Community News: September 2020

September 20 - 26, 2020: Issue 467

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 467 Newport Breakers Rugby Club's Historic 2020 Season: Four Out Of Five Cups Won

Vale Lynne Czinner

Avalon Beach Hardcourts Already A Winner With Good Sports

Promoting COVID-Safety On Our Beaches This Summer: Council's Plan for When, Why and How Beaches May Be Closed - provisions will be in place for parking options for Volunteer Lifesavers to ensure continuity of the lifesaving service.


Aquatics New High Tech Surf Life Saving Operations Centre Opens At Belrose + Historic Changes To Surf Life Saving NSW Constitution 

Pictures Elvina Bay Walking Track: Spring 2020 - photos by Joe Mills 

Food Saturday Afternoon Food Choices At Church Point - When you go to Church Point wharf and environs for lunch you have three great options to choose from – The Church Point Waterfront Store and Café, the brilliant little food truck offered by the crew from Pasadena Pantry and Fresh, and the Pasadena itself.

Park Bench Philosopher Curbing land clearing for food production is vital to reverse biodiversity declines - CSIRO

Warriewood Valley Community Centre Concept Plans Now Available For Feedback - Council is seeking feedback for all of September 2020

It's About To Get Very Nippers Focused Around Here! (registration days from September 13th  - most are online this Season - Season commences October 11 to 18, 2020) Find out what each club offers and how to sign up your youngsters to get happy, learn great skills and make friends on the beach

Environment Nocturnal Pittwater - The 4am-ers, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA) Chiltern Track Walke: Sunday 27th of September - limited numbers apply, The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 (GBO-5) Report, WWF's Living Planet Report, Environment Minister Sussan Ley faces a critical test: will she let a NSW mine destroy koala breeding grounds?, No Prime Minister; gas doesn't 'work for all Australians' and your scare tactics ignore modern energy problems, Ancient Volcanoes Once Boosted Ocean Carbon But Humans Are Now Far Outpacing Them, Climate Change Threatens Komodo Dragons, The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is so intense it just ran out of storm names, Watch Out On The Pittwater Estuary Water Zones & Beaches: Seals Are About, Bennett's Beach Church Point, ORRCA Spring Migration Survey, Council's Crown Reserve Land Categorisation: Seeking Your Input, The Forest Flora Of New South Wales: 1917, Tick Population Booming In Our Area, Nominations Open For Australian Biosecurity Awards, $10 Million In Grants For Smart Recycling Solutions: must have at least two Australian industry partners including one small or medium sized business, Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan Review, Time of Ngoonungi, Katandra Season 2020, Bushcare In Pittwater, Doodle Comer Swamp Nature Reserve Draft Plan Of Management: Public Consultation, Tollingo Nature Reserve And Woggoon Nature Reserve Draft Plan Of Management: Public Consultation, Limeburners Creek National Park, Goolawah National Park And Goolawah Regional Park: Public Consultation, Echidna season, Shorebirds booklet, Community Gardens and Environment Groups, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News Construction Begins On World's Longest Wild Dog Fence: NSW, A New Discovery In Regenerative Medicine, NSW Commissioner Welcomes Latest Victim Of Crime Report, Greater Sydney Animal Lovers Called On To Join Campaign, Reviewing The Quantum Material 'Engine Room'

Profile Ian Bowsher  In August 2020 Ian Bowsher, Principal of Barrenjoey High School, announced he had accepted a position closer to his home. Ian has been appointed to the role of College Principal at Sydney Secondary College based in Balmain, effective 12th October 2020 (just ten minutes from home), which means his final day at Barrenjoey will be the end of this term and the end of this week, September 25th.

''I have absolutely loved my tenure at Barrenjoey and thoroughly enjoyed watching the school develop into the wonderful place of learning that it is today. When I arrived in 2008 I had plans to stay for six or seven years and then move closer to home, however, the Barrenjoey community got under my skin and together, we created so many great initiatives I just couldn’t leave.'' Mr. Bowsher said in making the announcement.

''Barrenjoey truly sits in the centre of a fabulous community and together we have overcome many challenging times in the past thirteen years. I feel very confident that no matter who is next to take over the reins at Barrenjoey, the school will continue to thrive thanks to the outstanding staff who provide unparalleled leadership and care for the young people who attend.''

Thanks from the community and tributes have been written, spoken and posted in online community forums this week to celebrate all Ian Bowsher has done for the Barrenjoey community. 

An example:

“Ian exemplifies how multifaceted the role of a modern high school principal is.

“During his time at Barrenjoey, Ian has overseen the introduction of significant educational, student welfare and infrastructure initiatives, and has certainly earnt the respect and admiration of the school community.

“There are some very big shoes to fill – but Ian has positioned Barrenjoey well to continue providing high quality educational and student support opportunities into the future. – The Hon. Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater

Large land lots remained at Bayview into the 1910's and 1920's simply because those who had bought the larger 'farm blocks' held onto them, for generations. Those closer to Mona Vale were cut into smaller suburban blocks sooner than those at the Church Point end - the focus on making this a village or town centre commenced when the acreage set aside a few decades earlier as a place for recreation was subsequently sold by another state government. Even though there are not a lot of 'street names' from these earlier subdivisions, those that did occur as the area was proclaimed a residential place, and left behind its rural beginnings reflect the thinking of those whose lands these were. 

It is also a place where there was a fair sized 'village' of people living and working, mainly in rural trades, as indicated in the 1893 petition for a telephone to be attached to the Post Office to remain at Bayview indicates, as per Katherine Roche, postmistress. Some of those who signed were residents, others were visitors. Bayview, alike early Newport and Palm Beach, attracted those who were excelling in professional spheres and could afford a 'country holiday house'. Academics, Artists, Doctors, Politicians and Captains of Industry all had places at Bayview, with quite a few of the Professors of early University of Sydney within 'cooee' or right next door to each other. They came for the fresh sea breezes and respite from the dusty toil of inner 'Sydney Town'.

The influence of aquatic sports, particularly sailing should not be underestimated either. The first Pittwater Regatta of 1888, and the Basin Regattas of the 1890's, led to the first 'official Pittwater Regatta' after a race in 1906 between two Bayview sons of Pittwater - W D M Taylor and John Roche and two Queenslanders. These regattas went on for decades, were immensely popular, and often official parties were taken aboard the flagship steamers for each from the Bayview wharf.

Artist of the Month September 2020: Kelvin Anton Carlsson

When it come to Harmonicas, no one can really do it better than Kelvin Carlsson. Based in Narrabeen, Kelvin, better known as 'Mr Harmony', spreads his love of the this wonderful instrument with many across Australia. 

‘’I Play Harmonica and Sax in Bands, and Teach Harmonica to inmates in prisons, disabled people, and run regular Beginners Workshops all around Australia.’’

Residents would have heard Kelvin playing as part of the CJ and the Mellows lineup alongside Chris Raggatt, and remember they travelled to the US a few years back to be part of the 2017 International Blues Challenge.

Along with his love of the harmonica Kelvin loves taking a photo or two, with requests for copies of his works. Readers may recall his input into the February 2020 Storm Event report run in this news service.  These and a sample of his music features as the Pittwater Online News September 2020 Artist of the Month. 

Vale Robert T Dunn

Of Pittwater and Narooma
Mr. Dunn served as Mayor of the first elected Pittwater Council from 1992 to 1994, following a number of years as a councillor. In 2005 Robert ran as an Independent in the Pittwater state by-election following the resignation of John Brogden, showcasing his commitment to and passion for the local area. He also ran against Bronwyn Bishop for the seat of Mackellar, in the 2004 federal election, securing 7.7 per cent of the vote.



Robert had a long and distinguished career as a solicitor, business owner, local mayor and councillor. In 1973, following his time as a solicitor, Robert founded Dunn Legal, a law firm in Mona Vale that has become a trustworthy alternative to CBD law firms for Pittwater residents. Dunn Legal's practice areas include wills, estate planning, business sales and intellectual property protection. Robert's legal career has seen him protect the legal rights of many Australians, often at trying times in their lives, with Dunn Legal maintaining a reputation of client focused respect and diligence. Dunn Legal's success and longevity are a reflection of the hard work that Robert has put in and the poise with which he managed the firm. His son R. Simon Dunn has carried this tradition forward.

In recent years Mr. Dunn split his time between his love of Pittwater and his passion for Narooma, serving as the President of the Tilba Tilba and South Narooma Landcare group and was resolute in the pursuit of eradicating fireweed from the Eurobodella LGA. He applied the same straight-up straight talking there that won him so many supporters in Pittwater. He stood down in 2018 but remained part of the committee.

In 2013 Mr. Dunn released Pittwater Uprising!: A Secessionist's View, his personal memoir about the formation of Pittwater Council. The memoir goes into great detail regarding the events and dramas that went on leading up to Pittwater becoming a local government area. It serves as a great reminder of Robert's involvement in Pittwater and his fearless defence of its spirit, environment and autonomy.

Today Mona Vale is home to Robert Dunn Reserve, a park alongside Mona Vale Beach that stands as a tribute to Robert's work for the local community. It is a spot of great beauty, overlooking the vast ocean, and it encapsulates the great natural beauty that draws so many people to Pittwater. 

Robert's achievements in law, politics and community work made him an incredible role model, and he will be greatly missed by all.

The community has lost two former Mayors of the Pittwater LGA in one week in Lynne Czinner and Robert. A very sad time for our community.

The community's Tribute for Lynne runs this Sunday.
Mr Dunn's community Tribute will run later.

Sincere Condolences and deepest sympathies to Robert's wife Carolyn, son Simon and all family members at this very difficult time. 


Photo: at launch of Pittwater Uprising. Left to right: Councillor Sue Young, former General Manager Angus Gordon, Councillor Kay Millar, former Councillor Mayor of first elected Pittwater Council Robert Dunn, Councillor Julie Hegarty, former Councillor Patricia Giles OAM (also Former Mayor), former Councillor Allan Porter, former Councillor Shirley Phelps OAM, former Councillor Bob Dunbar, Councillor and Mayor of Pittwater Jacqui Townsend, the Hon. Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater, Councillor  Bob Grace, Councillor Kylie Ferguson, former Councillors and Mayors Lynne Czinner and Harvey Rose OAM.  -  A J Guesdon picture.

Vale Lynne Czinner

June 1,  1939 - September 11, 2020
Lynne Czinner was elected on to the first Pittwater Council in October 1992 representing South Ward, serving consecutive terms until 2008. A Warriewood Residents Association member and advocate for the return of Pittwater Council post the forced amalgamation of May 2016, Lynne's service to our local area as a Pittwater Councillor will be well remembered.



Councillor Lynne Czinner was voted Mayor of Pittwater Council in April 2004. Cr. Czinner served as Deputy Mayor to former Mayor Patricia Giles for four consecutive terms, from 1998 to 2002. She was elected on to the first Pittwater Council in May 1992.

Mayor Czinner said then;
“I am committed to protecting our natural environment and lifestyle, promoting ecologically sustainable development in Pittwater, and to providing walking and bike paths as well as recreational facilities for all ages. I believe we have a very strong environmental team who will achieve great things for Pittwater. I am available and open to listen to any ideas or issues residents may have with Council. We will get back to the “grass roots” of the people to really reflect the desires of our residents – consulting with them, talking with them and finding out what they want. All Councillors will be out and about – they are your conduit to good local decision-making.”

Other councillors elected to the central ward were:
GILES, Patricia
BUTLER, Rex
TREHARNE, Ian

From Pittwater Offshore Newsletter - Volume 6, Issue 54; April 2004. Retrieved from https://ymlp.com/zRQt9a 

Lynne distinguished herself by her commitment to protecting our natural environment and lifestyle, promoting ecologically sustainable development in Pittwater, and to providing walking and bike paths as well as recreational facilities for all ages.

Lynne was also Director of North Sydney Waste Board, Secretary of Sydney Coastal Council, represented Pittwater on the Kimbriki Committee and was a strong supporter on the Peninsula Music Club.

Lynne served on the EPA's Beachwatch/Harbourwatch and Catchment Management Committee, along with a range of Council committees, including the ACCESS, Bushland and Estuary Management, Heritage and Bicycle Committees.

From Pittwater Online IWD Profile series 2019;
Why did you stand to represent residents in local council to begin with?
I ran for Council to try to get the best outcome for people of Pittwater, the South Ward and in particular planning of the new suburb of Warriewood, given the land release was announced soon after the creation of the new council. Did I succeed? The people who have moved to Warriewood  seem to think so and judging from feedback the people of Pittwater want their local Council back. The Northern Beaches Council is not a local Council but rather a regional Council too far removed from locals communities.

What does local government mean to you?
Local Government is "government" for the local area by local people who have an affinity with and know what is important to their local community. 

The community sends its sincere Condolences and deepest sympathies to Lynne's family and friends at this time.


Photo: Save Mona Vale Hospital Group and Protect Pittwater Group

Mona Vale Road East Upgrade Out Of Hours Work: To October 4th, 2020

Out of hours work is planned from 8pm to 6am on the following dates, weather permitting:
  • Tuesday 22, Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September
  • Tuesday 29 September, Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October
If work is delayed due to wet weather, we will try and work a different night that same week. We will notify highly impacted residents if there is a change of date.

Our work along the western end of the project includes:
  • removing rock from the top of the existing rock cutting near the eastern end of Lane Cove Road
  • hauling material away from our work zone near the eastern end of Lane Cove Road to our stockpile at the Western Early Works site off Tumburra Street
  • ongoing road maintenance.
Across the project we will use excavators with rock hammers, backhoes, tipper trucks, elevated work platforms, a roller, a vibrating roller, a small crane, wacker packer, street sweepers, vacuum trucks, concrete trucks, line marking equipment, bob cat mill, light vehicles and lighting towers.

Our work along the eastern end of the project includes:
  • using a vacuum truck, road saw, jack hammers and an excavator to trench and install utilities under the Mona Vale Road, Samuel Street and Ponderosa Parade roundabout and about 40 metres up Samuel Street
  • paving the road around the Mona Vale Road, Samuel Street and Ponderosa Parade roundabout
  • placing concrete barriers and replacing the line marking along Mona Vale Road from near the Mona Vale Cemetery to near Foley Street
  • ongoing road maintenance.
As per the September update, the NSW Government introduced new rules allowing public infrastructure projects to operate on weekends and public holidays from 7am to 6pm. Any high noise generating work is not allowed after 1pm.

We will be working on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October. This work includes the pulling of electrical cables beside Mona Vale Road from Samuel Street to near Emma Street.

For more information call us on 1800 413 640, email monavaleroad@georgiou.com.au or visit rms.work/mvreast. If you need help understanding this information, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

Map showing location of out of hours work:

Semi-Trailer Closes MVR

Mona Vale Road was closed in both directions on Thursday September 17th when a semi-trailer left the road at Ingleside and crashed over a concrete safety barrier at roadworks and became lodged on them. 

The salvage operation commenced early afternoon and involved a large crane moving the truck container and then the truck cabin off the road. Later that evening the salvage operation could continue. 

Photos courtesy Terrey Hills Brigade of NSW RFS and  Live Traffic NSW.

2021 Doggie Rescue Calendar

Monika's Doggie Rescue have just opened orders for their 2021 Superheroes calendar. Copies arrive at the shelter on Tuesday September 22nd.

This is the major fundraising activity for the whole year for this organisation to save all these darling dogs, cats, rabbits (and others) and these wonderful calendars make an excellent Christmas gift that brings delight to those you give it to all year round - for 12 months in fact!

Pittwater Online has already secured ours and no, we will not be handing them over should you miss out - staff and family have already put their hands up, and there will be howling, literally, should anyone find theirs has been 'reallocated'.



Australian Defence Force (ADF) Regatta 2020 Hosted By RPAYC

The Saltwater Veterans were out training on Pittwater this week ahead of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Regatta which will be held at the RPAYC on Friday 9th of October in the Club's fleet of Elliott 7s. The entry list comprises of 5 x ADF Teams and 3 x Veteran Teams.


SheSails For RPAYC

In related sailing news, the RPAYC will be represented at this year’s SheSails Open Regatta hosted by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and scheduled for November 28-29, by Nicole Butcher, Lisa Ratcliff and Lauren Crossman.

Competitors and organisers are hoping a NSW government easing of restrictions in relation to out of area visitors means the regatta can go ahead at full capacity utilising the club’s fleet of Elliott 6s.

Regular on Darren Drew’s Crowther 50 Top Gun, Nicole Butcher, has previously helped at Newcastle to deliver the women's development regattas and this year will helm while Lisa, who also crews on Top Gun for the women’s twilight series, will be on the main.

Lauren's sailing career encompasses Lasers, match racing and achieving the bucket list special of participating in last year's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. In fact, all three women completed the 75th running of the Great Race, Nicole on Noel Cornish’s St Jude, Lisa on Ashok Mani’s classic S&S Windrose sailing for Tasmania and Lauren on Keiran Mulcahy’s Soozal.

Newcastle will be the first event for this newly formed crew and the RPA is getting behind the team, offering an Elliott 7 for training.

Up to 16 teams will race windward/leewards on Newcastle Harbour over the weekend series.


SheSails is all about enjoying your sailing adventure in a fun, friendly and safe environment. SheSails is designed to recognise all of the amazing female contributors to our sport, and to encourage women of all ages to enjoy sailing through organised activities at your local sailing club.

Whether you’re sailing for the first time, returning to the sport or are an active sailor there are a variety of social SheSails activities both on and off the water for you to get involved in. 

SheSails aims to: 
  • Promote and celebrate female participation in the sport of sailing
  • Provide new and existing female sailors with the opportunity to enjoy activities at their local sailing club with like-minded people
  • Provide clubs with visual materials and case studies to help grow female participation in recreational and competitive sailing
  • Develop a platform to feature female-focused events and programs across the country
Find out more at: www.shesails.org.au/home

Avalon Multi-Purpose Courts Complete

Avalon Beach Reserve’s growing reputation as a local sporting hub has been boosted with the recent completion of two new multi-purpose hardcourts.

The two specially coated courts can be used for netball, basketball and pickleball and are accessible year-round by clubs, school groups and recreational users.

The new courts complement a new grass netball court, half basketball court and the existing skate park, all located next to the beach.

This facility was made possible with $562,000 in grants secured by Pittwater MP Rob Stokes from the NSW Government.



Mayor Michael Regan said the new courts will be welcomed by locals, who have for some time indicated they would like to see more sporting facilities in the area.

“These courts will help meet the growing demand for venues in the Pittwater region from more than 600 players of all ages.

“Soon all-weather training will be possible, when lighting is installed.”

The Avalon courts complement the six recently built at Forestville War Memorial Playing Fields and another six at Lionel Watts Reserve in Belrose, in 2018.

In the coming months, four new outdoor multipurpose courts will be completed on Boondah Rd in Warriewood.  These will also feature lighting to allow for night-time training sessions through the busy winter season.

Peninsular Senior Citizens Toy Repairers Need Toys!

On Tuesday last week Terry Cook from the Peninsular Senior Citizens Toy Repairers was  presented with a Community Service Award by the Belrose Rotary Club. Well done Terry and the Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group. 



The team at Ingleside will take your pre loved toys, fix them up, then give them to Charities and not for profit groups in Australia and overseas. Right now there is not much work because there aren't many toys coming in. Please pass the word out. They are located at Ingleside next to the Bahai Temple.
The Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group has been in operation for 45 years and in that time has given away well over a million toys.

The Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group 
169A Mona Vale Rd, Ingleside
Contact Terry Cook: terrycook@gotalk.net.au 
http://www.peninsulaseniorstoyrecyclers.com.au/
Photo courtesy Anne Salvador-Dunlop

Promoting COVID-Safety On The Northern Beaches This Summer

Council has released a plan to maximise public safety and reduce the risk of COVID-19 in public places during the coming busy holiday period.

The COVID-19 Summer Action Plan for Outdoor Public Spaces supports NSW Public Health Orders and recommendations and provides a framework for how Council will work with NSW Police, Surf Lifesaving and other authorities over summer.

It details proactive measures Council will implement including:
  • establishing a Beach Safety Working Group with key stakeholders to deliver a coordinated response;
  • activating additional flagged areas to reduce crowd density;
  • increasing cleansing of public places;
  • monitoring by rangers and lifeguards with reminders of social distancing and crowd gathering restrictions;
  • ongoing review of parking restrictions;
  • regular and consistent communication through onsite signage, website, lifeguard announcements and other digital and social channels.
The Plan also details how Council will apply a staged response based on actual and forecasted crowd levels at beaches, considering crowd densities calculated for each beach when social distancing restrictions are applied.

Council will work with Surf Life Saving NSW to progress the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, to provide aerial vision and surveillance to help monitor crowd capacity at beaches.  

Mayor Michael Regan said being COVID-safe this summer was a shared responsibility.

“We really want to keep our beaches, parks, playgrounds and pools open so people can enjoy them to full this summer,” Mayor Regan said.

“But the threat of COVID-19 is still very real and we all need to remember this when we are out and about this summer.

“If you get to a public place and it looks uncomfortably busy, it might be a good idea to try somewhere else, or try again later.

“We’ll be working with Police and Surf Lifesaving to do all we can to protect the health of everyone. We also need the cooperation of community so we can all have a great summer.”

You can read the Plan in full from the link below.

The Northern Beaches COVID-19 Summer Action Plan for Outdoor Public Spaces is available at:  www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/summer-action-plan-outdoor-public-spaces

Phoot by A J Guesdon.

Subsidised RSA Course - TAFE NSW Northern Beaches

Through a grant from the Office of Liquor and Gaming, the Northern Beaches Liquor Accord is offering a subsidised enrolment in the accredited Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course at TAFE NSW Northern Beaches. This is a great opportunity for those looking to add more skills to their CV for future employment opportunities. 

Course details:
SITHFAB002: Provide responsible service of alcohol
Date: Wednesday, 7 October 2020. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Pittwater Training Restaurant, TAFE NSW Northern Beaches Campus 154 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale NSW
$86.00 *Subsidised Fee

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST via email: Zoe.Overton4@tafensw.edu.au


Have Your Say On The Proposed Concept Design For The New Warriewood Valley Community Centre

Northern Beaches Council has given the green light for the second round of community consultation to seek feedback on the proposed concept design for the new Warriewood Valley Community Centre.

Mayor Michael Regan said feedback from the first round of consultation in March 2019 with targeted community groups was overall supportive for the new centre.

“The first round of consultation was very useful to gauge people’s views and to inform the design brief and concept design to ensure user expectations are met,” Cr Regan said.

“The Centre’s concept plan has been drawn up with future needs in mind and the building is developed in line with best-practice sustainability principles.

“The Centre will be an attractive, modern and resilient building with multi-use spaces and the capacity to switch to an Emergency and Recovery Centre during a period of community crisis.”

Mayor Regan encouraged members of the community to voice their opinion on the project.

Council is seeking community feedback all of September, 2020. The Concept Design and associated documents are available on Council's Warriewood Valley Community Centre webpage. 

Visit: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/Warriewood_Community_Centre

Concept Design - WVCC View from Boondah Reserve - Artist Impression

Laying The Foundations For The Sydney Modern Project

September 17, 2020
An important construction milestone for the Sydney Modern Project was achieved in September when the concrete foundations began to be poured for the Art Gallery of NSW’s new building.

The Sydney Modern Project is on track for completion in 2022 with the Gallery remaining open during construction.

The Sydney Modern Project is funded by the NSW Government and private donors and is being delivered by Infrastructure NSW on behalf of the Gallery in collaboration with Create Infrastructure.
For more information visit the Art Gallery of NSW’s website.

Providing a glimpse – and a bird’s eye view – of the work going on behind the hoarding, the Gallery has produced the first in a series of short timelapse videos, capturing the build through cameras installed at various vantage points around the site.

Below is the Sydney Modern Project Construction timelapse video from November 2019 to August 2020.

Beautiful Middle Harbour

Published September 18, 2020 by NFSA

From the National Collection. c1927. Beautiful Middle Harbour is a promotional film for Castlecrag Estate, a residential community designed in the mid 1920s by Walter Burley Griffin to preserve the natural bushland environment of Middle Harbour in Sydney. Footage includes: Walter Burley Griffin; houses; the local shopping centre; roads; public transport; views of Middle Harbour; a trolley bus crossing the suspension bridge between Cammeray and Northbridge; people taking tea in the garden of a house; and young people enacting an Arabian inspired play in bushland on the edge of Middle Harbour. One of the women serving afternoon tea outside one of the Castlecrag houses is thought to be Walter Burley Griffin's wife, Marion Mahony. The dancers who appear in this footage performing the 'Arabian-inspired play' are Mischa Burlakov who co-founded the First Australian Ballet Company in the 1920s and Louise Lightfoot who was an architectural draftsman for Walter Burley Griffin before leaving architecture to dance. Lightfoot was co-founder of the first Australian Ballet Company.

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families as NSW continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said. “If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.

“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community in the current environment.”

The NSW Government is constantly adapting as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.

Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
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Type : pdf

Where You Can Get Tested In Our Area:

Mona Vale Hospital - Building 14, Community Health Centre, Coronation Street, Mona Vale. Please ring to register for testing.  PHONE: 9998 6296
Mona Vale Hospital message:  The recent changes to our mask guidelines means patients, carers and visitors are to wear a mask at our hospital.  Staff will also wear a mask when they are delivering care or when they can’t socially distance 1.5 metres. Open 9am-4:30pm, 7 days. 

Dee Why Respiratory Clinic - G/5 Mooramba Road, Dee Why. 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday
Booking required via (02) 8416 5005
Booking web address; https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/dee-why-NSW-2099/dee-why-respiratory-clinic/doctors?purpose=respiratory

Brookvale Community Health Centre Clinic - 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale. 8am-6pm 7 days. No booking required

Frenchs Forest Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology - 5 Forest Way, Frenchs Forest, 8am-4pm Monday to Friday. Booking required via 1800 026 622 or (02) 9111 3405

Frenchs Forest MedLab Pathology-  8 Hilmer Street, Frenchs Forest, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday No booking required.

North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology - 1416 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. 10am-4pm Monday to Friday. No booking required.

Northern Beaches Hospital - 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest;  Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry) 8am- 5pm, 7 days - No booking required.
Drive directly to the clinic by following the signs, please do not use the main car park.  
For people walking or travelling by public transport, follow the red line outside the hospital, then ring the Emergency Department intercom and they will be escorted to the clinic  for testing. 

PATIENTS: We are now temperature checking all staff and visitors ahead of elective surgery returning to the hospital next week. These checks will help us ensure the safety of our staff and visitors during this time.
Entry is via the main entrance or emergency department and all other entry points are closed. There is also screening at the dock for deliveries. The team conducting the checks will take temperatures and ask a few simple questions about wellbeing and possible contact with COVID-19.
Please be patient with our staff conducting the checks.
If you have a high temperature (37.5C or above) or have been unwell with a new cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, you should call the COVID-19 hotline or visit our COVID-19 clinic for assessment.  


VISITORS: To ensure the safety of all patients and staff, we need to limit the number of visitors to our hospitals and services. Patients will be asked to nominate one visitor, preferably your next of kin, for the duration of your hospital stay. We understand this will difficult for families, but we need everyone to help to protect patients and staff.

Visitors must NOT have travelled overseas in the last 14 days, NOT been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or have fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath. 

Visitors to Patient with COVID-19 (or awaiting results)
In order to provide strict infection control, no visitors will be allow to patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or those awaiting test results for COVID-19. We understand there will need to be some exceptions to this, especially with children and also with extremely unwell patients, so we ask that you talk to your families and if you have any questions, please speak to your clinical care team. 

Mask requirements: In line with NSW Health guidelines, please note all patients will be required to wear a mask when presenting to the hospital and when outside of their rooms. Visitors must wear a mask before entering the hospital. Please bring a mask from home where possible.​


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.

Please Register Wildlife Road Strikes

We need your help. Thank you for reporting wildlife road fatalities. 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:

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: September 13, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Pittwater Online Spring School Holiday Issues 2020

Please note that Issue 468 will be published Sunday September 27th and Issue 469 will be published Sunday October 11th. There will be no Issue on Sunday October 4th as staff take a break to spend with their pint-sized loved ones.

Please have all Notices and Events in by Friday September 25th, 11.00pm.

Thank you very much - we hope all have a  lovely Spring Break.

Daylight Saving Reminder

Daylight saving will begin at 2am on Sunday 4 October 2020 when clocks go forward one hour,
and ends at 3:00 am on Sunday, 4 April 2021, when clocks are put back one hour.


Get Ready Weekend

It takes 5 minutes to improve or make a plan that will give your property, your family and yourself the best chance of survival should you be threatened by a bush fire.

Take the first step in preparing for bush fire, visit myfireplan.com.au

Marine Rescue Broken Bay: 10 & 15 Years Service

Congratulations to MRBB Coxswain Mike Charlton who reached 10 years of service with MRNSW. Your dedication and volunteering of your time to help our community is greatly appreciated. 
Thank you Mike.


Mike Charlton

Congratulations to MRBB Boat Master Ron Carr for reaching 15 years of service with MRNSW Broken Bay unit. Ron is responsible to ensure our rescue vessels are always ready for any callout by managing the maintenance and remediating any breakages quickly. 

Thank you Ron for all the extra time you give to help our community.


Ron Carr

Photos courtesy MRBB

Lion Island Challenge 2020 Cancelled

With so much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 health restrictions and the challenges we face to host a Covid safe event for our competitors and volunteers, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming 2020 Lion Island Challenge.

Like all of our competitors, we were looking forward to another spectacular day on the water and are disappointed that we will not be able to host this event this year. 

Thank you to our major sponsors Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Avalon and Carbonology Sport as well as all competitors for your support of the LIC over the years.  We hope to be back, bigger than ever, in 2021.

Avalon Beach SLSC

Foggy Morning At Clareville



Past Profilee Paul Wheeler took this great shot at Clareville on Wednesday September 16th - one of two mornings this week when fog has rolled in over the national park and estuary and clothed the green hills with something 'misty'. Early Saturday morning was similar until the sun burst through around 9am.

The BOM has forecast a wetter than average Spring for 2020 for much of Australia.

The Outlook also shows daytime temperatures are likely to be average to below average throughout southern Australia and warmer than average in the north.

Overnight temperatures are likely to be above average for the entire country, with the only exception being south-west Western Australia.

The Bureau’s Manager of Climate Operations Dr Andrew Watkins said the outlook was being largely driven by changes in sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and Indian oceans.

"Most long-range forecasts analysed by the Bureau, including from our own climate model, are indicating a La Niña could develop in the spring, which typically results in above-average winter-spring rainfall for Australia, particularly across eastern, central and northern regions.

"A La Niña also typically brings cooler and cloudier days, more tropical cyclones, and an earlier onset of the first rains of the northern wet season."

Dr Watkins said spring was typically a time of year when outlook models had a higher reliability.

"At this time of year, we start to see some of our main climate drivers locking in, which gives more certainty about what our weather patterns will be like in the coming months.

"We’re starting to see that in the Pacific with a La Niña beginning to take shape, and we are also seeing some changes in the Indian Ocean, which may also boost the chance of rain during spring."

Dr Watkins said the recent winter period is likely to be one of the warmest on record, with above average temperatures particularly prevalent across Western Australia and Queensland.

He also said that while the start to winter was very dry, August was the first wetter-then-average August since 2016.

"Overall, winter was drier than average for every state except New South Wales. It was particularly wet in Gippsland in Victoria and the south coast of New South Wales.

"Earlier in the winter period, conditions were drier than normal, as rain bearing weather systems were being blocked by a belt of high-pressure systems sitting across the country."

Avalon Boomerang Bags Workshop News

New Tuesday workshop times in the Avalon Recreation Centre 11am - 3pm. All are welcome, if you can't sew we will teach you.

No workshops during the school holidays on the 29th September and the 6th October.

Bags and plastic free reusable goodies are for sale during the workshops so please pop in.

Remember there is no excuse for single use plastics, even during wretched COVID19, and washed reusables are best. Do our ocean, waves and beaches a favour and BYO bags, bottles, cups and straws.



Greater Sydney Animal Lovers Called To Join Campaign

GREATER Sydney animal lovers are being called on to join a new campaign on factoring their furry friends into their emergency management plans.

Greater Sydney Local Land Services officer Linda Dedovic said the Animal Ready Community Working group was looking for people who owned one or more companion animal and/or horses or other larger animals to share their stories via video.

“We want real life examples from real life people on their experiences caring for their beloved animals in times of an emergency,” she said.

“If the horror bushfire season we just had tells us anything, it’s that emergencies escalate quickly and can cause huge levels of stress.

“Taking steps to be better prepared before a fire or flood is on your doorstep is the best way to keep you and your animals safe.”

Ms Dedovic said the videos would be used to encourage, inspire and motivate the general community around being prepared to secure the safety of themselves and their animals in the event of crisis.

“We are looking for a range of people from a cross section of our community, the young, elderly, cultural and linguistically diverse, those living with a disability and so on,” she said.

She said successful applicants would have their stories featured on various social media channels and web pages.

“Applications close on 30 September, I encourage people to visit our website and complete the EOI form to register their interest, it’s an important cause,” she said.

EOI form at HERE

People’s Choice Winners: 2020 Northern Beaches Art Prize

A moving photographic portrait of life in isolation has been voted the People’s Choice in the 2020 Northern Beaches Art Prize.

Artist Kevin Paul’s Life in Isolation was awarded the People’s Choice prize (Open category), while 15-year-old Brodie Folkard’s painting Alone was the winner in the Youth category.

Life in Isolation captured the reality of life stuck indoors during lockdown with TV becoming boring and children wanting to go outside to play with their friends.

In July, the image was voted among 10 winners in the Open category by Art Prize judges. They said: “The stillness of this work creates a palpable sense of being locked away.”

Brodie Folkard’s Alone was inspired by his experience of feeling anxious during the lockdown and being alone.

For the past six weeks, all 90 finalists in the Open and Youth categories have been on display on Council’s website for people to cast their vote as to who should be the overall People’s Choice winner in each category.

Mayor Michael Regan congratulated both winners.

“A big round of applause for the People’s Choice winners but also for all the finalists in this year’s competition. COVID has been a unique and emotional time for so many and you really see that reflected through the submitted works, in particular the winners of the People’s Choice."

“By voting these images as winners, it’s clear social isolation as a consequence of the COVID pandemic weighs heavily on people’s minds."

Each People’s Choice winner will be awarded $500.

The exhibition features all 90 winning artworks is online until the end of September 2020

Navigation Restriction - Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, McCarrs Creek, Scotland Island, Church Point, Pittwater

(Marine Safety Act 1998 s.12)
Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, McCarrs Creek, Scotland Island, Church Point, Pittwater
NBN SUBMARINE CABLE INSTALLATION
August to October 2020

THE WORKS
Vessel operators are advised that essential construction works associated with the installation of NBN submarine cables will be conducted in a number of the Western bays of Pittwater, including Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, McCarrs Creek, and from Carols Wharf Scotland Island to the Cargo Wharf at Church Point. These works will be conducted from August to October 2020. 

NAVIGATION WARNING
During this time a barge will be temporarily anchored in various locations throughout this area while works is conducted.

Vessel operators are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of the works and any associated vessels. The location of the barge and works area will be marked by 4 yellow marker buoys that are positioned 40 metres apart in a rectangle with flashing beacons. These markers will surround and move with the barge and associated vessels for the duration on the construction works.
During this period there will be other construction works carried out within the area and vessel operators are reminded to operate at a safe speed, maintain a proper  lookout and minimise wash around barges while work is conducted.

DIRECTIONS
TfNSW advises:  
Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance and speed from the works and operators are reminded that the production of wash which impacts unreasonably on the works is an offence (Marine Safety Regulation – clause 11(2)) - Maximum Penalty $5,500.00)

Persons within the vicinity of the works must comply with any directions given by a Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the works or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).

MAPS & CHARTS AFFECTED
TfNSW Maritime Boating Map – 9A
For further information concerning this Navigation Advice, please contact the TfNSW Senior Boating Safety Officer, Hawkesbury/Broken Bay on phone: 0409 655 867
MARINE NOTICE SY2015


Access For People To The Beach

Randwick City Council received this beautiful picture and note from Carmela, Zac's mum. 



Carmela said: 
"Thank you so much for providing accessibility for all - especially our little boy Zac who has a spinal cord injury. He had the best day walking independently to the shore at Malabar beach." 

Go Zac! Well done Randwick Council!

Photo courtesy Zac's mum and Randwick Council

Up To $1.5 Million Is Available For New Youth Opportunities Projects To Commence In 2021: NSW Gov.

The Youth Opportunities program provides one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to not-for-profit organisations and local councils for youth-led and youth-driven community projects that have a positive youth development focus.

Funded projects from previous rounds have focused on giving young people the opportunity to develop a range of skills, including life skills and healthy behaviours; leadership, communication and teamwork; event management and planning; and providing volunteering opportunities that link young people to further education and training.

Since the program was launched in 2012, Youth Opportunities has provided $11.8 million in funding to 247 projects across NSW.

Youth Opportunities grant applications
Organisations seeking project funding from the Youth Opportunities program are to involve young people at every stage of the project – from identifying the need, through to design, project delivery and final review.

Projects which are genuinely youth-led and youth-driven are those initiated by young people in response to what they have said they need. We are seeking applications which address young people’s identified needs in an innovative way and increase young people’s connections to the community.

Organisations must speak with young people and involve them in developing the project proposal prior to submitting an application.

Applicants are advised to read the Program Guidelines PDF, 584.95 KB carefully before completing an application for funding. These Guidelines and more are available to download HERE.

Applications are now OPEN

Applications must be completed and submitted via the SmartyGrants online system by 5:00pm on Monday, 28 September 2020. The SmartyGrants online system automatically shuts off at 5:00pm on this day, Monday 28 September 2020. It does not allow for extensions to be granted.

Youth Action Projects Grants Now Open: Federal Gov.

The Youth Action Projects Grant Scheme is now open to individuals and organisations supporting activities important to young Australians.

The Australian Government understands the unprecedented impact COVID-19 and last summer’s bushfire season has had on young Australians.

Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the targeted scheme was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to apply for funding to support projects that will make a difference in the lives of young people.

“It’s a difficult time in our nation’s history and young people are feeling the repercussions of job losses, breaks in education and social isolation,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Life as we know it is not the same, but we know young Australians are keen to take part in activities that will help them and their communities thrive.”

As part of the program, grants of between $5000 and $20,000 are available for projects which respond to the social challenges facing those aged 15–24.

The Government has engaged the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) to administer the scheme.

FYA is a non-profit organisation committed and passionate about improving the outcomes and life opportunities for youth.

Projects need to be either new initiatives that recognise and respond to the hardship young people face now and will face in the future, or existing initiatives which already provide a valuable on-going service to young people, but which need further funding to continue.

Funds can be used to pay for any type of project including but not limited to staffing, equipment purchase, consumables or marketing.

“While grants will be used for projects which support young people in a variety of ways, there will be a particular focus on employment, transportation, mental health and the impacts of COVID-19 and the Australian bushfires,” Minister Colbeck said.

“I look forward to working with FYA and seeing the outcomes of the exciting projects funded by the Australian government for the benefit of young Australians everywhere.”

Successful grant recipients are expected to deliver projects over the 2020-21 financial year.

The grant round opens today, Tuesday 1 September and closes Wednesday, 7 October, 2020.

For more information and to download the application form, visit the website.

Help Harvest NSW

The agriculture industry is facing a significant labour shortage as a result of COVID-19.
If you are looking for employment opportunities, now is a great time to consider agriculture and farm work. Learning how food is produced and harvested is an exciting regional experience.

The agriculture industry has a range of jobs on offer including fruit picking, grain harvesting and working on a cattle station. 

Farmers will be able to capitalise on what is predicted to be the best harvest in many years, with the launch on Monday August 24th of a new one-stop resource which will help the agriculture industry overcome a COVID-induced labour shortage and get unemployed Australians into critical work.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announced the launch of the ‘Help Harvest NSW’ website today, which will connect unemployed Australians with farm work opportunities across the State as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.

With NSW at the forefront of this year’s big winter crop comeback after drought and horticulture about six weeks from harvest, Mr Marshall said it was critical to act now as there would be a shortage of between 3,500 and 5,000 workers needed in the state.

“Farmers are desperate to find contractors and employees willing to work to make the most of the bumper harvest we’re about to have,” Mr Marshall said.

“A high volume of primary industries labour generally comes from overseas and due to COVID-19 international travel restrictions there simply isn’t the number of farm workers the ag industry needs at the moment.

“The Help Harvest NSW website will help to overcome this challenge by connecting job-seeking Australians with agricultural work opportunities in NSW.

“I want to see more Aussies climb off the couch and get out into the regions where there’s plenty of good paying work on until the end of the year.

“At a time when we are just beginning to emerge from drought, our State’s farmers cannot afford to miss out on the financial uplift that comes from a strong harvest.”

With higher than average unemployment due to COVID-19, Mr Marshall said that ‘Help Harvest NSW’ was a way to get the State’s workforce moving again.

“Never before and never again will Australians have a better chance to take up farm work, earn a decent wage and see first-hand our beautiful regions where the food we buy every day from the supermarket is produced,” Mr Marshall said.

“My message to the increasing number of people looking for a job at the moment is this: get off your bum and get into agriculture – we need you.

“Take a look at Help Harvest NSW and see what job opportunities are around the corner.”

Browse the job boards and recruitment services here: 


DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Diesel


AGE/SEX: 7 months / M
BREED: Bull dog X
Diesel is a bright bouncy pup who walks well on lead and does not react to other dogs walking past. He has lived with a smaller children but was too boisterous and bouncy. He would be best with kids 8+yo. He loves toys, especially squeaky ones! Our trainer says "He has a confident temperament and copes well with child noise and play. He engages well in play with children." He currently weighs 18.4kg and has a short coat. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. His adoption cost is $400. 

Cornflake


Cornflake is a sweet but slightly shy 6 month old boy who has palled up with Bruce our 3 legged tabby. They adore each other and sleep together. Cornflake loves to hang out in the outdoor enclosures and feel the breeze through his coat and nap up high. Cornflake would do well in a calm home away from dogs. He is a DSH and weighs 2.9kg.


If you are interested in meeting him, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com. 

DOG WALKING is recommencing
DoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite. 

We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time. 

We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.

We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.

Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Domestic Waste Council Charges Review

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking feedback on its recently released discussion paper on domestic waste management charges levied by local councils. 
IPART previously decided not to regulate waste charges. They now need to consider whether this is the right approach going forward.

The discussion paper asks for feedback on any issues with the prices charged for waste management services, and, if so, how IPART should respond.


IPART are particularly interested in whether charges reflect the reasonable and efficient costs of providing waste services, while meeting environmental and legislative requirements. 

The feedback will also help identify any opportunities for greater transparency for customers and councils.

Have your say
You can provide feedback by completing the online form here. 
Have your say by Tuesday 6 October 2020.


Online Toolkit Helping NSW Businesses During COVID-19

A new online toolkit is helping businesses as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.
The online toolkit developed by the NSW Government’s business advisory service, Business Connect, includes business-related webinars, fact sheets and training videos.

The webinars are all pre-recorded and can be watched for free at any time.

Webinar topics include:
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the webinars contained invaluable tips for business owners across the state.

“It’s been a really tough year for small businesses, with drought, bushfires, floods and the ongoing COVID-19 global health pandemic hitting the hip pockets of business owners right around the state,” Mr Tudehope said.

“This is just one-way businesses can get access to the tools and resources they need to relaunch or re-establish during these challenging times.”



September  13 - 19, 2020: Issue 466

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 466 

Anger Over Destruction Of Pittwater Trees Grows

Mona Vale Road East Upgrade Project: Construction Update – September 2020

Fletcher Kelleher - Ruby Trew Claim Victories At The Woolworths Surfer Groms Comp. 

Council Welcomes Expert Urban Built Environment Panel: An expert panel of renowned architects, urban designers, landscape planners and sustainability experts has been appointed to guide the design quality of the built environment across the NBC LGA

Surfing NSW Launches New Surfing Mental Health 360 Program

Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch Dedication Service: Merchant Navy - Dancing Man Plaques by Deborah Carter, President of Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch 

Aquatics Perons' Tree Frog At Careel Bay - who is 'Peron'?

Pictures Salvation Loop Trail, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park: September 2020 - photos by Selena Griffith

Warriewood Valley Community Centre Concept Plans Now Available For Feedback - Council is seeking feedback for all of September 2020

Park Bench Philosopher Australian Scientists Discover New Corals on Most Comprehensive Deep-Sea Study of Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea Marine Parks

Reflections by George Repin: RABAUL

NSW Education Awards 2020 Celebrate Outstanding Achievement In Public Education: Local Recognitions

Virtual Bangamalanha Conference Attracts Impressive Guest Speakers: Proud Wiradjuri woman, award-winning Australian author and Aboriginal literacy advocate, Dr Anita Heiss, will lead a star-studded line up of guest speakers alongside Nova Peris OAM and Mark ‘The Black Olive’ at the 2020 TAFE NSW Virtual Bangamalanha Conference this month. The fourth biennial Bangamalanha Conference will take place on Wednesday September 23rd. The conference is open to the public and tickets can be purchased by visiting, https://www.tafensw.edu.au/bangamalanha 

It's About To Get Very Nippers Focused Around Here! (registration days from September 13th  - most are online this Season - Season commences October 11 to 18, 2020) Find out what each club offers and how to sign up your youngsters to get happy, learn great skills and make friends on the beach

Profile Linda Haig - Be Brave ArtSpace 'Keeping the Lights On' September 2020 Exhibition  The Founder of the Pittwater Artists Trail is a shy lady, despite fairly crackling with good energy. After running her own therapy practice (deep tissue massage and  psychotherapy) for decades, Linda retired from this to be a full-time mum for a decade. Clay then presented itself as a medium which could gracefully absorb Linda’s creative mouldings. Tad Art, a thread that had always been in Linda, waiting to flow, resulted.


Large land lots remained at Bayview into the 1910's and 1920's simply because those who had bought the larger 'farm blocks' held onto them, for generations. Those closer to Mona Vale were cut into smaller suburban blocks sooner than those at the Church Point end - the focus on making this a village or town centre commenced when the acreage set aside a few decades earlier as a place for recreation was subsequently sold by another state government. Even though there are not a lot of 'street names' from these earlier subdivisions, those that did occur as the area was proclaimed a residential place, and left behind its rural beginnings reflect the thinking of those whose lands these were. 

It is also a place where there was a fair sized 'village' of people living and working, mainly in rural trades, as indicated in the 1893 petition for a telephone to be attached to the Post Office to remain at Bayview indicates, as per Katherine Roche, postmistress. Some of those who signed were residents, others were visitors. Bayview, alike early Newport and Palm Beach, attracted those who were excelling in professional spheres and could afford a 'country holiday house'. Academics, Artists, Doctors, Politicians and Captains of Industry all had places at Bayview, with quite a few of the Professors of early University of Sydney within 'cooee' or right next door to each other. They came for the fresh sea breezes and respite from the dusty toil of inner 'Sydney Town'.

The influence of aquatic sports, particularly sailing should not be underestimated either. The first Pittwater Regatta of 1888, and the Basin Regattas of the 1890's, led to the first 'official Pittwater Regatta' after a race in 1906 between two Bayview sons of Pittwater - W D M Taylor and John Roche and two Queenslanders. These regattas went on for decades, were immensely popular, and often official parties were taken aboard the flagship steamers for each from the Bayview wharf.

Environment Anger Over Destruction Of Pittwater Trees Grows, Some wing flaps, Illegal Dumping At Warriewood Units Being Investigated, Watch Out On The Pittwater Estuary Water Zones & Beaches: Seals Are About, Bennett's Beach Church Point, ORRCA Spring Migration Survey, Bushfire Rebuild To Be Exempt From Koala Policy, These Aussie teens have launched a landmark climate case against the government; Win or lose, it’ll make a difference, Research reveals shocking detail on how Australia’s environmental scientists are being silenced, The NSW koala wars showed one thing: the Nationals appear ill-equipped to help rural Australia, Photos from the field: capturing the grandeur and heartbreak of Tasmania’s giant trees, Australian Government Commits To 10-Year Threatened Species Strategy, Council's Crown Reserve Land Categorisation: Seeking Your Input, The Forest Flora Of New South Wales: 1917, Tick Population Booming In Our Area, Nominations Open For Australian Biosecurity Awards, $10 Million In Grants For Smart Recycling Solutions: must have at least two Australian industry partners including one small or medium sized business, Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan Review, Time of Ngoonungi, Katandra Season 2020, Bushcare In Pittwater, Doodle Comer Swamp Nature Reserve Draft Plan Of Management: Public Consultation, Tollingo Nature Reserve And Woggoon Nature Reserve Draft Plan Of Management: Public Consultation, Limeburners Creek National Park, Goolawah National Park And Goolawah Regional Park: Public Consultation, Echidna season, Shorebirds booklet, Community Gardens and Environment Groups, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News New Glove-Like Device Mimics Sense Of Touch, Over A Century Later The Mystery Of The Alfred Wallace's Butterfly Is Solved, Analysis Of Australian Labradoodle Genome Reveals An Emphasis On The 'Oodle', Australian Telescope Finds No Signs Of Alien Technology In 10 Million Star Systems, Putting A Future Avocado 'Apocalypse' On Ice

Artist of the Month September 2020: Kelvin Anton Carlsson

When it come to Harmonicas, no one can really do it better than Kelvin Carlsson. Based in Narrabeen, Kelvin, better known as 'Mr Harmony', spreads his love of the this wonderful instrument with many across Australia. 

‘’I Play Harmonica and Sax in Bands, and Teach Harmonica to inmates in prisons, disabled people, and run regular Beginners Workshops all around Australia.’’

Residents would have heard Kelvin playing as part of the CJ and the Mellows lineup alongside Chris Raggatt, and remember they travelled to the US a few years back to be part of the 2017 International Blues Challenge.

Along with his love of the harmonica Kelvin loves taking a photo or two, with requests for copies of his works. Readers may recall his input into the February 2020 Storm Event report run in this news service.  These and a sample of his music features as the Pittwater Online News September 2020 Artist of the Month. 

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: September 13, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Pittwater Online Spring School Holiday Issues 2020

Please note that Issue 468 will be published Sunday September 27th and Issue 469 will be published Sunday October 11th. There will be no Issue on Sunday October 4th as staff take a break to spend with their pint-sized loved ones.

Please have all Notices and Events in by Friday September 25th, 11.00pm.

Thank you very much - we hope all have a  lovely Spring Break.

NBN Update For West Pittwater Bays

NBN have advised drilling operations on bore shot work will include Saturdays and Sundays for the next four weeks.

There are a number of reasons for extending their work hours to 7 days a week (Mon-Fri7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm):    
  • Reduce risk of frack out on environment. Some drilling operations require continued drilling in excess of 50 metres into rock with drill lengths exceeding 200m. Halting drilling operations for long periods of time, such as a weekend, increases the risk of significant ground pressure on a static drill rod that can frack out, leading to an uncontrolled release of drilling fluids into the environment.
  • Reduce the risk of drill rods snapping with start/stop operations (and thereby reducing events of downtime)
  • Specialised workforce from Queensland - reduces the overall time staff are away from home with the current need for 14 days quarantine on return.
Safeguard and mitigation measures:
  • Best efforts will be made to minimise vehicle movement.
  • Some temporary disruptions to trail access may be necessary at times for safety reasons. Where temporary access disruptions are required, these will be identified in advance and signage provided.
  • Surrounding residences directly affected by the works will be notified in advance of the proposed commencement of works and the duration of the construction period.
  • On completion of the works, all vehicles, construction equipment, materials, and refuse relating to the works will be removed from the work sites and any adjacent affected areas. Work sites will be restored to their original condition as soon as possible following the completion of the proposed works.
  • Machinery and vehicles will not be left running or idling when not in use.


The map below shows the location of the bore shots and the order in which the work will be done.
The 1st location being at Elvina Point, commencing this Fri 28 Aug

Source: West Pittwater Community Association Baynews

Navigation Restriction - Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, McCarrs Creek, Scotland Island, Church Point, Pittwater

(Marine Safety Act 1998 s.12)
Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, McCarrs Creek, Scotland Island, Church Point, Pittwater
NBN SUBMARINE CABLE INSTALLATION
August to October 2020

THE WORKS
Vessel operators are advised that essential construction works associated with the installation of NBN submarine cables will be conducted in a number of the Western bays of Pittwater, including Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, McCarrs Creek, and from Carols Wharf Scotland Island to the Cargo Wharf at Church Point. These works will be conducted from August to October 2020. 

NAVIGATION WARNING
During this time a barge will be temporarily anchored in various locations throughout this area while works is conducted.

Vessel operators are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of the works and any associated vessels. The location of the barge and works area will be marked by 4 yellow marker buoys that are positioned 40 metres apart in a rectangle with flashing beacons. These markers will surround and move with the barge and associated vessels for the duration on the construction works.
During this period there will be other construction works carried out within the area and vessel operators are reminded to operate at a safe speed, maintain a proper  lookout and minimise wash around barges while work is conducted.

DIRECTIONS
TfNSW advises:  
Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance and speed from the works and operators are reminded that the production of wash which impacts unreasonably on the works is an offence (Marine Safety Regulation – clause 11(2)) - Maximum Penalty $5,500.00)

Persons within the vicinity of the works must comply with any directions given by a Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the works or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).

MAPS & CHARTS AFFECTED
TfNSW Maritime Boating Map – 9A
For further information concerning this Navigation Advice, please contact the TfNSW Senior Boating Safety Officer, Hawkesbury/Broken Bay on phone: 0409 655 867
MARINE NOTICE SY2015


Australia Day 2020 Awards Investiture Ceremonies

Residents who were named in the 2020 Australia Day Awards lists have attended Investiture ceremonies at Government House. The awards were presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales, accompanied by Mr Dennis Wilson. 

Some photos have come through from proud friends and family members this week and include  Narrabeen icon, Ronda Alterator this week invested at NSW Government House by the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Margaret Beasley AC QC with the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of her outstanding service to Narrabeen Youth Club, netball and the community.



Photo courtesy Vincent De Luca OAM, Independent for the Northern Beaches

Scotland Island legend Robyn Iredale AM, for her amazing work in disability & education, working with Fragile X Association of Australia.



Photo courtesy and by proud daughter Lisa Ratcliff

Illegal Dumping At Warriewood Units Being Investigated

September 11, 2020
Northern Beaches Council is urging witnesses or people who have information on illegally dumped waste near units at 30 MacPherson Street, Warriewood to come forward.

Council Rangers attended today at the address to find approximately five cubic metres of household waste illegally dumped at the site.

Council Chief Executive, Ray Brownlee, said illegal dumping harms the local environment and is an eyesore.

“This is thoughtless, irresponsible behaviour and Council will prosecute the offenders to the full extent of the law,” Mr Brownlee said.

“In this incident, we have a number of leads that Council investigators are following up and are confident that these offenders will be located.”

Mr Brownlee said on-the-spot fines of up to $4,000 can be imposed on illegal dumpers (Individuals) and additional clean-up orders provided for offenders to remove the dumped material.

“The MacPherson Street site is a notorious hotspot for illegal dumping and Council Rangers are taking proactive steps to monitor the area, including surveillance.

“There is no need to dump unwanted items and materials. Council offers residents two free kerbside pick-up services per year for large household items, furniture, mattresses and whitegoods.

“These can be booked at a time to suit the resident,” he said.

If you spot illegally dumped waste or if you see somebody dumping items, report it to us on the waste hotline 1300 434 434.

Newport Residents Association

Our next meeting is Tuesday evening 15th September 2020
7.00 pm Activity Room 1, Newport Community Centre,
The Boulevard, Newport 
Safe distance rules will apply at the meeting.
  • Meeting Agenda 15th September 2020
  • Minutes  meeting 18th August 2020
  • NSW Government bad Gateway decision re Nooal & Bardo planning proposal
Update yourself on Newport matters - visit our website: newport.org.au

Cutting Red Tape And Increased Protections For Northern Beaches Tradies

September 11, 2020
Tradies across the Northern Beaches will now have greater protections to ensure they are paid on time and in full following the introduction of new laws by the NSW Liberals.

Member for Manly, Mr James Griffin, said changes to Security of Payments Act will deliver faster payouts for contractors and subcontractors and quicker and fairer dispute resolution.

“These reforms will raise the level of protection for local tradies and subbies so they know they’ll be paid the money they are owed on time,” Mr Griffin said.

“At a time when many small building businesses are doing it extremely tough and cash flow is essential to staying afloat, it is vital there aren’t long delays in them getting the money they are owed.

“Tradies make an invaluable contribution to NSW’s economic prosperity and will be the engine room of our post COVID-19 recovery. They deserve to get paid on time for the work they do.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the changes were particularly important in helping the sector through the challenges of COVID-19.

 “The removal of the owner occupier exemption in particular will provide a significant economic stimulus and help many tradies and small businesses through the difficulties of COVID-19,” Mr Anderson said.

To protect the rights and livelihoods of tradies the NSW Government is also cutting red tape and reducing costs by removing the need to report annually on the operation of retention money trust accounts, and providing more transparency by allowing subcontractors to inspect retention money trust account records.

Praise For Mona Vale Hospital

Residents have singled out the team at Mona Vale Hospital in recent weeks for the high quality of work being done and the friendly polite way that's being conducted. A few examples:

Just wanted to let you all know that if you are apprehensive about getting your child tested for COVID - don’t be. We took our 4 year old to Mona Vale hospital yesterday for her test and they were all so lovely. So quick and painless. My daughter actually giggled when they did the nose swabs as it tickled. They treated her like a rock star and she got 5 stickers and a bag with some spare masks and a pamphlet. She wants to go back.
Amazing team down there. You’re in safe hands.

another:

Mona Vale Hospital is fantastic! We all need to support them and their other services so that they remain. Had bloods done there recently...in and out in 7 minutes!

Have Your Say On The Proposed Concept Design For The New Warriewood Valley Community Centre

Northern Beaches Council has given the green light for the second round of community consultation to seek feedback on the proposed concept design for the new Warriewood Valley Community Centre.

Mayor Michael Regan said feedback from the first round of consultation in March 2019 with targeted community groups was overall supportive for the new centre.

“The first round of consultation was very useful to gauge people’s views and to inform the design brief and concept design to ensure user expectations are met,” Cr Regan said.

“The Centre’s concept plan has been drawn up with future needs in mind and the building is developed in line with best-practice sustainability principles.

“The Centre will be an attractive, modern and resilient building with multi-use spaces and the capacity to switch to an Emergency and Recovery Centre during a period of community crisis.”

Mayor Regan encouraged members of the community to voice their opinion on the project.

Council is seeking community feedback all of September, 2020. The Concept Design and associated documents are available on Council's Warriewood Valley Community Centre webpage. 

Visit: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/Warriewood_Community_Centre

Concept Design - WVCC View from Boondah Reserve - Artist Impression

Applications Open For The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program

NSW sports clubs and councils can apply for a share of $1 million to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

An AED is a life-saving device. It delivers a controlled shock to a person experiencing cardiac arrest, increasing their chances of survival.

Up to 7000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in NSW.

The program will provide sports clubs and councils with the opportunity to purchase an AED package at a reduced cost.

Acting NSW Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the initiative encourages sports clubs and councils to invest in equipment that could save lives. 

“Defibrillators save lives and since the launch of the program, more than 1500 defibrillators have been purchased by sporting facilities and clubs across the state.

“Medical experts say the first 8 minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical. Early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient’s likelihood of survival.”

Applications for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program close at 5pm on Monday 12 April 2021.


Manly Jazz Festival Goes Virtual

One of the Northern Beaches’ most popular annual events is set to get a digital makeover, with the Manly Jazz Festival going virtual in the October Labour Day long weekend.

The digital initiative will again connect inspire and entertain local and global communities while health restrictions during COVID-19 temporarily prevent large crowds congregating.

Mayor Michael Regan said Manly Jazz was one of the highlights of Council’s events calendar which attracted thousands of jazz lovers to the iconic beach sands of Manly.

“We might not be able to get together this year, but we can still enjoy some incredible artists on the dedicated Manly Jazz Festival website,” Cr Regan said.

“While we cannot welcome audiences to a live performance this year, we are committed to offering the best in entertainment, arts, and culture online.

“Behind the scenes the team, including the Manly Jazz Festival committee is working hard to secure artists and the program will be announced shortly.

“I hope this new digital format of a much-loved event will connect, inspire and comfort people during this challenging time,” he said.


DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Kiki


AGE/SEX: 6 months / F
BREED: Gt Dane X

Kiki was very malnourished in her younger life and her feet were splayed from poor nutrition and poor muscle tone in hind limbs. She had bite wounds to her head. We built up her condition before having her desexed. Kiki has gained confidence whilst being here but is still shy. She is child friendly but can be timid of loud noises or unfamiliar objects. She walks well on lead and is social with playful friendly dogs. Kiki came in at 18kg and is now 24.5kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450. 

Taz


Taz is an affectionate black and white short haired boy who weighs 4.4kg, and is approximately 2 years old. He is currently recovering well from bite wounds from his recent street cat days. He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested (FIV positive) and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220.

If you are interested in meeting him, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com. 

DOG WALKING is recommencing
DoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite. 

We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time. 

We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.

We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.

Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

NSW Women Of The Year Awards 2021

The NSW Women of the Year Awards nominations for 2021 are open and feature two exciting new categories:

The NSW Woman of Excellence Award celebrates role models, who have excelled in their chosen field. In doing so, they affect lasting change and are an inspiration to others.

The One to Watch Award recognises girls and young women aged seven to seventeen, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and/ or kindness to help and support those around them.

Before you begin your nomination, please read:
Nominations close at 11.59pm on Friday 11 September 2020.

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year: A dedicated pillar of her community, she is a role model who promotes economic, cultural and/or social wellbeing of Aboriginal people in NSW.

NSW Community Hero: She works tirelessly for her community. She’s the first to roll up her sleeves to help others, and motivates those around her to contribute to their communities.

NSW Regional Woman of the Year: Shines a light on the accomplishments of an extraordinary woman living in regional NSW.

NSW Woman of Excellence Award: A role model, who has excelled in her chosen field. In doing so, she affects lasting change and is an inspiration to others.

NSW Young Woman of the Year: A woman aged 18-30 years, who has demonstrated incredible potential or achievement in her chosen field, passion, or area of interest.

The One to Watch: Recognises girls and young women aged seven to seventeen, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and/ or kindness to help and support those around them.

Offshore Waste Services Review

Council are conducting a review of offshore waste services. This includes garbage, recycling, bulky goods and vegetation collection.

If you're a resident of Pittwater's offshore communities, or if you use the public wharves in some way, they’re keen to hear your thoughts on the services. They’re also interested in your ideas, big or small, for how they can be improved.

Please take a few minutes to complete the online survey.

If you have questions about the online survey or if you wish to receive a hard copy of the survey, please contact the Waste Services team by email or 1300 434 434.

Your local input will help Council plan for future processes.

Survey closes Sunday 20 September 2020.


Forest Men’s Kitchen Requests Your Assistance

Many older men have never had the need or desire to spend any time in the kitchen, but now in their later years have either realised that they may need to cook for themselves sometime in the future or are already in the situation where they must cook at home. Also, many blokes having left work have lost a lot of the social contact they once had while they were employed.

Forest Men’s Kitchen provides opportunities for older men to gather together and learn cooking skills and also build their support network.  

In order to keep our costs to members within the reach of a bloke on the aged pension, we rely heavily on grants from our supporting organisations. However, during these strange pandemic times the likelihood of the Forest Men’s Kitchen receiving our usual grants looks less likely. 

Some months ago, as the president and founder of the Forest Men’s Kitchen, Peter Watson was nominated as a candidate in the Westfield Local Heroes award program and that award carries a $10,000 prize with it.  To help win this award and contribute $10K to the Forest Men’s Kitchen we would really welcome your vote for Peter Watson by clicking on the link below, scrolling down to his entry and pressing the “Vote Now” button under that entry. 

We also urge you to also share this with friends and groups to ask them to cast a vote for Peter Watson.   
Every vote counts - voting closes 14 September
 
For more information about the Forest Men’s Kitchen please visit their website: fmk.org.au


Council's Crown Reserve Land Categorisation: Seeking Your Input

Submissions Close Sunday October 4th, 2020

Council are proposing land categories for 35 Crown reserves as part of an obligation under the Crown Land Management (CLM) Act 2016. The CLM Act legislates that we are required to manage Crown land in the same manner as Community land, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

This is an initial land categorisation process and only relates to current/existing use. It does not propose any change of use for the subject Crown reserves or indicate desired future use.

How to have your say

Council would like your thoughts on their proposed categorisation of these reserves.

To make commenting easier, they've presented the Proposed Crown Reserve Land Categories here in an interactive PDF document. You can also download the whole document here.

If you prefer, you can share your feedback in the submission form or via email council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

Feedback is also accepted in writing marked 'Crown reserve land categorisation' PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.

A few tips to get you started:

  1. Do you know of other factors impacting on the categorisation of a particular reserve?
  2. If you think another category would be more suitable, please let us know why.
  3. Any proposed variation to land categories must be justified in line with the category objectives.

Following this process, Council can then prepare new or updated Plans of Management (PoM) for the affected reserves. The relevant community engagement requirements and process will be followed at that time.

Background

In NSW, Crown land is administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in accordance with the Crown Land Management (CLM) Act 2016, which came into effect on 1 July 2018. Following an extensive review of how Crown land is managed, the CLM Act was passed in order to create a more simplified management structure.

The CLM Act requires Crown reserves managed by Council to be managed in line with the Local Government Act (LG) Act 1993 in the same manner as Council Community land. The transition requires the affected Crown reserves to be managed via a plan of management (PoM). The first step is to assign the appropriate land categories.

The transition to managing Crown reserves in accordance with the LG Act is to occur by June 30th 2021.

On June 23rd 2020 Council resolved to undertake community consultation on the proposed land categories. Comments will be reported back to Council with a recommendation, along with a summary of community feedback. The Minister will be notified of Council’s preferred categories and, following confirmation from the Minister, PoMs can be prepared.

Community To Have A Say On Behaviour Strategy

NSW Education is seeking community feedback on a draft strategy to support positive student behaviour and create effective and engaging classrooms.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the strategy will support teachers to manage complex behaviour and improve the long-term educational outcomes for some of our most disadvantaged students.

“We need a behaviour system in our schools that considers a student’s circumstances to help them stay engaged in school and their education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We will be empowering schools to increase proactive early intervention and prevention, balanced with strong and appropriate discipline using evidence-based best practice to support students inside and outside of the school gate.

“Student behaviour has sat in the too hard basket for too long and the best tool for success we can give these students is a world-class education.”

Ms Mitchell said she wanted to see suspension for K-2 students limited to instances of physical violence and the maximum length of long suspensions halved from 20 to 10 days to break the cycle of suspension.

“This strategy gives principals more power to make the right decisions based on the student’s situation,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We know that suspension disproportionately affects vulnerable students, particularly those with disability, leaving them even further behind in their education than they were at the beginning of the suspension.”

Schools will be asked to provide work for suspended students to learn from home and check in with students daily and provide more opportunity for in-school suspension.

“Managing behaviours in the classroom is a complex task which is why this strategy is now out for extensive workshopping and in-school testing to make sure we get this right and give our schools the support they need,” Ms Mitchell said.

Changes proposed include:
  • reducing suspensions for students from Kindergarten to Year 12
  • supporting vulnerable student cohorts through early intervention and targeted support
  • developing a new model of complex behaviour support to meet the learning and wellbeing needs of all students, including students with complex, challenging and unsafe behaviours
  • establishing a dedicated workforce comprising specialist staff
  • improving access to behaviour specialists in regional and remote locations
  • exploring co-commissioning opportunities with other parts of government, in particular the Department of Communities and Justice.
The department will continue to work with students, staff, parents, carers and the community to strengthen the Student Behaviour Strategy beyond the public consultation period.

The consultation period will close on Friday September 25th 2020. Implementation will commence on Day 1, Term 1, 2021.

Have your say

Volkswagen Tradies Surfmasters To Return To Cronulla In November

The 2020 Volkswagen Tradies Surfmasters will call Cronulla home on the 7th of November 2020 and is set to see some of the state's best and most senior surfers duke it out for a prestigious title. 
 
The one-day event will see over 100 of NSW’s best short boarders aged Over-28 competing on the southern Sydney beach. 
 
The event will see five age divisions being contested with the Over-28 Men, Over-35 Men and Women, Over-45 Men and Women, Over-55 Men and Over-65 Men all competing.
 
Several notable entrants will be surfing in the event with former Australian Title winners and contenders all fighting for a title.
 
Entries into the event will open on the 14th September 2020. 
 
Ryan Davies, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia stated:
 
“We’re thrilled to be able to put our support behind a grassroots surfing event that will take place on one of the state’s most iconic beaches. We have some big announcements that we’ll be making in the coming week, so stay tuned.”
 
The 2020 Volkswagen Tradies Surfmasters is proudly supported by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, Tradies, Beach Burrito, Sutherland Shire Council and Surfing NSW. 

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families as NSW continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said. “If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.

“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community in the current environment.”

The NSW Government is constantly adapting as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.

Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
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NSW Small Business Month Grants

Reboot, upskill and connect this October
The fourth annual NSW Small Business Month will be held in October, with events to be a combination of online and offline activities.

This year’s festival activities are designed to help small business owners to get online, adapt their business practices and engage with other organisations.

It is also about recognising the 785,000 small to medium-sized businesses that represent 41 per cent of the state’s private sector workforce that drive our economy.

The $2000 grants are designed to enable local councils and local chambers of commerce run a range of activities that will benefit and support the local small business community. 

For more information on the grant application process, visit the NSW Small Business Month website or contact the team at smallbusiness.month@treasury.nsw.gov.au or (02) 4908 4886.


Locally Made Lifesaving Ventilators

September 9, 2020
The first locally built ventilators in NSW are set to roll off the production line in the coming months following a manufacturing call to arms by the NSW Government. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian issued a call to arms five months ago appealing to businesses to pivot into producing critical medical supplies in the fight against COVID-19.

“Global supply chains were disrupted and our local universities and manufacturers stepped in and joined forces to develop prototype ventilators,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Two ventilators are on track to receive regulatory approval within weeks and, if needed, can be produced for hospitals here and potentially overseas, saving lives and boosting jobs.”

Mr Hazzard said The Ventilator Innovation Project was part of the NSW Government’s $800 million investment to help increase services and equipment to combat COVID-19.

“Having access to a ventilator can be the difference between life and death for severe COVID cases and, sadly, we know the effects of shortages overseas,” Mr Hazzard said.

“In some of the worst-hit nations, health staff were forced to choose who got access to a ventilator; so we need a reliable local supply chain to safeguard NSW patients.”

Mr Ayres said the pandemic had inspired a wave of innovation and rapid development across the globe, and local manufacturers and universities had risen to the challenge.

“One thing history has shown us is that crises stimulate innovation and this pandemic has provided an environment for launching and testing new ideas,” Mr Ayres said.

“We congratulate the successful teams behind the CoVida ventilator, led by the University of Sydney, with clinicians at Westmead and Royal North Shore Hospitals, and Ventasys, developed by AmpControl with clinicians at the John Hunter Hospital.”

Up To $1.5 Million Is Available For New Youth Opportunities Projects To Commence In 2021: NSW Gov.

The Youth Opportunities program provides one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to not-for-profit organisations and local councils for youth-led and youth-driven community projects that have a positive youth development focus.

Funded projects from previous rounds have focused on giving young people the opportunity to develop a range of skills, including life skills and healthy behaviours; leadership, communication and teamwork; event management and planning; and providing volunteering opportunities that link young people to further education and training.

Since the program was launched in 2012, Youth Opportunities has provided $11.8 million in funding to 247 projects across NSW.

Youth Opportunities grant applications
Organisations seeking project funding from the Youth Opportunities program are to involve young people at every stage of the project – from identifying the need, through to design, project delivery and final review.

Projects which are genuinely youth-led and youth-driven are those initiated by young people in response to what they have said they need. We are seeking applications which address young people’s identified needs in an innovative way and increase young people’s connections to the community.

Organisations must speak with young people and involve them in developing the project proposal prior to submitting an application.

Applicants are advised to read the Program Guidelines PDF, 584.95 KB carefully before completing an application for funding. These Guidelines and more are available to download HERE.

Applications are now OPEN

Applications must be completed and submitted via the SmartyGrants online system by 5:00pm on Monday, 28 September 2020. The SmartyGrants online system automatically shuts off at 5:00pm on this day, Monday 28 September 2020. It does not allow for extensions to be granted.

Youth Action Projects Grants Now Open: Federal Gov.

The Youth Action Projects Grant Scheme is now open to individuals and organisations supporting activities important to young Australians.

The Australian Government understands the unprecedented impact COVID-19 and last summer’s bushfire season has had on young Australians.

Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the targeted scheme was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to apply for funding to support projects that will make a difference in the lives of young people.

“It’s a difficult time in our nation’s history and young people are feeling the repercussions of job losses, breaks in education and social isolation,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Life as we know it is not the same, but we know young Australians are keen to take part in activities that will help them and their communities thrive.”

As part of the program, grants of between $5000 and $20,000 are available for projects which respond to the social challenges facing those aged 15–24.

The Government has engaged the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) to administer the scheme.

FYA is a non-profit organisation committed and passionate about improving the outcomes and life opportunities for youth.

Projects need to be either new initiatives that recognise and respond to the hardship young people face now and will face in the future, or existing initiatives which already provide a valuable on-going service to young people, but which need further funding to continue.

Funds can be used to pay for any type of project including but not limited to staffing, equipment purchase, consumables or marketing.

“While grants will be used for projects which support young people in a variety of ways, there will be a particular focus on employment, transportation, mental health and the impacts of COVID-19 and the Australian bushfires,” Minister Colbeck said.

“I look forward to working with FYA and seeing the outcomes of the exciting projects funded by the Australian government for the benefit of young Australians everywhere.”

Successful grant recipients are expected to deliver projects over the 2020-21 financial year.

The grant round opens today, Tuesday 1 September and closes Wednesday, 7 October, 2020.

For more information and to download the application form, visit the website.

Funding Support For Our Coasts And Estuaries

Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Member for Manly James Griffin has called on councils to apply for funding under the NSW Government's Coastal and Estuary Grants Program to assist with planning and managing our region’s coastline.

“Our coastline and estuaries are critical environments that support a huge variety of native flora and fauna, in addition to being popular places for recreation,” Mr Griffin said.

“These grants will help councils plan for the future as well as protect and manage our vital coastal assets.”

There are five streams under the program: one for planning and studies which includes investigation, design and cost-benefit analysis and four for implementing works under each of the coastal management areas in the Coastal Management Act.

Works that have been funded under the program include coastal dune revegetation, wetland management, water quality monitoring as well as scoping studies for coastal management programs.

“This funding program is another example of how the NSW Government is supporting councils and their communities to protect their local environment, including here on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Griffin said.

The 2020–21 funding round for implementing works closes on 29 September 2020.

Councils are able to apply at any time during the 2020-21 financial year for funding planning and studies.

Further information and application forms are available here: Current coastal and estuary grants

Help Harvest NSW

The agriculture industry is facing a significant labour shortage as a result of COVID-19.
If you are looking for employment opportunities, now is a great time to consider agriculture and farm work. Learning how food is produced and harvested is an exciting regional experience.

The agriculture industry has a range of jobs on offer including fruit picking, grain harvesting and working on a cattle station. 

Farmers will be able to capitalise on what is predicted to be the best harvest in many years, with the launch on Monday August 24th of a new one-stop resource which will help the agriculture industry overcome a COVID-induced labour shortage and get unemployed Australians into critical work.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announced the launch of the ‘Help Harvest NSW’ website today, which will connect unemployed Australians with farm work opportunities across the State as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.

With NSW at the forefront of this year’s big winter crop comeback after drought and horticulture about six weeks from harvest, Mr Marshall said it was critical to act now as there would be a shortage of between 3,500 and 5,000 workers needed in the state.

“Farmers are desperate to find contractors and employees willing to work to make the most of the bumper harvest we’re about to have,” Mr Marshall said.

“A high volume of primary industries labour generally comes from overseas and due to COVID-19 international travel restrictions there simply isn’t the number of farm workers the ag industry needs at the moment.

“The Help Harvest NSW website will help to overcome this challenge by connecting job-seeking Australians with agricultural work opportunities in NSW.

“I want to see more Aussies climb off the couch and get out into the regions where there’s plenty of good paying work on until the end of the year.

“At a time when we are just beginning to emerge from drought, our State’s farmers cannot afford to miss out on the financial uplift that comes from a strong harvest.”

With higher than average unemployment due to COVID-19, Mr Marshall said that ‘Help Harvest NSW’ was a way to get the State’s workforce moving again.

“Never before and never again will Australians have a better chance to take up farm work, earn a decent wage and see first-hand our beautiful regions where the food we buy every day from the supermarket is produced,” Mr Marshall said.

“My message to the increasing number of people looking for a job at the moment is this: get off your bum and get into agriculture – we need you.

“Take a look at Help Harvest NSW and see what job opportunities are around the corner.”

Browse the job boards and recruitment services here: 


Australian Open Of Surfing Entries 

Due to recent border closures and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic the Australian Open of Surfing will no longer be an interstate tour for 2020 but rather individual events across Qld and NSW. 

“Due to the uncertainty with border closures, the 2020 Australian Open Of Surfing will now be six stand-alone events in Qld and NSW open to all Australian surfers able to compete provided they are abiding by Government regulations,” said Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden. 

The events will take place in the latter months of 2020 and provide professional and aspiring surfers with the opportunity to win prize money and gain momentum going into 2021.
 
All events are COVID-19 safe and will abide by border closures but if surfers are legally allowed in that state, then they can compete. 

Entries to all events are gauged and based off the 2020 World Surf League (WSL) Qualification Series (QS) rankings. 
 
Former WSL Championship Tour and current coach to World Champion Tyler Wright, Glenn Hall emphasised the importance of a  like this for surfers to keep their competitive skills intact.
 
“I would encourage any surfers I’m working with to enter an event like this in order to keep their blade sharp and to remain competitive,” said Hall.
 
The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing will see events in:
  • Sunshine Coast, Qld – 19th – 20th September 2020 - Entries open Monday, 17th August at 5pm
  • Gold Coast, Qld – 31st October – 1st November 2020 - Entries open Monday, 17th August at 5pm 
  • Cronulla – 8th – 9th November, 2020 - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
  • Victoria – Date and location TBC
  • Kiama – 22nd – 23rd November, 2020 - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
  • Coffs Harbour – 29th – 30th November, 2020 - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
  • Northern Beaches – 13th – 14th December, 2020  - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing events were created for Australia’s best surfers in iconic Australian surf locations. 

All Surfing NSW events are in line with the current NSW public health order and we work with Sport NSW and NSW Office of Sport on all plans. Surfing NSW has developed a COVID safety plan to ensure the safety of all staff, participants and local stakeholders.

More information will be released in the coming weeks via Surfing NSW's social platforms. 
 
The NSW events in the 2020 Australian Open of Surfing is proudly supported Kiama Municipal Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Sutherland Shire Council and Northern Beaches Council.

Domestic Waste Council Charges Review

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking feedback on its recently released discussion paper on domestic waste management charges levied by local councils. 
IPART previously decided not to regulate waste charges. They now need to consider whether this is the right approach going forward.

The discussion paper asks for feedback on any issues with the prices charged for waste management services, and, if so, how IPART should respond.


IPART are particularly interested in whether charges reflect the reasonable and efficient costs of providing waste services, while meeting environmental and legislative requirements. 

The feedback will also help identify any opportunities for greater transparency for customers and councils.

Have your say
You can provide feedback by completing the online form here. 
Have your say by Tuesday 6 October 2020.


New Footpath Program 2020/21

Council have developed the New Footpath Program for 2020/21 in line with directions set out in the 2019 Northern Beaches Walking Plan. The program aims to deliver new footpaths at prioritised locations to improve the walking network and help connect the community.

The $3.6 million program will see the construction of approximately 18 kilometres of new footpaths across the Northern Beaches.

Council notifies local residents about proposed works along their street. For more information about what's happening in your area and to view proposed designs, please click on the projects below and let Council know if you have a question or comment.

Proposed new footpaths
Contact
For general information about the New Footpath Program 2020/21:
Jennifer Moody, Community Liaison Officer, Capital Projects
Phone: 1300 434 434

Online Toolkit Helping NSW Businesses During COVID-19

A new online toolkit is helping businesses as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.
The online toolkit developed by the NSW Government’s business advisory service, Business Connect, includes business-related webinars, fact sheets and training videos.

The webinars are all pre-recorded and can be watched for free at any time.

Webinar topics include:
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the webinars contained invaluable tips for business owners across the state.

“It’s been a really tough year for small businesses, with drought, bushfires, floods and the ongoing COVID-19 global health pandemic hitting the hip pockets of business owners right around the state,” Mr Tudehope said.

“This is just one-way businesses can get access to the tools and resources they need to relaunch or re-establish during these challenging times.”



Creative Northern Beaches Consult

Are you part of our creative community?
Please take Council's survey and help map Creative Northern Beaches.

Council want to know where our creative community lives and works, what they do and to understand the impact of COVID-19 since March 2020.

Your feedback will be added to the Northern Beaches Culture Map, which will include local cultural places and spaces, festivals and events, community cultural organisations, education and development resources, cultural and natural heritage assets and the local creative sector.

Mapping our cultural assets and resources, and recording what makes the Northern Beaches truly unique, will inform Council's future cultural planning and programming.

Complete their survey and go into the draw to win an annual subscription to ArtsHub.

Please note, assistance for creatives during COVID-19 can be found on Councils' website.

Find out more
Have questions or want to learn more about the project please contact us

Name:  Megan Treharne, Cultural Planning & Engagement Coordinator
Phone: 1300 434 434

Survey closes: Sunday September 20, 2020


Supplementary Volunteer Grants

Volunteer based organisations can now apply for grants of between $1000- $5000 to help their volunteer programs following the disruption caused by COVID-19.  Support your volunteers to safely re-engage as 
the economy reopens! 

Apply by September 20, 2020

September 6 - 12, 2020: Issue 465

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 465 “Great White Sighting In Pittwater”: Art By Sea

Jobs For Life: Gabriella's Career Is All Panned Out + TAFE NSW Launches First Virtual Open Day

Aquatics It's About To Get Very Nippers Focused Around Here! ; With Spring comes an opportunity to get involved in your local surf club through the Nippers programs for youngsters aged 5 to 13. Nippers is a fun way for children to enjoy the beach in a safe environment. Find out what each club offers and how to sign up

Vale Peter McEachern Campbell 

Pictures Bairne Walking Track, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park - photos by Kevin Murray

Avalon Bulldogs Host Narrabeen Sharks At Hitchcock Park

Warriewood Valley Community Centre Concept Plans Now Available For Feedback - Council is seeking feedback for all of September 2020

DIY Ideas Early Spring Garden Care + Salad Garden For Children - Spring has definitely Sprung, the air smells sweet, days are getting warmer, and people are wanting to get outdoors and enjoy the day. This is a time to enjoy your garden and get ready for a brilliant crop of your own salad ingredients or just do those little chores that will mean a great place for the family and visitors to enjoy over the coming months.

Park Bench Philosopher One Giant Leap For Aussie Golden Wattle: After spending time on the International Space Station, the Golden Wattle seeds will be returned to Australia, where they will be planted by school students under the inaugural Australian Seeds in Space educational program

Environment Morrison Government Introduces the words 'Coal' + 'Coal Mining' Into Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act: Shuts Down Debate On Proposed Amendments, Sydney Sights 'Invisible' Blue Whale, Wildflower Bonanza For Pilliga, New Renewable Energy Campaign Targets Bright Sparks In Morrison Government, NSW Government Chief Scientist CSG Response Fails Farmers and Communities, Morrison government plan to scrap water buybacks will hurt taxpayers and the environment: two trillion litres of water 'missing', New research reveals these 20 Australian reptiles are set to disappear by 2040, Curtin Research with Sydney Students Finds Deep Listening Could Help Fight Climate Change, Council's Crown Reserve Land Categorisation: Seeking Your Input, The Forest Flora Of New South Wales: 1917, Tick Population Booming In Our Area, Nominations Open For Australian Biosecurity Awards, $10 Million In Grants For Smart Recycling Solutions: must have at least two Australian industry partners including one small or medium sized business, Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan Review, Time of Ngoonungi, Katandra Season 2020, Bushcare In Pittwater, Doodle Comer Swamp Nature Reserve Draft Plan Of Management: Public Consultation, Tollingo Nature Reserve And Woggoon Nature Reserve Draft Plan Of Management: Public Consultation, Limeburners Creek National Park, Goolawah National Park And Goolawah Regional Park: Public Consultation, Echidna season, Downloadable Shorebirds booklet, Community Gardens and Environment Groups, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News Venom From W.A. Honeybees Found To Kill Aggressive Breast Cancer Cells, Biodiversity: In A Mite-y Bit Of Trouble, Heavy Electronic Media Use In Late Childhood Linked To Lower Academic Performance, Pandemic Accelerated Remote Work; A Trend Likely To Remain, These Lifestyle Choices Can Reduce The Risk Of Chronic Kidney Disease

Profile Paula Tocquer

With the Volunteer Surf Lifesaving Patrols Season set to commence with the Spring School Holidays on September 26, 2020, and a few warm days already shining on everyone, people are already thinking about getting back in the water. Members of local surf clubs are also gearing up for the coming 2020/2021 Season - gear has been checked, proficiencies are being renewed and Nippers enrolments have opened.

Always among the busiest beaches in the area and one of the first places the then Warringah Shire Council voted to have a rescue boat on, in 1908, Mona Vale SLSC's members have been serving the community as one organisation for almost 100 years.

The club has always been a place that undertakes a range of activities and carnivals throughout the Season that include the community and even taken steps to provide services that did not exist prior to them undertaking to fill those gaps. 

It has been a big year for the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club. Designs for new clubhouse have been approved, planning is underway for the club’s 100-year anniversary celebrations, and members are currently engaged in providing a Covid-19 Safe 2020/2021 Season for members and visitors to the beach. 

Recently, as Bryce Munro stepped down after four years at the helm, the club elected its first female President, Paula Tocquer, a lady who has featured in many a report for excelling in surf sports carnivals at local, state and national level. 

In the 2019/2020 Annual MVSLSC report Mr. Munro stated:

Paula is the most dedicated and supportive committee member any President could ever ask for. The contribution and the time Paula puts into Mona Vale Surf Club is incredible. She has been the absolute backbone of this committee in my time as President. Nothing we have achieved would have happened without Paula. Thank you Paula sincerely, you have been amazing to me and our club.

This week a small insight into the lady who will lead the Mona Vale SLSC into its centenary year.


In 2014 Pittwater Online ran a round of four early Pittwater Patriarchs, a theme to be revisited.  As today is Father's Day, a fitting and appropriate tribute for the first 'father' in that series runs this Issue, as written by his great great great grandson.

Bungaree (1775 ‐ 24 November 1830) possibly born at Patonga, was of the Garigal Clan and Pittwater People or saltwater people.

He was flamboyant, intelligent and shrewd. He was an explorer, a great voyager, a go-between, an esteemed elder of his people, a beggar and, at times a drunkard. He was a clever communicator and a mimic when language failed. He reached out across the cultural gulf to become a valued friend of Matthew Flinders, Governor Lachlan Macquarie and many explorers, writers, botanists and artists.

Artist of the Month September 2020: Kelvin Anton Carlsson

When it come to Harmonicas, no one can really do it better than Kelvin Carlsson. Based in Narrabeen, Kelvin, better known as 'Mr Harmony', spreads his love of the this wonderful instrument with many across Australia. 

‘’I Play Harmonica and Sax in Bands, and Teach Harmonica to inmates in prisons, disabled people, and run regular Beginners Workshops all around Australia.’’

Residents would have heard Kelvin playing as part of the CJ and the Mellows lineup alongside Chris Raggatt, and remember they travelled to the US a few years back to be part of the 2017 International Blues Challenge.

Along with his love of the harmonica Kelvin loves taking a photo or two, with requests for copies of his works. Readers may recall his input into the February 2020 Storm Event report run in this news service.  These and a sample of his music features as the Pittwater Online News September 2020 Artist of the Month. 

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: September 1, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

NBN Update For West Pittwater Bays

NBN have advised drilling operations on bore shot work will include Saturdays and Sundays for the next four weeks.

There are a number of reasons for extending their work hours to 7 days a week (Mon-Fri7am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm):    
  • Reduce risk of frack out on environment. Some drilling operations require continued drilling in excess of 50 metres into rock with drill lengths exceeding 200m. Halting drilling operations for long periods of time, such as a weekend, increases the risk of significant ground pressure on a static drill rod that can frack out, leading to an uncontrolled release of drilling fluids into the environment.
  • Reduce the risk of drill rods snapping with start/stop operations (and thereby reducing events of downtime)
  • Specialised workforce from Queensland - reduces the overall time staff are away from home with the current need for 14 days quarantine on return.
Safeguard and mitigation measures:
  • Best efforts will be made to minimise vehicle movement.
  • Some temporary disruptions to trail access may be necessary at times for safety reasons. Where temporary access disruptions are required, these will be identified in advance and signage provided.
  • Surrounding residences directly affected by the works will be notified in advance of the proposed commencement of works and the duration of the construction period.
  • On completion of the works, all vehicles, construction equipment, materials, and refuse relating to the works will be removed from the work sites and any adjacent affected areas. Work sites will be restored to their original condition as soon as possible following the completion of the proposed works.
  • Machinery and vehicles will not be left running or idling when not in use.


The map below shows the location of the bore shots and the order in which the work will be done.
The 1st location being at Elvina Point, commencing this Fri 28 Aug

Source: West Pittwater Community Association Baynews

Navigation Restriction - Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, McCarrs Creek, Scotland Island, Church Point, Pittwater

(Marine Safety Act 1998 s.12)
Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, McCarrs Creek, Scotland Island, Church Point, Pittwater
NBN SUBMARINE CABLE INSTALLATION
August to October 2020

THE WORKS
Vessel operators are advised that essential construction works associated with the installation of NBN submarine cables will be conducted in a number of the Western bays of Pittwater, including Lovett Bay, Elvina Bay, McCarrs Creek, and from Carols Wharf Scotland Island to the Cargo Wharf at Church Point. These works will be conducted from August to October 2020. 

NAVIGATION WARNING
During this time a barge will be temporarily anchored in various locations throughout this area while works is conducted.

Vessel operators are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating in the vicinity of the works and any associated vessels. The location of the barge and works area will be marked by 4 yellow marker buoys that are positioned 40 metres apart in a rectangle with flashing beacons. These markers will surround and move with the barge and associated vessels for the duration on the construction works.
During this period there will be other construction works carried out within the area and vessel operators are reminded to operate at a safe speed, maintain a proper  lookout and minimise wash around barges while work is conducted.

DIRECTIONS
TfNSW advises:  
Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance and speed from the works and operators are reminded that the production of wash which impacts unreasonably on the works is an offence (Marine Safety Regulation – clause 11(2)) - Maximum Penalty $5,500.00)

Persons within the vicinity of the works must comply with any directions given by a Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the works or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).

MAPS & CHARTS AFFECTED
TfNSW Maritime Boating Map – 9A
For further information concerning this Navigation Advice, please contact the TfNSW Senior Boating Safety Officer, Hawkesbury/Broken Bay on phone: 0409 655 867
MARINE NOTICE SY2015


Puppy Dies After Skull Fractured - Information Sought

Wednesday, 02 September 2020: NSW Police
Police are appealing for public assistance after a puppy died after being found with head injuries in her backyard on the Northern Beaches yesterday.

The owner of a six-month-old chocolate Labrador – called Coco – returned to their home in Cobbadah Place, Freshwater, about 3.15pm (Tuesday 1 September 2020), to find the puppy injured and unresponsive in the backyard.

The dog was immediately taken to the local vet; however, she died.

The incident has now been reported to officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command.

They have been advised by the vet that X-rays confirm the dog had a fractured skull and an investigation into the cause of the puppy’s death is now under investigation.

Anyone with information about the death is urged to call Dee Why Police. Phone: 9971 3399, or crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Superannuation Scams

September 1st, 2020: NSW Police
Opportunistic thieves are doing their best to rob our superannuation accounts.
They're taking advantage of the easing of restrictions on how much we can withdraw from our accounts during the COVID pandemic.

They're doing this by using our personal details to hack into our accounts through the MyGov website.
Once in, they change our contact and banking information before siphoning off up to $20,000.

One way of knowing your account's been hacked is the arrival from your superannuation fund of an unexpected confirmation message.
For more information about these scams, head to government sites such as: 

September 2020 Phone And SMS Scams – Fake Tax Debt

The Government is concerned about the increasing number of people paying fake tax debt scammers.

Scammers pretending to be from the ATO are contacting members of the community, telling them that they have a tax debt and that if they don't pay it straight away they will be arrested.

These scammers will often request payment through unusual methods, such as cryptocurrency, pre-paid credit cards or gift cards, and will try to keep people on the line until they have paid.
NB: NO ONE PAYS THEIR TAX THIS WAY

If you receive a phone call, text message or voicemail like this, don't send payment or provide any personal information. Hang up and delete the message.

We will never threaten you with immediate arrest or demand payment through unusual means.

If you're not sure if it's the ATO contacting you, phone us on 1800 008 540 to check.

It's also a good idea to know your tax affairs. You can:
  • contact your tax or BAS agent
  • contact us using a phone number on our website – ato.gov.au.
Help stop scammers in their tracks by warning your friends and family to stay alert.

Up To $1.5 Million Is Available For New Youth Opportunities Projects To Commence In 2021: NSW Gov.

The Youth Opportunities program provides one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to not-for-profit organisations and local councils for youth-led and youth-driven community projects that have a positive youth development focus.

Funded projects from previous rounds have focused on giving young people the opportunity to develop a range of skills, including life skills and healthy behaviours; leadership, communication and teamwork; event management and planning; and providing volunteering opportunities that link young people to further education and training.

Since the program was launched in 2012, Youth Opportunities has provided $11.8 million in funding to 247 projects across NSW.

Youth Opportunities grant applications
Organisations seeking project funding from the Youth Opportunities program are to involve young people at every stage of the project – from identifying the need, through to design, project delivery and final review.

Projects which are genuinely youth-led and youth-driven are those initiated by young people in response to what they have said they need. We are seeking applications which address young people’s identified needs in an innovative way and increase young people’s connections to the community.

Organisations must speak with young people and involve them in developing the project proposal prior to submitting an application.

Applicants are advised to read the Program Guidelines PDF, 584.95 KB carefully before completing an application for funding. These Guidelines and more are available to download HERE.

Applications are now OPEN

Applications must be completed and submitted via the SmartyGrants online system by 5:00pm on Monday, 28 September 2020. The SmartyGrants online system automatically shuts off at 5:00pm on this day, Monday 28 September 2020. It does not allow for extensions to be granted.

 Youth Action Projects Grants Now Open: Federal Gov.

The Youth Action Projects Grant Scheme is now open to individuals and organisations supporting activities important to young Australians.

The Australian Government understands the unprecedented impact COVID-19 and last summer’s bushfire season has had on young Australians.

Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the targeted scheme was an opportunity for individuals and organisations to apply for funding to support projects that will make a difference in the lives of young people.

“It’s a difficult time in our nation’s history and young people are feeling the repercussions of job losses, breaks in education and social isolation,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Life as we know it is not the same, but we know young Australians are keen to take part in activities that will help them and their communities thrive.”

As part of the program, grants of between $5000 and $20,000 are available for projects which respond to the social challenges facing those aged 15–24.

The Government has engaged the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) to administer the scheme.

FYA is a non-profit organisation committed and passionate about improving the outcomes and life opportunities for youth.

Projects need to be either new initiatives that recognise and respond to the hardship young people face now and will face in the future, or existing initiatives which already provide a valuable on-going service to young people, but which need further funding to continue.

Funds can be used to pay for any type of project including but not limited to staffing, equipment purchase, consumables or marketing.

“While grants will be used for projects which support young people in a variety of ways, there will be a particular focus on employment, transportation, mental health and the impacts of COVID-19 and the Australian bushfires,” Minister Colbeck said.

“I look forward to working with FYA and seeing the outcomes of the exciting projects funded by the Australian government for the benefit of young Australians everywhere.”

Successful grant recipients are expected to deliver projects over the 2020-21 financial year.

The grant round opens today, Tuesday 1 September and closes Wednesday, 7 October, 2020.

For more information and to download the application form, visit the website.

Funding Support For Our Coasts And Estuaries

Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Member for Manly James Griffin has called on councils to apply for funding under the NSW Government's Coastal and Estuary Grants Program to assist with planning and managing our region’s coastline.

“Our coastline and estuaries are critical environments that support a huge variety of native flora and fauna, in addition to being popular places for recreation,” Mr Griffin said.

“These grants will help councils plan for the future as well as protect and manage our vital coastal assets.”

There are five streams under the program: one for planning and studies which includes investigation, design and cost-benefit analysis and four for implementing works under each of the coastal management areas in the Coastal Management Act.

Works that have been funded under the program include coastal dune revegetation, wetland management, water quality monitoring as well as scoping studies for coastal management programs.

“This funding program is another example of how the NSW Government is supporting councils and their communities to protect their local environment, including here on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Griffin said.

The 2020–21 funding round for implementing works closes on 29 September 2020.

Councils are able to apply at any time during the 2020-21 financial year for funding planning and studies.

Further information and application forms are available here: Current coastal and estuary grants

Help Harvest NSW

The agriculture industry is facing a significant labour shortage as a result of COVID-19.
If you are looking for employment opportunities, now is a great time to consider agriculture and farm work. Learning how food is produced and harvested is an exciting regional experience.

The agriculture industry has a range of jobs on offer including fruit picking, grain harvesting and working on a cattle station. 

Farmers will be able to capitalise on what is predicted to be the best harvest in many years, with the launch on Monday August 24th of a new one-stop resource which will help the agriculture industry overcome a COVID-induced labour shortage and get unemployed Australians into critical work.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announced the launch of the ‘Help Harvest NSW’ website today, which will connect unemployed Australians with farm work opportunities across the State as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.

With NSW at the forefront of this year’s big winter crop comeback after drought and horticulture about six weeks from harvest, Mr Marshall said it was critical to act now as there would be a shortage of between 3,500 and 5,000 workers needed in the state.

“Farmers are desperate to find contractors and employees willing to work to make the most of the bumper harvest we’re about to have,” Mr Marshall said.

“A high volume of primary industries labour generally comes from overseas and due to COVID-19 international travel restrictions there simply isn’t the number of farm workers the ag industry needs at the moment.

“The Help Harvest NSW website will help to overcome this challenge by connecting job-seeking Australians with agricultural work opportunities in NSW.

“I want to see more Aussies climb off the couch and get out into the regions where there’s plenty of good paying work on until the end of the year.

“At a time when we are just beginning to emerge from drought, our State’s farmers cannot afford to miss out on the financial uplift that comes from a strong harvest.”

With higher than average unemployment due to COVID-19, Mr Marshall said that ‘Help Harvest NSW’ was a way to get the State’s workforce moving again.

“Never before and never again will Australians have a better chance to take up farm work, earn a decent wage and see first-hand our beautiful regions where the food we buy every day from the supermarket is produced,” Mr Marshall said.

“My message to the increasing number of people looking for a job at the moment is this: get off your bum and get into agriculture – we need you.

“Take a look at Help Harvest NSW and see what job opportunities are around the corner.”

Browse the job boards and recruitment services here: 


Australian Open Of Surfing Entries 

Due to recent border closures and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic the Australian Open of Surfing will no longer be an interstate tour for 2020 but rather individual events across Qld and NSW. 

“Due to the uncertainty with border closures, the 2020 Australian Open Of Surfing will now be six stand-alone events in Qld and NSW open to all Australian surfers able to compete provided they are abiding by Government regulations,” said Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden. 

The events will take place in the latter months of 2020 and provide professional and aspiring surfers with the opportunity to win prize money and gain momentum going into 2021.
 
All events are COVID-19 safe and will abide by border closures but if surfers are legally allowed in that state, then they can compete. 

Entries to all events are gauged and based off the 2020 World Surf League (WSL) Qualification Series (QS) rankings. 
 
Former WSL Championship Tour and current coach to World Champion Tyler Wright, Glenn Hall emphasised the importance of a  like this for surfers to keep their competitive skills intact.
 
“I would encourage any surfers I’m working with to enter an event like this in order to keep their blade sharp and to remain competitive,” said Hall.
 
The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing will see events in:
  • Sunshine Coast, Qld – 19th – 20th September 2020 - Entries open Monday, 17th August at 5pm
  • Gold Coast, Qld – 31st October – 1st November 2020 - Entries open Monday, 17th August at 5pm 
  • Cronulla – 8th – 9th November, 2020 - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
  • Victoria – Date and location TBC
  • Kiama – 22nd – 23rd November, 2020 - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
  • Coffs Harbour – 29th – 30th November, 2020 - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
  • Northern Beaches – 13th – 14th December, 2020  - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing events were created for Australia’s best surfers in iconic Australian surf locations. 

All Surfing NSW events are in line with the current NSW public health order and we work with Sport NSW and NSW Office of Sport on all plans. Surfing NSW has developed a COVID safety plan to ensure the safety of all staff, participants and local stakeholders.

More information will be released in the coming weeks via Surfing NSW's social platforms. 
 
The NSW events in the 2020 Australian Open of Surfing is proudly supported Kiama Municipal Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Sutherland Shire Council and Northern Beaches Council.

Domestic Waste Council Charges Review

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking feedback on its recently released discussion paper on domestic waste management charges levied by local councils. 
IPART previously decided not to regulate waste charges. They now need to consider whether this is the right approach going forward.

The discussion paper asks for feedback on any issues with the prices charged for waste management services, and, if so, how IPART should respond.


IPART are particularly interested in whether charges reflect the reasonable and efficient costs of providing waste services, while meeting environmental and legislative requirements. 

The feedback will also help identify any opportunities for greater transparency for customers and councils.

Have your say
You can provide feedback by completing the online form here. 
Have your say by Tuesday 6 October 2020.


New Footpath Program 2020/21

Council have developed the New Footpath Program for 2020/21 in line with directions set out in the 2019 Northern Beaches Walking Plan. The program aims to deliver new footpaths at prioritised locations to improve the walking network and help connect the community.

The $3.6 million program will see the construction of approximately 18 kilometres of new footpaths across the Northern Beaches.

Council notifies local residents about proposed works along their street. For more information about what's happening in your area and to view proposed designs, please click on the projects below and let Council know if you have a question or comment.

Proposed new footpaths
Contact
For general information about the New Footpath Program 2020/21:
Jennifer Moody, Community Liaison Officer, Capital Projects
Phone: 1300 434 434

Online Toolkit Helping NSW Businesses During COVID-19

A new online toolkit is helping businesses as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.
The online toolkit developed by the NSW Government’s business advisory service, Business Connect, includes business-related webinars, fact sheets and training videos.

The webinars are all pre-recorded and can be watched for free at any time.

Webinar topics include:
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the webinars contained invaluable tips for business owners across the state.

“It’s been a really tough year for small businesses, with drought, bushfires, floods and the ongoing COVID-19 global health pandemic hitting the hip pockets of business owners right around the state,” Mr Tudehope said.

“This is just one-way businesses can get access to the tools and resources they need to relaunch or re-establish during these challenging times.”



DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Dawn


AGE/SEX: 6 years / F
BREED: Kelpie X

Dawn has had a hard life, malnourished, had many litters very dirty coat and covered in fleas. This is all behind her now and she is looking for a family who will pamper her and treat her gently. She walks well on loose lead and ignores other dogs. She has a short coat and weighs 24.8kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450. 

Bruce


Bruce a 12 month old super smoochy tabby boy found his way into the pound after being hit by a car. He stayed at our clinic for some time in the hope that nerve damage would heal but unfortunately it did not happen. Bruce had his hind leg amputated and he has recovered so well. He really has the hang of hopping around. He spends a lot of time with Cornflake exploring all the nooks and crannies of our cat enclosure. Bruce weighs 3.6kg.


If you are interested in meeting him, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com. 

DOG WALKING is recommencing
DoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite. 

We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time. 

We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.

We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.

Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Supplementary Volunteer Grants

Volunteer based organisations can now apply for grants of between $1000- $5000 to help their volunteer programs following the disruption caused by COVID-19.  Support your volunteers to safely re-engage as 
the economy reopens! 

Apply by September 20, 2020

Fair Winds And Following Seas On RPAYC Opening Day For 2020-2021 Sailing Season


The RPAYC held a scaled back Official Opening for their Sailing Season yesterday with members heading straight to their yachts to head out on the estuary and enjoy that breeze. Vice Commodore, Leon Wilson had the honour of starting the first race, the Pittwater Dash, from Alfreds I with the firing of the cannon.

The RPAYC announced this week the postponement of the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race until January 2022. The race, a joint initiative between the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron was set to Centrepiece of major summer international events and a prelude to the 2021 America's Cup event, being hosted by New Zealand.

“The restrictions of movement, immigration and quarantine requirements around the Covid-19 pandemic have meant that the race is just not viable in January 2021” Allen Stormon Commodore of RPAYC said this week.

“The race was fantastically well received throughout the world, with 20 confirmed entries already and over 100 expressions of interest received from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Europe and Asia, however everyone has been very understanding of the situation and for many it had already become impossible”. 

''The anticipation of an ocean race of 1250nm between these two sailing cities, a first for almost everyone, was as much of a drawcard as was the spectacle of the 36th America’s Cup, however, we understand that many were looking forward to ring side seats for the racing of these spectacular flying machines and the other events surrounding the 150th Anniversary of the RNZYS.''

“The RNZYS is obviously disappointed this cannot proceed at this time, but also excited about the long term future of the race which no doubt will become iconic” said RNZYS Vice Commodore Aaron Young.

The idea of an offshore circuit in the southern hemisphere has proven very exciting. The clubs expect interest in a combination of the 2021 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, the 2022 Sydney to Auckland Race, a return race to Australia or via New Caledonia, finishing off with Hamilton Island Race Week to continue to generate international entries.

''We would like to take this opportunity to thank our major sponsor for the 2021 Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, Moonen Yachts. With the support of Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club members Matthew and Louise Baxter, owners of Moonen Yachts, we were able to promote the race internationally and we trust that this profile will add to the success of the rescheduled race in 2022.

The Committee would also like to thank those who entered the race, plus the wider yachting community for their support and interest in the race. We look forward to seeing a great fleet on the start line in January 2022.


Vice Commodore, Leon Wilson starts the 2020 Pittwater Dash - RPAYC photo

Legacy Week 2020

James Griffin MP, Member for Manly represented the NSW Premier, the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian at the launch of Legacy Australia Week with the Governor of New South Wales this week.

Legacy Week is the annual appeal to care for the families of veterans who have served our country. 
Funds raised from Legacy Week assist approximately 60,000 people with services such as counselling, housing, medical, advocacy, education fees for the children of fallen Veterans and social support.

To donate online, please visit www.legacyweek.com.au.


Big Ginge Update

September 5, 2020

The Big Ginge has gone home!!! 

Julia, the lovely lady who helped save his life after he was thrown from a car at Newport, has just adopted him and he will find a loving home with her and her family. It's been a rough few weeks for this sweet cat but now he has finally 'landed all fours' finding his new forever home. Enjoy your new life Ginge! 

Big thanks to the people at SAFE Animal Rehoming, Northside Emergency Veterinary Service and Northside Veterinary Specialists for all their work helping Big Ginge too. 


Coronavirus Positive Case At Warriewood Square

August 31st 2020: Warriewood Square
Our team has been notified that a customer, who visited Kmart, Coles, Aldi and the Food Court, on Saturday 29 August, between 12.30pm - 2.30pm has returned a positive test for COVID-19.

We are assisting New South Wales Public Health Unit and we’re making contact with each of our retailers as a precautionary measure as we have received no advice which indicates there was any risk to our customers or retail team members.

We want to assure you, the safety and wellbeing of our customers, retailers and the broader community is always our priority and we are continuing to monitor and act upon recommendations from our federal and state health departments.

We have also increased our cleaning roster since learning of the case, with additional focus on specific areas including; balustrades, retailer door handles, vertical transport, toilets, sinks, change tables and parents’ rooms, customer entry and touch points, information screens, as well as communal furniture throughout the centre. This will continue for the foreseeable future.

At this stage, the advice from authorities is for anyone showing signs of an infectious disease, including fever, sweats or chills to see a doctor immediately.

Precautionary measures include washing hands and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. For the latest health advice, and to stay informed, we recommend visiting health.gov.au. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our centre management office on 9913 4444.contact our centre management office on 9913 4444.

Mona Vale Road East - Out Of Hours Work: To Sept. 11

Out of hours work is planned from 8pm to 6am for the next fortnight on the dates below, weather permitting. If work is delayed due to wet weather, we will try and work a different night that same week. We will notify highly impacted residents if there is a change of date.

Work along the western end of the project will occur on:
  • Tuesday 1, Thursday 3, Friday 4 September
  • Monday 7, Tuesday 8, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September
Our work includes:
  • removing rock from the top of the existing rock cutting near the eastern end of Lane Cove Road
  • placing concrete barriers and reinstating the guard rail on Mona Vale Road near Manor Road
  • replacing the line marking along the length of Mona Vale Road
  • reinstating the kerb and median near Manor Road
  • ongoing road maintenance including smoothing out the road surface.
Work along the eastern end of the project will occur on:
  • Tuesday 1 and Thursday 3 September
  • Tuesday 8, Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September
Our work includes:
  • using a vacuum truck, road saw, jack hammers and an excavator to trench and install utilities under the Mona Vale Road, Samuel Street and Ponderosa Parade roundabout and about 40 metres up Samuel Street
  • hauling material away from our work zone next to Walana Crescent and Wallaby Circuit
  • placing concrete barriers along Mona Vale Road near Foley Street
  • delivering concrete poles to our work zones on Mona Vale Road near Wallaby Circuit, Emma Street and the Pittwater RSL
  • moving gates on Mona Vale Road near Emma Street and Ponderosa Parade
  • ongoing road maintenance.
Across the project we will use excavators with rock hammers, backhoes, tipper trucks, elevated work platforms, a roller, saws, a crane, wacker packer, jack hammers, hammer drills, street sweepers, vacuum trucks, concrete trucks, line marking equipment, light vehicles and lighting towers. 

Map of work area:

Narrabeen Lagoon Algae

Council’s Manager of Environment has advised:

Staff have identified the algae as likely being the macroalgae Ulva intestinalis. 
Despite the presence of the algae our testing continues to indicate water quality is within normal guidelines. 

It is understandable that the visual presence of macro algae blooms can be concerning, however it is a common occurrence in many estuaries on the east coast of NSW including Narrabeen Lagoon.

The exchange of water (or flushing) through the entrance is controlled by a range of factors including the amount of accumulated sand, ocean swells, tides and rainfall. 

During periods when the lagoon entrance has been closed, our lagoon monitoring program has not recorded any significant declines in lagoon water quality, as reflected in our long-term chlorophyll a, and bacteria data. 

While water clarity near the entrance itself can change when the entrance is closed, the clarity in the rest of the lagoon is often affected by strong winds rather than an open entrance. We will continue our lagoon water quality monitoring and will inform the community should there be a concern.

The sand on North Narrabeen beach is continuing to move north and push across the entrance. 
While the entrance is still open and flushing is still occurring, it may close in the near future if there is not sufficient outflow from the lagoon (e.g. from rainfall). 

Staff will continue to monitor the situation and be flexible and pragmatic in their approach to managing flood risk and the lagoon environment.

With thanks to Councillor Vincent De Luca OAM, NBC, for following up community requests for clarity on this event.

Have Your Say On The Proposed Concept Design For The New Warriewood Valley Community Centre

Northern Beaches Council has given the green light for the second round of community consultation to seek feedback on the proposed concept design for the new Warriewood Valley Community Centre.

Mayor Michael Regan said feedback from the first round of consultation in March 2019 with targeted community groups was overall supportive for the new centre.

“The first round of consultation was very useful to gauge people’s views and to inform the design brief and concept design to ensure user expectations are met,” Cr Regan said.

“The Centre’s concept plan has been drawn up with future needs in mind and the building is developed in line with best-practice sustainability principles.

“The Centre will be an attractive, modern and resilient building with multi-use spaces and the capacity to switch to an Emergency and Recovery Centre during a period of community crisis.”

Mayor Regan encouraged members of the community to voice their opinion on the project.

Council is seeking community feedback all of September, 2020. The Concept Design and associated documents are available on Council's Warriewood Valley Community Centre webpage. 

Visit: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/Warriewood_Community_Centre

Concept Design - WVCC View from Boondah Reserve - Artist Impression

Applications Open For The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program

NSW sports clubs and councils can apply for a share of $1 million to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

An AED is a life-saving device. It delivers a controlled shock to a person experiencing cardiac arrest, increasing their chances of survival.

Up to 7000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in NSW.

The program will provide sports clubs and councils with the opportunity to purchase an AED package at a reduced cost.

Acting NSW Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the initiative encourages sports clubs and councils to invest in equipment that could save lives. 

“Defibrillators save lives and since the launch of the program, more than 1500 defibrillators have been purchased by sporting facilities and clubs across the state.

“Medical experts say the first 8 minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical. Early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient’s likelihood of survival.”

Applications for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program close at 5pm on Monday 12 April 2021.


Manly Jazz Festival Goes Virtual

One of the Northern Beaches’ most popular annual events is set to get a digital makeover, with the Manly Jazz Festival going virtual in the October Labour Day long weekend.

The digital initiative will again connect inspire and entertain local and global communities while health restrictions during COVID-19 temporarily prevent large crowds congregating.

Mayor Michael Regan said Manly Jazz was one of the highlights of Council’s events calendar which attracted thousands of jazz lovers to the iconic beach sands of Manly.

“We might not be able to get together this year, but we can still enjoy some incredible artists on the dedicated Manly Jazz Festival website,” Cr Regan said.

“While we cannot welcome audiences to a live performance this year, we are committed to offering the best in entertainment, arts, and culture online.

“Behind the scenes the team, including the Manly Jazz Festival committee is working hard to secure artists and the program will be announced shortly.

“I hope this new digital format of a much-loved event will connect, inspire and comfort people during this challenging time,” he said.


Woolworths Shop Local For Hand Sanitiser Dispensers 

COVIDSafe work environments require a lot of hand sanitiser and something to dispense them. But who creates those dispensers? 

Innovative Northern Beaches company, Black Lab are the ones taking up the mantel in keeping Northern Beaches shoppers COVIDSafe.

Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski MP visited the Frenchs Forest based company to see how they are operating in a COVID world. 

“I am very impressed with the team at Black Lab, including their leader, Daen.” Mr Falinski said.

“Their innovative response to the COVID Pandemic is inspiring. The hand sanitiser dispensers will be extremely valuable to Woolworths, but more importantly, they will keep shoppers a little bit safer from the virus.”

Mr Trent Mason, General Manager, Facilities Management of Woolworths has praised Black Lab for assisting in making their stores COVIDsafe. 

"We're big supporters of local suppliers through our Australian First Sourcing Policy and Black Lab have been a great partner for us during the pandemic.” Mr Mason said.

“They have worked tirelessly to support us with our in-store response to COVID and being local has been a big advantage. They have helped us with checkout screens, hand sanitisers and door openers, all of which are an integral part of our efforts to keep our teams and customers safe."  

Mr Daen Simmat of Black Lab expressed his excitement at being involved with the project. He also encourages other corporations to look to Australia for manufacturing. 

"It's really exciting that our Australian Manufacturing Company can make products that interface with every Australian that will go into a Woolworths store in their life at some point" said Mr Simmat. 

"If the client's that we work with are prepared to invest a little bit more time in design, then we can guarantee we beat China on price, delivery, time frame and quality."

"It's been great to be a case study for how good Australian Manufacturing really is." 

Daen Simmat and Jason Falinski, MP for Mackellar, photo supplied

NSW Women Of The Year Awards 2021

The NSW Women of the Year Awards nominations for 2021 are open and feature two exciting new categories:

The NSW Woman of Excellence Award celebrates role models, who have excelled in their chosen field. In doing so, they affect lasting change and are an inspiration to others.

The One to Watch Award recognises girls and young women aged seven to seventeen, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and/ or kindness to help and support those around them.

Before you begin your nomination, please read:
Nominations close at 11.59pm on Friday 11 September 2020.

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year: A dedicated pillar of her community, she is a role model who promotes economic, cultural and/or social wellbeing of Aboriginal people in NSW.

NSW Community Hero: She works tirelessly for her community. She’s the first to roll up her sleeves to help others, and motivates those around her to contribute to their communities.

NSW Regional Woman of the Year: Shines a light on the accomplishments of an extraordinary woman living in regional NSW.

NSW Woman of Excellence Award: A role model, who has excelled in her chosen field. In doing so, she affects lasting change and is an inspiration to others.

NSW Young Woman of the Year: A woman aged 18-30 years, who has demonstrated incredible potential or achievement in her chosen field, passion, or area of interest.

The One to Watch: Recognises girls and young women aged seven to seventeen, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and/ or kindness to help and support those around them.

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Offshore Waste Services Review

Council are conducting a review of offshore waste services. This includes garbage, recycling, bulky goods and vegetation collection.

If you're a resident of Pittwater's offshore communities, or if you use the public wharves in some way, they’re keen to hear your thoughts on the services. They’re also interested in your ideas, big or small, for how they can be improved.

Please take a few minutes to complete the online survey.

If you have questions about the online survey or if you wish to receive a hard copy of the survey, please contact the Waste Services team by email or 1300 434 434.

Your local input will help Council plan for future processes.

Survey closes Sunday 20 September 2020.


Forest Men’s Kitchen Requests Your Assistance

Many older men have never had the need or desire to spend any time in the kitchen, but now in their later years have either realised that they may need to cook for themselves sometime in the future or are already in the situation where they must cook at home. Also, many blokes having left work have lost a lot of the social contact they once had while they were employed.

Forest Men’s Kitchen provides opportunities for older men to gather together and learn cooking skills and also build their support network.  

In order to keep our costs to members within the reach of a bloke on the aged pension, we rely heavily on grants from our supporting organisations. However, during these strange pandemic times the likelihood of the Forest Men’s Kitchen receiving our usual grants looks less likely. 

Some months ago, as the president and founder of the Forest Men’s Kitchen, Peter Watson was nominated as a candidate in the Westfield Local Heroes award program and that award carries a $10,000 prize with it.  To help win this award and contribute $10K to the Forest Men’s Kitchen we would really welcome your vote for Peter Watson by clicking on the link below, scrolling down to his entry and pressing the “Vote Now” button under that entry. 

We also urge you to also share this with friends and groups to ask them to cast a vote for Peter Watson.   
Every vote counts - voting closes 14 September
 
For more information about the Forest Men’s Kitchen please visit their website: fmk.org.au


Council's Crown Reserve Land Categorisation: Seeking Your Input

Submissions Close Sunday October 4th, 2020

Council are proposing land categories for 35 Crown reserves as part of an obligation under the Crown Land Management (CLM) Act 2016. The CLM Act legislates that we are required to manage Crown land in the same manner as Community land, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

This is an initial land categorisation process and only relates to current/existing use. It does not propose any change of use for the subject Crown reserves or indicate desired future use.

How to have your say

Council would like your thoughts on their proposed categorisation of these reserves.

To make commenting easier, they've presented the Proposed Crown Reserve Land Categories here in an interactive PDF document. You can also download the whole document here.

If you prefer, you can share your feedback in the submission form or via email council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

Feedback is also accepted in writing marked 'Crown reserve land categorisation' PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.

A few tips to get you started:

  1. Do you know of other factors impacting on the categorisation of a particular reserve?
  2. If you think another category would be more suitable, please let us know why.
  3. Any proposed variation to land categories must be justified in line with the category objectives.

Following this process, Council can then prepare new or updated Plans of Management (PoM) for the affected reserves. The relevant community engagement requirements and process will be followed at that time.

Background

In NSW, Crown land is administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in accordance with the Crown Land Management (CLM) Act 2016, which came into effect on 1 July 2018. Following an extensive review of how Crown land is managed, the CLM Act was passed in order to create a more simplified management structure.

The CLM Act requires Crown reserves managed by Council to be managed in line with the Local Government Act (LG) Act 1993 in the same manner as Council Community land. The transition requires the affected Crown reserves to be managed via a plan of management (PoM). The first step is to assign the appropriate land categories.

The transition to managing Crown reserves in accordance with the LG Act is to occur by June 30th 2021.

On June 23rd 2020 Council resolved to undertake community consultation on the proposed land categories. Comments will be reported back to Council with a recommendation, along with a summary of community feedback. The Minister will be notified of Council’s preferred categories and, following confirmation from the Minister, PoMs can be prepared.

Community To Have A Say On Behaviour Strategy

NSW Education is seeking community feedback on a draft strategy to support positive student behaviour and create effective and engaging classrooms.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the strategy will support teachers to manage complex behaviour and improve the long-term educational outcomes for some of our most disadvantaged students.

“We need a behaviour system in our schools that considers a student’s circumstances to help them stay engaged in school and their education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We will be empowering schools to increase proactive early intervention and prevention, balanced with strong and appropriate discipline using evidence-based best practice to support students inside and outside of the school gate.

“Student behaviour has sat in the too hard basket for too long and the best tool for success we can give these students is a world-class education.”

Ms Mitchell said she wanted to see suspension for K-2 students limited to instances of physical violence and the maximum length of long suspensions halved from 20 to 10 days to break the cycle of suspension.

“This strategy gives principals more power to make the right decisions based on the student’s situation,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We know that suspension disproportionately affects vulnerable students, particularly those with disability, leaving them even further behind in their education than they were at the beginning of the suspension.”

Schools will be asked to provide work for suspended students to learn from home and check in with students daily and provide more opportunity for in-school suspension.

“Managing behaviours in the classroom is a complex task which is why this strategy is now out for extensive workshopping and in-school testing to make sure we get this right and give our schools the support they need,” Ms Mitchell said.

Changes proposed include:
  • reducing suspensions for students from Kindergarten to Year 12
  • supporting vulnerable student cohorts through early intervention and targeted support
  • developing a new model of complex behaviour support to meet the learning and wellbeing needs of all students, including students with complex, challenging and unsafe behaviours
  • establishing a dedicated workforce comprising specialist staff
  • improving access to behaviour specialists in regional and remote locations
  • exploring co-commissioning opportunities with other parts of government, in particular the Department of Communities and Justice.
The department will continue to work with students, staff, parents, carers and the community to strengthen the Student Behaviour Strategy beyond the public consultation period.

The consultation period will close on Friday September 25th 2020. Implementation will commence on Day 1, Term 1, 2021.

Have your say

Creative Northern Beaches Consult

Are you part of our creative community?
Please take Council's survey and help map Creative Northern Beaches.

Council want to know where our creative community lives and works, what they do and to understand the impact of COVID-19 since March 2020.

Your feedback will be added to the Northern Beaches Culture Map, which will include local cultural places and spaces, festivals and events, community cultural organisations, education and development resources, cultural and natural heritage assets and the local creative sector.

Mapping our cultural assets and resources, and recording what makes the Northern Beaches truly unique, will inform Council's future cultural planning and programming.

Complete their survey and go into the draw to win an annual subscription to ArtsHub.

Please note, assistance for creatives during COVID-19 can be found on Councils' website.

Find out more
Have questions or want to learn more about the project please contact us

Name:  Megan Treharne, Cultural Planning & Engagement Coordinator
Phone: 1300 434 434

Survey closes: Sunday September 20, 2020


Volkswagen Tradies Surfmasters To Return To Cronulla In November

The 2020 Volkswagen Tradies Surfmasters will call Cronulla home on the 7th of November 2020 and is set to see some of the state's best and most senior surfers duke it out for a prestigious title. 
 
The one-day event will see over 100 of NSW’s best short boarders aged Over-28 competing on the southern Sydney beach. 
 
The event will see five age divisions being contested with the Over-28 Men, Over-35 Men and Women, Over-45 Men and Women, Over-55 Men and Over-65 Men all competing.
 
Several notable entrants will be surfing in the event with former Australian Title winners and contenders all fighting for a title.
 
Entries into the event will open on the 14th September 2020. 
 
Ryan Davies, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia stated:
 
“We’re thrilled to be able to put our support behind a grassroots surfing event that will take place on one of the state’s most iconic beaches. We have some big announcements that we’ll be making in the coming week, so stay tuned.”
 
The 2020 Volkswagen Tradies Surfmasters is proudly supported by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, Tradies, Beach Burrito, Sutherland Shire Council and Surfing NSW. 

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families as NSW continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said. “If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.

“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community in the current environment.”

The NSW Government is constantly adapting as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.

Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
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NSW Small Business Month Grants

Reboot, upskill and connect this October
The fourth annual NSW Small Business Month will be held in October, with events to be a combination of online and offline activities.

This year’s festival activities are designed to help small business owners to get online, adapt their business practices and engage with other organisations.

It is also about recognising the 785,000 small to medium-sized businesses that represent 41 per cent of the state’s private sector workforce that drive our economy.

The $2000 grants are designed to enable local councils and local chambers of commerce run a range of activities that will benefit and support the local small business community. 

For more information on the grant application process, visit the NSW Small Business Month website or contact the team at smallbusiness.month@treasury.nsw.gov.au or (02) 4908 4886.


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Where You Can Get Tested In Our Area:

Mona Vale Hospital - Building 14, Community Health Centre, Coronation Street, Mona Vale. Please ring to register for testing.  PHONE: 9998 6296
Mona Vale Hospital message:  The recent changes to our mask guidelines means patients, carers and visitors are to wear a mask at our hospital.  Staff will also wear a mask when they are delivering care or when they can’t socially distance 1.5 metres. Open 9am-4:30pm, 7 days. 

Dee Why Respiratory Clinic - G/5 Mooramba Road, Dee Why. 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday
Booking required via (02) 8416 5005
Booking web address; https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/dee-why-NSW-2099/dee-why-respiratory-clinic/doctors?purpose=respiratory

Brookvale Community Health Centre Clinic - 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale. 8am-6pm 7 days. No booking required

Frenchs Forest Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology - 5 Forest Way, Frenchs Forest, 8am-4pm Monday to Friday. Booking required via 1800 026 622 or (02) 9111 3405

Frenchs Forest MedLab Pathology-  8 Hilmer Street, Frenchs Forest, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday No booking required.

North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology - 1416 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. 10am-4pm Monday to Friday. No booking required.

Northern Beaches Hospital - 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest;  Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry) 8am- 5pm, 7 days - No booking required.
Drive directly to the clinic by following the signs, please do not use the main car park.  
For people walking or travelling by public transport, follow the red line outside the hospital, then ring the Emergency Department intercom and they will be escorted to the clinic  for testing. 

PATIENTS: We are now temperature checking all staff and visitors ahead of elective surgery returning to the hospital next week. These checks will help us ensure the safety of our staff and visitors during this time.
Entry is via the main entrance or emergency department and all other entry points are closed. There is also screening at the dock for deliveries. The team conducting the checks will take temperatures and ask a few simple questions about wellbeing and possible contact with COVID-19.
Please be patient with our staff conducting the checks.
If you have a high temperature (37.5C or above) or have been unwell with a new cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, you should call the COVID-19 hotline or visit our COVID-19 clinic for assessment.  


VISITORS: To ensure the safety of all patients and staff, we need to limit the number of visitors to our hospitals and services. Patients will be asked to nominate one visitor, preferably your next of kin, for the duration of your hospital stay. We understand this will difficult for families, but we need everyone to help to protect patients and staff.

Visitors must NOT have travelled overseas in the last 14 days, NOT been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or have fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath. 

Visitors to Patient with COVID-19 (or awaiting results)
In order to provide strict infection control, no visitors will be allow to patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or those awaiting test results for COVID-19. We understand there will need to be some exceptions to this, especially with children and also with extremely unwell patients, so we ask that you talk to your families and if you have any questions, please speak to your clinical care team. 

Mask requirements: In line with NSW Health guidelines, please note all patients will be required to wear a mask when presenting to the hospital and when outside of their rooms. Visitors must wear a mask before entering the hospital. Please bring a mask from home where possible.​


The purpose of  www.westpittwater.com.au  - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.

To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.

To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.

To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.

To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Pittwater Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au

August 30 - September 5, 2020: Issue 464

This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 464 

Environmental Destruction Growing In Pittwater - Bush Reserves Being Destroyed By Illegal Bike Tracks, Fauna Once Present Now Gone Through Off-Leash Dogs Being Where They Shouldn't Be

Aquatics 24 Hour Row 2020 Raises Over 130K To Invest In Saving Lives

Government Lets Down Pittwater On Hospitals Again by the Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee

Warriewood Valley Community Centre Concept Plans Now Available For Feedback - Council is seeking feedback for all of September 2020

Pictures Celebration Of Spring 2020 in our Bush Parks - photos by Selena Griffith (For all those who keep sending in emails asking for 'More Please!')

Good News For Koalas This Week From NSW Government: The New Guula Ngurra National Park Has Been Proclaimed + The Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan Is Now Open For Feedback

Kids Become ‘Food Adventurers’ In New Veggie Program From CSIRO: Taste & Learn Resources Available For Teachers and Parents To Download Now


Park Bench Philosopher We still need to talk about climate change; even during COVID-19

Food Simply Smashing Spring Lunches At The Boathouse Palm Beach -  This venue with a lot of history has a real old-Pittwater charm and is renowned for its breakfast fare. The lunch menu is a traditional by the sea celebration of Australia itself - Sydney Rock Oysters, a bucket of Queensland Tiger prawns, Grilled Barramundi, Fish Pie, and lighter tastes catered to in the Grain Salad (GF + V; Avocado, kale, miso, seasonal greens + seeds) or Pea + Avocado Cracker (GF + V; Zucchini flower, coriander + green chilli). The Boathouse is currently offering a Fathers' Day special for those who want to avoid the Sunday crowding that is Governor Phillip Park - you can get a meal for 4 delivered to your home.

Artist of the Month September 2020: Kelvin Anton Carlsson

When it come to Harmonicas, no one can really do it better than Kelvin Carlsson. Based in Narrabeen, Kelvin, better known as 'Mr Harmony', spreads his love of the this wonderful instrument with many across Australia. 

‘’I Play Harmonica and Sax in Bands, and Teach Harmonica to inmates in prisons, disabled people, and run regular Beginners Workshops all around Australia.’’

Residents would have heard Kelvin playing as part of the CJ and the Mellows lineup alongside Chris Raggatt, and remember they travelled to the US a few years back to be part of the 2017 International Blues Challenge.

Along with his love of the harmonica Kelvin loves taking a photo or two, with requests for copies of his works. Readers may recall his input into the February 2020 Storm Event report run in this news service.  These and a sample of his music features as the Pittwater Online News September 2020 Artist of the Month. 

Environment Time of Ngoonungi, Council's Planning For Environmental Zones (Environmental Zones Review): Expressions Of Interest Now Open, Council's Crown Reserve Land Categorisation: Seeking Your Input, Kookaburras Nesting Again, Fight With Whale By Mona Vale Lifesavers In October 1948, The Forest Flora Of New South Wales: 1917, Tick Population Booming In Our Area, Lyrebird Mimics Other Bird's Calls, NSW Government Releases Bushfire Inquiry Report, Carol Kendall Award 2020 For Protecting Our Places, Set For A Cycle?; Tour De Gorge Is On!, Council Fined For Alleged Unlawful Water Take, Nominations Open For Australian Biosecurity Awards, EPBC Refusal Protects Migratory Birds, $10 Million In Grants For Smart Recycling Solutions: must have at least two Australian industry partners including one small or medium sized business, Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan Review, Wildlife And Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel 7th Communique Released - Tranche 1 Of The Australian Government’s $12 Million Wildlife And Habitat Bushfire Recovery Program: Successful Projects List, Uni Of SA 3MT Winner Finds A Unique Way To Halt Construction Waste, Katandra Season 2020, Bushcare In Pittwater, Doodle Comer Swamp Nature Reserve Draft Plan Of Management: Public Consultation, Tollingo Nature Reserve And Woggoon Nature Reserve Draft Plan Of Management: Public Consultation, Limeburners Creek National Park, Goolawah National Park And Goolawah Regional Park: Public Consultation, Echidna season, Downloadable Shorebirds booklet, Community Gardens and Environment Groups, Pittwater Reserves++

Inbox News Fresh Tumour Biopsies In World-First Technique For Cancer Treatments, Macquarie University Dementia Researchers Discover World-First Gene Therapy That May Reverse Memory Loss From Alzheimers, Ancient Star Explosions Revealed In Deep-Sea Sediments, Naming Sydney's Third City

Profile Kelvin Anton Carlsson 

‘’I Play Harmonica And Sax In Bands, And Teach Harmonica To Inmates In Prisons, Disabled People, And Run Regular Beginners Workshops All Around Australia.’’

When it come to Harmonicas, no one can really do it better than Kelvin Carlsson. Based in Narrabeen, Kelvin, better known as 'Mr Harmony', spreads his love of the this wonderful instrument with many across Australia. A Bilgola Plateau Public School then Barrenjoey High School student, Kelvins' love of the Pittwater landscapes led to studies at the Ryde School of Horticulture and working in the great outdoors.

It's his love of music that has been his constant passion though and this he has shared with others - in 2019:

Never thought playing harmonica would take me where it has. Gigged last night in a tiny intimate bar in Avalon, tomorrow a prison farm on the Murray River in SA. On Wednesday teaching disabled teenagers on the Central Coast. Then on Thursday a prison in Shepparton, VIC. Careful what you wish for people, it might happen for you!

What's involved in teaching harmonica?:

Mr Harmony’s Blues Harmonica for Beginners Course is an introduction to blues harmonica for either complete beginners, or those with very limited experience of playing. You discover simple licks and tunes as examples of the style from early acoustic Delta blues through to the amplified harmonica of Chicago in the late 1940s and 1950s. This is a hands on (and lips!) course. In this course students are taught a brief history of the harmonica, from its beginnings as a German folk instrument in the 1860’s, through to it becoming synonymous with African-American blues music around the early part of the 20th Century. 

Aside from a brief history of the instrument itself, and a demonstration of playing, you learn about holding the harmonica (cupping), about single notes and playing chords, how to chug out a “train” or why blues harmonica is played in “2nd Position”. There's also tongue articulation – the “dit dits” and the “dah dahs”. Students learn how to play chords along to a 12 bar blues backing track, about the “Bending” notes – technique, the “wah wah” and “fanning the harp” techniques. You can even learn the expressive sounds on the harmonica, baby crying, train etc. and the vibrato – hand and throat techniques.

Kelvin recommends his students start with a Harmonica in the key of D Major and either a Hohner Special 20 harmonica, or a Hohner Silver Star harmonica.  

Along with his love of the harmonica Kelvin loves taking a photo or two, with requests for copies of his works. Readers may recall his input into the February 2020 Storm Event report run in this news service.

These and his music features as the Pittwater Online News September 2020 Artist of the Month. But first, a little about Kelvin himself.

Dr Dante Bini graduated from the University of Florence, Italy, in 1962. He was influenced by the experimental work in building with concrete and the designs of Heinz Isler, Felix Candela, Frei Otto and Buckminster Fuller. Although interested in domes as a built form, for Bini the expensive and complex formwork required was prohibitive.

In 1971 the Department of Public Works New South Wales was seeking a fast and cost-effective construction technique to add desperately needed multipurpose centres, gymnasiums, libraries and other buildings across New South Wales schools. Ian Thomson from the NSW Government Architect’s Office, travelled to Italy to meet Bini and explore the system. Clearly impressed, the Department of Public Works engaged Bini as an architectural consultant to design, direct and train its staff in all aspects of constructing the domes. Bini’s considerable energy and charm burst on to the Sydney architecture scene, and he remained in Sydney for six years as a prominent figure advocating, developing new construction techniques, and lecturing at the University of Sydney.

In 1974, the Department of Public Works New South Wales began a comprehensive program of new school buildings using a radical concrete dome technology. 

The first school project, Narrabeen North Public School library was a showpiece of the method’s potential. Dr Bini subsequently installed his inflatable, concrete clad ‘Binishells’ to provide multi-function facilities in schools across the state but the three-dome complex was one of Bini’s career favourites. 

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: August 23, 2020

Click on Logo to access latest PON:  

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Sydney Wildlife Mobile Care Unit MediDivert News

1,600kg of plastic and other unused medical goods saved from landfill and 578 litres of fluids saved from being poured down the drain.

All this has been achieved in one short year by our very own Sydney Wildlife volunteer, Anne Jackson, and her amazing helpers - Di, Sylvia, Anne C. Caroline and many more.

Anne started MediDivert after attending a Sustainability and Environment Nursing Seminar titled ‘Greening Our Hospitals’.  Essentially MediDivert ensures that unused medical goods are diverted from landfill to veterinarians who treat wildlife and organisations that rescue wildlife. 

Anne brings us a plethora of goods for the Mobile Care Unit every week, such as sterile dressings, sterile syringes, fluids and other essential items that would otherwise have been taken to the tip.  During the fires, Anne, Sarah, Margaret and Lorraine organised a delivery of burns supplies to be flown to Kangaroo Island!  And a shipment of goodies is ready to be  deployed to Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital for their amazing new venture.

So who benefits from MediDivert?
Everyone!  Hospitals are happy as they save on landfill costs and are reducing their burden on the environment;  vets are happy as they are receiving free supplies for treating their wildlife patients;  wildlife benefit from the availability of medical goods which are easily replenished;  Sydney Wildlife Rescue feels good as we are able to offer some reciprocity to the wonderful vets who help our wildlife and the environment benefits greatly!

Anne volunteers all her time, petrol and expertise as a registered nurse to make this venture worthwhile for everyone.  What a legend!  And we thank the hospitals, staff and medical companies for their support of this incredible initiative.

If there are any veterinarians or organisations that would like more information about MediDivert, please contact our wonderful Anne Jackson at medidivert@gmail.com 


Photo: Lorraine and Anne organising a shipment of burns supplies to Kangaroo Island during the horrific bushfires 

Avalon Sailing Club Registration Day For The 2020/21 Season

ASC has a Covid Plan and we would ask you to check in with the QR code or leave written details on arrival at the Club. Please also sanitise hands. on arrival.

PLEASE only one parent to come and register for kids' sailing.
Any questions - please email info@avalonsailingclub.com.au

Thank you and we look forward to seeing everyone on Opening Day.

It’s Time To Flush Domestic Violence Down The Dunny

With reports of domestic and family violence increasing during the pandemic crisis, Northern Beaches Council is reminding residents where they can get help and support.

Council resolved on Tuesday to roll out the placement of emergency and counselling contact DV stickers on its 115 public amenities and 23 sports facilities.

This initiative was made possible through input from the Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network, whose longstanding guidance to Council on domestic violence matters is invaluable.

Stickers will be posted on about 600 Council restroom cubicle doors with the 1800RESPECT contact number and website address.

Mayor Michael Regan said with COVID-19 creating a unique set of challenges for families and relationships, it’s more important than ever we tackle this insidious violence.

“Now more than ever social isolation means victims are at home more with perpetrators, and there may be additional pressures including job worries, financial pressure and anxiety about the future.

“For those in an unsafe environment, we are reminding people where they can get help by contacting the national sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service – 1800RESPECT,” Cr Regan said.

There have been reports of increased domestic violence cases across the world, with 1800RESPECT recording an increase of 11 per cent more calls to its helpline compared to last year.

Google also reported a 75 per cent increase in internet searches relating to support for domestic violence.

“We want to remind people if they are experiencing domestic violence, there are very good professional services available a phone call away,” he said.

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, contact

1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or www.1800RESPECT.org.au available 24/7.

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Help Harvest NSW

The agriculture industry is facing a significant labour shortage as a result of COVID-19.
If you are looking for employment opportunities, now is a great time to consider agriculture and farm work. Learning how food is produced and harvested is an exciting regional experience.

The agriculture industry has a range of jobs on offer including fruit picking, grain harvesting and working on a cattle station. 

Farmers will be able to capitalise on what is predicted to be the best harvest in many years, with the launch on Monday August 24th of a new one-stop resource which will help the agriculture industry overcome a COVID-induced labour shortage and get unemployed Australians into critical work.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announced the launch of the ‘Help Harvest NSW’ website today, which will connect unemployed Australians with farm work opportunities across the State as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.

With NSW at the forefront of this year’s big winter crop comeback after drought and horticulture about six weeks from harvest, Mr Marshall said it was critical to act now as there would be a shortage of between 3,500 and 5,000 workers needed in the state.

“Farmers are desperate to find contractors and employees willing to work to make the most of the bumper harvest we’re about to have,” Mr Marshall said.

“A high volume of primary industries labour generally comes from overseas and due to COVID-19 international travel restrictions there simply isn’t the number of farm workers the ag industry needs at the moment.

“The Help Harvest NSW website will help to overcome this challenge by connecting job-seeking Australians with agricultural work opportunities in NSW.

“I want to see more Aussies climb off the couch and get out into the regions where there’s plenty of good paying work on until the end of the year.

“At a time when we are just beginning to emerge from drought, our State’s farmers cannot afford to miss out on the financial uplift that comes from a strong harvest.”

With higher than average unemployment due to COVID-19, Mr Marshall said that ‘Help Harvest NSW’ was a way to get the State’s workforce moving again.

“Never before and never again will Australians have a better chance to take up farm work, earn a decent wage and see first-hand our beautiful regions where the food we buy every day from the supermarket is produced,” Mr Marshall said.

“My message to the increasing number of people looking for a job at the moment is this: get off your bum and get into agriculture – we need you.

“Take a look at Help Harvest NSW and see what job opportunities are around the corner.”

Browse the job boards and recruitment services here: 


Aiming For No Waste In Our Waterways

Northern Beaches Council has developed a Charter which aspires to have zero waste entering its seas and waterways.

The Zero Waste to Ocean Charter was adopted by Council on Tuesday evening, highlighting the need for a range of initiatives to eliminate pollutants flowing into local waterways and beaches.

Council currently removes around 1,200 tonnes of rubbish from our networks every year, which is equivalent to stopping three tonnes of waste going into the ocean every day.

This Charter will support even greater and more widespread waste removal efforts across a range of different areas from stormwater pipes to planning future development.

Mayor Michael Regan said the Charter will set aspirational targets to work towards, aiming to protect and improve the waterways and beaches residents and visitors love on the Northern Beaches.

“Our waterways, particularly our shoreline and beaches, define our lifestyle and attraction to the world, so it’s a no-brainer we should do everything in our power to protect it,” Mayor Regan said.

“With researchers predicting a massive increase in the volume of plastics in global oceans by 2040, we all have to do our bit locally to stem the trajectory of waste in all our waterways.”

Mayor Regan said the charter would commit Council to embed four principles in its action and strategic planning, and will support Council’s adopted Environment and Climate Change Strategy to safeguard its catchments and waterways, making them healthy, resilient and sustainable.

“We want to keep enjoying the benefits of our waterways for generations to come, so we need to act now to protect them.

‘I would also like to acknowledge and thank the members of the Environment Strategic Reference Group, many who are locals who share a passion for the Environment, who collaborated closely in making this Charter a reality,” he said.

Charter principles include enhanced waste removal initiatives in the existing stormwater network, setting quality benchmarks, community education and integrating best practice into development controls.

Council will incorporate the principles in everyday practice and is calling on all councils to join in its goal for zero waste in shared waterways.


Australian Open Of Surfing Entries 

Due to recent border closures and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic the Australian Open of Surfing will no longer be an interstate tour for 2020 but rather individual events across Qld and NSW. 

“Due to the uncertainty with border closures, the 2020 Australian Open Of Surfing will now be six stand-alone events in Qld and NSW open to all Australian surfers able to compete provided they are abiding by Government regulations,” said Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden. 

The events will take place in the latter months of 2020 and provide professional and aspiring surfers with the opportunity to win prize money and gain momentum going into 2021.
 
All events are COVID-19 safe and will abide by border closures but if surfers are legally allowed in that state, then they can compete. 

Entries to all events are gauged and based off the 2020 World Surf League (WSL) Qualification Series (QS) rankings. 
 
Former WSL Championship Tour and current coach to World Champion Tyler Wright, Glenn Hall emphasised the importance of a  like this for surfers to keep their competitive skills intact.
 
“I would encourage any surfers I’m working with to enter an event like this in order to keep their blade sharp and to remain competitive,” said Hall.
 
The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing will see events in:
  • Sunshine Coast, Qld – 19th – 20th September 2020 - Entries open Monday, 17th August at 5pm
  • Gold Coast, Qld – 31st October – 1st November 2020 - Entries open Monday, 17th August at 5pm 
  • Cronulla – 8th – 9th November, 2020 - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
  • Victoria – Date and location TBC
  • Kiama – 22nd – 23rd November, 2020 - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
  • Coffs Harbour – 29th – 30th November, 2020 - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
  • Northern Beaches – 13th – 14th December, 2020  - Entries open Monday, 7th September at 5pm
The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing events were created for Australia’s best surfers in iconic Australian surf locations. 

All Surfing NSW events are in line with the current NSW public health order and we work with Sport NSW and NSW Office of Sport on all plans. Surfing NSW has developed a COVID safety plan to ensure the safety of all staff, participants and local stakeholders.

More information will be released in the coming weeks via Surfing NSW's social platforms. 
 
The NSW events in the 2020 Australian Open of Surfing is proudly supported Kiama Municipal Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Sutherland Shire Council and Northern Beaches Council.

Domestic Waste Council Charges Review

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking feedback on its recently released discussion paper on domestic waste management charges levied by local councils. 
IPART previously decided not to regulate waste charges. They now need to consider whether this is the right approach going forward.

The discussion paper asks for feedback on any issues with the prices charged for waste management services, and, if so, how IPART should respond.


IPART are particularly interested in whether charges reflect the reasonable and efficient costs of providing waste services, while meeting environmental and legislative requirements. 

The feedback will also help identify any opportunities for greater transparency for customers and councils.

Have your say
You can provide feedback by completing the online form here. 
Have your say by Tuesday 6 October 2020.


New Footpath Program 2020/21

Council have developed the New Footpath Program for 2020/21 in line with directions set out in the 2019 Northern Beaches Walking Plan. The program aims to deliver new footpaths at prioritised locations to improve the walking network and help connect the community.

The $3.6 million program will see the construction of approximately 18 kilometres of new footpaths across the Northern Beaches.

Council notifies local residents about proposed works along their street. For more information about what's happening in your area and to view proposed designs, please click on the projects below and let Council know if you have a question or comment.

Proposed new footpaths
Contact
For general information about the New Footpath Program 2020/21:
Jennifer Moody, Community Liaison Officer, Capital Projects
Phone: 1300 434 434

Online Toolkit Helping NSW Businesses During COVID-19

A new online toolkit is helping businesses as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.
The online toolkit developed by the NSW Government’s business advisory service, Business Connect, includes business-related webinars, fact sheets and training videos.

The webinars are all pre-recorded and can be watched for free at any time.

Webinar topics include:
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the webinars contained invaluable tips for business owners across the state.

“It’s been a really tough year for small businesses, with drought, bushfires, floods and the ongoing COVID-19 global health pandemic hitting the hip pockets of business owners right around the state,” Mr Tudehope said.

“This is just one-way businesses can get access to the tools and resources they need to relaunch or re-establish during these challenging times.”



DoggieRescue.com

Pets Of The Week

Iris


AGE/SEX: 8 years / F
BREED: Maltese X Silky
Iris came from the pound with a terribly matted coat and signs of allergic dermatitis. Her ears were very infected. She has narrowed ear canals and is looking for a family diligent with their care. Iris is nervous when being picked up and can nip. She needs to trust you slowly. She has been clipped and her ears and skin are under treatment. She has a non-shedding coat and weighs 5.8kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450. 

Macadamia


Macadamia is a black and white coated girl and is approximately 3 years old. She is a little shy and doesn't like being picked up so needs a family that is calm and understands how to make her feel safe and comfortable. She loves her food yet manages to keep a petite figure at 3.2 kg
She comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 

If you are interested in meeting her, call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@DoggieRescue.com. 

DOG WALKING is recommencing
DoggieRescue is delighted to announce restrictions have been lifted on walking at our shelter, we are looking forward to welcoming you back onsite. 

We have had some changes occur during COVID-19 that we want you to be aware of. We no longer require you to sign up in advance for dog walking. However, due to the large number of successful adoptions we have very few child friendly dogs available to walk so we may not be able to accommodate walking for your family at this point, also due to the sheer number of adoptions we have fewer dogs onsite who are ready to walk with the public. This means there may be a delay in getting a dog for you to walk. We ask for your patience with our team at this time. 

We continue to practise social distancing onsite and have plenty of hand sanitiser ready for your return.
We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones to our shelter and appreciate your ongoing support during these difficult times.

We are in urgent need of Topical Heartworm Treatment(Advocate or Revolution), Breeder’s Choice Cat Litter, cat food, cable ties and latex gloves.

Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.

Meet our top ten doggies desperate for a foster home. These are most frequently doggies who have spent a long time in the shelter and are in urgent need of some quiet time in a loving home.

For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call  9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024. 

Have Your Say On The Proposed Concept Design For The New Warriewood Valley Community Centre

Friday, 28 August 2020

Northern Beaches Council has given the green light for the second round of community consultation to seek feedback on the proposed concept design for the new Warriewood Valley Community Centre.

Mayor Michael Regan said feedback from the first round of consultation in March 2019 with targeted community groups was overall supportive for the new centre.

“The first round of consultation was very useful to gauge people’s views and to inform the design brief and concept design to ensure user expectations are met,” Cr Regan said.

“The Centre’s concept plan has been drawn up with future needs in mind and the building is developed in line with best-practice sustainability principles.

“The Centre will be an attractive, modern and resilient building with multi-use spaces and the capacity to switch to an Emergency and Recovery Centre during a period of community crisis.”

Mayor Regan encouraged members of the community to voice their opinion on the project.

Council is seeking community feedback all of September, 2020. The Concept Design and associated documents are available on Council's Warriewood Valley Community Centre webpage. 

Visit: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/Warriewood_Community_Centre

Concept Design - WVCC View from Boondah Reserve - Artist Impression

Three Cheers For Northern Beaches Volunteers!

August 28, 2020: Centre for Volunteering
We were greeted with so many smiling faces and inspiring stories at the Northern Beaches virtual ceremony for the 2020 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards today. It was the perfect way to end the week!

Great to meet the energetic team members from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Sports Camp Volunteers who come from all walks of life to help young people with a disability get active. Winifred Garland and her volunteer band of cooks and crafters are another inspiration to us all, just like the serial volunteer from North Balgowlah Therese Ravell and young wildlife rescuer and bush and surf volunteer Maja Dalby-Ball Olsen from Avalon.

The 2020 NSW Volunteer of the Year for Sydney’s Northern Beaches is Therese Ravell who has volunteered with Meals on Wheels NSW for the past decade, along with many other groups and causes.

2020 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award recipients for the Northern Beaches are: 

Young Volunteer of the Year – Maja Dalby-Ball Olsen from Avalon
HSC student Maja Dalby-Ball Olsen spreads her volunteering hours across many organisations including the local SES and Surf Life Saving organisations as well as the local Youth Council. She was also a part-time carer to five baby ring tail possums through the local WIRES service.

Adult Volunteer of the Year – Therese Ravell from North Balgowlah
Therese is described as a serial volunteer who has been helping to steer the volunteering efforts of Meals on Wheels NSW for the past decade. She also helps her local P&C and Cubs branch, dune care group and raises money for the Leukemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave and the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal.

Senior Volunteer of the Year – Winifred Garland from Dee Why
Eighty-something year-old Winifred Garland has dedicated the past 30 years to supporting the Australian Heart and Lung Transplant Association.  She leads a small team of cooks and crafters who take their produce to local markets to help raise $20,000 each year to support transplant patients and their families.

Volunteer Team of the Year – The Cerebral Palsy Alliance Sports Camp Volunteers  
The close knit volunteer Sports Camp team from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance give people with a disability access to organised sport in a safe, fun and rewarding environment. The team is made up of a university and high school student, a corporate retiree, an electrician and a teacher. The multi-skilled team helps build comradery and confidence in young people living with a disability.

Regional finalists for the awards are announced at 25 ceremonies throughout NSW and are invited to the Gala State Ceremony for the announcement of the 2020 NSW Volunteer of the Year.

The 2020 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are supported by principal partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW, which represents the state’s 1,400 not-for-profit clubs.

Avalon Boomerang Bags: Need Clean Pillowcases

Some of our volunteers are making laundry bags for nurses and paramedics.

"Our local front line responders plus nurses have requested laundry bags.  At the end of a shift, they strip down, shower and need a place to put potentially contaminated uniforms.  

Our standard boomerang bag without handles is a good size for the nurses. However, a paramedic’s uniform is much bulkier and for a pair of pants and a shirt, the bag needs to be a bit larger. A draw string top works well.  

Stay safe and well."

If you have some decent pillowcases you can donate, please drop them at our workshop on Tuesdays between 11.30am-3.30pm in the Avalon Rec Centre.

Many thanks
Avalon Boomerang Bags

NSW Women Of The Year Awards 2021

The NSW Women of the Year Awards nominations for 2021 are open and feature two exciting new categories:

The NSW Woman of Excellence Award celebrates role models, who have excelled in their chosen field. In doing so, they affect lasting change and are an inspiration to others.

The One to Watch Award recognises girls and young women aged seven to seventeen, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and/ or kindness to help and support those around them.

Before you begin your nomination, please read:
Nominations close at 11.59pm on Friday 11 September 2020.

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year: A dedicated pillar of her community, she is a role model who promotes economic, cultural and/or social wellbeing of Aboriginal people in NSW.

NSW Community Hero: She works tirelessly for her community. She’s the first to roll up her sleeves to help others, and motivates those around her to contribute to their communities.

NSW Regional Woman of the Year: Shines a light on the accomplishments of an extraordinary woman living in regional NSW.

NSW Woman of Excellence Award: A role model, who has excelled in her chosen field. In doing so, she affects lasting change and is an inspiration to others.

NSW Young Woman of the Year: A woman aged 18-30 years, who has demonstrated incredible potential or achievement in her chosen field, passion, or area of interest.

The One to Watch: Recognises girls and young women aged seven to seventeen, who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and/ or kindness to help and support those around them.

Y

Offshore Waste Services Review

Council are conducting a review of offshore waste services. This includes garbage, recycling, bulky goods and vegetation collection.

If you're a resident of Pittwater's offshore communities, or if you use the public wharves in some way, they’re keen to hear your thoughts on the services. They’re also interested in your ideas, big or small, for how they can be improved.

Please take a few minutes to complete the online survey.

If you have questions about the online survey or if you wish to receive a hard copy of the survey, please contact the Waste Services team by email or 1300 434 434.

Your local input will help Council plan for future processes.

Survey closes Sunday 20 September 2020.


Council's Planning For Environmental Zones (Environmental Zones Review): Expressions Of Interest Now Open

Registrations close Monday September 7th 2020

Council is committed to demonstrating a clear process for establishing the principles and criteria for identifying land suitability and recommending future zoning.

As part of Planning our Sustainable Future, Council is undertaking a review of existing land use zones used in the four current Local Environment Plans (LEPs).

Council would like your involvement in the review of Environmental Zones (also known as E Zones).

The Environmental Zones Review will help establish which land areas are included in, or excluded from, Environmental Zones. It will also identify a criteria, proposed land uses and include mapping of proposed zones.

Council will be providing a range of opportunities for you to get involved and provide feedback during the review.

Register to be involved

Council are currently seeking expressions of interest to participate in focus groups as part of the Environmental Zones Review and seeking nominations to allow Council to undertake site inspections to better understand the application of current and potential zones.

Focus groups will be held online in late September to early October 2020.

Site inspections will be undertaken at several stages throughout the project, with the first round of inspections commencing in September 2020.

Expressions of interest close Monday September 7th 2020.

A shortlist of participants will be notified by email and will have the opportunity to nominate for a session. Specific dates and times will be provided at that time.

For further information, please contact Renee Coull on 8495 6260 or by email.

Register here: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/planning-ezones

Forest Men’s Kitchen Requests Your Assistance

Many older men have never had the need or desire to spend any time in the kitchen, but now in their later years have either realised that they may need to cook for themselves sometime in the future or are already in the situation where they must cook at home. Also, many blokes having left work have lost a lot of the social contact they once had while they were employed.

Forest Men’s Kitchen provides opportunities for older men to gather together and learn cooking skills and also build their support network.  

In order to keep our costs to members within the reach of a bloke on the aged pension, we rely heavily on grants from our supporting organisations. However, during these strange pandemic times the likelihood of the Forest Men’s Kitchen receiving our usual grants looks less likely. 

Some months ago, as the president and founder of the Forest Men’s Kitchen, Peter Watson was nominated as a candidate in the Westfield Local Heroes award program and that award carries a $10,000 prize with it.  To help win this award and contribute $10K to the Forest Men’s Kitchen we would really welcome your vote for Peter Watson by clicking on the link below, scrolling down to his entry and pressing the “Vote Now” button under that entry. 

We also urge you to also share this with friends and groups to ask them to cast a vote for Peter Watson.   
Every vote counts - voting closes 14 September
 
For more information about the Forest Men’s Kitchen please visit their website: fmk.org.au


Council's Crown Reserve Land Categorisation: Seeking Your Input

Submissions Close Sunday October 4th, 2020

Council are proposing land categories for 35 Crown reserves as part of an obligation under the Crown Land Management (CLM) Act 2016. The CLM Act legislates that we are required to manage Crown land in the same manner as Community land, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

This is an initial land categorisation process and only relates to current/existing use. It does not propose any change of use for the subject Crown reserves or indicate desired future use.

How to have your say

Council would like your thoughts on their proposed categorisation of these reserves.

To make commenting easier, they've presented the Proposed Crown Reserve Land Categories here in an interactive PDF document. You can also download the whole document here.

If you prefer, you can share your feedback in the submission form or via email council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

Feedback is also accepted in writing marked 'Crown reserve land categorisation' PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.

A few tips to get you started:

  1. Do you know of other factors impacting on the categorisation of a particular reserve?
  2. If you think another category would be more suitable, please let us know why.
  3. Any proposed variation to land categories must be justified in line with the category objectives.

Following this process, Council can then prepare new or updated Plans of Management (PoM) for the affected reserves. The relevant community engagement requirements and process will be followed at that time.

Background

In NSW, Crown land is administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in accordance with the Crown Land Management (CLM) Act 2016, which came into effect on 1 July 2018. Following an extensive review of how Crown land is managed, the CLM Act was passed in order to create a more simplified management structure.

The CLM Act requires Crown reserves managed by Council to be managed in line with the Local Government Act (LG) Act 1993 in the same manner as Council Community land. The transition requires the affected Crown reserves to be managed via a plan of management (PoM). The first step is to assign the appropriate land categories.

The transition to managing Crown reserves in accordance with the LG Act is to occur by June 30th 2021.

On June 23rd 2020 Council resolved to undertake community consultation on the proposed land categories. Comments will be reported back to Council with a recommendation, along with a summary of community feedback. The Minister will be notified of Council’s preferred categories and, following confirmation from the Minister, PoMs can be prepared.

Community To Have A Say On Behaviour Strategy

NSW Education is seeking community feedback on a draft strategy to support positive student behaviour and create effective and engaging classrooms.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the strategy will support teachers to manage complex behaviour and improve the long-term educational outcomes for some of our most disadvantaged students.

“We need a behaviour system in our schools that considers a student’s circumstances to help them stay engaged in school and their education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We will be empowering schools to increase proactive early intervention and prevention, balanced with strong and appropriate discipline using evidence-based best practice to support students inside and outside of the school gate.

“Student behaviour has sat in the too hard basket for too long and the best tool for success we can give these students is a world-class education.”

Ms Mitchell said she wanted to see suspension for K-2 students limited to instances of physical violence and the maximum length of long suspensions halved from 20 to 10 days to break the cycle of suspension.

“This strategy gives principals more power to make the right decisions based on the student’s situation,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We know that suspension disproportionately affects vulnerable students, particularly those with disability, leaving them even further behind in their education than they were at the beginning of the suspension.”

Schools will be asked to provide work for suspended students to learn from home and check in with students daily and provide more opportunity for in-school suspension.

“Managing behaviours in the classroom is a complex task which is why this strategy is now out for extensive workshopping and in-school testing to make sure we get this right and give our schools the support they need,” Ms Mitchell said.

Changes proposed include:
  • reducing suspensions for students from Kindergarten to Year 12
  • supporting vulnerable student cohorts through early intervention and targeted support
  • developing a new model of complex behaviour support to meet the learning and wellbeing needs of all students, including students with complex, challenging and unsafe behaviours
  • establishing a dedicated workforce comprising specialist staff
  • improving access to behaviour specialists in regional and remote locations
  • exploring co-commissioning opportunities with other parts of government, in particular the Department of Communities and Justice.
The department will continue to work with students, staff, parents, carers and the community to strengthen the Student Behaviour Strategy beyond the public consultation period.

The consultation period will close on Friday September 25th 2020. Implementation will commence on Day 1, Term 1, 2021.

Have your say

Creative Northern Beaches Consult

Are you part of our creative community?
Please take Council's survey and help map Creative Northern Beaches.

Council want to know where our creative community lives and works, what they do and to understand the impact of COVID-19 since March 2020.

Your feedback will be added to the Northern Beaches Culture Map, which will include local cultural places and spaces, festivals and events, community cultural organisations, education and development resources, cultural and natural heritage assets and the local creative sector.

Mapping our cultural assets and resources, and recording what makes the Northern Beaches truly unique, will inform Council's future cultural planning and programming.

Complete their survey and go into the draw to win an annual subscription to ArtsHub.

Please note, assistance for creatives during COVID-19 can be found on Councils' website.

Find out more
Have questions or want to learn more about the project please contact us

Name:  Megan Treharne, Cultural Planning & Engagement Coordinator
Phone: 1300 434 434

Survey closes: Sunday September 20, 2020


Hobie States 2020 To Be Held On Pittwater 

August 9, 2020: Hobie Cat NSW
We are excited to announce the 2020 NSW State Titles will be held 28-29 November at Palm Beach Sailing Club and will be open to ALL CLASSES!  H14, H16, H18, Tiger and WildCat.  
Registrations will be open soon!


Council Merger Performance Report: Comments Invited

The Merger Performance Report provides a summary of our performance in addressing the NSW Government’s aims for Council mergers since the formation of the Northern Beaches Council in May 2016.

The report was prepared to correspond with the end of the Council’s first term of office following the merger. The state government has since postponed elections until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The report was presented to Council at the meeting on 28 July 2020 where it was resolved to make the report publicly available and invite comment from the community.

Council invites residents to read the report and let them know what you think in the comment form linked to below.

Your feedback will inform Council's current program of strategic service reviews, which will help ensure Council delivers appropriate, effective and efficient services to meet current and future community needs. These service reviews will be reported to Council in December.

Comments close: Mon 7 Sep 2020 at 5pm

Volkswagen Tradies Surfmasters To Return To Cronulla In November

The 2020 Volkswagen Tradies Surfmasters will call Cronulla home on the 7th of November 2020 and is set to see some of the state's best and most senior surfers duke it out for a prestigious title. 
 
The one-day event will see over 100 of NSW’s best short boarders aged Over-28 competing on the southern Sydney beach. 
 
The event will see five age divisions being contested with the Over-28 Men, Over-35 Men and Women, Over-45 Men and Women, Over-55 Men and Over-65 Men all competing.
 
Several notable entrants will be surfing in the event with former Australian Title winners and contenders all fighting for a title.
 
Entries into the event will open on the 14th September 2020. 
 
Ryan Davies, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia stated:
 
“We’re thrilled to be able to put our support behind a grassroots surfing event that will take place on one of the state’s most iconic beaches. We have some big announcements that we’ll be making in the coming week, so stay tuned.”
 
The 2020 Volkswagen Tradies Surfmasters is proudly supported by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, Tradies, Beach Burrito, Sutherland Shire Council and Surfing NSW. 

Supplementary Volunteer Grants

Volunteer based organisations can now apply for grants of between $1000- $5000 to help their volunteer programs following the disruption caused by COVID-19.  Support your volunteers to safely re-engage as 
the economy reopens! 

Apply by September 20, 2020


Phone Tower For Curl Curl Park Proposed 

A private operator is proposing to erect a phone tower in John Fisher Park in Curl Curl, right next to the Curl Curl Lagoon. Some of the concerns of the community include: 

  • The development does not comply with the Plan of Management for John Fisher Park;
  • This is a sensitive environmental area;
  • The case hasn’t been made by the private operator to warrant a new phone tower on public land; and
  • The development will be over 25m and the application includes “associated equipment”, which means more infrastructure can be built at the bottom of the facility
Residents can view the application and make a submission by visiting the Northern Beaches Council website then click on “planning and development”, then “application search” using the reference DA2020/0661. 

Zali Steggall, MP for Warringah is asking that people please send a copy of your submission to zali.steggall.mp@aph.gov.au as well.

Domestic Violence Support During Covid-19 

NB: Where to get help Fact Sheet is below. Simply click on PDF and 'save as' on your own device

People experiencing domestic violence can be assured police and frontline services are ready to support them and their families as NSW continues to respond to the coronavirus threat.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Northern Beaches community should not hesitate to seek help and support at this time. 

“If you are in danger or in an emergency call Triple Zero (000),” Mr Griffin said. “If you are in need of support services, such as housing or counselling, our hard working frontline staff are also available to help those suffering domestic violence.”  

“No person, whether they live on the Northern Beaches or anywhere in Australia, should in live in fear of violence and I urge people to seek the help they need when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Griffin added that perpetrators are on notice and that police have increased efforts to combat violence in the home including more proactive operations to enforce protection orders. 

“Police will continue to conduct Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks to keep victims safe.”

NSW Police Force Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police are monitoring rates of domestic violence. 

“High-risk and repeat offenders are being targeted by specially trained police to ensure that all orders are strictly followed and complied with and offenders are arrested if violence is detected,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said. 

“Police are also able to vary existing interim or final ADVOs if we know that violence is escalating, without needing to first go to court, so victims are immediately protected.

“NSW Police are working together with government agencies, including NSW Health, to ensure there is no increased health risk to the community in the current environment.”

The NSW Government is constantly adapting as the COVID-19 emergency evolves, which includes various justice, housing and policing responses to combat domestic violence.

Where to get help - March 2020.pdfWhere to get help - March 2020.pdf
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NSW Small Business Month Grants

Reboot, upskill and connect this October
The fourth annual NSW Small Business Month will be held in October, with events to be a combination of online and offline activities.

This year’s festival activities are designed to help small business owners to get online, adapt their business practices and engage with other organisations.

It is also about recognising the 785,000 small to medium-sized businesses that represent 41 per cent of the state’s private sector workforce that drive our economy.

The $2000 grants are designed to enable local councils and local chambers of commerce run a range of activities that will benefit and support the local small business community. 

For more information on the grant application process, visit the NSW Small Business Month website or contact the team at smallbusiness.month@treasury.nsw.gov.au or (02) 4908 4886.


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Where You Can Get Tested In Our Area:

Mona Vale Hospital - Building 14, Community Health Centre, Coronation Street, Mona Vale. Please ring to register for testing.  PHONE: 9998 6296
Mona Vale Hospital message:  The recent changes to our mask guidelines means patients, carers and visitors are to wear a mask at our hospital.  Staff will also wear a mask when they are delivering care or when they can’t socially distance 1.5 metres. Open 9am-4:30pm, 7 days. 

Dee Why Respiratory Clinic - G/5 Mooramba Road, Dee Why. 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday
Booking required via (02) 8416 5005
Booking web address; https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/dee-why-NSW-2099/dee-why-respiratory-clinic/doctors?purpose=respiratory

Brookvale Community Health Centre Clinic - 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale. 8am-6pm 7 days. No booking required

Frenchs Forest Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology - 5 Forest Way, Frenchs Forest, 8am-4pm Monday to Friday. Booking required via 1800 026 622 or (02) 9111 3405

Frenchs Forest MedLab Pathology-  8 Hilmer Street, Frenchs Forest, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday No booking required.

North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology - 1416 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen. 10am-4pm Monday to Friday. No booking required.

Northern Beaches Hospital - 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest;  Rear of Emergency Department (secluded mental health entry) 8am- 5pm, 7 days - No booking required.
Drive directly to the clinic by following the signs, please do not use the main car park.  
For people walking or travelling by public transport, follow the red line outside the hospital, then ring the Emergency Department intercom and they will be escorted to the clinic  for testing. 

PATIENTS: We are now temperature checking all staff and visitors ahead of elective surgery returning to the hospital next week. These checks will help us ensure the safety of our staff and visitors during this time.
Entry is via the main entrance or emergency department and all other entry points are closed. There is also screening at the dock for deliveries. The team conducting the checks will take temperatures and ask a few simple questions about wellbeing and possible contact with COVID-19.
Please be patient with our staff conducting the checks.
If you have a high temperature (37.5C or above) or have been unwell with a new cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, you should call the COVID-19 hotline or visit our COVID-19 clinic for assessment.  


VISITORS: To ensure the safety of all patients and staff, we need to limit the number of visitors to our hospitals and services. Patients will be asked to nominate one visitor, preferably your next of kin, for the duration of your hospital stay. We understand this will difficult for families, but we need everyone to help to protect patients and staff.

Visitors must NOT have travelled overseas in the last 14 days, NOT been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or have fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath. 

Visitors to Patient with COVID-19 (or awaiting results)
In order to provide strict infection control, no visitors will be allow to patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or those awaiting test results for COVID-19. We understand there will need to be some exceptions to this, especially with children and also with extremely unwell patients, so we ask that you talk to your families and if you have any questions, please speak to your clinical care team. 

Mask requirements: In line with NSW Health guidelines, please note all patients will be required to wear a mask when presenting to the hospital and when outside of their rooms. Visitors must wear a mask before entering the hospital. Please bring a mask from home where possible.​


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.

Please Register Wildlife Road Strikes

We need your help. Thank you for reporting wildlife road fatalities. 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: