Front Page: July 2025

Week One July 2025 (June 30 - July 20)

 

July 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 644

 

De-amalgamation news: Protect Pittwater Update - 'Fit for the Future' a ruse to effect Amalgamations

We consider the only future for this area and for the preservation of those ideals and policies for which we stand is to become an independent Shire … the need for this electoral reform has been clearly and sufficiently demonstrated to enable the Government to come to a decision and no longer forestall the issue. Put simply we call upon the Government to put the matter now to the people of A Riding to determine. - Warringah Shire Councillors Robert Dunn and Eric Green, representing A Riding - 1990

Photo: 'Welcome to Pittwater signage at North Narrabeen, where the Pittwater Council LGA commences, in 2013


On July 17 2025 it was confirmed approval has been given for the Cootamundra and Gundagai Councils to de-amalgamate. The path is now clear for the Council to commence the detailed transition work needed to initiate the dissolution of Cootamundra-Gundagai and establish two new councils.

The Council will establish a transition management office to prepare the specifics of the demerger, including allocation of assets, liabilities, funding, shared service arrangements, staffing and governance arrangements.

Completing the detailed planning and transition work is essential to ensure each Council has the best start following proclamation.
This work will also inform the drafting of legal instruments by the NSW Government required to establish the two new councils.

The Office of Local Government will continue to support Cootamundra-Gundagai including monitoring the implementation of Council’s demerger proposal, and work with the Council to identify funding sources to support the transition to two new council areas.

This has provided confidence to Protect Pittwater in their efforts to have Pittwater Council reinstated, representing all residents north of Narrabeen Lagoon to Barrenjoey and west to Ingleside. 

Local Government Minister, The Hon. Ron Hoenig said:
“The work by the Boundaries Commission confirms what the Council had been saying since 2016 and what I had been saying since 2012 – the former government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ policy was only a ruse to effect widespread amalgamations.

“Within several years of the merger I spoke with Mayor Abb McAlister and remember being impressed with the work the Council had done calculating the cost of the merger on the new Council. The community’s opposition was not just philosophical – it was financial and practical.

“It was for that reason in October 2023 that I decided I would do whatever I could within my power under the Act, to enable this demerger.

“Let Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council serve as a cautionary tale for future governments and academics who believe that merged councils provide better economies of scale and better services.

“May it stand as the folly that it was, so we can finally discard forced amalgamations for amalgamations sake into the waste bin of history.”

''Protect Pittwater agree with the Minister. The forced amalgamation of Pittwater with Warringah and Manly Councils resulted in an area and population too large for a local council to administer on an efficient basis. He might have added on a sensitive basis as well.'' Terry Harrison of Protect Pittwater said

On 19 March 2025 Protect Pittwater committee members Simon Dunn and Peter Gray met with the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP (Minister for Local Government) to present the case for reinstating Pittwater Council.   

Supported by local State representative Jacqui Scruby, Simon and Peter presented Protect Pittwater’s proposal, including a local petition signed by close to 5,000 local residents and Frank Peylaire’s business case. 

Protect Pittwater stated afterwards it was an agreeable meeting whereby Minister Hoenig acknowledged that the 2016 amalgamations were largely a failure, and that large councils over time become inefficient.  

''His position is that if Protect Pittwater’s proposal meets the requirements of State LGA Legislation s215 then he will refer it to the NSW Boundaries Commission.  

His staff referred us to two current detailed LGA reinstatement implementation submissions to the Boundaries Commission, and suggested that something similar would be required for a s215 proposal.

We await the Minister’s office assessment of our formal proposal and, given it meets technical standards, expect that he will request a Pittwater implementation plan.''

Protect Pittwater is a not-for-profit incorporated association formed by residents of the former Pittwater Council LGA who are committed to restoring true local government by re-establishing Pittwater Council and with it the strong environmental protections which made the preservation of Pittwater's natural environment a top priority. Our desire is to reverse the misguided amalgamation of the previously admired Pittwater Council into the suburban expanses that are the Warringah and Manly wards of what we consider the non-representative Northern Beaches Council. Find out more at: protectpittwater.org

Examples of what Pittwater residents have been campaigning for since May 2016 and more in:

 

Tree Management Policy Adopted 

The council adopted a new policy devised to protect and enhance the tree canopy across the LGA at its July meeting on Tuesday July 15. It supports the Tree Canopy Plan which was ratified 2 years ago, replacing the previous 5 policies that covered Pittwater, Warringah and Manly councils.

Despite feedback pointing out in regards to ''A spread of tree age classes will be maintained to minimise the impact of tree removals in a given area'' that smaller native trees should be protected, the council response was 'No change proposed to the draft Policy'.  

At present trees under 5m in height can be removed. These are the canopy trees of the future. At present many mature canopy trees are nearing the end of their lives. Because of roads, buildings and gardens, they cannot reproduce by seedlings. So, to achieve a spread of age classes more small trees must be protected. 

However, the council's final draft allows for the continued destruction of these. 

Pittwater based community group Canopy Keepers, accepts the policy as a step forward, stating after the meeting:

‘’This updated policy will serve the community and the council in managing tree retention and regeneration with greater clarity and will inform the DCP and LEP which are being reviewed this year. 

MORE HERE

 

Say No To Plastics - Net Bags for Veggies while shopping

The above great photo by David Collins shows the 'Say No to Plastics' crew - go team!

In 2022-23, NSW alone generated 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste. Only 14% of this material was recycled. About 79% of litter washed into our waterways is plastic. Plastic litter can have disastrous consequences and significant cost on the environment and communities.

Barbara Elkan has kindly shared some news on a local initiative to bring back the use of reusable string bags for veggies when you're shopping.

String bags or bags made from compostable materials such as woven reeds have been around from time immemorial. During the 1930s, string bags, also known as mesh or net bags, were a common and practical item for shopping in Australia. They were lightweight and could hold items of various shapes, making them a popular choice for carrying groceries and other purchases. While they had some drawbacks, like the tendency for items to fall out if not carefully placed and the potential for getting caught on clothing, their affordability and convenience ensured their continued use. 

What's more they were not going harm the environment or all other animals living in it through being carelessly discarded or because they were made from something unable to be recycled.

Barbara says you can actually buy a version of these - 3 for $1.50 - at Woollies and Coles.

Woolworths states that in recent years, they’ve removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and veg range and plan to keep that momentum as they continue to reduce plastic and increase their use of recycled content. In June 2022 they announced the discontinuation of their use of those white and green 'recyclable plastic bags' your shopping could be packed in, removing a further 9,000 tonnes of plastic from circulation annually. 

But the ubiquitous plastic bag for those grapes, apples and potatoes is lingering. 

Our home delivery shop from Woollies each week comes packed in papers bags now - even the green beans are in a smaller paper bag - just as they were when many of us were younger. But some fresh items, such as apples or pears, although they will turn up in a recyclable cardboard box, are wrapped in plastic. The option there is to choose our apples and pears singly, and then they will come just as they are in the paper bag.

All we have to do, as individuals choosing what to do, is opt for the plastic-free choice. 

This Issue a few insights on this next local focus on eliminating plastics from our own and others food chain.

MORE HERE

 

Locana Cullen wins his Age division in 2025 Oz Grom Open: Posts only 10-Point Ride of Comp.

U16 Boys Champion Locana Cullen. Credit: Wes Thompson

The 2025 Soundboks Oz Grom Open incorporating the WSL Traeger Grills Pro Junior finished in a climactic fashion on Tuesday, 8 July 2025 with Pro Junior and age division champions crowned across eight different divisions. 

While the standard of surfing remained high in the final showdowns, the wave quality unfortunately crumbled with only one-foot waves hitting the Lennox Head shorebreak. 

Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, NSW) saved his best performance for last taking out the 16 Boys final. Cullen posted the only ten-point ride of the event in the final for a critical forehand snap followed by an accelerated air-reverse. Cullen backed up the perfect score with another excellent 8.67 wave score to take his accumulative two-wave total to 18.67 heat score. 

Locci's 1st in the Oz Grom had been preceded by a 3rd in the 2025 Billabong Occy's Grom Comp., held June 27 - July 1 at Snapper Rocks, the second competition he has taken part in of the 2025 Surfing Australia National Rankings events for Juniors.

U16 Boys Champion Locana Cullen. Credit: Wes Thompson

The 2025 Soundboks Oz Grom Open incorporating the Traeger Grills Pro took place from 3–8 July 2025. 

As one of the most prestigious junior surfing competitions globally, the Soundboks Oz Grom Open brings together top-level competitors contending for national rankings, with the U16 and U18 divisions vying for selection to represent Australia at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Junior Championships. 

ISA World Junior Championship events are widely recognised as launching pads for surfing’s top careers, including Olympians and WSL Championship Tour contenders. With the LA28 Olympic surfing competition venue at Lower Trestles, this surfing development pathway takes on even more importance.

The 2024 Australia team won their Eighth Team World Championship at Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in May 2024 with surfers that included local surfers Milla Brown and Fletcher Kelleher .

See: The Irukandji's Win Eighth Team World Championship And Two Individual Gold Medals At The 2024 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship

MORE HERE

U16 Boys Champion Locana Cullen. Credit:  Ethan Smith

 

Joe Lacey Scores Winning Goal for Sydney FC

Sydney FC have stunned global football sensations Wrexham AFC with a fantastic 20-yard strike from an 18-year-old Academy graduate with Welsh heritage whose aunt used to work at Wrexham games.

Narrabeen Sports High School's Alumni Joe Lacey scored the match winner helping to defeat Wrexham 2-1 at Allianz Stadium in front of over 40,000 fans.

"I just put my hands into the air as soon as I heard the crowd, I'm very grateful for the opportunity... yeah, I'm just buzzing." Joe said after the match

Joe Lacey signed his first professional contract in December 2023 and secured his place at Sydney FC for the 2024/25 season for three years onwards. He is a midfielder who has been applying his trade in the NSW NPL and was named as a substitute in opening game of the 2023/24 season.

Joe  joined the Academy Training Program and then the Academy and made his way through the age groups to the senior side. He attended one of the Sydney FC Academy Schools training around his school work the Sydney FC way. In 2023 he was named on the bench in the Big Blue but never got on the pitch. Twice during 2023/24 season he was on the sideline ready to make his first team debut but the FT whistle robbed him of that chance.

In early 2024 he had a stress fracture in his back that ruled him out for months. In pre-season last season he suffered an ankle injury that required surgery and he was out for months. He recovered and travelled with the side to Melbourne, Perth, Wellington and Bangkok in 2024/25 and never made it onto the pitch. 

On Tuesday night, July 15, he finally made his first team bow at Allianz Stadium in front of 40,000 people and scored his debut goal for his boyhood club to beat Wrexham a club that he has plenty of ties to.

The Sky Blues went behind early due to an own-goal from a left wing James McLean free-kick, before Alexandar Popovic equalised just before half time.

Lacey sealed the deal late in the second half after Head Coach Ufuk Talay brought on nine teenagers to defeat the newly promoted Welsh outfit.

Lacey was one of eleven second half changes from Head Coach Ufuk Talay, nine of whom were teenagers.

Late last year Narrabeen Sports High School's student-athletes Joe Lacey and Marin F signed professional contracts with Sydney FC A-League.

40,242 fans just witnessed a future star emerge as Joe Lacey stole the show, scoring the winning goal in the 74th minute to seal a 2–1 victory for Sydney FC!

What an incredible achievement, boys — your Narrabeen and Pittwater family is cheering every step of the way!

 

2025 NSW Community Sports Award winners announced: Collaroy Tennis Club is Community Club of the Year, Warriewood's Distinguished Long Service Honouree; Mark Stephenson

Mark Stephenson with his award. Photo supplied

The winners of the 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards, presented by Sport NSW, were announced at CommBank Stadium on June 30.

The Awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW over the past year which is largely conducted by a volunteer workforce.

The 12 category recipients received their Awards at the ceremony hosted by Sport NSW and supported by the NSW Government with the NSW Minister for Sport, the Hon. Steve Kamper MP and the Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Minister responsible for volunteering in attendance.

Sport NSW Chairperson, Chris Hall, congratulated the Award winners and paid tribute to all finalists.

“The NSW Community Sports Awards are the highest honours for community and grassroots sport in the state,” said Mr Hall.

“Sport lays at the heart of communities across NSW. It is where life-long friendships are formed, team-work is developed, and successes are celebrated.

“It is fitting these Award recipients and finalists are recognised and honoured and we congratulate them for their extraordinary service to sport and to their communities,” added Mr Hall.

“Without these hard-working, selfless volunteers, tens of thousands of sports participants would not be able to enjoy the health, social and community benefits sport provides. 

“Unquestionably, these volunteers provide the backbone of sport for others to compete and enjoy. 

“Their leadership, enthusiasm and inspiration will help motivate the next generation of volunteers,” added Mr Hall.

The Awards evening also celebrated 19 recipients of Distinguished Long Service Awards.

These Awards honoured individuals across a broad range of sports who have given exceptional service to their sport over a period of decades. 

Among those recognised this year is Warriewood's Mark Stephenson for his decades of unflagging and invaluable service to Ice Hockey at a grassroots level.

Mr. Stephenson has been a coach and administrator with Ice Hockey New South Wales for over 30 years. He has coached several teams, all as a volunteer, with countless hours spent around the country at games and tournaments. He has had many achievements coaching the Sydney Sirens in the Australian Women's Ice Hockey League, the Sydney Ice Dogs in the Australian Ice Hockey League, and several state teams at the National Ice Hockey Championships. 

He currently sits on the board of IHNSW as the State Coaching Director, a position he has held for 20 years. He selflessly gives up his time to travel to other states to help their boards with coaching problems and spends nights and weekends coaching and mentoring new coaches. He has never wavered in his commitment to IHNSW or to the sport.

Sport NSW Chairperson, Chris Hall, congratulated Stephenson for his extraordinary contribution to Ice Hockey.

“The Distinguished Long Service Honour presented to Mark is a testament to their selfless commitment and lasting impact. He has contributed countless hours over many years to ensure others can enjoy the benefits of sport,” said Mr Hall.

“Individuals like Mark have been the backbone of their sport within their community. They have enabled sports participants of all ages and all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the health, social and community benefits that sports participation provides.

“We congratulate all Distinguished Long Service Honour recipients. Without volunteers such as these 19 worthy recipients, sport would not exist without them,” added Mr Hall.

The Community Club of the Year award went to Collaroy Tennis Club.

Sport NSW said Collaroy Tennis Club is a leader in inclusion, excellence, and growth. From Pride in Sport to wheelchair tennis and junior programs, this club is truly for everyone.

the Hon. Jodie Harrison MP presents Collaroy's award. Photo supplied

Collaroy Tennis Club said:

''We’re so proud and honoured to have won the 2025 Sport NSW Community Club of the Year!!!  Thank you to the Committee, Club members, Evolve Tennis Academy and to all our sponsors/supporters!''

Collaroy Tennis Club was actually a finalist in all three categories it nominated in; 'Inclusion Achievement of the Year' and 'Community Sport Administrator of the Year' and 'Community Club of the Year'.

Tennis NSW CEO, Darren Simpson, stressed the magnitude of this award. He said that while other awards the Club has won were within a tennis framework, this one came as recognition among ALL sports played in NSW.

MORE HERE

 

Turimetta to Avalon Dunes Being Trashed: Young locals Need some where to go - Something to do

At north end near steps on Turimetta - Emergency rescue board installed by council damaged.

Just before the Winter school holidays started, a number of school aged surfers carried a chair and bench table into the dunes just north of the Avalon surf club. Great stuff - a dune chair with a view in the great outdoors - better than stuck indoors glued to a screen!

What wasn't so good was the rubbish they left there during the holidays. It was a mess.

On Wednesday July 16 residents witnessed 3 Argentine backpackers go into that area and clean up after these kids. They carried multiple bags of rubbish from the area and placed it in the bins provided at the beach. 

Others have also witnessed local Corey Kirk regularly cleaning up Avalon Beach dunes, over years.

Many are regularly cleaning up local spots that have been trashed - and have been doing so for decades.

Careel Creek - Bilgola Bends - Bilgola Lookout, Lisa, Lionel and his crew, Gumby hot-footing discarded paper coffee cups into the bins at Palmy - GOAL!

Joe Mills, who cleans Turimetta beach of a Monday after weekend parties, has had extra clean-ups over this school holidays break.

He said on Friday, July 18;

''I was disappointed this week, as I spent 3 mornings picking up rubbish from peoples' fire and drinking sessions the night before.  

Friday morning's (July 18) spread of discarded cans and bottles was spread over at least a radius of 50m. They used the emergency surfboard as a chair, very close to the fire, and it was damaged.  

''They never return the emergency surfboard to the rack, even on previous occasions, nor do they pick up their rubbish, it is always scattered everywhere. The beach (and nature reserve) is becoming littered with charcoal and burnt wood remnants, let alone with the rubbish left.

We have a major problem on Council's hand.  Maybe they should spend some of the rate increases on checking this problem.''

Summary:

  • Mon - Rubbish pickup plus identified a tent & BBQ
  • Tue - 3 Council workers did a beach scan and cleanup, but was early and dark.  They had to use head torches.  They did miss things.
  • Wed - My swim morning (no beach walk)
  • Thu - Rubbish pickup plus identified a discarded Bean Bag
  • Fri - Rubbish pickup plus identified damaged rescue surfboard.  I returned it to the rack'

''Very sad ☹️.''

Some of Monday's collected rubbish

Tent and BBQ discarded in the dunes

Thursday's collection

Friday's collection

More HERE


De-amalgamation news: Protect Pittwater Update - 'Fit for the Future' a ruse to effect Amalgamations

Tree Management Policy Adopted 

Turimetta to Avalon Dunes Being Trashed: Young Locals Need Some Where to go - Something to do

Aquatics Locana Cullen wins his Age division in 2025 Oz Grom Open: Posts only 10-Point Ride of Comp.

Joe Lacey Scores Winning Goal for Sydney FC

2025 NSW Community Sports Award winners announced: Collaroy Tennis Club is Community Club of the Year, Warriewood's Distinguished Long Service Honouree; Mark Stephenson

Topknot Pigeon Flock of 10-12 Spotted: Winter Visitors to Pittwater

Pictures Crown Reserves Grants 2025 Announced: Local focus on Weeds + Repairs to Long Reef Boardwalk + some pictures of council's recent works at Hitchcock Park - Careel Bay playing fields - CRIF 2025

Australian Longboard Titles Return To The Tweed Coast: 22nd - 27th July 2025

New internship program seeking businesses and students to charge towards net zero: Opportunity at Blackmore's Warriewood campus Now Open

Still no EV Kerbside Chargers for Postcode 2107 Despite 66 allocated for across the peninsula in latest grant funding announced:  Mapping Photovoltaic installations Across Pittwater Postcodes - some More data

2025 Crackdown on illegal e-bike riders: 32 Local riders fined - Operation Kilowatt

Park Bench Philosophers 80 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Locals Impacted - Council again sidesteps Opportunity to Support Peace Accord

Over 10 million vapes seized and fewer young people taking up vaping - Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner Appointed

DIY Ideas DIY Privacy Screen In 2 Hours

Food Whole Pumpkin Stuffed With Chorizo, Rice and Goat Cheese: Winter Food

Environment Still no EV Kerbside Chargers for Postcode 2107 Despite 66 allocated for across the peninsula in latest grant funding announced:  Mapping Photovoltaic installations Across Pittwater Postcodes: some more data, Calls for mandated solar on new buildings to help make Sydney a Renewable Energy Zone, Weed of the Week: Morning Glory, Solar for apartment residents: Funding, 1080 pest management’, Volunteers for Barrenjoey Lighthouse Tours needed, Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Recycling Batteries: at Mona Vale + Avalon Beach, Reporting Dogs Offleash - Dog Attacks to Council, Plastic Bread Ties For Wheelchairs, Stay Safe From Mosquitoes, Mountain Bike Incidents On Public Land, Report fox sightings, Marine Wildlife rescue group on the Central Coast, 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, Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals, Control fire and ferals in Australia’s tropical savannas to bring the small mammals back, Federal Court rules Australian government doesn’t have a duty of care to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change, Experiencing extreme weather and disasters is not enough to change views on climate action; study shows, Antarctic summer sea ice is at record lows. Here’s how it will harm the planet – and us, ‘Completely unexpected’: Antarctic sea ice may be in terminal decline due to rising Southern Ocean salinity, More and more tourists are flocking to Antarctica. Let’s stop it from being loved to death, Why investing in climate-vulnerable countries makes good business sense, The Bangladesh delta is under a dangerous level of strain, Cleaner air in east Asia may have driven recent acceleration in global warming, Underwater lake heatwaves are on the rise; threatening aquatic life, Plant theft is often overlooked – that’s why it’s on the rise, Queensland’s horrific lion attack shows wild animals should not be kept for our amusement, Fewer people doesn’t always mean better outcomes for nature – just look at Japan, Mauna Loa Observatory captured the reality of climate change. The US plans to shut it down, Ageing bridges around the world are at risk of collapse. But there’s a simple way to safeguard them, Can a pizza box go in the yellow bin – or not? An expert answers this and other messy recycling questions, What’s happened to Australia’s green hydrogen dream? Here are 5 reasons the industry has floundered, We don’t need deep-sea mining, or its environmental harms. Here’s why, Thirsty future: Australia’s green hydrogen targets could require vastly more water than the government hopes, Tears, trauma and unpaid work: why men in tinnies aren’t the only heroes during a flood disaster, Melting ice will strengthen the monsoon in northern Australia – but cause drier conditions north of the Equator, Many fish are social but pesticides are pushing them apart, Pittwater Reserves, Environment History insights + Walks, Birds, + 

Inbox News XFG could become the next dominant COVID variant; Here’s what to know about ‘Stratus’, Can’t fill your ADHD script?; Here’s why, and what to do while the shortage persists, Power bank recalls on the rise due to serious burn and property damage risks: ACCC, Increase in NSW adults getting sunburnt - even during Winter, National Anti-Scam Centre: New fusion cell focuses on emotional and financial harm of romance scams, ACCC grants conditional authorisation to collaboration between energy distribution networks, Badgerys Creek Master Plan for former ingham chicken farmer's site gets greenlight: Western Sydney Aerotropolis 2025, Remote-controlled Drone Response System to be applied to NSW Roads, Inaugural SafeWork NSW Commissioner Appointed, Segal’s antisemitism plan gives government controversy, not clarity + Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism + Jewish Council of Australia Rejects Special Envoy’s antisemitism plan + Antisemitism plan fails on a number of fronts – a contentious definition of hate is just the start, The ACT wants dog owners to spend 3 hours a day with their pet, Treasury warns the government it may not balance the budget or meet its housing targets, How much salt is OK in drinking water? ; Without limits, Australia’s health gap widens in remote and regional areas, Do I have prostate cancer?; Why a simple PSA blood test alone won’t give you the answer, From athlete’s foot to smelly soles: why daily washing is key to healthy feet,  Even a day off alcohol makes a difference – our timeline maps the health benefits when you stop drinking, Murdoch’s News Corp has moved into the mortgage business; Where are the regulators?, Right-wing political group Advance is in the headlines. What is it and what does it stand for?, Say No To Plastics, New Support at Home resources, SCAM Alert – Fake emails claiming to be from COTA Australia, Nominate someone inspiring for an Australian of the Year Award for 2026, Weekly injection could be life changing for Parkinson’s patients, Older Australians value super- want it to be even stronger: National Seniors Australia, Will my private health insurance cover my surgery? What if my claim is rejected?, Socioeconomic differences in 15-year prevalence trends for modifiable dementia risk factors in Australia, Loosley Woven's 'Memory' concert: August 3 at Avalon, Manly Warringah Choir's 50th anniversary concert: August 17, AvPals Term 3 2025 at Newport courses, Planning a ‘Euro summer’ or cruise? Why another flu shot might save your holiday, UNSW Researchers Propose Pension Reform Blueprint for Emerging Economies, I created a Vivaldi-inspired sound artwork for the Venice Biennale. The star of the show is an endangered bush-cricket, New internship program seeking businesses and students to charge towards net zero: Opportunity at Blackmore's Warriewood campus, Joe Lacey Scores Winning Goal for Sydney FC Locana Cullen wins his Age division in 2025 Oz Grom Open: Posts only 10-Point Ride of Comp., Opportunities: The wisdom of youth to help steer our oldest arts institutions: EOI Closes July 25 + Open Mic at Palm Beach + More places available in innovative jobs program for women, Financial help for young people, School Leavers Support, Word Of The Week: Wallow, From Sister Rosetta Tharpe to Ronnie Yoshiko Fujiyama: how electric guitarists challenge expectations of gender, Why it’s important young unemployed Australians get a good job instead of just ‘any’ job, Distressed by all the bad news?; Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself, Almost half of young workers expected to work unpaid overtime while a quarter aren’t paid compulsory super, Are ‘ghost stores’ haunting your social media feed? How to spot and avoid them, Cycling can be 4 times more efficient than walking; A biomechanics expert explains why, Can’t work out without music? Neither could the ancient Greeks and Romans, A new exhibition is a thoughtful examination of the lasting relationship between Asia and Australia, ‘Fashion helped the pride come out’: First Nations fashion as resistance, culture and connection, Bayeux tapestry set to return to the UK – in medieval times it was like an immersive art installation, Men traded wares – but women traded knowledge: what a new archaeological study tells us about PNG sea trade, A brief history of the slogan T-shirt, How do we understand life on Earth? An 18th-century rivalry charts the tension between two types of science ‘genius’


Profile of the Week Say No To Plastics - Net Bags for Veggies while shopping

In 2022-23, NSW alone generated 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste. Only 14% of this material was recycled. About 79% of litter washed into our waterways is plastic. Plastic litter can have disastrous consequences and significant cost on the environment and communities.

Barbara Elkan has kindly shared some news on a local initiative to bring back the use of reusable string bags for veggies when you're shopping.

String bags or bags made from compostable materials such as woven reeds have been around from time immemorial. During the 1930s, string bags, also known as mesh or net bags, were a common and practical item for shopping in Australia. They were lightweight and could hold items of various shapes, making them a popular choice for carrying groceries and other purchases. While they had some drawbacks, like the tendency for items to fall out if not carefully placed and the potential for getting caught on clothing, their affordability and convenience ensured their continued use. 

What's more they were not going harm the environment or all other animals living in it through being carelessly discarded or because they were made from something unable to be recycled.

Barbara shared that you can actually buy a version of these - 3 for $1.50 - at Woollies and Coles.

Woolworths states that in recent years, they’ve removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and veg range and plan to keep that momentum as they continue to reduce plastic and increase their use of recycled content. In June 2022 they announced the discontinuation of their use of those white and green 'recyclable plastic bags' your shopping could be packed in, removing a further 9,000 tonnes of plastic from circulation annually. 

But the ubiquitous plastic bag for those grapes, apples and potatoes is lingering. 

Our home delivery shop from Woollies each week comes packed in papers bags now - even the green beans are in a smaller paper bag - just as they were when many of us were younger. But some fresh items, such as apples or pears, although they will turn up in a recyclable cardboard box, are wrapped in plastic. The option there is to choose our apples and pears singly, and then they will come just as they are in the paper bag.

All we have to do, as individuals choosing what to do, is opt for the plastic-free choice. 

This Issue a few insights on this next local focus on eliminating plastics from our own and others food chain, and the state government's next phase of its rollout of alternatives and eliminating plastics, as outlined in NSW Plastics: The Way Forward Plan

From the earliest records of European settlement in Pittwater reports and anecdotes of the great array of fruits once grown here have formed part of what was told. Newport peaches, bananas and paw-paws, Church Point grapes, oranges and lemons, Narrabeen Plums and Warriewood tomatoes have all been produced abundantly and their quality was second to none, winning prizes at the annual Royal Easter Show for some producers and renown for record prices fetched for those tomatoes that came out of the Warriewood valley.

The State Library of New South Wales, in its ongoing digitisation of materials and making these available for the populace, has added photographs of a 'tropical fruit orchard at Pittwater' which, according to the sources, were taken on July 11th, 1938, possibly taken for Woman magazine or Woman: Incorporating the Woman's Budget - a woman's magazine published in Sydney, by Sungravure [Sun newspapers] from 1934 to 1954 with Issues originally cost three pence each.

Among these images of paw paws, bananas, strawberries, pineapples and more appear some 'models' and one of the farmer or caretaker with a tomato vine. The location of this 'farm' was on the Crescent at the Newport-Mona Vale verges, a nice suntrap at this time of the year and naturally given to promoting the growth of such fruits

 

Winter in pittwater

 

Topknot Pigeon Flock of 10-12 Spotted: Winter Visitors to Pittwater

part of the Topknot Pigeon flock seen around Burrawong and Barrenjoey roads, North Avalon-Careel Bay this past week
A flock of around 10-12 Topknot Pigeons (Lopholaimus antarcticus) were spotted landing in one of the street verge eucalyptus trees of Burrawong Road, North Avalon on Monday July 14, and returned in subsequent days to feast on the fruit of a Palm tree there, as well as those fruiting around the Careel Bay shopping centre on Barrenjoey road.


A scan of ebird records these Winter visitors to our area have also been seen and photographed on the Central Coast from late June 2025 onwards.

They are nomadic and highly mobile, following seasonally-abundant fruit, such as that currently fruiting on palms and figs. In Sydney, birds arrive from the north in Autumn and Winter.

When in Pittwater, they have also been recorded in Warriewood wetlands and at Mona Vale - this great photo taken by local photographer J J Harrison was taken at Mona Vale in September 2024:

They are quiet birds, despite being so big - over twice the size of other pigeons - and incredibly gentle. 

Human residents of Pittwater are pretty excited about the spotting of this flock - the first in a few years of this size.

The Topknot pigeon is a large predominately slate-grey bird, 40–46 centimetres (16–18 in) in length. The back, coverts and upper secondaries are a darker slate-grey with black quills. The primaries are black, the remaining body in a lighter slate-grey in colour. The chest and hind neck are notched, showing dark bases giving a streaked appearance.

The tail is black crossed with a board grey band. The crest is grey from the cere to the forehead, and russet brown on the crown with black sides.

Fern Creek pond and refelkctions, Warriewood. Photo: Joe Mills

Pittwater Online News is Published Every Sunday Morning


Past Features  

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.