Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update: March 23rd, 2020
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To contact Julian: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
3 weeks ago: Italy: 821 cases
Now: Australia: 874 cases - Italy: 47K cases and 4032 deaths
As at 6.30am on 21 March 2020, there have been 874 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia. There have been 165 new cases since 6.30am yesterday. PLEASE - practice 'social distancing' and stay at home if you can.
Photos; Italy's Trevi Fountain on Feb 29, 2020, Bondi on March 19, 2020, Graph shows the number of confirmed cases by notification date. Interpret the most recently reported new cases shown in the graph with caution as there can be delays in reporting.
VALE Catherine Hamlin
Elinor Catherine Hamlin, AC, MBBS, FRCS, FRANZCOG, FRCOG (née Nicholson; January 24 1924 – March 18 2020), has passed away this week, aged 96.
Dr. Hamlin was an Australian obstetrician and gynaecologist who, with her husband, New Zealander Reginald Hamlin, co-founded the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, the world's only medical centre dedicated exclusively to providing free obstetric fistula repair surgery to poor women suffering from childbirth injuries. They also co-founded an associated non-profit organisation, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia.
Hamlin has been recognised by the United Nations agency UNFPA as a pioneer in fistula surgery for her development of techniques and procedures for obstetric fistula treatment. The Hamlins, together with the hospital staff, have treated more than 60,000 women to date for obstetric fistula. She died in Addis Ababa on Wednesday March 18th 2020.
Known for her dedication and humility, Hamlin said of the plaudits she received that "I'm doing what I love doing and it's not a hardship for me to be working in Ethiopia with these women"
Elinor Catherine Nicholson was raised in the Sydney suburb of Ryde, at "The Hermitage", built by John Blaxland in 1842. One of six children of Elinor and Theodore Nicholson, she went to Frensham School in Mittagong, before attending the University of Sydney and graduating from its Medical School in 1946.
After internships at St Joseph's Hospital, Auburn, and St George's Hospital, Kogarah, she became a resident in obstetrics at Crown Street Women's Hospital. In 1950, she married Dr Reginald Hamlin, medical superintendent at Crown Street.
In 2018 Dr. Hamlin AC was named the NSW Senior Australian Of The Year.
In 2013, George Repin AM, shared a wonderful insight into her work - 'Making A Difference In Ethiopia' which is rerun this Issue in Tribute to this fine lady.
Our condolences to those members of our community who have lost a stalwart friend and wonderful lady this week - her work and kindness will always be remembered by all.
Dr. Catherine Hamlin with a young girl patient.
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls Cancelled: MVH Kiosk Also Closed
MVHA Stalls to June 2020 have been cancelled.Also please note the the Mona Vale Hospital Kiosk is also closed until further notice
Thank you for your support - we will advise when we can recommence our volunteer work in the community.
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club: COVID19 Response
March 21, 2020: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear Members,
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has been closely monitoring government advice as well as interpreting changing community expectations. With the safety of our members, guests and staff being our highest priority we have made significant changes in various ‘on-shore’ aspects of our Club operation.Unfortunately, the time has come to consider our ‘on-water’ events. Effective immediately we have suspended all RPAYC organised sailing and training events until 30 April 2020. We will review our position prior to that date and communicate an update to members in due course.
Despite the suspension of organised sailing, we encourage you to still get out on the water. Boating with your family is a great way of social distancing and is beneficial to your health and wellbeing.
Our Club ‘on-shore’ operations continue, albeit with some adjustment. We have received instructions from government limiting the number of people allowed in various areas of the Clubhouse based on the size of each room and compliance with social distancing requirements. RPAYC staff are committed to ensuring that we remain open for as long as we are able and ask for your understanding and support during this time.
Our marina, boatyard services, administration, food and beverage operation and our gym continue to operate so please support these aspects of your Club and our valued boatyard and retail tenants.
The decision to suspend ‘on-water’ events has not been made lightly. Organised sailing events at Alfred’s are important to our Club culture, it’s ‘what we do’ and have been doing so for over 150 years. We look forward to getting you back out there as soon as it is possible.
Thank you for your on-going support and understanding. We will continue to keep you updated.
Please look after yourself and the health of those around you.
Craig Evans
General Manager, RPAYC
Johnson Bros Mitre10 - Health, Safety And Operations Update
We want to clarify that we have spoken to all of our suppliers of regular hardware and building supplies regarding stock levels. They have assured us that there are no supply shortages or supply chain issues. This means for the foreseeable future we see no impact on our ability to supply anything except for the existing delays in some household retail products such as toilet paper.
However, there has been an increase in the request for delivery of goods. As such, we implore anyone using our delivery service to forward plan. Please give us as much time as possible to save potential disappointment.
Furthermore, we want to be clear that the health and wellbeing of our staff, customers and the greater community is our main priority.
We have taken the following measures;
- We have encouraged the integration of increased hygiene practices while minimising unnecessary direct contact between individuals in the form of handshakes, hugs, or kisses.
- There has been an increased frequency of surface cleaning in common areas
- We are asking customers who are receiving goods via delivery to stay a reasonable distance from our drivers, particularly if you feel unwell
- We are insisting that any staff that experience flu-like symptoms get a clearance from a doctor before returning to work
We also want to offer our assistance to anybody who finds themselves in isolation. Please call our stores and notify staff of your situation and they will work to assist you as best as we can.
Lastly, we the senior management team and directors have worked on a range of hypothetical scenario’s that may be imposed by the government over the coming weeks and we are confident that all of the Johnson Bros Group stores are in a strong position to safely service the greater communities needs through this difficulty period.
James Johnson
(on behalf of the entire Johnson Family & Johnson Bros Group Staff )
Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay - Newport: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
March 19, 2020: Preventative Measures At The RMYC Broken Bay
Dear valued members,
The RMYC Broken Bay is closely monitoring new developments regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus). The health and safety of our members, guests and employees are of the utmost importance.
The Government’s position is rapidly shifting on a regular basis and RMYC senior management and the Board of Directors will continue to meet to ensure we are abiding by the most recent rules and regulations.
We are committed to doing everything we can to continue to make our clubhouse and marina safe places to visit especially during this time. We are doing this by implementing several new policies and procedures, which follow the recommendations provided by the Australian Government Health Department.
To ensure we keep you up to date, we have set up a dedicated page online here and regular emails. We wish to ensure to our members that decisions are made with the best interest of our members, staff and community in mind.
INDOOR & OUTDOOR GATHERINGS
The new measures include a ban on all non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people (including staff) per area.
The Government has imposed restrictions on outdoor gatherings of more than 500 persons. Outdoor areas which are not enclosed, like our Compass Terrace & Waterview Terrace will have strict numbers permitted at any one time with signage displayed.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
RMYC will follow the general precautions for all our indoor and outdoor events as follows:
as a general rule, people should be able to keep 1.5 metres apart
the Club has hand hygiene products and suitable rubbish bins readily available, with frequent cleaning and waste disposal by staff members
The Club’s Duty Managers will be diligent to ensure that the 100-person limit per room is not exceeded with the use of clickers put in place.
SALT COVE BRASSERIE
Salt Cove Brasserie will keep operating within normal hours for breakfast (Saturday & Sunday from 8am) and Lunch (from 11.30am) and dinner (from 5.30pm) Monday to Sunday. RMYC have changed all seating and table plans in Salt Cove Brasserie and the Garden Forecourt abiding by the social distancing regulation (alternate seating and staggered seating) with a maximum of 4 per table. We ask members not to alter floorplans in any way and this will be supervised by RMYC staff.
The ordering and collection procedure for meals will be regulated by 1 person at a time as per signage and as directed by staff. We ask members to please book ahead over this time to reception on 9997 5511.
All shares plates will be removed off the menu during this time.
THE COMPASS TERRACE & WATERVIEW TERRACE
The Compass and Waterview Terrace allows for outdoor seating under the same social distancing regulations as above. This will allow for outdoor dining or socialising.
CARD ONLY TRANSACTIONS
RMYC Broken Bay has implemented a CARD ONLY policy for all payment throughout the Club and marina.
PIZZERIA
Salty’s Pizzeria will be open Friday nights, Saturday lunch & dinner & Sunday lunch only.
RMYC SWIMMING POOL
Swimming pools have not been closed. RMYC will use their regular monitoring system of 36 people in the pool at any one time. With the coming school holidays, there may be changes to these pool and outdoor surrounds regulations.
PLAYGROUND
The children's playground is now closed as per recommendations provided by the Australian Government Health Department.
RMYC COMMUNITY BUS
The RMYC community bus will continue to run as per the normal schedule but under a limit of only 4 passengers at one time. The bus will be sanitised after each drop off to RMYC and we ask each passenger to sanitise their hands on entry. Bookings to front reception on 9997 5511 or direct to the busdriver within operating hours.
THE LOUNGE BAR – LEVEL 1
The Lounge Bar will be closed off from Thursday 19th March from Sunday to Thursday. The Lounge Bar will be open Friday & Saturdays from 4pm. Friday entertainment will be replaced with inhouse music.
SAILING PROGRAM
RMYC will continue with our sailing program this weekend until Tuesday 24th March 2020. After this date and inline with other Clubs, Government and peak body information, sailing will be suspended until further notice.
A firm plan is in place to navigate through these rapidly changing times. All information that is distributed by management and the Board of Directors is the current status. Anything outside of these updates may be misleading and misinformed.
Please feel free to speak with Club management regarding your concerns.
Thank you for your continued support.
Jayson McDonald Chris Lee
CEO Commodore
Soccer Season Suspended
To all Avalon Soccer Club members
These are uncertain and challenging times for all of us. As the coronavirus outbreak spreads, and the government introduces new measures almost daily, we are all having to adapt our lifestyle in light of what is becoming a truly significant national issue.One change to our life is the suspension of all football activities announced on Tuesday by the FFA. In the light of this announcement, last night the MWFA Board met, and then held an MWFA Club Forum with the 17 Club Presidents and the MWFRA to go through the current situation and the short term / long term implications for the MWFA and our football eco-system.
These are the key outcomes:
- The MWFA competitions will re-start on Friday 1 May 2020. This is subject to change upon any advice received by the Federal Government.
- MWFA teams and clubs will be free to commence training on Monday April 27. This is subject to change upon any advice received by the Federal Government.
- The MWFA will work through competition structures based on starting on the weekend of May 1/2/3, playing 17 weeks (including the middle weekend of the July school holidays) with the cancellation of semi finals, moving straight to grand finals.
MWFA and its clubs will consider the impact on registration fees and the financial aspect of player de-registration when we know the full extent of the disruption. At this stage the suspension of football takes into account a minimal disruption that we will work to make up throughout the season as best as possible. We are delaying the start of the season, not cancelling. Any decisions around registration fees and refunds will be based on the broad principle of trying to ensure that all Clubs, MWFA, Football NSW and FFA are able to get through this difficult time in a position that will enable football as we know it to continue into the future.
These are the existing guidelines, and may well change over the coming days and weeks during these unprecedented times.
While we appreciate the disappointment in the delay to the season, the welfare of our members is the top priority for everyone at the club, and we fully support the MWFA and will enforce the guidelines. With that in mind it is crucial to reiterate that there is no training (group or one on one) or matches of any sort for teams from our club and there cannot be any paid coaches or academies training at Careel Bay or external venues during this time, nor is there any use of Avalon Soccer Club fields for any football activities. Please help us to enforce this.
A full copy of the MWFA communication and a series of FAQs are available on our website. If you having any specific concerns please contact your age manager in the first instance.
Thank you all for your support and understanding in ensuring we follow the rules and do the right thing, and hopefully we'll see everyone down at The Bay before too long.
Lee Gallagher
President, Avalon Soccer Club
NSW Lowers Age Limit For Pharmacy Flu Jabs
March 16, 2020
Families will have more access to influenza vaccinations with the NSW Government lowering the age pharmacists can administer flu jabs to children from 16 years to 10 years.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said giving families more options to protect their children against flu is sensible, with the likely convergence of a COVID-19 pandemic with winter flu.
“Last year was the longest flu season on record and in 2017 more than 650 people in NSW died from flu-related conditions, and now we have COVID-19,” Mr Hazzard said.
“While the flu vaccine won’t combat COVID-19, it will help reduce the severity and spread of flu, which can lower a person’s immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses.
“By allowing pharmacists to administer privately purchased flu vaccines to people aged 10 years and over, families now have more choice when booking-in for a flu jab”.
The NSW Government has invested approximately $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this year’s flu vaccine is expected to be available from mid-April and she urges everyone who can be vaccinated to do so.
“Each year in NSW, we have hundreds of flu-related deaths and many of those who die were infected by the people they know and love who weren’t vaccinated,” Dr Chant said.
“Not only do you risk your own life by not getting vaccinated against flu but you can potentially spread the infection to others more vulnerable, like children and the elderly.
“This year’s flu vaccine will be specifically tailored to the strains we expect will pose the greatest risk but as always, call ahead to ensure your GP or pharmacist has your dose.”
Last year, around 2.5 million doses of Government-funded flu vaccines were distributed across NSW. This year, it is expected more than 2.6 million doses will be made available.
People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and those with high-risk medical conditions can be vaccinated for free by GPs under the National Immunisation Program. The free NSW-funded vaccine is available to all children aged six months to five years.
Amendments to the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 to lower the age that pharmacists can supply and administer a private market influenza vaccine to include people aged 10 years and over, are expected to come into effect by mid-March.
Pets of the Week
Apollo
AGE/SEX: 4 years / M
BREED: American Staffy X
Apollo is a stunning looking friendly affectionate boy. Upon first meet he can be a bit shy but spending time with him is certainly worth the investment. He is social with other dogs of similar size but people are more important to him. Out walking he pulls on lead, lunges at dogs playfully. He likes to jog, enjoys pats, cuddles and belly rubs. He sits on command. Walkers say: “Lovely dog”, “He got scared at the top of the hill and ran all the way back down”, “Great dog”, “Very affectionate and friendly. Loved to cuddle." He would prefer not to live with cats. He has a smooth coat and weighs 20kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.
Cruz
Cruz is a very affectionate gentleman who ended up in the pound at 16 years old when we recently rescued him. He is the oldest cat we have. He was in poor condition suffering from Hyperthyroidism and very under weight at only 2.79kg. He has a medium length coat.
Cruz is looking for a special person to manage his condition and give him the best life during his final years. Cruz is located on the Northern Beaches and comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting him, please contact DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com. He is located at Ingleside.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Avalon Beach Ocean Swims Cancelled
We regret to announce that due to the ongoing health concerns regarding Coronavirus, we have cancelled our upcoming Ocean Swim event.
The health and safety of our members, competitors and general public is our priority and we appreciate your understanding of this decision.
We hope to see you again at next year's swim.
Junior Rugby League - Manly Warringah Pittwater District: Postponed
March 20, 2020
We write to you today to bring you up to date with current planning for the NSWRL Junior League season. By now you would have heard that all training and trialling activities have been cancelled, and we have moved our competition start dates to early May.We want to assure you and your members that the major goal is to have our children playing Rugby League as soon it is possible under current circumstances. To do this in an efficient and effective manner, we ask you all to take note of the following communication, that has been put together to provide your Club with guidance to allow a quick transition into the competition season.
The document might also assist Clubs with answering questions from concerned parents.
Clubs are reminded, that until further notice Clubs are NOT permitted to engage in any physical Rugby
League related activities, including (but not limited to) training and trial matches.
Competitions
Team Nominations
Team Nominations are still due on the prescribed dates as stipulated by your Junior League Administrator and / or the Conference Competition Manager.
If you are unsure if your Club will have enough registrations to field a team in a particular age group, then
please nominate the team irrespective. It is more efficient for Leagues to withdraw teams from a
competition, rather than adding a team to a competition at a later date.
We will re-confirm team nomination numbers with all Clubs closer to the designated competition start
date.
Team Set-Up
Clubs are encouraged to continue setting up teams as per usual, complying with previously prescribed
naming conventions. Please be aware some District Leagues complete this function on behalf of Club’s.
Competition Set-Up
Providing team details to Administrators will allow us to begin setting Competitions up on the MySideline
system prior to season commencement. This will greatly assist us in getting teams on the field quickly, in
the event of further delays due to COVID-19.
Clearances and Permits
NSWRL and Districts will continue to action clearances and permits as they come to hand, and we urge
Clubs and players to do the same.
Registrations (Pending Registrations)
We urge Clubs, Coaches and Managers to continue to encourage participants to register. Once we are able to re-commence competitions, we want all participants to be ready and registered to train and play.
As a reminder, it would be great if Clubs could continue to check all pending registrations, and ensure
appropriate photo and identifications are present, with dates of birth and spelling of names matching the
participants record.
Suspensions
Suspensions from the 2019 season that have not been served, or from 2020 Trial Matches that have been conducted will remain in place. Participants and Clubs are encouraged to check their Notice of Outcomes as to the stipulated matches to serve, as this will be applied from when competitions resume. 100 points equals one competition match.
Competition Contingency Plans
The NRL and NSWRL are constantly monitoring the situation with COVID-19. We want to see children on
the football field in 2020 as much as you do. Once we can confirm any start date, we will require a two (2)
week period of training and trials prior to commencement of any competition. This period will assist
everyone with finalising teams and numbers, and with final competition details.
We also have plans drawn up to commence competitions at any point of the Winter season, if this
becomes necessary.
Volunteer Education
NSWRL Delivered Evenings
Any scheduled NSWRL delivered information evenings, specifically Club Information Nights and Ground
Manager Trainings will be rescheduled to a date closer to competition re-commencement.
Community Rugby Statement
March 16, 2020
Today, following a meeting of the National Development Panel, Rugby Australia along with the State and Territory Member Unions have unanimously agreed to postpone all Community Rugby until the first week of May, effective immediately.
This recommendation covers Rugby matches, Rugby training and face-to-face Rugby education courses. Although this decision has not been made lightly, it has been made with the interests of the participants, families and the broader community as the priority.
In arriving at this decision, Rugby Australia and the Member Unions have considered public health information and the advice of the Rugby Australia Chief Medical Officer, Dr Warren McDonald. The group acknowledges that this decision is a more conservative approach then has currently been recommended by the Australian, State and Territory Governments. However, it has been made to provide clarity to the Rugby community in a challenging and disruptive time.
Rugby Australia and the Member Unions are fully committed to supporting the game through this difficult time and the decision will allow for six weeks of planning to deliver a modified season which will commence, at this stage, at the beginning of May. The modified season will vary at a local level to best support the needs of our local Rugby communities.
It is acknowledged that there are a variety of Rugby competitions underway and Rugby Australia will work closely with Member Unions to minimize this disruption.
It is not the intention for this decision to interfere with the non-rugby related activities of our Rugby clubs, such as operation of licensed facilities. Government advice should continue to be followed in this regard.Rugby Australia and Member Unions will also work to increase the opportunity for people to engage in online education to ensure our critical workforces are ready for the recommencement of community Rugby.
The National Development Panel will meet weekly for the foreseeable future and will review this position and communicate any updates regularly.
Bayview Church Point Residents Association AGM 2020 Cancelled
Wednesday April 29th, 2020: 7.00 p.m. for 7.30
At BYRA: 1842 Pittwater Rd, Bayview
Guest speakers are the Hon. Dr Rob Stokes, NBC CEO Ray Brownlee, Councillors Kylie Ferguson and Alex McTaggart
Local residents are welcome to come along to hear what is happening and a Q & A session
We invite all adult residents of Bayview and Church Point to become members of the Residents Association. Membership forms are available on the night of the AGM.
Whether you are a new member or looking to renew your membership with us, you can download the Subscription Form from our website, complete the details and return to us at either bvcpra@gmail.com or the postal address on the form.
Members socialise at the AGM and if significant matters are to be dealt with during the year, further meetings are called. We include Guest Speakers at such meetings and include Question and Answer time. Regular information Updates are emailed and/or posted to members.
Our core ethos/function is to be ever vigilant in preserving the magnificent area in which we are blessed to live, to look after one another without political or religious bias and to generally support good government and their decisions.
For more information please visit: https://bcpra.wordpress.com/
Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans And Bottles And Nominate SW As Recipient
You can Help Sydney Wildlife help Wildlife. Sydney Wildlife Rescue is now listed as a charity partner on the return and earn machines in these locations:
- Pittwater RSL Mona Vale
- Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre NBISC Warriewood
- Woolworths Balgowlah
- Belrose Super centre
- Coles Manly Vale
- Westfield Warringah Mall
- Strathfield Council Carpark
- Paddy's Markets Flemington Homebush West
- Woolworths Homebush West
- Caltex Concord road Concord West
- Bondi Campbell pde behind Beach Pavilion
- Westfield Bondi Junction car park level 2 eastern end Woolworths side under ramp
- UNSW Kensington
- Enviro Pak McEvoy street Alexandria.
Every bottle, can, or eligible container that is returned could be 10c donated to Sydney Wildlife.
Every item returned will make a difference by removing these items from landfill and raising funds for our 100% volunteer wildlife carers. All funds raised go to support wildlife.
It is easy to DONATE, just feed the items into the machine select DONATE and choose Sydney Wildlife Rescue.
2020 Community Heritage Grants Now Open
March 4, 2020: National Library of Australia
Now in its 27th year, the Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program provides grants of up to $15,000 to community groups to help preserve and manage locally held but nationally significant cultural heritage collections.
Since the program began in 1994, more than $7.26 million has been allocated to 1,445 collection preservation and management projects. The program has had a significant impact on safeguarding local but nationally significant collections around the country, from inner cities to the most remote parts of Australia.
Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, Director-General of the National Library of Australia, said ‘the range of community groups receiving the grants has highlighted the incredible diversity of Australia’s people and stories. The grants help to preserve and manage these collections for future generations’.
In past years, projects ranging from preserving indigenous languages to caring for rare meteorological equipment have received assistance under the CHG program. Such support includes significance assessments, preservation needs assessments, conservation activities, collection management and training workshops. These ventures are provided to indigenous and multicultural groups, community organisations such as libraries, archives, museums, genealogical and historical societies.
The National Library manages the Community Heritage Grants Program—which is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications—with the National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia.
Applications close on Monday 4 May 2020.
To submit an application or find out more information visit nla.gov.au/chg.
This Issue:
Profile Owen Ravenscroft 1956-2020 - TributeIn January 2020 the wonderfully kind and gentle Owen Ravenscroft passed away. On Friday March 13th, 2020 family and friends gathered at Palm Beach for a beautiful Paddle Out and Tribute to Owen.
Requests to rerun Owen's Profile page from friends and residents were held over in a mark of respect to his family until this time.
Apart from getting a buzz from surfing and writing Owen enjoyed music, travel and the company of family and friends.
Owen featured as the Pittwater Online January 2014 Artist of the Month sharing an extract from his book ‘Sink or Swim’ – a great read for anyone with a passion for the ocean or for residents and visitors alike. To open our 2014 Summer Mix we spoke to Owen about his story and where his work evolved from.
Made from indestructible kauri wood, which was ‘seasoned’ in salt water for at least two years prior to being shaped into a sleek 'linear' yacht designed and built by famous New Zealand boat designer and craftsman Charles Bailey Jun. the Bona (Meaning ‘good’ in Italian – fem.) disappeared from the racing circuits in Brisbane in 1953 after her then owner-skipper, Len Field, and his wife Emily had their second child and he placed an advertisement to rent a place – to come off the sea.
A year after running that original Bona Classic yacht History page in 2014 a wonderful gentleman from Lovett Bay, intent on finding out what happened to her, tracked Len's son to the South Coast of NSW and found out the yacht had been sold to people who, to enable collecting her steel parts to sell, burnt her to the ground. Thank you for finding out her fate sir! A sad end to a wonderful yacht.
Then in late 2019 a relative of the original owner, John Chinnery, who also enjoyed that original page, contacted Pittwater Online to share a great early painting of the Bona and some family research on Mr. Chinnery - the record of facts, anecdotes and insights grows for this beauty!
Environment Kookaburra Fledlings This Week; Big Snake Eaten By Little Bird, Pittwater Spotted Gums Gilded By Late Afternoon Autumn Light, Permaculture Northern Beaches events, Planning Commission Asked To Decide Narrabri Gasfield Despite Major Flaws In Regulation And Knowledge, EPA Seeks Public Input To Make Sure Polluters Pay For Their Clean-Up Costs, Commission Introduces New Guidelines For Public Hearings, Community Input On The Future Of Plastics And Waste In NSW, Indian Ocean Phenomenon Spells Climate Trouble For Australia, Sea Turtles Have A Deadly Attraction To Stinky Plastic, Looking After Warrumbungles Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallabies, Gwydir Wetlands To Open To Birdwatchers, NSW To Host The International Shellfish Restoration Conference, Marine Estate Benefits From Aboriginal Knowledge And Expertise: Jobs And Training Boost Aboriginal Participation, Illegal Fishers Cop $63,000 In Fines After Operation Turbo Reef, Ocean Plastic Returning To Aussie Coastlines, Entire Hillsides Of Trees Turned Brown This Summer. Is It The Start Of Ecosystem Collapse?, Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans And Bottles and Nominate SW As Recipient, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment: Bushwalks 2020, Bushcare In Pittwater, Gardens And Environment Groups and Organisations In Pittwater, Pittwater Reserves++
Inbox News Engineers Crack 58-Year-Old Puzzle On Way To Quantum Breakthrough, Natural Contaminant Threat To Drinking Water From Groundwater, Australian Tiny Homes: Free Webinar, Building Blocks For Life On Earth Got Here Much Later Than We Thought Billion-Year-Old Rocks Show, Dinosaur Stomping Ground In Scotland Reveals Thriving Middle Jurassic Ecosystem, UNSW Hydrogen Storage Technology In World-First Application Of Its Kind, From Darkness To Light: New Findings Unravel How Plants Control Energy Generation
Newport Residents Association March Meeting:POSTPONED
The next meeting is at 7.00 pm, onTuesday 17th March 2020 ,
Newport Community Centre, The Boulevard, Newport.
Come and hear from Peter Robinson Northern Beaches Council Executive Manager Development Assessment. A great chance to understand the planning processes that affect our Newport and Northern Beaches.
Find out more at: https://newport.org.au/
Pets of the Week
Cherry
AGE/SEX: 7 years / F
BREED: Cocker Spaniel X Maltese
Cherry is a very affectionate attentive girl who enjoys a fair bit of exercise. She is very needy of human company and gets distressed if she is left alone, even if other dogs are around. She is quick to learn and is very social with other dogs. She is good at jumping low gates. She has a feathered coat that needs clipping and weighs 9.2kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450.
Panther
Panther is a super purry and sweet kitten who is approximately 6 months old. He loves being a kitten - playing, eating, cuddling and hanging out with other kitties. Panther’s Mum Mica is also with us.
He comes with desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.
If you are interested in meeting him, please contact DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com. He is located at Ingleside.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Bayview Church Point Residents Association AGM 2020
Wednesday April 29th, 2020: 7.00 p.m. for 7.30
At BYRA: 1842 Pittwater Rd, Bayview
Guest speakers are the Hon. Dr Rob Stokes, NBC CEO Ray Brownlee, Councillors Kylie Ferguson and Alex McTaggart
Local residents are welcome to come along to hear what is happening and a Q & A session
We invite all adult residents of Bayview and Church Point to become members of the Residents Association. Membership forms are available on the night of the AGM.
Whether you are a new member or looking to renew your membership with us, you can download the Subscription Form from our website, complete the details and return to us at either bvcpra@gmail.com or the postal address on the form.
Members socialise at the AGM and if significant matters are to be dealt with during the year, further meetings are called. We include Guest Speakers at such meetings and include Question and Answer time. Regular information Updates are emailed and/or posted to members.
Our core ethos/function is to be ever vigilant in preserving the magnificent area in which we are blessed to live, to look after one another without political or religious bias and to generally support good government and their decisions.
For more information please visit: https://bcpra.wordpress.com/
Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans And Bottles And Nominate SW As Recipient
You can Help Sydney Wildlife help Wildlife. Sydney Wildlife Rescue is now listed as a charity partner on the return and earn machines in these locations:
- Pittwater RSL Mona Vale
- Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre NBISC Warriewood
- Woolworths Balgowlah
- Belrose Super centre
- Coles Manly Vale
- Westfield Warringah Mall
- Strathfield Council Carpark
- Paddy's Markets Flemington Homebush West
- Woolworths Homebush West
- Caltex Concord road Concord West
- Bondi Campbell pde behind Beach Pavilion
- Westfield Bondi Junction car park level 2 eastern end Woolworths side under ramp
- UNSW Kensington
- Enviro Pak McEvoy street Alexandria.
Every bottle, can, or eligible container that is returned could be 10c donated to Sydney Wildlife.
Every item returned will make a difference by removing these items from landfill and raising funds for our 100% volunteer wildlife carers. All funds raised go to support wildlife.
It is easy to DONATE, just feed the items into the machine select DONATE and choose Sydney Wildlife Rescue.
Mona Vale Girl Guides District AGM 2020
Hosted by Mona Vale Girl Guides
Monday, March 16, 2020 at 6 PM – 8 PM
Mona Vale Girl Guides
Kitchener Park, Barrenjoey Rd, Mona Vale
Bingo cards and grazing platters are provided.
All the family is welcome: parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents!
Come along and
- see what our Mona Vale District has been doing;
- thank the volunteers who run the units;
- contribute ideas for 2020;
- volunteer for a role at Mona Vale for 2020;
- meet other parents in your Guiding community; and
- have fun while playing Bingo & grazing from platters!
About Mona Vale Girl Guides
We are a leadership organisation for girls and young women. We run 3 "units" for girls during school terms (and school holiday camps). The program is girl-led and ranges from camping and outdoor adventure, to learning to work in teams, social skills, fun with the arts, global citizenship and more! We are a not-for-profit community-minded organisation and accept girls from all cultures, backgrounds and spiritual beliefs.
At Mona Vale, we run:
"Junior Guides" (for girls aged 7-10) Monday 4pm - 5.30pm
"Guides" (for girls aged 10-14) Monday 6pm - 8pm
"Senior Guides" (for girls aged 14-18) Fortnightly Tuesdays 7pm - 9pm
We also offer volunteer leadership opportunities for women aged 18-100!
Call our District Manager on 0403 556 131.
We hire our hall for one off and long term hires. Contact our Hall Booking Officer on 0403 556 131 for availability and rates.
2020 Community Heritage Grants Now Open
March 4, 2020: National Library of Australia
Now in its 27th year, the Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program provides grants of up to $15,000 to community groups to help preserve and manage locally held but nationally significant cultural heritage collections.
Since the program began in 1994, more than $7.26 million has been allocated to 1,445 collection preservation and management projects. The program has had a significant impact on safeguarding local but nationally significant collections around the country, from inner cities to the most remote parts of Australia.
Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, Director-General of the National Library of Australia, said ‘the range of community groups receiving the grants has highlighted the incredible diversity of Australia’s people and stories. The grants help to preserve and manage these collections for future generations’.
In past years, projects ranging from preserving indigenous languages to caring for rare meteorological equipment have received assistance under the CHG program. Such support includes significance assessments, preservation needs assessments, conservation activities, collection management and training workshops. These ventures are provided to indigenous and multicultural groups, community organisations such as libraries, archives, museums, genealogical and historical societies.
The National Library manages the Community Heritage Grants Program—which is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications—with the National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia.
Applications close on Monday 4 May 2020.
To submit an application or find out more information visit nla.gov.au/chg.
An Important Message From AvPals: All Classes Cancelled
You are of course aware of the concern that we all have about Covid 19, particularly as our age group is likely to be most affected. This virus is transmitted from one person to another very easily and we are all. I am sure, taking steps to protect ourselves by following the guidelines set out by the Australian Government. But there is more we can do. Most essentially we should avoid any chance of contact with someone already infected.
AVPALS provides close contact training in matters of technology for older Australians who live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. We are aware of the dangers associated with the Covid19 virus and have therefore decided the following:
Your committee and all of the trainers have met and made the unhappy decision to cancel all classes at both Avalon and Newport for at least the remainder of this school term.
What this means for you.
- If you are currently enrolled at Avalon you should not attend classes until at least next school term. AVPALS will either credit you for the FULL term or re-enrol you for the next term's courses and give you absolute priority over others who may wish to enrol.
- If you are currently attending a course at Newport on a Tuesday afternoon, that course is now cancelled. AVPALS will offer you a full credit of your fee toward our next training term and give you priority re-enrolment.
- If you have enrolled in a course at Newport that has not yet commenced we will give you a credit for the next term in which we train and give you absolute priority over others who may wish to enrol.
As always we are here to help. Peter fully understands the situation and can rearrange courses or organise a refund if that is your wish. You can email him or give him a ring on 80643574.
We understand your disappointment at not being able to complete your course, however your good health is our number one priority.
We will keep you up to date with our activities.
Avalon Computer Pals for Seniors.
Harold Tristram Squire: 1868- May 16th, 1938; Seeking Artists' Paintings
Pittwater Online is finishing off History Research regarding Harold Tristram Squire and his wife Mabel Eunice Squire (nee Harvey). Both were Artists, ahead of their times, who lived in Mona Vale from 1923/24 onwards.
Bayview Golf Club has his wonderful Elephants statues near their 18th green and their remains rest in Mona Vale Cemetery. These elephants were commenced in 1926 - finished in 1930, although Harold and Mabel did attend a ball at Mona Vale in 1924, along with Mabels' sisters Beatrice and Helen, (Also Artists) in an Elephant fancy dress - the two sisters helping them move it and possibly an earlier 'model' for works.
H. 'Tristram' Squire 'Peter' from 'Peter and the Bullock' statue set - photo by and courtesy Dave Murray
The Squire pair had been in the Royal Botanical Gardens hothouses in 1924, making paintings of orchids on wood and glass for the old Museum there, and Wirths had had a circus at Haymarket the same year with a 'large herd of elephants'. The Squire couple had also been living in Margaret street, Sydney in 1922 when Harolds' green chest 'with tools' in it was stolen.
Council has been helping out with the MVC placement and headstone, BGC has helped out too.
What we're trying to track down, as this page will run soon, are their earlier paintings - possibly all in private collections (Dungarvon, where they lived, in Park street MV, had walls covered in murals of 'seascapes and landscapes' - so not too many on display there and then).
Other reports speak of their works - when they were in Hobart, Tasmania in 1908, their home's walls were covered with works.
Although numerous descriptions of works can be found - none of those works themselves have yet come to light. SO: does anyone have anything?
Earlier in his career he signed his works 'H.T. Squire' - later on 'H Tristram Squire'. Although any variation and even unsigned works may be out there...somewhere!
Thanking you in advance for any help given!
NB: the Pittwater 'Streets Have Your Name' series will recommence later this month beginning with Palm Beach and will work its way south to Narrabeen to conclude those not published as yet; Palm Beach, Careel Bay, Bayview, Church Point, Elvina and Lovett Bays, Narrabeen. Thank you for your feedback and contributions to this series.
Illegal Fishers Cop $63,000 In Fines After Operation Turbo Reef
March 12 2020
More than 6,251 marine invertebrates have been seized, 337 offences detected and $63,000 in fines issued in an operation designed to target illegal shellfish collection in the Sydney metropolitan region.
The issuing of fines has completed Operation Turbo Reef, an initiative of NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Compliance Unit.
Acting Director Fisheries Compliance Brett Andrew said the operation is now in its seventh year and took place over the Australia Day long weekend.
“Many of the headlands of the Sydney region are Intertidal Protected Area (IPAs) or Aquatic Reserves,” he said.
“These areas are closed to the collecting of shellfish and invertebrates to protect marine life and conserve important habitat and nursery areas for marine species.”
“A new mobile squad has been established targeting compliance in these areas. These areas are highly valued by local communities for their biodiversity and as sites for education and research.”
He urged fishers to ensure they comply with fishing rules and regulations.
“Fishers are reminded that if they wish to collect invertebrates, they must ensure that they are doing so in an area that is open to collecting, pay the recreational fishing fee unless exempt, and stick to strict collection methods and bag and size limits,” he said.
Mr Andrew said knowing the rules and regulations is particularly important as consuming invertebrates from some Sydney waterways carries risk.
“Sydney Harbour is closed to the taking of shellfish due to elevated levels of dioxins that pose a health risk,” he said.
He said some of the alleged offences detected during Operation Turbo Reef involved serious violations of fisheries rules and regulations.
“A female from Lethbridge Park, who is already known to fisheries officers, was allegedly found in possession of 1,043 cockles taken from the closed waters of Kogarah Bay. It is alleged she committed two offences, with each carrying a maximum penalty of $22,000 or six months imprisonment,” he said.
“6,251 invertebrates including cockles, abalone, turban snails, lobster and octopus were seized during the operation. Fortunately the vast majority were returned to the water alive.”
Anyone with information on illegal activity is encouraged to call the Fishers Watch line on 1800 043 536 or Report illegal activity online.
Club Marine Pittwater To Coffs Harbour Yacht Race – Organised By RPAYC
The RPAYC announces a new date for the Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race.
In the heyday of offshore racing on the East Coast of Australia, the RPAYC Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race attracted over a hundred boats. Starting the day after the Sydney to Hobart Race, crews would gather on Pittwater for the relative sprint 230nm north to the ever-popular holiday spot of Coffs Harbour.
Seen as the training ground for those working their way up to longer more challenging offshore races or a popular race for those hardened offshore sailors with less time on their hands to get to Hobart and back, the race flourished.
The reduction in boats adventuring offshore, due no doubt to an increase in regulation and legislation, as well as the many other pressures of modern life has impacted numbers and put the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race in jeopardy.
However; it was clear to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club that the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race remains close to the hearts of many current offshore sailors and it was time to review the east coast racing calendar and find a suitable place for the race to prosper; it was decided upon a week before the Easter weekend - Friday 3rd April 2020.
“The Brisbane to Gladstone Race starts on Good Friday each year and Port Stephens Race Week is at the end of the month so boats can use the race as a step north or there is plenty of time to get back to Port Stephens for the IRC Championships” explains Nick Elliott, RPAYC Race Director. “The timing of the start, 1300hrs Friday 3rd April, should have everyone finished in Coffs Harbour by Sunday lunch time for presentations, leaving time to either jump in the car, on an afternoon flight or train back to Sydney ready for work on Monday” continues Elliott.
Proven by early entries , Matt Allen’s double Hobart winning Ichi Ban was one of the first to enter and close rival Gordon Ketelbey has nominated with his TP52, Zen, to battle it out for line honours and an overall win.
The two TP52s won’t have it all their own way in aiming to be first boat home; Darren Drew with his Crowther 50 Catamaran, Top Gun, will hope that conditions favour him and they can give Allen and Ketelbey a close run to Coffs Harbour as well as take out the Multihull division.
Close racing can be expected throughout the fleet and it is by no means a given that one of the TP52s will take out overall honours in the race. Carl Crawford and Tim Horkings’ Cookson 12, Sail Exchange is incredibly competitive, only beaten by 2 lower rated boats in the 2019 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race to finish 16th overall and second in division 5 so expect the higher rated boats to watching the clock at finish for the arrival of Crawford and Horkings.
The host club, RPAYC, will be well represented throughout the fleet and are expected to feature well in the standing come Sunday 5th April. Past Commodore Richard Hudson was the first to enter with his optimised Farr45, Pretty Woman, part of the Pretty Woman Syndicate which includes past Commodore, Russel Murphy and current Commodore Michael Lockley, the boat and crew have done thousands of nautical miles up and down the coast in Blue Water Races and will be all out for a home win.
The race starts off Barrenjoey Headland at 1300hrs on Friday 3rd April 2020. Spectators are welcome, with a great view affordable from Barrenjoey Lighthouse or come out and cheer the boats from the water.
YB Tracking and Facebook updates will be live from 1200hrs Friday 3rd April 2020 for those wishing to follow friends and families throughout the race.
Entries are now open - Click Here to enter
2020 NSW Women Of The Year Awards
March 11, 2020
Inspirational women from across the state have been recognised for their achievements at the annual NSW Women of the Year Awards.
Professor Maria Kavallaris AM and Premier Gladys Berejiklian at the NSW Women of the Year Awards
Now in its ninth year, the awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by women across NSW to industry, communities and society.
2020 NSW Women of the Year Award winners
- Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year – Professor Maria Kavallaris AM
- Aboriginal Woman of the Year – Kirli Saunders
- Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year – Krystaal Hinds
- First State Super Lifetime Achievement Award – Christine Strachan
- Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year – Hannah Beder
- Community Hero Award – Justine Lorenz
- NSW Business Woman of the Year – Anneke van den Broek
Internationally renowned scientist Professor Maria Kavallaris AM won the 2020 NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year for her groundbreaking research on effective therapies for aggressive childhood cancers.
Prof. Kavallaris accepted the award from Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor at an awards ceremony held in Sydney.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the 2020 awards program attracted an unprecedented number of nominations and more than 7000 votes in the publicly decided categories.
“Be it science, industry, business or community, every part of NSW has benefited from the outstanding contributions made by women,” Mrs Taylor said.
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2020
MVHA Stalls to June 2020Pittwater Place, Mona Vale.
Selling knitting, sewing, craft, books and jam. 9am to 3pm.
February 1st, March 7th. April 4th, May 2nd, June 6th
Bunnings, Narrabeen.
Sausage sizzles 8am to 3pm.
February 8th, March 14th, April 11th, May 9th, June 6th.
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update: March 1st, 2020; Volume 21, Issue 1105
Click on Logo to access latest PON:
To contact Julian: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
ABHS General Meeting March 2020
The next meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be held on Tuesday 10 March starting at 8pm. As usual it will be held in the mighty ‘Bowlo’ – the Avalon Beach Bowling Club in Bowling Green Lane.
GOWS, GONSALVES, GODDARDS and GOLDTHORPE & SMITH
That’s a lot of Gs admittedly but we have already talked about and seen photos of the first two and this time we will look much more closely at the remaining two Gs.
Two generations of the Witchard family just about covers this history, having been involved with boats of all sizes in Pittwater for around 90 years.
Although Charles Henry Witchard (known familiarly as ‘Chick’) was born at Annandale, the family later moved to Patonga. Chick began working across the bay as a yard hand for William Joseph Goddard (known as ‘Old Man Goddard’) at Goddards Boatshed just north of Sand Point. The Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Co. bought the business and moved it around the corner to Goldthorpe and Smith’s boatshed, taking Chick with them as Manager.
The two boatsheds, wharves and slips were, for many years, inextricably linked to the point where their history is easier to discuss as a whole rather than as separate identities.
We have an excellent photographic history of both boatsheds thanks to locals John Witchard, Peter Verrills and several other contributors.
Some of the photos show much of the surrounding Sand Point and Pittwater area, so you don’t necessarily have to be a ‘boatie’ or a ‘yachtie’ to appreciate the photographic history.
Our ‘catering whizzes’ will no doubt provide another super supper, which you won’t want to miss either. Guests of members are very welcome and to stay for supper afterwards.
If you or your family have any photos of early Avalon Beach from any era, the Society would love the opportunity to scan them and add them to the collection. They can then be used for research, exhibition or as an educational tool when Geoff visits the local schools to give one of his many talks.
Even if you now live out of the area you can email Geoff: geoff@abhs.org.au
To see some of the great photos we have in the collection check out our website under Avalon Beach Historical Society or go to abhs.org.au
Geoff Searl OAM
President
Avalon Beach Historical Society
Bayview Church Point Residents Association AGM 2020
Wednesday April 29th, 2020: 7.00 p.m. for 7.30
At BYRA: 1842 Pittwater Rd, Bayview
Guest speakers are the Hon. Dr Rob Stokes, NBC CEO Ray Brownlee, Councillors Kylie Ferguson and Alex McTaggart
Local residents are welcome to come along to hear what is happening and a Q & A session
We invite all adult residents of Bayview and Church Point to become members of the Residents Association. Membership forms are available on the night of the AGM.
Whether you are a new member or looking to renew your membership with us, you can download the Subscription Form from our website, complete the details and return to us at either bvcpra@gmail.com or the postal address on the form.
Members socialise at the AGM and if significant matters are to be dealt with during the year, further meetings are called. We include Guest Speakers at such meetings and include Question and Answer time. Regular information Updates are emailed and/or posted to members.
Our core ethos/function is to be ever vigilant in preserving the magnificent area in which we are blessed to live, to look after one another without political or religious bias and to generally support good government and their decisions.
For more information please visit: https://bcpra.wordpress.com/
Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans And Bottles And Nominate SW As Recipient
You can Help Sydney Wildlife help Wildlife. Sydney Wildlife Rescue is now listed as a charity partner on the return and earn machines in these locations:
- Pittwater RSL Mona Vale
- Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre NBISC Warriewood
- Woolworths Balgowlah
- Belrose Super centre
- Coles Manly Vale
- Westfield Warringah Mall
- Strathfield Council Carpark
- Paddy's Markets Flemington Homebush West
- Woolworths Homebush West
- Caltex Concord road Concord West
- Bondi Campbell pde behind Beach Pavilion
- Westfield Bondi Junction car park level 2 eastern end Woolworths side under ramp
- UNSW Kensington
- Enviro Pak McEvoy street Alexandria.
Every bottle, can, or eligible container that is returned could be 10c donated to Sydney Wildlife.
Every item returned will make a difference by removing these items from landfill and raising funds for our 100% volunteer wildlife carers. All funds raised go to support wildlife.
It is easy to DONATE, just feed the items into the machine select DONATE and choose Sydney Wildlife Rescue.
Pets of the Week
Lenny
AGE/SEX: 18 months / M
BREED: Jack Russell X
Lenny is an 18 month old Jack Russell X boy. He loves sniffing and running in the grass and enjoys the company of other dogs however he can get in the face of other dogs and become annoying. He loves tug games and squeaky toys. Lenny has some basic obedience but needs a family used to highly strung dogs that need a calm environment to pay attention. When Lenny gets nervous or feels he is cornered he can nip. He has a smooth coat and weighs 7.0kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.
Mica
Mica has a beautiful medium smokey coloured coat and is approximately 3 years old. She is the Mum of Slate, Smoke, Storm, Panther, Thunder and Charcoal.
She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. She is located on the northern beaches.
If you are interested in meeting her, please contact DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Harold Tristram Squire: 1868- May 16th, 1938; Seeking Artists' Paintings
Pittwater Online is finishing off History Research regarding Harold Tristram Squire and his wife Mabel Eunice Squire (nee Harvey). Both were Artists, ahead of their times, who lived in Mona Vale from 1923/24 onwards.
Bayview Golf Club has his wonderful Elephants statues near their 18th green and their remains rest in Mona Vale Cemetery. These elephants were commenced in 1926 - finished in 1930, although Harold and Mabel did attend a ball at Mona Vale in 1924, along with Mabels' sisters Beatrice and Helen, (Also Artists) in an Elephant fancy dress - the two sisters helping them move it and possibly an earlier 'model' for works.
H. 'Tristram' Squire 'Peter' from 'Peter and the Bullock' statue set - photo by and courtesy Dave Murray
The Squire pair had been in the Royal Botanical Gardens hothouses in 1924, making paintings of orchids on wood and glass for the old Museum there, and Wirths had had a circus at Haymarket the same year with a 'large herd of elephants'. The Squire couple had also been living in Margaret street, Sydney in 1922 when Harolds' green chest 'with tools' in it was stolen.
Council has been helping out with the MVC placement and headstone, BGC has helped out too.
What we're trying to track down, as this page will run soon, are their earlier paintings - possibly all in private collections (Dungarvon, where they lived, in Park street MV, had walls covered in murals of 'seascapes and landscapes' - so not too many on display there and then).
Other reports speak of their works - when they were in Hobart, Tasmania in 1908, their home's walls were covered with works.
Although numerous descriptions of works can be found - none of those works themselves have yet come to light. SO: does anyone have anything?
Earlier in his career he signed his works 'H.T. Squire' - later on 'H Tristram Squire'. Although any variation and even unsigned works may be out there...somewhere!
Thanking you in advance for any help given!
NB: the Pittwater 'Streets Have Your Name' series will recommence later this month beginning with Palm Beach and will work its way south to Narrabeen to conclude those not published as yet; Palm Beach, Careel Bay, Bayview, Church Point, Elvina and Lovett Bays, Narrabeen. Thank you for your feedback and contributions to this series.
The Uluru Statement: Unfinished Business
No question re the Uluru Statement!
Some of the FAQs that will be discussed Monday night.
- What is the Uluru Statement?
- Where did the Uluru Statement come from?
- What changes does the Uluru Statement call for?
- Why is change necessary?
- Why a constitutionally enshrined Voice?
- What is Makarrata?
- Why is the Uluru Statement from the Heart important to all Australians?
- Who benefits and how?
Come and join in the friendly Yarning Circle next Monday 9th 7.30pm.
Come along and have your say
Monday March 9th 7.30pm
All welcome - this is a Free night.
Mona Vale Memorial Hall
1 Park Street Mona Vale
Hosted by ASG-MWP
Click on logo above to visit the ASGMWP website.
Club Marine Pittwater To Coffs Harbour Yacht Race – Organised By RPAYC
The RPAYC announces a new date for the Club Marine Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race.
In the heyday of offshore racing on the East Coast of Australia, the RPAYC Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race attracted over a hundred boats. Starting the day after the Sydney to Hobart Race, crews would gather on Pittwater for the relative sprint 230nm north to the ever-popular holiday spot of Coffs Harbour.
Seen as the training ground for those working their way up to longer more challenging offshore races or a popular race for those hardened offshore sailors with less time on their hands to get to Hobart and back, the race flourished.
The reduction in boats adventuring offshore, due no doubt to an increase in regulation and legislation, as well as the many other pressures of modern life has impacted numbers and put the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race in jeopardy.
However; it was clear to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club that the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race remains close to the hearts of many current offshore sailors and it was time to review the east coast racing calendar and find a suitable place for the race to prosper; it was decided upon a week before the Easter weekend - Friday 3rd April 2020.
“The Brisbane to Gladstone Race starts on Good Friday each year and Port Stephens Race Week is at the end of the month so boats can use the race as a step north or there is plenty of time to get back to Port Stephens for the IRC Championships” explains Nick Elliott, RPAYC Race Director. “The timing of the start, 1300hrs Friday 3rd April, should have everyone finished in Coffs Harbour by Sunday lunch time for presentations, leaving time to either jump in the car, on an afternoon flight or train back to Sydney ready for work on Monday” continues Elliott.
Proven by early entries , Matt Allen’s double Hobart winning Ichi Ban was one of the first to enter and close rival Gordon Ketelbey has nominated with his TP52, Zen, to battle it out for line honours and an overall win.
The two TP52s won’t have it all their own way in aiming to be first boat home; Darren Drew with his Crowther 50 Catamaran, Top Gun, will hope that conditions favour him and they can give Allen and Ketelbey a close run to Coffs Harbour as well as take out the Multihull division.
Close racing can be expected throughout the fleet and it is by no means a given that one of the TP52s will take out overall honours in the race. Carl Crawford and Tim Horkings’ Cookson 12, Sail Exchange is incredibly competitive, only beaten by 2 lower rated boats in the 2019 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race to finish 16th overall and second in division 5 so expect the higher rated boats to watching the clock at finish for the arrival of Crawford and Horkings.
The host club, RPAYC, will be well represented throughout the fleet and are expected to feature well in the standing come Sunday 5th April. Past Commodore Richard Hudson was the first to enter with his optimised Farr45, Pretty Woman, part of the Pretty Woman Syndicate which includes past Commodore, Russel Murphy and current Commodore Michael Lockley, the boat and crew have done thousands of nautical miles up and down the coast in Blue Water Races and will be all out for a home win.
The race starts off Barrenjoey Headland at 1300hrs on Friday 3rd April 2020. Spectators are welcome, with a great view affordable from Barrenjoey Lighthouse or come out and cheer the boats from the water.
YB Tracking and Facebook updates will be live from 1200hrs Friday 3rd April 2020 for those wishing to follow friends and families throughout the race.
Entries are now open - Click Here to enter
Funding Available To Help Seniors Stay Social
March 3, 2020
Organisations can apply for funding for programs that will help keep seniors social and connected with the community.
The Seniors Staying Social Grants will provide $600,000 to eligible organisations across NSW.
The funding can go towards an existing program, expanding a program to suit a wider audience or to create new programs that will combat social isolation.
Activities which are already helping NSW seniors stay social include ocean swimming clubs, walking groups, table tennis clubs, dancing groups, art classes and walking basketball teams.
Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee said the NSW Government wants to provide more opportunities for seniors to get out of the house and try new activities while having great conversations with people they have never met before.
“Loneliness and social isolation can have adverse effects on our senior’s mental health, so we are looking to encourage programs which foster inclusion and encourage positive social outcomes for people over 65,” Mr Lee said.
Funding applications close on 19 April 2020.
2020 Community Heritage Grants Now Open
March 4, 2020: National Library of Australia
Now in its 27th year, the Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program provides grants of up to $15,000 to community groups to help preserve and manage locally held but nationally significant cultural heritage collections.
Since the program began in 1994, more than $7.26 million has been allocated to 1,445 collection preservation and management projects. The program has had a significant impact on safeguarding local but nationally significant collections around the country, from inner cities to the most remote parts of Australia.
Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, Director-General of the National Library of Australia, said ‘the range of community groups receiving the grants has highlighted the incredible diversity of Australia’s people and stories. The grants help to preserve and manage these collections for future generations’.
In past years, projects ranging from preserving indigenous languages to caring for rare meteorological equipment have received assistance under the CHG program. Such support includes significance assessments, preservation needs assessments, conservation activities, collection management and training workshops. These ventures are provided to indigenous and multicultural groups, community organisations such as libraries, archives, museums, genealogical and historical societies.
The National Library manages the Community Heritage Grants Program—which is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications—with the National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia.
Applications close on Monday 4 May 2020.
To submit an application or find out more information visit nla.gov.au/chg.
Penalties Now Apply For Drivers Caught Using Their Mobile Phone
March 2, 2020
Drivers in NSW caught illegally using their mobile phone will be issued fines and demerit points from 1 March 2020.
Drivers caught doing the wrong thing by mobile phone detection cameras will receive a $344 fine ($457 in a school zone) and five demerit points. The penalty will increase to 10 demerit points during double-demerit periods.
The world-first mobile phone detection cameras have been operating in NSW in a three-month warning period since 1 December 2019. During this time, nine million vehicles were checked and 30,000 warning letters sent to offending drivers.
The high-definition mobile phone detection cameras capture images of the front-row cabin space of all vehicles to detect illegal phone use.
Artificial intelligence is used to automatically review images, detect offending drivers and exclude images of non-offending drivers.
The mobile phone detection cameras are both fixed and transportable with trailer-mounted cameras. They will frequently move around the state.
NSW Police will continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue infringements as part of regular operations.
Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said taking your eyes off the road for longer than two seconds doubled the risk of a crash.
“The decision to pick up your phone can have fatal consequences. Whether you’re driving on a major highway or an isolated road in the bush, there’s no excuse for using your phone illegally,” Mr Toole said.
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2020
MVHA Stalls to June 2020Pittwater Place, Mona Vale.
Selling knitting, sewing, craft, books and jam. 9am to 3pm.
February 1st, March 7th. April 4th, May 2nd, June 6th
Bunnings, Narrabeen.
Sausage sizzles 8am to 3pm.
February 8th, March 14th, April 11th, May 9th, June 6th.
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update: March 1st, 2020; Volume 21, Issue 1105
Click on Logo to access latest PON:
To contact Julian: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Please Help Sydney Wildlife Rescue: Donate Your Cans And Bottles And Nominate SW As Recipient
You can Help Sydney Wildlife help Wildlife. Sydney Wildlife Rescue is now listed as a charity partner on the return and earn machines in these locations:
- Pittwater RSL Mona Vale
- Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre NBISC Warriewood
- Woolworths Balgowlah
- Belrose Super centre
- Coles Manly Vale
- Westfield Warringah Mall
- Strathfield Council Carpark
- Paddy's Markets Flemington Homebush West
- Woolworths Homebush West
- Caltex Concord road Concord West
- Bondi Campbell pde behind Beach Pavilion
- Westfield Bondi Junction car park level 2 eastern end Woolworths side under ramp
- UNSW Kensington
- Enviro Pak McEvoy street Alexandria.
Every bottle, can, or eligible container that is returned could be 10c donated to Sydney Wildlife.
Every item returned will make a difference by removing these items from landfill and raising funds for our 100% volunteer wildlife carers. All funds raised go to support wildlife.
It is easy to DONATE, just feed the items into the machine select DONATE and choose Sydney Wildlife Rescue.
Pets of the Week
Eric
AGE/SEX: 3 years / M
BREED: Sharpei X
Eric is a wriggly happy boy who loves back scratches and belly rubs. He is very engaging with people. He can be a little head shy. He came in with eye and ear infections. Eric is social with other playful dogs his size. He has a short coat and weighs about 25kg. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400.
Mica
Mica has a beautiful medium smokey coloured coat and is approximately 3 years old. She is the Mum of Slate, Smoke, Storm, Panther, Thunder and Charcoal.
She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. She is located on the northern beaches.
If you are interested in meeting her, please contact DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com.
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
New Cake Shop Opens In Narrabeen
For those who like to spend their time hanging around in the Department of Yum you may like to venture to 65 Waterloo Street Narrabeen and try out what's on offer at 'Cake Me Up'!
The owners make real deserts from the best ingredients, the old fashioned way – by hand, with dedication and love!
Visit their Facebook page, see what's on offer - and Cake yourself Up - an example of what's on offer:
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 2020
MVHA Stalls to June 2020Pittwater Place, Mona Vale.
Selling knitting, sewing, craft, books and jam. 9am to 3pm.
February 1st, March 7th. April 4th, May 2nd, June 6th
Bunnings, Narrabeen.
Sausage sizzles 8am to 3pm.
February 8th, March 14th, April 11th, May 9th, June 6th.
Mona Vale Road East - Out Of Hours Work
Out of hours work will continue along Mona Vale Road and at the Samuel Street, Ponderosa Parade and Mona Vale Road roundabout. We will work between 8pm and 5am on the following dates, weather permitting:
- Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 February
- Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26 and Friday 28 February
If work is delayed due to wet weather, we will try and work a different night within the same week. We will notify residents living closest to the work if the dates change from the above.
At the Samuel Street, Ponderosa Parade and Mona Vale Road roundabout we will:
- hammer and excavate the concrete islands located around the roundabout
- remove the inside raised kerb and vegetation within the roundabout - the roundabout will function as normal
- saw cut and trench across the road to do utility work
- investigate existing utilities and take sample cores of existing road
- deliver materials for construction work.
Between Manor Road and Mona Vale Cemetery we will:
- remove rock material from the top of the existing rock cuttings
- install temporary concrete barriers and screening
- install temporary support for future drainage work
- continue ongoing road maintenance.
We will use excavators with buckets and hammers, coring machine, bobcats, saw cutters, grinder, sweepers, lighting, rollers and light vehicles. A stop/slow arrangement will be in place with traffic controllers and signage directing traffic.
To minimise the impact of night work on residents, we do not work for more than two consecutive nights in the same area and will work only 10 days within the same month. If you are eligible for Alternative Accommodation you will be advised within 24 hours of the work.
Enquiries and registering for work updates
Please contact the community team for enquiries, feedback or any concerns you may have about the work.
Call: 1800 413 640 (24 hour number).
Email: monavaleroad@georgiou.com.au
For more information: rms.work/mvreast
If you need help understanding this information, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call us on 1800 413 640.
Use of drone
A drone will be used during the last week of each month to take progress photos and assist with surveying the project. The drone will remain within the project area.
Bilgola Community Hosting A Great Event This Week
A NIGHT WITH THE BLOKES
Gents, get beyond the banter and explore what it means to be a man today and tomorrow. Let’s have a no-holds barred conversation about the state of man, face the stats and create a space to explore how you can better look after yourself, your mates and your families, while carving out your own version of the Aussie man.
Join us for a FREE event on Thursday 5 March 2020 at Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club from 6.30pm for a bite to eat, before a 7.00pm start. Event ends at 9.00pm.
Grab your mates friends and get your free tickets at www.tomorrowman.com.au/events/blokesnightbilgolabeach
Both of these events are proudly brought to you by Bilgola locals in partnership with Gotch4Life (https://www.gotcha4life.org), Tomorrow Woman (https://www.tomorrowwoman.com.au/), Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club (https://www.bilgolaslsc.org.au/) and Zubi at Billy’s (@Zubi at Billy’s).
They wouldn’t be possible without the amazing fundraising support of Head Above Water (https://www.headabovewater.com.au/) – a charity run by a bunch of local lads that helps to build mentally fit communities on the Northern Beaches with Gotcha4Life.
See you there!
Bilgola Beach and Plateau Community
ABHS General Meeting March 2020
The next meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be held on Tuesday 10 March starting at 8pm. As usual it will be held in the mighty ‘Bowlo’ – the Avalon Beach Bowling Club in Bowling Green Lane.
GOWS, GONSALVES, GODDARDS and GOLDTHORPE & SMITH
That’s a lot of Gs admittedly but we have already talked about and seen photos of the first two and this time we will look much more closely at the remaining two Gs.
Two generations of the Witchard family just about covers this history, having been involved with boats of all sizes in Pittwater for around 90 years.
Although Charles Henry Witchard (known familiarly as ‘Chick’) was born at Annandale, the family later moved to Patonga. Chick began working across the bay as a yard hand for William Joseph Goddard (known as ‘Old Man Goddard’) at Goddards Boatshed just north of Sand Point. The Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Co. bought the business and moved it around the corner to Goldthorpe and Smith’s boatshed, taking Chick with them as Manager.
The two boatsheds, wharves and slips were, for many years, inextricably linked to the point where their history is easier to discuss as a whole rather than as separate identities.
We have an excellent photographic history of both boatsheds thanks to locals John Witchard, Peter Verrills and several other contributors.
Some of the photos show much of the surrounding Sand Point and Pittwater area, so you don’t necessarily have to be a ‘boatie’ or a ‘yachtie’ to appreciate the photographic history.
Our ‘catering whizzes’ will no doubt provide another super supper, which you won’t want to miss either. Guests of members are very welcome and to stay for supper afterwards.
If you or your family have any photos of early Avalon Beach from any era, the Society would love the opportunity to scan them and add them to the collection. They can then be used for research, exhibition or as an educational tool when Geoff visits the local schools to give one of his many talks.
Even if you now live out of the area you can email Geoff: geoff@abhs.org.au
To see some of the great photos we have in the collection check out our website under Avalon Beach Historical Society or go to abhs.org.au
Geoff Searl OAM
President
Avalon Beach Historical Society
Mona Vale Girl Guides District AGM 2020
Hosted by Mona Vale Girl Guides
Monday, March 16, 2020 at 6 PM – 8 PM
Mona Vale Girl Guides
Kitchener Park, Barrenjoey Rd, Mona Vale
Bingo cards and grazing platters are provided.
All the family is welcome: parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents!
Come along and
- see what our Mona Vale District has been doing;
- thank the volunteers who run the units;
- contribute ideas for 2020;
- volunteer for a role at Mona Vale for 2020;
- meet other parents in your Guiding community; and
- have fun while playing Bingo & grazing from platters!
About Mona Vale Girl Guides
We are a leadership organisation for girls and young women. We run 3 "units" for girls during school terms (and school holiday camps). The program is girl-led and ranges from camping and outdoor adventure, to learning to work in teams, social skills, fun with the arts, global citizenship and more! We are a not-for-profit community-minded organisation and accept girls from all cultures, backgrounds and spiritual beliefs.
At Mona Vale, we run:
"Junior Guides" (for girls aged 7-10) Monday 4pm - 5.30pm
"Guides" (for girls aged 10-14) Monday 6pm - 8pm
"Senior Guides" (for girls aged 14-18) Fortnightly Tuesdays 7pm - 9pm
We also offer volunteer leadership opportunities for women aged 18-100!
Call our District Manager on 0403 556 131.
We hire our hall for one off and long term hires. Contact our Hall Booking Officer on 0403 556 131 for availability and rates.
Click on logo above to visit their website.
Wildlife Care This Summer
Some excellent advice from the veterinary team at NEVS in Terrey Hills: Sydney is facing a catastrophic fire danger ratings, with high temperatures, hot gusty winds, and dry conditions. But what does this mean for our wildlife?
Native wildlife are struggling to cope with bushfires combined with habitat loss. Although our wildlife has evolved with fire, urbanisation has made their habitat so limited they are at great risk. During bushfires wildlife are forced to come to the ground where they get hit by cars and attacked by domestic dogs.
We can help our wildlife by creating refuge areas, that are shady, cool and somewhat wet. You can leave out shallow water dishes, and place a rock in them so smaller animals and birds don’t accidentally drown. Keep your dogs contained indoors and away from smoke for their own benefit as much as for the safety of wildlife. Avoid driving into fire areas unnecessarily where wildlife are likely to be present on the roads trying to escape, and instead await updates from online sources. If you encounter any injured or burnt wildlife, take them immediately to a vet hospital that you can safely access. Do not attempt to handle any bats unless you are vaccinated against Lyssavirus (the rabies vaccine covers this virus). Never chase wild animals in an attempt to capture them as they are prone to capture myopathy brought on by stress which is fatal.
For assistance or advice do not hesitate to phone NEVS on 9452 2933 and Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Service on 9413 4300.
New Season for Sailability Pittwater
Sailability Pittwater is a volunteer organisation which provides sailing for people with a disability.
Our main recreational sailing activities are at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, and we run competitive sailing for people with a disability out of RPAYC Newport. We are currently looking for new volunteers for our Saturday morning program at Rowland Reserve and Tuesdays at RPA. For more information at www.sailability.org/au/pittwater or call John on 9982 5656
