Narrabeen Netball great Mo’onia Gerrard OAM is one of five NSW sports greats inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions this week.
Also inducted into the Hall of Champions are Graham Arnold (Football), Ricky Stuart AM (Rugby League), Naazmi Johnston (Gymnastics) and Mark “Mono” Stewart (Adaptive Surfing).
Netball great Liz Ellis AO was officially recognised as a Legend of NSW Sport at the prestigious NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony at The Star Event Centre, Pyrmont, on Monday, November 24.
Netball great Liz Ellis AO is the second Netball player to be elevated to Legend Status in the NSW Hall of Champions, located at the Quaycentre at Sydney Olympic Park.
As an NSW Hall of Champions Legend, Ellis joins the company of fellow Netball player, Anne Sargeant OAM, Sir Donald Bradman AC, Dawn Fraser AC MBE, Shane Gould AM MBE, Ian Thorpe AM, Louise Sauvage OAM and others in the highest echelon of NSW sport.
Liz Ellis AO and another local Netball Legend, Anne Sargeant OAM, at the 2025 NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony
Sport NSW Chief Executive, Stuart Hodge, paid tribute to Ellis and to the five new inductees.
“Liz’s tireless contribution and leadership, both on and off the court, has been immense over several decades. The sport of Netball and the wider NSW sporting fraternity owe Liz a huge debt of gratitude for her services, and we are delighted to see her elevated to Legend status in the NSW Hall of Champions,” said Hodge.
“We also congratulate Graham, Mo’onia, Naazmi, Mark and Ricky on entering the NSW Hall of Champions. They join other NSW sports greats who have served NSW and Australian sport with honour and distinction,” added Hodge.
The gala Ceremony dinner also celebrated the achievements of NSW athletes, coaches, administrators, and organisations across 12 Award-winning categories including Athlete of the Year and Athlete of the Year with a Disability.
Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby is calling for an expansion of the Surf Lifesaving NSW and Surfing NSW Shark Mitigation Drone Programs, particularly for metro beaches, in the wake of another tragic death and serious injury from a shark attack.
Ms Scruby called for more funding in the 2026 NSW Budget.
“One of my key asks for the NSW Budget will be for expansion of these proven programs to metropolitan beaches. For a few million dollars we can have better data, surveillance and safety.”
“Metro beaches are missing out on drone surveillance for sharks and, after the tragic loss of Mercury Psillakis, we know we need this technology to keep the water as safe as possible for swimmers and surfers.”
See: Narrabeen to Manly Beaches Closed After Fatal Shark Incident
“Sharks are an inherent risk of entering the ocean - but it’s 2025 and too many beaches are missing out on the technology we know works. Metro beaches need the technology to spot sharks and relay real-time data for immediate management, if required.”
Ms Scruby was speaking in the aftermath of another death from a shark attack.
On November 27 two swimmers were attacked by a shark at Kylies Beach in the Crowdy Bay National Park, south of Port Macquarie.
The pair on the remote NSW beach have been confirmed as Swiss nationals Livia Mühlheim and Lukas Schindler.
Livia passed away as a result of her injuries and Lukas was seriously injured when he tried to fight off a 3m bull shark attacking her.
Despite his injuries, Mr Schindler dragged his partner more than 50 metres to shore, where bystanders rushed to help.
Emergency services were called around 6.30am but Ms Mühlheim succumbed to her injuries before paramedics arrived. Mr Schindler was stabilised by emergency services before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
Maria Psillakis, Long Reef Boardriders, NBC Call For Expanded Drone Safety Surveillance at Popular Beaches
This was the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year, and just three months after our community lost Mercury Psillakis, 57, who sustained critical injuries from a 3.5-metre great white shark attack at Long Reef.
Since this his boardriding club fellow members, Long Reef Boardriders Association, along with his much-loved wife, Maria, have been calling for an expansion of the existing drone surveillance program at beaches in NSW, especially at the more frequently used surf breaks and swimming spots in Sydney.
Maria and Long Reef Boardriders members visited the NSW Parliament in October to speak to Independent local MP's Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan about the need for shark mitigation, more safety drones at local surf and swim spots, along with dune stabilisation, seawalls, access to community assets like Surf Clubs and funding for surfing.
Maria's proposal has been raised directly with NSW Premier Chris Minns, according to Wakehurst MP Michael Regan, who has said the premier was “making sure” the idea is investigated.
Maria, Long Reef Boardrider members, Wakehurst MP Regan and Pittwater MP Scruby with Surfing NSW's Luke. Photo: LRBA
At the Tuesday November extra council meeting Northern Beaches Council held this week to clear Items not addressed in the monthly meeting the week before, NBC Councillors passed the Motion first tabled at the October 21 meeting by Cr.s Bingham and Harvey calling for 'increased drone surveillance and listening stations across all major patrolled beaches along the metropolitan Sydney coastline, to enhance swimmer safety and support proactive shark management'.
The now passed Motion includes that the NBC 'Write to the NSW Government requesting increased investment in shark-related drone surveillance for Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW), as well as funding for training of all volunteer life savers to operate drones, jet skis for surveillance and boat patrols by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
A copy of the correspondence has been sent to the Premier and local State Members of Parliament for their awareness and support.
Backgrounder: Development of the Use of UAV's/Drones as Surf Safety Equipment
UAV operations are primarily aerial surf safety patrols using drones to provide additional surveillance of the beach environment to enhance the safety of the public. This includes monitoring surf zones, identifying rips, swimmers in difficulty and looking for other hazards such as sharks.
On Thursday Thursday, 27 November 2025 the Northern Beaches Council confirmed it has joined the local community in voicing opposition to the proposed State Significant Development at Ocean Street, Narrabeen, citing issues with size, height, traffic and scale inappropriate for the location.
State Significant Development (SSD) applications are determined by the NSW Minister for Planning, the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) or a delegate of either, essentially sidelining the council from the decision-making process and local planning controls that have been formed in consultation with the community.
In a letter to the New South Wales Government, and as part of formal submission the council stated it has raised numerous issues regarding the Ocean Street development and is seeking an extension to the community feedback period to provide residents additional time to review and respond to the plans.
Key issues raised by the council include:
• significant concerns with the scheme include its height, scale, streetscape context, setbacks, overshadowing impacts, potential view impacts, traffic impacts and lack of appropriate response to relevant controls
• that the proposal in its current form is an overdevelopment of the site, is inconsistent with the character of the area and would have unacceptable impacts on adjacent developments and surrounding area.
Mayor Sue Heins reaffirmed the council’s commitment to advocating for the community’s interests throughout this process.
“The scale of the proposed development at Ocean Street, Narrabeen, has raised significant concerns across our community. It’s crucial that local voices are not only heard, but genuinely considered in any planning decisions.
“We urge the State Government to work with us in addressing the concerns raised and to give our residents a real voice in shaping the future of Narrabeen.
“The character and liveability of our suburbs are at stake, and we must ensure that any development genuinely benefits our community,” Mayor Heins said.
The council stated the ''community can view the council’s formal submission here and on the Department of Planning's website. There is also a community petition that people can sign here''.
The proposal fills 156-164 Ocean St, 8 Octavia St, and 81 & 81A Lagoon St, Narrabeen. The construction proposes a 5 to 6 storey seniors housing development of over 21 metres in height, with 3 levels of basement car parking spaces (192 in total including 7 for visitors and up to 11m of excavating to provide this), 149 independent living units listed as 44 x 2B units; 59 x 2B + study units; and 46 x 3B units, and a 10 bed residential care facility.
Among the 746 responses are a number submissions of support from Narrabeen, Collaroy and Mona Vale residents and several from 'Caringbah South' and Oyster Bay in southern Sydney by respondents who work in the industry and even some from Queensland who think the trees are 'being kept'. Numerous supporters state the proposal, for 149 units, will free up larger housing for others as retirees 'downsize'.
Objections point out this is luxury housing for more privileged residents, sits within mapped Coastal Environment and Coastal Vulnerability Areas (on a sandspit), an excavation over 11m deep poses flooding, groundwater, and structural risks, and that the BASIX assessment barely meets minimum standards with little passive design or energy efficiency.
Culturally Significant Trees+ 'Narrabeen Man'
A comment from a previous owner of 8 Octavia Street Narrabeen wanted to make it known there are two significant black bean trees side-by-side on the property which are of considerable value to the ecology and history of this site.
''It would be of great benefit to the area if they could be retained.'' the prior owner commented
This pair of culturally significant black bean trees are to be destroyed, as listed (35 and 36) in the Arboricultural Impact Appraisal and Method Statement lodged with the NSW Planning Department, as part of the proposal.
The Botanic Gardens of Sydney states genetic studies of Castanospermum australe (the black bean) discovered that its unexpected distribution pattern in New South Wales is the result of humans deliberately dispersing this tree to new places.
''The black bean tree is a culturally important riparian (growing near a river) tree that produces toxic but highly nutritious water-dispersed seeds. It is common in the understorey of old-growth forests, growing up to 40 metres high, and producing long orange to red flowers. Its large fruit pods are buoyant and salt tolerant, and the seeds within them are known to have been detoxified and consumed by rainforest dwellers in the Australian wet tropics for at least 2,500 years.'' - Botanic Gardens of Sydney
Castanospermum australe flower. Photo: Jan Smith, Brisbane.
Due to its importance as a food, the black bean tree,(also known as the Moreton Bay chestnut), was a seasonal gathering point for Aboriginal peoples, and this acted as a catalyst for ceremonies. Songlines featuring the black bean seeds have been collected. The bark fibre has been used for fish and animal traps, nets and baskets, and the empty seed pods have been used as toy boats. The wood was/is used by Aboriginal people for spear-throwers. Additionally, the tree has been used as a seasonal signal for when to hunt jungle fowl.
The project seeks to remove 69 trees (24 of which are significant) and will retain 13 trees (7 significant trees and 6 non-significant). The trees to be retained are neighbouring trees and those on the periphery of the site including the well-established Norfolk Island Pine trees located along the Ocean Street and Octavia Street frontage. Any understory of these trees will likely be removed and re-landscaped, the EIS states.
Another contractor is undertaking the Aboriginal community consultation and preparing an Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment report (ACHAR) to meet the Secretary's environmental assessment requirements (SEARs) for the proponent.
A report lodged so far found that is 'no built environmental heritage' the proposal may impact on. The ACHAR may be a different matter, and would require taking into account potentially uncovering First Nations peoples materials and objects should the 'up to 11m of excavations' go ahead.
The first two rounds of the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Brach 2025-2026 Surf Boat Premiership have been run, the first hosted by Freshwater SLSC on November 8, the second by Palm Beach SLSC on November 22, and see Palm Beach SLSC sitting atop the Leaderboard on 33 points, with South Curl Curl running next among local surf clubs on 19 and Mona Vale SLSC just two points behind them on 17.
Queenscliff at position 6, Collaroy at 7, Freshwater at 8, Avalon Beach at 9 and North Narrabeen at 10 round out the top rankings so far this Season.
Visitor surf clubs and crews taking part in this carnival included Brook's As and Purds As from North Cronulla, MacMasters Meaty-Oars, MacMasters Fat Dads and MacMasters Martinis, Coogee DMG's, Coogee Commandos and Coogee Havachats, and South Maroubra Swingers. Elouera's Team A - Reserve Male Surf Boat, were scheduled to race but didn't make it.
The Freshwater Carnival saw visitors in the Gerringong Pearls and the Shabangs, an U23 Female Surf Boat crew from South Maroubra, make the trip for racing.
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MacMasters SLSC's crews at Palm Beach
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Two former Presidents, Matt Sheridan and Ashley (Ash) Cardiff, of Warriewood and Avalon Beach, and both long-term huge supporters of surf boats and local surf sports carnivals
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Palm Beach SLSC Legends, including SLS SNB official and Alex Tyrell
Round 3 in the 2026 Boat Premiership takes place January 10 and 11 2026 at North Steyne, and then it's the Young Guns carnival hosted by Collaroy SLSC from January 24-25, before Branch Championships commence at Freshwater and Queenscliff, with the Boats Comp. at Queenscliff on Saturday February 7.
On February 13 to 15 the ASRL Interstate Open Boat Championships take place at Wanda this Season. The SLS NSW State Championships, back at Swansea-Belmont this Season, take place February 25 to March 1 for Boats. The AUSSIES Surfboats races take place at Tugan March 25 to 29.
None of this can take place without the volunteer officials who run these carnivals. Below is Avalon Beach SLSC's Melinda Akehurst and Tammy Carter, both also SLS SNB Officials at the Carnivals, who like many Branch officials, have worked for years at these, State and even at Aussies, paying their expenses of getting there and back from their own pockets, which amounts to thousands each year, to ensure these carnivals go ahead and the learning and team-man-and-woman-ship at the core of them, which saves lives, continues.
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Mona Vale helping Newport
Profile of the Week Tom ''Turbo'' Trbojevic appointed Captain at ManlyOn Monday November 24 2025 the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles proudly announced that Tom Trbojevic has been appointed Captain for the 2026 NRL season.
Photos: supplied by A-M M.
Narrabeen's peaceful protest, November 8 2025. See: Over the Top Narrabeen DA Draws Large Crowd to Peaceful Protest: 'This is about Community Standing up For Community'
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Profile of the Week Deep North: Invites you to Dive into the First Weekend of Summer through a Music-Food-Talk-Activities-Art-Festival in Celebration of hereThis December, Avalon Beach and surrounds will transform for a weekend of music, art, dance, creativity and fun. The Deep North welcomes both locals and visitors to a destination of culture and connection.
A three-day festival, from 5–7 December, this is a weekend of music, art, wellness, and connection.
This is where culture meets coastline.
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The Minns Labor Government’s Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 passed the upper house of the NSW Parliament on Tuesday November 11, Remembrance Day 2025, with the support of the opposition coalition, which means this Bill has now passed both houses.
The legislation is designed to cut red tape for developers and legislate targeted approval pathways such as the low to mid rise housing reforms.
“I am one of only four Legislative House members standing up against developer-led planning,” said Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby MP.
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Ms Scruby successfully moved an amendment to protect native habitat as part of the objects to the act when the Bill was passing through the Legislative Assembly.
Wakehurst MP Michael Regan successfully moved an amendment to ensure protections and consent requirements for bushfire prone land were reinstated.
The original draft removed both of these - and this was supported by both Labor and the Coalition prior to these two local Independents moving these amendments.
“These reforms sought to water down nature protections - I ensured they were restored to conserve all native habitat, not just that inhabited by endangered species. That amendment is a win for Pittwater and a win for NSW,” said Ms Scruby.
“Both major parties are now pro-developer, pro-low to mid rise reforms - but protecting Pittwater means preserving our tree canopy, our character, avoiding construction in bushfire and flood zones, and upholding our local planning controls.”
Ms Scruby highlighted comments from Liberal Opposition members.
In the upper House Liberal Party Member Chris Rath stated during the debate ‘’ We are now a pro-supply, yimby-based party'' [and] ‘’getting government out of the way and letting developers build houses’’.
The speech prompted people to ask - 'just who are they representing as it's clearly not us.'
The comments, in essence, devolve the point of having a government or laws or politicians as representatives of their communities to begin with, and does not admit to where else the broad changes could apply - fast-tracked mining projects, cutting down the last few plants of an already critically endangered species or killing off the last of a near-extinct animal - along with by-passing councils, the voices of residents or ensuring the infrastructure needs large-scale developments would require are met by those who will profit from the same, not the communities they seek to place them in.
“The streamlining of planning approvals will increase the number of complying development certificates and we will also see an increase in state significant developments and rezoning, all of which reduce community input and usurp local planning controls as well as bringing corruption risk with the consolidation of power to the Development Coordination Authority and the Housing Delivery Authority,” Ms Scruby said.
“My office has been flooded with concerns in recent weeks. People can count on me to be their voice against developer driven development.
“At the weekend, I joined hundreds of local residents protesting at Indigo by Moran proposed development at Narrabeen, a State Significant Development application for retirement living which is in gross excess of both local and state planning controls.”#
“This is a State Significant Development that will create a huge change in the landscape of Ocean Street and surrounds as well as impact traffic, neighbourhood amenity, coastal planning and the character of Narrabeen.” Ms Scruby said.
See last week's report: Over the Top Narrabeen DA Draws Large Crowd to Peaceful Protest: 'This is about Community Standing up For Community'
And September 2025 report: State Government's Latest Planning system reforms set off Alarm Bells in Community, Local Government, Environment Groups
And February 2025 report: Mona Vale Set to Become Dee Why of Pittwater Under NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise policy
You can watch Ms Scruby’s presenting her amendment to the Bill here.
You can watch Ms Scruby’s address to Parliament here.
You can view Ms Scruby’s Planning Community Forum (November 3) with James Farrington, Director of Planning and Place for the Council, attended by 140 people, here.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby has also launched a petition - Oppose the Planning Reforms - available at: www.jacquiscruby.com.au/oppose_the_planning_reforms
This year's fleet, slightly reduced to a forecast thunder storm in the afternoon, saw former Olympian John Forbes and daughter Bronte take to the water, with John's dad Bob on the beach when they took off, competitors from Kurnell, Ollie, a 12-year-old skipper, an all-girl crew and Sam Dalton and Emma Webb travel from Mannering Park on Lake Macquarie to have a good run before they represent Australia in the Youth Worlds in early December.
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Bronte, John and Bob Forbes
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Ollie and his dad
The 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships (YSWC) in Vilamoura, Portugal run from 12-20 December 2025, and this will be the first time in a few years Australian Sailing has sent in a Nacra15 team.
The YSWC brings together young sailors from across the globe to compete in 11 events across male, female, and mixed categories. The regatta offers sailors valuable exposure to international competition, the chance to develop skills in a high-level environment, and the honour of representing their country on the world stage.
For many, it represents an important stage in their personal and sailing development, helping them build skills, confidence, and resilience in an international environment.
Selection to the Australian team recognises a sailor’s readiness for this level of experience. While the regatta is a prestigious event, the emphasis remains on learning, growth, and representing Australia with pride.
Emma Webb, of Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, and Samuel Dalton, Manning Park Amateur Sailing Club, said it was very exciting to be going as part of the Australian tam and they were '100% looking forward to having a go'.
iQFOiL Youth (Women’s Windsurfer) Amelia Wilson of Bayview Yacht Racing Association/ Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, is also part of the team.
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Emma Webb and Sam Dalton - off to Portugal in a few weeks
That so many choose this regatta each year as a way to hone their skills, test themselves on the Pittwater, and have a great time among one of Pittwater's family-focused friendly clubs is a testament to the members of PBSC - members regularly get out on the water in Hobies, Vipers, Wettas, F18's, Wildcats, Nacra 15s and Nacra 17's, and they're happy to help others get involved in off the beach sailing.
One of the great other annual events is the Fish and Chip Run to Patonga towards the end of their sailing season - with some members undertaking the sail in fancy dress - so you can really see them coming. This is a great fun club, that loves their sailing, loves the Pittwater environment and works together to make their season one of the best around.
Among their membership is a host of World Champions and Olympians, so they're pretty good as well as pretty good at keeping it real.
Dick Clarke, Commodore of the Palm Beach Sailing Club, timed the start for this year's regatta for the middle of the day when the breeze was expected to pick up a bit and provide the sailors with some speed - which is what these craft are built for.
Profile of the Week Australian Sailing Awards 2025 National Winners: RPAYC's Julia Hornsby Volunteer of the Year, Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project Club of the Year, Australian Sailing Lifetime Achievement Award to RPAYC's Ted Anderson
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Babylon House Interior | Casey Brown Architecture | Photographer: Zella Casey Brown
The winners of the Australian Institute of Architects 2025 National Architecture Awards were revealed at a ceremony held at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra on Thursday November 6.
Among those winners announced are Pittwater's 'Babylon House' by Casey Brown Architecture for the The Emil Sodersten Award, a National award for Curl Curl's Lagoon House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture.
In the Heritage Architecture category the Lachlan Macquarie Award went to the Parliament of NSW Restoration by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Purcell Architecture, and in Urban Design the Walter Burley Griffin Award went to Sydney Metro City Stations – Sydney Metro, while the National Award in Sustainable Architecture went to Metronet Morley-Ellenbrook Line Project – Woods Bagot with TRCB, TCL and UDLA.
Congratulations to Casey Brown Architecture for their project Babylon House which received the Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture at the National Architecture Awards.
Emil Lawrence Sodersten (1899-1961) was an Australian architect active in the second quarter of the 20th century. His work encompassed the Australian architectural styles of Art Deco and Functionalist & Moderne. His design for the Australian War Memorial was "the first national architectural monument in Australia".
The Jury citation for Babylon House is:
"Nine years in the making, Babylon House is an extraordinary reworking of an existing house. Nestled in bushland on the ridge between Pittwater and Avalon Beach, the original home was a quirky product of the 1950s, typical of the area. Its purchase by new owners in 2015 was followed by a long and thoughtful collaboration between Casey Brown Architecture and the client, one that preserves the best of the original house while infusing it with the personality and spirit of its new owners."
Builder | DCB - David Campbell Building. Traditional Owners | Eora / Kuring -gai.
In the NSW awards, announced earlier this year, Babylon House, perched on the Avalon-Clareville escarpment won two awards: The John Verge Award for Interior Architecture and the award for Alterations and Additions.
Across the estuary, Morning Bay House, has won an award in the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) category.
The jury citation for Peter Stutchbury Architecture project Lagoon House, which received an Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (New) at the National Architecture Awards, reads:
"Modest from the street, Lagoon House unfolds internally as a masterful sequence of layered spaces moderated with light and air. The client sought a home that would endure, prompting Peter Stutchbury Architecture to embrace a new direction – one heavily grounded in place and material longevity. Off-form concrete walls anchor the house, complemented by a restrained palette of precisely detailed timber, copper and brass finishes."
Builder | David Watson Building. Traditional Owners | Garigal People
Lagoon House | Peter Stutchbury Architecture | Photographer: Gabrielle Colthorpe
Between 1000-1500 Narrabeen and Pittwater residents gathered on Saturday morning, November 8, to protest against a DA submitted to the State Government via the State Significant Development pathway, which enables proposals to bypass local council planning controls and makes the government's Planning Department the decision maker.
The DA was open for feedback for 14 days, from October 23 to November 5 2025, and with no advertising or Notices, it was locals making others aware that this had been lodged and where they now had to submit comments to, that ensured any local voices heard.
The Exhibition period was extended by 1 day to 6 November 2025 'due to technical issues with the NSW Planning Portal'.
The DA proposes the demolition of the existing Wesley Taylor Narrabeen site and establishing a seniors housing development 'for over 60s'. The construction proposes a 5 to 6 storey seniors housing development of over 21 metres in height, with 3 levels of basement car parking spaces (192 in total including 7 for visitors), 149 independent living units listed as 44 x 2B units; 59 x 2B + study units; and 46 x 3B units, and a 10 bed residential care facility.
The project seeks to remove 69 trees (24 of which are significant) and will retain 13 trees (7 significant trees and 6 non-significant). The trees to be retained are neighbouring trees and those on the periphery of the site including the well-established Norfolk Island Pine trees located along the Ocean Street and Octavia Street frontage. Any understory of these trees will likely be removed and re-landscaped, the EIS states.
The proponents documents show they are applying for a BDAR Waiver Request.
A BDAR Waiver Request is an application to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to waive the requirement for a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) for a project, which can only be applied for by a proponent of a State Significant Development (SSD) or State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) project. So any wildlife that feeds on the trees to be removed, or lives in these trees, would not be considered.
The planting of 54 new native trees is also proposed, within the site.
The bulk of these trees are being removed as the whole site will be excavated to facilitate the basement parking spaces. Residents have pointed out that digging downwards three levels will be digging into the water-table. And this stretch of Narrabeen is also famous for flooding.
The plan to remove the century-old Norfolk Island Pines has not been popular with locals.
''These trees are part of Narrabeen’s living heritage. They frame our coastline, shelter wildlife, and hold stories that span generations. Offset planting cannot replace a century of growth, nor the beauty and presence of these mature trees.'' residents Belinda, Sascha and Hannah told Pittwater Online this week.
''This development affects far more than the landscape — it threatens the character of our neighbourhood and the calm of the lagoon area. Many residents aren’t yet aware of what’s at stake, and it’s important that we help spread the word.''
''These Norfolk Pines have stood watch for a century. Let’s stand for them now.''
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby attended the protest, pointing out the LEP (Local Environment Plan) allowed for 8.5metres or 2-3 storey buildings in this vicinity, which could be stretched to 12.3 metres under state government policy.
The site, comprising 156-164 Ocean Street, 81-81A Lagoon Street and 8 Octavia Street Narrabeen, which would be completely filled with the high-rise buildings, was the former Wesley Taylor Narrabeen aged care home.
Wesley Taylor Narrabeen was Wesley Mission’s longest running aged care facility, opening its doors in 1929 as ‘The Outlook’, a home for aged men of 'reduced means', and expanding to become the WG Taylor Memorial Home in 1935.
It was named to honour the Rev. William George Taylor who became the first Superintendent of Wesley Mission in 1884.
The Wesley Methodists' came into possession of the site at Narrabeen after the premature death of then owner Lebbeus Hordern (31 May, 1891 to 10 September, 1928), and expanded the facility and its land holding over the decades.
Wesley homes for elderly people were primarily funded through donations from the congregations and the broader public. This enabled the Methodist Church to provide care for the elderly, especially those who were poor or disadvantaged.
See April 2023 report: Wesley Taylor Narrabeen to close – will be sold to Developers: + a few history insights into the 93 year run of this home for the elderly
Wesley Taylor Narrabeen was Wesley Mission’s longest running aged care facility, opening its doors in 1929 as ‘The Outlook’, a home for aged men of 'reduced means', and expanding to become the WG Taylor Memorial Home in 1935.
It was named to honour the Rev. William George Taylor who became the first Superintendent of Wesley Mission in 1884, and who was stated to be an evangelist.
''Revival followed him wherever he went and ailing Methodist causes were renewed in spiritual power, as well as in numbers and financial security. Taylor was a man of vision with the executive and administrative ability to implement his ideals. Able to inspire extraordinary loyalty in others who willingly co-operated in his plans, he combined the traditional spiritual life of the Church with Christian humanitarianism.'' Don Wright states in his biography on the man.
Wesley homes for elderly people were primarily funded through donations from the congregations and the broader public. This enabled the Methodist Church to provide care for the elderly, especially those who were poor or disadvantaged.
The Wesley Methodists' came into possession of the site at Narrabeen after the premature death of then owner Lebbeus Hordern (31 May, 1891 to 10 September, 1928) after he took too much of a sleeping powder he had used to deal with ongoing insomnia.
Lebbeus was related to Alfred James Hordern (1859 -1932) of Kalua, Palm Beach.
Nic with proud dad and SLS SNB Branch President and fellow Bungan Beach SLSC member Rod McGibbon. Photo: Bungan Beach SL:SC
On Saturday November 1st the 2025 Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence were held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel, where Australia’s top surf lifesavers were recognised for their dedication and commitment to their communities on SLSA’s night of nights, the National Awards of Excellence.
Among those named was Bungan Beach SLSC's Nic McGibbon as the Youth Lifesaver of the Year.
The citation reads:
'Nic McGibbon, from Bungan Beach SLSC, is one of the youngest members of his Club’s Board but already one of its most influential. As Director of Lifesaving, Patrol Captain, Training Officer, and IRB Racing Team Manager, Nic balances an incredible workload with humility, enthusiasm, and genuine care for others.
This season, he contributed over 258 patrol hours, led a full overhaul of patrol operations, and established an additional patrol team, ensuring consistent beach coverage for one of the Branches smallest Clubs. His innovation extended beyond his own Club, building an interClub training partnership with Long Reef SLSC, which improved candidate experience, reduced trainer fatigue, and doubled participation in IRB racing.'
Bungan Beach SLSC December 2024: Congratulations to all the new IRB Crew persons. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Long Reef SLSC and Bungan Beach SLSC for our 2 day IRB Crew Intensive. BBSLSC pic
'Through his training and mentorship, Nic has guided more than 40 members to new awards and piloted an IRB Engine Masterclass to grow technical knowledge. Passionate, capable, and inspiring across all ages, Nic is strengthening lifesaving today while building sustainable foundations for the future.''
Nic had been nominated and won the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch award in 2023, as well as the Branch and State award this year, 2025.
Bungan Beach SLSC scooped a bag of recognitions in 2023 at the Sydney Northern Beaches Awards of Excellence. Nic McGibbon won Youth Lifesaver of the Year, Josh Bryden won Lifesaver of the Year, Rod McGibbon was awarded Distinguished Service by Branch and Matthew Lloyd won the Cupcake Award (first President to lodge report to Branch).
In 2021 Rod was awarded the National Medal – First Clasp - 25 years service, for his sustained service and commitment to Surf Life Saving.
National Medals are awarded to those individuals who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.
Established in 1975 as a military recognition award, the National Medal has since branched out into government and voluntary organisations and is now Australia’s most awarded civil medal.
The National Medal is awarded to individuals on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, and recognises long and diligent service in organisations that are dedicated to protecting life and property at a degree of risk to their members.
In 2024 the Youth Surf Life Saver was awarded to Eloise Love, Bungan Beach SLSC at the Branch Awards. That year Bungan Beach SLSC also nominated the Barker/Bungan SLS program in the Community Education Program of the Year category, Matthew Lloyd as the Bungan Beach Trainer of the Year, Bungan was one of 6 nominated for Club of the Year, their Humanitarian Pilot Program as Innovation Of The Year, Isabella Ball in the Surf Lifesaver Of The Year recognitions, Jess O’Bryan as Youth Volunteer of the Year and Rebecca Woodman in the Volunteer Of The Year category.
Fellow club member Tyson Dulieu was recognised in the same category and was Youth Lifesaver of the Year in the 2020 Branch Awards, the same year the Matthew Raymond Brown Radio Operator Award went to Sacha Dawson of Bungan Beach SLSC and Bungan's David Sams was named a Life Member of the SLS SNB Branch.
Clearly Bungan Beach SLSC members are going above and beyond, as they have for decades.
Stating 'there must be something in the water' at Bungan Beach SLSC would be an understatement.
Congratulations Nic, a well-deserved recognition of an outstanding and tireless effort to serve your community, surf club and fellow members through all you have done for years.
'Abdul' and 'Oggy', 2025.
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History Photographers of Early Pittwater: William Applegate Gullick – August 1st 1881 Visit by Princes Albert and George to Pittwater on Day Barrenjoey Lighthouse commenced to light the headland
Warriewood wetlands: Purple swamphen
Warriewood wetlands: swamphen mum and bub (hiding behind sticks)
Warriewood wetlands: baby swamphen
Warriewood wetlands: white heron and spoonbill
Narrabeen Lagoon entrance: council dredging works
Narrabeen Lagoon entrance near bridge: dredging works and kayakers
Photos by Joe Mills - more in this week's Pictorial