Community News: June 2023

June 25 - July 15  2023: Issue 589

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 589

Pittwater MP's Introduced Bill Adopts A ‘No Development In NSW Coastal Waters’ Approach To Ending PEP-11

Ambiguous Reply To Pittwater MP's Query On Barrenjoey Headland Accommodation Proposal Renews Concerns

Pittwater Environmental Heritage Group Shares their Tree Canopy Plan Submission To Council - feedback closes July 9 on Council's Draft Tree Canopy Plan

Mobile Phone Base Station For Cottage Point: Site May Be On Air By End Of Year

New Women's Shelter For Mona Vale Announced

Aquatics: Swimmers campaign for an Aquatic Reserve at Bongin Bongin Bay, Mona Vale Beach: Motion to be tabled at June 2023 Council Meeting

Residents Call For Immediate Ban On E-Cigarette Shops In Areas Where Teenagers 'Hang Out' 

Lizard Rock Petition Tabled By Wakehurst MP: Will Be Debated June 27

Dr Sophie Scamps Introduces Bill To Ban Junk Food Marketing In Bid To Tackle Childhood Obesity 

Angophora Reserve Hazard Reduction Burn by Cr. Miranda Korzy

Turimetta Moods (Week Ending June 23 2023) by Joe Mills

Pictures: Winter Sports On Hitchcock Park, Pittwater

DIY Ideas Winter School Holidays 2023: Fun Projects You Can Do Around The Home - Something For The Young and Even Younger Some 'just in case' it rains ideas - and some for the great outdoors!

Park Bench Philosophers The Cowan ‘Creek’ + Lovett Bay Heights Tracks: Some Notes From The Pages Of The Past With Early Photos 

Watching Whales Within Safe Limits: Please Give Them A Safe Passage By Sticking To The Rules For Boats, Drones, Swimming

Environment Liquid Amber Seed Pod/Fruits On Roads + Verges At Present: Please Clear These To Prevent Bird Road Deaths - Australian Wildlife Now Eating Fruits - Seeds Of Imported Species, Areas Closed For West Head Lookout Upgrades, Avalon Dunes Bushcare: July 2023, Time Of Burrugin, PNHA Guided Nature Walks 2023, 97% of Australians want more action to stop extinctions and 72% want extra spending on the environment, Is leaving dog poo in the street really so bad? The science says it’s even worse than you think, All-electric homes are better for your hip pocket and the planet. Here’s how governments can help us get off gas, Marine species are being pushed towards the poles. From dugong to octopuses, here are 8 marine species you might spot in new places, Why shouldn’t I pour oil or paint down the sink? And what should I do instead?, Global average sea and air temperatures are spiking in 2023, before El Niño has fully arrived; We should be very concerned, Before the colonists came we burned small and burned often to avoid big fires; It’s time to relearn cultural burning, Wallaby joeys and platypus puggles are tiny and undeveloped when born; But their mother’s milk is near-magical, Is climate change outpacing our ability to predict extreme heatwaves?, An ‘extreme’ heatwave has hit the seas around the UK and Ireland – here’s what’s going on, Unprecedented marine heatwave underlines the urgency to clean up UK rivers and coasts, Colonialism has shaped scientific plant collections around the world – here’s why that matters, The world’s fish are shrinking as the climate warms; We’re trying to figure out why, Why does grass grow more slowly in winter?, Hungry gold miners created Victoria’s Murray cod fisheries – and we’re still dealing with the consequences, Permaculture NB: June To July 2023 Events, Bushcare In Pittwater, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Community Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Report Fox Sightings, New Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Pittwater Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks

Inbox News Is leaving dog poo in the street really so bad?; The science says it’s even worse than you think, Thinking of quitting your child’s swimming lessons over Winter?; Read this first, Change Food Choices To Increase Chances Of Tackling Global Warming, Climate Action Plans Mobilize Limited Urban Change Researchers Report, Sweeping election donation and spending reforms recommended by parliamentary committee, Ashes rivalry is as alive as ever - but when it comes to the economics of cricket India is in the box seat, Exposure To Dioxins Can Worsen Thyroid Function, High-Quality Child Care Contributes To Later Success In Science-Math, Clean Sustainable Fuels Made 'From Thin Air' and Plastic Waste, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever – why this tick-borne virus could become more common in richer countries, January To March 2023 Aged Care Quality And Safety Commission’s Sector Performance Report, Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club: July 2023 Speaker, 24/7 Registered Nurse Cover and Care Minutes, Boost To Aged Care Workforce Welcomed By Southern Cross Care Qld, Cheaper Medicines From 60-Day Dispensing, Inquiry Into The Recognition Of Unpaid Carers, 60-Day Dispensing Is Good For Patients and It’s Time To Make It Work: AMA, Dementia Australia Awards $95,000 In Funding To Help 12 Communities Become More Dementia-Friendly, Australian Of The Year – Have Your Say, Can a daily multivitamin improve your memory?, Do I need a booster vaccine if I recently had COVID? What if I’m not sure what I had?, Cash could be almost gone in Australia in a decade – but like cheques, who’ll miss it?, Microbiome: certain gut microbes may warn of Alzheimer’s disease long before the first symptoms begin, Winter School Holidays, NSW Health Mental Health Youth Advisory Group: Members Wanted - Paid Opportunity, Applications Open For 150 Apprentice Scholarships, Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards 2023: Optional Theme This Year 'The Winding Road', Dead end (1937) - Winter school holidays movie, School Leavers Information Service, Word Of The Week: Winter, Why is it so damn cold right now? A weather researcher explains, Disaster, opulence, and the merciless ocean: why the Titanic disaster continues to enthral, Of mice and matriarchs: the female-led societies of the animal kingdom, Why is the sky dark at night? The 200-year history of a question that transformed our understanding of the Universe, English philosophers thought they had sloughed off the dead weight of history, but history suggests otherwise, What’s a fair price to pay for music? In Australia, musicians aren’t getting paid as much as overseas artists for songs played on the radio, A reciprocating engine of money, power and influence: how Australia’s ‘media monsters’ used journalism to cement their empires, Our research shows how students can miss out on their preferred uni degree – but there’s a simple fix, Thinking about a microcredential course? 4 things to consider first, How the ancient Greeks kept ruthless narcissists from capturing their democracy – and what modern politics could learn from them, How a 400 million year old fossil changes our understanding of mathematical patterns in nature

Profile of the Week Ringtail Posse 5: June 2023 -  Lynleigh Greig OAM: Snakes, Dick Clarke: Diamond Python, Selena Griffith: Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Eric Gumley: Bandicoot

Definition from; -

Ringtail: from the 'Common Ringtail Possum' which is not so common anymore in urban areas. The Common Ringtail Possum is found along the entire eastern part of Australia and south west Western Australia. They are also found throughout Tasmania. The western ringtail possum is a threatened species under State and Commonwealth legislation. In Western Australia the species is listed as Critically Endangered fauna under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

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Posse: noun. 1 : a large group often with a common interest 2 : a body of persons summoned by a sheriff to assist in preserving the public peace usually in an emergency 3: a group of people temporarily organised to make a search (as for a lost child) 4 : one's attendants or associates.

On Wednesday June 21st 2023 a Motion regarding Heritage Protection was passed in the NSW Parliament. Tabled by The Hon. Peter Primrose, contributors to the discussion spoke of the Minns Government's commitment to developing the State's first heritage strategy, in which the Government will develop options to recognise and protect significant trees, urban bushland and wildlife corridors.

This was, of course, music to the ears of all who are working at ground level in these areas to safeguard the survival of the urban wallaby, koala, lizard, skink, snake, bandicoot, every bird of woodland, water and grassland, insects and every other wildlife species we share suburbia with.

Time to slither, swoop and scurry with June's Ringtail Posse, led out by our own Wildlife journo, Lynleigh! 


The Snow Season for 2023 opened over the June long weekend, and although there was little or no snow on the slopes the BOM has forecast snow showers from June 22nd 2023 on, meaning a good Snow Season is set to arrive for those who like to head to the New South Wales snowfields.

With the school holidays for Winter commencing those heading to the snowfields may be interested in some local connections to these actually coming about as a sport and as resorts for people to be ‘on the fields’. One is a gentleman who had a weekender at Careel Bay, another is connected with the beginnings of Surf Life Saving and lived at Manly, while a third frequented Palm Beach during the opposite weather side of each year - glorious Summer - and another is associated with some of our early photographers of Pittwater scenes as well as the beginnings of skiing in Australia, while yet another has connection to Bilgola and the beginnings of radio in Australia.

We focus on three of these people - Charles Kerry, Percy Hunter and Herbert Schlink, and share some of their insights from the beginning of skiing as a recreation and sport in Australia. Their work and passion for the snow and what was then known as 'snow-shoeing' opened up the possibility of what is today enjoyed by so many. They were known as the 'fathers of skiing in Australia' by their peers.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 1, 2023

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Winter School Holidays Issues Of Pittwater Online

Please be advised that Issue 589 will run Sunday June 25th and that Issue 590 will run Sunday July 16th. Events and Notices will be added into Issue 589 during the interim and posted on the Pittwater Online social platforms, however, we will be spending the bulk of this 'time off' with family.

We hope those with schoolchildren enjoy their Winter break and have a chance to exhale and relax.

Please travel safely if leaving Pittwater for snowier climes.

Warriewood Community Centre Update: Build To Commence In Late 2023

Council advises that the the tender process is now complete for the Warriewood Community Centre on the Nelson Heather site and construction is expected to start in Oct/Nov 2023.
10.3million has been allocated towards this for the 2023/24 financial year.

The project has been incorporated into the Warriewood Valley Development Contribution Plan Amendment 16, Revision 3 to cater for the increase in demand for new public facilities within the Warriewood Valley Release Area as existing facilities are already at capacity.

Danish-Australian architects Terroir were commissioned to prepare the designs and aimed to develop a 'place for the community among the trees'.

Their Warriewood Community Centre project description states:

The new community building sits at a key intersection of Pittwater Road, the main road heading to Palm Beach, distinguished by a stand of trees at the edge of a reserve featuring large grass areas and sporting fields.  The trees anchor the edge of this reserve and provide a “place” in the midst of a large green area.

The centre has a complex brief, resolved by the siting of different areas in and amongst the trees, avoiding tree removal.  Each functional space has a warm interior that is almost domestic in scale.  The result is a highly functional and legible community centre that contains a series of destinations for different activities.  The exterior is clad in metal sheet, a raincover that brings these multiple elements together as a whole and which is peeled back at key moments to let light into the interior.  A foyer unites all elements and works with an outdoor garden to create a series of “third spaces” that are formally unprogrammed but invite occupation in different modes by the large cross section of community that visits and uses the building.

To achieve a coherent outcome from such a diverse set of requirements, each function was allocated its own “box” and placed among the trees in a way that maximised the relation between each function and its immediate context. To connect these boxes, an array of additional rectangles provides foyer spaces, verandahs and entry. Unlike the functional boxes that are fully enclosed for privacy and acoustic reasons, these additional rectangles remain open and become a “web” that bring the disparate collection of activities together in a cohesive whole. A new garden provides additional community gathering space and further locates the building in a landscape oasis at the edge of the park.

Concept Design - WVCC View from Boondah Reserve - Artist Impression
More in 
August 2020 page: 
Warriewood Valley Community Centre Concept Plans Now Available For Feedback
May 2023:
Council's Draft Operational Plan And Budget 2023/24 Open For Feedback Until May 21, 2023 - Specific Projects Listed For Pittwater Include 10.3m For Warriewood Community Centre

Warriewood Steve Irwin Tribute 'Tagged' - Mona Vale Targeted As Well 

Residents of Narrabeen and Warriewood have expressed dismay this week that the mural on the brick block in Boondah Reserve celebrating Steve Irwin has been 'tagged' over, effectively destroying the painting.

There are calls for a place for an 'art' wall to be allocated for taggers as the rise of this on public buildings and businesses in the Narrabeen to Mona Vale area continues, and for a program whereby vandals are made to pay for the clean up that results is actually followed through on where tagging impacts public and private buildings and structures. 

The NSW Department of Community and Justice states the removal and prevention of graffiti vandalism is very costly to the community. Tens of millions of tax payer dollars are being spent annually on cleaning up graffiti and repairing the damage that it causes. Spending this public money on cleaning graffiti means that money is not being spent on things that can benefit the community.

Graffiti vandalism can also make people feel unsafe. A recent survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 21 per cent of the respondents in NSW perceived graffiti to be a social disorder problem in their local area.

Graffiti vandalism can be a dangerous activity. Graffiti is often applied in dangerous locations, such as along train corridors and train tunnels or on overhead bridges above roads. Council's May 23 2023 Meeting listed an Item submitted by Councillor Stuart Sprott regarding safety concerns and a graffiti problem at the intersection of Forest Way and Warringah Road, Frenchs Forest.

''For close to two years, I have been asking that this area be made safe, and the graffiti removed.
People are climbing over the fence to graffiti or tag the large sound barrier walls. They are
standing on a ledge over 6 metres in height, usually in the dark hours of the early morning and are
at risk of either falling, causing serious injury to themselves, or dying.'' Cr. Sprott stated in his Motion

Council resolved to write to the Member for Wakehurst (who is Cr. Regan who is also still serving on the NBC as well) requesting he make representations to the NSW Government and have the safety concerns and graffiti problem addressed.

During last week new tags have been painted on the Mona Vale bus shelter.

A spokesperson for the Friends of Mona Vale group stated they has been working behind the scenes to have this bus shelter, a unique Pittwater design, retained and repaired. 

''Most of the latest vandalism as happened this week just after lighting was reinstated and windows replaced at the request of FOM.

Council has not taken away the trolleys despite a request from Friends of Mona Vale. These gutless vandals have no sense of community and have to hide behind a wall to do their ”thing” only ever in the late hours while most of us are sleeping.'' the spokesperson said



Graffiti will also affect both the health of those who do it because they breathe in fumes from aerosol paint, and the environment, because of the chemicals being used to remove it.

Stephen Robert Irwin, known as "The Crocodile Hunter", was an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, television personality, wildlife educator, and environmentalist. Irwin grew up around crocodiles and other reptiles and was educated regarding them by his father Bob.

On September 4th 2006 he died while filming on the Great Barrier Reef after a stingray's barb pierced his chest, penetrating his thoracic wall and heart, causing massive trauma.

The mural at Warriewood showed Steve Irwin's face expressing one of the many 'wow'  or 'Crikey!' moments he shared with millions when educating people about our local wildlife and sharing his love for these.

Steve's mural in 2019:


This week, June 2023:


Photos supplied

Australian Of The Year – Have Your Say

If you can think of somebody who deserves to be named Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year or the Local Hero of the Year, you have until the end of July to nominate them.

By putting someone forward, you are showing that the efforts of a fellow Australian have not gone unnoticed. It takes only one nomination to elevate their voice, help them access more support, or give them the recognition they deserve.

Shortlisted nominees will be considered – and the four category recipients selected – by State or Territory selection panels comprised of people who reflect the diversity of the population.

National recipients will then be selected by the National Australia Day Council Board.

Nominations for the 2024 Awards close at midnight Australian Eastern Standard Time on 31 July 2023.

State and Territory winners will be announced in October and November, ahead of the main event in January, which will see all finalists invited to Canberra for four days of activities.

If you want to nominate somebody visit: https://australianoftheyear.org.au/nominate

Mona Vale Dunes Bushcare Dates 2023



Roadworks

Slope stabilisation at Palm Beach
Barrenjoey Road between Etival Street and Iluka Road- Wed 21 Jun 2023 to Fri 28 Jul 2023: Every Day (9:30am to 4:00pm)

Advice: Traffic affected both directions. Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage. Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.




Changed traffic conditions on Pittwater Road at Mona Vale

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on Pittwater Road at Mona Vale. 
These changes are necessary due to asphalting along Pittwater Road, between Rowan Street and Coronation Street, to create a smoother road surface. 

To reduce the impact to motorists, work will be carried out between 8pm and 5am from Tuesday 13 June to Friday 11 August, for up to five night shifts, weather and worksite conditions permitting. Work is expected to occur for more than two consecutive nights per week. However, work will not be carried out on Saturdays or public holidays.

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

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

Transport for NSW thanks the community for their patience during this time.

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



SCHEDULED ROADWORK Resurfacing: Warriewood to Mona Vale - Pittwater Road between Arnott Crescent and Mona Vale Road; Tue 13 Jun 2023 to Fri 30 Jun 2023 9:00pm to 5:00am.

Advice; Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage. Contraflow traffic conditions will be in place.
Changed traffic conditions on Pittwater Road and Darley Street at Mona Vale.


Changed traffic conditions on Darley street at Mona Vale
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week at the Pittwater Road and Darley Street intersection at Mona Vale.

These changes are necessary to upgrade cabling to the traffic signals at the intersection.
To reduce the impact to motorists, work will be carried out within the hours of 8pm and 5am, for up to three shifts between Wednesday 14 June and Friday 21 July, weather and worksite conditions permitting. Work will not be carried out on Saturdays or public holidays.

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

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers.
Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.

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



Mackellar MP Community Forums: July 2023 - Voice To Parliament + The Life Electric Expo

Voice to Parliament Community Forum 
Residents can join Mackellar MP Dr. Sophie Scamps in a panel discussion to learn more about the Voice referendum. This is a great opportunity for our community to come together and understand more about the Voice, why it is needed, and how it will help improve lives. 

Joining Dr. Scamps in conversation will be special guests  Rachel Perkins, Director & Producer of The Australia Wars, Director and Co-Chair of Yes23, Craig Foster AM and Jeff McMullen AM as part of the national conversation about reconciling our past and our future as a nation. 

The Forum will be held at Pittwater RSL on Wednesday July 26, 6:45pm – 8:30pm.
Register here to attend.


Net Zero Expo
Residents can join Mackellar MP Dr. Sophie Scamps in conversation with scientist, inventor and author Saul Griffith at July's ‘The Life Electric’ event, as we discuss our journey to electrification and achieving net zero. 

Sponsored by the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber, the event will feature stalls with information on residential, multi-tenant and commercial solar, EV ownership, electric bikes, renewable energy and more exciting initiatives for living lightly on our precious planet. You can also enjoy live music, a drink or afternoon tea on Sunday 30 July from 2:30pm-6pm at Avalon Recreation Centre. 
Details are:
  • 2:30-4pm Stalls Open 
  • 4:00pm-5:30pm  Panel Talk Dr Sophie Scamps in conversation with Saul Griffith

Tickets $10. Book your ticket here: https://www.trybooking.com/CJGLF 


McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale And Bayview: Floodplain Risk Management Study And Plan

Following the completion of the McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study project in 2017, Council recently commissioned engineering consultants BMT to complete a comprehensive Floodplain Risk Management Study for the McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview catchments.

This study will consider a range of flood management measures, such as structural options (levees, detention basins etc.), emergency management improvements, community awareness activities and land use planning. The options will be assessed to understand the potential impacts and benefits, with a final suite of recommended options presented in the McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Floodplain Risk Management Plan.

Council advises a Public Exhibition of that Draft Flood Risk Management Study  is expected in 2024.

Proposal For Offleash Dogs On Pittwater Beaches Update: Report For August 2023 Council Meeting

The Council updated it's 'have your say' dogs on beaches webpage on Wednesday June 21st 2023, advising that The Community Engagement Report and the updated draft Review of Environmental Factors will be presented to Council at its August 2023 meeting.

The webpage states that the Council received a total of 879 submissions on the proposal to allow offleash dogs on south Mona Vale beach and north Palm Beach.

Community Consultation To Honour Contemporary Veterans

June 23, 2023
The NSW Government has commenced consultation with contemporary veterans and their families to seek feedback on how their service can be further acknowledged.

The survey is an important step to hear directly from the veteran community in response to the proposal to establish a new memorial to honour their service and sacrifice.

The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs is leading the consultation process which includes an online survey for veterans of recent operations, as well as forums to enable further discussion once the survey results have been analysed.

For the purposes of the survey and consultation process, contemporary service is defined as service undertaken since 1990, from the First Gulf War in Iraq.

The information received from the survey and community consultation will complement the current NSW Government Veterans Strategy and Actional Plan which is in place until the end of 2024.

Minister for Veterans David Harris has stated

“The NSW Government values our veteran community and is working hard to ensure that veterans and their families are acknowledged and supported.

“I encourage all veterans from recent conflicts and peacekeeping operations to share their thoughts via an online survey so we can hear what the community values as an important way to honour their service.

“The survey is completely anonymous, and it is important that veterans and their families share their views with us. The results will be analysed, and the data will then help inform us about the needs and wishes of our veteran community.

“This could be a new memorial to honour contemporary service, a living and interactive memorial space that veterans and their families can use, or other ideas.”

The survey closes on Sunday 9th of July 2023.

Get more information at Veterans Affairs

Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Olive 

12mths Ridgeback X Kelpie


Olive is an active friendly girl. She has a bit of a shy side, so appreciates slow introductions to new people. Olive is social with other dogs and would be open to living with another dog.  Olive was chipped as the pound recently as a staffy X however her features and traits resemble those of a Ridgeback X Kelpie mix. She is best suited to an active family with house and garden who will involve here in lots of outdoor activities. She has a smooth coat and weighs 21.3kg. She suits a family where she is left only PT hours and has a garden to run in.

All our dogs come with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. Her adoption fee is $450. 

George 

Staffy X Italian Greyhound

George came to the pound with a damaged left knee - tibial crest avulsion and had emergency surgery at the pound. We took him directly after surgery and he is currently having dressing changes done regularly at our vets. We are trying our best to keep in calm to enable healing. George is an active needy boy who likes to be near humans as much as possible. George is social with other dogs and is very puppyish in his play and manner. He has a sleek lanky build and has a smooth coat. He weighs 10.1kg and is almost fully grown. He is looking for a home-based worker with a garden for him to enjoy. All our dogs come with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $400.

To find out more call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email  Monika@DoggieRescue.com.  RON R251000024

Streets As Shared Spaces - The Strand Dee Why: Recommendation For Infrastructure To Remain In Place

Council have been trialling changes to The Strand, Dee Why through the Streets as Shared Spaces program. The aim was to create a range of safe and enjoyable new spaces for people to enjoy and provide greater pedestrian and bike access.

In April 2022, Council resolved to extend the trial for another 12 months and to collect additional traffic and pedestrian data for analysis.

To assist their evaluation of the trial, Council asked you to share your thoughts. Between Thursday 11 May and Sunday 28 May 2023, they received 910 submissions. 

A report detailing the results of the trial, including community engagement outcomes, will be presented to Council at its meeting on Tuesday 27 June 2023.

The recommendation of Council's Director of Transport and Assets is that:
  1. Council note the ongoing benefit to the overall community and businesses along the Dee Why beachfront of the current arrangements.
  2. Council note the impacts of the changes on the residents in adjoining streets.
  3. Council endorses the Streets as Shared Spaces infrastructure remain in place.
  4. Council seeks grant funding to allow the installation of permanent infrastructure along the extent of The Strand, noting that the project is currently not a funded project and will be part of future consideration with the long-term financial plan.

Image courtesy NBC

Acts Of Kindness Community Outreach: Winter Blanket And Coat Drive 2023

Can you help our homeless friends? It’s getting cold on the streets for our Homeless street friends and we need YOUR help. Do you have any Blankets, Sleeping bags, doonas or Coats you don’t use? We accept New or Clean Good Condition second hand items 

Drop off points at Warriewood, Inner West and Mount Annan. Please get in touch for details, at: https://aokcommunityoutreach.com/


Team Island Boot Camp Take On Push-Up Challenge

In June Team Island Boot Camp (Scotland Islanders) is taking part in The Push-Up Challenge. 

They are going to help shine the spotlight on the number of lives lost to suicide in 2021 and raise awareness of mental health. 

Funds raised by Team Island Boot Camp will go to Movember and their push for better mental health.

Feel free to join them or support a team member who is taking part. 

Help them push for better mental health.

Weekend Parking On Pittwater Road Collaroy: Feedback Sought

Comments close 23 Jul 2023

The council  want to hear from the community if people selling private vehicles on weekends on the bends at Long Reef is causing concerns.

It was resolved at the 28 March 2023 Council meeting to engage with the community to understand any concerns and possible solutions regarding the sale of private cars along Pittwater Road between Anzac Avenue and Hadleigh Avenue, Collaroy.

Saturday 1 July 2023 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Come and chat to Council staff
They will be in Griffith Park near the playground.
Staff will be available to answer questions.

Lock Up Your Cars: Thieves About

Please Join Us In Celebrating 100 Years  Of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?
Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.

By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027


Volunteers Needed: Meals On Wheels

Meals on Wheels have lost a lot of volunteers in the last few months due to COVID regulations etc. so they are desperate for some new people on the roster. The local service covers all the way from Manly Vale up to Palm Beach, so a run takes around 60-90mins. 

You leave from and return to the warehouse in Bassett Street, Mona Vale.
You don’t need to sign on to permanent shifts, even once a month would help them out greatly.
All drivers need an unrestricted license, must be fully vaccinated and will require a volunteer police check.
If you are able to assist please call Milly on 9457 3900 or email 
NBeachesVolunteer@kmow.org.au and she can give you more info and send you through training paperwork.


Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC: A Sharks Tale The Book Celebrates 90 Years Of The Narrabeen Sharks  

As the story goes, the Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC had its humble beginnings on March 7, 1932 in Jack McLean’s barber shop.   And so the rest is history. 

Recount the incredible stories, the memories, the pictures, and the spirit of this legendary club in a limited edition hardcover book.  

Hop on to our website and order your copy today.  Delivery or pick up is coming after Easter: https://narrabeensharks.com.au/shop/

We’ll also be hosting a book launch at the commencement of the A-Grade season – stay tuned for details.


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Rig Recycle: Fishing Gear Items

Are you tired of seeing fishing gear and packaging waste end up in landfill? (or killing local seabirds and turtles?)
Rig Recycle is the first Australian initiative that collects recreational fishing and packaging items and diverts them from landfill through a repair, reuse and recycle framework.

In partnership with Recycle Mate, they've made it even easier to recycle your fishing gear waste! Simply search for your nearest Rig Recycle bin on their app. 

Don't have one at your local fishing store? Let them know and they will reach out to them themselves.♻️
Visit their website for more information. Visit: www.rigrecycle.org
More in this Issue's Aquatics Feature.


Vital Funding For Radio Northern Beaches Announced

Radio Northern Beaches, run by the Manly-Warringah Media Co-operative, has received a $9,038 grant under Round 1 of the Community Broadcasting Program (CBP) to help continue its great work and support its army of volunteers to do theirs.

Announced on June 21st 2023, the Program, which has been delivered for the Australian Government by the Community Broadcasting Foundation since 1984, received an additional $4 million per year in the 2022-23 Federal Budget – taking total annual funding for the program to over $20 million per year. From this funding, $9.57 million was set aside to be delivered under Round 1.

Community broadcasting services operate at the heart of local communities, with staff and volunteers working to deliver local news, tell local stories, and provide a platform for emerging Australian music and artists.
 
The announcement of successful grants follows a competitive application process, with recipients in every State and Territory.
 
The CBP supports diverse, innovative and resilient Australian community broadcasting, and the Albanese Government is committed to supporting the sustainability of the community broadcasting sector. A review is currently underway in consultation with the industry.

For more information on the successful grants, visit: cbf.org.au

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP stated, 

"The Albanese Government recognises the crucial role that the community broadcasting sector plays in connecting, informing and empowering local communities, particularly in our regions, and among multicultural and First Nations communities.
 
“The grants announced today will go a long way towards supporting the volunteers and staff who make the community broadcasting sector the vibrant success it is.
 
“I’m proud to be part of a Government that is committed to the sustainability of community broadcasting and look forward to seeing what the sector does with this important investment”.

Mobile Phone Base Station For Cottage Point: Update

MP for Mackellar Dr. Sophe Scamps met with Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland on June 16th to expedite the installation of the much-needed mobile phone base station for Cottage Point, which has been years in the making.

''On my request the Minister will be talking to the Optus and Telstra leadership to ensure the project happens as expeditiously as possible from here on in.

The Cottage Point community have waited far too long for reliable mobile phone coverage and internet access. It is a matter of basic safety.'' Dr. Scamps stated.



photo courtesy John Vaughan

Local Related E-Tenders

Specialist Residential Aged Care Facility Northern Sydney LHD
Tender Details
As part of the Pathways to Community Living Initiative (PCLI) Specialist Mental Health Residential Aged Care Partnership Services program, NSW Health seeks a tender from one supplier to supply 15 targeted beds within a Specialist Residential Aged Care Facility (Specialist RACF) in Northern Sydney Local Health District (Northern Sydney LHD).

The successful tenderer will provide specialist residential aged care services for people with severe and persistent mental illness and/or associated challenging behaviours, focusing on older people (over 65 years) and some younger people (under 65 years) with early ageing issues who have been long stay inpatients of NSW mental health facilities.

Details in RFT ID HAC_2310941. Closes 11-Jul-2023 10:00am

Use of Aquatic Centre at the Sydney Academy of Sport
Tender Details
The Office of Sport has a portfolio of Sport and Recreation Centres, including the Sydney Academy of Sport (SAS) which is located at Narrabeen on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

SAS has owned and operated an aquatic centre inclusive of a 25-meter pool for over 40 years. The aquatic centre services the SAS residential clients, community groups and commercial clients.

In order to select the most appropriate commercial operator going forward SAS is seeking expressions of interest from commercial operators interested in the facility use of the SAS aquatic centre.

Details in RFT ID OOS000245. Closes 11-Jul-2023 10:00am

Provision of Electrical Maintenance Service for Sydney Academy of Sport
Tender Details
The Sydney Academy of Sport have an ongoing need for electrical services to ensure fit for purpose facilities. Electrical services including but are not limited to preventative, routine, and reactive maintenance as well as minor corrective works in accordance with Australian standards.

Details in RFT ID OOS000242. Closes 11-Jul-2023 10:00am

Uptown Grant Program Fosters Brookvale-Freshwater: 2023 Grants Applications Close July 20

Brookvale and Freshwater are among 21 districts across Greater Sydney that were successful in receiving funding under the State Government’s Uptown Grant Program.

The Brookvale Arts District (BAD) will receive $198,450 to support the coordination and marketing for its BAD POSTER public art exhibition.

The exhibition will feature augmented reality street posters connecting artists, audiences, and communities to enhance Brookvale’s cultural credentials.

The DuskDown project in Freshwater, led by Freshwater based businesses, will receive $200,000 to stimulate the region’s night-time economy and re-engage the local community.

The funding will see a precinct strategy and brand developed, followed by a marketing campaign that celebrates businesses in the Freshwater area.

The Grants will allow the successful districts to hire dedicated resources to manage their combined initiatives, including events, marketing and operations.

The State Government said the funds presented an exciting opportunity for groups of businesses and creatives in the selected districts to co-ordinate their efforts and build further consumer engagement to realise their visions for vibrant local communities.

The grant program follows the successful completion of the State Government’s Uptown Accelerator late last year, in which more than two dozen district teams took part in capability and vision-building workshops.

Applications have just opened for this year’s Uptown Accelerator program. A business briefing is scheduled for 28 June, so if you would like to register or find out more, please email uptown@investment.nsw.gov.au

Applications for the Uptown Accelerator are open until 3:00pm AEST 20 July 2023.

To find out more please visit: 

Delivering Mental Health Benefits In Your Local Community?; Apply For A $10000 Grant From Aussie Post

Applications have opened for Australia Post’s 2023 Community Grants program, which funds community-led, local projects that connect individuals and communities to improve mental health and mental wellbeing.

From today, eligible not-for-profit groups across Australia can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects which have the primary purpose of improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities. Last year’s program saw half of all grants, totalling over $200,000, awarded to organisations located across regional and remote Australia.

Australia Post Executive General Manager, Community, Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, Tanny Mangos, said the wide range of grant recipients from last year’s program demonstrates a genuine need to continue the support of community-led projects.

"Each year there is diversity across our Community Grant applicants and the valuable services they provide their community. From after-school programs that help teenagers navigate loss, to groups supporting people experiencing loneliness while living or caring for someone with dementia.

"The common thread running through all the projects Australia Post supports is a primary focus on improving mental health and wellbeing," Ms Mangos said.

In Victoria, one such organisation is Six Degrees, whose program, Helping Hands, is a community-based, peer-support program for young Muslim people.

The program connects 'Help Seekers' with 'Help Givers', who have basic knowledge in psychology, but it's the connection between community members that often offers the most benefit.

Helping Hands Management Lead, Hana Umer said it was important for them make sure people accessing the program knew that it was for them.

"That's why Helping Hands is so unique because we connect young Muslim people with experienced individuals who understand their background."

Funds from the 2022 Australia Post Community Grant enabled the Six Degrees team to create promotional materials for their community events, provide more resources to their 'Help Givers', and curate a welcoming space for people to attend sessions.

"As a society we’re making strides towards improving our collective mental health and wellbeing, but communities need bespoke, localised approaches if we want to make a real difference at a local level," Ms Mangos said.

"Our Post Offices are at the heart of Australian communities, so we’re deeply connected to the impact of locally-led initiatives. We’re incredibly proud of our Community Grants program and its role in supporting groups as they work to deliver positive mental health outcomes across Australia" Ms Mangos concluded.

Since 2013, 750 projects have been awarded a Community Grant from Australia Post, with 70 grants in 2022. The Community Grants program illustrates Australia Post's commitment to mental health, which includes a partnership with Beyond Blue that to date has delivered mental health resources to more than seven million letterboxes across Australia. Australia Post is also a founding member of Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, which supports mental health and wellbeing in the transport and logistics industries.

Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to review the Community Grant guidelines carefully to check eligibility requirements, with eligible community organisations able to apply until 11.59pm on 2 July 2023 at auspost.com.au/grants.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome in September 2023.

OneCrown Cemeteries To Be Amalgamated On 1 July Under New Name

June 23, 2023
OneCrown cemeteries is set to complete amalgamation of Rookwood General, Northern Metropolitan and Southern Metropolitan cemeteries by 1 July under the new name of Metropolitan Memorial Parks.

Within his first few weeks the new administrator Ken Morrison has been able to steer the three cemeteries through the complex amalgamation process. As part of this amalgamation OneCrown cemeteries will now be known as Metropolitan Memorial Parks.

This decision is part of a wider strategy to encourage the public use and enjoyment of the green space that can be found in our crown cemeteries.

Metropolitan Memorial Parks Administrator Ken Morrison said: 

“The NSW Government has provided us with a clear directive to amalgamate the three crown cemetery operators and we are getting on with the job.”

“This important step means we can now take the necessary steps to ensure the provision of available and affordable interments for all communities, and long-term sustainability of the crown land we manage.”

“Our new name reflects the important services we provide to the community – supporting people to grieve, celebrate life, and remember loved ones, as well as providing much-needed green space for the community.”

Nominations Open For New-Look 2023 Australian Sailing Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Australian Sailing Awards, with the annual state events set to recognise clubs and members in all States and Territories for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the sailing community over the past year.

The Australian Sailing Awards are the peak awards for the sport of sailing in Australia and will act as a national celebration of sailing and its significance at a local, state, and national level.

This year’s Awards will have a new look, with the Club of the Year Award being split into two separate categories relating to the size of the club. This will give smaller clubs the opportunity to be recognised for their work growing the sport in their local community. There will be a new award as well, with the Team of the Year Award recognising a crew of two or more sailors, from any category of sailing, who performed outstandingly in a sailing event(s) or other activity in the nomination period. The Team of the Year will replace the Offshore Sailor of the Year Award, with Offshore teams now in-line to be recognised as a part of the expanded criteria.

Nominations will first be judged for their relevant State Awards, with the winners set to be announced throughout August and September at in-person, state-based presentations.

The winning nominations from the State Awards will then be put forward as nominees to the judging panel of the National Australian Sailing Awards, with national winners to be announced at the Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions Dinner in Sydney on Friday 3 November. So, to be in the running for the National Awards you must submit a nomination for your State or Territory Awards as per the timings below.

Key dates for this year’s process include:
  • Nominations open: Friday 2 June – Monday 31 July
  • State Winners announced: August and September
  • National Finalists announced: Monday 2 October
  • National Winners announced: Friday 4 November
Nominees will be judged for their achievements over the nomination performance period, which is 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023 for both State and National Awards. 

Visit the Prepare your nomination page for all the information you will need to collate your nominations, including the criteria for each award category.

Click here to nominate for Club of the Year (Category A & Category B) and here to nominate for any of the individual/team awards.

Australian Sailing looks forward to honouring individuals, groups and clubs with all manner of involvement in the sailing community, from our hard-working volunteers, through to inspiring performances from Australian sailors on the international stage.

Click here to find out more about the process for this year’s Awards.

Nominations are now open and will close at 11:59pm AEST on Monday 31 July 2023.

Nominate now for the following categories:

Individual Award Categories:
Male Sailor of the Year
Female Sailor of the Year
Para Sailor of the Year
Youth Sailor of the Year
Team of the Year (previously Offshore Sailor of the Year)
Coach of the Year

Club Award Categories
Club of the Year (Category A)
Club of the Year (Category B)
Instructor of the Year
Official of the Year
Volunteer of the Year

Sport Award Categories:
Lifetime Achievement Award
SheSails Award
Sport Professional Award
Sport Promotion Award
Sustainability Award


Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club: July 2023 Speaker

Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club meets on 1st Tuesday of each month at Club Palm Beach at 10am, followed by a delicious lunch!

Our Guest Speaker for July is Food Historian Diana Noyce, author of A Pub with no Beer: Coffee Palaces in Australia - the rise and demise of coffee palaces associated with the temperance movement.

Join us for monthly outings including Central Station and Eternity Cafe, the Auburn Botanic Gardens, and celebrate Christmas in July!

Visitors welcome.  
Call President Margaret White on 0416 182 393 for any further information. 

War Memorials Around NSW To Receive Funding

Applications to Round 1 2023/24 of the Community War Memorials Fund are open.

The NSW Government established the Community War Memorials Fund to help conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW. Since the establishment of the program in 2008, grants have been provided for a wide range of projects including conservation assessments, honour roll repair, war memorial cleaning and conservation work, arborist advice for war memorial trees, security measures for memorials, repairs to war memorial halls and improvements to the accessibility of memorials.

Two application rounds are run each year. The rounds open on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

Grant applications are assessed by the State War Memorials Committee, which is comprised of senior representatives of the Returned and Services League of Australia NSW Branch (RSL NSW), NSW Public Works, Heritage NSW and the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs.  
“I am pleased to announce this funding, which will be used to fund important projects around the state. War memorials are a vital part of our community that reflect over 100 years of our veterans’ service and sacrifice.” Mr Harris said.

“Round 1 of the 2023/24 grant program is currently open, and closes on 25 July. I encourage all communities to visit and check the status of their local war memorials and apply for funding for restoration work that is needed.” Mr Harris said.

Council's Plan To Protect Our Great Green Canopy: Feedback Invited

Council is seeking community feedback on a plan to increase and preserve our tree canopy, ensuring it remains one of the largest tree canopies in Greater Sydney.

The Draft Northern Beaches Tree Canopy Plan proposes a range of measures including the protection of trees on public land, better monitoring of the tree canopy across the local government area, strengthening the local planning frameworks to support the retention, protection, replacement, and growth of private trees, and increasing community involvement in greening our communities.

“We have one of the largest tree canopies in Greater Sydney, but it faces range of pressures, challenges and threats,” Mayor Heins said.

“A healthy, protected tree canopy not only provides essential habitat for local wildlife, but it also improves the liveability of our communities and reduces the urban heat island effect.

“Council is committed to protecting and increasing our tree canopy on both on public and private land. We know many of our residents are as equally passionate about ensuring our green spaces are preserved, and we encourage everyone to have their say on our new plan.”

The plan includes a number of actions to be implemented, including:
  • continuing to plant 5,000 trees per year
  • conduct an audit of trees in priority areas
  • measure tree canopy cover every four years.
  • implement an iconic tree register for public land.
  • raise awareness about tree planting programs.
  • improve tree diversity and health.
  • strengthen the Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plans to focus on retention and protection of tree canopy.
  • continue to investigate and act upon unauthorised activities that impact on the tree canopy, such as illegal vegetation clearing, unauthorised recreational trails and other environmental damage.
  • promote the importance of retention and protection of trees as part of the development application and tree removal process.
Under the plan, the following areas will be prioritised for increasing their tree canopy cover: Brookvale, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Manly, Manly Vale, Narraweena, Curl Curl Queenscliff, and Warriewood.

For more information about the draft plan or to have your say visit Your Say  at:

Feedback closes close Sunday 9th of July.


Draft Compliance And Enforcement Policy: Have You Say

Opens: Fri 2 June 2023
Closes: Sun 9 Jul 2023

Council receives enquiries from the community in relation to allegations of illegal use, unauthorised or non-compliant works, pollution concerns, or unsafe conditions. Each customer concern is managed in three (3) stages:
  1. preliminary assessment
  2. investigation
  3. enforcement (where necessary).
All enquiries are managed using a risk-based approach to determine their urgency. This assists in prioritising resources to address critical matters promptly.

Council's Compliance and Enforcement Policy outlines the approach to compliance and enforcement taken by Council and its delegated officers.

This policy is subject to review on a three-yearly basis and has recently been revised to strengthen Council's approach.

Key additions relate to:
  • council's approach to compliance under a risk-based framework
  • how council assign priority to enquiries
  • how investigations are undertaken
  • the role of private certifiers
  • assistance if there is dissatisfaction with a decision.
A table of definitions for commonly used terms has also been added to provide further clarity.

View the Draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy and share your comments in one of the following ways:
  • completing the submission form here or
  • emailing council at council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or
  • writing to us marked 'Draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy' to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.
All submissions in their entirety are made publicly available in the Community Engagement Report. Personal identifying information and inappropriate language are redacted.

Rental Reforms Pass NSW Parliament

June 22, 2023
Crucial reforms to ease the pressure on renters have passed the NSW Parliament. 
The passage of the Rental Fairness Bill means the Minns Labor Government has:
  • Closed existing loopholes and extended the ban on soliciting rental bids so it applies to third-party platforms and owners, not just real estate agents,
  • Empowered the NSW Rental Commissioner to gather pricing data from agents, allowing them to advocate for renters and provide quality advice to government, and;
  • The powers needed to get on with designing and implementing a portable bond scheme that will deliver significant financial relief to renters.
After 12 years without a voice, the Government states it has heard renters and is acting to boost their rights and deliver relief.

When designed and in place, a portable bonds scheme will deliver critical financial relief to renters by making sure they don’t have to pay twice.

Closing loopholes and providing the NSW Rental Commissioner with the powers needed to find solutions across government will pave the way for further action.

Aside from rental reforms, the Government states it is taking steps to increase housing supply across the state and ease pressure on the rental market, including creating a pathway for faster planning decisions and incentives for developers to include affordable housing in their plans.

On Thursday June 15th 2023 the NSW Labor Government announced Housing developments with a capital investment value over $75 million, which allocate a minimum of 15% of the total gross floor area to affordable housing, will gain access to the State Significant Development (SSD) planning approval pathway. Further, these developments will also gain access to a 30% floor space ratio boost, and a height bonus of 30% above local environment plans.

The NSW Government states it has also begun an audit into surplus public land that could be rezoned for housing, it has included housing supply in the Sydney Metro review and the Government will establish a Building Commission to make sure NSW is building good quality, affordable homes. 

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong stated,

“Our focus is on getting the balance right with responsible reforms that deliver better rights for renters and changes to get new homes built to drive down rents.

“In the existing system, a renter paying $550 per week faces a bond cost of $2,200 if they want to move.

“A portable bonds scheme will end the system that sees the average renter forced to spend the equivalent of 11 weeks’ groceries to move from home A to home B.

“Today’s reforms are the first step, not the last. We’re already working on the next tranche of changes to deliver relief, including making it easier to have pets in rentals and ending no-grounds evictions.”

Bowel Cancer Screening Push

The Government is investing $10.8 million to encourage eligible Australians to complete their potentially lifesaving bowel cancer screening as new data reveals screening rates dropped in 2020–2021 and natural disasters impacted screening rates.   

Australia’s national bowel screening rate dropped to 40.9 per cent during 2020–2021. While more than 6 million Australians were sent a test, only around 2.5 million returned their samples for screening. That’s around 179,000 fewer people returning their tests in 2020–2021.  

The Government is partnering with Cancer Council Australia to roll out a national bowel screening campaign to remind Australians to ‘Get2It’, as research shows most people intend to do the test, but life gets in the way.   

The campaign begins as preliminary data from Cancer Council Victoria’s Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer (CBRC) shows the impact recent major natural disasters had on participation rates in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.  

The bushfires which devastated Australia in 2019–20 drove down participation rates by 27 per cent during that period in affected areas, while widespread flooding across the country led to a 23 per cent drop in participation rates.  

Get2It will run from now until November this year. Preliminary results show that around 37,000 reminders to screen were sent to people during the 2022 campaign, and an additional 89,500 people completed their screening test during the campaign period. 

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, yet 90 per cent of cases could be successfully treated if detected early.   

Increasing the screening rate to 60 per cent could save 84,000 Australian lives by 2040.   

It is important when the kit arrives in the mail Australians complete and return it promptly. Health care providers can also now bulk order National Bowel Cancer Screening Program kits and issue them to eligible patients.   

For more information on bowel cancer or the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program campaign, go to www.bowelcancer.org.au.    

The campaign will air on tv, radio, digital and social media, along with partnerships with media and sporting organisations including the NRL to promote bowel cancer screening to a range of audiences. The campaign will be available in Arabic, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Consultation On Australia's First National Health And Climate Strategy Now Open

The Australian Government is developing Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy, to ensure the nation’s health system can meet the needs of Australians in the face of a changing climate.

The Strategy will establish a three-year plan of action to better prepare for the health challenges presented by climate change, including more frequent and severe weather events, extreme temperatures, and poor air quality.
 
The Strategy will identify priority areas for action to reduce carbon emissions in the health and aged care sectors, as well as managing the impacts of climate change to ensure all Australians continue to access good quality health and aged care.
 
In developing the strategy the government is seeking community views on the key questions being considered as part of the strategy. Following expert roundtables convened around the country by the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Ged Kearney MP, a discussion paper has been developed and is available here, where you can also provide feedback:
 
Feedback will be collected through an online survey, written submissions, and targeted consultations with stakeholder groups.
 
The Paper is available for feedback until 24 July 2023.
 
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP stated,  
“It’s been a privilege to hear from experts across the country on how best to address the health impacts of climate change – and now is your chance to have your say.
 
“The World Health Organisation has described climate change as the greatest threat to public health in the 21st century.
 
“We’re listening to the experts and advocacy groups, and importantly the voices of First Nations communities as we develop the National Health and Climate Strategy.
 
“Climate change poses a range of threats to our health and wellbeing, from more frequent extreme weather events to changes in disease profiles as well as food and water insecurity.
 
“I urge everyone concerned about how climate change will affect our health to read the National Health and Climate Strategy consultation paper and provide feedback.”
 
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Senator Jenny McAllister said,
“After a decade of inaction and dysfunction, the Albanese Government is committed to acting on climate change and adaptation.
 
“The impacts of climate change are already being experienced by communities across the country, including more very hot days, more intense rain fall, and warmer average temperatures.
 
“We need to understand and prepare for the changes to come. That’s why the Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, National Adaptation Plan and the National Health and Climate Strategy.”

Report Hate Crimes

NSW Police Force: 
If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 

You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. 

If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station. 

Letters To The Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but considering the magazines inability to word limit itself - that remains optional.
Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.
Letters should not contain attachments - these will be requested if required to illustrate content/subject.
Letters should be exclusive to Pittwater Online News.

The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons, among other considerations. 

Edible Exhibition: 100 Cakes For 100 Years Of Manly CWA - Get Involved!

Would you like to help Manly CWA celebrate their centenary? We invite everyone to be involved in our Edible Exhibition.

On Saturday 26th August we are holding our Edible Exhibition at St Matthew’s Manly. It will be a celebration of Manly Branch of the Country Women’s Association throughout the last 100 years with an exhibition and sale of 100 different tea cosies and 100 aprons. The focus will be the 100 cakes – each representing a different year and an event in the history of our area, state or the world.

The Edible Exhibition is a celebration of 100 years of community support by Manly Branch of the Country Women's Association. You are invited to nominate yourself to create a cake. Once you are registered you will then be given a year and information of things that might be represented for that year. Think: 2000 - Sydney Olympics - make 5 ring cakes and decorate to look like the Olympic rings; 1966 - Decimal currency - create a cake that is a coin or a note from the new currency.

You are welcome to knit, crochet, or sew a tea cosy or make an apron to donate to our exhibition. Contact manlycwa@gmail.com if you have any questions.

For the centenary of cakes, you are requested to register online to participate and in early July you will be given a year to create in a baked form.  

To assist in your creative decisions a list of things that happened in the year you are given. Cake will be delivered on the morning of 26th August and displayed along with the aprons and tea cosies which will be available for sale to raise funds to assist women and families throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. 



Become A Volunteer Radio Operator: MRNSW

Are you looking for a new challenge? With the busy summer boating season coming up Marine Rescue NSW units up and down the coast want to hear from you! And if you live in Sydney, our State Communications Centre in Belrose is especially keen to hear from you, just drop a line to: base.sydney@marinerescuensw.com.au 

Prior radio and boating experience is not required, and as a Radio Operator you'll play a vital role in helping to keep our waterways safer. If you want to take the plunge and join a dedicated volunteer team helping to save lives on our waterways, then go here for more information: 
www.marinerescuensw.com.au/become-a-volunteer/ or contact your local Marine Rescue NSW unit directly.


JP Public Register

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

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

The Auxiliary is looking for new members to help with our fund raising efforts.  New ideas and assistance with our stalls are very welcome.  Contact 0407 216 253 for more information.

The Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members host a stall at Pittwater Place on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 3pm selling knitting for babies and children, beanies, bedsocks and scarves for oldies, sewing items, craft and jams, raising funds for the rehabilitation and palliative care units.

June 18-24  2023: Issue 588

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 588

Protect Pittwater Demerger Campaign Reinvigorated By New Committee

Watching Whales Within Safe Limits: Please Give Them A Safe Passage By Sticking To The Rules For Boats, Drones, Swimming

Aquatics: June 2023 Report: Investigation Into The NSW Shark Meshing Program Finds Fairy Penguin Killed Not Recorded - Pregnant Shark Killed Not Recorded

Pictures: Turimetta Moods by Joe Mills: June 2023

Avalon Beach Historical Society's June 2023 Meeting: Avalon Golf Links - September Meeting will Celebrate 40 years of ABHS

2023 Environmental Art & Design Finalists Announced

TAFE NSW Graduate - Local Female Tradie Awarded Apprentice Of The Year + Student Of The Year

New NSW Planning Rules Mean Council Powers Are Further Diminished: New Labor Government Signalling A Backflip On Lizard Rock Proposal

Means-Tested Changes To Active Kids-Creative Kids Vouchers 

Team Waterhouse-Darmanin Step Back From 2024 Paris Olympic Campaign - RPAYC's Colley-Connor To Continue

Park Bench Philosophers Grit & Gold: Tales From A Sporting Nation Kicks Off At The National Library Of Australia​ - If you're heading south this coming Winter School Holidays or in Spring for Floriade, you may want to add a visit the National Library of Australia for this exclusive exhibition while you are there. After all, there is more than politicians in Canberra

Environment Watching Whales Within Safe Limits: Please Give Them A Safe Passage By Sticking To The Rules, Liquid Amber Seed Pod/Fruits On Roads + Verges At Present: Please Clear These To Prevent Bird Road Deaths, Areas Closed For West Head Lookout Upgrades, Avalon Dunes Bushcare: July 2023, Time Of Burrugin, Winter Solstice In New South Wales: June 22 2023, Protect Mona Vale's Bongin Bongin Bay - Establish An Aquatic Reserve, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew: June 25 Winnererremy Bay, Mona Vale, PNHA Guided Nature Walks 2023, Chemical CleanOut: June 24-25 2023, Permaculture NB: June To July 2023 Events, Bushcare In Pittwater, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Community Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Report Fox Sightings, New Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Rare Bitterns Boom In Barmah-Millewa Forest, Community Ideas To Deliver The Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Many urban waterways were once waste dumps; Restoration efforts have made great strides – but there’s more to do to bring nature back, Can next week’s special meeting in Chile break the deadlock over East Antarctica’s marine park proposal?, Antarctic tipping points: the irreversible changes to come if we fail to keep warming below 2℃, The case for compost: why recycling food waste is so much better than sending it to landfill, Imagine the outcry if factories killed as many people as wood heaters, Help, bees have colonised the walls of my house! Why are they there and what should I do?, Bad break-up in warm waters: why marine sponges suffer with rising temperatures, Many First Nations communities swelter without power. Why isn’t there solar on every rooftop?, Regional Australian Cities: Not A Simple Housing Solution For Metropolitan Growth Pressures, Oceans absorb 30% of our emissions, driven by a huge carbon pump; Tiny marine animals are key to working out its climate impacts, Are tree-changers bad at managing their rural properties? A new study wades into the weeds to find the answer, Meet the biggest and most bizarre skink ever found in Australia. It became extinct 47,000 years ago, Limiting global warming to 2℃ is not enough – why the world must keep temperature rise below 1℃, Bees and hoverflies are key to growing more fruit and veg in cities – new research, Hotter Sand From Microplastics Could Affect Sea Turtle Development, Pittwater Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks

Inbox News Hornsby Renal Dialysis Service Means Kidney Patients Receive Care Closer To Home, 80 New Purpose Built 4WD Ambulances Will Reach Patients In Challenging Terrain, Need a mental health day but worried about admitting it? You’re not alone, Older Trees Accumulate More Mutations Than Their Younger Counterparts, Remains Of An Extinct World Of Organisms Discovered, First Side-Necked Turtle Ever Discovered In UK, ‘Help, my kids keep getting head lice!’ Here’s how to break the cycle of nits, What is a ‘toroidal propeller’ and could it change the future of drones? An expert explains, Do you need to wash rice before cooking? Here’s the science, Bones, the ‘Cave of the Monkeys’ and 86,000 years of history: new evidence pushes back the timing of human arrival in Southeast Asia, Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club: July 2023 Speaker, Reports Of Elder Abuse By Their Own Adult Children Increase In NSW, The Old Gold Coast, Strengthening Super Advice Important For Older Australians, Should The Pension Age Be Changed To 70?, Lack Of Investment And Innovative Thinking Creates A ‘Sickcare’ System: AMA, Appointment Of New Secretary Of The Department Of Health and Aged Care, We need more than a 15% pay rise to beat the 3 stigmas turning people off aged care jobs, Sore joints now it’s getting cold? It’s tempting to be less active – but doing more could help you feel better, Why does my back get so sore when I’m sick? The connection between immunity and pain, TAFE NSW Graduate - Local Female Tradie Awarded Apprentice Of The Year + Student Of The Year, NSW Health Mental Health Youth Advisory Group: Members Wanted - Paid Opportunity, Young Hands; dramatised story which illustrates the activities of Junior Farmers Clubs in Australia in 1954, Word Of The Week: Illuminate, How cricket helped Windrush arrivals build a sense of ‘home’ in Britain, Cranogwen: statue unveiled for pioneering Welsh sailor, poet and gender equality campaigner, How we collaborated in creating The First Inventors to celebrate extraordinary Indigenous peoples’ knowledges and technologies, Twitter is refusing to pay Google for cloud services. Here’s why it matters, and what the fallout could be for users, For the first time astronomers have found life-supporting molecules called phosphates on Enceladus, Why more than two-thirds of Australians think no news is good news (at least some of the time), Rooting for the anti-hero: how fans turned Taylor Swift’s short relationship with Matty Healy into a political statement, How Jurassic Park changed film-making and our view of dinosaurs, ‘When my thoughts would stray over the sea’: reading the 19th century diaries of girls migrating to Australia, The STAEDTLER Secondary School Artists Of The Year Competition Is Back!, Applications Open For 150 Apprentice Scholarships, Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards 2023: Optional Theme This Year 'The Winding Road'

Two Catherines - A Twisted Scotland Island Tale: Runs This June

Profile of the Week Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning: Centenary Celebration 1924 To 2024

Please Join Us In Celebrating 100 Years  Of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024  What are your memories of Creative Leisure?

Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.

By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027

Reflecting the changing interests of the community has always been the focus of this local community group, which will have been operating for 100 years in 2024. 

Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc currently provides a range of leisure and learning activities which includes History Walks, Social Cards and Games Days and a Sunday Activity Programme for adults with special needs. 

Find out what's available and when for volunteers and participants this week.


When it starts to get colder we all run for those 'suntrap places' where a spot sheltered from the wind, with an outlook to watch for whales, and enjoy Winter sunshine may be enjoyed.

This week - an oldie but a goodie for those who have written in and asked for 'Bilgola's turn!'.

Bilgola is stated by some to be named after an Aboriginal word meaning “swirling waters” and seems to have been a popular fishing spot for our original custodians prior to the arrival of settlers.  First mapped by Government Surveyor James Meehan, the word ‘Belgoula’ was noted in his records of 1814. This ‘swirling waters’ name seems very appropriate when you cast your eyes over the long list of people who have drowned in the undertows and rips off this beach prior to the formation of a Surf Club in 1949. 

Although the western bends protect the plants the northern face is exposed to southerlies and has borne the brunt of many summer storms. During the weekend of 8th - 9th of June 1974 gale force winds devastated a house along the Serpentine and the beach itself as well as other structures from Patonga to Manly. 

The beach itself, after being named 'Belgoula' was then named 'Dalley's beach' after William Bede Dalley (1831 – 1888) one time Attorney General and Acting Premier of New South Wales who had a beach house in the 1870’s named Bilgola House. 

As a holiday destination is has gone from being a tucked away idyll to a still tucked away with people who live here for its beauty quite prepared to stand up and be counted when it was needed, although, like just further north Avalon Beach, it was the 1920s before the bulk of the land beside the beach was turned into smaller residential lots. Visit: Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Bilgola

When interviewing Tom Gilbert for his Profile he spoke of remembering as a child when the Bilgola valley was used as a bit of a dumping ground for building refuse, spoiling what had been a pristine landscape and even the natural lay of the land itself. 

Tom's sentiment was echoed by adults in other schemes prior to his time and more recent protests when residents attempted to save the historic Bilgola House and its famed and beautiful gardens.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 1, 2023

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Contents May 1st 2023 Issue: Did Scotland Island Used To Be More Fun?, Island Feast for Freedom 2023, Two Catherines: A Twisted Scotland Island Tale, Island Playgroup, The Tuesday Discussion Group, Seafarers' Shindig, International Folk Dancing, Scotland Island Café, Scotland Island Fire Shed Dinner, Scotland Island Revive Retreat, Two Catherines: A Twisted Scotland Island Tale, Winter Market Day, For sale: Stacer 498 Bowrider 2007, Island home for rent, Local handyman for hire

Winter School Holidays Issues Of Pittwater Online

Please be advised that Issue 589 will run Sunday June 25th and that Issue 590 will run Sunday July 16th.

News, reports, events and Notices will be added into Issue 589 during the interim and posted on the Pittwater Online social platforms, however, if you have a Notice you want in the Issue Notice that will go out to all subscribers lists on Sunday June 25th it needs to be in by 5pm June 24th.

We hope those with schoolchildren enjoy their Winter break and have a chance to exhale and relax.
Please travel safely if leaving Pittwater.

Nominations Open For New-Look 2023 Australian Sailing Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Australian Sailing Awards, with the annual state events set to recognise clubs and members in all States and Territories for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the sailing community over the past year.

The Australian Sailing Awards are the peak awards for the sport of sailing in Australia and will act as a national celebration of sailing and its significance at a local, state, and national level.

This year’s Awards will have a new look, with the Club of the Year Award being split into two separate categories relating to the size of the club. This will give smaller clubs the opportunity to be recognised for their work growing the sport in their local community. There will be a new award as well, with the Team of the Year Award recognising a crew of two or more sailors, from any category of sailing, who performed outstandingly in a sailing event(s) or other activity in the nomination period. The Team of the Year will replace the Offshore Sailor of the Year Award, with Offshore teams now in-line to be recognised as a part of the expanded criteria.

Nominations will first be judged for their relevant State Awards, with the winners set to be announced throughout August and September at in-person, state-based presentations.

The winning nominations from the State Awards will then be put forward as nominees to the judging panel of the National Australian Sailing Awards, with national winners to be announced at the Australian Sailing Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions Dinner in Sydney on Friday 3 November. So, to be in the running for the National Awards you must submit a nomination for your State or Territory Awards as per the timings below.

Key dates for this year’s process include:
  • Nominations open: Friday 2 June – Monday 31 July
  • State Winners announced: August and September
  • National Finalists announced: Monday 2 October
  • National Winners announced: Friday 4 November
Nominees will be judged for their achievements over the nomination performance period, which is 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023 for both State and National Awards. 

Visit the Prepare your nomination page for all the information you will need to collate your nominations, including the criteria for each award category.

Click here to nominate for Club of the Year (Category A & Category B) and here to nominate for any of the individual/team awards.

Australian Sailing looks forward to honouring individuals, groups and clubs with all manner of involvement in the sailing community, from our hard-working volunteers, through to inspiring performances from Australian sailors on the international stage.

Click here to find out more about the process for this year’s Awards.

Nominations are now open and will close at 11:59pm AEST on Monday 31 July 2023.

Nominate now for the following categories:

Individual Award Categories:
Male Sailor of the Year
Female Sailor of the Year
Para Sailor of the Year
Youth Sailor of the Year
Team of the Year (previously Offshore Sailor of the Year)
Coach of the Year

Club Award Categories
Club of the Year (Category A)
Club of the Year (Category B)
Instructor of the Year
Official of the Year
Volunteer of the Year

Sport Award Categories:
Lifetime Achievement Award
SheSails Award
Sport Professional Award
Sport Promotion Award
Sustainability Award


Newport Residents Association: June Meeting

Our next meeting is this coming Tuesday 20th June 2023 at 7.00 pm
Activity Room 1, Newport Community Centre,
The Boulevard, Newport NSW

Come & hear about Character Statements for the new LEP and an update on Conservation Zones

Also for discussion possible new rate increases
West Pittwater Tree Shade Proposal
and
Newport Citizenship Ceremony

Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade: Open Day: Sunday June 18 2023 - Female Volunteers Wanted For This RFS

Have you’ve ever considered volunteering and wondered what’s it’s like being a female bushfire fighter? If so come to our open day at Tumble station and hear what it’s like from the ladies of Tumble and the Northern Beaches district. 


Mona Vale Dunes Bushcare Dates 2023



Public Amenities Upgrade: Rowland Reserve Bayview, Feedback Invited

Opens: Fri 19 May 2023
Closes: Sun 18 June 2023

Built in the early 1990s, the amenities block does not meet current accessibility standards. The facilities need to be upgraded, with the works identified in Council's renewal program for 2023.

Council have received grant funding under the NSW Government’s Places to Swim program, which supports the creation of places for the community to enjoy Sydney’s rivers, lakes and harbour.

These funds will be used to upgrade the amenities block to better support Sailability and community members with a requirement for enhanced facilities. Features include a new disability changing room and a family changing room, which will benefit all members of the community, including local residents and visitors, while they enjoy swimming and other recreation activities in the area.

View the plans and provide feedback at:


Concept image: NBC

McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale And Bayview: Floodplain Risk Management Study And Plan

Following the completion of the McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Flood Study project in 2017, Council recently commissioned engineering consultants BMT to complete a comprehensive Floodplain Risk Management Study for the McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview catchments.

This study will consider a range of flood management measures, such as structural options (levees, detention basins etc.), emergency management improvements, community awareness activities and land use planning. The options will be assessed to understand the potential impacts and benefits, with a final suite of recommended options presented in the McCarrs Creek, Mona Vale and Bayview Floodplain Risk Management Plan.

Council advises a Public Exhibition of that Draft Flood Risk Management Study  is expected in 2024.

Proposal For Offleash Dogs On Pittwater Beaches Update

The Council updated it's 'have your say' dogs on beaches webpage on Friday June 16th 2023, advising that it expects to be able to advise within the next 2 weeks when its reports on the Community Engagement Report (CER) from the engagement period 11 August 2022 to 11 September 2022 and an updated draft REF, which it states considers community feedback, will be presented to Council.

The webpage states that the Council received a total of 879 submissions on the proposal to allow offleash dogs on south Mona Vale beach and north Palm Beach.

Council Welcomes More Funding For Cycle And Walking Paths

The Council will receive $3.9 million for a pedestrian and cyclist bridge along Pittwater Road over Manly Creek and $1.7 million for the construction of a footpath through a section of the 'Mona Vale Strategic Centre'.

The Council states the paths will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly along busy Pittwater Road.

The funding was provided through Transport NSW’s Get NSW Active program which will provide $39.5 million to 50 councils to deliver projects that will encourage walking and bike riding.

Work is scheduled to begin in the 2023/2024 financial year.

80 New Purpose Built 4WD Ambulances Will Reach Patients In Challenging Terrain

June 13 2023
The NSW Government has rolled out 80 new four-wheel drive ambulances across the state, which will allow paramedics to access patients in challenging terrain, the NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park announced today.

These purpose built 4WD ambulance vehicles are used to access patients in situations where standard ambulances would not be able to, particularly in regional and remote areas.

The new vehicles give paramedics greater ability to reach patients in the bush, on sand, through water, mud, and snow.

This enables paramedics to provide lifesaving treatment and stabilisation, while organising a suitable method of moving the patient.

The new Toyota Landcruiser 200 series was modified to a 3-seater to allow for the inclusion of a stretcher and medical equipment.

The 4WDs will not be used in place of standard patient transport ambulances, but will complement the standard stretchered ambulance fleet.

In some cases, the vehicles will also be used to retrieve the patient and deliver them to standard stretchered ambulance for further transport.

If paramedics identify that a location cannot be reached due to road conditions or difficult terrain, they can advise the Control Centre and a specialist resource such as these 4WDs can be deployed from nearby ambulance stations.

"I want our paramedics and first responders to have the most modern and up to date equipment, to help them deliver the highest quality care," said Health Minister Ryan Park.

"This announcement means that our paramedics will be better placed to reach patients in the most challenging and harshest of environments."

"These special purpose built ambulances will enhance health care in our regional and rural communities."

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan welcomed the new additions to the fleet.

"The new Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series vehicles replace an aging fleet of Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carriers, which were sturdy work horses but no longer fit for purpose."

"These new vehicles will make it easier and safer for our paramedics to continue carrying out difficult rescue missions while delivering the best possible pre-hospital care."


Acts Of Kindness Community Outreach: Winter Blanket And Coat Drive 2023

Can you help our homeless friends? It’s getting cold on the streets for our Homeless street friends and we need YOUR help. Do you have any Blankets, Sleeping bags, doonas or Coats you don’t use? We accept New or Clean Good Condition second hand items 

Drop off points at Warriewood, Inner West and Mount Annan. Please get in touch for details, at: https://aokcommunityoutreach.com/


Team Island Boot Camp Take On Push-Up Challenge

In June Team Island Boot Camp (Scotland Islanders) is taking part in The Push-Up Challenge. 

They are going to help shine the spotlight on the number of lives lost to suicide in 2021 and raise awareness of mental health. 

Funds raised by Team Island Boot Camp will go to Movember and their push for better mental health.

Feel free to join them or support a team member who is taking part. 

Help them push for better mental health.

In Tune With Tony B

In Tune is a radio programme about our local community, culture and home-grown music, hosted by TonyB. Each week, Tony plays great local music and he chats with guests from local community causes and charities, about how they make a difference.

In this week's programme, we hear from Amanda Barnes about RYPEN (Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment), a Rotary programme enabling teenagers to develop life skills and motivation to help them cope with the challenges of a very competitive future. 

You can stream this and all previous programmes on demand here: InTuneWithTonyB on Demand.

Stay tuned for more great programmes on InTune. 
 
Radio Northern Beaches
Fridays at 6pm
FM 88.7 or 90.3
Or live stream at https://www.rnb.org.au
Previous programmes, on demand at https://www.mixcloud.com/InTuneWithTonyB
If you would like to chat with Tony on air about your community cause or your music, please feel free to message the Facebook page  In Tune - Radio Programme | Facebook and feel free to like and share the page.

Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Mia 

19 weeks Kelpie X Rotty


Mia is an active sweet girl. She is affectionate and smart. Mia is very social with other dogs and is friendly with everyone.  She does jump up and give you kisses.  She came from the pound at 17 weeks weighing 14.1kg. We expect her to grow to kelpie size. Mia is looking for an active family who will include her in lots of activities and take her to dog training to enable her to achieve her full potential. She would be suited to live with another active dog. She is looking for a garden to run in and a family where someone is home a lot. All our dogs come with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. Her adoption fee is $450. 

Queen Bee 

12mths Tabby Domestic Short Hair


Queen Bee is a sweet affectionate girl. She loves cuddles and loves to run and roll over and get belly rubs. She does not mind other cats. She has a short coat and weighs 2.9kg. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 


To find out more call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email  Monika@DoggieRescue.com.  RON R251000024

Winter Market Day: Scotland Island - Catherine Park Call Out For Makers

Sunday 25 June, 10 - 1 pm: Calling all makers, artists and entrepreneurs! 
 
Do you have something you’d like to sell at a market stall at the June island café? It could be artwork, pottery, clothes, candles, books or... well, pretty much anything. 
 
Tables are $20. To book, please email floydcbg@ozemail.com.au. 


Weekend Parking On Pittwater Road Collaroy: Feedback Sought

Comments close 23 Jul 2023

The council  want to hear from the community if people selling private vehicles on weekends on the bends at Long Reef is causing concerns.

It was resolved at the 28 March 2023 Council meeting to engage with the community to understand any concerns and possible solutions regarding the sale of private cars along Pittwater Road between Anzac Avenue and Hadleigh Avenue, Collaroy.

Saturday 1 July 2023 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Come and chat to Council staff
They will be in Griffith Park near the playground.
Staff will be available to answer questions.

Lock Up Your Cars: Thieves About

Please Join Us In Celebrating 100 Years  Of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?
Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.

By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027


Edible Exhibition: 100 Cakes For 100 Years Of Manly CWA - Get Involved!

Would you like to help Manly CWA celebrate their centenary? We invite everyone to be involved in our Edible Exhibition.

On Saturday 26th August we are holding our Edible Exhibition at St Matthew’s Manly. It will be a celebration of Manly Branch of the Country Women’s Association throughout the last 100 years with an exhibition and sale of 100 different tea cosies and 100 aprons. The focus will be the 100 cakes – each representing a different year and an event in the history of our area, state or the world.

The Edible Exhibition is a celebration of 100 years of community support by Manly Branch of the Country Women's Association. You are invited to nominate yourself to create a cake. Once you are registered you will then be given a year and information of things that might be represented for that year. Think: 2000 - Sydney Olympics - make 5 ring cakes and decorate to look like the Olympic rings; 1966 - Decimal currency - create a cake that is a coin or a note from the new currency.

You are welcome to knit, crochet, or sew a tea cosy or make an apron to donate to our exhibition. Contact manlycwa@gmail.com if you have any questions.

For the centenary of cakes, you are requested to register online to participate and in early July you will be given a year to create in a baked form.  

To assist in your creative decisions a list of things that happened in the year you are given. Cake will be delivered on the morning of 26th August and displayed along with the aprons and tea cosies which will be available for sale to raise funds to assist women and families throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. 



Volunteers Needed: Meals On Wheels

Meals on Wheels have lost a lot of volunteers in the last few months due to COVID regulations etc. so they are desperate for some new people on the roster. The local service covers all the way from Manly Vale up to Palm Beach, so a run takes around 60-90mins. 

You leave from and return to the warehouse in Bassett Street, Mona Vale.
You don’t need to sign on to permanent shifts, even once a month would help them out greatly.
All drivers need an unrestricted license, must be fully vaccinated and will require a volunteer police check.
If you are able to assist please call Milly on 9457 3900 or email 
NBeachesVolunteer@kmow.org.au and she can give you more info and send you through training paperwork.


Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC: A Sharks Tale The Book Celebrates 90 Years Of The Narrabeen Sharks  

As the story goes, the Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC had its humble beginnings on March 7, 1932 in Jack McLean’s barber shop.   And so the rest is history. 

Recount the incredible stories, the memories, the pictures, and the spirit of this legendary club in a limited edition hardcover book.  

Hop on to our website and order your copy today.  Delivery or pick up is coming after Easter: https://narrabeensharks.com.au/shop/

We’ll also be hosting a book launch at the commencement of the A-Grade season – stay tuned for details.


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Rig Recycle: Fishing Gear Items

Are you tired of seeing fishing gear and packaging waste end up in landfill? (or killing local seabirds and turtles?)
Rig Recycle is the first Australian initiative that collects recreational fishing and packaging items and diverts them from landfill through a repair, reuse and recycle framework.

In partnership with Recycle Mate, they've made it even easier to recycle your fishing gear waste! Simply search for your nearest Rig Recycle bin on their app. 

Don't have one at your local fishing store? Let them know and they will reach out to them themselves.♻️
Visit their website for more information. Visit: www.rigrecycle.org
More in this Issue's Aquatics Feature.


Mona Vale Residents Association

Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area.



Volunteers Needed: Red Cross Avalon Shop

Please talk to the people in the shop or telelphone if you can help out each week, for around 4 hours.
Address: Shop 4 & 5 / 48 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon 2107 NSW; Phone: 02 9918 0952

Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby weighed less than a kilogram when she was orphaned on the roadside after her mother was hit and killed by a vehicle. Fortunately, Phoebe was uninjured, taken to a local vet and raised and then released by Sydney Wildlife volunteer Jane.

While Phoebe was fortunate, other native birds and animals are not so lucky. So, if you’re returning home after your summer holiday (or just out and about on Australia Day), please slow down - particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas identified with wildlife crossing signs, for your safety and the welfare of our wildlife.

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



 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane
Notice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue

Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club: July 2023 Speaker

Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club meets on 1st Tuesday of each month at Club Palm Beach at 10am, followed by a delicious lunch!

Our Guest Speaker for July is Food Historian Diana Noyce, author of A Pub with no Beer: Coffee Palaces in Australia - the rise and demise of coffee palaces associated with the temperance movement.

Join us for monthly outings including Central Station and Eternity Cafe, the Auburn Botanic Gardens, and celebrate Christmas in July!

Visitors welcome.  
Call President Margaret White on 0416 182 393 for any further information. 

Council's Plan To Protect Our Great Green Canopy; Feedback Invited

Council is seeking community feedback on a plan to increase and preserve our tree canopy, ensuring it remains one of the largest tree canopies in Greater Sydney.

The Draft Northern Beaches Tree Canopy Plan proposes a range of measures including the protection of trees on public land, better monitoring of the tree canopy across the local government area, strengthening the local planning frameworks to support the retention, protection, replacement, and growth of private trees, and increasing community involvement in greening our communities.

“We have one of the largest tree canopies in Greater Sydney, but it faces range of pressures, challenges and threats,” Mayor Heins said.

“A healthy, protected tree canopy not only provides essential habitat for local wildlife, but it also improves the liveability of our communities and reduces the urban heat island effect.

“Council is committed to protecting and increasing our tree canopy on both on public and private land. We know many of our residents are as equally passionate about ensuring our green spaces are preserved, and we encourage everyone to have their say on our new plan.”

The plan includes a number of actions to be implemented, including:
  • continuing to plant 5,000 trees per year
  • conduct an audit of trees in priority areas
  • measure tree canopy cover every four years.
  • implement an iconic tree register for public land.
  • raise awareness about tree planting programs.
  • improve tree diversity and health.
  • strengthen the Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plans to focus on retention and protection of tree canopy.
continue to investigate and act upon unauthorised activities that impact on the tree canopy, such as illegal vegetation clearing, unauthorised recreational trails and other environmental damage.
promote the importance of retention and protection of trees as part of the development application and tree removal process.

Under the plan, the following areas will be prioritised for increasing their tree canopy cover: Brookvale, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Manly, Manly Vale, Narraweena, Curl Curl Queenscliff, and Warriewood.

For more information about the draft plan or to have your say visit Your Say  at:

Feedback closes close Sunday 9th of July.


Draft Compliance And Enforcement Policy: Have You Say

Opens: Fri 2 June 2023
Closes: Sun 9 Jul 2023

Council receives enquiries from the community in relation to allegations of illegal use, unauthorised or non-compliant works, pollution concerns, or unsafe conditions. Each customer concern is managed in three (3) stages:
  1. preliminary assessment
  2. investigation
  3. enforcement (where necessary).
All enquiries are managed using a risk-based approach to determine their urgency. This assists in prioritising resources to address critical matters promptly.

Council's Compliance and Enforcement Policy outlines the approach to compliance and enforcement taken by Council and its delegated officers.

This policy is subject to review on a three-yearly basis and has recently been revised to strengthen Council's approach.

Key additions relate to:
  • council's approach to compliance under a risk-based framework
  • how council assign priority to enquiries
  • how investigations are undertaken
  • the role of private certifiers
  • assistance if there is dissatisfaction with a decision.
A table of definitions for commonly used terms has also been added to provide further clarity.

View the Draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy and share your comments in one of the following ways:
  • completing the submission form here or
  • emailing council at council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or
  • writing to us marked 'Draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy' to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.
All submissions in their entirety are made publicly available in the Community Engagement Report. Personal identifying information and inappropriate language are redacted.

Roadworks

Changed traffic conditions on Pittwater Road at Mona Vale

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on Pittwater Road at Mona Vale. 
These changes are necessary due to asphalting along Pittwater Road, between Rowan Street and Coronation Street, to create a smoother road surface. 

To reduce the impact to motorists, work will be carried out between 8pm and 5am from Tuesday 13 June to Friday 11 August, for up to five night shifts, weather and worksite conditions permitting. Work is expected to occur for more than two consecutive nights per week. However, work will not be carried out on Saturdays or public holidays.

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

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

Transport for NSW thanks the community for their patience during this time.

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



SCHEDULED ROADWORK Resurfacing: Warriewood to Mona Vale - Pittwater Road between Arnott Crescent and Mona Vale Road; Tue 13 Jun 2023 to Fri 30 Jun 2023 9:00pm to 5:00am.

Advice; Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage. Contraflow traffic conditions will be in place.
Changed traffic conditions on Pittwater Road and Darley Street at Mona Vale.



Changed traffic conditions on Darley street at Mona Vale
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week at the Pittwater Road and Darley Street intersection at Mona Vale.

These changes are necessary to upgrade cabling to the traffic signals at the intersection.
To reduce the impact to motorists, work will be carried out within the hours of 8pm and 5am, for up to three shifts between Wednesday 14 June and Friday 21 July, weather and worksite conditions permitting. Work will not be carried out on Saturdays or public holidays.

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

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers.
Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.

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



SCHEDULED ROADWORK Surveying Wakehurst Parkway: 

Frenchs Forest to North Narrabeen - Wakehurst Parkway between Frenchs Forest Road and Pittwater Road; Mon 19 Jun 2023 to Thu 22 Jun 2023, 9:00pm to 5:00am.

Advice: Traffic affected both directions. Check signage, Reduced speed limit (40km/h). Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.


Consultation On Australia's First National Health And Climate Strategy Now Open

The Australian Government is developing Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy, to ensure the nation’s health system can meet the needs of Australians in the face of a changing climate.

The Strategy will establish a three-year plan of action to better prepare for the health challenges presented by climate change, including more frequent and severe weather events, extreme temperatures, and poor air quality.
 
The Strategy will identify priority areas for action to reduce carbon emissions in the health and aged care sectors, as well as managing the impacts of climate change to ensure all Australians continue to access good quality health and aged care.
 
In developing the strategy the government is seeking community views on the key questions being considered as part of the strategy. Following expert roundtables convened around the country by the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Ged Kearney MP, a discussion paper has been developed and is available here, where you can also provide feedback:
 
Feedback will be collected through an online survey, written submissions, and targeted consultations with stakeholder groups.
 
The Paper is available for feedback until 24 July 2023.
 
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP stated,  
“It’s been a privilege to hear from experts across the country on how best to address the health impacts of climate change – and now is your chance to have your say.
 
“The World Health Organisation has described climate change as the greatest threat to public health in the 21st century.
 
“We’re listening to the experts and advocacy groups, and importantly the voices of First Nations communities as we develop the National Health and Climate Strategy.
 
“Climate change poses a range of threats to our health and wellbeing, from more frequent extreme weather events to changes in disease profiles as well as food and water insecurity.
 
“I urge everyone concerned about how climate change will affect our health to read the National Health and Climate Strategy consultation paper and provide feedback.”
 
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Senator Jenny McAllister said,
“After a decade of inaction and dysfunction, the Albanese Government is committed to acting on climate change and adaptation.
 
“The impacts of climate change are already being experienced by communities across the country, including more very hot days, more intense rain fall, and warmer average temperatures.
 
“We need to understand and prepare for the changes to come. That’s why the Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, National Adaptation Plan and the National Health and Climate Strategy.”

Report Hate Crimes

NSW Police Force: 
If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 

You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. 

If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station. 

Letters To The Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but considering the magazines inability to word limit itself - that remains optional.
Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.
Letters should not contain attachments - these will be requested if required to illustrate content/subject.
Letters should be exclusive to Pittwater Online News.

The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons, among other considerations. 

Become A Volunteer Radio Operator: MRNSW

Are you looking for a new challenge? With the busy summer boating season coming up Marine Rescue NSW units up and down the coast want to hear from you! And if you live in Sydney, our State Communications Centre in Belrose is especially keen to hear from you, just drop a line to: base.sydney@marinerescuensw.com.au 

Prior radio and boating experience is not required, and as a Radio Operator you'll play a vital role in helping to keep our waterways safer. If you want to take the plunge and join a dedicated volunteer team helping to save lives on our waterways, then go here for more information: 
www.marinerescuensw.com.au/become-a-volunteer/ or contact your local Marine Rescue NSW unit directly.


JP Public Register

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

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

The Auxiliary is looking for new members to help with our fund raising efforts.  New ideas and assistance with our stalls are very welcome.  Contact 0407 216 253 for more information.

The Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members host a stall at Pittwater Place on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 3pm selling knitting for babies and children, beanies, bedsocks and scarves for oldies, sewing items, craft and jams, raising funds for the rehabilitation and palliative care units.

June 11 - 17  2023: Issue 587

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 587

King's Birthday 2023 Honours List: 15 Awards Announced to recognise and honour local contributions

Protect Pittwater Associations' New President Simon Dunn, Son Of First Elected Pittwater Mayor, To Lead Charge To Restore Pittwater Council

How To Keep Your Family Fire Safe This Winter: No. 1 - Have A Working Fire Alarm

Oliver's Pies Wins 2 Gold 8 Silver Medals In 2023 Australia's Best Pie Competition

New CEO For Northern Beaches Council Announced

Council Recognises The 2023 Eco-Heroes

NSW Architecture Awards Shortlist 2023: Mona Vale Beach Amenities & Lifeguard Facility + Trilogy House, Pittwater Listed As Finalists - Winners Announced June 23rd

Aquatics: Palm Beach Sailing Club Commodore’s Report: 2022-23 Sailing Season

Pictures: Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club: 2022-2023 Annual Yachting Awards Presentation

Park Bench Philosophers State Government Announces The Return Of The Freshwater Class Ferries To Manly Route - Three Ferries Named 'Narrabeen' + One Named Barranjoey: Some Historic Manly Ferry Songs

DIY Ideas A Job For Life: Apprentice Carpenter + Commencement Tool List

Two Catherines - A Twisted Scotland Island Tale: Runs This June

Environment Liquid Amber Seed Pod/Fruits On Roads + Verges At Present: Please Clear These To Prevent Bird Road Deaths - Australian Wildlife Now Eating Fruits - Seeds Of Imported Species, Lizard Rock Proposal To Proceed To Gateway Determination, Areas Closed For West Head Lookout Upgrades, Avalon Dunes Bushcare: July 2023 + Photos From The Field Taken At June 2023 'War On Weeds', The Bureau Of Meteorology Issues An El Nino ALERT, NOAA Declares The Arrival Of El Niño, An El Niño looms over Australia’s stressed electricity system – and we must plan for the worst, Time Of Burrugin: Echidna seeking mates - Burringoa flowering - Shellfish forbidden, Winter Solstice In New South Wales: June 22 2023, New Koala Population Found In Coolah Tops Before First Statewide Count Gets Underway,  Protect Mona Vale's Bongin Bongin Bay - Establish An Aquatic Reserve, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew: June 25 Winnererremy Bay at Mona Vale, Freshwater Beach and Surrounds Clean Up done May 2023, PNHA Guided Nature Walks 2023, Chemical CleanOut: June 24-25 2023, Permaculture NB: June To July 2023 Events, Bushcare In Pittwater, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Report Fox Sightings, New Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Tackling The Risks To The Reef: Gillnet Fishing To End In QLD - Establishing A 'Net-Free' North, Restoring Barrier Reef Islands, Community Ideas To Deliver The Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Australia And New Zealand Make Statement At Inaugural Climate And Finance Dialogue, Macquarie Island Marine Park To Triple In Size, Seamless Stewardship Launched, Whitehaven’s New Maules Creek Expansion Must Not Proceed Community States, Regional QLD Council Wants Gasfield Approval Revoked, Greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high and Earth is warming faster than ever – report, Has time been called on the native forest logging deals of the 1990s? Here’s what the Albanese government can do, More than 60 billion leaf litter invertebrates died in the Black Summer fires. Here’s what that did to ecosystems, Warm is the new norm for the Great Barrier Reef – and a likely El Niño raises red flags, Building activity produces 18% of emissions and a shocking 40% of our landfill waste. We must move to a circular economy – here’s how, ‘Too small and carefree’: endangered animals released into the wild may lack the match-fitness to evade predators, Treated wastewater in Victoria is still contaminated, study finds. So are we and the environment safe?, Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer by 2030s, say scientists – this would have global, damaging and dangerous consequences, Giant tree-kangaroos once lived in unexpected places all over Australia according to major new analysis, The vast majority of Melburnians want more nature in their city, despite a puzzling north-south divide, Changing wild animals’ behaviour could help save them – but is it ethical?, A Russian ‘spy’ whale? Killer whales biting boats? Here’s how to understand these close encounters of the curious kind, Five ways to make your summer barbecue better for the environment, Pittwater Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks

Inbox News NSW Bureau Of Health Information Healthcare Quarterly Report (January – March 2023) Released: NBH Statistics, How we can avoid political misinformation in the lead-up to the Voice referendum, Commuters Benefit From Train Station Upgrades In Northern Sydney, US Study Shows Promising Treatment For Tinnitus, Hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog? Here’s what we know about phytoestrogens for menopausal symptoms, Repair, Reuse And Recycle: Dealing With Solar Panels At The End Of Their Useful Life, Social media snaps map the sweep of Japan’s cherry blossom season in unprecedented detail, World-First Trial For Paediatric Brain Cancer Right Here In NSW, Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club: July 2023 Speaker, Flight Plan (1950), Minister For Aged Care National Press Club Address On 7 June 2023 Reveals An Ambition For Aged Care, Doctors Have Critical Role In Good Stewardship In Our Health System: AMA, How to treat jellyfish stings (hint: urine not recommended), No Time For Vaccine Complacency As COVID And Flu Cases Soar, Eliza Batman, the Irish convict reinvented as ‘Melbourne’s founding mother’, was both colonised and coloniser on two violent frontiers, No, you can’t reverse ageing by injecting ‘young blood’ and fasting. But that doesn’t stop people trying, The world’s first flowers were pollinated by insects, It’s time to end Western Australia’s $4 billion-per-year GST bonus, Thank You Barrenjoey High School Students: Saving A Ringtail Possum, Flight Plan, Rowan Atkinson on free speech, Word Of The Week: Garden, Australia should follow Ireland’s lead and add stronger health warning labels to alcohol, While humans were in strict lockdown, wild mammals roamed further – new research, Intimate and immense: remembering Kaija Saariaho; one of the greatest composers of our time, Seven metals, ringed with four magical inscriptions: what other secrets does the ‘Alchemical Hand Bell’ hold?, From being mildly late to sucking on people’s tears – what is a ‘beige flag’ on TikTok?, Alien spacecraft allegations suggest the Pentagon has approved conspiracy theories – about itself, What is the ‘splinternet’? Here’s why the internet is less whole than you might think, Business is trying to scare us about ‘same job, same pay’; But the proposal isn’t scary, Eliza Batman, the Irish convict reinvented as ‘Melbourne’s founding mother’, was both colonised and coloniser on two violent frontiers, The STAEDTLER Secondary School Artists Of The Year Competition Is Back!, Applications Open For 150 Apprentice Scholarships, Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards 2023: Optional Theme This Year 'The Winding Road'

Profile of the Week John McFadden - World Food Champion

Mona Vale Chef John McFadden claimed the coveted title of World Food Champion at the 10th World Food Championships’ Final Table in Bentonville, Arkansas on Sunday, May 21st, picking up $US100,000.

Touching down in Sydney he was greeted by his family with 'congratulations' signs at the airport and by neighbours with Australian flags in their home street.

John, who won the category title of World Seafood Champion at WFC’s Main Event in Dallas last November, went on to best nine other category champions in a three-round culinary gauntlet designed to test skills, technique, creativity and time management. 

“Exhausted”, is how the well-liked Aussie chef described his experience when asked about the win, which saw him go up solo against three teams of three across three challenges, two of which were elimination challenges.

The last challenge was to cook courses three and four from a five-course tasting menu.

John was the first non-American to ever win the WFC title in 10 years of the competition. 

John will replicate the World Food Championships menu at Mona Vale Surf Club’s The Basin restaurant, including the winning dishes.

All four of the dishes, plus a dessert from The Basin Dining Room, will be showcased at the $145pp dinner at Mona Vale Surf Club on Wednesday 28th of June and Wednesday 5th of July.

For bookings: www.basindining.com.au

This Issue a chat with Pittwater's, and Australia's, first ever World Food Champion.


Vivid Sydney, Sony Music, Mandylights and Culture Creative announced that Australia’s largest festival has added a first-ever activation of the Wynyard railway tunnels to its program with the world premiere of Dark Spectrum at Vivid Sydney 2023.

Three years in the making and tipped as an underground spectacular of what lies beneath, Dark Spectrum fuses a dynamic musical soundtrack with the latest in laser, robotics, lighting and visual technology to transform the disused Wynyard Station train tunnels in a truly one-of-a-kind experience in a venue that has never been open to the public.

Creating an immersive multi-media environment, Dark Spectrum delivers a heightened visual and audio experience for Vivid Sydney attendees set to penetrate the deep underground of Wynyard’s tunnels and take its audience into a new time and space. Secret passageways have been lit, pulses of electronic dance music ring out across eight-rooms, with each space representing a different human experience and associated colour. Guests move through rooms themed to separation, constriction, pressure, the unseen, reflection, the unfamiliar, connection and end with a revelation.

Highlights from Dark Spectrum include ‘Constriction’, 150 LED “pipes” hung from the roof to form an interactive landscape of animated pixels that can be touched; ‘Pressure’, a spectacular array of 50 archways covered in lights and mirrors that create the visual illusion of a never-ending tunnel; and ‘Interaction’, an Avatar-esque environment featuring hundreds of hanging strings of light interspersed with illuminated alien plants that respond to movement.

Presented in partnership with Vivid Sydney, Sony Music, Mandylights and Culture Creative, Dark Spectrum premiered at Vivid Sydney on 26 May and is running until 16 July before touring the world.

This year, Vivid Sydney is delivering the biggest and most culturally relevant program in its event history. The 2023 edition of the festival runs until Saturday 17 June. The spectacular Light Walk hosts the works of 100+ light collaborators and 26 international light artists from 13 countries, with street installations, re-shaping old sights, surprising projection sites and large-scale immersive experiences that will paint the urban landscape. 

Vivid Sydney is being staged across Sydney’s city centre, at locations including Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Walsh Bay, Barangaroo, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, Darling Quarter, Darling Square, The Goods Line, Central Station, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Carriageworks, Taronga Zoo and more. Find out more at: www.vividsydney.com

The event happening in the old Wynyard tunnels brings up the conversations of a century before 2023, when the building of tunnels for trains included one for Narrabeen, along with a harbor bridge for Sydney. This talk arose decades after the 1889 proposals for a train to Narrabeen alongside the current Mona Vale Road and continued

Koalas; One Residents' 'Letter' To New Environment Minister

John Illingsworth to Penny Sharpe (NSW Minister for Environment)
June 8, 2023

New COVID-19 Cases And Tests In The Past 7 Days

New cases*: 11,719
Positive results from PCR tests: 4,742
Positive results from rapid antigen tests (RATs)**: 6,977
Deaths reported***: 81

COVID-19 hospitalisations
Admitted to hospital: 1,516
In intensive care: 48
Data for the past 7 days until 4pm, 08 June 2023, last updated 09 June 2023. 

Week ending 03 June 2023 Northern Sydney LHD
Notifications of COVID-19: 1,489  Year to date cases: 26,978(12%)
Influenza: 503 Year to date cases: 3,272(15%)

COVID-19, influenza and RSV activity in NSW persists at elevated levels however both COVID-19 and RSV have stabilised in recent weeks. Indicators which are not influenced by the amount of testing for COVID-19, including sewage and healthcare worker furloughing, continue to show moderate to high levels of COVID-19 transmission in the community.

A small decline of 6% in COVID-19 notifications occurred in the previous week. Notification rates have remained stable in all age groups except ongoing fluctuations for those aged 90 years and older.

Admissions to hospital have remained stable. There were 2,906 people diagnosed with influenza this week, an increase of 36.3% since the previous week with notification rates highest in children and young people aged 3 – 16 years. 

The rapid increase in influenza notifications is also reflected in an increase in emergency department (ED) presentations and subsequent hospital admissions for influenza-like illness. 

RSV activity has stabilised in all age groups, including infants and young children. Hospitals are also experiencing a decline in ED presentations and admissions for bronchiolitis (associated with RSV infection) in young children.

No Time For Vaccine Complacency As COVID And Flu Cases Soar: AMA

June 8, 2023
The Australian Medical Association is urging people to get COVID-19 boosters and flu shots as infection rates take off and complacency sets in. 

More than 16.5 million Australians have not received a COVID-19 booster shot in over six months and, while some of these people may have had a bout of COVID-19 in the last six months, it is a very high figure that is sparking the AMA’s warning for the winter season. 

AMA President Steve Robson said Australia was facing a worrying fifth wave of COVID-19, with cases soaring to an average of 5517 per day as of May 30 — more than double the average daily rate in March. 

Hospitalisations are up and weekly COVID-19 related deaths are in triple figures.  

“The age of lockdowns and restrictions is over, so it’s understandable why many people are falling into a false sense of security, but the latest data shows the virus is infecting thousands of Australians every day,” Professor Robson said. 

“Now is not the time for complacency, and the AMA urges people to get up to date on their boosters, which is an extremely effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones.” 

The effects of the latest COVID-19 wave are being worsened by a rising number of influenza cases. 

The Department of Health and Aged Care recorded 17,277 flu cases between May 15–28, which was more than double the previous fortnight’s total. 

Professor Robson said COVID-19 boosters and flu shots were separate vaccines that could be safely administered at the same time. 

“We are seeing a significant spike in the number of flu and COVID cases, making this a potentially dangerous winter, particularly for elderly and immunocompromised people,” he said. 

“Having a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot at the same time is an effective and safe way of ensuring you are protected from both viruses.” 

Professor Robson also urged parents to ensure their kids were protected. 

“As we know, children under five years of age aren’t badly affected by COVID-19, but influenza can be extremely serious for them, so it is crucial they get their flu shots as soon as possible,” he said. 

Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade: Open Day 2023 - Female Volunteers Wanted For This RFS

Have you’ve ever considered volunteering and wondered what’s it’s like being a female bushfire fighter? If so come to our open day at Tumble station and hear what it’s like from the ladies of Tumble and the Northern Beaches district. 


Palm Beach NSW RSL Veterans Ocean Therapy Update

April 2023: The first of the new locally made kayaks arrived today from Mirage Kayaks built at Gosford. Sponsored by Belle Property Avalon and privately sponsored “Lady Di”.



May 30 2023: We can now fit ten Mirage Kayaks in the shed. Thanks to Bob Head and Johnny Oliver for their expertise on the tools and design.




Acts Of Kindness Community Outreach: Winter Blanket And Coat Drive 2023

Can you help our homeless friends? It’s getting cold on the streets for our Homeless street friends and we need YOUR help. Do you have any Blankets, Sleeping bags, doonas or Coats you don’t use? We accept New or Clean Good Condition second hand items 

Drop off points at Warriewood, Inner West and Mount Annan. Please get in touch for details, at: https://aokcommunityoutreach.com/


Sydney Wildlife Mobile Care Unit: Quilt Auction

This exquisite quilt has been handcrafted and donated to us by St Faith’s Quilting and Needlecraft Club!
They would like us to use it to raise funds for our wildlife patients.  Thank you, Judith, for delivering this wonderful gift to us.



We have listed it for Auction online!  Please place your bids here to win this one-of-a-kind masterpiece:

Team Island Boot Camp Take On Push-Up Challenge

In June Team Island Boot Camp (Scotland Islanders) is taking part in The Push-Up Challenge. 

They are going to help shine the spotlight on the number of lives lost to suicide in 2021 and raise awareness of mental health. 

Funds raised by Team Island Boot Camp will go to Movember and their push for better mental health.

Feel free to join them or support a team member who is taking part. 

Help them push for better mental health.

ABHS June 2023 Meeting: ‘Royal’ Avalon Golf Links

The mid-year meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be held on TUESDAY 13 JUNE in the Annexe on Dunbar Park, starting at the usual 8pm.

Our mighty ‘Royal’ Avalon Golf links (along with other local courses) wasn’t looking so grand in recent years due to exceptionally heavy rains during March 2021 and the necessary restrictions placed on golfers due to the Covid virus era.

The course has lately been blessed with the arrival of a new and local greenkeeper full of competence and enthusiasm. 

Shannon Simmons and mate John Kljajic have both had experience at Monash and Elanora Country Club and have already created some very real and positive changes to the course. They’ve even rebirthed the old fountain on the 3rd hole which will hopefully bring about the return of the wood ducks and the dusky moorhens.

After 40 years of collecting, we now have a rather fabulous photographic history of the golf links with some recent additions.

At this stage the written history has reached around 2800 words and Geoff will use a shortened version as a prelude to the photographic presentation.

Around 1923 A.J.Small chose Dan Soutar to design the layout of the course.  Soutar had also designed the Elanora Country Club and the highly regarded Kingston Heath course in Melbourne. The Australian Golf Heritage Society was very keen to know of his association with the Avalon Golf Club.

As usual guests of members are very welcome to attend and to join us for supper afterwards.

We have quite a celebration night planned for our AGM/September meeting because it will be 40 years since we met for the first time. 

Geoff Searl OAM
President Avalon Beach Historical Society
Find out more at: abhs.org.au


In Tune With Tony B

In Tune is a radio programme about our local community, culture and home-grown music, hosted by TonyB. Each week, Tony plays great local music and he chats with guests from local community causes and charities, about how they make a difference.

In this week's programme Tony chatted with  Robert van Geest from the Beach2Beach Charity Fun Run & Festival and also a member of Rotary Club Of Warringah. Robert talked about Sydney's most scenic fun run and his Rotary experience.  

You can stream this and all previous programmes on demand here: InTuneWithTonyB on Demand.

Stay tuned for more great programmes on InTune. 
 
Radio Northern Beaches
Fridays at 6pm
FM 88.7 or 90.3
Or live stream at https://www.rnb.org.au
Previous programmes, on demand at https://www.mixcloud.com/InTuneWithTonyB
If you would like to chat with Tony on air about your community cause or your music, please feel free to message the Facebook page  In Tune - Radio Programme | Facebook and feel free to like and share the page.

Public Amenities Upgrade: Rowland Reserve Bayview, Feedback Invited

Opens: Fri 19 May 2023
Closes: Sun 18 June 2023

Built in the early 1990s, the amenities block does not meet current accessibility standards. The facilities need to be upgraded, with the works identified in Council's renewal program for 2023.

Council have received grant funding under the NSW Government’s Places to Swim program, which supports the creation of places for the community to enjoy Sydney’s rivers, lakes and harbour.

These funds will be used to upgrade the amenities block to better support Sailability and community members with a requirement for enhanced facilities. Features include a new disability changing room and a family changing room, which will benefit all members of the community, including local residents and visitors, while they enjoy swimming and other recreation activities in the area.

View the plans and provide feedback at:


Concept image: NBC

Lock Up Your Cars: Thieves About

Edible Exhibition: 100 Cakes For 100 Years Of Manly CWA - Get Involved!

Would you like to help Manly CWA celebrate their centenary? We invite everyone to be involved in our Edible Exhibition.

On Saturday 26th August we are holding our Edible Exhibition at St Matthew’s Manly. It will be a celebration of Manly Branch of the Country Women’s Association throughout the last 100 years with an exhibition and sale of 100 different tea cosies and 100 aprons. The focus will be the 100 cakes – each representing a different year and an event in the history of our area, state or the world.

The Edible Exhibition is a celebration of 100 years of community support by Manly Branch of the Country Women's Association. You are invited to nominate yourself to create a cake. Once you are registered you will then be given a year and information of things that might be represented for that year. Think: 2000 - Sydney Olympics - make 5 ring cakes and decorate to look like the Olympic rings; 1966 - Decimal currency - create a cake that is a coin or a note from the new currency.

You are welcome to knit, crochet, or sew a tea cosy or make an apron to donate to our exhibition. Contact manlycwa@gmail.com if you have any questions.

For the centenary of cakes, you are requested to register online to participate and in early July you will be given a year to create in a baked form.  

To assist in your creative decisions a list of things that happened in the year you are given. Cake will be delivered on the morning of 26th August and displayed along with the aprons and tea cosies which will be available for sale to raise funds to assist women and families throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. 



Winter Market Day: Scotland Island - Catherine Park Call Out For Makers

Sunday 25 June, 10 - 1 pm: Calling all makers, artists and entrepreneurs! 
 
Do you have something you’d like to sell at a market stall at the June island café? It could be artwork, pottery, clothes, candles, books or... well, pretty much anything. 
 
Tables are $20. To book, please email floydcbg@ozemail.com.au. 


Volunteers Needed: Meals On Wheels

Meals on Wheels have lost a lot of volunteers in the last few months due to COVID regulations etc. so they are desperate for some new people on the roster. The local service covers all the way from Manly Vale up to Palm Beach, so a run takes around 60-90mins. 

You leave from and return to the warehouse in Bassett Street, Mona Vale.
You don’t need to sign on to permanent shifts, even once a month would help them out greatly.
All drivers need an unrestricted license, must be fully vaccinated and will require a volunteer police check.
If you are able to assist please call Milly on 9457 3900 or email 
NBeachesVolunteer@kmow.org.au and she can give you more info and send you through training paperwork.


Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC: A Sharks Tale The Book Celebrates 90 Years Of The Narrabeen Sharks  

As the story goes, the Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC had its humble beginnings on March 7, 1932 in Jack McLean’s barber shop.   And so the rest is history. 

Recount the incredible stories, the memories, the pictures, and the spirit of this legendary club in a limited edition hardcover book.  

Hop on to our website and order your copy today.  Delivery or pick up is coming after Easter: https://narrabeensharks.com.au/shop/

We’ll also be hosting a book launch at the commencement of the A-Grade season – stay tuned for details.


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Rig Recycle: Fishing Gear Items

Are you tired of seeing fishing gear and packaging waste end up in landfill? (or killing local seabirds and turtles?)
Rig Recycle is the first Australian initiative that collects recreational fishing and packaging items and diverts them from landfill through a repair, reuse and recycle framework.

In partnership with Recycle Mate, they've made it even easier to recycle your fishing gear waste! Simply search for your nearest Rig Recycle bin on their app. 

Don't have one at your local fishing store? Let them know and they will reach out to them themselves.♻️
Visit their website for more information. Visit: www.rigrecycle.org
More in this Issue's Aquatics Feature.


Mona Vale Residents Association

Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area.



Volunteers Needed: Red Cross Avalon Shop

Please talk to the people in the shop or telelphone if you can help out each week, for around 4 hours.
Address: Shop 4 & 5 / 48 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon 2107 NSW; Phone: 02 9918 0952

Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby weighed less than a kilogram when she was orphaned on the roadside after her mother was hit and killed by a vehicle. Fortunately, Phoebe was uninjured, taken to a local vet and raised and then released by Sydney Wildlife volunteer Jane.

While Phoebe was fortunate, other native birds and animals are not so lucky. So, if you’re returning home after your summer holiday (or just out and about on Australia Day), please slow down - particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas identified with wildlife crossing signs, for your safety and the welfare of our wildlife.

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



 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane
Notice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue

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. 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: www.wildlifemapping.org

Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club: July 2023 Speaker

Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club meets on 1st Tuesday of each month at Club Palm Beach at 10am, followed by a delicious lunch!

Our Guest Speaker for July is Food Historian Diana Noyce, author of A Pub with no Beer: Coffee Palaces in Australia - the rise and demise of coffee palaces associated with the temperance movement.

Join us for monthly outings including Central Station and Eternity Cafe, the Auburn Botanic Gardens, and celebrate Christmas in July!

Visitors welcome.  
Call President Margaret White on 0416 182 393 for any further information. 

Council's Plan To Protect Our Great Green Canopy; Feedback Invited

Council is seeking community feedback on a plan to increase and preserve our tree canopy, ensuring it remains one of the largest tree canopies in Greater Sydney.

The Draft Northern Beaches Tree Canopy Plan proposes a range of measures including the protection of trees on public land, better monitoring of the tree canopy across the local government area, strengthening the local planning frameworks to support the retention, protection, replacement, and growth of private trees, and increasing community involvement in greening our communities.

“We have one of the largest tree canopies in Greater Sydney, but it faces range of pressures, challenges and threats,” Mayor Heins said.

“A healthy, protected tree canopy not only provides essential habitat for local wildlife, but it also improves the liveability of our communities and reduces the urban heat island effect.

“Council is committed to protecting and increasing our tree canopy on both on public and private land. We know many of our residents are as equally passionate about ensuring our green spaces are preserved, and we encourage everyone to have their say on our new plan.”

The plan includes a number of actions to be implemented, including:
  • continuing to plant 5,000 trees per year
  • conduct an audit of trees in priority areas
  • measure tree canopy cover every four years.
  • implement an iconic tree register for public land.
  • raise awareness about tree planting programs.
  • improve tree diversity and health.
  • strengthen the Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plans to focus on retention and protection of tree canopy.
continue to investigate and act upon unauthorised activities that impact on the tree canopy, such as illegal vegetation clearing, unauthorised recreational trails and other environmental damage.
promote the importance of retention and protection of trees as part of the development application and tree removal process.

Under the plan, the following areas will be prioritised for increasing their tree canopy cover: Brookvale, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Manly, Manly Vale, Narraweena, Curl Curl Queenscliff, and Warriewood.

For more information about the draft plan or to have your say visit Your Say  at:

Feedback closes close Sunday 9th of July.


Draft Compliance And Enforcement Policy: Have You Say

Opens: Fri 2 June 2023
Closes: Sun 9 Jul 2023

Council receives enquiries from the community in relation to allegations of illegal use, unauthorised or non-compliant works, pollution concerns, or unsafe conditions. Each customer concern is managed in three (3) stages:
  1. preliminary assessment
  2. investigation
  3. enforcement (where necessary).
All enquiries are managed using a risk-based approach to determine their urgency. This assists in prioritising resources to address critical matters promptly.

Council's Compliance and Enforcement Policy outlines the approach to compliance and enforcement taken by Council and its delegated officers.

This policy is subject to review on a three-yearly basis and has recently been revised to strengthen Council's approach.

Key additions relate to:
  • council's approach to compliance under a risk-based framework
  • how council assign priority to enquiries
  • how investigations are undertaken
  • the role of private certifiers
  • assistance if there is dissatisfaction with a decision.
A table of definitions for commonly used terms has also been added to provide further clarity.

View the Draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy and share your comments in one of the following ways:
  • completing the submission form here or
  • emailing council at council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or
  • writing to us marked 'Draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy' to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.
All submissions in their entirety are made publicly available in the Community Engagement Report. Personal identifying information and inappropriate language are redacted.

Roadworks

Changed traffic conditions on Pittwater Road at Mona Vale

Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week on Pittwater Road at Mona Vale. 
These changes are necessary due to asphalting along Pittwater Road, between Rowan Street and Coronation Street, to create a smoother road surface. 

To reduce the impact to motorists, work will be carried out between 8pm and 5am from Tuesday 13 June to Friday 11 August, for up to five night shifts, weather and worksite conditions permitting. Work is expected to occur for more than two consecutive nights per week. However, work will not be carried out on Saturdays or public holidays.

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

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

Transport for NSW thanks the community for their patience during this time.

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



SCHEDULED ROADWORK Resurfacing: Warriewood to Mona Vale - Pittwater Road between Arnott Crescent and Mona Vale Road; Tue 13 Jun 2023 to Fri 30 Jun 2023 9:00pm to 5:00am.

Advice; Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage. Contraflow traffic conditions will be in place.
Changed traffic conditions on Pittwater Road and Darley Street at Mona Vale.



Changed traffic conditions on Darley street at Mona Vale
Motorists are advised of changed traffic conditions from next week at the Pittwater Road and Darley Street intersection at Mona Vale.

These changes are necessary to upgrade cabling to the traffic signals at the intersection.
To reduce the impact to motorists, work will be carried out within the hours of 8pm and 5am, for up to three shifts between Wednesday 14 June and Friday 21 July, weather and worksite conditions permitting. Work will not be carried out on Saturdays or public holidays.

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

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers.
Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.

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



SCHEDULED ROADWORK Surveying Wakehurst Parkway: 

Frenchs Forest to North Narrabeen - Wakehurst Parkway between Frenchs Forest Road and Pittwater Road; Mon 19 Jun 2023 to Thu 22 Jun 2023, 9:00pm to 5:00am.

Advice: Traffic affected both directions. Check signage, Reduced speed limit (40km/h). Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place.


Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Harry 

5mth Ridgeback X Staffy


Henry, Harry and Herbie, all brothers were surrendered when the owner realised she could not cope with the pups. They are sweet pups who will grow to medium size. They have been socialised with other medium sized dogs and pups. At 17 weeks Harry weighed 12.1kg and has a smooth coat. Harry is the quickest and most compliant learner in the litter. He walks well on lead and knows sit and come. He suits a home-based worker with a house and garden. All our dogs come with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $450.

Betty 

7yo Foxy X


Betty is a very sweet affectionate foxy girl who somehow met up with Bert at the pound and now they are best buds and want to stay together. Betty is very social with other small dogs and she is easy to pick up and cuddle. Despite her age she is active and can easily climb on couches and chairs for cuddles. She has a short coat and weighs 6.3kg. Together they can be left for FT hours and would suit apartment living. All our dogs come with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. Her adoption fee is $450.

To find out more call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email  Monika@DoggieRescue.com.  RON R251000024

Please Join Us In Celebrating 100 Years  Of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?
Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.

By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027


Consultation On Australia's First National Health And Climate Strategy Now Open

June 8, 2023
The Australian Government is developing Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy, to ensure the nation’s health system can meet the needs of Australians in the face of a changing climate.
The Strategy will establish a three-year plan of action to better prepare for the health challenges presented by climate change, including more frequent and severe weather events, extreme temperatures, and poor air quality.
 
The Strategy will identify priority areas for action to reduce carbon emissions in the health and aged care sectors, as well as managing the impacts of climate change to ensure all Australians continue to access good quality health and aged care.
 
In developing the strategy the government is seeking community views on the key questions being considered as part of the strategy. Following expert roundtables convened around the country by the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Ged Kearney MP, a discussion paper has been developed and is available here, where you can also provide feedback:
 
Feedback will be collected through an online survey, written submissions, and targeted consultations with stakeholder groups.
 
The Paper is available for feedback until 24 July 2023.
 
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP stated,  
“It’s been a privilege to hear from experts across the country on how best to address the health impacts of climate change – and now is your chance to have your say.
 
“The World Health Organisation has described climate change as the greatest threat to public health in the 21st century.
 
“We’re listening to the experts and advocacy groups, and importantly the voices of First Nations communities as we develop the National Health and Climate Strategy.
 
“Climate change poses a range of threats to our health and wellbeing, from more frequent extreme weather events to changes in disease profiles as well as food and water insecurity.
 
“I urge everyone concerned about how climate change will affect our health to read the National Health and Climate Strategy consultation paper and provide feedback.”
 
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Senator Jenny McAllister said,
“After a decade of inaction and dysfunction, the Albanese Government is committed to acting on climate change and adaptation.
 
“The impacts of climate change are already being experienced by communities across the country, including more very hot days, more intense rain fall, and warmer average temperatures.
 
“We need to understand and prepare for the changes to come. That’s why the Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, National Adaptation Plan and the National Health and Climate Strategy.”

2023 Volunteer Of The Year Nominations Open

As part of the 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, The Centre for Volunteering is currently accepting nominations for people and teams for judging and recognition.

All volunteers in the Recognition stream will be acknowledged with a certificate at one of 24 regional ceremonies to celebrate their contribution to their local community.  

2023 Volunteer of the Year Nomination guidelines
All nominees must:
  • Be a volunteer in NSW, a practice defined as time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain*.
  • Have volunteered during the previous 12 months for a legitimate not-for-profit organisation, community group, or other entity which engages volunteers in a safe and legal manner, such as schools or government agencies.
You can also nominate your local volunteer or volunteer team for inclusion in the final judging for a Regional and State Volunteer of the Year Award. This nomination consists of completing six parts of the nomination form (three extra questions).  All parts must be completed to be accepted by the judging committee.

Please note, volunteers and volunteer managers are not permitted to nominate themselves. All nominators must have permission from the person or team you are nominating to disclose their personal information as part of their entry.

For all conditions and eligibility, please read (prior to your submission) the full Nomination Guidelines at: www.volunteering.com.au/awards/2023-awards

Nominations close 5pm, Friday 16 June 2023.


Report Hate Crimes

NSW Police Force: 
If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 

You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. 

If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station. 

Letters To The Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but considering the magazines inability to word limit itself - that remains optional.
Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.
Letters should not contain attachments - these will be requested if required to illustrate content/subject.
Letters should be exclusive to Pittwater Online News.

The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons, among other considerations. 

Become A Volunteer Radio Operator: MRNSW

Are you looking for a new challenge? With the busy summer boating season coming up Marine Rescue NSW units up and down the coast want to hear from you! And if you live in Sydney, our State Communications Centre in Belrose is especially keen to hear from you, just drop a line to: base.sydney@marinerescuensw.com.au 

Prior radio and boating experience is not required, and as a Radio Operator you'll play a vital role in helping to keep our waterways safer. If you want to take the plunge and join a dedicated volunteer team helping to save lives on our waterways, then go here for more information: 
www.marinerescuensw.com.au/become-a-volunteer/ or contact your local Marine Rescue NSW unit directly.


JP Public Register

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

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

The Auxiliary is looking for new members to help with our fund raising efforts.  New ideas and assistance with our stalls are very welcome.  Contact 0407 216 253 for more information.

The Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members host a stall at Pittwater Place on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 3pm selling knitting for babies and children, beanies, bedsocks and scarves for oldies, sewing items, craft and jams, raising funds for the rehabilitation and palliative care units.

June 4 - 10  2023: Issue 586

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 586

Rory Amon, Liberal MP For Pittwater: Inaugural Speech To The Parliament Of New South Wales

NSW Government Takes Urgent Action To Recruit More Bus Drivers: Bus Passenger Forum For Our Area To Be Held June 24 2023 At Dee Why - Or Email In Comments

North Avalon - Careel Bay Footpath Construction Finally Begins

Pittwater MP To Introduce New Stop PEP-11 Bill

Aquatics: World Oceans Day 2023 (June 8th): 'Planet Ocean: Tides Are Changing' - Weedy Seadragons Citizen Scientist Project + Living Ocean's Welcome To Whale Ocean Country + Plastics Research

Tibetan Library Collection Safeguards Language and Culture (Launched at Dee Why) by Miranda Korzy, Pittwater Councillor

Two Catherines - A Twisted Scotland Island Tale: Runs This June

Pictures: Sorry Day In Pittwater 2023 + THE VOICE Information Program + Website Launched

A Journey In India: Part 2 by Robyn McWilliam 

Surf Life Saving NSW Drones Set To Fly Further - Save More Lives: The Long Range UAV Project

Park Bench Philosophers Pittwater's Great Outdoors: Spotted To The North, South, East + West- June 2023:  Palm Beach Boat House rebuild going well - First day of Winter Rainbow over Turimetta - what's Blooming in the bush? + more by Joe Mills, Selena Griffith and Pittwater Online

Environment World Environment Day 2023: Monday June 5 - Beat Plastic Pollution + 50th Anniversary Of World Environment Day, Avalon Dunes Bushcare: June 2023, Shelly Beach Echidna, How Citizen Scientists Are Helping To Save A Species: 35 Christmas Beetle Species Unearthed By Volunteers, Protect Mona Vale's Bongin Bongin Bay - Establish An Aquatic Reserve, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew: June 25 Winnererremy Bay, Mona Vale, Freshwater Beach and Surrounds Clean Up, Permaculture NB: June To July 2023 Events, PNHA Guided Nature Walks 2023, hemical CleanOut: June 2023, Bushcare In Pittwater, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Report Fox Sightings, New Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Track & Trace Puts Biosecurity App’s Real-Life Data To The Test, Queensland Government Releases Plan With Pathway To Banning Fracking On The Lake Eyre Basin Floodplains, 4,500 Hectares Of Koala Habitat Near Port Macquarie Now Protected, NCC Calls For Halt On Logging In Great Koala National Park: stop killing the trees they live in, Paying Aussies To Pollute - Peak Environment Groups Denounce Jemena Energy For Incentivising Gas Switch, NSW Metering Policy Not Holding Water: Plans To Meter All Water Pumping In NSW Float Away As Deadline Once Again Not Met, Metering Deadline Looms For Southern Inland, Community Ideas To Deliver The Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Consultation Open - Climate Change Considerations Chapter: Australian Rainfall And Runoff: A Guide To Flood Estimation, Australia’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: December 2022 Quarterly Update, Funds For New Projects To Combat Deadly Ghost Nets, New DNA testing shatters ‘wild dog’ myth: most dingoes are pure, Europe has lost over half a billion birds in 40 years. The single biggest cause? Pesticides and fertilisers, What should happen to native forests when logging ends? Ask Victoria’s First Peoples, A sustainable Australia depends on what happens in our cities – that’s why we need a national urban policy, It’s not just climate – we’ve already breached most of the Earth’s limits. A safer, fairer future means treading lightly, ‘An exciting possibility’: scientists discover markedly different kangaroos on either side of Australia’s dingo fence, 3 little-known reasons why plastic recycling could actually make things worse, Photos from the field: spying on Antarctic moss using drones, MossCam, smart sensors and AI, A new trade deal delivers cheaper Australian beef and British sweets – but does little to avert dangerous global warming, Invasive lionfish have spread south from the Caribbean to Brazil, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods, Why 40°C is bearable in a desert but lethal in the tropics, Plastic recycling is failing – here’s how the world must respond, The secret world of moss, ancient ancestor of all plants and vital for the health of the planet, Atlantic hurricane season 2023: El Niño and extreme Atlantic Ocean heat are about to clash, Pittwater Environment groups and organisations, Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon, Recycle plastic tags

Inbox News Pinpointing The Cause Of A Mysterious Heart Disease Affecting Women Under 50, Melbourne earthquake 2023: are they becoming more common? A seismology expert explains, What are the long-term effects of quitting social media? Almost nobody can log off long enough to find out, The highly secretive Five Eyes alliance has disrupted a China-backed hacker group – in an unusually public manner, The FDA finally approved Elon Musk’s Neuralink chip for human trials. Have all the concerns been addressed?, Revenge, excitement, or profit: why do people commit arson?, WA Premier Mark McGowan quits in shock announcement declaring he is ‘exhausted’, 4,000-Year-Old Plague DNA Found: The Oldest Cases To Date In Britain, Astronomers Discover Last Three Planets Kepler Telescope Observed Before Going Dark, Plants Remove Cancer Causing Toxins From Air, Fastest Industry Standard Optical Fibre, Picnic In The Park At Avalon Beach A Great Success, Curious Kids: where does our rubbish go?, A new virtual museum reveals 600 million years of Australian fossils in unprecedented 3D detail, The STAEDTLER Secondary School Artists Of The Year Competition Is Back!, Applications Open For 150 Apprentice Scholarships, Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards 2023: Optional Theme This Year 'The Winding Road', Mumma Moon Delivers - Part 1, Winter Sports On Victoria's Mount Buffalo In 1947, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Flibbertigibbet, What are the long-term effects of quitting social media? Almost nobody can log off long enough to find out, In the 1800s colonisers attempted to listen to First Nations people; It didn’t stop the massacres, Friday essay: Private Leo, my imaginary father, DIY degree? Why universities should make online educational materials free for all, Native raspberries, limes and geraniums: how did these curious plants end up in Australia?, What really started the American Civil War?, Newly described enormous marsupial wandered great distances across Australia 3.5 million years ago, These magnificent 107-million-year-old pterosaur bones are the oldest ever found in Australia, Book Of The Month - June 2023: The riddle of the Raven : a sailing ship possessed by a ghost by Jan De Groot, Study Highlights Vital Need For Specialised Aged Care For Older People Experiencing Homelessness, Winter Sports On Victoria's Mount Buffalo In 1947, Australia’s Aged Care Sector: Mid-Year Report 2022-23, Navigating Community-Based Aged Care Services From The Consumer Perspective, I’m over 65 and worried about the flu; Which vaccine should I have?, I’ve been approved for a home care package but how do I choose a provider – and what if I want to switch?, Over half of eligible aged care residents are yet to receive their COVID booster. And winter is coming, ‘We lose ourselves’: carers talk about the lonely, stressful work of looking after loved ones

Profile of the Week Richard Menhinick AM, CSC - Commodore RAN, (Retired), President Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch

The new President of the Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch has served Australia for almost 50 years in our Defence Forces. His story is definitely a case of 'join the Navy and see the world' along with the wide range of roles a person can undertake in our Defence Forces.

Commodore Richard Temple Menhinick AM, CSC is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Richard joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1976, finishing his training in 1980 he underwent training as a Principal Warfare Officer and in 1983 was posted as the naval Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Tasmania, Sir James Plimsoll. 

Richard went on to serve as exchange Officer with the Royal Navy on board HMS Cardiff and has served as the commanding officer of HMAS Anzac, HMAS Warramunga – 1st commission - and served as the executive officer of HMAS Hobart.

He was serving as the Commandant of the Australian Command and Staff College until 2012 when he handed over to Brigadier Peter Gates.

In transitioning into private capacity, although Commodore(Rt’d.) Menhinick’s story is one of success and being able to share knowledge that has benefitted Australia and Australians – serving still really – although it was not the smooth, supported, transition it could have been.

Richard seems to be bent on ‘getting the job done’ and not pausing for praise – he is a straight talker and one who sees all as equals. Richard genuinely cares about others, whatever their background, in whichever settings he meets them, despite the rank he achieved in the RAN and the deployments he undertook. He is essentially a man who loves his wife and family and our area, having grown up here since his family moved to Australia when he was just 2 years of age.

This Issue a small insight into the long and winding road, or sea paths, of one of our own.


The State Library of New South Wales, in its ongoing digitisation of materials and making these available, recently added photographs of a 'tropical fruit orchard at Pittwater' which, according to the sources, were taken on July 11th, 1938.

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.

This persistence of Pittwater as a food bowl continued, even through WWII and into the 1950's and shows the late Autumn tropical fruits such as pawpaw, often one craved as it starts to get cold, grew here too as Pittwater headed into Winter.

After further research, those images turn out to be of Mona Vale market farmers with acreage on the Crescent to Waterview suntrap run.

As the weather grows colder, a Winter opener to warm you up!

VALE John Ward OAM

14.2.39- 22.5.23
Late of Elanora Heights

Loving husband of Pam. Much loved father of Stephen, Katherine, Peter, Helen, Kali and Rebekah. Proud grandfather of Gypsy, Helene, Maddie, Jarrah, Emily, Patrick, Archie, Felix, Grace and Beau, and Great-grandfather of Aisha. 

Former Principal of Barrenjoey High School (1990-1999) and Randwick Boys High (1986-1989). Proud member of the Australian Labor Party. Life member of N.S.W Teachers Federation. John was much loved and will be missed by many.

OAM in 2023 Australia Day Honours List
'For service to the community through a range of organisations.'

John specialised in science ending up as principal of Barrenjoey High. Pam and John were made Life Members of Manly-Warringah Teachers Association, with John awarded Federation Life Membership. 



The Wards were recognised on Australia Day for their long service to Royal Life Saving Society of Australia, the Australian Labor Party, education, sport (tennis, netball, basketball, rugby league), the community and aquatics, with Pam still a trainer with the Department’s learn-to-swim program. 

John's OAM List includes:

For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Narrabeen-Pittwater Branch of the Australian Labor Party

  • President, since 1997.
  • Honorary Treasurer, 1987-1996.

Elanora Community Centre

  • Honorary Treasurer, 1999-2019.
  • Honorary Secretary, 1989-1999.

Elanora Park Tennis Club

  • President, 1980.
  • Honorary Treasurer, 1977-1979, 1981.
  • Member, 1975-1984.

Royal Life Saving Society of Australia

  • Member, 1960-2018.
  • Examiner, 1960-2018.
  • Founder, Aquatic Club, 1962.

Education

  • Former Teacher, New South Wales Department of Education.
  • Life Member, Sydney North Secondary Schools Sports Association.
  • Life Member, Manly-Warringah Teachers Association.
  • Life Member, New South Wales Teachers Federation.

Sport

  • Former Director, Sydney Academy of Sport.
  • President, Sydney North Secondary School Sports Association, 1991-1999.
  • Volunteer, Sydney Olympic Games, 1998-2000.
  • Secretary, Parramatta District Men's Basketball Association, 1966-1972.
  • State Referee, Sydney basketball Referees Association, 1965-1972.
  • Umpire, Chequers Netball Club, 1965-1988.
  • Referee, New South Wales Rugby League, 1966.

Community

  • Honorary Treasurer, Pittwater Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of

Australia, 2015-2020.

  • President, 2nd Narrabeen Scout Group 1973-1977.
  • Member, Manly-Warringah Environmental Education Association, 1981-1983.
  • Vice-President, Aboriginal Education Council (NSW) Inc, 1992-2000.
A Mass to Celebrate John's Life was held at St Anthony in the Fields Catholic Church, Myoora Road, Terrey Hills, Thursday 1st June 2023. At the conclusion of Prayers following the Mass, the cortege proceeded to the Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery.

Photo: Pam and John Ward at North Sydney Olympic Pool, photo courtesy NSW Teachers Federation

Council's Plan To Protect Our Great Green Canopy; Feedback Invited

Council is seeking community feedback on a plan to increase and preserve our tree canopy, ensuring it remains one of the largest tree canopies in Greater Sydney.

The Draft Northern Beaches Tree Canopy Plan proposes a range of measures including the protection of trees on public land, better monitoring of the tree canopy across the local government area, strengthening the local planning frameworks to support the retention, protection, replacement, and growth of private trees, and increasing community involvement in greening our communities.

“We have one of the largest tree canopies in Greater Sydney, but it faces range of pressures, challenges and threats,” Mayor Heins said.

“A healthy, protected tree canopy not only provides essential habitat for local wildlife, but it also improves the liveability of our communities and reduces the urban heat island effect.

“Council is committed to protecting and increasing our tree canopy on both on public and private land. We know many of our residents are as equally passionate about ensuring our green spaces are preserved, and we encourage everyone to have their say on our new plan.”

The plan includes a number of actions to be implemented, including:
  • continuing to plant 5,000 trees per year
  • conduct an audit of trees in priority areas
  • measure tree canopy cover every four years.
  • implement an iconic tree register for public land.
  • raise awareness about tree planting programs.
  • improve tree diversity and health.
  • strengthen the Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plans to focus on retention and protection of tree canopy.
continue to investigate and act upon unauthorised activities that impact on the tree canopy, such as illegal vegetation clearing, unauthorised recreational trails and other environmental damage.
promote the importance of retention and protection of trees as part of the development application and tree removal process.

Under the plan, the following areas will be prioritised for increasing their tree canopy cover: Brookvale, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Manly, Manly Vale, Narraweena, Curl Curl Queenscliff, and Warriewood.

For more information about the draft plan or to have your say visit Your Say  at:

Feedback closes close Sunday 9th of July.


Draft Compliance And Enforcement Policy: Have You Say

Opens: Fri 2 June 2023
Closes: Sun 9 Jul 2023

Council receives enquiries from the community in relation to allegations of illegal use, unauthorised or non-compliant works, pollution concerns, or unsafe conditions. Each customer concern is managed in three (3) stages:
  1. preliminary assessment
  2. investigation
  3. enforcement (where necessary).
All enquiries are managed using a risk-based approach to determine their urgency. This assists in prioritising resources to address critical matters promptly.

Council's Compliance and Enforcement Policy outlines the approach to compliance and enforcement taken by Council and its delegated officers.

This policy is subject to review on a three-yearly basis and has recently been revised to strengthen Council's approach.

Key additions relate to:
  • council's approach to compliance under a risk-based framework
  • how council assign priority to enquiries
  • how investigations are undertaken
  • the role of private certifiers
  • assistance if there is dissatisfaction with a decision.
A table of definitions for commonly used terms has also been added to provide further clarity.

View the Draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy and share your comments in one of the following ways:
  • completing the submission form here or
  • emailing council at council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or
  • writing to us marked 'Draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy' to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.
All submissions in their entirety are made publicly available in the Community Engagement Report. Personal identifying information and inappropriate language are redacted.

Roadworks

Maintenance: North Narrabeen - Wakehurst Parkway between Pittwater Road and Warringah Road
Sun 21 May 2023 to Fri 9 Jun 2023: 8:00pm to 5:00am - Road closed both directions
Advice:  Check signage, Use diversions, Allow extra travel time.

Diversions: 
Heavy vehicles detour via Warringah Road and Pittwater Rd, Or Warringah Road, Forest Way, Mona Vale Rd, Pittwater Rd. 
Light vehicles detour via Frenchs Forest Rd, Forest Way, Mona Vale Rd, then Pittwater Rd, or Warringah Rd, Pittwater Road.


Planned Hazard Reduction Burn

(387.4 Hectares): Ku-ring-gai Chase at General San Martin Drive between Cottage Point Road and West Head Road - Thu 1 Jun 2023 to Tue 6 Jun 2023; Scheduled roadwork: Every Day (all day), Traffic affected both directions

Websites: RFS - Fires near me. Attending: Rural Fire Service, Emergency services.

Advice: Reduced speed limit (40km/h), Check signage, Allow extra travel time. Smoke in the area may affect visibility. Motorists should drive to the conditions. Traffic control will be in place 24hrs a day. Motorists are advised to expect intermittent closures.


$70 Million For Eating Disorders And Childhood Mental Health

May 29, 2023
The Australian Government is providing $70 million in grants for innovative programs to research and treat mental ill-health and eating disorders, improve services, educate health professionals and support patients, their families and carer. 

Programs to address gaps identified by people with lived experience of eating disorders and other experts will share in $20 million of funding. 

The University of Sydney’s InsideOut Institute’s award-winning eClinic and Digital GP Hub will each receive $4 million. The eClinic will make effective, evidence-based care and treatment available digitally to people with an eating disorder, regardless of where they live. 

As the first point of health system contact, GPs are critical to providing meaningful change to early identification and intervention rates. However, people with a lived experience have consistently reported a lack of knowledge in primary care. The Digital GP Hub will work to address this knowledge gap, delivering screening tools, resources and practice supports to GPs. 

The Right Care Right Place program will make it easier for people to navigate their way through the health system. $3.9 million will be provided to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration to trial Care Coordinators in four Primary Health Network (PHN) regions. 

The Butterfly Foundation will receive $2.8 million to implement a recovery support program for patients who have been discharged from a hospital or residential centre, delivered virtually and available nationally. 

Eating Disorders Queensland, Eating Disorders Families Australia and headspace will also receive funding to increase the supports for care in the community, supports for carers and training for headspace clinicians. 

In response to the recent decline in the mental health of children and the rise in self-harm and eating disorders, the Government will provide $50 million for the Medical Research Future Fund’s Childhood Mental Health Research Plan. 

An expert advisory panel is being established to develop the plan by August 2023, which will recommend how to best direct the funding towards research projects that help:
  • determine the factors that affect the mental health and wellbeing of children
  • find ways to improve access to evidence-based treatments and their delivery
  • address inequities in childhood mental health and psychological distress outcomes
  • inform implementation of current and future policies and programs in child mental health. 
The first competitive grant opportunity under the Plan will open from September 2023. 

The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care said,  
“A million Australians are impacted by eating disorders and many report a lack of awareness in a health system that is difficult to navigate and offers inconsistent care. 

“We have seen a worrying and significant deterioration in the mental health of children and a rise in self-harm and eating disorders. 

“This funding will back innovative ways to support people with eating disorders and mental ill-health and deliver better outcomes.” 

Assistant Minister McBride stated, 
“Eating disorders are complex and among the most lethal mental health conditions. We cannot stand by while the mental health of Australian children is declining. 

“These programs are directing help to where it is needed and building a national approach to driving a better tomorrow for people with eating disorders and their loved ones.” 

The full list of projects funded is:
  • The University of Sydney (InsideOut Institute): eClinic - $4,000,000
  • National Eating Disorders Collaboration: Right Care Right Place - $3,926,000 
  • headspace National: Embedding eating disorder treatment in headspace centres - $1,530,000
  • The University of Sydney (InsideOut Institute): Digital GP Hub - $4,000,000
  • Butterfly Foundation: Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (v-IOP) - $2,844,000
  • Eating Disorders Families Australia: Fill the Gap - $1,700,000
  • Eating Disorders QLD: Brief Intervention/Therapy for Eating Disorders (bITE) - $2,000,000
  • Medical Research Future Fund: Childhood Mental Health Research Plan* - $50,000,000
TOTAL: $70,000,000

* Grants from the MRFF will be awarded through competitive grant opportunities with funding from 2024-25 onwards.

Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Eddie 

4yo Jack Russell X Chihuahua


Eddie is a very sweet dog once he knows you. He is shy at first and needs to trust the handler. Eddie is social with other small dogs. He is slowly warming to us. He is comfortable getting baths, putting on jumpers etc but is not ready to come for a pat and cuddle. He has a short coat and weighs 5.6kg. He is underweight and currently 2 meals per day. All our dogs come with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $400. 

Wednesday 

2yo Domestic Medium Hair


Wednesday is a very gentle smoochy girl with a medium length thick coat and gorgeous green eyes. She is easy to pick up and is very loving. She has had a dental with one extraction. She is FIV positive and would ideally suit indoor living as an only cat however options to live with another cat are possible with additional veterinary care. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 


To find out more call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email  Monika@DoggieRescue.com.  RON R251000024

Please Join Us In Celebrating 100 Years  Of  Creative Leisure: 1924 – 2024

What are your memories of Creative Leisure?
Calling past participants in any Creative Leisure Movement activities, to send us your stories or experiences.

By Post: Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning Inc
PO Box 1718  WARRIEWOOD 2102
Phone: 9944 6027


Expanded Training Opportunities For NSW Skills Providers

June 1, 2023
In a major boost for vocational education and training, more providers, more qualifications, and more regions will feature in the 2023-24 skills provider contracts.

The $710 million investment will allow 556 approved providers to deliver subsidised training in priority qualifications that address the skills needs in NSW.

The single biggest investment is being directed to TAFE NSW, receiving more than two thirds of the total funding under these skills provider contracts. This meets the entirety of the TAFE application for funding.

Capacity has been increased for qualifications in emerging industries as skills for the jobs of the future, including in wind power generation and automotive electric vehicle technology.

New contracts will increase capacity in the Diploma of Nursing in Sydney and regional areas to meet increased demand in hospitals and aged care.

Providers are being funded to allow for the statewide coverage of Certificate III and IV School Based Education and Support, and Diploma of School Based Education and Care. This funding also means the Diploma of Applied Technologies, advanced engineering and advanced electrical qualifications will become more accessible.

One hundred and ninety eight providers have been offered contracts for the first time, including 5 interstate TAFEs that train NSW residents in areas where training is not available in border communities.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said, 
“In a skills crisis, it is important that we create a workforce that meets the evolving needs of industries in NSW."

“The Minns Government is determined to restore TAFE by putting it at the heart of the vocational education system."

“The government is proud to provide funding and opportunities to 13 Aboriginal-controlled providers, ensuring that training is accessible and responsive to the specific needs of communities across the state."

“By offering subsidies for priority qualifications, we are empowering individuals to gain the skills required for rewarding careers and driving economic growth.”

RFS Large Air Tanker Called On To Assist Firefighters During U.S. Wildfire Season

June 2, 2023
For a third year in a row the Rural Fire Service (RFS) will send their 737 Large Air Tanker (LAT), the ‘Marie Bashir’ to the United States of America to assist U.S. agencies during the American wildfire season.

Following a recent request from U.S. fire agencies, the aircraft left its home base at the RAAF Richmond Air Base this morning, for the west coast of America. The RFS aircraft made a 3-month deployment in 2022 where it was based in Boise, Idaho and helped firefighters battle 37 fires across 6 states including Idaho, Nevada and California, dropping more than 1.2 million litres of suppressants during the operations.

Requests for Australian support are made by the U.S. National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group through the Australian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council (AFAC). The RFS 737 LAT will be on an initial deployment of just over 3 months, and available to return at short notice if the need arises here in NSW. 

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, 
“It’s a huge sign of respect that our NSW firefighters are again being called upon to assist their international colleagues and now, for the third time, the RFS is providing one of the best tools in their aviation arsenal, to help to the agencies protecting US communities.

“Just last week we saw the deployment of almost 60 NSW personnel to Canada, as part of a 200 strong team from Australia and New Zealand and as always, our Emergency Services remain willing to assist where they can, whether at home in NSW, interstate or overseas.”

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said, 
“Fire seasons all over the world are becoming longer and more intense but as we have just entered winter, we are happy to provide our Large Air Tanker to a country that needs the assistance.

“The fact that this is the third deployment of our aircraft to the US is testament to the fact our professional, highly trained, and experienced aviation specialists are greatly sought after.

“While we wish our crew a safe journey and all the best for the work they will be doing, we also wish US agencies and firefighters all the best and our thoughts are with those communities impacted.

“The RFS has the nation’s largest aerial firefighting fleet, and the service will always be willing to assist when we can.”

Council A Winner At Local Government Awards

June 2, 2023
Council has snared a top gong for its Resilience Strategy in the 2023 Local Government Excellence Awards.

On Thursday 1st of June, local government professionals gathered at Jones Bay Wharf Sydney for the Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW Awards Dinner, where the spotlight shone on excellence in the NSW local government sector.

The 2023 NSW Local Government Awards Dinner saw over 680 guests in attendance as we highlighted exceptional achievements in local government across NSW and celebrated the success and milestones of our members, both as emerging talent and most respected industry leaders. The awards focus on significant areas of the industry including leadership, environment, community, operational performance, partnerships, collaboration and more.

Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, congratulated the winners across all categories and the council staff involved in all nominations.

"The people who work in local government are incredibly committed to improving the quality of life in their local communities," Mr Hoenig said.

"The winners and all the nominees clearly demonstrate the excellent work being done on the frontline by close to 50,000 staff working across our state's 128 councils. I congratulate them all on their achievements."

With over 180 outstanding nominations received, across 14 categories, the task of determining the winners was exceptionally challenging. Judges across all categories commented on the quality of projects being undertaken by NSW local government all demonstrating innovation, collaboration and leadership in delivering excellence for their communities. All councils are to be congratulated for their outstanding nominations.

Council was the winner in the Innovative Leadership Award category for a population over 150,000 for the Strategy Withstand, Adapt, Thrive. 

Council also received highly commended citations for its Forestville Library 24/7 initiative and for the redevelopment of the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.

Mayor Sue Heins congratulated everyone involved in achieving the awards.

“I know our staff are very committed to achieving better outcomes for our community and these awards acknowledge that.

“It’s great that we came best in the field for our Resilience Strategy, which helps our community prepare for current and future challenges.

“The recent storms and floods, together with the bush fire emergency of 2019-20 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have shown the need for a cohesive, comprehensive strategy to withstand, adapt and thrive.

“Also, both the redevelopment of the Mona Vale Surf Club and the Forestville Library 24/7 initiative were outstanding projects and it’s great to see them get high recognition." Mayor Heins said.

The Mona Vale Surf Club was completed last year and is a purpose-built clubhouse designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment, and has solar panels and rainwater tanks to minimise its environmental footprint.

The build took just over 12 months to complete but was the result of more than ten years of planning.

In February this year, following a successful trial period, the Forestville 24/7 opened on a permanent basis.

Forestville Library is accessible 24 hours, 7 days a week to library members.

It provides a state-of-the-art, modern, flexible workspace for everyone from entrepreneurs, small business owners, and students when they need it, outside normal business hours.

Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig said: "The winners and all the nominees clearly demonstrate the excellent work being done on the frontline by close to 50,000 staff working across our state's 128 councils. I congratulate them all on their achievements." 

Acts Of Kindness Community Outreach: Winter Blanket And Coat Drive 2023

Can you help our homeless friends? It’s getting cold on the streets for our Homeless street friends and we need YOUR help. Do you have any Blankets, Sleeping bags, doonas or Coats you don’t use? We accept New or Clean Good Condition second hand items 

Drop off points at Warriewood, Inner West and Mount Annan. Please get in touch for details, at: https://aokcommunityoutreach.com/


Picnic In The Park At Avalon Beach A Great Success

Picnic in the Park, Dunbar Park on Saturday morning, June 3rd 2023, hosted by Northern Beaches Council, was a great success - they sold 1,500 tickets. 

The Show seen here was The Busy Izzy and Friends show. Peppa Pigs 'Taking Turns' live show was on next!

Photos: courtesy Cr. Miranda Korzy




Sydney Wildlife Mobile Care Unit: Quilt Auction

This exquisite quilt has been handcrafted and donated to us by St Faith’s Quilting and Needlecraft Club!
They would like us to use it to raise funds for our wildlife patients.  Thank you, Judith, for delivering this wonderful gift to us.



We have listed it for Auction online!  Please place your bids here to win this one-of-a-kind masterpiece:

Team Island Boot Camp Take On Push-Up Challenge

In June Team Island Boot Camp (Scotland Islanders) is taking part in The Push-Up Challenge. 

They are going to help shine the spotlight on the number of lives lost to suicide in 2021 and raise awareness of mental health. 

Funds raised by Team Island Boot Camp will go to Movember and their push for better mental health.

Feel free to join them or support a team member who is taking part. 

Help them push for better mental health.

ABHS June 2023 Meeting: ‘Royal’ Avalon Golf Links

The mid-year meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be held on TUESDAY 13 JUNE in the Annexe on Dunbar Park, starting at the usual 8pm.

Our mighty ‘Royal’ Avalon Golf links (along with other local courses) wasn’t looking so grand in recent years due to exceptionally heavy rains during March 2021 and the necessary restrictions placed on golfers due to the Covid virus era.

The course has lately been blessed with the arrival of a new and local greenkeeper full of competence and enthusiasm. 

Shannon Simmons and mate John Kljajic have both had experience at Monash and Elanora Country Club and have already created some very real and positive changes to the course. They’ve even rebirthed the old fountain on the 3rd hole which will hopefully bring about the return of the wood ducks and the dusky moorhens.

After 40 years of collecting, we now have a rather fabulous photographic history of the golf links with some recent additions.

At this stage the written history has reached around 2800 words and Geoff will use a shortened version as a prelude to the photographic presentation.

Around 1923 A.J.Small chose Dan Soutar to design the layout of the course.  Soutar had also designed the Elanora Country Club and the highly regarded Kingston Heath course in Melbourne. The Australian Golf Heritage Society was very keen to know of his association with the Avalon Golf Club.

As usual guests of members are very welcome to attend and to join us for supper afterwards.

We have quite a celebration night planned for our AGM/September meeting because it will be 40 years since we met for the first time. 

Geoff Searl OAM
President Avalon Beach Historical Society
Find out more at: abhs.org.au


NSW Government Secures Legislation To Protect Sydney Water And Hunter Water From Privatisation

June 2, 2023
The NSW Minns Government has successfully protected Sydney Water and Hunter Water from privatisation with the passage of the Constitutional Amendment (Sydney Water and Hunter Water) Bill 2023 through the Legislative Council on Thursday 1 June.

Both Sydney Water and Hunter Water are statutory state-owned corporations and will be safeguarded from privatisation as a result of tonight’s amendment to the Constitution Act.

The successful passage of the bill amends the Constitution Act to now require those 2 specific corporations, and their main undertakings, to remain in public ownership by ensuring that those entities may not be sold or disposed of.

The new provisions of the act prevent governments from selling off Sydney Water and Hunter Water. Only an Act of Parliament will be able to undo the privatisation protections.

In securing the passage of the bill, the Minns Government has agreed, with the support of the crossbench, to establish a parliamentary inquiry that will examine what can be done to safeguard and support other regional water utilities. This includes preventing privatisation, and an examination of any additional protections these assets might require now and into the future.

The joint select committee for the parliamentary inquiry will inquire into and report on the governance systems and regulatory and assurance framework for local water utilities and will consult with local government.

Premier Chris Minns said, 
“Before the election I made a commitment to protect Sydney Water in the constitution. Today my government has delivered on that promise."

“These 2 state owned corporations are crucial assets to how we live in NSW – they provide so many of us with the water we drink and use each day that it is simple common sense to lock in their public ownership and protect them from privatisation."

“With this new legislation we have effectively put a sphere of protection around both entities, preventing privatisation, preventing unreasonable price spikes and ensuring these essential assets will always belong to the people of NSW.”

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said,
“Today we have delivered on our election commitment to keep Sydney and Hunter Water in public hands."

“I want to thank the crossbench for their constructive involvement in this matter, and I am keen to hear what the Parliamentary Inquiry finds in terms of how we can better protect other regional water assets and secure the future of water services to all parts of NSW."

“This inquiry will be focussed on uncovering what our government can do to better support our water assets. We will be guided by the voices of our community and locals on the ground on how to best do this."

“This inquiry is just another example of how we are taking a serious approach to a serious issue and putting the views of the NSW people – in the case of this Inquiry, the people of regional NSW – front and centre in all our policymaking decisions.”

In Tune With Tony B

In Tune is a radio programme about our local community, culture and home-grown music, hosted by TonyB. Each week, Tony plays great local music and he chats with guests from local community causes and charities, about how they make a difference.

In this week's programme Tony chatted with Danielle Ballantine - CEO of Your Side yourside.org.au a non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly to create opportunities for people with disabilities, the elderly and their families. 

You can stream this and all previous programmes on demand here InTuneWithTonyB on Demand.

Stay tuned for more great programmes on InTune. 
 
Radio Northern Beaches
Fridays at 6pm
FM 88.7 or 90.3
Or live stream at https://www.rnb.org.au
Previous programmes, on demand at https://www.mixcloud.com/InTuneWithTonyB
If you would like to chat with Tony on air about your community cause or your music, please feel free to message the Facebook page  In Tune - Radio Programme | Facebook and feel free to like and share the page.

Public Amenities Upgrade: Rowland Reserve Bayview, Feedback Invited

Opens: Fri 19 May 2023
Closes: Sun 18 June 2023

Built in the early 1990s, the amenities block does not meet current accessibility standards. The facilities need to be upgraded, with the works identified in Council's renewal program for 2023.

Council have received grant funding under the NSW Government’s Places to Swim program, which supports the creation of places for the community to enjoy Sydney’s rivers, lakes and harbour.

These funds will be used to upgrade the amenities block to better support Sailability and community members with a requirement for enhanced facilities. Features include a new disability changing room and a family changing room, which will benefit all members of the community, including local residents and visitors, while they enjoy swimming and other recreation activities in the area.

View the plans and provide feedback at:


Concept image: NBC

Lock Up Your Cars: Thieves About

Help At Hand For First Home Buyers

June 1, 2023
First home buyers will enjoy significant savings after the NSW Parliament passed the First Home Buyer Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 to make stamp duty exemptions and concessions available to more people. 

This enacts a key commitment of the Minns Labor Government to implement a fairer, simpler way to help more first home buyers. 

Under the reforms, the stamp duty exemption threshold will rise from $650,000 to $800,000 on July 1, 2023.  

Additionally, stamp duty concessions will apply to properties worth between $800,000 and $1 million. 

The measures will see first home buyers save up to $31,090. 

The previous government’s unfair “forever” land tax scheme gave people paying between $1 million and $1.5 million much larger stamp duty reductions than those able to afford homes under $1m. 

That scheme will close on 30 June 2023.  However grandfathering provisions mean anyone who opted into it will be able to continue paying land tax until they sell their property.

The reform means that 84% of first home buyers will be able to access the assistance, giving them an advantage over investors bidding for the same property. 

Based on current market conditions, NSW Treasury expects around 8600 first home buyers each year to qualify for a total exemption from stamp duty, and 4400 people to enjoy a concessional rate of stamp duty. 

Examples of benefits of the changes:



Premier Chris Minns said,
“We promised to deliver a fairer and simpler way to help more first home buyers and that will become a reality from 1 July. 

“Our changes will help more first home buyers to take a step onto the property ladder.

“This legislation will also see us deliver on our promise to abolish the former government’s property tax, a forever tax on the family home.”   

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said,
“Five out of every six first home buyers will pay no stamp duty or a concessional rate under the new system. 

“Our simpler, fairer system will help first home buyers, allowing them to enter the market sooner and giving them a boost when competing with other buyers.”  

Edible Exhibition: 100 Cakes For 100 Years Of Manly CWA - Get Involved!

Would you like to help Manly CWA celebrate their centenary? We invite everyone to be involved in our Edible Exhibition.

On Saturday 26th August we are holding our Edible Exhibition at St Matthew’s Manly. It will be a celebration of Manly Branch of the Country Women’s Association throughout the last 100 years with an exhibition and sale of 100 different tea cosies and 100 aprons. The focus will be the 100 cakes – each representing a different year and an event in the history of our area, state or the world.

The Edible Exhibition is a celebration of 100 years of community support by Manly Branch of the Country Women's Association. You are invited to nominate yourself to create a cake. Once you are registered you will then be given a year and information of things that might be represented for that year. Think: 2000 - Sydney Olympics - make 5 ring cakes and decorate to look like the Olympic rings; 1966 - Decimal currency - create a cake that is a coin or a note from the new currency.

You are welcome to knit, crochet, or sew a tea cosy or make an apron to donate to our exhibition. Contact manlycwa@gmail.com if you have any questions.

For the centenary of cakes, you are requested to register online to participate and in early July you will be given a year to create in a baked form.  

To assist in your creative decisions a list of things that happened in the year you are given. Cake will be delivered on the morning of 26th August and displayed along with the aprons and tea cosies which will be available for sale to raise funds to assist women and families throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. 



Winter Market Day: Scotland Island - Catherine Park Call Out For Makers

Sunday 25 June, 10 - 1 pm: Calling all makers, artists and entrepreneurs! 
 
Do you have something you’d like to sell at a market stall at the June island café? It could be artwork, pottery, clothes, candles, books or... well, pretty much anything. 
 
Tables are $20. To book, please email floydcbg@ozemail.com.au. 


Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC: A Sharks Tale The Book Celebrates 90 Years Of The Narrabeen Sharks  

As the story goes, the Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC had its humble beginnings on March 7, 1932 in Jack McLean’s barber shop.   And so the rest is history. 

Recount the incredible stories, the memories, the pictures, and the spirit of this legendary club in a limited edition hardcover book.  

Hop on to our website and order your copy today.  Delivery or pick up is coming after Easter: https://narrabeensharks.com.au/shop/

We’ll also be hosting a book launch at the commencement of the A-Grade season – stay tuned for details.


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

The Auxiliary is looking for new members to help with our fund raising efforts.  New ideas and assistance with our stalls are very welcome.  Contact 0407 216 253 for more information.

The Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members host a stall at Pittwater Place on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 3pm selling knitting for babies and children, beanies, bedsocks and scarves for oldies, sewing items, craft and jams, raising funds for the rehabilitation and palliative care units.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Launch Of Armistice In Korea 1953-23 Photography Exhibition

Armistice in Korea, 1953-2023, a new exhibition at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney, honours the service and the sacrifice of Australian Korean War veterans and features the photographs and stories of 11 veterans.

Minister for Veterans David Harris joined Mr Taewoo Lee, Consul-General of the Republic of Korea to open the photo exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War.

“Seventy years ago on 27 July 1953, the Armistice was signed to end hostilities in Korea and effectively bring an end to war. This exhibition honours the contribution and sacrifice of 11 Australian veterans of the Korean War, with photographs and digital stories of their service.

“Importantly, we remember not only the 11 veterans featured in the exhibition but all 17,164 Korean War veterans who willingly risked their lives for the freedom of the Republic of Korea,” Mr Harris said.

Mr Taewoo Lee, Consul-General of the Republic of Korea acknowledged the Korean government’s efforts to honour the noble sacrifice and dedication of Korean War veterans.

“To ensure that their sacrifice is remembered, we thought it would be meaningful to organise a collaborative photo exhibition with the New South Wales Government. We plan to continue our efforts to pass on the legacy of Korean War veterans to future generations, and we hope that this exhibition will serve as a catalyst for such endeavours,” Mr Lee said.

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea following clashes along the border and rebellions in South Korea. North Korea was supported by China and the Soviet Union while South Korea was supported by the United States and allied countries including Australia. The fighting ended with an armistice on 27 July 1953.

Over 17,000 Australians served during the Korean War, of which 340 were killed and over 1,216 wounded. A further 29 had become prisoners of war.

“I would like to thank the Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea for photographing these veterans and enabling us to work together to honour their service. The photographs and digital stories produced are essential to ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten, and their legacy is passed down to future generations,” Mr Harris added.

The exhibition will feature in the Auditorium at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney through to the end of July. For more information visit the Anzac Memorial event page

The exhibition is located in the Memorial’s Auditorium on Lower Ground level. The Memorial is open every day, 9am to 5pm. Please note that access to the exhibition is dependent on the Auditorium’s availability, so we encourage you to call the Memorial in advance on (02) 8262 2900.  Entry is free.

Changes To Public Access To Council Records Under The State Records Act 1998

What’s new or changing:
  • Changes to the State Records Act 1998 (the Act) that take effect from 1 January 2024 will affect council records. Under the changes:
    • State records will be open to the public by default once they are 20 years old, unless they are closed via a Closed to Public Access (CPA) direction
    • public offices (including councils) will be required to submit a plan in 2024 outlining their intention to transfer records that are required as State archives.
  • As a result of changes to the Act that took effect on 31 December 2022, parts of the Act governing public access, transfers and records that have strayed (‘estrays’) are now administered by Museums of History NSW (MHNSW), a new statutory body.
  • Other parts of the Act are administered by State Records Authority NSW (State Records NSW).
What this will mean for your council
  • Councils will need to renew or register CPA directions with MHNSW well in advance of 1 January 2024 to ensure appropriate protection of sensitive information.
  • During 2024, councils will need to submit a transfer plan to MHNSW.

Key points:

  • Changes to the parts of the Act administered by MHNSW are as follows:
    • Section 32(4): Transfer planning – this new section will require public offices (including councils) to plan for the transfer of records required as State archives into the State Archives Collection, and to submit a plan to MHNSW. This requirement will apply even if there is no intention to transfer records at the present time.
    • Section 50: Reduction in the Open Access Period – the Open Access Period for State records will reduce from 30 years to 20 years. The Act establishes a presumption that records in the Open Access Period should be open to public access.
    • Section 51: State records will become open to the public by default after 20 years – State records that are at least 20 years old will be open to public access if they are currently subject to an Open to Public Access (OPA) direction or do not have an access direction in place. There is no change to the capacity for a public office to apply a CPA direction or the requirement for CPA directions to be renewed every 5 years.
The changes mean that from 1 January 2024:
  • State records that currently have a 30-year OPA direction registered will be open to the public once they are 20 years old
  • State records that are 20 or more years old and do not have an access direction registered will automatically be open to the public.
  • CPA directions that were made more than 5 years ago will need to be renewed before 1 January 2024 or the records will automatically be open to the public once they are 20 years old.
Where to go for further information

Advice on access directions is available on the Public access to records section of the MHNSW website.
Councils can review or renew existing access directions and register new directions through the Service Portal operated by MHNSW and State Records NSW. The Service Portal is available via the Agency Services webpage.

2023 Volunteer Of The Year Nominations Open

As part of the 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, The Centre for Volunteering is currently accepting nominations for people and teams for judging and recognition.

All volunteers in the Recognition stream will be acknowledged with a certificate at one of 24 regional ceremonies to celebrate their contribution to their local community.  

2023 Volunteer of the Year Nomination guidelines
All nominees must:
  • Be a volunteer in NSW, a practice defined as time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain*.
  • Have volunteered during the previous 12 months for a legitimate not-for-profit organisation, community group, or other entity which engages volunteers in a safe and legal manner, such as schools or government agencies.
You can also nominate your local volunteer or volunteer team for inclusion in the final judging for a Regional and State Volunteer of the Year Award. This nomination consists of completing six parts of the nomination form (three extra questions).  All parts must be completed to be accepted by the judging committee.

Please note, volunteers and volunteer managers are not permitted to nominate themselves. All nominators must have permission from the person or team you are nominating to disclose their personal information as part of their entry.

For all conditions and eligibility, please read (prior to your submission) the full Nomination Guidelines at: www.volunteering.com.au/awards/2023-awards

Nominations close 5pm, Friday 16 June 2023.


Council: Fox Baiting Notice To Pet Owners

Fox-specific poison baits are being laid in the following reserves until 12 May:
  • Manly Dam, Manly Vale
  • Allenby Park, Allambie Heights
  • Forestville Park, Forestville
  • Middle Creek Reserve, Oxford Falls
  • Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
These reserves are closed to dogs until Friday 9 June. Dog and cat owners are advised to keep their pets away from these Northern Beaches reserves. 

Warning signs are being displayed in the these areas.

The fox baiting program is being conducted in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and involves the use of “Foxoff® Econobait” poison baits, which are designed specifically for fox control. The poison baits contain 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate).

Native animals at risk from foxes include bandicoots, swamp wallabies, brush turkeys and possums.

Report Hate Crimes

NSW Police Force: 
If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 

You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. 

If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station. 

Letters To The Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but considering the magazines inability to word limit itself - that remains optional.
Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.
Letters should not contain attachments - these will be requested if required to illustrate content/subject.
Letters should be exclusive to Pittwater Online News.

The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons, among other considerations. 

Volunteers Needed: Meals On Wheels

Meals on Wheels have lost a lot of volunteers in the last few months due to COVID regulations etc. so they are desperate for some new people on the roster. The local service covers all the way from Manly Vale up to Palm Beach, so a run takes around 60-90mins. 

You leave from and return to the warehouse in Bassett Street, Mona Vale.
You don’t need to sign on to permanent shifts, even once a month would help them out greatly.
All drivers need an unrestricted license, must be fully vaccinated and will require a volunteer police check.
If you are able to assist please call Milly on 9457 3900 or email 
NBeachesVolunteer@kmow.org.au and she can give you more info and send you through training paperwork.


Become A Volunteer Radio Operator: MRNSW

Are you looking for a new challenge? With the busy summer boating season coming up Marine Rescue NSW units up and down the coast want to hear from you! And if you live in Sydney, our State Communications Centre in Belrose is especially keen to hear from you, just drop a line to: base.sydney@marinerescuensw.com.au 

Prior radio and boating experience is not required, and as a Radio Operator you'll play a vital role in helping to keep our waterways safer. If you want to take the plunge and join a dedicated volunteer team helping to save lives on our waterways, then go here for more information: 
www.marinerescuensw.com.au/become-a-volunteer/ or contact your local Marine Rescue NSW unit directly.

May 28 - June 3  2023: Issue 585

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 585

Mona Vale’s John McFadden Wins World Food Championships!

Aquatics: Weedy Seadragons Citizen Scientist Project Needs More Eyes On The Seas, Sands + Shores: The SeadragonSearch Project

From The Council Chamber: May 23, 2023 by Pittwater Greens Councillor Miranda Korzy

Full NSW Government Funding For Wakehurst Parkway Confirmed: Improvements In Elanora Road, Elanora Heights + Mirool Street Narrabeen Now Included - New MP For Wakehurst Also Brings Up Cancelled Bus Services + Proposed Lizard Rock Development In Representative Of Community Statements 

Two Catherines - A Twisted Scotland Island Tale: Runs This June

Community Forum To Address 4G/5G Infrastructure Concerns Almost Shelved: Will Go Ahead Because Palm Beach Resident Stood Up To Ensure Passed Council Motion Not Dumped - Will Now Be A Call For Amendments To Federal Legalisation To Include Residents + Local Government In Determining Proposals

Conny Harris Calls For Exclusion Fencing + Traffic Calming Devices In Wildlife Hotspot On Oxford Falls/Morgan Roads Prior To New Oxford Creek Bridge Being Built

National Inquiry Into Body Image Called For: Eating Disorders On The Rise, Those Who Have Suffered For Years Still Cannot Access Help

Pictures: Aquatic Reflections seen this week: Narrabeen + Turimetta by Joe Mills 

Park Bench Philosophers Historic Zig Zag Railway reopens: one place to take the youngsters, and oldsters, this Winter school holidays

Environment Learning To Waddle Along A Tree Branch, Why We Love Our Trees by Willoughby Council, Special Treatment For The Worst Polluters: Government Admission Highlights The Need To Stop New And Expanded Coal Mines In NSW, How Citizen Scientists Are Helping To Save A Species: 35 Christmas Beetle Species Unearthed By Volunteers, Protect Mona Vale's Bongin Bongin Bay - Establish An Aquatic Reserve, Ausgrid Community Battery Pilot - Warriewood: Have Your Say, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew: Freshwater May 28, Permaculture NB: June To July 2023 Events, Chemical CleanOut: June 2023, NSW Government To Undertake Electricity Sector Check Up To Deliver Clean Energy Future, Man Charged After Alleged Act Of Animal Cruelty - Little Bay, Place-Based Cultural Immersion Opportunities, Lake Illawarra Site To Remain In Public Hands, Australia is in a unique position to eliminate the bee-killing Varroa mite. Here’s what happens if we don’t, With hundreds of call-outs every day wildlife rescue services can help us understand the threats to our native animals, After the chainsaws, the quiet: Victoria’s rapid exit from native forest logging is welcome – and long overdue,  From mangroves to fjords, coastal ecosystems can take up or emit greenhouse gases. But globally, they’re a vital sink, Study finds 2 billion people will struggle to survive in a warming world – and these parts of Australia are most vulnerable, Antarctic alarm bells: observations reveal deep ocean currents are slowing earlier than predicted, A botanical detective story: shedding light on the journey out of Africa for one of Australia’s worst weeds, Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn’t break down nearly as quickly as hoped – new research, Tiger protection in India also saved 1 million tonnes of carbon emissions – new study, Farmers face a soaring risk of flash droughts in every major food-growing region in coming decades, The real cost of your chocolate habit: new research reveals the bittersweet truth of cocoa farming in Africa’s forests, Coffee, brought to you by bees: a case study in how restoring habitat is a win-win for forests and farmers, Greedy gulls decide what to eat by watching people – new research, Good vibrations: how listening to the sounds of soil helps us monitor and restore forest health, The world’s worst animal disease is killing frogs worldwide. A testing breakthrough could help save them, ‘Painting with fire’: how northern Australia developed one of the world’s best bushfire management programs, How to fool a mouse: ‘chemical camouflage’ can hide crops and cut losses by over 60%,  Bushcare In Pittwater, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Report Fox Sightings, Weed Of The Season: Cassia - Please Pull Out and Save Our Bush, New Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Pittwater Environment groups and organisations, Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon, Recycle plastic tags

Inbox News Skin patch shows promise for toddlers with peanut allergy, World leaders are flocking to Papua New Guinea; Here’s why, In 2050 Over 800 Million People Globally Estimated To Be Living With Back Pain, Modular Builds May Help Construction Industry Weather A Perfect Storm: UniSA, What Marsupials Can Teach Us About Brain Development, Half Of World's Largest Lakes Losing Water: Climate Change, Human Consumption and Sedimentation Contributing To Decline, New Supply Chain Model To Empower Seabound Hydrogen Economy: UTS, Building Trusted Digital Services: The Trustworthy Digital Society Hub, Flexing Crystalline Structures Provide Path To A Solid Energy Future, Oldest Architectural Plans Detail Mysterious Desert Mega Structures, We Love You Tina - Always Will: Homebake 2009 Festival In Sydney, VALE Dr Rosemary Crossley - In Tribute To Rosemary, Sydney In 1928, Public Hospital Funding Agreement Needs Complete Makeover: AMA, Consistent Link Between The Seaside and Better Health, Wayne’s Hand-Built Lolly Trolleys Bring Sweet Joy For Older People In Need, Victoria shows Australia how to finally abolish stamp duty once and for all, Empowerment, individual strength and the many facets of love: why I fell for Tina Turner, Vaccination Best Protection As We Head Into Winter Months, The Mediterranean Diet: Good For Your Health and Your Hip Pocket, Why surfing can be beneficial for people with brain injuries, ‘We can no longer justify unpaid labour’: why uni students need to be paid for work placements, Applications Open For 150 Apprentice Scholarships, Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards 2023: Opetional Theme This Year 'The Winding Road', Northern Beaches Police Area Command: E-Scooter And E-Bike Safety Operation, The 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards", Enzo Maiorca: Everyone Can Make A Difference, Sydney in 1928, School Leavers Information Service, Word Of The Week: Bamboozle, Empowerment, individual strength and the many facets of love: why I fell for Tina Turner, How can I make studying a daily habit?, Astronomers detected two major targets with a single telescope – a mysterious signal and its source galaxy, Why are killer whales attacking boats?; Expert Q&A, Laws targeting protesters are being rushed through state parliaments; But they are often poorly designed and sometimes, unconstitutional, ‘We haven’t been taught about sex’: teens talk about how to fix school sex education, The great beauty of art is its absence of certainty, 10 ways to help the boys in your life read for enjoyment (not just for school), Ancient humans may have paused in Arabia for 30,000 years on their way out of Africa, 

Profile of the Week Margaret Anne Molloy OAM Tribute 2023
Passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023.
Born May 22, 1932.
Beloved wife of Tom (late), proud and loving mother of Scott and David, delighted grandmother of Rachael, James, Clare, Tamzin and Max, respected and much loved auntie of the extended family and cherished friend of all who knew her, Margaret has, after ninety years of giving, gone to be with her husband in the arms of the Lord of creation.

Family and friends attended a commemoration and celebration of Margaret’s life at Lovett Bay, Pittwater, the place she loved best, on the 22nd May, 2023.

This Issue we run Margaret's Profile from 2012 to commemorate and celebrate a wonderful lady of our community.

To open our June 2012 focus on Pittwater ladies who have contributed much to many for decades we were privileged to share a small insight on a lady who has been a delight and a champion for Pittwater's Offshore residents for decades. With careers as a journalist, writer, insightful in Australian literature, receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on the Queens Birthday Honours List of 2009 ''For service to the community of West Pittwater'', Margaret saw lots of change in Pittwater but was a fine example of what doesn’t change and how what is in people enriches community.

A resident of the beautiful Lovett Bay, secretary for the West Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade since the early 1970’s, Margaret had backbone, clarity and generosity and a sharp mind as she sailed into her ninth decade in the world. 

Born in Nowra into a family who had lived there since 1900, where her grandfather, Henry Rauch bought and edited the Shoalhaven Telegraph newspaper, later publishing the Shoalhaven and Nowra News, the latter being founded by her father Cecil, who was also Mayor of Nowra in 1926, Margaret Molloy, born May 22, 1932, had saltwater in her essence and words that came together to say what she means.

National Reconciliation Week runs Saturday 27 May 2023 to Saturday 3 June 2023
National Sorry Day or the National Day of Healing, an event held annually in Australia on 26 May, commemorating the Stolen Generations, precedes this. 

National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities. National Reconciliation Week is a time for Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. 
The first National Sorry Day was held on the one-year anniversary of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report. It examined the government practices and policies which led to the Stolen Generations and recommended support and reparations to the Indigenous population. 

On 28 May 2000, more than 250,000 people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, participated in a walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge organised by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation to protest the lack of a government apology to Indigenous people, show solidarity and to raise public awareness. Members of the public also had a plane write "sorry" above the bridge the same day.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart was released on Sorry Day in 2017.

In our area the Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater, ASGMWP, will hold its annual National Sorry Day this Sunday, May 28th, at Mona Vale Memorial Hall from 1.30pm. All Welcome - All Belong.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, ''Be a Voice for Generations'', encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

Further information about National Reconciliation Week this year is available on the Reconciliation Australia website: www.reconciliation.org.au

To close this special week, 'Singing Up Country 2023' will take place on Sunday June 4th in our area.

This Issue a Celebration to Honour two real First Ladies of our area - one the mother and one the daughter who became renowned for being a midwife to all who lived in Pittwater.

Which reflects back on the Stolen Generations - children taken and in Catherine Benns, children given.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 1, 2023

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Contents May 1st 2023 Issue: Did Scotland Island Used To Be More Fun?, Island Feast for Freedom 2023, Two Catherines: A Twisted Scotland Island Tale, Island Playgroup, The Tuesday Discussion Group, Seafarers' Shindig, International Folk Dancing, Scotland Island Café, Scotland Island Fire Shed Dinner, Scotland Island Revive Retreat, Two Catherines: A Twisted Scotland Island Tale, Winter Market Day, For sale: Stacer 498 Bowrider 2007, Island home for rent, Local handyman for hire

Congratulations John McFadden: World Food Champion

Mona Vale Chef John McFadden claimed the coveted title of World Food Champion at the 10th World Food Championships’ Final Table in Bentonville, Arkansas on Sunday, May 21st, picking up $US100,000.
Touching down in Sydney he was greeted by his family with 'congratulations' signs at the airport and by neighbours with Australian flags in their home street.

The World Food Championships is the largest competition in Food Sport, where culinary competitors of previous events convene for a chance at winning the ultimate food crown and a share of hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money. 

John, who won the category title of World Seafood Champion at WFC’s Main Event in Dallas last November, went on to best nine other category champions in a three-round culinary gauntlet designed to test skills, technique, creativity and time management. 

“Exhausted”, is how the well-liked Aussie chef described his experience when asked about the win, which saw him go up solo against three teams of three across three challenges, two of which were elimination challenges.

The last challenge was to cook courses three and four from a five-course tasting menu.

“My course three-dish was ‘surf and turf’ prawns, scallops, and chorizo, cauliflower puree, roast crab and prawn sauce,” McFadden told Club Management from Bentonville, Arkansas, straight after the final.

“The fourth-course dish was seared lamb, roast heirloom carrots, spiced carrot puree, dukkah, salted yoghurt and hazelnuts.”

John made his way through to the major final after being crowned World Seafood Champion at WFC’s Main Event in Dallas in November last year. He then went on to beat nine other category champions in a three-round culinary gauntlet designed to test skills, technique, creativity and time management. 

“I won the final by 10 points across five judges with a score of 95,” he said.

In more exciting news, after winning the World Food Championships in the USA, John has partnered with Doug Fraser, Kylie Franks Fraser and the Basin Dining Room to create a 5 course tasting menu showcasing the award winning dishes. The event will be held on Wednesday June 28th.

For bookings contact The Basin Dining Room, overlooking glorious Mona Vale Beach, at:  www.basindining.com.au


CONGRATULATIONS JOHN!


Photo; John standing with chef Timothy Ordway, Executive Chef at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, also in Bentonville, Arkansas, after taking out the World Food Championships overall title.

Congratulations Leilani, Emily + Ned

Huge congratulations to Warringah Rugby players Leilani Nathan, Emily Robinson and Ned Slack-Smith.

Emily and Leilani have been selected for the Wallaroos squad after outstanding work throughout the Super W Competition.

Ned has been named in the Junior Wallabies squad who will play against the New Zealand Under 20's in Wellington on May 29th and June 3rd in a two game series.

Emily started out with the Narrabeen Tigers as a junior has 18 caps with the Waratahs but posted on Instagram after being named in the Wallaroos team;

''It’s hard to put into words what this day means. 
To all the people who came before us and paved the way for us to reap the rewards Thank You.
To all the girls of my era we have had the best of both worlds pre and post professional era.
To the girls who will never know what it’s like to work 2 jobs and train full time I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!
There will never be a greater honour than representing your country.''

Born on the Central Coast and debuting for the club in 2023, Leilani Nathan is a breakout star in the backrow for the NSW Waratahs. Sister of Newcastle Knights NRLW powerhouse Nicole Nathan, Leilani’s rugby experience ranges from a junior level with the Hamilton Hawks to being awarded the 2019 New South Wales Country Corellas Player of the Year and excelled with her senior club (Eastern Suburbs - Easts) where Leilani did well in the Jack Scott Cup. 


Leilani Nathan

The Wallaroos impressed on May 20th with a 22-5 win over Fijiana to kick off their 2023 campaign.
Their next game is June 29th against the NZ Black Ferns - that match will be at Brisbane's Kayo Stadium.

Ned Slack-Smith, a resident of Avalon who played as a Newport Breakers Junior Rugby and became a local Warringah Junior, was awarded the inaugural Rats Rising Scholarship. To ensure Warringah retain, nurture and promote local juniors, their program aims to award scholarships annually to help them achieve their dreams.

Ned is now contracted to the Western Force and recently selected in the Junior Wallabies team for the U20’s World Championships. In the 2022 edition of Junior Wallabies Head coach Nathan Grey named back-rower Ned Slack-Smith as captain. 

NSW Waratahs scrumhalf Teddy Wilson was announced as Junior Wallabies captain for 2023 on Tuesday May 23rd.

The World Rugby Under-20 Championship kicks off on June 24 in South Africa, where the Junior Wallabies will be working to win the tournament. 

At the last instalment, in 2019, Australia finished runners-up, the final score being 24-23 to France.

Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey in a statement "We're very excited about getting the squad together and testing ourselves against New Zealand, who always present a great challenge,"

"In particular the scheduling of the second game as a curtain-raiser to the Super Rugby Pacific fixture presents a valuable opportunity for the players to experience a big stadium and a big stage to perform on.

"Many of the players in this squad essentially picked themselves through the quality and consistency of their performances playing for their clubs over the last month.

"Super Rugby Pacific commitments have forced some changes but we have the benefit of being able to draw from an extended shadow squad of players who have been involved in the program to date.

"From all corners of Australia, they come together under the Junior Wallabies banner, to represent their country with pride and take a huge step in their development as Rugby players."

Congratulations Bei Loon Dragonboat Club + Pittwater Pinks 

After their success at the Australian Dragon Boat Championships, Bei Loon have qualified and been invited to the IDBF CC World Championships in Ravenna 2024. Be Loon's Senior B Women Standard and Senior C Standard and Senior B small will represent Australia, and Pittwater, in the14th Club Crew World Championships. Well done team! 

In the 2023 Australian Dragon Boat Championships a team of 37 Bei Loon athletes competed in 10 events, getting two golds and three silvers and also claimed honours in the State v State event, where 5 of their members compete in the NSW State team.

Medals:
Gold - Senior B Women 20s, 2km.        
Gold - Senior B Mixed 10s, 500m.       
Silver - Senior B Mixed 10s, 200m.                 
Silver - Senior B Women 20s, 200m.        
Silver - Senior B Women 20s




In mid May 2023 Bei Loon were very grateful for the generous sponsorship from Pittwater RSL for their initiative to support their local community as that has allowed them to fund a prototype trolley. Now the moving of these heavy boats has become a lot easier for the club.



Bei Loon Dragon Boat Club is located at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, Pittwater. Members train Saturday and Sunday mornings all year round as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays (early morning or early evening) during Summer and Wednesday mornings during Winter.  

Bei Loon is competitive as well as providing an enjoyable, friendly environment for those who want to keep fit but not necessarily compete.

Find out more and get involved at: www.beiloon.com.au/home  - Profile

The Pittwater Pinks Represent In NZ

In related DB news, congratulations to the Pittwater Pinks who returned from the NZ IBCPC Festival a few weeks ago having placed 5th out of the 19 Australian teams - although clearly having fun and meeting thousands of other great women was the winner as well. 



The IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival is held every 3 to 4 years under the auspices of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission. The festival is an international non-competitive participatory event for breast cancer paddler teams who engage in Dragonboat activities as post breast cancer diagnosis rehabilitation. Dragon boat paddling has become a rehabilitation therapy for tens of thousands of women, and men worldwide, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. 

For the first time since the establishment of IBCPC in 2010, the festival took place in the southern hemisphere in New Zealand. 

Running 10 April 2023 - 16 April 2023 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge, New Zealand, the 2023 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival welcomed 4000 to 5000 people from all over the world. The participants are mainly women between the ages of 20 and 80.

The Pittwater Pinks are an integral part of the Bei Loon family. Solely made up of breast cancer survivors, the team is a mixture of paddlers from social to competitive. If you are are a breast cancer survivor there will be a place for you in the team.

Registrations for the Pittwater Pinks are open all year round.  Training is at the same times as Bei Loon.

Ausgrid Helicopter Bushfire Patrols: Saturday June 2-3, 2023

Ausgrid advise that as part of their bushfire prevention program they will be using helicopters to inspect powerlines, poles and other equipment in bushfire-prone areas.
The 2023 schedule includes:

NORTHERN BEACHES LGA 2/6/23 to 3/6/23
Where: Avalon, Brookvale, Belrose, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Narrabeen, Duffys Forest, Palm Beach, Great Mackerel Beach.


Roadworks

Maintenance: North Narrabeen - Wakehurst Parkway between Pittwater Road and Warringah Road
Sun 21 May 2023 to Fri 9 Jun 2023: 8:00pm to 5:00am - Road closed both directions
Advice:  Check signage, Use diversions, Allow extra travel time.

Diversions: 
Heavy vehicles detour via Warringah Road and Pittwater Rd, Or Warringah Road, Forest Way, Mona Vale Rd, Pittwater Rd. 
Light vehicles detour via Frenchs Forest Rd, Forest Way, Mona Vale Rd, then Pittwater Rd, or Warringah Rd, Pittwater Road.


Northern Beaches Police Area Command: E-Scooter And E-Bike Safety Operation

Commencing at 8am today (Wednesday 17 May 2023), officers from Northern Beaches Highway Patrol will be conducting a high-visibility operation on e-scooter and e-bike safety along the Northern Beaches.

The aim of this operation is to educate the public on traffic laws associated with e-scooters, e-bikes and pedestrian safety. It is illegal for any of these to be ridden on footpaths.

Police will also be running this operation across May through to July 2023.

🚲 For more information on E-Bikes: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/bicycle-riders/petrol-powered-bicycles.html

🛴 For more information on E-Scooters: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/e-scooters/index.html

Vaccination Best Protection As We Head Into Winter Months

May 25, 2023
Everyone in NSW is being urged to ensure they are up to date with their recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in the lead up to winter.

The latest NSW respiratory surveillance report, published today, shows community transmission of COVID-19 remains at high levels and influenza activity is increasing rapidly.

COVID-19 in NSW:
  • 14,409 total new positive tests reported in the past 7 days 
  • 4,638 positive PCR tests reported in the past 7 days 
  • 9,771 positive Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) reported in the past 7 days 
  • 69 lives lost reported in the past 7 days
Influenza notifications are rapidly increasing; 2,131 people were reported this week, an increase of 66% since the previous week. The increases were most notable in children (0-4 and 5-16 age groups).

Health Minister Ryan Park said as we enter the winter months staying up to date with recommended vaccinations is the best way to protect you, your family and the community from serious illness.

“Influenza is a serious disease in young children, and both COVID-19 and influenza viruses can have serious consequences for older adults, people who have chronic health conditions and those who are immunocompromised,” Mr Park said.

“Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and now is the time to make sure you are up to date with the shots recommended for you.”

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said we are anticipating high levels of influenza activity over the coming weeks and months, so it is important people across NSW continue to do the little things that keep us all safe.

“There is plenty of stock of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines available at pharmacies and GPs, so please book in today,” Dr Chant said.

“We know there are high levels of COVID-19 circulating in the community and with a rapid increase of influenza cases this week, it is also important people continue to take simple precautions to protect themselves and each other.

“This includes wearing a mask indoors when you can’t physically distance especially in healthcare and aged care settings, staying at home when you’re unwell and remembering to practise good hand hygiene.”

Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza are eligible for a free influenza vaccine and include:
  • children aged six months to under five years
  • people aged 65 and over
  • Aboriginal people from six months of age
  • pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
  • those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.
We can all take steps to help protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19 and influenza, including:
  • stay up to date with your recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
  • stay home if you have cold or influenza symptoms
  • wear a mask in crowded, indoor places
  • get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
  • wash or sanitise your hands often
  • talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to have, and being assessed to determine if you are eligible for antiviral medicines
  • don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or influenza symptoms or have tested positive to COVID-19 or influenza
  • consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness
  • free RATs are now accessible to the community via some local councils, ServiceNSW and NSW Health services.

One Year On: Your Independent MP For Mackellar

May 23, 2023
It’s an honour to represent the community I love in Parliament – and what a first year it’s been! 
Together we have achieved so much, and we’re only getting started. Watch the short video for a summary of what we’ve achieved together as I try to wrap up one year as your Independent MP in just one minute!

If you want to keep up to date with how I’m representing you, remember to subscribe for my fortnightly e-newsletter here: www.sophiescamps.com.au/sign_up

Councillor Walton Elected As New Deputy Mayor

Liberal Councillor David Walton was elected as Deputy Mayor of Northern Beaches Council at the May 23 2023 council meeting.

The post of Deputy Mayor was made vacant when Councillor Sue Heins was elected as the new Mayor.

Councillor Walton has served as a councillor since 2017, representing Curl Curl ward.

Mayor Sue Heins congratulated the new Deputy Mayor on his appointment. 

“Councillor Walton has tirelessly served the community, both as a councillor and previously as a police officer, and is active member of our community,” Mayor Heins said.

“On behalf of my fellow councillors, I want to congratulate Cr Walton. I look forward to working closely with him as we serve our wonderful Northern Beaches community.” 

Cr Walton was previously a Police Officer, Detective and Commander of the Northern Beaches Local Area Command, where he was awarded the NSW Police and National Police Medals.

Cr Walton has more than 20 years’ experience on commercial and NSW Government Boards, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has served in the local community as Deputy President of Queenscliff SLSC, Deputy Chairman of the Special Olympics Sydney Northern Beaches and President of Manly Swimming Club.

The position of Deputy is a 12-month appointment and is peer voted annually.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council may elect one of its members as Deputy Mayor and they may exercise any function of the Mayor at the request of the Mayor or if the Mayor is prevented by illness or absence.

Local Lifesavers Honoured With National Medal

Friday 26 May 2023
Surf Life Saving NSW would like to congratulate the 22 surf lifesavers who have been awarded the National Medal, as well as Second Clasps and First Clasps for their sustained service and commitment to Surf Life Saving.

Established in 1975 as a military recognition award, the National Medal has since branched out into government and voluntary organisations and is now Australia’s most awarded civil medal.

The National Medal is awarded to individuals on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and recognises long and diligent service in organisations that are dedicated to protecting life and property at a degree of risk to their members.

National Medals can also be awarded to those who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.

“On behalf of our organisation I would like to congratulate the NSW recipients of this honour,” said Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew.

“We are very lucky as a gazetted emergency service to be supported by more than 76,000 dedicated and passionate members, and this honour, in a way, is testament to their commitment to the movement and their character as individuals.”

Heading the list of those honoured is Mark Quinn (Brunswick SLSC) who receives his Second Clasp for 35 years of service, with Terry Hagan (Sandon Point SLSC), Brent Jackson (Bondi SBLSC) and William Kensey (Toowoon Bay SLSC) all receiving First Clasps for 25 years of service.

Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers with a minimum of 30 patrolling hours over a minimum period of 15 seasons, are eligible for the National Medal.

Local awards - NATIONAL MEDAL (15 YEARS’ SERVICE)
  • John Fielder, Whale Beach SLSC
  • Elizabeth Green, Collaroy SLSC
  • Andrew Hjorth, Mona Vale SLSC
  • Peter Myers, Whale Beach SLSC
  • Janet Proudfoot, Newport SLSC

Team Island Boot Camp Take On Push-Up Challenge

In June Team Island Boot Camp (Scotland Islanders) is taking part in The Push-Up Challenge. 

They are going to help shine the spotlight on the number of lives lost to suicide in 2021 and raise awareness of mental health. 

Funds raised by Team Island Boot Camp will go to Movember and their push for better mental health.

Feel free to join them or support a team member who is taking part. 

Help them push for better mental health.

Newport Surf Club DA Proposal Update: Decision Deferred

On Tuesday May 23rd the Sydney North Planning Panel announced a Deferral on the decision for the proposed Newport Surf Club upgrade.

This is for a Review of Determination of Application DA2021/2173 for alterations and additions and coastal protection works to Newport Surf Life Saving Club.

The original application was refused by the Sydney North Planning Panel at the Panel meeting on 05 October 2022. 

In their Statement of Reasons, then, the SNPP cited matters raised during the September Public Meeting, where it had deferred its determination pending those points being addressed.

This was a list of 12 points and included in considering the suitability of the site when preparing the current proposal, specifically, what design and location options were considered by the Applicant and when and why were they each rejected in favour of the current proposal.

In detailing the design and location options the Panel asked that the Applicant demonstrate consideration of:
  • the Coastal Management Act (CM Act) s 3 - Objects of the Act, and in particular item (g) “to recognise that the local and regional scale effects of coastal processes, and the inherently ambulatory and dynamic nature of the shoreline, may result in the loss of coastal land to the sea (.....), and to manage coastal use and development accordingly, and”;
  • suitable alternate locations for the Project given that storm inundation will continue to increase as the sea level rises, until such time as maintaining a building on the site and a beach seaward of the building becomes impractical; and
  • whether only the elements of the existing building that are of high or moderate heritage significance should be retained and whether the additional facilities could be accommodated in a new building that was further landward and consequently less exposed to coastal processes, thereby reducing the length of any coastal protection works.
The Panel also wanted the Applicant to provide a detailed assessment of what the beach and adjacent area may be like following a severe storm now, and in 2050 and 2080 (location of escarpment, wave inundation, loss of trees amenity or infrastructure) once the works are completed.

The May 23 2023 announcement of REASONS FOR DEFERRAL states;
''The Panel heard from members of the community, Applicant team and Independent Assessor during the public meeting. Key issues were outlined and considered at length.

The Panel decided to defer the determination to enable further consideration of complex statutory and policy requirements relating this matter and to ensure that an informed decision can be made.

When the Panel has considered these requirements, the Panel will determine the matter electronically.

The Panel’s decision to defer the matter was unanimous. The Panel adjourned during the meeting to deliberate on the matter and formulate a resolution.''

Background in October 2022 Pittwater Online report 'Council's DA For Newport Surf Club Upgrade Refused By Sydney North Planning Panel' 

Newport Surf Club seawall proposal: 'Figure 4: Photomontage of proposed works (with 'scatant' piling exposed) as may temporarily occur after severe storm erosion which requires beach closure, until sand levels are naturally restored, or this process is mechanically accelerated by Council undertaking beach scraping. A temporary solid barrier may also be employed to reduce wave forces on the clubhouse, see Horton Coastal Engineering (2021)' – from page 6 of report - Artists Impression

Council Rejects Emergency Services Levy Hike

At its meeting on 23 May, Council resolved to write again to the Treasurer, Shadow Treasurer, the Minister and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, the Minister and Shadow Minister for Local Government, all members of the crossbench of the NSW Legislative Council and local State Members, the President of Local Government NSW and the Chair of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, calling on the NSW Government to reinstate the Emergency Services Levy subsidy.

Mayor Heins said that Council vehemently opposes the highly damaging increase in the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) imposed on all councils without warning for the 2023/24 financial year.

Mayor Sue Heins said the sharp rise in the ESL through a 19.5% increase in the ESL and the removal of the subsidy paid by the NSW Government to offset levy increases in recent years would result in a $3.1 million spike (50% increase) in its cost in the 2023/24 financial year.

“This sudden announcement by the NSW Government came after we had finalised our draft 2023/24 financial year budget and started consulting our community on a plan we can no longer afford to fully fund. This means we will now have to look at cutting costs elsewhere to meet this sharp increase in the levy.

“It impacts our community because we may not be able to provide all the programs and services we had planned to provide in the 2023/24 financial year.

“Council calls on the NSW Government to reinstate the ESL subsidy.”

NSW Councils are being asked to fund significant rises in emergency services budgets.

The NSW Government has paid an Emergency Services Levy subsidy to councils since 2019/20. The subsidy covered the large increase in the Emergency Services Levy in recent years due to increasing costs following bushfires and floods along funding reforms to workers’ compensation for firefighters with work-related cancers.

In the 2023/24 financial year, Northern Beaches Council’s Emergency Services Levy will increase by $3.1 million, comprising a $1.5 million (19.5%) increase in the levy to $9.3 million, and $1.6 million through the removal of the levy subsidy.

About the Emergency Services Levy
The Emergency Services Levy is paid by councils and insurance companies to support NSW emergency services (Fire & Rescue, SES and RFS).

Insurers of property in NSW fund 73.7% of the costs. They collect an Emergency Services Levy from their customers as part of insurance premiums and this is passed onto the NSW Government.

All NSW Councils fund 11.7% of the costs of emergency services. Unlike the insurance industry, councils are not permitted to pass this levy onto residents through rates notices.

Pittwater Family Practice Doctor Taking On New Patients: Baltic Languages Spoken

Dr Vecerka Skovrlj ( Dr Vecky) has been a practicing Doctor on the northern beaches for over 15 years. She graduated from the University of Zagreb in Croatia in 1988. She has a special interest in Women’s Health, Children’s Health and managing chronic diseases. 

Dr Vecky speaks Russian, Croatian, Bosnian and the Serbian languages. She loves the lifestyle on the northern beaches and spending time outdoors with her family.

Dr Vecky is currently working Wednesdays and Fridays and she is taking on NEW PATIENTS NOW.



Pittwater Family Practice
1791 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale 
(Front entrance in Park street, opposite Woolworths)

ABHS June 2023 Meeting: ‘Royal’ Avalon Golf Links

The mid-year meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be held on TUESDAY 13 JUNE in the Annexe on Dunbar Park, starting at the usual 8pm.

Our mighty ‘Royal’ Avalon Golf links (along with other local courses) wasn’t looking so grand in recent years due to exceptionally heavy rains during March 2021 and the necessary restrictions placed on golfers due to the Covid virus era.

The course has lately been blessed with the arrival of a new and local greenkeeper full of competence and enthusiasm. 

Shannon Simmons and mate John Kljajic have both had experience at Monash and Elanora Country Club and have already created some very real and positive changes to the course. They’ve even rebirthed the old fountain on the 3rd hole which will hopefully bring about the return of the wood ducks and the dusky moorhens.

After 40 years of collecting, we now have a rather fabulous photographic history of the golf links with some recent additions.

At this stage the written history has reached around 2800 words and Geoff will use a shortened version as a prelude to the photographic presentation.

Around 1923 A.J.Small chose Dan Soutar to design the layout of the course.  Soutar had also designed the Elanora Country Club and the highly regarded Kingston Heath course in Melbourne. The Australian Golf Heritage Society was very keen to know of his association with the Avalon Golf Club.

As usual guests of members are very welcome to attend and to join us for supper afterwards.

We have quite a celebration night planned for our AGM/September meeting because it will be 40 years since we met for the first time. 

Geoff Searl OAM
President Avalon Beach Historical Society
Find out more at: abhs.org.au


New Pavement Coloured Concreting: East End Of Avalon Parade Avalon Beach Now Complete



100 years earlier:


General Store, Avalon Beach - ON 165/925 Item c07771_0002_c - photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, circa January - February 1922

Help Others Rug Up

It's getting colder at night. If you have any blankets or sleeping bags in good condition that you no longer need, please consider giving it to someone in need. There are some drop-off points in Manly:



Call For Food Donations: Help Us Support Vulnerable Clients At Our Community Centre

Community Northern Beaches:
We are reaching out to you for some much-needed support. We are currently running low on essential supplies for our vulnerable clients and we would greatly appreciate your help in replenishing our stock.

We urgently need long-life milk to ensure our clients have a reliable source of nutrition.

Additionally, we would be grateful for donations of tuna, cereal, biscuits, pasta sauce, rice, baked beans, spaghetti, big 'n chunky soups, peanut butter, jam, Vegemite, and noodles. These staple items will go a long way in providing balanced meals for those in need.

We also kindly request donations of men's razors and men's deodorant to help our male clients maintain their personal hygiene.

Your contributions, no matter how big or small, will make a tremendous difference in the lives of those who rely on our services. Together, we can build a stronger and more caring community.

Drop-off location: 52 Raglan St, Manly
Drop-off hours: M - F (10am - 2pm)
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact us on 9977 1066. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Community Northern Beaches is dedicated to supporting vulnerable and at-risk individuals across the northern beaches by providing a range of services for domestic and family violence, homelessness and refugees. 


Public Amenities Upgrade: Rowland Reserve Bayview, Feedback Invited

Opens: Fri 19 May 2023
Closes: Sun 18 June 2023

Built in the early 1990s, the amenities block does not meet current accessibility standards. The facilities need to be upgraded, with the works identified in Council's renewal program for 2023.

Council have received grant funding under the NSW Government’s Places to Swim program, which supports the creation of places for the community to enjoy Sydney’s rivers, lakes and harbour.

These funds will be used to upgrade the amenities block to better support Sailability and community members with a requirement for enhanced facilities. Features include a new disability changing room and a family changing room, which will benefit all members of the community, including local residents and visitors, while they enjoy swimming and other recreation activities in the area.

View the plans and provide feedback at:


Concept image: NBC

Streets As Shared Spaces - The Strand, Dee Why: Feedback Invited

Opened: Thu 11 May 2023
Closes: Sun 28 May 2023

Council would like to know what you think of the Shared Space at DY - please provide your comments in the form further down this page: 

All submissions in their entirety are made publicly available in the Community Engagement Report. Personal identifying information and inappropriate language is redacted.

Council aim to report on the evaluation outcomes at the Council meeting in June 2023.



Photo: NBC

Lock Up Your Cars: Thieves About

Ausgrid Community Battery Pilot - Warriewood: Have Your Say

Proposed location: Valley View Reserve, Parkland Way, Warriewood
Have Your Say by 5pm on 31 May 2023

Ausgrid have stated they would like to involve the local Warriewood community to inform this potential project. Your feedback will help them shape their strategy for the community battery program if they are successful in securing government funding.

How to submit your feedback

Community members are invited to share their feedback until 31 May 2023.
 
There are several ways to submit your feedback:

In Tune With Tony B

In Tune is a radio programme about our local community, culture and home-grown music, hosted by TonyB. Each week, Tony plays great local music and he chats with guests from local community causes and charities, about how they make a difference.

In this week's programme Tony chatted with Eleni Psillakis from Success Works about the great support that they provide for women affected by the criminal justice system to find employment through an employer who sees their skills and potential and not their record. 

You can stream this and all previous programmes on demand here InTuneWithTonyB on Demand.

Stay tuned for more great programmes on InTune. 
 
Radio Northern Beaches
Fridays at 6pm
FM 88.7 or 90.3
Or live stream at https://www.rnb.org.au
Previous programmes, on demand at https://www.mixcloud.com/InTuneWithTonyB
If you would like to chat with Tony on air about your community cause or your music, please feel free to message the Facebook page  In Tune - Radio Programme | Facebook and feel free to like and share the page.

Edible Exhibition: 100 Cakes For 100 Years Of Manly CWA - Get Involved!

Would you like to help Manly CWA celebrate their centenary? We invite everyone to be involved in our Edible Exhibition.

On Saturday 26th August we are holding our Edible Exhibition at St Matthew’s Manly. It will be a celebration of Manly Branch of the Country Women’s Association throughout the last 100 years with an exhibition and sale of 100 different tea cosies and 100 aprons. The focus will be the 100 cakes – each representing a different year and an event in the history of our area, state or the world.

The Edible Exhibition is a celebration of 100 years of community support by Manly Branch of the Country Women's Association. You are invited to nominate yourself to create a cake. Once you are registered you will then be given a year and information of things that might be represented for that year. Think: 2000 - Sydney Olympics - make 5 ring cakes and decorate to look like the Olympic rings; 1966 - Decimal currency - create a cake that is a coin or a note from the new currency.

You are welcome to knit, crochet, or sew a tea cosy or make an apron to donate to our exhibition. Contact manlycwa@gmail.com if you have any questions.

For the centenary of cakes, you are requested to register online to participate and in early July you will be given a year to create in a baked form.  

To assist in your creative decisions a list of things that happened in the year you are given. Cake will be delivered on the morning of 26th August and displayed along with the aprons and tea cosies which will be available for sale to raise funds to assist women and families throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. 



Two New Magistrates For The NSW Local Court

May 25, 2023
Two lawyers appointed to the bench of the NSW Local Court bring breadth and depth of experience across jurisdictions and areas of legal practice. Attorney General Michael Daley has appointed solicitors Keisha Hopgood and Stephan Herridge and to join the busiest court in Australia.

“Ms Hopgood and Mr Herridge have had exceptional careers as solicitors and will bring their extensive experience to the Local Court,” Mr Daley said. 

“Ms Hopgood comes to the Local Court with impressive credentials and experience as a practising solicitor of 14 years, most recently with the Aboriginal Legal Service.” 

Ms Hopgood began her career working at the Children’s Legal Service at the Legal Aid Commission NSW. She represented children and young people gaining extensive experience in the criminal law jurisdiction, including bail and sentence matters, diversionary applications and hearings.

Ms Hopgood went on to join the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) where she has worked for the last six years in a variety of leadership positions, including as Principal Solicitor, Justice Projects, Policy and Practice. Most recently Ms Hopgood was Acting Principal Legal Officer, responsible for the ALS NSW and ACT Legal Practices across criminal law, care and protection, family law and civil law. 

Mr Herridge began his career in England where he headed a civil and family litigation department in a suburban London practice, also assisting with criminal advocacy and police station representation. He went on to specialise in child protection and represented children and adults at all levels including the UK High Court. Since moving to Australia in 2005 he has held various positions including within the then Department of Community Services (now Department of Communities and Justice), the Hawkesbury Nepean Legal Centre and more recently in private practice as a Principal Solicitor specialising in Children’s Court care and protection proceedings.

“Ms Hopgood and Mr Herridge will be welcome additions to the NSW Local Court when they are sworn in early in June.”

The new magistrates are among the 149 judicial officers in the jurisdiction serving 131 courthouses across the state.

NSW Government Delivers On Election Commitment For Fairer Grants With Its First Bill To Pass Parliament

May 25, 2023
The NSW Government has today successfully delivered on its commitment to strengthen the administration of government grants with its first bill being passed by parliament.

The Government Sector Finance Amendment (Grants) Bill 2023 successfully passed the parliament and will amend 2 separate Acts and 1 regulation.

The legislative amendments will bolster the existing framework for grants administration by effectively codifying the key principles for grants administration set out in the Grants Administration Guide, making certain grants information ‘open access information’ under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, and requiring that minsters ensure every grant they approve is an efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of money, and achieves value for money.

The Grants Bill 2023 will amend the Government Sector Finance Act 2018 (NSW) (the GSF Act) to:
  • Require that a person who approves or declines a grant has regard to the 7 key principles to be applied in administering grants (robust planning and design, collaboration and partnership, proportionality, an outcomes orientation, achieving value with relevant money, governance and accountability, and probity and transparency) in doing so.
  • Require that a minister must not approve a grant unless satisfied that the grant would be an efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of money, and that it achieves value for money.
The Grants Bill will also amend the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2018 to make certain grants information ‘open access information’, which must be made publicly available unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure of the information.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Today is an important day for the government and for the people of NSW – we have successfully passed our very first bill in parliament and it highlights our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and fairness.

“During the election we promised to strengthen grants regulation and do everything in our power to put an end to pork-barrelling, and this bill has delivered on that commitment.

“Everyone in this state deserves a fair go, especially in trying times, and this bill will help ensure exactly that.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:
“The NSW community deserves transparent grants delivery of the highest standard, and this government will be able to deliver exactly that with the passing of our Grants Bill in parliament today.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a small grant for a new scoreboard at your local footy club or a multimillion-dollar grant program to re-build infrastructure after a flood – grants need to be delivered fairly and deliver value for the NSW taxpayer.”

NSW Special Minister of State John Graham said:
“A fairer and more transparent regulation of government grants will mean better outcomes for the people of NSW, especially those at most vulnerable and who need it most.

“It is a proud moment knowing that the government’s first bill to be passed by parliament is one built on transparency and integrity.”

New Funding For Palliative Care Projects

May 26, 2023
Australians who need palliative care will benefit from enhanced workforce education and training and improved quality through Albanese Government funding totalling more than $68 million. 

Universities, health services and palliative care organisations around the country will share in $53 million to undertake 14 National Palliative Care Projects. 

The projects focus on:
  • improving palliative care education and training for the primary care, acute care and aged care workforces
  • raising awareness of palliative care and advance care planning
  • quality improvement for care providers
  • increasing palliative care support in rural and regional areas
  • encouraging the uptake of advance care planning.  
This will improve the quality of palliative care in Australia, benefiting people with life-limiting illnesses and their families, no matter their cultural background, where they live, or what setting they wish to access palliative care in. 

A further $15.9 million is for the national End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) service to improve the palliative care skills and advance care planning expertise of aged care providers and GPs caring for older Australians. 

Alongside this new funding, initiatives funded in the recent Budget will help improve access to palliative care, including better access to care and medications through a stronger Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, growing the care workforce, and generational reforms in aged care.  

The Government’s funding announcement coincides with the end of National Palliative Care Week – which seeks to inspire conversations about ‘Matters of Life and Death’ and build awareness and recognition of the people at the heart of quality palliative care.  


Federal Minister for Health, Minister Butler said, 
“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that people affected by a life-limiting illness will get the care they need to live well.

“Our role is to provide national leadership, education and policy in palliative care.

“This commitment is guided by the overall vision of the National Palliative Care Strategy – and all the projects we are funding are linked to implementing its goals.” 

Australians Battling With Prostate Cancer To Benefit From New PBS Listing

May 25, 2023
Australians battling prostate cancer that has spread past the prostate will soon benefit from subsidised medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

From 1 June 2023, Australians with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) will have access to apalutamide (Erlyand®) through the PBS. 

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. By the time people reach 85 years old, as many as 1 in 6 males are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Erlyand is a non-chemotherapy treatment option and the first of its kind to be listed on the PBS for mHSPC.

mHSPC is an advanced stage of the cancer that has spread to other parts of the body but is still responsive to hormone therapy treatments that lower testosterone.

Until now, patients have only had access to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and chemotherapy for this advanced form of prostate cancer.

This listing is expected to benefit around 3,000 people each year. Without subsidy, it would cost patients more than $40,000 per year of treatment.

The PBS listing of this medicine means that eligible patients will pay only a maximum of $30 per script, or just $7.30 with a concession card.

Federal Minister for Health, Minister Butler said
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

“The listing of Eryland will be life changing for the estimated 3,000 Australians battling prostate cancer each year.

“Without the listing it would cost patients more than $40,000 per year for treatment.”

Winter Market Day: Scotland Island - Catherine Park Call Out For Makers

Sunday 25 June, 10 - 1 pm: Calling all makers, artists and entrepreneurs! 
 
Do you have something you’d like to sell at a market stall at the June island café? It could be artwork, pottery, clothes, candles, books or... well, pretty much anything. 
 
Tables are $20. To book, please email floydcbg@ozemail.com.au. 


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

The Auxiliary is looking for new members to help with our fund raising efforts.  New ideas and assistance with our stalls are very welcome.  Contact 0407 216 253 for more information.

The Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members host a stall at Pittwater Place on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 3pm selling knitting for babies and children, beanies, bedsocks and scarves for oldies, sewing items, craft and jams, raising funds for the rehabilitation and palliative care units.

JP Public Register

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

Rig Recycle: Fishing Gear Items

Are you tired of seeing fishing gear and packaging waste end up in landfill? (or killing local seabirds and turtles?)
Rig Recycle is the first Australian initiative that collects recreational fishing and packaging items and diverts them from landfill through a repair, reuse and recycle framework.

In partnership with Recycle Mate, they've made it even easier to recycle your fishing gear waste! Simply search for your nearest Rig Recycle bin on their app. 

Don't have one at your local fishing store? Let them know and they will reach out to them themselves.♻️
Visit their website for more information. Visit: www.rigrecycle.org
More in this Issue's Aquatics Feature.


Mona Vale Residents Association

Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area.



Volunteers Needed: Red Cross Avalon Shop

Please talk to the people in the shop or telelphone if you can help out each week, for around 4 hours.
Address: Shop 4 & 5 / 48 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon 2107 NSW; Phone: 02 9918 0952

Rotary Upper Northern Beaches: Get Involved In Something Positive

At Rotary Upper Northern Beaches, we are always welcoming new members. We find that new members bring new ideas, energy and opportunities. There is something for everyone in Rotary and you can apply your skills for the betterment of our community. This can include anything from cooking a BBQ, to managing a fundraising project, to helping with marketing and social media. You can even get the opportunity to serve on our Board.

We have been quite active in the community over recent and coming weeks, including;
      - Pre Christmas community projects, such as the Tree of Joy (Warriewood Square) and Carols In The Park at Village Park, Mona Vale.
      - Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach 
      - Annual Art Show at Mona Vale Memorial Hall (24 - 26 February) raised much needed funds for worthy charities
      - An evening of collaboration with other Northern Beaches Rotary Clubs brainstorming strategies for member engagement and growth (21 February)
      - The Bobbo (Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, Sunday 26 March). Another great collaboration with other Rotary Clubs based on the North Shore
      - Our Annual Charity Golf Day (6 April at Monash Country Club)
    
These are just a few examples of our fund raising and community activities. If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, while meeting some great people and having some fun with it, please come and check us out. We meet most Wednesday nights at The Sands Hotel Narrabeen (except for the 2nd Wednesday if each month, which is at Avalon RSL (6pm Dinner in the bistro for 7pm Rotary meeting upstairs at both venues). 

If you would like to know more about Rotary and how you can get involved, please contact us on 02 8005 0711 or email contact@rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org


Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby weighed less than a kilogram when she was orphaned on the roadside after her mother was hit and killed by a vehicle. Fortunately, Phoebe was uninjured, taken to a local vet and raised and then released by Sydney Wildlife volunteer Jane.

While Phoebe was fortunate, other native birds and animals are not so lucky. So, if you’re returning home after your summer holiday (or just out and about on Australia Day), please slow down - particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas identified with wildlife crossing signs, for your safety and the welfare of our wildlife.

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



 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane
Notice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue

Community News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Appointment Of Metropolitan Cemeteries And Crematoria Administrator

May 23, 2023
The NSW Government is working to address the critical shortage of burial space in Sydney that was the result of the former government’s indecision and infighting.

Last week the NSW Government released an audit, which highlighted the dire situation the sector is facing, and announced its decision to amalgamate the Rookwood General, Northern Metropolitan and Southern Metropolitan Crown cemetery land managers. See Issue 586

Today the NSW Government is taking another step forward by announcing the administrator for the amalgamated entity, Metropolitan Cemeteries and Crematoria Land Manager (MCC). The administrator will oversee the amalgamation of the 3 crown operators into MCC and the delivery of services until a skills-based board can be recruited.

Ken Morrison was deemed the successful candidate for the role through a merit-based, open selection process supported by executive recruitment firm Meritos.

Ken has a proven record of positive organisational change and stakeholder engagement, and also a deep proficiency in business strategy, including financial management. Serving the Property Council of Australia for more than 10 years, Ken has a wealth of knowledge in the complex policy areas associated with land, such as planning, urban renewal and asset management.

This decision highlights the NSW Government’s intent to provide a fresh start for the cemeteries sector, provide the industry with certainty and to ensure the people of NSW’s burial needs are met.

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“I would first like to thank Lee Shearer for her work, she has had led OneCrown through tough times of indecision and has been a fierce advocate for action and a champion for OneCrown’s frontline staff who do an incredible job.”

“We said we would undertake a transparent process to appoint an administrator once the current term finished. Today we have delivered.”

“We have committed to the model. We have committed to our team. We now look forward to getting on with the job and working collaboratively to fix the mess that the former government left behind.”

Jellyfish Turning Up In Rock Pools At Present

Residents have reported big numbers of jellyfish turning up in ocean rock pools this week and forwarded images of same.

These look like the brown version of the Blubber Jellyfish Catostylus mosaicus, also known as Jelly Blubber. Found in intertidal estuaries and coastal waters of eastern Australia they are the most commonly encountered jellyfish with large swarms occurring. 

In Sydney waters, the Jelly Blubber's large bell is a creamy white or brown colour, but farther north and south it is usually a light to dark blue. This is because the jellyfish has developed a symbiotic relationship with algal plant cells that are kept inside its body. These plants vary in colour from region to region. The algae photosynthesise, converting sunlight into energy that can be used by the jellyfish. 

The Jelly Blubber has no mouth but there are many tiny openings in its tentacles. The tentacles also have stinging cells that can capture tiny crustaceans and other plankton.

The sting can be painful but generally poses no serious risk to humans unless you are one who reacts to stings, and in that case, don't swim when you see them in the water or pool.

The body has a rounded top (bell) and eight textured arms, each arm with three "wings". There is a white cross inside body, visible through the bell. The bell can be up to 35 cm across.

This is the creamy version photographed in the estuary 10 years back - there were literally a thousand of them drifting away there together - almost like a ballet.


Nominations Open For The Australian Mental Health Prize 2023

Nominations are now open for 2023 for the prestigious Australian Mental Health Prize. The Prize, established by the UNSW Sydney’s Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, shines a light on the mental health challenges in our communities and the importance of continued support.

"The state of mental health in Australia is concerning, with notable increases in depression, anxiety, and suicide rates, especially among young people,” says Professor Allan Fels AO, co-chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Committee and previous recipient of the Prize.

“The shortage of mental health professionals poses a significant challenge, leading to a workforce crisis in the sector. Additionally, the low priority given to mental health in comparison to other areas like defence, NDIS, and aged care is a cause of great concern."

Moreover, the growing demand for mental health services is not being matched by the available resources, leaving the "missing middle" without access to essential services.

"We urgently need to not only maintain but invest more in mental health services and resources to meet the growing demand for support. This means investing in the mental health workforce and providing greater access to evidence-based treatments," says Lucy Brogden AM, co-chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Committee.

"Although short-term crisis support services are crucial, it's equally important to guarantee that individuals can avail themselves of long-term care from certified medical professionals. The recent move to revert to the previous limit of 10 Medicare-funded psychologist sessions is a significant blow to mental health care in Australia. This change will make it even more challenging for people to obtain the necessary assistance, especially for those who are already facing financial difficulties.”

The rising cost of living in Australia is having a significant impact on overall mental health, especially for young people.

"Young people feel anxious about how the rising cost of living is going to impact their ability to achieve major life milestones, like moving out of home or saving for a house,” says Prof. Fels.

“We know financial security is a protective factor for good mental health, and changes to a young person’s financial circumstances can place their mental health under stress. It is also incumbent on governments to take steps to alleviate these pressures, so that young people and their families can afford the things they need to lead happy, healthy lives.”

Donna Stanley, last year’s winner of the Prize’s Indigenous category, emphasises the potential impact of the Voice to Parliament referendum on Indigenous mental health.

"The mental health of Indigenous communities is disproportionately affected by systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and ongoing social and economic disadvantage. The upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum presents a crucial opportunity to address these issues and improve mental health and wellbeing in these communities. It is important that the debate surrounding the referendum is respectful of the lived experiences of First Nations peoples and must include a range of perspectives so that all Australians can make an informed decision when it comes time to vote," says Ms Stanley, who provides mental health services across the regional Western Plains of NSW.

"It's clear that we need to take a more equitable approach to mental health care in Australia. This means ensuring that people in low-income and regional areas have the same access to care as those in wealthy areas and providing more options for people who are unable to afford private services.”

The Australian Mental Health Prize was established in 2016 by Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty AO from the Centre of Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Medicine & Health.

"The launch of nominations for the Australian Mental Health Prize is a timely reminder of the urgent need to address the mental health challenges in our country. By recognising those who are making a difference in this space, we can raise awareness of the issue and inspire others to take action,” Prof. Brodaty says.

How to nominate
Nominations for the 2023 Australian Mental Health Prize open on May 22 and will close on July 17, 2023. The winners will be announced in late September.

To nominate, answer three questions about the nominee's mental health contributions and impact using the online form. 

Prize categories include:
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • lived experience
  • professional
  • community hero.

The 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards"

Entries close Wednesday, 31 May 2023

The Central West Astronomical Society is proud to announce the 2023 CWAS Astrophotography Awards - the "David Malin Awards".

The competition will continue with the new judging structure, introduced last year. In order to build on the experience of previous years, and to continue as the premier competition of its kind in Australia, a panel of distinguished Australian astrophotographers will judge the category entries. Dr David Malin will judge the Overall Winner from the list of these winners. We are honoured that the judging panel will include Phil Hart, Alex Cherney, and Peter Ward, previous winners of the "David Malin Awards" and numerous other national and international astrophotography competitions.

There are three sections of entry - General Section, Open Themed Section, and a Junior Section (18 or younger). The general section is divided into six categories; Wide-field (camera shots), Deep Sky (telescope shots), Solar System, Nightscapes, Animated Sequences, and Smartphone Astrophotography. The Junior Section will have one open category and entries can be of any astronomical subject, and can be an animated sequence.

The Competition Structure:

  • General Section:
  • Wide-Field
  • Deep Sky
  • Solar System
  • Nightscapes
  • Animated Sequences
  • Smartphone Astrophotography
  • Junior Section (18 or younger) - One Open Category (can be of any astronomical subject)
  • Open Themed Section - "The Zodiac"

Submission of entries will close at 24:00 (AEST) on Wednesday, 31 May 2023. Entrants must first create an account on the MyPhotoClub submission page, by clicking on the green entry button. Follow the links to create the account and password.

Entry fees are $15 per entry and should be paid by the PayPal gateway on the entry website. Credit and debit cards can be used on this gateway.

The photographs will be judged by a panel of distinguished astrophotographers, who will judge the category winners. Dr David Malin will judge the overall winner from this list of winners.

Submitted image files should not contain identifying metadata. If anonymity of the judging process is important to the entrant, then images should not be shared in public forums prior to completion of judging. The winners will be notified and presented with the "David Malin Awards" during a special ceremony, held during the 2023 CWAS AstroFest, in the presence of invited dignitaries on Saturday, 22 July 2023. All winners should make every effort to attend the presentation of the awards.

A selection of the finest astrophotographs received will be professionally printed courtesy of Sunstudios and exhibited for the entire year at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory's Visitors Centre. In addition, a second set will tour the country in a travelling exhibition, organised by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, to selected venues across Australia.

There is a limit of five (5) entries per category per photographer. All photographs must have been taken no more than 2 years before the closing date of entry, and no re-entries from previous DMA competitions will be accepted. All entries must be submitted in electronic form via the MyPhotoClub submissions web site. The entrants must provide brief details of the equipment, exposure times, processing, and where relevant, the location where the image was taken.

It is not just technical skill that the judges will be looking for, but an aesthetically pleasing picture that reflects and captures the beauty, inspiration and interest of astronomy. All images will be judged by these criteria.

More details here: https://www.cwas.org.au/astrofest/DMA/

Enter here:  https://cwasdma.myphotoclub.com.au/


2022 Winner: Ian Inverarity - Nightscapes; OVERALL WINNER "Old Giant in the Fog"

Citation: "This is the finest image I have seen in this competition. It is simply beautiful, and no more needs to be said. No sign of stitching, either."

Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Debbie 

12mths Foxy X


Debbie is a very active but very sweet affectionate little girl. She loves playing chasings and tug with other young dogs. Debbie is starting to learn boundaries and some basic obedience. She is smart. It seems she has not experienced much in her life and tends to "alarm bark" at new things that worry her. Debbie would be best suited to an active family who would involve her in lots of family activities and even have an active playmate for her. She has a short coat and weighs 5.6kg. She would suit a family with rescue experience and a garden to run in. She would cope with being left a few hours each day.
All our dogs come with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. Her adoption fee is $600. 

Mystery 

5yo DSH cat


Mystery is a tiny short haired girl with a very curious but sweet nature though she can suddenly whack you when she has enough of cuddles! She enjoys playing with toys and travels well in the car. In her former home she hid from visitors. She has a short coat and weighs 2.6kg. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 

To find out more call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email  Monika@DoggieRescue.com.  RON R251000024

2023 Volunteer Of The Year Nominations Open

As part of the 2023 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, The Centre for Volunteering is currently accepting nominations for people and teams for judging and recognition.

All volunteers in the Recognition stream will be acknowledged with a certificate at one of 24 regional ceremonies to celebrate their contribution to their local community.  

2023 Volunteer of the Year Nomination guidelines
All nominees must:
  • Be a volunteer in NSW, a practice defined as time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain*.
  • Have volunteered during the previous 12 months for a legitimate not-for-profit organisation, community group, or other entity which engages volunteers in a safe and legal manner, such as schools or government agencies.
You can also nominate your local volunteer or volunteer team for inclusion in the final judging for a Regional and State Volunteer of the Year Award. This nomination consists of completing six parts of the nomination form (three extra questions).  All parts must be completed to be accepted by the judging committee.

Please note, volunteers and volunteer managers are not permitted to nominate themselves. All nominators must have permission from the person or team you are nominating to disclose their personal information as part of their entry.

For all conditions and eligibility, please read (prior to your submission) the full Nomination Guidelines at: www.volunteering.com.au/awards/2023-awards

Nominations close 5pm, Friday 16 June 2023.


NSW Considers Penalties For Improper Disclosure Of Confidential Government Tax Information

May 25, 2023
Businesses and organisations caught disclosing confidential NSW Government taxation information could face new multi-million-dollar penalties under a plan being considered by the Minister for Finance.

The NSW Government currently consults with representative industry bodies as part of the consultation process on tax policy and legislation.

Taxation liaison groups are an important part of tax consultations. They provide an opportunity for experts in the private sector to give input into changes to the tax regime. 

Revenue NSW regularly consults with the NSW Law Society, the Tax Institute, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia, the Property Council of Australia (NSW) and an association representing several small business groups. 

If the confidentiality of the process is not respected it could lead to businesses or individuals knowingly avoiding tax, obtaining unfair commercial advantages or result in a loss of faith in the consultation process. 

The Chief Commissioner of State Revenue has already been in touch with the chairs of the liaison groups to underscore the importance of confidentiality. 

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said; 
“The NSW Government takes the confidentiality of sensitive taxation information extremely seriously and will not hesitate to come down hard on anyone who breaks trust with or takes unfair advantage of the people of NSW.

“I am working with the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue to ensure that severe penalties will apply to advisors and organisations who seek commercial advantage by sharing confidential tax related information.

“We are developing a range of measures that will impose significant penalties for individuals and entities that unlawfully use or disclose sensitive or confidential tax information provided by the government.

“We are going to pursue these changes swiftly and introduce penalties in the order of millions of dollars. 

“These proposed multi-million-dollar penalties should serve as a firm warning for organisations and businesses that we expect confidentiality arrangements to be honoured on behalf of the people of NSW.

“These measures will safeguard the integrity of our tax system.”

Council: Fox Baiting Notice To Pet Owners

Fox-specific poison baits are being laid in the following reserves until 12 May:
  • Manly Dam, Manly Vale
  • Allenby Park, Allambie Heights
  • Forestville Park, Forestville
  • Middle Creek Reserve, Oxford Falls
  • Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
These reserves are closed to dogs until Friday 9 June. Dog and cat owners are advised to keep their pets away from these Northern Beaches reserves. 

Warning signs are being displayed in the these areas.

The fox baiting program is being conducted in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and involves the use of “Foxoff® Econobait” poison baits, which are designed specifically for fox control. The poison baits contain 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate).

Native animals at risk from foxes include bandicoots, swamp wallabies, brush turkeys and possums.

Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC: A Sharks Tale The Book Celebrates 90 Years Of The Narrabeen Sharks  

As the story goes, the Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC had its humble beginnings on March 7, 1932 in Jack McLean’s barber shop.   And so the rest is history. 

Recount the incredible stories, the memories, the pictures, and the spirit of this legendary club in a limited edition hardcover book.  

Hop on to our website and order your copy today.  Delivery or pick up is coming after Easter: https://narrabeensharks.com.au/shop/

We’ll also be hosting a book launch at the commencement of the A-Grade season – stay tuned for details.


Report Hate Crimes

NSW Police Force: 
If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. 

You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. 

If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police.

In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station. 

Letters To The Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but considering the magazines inability to word limit itself - that remains optional.
Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.
Letters should not contain attachments - these will be requested if required to illustrate content/subject.
Letters should be exclusive to Pittwater Online News.

The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons, among other considerations. 

Volunteers Needed: Meals On Wheels

Meals on Wheels have lost a lot of volunteers in the last few months due to COVID regulations etc. so they are desperate for some new people on the roster. The local service covers all the way from Manly Vale up to Palm Beach, so a run takes around 60-90mins. 

You leave from and return to the warehouse in Bassett Street, Mona Vale.
You don’t need to sign on to permanent shifts, even once a month would help them out greatly.
All drivers need an unrestricted license, must be fully vaccinated and will require a volunteer police check.
If you are able to assist please call Milly on 9457 3900 or email 
NBeachesVolunteer@kmow.org.au and she can give you more info and send you through training paperwork.


Become A Volunteer Radio Operator: MRNSW

Are you looking for a new challenge? With the busy summer boating season coming up Marine Rescue NSW units up and down the coast want to hear from you! And if you live in Sydney, our State Communications Centre in Belrose is especially keen to hear from you, just drop a line to: base.sydney@marinerescuensw.com.au 

Prior radio and boating experience is not required, and as a Radio Operator you'll play a vital role in helping to keep our waterways safer. If you want to take the plunge and join a dedicated volunteer team helping to save lives on our waterways, then go here for more information: 
www.marinerescuensw.com.au/become-a-volunteer/ or contact your local Marine Rescue NSW unit directly.


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.