Warriewood's creeks are set to stay choked with weeds in 206/27. Photo supplied
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Try! + Raiders U21's team, May 10
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Photo: Surfing Australia/Andrew Shield
The Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club confirmed on May 14 that their challenge for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, Naples, the sixth in strict line of entry, has been accepted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. The fleet contesting the America’s Cup in Naples is now confirmed as seven – the largest number of entries since the 2007 America’s Cup in Valencia.
Representing the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club will be Team Australia with backing from John Winning and family who so fantastically supported the Australian entries in the Youth & Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024.
In a further announcement, the team confirmed Tom Slingsby, Olympic gold medallist, multiple foiling champion, and two-time World Sailor of the Year, will join the team as Head of Sailing. Three-time Cup winner Glenn Ashby joins the team as Head of Performance & Design.
Grant Simmer, famously a member of the winning ‘Australia II’ campaign in 1983 that ended the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year winning streak, is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Team Australia.
Image: Australia II in the 1983 - 25th America's Cup
Chief Executive of Team Australia, Grant Simmer said:
''For me, this campaign is both deeply personal and incredibly exciting. I first became involved in the America’s Cup in the early 1980s and was fortunate to be part of the legendary Australia II team that changed the course of the Cup forever.
Over the decades, Australian talent has spread across teams all over the world. Thanks to John Winning and this new challenge, we now have the opportunity to bring that talent back together to compete again for Australia. What excites me most is helping build the next generation of Australian America’s Cup sailors, designers and engineers, while creating a long-term foundation for Australia in the modern era of the Cup.''
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will mark a significant evolution for the event, with new AC75 rules requiring at least one female sailor to be included in each race crew for the first time in the competition’s history. The shift to battery-powered systems will also place greater emphasis on skill, strategy and flight control, while continuing to strengthen pathways between the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup programmes and senior teams.
Pittwater athlete and Team Australia Sailor, Tash Bryant, said the changes represented an important moment for the future of the sport:
“This feels like an exciting new era for the America’s Cup. The evolution of the boats and the competition is opening the door to broader opportunities and visibility for women in elite sailing, while also creating clearer pathways for younger generations coming through the sport. For young Australian sailors watching this campaign launch, that representation and ambition matters greatly.”
During the press conference launch Tash recalled her first encounter with the America's Cup was watching neighbour Jason Waterhouse as the Australia Youth America’s Cup Campaign Launch at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in 2013, and realising from that there was now a pathway for sailors to have a career in their chosen field.
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Photo L to R: Darcy Robbins, Eva Attwood, Tash Bryant and Sienna Brown at a Palm Beach Sailing Club Open day in 2022. Photo: A J Guesdon
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Wakehurst MP Michael Regan. Pic: AJG/PON
Profile of the Week Rosie Schonell: ‘Grades don’t define you’ - author and former teacher challenges education norms in debut novelClareville local Rosie Schonell is a former English teacher with a passion for telling spooky tales. Her debut novel, Breaking School Rules is Easy was published on March 6 by Hembury Books.
Breaking School Rules is Easy is a middle-grade mystery that follows main characters Billie and Minty as they investigate the eerie happenings tied to a tragic local family and the abandoned house behind the girls’ college they attend. As they solve riddles and puzzles linked to the mystery, they learn being smart isn’t necessarily about academic success - it can also be about curiosity, creativity and having the courage to think differently.
Rosie has a Bachelor of Arts with a Diploma of Education from Macquarie University and a Master of Special Education from the University of Sydney. These qualifications have led her to work as a specialised teacher for students with learning difficulties.
Rosie also volunteers teaching literacy skills to disadvantaged children and adult migrants. She firmly believes that learning to read ignites one’s imagination, fills you with knowledge and opens doors in the real world. Rosie’s debut novel is a middle-grade mystery called Breaking School Rules is Easy. Her upcoming children’s book Maggie Moo The Cow Who Forgot What To Do is a fun story about a friendly and forgetful cow.
BSRIE follows this philosophy, tapping into an honest pre-adolescent experience, whilst exploring the emotional ups and downs of friendship and identity as a tween.
Rosie has adult children and lives with her husband, spending her time between Balmain and Clareville, Pittwater. She enjoys pickleball, cold water swimming, outrigging and volunteers as a Crisis Supporter at Lifeline.
This week a chat with Rosie about her debut book.
On Thursday May 7 the council announced it has submitted a development application (DA) for the new community facility at Narrabeen Lake, marking an important step forward in delivering improved amenities and services for club users and the local community.
After a fire destroyed the previous facilities in 2021, the proposed replacement building will offer increased storage areas for clubs such as sailing, model boat and dragon boat groups. It will also provide a café for public and club use, accessible shower and toilet amenities, watercraft facilities and a meeting room available to both the public and clubs.
Mayor Sue Heins said it’s gratifying to see progress made on the Narrabeen Lake amenities at Jamieson Park.
"This facility will transform our community space, offering greater access and improved amenities for all residents.
“We’re committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive environment that everyone can enjoy.
“Council undertook lengthy negotiations with the insurance company to secure proper compensation for the destroyed structure to enable funding of the new amenities," said Mayor Heins.
view towards canteen
The design prioritises accessibility and inclusivity, featuring improved public amenities, accessible toilets, compliant access ramps and wheelchair-friendly structures to cater for people with disability or limited mobility.
Sustainability measures have been integrated, including solar panels, rainwater reuse systems and passive energy design. The building design has taken an environmentally sensitive approach, respecting the surrounding lake and its flora and fauna.
The council stated a proportion of the funding for this project is provided by the Special Rate Variation with additional funds seeking to be sourced through grants.
Development will begin as soon as practical after the DA is approved. Council will keep the community updated on progress and timelines.
Council's Development Application (DA206/0489) will be assessed by the independent Local Planning Panel and is open for comment from 11 May to 8 June 2026.
The updated designs provide for:
- a cafe
- water sport facilities
- Narrabeen Sailing Club boat storage and facilities
- storage for model boats and dragon boats
- a meeting room
- public amenities at the rear of the building.
The council stated that, subject to DA approval, they anticipate commencing construction works in late 2027 for completion 12 months later in 2028.
The works, as per the DA webpage, are currently costed at $ 5,341,661.00, where residents may also access the Architectural Drawings.
For further information visit the NBC website.
Last December, Surfing NSW – the state’s peak body for surfing – received an additional $650,000 investment from the Minns Government as part of the record $30 million Shark Management Program over the 2025/26 summer.
See Sunday December 7 announcement: Minns Government announces $2.5 million boost to summer beach safety with immediate extra shark surveillance drones
The funding has enabled Surfing NSW to launch an expanded drone shark surveillance program including comprehensive training for a new cohort of volunteer drone pilots.
Beginning with the peninsula, a further 60 drones will be rolled out to 60 unequipped clubs across NSW, and 125 pilots will be trained by the end of Winter. This ensures that every board rider club has a drone and trained pilots.
The enhancement package for Surfing NSW is a significant step in honouring Mercury Psillakis — a respected member of Long Reef Boardriders and a deeply valued figure within the local board riding community, who lost his life through a shark attack.
See September 2025: Narrabeen to Manly Beaches Closed After Fatal Shark Incident
Each drone deployed through the expanded program will carry Mercury’s name, ensuring his legacy lives on through a safer future for surfers.
The drones will support board rider clubs during events and training sessions, providing an additional layer of safety for surfers and the broader beachgoing community, particularly outside of patrolled locations and hours.
Following the Manly to Barrenjoey rollout, the program will extend across Sydney’s southern beaches before two regional based training courses — one north and one south — completing delivery to all remaining clubs, including Newcastle and Wollongong.
Drone operations will run year-round, with trained pilots able to identify high-risk species and monitor activity in real time. In the event of a shark sighting during a club event or training session, in the absence of direction from local beach authorities, activity will be paused with a minimum 30-minute stand-down before resuming if no further sightings occur.
In just a matter of months, the program will double the number of clubs equipped and trained, marking one of the most significant community-led safety uplifts in NSW surfing. The next phase will focus on increasing pilot numbers within each club to further strengthen coverage and reduce volunteer load.
As part of the NSW Government’s $30 million Shark Management Program all drone surveillance operations will have any shark sighting or warning uploaded to the SharkSmart app to allow beachgoers to make an informed decision before entering the water.
All water users are encouraged to download the Sharksmart app for near real-time shark activity information and alerts to help stay safe.
NSW Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Tara Moriarty, said:
“For the Minns Government, beach safety for swimmers and surfers is a top priority, and this announcement today of another shark surveillance drone rollout is clear evidence of our commitment being put into action.
“I want to thank the Psillakis family who have been proponents of drone surveillance since the death of Mercury following a shark attack at Dee Why Beach last September.
“We spoke together last year about increasing protection for boardriders and recognising the role of surfers in beach safety as a legacy for Mercury.
“This comprehensive drones and training program for Surfing NSW ensures every club has a drone and trained pilots, which is a significant contribution to honouring his legacy.
“This will materially lift community-led coastal surveillance during the White Shark season of winter and spring and heading into next summer. This significantly extends drone coverage and in-air time across beaches to enhance safety for surf boardriders and swimmers during competition, training and surf schools.
“This coverage by Surfing NSW is a significant supplement to the scheduled periods of drone surveillance by Surf Life Saving NSW, which I have also just extended from April to June 30 2026 at 14 beach sites, 4 of which are on the northern beaches.”
The Psillakis family said:
“We want to sincerely thank Surfing NSW and the NSW Government for this important step forward in shark mitigation and ocean safety.
“The release of these drones in Mercury’s name is deeply meaningful to us and our family. It is an honour that recognises not only his life, but the love we continue to carry for him every day.
“We are truly grateful for the commitment shown here to innovation, to safety and to protecting those who share our coastline.
“There is still more to do, and this must remain an ongoing conversation. Ocean safety, shark mitigation and community protection require continued effort, continued investment, and continued collaboration and we look forward to continuing this work together.”
the Hon. Tara Moriarty and Mike Psillakis, Mercury's twin brother, trying out the drone at Mona Vale on Sunday May 3. Photo: NSW Government
Profile of the Week The Kerry Gleeson Centre, Mona ValeFor more than 15 years, Kerry Gleeson has been a dedicated Lived Experience Practitioner supporting individuals and families across the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula. Her work spans suicide prevention and postvention, grief support, trauma‑informed care, Mental health and community advocacy. Much of this support is provided voluntarily, especially to people who cannot access or have felt failed by funded services.
Kerry’s voluntary contributions include:
- Supporting families after suicide loss when aftercare services were unavailable
- Advocating for community members experiencing unsafe or inadequate care
- Assisting families facing homelessness after traumatic events
- Facilitating free anxiety support groups for Way Ahead Mental Health
- Co‑facilitating the Bereaved by Suicide group with Lifeline Northern Beaches
- Connecting bereaved parents to reduce isolation
- Chairing the Northern Beaches Council Mental Health Month wellbeing event, coordinating over 25 local services
- Assist Chair for Homelessness Interagency
- Serving on the Avalon Youth Hub Steering Group
- Contributing lived‑experience guidance to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Kerry has now establishing The Kerry Gleeson Centre, a not‑for‑profit designed to make this work sustainable and community‑led.
This Issue a few insights into the The Kerry Gleeson Centre, from Kerry Gleeson. Photo: Michale Mannington OAM
Seven months after the flags first rose, volunteer surf lifesavers have lowered them at the end of Monday April 27 2026 for the last time this Volunteer Patrol Season. The Season was extended by a day due to the public holiday proclaimed by the NSW Government for Anzac Day, which fell on a Saturday in 2026. The Season will be extended an extra day in 2027 for the same reason.
Over the September 27 to April 27 period, on 129 beaches, NSW’s 85,000+ members had one goal – to save lives on our beaches.
SLS NSW said: ‘We’re so proud of each and every one of our members for the role they play in keeping our coastal communities safe.’’
That’s a wrap on Season 25/26!
It doesn’t stop here though, there’s plenty of training and upskilling opportunities over the cooler months!’’
Once again local patrol volunteers had their eyes peeled to help all in distress, for example, at North Palm Beach SLSC, on Sunday March 1 2026, they posted:
''We don’t just rescue people at @northpalmbeachslsc. Meet Legend (‘little ledge’) the endangered sea turtle who was found washed up, alone and on his back on the sand today by two kind beachgoers (and luckily not a bird of prey).
A little smaller than your hand, this young one was likely injured or became exhausted - which is why it’s often best not to put them back in the water but to call the experts @wireswildliferescue for advice.
While we waited for WIRES to arrive at the surf club he managed to show a little bit of curiosity - looking around at his famous Summer Bay surroundings - which we all took as a good sign! He was on his way to @tarongazoo hospital this afternoon to be checked. We wish our little mate a speedy recovery.'' - Lauren Langley, North Palm Beach SLSC.
The day after, on Tuesday April 28 Surf Life Saving NSW announced all NSW Surf Clubs are to be fitted with Publicly Accessible Shark Bite Trauma Kits.
It comes as part of Surf Life Saving NSW’s continued focus on increased community safety, with the announcement made at Dee Why surf club - the site of a fatal shark incident in 2025 which saw our community lose much loved local surfer Mercury Psillakis.
His wife, Maria, along with his club, Long Reef Boardriders, Surfing NSW and local MP's Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan, called for and secured a $2.5 million boost to strengthen the state’s shark mitigation program by December 2025. This meant more shark surveillance drones were to be procured for surf boardrider clubs through their peak body Surfing NSW as soon as possible, and SLS NSW was enabled to roll out further drone surveillance of local beaches across the Season.
NSW has experienced a tragic spike of fatal shark attacks in the past seven months, with the continued need for preventative actions along our coastline with many beaches being closed each day due to shark sightings.
See end of March 2026 report: NSW Parliamentary Shark Inquiry Mooted
The trauma kits will be affixed to the external wall of each NSW surf club where, in the event of a reported shark incident, and in the absence of a lifesaver or lifeguard on duty, members of the public will be able to apply emergency first aid until first responders arrive on scene.
In all, 129 new publicly accessible Shark Bite Trauma Kits will be installed at each of the state’s surf clubs as part of Surf Life Saving NSW’s continued focus on increased community safety.
“Volunteer surf lifesavers are in most instances the first emergency service responding to shark bite incidents and so we are always looking to introduce improvements in equipment and responses to support our protection of those community members visiting the coastline,” SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce said.
“We believe that by ensuring our surf clubs are equipped with these publicly accessible Shark Bite Trauma Kits, we are addressing a major need and providing a safeguard against the possibility of a serious incident unfolding.”
The Shark Bite Trauma Kits will complement the expansive UAV shark surveillance program delivered by Surf Life Saving NSW across the breadth of the NSW coastline. On Sunday January 25 the NSW Government announced new research, real-time tracking and expanded drone surveillance, will lead a $4.2 million boost to help keep people safer in the water over Summer.
This summer season, SLSNSW drones undertook more than 65,000 flights and observed over 1,500 sharks.
Mayor Sue Heins, Dee Why SLSC's President Lachlan Pike, SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce, SLS SNB CEO Tracey Hare-Boyd ESM. Photo: SLS NSW, supplied
George Pittar Wins! Credit: WSL / Beatriz Ryder
Last Sunday, April 26 2026, George Pittar (AUS- North Steyne Boardriders Club member) and Lakey Peterson (USA) won the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Stop No. 2 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), in front of a huge Sunday crowd at Main Break. For Peterson, it was her second victory at this location, while it was Pittar’s maiden win at the elite level. After a long week of stormy, onshore conditions, the Finals were contested on the last day of the 11-day window under clear blue skies on a perfect, clean, three-to-four foot waves at Margaret River’s Main Break.
The WSL reported:
The giant-slaying run of George Pittar (AUS) that began in his very first heat of the event continued all the way through to an inaugural CT victory for the 23-year-old from Manly. Opening with a win over two-time World Champion Filipe Toledo (BRA), Pittar took down every single men’s World Champion currently on Tour on his road to victory, including reigning World Champion Yago Dora (BRA) and 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA), before his major victory over three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) in the Final.
Largely growing up in the island nation of Vanuatu, Pittar came from relative obscurity to qualify for the Challenger Series in his first major attempt, before quickly qualifying for the CT. Pittar put the Tour on notice with a Semi-final berth as a wildcard in Margaret River in 2024, before falling victim to the Mid-season Cut at the same location in his Rookie season in 2025. Now returning as an early front-runner in the rankings at World No. 2 following his first event win outside of junior competition, Pittar has placed himself firmly in the limelight.
"I played ['Walking on a Dream'] the other morning. That's what it's felt like this week, honestly," Pittar said. "I can't even believe it. Those matchups I had, this comp, every one of them just felt like there was no way. And then they gifted me waves every time I was having a heat. I had three in a row where I got a wave in the last minute. It's just crazy.
Last year, I got cut here. Just before that Final, I went and sat where I sat last year when I fell off Tour, and I was like, wow, it's kind of crazy how different the feelings are right now. And then to go out in the final against [Gabriel] Medina, who's someone I've looked up to since I was a kid and such a crazy competitor, he's just a giant in my book. To have him in the Final and then to get a couple and win it, I don't have too many words. But just doing it in front of everyone here, I feel like everyone in W.A. has been so great to me ever since I started coming here and it's such a special place."
Pictured: George Pittar (AUS) in action on Finals Day. Photo: WSL/Hannah Anderson
Stephanie Galloway Brown's portrait of Layne Beachley AO oil on linen 138 x 102 cm, © the artist
On Thursday April 30 2026 the Art Gallery of New South Wales announced the 2026 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes finalists, with a distinctive Pittwater thread among these.
Among these is the Artist Lorrie Morgan, the lady who was the dynamo behind so many years of promoting Pittwater Artists, said - ''You watch, Steph will be in the Archibald one day, she's so good''.
Lorrie was speaking of Stephanie Galloway Brown whose portrait of Layne Beachley AO has been selected as a finalist.
‘’Absolutely thrilled to announce that Layne Beachley AO is selected for the Archibald Prize 2026 Art Gallery of New South Wales.’’ Stephanie said
‘’A huge thank you Layne Beachley for your trust, your time, your energy and incredible life story. It has been awe-inspiring to work with you on this and painting your portrait is one of my greatest honours.’’
Photo: Layne with her portrait at special sneak peek event, May 2, 2026
A portrait of national icon and acclaimed architect, Richard Leplastrier AO by Andrea Wilson has also been shortlisted in the renowned Archibald Prize.
The Art Gallery of NSW webpage for her work states:
‘Richard Leplastrier is highly regarded globally as an architect’s architect, although here in Australia he very deliberately flies under the radar, eschewing publicity and guarding his privacy,’ says Andrea Wilson.
A Sydney-based artist, Wilson was a practising architect until the death of her mother caused her to take stock of her life.
‘My mother always told me I should paint. She would have been so thrilled I’m an Archibald finalist.' Andrea said
‘I’ve had the good fortune to work with Richard on many projects. Our families are close, and he is a very dear friend. Over the years, I’ve painted him several times. My first attempt this year was a nude of him in the bath – an outdoor Japanese wood-fired bath, where bathing is a social event in his family – which was a fail.
‘But then, at one of our many gatherings at Richard and Karen’s house on the western shores of Pittwater, we were chatting about all the things we’ve done together. It was a beautiful sunny day, everything was perfect, and that was how this portrait began.’
In closing, Andrea said: 'Made it into the Archibald! Still picking myself up off the floor. '
Andrea Wilson's portrait of Richard Leplastrier AO, oil on board, 122 x 122 cm, © the artist
The deal, entered into by the former Coalition government, left the Northern Beaches community saddled with a model that prioritised private profits over patient care, the incumbent government states.
Following almost eight years of private ownership, Northern Beaches Hospital is now fully operated as a public hospital and part of NSW Health.
An operational command centre has been set up at the hospital to support the transition and the first days of the handover.
The Minns Government first announced the Northern Beaches Hospital Taskforce in April 2025, to 'investigate the future of the disastrous public private partnership left behind by the Liberals and Nationals'.
This followed the tragic death of baby Joe Massa at the Northern Beaches Hospital.
''Elouise and Danny Massa, the parents of two-year-old Joe Massa, have been tireless advocates for the facility being brought into public hands.'' the government said in a released statement
Elouise and Danny Massa speaking at the 'The Future of Northern Beaches Hospital' Forum held Wednesday, 14 May, 2025 at the Dee Why RSL. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM, Community Photography
''Their efforts have led to one of the most significant moments in NSW Health history with the hospital now entering the public system, as well as the passing of Joe’s Law, a legal commitment by the NSW Government to protect our acute public hospitals from any future Liberal privatisation.
''The Minns Labor Government continues to repair the damage caused by the former Coalition Government’s failed privatisation agenda, which also included the attempted privatisation of hospitals at Maitland, Wyong, Goulburn, Shellharbour and Bowral.
The Minns Government would like to thank Northern Beaches Hospital staff and the transition team for their work throughout the transition of the facility.''
As part of the transition, more than 1,800 Northern Beaches Hospital staff - including nurses, midwives, doctors, allied health professionals and support staff – have now joined the NSW Health team.''
Following the transition of the hospital to public ownership, the community can be assured they will continue to have access to private services until 30 June 2027, while the Government continues to work with the community and clinicians to finalise and implement a long-term plan for private services.''
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Profile of the Week David Elfick The Palladium, the Palm Beach Pictures studio, in being placed on the market March 2026, signals the end of an era. Although one of the owners and long-term resident David Elfick will still be around Pittwater, it may not be the same for the many here who recall the parties they've attended at the Palladium, or know the films that exist due to those who used this old building as a base. David Elfick, founder of Tracks magazine alongside John Witzig and Albe Falzon, made two iconic surf movies; Morning of the Earth and Crystal Voyager. These signalled the beginnings of decades of work in Australian cinema and gave us iconic and award-winning films such as Newsfront, Starstruck and Rabbit-Proof Fence.
Palmgrove Road Avalon Beach: Former Koala Thoroughfare - Autumn 2026
More in: Pittwater's Koalas Driven to Extinction: Some History
Photos: AJG/PON
Looking south towards Angophora Reserve
Looking north towards Elouera Road and Avalon Parade
