community news: May 2023

May 28 - June 3  2023: Issue 585

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 585

Mona Vale’s John McFadden Wins World Food Championships!

Aquatics: Weedy Seadragons Citizen Scientist Project Needs More Eyes On The Seas, Sands + Shores: The SeadragonSearch Project

From The Council Chamber: May 23, 2023 by Pittwater Greens Councillor Miranda Korzy

Full NSW Government Funding For Wakehurst Parkway Confirmed: Improvements In Elanora Road, Elanora Heights + Mirool Street Narrabeen Now Included - New MP For Wakehurst Also Brings Up Cancelled Bus Services + Proposed Lizard Rock Development In Representative Of Community Statements 

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

Community Forum To Address 4G/5G Infrastructure Concerns Almost Shelved: Will Go Ahead Because Palm Beach Resident Stood Up To Ensure Passed Council Motion Not Dumped - Will Now Be A Call For Amendments To Federal Legalisation To Include Residents + Local Government In Determining Proposals

Conny Harris Calls For Exclusion Fencing + Traffic Calming Devices In Wildlife Hotspot On Oxford Falls/Morgan Roads Prior To New Oxford Creek Bridge Being Built

National Inquiry Into Body Image Called For: Eating Disorders On The Rise, Those Who Have Suffered For Years Still Cannot Access Help

Pictures: Aquatic Reflections seen this week: Narrabeen + Turimetta by Joe Mills 

Park Bench Philosophers Historic Zig Zag Railway reopens: one place to take the youngsters, and oldsters, this Winter school holidays

Environment Learning To Waddle Along A Tree Branch, Why We Love Our Trees by Willoughby Council, Special Treatment For The Worst Polluters: Government Admission Highlights The Need To Stop New And Expanded Coal Mines In NSW, How Citizen Scientists Are Helping To Save A Species: 35 Christmas Beetle Species Unearthed By Volunteers, Protect Mona Vale's Bongin Bongin Bay - Establish An Aquatic Reserve, Ausgrid Community Battery Pilot - Warriewood: Have Your Say, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew: Freshwater May 28, Permaculture NB: June To July 2023 Events, Chemical CleanOut: June 2023, NSW Government To Undertake Electricity Sector Check Up To Deliver Clean Energy Future, Man Charged After Alleged Act Of Animal Cruelty - Little Bay, Place-Based Cultural Immersion Opportunities, Lake Illawarra Site To Remain In Public Hands, Australia is in a unique position to eliminate the bee-killing Varroa mite. Here’s what happens if we don’t, With hundreds of call-outs every day wildlife rescue services can help us understand the threats to our native animals, After the chainsaws, the quiet: Victoria’s rapid exit from native forest logging is welcome – and long overdue,  From mangroves to fjords, coastal ecosystems can take up or emit greenhouse gases. But globally, they’re a vital sink, Study finds 2 billion people will struggle to survive in a warming world – and these parts of Australia are most vulnerable, Antarctic alarm bells: observations reveal deep ocean currents are slowing earlier than predicted, A botanical detective story: shedding light on the journey out of Africa for one of Australia’s worst weeds, Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn’t break down nearly as quickly as hoped – new research, Tiger protection in India also saved 1 million tonnes of carbon emissions – new study, Farmers face a soaring risk of flash droughts in every major food-growing region in coming decades, The real cost of your chocolate habit: new research reveals the bittersweet truth of cocoa farming in Africa’s forests, Coffee, brought to you by bees: a case study in how restoring habitat is a win-win for forests and farmers, Greedy gulls decide what to eat by watching people – new research, Good vibrations: how listening to the sounds of soil helps us monitor and restore forest health, The world’s worst animal disease is killing frogs worldwide. A testing breakthrough could help save them, ‘Painting with fire’: how northern Australia developed one of the world’s best bushfire management programs, How to fool a mouse: ‘chemical camouflage’ can hide crops and cut losses by over 60%,  Bushcare In Pittwater, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Report Fox Sightings, Weed Of The Season: Cassia - Please Pull Out and Save Our Bush, New Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Pittwater Environment groups and organisations, Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon, Recycle plastic tags

Inbox News Skin patch shows promise for toddlers with peanut allergy, World leaders are flocking to Papua New Guinea; Here’s why, In 2050 Over 800 Million People Globally Estimated To Be Living With Back Pain, Modular Builds May Help Construction Industry Weather A Perfect Storm: UniSA, What Marsupials Can Teach Us About Brain Development, Half Of World's Largest Lakes Losing Water: Climate Change, Human Consumption and Sedimentation Contributing To Decline, New Supply Chain Model To Empower Seabound Hydrogen Economy: UTS, Building Trusted Digital Services: The Trustworthy Digital Society Hub, Flexing Crystalline Structures Provide Path To A Solid Energy Future, Oldest Architectural Plans Detail Mysterious Desert Mega Structures, We Love You Tina - Always Will: Homebake 2009 Festival In Sydney, VALE Dr Rosemary Crossley - In Tribute To Rosemary, Sydney In 1928, Public Hospital Funding Agreement Needs Complete Makeover: AMA, Consistent Link Between The Seaside and Better Health, Wayne’s Hand-Built Lolly Trolleys Bring Sweet Joy For Older People In Need, Victoria shows Australia how to finally abolish stamp duty once and for all, Empowerment, individual strength and the many facets of love: why I fell for Tina Turner, Vaccination Best Protection As We Head Into Winter Months, The Mediterranean Diet: Good For Your Health and Your Hip Pocket, Why surfing can be beneficial for people with brain injuries, ‘We can no longer justify unpaid labour’: why uni students need to be paid for work placements, Applications Open For 150 Apprentice Scholarships, Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards 2023: Opetional Theme This Year 'The Winding Road', Northern Beaches Police Area Command: E-Scooter And E-Bike Safety Operation, The 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards", Enzo Maiorca: Everyone Can Make A Difference, Sydney in 1928, School Leavers Information Service, Word Of The Week: Bamboozle, Empowerment, individual strength and the many facets of love: why I fell for Tina Turner, How can I make studying a daily habit?, Astronomers detected two major targets with a single telescope – a mysterious signal and its source galaxy, Why are killer whales attacking boats?; Expert Q&A, Laws targeting protesters are being rushed through state parliaments; But they are often poorly designed and sometimes, unconstitutional, ‘We haven’t been taught about sex’: teens talk about how to fix school sex education, The great beauty of art is its absence of certainty, 10 ways to help the boys in your life read for enjoyment (not just for school), Ancient humans may have paused in Arabia for 30,000 years on their way out of Africa, 

Profile of the Week Margaret Anne Molloy OAM Tribute 2023
Passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023.
Born May 22, 1932.
Beloved wife of Tom (late), proud and loving mother of Scott and David, delighted grandmother of Rachael, James, Clare, Tamzin and Max, respected and much loved auntie of the extended family and cherished friend of all who knew her, Margaret has, after ninety years of giving, gone to be with her husband in the arms of the Lord of creation.

Family and friends attended a commemoration and celebration of Margaret’s life at Lovett Bay, Pittwater, the place she loved best, on the 22nd May, 2023.

This Issue we run Margaret's Profile from 2012 to commemorate and celebrate a wonderful lady of our community.

To open our June 2012 focus on Pittwater ladies who have contributed much to many for decades we were privileged to share a small insight on a lady who has been a delight and a champion for Pittwater's Offshore residents for decades. With careers as a journalist, writer, insightful in Australian literature, receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on the Queens Birthday Honours List of 2009 ''For service to the community of West Pittwater'', Margaret saw lots of change in Pittwater but was a fine example of what doesn’t change and how what is in people enriches community.

A resident of the beautiful Lovett Bay, secretary for the West Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade since the early 1970’s, Margaret had backbone, clarity and generosity and a sharp mind as she sailed into her ninth decade in the world. 

Born in Nowra into a family who had lived there since 1900, where her grandfather, Henry Rauch bought and edited the Shoalhaven Telegraph newspaper, later publishing the Shoalhaven and Nowra News, the latter being founded by her father Cecil, who was also Mayor of Nowra in 1926, Margaret Molloy, born May 22, 1932, had saltwater in her essence and words that came together to say what she means.

National Reconciliation Week runs Saturday 27 May 2023 to Saturday 3 June 2023
National Sorry Day or the National Day of Healing, an event held annually in Australia on 26 May, commemorating the Stolen Generations, precedes this. 

National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities. National Reconciliation Week is a time for Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. 
The first National Sorry Day was held on the one-year anniversary of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report. It examined the government practices and policies which led to the Stolen Generations and recommended support and reparations to the Indigenous population. 

On 28 May 2000, more than 250,000 people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, participated in a walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge organised by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation to protest the lack of a government apology to Indigenous people, show solidarity and to raise public awareness. Members of the public also had a plane write "sorry" above the bridge the same day.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart was released on Sorry Day in 2017.

In our area the Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater, ASGMWP, will hold its annual National Sorry Day this Sunday, May 28th, at Mona Vale Memorial Hall from 1.30pm. All Welcome - All Belong.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, ''Be a Voice for Generations'', encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

Further information about National Reconciliation Week this year is available on the Reconciliation Australia website: www.reconciliation.org.au

To close this special week, 'Singing Up Country 2023' will take place on Sunday June 4th in our area.

This Issue a Celebration to Honour two real First Ladies of our area - one the mother and one the daughter who became renowned for being a midwife to all who lived in Pittwater.

Which reflects back on the Stolen Generations - children taken and in Catherine Benns, children given.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 1, 2023

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

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

Congratulations John McFadden: World Food Champion

Mona Vale Chef John McFadden claimed the coveted title of World Food Champion at the 10th World Food Championships’ Final Table in Bentonville, Arkansas on Sunday, May 21st, picking up $US100,000.
Touching down in Sydney he was greeted by his family with 'congratulations' signs at the airport and by neighbours with Australian flags in their home street.

The World Food Championships is the largest competition in Food Sport, where culinary competitors of previous events convene for a chance at winning the ultimate food crown and a share of hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money. 

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

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

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

“My course three-dish was ‘surf and turf’ prawns, scallops, and chorizo, cauliflower puree, roast crab and prawn sauce,” McFadden told Club Management from Bentonville, Arkansas, straight after the final.

“The fourth-course dish was seared lamb, roast heirloom carrots, spiced carrot puree, dukkah, salted yoghurt and hazelnuts.”

John made his way through to the major final after being crowned World Seafood Champion at WFC’s Main Event in Dallas in November last year. He then went on to beat nine other category champions in a three-round culinary gauntlet designed to test skills, technique, creativity and time management. 

“I won the final by 10 points across five judges with a score of 95,” he said.

In more exciting news, after winning the World Food Championships in the USA, John has partnered with Doug Fraser, Kylie Franks Fraser and the Basin Dining Room to create a 5 course tasting menu showcasing the award winning dishes. The event will be held on Wednesday June 28th.

For bookings contact The Basin Dining Room, overlooking glorious Mona Vale Beach, at:  www.basindining.com.au


CONGRATULATIONS JOHN!


Photo; John standing with chef Timothy Ordway, Executive Chef at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, also in Bentonville, Arkansas, after taking out the World Food Championships overall title.

Congratulations Leilani, Emily + Ned

Huge congratulations to Warringah Rugby players Leilani Nathan, Emily Robinson and Ned Slack-Smith.

Emily and Leilani have been selected for the Wallaroos squad after outstanding work throughout the Super W Competition.

Ned has been named in the Junior Wallabies squad who will play against the New Zealand Under 20's in Wellington on May 29th and June 3rd in a two game series.

Emily started out with the Narrabeen Tigers as a junior has 18 caps with the Waratahs but posted on Instagram after being named in the Wallaroos team;

''It’s hard to put into words what this day means. 
To all the people who came before us and paved the way for us to reap the rewards Thank You.
To all the girls of my era we have had the best of both worlds pre and post professional era.
To the girls who will never know what it’s like to work 2 jobs and train full time I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!
There will never be a greater honour than representing your country.''

Born on the Central Coast and debuting for the club in 2023, Leilani Nathan is a breakout star in the backrow for the NSW Waratahs. Sister of Newcastle Knights NRLW powerhouse Nicole Nathan, Leilani’s rugby experience ranges from a junior level with the Hamilton Hawks to being awarded the 2019 New South Wales Country Corellas Player of the Year and excelled with her senior club (Eastern Suburbs - Easts) where Leilani did well in the Jack Scott Cup. 


Leilani Nathan

The Wallaroos impressed on May 20th with a 22-5 win over Fijiana to kick off their 2023 campaign.
Their next game is June 29th against the NZ Black Ferns - that match will be at Brisbane's Kayo Stadium.

Ned Slack-Smith, a resident of Avalon who played as a Newport Breakers Junior Rugby and became a local Warringah Junior, was awarded the inaugural Rats Rising Scholarship. To ensure Warringah retain, nurture and promote local juniors, their program aims to award scholarships annually to help them achieve their dreams.

Ned is now contracted to the Western Force and recently selected in the Junior Wallabies team for the U20’s World Championships. In the 2022 edition of Junior Wallabies Head coach Nathan Grey named back-rower Ned Slack-Smith as captain. 

NSW Waratahs scrumhalf Teddy Wilson was announced as Junior Wallabies captain for 2023 on Tuesday May 23rd.

The World Rugby Under-20 Championship kicks off on June 24 in South Africa, where the Junior Wallabies will be working to win the tournament. 

At the last instalment, in 2019, Australia finished runners-up, the final score being 24-23 to France.

Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey in a statement "We're very excited about getting the squad together and testing ourselves against New Zealand, who always present a great challenge,"

"In particular the scheduling of the second game as a curtain-raiser to the Super Rugby Pacific fixture presents a valuable opportunity for the players to experience a big stadium and a big stage to perform on.

"Many of the players in this squad essentially picked themselves through the quality and consistency of their performances playing for their clubs over the last month.

"Super Rugby Pacific commitments have forced some changes but we have the benefit of being able to draw from an extended shadow squad of players who have been involved in the program to date.

"From all corners of Australia, they come together under the Junior Wallabies banner, to represent their country with pride and take a huge step in their development as Rugby players."

Congratulations Bei Loon Dragonboat Club + Pittwater Pinks 

After their success at the Australian Dragon Boat Championships, Bei Loon have qualified and been invited to the IDBF CC World Championships in Ravenna 2024. Be Loon's Senior B Women Standard and Senior C Standard and Senior B small will represent Australia, and Pittwater, in the14th Club Crew World Championships. Well done team! 

In the 2023 Australian Dragon Boat Championships a team of 37 Bei Loon athletes competed in 10 events, getting two golds and three silvers and also claimed honours in the State v State event, where 5 of their members compete in the NSW State team.

Medals:
Gold - Senior B Women 20s, 2km.        
Gold - Senior B Mixed 10s, 500m.       
Silver - Senior B Mixed 10s, 200m.                 
Silver - Senior B Women 20s, 200m.        
Silver - Senior B Women 20s




In mid May 2023 Bei Loon were very grateful for the generous sponsorship from Pittwater RSL for their initiative to support their local community as that has allowed them to fund a prototype trolley. Now the moving of these heavy boats has become a lot easier for the club.



Bei Loon Dragon Boat Club is located at Rowland Reserve, Bayview, Pittwater. Members train Saturday and Sunday mornings all year round as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays (early morning or early evening) during Summer and Wednesday mornings during Winter.  

Bei Loon is competitive as well as providing an enjoyable, friendly environment for those who want to keep fit but not necessarily compete.

Find out more and get involved at: www.beiloon.com.au/home  - Profile

The Pittwater Pinks Represent In NZ

In related DB news, congratulations to the Pittwater Pinks who returned from the NZ IBCPC Festival a few weeks ago having placed 5th out of the 19 Australian teams - although clearly having fun and meeting thousands of other great women was the winner as well. 



The IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival is held every 3 to 4 years under the auspices of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission. The festival is an international non-competitive participatory event for breast cancer paddler teams who engage in Dragonboat activities as post breast cancer diagnosis rehabilitation. Dragon boat paddling has become a rehabilitation therapy for tens of thousands of women, and men worldwide, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. 

For the first time since the establishment of IBCPC in 2010, the festival took place in the southern hemisphere in New Zealand. 

Running 10 April 2023 - 16 April 2023 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge, New Zealand, the 2023 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival welcomed 4000 to 5000 people from all over the world. The participants are mainly women between the ages of 20 and 80.

The Pittwater Pinks are an integral part of the Bei Loon family. Solely made up of breast cancer survivors, the team is a mixture of paddlers from social to competitive. If you are are a breast cancer survivor there will be a place for you in the team.

Registrations for the Pittwater Pinks are open all year round.  Training is at the same times as Bei Loon.

Ausgrid Helicopter Bushfire Patrols: Saturday June 2-3, 2023

Ausgrid advise that as part of their bushfire prevention program they will be using helicopters to inspect powerlines, poles and other equipment in bushfire-prone areas.
The 2023 schedule includes:

NORTHERN BEACHES LGA 2/6/23 to 3/6/23
Where: Avalon, Brookvale, Belrose, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Narrabeen, Duffys Forest, Palm Beach, Great Mackerel Beach.


Roadworks

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

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


Northern Beaches Police Area Command: E-Scooter And E-Bike Safety Operation

Commencing at 8am today (Wednesday 17 May 2023), officers from Northern Beaches Highway Patrol will be conducting a high-visibility operation on e-scooter and e-bike safety along the Northern Beaches.

The aim of this operation is to educate the public on traffic laws associated with e-scooters, e-bikes and pedestrian safety. It is illegal for any of these to be ridden on footpaths.

Police will also be running this operation across May through to July 2023.

🚲 For more information on E-Bikes: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/bicycle-riders/petrol-powered-bicycles.html

🛴 For more information on E-Scooters: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/e-scooters/index.html

Vaccination Best Protection As We Head Into Winter Months

May 25, 2023
Everyone in NSW is being urged to ensure they are up to date with their recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations in the lead up to winter.

The latest NSW respiratory surveillance report, published today, shows community transmission of COVID-19 remains at high levels and influenza activity is increasing rapidly.

COVID-19 in NSW:
  • 14,409 total new positive tests reported in the past 7 days 
  • 4,638 positive PCR tests reported in the past 7 days 
  • 9,771 positive Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) reported in the past 7 days 
  • 69 lives lost reported in the past 7 days
Influenza notifications are rapidly increasing; 2,131 people were reported this week, an increase of 66% since the previous week. The increases were most notable in children (0-4 and 5-16 age groups).

Health Minister Ryan Park said as we enter the winter months staying up to date with recommended vaccinations is the best way to protect you, your family and the community from serious illness.

“Influenza is a serious disease in young children, and both COVID-19 and influenza viruses can have serious consequences for older adults, people who have chronic health conditions and those who are immunocompromised,” Mr Park said.

“Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and now is the time to make sure you are up to date with the shots recommended for you.”

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said we are anticipating high levels of influenza activity over the coming weeks and months, so it is important people across NSW continue to do the little things that keep us all safe.

“There is plenty of stock of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines available at pharmacies and GPs, so please book in today,” Dr Chant said.

“We know there are high levels of COVID-19 circulating in the community and with a rapid increase of influenza cases this week, it is also important people continue to take simple precautions to protect themselves and each other.

“This includes wearing a mask indoors when you can’t physically distance especially in healthcare and aged care settings, staying at home when you’re unwell and remembering to practise good hand hygiene.”

Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza are eligible for a free influenza vaccine and include:
  • children aged six months to under five years
  • people aged 65 and over
  • Aboriginal people from six months of age
  • pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
  • those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.
We can all take steps to help protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19 and influenza, including:
  • stay up to date with your recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
  • stay home if you have cold or influenza symptoms
  • wear a mask in crowded, indoor places
  • get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
  • wash or sanitise your hands often
  • talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to have, and being assessed to determine if you are eligible for antiviral medicines
  • don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or influenza symptoms or have tested positive to COVID-19 or influenza
  • consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness
  • free RATs are now accessible to the community via some local councils, ServiceNSW and NSW Health services.

One Year On: Your Independent MP For Mackellar

May 23, 2023
It’s an honour to represent the community I love in Parliament – and what a first year it’s been! 
Together we have achieved so much, and we’re only getting started. Watch the short video for a summary of what we’ve achieved together as I try to wrap up one year as your Independent MP in just one minute!

If you want to keep up to date with how I’m representing you, remember to subscribe for my fortnightly e-newsletter here: www.sophiescamps.com.au/sign_up

Councillor Walton Elected As New Deputy Mayor

Liberal Councillor David Walton was elected as Deputy Mayor of Northern Beaches Council at the May 23 2023 council meeting.

The post of Deputy Mayor was made vacant when Councillor Sue Heins was elected as the new Mayor.

Councillor Walton has served as a councillor since 2017, representing Curl Curl ward.

Mayor Sue Heins congratulated the new Deputy Mayor on his appointment. 

“Councillor Walton has tirelessly served the community, both as a councillor and previously as a police officer, and is active member of our community,” Mayor Heins said.

“On behalf of my fellow councillors, I want to congratulate Cr Walton. I look forward to working closely with him as we serve our wonderful Northern Beaches community.” 

Cr Walton was previously a Police Officer, Detective and Commander of the Northern Beaches Local Area Command, where he was awarded the NSW Police and National Police Medals.

Cr Walton has more than 20 years’ experience on commercial and NSW Government Boards, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has served in the local community as Deputy President of Queenscliff SLSC, Deputy Chairman of the Special Olympics Sydney Northern Beaches and President of Manly Swimming Club.

The position of Deputy is a 12-month appointment and is peer voted annually.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council may elect one of its members as Deputy Mayor and they may exercise any function of the Mayor at the request of the Mayor or if the Mayor is prevented by illness or absence.

Local Lifesavers Honoured With National Medal

Friday 26 May 2023
Surf Life Saving NSW would like to congratulate the 22 surf lifesavers who have been awarded the National Medal, as well as Second Clasps and First Clasps for their sustained service and commitment to Surf Life Saving.

Established in 1975 as a military recognition award, the National Medal has since branched out into government and voluntary organisations and is now Australia’s most awarded civil medal.

The National Medal is awarded to individuals on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and recognises long and diligent service in organisations that are dedicated to protecting life and property at a degree of risk to their members.

National Medals can also be awarded to those who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.

“On behalf of our organisation I would like to congratulate the NSW recipients of this honour,” said Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew.

“We are very lucky as a gazetted emergency service to be supported by more than 76,000 dedicated and passionate members, and this honour, in a way, is testament to their commitment to the movement and their character as individuals.”

Heading the list of those honoured is Mark Quinn (Brunswick SLSC) who receives his Second Clasp for 35 years of service, with Terry Hagan (Sandon Point SLSC), Brent Jackson (Bondi SBLSC) and William Kensey (Toowoon Bay SLSC) all receiving First Clasps for 25 years of service.

Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers with a minimum of 30 patrolling hours over a minimum period of 15 seasons, are eligible for the National Medal.

Local awards - NATIONAL MEDAL (15 YEARS’ SERVICE)
  • John Fielder, Whale Beach SLSC
  • Elizabeth Green, Collaroy SLSC
  • Andrew Hjorth, Mona Vale SLSC
  • Peter Myers, Whale Beach SLSC
  • Janet Proudfoot, Newport SLSC

Team Island Boot Camp Take On Push-Up Challenge

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

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

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

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

Help them push for better mental health.

Newport Surf Club DA Proposal Update: Decision Deferred

On Tuesday May 23rd the Sydney North Planning Panel announced a Deferral on the decision for the proposed Newport Surf Club upgrade.

This is for a Review of Determination of Application DA2021/2173 for alterations and additions and coastal protection works to Newport Surf Life Saving Club.

The original application was refused by the Sydney North Planning Panel at the Panel meeting on 05 October 2022. 

In their Statement of Reasons, then, the SNPP cited matters raised during the September Public Meeting, where it had deferred its determination pending those points being addressed.

This was a list of 12 points and included in considering the suitability of the site when preparing the current proposal, specifically, what design and location options were considered by the Applicant and when and why were they each rejected in favour of the current proposal.

In detailing the design and location options the Panel asked that the Applicant demonstrate consideration of:
  • the Coastal Management Act (CM Act) s 3 - Objects of the Act, and in particular item (g) “to recognise that the local and regional scale effects of coastal processes, and the inherently ambulatory and dynamic nature of the shoreline, may result in the loss of coastal land to the sea (.....), and to manage coastal use and development accordingly, and”;
  • suitable alternate locations for the Project given that storm inundation will continue to increase as the sea level rises, until such time as maintaining a building on the site and a beach seaward of the building becomes impractical; and
  • whether only the elements of the existing building that are of high or moderate heritage significance should be retained and whether the additional facilities could be accommodated in a new building that was further landward and consequently less exposed to coastal processes, thereby reducing the length of any coastal protection works.
The Panel also wanted the Applicant to provide a detailed assessment of what the beach and adjacent area may be like following a severe storm now, and in 2050 and 2080 (location of escarpment, wave inundation, loss of trees amenity or infrastructure) once the works are completed.

The May 23 2023 announcement of REASONS FOR DEFERRAL states;
''The Panel heard from members of the community, Applicant team and Independent Assessor during the public meeting. Key issues were outlined and considered at length.

The Panel decided to defer the determination to enable further consideration of complex statutory and policy requirements relating this matter and to ensure that an informed decision can be made.

When the Panel has considered these requirements, the Panel will determine the matter electronically.

The Panel’s decision to defer the matter was unanimous. The Panel adjourned during the meeting to deliberate on the matter and formulate a resolution.''

Background in October 2022 Pittwater Online report 'Council's DA For Newport Surf Club Upgrade Refused By Sydney North Planning Panel

Newport Surf Club seawall proposal: 'Figure 4: Photomontage of proposed works (with 'scatant' piling exposed) as may temporarily occur after severe storm erosion which requires beach closure, until sand levels are naturally restored, or this process is mechanically accelerated by Council undertaking beach scraping. A temporary solid barrier may also be employed to reduce wave forces on the clubhouse, see Horton Coastal Engineering (2021)' – from page 6 of report - Artists Impression

Council Rejects Emergency Services Levy Hike

At its meeting on 23 May, Council resolved to write again to the Treasurer, Shadow Treasurer, the Minister and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, the Minister and Shadow Minister for Local Government, all members of the crossbench of the NSW Legislative Council and local State Members, the President of Local Government NSW and the Chair of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, calling on the NSW Government to reinstate the Emergency Services Levy subsidy.

Mayor Heins said that Council vehemently opposes the highly damaging increase in the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) imposed on all councils without warning for the 2023/24 financial year.

Mayor Sue Heins said the sharp rise in the ESL through a 19.5% increase in the ESL and the removal of the subsidy paid by the NSW Government to offset levy increases in recent years would result in a $3.1 million spike (50% increase) in its cost in the 2023/24 financial year.

“This sudden announcement by the NSW Government came after we had finalised our draft 2023/24 financial year budget and started consulting our community on a plan we can no longer afford to fully fund. This means we will now have to look at cutting costs elsewhere to meet this sharp increase in the levy.

“It impacts our community because we may not be able to provide all the programs and services we had planned to provide in the 2023/24 financial year.

“Council calls on the NSW Government to reinstate the ESL subsidy.”

NSW Councils are being asked to fund significant rises in emergency services budgets.

The NSW Government has paid an Emergency Services Levy subsidy to councils since 2019/20. The subsidy covered the large increase in the Emergency Services Levy in recent years due to increasing costs following bushfires and floods along funding reforms to workers’ compensation for firefighters with work-related cancers.

In the 2023/24 financial year, Northern Beaches Council’s Emergency Services Levy will increase by $3.1 million, comprising a $1.5 million (19.5%) increase in the levy to $9.3 million, and $1.6 million through the removal of the levy subsidy.

About the Emergency Services Levy
The Emergency Services Levy is paid by councils and insurance companies to support NSW emergency services (Fire & Rescue, SES and RFS).

Insurers of property in NSW fund 73.7% of the costs. They collect an Emergency Services Levy from their customers as part of insurance premiums and this is passed onto the NSW Government.

All NSW Councils fund 11.7% of the costs of emergency services. Unlike the insurance industry, councils are not permitted to pass this levy onto residents through rates notices.

Pittwater Family Practice Doctor Taking On New Patients: Baltic Languages Spoken

Dr Vecerka Skovrlj ( Dr Vecky) has been a practicing Doctor on the northern beaches for over 15 years. She graduated from the University of Zagreb in Croatia in 1988. She has a special interest in Women’s Health, Children’s Health and managing chronic diseases. 

Dr Vecky speaks Russian, Croatian, Bosnian and the Serbian languages. She loves the lifestyle on the northern beaches and spending time outdoors with her family.

Dr Vecky is currently working Wednesdays and Fridays and she is taking on NEW PATIENTS NOW.



Pittwater Family Practice
1791 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale 
(Front entrance in Park street, opposite Woolworths)

ABHS June 2023 Meeting: ‘Royal’ Avalon Golf Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


New Pavement Coloured Concreting: East End Of Avalon Parade Avalon Beach Now Complete



100 years earlier:


General Store, Avalon Beach - ON 165/925 Item c07771_0002_c photo by Rex Hazlewood, Image Courtesy The Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW, circa January - February 1922

Help Others Rug Up

It's getting colder at night. If you have any blankets or sleeping bags in good condition that you no longer need, please consider giving it to someone in need. There are some drop-off points in Manly:



Call For Food Donations: Help Us Support Vulnerable Clients At Our Community Centre

Community Northern Beaches:
We are reaching out to you for some much-needed support. We are currently running low on essential supplies for our vulnerable clients and we would greatly appreciate your help in replenishing our stock.

We urgently need long-life milk to ensure our clients have a reliable source of nutrition.

Additionally, we would be grateful for donations of tuna, cereal, biscuits, pasta sauce, rice, baked beans, spaghetti, big 'n chunky soups, peanut butter, jam, Vegemite, and noodles. These staple items will go a long way in providing balanced meals for those in need.

We also kindly request donations of men's razors and men's deodorant to help our male clients maintain their personal hygiene.

Your contributions, no matter how big or small, will make a tremendous difference in the lives of those who rely on our services. Together, we can build a stronger and more caring community.

Drop-off location: 52 Raglan St, Manly
Drop-off hours: M - F (10am - 2pm)
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact us on 9977 1066. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Community Northern Beaches is dedicated to supporting vulnerable and at-risk individuals across the northern beaches by providing a range of services for domestic and family violence, homelessness and refugees. 


Public Amenities Upgrade: Rowland Reserve Bayview, Feedback Invited

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

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

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

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

View the plans and provide feedback at:


Concept image: NBC

Streets As Shared Spaces - The Strand, Dee Why: Feedback Invited

Opened: Thu 11 May 2023
Closes: Sun 28 May 2023

Council would like to know what you think of the Shared Space at DY - please provide your comments in the form further down this page: 

All submissions in their entirety are made publicly available in the Community Engagement Report. Personal identifying information and inappropriate language is redacted.

Council aim to report on the evaluation outcomes at the Council meeting in June 2023.



Photo: NBC

Lock Up Your Cars: Thieves About

Ausgrid Community Battery Pilot - Warriewood: Have Your Say

Proposed location: Valley View Reserve, Parkland Way, Warriewood
Have Your Say by 5pm on 31 May 2023

Ausgrid have stated they would like to involve the local Warriewood community to inform this potential project. Your feedback will help them shape their strategy for the community battery program if they are successful in securing government funding.

How to submit your feedback

Community members are invited to share their feedback until 31 May 2023.
 
There are several ways to submit your feedback:

In Tune With Tony B

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

In this week's programme Tony chatted with Eleni Psillakis from Success Works about the great support that they provide for women affected by the criminal justice system to find employment through an employer who sees their skills and potential and not their record. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Two New Magistrates For The NSW Local Court

May 25, 2023
Two lawyers appointed to the bench of the NSW Local Court bring breadth and depth of experience across jurisdictions and areas of legal practice. Attorney General Michael Daley has appointed solicitors Keisha Hopgood and Stephan Herridge and to join the busiest court in Australia.

“Ms Hopgood and Mr Herridge have had exceptional careers as solicitors and will bring their extensive experience to the Local Court,” Mr Daley said. 

“Ms Hopgood comes to the Local Court with impressive credentials and experience as a practising solicitor of 14 years, most recently with the Aboriginal Legal Service.” 

Ms Hopgood began her career working at the Children’s Legal Service at the Legal Aid Commission NSW. She represented children and young people gaining extensive experience in the criminal law jurisdiction, including bail and sentence matters, diversionary applications and hearings.

Ms Hopgood went on to join the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) where she has worked for the last six years in a variety of leadership positions, including as Principal Solicitor, Justice Projects, Policy and Practice. Most recently Ms Hopgood was Acting Principal Legal Officer, responsible for the ALS NSW and ACT Legal Practices across criminal law, care and protection, family law and civil law. 

Mr Herridge began his career in England where he headed a civil and family litigation department in a suburban London practice, also assisting with criminal advocacy and police station representation. He went on to specialise in child protection and represented children and adults at all levels including the UK High Court. Since moving to Australia in 2005 he has held various positions including within the then Department of Community Services (now Department of Communities and Justice), the Hawkesbury Nepean Legal Centre and more recently in private practice as a Principal Solicitor specialising in Children’s Court care and protection proceedings.

“Ms Hopgood and Mr Herridge will be welcome additions to the NSW Local Court when they are sworn in early in June.”

The new magistrates are among the 149 judicial officers in the jurisdiction serving 131 courthouses across the state.

NSW Government Delivers On Election Commitment For Fairer Grants With Its First Bill To Pass Parliament

May 25, 2023
The NSW Government has today successfully delivered on its commitment to strengthen the administration of government grants with its first bill being passed by parliament.

The Government Sector Finance Amendment (Grants) Bill 2023 successfully passed the parliament and will amend 2 separate Acts and 1 regulation.

The legislative amendments will bolster the existing framework for grants administration by effectively codifying the key principles for grants administration set out in the Grants Administration Guide, making certain grants information ‘open access information’ under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, and requiring that minsters ensure every grant they approve is an efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of money, and achieves value for money.

The Grants Bill 2023 will amend the Government Sector Finance Act 2018 (NSW) (the GSF Act) to:
  • Require that a person who approves or declines a grant has regard to the 7 key principles to be applied in administering grants (robust planning and design, collaboration and partnership, proportionality, an outcomes orientation, achieving value with relevant money, governance and accountability, and probity and transparency) in doing so.
  • Require that a minister must not approve a grant unless satisfied that the grant would be an efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of money, and that it achieves value for money.
The Grants Bill will also amend the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2018 to make certain grants information ‘open access information’, which must be made publicly available unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure of the information.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Today is an important day for the government and for the people of NSW – we have successfully passed our very first bill in parliament and it highlights our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and fairness.

“During the election we promised to strengthen grants regulation and do everything in our power to put an end to pork-barrelling, and this bill has delivered on that commitment.

“Everyone in this state deserves a fair go, especially in trying times, and this bill will help ensure exactly that.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:
“The NSW community deserves transparent grants delivery of the highest standard, and this government will be able to deliver exactly that with the passing of our Grants Bill in parliament today.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a small grant for a new scoreboard at your local footy club or a multimillion-dollar grant program to re-build infrastructure after a flood – grants need to be delivered fairly and deliver value for the NSW taxpayer.”

NSW Special Minister of State John Graham said:
“A fairer and more transparent regulation of government grants will mean better outcomes for the people of NSW, especially those at most vulnerable and who need it most.

“It is a proud moment knowing that the government’s first bill to be passed by parliament is one built on transparency and integrity.”

New Funding For Palliative Care Projects

May 26, 2023
Australians who need palliative care will benefit from enhanced workforce education and training and improved quality through Albanese Government funding totalling more than $68 million. 

Universities, health services and palliative care organisations around the country will share in $53 million to undertake 14 National Palliative Care Projects. 

The projects focus on:
  • improving palliative care education and training for the primary care, acute care and aged care workforces
  • raising awareness of palliative care and advance care planning
  • quality improvement for care providers
  • increasing palliative care support in rural and regional areas
  • encouraging the uptake of advance care planning.  
This will improve the quality of palliative care in Australia, benefiting people with life-limiting illnesses and their families, no matter their cultural background, where they live, or what setting they wish to access palliative care in. 

A further $15.9 million is for the national End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) service to improve the palliative care skills and advance care planning expertise of aged care providers and GPs caring for older Australians. 

Alongside this new funding, initiatives funded in the recent Budget will help improve access to palliative care, including better access to care and medications through a stronger Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, growing the care workforce, and generational reforms in aged care.  

The Government’s funding announcement coincides with the end of National Palliative Care Week – which seeks to inspire conversations about ‘Matters of Life and Death’ and build awareness and recognition of the people at the heart of quality palliative care.  


Federal Minister for Health, Minister Butler said, 
“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that people affected by a life-limiting illness will get the care they need to live well.

“Our role is to provide national leadership, education and policy in palliative care.

“This commitment is guided by the overall vision of the National Palliative Care Strategy – and all the projects we are funding are linked to implementing its goals.” 

Australians Battling With Prostate Cancer To Benefit From New PBS Listing

May 25, 2023
Australians battling prostate cancer that has spread past the prostate will soon benefit from subsidised medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

From 1 June 2023, Australians with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) will have access to apalutamide (Erlyand®) through the PBS. 

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. By the time people reach 85 years old, as many as 1 in 6 males are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Erlyand is a non-chemotherapy treatment option and the first of its kind to be listed on the PBS for mHSPC.

mHSPC is an advanced stage of the cancer that has spread to other parts of the body but is still responsive to hormone therapy treatments that lower testosterone.

Until now, patients have only had access to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and chemotherapy for this advanced form of prostate cancer.

This listing is expected to benefit around 3,000 people each year. Without subsidy, it would cost patients more than $40,000 per year of treatment.

The PBS listing of this medicine means that eligible patients will pay only a maximum of $30 per script, or just $7.30 with a concession card.

Federal Minister for Health, Minister Butler said
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

“The listing of Eryland will be life changing for the estimated 3,000 Australians battling prostate cancer each year.

“Without the listing it would cost patients more than $40,000 per year for treatment.”

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

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


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

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

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

JP Public Register

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

Rig Recycle: Fishing Gear Items

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

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

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


Mona Vale Residents Association

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



Volunteers Needed: Red Cross Avalon Shop

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

Rotary Upper Northern Beaches: Get Involved In Something Positive

At Rotary Upper Northern Beaches, we are always welcoming new members. We find that new members bring new ideas, energy and opportunities. There is something for everyone in Rotary and you can apply your skills for the betterment of our community. This can include anything from cooking a BBQ, to managing a fundraising project, to helping with marketing and social media. You can even get the opportunity to serve on our Board.

We have been quite active in the community over recent and coming weeks, including;
      - Pre Christmas community projects, such as the Tree of Joy (Warriewood Square) and Carols In The Park at Village Park, Mona Vale.
      - Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach 
      - Annual Art Show at Mona Vale Memorial Hall (24 - 26 February) raised much needed funds for worthy charities
      - An evening of collaboration with other Northern Beaches Rotary Clubs brainstorming strategies for member engagement and growth (21 February)
      - The Bobbo (Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, Sunday 26 March). Another great collaboration with other Rotary Clubs based on the North Shore
      - Our Annual Charity Golf Day (6 April at Monash Country Club)
    
These are just a few examples of our fund raising and community activities. If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, while meeting some great people and having some fun with it, please come and check us out. We meet most Wednesday nights at The Sands Hotel Narrabeen (except for the 2nd Wednesday if each month, which is at Avalon RSL (6pm Dinner in the bistro for 7pm Rotary meeting upstairs at both venues). 

If you would like to know more about Rotary and how you can get involved, please contact us on 02 8005 0711 or email contact@rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org


Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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

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

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



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

Community News

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

March 2013  April 2013 May 2013  June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 October 2013 November 2013  December 2013

January 2014 February 2014  March 2014  April 2014  May 2014 June 2014  July 2014  August 2014  September 2014 October 2014  November 2014  December 2014 

January 2015  February 2015 March 2015  April 2015 May 2015  June 2015  July 2015  August 2015  September 2015  October 2015 November 2015  December 2015 

January 2016  February 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016  August 2016 September 2016 October 2016  November 2016  December 2016  

January 2017  February 2017  March 2017 April 2017 May 2017 June 2017 July 2017  August 2017 September 2017 October 2017  November 2017  December 2017 

January 2018  February 2018 March 2018  April 2018  May 2018  June 2018  July 2018 August 2018 September 2018 October 2018 November 2018  December 2018

January 2019  February 2019  March 2019  April 2019 May 2019  June 2019  July 2019  August 2019  September 2019  October 2019  November 2019   December 2019 

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

Appointment Of Metropolitan Cemeteries And Crematoria Administrator

May 23, 2023
The NSW Government is working to address the critical shortage of burial space in Sydney that was the result of the former government’s indecision and infighting.

Last week the NSW Government released an audit, which highlighted the dire situation the sector is facing, and announced its decision to amalgamate the Rookwood General, Northern Metropolitan and Southern Metropolitan Crown cemetery land managers. See Issue 586

Today the NSW Government is taking another step forward by announcing the administrator for the amalgamated entity, Metropolitan Cemeteries and Crematoria Land Manager (MCC). The administrator will oversee the amalgamation of the 3 crown operators into MCC and the delivery of services until a skills-based board can be recruited.

Ken Morrison was deemed the successful candidate for the role through a merit-based, open selection process supported by executive recruitment firm Meritos.

Ken has a proven record of positive organisational change and stakeholder engagement, and also a deep proficiency in business strategy, including financial management. Serving the Property Council of Australia for more than 10 years, Ken has a wealth of knowledge in the complex policy areas associated with land, such as planning, urban renewal and asset management.

This decision highlights the NSW Government’s intent to provide a fresh start for the cemeteries sector, provide the industry with certainty and to ensure the people of NSW’s burial needs are met.

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“I would first like to thank Lee Shearer for her work, she has had led OneCrown through tough times of indecision and has been a fierce advocate for action and a champion for OneCrown’s frontline staff who do an incredible job.”

“We said we would undertake a transparent process to appoint an administrator once the current term finished. Today we have delivered.”

“We have committed to the model. We have committed to our team. We now look forward to getting on with the job and working collaboratively to fix the mess that the former government left behind.”

Jellyfish Turning Up In Rock Pools At Present

Residents have reported big numbers of jellyfish turning up in ocean rock pools this week and forwarded images of same.

These look like the brown version of the Blubber Jellyfish Catostylus mosaicus, also known as Jelly Blubber. Found in intertidal estuaries and coastal waters of eastern Australia they are the most commonly encountered jellyfish with large swarms occurring. 

In Sydney waters, the Jelly Blubber's large bell is a creamy white or brown colour, but farther north and south it is usually a light to dark blue. This is because the jellyfish has developed a symbiotic relationship with algal plant cells that are kept inside its body. These plants vary in colour from region to region. The algae photosynthesise, converting sunlight into energy that can be used by the jellyfish. 

The Jelly Blubber has no mouth but there are many tiny openings in its tentacles. The tentacles also have stinging cells that can capture tiny crustaceans and other plankton.

The sting can be painful but generally poses no serious risk to humans unless you are one who reacts to stings, and in that case, don't swim when you see them in the water or pool.

The body has a rounded top (bell) and eight textured arms, each arm with three "wings". There is a white cross inside body, visible through the bell. The bell can be up to 35 cm across.

This is the creamy version photographed in the estuary 10 years back - there were literally a thousand of them drifting away there together - almost like a ballet.


Nominations Open For The Australian Mental Health Prize 2023

Nominations are now open for 2023 for the prestigious Australian Mental Health Prize. The Prize, established by the UNSW Sydney’s Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, shines a light on the mental health challenges in our communities and the importance of continued support.

"The state of mental health in Australia is concerning, with notable increases in depression, anxiety, and suicide rates, especially among young people,” says Professor Allan Fels AO, co-chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Committee and previous recipient of the Prize.

“The shortage of mental health professionals poses a significant challenge, leading to a workforce crisis in the sector. Additionally, the low priority given to mental health in comparison to other areas like defence, NDIS, and aged care is a cause of great concern."

Moreover, the growing demand for mental health services is not being matched by the available resources, leaving the "missing middle" without access to essential services.

"We urgently need to not only maintain but invest more in mental health services and resources to meet the growing demand for support. This means investing in the mental health workforce and providing greater access to evidence-based treatments," says Lucy Brogden AM, co-chair of the Australian Mental Health Prize Advisory Committee.

"Although short-term crisis support services are crucial, it's equally important to guarantee that individuals can avail themselves of long-term care from certified medical professionals. The recent move to revert to the previous limit of 10 Medicare-funded psychologist sessions is a significant blow to mental health care in Australia. This change will make it even more challenging for people to obtain the necessary assistance, especially for those who are already facing financial difficulties.”

The rising cost of living in Australia is having a significant impact on overall mental health, especially for young people.

"Young people feel anxious about how the rising cost of living is going to impact their ability to achieve major life milestones, like moving out of home or saving for a house,” says Prof. Fels.

“We know financial security is a protective factor for good mental health, and changes to a young person’s financial circumstances can place their mental health under stress. It is also incumbent on governments to take steps to alleviate these pressures, so that young people and their families can afford the things they need to lead happy, healthy lives.”

Donna Stanley, last year’s winner of the Prize’s Indigenous category, emphasises the potential impact of the Voice to Parliament referendum on Indigenous mental health.

"The mental health of Indigenous communities is disproportionately affected by systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and ongoing social and economic disadvantage. The upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum presents a crucial opportunity to address these issues and improve mental health and wellbeing in these communities. It is important that the debate surrounding the referendum is respectful of the lived experiences of First Nations peoples and must include a range of perspectives so that all Australians can make an informed decision when it comes time to vote," says Ms Stanley, who provides mental health services across the regional Western Plains of NSW.

"It's clear that we need to take a more equitable approach to mental health care in Australia. This means ensuring that people in low-income and regional areas have the same access to care as those in wealthy areas and providing more options for people who are unable to afford private services.”

The Australian Mental Health Prize was established in 2016 by Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty AO from the Centre of Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Medicine & Health.

"The launch of nominations for the Australian Mental Health Prize is a timely reminder of the urgent need to address the mental health challenges in our country. By recognising those who are making a difference in this space, we can raise awareness of the issue and inspire others to take action,” Prof. Brodaty says.

How to nominate
Nominations for the 2023 Australian Mental Health Prize open on May 22 and will close on July 17, 2023. The winners will be announced in late September.

To nominate, answer three questions about the nominee's mental health contributions and impact using the online form

Prize categories include:
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • lived experience
  • professional
  • community hero.

The 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards"

Entries close Wednesday, 31 May 2023

The Central West Astronomical Society is proud to announce the 2023 CWAS Astrophotography Awards - the "David Malin Awards".

The competition will continue with the new judging structure, introduced last year. In order to build on the experience of previous years, and to continue as the premier competition of its kind in Australia, a panel of distinguished Australian astrophotographers will judge the category entries. Dr David Malin will judge the Overall Winner from the list of these winners. We are honoured that the judging panel will include Phil Hart, Alex Cherney, and Peter Ward, previous winners of the "David Malin Awards" and numerous other national and international astrophotography competitions.

There are three sections of entry - General Section, Open Themed Section, and a Junior Section (18 or younger). The general section is divided into six categories; Wide-field (camera shots), Deep Sky (telescope shots), Solar System, Nightscapes, Animated Sequences, and Smartphone Astrophotography. The Junior Section will have one open category and entries can be of any astronomical subject, and can be an animated sequence.

The Competition Structure:

  • General Section:
  • Wide-Field
  • Deep Sky
  • Solar System
  • Nightscapes
  • Animated Sequences
  • Smartphone Astrophotography
  • Junior Section (18 or younger) - One Open Category (can be of any astronomical subject)
  • Open Themed Section - "The Zodiac"

Submission of entries will close at 24:00 (AEST) on Wednesday, 31 May 2023. Entrants must first create an account on the MyPhotoClub submission page, by clicking on the green entry button. Follow the links to create the account and password.

Entry fees are $15 per entry and should be paid by the PayPal gateway on the entry website. Credit and debit cards can be used on this gateway.

The photographs will be judged by a panel of distinguished astrophotographers, who will judge the category winners. Dr David Malin will judge the overall winner from this list of winners.

Submitted image files should not contain identifying metadata. If anonymity of the judging process is important to the entrant, then images should not be shared in public forums prior to completion of judging. The winners will be notified and presented with the "David Malin Awards" during a special ceremony, held during the 2023 CWAS AstroFest, in the presence of invited dignitaries on Saturday, 22 July 2023. All winners should make every effort to attend the presentation of the awards.

A selection of the finest astrophotographs received will be professionally printed courtesy of Sunstudios and exhibited for the entire year at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory's Visitors Centre. In addition, a second set will tour the country in a travelling exhibition, organised by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, to selected venues across Australia.

There is a limit of five (5) entries per category per photographer. All photographs must have been taken no more than 2 years before the closing date of entry, and no re-entries from previous DMA competitions will be accepted. All entries must be submitted in electronic form via the MyPhotoClub submissions web site. The entrants must provide brief details of the equipment, exposure times, processing, and where relevant, the location where the image was taken.

It is not just technical skill that the judges will be looking for, but an aesthetically pleasing picture that reflects and captures the beauty, inspiration and interest of astronomy. All images will be judged by these criteria.

More details here: https://www.cwas.org.au/astrofest/DMA/

Enter here:  https://cwasdma.myphotoclub.com.au/


2022 Winner: Ian Inverarity - Nightscapes; OVERALL WINNER "Old Giant in the Fog"

Citation: "This is the finest image I have seen in this competition. It is simply beautiful, and no more needs to be said. No sign of stitching, either."

Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Debbie 

12mths Foxy X


Debbie is a very active but very sweet affectionate little girl. She loves playing chasings and tug with other young dogs. Debbie is starting to learn boundaries and some basic obedience. She is smart. It seems she has not experienced much in her life and tends to "alarm bark" at new things that worry her. Debbie would be best suited to an active family who would involve her in lots of family activities and even have an active playmate for her. She has a short coat and weighs 5.6kg. She would suit a family with rescue experience and a garden to run in. She would cope with being left a few hours each day.
All our dogs come with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. Her adoption fee is $600. 

Mystery 

5yo DSH cat


Mystery is a tiny short haired girl with a very curious but sweet nature though she can suddenly whack you when she has enough of cuddles! She enjoys playing with toys and travels well in the car. In her former home she hid from visitors. She has a short coat and weighs 2.6kg. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 

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

2023 Volunteer Of The Year Nominations Open

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

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

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

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

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

Nominations close 5pm, Friday 16 June 2023.


NSW Considers Penalties For Improper Disclosure Of Confidential Government Tax Information

May 25, 2023
Businesses and organisations caught disclosing confidential NSW Government taxation information could face new multi-million-dollar penalties under a plan being considered by the Minister for Finance.

The NSW Government currently consults with representative industry bodies as part of the consultation process on tax policy and legislation.

Taxation liaison groups are an important part of tax consultations. They provide an opportunity for experts in the private sector to give input into changes to the tax regime. 

Revenue NSW regularly consults with the NSW Law Society, the Tax Institute, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia, the Property Council of Australia (NSW) and an association representing several small business groups. 

If the confidentiality of the process is not respected it could lead to businesses or individuals knowingly avoiding tax, obtaining unfair commercial advantages or result in a loss of faith in the consultation process. 

The Chief Commissioner of State Revenue has already been in touch with the chairs of the liaison groups to underscore the importance of confidentiality. 

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said; 
“The NSW Government takes the confidentiality of sensitive taxation information extremely seriously and will not hesitate to come down hard on anyone who breaks trust with or takes unfair advantage of the people of NSW.

“I am working with the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue to ensure that severe penalties will apply to advisors and organisations who seek commercial advantage by sharing confidential tax related information.

“We are developing a range of measures that will impose significant penalties for individuals and entities that unlawfully use or disclose sensitive or confidential tax information provided by the government.

“We are going to pursue these changes swiftly and introduce penalties in the order of millions of dollars. 

“These proposed multi-million-dollar penalties should serve as a firm warning for organisations and businesses that we expect confidentiality arrangements to be honoured on behalf of the people of NSW.

“These measures will safeguard the integrity of our tax system.”

Council: Fox Baiting Notice To Pet Owners

Fox-specific poison baits are being laid in the following reserves until 12 May:
  • Manly Dam, Manly Vale
  • Allenby Park, Allambie Heights
  • Forestville Park, Forestville
  • Middle Creek Reserve, Oxford Falls
  • Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
These reserves are closed to dogs until Friday 9 June. Dog and cat owners are advised to keep their pets away from these Northern Beaches reserves. 

Warning signs are being displayed in the these areas.

The fox baiting program is being conducted in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and involves the use of “Foxoff® Econobait” poison baits, which are designed specifically for fox control. The poison baits contain 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate).

Native animals at risk from foxes include bandicoots, swamp wallabies, brush turkeys and possums.

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

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

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

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

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


Report Hate Crimes

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

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

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

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

Letters To The Editor

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

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

Volunteers Needed: Meals On Wheels

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

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


Become A Volunteer Radio Operator: MRNSW

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

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


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

May 21 - 27  2023: Issue 584

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 584

Clay Stormwater Still Polluting Bayview Golf Course, Pittwater Estuary: Bayview GC's 3 Year Battle To Save The Environment and Waterways 'Like Banging Your Head Against A Brick Wall'

Sue Heins Elected As New Northern Beaches Council Mayor - Rory Amon Submits Resignation: Karina Page Likely To Be Next Pittwater Councillor

Council Victory In Court Over Illegal Clearing Of Trees = 10k For 14 Killed Trees: 'A Poor Outcome' Residents State

Pictures: History Excursion To Avalon Beach SLSC By Years 1 & 2 Of Maria Regina Primary School, Avalon Beach by Roger Sayers OAM

Aquatics: 'Seas The Day' Women's Surf Competition & Festival: June 2023 - Enter Your Team Now

DIY Ideas Mould set to rise Inside Your home this Winter: How to Keep Air and Surfaces Healthier

Park Bench Philosophers CSIRO Confirms Location Of MV Blythe Star Shipwreck; Ending 50-Year Mystery

Environment Drain Is Just For Rain, Hawkesbury Councillors Battling Own Councillors To Save Koala Habitat: Rural Boundary Clearing Code, Council Victory In Court Over Illegal Clearing Of Trees = 10k For 14 Killed Trees, International World Turtle Day 2023, Flowering Now; Pittwater Spotted Gum, Corella Fledgling Pair On Mother's Day 2023; 'Feed Me, Feed Me!', Global Temperatures Set To Reach New Records In Next Five Years, 'Planet Hurtling Towards Hell Of Global Heating' UN Secretary-General Warns Austrian World Summit; Urging Immediate Emissions Cuts, Fair Climate Funding, Friends Of Bongin Bongin Bay (Mona Vale Basin) Update: May 2023, Ausgrid Community Battery Pilot - Warriewood: Have Your Say, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew: Freshwater May 28, Permaculture NB: May To July 2023 Events, PNHA Guided Nature Walks 2023, Chemical CleanOut: June 2023, Platypus Return To Royal National Park For The First Time In Decades, NSW Natural Resources Minister Visits Mt Arthur Coal Mine, Inaugural Exotic Vet Nurse Of The Year 2023: Elizabeth ‘Liz’ McConnell - Senior Nurse At Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Draft Bush Fire Risk Plan: North Shore, Getting The Scoop On The Pelican Travel Brief: Please Report Any Pelicans With Bands, NPWS Ramps Up Bushfire Preparedness, These giant ‘drop bears’ with opposable thumbs once scaled trees in Australia; But how did they grow so huge?, Community batteries are popular – but we have to make sure they actually help share power, Program to plant 20 million trees prioritised cost-saving over gains for nature research finds, Global warming to bring record hot year by 2028 – probably our first above 1.5°C limit, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek approved a coal mine, Breaking the mould: why rental properties are more likely to be mouldy and what’s needed to stop people getting sick, Despairing about climate change?; These 4 charts on the unstoppable growth of solar may change your mind, Check your tyres: you might be adding unnecessary microplastics to the environment, Methane must fall to slow global heating – but only 13% of emissions are actually regulated, Saving humanity: here’s a radical approach to building a sustainable and just society, Fixing broken flood gauges is important; But most of us don’t evacuate even when we know the water is coming, New study helps solve a 30-year-old puzzle: how is climate change affecting El Niño and La Niña?, Bushcare In Pittwater, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Report Fox Sightings, Weed Of The Season: Cassia - Please Pull Out and Save Our Bush, New Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Pittwater Environment groups and organisations, Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Frie3nds of Narrabeen Lagoon, Recycle plastic tags

Inbox News Plastic pervasive in food supply: new study, Support For Women Living With Hyperemesis Gravidarum: NSW Health, Cancer Survival Rates For Young Australian People At An All-Time High, Construction Complete At Tamworth Ambulance Station, New Guide For Estimating Space Requirements For Hospital Departments In Australia, Out Of This World Control On Ice Age Cycles, Murujuga’s rock art is being destroyed – where is the outrage?, Butterfly Tree Of Life Reveals Origin, Wildlife Photography Thrills At The Australian National Maritime Museum, Northern Beaches Police Area Command: E-Scooter And E-Bike Safety Operation, The 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards"; Entries close Wednesday 31 May 2023, The Big Bike Film Night At Warriewood, Australian Flies: There Are 30 Thousand Species - Here's Two That Look Like Bees That You Will See During Winter, History Of The Spit To Manly Tramline (And A Bit On A Punt And A Bridge), "French Roast" - By Fabrice O. Joubert, School Leavers Information Service, Word Of The Week: Blue, Bees can do so much more than you think – from dancing to being little art critics, TikTok promotes vaping as a fun, safe and socially accepted pastime – and omits the harms, We have all heard social media can impact women’s body image – but it isn’t all bad, ‘Habits of civilised life’: how one state forced Indigenous people to meet onerous conditions to obtain citizenship, ‘Whales died so women could look like this’: what shows like Bridgerton get wrong about whalebone and corsetry, Earliest evidence of kissing pushed back 1,000 years, From bird poo frogs to alligator snapping turtles – here are nature’s masters of deception, Friday essay: what is ‘time activism’ – and why do we desperately need it?, Vale George Annells Champion, History Of The Spit To Manly Tramline, State Of The Older Nation (SOTON) 2023: New Research Shows Age-Related Discrimination Is Rampant In Western Australia, Lifting The Standard Of Food And Nutrition In Aged Care, Care Finders Program Launches In Northern Sydney, Giving Up Driving Is A Senior’s Nightmare – But Smart Help Is Here, Pittwater RSL: Seniors Show + Lunch 2023, Seniors Miss Out On Vital Crohn’s and Colitis Support, When someone living with dementia is distressed or violent ‘de-escalation’ is vital, Am I too old to build muscle? What science says about sarcopenia and building strength later in life, Heart Health Assessment Rebate Extended, Volunteers In Aged Care Consultation Open, AvPals Term 2 At Newport, U3A events, Mens Table at Pittwater RSL

Food Manly CWA Edible Exhibition: 100 Cakes For 100 Years Of Manly CWA Invites You To Choose An Event From 1923 To 2023 + A Look At Some Aussie Classic Cakes, Commencing From 1923 With The Frog Cake 

Profile of the Week Ringtail Posse 4: May 2023 - Andrew Gregory: Powerful Owl, Marita Macrae: Pale-Lipped Or Gully Shadeskink, Jools Farrell: Whales & Seals, Nicole Romain: Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo

Data made available, and which excludes half that submitted, shows we are losing 2 nocturnal bird species every single week and 8 parrots every single day. The primary reason? Habitat destruction - cutting down trees.

Definition from - ;

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

+

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

History The Mona Vale Outrages by George Champion OAM

Vale George Annells CHAMPION

b. 10th March 1930 - d. 28th April 2023
Passed Away peacefully at Northern Beaches Hospital.
Loved husband of Shelagh Champion OAM (d. 2017.)
Father to Bruce and Ian; Father-in-law to Patricia and Heather. Papa to four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Remembered for his dedicated work as a teacher, environmentalist and historian.

''The northern beaches has lost a giant of local history research and writing.'' - John Morecombe, esteemed local journalist and Honorary Fellow of the Manly Warringah Pittwater Historical Society

This Issue one of George's 2012 History insights penned for Pittwater Online News.
Thank you for your volunteer service over many years to our community George. You gave us more than many people will realise and will be much missed by any of us. R.I.P. sir.


Photo: The Hon. James (Jim) Macken, R.I.P., Geoff Searl OAM and George Champion OAM in January 2019. Photo: Geoff Searl OAM

Jellyfish Turning Up In Rock Pools At Present

Residents have reported big numbers of jellyfish turning up in ocean rock pools this week and forwarded images of same.

These look like the brown version of the Blubber Jellyfish Catostylus mosaicus, also known as Jelly Blubber. Found in intertidal estuaries and coastal waters of eastern Australia they are the most commonly encountered jellyfish with large swarms occurring. 

In Sydney waters, the Jelly Blubber's large bell is a creamy white or brown colour, but farther north and south it is usually a light to dark blue. This is because the jellyfish has developed a symbiotic relationship with algal plant cells that are kept inside its body. These plants vary in colour from region to region. The algae photosynthesise, converting sunlight into energy that can be used by the jellyfish. 

The Jelly Blubber has no mouth but there are many tiny openings in its tentacles. The tentacles also have stinging cells that can capture tiny crustaceans and other plankton.

The sting can be painful but generally poses no serious risk to humans unless you are one who reacts to stings, and in that case, don't swim when you see them in the water or pool.

The body has a rounded top (bell) and eight textured arms, each arm with three "wings". There is a white cross inside body, visible through the bell. The bell can be up to 35 cm across.

This is the creamy version photographed in the estuary 10 years back - there were literally a thousand of them drifting away there together - almost like a ballet.


Public Amenities Upgrade: Rowland Reserve Bayview, Feedback Invited

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

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

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

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

View the plans and provide feedback at:


Concept image: NBC

Streets As Shared Spaces - The Strand, Dee Why: Feedback Invited

Opened: Thu 11 May 2023
Closes: Sun 28 May 2023

Council would like to know what you think of the Shared Space at DY - please provide your comments in the form further down this page: 

All submissions in their entirety are made publicly available in the Community Engagement Report. Personal identifying information and inappropriate language is redacted.

Council aim to report on the evaluation outcomes at the Council meeting in June 2023.



Photo: NBC

Biggest Morning Tea At MVSLSC

Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club is supporting the Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning tea.
Please join us for tea, coffee and cake and support our fundraising goal by donating.  

Together we can help Cancer Council raise much needed funds to go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programs and advocacy. 

When:   Thursday 25th May
Time:      From 10am
Where:  Mona Vale SLSC, Surfview Road, Mona Vale in Cook Terrace
If you cannot make it on the day and you are wanting to make a donation, please follow this link:


Roadworks

Slope stabilisation: Avalon Beach- Barrenjoey Road between Plateau Road and The Serpentine
Tue 25 Apr 2023 to Fri 26 May 2023: 8:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions. Advice: Check signage, Reduced speed limit (40km/h). Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.



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

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


Northern Beaches Police Area Command: E-Scooter And E-Bike Safety Operation

Commencing at 8am today (Wednesday 17 May 2023), officers from Northern Beaches Highway Patrol will be conducting a high-visibility operation on e-scooter and e-bike safety along the Northern Beaches.

The aim of this operation is to educate the public on traffic laws associated with e-scooters, e-bikes and pedestrian safety. It is illegal for any of these to be ridden on footpaths.

Police will also be running this operation across May through to July 2023.

🚲 For more information on E-Bikes: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/bicycle-riders/petrol-powered-bicycles.html

🛴 For more information on E-Scooters: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/e-scooters/index.html

Audit Reveals Critical Shortage Of Grave Sites In Sydney

May 19, 2023
In response to the critical shortage of grave sites, the Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper is today announcing he will amalgamate the three Crown cemetery managers - Rookwood General, Northern Metropolitan and Southern Metropolitan - to create a single entity that can get on with the job of increasing the supply of graves.

The new entity will be named the Metropolitan Cemeteries and Crematoria Land Manager (MCC) and is in line with the government’s commitment to establish a two-operator model for Crown cemeteries in Sydney.

A new audit into Sydney’s Crown cemeteries commissioned by the NSW Government has revealed multiple religious groups are set to run out of burial space in less than three years, highlighting the damage caused by years of indecision and infighting under the former government.

The audit was conducted across five Sydney cemeteries managed by OneCrown - Frenchs ForestMacquarie Park, Rookwood, Eastern Suburbs Memorial and Woronora.

The Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery occupies an area Of 22 Hectares (54 Acres). Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium is situated on 59 hectares (145 acres) of Crown land.

The audit found the supply of graves for the Armenian and Antiochian Orthodox faiths will exhaust in three years, as will the supply of graves for Muslim burials.

The Eastern Orthodox faith, which includes Greek Orthodox, will run out of graves in four and a half years.

Burial is the only interment practice available to people of the Muslim and Orthodox faiths.

The MCC will be tasked with addressing the serious challenges facing the Sydney cemetery and crematoria sector and ensuring respectful and affordable burial and cremation services remain available for all.

The MCC will be governed by a new skills-based board which will provide stable leadership, more efficient practices and a strategic long-term vision for the future of the industry.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said, 
“The independent report that was released last month highlighted the disaster that the previous government created through indecision and infighting. We will not make the same mistakes.”

“We have listened to the experts, we conducted an audit to get a clearer picture of the problems, and now we have acted.”

“This merger will provide certainty for the industry, staff and consumers and a clear path to better manage our cemeteries so that the city’s burial needs are met and we can identify new efficiencies.”

The 2023 CWAS "David Malin Awards"

Entries close Wednesday, 31 May 2023

The Central West Astronomical Society is proud to announce the 2023 CWAS Astrophotography Awards - the "David Malin Awards".

The competition will continue with the new judging structure, introduced last year. In order to build on the experience of previous years, and to continue as the premier competition of its kind in Australia, a panel of distinguished Australian astrophotographers will judge the category entries. Dr David Malin will judge the Overall Winner from the list of these winners. We are honoured that the judging panel will include Phil Hart, Alex Cherney, and Peter Ward, previous winners of the "David Malin Awards" and numerous other national and international astrophotography competitions.

There are three sections of entry - General Section, Open Themed Section, and a Junior Section (18 or younger). The general section is divided into six categories; Wide-field (camera shots), Deep Sky (telescope shots), Solar System, Nightscapes, Animated Sequences, and Smartphone Astrophotography. The Junior Section will have one open category and entries can be of any astronomical subject, and can be an animated sequence.

The Competition Structure:

  • General Section:
  • Wide-Field
  • Deep Sky
  • Solar System
  • Nightscapes
  • Animated Sequences
  • Smartphone Astrophotography
  • Junior Section (18 or younger) - One Open Category (can be of any astronomical subject)
  • Open Themed Section - "The Zodiac"

The "David Malin Innovation Prize" may be awarded, at Dr Malin's discretion, for a striking astronomical image that shows exceptional imagination, innovation or an unusual approach in any of the categories.

An additional prize, "The Photo Editor's Choice", will also be awarded. This will be judged by a major news organisation's photo editor or editors.

The Solar System category is for images of solar system objects taken with a telescope. Wide-field solar system shots may be entered in the Wide-Field or Nightscape categories depending on the subject and composition.

The Nightscapes is intended to showcase the increasing popularity and evolution of this relatively new genre of astrophotography, combining beautiful terrestrial foregrounds with a night sky scene - often in a single exposure (HDR is OK) or as a multi-shot panorama. NOTE: Any image that contains terrestrial foregrounds will be considered to be a nightscape image.

Animated Sequences should be videos that are intriguing or highlight concepts and events not obvious or significant in stills. Astrophotographers are invited to submit animations, produced as either time-lapse sequences or with other forms of video. They can be of any subject, provided there is a distinct astronomical link. All animations must be submitted as MOV, MPEG, AVI or MP4 files. Today, smartphones are ubiquitous and some are capable of impressive low light-level photography.

In Smartphone Astrophotography we are looking for images that have been taken with only a smartphone, and without telescopes, of an astronomical scene that has some aesthetic appeal and/or that has captured something you might not expect to see from such a tiny camera.

There is no strict delineation between Deep Sky and Wide-Field images. Wide-field images are typically produced with DSLR and interchangeable lens cameras at a focal length of less than ~400mm, but this characterisation is becoming less clear as equipment evolves. Wide-field images are typically constellations or "scenes" rather than deep sky "objects" but entrants are free to submit images to either category.

Judges reserve the right to move images between categories.

The Open Themed Section is open to all astrophotographers. They are encouraged to see who can be the most inventive and creative in evoking the theme, which this year will be "The Zodiac". Photographs could be of the dusty zodiacal light or gegenschein, portraits of the zodiac constellations with or without planets amongst them, or anything else that symbolises the zodiac, one of the earliest astronomical concepts in our understanding of the sky. We are looking for eye-catching images that are also aesthetically pleasing and/or challenging.

All entries must be images that faithfully reflect and maintain the integrity of the subject. Image manipulations or composites that produce works that are more "digital art" than true astronomical images, will be deemed ineligible.

All still images must be submitted as digital files via a dedicated web site that can be accessed at this myphotoclub web page. For judging purposes, still images must be submitted as JPG files with the longest side having a dimension no greater than 4,950 pixels. All images must be in Adobe 1998 RGB colour space and will be judged using a calibrated monitor. Similarly, winning images will be printed from the files as-received, so it would be prudent for entrants to calibrate their monitors if possible. It does make a difference. Click here for an example of a very detailed set of calibration procedures for all platforms. For Mac users, a useful monitor calibration program can be found under "Monitors" in System Preferences, and the ideal solution for monitor calibration is a stand-alone device such as the Spyderexpress.

Submission of entries will close at 24:00 (AEST) on Wednesday, 31 May 2023. Entrants must first create an account on the MyPhotoClub submission page, by clicking on the green entry button. Follow the links to create the account and password.

Entry fees are $15 per entry and should be paid by the PayPal gateway on the entry website. Credit and debit cards can be used on this gateway.

The photographs will be judged by a panel of distinguished astrophotographers, who will judge the category winners. Dr David Malin will judge the overall winner from this list of winners.

Submitted image files should not contain identifying metadata. If anonymity of the judging process is important to the entrant, then images should not be shared in public forums prior to completion of judging. The winners will be notified and presented with the "David Malin Awards" during a special ceremony, held during the 2023 CWAS AstroFest, in the presence of invited dignitaries on Saturday, 22 July 2023. All winners should make every effort to attend the presentation of the awards.

A selection of the finest astrophotographs received will be professionally printed courtesy of Sunstudios and exhibited for the entire year at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory's Visitors Centre. In addition, a second set will tour the country in a travelling exhibition, organised by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, to selected venues across Australia.

There is a limit of five (5) entries per category per photographer. All photographs must have been taken no more than 2 years before the closing date of entry, and no re-entries from previous DMA competitions will be accepted. All entries must be submitted in electronic form via the MyPhotoClub submissions web site. The entrants must provide brief details of the equipment, exposure times, processing, and where relevant, the location where the image was taken.

It is not just technical skill that the judges will be looking for, but an aesthetically pleasing picture that reflects and captures the beauty, inspiration and interest of astronomy. All images will be judged by these criteria.

More details here: https://www.cwas.org.au/astrofest/DMA/

Enter here:  https://cwasdma.myphotoclub.com.au/


2022 Winner: Ian Inverarity - Nightscapes; OVERALL WINNER "Old Giant in the Fog"

Citation: "This is the finest image I have seen in this competition. It is simply beautiful, and no more needs to be said. No sign of stitching, either."

Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Ewok 

12yo Pom X


Ewok is a super cute cuddly boy, who is social with other small dogs. He is affectionate and easy to clip and bath. Ewok has luxating Patellas in both legs, so he walks a bit bandy legged. He has such an expressive nature. Ewok has had a dental with 4 extractions and he also has a heart murmur. Ewok is now on heart meds. Ewok had a ruptured cruciate and grade 4 luxating patella. He has just had surgery on his first leg and recovering really well. Ewok has a fluffy coat that needs brushing and weighs 3.7kg. He comes with desexing, 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 $400. 

Twistie 

5mths Female Domestic Medium Haired Cat


Our snack group of kittens Dorito, Cheezel, Smith, Pringle and Twistie are playful fun-loving kittens with affectionate natures. They came from the pound at a very young age without a Mum. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 

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

Conservation Zones Review - Northern Beaches Council's Update: May 2023

Earlier in March, Council met with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to agree in principle to a Pilot Project to further investigate the methodology and mapping used in our approach to the Conservation Zones Review and to explore possible changes in response to community and stakeholder feedback.

Site visit requests and mapping Investigations 
We have also undertaken a comprehensive analysis of all the submissions that has shown: 
  • Over three hundred submissions raised concerns with the accuracy of mapping, fifty of which requested a site visit.
  • Approximately forty submissions requested a site visit based on concerns about the Review methodology.
Now we are conducting a desktop assessment of those submissions which raised issues with mapping accuracy. This work will continue over the next few months concurrently with the Department of Planning and Environment Pilot Program.

Site visits are not proposed for submissions on the Review methodology, as site conditions will not impact this.

We are working towards finalising the list of inspections once the Department of Planning and Environment has agreed to the methodology and mapping, as changes to the methodology could impact the properties affected.

Due to the timing of the Pilot Project with the Department, site visits may not now commence until July/August. We will contact those who requested a site visit to notify them of the delay.

Next Steps
Once we reach agreement with the Department of Planning and Environment on a revised methodology, additional mapping will be undertaken, and site inspections will be arranged for landowners whose submissions on mapping have not been resolved.

We are aiming to complete all relevant work by early September and bring a draft LEP and DCP to Council by the end of 2023. These documents will then be put on public exhibition, with feedback being sought from the community in 2024.

Visit our Your Say hub  
You can learn about how we propose to use conservation zones on the whole Northern Beaches by using the tools on the Conservation Zones Review Your Say page

Scammers Trying To Capitalise On Federal Budget

Be wary of scam messages relating to Federal Budget announcements.  Remember, never click links in messages or share personal information with anyone you don't know. 


2023 Volunteer Of The Year Nominations Open

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

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

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

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

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

Nominations close 5pm, Friday 16 June 2023.


Australian Communities Foundation Grants

The Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) is now offering funding to registered charities for support in a social change initiative, provided it is in keeping with their charitable purpose.

Grants are generally awarded for amounts between $2,000 and $15,000.

Find out more on the ACF website.

Proposed Community Garden: Annam Road Reserve Bayview

At the 28 March 2023 meeting, Council resolved to exhibit a proposal for a community garden at Annam Road Reserve, Bayview. 

A group of residents have submitted an application to establish a community garden of approximately 450m². The garden group intends to:
  • grow organic produce (fruit and vegetables) and flowering plants
  • promote sustainable lifestyles
  • provide a neighbourhood meeting place and opportunities for social interaction
  • promote physical activity.
The draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) indicates that any potential impacts are minor or negligible with the mitigation measures proposed.

Have your say
View the plan here, read the draft REF and have your say by:
  • completing the comment form
  • emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
  • writing to Council marked 'Proposed Community Garden - Annam Road Reserve, Bayview’ to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.
All submissions in their entirety will be treated as public documents and made available on request.

You can also come and chat with Council at a drop-in session on Saturday 20 May, 2 - 4pm.
Submissions close Sunday May 28th 2023


Paradise Beach Wharf And Tidal Pool Renewal Feedback Invited

Submissions close Sunday May 28th 2023
Features of the proposal:
  • Widened tidal steps, an external ladder and tie up location on the north side and widening of the wharf deck.
  • A new internal stainless steel ladder.
  • Raising the wharf deck and pool walls to keep them above water levels in higher tides.
  • Replacing the collapsing rocky groyne with a new sandstone block groyne topped with a sand coloured concrete slab. The groyne is proposed to be reduced 2-3m in lengh and increased to 2m in width.
  • Maintaining the heritage aspect of the wharf and pool by providing timber decking and timber materials on the upper portion of the structure including a timber waler along the top of the pool walls.
  • Long term durability of the structure will be achieved by using steel piles surrounded by black HDPE (high density polyethylene) sleeving. Timber fender piles will be used to maintain the heritage feel at the end of the wharf.
  • New shower and foot tap.
Due to its heritage listing, the footprint of the new wharf and pool will have similar proportions as the existing structure - so a like for like replacement. This will help maintain its heritage aesthetic as well as minimise any impact to the threatened species of Posidonia seagrass in the vicinity. 

Construction will approximately three months, between June and October 2024, subject to weather conditions. The work must occur outside the seahorse breeding season. Seahorses will be relocated to a nearby location as approved by the NSW Fisheries Department.



Gambling-Related Signage To Go In NSW By September

May 19, 203
The NSW Government states it is taking action to deliver on a key election commitment to reduce problem gambling, by moving to ban external signage (e.g. VIP Lounge) from pubs and clubs across the state by 1 September 2023.

The government’s action on VIP signage comes after introducing legislation in the first sitting week of the new parliament to ban clubs with pokies from donating to NSW political parties.

Pubs and clubs will be formally notified from next week that all external gambling-related signs, including fixed unilluminated awning signs to digital video displays, will need to be removed, altered, or concealed before 1 September 2023.

Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has developed a position paper which outlines its enforcement approach and transition period. As part of this, venue operators have 3 months to remove all gaming related signage.

Where venues can demonstrate delays in removing their signage that are outside of their control, they will be afforded a further 3 months to comply. Following this period, a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted.

Names such as VIP Room/VIP Lounge, Golden Room/Lounge, Players’ Room/Lounge Prosperity Room/Lounge will be among names banned as well as images of dragons, coins or lightning motifs.

The expectations for removal of signs will be applied in a staged manner, to afford venues the time to remove, switch off, conceal or otherwise change both static and electronic signage.

The government will work with industry associations and venues across NSW during the transition period. The maximum penalty attributable for those who fail to remove their signs and breach the Act is 100 penalty units, or $11,000, per offence.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
''The NSW government is committed to introducing important gambling harm-minimisation measures.

“The facades of pubs and clubs across the state are littered with signs such as ‘VIP lounge’ to alert those walking or driving by that they have gaming machines.

“Some of these signs are extremely prominent, can be seen by children and members of the community who are at risk of gambling harm.

“While there are already laws in place that prohibit gaming related signage, venue operators have circumvented these by advertising “VIP Lounges”. We are putting an end to this loophole for the health and wellbeing of our communities.”


Council: Fox Baiting Notice To Pet Owners

Fox-specific poison baits are being laid in the following reserves until 12 May:
  • Manly Dam, Manly Vale
  • Allenby Park, Allambie Heights
  • Forestville Park, Forestville
  • Middle Creek Reserve, Oxford Falls
  • Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
These reserves are closed to dogs until Friday 9 June. Dog and cat owners are advised to keep their pets away from these Northern Beaches reserves. 

Warning signs are being displayed in the these areas.

The fox baiting program is being conducted in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and involves the use of “Foxoff® Econobait” poison baits, which are designed specifically for fox control. The poison baits contain 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate).

Native animals at risk from foxes include bandicoots, swamp wallabies, brush turkeys and possums.

Lock Up Your Cars: Thieves About

Ausgrid Community Battery Pilot - Warriewood: Have Your Say

Proposed location: Valley View Reserve, Parkland Way, Warriewood
Have Your Say by 5pm on 31 May 2023

Ausgrid have stated they would like to involve the local Warriewood community to inform this potential project. Your feedback will help them shape their strategy for the community battery program if they are successful in securing government funding.

How to submit your feedback

Community members are invited to share their feedback until 31 May 2023.
 
There are several ways to submit your feedback:

In Tune With Tony B

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

In this week's programme Tony chatted with Monica Biernacki from Doggie Rescue about the invaluable work that Doggie Rescue is doing to rehome dogs and other furry friends, making a positive impact on their lives and the lives of countless families, who give them a new home.. Here is a direct link to the programme on demand: DoggieRescue

Next week, on Friday 26th May 2023 at 6pm, Tony chats with Eleni Psillakis from Success Works and the great support that they provide for women affected by the criminal justice system to find employment through an employer who sees their skills and potential and not their record

The programme will also feature a great line up of predominantly home-grown music.
 
Radio Northern Beaches
Fridays at 6pm
FM 88.7 or 90.3
Or live stream at https://www.rnb.org.au
Previous programmes, on demand at https://www.mixcloud.com/InTuneWithTonyB
If you would like to chat with Tony on air about your community cause or your music, please feel free to message the Facebook page  In Tune - Radio Programme | Facebook and feel free to like and share the page.

Surgical Care Taskforce To Reduce Elective Surgery Wait Times

May 18, 2023
The NSW Surgical Care Taskforce met yesterday for the first time where its members outlined priorities to improve the delivery of surgical services and reduce the state’s elective surgery waiting list.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park met with several of the taskforce’s members, including the co-chairs, ahead of the meeting.

“This taskforce represents just some of the best and brightest of our state’s clinical workforce,” Mr Park said.

“It is made up of a group of leading clinical, logistics and operations experts which will look at measures to reduce the backlog of elective surgeries.

“I’ve asked the taskforce to report back to me in 3 months to update me on its progress.”

The taskforce was announced by Premier Chris Minns and Minister Park in April and represents some of the state’s leading clinical experts, working in both the public and private health sectors.

The taskforce will be chaired by Professor Neil Merrett, Program Director of Surgery for South Western Sydney Local Health District, and Mr Matthew Daly, Deputy Secretary, System Sustainability and Performance for NSW Health.

Professor Merrett said the taskforce will examine a range of strategies aimed at reducing the number of people who wait longer than clinically recommended for their surgery.

“Our network of clinical and operations experts bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table and will build on our existing surgical services committees and programs to help support our healthcare workers to reduce planned surgery wait times,” Professor Merrett said.

“The taskforce will examine a range of best-practice models, including by safely increasing day-only surgery, boosting virtual care and remote monitoring of patients, enhancing systems of referrals and assessment of patients by multidisciplinary teams, and by maximising the efficiency of operating theatres for planned surgery.”

Welcoming 225 New Recruits To The Firefighting Frontline

May 19, 2023
More than 200 new firefighters will join the ranks of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) with 180 men and 45 women joining the firefighting frontline following a graduation ceremony at the Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills today.

Each of the 225 new recruits has spent up to 14 weeks learning their trade by studying a number of techniques to help deal with the various fire emergencies they will be facing, as well as search and rescue skills, applying first aid, heavy vehicle driving and hazardous materials (hazmat) training.



The new intake is made up of 61 permanent firefighters and 164 who qualify as on-call firefighters, having completed the competitive application process and endured the physically demanding training regime that the job requires.

The new state government looks forward to seeing even more firefighters picking up a hose or taking the lead in a rescue situation in the years to come with a commitment to hire an additional 600 new FRNSW crew over the next 8 years.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib will be attending today’s graduation ceremony which will see new firefighters deployed to fire stations across the state as they begin a challenging but rewarding career in protecting the lives and properties of the communities they serve.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“It speaks volumes that the overwhelming motive for joining Fire and Rescue NSW is to make a positive difference to the community, and it’s great to see that this year’s recruits have come from all walks of life.”

“It takes a special type of person to risk their own life to protect the lives of others and I’d like to congratulate all 225 firefighters graduating today – they’ll be doing so much more than putting out fires.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said:

“A career at Fire and Rescue NSW involves more than fire. Our firefighters are ready to support our community at their time of greatest need in all sorts of ways.”

“The firefighters graduating today have shown great determination, from the competitive application process to the demanding physical training, and they will go out into our communities armed with specialist skills to be prepared for anything.”




Photos: FRNSW

Proposed New Northern Beaches Mental Health Hub DA Open For Feedback

At: 11 Tilley Lane, Frenchs Forest
What: 80 BED MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY
Plans are currently open for feedback on a $50 million new 80-bed private Mental Health Hospital co-located with the nearby Northern Beaches Hospital. 

Due to the cost, this has been declared a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) that has been submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), pursuant to Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) for the Northern Beaches Mental Health Hub (NBMHH) located at 11 Tilley Lane, Frenchs Forest.

This $50 million proposal seeks to construct a private mental health hospital providing up to 80 sub-acute mental health beds that is within the catchment of the Northern Beaches Hospital and able to leverage off the services and specialities provided there.

On 21 December 2017, PMK Investment Services Pty Ltd received Development Approval (DA 2017/0711) from Northern Beaches Council for construction of a Class 9A Private Hospital with multiple healthcare services at 11 Tilley Lane Frenchs Forest. DA 2017/0711 approved a 2,200 sqm six storey private hospital with two levels of basement parking for 72 cars.

The current Description of proposal is:
Construction of an eight storey private mental health facility including:
  •  patient rooms;
  •  clinical therapy and consultation spaces;
  •  ground floor café with outdoor dining;
  •  a three level basement carpark;
  •  an ambulance bay;
  •  roof terrace and associated landscaping; and
  •  earthworks and tree removal. 
The application, environmental impact statement (EIS) and accompanying documents are on exhibition from Wednesday 03 May 2023 until Tuesday 30 May 2023. 

You can view these documents online at: 
You can also make a submission to same webpage


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

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

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

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

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

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

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



NSW Government Acting To Strengthen Building Industry

May 16, 2023
The NSW Government is acting to strengthen the quality of building and construction in NSW by establishing a NSW Building Commission by the end of the year – a single body to oversee the regulation, licensing and oversight of the industry.

The Building Commission will build on the strong foundation laid by Building Commissioner David Chandler since his appointment in 2019.

The housing supply crisis that our state is facing will require more supply and more construction if NSW is to retain its young people and families.

The jump in rental prices in recent times has left too many NSW residents considering their future.

The NSW Government recognises the pressing need for more homes to enter the market – to ease pressure on the housing market and keep young people in NSW.

But the Minns Government is committed to ensuring the tens of thousands of new homes that our state requires are quality homes.

Building Commissioner David Chandler has sent a strong message to the high-rise apartment sector that there is a tough regulator policing the industry. This was overdue.

The NSW Building Commission will elevate and strengthen this work, ensuring people who purchase any property in NSW can have even greater confidence in the quality of the work.

The government will also this year introduce to parliament its new, plain English Building Act, implementing an important election commitment.

The new building act will consolidate and modernise many pieces of legislation, some decades old, scattered throughout the state’s statute books.

This work will provide clarity to consumers and the sector about their rights and responsibilities and incentivise the building sector to deliver quality homes.

Departments have also started work on implementing the government’s suite of election commitments.

The government has already fulfilled one of its commitments, appointing a separate Minister for Building, Anoulack Chanthivong.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I’ve made clear we need more supply, there’s no two ways about it.

“The pressure on the rental market is severe, and the government’s job is to get more supply into the system to help alleviate some of that pressure.

“But I want to provide confidence to the public that when we build, we’ll build properly.

“We want well-built, well-designed suburbs with top-tier buildings and top-tier builders.

“The Building Commissioner David Chandler has done a remarkable job cleaning up the construction industry. We want to expand on that and ensure can get supply moving while still maintaining public confidence in the quality.”

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“We have the chance to deliver on a once in a generation opportunity to transform the NSW construction sector.

“We’re thrilled to be joined by David Chandler OAM who has been responsible for bipartisan reforms to strengthen and modernise our construction sector.

“This sector accounts for almost 10% of the economy, so getting this right is critical.

“We have to build up not out and this is the first step in ensuring the projects in this global city are of the highest quality.”

Two Judges Appointed To The NSW District Court

Attorney General Michael Daley has appointed two experienced and respected lawyers to the bench of the NSW District Court.

Deputy Senior Crown Prosecutor Craig Everson SC and and barrister Robert Newlinds SC have both dedicated their professional lives to the law, appearing before all jurisdictions of the NSW courts.

“After distinguished careers as advocates they bring with them more than 60 years of experience to the bench,” Mr Daley said.

“They will be welcome additions to the NSW District Court when they are sworn in as judges.”

Mr Everson has been a Deputy Senior Crown Prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions since 2014 and has appeared in many high profile matters including the recent trial of Christopher Dawson for the murder of his wife Lynette Dawson in 1982.

“He has worked as both defence counsel and as a prosecutor for the Crown,” Mr Daley said.

Called to the Bar in 1996, Mr Everson started his career working as a solicitor at the Aboriginal Legal Service.

The majority of Mr Everson’s practice was the defence of persons charged with serious indictable offences and he also practised in administrative, commercial and common law.

Since his appointment as a Crown Prosecutor in 2005, he has exclusively appeared for the Crown before the Supreme and District Courts. From 2014 he led the Crown Prosecutors based at Campbelltown, Parramatta and Penrith until late 2018.

Mr Newlinds has been a barrister since 1990 and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2003. He has expertise in commercial law, insolvency, insurance and common law.

“Mr Newlinds has appeared as lead counsel in six cases in the High Court of Australia, over 100 appeals in intermediate Courts of Appeal and hundreds of first instance hearings, including many in the District Court,” Mr Daley said.

Outside the law Mr Newlinds is actively involved in the South Curl Curl Surf Club and competes regularly in Masters' rowing events for the state and internationally.

The appointment of Mr Newlinds replaces his Honour Judge Robison and Mr Everson will replace his Honour Judge McLennan SC who have both retired.

“I would like to thank them both for their service to the Court and to the community,” Mr Daley said.

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

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


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

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

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

JP Public Register

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

Rig Recycle: Fishing Gear Items

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

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

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


Mona Vale Residents Association

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



Volunteers Needed: Red Cross Avalon Shop

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

Rotary Upper Northern Beaches: Get Involved In Something Positive

At Rotary Upper Northern Beaches, we are always welcoming new members. We find that new members bring new ideas, energy and opportunities. There is something for everyone in Rotary and you can apply your skills for the betterment of our community. This can include anything from cooking a BBQ, to managing a fundraising project, to helping with marketing and social media. You can even get the opportunity to serve on our Board.

We have been quite active in the community over recent and coming weeks, including;
      - Pre Christmas community projects, such as the Tree of Joy (Warriewood Square) and Carols In The Park at Village Park, Mona Vale.
      - Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach 
      - Annual Art Show at Mona Vale Memorial Hall (24 - 26 February) raised much needed funds for worthy charities
      - An evening of collaboration with other Northern Beaches Rotary Clubs brainstorming strategies for member engagement and growth (21 February)
      - The Bobbo (Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, Sunday 26 March). Another great collaboration with other Rotary Clubs based on the North Shore
      - Our Annual Charity Golf Day (6 April at Monash Country Club)
    
These are just a few examples of our fund raising and community activities. If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, while meeting some great people and having some fun with it, please come and check us out. We meet most Wednesday nights at The Sands Hotel Narrabeen (except for the 2nd Wednesday if each month, which is at Avalon RSL (6pm Dinner in the bistro for 7pm Rotary meeting upstairs at both venues). 

If you would like to know more about Rotary and how you can get involved, please contact us on 02 8005 0711 or email contact@rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Report Hate Crimes

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

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

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

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

Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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

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

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

May 14 - 20  2023: Issue 583

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 583 

Small Business Owner At Palm Beach Battling Council To Stay Afloat - Keep Staff Employed

Epic WSL Sydney Pro Junior + Sydney Surf Pro At Narrabeen: May 13-14 + May 17-24

Mural Proposed For Mona Vale Road Sound Barrier: Celebration Of Our Area Better Than Graffitied Long Grey Wall Locals State

National Volunteer Week 2023: Help Your Community By Being A Change Maker In Whatever Is Your Passion - runs 15-23 May 2023

Surfing NSW Supports The New Wave Of Female Surf Coaches and Judges: apply now to get involved

Aquatics: Australia SailGP Team Wins Season 3 - Historic Third Straight Victory

Pictures: Pittwater's Mother Nature: Mother's Day 2023

Michael Regan, Independent MP For Wakehurst: Inaugural Speech To NSW Parliament

Historic Heritage Listed Bantry Bay Explosives Depot At Middle Harbor Falling Into Disrepair From Long Neglect

Council's Draft Operational Plan And Budget 2023/24 Open For Feedback Until May 21, 2023 - Specific Projects Listed For Pittwater Include 10.3m For Warriewood Community Centre

DIY Ideas Mother's Day 2023 DIY Idea: A Basic Bookshelf You Can Make For All Mum's Books

Park Bench Philosophers Lucy Edith Gullett (Dr.) 28 September 1876 - 12 November 1949A few insights into one of the original 'spinsters' of Spinsters Hill, Palm Beach

Environment Protect Mona Vale's Bongin Bongin Bay - Establish An Aquatic Reserve: May 2023 Update, Northern Beaches Sustainable Business Solutions Forum: May 17 At Brookvale, Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew: Freshwater May 28, Permaculture NB: May To July 2023 Events, PNHA Guided Nature Walks 2023, Chemical CleanOut: June 2023, Bushcare In Pittwater, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Report Fox Sightings, Weed Of The Season: Cassia - Please Pull Out and Save Our Bush, New Marine Wildlife Rescue Group On The Central Coast, Watch Out - Shorebirds About, Possums In Your Roof?: Do The Right Thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, NSW Reconstruction Authority Regulation: Have Your Say, Draft Bush Fire Risk Plan: North Shore - have your say, Getting The Scoop On The Pelican Travel Brief: Please Report Any Pelicans With Bands, Dungowan Dam Project Will Not Proceed, Builders Urged To Contain Site Litter and Construction Waste: Blitz on this May, EPA Issues Tougher Licence For Metropolitan Collieries, Rising River Alert – Snowy River Below Jindabyne Dam: May 18, Plumwood Mountain Added To NSW State Heritage Register, If the budget ditched the Stage 3 tax cuts Australia could save every threatened species – and lots more, Tail first and making an early splash; some whales just can’t wait to be born, To get to net zero policymakers need to listen to communities; Here’s what they can learn from places like Geelong, Smoke from the Black Summer fires could have made the triple La Niña more likely, Green hydrogen funding is a step forward – but a step doesn’t win the race, What Australia’s new gas tax will mean for new projects, the economy and the climate, HECS for farmers? Nature repair loans could help biodiversity recover – and boost farm productivity, Budget’s energy bill relief and home retrofit funding is a good start but dwarfed by the scale of the task, Microplastics: we’ve found startling quantities in the ice algae that are essential for all Arctic marine life, Thousands of badgers being farmed in South Korea could be a disease risk, Tiny aquatic athletes: how baby Nemo can ‘just keeping swimming’ from the open ocean to the reef, Pittwater Environment groups and organisations, Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon, Recycle plastic tags

Inbox News We Need To Talk About Ovarian Cancer; Our Deadliest Gynaecological Cancer, Why Are Electricity Prices Rising Again?, T Cells Can Activate Themselves To Fight Tumours, Researchers Discover A Cause Of Rapid Ice Melting In Greenland, Smallest Shifting Fastest: Bird Species Body Size Predicts Rate Of Change In A Warming World, Potential Found To Counter Depression By Restoring Key Brain Rhythm, Kangaroo Island Ants 'Play Dead' To Avoid Predators, Older Australians; Budget 2023, History of the Harbord Beach Tramline, Delivering The Largest Ever Pay Rise To Aged Care Workers: Federal Government Statements, Scientists Develop AI Tool To Predict Parkinson's Disease Onset, A Tripartite Approach To Address Workforce Shortages In Aged Care, The aged-care budget delivers for workers but meeting our future needs will require bold funding reforms, Here’s how a new AI tool may predict early signs of Parkinson’s disease, COTA: Budget 2023 Delivers Positive News For Older Australians – Particularly Older Women, ‘Queue Jumpers’ Who Opt To Retire Early Are Catching Companies Off Guard, Heart Health Assessment Rebate Extended, Bold and innovative planning is delivering Australia’s newest city. But it will be hot – and can we ditch the colonial name?,  Volunteers In Aged Care Consultation Open, Radio Skills Workshop, NSW Youth Advisory Council: Applications Close 21 May 2023, The Big Bike Film Night At Warriewood, Turimetta and North Narrabeen Monday to Friday, History Of The Harbord Beach Tramline, Webb Looks For Fomalhaut's Asteroid Belt And Finds Much More, Word Of The Week: Hope, Mothers’ lives in ancient Greece were not easy – but celebrations of their love have survived across the centuries, Here’s why The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is big news – even among those who don’t see themselves as ‘gamers’, How fast is the Universe really expanding? Multiple views of an exploding star raise new questions, Australia has a National Quantum Strategy; What does that mean?, What’s the latest on GMOs and gene-edited foods – and what are the concerns? An expert explains, Gen Z goes retro: Why the younger generation is ditching smartphones for ‘dumb phones’, Can a photograph change the world?, Research shows giraffes can use statistical reasoning; They’re the first animal with a relatively small brain known to do this

Profile of the Week Sailability Manly's Eli Demeny OAM

National Volunteer Week runs 15-23 May 2023. The theme for National Volunteer Week in 2023 is The Change Makers. This National Volunteer Week Volunteering Australia are asking, what kind of Change Maker are you? You may be a Caregiver, Guardian through your local Residents Association, Nature restorer and Bushcarer, Wildlife Rescuer and Carer, a Rotary club member, Surf Lifesaver, RFS or Marine Rescue member, Zonta girl, Communicator on local radio or a Speaker at U3A or Council meetings, or a combination of these, or a different sort of Change Maker altogether!

The week-long event recognises the vital support that the millions of volunteers in our country provide to their communities and encourages people to consider volunteering. National Volunteer Week 2023 is a celebration of our volunteers' power to drive change and ensure volunteering is inclusive of all members of the Australian community.

The vision is for volunteering to be at the heart of Australian communities as all our volunteers are the Change Makers.

This Issue a glimpse into Sailability Manly through the insights of a founding member, Eli Demeny OAM. 

Sailability Manly, like Sailability Pittwater, commenced over a quarter century ago, and was among the first NSW chapters of this great organisation, and Eli was one of those founding members. 

You can find out more about Sailability Manly at: www.manlysailability.com.au

Sailability organisations are “not for profit”, volunteer-based, and through the activity of Sailing enriches the lives of people of all abilities – the elderly, the financially and socially disadvantaged as well as people with physical challenges.

The Vision and Motto is:

Freedom on the Water, regardless of ability

Sailability Manly is a part of Sailability NSW, which in turn is part of the worldwide Sailability organisation. Their principal aim is to facilitate sailing for people with disabilities, on what is acknowledged as one of the most spectacular waterways in the world, Manly Cove and North Harbor.

Eli Demeny OAM, after 27 years at the heart of Sailability Manly, is stepping back from the multiple roles she has held within this chapter. Eli’s involvement with Sailability began when she retired from her career in teaching students with severe disabilities, and her daughter announced she had ‘found a new project for her’. 

Sailability was then in its infancy in Australia and, within a year, Eli was deeply involved in the fledgling organisation, devoting long days of service to this cause where her skills and experience meant she could have a huge impact. Eli takes pride in bringing a brand new activity to people with disabilities but most of all she has loved meeting so many incredible people. 

Now 81 and a great-grandmother, Eli is stepping back from many of her duties to spend more time with her growing family and enjoy some well-deserved rest. She officially steps down from her leadership roles in August but will still be at sailing days from time to time. 

Opening Of The 58th Parliament Of New South Wales

On Tuesday 9 May 2023, the latest session of Australia's oldest Parliament was officially opened by the Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales, His Excellency the Honourable Andrew Bell.

The day included ceremonial proceedings with His Excellency and representatives from the Aboriginal community, the swearing in of members, and the election of the Parliament's new Presiding Officers. 

The three commissions appointed to open the Parliament were the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, the Honourable Penny Sharpe, Deputy Leader the Honourable John Graham, and Treasurer the Honourable Daniel Mookhey.

During the morning Opening, both Houses were asked to go forth and elect the new President of the Legislative Council and the new Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, in their respective chambers.

In the Legislative Council, after all new and re-elected members were sworn in, the Honourable Ben Franklin, Nationals, was elected as President. The Honourable Rod Roberts was then elected Deputy President, and the Honourable Peter Primrose Acting President.

In the Legislative Assembly, after all members were sworn in, Greg Piper, Independent, was elected as Speaker. Sonia Hornery was then elected Deputy Speaker, and Jason Li Assistant Speaker.

Ceremonial proceedings for the day took place on the Parliament's Rooftop Garden. When His Excellency arrived, he received the Royal Salute and inspected an honour guard formed by Ambulance NSW. The NSW Police Band was also in attendance.

A Welcome to Country was then delivered by Yvonne Weldon, Deputy Chair of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, alongside a traditional Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony. For the first time, all members of Parliament were invited to participate in the Smoking Ceremony – a cultural practice for purification and cleansing. 

Afterwards, both Houses of Parliament formally presented their Presiding Officer and all members to His Excellency in the historic Jubilee Room.

MP For Pittwater Sworn In - Appointed Shadow Assistant Minister For Planning

MP for Pittwater and Councillor for the Northern Be4aches Council, Rory Amon, has had Written Community Recognition Statements listed on his Hansard by Member page, dated May 9th, 10th and 11th they honour the Palm Beach Whale Beach Association on its AGM, held on May 9th, Councillor Michael Gencher and Councillor Miranda Korzy on their work at council as he will be resigning from same, recognition of South Narrabeen Surf Lifesaving Club, celebrating its centenary, and thanks to Avalon RSL Sub-Branch and  Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch for their 2023 Anzac Day Services.

Mr. Amon has also been announced as an Assistant Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Housing, and Youth.

''I am humbled to have been appointed as Shadow Assistant Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Housing, and Youth, as a part of the NSW Liberal team.'' Mr. Amon stated in a Press Release

''These portfolios shape our future. We need sustainable planning policies, better activation and sensitive use of our public spaces, effective policies for affordable and social housing, and ensuring that Government provides a whole-of-government approach to youth issues to make sure our future generations are represented.''

''In my home of Pittwater, these policy areas are especially important, especially Planning and Public Spaces. Labor have promised to dump more density in Pittwater and the Northern Beaches and have no plans for more infrastructure.

I will advocate against inappropriate development which may be pursued by the NSW Labor Government in Pittwater, the Northern Beaches, and beyond.

I look forward to working as part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals team to deliver a robust voice that puts the people of NSW first and holds the Labor Government to account.'' Mr. Amon said

However, prior to the 2023 State Election then Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully stated a Labor Government would be focused on increasing housing supply around transport hubs. The incoming government also stated it would cancel the Northern Beaches tunnel link and use that money to build connectivity infrastructure where there is an ongoing housing increase and it would be needed - in western Sydney. The Northern Beaches Tunnel Link was a proposal from the Coalition Government to forward the rise by thousands of units of housing at and around the privatised Northern Beaches Hospital. 

Mr. Scully also stated the $65 billion metro network was an important addition to Sydney’s connectivity, but it was “a huge price tag” and for that cost, the metro must become the spine of a sensible increase in new housing.

Mr. Scully stated in February the metro station in the Hornsby local government area, and the forthcoming Victoria Cross and Crows Nest stations in the North Sydney LGA, as places ripe for additional development and that Labor would seek to curb urban sprawl at Sydney’s fringes. 

“We can’t continue the endless push [outwards],” he said. “It makes it difficult for governments to keep up with the infrastructure challenges that come with that endless push into greenfield areas.”

Paul Scully announced the then oppositions' plans, at the Committee for Sydney’s Sydney Summit plans, and said a Chris Minns government will put housing where there was transport capacity, in line with one of the key recommendations of the NSW Productivity Commission’s White Paper.

In January 2023 now NSW Premier Chris Minns announced through an opinion piece for the Sydney Morning Herald that under Labor, the Greater Sydney Commission would be charged with reworking council housing targets, which are currently being updated, with this new directive front and centre.
Mr Minns specifically stated his government would be;

 ''charging the Greater Sydney Commission to review and re-balance population and housing targets around transport infrastructure, creating a Rental Commissioner to advocate for renters, banning the practice of secret rental bidding, implementing a Portable Bond Scheme, and many other measures...''

Part of those campaign promises was introduced this week - see Statement issued by the government below.

MP For Wakehurst Sworn In: Makes Inaugural Speech

Mayor Michael Regan, who is standing down from the position of Mayor this week, with an extraordinary council meeting being held for Councillors to vote in a new Mayor, was also sworn in to the NSW Parliament this week as a Member of the 58th Parliament.

Mr Regan's Office at Wakehurst has kindly forwarded that first speech for the records - which runs in full this Issue in: 

In this he speaks about the Lizard Rock Proposal forwarded by the previous Coalition Government and his continued stance on this proposal. 

Given that on December 5th 2022 the then Coalition Government announced its Rezoning Pathways Program, wherein the NSW Government stated it would sideline councils and communities from assessing new major housing developments, and that Ingleside is still being pushed forward in a proposal for 1000 dwellings by local property developers who are also Liberal Party members, while the NSW Department of Plannings' narrative around the MLALC development proposals for local bushland  through former Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts has not changed since first mooted in February 2022 until an election came along, both new MP's have their work cut out for them.

Under the Rezoning Pathways Program, developers can nominate rezoning proposals for more than 1,000 dwellings on sites in metropolitan NSW and at least 300 dwellings in regional NSW. These proposals would bypass councils and instead be assessed by the then state’s planning department.

Under the program, the NSW Government forcibly and immediately took over the rezoning of 10 sites across the state. 

The new government has not announced whether it will dismantle the changes announced in December 2022 by the former government.

Greens Introduce Forestry Amendment (Koala Habitats) Bill 2023

Private Members Bills introduced by those who are not in the NSW Labor Government far outweigh those tabled by the new incumbents during this first sitting week of the NSW Parliament. 

Among these is one introduced by Greens member Sue Higginson on May 11th, the Forestry Amendment (Koala Habitats) Bill 2023, Long Title: An Act to amend the Forestry Act 2012 to prohibit forestry operations from being carried out in koala habitats.

Ms Higginson, as the former CEO of the Environmental Defenders Office, was responsible for challenging governments on their poor decisions and defending activists who have been caught by the changes brought in by the previous government to stymie NSW people's right to protest. 

She has taken governments and international corporations to court and won only to have laws changed to stop residents from defending themselves and their homes and environment.

Now as a Member of the Legislative Council, environmental lawyer, farmer, grandmother, stated,
''I have introduced a bill that will prohibit logging operations in Koala habitat. The former Government didn't understand that koalas need trees, I think the new minority Labor Government knows better.''

''Vital koala habitat is being bulldozed, cut down, burnt and turned into wood chip by Forestry Corporation with complete impunity and it needs to end. The destruction of native forests is driving Koalas towards extinction by 2050, making the impacts of climate change more severe and driving extreme fires and droughts. On top of all that, it doesn't generate any profits for NSW and actually costs NSW residents $20 million each year.''

''We will be taking the facts and evidence about native forest logging up to the minority Labor Government's door every single day. We will let them know that we expect better and NSW deserves better than the same destructive forest policies as the former Coalition Government.''  

Although plans to develop koala habitat fields in western Sydney fall outside of the remit at present of both our new state MPs, see August 2022 report; Finalised Cumberland Plain Plan Released: 'A Developers Plan That Will Facilitate Extinction Of Sydney's Koalas' Locals State - A 'Tree Museum Plan' For Critically Endangered Woodplain, the protection of this iconic native species remains on the 'get it done' agenda of local residents who have witnessed the extinction of koalas in our area.

As both Mr. Amon and Mr. Regan are also incredibly family focused, their children and their children's children getting to see koala families outside of zoos, is safely on their radar as well.

Congratulations on your first week in the 58th NSW Parliament MP for Pittwater and MP for Wakehurst - the community has expressed its confidence in you and its best wishes for your first term as state MP's!

Reforms To Level The Playing Field And Deliver Relief For Renters

May 10, 2023
The Labor NSW Government has today introduced a bill to NSW Parliament which will deliver on a key election commitment to provide cost of living relief and better protection to NSW renters.

The Government states this legislation will eliminate the practice of secret rent bidding and begin the development of a portable bond scheme.

The Bill will:
  • Close the loopholes in the existing ban on solicited rent bidding to include owners and third parties.
  • Eliminate secret rent bidding by requiring owners and their agents to notify applicants of other offers from prospective tenants which are higher than the advertised price.
  • Ensure appropriate powers are in place to design and enact a portable bond scheme that reduces the strain on renters.
The government states its rental reforms come in response to the tight rental market in NSW, where low housing supply and rising interest rates are putting huge pressure on families, vulnerable groups, and everyday citizens.

This is the first step in implementing the Government’s rental reform commitments to make renting fairer and reduce the stress and pressure on renters across the state.

The Government has also commenced the process of appointing a Rental Commissioner to be a voice for renters – with the position currently advertised.

Work is also underway on reforms to end ‘no grounds’ evictions, make it easier for tenants to have pets, and better protect renters’ personal information.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said, “Anyone who rents in Sydney knows just how anxious and challenging a process it can be to find suitable accommodation, never mind the significant costs associated with moving.

“The Government is getting on with the job of delivering on our election commitments and providing much needed relief for New South Wales renters.

“This is a sensible cost of living measure to help ease the pressure on the over 30% of people in New South Wales currently renting.

“These changes will create a fairer rental regime in this state by providing greater certainty as well as flexibility for both renters and owners.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong stated, “The message at the last election was clear: renters in NSW didn’t feel their voice was being heard. That’s why we’re acting to deliver on our promise to ease the pressure.

“Our focus is on getting the balance right by implementing responsible reforms that reduce stress and pressure for renters while also looking at ways to drive new supply into the market.

“Agents are already banned from asking prospective tenants for more rent than what the property is advertised, but landlords and third parties aren’t, so we’re closing that loophole.

“In the existing system, a renter paying $550 per week faces a bond cost of $2200 if they want to move, the equivalent of 11 weeks’ of groceries.

“A portable scheme will free up cash and make life easier for renters.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said, "There is a relationship between our unfair rental laws and increases in housing insecurity.

"More and more people are renting – and renting for life. As our housing market changes, we need to update and modernise our laws to ensure we are getting the balance right.

“We know our current rental laws aren’t working, this is a step closer to improving renters’ rights for the people of NSW.”


Peter Loft Marathon 2023: Results

This year the Peter Loft Marathon was held on May 7th, 2022. The Marathon takes place on the first Sunday in May annually. There was a great entry list this year, with 55.

Peter Loft, a talented young sailor and member of BYRA was tragically killed in a plane accident in 1990. He appears on BYRA's honour board multiple times. In the 1986-87 season, Peter was the Manly Junior National Champion. The following season Peter switched to the 420 and proceeded to become the 420 National Champion that year and the next.

In Peter's honour, the Peter Loft Foundation was set up to help young sailors compete in national and international sailing regattas. Since the 1990s the marathon race has become an institution on Pittwater, and thousands of dollars have been passed on to the foundation.

One of the most popular aspects of the race is the Le Mans start. Competitors line up on the beach beside the clubhouse and, on the dropping of the BYRA flag, sprint to their boats to begin. Clearly this gives the less-old sailors an advantage, but history shows that experience soon wins out.
Afterwards a BBQ is held at the clubhouse for participants. 

2023 results:





The Bayview Yacht Racing Association (BYRA) is a sailing club based on Pittwater. BYRA specialise in dinghy sailing and offer learn to sail courses and racing for Lasers, Spirals, Flying Elevens, Manly Juniors, Optimists and other classes. BYRA also offer twilight racing on Pittwater for keel boats.

Visit: www.byra.org.au  and more in their Profile

Community Encouraged To Wear Orange In Support Of NSW SES Volunteers

Communities across NSW are encouraged to wear orange this week to show their appreciation for NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers. 

Wear Orange Wednesday, otherwise known as WOW Day, is celebrated on Wednesday 17 May, which falls during National Volunteer Week (15-23 May 2023). 

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said WOW Day gives the wider community the opportunity to acknowledge those who give up their time to serve others. 

“We all know, love and respect the work of our SES volunteers, through storms and floods they are always there. Selflessly looking out for all of us and doing so without asking for thanks or praise,” Mr Dib said. 

“Wearing orange this Wednesday 17 May is one small way to show your support for our amazing volunteers.”  

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM echoed Mr Dib’s call to show appreciation for volunteers. 

“We want to make sure our volunteers know their work doesn’t go unnoticed. They take time away from their families, their employers and their livelihoods to support their community during times of need,” Commissioner York said. 

“WOW Day is a time to reflect on the remarkable work our volunteers do in their own communities, and across the whole of NSW. 

“While NSW SES will be celebrating in our own special way, our partner SES agencies across Australia will also be honouring their members. We would also like to extend our appreciation to those SES members who deployed to support us in our time of need last year, and to everyone across the nation who serves their community.” 

For more information about how to get involved in WOW Day, visit www.wowday.com.au  


Lock Up Your Cars: Thieves About


Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 1, 2023

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

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

Anna's Walk 2023

Please join Mona Vale and Warriewood SLSC's for the 5th and 2023 Anna's Walk to raise awareness for bladder cancer.
 
A family & dog friendly cliffside walk right on our doorstep!  Start and finish at Apex Park, Mona Vale SLSC. Hope to see you there- Sunday 21st May @ 10am.

Where's Rob?

Former Pittwater MP Rob Stokes was taking part in the 2023 Velo-city conference last week.

Velo-city is an annual world cycling summit where advocates, cities, decision and policy makers, researchers and industry leaders meet to shape the future of cycling. As the annual flagship event of the European Cyclists’ Federation, Velo-city plays a valuable part in promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy means of transport for all. 

The conference offers a knowledge-exchange and policy-transfer platform to the growing number of more than 1400 Velo-citizens from over 60 countries involved in the policy, promotion and provision for cycling, active mobility and sustainable urban development. The conference exhibition showcases the latest innovations for a better cycling experience in cities and beyond and is renowned as a world leader in this field.

The 2023 edition ran May 9th to 12th in Leipzig - next year it will be held in Ghent.

Mr. Stokes formed part of an illustrious panel for the Opening ceremony and Plenary 1: ''Leading the Transition''.

Organisers for Velo-city report that; ''Things kicked off with a bang at Tuesday morning’s plenary, as ECF CEO Jill Warren invited local musicians Ida Wutzler, Laurenz Bogen and Jörg Anders to perform a live rendition of this year’s conference theme tune, “Take Me Away”. With the crowd’s feet tapping, heads nodding and air guitars at the ready, the early morning cobwebs were certainly blown away and the audience were eager to get this year’s show on the cycling track. Master of Ceremony Totinia Hoerner introduced our first speakers of the day, with Leipzig’s Deputy Mayor of Urban Development Thomas Dienberg, ECF President Henk Swarttouw, State Secretary at the Germany Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Hartmut Höppner and State Secretary of the Germany Ministry of Environment Christiane Rohleder each coming to the stage to deliver their introductory speeches.

Next up was the inspirational Carlos Moreno. Known for coining the concept of the 15-minute city, Moreno’s words resonated with everyone in the audience, as he not only drove home the need to rethink how we live and interact with our surroundings, but the key role the bicycle needs to play in this. His hat-tip towards legendary urbanist Jane Jacobs was also met with exuberant applause and appreciation. 

The Plenary finished off with a panel discussion hosted by Jill Warren, as Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Georges Gilkinet, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister François Bausch, former New South Wales Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes and Daniel Mes from the European Commission gathered together to discuss the work they are doing to promote cycling.''

Australians who were also attending the event state Mr. Stokes was his usual articulate self, sharing great insights on plans to transition to more cycling options for all in NSW.

Residents who have seen Mr. Stokes cycling in our local area will know he practices what he preaches and if someone at home has taken off with the car, he will get there anyway - just as fast, and on a bicycle, and on time.

Congratulations Grant!

Avalon Beach SLSC member Grant Salmon has won gold in the 2023 Surf Life Saving NSW Board Riding Championships.

More than 130 competitors descended on North Avoca on the Central Coast on Sunday May 7th where local knowledge brought a swag of medals for Avoca Beach SLSC.

Surf Life Saving NSW stated the Clubbie Board division was an ‘expression session’, of sorts, where surfers were given the opportunity to showcase their skills on a rescue board, while the Tag Team division tested competitors’ teamwork as well as their ability in the water on Sunday morning.

“It was strange not seeing anyone in comp rashies, with everyone out there in wetsuits on their rescue board but it was fun,” said Kiah Tebb of Avoca Beach SLSC on the Clubbie Board event.

Kiah was a clear winner in the Open Female division, while her brother, Will was victorious in the Youth Male Clubbie Board, and father, Nigel scraped into the medal placings by 0.10 in the Open Male to ensure it was a family affair on the podium.

The Tebb’s would also pick up a gold medal in the U15 Female Short Board (Kiah), second in the 40-55 Male Longboard (Nigel), and thirds in the Youth Male Long Board (Will), Youth Female Long Board (Kiah), and U15 Male Short Board.

Grant took out the 55+ Male Malibu Long Board, with Warren Hannam, Dee Why, securing the silver and Warren Boyd, Cudgen Headland, the bronze.

Although Avoca Beach SLSC placed first overall among the surf clubs, Queenscliff SLSC placed 6th and Avalon Beach SLSC placed 7th overall, with Manly and Dee Why placed equal 8th alongside Cooks Hill SLSC.

All results are available here: https://liveheats.com/slsnsw

Congratulations Grant! Brilliant surfing!


Gold for Grant!. Photo: Roger Sayers OAM

IRB Premiership 2023 On At Queenscliff

Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) racing returned to the peninsula when Round 2 of the 2023 Sharkskin NSW IRB Premiership hits Queenscliff Beach this weekend.

Kiama Downs and Newport SLSC finished the first round 19 points adrift in second and third place respectively  – albeit this time courtesy of alphabetic order after both clubs earned 64 points in Warilla – while Terrigal SLSC sat fourth a further 11 back as the only other club within 50 points of the winners, Caves Beach SLSC .

If either Newport or Terrigal, or any of the chasing pack hope to make the 2023 Premiership more than a fight for third place, things will have to come together at Queenscliff on Saturday and Sunday.

However, other local clubs with a great knowledge of IRB's, Avalon Beach, Bungan Beach and Mona Vale SLSC's, are also in amongst the mix. 

Full report will run next Sunday in Issue 584.



Avalon Beach SLSC IRB team at Queenscliff on Saturday May 13. Photo: Roger Sayers OAM

Conservation Zones Review - Northern Beaches Council's Update: May 2023

Earlier in March, Council met with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to agree in principle to a Pilot Project to further investigate the methodology and mapping used in our approach to the Conservation Zones Review and to explore possible changes in response to community and stakeholder feedback.

Site visit requests and mapping Investigations 
We have also undertaken a comprehensive analysis of all the submissions that has shown: 
  • Over three hundred submissions raised concerns with the accuracy of mapping, fifty of which requested a site visit.
  • Approximately forty submissions requested a site visit based on concerns about the Review methodology.
Now we are conducting a desktop assessment of those submissions which raised issues with mapping accuracy. This work will continue over the next few months concurrently with the Department of Planning and Environment Pilot Program.

Site visits are not proposed for submissions on the Review methodology, as site conditions will not impact this.

We are working towards finalising the list of inspections once the Department of Planning and Environment has agreed to the methodology and mapping, as changes to the methodology could impact the properties affected.

Due to the timing of the Pilot Project with the Department, site visits may not now commence until July/August. We will contact those who requested a site visit to notify them of the delay.

Next Steps
Once we reach agreement with the Department of Planning and Environment on a revised methodology, additional mapping will be undertaken, and site inspections will be arranged for landowners whose submissions on mapping have not been resolved.

We are aiming to complete all relevant work by early September and bring a draft LEP and DCP to Council by the end of 2023. These documents will then be put on public exhibition, with feedback being sought from the community in 2024.

Visit our Your Say hub  
You can learn about how we propose to use conservation zones on the whole Northern Beaches by using the tools on the Conservation Zones Review Your Say page

Scammers Trying To Capitalise On Federal Budget

Be wary of scam messages relating to Federal Budget announcements.  Remember, never click links in messages or share personal information with anyone you don't know. 


2023 Volunteer Of The Year Nominations Open

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

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

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

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

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

Nominations close 5pm, Friday 16 June 2023.


Powering Communities Grants

Support your local projects, services and initiatives with this grant program from Endeavour Energy:

With one-off grants of up to $10,000 available, the Powering Communities program seeks to empower eligible organisations in supporting the health and wellbeing of the community, creating community learning opportunities, improving or restoring the local environment, or promoting diversity and inclusion.

Applications close Sunday 21 May. Learn more on the Endeavour Energy website.

Australian Communities Foundation Grants

The Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) is now offering funding to registered charities for support in a social change initiative, provided it is in keeping with their charitable purpose.

Grants are generally awarded for amounts between $2,000 and $15,000.

Find out more on the ACF website.

Proposed Community Garden: Annam Road Reserve Bayview

At the 28 March 2023 meeting, Council resolved to exhibit a proposal for a community garden at Annam Road Reserve, Bayview. 

A group of residents have submitted an application to establish a community garden of approximately 450m². The garden group intends to:
  • grow organic produce (fruit and vegetables) and flowering plants
  • promote sustainable lifestyles
  • provide a neighbourhood meeting place and opportunities for social interaction
  • promote physical activity.
The draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) indicates that any potential impacts are minor or negligible with the mitigation measures proposed.

Have your say
View the plan here, read the draft REF and have your say by:
  • completing the comment form
  • emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
  • writing to Council marked 'Proposed Community Garden - Annam Road Reserve, Bayview’ to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.
All submissions in their entirety will be treated as public documents and made available on request.

You can also come and chat with Council at a drop-in session on Saturday 20 May, 2 - 4pm.
Submissions close Sunday May 28th 2023


Paradise Beach Wharf And Tidal Pool Renewal

Submissions close Sunday May 28th 2023
Features of the proposal:
  • Widened tidal steps, an external ladder and tie up location on the north side and widening of the wharf deck.
  • A new internal stainless steel ladder.
  • Raising the wharf deck and pool walls to keep them above water levels in higher tides.
  • Replacing the collapsing rocky groyne with a new sandstone block groyne topped with a sand coloured concrete slab. The groyne is proposed to be reduced 2-3m in lengh and increased to 2m in width.
  • Maintaining the heritage aspect of the wharf and pool by providing timber decking and timber materials on the upper portion of the structure including a timber waler along the top of the pool walls.
  • Long term durability of the structure will be achieved by using steel piles surrounded by black HDPE (high density polyethylene) sleeving. Timber fender piles will be used to maintain the heritage feel at the end of the wharf.
  • New shower and foot tap.
Due to its heritage listing, the footprint of the new wharf and pool will have similar proportions as the existing structure - so a like for like replacement. This will help maintain its heritage aesthetic as well as minimise any impact to the threatened species of Posidonia seagrass in the vicinity. 

Construction will approximately three months, between June and October 2024, subject to weather conditions. The work must occur outside the seahorse breeding season. Seahorses will be relocated to a nearby location as approved by the NSW Fisheries Department.



Streets As Shared Spaces - Avalon Beach Survey Time Limit Extended

Update: Survey extended to Sunday 1 October 2023



Council: Fox Baiting Notice To Pet Owners

Fox-specific poison baits are being laid in the following reserves until 12 May:
  • Manly Dam, Manly Vale
  • Allenby Park, Allambie Heights
  • Forestville Park, Forestville
  • Middle Creek Reserve, Oxford Falls
  • Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
These reserves are closed to dogs until Friday 9 June. Dog and cat owners are advised to keep their pets away from these Northern Beaches reserves. 

Warning signs are being displayed in the these areas.

The fox baiting program is being conducted in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and involves the use of “Foxoff® Econobait” poison baits, which are designed specifically for fox control. The poison baits contain 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate).

Native animals at risk from foxes include bandicoots, swamp wallabies, brush turkeys and possums.

Radio Northern Beaches, the Peninsula’s own community radio station, is putting on a one-day Radio Skills Workshop on Saturday 20th May at the Station’s studios in Terrey Hills.  

The Workshop runs from 9am to 4pm. It’s limited to 10 students and costs $140 for the day.  Email training@rnb.org.au for more info or book through Northern Beaches and Mosman College at nbmc.nsw.edu.au/course/Radio_Workshop

If the May Workshop is booked out, you can book ahead for the Workshop on Saturday 24th June.

In Tune With Tony B

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

In this week's programme Tony chatted with Sarah Morris from Acts Of Kindness Community Outreach about the wonderful work they do to provide fresh meals and connection to those in need across Sydney. There is a direct link to the programme on demand in Acts Of Kindness - Sarah Morris

Next week, Friday 19th May 2023 at 6pm, Tony chats with Monika Biernacki from Doggie Rescue about the invaluable work that Doggie Rescue is doing to rehome dogs and other furry friends, making a positive impact on their lives and the lives of countless families, who give them a new home. 

The programme will also feature a great line up of predominantly home-grown music.
 
Radio Northern Beaches
Fridays at 6pm
FM 88.7 or 90.3
Or live stream at https://www.rnb.org.au
Previous programmes, on demand at https://www.mixcloud.com/InTuneWithTonyB
If you would like to chat with Tony on air about your community cause or your music, please feel free to message the Facebook page  In Tune - Radio Programme | Facebook and feel free to like and share the page.

Government Introduces Bill To Ban Clubs With Pokies From Donating To NSW Political Parties

May 11, 2023
The NSW Government will today introduce a bill that seeks to amend the Electoral Funding Act 2018 to outlaw political donations from clubs that house poker machines or are otherwise involved in wagering, betting or other gambling.

The proposed amendment to the Electoral Funding Act will extend the prohibited donors definition to include registered clubs if the business undertaken by the club includes wagering, betting or other gambling, regardless of their profit-making status.

Currently, the Electoral Funding Act 2018 makes it unlawful for a prohibited donor to make a political donation and for a person to accept a political donation made by a prohibited donor.

Prohibited donors include property developers, tobacco industry business entities and liquor or gambling industry business entities.

The definition of ‘liquor or gambling industry business entity’ in the Act applies to corporations engaged in business undertakings mainly concerned with the manufacture or sale of liquor products, or wagering, betting or other gambling, but only if it is for the ultimate purpose of making a profit.

Registered clubs who hold club licences are not currently included in this definition if they do not have the ultimate purpose of making a profit.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said,  “Our bill closes a political loophole. It is common-sense that, if other gambling entities are banned from making political donations, it should apply to all clubs.

 “I hope we can attract support from across the parliament for this overdue reform.

 “This bill is an important integrity measure to strengthening the political donation system in our state.”

 NSW Special Minister of State John Graham said,“This bill will ban political parties from accepting financial donations from clubs with gaming machines – it is another election commitment we are seeing through.

“From January 16 this year, NSW Labor took action to not accept donations from clubs with gaming machines. This bill will extend that ban to every state political party.”


NSW Government To Investigate Strict Penalties For Violent Behaviour At Sports Events

May 10, 2023
The NSW Government has begun working with major codes, venue operators and community groups to investigate new penalties aimed at protecting sporting volunteers and referees.

With a huge number of people in NSW regularly participating in organised sport, the need for volunteers and referees has never been greater.

The Minister for Sport Steve Kamper reiterated his support for volunteers and referees, highlighting the ongoing need to treat these grassroots sporting heroes with the respect and appreciation they deserve.

Sport keeps us healthy, supports friendly competition, builds discipline and puts the best of the human spirit on display.

Whether you’re an aspiring Olympian looking towards Brisbane 2032, or just want to kick a ball around with some friends, sport brings us all together.

The recent violence experienced by Khodr Yaghi, was shocking and unacceptable and more needs to be done to stamp out this behaviour.

The NSW Government is exploring stricter policies to punish violent or abusive behaviour, including lifetime bans from all sporting venues, sanctions against teams or clubs where individuals are allowed to be involved after being suspended, and a greater campaign to encourage respectful behaviour.

These mechanisms and sanctions will be tailored to individual sports and will be developed through deep consultation to ensure their effectiveness.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said, “Like all of NSW I was sickened by the attack on Khodr. Our referees and volunteers deserve our respect, but more importantly they deserve to be safe.

“We are looking forward to working with sport organisations on how we can ensure that this behaviour is stamped out of our grassroots sporting communities.

“Without volunteers there is no grassroots sport – we must do everything in our power to ensure they feel safe and respected.”


children playing AFL Photo: Getty images

Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Wally 

10 week old Cattle X


Wally is a bright happy boy, very playful with other pups and even sensitive and respectful to older slower dogs. He came from a rural pound. He loves his food and puppy milk and raw bones keep him well occupied. He is expected to grow into cattle dog size. He has a short coat and at 10 weeks weighed 5kg. He is looking for a home with an energetic active family who will not only run with him but give his brain lots of activity as well. Cattle dogs are amongst the smartest dog breeds. He would suit a home-based worker with a garden for him to run in. He comes with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $800. 

Pebbles And Peaches 

Dwarf Lop X rabbits


Pebbles and Peaches were supposedly found together. They are certainly bonded rabbits and indeed look like litter mates. They are very gentle rabbits who are easy to handle and medicate. Both came in very thin and with mites. Peaches is currently also having ear drops. Both have shortish coat. Pebbles weighs 2.2kg and Peaches weighs 1.6kg. Both rabbits are vaccinated, desexed, microchipped and treated for mites. Their adoption fee is $300 together. 

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

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

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

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

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

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


Letters To The Editor

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

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

Volunteers Needed: Meals On Wheels

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

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


Become A Volunteer Radio Operator: MRNSW

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

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

Ausgrid Community Battery Pilot - Warriewood: Have Your Say

Proposed location: Valley View Reserve, Parkland Way, Warriewood
Have Your Say by 5pm on 31 May 2023

Ausgrid have stated they would like to involve the local Warriewood community to inform this potential project. Your feedback will help them shape their strategy for the community battery program if they are successful in securing government funding.

How to submit your feedback

Community members are invited to share their feedback until 31 May 2023.
 
There are several ways to submit your feedback:

Friends Of Bongin Bongin Bay (Mona Vale Basin) Update: May 2023

May 8, 2023
Last week we met with three Northern Beaches councillors and Federal MP for Mackellar Dr Sophie Scamps (check out her Instagram, Facebook or website for her first-hand experience).

We have started the process for a Notice of Motion for a vote at the 27th June Council meeting and will provide more information in our June update.

This Saturday 13th May at 6.45am for 7am we  did a photoshoot of people holding hands right around the Bay. The end result is to be submitted to Council's Environmental Art & Design competition which closes on Sunday.

How can you help after having signed our petition?
For more information contact Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay www.bonginbonginbay.com

Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay t-shirts and hoodies may be ordered at: https://oceanloveart.com/collections/clothing
Share the Petition at: 



Notice Of Public Meeting: Sydney North Planning Panel

The panel will meet to determine the following:
PPSSNH-351 - DA2021/2173, Northern Beaches, 394 Barrenjoey Road, Newport, Alterations and additions to a surf club building with an extension to the northern side and coastal protection works in the form of a buried seawall along the length of the building.

When: Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at 12.30pm
Where: This meeting is to be held via public teleconference due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) precautions as a measure to ensure the health and safety of the community.

Relevant documents are available on the Planning Panels website: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/planningpanels

To register to speak or to listen to this meeting, please contact the Planning Panels Secretariat before 4pm on Friday, 12 May 2023 on 02 8217 2060 or email enquiry@planningpanels.nsw.gov.au. You will be provided the phone number and code to enable you to join the public teleconference once registered.
Any person may listen the meeting to the public teleconference.

The panel is required to make an audio record of the meeting and make the recording publicly available on the Planning Panels website. You should be aware that this may include your personal information if you are presenting to the panel.

For more information: (02) 8217 2060
________________________________




The proposals is also part of a case in the Land and Environment Court at Present: 
NORTHERN BEACHES COUNCIL (at the control and direction of the Sydney North Planning Panel)
Hearing Date: 05 May 
Case number: 2023/00109048


Image: Newport Surf Club seawall proposal, Artists Impression

Proposed New Northern Beaches Mental Health Hub DA Open For Feedback

At: 11 Tilley Lane, Frenchs Forest
What: 80 BED MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY
Plans are currently open for feedback on a $50 million new 80-bed private Mental Health Hospital co-located with the nearby Northern Beaches Hospital. 

Due to the cost, this has been declared a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) that has been submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), pursuant to Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) for the Northern Beaches Mental Health Hub (NBMHH) located at 11 Tilley Lane, Frenchs Forest.

This $50 million proposal seeks to construct a private mental health hospital providing up to 80 sub-acute mental health beds that is within the catchment of the Northern Beaches Hospital and able to leverage off the services and specialities provided there.

On 21 December 2017, PMK Investment Services Pty Ltd received Development Approval (DA 2017/0711) from Northern Beaches Council for construction of a Class 9A Private Hospital with multiple healthcare services at 11 Tilley Lane Frenchs Forest. DA 2017/0711 approved a 2,200 sqm six storey private hospital with two levels of basement parking for 72 cars.

The current Description of proposal is:
Construction of an eight storey private mental health facility including:
  •  patient rooms;
  •  clinical therapy and consultation spaces;
  •  ground floor café with outdoor dining;
  •  a three level basement carpark;
  •  an ambulance bay;
  •  roof terrace and associated landscaping; and
  •  earthworks and tree removal. 
The application, environmental impact statement (EIS) and accompanying documents are on exhibition from Wednesday 03 May 2023 until Tuesday 30 May 2023. 

You can view these documents online at: 
You can also make a submission to same webpage


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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Kristina Stern SC Appointed As A Judge Of Appeal Of The Supreme Court Of NSW

May 11, 2023
Attorney General Michael Daley has made his first judicial appointment, announcing that Kristina Stern SC will be appointed as a Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of NSW.

“Dr Stern is widely recognised as a leading public law and commercial silk,” Mr Daley said.

“She is one of the most highly regarded lawyers in her fields and is a fantastic addition to the Supreme Court.”

“I am committed to ensuring that our justice system adequately reflects the community, so it is noteworthy that my first judicial appointment is a woman.”

Prior to moving to Australia Dr Stern was at the London bar for 10 years, before which she lectured in law at Kings College London and completed her PhD at Cambridge University.

Dr Stern has appeared in significant complex commercial and administrative law disputes including in the Hobart International Airport and in the Mount Bruce Mining litigation in the High Court, in the Julian Wright and the Hope Downs litigation and for Meta in ongoing proceedings by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

She is chair of the NSW Bar Association Inquests and Inquiries Committee and has appeared at numerous inquests and inquiries including into death of cricketer Phillip Hughes, and those associated with the Quakers Hill Nursing Home fire and the Dungog floods. She also represented the Commonwealth’s interests in the defamation trial brought by war veteran and Victoria Cross holder Ben Roberts-Smith.

Dr Stern will replace Justice Paul Brereton who is to lead Australia’s new National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Statewide Pharmacy Prescribing Trial To Begin

May 11, 2023
Women across NSW will be able to access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections from community pharmacists. From Monday 15 May 2023, the NSW Government’s statewide community pharmacy prescribing trial gets underway.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said around 100 community pharmacies across the state will participate in this first stage of the trial.

More community pharmacies across NSW will be included in the trial after the middle of the year, which may see more than 5000 women provided care for their for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the pharmacy setting.

“The NSW Government is committed to improving access to medicines,” Mr Park said.

“We want to ensure this is done so safely – and we are determined to get it right.

“That is why we are pleased to announce the details of this first phase of this statewide trial.

“This will not only improve access to medications – but it will also alleviate the pressure on GPs and primary care services.

“We will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth Government on innovative models of care that makes healthcare more accessible for the community.”

Mr Park said under the trial, the NSW Government has committed to covering the $20 patient consultation rebate, even if no medicines are dispensed, meaning the only out-of-pocket costs for women seeking treatment should be for the medication they need.

Starting from July, the trial will also be extended to include the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill.

It will also expand up to 1000 pharmacies, significantly increasing access to these important services for women right across the state.

You are eligible for UTI treatment at a participating pharmacy if you are:
  • female
  • aged between 18 to 65 years (inclusive)
  • displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated urinary tract infection.
From July 2023, you are eligible to receive a resupply of your oral contraceptive pill from a participating pharmacy if you are:
  • aged between 18 to 35 years (inclusive)
  • taking the pill for contraception purposes only
  • prescribed a low-risk oral contraceptive pill in the last two years by a GP or nurse practitioner. (If this prescription has expired but was issued in the last 2 years you are still eligible).
The University of Newcastle-led consortium is working closely with GPs, infectious disease clinicians, pharmacists, rural clinicians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to deliver a clinical trial protocol that is safe for patients.

Pharmacist and lead researcher Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin said the trial has been granted ethics approval and includes several safeguards to ensure that women needing care for UTIs are afforded safe, appropriate and timely access to treatment.

“This trial is about strengthening the health system as a whole, including collaboration and ensuring GPs are informed when their patient sees a pharmacist. Our research team is interested in providing robust evidence, particularly how this trial helps women living in regional and rural NSW to gain better access to the healthcare they need,” Dr Dineen-Griffin said.

President of the Pharmacy Guild of NSW David Heffernansaid the trial of pharmacist-prescribing for UTIs is the first step in the wider reforms.

"These reforms acknowledge the important role pharmacists play in providing primary care services to the communities they serve. The opportunity to provide support to women needing this assistance will further strengthen these relationships,” Mr Heffernan said.

Find more information about the clinical trial and how community pharmacies can register on the NSW Health website.

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

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


Roadworks

Slope stabilisation: Avalon Beach- Barrenjoey Road between Plateau Road and The Serpentine
Tue 25 Apr 2023 to Fri 26 May 2023: 8:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions. Advice: Check signage, Reduced speed limit (40km/h). Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

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

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

JP Public Register

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

Rig Recycle: Fishing Gear Items

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

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

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


Mona Vale Residents Association

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



Rotary Upper Northern Beaches: Get Involved In Something Positive

At Rotary Upper Northern Beaches, we are always welcoming new members. We find that new members bring new ideas, energy and opportunities. There is something for everyone in Rotary and you can apply your skills for the betterment of our community. This can include anything from cooking a BBQ, to managing a fundraising project, to helping with marketing and social media. You can even get the opportunity to serve on our Board.

We have been quite active in the community over recent and coming weeks, including;
      - Pre Christmas community projects, such as the Tree of Joy (Warriewood Square) and Carols In The Park at Village Park, Mona Vale.
      - Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach 
      - Annual Art Show at Mona Vale Memorial Hall (24 - 26 February) raised much needed funds for worthy charities
      - An evening of collaboration with other Northern Beaches Rotary Clubs brainstorming strategies for member engagement and growth (21 February)
      - The Bobbo (Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, Sunday 26 March). Another great collaboration with other Rotary Clubs based on the North Shore
      - Our Annual Charity Golf Day (6 April at Monash Country Club)
    
These are just a few examples of our fund raising and community activities. If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, while meeting some great people and having some fun with it, please come and check us out. We meet most Wednesday nights at The Sands Hotel Narrabeen (except for the 2nd Wednesday if each month, which is at Avalon RSL (6pm Dinner in the bistro for 7pm Rotary meeting upstairs at both venues). 

If you would like to know more about Rotary and how you can get involved, please contact us on 02 8005 0711 or email contact@rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org

May 7 - 13  2023: Issue 582

This Issue: 

Front Page Issue 582 

Historic Heritage Listed Bantry Bay Explosives Depot At Middle Harbor Falling Into Disrepair From Long Neglect

Council's Draft Operational Plan And Budget 2023/24 Open For Feedback Until May 21, 2023 - Specific Projects Listed For Pittwater Include 10.3m For Warriewood Community Centre

Sail Port Stephens Race Week 'Passage Series' 2023: Local Winners Are Grinners

2023 Manly Longboard ClassicCompetitors Cross-Step and Weave Their Way To QS Victory + World Longboard Tour Wild Cards Confirmed + Winners Of The NSW Longboard State Titles Confirmed

Aquatics: Near Record Breaking Season For NSW Surf Life Savers: 4,605 Rescues Over The 2022-2023 Season + IRB 2023 Premiership begins + 2024 State Championships returns to Queenscliff

2023 Hyeres Regatta In France: Australian Athletes On Course For Paris 2024

Pictures: Irrawong Reserve, Warriewood - A Late Autumn Stroll 2023 - photos by Joe Mills

DIY Ideas Mother's Day 2023 DIY Idea: A Basic Bookshelf You Can Make For All Mum's Books

Environment Protect Mona Vale's Bongin Bongin Bay - Establish An Aquatic Reserve, Little Corella Fledgling Being Fed, National Net Zero Authority, Palaszczuk Government’s Response To Gas-Induced Subsidence Report Leaves Best Farmland At Risk, NT Government Approves Beetaloo Fracking Despite Senate Inquiry  Recommendations, Widespread Community Opposition And No Need Of Product For 'East Coast' Shortfall, $57.1b: Record Breaking Fossil Fuel Subsidies Following Climate Election, Northern Beaches Sustainable Business Solutions Forum: May 17 At Brookvale, Permaculture Northern Beaches - Upcoming Events, NSW Reconstruction Authority Regulation: Have Your Say, Australian Bass and Estuary Perch Closure Commences 1 May, Bristlebirds Bolstered By Release Of Captive-Bred Birds, Report Fox Sightings, Weed Of The Season: Cassia - Please Pull Out And Save Our Bush, Record low Antarctic sea ice is another alarming sign the ocean’s role as climate regulator is changing, Humanity’s tipping point?; How the Queen’s death stole a climate warning’s thunder, Let’s protect nature but not merely for the sake of humans, How to make your next holiday better for the environment, Two trillion tonnes of greenhouse gases + 25 billion nukes of heat: are we pushing Earth out of the Goldilocks zone?,  Kicking the gas can down the road: why a gas price cap is the worst way to protect energy consumers, An epic global study of moss reveals it is far more vital to Earth’s ecosystems than we knew, Drone seeding and E-seeds sound exciting but ecosystem restoration needs practical solutions, 1 in 4 households struggle to pay power bills; Here are 5 ways to tackle hidden energy poverty, Wild-caught seafood is often untraceable – and some industry players don’t want that to change; Here’s why, In a bad fire year Australia records over 450,000 hotspots; These maps show where the risks have increased over 20 years, Australia is facing a 450,000-tonne mountain of used solar panels; Here’s how to turn it into a valuable asset, Remarkable new tech has revealed the ancient landscape of Arnhem Land that greeted Australia’s First Peoples, Human activities in Asia have reduced elephant habitat by nearly two-thirds since 1700 dividing what remains into ever-smaller patches, Pittwater Environment groups and organisations, Bushcare, Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Frie3nds of Narrabeen Lagoon, Recycle plastic tags

Inbox News ‘Kidfluencer’ culture is harming kids in several ways – and there’s no meaningful regulation of it, Vaping and behaviour in schools: what does the research tell us?, Albanese government launches war on vaping;  declaring it the ‘number-one behavioural issue in high schools’, Researchers Explore Why Some People Get Motion Sick Playing VR Games While Others Don't, Isotope analysis helps tell the stories of Aboriginal people living under early colonial expansion, Here’s why your freezer smells so bad – and what you can do about it, 'Golden' Fossils Reveal Origins Of Exceptional Preservation, Evidence Of Conscious-Like Activity In The Dying Brain, History Of The Narrabeen Tramline, 2023 HSC Timetable Released, Word Of The Week: Mother, 60 years of The Australian Ballet and 90 years of ‘Australian’ ballet: Identity asks us to reflect on Australian dance today, Why ‘finding your purpose’ matters – and four ways to find yours, Alone Australia contestants are grappling with isolation and setbacks. Here’s what makes a winner, Who owned this Stone Age jewellery?; New forensic tools offer an unprecedented answer, As digital activists teens of color turn to social media to fight for a more just world, How archaeologists reconstructed a Roman gateway to tell the story of Britain’s invasion, Book Of The Month - May 2023: Angela's Ashes, Australia’s Gift To Mark The Coronation, Community Celebration In Memory Of Bob Grace - All Welcome, Slowing Down In Your Old Age? It May Be A Dementia Warning Sign, Star Ratings System Working To Improve Aged Care, Osteoarthritis Sufferers Swing Their Way To Better Health, Payday Super A Boost For Retirement Incomes: COTA, Stress Increases Alzheimer's Risk In Female Mice But Not Males, Air Pollution May Increase Risk Of Dementia, Volunteers In Aged Care Consultation Open, AvPals Term 2 At Newport, ‘Got polio?’ messaging underscores a vaccine campaign’s success but creates false sense of security as memories of the disease fade in US, U3a At Newport Community Centre: Coming Up, Stephen Hawking’s final, god’s-eye view of the cosmos ponders the ultimate origin of our universe

Profile of the Week Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc 

Website: avalonpalmbeachbusinesschamber.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/avalonpalmbeachchamber
Instagram: www.instagram.com/avalonpalmbeachchamber
Email:  hello@avalonpalmbeachbusinesschamber.com.au 

In February this year a new group of businesses and individuals joined in reviving and renewing the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc. to represent local businesses in our unique peninsula. This is a volunteer-run community organisation that wish to invite all businesses in the area to become members and also invite skilled, passionate individuals to support the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber by offering their skills on a volunteer basis.

Historically the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc. (AVPBC) supported a wide variety of needs and events in our local community for many years. However, it wound down in recent years after the many committed previous members retired or were not able to continue. With a long term recovery needed following the Covid-19 pandemic, local businesses have ongoing needs in ensuring our area remains vibrant, commercially viable, innovative and caring of the environment, residents and visitors.

The Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc area includes Avalon Beach, Bilgola and Bilgola Plateau, Careel Bay, Clareville, Palm Beach and Whale Beach. 

The commercial community encompasses small and large businesses involved in small and large retail, tourism and hospitality, restaurants and cafes, business and personal services, sole traders, Tradies, health and fitness services, community groups and charities, surf lifesaving clubs, boating and sailing, environmental organisations and local government. There are a range of membership options, listed this Issue, for every kind business we're in.

You can subscribe for a Newsletter or attend one of the 2023 Chamber Committee Meetings - the schedule for upcoming Meetings is:

  • Thursday 25 May 2023 6pm; Chamber Committee Meeting
  • Thursday 8 June 2023  6pm:  Chamber Mixer Social Event at Avalon Bowlo
  • Thursday 29 June 2023 6pm: EOFY Chamber Committee Meeting

The renewed Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc. is a non-profit organisation and all memberships collected are used to support programs and activities. All current office holders are volunteer positions. 

As the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc grows its resources through members and volunteers, they hope to add to your benefits. Already included in your membership is a listing on the APBBC website's 'The Local Guide' webpage which will soon prove to be a 'go to' place to find what you need whether it's a Tradie for a leaking roof, a musician or a birthday cake for that special someone, or where you can find a cleaner, a gardener, a handyman or woman, a hairdresser, areal estate agent, a copy of that book you can no longer get your hands on.

The rise and rise of local young women surfers such as Tully White or Blaze Angel Roberts in the Longboard surfing world, both of whom have achieved great results in recent contests, reminded us of one of our original longboard lady surfers, Alrema Becke of Palm Beach.

Called 'the Queen of Palm Beach' and also 'Australia's Woman Surf Board Champion' by 1930, Alrema Becke lends us an insight into the growth of a sport and the growth of Palm Beach SLSC. Her success on the board, and clearly being included 'among the boys' although always feminine, possibly stemmed from experiencing girls and women surfing in the Polynesian islands, where such things were always part of life with none of the 'this is how ladies behave' pressed upon women of her generation within Australia.

By just being herself, and just doing what she had always done, this lady stands as a bit of a beacon for all that came afterwards, even if she was not alone in her love of riding a surf board and being among the early female proponents of such.

Alrema Becke, sometimes 'Rema' or 'Myra', was the second daughter of famed South Seas writer George Lewis Becke - who wrote under 'Louis Becke' and the pseudonyms ‘Ula Tula’, ‘Te Matau’ and ‘Papalagi’:

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 1, 2023

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

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

Proposed Community Garden: Annam Road Reserve Bayview

At the 28 March 2023 meeting, Council resolved to exhibit a proposal for a community garden at Annam Road Reserve, Bayview. 

A group of residents have submitted an application to establish a community garden of approximately 450m². The garden group intends to:
  • grow organic produce (fruit and vegetables) and flowering plants
  • promote sustainable lifestyles
  • provide a neighbourhood meeting place and opportunities for social interaction
  • promote physical activity.
The draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) indicates that any potential impacts are minor or negligible with the mitigation measures proposed.

Have your say
View the plan here, read the draft REF and have your say by:
  • completing the comment form
  • emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
  • writing to Council marked 'Proposed Community Garden - Annam Road Reserve, Bayview’ to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.
All submissions in their entirety will be treated as public documents and made available on request.

You can also come and chat with Council at a drop-in session on Saturday 20 May, 2 - 4pm.
Submissions close Sunday May 28th 2023


Paradise Beach Wharf And Tidal Pool Renewal

Submissions close Sunday May 28th 2023
Features of the proposal:
  • Widened tidal steps, an external ladder and tie up location on the north side and widening of the wharf deck.
  • A new internal stainless steel ladder.
  • Raising the wharf deck and pool walls to keep them above water levels in higher tides.
  • Replacing the collapsing rocky groyne with a new sandstone block groyne topped with a sand coloured concrete slab. The groyne is proposed to be reduced 2-3m in lengh and increased to 2m in width.
  • Maintaining the heritage aspect of the wharf and pool by providing timber decking and timber materials on the upper portion of the structure including a timber waler along the top of the pool walls.
  • Long term durability of the structure will be achieved by using steel piles surrounded by black HDPE (high density polyethylene) sleeving. Timber fender piles will be used to maintain the heritage feel at the end of the wharf.
  • New shower and foot tap.
Due to its heritage listing, the footprint of the new wharf and pool will have similar proportions as the existing structure. This will help maintain its heritage aesthetic as well as minimise any impact to the threatened species of Posidonia seagrass in the vicinity. 

Construction will approximately three months, between June and October 2024, subject to weather conditions. The work must occur outside the seahorse breeding season. Seahorses will be relocated to a nearby location as approved by the NSW Fisheries Department.



Streets As Shared Spaces - Avalon Beach Survey Time Limit Extended

Update: Survey extended to Sunday 1 October 2023



Australia’s Gift To Mark The Coronation

May 3, 2023
Statement by the Prime Minister  of Australia, The Hon. Anthony Albanese

On behalf of the people of Australia, the Australian Government will make a national contribution of $10,000 to Western Australian charity Friends of the Western Ground Parrot in honour of The King’s Coronation.

This contribution will go towards the conservation of the Western Ground Parrot, a rare and critically endangered bird found in the remote Cape Arid National Park and Nuytsland Nature Reserve, to the east of Esperance.

The Western Ground Parrot is shy and rarely seen, as they spend most of their time on the ground in low dense heathland.

It is estimated that there are only 150 Western Ground Parrots remaining. In recent years, bushfires have impacted their known habitat which has threatened the last wild population.

Friends of the Western Ground Parrot Inc. is a registered charity that supports conservation of this rare Australian parrot. They raise funds for recovery and awareness projects, including monitoring and translocations to create a secure second wild population.

Past contributions to mark significant Royal occasions have supported the conservation of the Bilby, Mountain Pygmy Possum, Numbat and Koala.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “His Majesty King Charles III has long championed conservation and sustainability, so I am pleased to mark his Coronation with a national contribution to the conservation of the Western Ground Parrot.”

“Known as Kyloring by the Noongar people, the Western Ground Parrot is listed as critically endangered. This contribution will complement other conservation efforts underway to protect the Kyloring.”

Website, Friends of the Western Ground Parrot Inc at: western-ground-parrot.org.au



Photo: Western ground parrots - THEY live and nest on the ground, making them very vulnerable to foxes and cats. photo: Alan Danks/DBCA

Community Celebration In Memory Of Bob Grace - All Welcome

Friends, family and past constituents of former Pittwater councillor Bob Grace are invited to join members of the Protect Pittwater Association for a community celebration of his life on Monday May 15, 7.30pm, at the Avalon Bowlo.

Bob’s commitment to Pittwater was unquestionable, first as a Warringah councillor, then with the newly seceded Pittwater Council, and finally after the council amalgamations of 2016, as one of the founders of the demerger group, Protect Pittwater.

His generosity and support for clubs and within the community was also legendary, amongst them, Avalon Bulldogs Rugby League Club, Whale Beach SLSC, Palm Beach Golf Club and Elanora Country Club.

Please bring your memories of Bob and have a drink with us to celebrate his contribution to our community!

Please RSVP: reypip@gmail.com by May 8, 2023


Lock Up Your Cars: Thieves About

Notice Of Public Meeting: Sydney North Planning Panel

The panel will meet to determine the following:
PPSSNH-351 - DA2021/2173, Northern Beaches, 394 Barrenjoey Road, Newport, Alterations and additions to a surf club building with an extension to the northern side and coastal protection works in the form of a buried seawall along the length of the building.

When: Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at 12.30pm
Where: This meeting is to be held via public teleconference due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) precautions as a measure to ensure the health and safety of the community.

Relevant documents are available on the Planning Panels website: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/planningpanels

To register to speak or to listen to this meeting, please contact the Planning Panels Secretariat before 4pm on Friday, 12 May 2023 on 02 8217 2060 or email enquiry@planningpanels.nsw.gov.au. You will be provided the phone number and code to enable you to join the public teleconference once registered.
Any person may listen the meeting to the public teleconference.

The panel is required to make an audio record of the meeting and make the recording publicly available on the Planning Panels website. You should be aware that this may include your personal information if you are presenting to the panel.

For more information: (02) 8217 2060
________________________________




The proposals is also part of a case in the Land and Environment Court at Present: 
NORTHERN BEACHES COUNCIL (at the control and direction of the Sydney North Planning Panel)
Hearing Date: 05 May 
Case number: 2023/00109048


Image: Newport Surf Club seawall proposal, Artists Impression

Proposed New Northern Beaches Mental Health Hub Open For Feedback

At: 11 Tilley Lane, Frenchs Forest
What: 80 BED MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY
Plans are currently open for feedback on a $50 million new 80-bed private Mental Health Hospital co-located with the nearby Northern Beaches Hospital. 

Due to the cost, this has been declared a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) that has been submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), pursuant to Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) for the Northern Beaches Mental Health Hub (NBMHH) located at 11 Tilley Lane, Frenchs Forest.

This $50 million proposal seeks to construct a private mental health hospital providing up to 80 sub-acute mental health beds that is within the catchment of the Northern Beaches Hospital and able to leverage off the services and specialities provided there.

On 21 December 2017, PMK Investment Services Pty Ltd received Development Approval (DA 2017/0711) from Northern Beaches Council for construction of a Class 9A Private Hospital with multiple healthcare services at 11 Tilley Lane Frenchs Forest. DA 2017/0711 approved a 2,200 sqm six storey private hospital with two levels of basement parking for 72 cars.

The current Description of proposal is:
Construction of an eight storey private mental health facility including:
  •  patient rooms;
  •  clinical therapy and consultation spaces;
  •  ground floor café with outdoor dining;
  •  a three level basement carpark;
  •  an ambulance bay;
  •  roof terrace and associated landscaping; and
  •  earthworks and tree removal. 
The application, environmental impact statement (EIS) and accompanying documents are on exhibition from Wednesday 03 May 2023 until Tuesday 30 May 2023. 

You can view these documents online at: 
You can also make a submission to same webpage


Marine Rescue Luncheon At Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club

Join us at the Alfred's for lunch and hear from Marine Rescue guest presenters,  Pamela Sayers & Matthew King, Unit Commander of the State Communications Centre based in Belrose.
Learn more about the service including their work with National Parks monitoring sightings of whales, dolphins and seals. 

When: Friday 12th May 2023
Time: 12.00pm in the Admirals Cup Room
Includes: Two course meal, with complimentary sparkling wine or beer on arrival + tea and coffee
Price: $45 Members / $50 Guests
Bookings essential (closing 9 May) - Please contact Reception 9998 3700


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

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

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

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

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

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

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



In Tune With Tony B

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

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

Next week, on Friday 12th May 2023 at 6pm, Tony chats with Sarah Morris from Acts Of Kindness Community Outreach about the wonderful work they do to provide fresh meals and connection to those in need across Sydney. 

The programme will also feature a great line up of predominantly home-grown music.
 
Radio Northern Beaches
Fridays at 6pm
FM 88.7 or 90.3
Or live stream at https://www.rnb.org.au
Previous programmes, on demand at https://www.mixcloud.com/InTuneWithTonyB
If you would like to chat with Tony on air about your community cause or your music, please feel free to message the Facebook page  In Tune - Radio Programme | Facebook and feel free to like and share the page.

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

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


Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Fluffy 


10yo Shihtzu X Maltese

Fluffy is a very calm gentle boy who came from the pound in shocking condition. We named him fluffy as we hoped he soon would be a fluffy dog. When he came in, his eyes were glued together with pus and he had little hair on his body, apart from his head. With eyes creams, good food and medicated baths his condition started to improve. His eyes have started to shine and are clear and he is hair has started to grow over his body. It is so exciting to see the change in him.

Fluffy is a cuddly, but low energy boy. He likes a good walk but happy just to hang around the house the rest of the day and do a little napping. He is very social with other small dogs. He is very food motivated and does scoff his food quickly. He has had a dental with one extraction and he has other teeth missing. Fluffy weighs 7kg and has a non-shedding coat. He needs a diligent owner who will keep the medicated washes going. He would suit apartment living and FT working hours.

Tink 


12mths Domestic Medium Hair
Tink is a beautiful looking girl with a semi-long coat. She is very smoochy and loves rubbing herself on you. She came to us with ringworm which has cleared long ago. Tink needs a patient owner who understands she is not a fan of being held, but loves being with humans. She has a medium coat and weighs 3kg. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 

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

Call For Artists: Council's Street Art

Council is currently looking for four new public artworks to add to its growing collection of Street Art. The four sites are:
  1. North Curl Curl Community Centre
  2. Mona Vale Memorial Hall
  3. Mona Vale Village Park
  4. Peninsula Carpark, Rialto Square Manly

The program is a chance to bring artists, residents, businesses, property owners and the community together to create quality new artworks in unexpected places in our town and village centres. As part of its Street Art program, Council has previously commissioned artists including, David Cragg, Otis Hope Carey, Elliott Routledge, Claire Foxton, Kentaro Yoshida, Bradley Eastman, Brentos, Helen Proctor and Studio Dennis.

This project is made possible thanks to a Graffiti Management Grant from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.


Finding Help To Pay Your Bills

For many it’s getting to the stage where you feel sick to your stomach walking to your letterbox or opening your email. You know there’s going to be yet another bill in there costing you more money that you don’t have. The bills are relentless.  

Take a deep breath. You have some options.  

At the end of the day, the biller just wants to be paid
When facing the constant, never-ending deluge of bills that we all receive, it is very easy to forget the fundamental truth: the biller just wants to be paid. Yes, they want to be paid their money in a timely manner, but as they consolidate their own debts, it is in their interest that you pay your money at a later point than not at all. 

As a person struggling to stay on top of your bills, it is always worth keeping this in mind. As long as a company wants to see its debt paid, there will always be a pathway forward.  

To encourage people to pay their bills on time, it is becoming increasingly common for bills to offer an ‘on-time’ discount. Pay your bills by the due date and you’ll pay less.  

On-time discounts are a strong incentive for many. But, for those struggling to find the money to pay those bills it makes little to no difference. 

Many government agencies and utility companies will offer the ability to apply for a bill extension or instalment plan to pay off a bill. If you know times are tough right now, but that you will have access to more money at a future date, then this can be a good way to defer your debts for a limited time period. You can usually find details about such deferral schemes on the back of the bill you receive or on the website of the biller. 

Different types of bills deliver different relief solutions
For many organisations when they talk about offering relief to people with difficulty meeting bill obligations, they will refer to their relief solutions. Quite often what they are talking about here is putting customers onto an instalment plan to pay off their bill. 

Bill payment relief can take multiple forms. For example, many Queensland local councils can refer citizens to the Independent Rates Relief Tribunal which can provide assistance to people having difficulty meeting basic living expenses. To be eligible for assistance like this, the applicants must reside at the residence where the rates are due and own just the one property, among several restrictions. 

Some companies are better about the level of support they offer than others. An example of a company that offers a really good service to its customers facing financial hardship is energy provider AGL. Ultimately, it is still a company which is doing what it can to see bills paid, but it goes the extra step with advice and options to try to keep ahead of debt. 

It offers the ‘Staying Connected’ program, where consultants assist customers with: 

Tailored plans that match the customer’s situation to put them on a payment plan. 
Advice on payment options, government assistance, and available concessions. 
Connecting customers with free and independent financial counselling and support services. 
Advice on energy efficiency to bring bill prices down. 

Real help you can use
Deferring payments or entering instalment plans is not a long-term solution. After all, it may fix the problem of the current bill, but next month or quarter, another bill will land in your letterbox. While deferring your immediate debts, you need to find a solution that can help you meet your bill obligations into the future. 

The best thing you can do is to call the government-run National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. It runs Mon-Fri 9:30am - 4:30pm. They will help you with general financial suggestions, but also advise on consumer rights and other related issues. Indigenous Australians might prefer to call the similar Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488.  

You may also be able to access further assistance through charities and other community organisations who offer emergency relief services like: 
  • Food vouchers / supplies. 
  • Assistance with utility bills.
  • Clothing and furniture.
Don't let your health be impacted
Anyone who tries telling you that money doesn’t buy happiness is someone who hasn’t felt the mental stress of a debt spiral.  

People having trouble paying their bills can find that they: 
  • Are constantly stressed and irritable. 
  • Have difficulty sleeping. 
  • Find solace in substance abuse like alcohol and drugs.
  • Cease spending money on healthcare (therapies, medication, and other treatments) to try to pay off debt.
  • Overspend (often using credit cards) to feel better about the stress that they feel. 
Just as you can get free help to combat your debt, there are several services available to help you with your mental health. Beyond Blue is the largest and most well-known organisation that can help with mental health. You can talk to counsellors via their website www.beyondblue.org.au or over the phone 1300 22 4636.  

There are also other services that can help. If you are still in employment, many businesses offer their staff free access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). There are also specialised services like MensLine Australia that are focused on assisting with men’s mental health issues. 

Disclaimer
All insights and information provided should be considered general advice for educational purposes only. As we are unaware of your personal circumstances, the information in this article should not be misconstrued as personalised financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified financial professional before making any major financial decisions. 

JP Public Register

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

Rig Recycle: Fishing Gear Items

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

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

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


Volunteers Needed: Red Cross Avalon Shop

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

Council: Fox Baiting Notice To Pet Owners

Fox-specific poison baits are being laid in the following reserves until 12 May:
  • Manly Dam, Manly Vale
  • Allenby Park, Allambie Heights
  • Forestville Park, Forestville
  • Middle Creek Reserve, Oxford Falls
  • Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
These reserves are closed to dogs until Friday 9 June. Dog and cat owners are advised to keep their pets away from these Northern Beaches reserves. 

Warning signs are being displayed in the these areas.

The fox baiting program is being conducted in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and involves the use of “Foxoff® Econobait” poison baits, which are designed specifically for fox control. The poison baits contain 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate).

Native animals at risk from foxes include bandicoots, swamp wallabies, brush turkeys and possums.

Roadworks

Slope stabilisation: Avalon Beach- Barrenjoey Road between Plateau Road and The Serpentine
Tue 25 Apr 2023 to Fri 26 May 2023: 8:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions. Advice: Check signage, Reduced speed limit (40km/h). Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.


Australia Post: 'Protect Your Pooch And Your Postie' As Attacks Increase Following COVID Pet Boom

May 4, 2023
Australia Post is urging all dog owners to help protect their Postie, with data released today showing the number of Posties attacked, harassed or chased by dogs is increasing significantly this financial year.

There were an alarming 1,885 incidents involving dogs and Posties between July 2022 and March 2023, already surpassing the 1,587 recorded during the full 2021/22 financial year. Australia Post has attributed some of this increase to the over a million additional dogs* (a fifth of all pet dogs) brought into Australian households between 2019-2021, including during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New South Wales saw the largest number of incidents at 650 in just nine months, already nearly 28 per cent higher than the full year results the year prior. Queensland had 555 incidents (up 15 per cent), followed by Western Australia with 329 (up 23 per cent). Victoria and Tasmania had a combined 218 dog-related incidents (up 5 per cent), followed by South Australia and the Northern Territory with 133 collectively (up 4 per cent).

Australia Post data identified the following areas as having the highest number of dog related incidents:
  • >New South Wales - the Nepean, New England and Hunter regions in addition to Alexandria, Wollongong and St Leonards;
  • >Queensland - Darra, Bundamba and Toowoomba; and
  • >Western Australia - Palmyra, Geraldton and Rockingham.
Australia Post Executive General Manager People and Culture, Susan Davies urged residents to safely secure their dog, either in the home or in the back garden, to protect not just Posties but also the broader community.

"Unfortunately, we continue to see an increase in the number of incidents involving dogs and our Posties. Dogs off-leash or escaping their yard and chasing down our Posties, often along busy major roads, are of particular concern given the safety implications not only for our delivery personnel and the dog, but also those in the community.

"We're seeing increased instances of our Posties sustaining injuries by either falling off their vehicles while trying to avoid unrestrained dogs, or getting physically attacked by dogs jumping up and biting them. We want our team to be able to safely deliver to all Australians, so urge dog owners to please secure their dogs in the backyard or indoors" Ms Davies said.

Recognising that it is not the only organisation trying to curb dog attacks, Australia Post has recently established a broader ‘Cross Industry Dog Safety Taskforce’. Working together with other organisations who deliver to, or have a need to service, homes; the taskforce will work to share insights on how to prevent and avoid dog attacks.

"We're really excited about the collaborative nature of this taskforce and hope to be able to not only share our own insights into managing dog safety but also learn from others across various service industries.

We all have the same goal of protecting our team members, so it will be incredibly valuable to share our collective knowledge as we work to decrease the number of incidents,” added Ms Davies.

Some of the organisations contributing to the Cross Industry Dog Safety Taskforce are from supermarkets, telecommunications and logistics.

Tips for keeping your dog secure:
  • Always keep your front gate securely closed.
  • Where possible, secure your dog in the back garden (rather than the front garden) and keep any side gates securely closed.
  • If you are expecting a delivery, be careful when opening your front door to ensure your dog doesn’t run out from behind you. Keeping them safely in another room when you answer the door is a great way to prevent this.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

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

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

Fire And Rescue NSW Warns Public To Safeguard Homes From Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators, examining the scene of Sydney’s latest Lithium-Ion battery fire, are urging the public to safely store and charge the cells, outside the home if possible.

Just after 9am on Friday 14 April, an e-bike battery, on charge in the loungeroom of a duplex in Sydney Road, Balgowlah, began to suddenly overheat in a process known as “Thermal Runaway.”



A family of four inside the home heard a ‘popping’ noise as the battery began disintegrating and they threw water on the cell, but it re-ignited and exploded moments later, sending burning debris almost three metres across the room.

The family escaped the home unharmed as firefighters arrived and placed the damaged battery in a bucket of water to prevent further re-ignition.

FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit Inspector Chris Hughes inspected the scene and numerous impact points on the loungeroom walls and ceiling.

“When Lithium-Ion batteries go into Thermal Runaway and explode fiercely like this, the debris has potential to start numerous fires in the home,” Inspector Hughes said.

“Lithium-Ion batteries are particularly difficult to extinguish as they often re-ignite, causing further risk.

“In this case, the battery and charger were compatible.

“We’re urging the public to charge and store Lithium-Ion batteries outside the home where possible so if they do overheat and explode, the chances of harm are reduced and there’s less risk of homes burning down.

“Where it’s not practicable, charge lithium-ion batteries on a non-combustible surface and not in an entry/exit pathway, ensure your batteries and devices are in good condition and are compatible.

“Stick to reputable brands and ensure your home has a working smoke alarm and a fire escape plan, especially as we head into winter.”




Photos: FRNSW
For more please visit:

NSW Reconstruction Authority Regulation: Have Your Say

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is inviting public submissions on the Regulatory Impact Statement for the NSW Reconstruction Authority Regulation 2023. The regulation commenced on 3 February 2023 with special certification from the Premier under section 6(1)(b) of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.

The objects of the regulation are:
  • to prescribe actions in relation to which the NSW Reconstruction Authority may direct relevant entities
  • to require relevant entities and the NSW Reconstruction Authority to have regard to the State disaster mitigation plan and any relevant disaster adaptation plan in exercising prescribed functions
  • to prescribe exceptional circumstances in which the Minister may authorise the undertaking of development without consent or assessment under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
  • to provide for the determination and payment of fees under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022launch.
The Regulatory Impact Statement should be read in conjunction with the regulation, which is available on the NSW legislation website.

A copy of the Regulatory Impact Statement is available on this page or on the NSW Reconstruction Authority website.

Have your say by Monday 15 May 2023.

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

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

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

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

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


Letters To The Editor

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

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

Conservation Zones Review And Technical Studies Update

We are writing to let you know that the following reports are available on our project website:
There are three reports:
  1. Snapshot of the consultation report – A quick overview of the issues raised in the submissions and the engagement approach.
  2. Consultation Report – A complete summary of the key issues raised in the submissions and Council’s response.
  3. Submissions – All of the submissions received during the consultation.
What are we doing now?
  • We are currently investigating changes to the methodology that could address concerns raised by the community.
  • We are meeting with the Department of Planning and Environment to discuss the Review, the submissions received, and possible changes. This is important because the Department will have the final say about any proposed zoning changes resulting from the Review.
  • We will be undertaking site inspections in certain circumstances where a dispute remains about the mapping of criteria used in the Conservation Zones Review methodology. We will be engaging appropriate consultants to assist with these inspections, which we expect will commence in May 2023. We will contact relevant landowners about any proposed site inspections.
The next steps will involve: 
  • Finalising changes to the methodology of the Review, in conjunction with the Department of Planning and Environment and relevant state agencies.
  • Undertaking site inspections with relevant landowners to resolve remaining mapping disputes.
  • Preparing a Planning Proposal for the new Northern Beaches Local Environmental Plan (LEP) which incorporates the outcomes from this work to be considered by Council and subsequent public exhibition and community feedback in 2023/2024.
Thank you for your continued interest in this project. If you require any assistance, please contact:
Strategic and Place Planning team
Ph: 1300 434 434 

Mona Vale Residents Association

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



Volunteers Needed: Meals On Wheels

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

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


Become A Volunteer Radio Operator: MRNSW

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

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

April 30 - May 6  2023: Issue 581

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 581 

Newport Breakers Rugby Club's First Home Games For 2023 A Clean Sweep For All Grades As Club Starts Its 60th Year + New Women's Facilities Officially Opened

More Than 220 New Police Recruits Sworn In During First Graduation Of 2023: 8 Allocated To Northern Beaches PAC

Aquatics: Local Surfer Andrew Cassidy Wins Longboard SUP In Port Stephens Surf Festival; Blaze Roberts Wins Open Women Log AND Open Women Longboard - Manly Longboard Classic QS 1,000 Commences This Week

Pictures: Anzac Day In Pittwater 2023

Park Bench Philosophers The First Boat Builders Of Pittwater: The Short Life and Long Voyages Of Scotland Island Schooner The Geordy

Food Barrenjoey House Late Autumn Lunch 2023 

Environment  Protect Mona Vale's Bongin Bongin Bay - Establish An Aquatic Reserve, NSW Reconstruction Authority Regulation: Have Your Say, Trout Spawning Stream Rules Now In Place In Thredbo And Eucumbene Rivers, Australian Bass And Estuary Perch Closure Commences 1 May, Report Fox Sightings, Weed Of The Season: Cassia - Please Pull Out and Save Our Bush, In hot water: here’s why ocean temperatures are the hottest on record, Restoring forests often falls to landholders; Here’s how to do it cheaply and well,  Dozens of woodland bird species are threatened and we still don’t know what works best to bring them back,  ‘Statistically impossible’ heat extremes are here – we identified the regions most at risk, The public history, climate change present and possible future of Australia’s botanic gardens, We found long-banned pollutants in the very deepest part of the ocean, Climate isn’t a distraction from the military’s job of war fighting; It’s front and centre, New exposé of Australia’s exotic pet trade shows an alarming proliferation of alien, threatened and illegal species, We want more climate ambition in our foreign policy – here’s how we can do it, Most people already think climate change is ‘here and now’ despite what we’ve been told, The IPCC’s calls for emissions cuts have gone unheeded for too long – should it change the way it reports on climate change?, Australia’s adoption of electric vehicles has been maddeningly slow but we’re well placed to catch up fast, Replacing methane with hydrogen to heat homes is a bad idea – here’s why, We need a ‘lemon law’ to make all the homes we buy and rent more energy-efficient, Rising seas could flood nests of vulnerable sea turtles – new research, Snailfish: the ‘impossible’ fish that broke two deep sea records shows the importance of ocean exploration, 2030 nature targets agreed in December may already be slipping out of reach, Arctic sea ice loss and fierce storms leave Kivalina’s volunteer search and rescue fighting to protect their island from climate disasters, Global shipping is under pressure to stop its heavy fuel oil use fast – that’s not simple, but changes are coming, Arbor Day: Why planting trees isn’t enough, In protecting land for wildlife, size matters – here’s what it takes to conserve very large areas, Pittwater Environment groups and organisations, Bushcare, Reserves: Histories + Notes + Pictorial Walks, Where to Recycle plastic tags

Inbox News Sick And Tired: Long COVID Inquiry Report Released, $50 Million To Support Research In To Long COVID: Australian Government, Two Month Prescribing A Welcome Win For Consumers Facing Cost Of Living Increases, Mudskippers Could Be Key To Understanding Evolution Of Blinking, Global Research Reveals Countries Where Record-Breaking Heatwaves Are Likely To Cause Most Harm, How Long-Lasting Memories Form In The Brain, Small Acts Of Kindness Are Frequent and Universal Study Finds, Jellyfish-Like Robots Could One Day Clean Up The World's Oceans, ice Little Wave, Last Volunteer Patrol Day For 2022-2023 Season; Thank You For Your Service, 2023 HSC Timetable Released, In Youth Week Young People Remain Optimistic About Life Despite Ongoing Challenges: survey for you, History Of The Rockdale To Brighton-Le-Sands Tramline Of The Sydney Tram System, Word Of The Week: Surf, No; vapes aren’t 95% less harmful than cigarettes - Here’s how this decade-old myth took off, The dirty truth about your phone – and why you need to stop scrolling in the bathroom, What to eat when you have COVID – and why reaching for the chicken soup is not a bad idea, Shakespeare’s environmentalism: how his plays explore the same ecological issues we face today, ‘Noisome stinking scum’: how Londoners protested river pollution in the 1600s, Around 1600; speeches in English plays suddenly got shorter – and no one knows why, Auxiliary power: in wartime Australian women fought germs, fired shells – and took on gender norms, Book Of The Month - May 2023: Angela's Ashes, A Memoir by Frank McCourt, Community Celebration In Memory Of Bob Grace - All Welcome, History Of The Rockdale To Brighton-Le-Sands Tramline Of The Sydney Tram System, New National Funding Approach Needed As Public Hospitals Performance Plummets: AMA, Seniors - AMA - COTA Welcome Prescription Changes, Volunteers In Aged Care Consultation Open, COVID-19 Text Message Campaign, AvPals Term 2 At Newport, U3a At Newport Community Centre: Coming Up, Ring for the King: the long history of England’s bellringing tradition, Men’s Table for Pittwater: May 30, obel laureate Brian Schmidt’s big ideas for how Australia funds and uses research

Survey For Feedback On Avalon Beach Shared Space Opens As Six Month Trial Begins - Closes Four Months Prior To Trial End - have your say by the end of May

Profile of the Week Robert Hunter Grace - 'Bob'
May 17, 1935 - March 23, 2023

Community Celebration in memory of Bob Grace - all welcome 

Friends, family and past constituents of former Pittwater councillor Bob Grace are invited to join members of the Protect Pittwater Association for a community celebration of his life on Monday May 15, 7.30pm, at the Avalon Bowling Club. 

Bob’s commitment to Pittwater was unquestionable, first as a Warringah councillor, then with the newly seceded Pittwater Council, and finally after the council amalgamations of 2016, as one of the founders of the demerger group, Protect Pittwater. 

His generosity and support for clubs and within the community was also legendary, amongst them, Avalon Bulldogs Rugby League Club, Whale Beach SLSC, Palm Beach Golf Club and Elanora Country Club. 

Please bring your memories of Bob and have a drink with us to celebrate his contribution to our community! 

RSVP: reypip@gmail.com by May 8, 2023

In 1940 local Dee Why builder A B Anderson won the contract to construct a home in Cabbage Tree road Bayview for publisher Kenneth Gordon ('K.G.') Murray, from drawings and a design by William Watson Sharp, that was the epitome of the Art Deco 'ship-line' style but also may have been chosen to be built to support then journal  'Decoration and Glass: A Journal of Architecture' - initially a Gordon & Gotch, published magazine which Watson Sharp edited from at least April 1938 - although some sources state he had been involved from the outset of the journal, launched in May 1935.

'Decoration and Glass: A Journal of Architecture' was initially aimed at the public, exhorting the use of concrete and glass and modernising the Australian home, which the Murray house at Bayview could well be pointed at as an example of the same - contrasting acutely with Hopton Lodge at Bayview, whose additions, built a decade and a half later, were along more traditional English lines. Under Watson Sharp's stewardship as editor it became 'Decoration and Glass: A Journal For Architects, Builders and Decorators'.

Described as a 'tour de force of 1930s architecture which culminated the stylistic period' the Bayview house 'Little Mountain' brought together all the facets of curved glass and new products that were advertised in the journal as well as featuring the murals of Artists Gordon McAuslan and Maurice Cork, both of whom joined K G Murray publishing in 1936 and worked on his then very popular 'Man' magazine. Sydney photographers Max Dupain and Laurence Le Guay were also contributors to Man magazine. Dupain became renowned for his photographs of new buildings and homes for Architects.

In this respect 'Little Mountain' could also be considered a tour de force for K G Murray's building an empire in publishing through masses of advertising and the power of positivity, given the journal was launched, and the home built, when both Murray and Watson Sharp were young men in their 30's countering the strictures of an economical Depression in Australia by 'going bigger and building bigger homes' through their 'celebrate new Australia modernismapproach.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: May 1, 2023

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

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

Jacqui Scruby To Stand Again

Pittwater Online spoke to Independent Candidate in the 2023 state election Jacqui Scruby on April 25th, Anzac Day, and asked if she will be standing for the Seat of Pittwater again.

''At this stage, yes.'' Ms Scruby answered.

Ms Scruby attended both the Dawn and 11am Anzac Day Commemorative Services at Avalon Beach RSL cenotaph this year. 

After a few weeks off to rest and spend time with her children post her strenuous campaign, Jacqui will be back amongst it in the community with rezoning and DA's in her sight. 

With Council's drafted documents for rezoning former environmental areas into residential ones largely impacting Pittwater, and virtually no changes in Manly and only 1 block affected in the former Warringah, residents across the area from North Narrabeen to Palm Beach state the Council has the ruination of Pittwater as its aim.

The Whale Beach resident is witnessing whole hills and cliffs being carved away around her home and shares the Pittwater community's distress.

Readers continue to send emails about DA's where the DCP and LEP for Pittwater are 'being ignored'.

See last Issue's report: 

De-amalgamation is also a topic Ms Scruby wishes to discuss with community residents groups and the vast number of people who are not members of such bodies.

This will be coming up during the next few days and weeks as the now in place Labor Party stated those who had been forcibly amalgamated and wanted their old councils back would be provided an opportunity to do so.

Due to NSW Labor party members attending and voicing support at so many of the anti-amalgamation and de-merger protests that have taken place since 2016, Pittwater Online sought comment from the then opposition spokesperson that they would honour de-amalgamation statements made after the election. 

Greg Warren MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government, confirmed in January 2023 through his policy advisor that:

''a NSW Labor Government will not support the forced merger of local councils, nor will it support any forced demerger. Rather, this must be done voluntarily with the clear support of local residents as confirmed through a local plebiscite. 

To this effect, a NSW Labor Government will legislate to put into place independent mechanisms to enable this to occur.''

De-amalgamation campaigners are still active in Pittwater at present, gathering signatures for a plebiscite and for this to take place within the former council boundaries, not across an expanded LGA where, as in the current Council, they are under-represented in Councillor numbers alone. A Protect Pittwater AGM is taking place in mid-May.

Readers have pointed out that Ms Scruby only lost by a few hundred votes, and with the tally showing 3,387 'exhausted votes'; votes for Labor/Greens/and others where no or insufficient preferences were allocated, residents are calling on the government to make lower house preferential voting compulsory in NSW, as it is in every other Australian jurisdiction, so a more accurate reflection of voter intent resolves through the tallies of state elections in NSW.

Ms Scruby stated her focus will still be on her family, her community and Mackellar MP Dr. Sophie Scamps work, along with other jobs she already does.


Jacqui Scruby - taken after Avalon Beach Commemorative Service

Community Celebration In Memory Of Bob Grace - All Welcome

Friends, family and past constituents of former Pittwater councillor Bob Grace are invited to join members of the Protect Pittwater Association for a community celebration of his life on Monday May 15, 7.30pm, at the Avalon Bowlo.

Bob’s commitment to Pittwater was unquestionable, first as a Warringah councillor, then with the newly seceded Pittwater Council, and finally after the council amalgamations of 2016, as one of the founders of the demerger group, Protect Pittwater.

His generosity and support for clubs and within the community was also legendary, amongst them, Avalon Bulldogs Rugby League Club, Whale Beach SLSC, Palm Beach Golf Club and Elanora Country Club.

Please bring your memories of Bob and have a drink with us to celebrate his contribution to our community!

Please RSVP: reypip@gmail.com by May 8, 2023


Friends Of Soibada: Mid Year Soibada Visit Update Meeting

Monday May 1st 2023 at 6:30 pm
The Green Room, Avalon Beach RSL Club
If you are interested in volunteering in Soibada please come along to an evening of information sharing from Friends of Soibada. 

You will hear about our Friendship relationship with the village, the projects we have been asked to assist with by the local community, and ways that you can help either here in Australia or over in Timor Leste. We will also give a detailed rundown on the aims and expectations for the Mid Year visit.
If you cannot make this meeting, and are interested in getting involved, please email  pittwaterfriendsofsoibada@gmail.com

On Friday April 28 we received word that your donations have made it to Dili! 
Huge thanks to Rotary DIK and Amin and Miggy. 
Now the long drive up the mountains begins!


Trucks Crash At Mona Vale Road Roundabout: Appeal For Witness And Dashcam Footage 

Contractors for the MVR East Upgrade have stated works at a dangerous roundabout at the intersection with Ponderosa Pde and Samuel St. will be completed by June.

Residents have been stating for months the intersection is dangerous and any works proposed there should have been prioritised.

On Thursday April 27th  two trucks collided on Mona Vale Rd at the intersection with Ponderosa Pde and Samuel St. One of the vehicle's occupants was injured and trapped in the cab for a period of time. A man in his 50s complained of pain in his chest and knee. Another man, in his 60s, was not injured. Both were taken by ambulance to Royal North Shore Hospital. 

Traffic was diverted for hours while the trucks were cleared.

Northern Beaches Police Area Command is appealing for dashcam footage of the accident - details in NBPAC graphic below.



Photos/Graphics: NBPAC and Sharon Ignacio

Byron Bay Council Makes Leg Ropes Compulsory For Surfers: $1100 Fine Could Be Imposed

At its Meeting held on April 27th 2023, Byron Shire Council unanimously passed a motion making leg ropes compulsory.

Although originally developed as a means to stop surfers losing their boards and having to paddle back into shore to retrieve them, Byron Shire Council rightly also views them as safety devices that prevent others being hit by surfboards.

The use of leg ropes in the Byron Bay area was highlighted in February this year when former pro surfer Mathew Cassidy suffered a serious arm injury after being hit by a loose longboard at Wategos Beach.
The motion was put forward by Cate Coorey, who said it was about sending a message to the surfing community.

Councillor Cate Coorey’s supporting information states:

''This issue has been brought to our attention yet again with the recent, serious accident at Broken Head involving an out-of-control surfboard, with no leg rope attached, striking another surfer.
Media interest always surrounds these events, and they could become preventable with some community education and enforcement. People are looking to Byron to take the lead on this issue as we have tried in the past to address it with minimal success.

I believe that, in concert with our expressed desire to see more and increased application of fines to dog owners who have their dogs in locations that they shouldn’t have, the regulation of leg-ropes could be undertaken when compliance officers are in the beach areas.

If we provide signage at key entry points to the beach, then there is justification to issue a fine. In the same way that issuing fines to dog owners is not without its challenges, it nevertheless should not preclude us from finding ways to create an enforcement notice and take enforcement action to show that we mean it. This is a long-held wish of residents, including the majority of the surfing fraternity, especially on our most crowded surf breaks.

As confirmed by Council’s Legal Services Officer, Ralph James, the Local Government Act gives Council powers to regulate some beach activities.

Section 633(1) makes it an offence for a person in a place listed in the section to act contrary to a notice installed by Council. While the section is primarily intended to deal with nude bathing, it extends to other beach activities:

633 Bathing (including nude bathing) and other water-based recreational activities
                    (1)    A person who, in a place being—
(a)       a public bathing place under the control of a council, or
(b)       a river, watercourse or tidal or non-tidal water, or
(c)       the sea adjacent to (although outside) an area, or
(d)       a public place adjacent to any of those places, fails to comply with the terms of a notice erected by the council is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units [$1,100].''

Under current state legislation, not wearing a leg rope could be punished by an on-the-spot fine of $75, or maximum fines imposed by a court of up to $1,100.

Legal advice provided to councillors ahead of the meeting said the leg rope rule would be difficult to enforce.

"The offence ... is not just about engaging in certain conduct [not wearing a leg rope], but engaging in that conduct contrary to a notice," the report said.

Further, the legal advice said that to establish the offence to a criminal standard, the council would need to prove that a surfer was not wearing their leg rope, and that they had passed "near enough to a notice prior to entering the water that they could be said to have acted contrary to it".

The news brings up the discussion, in a place where so many surf - do we need this here or are surfers already looking out for others in the water by using leg-ropes?


In Tune With Tony B

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

In this week's programme Tony chatted with Stephen Wells from Radio Northern Beaches (a radio show about a radio show and the ins and outs of community radio). Here is a direct link to the programme on demand: InTune Goes Down The White Rabbit Hole

Next week, on Friday 5th May 2023 at 6pm, Tony chats with Robert van Geest from the Beach2Beach Fun Run and also a member of Rotary Club Of Waringah. Robert talks to us about Sydney's most scenic fun run and his Rotary experience.

The programme will also feature a great line up of predominantly home-grown music.
 
Radio Northern Beaches
Fridays at 6pm
FM 88.7 or 90.3
Or live stream at https://www.rnb.org.au
Previous programmes, on demand at https://www.mixcloud.com/InTuneWithTonyB
If you would like to chat with Tony on air about your community cause or your music, please feel free to message the Facebook page  In Tune - Radio Programme | Facebook and feel free to like and share the page.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Greendale Creek Flood Study

Northern Beaches Council is responsible for the identification of flood prone land in the Local Government Area (LGA).  Council have prepared the draft Greendale Creek Flood Study that outlines how flood waters move through the Greendale Creek catchment and flow down to Curl Curl Lagoon.

The study area includes parts of the suburbs of Beacon Hill, Brookvale, Curl Curl, Freshwater and North Curl Curl. The catchment is affected by flooding due to rainfall runoff, and in the lower parts from rising lagoon flood waters. The results of the study will update the flood information currently used by Council for planning.

Council appreciates there is a lot of technical information contained in the draft study and invite you to come along to talk to one of their flood specialists to understand what this might mean for you. Click here to make a booking or call the Floodplain Planning Team on 1300 434 434 (during business hours). Bookings are essential.

Council have presented the draft study in different ways on this page, including a study area map, a breakdown of the sections, and the full document. They also encourage you to view the Frequently asked questions.

You can provide feedback on the draft study by:

completing the submission form here
writing to marked ‘Draft Greendale Creek Flood Study', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.

Submissions close Sunday 7 May 2023.

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

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


Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets Of The Week

Henry 

15 weeks Ridgeback X Staffy pup



Henry, Harry and Herbie, all brothers were surrendered when the owner realised she could not cope with the pups. They are sweet pups who will grow to medium size. They have been socialised with other medium sized dogs and pups. At 14 weeks Henry weighed 10.5kg and has a smooth coat. Henry would suit a home-based worker with garden for him to run in. All our dogs come with desexing, all puppy vaccinations, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $450. 

Batman & Robin

10yo & 12yo JRT


Batman and Robin are brothers who have always lived together.  They were left abandoned in a deserted house. They are sweet, affectionate and quite obedient. They are social with other dogs. They love to explore when they are out in parks but happy just to chill and lay around at home and enjoy the comforts of a soft warm bed. They tend to sleep in the same bed together. They are both have dental disease and are booked for dentals. Batman also has a heart murmur. Batman weighs 6.6kg and Robin 4.6kg. They suit home based workers and happy to live in an apartment. 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. Their adoption fee together is $800. 

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

Call For Artists: Council's Street Art

Council is currently looking for four new public artworks to add to its growing collection of Street Art. The four sites are:
  1. North Curl Curl Community Centre
  2. Mona Vale Memorial Hall
  3. Mona Vale Village Park
  4. Peninsula Carpark, Rialto Square Manly

The program is a chance to bring artists, residents, businesses, property owners and the community together to create quality new artworks in unexpected places in our town and village centres. As part of its Street Art program, Council has previously commissioned artists including, David Cragg, Otis Hope Carey, Elliott Routledge, Claire Foxton, Kentaro Yoshida, Bradley Eastman, Brentos, Helen Proctor and Studio Dennis.

This project is made possible thanks to a Graffiti Management Grant from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.


Scam Alert: Telstra Impersonation Emails

From ACMA
Have you received an unexpected email from Telstra asking you to complete a form to avoid disruption or cancellation of your service? Be wary – it may be a scam!

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is aware of an emerging email scam that uses Telstra’s branding and advises recipients to complete a KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance form. The email falsely advises that this is required due to a new ACMA policy.

If you’ve received this email do not download or open the attachment or any links in the message.

If you are in any doubt about whether an email you have received from Telstra is genuine, contact Telstra via its publicly available contact details or verified app.

Telstra has more information about how to identify a legitimate email on their website: www.telstra.com.au/cyber-security-and-safety/active-scams

If you believe you are victim of a cybercrime, go to ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au: www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report

Scammers target everyone. Learn more about how to protect yourself from phone scams on the ACMA website and make a report to Scamwatch


Finding Help To Pay Your Bills

For many it’s getting to the stage where you feel sick to your stomach walking to your letterbox or opening your email. You know there’s going to be yet another bill in there costing you more money that you don’t have. The bills are relentless.  

Take a deep breath. You have some options.  

At the end of the day, the biller just wants to be paid
When facing the constant, never-ending deluge of bills that we all receive, it is very easy to forget the fundamental truth: the biller just wants to be paid. Yes, they want to be paid their money in a timely manner, but as they consolidate their own debts, it is in their interest that you pay your money at a later point than not at all. 

As a person struggling to stay on top of your bills, it is always worth keeping this in mind. As long as a company wants to see its debt paid, there will always be a pathway forward.  

To encourage people to pay their bills on time, it is becoming increasingly common for bills to offer an ‘on-time’ discount. Pay your bills by the due date and you’ll pay less.  

On-time discounts are a strong incentive for many. But, for those struggling to find the money to pay those bills it makes little to no difference. 

Many government agencies and utility companies will offer the ability to apply for a bill extension or instalment plan to pay off a bill. If you know times are tough right now, but that you will have access to more money at a future date, then this can be a good way to defer your debts for a limited time period. You can usually find details about such deferral schemes on the back of the bill you receive or on the website of the biller. 

Different types of bills deliver different relief solutions
For many organisations when they talk about offering relief to people with difficulty meeting bill obligations, they will refer to their relief solutions. Quite often what they are talking about here is putting customers onto an instalment plan to pay off their bill. 

Bill payment relief can take multiple forms. For example, many Queensland local councils can refer citizens to the Independent Rates Relief Tribunal which can provide assistance to people having difficulty meeting basic living expenses. To be eligible for assistance like this, the applicants must reside at the residence where the rates are due and own just the one property, among several restrictions. 

Some companies are better about the level of support they offer than others. An example of a company that offers a really good service to its customers facing financial hardship is energy provider AGL. Ultimately, it is still a company which is doing what it can to see bills paid, but it goes the extra step with advice and options to try to keep ahead of debt. 

It offers the ‘Staying Connected’ program, where consultants assist customers with: 

Tailored plans that match the customer’s situation to put them on a payment plan. 
Advice on payment options, government assistance, and available concessions. 
Connecting customers with free and independent financial counselling and support services. 
Advice on energy efficiency to bring bill prices down. 

Real help you can use
Deferring payments or entering instalment plans is not a long-term solution. After all, it may fix the problem of the current bill, but next month or quarter, another bill will land in your letterbox. While deferring your immediate debts, you need to find a solution that can help you meet your bill obligations into the future. 

The best thing you can do is to call the government-run National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. It runs Mon-Fri 9:30am - 4:30pm. They will help you with general financial suggestions, but also advise on consumer rights and other related issues. Indigenous Australians might prefer to call the similar Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488.  

You may also be able to access further assistance through charities and other community organisations who offer emergency relief services like: 
  • Food vouchers / supplies. 
  • Assistance with utility bills.
  • Clothing and furniture.
Don't let your health be impacted
Anyone who tries telling you that money doesn’t buy happiness is someone who hasn’t felt the mental stress of a debt spiral.  

People having trouble paying their bills can find that they: 
  • Are constantly stressed and irritable. 
  • Have difficulty sleeping. 
  • Find solace in substance abuse like alcohol and drugs.
  • Cease spending money on healthcare (therapies, medication, and other treatments) to try to pay off debt.
  • Overspend (often using credit cards) to feel better about the stress that they feel. 
Just as you can get free help to combat your debt, there are several services available to help you with your mental health. Beyond Blue is the largest and most well-known organisation that can help with mental health. You can talk to counsellors via their website www.beyondblue.org.au or over the phone 1300 22 4636.  

There are also other services that can help. If you are still in employment, many businesses offer their staff free access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). There are also specialised services like MensLine Australia that are focused on assisting with men’s mental health issues. 

Disclaimer
All insights and information provided should be considered general advice for educational purposes only. As we are unaware of your personal circumstances, the information in this article should not be misconstrued as personalised financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified financial professional before making any major financial decisions. 

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

JP Public Register

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

Rotary Upper Northern Beaches: Get Involved In Something Positive

At Rotary Upper Northern Beaches, we are always welcoming new members. We find that new members bring new ideas, energy and opportunities. There is something for everyone in Rotary and you can apply your skills for the betterment of our community. This can include anything from cooking a BBQ, to managing a fundraising project, to helping with marketing and social media. You can even get the opportunity to serve on our Board.

We have been quite active in the community over recent and coming weeks, including;
      - Pre Christmas community projects, such as the Tree of Joy (Warriewood Square) and Carols In The Park at Village Park, Mona Vale.
      - Australia Day Breakfast at Newport Beach 
      - Annual Art Show at Mona Vale Memorial Hall (24 - 26 February) raised much needed funds for worthy charities
      - An evening of collaboration with other Northern Beaches Rotary Clubs brainstorming strategies for member engagement and growth (21 February)
      - The Bobbo (Bobbin Head Cycle Classic, Sunday 26 March). Another great collaboration with other Rotary Clubs based on the North Shore
      - Our Annual Charity Golf Day (6 April at Monash Country Club)
    
These are just a few examples of our fund raising and community activities. If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, while meeting some great people and having some fun with it, please come and check us out. We meet most Wednesday nights at The Sands Hotel Narrabeen (except for the 2nd Wednesday if each month, which is at Avalon RSL (6pm Dinner in the bistro for 7pm Rotary meeting upstairs at both venues). 

If you would like to know more about Rotary and how you can get involved, please contact us on 02 8005 0711 or email contact@rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org


Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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

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

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



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

Community News

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

March 2013  April 2013 May 2013  June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 October 2013 November 2013  December 2013

January 2014 February 2014  March 2014  April 2014  May 2014 June 2014  July 2014  August 2014  September 2014 October 2014  November 2014  December 2014 

January 2015  February 2015 March 2015  April 2015 May 2015  June 2015  July 2015  August 2015  September 2015  October 2015 November 2015  December 2015 

January 2016  February 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016  August 2016 September 2016 October 2016  November 2016  December 2016  

January 2017  February 2017  March 2017 April 2017 May 2017 June 2017 July 2017  August 2017 September 2017 October 2017  November 2017  December 2017 

January 2018  February 2018 March 2018  April 2018  May 2018  June 2018  July 2018 August 2018 September 2018 October 2018 November 2018  December 2018

January 2019  February 2019  March 2019  April 2019 May 2019  June 2019  July 2019  August 2019  September 2019  October 2019  November 2019   December 2019 

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

Council: Fox Baiting Notice To Pet Owners

Monday April 24, 2023
Fox-specific poison baits are being laid in the following reserves until 12 May:
  • Manly Dam, Manly Vale
  • Allenby Park, Allambie Heights
  • Forestville Park, Forestville
  • Middle Creek Reserve, Oxford Falls
  • Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
These reserves are closed to dogs until Friday 9 June. Dog and cat owners are advised to keep their pets away from these Northern Beaches reserves. 

Warning signs are being displayed in the these areas.

The fox baiting program is being conducted in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and involves the use of “Foxoff® Econobait” poison baits, which are designed specifically for fox control. The poison baits contain 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate).

Native animals at risk from foxes include bandicoots, swamp wallabies, brush turkeys and possums.

Warringah Rats Results

April 29 2023 Round 5 results for Shute Shield and Round 2 of Jack Scott Cup.


Roadworks

Slope stabilisation: Avalon Beach- Barrenjoey Road between Plateau Road and The Serpentine
Tue 25 Apr 2023 to Fri 26 May 2023: 8:00pm to 5:00am
Traffic affected both directions. Advice: Check signage, Reduced speed limit (40km/h). Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.


Community Garden Planned For Bayview

In May this year Council will consult with the community on a community garden proposed by a local garden group.

The garden to be located in the Annam Road Reserve, Bayview would be managed by the garden group with the intention to use an area within the reserve to grow organic produce, flowering plants, promote sustainable lifestyles and to establish a neighbourhood hub. The proposal considers impacts on neighbours and the environment.

The garden group hope the space will become a place for sharing knowledge and skills about organic gardening and sustainable living and a place to meet and make friends.

Community gardens have been shown to have a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing while also engendering a sense of community.

There are currently six successful community gardens on land over which Council is caretaker located at Balgowlah, Seaforth, Freshwater, North Curl Curl, Manly Vale and Newport, as well as the Avalon Community Garden on the Barrenjoey High School campus.


Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Needs Volunteers

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

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

Fire And Rescue NSW Warns Public To Safeguard Homes From Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators, examining the scene of Sydney’s latest Lithium-Ion battery fire, are urging the public to safely store and charge the cells, outside the home if possible.

Just after 9am on Friday 14 April, an e-bike battery, on charge in the loungeroom of a duplex in Sydney Road, Balgowlah, began to suddenly overheat in a process known as “Thermal Runaway.”



A family of four inside the home heard a ‘popping’ noise as the battery began disintegrating and they threw water on the cell, but it re-ignited and exploded moments later, sending burning debris almost three metres across the room.

The family escaped the home unharmed as firefighters arrived and placed the damaged battery in a bucket of water to prevent further re-ignition.

FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit Inspector Chris Hughes inspected the scene and numerous impact points on the loungeroom walls and ceiling.

“When Lithium-Ion batteries go into Thermal Runaway and explode fiercely like this, the debris has potential to start numerous fires in the home,” Inspector Hughes said.

“Lithium-Ion batteries are particularly difficult to extinguish as they often re-ignite, causing further risk.

“In this case, the battery and charger were compatible.

“We’re urging the public to charge and store Lithium-Ion batteries outside the home where possible so if they do overheat and explode, the chances of harm are reduced and there’s less risk of homes burning down.

“Where it’s not practicable, charge lithium-ion batteries on a non-combustible surface and not in an entry/exit pathway, ensure your batteries and devices are in good condition and are compatible.

“Stick to reputable brands and ensure your home has a working smoke alarm and a fire escape plan, especially as we head into winter.”




Photos: FRNSW
For more please visit:

NSW Reconstruction Authority Regulation: Have Your Say

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is inviting public submissions on the Regulatory Impact Statement for the NSW Reconstruction Authority Regulation 2023. The regulation commenced on 3 February 2023 with special certification from the Premier under section 6(1)(b) of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.

The objects of the regulation are:
  • to prescribe actions in relation to which the NSW Reconstruction Authority may direct relevant entities
  • to require relevant entities and the NSW Reconstruction Authority to have regard to the State disaster mitigation plan and any relevant disaster adaptation plan in exercising prescribed functions
  • to prescribe exceptional circumstances in which the Minister may authorise the undertaking of development without consent or assessment under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
  • to provide for the determination and payment of fees under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022launch.
The Regulatory Impact Statement should be read in conjunction with the regulation, which is available on the NSW legislation website.

A copy of the Regulatory Impact Statement is available on this page or on the NSW Reconstruction Authority website.

Have your say by Monday 15 May 2023.

Law Council Of Australia: Constitutional Amendment To Provide For The Voice Is Just And Legally Sound

Monday April 24, 2023
The Law Council of Australia has advised that the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023 to amend the Constitution to provide for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament and the Executive Government is just and legally sound and should be passed in its current form.

“We continue to support a constitutionally enshrined Voice and believe the proposed amendment responds to the invitation to the Australian public for constitutional reform in the Uluru Statement from the Heart,” Law Council of Australia President, Mr Luke Murphy said.

“The Voice will be an advisory body which is empowered to make representations on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The Voice will deliver a substantive mechanism for change. Providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with a voice to represent their views about how policies, programs and laws would affect them, should lead to more informed decision-making. It will help address the power imbalances embedded since (and beyond) the establishment of the Constitution, which have enabled entrenched dispossession and disadvantage.”

“Our submission to the Joint Select Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Referendum has addressed many of the questions raised publicly about the impact of the Constitutional amendment to enshrine the Voice.

“The proposed amendment will not give the Voice a veto or law-making power nor the power to issue commands to Parliament. The power provided to the Voice is to make representations. It is not framed as a duty on the Executive, or Parliament, to consult the Voice. Parliament can decide whether and when a representation by the Voice must be considered by the Executive.

“We note similar advice has been provided by the Solicitor-General.

“The majority of instances in which the Voice may make representations – such as regarding the development of policies, programs and bills – will not be justiciable.

“Fundamentally, the role of the courts in declaring and enforcing the legal limits to the exercise of Executive power is not to be feared. Judicial review of administrative action is the application of the rule of law.

“Australia has unfinished Constitutional business, and we now have the opportunity to ensure Australia’s supreme law substantially recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the land.

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

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

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

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

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


Broadcasters Breach Rules In COVID And Climate Coverage

Wednesday April 26, 2023
Foxtel will tighten its controls over third-party content on its service following breaches of industry codes of practice found by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on both the Outsiders program and on its Daystar channel.

The ACMA found that a number of Outsiders programs broadcast on Foxtel between October and December 2021 breached the requirements in the subscription TV code of practice around accuracy and clearly distinguishing factual material from commentary and analysis in relation to climate-related coverage.

The ACMA considered 80 allegations across 10 Outsiders episodes and selected a sample of program content in its investigation to assess against the relevant code of practice.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the Australian community expects factual material to be accurate and for commentary to be clearly distinguishable from the reporting of factual material.

“The program has an obligation to its audience to clearly separate fact from comment. Across a number of its episodes Outsiders failed to do so and did not present news content either accurately or fairly,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

In a separate investigation, the ACMA found broadcasts of the Ministry Now and Joni Table Talk programs aired on the Daystar channel on Foxtel in September 2021 included comments which breached accuracy rules for news and current affairs programs under the Subscription Narrowcast Television Codes of Practice 2013.

The ACMA found the Joni Table Talk and Ministry Now programs included inaccurate statements relating to COVID-19 vaccines including about the regulatory approval process, the use of alternative COVID-19 treatments, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, and that vaccines may cause infertility and miscarriage.

In relation to both Outsiders and the content on the Daystar channel, Foxtel submitted that it had limited control over the broadcasts as they are distributed by third-party providers under agreements which require all content to comply with Australian laws and regulations.

Ms O’Loughlin said broadcast licensees are ultimately responsible for what goes to air, including content that is supplied or purchased from another provider.

“Broadcasters cannot outsource their compliance responsibilities to a third party. It is important that Australian audiences are able to trust that the information presented in current affairs programs is accurate and factual, particularly when national health issues are concerned,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

As a result of the ACMA’s findings in both the Outsiders and Daystar matters, Foxtel has expressly acknowledged to the ACMA that as licensee it is responsible for meeting its code and statutory obligations with respect to all material that is broadcast, even if it is material supplied by a third-party provider.

Foxtel will also review the systems it has in place to ensure that content sourced from third-party providers is compliant with the code. Foxtel will report back to the ACMA within four months on the outcome of this system review, including the staff training, processes and arrangements it has undertaken to ensure future compliance with the code.

The ACMA also found that the same Outsiders programs aired on regional commercial broadcasters WIN and SCA breached the requirements in the commercial TV code of practice around accuracy and the representation of viewpoints.

WIN and SCA will report to the ACMA within four months on the measures they are taking in response to this investigation to comply with the relevant parts of the commercial TV code of practice in relation to programs supplied by third parties.

Letters To The Editor

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

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

Conservation Zones Review And Technical Studies Update

We are writing to let you know that the following reports are available on our project website:
There are three reports:
  1. Snapshot of the consultation report – A quick overview of the issues raised in the submissions and the engagement approach.
  2. Consultation Report – A complete summary of the key issues raised in the submissions and Council’s response.
  3. Submissions – All of the submissions received during the consultation.
What are we doing now?
  • We are currently investigating changes to the methodology that could address concerns raised by the community.
  • We are meeting with the Department of Planning and Environment to discuss the Review, the submissions received, and possible changes. This is important because the Department will have the final say about any proposed zoning changes resulting from the Review.
  • We will be undertaking site inspections in certain circumstances where a dispute remains about the mapping of criteria used in the Conservation Zones Review methodology. We will be engaging appropriate consultants to assist with these inspections, which we expect will commence in May 2023. We will contact relevant landowners about any proposed site inspections.
The next steps will involve: 
  • Finalising changes to the methodology of the Review, in conjunction with the Department of Planning and Environment and relevant state agencies.
  • Undertaking site inspections with relevant landowners to resolve remaining mapping disputes.
  • Preparing a Planning Proposal for the new Northern Beaches Local Environmental Plan (LEP) which incorporates the outcomes from this work to be considered by Council and subsequent public exhibition and community feedback in 2023/2024.
Thank you for your continued interest in this project. If you require any assistance, please contact:
Strategic and Place Planning team
Ph: 1300 434 434 

Rig Recycle: Fishing Gear Items

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

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

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


Mona Vale Residents Association

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



Become A Volunteer Radio Operator: MRNSW

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

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


Volunteers Needed: Red Cross Avalon Shop

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

Volunteers Needed: Meals On Wheels

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

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


Report Hate Crimes

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

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

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

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

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

Speed Humps On McCarrs Creek Rd: Please Share Wildlife Data 

Local wildlife rescuers are asking all members of the public to report any roadkill on McCarrs Ck Rd or any other road in the NB (Wakehurst Parkway or Mona Vale Road for instance) on www.wildlifemapping.org

It records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification
The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place  mitigation. Thanking you all in advance for your help with this. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location. There is a database that volunteers maintain but this needs three pieces of information:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal
The details can be entered into the database directly by you at: www.wildlifemapping.org