Community News: June 2021

June 20 - 26, 2021: Issue 499

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 499 

Funding Announced For North Narrabeen Schools - Construction To Commence On Mona Vale PS Upgrades This Week

Northern Beaches Council's Budget & Delivery Program For 2021-22 Endorsed Through Block-Vote Of YNB Councillors

The Northern Beaches Council’s Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme's First $1.1 Million Contributor Towards Council's Housing Portfolio

Pictures Newport Rugby: The Broken Breakers Vs. St. Patricks on Pacific Islanders Day 2021 - at Porters Reserve

Aquatics Turimetta Beach Reserve: Old & New Images + Some History - June 2021 Stroll From North Narrabeen To Warriewood Beach, 2021 photos by Kevin Murray

Volkswagen NSW Surfmasters - Run And Won For 2021

Park Bench Philosopher People’s Odds Of Loneliness Could Fall By Up To Half If Cities Hit 30% Green Space Targets

Food Winter Warmers: Parsnips, Pumpkin Soup Variations, Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding, Avocado Season

Environment Consultations On Wakehurst Parkway + Ingleside Development Closing Soon, Mona Vale Dunes Bushcare Group Planting-Out Installs 600 Natives, Brookvale To Get Cooler and Greener With Installation Of 250 Trees, Federal Consultation On Endangered Listing For The Koala Now Open - Closes July 30, Draft National Recovery Plan For The Koala: feedback until September 24, Bangalley Head Landcare Group Progress, The Powerful Owl Project Update, 2021 Whale Census Day- Sunday June 27, Heat Spells Doom For Australian Marsupials, Public Concern On Human Health Impact Of Plastic Pollution, NSW Government To Tackle Plastics and Waste, Prioritising The State's Coastline For Future Generations, Fencing Riverbanks Program Cuts Off Access For Wildlife To Water, NSW State Government's Plans To Open Western NSW To Coal Mining Open For Feedback, Keith Pitt’s Gas and Oil Basin “Release” Plans For Destruction Of Channel Country, Bin Trim App Helps Waste Industry and Councils Guide Business Recycling, Why trees fall and how to prevent it, Peatlands worldwide are drying out; threatening to release 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, Boris Johnson overstates Morrison’s climate ambition, Australia needs construction waste recycling plants but locals first need to be won over,'Unshackled' Palm-Destroying Beetles Could Soon Invade Australia, New Plan To Revitalise NSW's Oldest Park By Installing Mountain Bike Trails, Bushcare In Pittwater: when and where, Community Gardens, Groups, Organisations + Reserves 

Inbox News New Research Finds 1 Million Early Deaths In 2017 Attributable To Fossil Fuel Combustion, Studying Wombat Burrows With WomBot: A Remote-Controlled Robot, Teenagers At Greatest Risk Of Self-Harming Could Be Identified Almost A Decade Earlier, Untapped Rice Varieties Could Sustain Crop Supplies In Face Of Climate Change, Rudeness Leads To Anchoring; Including In Medical Diagnoses, Soaking Up The Sun: Artificial Photosynthesis Promises Clean Sustainable Source Of Energy, Fashion For Pointy Shoes Unleashed Plague Of Bunions In Medieval Britain, Huge Prehistoric Croc 'River Boss' Prowled Queensland Waterways, It’s not just a lack of control that makes Australians overweight; Here’s what’s driving our unhealthy food habits, Many of us want to take our dogs on public transport but others shudder at the thought — what’s the solution?

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

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

Among these images of paw paws, bananas, strawberries, pineapples and more appear some 'models' and one of the farmer or caretaker with a tomato vine - so what grew where in Pittwater? One for our fruit loving younger readers - cool bananas kids!

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 19th, 2021

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Discussion Paper To Encourage Views On Proposed Planning Controls

June 17, 2021
Northern Beaches Council is required by the NSW Government to consolidate four planning control documents into one and will release a discussion paper to collect community views.

Mayor Michael Regan said the preparation of a whole of Northern Beaches Local Environment Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) would be based largely on existing controls and was not seeking to increase heights in residential areas or increase densities in areas that have not already been identified.

He said the NSW Government requirement to review the documents provides an opportunity to introduce greater protection for our environment, raise the bar on sustainability and encourage local employment.

“To be crystal clear, there are no plans for increasing densities beyond what has already been identified – our housing strategy made clear we only need to find an additional 275 dwellings,” Mayor Regan said.

“No one wants to see our area overdeveloped or the local character destroyed.

“Our aim is to ensure we maintain our great lifestyle, protect the local character and environment we so value, provide green space, infrastructure to support growth, and local employment for the future.”

He encouraged members of the community to have their say during the six-week exhibition to inform the development of the draft LEP and DCP which will come back to the community for further consultation next year.

“Since amalgamation in 2016, the Northern Beaches has still been operating under four different planning instruments each with different planning controls,” Cr Regan said.

“We have an opportunity to use the government’s requirement to now consider ways to strengthen the protections for our environment, constrain development in inappropriate locations, incentivise affordable housing and support local job growth.

“The discussion paper considers these kinds of opportunities and asks the community for their ideas and input.”

To support local business and to provide an improved retail shopping experience and greater flexibility in the use of the space, Council’s Urban Design expert panel have suggested small height increases in business centres – no more than 1.5 metres.

And to meet the demand for floor space in industrial zones the community is asked to comment on a small increase of building heights in industrial areas.

“Our business centres and industrial areas are the employment heart of the Northern Beaches, providing an opportunity for residents to live locally and work locally.

“We are ruling out large height increases but asking the community for feedback on measures that could help rejuvenate industrial areas and support local jobs.”

Among other things, the discussion paper also asks for community response to:
  • improved controls for development near waterways, foreshores, wetlands and riparian lands;
  • more water sensitive urban design and greater tree canopy;
  • performance standards for net-zero carbon emission buildings;
  • reducing areas for permitted dual occupancy, boarding houses and seniors’ housing to reduce inappropriate development in sensitive locations;
  • provisions to restrict large scale retail in small retail centres.
Mayor Regan said the LEP and DCP is required to align with the State Government’s Greater Sydney Region Plan and North District Plan.

“This is the start of the process of creating a vision for a sustainable future for a great place to live, work and play,” he said.
____________________________________

NB: the Draft LEP and DCP is unavailable as Pittwater Online goes to press. Council documents/projects on display for feedback are stored HERE

Porter Reserve Clubhouse New Change Space + More On Exhibition

The plans for new facilities at Porters are now on exhibition and includes an amenities building with a change room, accessible toilet, first aid room, canteen and covered BBQ area.
Comments close July 12th. 


Artists Impression courtesy NBC:

Manly-Warringah Choir Returns: Concert August 22nd

Dear Friends of the Manly Warringah Choir,

It is with great joy that I would like to share with you the news that the Choir has resumed its rehearsals and we are preparing for a concert on Sunday, 22 August at 2.30.  This after 18 months of no concerts! 

We had to change the venue:  the concert will be held in St John’s Anglican Church in Dee Why.

We will be singing Fauré  Requiem and a range of other, shorter pieces - I think you will love the program as we do.

Tickets sales will commence shortly.  You will be notified.

We are all looking forward to singing for you again.

Naomi Roseth  
President
Manly-Warringah Choir

Wakehurst Parkway Flood Mitigation Study Now Available

Council is seeking community views on a study into options for reducing flooding on the Wakehurst Parkway between Sydney Sports Academy and Oxford Falls.

The Study is being released now following confirmation the NSW Government has made funding available towards the delivery of some of the options outlined in the document. Council will only take up the funding offer under a number of conditions, including community support for the project.
Consultation period:  Thu 27 May - Sun 27 June

The feasibility study is now available for community comment at:

Sydney Wildlife Recycled Bottles For Wildlife 2021

Sydney Wildlife Rescue is registered for return and earn in NSW. This time it is accessed by an App called My Tomra  - which is the organisation that runs the recycling. 

Once you have downloaded the My Tomra App. Just search “Our Wildlife” you will see Sydney Wildlife Rescue listed. You can set that as the payout. 

So you just scan the bar code from the App  at the recycling machine and the 10c will be donated to Sydney Wildlife Rescue. The machines can be located anywhere in NSW.  

Please have a look it’s a good way to support us to care for wildlife and do your bit to keep Australia Beautiful.
Let the women in your life know about this event. A free single session filled with hot tips on how to save your ceiling from collapsing from water leak, how to divert water running down a window frame and learn how to safely use a ladder.

First session still has some places on Sunday 20th June. Follow the link to book.

Local Volunteer RFS Brigades Attend Boat Fire

Ingleside NSWRFS Brigade in Breathing Apparatus were called to assist West Pittwater RFS with a boat fire in Morning Bay on Pittwater on Tuesday morning, June 15th. Our volunteers assisted with the final extinguishment of the fire on the 30ft cruiser. 

Photo of boat on fire posted by Nicholas Inglis. All others are by Ingleside RFS.




Alleged Financier Charged As Investigations Continue Into Conspiracy To Supply $900 Million Of Cocaine

June 16 2021
NSW Police Force detectives have charged an alleged financier as part of ongoing investigations into a organised criminal syndicate involved in a conspiracy to supply three tonnes of cocaine throughout NSW.

In early 2020, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad received information relating to an individual gambling a significant amount of money at a casino.

Those inquiries led to the establishment of Strike Force Jillabenan, a joint investigation with the NSW Crime Commission, to investigate the large-scale supply of prohibited drugs – mainly cocaine – across NSW.

During the course of the investigation, detectives uncovered a significant transnational organised crime syndicate facilitating the importation of illicit drugs, operating across Australia and North and South America.

A collaborative international police operation was subsequently commenced between Strike Force Jillabenan investigators, with assistance from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Acting on intelligence information from NSW Police Force investigators, the United States Navy (USN) seized 870kg of cocaine, after intercepting a vessel travelling in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Colombia in October last year.

Following further inquiries by the NSW Police Force, the United States Coast Guard seized a further 900kg of cocaine, after intercepting a second vessel travelling off the coast of Ecuador in April this year.

Police will allege in court that both seizures formed part of a conspiracy to supply a total of 3000kg of cocaine – including the 1770kg seized – which has a total estimated potential street value of $900 million.

As part of ongoing inquiries, Strike Force Jillabenan investigators constructed a replica of the items seized in April, which was taken to a storage facility in the Lake Macquarie area.

On Thursday 3 June 2021, NSW Police conducted a coordinated operation across Sydney and Lake Macquarie and arrested and charged three men – aged 37, 42 and 58. They remain before the courts

As part of that operation, a search warrant was executed by Strike Force Jillabenan investigators, with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police, at a home at Bayview.

During the search, police seized cash – AUD$62,700 and USD$12,000 – four mobile phones, two of which were encrypted; an ounce of cocaine, steroids and jewellery.

A fourth man – aged 33 – was arrested at the home and taken to Manly Police Station, where he was charged with possess/attempt to, anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, supply prohibited drug, and contravene requirement in section 3LA order.

The Bayview man was refused bail and re-appeared at Central Local Court today (Wednesday 16 June 2021), where Strike Force Jillabenan detectives laid an additional charge of conspiracy to import commercial quantity of border-controlled drug.

Police will allege in court that the man was the sole financier of the second shipment of cocaine (900kg with an estimated potential street value of $270 million).

Investigations by Strike Force Jillabenan detectives are continuing.

Anyone with information relating to the importation or supply of illicit drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Submissions Open For Councils And Community To Comment On General Manager Salaries

June 14, 2021
The NSW Government is considering changes to legislation to require an independent body to set the remuneration of local council General Managers, following community concern that some were getting paid more than the Prime Minister, Premier of NSW and President of the United States.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said submissions are now open for councils and the public to have their say on the salaries paid to council general managers following the launch today of a consultation paper on remuneration.

“The comprehensive consultation paper examines general manager salaries to address community concerns they are too high with a large disparity across the state, an increasing gap compared to salaries of other workers, and financial pressures facing some NSW councils,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Currently, individual councils determine the remuneration package whilst independent arbitrators set the remuneration of NSW senior public servants, ministers and members of parliament, as well as mayors and councillors.

“Therefore, the NSW Government is strongly considering mandating that salaries of general managers are set by an independent body, not by elected councillors.”

Mrs Hancock said the Office of Local Government has released a consultation paper showing general manager annual salaries vary from $143,270 to $633,852.

“These managers should receive remuneration not only in line with their duties, skills and experience but in accordance with community expectations,” Mrs Hancock said.

“I encourage residents, businesses, council staff, councillors and local government peak bodies to make a submission by Monday 2 August 2021, which will help inform our review of general manager salaries.”

The consultation paper and more information on how to make a submission can be found at www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/standard-contracts-of-employment/review-of-general-manager-remuneration-consultation-paper.

Vale Jon Carroll

It is with great sadness that we announce Jon passed away on Saturday June 12th after his battle with cancer.

Jon was well known and loved at the Warringah Rugby club. A Rats Legend that will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family during this time.

A service to celebrate Jon's life will be held in St Joseph's Nudgee College Chapel, 2199 Sandgate Road, Boondall. QLD, on Monday 21st June at 10am.

For anyone who is unable to join the family in person, a live stream will be available at https://youtu.be/OgwKl4J4mxY

In addition to this the Warringah Rats will celebrate Jon's life at Rat Park next week. 

One for you Jon:

Make Music Day Cancelled

NB: Council has cancelled MMD on Saturday June 19th due to forecast inclement weather - should it be rescheduled we will let you know

Pittwater Online News Winter School Holidays Issues

Please note that Issue 500 will be published June 27th, 2021. Issue 501 will be published Sunday July 11th 2021.

We hope all Readers enjoy their time with loved ones and family this school holidays break.

NB: the scheduled 100 years of Girl Guides History page will run after the Winter break as some of the archival materials are stored outside of Pittwater and will be retrieved during the break.

Summer Bay Police

Last year, officers from the Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force, Rescue & Bomb Disposal - NSW Police Force  and the Film & TV Unit took part in an episode of Home and Away

Being the professionals that they are, the police crew managed to get this right on the first take, pushing the filming schedule well ahead of time. A great day was had by all, and it was a fun opportunity for police officers to mix with the cast and crew, as well as give our new vessels a work-out.
 
The episode screened this week, June 15th, leading some wags to comment on social media that Summer Bay is easily the most crime-ridden place in Australia.

*This filming took place under a commercial arrangement with Channel 7. Police resources were provided under our user-charges agreement.
Photo: via FB - NSW Police.

Congratulations Georgie

Congratulations to Georgie Rowe who will represent Australian Olympic Team in the Rowing Women’s Eight.

Georgie Rowe, who set multiple indoor rowing world records in 2019 and 2020, makes her Olympic debut just four years after taking up the sport, transitioning from surf boats to rowing in 2017.


Shop Top Housing Proposal For Palm Beach

Residents have pointed out that a development proposal (modification, previous plans already approved) is out of scale and not sympathetic to the locality.

The three storey building where the Palm Beach Fish and Chips is set to become residential/shop top apartments.

''We think it’s important people know the plans. We have concerns around the size and think it is unsympathetic to the seaside coastal vibe of the area, especially given it is next to Barrenjoey House. It is also, via current plans, to be almost 15 metres in height.

Submissions closed June 9th, but residents are asking people to continue to send in submissions via email to Council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au quoting the relevant application number ''Mod2021/0203''. 

''Any precedent affects future developments in Pittwater so if you care to submit a view'' residents state. 
Documents are available at HERE

2022 Colts Head Coach Announcement

Warringah Rugby Club are proud to announced the Colts coaching dream team for 2022. Warringah Grand Final heroes and Aussie and Super Rugby representatives, Josh Holmes and Boyd Killingworth are taking on the role of Head Coaches for the 2022 season. 

To compliment them the club has also appointed the talented Ben Bayliss to a central talent management role and is currently finalising a hand-picked team of support coaches and staff across all of Colts. The club has also retained 2021 head coach Murray Hooper as part of the brains trust, moving to a consultancy role with the group.

“We are getting a head start on the 2022 season. This is all part of our vision to create the No.1 Colts program in the state. Having the skill and knowledge of these two local juniors at the helm is just the start. Rats Colts will be a force in the coming years” -  Todd Marks, Director of Colts

192 Police Recruits Sworn In At Attestation Ceremony

June 18, 2021
The NSW Police Force has welcomed 192 new probationary constables after they were sworn in at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn today (Friday 18 June 2021).

Family and friends were able to watch on as Class 347 attested in a full ceremony that featured the Police Band, Pipe Band, Mounted Unit and VIP cycles.

Class 347 includes 137 men and 55 women who will undertake a year of 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.

Six officers from this class have been allocated to the Northern Beaches Police Area Command.

The newest recruits were congratulated by Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott in Goulburn.

“Joining the NSW Police Force is a proud moment and represents the start of what I hope will be a long and successful career for all of our recruits,” Mr Elliott said.

“Class 347 has the full support of the NSW Government and we wish them well as they step into their duties to uphold the law and serve and protect the community.”

NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller APM welcomed the 192 probationary constables.

“Our newest recruits will be a valuable addition to our policing capabilities across the state,” Commissioner Fuller said.

“As they begin at their new stations from Monday, I am confident they will step up to the challenges faced by our officers every day and play a vital role in keeping NSW safe as we enter the second half of 2021.

“A career in the police force offers many opportunities and rewards, so I want to encourage our newest officers to enjoy and be proud of the crucial role they play in our communities.”

Education and Training Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Barrie, acknowledged the hard work of Class 347 and congratulated them on their attestation.

“After eight months of preparation and commitment, this ceremony marks the day our recruits become police officers – a significant milestone for them and their families,” Assistant Commissioner Barrie said.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls At Pittwater Place

Our Avalon Mothers’ Day stall was most successful raising $2,400 which we will spend on outdoor furniture for the new Palliative Care Centre.

“Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members will be holding stalls at Pittwater Place, Mona Vale on the first Saturday of the month for the rest of the year, selling knitting, sewing, craft, jams and books, from 8am to 3pm.”


Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park: Closures And Limited Access

The Basin campground - limited access to facilities
Use of The Basin campground and picnic area facilities will be limited from Wednesday 19 May until Friday 2 July 2021 while major upgrading is underway.
This will impact: Barbecues and amenities, Beechwood Cottage
For more information, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.

West Head lookout - temporary fencing
West Head lookout is open to visitors, and temporary fencing has been installed at the lookout for public safety. Upgrades will take place in 2021-2022.
Please do not enter the fenced area.  Nearby walking tracks remain open.

Closed areas: Centre Trail closed for upgrading
Centre trail is closed for upgrade works from Monday 24 May to Wednesday 30 June 2021. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm from Monday to Friday.

Closed areas: Kalkari Discovery Centre closed
Kalkari Discovery Centre will be closed from Monday 31 May 2021 until Wednesday 30 June 2021 for upgrade and maintenance works.  For more information call the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400 or the Bobbin Head Information Centre on 02 9472 8949.

Call For New Manly Life Saving Club Design

June 15, 2021
Northern Beaches Council has called for expressions of interest for the design of the Manly Life Saving Club building and surrounding community facilities.

The construction of the new building and public amenities, with a budget of $15 million, will accommodate one of the oldest surf clubs in Australia.

Manly Life Saving Club was established in 1903, with the current building built in 1982.

Mayor Michael Regan, who is also Club Patron, said people love world-famous Manly Beach with its fabulous surf, white sands, pine trees, promenade, nearby shops, cafés and restaurants.

“Manly Beach is the biggest, most popular beach on the Northern Beaches in terms of swimmers, surf rescues, first aid events and incident prevention,” Mayor Regan said.

“It’s vital then that the people entrusted with keeping beachgoers safe should have the best facilities and support to let them do their job.

“The 40-year-old clubhouse has done an amazing job but now it is struggling to cope with the growing demand from more beach users.

“Since the clubhouse rebuild was first mooted in 2018, the project has been subject to a robust community consultation process with a dedicated working group, leading to a business case being approved by Council in June 2020.”

The expression of interest (EOI) calls for suitably experienced and qualified design consultancy firms to help Council determine the location and scale of the Manly Life Saving Club building and surrounding community facilities.

The successful design firm will then further liaise with the community and develop the design to the Club’s, community’s and Council’s requirements.

The EOI is available at Northern Beaches Councils E-Tendering portal and is open until July 6th 2021.

Come Along For The 2021 Tokyo Olympics Trivia Night Hosted By Zonta Club Of Northern Beaches Inc.

This will be a Covid-19 safe event

When:            Saturday 17th July, 6.30 pm for a prompt 7.00 pm start
Where:   Mona Vale Memorial Hall, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale
What to bring:   Food + serving tongs, glasses, drinks and nibbles (we will provide tea and coffee)
What to wear: Optional “Olympic” attire or just come along and enjoy the fun
Why:                   An entertaining evening with your friends will assist your local Zonta Club of Northern Beaches support women in need in your local area.  The Zonta Club provides education grants to women via a Local Study Grant Program, assists in disadvantaged high school students, supports the local Women’s Refuge and Manly Women’s Shelter amongst other worthwhile projects.  
Cost:                $25 per person, payable upon entry.  Please be sure to book!
How to book:        Either call Annette on 0417 236 982 OR email zontanbtrivia@gmail.com to book a table of 8 or we will seat you with others.


Armed Robbery At Balgowlah

June 20, 2021
A man has been seriously injured after an aggravated armed robbery in Sydney’s Northern Beaches overnight.

About 6.10pm yesterday (Saturday 19 June 2021), a man was unloading goods from his car at a house in Yamba Street, Balgowlah, when he was approached by two people, wearing balaclavas.

One of the people hit the 46-year-old man in the face, torso and legs with a blunt weapon. The other person used a type of pepper spray on the man.

The two unknown people stole cash from a bag and ran from the scene toward Coramba Street.

The man was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital for a treatment of a possible fractured cheekbone and injuries to his torso and legs.

Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were alerted and commenced an investigation.

They urge anyone with information – or dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident – to contact Northern Beaches Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 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. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Lucy


AGE/SEX: 12 weeks / F BREED: Staffy X

Lucy came to at 8 weeks with severe ringworm lesions. She has just been given the all clear and is up for adoption. She is looking for a family used to staffy breeds and understand she has not experienced much in her life and are willing to introduce her to new experiences slowly. She comes with 3 puppy vaccinations, desexing, microchipped, wormed and heartworm free. Her adoption fee is $800. To meet her call DoggieRescue on 94863133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. 

Joey


Joey is part of the Friends Litter with siblings Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Ross and Phoebe. He has a short black and white coat. They are 9 weeks old (as at 15 April). They come with 2 vaccinations, desexing, chipped and worming. Adoption fee is $250 each.

If you are interested in meeting him, 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. 

Waverton Coal Loader To Be Listed On The State Heritage Register

June 16, 2021
The NSW Government has listed the Balls Head Coal Loader Complex in Waverton on the State Heritage Register today.

Special Minister of State and Minister responsible for Heritage Don Harwin said the historic site known locally as the Waverton Coal Loader, is a unique example of one of the first and longest operating coal loading facilities in Sydney Harbour.

“The Coal Loader not only gives us an insight into the industrial history of our harbour, it is an outstanding example of adaptive re-use by North Sydney Council. With a café, community garden, solar power, an art studio and more, the Coal Loader shows adaptive re-use of heritage at its finest,” Mr Harwin said.

The listing includes the original coal loading platform, machinery and workshop buildings while also containing a significant Indigenous rock engraving site. The local Aboriginal community hold this site in high regard for its spiritual and social significance to the lives of the traditional owners of this land.

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson MP said our working harbour has an important history, with the Coal Loader complex at Waverton playing a pivotal role in the early development of Australia’s shipping, trade and coal industries.

“The rich industrial history of the Coal Loader complex right here on Sydney Harbour at Waverton has today been recognised and protected for the future through State heritage listing,” Ms Wilson said.

“The Coal Loader has served our community and Australia for a hundred years in various guises from industrial use through to today’s community uses including art, history, and public space. Its innovative adaptation is renowned for its contribution to sustainability and community engagement.”

The Balls Head Coal Loader Complex also remains the largest bushland remnant in North Sydney and is part of both the North Sydney Circle Walk from Waverton to Wollstonecraft, as well as the Harbour Circle Walk.

Photo: 2018 General Manager Ken Gouldthorp, Mayor Jilly Gibson, Council’s Landscape Architect/Project Manager David Banbury  and Council Director of Open Space and Environmental Services Robert Emerson with the Parks and Leisure Australia ‘Park of the Year’ award and another award the Coal Loader picked up in the 2018 Sustainable Cities award for Heritage and Culture – on the Coal Loader Platform. 

June 13 - 19, 2021: Issue 498

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 498 

Queen's Birthday 2021 Honours List

Village Big Band To Make BIG Sounds With Sam Shaw For Soibada This Coming Saturday Night At The Bowlo - tickets/attendees are capped, don't miss out!

Council To Showcase Local Acts On Make Music Day + Creative Open Weekends Scheduled For Arts In August To Follow On - Sunday June 20th 2021 at Manly, Mona Vale, Narrabeen and Dee Why

DIY Ideas The Johnson Brothers Trade Day Is Back: Thursday June 17th + How To Build A Nesting Box For Our Local Possums and Birds

Manly CWA's Inaugural Northern Beaches Cookery & Handicraft Competition -  entry forms to be submitted by Friday, July 2, 2021 (download here this Issue). Entries to be submitted at 9am on Saturday, July 17, St Matthews Church, 1 Darley Road, Manly - something for all age groups to get involved in; art, cookery, crafts etc.

Reminder: Parliamentary Inquiry Into The Impact Of The Western Harbour Tunnel And Beaches Link Submissions Close June 18

ACC Targeting Scams Report released: Scammers Focused On Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities, Farmers, Indigenous and Small and Micro Businesses During Covid 2020 -  ACCC Has Translated The Little Black Book Of Scams Into Ten Languages + how else we can exclude scammers

Learn About French Photography On Bastille Day 2021 - Tony Maniaty will give an illustrated talk at North Sydney Council's Stanton Library - ‘France and Photography, 1830-1990’ - highlighting the central role of France in the birth and development of the photographic arts this July 14th - FREE

Pictures Early Winter Mix: Sports, Sunrises, School Excursion To The Surf Clubs, PB Longboarders June Comp., Seal At DY, Out & About +

Aquatics Funding Boost For Surf Life Saving Clubs Announced At Warriewood

Park Bench Philosopher Climate Change Is Making Ocean Waves More Powerful; Threatening To Erode Many Coastlines

Proposals For Reducing Flooding On Wakehurst Parkway Now Open For Feedback - Closes Sunday June 27th

Revised South-Ingleside Precinct Housing Development Plan Now Open For Feedback - feedback closes July 6

50th Anniversary Celebration Of Laser Dinghies Aims To Set World Record On Sydney Harbour: June 20, 2021 - All Welcome 

Inbox News Young Australians and COVID-19: More Depression And Anxiety, But Less Alcohol-Related Harm, World First From Australian University: New Drug To Halt Dementia After Multiple Sports Related Head Injuries, Fundamental Advance In Understanding T Cell Immunity, UNSW Researcher Named 2021 Young Tall Poppy, Sugar Overload In Childhood May Be A Recipe For Long-Term Problems, $264 Million Data Centre Approved For Macquarie Park, Less Aviation During The Global Lockdown Had A Positive Impact On The Climate, University Of Adelaide Study Finds Depression 50% Higher In Women With PCOS, New Insights Into Survival Of Ancient Western Desert Peoples, Wildlife Researcher Awarded Forrest Research Foundation Prospect Fellowship, Kookaburras Joined By Children In The Old Gum Tree

Environment  Mona Vale Dunes Planting Morning  - Thursday June 17th; all hands welcome, Sydney Wildlife: Registrations For The Next Rescue and Care Course Are Now Open - Commences June 19th, World Albatross Day Is June 19th, ORRCA Census Day - Sunday June 27th, Koala Takes Up Residence In Partially Built House, Whitehaven Pleads Guilty To Stealing One Billion Litres Of Water During Drought, NSW Planning Department Refers Hume Coal Project To IPC For Second Time, EPA Fines Bluescope Steel For Alleged Water Pollution, Please don't look away; the NSW flood recovery will take years and people still need our help, New Outback Reserve To Protect Diverse Western Wilderness, Australian First Keeps Waterways Clean, Bellinger Riverwatch To Count Waterbugs In Snapping Turtle River, Conserving Coastal Seaweed: A Must Have For Migrating Sea Birds, Clean Bill Of Health For Macquarie Island Marine Life, Matt Canavan suggested the cold snap means global warming isn't real; We bust this and 2 other climate myths, The Next 20 Are Years Crucial In Determining The Future Of Coal, New Population Of Pygmy Blue Whales Discovered With Help Of Bomb Detectors, Ocean Microplastics: First Global View Shows Seasonal Changes and Sources, Maori Connections To Antarctica May Go As Far Back As 7th Century, Tasmania's reached net-zero emissions and 100% renewables  but climate action doesn't stop there, Tracking the transition: the ‘forgotten’ emissions undoing the work of Australia's renewable energy boom, New Plan To Revitalise NSW's Oldest Park By Installing Mountain Bike Trails, The most endangered seals in the world once called Australia home, Bushcare In Pittwater: when and where, Community Gardens, Groups, Organisations + Reserves 

Profile of the Week Isabella Coffey Issy is a 10 year old young lady raising money for an animal rescue centre in Peru, 'Amazon Shelter'. She has had a stall at Lionel Watts on soccer Saturday morning where she is selling Sloth Hooded Blankets (or, ‘sloodies’ as she calls them - great to keep warm while the current snow winds are blowing) as well as some other gifts and toys.

There is also an online site too at amazonissy.square.site/s/shop 

Her dad Simon and mum Julia can arrange delivery to the immediate area or put it in the mail for you too; just click on either 'shipping' or 'pickup' if you are a Belrose local. 

If you don't want a 'sloodie' you can get a sloth pencil case (or use it as a make-up bag), sloth purse, a glow key ring, simple dimple fidget spinner or even just make a donation. 

Soon you will be able to buy a cuddly plush sloth or even a plush llama.

This week some information about the Amazon Shelter from Isabella 

History The Wakehurst Parkway: 75th Anniversary Of Gazettal As A Main Road On May 29th 2021
With the current Wakehurst Parkway flood abatement consultation underway a few notes from previous pages  Roads To Pittwater: The Wakehurst Parkway Along Old Oxford Falls Track and Pittwater, Narrabeen Lagoon & The Collaroy Beachfront: Some Storms and Flood Tides Of The Past, along with newfound research materials presents a third anniversary for Narrabeen in 2021 - that of the gazettal of this parkway even though the road had commenced being used in March 1946. This week some insights and photos show how little this road for and to a park has changed.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1st, 2021

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Two Child Approaches Reported - At Manly Vale

Monday, 07 June 2021: NSW Police
Police are investigating if two reported child approaches in the Northern Beaches this week are connected.

The first incident occurred when two children, both aged six, were playing in the front yard of a home in Quirk Road, Manly Vale, about 3.30pm on Saturday (5 June 2021).

Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command have been told a middle-aged man with grey hair – driving a vehicle described only as being white with a circular sticker on the back – called out to the children offering them lollies. The children ran inside the house.

Police have been told a man of a similar description was seen acting in an intimidating manner towards another young person as she walked in nearby Campbell Parade, Manly Vale, about 7pm the same day.

Police were only told of the incidents today (Monday 7 June 2021), and an investigation by detectives is now underway.

They are appealing to anyone who was in the area of either incident and saw someone acting suspiciously, or who may have dashcam or CCTV of either incident, to call police.

At no time did the man touch any of the children. Police are investigating if the incidents are connected.

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. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Newport Residents Association June 2021 Meeting

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday evening 15th June 2021 at 7.00 pm at our normal meeting place Activity Room 1, Newport Community Centre, The Boulevard, Newport.

The Newport Residents Association Incorporated is an organisation of residents and/or ratepayers of the original Pittwater Council area whose concerns are the welfare and advancement of that area, in general and Newport in particular. The Newport Residents Association was originally established as the Newport Progress Association in 1933 (however there is evidence the association was actually operating just prior to the turn of the century) and in 2004 it  became an incorporated association changing its name at that time to better reflect its aims and objectives.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated include:
  • To provide a forum for all interested residents, ratepayers and resident groups in the Pittwater Ward area and particularly in the Newport area.
  • To represent the interests of ratepayers and residents on local issues at all levels of government but particularly at the local government level.
  • To work for responsible planning, environmental protection and the enhancement of the environment of the Northern Beaches Council and in particular the Pittwater Ward area.
  • To achieve community awareness and involvement in Council’s decision-making processes and planning.
  • To take any other action not elsewhere included to further the interests of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated and its members.
MEETINGS
3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.00 pm at the Newport Community Centre (The Boulevarde Newport). More at: https://newport.org.au/

Shop Top Housing Proposal For Palm Beach

Residents have pointed out that a development proposal (modification - previous plans already approved in 2019) is out of scale and not sympathetic to the locality.

The three storey building where the Palm Beach Fish and Chips is set to become residential/shop top apartments.

''We think it’s important people know the plans. We have concerns around the size and think it is unsympathetic to the seaside coastal vibe of the area, especially given it is next to Barrenjoey House. It is also, via current plans, to be almost 15 metres in height.

Submissions closed June 9th, but residents are asking people to continue to send in submissions via email to Council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au quoting the relevant application number ''Mod2021/0203''. 

''Any precedent affects future developments in Pittwater so if you care to submit a view'' residents state. 
Documents are available at HERE

Welcome To 4 Pines Park - Home Of The Sea Eagles

Friday June 11, 2021
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are pleased to confirm 4 Pines Brewing Company as the new naming rights partner of our home ground at Brookvale. 

Just 850 metres from the 4 Pines HQ brewery and Truck Bar Brookvale, 4 Pines Park hosted Friday night's Sea Eagles Round 14 NRL Telstra Premiership home game against North Queensland Cowboys.

Already a Senior Partner and Official Beer of the Sea Eagles since 2019, the new deal will see 4 Pines Brewing Company now become a Premier Partner of the Sea Eagles, including naming rights of 4 Pines Park, through until at least the end of the 2024 season.

''Much like the Sea Eagles, 4 Pines was born and bred in Manly and we share a passion to welcome the community into our spaces to connect and have fun.'' - Todd Atkinson, 4 Pines Chief Operating Officer

“We’re going to double down on making a positive community impact with one of the great community grounds in the game.”

With construction of a new Centre of Excellence and 3,000 seat undercover grandstand well underway and due for completion at the north end of the ground later this year, plenty of work has also been completed this week with the changeover of all signage to 4 Pines Park ready for tonight's game.

Sea Eagles CEO, Stephen Humphreys, was delighted that the Club was able to work with an existing partner in 4 Pines to bring 4 Pines Park to life, saying “it’s a winning partnership of two iconic Northern Beaches brands. We thoroughly enjoy working with the 4 Pines team and together, we will now take this great partnership to the next level.”

''4 Pines Park is a very exciting project. Beyond all of the positive branding, we are looking forward to delivering an enhanced fan experience at 4 Pines Park for our Members and  Corporate Partners as well as the whole Northern Beaches community.'' - Stephen Humphreys, Sea Eagles CEO

Council Among Those To Showcase Local Acts On Make Music Day

June 9, 2021
Six grant recipients will receive a share of $90,000 in funding from the NSW Government to stage free live music events throughout the state as part of the annual global event, Make Music Day.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes congratulated the successful funding recipients who will each receive $15,000 which can be used to help fund live music events.

On June 20 and 21, public spaces across the state will come alive, showcasing great local talent with live performances,” Mr Stokes said.

“We know that the live music industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic and we’re keen to support them by using our public spaces for this series of free performances.”

The successful applicants are:
  • Northern Beaches Council - 50 musicians performing 45-minute sets across four locations including the Manly Corso, Berry Markets at Narrabeen Lagoon and Mona Vale Village Park and Dee Why Town Centre.
  • City of Parramatta Council and Sydney Olympic Park Authority - events in multiple public spaces including Parramatta Square, Cathy Freeman Park, Jacaranda Square, The Abattoir Heritage Precinct, Epping Railway Station and more, featuring 30 acts from Western Sydney’s live music scene;
  • Yours and Owls Event - Wollongong’s Globe Lane will be transformed to present Full Set Fest, to showcase grassroots and promising artists in the Illawarra;
  • Lisa Farrawell - in a First Nations-led initiative, local musicians will perform live on an outdoor stage for the Crescent Head community;
  • Blacklight Collective - for a one-day pop-up program in Coffs Harbour featuring dozens of local artists performing electronica, contemporary, Indian classical, percussion, jazz and more; and
  • Leeton Shire Council – for two acts including a soul, afrobeat and electronic artists to the Leeton Skate Park
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the funding was a fantastic opportunity to support local artists after the music sector was hit hard by COVID-19.

“Make Music Day recognises the joy that music brings to our lives,” Mr Harwin said.

“We are proud to invest in this initiative which celebrates our local musicians and enables them to showcase their talents and share their sounds as part of this free world-wide music extravaganza.”

Make Music Day is part of the NSW Government’s annual Festival of Place, which is a rolling program that highlights the importance and beauty of great public spaces and was introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local Make Music Day will occur on Sunday June 20th.


Photo: Make Music Day 2019, Grand Concourse, Central Station, EORA College Students, Photographer: Murray Harris

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls At Pittwater Place

Our Avalon Mothers’ Day stall was most successful raising $2,400 which we will spend on outdoor furniture for the new Palliative Care Centre.

“Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members will be holding stalls at Pittwater Place, Mona Vale on the first Saturday of the month for the rest of the year, selling knitting, sewing, craft, jams and books, from 8am to 3pm.”


Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park: Closures And Limited Access

The Basin campground - limited access to facilities
Use of The Basin campground and picnic area facilities will be limited from Wednesday 19 May until Friday 2 July 2021 while major upgrading is underway.
This will impact: Barbecues and amenities, Beechwood Cottage
For more information, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.

West Head lookout - temporary fencing
West Head lookout is open to visitors, and temporary fencing has been installed at the lookout for public safety. Upgrades will take place in 2021-2022.
Please do not enter the fenced area.  Nearby walking tracks remain open.

Closed areas: Centre Trail closed for upgrading
Centre trail is closed for upgrade works from Monday 24 May to Wednesday 30 June 2021. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm from Monday to Friday.

Closed areas: Kalkari Discovery Centre closed
Kalkari Discovery Centre will be closed from Monday 31 May 2021 until Wednesday 30 June 2021 for upgrade and maintenance works.  For more information call the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400 or the Bobbin Head Information Centre on 02 9472 8949.

Bobbin Head carpark closure
The Gibberagong precinct of Bobbin Head carpark (southern carpark) will be closed for roadworks on Thursday 5 June, Monday 7 June, Wednesday 9 June and Thursday 10 of June 2021, 7am to 4pm.   For more information, please send an email or call the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.

Bobbin Head Wharf carpark closure
Bobbin Head Wharf carpark will be closed between 7am and 4pm for roadworks on the following days: Friday 4 June, Monday 7 June, Wednesday 9 June, Thursday 10 June 2021
Access to Empire Marina carpark will be available at all times during the works. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please send an email or call the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.

Bobbin Head Information Centre closed
Bobbin Head Information Centre will be closed for renovations all day Tuesday 8 June, Wednesday 9 June and Thursday 10 June 2021. Staff are available to answer enquiries during this time. Email or call 02 9472 8949. 

UNSW Launches 2021 Australian Mental Health Prize

June 9, 2021
 Australia’s child mental health system is buckling under the strain of current demand and the effect will be felt for decades.This was the message from Professor Helen Milroy, delivered when she launched this year’s Australian Mental Health Prize at UNSW Sydney on Wednesday, calling for nominations from the public.

The prize, now in its sixth year and established by UNSW Medicine & Health’s School of Psychiatry, recognises Australians who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of mental health or the prevention and treatment of mental illness.

Prof. Milroy, descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region, is recognised as Australia's first Indigenous medical doctor, and was one of the winners of the 2020 Australian Mental Health Prize. She is the current WA Australian of the Year and is Commissioner of the Australian Mental Health Commission.

Prof. Milroy said there has been investment into adolescent and youth services in recent years but nothing significant for services which deal with children under 12 years old.

“The underinvestment in child mental health services has continued for well over a decade and we cannot keep up with the demand,” she said.

“The mental health systems for children are so under resourced and poorly supported in Australia that the capacity to respond to children early in life and early in illness is severely compromised.”

Prof. Milroy said decades of evidence shows that intervening in the lives of very young children with the right mental health services would save a lot of misery and harm later.

“Many of the mental health problems faced later in life have their beginnings in childhood. The early years are such an important part of development and yet the significant changes that can occur in the brain due to significant adverse experiences are often overlooked until it is too late, and the intervention required for healing and recovery is much more difficult,” she said.

“We have the knowledge, evidence and interventions but they are just not funded effectively nor prioritised for action. It appears the system would rather spend more money later when things are much more difficult.”

Prof. Milroy said it’s a misconception to think of child mental health as child’s play.

“We would never ignore a significant physical injury to a child. In fact, they would be able to access timely, effective and expert care. Yet the psychological injury or challenge is completely ignored. The mind needs to be able to heal and get back on track during development just like the rest of the body.”

Prof. Milroy said the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many pre-existing conditions and created new problems for children, families and development.

“It can be difficult to understand what a mental health challenge is for a child compared to what we see in youth or adults, but there is mounting evidence for not only prevention but also for comprehensive, evidence based early intervention. We only get one chance at childhood, can’t we pull together and give kids the best outcome possible?” she said.

Recognition for mental health sector
Co-chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Group, Lucy Brogden AM, agrees with Prof. Milroy’s comments and said awards for contributions to mental health are often adult focused.

“Having the work in child mental health recognised is more important than ever given this field lays the foundation for better mental health and wellbeing later in life,” Mrs. Brogden said.

Fellow co-chair Professor Allan Fels AO said the prize ensures mental health stays top of mind for Australians.  

“It’s important for those working in the mental health sector to recognise the progress our colleagues are making in research and improving patient outcomes. This prize helps to improve mental health care in Australia,” he said.

UNSW Dean of Medicine & Health, Professor Vlado Perkovic said UNSW Medicine places high importance on mental health research and works with many other mental health institutions and individuals in this area.

“We encourage clinicians, health professionals, community groups and individuals to nominate people whom they feel are making a real difference in the area of mental health research, advocacy or service delivery for the 2021 Australian Mental Health Prize,” he said.

“Mental illness is something that affects our whole community, and the Australian Mental Health Prize is a valuable way to highlight progress being made in this space.”

How to nominate
To enter, nominees must provide a CV and 200 words outlining the work being undertaken and how it is making an impact. Nomination forms can be obtained from: australianmentalhealthprize.org.au

Entries close on 27 August 2021.


Professor Helen Milroy says mental health systems for young children in Australia are under resourced and poorly supported. Image: UNSW

Enhancing SIRA’s Research Program: NSW Gov. Feedback Wanted

The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) is the government organisation responsible for regulating and administering workers compensation insurance, motor accidents compulsory third party insurance; and home building compensation insurance in New South Wales.

Research is at the core of SIRA’s strategic framework, underpinning our key function of innovating and engaging others to ensure our customers have optimal recovery and health outcomes.

Tell us what you think
The State Government invites you to provide them with feedback on every aspect of our research program.

From setting research priorities and objectives, to engaging with stakeholders, co-designing research projects and translating knowledge to key stakeholders, every element of the research framework could be strengthened to deliver optimised outputs.

They welcome hearing from scheme participants, community members, health care providers, sector peak bodies, academics, researchers, industry, Government agencies and all other interested parties.
Complete a survey
As an alternative to providing feedback as a submission, we invite you to share your thoughts via the survey below.  

You can choose to complete all sections or skip through to the sections that most interest you. 

Come Along For The 2021 Tokyo Olympics Trivia Night Hosted By Zonta Club Of Northern Beaches Inc.

This will be a Covid-19 safe event

When:            Saturday 17th July, 6.30 pm for a prompt 7.00 pm start
Where:   Mona Vale Memorial Hall, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale
What to bring:   Food + serving tongs, glasses, drinks and nibbles (we will provide tea and coffee)
What to wear: Optional “Olympic” attire or just come along and enjoy the fun
Why:                   An entertaining evening with your friends will assist your local Zonta Club of Northern Beaches support women in need in your local area.  The Zonta Club provides education grants to women via a Local Study Grant Program, assists in disadvantaged high school students, supports the local Women’s Refuge and Manly Women’s Shelter amongst other worthwhile projects.  
Cost:                $25 per person, payable upon entry.  Please be sure to book!
How to book:        Either call Annette on 0417 236 982 OR email zontanbtrivia@gmail.com to book a table of 8 or we will seat you with others.


DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Coco

AGE/SEX: 4 years / M
BREED: Shihtzu X Jack Russell
Coco is a gentle sweet dog around people he knows. He is anxious in new environments. He is very social with other small dogs. He was surrendered for his dislike of children and reported nipping so there is likely some fear related aggression. He has a low shedding coat and is overweight at 8.3kg. 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. 

Estella


Estella is a loving and playful girl with a beautiful smoky medium haired coat. Like her sister Serafina, one of her favourite things is food. She is approximately 6 mths old. She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com. She is located at Ingleside.

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. 

Torpedo Factory Renewal Project: Sub Base Platypus North Sydney

June 3rd, 2021: Harbour Trust
The Torpedo Factory Renewal Project will deliver a new foreshore park, heritage interpretation, public access improvements, and a welcoming entry to Sub Base Platypus, North Sydney...
Project overview

Sub Base Platypus is being transformed into a public park with its remnant buildings adapted for a range of cultural, recreational, community and commercial uses. The Harbour Trust has consulted extensively with the community about the site’s renewal as the former industrial and Defence complex has evolved into a public domain where historic spaces are revealed, interpreted and reimagined.

To date, renewal works have included the remediation of contamination, the demolition of some buildings and the adaptive reuse of others, the creation of public parkland, heritage interpretation, and improved public access including a new foreshore walkway, elevator and public car park.

The Harbour Trust is now focused on delivering the next stage of the site’s renewal by creating additional parkland through the adaptation and interpretation of the Torpedo Factory.

The proposal
In late 2020, the Harbour Trust proposed a new approach for the Torpedo Factory aimed at delivering new public parkland on the foreshore. To facilitate this, the Harbour Trust prepared a draft amendment to the Platypus Management Plan (Amendment 1) and a detailed Planning Application which were placed on public exhibition between 12 November and 11 December 2020. For further details and to view the documents placed on public exhibition, see Public Consultation.

The Consultation Overview and Consultation Outcomes Report below summarise the feedback received during the public exhibition:
  • Consultation Overview (pdf)
  • Consultation Outcomes Report (pdf)
In May 2021, the Members of the Trust considered the outcomes of this consultation along with feedback received from the Harbour Trust Advisory Groups, and approved the Platypus Management Plan (Amendment 1) and Planning Application. To view the adopted Platypus Management Plan (Amendment 1) and the Planning Approval Permit and Conditions of Consent, see Public Consultation.

Approval of the project followed referral of the proposed action to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment, in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Minister’s delegate determined under section 75 of the EPBC Act that the proposed action is ‘not a controlled action’, which means that it does not require further assessment and approval before it can proceed.

For current and past community newsletters on Sub Base Platypus, including the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project, see Sub Base Platypus Renewal Project.

See also: Management Plan – Platypus, North Sydney.

Next steps
The Harbour Trust will hold drop-in sessions and a design exhibition to inform the community about the next steps for the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project.

Community drop-in sessions
The community is invited to attend a drop-in session to learn more about the final design and potential local impacts during the works phase. The community will have an opportunity to speak to a Harbour Trust representative at these sessions. 
  • Tuesday 15 June (3:30pm to 7:30pm) – Retort House, Sub Base Platypus (120 High Street, North Sydney)
  • Saturday 17 July (10am to 2pm) – Retort House, Sub Base Platypus (120 High Street, North Sydney)

Design exhibition (9 June to 23 July)
The community is invited to view an exhibition of the final design for the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project at the Retort House (pictured), which is located on the lower level of Sub Base Platypus (120 High Street, North Sydney).

The exhibition will be open to the public between 7am and 9pm daily between Wednesday 9 June and Friday 23 July.

Leptospirosis Now In Our Area: Local Dog Passes Away

In August 2019 Pittwater Online heard from a pet owner of his Narrabeen dog passing away from Leptospirosis after visiting an off-leash dog park in the inner west. 

On June 3rd, 2021 local vets made known that a young dog, from the Narrabeen/Elanora area, contracted the serious infectious disease leptospirosis at the end of May 2021. The dog had not been out of area, so contracted leptospirosis here. Sadly the dog’s condition deteriorated and he has died.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection associated with rat urine and is common in muddy areas and stagnant water often found in parks. Symptoms often appear as a general sickness, including a lack of appetite and movement, fever and chills. This is usually accompanied by haemorrhages, organ failure and swelling of the brain.

The disease is zoonotic, which means it can be passed from pets to people. According to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System in August 2019, over 50 people had been infected with leptospirosis in the last three months.

When the news was first communicated in 2019 we began the series of three vaccinations for our own very best puppy in the whole world of the very best product available to guard against this, as advised by her Dr.  

All local vets are all also now recommending leptospirosis vaccinations be given to all dogs in this area as a result of this loss of a loved pet.

In the meantime you can also help protect your own very best puppy in the world by:
  • Avoiding dog parks where it may meet an infected dog
  • Not allowing your pet to take a drink from a puddle or swim in local creeks
  • Keep your pet away from areas where rodents are known to be - including foreshore areas and bush reserves
  • Not letting your pup sniff around in underbrush

Wakehurst Parkway Flood Mitigation Study Now Available

Council is seeking community views on a study into options for reducing flooding on the Wakehurst Parkway between Sydney Sports Academy and Oxford Falls.

The Study is being released now following confirmation the NSW Government has made funding available towards the delivery of some of the options outlined in the document. Council will only take up the funding offer under a number of conditions, including community support for the project.
Consultation period:  Thu 27 May - Sun 27 June

The feasibility study is now available for community comment at:

Sydney Wildlife Recycled Bottles For Wildlife 2021

Sydney Wildlife Rescue is registered for return and earn in NSW. This time it is accessed by an App called My Tomra  - which is the organisation that runs the recycling. 

Once you have downloaded the My Tomra App. Just search “Our Wildlife” you will see Sydney Wildlife Rescue listed. You can set that as the payout. 

So you just scan the bar code from the App  at the recycling machine and the 10c will be donated to Sydney Wildlife Rescue. The machines can be located anywhere in NSW.  

Please have a look it’s a good way to support us to care for wildlife and do your bit to keep Australia Beautiful.

Dine & Discover Extended To July 31

June 9, 2021
The NSW Government’s Dine & Discover initiative will be extended by a month to give people more time to use all of their vouchers eating out or trying a new activity this winter, including in the upcoming school holidays.

The latest data shows more than 4.23 million people have downloaded the vouchers since they were launched in March spending a combined total of more than $357 million with registered businesses when adding in the additional spend on top of the voucher amount.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the stimulus had proved popular and played a valuable role supporting businesses as well as reviving consumer confidence.

“This is helping to fire-up our economy. It’s not just boosting revenue for businesses, it’s bringing a fresh clientele through their doors eager to try a new eatery or exciting activity,” Mr Perrottet said.

“People of all ages and walks of life are giving them a go and we don’t want anyone to miss out. This extension will ensure everyone has a chance to use all four of their vouchers, which I’m sure will be particularly handy in the school holidays.”

Every adult in NSW is eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend across the 14,000 participating businesses.

Dining out has been particularly popular, with patrons spending on average $41 for every $25 voucher used.

This increased spending at hospitality venues will have broader positive flow-on effects to the economy, through employment and purchases from upstream suppliers.

Adventure businesses have also benefited, along with cultural institutions such as galleries and museums.

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the enthusiastic take up of the vouchers showed digital initiatives were the way of the future.

“Targeted stimulus, is smart stimulus when helping communities and citizens battle back from a pandemic and Dine & Discover has been able to support a wide range of businesses and industries,” Mr Dominello said.

“With about two in every three adults across NSW having now registered for the vouchers, having such a large portion of the NSW population on board means we can get money back into the community quickly.

“More than $105 million has been spent directly in registered business regionally compared to almost $200 million in establishments in Sydney.”

It’s not too late for businesses to register and customers are encouraged to sign up and spend their vouchers before they expire on July 31, 2021.

“We’re giving people more time to take full advantage of these vouchers, so make sure you sign up and use them before you lose them,” Mr Perrottet said.

The vouchers had been due to expire on June 30.

The vouchers can only be used at eligible businesses that have implemented a COVID Safety Plan and are registered as COVID Safe.

Dine & Discover facts: Most popular use of vouchers overall?
  • Food and beverage services - more than 5 million redemptions
  • Movie theatres - more than 1.2 million
  • Heritage activities such as museums and art galleries - almost 370,000 redemptions.

EPA Household Chemical CleanOut: Mona Vale Saturday June 19

The next FREE  Household Chemical CleanOut will be held at Mona Vale car park, 9am to 3.30pm.

Items that can be dropped off include household cleaners, pesticides and herbicides, poisons, motor fuels, fluorescent globes, acids, smoke detectors, gas bottles, fire extinguishers as well as car and household batteries. View the full list.

Only household chemical quantities (a maximum of 20kg or 20 litres per item) will be accepted (per drop off - with the exception of paint). Householders and commercial/trade painters can bring up to 100L of paint for free. 

Traffic control
As a safety requirement residents must be in a vehicle to drop off unwanted household chemicals. You will be required to stay in your car so that NSW Health orders on 1.5m social distancing can be complied with. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

Please follow the instructions of the traffic controllers and be aware that there may be traffic delays.
Storing and transporting unwanted chemicals.

Hosted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority 

Nominations Open For 2021 SafeWork Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2021 SafeWork NSW Awards, acknowledging NSW businesses, industry associations and unions that have come up with innovative solutions to help workers at risk across a number of industries.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said this year’s theme will be workers at risk. The theme highlights businesses that have embedded health and safety into their high-risk work environments to ensure every job is designed to be safe.

“Nominations are now open and we want to celebrate those who have come up with innovative solutions to support the safety of their employees,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are calling for nominations from businesses large and small across the state who have demonstrated real solutions to protect their at-risk workers.”

This year marks the 18th anniversary of the SafeWork NSW Awards, which will be  broken down into seven sub-categories:
  1.  Small business – non-government (regional and metropolitan);
  2.  Medium business – non-government (regional and metropolitan);
  3.  Large business – non-government (regional and metropolitan);
  4.  Government;
  5.  Unions; and
  6.  Industry associations.
Minister for Finance and Small Business, Damien Tudehope, has called out for nominations from small businesses who often go above and beyond to support the safety of their employees.

“This is a great opportunity for small businesses to be recognised and celebrated for their dedication to employee safety. It provides a fantastic framework for other small businesses to follow suit on our road to a safer and stronger NSW,” Mr Tudehope said.

Nominations for the 2021 SafeWork Awards are open until 27th June, with winners announced in October. 

NSW Government’s Cost Of Living Service

June 9, 2021
The NSW Government’s popular Cost of Living Service is being expanded as part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget. $6.6 million in funding will help customers right across the state to access the full range of benefits available to them from the service and a further $7.6 million from the Department of Customer Service will be redirected towards upgrading the service. Service NSW will also hire extra staff, which will allow for up to 500 customers a day to benefit from the service.  

This means that potentially every minute someone will save up to $600 per appointment.

This support will make it easier for customers to find and apply for government rebates and savings, access personalised support with face-to-face appointments gradually resuming from 1 July 2021.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said easing the cost of living for households remains a top priority for the Government in the 2021-22 NSW Budget.

“There are up to 70 savings offered by the Government, and more than $4 billion has been collectively saved by families since the program commenced in July 2017,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Service NSW is a one-stop shop that takes the hassle out of finding savings by putting all the relevant information under the one roof.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this year’s Budget would continue to drive our economic recovery from COVID by ensuring more people had money in their pockets to spend on the things that matter most to them.

“This increased investment will give more people the support they need to help them create a better future for themselves and their families,” Mr Perrottet said.

“A simple appointment could potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Whether it is Active Kids vouchers, energy rebates or Toll Relief, there are hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars’ worth of savings out there to help make life that little bit easier.”

Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said specialised staff are on hand to do the heavy lifting for customers.

“Gone are the days of having to visit multiple websites and waste time calling different agencies. Our specialised one-stop shop staff can help customers identify their eligibility for savings and help them claim them,” Mr Dominello said.

“There have been 70,000 cost of living appointments since July 2018, with the average saving per appointment almost $600, which means more money being spent on the things that matter most.

“As the popularity of this program continues to grow, Service NSW will ensure more staff are made available to best support NSW residents.”

Examples of other savings available include pensioner travel vouchers, Low Income Household Rebate and the Regional seniors travel card.  

The following are savings among different Service NSW Centres for cost of living appointments: 

Centre                         Savings         Highest Individual Saving
Penrith                             $138,000    $4,738
Central Coast Centres $2,524,000 $14,000
Macarthur                 $937,000         $1,793
Armidale                         $1,400,000 $10,000 

For more information, and to find out what you may get savings on, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/cost-living

Community Action Plans To Tackle Fines Debt

June 1, 2021
The NSW Government is partnering with local communities to help drive down fines and reduce the social impact of debt on vulnerable youth and First Nation’s people.

Revenue NSW Deputy Secretary Scott Johnston said the new initiative would bring communities together with Government to develop plans that address social issues that may arise out of fines debt.

“For vulnerable customers and those experiencing genuine financial hardship, fines can create an overwhelming debt cycle that can cost people their driver licence and prevent them from getting a job,” Mr Johnston said.

“The Government’s Community Action Plans will help identify the issues that are leading to fines in the first place and develop strategies at a grassroots community level to overcome them,” Mr Johnston said.

“This isn’t about going easy on those who’ve done the wrong thing – it’s about addressing issues so people aren’t receiving fines in the first place.”

Community Action Plans are templates designed in consultation with Government and community services with an aim to reduce fines debt in the community.

The plans focus on reducing debt as well as fines prevention through education, improving awareness of service options and increasing the uptake of Work and Development Orders (WDOs).

Community Action Plans were created by Revenue NSW and tested with groups in Mt Druitt, Walgett and Taree, where communities decided to increase local WDO sponsor options, enable the communities to reduce debt through courses, counselling, or treatment programs including medical and mental health.

Any community can initiate an action plan and form a team of government and non-government local representatives such as community services, local council representatives, NGOs, government outreach officers and local leaders.

“We want to help communities break the cycle of fines debt and empower people to take back control of their lives, and Community Action Plans are an important first step,” Mr Johnston added.

The Community Action Plan is a tool that is available for any community organisations and individuals to access at Revenue NSW.

Organisations can learn more about how to register as Work Development Order sponsors

Consultation Now Open On The Review Of NSW Heritage Legislation

Consultation is now open on the review of the NSW Heritage legislation with the NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Social Issues formally endorsing an inquiry into the NSW Heritage Act 1977. 

The committee will undertake a comprehensive public inquiry into the adequacy of the Heritage Act 1977, considering the government’s recently released discussion paper, and hearing from the community and stakeholders.  

Minister responsible for heritage Don Harwin said the current legislation does not meet the contemporary needs of the community. It is time that we make it easier, more affordable and more desirable to activate and conserve the state’s heritage.

“State heritage contributes to the story of NSW, and we want to hear from all areas of the community about how heritage matters to them. It’s an important step in this process that local communities get involved and have their say on how we can better celebrate the heritage that matters most to NSW. 

The NSW Government’s discussion paper proposes a number of reforms or considerations including introducing a category system, tailoring listings to protect items while making it easier to undertake conservation, and incentivising adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. 

Chair of the Social Issues Committee, the Hon. Shayne Mallard MLC said “NSW heritage legislation has had no major system reforms since 1999 and the committee is looking forward to working with all stakeholders to provide recommendations to government.”

Submissions will be open from 13 May 2021 to 27 June 2021 and everyone is encouraged to have their say on the future of heritage in NSW.

The discussion paper and more information about the inquiry and how to get involved is available via Heritage NSW

Employment Zone Shake Up To Boost Businesses

Fewer zones and greater flexibility for businesses are the cornerstones of the NSW Government’s proposed shake up of employment zones which is now on public exhibition.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the proposed framework means council Local Environmental Plans will have fewer zones that determine the type of business activities allowed on local sites.

“What we’ve learned through COVID is that businesses could be building engineering components one month then manufacturing hand sanitiser the next. This is why we need the system to be agile to support employment in our modern economy,” Mr Stokes said.

“Planning needs to focus more on how buildings look and perform and less on what people choose to do inside them.

“Rather than trying to tweak the existing system, we propose to completely overhaul it by replacing the current 12 business and industrial zones with five core employment zones.”

The five core proposed employment zones are:
  • E1 Local Centre: provides for a range of retail business, entertainment, community uses that service a local area;
  • E2 Commercial Centre: large-scale commercial, retail, business and service development in strategic centres;
  • E3 Productivity Support:  mix of industrial, commercial, creative, warehousing and emerging new industries that need larger floor space;
  • E4 General Industrial: light and general industrial and warehousing uses providing important urban services like waste management and concrete batching; and
  • E5 Heavy Industrial: hazardous and industries with odour and noise impacts that need to be separated from other urban areas.
Mr Stokes said the new system represents significant economic reform, greater business certainty and a reduction in red tape, such as fewer unnecessary spot rezonings.

“Our State and local strategic plans have set a pathway for more innovative and productive businesses and industries to help drive our prosperity. This new framework makes it easier to achieve this goal,” Mr Stokes said.

“It also reflects our changing landscape with 97 extra mandated uses and new land use definitions to reflect emerging sectors like the circular economy, data storage and creative industries.”

The draft framework is part of the Government’s Planning Reform Action Plan to create a more timely, certain and transparent planning system which supports the State’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed employment zones framework is on public exhibition until June 30th 2021.

For more information and to have your say on the proposed framework visit planning.nsw.gov.au/employment-zones-reform

June 6 - 12, 2021: Issue 497

This Issue: 


Environment Proposal To Allow Dogs Offleash On To Mona Vale Beach and Palm Beach, Our Local Wildlife Feels Too, Ocean Photography Awards 2021, Our Own Local Fairy Penguins: World Oceans Day 2021 - June 8th, World Albatross Day Is June 19th, Logging Continues In The Areas The Swift Parrot  Is Migrating To In NSW For Winter Feeding: Pittwater's Swamp Mahogany Tree A Food Source, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA): Mona Vale Dunes Planting Morning  - Thursday June 17th, Sydney Wildlife: Registrations For The Next Rescue And Care Course Are Now Open - Commences June 19th, ORRCA News: 2021 Census Day - Sunday June 27th, Powering Ahead With Community Batteries, Turning The Tables - How Table Corals Are Regenerating Reefs, Beautiful rare 'purple cauliflower' coral off NSW coast may be extinct within 10 years, The APVMA’s Response To The Current Mouse Plague, Hundreds Of Farmers Get In Early To Secure Free Mice-Killing Chemical, EPA Asks The Community To Use Pesticides Correctly When Baiting Mice: birds being killed, Mouse Plague Fuels Bird Deaths: Rodenticides Blamed For Avian Mortalities, Mouse Plague In Queensland And New South Wales: CSIRO, Mouse plague: bromadiolone will obliterate mice but it'll poison eagles snakes and owls too, Sluggish Rehabilitation Rate At Upper Hunter Coal Mines Threatens Jobs and Environment, Western Downs Farmers Call On Shell To Get Out Of Gas Following Dutch Ruling, ARENA Under Threat (Again): Federal Budget Against The Climate - Australian Conservation Foundation Analysis, Banks Must Respond To IEA Warning On Gas Financing, EPA Fines Liddell Power Station Operator For Alleged Air Pollution, New Plan To Revitalise NSW's Oldest Park By Installing Mountain Bike Trails, Pumped Hydro Plan Will Help To Maintain Lithgow’s Place As An Energy Hub, EnergyAustralia Excited About Pumped Hydro Possibility Near Mt Piper, Hundreds of Australian lizard species are barely known to science; Many may face extinction, About 500,000 Australian species are undiscovered – and scientists are on a 25-year mission to finish the job, Bushcare In Pittwater: when and where, Community Gardens, Groups, Organisations + Reserves ++

Inbox News Stolen Generations Survivors Face Poorer Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Than Other Indigenous Australians: New Report ReleasedAustralia Leads Project That Will Burst The Hubble Bubble, $24 Million To Fund Innovation Solutions From NSW Small Businesses, Overweight Or Obesity Worsens Liver-Damaging Effects Of Alcohol, Carp Diem: Pest Seizes On Post 100 Year Flood Conditions - Native Fish At Risk, Space Junk: Houston; We Have A Problem, Plastic In Galapagos Seawater Beaches and Animals, Revealing The Mysteries Of Stonefish Venom, Parasites May Accumulate In Spleens Of Asymptomatic Individuals Infected With Malaria

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1st, 2021

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Leptospirosis Now In Our Area: Local Dog Passes Away

In August 2019 Pittwater Online heard from a pet owner of his Narrabeen dog passing away from Leptospirosis after visiting an off-leash dog park in the inner west. 

On June 3rd, 2021 local vets made known that a young dog, from the Narrabeen/Elanora area, contracted the serious infectious disease leptospirosis at the end of May 2021. The dog had not been out of area, so contracted leptospirosis here. Sadly the dog’s condition deteriorated and he has died.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection associated with rat urine and is common in muddy areas and stagnant water often found in parks. Symptoms often appear as a general sickness, including a lack of appetite and movement, fever and chills. This is usually accompanied by haemorrhages, organ failure and swelling of the brain.

The disease is zoonotic, which means it can be passed from pets to people. According to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System in August 2019, over 50 people had been infected with leptospirosis in the last three months.

When the news was first communicated in 2019 we began the series of three vaccinations for our own very best puppy in the whole world of the very best product available to guard against this, as advised by her Dr.  

All local vets are all also now recommending leptospirosis vaccinations be given to all dogs in this area as a result of this loss of a loved pet.

In the meantime you can also help protect your own very best puppy in the world by:
  • Avoiding dog parks where it may meet an infected dog
  • Not allowing your pet to take a drink from a puddle or swim in local creeks
  • Keep your pet away from areas where rodents are known to be - including foreshore areas and bush reserves
  • Not letting your pup sniff around in underbrush

Wakehurst Parkway Flood Mitigation Study Now Available

Council is seeking community views on a study into options for reducing flooding on the Wakehurst Parkway between Sydney Sports Academy and Oxford Falls.

The Study is being released now following confirmation the NSW Government has made funding available towards the delivery of some of the options outlined in the document. Council will only take up the funding offer under a number of conditions, including community support for the project.
Consultation period:  Thu 27 May - Sun 27 June

The feasibility study is now available for community comment at:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Breaker-Breaker-Breaker!

The Newport Breakers Barraclough Cup side beat league leaders Hunters Hill 24 - 12 at Porters Reserve on Saturday June 5th. 

The teams were tied 12-12 when the lights unfortunately shut down midway through the 2nd half for nearly 15 minutes. After play resumed Newport were able to streak away, putting on another 12 points to close the match out. 

Outside Centre Callum Hargreaves was the Breakers Man of the Match. 

The lower grades were all closely fought affairs, the biggest points differential being 5 points, with the table-topping Hunters Hill sides grabbing the spoils in all matches. 

1st Grade: Newport 24 - Hunters Hill 12
2nd Grade: Newport 12 - Hunters Hill 15
Colts: Newport 5 - Hunters Hill 8
3rd Grade: Newport 3 - Hunters Hill 8
4th Grade: Newport 5 - Hunters Hill 10

Zonta Club Of Northern Beaches Annual General Meeting: A New President And A New Board 

Very many thanks to our retiring President Sue Benson. You have worked hard to carry our Club activities through difficult times - and to hold members together. Our Club has managed well under your leadership.

A very big 'welcome' to our new President Julia Hornsby.  We all look forward to working with you and carrying on the activities and projects of our Club.
 
Our Board members also changed over at our May AGM.  Many thanks to Tricia Smith, Chris Burns and Ann Clark who retired from our Board - and a big welcome to Kathy Chase and Gwenda Gilligan - pictured with continuing Board members, Annette, Susie, Julia, Bernie and Sue.



Coming Events  
Zonta Trivia Night - Saturday 17th July -  full details below on this page
Kwoop Discussion Evening - Thursday 22nd July

Congratulations Avalon Bowling Club's Vision Impaired Group

Huge Congrats to the Avalon Vision Impaired Bowlers Group who competed in the Australian Blind Bowlers Nationals in Port Macquarie earlier in May. 

Merrisa Willis competed in the B1 singles and won GOLD
Fred Pomray competed in the B1/B2 pairs and won BRONZE

To honour their achievements, the Avalon Bowlo directors presented Merrisa and Fred a little gift on behalf of the club, along with new Avalon Bowling Club Shirts for whole team.

A massive congratulations to Merrisa, Fred and the rest of the team! 
A fantastic effort from all involved.



Congratulations Coal And Candle RFS


Last weekend, May 29th, over 150 members from the Rural Fire District brigades competed in the District Exercise. Members completed 9 exercises that were based on firefighting skills. 

Coal & Candle had members helping with logistics and a crew competing. 

They came 2nd in 4 events - Structure Fire; Pump & Live Reel; Crew Inspection & Driving; Chainsaw & Axe and 1st in Best Crew Leader. 

Ultimately Coal & Candle were the overall champions.

Ingleside NSWRFS volunteers came 2nd Overall in local RFS District Exercise out of 13 other Brigades. Ingleside Results:
1st Structure Fire
1st First Aid Exercise
1st Chainsaw/Axe
1st Tug-O-War
2nd Overall Crew Leader
3rd Bushfire Exercise

Congratulations to Coal & Candle and HUGE thanks to all volunteers of all local units who work year round to make everyone safer - thank you for your service.


Photos by Ingleside and Coal & Candle NSWRFS

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls At Pittwater Place

Our Avalon Mothers’ Day stall was most successful raising $2,400 which we will spend on outdoor furniture for the new Palliative Care Centre.

“Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members will be holding stalls at Pittwater Place, Mona Vale on the first Saturday of the month for the rest of the year, selling knitting, sewing, craft, jams and books, from 8am to 3pm.”


Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park: Closures And Limited Access

The Basin campground - limited access to facilities
Use of The Basin campground and picnic area facilities will be limited from Wednesday 19 May until Friday 2 July 2021 while major upgrading is underway.
This will impact: Barbecues and amenities, Beechwood Cottage
For more information, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.

West Head lookout - temporary fencing
West Head lookout is open to visitors, and temporary fencing has been installed at the lookout for public safety. Upgrades will take place in 2021-2022.
Please do not enter the fenced area.  Nearby walking tracks remain open.

Closed areas: Centre Trail closed for upgrading
Centre trail is closed for upgrade works from Monday 24 May to Wednesday 30 June 2021. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm from Monday to Friday.

Closed areas: Kalkari Discovery Centre closed
Kalkari Discovery Centre will be closed from Monday 31 May 2021 until Wednesday 30 June 2021 for upgrade and maintenance works.  For more information call the NPWS North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400 or the Bobbin Head Information Centre on 02 9472 8949.

Bobbin Head carpark closure
The Gibberagong precinct of Bobbin Head carpark (southern carpark) will be closed for roadworks on Thursday 5 June, Monday 7 June, Wednesday 9 June and Thursday 10 of June 2021, 7am to 4pm.   For more information, please send an email or call the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.

Bobbin Head Wharf carpark closure
Bobbin Head Wharf carpark will be closed between 7am and 4pm for roadworks on the following days: Friday 4 June, Monday 7 June, Wednesday 9 June, Thursday 10 June 2021
Access to Empire Marina carpark will be available at all times during the works. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please send an email or call the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.

Bobbin Head Information Centre closed
Bobbin Head Information Centre will be closed for renovations all day Tuesday 8 June, Wednesday 9 June and Thursday 10 June 2021. Staff are available to answer enquiries during this time. Email or call 02 9472 8949. 

Proposal To Allow Dogs Offleash On To Mona Vale Beach And Palm Beach

Following continued lobbying by dog lobbyists the Council currently has a ''have your say'' listed in its projects page regarding allowing dogs offleash onto Mona Vale Beach and Palm Beach. 
As with the 'Station Beach consultation' no REF is provided to inform residents of the relevant factors as part of the proposal.

You can provide feedback by:

writing to them marked 'Proposed dog off-leash areas', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly, NSW 1655.
The time for 'feedback' closes Sunday June 6, 2021.


Enhancing SIRA’s Research Program: NSW Gov. Feedback Wanted

The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) is the government organisation responsible for regulating and administering workers compensation insurance, motor accidents compulsory third party insurance; and home building compensation insurance in New South Wales.

Research is at the core of SIRA’s strategic framework, underpinning our key function of innovating and engaging others to ensure our customers have optimal recovery and health outcomes.

Tell us what you think
The State Government invites you to provide them with feedback on every aspect of our research program.

From setting research priorities and objectives, to engaging with stakeholders, co-designing research projects and translating knowledge to key stakeholders, every element of the research framework could be strengthened to deliver optimised outputs.

They welcome hearing from scheme participants, community members, health care providers, sector peak bodies, academics, researchers, industry, Government agencies and all other interested parties.
Complete a survey
As an alternative to providing feedback as a submission, we invite you to share your thoughts via the survey below.  

You can choose to complete all sections or skip through to the sections that most interest you. 

Come Along For The 2021 Tokyo Olympics Trivia Night Hosted By Zonta Club Of Northern Beaches Inc.

This will be a Covid-19 safe event

When:            Saturday 17th July, 6.30 pm for a prompt 7.00 pm start
Where:   Mona Vale Memorial Hall, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale
What to bring:   Food + serving tongs, glasses, drinks and nibbles (we will provide tea and coffee)
What to wear: Optional “Olympic” attire or just come along and enjoy the fun
Why:                   An entertaining evening with your friends will assist your local Zonta Club of Northern Beaches support women in need in your local area.  The Zonta Club provides education grants to women via a Local Study Grant Program, assists in disadvantaged high school students, supports the local Women’s Refuge and Manly Women’s Shelter amongst other worthwhile projects.  
Cost:                $25 per person, payable upon entry.  Please be sure to book!
How to book:        Either call Annette on 0417 236 982 OR email zontanbtrivia@gmail.com to book a table of 8 or we will seat you with others.


DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Charlie


AGE/SEX: 15 years / M
BREED: Maltese X
Charlie is a very sweet natured cuddly boy. He is social with other small dogs. Charlie has had a few owners in his life and his last family have gone into aged care. Charlie is much more active than you expect a 15yo. He is looking for a family where someone is home most of the time. He has a non-shedding coat and weighs 5.2kg. 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. 

Astro


Astro is a very cute cross eyed tuxedo boy who loves to play with his fluffy toy mouse or ball, get belly rubs and many kisses under his soft snuggly chin!
He will be very shy at first, and will need time to build a relationship with you but once he trusts you and gets comfy in his new home, he will look at you with his sweet quirky eyes and purr away with delight as you pat his chin or tummy, sometimes even dribbling he is so happy. He will also let you know when it's play time or meal time with his cute chatter.

He is about 5 years old and needs a calm stable home as he bonds very closely to his family once connected and doesn't like it when you're away for too long. He had emergency bladder surgery in January for a urinary blockage and requires a family committed to maintaining his urinary diet and stress free environment to keep him happy and healthy. He enjoys the company of other cats and also has a grade 3 heart murmur. Astro is located in the Parramatta area and comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.  If you are interested in meeting Astro please call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133

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. 

Four Charged After 1kg Of Cocaine And $330,000 Cash Seized - Organised Crime Squad

Tuesday, June 1st 2021: NSW Police
Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged four men after seizing nearly 1.1kg of cocaine and $330,000 cash during a police operation in Sydney yesterday.

Last month, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad commenced an investigation into the activities of an alleged criminal syndicate involved in the supply of prohibited drugs – mainly cocaine – across Sydney.

Following extensive investigations, officers arrested a 59-year-old man during a vehicle stop at Austral just after 12pm yesterday (Monday 31 May 2021).

In a subsequent search of the vehicle, detectives seized $10,000 cash and nearly 1.1kg of cocaine, with an estimated potential street value of $330,000.

A short time later, officers arrested a 40-year-old man at Carpenter Street, St Marys, and a 56-year-old man at Mactier Street, Narrabeen.

Two search warrants were subsequently executed at homes at Austral and Narrabeen from 2pm.

During the search at Narrabeen, officers seized $320,000 cash, mobile phones and further electronic devices.

Investigators arrested a 47-year-old man and seized two replica pistols, prohibited drugs, steroids and electronic devices during the search at Austral.

The 59-year-old Queensland man was taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), deal with property proceeds of crime and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Tuesday 1 June 2021).

The 56-year-old Narrabeen man was taken to Manly Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity), and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. He was refused bail to appear at Manly Local Court today.

The 40-year-old St Clair man was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity). He was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today.

The 47-year-old Austral man was taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with two counts of possess unauthorised pistol. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday 22 June 2021.

Investigations by the Organised Crime Squad are continuing.

Anyone with information relating to the supply of illicit drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Free Training For Veterans

Veterans and their partners will have access to free training to broaden their career opportunities and help transition to civilian life after service. 

As part of the landmark Veterans Skills Program, eligible learners can study any course offered under the Government’s Smart and Skilled program from a Certificate II to Advanced Diplomas, including all apprenticeships and selected traineeships.

Veterans and their partners can choose between more than 450 Registered Training Organisations including NSW TAFE.    

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the free training was part of the NSW Government’s Veterans Strategy to support more than 200,000 former Australian Defence Force personnel across the State. 

“The NSW Government understands it can be hard for some former Defence Force Personnel to navigate life and find work after their service,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We want to ensure our veterans enjoy a smooth transition from military service to civilian life, with opportunities to continue developing their skills and participate fully in society.”

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said Skills NSW was working with employers, industry and veterans groups to provide targeted training to assist veterans into jobs.

“A key area of the Veterans Strategy is Education and Employment, which aims to ensure our veterans find the right job or training post-service.

“In addition to our fee-free training for veterans, our NSW Veterans Employment Program has helped 1,094 veterans find new and meaningful roles in the public sector 18 months ahead of our target date.

“With fee-free training, we can now help even more veterans reskill in order to take advantage of jobs available in the market including in industries experiencing skills shortages.”


Torpedo Factory Renewal Project: Sub Base Platypus North Sydney

June 3rd, 2021: Harbour Trust
The Torpedo Factory Renewal Project will deliver a new foreshore park, heritage interpretation, public access improvements, and a welcoming entry to Sub Base Platypus, North Sydney...
Project overview

Sub Base Platypus is being transformed into a public park with its remnant buildings adapted for a range of cultural, recreational, community and commercial uses. The Harbour Trust has consulted extensively with the community about the site’s renewal as the former industrial and Defence complex has evolved into a public domain where historic spaces are revealed, interpreted and reimagined.

To date, renewal works have included the remediation of contamination, the demolition of some buildings and the adaptive reuse of others, the creation of public parkland, heritage interpretation, and improved public access including a new foreshore walkway, elevator and public car park.

The Harbour Trust is now focused on delivering the next stage of the site’s renewal by creating additional parkland through the adaptation and interpretation of the Torpedo Factory.

The proposal
In late 2020, the Harbour Trust proposed a new approach for the Torpedo Factory aimed at delivering new public parkland on the foreshore. To facilitate this, the Harbour Trust prepared a draft amendment to the Platypus Management Plan (Amendment 1) and a detailed Planning Application which were placed on public exhibition between 12 November and 11 December 2020. For further details and to view the documents placed on public exhibition, see Public Consultation.

The Consultation Overview and Consultation Outcomes Report below summarise the feedback received during the public exhibition:
  • Consultation Overview (pdf)
  • Consultation Outcomes Report (pdf)
In May 2021, the Members of the Trust considered the outcomes of this consultation along with feedback received from the Harbour Trust Advisory Groups, and approved the Platypus Management Plan (Amendment 1) and Planning Application. To view the adopted Platypus Management Plan (Amendment 1) and the Planning Approval Permit and Conditions of Consent, see Public Consultation.

Approval of the project followed referral of the proposed action to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment, in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Minister’s delegate determined under section 75 of the EPBC Act that the proposed action is ‘not a controlled action’, which means that it does not require further assessment and approval before it can proceed.

For current and past community newsletters on Sub Base Platypus, including the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project, see Sub Base Platypus Renewal Project.

See also: Management Plan – Platypus, North Sydney.

Next steps
The Harbour Trust will hold drop-in sessions and a design exhibition to inform the community about the next steps for the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project.

Community drop-in sessions
The community is invited to attend a drop-in session to learn more about the final design and potential local impacts during the works phase. The community will have an opportunity to speak to a Harbour Trust representative at these sessions. 
  • Tuesday 15 June (3:30pm to 7:30pm) – Retort House, Sub Base Platypus (120 High Street, North Sydney)
  • Saturday 17 July (10am to 2pm) – Retort House, Sub Base Platypus (120 High Street, North Sydney)

Design exhibition (9 June to 23 July)
The community is invited to view an exhibition of the final design for the Torpedo Factory Renewal Project at the Retort House (pictured), which is located on the lower level of Sub Base Platypus (120 High Street, North Sydney).

The exhibition will be open to the public between 7am and 9pm daily between Wednesday 9 June and Friday 23 July.


NSW Councils Welcome Productivity Commission Report As Part Of Their Efforts To Drive Locally Led Recovery

June 1st, 2021
NSW’s peak body for councils says the Government’s proposed blueprint for productivity growth and economic recovery released this week aligns with local governments’ efforts to drive a locally led recovery, including improvements to local infrastructure and addressing skills shortages.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Linda Scott welcomed the Productivity Commission White Paper 2021 Rebooting the economy white paper and said the local government sector was driving jobs creation and economic development across NSW.

“The Productivity Commission Report backs a suit of long-standing advocacy from local governments to create quality jobs and improve NSW’s economy,” Cr Scott said.

“Councils have proven over the past 12 months of disasters and beyond that we are best placed to provide a locally led economic recovery that results in real jobs growth and lasting community improvements.

“Councils welcome that the Productivity Commission and the NSW Government share our vision to improving the State’s long-term productivity and drive economic growth.

“I am pleased that the Productivity Commission’s calls to develop a cohesive long-term plan for water security and improvements to infrastructure, something we have also been advocating for on behalf of councils and their communities for many years.

“The Productivity Commission has listened to local governments, proposing changes to education, training and trade qualifications that will help address a growing skill shortage.

“Councils are especially pleased to see this Report endorse changes to the economically stifling rate pegging system and recommend that councils’ general income should increase with increasing population growth, allowing councils to meet the needs of our larger populations.”

However, Cr Scott sounded a note of caution over proposed changes to the planning system that would potentially deliver big gains to developers by lifting regulations and increasing ‘flexibility’, while eroding the public good by reducing council controls and community say in the decision-making process.

“Unfortunately, the Productively Commission report falls into old rhetoric around planning and housing issues that unfairly lays the blame at the feet of councils,” she said.

“No one is more concerned about the impacts of the housing shortage our State is experiencing than NSW councils; councils are working hard to deliver more affordable housing and advocate to the State Government to do the same.

“The planning system does not deliver housing - markets do. The housing market and its cycles are what determines actual housing delivery.

“Across NSW, councils have plenty of land already zoned for housing, but councils cannot control the decisions of developers and landowners to build and release homes for sale. As a result, housing supply is constrained in many parts of NSW.

“Removing planning controls from councils undermines public confidence in the planning system good planning processes and high-quality design outcomes.

“Widespread removal of regulations and a broadening of what is permissible in different land use zones, without council regulation, will lead to a loss of public confidence in the NSW planning system.”

100 New Public Space Projects Planned For NSW

June 3, 2021
Communities across the state will share in $250 million worth of funding to create a legacy of green and accessible public spaces as part of a program that is the first of its kind in NSW.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding supported 60 successful council proposals for more than 100 projects as part of the NSW Government’s inaugural Public Spaces Legacy Program.

“This pandemic has reminded us of the immense value we all place on our public spaces – our parks, streets, plazas, cycleways, foreshores, bushland and walking trails,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This program and the funding behind it will not only lead to better public spaces, but the work to construct them will boost local economies through the creation of more jobs.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the funding being delivered to councils was reliant on them meeting agreed targets to speed up local development applications.

“This program is the first of its kind in NSW and demonstrates state and local government working together to create a legacy of beautiful public spaces that communities, for decades, can be proud of,” Mr Stokes said.

“In exchange for legacy funding, councils participating in the program need to speed up their assessment times. They have until June 30 to keep hitting their targets but, so far, the program has seen a 20 per cent improvement.

“It’s been great to see the unclogging of the planning system as part of this program - 42 of 53 planning proposals that had been stuck in the planning system for more than four years have been resolved and 161 of 168 regionally significant development applications have been cleared.”

This innovative program will see legacy projects delivered across NSW including:
  • Albury: More than two hectares of public space adjacent to the Murray River will be upgraded with a boardwalk and the construction of a shared zone market area to provide for up to 60 market stalls;
  • Bankstown: Paul Keating Park precinct will be rejuvenated with an inclusive playspace in the heart of the CBD, plus more tree coverage and seating;
  • Georges River: A car park will be converted into permanent green, public space, including smart furniture, more trees and shade.
  • St Leonards: the new St Leonards Plaza will create a green space in the heart of the CBD to benefit local residents and workers with an accessible, active and vibrant public space;
  • Double Bay: A road will be closed to create a public plaza in Knox Street, including seating and gathering areas, landscaping, lighting and public art elements.
Mr Stokes said 28 councils in Greater Sydney and 32 councils in regional NSW took part in the program.

“We’re offering funding from $2 million to $5.5 million for projects from Albury to Byron and from Dubbo to Sydney, including parklands, trails, foreshore and riverfront precincts, plazas and street improvements,” he said.

Councils will be provided with funding for project planning and design and will have until June 30th 2021 to demonstrate they have met DA assessment performance improvements to lock in their full allocation of funding ahead of construction starting from August.

For more information, visit the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program web page.

From the list of the successful proposals 

Northern Beaches Council: Delivery of a boardwalk and connecting trails at Manly Dam, provision of an accessible ramp in Queenscliff, delivery of stage one of the pipeline shared path and an upgraded tidal pool and boardwalk at Clontarf Reserve.

Nominations Open For 2021 SafeWork Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2021 SafeWork NSW Awards, acknowledging NSW businesses, industry associations and unions that have come up with innovative solutions to help workers at risk across a number of industries.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said this year’s theme will be workers at risk. The theme highlights businesses that have embedded health and safety into their high-risk work environments to ensure every job is designed to be safe.

“Nominations are now open and we want to celebrate those who have come up with innovative solutions to support the safety of their employees,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are calling for nominations from businesses large and small across the state who have demonstrated real solutions to protect their at-risk workers.”

This year marks the 18th anniversary of the SafeWork NSW Awards, which will be  broken down into seven sub-categories:
  1.  Small business – non-government (regional and metropolitan);
  2.  Medium business – non-government (regional and metropolitan);
  3.  Large business – non-government (regional and metropolitan);
  4.  Government;
  5.  Unions; and
  6.  Industry associations.
Minister for Finance and Small Business, Damien Tudehope, has called out for nominations from small businesses who often go above and beyond to support the safety of their employees.

“This is a great opportunity for small businesses to be recognised and celebrated for their dedication to employee safety. It provides a fantastic framework for other small businesses to follow suit on our road to a safer and stronger NSW,” Mr Tudehope said.

Nominations for the 2021 SafeWork Awards are open until 27th June, with winners announced in October. 

Consolidation Of Crown Cemetery Operators

May 25, 2021
The NSW Government will merge the five existing Crown cemetery operators in metropolitan Sydney into one, after a statutory review found a danger of financial collapse.

The proposed consolidation of the cemetery operators, who were found to have debts of more than $300 million, will secure the financial future of the Crown cemetery sector.

This will ensure that cemetery space is accessible and affordable for everyone.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey, said the formation of a single entity for Crown cemeteries, known as ‘OneCrown’, is a key recommendation from the independent Statutory Review of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013.

“The review found the five existing Crown cemetery operators are collectively facing combined unfunded liabilities of more than $300 million and Sydney is fast running out of cemetery space,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Consolidation will ensure the financial sustainability of the sector, allowing us to strategically address the need for more cemetery space while delivering culturally relevant and affordable interment services.”

“The single operator will support consistent, transparent and affordable pricing across all Crown cemeteries to better support consumers, and ensure available land into the future,” Mrs Pavey said.

The NSW Government will appoint Lee Shearer as Administrator, as the first step towards the establishment of OneCrown, taking on the functions of the boards of the five Crown cemetery operators.

This includes overseeing the recruitment of a single, multi-faith, multi-disciplinary skills-based board that will manage OneCrown’s operations, establishing an advisory group to ensure the interests of all faiths are represented at all times, looking after the day-to-day management of cemeteries, acquiring and developing new cemetery land.

In the immediate term, there will be no change to the operation of Crown cemeteries, with existing staff continuing in their roles.

For further information, view the Statutory Review report.

Crown Cemetery operators
Crown cemetery operators, appointed and regulated under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 and the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 and accountable to CCNSW, operate many facilities across Sydney. There are five large Crown cemetery operators operating in Greater Metropolitan Sydney:
  • Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust Managed by Catholic Cemeteries Board, Chaired by the Hon Greg Smith SC.
  • Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Land Manager Managed by the Deputy Secretary, Crown Lands, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment as delegate of the Minister for Water, Property and Housing.
  • Rookwood Necropolis Land Manager Managed by: statutory operator board comprising of the following members: Mr Peter O’Meara and Ms Lee Shearer.
  • Northern Metropolitan Cemeteries Land Manager Managed by the Deputy Secretary, Crown Lands, Department of Planning Industry and Environment as delegate of the Minister for Water, Property and Housing.
  • Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Land Manager Managed by: statutory operator board comprising the following members: Ms Joanne Muller (Chair), and Ms Maria Cosmidis.
In a statement this week the Head Office of Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium (Northern Cemeteries) stated;

''On Tuesday 25 May 2021, Minister Pavey announced the amalgamation of Sydney’s five Crown land cemeteries, including Northern Cemeteries, under an administrator, effective 28 May 2021. This is a first step towards implementing reforms to the cemeteries and crematoria sector in NSW, following a review last year by the state government.

Minister Pavey also issued the following statement in a media release on Tuesday 25 May: “In the immediate term, there will be no change to the operation of Crown cemeteries, with existing staff continuing in their roles.”

At Northern Cemeteries, our day to day services remain unchanged. We will continue to maintain the grounds and care for the graves and ash memorial sites across all our cemeteries.

Together, we continue to care for the community in all its diversity.''

Support For Pittwater's Small Businesses

Northern Beaches Small Business Hardship Grants are available, adding to a suite of stimulus measures designed to assist local businesses impacted over the Christmas and New Year lockdown.

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said cash grants of $3,000 or $5,000 can now be applied for through Service NSW.

“Pittwater’s small businesses took a bit hit during the lockdown in order to help protect our community,” Rob Stokes said.

“These grants help cover business operating expenses – such as utilities, rent, financial advice, and marketing.”

The grants have two tiers, with $3,000 available for eligible small businesses that suffered at least a 30 per cent decline in turnover due to the northern beaches lockdown, and $5,000 available for a 50 per cent decline in turnover.

“Our community worked together incredibly well to control the spread of COVID-19. It was a tough time for families separated across borders and a tough time for small businesses.”

“These cash grants are an important component in a targeted support package for local businesses – which also includes the Dine & Discover voucher program, the $1500 small business fees and charges rebate, and the major surfing event recently held at North Narrabeen.

“It’s great to have this assistance available, and to see people out and about enjoying this beautiful time of the year and supporting our local businesses,” Rob Stokes said.

Applications for the Northern Beaches Small Business Hardship Grant and the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate can be submitted online via the Service NSW app or website, or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.


The Northern Beaches Small Business Hardship grants will be open for applications from local small businesses and not-for-profit organisations until 11:59pm on 11 June 2021.

Sydney Wildlife Recycled Bottles For Wildlife 2021

Sydney Wildlife Rescue is registered for return and earn in NSW. This time it is accessed by an App called My Tomra  - which is the organisation that runs the recycling. 

Once you have downloaded the My Tomra App. Just search “Our Wildlife” you will see Sydney Wildlife Rescue listed. You can set that as the payout. 

So you just scan the bar code from the App  at the recycling machine and the 10c will be donated to Sydney Wildlife Rescue. The machines can be located anywhere in NSW.  

Please have a look it’s a good way to support us to care for wildlife and do your bit to keep Australia Beautiful.

Greater Benefits For Tour Operators In NSW National Parks

June 3rd, 2021
Nature-based tour operators will now find it easier and cheaper to re-start their businesses after the catastrophic 2019-20 bushfires and will also receive support for surging visitation as a result of the COVID pandemic.

Environment Minister Matt Kean today announced that from July 1st, commercial tour operators will be offered a once-off upfront discount on their licence and a package of support to help them recover from the bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want to help Parks Eco Pass commercial tour operators to get back on their feet and provide exceptional visitor experiences, so we have changed the licence system,” Mr Kean said.

“Be it stand up paddle boarding in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park or cultural heritage tours in Gulaga National Park, our parks have never been busier and there are hundreds of high-quality tours for visitors to enjoy.”

“Operators will be able to receive discounts on first-year licence fees and better overall value for money for longer term licences.”

To help business re-start their nature-based tours, there are also shortened turnaround times for licence applications with free promotion on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Website.

Free Parks Eco Pass licences will be offered to Aboriginal-owned operators for the first two years to encourage and support new businesses to operate on Country.

All these changes are designed to support the more than 300 Parks Eco Pass licence holders to take advantage of the steady flow of visitors into our parks and to attract even more.   

Changes to tour operator licences are part of the NSW Government’s broader package to support businesses impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on changes to Parks Eco Passes for tour operators, go to the NPWS website.

Community Action Plans To Tackle Fines Debt

June 1, 2021
The NSW Government is partnering with local communities to help drive down fines and reduce the social impact of debt on vulnerable youth and First Nation’s people.

Revenue NSW Deputy Secretary Scott Johnston said the new initiative would bring communities together with Government to develop plans that address social issues that may arise out of fines debt.

“For vulnerable customers and those experiencing genuine financial hardship, fines can create an overwhelming debt cycle that can cost people their driver licence and prevent them from getting a job,” Mr Johnston said.

“The Government’s Community Action Plans will help identify the issues that are leading to fines in the first place and develop strategies at a grassroots community level to overcome them,” Mr Johnston said.

“This isn’t about going easy on those who’ve done the wrong thing – it’s about addressing issues so people aren’t receiving fines in the first place.”

Community Action Plans are templates designed in consultation with Government and community services with an aim to reduce fines debt in the community.

The plans focus on reducing debt as well as fines prevention through education, improving awareness of service options and increasing the uptake of Work and Development Orders (WDOs).

Community Action Plans were created by Revenue NSW and tested with groups in Mt Druitt, Walgett and Taree, where communities decided to increase local WDO sponsor options, enable the communities to reduce debt through courses, counselling, or treatment programs including medical and mental health.

Any community can initiate an action plan and form a team of government and non-government local representatives such as community services, local council representatives, NGOs, government outreach officers and local leaders.

“We want to help communities break the cycle of fines debt and empower people to take back control of their lives, and Community Action Plans are an important first step,” Mr Johnston added.

The Community Action Plan is a tool that is available for any community organisations and individuals to access at Revenue NSW.

Organisations can learn more about how to register as Work Development Order sponsors

Employment Zone Shake Up To Boost Businesses

Fewer zones and greater flexibility for businesses are the cornerstones of the NSW Government’s proposed shake up of employment zones which is now on public exhibition.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the proposed framework means council Local Environmental Plans will have fewer zones that determine the type of business activities allowed on local sites.

“What we’ve learned through COVID is that businesses could be building engineering components one month then manufacturing hand sanitiser the next. This is why we need the system to be agile to support employment in our modern economy,” Mr Stokes said.

“Planning needs to focus more on how buildings look and perform and less on what people choose to do inside them.

“Rather than trying to tweak the existing system, we propose to completely overhaul it by replacing the current 12 business and industrial zones with five core employment zones.”

The five core proposed employment zones are:
  • E1 Local Centre: provides for a range of retail business, entertainment, community uses that service a local area;
  • E2 Commercial Centre: large-scale commercial, retail, business and service development in strategic centres;
  • E3 Productivity Support:  mix of industrial, commercial, creative, warehousing and emerging new industries that need larger floor space;
  • E4 General Industrial: light and general industrial and warehousing uses providing important urban services like waste management and concrete batching; and
  • E5 Heavy Industrial: hazardous and industries with odour and noise impacts that need to be separated from other urban areas.
Mr Stokes said the new system represents significant economic reform, greater business certainty and a reduction in red tape, such as fewer unnecessary spot rezonings.

“Our State and local strategic plans have set a pathway for more innovative and productive businesses and industries to help drive our prosperity. This new framework makes it easier to achieve this goal,” Mr Stokes said.

“It also reflects our changing landscape with 97 extra mandated uses and new land use definitions to reflect emerging sectors like the circular economy, data storage and creative industries.”

The draft framework is part of the Government’s Planning Reform Action Plan to create a more timely, certain and transparent planning system which supports the State’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed employment zones framework is on public exhibition until June 30th 2021.

For more information and to have your say on the proposed framework visit planning.nsw.gov.au/employment-zones-reform

The Powerful Owl Project Update

Hi Folks. We’re getting reports of Powerful Owls turning up in strange places!
The young owls from last year’s breeding season are dispersing and looking for somewhere to settle down. As they’re making their way through our increasingly urbanised landscape they don’t always find habitat suitable for roosting when the sun comes up. 

In recent days we’ve had owls roosting in boat sheds, Woolies loading docks and industrial premises.
Keep sending us your sightings please! It’s excellent information that helps us understand how our young owls disperse, which in turn will help inform decisions about the development of Green Corridors through the Greater Sydney Basin.



Photo: young owl caught out without a suitable roost at Brookvale. Thanks Jacqui, for the photo.

Historic Agreement Marks NSW First Blueprint For Crown Land

June 4, 2021
Some of the state’s most significant public assets will be transformed into iconic tourism destinations under a historic agreement with Destination NSW and Crown Lands.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed today by the Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres to transform Crown reserves, some of the State’s most iconic and beautiful public spaces, into tourism hubs.

The agreement marks the launch of NSW’s first ever State Strategic Plan for Crown Land to activate Crown land to grow tourism, support community groups, boost regional economies, advance Aboriginal interests, provide more green open space, and protect the environment.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said there are around 34 million hectares of Crown Land in NSW covering 42 per cent of the State, and the 10 year Crown land 2031 strategy will ensure the land is put to its best use to benefit communities.

“Crown land is community land, we want our communities to unlock its full potential to support not only the local economy, but also its heritage and cultural opportunities, while keeping it in public ownership,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Crown land supports showgrounds, racecourses, public marine assets, and organisations like our surf lifesaving clubs, scout and girl guide halls, men’s sheds, and the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service and Police Citizens Youth Clubs.

“The plan focuses on using Crown land to bring communities together through its use by local government, community and not-for-profit organisations.”

Crown land 2031 is an important step as it provides a strategy to manage Crown land better than ever. Through better access to quality green, open, public space to urban pocket parks to regional bushland, Crown land can support quality of life, attract visitors and provide habitats for wildlife.

The NSW Government also partner with Aboriginal groups to advance Indigenous interests through land rights and native title and to protect sensitive cultural and environmental sites.

Action Plans will be developed to implement Crown land 2031 to diversify the use of Crown land and expand its public value right across NSW.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said today’s agreement provides a great opportunity to harness the wonderful attractions that reside within crown lands.

“People know just how lucky we are to live in NSW, from the city, the coast, to western parts of the state – each community is vastly different, with its own unique characteristics,” Mr Ayres said.

“The plan will encourage the use of Crown land to facilitate investment and business, jobs and economic growth.”

Member for Myall Lakes said it was great to have the launch of the State Strategic Plan here in Forster, it is a fantastic day for his community. The State Strategic Plan will create jobs and more tourism opportunities within Myall Lakes.

“Crown Lands are multiuse hubs which bring community groups together. I am excited to see how this will grow and provide opportunities to our Crown Land and bring an extra economic boost to our region,” Mr Bromhead said.

Consultation Now Open On The Review Of NSW Heritage Legislation

May 13, 2021
Consultation is now open on the review of the NSW Heritage legislation with the NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Social Issues formally endorsing an inquiry into the NSW Heritage Act 1977. 

The committee will undertake a comprehensive public inquiry into the adequacy of the Heritage Act 1977, considering the government’s recently released discussion paper, and hearing from the community and stakeholders.  

Minister responsible for heritage Don Harwin said the current legislation does not meet the contemporary needs of the community. It is time that we make it easier, more affordable and more desirable to activate and conserve the state’s heritage.

“State heritage contributes to the story of NSW, and we want to hear from all areas of the community about how heritage matters to them. It’s an important step in this process that local communities get involved and have their say on how we can better celebrate the heritage that matters most to NSW. 

The NSW Government’s discussion paper proposes a number of reforms or considerations including introducing a category system, tailoring listings to protect items while making it easier to undertake conservation, and incentivising adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. 

Chair of the Social Issues Committee, the Hon. Shayne Mallard MLC said “NSW heritage legislation has had no major system reforms since 1999 and the committee is looking forward to working with all stakeholders to provide recommendations to government.”

Submissions will be open from 13 May 2021 to 27 June 2021 and everyone is encouraged to have their say on the future of heritage in NSW.

The discussion paper and more information about the inquiry and how to get involved is available via Heritage NSW

May 30 - June 5, 2021: Issue 496

This Issue: full list in Contents page 


Environment Proposal To Allow Dogs Offleash On To Mona Vale Beach and Palm Beach, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA): Mona Vale Dunes Planting Morning: June 17, Sydney Wildlife: Registrations For The Next Rescue And Care Course Are Now Open - Commences June 19, 2021, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment: Next Forum May 31,  Avalon Golf Course Bush Regeneration Work Stopped, Students Win Landmark Climate Case; In Global First Minister Has Duty Of Care To Protect Young People From Climate Change, In a landmark judgment; the Federal Court found the environment minister has a duty of care to young people, Climate change will cost a young Australian up to $245,000 over their lifetime court case reveals, Will To Keep Fighting Whitehaven Is Strong After Landmark Vickery Ruling, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA): Mona Vale Dunes Planting Morning: June 17th, National Strategy To Protect Threatened Species, Australia's threatened species plan sends in the ambulances but ignores glaring dangers, Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles Protecting Australia From Exotic Marine Pests, Australia’s First Inspector-General Of Water Compliance For The Murray-Darling Basin, Roundtable To Find Answers To Unfashionable Problems, A '100% renewables' target might not mean what you think it means; An energy expert explains, Wondering if your energy company takes climate change seriously?; A new report reveals the answer, Big Battery To Help Power NSW Schools and Hospitals, $870,000 Upgrade For Popular The Ruins Campground In Booti Booti National Park, Win For Water: Adani Faces Water Woes Following Court Victory For Communities, Fly infertility shows we're underestimating how badly climate change harms animals, Going electric and banning new petrol-powered cars could be Australia’s next big light bulb moment, NSW Government To Strengthen Planning For Natural Hazards: Feedback Wanted, New Plan To Revitalise Oldest NSW's Park By Installing Mountain Bike Trails, ORRCA News: 2021 Census Day and 2021 Art Comp., Newport Community Garden Autumn Harvest,  Avalon Community Garden, Bushfire Conference June 2021: Open day at North Head, Bushcare In Pittwater: when and where, Community Gardens, Groups, Organisations + Reserves ++

Inbox News Full Steam Ahead For UniSA's Train Software App, Mouse Studies Find Sugar-Free Energy Drinks Just As Harmful, A Breakthrough To Make It Beta: Blocking Out Stress To Treat Cancer, Antarctic Ice Sheet Retreat Could Trigger Chain Reaction, Astronomers Find Milky Way Not Unusual, Delivering Serendipity: Seemingly Random Product Discovery Aided By Technology, New Study Targets Secrets Of Great Entrepreneurial Cities, Synchrotron X-Ray Experiment Reveals A Small Nudge With Big Consequences

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: June 1st, 2021

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Pittwater Rendezvous For Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club Recap

May 26, 2021
RPAYC were privileged to host the first ever Sydney Rendezvous for the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club members (or Shaggers as they are known). 

The rendezvous commenced with a “First Friday” dinner with guests of honour Ken and Rhonda Thackeray (the founders of SICYC), the current head of SICYC Steve Hartley and Peter Halen from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. This was followed by a cruise to Bobbin Head and a fundraising BBQ on Sunday at Bobbin Head. We raised more than $1800 for Prostate Cancer.

A big thanks to Leon Wilson to not only initiating and organising the event but also to host the cruise after the BBQ for those who hung around.


Financial Support For Local Musicians

In a major boost for local musicians, Narrabeen RSL Club is among 162 organisations across NSW to receive an injection of funds as part of the NSW Government’s $24 million Live Music Support Package.

The program assists live music venues that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions over the past year, and helps them to support the revival of this key industry by engaging musicians and hosting gigs.

“Live music is such a vital part of the cultural and creative makeup of our community,” Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said today.

“COVID-19 has forced many gigs to be cancelled – so it’s fantastic funding can go towards supporting our local musicians and their return to a local venue known for its great live music.

“Live music directly supports the livelihoods of musicians as well as a diverse network of associated businesses and other professionals involved in staging, equipment sales and repairs, coaching and promotion.

“There’s a social and economic flow-on benefit for our whole community.” Rob Stokes said.

Applications for the Live Music Support Package were assessed by an industry and NSW Government inter-agency panel and is part of the NSW Government’s $51.5 million Tourism Support Package, providing funding to sectors engaged in the NSW visitor economy that have been hit hardest by the pandemic.


Narrabeen RSL is celebrating an anniversary this year - its 65th year of serving the community from the Memorial Building at North Narrabeen. The club would like to hear from anyone who has photos, documents or memories to share. MORE HERE

Nominations Open For 2021 SafeWork Awards

May 28, 2021
Nominations are now open for the 2021 SafeWork NSW Awards, acknowledging NSW businesses, industry associations and unions that have come up with innovative solutions to help workers at risk across a number of industries.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said this year’s theme will be workers at risk. The theme highlights businesses that have embedded health and safety into their high-risk work environments to ensure every job is designed to be safe.

“Nominations are now open and we want to celebrate those who have come up with innovative solutions to support the safety of their employees,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are calling for nominations from businesses large and small across the state who have demonstrated real solutions to protect their at-risk workers.”

This year marks the 18th anniversary of the SafeWork NSW Awards, which will be  broken down into seven sub-categories:

  1.  Small business – non-government (regional and metropolitan);
  2.  Medium business – non-government (regional and metropolitan);
  3.  Large business – non-government (regional and metropolitan);
  4.  Government;
  5.  Unions; and
  6.  Industry associations.
Minister for Finance and Small Business, Damien Tudehope, has called out for nominations from small businesses who often go above and beyond to support the safety of their employees.

“This is a great opportunity for small businesses to be recognised and celebrated for their dedication to employee safety. It provides a fantastic framework for other small businesses to follow suit on our road to a safer and stronger NSW,” Mr Tudehope said.

Nominations for the 2021 SafeWork Awards are open until 27th June, with winners announced in October. 

Consolidation Of Crown Cemetery Operators

May 25, 2021
The NSW Government will merge the five existing Crown cemetery operators in metropolitan Sydney into one, after a statutory review found a danger of financial collapse.

The proposed consolidation of the cemetery operators, who were found to have debts of more than $300 million, will secure the financial future of the Crown cemetery sector.

This will ensure that cemetery space is accessible and affordable for everyone.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey, said the formation of a single entity for Crown cemeteries, known as ‘OneCrown’, is a key recommendation from the independent Statutory Review of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013.

“The review found the five existing Crown cemetery operators are collectively facing combined unfunded liabilities of more than $300 million and Sydney is fast running out of cemetery space,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Consolidation will ensure the financial sustainability of the sector, allowing us to strategically address the need for more cemetery space while delivering culturally relevant and affordable interment services.”

“The single operator will support consistent, transparent and affordable pricing across all Crown cemeteries to better support consumers, and ensure available land into the future,” Mrs Pavey said.

The NSW Government will appoint Lee Shearer as Administrator, as the first step towards the establishment of OneCrown, taking on the functions of the boards of the five Crown cemetery operators.

This includes overseeing the recruitment of a single, multi-faith, multi-disciplinary skills-based board that will manage OneCrown’s operations, establishing an advisory group to ensure the interests of all faiths are represented at all times, looking after the day-to-day management of cemeteries, acquiring and developing new cemetery land.

In the immediate term, there will be no change to the operation of Crown cemeteries, with existing staff continuing in their roles.

For further information, view the Statutory Review report.

Crown Cemetery operators
Crown cemetery operators, appointed and regulated under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 and the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 and accountable to CCNSW, operate many facilities across Sydney. There are five large Crown cemetery operators operating in Greater Metropolitan Sydney:
  • Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust Managed by Catholic Cemeteries Board, Chaired by the Hon Greg Smith SC.
  • Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Land Manager Managed by the Deputy Secretary, Crown Lands, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment as delegate of the Minister for Water, Property and Housing.
  • Rookwood Necropolis Land Manager Managed by: statutory operator board comprising of the following members: Mr Peter O’Meara and Ms Lee Shearer.
  • Northern Metropolitan Cemeteries Land Manager Managed by the Deputy Secretary, Crown Lands, Department of Planning Industry and Environment as delegate of the Minister for Water, Property and Housing.
  • Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Land Manager Managed by: statutory operator board comprising the following members: Ms Joanne Muller (Chair), and Ms Maria Cosmidis.
In a statement this week the Head Office of Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium (Northern Cemeteries) stated;

''On Tuesday 25 May 2021, Minister Pavey announced the amalgamation of Sydney’s five Crown land cemeteries, including Northern Cemeteries, under an administrator, effective 28 May 2021. This is a first step towards implementing reforms to the cemeteries and crematoria sector in NSW, following a review last year by the state government.

Minister Pavey also issued the following statement in a media release on Tuesday 25 May: “In the immediate term, there will be no change to the operation of Crown cemeteries, with existing staff continuing in their roles.”

At Northern Cemeteries, our day to day services remain unchanged. We will continue to maintain the grounds and care for the graves and ash memorial sites across all our cemeteries.

Together, we continue to care for the community in all its diversity.''

Plane Not Sailing Days At Narrabeen

The unscheduled touchdown earlier this week, thankfully smoothly and safely done, has brought in some quips form those who remember having a gawk at a similar incident in November 1944, when the famous Mr. Broadbent decided he needed to get earthy quite quickly too.

You can 'read all about it' in Ken 'Sava' Lloyds' A Few Memories Of Early Years At Narrabeen: The Plane Sailing Day Of 1944 and there's more about the propensity of people to use our local beachs and estuary or lagoon as landing strips in  Landing In Pittwater: That Beach-Estuary-Lagoon Looks Like A Great Place To Touchdown!

I believe I can fly..... I believe I can touch the sky... 

Plane landing outside Narrabeen SLSC in time for lunch this week --  Photos by and courtesy of previous artist of the Month Kevin Carlsson. 



Tiny Tot Pony On Turimetta

While on all things almost gone south, another previous Artist of the Month Joe Mills snapped this 'miniature horse' (yes, that's what they're called) 'modelling' on Turimetta Beach at dawn this week. 

Keep your eyes out people - when you see that advertisement appear, you will be looking at your home turf... umm... beach!




Mona Vale - Warriewood Wind Swell

Over the next green bank, another previous Artist of the Month, Kevin Murray took himself and wife Glenys out in the 'quite Tasmanian' snow winds of Saturday, May 29th to see what the sea was doing at Mona Vale. 

Some spectacular waves were coming ashore:




Meanwhile... Up On Bilgola Plateau

Meanwhile, up on Bilgola Plateau, Community Photographer Michael Mannington OAM was doing some star gazing and caught the Blood Moon Eclipse and then compiled his shots, with his usual computer finesse, into a great illustration of the Tawny Side of the Moon.

Viola:

While On Moons

This wonderful photograph over the moonrise over Manly the next evening was taken by retired Palm Beach Mermaid Viktorija McDonell was taken on May 27th 2021.


Avalon Beach SLSC Presentations 2021

Still heading north, Avalon Beach Surf Club held its annual Presentation night last Saturday night. Roger Sayers OAM provides the following report:

The Norman Cook Most Outstanding Club Member of the Year Award was awarded to Richard Cole. Well deserved. Richard is past President of the Club and continues to serve the Club as Deputy President as well as in other roles including as a member of the Heritage Committee, Building Committee, an IRB competitor, and an active Patrolling Member.

The full list of awardees is below:

Norman Cook Award - Richard Cole

Presidents Award - Grant Salmon for his mentoring and training roles; and Robert Hopton, who was the Club's COVID Marshall 

Steve Parkes Award for Training & Education - Adam Clark

Max Watt Competitor of the Year U 19 Male Boat Crew - The Hueys

Ken "Davo" Davidson Surfboard Rider of the Year - Johnny Harper 
   
The Chris  "Detho" Dethick Boatie of the Year - Ashley Cardiff; Melinda Akehurst

The Warren Mitchell IRB Award - Terry Barber

Junior Member of the Year - Eliza Cutrie (F); Sam Stoddard (M)

Rookie of the Year - Angie Carter

Cadet of the Year - Byron Wilson; Hannah Stephenson

Patrol Captain of the Year - Ross Bloore

Patrol Member of the Year - Giles Stoddard

Patrol of the Year - Patrol 13

Sunday Morning Swim -  Ashley Brown (1st)
Catherine Buddin-Sampson (2nd)
Mike Stanley-Jones. (3rd)

Rcihard Cole - AJG pic.

Careel Bay Moontide

Still heading north!

On Friday evening Willie Kiloh took this great shot of what happens when the moon is full and the tide is high.

Brian Friend OAM remarked, after Willie posted the snap on a local community forum social page, that he too had fou8nd it a tad damp that evening and even ' started to float out of my back door'.

Of course you did Friendly! Thankfully, the Water Police were on standby to help catch errant retired NSW Police Officers going AWOL... or was that Wahoo fishing.....?

Either way, the road got a good clean and hopefuls are watching to see if house prices plummet.

Come Along For The 2021 Tokyo Olympics Trivia Night Hosted By Zonta Club Of Northern Beaches Inc.

This will be a Covid-19 safe event

When:            Saturday 17th July, 6.30 pm for a prompt 7.00 pm start
Where:   Mona Vale Memorial Hall, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale
What to bring:   Food + serving tongs, glasses, drinks and nibbles (we will provide tea and coffee)
What to wear: Optional “Olympic” attire or just come along and enjoy the fun
Why:                   An entertaining evening with your friends will assist your local Zonta Club of Northern Beaches support women in need in your local area.  The Zonta Club provides education grants to women via a Local Study Grant Program, assists in disadvantaged high school students, supports the local Women’s Refuge and Manly Women’s Shelter amongst other worthwhile projects.  
Cost:                $25 per person, payable upon entry.  Please be sure to book!
How to book:        Either call Annette on 0417 236 982 OR email zontanbtrivia@gmail.com to book a table of 8 or we will seat you with others.


Support For Pittwater's Small Businesses

Northern Beaches Small Business Hardship Grants are available, adding to a suite of stimulus measures designed to assist local businesses impacted over the Christmas and New Year lockdown.

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said cash grants of $3,000 or $5,000 can now be applied for through Service NSW.

“Pittwater’s small businesses took a bit hit during the lockdown in order to help protect our community,” Rob Stokes said.

“These grants help cover business operating expenses – such as utilities, rent, financial advice, and marketing.”

The grants have two tiers, with $3,000 available for eligible small businesses that suffered at least a 30 per cent decline in turnover due to the northern beaches lockdown, and $5,000 available for a 50 per cent decline in turnover.

“Our community worked together incredibly well to control the spread of COVID-19. It was a tough time for families separated across borders and a tough time for small businesses.”

“These cash grants are an important component in a targeted support package for local businesses – which also includes the Dine & Discover voucher program, the $1500 small business fees and charges rebate, and the major surfing event recently held at North Narrabeen.

“It’s great to have this assistance available, and to see people out and about enjoying this beautiful time of the year and supporting our local businesses,” Rob Stokes said.

Applications for the Northern Beaches Small Business Hardship Grant and the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate can be submitted online via the Service NSW app or website, or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.


The Northern Beaches Small Business Hardship grants will be open for applications from local small businesses and not-for-profit organisations until 11:59pm on 11 June 2021.

Employment Zone Shake Up To Boost Businesses

May 20, 2021
Fewer zones and greater flexibility for businesses are the cornerstones of the NSW Government’s proposed shake up of employment zones which is now on public exhibition.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the proposed framework means council Local Environmental Plans will have fewer zones that determine the type of business activities allowed on local sites.

“What we’ve learned through COVID is that businesses could be building engineering components one month then manufacturing hand sanitiser the next. This is why we need the system to be agile to support employment in our modern economy,” Mr Stokes said.

“Planning needs to focus more on how buildings look and perform and less on what people choose to do inside them.

“Rather than trying to tweak the existing system, we propose to completely overhaul it by replacing the current 12 business and industrial zones with five core employment zones.”

The five core proposed employment zones are:
  • E1 Local Centre: provides for a range of retail business, entertainment, community uses that service a local area;
  • E2 Commercial Centre: large-scale commercial, retail, business and service development in strategic centres;
  • E3 Productivity Support:  mix of industrial, commercial, creative, warehousing and emerging new industries that need larger floor space;
  • E4 General Industrial: light and general industrial and warehousing uses providing important urban services like waste management and concrete batching; and
  • E5 Heavy Industrial: hazardous and industries with odour and noise impacts that need to be separated from other urban areas.
Mr Stokes said the new system represents significant economic reform, greater business certainty and a reduction in red tape, such as fewer unnecessary spot rezonings.

“Our State and local strategic plans have set a pathway for more innovative and productive businesses and industries to help drive our prosperity. This new framework makes it easier to achieve this goal,” Mr Stokes said.

“It also reflects our changing landscape with 97 extra mandated uses and new land use definitions to reflect emerging sectors like the circular economy, data storage and creative industries.”

The draft framework is part of the Government’s Planning Reform Action Plan to create a more timely, certain and transparent planning system which supports the State’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed employment zones framework is on public exhibition until June 30th 2021.

For more information and to have your say on the proposed framework visit planning.nsw.gov.au/employment-zones-reform

The Powerful Owl Project Update

Hi Folks. We’re getting reports of Powerful Owls turning up in strange places!
The young owls from last year’s breeding season are dispersing and looking for somewhere to settle down. As they’re making their way through our increasingly urbanised landscape they don’t always find habitat suitable for roosting when the sun comes up. 

In recent days we’ve had owls roosting in boat sheds, Woolies loading docks and industrial premises.
Keep sending us your sightings please! It’s excellent information that helps us understand how our young owls disperse, which in turn will help inform decisions about the development of Green Corridors through the Greater Sydney Basin.



Photo: young owl caught out without a suitable roost at Brookvale. Thanks Jacqui, for the photo.

Vale David Raymond Chidgey

Former Avalon Beach surfer David Chidgey has passed away in the Philippines on Friday May 21st 2021.

Our thoughts are with his family and son Dylan.

Born in Manly, went to school at Narraweena, and commenced surfing at Dee Why. David was the son of Sydney Raymond and Edith, David grew up around craftsmen, his grandfather Lewis, also a long-term Manly resident, specialising in joinery and cabinet making in the Manly firm of Lambert and Chidgey, in Pittwater road Manly. 

Avalon Beach locals recall La fiesta (Terry Papadis) as the hang being a grom playing space invader where Surfing legends such as Ted Spencer Bommie, and David Chidgey, Russell Hughes and Brian Bariscool were those drinking 'Cappuccinos'. 

Later on David made boards – first based in Avalon and then later on at Gow’s boatshed, Palm beach
Mitchell Rae, recalls teaming up with board makers Glenn Ritchie and David Chidgey they formed Outer Island Surfboards in 1969, building their radical, innovative designs at Taman Shud’s house overlooking Newport before moving into Midget’s old spot in Gow’s Boatshed at Palm Beach.

The Outer Island crew were doing deep single concaves in the late 60’s when most boards had rolled bottoms and S decks. Abandoning the contest scene, Rae was the test pilot for these revolutionary deep concave, hard railed designs.

Masses of Tributes and old stories have been shared this week on his brilliance as a surfer and board maker, his fearlessness in charging huge waves, cheeky smile and generosity of spirit. One of our original scallywags.

Of course, many people remember David for stowing away to surf in Hawaii in 1963:

DEPORTATION ORDER
Stowaways
CHRISTMAS GOODWILL: SURFERS SENT HOME



Surfers Robin McTavish (left) and David Chidgey are pictured leaving the Federal Court in Honolulu yesterday after a judge had ordered their deportation to Australia. -Radio picture.
HONOLULU, Friday (A.A,P.). -Two nervous young Sydney surfers, Robert McTavish, 19, and David Chidgey, 17, were ordered to be deported from Hawaii today as illegal visitors who stowed away on the liner Orsova from Sydney. They are expected to arrive in Australia tomorrow.

The judge in a "spirit of Christmas goodwill" agreed Federal charges would be dropped as long as the boys went back to Australia. They appeared in court to-day, nervous and with several days' fuzzy growth on their laces but otherwise were clean but casually dressed.

They told reporters they arrived last month and had been camping out at Sunset Beach. They hoped to compete in the international surfing championships here. They had lived mostly on "beer, peanuts and chocolates" during the eleven-day voyage to Honolulu, the Associated Press of America reported.
They said their trip to Honolulu was "really quite simple."
All it took was a visitor's pass.

They upset security measures of both the U.S. Government and the P. and O. Orient lines when they got their free trip undetected last month.

They boarded the Orsova in Australia on November 5, carrying satchels with bermuda and surfing shorts.
They said they walked up the gangplank, waved good-bye and were off-minus a one-way ticket, but with a total of £48 in their pockets.

A spokesman for P. and O. said the boys' fares were being paid so the company would not be fined for bringing the two youths into the country illegally, A.P. reported.

Loophole
Elaborating on the "visitors pass" procedure, McTavish said that they asked the ship's purser for a visitor's pass, tore off the "boarding" section. and flashed the "disembarking" portion to guards as they got off. 

Mr. O'Shea had declined earlier to say how they managed to get on and off the liner because it might be tried by others. The loophole in security was being plugged to prevent it from recurring.

McTavish said they waited six hours after the other passengers left to make sure they would not be stopped by security guards. Immigration officials discovered their presence in Hawaii from an Australian newspaper clipping and sought them out at Sunset Beach. DEPORTATION ORDER (1963, December 21). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 40. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104283106

Vale Col Crawford OAM

An esteemed member and beloved member of our community and the Australian automobile industry and one of the key dealer principals who brought success to new car manufacturers, Col Crawford, passed away On Monday May 24th, aged 87.

Mr Crawford, who started in the industry aged 16 with York Motors, is remembered as a hard working, self-made businessman with a passion for the industry, the community and his family.

His son Stephen, who took over the multi-franchise Sydney dealership group from his father in 1990, said he fell asleep peacefully at home following some years of poor health.

“Some would say he died because of an overdose of too much fun, too many good times and too much success,” he said.

“That’s how I will remember him. He and I just put our heads down and went hard.''

Mr Crawford was very active in the community, with long term support for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (formerly the Spastic Centre of NSW) and Rotary, where he was a district governor, and as a sponsor for children’s charity Stewart House for many years along with ongoing support for sporting clubs in the northern suburbs.

His work with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance led to him being awarded the Order of Australia medal.

Col started his Brookvale business on May 11th, 1967 and now this family business is in its third generation as Col Crawford Lifestyle Cars.

The community has extended its condolences, in their thousands, to Col's family.

R.I.P. sir, and thank you for all you did so kindly, with any fuss, for our community.

A favourite photo of Col, circa 19780, wearing those trademark shorts with long socks all our dads wore then:

Vale Bob Fulton AM

01/12/1947 – 23/05/2021
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is mourning the passing of esteemed Member Bob Fulton AM (Rugby League) who passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at age 74 after a brave battle with cancer.

A brilliant five-eighth/centre, Fulton played 263 first grade matches – 213 for Manly, and 50 for Eastern Suburbs – and held the distinction of never having played reserve grade. In all, he scored 129 tries for Manly – a club record – and 56 field goals, before leaving to join Easts (the Roosters) in 1977. He captain-coached Easts in 1979. Retiring as a player the same year because of a shoulder injury, he nonetheless stayed on as coach until 1982.

Mr. Fulton represented the Kangaroos on tours between 1968 and 1978 and captained the team in 1978. He participated in four World Cups; in 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1975 and played in three Manly premiership winning teams in; 1972, 1973 and 1976.

In the ultimate homecoming, Fulton returned to coach Manly in 1983. He led the side to premierships in 1987 and 1996, and coached successfully at international level, leading the Kangaroos to success in Great Britain, France and New Zealand in the late 1980s and well into the 1990s.

SAHOF Chair John Bertrand AO said; “Spoken of in awed tones as one of the Immortals of the modern rugby league era, Bob Fulton AM, an influencer of rugby league who will be deeply missed. 

Bob was a Sea Eagle through and through. His love and passion for the game was immense as was the NRL community for Bob. He will forever be in our memory’s as one of the greatest players and coaches ever seen in rugby league. 

A player, a coach, a friend and one giant of the game.

Sport Australia Hall of Fame are mourning a great loss and our deepest condolences are with, Anne, Scott, Brett, Kristie and the entire Fulton family, the Manly Sea Eagles and the broader Rugby League community.”

Bob Fulton was one of the first four Rugby League Immortals named in 1981, and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 as an Athlete Member for his contribution to the sport of rugby league.

Read Bob Fulton’s full biography here.

Tribute To Mark

On May 28th family and friends of Mark Sanguinetti formed a paddle out tribute to this beloved father, loving partner, good mate and valued member of our community at Palm Beach, his beach. 

R.I.P. Mark - your smile is with us still.

Photo courtesy Michael King

Tribute To Zom

A memorial Graham James Knox,  for THE ZOM was held on Saturday morning, May 29th, at Freshwater. A HUGE turnout was on the sand to remember the great man.

Afterwards a few ales were raised to the great man at Dee Why.

Photo courtesy Team Navy ASRL

Proposal To Allow Dogs Offleash On To Mona Vale Beach And Palm Beach

Following continued lobbying by dog lobbyists the Council currently has a ''have your say'' listed in its projects page regarding allowing dogs offleash onto Mona Vale Beach and Palm Beach. 
As with the 'Station Beach consultation' no REF is provided to inform residents of the relevant factors as part of the proposal.

You can provide feedback by:

writing to them marked 'Proposed dog off-leash areas', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly, NSW 1655.
The time for 'feedback' closes Sunday June 6, 2021.


Wakehurst Parkway Flood Mitigation Study Now Available

Council is seeking community views on a study into options for reducing flooding on the Wakehurst Parkway between Sydney Sports Academy and Oxford Falls.

The Study is being released now following confirmation the NSW Government has made funding available towards the delivery of some of the options outlined in the document. Council will only take up the funding offer under a number of conditions, including community support for the project.
Consultation period:  Thu 27 May - Sun 27 June

The feasibility study is now available for community comment at:

Selena Griffith Appointed To Eramboo Board

Great news this week in news that Elanora Heights dynamo Selena Griffith has joined the board at Eramboo as Program Director.

''I look forward to working with my fellow board members to grow our organisation.'' Ms Griffith said

Selena Griffith is a Designer, Educator and Facilitator with 25 years of experience delivering innovation in Business, Government, Tertiary and Third Sector contexts.  She leverages design to support Sustainability, Social Impact, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She has authored books on Collaboration, Innovation and entrepreneurship and works with teams to enable them to deliver outstanding projects.

Residents may have visited her sustainable garden during Open Garden Programs in the past, attended TedX-Pittwater, visited the OnIslands events at Eramboo or become part of Biophilia Mondo

Ms. Griffith was awarded a Global Future Leaders Award from the World Human Resources Development Congress in 2011 and has been accepted into the highly competitive Buckminster Fuller Institute's Catalyst Program for her work on The Island Innovation Lab.

Eramboo is a sanctuary for artists on the edge of the bush at Terrey Hills. It encompasses a beautiful gallery, teaching spaces and artist studios where art is conceived and made.

NSW's Peak Body For Councils Welcomes New OLG Appointment

NSW’s peak body for councils has congratulated Kiersten Fishburn on her appointment as Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government (OLG).

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Linda Scott said Ms Fishburn was well qualified to lead the OLG, the agency responsible for strengthening the sustainability and performance of the State’s 128 councils.

“Ms Fishburn has extensive experience, having worked as an executive with Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and previously as the Chief Executive of the Liverpool City Council,” Cr Scott said.

“She is well qualified to take provide leadership with OLG and will be familiar with the many challenges facing our members.

“As President of LGNSW I have a strong working relationship with OLG and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

DPIE Secretary Jim Betts said under the new appointment, Ms Fishburn will combine the Local Government portfolio with her management of Planning Delivery.


Sorry Day 2021: May 30 At Mona Vale

The Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater host this year's Sorry Day at Mona Vale, in the Memorial Hall.

Let’s come together for a day of healing and reconciliation to honour the Stolen Generation.

The Native Hibiscus was adopted because it is found widely across Australia and it is a survivor. Its colour denotes compassion and spiritual healing.

Location: Mona Vale Memorial Hall 1 Park Street Mona Vale.
Start time 3.00pm-5.30pm


The afternoon will include Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies, dance performances by the Biala girls and weaving workshop, display of Aboriginal artifacts, Didgeridoo playing, local Aboriginal girls singing, (not to be missed) While the children can paint their own Boomerang and shields. A shared experience with a talk “Why is it Sorry Day!”. A reading from Aunties Nancy’s book of poems.

BBQ and afternoon tea. Please come and join us.

The Aboriginal Support Group – Manly Warringah Pittwater (ASG) started in 1979 as a treaty organisation and later developed into a group of people committed to supporting Indigenous Australians in their broader struggle for justice. Members of the ASG share a passion to see right relationships forged between Indigenous and settler Australians. Working in our local area, we seek to change the way non-Aboriginal people understand and relate to Aboriginal Australians.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls At Pittwater Place

Our Avalon Mothers’ Day stall was most successful raising $2,400 which we will spend on outdoor furniture for the new Palliative Care Centre.

“Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members will be holding stalls at Pittwater Place, Mona Vale on the first Saturday of the month for the rest of the year, selling knitting, sewing, craft, jams and books, from 8am to 3pm.”


Avalon Craft Cottage At Warriewood This Week

Avalon Craft Cottage will be at Warriewood Square the week starting Monday 31st May to Sunday 6th June.
 
You can find us outside KMart and we will be open during the normal trading hours for the centre 
finishing at 4pm on Sunday 6th June.

Our “pop-up” stall will showcase a variety of handcrafted goods including woodcraft, baby and children's items, screen printing, silk scarves, knitting, paintings, flame work glass, embroidery and quilts.

We hope to see you there.

All the best,
Avalon Craft Cottage Members

Council Join In Blitz On Building Site Run-Off Helps Keep Our Ocean Clean

Thursday, 27 May 2021
Builders and home renovators are being urged to stop run-off from building sites polluting our beautiful beaches, waterways and the green spaces that we all love.

Throughout May, Council participated in the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Dept. Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE) ‘Get the Site Right’ campaign targeting builders and developers and enforcing best practice on building sites to protect our waterways and surrounding environments from erosion and run-off.

After a one-day inspection blitz by 12 of their environmental health officers who visited 50 building sites, they found 60 percent of sites were not compliant.

Since, they have issued 40 warnings, penalty or prevention notices. Follow-up visits will be made over the coming months to ensure control measures are in place.

Stormwater collects pollutants, such as sediment, cement, sand and soil from building sites and this can flow directly out to our local waterways. This can contaminate water and cause algal blooms that harm marine plants and animals and even make its way into the food chain.

In its sixth year, ‘Get the Site Right’ is a joint program between the Cooks River Alliance, DPIE, Georges Riverkeeper, the EPA, Parramatta River Catchment Group, Sydney Coastal Councils Group, local Sydney councils and Lake Macquarie Council.

In addition to the campaign, our teams regularly inspect building sites throughout the year as well as respond to community complaints and reports of building site run-off.

If you’re concerned about a pollution incident, Council is encouraging you to report it to them online or call 1300 434 434. You can also report directly to the EPA’s 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555.

Dee Why Beachfront Enhancements Approved

Wednesday, 26 May 2021
A proposal to trial enhancements to the waterside precinct of The Strand, Dee Why making it more pedestrian- and bicyclist-friendly has been approved by Council.

Under the NSW Government-funded Streets as Shared Spaces Program, the proposal is to enhance outdoor dining and the pedestrian and bicyclist experience at the 220-metre seaside waterfront strip between Oaks Ave and Dee Why Pde.

Enhancements included a trial of one-way traffic flow, to reduce the speed limit to 30km/h, move car parking spaces and create additional seated areas, create a two-way bicycle lane along the road, and rerouting south-bound bus services.

Mayor Michael Regan said the community feedback clearly showed that the proposal was one that people were interested in, generally supported but had some reservations.

“Our goal is to make this popular beach precinct better for foot and bicycle traffic to encourage street activation projects, while allowing for adequate physical distancing for COVID-19 precautions,” Cr Regan said.

“The changes will see no net loss of parking spaces, better car drop-off access for less mobile people and extra spots for food delivery vehicles.

“We have heard what the community likes and does not like about this plan.

“Preference will be given to existing footpath to be converted to dining space and parking spaces used as a new boardwalk and additional pedestrian crossings will be installed in surrounding streets.

“Council will also investigate with the State Government the possibility of a trial of electric buses through various routes in Dee Why.”

The trial will be implemented by the end of July and a review conducted in March 2022.

Below: NBC concept illustration of The Strand

Ivanhoe Park Masterplan To Go On Public Exhibition

Wednesday, 26 May 2021
A proposed new grandstand for Manly Oval and reclassification of the Scout Hall for general use are part of the draft Masterplan and Plan of Management for Ivanhoe Park, soon to go on public exhibition.

The public exhibition is planned to commence once the Minister of Planning, Industry and Environment provides consent, as the Masterplan covers Crown Land.

Mayor Michael Regan said the draft Masterplan respects the history and heritage value of the Park and reflects the unique landscape of the site.

“Our idea for the grandstand is that it blends in with the Park rather than being the dominant feature of the park. It would provide equitable access, fit for purpose change rooms, storage, amenities and security. It would be subject to State or Federal Government funding.

“Council is also proposing to make the Scout Hall available for community use, and plans to consult with the community about this.

“Ivanhoe Park is a significant heritage site with a rich cultural landscape and sporting history. It is also an important open space for the people of Manly and surrounding districts.

“The draft Masterplan and Plan of Management, if implemented, will transform Ivanhoe Park into a safer, accessible and more enjoyable park that will become a hub for the community; whether through sporting activity on the Oval, or enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful Gardens or through celebrating events held on the Oval. Encouraging greater use will provide social, physical and cultural benefits in the community.

“It will protect and enhance the State Heritage-listed landscape character of the Park and support the native and Victorian plantings found in the Botanic Gardens.”

On 23 August 2019, Ivanhoe Park (including Manly Oval) cultural landscape was listed as a heritage item on the State Heritage Register.

Following this heritage listing, Council resolved to prepare a Masterplan, a Conservation Management Plan and a Plan of Management for the whole of Ivanhoe Park.

As part of this process, Council asked the community via public consultation in late 2020/early 2021 what they liked about all areas of the Park and what improvements they would like to see.

This feedback has been incorporated in the draft Masterplan and Plan of Management.

The Park is formed by two parts, the passive recreation area known as Ivanhoe Park Botanic Gardens and the sporting precinct incorporating the Manly Oval, Bowling Club and Tennis Club facilities.

Georgina Harrisson Appointed As NSW Education Secretary

May 24, 2021
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced Georgina Harrisson has been appointed as the new Secretary of the NSW Department of Education.

Ms Harrisson has led the NSW Education transformation agenda and was responsible for the highly regarded COVID-19 response. 

Ms Berejiklian said Ms Harrisson takes the reins of education during a critical time.

“She brings a wealth of experience in education and government, having worked at the Department of Education in the UK and the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet,” Ms Berejiklian said. 

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said she could not be happier with the appointment and looked forward to working with Ms Harrisson.

“Ms Harrisson has a breadth of experience in the public sector and in education. She is a proven leader who takes on a mantle of responsibility during an exciting time in NSW public education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This government is leading broad reforms in education. We are building evidence based best practice into everything we do, spearheaded by the new NSW Curriculum and the School Success Model.

“I look forward to working with Ms Harrisson as we continue to build one of the world’s best education systems.”

Ms Harrisson has over 20 years’ experience across a range of government agencies in NSW, the Commonwealth Government and in the UK.

Premier's Statement: Appointments

May 26, 2021
Natalie Ward, Member of the Legislative Council, will become the Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans.

Alister Henskens, Member for Ku-ring-gai, will become the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services. 

Natasha Maclaren-Jones will also become Cabinet Secretary.

Mrs Ward, Mr Henskens and Mrs Maclaren-Jones have already made significant contributions to the community and I look forward to seeing that continue in their new roles. 

Sydney Wildlife Recycled Bottles For Wildlife 2021

Sydney Wildlife Rescue is registered for return and earn in NSW. This time it is accessed by an App called My Tomra  - which is the organisation that runs the recycling. 

Once you have downloaded the My Tomra App. Just search “Our Wildlife” you will see Sydney Wildlife Rescue listed. You can set that as the payout. 

So you just scan the bar code from the App  at the recycling machine and the 10c will be donated to Sydney Wildlife Rescue. The machines can be located anywhere in NSW.  

Please have a look it’s a good way to support us to care for wildlife and do your bit to keep Australia Beautiful.

DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Reef


AGE/SEX: 10 years / M
BREED: Lab X Kelpie
Reef is a sweet old grandpa. He is affectionate and loves pats and massaging his coat. He is social with other dogs. He is easy to handle and he loves his gentle walks. He is currently overweight at 36.5kg and has a labby coat that sheds. 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. 

Mia


Mia is a very gentle calm girl who is still very bewildered about what is going on. She is about 4yo and is a longer haired cat. She is gentle and sweet and leans into you for more cuddles. She came from the pound with terrible teeth and she has had many extractions and feels a lot better and pain free now. She has a medium coat that needs regular brushing. She weighs 3.8kg.

She is located at Ingleside. If you are interested in meeting her, please call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 

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. 

Mona Vale Road: Out Of Hours Work

Out of hours work is planned from 8pm to 6am between Monday 17 May and Friday 28 May, weather permitting. If work is delayed due to wet weather, we will try to work a different night that same week.

Lane Cove Road to Foley Street
Work on Mona Vale Road between Lane Cove Road and Foley Street will occur on:
Monday 17, Tuesday 18 and Thursday 19 May 2021
Our work includes:
  • road maintenance.
  • concrete barrier placement
  • line marking
Tuesday 25, Thursday 27 and Friday 28 May 2021
Our work includes:
  • concrete barrier placement
  • road maintenance
  • ITS work
  • stormwater work at road crossings and roundabout near Ponderosa and Samuel Street
Traffic changes
There will be temporary traffic changes to ensure the work zone is safe for workers and road users. Please keep to speed limits and follow signs and traffic controllers’ directions. For the latest traffic updates, you can call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.

Mona Vale Road West
We will not be working at the Western Early Work site off Tumburra Street, Ingleside during this time.
How our work will affect you?
We need to carry out our work at night to minimise traffic disruption and reduce safety risks to the workers and motorists.

During our night work we will use:
  • backhoes
  • tipper trucks
  • elevated work platforms
  • a roller, a paver and a profiler
  • street sweepers, compactor and wacker packers
  • small cranes
  • vacuum trucks
  • concrete trucks
  • a saw cutting machine
  • large trucks
  • light vehicles and lighting towers
  • excavator with hammer.
We will work up to three nights a week and up to ten nights each month. We will notify highly impacted residents if there is a change of date. If you are eligible for alternative accommodation, we will contact you at least 36 hours prior to the work.

COVID 19 Response and Recovery Order
To support industry and continue delivering critical infrastructure, the NSW Government introduced new rules last year allowing construction sites, including public infrastructure projects, to operate on weekends and public holidays.

The order has now been extended to 31 March 2022. We have been using these new rules for some time, particularly with our weekend road closure works. Since the 10 April, we have been working most Saturdays, from 7am until 6pm. High impact noise activities such as rock breaking, rock hammering and pile driving will stop at 1pm. All other activities will continue through to 6pm.

Contact us
If you have any questions, complaints or would like more information on the Mona Vale Road project please contact our delivery partner Georgiou: 1800 413 640
If you need help understanding this information, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call us on 1800 413 640

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Consultation Now Open On The Review Of NSW Heritage Legislation

May 13, 2021
Consultation is now open on the review of the NSW Heritage legislation with the NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Social Issues formally endorsing an inquiry into the NSW Heritage Act 1977. 

The committee will undertake a comprehensive public inquiry into the adequacy of the Heritage Act 1977, considering the government’s recently released discussion paper, and hearing from the community and stakeholders.  

Minister responsible for heritage Don Harwin said the current legislation does not meet the contemporary needs of the community. It is time that we make it easier, more affordable and more desirable to activate and conserve the state’s heritage.

“State heritage contributes to the story of NSW, and we want to hear from all areas of the community about how heritage matters to them. It’s an important step in this process that local communities get involved and have their say on how we can better celebrate the heritage that matters most to NSW. 

The NSW Government’s discussion paper proposes a number of reforms or considerations including introducing a category system, tailoring listings to protect items while making it easier to undertake conservation, and incentivising adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. 

Chair of the Social Issues Committee, the Hon. Shayne Mallard MLC said “NSW heritage legislation has had no major system reforms since 1999 and the committee is looking forward to working with all stakeholders to provide recommendations to government.”

Submissions will be open from 13 May 2021 to 27 June 2021 and everyone is encouraged to have their say on the future of heritage in NSW.

The discussion paper and more information about the inquiry and how to get involved is available via Heritage NSW

Domestic Violence Support 

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.

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.
Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
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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.

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: