Community News: March 2026 - Issue 652

Week One March 2026: Issue 652 (published Sunday March 1)

Front Page Issue 652

Week One March 2026: Issue 652 (published Sunday March 1)

Sell Off of Pittwater Residents Asset at Vuko Place 'On the Nose' Residents State

Central Coast Teenager Confirmed as First Tick-induced Fatality in Australia

Scruby urges government review to include benefits of licensing, registration and insurance- Northern Beaches PAC 'E-Voltage' Police Operation to continue

Pictures 2026 Surf Life Saving NSW State Championships - SLS SNB Branch results

Aquatics Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final Set to Run Next Weekend: March 7-8 2026

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

Park Bench Philosophers Council's Wildflower Project + Bushcare Volunteer Groups

Environment North Avalon Beach Dune Planting: March 1, When Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos are Yelling to each other, They're Sounding A Warning or claiming 'my branch', Rare Sighting - Australian Shelducks Visit Macquarie University, Chuditch and Bilbies returned to NSW now Thriving, When feral cats are away, potoroos and bandicoots are more likely to play, Climate outlook for March to June, Mona Vale Dunes bushcare group: 2026 Dates, Bangalley Headland Bushcare 2026, March 2026 at Kimbriki, NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee final determinations for February 2026, Koala habitat tree field guide and workshops empowering Northern Rivers communities, Motorway bridge offers koalas Royal habitat connection, Environment Groups call on Environment Minister to revoke Alcoa’s 'national interest' exemption in Northern Jarrah Forest, Condemnation of Minister’s greenlight for deforestation in NT, NSW Government's Heat Pump Feasibility Grant for businesses: closes March 31, Have your say on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review, Climate change is drying out the ‘forgotten rivers’ that keep the Murray-Darling alive. We need a new plan, Birdwood Park Bushcare Group Narrabeen, How ‘smart’ rainwater tanks can help keep platypus habitat healthy, ‘Don’t leave late’ is the best advice for fires or floods. These terrifying videos show why, One street tree can boost Sydney house prices by $30,000 – or cost $70,000 if it’s too close: new study, Good fungus may one day help save plants from bad fungus like deadly myrtle rust disease, Deeper ocean ecosystems are unique – and uniquely vulnerable without better protection, Rain is coming to Antarctica – here’s how it will change the frozen continent, Extreme weather is transforming the world’s rivers. We need new ways to protect them, Can African penguins be brought back from the brink? Better designed no-fishing zones could help, Science knows of 21,000 bee species. There are likely thousands more, Severe flooding – in central Australia? How a vast humid air mass could soak the desert, How Australia’s new fuel efficiency scheme quietly created a carbon currency for cars ‑ and it’s working, Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on display for the first time – here’s why it took 800 years, Crocuses are blooming early – here’s what this means for nature, Scorpions can pose a deadly threat to children – we’re identifying the global hotspots, The wonders of daisies: the buffet we walk on, Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) Needs People for the Rescue Line, 2025-26 Seal Reveal underway, 622kg of Rubbish Collected from Local Beaches: Adopt your local beach program, This Tick Season: Freeze it - don't squeeze it, Protect wildlife: dispose of fishing gear responsibly, Notice of 1080 Poison Baiting, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Pittwater Reserves, Environment History insights + Walks, Birds +

Inbox News The ground beneath Sydney emits radiation; But it’s nothing to worry about, Dating apps are facilitating LGBTQ+ hate crimes. How can users stay safe?,  Prohibitive policies drove organised crime in Australia 100 years ago; It’s happening again, How Tourette’s causes involuntary outbursts – and what people with the condition want you to know, Can blood tests really detect cancer?, Is surgery necessary for my endometriosis or ‘suspected’ endo?, Why does pain last longer for women? Immune cells may be the culprit, ‘It could happen here’: Lord of the Flies took its lessons from Hitler’s Germany; They speak to now, Punch the monkey isn’t the first lonely zoo animal to capture our hearts – or raise troubling questions, A viral monkey, his plushie, and a 70-year-old experiment: what Punch tells us about attachment theory, View from The Hill: Chris Minns makes sense on ISIS brides’ children, while opposition adds to scaremongering, Pauline Hanson’s no ‘good’ Muslims comment shows how normalised Islamophobia has become in Australia, When Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos are Yelling to each other, They're Sounding A Warning or claiming 'my branch', Rare Sighting - Australian Shelducks Visit Macquarie University, Palm Beach XI Takes Flight, Study hard: students urged to know their rental rights before signing a lease, Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final Set to Run Next Weekend: March 7-8 2026, Freshwater students embrace Writers Festival, Stamped in time: University of New England research features in new Australia Post stamp collection, Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour applications open, Opportunities: International Women’s Day Webinar – Balancing the Scale - online conversation with Tash Bryant, Jessica Sweeney, and Stacey Jackson + NASA 2026 is a go! + Battle of the Bands – Youth Edition: at Palm Beach, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Compassion, What makes a city beautiful? Here’s what ratings of thousands of urban landscapes reveal, There are more than 4.6 million food posts on TikTok alone. Why, then, do we still love cookbooks?, How 1.5 million km of undersea internet cables can double up as an earthquake and tsunami warning system, A cosmic explosion with the force of a billion Suns went unseen – until we caught its echo, 20 billion galaxies: new survey of the sky will reveal the universe in unprecedented detail, ‘Buy it nice or buy it twice’: what the ‘frugal chic’ trend tells us about our clothing habits, Buying a car? Here’s what you need to know about new safety ratings, Michelangelo hated painting the Sistine Chapel – and never aspired to be a painter to begin with, 250 million-year-old amphibian fossils from Australia reveal global spread of ‘sea-salamanders’, The ‘first-night effect’: why it’s hard to sleep when you’re somewhere new, Face-to-face scam support for NSW seniors, Palm Beach XI Takes Flight, Strengthening the retirement phase of superannuation, COTA welcomes retirement income reforms; calls for strong independent guidance, Spin-cycle savings: popular $250 washing machine program returns, Strengthening the reliability of medical reports: DVA, Open Arms group programs, AI companies promise to ‘fix’ aged care but they’re selling a false narrative, Mow for Ol'Mate in March, Local Seniors Festival Events: 2026, These shoes are best for hip and knee arthritis according to science, High-speed rail from Sydney to Newcastle is a step closer. But what about Sydney to Melbourne?, What wearables can (and can’t) tell you about your heart health, Utopia: on high-speed rail in Australia

Pittwater Ocean Swims Welcome Swimmers in March by John Guthrie

A community legacy: Art Auction of works from the Home of Susan Duncan & Bob Story to Support West Pittwater RFS - Open now, closing Monday 9 March at midnight - Live auction: Saturday 7 March, Elvina Reserve, 3.30pm - Approximately 20 works will be concluded live

Councils Approving DA's in Known Flood Zones - NSW Government's Proposed Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP): Have Your Say until March 16

Profile of the Week INXS Nominated for Induction Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - fan voting open now

The local band that started out in their early days as the Farriss Bros and then became INXS, with more than 70 million records sold worldwide and three Grammy nominations, who took their talents from Australian pubs to stadiums around the world, has been nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with the fans voting currently open.

Vote now at: vote.rockhall.com.

History The Barrett Family of Pittwater: History by William (Bill) James Goddard

John Fitzallen Barrett was born in 1843 in London, England and died on October 26, 1925, at his home in then named 'Queen Street', Newport. He and his wife Charlotte Mary Hildebrand bought land at Newport in 1897 and ran a store there. 

Their son John Ernest Barrett would later promote motorboat hire, a Pittwater and Palm Beach ferry, goods delivery by launch or horse and cart, and furnished cottages for rent.

This week Bill charts the changes of an early Pittwater family, ferry service and the store on Kalinya Street Newport from 1897 to 1966.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

February 1 2026


Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

BHS Surf Team Raffle

Barrenjoey High School Surf Team is aiming to go to The Australian Interschools Championships. 

Help Send Barrenjoey to the Australian Interschools Surfing Championships!

This May, 20 Barrenjoey students will compete at the Australian Interschools Surfing Championships on the Gold Coast - one of the biggest high school surf events in the country.

The event: 13–15 May 2026 | Kirra Beach & Miami Beach, Gold Coast 
The team:  20 boys and girls, plus coach Mr Rose.

Barrenjoey's Surf Excellence Program builds more than surfers — it develops leaders, teammates, and resilient young people who represent our school with pride on a national stage.

To get them there, we need to cover flights, accommodation, registration, food, and travel for the whole team. Every dollar helps.

Team members are already out hosting cake stalls and have their parents have launched a raffle. Let's get them to Queensland. 


About the Australian Interschools Surfing Championships 
The Australian Interschools Surfing is open to all Secondary Schools, including Government, Catholic and Inxdpenendnet schools across Australia, to compete and field Teams in each age division. 
Schools can enter multiple teams across boys and girls divisions from Year 7 to Year 12 or just one team. 

Surfing Australia and Surfing Queensland welcomes all competitors. The Australian Interschools Surfing Championships will be held on the Gold Coast May 14 to 15 2026. 

Event Schedule:
  • Wednesday 13th May, 2026: Opening Ceremony and Briefing: 4-5.30pm. Venue: Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus.
  • Thursday 14 – Friday 15, 2026: (Competition window - mobile event, conditions dependent). Prime venues: Kirra and Miami. Backup venues: Tugan, Tallebudgera, Currumbin and Palm Beaches (QLD version).
  • Event presentation: On beach 4pm Friday 15.

North Avalon Beach Dune Planting: March 1

Sunday, 1 March 2026 - 08:30 am to 12:00 pm

Join us to stabilise North Avalon Beach Dune. All community members are welcome from 8:30am-midday.

Please bring:

  • Gloves
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Wear long pants and sleeved shirt
  • Enclosed boots/shoes 

Meeting point: North Avalon Beach; Refer to exact location below:

Warriewood Community Centre Update

Warriewood Community Centre will be officially opened on 9 March 2026.

All new requests for hire are welcomed - 1300 434 434.

Features of the new centre include:
  • Flexible multi-purpose halls to accommodate a variety of recreational, cultural and community activities.
  • Two versatile meeting rooms suitable for workshops, programs and small events
  • A dedicated community space designed to be safe, inclusive and accessible for all
  • Covered outdoor areas and modern, fully accessible amenities
  • Multiple adaptable kitchen facilities to support events and group activities.
The project has been funded by the Warriewood Valley Development Contributions plan, introduced by Pittwater Council.


NSW Optimist Championship 2026 on Pittwater

Hosted by the RPAYC
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and the NSW Optimist State Championship, will run 21-22 March, 2026.
Registration for this event closes at Thu 12 Mar 2026 23:59.

View the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions via the Optimist Association website: Home – NSW International Optimist Dinghy Association (optinsw.org.au)

All boats are to be stored/rigged in the designated signed marked zones only in the lower carpark area at RPAYC, accessible from Friday afternoon.

The lawn is not a rigging zone, it is a trolley storage area. Existing club members with boats in racks at the centreboard lawn are requested to move their boats to the car park for rigging.

Parking at RPAYC
Parking is available at Crystal Bay Car Park for visitors.
RPAYC Members will be able to access the middle and top car parks. Please note that parking in the lower car park for Full Members will be limited, as it will largely be used for rigging. (Note dual events occurring across the weekend).

Registration
Registration will take place in the Training Centre Headquarters “Jake Gale Centre” (JGC), located adjacent the centreboard lawn and launching area. Collection of pre-ordered lunches will be available for collection from the JGC.

All competitors are required to register and sign on and off each day of competition.

Dollies are to be labelled with sail number and or boat name or owner.

Signing On / Signing Off
All boats intending to race shall sign on in the training HQ centre ashore before launching and sign off once they have returned.

Support-Coach Boats
ALL support-coach boat shall register prior to the event via the online form. Boats will be issued a storage area and must return to this area post racing.

Volunteers
Log into Volunteer.net.au to view your assigned task for the weekend: volunteer.net.au/volunteer

On water volunteers, lunches will be on Alfreds 1 and Alfreds 2 (A2 will also have Rib lunches).

Avalon Land Gifted to the Community: Notice

Public Notice: Proposed classification of public land - 27 Elizabeth Street, Avalon Beach

At the May 20 2025 council meeting the council voted in confidential session to accept a Pittwater resident’s generous offer of an environmentally sensitive block of land for public space in Avalon at no cost, except for those of the owner incurred for the legal transfer.

Pittwater councillor Miranda Korzy, in her 'From the Chamber' updates for that meeting, stated:

'The council will formally thank the landowner for the proposed donation, acknowledging the significant contribution it makes to enhancing the connectivity and habitat values of the surrounding wildlife corridor and supporting long-term community and environmental outcomes.

Following the proposed transfer, the council will take the appropriate steps to classify the block as community land and rezone it to open space. 

No other details were available, in accordance with the wishes of the person transferring the land to Council.'

On Tuesday February 17 2026 the council placed a Public Notice on its website advising following the transfer, to publicly notify the proposal to classify the land as Community Land under the Local Government Act 1993.

The Notice reads:
''In accordance with Section 34 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council hereby gives public notice of its intention to resolve to classify the following land as Community Land.

Address: 27 Elizabeth Street, Avalon Beach NSW
Legal Description: Lot 9 DP 773307


Submissions
Submissions to Council regarding the proposed land classification may be made within 28 days of the date of this notice by:
All submissions received during the public notice period will be considered, and a further report will be presented to Council to determine the proposed classification.

Enquiries
For further information, please contact Council on 1300 434 434.'

Submissions close 17 March 2026 - on this webpage

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Community Land is council-owned land designated for public use - such as parks, reserves, and sports grounds - that cannot be sold. It requires a mandatory Plan of Management (PoM) to outline its usage, categorisation, and protection, and it can only be leased or licensed for up to 30 years.

Google maps 2026 aerial of the site

View from hill above this site - on Riviera

Avalon Beach Historical Society March 2026 Meeting Notice

The next meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be held on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, in ‘The Annexe’ in the northwest corner of Dunbar Park. The meeting will begin at 8 pm sharp and will focus specifically on the history of the SEA CAVES below Bangalley Headland.

For years, locals have known them as THE OVENS and fishermen reckon, they provide the ideal grounds for some of the best fishing available locally. Access has always been difficult for most, and early fishermen cut holes into the sandstone for finger and toe holds, enabling a rope-assisted ascent and descent from the end of Raynor Road.

Member and local historian Bill Goddard, who ran the Northern Beaches Cliff Training Team in earlier years, has visited the caves many times as a rock climber. His company, Total Height Safety, amongst other achievements was responsible for the Fall Arrest Harnesses used on the replica Endeavour.

He will be joined by member Felicity Davis and her son, Russ, to relate their early ventures into the northern oven with her late husband, John Davis. On 14 February 1965, John Davis was one of four climbers who became the first to reach the summit of Ball's Pyramid, the world's tallest volcanic stack, near Lord Howe Island.

A great compilation of excellent still photos and a drone video by the inimitable John Illingsworth will give us a bird's-eye view of the Ovens, providing a fascinating pictorial and geological look without the life-threatening first-hand experience.

Geoff Searl OAM
President Avalon Beach Historical Society

RMYC Redevelopment

The Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay redevelopment is underway and Members Redevelopment Tours with CEO Jayson McDonald for an exclusive look at the Club’s redevelopment journey so far, and what’s still to come, are being made available to Members. Jayson will share how the project will be staged and reveal what the final Clubhouse will look like.

Following the talk, attendees will head out to the Board Room balcony with Jayson to view the redevelopment activity first-hand. He’ll talk you through what you’re seeing and answer your questions along the way.

All members will receive an updated brochure outlining the Club’s progress and future plans.

Non-members can view the scope of the works on the club's webpage at: royalmotor.com.au/pages/redevelopment-page

Photo: Feb 17 2026 RMYC site from upper balcony

World Hearing Day: March 3

The Audiology Place, at Shop 12, 14 Starkey St. Forestville, has sent in a reminder that this week is Hearing Awareness Week, and the 3rd of March is World Hearing Day. 

''In light of our discussion on hearing awareness, we are releasing our research on Australians' perceptions of hearing.'' Robert Steers CPM, Head of Operations, said on February 28

''The research we conducted surveyed 425 Australians across all states and territories. It reveals a significant gap in our preventive health framework. While Australians routinely visit GPs, dentists and optometrists, hearing has become the "forgotten check-up."

The full findings are available here: www.theaudiologyplace.com.au/2026-hearing-services-survey

Australians visit GPs on average 6 times a year. Around 80% of people have their eyes tested every 2 years. More than half see a dentist annually.

Yet new research shows 47.7% of Australians did nothing about their hearing in the past 12 months. Only 14.9% saw an audiologist. Only 14% would seek help immediately if they noticed hearing changes.

Hearing loss affects one in six Australians and is increasingly linked to cognitive decline and dementia. But unlike dental or eye care, there's no cultural norm around routine hearing checks.

Why the gap?

The research points to several factors:
  • Cost anxiety — 56.4% cite cost as the primary barrier, with qualitative responses revealing suspicion about pricing and sales motives
  • Age stigma — 50% of under-30s fear hearing aids would make them "feel old" (vs 12.5% of over-75s)
  • Trust dynamics — audiologists are highly trusted (88.7%), but retail hearing centres and AI tools score poorly
''As Australia's population ages and evidence mounts connecting hearing to cognitive health, should hearing checks become as routine as dental cleans?'' Mr Steers asks

NSW Government's Heat Pump Feasibility Grant for businesses: closes March 31

Learn how heat pumps could lower your energy costs and emissions here.

Key information

  • Status: open now
  • Grant amount: up to $30,000 to cover up to 75% of the project costs
  • Application closing date: Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at 5 pm (AEDT) or earlier, if funding is exhausted
  • Total funding amount: $1 million

Heat pumps are an effective solution to cut costs and decarbonise heating systems. Switching to heat pumps can benefit your businesses in many ways, including:

  • lowering energy costs
  • reducing exposure to volatile global energy prices
  • reducing carbon emissions.

Discover energy savings that were identified during the NSW Government's Heat Pump Feasibility pilot program. 

The Heat Pump Feasibility Grant is a great opportunity for eligible NSW businesses to assess whether a heat pump is a feasible option for your site. You can apply for up to $30,000 to cover 75% of the project costs.

What’s included in the grant funding

The grant provides funding to help you work with a specialist consultant who will first assess your site for any major barriers to installing a heat pump. If these barriers can be overcome, you will receive funding for a detailed feasibility study. This will help you make an informed decision about whether a heat pump is the right fit for your site.  

The grant includes 3 milestones:

  • Milestone 1: Up to $5,000 to cover up to 75% of the cost to identify if a heat pump is suitable for your business site. This is an opportunity to identify potential barriers to heat pump implementation and assess possible solutions. The results of milestone 1 will determine your progression to milestone 2.
  • Milestone 2: Develop the heat pump design against the site’s current process requirements. There is no payment of Grant funding at milestone 2.
  • Milestone 3: Up to $25,000 (covering up to 75% of costs) to develop a detailed heat pump feasibility study (for milestone 2 and 3).  

For full details about what is included and what is not, please read the funding guidelines (PDF, 637KB). 

Who can apply  

To be eligible for this Grant, you must meet all the following criteria:    

  • You have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and are registered for goods and services tax (GST).    
  • You are delivering your heat pump project at a NSW business site address.  
  • You use between 5,000 and 100,000 gigajoules (GJ) of gas (liquified natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, natural gas) per year at your business site, excluding fuel for transport. You must be able to provide evidence of your annual gas use, such as energy bills. You must submit the most recent available evidence, no more than 2 years old at the time you apply.      
  • You have identified a specialist consultant(s) to complete the Grant milestones.  

You are not eligible for this Grant if you:  

  • are a Commonwealth, state or local government entity  
  • have already been approved for this Grant funding  
  • have received or are going to receive funding from the NSW Government for the same activities.  

Open Arms group programs

February 24 2026
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling offers a suite of free online and face-to-face group programs for current and former serving ADF members, partners and other eligible family members:
  • Connected Couples
  • Managing Anger
  • Managing Depression
  • Managing Pain
  • Parenting programs
  • Recovery from Trauma
  • Relaxation and Stress Management
  • Sleeping Better
  • Stepping Out (transition from military to civilian life)
  • Understanding Anxiety
Open Arms’ group programs are generally co-facilitated by a clinician alongside a Lived Experience Professional, who understand the military and veteran families’ experiences.  

Group programs are designed to be supportive, inclusive and strengths-based, offering a safe space to learn, share and grow. The group format supports experiential learning, shared insight, and skills practice in a peer-supported setting, fostering both individual and collective growth.

We use a strengths-based approach to foster empowerment, resilience and self-efficacy in individuals, and prioritise emotional safety, choice and control, collaboration and empowerment, cultural sensitivity and respect for all forms of lived experience.

To find out more or enquire about joining a group, clients can contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or visit the group page: www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/treatment-programs-and-workshops to find a group program scheduled in their region.

If you have any questions, please email OpenArms.Groupprogramspathways@dva.gov.au

Cranzgots Pizza Cafe Closing March 15 2026

Cranzgots Pizza Cafe has announced it will close permanently on March 15.

This follows a DA proposal, first lodged in September 2024, which has been approved. The development consists of the construction of a new three (3) storey mixed use building containing 1 level of early childcare centre, retail/commercial tenancies on the ground floor and a single storey basement carparking located at 1-3 Careel Head Road Avalon Beach.


The proposal will require excavation to a depth of approximately 2.3 meters to enable the construction of a basement car parking.

In mid-December 2025 a small Notice was placed on the adjacent property at 3 Careel Head road advising of an application to have a licence to run a Dan Murphy's at the same location. Details were added into the December 2025 Community News Page:


Documents - reports - and plans available on this page: HERE

Live at Crannys will run every Saturday night (until 15th March!!) from 6pm… BE SURE TO RESERVE your table… the current proprietors and staff are looking forward to sharing more memories before they close. 

Some history on the site is available in:
Careel Head Road Shops and the North Bangalley- Burrowong Creeks: Some History by William (Bill) James Goddard II, Geoff Searl OAM, John Illingsworth and A J Guesdon

Pittwater Online will run further History insights into Pittwater Creeks, alongside the last of the 2024-2025 theme of Pittwater Public Wharves. The South Bangalley-North Avalon Beach ones run next, when the load/set is finished - then we head south, to Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Bungan and Newport before heading west to Ingleside, McCarrs Creek et al....

Careel Bay shoreline in 1938. Photo: Max Dupain, courtesy State Library of NSW

IPART seeks community feedback as 10 councils apply to increase rates above the rate peg

Tuesday February 17, 2026
IPART is inviting community feedback on special variation applications from 10 NSW councils to increase their income from rates above the rate peg for 2026-27.

IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the Tribunal is now seeking community feedback on applications from Ballina Shire Council, Blacktown City Council, Central Coast Council, Cessnock City Council, Glen Innes Severn Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Ku-ring-gai Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council, North Sydney Council and Uralla Shire Council. 

The increases sought range from 12.8% over one year to 58% over two years. Glen Innes Severn Council and North Sydney Council have 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 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 assesses special variation applications against criteria set by the Office of Local Government (OLG).

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 2026-27 are available for review on the IPART website, along with a short survey, a fact sheet on special variations and information about how to lodge a submission. IPART is seeking feedback on Special Variation applications by 9 March 2026.

IPART will release the final decisions on special variation and minimum rate increase applications by June 2026.

The Tribunal is now seeking community feedback on applications from: 
  • Ballina Shire Council
  • Blacktown City Council
  • Central Coast Council
  • Cessnock City Council
  • Glen Innes Severn Council
  • Hawkesbury City Council
  • Ku-ring-gai Council
  • Muswellbrook Shire Council
  • North Sydney Council
  • Uralla Shire Council

Attachment 1 - list of special variation (Table 1) and minimum rate (Table 2) applications can be viewed on pages 3-5 of IPart media release here.

Mow for Ol'Mate in March

Sunday, 1 March 2026 - 09:00 am to Tuesday, 31 March 2026 - 05:00 pm
It's a simple idea with a big heart: neighbours helping neighbours, right in their own backyards. By mowing a couple of lawns for older members of the community, you're not just tidying up - you're checking in, having a chat and making sure they're safe, supported and doing OK at home.

A freshly mown lawn can mean independence, dignity and peace of mind - and sometimes a reason to to stop, say hello and connect. So, grab a mower in March and be part of something special in the Northern Beaches Community.

Join this amazing community mow-ment today. Register your interest via enquiries@mwpcare.com.au or call 9913 3244.

OR Are you over 65 and would like your lawn mowed? Call our friendly team on 9913 3244 to register your interest.

Contact information
MWP Community Care, email: enquiries@mwpcare.com.au


Victa rotary lawnmower and Mervyn Victor Richardson of Careel Bay, the owner of the company - 1955 - photo by Jack Hickson, Australian Photographic Agency 

Saltwater Veterans: Helping Hands Needed

Saltwater Veterans are at the stage where we really need more volunteer buy-in and community support for our ACNC registered charity.

As a starting point, we’ve broken some of the larger jobs into smaller time commitments that can be easily shared across a small team, with a number of opportunities that can even be supported remotely.

Small amounts of autonomous volunteering (from as little as 1 hour/month) would be massively appreciated and will start to build redundancy into our Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project.

We absolutely love how people step up and help on event days — and we’re now seeing Salties confidently running up Revs events, which is awesome. What we really need next is shore-side support — particularly with maintenance and administration. 

We are growing and as we grow we need more hands to help.
If you can lend a hand, please register your EOI here.

MWP Care Seeking Volunteers

Our business relies on the kindness of strangers...
Looking for a way to give back without giving up your lifestyle?

Become part of our Volunteer IMPACT Club and gain access to exercise classes, social events, Silver Surfers, tables at trivia as well as training and development workshops! Plus – have your petrol reimbursed!!

Volunteering with MWP fits around your life and your schedule, letting you make a real impact in your local community. Enjoy meeting like-minded people, learning new skills, and knowing that your time is changing lives every day.
Your Time. Your Way. Your Impact. 
Find out more here: mwpcare.com.au/get-involved

Inaugural Surf Lifesaving Red & Yellow Day

On Wednesday 4 March 2026, Surf Life Saving Australia will launch the very first Red & Yellow Day, a new nationwide celebration of Surf Life Saving and the thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers who keep our beaches safe.

With one month to go until the inaugural Red & Yellow Day, Surf Life Saving Australia is calling on everyone across Australia to take part, by wearing the colours, donating, fundraising, signing up at your local club and by staying beach-safe.

Red & Yellow Day is an opportunity to:

  • Improve public awareness of the vital work of Surf Life Saving and the thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers around the country
  • Educate communities, families and individuals about essential water safety information
  • Increase fundraising to maintain and replace equipment, train volunteer surf life savers and deliver water safety education in communities
  • Inspire more Australians to get involved and support their local community

Events and activations are being planned around the country as the countdown to March 4 begins, with more information about national and local activity to be shared in the lead up to Red & Yellow Day.

Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir said: “With one month until Red & Yellow Day, now is the time for schools, clubs, businesses, and individuals across Australia to get behind the day.

“Red & Yellow Day is an opportunity for all of us to show our support for the thousands of volunteer surf lifesavers who give their time to keep our beaches safe.

“The best way you can get involved is by wearing red and yellow on March 4, and by always swimming between the red and yellow flags.”

Surf Life Saving Australia’s major national partner DHL is supporting Red & Yellow Day by delivering up to 1000 Red & Yellow Day Party Packs nationally, with 100% of the purchase price going directly to supporting volunteer surf lifesaving services.

The Red & Yellow Day Party Pack contains everything you need to host a Red & Yellow Day event and are available to purchase now via redandyellowday.org.au.

For inspiration on how to get involved on March 4, check out the Red & Yellow Day campaign video below, or to learn more about Red & Yellow Day, visit redandyellowday.org.au.

By getting behind Red & Yellow Day, you’ll be supporting the vital work of Surf Life Saving volunteers around the country. When you back the surf lifesavers on Red & Yellow Day, you can help save lives too.

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Narrabeen Sports High School 2026 Open Night

Come and join us for our 2026 Open Night on Tuesday 3 March, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. 

This event is open to all prospective students and parents and is a wonderful opportunity to experience our school community first-hand.

On the evening you will:
  • - Meet our dedicated teachers and staff
  • - Enjoy guided tours of our school facilities
  • - Explore faculty Teaching and Learning displays
  • - Hear the Principal’s Address at 4:00pm
  • - Enjoy student music performances
  • - Learn more about our Sports Academy Program
We look forward to seeing you there!

The Kerry Gleeson Centre 

We are reaching out on behalf of the local community to warmly invite you to our Community Call to Action Night on 4 March at 6:30pm at Mona Vale Public School. 

This free event brings together local organisations, services, and community members who care about mental health, connection, and creating meaningful change.

For more than 15 years, Kerry Gleeson has been a dedicated Lived Experience Practitioner and Advocate supporting individuals and families across the Northern Beaches. Her work spans suicide prevention and postvention, grief support, trauma‑informed care, Mental health and community advocacy. Much of this support is provided voluntarily, especially to people who cannot access or have felt failed by funded services.

Kerry’s voluntary contributions include:
  • Supporting families after suicide loss when aftercare services were unavailable
  • Advocating for community members experiencing unsafe or inadequate care
  • Assisting families facing homelessness after traumatic events
  • Facilitating free anxiety support groups for Way Ahead Mental Health
  • Co‑facilitating the Bereaved by Suicide group with Lifeline Northern Beaches
  • Connecting bereaved parents to reduce isolation
  • Chairing the Northern Beaches Council Mental Health Month wellbeing event, coordinating over 25 local services
  • Assist Chair for Homelessness Interagency
  • Serving on the Avalon Youth Hub Steering Group
  • Contributing lived‑experience guidance to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Kerry is now establishing The Kerry Gleeson Centre, a not‑for‑profit organisation (charity registration pending) designed to make this work sustainable and community‑led.

About the Event
This is the first event of its kind, a genuine call for the community to help shape and build a charity created for the community, by the community. To bring this vision to life, we are seeking skills, support, volunteers, and community partners who can contribute time, expertise, or resources.

On the night, Kerry will share the purpose and vision behind the Centre, and two community members will speak about their own experiences and how advocacy has supported them. The event is open, welcoming, and designed to encourage community voices.
Our shared goal is to build a community‑driven organisation grounded in hope, connection, and advocacy. We cannot do this without the involvement of local businesses and community.

To learn more about Kerry’s work, please visit: www.theadvocatekerry.org
We would be grateful for your presence and support at this important community event.

Warm Regards,
Jodie Anderson, Volunteer and Secretary 

Rare Pink Diamonds at Warriewood Event

Pittwater will sparkle this March as York Jewellers Warriewood hosts an exclusive Pink Diamond Event 2026, bringing some of the world’s rarest and most captivating gemstones to the local community.

Pink diamonds are among the rarest natural gemstones on earth, prized for their delicate hues and extraordinary scarcity. With the closure of Western Australia’s famed Argyle mine in 2020 – once the primary source of the world’s pink diamonds – opportunities to view these gems have become increasingly rare.

Now, residents will have the chance to experience them first-hand, without travelling to the Sydney CBD.

“It’s incredibly special to be able to showcase pink diamonds right here in Warriewood,” said Douglas Ely, owner of York Jewellers.

“These diamonds may be rare, but they’re not out of reach – our goal is to help local customers explore and enjoy pink diamond jewellery in an easy, approachable way.”

The Pink Diamond Event 2026 will feature a curated selection of natural pink diamonds and pink diamond jewellery, alongside bespoke design options crafted by York Jewellers’ experienced team. Guests will also enjoy complimentary refreshments while learning about what gives pink diamonds their distinctive colour, how rarity is determined, and why these gemstones continue to attract global attention.

York Jewellers’ Warriewood showroom has served the community since 2024, and the event reflects the brand’s commitment to bringing exceptional jewellery experiences to local customers.

“Our clients appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and meaningful design,” Douglas said. 

“Pink diamonds resonate because they’re not just beautiful – they tell a story of rarity, resilience, and individuality, which really aligns with the spirit of the area.”

While pink diamonds are increasingly recognised for their collectability and long-term value, York Jewellers emphasises that the event is designed to be inclusive and educational.

“Whether someone is celebrating an engagement, a milestone anniversary, wants to invest or simply wants to learn more, this event is about discovery,” Douglas added.

The Pink Diamond Event 2026 will take place at York Jewellers Warriewood on 5 March.

Event Details
Location: York Jewellers, Shop SP019 Warriewood Square,
12 Jacksons Rd, Warriewood NSW 2102
Date: 5 March, 1pm - 7pm
Entry: Complimentary

NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee: share your thoughts on supports under review

On 16 February 2026 the Australian Department of Health announced the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee is reviewing supports to make sure they are safe, beneficial and cost-effective for people with disability. The committee wants input from the disability community to help inform their advice to government.  

The Australian Government established the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee to ensure that NDIS supports are safe, suitable and cost-effective for people with disability.

Supports the committee will be reviewing include:
  • early intensive behavioural interventions 
  • positive behaviour support for older children and adults 
  • robot-assisted gait training 
  • social skills training as a disability support for children and young people.
If you use or research these supports or use other supports for similar goals, the committee wants to hear from you.

Your feedback will help inform the committee’s advice to government to improve outcomes for NDIS participants.

Find out more from on the Department's consultation hub:

Public consultation is now open until 11:59 pm AEDT on 29 March 2026.

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Tucker

5 mths Staffy X

Tucker came from the pound at just 16 weeks and started as an anxious highly strung little boy who was protective of his food. He has come a long way and sits nicely for treats with no issues. He walks well on lead and adapts to new environments well. Tucker has been introduced to some female dogs. He is a confident sort of a guy who would be best with a confident female dog who is not too assertive in manner to show him the ropes and guide him to good doggy manners. He has a short coat and weighs 14.1kg at 5 mths. Tucker is looking for a home based worker with time to do all the puppy training and a garden for him to run and play in. His adoption fee is $800. He is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. 

Freckles 

10yo Foxy X Pug

Freckles came from the pound terrified and shut down. Even at our vets he would urinate and defecate on you if you tried to pick him up. It took 2 days at his foster home before he would move, and we saw a tiny tail wag. He ate when there was nobody around. Freckles is getting used to some small senior dogs and seems happy in their company. 

Freckles is such a gentle sweet boy. He now likes gentle strokes from people he knows. He is looking for an experienced owner who can continue bringing him out of his shell. He has a shortish coat and weighs 6.4kg. Frechles is very food focussed, typical pug so easy to train! All our dogs come desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $600. 

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

International Women’s Day Webinar – Balancing the Scales

Thu 5 March 2026: Online | 7:00pm (AEDT)
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Australian Sailing and join an inspiring online conversation with Tash Bryant, Jessica Sweeney and Stacey Jackson.

Tash Bryant started out in Optimists at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club on Pittwater, Tash progressed through the 29er class, became a Youth World Champion, campaigned the 49erFX, and learned to foil during COVID. She now races internationally as Strategist on the Bonds Flying Roos and was part of the Australian team that won Season 3 of SailGP. As the only woman on board, Tash will share her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and how she’s helping shift the balance in elite sport.

We’ll also hear from Jessica Sweeney, Team Lead for Marine and Coastal Hazards at the Bureau of Meteorology. She leads Australia’s national marine forecasting and warning services and is a former meteorologist for two America’s Cup campaigns and the Volvo Ocean Race. An accomplished ocean navigator, she is a Pacific Cup winner, Round Britain and Ireland Race record-setter, and six-time Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race finisher.

Joining them is Stacey Jackson, an elite offshore sailor with nearly 20 Sydney to Hobart starts and multiple Volvo Ocean Race campaigns. She skippered the first all-female professional crew aboard Wild Oats X to second overall in the 2018 Hobart and is fresh from helping The Famous Project become the first all-female crew to complete a non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in a Jules Verne Trophy campaign in January 2026.

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear first-hand how big dreams can start in small boats — and to feel inspired, empowered and motivated to take your own sailing journey further.

Find out more and register here: https://www.sailing.org.au/events/340409

Women Of Whale Celebrations 2026

Whale Beach SLSC are excited to celebrate their Women of Whale Weekend at Whale Beach on 7-8 March.

WBSLSC tells us:
''Across the weekend, we’re bringing together the women and girls of our club and wider community for connection, creativity, leadership and fun.''

✨ Women of Whale Celebration - Evening & Sleepover
A night of clothing swaps, jewellery-making with AHHA Jewelry, shared dinner, and a supervised sleepover for our under-18 members (with parental permission) - creating space for belonging, friendship, and confidence.

🌊 Pink Zinc Day Patrol
A fully operational, female-led patrol aligned with International Women's Day - with leadership opportunities across patrol captaincy, first aid, radio, IRB, jetski familiarisation and board skills, plus mentoring, team connection, and a splash of pink (and cupcakes!).

🛍Women of Whale Community Bazar
An afternoon pop-up stall to recycle, refresh and raise funds for future Women of Whale initiatives - strengthening our club culture of care, inclusion and support.

This weekend is about celebrating women past, present and future at Whale Beach - building leadership pathways, strengthening friendships across generations, and continuing to grow together.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Narrabeen Lakes Amateur Swimming Club: Saturday Afternoons

Some say the key to keeping New Year's resolutions is to make them specific, measurable, and achievable. If health and wellness is yours, then swim clubs can help you achieve them.  It’s an easy exercise habit to develop, super cheap ($40 for the rest of the season), with measurable improvements.  And its heaps of fun and so good for your wellbeing.  

Just walking down the path to our beautiful Narrabeen ocean and lagoon sheds will help you destress and then you get to swim in our spectacular pool with some pretty wonderful people (at the most magical time of the year to swim).  

You can learn more about us at www.nlasc.com.au or just come down and swim a length of two with us and see what we're all about.  

You'll find us at Narrabeen rockpool every Saturday arvo from 1pm.

AOK: Thursday Volunteers Needed

Every Thursday, we serve a hot meal to our homeless community — and right now, we urgently need help to make that happen.
We’re looking for one or two reliable people with transport and a working oven who can help heat pre-cooked meals each Thursday.

Quick details:
  • Food already cooked
  • Trays provided
  • Pick up Warriewood – Thursday morning
  • Heat in your oven
  • Return hot by 4pm
That’s it. No cooking. Just heating.

This has become a critical weekly gap, and having consistent Thursday support would take enormous pressure off and ensure our community doesn’t miss out on a hot meal.

If you:
💜 Live near Warriewood 
💜 Have a working oven
💜 Can help most Thursdays (even fortnightly)
👉 Please comment or message us ASAP. at: 

If Thursdays aren’t possible but you’d like to help in another way, still reach out — we have other roles too.

Thank you for helping us keep our community fed with dignity.
— Sarah & the AOK team

Feedback on Middle Harbour flood study findings Invited

The council is asking residents of Belrose, Davidson, Frenchs Forest, Forestville, and Killarney Heights to find out about flood risk in the area and share their views on the draft Middle Harbour Flood Study. This new Study uses the latest technology and data to better understand local flood risks and improve emergency planning.

The draft Study replaces the 2010 Frenchs Creek Flood Study, showing fewer flood-affected properties in this area due to modelling with improved technology and more up-to-date rainfall data. However, by looking at a significantly wider area not previously investigated for flooding, it identifies more properties at risk overall. The Study provides information on flood levels, depths, and hazards, includes feedback from recent floods and considers climate change impacts.

Mayor Sue Heins said the release of the draft Study marks a significant step forward for the community.

“This draft Flood Study is a major step in making our neighbourhoods safer and better prepared for future floods.

“We’ve listened to the experts, community members, used the latest technology and now we want to share that with you and hear back from you.

Flooding can seriously affect homes and infrastructure. 

The council states the updated Study will guide future development, help emergency planning, and build a safer community.

During the exhibition period, property owners within the study area will receive a letter if their property has been identified as being flood affected. This letter will outline how they can find out more about the study and its findings and how to make a submission. Residents will be able to book in for face-to-face meetings with council flood officers and a consultant, receive updates through council e-newsletters and give feedback on the council’s Your Say webpage for this work.

The next stage of the process will be to undertake the flood risk management study and plan, which will investigate potential options to reduce and manage flood risk in the area.

The draft Study is available to view on the council’s Middle Harbour Flood Study (draft) webpage and submissions are now open and will close March 9.

The draft Study has been prepared with financial assistance from the NSW and Commonwealth Governments through the Natural Disaster Resilience Program.

Petition: Stop Politicians from spamming & harvesting our data

Sign at: www.katechaney.com.au/spam-and-data-petition

We want political parties to communicate - but without bombarding us or harvesting our personal information.

This is a chance for the Government to act to protect voters.

Political Spam

We’re tired of getting swamped with political texts. Political parties shouldn’t be exempt from the Spam Act 2003 - they need to follow the same rules as every business. Prime Minister Albanese said on ABC Radio, “I certainly think that would be a reasonable thing to do, to ban the texts."

Data Harvesting - Postal Vote Applications

Millions of Australians vote by post. This process should be between you and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) - not political parties fishing for your data. Right now, major parties send postal vote application forms – by SMS, email or to your mailbox - along with their political ads and ask you to send your application to a “processing centre” they control. They can then collect your personal details to use and share before passing the application on to the AEC. As AEC Commissioner Jeff Pope said on 31 March 2025, "Concerns about party postal vote applications through unsolicited outreach is the number one complaint we hear from voters at almost every federal election"

Governments in Victoria and Western Australia have fixed this. NSW is next. 

It’s time for the Federal Government to do the same!

More in report: Bill to Stop Politicians Harvesting your Data Via Postal Votes Introduced: Petition to support Bill

Report Hate Crimes

Recent reports to the news service would indicate this reminder is needed at present.

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.

When not on social media and when there is no crime committed, but an action is still motivated by hate, prejudice or bias, it is known as a hate incident. Both hate crimes and hate incidents are taken very seriously by the NSW Police.

When you report hate that you witness or experience, you become part of a larger movement to remove it from our society.

What you can expect from the NSW Police Force:
  • Every report is taken seriously by the NSW Police Force.
  • You can expect a respectful and straightforward experience.
  • A translator will be used if required.
  • When you report to the police, they will request your details. You can choose not to provide these details at the time of reporting however, this will likely affect how police can proceed with an investigation.
  • Support services or contact with an appropriate liaison officer will be offered.
  • You will be kept informed of what happens next, your rights and the criminal process (if someone was able to be charged).
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  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  March 2025  April 2025  May 2025  June 2025  July 2025  August 2025  September 2025  October 2025  November 2025  December 2025

January 2026  February 2026

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. 

Simply enter:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal

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


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. 

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

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. 
Send yours via email to: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au