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'
.JPG?timestamp=1763192824285)
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.
%20160.jpg?timestamp=1763755511567)
.JPG?timestamp=1763777892691)
.JPG?timestamp=1763777971011)
.JPG?timestamp=1763778034605)
.JPG?timestamp=1763778216603)
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.
.png?timestamp=1763204832365)
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.
.JPG?timestamp=1763190882084)
Bronte, John and Bob Forbes
.JPG?timestamp=1763192187682)
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.
.JPG?timestamp=1763191439774)
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
.JPG?timestamp=1763193679355)
.JPG?timestamp=1763193714955)
.JPG?timestamp=1763193749610)
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.
%20160.jpg?timestamp=1761986917234)
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