Great news this week with the announcement from Rob Stokes that funding to renew Mona Vale SLSC has been secured means the beach patrolled by volunteers, the beach many out of area people flock to once they've driven down Mona Vale road, will have a clubhouse to benefit these thousands of annual visitors and the local community.
In 2015 Pittwater Council identified the need for a new facility and resolved to progress the building of a new clubhouse on the present site.
February 2015 Artists Impression of what could be possible for the Mona Vale site
Four months ago the administration council invited feedback from the community on a design concept, hosting drop in sessions at the clubhouse during June. Part of this was also an invitation to be part of a working group that was selected in August 2017 and includes 11 members, appointed to represent the following segments of the community: Mona Vale SLSC Exec Committee, Board Riders Group, Resident Group/ Local Business, Local Residents, Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches, Key user/hirer (?), Bronze Café.
At this stage, the new building will remain in the location of the existing facility. The facilities proposed include, but are not limited to, equipment storage, gym, restaurant, public amenities and changes rooms, function area, lifeguard room, office and a first aid room.
The new building floor area is proposed to be in the vicinity of 1400m2 and is proposed to have two storeys with lift access.
There will still be a commercial space for the café.
The construction works are proposed to commence in mid 2019 with the key stakeholders involved for the duration of the project.
Council's Capital Works Program includes an amount of $1,140,000 for the 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years.
The Member for Pittwater's announcement, which also includes some great news for Newport SLSC and Long Reef, among other local surf clubs, plus a few celebratory glances back at the development of saving lives at Bongin Bongin-Mona Vale Beach, runs HERE
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes announced On Friday (September 15) the NSW Government will provide $1 million to support Northern Beaches Council with the refurbishment of the Currawong Beach cottages.
Northern Beaches Council, which manages Currawong State Park, is planning essential improvements to the heritage listed cottages to enhance their functionality, provide greater comfort for guests and ensure their longevity.
“This is a wonderful injection of funds for one of the most iconic areas of our community,” Rob Stokes said today.
“Currawong holds a special place in the hearts of many local residents – so I’m delighted Northern Beaches Council is planning essential improvements that will enhance visitor opportunities and preserve its history.
“Anyone that’s visited Currawong knows its key drawcards are its simplicity, tranquillity and pristine surrounds.
“These refurbishments will stay true to this idea – and importantly will bring the cottages up to safer and modern standard, and make them more inviting and comfortable for guests.
“I commend Friends of Currawong, Pittwater Environmental Foundation, Northern Beaches Council and the Chair of the Currawong State Park Advisory Board, Romilly Madew, for their ongoing support and guardianship of Currawong.
“It’s fantastic the NSW Government is continuing to work with these groups to see necessary improvements introduced and the unique character of Currawong preserved,” Rob Stokes said.
Midholme, the original Currawong homestead dating from 1911, was carefully restored in 2014 through collaboration between Council, Pittwater Environmental Foundation and Friends of Currawong. This next phase of Council’s works will focus on updating the 1950s cottages and the Lodge.
Midholme - 2014: taken at Mermaids of Palm Beach Variety fundraiser
Currawong was purchased by the NSW Government in 2011 following a hard-fought community campaign against residential subdivision plans by a private owner. The NSW Government announced the creation of Currawong State Park in 2015.
More HERE
Clare Costanzo and her RPAYC team with Tony Hearder at presentation - photo courtesy CYCA
Yes, you read right – Monika Biernacki, the lady we all know for her unremitting efforts to find great homes for all dogs great or small, young or old, is also the one, supported by a great team, who has a concurrent policy of finding the best homes for those furry meowers.
For those of us who love animals but don't have the time to take a pooch for a romp morning and night, and those who like having a furry companion with a bit of independence who will love you back to bits anyway, giving a home to these highly intelligent creatures may be the best thing you ever do - for yourself, and for one of these darlings.
This week we caught up with Monika to find out more:
How long have you been housing cats at Ingleside?
We’ve been keeping cats here since 2013.
How do they get on with the dogs?
They’re in a totally separate area. Part of our offices have become the cat rooms where they have little interconnecting cat walkways and all sorts of items to give them enjoyment. We also built an outdoor cat area so some time in the sun each day is part of their routine while keeping them apart from the wildlife in a totally enclosed space.
How any cats do you have at Monika’s now?
There are 10 at present here. The rest of our cats are at the Animal Cottage Hospital, which is our Veterinary practice. The Animal Cottage Hospital is at North Parramatta. This practice is where those animals that come into us needing attention receive whatever it is they need. There’s a bit of running back and forward involved for us but that’s what we do.
We often take mum cats with newly born kittens and pregnant cats so they end up staying at the clinic to begin with. They will often whelp these at the clinic and then place the kittens up for adoption.
Any cat that hasn’t found a home after a while we move across to here, where we house more of the adult cats.
More HERE
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