Pittwater Online News

2025 A-Grade Rugby League Premiers: Avalon Bulldogs

Avalon Bulldogs 2025 A Grade Premier Team - plus supporters!. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM

Grand Final Player of the Match and A Grade Captain, William Kelly. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM

An historic rugby league Winter Season has just been completed for local rugby league clubs. Not only has the return of an A Grade team to Mona Vale Raiders been a cause for celebration, and the growth of girls blue tag risen, with the Raiders and Narrabeen seeing many of their junior boys and girls teams play Grand Finals, the enjoyment of rugby league in the community has brought thousands of residents together across the peninsula to enjoy being together on weekends, and rally around and support each other during times of tragedy.

The efforts of every individual working as a team has continued to foster connection between the youngest residents through to the oldest. The Village Green, or common ground, has been the footy ground – the home-grounds of each club as well as the away games grounds. Here the cheers from crowds numbering thousands, the squeals and laughter of small children playing on the sidelines, the quieter murmur of mums and dads overseeing the barbecues and kiosks, the busy presidents running everywhere looking after everyone on game days, the quiet talks of coaches and support staff, are still lingering in the air.  

Memories have been made – community solidified – proving the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula is still a group of villages connected to each other not by roads but through a love of footy and sports, a love of this beautiful area, and a love of family – the family some are blessed to have in their home and the family that is embedded in each and every club of every sport. In these villages we are raising our children and grandchildren and looking after each other, even as our hair turns grey and the knees get a bit knobbly with age.

The BIG WIN for the Season has been the return of an A Grade Team to the Avalon JRLFC and their HUGE WIN last Sunday, August 31, of the Grand Final to become 2025 Premiers.

The Bulldogs played the Asquith Magpies in the Grand Final. The final bell saw the Doggies win 28 to 16 with two tries scored for Avalon by Taine Allen, and one each by Corey Kirkham and Maxwell Barry. The Bulldogs were 4 out of 4 for Conversions, with Captain and Player of the Match William Kelly, Will, scoring three out of three, and Chandler Walton succeeding in the first of that four.

The Bulldogs added further points through two penalty goals, with Will scoring the first and Corey Kirkham the second.

The A Grade competition in suburban rugby league is the top-tier local men's rugby league competition - this is the premier or highest-ranked division – and the one many set their eyes on being a part of from an early age.

Three Pittwater Teams were in the final Top 8 of the ladder after all the points had been tallied; the Avalon Bulldogs at No. 1, obviously, the Narrabeen Sharks at No.2 and Mona Vale Raiders at No.6. 

They’re the boys all the younger boys look up to and set their examples by. 

This week, a celebration, through a few insights from those who led the charge, and who shared a few words at the end-of-the-week after the win, when everyone had gone back to work.

Player of the Match and Bulldogs A Grade Captain William Kelly, Will, had more to overcome then the challenges that come with every Season this year. He lost his darling mum and adored sister.

MORE HERE

Champions Crowned at 2025 Australian Shortboard Titles: 5 Local Winners 

Mark Gobbe (Mona Vale) - 2025 Australian Shortboard Over 65's Champion. Photo: Surfing Australia / Zach Bowden

The Australian Shortboard Titles presented by SafeStyle officially kicked off in Wollongong on August 26 and ran until Sunday August 31 with five local surfers taking out the win in their division. With near perfect conditions for the competition, the masters divisions flexed their experience, showcasing explosive turns and powerful carves during the first round of Finals.

With all six surfing states competing head to head for national glory, and a chance to qualify for the Australian National Surfing Team 'The Irukundjis' in the SafeStyle Over 40's and Over 50's, and Over 60's divisions, the stage was well and truly set.

As the action heated up in Wollongong, Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott says the Australian Shortboard Championships presented by SafeStyle are already delivering on their promise: 

"Shortboard surfing is the high-performance core of our sport, defined by speed, precision and progressive manoeuvres. Wollongong has provided fantastic conditions so far, and the level of surfing across all divisions is a true showcase of what makes this discipline so exciting."

First Champions Crowned

By the conclusion of Friday August 29 Surfing Australia had crowned champions for the Over 65 Men, Over 60 Men and Women, and SafeStyle Over 50 and Over 40 Men and Women. 

The first finalist of the day was Mark Gobbe (Mona Vale, NSW) in the Men's Over 65 Division, where he narrowly overcame Mark Loyd (VIC), by just 0.5 points! Gobbe had been working towards this victory for 10 years, and was so relieved to finally achieve his dreams.

“This is my first Aussie title. I’ve won my state three times, and I’ve been to this event four or five times before — making finals a few times but never taking the win. I had a really clear goal to get it this year; it’s been in the works for over 10 years. It’s been a struggle, but it feels so good to finally get there.” Mark said

Readers will recall Mark took out the 2025 Surf Masters State Title in June this year.

In the Women’s Over 60s Division, Susan Levett (Manly, NSW) put on a dominant performance, scoring 6.67 and 8.33 for a 15.00 point heat total to claim the championship. This win qualifies her to join ‘The Irukandjis’ and compete at the 2026 ISA World Surfing Championships, and it also marks her third Australian Surfing Championship!

“I was lucky enough to catch some really good waves and grab the win. This is my third Aussie title — I can’t believe it! My first was ages ago, but to go back-to-back in 2024 and 2025 is really special. I just love it — I feel like a grom again. I love surfing, I love travelling, and I never want to stop competing. I also want to thank my family for their support, especially my kids. They probably want to go surfing themselves, but they always have to put up with their mum — and I’m so grateful for that.” Susan said

MORE HERE

NSW Health transition team deployed to Northern Beaches Hospital

On Monday September 1 the NSW Government announced it has deployed a NSW Health team to work alongside staff at Northern Beaches Hospital to prepare for the hospital’s eventual transition from a public private partnership.

From Monday, the transition assessment and planning (TAP) team comprised of staff from the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) will be on site at Northern Beaches Hospital. 

They will work collaboratively with their Healthscope colleagues to fully understand the priority areas for when the operations of the hospital are transitioned to NSLHD and NSW Health.

The Government stated that while this work is underway, the key focus for everyone involved will be to ensure there is no disruption to the provision of safe and efficient care at Northern Beaches Hospital, which continues to be operated by Healthscope.

The NSW Health team includes up to 15 senior leaders from IT, patient safety and culture, clinical operations, workforce, finance and corporate services.

Priority areas include the IT systems and clinical applications used by Healthscope, but not in use by NSW Health. The team will also identify other key areas where policy, procedure or practice gaps exist between how the hospital currently operates and how it will operate as part of the NSW Health system.

Negotiations are continuing between the Northern Beaches Hospital Taskforce, Healthscope and its receivers, including working through the highly complex contractual and financial arrangements in place for Northern Beaches Hospital.

It remains the preference of the NSW Government that a negotiated agreement on the future control and operation of the Northern Beaches Hospital can be achieved, but in the absence of agreement, the government has passed legislation to give it the authority to intervene and avoid a prolonged dispute for members of the community, hospital staff and NSW taxpayers.

See past Reports:

• Regan's Northern Beaches Hospital Deed Termination Bill Passed - June 2025
• Minns Government to amend Wakehurst MP's Northern Beaches Hospital (Voluntary Contract Termination) Bill - June 2025
• Receivers appointed to Healthscope parent companies: short-term partial rent deferral agreement - EOI received - June 2025
• Wakehurst MP Michael Regan Tables the Northern Beaches Hospital (Voluntary Contract Termination) Bill - May 2025
• Minns Government commits to returning Northern Beaches Hospital into public hands - May 2025 Community Forum

NSW Treasurer the Hon. Daniel Mookhey said on Monday: 

“This is a critical next step as we progress towards ending the Liberals’ failed privatisation experiment at the Northern Beaches Hospital. The Northern Beaches community and the hard-working hospital staff deserve a resolution and this team will help us better understand the full picture.

“The government remains committed to reaching an agreed outcome with Healthscope and its receivers and those negotiations continue.”

NSW Minister for Health the Hon. Ryan Park stated: 

“We want to see Northern Beaches Hospital transition out of its PPP arrangement. For a successful and smooth transition, we need to fully understand the systems, processes and ways of working at Northern Beaches Hospital.

“This major hospital is a complex and busy setting, so it is important we have boots, eyes and ears on the ground to identify priority risks. The transition will naturally be challenging, but we want to give the hospital the best head-start upon its transition to NSW Health. 

“That’s what the deployment of our specialist transition team to the hospital is all about.  I want to assure staff and the community that our priority is no disruption to the provision of safe.” and ongoing healthcare. 

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby stated:

''Today’s arrival of a transition team at Northern Beaches Hospital is a critical step in ending the failed public private partnership and bringing the hospital into public hands.

“This is a critical shift in undoing the failed public private partnership that we’ve been fighting for, to make Northern Beaches Hospital a publicly run hospital, run in the interests of patients and staff,” Ms Scruby said.

MORE HERE

Narrabeen Sports High School’s new performing arts hall Designs Revealed 

On Monday September 1 the NSW Government revealed designs for the new performing arts hall being built at Narrabeen Sports High School, as other much needed upgrades are being delivered at the school.

With construction due to begin in early 2026, students, parents and teachers can now see what their new hall will look like and have a better understanding of the opportunities it will deliver.

This new performance hall will serve as a vibrant creative hub, fostering a rich environment for artistic expression and collaboration, with tiered seating for approximately 400 guests.

Students will have a dedicated space to explore their creative talents, enhancing their education through performances, exhibitions, and workshops.

The performance centre will feature:

• a designated rehearsal space at the back of the hall
• a large stage with separate rehearsal space and backstage band room
• state-of-the-art control room with professional quality audio and lighting
• change rooms and amenities
• a covered entry with a foyer and a lift to ensure accessibility

Other upgrades to the school have been carried out in stages to ensure students can remain focused on their subjects with minimal disruption to their day-to-day activities.

These include upgrades to the technical and applied studies (TAS) classrooms and to the science faculty with renewal of the science labs, prep rooms and chemical storerooms.

These works have improved the overall learning environment for students, allowing them to engage with science and TAS in a more effective and enjoyable way, and better preparing them for the real-world environment.

Among the other upgrades underway are two acoustically treated music rooms and a smaller performance space with a sprung wooden floor.

The new hall and upgrades at Narrabeen Sports High School are part of a record $9 billion investment by the NSW Government for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget.

This targeted investment means every child in NSW will have access to a high-quality public school in their local area.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, the Hon Courtney Houssos said:

“The NSW Government is investing in vital upgrades for public schools to ensure all students across NSW have access to the lifechanging opportunities a public education can offer. This brand-new performance space will enhance student learning at Narrabeen Sports High School by providing state-of-the-art facilities that will expand the opportunities students’ have to gather and perform. I cannot wait to see how students make use of this facility and further upgrades we are delivering to improve music rooms, science labs and technical and applied studies classrooms.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqueline Scruby said:

“I’m excited to see the designs for the new performing arts hall at Narrabeen Sports High. This is a big investment in our school community, and we’re pushing for fast delivery so students can benefit as soon as possible. It’s fantastic to see students already thriving in the refurbished classrooms, with a real sense of pride in their learning. These upgrades are about giving our young people the facilities they deserve and building a school the whole community can be proud of.”

Narrabeen Sports High School Principal, Heidi Currie said:

“We are excited for staff and students to be able to use the new and upgraded facilities, and we’re looking forward to the new hall. These learning spaces are designed with each child’s success in mind, and we are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead. Education is the key to opportunity in life, and we are committed to partnering with our community to create a school where all students are challenged to excel in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”

Narrabeen Sports High School Principal Heidi Currie, Suzie Stanford President of the NSHS P&C, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby with the Hon. Prue Car, Deputy Premier and NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning in April 2025 announcing a new performing arts hall for NSHS. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM

See: Happy Dance Time! Narrabeen Sports High School to receive new Performing Arts Hall as part of major upgrade

Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps Tables safer E-Bikes Bill

Dr Sophie Scamps, Federal Member for Mackellar, introduced the Safer E-Bikes Bill 2025 (Road Vehicle Standards Amendment) to Parliament on Monday September 1, calling for well-overdue reform to ensure e-bikes are safe, fit-for-purpose, and regulated under federal law.

The bill responds to widespread calls from parents, pedestrians and state politicians for the Federal Government to legislate national safety and import standards for e-bikes. Currently, e-bikes imported into Australia do not have to meet any national safety and quality standard.

“There has been growing community concern about unsafe, high-powered e-bikes being imported and sold without proper oversight. Many new generation e-bikes can be easily modified to exceed legal speed limits, and are being ridden illegally, often unknowingly, on footpaths and roads, posing serious risks to riders, pedestrians and drivers,” said Dr Scamps.

At a recent sold-out community forum hosted by Dr Scamps and Pittwater State MP Jacqui Scruby, trauma surgeons, police, and transport experts highlighted the alarming rise in injuries and enforcement challenges linked to illegal and non-compliant e-bikes.

See: Scruby-Scamps Bring Community Together to Tackle E-Bike Safety - August 2025

This is backed up by research from St Vincent’s Hospital which reported that more than 500 e-bike riders had required critical care in NSW EDs in a two-year period.

“E-bikes have revolutionised the way we move around. They are an important part of the shift to cleaner, more active transport, but the technology has raced ahead of safety legislation. We now often see e-bikes that are more motorbike than bicycle being ridden at high speeds on footpaths and roads.”

“I am very worried we are going to see more tragedies involving pedestrians and riders of these powerful e-bikes unless we act urgently to introduce clear national safety standards,” Dr Scamps said.

The reform measures have broad support at the state level with New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland Government Ministers all having written to the Federal Government calling for national leadership on unsafe e-bike imports and the establishment of national safety standards.

“This bill is about ensuring the e-bikes imported into Australia are both safe and legal for use and cannot be tampered with to make them go beyond legal speed limits except for specific special purposes.

My Bill would set a clear, practical federal standard to ensure e-bikes can play their part in a cleaner transport future, without compromising the safety of pedestrians or riders,” shared Dr Scamps.

MORE HERE

Pictures Turimetta Moods: First Week of Spring 2025 - by Joe Mills