Pittwater Online News

NSW shark-spotting drone program expanded to Year Round Surveillance

SLSNSW Drone station- Photo taken at North Bilgola lookout - which has a view towards Avalon Beach headland as well, April 11, 2026. Photo: A J Guesdon/PON

The state government announced it would allocate an additional $34 million for shark-spotting drones, providing coverage at every ocean beach from Palm Beach to Cronulla 365 days of the year.

Around 70 beaches across the state will have year-round drone surveillance, with all Sydney beaches covered from July 1.

The government also stated it will also trial artificial intelligence to improve shark detection.

Conducted by Surf Life Saving NSW, the monitoring will prioritise beaches with a high number of swimmers and surfers, where shark incidents have become more frequent.

The announcement was made two weeks after Leah Stewart was critically injured in a suspected white shark attack while swimming between the flags at Coogee Beach.

The 34-year-old was rescued by Newport SLSC's Charlie Verco and received first aid at the scene and underwent surgery to remove her arm.

Surfing NSW President Lusus Townsend welcomed the additional funding, which he said would also allow boardriding clubs across regional NSW to train surfers in shark bite response.

White sharks are a protected species and cannot be culled. However, Mr Minns said he would not rule out the culling of bull sharks, which are not protected.

"If our waterways and estuaries are being overrun with bull sharks and they are way above the numbers that we traditionally see, we've got to put swimmer safety first," he said.

"Fishermen can take one shark per day, but we are actively looking at mitigation measures when it comes to bull sharks in those [waters] to keep the public  safe."

Mr Minns said any culling action must be data driven, with counting of bull sharks to resume, including in the Hawkesbury, when the animals returned to NSW waters from Queensland after Winter.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries' Marcel Green said there had been anecdotal reports of an increase in shark activity across the coast, and these reports have been coming in for quite some time.

See March 2025 report: It's a 'Bit Sharky' out there: 5 Tagged Bull Sharks Pinged at North Narrabeen on Same Day - Bull Shark spotted at Bayview

November 2025 report: Jacqui Scruby - Council - Long Reef Boardriders - Maria Psillakis Call for Expanded Drone Surveillance to Improve Safety at Beaches

December 7 2025 announcement: Minns Government announces $2.5 million boost to summer beach safety with immediate extra shark surveillance drones

February 2026 report: Pittwater MP Launches Survey Asking For Local Knowledge on Sharks: State Government Announces Further $4.2 million to Improve Shark Safety this Summer + how to reduce the risk of an encounter with a shark

March 2026 report: MP for Pittwater's Shark Survey: March 2026 Update

May 2026 report: Flags Down on 2025/2026 Patrol Season: SLSNSW Distributes Publicly Accessible Shark Bite Kits to All NSW Surf Clubs - going up at 129 surf clubs

May 2026 report (same week - Sunday announcement again): Merc’s legacy will be part of every boardrider club’s shark surveillance set up: SLSNSW Drone to stay on Peninsula at 4 beaches until June 30

"Certainly a lot of the surfers are reporting that they've had a lot of … near misses and, or sightings," he said. "There's not a lot of data that says anything to the contrary. 

"The focus of the uplift in this program now will be that we will have eyes in the sky to prevent [shark interactions] from happening in the future."

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said her community’s confidence in the water will be significantly restored following today’s announcement that NSW will have the world’s leading dawn to dusk drone program, 365 days per year, across Sydney beaches, including ‘every ocean beach from Palm Beach to Cronulla.’  

“Our coastal community’s calls for comprehensive dawn to dusk, 365-day coverage, better data collection and clearer public information for water users have been answered. This is a massive step change which will help restore community confidence in the ocean,” Ms Scruby said. 

The announcement follows calls from Ms Scruby for 365-day, dawn-to-dusk drone coverage, better data collection, and clearer public information for water users.

The expanded monitoring will start 1 July and include year-round coverage across all Sydney beaches expanding from 26 to 38 beaches – from Palm Beach to Cronulla. The enhanced shark program also includes two SharkSmart listening stations in Sydney harbour to alert swimmers to the presence of tagged sharks.

MORE DETAILS HERE

NSW Budget 2026-2027 locks in delivery for Pittwater, but more to do: Scruby

Pittwater's MP Jacqui Scruby has welcomed key funding for Pittwater in the 2026/27 NSW Budget, which releases funding for long-awaited local projects, including $65 million for Mona Vale Road West and funding for the Northern Beaches Hospital, new electric buses, and Narrabeen Ambulance Station and significantly increased investment in the Shark Mitigation Program as well as the restoration of business support through the Small Business Advisory Program. 

However, the Budget misses key opportunities for bolder structural reform, investments in mental health and gambling reform, medium-sized businesses and long-term community sports infrastructure, the MP for Pittwater said

"For a conservative budget, there is a lot of Pittwater specific investment, releasing significant funding for Mona Vale Road West, Wakehurst Parkway and releasing full funding to see the completion of the Narrabeen Sports High School Performance Centre and upgrades to Northern Beaches Hospital. We are finally seeing huge allocated funding for these long-awaited priorities, but there is more work to be done," said Ms Scruby.

“Overall as a Budget, it falls short on economic reform to address some of the issues we are facing. There was no revenue innovation in areas like poker machines, coal levies or an empty shop front levy and equally no cuts where it could have helped most - like stamp duty exemptions for downsizers or payroll tax cuts. I would also have liked to see more innovation and the use of AI to streamline government processes.  I welcome the significant increase in funding for domestic violence frontline workers and for nurses and midwives and our bus networks. A huge miss was mental health and sports infrastructure and when you think about the social value our clubs bring we should be investing.  I’m calling on the government to use its unallocated funding for a sports grants program.”

“The Opposition’s Budget reply, had some wins for business, including increased thresholds for payroll tax and support for urban renewable zones, but revealed very concerning policy to stop transmission lines as part of the state’s renewable energy plan which is essential for having electricity when Earring closes. I was equally concerned by developer-led planning policies - accelerating development by freezing developer contributions until mid-2029 and payable on completion rather than approval which will deprive Councils of much needed funding to support community infrastructure projects like sports fields upgrades.”

MORE HERE

NSW IRB Championships 2026: Caves Beach SLSC Seals Premiership Series: Newport Takes 4th Place

Photos: Shane Abrahamson

It’s another Sharkskin NSW Inflatable Rescue Boat Premiership title for Caves Beach SLSC, but the win came with a statement from a Sydney club that the chasing pack is getting closer and closer with every race.

The Hunter-based powerhouse stormed to the overall victory by almost 100 points at the end of Round 4 at Swansea Belmont surf club, confirming its fourth straight victory in the Premiership series, however it came on a day when they were outbattled by a strong North Cronulla SLSC squad that finished first at Blacksmiths and secured second place on the overall point score tally.

It was a big statement ahead of the Sharkskin NSW IRB Championships in a fortnight’s time, where racing begins in earnest once again to crown a new fleet of state champions.

Thirroul SLSC matched its 2025 efforts by finishing third overall once again, while Newport SLSC and Kiama Downs SLSC will both also fancy their chances of competing for titles at the Championships at Fingal Bay after finishing fourth and fifth in the Premiership, respectively.

Standout results from the final weekend of the Premiership series included Forster SLSC’s AI Frogs winning both the Rookie Mass and Rookie Rescue finals – finishing second overall in the former category and first in the latter.

Newport’s Unsupervised Adults won their second straight Over 35 Female Mass Rescue final after missing the opening weekend, and went on to win the category as well. So, too, did Queenscliff SLSC in the Over 35 Male Teams – Not Our First Rodeo an apt name.

IRB racing now moves to Fingal Bay where the 2026 Sharkskin NSW Inflatable Rescue Boat Championships will be contested over three days between 3-5 July.

MORE HERE

Seas The Day 2026 a Resounding Success

Tuesday June 23, 2026: report by Surfing Australia, photos by Andy Morris / Surfing Australia and Surfing Australia

The NRMA Insurance Seas The Day Women’s Surf Festival wrapped up its fourth edition with over fifteen thousand people in attendance across the two-day celebration. The event cemented its place as the world’s largest female participation surf festival, a vibrant showcase of community, connection, and the growing force of women’s surfing.

Surfers of all ages and abilities took to the water across a diverse range of divisions, highlighting the depth, talent and inclusivity of women’s surfing in Australia. From the emerging stars of the Babybel Under 14 Mini Shredders to elite competitors in the NRMA Insurance Open Women’s Shortboard and Sodii Hydration Open Women’s Longboard, the event showcased the full spectrum of female surfing. The Ghanda Girls Under 18 Shortboard division offered a glimpse into the sport’s bright future, while the Thermos Open Women’s Para division produced some of the most inspiring moments of the weekend.

OLYMPIANS, WORLD CHAMPIONS & INDUSTRY LEADERS

Australia's Most Decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, joined the world's biggest female surf festival, taking part in an inspiring discussion panel with fellow Olympians Tyler Wright and Danielle Scott. 

McKeon spoke about the life-changing impact sport has had on her journey and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of girls to experience those same benefits:

"I'm really excited to meet a lot of the girls, see them out in the surf and be part of such an awesome day. It's great to support more girls getting involved in sport, and especially surfing.

I grew up around the water and absolutely loved it — it changed my life. I've made so many lifelong friends through the ocean, and sport has given me so much. It's given me health, happiness, confidence and opportunities I never could have imagined.

That's exactly what we're trying to give the next generation here today.

Surfing Australia's High Performance Program Director, Kate Wilcomes, said events like NRMA Insurance Seas The Day play a critical role in creating pathways and opportunities for women and girls at every stage of their surfing journey:

"Events like this are incredibly important because they create a space where girls feel safe, supported and like they truly belong. They inspire girls to surf more, get active and explore different sports, while building confidence and connections along the way.

It's also such a great environment to meet new people. You have the opportunity to connect with different generations, world champions and others who simply share a love for surfing. That's what makes this festival so special."

COMPETITION RESULTS

Some of the most exciting moments of the weekend came in the NRMA Insurance Open Women’s Shortboard, where Snapper Rocks SRC, made up of Samantha Arderne, Jordy Halford and Madison Kenchington, emerged victorious after a standout performance. Overcoming strong challenges from Byron Bay Boardriders Club, Kingscliff Boardriders Club, Starberry J.A.M from Yamba, Cabarita Boardriders Club and Lennox-Ballina Boardriders, the talented trio showcased impressive teamwork and high-performance surfing to claim the title. Samantha Arderne of Snapper Rocks SRC was so stoked to get the win after narrowly missing out last year:

"It feels so good. Last year we fell just short and finished second in the Under 18s, so to come back this year and take the win in the Open Women's is pretty special.

The conditions were a little tricky in the final, but we're stoked we managed to find a few good ones when it counted. All the girls were absolutely ripping — it was such a stacked heat.

My favourite part of NRMA Insurance Seas The Day is having so many women down here together. It has such an amazing festival atmosphere, and everyone is lifting each other up and supporting one another. That's what makes it so special."

Longboarding lovers were treated to a masterclass in style and flow, as the Atmosea team danced their way to victory in the Sodii Hydration Open Women’s Longboard final. With classy nose rides & graceful cross steps, their performance was a highlight of the weekend.

The next generation brought serious heat in the Ghanda Girls Under 18 Shortboard, with innovative surfing on display throughout the weekend. Team Daisies and Lily's, representing Torquay (VIC), claimed victory after a standout performance from Stevie O'Day, Lily White and Cobie O'Day, providing an exciting glimpse into the next generation of Australian women's surfing.

One of the most powerful moments of the festival came during the Thermos Open Women’s Para final. Team For the Greater Gouda, starring Victoria Feige, Grace Kennedy and Leanne Whitehouse, claimed the victory with a remarkable performance that embodied the spirit of the event and earned admiration from competitors and spectators alike.

Two-time World Para Surfing Champion Em Dieters once again showcased her class. While she narrowly missed out on the win, Dieters produced one of the standout moments of the final, posting the highest score, an excellent 8.67-point ride. Dieters also praised the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for women of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to come together through surfing:

"There is such a diverse range of people here today, and it's important that everyone feels represented. I'm proud to represent people with a disability, particularly the women competing in this event. Visibility matters, and it's important that people know surfing is accessible and that our community welcomes everyone with open arms." Em said

MORE HERE

Zali Steggall MP- Allegra Spender MP form new party: Community Strong Australia, to give more Australians a voice in shaping the nation’s future

On Thursday June 25, Warringah MP Zali Steggall and Wentworth MP Allegra Spender announced the formation of Community Strong Australia (CSA), a new political party designed to bring the successful community-led model to more Australians and more communities across the country.

Community Strong Australia represents a positive vision for Australia's future - one built from the ground up by communities, driven by integrity, evidence-based policy and a belief that better politics is possible.

The new party will support community-backed candidates and parliamentarians in both houses of Parliament who share a commitment to integrity, climate action, economic prosperity, practical solutions and genuine engagement with the people they represent.

“The community independent movement has shown what’s possible when people unite around shared values and practical solutions. Community Strong Australia is about extending that opportunity to more Australians,” Zali Steggall said.

“Australia is at a turning point and people are worried about what the future holds. Community Strong Australia offers unity over division and reason over rage. We invite everyone who shares those values to join us."

Allegra Spender said the formation of Community Strong Australia responds directly to what many Australians have been calling for.

“Too many Australians feel politics is dominated by career politicians who don’t listen to them,” Ms Spender said. “Australians deserves a positive, responsible alternative.”

“They deserve representatives who can bring real world experience to parliament. They want a new political organisation that can bring people together and give communities the power to shape their own future.”

Community Strong Australia seeks to build on the principles that have driven the success of community independents: integrity, accountability, practical problem-solving and putting communities at the centre of decision-making. This chapter is not about choosing between independents and parties but combining the strengths of both.

For more, go to www.communitystrong.org.au. 

Zali Steggall MP, Community Strong Australia Member for Warringah, stated:

“The creation of Community Strong Australia is an important next chapter for our community and the movement that Warringah helped build.

I’ve been speaking to residents, volunteers and supporters for some time on what comes next for Warringah and the community independent movement more broadly – and the message has been clear. We need to strengthen the movement that Warringah helped to create and provide more opportunities for everyday people, and for more communities, to have a genuine voice in Parliament.

For years, Warringah has proven that politics works best when the community comes first. Our community expects its politicians to make decisions that are guided by evidence, integrity and our common values. Community Strong Australia is about building on the success of the community independent movement. And by running candidates in the Senate, Community Strong Australia offers Warringah the chance to double its impact in Parliament by supporting a candidate committed to practical, community-focused solutions.

For me, Warringah has always and will always come first. As a member of Community Strong Australia I’ll continue to fight for Warringah and focus on the issues that matter most to locals. Warringah has been a driving force behind the success of the community independent movement and I will continue to listen to Warringah and represent its interests as fiercely as I have done over the past seven years.

Over the weeks and months ahead, I’ll continue to meet residents across Warringah to hear their views so we can shape this next chapter together. The creation of Community Strong Australia is an opportunity for Warringah to continue leading the way, and to help build a politics that is more connected, more accountable, more diverse and more focused on the people it serves.”

Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Independent Federal Member for Mackellar, stated:

''Congratulations to Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender on the launch of Community Strong Australia. This is a significant moment in Australian politics that will continue to embed communities in the heart of our political system.

There is a clear need for more constructive, common-sense leadership that community independents have championed, with evidence-based solutions that do not shy away from the challenges of our time. A better future for our country cannot be built on division or anger and must be prepared to meet the tough issues head-on.

There is a growing void in our political landscape, with too many Australians no longer feeling their values align with what is currently on offer. On top of this rapidly changing political space, the new electoral laws will make it harder for independents to be elected and fill that gap.

I am taking the time to consult with my community before making any decision about my involvement in Community Strong Australia, and my decision will be based on what is in the best interests of the people of Mackellar and the future of our nation.

My priority remains exactly as it has always been - to represent the people of Mackellar and to work every day to deliver the best outcomes for our community and our country.''

MORE HERE

Narrabeen JRLFC Hosts Harbord at Lake Park on Ladies Day 2026 

Narrabeen A Grade Wins - post-game and post-rain team pic in the sheds

Home games at Lake Park, the home ground of the Narrabeen JRLFC, are always a little like a big warm embrace from family with the added 'zing!' a game footy charges the crowd with.

On Sunday June 14, when the Narrabeen club hosted Harbord, it was a 'home week' big time as Frank McKee, the Coach who led the Sharkies to A Grade Grand Final win in 2018, is now coaching Harbord.

While the teams were warming up Ladies Day was happening in the clubhouse, with great food and a broad cross section of the generations of women who have made and make this club hum. There too the sense of family between the girls is the first thing you notice.

As Zac Freudenstein, Sharks President again this year, explains:

''To me it’s not just a football club, it’s a community. I grew up watching all the older generation and then was lucky to play with some of those A Grade players that I looked up to. It’s the old heads that you’ve got around the club that bring you up – we’re all like one big family and that, to me, is what Narrabeen Sharks is all about.''

''In 2026, the Narrabeen Sharks proudly celebrate our 94th season, continuing a legacy that makes us one of the oldest and largest rugby league clubs on the peninsula. For generations, families have come together at Lake Park and worn the black and white with pride. 

We welcome players from Under 6s through to Under 20s, along with Open Age A Grade and Over 35s Masters, where some of our members are still running around in their 60s. We are proud to have helped develop Junior Representative, First Grade and Australian Representative players, while still giving every child and adult a place to feel valued. 

What truly defines us is our culture. The Sharks are built on family, leadership and a genuine love for rugby league. We are more than a rugby league club. We are a community. We live our values of Honour, Respect, Loyalty, Integrity and Teamwork through how we support each other. 

Our players build confidence, learn skills and grow as people with the guidance of qualified coaches in a safe and positive environment. When you join the Sharks, you join more than a team. You become part of a community that celebrates effort, friendship and having fun while playing the greatest game of all.''

Zac Freudenstein, Sharks President

The Wider Community Family

Governor's Heartfelt Address Highlights Success Of Manly AYAH Gala Dinner

MP for Manly James Griffin MP and Emma Laubi

On Thursday 18 June, 200 local Manly residents, businesses, organisations and community leaders gathered for the bi-annual Manly Hospice Gala to raise vital funds for the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH), and the young people and families it supports.

The sold-out event, held at Manly Wharf Events Space against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, brought together supporters from across the Northern Beaches in a powerful demonstration of the community's commitment to the hospice.

As Australia’s first dedicated young adult hospice, the Manly AYAH fills a long-standing gap in clinical care for young people with lime-limiting illnesses who historically would transition from children's palliative services into adult facilities. Through its innovative model, the first-of-its-kind facility enables young people aged between 16 and 30 to receive age-appropriate care in an environment designed to recognise and celebrate the important milestones of young adulthood.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, attended as the Guest of Honour and delivered a captivating address recognising the extraordinary role the AYAH plays in providing specialised care and respite for young people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Guests also heard a deeply moving fireside conversation between James Griffin MP and Emma Laubi, who shared the story of her late brother, Felix, who received care at the AYAH. Speaking with remarkable courage and grace, Ms Laubi reflected on the exceptional care and compassion shown to Felix during his time at the hospice, and the comfort her family experienced in being able to stay close to him and share precious moments together.

Her Excellency The Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales

In his address, Mr Griffin paid tribute to the many community members, organisations and supporters in attendance, and those whose vision and generosity helped bring this remarkable facility to life. Among those acknowledged was the late Kay Van Norton Poche AO, a local Manly resident whose extraordinary philanthropy was instrumental in securing the funds needed to construct the facility.

"There are so many people in our community who have contributed to making this remarkable facility a reality," Mr Griffin said.

"The AYAH is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with compassion and a shared determination to ensure young people facing the most difficult circumstances receive the dignity, care and support they deserve."

The evening was a powerful demonstration of the generosity that defines the Manly community, with local businesses, organisations and supporters contributing an array of auction items and prizes, and guests coming together in support of the hospice and the young people and families it serves.

While final figures are yet to be confirmed as more donations continue to come in, the tally should approach $100,000 in funds raised. This is testament to the compassion shown by those in attendance and the many individuals and organisations whose contributions helped make the event possible.

Located on the former Manly Hospital site at North Head, the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice first opened its doors in 2023 and has since cared for more than 346 patients. Managed and partially funded by NSW Health, the facility relies heavily on donations to sustain its world-class model of care. Today, the AYAH stands as a pioneering model of care and a source of immense pride for the Manly community.

This was the third Bi-annual Gala Dinner which has previously been held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Pilu Freshwater, and most recently at Manly Wharf Events space.

Streets as shared spaces - Avalon Beach: New Permanent design open for feedback

• Comments opened: Fri 19 Jun 2026
• Comments close: Sun 19 Jul 2026

At the council meeting on 17 December 2025, the council accepted the tender of Nangle Pty Ltd for the sum of $170,900 excluding GST for design services for the permanent installation of the one-way shared zone, and in keeping with the character of Avalon Beach, prepare a design for 'high-quality upgrades to seating, lighting, landscaping and other infrastructure'. 

Nangle as the landscape architect, led a team of experts including civil, hydraulic and stormwater engineers and has prepared the concept plan to make the shared space permanent, the council states.

These concept plans are now on exhibition, with the council inviting residents to provide feedback for the same.

These show the one-way zone is being extended beyond the shared zone. The council states the extension of the one-way zone aims to:

• simplify traffic movements
• reduce vehicle conflicts
• improve pedestrian safety and comfort
• support a more cohesive shared street environment.

One of the key priorities for this project was to address the existing flooding issues at the site. While flooding cannot be fully eliminated due to the site’s position as a natural low point and in an ancient flood zone, the council states the project improves stormwater management by:

• introducing better drainage and flow paths
• using permeable paving and water sensitive urban design
• adjusting pavement grades to keep water moving through the shared zone and avoid ponding.

There are a number of proposed changes to parking arrangements, to make vehicle movements simpler and safer along with improving flooding issues:

• Closing the existing carpark entrance to provide a single entry and exit point for the carpark, further away from the shared zone.
• Replacing the 90-degree and parallel parking along Old Barrenjoey Road with 60-degree parking on both sides.
• The short-stay parking will be formalised, with 3 spaces proposed to be located on the eastern side of the street to improve access and passenger safety.

The council states the proposed changes are intended to improve vehicle movements and increase pedestrian safety and will result in the addition of one car parking space.

Council states it anticipates the works will commence in Autumn 2027. Construction updates will be provided on the project webpage.

MORE HERE

Robertson Road Newport development: Disruptions - Impacts on Businesses and Residents to persist 

Over 4 years after NBC and its planning panel approved the DA for 351 Barrenjoey Rd (the old Avocado Tree) the demolition of the old buildings commenced with the approval and lodgement of the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP).

On Tuesday June 16 part of the wall being demolished collapsed, causing scaffolding to veer over Robertson road and the closure of it and the main Barrenjoey Road to all traffic for hours until the site could be secured.

Live Traffic still advises ''Robertson Road is closed due to an earlier incident. Pedestrian diversions are also in place. - Reported By Northern Beaches Council, Ph: 1300 434 434'' - although the main road was opened several hours later.

Live Traffic screenshot taken Saturday June 20 2026

There will be major changes during the term of this build:

1. Robertson Rd Parking – all the parking opposite the site in Robertson Rd is removed during the construction phase estimated to last until December 2027.

2. Site hours – Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm – Saturday 8am to 1pm – Night work may happen but separate approvals needed.

3. Robertson Rd Special events – the council has not planned any to occur during the construction phase – another impact to Newport, already showing too many empty commercial premises

4. Construction Phase truck traffic – concrete trucks plan to reverse down Robertson Rd from Foamcrest Ave to the site, while demolition, excavation and construction traffic will enter RR from Barrenjoey and exit via Foamcrest.

MORE HERE

H5 Bird Flu Confirmed in Australia; Brown Skau death - H5 bird flu findings from Heard Island and McDonald Island: Southern Elephant Seal Pup Mortality 76 per cent - up to 97 per cent in one area 

A second bird, a giant northern petrel, was found exhausted on an Esperance beach and unable to stand on Thursday. The Minister said samples from the petrel had also returned a suspected positive result.

''Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has confirmed H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) in a brown skua in Western Australia.

This is the highly pathogenic strain of concern that has been circulating globally, and is the first detection in Australia.

Samples from a second bird, a giant petrel, have also tested positive for H5 avian influenza at the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s laboratory.

These samples will now also undergo confirmatory testing at CSIRO’s ACDP.

A key priority is to undertake surveillance to determine the extent of the infection in wildlife.'' the issued press release states

The skua was found on a remote beach at the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, around 700 kilometres south-east of Perth. The bird was isolated after it was found on Sunday June 14 and died that night.

This deadly strain of bird flu has killed millions of birds and mammals worldwide, in being confirmed in Australia, has now spread to every continent on the planet.

Australian Antarctic Program scientists finalise H5 bird flu findings from Heard Island and McDonald Island

The Australian Antarctic Division stated on March 14 2024 that monitoring bird and seal colonies in Antarctica had taken on a new urgency with the detection of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza on the continent for the first time. 

The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) confirmed that two dead skuas found near the Argentinian Primavera station on the Antarctic Peninsula tested positive to the virus in late February 2024.

The day before, June 18 2026, the Australian Antarctic Division announced Australian Antarctic Program scientists are contributing to global understanding of the spread of H5 avian influenza (bird flu) with the release of findings from recent voyages to the remote sub-Antarctic Heard Island and McDonald Islands.

Samples from nine vertebrate species were tested at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, with six species testing positive for the viral strain that has been spreading globally (Influenza A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b).

These included southern elephant seal, king penguin, gentoo penguin, Antarctic fur seal and South Georgia diving petrel.

Analysis of drone surveys taken on two voyages in October 2025 and January 2026 reveal very high mortality in southern elephant seal pups and elevated mortality in king and gentoo penguins.

Analysis of data collected in October estimated average pup mortality was 76 per cent in the final surveys and as high as 97 per cent in one area.

Total pup production was estimated at around 17,000 and island-wide mortality was estimated at around 13,000 pups on Heard Island.

By January 2026, widespread elephant seal pup mortality was detected in all surveyed breeding areas, including evidence of mortality at McDonald Island (by drone survey).

However, due to the remoteness and protected status, no on-ground sampling was undertaken, meaning laboratory confirmation was not possible. 

"These observations of H5 bird flu at Heard Island and McDonald Island are the first detection in an Australian external territory and show the continued eastward movement of the virus around the sub-Antarctic,” lead author wildlife biologist Dr Julie McInnes said.

“Our results show a similar pattern to other sub-Antarctic islands, such as South Georgia, where elephant seals have been hardest hit.

Data collected in January also revealed several hundred dead adult king penguins across the island. While this was a low proportion of the population, the observed mortality was above normal levels.

There was no sign of unusual mortality detected during surveys of albatross or the two endemic species – Heard Island shag and black-faced sheathbill.

However, data were collected over two short periods on Heard Island and it is unknown how the virus may have moved or impacted species since then.

The highest mortalities of all species were initially concentrated in the south-east of Heard island, which is thought to be where the virus first arrived.

Analysis of genetic data suggests H5 bird flu was likely introduced through movement of wildlife from the French sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands, 1,800 km away, with an estimated arrival around August 2025.

Elevated mortality was also encountered among king penguins (Photo: Gemma Woldendorp)

Steps to keep pets safe

The Australian government is already providing advice on how to keep pets safe as Bird Flu spreads. H5 bird flu has spread quickly overseas in animals, causing major impacts on poultry, wild birds and even mammals like seals, cats and dolphins.

The 5 easy ways you can help are:

1. Keep dogs on leash in wildlife areas (or don't take dogs into wildlife areas to begin with)

• Our native species can be sensitive and easily disturbed. Leashing dogs reduces stress on animals and lowers the risk of disease spread.

2. Prevent contact between pets and wildlife

• Don’t leave pet food or water where wild birds and animals can access it. This reduces unnecessary interactions.

3. Keep cats indoors or in secure enclosures

• Cats are natural hunters and can carry and spread diseases. Containing them also helps protect native animals, including birds and small mammals.

4. Wash your hands

• Always wash your hands well with soap and water before and after handling birds and other animals to protect yourself and reduce the chance of spreading germs.

5. Avoid, record, report

• If you see a group of sick or dead wildlife:
• AVOID contact and keep your distance
• RECORD the date, time, locations and take photos or videos if safe to do so
• REPORT it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.

For more information visit: birdflu.gov.au

MORE HERE

Northern Beaches Council Passes Its 2026-2027 Budget: One Year 8.8% Increase in Waste Charges Due to Fuel Costs - Further sale of Assets Mooted

Northern Beaches Council has stated its 'adopted its $598 million Budget for the 2026/27 year following a month-long public exhibition that attracted more than 8,500 online visitors and 135 submissions, with people highlighting priorities such as improved footpaths and cycling infrastructure and upgraded roads and parks.

The council stated on Wednesday June 17 2026, just after the June 16 Meeting:

'The 2026/27 rates notice for a typical residential property** will increase by $56 per quarter, of which $13 relates to the Domestic Waste charge*, $15 to the rate peg and $28 to the Special Variation program. Support remains available for ratepayers experiencing financial hardship and rebates are also available for eligible pensioners'. the council stated 

The booklet documents for the June council meeting (page 491) state:

* In 2026/27 waste charges are recommended to increase 8.8%, of which 6.6% ($40 of the increase in the standard waste charge) relates to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel costs, which is not expected to be required in following years. 

The council said it is:

''set to invest $130 million - the largest commitment ever – to improve the places our community use every day, from roads and footpaths to parks, beaches and community facilities. 

This budget is supported by a Special Variation to rates approved by IPART, helping address infrastructure backlogs and improve long-term financial sustainability.''

''Council’s Productivity and Improvement Program is targeting at least $5 million in ongoing savings over 3 years and $10 million in one off capital savings over 5 years. In the last 12 months, $2.1 million in ongoing savings have been achieved along with $4.9 million through asset sales. 

The 2026/27 Budget includes an additional $1.2 million in ongoing savings and revenue initiative, and further asset sales are being explored.''

See March 2026 report: Sell Off of Pittwater Residents Asset at Vuko Place 'On the Nose' Residents State

MORE HERE

Community unites to tackle plastic pollution: Scamps Hosts Successful 'Waves With Waste' Expo

Hundreds of residents gathered at the Warriewood Community Centre on Saturday June 13 to attend the Waves Without Waste Expo, a local community-forum focused on tackling Australia's growing plastic pollution crisis, hosted by Independent Federal Member for Mackellar Dr Sophie Scamps.  

The forum featured a panel of experts, including award-winning filmmaker and Blue Minds Co-Founder Kal Glanznig, Director of Circular Economy and Waste at The Australia Institute Nina Gbor, and Warriewood local, world-record sailor and climate advocate Lisa Blair OAM.  

The message from the community is clear: Australians are doing their bit, but they cannot solve the plastic crisis alone.  

Australians use more than 1.3 million tonnes of plastic packaging each year, yet only around 12 per cent is recycled. Meanwhile, Australia's plastic consumption continues to rise steeply year upon year.  

While households and councils have been asked to recycle more and waste less, only 14% of plastic waste is recycled in Australia. In the meantime, many of the largest corporate producers continue to generate increasing amounts of plastic packaging and avoid responsibility for their waste. 

In response to growing community concern, Dr Scamps is pushing for stronger national action on plastics and will introduce a Bill to Federal Parliament in the coming weeks to drive meaningful reform and tackle plastic pollution at its source. 

The reforms would include an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme which puts responsibility where it belongs – back on the companies producing plastic waste – including for its collection, recycling and reuse. It will also call for mandatory national targets and standards, and stronger regulation of harmful chemicals in plastics. 

Full report HERE

Greens Undo Ban on Hearing from Residents at Council Meetings

The disallowance undoes limitations on public forums and unintended consequences of the attempted ban on private briefings. With the disallowance on the code in the upper house, the former model code from 2021 will apply.

Protect NSW Communities from Developers Overriding SEPP and LEP Controls - e-petition Receives response: June 2026 Narrabeen 'indigo' proposal update

Signs of the Times at Narrabeen, November 1 2025. Pic: ELG/PON

The 'Protect NSW Communities from Developers Overriding SEPP and LEP Controls' e-petition is an official NSW parliamentary petition sponsored by Independent Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby.

''The proposed State Significant Development undermines planning integrity and sets a dangerous precedent for every community in NSW.

 

Previously, councils were the gate-keepers ensuring developers followed planning laws.

 

If SSD projects now bypass councils, the State Government must enforce compliance. There cannot be one rule for developers and another for the rest of NSW.

This proposal also fails to deliver any community benefits, no new parks, schools, wider roads, or infrastructure upgrades, while consultation has been rushed and ineffective. Developers cannot profit while leaving communities to bear the burden of congestion, flooding risk, and environmental loss.

 

We ask the Legislative Assembly to call on the Government to enforce planning laws, mandate independent review and public hearings, and restore fairness to the system.''

New reports on NSW health system performance: Data shows significant Drop in Elective Surgeries and Babies born at Northern Beaches Hospital

On June 10 2026 the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) released two reports showing activity and performance for the NSW health system.

BHI Chief Executive, Adjunct Professor Heiko Spallek, said: “The NSW health system continues to experience significant pressure, with increasing demand for hospital and ambulance services.”

The data also records a significant drop in Elective surgeries and babies being born at the Northern Beaches Hospital in the first quarter of 2026. 

The latest Healthcare Quarterly report provides information on activity and performance in the January to March 2026 quarter for hospital and ambulance services.

Overall, more elective surgeries were performed (56,410) compared with the same quarter a year earlier and the number of patients waiting longer than clinically recommended decreased to 3,955 (down from 8,588 at the end of March 2025).

However, the reverse occurred at NBH. Here elective surgeries performed were 648, down 19.2% compared with same quarter previous year. In comparison, there was a slight increase across the Northern Sydney LHD, with 3,240 Elective surgeries performed, a rise of 0.7% compared with same quarter previous year.

Patients on the elective surgery waiting list at end of quarter were 1,132, down 16.0% compared with same quarter previous year.   Across the Northern Sydney LHD there were 5,762 on the elective surgery waiting list at the end of the quarter, down 7.1% compared with same quarter previous year.

Median waiting time for urgent elective surgery was 12 days, up 1 day compared with same quarter previous year. The median waiting time for semi-urgent elective surgery was 64 days – Unchanged compared with same quarter previous year, while the median waiting time for non-urgent elective surgery is now 327 days, up 7 days compared with same quarter previous year.

There were no Northern Beaches Hospital patients waiting longer than recommended for elective surgery at end of quarter, but 100 across the NSLHD, which was still down 169 patients compared with the same quarter in 2025.

The changes may be attributed to uncertainty over Private Services at the hospital during discussions about the transition of the hospital during the previous quarter period. 

In the first week of March this year the NSW government confirmed the community will continue to have access to private services at Northern Beaches Hospital when NSW Health took back operational management of the hospital.

MORE HERE

Microplastic assessment report: Dee Why Lagoon Among Most Polluted in New South Wales - 56.55% of Manly Lagoon's plastic pollution is Artificial Turf - Pittwater Least Polluted

The Hawkesbury–Sydney region recorded the highest levels of contamination, with the Cooks River identified as the most affected waterway. Other highly impacted sites included Dee Why Lagoon, Muddy Creek, Toongabbie Creek and Throsby Creek, all located in densely urbanised catchments.

Dee Why Lagoon, listed as a Wildlife Refuge since 1974 on the council website, 'for the purposes of preserving and conserving the natural environments', is among the most polluted by microplastics in the state.

The types of plastics found in Dee Why Lagoon during the course of the study were Artificial Turf fragments (2.33%) Film (15.12%) Foam (37.6%) and Fragment (43.8%). Of these fragments 66.9% were small, 23.38% medium fragments and 9.65% were large fragments.

Dee Why was graded 'E', very high microplastic contamination levels, as was Manly Lagoon and Middle Harbour, although neither was found to be as polluted as Dee Why Lagoon. The 'Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge' covers an area of 77 hectares, of which the lagoon takes up 30 hectares. The rest of the reserve is primarily swamp-based bushland, as well as the coastal dune ecosystem between the lagoon and the sea. The reserve is a listed under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and contains several listed threatened ecological communities.

Dee Why had one of the highest median microplastic concentrations were recorded in urban catchments (9.98 MP/m³).  

Similarly, the highest mean concentrations were observed in these same systems; Duck River (34.80 MP/m³ ± 42.29 SD), Dee Why Lagoon (22.45 MP/m³ ± 28.49 SD but increases to 64.73%), and Cooks River (19.89 MP/m³ ± 19.69 SD) (Figure 12). 

The Cooks River was ranked as having the highest microplastic contamination level in New South Wales, due to its consistently elevated concentrations recorded throughout the study period.  

This system was followed closely by Dee Why Lagoon.

Dee Why data from SEED dataset

Total Earth Care (TEC) was commissioned by the Northern Beaches Council to conduct a year-round bird survey at the Dee Why Lagoon. The survey, which ran from September 2019 to August 2020, observed 102 different species using the lagoon and surrounding vegetation. This included Three threatened species – Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris), White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and Eastern Osprey (Pandion haliaetus cristatus), and four species listed as migratory under the EPBC Act – Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia), Eastern Reef Egret (Egretta sacra), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminate) and White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster).

The scale for Manly Lagoon records 56.55% of its plastic pollution is Artificial Turf fragments, consistent with the data released in January 2026 in a similar study conducted by Ausmaps, with 87.88% of all microplastic fragments categorised as small. Middle Harbor also had a high Artificial Turf reading of 25%.

Across the state plastic grass now accounts for 5.5% of all microplastic pollution.

Narrabeen Lagoon has been categorised as 'D', 'moderate contamination', with no detected presence of plastic grass as yet, just fragments (40%) and film (60%) of which 88.17% is classed as small. 

The council has stated its intent to install plastic grass in the flood zone of Narrabeen's 'Rat Park' and has already installed, without consultation and despite objections, plastic turf in flood zones alongside Narrabeen Lagoon, in Avalon's Dunbar Park and at Bayview's Kamilaroi Park, and at Lynne Czinner Park.

Residents state this is causing harm to people and irreparable damage to the environment.

Millers Reserve, alongside Manly Creek, submerged by water after the heavy rains, March 2022. Photo: Julia Walsh

Plastic turf installed in Dunbar Park, over a creekbed and in a known flood zone, without consultation

The council has also been installing rubberised soft fall and artificial turf in other children's playgrounds, despite objections due to health impacts, which also quickly deteriorates and pollutes environments. 

A comparative study conducted on PAHs profiling and probable cancer risk of children from PAHs present in uncovered playground surface soil and poured rubber surfaced playground dust found cancer risk is approximately 10 times higher in poured rubber surfaced playgrounds than in uncovered soil playgrounds [1.].

Another study, Toxicity and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons bioavailability in recycled tire rubber granulate of varying particle sizes, published online on 29 December 2025, states:

MORE HERE

E-Bike Riders Required to Have Licence-Be 16+ in QLD: New Bill Passed

QLD has also now passed laws to seize and crush illegal e-bikes and also will reuqire riders to be 16+ and have a licence

Debated during the Second Reading over June 3 and June 4, the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026 requires Riders must be 16 and with a licence from 31 August 2026, parents will be fined for under 16s riding illegally from 1 July, and compliance labelling for e-bikes will be mandatory by 28 February 2027.

Similar to the changes proposed in June 2025 by Independent MP for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby in her Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025, which sought to redefine e-Bikes as legally different from pushbikes, expand the Minister’s powers to allow licensing and registration, and limit speeds on footpaths, the passage of the Queensland version of new measures have been widely discussed locally as it lists many of the rules locals wanted applied in New South Wales.

Jacqui Scruby, Independent MP for Pittwater stated in response to the changes in Queensland:

“Queensland’s legislative changes are a great step forward in implementing a comprehensive framework to ensure orderly and safe use of e-bikes as they continue to grow in popularity. Holding parents accountable will also promote better parenting.

However, I don’t think it will stop kids from ignoring age limits and riding illegal bikes dangerously and police are still left with enforcement issues. The focus should include teaching road rules, licencing, registration and insurance which deters poor riding and provide an accountability mechanism. Government’s also need to invest in proper cycling infrastructure to keep pedestrians and riders safe.”

NSW Parliament has now passed legislation giving police powers to confiscate and not return any illegal e-Bike. However, it will not be in force for a number of weeks. 

The Minns NSW Government's version of e-bike laws did not pass measures requiring riders to have a licence or insurance, which the MP for Pittwater had called for after a series of recent accidents on local roads and footpaths, one leaving a person impacted with over 30 thousand dollars in medical bills. The e-bike rider fled the scene without leaving any details, or even checking if the lady they'd hit was alright. With no licensing system in place for either rider or their e-bike, there is no recourse in New South Wales for those being struck by these vehicles who then flee without leaving details.

Ms Scruby did move amendments to the government's Bill, but all amendments by others were rejected.

See report from last Issue: State Government's Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 Passed: Illegal e-bikes can now be seized-crushed

“It’s a blunt instrument but it’s the circuit breaker to entitlement that we need. The police don’t have the capacity to take every illegal bike, but even just a few seized and the word will out and it will soon be understood that illegal riding isn’t without consequences and you’re not ‘untouchable’. It will have knock on effects to improve antisocial behaviour as kids won’t want to draw police’s attention to themselves and risks their expensive bike. 

However, we can’t crush our way out of our e-bike problem and this law falls short of a comprehensive framework that we need to manage the exponential uptake of e-bikes. I will re-enter my bill to support licencing and registration.” the MP for Pittwater stated

Ms Scruby has organised a number of community forums across the electorate in coming weeks. In response to a direct request form constituents she is holding a meeting at Avalon Bowling Club on Tuesday 9 June at 6:30pm with the Local Area Commander and key community stakeholders.

All welcome. 

MORE HERE

Finalists for 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards Announced: 5 Locals Up for Recognitions - 4 to receive Distinguished Long Service Honours

RPAYC Vice Commodore Julia Hornsby, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and RPAYC Commodore Robert McClelland

The finalists for the NSW Community Sports Awards presented by Bankstown Sports Club, recognising the outstanding individuals, clubs, volunteers and organisations that continue to strengthen community sport across New South Wales have been announced.

The Awards, which celebrate excellence in 12 categories, acknowledge the vital role of volunteers, administrators, officials, coaches, local clubs and councils have in driving participation, fostering healthy enjoyment and promoting future pathways for grassroots sport across the state.

The 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards will be formally presented on Monday, 29 June at Bankstown Sports Club and include a number of locals named as finalists, such as Julia Hornsby in the Inclusion Achievement of the Year for her work to see the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club successfully host the hugely successful Hansa Worlds at RPAYC, one of the world’s premier events embracing sailors with and without disabilities. Julia won Volunteer of the Year at the Australian Sailing Awards for all her work at the RPAYC.

Also named as a finalist is North Narrabeen's Scott Dunbar in the Community Coach of the Year category for his work with local paddling enthusiasts. 

Scott ‘The Towman’, of the Sydney Northern Beaches Kayak Club, is revered for his dedication and 'getting it done' without any word or grunt of complaint.

A few years back, in celebrating his volunteerism SNBKC said:

“One of the difficult things about sending a large team to kayaking regattas is getting all the boats there and back, and in one piece.

Scotty is SNBKC’s chief towman. Whether he is towing the trailer to Penrith or to Adelaide, he is always available, he organises the team of towmen and trailer loaders, makes sure the trailers are loaded safely and correctly and always gets the boats to the regatta on time. He will drive through the night on the way to Adelaide and back to so that the kids can race. He even had to remove a fallen tree in the dark one morning after a storm to get the boats out of the Academy for a regatta. Ably assisted by his co-pilots including Alan Fitzgerald and Rob Greuter, we couldn’t paddle without him.”

The tow crew of Scott Dunbar (right), Alan Fitzgerald (left) and Rob Greuter (centre). Image: SNBKC

Also nominated are Cromer Tennis Club in Community Club of the Year, the SLSNSW State Championships 2026, and Hellen McMillan for Community Official of the Year for her efforts in the softball arena. 

Alongside celebrating these finalists, Sport NSW will also recognise 26 Distinguished Long Service Honour Recipients including 4 residents of the Manly to Barrenjoey peninsula.

Four Distinguished Long Service Honours

Four residents are among 26 sport volunteers who will be presented with the prestigious Distinguished Long Service Award, following their decades of unflagging and exceptional contribution to sport at a grassroots level, at the 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards presented by Bankstown Sports Club.

The Distinguished Long Service Award recognises individual officials, coaches, administrators, and event organisers who have demonstrated extraordinary unwavering dedication to fostering and advancing sport in their communities for over 25 years.

Local award recipients are long-serving Warringah Golf Club President Scott Campbell from North Manly, Touch Football’s Peter Casey from Frenchs Forest, and the Orienteering husband and wife team of Barbara and Ron Junghans from Duffys Forest.

The Distinguished Long Service Award recipients will be celebrated at the Awards evening held at Bankstown Sports Club on Monday June 29.

MORE HERE

Church Point: Revitalisation of Thomas Stephens Reserve Completed

The council advised on May 14 2026 'the transformation of this well-loved reserve in Church Point is now complete, delivering a more attractive, pedestrian-friendly and accessible public space for everyone'.

'If you’ve visited the area recently, you’ll have noticed the new extended timber boardwalk, a restored sandstone seawall and an accessible ferry gangway.' the council stated

'The upgrades complement the surrounding natural environment while making it easier for everyone to visit businesses and hop and off ferries. 

Landscape improvements include restoring the paved areas with permeable paving, new garden beds, furniture and other facilities that make spending time on the waterfront more enjoyable for residents and visitors.

This work follows the recent upgrade of the nearby public amenities, which now offer accessible toilets and baby change facilities for the first time.

The council states the improvements don’t end here; 'The third and final stage of the Church Point Precinct Masterplan, the McCarrs Creek Road upgrade, will start in May'. 

'Designed to improve the look and function of the street and make it safer and easier to get around, the road safety upgrades will be completed in 2 stages.

New speed humps and signage designed to slow traffic are planned for May, weather permitting. Then from August to November, a new pedestrian refuge will be installed to provide safer access to the bus stop, along with new kerb and guttering, line marking and footpath upgrades.' the council said

For more information, visit the council's project pages for Thomas Stephens Reserve, Church Point Accessible Amenities and McCarrs Creek Road Upgrade.

The PON team visited Church Point to enjoy early Winter sunshine and have a look at the completed works on Sunday May 31 2026 - a few photos of the revitalised Reserve runs HERE

NSW Premier Chris Minns made a whirlwind visit to Pittwater recently at the request of MP for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby - partly to show and celebrate the delivery works underway and announced by his government last budget, including the $500m Mona Vale Road West Upgrade, Narrabeen Sports High School Performance Hall and the $6.7m Narrabeen Sports Track.

Independent MP Jacqui Scruby, Pittwater MP, stated the visit was also twofold as she wanted Premier Minns to witness the infrastructure upgrade needs she continues to advocate for – sports fields and surf clubs, emergency services and other infrastructure like commuter car parks.

The MP for Pittwater said; “I work across party lines to get Pittwater’s issues on the agenda. Last visit the Premier saw Mona Vale Road West and we now have the $500m and project underway. This visit focused on visiting Narrabeen Sports High where a performance centre is about to be built, Narrabeen Athletics track where $6.7m upgrade works are underway as well as highlighting areas needing focus – such as upgrades to our sports amenities and emergency services which have been left neglected for decades.” 

Narrabeen Sports High School Principal Heidi Currie and NSW Premier Chris Minns with NSHS students and Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby

MORE HERE

Local island theatre takes on one of the world’s most ambitious comedies

Alix and Roy - rehearsals photo

The acclaimed comedy Noises Off by Michael Frayn is coming to Scotland Island, with performances at the Community Hall on 19, 20, 26 and 27 June 2026.

Widely regarded as one of the funniest farces ever written, Noises Off follows a theatre company as their production descends into chaos – on stage and behind the scenes. What begins as a shaky dress rehearsal spirals into a spectacularly disastrous final performance.

The play is famous for its large-scale staging, traditionally requiring a two-storey revolving set. Bringing it to a small island venue has required ingenuity and adaptation.

‘“It’s usually performed on a massive two-storey set – something we could never squeeze into our community hall,” said co-producer Roy Baker. 

“But with the author’s permission, we’ve created a scaled-down version that still captures all the pace and energy of the original.”

The production has been adapted for the Scotland Island stage by Roy Baker, who co-produces with Jess McGowan. It is directed by Paul Kininmonth. Cast and crew are drawn from the offshore Pittwater community.

Performances begin at 7 pm. A bar, operated by the Pittwater Offshore Men’s Shed, will be open before and after the show and during the interval (no BYO).

A special ferry service will run after both Friday performances, returning audience members to Church Point and the western foreshore. It will depart Tennis Court Wharf approximately 15 minutes after the performance.

Mainland guests are encouraged to catch the 6.15 pm ferry (Fridays) or 6.30 pm ferry (Saturdays) from Church Point. The journey to Tennis Court Wharf takes around 10 minutes, followed by a short walk to the hall. Water taxis are also available.

Tickets are on sale via Humanitix: events.humanitix.com/noises-off

Reuban and Sophie - rehearsals photo

Why I like the play, and why I think you will too
By Roy Baker

If any play can insist on being counted among the funniest and most successful of twentieth-century comedies, it’s Noises Off. Originally conceived by London playwright Michael Frayn in the 1970s, its appeal has proved enduring and universal, staged thousands of times in many languages worldwide. 

This coming month the play reaches Scotland Island, performing in the Community Hall on 19, 20, 26 & 27 June, starting 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now, and there will be a bar, plus a late ferry after both Friday performances to return audience members to Church Point and the western foreshore.

How to sell it to you? Well, it’s funny. Undeniably funny. I fell in love with it straight away, seeing in it the frenetic energy of Fawlty Towers, surely the apotheosis of late twentieth-century British comedy. They date from the same era, and both are rooted in the well-tested tropes of English farce: escalating chaos and implausible misunderstandings. But, like John Cleese and Connie Booth, Frayn revivified and extended the genre. 

Much of Fawlty Towers' success comes from the quality of writing; most of us can quote at least one line, even if it's only 'Don't mention the war'. Then there are the characterisations, such as the hapless waiter Manuel. Frayn's characters are equally enduring, and he serves up the same verbal dexterity, but this time it's sardines with plenty of sauce and a generous portion of word salad.

Roy's Report in full HERE

North Narrabeen SLSC Upgrades Set to Commence First Week of June 2026

''The club has been home to life savers since 1912 and the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club (NNBC) since 1964.'' council stated

The proposed works will improve accessibility and enhance facilities for members and the community. Planned works include a new 35 m² meeting space for the NNBC, upgraded interiors, balcony and BBQ area.

We're planning to start works between early June and Summer 2026 (weather permitting), though public access to amenities, gym, board riders and SLSC facilities and part of the first-floor deck will remain open. The café and bar may be closed for part of the works, which the club will communicate through their social platforms.''

''The North Narrabeen Boardriders Club will store equipment in temporary storage during the works.

Further upgrades to the first-floor balcony as detailed in Stage 3 of the initial concept plans will be delivered in the future, subject to funding.'' the council stated

The council also stated North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club is undergoing works with the main roof being replaced, concrete cancer repairs, external painting, and the repair and replacement of windows, gutters and downpipes. These works will be completed in July.

On May 14 2024 the NSW Government announced North Narrabeen SLSC lifesavers and surfers have good cause to smile after their club was awarded $632,343 towards Stage 1 Works - Building Extensions and Upgrades.

'The North Narrabeen surf club was constructed in the late 1970's and the project to upgrade the facilities include and extension to the north to provide additional internal floor space, enclosure of part of the existing balcony, rainwater harvesting and stormwater drainage works to reduce the impacts to the dunes' the announcement said. 

The funding was allocated to the Northern Beaches Council

How the club will look with the finished alterations and additions - indicative illustration only, courtesy NBC.

MORE HERE

Welcome to the Inaugural Lord Howe Ocean Race

On the back of its successful Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, sailed every odd year, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) is pleased to announce the inaugural Lord Howe Ocean Race - to be held in alternate years and starting in October this year. 

The Club is keeping the momentum going by establishing a second serious ocean race to complement the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race, last held in October 2025. 

The new 890 nautical mile race, starting from Broken Bay in Pittwater on Friday (2nd) of the October long weekend, will take the fleet around Balls Pyramid off Lord Howe Island and return to the finish back at Pittwater – one long race. 

A special perpetual trophy is being created in honour of the inaugural race, so it will be an unforgettable experience for the owner of the first boat to be engraved on it. Just as unforgettable is the chance to generate the race record.

Entries are now open. Early Bird discount ends at 1700 hours on 1 September 2026, so enter now and view NoR at: rpayc.com.au/lord-howe-ocean-race

MORE HERE

Bilgola Beach Environs 1860 to 2026: A Centenary Celebration of the Bilgola Beach Reserves

As what we today call the Bilgola Beach Reserves have long attracted attention a great store of information and images have recorded these changes, and the Bilgola Beach Reserves were officially set aside by the State Government in August 1925 at the south end, and bequeathed to the then Warringah Shire Council by Arthur Jabez Small in January 1926 at the north end, a centenary celebration and a few insights into those changes runs as this week's pictorial.

MORE HERE