Standing room only in the Mona Vale Memorial Hall for the rally organised by the Save Our Suburb (SOS) Mona Vale community group on Saturday July 25 2026 was a clear indication residents across Pittwater will not quietly allow developer-led proposals for that suburb to ruin Pittwater.
In the lead into the NSW State Election of March 2027, a further protest focussed on Macquarie Street itself, should their invitation to Premier Chris Minns and Planning Minister Paul Scully to meet them and listen go unheeded, is likely.
SOS Mona Vale is a local community group opposing high-density state rezoning and developer-led monstrosities in Mona Vale that does not recognise local roads, wastewater systems, and public transport cannot accommodate population increases.
Residents point out that "affordable housing" density bonuses are imposing towers of 29 metres in 8.5metre height zones and being used to build luxury apartments instead of genuinely affordable homes.
Residents stated:
‘’We don't want no development, we just demand considered development i.e. no 6-8 storey buildings amongst 2 storey homes and townhouses. Our infrastructure is not sufficient to cope with overdevelopment.’’
‘’I live in the area and have worked in Mona Vale for over 8 years. This area does not have infrastructure for large developments. This is pure greed from developers and politics - they don’t care what the people want. It’s very frustrating watching developers all across Sydney ruin suburbs and communities.’’
‘’Mona Vale struggles already with inadequate infrastructure. Our public transport can't cope with the current needs, there is not enough parking, the roads that lead into and out of the area are inadequate, and adding completely unaffordable high rise luxury apartments will not add anything positive to this area, except line the pockets of developers at the community's expense.’’
‘’I have a six-month-old baby who has a sleep during the day – until recently. All the building works going on directly around our home in Mona Vale have increased the noise levels, even with all the doors and windows closed. I am now permanently anxious about what comes next when more are approved.’’
‘’Pittwater is a Series of Villages Connected by Bush, Beach and Water. It is houses among trees – not trees among houses.’’
Speakers for the rally were:
Shane Withington - the Saviour of Currawong Beach was MC.
Independent Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, outlined her latest efforts the community’s behalf, and spoke of how State Significant Developments were once a mechanism for the state government to facilitate new education facilities, hospitals and waste management facilities, port, airport and rail facilities, not for destroying communities. Ms Scruby, expressed concern that Sydney itself, a city known for its beauty, may be wrecked by the developer-led proposals.
Former Pittwater Council General Manager Angus Gordon spoke on the Warriewood Wastewater Treatment Plant [for sewerage] which is already beyond capacity, and with 1000 homes in Pittwater still not connected to water, millions would be required to bring it up to where it should have been years ago. With faeces already running down some streets and into homes during rain events, or straight into the ocean, untreated, when the system is overloaded during storm events, where will 20,000+ plus more flushes each day flow?
Greens Councillor Miranda Korzy spoke about vacant properties in Pittwater - over 7000 at the last census – surmising that many of these new builds, already costed at 3million dollars plus, would also stand empty as millionaires ‘weekenders’ outside of summer amd contribute nothing towards putting rooves over heads.
President of Protect Pittwater Simon Dunn spoke on the work being done to reinstated Pittwater Council, a Council that was For, About and By Pittwater residents and renowned for its ability to design communities for community.
Michael Gencher, Liberal candidate for Pittwater in the 2027 State Election, outlined his views on the blanket rezoning and the Liberals stance on housing being planned and supported by infrastructure.
Save Mona vale Hospital Campaigner Parry Thomas spoke about lessons learned during the fight for Mona Vale Hospital and how residents should choose an MP who will represent them, not a political party where members are required to toe the party line.
An edited transcript of their speeches is available in the PDF below.
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Protect Pittwater President Simon Dunn, Angus Gordon OAM, Parry Thomas
Residents also spoke about Mackellar MP Dr. Sophie’s Scamps 2025 election pledge to seek a Heritage Listing for Pittwater and how that may be versed as it advances through processes required if what it seeks to celebrate is being destroyed.
As Pittwater has Culturally Significant sites and events (place where Australia’s constitution was drafted at the Basin, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, the sacred Aboriginal sites, the place where surfboards were championed as lifesaving equipment), and outstanding Environmental values with state and federally listed endangered and critically endangered ecological communities and migratory birds that both underline Pittwater having ‘outstanding heritage value to the nation’, what would occur if these were no longer part of what makes Pittwater where the throngs all go, all year round to visit these sites, because profiteers were given permission to sell it out?
See April 2025 report: ‘’Dr Scamps’ plan to protect Pittwater: Nomination For Heritage Listing’’
Residents again queried the 15-years then ‘sell out again’ affordable housing quotas that are allowing 29 metre high buildings in 8.5metre height zones, with people left with 29m storey towers overshadowing their homes, permanently.
The allowing of builds in flood and fire zones, builds that will only exacerbate flooding, was discussed, as was the already permanently choked roads - how would people be kept safe during floods and fires evacuations?
Residents being harassed by Developers to sell from the moment the new rules were announced, and developers including in their SSD proposals that those two-storey home owners they will be granted permission to install towers over, will also ‘sell out’ once they realise nothing can stop them, was pointed out.
However, one of the highest concerns was the repair Bill bequeathed to todays and future children, along with the fact that in an area where housing prices continue to rise, the low-to-medium rise housing policy is a complete furphy.
Residents state they will fight for their children to have what they have had – homes among trees, access to bush reserves, sailing on Pittwater, room for their own littlies and their dogs to play in, in their own backyard.
Pittwater is not a Place for 'Affordable Housing' - the data
On Thursday July 23 2026 Domain released their June 2026 House Price Report. This stated:
‘’ The broad-based upswing that defined the past three years has ended. In its place is a more fragmented and uneven market, where performance is increasingly driven by local conditions, affordability and buyer confidence.’
However, the same report embeds a mechanism for checking how much prices have ‘fallen’ locally, which records they haven’t, and correlates with the data retrieved from RealEstate.com run in last week's report.
Median: units
Mona Vale $1,492,500 YoY: +17.3% 5 Year: +22.3%
Newport $1,410,000 +14.6% +30.6%
Narrabeen $1,235,000 +5.1% +14.2%
Collaroy $1,359,500 +14% +39.3%
Dee Why $1,100,000 +11.7% +27.9%
Brookvale $1,090,000 +10.1% +30.4%
Manly Vale $1,050,000 +1% +26%
Manly $2,022,500 +14.6% +19%
Balgowlah $1,382,500 +4.3% +20.7%
Median: Capital cities are calculated by using a stratified median price. All other geographies use a middle sale price.
QoQ: The quarterly change in the median house or unit price.
YoY: The annual change in the median house or unit price.
5YR: The five year change in the median house or unit price.
From: www.domain.com.au/research/house-price-report/june-2026
John David, Convenor of Save Our Suburb (SOS) Mona Vale shared an analogy to illustrate what residents identify as a mistaken perception about Pittwater’s capacity to accommodate towers of units and thousands more cars.
Mr David stated:
‘’I'm a bus driver. If I have a bus, and everybody seated is a resident of Mona Vale, and everybody standing is a resident of Mona Vale, and the bus is full, if I drive up to a stop and I have people waiting at the stop, it is unsafe for me to let them get on my bus – I’m not allowed to. But what the state government wants me to do is to tell people to shove back and to squeeze more people on the bus. Our issues around the evacuation routes for, in the case of bushfire, [are evident] to the many people here who remember 1994. The only evacuation route for people north of here is Barrenjoey Road, the only other way after that, Mona Vale Road. In 1994, the fire jumped Mona Vale Road and it closed. So, if you shove a whole lot of people into this area, you increase risk of property loss and loss of life. And the government is saying, well, ‘just go ahead and do it, shove more people on your bus’.
Just how far does the impact of a bottle shop really travel? According to a last-minute legal move, apparently no further than 100 metres.
The Careel Bay Residents Association and Palm Beach and Whale Beach Residents Association say it's now facing exactly that hurdle in its NCAT appeal against a packaged liquor licence — after being contacted at the 11th hour, by a lawyer for the regulator.
On Friday 17 July, all co-applicants in the appeal heard from the Senior Solicitor at the Crown Solicitor's Office, understood to be representing the Authority. The message: under the Liquor Act, the group's application has hit a technical snag, because none of the current co-applicants live within 100 metres of the proposed site — a requirement under section 13A(5) of the Liquor Act.
"This is a setback to our application for a review of the NSW Liquor & Gaming’s decision," say both Association's Representatives. "We represent the community and the residents near this packaged liquor outlet, and we don't think a 100-metre line tells the whole story. A takeaway liquor licence like this affects far more than the street it sits on — it's a matter for the whole community."
The Associations point out that NSW Health's own submission opposing the licence backs up this view — takeaway alcohol doesn't stay within 100 metres. It moves into the wider community, and so do its effects.
"We think most reasonable people would see it the same way," say the Associations.
"There's a clause in the Liquor Act that seems to be getting used to shut people out — one that stops the wider community from having a real say in how a packaged liquor outlet affects their neighbourhood."
There's an irony here, the Associations say: the Liquor and Gaming Authority is meant to weigh up community safety and amenity before granting a licence in the first place.
That's exactly why the group is appealing to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) — arguing the Authority's decision wasn't the right one, and that it falls short of what the Liquor Act 2007 (NSW) requires, particularly sections 3 and 48.
"Our community doesn't stop at the 100-metre mark — and neither does a slab of beer," the Associations say.
"Everyone knows the sale and consumption of alcohol reaches well beyond the boundary of the 1–3 Careel Head Rd site."
In fact, those who live 101 metres north or south of the site, and who can see 1-3 Careel Head road from their homes, were only informed through taking their dogs walking past the house at 3 Careel Head road where a sign had been placed on the fence in mid-December - a time proponents of anything choose to avoid scrutiny.
'Public Consultation' sign on wire fence of 3 Careel Head road - mid December 2025
CBRA - PBWBA Request for Community Input
Both Associations want to hear from those who live within 100 metres who did make a submission to the ILGA to contact them.
They also want to hear from those who live within 100 metres of the site and did not receive the notification to contact them as well.
As the Careel Bay Residents Association and Palm Beach and Whale Beach Residents Association have a Tribunal Hearing on August 4 2026 which will decided whether the community may have a say, they are also asking any Solicitor or anyone who knows or can recommend one with relevant experience in liquor licensing or NCAT appeals to contact them
The Careel Bay Residents Association and Palm Beach and Whale Beach Residents Association have also mooted launching a GoFundMe page to meet the expenses of defending the community once a Solicitor has been engaged.
Contact via email: sogni@optusnet.com.au
Members of Careel Bay Residents Association
Pittwater's Spotted Gums
Residents are being encouraged to comment on a new, consolidated set of planning rules, with the draft Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and draft Development Control Plan (DCP) under the Northern Beaches Council now on public exhibition.
The council states the draft plans will replace multiple planning controls with a single, clear set of rules, making it easier for residents, property owners, and developers to understand what applies and where.
A LEP is a state-government-mandated planning instrument that sets the legal rules for land development. The council states their DCP supports the LEP and provides more detailed guidance for new development, including requirements for landscaping, car parking and privacy.
''Northern Beaches Council is moving from four separate sets of LEPs and DCPs to a single comprehensive LEP and DCP covering the entire local government area.'' the council stated on Monday July 20 2026, in releasing the draft documents
Residents state the feedback period presents an opportunity for those living in Pittwater to require the Northern Beaches Council cease installing plastic grass, plastic walkways, plastic wharves and rubber infill in the Pittwater environment and remove those it has already installed, without consultation, especially in creek flow and flood areas or alongside Narrabeen Lagoon and Newport Beach.
Residents of Pittwater also insist the Northern Beaches Council protect the plants and habitat of the Listed Ecological Community gazetted under Pittwater Council at a NSW state level - the 1998 Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest endangered ecological community listing, which was updated to the 2013 Determination relating to the Pittwater and Wagstaffe Spotted Gum Forest - and at an Australian Government level, ensure it does nothing further to cause damage to the Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia(Listed as Critically Endangered - Date effective 10-Oct-2008) and the Posidonia australis seagrass meadows of the Manning-Hawkesbury ecoregion, which has sites at Station Beach, where dogs were allowed to defecate under the Northern Beaches Council's plan, and Careel Bay among other Pittwater sites -- without exceptions.
Additionally, Pittwater residents have pointed out Pittwater has been excluded from the 'Scenic Protection' clause in the draft DCP and the LEP, and should be included given the beauty of the Narrabeen to Barrenjoey peninsula and its estuary.
At this stage applies only to:
- Foreshores scenic protection area - applies to land in the vicinity of North and Middle Harbour and the Pacific Ocean, Manly
- Scenic Protection - applies to land in Oxford Falls Valley and Belrose North [page 33 - '4B.8 Scenic protection' - Draft DCP plan]
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Rubber infill pad installed alongside Narrabeen Lagoon over tree roots shows those trees are poking through/breaking rubber infill in known flood zone. Photo: Pittwater Online News site investigations, 2026
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Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins states ''the draft plans represent the final step in what has been years of planning and consulting with the community working towards a simpler and more consistent planning framework''.
“For most residents, little will change; however, a small number of properties are proposed to be rezoned or subject to new requirements, particularly where environmental values are high. In these cases, some forms of development may be restricted to better protect sensitive areas. In the “deferred lands” of Oxford Falls Valley and Belrose North, the draft LEP introduces standard zoning in line with state planning requirements."
Mayor Heins encouraged residents, businesses and community groups to review the draft plans and to use the interactive map on Council’s website to see how the changes affect them.
Submissions close on 30 August 2026.
“Community input is vital. I encourage residents to have their say at this important milestone and let us know if we got it right,” Mayor Heins said.
''It is anticipated that both plans will commence in mid-2027.'' the council stated
To learn more or provide feedback, visit the council’s website or call the LEP/DCP customer hotline on 8495 5034 by 30 August.
Consultation webpage and links to documents is at: https:/LEP-DCP
During June, Australia’s largest state-based inclusive sailing network, Sailability NSW Inc (SNSW), celebrated the 30th Anniversary of giving everyone the opportunity to participate in the sailing community, regardless of ability. Like almost all 70+ Sailability branches across Australia, Sailability NSW is entirely volunteer run.
At a 30th Anniversary dinner at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, some 120 guests from 25 branches across NSW celebrated the milestone. The following day, a conference was held with 70 branch representatives participating. Branch members from across the state who had completed 10, 20 or 30 years were presented with commemorative recognition-of-service pins.
More than a dozen Sailability alumnae were invited to participate, in recognition of their years of dedicated service. These included Denis Critchley, president of the first Sailability branch, in Gosford, Chris Mitchell of Hansa Systems, which supplies all the universal-design sailboats, and outstanding competition sailors Wendy Evans, Lindsay and Maria Dalmon and Maryanne Ireland.
Above: Lindsay & Maria Dalmon, Allan Jones and Henry Zylmans at Liberty launch RPAYC 2007.
A more recent sailor, Ame Barnbrook, member of the Paralympian sailing team, was a guest, as well as NSW MP Liesel Tesch AM, Paralympic medallist.
Also present were Peter Wrigley, who opened up the possibilities for disabled sailors at Dobroyd Aquatic Club, Neil Anderson (SNSW director and former SNSW president) and Paul Tayler (treasurer). Neil and Paul, from 1996, worked tirelessly to establish and grow Sailability NSW. The pair were two of only a handful of recipients of the 30-year pin. Neil was also Chair, for its duration, of the committee of Sailability Australia, facilitated by Australian Sailing, with member Graeme Adam, Sailability’s publicity officer from 2004 to 2018.
The agenda and speaker line- up was of a high standard. Specialist speakers included Michael Arico on boat insurance, Tim Micninson from Sailability Victoria on sailing simulators, Niall Powers with news from Australian Sailing, and Dr Steven Wilson on parasailing.
Sailability NSW speakers included Chair and MC, Clare Archer who spoke on the new vision and values statement, Neil Anderson on 30 years of fund-raising, Jason Elwes (Training Coordinator) and John Sanderson (Assistant Training Officer) on developments in training, and SNSW president John Price on Learning to sail though headset visual effects.
Some of the top performing branches shared new ways of doing things that have improved the sailing experience for participants, many with no prior skills. Before the close, the conference broke into groups to brainstorm the best ways ahead.
Full report HERE
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P.M.E.A's Graeme Smith with Inaugural Apprentice of the Year Mitchell Doolan
Profile of the Week Mark Head: 2026 SLS SNB Branch Surf Lifesaver of the Year - on 40+ Years of Being a Surf Life SaverAvalon Beach SLSC member Mark Head was named ‘Surf Lifesaver of the Year’ at the recent SLS SNB Branch Awards of Excellence.
The Surf Lifesaver of the Year award recognises an active patrolling member who has made an outstanding, sustained contribution to the delivery and development of surf lifesaving frontline services. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in lifesaving operations, leadership, club development, and community education.
Winners at the Branch Awards of Excellence progress to the State Awards.
The Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence bring our surf lifesaving community across New South Wales together to honour the members who give their time, passion and heart to making surf lifesaving stronger. Every year, we celebrate the people whose dedication shapes their clubs, supports their fellow members and enriches their local communities.
This year, they will gather at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on Saturday August 22 to recognise outstanding achievements in the service of others and their communities.
In compiling Mark’s Nomination to Branch, Giles Stoddard, Director of Life Saving at Avalon Beach SLSC, stated:
''Mark Head is the epitome of the Surf Life Saving spirit - a dedicated leader, educator, and pillar of resilience at Avalon Beach SLSC.
Serving as an active SLS member for over 40 years, Mark has continuously stepped into critical operational roles while at Avalon Beach SLSC including Patrol Captain and Bronze Medallion Trainer. He is a standout member who leads by example, consistently pursuing his own professional development while actively mentoring others to step up into leadership positions within the club.
In 2023, Mark faced a life-altering crisis when he suffered a severe concussion and subsequent cardiac arrest during challenging board training. Thanks to the swift, heroic actions of his fellow club members and an off-duty medic, he was rescued and resuscitated.
Mark’s long road to recovery was further complicated by a spinal cord injury that left him medically bound to a wheelchair. Throughout this arduous journey, Mark has modelled an extraordinary attitude of courage and determination. Rather than stepping away from the movement, he has utilised the profound support of the SLS community as a catalyst to return to active service, demonstrating an unmatched commitment to Avalon Beach SLSC.
The news service spoke to Mark after his win and he shared some insights on what surf lifesaving has given to him.
In December 1882 a man travelling under the name of Von Bieren arrived in Sydney aboard the Orient. He was travelling with his wife; both of them passengers in the First Saloon;
ORIENT VON BIEREN, MR, PASSENGER, 1ST SALOON. VON BIEREN, MRS, PASSENGER, 1ST SALOON mariners.records.nsw.gov.au/1882/12/042ori.htm
Claiming to have been the proprietor of the Philadelphia Powder Mill, and then powder mills in Pennsylvania prior to landing in the colony, this gentleman soon had begun a new enterprise along the same lines. In 1884 he bought 320 acres of vacant isolated land high up on what was then called "Sugar Loaf Hill", or the plateau above Narrabeen we call Ingleside, a name this man gave to the house he built in the gully further south of the hill, near where the present day Monash Golf club is.
On the land overlooking Mona Vale to the east and Narrabeen lagoon to the south he established a powder mill factory where he would make blasting powder and gunpowder.
This Issue, one for all those who keep requesting 'that one from Ingleside'
The Monday July 13 episode of the ABC’s Four Corners, “Unaffordable. Australia's broken housing promise”, outlined the transformation being turbocharged by the NSW Infill Affordable Housing Legislation, which allows an extra 30% floor area and 30% height if 10-15% of units are built as 'affordable' and kept as such for 15 years.
The Act is fatally flawed for its limited value in enabling people to actually be able to afford these rental units, has a devastating impact on locals already living in these places through the destruction of these places, is a boon for developers through bypassing of local planning controls, and is handing a large bill to future generations for remediation works when those approved in flood and fire zones require restoration of places so they are safe.
One example that epitomises what is happening is a DA that had been approved prior to the scheme coming in for 159-167 Darley Street West, Mona Vale. Originally for 41 units and four storeys in a known flood zone this became an SSD for 82 dwellings, over six stories and up to 21 metres in height with three levels of underground parking digging down into a creek, and got that percentage bonus through 10 of these to be allocated to 'affordable housing'. The State Significant Development comprises 26 x two -bedroom apartments and 56 x three-bedroom apartments.
The increase of 31 units represents a further huge profit margin uplift for this developer by incorporating affordable housing.
Median prices in Mona Vale are currently $2,765,000 for houses and $1,825,000 for units (although 3 bedrooms are selling for 2,900,000.00; June 18 2026, and some housing is selling for $2million per bedroom). The market records units in Mona Vale from July 2025 - June 2026 are having a 12 month growth of 35.2%.
The current Median price for renting a unit in Mona Vale is:
- 1 bed unit: $665 per week
- 2 bed unit: $850 per week
- 3 bed unit: $1,350 per week
In NSW “affordable” is defined as 80% of market rent, which would place these Darley street West units outside of the budget of the many of the people they are aimed at.
Link Wentworth is to be placed in charge of the 10 allocated affordable units. Link states its affordable housing rents are:
''typically calculated either at a 20% to 30% discount below the local market rent or set to roughly 30% of your total gross assessable household income. Actual weekly rent rates vary depending on the specific property and location.''
However, even with all these provisions, for those in the lower income brackets the rent will still be more than their after-tax take home income can afford. This makes the 'affordable rental market' in New South Wales skewed towards those with a higher income.
Dog attacking formerly resting seal at Long Reef Aquatic Reserve in November 2020 - a No Dogs area. Photo supplied
190x start point. Photo: A J Guesdon/PON
Residents of Avalon Beach are calling for the reversal of a liquor licence granted to Dan Murphy's, citing serious risks to community health, child safety, and local amenity.
The core problem, residents state, is a large-scale, discount liquor outlet has been approved for the 1-3 Careel Head Road site that sits directly beneath a childcare centre — normalising alcohol in a space designed for young children.
See May 2026 report: 491 square Metre Liquor shop at Careel Bay Shops Approved: NCAT Review Request May be lodged by Community
Development Application DA2024/1091, as amended, for the demolition works and construction of a mixed use development with basement parking comprising retail uses and a childcare centre at 1-3 Careel Head Road, Avalon Beach, was determined by the grant of consent and through a Land and Environment court action with the judgement handed down on September 4 2025.
The council requested the developers include a separate entry to the childcare centre.
The developers proposed a child care centre and 3 retail premises (one being a liquor store). An entry, separate from the liquor store, for the childcare centre now forms part of the proposal.
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Details at: lngnoticeboard.onegov.nsw.gov.au//APP-0015360276
The facts and what residents and authorities are saying:
• Already oversupplied. Local resident Karen Young points to the Pittwater Peninsula already being comprehensively serviced by packaged liquor outlets. Residents currently have access to multiple bottle shops, licensed clubs, hotels and a large Dan Murphy's store at Mona Vale. There is a substantial existing concentration of alcohol retail and licenses premises in the immediate vicinity of the proposed outlet. Avalon Beach has five existing bottle shops. No community need has been demonstrated for a sixth.
Those outlets are:
- Le Pont Clareville
- Palm Beach Wines
- Bilgola Cellars
- Mr Liquor Nth Avalon
- Avalon Brewery
- Winona Avalon
- Chambers Cellars Avalon
• Children at risk. Rick Stevens, a nearby resident and teacher of over 40 years highlights that; ‘the co-location of a Dan Murphy's packaged liquor outlet and a childcare centre conflict with NSW planning policy designed to protect children's health, safety, and security. Having a large liquor outlet operating alongside a childcare centre sends the wrong message'.
• A health district warning ignored. Northern Sydney Local Health District flagged that alcohol-related hospitalisations on the northern beaches run 65% above the NSW average. Emergency department alcohol presentations are 59% above the state rate. A large discount liquor outlet will make this worse.
• Validity of Licence The Northern Beaches Council objected to the issue of the liquor licence. Council raised concerns the liquor licence was issued based on incorrect plans, despite Council identifying the error. Confirmation has been requested concerning the position of Liquor and Gaming NSW concerning the validity of the Licence.
• Wrong street, wrong traffic. Nearby resident, Dr Helen Dauncey, expressed concern saying that, ‘’operating the site requires diverting vehicles from a main road into a narrow residential street used daily by families and children. This is a quiet street where kids ride bikes and families walk every day. Redirecting traffic here fundamentally changes its safety and character."
200 submissions. Overruled. The Careel Bay Residents Association points out that despite overwhelming community opposition, "convenience and choice" was given greater weight than harm minimisation and statutory protections under the Liquor Act 2007. The Association explains, "this isn't about opposing business — it's about ensuring developments don't come at the expense of community safety and wellbeing.
On Monday July 13 2026 the ACCC made a decision in favour of the Dan Murphy's going ahead. While this is a blow it does not impact an NCAT hearing, currently lodged by residents of Careel Bay, Avalon and Palm Beach, where Liquor & Gaming Authority decisions are assessed. The ACCC decision is also subject to review.
A local teenager has been reunited with his brand-new iPhone after an extraordinary community effort and a remarkable recovery at Mona Vale Beach.
Fifteen-year-old Jackson was beach fishing with three friends on the evening of 14 July 2026 when he accidentally lost his phone somewhere between the shoreline and where the group had set up.
As darkness fell, the boys searched extensively but were unable to locate the device. Using Apple's Find My iPhone feature, they could see the phone was still somewhere on the beach, but the GPS location was not precise. Meanwhile, the changing tides were slowly burying the phone beneath the sand and pulling it closer towards the ocean.
Determined to find it, the boys returned to Mona Vale Beach at 7.00 am the following morning armed with rakes and shovels. After several more hours of searching, they still had no luck.
Jackson's mum, Samantha, then turned to the local community for help, posting on Facebook to ask if anyone knew someone with a metal detector.
The post quickly reached Ring Rescues Australia, a specialist recovery service owned by Sean, who immediately recognised the urgency of the situation as the tides continued to shift.
Knowing every minute counted, Sean dispatched team member Dougal to Mona Vale Beach to assist.
Working alongside Jackson and his friends, Dougal carefully assessed the search area before conducting a systematic search using professional metal-detecting equipment.
Just 40 minutes later, Dougal detected a signal approximately 35 metres from where the phone was believed to have been lost.
Jackson dug about 15 centimetres into the sand before pulling out his iPhone to the cheers of his friends.
Overnight, the phone had been moved by the shifting sand and tides and was slowly making its way towards the surf. Had it not been recovered when it was, it may have disappeared into the ocean and been lost forever.
Samantha said she had begun to lose hope after the boys had spent hours searching on two separate occasions.
"I honestly didn't think we'd ever see the phone again. After everything the boys had done to find it, I thought it was gone for good. Watching Dougal locate it was incredible, and seeing Jackson pull it out of the sand was such an exciting moment. We are so grateful for the help we received."
The successful recovery has become a heart-warming example of community spirit, persistence and the value of local businesses stepping up to help when it matters most.
Jackson and his family have expressed their sincere thanks to Sean and Dougal from Ring Rescues Australia for their professionalism, rapid response and expertise, saying they turned what seemed like an impossible situation into an unforgettable success.
Profile of the Week Harrison Riley: a chat with Local Lad Currently Starring in 'COME ALIVE - The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular'Actor-Singer Harrison Riley is part of the cast of 'Come Alive', currently playing its final few weeks at Moore Park. The Sydney run has been extended a week and now finishes August 8 before touring the country, including Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne for a year-long run.
COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is an immersive theatrical event blending musical theatre and world-class circus acts. Set under the Big Top, it reimagines iconic hits like "This Is Me" and "A Million Dreams" with gravity-defying aerial feats, acrobatics, and live vocals. After a smash-hit debut in the UK and rave reviews in London, the blockbuster production is finally Down Under.
The show brings the world of The Greatest Showman to life with a massive cast, incredible choreography and jaw-dropping circus performances.
You can expect soaring acrobatics, heart-pounding stunts and show-stopping musical numbers. Meanwhile, the entire space transforms into an immersive circus world. With a seasoned creative team and performers from leading circus and theatre productions, and Matinee sessions on the weekends for families, Come Alive! delivers pure joy, spectacle and wonder for a day out you will never forget.
Harrison is playing 'Tex the Cowboy' in the production, however, this is not his first rodeo in musical theatre.
Although Trafalgar Park was given to the Newport community in the pre-Newport 'Township' era form the 1880's on, it is Newport Oval that has proved to be a gathering place for fun from the late 1950's on. Newport Oval has become the home of the Mona Vale Raiders during Winter and a place for cricket during the Spring and Summer. It has also hosted jazz festivals for decades, been where you rode your horse, where the community built a library for children and baby health centre, and where there is a small scout hall for youngsters. This Issue a look into Newport's other Village Green.
