Community News: June 2020

June 28 - July 4, 2020: Issue 456

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 456 

Solar Power For New Hospital Building At Mona Vale 

Northern Beaches Council LGA Tops Dog Attack Statistics Again: 3rd Quarter 2019/2020 Data 


Tenders For Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore Bus Services Open: Private Operators Invited To Deliver Transition to Zero Emission Buses




Pictures North Narrabeen Rock Pool: Some History

Park Bench Philosopher Sydney Light Rail Honours Australian Veterans In Korean War: 70 Years Commemorations

Support Pittwater High School's Sailing Program and Claim A Tax Deduction: Let's Get These Students Messing About In Boats! - Bonus insight: The Kalori - Pittwater High School Yacht

Profile Bushcare is BACK!

Council announced a return for Bushcare Groups last week. 

''While there has been a recent hiatus from Bushcare activities due to Covid -19, our friendly volunteers returned this week, with additional safety protocols in place.'' Council stated on June 18

''Becoming a Bushcare volunteer is easy and no experience is necessary - all you need is enthusiasm.

The Northern Beaches has close to 60 Bushcare sites, so there is sure to be a site near you. 

Bushcare groups usually meet monthly for 2 to 3 hours to work in their local bushland reserves. Most groups meet on weekends, however there are also groups that meet throughout the week.

Tools are provided or you can bring your own, and one of our experienced supervisors will provide new volunteers the necessary training and guidance in bush regeneration techniques and plant identification.''

This Issue's Profile of the Week provides an overview of how you can get involved, from Manly to Palm Beach.

There are hundreds of volunteers who work at these different sites throughout the Northern Beaches. Most Bushcare groups work at set times through the year, for two or three hours each month.

No experience is needed. Council have activities to suit all levels of participation and all ages, as well as the community nursery program that enlists the help of dedicated volunteers who propagate thousands of indigenous plants (including rare species) each year. These plants can then be used by Bushcare volunteers or by council as part of the ongoing works program.

Tools, training and guidance in bush regeneration techniques are provided.

So if you're huddled at home, so cold you're convinced it's about to snow - the remedy may be to get out and get busy and invest a few hours of your time in a place worth preserving and maintaining - out with the introduced weeds, in with the plants that actually belong there - see your investment in your community grow - literally!

For more information on becoming a Bushcare volunteer, should you wish to skip this week's Profile overview of how you can get involved and where the sites are, head straight to Council's Bushcare webpage and delve deeper - get those green thumbs covered in dirt and feel great while doing so!

There's even an interactive map where you can find places close to your heart to get involved in.

Youngsters are also encouraged to get involved as our local Bushcare Program is child friendly. For those doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award, you too can invest a few hours in gaining valuable insights into what grows here and see plants they put in grow and regenerate whole areas.  

Bushcare is all about community volunteers working with Council to conserve and rehabilitate publicly owned natural bushland. Bushcare groups aim to rehabilitate the bush from a weed infested or otherwise degraded plant community to a healthy community, composed of locally occurring native plants, encouraging the bush to ‘bounce back’ through natural processes.

History Narrabeen Lakes Amateur Swimming Club by Maureen Rutlidge, Life Member  

Environment Pittwater Environment Notes This Week, Pittwater Bird of the Month July 2020: Crested Tern, Profile Of The Week Feature For Issue 456: Bushcare Is Back!, National Parks And Wildlife Service On A Mission To Recruit 125 New Staff, Endangered Kosciuszko Mouse Survives Fires, COVID Conservation Help Save Threatened Species From The Comfort Of Your Couch, Sweet Release - Endangered Regent Honeyeaters Soar, NSW's Renewable Energy Zone Sparking Investment Boom, Largest Ever Purchase For National Park Estate, Old Growth Reassessment Program Suspended, 2020 Midwinter Subzero Swim, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park Precinct Closures Update, Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans and Bottles and Nominate SW As Recipient, Echidna season, Downloadable Shorebirds booklet, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News Grant To Expand Trial Of Breakthrough Treatment For Patients With Paralysis: University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australian Research: Medicinal Cannabis May Reduce Behavioural Problems In Kids With Intellectual Disabilities, Sled Dogs Are Closely Related To 9,500-Year-Old 'Ancient Dog', Massive Prehistoric Circle Near Stonehenge, Digitise Your Dog Into A Computer Game

Northern Beaches Council LGA Tops Dog Attack Statistics Again

The NSW Office of Local Government has recently released the statistics for the Number of dog attack incidents reported by all councils from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2020, showing that yet again the NBC area has the 2nd highest number of dog attacks with 58 official reported incidents, although the numbers recorded by the NSWOLG actually put the NBC LGA in 1st place with 70 attacks. 

NBC LGA:
No of people involved in serious attacks: 9
No of people involved in less serious attacks: 23
Total number of people attacked: 32
Total animals attacked: 38

The Central Coast came in 1st with 69 and 133,740 registered dogs. Blacktown Council was 3rd with 52 dog attacks and 87,848 microchipped dogs in their LGA. 

The NBC LGA has 59,496 microchipped dogs.

A comparison with an LGA of similar companion canines numbers, Newcastle City Council, with 53,839 microchipped dogs, had just 16 reported attacks and only 4 of these were on people.

Residents report dogs are off-leash in public areas, on beaches and in wildlife reserves and national parks at all times with no ranger in sight or those who are seen being approached by rangers simply 'turning tail' and moving away, and not being pursued. 

Places where bird colonies and other wildlife once lived are now devoid of those species as the failures by this council to undertake its obligations under the Companion Animals Act 1998 not only grow in number but are facilitated and escalated through proposals that more public space should be turned over for the use of a few at the exclusion of the many - including that which actually lived and bred there or lives and breeds there still.

Research shows the original Warringah Shire Council commenced ensuring public spaces were kept safe from dog faeces and dog attacks from at least 1925, and prosecuted those who broke the rules. 

Far from being progressive the representatives of the current council could be deemed regressive in their failure to protect all native species, as required, keep dog-free areas actually dog-free, as required, and all residents's public spaces safe, as required. Almost 100 years later the failure by this LGA's representatives to 'step up' is actually and actively destroying community, native species, and once pristine areas. 

This failure extends right along the peninsula, as shown in daily emails and communications to this news service, posts on social media community forums and in the statistics themselves. 

As many attacks go unreported, with so many residents being dog-owners or dog-lovers or choosing to  forgo all that making a complaint entails, what the real statistics may be would be much much higher.

Unfortunately, not reporting incidents is only aiding and abetting those granting themselves special dispensation to do as they please whenever and wherever they wish.

Whatever side of the coin you rest on, or wipe the dog faeces now on your shoes off with - one matter is quite obvious - this area now has a growing, without being seriously challenged, dogs off-leash at all times and in all places, problem.

Tips To Keep Dogs And Your Community Safe

To help keep dogs happy at home it is recommended that dog owners:
  • Make sure they have a suitable yard and that they are providing plenty of stimulation and attention
  • Provide adequate exercise by taking dogs on regular walks
  • Alleviate boredom by providing toys
  • Reinforce fences where dogs may be getting out
Children should always walk the dog with adult supervision. A young child may not have the strength to control an over-excited or anxious dog.

Obedience training is also a very valuable tool to help owners train their dogs and learn how to handle their dog in various situations. Even if your dog isn’t comfortable around people or other dogs, obedience training can be a safer way to work on socialising your pet.

Even normally well-behaved dogs can be unpredictable sometimes. If your dog is friendly, still don’t let it approach other dogs or other people as they might not be as comfortable.

What Penalties Relate To Dogs That Are Encouraged To, Or Have, Attacked?

As a dog owner, you are liable if your dog attacks a person or another animal. 

Encouraging dog to attack, bite, harass or chase any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not actual injury is caused -  200 penalty units/$22,000: Maximum penalty amount

Encouraging restricted dog or declared dangerous or menacing dog to attack, bite, harass or chase any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not actual injury is caused - s.17(1A)Prtovision for 5 years imprisonment (and permanent disqualification from owning a dog or being in charge of a dog in a public place in NSW s.23) 700 penalty units/$77,000 : Maximum penalty amount

Dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal s.16(1)(a)  100 penalty units/$11,000 : Maximum penalty amount

Dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal as a result of a reckless act or omission by the dog’s owner or another person in charge of the dog at the time of the attack s.16(1AA) up to 2 years imprisonment and/or 200 penalty units/$22,000: Maximum penalty amount

Restricted dog or declared dangerous or menacing dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal s.16(1)(b) No 400 penalty units/$44,000 : Maximum penalty amount

Restricted dog or declared dangerous or menacing dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal as a result of a reckless act or omission by the dog’s owner or another person in charge of the dog at the time of the attack s.16(1AB) 4 years and/or 500 penalty units/$55,000: Maximum penalty amount

Restricted dog or declared dangerous or menacing dog attacks or bites any person (whether or not any injury is caused to the person), as a result of the owner’s failure to comply with control requirements s.16(1A) up to 5 years imprisonment (and permanent disqualification from owning a dog or being in charge of a dog in a public place in NSW s.23) 700 penalty units/$77,000: Maximum penalty amount

Mona Vale Road Section Closed This Weekend

Mona Vale Rd will be closed to general traffic between Manor Rd and the roundabout at Ponderosa Pde/Samuel St from 6am to 7pm on Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June.

Through-traffic will be detoured via Powderworks Rd, Garden St and Ponderosa St or via Pittwater Rd in both directions.

Local traffic will be detoured via Lane Cove Rd, Cabbage Tree Rd and Samuel St.
Mona Vale Rd between the roundabout at Ponderosa Pde and Foley St remains open but under management of traffic controllers.

Heavy vehicles, buses and emergency services only will be permitted to travel through the closure under a stop/go traffic arrangement during the works.

To keep up-to-date with roadworks in the area visit LiveTraffic: https://www.livetraffic.com

Pittwater Online News Winter School Holidays Issues

Please note that Issue No: 457 will be published Sunday July 5th and that Issue No: 458 will be published Sunday July 19th - Events and Notices will be added in during the interim but there will be no Issue published Sunday July 12th.

Email pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au for any late Extras or add ins.

We hope all enjoy the Winter School Holiday break.

Generous Donation To Avalon Beach SLSC 

Avalon Beach SLSA has received an unexpected and most welcome donation fron the Avalon Active Seniors Group.

Avalon Active Seniors Group has ceased operating after many years in Avalon.

The Group decided that the remaining cash at bank should be donated to a suitable charitable organisation in Avalon Beach.

A cheque for $2,628.17 was donated by the Group to the Club  "in recognition of your Club's contribution to the Avalon Beach community."

The surf club is most appreciative of the generous donation as like everything and everyone else this year the surf club's operations and finances have been adversely impacted by necessary coronavirus health safety measures. 

Its finances are basically sound and the club will be ready to provide its volunteer surf life saving services when the 2020-21 season starts.  

But the surf club's usual funding sources such as the annual swims, hall hire, functions etc were severely impacted this year. 

Health safety measures also meant that normal training, educational, youth support and development and other surf club functions have been adversely affected.

''Donations such as that of Avalon Active Seniors are unexpected bonuses, which as well as improving surf club finances, are morale boosters for our volunteers.'' club President Ash Cardiff said this week. 

Other organisations or individuals who might wish to make donations to the surf club, a registered charitable organisation, will be most welcome. 

Please send to Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc  PO Box 110  Avalon Beach NSW 2107 for a tax deductible receipt. 

New members old and young are also welcome when the club's activities start to gradually resume. Contact the club via the website at avalonbeachslsc.com.au

Roger Sayers
ABSLSC Publicity Officer, Life Member 

Photo: (left to right) Colleen Sheerin President Avalon Active Seniors, Ken Oxborrow Treasurer Avalon Active Seniors, Ash Cardiff President Avalon Beach SLSC,  Gen Watts Secretary Avalon Active Seniors

Scammers Are Targeting Our Seniors

The Northern Beaches Police Area Command report the following scams targeting Seniors in our area. If you receive a phone call from someone stating they are from the ATO, or anywhere else for that matter; your bank, a charity, etc. - HANG UP ON THEM, and then call your bank or the ATO, or whoever they claim to be from, to query the contact made and reason for it. 

NB: 
  • the ATO will never threaten anyone with arrest over the phone
  •  police don't call to tell you there's a warrant out for your arrest
  • authorities don't call to tell you about fraudulent activity on your Tax File or bank account
  • anyone calling and asking for money is a scammer, especially when it involves buying gift cards and passing on their numbers
Scammers may pretend to have a connection with you. So it’s important to stop and check, even when you are approached by what you think is a trusted organisation. 

If you do know Seniors in our area who do not read Pittwater Online News, please discuss this with them and let's stop this from happening to our residents.

Visit the Scamwatch news webpage for general warnings and media releases on COVID-19 scams.
Report scam activity to Scamwatch via www.scamwatch.gov.au

MyGov Scam emails
Also watch out for scammers impersonating myGov, claiming they've made adjustments to your tax return and you're eligible for a refund, or from JobKeeper, stating they need more details to process your payment. If you get an email like this DO NOT click any links or provide your personal details. If unsure, contact the ATO directly. Watch out for these too - and just HANG UP ON THEM

Telstra access
Scammers pretending to be from Telstra tech support are at it again. The scammers are calling people and requesting remote access to their computer to fix a security issue. While the scammer accesses the computer to 'fix the issue', the call recipient is instructed to log in to their bank account. 

Soon after these calls, victims report that funds from their accounts are withdrawn, and in some cases sent to offshore bank accounts. If you receive a call asking for access to your computer and/or bank account details, please hang up. If you think you may have been a victim of this scam, please contact your bank immediately.

Bushfire appeal....
Lunchtime on Saturday and a Narrabeen woman answered her phone to a caller claiming to be collecting money for bushfire victims. At first the 87-year old was convinced, handing over details for her bank account. Then the penny dropped and she called police. Officers contacted her bank in time to head off any theft.

ATO #1...
Also lucky, a 79-year old woman from Cromer. She, too, was convinced by the scammer's line that she owed money to The Australian Tax Office and would be arrested if she didn't pay. She handed over personal information before thinking twice and contacting police. Again, officers helped with contacting the woman's bank before money could be taken.

ATO #2....
Not so lucky, another Narrabeen woman. First it was a recorded message telling the 75-year old she owned money to the Tax Office and that her account was being used to launder money. The follow up phone call was from a woman who convinced her victim to head out and buy $500 gift cards and pass on the numbers while she stayed on the phone. This was repeated on each of the following three days to the tune of many thousands of dollars.

NBN....
Also falling victim, another octogenarian also from Narrabeen. Convinced by the conman's claim to be from the NBN and investigating hackers, the 84-year old gave away his bank account details. The scammers were quick to act, taking many thousands of dollars from their victim's account within the hour.

Pittwater High School Sailing Program Fund

At Pittwater High our connection to the environment and the ocean is part of our DNA.
Our Sailing program supports personal development as well as the development of life skills. There’s something about sailing that makes it quite unlike other sports. More than just skill and strategy, it teaches certain values that shape young people into unique athletes.

We usually focus on the physical aspects of sport and we forget how much we stand to gain from the sport – both socially and emotionally.

Sailing is not just a sport that keeps you fit, but also one that develops you into a well-rounded individual – something far more important than winning raced or gold medals.

As our local America’s cup skipper Jimmy Spithill put it: “If you want to go fast, you go alone, If you want to go far, you go together.”


About the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF)
The unique purpose of the Foundation is to enable donors to claim a tax deduction for donations made to sporting projects that have signed up to fundraise with us. Over the last 30 years, the Foundation has helped increased funding to all levels of sport by more than $345 million!

In simple terms, for every donation of $2 or more, the Foundation provides a receipt to the donor that they can then use to claim their tax deduction for the donation.


Improving Mobile Reception For Terrey Hills

Residents of Terrey Hills are set to receive a boost to their mobile phone reception with the announcement of a proposal to build a Mobile Phone Base Station at Terrey Hills.

Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski MP has expressed his support for improving mobile phone coverage around The Northern Beaches. 

“Reliable mobile phone reception is a very basic thing now days. I think most people would expect it, especially around a major city like Sydney.” Mr Falinski said.

“I congratulate Vodafone for getting involved in the Terrey Hills community.” 

Mr Falinski supports improving mobile phone reception across the Northern Beaches, as long as the community is properly consulted. 

“I welcome the opportunity for the community to have their say on this proposal.” Mr Falinski said.

“Communities are made great, when those within them are able to have their say.”

The proposed tower would be constructed by Avisford Consulting on behalf on Vodafone at 203 Mona Vale road, Terrey Hills. It would help to ensure a high quality of Vodafone telecommunications coverage within the Terrey Hills area and along Mona Vale Road. The proposed tower will include 4G technology. 

As part of the consultation process, the community is invited to provide their feedback about the proposal. This can be done by letter, email or through the Avisford website. Feedback is being accepted until 5pm Friday 10th of July, following the consultation process Avisford will prepare a report on the outcomes on that consultation which will be available in mid-July.

Feedback should be directed to Mr Chris Hayes: chris.hayes@avisfordconsulting.com. 

Depending on the outcome of the consultation process, construction should begin in late 2020. 
PROPOSAL TO INSTALL A NEW MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 203 MONA VALE ROAD, TERREY HILLS NSW 2084

Vodafone plans to install a new telecommunication facility at the above address.

1.The proposal consists of the following:
•The installation of one (1) 25m monopole;
•The installation of three (3) new panel antennas (each measuring less than 2.8 metres in length) on the proposed monopole;
•The installation of twelve (12) remote radio units (RRU’s) mounted near the proposed panel antennas;
•Installation of one (1) 600mm radio communications dish;
•The installation of equipment units near the base of the pole; and
•The installation of associated ancillary equipment, including amplifiers, combiners, diplexers, mounts, cable trays, feeders, cables etc.

2.Vodafone regards the proposed installation as Exempt and Complying Development under the provisions of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007.

3.Further information can be obtained from Chris Hayes, on behalf of Vodafone, chris.hayes@avisfordconsulting.com and at www.rfnsa.com.au/2084013

4.The proposed infrastructure will be in compliance with the ACMA EMR regulatory arrangements.

5.We invite you to make a submission. Written submissions should be sent to: Chris Hayes – Avisford Consulting, 37 Myrtle Street, Chippendale NSW 2008, by 5pm Friday 10th July 2020

Applications Open For AusPost Local Community Grants

Monday June 22, 2020
Not-for-profit community organisations are encouraged to apply for a 2020 Australia Post Community Grant, with up to $10,000 available to each recipient.

This year the initiative reflects Australia Post’s commitment and focus on mental health, with an emphasis on supporting projects that help improve connection and mental wellbeing in local communities.

Australia Post Head of Community, Nicky Tracey said it is a challenging period for the not-for-profit sector, and while communities continue to show their resilience, the mental wellbeing of many Australians had been impacted due to bushfires, floods or the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Being part of a community and feeling a sense of belonging has become more important than ever before. Our Grants program aims to help strengthen the support network and relationships between individuals and their community which is greatly needed at this time,” said Ms Tracey.

“We know that when people in communities connect, they naturally feel better – which will often improve mental health – which is why we want to support the organisations that are helping make this happen.”
“Ultimately, when people look out for each other and talk openly about mental health – we can build stronger, more resilient communities,” Ms Tracey said.

The 2020 Australia Post Community Grants will support initiatives that:
  • Support mental health awareness and early intervention to help people understand more about how to stay mentally well
  • Increase opportunity for individuals to participate and connect within their communities 
  • Strengthen connections to mental health support services
In 2019 the Community Grants awarded almost $500,000 to 75 not-for-profit community organisations across Australia for the delivery of grassroots community projects, with the majority of recipients in rural and regional areas.

Eligible community organisations can apply for an Australia Post Community Grant for up to $10,000 via www.auspost.com.au/grants. 

Applications close 17 July and all applicants will be notified of the outcome in October 2020.

Study Explores COVID-19 Impact On Adults In Australia

June 24, 2020
Concerns about whether people have coped in isolation have prompted a weekly survey to identify how adults living in Australia are dealing with coronavirus (COVID-19) issues such as illness, isolation, and social distancing.

The international social study of the health and wellbeing impacts of COVID-19 is open to all adults aged over 18 living in Australia, including non-citizens and non-residents. People do not have to be in isolation or quarantine or diagnosed with COVID-19 to take part.

University of Melbourne and National Ageing Research Institute researchers, together with their counterparts in the USA and UK, want to understand more about the effects of COVID-19 on wellbeing, mental health, social functioning, physical health, and use of services.

Dr Anita Goh, a National Ageing Research Institute and University of Melbourne Research Fellow, and Royal Melbourne Hospital Clinical Neuropsychologist, said no one knew what the unprecedented pandemic’s effects would be.

“It is unclear whether social demographic factors or individual characteristics might make some people more at risk of poor wellbeing and/or mental and physical health, or whether certain activities could buffer against adverse health effects,” Dr Goh said.

“This study is crucial as there are limited longitudinal survey studies on the wellbeing effects of COVID-19 across time, including while restrictions are in place, while they are lifted partially or fully, and then in the recovery phases.”

Participation is voluntary and anonymous via weekly surveys taken online or by pen and paper via mail. Once governments declare the pandemic over, an optional 40-minute follow up interview will be offered.

Questions cover general wellbeing, mental and physical health, activities such as exercise, whether people are isolating, and services used. The first survey takes 20-30 minutes, and then participants can opt to complete further (shorter) weekly surveys.

Dr Goh said the results would inform government decisions in Australia and internationally. “Researchers in the UK and the USA are also conducting this study, so we can compare results between our countries,” Dr Goh said.

“Our sample size is too small at the moment to make meaningful comments on the Australian experience. We really need the Australian public to support this research by completing the surveys to tell us how they are coping and how we can best support their wellbeing.

“Participation in our study will give us really important information from Australians, to help us develop strategies or tools for supporting the wellbeing of Australians during and following the pandemic. I really encourage everyone to complete this survey so we can plan our response to COVID-19.”

The study is funded by the National Ageing Research Institute and has University of Melbourne ethics approval.

NSW School Curriculum Overhaul

The NSW school curriculum will be overhauled to improve standards, marking the biggest change to the education system in over 30 years. The changes will start in 2021, with all school years learning the new curriculum by 2024.  

The NSW Government’s new school curriculum changes will:
  • declutter the curriculum by reducing unnecessary subjects 
  • focus on core literacy and numeracy subjects
  • modernise pathways and opportunities for Year 11 and Year 12 for universities and TAFE courses.
Work to deliver the new curriculum is already underway.

A review undertaken by Professor Geoff Masters supports the changes by the NSW Government. 

The changes will ensure teachers have the time and support to teach fundamental subjects in English, maths and science.  

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the overhaul will raise standards and equip students for the jobs of the future.

“The NSW Government will be taking a back to basics approach to the curriculum. Literacy and numeracy will remain the focus throughout a student’s school experience,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We are investing record amounts into education and the results need to match this. We need to make a change if we want NSW to improve by global standards.”

Seeking Erle Wilson Information

My name is James Bartlett and I am trying to track down any family contacts for the late author Erle Alexander Mann Wilson, who lived at 870 Barrenjoey Road.

He wrote a number of books and articles in the 1950s (https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/A7555?mainTabTemplate=agentWorksBy) and though I have tried State Libraries, local libraries, publishers associations, agents, publishers, and many more, I have been unable to find a contact for him - so am now hoping a family member still exists somewhere locally.....

Can any of the locals help at all?

Thanks so much,

James Bartlett

If anyone has any information or pointers for James, please email Pittwater Online and we'll forward it. 
Ed.

Northern Beaches Community Grants 2020/21 

Council's Community Grants program is now open. 
Applications will close at 3pm on Tuesday 30th June 2020.
This program offers funding up to $10,000 (excl.GST) in three grant streams:
You can review the Community Grants Program Guidelines for eligibility criteria, application process and grants management requirements.

AMAZING POP-UP SHOP SPACE OPPORTUNITY IN MONA VALE The CBD Of The Northern Beaches!

$500 per week negotiable
INCLUSIONS: Utilities, WiFi, 1 x Off-street Car Space, Shared kitchen and WC 
Area: 38.5 sqm: 3.19m (W) x 12.1m (L) 

Fabulous retail pop up shop space located in Mona Vale for short term rental in the gorgeous original Gamekeepers Cottage from Taronga Park Zoo.


Available during the peak retail period in the lead up to Christmas from the 1st September to 24th December 2020. 

Conveniently located in Darley Street, directly opposite the entrance/exit to Pittwater Place carpark providing super high visibility and great exposure. Surrounded by a combination of retail businesses with local favourite Coffee Bros just 3 shops away.



An off street car space right out the front offers great parking options for staff or customers. Additional parking is easy and convenient to find with free 3 hour undercover parking directly opposite in Pittwater Place and timed and un-timed parking in adjacent streets.

Shop is secured with lock up front roller door and locked double-glazed glass doors at the rear providing great natural light and air flow. A covered pergola at the front of shop offers extra space for external displays. 



The shop space is part of a cottage building that also houses an art school. Detached studio spaces beyond the courtyard add to this creative hub or could be rented as storage for an extra negotiated fee. 
Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared with a friendly creative business in the other half of the building. 

Access to shared break out area in a sunny back courtyard for coffee and lunch if desired. 
Available for viewing on Tuesdays from the 16th June between 10am-6pm by appointment only. 

Contact Christine to see this amazing opportunity. 
P: 0402 532 957

NSW Veterans' Strategy Survey

The NSW Government through the Office for Veterans Affairs is asking for feedback on issues faced by veterans and their families.

What’s this about?
The NSW Government through the Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) is asking for feedback on issues faced by veterans and their families, and how the government can better support them. The feedback will inform the first NSW Veterans’ Strategy to be published later this year.

Have your say
Veterans, their families and friends, ex-service organisations and those involved in providing veterans’ services are encouraged to participate in the survey and contribute to the strategy.

You can provide your feedback via the online survey. 
Have your say by Friday 17 July 2020.

Survey
28 May 2020 to 17 July 2020
12:01am to 11:59pm

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families as NSW continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said.

“If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.

“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community in the current environment.”

The NSW Government is constantly adapting as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.

Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
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Organisations Encouraged To Apply For $14 Million Crown Reserves Improvement Fund 

Crown land managers and community groups that use Crown land on the Northern Beaches are invited to apply for a share of $14 million in grants to upgrade and maintain community facilities and reserves across NSW.

Member for Manly James Griffin said applications for the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are open until 10 July 2020.

“This fund maintains and upgrades reserves and community facilities on Crown land across NSW, including the Northern Beaches,” Mr Griffin said.

“This year the NSW Government will invest $14 million across the state to benefit community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown land reserves.

“Grant applications are open to Crown land reserve managers including Northern Beaches Council and community groups who use Crown land, and I encourage eligible local organisations to apply.

“The fund will support improvements to community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown reserves while also supporting local businesses and economies.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said quality public reserves were vital to the health and well-being of local communities.

“Residents need quality natural spaces to relax and rejuvenate and this fund enhances local reserves that provide green open recreational space and protect our environmental diversity,” Mrs Pavey said.

“The fund also upgrades facilities on Crown land used by organisations at the heart of our communities, like surf life saving clubs, scouts and girl guide groups, public halls, the RSPCA and PCYC, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the grant program would be welcome news to communities who will benefit from improved access to great quality public spaces.

“This year’s funding will prioritise restoring and strengthening the resilience of public facilities and crown reserves that have suffered through bushfires, drought and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.

“We also want to make it easier for the community to walk and cycle with new tracks and trails across and between reserves and open spaces.”

For further information on the Crown Reserves Improvement fund and to apply, visit https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif

Be Safe At Home This Winter

Fire and Rescue NSW's Get Ready for Winter Campaign offers the community to discuss home fire safety.

Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell said winter is the time when we see an increase in residential house fire related fatalities. So it was important residents remember to be careful when using heaters and fireplaces and electric blankets this winter.

“Don’t put your family at risk this winter, check that all your appliances are switched off and ensure that open fires have been fully extinguished. If we all do our bit to minimise the risks in our home, we can all stay safer together”, he said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said, with families spending more time at home than ever before it is crucial, we prepare our homes before winter hits.

“FRNSW do a great job in keeping our community safe, now it is our time as NSW residents to do the right thing by our families, listen to the experts and ensure our homes are safe.”

Some simple steps the community can take include:
  • Never ever leave cooking unattended
  • Only working smoke alarms save lives - test your smoke alarm today
  • Keep everything one metre away from your heater
  • Do not overload your power boards with appliances like heaters and electric blankets
  • Strong fire screens should be set up in front of open fires
  • Turn off your electric blanket at night
  • Do not use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside your home. The use of this type of equipment indoors could lead to the build-up of carbon monoxide which could be fatal
Keep up with our open day activities by visiting www.fire.nsw.gov.au, or the Fire and Rescue NSW Facebook page or by searching for your local station on Facebook.

WINTER FIRE SAFETY WEEKEND CHECKLIST - downloadable PDF (523kb)

COVID-19 Testing

The NSW Government is urging anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 symptoms include:
  • - Fever;
  • - Cough;
  • - Tiredness (fatigue);
  • - Sore throat;
  • - Shortness of breath.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms please:
  • - Contact your GP;
  • - Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222;
  • -  Visit a NSW Health COVID-19 clinic.
The locations of COVID-19 clinics are available here:

In our area:
Mona Vale Hospital
Address: Building 14, Community Health Centre
Coronation Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, 7 days

Northern Beaches Hospital
Address: 105 Frenchs Forest Road (west), Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086
Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry)
Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm, 7 days

Please Register Wildlife Road Strikes

We need your help. Thank you for reporting wildlife road fatalities. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location.

There is a database that volunteers maintain but this 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:

The RMS are using this information to plan mitigation. So please, if you can, add the information in directly.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 15, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Medical Centres Reminder: Phone Ahead If Symptoms Are 'Flu-Like'

With restrictions easing, local medical centres are asking if you can please still keep in mind the symptoms of Covid-19. 

This week patients have walked into a medical centre saying they have sore throat or cough, having just walked past signs saying if you have symptoms don’t come in. 

Even if you don’t test positive for Covid-19, you could have a cold or the Flu and put all the vulnerable or elderly people in the centre at risk of catching it.

If you have ANY cold symptoms, please ring ahead to your GP to ask if you can come in, or if you should have a Telehealth consult or go and get tested for Covid-19.

For Our Area: COVID-19 Testing

The NSW Government is urging anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
COVID-19 symptoms include:
  • - Fever;
  • - Cough;
  • - Tiredness (fatigue);
  • - Sore throat;
  • - Shortness of breath.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms please:
  • - Contact your GP;
  • - Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222;
  • -  Visit a NSW Health COVID-19 clinic.
The locations of COVID-19 clinics are available here:

In Our Area:

Mona Vale Hospital
Address: Building 14, Community Health Centre
Coronation Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, 7 days

Northern Beaches Hospital
Address: 105 Frenchs Forest Road (west), Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086
Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry)
Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm, 7 days

Profile Of The Week Feature For Issue 456: Bushcare Is Back !

Council announced a return for Bushcare Groups last week. 

''While there has been a recent hiatus from Bushcare activities due to Covid -19, our friendly volunteers returned this week, with additional safety protocols in place.'' Council stated on June 18

''Becoming a Bushcare volunteer is easy and no experience is necessary - all you need is enthusiasm.

The Northern Beaches has close to 60 Bushcare sites, so there is sure to be a site near you. 

Bushcare groups usually meet monthly for 2 to 3 hours to work in their local bushland reserves. Most groups meet on weekends, however there are also groups that meet throughout the week.

Tools are provided or you can bring your own, and one of our experienced supervisors will provide new volunteers the necessary training and guidance in bush regeneration techniques and plant identification.''

This Issue's Profile of the Week provides an overview of how you can get involved, from Manly to Palm Beach.

There are hundreds of volunteers who work at these different sites throughout the Northern Beaches. Most Bushcare groups work at set times through the year, for two or three hours each month.

No experience is needed. Council have activities to suit all levels of participation and all ages, as well as the community nursery program that enlists the help of dedicated volunteers who propagate thousands of indigenous plants (including rare species) each year. These plants can then be used by Bushcare volunteers or by council as part of the ongoing works program.

Tools, training and guidance in bush regeneration techniques are provided.

So if you're huddled at home, so cold you're convinced it's about to snow - the remedy may be to get out and get busy and invest a few hours of your time in a place worth preserving and maintaining - out with the introduced weeds, in with the plants that actually belong there - see your investment in your community grow - literally!

For more information on becoming a Bushcare volunteer, should you wish to skip this week's Profile overview of how you can get involved and where the sites are, head straight to Council's Bushcare webpage and delve deeper - get those green thumbs covered in dirt and feel great while doing so!

Careel Creek and Careel Bay vines out bushcare group yesterday, June 27, 2020 enjoying their first session back.

Scheduled Roadworks - At Palm Beach, Avalon Beach & Along Mona Vale Road

Palm Beach: Barrenjoey Road between Surf Rd and Currawong Avenue
Until Wed 1 Jul 2020
Scheduled roadwork this week:  Sun (9:30pm to 5:00am)- Both directions affected
Mon to Thursday (9:30pm to 5:00am)-  Both directions affected
Advice: Check signage, Reduce your speed, Exercise caution
Other Advice: Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.

SCHEDULED ROADWORK: Mona Vale Road between Narabang Way and Cooyong Road
Sun 28 Jun 2020 till Wed 1 Jul 2020
Scheduled roadwork this week: Sun (9:30pm to 5:00am) - Both directions affected
Mon (9:30pm to 5:00am)- Both directions affected
Tue (9:30pm to 5:00am)- Both directions affected
Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Exercise caution

SCHEDULED ROADWORK Utilities:  Avalon Beach
Barrenjoey Road between North Avalon Rd and Kevin Ave:  Mon 6 Jul 2020 till Sat 11 Jul 2020
Scheduled roadwork this week: Weekdays (10:00am to 3:00pm)- Both directions affected
Advice: Reduce your speed, Exercise caution, Check signage

Speed Humps On McCarrs Creek Rd: Please 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

It 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.

Thanking you all in advance for your help with this.

Please Register Wildlife Road Strikes

We need your help. Thank you for reporting wildlife road fatalities. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location.

There is a database that volunteers maintain but this 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:

Children Under Five Years Of Age Reminded To Get Their Free Flu Shots

June 21, 2020
By: The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health
The Australian Government is helping parents to protect their children from seasonal influenza, a serious and potentially deadly condition by providing free flu vaccines and an evidence based campaign to increase the uptake of vaccinations.

This year, for the first time, all children aged from six months to less than five years are eligible for a free flu vaccine through the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Young children are among the people most vulnerable to complications from influenza. Influenza is a leading cause of hospitalisation for children under five and can be fatal, even in previously healthy children.

So far in 2020, there have been over 1,800 cases of flu in children under five years of age, and sadly one death. There have been over 20,000 cases of influenza overall, and 36 deaths in 2020, down from approximately 110,000 cases and 369 deaths at this time in 2019.

There is no doubt that vaccination is the most effective and safe way to protect young children against influenza and its complications.

In addition, our Government has launched an online campaign to increase uptake of the influenza vaccination. The campaign provides evidence based information for parents, to increase confidence in and acceptance of seasonal influenza vaccination.

The awareness campaign, running over a four week period in June, will use online advertising and social media channels targeted to parents and carers.

This year, our Government has secured a record 18 million doses of seasonal flu vaccines, to ensure that all Australians can receive this protection. This is more than double the number of vaccines provided under the NIP in 2017, at 8.3 million.

Vaccinating against the flu saves and protects lives and is particularly important this year due to COVID-19.

Whilst flu vaccination does not prevent against COVID-19, a flu vaccination is critical to protecting our general health.

The 2020 influenza vaccines are available now to eligible people under the NIP from a range of vaccination providers including GPs, community health clinics and eligible pharmacies in some states.

As well as children under five and over six months, free flu vaccine is available through the NIP for:
  • pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy;
  • all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older;
  • people aged 65 years and older;
  • people aged six months and older with certain medical risk factors.
For more information about flu vaccination visit 

Funding To Help Small Businesses Reopen After COVID-19

Small businesses across NSW will be able to apply for funding to help them safely reopen after the COVID-19 shutdown. Under the new Small Business Recovery Grant, small businesses will be able to apply for funding up to $3000.

The grants can be used to cover marketing and advertising expenses, make fit-out changes and train staff in how to work safely under the current COVID-19 health conditions.

The funds are available from the existing $750 million Small Business Support Fund, which closes on Tuesday 30 June 2020.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the new grants signalled a move from business survival to business revival.

“The existing grant program has proven very popular, with around 35,000 businesses receiving relief to cover expenses such as rates and phone bills,” Mr Dominello said.

“Applying for this new grant will be simple and easy, so businesses can focus on reopening safely and welcoming back customers.”

Applications will open on the Service NSW website from Wednesday 1 July 2020 until Sunday 16 August 2020.

Soibada  - Our Sister Village

2020 has been a challenging year so far for all of us but the impact of Covid-19 on families in already impoverished communities has been immense. Pittwater’s sister village in Timor Leste, the mountain town of Soibada, whilst not hit with cases of the Corona Virus, has been effected in a myriad of ways. There has been a lockdown across Timor Leste which has so far been very successful in containing active cases. So far there have only been 24 positive test results but the shared border with Indonesia poses quite a threat. Indonesia has a very high rate of infection.

This year is the tenth anniversary of our Pittwater Friendship Agreement with  Soibada in Timor Leste. The sister city arrangement was put in place during with meetings between Pittwater Council and the District of Manatuto in 2010.

We had big plans for a celebration but due to Covid-19 this and all of our events for the year have been put on hold.  However, progress on the projects in the village have continued even during lockdown. Construction is underway for the classrooms in the Arts, Craft and Cultural training Centre. Not only are we funding this new educational facility that will impact many in the community we are also paying the wages of the local builders and tradesmen. This in turn keeps their families fed. 

The average family in Soibada has 8 children. It costs approximately $25 a week to feed them. A builder earns just over $40 a week.   

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Have a look at the Chuffed Crowdfunding Campaign that is raising funds to support these workers. Please donate if you can, it is tax deductible, and share the details with your friends. 
This project began on the Northern Beaches and the results have changed lives. We cannot abandon friends in Soibada now.

There are quite a few ways people can help us.
  1. Donate
  2. Share the campaign as far and wide as possible
  3. Take a selfie with a sign saying that “Pittwater has not forgotten Soibada”
  4. Make a short video message of support for the people in the village.
Here is the link to the video

Here is the link to the campaign

thank you

Tamara Sloper Harding OAM
Chairperson Pittwater Friends of Soibada

Recovery Package To Support Local Sport Return

A $27.3 million Community Sport Recovery Package will support the community sport and recreation sector recover from the impact of COVID-19. The recovery package will provide a one-off grant of up to $1000 to nearly 12,500 local sporting clubs and associations across NSW when sport resumes on 1 July 2020.

The grants will ensure that organisations survive the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. It will also help get NSW residents back participating in activities they enjoy in a COVID safe environment.

NSW has 5.4 million adults and over 900,000 children participating in sport and recreation.

Funding will also be provided to State Sporting Organisations, State Sporting Organisations for people with disabilities and Regional Academies of Sport to support their programs and initiatives.

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the recovery package was not just about helping sports survive but thrive. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everyone’s lives, including the sport and recreation sector,” Mr Lee said. 

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the recovery package was also about stimulating the local economy. 

“The fast-tracked grants will not only help support community sport organisations but contribute to the economies of local communities across NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.

Find out more about the Community Sport Recovery Package here:

Sydney Light Rail To Honour Australian Veterans

June 24, 2020
Images of Australians who served in the Korean War will be featured on the Sydney Light Rail to mark 70 years since the start of the war.

The Light Rail commemoration Lest Korea Forget will operate in Sydney from 22 June to 26 July 2020.



Images of eight Australians will be featured on the Light Rail carriages, bringing to life the enormous contribution Australia made to the Korean War.

One of the eight images featured is of veteran Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Ian Crawford AO AM (Mil), who is passionate about ensuring this war is not forgotten.

Mr Crawford sailed to Korea with the Australian Navy as a teenager. He served in missions to evacuate isolated United Nations units and to support operations behind the advancing North Korean line in extremely tough conditions.

“It is very moving to have the Korean War acknowledged for its important part and its ongoing relevance in the Australian story,” Mr Crawford said. 

The other Australians to featured include Steve Dodd, Stafford Lenoy, Cecil Sly, Grace Bury, Warwick Bracegirdle, Brian Cooper, Francis Hassett and Len Montgomery’s platoon B Company 3RAR.

Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the faces of eight Australians who served in Korea is a powerful tribute to the 17,000 Australians who fought in the conflict between 1950 and 1953.

“Over the course of the war 340 Australians were killed and over 1200 wounded defending South Korea from the communist forces of North Korea,” Mr Lee said.

The commemoration is an initiative of the Consul General of the Republic of Korea to thank Australia for the very personal cost of the war to our country.

Round-Up Of North Sydney Council Meeting Held On Monday 22 June

Green light for small bars
Small bars have been given the green light in Kirribilli village. North Sydney Council has resolved to amend its planning controls to allow small bars to operate on sites that do not share a boundary with residential buildings. 

The NSDCP 13 (development control plan) will be amended to extend trading from 7am to 11pm (Mon-Wed), 7am to midnight (Thurs- Sat) and 7am to 10pm (Sun) on the sites where small bars are permitted. Trading will be 7am to 10pm (Sun-Wed) and 7am to 11pm (Thurs-Sat) on all other sites.
Twenty-six submissions were received in response to the draft amendment to NSDCP 2013, with 18 submissions (69%) supporting the proposal.  The results are similar to those of the initial extensive community consultation in 2018, where 69% supported later trading hours and 75% supported small bars. The changes are aimed at encouraging a night-time economy in the popular harbourside suburb.

Street Play Program
Five of North Sydney’s residential streets may become pop-up parks, with North Sydney Council giving in principle approval for a Street Play program. The Council has identified 15 streets that could participate and will consult with the community to refine the list down to five pilot sites.

Council has applied for a $40,000 grant under the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program and will match any funding that is received. The program is designed to promote social interaction, provide new opportunities for children to play outdoors and create opportunities for small creative or sporting events such as street cricket or performances. Street Play pilots are expected to be undertaken in September and October this year.

Hoops of fun
Eight netball towers and three basketball towers will be installed in five parks across the North Sydney local government area to provide more opportunities for active play. Council has supported the installation of the towers in Bradfield, St Leonards, Forsyth and Anderson Parks, and Brightmore Reserve. 

Draft Operational Plan on exhibition
North Sydney Council’s draft 2020/21 Operational Plan and Budget is now on exhibition for public comment. The plan allows for a $7.9 million reduction in previously forecast income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies projects that won’t go ahead or are deferred as a result. The budget forecasts a deficit of $2.4 million, with an operating result of $2.6 million surplus when grants and contributions are taken into account. 

The expected $7.9 million reduction in revenue follows a $6.2 million drop in revenue for the final quarter of the 2019/20 financial year. The reduction in revenue was the result of decreases in a number of income streams as a result of COVID-19 including car park revenue, property income and  fees waived for services such as food inspections. The total cost of COVID-19 to June 2021 is forecast to be $14.1 million.

Projects affected by the budget cuts include the implementation of the Bradfield Park South masterplan, the resurfacing of North Sydney Oval, cycling projects and cuts to infrastructure budgets including drainage, marine structures, footpaths and seawalls. 

Redevelopment of the North Sydney Olympic Pool has been included in the plan, with funding coming from a mix of Federal and State Government grants, borrowings and Council reserves.

DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Marlo


AGE/SEX: 2 years / M
BREED: Staffy X

Marlo is an active strong dog who is looking for an active family to walk and run with him. He walks well on lead but can lunge at reactive dogs. He knows sit and loves to play with toys, tennis balls and is very food motivated. He can jump up with excitement and really loves his walks. He has a short coat and weighs 23.5kg. 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. 

Elsa


Elsa is one of the Disney bunnies. They all came from the same household in very poor condition. She is very sweet and gentle and easy to pick up. She is social with other rabbits. She is desexed, vaccinated and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $150. To enquire please call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com


Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits 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. 

Introduction Of Annual Permits For Non-Desexed Cats And Dangerous/ Restricted Dogs

The NSW Government is introducing annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs as part of its commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards.

From 1 July 2020 owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

This will create a stronger incentive to desex cats, which in turn will improve their health and wellbeing, including reducing the risk of some cancers.

Improving desexing rates will also ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates, and help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife.

Exemptions are in place for cats that are registered by July 1st 2020, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons.

From July 1st 2020 owners of dogs of a restricted breed or formally declared to be dangerous will be required to pay a $195 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

This will serve as a further disincentive to owning high-risk dogs and encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal.

From 1 July 2020, pet owners will be able to pay for annual permits using the NSW Pet Registry website or through their local council.

Anyone registering a cat on the NSW Pet Registry will be informed that they must pay for an $80 annual permit if their animal is not desexed by four months of age.

Annual permit fees will go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.

The fund is also used to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.

Trades & Services Page 

For several years now Pittwater Online News has received requests to launch a Trades and Services page. As we remain a FREE news service with a reach far beyond Pittwater, we are working towards launching such a page by late July. 

The cost will be the same $40 per month we charge for Event listings. Those interested in a listing can email pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au 

NB: as with the Events page, advertisers are requested to send in their advertisements ready to go - so they can be easily placed via load/set.

Please send us –
  1. Name of business, person to contact and contact details; phone/email
  2. Areas you will work in - Manly to Palm Beach or??
  3. Specialising in – or just general Carpentry, Builder, Electrician etc.
  4. License number should go in too - e.g.; R000001
  5. Logo if you have any (something to draw the eyes to your listing)
Billing will be at the end of the month – commencing August 31. 

June 21 - 27, 2020: Issue 455

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 455 



DIY Ideas A Job For Life: Apprentice Carpenter + Commencement Tool List Around now some of our school leavers may be considering what options they wish to explore as not everyone wants to go to university. With this in mind we'll alternate DIY Projects in the DIY Idea pages with information on what's out there and what help you can get to set yourself up in a career that interests you. You won't have to get your haircut BUT you will secure a real job in an industry that interests you and on getting your ticket will have autonomy for life. All you have to do is follow through and complete the study and work entailed. 

Worth noting is the NSW Government is investing an additional $285 million over six years to fund the qualification fees for 100,000 new apprentices from July 1st 2018. This saves you from having to pay up to $2,000 for training costs per apprentice. (Please note this is for apprentices only, not trainees) Find out more about Fee Free Apprenticeships at:  www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-apprenticeships

There are also a range of other help, support and incentives for those who want to do this through a traineeship for those over 21 with fee caps there too.

To start off with, one for those who like working with wood.

CERTIFICATE III IN CARPENTRY
National Course Code: CPC30211

Become a highly sought-after carpenter when you undertake the nationally accredited Certificate III in Carpentry. Study as an apprentice or get recognised for your industry experience in this practical, hands-on course. Carpenters and joiners are in high demand in a skills shortage industry.

TAFE NSW code: CPC30211-01V03-20NBC-477 ; Location – Northern Beaches, Main Campus (Apprenticeship) - visit: www.tafensw.edu.au/CPC30211-01V03-20NBC-477/Certificate-III-in-Carpentry

Pictures An Aquatic Life: June 2020 - From Narrabeen To Barrenjoey Whale watching from headlands at Mona Vale, Bungan, Bilgola and Avalon Beaches, watching the pod of dolphins off North Palm Beach chase a school of salmon, coastal banksias, dawns at Turimetta and more - spotted this week out and about. Turimetta and Warriewood Valley Flowers photos by Joe Mills. 

Park Bench Philosopher Councils Often Ignore Residents On Social Media. How Can Digital Platforms Ensure They Have A Say In Planning?

Reflections by George Repin CLOISONNE´ 

Profile ORRCA

ORRCA - the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia. Put simply, their primary focus is the rescue, preservation, conservation and welfare of Whales, Dolphins, Seals and Dugongs in Australian waters.

ORRCA are the only volunteer wildlife rehabilitation group in New South Wales licensed to be involved with marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation and release. Members come from all walks of life, age groups and nationalities.  

ORRCA offers the community one of the most experienced and successful whale, dolphin, seal and dugong rescue teams in Australia. We are also proud that today, we have rescue trained teams in Western Australia and Queensland available to support local authorities should a marine mammal incident arise.  

Established in 1985, in 2020 they are celebrating our 35th year!

The 2020 ORRCA Whale Census Day is this month!
When: Sunday 28th of June, 2020
Where: Your closest headland
Who: One and all
From: Sunrise to Sunset

It’s a great free day out for all. Whale watchers simply pick a favourite headland and email orrcacensusday@gmail.com to register their location. We will then email you a Census Day kit which contains a sighting fact sheet to help identify whales and a marine mammal sighting log sheet which you will need to take on the day to record their observations.

Then on the day, pack a picnic and your supplies; Binoculars, camera, a pen/pencil for recording details, a chair/rug to sit on, warm waterproof clothes and off you go and enjoy the sights that unfold in this great whale migration. Remember to record your sightings!

Importantly, at the end of the day, please report your findings back to the ORRCA Census Day Team via our email orrcacensusday@gmail.com

For more, visit: www.orrca.org.au

History Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Careel Bay  In Careel Bay street names are held one of the earliest organised Pittwater subdivisions and naming of those earliest tracks for the gentleman who had been granted these lands, Archpriest John Joseph Therry.

Past those streets named for him and his associations, there are only a handful of others named for people with the rest being descriptive of the place, plants, landscapes, with many an aboriginal, or indigenous word used in preference over remembering the members of sub-dividers families or those subdivision instigators themselves.

There is also some of the great instances of the Warringah Shire Council's practice of requiring all subdivisions to allocate lots of land for recreation and green space, especially along water fringes, where the collars of land held in Crown Lands could be expanded upon to allow permanent beach, estuary shore and water access for every generation since. You can read more about the Careel Bay Reserves and Playing Fields in Careel Bay Playing Fields Reserve - Including Hitchcock Park: Birds, Boots & Beauty - this alone underline the shifts in landscape through the change from dairy farms and a fishing hamlet to suburban lots that need green space for fun and games to take place, with these too 'shifting' from a paddock to ride ponies to where tennis, rugby league and soccer may be played- and even a return of a 'polo' of sorts, in the rise of another 'Season'.

The Careel Bay Street names and subdivisions also show some of the longest held land tracts, with descendants of those who were the early European farmers, or those who bought land holdings, not bringing these under the Real Property Act until half a century or more after the first land sales of 1871.

Environment Grey Butcherbird: Birds In Your Pittwater Backyard, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park Precinct Closures Update, Two Hundred Sea Turtle Hatchlings Cause For Shellebration, Critically Endangered Shorebirds At Risk From Off-Leash Dogs, Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen Blasted Over False CSG Complaint Claims, New TV Ad Promotes Renewable Energy Over Toxic CSG, Morrison’s Deregulation Plan = Cutting Corners and Killing Koalas Greens State, Expensive, dirty and dangerous: why we must fight miners’ push to fast-track uranium mines, Mr Morrison, you can cut ‘green tape’ without harming nature – but it’ll take money and gumption Federal Environment official states, Energy giants want to thwart reforms that would help renewables and lower power bills, People need to see the benefits from local renewable energy projects; and that means jobs, Don’t count your fish before they hatch: experts react to plans to release 2 million fish into the Murray Darling, The number of climate deniers in Australia is more than double the global average new survey finds, Pass the shiraz please: how Australia’s wine industry can adapt to climate change, Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans and Bottles and Nominate SW As Recipient, ORRCA Art Comp. 2020 and ORRCA Census Day 2020, Echidna season, Bird of the Month: Night Heron, Downloadable Shorebirds booklet, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News Greens Push To Ban Dirty Political Donations And Restore Democracy, How To Reduce Wood Smoke Pollution This Winter, Abalone Relocation Makes Way For W.A. Ocean Reef Marina Development, Cricket Australia Resets Operations For Post-COVID Environment, Three More New Schools Get Tick Of Approval: At Camden, Blacktown And Wagga Wagga

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 15, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Scheduled Roadworks - At Palm Beach, Avalon Beach & Along Mona Vale Road

Palm Beach: Barrenjoey Road between Surf Rd and Currawong Avenue
Until Wed 1 Jul 2020
Scheduled roadwork this week:  Sun (9:30pm to 5:00am)- Both directions affected
Mon to Thursday (9:30pm to 5:00am)-  Both directions affected
Advice: Check signage, Reduce your speed, Exercise caution
Other Advice: Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.

SCHEDULED ROADWORK: Mona Vale Road between Narabang Way and Cooyong Road
Sun 28 Jun 2020 till Wed 1 Jul 2020
Scheduled roadwork this week: Sun (9:30pm to 5:00am) - Both directions affected
Mon (9:30pm to 5:00am)- Both directions affected
Tue (9:30pm to 5:00am)- Both directions affected
Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Exercise caution

SCHEDULED ROADWORK Utilities:  Avalon Beach
Barrenjoey Road between North Avalon Rd and Kevin Ave:  Mon 6 Jul 2020 till Sat 11 Jul 2020
Scheduled roadwork this week: Weekdays (10:00am to 3:00pm)- Both directions affected
Advice: Reduce your speed, Exercise caution, Check signage

Speed Humps On McCarrs Creek Rd: Please 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

It 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.

Thanking you all in advance for your help with this.

Please Register Wildlife Road Strikes

We need your help. Thank you for reporting wildlife road fatalities. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location.

There is a database that volunteers maintain but this 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:

Fourth Teen Charged After Senior Police Officer Allegedly Assaulted - Warriewood

Sunday, 14 June 2020 
Police have charged a fourth teenager after a senior police officer was allegedly assaulted in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

About 11pm on Friday (12 June 2020), officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to a fast-food restaurant on the corner of Warriewood and Pittwater Roads, Warriewood, after reports a large group of teenagers were causing a disturbance inside.

Police attended and moved the crowd on from inside the restaurant, with the teenagers beginning to gather outside.

As officers continued their efforts to disperse the crowd outside, a male chief inspector was ushering a group of five teenagers away from the location when he was allegedly assaulted and knocked to the ground.

Police allege that one of the teenagers stole the officer’s police identification and another stole his phone, before the group fled the scene on foot.

A search of the surrounding area commenced, with assistance from neighbouring commands including North Shore, Kings Cross and Sydney City, as well as the Dog Unit and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

Three teenage boys – aged 17 and two aged 16 – were charged yesterday (Saturday 13 June 2020).

Following further inquiries, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command attended a home at Narrabeen and arrested a 16-year-old boy about 8pm (Saturday 13 June 2020).

He was taken to Manly Police Station and charged with assault police officer in the execution of duty, affray, and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.

The teen was refused bail and is due to appear at a children’s court today (Sunday 14 June 2020).

New Police For Our Area

June 19, 2020
Northern Beaches Police Area Command is pleased to welcome our new recruits.
The four probationary constables attested this morning with the rest of their class in a Covid compliant ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy.

By this afternoon, they were arriving at the command for a preliminary look before their official start on Monday.

Ahead lie 12 months of on-the-job training as they complete their Associate Degree in Policing Practice.
That done, and all operational standards met, they will be confirmed to the rank of constable.

Class 341 includes 117 men and 42 women who will undertake 12 months on-the-job training and complete the Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott MP, wished the recruits well as they embark upon their chosen career in policing.

Mr Elliott said the brave men and women of Class 341, who will soon be assigned to Police Districts and Area Commands across the State, have completed their training during extraordinary times.

“These recruits join the strong police family of more than 17,000 officers at a significant time as the state continues to face a global pandemic,” Mr Elliott said.

“I wish every single recruit my best wishes as they take their oath to proudly serve the community in what will be a rewarding, yet challenging, career. We owe each of them the greatest amount of respect and gratitude for their commitment to put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.”

Commissioner Mick Fuller was pleased to welcome the latest intake of probationary constables.

"I wish I could welcome Class 341 to the Force with a full attestation ceremony in front of their family and friends.

“Importantly, they will each be able to take their oath of office, which is one of the most important moments in every officer's career.

“All 159 men and women who attest today are a welcome addition to the Force. They will take their positions at the Police Area Commands and Police Districts as of next week and will play a significant part in driving down crime and ensuring communities are kept safe,” Commissioner Fuller said.

Education and Training Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Barrie, welcomed the new recruits.
"The recruits in Class 341 have already shown tremendous resilience in overcoming significant barriers at the Academy during COVID-19.

“Students were required to limit movement and adhere to social distancing rules, and most were unable to go home and were restricted to the Academy.

“In attesting today, they have demonstrated the dedication and determination that they will need as they go on to serve the community.

“We have tried to make this event as special as possible within the limitations of the COVID-19 restrictions.

"The recruits are naturally disappointed that there will be no audience or parade but they are keen to commence duties," Assistant Commissioner Barrie said.

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 341
  • A total of 159 recruits are being sworn in today.
  • The class comprises 117 men and 42 women.
The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable. Recruits will report to their stations for work from Monday 22 June 2020.

They will then complete 12 months on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University. They officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all academic and operation standards. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.

Of the probationary constables attesting today,140 were born in Australia and 19 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Pakistan, Thailand, Wales, Lebanon and Canada.

Four officers are indigenous, with one recruit joining the NSW Police Force through the Indigenous recruitment pathway - IPROWD.

Class 341 comprises:
  • 30 recruits aged 19-20
  • 66 recruits aged 21-25
  • 36 recruits aged 26-30
  • 18 recruits aged 31-35
  • 3 recruits aged 36-40
  • 6 recruits aged over 40.

Scammers Are Targeting Our Seniors

The Northern Beaches Police Area Command report the following scams targeting Seniors in our area. If you receive a phone call from someone stating they are from the ATO, or anywhere else for that matter; your bank, a charity, etc. - HANG UP ON THEM, and then call your bank or the ATO, or whoever they claim to be from, to query the contact made and reason for it. 

NB: 
  • the ATO will never threaten anyone with arrest over the phone
  •  police don't call to tell you there's a warrant out for your arrest
  • authorities don't call to tell you about fraudulent activity on your Tax File or bank account
  • anyone calling and asking for money is a scammer, especially when it involves buying gift cards and passing on their numbers
Scammers may pretend to have a connection with you. So it’s important to stop and check, even when you are approached by what you think is a trusted organisation. 

If you do know Seniors in our area who do not read Pittwater Online News, please discuss this with them and let's stop this from happening to our residents.

Visit the Scamwatch news webpage for general warnings and media releases on COVID-19 scams.
Report scam activity to Scamwatch via www.scamwatch.gov.au

MyGov Scam emails
Also watch out for scammers impersonating myGov, claiming they've made adjustments to your tax return and you're eligible for a refund, or from JobKeeper, stating they need more details to process your payment. If you get an email like this DO NOT click any links or provide your personal details. If unsure, contact the ATO directly. Watch out for these too - and just HANG UP ON THEM

Telstra access
Scammers pretending to be from Telstra tech support are at it again. The scammers are calling people and requesting remote access to their computer to fix a security issue. While the scammer accesses the computer to 'fix the issue', the call recipient is instructed to log in to their bank account. 

Soon after these calls, victims report that funds from their accounts are withdrawn, and in some cases sent to offshore bank accounts. If you receive a call asking for access to your computer and/or bank account details, please hang up. If you think you may have been a victim of this scam, please contact your bank immediately.

Bushfire appeal....
Lunchtime on Saturday and a Narrabeen woman answered her phone to a caller claiming to be collecting money for bushfire victims. At first the 87-year old was convinced, handing over details for her bank account. Then the penny dropped and she called police. Officers contacted her bank in time to head off any theft.

ATO #1...
Also lucky, a 79-year old woman from Cromer. She, too, was convinced by the scammer's line that she owed money to The Australian Tax Office and would be arrested if she didn't pay. She handed over personal information before thinking twice and contacting police. Again, officers helped with contacting the woman's bank before money could be taken.

ATO #2....
Not so lucky, another Narrabeen woman. First it was a recorded message telling the 75-year old she owned money to the Tax Office and that her account was being used to launder money. The follow up phone call was from a woman who convinced her victim to head out and buy $500 gift cards and pass on the numbers while she stayed on the phone. This was repeated on each of the following three days to the tune of many thousands of dollars.

NBN....
Also falling victim, another octogenarian also from Narrabeen. Convinced by the conman's claim to be from the NBN and investigating hackers, the 84-year old gave away his bank account details. The scammers were quick to act, taking many thousands of dollars from their victim's account within the hour.

Narrabeen Sports High Gets Its Green Gloves On

Council reports students from Narrabeen Sports High have been working closely with educators from the Coastal Environment Centre on projects to support local bushland and native animals affected by the bushfires.

The Year 7 and 8 students who are part of the school’s Bush Regeneration group stepped in earlier this year to create mini homes for bushfire-affected wildlife in the Southern Highlands.

The group worked with educators to create eight possum dreys using hanging baskets with coconut fibre lining.

Ringtail possums usually build their dreys by creating a ball of woven twigs within the canopy of a tree and lining it with leaves, while brushtail possums prefer to curl up in a tree hollow. But the devastation of the fires on their habitat earlier in the year meant access to suitable trees and plants has been dramatically reduced.

The completed dreys have since been located to suitable spots in the Southern Highlands bush.

The students were also tasked with developing plant guards to protect new planting at our local beach dunes.

Using 100% compostable materials, they created guards that decompose over time, while exposed to the elements.

Year 8 student Kade said 'he thought Bushcare Regeneration was fun because you get to cut down the bad stuff like Lantana and replace it with native plants that make the area beautiful'.

The CEC offers a great range of educational activities for students and residents alike. Find out more about the Coastal Environment Centre’s educational activities.

Concerns Over Phone Tower Upgrade Near Bilgola Plateau School

Bilgola Plateau Residents confirm upgrades to a phone tower next to Bilgola Plateau Public School took place on Thursday, June 18th.

The upgrade was the subject of a petition trying to stop it last year. Bilgola residents state they knew ''it was going to be a struggle as carriers have free range - as granted to them by the government.''

''...as these towers have been there for 20+ years, the requirement to stay away from schools does not apply. We have spoken to to the Dept. of Education, ACMA, lobbied both Telstra and Optus. We have no say and no weight till policy changes. A broken system had them installed in the first place.''

''And a conversation with Axicom, the owners of the other tower up there, tells us that nothing will change unless someone lobbies SydneyWater  and puts pressure on them to stop the lease to these carriers. But then, Sydney Water is owned by the government!'' 

''This is a clear case of profits before people - facilitated by both state and federal governments.''

The facility is at 146 Plateau Road, Bilgola Plateau NSW 2107 (RFNSA: 2107001) is stated to have Optus, Telstra and Vodafone towers.

In January 2020 Optus had a notification process related to the addition of 4G technology only. An advertisement was placed in a newspaper on January 14th with comments accepted until January 30th. The proposal consisted of the installation of three (3) Remote Radio Units (RRUs) onto existing antenna mounts and ancillary equipment associated with the installation.

A letter from Optus states;
''The site has been nominated to be upgraded with 5G in the foreseeable future but  not  at  this  time.  

''It  would  be  Optus's  intention  to  communicate  directly  with  the  Bilgola  Heights  school community around any 5G upgrade activity.''

''This installation of 4G technology will have a lesser impact on EME Levels at the facility. An EME Report showing 4G  technology  only  is  attached  for  reference.  Proposed  4G  technology  upgrades  show  a  proposed  maximum EME Level of 4.12% of the Australian Standard, noting that 100% is considered safe.We acknowledge the sensitivity of this location and the concerns raisedby submitters to your petition over the Telstra proposal.''

The NSW Department of Educations' webpage regarding Mobile Telecommunications Facilities states the department has;

''a policy of prudent avoidance by not endorsing the installation of any mobile telecommunications facilities on school property.''

''Context
3.1
The Department of Education adopts a policy of prudent avoidance in relation to the installation of mobile telecommunications facilities within school grounds.

The department  supports objections, if appropriate, to proposals to establish mobile telecommunications facilities near school grounds and requests that telecommunications carriers locate these proposed facilities further away from departmental sites.

While the department cannot state a specific separation distance between a proposed mobile telecommunications facility and a school, the department has a preference for a distance of at least 500 metres from the boundary of the property.''

Avalon Library To Reopen

We are excited to announce we are opening our doors on Monday June 22 at 11am.
Interim opening hours are Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm, Saturday 10am-12am, Sunday Closed
Things may look a little different and there are a few changes but your wonderful volunteers are back to serve you.
We have Covid 19 policies in place and we have been busy adding fresh new books to our collection.

To keep our community safe we:
  • Have installed health screens
  • Are socially distancing our computers with time limited to 30 minutes per person
  • Have temporarily closed off our lounge area
  • Will be quarantining books for 24 hours
  • Are restricted to 29 people in the library at any one time
Gradually these restrictions will ease in line with government policies and the return of our full complement of volunteers.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Avalon Community Library.

Avalon Community Library is a community based organisation staffed by over 70 volunteers and a Library Coordinator. The library is in the heart of Avalon and looks out towards the beach. It is a lovely place to grab a book or magazine and to sit a while in our reading area. 



Bushcare Is Back!

Whether you have a green thumb or not, our Bushcare volunteer teams would be delighted to see you at one of their sites.

While there has been a recent hiatus from Bushcare activities due to Covid -19, our friendly volunteers returned this week, with a few additional safety protocols in place.

Becoming a Bushcare volunteer is easy and no experience is necessary - all you need is enthusiasm.

Our area has almost 60 Bushcare sites, so there is sure to be a site near you. Check out the Pittwater Online Environment page for details.

Bushcare groups usually meet monthly for 2 to 3 hours to work in their local bushland reserves. Most groups meet on weekends, however there are also groups that meet throughout the week.

Tools are provided or you can bring your own, and one of council's experienced supervisors will provide new volunteers the necessary training and guidance in bush regeneration techniques and plant identification.

For more information on becoming a Bushcare volunteer, visit the NBC webpage for how to get involved.

Recovery Package To Support Local Sport Return

A $27.3 million Community Sport Recovery Package will support the community sport and recreation sector recover from the impact of COVID-19. The recovery package will provide a one-off grant of up to $1000 to nearly 12,500 local sporting clubs and associations across NSW when sport resumes on 1 July 2020.

The grants will ensure that organisations survive the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. It will also help get NSW residents back participating in activities they enjoy in a COVID safe environment.

NSW has 5.4 million adults and over 900,000 children participating in sport and recreation.

Funding will also be provided to State Sporting Organisations, State Sporting Organisations for people with disabilities and Regional Academies of Sport to support their programs and initiatives.

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the recovery package was not just about helping sports survive but thrive. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everyone’s lives, including the sport and recreation sector,” Mr Lee said. 

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the recovery package was also about stimulating the local economy. 

“The fast-tracked grants will not only help support community sport organisations but contribute to the economies of local communities across NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.

Find out more about the Community Sport Recovery Package here:

Funding To Help Small Businesses Reopen After COVID-19

June 16, 2020
Small businesses across NSW will be able to apply for funding to help them safely reopen after the COVID-19 shutdown. Under the new Small Business Recovery Grant, small businesses will be able to apply for funding up to $3000.

The grants can be used to cover marketing and advertising expenses, make fit-out changes and train staff in how to work safely under the current COVID-19 health conditions.

The funds are available from the existing $750 million Small Business Support Fund, which closes on Tuesday 30 June 2020.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the new grants signalled a move from business survival to business revival.

“The existing grant program has proven very popular, with around 35,000 businesses receiving relief to cover expenses such as rates and phone bills,” Mr Dominello said.

“Applying for this new grant will be simple and easy, so businesses can focus on reopening safely and welcoming back customers.”

Applications will open on the Service NSW website from Wednesday 1 July 2020 until Sunday 16 August 2020.

Soibada  - Our Sister Village

2020 has been a challenging year so far for all of us but the impact of Covid-19 on families in already impoverished communities has been immense. Pittwater’s sister village in Timor Leste, the mountain town of Soibada, whilst not hit with cases of the Corona Virus, has been effected in a myriad of ways. There has been a lockdown across Timor Leste which has so far been very successful in containing active cases. So far there have only been 24 positive test results but the shared border with Indonesia poses quite a threat. Indonesia has a very high rate of infection.

This year is the tenth anniversary of our Pittwater Friendship Agreement with  Soibada in Timor Leste. The sister city arrangement was put in place during with meetings between Pittwater Council and the District of Manatuto in 2010.

We had big plans for a celebration but due to Covid-19 this and all of our events for the year have been put on hold.  However, progress on the projects in the village have continued even during lockdown. Construction is underway for the classrooms in the Arts, Craft and Cultural training Centre. Not only are we funding this new educational facility that will impact many in the community we are also paying the wages of the local builders and tradesmen. This in turn keeps their families fed. 

The average family in Soibada has 8 children. It costs approximately $25 a week to feed them. A builder earns just over $40 a week.   

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Have a look at the Chuffed Crowdfunding Campaign that is raising funds to support these workers. Please donate if you can, it is tax deductible, and share the details with your friends. 
This project began on the Northern Beaches and the results have changed lives. We cannot abandon friends in Soibada now.

There are quite a few ways people can help us.
  1. Donate
  2. Share the campaign as far and wide as possible
  3. Take a selfie with a sign saying that “Pittwater has not forgotten Soibada”
  4. Make a short video message of support for the people in the village.
Here is the link to the video

Here is the link to the campaign

thank you

Tamara Sloper Harding OAM
Chairperson Pittwater Friends of Soibada

NSW Healthcare Workers Join Trial To Combat COVID-19

June 19, 2020
Five hundred front line healthcare workers and paramedics in NSW will join an international trial, to discover whether the tuberculosis (TB) vaccine reduces the impact of COVID-19.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he is delighted the NSW Health Services Union (HSU) is supporting the trial with a $350,000 contribution and that so many health staff are taking part.

“This virus is not going away any time soon, so until we have a proven vaccine, trials like this alongside daily testing and COVID-safe behaviours, are vitally important,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Our front line health workers risk exposure to COVID-19 every day, so the sooner we can find a breakthrough and fingers crossed it is the BCG anti-TB vaccine, the better for all of us.”

HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said the decision to help fund the study was a straightforward one because if the vaccine proves successful, the benefits will be enormous.

“We have to use every tool available to protect our cleaners, security officers, paramedics, therapists and other hospital workers against the severity of COVID which is why we are so enthusiastically supporting this trial,” Mr Hayes said.

“It may seem unusual for us to fund a program such as this, but we know our duty of care to members extends beyond wages and conditions to include their health and wellbeing.”

Dr Rama Kandasamy, Staff Specialist in Immunisation at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network said the 12 month trial will be rolled out in several hospitals over the coming weeks.

“Workers have already been vaccinated at The Children’s Hospital Westmead and staff at Westmead Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Prince of Wales Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital will follow,” Dr Kandasamy said.

“Half the participants will receive the BCG vaccine and the other half will receive a placebo and they will be monitored to see if they contract COVID and the severity of their symptoms.

“This trial sets the scene for us to be at the forefront of COVID-19 specific vaccine trials and the results could be the key to providing at-risk groups early protection.”

The BRACE trial was initially launched by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI). NSW healthcare workers and paramedics are among 10,000 across Australia along with other countries including Spain and The Netherlands, to participate in the trial.

70th Anniversary Of The Start Of The Korean War

This month marks 70 years since the beginning of the Korean War, which saw the Australian Defence Force through its Navy, Army and Air Force personnel join the United Nations (UN) multinational force, defending South Korea from the forces of North Korea and China.

On 25 June 1950, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Army crossed south of the border into the Republic of Korea and captured the capital, Seoul, within days.

Prime Minister Robert Menzies responded by committing ships of the Royal Australian Navy to the Korean War, which were soon joined by units of the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Army.

The war raged on for three years until an armistice was signed on 27 July 1953 follow extensive negotiations. Australian military personnel remained in Korea for another four years as military observers.

More than 17,000 Australian personnel served in the Korean War and post-Armistice period, earning international respect for their courage, endurance and combat skills.  Australia suffered some 1,500 casualties, including more than 350 who died and 30 who were taken prisoner. To this day, some 40 Australians are listed as missing in action.

More than 150 Australian nursing sisters also served in Korea and at the British Commonwealth Military General Hospital in Kure, Japan.

I encourage all Australians on 25 June to pause and remember the service and sacrifice of all the brave Australian men and women who served during the Korean War and say ‘thank you for your service’. We are forever in their debt.

Lest we forget.

Jason Failnski
Member for Mackellar

Jimble Jellyfish Spotted In Pittwater

June 8, 2020: 
Offshore residents report that Jimble Jellyfish have been sighted in Pittwater. If you plan on entering the water, you should be aware that these jellies are about.

The jimble belongs to the cubozoan family of jellyfish, which includes the infamous and deadly box jellyfish of northern Australia. Found in coastal waters, estuaries and oceans, they deliver a painful sting but are not as potent as their tropical relatives.

They live in the clear waters of harbours and estuaries. The jimble has a transparent, box-shaped bell, 3cm to 4cm long, and a trail of tentacles 10cm to 15cm long.

They are more common where the water is a little bit cooler; so in our waters, rather than up north.

Video at Holmport Marina By Michelle Rogers - report courtesy West Pittwater Community Association

Seeking Erle Wilson Information

My name is James Bartlett and I am trying to track down any family contacts for the late author Erle Alexander Mann Wilson, who lived at 870 Barrenjoey Road.

He wrote a number of books and articles in the 1950s (https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/A7555?mainTabTemplate=agentWorksBy) and though I have tried State Libraries, local libraries, publishers associations, agents, publishers, and many more, I have been unable to find a contact for him - so am now hoping a family member still exists somewhere locally.....

Can any of the locals help at all?

Thanks so much,

James Bartlett

If anyone has any information or pointers for James, please email Pittwater Online and we'll forward it. 
Ed.

Have You Ever Seen A Rose Robin?

Now that COVID 19 lockdowns are easing, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA) are able to offer a free guided bird walk, observing social distancing. Our guides can help you spot birds and recognise their calls.

Location: Warriewood Wetland
Date: Sunday June 28
Time: morning
RSVP: Contact us on pnhainfo@gmail.com to register your interest and we’ll send you details of exact time and meeting place. 

The walk is limited to 15 people so book by June 26. Bring binoculars if possible.
The Warriewood Wetlands are a favourite spot to look for birds, specially now, when the Swamp Mahoganies are in flower. Rose Robins have been recently seen there. (Image, Neil Fifer) About 170 species have been recorded so far. PNHA has published an introductory field guide about some of the birds of this area, available on the day. 

Looking forward to a lovely morning and lots of birds!


Sydney Harbour Bridge Toll Booths To Be Removed

June 15, 2020
Work will soon begin to remove the toll booths from the northern end of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the historic toll booths used to collect cash from motorists crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but technology has evolved and these toll booths are no longer used.

“Removing the northern toll booths will improve traffic flow and safety for the more than 160,000 motorists who use the Sydney Harbour Bridge every day,” Mr Constance said.

“The work will compliment other projects improving the use of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, including installing pedestrian lifts on the eastern walkway and the future upgrades to the cycleway.”

Work will be carried out on the Cahill Expressway between the High Street overpass and Fitzroy Street at Kirribilli from Sunday 21 June to late 2021, weather permitting.

Access onto and off the Cahill Expressway will remain the same during the day, however there will be changed traffic conditions at night and on weekends, including lane closures and reduced speed limits.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

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

Introduction Of Annual Permits For Non-Desexed Cats And Dangerous/ Restricted Dogs

The NSW Government is introducing annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs as part of its commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards.

From 1 July 2020 owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

This will create a stronger incentive to desex cats, which in turn will improve their health and wellbeing, including reducing the risk of some cancers.

Improving desexing rates will also ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates, and help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife.

Exemptions are in place for cats that are registered by July 1st 2020, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons.

From July 1st 2020 owners of dogs of a restricted breed or formally declared to be dangerous will be required to pay a $195 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

This will serve as a further disincentive to owning high-risk dogs and encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal.

From 1 July 2020, pet owners will be able to pay for annual permits using the NSW Pet Registry website or through their local council.

Anyone registering a cat on the NSW Pet Registry will be informed that they must pay for an $80 annual permit if their animal is not desexed by four months of age.

Annual permit fees will go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.

The fund is also used to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.

Getting Your Licence Now More Simple

June 17, 2020
Drivers now have a simpler, faster and more COVID-safe way of moving from one licence level to the next.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said drivers and riders who want to progress from P1 to P2 and then on to an unrestricted licence can now do so online.

“It’s great news for the more than 265,000 customers a year who now no longer need to go to a Service NSW Centre to renew or progress their licence,” Mr Constance said.

“Customers will still get a letter about six weeks before the due date, reminding them their licence is due to be renewed or progressed, and providing advice around the new online option.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said this permanent change would benefit people right across the state, especially in the regions where the closest Service NSW Centre could be hours away.

“We know the challenges in the regions, which is why we are making it simpler and faster for our regional communities to interact with Government,” Mr Toole said.

“In the first two weeks of this option being available, more than 4700 or slightly more than half of all licence progressions were done online. This shows just how much communities want these kinds of changes.”

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the online option would take the hassle out of having to visit a Centre.

“We want to put the customer at the centre of everything we do, and this decision provides drivers with more choice and convenience,” Mr Dominello said.

“Eligible drivers can now renew their licence in the comfort of their home.”

Customers renewing online should also print out the interim certificate and carry it while driving if they aren’t using a digital licence. 

AMAZING POP-UP SHOP SPACE OPPORTUNITY IN MONA VALE The CBD Of The Northern Beaches!

$500 per week negotiable
INCLUSIONS: Utilities, WiFi, 1 x Off-street Car Space, Shared kitchen and WC 
Area: 38.5 sqm: 3.19m (W) x 12.1m (L) 

Fabulous retail pop up shop space located in Mona Vale for short term rental in the gorgeous original Gamekeepers Cottage from Taronga Park Zoo.


Available during the peak retail period in the lead up to Christmas from the 1st September to 24th December 2020. 

Conveniently located in Darley Street, directly opposite the entrance/exit to Pittwater Place carpark providing super high visibility and great exposure. Surrounded by a combination of retail businesses with local favourite Coffee Bros just 3 shops away.



An off street car space right out the front offers great parking options for staff or customers. Additional parking is easy and convenient to find with free 3 hour undercover parking directly opposite in Pittwater Place and timed and un-timed parking in adjacent streets.

Shop is secured with lock up front roller door and locked double-glazed glass doors at the rear providing great natural light and air flow. A covered pergola at the front of shop offers extra space for external displays. 



The shop space is part of a cottage building that also houses an art school. Detached studio spaces beyond the courtyard add to this creative hub or could be rented as storage for an extra negotiated fee. 
Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared with a friendly creative business in the other half of the building. 

Access to shared break out area in a sunny back courtyard for coffee and lunch if desired. 
Available for viewing on Tuesdays from the 16th June between 10am-6pm by appointment only. 

Contact Christine to see this amazing opportunity. 
P: 0402 532 957

Avalon Craft Cottage News

Sadly, the Craft Cottage has been unable to have a sales venue at all this year… due of course to the corona virus.

Sadly, the committee have now decided to cancel our next planned venue, which was to have been at Warriewood Square on the 22nd June.

We do have two more venues planned for August, and the committee will make a decision on these closer to the time.

Maureen Darcy-Smith
Avalon Craft Cottage Committee


Avalon Public School Kindy 2021 Enrolments

Kindy 2021 is enrolling now! For details of the enrolment process, please visit our website at https://avalon-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Social distancing is in place so we cannot offer school tours at this time. However, appointments to drop off your forms and your supporting documents can be made by calling the office on 9973 1439. Please ask for Sally Williams. See you soon!


DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Victor


AGE/SEX: 10 years / M
BREED: Jack Russell x Pug
Victor is quite lively boy for his age. He has a sweet nature and he is social with dogs. He is easy to pick up and handle. He is attentive and loving but also quite anxious and needs a family where someone is home. He has a short coat and weighs 10.7kg. 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

Lil

Lil is a beautiful fluffy girl with enchanting green eyes, the most amazing ear fluff and a soft coat to keep you warm during the winter months. She is a friendly and affectionate girl who enjoys pats and licking your fingers with much love and "smiley eyes" to show she appreciates when you show her attention. She can be picked up for lap time too!


She has a cute speckled nose and also enjoys playing with her toys and being in the company of kitty friends, such as her brother Tommy. She is located on the Northern Beaches and comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV tested and microchipped. She is around 3 years old and her adoption fee is $220. If you are interested in meeting Lil, please call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email  cats@doggierescue.com. 


Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits 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. 

$1.5 Million In NSW Government Grants To Stop And Clean Up Illegal Dumping

June 2, 2020

The NSW Government is encouraging councils, public land managers and community groups to apply for grants to tackle illegal dumping in their local area.

The grants are a part of the NSW Combating Illegal Dumping Clean-up and Prevention program which has awarded $6.7 million to projects to combat illegal dumping since the program commenced.

Executive Director, Circular Economy & Resource Management, Sanjay Sridher said illegally dumped waste can harm our health, pollute the environment and cost millions of dollars in taxpayers money each year to clean up.

“We want to see as many applicants as possible apply for funding, with previous grants being put to great use to tackle local dumping hotspots,” Mr Sridher said.

“This has included the installation of gates, signs, surveillance cameras and fencing to tackle illegal dumping along with the removal of thousands of tonnes of illegally dumped waste.

“I encourage any councils, public land managers or community groups that want to tackle an illegal dumping problem in their area to visit the website and apply for one of these grants.

“The grant program is funded under the Waste Less Recycle More initiative, administered by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry an Environment.”

The grants can be used by councils, public land managers and community groups to implement prevention and clean-up action on publicly managed land or to establish illegal dumping baseline data.

Applications for grants will close on the 17th July 2020.

Applicants are able to apply for funding under three streams;

Option 1

$50,000 - $120,000 for councils and public land managers to carry out illegal dumping clean-up and prevention projects.

Option 2

Up to $20,000 for councils and public land managers to establish illegal dumping baseline data.

Option 3

Up to $50,000 for illegal dumping clean-up and prevention community partnerships.

More information about the NSW Combating Illegal Dumping Clean-up and Prevention program is available at https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/illegal-dumping/illegal-dumping-clean-prevention.

Pittwater High School Sailing Program Fund

At Pittwater High our connection to the environment and the ocean is part of our DNA.
Our Sailing program supports personal development as well as the development of life skills. There’s something about sailing that makes it quite unlike other sports. More than just skill and strategy, it teaches certain values that shape young people into unique athletes.

We usually focus on the physical aspects of sport and we forget how much we stand to gain from the sport – both socially and emotionally.

Sailing is not just a sport that keeps you fit, but also one that develops you into a well-rounded individual – something far more important than winning raced or gold medals.

As our local America’s cup skipper Jimmy Spithill put it: “If you want to go fast, you go alone, If you want to go far, you go together.”


About the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF)
The unique purpose of the Foundation is to enable donors to claim a tax deduction for donations made to sporting projects that have signed up to fundraise with us. Over the last 30 years, the Foundation has helped increased funding to all levels of sport by more than $345 million!

In simple terms, for every donation of $2 or more, the Foundation provides a receipt to the donor that they can then use to claim their tax deduction for the donation.


Peg Leg The Bunny

Peggy is a lop X bunny that one of DoggieRescue volunteers noticed in their neighbourhood. She was thin and had a fractured leg which was dangling 90 degrees to the rest of the body. X rays confirmed an old messy fracture. How that bunny survived the pain and suffering is beyond belief. Talk was that it had been hit by a car. Normally bunnies stop eating and drinking and die in such situations.

DoggieRescue took Peggy to a specialist surgeon Dr Peter Prendergast, Collaroy Vet Services on the northern beaches. He pinned and plated the leg. Monika and the great support staff were keeping their fingers crossed that she starts to use the leg. She was taken home by a vet nurse who gave post-operative care as well as all the daily physio that she needs.

The nurse Lilly, who was also involved in the surgery has fallen in love with this poor bunny and last weekend adopted her. She has named her Peggy (Peg leg). Yesterday the bunny touched down her injured leg for the first time. That was a milestone!

Peggy has settled into her new home on the northern beaches with her other fur kids, very quickly.   

Monika from DoggieRescue says “It is simply amazing how animals adapt into new environments so quickly and put their troubles behind them. I am so excited for Peggy's outcome”

DoggieRescue is a charity that has been operating more than 30 years, located in the northern beaches rescuing dogs, cats and rabbits. 

Visit: www.DoggieRescue.com or see the Pets of the Week on this page

$388 Million Funding For Elective Surgeries

June 16, 2020
The funding will focus on patients whose surgery has been delayed due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The funding will allow public patients to be treated in private hospitals while increasing surgery capacity at public hospitals. 

At normal capacity, NSW public hospitals deliver around 235,000 elective surgeries per year.

Surgeries across both public and private sectors are on track to perform at 75% by the end of June 2020. 

NSW Health Local Health Districts will balance the return of elective surgery with the need to maintain hospital capacity for any further potential cases of COVID-19. 

Surgery lists are being closely monitored and any patient whose condition changes or deteriorates should speak to their treating clinician.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said one of the many sacrifices made by patients due to the pandemic was delays to some categories of elective surgeries.

“We are working as fast as we can to fast track those patients whose surgery has been disrupted," Mr Hazzard said.

The NSW Government has committed $800 million in additional funding over two years on top of the 2019-2020 Health Budget of $26.7 billion. The funding will continue to boost ICU capacity, purchase additional services and medical equipment, and help respond to COVID-19 across NSW.

Warriewood Water Problem - Sydney Water Notice

Residents report receiving a flyer from Sydney Water this week which reads;

Investigation work at Warriewood
June 2020
We're investigating option to connect the growing communtiy in Warriewood.
Site investigations and planning work is underway to connect the growing community in Warriewood - between Warriewood Road, Macpherson Street, Narrabeen Creek and Pheasant Place - to sdydney Water's wastewater network.

In 2018 developers attempted to install a substandard main, resulting in damage to the nearby protected wetland. Sydney Water immediately ceased the work, and on consultation with Council, we have undertaken significant rehabilitation work at the wetland to repair the damage.

We are now looking at alternative solutions to connect the growing community in Warriewood, while ensuring the protection of this unique wetland environment.

What we're doing
To ensure we develop a solution that we will be able to deliver safely, we have engaged infrastructure experts, Jacobs, to prepare a detailed design.

As part of this work you may notice our team in the area doing field investigations including site surveys, topographical studies and geotechnical investigations.

We will be in contact with you reagarrding any work that may require access to private property.

Once the detailed design is complete Sydney Water will asses the project and provide a review of Environmental Factors (REF) to ensure the design and structure of the wastewater main ???? environmental impacts to the area.

We are committed to protecting the environment and public safety. We will continue to work collaboratively with the community and stakeholders to ensure the wetland is protected. 

Next Steps
Detailed design is due to be completed in October 2020, with construction expected to start in late 2020. Wastewater services are expected to be available in early 2021. 

Contact Us
We'll keep the community, landowners and key stakeholders informed as the project progresses.
For project related enquiries, call our community relations team on 1800 771 180 or email warriewood@sydneywater.com.au

For enquiries relating to development applications please contact our City Growth and Development Team on 02 8649 3648.



New Chair Of Surfrider Foundation Australia: Sean Doherty

Sean Doherty has written about surfing for 25 years. He edited Tracks magazine for 10 years, and has been a senior writer at both Surfing World and Surfer magazines for over a decade. He’s written best-selling biographies on Michael Peterson and Maroubra’s Bra Boys along with several other titles. 

He’s worked as a broadcast commentator on the ASP World Tour and continues to work as a tour correspondent today. He’s produced several film projects including award-winning surf/conservation movie Never Town and currently works for activist brand Patagonia where he’s been involved in several coastal environmental campaigns. 

A message from new Chair - Sean Doherty... 
"Just a quick note to let you guys know that I've been elected as Chairman of Surfrider here in Australia. It's a big job... and I'm stoked. It's a huge honour to work with a group that has done so much over the years to protect Australian coastlines and oceans. 

But these Australian coasts have never faced greater challenges than they do right now. 

All around the country, commercial development, population pressure, coastal erosion, offshore oil and gas expansion, pollution, plastic and weakened environmental protections threaten great swathes of our coast and the marine life that calls it home. And then sitting just over the horizon is the big one... the looming spectre of climate change. 

The Australian coast will be an environmental frontline in the years ahead and a new kind of activism will be needed to save it. 

During my work on the Great Australian Bight campaign I met thousands of Australians right around the country who care deeply for their local stretch of coast. I also saw the power they have when they turn up together to defend their home beaches. The Bight win has created a huge opportunity for surfers and coastal people to be heard on big issues like never before. Vested and commercial players will always speak up for their interests... Surfrider needs to be the voice for the Australian coast. 

I'd like to thank the outgoing Chair, Susie Crick for all her hard work over the years, and at the same time welcome Damien Cole who has come on as Surfrider's National Campaigns Manager. In recent years nobody has thrown themselves into the defence of the Australian coast more than him. 

For Surfrider to be strong -- to be heard on big issues and to secure wins for local communities -- we need a big membership base and I'd strongly encourage you to go online and sign up as a Surfrider member. Then, when the time comes, I'd encourage you to show up in defence of your local beach... or someone else's. It's time for the people of the Australian coast to mobilise in its defence."
 - Sean Doherty 

Liz Muir Art Exhibition At Careel Bay

Liz Muir is opening in Careel Bay shops a display area for her works in June. There is ample parking and many small affordable works to go with her large beach canvases and abstracts will be available.  

The shop will be manned from 10.30 till 3.30pm most days but Liz is only a few minutes away so call 0414 505450 to make a definite time.

Find out more at: https://lizmuir.com.au/


Further Safeguards For Sydney Harbour's Treasures

June 18, 2020
A landmark review of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust calls for new legislation to ensure historic harbour sites such as Cockatoo Island remain in public hands and accessible to future generations.

Commissioned by Environment Minister Sussan Ley in October 2019, the review recommends historic former defence sites remain under Commonwealth protection by extinguishing current requirements to dissolve the Trust on or after 2033.

“The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act (2001) contemplates the sites moving to state ownership but the very clear message from the community is that they should be permanently protected by the Commonwealth as national treasures,” Minister Ley said. 

“I intend to begin consultation on draft legislation to remove those provisions of the Act that mandate the repeal of the Trust and will enshrine its ongoing role.

“I am also immediately unlocking an initial $9 million in funding for maintenance and restoration work at Trust sites in a program that will help create jobs and boost economic activity.”

The review includes 21 recommendations covering the preservation of sites, their strategic role in Sydney’s future, leasing arrangements and ways to maximise public access.

Minister Ley said that the review conducted by former Secretary of NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Ms Carolyn McNally, and former Executive Director of Infrastructure NSW, Ms Erin Flaherty, was the most detailed look at the Trust and its unique portfolio of historic assets ever undertaken.

The Harbour Trust manages sites of incredible cultural and historical significance from Cockatoo Island to Headland Park, Macquarie Lightstation and North Head, attracting 1.8 million visitors each year.

“This review has always been about ensuring the indigenous, convict and military history of these amazing sites are conserved and shared with current and future generations,” Minister Ley said

“I congratulate the reviewers, who have consulted widely and who have commissioned detailed financial analysis to arrive at their recommendations.

“Having visited every site, met with stakeholders and attended a public forum, I would also like to thank the community for engaging so passionately in the process and in helping to shape the findings.

“I broadly support the remaining recommendations, subject to the detailed planning that the Review recommends is necessary, and subject to the Trust engaging with the public and stakeholders as this planning is undertaken.

Key recommendations include:
  • amendments to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act 2001 to establish the Trust as an ongoing entity by removing the 2033 repeal provision
  • closer ties with NSW to ensure sites are part of a ‘whole of Sydney Harbour strategy’. 
  • the need for a refreshed vision and plan for Cockatoo Island and North Head, including resolving the long term future of North Head, which is owned by the NSW Government and due to be returned by the Trust in 2032
  • an update to governance arrangements to ensure the Trust has the right capabilities and focus to take the organisation forward
  • urgent maintenance funding
  • greater recognition of indigenous sites
  • improved public and volunteer engagement and consultation
  • clearer guidelines and safeguards relating to leasing arrangements.
Minister Ley said the initial $9 million maintenance program would include safety upgrades, sea wall and building repairs, and the restoration of historic industrial cranes.

Reviewer Carolyn McNally said that it was important to recognise the unique value of the sites and to ensure that they remain accessible to future generations.

 “This has been a fascinating process that has showcased a deep passion in the community to see the sites preserved and kept in public hands,” Ms McNally said.

“The review identifies ways that we can ensure the right balance of investment between government, the community and business without compromising public access.

“It does not support the leasing of entire sites but calls for a strategic assessment of individual assets within sites, particularly where commercial partnerships could be considered.

“Appropriate site-specific planning and consultation is required to establish the right framework for individual sites. This would provide greater transparency rather than just expanding the current broad leasing policy.

“Assets already generate $18 million in annual revenue and with the right balance between revenue and the government funding contributions needed to continue to rehabilitate unused buildings, both the heritage of sites and the public’s access to them can be maintained for future generations.

“It would allow specific lease periods to be shaped around conserving an individual asset while contributing to improved public access in an area.”

A copy of the review is available at: www.environment.gov.au/about-us/shft-independent-review/

Harbour Trust Welcomes Review Recommendations

June 18, 2020
The Harbour Trust has welcomed the findings and recommendations of the Independent review, it has recommended that some of Sydney’s most extraordinary and iconic sites remain in public ownership forever, under the management of the Harbour Trust.

The Chair of the Trust, Joseph Carrozzi, said the review had recommended that the Harbour Trust, which was established by the Federal Government in 2001 to manage and protect former Commonwealth lands, should continue to operate as an ongoing entity.

“This is a great result for our community – and a great result for Sydney,” Mr Carrozzi said.

“The community originally rallied together to protect these amazing sites and to ensure they remained in public ownership and accessible to all Australians, which led to the formation of the Harbour Trust in 2001.

“Since then, the Harbour Trust has worked hand in glove with the community, including our hundreds of volunteers, to progressively transform, rehabilitate and maintain sites such as Headland Park, North Head, Cockatoo Island and more recently, Sub Base Platypus.

“I am delighted these sites are now protected for all Australians to enjoy into the future.

“With this announcement, we look forward to receiving confirmation on funding in the upcoming budget process which will allow us to address a backlog of work and allow for greater public access and enjoyment to our sites – particularly Cockatoo Island and North Head Sanctuary.

“This review ensures that there will not be any privatisation of Harbour Trust assets, which has been the Harbour Trust’s strongly-held position since our inception.” 

Trades & Services Page 

For several years now Pittwater Online News has received requests to launch a Trades and Services page. As we remain a FREE news service with a reach far beyond Pittwater, we are working towards launching such a page by late June. 

The cost will be the same $40 per month we charge for Event listings. Those interested in a listing can email pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au 

NB: as with the Events page, advertisers are requested to send in their advertisements ready to go - so they can be easily placed via load/set.

Please send us –
  1. Name of business, person to contact and contact details; phone/email
  2. Areas you will work in - Manly to Palm Beach or??
  3. Specialising in – or just general Carpentry, Builder, Electrician etc.
  4. License number should go in too - e.g.; R000001
  5. Logo if you have any (something to draw the eyes to your listing)
If we could have that all by Friday June 26th please.

Billing will be at the end of the month – commencing July. If you could let us know prior to the end of July (we can be a bit lax at sending Invoices) whether you wish to roll it over for August/September, that would be great.

Thank you.

Small Business $10k Grants Extended To 30 June

Small businesses in industries highly impacted by COVID-19 have more time to submit applications for up to $10,000 in Small Business Support Fund grants to help pay for unavoidable expenses.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said by extending the closing date to the end of June eligible small business owners now had more time to submit their applications to access this vital support measure.

“The grants were designed to help highly-impacted small businesses hibernate, with the criteria recently extended to provide support for eligible microbreweries, cellar doors and events and commercial vessel businesses,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Already more than 40,000 small businesses have applied for the grants, worth more than $400 million, and we’re looking forward to seeing this number grow over the next month and getting more support into the hands of those businesses who need it most.

“With the grants set to close at the end of June, we’re now turning our attention from response to recovery and are looking at how we best support our businesses to reopen and welcome more customers."

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the grants had been designed to allow small businesses to get access to help as quickly as possible and this extension meant more businesses would get help to cover utilities, rates and supplier costs.

“Comments from applicants such as ‘this was a very user friendly experience, which is greatly appreciated, especially during this stressful time’, capture the overwhelmingly positive sentiment about the ease of the process,” Mr Dominello said.

“Of the 5,500 applicants who chose to leave feedback, over 99 per cent gave the process a thumbs up.” Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the grants were part of the NSW Government’s response strategy aimed at supporting small businesses

.“We’re committed to keeping people in jobs and businesses in business, which is why we established the Small Business Support Fund grants to help highly-impacted small businesses to keep the lights on and doors open,” Mr Tudehope said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our state and support tens of thousands of local jobs and we are committed to easing the burden of COVID-19 on our mum and dad business owners and entrepreneurs.”

The criteria for the Small Business Support Fund grants and online application form is available here. Applications must be received by 11.59pm 30 June.

For more information about what other measures might be available, visit service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 and use the assistance tool. To learn more about the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus measures, visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

Northern Beaches Community Grants 2020/21 

Council's Community Grants program is now open. 
Applications will close at 3pm on Tuesday 30th June 2020.
This program offers funding up to $10,000 (excl.GST) in three grant streams:
You can review the Community Grants Program Guidelines for eligibility criteria, application process and grants management requirements.

Organisations Encouraged To Apply For $14 Million Crown Reserves Improvement Fund 

Crown land managers and community groups that use Crown land on the Northern Beaches are invited to apply for a share of $14 million in grants to upgrade and maintain community facilities and reserves across NSW.

Member for Manly James Griffin said applications for the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are open until 10 July 2020.

“This fund maintains and upgrades reserves and community facilities on Crown land across NSW, including the Northern Beaches,” Mr Griffin said.

“This year the NSW Government will invest $14 million across the state to benefit community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown land reserves.

“Grant applications are open to Crown land reserve managers including Northern Beaches Council and community groups who use Crown land, and I encourage eligible local organisations to apply.

“The fund will support improvements to community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown reserves while also supporting local businesses and economies.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said quality public reserves were vital to the health and well-being of local communities.

“Residents need quality natural spaces to relax and rejuvenate and this fund enhances local reserves that provide green open recreational space and protect our environmental diversity,” Mrs Pavey said.

“The fund also upgrades facilities on Crown land used by organisations at the heart of our communities, like surf life saving clubs, scouts and girl guide groups, public halls, the RSPCA and PCYC, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the grant program would be welcome news to communities who will benefit from improved access to great quality public spaces.

“This year’s funding will prioritise restoring and strengthening the resilience of public facilities and crown reserves that have suffered through bushfires, drought and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.

“We also want to make it easier for the community to walk and cycle with new tracks and trails across and between reserves and open spaces.”

For further information on the Crown Reserves Improvement fund and to apply, visit https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif

Rat Poisons Are Killing Our Wildlife: Alternatives

Rodentcides are an acknowledged but under-researched source of threat to many Aussie birds. If you missed  BirdLife's rodenticide talk but would like to know more, share data and comment on the use of rodenticides in Australia please visit:  https://www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison

Owls, kites and other birds of prey are dying from eating rats and mice that have ingested Second Generation rodent poisons. These household products – including Talon, Fast Action RatSak and The Big Cheese Fast Action brand rat and mice bait – have been banned from general public sale in the US, Canada and EU, but are available from supermarkets throughout Australia.  

Australia is reviewing the use of these dangerous chemicals right now and you can make a submission to help get them off supermarket shelves and make sure only licenced operators can use them.   

There are alternatives for household rodent control – find out more about the impacts of rat poison on our birds of prey and what you can do at the link above and by reading the information at the link above.  

Let’s get rat poison out of bird food chains. 

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) – is currently asking Australians for their views on how rodent poisons are regulated. 

Have your say by making a submission here. 


Powerful Owl at Clareville - photo by Paul Wheeler

COVID-19 Testing

The NSW Government is urging anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 symptoms include:
  • - Fever;
  • - Cough;
  • - Tiredness (fatigue);
  • - Sore throat;
  • - Shortness of breath.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms please:
  • - Contact your GP;
  • - Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222;
  • -  Visit a NSW Health COVID-19 clinic.
The locations of COVID-19 clinics are available here:

In our area:
Mona Vale Hospital
Address: Building 14, Community Health Centre
Coronation Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, 7 days

Northern Beaches Hospital
Address: 105 Frenchs Forest Road (west), Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086
Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry)
Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm, 7 days

June 14 - 20, 2020: Issue 454

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 454 


Pictures Careel Bay Playing Fields Reserve - Including Hitchcock Park: Birds, Boots & Beauty - a look into the past and present

Park Bench Philosopher Two New Studies Find Shrinking Tidal Flats and Hunting Threaten The East Asian-Australasian Flyway

Profile David Palmer

June, with its celebrations of World Environment Day, and how we can all look after our natural environment better, World Oceans Day and Ocean Week (including Whale Census Day), as well as World Wetlands Day on February 2nd each year, Endangered Species Day on the third Friday in May, the Backyard Bird Count during National Bird Week in October, are all ways people can connect with and know more about the world they are living in and how we too can contribute to the practice and knowledge that 'We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Children'.

Residents are blessed with living in a place that is truly beautiful in all forms, from upland swamps and bush or coastal heath terrain, to estuarine, creeks, wetlands and lagoon environments and the eco-systems within these. We are 'spoilt for choice' when seeking some respite from the pollution of traffic or a too-hard day with a breath of fresh eucalypt tinged air or a melodic refrain from a tiny heathland bird or those that wing along the shores.

With the increase in urbanisation, balancing that with an increase in areas set aside for the original animal and plant inhabitants as well as people becomes a way to ensure the survival of these species and for future generations to experience them in their natural habitats. The State Governments Saving Our Species Program and the Federal Governments' Threatened Species Strategy, in conjunction with volunteer groups in Floating Landcare, the Pittwater Environmental Foundation, Friends of Freshwater, South West Lovett Bay Coast, the Pygmy Possum Project, to the hundreds of volunteers working in over 80 sites to remove introduced weeds and replant endemic species, including the Baha’i Temple Community - Pittwater Natural Heritage Association Bushcare group saving Grevillea caleyi at Ingleside, backed up by a grant from Greater Sydney Local Land Services and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, are just part of how actual 'hands in the dirt' happens.

Among their memberships are individuals who are not only passionate and active in looking after the future of the environment right here and right now, they are also skilled and trained individuals in a range of areas that coalesce to support getting that work done. You don't need a degree in Horticulture or to be an Environmental Lawyer though - just a willingness and the energy to get out and help out is all that is required and needed.

The Pittwater Natural Heritage Association is one of these groups. PNHA was formed to act to protect and preserve the Pittwater areas major and most valuable asset - its natural heritage.

This Issue Pittwater Online News shares a small insight into one of these PNHA volunteers and some of the other Groups' projects he has been involved in over the decades. These illustrate that active practice of looking after the future for generations of children, animals and plants yet to be born and grow, and doing that right here and right now.  

History Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Careel Bay In Careel Bay street names are held one of the earliest organised Pittwater subdivisions and naming of those earliest tracks for the gentleman who had been granted these lands, Archpriest John Joseph Therry.

Past those streets named for him and his associations, there are only a handful of others named for people with the rest being descriptive of the place, plants, landscapes, with many an aboriginal, or indigenous word used in preference over remembering the members of sub-dividers families or those subdivision instigators themselves.

There is also some of the great instances of the Warringah Shire Council's practice of requiring all subdivisions to allocate lots of land for recreation and green space, especially along water fringes, where the collars of land held in Crown Lands could be expanded upon to allow permanent beach, estuary shore and water access for every generation since. You can read more about the Careel Bay Reserves and Playing Fields in Careel Bay Playing Fields Reserve - Including Hitchcock Park: Birds, Boots & Beauty - running concurrent this Issue to underline the shifts in landscape through the change from dairy farms and a fishing hamlet to suburban lots that need green space for fun and games to take place, with these too 'shifting' from a paddock to ride ponies to where tennis, rugby league and soccer may be played- and even a return of a 'polo' of sorts, in the rise of another 'Season'.

The Careel Bay Street names and subdivisions also show some of the longest held land tracts, with descendants of those who were the early European farmers, or those who bought land holdings, not bringing these under the Real Property Act until half a century or more after the first land sales of 1871.

Environment Household Chemical CleanOuts Back: at Mona Vale June 20-21, Spotted this week: winter Wattle budding, Lookout For A Better View Of Spectacular Wollomombi Falls, Weeping Paperbark Brings Hope To Richmond Valley, NSW Government’s Support For Santos Narrabri CSG Project A Betrayal Farmers State, More than 1,200 tonnes of microplastics are dumped into Aussie farmland every year from wastewater sludge, The coastal banksia has its roots in ancient Gondwana, Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans and Bottles and Nominate SW As Recipient, ORRCA Art Comp. 2020 and ORRCA Census Day 2020, Echidna season, Bird of the Month: Night Heron, Downloadable Shorebirds booklet, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News Study Of 62 Countries Finds People React Similarly To Everyday Situations, Engineers Find Neat Way To Turn Waste Carbon Dioxide Into Useful Material, Media Stereotypes Confound Kids' Science Ambitions, These W.A. Plants Are Putting Ants To Work, Mozart May Reduce Seizure Frequency In People With Epilepsy

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 15, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Pittwater High School Sailing Program Fund

At Pittwater High our connection to the environment and the ocean is part of our DNA.
Our Sailing program supports personal development as well as the development of life skills. There’s something about sailing that makes it quite unlike other sports. More than just skill and strategy, it teaches certain values that shape young people into unique athletes.

We usually focus on the physical aspects of sport and we forget how much we stand to gain from the sport – both socially and emotionally.

Sailing is not just a sport that keeps you fit, but also one that develops you into a well-rounded individual – something far more important than winning raced or gold medals.

As our local America’s cup skipper Jimmy Spithill put it: “If you want to go fast, you go alone, If you want to go far, you go together.”


About the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF)
The unique purpose of the Foundation is to enable donors to claim a tax deduction for donations made to sporting projects that have signed up to fundraise with us. Over the last 30 years, the Foundation has helped increased funding to all levels of sport by more than $345 million!

In simple terms, for every donation of $2 or more, the Foundation provides a receipt to the donor that they can then use to claim their tax deduction for the donation.


Warriewood Water Problem - Sydney Water Notice

Residents report receiving a flyer from Sydney Water this week which reads;

Investigation work at Warriewood
June 2020
We're investigating option to connect the growing communtiy in Warriewood.
Site investigations and planning work is underway to connect the growing community in Warriewood - between Warriewood Road, Macpherson Street, Narrabeen Creek and Pheasant Place - to sdydney Water's wastewater network.

In 2018 developers attempted to install a substandard main, resulting in damage to the nearby protected wetland. Sydney Water immediately ceased the work, and on consultation with Council, we have undertaken significant rehabilitation work at the wetland to repair the damage.

We are now looking at alternative solutions to connect the growing community in Warriewood, while ensuring the protection of this unique wetland environment.

What we're doing
To ensure we develop a solution that we will be able to deliver safely, we have engaged infrastructure experts, Jacobs, to prepare a detailed design.

As part of this work you may notice our team in the area doing field investigations including site surveys, topographical studies and geotechnical investigations.

We will be in contact with you reagarrding any work that may require access to private property.

Once the detailed design is complete Sydney Water will asses the project and provide a review of Environmental Factors (REF) to ensure the design and structure of the wastewater main ???? environmental impacts to the area.

We are committed to protecting the environment and public safety. We will continue to work collaboratively with the community and stakeholders to ensure the wetland is protected. 

Next Steps
Detailed design is due to be completed in October 2020, with construction expected to start in late 2020. Wastewater services are expected to be available in early 2021. 

Contact Us
We'll keep the community, landowners and key stakeholders informed as the project progresses.
For project related enquiries, call our community relations team on 1800 771 180 or email warriewood@sydneywater.com.au

For enquiries relating to development applications please contact our City Growth and Development Team on 02 8649 3648.




Jimble Jellyfish Spotted In Pittwater

June 8, 2020: 
Offshore residents report that Jimble Jellyfish have been sighted in Pittwater. If you plan on entering the water, you should be aware that these jellies are about.

The jimble belongs to the cubozoan family of jellyfish, which includes the infamous and deadly box jellyfish of northern Australia. Found in coastal waters, estuaries and oceans, they deliver a painful sting but are not as potent as their tropical relatives.

They live in the clear waters of harbours and estuaries. The jimble has a transparent, box-shaped bell, 3cm to 4cm long, and a trail of tentacles 10cm to 15cm long.

They are more common where the water is a little bit cooler; so in our waters, rather than up north.

Video at Holmport Marina By Michelle Rogers - report courtesy West Pittwater Community Association

Queens Birthday Honours List 2020

The Governor-General talks about the Queen's Birthday Honours List
On 8 June 2020, the Governor-General announced the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List, recognising 933 Australians.

Included in the list are:
  • 710 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (3 AC, 50 AO, 200 AM and 457 OAM) 
  • 28 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (3 AO, 12 AM and 13 OAM); and 
  • 128 meritorious awards. 
“In this list we see all the positives that are in our community – we see the great ideas, we see the hard-work, we see the love and compassion for fellow human beings – it’s a microcosm of Australia,” the Governor-General said.

“This list recognises a group of outstanding Australians who have made a contribution to their community, to Australia globally or domestically. Their efforts have been noted by their peers, they’ve been nominated and assessed independently as worthy of recognition.

COMPANION (AC) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION 

The Honourable Tony ABBOTT NSW 
For eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia, particularly as Prime Minister, and through significant contributions to trade, border control, and to the Indigenous community. 

Ms Belinda Jane HUTCHINSON AM NSW 
For eminent service to business, to tertiary education and scientific research, and through philanthropic endeavours to address social disadvantage.

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

The Honourable Michael Bruce BAIRD NSW 
For distinguished service to the people and Parliament of New South Wales, particularly as Premier, and to the community.

The Honourable Bronwyn Kathleen BISHOP
Newport 
For distinguished service to the Parliament of Australia, to the people of New South Wales, and to women in politics.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Glenn BOURKE
Manly 
For significant service to sailing at the elite level as a competitor, coach and administrator.

Mr Michael James CARLTON
Avalon Beach
For significant service to the print and broadcast media, and to naval history.

The Honourable John Joseph DELLA BOSCA
Woy Woy Bay 
For significant service to public health, particularly in the disability and drug support sectors, and to the Parliament of New South Wales.

Ms Jane Ellen MOTTLEY
Curl Curl 
For significant service to the law, to the judiciary, and to professional legal bodies.

Ms Gretel Lees PACKER
For significant service to the community, to the visual and performing arts, and to conservation.

Ms Bronwyn WATKINS
Narrabeen 
For significant service to the performing arts through dance administration.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mrs Kim Michelle BUCKINGHAM
Freshwater 
For service to the community of the Northern Beaches.

Mrs Margaret Ethel CLIFF
Warriewood 
For service to netball.

Mrs Janice Grace CUNNINGHAM
Mosman 
For service to Australia-United States Military Commemorations.

Mr Donald Edward KENNEDY
Forestville 
For service to veterans, and to the community.

Mrs Valerie Adeline RANDELL
Collaroy 
For service to dancesport

Mrs Jean Gladys WILMOT
Mosman 
For service to sailing, and to dance education.
The Hon. B. Bishop, AO, at the Avalon Beach SLSC Swim of 2017. 

Seeking Erle Wilson Information

My name is James Bartlett and I am trying to track down any family contacts for the late author Erle Alexander Mann Wilson, who lived at 870 Barrenjoey Road.

He wrote a number of books and articles in the 1950s (https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/A7555?mainTabTemplate=agentWorksBy) and though I have tried State Libraries, local libraries, publishers associations, agents, publishers, and many more, I have been unable to find a contact for him - so am now hoping a family member still exists somewhere locally.....

Can any of the locals help at all?

Thanks so much,

James Bartlett

If anyone has any information or pointers for James, please email Pittwater Online and we'll forward it. 
Ed.

Newport Residents Association News

WE ARE BACK
We can resume meetings from next Tuesday evening 16th June 2020  7 00 pm at our normal meeting place: Activity Room 1, Newport Community Centre, The Boulevard, Newport.

We are now allowed to resume meetings as long as we adhere to the safe distance rules – so unfortunately this means we are limited to 14 people in the Activity Room. 

To manage this limit we are asking members to RSVP at secretary@newport.org.au or use the e-link ‘Contact Us’ facility and we will confirm your attendance by Monday evening 15th June 2020.

To Update yourself on Newport matters visit our website: newport.org.au

Jobkeeper To The Rescue Says MP For Mackellar

June 12, 2020
Figures released today by Treasury confirm the success and meaningful impact of the Federal Government’s JobKeeper program. 

Federal Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski MP has lauded the program, highlighting its success across the Northern Beaches.

“In the electorate of Mackellar, around an estimated 8200 organisations are on JobKeeper.” Mr Falinski said. 

“These are organisations that employ locals, support the economy and more importantly support livelihoods.”

Mackellar has the 11th highest number of organisations on JobKeeper of any electorate. The electorate of Sydney leads the way, with 21000 organisations receiving the Federal Government’s support package. 

The JobKeeper package was an unprecedented level of financial support and saved millions of jobs and kept families together, businesses in business and preserve the productive capacity of the Australian economy, including on the Northern Beaches.

“JobKeeper is an unprecedented economic support package, the largest in our country’s history.”

The $1,500 per fortnight JobKeeper payment is the equivalent of about 70 per cent of the median wage and represents about 100 per cent of the median wage in some of the most heavily affected sectors, such as retail, hospitality and tourism.

“Extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures, and this has been a lifeline for the Northern Beaches.”

AMAZING POP-UP SHOP SPACE OPPORTUNITY IN MONA VALE The CBD Of The Northern Beaches!

$500 per week negotiable
INCLUSIONS: Utilities, WiFi, 1 x Off-street Car Space, Shared kitchen and WC 
Area: 38.5 sqm: 3.19m (W) x 12.1m (L) 

Fabulous retail pop up shop space located in Mona Vale for short term rental in the gorgeous original Gamekeepers Cottage from Taronga Park Zoo.


Available during the peak retail period in the lead up to Christmas from the 1st September to 24th December 2020. 

Conveniently located in Darley Street, directly opposite the entrance/exit to Pittwater Place carpark providing super high visibility and great exposure. Surrounded by a combination of retail businesses with local favourite Coffee Bros just 3 shops away.



An off street car space right out the front offers great parking options for staff or customers. Additional parking is easy and convenient to find with free 3 hour undercover parking directly opposite in Pittwater Place and timed and un-timed parking in adjacent streets.

Shop is secured with lock up front roller door and locked double-glazed glass doors at the rear providing great natural light and air flow. A covered pergola at the front of shop offers extra space for external displays. 



The shop space is part of a cottage building that also houses an art school. Detached studio spaces beyond the courtyard add to this creative hub or could be rented as storage for an extra negotiated fee. 
Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared with a friendly creative business in the other half of the building. 

Access to shared break out area in a sunny back courtyard for coffee and lunch if desired. 
Available for viewing on Tuesdays from the 16th June between 10am-6pm by appointment only. 

Contact Christine to see this amazing opportunity. 
P: 0402 532 957

Liz Muir Art Exhibition At Careel Bay

Liz Muir is opening in Careel Bay shops a display area for her works in June. There is ample parking and many small affordable works to go with her large beach canvases and abstracts will be available.  

The shop will be manned from 10.30 till 3.30pm most days but Liz is only a few minutes away so call 0414 505450 to make a definite time.

Find out more at: https://lizmuir.com.au/


Avalon Craft Cottage News

Sadly, the Craft Cottage has been unable to have a sales venue at all this year… due of course to the corona virus.

Sadly, the committee have now decided to cancel our next planned venue, which was to have been at Warriewood Square on the 22nd June.

We do have two more venues planned for August, and the committee will make a decision on these closer to the time.

Maureen Darcy-Smith
Avalon Craft Cottage Committee


Avalon Public School Kindy 2021 Enrolments

Kindy 2021 is enrolling now! For details of the enrolment process, please visit our website at https://avalon-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Social distancing is in place so we cannot offer school tours at this time. However, appointments to drop off your forms and your supporting documents can be made by calling the office on 9973 1439. Please ask for Sally Williams. See you soon!


DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Benny


AGE/SEX: 10 years / M
BREED: Shihtzu X

Benny is a sweet quiet boy who loves having people around. He is social with other dogs. Benny is a little nervous of men and can nip if there are sudden movements from strangers. Once he knows you he is very loving and loyal. He loves his walks and lots of cuddles. He is storm phobic. He has a non-shedding coat and weighs 7.5kg, a little on the tubby side! 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.

Jenny


Jenny is a pretty black and white kitten approximately 6 months old. She is shy yet curious with new people and surrounds. She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated twice, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $250.
If you are interested in meeting her, please call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com. She is located at Ingleside.

Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits 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. 

Jean Kittson Webinar - We Need To Talk About Mum And Dad

Thursday, 18 June 2020 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
We Need to Talk About Mum and Dad
Free lunchtime webinar
Author and comedian Jean Kittson(Opens in a new window) will be coming to us live with an entertaining and practical guide on how to parent your ageing parents based on her best selling book.

Brought to you by the following Councils: Hornsby, North Sydney, Willoughby, Lane Cove, Ku-ring-gai and Northern Beaches

Register your details and the link to join the Webinar will be sent the day before the event.
FREE - Register here

Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) Wildlife Talks

Did you know that you can arrange for Sydney Wildlife to give a wildlife talk at your Pre-School or Nursing Home?

We frequently do talks for schools, Scouts and Guides, clubs like Probus Clubs, Retirement Centres, workplace groups, Council environment workshops and bushcare groups. You can find out more information online: www.sydneywildlife.org.au/FAQ

Many physical events are restricted at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, changes are on the way already. Join our mailing list to stay up to date with Sydney Wildlife announcements and updates: www.sydneywildlife.org.au/sign-up 

If you feel like supporting our native wildlife, consider donating online: http://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/donate - your support goes a long way!


Johnson Bros Mitre 10 - Mona Vale Trade Day 2020

With tax time just around the corner...
You won't want to miss this!


Trades & Services Page 

For several years now Pittwater Online News has received requests to launch a Trades and Services page. As we remain a FREE news service with a reach far beyond Pittwater, we are working towards launching such a page by late June. 

The cost will be the same $40 per month we charge for Event listings. Those interested in a listing can email pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au 

NB: as with the Events page, advertisers are requested to send in their advertisements ready to go - so they can be easily placed via load/set.

Please send us –
  1. Name of business, person to contact and contact details; phone/email
  2. Areas you will work in - Manly to Palm Beach or??
  3. Specialising in – or just general Carpentry, Builder, Electrician etc.
  4. License number should go in too - e.g.; R000001
  5. Logo if you have any (something to draw the eyes to your listing)
If we could have that all by Friday June 26th please.

Billing will be at the end of the month – commencing July. If you could let us know prior to the end of July (we can be a bit lax at sending Invoices) whether you wish to roll it over for August/September, that would be great.

Thank you.

Small Business $10k Grants Extended To 30 June

Small businesses in industries highly impacted by COVID-19 have more time to submit applications for up to $10,000 in Small Business Support Fund grants to help pay for unavoidable expenses.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said by extending the closing date to the end of June eligible small business owners now had more time to submit their applications to access this vital support measure.

“The grants were designed to help highly-impacted small businesses hibernate, with the criteria recently extended to provide support for eligible microbreweries, cellar doors and events and commercial vessel businesses,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Already more than 40,000 small businesses have applied for the grants, worth more than $400 million, and we’re looking forward to seeing this number grow over the next month and getting more support into the hands of those businesses who need it most.

“With the grants set to close at the end of June, we’re now turning our attention from response to recovery and are looking at how we best support our businesses to reopen and welcome more customers."

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the grants had been designed to allow small businesses to get access to help as quickly as possible and this extension meant more businesses would get help to cover utilities, rates and supplier costs.

“Comments from applicants such as ‘this was a very user friendly experience, which is greatly appreciated, especially during this stressful time’, capture the overwhelmingly positive sentiment about the ease of the process,” Mr Dominello said.

“Of the 5,500 applicants who chose to leave feedback, over 99 per cent gave the process a thumbs up.” Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the grants were part of the NSW Government’s response strategy aimed at supporting small businesses

.“We’re committed to keeping people in jobs and businesses in business, which is why we established the Small Business Support Fund grants to help highly-impacted small businesses to keep the lights on and doors open,” Mr Tudehope said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our state and support tens of thousands of local jobs and we are committed to easing the burden of COVID-19 on our mum and dad business owners and entrepreneurs.”

The criteria for the Small Business Support Fund grants and online application form is available here. Applications must be received by 11.59pm 30 June.

For more information about what other measures might be available, visit service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 and use the assistance tool. To learn more about the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus measures, visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

2020 Community Building Partnership Program 

The 2020 Community Building Partnership program is currently open.
The NSW Government initiative allocates $300,000 per electorate for a range of eligible infrastructure projects that will deliver social, cultural, environmental and recreational outcomes.

There are many examples in Pittwater where a small financial boost provided by this program has helped get an excellent local project off the ground and delivered.

Eligible projects must enhance local facilities, meet community needs, increase participation, and be achievable by the group that’s applying.

Guidelines are available at nsw.gov.au/cbp and applications are open until 12 June.


Northern Beaches Community Grants 2020/21 

Council's Community Grants program is now open. 
Applications will close at 3pm on Tuesday 30th June 2020.
This program offers funding up to $10,000 (excl.GST) in three grant streams:
You can review the Community Grants Program Guidelines for eligibility criteria, application process and grants management requirements.

Organisations Encouraged To Apply For $14 Million Crown Reserves Improvement Fund 

Crown land managers and community groups that use Crown land on the Northern Beaches are invited to apply for a share of $14 million in grants to upgrade and maintain community facilities and reserves across NSW.

Member for Manly James Griffin said applications for the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are open until 10 July 2020.

“This fund maintains and upgrades reserves and community facilities on Crown land across NSW, including the Northern Beaches,” Mr Griffin said.

“This year the NSW Government will invest $14 million across the state to benefit community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown land reserves.

“Grant applications are open to Crown land reserve managers including Northern Beaches Council and community groups who use Crown land, and I encourage eligible local organisations to apply.

“The fund will support improvements to community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown reserves while also supporting local businesses and economies.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said quality public reserves were vital to the health and well-being of local communities.

“Residents need quality natural spaces to relax and rejuvenate and this fund enhances local reserves that provide green open recreational space and protect our environmental diversity,” Mrs Pavey said.

“The fund also upgrades facilities on Crown land used by organisations at the heart of our communities, like surf life saving clubs, scouts and girl guide groups, public halls, the RSPCA and PCYC, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the grant program would be welcome news to communities who will benefit from improved access to great quality public spaces.

“This year’s funding will prioritise restoring and strengthening the resilience of public facilities and crown reserves that have suffered through bushfires, drought and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.

“We also want to make it easier for the community to walk and cycle with new tracks and trails across and between reserves and open spaces.”

For further information on the Crown Reserves Improvement fund and to apply, visit https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif

NSW Veterans' Strategy Survey

The NSW Government through the Office for Veterans Affairs is asking for feedback on issues faced by veterans and their families.

What’s this about?
The NSW Government through the Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) is asking for feedback on issues faced by veterans and their families, and how the government can better support them. The feedback will inform the first NSW Veterans’ Strategy to be published later this year.

Have your say
Veterans, their families and friends, ex-service organisations and those involved in providing veterans’ services are encouraged to participate in the survey and contribute to the strategy.

You can provide your feedback via the online survey. 
Have your say by Friday 17 July 2020.

Survey
28 May 2020 to 17 July 2020
12:01am to 11:59pm

Rat Poisons Are Killing Our Wildlife: Alternatives

Rodentcides are an acknowledged but under-researched source of threat to many Aussie birds. If you missed  BirdLife's rodenticide talk but would like to know more, share data and comment on the use of rodenticides in Australia please visit:  https://www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison

Owls, kites and other birds of prey are dying from eating rats and mice that have ingested Second Generation rodent poisons. These household products – including Talon, Fast Action RatSak and The Big Cheese Fast Action brand rat and mice bait – have been banned from general public sale in the US, Canada and EU, but are available from supermarkets throughout Australia.  

Australia is reviewing the use of these dangerous chemicals right now and you can make a submission to help get them off supermarket shelves and make sure only licenced operators can use them.   

There are alternatives for household rodent control – find out more about the impacts of rat poison on our birds of prey and what you can do at the link above and by reading the information at the link above.  

Let’s get rat poison out of bird food chains. 

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) – is currently asking Australians for their views on how rodent poisons are regulated. 

Have your say by making a submission here. 


Powerful Owl at Clareville - photo by Paul Wheeler

June 7 - 13, 2020: Issue 453

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 453 

A Tale Of Two Battlefronts: Noel and Kate Kessel - Noel Kessel is a member of Cottage Point RFS Brigade. Over the Summer months he and his colleagues spent many days out on the frontline battling the deadly bushfires around the State. Just as he thought things were slowing down, another front opened up with the battle against the deadly Covid-19 Virus. It was time for him to hand over the baton to his wife Kate who is a nurse at St. Vincents' and let her go into battle. 

Pictures  Turimetta Beach and Reserve - by Joe Mills, Bea Pierce and Lesley

Aquatics World Oceans Day 2020: Our Ocean Our Future

Park Bench Philosopher Destruction of Juukan Gorge: we need to know the history of artefacts, but it is more important to keep them in place by Jacinta Koolmatrie

Reflections by George Repin: THE OCEANOGRAPHIC MUSEUM IN MONACO

DIY Ideas Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home: The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a damp Winter this week so it's time to ensure that while we keep the warmth indoors via heating that we also look after the quality of the air indoors and ensure furniture, blinds and curtains and walls don't become a conduit for disease. This week we look at how to prevent and treat dampness to keep your home free from ''creeping dank'' and the problems associated with this. 

Food Oceana Traders - Seafood Merchants: For Fish & Chips Excellence: Fresh, sustainable, ethical Bright blue crisp Winter days in the salt air sharpen the appetite for fresh fish and chips. The best ever fish and chips are available in Old Barrenjoey Road at Oceana Traders. This food is so good you will revisit again and again.

Profile Margaret Woods 
Margaret is a Professional with a Sydney University BEc, Deakin Uni CPA, and post grad qualifications in Insurance who has worked for decades in her field at the highest level.

An involvement with the BirdLife Australia Powerful Owl project for years led to meeting Sydney Wildlife volunteers and her daughter becoming involved as a volunteer, at 18 years of age, and herself and her husband becoming a 'Sydney Wildlife Carer Family' as a result, with Margaret undertaking the training too.

Her dedication to the Warriewood Wetlands, the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment and a passion for saving our wildlife - in our area, on the South Coast during the recent bushfires, and as part of the Sydney Wildlife members who organised to send supplies and equipment to the RSPCA team on Kangaroo Island in South Australia in February 2020 can be seen in an earlier childhood love of Australian wildlife. 

An interest in Photography in High School, followed and developed ever since, has led to Margaret capturing and creating the most amazing images. Her portraits of wildlife, of landscapes and of people support and enrich the work of these local organisations she is a part of. Not only that, they are placing on the record what wildlife is where and when it is there. 

These are wonderful photos - they allow people to see up close birds they may have only heard, or see the individual characters of wildlife rescued. Her landscapes allow viewers to dwell among dawn mists, see sunrises and sunsets reflected on water or trees. 

Margaret is among the many thousands of residents in our area with a love for our birds and for bird photography. Some of her great images run as the June 2020 Artist of the Month.

Her works in this field are more than that too though. This week some insights into one of our community members who 'puts back' and by doing so is looking after what is here for those yet to come.

History Dr. Isobel Ida Bennett AO - a World Oceans Day 2020, Ocean Week 2020 (June 8-12) and Long Reef Aquatic Reserve 40th Anniversary Special

Endless curiosity marks the life of researcher, educator, marine biologist and conservationist Isobel Bennett.

Having won a scholarship at the state school she attended Isobel was enrolled and educated at Somerville House, a boarding and day school for girls named after Mary Somerville (1780–1872), a famous Scottish scientist and mathematician of the 19th century. During an interview Isobel stated she was always looking at the students studying biology and 'fascinated by the look of the lab.'

Isobel had to leave school at the age of 16 and undertook a secretarial course, and as she later recalled, “In the 1920s it was the only thing a woman could do. That or nursing”. 

She worked in a patent Attorneys office until 1928, when her family moved to Sydney. Here she gained employment for four years at the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in Sydney. Late in 1932, after losing her position due to Depression cutbacks, Isobel and her sister decided to take a 6 day P&O Christmas cruise on the brand new Straithaird ship to Norfolk Island. 

In the cabin next to the Bennett sisters was William John Dakin, a professor of Zoology at the University of Sydney, and his wife. The sisters befriended the couple and Isobel was offered a research position for a book he was writing about early whaling. 

Inbox News Sniffer Dogs Recruited To Detect Hidden Leaks in NSW, Sydney Film Festival 2020 Features Two Macquarie University Filmmakers, COVID-19 Could Be A Seasonal Illness With Higher Risk In Winter, Our Response To COVID-19 Should Not Sponsor The Fossil Fuel Industry, Atmospheric Scientists Identify Cleanest Air On Earth In First-Of-Its-Kind Study, Previously Claimed Memory Boosting Font 'Sans Forgetica' Does Not Actually Boost Memory

Environment Vale Peter Slater, 1932–2020, Bauer's Midge Orchid At Ingleside, World Oceans Day: June 8, $1.5 Million In NSW Government Grants To Stop And Clean Up Illegal Dumping, Household Chemical CleanOuts Back, Fishing In Sanctuary Zones Not Tolerated, Campaign To Stop Sediment Runoff As Building And Home Renovations Increase, Tarrawonga Coal Fined After Environmental Breach At Mine, Government Condemned For Voting Down CSG Moratorium Bill, Matt Canavan says Australia doesn’t subsidise the fossil fuel industry an expert says it does, High Court decision today on the long legal battle over New Acland Coal mine expansion, Let’s fix Australia’s environment with any pandemic recovery aid – the Kiwis are doing it, Latest Climate Models Show More Intense Droughts To Come, Back from extinction: a world first effort to return threatened pangolins to the wild, Tiger Snakes Tell More About Local Wetlands’ Pollution Levels, Sea Snakes Have Been Adapting To See Underwater For 15 Million Years, Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans And Bottles and Nominate SW As Recipient, ORRCA Art 2020 and ORRCA Census Day 2020, Echidna season, Bird of the Month: Night Heron, Downloadable Shorebirds booklet, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++

Artist of the Month June 2020: Margaret Woods

Margaret Woods is a Professional with a Sydney University BEc, Deakin Uni CPA, and post grad qualifications in Insurance who has worked for decades in her field at the highest level.

An involvement with the BirdLife Australia Powerful Owl project for years led to meeting Sydney Wildlife volunteers and her daughter becoming involved as a volunteer at 18 years of age and herself and her husband becoming a 'Sydney Wildlife Carer Family' as a result, with Margaret undertaking the training to become a Carer for Wildlife too in 2018.

Her dedication to the Warriewood Wetlands, the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment (her son has been a guide on some of the Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Night Walks) and a passion for saving our wildlife - in our area, on the South Coast during the recent bushfires, and as part of the Sydney Wildlife members who organised to send supplies and equipment to the RSPCA team on Kangaroo Island in South Australia in February 2020 can be seen in an earlier childhood love of Australian wildlife. More on all of this next Issue.

An interest in Photography in High School, followed and developed ever since, has led to Margaret capturing and creating the most amazing images. Her portraits of wildlife, of landscapes and of people support and enrich the work of these local organisations she is a part of. Not only that, they are placing on the record what wildlife is where and when it is there. 

Margaret is also among the many thousands of residents in our area with a love for our birds and for bird photography. When asked how she does it, Marg replied

'the trick is the angle and to look for... to see the art in the photo'

Her works in this field are more than that too though...

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

NSWRL Statement: Return To Play Update

June 2, 2020
The NSWRL is pleased to confirm that community football for children in competitions up to and including under 18 comps will resume in July following the NSW Government’s latest announcement today.

The NSWRL has been working towards a re-start of modified and select competitions from July 18 and a return to full contact training from July 1, based on the advice of government and health authorities.

NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said it was exciting and welcome news for more than 80,000 girls and boys from 700 clubs across the state.

“This is a really positive outcome, not only for the Rugby League community, but the broader community and we are grateful that the NSW Government has given the green light for a return to children’s sport,” Trodden said.

“It is really important though that we all remain vigilant and adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines that have been set so we can all enjoy the return of sport for the long-term.”

Trodden said that training (in groups of up to 10) can begin as soon as clubs have complied with the NSWRL’s COVID-19 regulations that have been developed in line with the Australian Government’s “Return to Sport” framework.

There has been no decision on adults returning to play, which means the senior NSWRL competitions – Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership and Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield – along with senior community football competitions, scheduled to re-start 18 July 2020, are still on hold, pending further advice.

“We remain hopeful that the NSW Government will also approve a return to play for adult teams in the very near future, recognising the central role that sport plays in our community and the positive impact that sport can have in recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” Trodden said.


Mona Vale Raiders and Avalon bulldogs juniors mixing it up at Hitchcock Park, 2015 - A J Guesdon photo

Marine Rescue Broken Bay New Boat BB30 Update

June 5, 2020
Just over 5 weeks before we see our new vessel on our waterways in Broken Bay and Pittwater. Sometime still before we use her in an emergency as we put her through her paces and get our members up to speed on all the new systems and vessel.

Marine Rescue Broken Bay’s (BB30) 10m Naiad, fit out is underway and it’s looking good with the livery complete. Being completed by Yamba Welding & Engineering Pty Ltd.

Some updated photos of our Broken Bay BB30 rescue vessel build. She is nearly ready to splash and be put through her paces through some sea trials.

 
 

Speed Humps For McCarr’s Creek Road

The Northern Beaches Council together with Transport NSW will begin installing speed humps along a section of McCarrs Creek Road in Church Point to reduce speeding and dangerous driving. The works will commence in the next few weeks.

The McCarr’s Creek Road between Church Point and the Ku-Ring- Gai National Park boundary has long been a haven for antisocial ‘hoon’ behaviour, with residents long calling for measures to be taken to increase safety along the stretch of road and return some peace, and safety, to those living here.

“The local community, quite rightly, have said no to those using this stretch of the road as their personal speedway. I worked with local State MP Rob Stokes, NSW Police and members of the Bayview Church Point Resident Association to make the installation of these speed humps happen.” Mayor Regan said this week

Councillors unanimously endorsed a proposal at February meeting to have council staff, through the Northern Beaches Local Traffic Committee, address the issue of dangerous driving with traffic calming measures such as speed humps.

The Northern Beaches Local Traffic Committee recently approved a report the council tabled recommending speed humps to reduce dangerous driving.


Manly Warringah Netball Association Presidents' Update 

June 4, 2020
What's the latest in June with Netball? 
Recently, it has been announced children's community sport competitions will be able to restart in NSW from July 1. This was not anticipated so we find ourselves in a new context. Change is never easy.

As of 3 June, this is what we do know:
  • Training can take place in groups of 10, as per the guidelines released two weeks ago. 
  • Training is NOT restricted to children. Players of all ages can train.
  • Competitions for players aged 18 and under can commence on July 1st.
  • There is no timeline for adult sport to restart in NSW as of today.
Mr Hazzard, NSW Minister of Sport said “COVID-19 safety plans for each activity or sport were critical. Sport and businesses will need to do things a little differently than in pre-COVID-19 times and following their safety plan is key to keeping people safe." 

"Reopening kids' sporting competitions on July 1 gives groups and local government, which manages many of these facilities, time to work through all the new changes."

Our clubs have been working tirelessly to make training safe. Check with your club for its status around training. MWNA has been taking bookings for courts since Friday 29th May and our teams are starting to return to netball venues, on advice of the club’s readiness to return. Please review the documents placed under the MWNA’s webpage COVID-19 for all information clubs have been referring to over the last few weeks. Club coaches and umpires are having zoom meetings to discuss readiness for training as well as competition. Be optimistic that training is just the beginning of our steady return to play.

At this stage, the Government has yet to outline a path for a return to organised sports for adults.
Ms Berejiklian said, "We're obviously looking at adult sport. But as you can appreciate, at the moment, what has underpinned our success is the social distancing. … that's why we need to be careful in how we do that. We need to get it right."

In reply, Netball NSW CEO, Carolyn Campbell stated,” I have been doing everything I can to ensure the message gets through that staying silent on a return to play date for senior sport is simply unacceptable.
I know you want information and answers, so do we. Please be assured that Netball NSW is absolutely focused on getting an outcome which provides certainty for senior players and competitions as quickly as possible.”

In the meantime, the MWNA executive committee is moving forward with developing competition policies. We continue to remain optimistic about the 2020 competition. So for the moment – just train, have fun, enjoy the team and our game.

Oxford Falls Development Refused

Residents of Narrabeen and Oxford Falls report recently receiving confirmation a proposal for a development in Meatworks Avenue Oxford Falls has been refused by the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel, on behalf of Northern Beaches Council as the consent authority.

The panel found that the proposal was inconsistent with the provisions of Warringah Local Environmental Plan 2000, in that the development is inconsistent with the Desired Future Character statement in the B2 Oxford Falls Valley Locality in that the development is not limited to low intensity, low uses, and the development unacceptably impacts on the natural landscape including landforms and vegetation.

Pursuant to Section 4.15(1)(a) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the proposed development is inconsistent with the provisions of Warringah Local Environmental Plan 2000, in that the development is inconsistent with the following General Principles of Development Control:

a. Clause 43 Noise
b. Clause 56 Retaining Unique Environmental Features
c. Clause 57 Development on Sloping Land
d. Clause 58 Protection of Existing Flora
e. Clause 60 Watercourses & Aquatic Habitats
f. Clause 63 Landscaped open space
g. Clause 66 Building Bulk
h. Clause 72 Traffic and Access and Safety

The proposal attracted a large number of objections.

Avalon Public School Kindy 2021 Enrolments

Kindy 2021 is enrolling now! For details of the enrolment process, please visit our website at https://avalon-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Social distancing is in place so we cannot offer school tours at this time. However, appointments to drop off your forms and your supporting documents can be made by calling the office on 9973 1439. Please ask for Sally Williams. See you soon!


The Penguin And The Turtle: Out And About - Please Steer Clear

A Palm Beach Resident has emailed this morning (Saturday May 30th, 2020) asking people to be aware that there are Fairy Penguins and one giant turtle in the Pittwater estuary at present;

'Beautiful morning and was kayaking through the moorings off Palm Beach wharf (Snapperman beach) when I saw a Penguin.

Same place yesterday, I almost ran over a large turtle (seen it three times now). Can't help thinking how lucky it was that I was in a kayak and not a Jet ski.

Perhaps, the Jet boys could take care when passing through the moorings?

Kind regards
Cameron G.



Photos: Fairy Penguin by J J Harrison and giant leatherback turtle rescued by Newport SLSC members in 2019 - their photo

Thank You Terrey Hills Swim School 

Terrey Hills Swim School have been raising funds for the Sydney Wildlife Mobile Care Unit for months and volunteers Joan and Lynleigh were thrilled this week to meet Anne and Kim - the wonderful people who initiated these fund-raising schemes.

The money raised by everyone at the Swim School will go towards the next purchase of equipment on our Wish List (which includes a portable ultrasound, a slit lamp and refractometer).
A big thank you from the wild ones!



Newport Rugby News

The season is back on, albeit a short season of around 8 games so we should get 4 games at Breaker stadium. The first game is scheduled for the 18th July, the boys have started training with no contact drills as of yet but that is to come. Also, hopefully two trial games at home.
 
No information on crowds as yet but as restrictions are being gradually lifted, we are hoping that by the 18th we will all be allowed to attend.

We are hoping you will support the club as they still have all the normal outgoings such as insurance ($10,000) and only limited games to make a dollar this year. The new President Jake Osborne and the committee have been working hard on improvement’s at the ground, we have new stairs and a flat concrete area on the lower level of the club house, the change rooms have been painted with the word BREAKERS across them which looks great. They are also trying to introduce new events like a 10’s comp which they are still trying to organise for later in the season - so we could get some bonus games!
 
So if you can please join the BB’s again for this unprecedented season.
BB's Fees for 2020 are again $120 which includes...
  • Free beers - 4 per home game.
  • Chargrill Charlies - "Breaker Plates" turn up on a Tuesday or Thursday night for a $10 meal (dine-in or takeaway). It's huge and worth more like $17. Just present your supporter's membership card.
  • An invitation to Sponsor’s Day on the deck of the finest Rugby Clubhouse in Sydney.
  • Chance in the $100 per home game badge draw.
  • Raffle…. 2 of Hugh Hamilton’s finest Reds to be raffled off at half time in 1st grade on our first home game.  (only to paid up members of the BB’s). 
  • You’ll be helping to pay for the facilities and maintenance of our Club.
EFT  to …. BSB 082 116 ….  Account 637602084
Please include your name as a reference to the EFT.
or...
Enclose a cheque and post to
Newport Rugby Club, PO  Box 197,  Newport NSW 2106   


Avalon Amnesty International Group

There is an Amnesty International Group in Avalon. We would like to get bigger! 

Normally we meet at 5:30 pm on the second Tuesday of every month at the back of the Avalon Baptist Church on George St, but for at least one more month we'll be on Zoom. Please get in touch with Gerd Hollander, gerdhollander@gmail.com, if you want details, or check out their web page www.amnesty.org.au



DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Hugo


AGE/SEX: 4 years / M
BREED: Rottweiler X Labrador?
Hugo is a nervous dog who is looking for a family with experience to handle him slowly and gently. He has experienced very rough handling and is sensitive to it. He does not like people leaning over him. He is a lovely happy dog when you move slowly and speak softly. He is smaller than a pure Rotty. He has a short coat and weighs 29.7kg 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. 

William


William is a handsome and big tabby boy, approximately 3.5 years old. If you like the mysterious shy types that you have to work at to win his heart, he is perfect! Once you've captured his heart with your unconditional love and patience, his loyalty and love in return will be unwavering.
He is located on the Northern Beaches and comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.

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

Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits 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. 

Pittwater High School Sailing Program Fund

At Pittwater High our connection to the environment and the ocean is part of our DNA.
Our Sailing program supports personal development as well as the development of life skills. There’s something about sailing that makes it quite unlike other sports. More than just skill and strategy, it teaches certain values that shape young people into unique athletes.

We usually focus on the physical aspects of sport and we forget how much we stand to gain from the sport – both socially and emotionally.

Sailing is not just a sport that keeps you fit, but also one that develops you into a well-rounded individual – something far more important than winning raced or gold medals.

As our local America’s cup skipper Jimmy Spithill put it: “If you want to go fast, you go alone, If you want to go far, you go together.”


About the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF)
The unique purpose of the Foundation is to enable donors to claim a tax deduction for donations made to sporting projects that have signed up to fundraise with us. Over the last 30 years, the Foundation has helped increased funding to all levels of sport by more than $345 million!

In simple terms, for every donation of $2 or more, the Foundation provides a receipt to the donor that they can then use to claim their tax deduction for the donation.


NSW Gearing Up For Bushfire Season

June 2, 2020
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) will receive $45 million in additional funding to fast-track hazard reduction and fleet upgrades to prepare for the next bushfire season.

The funding boost includes:
  • $10.7 million for additional State Mitigation Crews to help fast-track hazard reduction burning
  • $34.4 million to upgrade the RFS firefighting fleet.
The hazard reduction task will create an additional 100 jobs which will form 25 crews to support rural and regional communities across NSW.

The additional funding for RFS fleet upgrades will help rollout new vehicles to brigades — delivering 120 new vehicles and 70 refurbished trucks by the end of the 2020-2021 financial year.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said despite the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires burning more than five million hectares of land, there was still more to be done to prepare for the season ahead.

“We want our volunteers to have the very best equipment available to them when they put their lives on the line to keep the community safe,” Mr Elliott said.  

"This investment in fire trucks will also create hundreds of manufacturing jobs for regional economies which have been hit hard by drought, fire and now a global pandemic.”

Learn more about the planned hazard reduction burns and the RFS bush fire survival plan

$1.5 Million In NSW Government Grants To Stop And Clean Up Illegal Dumping

June 2, 2020

The NSW Government is encouraging councils, public land managers and community groups to apply for grants to tackle illegal dumping in their local area.

The grants are a part of the NSW Combating Illegal Dumping Clean-up and Prevention program which has awarded $6.7 million to projects to combat illegal dumping since the program commenced.

Executive Director, Circular Economy & Resource Management, Sanjay Sridher said illegally dumped waste can harm our health, pollute the environment and cost millions of dollars in taxpayers money each year to clean up.

“We want to see as many applicants as possible apply for funding, with previous grants being put to great use to tackle local dumping hotspots,” Mr Sridher said.

“This has included the installation of gates, signs, surveillance cameras and fencing to tackle illegal dumping along with the removal of thousands of tonnes of illegally dumped waste.

“I encourage any councils, public land managers or community groups that want to tackle an illegal dumping problem in their area to visit the website and apply for one of these grants.

“The grant program is funded under the Waste Less Recycle More initiative, administered by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry an Environment.”

The grants can be used by councils, public land managers and community groups to implement prevention and clean-up action on publicly managed land or to establish illegal dumping baseline data.

Applications for grants will close on the 17th July 2020.

Applicants are able to apply for funding under three streams;

Option 1

$50,000 - $120,000 for councils and public land managers to carry out illegal dumping clean-up and prevention projects.

Option 2

Up to $20,000 for councils and public land managers to establish illegal dumping baseline data.

Option 3

Up to $50,000 for illegal dumping clean-up and prevention community partnerships.

More information about the NSW Combating Illegal Dumping Clean-up and Prevention program is available at https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/illegal-dumping/illegal-dumping-clean-prevention.

Household Chemical CleanOuts Back

Mona Vale Beach Car Park, Surfview Road, Mona Vale
Sat 20, Sun 21 June 2020: 9am - 3:30pm

Household Chemical CleanOut events are returning to your neighbourhood after a break because of COVID-19.

The free service, run jointly by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and local councils, provides a safe way to dispose of potentially hazardous household items such as paint, oils and cleaning products.

The return of these events is a welcome addition to the calendar for the NSW community, with many people using their recent spare time to de-clutter the house and garage. Any problem wastes discovered while de-cluttering can now be disposed of for free at a Household Chemical CleanOut.

You can take household quantities of many chemicals and items – up to a maximum of 20 litres or 20 kilograms of a single item – to a CleanOut event, including:

  • Car and household batteries
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Gas bottles
  • Smoke detectors
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Pesticides and herbicides
  • Paint
  • Batteries
  • Oils
  • Pool chemicals
  • Fluorescent globes and tubes, and more

The events re-start this Saturday 30 May at Glendale TAFE, followed by Meadowbank, Nowra, Mona Vale, Rutherford, Leumeah, Katoomba and Heffron Park, Matraville in coming weeks.

See the EPA website for information about individual events, for dates, times and other details including locations, with more events being added regularly.

Due to COVID-19 there are new protocols that participants need to be aware of:

Before you attend a Chemical CleanOut event, please place all materials in the rear of your vehicle. On arrival, remain in your vehicle and our contractor will collect your items. Contractors onsite will be wearing personal protective equipment and following social distancing measures.

Teachers Health And Healthscope Announce Agreement

June 6, 2020
Following weeks of negotiations, the Australian Health Service Alliance (AHSA) and Healthscope’s private hospital network reached an in principle agreement today. Agreement will be formalised over the coming days.

This in principle agreement, will benefit Australian teachers and their families who are members of Teachers Health.

For Teachers Health members, many of whom have been working on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic, this means they’ll continue to be covered at Healthscope’s 42 private hospitals across the country. Any planned or unplanned admission into a Healthscope hospital will continue to be covered.

Brad Joyce, CEO of Teachers Health, says “We’ll always fight for quality and value for our members in every negotiation and business decision, and I’m pleased a positive outcome has been reached with Healthscope.”

“As a not-for-profit health fund, our focus is on providing quality and value to our members. That’s why we negotiate our contracts with hospitals, to help members access a high standard of care with minimal out-of-pocket costs.”

“We’re proud to be the health fund for teachers and the education community and we’re truly inspired by the commitment and resilience they’ve demonstrated in recent months.”

Teachers Health has agreements with more than 540 private hospitals across Australia.

'Homebuilder' Program To Drive Economic Activity Across Residential Construction Sector

June 4, 2020
The Federal Government is supporting jobs in the residential construction sector with the introduction of the new HomeBuilder program.

From today until December 31 2020, HomeBuilder will provide all eligible owner-occupiers (not just first home buyers) with a grant of $25,000 to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. Construction must be contracted to commence within three months of the contract date.

HomeBuilder applicants will be subject to eligibility criteria, including income caps of $125,000 for singles and $200,000 for couples based on their latest assessable income. A national dwelling price cap of $750,000 will apply for new home builds, and a renovation price range of $150,000 up to $750,000 will apply to renovating an existing home with a current value of no more than $1.5 million.

The program is expected to provide around 27,000 grants at a total cost of around $680 million.

This increase in residential construction will help to fill the gap in construction activity expected in the second half of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In doing so, HomeBuilder will help to support the 140,000 direct jobs and another 1,000,000 related jobs in the residential construction sector including businesses and sole-trader builders, contractors, property developers, construction materials manufacturers, engineers, designers and architects.

HomeBuilder complements existing state and territory First Home Owner Grant programs, stamp duty concessions and other grant schemes, as well as the Commonwealth’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme and First Home Super Saver Scheme.

This year, the Government delivered the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme to help eligible first home buyers to purchase their first home with a deposit of as little as 5 per cent, allowing them to get into the market sooner. HomeBuilder will create even more opportunities for first home buyers to enter the property market, as well as support other eligible Australians to build a new home or renovate an existing home.

The HomeBuilder program will be implemented via a National Partnership Agreement, signed by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.

More information on HomeBuilder, including eligibility, can be found on the Treasury Coronavirus Economic Response website

HomeBuilder Package Driving Jobs In NSW

June 5, 2020
The new HomeBuilder grant will provide $25,000 for those looking to build or renovate their home.

The Australian Government's new HomeBuilder grant will provide eligible owner-occupiers with a $25,000 grant to help build new homes or make substantial renovations to existing homes. 

The HomeBuilder stimulus package aims to support the thousands of workers in the NSW construction industry as well as businesses in the supply chain that depend on this critical industry.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the HomeBuilder grant complements our existing programs and is another important step on our road to recovery from COVID-19 (coronavirus). 

“We’re also rolling out the easy-to-use ePlanning platform to every council in NSW, which means home builders and renovators can process their development applications online and faster than ever before.”

Mr Stokes said he would expand the list of home building work that can be carried out as ‘exempt development’ to allow more construction to begin sooner, without planning approvals.

To find out more about the HomeBuilder program and whether you're eligible, visit Revenue NSW

NSW Government Delivers Historic Building Reforms To Restore Industry Confidence

June 3, 2020
The NSW Government has delivered on its promise to restore public confidence in the building industry by successfully passing the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019. 

Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said the much-needed reforms, passed by Parliament today, mark the start of a new era in the design and construction of buildings in NSW.

“The NSW Government has a no nonsense approach to achieving and maintaining best practice regulation across all of the industries that it regulates, and the building sector is no exception,” Mr Anderson said.

“This Bill is all about putting consumers first by giving those entering the property market peace of mind that their home will be expertly designed and built in compliance with the Australian Building Codes.”

The Minister said the Bill, developed through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and the public, will ensure NSW has a leading system of design and building regulation that delivers well-constructed buildings into the future.

“The passing of the Bill is a huge step forward in the rebuilding the construction sector into a transparent, accountable, customer-centric industry that consumers deserve,” Mr Anderson said.

“Owners of apartment buildings with defects will benefit immediately from the statutory duty of care that applies to all new buildings and those less than ten years old.”

Also introduced to NSW Parliament this week is the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Bill 2020, boosting the Building Commissioner’s power to stop dodgy builders and developers in their tracks.

The NSW Building Commissioner, David Chandler OAM, will be leading the regulator’s implementation of both Bills, through an expert team of up to 60 new staff who will undertake increased investigation, audit and compliance activities.

“Combined, these two Bills put the interests of consumers first and show that the Government is serious about lifting the standard of work across the building and construction sector,” Mr Chandler said.

“The laws will give my team a broad range of powers, including the ability to issue stop work orders, prevent strata plan registration and occupation certificates, and to issue hefty fines for those doing the wrong thing.”

Small Business $10k Grants Extended To 30 June

Small businesses in industries highly impacted by COVID-19 have more time to submit applications for up to $10,000 in Small Business Support Fund grants to help pay for unavoidable expenses.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said by extending the closing date to the end of June eligible small business owners now had more time to submit their applications to access this vital support measure.

“The grants were designed to help highly-impacted small businesses hibernate, with the criteria recently extended to provide support for eligible microbreweries, cellar doors and events and commercial vessel businesses,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Already more than 40,000 small businesses have applied for the grants, worth more than $400 million, and we’re looking forward to seeing this number grow over the next month and getting more support into the hands of those businesses who need it most.

“With the grants set to close at the end of June, we’re now turning our attention from response to recovery and are looking at how we best support our businesses to reopen and welcome more customers."

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the grants had been designed to allow small businesses to get access to help as quickly as possible and this extension meant more businesses would get help to cover utilities, rates and supplier costs.

“Comments from applicants such as ‘this was a very user friendly experience, which is greatly appreciated, especially during this stressful time’, capture the overwhelmingly positive sentiment about the ease of the process,” Mr Dominello said.

“Of the 5,500 applicants who chose to leave feedback, over 99 per cent gave the process a thumbs up.” Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the grants were part of the NSW Government’s response strategy aimed at supporting small businesses

.“We’re committed to keeping people in jobs and businesses in business, which is why we established the Small Business Support Fund grants to help highly-impacted small businesses to keep the lights on and doors open,” Mr Tudehope said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our state and support tens of thousands of local jobs and we are committed to easing the burden of COVID-19 on our mum and dad business owners and entrepreneurs.”

The criteria for the Small Business Support Fund grants and online application form is available here. Applications must be received by 11.59pm 30 June.

For more information about what other measures might be available, visit service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 and use the assistance tool. To learn more about the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus measures, visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

Changes To Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park Precinct Closures

June 5, 2020
Many high visitation areas and facilities within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are open to visitors. Some visitor areas and facilities remain closed due to maintenance and upgrades. These closed areas are: 
  • The Bobbin Head Playground
  • The Basin trail
  • The Basic campground and picnic area
  • Mackerel service trail
  • Salvation Loop and Wallaroo trails 
Berowra track, between Apple Tree Bay and the intersection of Mount Ku-ring-gai track, has now reopened. However if you plan to visit, walk with caution as some sections of the track remain uneven. 

Please remember to practice appropriate social distancing requirements and good hygiene. The maximum group size for an outdoor gathering is 10 people. Groups are still expected to maintain social distancing. If you arrive at a national park or other public space and it is too crowded to practice social distancing, it is your responsibility to leave the area. Do not wait to be instructed by NPWS staff or police.

The closure of toilets and other facilities will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Necessary site assessments will take place to consider the management of health and safety risk to visitors and staff, and available resourcing to maintain facilities. Access to sanitation products and running water cannot be guaranteed. We recommend bringing hand soap, hand wipes and toilet paper with you to maintain good hygiene as advised by the NSW Government.

If you're visiting the park, please bring a card to pay vehicle entry fees.

Closed areas: Visitor areas closed
Canoelands Ridge trail within Marramarra National Park may be temporarily restricted from Thursday 21 May 2020 until further notice due to track remediation work. The walking track between the end of Canoelands Ridge trail and Gentlemans Halt campground remains closed until further notice while staff assess safety concerns. 

Twin Beaches campground and toilet block remain closed until further notice while upgrade works are conducted.

Tunks Ridge campground remains closed until further notice while staff assess safety concerns.  

Closed areas: The Basin campground, Basin trail and Mackerel Service trail closed
The following areas will be closed from Monday June 1 until Monday August 3, 2020 while upgrade works and maintenance are underway:
  • The Basin trail
  • The Basic campground and picnic area
  • Mackerel service trail
No public access is permitted. There will be no access to The Basin Aboriginal Engraving Site, Mackerel Beach to The Basin trail, West Head Road or The Basin campground.



Closed areas: Salvation Loop and Wallaroo Trails closed for maintenance.
The Salvation Loop Trail and Wallaroo Trail at West Head will be closed from 2 June 2020 until early July 2020 for maintenance. Machinery will be on the trails so no public access is permitted for safety reasons.

Closed areas: Bluefish track closed for track upgrades Monday to Friday
Bluefish track is closed Monday to Friday from Monday 1 June to Friday 28 August 2020 for track maintenance. The track will be open on weekends.
For further information contact; (02) 9451 3479 or (02) 9472 8949

Other planned events: Forestville office closed until further notice
The NPWS Forestville office is closed until further notice to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff. You can still contact us by phone or email for information.

Passes can be purchased:

Online:

Jean Kittson Webinar - We Need To Talk About Mum And Dad

Thursday, 18 June 2020 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
We Need to Talk About Mum and Dad
Free lunchtime webinar
Author and comedian Jean Kittson(Opens in a new window) will be coming to us live with an entertaining and practical guide on how to parent your ageing parents based on her best selling book.

Brought to you by the following Councils: Hornsby, North Sydney, Willoughby, Lane Cove, Ku-ring-gai and Northern Beaches

Register your details and the link to join the Webinar will be sent the day before the event.
FREE - Register here

NSW Coastal Communities On High Alert For Debris And Containers

May 26, 2020
Transport for NSW is reminding beachgoers and coastal councils of what to do when debris or shipping containers wash up on beaches after boxes washed ashore on Bondi Beach today.

NSW Maritime A/ Executive Director NSW Maritime Alex Barrell said plans were advanced to deal with the impact of 40 containers that were lost overboard on Sunday from the Singapore-flagged cargo ship APL England.

“Despite these containers being lost 70 kilometres offshore, NSW Maritime has been preparing for exactly this – how to respond in the event containers or debris wash ashore,” Mr Barrell said.

“We have been advising coastal councils of what they need to do if containers and their contents come ashore between Sydney and Gosford as modelling of sea currents suggested.

“The first debris - boxes of flexible ducting, commonly used in heating and cooling systems – has come ashore at Bondi and Long Bay Beach. Debris has also been found by members of the public at Magenta Beach and The Entrance.

“These are consistent with items on the ship’s cargo manifest, along with building supplies, protective equipment, plastic bottles and aircraft seats. Thankfully, no hazardous materials are reported in what fell overboard.”

Mr Barrell said Transport for NSW will lead an effort involving NSW authorities, local councils and the Australian Marine Safety Authority to remove any debris which washes ashore.

He said it was important boat operators were on the look out for any floating containers which can pose a safety hazard to other passing boats such as fishing trawlers.

“And of course from an environmental point of view it is best not to have the contents of shipping containers floating around in and washing up on our shores,” Mr Barrell said.

“We will be managing any further collection and safe disposal of debris from this ship as part of our marine pollution responsibilities, in the same way we did in the weeks and months following a similar container overboard incident two years ago with the YM Efficiency.”

Cargo ship APL England lost 40 containers 73 kilometres south east of Sydney on Sunday. The vessel had been travelling from China and was en route to Melbourne. It will now dock at the Port of Brisbane.

Members of the public who witness any suspected debris or shipping containers on NSW beaches should contact the NSW Maritime Info Line 13 12 36 or report via email to incident@transport.nsw.gov.au.

APL England Incident

Any sighting of containers should be reported to NSW Maritime on 13 12 36.
Boaters on the NSW coastline between Wollongong and Newcastle are urged to travel at a safe speed and keep a careful lookout for drifting or semi-submerged containers and debris following the cargo spill off Sydney on Sunday morning.

Forty containers were lost from the APL England.

The Marine Rescue Port Kembla, Marine Rescue Terrey Hills and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie radio bases are continuing to broadcast Security warnings to all boats twice an hour to warn of the serious navigation hazard.

Containers have been located floating or semi-submerged 17nm off Kiama and debris reported up to 4 nm seaward from The Entrance at Tuggerah Lake. These pose a particular risk of causing severe damage to smaller craft.

Containers and debris have been located in various locations, including Birdie Beach and Forresters Beach on the Central Coast, Flagstaff Lighthouse in the Illawarra and Store Beach in Sydney Harbour. 
Boaters should continue to listen for warnings on VHF Channel 16. Any sighting of containers should be reported to NSW Maritime on 13 12 36.

Photos courtesy AMSA

Commonwealth - States Sign $131 Billion Five Year Hospitals Agreement

May 29, 2020
Public hospitals across the country will have record funding for the next five years after all states and territories signed onto the Federal Government’s new health reform agreement.

This record funding agreement will deliver more doctors, more nurses and more services across public hospitals in every state and territory.

This commitment ensures the Australian health system remains stable and nationally coordinated, particularly throughout this unprecedented time.

Overall, the Commonwealth will invest an estimated $131.4 billion in demand driven public hospital funding to improve health outcomes for all Australians and ensure the sustainability of our health system now and into the future.

The new 2020‑25 National Health Reform Agreement provides an estimated $131.4 billion in additional funding to public hospitals over five years from 2020–21. This is in addition to the over $8 billion health investment by the Commonwealth during the COVID-19 response.

As part of the new Agreement, the Morrison Government has provided a funding guarantee to all states and territories to ensure no jurisdiction is left worse off as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic, and guarantees the Commonwealth’s funding contribution for public hospitals over the next five years.

This guarantee is critical to ensuring state and territory governments can continue to deliver safe and effective public hospital services for all Australians, especially when all Australian governments are working to respond to the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Under this Agreement, a small number of very sick children across Australia will receive lifesaving, high cost therapies such as immunotherapy, to reduce and rid cancer from their body, free of charge.

Commonwealth and states have agreed to jointly fund this cancer treatment. Without this support patients could pay around $500,000 per treatment for cancer immunotherapy.

States are also funded to deliver more flexible care, including hospital care in the home, to give patients care where and when they need it.

This will include rehabilitation after a stroke in the home. This provides better long term outcomes for patients. It will help many Australians with approximately 50,000 strokes occurring per year.

This agreement also builds on the collaboration between the Commonwealth and the states in responding to COVID-19.

New funding arrangements under the Agreement mean people with some of the rarest conditions will have better access to new innovative life-saving high-cost therapies in public hospitals around the country.

Importantly, the Agreement strengthens all governments’ commitment to ensuring equitable access to public hospitals for all Australians by removing incentives that can lead to the preferential treatment of private patients.

The new Agreement also includes a commitment by all Australian governments to a shared long-term vision for health reform, at a time when shared investment and coordination in health has never been more important.

The reforms aim to make it easier to provide flexible, high-quality care that meets the needs and preferences of Australians, and reduces pressure on hospitals.

Through this Agreement, we will ensure Australia’s health system continues to be one of the best in the world, delivering the best possible health outcomes for Australians.

State and territory funding breakdown
  • The Australian Government funding contribution for public hospital services in New South Wales is estimated to grow substantially to an estimated $40.1 billion over the next five years, delivering an additional $9.3 billion in funding.
  • The Australian Government funding contribution for public hospital services in Victoria is estimated to grow substantially to an estimated $32.4 billion over the next five years, delivering an additional $7.3 billion in funding.
  • The Australian Government funding contribution for public hospital services in Queensland is estimated to grow substantially to an estimated $30.1 billion under the new agreement, delivering an additional $8.4 billion in funding.
  • The Australian Government funding contribution for public hospital services in Western Australia is estimated to grow substantially to an estimated $14.1 billion over the next five years, delivering an additional $3.4 billion in funding.
  • The Australian Government funding contribution for public hospital services in South Australia is estimated to grow substantially to an estimated $7.8 billion, delivering an additional $1.3 billion in funding.
  • The Australian Government funding contribution for public hospital services in Tasmania is estimated to grow substantially to an estimated $2.4 billion under the new agreement, delivering an additional $400 million in funding.
  • The Australian Government funding contribution for public hospital services in the Northern Territory is estimated to grow substantially to an estimated $2.0 billion over five years to 2024-25, delivering an additional $707 million in funding.
The Australian Government funding contribution for public hospital services in the Australian Capital Territory is estimated to grow substantially to $2.5 billion in funding, delivering an additional $598 million in funding.

Trades & Services Page 

For several years now Pittwater Online News has received requests to launch a Trades and Services page. As we remain a FREE news service with a reach far beyond Pittwater, we are working towards launching such a page by late June. 

The cost will be the same $40 per month we charge for Event listings. Those interested in a listing can email pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au 

NB: as with the Events page, advertisers are requested to send in their advertisements ready to go - so they can be easily placed via load/set.

Please send us –
  1. Name of business, person to contact and contact details; phone/email
  2. Areas you will work in - Manly to Palm Beach or??
  3. Specialising in – or just general Carpentry, Builder, Electrician etc.
  4. License number should go in too - e.g.; R000001
  5. Logo if you have any (something to draw the eyes to your listing)
If we could have that all by Friday June 26th please.

Billing will be at the end of the month – commencing July. If you could let us know prior to the end of July (we can be a bit lax at sending Invoices) whether you wish to roll it over for August/September, that would be great.

Thank you.

2020 Community Building Partnership Program 

The 2020 Community Building Partnership program is currently open.
The NSW Government initiative allocates $300,000 per electorate for a range of eligible infrastructure projects that will deliver social, cultural, environmental and recreational outcomes.

There are many examples in Pittwater where a small financial boost provided by this program has helped get an excellent local project off the ground and delivered.

Eligible projects must enhance local facilities, meet community needs, increase participation, and be achievable by the group that’s applying.

Guidelines are available at nsw.gov.au/cbp and applications are open until 12 June.


Northern Beaches Community Grants 2020/21 

Council's Community Grants program is now open. 
Applications will close at 3pm on Tuesday 30th June 2020.
This program offers funding up to $10,000 (excl.GST) in three grant streams:
You can review the Community Grants Program Guidelines for eligibility criteria, application process and grants management requirements.

Organisations Encouraged To Apply For $14 Million Crown Reserves Improvement Fund 

Crown land managers and community groups that use Crown land on the Northern Beaches are invited to apply for a share of $14 million in grants to upgrade and maintain community facilities and reserves across NSW.

Member for Manly James Griffin said applications for the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund are open until 10 July 2020.

“This fund maintains and upgrades reserves and community facilities on Crown land across NSW, including the Northern Beaches,” Mr Griffin said.

“This year the NSW Government will invest $14 million across the state to benefit community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown land reserves.

“Grant applications are open to Crown land reserve managers including Northern Beaches Council and community groups who use Crown land, and I encourage eligible local organisations to apply.

“The fund will support improvements to community, recreational and tourism facilities on Crown reserves while also supporting local businesses and economies.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said quality public reserves were vital to the health and well-being of local communities.

“Residents need quality natural spaces to relax and rejuvenate and this fund enhances local reserves that provide green open recreational space and protect our environmental diversity,” Mrs Pavey said.

“The fund also upgrades facilities on Crown land used by organisations at the heart of our communities, like surf life saving clubs, scouts and girl guide groups, public halls, the RSPCA and PCYC, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the grant program would be welcome news to communities who will benefit from improved access to great quality public spaces.

“This year’s funding will prioritise restoring and strengthening the resilience of public facilities and crown reserves that have suffered through bushfires, drought and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.

“We also want to make it easier for the community to walk and cycle with new tracks and trails across and between reserves and open spaces.”

For further information on the Crown Reserves Improvement fund and to apply, visit https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif

NSW Veterans' Strategy Survey

The NSW Government through the Office for Veterans Affairs is asking for feedback on issues faced by veterans and their families.

What’s this about?
The NSW Government through the Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) is asking for feedback on issues faced by veterans and their families, and how the government can better support them. The feedback will inform the first NSW Veterans’ Strategy to be published later this year.

Have your say
Veterans, their families and friends, ex-service organisations and those involved in providing veterans’ services are encouraged to participate in the survey and contribute to the strategy.

You can provide your feedback via the online survey. 
Have your say by Friday 17 July 2020.

Survey
28 May 2020 to 17 July 2020
12:01am to 11:59pm

Rat Poisons Are Killing Our Wildlife: Alternatives

Rodentcides are an acknowledged but under-researched source of threat to many Aussie birds. If you missed  BirdLife's rodenticide talk but would like to know more, share data and comment on the use of rodenticides in Australia please visit:  https://www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison

Owls, kites and other birds of prey are dying from eating rats and mice that have ingested Second Generation rodent poisons. These household products – including Talon, Fast Action RatSak and The Big Cheese Fast Action brand rat and mice bait – have been banned from general public sale in the US, Canada and EU, but are available from supermarkets throughout Australia.  

Australia is reviewing the use of these dangerous chemicals right now and you can make a submission to help get them off supermarket shelves and make sure only licenced operators can use them.   

There are alternatives for household rodent control – find out more about the impacts of rat poison on our birds of prey and what you can do at the link above and by reading the information at the link above.  

Let’s get rat poison out of bird food chains. 

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) – is currently asking Australians for their views on how rodent poisons are regulated. 

Have your say by making a submission here. 


Powerful Owl at Clareville - photo by Paul Wheeler

May 31 - June 6, 2020: Issue 452

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 452 

Australian Surfing Awards 2020 Winners Crowned - Jodie Cooper Becomes 42nd Inductee Into Hall Of Fame; Local Surfer Rob Bain Announced as Peter Troy Award Winner

Avalon Beach SLSC 2020 Awards Presentation

Pictures Out and About from Narrabeen to Palm Beach: by Geraldene Dalby-Ball, Maureen Darcy-Smith, Joe Mills, Paul Wheeler, Selena Griffith

Surfing NSW & Empty Esky Team Up For The Ultimate Surfing Road Trip In Fire Impacted Areas Over The 2020 Queens Birthday Long Weekend

Aquatics A Pearl Of An Idea: Long Reef Aquatic Reserve Celebrates 40th Anniversary +  Some History Extras

Park Bench Philosopher Largest Haul of New Species of Carnivorous Sponges Found off Australia's East Coast

Northern Beaches Council Draft Budget 2020-2021 Now on Exhibition: Open For Feedback - closes Sunday June 7th, 2020

Artist of the Month June 2020: Margaret Woods

Margaret Woods is a Professional with a Sydney University BEc, Deakin Uni CPA, and post grad qualifications in Insurance who has worked for decades in her field at the highest level.

An involvement with the BirdLife Australia Powerful Owl project for years led to meeting Sydney Wildlife volunteers and her daughter becoming involved as a volunteer at 18 years of age and herself and her husband becoming a 'Sydney Wildlife Carer Family' as a result, with Margaret undertaking the training to become a Carer for Wildlife too in 2018.

Her dedication to the Warriewood Wetlands, the Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment (her son has been a guide on some of the Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Night Walks) and a passion for saving our wildlife - in our area, on the South Coast during the recent bushfires, and as part of the Sydney Wildlife members who organised to send supplies and equipment to the RSPCA team on Kangaroo Island in South Australia in February 2020 can be seen in an earlier childhood love of Australian wildlife. More on all of this next Issue.

An interest in Photography in High School, followed and developed ever since, has led to Margaret capturing and creating the most amazing images. Her portraits of wildlife, of landscapes and of people support and enrich the work of these local organisations she is a part of. Not only that, they are placing on the record what wildlife is where and when it is there. 

Margaret is also among the many thousands of residents in our area with a love for our birds and for bird photography. When asked how she does it, Marg replied

'the trick is the angle and to look for... to see the art in the photo'

Her works in this field are more than that too though...

Profile Graeme James Knox, AKA 'The Zom' by Graeme James Knox, Elton McKay and Mike Tamblyn

With grateful thanks to Aaron Tannahill, Vincent De Luca OAM, Kim Marsh and the Valley United Rugby League Football Club, Harbord

Listen up, listen up, listen up!

Environment Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans And Bottles and Nominate SW As Recipient, ORRCA Art 2020 and ORRCA Census Day 2020, Federal Court Win For Leadbeater's Possum Signals Shift Towards Hope For Our Forests And All That Lives In Them, Rat Poisons Are Killing Our Wildlife: Alternatives, Thousands Of New Trees To Be Planted Across Greater Sydney, Echidna Season, Royal Commission Into National Natural Disaster Arrangements Commences: Commonwealth Threatened Species Commissioner Dr Sally Box '327 Endangered Species Were In The Fires' Range', Wildlife And Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel, Eggs-Ellent Outcome For World Turtle Day, Australia, it’s not that hard: 10 reasons why renewable energy is the future, After a storm microplastics in Sydney’s Cooks River increased 40 fold, If you took to growing veggies in the coronavirus pandemic then keep it up when lockdown ends, Bird of the Month: Night Heron, Downloadable Shorebirds booklet, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News Ocean Warming's Impact On Antarctic Krill, 'Cosmic Ring Of Fire' 11 Billion Years Ago: How Did Structures In Early Universe Form?, Miniature Rock Art Expands Horizons, There Is No Escaping From Climate Change; Even In The Deep Sea, New Australian Bricks Made From Plastic And Organic Waste, Increased Fertility For Women With Neanderthal Gene

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

APL England Incident

Any sighting of containers should be reported to NSW Maritime on 13 12 36.
Boaters on the NSW coastline between Wollongong and Newcastle are urged to travel at a safe speed and keep a careful lookout for drifting or semi-submerged containers and debris following the cargo spill off Sydney on Sunday morning.

Forty containers were lost from the APL England.

The Marine Rescue Port Kembla, Marine Rescue Terrey Hills and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie radio bases are continuing to broadcast Security warnings to all boats twice an hour to warn of the serious navigation hazard.

Containers have been located floating or semi-submerged 17nm off Kiama and debris reported up to 4 nm seaward from The Entrance at Tuggerah Lake. These pose a particular risk of causing severe damage to smaller craft.

Containers and debris have been located in various locations, including Birdie Beach and Forresters Beach on the Central Coast, Flagstaff Lighthouse in the Illawarra and Store Beach in Sydney Harbour. 
Boaters should continue to listen for warnings on VHF Channel 16. Any sighting of containers should be reported to NSW Maritime on 13 12 36.

Photos courtesy AMSA

NSW Coastal Communities On High Alert For Debris And Containers

May 26, 2020
Transport for NSW is reminding beachgoers and coastal councils of what to do when debris or shipping containers wash up on beaches after boxes washed ashore on Bondi Beach today.

NSW Maritime A/ Executive Director NSW Maritime Alex Barrell said plans were advanced to deal with the impact of 40 containers that were lost overboard on Sunday from the Singapore-flagged cargo ship APL England.

“Despite these containers being lost 70 kilometres offshore, NSW Maritime has been preparing for exactly this – how to respond in the event containers or debris wash ashore,” Mr Barrell said.

“We have been advising coastal councils of what they need to do if containers and their contents come ashore between Sydney and Gosford as modelling of sea currents suggested.

“The first debris - boxes of flexible ducting, commonly used in heating and cooling systems – has come ashore at Bondi and Long Bay Beach. Debris has also been found by members of the public at Magenta Beach and The Entrance.

“These are consistent with items on the ship’s cargo manifest, along with building supplies, protective equipment, plastic bottles and aircraft seats. Thankfully, no hazardous materials are reported in what fell overboard.”

Mr Barrell said Transport for NSW will lead an effort involving NSW authorities, local councils and the Australian Marine Safety Authority to remove any debris which washes ashore.

He said it was important boat operators were on the look out for any floating containers which can pose a safety hazard to other passing boats such as fishing trawlers.

“And of course from an environmental point of view it is best not to have the contents of shipping containers floating around in and washing up on our shores,” Mr Barrell said.

“We will be managing any further collection and safe disposal of debris from this ship as part of our marine pollution responsibilities, in the same way we did in the weeks and months following a similar container overboard incident two years ago with the YM Efficiency.”

Cargo ship APL England lost 40 containers 73 kilometres south east of Sydney on Sunday. The vessel had been travelling from China and was en route to Melbourne. It will now dock at the Port of Brisbane.

Members of the public who witness any suspected debris or shipping containers on NSW beaches should contact the NSW Maritime Info Line 13 12 36 or report via email to incident@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Vale: Keren Anthony Muir-McCarey

The family wish to advise that Keren died peacefully on Monday 18th of May 2020. He was the much loved and cherished father of Steven and Ryan, and dear brother to Michael, Patricia and David. 
Beloved Husband of Liz. 
Aged 71 yrs.

Volunteer Member of Marine Rescue Broken Bay Keren Muir-McCarey - 10 Years; Served as Training Officer and Marine Rescue Commander.
Curtin University, Arts Humanities, Undergraduate.
St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill, QLD. 1964-1967
R.I.P.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse Toilets Closed

NPWS advise that the toilets at Barrenjoey Lighthouse will be closed from Friday 29 May to Tuesday 2 June 2020 for repairs.  The walking tracks to the Lighthouse will remain open.  Visitors are advised to bring drinking water as supply has been affected.



Changes To Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park Precinct Closures

Many high visitation areas and facilities within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park are open to visitors.

Some areas will remain closed until further notice to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff, including:
  • Bobbin Head playground 
  • Bobbin Head Information Centre and Kalkari Discovery Centre
  • Brooklyn Dam campsites 
The Basin track and The Basin campground and picnic area closed for maintenance until late July 2020.

Berowra track, between Apple Tree Bay and the intersection of Mount Ku-ring-gai track, has now reopened. However visitors are advised to walk with caution as some sections of the track remain uneven. 

Please remember to practice appropriate social distancing requirements and good hygiene. The maximum group size for an outdoor gathering is 10 people. Groups are still expected to maintain social distancing. If you arrive at a national park or other public space and it is too crowded to practice social distancing, it is your responsibility to leave the area. Do not wait to be instructed by NPWS staff or police.

The closure of toilets and other facilities will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Necessary site assessments will take place to consider the management of health and safety risk to visitors and staff, and available resourcing to maintain facilities. Access to sanitation products and running water cannot be guaranteed. We recommend bringing hand soap, hand wipes and toilet paper with you to maintain good hygiene as advised by the NSW Government.

If you're visiting the park, please bring a card to pay vehicle entry fees.

For more information about closures, call the NPWS Contact Centre on 1300 072 757, the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400 or the NPWS Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

The Penguin And The Turtle: Out And About - Please Steer Clear

A Palm Beach Resident has emailed this morning (Saturday May 30th, 2020) asking people to be aware that there are Fairy Penguins and one giant turtle in the Pittwater estuary at present;

'Beautiful morning and was kayaking through the moorings off Palm Beach wharf (Snapperman beach) when I saw a Penguin.

Same place yesterday, I almost ran over a large turtle (seen it three times now). Can't help thinking how lucky it was that I was in a kayak and not a Jet ski.

Perhaps, the Jet boys could take care when passing through the moorings?

Kind regards
Cameron G.



Photos: Fairy Penguin by J J Harrison and giant leatherback turtle rescued by Newport SLSC members in 2019 - their photo

Temporary Closure Of Mona Vale Road From Saturday 30 May To Sunday 31 May

Due to reduced traffic volumes, we will be carrying out weekend work on Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May, to reduce the amount of intrusive earthworks normally scheduled for night work. During this weekend work we will temporarily close Mona Vale Road between Manor Road and the roundabout near Ponderosa Parade on Saturday 29 May and Sunday 31 May from 6am to 6pm, weather permitting. There will be changed traffic conditions at the Mona Vale Road, Samuel Street and Ponderosa Parade roundabout during this time with traffic controllers directing traffic. One lane will remain open to heavy vehicles, buses and emergency services.

What will the weekend work involve?
The work involves:
  • temporary lane closures with local detours in place
  • removing large amounts of rock from the project corridor between Manor Road and Mona Vale Cemetery
  • transporting excess spoil to our stockpile area near Tumburra Street
  • undertake trenching in various locations for stormwater and utilities between Manor Road and Foley Street.
Weekend traffic changes
The partial closure of Mona Vale Road will be on the Saturday and Sunday only. Only heavy vehicles, buses and emergency services will be allowed to travel through the section of road between Manor Road and Mona Vale Cemetery. One lane will remain open along this section of road and a stop/go traffic arrangement will be in place. Heavy vehicles are encouraged to use Forest Way Road to access Pittwater Road to avoid delays.

All local traffic and other vehicles travelling eastbound to Mona Vale will be detoured via Powderworks Road to the Pittwater Road intersection. Traffic from Pittwater Road travelling westbound will be detoured via Powderworks Road to Mona Vale Road.

Mona Vale Road between the roundabout at Ponderosa Parade and Foley Street will be open to all vehicles but managed by traffic controllers during this work. Local traffic travelling westbound along Mona Vale Road (between Pittwater Road and the roundabout between Samuel Street and Ponderosa Parade) will be detoured via nearby local roads to access areas north and south of Mona Vale Road.

As detours will be in place motorists are requested to keep to displayed speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs. Bus routes will not be impacted. Temporary traffic changes are needed to ensure the safety of workers and road users and may affect travel times, so please allow additional travelling time for your journey. For the latest traffic updates, you can call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW app.

Out of hours work on Friday 29 May
Out of hours work will take place on Friday 29 May. We will close one lane of Mona Vale Road and reduce the speed limit to 40km/h to ensure the safety of motorists and workers. A stop/slow arrangement will be in place with traffic controllers and signage directing traffic.

How will the work affect you?
There will be impacts to some residents during this work, including noise and lighting during out of hours work on the Friday night 29 May. During the day and night we will make every effort to minimise the impact by turning machinery and vehicles off when not in use and directing noisy equipment away from properties, where possible.

Our work hours will be from Friday 7pm to Saturday 6pm and Sunday from 7am to 6 pm, weather permitting.

Residents living along the roads where the traffic is to be detoured will experience an increase in traffic but not to normal traffic volumes. Residents who may be heavily impacted by the out of hours work on Friday 29 May and are eligible for alternative accommodation will be notified 24 hours before the work.

Contact
We are committed to minimising the impact of construction on the community and will continue to keep you informed as the project progresses. If you have any questions, would like to register for project and traffic updates or have any feedback, please contact our delivery partner, Georgiou Group.

Call: 1800 413 640 (free call 24 hours per day)
Thank you for your patience during this important work.

Warriewood - North Narrabeen Streets Jammed By Developments-Road Upgrades

Stage One of an Aged Care Facility in Garden Street, Warriewood and installed temporary traffic lights on Garden street Warriewood and partial road closures in the valley are causing frustrations for residents that some state have been part of their life in the North Narrabeen - Warriewood Valley area since 2001. 

Residents adjacent to, behind and surrounding the development state they received no notification of road usage in connection with the project or any timeline of when the works will be completed, and that the noise from drills, hammering and vibrations to their homes is incessant.

The 'first sod' on the site was broken on July 16th, 2019. This stage of works is due for completion by December 2020, according to the documents available on the Sydney North Planning Panel webpage for the project.

At present the on-site workers cars are parked on the street, residents state, adding to traffic flow issues.
Residents are asking for a lot more community engagement from the proponents and contractors than the present 'nil' received, and some allowances to be made during peak hours and school drop-off and pick-up times.

On Friday afternoon, May 29th, someone cut the wires to the roadwork traffic lights on Garden street, almost causing a serious accident. Frustration is building in the suburb, with one resident having timed a 2 mins 30 secs interval between changes means that in a morning the traffic backs up around the Shearwater roundabout. 

The community is also finding negotiating Powder Works road, where much needed repair works are also occurring, coupled with traffic flows rerouted due to Mona Vale Road upgrades, are turning the streets into 'traffic jams', especially during peak hours and school times, and now at weekends too.

More timely Notices regarding works, road closures, and better community engagement is being called for. Empathy has been increased for residents around the road works associated with the Northern Beaches Hospital as a result - they are still waiting for completion, years on.

Elanora Heights Road Resurfacing At Schools Going Back Week Ill-Timed

The return to school this week of students coincided with the resurfacing of the streets surrounding Elanora Heights Public school, much to the frustration of parents.

''I’m no genius but I would have thought this could have been done during the lockdown period.'' one mum commented.

From last week's Issue, No. 451:

Reconophalt Trial At Elanora Heights And Belrose

Council has announced this week a trial of the product Reconophalt on parts of Sorlie Road, Frenchs Forest and Elanora Road, Elanora Heights.

Reconophaltis is a road-base alternative that uses processed soft plastics such as shopping bags and chip wrappers to act as a 'glue' that bonds and waterproof roads. Every two-lane kilometre of road containing Reconophalt has the equivalent of 530,000 recycled plastic bags, 168,000 glass bottles and waste toner from 12,500 printer cartridges, according to their website FAQ's.

Reconophalt is a collaboration between road-layer Downer and Close the Loop, with soft plastics supplied to Close the Loop through the RedCycle and Plastic Police collection programs.

The trial commences this month. Council will monitor the cost and performance of the trial to determine whether the Reconophalt material will be used going forward.

In late October 2019 Austroads published a report exploring the benefits and challenges of using recycled plastics in asphalt and sprayed seals on roads. It follows overseas countries such as China and Indonesia banning the import of waste from Australia, leading to a growing interest in using recycled plastics in Australian and New Zealand infrastructure.

“We conducted a comprehensive local and overseas literature review, and found that some waste plastics can be a partial aggregate replacement in bituminous mixes and a binder extender without significantly influencing asphalt properties,” said Christina Chin, Principal Consultant & State Manager (Victoria), Level 5 Design, and principal report author.

"However, most laboratory trials conducted overseas were not performed in accordance with Australian bitumen standards and specifications, and very little is known about the manufacturing processes of the commercially available proprietary products currently being trialled on Australian and New Zealand roads.

“As a result, there are concerns about hazards road workers could be exposed to while handling recycled plastics,” Christina said. “Some plastics, when heated, release toxic emissions such as chloride, formaldehyde, toluene and ethylbenzene. Another major concern is microplastics leaching out from our pavements into waterways, posing a serious threat to our marine life.

''We therefore strongly recommend a precautionary approach until more research has been conducted. A governance framework should be adopted for using recycled plastics on Australian and New Zealand roads containing information about the pavement’s long-term durability; comprehensive health, safety and environmental risk assessments; and storage stability based on Austroads specifications and local working conditions.''  

We also recommend conducting an independent review of the most commonly used proprietary products containing recycled plastics to give road authorities a better understanding of their properties. It is worth calculating the lifecycle impacts of recycled plastic-modified asphalt and comparing these with impacts of conventional asphalt to quantify their sustainability benefits. These can be established by using the Infrastructure Sustainability Materials Calculator developed by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia.”

Other recommendations in the report include:
  • developing performance-based specifications to allow producers more flexibility to innovate - in return, they are required to provide performance guarantees regarding their products
  • nationally monitoring, assessing and sharing results of road trials conducted in Australia and New Zealand
  • more research into the viability of using recycled plastics in sprayed seals.

Newport Red Cross Shop Re-Opening

It’s official! We open on Thursday 4th June, 10am-3pm following COVIDSafe practises. Please note we are not yet taking donations.


Careel Bay Soccer Fields: Dogs Off-Leash & Leaving Your Dogs' Faeces

The lovely sound of young people training has returned to the Careel Bay Soccer fields this week. Unfortunately at least 10 dogs running off-leash on one field, and others off-leash throughout the fields, as stated by the coaches, and dog faeces all over the fields was not so welcome. Many a shoe had to be cleaned off and the fields cleared of the 'deposits' prior to allowing youngsters onto the greens.

People are asked that they kindly keep their dogs on the leash until they reach the dog park and to clean up after their dog. Children from 5 years of age upwards are at these training sessions and over 1200 members will be using the fields, again, from now on.

People contracting serious disease from dog faeces is now well documented and includes one widely reported incident where a gentleman on one sport playing field lost a limb due to a dog-faeces infection. There are also plenty of studies indicating dog faeces may be put to better use in your own home garden, should people not wish to add a plastic bag to the rubbish mix.

There are growing calls in the community for on-the-spot fines to be levied against those who will not clean up after their woofer - is this a suggestion that will lessen the deposits now seen everywhere throughout the area?

There are also growing calls for council to ensure younger members of the community, and all other residents and visitors, don't have off-leash dogs rushing at them in all public spaces.

Whale Beach Building Proposal

Residents of Whale Beach, Palm Beach, Avalon and further afield state a 7 level development proposal for the Whale Beach beachfront is excessive and out of character with the area, and may set a precedent for similar proposals.

Submissions regarding the proposal close June 5th, 2020 - Online: DA2020/0442 at:  eservices.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/ePlanning/live/Public/XC.Track/SearchApplicationid=1819840

Received May 29, 2020;
''Some of the facts are:
  • The site is zoned B1 Neighbourhood Centre. It is the only site in Whale Beach with this zoning so there will not be any other similar developments.
  • The zoning permits Shop Top Housing which is proposed for this site. Restaurants, cafes and neighbourhood shops are also permitted in this zoning.
  • The site is steeply sloping from west to east. The proposed building is technically 6 storeys (not 7), however one of these storeys is a basement carpark that is completely below ground level. From Whale Beach Road and the northern and southern sides, the building will read as a two-storey building. From Surf Road all five above ground storeys are visible, however they step back considerably in line with the topography. The first floor creates a landscaped podium on which the rest of the building sits.
  • The existing site contains five apartments and three retail premises (The number of apartments has been queried but a simple check on Six Maps confirms this. The current retail outlets are The Boathouse Café, Pie Pictures and Michael Muir Architects). It is proposed to have five apartments and three retail outlets.
  • One dwelling is permitted for every 150 sqm of site area which means five dwellings are permissible on the site.
  • The site is owned by the Cassar family. Les and his wife live in one of the apartments and plan to continue living there after redevelopment. There are no plans to sell the apartments.
  • Northern Beaches Council requires any redevelopment of the site to have retail outlets on the Surf Road frontage (east) and Whale Beach Road frontage (west). Currently there are only retail outlets to Whale Beach Road. This requirement means that the building has to extend between Surf Road and Whale Beach Road, with parking below.
  • The proposal complies with the 8.5m height limit. The proposed building is between 1.5m to 3.0m lower than the existing building (which exceeds the height limits by more than 1.9m) on the eastern side. It will be a lot less bulky than the Surf Club which is 2 lots to the south.
  • The proposal has a 3.0m setback to the northern and southern (side) boundaries. The existing building is built over the northern boundary and has a 0.75m setback to the southern boundary.
  • The proposal includes parking for 21 cars for residents, retail staff and customers, in line with requirements. The parking is located in the basement carpark and on the ground floor behind the Surf Road retail outlet.
  • There is a requirement for 175 sqm of landscaped area. 181sqm of landscaping is proposed. In addition to this are planter beds to most terraces and balconies which will enable vegetation to spill over the parapets.
This is a very difficult site for which the proponents have attempted to design a sympathetic and compliant building that is appropriate to its context. Its unique zoning and requirement for retail outlets to both street frontages means that it will inevitably be larger than neighbouring houses.''

Image of Street Frontage to Whale Beach Road attached. Supplied. Surf Road frontage as well:

Cook For Soibada

Thursday June 4, 2020
from 19:00 - 22:00

This is one of my favourite things! Timorese Puddim. We are going to learn how to make it over Zoom on 4 June. 


Timorese Puddim

The money raised in this first of a series of online cooking lessons will help to pay the wages of the builders in Soibada who are currently working on the construction of classrooms at the training centre. This, in turn, helps them provide food for their families! So not only are we furthering educational opportunities in Soibada but we are supporting families too with jobs and income! Tickets will be $15 please join us! 


Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM
Chair Pittwater Friends of Soibada

DoggieRescue.com

Pets of the Week

Carl


AGE/SEX: 6 years / M
BREED: Mastiff X
Carl is an energetic friendly dog. He walks well on lead and he comes when called. On lead he is indifferent or curious of other dogs. He has some basic obedience and knows sit, stay, heel and shake. He gets excited easily which can lead to mouthing and nipping if you do not control him with treats. He is social with other dogs his size. He has a smooth coat and weighs 33.5kg. 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. 

Peggy


This pretty girl is approximately 2 years old who comes up for chin rubs, and returns the affection with finger licks and then rolls around in relaxed delight. You'll find her favourite hobby is basking in the afternoon the sun and grooming her silky black coat to keep her elegant looks in tip top shape.
She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting her, please call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com. She is located at Ingleside.


Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits 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. 

Six Illegal Fishers Apprehended On NSW Central Coast

May 28, 2020
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Fisheries Officers are reminding fishers to ensure they’re following the rules after six fishers were apprehended illegally fishing on a designated dive site on the NSW Central Coast.

NSW DPI Acting Director, Fisheries Compliance, Dr Andrew Moriarty, said fisheries officers have recorded a rise in reports of illegal fishing at the Ex HMAS Adelaide Reserve.

“Fisheries Officers responded to information received from the public on April 23, apprehending six people illegally fishing within the Ex-HMAS Adelaide Reserve,” Dr Moriarty said.

“Fishing is prohibited within the Ex-HMAS Adelaide Reserve as it is a designated dive site.

“Offences are punishable by a fine of up to $22,000- or 6-months imprisonment, or both.”

The six people were issued with 6 penalty notices and 5 written cautions for offences detected within the wreck Reserve.

They were issued $2,700 in fines including for prohibited sized fish, which carries a penalty of up to $22,000- or 6-months imprisonment, or both.

“With an increase in recreational fishing activities, Fisheries Officers are targeting unlawful and illegal recreational fishing and continue to patrol NSW waterways whilst COVID-19 restrictions across the community are in place,” Dr Moriarty said.

“These fishing restrictions are in place to protect all water users competing for space.

“There are plenty of places to wet a line in NSW, including a designated Offshore Artificial Reef, located at Newcastle.

“All fishing regulations are in place to protect and conserve our fish stocks and aquatic habitats to ensure that fishing activities remain sustainable.

“The State's fisheries are a community-owned resource. We all have a responsibility to protect and safeguard this natural asset for present and future generations.”

People are encouraged to report all suspected illegal fishing activities by calling the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/compliance

EX-HMAS Adelaide fishing closure details:

Better Boating Access Delivered To Brisbane Water

May 26, 2020
Boaters and local ferry operators now have safer and easier access to Brisbane Water with upgrades now completed at Central Wharf and Eulalia Wharf at Davistown, and Kendall Road Wharf at Empire Bay.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the upgrades worth $1,446,500 would make the shoreline more accessible in a range of tide and weather conditions.

"The three wharf upgrades are jointly funded by the NSW Government and Central Coast Council," Mr Crouch said.

"The previous wharves were fixed structured and did not have sufficient disability access for boaters and ferry passengers. This work means access is improved from both the waterway and land side.

"Boaters can now tie up vessels and visit surrounding shops or foreshore areas more safely and easily."

Central Coast Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste Boris Bolgoff said the significant upgrades to the three wharves would deliver far reaching benefits for community members and visitors to the region.

"The two new wharves at Davistown and the wharf at Empire Bay all feature a floating pontoon which ensures accessibility in a variety of tides and weather conditions," Mr Bolgoff said.

Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said the new wharf infrastructure will benefit locals and visitors now and into the future.

"Central Coast Council is pleased to work with the NSW Government through the Boating Now program to deliver these outstanding new wharves that will be well utilised by our community and in the future, tourists," Mayor Matthews said.

Boating Now is the NSW Government's $98 million program to support initiatives which improve the boating experience in NSW, including the delivery of recreational boating infrastructure across our waterways.

Show Us Your Cans Update: Now In These Locations

Supporting our Northern Beaches homeless and disadvantaged communities through coronavirus by providing them with food and other support options. 

Suggestions of what may be needed below

Laws To Help Grow A 24-Hour Economy

The NSW Government wants to support our  nightlife’s recovery after COVID-19 restrictions are eased. This will create a vibrant and safe 24-hour economy with  risk-based  liquor laws that support business.   

You are invited  to have your say on  the second stage of the  24-hour  economy liquor law reforms. The reforms will deliver key parts of the NSW Government’s response to a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Sydney’s Night Time Economy.  

The draft Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Bill 2020 includes proposed liquor law changes. 

The documents below provide the scope of the proposed changes: 
Have your say
Have your say by 11:59pm, Sunday 14 June 2020 on the NSW Customer Service website. 

Your feedback will be published on the NSW Customer Service website if not told otherwise.

Northern Basin First Flush Review

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is seeking feedback on an independent review of the Northern Rivers first flush event.

In mid-January to early February 2020, after record drought conditions, the NSW Government put in place water restrictions to manage the first major water flows after rain fell across the northern Murray-Darling Basin. 

It was the first time NSW managed a first flush event in this way. An independent panel is seeking community feedback on the first flush event and how it was managed.

The panel will make recommendations to improve management of future first flush events, including:
  • the communication of water restrictions to water users and the public
  • decision-making processes, including matters considered when applying the public interest test
  • how prepared the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment — Water, WaterNSW and the Natural Resources Access Regulator were to manage the event.
Have your say
Feedback for the Northern Basin first flush review can be made online.

Have Your Say by Sunday 7 June 2020.

Online consultation
13 May 2020 to 7 June 2020
9:00am to 11:59pm
feedback form - with Terms of Reference.

NSW Animal Welfare Reform – Issues Paper

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is seeking feedback on key issues affecting animal welfare laws in NSW.

What’s this about?
This is your opportunity to help set the direction for animal welfare policy reform. This is an important step towards modernising welfare laws, which is a key commitment of the NSW Animal Welfare Action Plan.
The discussion paper identifies five focus areas for reform:
  • reviewing the purpose of the Acts
  • defining key terms
  • examining compliance powers and tools
  • setting the right penalties
  • streamlining the framework.
Feedback from the paper will be used to develop policy solutions. DPI welcomes feedback from all community members on these focus areas and any other issues that should be considered in the reform process.

Have your say
There are three ways you can submit your feedback:
Download the Issues Paper - NSW Animal Welfare Reform - Issues Paper (PDF, 2MB)

Consultation closes June 21, 2020

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families as NSW continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said.

“If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.

“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community in the current environment.”

The NSW Government is constantly adapting as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.

Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
Size : 465.979 Kb
Type : pdf

Holiday Travel Restrictions To Be Lifted From June 1st 2020

NSW residents will be able to take a holiday anywhere in NSW from next month, with intra-state travel restrictions to be lifted from Monday June 1st 2020.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier John Barilaro said NSW citizens will be able take recreational trips across NSW, as long as they maintain social distancing and good hygiene.

Ms Berejiklian said lifting the holiday travel restriction will give everyone a much needed break and help get small businesses and the tourism industry moving again.

“This is the day we’ve all been looking forward to since the COVID-19 travel restrictions were put in place earlier this year and I would like to thank everyone for their patience during the past few months of being cooped up at home,” Ms Berejiklian said. 

“I must stress to everyone that, while we want people to enjoy a well-earned holiday, we must do this responsibly and continue to abide by physical distancing measures, as the last thing we want is further outbreaks that will force us to reintroduce restrictions.”

Mr Barilaro said while regional NSW will welcome visitors with open arms, holidaymakers should call their planned accommodation venues and attractions to ensure they will be open and confirm their bookings before travelling.

“COVID could not have come at a worse time for regional NSW, with towns already doing it tough due to bushfires and drought and so I encourage everyone to make plans to safely and responsibly visit their favourite regional holiday destination, or discover a new one,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I encourage holidaymakers to visit local businesses, enjoy local attractions and feast on the best food regional NSW has to offer, and for those not able to get away in June 2020, to start making plans for later in the year when even more businesses will be open.

“I’m very pleased to share that this means we will have a ski season this year, however holidaymakers should be aware that ski resorts will likely need time to put COVID plans into place and you should make contact before visiting.”

Venues are also encouraged to review their booking policies to allow travellers to easily cancel their trip if they have any symptoms. 

A number of caravan parks and camping grounds will be open from June 1st 2020, but travellers should call ahead and confirm bookings, while travellers planning to visit national parks should check NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for further information. Travellers need to especially practice strong hygiene around shared facilities. 

Travellers from interstate will be able to visit NSW for a holiday from June 1st 2020 but will need to comply with the rules of their home state when returning.

Surf Life Saving New South Wales Seeking Inspirational Womens' Stories

July 1 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of women's involvement in active surf lifesaving duties.
Surf Life Saving NSW is celebrating this important anniversary and the achievements of women over the past 40 years. They're asking for help to recognise our trailblazing women by sharing your stories, photographs and videos.

SLS NSW will showcase these inspirational stories throughout the 2020/21 season and create an archive for future generations. 

How you can help Celebrate
  • Email SLS NSW your stories about the women who inspired change in the Surf Life Saving movement
  • Send them your photos and videos here or via WeTransfer to memberservices@surflifesaving.com.au
  • Post photos on Facebook, lnstagram and Twitter using the hastag #WomenInSLS
  • Send photographs, film and newspaper articles to SLSNSW - PO Box 307, Belrose 2085 (they will digitise and return)
Four of the first official women to patrol our beaches were welcomed at Whale Beach SLSC in 1980. (Sara & Jill Peters, Marion Robb and Tina Gowing)

Please Register Wildlife Road Strikes

We need your help. Thank you for reporting wildlife road fatalities. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location.

There is a database that volunteers maintain but this 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:

The RMS are using this information to plan mitigation. So please, if you can, add the information in directly.

2020 Community Building Partnership Program Now Open

Tuesday May 5th, 2020
Member for Manly James Griffin welcomed yesterday’s announcement that applications are now open for the 2020 Community Building Partnership Program, unlocking $27.9 million for community infrastructure projects across NSW.

Mr Griffin said $300,000 is available for projects in each NSW electorate, including Manly and urged Council, community groups and not-for-profits to apply for the funds they need to deliver projects with social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

“Local sports clubs, charities and schools are just some of the organisations locally that have benefited from this program over many years,” Mr Griffin said.

“If your organisation or club needs extra funding for infrastructure, such as playgrounds, accessible features, equipment or refurbishment, then I’d strongly encourage you to apply.”

The Community Building Partnership program has awarded more than $330 million in funding to 15,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009.

“This program means that you can support your community group to improve the places you meet, train or play,” Mr Griffin said.

“Take the time to prepare and submit your application so your community group doesn’t miss out on a share of $300,000.”

Applications are open from Monday 4 May 2020 and close at 5pm, Friday 12 June 2020. Applicants must read the program guidelines to ensure their club or organisation and proposed project are eligible.

For more information about the NSW Government’s 2020 Community Building Partnership Program, visit the website: www.nsw.gov.au/cbp

COVID-19 Testing

The NSW Government is urging anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 symptoms include:
  • - Fever;
  • - Cough;
  • - Tiredness (fatigue);
  • - Sore throat;
  • - Shortness of breath.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms please:
  • - Contact your GP;
  • - Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222;
  • -  Visit a NSW Health COVID-19 clinic.
The locations of COVID-19 clinics are available here:

In our area:
Mona Vale Hospital
Address: Building 14, Community Health Centre
Coronation Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, 7 days

Northern Beaches Hospital
Address: 105 Frenchs Forest Road (west), Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086
Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry)
Opening hours: 9:30am to 6pm, 7 days

National Sorry Day 2020

From: Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater

National Sorry Day is an Australia-wide observance held on May 26 each year
The first National Sorry Day was held on May 26, 1998, which was one year after the tabling of a report about the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. The report, known as Bringing Them Home, acknowledged that Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families and communities since the early days of European occupation in Australia. Governments and missionaries were responsible for this forced separation.

Systematic removal practices were implemented through various assimilation and “protection” policies by the late 19th century. Many Indigenous children were forcibly taken away from their families in the name of assimilation during the 1950's and 1960's. These children are known as the “Stolen Generations”. They were brought up in institutions or fostered to non-Indigenous families. This removal was official government policy in Australia until 1969.

By the 1980's, welfare and community groups spoke out that governments' social welfare practices were discriminatory against Indigenous people. This forced a reappraisal of removal and placement practice during the 1980's. In 1980 the family tracing and reunion agency Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation was established. Similar services now exist throughout Australia.

Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd tabled a motion in parliament on February 13, 2008, apologising to Australia’s Indigenous people, particularly the Stolen Generations and their families and communities, for the laws and policies that inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss. The apology included a proposal for a policy commission to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in matters such as life expectancy, educational achievement, and economic opportunity. This event is seen by many as a step forward in reconciliation.

As we can't do anything face-to-face with the community in isolation, please see the video below; nice to share for Sorry Day - a performance by local Northern Beaches Indigenous sisters.

Trades & Services Page 

For several years now Pittwater Online News has received requests to launch a Trades and Services page - as all our staff work as volunteers (meaning no one gets paid), this was work we could not undertake. Local news remained, and remains, the priority - and funding that swallows our meagre budget.  However, considering we remain a FREE news service with a reach far beyond Pittwater, we are working towards launching such a page by late June and employing someone to do this work. 

The cost will be the same $40 per month we charge for Event listings. Those interested in a listing can email pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au 

NB: as with the Events page, advertisers are requested to send in their advertisements ready to go - so they can be easily placed via load/set.


2020 Community Building Partnership Program 

The 2020 Community Building Partnership program is currently open.
The NSW Government initiative allocates $300,000 per electorate for a range of eligible infrastructure projects that will deliver social, cultural, environmental and recreational outcomes.

There are many examples in Pittwater where a small financial boost provided by this program has helped get an excellent local project off the ground and delivered.

Eligible projects must enhance local facilities, meet community needs, increase participation, and be achievable by the group that’s applying.

Guidelines are available at nsw.gov.au/cbp and applications are open until 12 June.


Northern Beaches Community Grants 2020/21 

Council's Community Grants program is now open. 
Applications will close at 3pm on Tuesday 30th June 2020.
This program offers funding up to $10,000 (excl.GST) in three grant streams:
You can review the Community Grants Program Guidelines for eligibility criteria, application process and grants management requirements.

Thousands Of New Trees To Be Planted Across Greater Sydney

May 27, 2020

The NSW Government is investing nearly $5 million to plant thousands of new trees across Greater Sydney to expand the city’s green canopy in partnership with Greening Australia and Landcare NSW.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the partnerships will see 172,000 new trees planted in Greater Sydney’s parks, schools and communities over the next two-and-a-half years, with the first 32,000 to be planted by the end of 2020.

“We have connected with leading environmental organisations to increase our tree canopy cover, cool our communities and create great new green public spaces across the city,” Mr Stokes said.

“New trees today mean more healthy shaded public spaces and beautiful tree-lined streets for communities to enjoy now and for years to come.”

The NSW Government has signed two contracts totalling $4.77 million for:

  • 100,000 trees to be planted across Greater Sydney, with a focus on Western Sydney with Landcare NSW; and
  • 72,000 trees to be planted across parks and community spaces and schools across Greater Sydney with Greening Australia.

The two new partnerships will contribute to the NSW Government’s ambitious target to plant one million trees by 2022.

Landcare NSW CEO Dr Adrian Zammit said the project will help support the development of green spaces across Greater Sydney.

“With the support of the Greater Sydney Landcare Network we will help grow native canopy to cool our city with Landcarers helping landowners and community members participate in tree planting activities.

“Our shared challenge is not only to get the trees in the ground but to monitor and provide education to ensure they survive.”

Greening Australia’s Nature in Cities Director Paul Della Libera said the ‘Cooling the Schools’ program will establish native habitats and help cool urban areas.

“By working together with schoolchildren across Greater Sydney to increase the tree canopy cover in their neighbourhoods, we can lower temperatures and create healthier communities for both people and wildlife. This is particularly important in urban areas given rising summer temperatures.

“We will be partnering with Western Sydney University to identify and prioritise the communities with the lowest canopy cover and greatest vulnerability to the urban heat island effect.”

$1 Million For 'Pop-Up' Safe House To Support Domestic Violence Victims 

Tuesday, 26 May 2020
Domestic violence victims in the Manly area will have more vital help available as the COVID-19 response continues, with the NSW Government today investing more than $1 million to deliver a ‘pop-up’ safe house over the next six-months. 

Member for Manly James Griffin said coronavirus has rightly prompted strong health advice reminding everyone to stay home to help slow the spread of the disease. 

“The problem is, for thousands of women, men and children who suffer domestic violence – safety at home simply doesn’t exist,” Mr Griffin said. 

“For those people, home doesn’t offer solace or support; it’s more likely a place of terror and one which they may very well need to urgently escape.” 

Mr Griffin said the Manly Warringah Women’s Resource Centre would deliver services at the pop-up refuge to provide highly vulnerable women and their children with temporary and emergency accommodation.

“They’ll be able to house up to 90 individuals or 35 families, which is vital given the reported increase in frontline service demand during the COVID-19 crisis,” Mr Griffin said. 

“The funding will also cover costs for staff, transport, cleaning, catering, food supplies, linen, utilities and maintenance.” 

Mr Griffin said the Manly community has confronted enormous challenges during the pandemic, with immense pressures placed on businesses, households and families. 

“I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone across the community that if you’re in danger, when it’s safe, please contact police or other support services. Help is here, and we’re ready and willing to support you,” Mr Griffin said. 

The Manly ‘pop-up’ safe house is part of more than $21 million invested from the NSW and Federal Governments today to boost frontline service capacity and a range of other supports to victims of domestic and family violence right across NSW. 

If you are experiencing violence in the home, when it is safe to do so contact the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). 

In an emergency, always call the NSW Police on Triple Zero (000).

Road Upgrade Will Save Lives In Avalon

May 29, 2020
Mackellar MP, Jason Falinski has announced a major road safety boost today as the Federal Government will invest $211,000 on Avalon roads. The upgrade will result in pedestrian fencing on the centre and kerb of Barrenjoey road near Avalon parade.

Mr Falinski has said safety is at the heart of this announcement. “This fencing will make, what is a very busy intersection, a lot safer for pedestrians walking on the footpath and crossing the road.”

“Although these projects may seem small, they have huge benefits for the community. Car crashes place major emotional and economic strains on all affected communities but particularly the families and friends of the victims.”

The Federal Government has committed $1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013-14 to 2022-23 to improve road safety across the nation.

“We are committed to making sure those living and travelling through New South Wales are able to so more safely by providing the infrastructure they want, need and most importantly deserve.”

For more information on the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, or to nominate a black spot, visit: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/blackspots .

Unused Jacka Park Shed Recycled As Much Need Public Toilet Amenity 

May 28, 2020: Friends Of Freshwater Inc.
After an 8 -year campaign mounted by the Friends of Freshwater and the Soldiers Avenue Stakeholders Group, a community toilet has finally been opened for use in Jacka Park.

Jacka Park, despite being heavily used by schoolchildren, playground toddlers and for picnics and commemorations, has never had a toilet in its more than 30 years as a public green space. Whenever an event was held, portable toilets had to be hired.

A previously unused Workers Shed was proposed by FOF for conversion as a ready-made alternative. Unfortunately, our requests were constantly rebuffed by Council, as there were apparently more pressing priorities on its Capital Projects List.

With the assistance of our Curl Curl Ward Councillors including Mayor Michael Regan, work began recently.

The new amenity has disabled access, baby change facilities and outdoor hygiene basin.  A special pathway has been created to enable ease of access for prams and wheelchairs.  The amenity is time locked and designed to open at sunrise and close at sunset.

This is another good example of our Freshie community and Council working closely together.
Feel free to pay a visit and “spend a penny”.



Photos:  Friends Of Freshwater Inc.

NSW Veterans' Strategy Survey

The NSW Government through the Office for Veterans Affairs is asking for feedback on issues faced by veterans and their families.

What’s this about?
The NSW Government through the Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) is asking for feedback on issues faced by veterans and their families, and how the government can better support them. The feedback will inform the first NSW Veterans’ Strategy to be published later this year.

Have your say
Veterans, their families and friends, ex-service organisations and those involved in providing veterans’ services are encouraged to participate in the survey and contribute to the strategy.

You can provide your feedback via the online survey. 
Have your say by Friday 17 July 2020.

Survey
28 May 2020 to 17 July 2020
12:01am to 11:59pm

Northern Beaches Police Area Command News

Avalon Girl Home Again
The Avalon girl was at a neighbours' with her dad.
The group was sitting in chairs around a fire in the yard, children roasting marshmallows.
The five year old overbalanced as she stood up, dropping backwards into the flames.
The group did all the right things, pulling off her clothes and cooling the burns with water from a hose.
From there to home where the cooling continued under a shower as an ambulance was called.
Then to a nearby park for an emergency helicopter ride to the Children's Hospital at Westmead.
Her dad went with her while police took her mum.
The good news: the quick action ensured the little girl's burns were kept to a minimum.
She's now back at home and making a full recovery.

Vandals - Mona Vale
The soccer club building at Kitchener Park's been scorched by fires lit in surrounding bush last Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
The vandals have also left behind a stack of smashed glass.

Ring found - North Narrabeen
A gold signet ring set with a coin has been found in the beach car park.
Owner can call us on 9971 3399 and quote 
Ref #: X0003445903.

Lady helped by passers-by at Freshwater
They found the woman on the rocks between the Freshwater pool and beach, convulsing.
She was on her own, her son having run ahead to catch up with friends.
The convulsions stopped but she was still dazed, confused and incoherent.

Police and ambulance crews helped the woman to the beach where she was met by her husband and taken to hospital, still dazed and confused.

Officers have not been able to determine if the Manly woman slipped or was having a fit but want to thank those who stopped to help.

Licences Suspended
#1: Upper Beach Street, Balgowlah....
Even through the strong wind of last Friday evening, police could smell alcohol as they walked towards the driver of a black Jaguar SUV.
Sitting in a field of debris with its front badly damaged, the car had ploughed through the brick fences of two neighbouring properties.
Result:
- Roadside breath test: positive
- Blood alcohol reading: 0.135
- Licence suspended
- Court appearance booked for July.

#2: Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach....
11.30 last night (May 24th) and police stopped a silver Hyundai to breath test the driver.
Slurred speech and admissions to having had a drink were accurate predictions of the outcome.
- Roadside breach test: positive
- Blood alcohol reading: 0.096
- Licence suspended
- Court appearance booked for August.

Teen spirit - Avalon
The good news is the 15-year old's mates were looking after him.
The not-so-good-news; his parents thought he was home in bed.
It was 1.30 yesterday morning when police encountered the group of teens near the Avalon Beach surf club.
One was more than a little unwell from the effects of a big night out.
Officers took him the short distance home to his parents who were shocked by:
- the early a.m. knock at the door
- the state of their son
- the fact he wasn't where they thought he was.

Scammers Targeting Residents
They kept the 74-year old on the phone for hours pretending to be from his bank.

It began just after 1 p.m.May 20th. The Frenchs Forest man answered his phone to a woman asking if he'd authorised a $500 payment to a Mr James Walter.
He hadn't, and by now concerned, asked that the payment  be blocked.

"Your accounts have been compromised," the scammer continued.
"We're going to send some codes to your phone that will allow us to block the cards."
"We're also going to send around a courier to collect your cards and we'll give you numbers for replacements."
"Don't hang up or tell anyone what's happening."

And so it continued until close to 7 p.m. when a man of Indian appearance turned up at the front door.
As well as taking his and his wife's credit cards, the man also took pics of their passports, one with the 74-year old holding it beside his face.

With the so-called courier gone, it was then that the penny dropped and they called police.

Again our warning: there's as many versions of these scams as there are people perpetrating them.
Just hang up on anyone who calls at random, no matter who they claim to be or where they say they're from. 
If in doubt, look up the bank, government department or company's phone number and call to check.

Man Arrested at Mona Vale for Approaching Children
Just after 2 p.m. on Saturday May 23rd police responded to a shopping centre at Mona Vale and reports of approaches made to boys aged 13 and 14 and to a 16-year old girl.

It's claimed the boys were offered money to conduct sexual acts and that the girl was told by a man of sexually explicit acts he wanted to perform on her and the boys.

Inquiries led officers to a man still inside the centre.
He was arrested and taken to Manly police station.

Now, a 60-year old man's been charged with:
- two counts of intentional incite child between 10 and 16 to do sexual act
- procure child under 14 years for unlawful sexual activity 
- procure child for unlawful sexual activity
- stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm 
- behave in offensive manner in/near/public place.

He's been refused bail pending an appearance in court.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. 
Information is treated in strict confidence.

Rat Poisons Are Killing Our Wildlife: Alternatives

Rodentcides are an acknowledged but under-researched source of threat to many Aussie birds. If you missed  BirdLife's rodenticide talk but would like to know more, share data and comment on the use of rodenticides in Australia please visit:  https://www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison

Owls, kites and other birds of prey are dying from eating rats and mice that have ingested Second Generation rodent poisons. These household products – including Talon, Fast Action RatSak and The Big Cheese Fast Action brand rat and mice bait – have been banned from general public sale in the US, Canada and EU, but are available from supermarkets throughout Australia.  

Australia is reviewing the use of these dangerous chemicals right now and you can make a submission to help get them off supermarket shelves and make sure only licenced operators can use them.   

There are alternatives for household rodent control – find out more about the impacts of rat poison on our birds of prey and what you can do at the link above and by reading the information at the link above.  

Let’s get rat poison out of bird food chains. 

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) – is currently asking Australians for their views on how rodent poisons are regulated. 

Have your say by making a submission here. 


Powerful Owl at Clareville - photo by Paul Wheeler

Pittwater Sailing Races Set To Recommence In June

Updated as of 0800 on Thursday 21st May 2020: Australian Sailing
  • RECREATIONAL BOATING IS EXEMPT FROM THE 4m2 RULE. HOWEVER, SAILORS NEED TO MAINTAIN 1.5m SOCIAL DISTANCE WHERE REASONBLY PRACTICABLE
  • COMPETITION IS PERMITTED
The NSW Government restrictions announced on Friday 15 May 2020 that restrictions were being updated in the latest Public Health Order.

The NSW Office of Sport has subsequently advised us that it will not be following the National Cabinet endorsed Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment developed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) on Friday 1 May 2020. It will instead rely solely on the NSW Public Health Orders. Today’s update provide for an exemption from the 4m2 rule for recreational boating, provided that it is still maintained where possible. The Office of Sport has clarified that Sailing events are now also permitted, provided that the Public Health Orders are adhered to.

What does this now mean for our sailing clubs?
  • Get in, Sail and get out;
  • Club activities including racing can resume as long as the Public Health Order is complied with.
  • Outdoor activities only;
  • Limit activities to small individual groups with a maximum of 10 participants (inclusive of coaches and support staff);
  • Practice good hand hygiene before and after sailing;
  • Avoid physical contact;
  • Changerooms, canteens and kitchens should remain closed – arrive dressed and ready to sail;
  • Stay home if you are unwell
  • Don’t share drinks or towels;
  • Sharing of equipment should be avoided and if necessary, should be kept to a minimum;
  • Keep a distance of 1.5 metres where reasonably practicable; and
  • Follow the one person per 4 square metres rule ashore to ensure sufficient physical distancing between people;.
  • Contact Tracing records must be kept.
  • Encourage the use of COVIDSafe App whilst at yourclub

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club will recommence yacht racing on Saturday 6 June with the rescheduled Lion Island Series.

The rollout of events will be comprised of:
  • The Lion Island Series which will keep with tradition and run each Saturday in June being the 6, 13, 20, 27, followed by the Early Bird Series.
  • The Wednesday Waterford Series will commence on 10 June, weekly till the 26 August.
  • The Centreboard Winter Series will be held on two Sundays of each month commencing on the 14 June through to August. With single and doublehanded crews now allowed.
More details will be provided soon, including NEW Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions, how to enter, crew lists, on water social distancing and crew limitations, however, it is important to note that while social distancing restrictions have been reduced while racing, they still apply at the Club Premises  The Clubhouse will not at this stage be open as normal and we will issue guidance on access to food, drinks, change facilities, etc. shortly.

To assist members ability to go sailing, short-handed and non-spinnaker divisions will be the order of the day until NSW reaches Stage 3 of the Australian Government Framework for a COVID Safe Australia. This approach has been agreed by the major Sydney and Pittwater clubs during this time of transition.

Local Roads And Community Infrastructure

On May 22nd, 2020 the Australian Government announced a new $500 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program).

This program will support local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding allocations have been calculated in a similar way to how the Roads to Recovery Program and the road component of the Financial Assistance Grants works.

This formula takes into consideration road length and population and is based on recommendations of Local Government Grants Commissions.

Under the program Northern Beaches Council will receive $1,418,332. 

Eligible local road projects could include works involving any of the following associated with
a road:
  • traffic signs;
  • traffic control equipment;
  • street lighting equipment;
  • a bridge or tunnel;
  • a facility off the road used by heavy vehicles in connection with travel on the road 
  • facilities off the road that support the visitor economy; and
  • road and sidewalk maintenance, where additional to normal capital works schedules.
Eligible community infrastructure projects could include works involving:
  • Closed Circuit TV (CCTV);
  • bicycle and walking paths;
  • painting or improvements to community facilities;
  • repairing and replacing fencing;
  • improved accessibility of community facilities and areas;
  • landscaping improvements, such as tree planting and beautification of roundabouts;
  • picnic shelters or barbeque facilities at community parks;
  • playgrounds and skateparks (including all ability playgrounds);
  • noise and vibration mitigation measures; and
  • off-road car parks (such as those at sporting grounds or parks).
The Funding will be available from July 1st, 2020.

The Wisdom Of Crowds

Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski is calling on locals to have their say on how to spend the nearly one and half million dollars in infrastructure funding.

“It’s your money, your community, and you know how to best spend it.” Mr Falinski has said. 

“As I move around The Northern Beaches, through my conversations with the community, I think that there is a lot of scope to upgrade infrastructure in the area.” 

“While I don’t want to skew the results, I will be voting for floodproofing and widening the Wakehurst Parkway and improving footpaths.”

To get involved and to make a difference visit www.JasonFalinski.com.au/new/your-say. Together we can make a difference.

“It doesn’t matter what you do for work, how old you are, or where on the Beaches you live – everyone should have their say.”

“Because ultimately, we all share the same roads, go to the same beaches, drink the same water and live together on the Northern Beaches.

Be Safe At Home This Winter

Fire and Rescue NSW's Get Ready for Winter Campaign offers the community to discuss home fire safety.

Deputy Commissioner Fewtrell said winter is the time when we see an increase in residential house fire related fatalities. So it was important residents remember to be careful when using heaters and fireplaces and electric blankets this winter.

“Don’t put your family at risk this winter, check that all your appliances are switched off and ensure that open fires have been fully extinguished. If we all do our bit to minimise the risks in our home, we can all stay safer together”, he said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said, with families spending more time at home than ever before it is crucial, we prepare our homes before winter hits.

“FRNSW do a great job in keeping our community safe, now it is our time as NSW residents to do the right thing by our families, listen to the experts and ensure our homes are safe.”

Some simple steps the community can take include:
  • Never ever leave cooking unattended
  • Only working smoke alarms save lives - test your smoke alarm today
  • Keep everything one metre away from your heater
  • Do not overload your power boards with appliances like heaters and electric blankets
  • Strong fire screens should be set up in front of open fires
  • Turn off your electric blanket at night
  • Do not use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside your home. The use of this type of equipment indoors could lead to the build-up of carbon monoxide which could be fatal
Keep up with our open day activities by visiting www.fire.nsw.gov.au, or the Fire and Rescue NSW Facebook page or by searching for your local station on Facebook.

WINTER FIRE SAFETY WEEKEND CHECKLIST - downloadable PDF (523kb)

Museums, Galleries And Libraries To Reopen From 1 June 2020

Museums, galleries and libraries across NSW will be allowed to reopen from 1 June 2020, under an easing of restrictions announced by the NSW Government. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on May 20th this was another important step forward in the reopening of NSW. 

“We cautiously invite our cultural institutions and libraries across NSW to re-open from 1 June 2020, but with strict new protocols in place,” Ms Berejiklian said. 

“NSW is home to some of Australia’s best art galleries and museums and I look forward to them reopening to the public.

“Libraries play an important role in our local communities, providing a safe space for learning and reading and I know many will be pleased to see them reopen.

“I would encourage museums, galleries and libraries to be innovative to ensure strict social distancing is adhered to and good hygiene measures are followed.” 

NSW Health will provide guidance to ensure the museums, galleries and libraries operate in a COVID-19 safe way, including: 
  • exclusion of staff and visitors who are unwell
  • limiting the number of guests to allow for 4 square metres per person
  • providing distance markers for people queuing at service points
  • ensuring adequate handwashing facilities and/or sanitiser
  • online ticketing systems for museums and galleries
  • no groups and tours
  • enhanced cleaning
  • 24 hour quarantine of returns for libraries.