian Mental Health Prize has helped shine a light on those advancing mental health outcomes in communities across Australia,” Prof. Brungs said. “We remain dedicated to critical societal conversations about mental health and driving collective impact in this space.”

Nominations for the 2025 Australian Mental Health Prize are now open and close on July 23, 2025.  

Visit Australian Mental Health Prize for more information.

Changed traffic conditions on Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach 

Road users are advised of changed traffic conditions on Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach. 

Road resurfacing will be carried out to create a safer road surface in both directions on Barrenjoey Road, between Surf Road and 967 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach.  

Work will take place for up to five nights between Sunday 20 July and Thursday 4 September, weather permitting. 

Night work hours are between 8pm and 5am. Work will not occur on Friday nights, Saturdays or public holidays.

Temporary lane closures, traffic controls and reduced speed limits will be in place for the safety of workers and road users. 

At times during work hours, there may be impacts or slight delays when accessing local roads adjacent to Barrenjoey Road.

Users are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers.

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit: Workshops for Women 2025

FREE workshops for women of all ages
A new and improved workshop for women; learn how to use power tools safely, experiment with diverting water through a leaking window frame and learn hot tips to keep your home safer during severe weather events.


Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road: Update

Construction update – Friday 18 July 2025

This week we continued our night work to install the new water main near 42 Old Barrenjoey Road, working towards The Crescent. 

We also continued our tunnelling work and started to install the new water main within the tunnel.  

Next week, we’ll continue our night work to install the new water main near 36 Old Barrenjoey Road, moving further towards The Crescent. As we’re almost finished installing the new water main in the road, we’re also connecting the existing fire and property services to the new main. This connection work is being done at the same time as the ongoing pipe installation. 

Day work will continue in the tunnelling zone, including tunnelling and installing the new water main within the tunnel.   

Night work (8 pm to 5 am, Monday to Friday mornings):

  • temporarily closing Old Barrenjoey Road between Avalon Parade and The Crescent during our night work hours – see ‘Our key work areas next week’ map below. General traffic will be diverted via local streets. Access to driveways, businesses and parking spaces will be maintained at all times. Our traffic controllers will be on site to assist and to help keep traffic flowing safely.
  • temporarily closing the intersection of Old Barrenjoey Road and Barrenjoey Road on up to three shifts while we do some investigation work to prepare for our work to install property connections. Residential access will be maintained via the car park near Woolworths, with traffic diverted through the laneway. (see ‘Temporary nighttime traffic diversion’ map below) 
  • using saw cutters or jackhammers to open the road for our work. Use of the saw cutter and jack hammer will finish by midnight. 
  • digging using an excavator and installing the new water main in sections.
  • potholing using a vacuum truck to confirm the location of underground services within our work area.
  • temporary rolling storage area located in front of 44 - 46 Old Barrenjoey Road and consisting of up to eight parking spaces.
  • at the end of each night shift, we will temporarily restore Old Barrenjoey Road to allow for continued use during the day. 

If we finish next week’s planned night work early, we may keep moving further along Old Barrenjoey Road towards The Crescent.

Day work (7 am to 6 pm weekdays, 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays):

  • work between Avalon Fire Station and Woolworths.
  • one-way traffic (southbound) with traffic diverted through the Woolworths car park (see ‘Temporary traffic – Section 2’ map below). 
  • parking restricted along Old Barrenjoey Road between the between the Fire Station and Avalon Parade. Parking will be suspended for the duration of our work in this area.
  • parking inside the car park next to Woolworths will be maintained at all times.
  • we will maintain access to the loading zone outside the Avalon Recreation Centre.
  • temporarily closing the footpath outside the Woolworths for safety while this tunnelling work is underway. The footpath on the opposite side of the street (near Dunbar Park) will remain open at all times. 
  • these traffic changes will be in place 24/7 for 12 to 16 weeks while the tunnelling work is underway.
  • tunnelling underground using a tunnel boring machine, between the launch and receive shaft (see map below).
  • installing the new water main pipe within the tunnel underground.
  • pouring concrete at the receive shaft located near the intersection with Barrenjoey Road.
  • truck movements to transport material to and from our work site.

There will be some noise from our equipment and machinery as our work progresses along Old Barrenjoey Road. The level of noise you may experience will vary based on how far you live from our work area and what type of property you live in. 

We will make every effort minimise noise where possible. We will finish the noisiest work (including saw cutting or jackhammering) by midnight, avoid unnecessary loud noises where possible and turn off vehicles when not in use. 

Contact us 
 
We are always here to keep you updated and discuss any concerns you may have during the coming months. For more information or to speak to a member of our team, you can:
 
We are always here to keep you updated and discuss any concerns you may have during the coming months. For more information or to speak to a member of our team, you can: 
  • Visit our project website.
  • Call us on 1800 943 119 or email confluence@sydneywater.com.au. For other Sydney Water repairs or faults, please call 13 20 90 (24 hours). 
  • Speak to us in person at one of our monthly drop-in sessions in Dunbar Park. They are held on the first Wednesday of every month, between 1 pm and 3 pm Our next one is planned for Wednesday August 6. 
Sydney Water & Confluence Water project team 

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Comet 

15 weeks Staffy X PUP

Comet And Apollo came from a litter of 14 pups who were dumped at a rural pound. Comet is a delightful friendly pup who is underweight for her age.  She came in at 15 weeks and is only 4.2kg. She is on 3 meals per day and puppy milk to build her strength. We expect her to grow to 20-25kg. Comet is looking for a home-based worker with a garden to run around in. She comes with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $800.

Apollo 

15 weeks Staffy X PUP

Apollo and Comet came from a litter of 14 pups who were dumped at a rural pound. Apollo is a sweet friendly pup who is underweight for his age.  He came in at 15 weeks and is only 5.8kg. He is on 3 meals per day and puppy milk to build his strength. We expect him to grow to 20-25kg. Comet is looking for a home-based worker with a garden to run around in. He comes with desexing , all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $800. 

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

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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


 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane Notice

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: share Wildlife Data 

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

This records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification. The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place mitigation. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. This database that volunteers maintain needs three pieces of information:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal
The details can be entered into the database directly by you at:   www.wildlifemapping.org

Community News + what ran in each Issue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 2025  February 2025  March 2025  April 2025  May 2025  June 2025

Report Hate Crimes

If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police. In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station.  

Letters to the Editor

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

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

Mona Vale Residents Association

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


JP Public Register

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