Front Page April 2025: Issue 641
Week Two April 2025 (April 7 - 13)
Happy Dance Time! Narrabeen Sports High School to receive new Performing Arts Hall as part of major upgrade

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, The Hon. Prue Car, and Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby with NSHS Dance Academy students. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM
The Minns Labor Government is continuing its commitment to rebuilding public education in NSW, with the announcement that Narrabeen Sports High School will receive a brand-new Performing Arts Hall, in addition to upgrades already underway.
The new stand-alone performance hall will include:
- A stage and large performance area with seating for up to 500 students
- Two acoustically treated music rooms
- A smaller performance space with a sprung wooden floor to support dance and other creative arts subjects
This marks the first time the school will have a dedicated performing arts space. Until now, the school has relied on off-site venues for performing arts activities.
The new facility complements ongoing upgrades across the campus, which include:
- Renovated Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) classrooms
- Refurbished science labs
- Upgraded amenities and change rooms
- A new roof across large sections of the school
In addition, new turf has been laid on the school’s sports oval. The area had been temporarily used by Narrabeen North Public School during upgrade works for the primary school and has now been returned to Narrabeen Sports High for school use.
Upgrades to 20 classrooms in Block C are also in progress, with final designs nearing completion and construction expected to begin in the coming months.
This work is part of the Minns Government’s record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded public schools across NSW, including $3.6 billion for schools in Western Sydney.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, and Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, visited the school on Friday Aril 11 to tour the new upgrades and meet with staff, students, and parents as Term 1 came to a close.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, The Hon. Prue Car, said:
“After years of neglect and broken promises from the former Liberal government, the Minns Labor Government is delivering high quality facilities for the Northern Beaches.
“Investing in our public schools is essential to ensuring every student in NSW has access to a world-class education.
“This upgrade will enrich student life at Narrabeen Sports High school—academically, physically, and creatively—for years to come.
“These improvements strengthen schools as community assets that serve local families and foster student success across generations.”
Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, said:
“Dedicated creative and performing arts facilities at Narrabeen Sports High School are a big win for both the school and our local community.
“These are more than just buildings—they are an investment in our young people’s talents and a major expansion of the educational opportunities at the school.
“I advocated strongly for these facilities in Parliament and directly with the Minister, highlighting the school’s lack of creative space. With a government that supports the creative industries, we’re backing the next generation of talent from the ground up.
“I thank the NSW Government for its collaborative approach and commitment to the arts—it will have a lasting impact on this school and our region. This was the culmination of community action and advocacy of the P&C and will help our kids be shining lights on stages for years to come.
“Pittwater has a proud tradition in the creative arts, and it’s wonderful to see our students finally getting the performance spaces they deserve.”
Narrabeen Sports High School Principal, Heidi Currie, said:
“We’re excited to see our students and staff make the most of these new and upgraded facilities.
“Education opens the door to opportunity, and we’re proud to partner with our community to build a school that challenges students to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
“These flexible, innovative learning spaces are designed to support the success of every student— and we look forward to what’s ahead.”
Suzie Stanford - President of the P&C said:
“On behalf of the P&C Executive and the entire Narrabeen Sports High School community, we are beyond thrilled about today’s announcement of a brand-new, purpose-built Creative & Performing Arts building for Narrabeen Sports High School.
“Today marks a bright new chapter for our school. NSHS will finally have purpose-built, state-of-the-art Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) classrooms and performance spaces to learn and perform in. These facilities will provide endless opportunities for our talented students and deliver much-needed, dedicated CAPA spaces for our students to develop and showcase their creative talents.
“This announcement is the result of great collaboration and coordinated efforts from our State and Federal MPs, the NSW Education Department, the NSW Government, the school staff, and the P&C. The dream of this exceptional facility has finally become a reality, giving our students and teachers the resources they deserve. We are deeply grateful to the NSW Education Department and the NSW Government for investing in our school, listening to our pleas for support, and recognising the incredible potential of our students and teachers.
“We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our local member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, who championed our cause from her very first day in Parliament *, and to our federal MP for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, whose long-standing support has been invaluable. Without their dedication and advocacy, this dream would not have been realised.
“This new facility will create fantastic opportunities for all our students to explore their creative passions, whether in dance, music, or drama. Our Dance Academy and HSC students will finally have purpose-built spaces where they can truly shine and showcase their talents.”

Narrabeen Sports High School Principal Heidi Currie, Suzie Stanford President of the NSHS P&C, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and The Hon. Prue Car, Deputy Premier and NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM
Line honours to Koa in Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race
Saturday April 12, 2025
Koa, the TP52 owned by Andy Kearnan and co-skippered by he and Mark Griffith, has taken line honours in the 2025 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race that started off Barrenjoey Headland on Friday at 1pm.
Koa finished the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s annual east coast classic at 11.10.21.46pm this evening, in the time of 1 day, 10hrs 21mins 46secs. It was well outside the record time set by Peter Harburg’s super maxi, Black Jack, of 17hrs 10mins 31secs in 2022, but Koa’s crew sailed an exemplary race.
Line honours to Koa. Photo: Alex Dare/ Pittwater Coffs.
Koa also currently holds top spot for overall honours and will be hard to beat. Behind her, six yachts are battling for a podium finish, the order changing throughout the race so far. Shortly after midnight, Richard Hudson’s modified Farr 45, Pretty Woman, had assumed second place overall, overtaking Geoff Hill’s Santa Cruz 72, Antipodes, from Hong Kong.
Anarchy (Grant Pocklington), Sticky (Richard Harris), last year’s line honours victor, XS Moment (Ray Hudson) and Khaleesi (Sandy Farquharson) are also in the picture with the first two-handed entry, Verite, sitting eighth overall.
Full reports by Di Pearson HERE
Electric Day 1 of 2025 Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final

Saturday April 12 2025
42 of the nation's top boardrider clubs put on electrifying performances in the opening rounds of the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Presented by NRMA Insurance. Burleigh Heads delivered fun and contestable conditions, creating a day of fierce competition and comradery.
Event wildcards Merewether Boardriders — who narrowly missed qualification through the state rounds — delivered the field a powerful reminder of their talent, posting the highest heat total of the opening round with a combined 41.49 points.
A major upset saw powerhouse club North Narrabeen bow out of competition following a costly error. Veteran and former professional surfer Nathan Hedge mistakenly took off on two waves — despite being permitted only one as the designated Power Surfer under the event rules — resulting in a five-point penalty that ultimately ended the club’s campaign.
Also bowing out were Bungan and Queenscliff.
However, North Avalon Surfriders Association (NASA) and North Steyne BRC were successful in their opening heats and will contest the Quarterfinal rounds today, Sunday April 13 with totals of 29.79 and 36.50 respectively in the Round 1 heats
NASA surfers competing on Saturday were Arch Whiteman, Fraser Dovell, Cedar Leigh-Jones, Isaiah Vaealeki and Shane Carroll.
The North Steyne crew comprised Sol Gruendling, Axel Rose-Curotta, Saxon Reber, Dayyan Neve and Isabel Higgs.
Under the pressure of a stacked field, multiple past Grand Final winners Snapper Rocks Boardriders showed exactly why they remain one of the most dominant clubs in the country — delivering consistent, high-scoring performances across all five surfers to claim victory in their opening round heat with a total of 36.09 points.
The newly introduced Redemption Round debuted a thrilling twist to the 2025 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle presented by NRMA Insurance — offering clubs that narrowly missed qualification in their opening heats one final chance to fight their way back into contention. Freshwater, after finishing just over a point behind Byron Bay, gained that second chance.
However, after making several critical mistakes in their opening round, event favourites Torquay Boardriders Club also found themselves facing elimination. But when the pressure was at its peak, Torquay rose to the occasion and dominated the heat to secured one of the final three spots in Sunday’s Battle Rounds. Cronulla and North End also secured a spot in the Quarterfinals through the redemption round and Freshwater narrowly missed out, again by just over a point.
All results from Day 1 are available in LiveHeats.
Mascot Challenge
Today’s Mascot Challenge transformed Burleigh Hill into a vibrant showcase of colour, laughter and theatrics, as club mascots took centre stage. Cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd and judged by a specialist panel, the competition delivered plenty of entertainment and club spirit.
In the end, it was too close to call — North Shore Boardriders and Bungan Boardriders shared the honours, splitting the $2500 prize. In fact, after bowing out early, Bungan's team could be cheering on everyone on every team all day long.
From emerging juniors to seasoned pros, Olympians and World Champions, the opening rounds served up thrilling performances as clubs from every corner of the country put their depth, strategy and local pride on full display.
All eyes now turn to Finals Day — where the nation’s best boardrider clubs will go head-to-head in a battle for ultimate bragging rights.
The stage is set for an explosive showdown at Burleigh Heads, with conditions expected to fire and Australia’s top surfing talent ready to leave nothing in the tank as they, surf, run, and sprint their way towards glory.
The event is being broadcast LIVE on mySURFtv YouTube, Kayo Freebies, and Foxtel, ensuring fans can tune in from anywhere. Watch Day One HERE and Day Two HERE.
Below, a sample of why the Bungan Boardriders team of Darcy Crump, Milla Brown, Luca Elder, Lucy Brown and Phil Hoile, and support crew, may return home a little hoarse:
The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 2025: Finals Results + 'Wrap'

Newport SLSC excelled again this year, finishing the championships ranked 2nd on 249 points, with their Newport Kinghorn Academy Surf Racing Academy accounting for a swathe of those - although all local clubs had members winning points for their club in each Age Division or ensuring their club's colours were front and centre on the sand or in the water.
The peninsula also saw a large crew of officials heading north to ensure the championships could take place, happily giving their time, energy, and a fair amount of money, to be where they could support the events.
On a special note during the week of Aussies, Newport's Life Member Gary Cook received a recognition award for his 30 years of service as an official which is an outstanding contribution to his club and lifesaving as a whole.
Gary Cook at Newport SLSC's 2025 Pool to Peak swims. Photo: A J Guesdon
2025 Surfboat Officials. Photo: Malcolm Trees
2025 Surfboat Officials - ABSLSC's Melinda Akehurst in the centre. Photo: Malcolm Trees
Three great peninsula March Past teams made the Finals with the Collaroy Ladies being awarded the Gold, the Freshwater Maroon in 5th and the Collaroy Bears in 8th.
The Collaroy Ladies Team have been judged the best of all the March Past teams at Branch, State and Nationals over several years, with the Collaroy Bears also always among the best of the best. These two teams are excellent exponents of the traditional event that dates back to the pioneering days of Surf Life Saving. Ladies March Past was first held in 1946 and Collaroy competed and won the first NSW Ladies March Past Championship in 1947. In those days the team comprised a total of 20 marchers.
The Collaroy Ladies weren't the club's only Gold on the sand with Kerry Armstrong winning the 70-74 Female 1km Beach Run and Miho Kawasaki winning the 60-64 Female 1km Beach Run.
Some of the biggest smiles came from more than 30 athletes hitting the beach for the Adaptive Program events on Day Eight of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
With most competitors tackling all events – beach runs, beach sprints, flags, swim, board and wading – the competition was fierce in front of a loud and energetic crowd at North Kirra.
In its second year of operation, the Adaptive Program at Aussies aims to give people of all abilities the opportunity to experience the exhilarating thrill of surf sports, whilst growing participation and competition opportunities nationwide.
John Baker AM ESM, President of Surf Life Saving Australia said, “This shows that Surf Life Saving is for everyone. We pride ourselves and our Surf Clubs on being really open and it doesn’t matter where you come from, what your ability is, what your background, everyone is welcome at a Surf Club, and everyone can find a meaningful place and rewarding experience.
“This is a great example of what we want to be as a movement which is open to all Australians.
“We are seeing growth in numbers from last year and we would like to grow those numbers further. Our aim is to make this a showcase every year and be an example to other sports on what they can do with inclusivity and adaptive programs.
“There is a huge amount of interest from those here at the Australian Surf Life Saving Champs and the support has been great to see.” Mr. Baker said
Gold, Silver, Bronze, points and 'having a go' is still brimming over across all ages - it's a good thing everyone has an Autumn School Holidays break to wind down in.
Week Two April 2025 (April 7 - 13)
Electric Day 1 of 2025 Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final - NASA, North Steyne into Quarterfinal rounds
Dr Scamps’ plan to protect Pittwater: Nomination For Heritage Listing
Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race 2025: The Race reports by Di Pearson
Mackellar - Warringah 2025 Candidates by Ballot draw + Record Voters this Election + Community Fed up with Juvenile behaviour during election campaigns + How Preferential Voting works: YOU Determine which way your vote flows
Healthscope Announces it Wants to Exit Northern Beaches Hospital, Return it to the Government
Manly to Barrenjoey Peninsula Tops Uptake of NSW Government's Household Battery Incentive + Mackellar MP's Residential Batteries Policy Adopted by Labor + Warringah MP Steggall's Comment + Labor’s home battery plan must be properly targeted to be fair
ABSLSC 100th Anniversary Monthly Reflections in the Waves - April by Roger Sayers OAM
Aquatics: Risk of rip current deaths highest among young men at unpatrolled beaches: SLSA - UNSW's New Research
Cirque Du Joy – Reset the Dial: The Women’s Resilience Centre’s Most Critical Fundraising Event
Fewer rescues, smarter boaters: Marine Rescue NSW sees drop in March 2025 missions - Cottage Point tops local unit rescues
Partnership Expands Surf Lifesaving NSW's Drone Operations Out of Sight
Park Bench Philosophers: Roderic Quinn's Poems and Prose For Manly, Beacon Hill, Dee Why and Narrabeen - some Autumn School Holidays inspiration to enjoy our great outdoors
Mixed Results: Latest Telco Customer Complaint Performance Rankings from ACMA
________________________
Week One April 2025 (March 31 - April 6)
NB: The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 'wrap' will run Sunday April 13
Bilgola Big Winner in 2024-25 NSW Government's Surf Club Facilities Grants: Over 1.3 Million allocated to local clubs
Australian Boardriders Battle 2025 Grand Final: Seven Local Clubs Have Qualified - runs next weekend 12-13 April and will be broadcast LIVE
Pictures: McCarrs Creek Public Jetty, Brown's Bay Public Jetty, Rostrevor Reserve, Cargo Wharf, Church Point Public Wharf: a few pictures from the Site Investigations for Pittwater Public Wharves History series 2024-25
Aquatics: It’s on for young and old in Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race by Di Pearson
Bonnie Harvey announced as Greens Candidate for Warringah 2025
Marine Rescue NSW to host International Maritime Rescue Federation events in August
Food: The Waterfront Café & General Store: Lunch at 'On The Deck'
Park Bench Philosophers: Good news beach lovers: our research found 39% less plastic waste around Australian coastal cities than a decade ago - CSIRO
DIY Ideas: BOM's Autumn 2025 Forecast Makes this Season Great for Garden Care + What to Plant Now
2025 Federal Election Questions for Candidates: Send yours in now + Enrolment details (closes April 7) + Postal Votes + Key Dates from the AEC
ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration Services: when and where
Council Review of Alcohol Free Zones: Feedback closes April 27 2025 - changes for some areas proposed
Digital Parking permits coming for across the Peninsula + CellOPark Dispute 2024-2025 + NSW Government's Ticketless Parking Reforms and Consultation on Equal Access to Beach Parking Permits (open until April 17 2025)
NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4
Scamps' Call for Residential Battery Subsidies May Ease Council's EV-Charging Stations Dilemma + Solar for Apartment Residents incentive open until December 31 + EV and Hybrid vehicle data for our area by postcode + NSW Inquiry into Infrastructure for electric and alternative energy source vehicles in NSW (closing date for submissions is Friday 2 May 2025) + ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid
Minns Government Announces 'Joe's Law' to End Private-Public Hospital Model As Inquiry into Safety and Quality of Services at Northern Beach Hospital Opens for Submissions Submissions close May 20 2025
Monika's Doggie Rescue: 3 x Chihuahua Pup Litters need ongoing care
Boaters reminded not to get complacent on the water: MRNSW's February 2025 Rescues - Boating Season Closes Anzac Day 2025

This year's Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 'wrap' of members efforts from the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch is a compilation of Surf Lifesaving Australia, Surf Life Saving New South Wales, Avalon Beach and Newport surf club reports.
Newport SLSC excelled again this year, finishing the championships ranked 2nd on 249 points, with their Newport Kinghorn Academy Surf Racing Academy accounting for a swathe of those - although all local clubs had members winning points for their club in each Age Division or ensuring their club's colours were front and centre on the sand or in the water.
The peninsula also saw a large crew of officials heading north to ensure the championships could take place, happily giving their time, energy, and a fair amount of money, to be where they could support the events.
On a special note during the week of Aussies, Newport's Life Member Gary Cook received a recognition award for his 30 years of service as an official which is an outstanding contribution to his club and lifesaving as a whole.
Three great peninsula March Past teams made the Finals with the Collaroy Ladies being awarded the Gold, the Freshwater Maroon in 5th and the Collaroy Bears in 8th.
Some of the biggest smiles came from more than 30 athletes hitting the beach for the Adaptive Program events on Day Eight of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
Gold, Silver, Bronze, points and 'having a go' is still brimming over across all ages - it's a good thing everyone has an Autumn School Holidays break to wind down in.
This Issue the full list of Finalists across all Age Divisions and Events.

Pictures McCarrs Creek Public Jetty, Brown's Bay Public Jetty, Rostrevor Reserve, Cargo Wharf, Church Point Public Wharf: Site Investigations for Pittwater Public Wharves History series 2024-25
Community News Autumn School Holidays - Easter Break, Public Meeting: Hear the Candidates Speak, Meet + Greet 2025, Little things, Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation, Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club Last Sail for the Season, Wedding Island, Have your say on the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan, Island Café: Catherine Park, ACMA welcomes commercial radio code of practice consultation, Pittwater Vessel Thefts: Appeal for Information, Showbags given green light for 2025 Royal Easter Show, Marine Rescue Broken Bay News, Partnership Expands Drone Operations Out of Sight, Classics, Hot Rod and Bikes Show 2025, Expert youth crime panel announced for Applied Research in Crime and Justice Conference, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Hera + Doris, Consultation on Bus Stop Relocation: Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach, 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize Entries Now open, Proposed Road Reserve Closure - Council Land Sale Avalon Beach, Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road: Update, ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration Services, Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards, New Wyong Safe Haven offers mental health support, National worker registration scheme feedback, Pittwater Offshore News, Pittwater Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment, Residents Associations and Groups
Environment Noisy Friarbirds Spotted in Local treed suburbs for the first time, Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage; NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4, Kudos to Council workers: Blue Groper Rescued from Rockpool, Aussie Bird Count 2024 Results, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association - Autumn 2025 Newsletter, Have your say on the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, ‘1080 pest management’, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Friday essay: in an uncertain world, ‘green relief’ offers respite, healing and beauty, Coalition plan to dump fuel efficiency penalties would make Australia a global outlier, Peter Dutton’s climate policy backslide threatens Australia’s clout in the Pacific – right when we need it most, We study ‘planktivores’ – and found an amazing diversity of shapes among plankton-feeding fishes, Reality check: coral restoration won’t save the world’s reefs, Fresh details emerge on Australia’s new climate migration visa for Tuvalu residents. An expert explains, Batteries for all, not just the rich? Labor’s home battery plan must be properly targeted to be fair, 98% of Queensland prawn areas at risk of inundation by rising seas this century, Biosecurity policies can be annoying – but a century of Antarctic data shows they work, Antarctica’s hidden threat: meltwater under the ice sheet amplifies sea-level rise, New satellite data shows NZ’s major cities are sinking – meaning rising seas will affect them sooner, Earth’s oceans once turned green – and they could change again, Drug pollution in water is making salmon take more risks – new research, Wave energy’s huge potential could finally be unlocked by the power of sound – new research, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Are turtles not safe in the estuary?, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +
Aquatics Risk of rip current deaths highest among young men at unpatrolled beaches: SLSA - UNSW's New Research
Children Sunday Cartoons: Paddington goes on Holidays, School Holidays film - Abner the Invisible Dog - Full Family Adventure Movie by Family Central, The sydney Royal Easter Show showbag Began as an Australian Sample Bag, Curious Kids: why is the Sun orange when white stars are the hottest? + why are there waves? + where are all the other galaxies hidden? + why do eggs have a yolk?, Stories this Issue: Jim and the Beanstalk + 'Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick' read by Zach Braff, groups, clubs and fun and more for you

Youth Happy Dance Time! Narrabeen Sports High School to receive new Performing Arts Hall as part of major upgrade, The Sydney Royal Easter Show Showbag Began as an Australian sample Bag, Out Front winner announced, Forest High School opens NSW’s first in-school op shop, Killarney Heights High gets a dose of Tahitian culture, Are you thinking about doing an SBAT?, Good Day Sunshine - A Winter's Tale (1974), Opportunities: New free TAFE courses to deliver Australia’s manufacturing workforce + Band Comp. at Palm Beach + SHAPE 2025 + Council's 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize Entries open now + Youth Week creative arts competition: ACYP + NSW Youth Week 2025 + Youth Advisory Council + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online +School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Rest, Friday essay: in an uncertain world ‘green relief’ offers respite, healing and beauty, Social media before bedtime wreaks havoc on our sleep − a sleep researcher explains why screens alone aren’t the main culprit, 3.5 million Australians experienced fraud last year; This could be avoided through 6 simple steps, 47% of Gen Z mainly vote to avoid a fine; It’s a sign of younger Australians’ discontent with democracy, Do I need another COVID booster? Which one should I choose? Can I get it with my flu shot?, Tools like Apple’s photo Clean Up are yet another nail in the coffin for being able to trust our eyes, Do Inuit languages really have many words for snow? The most interesting finds from our study of 616 languages, Can we really resurrect extinct animals or are we just creating hi-tech lookalikes?, Next generation computer chips could process data at the speed of light – new research, The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful, Babe at 30: why this much-loved film is one of the best cinematic translations of a children’s book, Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 at the National Gallery is a remarkable achievement, local services for you
Seniors Good Day Sunshine - A Winter's Tale (1974), $180,000 to support people living with macular disease, Big changes are planned for aged care in 2025; But you’d never know from the major parties, As more communities have to consider relocation we explore what happens to the land after people leave, New figures reveal older Australians skipping dental treatment, Innovative initiative reduces hospital length of stay for older patients, Call to action as retirees hit hard amid market volatility, Here’s a simple, science-backed way to sharpen your thinking and improve your memory, Can you spot a financial fake? How AI is raising our risks of billing fraud, Wit, charm and heart: novelist Kerry Greenwood, creator of Phryne Fisher, was a true original, Do I need another COVID booster? Which one should I choose? Can I get it with my flu shot?, Gold rush Melbourne and post-war boom: how Australia overcame housing shortages in the past, Tools like Apple’s photo Clean Up are yet another nail in the coffin for being able to trust our eyes, Local services and groups for you

DIY Ideas BOM's Autumn 2025 Forecast Makes this Season Great for Garden Care + What to Plant Now
The Bureau of Meteorology has released its long-range forecast for Autumn 2025 indicating coming weeks are likely to be warmer than usual across most of Australia and warmer nights are also likely in coastal areas of the mainland.
While Autumn is often a time for cooler weather to begin, this season is very likely to be warmer than average across Australia and summer heat may persist into early autumn, the BOM stated
Most of NSW (including the ACT) is likely to have rainfall in the typical range for autumn. Average Autumn rainfall in recent decades has been between 100 and 400 mm along most of eastern NSW, while western and central NSW have between 25 and 100 mm, and up to 600 mm in parts of the north coast.
Warmer than usual Autumn temperatures are very likely across the state.
This makes the coming weeks a great time to get outdoors and enjoy your own home garden - with great specials from Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 running until April 27 and in time for the Easter and Autumn School holidays break.
This Issue a few tips to help keep your garden healthy this Autumn plus what Native plants you can put in and what Winter veggies to plant now for harvesting food from your own place.
Food The Waterfront Café & General Store: Lunch at 'On The Deck'
The Waterfront Café & General Store
1860 Pittwater Rd, Church Point
Website: www.waterfrontstore.com.au
Phone: 9979 6633
Open: 7 days a week
Breakfast Menu is available from 06:30 - 11:30 daily.
The ‘On The Deck’ Menu is available for lunch and dinner service from 11:30am daily.
Please note: Slight variations on the menu may occur depending on time of year / seasons.
A fine day, the smell of the estuary and the gentle sounds of commuter boats putt-putting over the still waters inspired seafood fare - and here, after searching everywhere else in Pittwater, the Oysters Kilpatrick fan was able to get a dozen done just as he liked them. Requests elsewhere had been fruitless, but at the Waterfront Cafe they are part of the permanent menu.
Verdict - absolutely excellent - the best he has had in over a decade done the traditional way and with a little something extra that elevated this traditional dish above the splash of Worcestershire and bacon usually applied.

Autumn in pittwater
Week Two April 2025 (April 7 - 13)
Electric Day 1 of 2025 Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final - NASA, North Steyne into Quarterfinal rounds
Dr Scamps’ plan to protect Pittwater: Nomination For Heritage Listing
Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race 2025: The Race reports by Di Pearson
Mackellar - Warringah 2025 Candidates by Ballot draw + Record Voters this Election + Community Fed up with Juvenile behaviour during election campaigns + How Preferential Voting works: YOU Determine which way your vote flows
Healthscope Announces it Wants to Exit Northern Beaches Hospital, Return it to the Government
Manly to Barrenjoey Peninsula Tops Uptake of NSW Government's Household Battery Incentive + Mackellar MP's Residential Batteries Policy Adopted by Labor + Warringah MP Steggall's Comment + Labor’s home battery plan must be properly targeted to be fair
ABSLSC 100th Anniversary Monthly Reflections in the Waves - April by Roger Sayers OAM
Aquatics: Risk of rip current deaths highest among young men at unpatrolled beaches: SLSA - UNSW's New Research
Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage
Cirque Du Joy – Reset the Dial: The Women’s Resilience Centre’s Most Critical Fundraising Event
Fewer rescues, smarter boaters: Marine Rescue NSW sees drop in March 2025 missions - Cottage Point tops local unit rescues
Partnership Expands Surf Lifesaving NSW's Drone Operations Out of Sight
Park Bench Philosophers: Roderic Quinn's Poems and Prose For Manly, Beacon Hill, Dee Why and Narrabeen - some Autumn School Holidays inspiration to enjoy our great outdoors
Mixed Results: Latest Telco Customer Complaint Performance Rankings from ACMA
Environment Noisy Friarbirds Spotted in Local treed suburbs for the first time, Good boy or bad dog? Our 1 billion pet dogs do real environmental damage; NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4, Kudos to Council workers: Blue Groper Rescued from Rockpool, Aussie Bird Count 2024 Results, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association - Autumn 2025 Newsletter, Have your say on the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, ‘1080 pest management’, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Friday essay: in an uncertain world, ‘green relief’ offers respite, healing and beauty, Coalition plan to dump fuel efficiency penalties would make Australia a global outlier, Peter Dutton’s climate policy backslide threatens Australia’s clout in the Pacific – right when we need it most, We study ‘planktivores’ – and found an amazing diversity of shapes among plankton-feeding fishes, Reality check: coral restoration won’t save the world’s reefs, Fresh details emerge on Australia’s new climate migration visa for Tuvalu residents. An expert explains, Batteries for all, not just the rich? Labor’s home battery plan must be properly targeted to be fair, 98% of Queensland prawn areas at risk of inundation by rising seas this century, Biosecurity policies can be annoying – but a century of Antarctic data shows they work, Antarctica’s hidden threat: meltwater under the ice sheet amplifies sea-level rise, New satellite data shows NZ’s major cities are sinking – meaning rising seas will affect them sooner, Earth’s oceans once turned green – and they could change again, Drug pollution in water is making salmon take more risks – new research, Wave energy’s huge potential could finally be unlocked by the power of sound – new research, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Are turtles not safe in the estuary?, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +
Inbox News Pride and preservation: The Imperial Hotel listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, New free TAFE courses to deliver Australia’s manufacturing workforce, Do I need another COVID booster? Which one should I choose? Can I get it with my flu shot?, Reform clock is ticking – the big policy challenges the next government must urgently address, 3.5 million Australians experienced fraud last year; This could be avoided through 6 simple steps, New research shows digital technology is linked to reduced wellbeing in young kids. So what can parents do?, Selling your old laptop or phone? You might be handing over your data too, Albanese and Dutton both say they will return the Port of Darwin to Australian hands, Without women Australia’s defence force will struggle to recruit enough people, ‘Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber’: nutrition experts on the viral TikTok trend, MyMedicare promises better health care; But only 1 in 10 patients has signed up, From flowers to stalking: how ‘nice guy’ narratives can lead to male entitlement and violence against women, American liberators of Nazi camps got ‘a lifelong vaccine against extremism’ − their wartime experiences are a warning for today, Good Day Sunshine - A Winter's Tale (1974), $180,000 to support people living with macular disease, Big changes are planned for aged care in 2025; But you’d never know from the major parties, As more communities have to consider relocation we explore what happens to the land after people leave, New figures reveal older Australians skipping dental treatment, Innovative initiative reduces hospital length of stay for older patients, Call to action as retirees hit hard amid market volatility, Here’s a simple, science-backed way to sharpen your thinking and improve your memory, Can you spot a financial fake? How AI is raising our risks of billing fraud, Wit, charm and heart: novelist Kerry Greenwood, creator of Phryne Fisher, was a true original, Do I need another COVID booster? Which one should I choose? Can I get it with my flu shot?, Gold rush Melbourne and post-war boom: how Australia overcame housing shortages in the past, Tools like Apple’s photo Clean Up are yet another nail in the coffin for being able to trust our eyes, Happy Dance Time! Narrabeen Sports High School to receive new Performing Arts Hall as part of major upgrade, The Sydney Royal Easter Show Showbag Began as an Australian sample Bag, Out Front winner announced, Forest High School opens NSW’s first in-school op shop, Killarney Heights High gets a dose of Tahitian culture, Are you thinking about doing an SBAT?, Good Day Sunshine - A Winter's Tale (1974), Opportunities: New free TAFE courses to deliver Australia’s manufacturing workforce + Band Comp. at Palm Beach + SHAPE 2025 + Council's 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize Entries open now + Youth Week creative arts competition: ACYP + NSW Youth Week 2025 + Youth Advisory Council + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online +School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Rest, Friday essay: in an uncertain world ‘green relief’ offers respite, healing and beauty, Social media before bedtime wreaks havoc on our sleep − a sleep researcher explains why screens alone aren’t the main culprit, 3.5 million Australians experienced fraud last year; This could be avoided through 6 simple steps, 47% of Gen Z mainly vote to avoid a fine; It’s a sign of younger Australians’ discontent with democracy, Do I need another COVID booster? Which one should I choose? Can I get it with my flu shot?, Tools like Apple’s photo Clean Up are yet another nail in the coffin for being able to trust our eyes, Do Inuit languages really have many words for snow? The most interesting finds from our study of 616 languages, Can we really resurrect extinct animals or are we just creating hi-tech lookalikes?, Next generation computer chips could process data at the speed of light – new research, The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful, Babe at 30: why this much-loved film is one of the best cinematic translations of a children’s book, Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 at the National Gallery is a remarkable achievement
________________________
Week One April 2025 (March 31 - April 6)
NB: The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 'wrap' will run Sunday April 13
Profile of the Week: Richard Jeffery Is Working to Reinstall the North Bilgola Lookout Direction Indicator: photos of Surface or original Casting plans needed
History: Methodist Church at Church Point: The Chapel the Point is Named after - Some History
Bilgola Big Winner in 2024-25 NSW Government's Surf Club Facilities Grants: Over 1.3 Million allocated to local clubs
Australian Boardriders Battle 2025 Grand Final: Seven Local Clubs Have Qualified - runs next weekend 12-13 April and will be broadcast LIVE
Pictures: McCarrs Creek Public Jetty, Brown's Bay Public Jetty, Rostrevor Reserve, Cargo Wharf, Church Point Public Wharf: a few pictures from the Site Investigations for Pittwater Public Wharves History series 2025
Aquatics: It’s on for young and old in Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race by Di Pearson
Bonnie Harvey announced as Greens Candidate for Warringah 2025
Marine Rescue NSW to host International Maritime Rescue Federation events in August
Food: The Waterfront Café & General Store: Lunch at 'On The Deck'
Park Bench Philosophers: Good news beach lovers: our research found 39% less plastic waste around Australian coastal cities than a decade ago - CSIRO
DIY Ideas: BOM's Autumn 2025 Forecast Makes this Season Great for Garden Care + What to Plant Now
2025 Federal Election Questions for Candidates: Send yours in now + Enrolment details (closes April 7) + Postal Votes + Key Dates from the AEC
ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration Services: when and where
Council Review of Alcohol Free Zones: Feedback closes April 27 2025 - changes for some areas proposed
Digital Parking permits coming for across the Peninsula + CellOPark Dispute 2024-2025 + NSW Government's Ticketless Parking Reforms and Consultation on Equal Access to Beach Parking Permits (open until April 17 2025)
NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4
Scamps' Call for Residential Battery Subsidies May Ease Council's EV-Charging Stations Dilemma + Solar for Apartment Residents incentive open until December 31 + EV and Hybrid vehicle data for our area by postcode + NSW Inquiry into Infrastructure for electric and alternative energy source vehicles in NSW (closing date for submissions is Friday 2 May 2025) + ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid
Minns Government Announces 'Joe's Law' to End Private-Public Hospital Model As Inquiry into Safety and Quality of Services at Northern Beach Hospital Opens for Submissions Submissions close May 20 2025
Monika's Doggie Rescue: 3 x Chihuahua Pup Litters need ongoing care
Boaters reminded not to get complacent on the water: MRNSW's February 2025 Rescues - Boating Season Closes Anzac Day 2025

This year's Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 'wrap' of members efforts from the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch is a compilation of Surf Lifesaving Australia, Surf Life Saving New South Wales, Avalon Beach and Newport surf club reports.
Newport SLSC excelled again this year, finishing the championships ranked 2nd on 249 points, with their Newport Kinghorn Academy Surf Racing Academy accounting for a swathe of those - although all local clubs had members winning points for their club in each Age Division or ensuring their club's colours were front and centre on the sand or in the water.
The peninsula also saw a large crew of officials heading north to ensure the championships could take place, happily giving their time, energy, and a fair amount of money, to be where they could support the events.
On a special note during the week of Aussies, Newport's Life Member Gary Cook received a recognition award for his 30 years of service as an official which is an outstanding contribution to his club and lifesaving as a whole.
Three great peninsula March Past teams made the Finals with the Collaroy Ladies being awarded the Gold, the Freshwater Maroon in 5th and the Collaroy Bears in 8th.
Some of the biggest smiles came from more than 30 athletes hitting the beach for the Adaptive Program events on Day Eight of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
Gold, Silver, Bronze, points and 'having a go' is still brimming over across all ages - it's a good thing everyone has an Autumn School Holidays break to wind down in.
This Issue the full list of Finalists across all Age Divisions and Events.
Week One April 2025 (March 31 - April 6)
Bilgola Big Winner in 2024-25 NSW Government's Surf Club Facilities Grants: Over 1.3 Million allocated to local clubs
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper confirmed that more than a quarter of the state’s surf clubs saw their applications approved in a major announcement at Coogee on Thursday April 3.
The Program aims to assist eligible Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout NSW to create new and upgraded inclusive and accessible facilities incorporating best practice design principles that:
- Remove barriers to participation in sport and recreation for everyone but particularly for women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ people
- Increase the use of Surf Life Saving facilities by other community groups and/or the public
- Improve safety at Surf Life Saving facilities and the beaches they patrol
- Improve the financial and/or environmental sustainability of surf clubs
Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club will receive $312,370 to put towards a critical upgrade to Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club’s bathrooms and outdoor pergola, enhancing member use and improving the club’s suitability for community events and venue hire.
''These updates will ensure a safer, more functional facility for both lifesaving and club operations and the broader community.'' the club stated in its application.
Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club has been granted $86,940 for a Solar system. Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club will install a 40.94 kW solar system with battery storage, reducing energy costs and supporting sustainability. This initiative benefits club members and the community by ensuring more funds are available for lifesaving activities and facility upgrades, ultimately enhancing service reliability and reducing the club's environmental footprint.
The Pittwater Electorate has also seen Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club allocated $47,294 for Solar Panels and a Battery System.
Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club plans to install a 26.4 kW solar energy system with 2 Tesla Powerwall 3 batteries and Backup Gateway. This project will enhance energy efficiency and resilience, reducing reliance on grid power and ensuring continuous operation during outages. The installation supports long-term sustainability and cost savings.
South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club has also been allocated $216,954 as part of the Pittwater Electorates grants - this will be put towards South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club in its 101st year.
'This initiative will benefit the community by investing in upgrades like solar power, air conditioning, and modern facilities. These improvements will attract more events, increase revenue, and ensure financial independence, allowing the club to provide top-quality community services for another 100 years.' South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club stated
A 'Warringah' grant of $34,337 has been allocated to South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club. This will be put towards Minor works for Hall Acoustic Improvements. The Project entails works to add acoustic tiles, door seals and other improvements to hard surfaces in the community hall at South Curl Curl to reduce acoustic scatter for public speaking. The club is a 1930's building and is used for training events, community functions, and demographics who have difficulty hearing speech.
Dee Why SLSC will benefit from the $215,425 allocated to their upgrade of Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club’s bathroom and changing facilities through demolition, plumbing, tiling, electrical, and carpentry work. Expected outcomes include modernised, durable, and functional spaces that enhance user comfort and safety, supporting increased use by club members and the community for this Manly Electorate surf club.
The Manly Electorate also sees North Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club granted $98,738 for 'Enhancing Community Engagement and Financial Resilience'.
This project will transform North Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club’s facilities, relocating and expanding the wet area/bar to support community gatherings and social events. The improvements will foster stronger community ties, support member retention, and encourage new lifesaving memberships by creating a vibrant, family-friendly, and welcoming social space.
The biggest allocation for Manly's surf clubs is $181,583 for North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club's Building Upgrade project.
Australian Boardriders Battle 2025 Grand Final: Seven Local Clubs Have Qualified

Photo: Surfing Australia
The Grand Final of the 12th edition of the Australian Boardriders Battle will run next weekend, April 12-13, at Burleigh Heads, with the Round 1 match-ups now available. Seven local boardriders clubs have qualified to compete.
Following the unavoidable postponement due to Cyclone Alfred, Surfing Australia has worked closely with event partners and local authorities to secure the new dates that will allow for a safe and successful event.
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is the pinnacle of Australian club surfing, bringing together the best boardrider clubs in the country to compete for national glory. The rescheduled event will ensure the competition maintains its high standard, providing elite-level surfing, thrilling matchups in an unmatched format, and a world-class atmosphere.
This event brings together 42 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs who have battled through state qualifiers to earn their place in this prestigious event. They will compete for national glory, substantial prize money, and ultimate bragging rights in the country's biggest grassroots surfing competition.
At Event 7 – ABB NSW Central, held November 9th 2024 at North Narrabeen, Freshwater, North Narrabeen, North Steyne, North Avalon (NASA), Queenscliff, Bungan and Curl Curl secured a place in the Grand Final. They were among ten local boardrider clubs competing.
See: Australian Boardriders Battle Central Round at North Narrabeen: Freshwater Boardriders win
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Central NSW qualifier at North Narrabeen was won by Freshwater Boardriders Club. The crew from Freshwater Boardriders comprised Lex O'Connor, Fletcher Kelleher, Tommy Myers, Layne Beachley, and Sam Brown.
Freshwater had multiple standout moments as they progressed through heats, but it was team leader Tommy Myers who carried his team to victory.
"This is probably one of the sickest days of the whole year., " Myers said. "Congratulations to all the other finalists and teams. We traditionally haven't always been in the final, so it feels good to start to get a bit of momentum and have some great juniors coming up through Freshy!"
Surfing NSW Contest Director Corey Ross said: "We were super excited to head to Narrabeen for stop number two of the NSW Regional Qualifiers for the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle.
We had a record 16 clubs locked in to compete for the prize of being the Central Region's best boardrider club. Waves were fun for the event, in the two-foot range with light winds all day. There was plenty of exciting action, along with a number of sponsor activations at the event, so there was lots to do for everyone."
The North Narrabeen Boardriders team, who came second, had Nathan Hedge, Davey Cathels, Jordy Lawler, Jesse Daish and Ruby Trew competing.
North Steyne Boardriders secured the third place slot with Sol Gruendling, Blake Levett, Dayyan Neve, Izzy Higgs and Tiaan Cronje.
However with Bungan’s team of Darcy Crump, Luca Elder, Milla Brown, Lucy Brown and Phil Hoile, or NASA’s combo of Van Whiteman, Shane Carroll, Ollie Heinz, Molly Shepperd and Isaiah Vaeleki, you can understand how great the surfing was in the qualifier, and what those watching may be in for next weekend.
Last year, North Avalon, North Narrabeen and North Steyne all made it through the massive Saturday challenges to the last day of surfing.
See: Local Australian Boardriders Battle 2024 Grand Finalists Looking Forward To Next Comps.
A Format Like No Other
The Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance is renowned for its exciting and unique format, where club teams of five—comprising Open Men, Open Women, Junior, Masters, and a Power Surfer—compete in a tag-team relay style event. Strategy, endurance, and surf prowess combine to create some of the most intense and dramatic heats seen in competitive surfing.
Week One April 2025 (March 31 - April 6)
NB: The 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 'wrap' will run Sunday April 13
Bilgola Big Winner in 2024-25 NSW Government's Surf Club Facilities Grants: Over 1.3 Million allocated to local clubs
Australian Boardriders Battle 2025 Grand Final: Seven Local Clubs Have Qualified - runs next weekend 12-13 April and will be broadcast LIVE
Pictures: McCarrs Creek Public Jetty, Brown's Bay Public Jetty, Rostrevor Reserve, Cargo Wharf, Church Point Public Wharf: a few pictures from the Site Investigations for Pittwater Public Wharves History series 2024-25
Aquatics: It’s on for young and old in Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race by Di Pearson
Bonnie Harvey announced as Greens Candidate for Warringah 2025
Marine Rescue NSW to host International Maritime Rescue Federation events in August
Food: The Waterfront Café & General Store: Lunch at 'On The Deck'
Park Bench Philosophers: Good news beach lovers: our research found 39% less plastic waste around Australian coastal cities than a decade ago - CSIRO
DIY Ideas: BOM's Autumn 2025 Forecast Makes this Season Great for Garden Care + What to Plant Now
2025 Federal Election Questions for Candidates: Send yours in now + Enrolment details (closes April 7) + Postal Votes + Key Dates from the AEC
ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration Services: when and where
Council Review of Alcohol Free Zones: Feedback closes April 27 2025 - changes for some areas proposed
Digital Parking permits coming for across the Peninsula + CellOPark Dispute 2024-2025 + NSW Government's Ticketless Parking Reforms and Consultation on Equal Access to Beach Parking Permits (open until April 17 2025)
NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4
Scamps' Call for Residential Battery Subsidies May Ease Council's EV-Charging Stations Dilemma + Solar for Apartment Residents incentive open until December 31 + EV and Hybrid vehicle data for our area by postcode + NSW Inquiry into Infrastructure for electric and alternative energy source vehicles in NSW (closing date for submissions is Friday 2 May 2025) + ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid
Minns Government Announces 'Joe's Law' to End Private-Public Hospital Model As Inquiry into Safety and Quality of Services at Northern Beach Hospital Opens for Submissions Submissions close May 20 2025
Monika's Doggie Rescue: 3 x Chihuahua Pup Litters need ongoing care
Boaters reminded not to get complacent on the water: MRNSW's February 2025 Rescues - Boating Season Closes Anzac Day 2025

Those who visited the North Bilgola Lookout during the 1980’s and early 1990’s will remember a direction marker or toposcope of brass installed on the stone plinth that still stands in the centre of this lookout today.
The original, made of brass, was unveiled in June 1988 as a present to the community from the Rotary Club of Pittwater.
Having seen it and photographed, but now being unable to locate those images (yet), we recall it as being a simple version flat version with lines pointing to geographical features alike that atop Barrenjoey headland.
Others recall something more elaborate, alike that raised surface map at Long Reef point.
Around 20 years later, someone stole it - probably due to the value of material it had been cast from.
Now Richard Jeffery, who has been looking after the lookout for years, wants the North Bilgola Direction Indicator replaced. But first he needs to locate either a photo of the surface which shows how it was or the plans used to cast the sphere.
This Issue a few insights from Richard on this project.
Pictures McCarrs Creek Public Jetty, Brown's Bay Public Jetty, Rostrevor Reserve, Cargo Wharf, Church Point Public Wharf: Site Investigations for Pittwater Public Wharves History series 2024-25
Food The Waterfront Café & General Store: Lunch at 'On The Deck'
The Waterfront Café & General Store
1860 Pittwater Rd, Church Point
Website: www.waterfrontstore.com.au
Phone: 9979 6633
Open: 7 days a week
Breakfast Menu is available from 06:30 - 11:30 daily.
The ‘On The Deck’ Menu is available for lunch and dinner service from 11:30am daily.
Please note: Slight variations on the menu may occur depending on time of year / seasons.
A fine day, the smell of the estuary and the gentle sounds of commuter boats putt-putting over the still waters inspired seafood fare - and here, after searching everywhere else in Pittwater, the Oysters Kilpatrick fan was able to get a dozen done just as he liked them. Requests elsewhere had been fruitless, but at the Waterfront Cafe they are part of the permanent menu.
Verdict - absolutely excellent - the best he has had in over a decade done the traditional way and with a little something extra that elevated this traditional dish above the splash of Worcestershire and bacon usually applied.
Community News 2025 Election Questions for Candidates: Send yours in now + Key Dates Enrolment details, Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation, Wedding Island, Island Café: Catherine Park Scotland Island, Autumn School Holidays - Easter Break, Pittwater Vessel Thefts: Appeal for Information, Whale Entanglement Rescue Training: Marine Rescue Broken Bay & Cottage Point, Beach Clean - North Narrabeen: Sunday April 6 at 4pm, Hard courts at Winnererremy Bay Park: Build Commences, Repairs for Palm Beach Rockpool To Commence, Flooding at Middle Creek Reserve /Boat Ramp Cycle/Footpath, NSW Government receives Drug Summit report, Have your say on the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan, residential eating disorders centre opens in Charlestown, Update on EPA debris balls investigation, Harmful LGBTQ+ conversion practices now banned in NSW, Classics, Hot Rod and Bikes Show 2025, NSW Government extends mental health support for first responders, Consultation on Bus Stop Relocation: Barrenjoey Road Palm Beach, Change to Western Sydney Airport night time flight paths: now over Palm Beach!, Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week: Chuckles + Carlos, Proposed Road Reserve Closure - Land adjoining 9 Careel Head Road and 38 Burrawong Road Avalon Beach, Coles Newport Re-opening: Wednesday April 9, 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize judges announced - Entries open now, New technology brings interpreters on every police beat, Honouring extraordinary efforts during major NSW floods, ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration Services, Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road: Update, Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards, Consulting on payday super draft legislation, Veteran wellbeing must remain national priority for long term: RSL NSW, National worker registration scheme feedback, Installation of fixed speed camera on Pacific Highway between Cowan and Brooklyn, NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions open, Pittwater Offshore News, Pittwater Organisations, Sports, Social, Environment, Residents Associations and Groups
Environment Whale Entanglement Rescue Training: Marine Rescue Broken Bay & Cottage Point, Beach Clean - North Narrabeen: Sunday April 6 at 4pm, Flooding at Middle Creek Reserve /Boat Ramp Cycle/Footpath + Narrabeen Lagoon update, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association - Autumn 2025 Newsletter, Billions of litres of polluted coal mine water flowing into Great Barrier Reef + Olympic rowing venue, UNSW researchers take to the skies with airborne sensor for environmental studies, Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone, Government’s $2.5 million co-investment fund to unearth new critical minerals deposits, Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy parkrun back on track, Environmental water for Gol Gol Lake, Have your say on the NSW Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan, Update on EPA debris balls investigation, Recovering corellas returning home, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, ‘1080 pest management’, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, marine wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast, Watch out - shorebirds about, Possums In Your Roof?: do the right thing, Aviaries + Possum Release Sites Needed, Bushcare in Pittwater: where + when, Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Activities, Gardens and Environment Groups and Organisations in Pittwater, Ringtail Posses, Are turtles not safe in the estuary?, What are Labor and the Coalition offering on the energy transition, climate adaptation and emissions this election?, Australians want nature protected; These 3 environmental problems should be top of the next government’s to-do list, It’s not easy being a street tree but this heroic eucalypt withstands everything we throw at it, Scientists worked with Warlpiri to track down bilby poo – and uncover clues to help conserve these iconic animals, Flies are masters of migration – it’s about time they got some credit, 1 trillion species over 3 billion years: how we used AI to trace the evolution of bacteria on Earth, Hosting the UN climate summit is far from ‘madness’ – here’s how Australia stands to benefit, Brisbane 2032 is no longer legally bound to be ‘climate positive’; Will it still leave a green legacy?, Under a Coalition government the fate of Australia’s central climate policy hangs in the balance, Torrential rains created devastating inland seas in outback Queensland; Soon they will fill Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Global warming of more than 3°C this century may wipe 40% off the world’s economy, Pittwater Reserves: histories + Walks, Birds, +
Children Sunday Cartoons This Issue: All Animal Audition Tryouts from Sing!, Visit a thriving habitat garden for birds, The bizarre-looking dinosaur challenging what we know about the evolution of fingers, Curious Kids: how high could I jump on the moon? + why do dogs love to play with trash? + how did humans think about things, before they had language to think with? + why is the sea salty?, Stories this week: The Leprechaun in the Basement! + 'So Much Slime' read by June Squibb, + groups, clubs and fun and more for you

Youth New South Wales Win Inaugural Pathways Interstate Championships, New strategy to boost university pathways and workforce readiness in NSW, Through Education and Commemoration ANZAC Day Serves as a Bridge Between Past and Present, RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration Address by Abby Peterson-Hampshire, Careers in the NSW Marine Estate - Fisheries Manager Shane McGrath, Opportunities: Band Comp. at Palm Beach, SHAPE 2025 + Council's 2025 Environmental Art & Design Prize judges announced - Entries open now, Youth Week creative arts competition: ACYP + NSW Youth Week 2025 + NSW Youth Advisory Council: applications open until April 20 + 2025 Game Changer Challenge + Learner drivers benefit as more resources become available online + NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open, Word Of The Week: Motto, The lore of ‘lore’ – how fandoms created an online phenomenon from an Old English word, The bizarre-looking dinosaur challenging what we know about the evolution of fingers, Astronomers listened to the ‘music’ of flickering stars – and discovered an unexpected feature, Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights dress is inaccurate, but not because it’s white – an expert explains, Is TikTok right? Do I need to eat more protein?, What are caretaker conventions and how do they limit governments during election periods?, Step length, a devastating finish and ‘springs in his spikes’: the science behind Gout Gout’s speed, Meta allegedly used pirated books to train AI. Australian authors have objected, but US courts may decide if this is ‘fair use’, ChatGPT’s Studio Ghibli-style images show its creative power – but raise new copyright problems, Why do I get headaches when I exercise even when I drink lots of water?, The best space telescope you never heard of just shut down, In Ancient Greece and Rome, who were the harpies, and why did they stink so much?, local services for you
Seniors 2025 Federal Election Statement: COTA, Manly-Warringah Choir: 50 Years Concerts, Do infectious diseases cause dementia? UNSW's AI will be looking into it, Rent assistance needs boost as research shows too many locked out of rentals: COTA, A new COVID variant is on the rise; Here’s what to know about LP.8.1, Astronomers listened to the ‘music’ of flickering stars – and discovered an unexpected feature, ‘Curiosity-driven research’ led to a recent major medical breakthrough; But it’s under threat, Flu vaccines are now available for 2025; What’s on offer and which one should I get?, Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights dress is inaccurate but not because it’s white – an expert explains, People are getting costly stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis; But we don’t know if they work, The lore of ‘lore’ – how fandoms created an online phenomenon from an Old English word, Local services, groups
DIY Ideas BOM's Autumn 2025 Forecast Makes this Season Great for Garden Care + What to Plant Now
The Bureau of Meteorology has released its long-range forecast for Autumn 2025 indicating coming weeks are likely to be warmer than usual across most of Australia and warmer nights are also likely in coastal areas of the mainland.
While Autumn is often a time for cooler weather to begin, this season is very likely to be warmer than average across Australia and summer heat may persist into early autumn, the BOM stated
Most of NSW (including the ACT) is likely to have rainfall in the typical range for autumn. Average Autumn rainfall in recent decades has been between 100 and 400 mm along most of eastern NSW, while western and central NSW have between 25 and 100 mm, and up to 600 mm in parts of the north coast.
Warmer than usual Autumn temperatures are very likely across the state.
This makes the coming weeks a great time to get outdoors and enjoy your own home garden - with great specials from Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 running until April 27 and in time for the Easter and Autumn School holidays break.
This Issue a few tips to help keep your garden healthy this Autumn plus what Native plants you can put in and what Winter veggies to plant now for harvesting food from your own place.

Autumn in pittwater
Flooding at Middle Creek Reserve boat ramp, Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025. Photos: Joe Mills
Pittwater Online News is Published Every Sunday Morning
Archives (pre 2014)
Pittwater Online News was selected for preservation by the State Library of New South Wales and National Library of Australia. This title is scheduled to be re-archived regularly.
Archived Issues (2014 on) may be accessed here: pandora.nla.gov.au/tep/143700
Past Issues are also listed on site on the Community News page, by month.