Pittwater Online News

Community News: March 2025

March 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 640

Week Three March 2025 (March 10 - 16)

Pictures: 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Masters Report + Results

Aquatics Double celebration for two long-serving Marine Rescue Cottage Point volunteers

Parliamentary inquiry into Safety and Quality of Northern Beaches Hospital Services Announced

It's a 'Bit Sharky' out there: 5 Tagged Bull Sharks Pinged at North Narrabeen on Same Day - Bull Shark spotted at Bayview + some historical insights into Sharks in the estuary and along our beaches

Bus Problems set to Ease: Repaired Buses returning to Service in April - New Buses slated for local routes by end of 2025

Warriewood Community Centre Build: March 2025 Update by Joe Mills

Ethan Hrnjak announced as Greens’ federal candidate for Mackellar 2025

Park Bench Philosophers: Yes, it’s a terrible idea to pick up or interfere with wild animals – especially baby wombats. Here’s why + How to report abuse of Wildlife or help injured wildlife

Environment It's a 'Bit Sharky' out there: 5 Tagged Bull Sharks Pinged at North Narrabeen on Same Day - Bull Shark spotted at Bayview, Wildlife protection at the heart of road technology trials, Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Open for Feedback until March 30, Australia’s Eucalypt of the Year 2025: The Travel Edition voting opens, World-first analysis of seabirds who’ve eaten plastic reveals slow insidious health impacts, Kultarrs are tiny, cryptic creatures that only come out at night. Scientists are finally learning how they live, Tonnes of microplastics infiltrate Australia’s agricultural soils each year, Luxury hiking developments look picture-perfect but could stop everyday Australians from accessing national parks, Not just bees and butterflies: beetles and other brilliant bugs are nature’s unsung pollinators, Plants struggled for millions of years after Earth’s worst climate catastrophe – new study, How North Sea tanker collision could affect one of Britain’s most important coastlines, Sustainability ideals are often crushed by corporate demands. Here’s how businesses can let them flourish, The end of capitalism – or the end of civilisation? The choice could be that stark, The ‘sustainable’ cod in your shopping basket may be no such thing – new study reveals mislabelling, What’s that microplastic? Advances in machine learning are making identifying plastics in the environment more reliable, Beloved beaches were washed offshore by Cyclone Alfred – but most of this sand will return, Australia’s superb lyrebirds ‘farm’ the forest floor to increase their prey – a behaviour rarely seen in nature, Butterflies declined by 22% in just 2 decades across the US – there are ways you can help save them, America’s clean air rules boost health and the economy − what EPA’s new deregulation plans ignore, Recycle batteries at JBH Mona Vale and Avalon, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council: how to, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs: Mona Vale drop-off point, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, 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, Bushcare in Pittwater: where and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +

Inbox News What can you do if your child is being bullied?, Beloved beaches were washed offshore by Cyclone Alfred – but most of this sand will return, How ocean giants are born: tracking the long-distance impact and danger of extreme swells, Fresh fruit down junk food up: our modelling suggests Australians’ diets will get worse by 2030, First wind then rain; Next come the mozzies – here’s how to reduce your risk of bites and infections, Labor is promising a national food security strategy – but there’s no mention of Australians who are going hungry, Woolly mice are a first step to resurrecting mammoths but there’s a very long way to go, Fighting fungal nail infections: simple steps for healthier toenails, A late start then a big boom: why it took until 1975 for Australians to finally watch TV in colour, Earth’s oldest impact crater was just found in Australia – exactly where geologists hoped it would be, Retailers will soon need a licence to sell cigarettes. But more is needed to control the illegal trade, 5 years since COVID was declared a pandemic; we’re still poorly prepared for the next one, Profile of the Week Judith Friezer - 90 years young!, Payday super a win for all Australians: COTA Australia, Consulting on payday super draft legislation, Bookoccino Carpark Polis: 2025 Election, Modest Age Pension rise as some scrimp to survive, Independent MPs are elected for a reason – hung parliaments may be precisely what voters want, New research highlights social impacts of COVID five years since pandemic declared, Two of the best ways to respond to people with dementia who think they are in a different time or place, Newspapers cannot justify running Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots ads as freedom of speech, Saturn now has 274 moons – but exactly what makes something a moon remains unclear, AvPals Term 1 2025, Seniors Festival 2025: Local events, Education Minister wishes 380,000 students good luck as NAPLAN testing starts, Manly Warringah Sapphires Claim 2025 HeartKids Cup, Pittwater's Early Aviators Among First Australians to Fly: + Some Early Stuntwomen, Opportunities: Youth Week creative arts competition: ACYP + NSW Youth Week 2025: Local Events + NSW YAC + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online + NSW History Awards 2025 + NSW Training Awards + Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, Word Of The Week: Ball, Friday essay: Miles Franklin’s other brilliant career – her year as an undercover servant, The rate of sports betting has surged more than 57% – and younger people are betting more, Fragments of a million-year-old face found in Spain shed new light on ancient human migrations, Philly Roller Derby league turns 20 - here’s how the sport skated its way to feminism, anti-racism and queer liberation, 3D printing will help space pioneers make homes, tools and other stuff they need to colonise the Moon and Mars, Formula One drivers face temperatures up to 50°C. High tech racing suits help keep them cool, How the color of St. Patrick’s Day went from blue to green, Three memorable ways the COVID pandemic shaped Black music – five years on

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Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

Profile of the Week Pittwater Women of the Year 2025: Lisbeth Lawsen - Simone Allan + 2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess

History: Max Dupain of Newport: Pittwater Photographer

Pictures: The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches: Celebrating 50 years of Action in 2025 - The Zonta Northern Beaches Annual Women's Day Breakfast photos by Michael Mannington OAM, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches and others!

Saltwater Veterans in Hansa Worlds on Pittwater: Let’s Support Our Girls!

Aquatics Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar

Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why + What Services are Available 24/7 at Mona Vale Hospital UCC: Reminder + Tribute to Eileen Gordon Unveiled

NSW Government's Low and Mid-rise Housing policy – Exemptions for Avalon, Newport, Palm Beach: Residents Associations Responses

Local MP's Call for Funding to fix Narrabeen Athletics Track: Federal Budget scheduled for March 25

Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

Park Bench Philosophers CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers

DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden (Autumn 2025): Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

Environment Sydney to lead the charge on climate action with Climate Action Week Sydney 2025: Shifting to optimism and action - runs March 10-16 with heaps of Free and Online events, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has been taken to court over 11 threatened species; Here’s why, Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback: closes March 30, Australia’s Eucalypt of the Year 2025: The Travel Edition voting opens, Back from the brink: Lord Howe woodhen population surges, Innovative technology installed in Menindee to restore native fish passages, Hot frogs and sizzling salamanders: climate change is pushing amphibians to their limits, Weakening currents in the Atlantic may mean a wetter northern Australia and drier New Zealand, DNA detectives in Antarctica: probing 6,000 years of penguin poo for clues to the past, Fires used to terrify city residents; New research suggests climate change could see this fear return, Why can’t I sleep? 4 ways climate change could be keeping you up at night and what you can do about it, The atmosphere is getting better at cleaning itself – but that’s not all good news, NZ hopes to store carbon in marine ecosystems – but some are so degraded they’re already a source of emissions, Toxic Town offers a stark warning on environmental rollbacks, Melting Antarctic ice will slow the world’s strongest ocean current – and the global consequences are profound, Submarine cables keep the world connected. They can also help us study climate change, Delhi: how weather patterns and faraway mountains made this the world’s most polluted megacity, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council: how to, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs: Mona Vale drop-off point, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, 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, Bushcare in Pittwater: where and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +

Inbox News New free virtual health service opens to all of Sydney, Eating disorders don’t just affect teen girls. The risk may go up around pregnancy and menopause too, I’m a medical forensic examiner. Here’s what people can expect from a health response after a sexual assault, Alcohol and gambling firms donate to political parties multiple times. And new rules won’t stop them, Nangs are popular with young people. But are they aware of the serious harms of nitrous oxide?, Without change, half of Australian kids and adolescents will be overweight or obese by 2050, We looked at what supermarkets in 97 countries are doing to our waistlines. Here’s what we found, Microsoft cuts data centre plans and hikes prices in push to make users carry AI costs, Head lice are getting harder to kill. Here’s how to break the nit cycle, Schools agreement provides NSW $4.8 billion extra for public schools over a decade, Misinformation on refugees and migrants is rife during elections. We found 6 ways it spreads – and how to stop it, Women’s annual salaries are narrowing the gap. But men still out-earn women by an average $547 a week, A quantum computing startup says it is already making millions of light-powered chips, Reform authority a must for a sustainable private health system: AMA, ABHS March 2025 Meeting, Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM, Onshore manufacturing to secure supply of IV fluids, NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre, Increase to the Home Care Package subsidy, Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation, Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards, Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework, Wilma's Secret to Be Launched this April, Digital Luddites are rising; They want to democratise tech, not destroy it, When patients are harmed in hospital issues aren’t always fixed to avoid it happening again, The female explorers who braved the wilderness but were overlooked by the history books, Just having a pet doesn’t help mental health – but pet-owners with secure relationships with their pets are less depressed, AvPals Term 1 2025, Seniors Festival 2025: Local events, Winner of the 2025 NAWIC NSW Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship: Nicole Waterman, CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers, A Day in the Life: Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force, History this Issue: the Prospector Powder Hulk at Towler’s Bay, Opportunities: NSW Youth Advisory Council + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online + NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open + NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open + Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Challenge, What can you do if you’ve started uni and you don’t like it?, Sick of pie charts for your uni, school or work projects? Here are 5 other options, The female explorers who braved the wilderness but were overlooked by the history books, Why you should revisit the classics even if you were turned off them at school, Democracy’s bad eggs: corruption, pork-barrelling and abuses of power, ‘High agency’: what the science says about the latest tech buzzword, Bill Gates’ origin story describes a life of privilege, exposing the DNA of some of the tech industry’s problems, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has been taken to court over 11 threatened species; Here’s why, ‘I can’t be friends with the machine’: what audio artists working in games think of AI, Who is Sean Baker, the indie filmmaker behind Oscar sweeper Anora?, ‘Ghosts of the radio universe’: astronomers have discovered a slew of faint circular objects

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Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

Profile of the Week: The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development

History: Lucy Edith Gullett (Dr.) IWD2025 Celebrations

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed

IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open - Closes March 17

Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open

NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4

Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025

Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30

Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024

Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

Inbox News NSW records first death of person with Japanese encephalitis since 2022, NSW Government to put handbrake on hidden fees from parking apps., Climate change could make more turtles female – but some are starting to adapt, It’s the biggest Egyptian tomb discovery in a century. Who was Thutmose II?, How the Victorians started the modern health obsession with collagen, A 380-million-year-old fossil ‘fish’ from Scotland has been discovered in Australia, Falling vaccination rates put children at risk of preventable diseases; Governments need a new strategy to boost uptake, There’s an outbreak of melioidosis in north Queensland; Here’s what to know about this deadly ‘mud bug’, Studies of Parkinson’s disease have long overlooked Pacific populations – our work shows why that must change, ‘It’s disgusting that they can get away with this’: here’s how eviction can affect tenants’ lives, Scientists have discovered a 3 billion-year-old beach buried on Mars, Calling 000 for help in an emergency doesn’t work in parts of Australia – but a new plan could change that, Multiple warnings and huge fines are not stopping super funds, insurers and banks overcharging customers, 2025 Theo Batten Youth Art Award Winners announced, Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels, NSW marine life – the importance of seaweed, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Feeding time, Performance-Arts Centre at Narrabeen Sports High School Mooted, Ingleside Riders Group: Autumn Obstacle Course, Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open, Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour applications Now open, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Munificent, Which type of note-taking is better for learning: laptop or pen and paper?, Whales sing when they’ve had a good meal – new research, Quantum navigation could transform how we travel. So what is it, and how does it work?, NASA’s new telescope will create the ‘most colourful’ map of the cosmos ever made, Remembering Roberta Flack, a spellbinding virtuoso of musical interpretation, What do young people want to see in politics? More than 20,000 pieces of their writing hold some answers, 500 years ago, German peasants revolted – but their faith that the Protestant Reformation stood for freedom was dashed by Martin Luther and the nobility, Tomb of Egyptian pharaoh is first found in Luxor since Tutankhamun – here’s how we know who lay inside, Five tips to find what really brings you joy outside of work, How to be happy with what you have – and avoid the trap of comparison, Joan Lindsay published Picnic at Hanging Rock at 71. Her writing life presents its own mysteries, Microsoft just claimed a quantum breakthrough. A quantum physicist explains what it means, Seniors call for Private Health review as premiums rise, Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation - closes March 12, NSA releases policies ahead of Federal Election, Can Wearable Technology Be Used to Prevent Falls in Older People in Clinical Settings?, Do Older Drivers Trust Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems?, Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework, Creating a more accessible Australia, Having an x-ray to diagnose knee arthritis might make you more likely to consider potentially unnecessary surgery, Bipartisan agreement on investment in Medicare acknowledges critical importance of general practice: AMA, Strengthening Medicare will provide crucial cost of living relief for older Australians, Your super fund is invested in private markets. What are they and why has ASIC raised concerns?, Electronic muscle stimulators are supposed to boost blood flow to your legs – here’s what the evidence says, Dutton hints he’ll sack 36,000 public servants; Voters deserve to know what services will be affected, Australia could make it easier for consumers to fight back against anti-competitive behaviour; Here’s how, Seniors Week event at MVSLSC

Environment Measuring the true value of Australia’s natural environment: National Ecosystem Accounts, National Ecosystem Accounts, experimental estimates: ABS, New report slaps an official price tag on Australia’s precious natural assets, Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback, Clean Up Australia Day; local sites, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Feeding time, Australia’s Eucalypt of the Year 2025: The Travel Edition voting opens, MAG&M stages Signs in the Sand, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Remember Gus the Groper?, World Heritage values threatened by delays to the Great Koala National Park, Join the flock: help protect threatened birds by becoming a citizen scientist, Whales sing when they’ve had a good meal – new research, Presumed extinct, this desert rat-kangaroo may still be alive in hiding; New analysis reveals its delicate diet, Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC, $10.5 million for water use monitors across NSW Murray-Darling, New Recreational Fishing Trust Advisory Council to oversee expenditure on recreational fishing funds, Threatened native Trout Cod recovery underway with innovative fish breeding & stocking, ACCC authorises major supermarkets to continue cooperation on soft plastics recycling, NSW supports new long-duration storage projects to boost reliability of the energy system, Emergency action to save native fish at risk of extinction, Government funded Antarctic voyage to depart: Denman Glacier Research, Statement: Bureau of Meteorology CEO and Director of Meteorology, A powerful force is stopping the Indian Ocean from cooling itself – spelling more danger for Ningaloo, The promise of green iron, steel and ammonia is keeping the green hydrogen dream alive, Farmers, investors, miners and parents: how unconventional climate advocates can reach new audiences, Want a side of CO₂ with that? Better food labels help us choose more climate-friendly foods, Nose-to-tail mining: how making sand from ore could solve a looming crisis, Intense heat changes our biology and can make us age significantly faster: study, New report skewers Coalition’s contentious nuclear plan – and reignites Australia’s energy debate, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs: Mona Vale drop-off point, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, 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, Bushcare in Pittwater: where and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +

Profile of the Week Judith Friezer

Avalon Beach lady Judith Friezer, a 90 year old mum of four, has been a prolific home writer for 40 years, and finally published her first book, “Wilma’s Secret”, for a younger audience of readers.

The book is about a teenage girl who finds an old trunk belonging to her great grandma, and soon discovers she is also a witch.

Judith will have a book launch at her local Avalon bookshop, Bookoccino on April 6th 3-4 pm!

Wilma’s Secret is the story of a young girl who finds an old tin trunk, containing her great grandmother's belongings. Wasn’t she once a Witch? And where did she disappear to? Teenage Wilma discovers hidden treasures inside the trunk and struggles to understand and use them to their full power. All the while attempting to keep them a SECRET from her pesky brother and worried parents. But why is the West Wind trying to stop her in her learning quest?

Will she ever unravel the real secret that lays buried inside?

Judith C. Friezer (Gale) was born in Western Australia 1935, Jude has led an amazing life. She travelled the world as an air hostess, then again as a life explorer. She also worked as a nurse, a beauty product salesperson, an entrepreneur, even a marriage celebrant. All through that time, she was also a devoted wife, a fantastic mother to 4 boys, and an avid bush gardener. She still is.

Hidden inside though, Jude has always been a writer!

Judith has been prolific in her output: countless pages of typed, handwritten, or scrawled poems and short stories; her kaleidoscopic biography is a multi-tomed epic that is still expanding…. yet despite this avalanche of creativity, this is her first published book!

Judith lives at Avalon and will soon share this tale, 20+ years in the making, with all the aspiring witches (and warlocks) out there.

This week a chat with Judith, with HUGE thanks to her son Robert Gale for his help with this Issue's Profile of the Week.

History Avalon Beach Historical Society March 2025 Meeting: Sunrise Cottage, Palm Beach + Geoff Searl OAM Great Adventure on HM Bark Endeavour Replica - report by Roger Sayers OAM

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

March 1 2025

How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:

To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation

The Avalon Quilters with the 2025 raffle quilt, “The Sum Of Us”.

The Avalon Quilters have an amazing raffle quilt they have made to raise funds for the Mito Foundation.

The quilt, appropriately named “The Sum Of Us”, was made last year by Avalon Quilter’s 25 members. It is completely handmade and totals over 4500 one-inch pieces, then finished off with hand quilting.

Details show the personal and colourful choices made by Avalon Quilters for each piece, underlining the title of this beautiful quilt.

Raffle tickets at $2 each, are available from members, who meet in the Uniting Church at Avalon every Thursday, 10-2.30, at Patchwork on Pittwater at Mona Vale, and Avalon Fabrics and Craft, in Avalon Parade.

The raffle will be drawn at Easter.

All tickets sales will go to the Mito Foundation, which Avalon Quilters have been supporting for over a decade through making raffle quilts.

The Mito Foundation supports people affected by mitochondrial disease (mito), funds essential research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures of mitochondrial disorders, and increases awareness and education about mito.

Mitochondria are the power houses of the cell providing the body with over 90% of the energy it needs to sustain life. Mitochondria take in sugars and proteins from the food we eat and produce energy called ATP that our bodies use to function properly. Mitochondrial disease (mito) is a debilitating and potentially fatal disease that reduces the ability of the mitochondria to produce this energy. When the mitochondria are not working properly, cells begin to die until eventually whole organ systems fail and the patient's life itself is compromised.

The Mito Foundation was founded in 2009 by Pittwater residents Doug and Margie Lingard, their friends, and experts in the field of mitochondrial disease (mito).

Total Fire Ban

A Total Fire Ban will be in place today, Sunday 16 March, for the Greater Sydney, Central Ranges, Southern Ranges and Southern Slopes areas.

Hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast across parts of the state, with the Greater Sydney Region and Southern Slopes forecast to experience Extreme fire danger. Know your fire risk and what you will do if fire threatens.

Remember to report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000). For more information on Total Fire Ban rules, visit the #RFS website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fdr

Man arrested in Anna Bay for holiday rental scam

A man will face Manly court for an alleged holiday rental scam, which defrauded people of more than $500,000.

Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command began an investigation on Monday 17 February following reports of individuals being in our area not receiving payment for holiday rentals

It’s believed the scam claimed 31 victims, who lost in excess of half-a-million dollars in total, along the peninsula.

Following inquiries by police, officers executed a search warrant in Argyle Avenue, Anna Bay, on Thursday 13 March.

A 51-year-old man was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station.

He was charged with 31 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and one count of contravene AVO.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday 30 April.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Photo: NSW Police

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At its meeting on 28 January 2025 Northern Beaches Council passed a motion to apply to the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation.

The Councillors could only vote for or against Option 3 although four options were set out in the Have Your Say documents which were presented to residents by way of consultation and giving them opportunity to express their opinions. Option 3 will allow, by the end of three years, an increase of 39% on residential and business rates. This includes the IPART component which would automatically apply if no vote were taken by Councillors.

On Tuesday February 25 2025 IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the Tribunal is now seeking community feedback on applications from Federation, Gunnedah Shire, Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Shoalhaven City and Upper Hunter Shire councils. Gunnedah Shire and North Sydney councils had also applied for minimum rate increases.

“Community feedback is an important part of the Tribunal’s assessment of special variation applications,” Ms Donnelly said.

"We encourage affected ratepayers and community members to fill out the survey on the IPART website or lodge a submission in relation to any of the applications we’ve received.”

IPART sets a rate peg annually for each of the 128 councils in NSW which caps each council’s increase in the income they collect from ordinary rates. For 2025-26, the core rate pegs range from 3.6% to 5.1% across NSW. 72 of the 128 councils also received an additional allowance to reflect an adjusted population factor of up to 3.8%.

In general, the councils that have applied this year have indicated they are applying for a special variation to improve financial sustainability and to maintain their current service levels, IPART states.

Ms Donnelly said “IPART must assess Special Variation applications against criteria set by the Office of Local Government (OLG). Councils can only apply to IPART for a Special Variation if the elected councillors pass a resolution to go ahead with the application.”

As set out in the OLG assessment criteria, IPART will consider whether councils have:

demonstrated the need for the additional income
provided evidence that the community is aware of the need for and extent of the proposed rate rise
established that the impact on affected ratepayers is reasonable
exhibited, approved and adopted relevant planning documents
explained and quantified the council’s productivity improvements and cost containment strategies.

IPART may also consider other relevant matters.

All Special Variation applications for 2025-26 are available for review on the IPART website, along with a short survey and information about how to lodge a submission. IPART will accept feedback on Special Variation applications until 11:59pm on Monday 17 March 2025.

The documents lodged by the Northern Beaches council are available to view at: www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/node/1726

To fill out the IPART Survey or lodge a submission, go to: www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Special-Variations-and-Minimum-Rates-2025-26 - and click on the 'Have Your Say' link, then choose 'Northern Beaches Council' from the dropdown menu.

IPART's Fact Sheet explains more about how to make a submission on a special variation application. It also explains some factors that are outside IPART’s remit in assessing applications but have been common concerns of ratepayers.

You can also subscribe to receive email updates about the Special Variations process for 2025-26 subscribe here.

IPART does not hold public hearings when assessing council applications for special rate variations (SRVs).

IPART can wholly or partially approve or not approve a council’s application.

IPART will release the final decisions on Special Variation and Minimum Rate increase applications by May/June 2025.

In an update to the report, 'Outraged Pittwater Community Fights To Stop Rising Costs Of Failed Merger; Renews Call To Reinstate Pittwater Council', members of Protect Pittwater, the community group working to have Pittwater Council reinstated, advised the news service they have heard back from the Office of NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig, and a meeting will take place in the third week of March 2025.

Previous reports:

Bookoccino Carpark Polis: 2025 Election

Bookoccino Carparks are a series of events that will run over the next 4 weeks focussing on the matters that may be important to you and the policies of those who have nominated as a candidate for Mackellar in the 2025 Australian election.

Those who have nominated for the seat of Mackellar so far are:

Dr. Sophie Scamps, Independent and incumbent member
James Brown, Liberal Party
Jeffrey Quinn, Labor Party
Ethan Hrnjak, Australian Greens

No others have advised the news service they are standing for the seat as yet.

Prime Minister Albanese is expected to announce the date for the 2025 election after a Budget is handed down on March 30.

You can peruse the list and reserve a place at any of these upcoming Bookoccino Carparks events via: trybooking.com/eventlist/bookoccinoevents

Appeal for Information: Warriewood theft

Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards

Nominations have now opened for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year awards which recognise the outstanding efforts of the 4.3 million volunteers in NSW.

Member for Manly, James Griffin said volunteering is incredibly valuable to local communities, with a range of community groups including sporting organisations relying on the hard work of volunteers.

“Volunteers contribute $178 billion to the NSW economy, and I know here locally, our community just wouldn’t work as it does, without the dedication of volunteers,” Mr Griffin said.

“In many ways, volunteers are the backbone of our communities, and that is particularly true in the Manly electorate.

“From our service clubs, emergency services, church groups, hospital auxiliaries and sporting clubs, there are those who work tirelessly to make our part of the world a better place to live.

“There are countless projects and initiatives in our electorate that simply would never have happened without the work of volunteers, and I sincerely thank everyone who sacrifices their time for the betterment of our communities,” Mr Griffin said.

“If you know someone who deserves to be recognised as part of the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, I encourage you to lodge your nomination promptly,” he said.

The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are an annual program aimed at recognising the incredible dedication, effort and community service of our state’s volunteers, volunteer leaders and volunteer teams.

Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open and close on Friday 23rd of May 2025.

To learn more about the awards, please visit The Centre for Volunteering website at The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards - The Centre for Volunteering.

Anzac Memorial 2025 Residency

Applications are now open for the 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program.

The program is open to creative practitioners who have served in the Australian Defence Force and preference will be given to applicants from New South Wales.

Applicants must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia.

There are no educational pre-requisites. However, applicants should have experience as a maker/creator and be able to demonstrate a capacity to communicate their artwork to a general audience, including children, if there is an exhibition element.

The applicant must be able to spend at least a portion of the program in residence on-site at the Anzac Memorial, located in Sydney, prior to 30 June 2025.

The guest veteran artist (or group) will have a unique chance to explore the Memorial's architecture, history and artefacts as part of a creative project that reflects on and interprets Australian military experience, the Anzac Memorial and/or memorialisation.

The Anzac Memorial welcomes project proposals across a broad variety of creative formats including:

👉 Music composition
👉 Written works such as poetry and prose
👉 Performance and theatrical work
👉 Film, animation and video
👉 Visual art, including painting, graphic art and photography

APPLY NOW: www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/vair

Applications close Monday 24 March 2025 at 5pm.

Consulting on payday super draft legislation

Friday March 14, 2025

The Australian Government will require super to be paid on payday to protect and grow the retirement incomes of millions of Australians.

The Government is releasing draft legislation to implement this reform which will ensure workers earn more, keep more of what they earn, and retire with more as well.

From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay their employees’ super at the same time as their salary and wages.

This will tackle the scourge of unpaid super directly. While most employers do the right thing, the Australian Taxation Office estimates $5.2 billion worth of super went unpaid in 2021–22.

Payday super will make it easier for employers to manage their payroll by paying super at the same time as salary and wages. The new law will also streamline the way super is paid by employers to make it easier to meet their obligations.

The Superannuation Guarantee charge is being redesigned so that workers are fully compensated for any delay in receiving their super. Employers will also be prompted to rectify unpaid super quickly and face increasing penalties for longer, larger and repeated failures.

This change will strengthen Australia’s superannuation system and help deliver a more dignified retirement to more Australian workers, in line with the objective of super.

By switching to payday super, a 25‑year‑old median income earner currently receiving their super quarterly and wages fortnightly could be around $6,000 or 1.5 per cent better off at retirement.

The Government invites submissions on the draft legislation with consultation closing on 11 April 2025.

For more information on the public consultation process, visit the Treasury website. Submissions can be made to paydaysuper@treasury.gov.au

To read all associated documents please visit Payday super – exposure draft

Government to extend unfair trading practice protections to small businesses

On Friday March 14, 2025 the Australian Government announced it will extend a crackdown on Unfair Trading Practices to small businesses after last year’s commitment to protect consumers.

''We heard during consultation on protecting consumers from Unfair Trading Practices that it is important to also extend protections to small businesses, who face power imbalances when dealing with larger businesses.'' Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP stated in a release

''This is why the Government will also address this significant gap in legal protections for small businesses, where thousands of businesses – including in the construction, agriculture and retail sectors – have experienced unfair practices that cause substantial harm.''

'The Government will ensure that small businesses are fairly protected when dealing with large businesses.

This builds on action we have already taken to level the playing field for Australia’s record 2.6 million small businesses including:

extending unfair contract term protections to more businesses and introducing penalties for firms that breach them;
improving the Franchising Code of Conduct; and
delivering new action to improve small business payment times.

Treasury will consult this year on the design of protections for businesses, including on whether a principles‑based prohibition should apply and whether specific unfair trading practices should be targeted to protect small businesses.'

This will complement a statutory review of the amendments to strengthen unfair contract term protections that the Albanese Labor Government legislated in 2022.

The consultation will consider how Unfair Trading Practice protections can be used to address practices that harm small businesses.

In its submission to the Government’s consultation on protecting consumers from Unfair Trading Practices, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission highlighted a number of unfair practices small businesses may face, such as:

Situations where larger businesses use their superior bargaining power to pressure smaller suppliers into accepting unfavourable contract changes, including in markets like food production and construction.
Commercial tactics where large businesses may discourage small businesses from exercising their legal rights by suggesting possible commercial consequences.
Retailers threatening to de‑list suppliers in retaliation for seeking price increases to which they may have been contractually entitled.
Online platforms making significant account changes with limited notice or without transparent process – affecting Australian small businesses selling online.
Platforms using complex digital interfaces that may lead small businesses into accepting disadvantageous terms when signing up for essential business services.

Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP stated:

“This action is a matter of fairness.

“Small businesses are vital to our economy, and we’re concerned about the disadvantages they face when dealing with unfair practices from larger players that might not breach existing laws but still cause harm.

“We’ve heard from various sectors including farmers, subcontractors, and small online retailers about challenging practices they’ve encountered. That’s why we’re moving forward with plans to extend these important protections.

“This builds on the extensive work our Government has already taken to level the playing the field for Australia’s record 2.6 million small businesses.”

New government action to help tradies get paid on time and in full

The Australian Government announced on Friday March 14, it is taking further action to help ensure tradies and subcontractors in the construction industry are paid on time and in full.

Immediate actions include:

Leveraging 20‑day maximum payment times through the Commonwealth Supplier Code of Conduct and promoting similar expectations of Government Businesses like the NBN, Western Sydney Airport and Inland Rail.
Extending unfair trading practice protections to small businesses.
Boosting funding for ASIC to identify and take enforcement against more dodgy directors for illegal phoenixing conduct, focusing on the sectors that are more at risk of such conduct like construction.

The Government are also releasing the Government’s response to the Review of Security of Payment Laws.

''The Review of Security of Payment Laws (the Review), undertaken by Mr John Murray AM, recommended ways to improve consistency across the different state and territory laws on security of payment to foster a fairer and more resilient construction sector.'' the government said in a released statement

'Since the release of the Review many states and territories have amended security of payment laws, but the former federal government failed to respond.

Today our Government is reaffirming its commitment to fairness and bolstering support for small businesses that are contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in the construction sector.'

We are taking action to support the objectives of the Murray Review, including:

progressing our tripartite work with businesses and unions on a Building and Construction Industry Blueprint to develop effective arrangements to protect the security of payments for contractors down the supply chain;
leveraging the Commonwealth Supplier Code of Conduct which requires suppliers contracted to non‑corporate Commonwealth Entities to reflect the Commonwealth’s maximum payment times in their contracts with subcontractors, and by promoting similar expectations of Government Businesses;
using wider policy levers to assist small businesses facing an imbalance of bargaining power, such as, providing guidance to help identify unfair contract terms in standard contracts, and extending unfair trading practices protections to small businesses;
taking action to support the adoption of eInvoicing; and
boosting funding for ASIC to improve its ability to identify and take enforcement action against those involved in illegal phoenixing conduct, focusing on the sectors that are more susceptible and impacted by such conduct, particularly construction.

''This builds on the Government’s significant achievements to date through the Building Ministers’ Meeting, the National Construction Industry Forum, the overhaul of the Payment Times Reporting Scheme and the introduction of new laws for disputes about unfair contracts for independent contractors.

Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP, stated:

“Australia’s construction sector is a cornerstone of our economy, employing over 1.36 million people across more than 452,000 businesses.

“We are ensuring the nation’s security of payment laws get subcontractors paid on time for their hard work, so that the sector is set up to deliver success for the country.

“After the former Coalition failed for years to take action, we are progressing meaningful reforms that will help small businesses.

“Our actions will improve cashflows of small construction businesses, recognising their pivotal role at the heart of our economy.

“It’s part of our broad agenda to support the sector across a range of portfolios with measures including housing targets, sustained investment in infrastructure and the transition to renewable energy.”

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt, said:

“Lack of security of payments mean contractors don’t get paid and workers don’t get their entitlements – this is totally unacceptable in any workplace. No‑one should ever be expected to operate under the shadow of constant financial insecurity and uncertainty about whether or not they will be paid in full for their work.

“We acknowledge the careful and thorough work of Mr John Murray AM in undertaking this important Review into Security of Payments into the construction industry. While the Coalition failed to even respond to the Murray Review, we understand there is an urgent need to address this longstanding problem.

“Our response to the Murray Review highlights the meaningful steps we have taken – and will take – to address this issue, while acknowledging there is more to do.

“Through our Government’s National Construction Industry Forum, I and other responsible Ministers are engaging with businesses and unions on a new Construction Industry Blueprint to be released in the coming months, which I fully expect will highlight security of payments as a priority issue for the industry.”

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach

Over 18,600 tonnes of batteries are discarded to landfill in Australia each year, even though 95% of a battery can be recycled!

That’s why we are rolling out battery recycling units across our stores! Our battery recycling units accept household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries as well as mobile phones!

How To Dispose Of Your Batteries Safely:

Collect Your Used Batteries: Gather all used batteries from your home. Our battery recycling units accept batteries from a wide range of products such as household, button cell, laptop, and power tool batteries.
Tape Your Terminals: Tape the terminals of used batteries with clear sticky tape.
Drop Them Off: Come and visit your nearest participating store to recycle your batteries for free (at Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Mona Vale and Avalon Beach).
Feel Good About Your Impact: By recycling your batteries, you're helping support a healthier planet by keeping hazardous material out of landfills and conserving resources.

Environmental Benefits

Reduces hazardous waste in landfill
Conserves natural resources by promoting the use of recycled materials
Keep toxic materials out of waterways

Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025

Member for Manly, James Griffin has called on the community to get behind one of the Northern Beaches’ most outrageously fun charity events, the 2025 Manly Inflatable Boat Race.

Awarded ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the 2016 Australia Day Awards in Manly, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is once again gearing up to take over Manly & Shelly Beach on Sunday 30 March this year, with waves of colour, chaos, and community spirit.

Since its inception, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race has raised over $300,000 for charity. The event will see competitors paddle from Shelly Beach to raise funds for the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) Australia’s first dedicated young adult’s hospice, and cancer research charity Tour de Cure.

“The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an epic event and one which showcases the very best of Manly. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a splash for a fantastic cause,” Mr Griffin said.

With over 500 participants and thousands of spectators expected, the 2025 edition promises to be as wild as ever. Registration and float pumping will take place from 7:30am at South Steyne, near Manly Surf Club, with the actual race being held at Shelly Beach at 10:00am.

Founder and organiser Denver Bevan expressed his own excitement for the event. “The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is a highlight on the Sydney calendar because it’s just so much fun! Race-goers love the thrill of paddling through the waves in crazy, colourful inflatables, and the spectators get a front-row seat to all the mayhem. It’s a fantastic day at the beach for all ages,” Mr Bevan said.

Service Manager at AYAH Tayia Yates welcomed the support, saying the funds raised on the day would make a profound difference.

“Supporting the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an opportunity to contribute to a vital cause, offering respite and care to those who need it most. We encourage everyone to participate in this unique community event to help raise funds towards the AYAH and assist us in creating a lasting impact on the families and young individuals in our care.” Ms Yates said

The concept of the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is simple:

Pick your wackiest fancy dress costume (the crazier, the better!)
Bring your inflatable of choice - anything from rubber duckies to pink flamingos, sea monsters, or pool ponies!
Join in the 1km paddle adventure from Shelly Beach, around the Manly Life Savers buoys, and back to shore.
Rules? There are none! First to the finish line wins!

In a generous showing of support, 4 Pines Brewing Co have been announced as the major sponsor of this year’s event, with General Manager Adam Dearing declaring that he was ‘stoked to come on board as a major sponsor this year to help bring this fabulous charity event back to life after Covid.” The Boathouse Shelly Beach, Budgy Smuggler and OnlineProjects have also thrown their support behind the Race as key event partners.

To purchase tickets and for any further inquiries, please visit the Manly Inflatable Boat Race website at manlyinflatableboatrace.com.au

Free RSV immunisation for newborns: NSW

Tuesday 11 March 2025

From next Monday, 17 March, free immunisation from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will be available to all newborn babies.

It will mean all newborn babies in NSW can be protected against serious illness from this virus, with an estimated 1,150 babies under six months of age avoiding hospitalisation for RSV in NSW each year.

The NSW Government is expanding eligibility for infant immunisation from a more targeted vulnerable cohort.

The NSW Government will offer nirsevimab, a type of monoclonal antibody immunisation to:

infants at birth not protected by maternal RSV vaccination
infants at birth with certain medical conditions that place them at highest risk of serious RSV disease, irrespective of whether their birth mother was vaccinated
children up to 24 months of age with certain medical conditions.

Nirsevimab will be given to eligible newborns before hospital discharge.

Since February, pregnant women have been eligible for a free RSV vaccination (Abrysvo) which passes protection to their babies for the first fives months of life.

Maternal vaccination for RSV is recommended for women between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

It is provided through the National Immunisation Program.

With the combined coverage of free maternal vaccination and free infant immunisation, all newborn babies in NSW can be protected.

RSV is a common cause of respiratory illness infecting up to 90 per cent of children within the first two years of life.

It can affect anyone, but the infection is more severe in children under one year of age, who may develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia requiring hospitalisation.

In NSW between 2016 and 2023, there were more than 52,000 hospitalisations with an RSV diagnosis, of which approximately 41 per cent were in children aged less than 1 year.

Further information on how to protect yourself and others from RSV can be found on the NSW Health website at Respiratory syncytial virus.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“RSV can be very serious, and I know how stressful and anxiety-inducing such a condition can be for parents.

“Today, we can announce that from next week, all newborns can access protection from RSV for free.

“It doubles the options for protection of newborns, either through maternal vaccination or infant immunisation.

“This will keep babies out of hospital, and at home with their family.”

NSW Chief Paediatrician Dr Helen Goodwin stated:

“RSV can be a serious illness in babies and young children, and I want to encourage parents to make sure their babies are protected, either through maternal vaccination or immunisation at birth with nirsevimab.

“Nirsevimab is safe and effective. It provides antibodies directly to the infant, so they have immediate protection against RSV that lasts for five months.”

Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM

Trophy awards and other constitutional necessities along with great food, drink and live music!

Saturday 5th April / 5pm 'til late

Lovett Bay Boatshed
Members free, non-members $50
All included: food + beverages
Live music: ‘Nothing Too Serious’

Free transport courtesy of Church Point Ferry Service:

4:00 Newport, 4:15 Church Point, 4:30 Bells Wharf, 4:45 Tennis Wharf, First ferry home 10:15 pm, Last ferry home 11:15 pm

RSVP and pre-book tickets woodypyc.treasurer@gmail.com

Manly Warringah Sapphires Claim 2025 HeartKids Cup

Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens HeartKids Cup 2025 Champions! L-R Sue Gill, Charlotte Craig, Eloise Egan, Mardi Aplin, Audrey Little, Eugenie Little, Kiara Bloor, Mel Clarke, Erin, Chelsea Mann, Latika Tombs (C), Allegra McDonald, Jemma Donoghue. Photo: Clusterpix

The Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens team has emerged victorious in the 2025 HeartKids Cup, setting an exceptional standard for the upcoming Netball NSW Premier League season.

Their thrilling grand final victory, secured by just one goal on the whistle, was a testament to their resilience and skill.

Netball NSW proudly hosted the 2025 HeartKids Cup, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for HeartKids, a non-profit organization supporting those affected by childhood heart disease in Australia. Held on the 1st and 2nd of March at Sydney Olympic Park’s Netball Central, the tournament featured all 10 Netball NSW Premier League franchises in a highly competitive preseason event.

The HeartKids Cup was founded by Netball NSW Performance and Pathways General Manager Mardi Aplin, whose son Carter was born with a rare and complex heart condition. In 2012, Mardi channelled her passion for netball and her family's journey, including significant financial and emotional challenges, into a meaningful initiative to raise awareness and funds.

Since then, The HeartKids Cup has raised thousands and grown significantly from its inaugural match between Orange and Baulkham Hills.

2025 marked the first year The HeartKids Cup partnered with Premier League as the official preseason tournament.

Both of our Sapphires teams were thrilled to participate in and contribute to such an important initiative and both teams delivered strong performances, over two intense days of competition in challenging conditions, gaining valuable confidence heading into Round 1.

Congratulations to the Sapphires, and all participating teams for their outstanding efforts, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making the 2025 HeartKids Cup a resounding success.

Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback

The Northern Beaches Council is inviting feedback on its new draft Tree Management Policy which the council states ‘aims to strengthen tree assessment and protection requirements and expand the local green links between natural areas’.

‘The draft harmonises the former council's policies and provides a consistent and strategic approach to tree management across the area.’ a release by the council says

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins encouraged the community to have their say on the draft Policy

“This initiative underscores our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the region's exceptional tree canopy coverage, which with an estimated 12 million trees is among the highest for an urban council in Australia.

"Our tree canopy is a vital part of our local environment, helping to keep temperatures down, providing important habitat, and is highly valued by our local community.

The council states the new draft policy provides:

a framework that supports the sustainable management and retention of safe and healthy trees
supports the management of public trees through succession and new tree planting, along with proactive and reactive maintenance programs
preferences locally occurring native species for new plantings
prioritises alternative options before pursuing the removal of trees

For more information and to provide feedback, the community can visit the Your Say project page.

The policy is on exhibition until Sunday 30 March 2025.

Visit; 'yoursay'.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Turbo

Mini Foxy X12mths

Turbo is a sweet friendly boy. As his name implies, he has loads of energy and is fast at all he does including zooming through doorways. He does have his calm chilled side as well. Turbo is friendly with small dogs and is very respectful of older dogs. He is easy to handle and has an affectionate nature. He has a short coat and weighs just under 5kg. He suits apartment living and can be left alone for PT hours. He comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $800

Bubbles

Maltese X 10yo

Bubbles is a very sweet affectionate, gentle girl. She has been very neglected dog, but things are looking up for her now. Bubbles did not have much hair on her back from chewing fleas. She has just been desexed, and she had cystic ovaries, so she is feeling a lot better now. We still need to do a dental on her. She also has a cataract in her right eye. She loves human company and attention. She is also social with other small dogs. She is so easy and loves to sleep on the foster carer's bed at night. She has a low shedding coat and weighs about 5kg. She suits apartment living and a home-based worker. All our dogs come with desexed, fully vaccinated, 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 $700.

For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?

Avalon resident Richard Jeffery is asking residents to look through their old albums and see if they have a clear photo of the surface of the brass directional marker that once graced the plinth on North Bilgola headland, as a project has been launched to replace this.

Richard explains:

‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot.

You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event.

The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC

The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content.

Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response.

The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.

Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''

I am promoting the headland on HERE

I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com

Thank you

Richard Jeffery

NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open

The Awards acknowledge the contribution of historical research to our culture and communities, and to society at large.

All works must have been first published, broadcast or screened and made publicly and commercially available between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

A total of $85,000 in prize money will be awarded across six categories.

Administered by the State Library, in association with Create NSW, the NSW History Awards will offer prizes in six categories this year:

Australian History Prize ($15,000)
General History Prize ($15,000)
New South Wales Community and Regional History Prize ($15,000)
Young People’s History Prize ($15,000)
Digital History Prize ($15,000)
The Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize ($10,000)

A discounted early-bird entry fee is available until Thursday 13 March at 5pm!

All entries close at on Thursday 3 April at 5pm. Find more information via the link below.

Visit: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about/news-and-media/media-centre/2025-nsw-history-awards-call-nominations

History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations

Announcing the History Council of NSW's theme for History Week 2025: Water Stories!

And...HCNSW are very excited to announce Event Registrations are now open for History Week, earlier than ever before!

From the caring for water practices of First Nations people to non-Indigenous transformations of creeks and rivers, and the building of dams, there is an abundance of histories of water waiting to be ‘tapped’ and told.

Members are invited to stage online or in-person events. Your event will form part of the HCNSW’s media campaign and be promoted in the History Week 2025 Program Event Calendar on our website.

Registrations for History Week events are now open via the link below

For all History Week inquiries, please contact programs@historycouncilnsw.org.au

A little bit more about Water Stories:

Water is fundamental to life. It also underpins our histories. From floods to droughts, from oceans to creeks, rivers and wetlands, our pasts are bound up with the ebbs and flows of water.

History Week 2025 will engage with stories of how water was cherished, contained, diverted, contaminated, looked after and shared, or withheld.

The theme invites History Council members to dive into their water stories.

🛥️ What happens to communities when water is absent or when it is destructive? How did people in the past use water to travel and trade?
🌊 How do waterways connect, or disconnect, communities?
🐠 How important is water in cultures of sport, fishing, and play as well as the economy?

History Week 2025: Event Registrations

National worker registration scheme feedback

The Australian Government is seeking views on the design of a national registration scheme to support personal care workers employed in aged care, including new training and mandatory minimum qualification requirements.

The scheme will support the growth of a strengthened and skilled aged care workforce, where personal care workers are better valued for the important role they perform, and with greater professional development opportunities and improved conditions.

It will also play an important role in ensuring aged care is a safe place with appropriate protections for older people.

Older people, their friends and family, supporters, advocates, care and support providers and workers, and training organisations and providers are invited to have their say by completing a short survey or providing a written submission by email.

This consultation builds on the Government’s introduction of a Code of Conduct for Aged Care, which commenced 1 December 2022. Compliance with the code ensures safe, respectful and quality care for older people.

To find out more, visit Have your say on the design of a national registration scheme for personal care workers in aged care - Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Citizen Space

The consultation is open from 18 February to 17 April 2025.

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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

Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane Notice

Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

Front Page Issue 640

Pictures: The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches: Celebrating 50 years of Action in 2025 - The Zonta Northern Beaches Annual Women's Day Breakfast photos by Michael Mannington OAM, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches and others!

Saltwater Veterans in Hansa Worlds on Pittwater: Let’s Support Our Girls!

Aquatics Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar

Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why + What Services are Available 24/7 at Mona Vale Hospital UCC: Reminder + Tribute to Eileen Gordon Unveiled

NSW Government's Low and Mid-rise Housing policy – Exemptions for Avalon, Newport, Palm Beach: Residents Associations Responses

Local MP's Call for Funding to fix Narrabeen Athletics Track: Federal Budget scheduled for March 25

Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

Park Bench Philosophers CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers

DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

____________________

Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

Profile of the Week: The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development

History: Lucy Edith Gullett (Dr.) IWD2025 Celebrations

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed

IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open - Closes March 17

Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open

NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4

Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025

Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30

Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024

Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

Profile of the Week Pittwater Women of the Year 2025: Lisbeth Lawsen - Simone Allan + 2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess + NSW Women of the Year 2025 Award Recipients

History Max Dupain of Newport: Pittwater Photographer

Maxwell Spencer Dupain took thousands of photographs during his life, ranging from landscapes, to portraits, natural and informal scenes of people, and still life to nudes and architecture, along with a vast body of works taken for commercial use – the State Library of NSW holds almost 54 thousand of his images; a testament not only to his appetite for work but also the longevity of his career.

However, the subject he took many photos of was Newport Beach where the Dupain family had a holiday home, and here all of the genres that featured in his work can be seen, along with Newport ‘happenings’ – such as the launch Aklavic that was driven ashore in October 1954 by 20 year old Robert Michael Brown, ‘fugitive’ – who was eventually caught on Bushrangers Hill - or the storm of May 1974 that demolished the 'ablutions' block on Newport beach.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

March 1 2025

How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:

To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation

The Avalon Quilters with the 2025 raffle quilt, “The Sum Of Us”.

The Avalon Quilters have an amazing raffle quilt they have made to raise funds for the Mito Foundation.

Details show the personal and colourful choices made by Avalon Quilters for each piece, underlining the title of this beautiful quilt.

The raffle will be drawn at Easter.

All tickets sales will go to the Mito Foundation, which Avalon Quilters have been supporting for over a decade through making raffle quilts.

The Mito Foundation was founded in 2009 by Pittwater residents Doug and Margie Lingard, their friends, and experts in the field of mitochondrial disease (mito).

ABHS March 2025 Meeting

The next Avalon Beach Historical Society meeting will be held on Tuesday March 11, at 8 p.m. in the Annexe at Dunbar Park.

Part One:

Bill Goddard and Geoff Searl have been researching and compiling the history of the first private residence at Palm Beach. Albert Verrills built Sunrise Cottage in 1911 to accommodate the surveyors for the Barrenjoey Company Limited. Its early history is fascinating, and we have some great photos shared by the original owner's great-grandson.

Part Two:

Geoff Searl has just returned from an 11-day voyage from Darling Harbour to Hobart as one of the ‘voyage crew’ on the replica HMB Endeavour. Geoff managed to get some worthwhile photos and some amazing details on the ship, which members may find interesting.

Part Three:

If we don’t look like running overtime and into suppertime, we have dug out the ‘Skippy’ episode from 1967, which featured Avalon Beach. It will be screened over the October long weekend this year as a part of the celebrations of the centenary of the surf club. It’s bound to cause a few chuckles!

To assist you with your future planning, here are the dates of the meetings for this year:

Tuesday, 10 June
Tuesday, 9 September (AGM) and
Tuesday 9 December

Geoff Searl OAM

President Avalon Beach Historical Society

Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM

Trophy awards and other constitutional necessities along with great food, drink and live music!

Saturday 5th April / 5pm 'til late

Lovett Bay Boatshed
Members free, non-members $50
All included: food + beverages
Live music: ‘Nothing Too Serious’

Free transport courtesy of Church Point Ferry Service:

4:00 Newport, 4:15 Church Point, 4:30 Bells Wharf, 4:45 Tennis Wharf, First ferry home 10:15 pm, Last ferry home 11:15 pm

RSVP and pre-book tickets woodypyc.treasurer@gmail.com

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At its meeting on 28 January 2025 Northern Beaches Council passed a motion to apply to the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation.

“Community feedback is an important part of the Tribunal’s assessment of special variation applications,” Ms Donnelly said.

"We encourage affected ratepayers and community members to fill out the survey on the IPART website or lodge a submission in relation to any of the applications we’ve received.”

As set out in the OLG assessment criteria, IPART will consider whether councils have:

demonstrated the need for the additional income
provided evidence that the community is aware of the need for and extent of the proposed rate rise
established that the impact on affected ratepayers is reasonable
exhibited, approved and adopted relevant planning documents
explained and quantified the council’s productivity improvements and cost containment strategies.

IPART may also consider other relevant matters.

The documents lodged by the Northern Beaches council are available to view at: www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/node/1726

You can also subscribe to receive email updates about the Special Variations process for 2025-26 subscribe here.

IPART does not hold public hearings when assessing council applications for special rate variations (SRVs).

IPART can wholly or partially approve or not approve a council’s application.

IPART will release the final decisions on Special Variation and Minimum Rate increase applications by May/June 2025.

Previous reports:

Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

Update: March 2, 2025

Our work for Section 1 planned to start on Monday 10 March and is expected to take about 22 weeks to complete, weather and ground conditions permitting.

We’ll write to you again before work starts in Section 2 to provide more details about our work and confirm our exact start date.

We expect to finish construction by the end of October 2025, weather and ground conditions permitting.

Night work hours

Our work in Section 1 needs to be done at night to reduce the impact on daytime traffic flows and local businesses.

Our night work hours are 8 pm to 5 am, Monday nights to Friday mornings (four nights a week). We won’t work on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights, or on Public Holidays.

No work on Public holidays: Anzac Day 11 am March in Avalon Beach along Old Barrenjoey Road

In Section 1, we’ll need to temporarily close part of Old Barrenjoey Road where we’re working at night. Our friendly traffic controllers will maintain access for residents, and parking on either side of our work zone. General traffic will be detoured via connecting streets.

At the end of each night shift, we’ll restore the road so it can be used as normal during the day.

We’ll need up to borrow up to eight parking spaces for equipment storage next to our work area. This storage area will move along the road as we progress.

Come and talk with us

We’ll have monthly drop-in sessions in Dunbar Park. Our team will be there to discuss our work and answer any questions you have.

When: First Wednesday of every month, between 1 pm and 4 pm.

We understand our work can be disruptive. We will make every effort to reduce our impact on residents, local businesses, and pedestrians as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about our work, please contact our friendly Community Engagement team by:

calling 1800 943 119 or emailing confluence@sydneywater.com.au
speaking to our team in person at our drop-in sessions held on the first Wednesday of every month in Dunbar Park.

We’ll be sending out weekly project updates to anyone subscribed to our electronic mailing list, this will outline the work we have completed that week and what we will be doing in the next week.

If you would like to receive these updates, please sign up to our email list here.

Previously:

Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why

Federal Member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps MP, has welcomed the Government’s election commitment of a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in Dee Why. Dr. Scamps states it will take pressure of Northern Beaches Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED).

Announced on Sunday March 2nd, and among an additional 50 Urgent Care Clinics slated to be rolled out, the Dee Why UCC will provide bulk billed care for urgent non-life-threatening conditions, seven days a week, for extended hours, with no appointment needed.

The announcement follows calls from Dr Scamps for another UCC in Mackellar to boost public healthcare services for the Northern Beaches community.

The Dee Why UCC is in addition to the already established Mona Vale Urgent Care Centre at the Mona Vale Hospital campus.

The location of Dee Why was chosen based on Department of Health and Aged Care and Australian Bureau of Statistics data, particularly looking at locations which will take pressure off busy EDs.

“This new Urgent Care Clinic in Dee Why will help to ensure the community has access to urgent, quality free healthcare when they need it. It will mean shorter wait times for those less urgent cases that would otherwise be seen in the ED,” Dr Scamps said.

“The provision of bulk billed care at this new UCC will enable individuals and families in Mackellar to seek urgent medical attention without the burden of financial cost, which many in our community can ill afford”.

The new UCC in Dee Why and the new Youth Mental Health Hub in Brookvale, announced last week, are a result of the work Dr Scamps has undertaken to expand public healthcare services on the peninsula.

“As a former GP and ED doctor, I know first-hand the importance of meeting our community’s healthcare needs and have been fighting non-stop for this during my first term in Parliament,” Dr Scamps said.

“These new services are vital initiatives that expand public healthcare services on the Northern Beaches to ensure our community can urgently access affordable, safe and quality

healthcare,” Dr Scamps said.

The exact location and provider of the Dee Why UCC will be determined through an independent commissioning process to be conducted by the Northern Sydney Primary Health Network and State Government. This will include an Expression of Interest process that will invite existing GP clinics to scale up to be a UCC, with funding provided by the Federal Government to do so.

Residents can attend the Mona Vale Hospital Urgent Care Centre for treatment of:

Minor fractures or injuries
Minor illnesses including infections and rashes
Mild asthma or chest infection
Minor burns or scalds
Minor cuts needing stitches or glue
Minor sports injuries, including sprains or strains
Wound review
Minor head injury
Bites or stings
Mild stomach pain
Migraine
Skin infections

The Mona Vale UCC provides treatment for minor injuries and illnesses 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Mona Vale Hospital Urgent Care Centre is staffed by an experienced team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.

Services available include:

Pathology
X-ray
Plastering
Suturing

The Urgent Care Centre is a free service for everyone with a Medicare Card.

Number Screening Check for Year 1 students to be trialled in 150 NSW public schools next term

March 4, 2025

The NSW State Government has announced a new screening check to track Year 1 students’ early progress in numeracy will be trialled across 150 NSW public schools as part of the Government’s plan to lift student outcomes following declining NAPLAN results in recent years.

The short, teacher-led check will take around 10-15 minutes to complete with each student and will focus on foundational number sense skills that are key to later success in maths and numeracy, providing an opportunity for early intervention to ensure all students are on the right track.

The check will help teachers identify areas where students may require targeted assistance, such as counting, ordering numbers, and simple addition and subtraction strategies.

The Year 1 Number Screening Check will include 20-50 items to check students’ number understanding across three areas:

Number knowledge - of whole numbers, for example being shown the numeral 13, recognising it and saying “thirteen”.
Number relations - knowledge of relations between whole numbers, for example 5 comes before 6, which comes before 7.
Number operations - knowledge of how numbers can be taken apart and put back together, for example adding 2 and 4 makes 6.

The trial, launching in Term 2, follows an early pilot across 19 schools in November 2024, the purpose of which was to develop the content, structure and mechanics of the check. The department will further refine the details of the check using feedback from the trial.

Resources to help schools implement and respond to assessment results will also be developed during the pilot.

The Year 1 Number Screening Check will support the existing Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, providing teachers with an early view of individual students’ progress and an opportunity to intervene in their development of these foundational skills of literacy and numeracy.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Literacy and numeracy skills are the foundations of an education that sets children up for life. The Minns Labor Government wants to ensure students are on track early on, so all children have the opportunity to succeed.

“That is why we are trialling the introduction of a Number Screening Check in Year 1 which, along with the existing Phonics Screening Check, will serve as an important tool for teachers, enabling them to assess the foundational skill development of our young learners.

"We know that early intervention is crucial for students needing additional support – the earlier we identify children who need attention, the more chance they have to succeed.”

Women and girls' football participation soars in 2024

March 4, 2025

The 2024 National Participation Report has shown a big jump in women and girls playing football (soccer).

Inspired by the excitement of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and the Matildas' success, over 21,000 more women and girls now play football. This means there are now over 158,000 women and girls playing football in Australia.

The 2024 National Participation report showed a 10 per cent increase in outdoor football participation and highlighted an 11 percent increase in overall football participation numbers.

This increase makes football the most participated team sport in the country with over 1.9 million Australians now participating in football.

The Australian Government's Play Our Way Program is also playing a big role in supporting grassroots football initiatives. Funding for facilities, participation and equipment initiatives is creating more opportunities for women and girls to engage in football.

There are many ways to get involved in playing football. One of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 tournament legacy initiatives Mini Roos for Girls continues to drive participation, and inspire the younger generation across the country.

Women’s Asian Cup 2026 fast approaching

It’s less than one year to go until the Women's Asian Cup 2026 is hosted in Australia, and excitement is building. The Matildas will be striving for success in front of a home crowd, as the tournament brings together 12 of Asia’s top women’s national football teams.

Anzac Memorial 2025 Residency

March 4, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program.

The program is open to creative practitioners who have served in the Australian Defence Force and preference will be given to applicants from New South Wales.

Applicants must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia.

The applicant must be able to spend at least a portion of the program in residence on-site at the Anzac Memorial, located in Sydney, prior to 30 June 2025.

The Anzac Memorial welcomes project proposals across a broad variety of creative formats including:

👉 Music composition
👉 Written works such as poetry and prose
👉 Performance and theatrical work
👉 Film, animation and video
👉 Visual art, including painting, graphic art and photography

APPLY NOW: www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/vair

Applications close Monday 24 March 2025 at 5pm.

Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together Womens Day

The Women’s Resilience Centre & LocalKind Unite for International Women’s Day

Manly, NSW – 13 March 2025 – This International Women’s Day, two powerhouse local charities—The Women’s Resilience Centre and LocalKind—are coming together to celebrate the theme: "Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together."

📅 Date: Thursday, 13th March 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Venue: Miami Rice (Hotel Steyne rooftop), Manly
🎟 Tickets: $85 – Includes a 2-course gourmet meal, inspiring stories from The Story Room, short speeches, and a raffle/auction to support domestic violence initiatives.

Secure your spot now: https://events.humanitix.com/iwd-lunch-lkwrc

With $39.50 of each ticket being tax-deductible, every attendee will directly contribute to supporting women facing domestic violence, homelessness, and hardship through the transformative programs of The Women’s Resilience Centre. (www.womensresiliencecentre.com.au) and LocalKind (www.localkind.org.au).

International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a movement. It’s a call for kindness, empowerment, and resilience. How will you make a difference this IWD?

This event is your opportunity to be part of the change. Join the conversation. Stand with us. Together, we can build a future where all women thrive.

Zonta Club's 2025 Birthing Kit Pack Day

Please join us for our Clean Birthing Kits Packing Day on Saturday 15th March.

If you can’t attend, please consider making a donation, details are shown below or please visit: www.zonta-northernbeaches.org

Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation

Closes: March 12 2025

In NSW, retirement village operators are regulated by the Retirement Villages Regulation 2017 (the current Regulation), which supports the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (the Act).

The current Regulation will expire on 1 September 2025. Remaking the Regulation allows the NSW Government to consider feedback on how to improve, modernise and streamline the current laws.

The proposed Retirement Villages Regulation 2025 (proposed Regulation) makes significant changes to the asset management plan requirements for retirement villages. The updates aim to improve transparency for residents and reduce unnecessary administrative work for operators.

The key changes include:

reducing the amount of information that operators must record on the retirement villages asset register
requiring operators to prepare a 1-year capital maintenance report as part of the annual budget process, instead of a 3-year report
requiring operators to record the ‘remaining effective life’ of capital items instead of ‘effective life’.

The proposed Regulation also makes other minor changes to clarify the laws and improve how they operate, for example, by ensuring key information is disclosed in a form that is easier to understand and accessible.

Changes are described in detail in the:

Your feedback will help to ensure retirement village laws balance the rights of residents and support operators.

Have your say by 12 March 2025 at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/retirement-villages-regulation

Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework

Experiences of people with disability and their supporter

Closes: March 14 2025

The Department of Communities and Justice is seeking feedback on a proposed new framework about using restrictive practices on people with disability.

We want the framework to reduce use of restrictive practices and stop them being used where this is possible.

Restrictive practices are interventions that restrict the rights or movement of a person to change their behaviour - when that behaviour is likely to place them or others in serious danger.

An example of a restrictive practice is using a medication to influence a person's behaviour rather than treat an illness. Another example is restricting where a person can go.

The Department of Communities and Justice has released a Consultation Paper on the proposed framework.

An Easy Read summary is available. If you would prefer you can also read the full Consultation Paper.

Tell us what you think

You can give your feedback by completing a survey here by Friday 14 March 2025:

Survey for people with a disability who have experienced restrictive practices in NSW
Survey for supporters - family, carers, guardians and any other supporters of people who experience restrictive practices in NSW

If you would like to provide feedback in another way, please:

Email: policy@dcj.nsw.gov.au to provide written or audio file feedback
Speak to a staff member by emailing: policy@dcj.nsw.gov.au to arrange a conversation
Post your written feedback to: Locked Bag 5000, Parramatta, NSW, 2124

Your feedback will help inform the NSW Government as to whether to pursue the reform.

NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre

A new health and wellbeing centre has opened its doors in a major boost for people living with progressive neurological conditions across the state.

MS Plus officially opened its new Lidcombe Wellbeing and Accommodation Precinct on Wednesday March 5, courtesy of a $16 million funding agreement with the NSW Government.

The new centre at Betty Cuthbert Drive will provide important allied health and support services, including exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietetics, for people living with neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, dementia and strokes.

The NSW Government provided MS Plus with a 8,900 square metre parcel of land to ensure it has a new permanent home to continue its important work. The $16 million funding was allocated to support the construction of the centre.

The Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre includes eight therapy areas, a large multipurpose space for various activities; a purpose-built gym, lounge and café areas, a children’s play area, a sensory garden, landscaped outdoor spaces, and accessible parking, toilets, showers and lockers.

For more information, visit the 80 Betty Cuthbert Drive, Lidcombe webpage.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“I am delighted that MS Plus has opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art wellbeing centre, which will provide critical care and support for so many in our community.

“This is a great example of the work of Property and Development NSW, which has facilitated MS Plus’ access to land so that it can be put to best use for community benefit.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“The NSW Government is proud to partner with MS Plus, helping deliver this impressive precinct which will make a real difference to people's lives.

“By bringing together specialist services, accessible accommodation, and a strong network of support, it ensures more people with disability can live independently and with dignity.”

MS Plus Chief Executive Officer John Blewonski said:

“The Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre provides everything needed for vital connection, health and wellbeing in one place: a one-stop-shop for neuro and ageing support, and a place of solace, where patients are understood, and can be supported to live well.

“We know that more people are being diagnosed with a variety of neurological conditions — often lifelong and requiring ongoing care. Living with a neuro condition can mean a lot of appointments, and being able to access multiple health professionals from one familiar, welcoming place is so important for people living in Sydney.”

Photos: MS Plus

Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback

‘The draft harmonises the former council's policies and provides a consistent and strategic approach to tree management across the area.’ a release by the council says

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins encouraged the community to have their say on the draft Policy

"Our tree canopy is a vital part of our local environment, helping to keep temperatures down, providing important habitat, and is highly valued by our local community.

The council states the new draft policy provides:

a framework that supports the sustainable management and retention of safe and healthy trees
supports the management of public trees through succession and new tree planting, along with proactive and reactive maintenance programs
preferences locally occurring native species for new plantings
prioritises alternative options before pursuing the removal of trees

For more information and to provide feedback, the community can visit the Your Say project page.

The policy is on exhibition until Sunday 30 March 2025.

Visit; 'yoursay'.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards

Nominations have now opened for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year awards which recognise the outstanding efforts of the 4.3 million volunteers in NSW.

“Volunteers contribute $178 billion to the NSW economy, and I know here locally, our community just wouldn’t work as it does, without the dedication of volunteers,” Mr Griffin said.

“In many ways, volunteers are the backbone of our communities, and that is particularly true in the Manly electorate.

“From our service clubs, emergency services, church groups, hospital auxiliaries and sporting clubs, there are those who work tirelessly to make our part of the world a better place to live.

“If you know someone who deserves to be recognised as part of the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, I encourage you to lodge your nomination promptly,” he said.

Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open and close on Friday 23rd of May 2025.

To learn more about the awards, please visit The Centre for Volunteering website at The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards - The Centre for Volunteering.

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Harry

Domestic Short Hair 6 mths.

Belle came to us as a heavily pregnant stray cat. She gave birth to 7 beautiful kittens the boys being Jay, Ben, Carlos, Harry and girls are Dizzy, Uma and Evie. They are all sweet smoochy kittens. Harry is a sweet active but easy to handle kitten. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.

Emily

2yo Sharpei X

Emily was a very sad shut down girl when she came from the pound. As soon as we found her some doggy friends she became a happy dog. Emily has been a breeding dog but that life is now behind her. She has entropion, typical of the breed which we are having repaired. She came from the pound, very thin and reached 16.5kg at the time of desex. Emily is very gentle and would do best with another dog to help build her confidence. She comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $450.

For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

Wilma's Secret to Be Launched this April

The book is about a teenage girl who finds an old trunk belonging to her great grandma, and soon discovers she is also a witch.

Judith will have a book launch at her local Avalon bookshop, Bookoccino on April 6th 3-4 pm!

The news service will run more on this soon - but one for your diaries. Apparently the first 5 people that come dressed as a witch will get a free copy!

Wilma’s Secret

The story of a young girl who finds an old tin trunk, containing her great grandmother's belongings. Wasn’t she once a Witch? And where did she disappear to? Teenage Wilma discovers hidden treasures inside the trunk and struggles to understand and use them to their full power. All the while attempting to keep them a SECRET from her pesky brother and worried parents. But why is the West Wind trying to stop her in her learning quest?

Will she ever unravel the real secret that lays buried inside?

Judith C. Friezer (Gale)

Born in Western Australia 1935, Jude has led an amazing life. She travelled the world as an air hostess, then again as a life explorer. She also worked as a nurse, a beauty product salesperson, an entrepreneur, even a marriage celebrant. All through that time, she was also a devoted wife, a fantastic mother to 4 boys, and an avid bush gardener. She still is.

Hidden inside though, Jude has always been a writer!

Judith lives at Avalon and will soon share this tale, 20+ years in the making, with all the aspiring witches (and warlocks) out there.

More soon!

2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships

Dates are set for the 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, proudly presented by Your local club.

Date - Event - Location: remaining events

12-13 March 2025

Masters Championships

Queenscliff SLSC

14-16 March 2025

Open & Surf Boat Championships

Queenscliff SLSC.

North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?

Richard explains:

‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot.

You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event.

The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC

The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content.

Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response.

The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.

Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''

I am promoting the headland on HERE

I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com

Thank you

Richard Jeffery

Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025

Member for Manly, James Griffin has called on the community to get behind one of the Northern Beaches’ most outrageously fun charity events, the 2025 Manly Inflatable Boat Race.

“The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an epic event and one which showcases the very best of Manly. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a splash for a fantastic cause,” Mr Griffin said.

Service Manager at AYAH Tayia Yates welcomed the support, saying the funds raised on the day would make a profound difference.

The concept of the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is simple:

Pick your wackiest fancy dress costume (the crazier, the better!)
Bring your inflatable of choice - anything from rubber duckies to pink flamingos, sea monsters, or pool ponies!
Join in the 1km paddle adventure from Shelly Beach, around the Manly Life Savers buoys, and back to shore.
Rules? There are none! First to the finish line wins!

To purchase tickets and for any further inquiries, please visit the Manly Inflatable Boat Race website at manlyinflatableboatrace.com.au

NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open

The Awards acknowledge the contribution of historical research to our culture and communities, and to society at large.

All works must have been first published, broadcast or screened and made publicly and commercially available between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

A total of $85,000 in prize money will be awarded across six categories.

Administered by the State Library, in association with Create NSW, the NSW History Awards will offer prizes in six categories this year:

Australian History Prize ($15,000)
General History Prize ($15,000)
New South Wales Community and Regional History Prize ($15,000)
Young People’s History Prize ($15,000)
Digital History Prize ($15,000)
The Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize ($10,000)

A discounted early-bird entry fee is available until Thursday 13 March at 5pm!

All entries close at on Thursday 3 April at 5pm. Find more information via the link below.

Visit: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about/news-and-media/media-centre/2025-nsw-history-awards-call-nominations

History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations

Announcing the History Council of NSW's theme for History Week 2025: Water Stories!

And...HCNSW are very excited to announce Event Registrations are now open for History Week, earlier than ever before!

Members are invited to stage online or in-person events. Your event will form part of the HCNSW’s media campaign and be promoted in the History Week 2025 Program Event Calendar on our website.

Registrations for History Week events are now open via the link below

For all History Week inquiries, please contact programs@historycouncilnsw.org.au

A little bit more about Water Stories:

Water is fundamental to life. It also underpins our histories. From floods to droughts, from oceans to creeks, rivers and wetlands, our pasts are bound up with the ebbs and flows of water.

History Week 2025 will engage with stories of how water was cherished, contained, diverted, contaminated, looked after and shared, or withheld.

The theme invites History Council members to dive into their water stories.

🛥️ What happens to communities when water is absent or when it is destructive? How did people in the past use water to travel and trade?
🌊 How do waterways connect, or disconnect, communities?
🐠 How important is water in cultures of sport, fishing, and play as well as the economy?

History Week 2025: Event Registrations

NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open

The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, teachers, training organisations and employers.

Get recognised and share your vocational success for the NSW Training Awards 70th anniversary. Don't delay, enter today.

Individual Awards entries close 14 March 2025
Organisation Award entries close 2 May 2025

To find out more and nominate, please visit; https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards

National worker registration scheme feedback

It will also play an important role in ensuring aged care is a safe place with appropriate protections for older people.

To find out more, visit Have your say on the design of a national registration scheme for personal care workers in aged care - Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Citizen Space

The consultation is open from 18 February to 17 April 2025.

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane Notice

Letters to the Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but that remains optional. Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.

The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons. Email: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

Report Hate Crimes

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.

For more information, visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/hate_crimes

Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

Front Page Issue 640

Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

NSW Government's Low and Mid-rise Housing policy – Exemptions for Avalon, Newport, Palm Beach: Residents Associations Responses

Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed

IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open - Closes March 17

Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open

NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4

Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025

Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30

Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024

Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

Environment Measuring the true value of Australia’s natural environment: National Ecosystem Accounts, National Ecosystem Accounts, experimental estimates: ABS, New report slaps an official price tag on Australia’s precious natural assets, Just Two Trees, Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback, Clean Up Australia Day; local sites, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Feeding time, Australia’s Eucalypt of the Year 2025: The Travel Edition voting opens, MAG&M stages Signs in the Sand, ‘1080 pest management’, Closed areas: Major works in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Please Remember to leave water out for wildlife on hot days, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, NSW’s State Fish, the Eastern Blue Groper, will continue being protected, Sydney's koala population: a Catch-22, World Heritage values threatened by delays to the Great Koala National Park, Join the flock: help protect threatened birds by becoming a citizen scientist, Whales sing when they’ve had a good meal – new research, Presumed extinct, this desert rat-kangaroo may still be alive in hiding; New analysis reveals its delicate diet, Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC, $10.5 million for water use monitors across NSW Murray-Darling, New Recreational Fishing Trust Advisory Council to oversee expenditure on recreational fishing funds, Threatened native Trout Cod recovery underway with innovative fish breeding & stocking, ACCC authorises major supermarkets to continue cooperation on soft plastics recycling, NSW supports new long-duration storage projects to boost reliability of the energy system, Emergency action to save native fish at risk of extinction, Government funded Antarctic voyage to depart: Denman Glacier Research, Statement: Bureau of Meteorology CEO and Director of Meteorology, A powerful force is stopping the Indian Ocean from cooling itself – spelling more danger for Ningaloo, The promise of green iron, steel and ammonia is keeping the green hydrogen dream alive, Farmers, investors, miners and parents: how unconventional climate advocates can reach new audiences, Want a side of CO₂ with that? Better food labels help us choose more climate-friendly foods, Nose-to-tail mining: how making sand from ore could solve a looming crisis, Intense heat changes our biology and can make us age significantly faster: study, New report skewers Coalition’s contentious nuclear plan – and reignites Australia’s energy debate, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs: Mona Vale drop-off point, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land: Survey, Report fox sightings, 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, Bushcare in Pittwater: where and when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +

Inbox News NSW records first death of person with Japanese encephalitis since 2022, NSW Government to put handbrake on hidden fees from parking apps., Climate change could make more turtles female – but some are starting to adapt, It’s the biggest Egyptian tomb discovery in a century. Who was Thutmose II?, How the Victorians started the modern health obsession with collagen, A 380-million-year-old fossil ‘fish’ from Scotland has been discovered in Australia, Falling vaccination rates put children at risk of preventable diseases; Governments need a new strategy to boost uptake, There’s an outbreak of melioidosis in north Queensland; Here’s what to know about this deadly ‘mud bug’, Studies of Parkinson’s disease have long overlooked Pacific populations – our work shows why that must change, ‘It’s disgusting that they can get away with this’: here’s how eviction can affect tenants’ lives, Scientists have discovered a 3 billion-year-old beach buried on Mars, Calling 000 for help in an emergency doesn’t work in parts of Australia – but a new plan could change that, Multiple warnings and huge fines are not stopping super funds, insurers and banks overcharging customers, Seniors call for Private Health review as premiums rise, Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation - closes March 12, NSA releases policies ahead of Federal Election, Can Wearable Technology Be Used to Prevent Falls in Older People in Clinical Settings?, Do Older Drivers Trust Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems?, Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework, Creating a more accessible Australia, Having an x-ray to diagnose knee arthritis might make you more likely to consider potentially unnecessary surgery, Bipartisan agreement on investment in Medicare acknowledges critical importance of general practice: AMA, Strengthening Medicare will provide crucial cost of living relief for older Australians, Your super fund is invested in private markets. What are they and why has ASIC raised concerns?, Electronic muscle stimulators are supposed to boost blood flow to your legs – here’s what the evidence says, Dutton hints he’ll sack 36,000 public servants; Voters deserve to know what services will be affected, Australia could make it easier for consumers to fight back against anti-competitive behaviour; Here’s how, 2025 Theo Batten Youth Art Award Winners announced, Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels, NSW marine life – the importance of seaweed, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Feeding time, Performance-Arts Centre at Narrabeen Sports High School Mooted, Ingleside Riders Group: Autumn Obstacle Course, Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025, NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open, Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour applications Now open, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Munificent, Which type of note-taking is better for learning: laptop or pen and paper?, Whales sing when they’ve had a good meal – new research, Quantum navigation could transform how we travel. So what is it, and how does it work?, NASA’s new telescope will create the ‘most colourful’ map of the cosmos ever made, Remembering Roberta Flack, a spellbinding virtuoso of musical interpretation, What do young people want to see in politics? More than 20,000 pieces of their writing hold some answers, 500 years ago, German peasants revolted – but their faith that the Protestant Reformation stood for freedom was dashed by Martin Luther and the nobility, Tomb of Egyptian pharaoh is first found in Luxor since Tutankhamun – here’s how we know who lay inside, Five tips to find what really brings you joy outside of work, How to be happy with what you have – and avoid the trap of comparison, Joan Lindsay published Picnic at Hanging Rock at 71. Her writing life presents its own mysteries, Microsoft just claimed a quantum breakthrough. A quantum physicist explains what it means

Profile of the Week The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development reveals strong support for a more community-driven approach

On Wednesday February 26 around one hundred residents, urban planners, experts and community leaders came together for a public forum at Mona Vale Memorial Hall, to explore local housing and development challenges and opportunities. The forum, hosted by The Better Cities Initiative, also looked at how citizen-led approaches can be a pathway for building consensus and delivering better outcomes.of planning and combat our triple crises of housing, climate and democracy by listening Northern Beaches? forum provided a platform for open discussion on housing growth,

History Lucy Edith Gullett (Dr.) IWD2025 Celebrations Lucy Edith Gullett (Dr.) 28 September 1876 - 12 November 1949

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby will announce the Pittwater Woman of the Year at the Zonta International Women's Day Breakfast to be held at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club this coming Thursday, March 6.

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. The 2025 theme is 'Accelerate Action'.

At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.

In the lead into the announcement of the 2025 Pittwater Woman of the Year, and next Saturday's IWD celebrations, one of our former Pittwater inspirational ladies who would certainly have warranted being a Pittwater woman of the Year, Dr. Lucy Gullett, who spent most of her life calling for gender equality.

While investigating Lucy a picture emerged of a Socialite who was also a socially conscious woman. Dr Gullett gave numerous Talks on various subjects, was a keen golfer and loved the outdoors, a bridge player, a frequenter of Race Days (horses), was very literate, a doctor of Medicine with a Major in Chemistry, an advocate for indigenous peoples health rights, but mostly a champion of women’s and children’s issues.

Lucy was a member of Sydney’s Feminist Club when ‘feminism’ was defined as ‘the Women’s Movement is no sex-limited thing, but a great human movement in which women are free to serve their day and generation in what ever direction their talents give them the opportunity, not apart from their men folk, but in conjunction with them'.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

March 1 2025

How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:

To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation

The Avalon Quilters with the 2025 raffle quilt, “The Sum Of Us”.

The Avalon Quilters have an amazing raffle quilt they have made to raise funds for the Mito Foundation.

Details show the personal and colourful choices made by Avalon Quilters for each piece, underlining the title of this beautiful quilt.

The raffle will be drawn at Easter.

All tickets sales will go to the Mito Foundation, which Avalon Quilters have been supporting for over a decade through making raffle quilts.

The Mito Foundation was founded in 2009 by Pittwater residents Doug and Margie Lingard, their friends, and experts in the field of mitochondrial disease (mito).

Officeworks Mona Vale Is Helping Students

The Mosman to Barrenjoey community has helped Officeworks Dee Why, Mona Vale, Mosman and Belrose provide essential education support to 39 students impacted by poverty, by raising more than $28,700 for The Smith Family.

From 27 December to 9 February, Officeworks Dee Why, Mona Vale, Mosman and Belrose fundraising has contributed to the total $1.3 million raised by Officeworks stores across the nation during the Officeworks’ 2025 Back to School Appeal, and ensured more than 1,800 students have the essential tools and resources needed to succeed in their education.

Officeworks Team Mona Vale: Back to School Appeal

Funds raised go to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life sponsorship program, helping children and families facing disadvantage afford the cost of their child’s essential school supplies like uniforms, books and excursions, as well as providing personal support and extra educational programs to help students stay motivated and connected to their learning.

Over the 12-year partnership with The Smith Family, the Officeworks Back to School Appeal has transformed the lives of over 60,000 students impacted by poverty and raised more than $9 million for The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, thanks to the generosity of Officeworks customers and team members.

The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor said:

“Education is the foundation of opportunity, and together, we’re ensuring that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. Thanks to the support of partners like Officeworks, we're not just providing school supplies—we're unlocking potential and creating brighter futures for students in need."

Officeworks Mona Vale Store Business Manager Rob Plant said: “Along with Officeworks Dee Vale, Mosman and Belrose, we are incredibly proud to have raised over $28,700 for The Smith Family, made possible by the kindness and generosity of the community, digging deep and donating.

A heartfelt thank you to every customer and team member who played a part in this year’s appeal, supporting The Smith Family’s Learning for Life sponsorship program and its vital mission to give all Aussie children the educational opportunities they deserve.”

The Back to School Appeal is part of Officeworks’ People and Planet Positive commitment to support 30,000 students by 2025. Officeworks revised this goal to support 60,000 students by 2025 and is now further progressing initiatives that aim to deliver year-round support and explore ways to bridge the digital divide for Indigenous and disadvantaged students across the country. Learn more in Officeworks’ latest People and Planet Positive Report.

To find out more about the Back-to-School Appeal, visit: www.officeworks.com.au/campaigns/donate

Officeworks Mona Vale

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Protect Pittwater Update: Meeting Secured

In an update to last week's report, 'Outraged Pittwater Community Fights To Stop Rising Costs Of Failed Merger; Renews Call To Reinstate Pittwater Council', members of Protect Pittwater, the community group working to have Pittwater Council reinstated, advised the news service on Friday February 28 they have heard back from the Office of NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig, and a meeting will take place in the third week of March 2025.

Bring Back Pittwater Council sticker design by Pru Wawn.

Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

An update: March 2, 2025

Our work for Section 1 planned to start on Monday 10 March and is expected to take about 22 weeks to complete, weather and ground conditions permitting.

We’ll write to you again before work starts in Section 2 to provide more details about our work and confirm our exact start date.

We expect to finish construction by the end of October 2025, weather and ground conditions permitting.

Night work hours

Our work in Section 1 needs to be done at night to reduce the impact on daytime traffic flows and local businesses.

Our night work hours are 8 pm to 5 am, Monday nights to Friday mornings (four nights a week). We won’t work on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights, or on Public Holidays.

No work on Public holidays: Anzac Day 11 am March in Avalon Beach along Old Barrenjoey Road

At the end of each night shift, we’ll restore the road so it can be used as normal during the day.

We’ll need up to borrow up to eight parking spaces for equipment storage next to our work area. This storage area will move along the road as we progress.

Come and talk with us

We’ll have monthly drop-in sessions in Dunbar Park. Our team will be there to discuss our work and answer any questions you have.

When: First Wednesday of every month, between 1 pm and 4 pm.

Next session: Wednesday 5 March, 1 pm to 4 pm.

calling 1800 943 119 or emailing confluence@sydneywater.com.au
speaking to our team in person at our drop-in sessions held on the first Wednesday of every month in Dunbar Park.

We’ll be sending out weekly project updates to anyone subscribed to our electronic mailing list, this will outline the work we have completed that week and what we will be doing in the next week.

If you would like to receive these updates, please sign up to our email list here.

Previously:

Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

Water main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

Sydney Water have advised they are renewing the water main along Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach.

Sydney Water states they are renewing a 500 metre section of the existing water main along Old Barrenjoey Road in Avalon Beach, between Barrenjoey Road and The Crescent. The map below shows the work area.

''You may remember, we completed some investigations between November 2022 and April 2023 to help us plan for this work. Since then, we’ve been working behind the scenes to refine our plans for construction.'' Sydney Water state

''We know that Old Barrenjoey Road is a busy street, that is much loved by locals and visitors. While our work will be disruptive, we will make every effort to reduce our impact on local businesses, residents, and pedestrians as much as possible.

Following feedback from residents and businesses, and in consultation with Northern Beaches Council, we’ve planned this work to start in March 2025, to avoid working over the peak summer season. Our work is expected to finish by the end of October 2025, weather and ground conditions permitting.

Most of our work will be done at night to minimise impact on traffic and local businesses. Our night work hours are 8 pm to 5 am, Monday nights to Friday mornings (four nights a week). We won't work Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.

Sydney Water Details of Works

Open trench

We’ll install the new pipe in Section 1 using the open trench method. Each night, we’ll dig a trench, lay the water main, backfill the trench, and temporarily restore the road.

We’ll repeat this process as we move from The Crescent to Dunbar Park. The work will take about 22 weeks to complete.

Tunnelling

We’ve found technical challenges in Section 2, including other buried services, soft ground, and high groundwater. We’ll use a tunnelling method to install the new water main in this area. This involves digging entry and receival pits at either end, and installing the main by tunnelling between the two points. The work will be done during the day and should take about 12 to 16 weeks.

How will the work be staged?

We’ll have two crews working at the same time so that Section 1 (night work) and Section 2 (day work) can be done together. This helps us finish more work in the quieter months and avoid the next summer peak season.

We’ll start night work on Section 1 first and we’ll write to you again to confirm when the second crew will start on Section 2.

After the new water main is installed, we’ll do final connections, clean, and prepare the new pipe for use. Once that’s done, we’ll pack up and restore any areas affected by our work.

The final connections and restoration work is usually less disruptive and should take about 12 weeks to complete. This part of the work will also be done at night.

Temporary laydown areas

We’ll need three temporary storage areas to support these works including:

in the grass reserve next to the carpark near Woolworths
a storage area in the parking lane (eight spaces used) that follows as we work progressively down the road for Section 1
in the grass reserve opposite Avalon Primary School.

Traffic and parking changes Section 1 (night work)

At the end of each night shift, we’ll restore the road so it can be used as normal during the day.

We’ll need up to borrow up to eight parking spaces for equipment storage next to our work area. This storage area will move along the road as we progress.

Traffic and parking changes Section 2 (day work)

Our work area will be very space constrained during the tunnelling work in Section 2.

this section of Old Barrenjoey Road will be one-way (southbound only), with traffic directed around our work area via the carpark next to Woolworths
on-street parking on this section of Old Barrenjoey Road will be restricted for the duration of the tunnelling work
all parking in the Council carpark next to Woolworths will remain free for use.

We won’t be able to pack up our work areas at the end of each shift. This means that these traffic changes will be in place 24/7 for the 12 to 16 weeks while we work in this area.

An overview of the traffic and parking changes for Section 2 is shown on the map below.

Keep up to date with weekly emails

Join our email list to get weekly updates about our construction activities in the months to come. Click here to join.

You’ll only receive emails about this project, and we won’t share your details without your permission.

Come and talk with us

We’ll have monthly drop-in sessions in Dunbar Park. Our team will be there to discuss our work and answer any questions you have.

When: First Wednesday of every month, between 1 pm and 4 pm.

Palm Beach Whale Beach Association Update: Feb-March 2025

PLANNING LAW CHANGES

Recent changes to planning laws and rules are seriously concerning. They are:

Changing the Land & Environment Court Rules, the State Government has decided that no appeals may be lodged by the community against decisions of commissioners and single judges of the Court on the merits of a case: such appeals may be lodged only on a point of law
Where a developer appeals to the Court on a deemed refusal of a D/A (i.e. no decision by the Council within 40 days of lodgement) the Council has now decided not to refer the case to the Local Planning Panel, irrespective of the number of objections, thus removing an avenue for public representations
The Council will apply an unusual interpretation of the Model Litigant Policy (which is designed to provide fairness between a council and a private litigant in legal proceedings) which means it will not defend its own LEP, DCP or planning policies before the Court – this removes protection of community interests

MOBY DICKS AND THE DECK

The Boathouse Group’s lease of Moby Dicks has come to an end since functions can no longer be held there. Whale Beach SLSC has been negotiating with potential lessees interested in opening another restaurant and a lease has been negotiated. Coffee and snacks and lunch can still be had at The Deck on the Surf Club deck from 8.30am to early afternoon and this is proving a very popular location.

OVERFLOW PARKING AT CAREEL BAY

Conditions at the overflow parking area at Careel Bay do not encourage people to park there and catch the bus when parking is stretched. There is no seat or shelter, drainage is poor, and we continue to press the Council to rectify this.

Long Term Parking of Trailers at Thyra Reserve, 877a Barrenjoey Road) Trailers which have been left for long periods near Thyra Reserve (where trees were poisoned recently) will soon have to move. ‘No Parking – motor vehicles excepted’ signs will shortly be installed.

GOVERNOR PHILLIP PARK AND BARRENJOEY HEADLAND

Amenities at Barrenjoey Lighthouse Construction of permanent amenities on Barrenjoey Headland for those who climb to the Lighthouse started in early July 2024. These are now complete. The wheels grind slowly – it took six and a half years since the Association discussed it with National Parks and Wildlife Service.

PON report: New amenities now open at Barrenjoey Headland

EMERGENCY RESPONSE BEACON (ERB) – NORTH PALM BEACH

Have you wondered what the structure is at the northern end of the eastern carpark at North Palm Beach?

It’s an EMERGENCY RESPONSE BEACON (ERB) which is designed to offer 24/7 support at unpatrolled beaches. It’s monitored by Surf Life Saving NSW state operations centre.

Members of the public press a button and speak to an operator. There is also a rescue tube and a camera to monitor incidents. The camera can be remotely monitored by the State Operations Centre so that there will be an appropriate response. This might include jetskis, inflatable rescue boats, volunteer callout teams from surf clubs, lifeguards and helicopter or drones.

COASTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Association has been liaising with the Northern Beaches Council as part of the Coastal Management Plan discussions. Council has made available some information material for residents to inform them online about the progress of the Coastal Management Plan. There is a page for suggestions/feedback and the Council also has ‘pop ups’ where they answer questions and inform residents in person.

Signage for sea grass was discussed and the damage made by large boats going into the existing mangrove area at Careel Bay. Also by dogs at Station Beach, Sand Point Reserve and Snapperman’s Beach at low tide.

Large boats damaging the underwater floor are the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries. They can be contacted on 1300 550 474 if people see them entering the mangrove area. It was agreed an education campaign needs to be started for the community to be aware of how crucial the sea grass is in the ecological cycle and to be more aware of protecting sea horses and other marine species that depend on it. Council’s sea grass warning signs need to be more visible and their content improved. Recent signs placed at The Barrenjoey Boathouse could be a start of an awareness campaign to protect rhizomes from which the sea grass roots grow. There are not enough signs regarding sea horses.

signage at Sand Point

Water contamination

Palm Beach Kiddie’s Corner drain has been included in the council schedule for periodical monitoring/maintenance of vegetation and other debris blocking the drain. It should be noted that dog faecal matter forms part of the vegetation debris. In addition, there is sewerage run off from adjoining houses. The serious issue of monitoring for noxious pollution affecting people’s health is still left to the Beach Watch website.

There was discussion of signage in visible areas to warn people not to swim when there is sewerage run off after big rains. There are ongoing discussions between Council and Beach Watch about allocation of responsibilities in the future because of funding issues. Nevertheless, residents are free to contact the Council if they see suspicious flow into the beach from the drains.

Scotland Island representatives discussed their ongoing problem of sewerage contamination that is making swimming dangerous and could potentially extend to the rest of Pittwater. Residents have not received a satisfactory answer from government entities who suggest they should pay for the cost of fixing run off individually. Independent contamination evidence is being gathered to lobby government.

Dumping of old boats in Pittwater

Council only has responsibility for old boats dumped on land. Boats abandoned in the ocean are a State responsibility and residents should report directly as this is a serious source of water contamination. You can do this by telephoning 132 213.

Lithium battery storage

Lithium battery storage at marinas is another issue of concern which remains pending. Not all marinas comply with safety legislation. There is no mechanism to update licences before the legislation passed to make them comply. The granting of moorings was restricted some years ago by the State government but numbers are now proliferating.

Jet skis

Regulations for Jet Skis and for floating accommodation were discussed. It is an area outside Council’s responsibilities. For unsafe behaviour at the beach: call NSW MARITIME PWC hotline on 131 236 or the NSW Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Roads and Maritime Services is also responsible for commercial operations and regulations can be obtained from them.

Avalon Preservation Association: Feb-March 2025 Updates

TREE CANOPY - Ruskin Rowe

Recently Council commissioned an 'Out of Area’ Arborist to make another assessment of two Flooded Gums in Ruskin Rowe. For the information of our members here is the link to a video on the topic prepared by Canopy Keepers.

https://youtu.be/hd8tWS27zEo

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

APA continues to lobby council to install additional 10kph speed signage at the entry to the Shared Space AND to improve safety for pedestrians particularly school students crossing Sanders Lane, adjacent to Avalon Public School.

COAST WALK/SHARED PATH

Newport to top of hill/south end of Serpentine: this section has funding. Vegetation clearing is to begin at the end of this month to enable detailed survey information which is required for completion of the final design.

There is currently no funding for the Serpentine North to Surfside Pathway section of the Coast Walk.

PON report; Newport Beach to Bilgola Beach CoastWalk Tender Accepted to 'Design + Construct'

AVALON BEACH BIKE FACILITY AND DUNBAR PARK (as part of Place Plan)

Council will be updating the ‘Have Your Say’ page after assessing community submissions.

Visit: https://yoursay./avalon-beach-bike-facility

OSPREY NESTING PLATFORM

This is with Council’s Capital Works team and awaiting further information. This is funded by a grant from the NSW Government.

NORTH AVALON DUNES

A successful grant application means Council will soon start stabilization of the dunes at the north end of the beach, funded by NSW Government.

CALL FOR SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANCE

APA requires assistance with appropriate, targeted, posting to Social Media, eg Instagram.

APA was established in 1967, almost 60 years ago. We want to lift our profile and be more accessible and relevant to a wider group of younger residents who are passionate about where we live.

Can you help? Do you know someone who is comfortable with Social Media and could assist on a volunteer basis? Contact us at avalonpreservationa@gmail.com

The aims of APA are to

Preserve the natural beauty of the area through promoting proper planning of all future development
Express positively and in appropriate quarters the point of view of residents with regards to any proposed development and to protect the residential amenity of the area
Work with and assist local government in any efforts to improve and beautify the locality and where appropriate instigate such improvements

APA depends on your support. Donations of time, money and expertise are always welcome.

PO Box 1 Avalon Beach 2107

Website: avalonpreservationassociation.org.au

Clareville Bilgola Plateau Residents Association: Quick Update

CLAREVILLE BEACH PLANTING SCHEME

We’re pleased to share with you the new Clareville Beach tree planting strategy. At CABPRA, we lobbied for some grass planting on the edges to help combat beach reserve erosion.

This has now been incorporated into the plan which is good news.

Here is the plan below, for your reference. There is still some debate about the definition of a “problematic tree” and we understand that Canopy Keepers are trying to clarify this after the upset over the Ruskin Rowe trees.

PARKING AT TAYLORS POINT & PARADISE BEACH

We’ve asked NBC to take a look at the situation and especially at Paradise Beach where the six spots are mostly taken up with full time cars from people living on boats. From your observation over summer, let us know what you think the problems are so we can chase this up with the NBC.

ON THE HUNT FOR NEW COMMITIE MEMBERS

Our wonderful treasurer Rafaela Salzer has moved away. Thanks, Rafaela, for organising us into the modern age so efficiently. So we are looking for another volunteer in this role and indeed other committee members. It’s a great organisation and needs to survive. Contact us via email or visit our website to find out more: cabpra.wordpress.com

CABPRA’s vision is:

To encourage residents to take an active interest in their community
To preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area including native flora and fauna
To promote sound environmental planning and management sympathetic with Pittwater’s natural beauty
To protect and enhance the residential amenity of the area including public reserves, access lanes, footpaths, cycle ways, beaches, wharves and foreshores
To speak with one voice and represent the interests and quality of life of the CABPRA community when in discussion with the Council and other relevant government bodies

Bayview-Church Point Residents Association Updates

Houseboat Proliferation

As a result of a policy document on houseboats released by Transport for NSW and a local marketing campaign the number of houseboats around our shores is set to escalate.

The houseboat marketing material states:

"Until recently you could only have one of these if you had a waterfront property. Now you can have one anywhere, and even better, you can move it whenever you want a better view."

There are no DA type processes involved with the design and construction of houseboats nor are there any requirements for waste management. Hence there are significant potential environmental, visual amenity and safety implications for Pittwater residents and users.

Bayview Church Point Residents Association has approached Transport for NSW in an effort to contain the spread of houseboats in Pittwater and to secure better overall management of their approval and usage.

Update July 2024: While this issue was taken up with the Minister for Transport by the Member for Pittwater in 2022 no changes to limit or better manage houseboats on Pittwater have been achieved. It is hoped however that our representations have created greater awareness of community concerns at the policy and operational levels of State Government.

Bayview Baths Restoration

The Bayview Wharf, lobbied for by locals, was officially opened to much acclaim on 1 December 1900. It was built in an earthen groyne/wharf configuration which was common at the time but of which very few remain. The adjoining baths were first added circa 1915. Together, this complex comprises the earliest intact evidence of European settlement in the Bayview area (see attached video for more detailed history).

Over the years, the baths have provided an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to safely access calm and shark protected tidal seawater swimming. While the area continues to be a popular community hub, due to lack of maintenance over recent decades, the pool itself is no longer viable. BCPRA continues to lobby for its renovation for present and future generations to enjoy.

In mid-2024 part of the earthen groyne and part of the wooden wharf collapsed. Due of the obvious resulting danger, Northern Beaches Council has restricted entry to both of these areas.

However, it has led to Council commencing holistic planning for the whole Baths/Groyne/Wharf area.

Any real progress will still be dependent upon Council obtaining grant funding.

The link below has many historic photos and details of the Bayview Wharf and Baths from Pittwater Online News.

Bayview Public Wharf and Baths: Some History

McCarrs Creek Reserve

This beautiful natural public reserve sits at the western end of McCarrs Creek Road, Church Point, almost completely surrounded by 15,000 hectares of the Ku- Ring - Gai Chase National Park. It is much cherished by locals and numerous visitors and used extensively as an off leash dog park, boasts a modern pontoon and boat staging ramp along with a storage rack for dinghies. There are several fixed tables and vast grassed areas for picnicking and recreation. There is a well maintained toilet block facility available during daylight hours central to the area, with good parking and access throughout the reserve on sealed roads.

Northern Beaches Council has recently updated and installed good signage throughout the reserve indicating that overnight camping and the lighting of open fires on the grounds are prohibited. Local residents and park visitors endeavour to help council maintain this beautiful facility so that it continues to provide a safe and welcoming destination for all to enjoy. In the past, locals have formed “bush care” groups to help manage the natural beauty and weed control throughout the park.

Issues of continuing concern which have been brought to Council’s attention over the past year include:

Fire risk

The lighting of large ground fires throughout the reserve, often destroying nearby trees by breaking limbs off to fuel fires along with leaving large burnt patches on the grassed areas. Significant concerns are held by locals of fires getting out of control and sparking much greater fires in the adjoining National Park.

Illegal camping

The reserve is being continuously used by “itinerant travellers” as a “ free camping area”, in some instances for continuous weeks and months. Apart from closing off areas of the reserve to general public use, these “ campers” have been noted to light fires on the grounds, spill their grey water onto the roadways and use surrounding bushland for toileting.

Illegal dumping

Illegal dumping of rubbish occurs occasionally, sometimes in large quantities. When this is seen it is immediately reported to the relevant council division.

These concerns remain active on the Association’s business agenda and are continuously reported to Council.

As a local community we can all play a part in the maintenance and preservation of this unique reserve. Now that the new signage clearly indicates that the lighting of open fires is prohibited and with the temperatures heating up it will be critical for anyone noting such behaviours to report them, either by calling 000 or Council Rangers via Northern Beaches Council on 1300 434 434.

Church Point Reserve Foreshore Walkway

The existing informal walkway from Bennett’s Beach (eastern end of Church Point Reserve Car Park) along the foreshore to the Pasadena (western end) is not safe for pedestrians because of the uneven surface caused by tree roots. This causes some pedestrians to walk through the Car Park putting them at risk.

On 15 January 2024 the Senior Asset Management Officer from Council’s Park Assets advised that the Church Point Reserve Foreshore Walkway does not form part of the current Thomas Stephens Reserve upgrade program which is being undertaken in 2024 and 2025.

At the BCPRA monthly meeting held on 1 August 2024 the Council representative acknowledged that the walkway around the external perimeter of the Church Point Reserve (Car Park) needed to be upgraded as a priority to improve pedestrian access along the foreshore.

The Foreshore Walkway upgrade is not scheduled until 2026-27 under the Council’s “Reserves Pathway and Lighting Program”.

The Bayview Church Point Residents Association (BCPRA) is a not for profit incorporated community association open to all adult residents of Bayview and Church Point.

BCPRA has been representing the interests of our local community for over 100 years. In this role it has regular contact with State and local government authorities as well as the community we serve.

The association is managed by a committee elected each year at an annual general meeting. The committee meets each month to discuss local issues and through consultation, strives to represent the best interests of local residents.

Association Objectives

Being a voice for the residents of Bayview and Church Point
Preserving and enhancing the unique environment and quality of the area
Facilitating environmentally sustainable progress
Maintaining ongoing rapport with Council, MPs, Police and local authorities ensuring awareness of local issues
Liaising with other Associations and Residents groups to ensure a meaningful voice in local matters

Find out more and become a member at: www.bcpra.net

Newport Residents Association: Update

Our next meeting will be Tuesday 1st April 2025 commencing at 7pm at the Newport Community Centre, The Boulevard Newport.

Council changed the dates of their monthly meetings from 4th Tuesday in the month to 3rd Tuesday in the month.

This created a clash with the NRA who for decades have met on the 3rd Tuesday of every month (excluding January). To enable our councillors to attend our meetings should they so wish we have reluctantly changed our meetings to the 1st Tuesday of each month commencing on Tuesday 1st April 2025. Normally we would have met on Tuesday 18th March 2025 but felt that 2 meetings so close together was not warranted.

NSW GOVERNMENT PLANNING REFORMS

February 2025 Update – NSW Government announces which suburbs are affected in the Northern Beaches – Newport not included.

In the Northern Beaches local government area, the second stage of the Low and Mid-Rise Policy will apply to all residential zones within 800 metres walking distance to the following town centres or train stations:

Balgowlah Stockland shopping centre
Dee Why town centre
Forestville town centre
Forestway shopping centre
Frenchs Forest Precinct (Warringah Road)
Manly town centre
Manly Vale town centre
Mona Vale town centre
Warringah Mall shopping centre

Read full details here

PON report:
Mona Vale Set to Become the Dee Why of Pittwater Under NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise policy

NRA President Gavin Butler makes the following comment following the announcement.

This is great news for Newport (and Avalon) in that we do not have our building heights increased beyond the current allowed under the Newport Masterplan for Newport which on Barrenjoey Rd with appropriate setback can go to 3 storey (11.5 metres). Under the Minns government proposals, and allowed elsewhere, would have allowed up to 6 storeys in Newport town centre and within 400m of the town centre and up to 3 storeys within 800m of the town centre.

The NRA presumes the lack of movement forward by developers around Robertson Rd precinct has been attributed to the uncertainty in buildings heights that may have been allowed under the original Minns government announcements and welcomes the clarification of these planning controls.

The NRA welcomes these announcements which currently confirms the Newport Masterplan as the primary determinate of building heights, setbacks and format.

COLES NEWPORT CLOSURE FOR 12 WEEKS FROM 19th JANUARY 2025

Coles Newport is planning to close it’s doors on the 19th January for a planned 12 weeks and convert it to what they call a ‘Coles Local’ store.

When we asked the management of our local store what a ‘Coles Local’ would offer they said they would be closing the fresh bakery section, the fresh fish section and limiting their Delicatessen and concentrate on ‘Ready to eat’ type options. They plan to continue with cooked chickens.

Our local State MP Jacqui Scruby questioned Coles as to whether they would offer a satellite store similar to what Woolworths did when they converted their Avalon store recently, but Coles said they would not. Jacqui Scruby issued a Press Release covering her expressed community concerns and can be read by clicking the following – J Scruby press release.

Assistance for those finding it difficult to do their basic shopping

Jacqui Scruby indicated that she had approached MWP Community Care (MWP) to help transport seniors to alternative supermarkets during the stores closure. MWP said it was happy to assist and invited residents to call Linda at MWP on 9913 3244

NEWPORT TO BILGOLA SHARED PATH

The Shared Pathway Newport to Bilgola to commence at night 24th February 2025 – click here for details.

Starting in February 2025,the contractor will commence preliminary works for the Newport to The Serpentine shared-user path. This work will involve vegetation clearing and surveying.

Following these initial works the detailed design will be completed and put on public exhibition. Further advice will be provided once this timing becomes available.

The Newport Residents Association Incorporated is an organisation of residents and/or ratepayers whose concerns are the welfare and advancement of Pittwater in general and Newport in particular.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The aims and objectives of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated include:

To provide a forum for all interested residents, ratepayers and resident groups in the Pittwater Ward area and particularly in the Newport area.
To represent the interests of ratepayers and residents on local issues at all levels of government but particularly at the local government level.
To work for responsible planning, environmental protection and the enhancement of the environment of the Northern Beaches Council and in particular the Pittwater Ward area.
To achieve community awareness and involvement in Council’s decision-making processes and planning.
To take any other action not elsewhere included to further the interests of the Newport Residents Association Incorporated and its members.

Find out more and become a member at: newport.org.au

Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation

Closes: March 12 2025

In NSW, retirement village operators are regulated by the Retirement Villages Regulation 2017 (the current Regulation), which supports the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (the Act).

The current Regulation will expire on 1 September 2025. Remaking the Regulation allows the NSW Government to consider feedback on how to improve, modernise and streamline the current laws.

The key changes include:

reducing the amount of information that operators must record on the retirement villages asset register
requiring operators to prepare a 1-year capital maintenance report as part of the annual budget process, instead of a 3-year report
requiring operators to record the ‘remaining effective life’ of capital items instead of ‘effective life’.

Changes are described in detail in the:

Your feedback will help to ensure retirement village laws balance the rights of residents and support operators.

Have your say by 12 March 2025 at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/retirement-villages-regulation

Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework

Experiences of people with disability and their supporter

Closes: March 14 2025

The Department of Communities and Justice is seeking feedback on a proposed new framework about using restrictive practices on people with disability.

We want the framework to reduce use of restrictive practices and stop them being used where this is possible.

Restrictive practices are interventions that restrict the rights or movement of a person to change their behaviour - when that behaviour is likely to place them or others in serious danger.

An example of a restrictive practice is using a medication to influence a person's behaviour rather than treat an illness. Another example is restricting where a person can go.

The Department of Communities and Justice has released a Consultation Paper on the proposed framework.

An Easy Read summary is available. If you would prefer you can also read the full Consultation Paper.

Tell us what you think

You can give your feedback by completing a survey here by Friday 14 March 2025:

Survey for people with a disability who have experienced restrictive practices in NSW
Survey for supporters - family, carers, guardians and any other supporters of people who experience restrictive practices in NSW

If you would like to provide feedback in another way, please:

Email: policy@dcj.nsw.gov.au to provide written or audio file feedback
Speak to a staff member by emailing: policy@dcj.nsw.gov.au to arrange a conversation
Post your written feedback to: Locked Bag 5000, Parramatta, NSW, 2124

Your feedback will help inform the NSW Government as to whether to pursue the reform.

2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships

Dates are set for the 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, proudly presented by Your local club.

Date - Event - Location

28 February – 2 March 2025

Lifesaving Championships (Champion Lifesaver & Champion Patrol)

Freshwater SLSC

8-9 March 2025

Lifesaving Championships (First Aid Competition)

Freshwater SLSC

6-9 March 2025

Age Championships

Queenscliff SLSC

12-13 March 2025

Masters Championships

Queenscliff SLSC

14-16 March 2025

Open & Surf Boat Championships

Queenscliff SLSC.

Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together

The Women’s Resilience Centre & LocalKind Unite for International Women’s Day

📅 Date: Thursday, 13th March 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Venue: Miami Rice (Hotel Steyne rooftop), Manly
🎟 Tickets: $85 – Includes a 2-course gourmet meal, inspiring stories from The Story Room, short speeches, and a raffle/auction to support domestic violence initiatives.

Secure your spot now: https://events.humanitix.com/iwd-lunch-lkwrc

International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a movement. It’s a call for kindness, empowerment, and resilience. How will you make a difference this IWD?

This event is your opportunity to be part of the change. Join the conversation. Stand with us. Together, we can build a future where all women thrive.

Breeding time for Little Penguins: Boaters urged to stick to speed limit

Say hello to Manly's newest (and cutest) residents - Little Penguins!

It's breeding season for these endangered guys, so boaters lets keep them safe by:

Keep speed to under four knots when entering North Harbour, Manly
Be extra careful at dawn and dusk
Don’t anchor in seagrass beds
Don’t bring dogs or cats onto beaches

To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/4g0HUbg

NSW Maritime

January 16, 2025

NB: there is also a colony of Little Penguins on Lion Island and a colony of seals at Barrenjoey - please do not speed on the estuary. AJG- Ed./PON

Click on logo above to visit their website.

At its meeting on 28 January 2025 Northern Beaches Council passed a motion to apply to the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation.

“Community feedback is an important part of the Tribunal’s assessment of special variation applications,” Ms Donnelly said.

"We encourage affected ratepayers and community members to fill out the survey on the IPART website or lodge a submission in relation to any of the applications we’ve received.”

As set out in the OLG assessment criteria, IPART will consider whether councils have:

demonstrated the need for the additional income
provided evidence that the community is aware of the need for and extent of the proposed rate rise
established that the impact on affected ratepayers is reasonable
exhibited, approved and adopted relevant planning documents
explained and quantified the council’s productivity improvements and cost containment strategies.

IPART may also consider other relevant matters.

The documents lodged by the Northern Beaches council are available to view at: www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/node/1726

You can also subscribe to receive email updates about the Special Variations process for 2025-26 subscribe here.

IPART does not hold public hearings when assessing council applications for special rate variations (SRVs).

IPART can wholly or partially approve or not approve a council’s application.

IPART will release the final decisions on Special Variation and Minimum Rate increase applications by May/June 2025.

Previous reports:

Northern Beaches Police Area Command Updates

Strike Force Woodarra

Northern Beaches Police Area Command have established Strike Force Woodarra to investigate a significant number of fraud reports involving a holiday rental business called Northern Beaches Holiday Rentals.

Landlords and short-term renters have allegedly lost significant sums of money. Victims paid deposits on the assumption they were getting a short stay at a holiday house. Several of these alleged victims turned up to the advertised properties to find they were permanently occupied by residents with no knowledge of the rental agreements. Others engaged the business to rent their properties out as holiday rentals and did not receive rental income.

Anyone with information about the matter is urged to contact Dee Why Police Station or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Mental Health Services

Northern Beaches Mental Health Services - Resource Booklet

Sydney North Mental Health Network - Mental Health Triage:

https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/mentalhealthtriage/

Scammers: Remote Access - Bitcoin

Breaking Down Barriers: A Conversation on Mental Health

Join an engaging panel discussion with Dr Sophie Scamps MP featuring Jack Toohey known for his work in breaking down generational issues and Cooper Chapman whose goal is to connect people with simple tools to improve their wellbeing and thrive. Together, they will explore pressing social issues that affect our community and mental health challenges, offering insights and innovative solutions.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with leading thinkers on mental health and shaping the wellbeing for our future generations.

Food and drinks available to purchase at the bar.

WHEN: March 06, 2025, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

WHERE: Hang10 Distillery, Unit 48/5 Ponderosa Parade, Warriewood

RSVP: www.sophiescamps.com.au/breaking_down_barriers

Performance-Arts Centre at Narrabeen Sports High School Mooted

On Thursday February 20 2025, during Question Time at the NSW Parliament sitting session, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, asked The Hon. Prue Car, Deputy Premier, and Minister for Education and Early Learning whether the Government will commit to a fit-for-purpose creative and performing arts centre, amongst other upgrades, at Narrabeen Sports High School.

The Hon. Prue Car replied:

''We completed the upgrades to Narrabeen North Public School upon winning government. I believe the school community has embraced the new upgrade, and it looks fantastic. There are 15 new classrooms, three new support classrooms, a new covered outdoor learning area, landscaping and a new hall.

Next door at Narrabeen Sports High School, it is fair to say that the local community is rightly frustrated at the lack of investment. We got to work straight away to address the school's needs. I know it is a huge priority of the member for Pittwater.

Last year we refurbished classrooms, science labs, the STEM room, technology rooms, change rooms and amenities. We resurfaced the school's outdoor basketball and tennis courts. We have upgrades for a further 20 classrooms on the way.

The member for Pittwater, though, rightly raises that the school community has been calling out for increased investment, particularly in creative and performing arts facilities.

That speaks to the fact that at every high school, whether it is a selective academic school or a sports program school, we need to provide facilities so that every child can be pushed and challenged to be the best they can be.

In the first instance, we are working with the school to convert classrooms into dedicated music rooms for students, but I know there is a lot more to do.

Following the advocacy of the new member for Pittwater, I have asked the Department of Education to work with Narrabeen Sports High School on its infrastructure priorities.

I say that knowing that a creative and performing arts space is at the top of the list of needs that the school would like to see addressed.

I look forward to meeting with the member in coming weeks to discuss those priorities and what we can do together to support Narrabeen Sports High School with improved creative and performing arts facilities.''

Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program

Green Music Australia is thrilled to announce the latest drop in its “NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET” t-shirt fundraising campaign in collaboration with Lime Cordiale.

Lime Cordiale is the fourth artist to join the series of merchandise collaborations raising vital funds to mobilise the music community for urgent climate action.

The design, by Louis, is printed on 100% recycled materials by Tmorrow Apparel. Profits from the sales will help to activate fans and musicians to speak up about the climate and advocate for the planet.

Missy Higgins, The Rubens and Midnight Oil are also part of the Green Music Australia tees designs, and they are going fast. Get yours at: merchjungle.com/collections/green-music

100% of all sales go to Green Music Australia.

Addressing the impacts of what humans have done to the planet, the environment which sustains all life, and decarbonsing the music industry in particular, is work brothers Oliver and Louis Leimbach have been focussed on in recent years.

Green Venue Program

In related news, Green Music Australia launched its Green Venue Program on February 17 2025. This is a landmark initiative designed to help live music venues improve their environmental footprint.

Supported by the NSW Government through Sound NSW, the program is underpinned by the Green Venue Certification pilot, which incentivises and celebrates venues undertaking positive change for the planet. Participating venues will be assessed for their action in key environmental areas and published as a certified venue on Green Music Australia’s website.

Green Music Australia states venues are a major source of carbon emissions in the music industry, with overseas research putting their contribution at around 23% of the total impact. To help venues take environmental action, Green Music Australia has launched a free, comprehensive Green Venue Guide.

Developed with funding from Sound NSW and the City of Sydney, the guide provides practical strategies, tools, and case studies to improve sustainability in areas like energy use, waste management, food, procurement, and backline practices.

Green Music Australia will be on the road this March delivering a series of six in-person sustainability workshops at music venues across Sydney, Northern Rivers, Newcastle and Wollongong. Free for venues, industry, and artists to attend, each workshop will support participants to improve their environmental literacy and understand opportunities for change.

GREEN VENUE PROGRAM NSW WORKSHOPS

Thursday March 20 – Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads / Bundjalung
Friday March 21 – Metro Theatre, Sydney / Gadigal
Monday March 24 – King Street, Newcastle / Mulubinba
Tuesday March 25 – Drifters Wharf, Gosford / Darkinjung
Wednesday March 26 – La La Las, Wollongong / Dharawal
Thursday March 27 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney / Gadigal

RSVP for free

Emma Bosworth, National Program Manager of Green Music Australia, says,

“Music venues are the beating heart of our music scene – they are where artists connect with audiences, and culture comes to life. Ensuring these spaces are environmentally sustainable is critical not just for the planet, but for the longevity of live music itself.”

“From workshops to accreditation, the Green Venue Program will create a clear pathway for venues to reduce their environmental impact while inspiring others to follow suit.”

To learn more about the Green Venue Program, participate in a workshop, or express interest in the certification scheme, visit Green Music Australia.

Further information on Green Music Australia

Founded in 2012, Green Music Australia is the national peak body for music and the environment. Led by a staff and board of musicians and music industry leaders, its role is to organise, facilitate and inspire musicians and the broader industry to make changes to improve our environmental performance and to advocate for ambitious political climate action. Through leading by example and bringing audiences along with us, Green Music Australia is sowing the seeds for deep, cultural change.

The “NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET” movement was launched in the UK in 2021 by Music Declares Emergency. The project invites the global music community to call for bold climate action, and activate the power of music fans to vote for the planet. To date, artists across the world have collaborated on the campaign including Billie Eilish, Thom Yorke, & Joy Division.

In 2025, Green Music Australia are relaunching their NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET campaign, aiming to make climate a central focus of the upcoming federal election.

Lime Cordiale Up North at present

The boys are currently on tour in North America and Canada - to wild applause if updates posted are anything to go by.

They will be home in Sydney for a special stripped back Lime Cordiale acoustic show at The Metro on Sunday April 6 - part of the Great Southern Nights, with 300+ gigs across Sydney and NSW from March 21 to April 6.

AOK Community Outreach Needs an Earth Angel

We’re looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to help us support the homeless and struggling in our community. If you’re organised, compassionate, and great with people, this is your chance to make a real impact!

What’s Involved?

✔️ 1–3 hours a week (flexible)
✔️ Admin & organizational support (emails, scheduling, record-keeping)
✔️ Recruiting & coordinating volunteers
✔️ Helping events, food rescue, & outreach run smoothly
✔️ A judgment-free, service-driven heart

💛 Be part of something bigger. Make a difference. 💛

For more details or to apply now, please send a short letter or resume to aokcommunityoutreach@gmail.com

ABHS March 2025 Meeting

The next Avalon Beach Historical Society meeting will be held on Tuesday March 11, at 8 p.m. in the Annexe at Dunbar Park.

Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

To assist you with your future planning, here are the dates of the meetings for this year:

Tuesday, 10 June
Tuesday, 9 September (AGM) and
Tuesday 9 December

Geoff Searl OAM

President Avalon Beach Historical Society

Ingleside Riders Group: Autumn Obstacle Course

Fun but challenging obstacles to test your skill. To book please message Amanda Nielsen directly on 0402 917 745.

4 sessions available over 2 days.
Max 6 horses per session.

See flyer for details.

$65 per session (plus $25 for non-members of IRG)

Enter the Ingleside Equestrian Park on McLean St, Ingleside. Float parking available. Bring your own water for your horse.

Takayna Trail Run 2025: For local wildlife

G'day friends, fam and local community.

For anyone watching who I have not yet met, my name is Tom Borg McGee.

I am a 30 YO Physiotherapist and WIRES volunteer who has known Avalon/and Pittwater to be my home almost all my life.

More in my Pittwater Online News Profile.

I wanted to share here my video for the 2025 Takayna Trail Fundraiser for the @Bob Brown Foundation in less than 2 weeks!!

https://takaynatrail2025.raiselysite.com/tom-mcgee

A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated last year, we raised $6000 and the total for the last 3 years is over $15,000!

For those who aren't informed about Takayna and the long standing, PUBLIC FUNDED, 100% government controlled logging across Australia of heritage value forests such as Takayna, The Great Koala National Park (NSW) and unfortunately much more all at ENORMOUS TAXPAYER LOSSES...

I know there are many people in our community who care for wildlife, living country, local communities and the prosperity of our living planet...

From ancient Gondwana era Takayna, to the remaining stone, soils, flora and fauna of Pittwater... which continues to be destroyed by the cowardice, greed and callousness of government and private entities behind chainsaws, wood-chippers and excavating machinery.

It's not in my nature to ask for people to give, but it is part of the fundraising challenge and I greatly appreciate any and all donations, and those who educate themselves... Or even better act!

My respect and thanks to our elders past and present (in this case the spotted gum forest of Stapleton reserve) amongst whom I live, and recorded this video.

As we speak, out of control wildfires continue to burn through Takayna rainforest.. even further reason to protect this world heritage from further destruction.

Please donate what you can:

https://takaynatrail2025.raiselysite.com/tom-mcgee

Thanks for listening!

For the wildlife

Tom Borg McGee

Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025

Member for Manly, James Griffin has called on the community to get behind one of the Northern Beaches’ most outrageously fun charity events, the 2025 Manly Inflatable Boat Race.

“The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an epic event and one which showcases the very best of Manly. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a splash for a fantastic cause,” Mr Griffin said.

Service Manager at AYAH Tayia Yates welcomed the support, saying the funds raised on the day would make a profound difference.

The concept of the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is simple:

Pick your wackiest fancy dress costume (the crazier, the better!)
Bring your inflatable of choice - anything from rubber duckies to pink flamingos, sea monsters, or pool ponies!
Join in the 1km paddle adventure from Shelly Beach, around the Manly Life Savers buoys, and back to shore.
Rules? There are none! First to the finish line wins!

To purchase tickets and for any further inquiries, please visit the Manly Inflatable Boat Race website at manlyinflatableboatrace.com.au

Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback

‘The draft harmonises the former council's policies and provides a consistent and strategic approach to tree management across the area.’ a release by the council says

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins encouraged the community to have their say on the draft Policy

"Our tree canopy is a vital part of our local environment, helping to keep temperatures down, providing important habitat, and is highly valued by our local community.

The council states the new draft policy provides:

a framework that supports the sustainable management and retention of safe and healthy trees
supports the management of public trees through succession and new tree planting, along with proactive and reactive maintenance programs
preferences locally occurring native species for new plantings
prioritises alternative options before pursuing the removal of trees

For more information and to provide feedback, the community can visit the Your Say project page.

The policy is on exhibition from Monday 24 February 2025 to Sunday 30 March 2025.

Visit; 'yoursay'.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Suki

6yo Retriever X Bulldog

Such a sweetheart! Suki is a gentle but active and very affectionate girl. She is social with other dogs and walks well on lead. Suki has a smooth coat and is underweight at 25.2kg. She is currently on 2 meals per day. She suits a FT worker with house and garden. She comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $450.

Mr Biggles

2yo Beagle X

Biggles is your typical beagle, nose to the ground and always checking out if there is some food around. He is social with other small dogs. He is very responsive to training and knows sit well and takes treats gently. On lead he barks at other dogs going past but his tail is wagging and just wants to say hello to everyone. We feel he has not had a lot of socialization with other dogs and his barking is an expression of his nervousness. He settles well at night and is very easy to bath and handle. He has a short coat and weighs 16.4kg. He would suit a part-time worker with some rescue expereince living in a house and garden. He comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $700.

For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

New Roadmap Aims to Address Health Inequities Faced by Autistic People 

February 25, 2025

The Australian Government has released the National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People 2025-2035.

Autistic people deserve access to high-quality health care that enables them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

The National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People 2025–2035 (the Roadmap) is our opportunity to build the health system that meets Autistic people’s needs.

We developed the Roadmap in close consultation with Autistic people, the autism community, academic experts, and health and mental health professionals. This included a national co-design process and public consultation.

By releasing the Roadmap, the Australian Government recognises the path to improve the health and mental health of Autistic people.

The Roadmap forms the fourth pillar of Australia’s National Autism Strategy 2025–2031 (the NAS). The NAS sets out the broader vision for a safe and inclusive society for all Autistic people.

You can learn more about the Roadmap at National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People HERE.

Creating a more accessible Australia

February 25, 2025

The Government has today announced a $17.1 million investment to work in partnership with states and territories to increase accessibility in community spaces across Australia through the new Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative.

Accessible Australia builds on the Government’s Changing Places initiative to include funding for additional accessible infrastructure projects in national parks, beaches and play spaces nationwide.

The Federal Government will fund up to 100 per cent of eligible accessible infrastructure for inclusive national parks, beaches and portable Changing Places facilities.

This includes funding for all terrain or beach wheelchairs and accessible paths or mobi-matting.

It will also fund up to 50 per cent of build cost for fixed Changing Places facilities and inclusive play spaces to include features like liberty swings and sensory play platforms, with remaining build costs and ongoing maintenance to be met by state and territory governments.

Minister for Social Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Amanda Rishworth, said Accessible Australia continues our Government’s strong focus on inclusion for people with disability across all aspects of our society and in every community.

“Changing Places is already building facilities in 39 communities across the country, providing the highest level of accessible bathrooms for people with complex needs, helping to remove the barriers some face in participating fully in their community,” Minister Rishworth said.

“Through Accessible Australia, we are significantly broadening the types of accessible infrastructure and amenities that will be built across Australia, providing access – for the first time for many – to national parks, beaches and play spaces.

“These new facilities will be in addition to Changing Places projects recently announced, as we bolster our efforts to increase inclusion and promote accessible tourism.”

The Australian Government will also provide funding to state and territory governments to help with the design, development and delivery of Accessible Australia projects.

“People with disability have the same rights to be included in our communities, to access the spaces we gather in, and to experience our beautiful natural environment.

“By working together, we can make Australia truly accessible for all,” Minister Rishworth said.

For more information about the Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative, visit the Department of Social Services website.

Free digital mental health supports

The Australian Government announced on Wednesday February 19 it is delivering high-quality free mental health supports for new parents, younger Australians, LGBTIQA+ people and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

A $135.2 million investment into the Digital Mental Health Program, will see 12 leading mental health services provide Australians access to digital and online mental health support at a time and place that suits them.

Programs include a first-of-its-kind Australian digital mental health service for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The program is being delivered by St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney through its THIS WAY UP CALD program.

The investment is also supporting new fathers who are experiencing depression. The DadBooster national online treatment program mirrors best-practice cognitive behavioural therapy to meet the needs of postnatal men.

For the first time, all funded services are accredited against the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards. This aims to improve the quality of digital mental health services offerings.

The investment is part of the government’s commitment to a whole-of-system approach to mental health reform.

Federal Health Minister, The Hon. Mark Butler said:

“Every Australian deserves access to mental health care and support at a time and place that suits them.

“That’s why we are expanding the range and reach of free high-quality digital mental health supports

“Mainstream services don’t work for everyone, and this $135 million investment will deliver more mental health care, more fairly and more efficiently to the people who need it.”

Successful grant applicants:

Blue Knot Foundation: Blue Knot Helpline
Butterfly Foundation: Butterfly National Helpline
E-Hub Health Pty Ltd: e-hub Web Service
headspace: eheadspace
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia: QLife
MQ Health Pty Limited: MindSpot
Orygen: MOST
PANDA: PANDA National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline
Parent-Infant Research Institute: MumMoodBooster and DadBooster
ReachOut Australia: ReachOut
SANE Australia: SANE's Guided Recovery Community for Complex Mental Health
St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney Limited: THIS WAY UP’s clinician-supported service, CALD community targeted service, and self-help service.

NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open

The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, teachers, training organisations and employers.

Get recognised and share your vocational success for the NSW Training Awards 70th anniversary. Don't delay, enter today.

Individual Awards entries close 14 March 2025
Organisation Award entries close 2 May 2025

To find out more and nominate, please visit; https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards

National worker registration scheme feedback

It will also play an important role in ensuring aged care is a safe place with appropriate protections for older people.

To find out more, visit Have your say on the design of a national registration scheme for personal care workers in aged care - Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Citizen Space

The consultation is open from 18 February to 17 April 2025.

North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?

Richard explains:

‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot.

You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event.

The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC

The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content.

Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response.

The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.

Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''

I am promoting the headland on HERE

I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com

Thank you

Richard Jeffery

Zonta Club's 2025 Birthing Kit Pack Day

Please join us for our Clean Birthing Kits Packing Day on Saturday 15th March.

If you can’t attend, please consider making a donation, details are shown below or please visit: www.zonta-northernbeaches.org

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane Notice

Letters to the Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but that remains optional. Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.

The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons. Email: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

Report Hate Crimes

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.

For more information, visit https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/hate_crimes

Community News + what ran in each Issue

Community News Pages list articles that ran each week as well as reports run in other pages: Inbox and Environment News archives etc.

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

January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020 October 2020 November 2020 December 2020

January 2021 February 2021 March 2021 April 2021 May 2021 June 2021 July 2021 August 2021 September 2021 October 2021 November 2021 December 2021

January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 July 2022 August 2022 September 2022 October 2022 November 2022 December 2022

January 2023 February 2023 March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 June 2023 July 2023 August 2023 September 2023 October 2023 November 2023 December 2023

January 2024 February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024

January 2025 February 2025

Pittwater Community Groups:

Residents Associations

Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater

Avalon Preservation Association

Bayview-Church Point Residents Association (BCPRA) 2020

Budawa Aboriginal Signage Group

Clareville & Bilgola Plateau Residents' Association (CABPRA)

Newport Residents Association

Palm Beach Whale Beach Association

RAID - Residents Against Inappropriate Developments In Ingleside

Pittwater Environmental Heritage Group

Scotland Island Residents Association

Warriewood Residents Association

West Pittwater Community Association

Sports (plus Social Members)

Avalon Beach Petanque Club

Avalon Beach RSL Fishing Club

Avalon Beach SLSC

Avalon Bilgola Amateur Swimming Club

Avalon Bulldogs

Avalon Sailing Club

Avalon Soccer Club

Barrenjoey Breakers - Palm Beach swimming group

Bayview Yacht Racing Association (BYRA)

Bilgola SLSC

Bilgola SLSC Boat Section 2017

Bei Loon Dragonboat Club

Bungan Boardriders

Bungan SLSC

Couta Boat Club - Pittwater Chapter

Ingleside Riders Group

Manly Warringah Netball Association

Mona Vale SLSC

Mona Vale SLSC Surf Boat Section

Narrabeen Amateur Swimming Club (NASC)

Narrabeen Youth Club

Narrabeen RSL Fishing Group

NASA - North Avalon Surfriders Association

Newport Arms Fishing Club

Newport Bowling Club

Newport Leatherjackets: Social swim groups in Newport SLSC Welcome all Community Members

Newport Rugby Club

Newport Rugby Club’s Breakettes

Newport SLSC

Palm Beach Longboarders Club

Palm Beach Sailing Club

Palm Beach SLSC Surf Boat Crews 2014

Pittwater Baseball Club

Pittwater Dragonboat Club

Pittwater Motor Enthusiasts Association

Pittwater Outrigger Racing Club

Pittwater Pinks Dragonboat Club

Pittwater Pirates: Mona Vale Rock Pool Winter Swimming Group

Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay - Multihull Division

RPAYC's DragonForce 65 Group: Radio Controlled Yachting

Saltwater Veterans

Sailability Pittwater

Sailability Crystal Bay

Sailability Manly

The Palm Beach Yacht Club

The Surfers Group

Warriewood SLSC

Warriewood SLSC Boat Section

Whale Beach SLSC

Woody Point Yacht Club

Gardens and Environment

Avalon Beach Dunes Bushcare

Avalon Boomerang Bags

Avalon Community Garden

Avalon Golf Course Bushcare

Avalon Honey

Avalon Preservation Association

Bushcare in Angophora Reserve by Geoff Searl OAM

Careel Creek Bushcare Group

Careel Multi Layered Coastal Assessment CMCA

Dragonfly Environmental

Electrify Mackellar

Friends of Bungan Bushcare Group

Friends of Currawong

Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment

Grevillea Caleyi Baha’i Temple Bushcare Group

Katandra Bushland Sanctuary

Kukundi Wildlife Shelter

Living Ocean

Manly Lagoon Friends

Mona Vale Beach Dunes Bushcare

Mona Vale Garden Club

Newport Community Garden

Permaculture Northern Beaches - Manly, Warringah, Pittwater

Pittwater Environmental Foundation

Pittwater Environmental Heritage Group

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)2024- 30 years

Save Manly Dam Catchment Committee

SeadragonSearch: Weedy Seadragons Citizen Scientist Project

South West Lovett Bay Coastcare Group

Stony Range Regional Botanical Garden

Sydney Wildlife

Sydney Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility at Waratah Park

The Green Team (formerly Av. Green Team)

The Powerful Owl Project

Rural Fire Brigades

Cottage Point Rural Fire Brigade

Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade - 9913 2230

Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade - 9999 4404

Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade

Warringah-Pittwater Headquarters RFB - 9450 3000

West Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade - 9997-3795

Services - Community Organisations

Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater (ASGMWP)

Aim for the Stars Foundation

Amnesty International Avalon Group

Avalon Beach Culture Collective Inc

Avalon Computer Pals Inc. 2021 (AvPals)

Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc - 2023

Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc.

Bilgola Plateau Probus Club

Broken Bay Marine Rescue

Community Care (Northern Beaches)

Computer Pals for Seniors Northern Beaches

Cottage Point Rural Fire Brigade

Country Women's Association Manly

Easy Transport Manly - Warringah - Pittwater (now EasyLink)

Friends of Northern Beaches Palliative Care

Kukundi Wildlife Shelter

Liberty Foundation: service rehoming animals from research

Manly-Warringah-Pittwater Care (MWP Care)

Marine Rescue Broken Bay

Marine Rescue Cottage Point

Marine Rescue Sydney - Terrey Hills Radio Base

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary

Monika's Doggie Rescue

MoWaNa Safe Space

Mums for Mums

Northern Beaches Creative Leisure & Learning

Northern Beaches Interchange (NBI) - support services

Northern Beaches Mums Market

Peninsula Music Club

Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group

Peninsula Seniors Toy Recyclers - 2024

Pittwater Friends of Soibada

Saltwater Veterans

Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee

Share the Spark

Southern Cross Wildlife Care

StreetWork - Turning Young Lives Around: The Change Your Course Program

Surfers Against Suicide

Sydney Wildlife

Sydney Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility at Waratah Park

The Village Chef By Meals On Wheels

Veterans Centre Sydney Northern Beaches (VCSNB)

Whale Beach SLSC

Women's Resilience Centre

Youth Up Front at Ingleside

Zonta Club of Northern Beaches

Arts and Social

Avalon Beach Culture Collective Inc

Avalon Beach Historical Society

Avalon Beach Ladies Probus Club

Avalon Quilters

Avalon Voices

Bilgola Plateau Probus Club

Elanora Players

Manly Warringah Radio Society

Mona Vale Mountain Cub Scouts

Mumpreneurs

Narrabeen Lakes Pittwater Ladies Probus Club

Northern Beaches Art Society

Northern Beaches Concert Band

Northern Beaches Creative Leisure and Learning Inc.

Northern Beaches Orchestra

Northern Beaches Social Riders

Northern Beaches Vision Impaired Group

Northern Beaches Youth Bands

Peninsula Bridge Club

Peninsula Music Club

Pittwater Artists Trail

Pittwater Camera Club

Pittwater Community Arts

Pittwater Community Hub

Pittwater Model Yacht Club

Rotary Club of Pittwater

Saltwater Veterans

Surfing Mums Inc.

Sydney Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Sydney Northern Beaches Woodturners Inc

Wingala Lapidary Arts & Crafts Group

Woolly Wednesday Knitting Group at Mona Vale Library

Mona Vale Residents Association

Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area. Email: mvrasydney@gmail.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/monavaleresidents

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:

Terry Jones J.P.
Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: 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

This 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. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. There is a database that volunteers maintain but this needs three pieces of information:

The position via GPS or road and suburb
The date
The animal

The details can be entered into the database directly by you at: www.wildlifemapping.org

Community News: March 2025

March 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 640

Week Three March 2025 (March 10 - 16)

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation

Total Fire Ban

Man arrested in Anna Bay for holiday rental scam

IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open: Closes March 17, 2025

Bookoccino Carpark Polis: 2025 Election

Appeal for Information: Warriewood theft

Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards

Anzac Memorial 2025 Residency

Consulting on payday super draft legislation

Government to extend unfair trading practice protections to small businesses

New government action to help tradies get paid on time and in full

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach

Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025

Free RSV immunisation for newborns: NSW

Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM

Manly Warringah Sapphires Claim 2025 HeartKids Cup

Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?

NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open

History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations

National worker registration scheme feedback

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation

ABHS March 2025 Meeting

Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM

IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open: Closes March 17, 2025

Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why

Number Screening Check for Year 1 students to be trialled in 150 NSW public schools next term

Women and girls' football participation soars in 2024

Anzac Memorial 2025 Residency

Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together Womens Day

Zonta Club's 2025 Birthing Kit Pack Day

Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation

Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework

NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre

Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback

Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Wilma's Secret to Be Launched this April

2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships

North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface?

Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025

NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open

History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations

NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open

National worker registration scheme feedback

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Letters to the Editor

Report Hate Crimes

Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation

Officeworks Mona Vale Is Helping Students

Protect Pittwater Update: Meeting Secured

Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

Water main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

Palm Beach Whale Beach Association Update: Feb-March 2025

Avalon Preservation Association: Feb-March 2025 Updates

Clareville Bilgola Plateau Residents Association: Quick Update

Bayview-Church Point Residents Association Updates

Newport Residents Association: Update

Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation

Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework

2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships

Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together

Breeding time for Little Penguins: Boaters urged to stick to speed limit

IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open: Closes March 17, 2025

Northern Beaches Police Area Command Updates

Breaking Down Barriers: A Conversation on Mental Health

Performance-Arts Centre at Narrabeen Sports High School Mooted

Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program

AOK Community Outreach Needs an Earth Angel

New Roadmap Aims to Address Health Inequities Faced by Autistic People 