Profile of the Week Harrison Riley: a chat with Local Lad Currently Starring in 'COME ALIVE - The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular'Actor-Singer Harrison Riley is part of the cast of 'Come Alive', currently playing its final few weeks at Moore Park. The Sydney run has been extended a week and now finishes August 8 before touring the country, including Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne for a year-long run.
COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is an immersive theatrical event blending musical theatre and world-class circus acts. Set under the Big Top, it reimagines iconic hits like "This Is Me" and "A Million Dreams" with gravity-defying aerial feats, acrobatics, and live vocals. After a smash-hit debut in the UK and rave reviews in London, the blockbuster production is finally Down Under.
The show brings the world of The Greatest Showman to life with a massive cast, incredible choreography and jaw-dropping circus performances.
You can expect soaring acrobatics, heart-pounding stunts and show-stopping musical numbers. Meanwhile, the entire space transforms into an immersive circus world. With a seasoned creative team and performers from leading circus and theatre productions, and Matinee sessions on the weekends for families, Come Alive! delivers pure joy, spectacle and wonder for a day out you will never forget.
Harrison is playing 'Tex the Cowboy' in the production, however, this is not his first rodeo in musical theatre.
Although Trafalgar Park was given to the Newport community in the pre-Newport 'Township' era form the 1880's on, it is Newport Oval that has proved to be a gathering place for fun from the late 1950's on. Newport Oval has become the home of the Mona Vale Raiders during Winter and a place for cricket during the Spring and Summer. It has also hosted jazz festivals for decades, been where you rode your horse, where the community built a library for children and baby health centre, and where there is a small scout hall for youngsters. This Issue a look into Newport's other Village Green.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
July 2026 - includes: Noises Off: a review, Pink Floyd Classics Return, Bush Boogie, Island Fire Brigade AGM, Winter Market
Click on Logo to access the latest PON: 
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Rally For Mona Vale
Rally at
- Mona Vale Memorial Hall
- 1 Park Street Mona Vale
- from noon - Saturday, 25th July 2026
Bring the family - bring your outside voice
Speakers
Angus Gordon, OAM - legendary warrior for our coastal environment will expose the struggling sewage and water system on the peninsula; the State government wants to add thousands more toilets to the load. Find out what happens to your poo and pee as it spews into the sea.
Jacqui Scruby - our independent Member for Pittwater - parliamentary sessions are over for the moment. Jacqui will give us the latest on her efforts for our community in Parliament.
Miranda Korzy - NB Councillor - shortage of rentable properties in Pittwater? Maybe not. Miranda will expose the 7000 properties sitting vacant and discuss what can be done.
What a duo - Shane Withington - "the saviour of Currawong Beach" and Parry Thomas - "battler for Mona Vale Hospital" - legendary campaigners both - will arm us for the battle.
Pittwater people do not go quietly.
There will be an open mic - an opportunity for you to have your say and a chance to ask questions of our speakers.
We will be videoing the event.
In June, the State Government approved the first State Significant Disaster for Mona Vale; 3 x 8 blocks in a Darley Street West and only weeks later a developer proposed 13 storeys for the corner of Mona Vale Rd and Pittwater Rd, and the Wilson-Wilga development with hundreds of houses at the top of Mona Vale Rd has been flagged through to the next stage.
See: SSDs for Mona Vale: 40.7 metres Height, to 12 storeys + 8 Storeys on East Darley Street: not open for submissions yet + Ingleside Wilga Wilson Proposal: to proceed to Gateway Determination Submission by Sydney North Planning Panel
Was there ever a time that Mona Vale needed you more?
The State Government believes you will just standby and let this happen. They forget who they work for - in the March 2027 State elections we get to remind them
Reserve the date and turn out.
2026 Australian Surf Rowers League Hall of Fame Inductee: Peter Spence
The Australian Surf Rowers League has recognised six individuals whose dedication, leadership and passion have helped shape the history of surf boat rowing in Australia.
- 🏅 Neil Innes – Batemans Bay SLSC (NSW)
- 🏅 Tracy Innes Innes – Batemans Bay SLSC (NSW)
- 🏅 Scott Tannahill – Anglesea SLSC (VIC)
- 🏅 Peter Spence – Palm Beach SLSC (NSW)
- 🏅 Chris Mercer – Bulli SLSC (NSW)
- 🏅 Lyle Clark – Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC (QLD)
Together, these remarkable individuals represent centuries of combined service to surf lifesaving and surf boat rowing as competitors, sweeps, coaches, mentors, officials, administrators and club leaders.
Their achievements extend far beyond medals and championships. Through their commitment to developing athletes, strengthening clubs, advancing safety and education, and inspiring future generations, each has left an enduring legacy on our sport.
On behalf of the Australian Surf Rowers League, congratulations and thank you for your extraordinary contribution to surf boat rowing. Your induction into the ASRL Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of a lifetime of service, achievement and leadership.
A litle more about Mr. Spence runs below.
Peter Spence
Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club (NSW)
Peter Spence has been one of the most influential figures in Australian surf boat rowing for more than four decades. Since joining Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club in 1985, he has built an extraordinary legacy as a competitor, sweep, coach, administrator, mentor and club leader. His contribution has helped shape not only the success of Palm Beach SLSC but also the broader development of surf boat rowing throughout New South Wales and Australia.
A Life Member of Palm Beach SLSC, Peter has dedicated countless hours to the club through a range of leadership positions, including an outstanding 23 years as Boat Captain from 2003 to 2025.
He has also served as Competition Director, Surf Activities Chairman, Vice Captain and Club Captain, playing a pivotal role in building the culture, standards and success that Palm Beach is renowned for today. His service has been recognised through multiple awards, including the prestigious Nugget Howell Award for Best Member on two occasions, while a surf boat was named in his honour in 2018.
As a competitor and sweep, Peter’s record is exceptional. Across his career he has contested 38 Australian Championship Finals, won an Australian Open Men’s Gold Medal and a Reserve Men’s Silver Medal as a rower, and accumulated eight Australian Championship Gold Medals, 16 ASRL Open Gold Medals, 29 NSW State Championship Gold Medals and 60 Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Gold Medals. He has also represented New South Wales in ten State Teams campaigns, reflecting his standing among the sport’s elite performers.
Peter’s impact extends far beyond medals and titles. As a sweep and coach, he has mentored and developed generations of surf rowers, regularly guiding four to five crews each season and dedicating countless hours to athlete development. His leadership, innovative coaching methods and commitment to excellence have helped transform Palm Beach from a competitive club into one of Australia’s most respected surf boat programs. He has also contributed significantly to competition safety and development through boat panels, carnival advisory roles and the successful implementation of Palm Beach’s highly regarded Sweeps Weekends.
Peter Spence’s induction into the Australian Surf Rowers League Hall of Fame recognises a lifetime of dedication, achievement and leadership. His influence on surf boat rowing continues to be felt through the many athletes, sweeps and clubs that have benefited from his knowledge, passion and commitment to the sport.
now operational: Maritime Incident Response Truck
This new capability significantly strengthens our ability to respond quickly and effectively to maritime incidents across NSW waterways, while also enabling statewide support for the removal of marine debris and hazards to navigation.
Designed as a mobile, self‑sufficient response platform, MIRT will work alongside our Maritime vessels to support marine pollution incidents, natural disaster response and marine debris removal. It also provides the means to transport recovered waste directly to our nominated waste contractor facilities for processing.
The truck allows direct removal of marine debris from foreshore and shoreline locations that are inaccessible or inefficient to access by vessel due to tidal constraints or alike.
This capability supports a more proactive and timely response to reported marine debris issues, allowing crews to mobilise quickly and address hazards before they escalate into navigational or environmental risk.
NSW Maritime
July Update: Protect Pittwater’s petition progress
We’re pleased to announce we’ve hit our target of 2,000 additional signatures (requested by the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig). Together with last year’s 4,000 plus, we’ve collected well over 7,000 signatures. This represents more than 10% of Pittwater residents - a resounding show of community support.
We will be submitting this petition to the Minister shortly.
Recently, the Minister has advised that an electronic petition is acceptable.
This is very good news and we are continuing our petition drive electronically in order to give as many Pittwater residents as possible the chance to be heard, and to demonstrate our collective will to bring back Pittwater Council.
Protect Pittwater invites residents to share the ePetition as widely as possible with family, friends and neighbours.
Here is the link to ePetition
For more information on our progress:
Any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us,
Anna Maria Monticelli
Vice President
Protect Pittwater
Background in March 2026 Update - Pittwater Proposal Needs 2000 More Signatures Before Minister Will Refer To The NSW Boundaries Commission: Protect Pittwater Update
Pittwater Motoring Enthusiasts Association 2026 AGM
The 2026 Annual General Meeting for the PMEA will be held 7.00pm Tuesday 21st July 2026.
Please come along to our annual AGM where PMEA will be presenting our Annual Awards:
- Henry Kalazich Memorial Trophy-Member Of The Year Award
- Alastair Browne Life Member Award
- Associate Member Of The Year Award Winner, plus runner up and 3rd place
- Michael Andrews Memorial Trophy (MAT) Winner, plus runner up and 3rd place
- Special Appreciation Awards
- General Appreciation Awards
There will also be election of the new PMEA Committee.
Following the AGM, we will then hold our General Meeting.
Please then join us for complimentary canapés in the bar area after the meeting.
PMEA will also offer a limited bar tab for our Members on the night. Additional drinks available at the main bar at very reasonable club prices.
Pittwater Motoring Enthusiasts Association (PMEA or the Club) was founded in 1994 in the Pittwater region of Sydney. The Club fosters a friendship among people with a shared interest in vehicles of all types both old and new, including cars, motorcycles and other types of machinery and equipment.
The Club encourages the preservation, restoration, maintenance, use and display of historic vehicles and machinery.
Members and guests can attend fortnightly Tuesday meetings held at the Pittwater R.S.L. 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale starting at 7.30pm.
Members meet socially in a range of regular events from our Events Calendar. The Club is very proud of its support, via donations, to charitable organisations each year. A Club magazine 'STAY TUNED' is published online every two months.
Most importantly, the Club encourages members to be active participants, not just joining the Club for the ‘cheap rego.’
The Pittwater RSL has the Glasshouse Grill if you want to arrive early for dinner or a light snack, full bar facilities and plenty of off-street parking.
Find out more at: www.pittwatermotorclub.org.au
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Pittwater Electorate Office Move
The Pittwater Electorate Office is moving to a new, more accessible location in Mona Vale village. The new site now offers wheelchair access and better parking for constituents, meets health and safety requirements, and will allow the Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby and her electorate office team to deliver services more effectively to the Pittwater community.
“My team and I are looking forward to welcoming community members to the new electorate office to assist them with state matters. Importantly, we now have good wheelchair access, and the new village location will also make it more convenient for Pittwater locals to drop in and connect with me and my team,” said Jacqui Scruby MP.
The relocation, managed by the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), was required because the existing location was not compliant with current standards, particularly in relation to security and accessibility.
It forms part of the wider Electorate Office modernisation program, which has seen the following electorate offices recently updated: Drummoyne (Liberal), Coffs Harbour (Nationals), Auburn (Labor), Broken Hill (Independent), Goulburn (Liberal), Coogee (Labor), Hornsby (Liberal), Murray (Independent), and Tweed (Nationals) electorate offices.
Works undertaken at the new sites address key safety and security risks by bringing each office up to a consistent baseline, including improved accessibility, enhanced security measures, and contemporary systems (such as video conferencing capability) to better support Members in delivering services to their communities.
The new Pittwater Electorate office address is the old TAB site - 3/13 Waratah St, Mona Vale (Enter via Bungan St).
Office hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and will be open for drop-ins by Thursday 19 July.
The Electorate Office can also be reached on 9999 3599 or pittwater@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Plastic Free July
July is the month when we can all focus in on keeping the plastic out of the real, especially in our natural environment.
This month you too can contribute to looking after the world you live in by ensuring you're not part of the problem.
Single-use plastics easily blow off boats, causing hazards and endangering our local marine life - 3 quick ways boaters can protect Pittwater:
- Secure your deck – lock down lightweight trash so it doesn't blow overboard.
- Ditch plastic bottles – swap to reusable flasks for your day on the water.
- Pack away– leave absolutely zero waste behind at your favourite beaches.
Idea courtesy Marine Rescue Broken Bay - whose volunteer members are also saving the pristineness of your Pittwater estuary waterways.
Keep it real Pittwater!
Marine Rescue Cottage Point Boat Safety Session for our Chinese Community
Another great example of how our Marine Rescue Cottage Point crew are helping keep our waterways safe.
MRCP are proud to support a special Boat Safety Session tailored for the Chinese community, led by Jarrod Li and our Unit Commander Leanne Chandler. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn essential boating safety tips in a welcoming and accessible environment.
Event details:
- Date: 26 July
- Location: KMYC motor yacht club.
If you or someone you know would benefit, simply scan the QR code to register and get involved.
Helping more people stay safe on the water is what we’re all about.
Marine Rescue Broken Bay Trivia Night
Looking to support your local volunteer first responders on the water?
Fancy a night of fun, friends and laughter?
Think you know your trivia 😉 ?
Want to check out the amazing new Top Deck area at the RMYC?
Don't miss out! Tables are selling fast.
Grab your friends ..and help us to help you when you need.
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW via link in poster or QR code.
See report running this week:
Vietnam Veterans Day (Northern) 2026
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, and we're proud to host the Northern Beaches District Council's commemoration right here at Club Palm Beach.
- Sunday 16 August 2026
- 10.45am March Form Up · 11.00am Service · Lunch from 12.00pm
- $85pp — includes meal, selected beer, wine & soft drinks (discounted tickets for Sub Branch members)
All members, families and friends are warmly invited. Places are limited, so please RSVP early.
RSVP to Sharon Green: subbranch@clubpalmbeach.com.au by 2 August.
Avalon Community Library Needs Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers for our wonderful community library. Love books, reading, have good computer skills and love working in a team of like minded people? Call into the library or send us an email info@avalonlibrary.org.au
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New Theatre Group seeks Volunteers
NoBAD Theatre is a new Not For Profit community theatre group. Their inaugural production, The Waiting Room, a new Australian comedy, will be staged at the Mona Vale Performance Space from 21st – 24th October.
The cast of eight are locally based actors, whose past credits span Hollywood movies, American and Australian TV, and Australian theatre. All involved are offering their services for free with the aim of establishing an ongoing community theatre on the Barrenjoey Peninsula.
If you would like to join them, they want to hear from you!
Mike Bullen says;
''We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to fill backstage roles in: Stage Management, Set Design and Construction, Sound., Lighting, Costumes, Hair and Make Up, Props, Publicity (especially Social Media) and House Management.
Previous experience is a plus but is not a necessity. To find out more and express your interest visit nobadtheatre.org
Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to apply.''
Principal School Tour: Pittwater High School
We are excited to invite families with children currently in Year 6 to our Principal’s School Tour.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Pittwater High School in action, meet our leadership team, explore our facilities, and see first-hand the learning environment we offer our students. Discover the wide range of academic, creative, sporting, and wellbeing programs that support every student to thrive as they transition into high school.
We warmly welcome you to join us and see what makes Pittwater High School a vibrant and supportive place to learn and grow. We look forward to meeting you and sharing how we can support your child’s journey from Year 6 into Year 7.
- Date: Thursday 30 July 2026 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
- Meeting point: Pittwater High School Hall, Mona Street, Mona Vale
- RSVP HERE
Leaping Livers Lapping the Narrabeen Lagoon
- When: Sunday July 26, 8am to 12.30pm
- Tickets: From $16.50 HERE
- By Sydney Children's Hospitals Network
Join our community event to connect with clinical experts, support families, and raise awareness of childhood liver disease.
Each year, The Children's Hospital at Westmead cares for around 20 to 25 children in New South Wales who require a liver transplant.
Leaping Livers Lapping the Lagoon is an annual 9km walk around the beautiful, liver-shaped Narrabeen Lagoon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Hosted by the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, the event raises awareness of childhood liver disease, organ donation and transplantation, while raising funds to support our liver transplant unit.
Join us for a day full of fun, food, laughs, and incredible community spirit. It’s a unique opportunity to walk alongside our staff, patients, and their families, and to hear their inspiring stories.
A DonateLife Clinical Nurse Consultant will also be on site and available for any questions or to provide educational information about liver transplant and organ donation.
Wings & Tins Dee Why: Bands wanted!
We’re opening our doors and looking for fresh new acts to light up our epic new stage and sound system.
From rock, punk, funk, reggae and dub to metal, hardcore, folk, indie, blues, and everything in between… we want to hear from you. We’re here to champion all styles and flavours of music, art, and the people who create it.
If you’d like to play a show with us, send us an email using the address below.
Contact: milla@wingsandtins.com
The NSW government is delivering improvements to Wakehurst Parkway between Frenchs Forest and Narrabeen focusing on safety and capacity for this key link in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
What work are we doing?
In July, we're continuing work on Wakehurst Parkway, between Trefoil Creek and Oxford Falls Road.
Key work activities include:
- Clearing vegetation
- Rock breaking
- Utility adjustment work
- Carrying out earthworks and excavation to prepare for drainage work
- Laying temporary asphalt to allow safety barriers to be installed
- Installing safety barriers and temporary fencing, and
- Temporary line marking to support minor lane changes
Where and when we’ll be working
We will be working along Wakehurst Parkway between Trefoil Creek and Oxford Falls Road during and outside of standard hours.
Our standard working hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and 8am to 1pm on Saturday. Our out-of-hours are Monday to Friday between 8pm and 6am. Noisy work will be completed before midnight.
Our equipment
Work will involve the use of the following machinery and equipment:
• Delivery vehicles (heavy vehicles, light vehicles and ‘pick and carry’ cranes)
• Earthworks machinery (excavator, profiler, roller)
• Clearing machinery (chainsaws, grinders and chippers
What will this mean for you?
While we carry out this work, you may notice:
• Workers and vehicles moving around the site
- Traffic controllers and signage to direct road users
- Temporary lane closures and reduced speed limits during and outside of standard hours
- Noise from machinery and equipment.
Managing our impacts
We understand that construction work can be disruptive, and we'll manage our activities to minimise impacts on the community and the environment where possible.
We’ll also:
- Fence worksites for safety and security
- Use non-tonal reversing beepers
- Manage dust by watering down exposed areas during earthworks
- Minimise light spill through targeted lighting
- Complete oversize deliveries later at night when traffic volumes are lower, and
- Keep affected residents and businesses informed ahead of higher-impact activities
Sign up to receive updates
To register for project updates, visit the project page at transport.nsw.gov.au/wakehurstparkwayimprovements
Location of work area
Contact us
Project Infoline 1800 684 490
Email: wpip.community@ertech.com.au
Project Webpage: transport.nsw.gov.au/wakehurstparkwayimprovements
For the latest traffic updates:
Call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the app Live Traffic NSW
Superhero Week 2026 for Bear Cottage
This year, we’re calling on everyday heroes - students, teachers, school communities, organisations, workplaces, community groups and individuals - to come together and make a difference.
Superhero Week runs from 26 July – 1 August 2026, but there’s no strict schedule - if you can’t participate within those dates, our superheroes will be making a difference from April through to October! It’s more just an opportunity to create moments of kindness, generosity and connection whenever it suits you.
Whether you’re a first-time fundraiser, a seasoned supporter, or already championing causes in your school or organisation, every contribution - big or small - has a meaningful impact.
Together, we can show the true power of community and achieve something extraordinary.
Register here: www.superheroweek.com.au
SNB Surf Sports Calendar for 2026-2027
The final SNB Surf Sports Calendar for the 2026-2027 season is now live!
To access the calendar please use the following link HERE
See you on the sand!
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Perry
12yo Mini Foxy X Jack Russell
Perry is a very affectionate, sweet boy who is very social with other small dogs. He loves to sleep on your bed and prefers not to be left for long periods of time. He is very loyal and loving. Perry is used to walking on lead and meeting other dogs. He loves is toys, particularly balls and also enjoys fishing treats out of a Kong. Perry has some basic obedience viz, sit, down, wait, paw and stay. Perry was surrendered to us by owners who lived in small apartment with baby and toddler. Perry is anxious/nervous around small children. He has a smooth coat and is a bit overweight at 8.4kg. Perry suits apartment living and PT hours alone. He is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $600
Rosie
Mini Dachshund 8yo
Rosie is a gorgeous Mini Long Dachshund. She has been used for breeding in the past, but that life is now behind her. She is a very gentle calm affection girl who gets on very well with other small dogs. She came from the pound with an early pyometra (infected uterus) but this is now resolved with desexing. Once she has recovered from desexing (more complicated as a result previous Caesar surgery) she will have a dental. Rosie is probably best as an only dog in the household as she can get jealous of affection shown to other dogs. She has a longish coat and weighs 7kg. She suits apartment living and FT hours alone. She is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $700.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
New lights for Boondah fields
On Wednesday July 1st the council announced there is now newly installed lighting at the Boondah Road fields in Warriewood that will enable clubs to run safer, well lit training sessions and games throughout the darker months.
Situated a stone’s throw from Warriewood Square and the B-Line, Field 2 on the corner of Jackson and Boondah Roads is used by Narrabeen Football Club.
''The full-sized senior field is now equipped with four light poles featuring energy-efficient LED lighting that meets current Australian standards.'' the council stated
''The lights will operate under a central control system. Sporting clubs will have the ability to switch to a training mode, reducing energy consumption and lowering field usage costs.
Additionally, new lighting will be installed and operated between dawn and dusk along the shared path from the B-Line bus stop to Boondah Road, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the community.
The project is funded by the Warriewood Development Contributions Plan and the Manly Warringah Football Association.
This is just one of the great initiatives for this precinct to be delivered by Council over the coming years. Find out more on our Your Say page.
This location is in addition to a number of lighting projects council has completed in the last couple of months including Keirle Park, Manly with the installation of 7 light poles with efficient LED lights and upgrades to lighting at Field 1 of Lionel Watts Reserve.''
Boondah Field 2 lighting upgrade. Photo: NBC
New Bridge at Dee Why
On Monday July 13 the council announced a ''new bridge connecting Dee Why Oval to Palara Place has been completed to enhance safety, accessibility and amenity for the community.
The new 20-metre-long bridge replaces the previous bridge which had reached the end of its operational life.
The modern, minimalist design of the bridge means it blends into the surrounding environment while meeting contemporary pedestrian and bicycle path standards.
The upgraded width accommodates shared use, improving connectivity for walkers, runners and cyclists.
The generous 2.5 metre width provides ample space to comfortably accommodate people of all ages and abilities, while its single span steel construction ensures durability and low maintenance.''
The new bridge connects Dee Why Oval to Palara Place. Photo: NBC
Manly’s kangaroo hops back to life
The council has completed works to restore a historic landmark on the peninsula. In late June the council announced Manly’s much-loved heritage kangaroo statue has its head back and, for the first time in more than 70 years, its ears too.
The sandstone kangaroo, located on Kangaroo Street, was erected in 1856/57 and was commissioned by Henry Gilbert Smith. Standing about 15 feet, or just over 4.5 metres high, the carving has been attributed to either Charles ‘Percy’ Pickering or Thomas Youl.
The statue was damaged in February, when its head was removed. Repairs began in April and were completed in June 2026 by Sydney stone artist Daniel de Chellis from De Chellis Artistry.
The restoration involved months of research to source the best sandstone match. A special ageing technique was then used so the new stone would blend with the original weathered sandstone.
The repairs were designed to be robust and minimise the chance of further damage. However, due to the statue’s position on a rock shelf, it is difficult to protect it with fencing or other barriers.
Over the years, several stories have emerged about why the kangaroo was installed in this location, including:
- To attract people up, to show them the beautiful view.
- As a landmark to steer by when returning from fishing.
- Henry Gilbert Smith’s wife used to sit and admire the view from that spot, and that the kangaroo was erected in her memory.
- That the tail-less ‘roo marks the spot where the last kangaroo in the district was shot.
You can read about Charles De Boos encountering the landmark in his 1860 published trek from Manly to Barrenjoey in 'My Holiday' and a little more about other 'attractions' installed at Manly in Manly's Stone Kangaroo, Camera Obscura, First Maze and 'Chute' - Fun Days in Sea Hazes from 1857 On.
Manly's stone kangaroo in 2026. Photos: NBC
Nominate an Environment Hero
Do you know an environmental hero who should be recognised?
Help recognise our local environmental heroes by nominating someone for the 2026 State and Territory Landcare Awards!
These awards celebrate individuals, groups and organisations protecting Australia’s land, water and ecosystems. They recognise leadership across climate action, sustainable agriculture, First Nations landcare, Coastcare, innovation, youth and women in landcare, and more.
Nominations are free and open to self-nominations or someone you know who should be recognised for their work to restore, enhance, and protect the natural environment in their community.
It only takes around 10-minutes to submit a nomination and shine a light on the important work happening in communities across the country.
This biennial national program highlights outstanding contributions to environmental care at a local level, helping build a more sustainable future for all Australians.
National category winners will go on to become finalists for the 2027 National Landcare Awards.
Don’t miss out, nominations close 31 July 2026 (ACT closes 14 June 2026).
Eligible nominees may include:
- Community volunteers
- Landcare groups, networks, organisations, and facilitators
- Community-led environmental groups including Bushcare, ‘Friends of’, Coastcare
- Farmers and agricultural innovators
- Educators
- Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations and individuals
- Schools and youth groups
- NGOs and organisations involved in Landcare activity
- Women in Landcare
- Young adults
Landcare NSW are excited to announce the Awards will be presented at a very special gala dinner at the 2026 NSW Landcare & Local Land Services Conference, “The Sum of It All”, in Corowa, 27-29 October 2026.
The winners of the 2026 NSW Landcare Awards categories will then advance as finalists to the 2027 National Landcare Awards.
Nominations Open for 2026 Australian Sailing Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australian Sailing State and National Awards, with the annual state events set to recognise clubs and members in all States and Territories for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the sailing community over the past year.
The Australian Sailing Awards are the peak awards for the sport of sailing in Australia and will act as a national celebration of sailing and its significance at a local, state, and national level.
Nominations will first be judged for their relevant State Awards, with the winners set to be announced throughout September. The winning nominations from the State Awards will then be put forward as nominees to the judging panel of the National Australian Sailing Awards, with national winners to be announced at the Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions Dinner in Sydney on Friday 30 October. So, to be in the running for the National Awards you must submit a nomination for your State or Territory Awards as per the timings below.
Key dates for this year’s process include:
- Nominations close: Monday 3 August
- State Winners announced: September
- National Finalists announced: Monday 28 September
- National Winners announced: Friday 30 October
Nominees will be judged for their achievements over the nomination performance period, which is 4 August 2025 to 2 August 2026 for both State and National Awards.
Visit the Prepare your nomination page for all the information you will need to collate your nominations, including the criteria for each award category.
We look forward to honouring individuals, groups and clubs with all manner of involvement in the sailing community, from our hard-working volunteers, through to inspiring performances from Australian sailors on the international stage.
Nominations are now open and will close at 11:59pm AEST on Monday 3 August 2026.
Nominate now for the following categories:
Performance Award Categories
- Male Sailor of the Year
- Female Sailor of the Year
- Para Sailor of the Year
- Youth Sailor of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Coach of the Year
Club Award Categories
- Club of the Year (Category A)
- Club of the Year (Category B)
- Instructor of the Year
- Official of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
Sport Award Categories
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- SheSails Award
- Sport Professional Award
- Sport Promotion Award
- Innovation Award
Save the Date - State Sailing Awards
- NSW/ACT - Saturday 19 September (Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron)
Men’s Table in Avalon
Life gets busy — work, family, responsibilities. Sometimes there’s not much space left just to sit down and talk honestly with other men.
Whether you consider yourself young, middle aged or old ; whether you’re working or retired or just taking a break ; whether you are a long-time local or a newbie originally from somewhere else, the Men’s Table could just be what you are looking for.
A Men’s Table is a group of 8-12 men who meet for dinner monthly to talk about what’s going on in their lives in a friendly, open and confidential place for conversations that go beyond banter and the footy. An opportunity to build genuine connections and form a supportive community among men as they navigate life’s ups and downs.
We’re starting a local Men’s Table in Avalon — and an Intro dinner called an 'Entrée' will be held on July 21, Tuesday, 630-9pm at the Avalon Beach RSL. The ticket ($32) is to pay for your dinner as there are no joining fees.
Interested or want to learn more? Call 1800 636 782. Or email : hello@themenstable.org
Or register for the Intro Dinner already. Here’s the link : https://themenstable.org/entree-nsw/
Polar Plunge at Dee Why
We're spreading the word about a great community event coming up in August — the Special Olympics Dee Why Polar Plunge 2026.
We'd love to see as many residents as possible involved, so please share this with your friends, families, and anyone who might be keen to take the plunge.
- When: Saturday, 1 August 2026
- Where: Dee Why Rock Pool
On the day:
- 8:00am – Check-in opens
- 9:00am – Plunge begins
- 10:30am – Event concludes
Please note that only registered participants will be able to plunge on the day, so make sure to register in advance.
It's winter, it's Dee Why, and it's for a wonderful cause.
Participants are encouraged to think water and winter when it comes to what they wear — and don't forget a towel and warm clothes to get into afterwards. As for the plunge itself, we'll leave that to your imagination.
Register here: specialolympics.com.au/register/pp-northernbeaches
Community News + what ran in each Issue
Community News Pages list articles that ran each week as well as reports run in other pages: Inbox and Environment News archives etc.
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Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing
Please contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue on (02) 9413 4300 for advice if you hit a native animal or come across an injured one while driving. It is helpful if you can provide an accurate location or landmark to assist our rescuers who will pouch check marsupials for joeys, so little lives like Phoebe can be saved.
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane Notice
Mona Vale Residents Association
Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area. Email: mvrasydney@gmail.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/monavaleresidents
