Community News February 2015 

 February 22 - 28, 2015: Issue 203

 Articles This Week

Front Page Issue 203

Boost For Pittwater’s Boating Facilities - Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes has officially opened the new Palm Beach Ferry Wharf and announced a further $1.4 million for boating infrastructure projects throughout Pittwater

Georgia Miller Young Athlete of the Year - Sport NSW Awards – Daniel Fitzgibbons and Liesl Tesch – Team of the Year with a Disability + All Award Winners in report: Gilmore claims top NSW Sports Award by Cheryl Battaerd - Sport NSW CEO

Seniors Week in Pittwater 2015 - A Month Long Celebration: Be Inspired During Seniors Week - all activities from Pittwater Council

Let’s get Sailing back into the Paralympic Games 2020 – spread the word to #ReinstateSailing

Pittwater Council's Bungan Lane Car Park "Fine Tuning" by Phil Walker

Pictures: SLS Sydney Northern Beaches 2015 Branch Championships - Masters and Juniors First Aid Competitions

Aquatics: Performance Boating Sydney Yachts Pittwater Regatta, February 20-22 hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club at Newport, Sydney; Reports by Lisa Ratcliff Day 1: 50 shades of grey for Sydney 38 champs and Day 2:Slow motion Sydney Yachts regatta and Day 3: Phoenix rises from the doldrums as Australian Sydney 38 champion

Held over - Issue 203:

Express Yourself 2015 -  a vibrant, fascinating and dynamic exhibition showcasing the immense talent and creativity of the 2014 crop of HSC Visual Arts students from Sydney’s Northern Beaches - at Manly Art Gallery until March 22

Profile: February 2015 - Pittwater Ladies: Debby Waters - One of the wonderful artists Pittwater has in its midst is Debby Waters, a lady who has contributed well over a decade of work in a voluntary capacity to grow the arts scene in Pittwater and ensure annual exhibitions like the Pittwater Community Arts Annual Art Show and Sale are a success. Readers may recall the wonderful mural 'Symphony of colour’ she created for the Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary to brighten up the café. Debby features as our April Artist of the Month - this week a prelude of a wonderful creative and a brilliant teacher of Art

History: February 2015 -  Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay at - The Rock Lily: As we head into the last week of Summer, and towards the golden days of Autumn, a run of four Pittwater Restaurants you could also stay in, and enjoy the place around you, may inspire a few days away from chores where good food and great memories can be created.

Artist of the Month: February 2015 - Connor Wink Last July we attended the wonderful Annual Dinner and Show put on by the Mermaids of Palm Beach to raise funds for Variety, The Children's Charity. On the list of great entertainers that evening was a stand out performer with a stand-out song - I Am Life - co-written and performed in whole by teenager Connor Wink.

 Narrabeen Trail to Open This Week

Narrabeen Trail to open February 28 Warringah Council has advised that the multi purpose lagoon trail is expected to open February 28, with an informal official opening ceremony slated for the day prior. The trail will skirt around the two boat sheds operated by the Academy of Sport and one will be demolished mid year. The other will be used by university kayakers. 

Construction has started on a new facility for Academy paddlers on the Middle Creek peninsula to the east of the existing buildings. Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment will start their midweek walks led by Tony Carr on March 5. Parking at Jamieson Park is at capacity at weekends so there will be no walks on Saturday or Sunday until Council addresses the issue.

In related news Warringah Council has released Lagoon Health Card – Narrabeen, Dee Why, Curl Curl, Manly at: HERE This is a report from Warringah Council on the health status of these four local lagoons:  PDF 3.36 MB

Walk around the Lagoon – Thursday March 5 

Friends will organise a series of free mid week walks on the new multipurpose Lagoon Circuit. You’ll learn about its construction and experience the area’s beautiful flora and fauna first hand. Register now for the inaugural walk, led by Tony Carr. The walks will commence at Jamieson Park and will be on Thursday mornings commencing at 10am - first one Thursday March 5. Grade is easy - distance is approximately 9kms. Book by email:tonycarr@ozemail.com.au or call 0417 502 056.

Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Traverse – Sunday March 29 

Conny Harris will lead this 4.5-hour bushwalk, starting at 10am from outside 27 Morgan Rd, Belrose and proceeding into Garigal National Park. Bring lunch. It will conclude at Oxford Falls. This hidden gem offers the most amazing variety of vegetation, lovely scenic views and some rare fauna. You’ll explore some of the area’s best bush tracks. Grade Medium with some inclines. Carpool back. Phone 0432 643 295 or email conny.harris@gmail.com

 Great for Every Environment - Cash for Containers Officially Begins

21st February, 2015 - Live from Premier's Press Conference at Coogee Beach. Premier announces Cash for Containers for NSW! 

Mike Baird – MP for Manly, Premier of NSW via Facebook: 21.2.2015: NSW is #1 for the economy. We want to make NSW #1 for the environment, too.

I was very pleased to be joined by Ian Kiernan from Clean Up Australia, Bruce Notley-Smith, and Gabrielle Upton as we announced the implementation of a Container Deposit Scheme.

We will be rolling out 'reverse vending machines' across public spaces in NSW to incentivise people to keep our cans and bottles away from our beaches and parks, and in the recycling bin where they belong.

________________________

Also present: Clean Up Australia (official) Two Hands Project Take 3 Kicking the Can, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, Responsible Runners, Tim Silverwood - Environmentalist, Laura Wells PLUS Model Surfrider Foundation Australia

Photo: Bruce Notley-Smith - Member for Coogee, Mike Baird MP for Manly and Rob Stokes – MP for Pittwater, picture courtesy Cash for Containers Campaign

Living Ocean’s Plastic Paradise Movie Evening a Success

Living Ocean: www.livingocean.org.au

Awesome Avalon! What a great night we had last night (Thursday 19th of February, 2015). Hot and sweaty we packed into the Avalon Bowling Club, inspired by speakers Alice Forrest and Jordyn de Boer of Boomerang Bags, our eyes opened as we watched Plastic Paradise. 

No more sticking our head in the sand, Avalon is on the move to become single use plastic bag free! Our next Boomerang Bags working bee will be on Tuesday 3 March 11am - 3pm at Avalon Community Centre. Come down to meet your local Living Ocean and Surfrider Foundation crew

Thank you to Scoop Wholefoods who provided our fabulous hamper raffle prize as well as the ingredients for our delicious movie dinner created by LO chefs, Nic and Maddie of Balanced Studio.

If anyone wants to host a screening of Plastic Paradise, please contact Kim Hubner at kimhubner@livingoicean.com.au 

Photos courtesy Alice Forrest, Chris Pearce and Scoop Wholefoods

 Scam traffic infringement notices spread malware: Alert Priority High

A wave of spam emails claiming to be traffic infringement notices has been targeting Australians. The email includes links that direct a recipient to a website which attempts to bothscam the recipient and infect their computer with malware.

Stay Smart Online is aware of some recipients being infected with ransomware from infringement notice spam. Ransomware such as Cryptolocker is a particularly malicious form of malware which has been distributed by spam targeting Australians in the past. Recent examples include fake emails purportedly from Australia Post and Energy Australia.

Traffic infringement notices have become a common approach used by scammers as they are likely to alarm a recipient into a reactive response to click the link.

If you receive such an email, do not respond or click links. You should evaluate it as spam and delete it.

Bungan Lane Car Park Fine Tuning Works Complete - Now Open for Use

February 20, 2015

We spoke to General Manager of Pittwater Council Mark Ferguson on Friday afternoon and he stated the Bungan Lane car park in Mona Vale is open for use as of today( February 20th, 2015).

The project has cost 8 million overall with 100 thousand of this dedicated to adjustments that occur with many a new structure once it’s operational and ways to make it better are identified.

Railings have been taken off to create a more generous turning circles and other minor adjustments to make the car park more user friendly have been completed.

“The new Bungan Lane Car Park is great infrastructure for Mona Vale town centre which it has previously lacked.” Mr Ferguson said. “Available space for visitors and residents had reached capacity. This new car park provides an alternative to meet expected growth and use of this dynamic business and shopping centre by residents and visitors.”

____________________________

A resident of Pittwater, Phil Walker, who has been following the Bungan Lane car park building progress, has contributed an article and images this week: Pittwater Council's Bungan Lane Car Park "Fine Tuning" on this matter.

 Heavy Swells Forecast For NSW Coastline

Thu 19 Feb 2015 - Surf Life Saving NSW

Surf Life Saving New South Wales urges all coastal water users to remain vigilant following the issuing of a dangerous surf warning by the Bureau of Meteorology.

The heavy swells, strong coastal winds and widespread rain expected are caused by the presence of Tropical Cyclone Marcia off the Queensland Coast.

Heavy conditions are expected from Friday and look set to continue through to Sunday night. Swells with peaks of up to 4 metres are expected between the Queensland Border and Smoky Cape on the state’s Mid-North-Coast propelled by East to North-Easterly winds.

The warning is in place for the entire NSW coastline with conditions further south also expected to be heavy with swells anticipated to be between 2-3 metres and have swell periods of up to 10 seconds.

Extra care should be taken by boat skippers crossing coastal bars, rockfishers, swimmers and surfers.

“While the heaviest swells and unpleasant conditions are likely to be concentrated around the northern part of the state, we would still encourage all coastal users to be vigilant for their own and others safety,” Surf Life Saving NSW Operations Manager Adam Weir said.

“Know your limits, talk to the locals, and if in any doubt about the conditions, don’t go out.”

Conditions have been forecast to ease slightly by Monday.

Some beaches may be closed due to hazardous conditions.

Check the Beachsafe Website for up-to-date beach information.

General Safety Tips During Dangerous Surf Conditions

Avoid rock fishing and water activities on exposed beaches/rock-shelves.

Only swim at patrolled beaches, between the red & yellow flags.

Check the official Bureau of Meteorology(BOM) forecast before undertaking rock fishing and water activities.

Boaties should seek advice from Marine Rescue NSW and always wear a lifejacket.

See the Beachsafe Website or app for patrolled locations/times and rock fishing safety information.

If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero – Police.

 CleanUp Australia – Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA) -  Avalon Dunes & Careel Creek - Sunday, March 1 at 8:00am - 11:30am

Avalon Skateboard Park, Barrenjoey Rd - Let's stop that rubbish spoiling bush, creek and sea

Sunday Morning Birdwatching with PNHA

Would you like to know more about our local birds? Our guides can help you discover the birdlife in these wonderful bushland reserves.

26 April, Warriewood Wetlands, Warriewood

24 May, Chiltern Track, Ingleside

16 August, Chiltern Track (Wildflower study walk with a later start)

20 September, Irrawong Reserve, Warriewood

15 November, Warriewood Wetlands, Warriewood

Our birdwalks start at 7.30 or 8am and last for a couple of hours. Bring binoculars and morning tea for afterwards if you like. Older children welcome.

Contact us to book and get details for each walk. Emailpnhabirdwatching@gmail.com or ph: 0439 409 202 / 0402 605 721. 

Photo: Spotted Pardalote by Nevil Lazarus

 Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment

Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment is celebrating the declaration of Narrabeen State Park with a series of spectacular events to celebrate the wonders of  this beautiful part of Sydney. These activities are FREE but you must register  in advance.

Clean Up Australia - 8 - 11am, Mar 1, 2015

Narrabeen State Park site. Narrabeen State Park was declared in April 2014. This is the first opportunity to hold a Clean Up event at this site. The Narrabeen Lagoon Circuit path is about to be opened to the public which is very exciting.

We have permission to use the new path whether or not it has been officially opened to the public.

Come and be part of the fun!

We meet at Jamieson Reserve, 8am, Sunday, March1, 2015 but please register so we know you are coming.

Book by emailing: Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment

Meet the Candidates - 7pm, Mar 16, 2015

NSW State elections are on March 28 so how about coming along and hearing what our local candidates have to say. We have invited candidates from the three electorates that are represented within Narrabeen Lagoon catchment - Davidson, Wakehurst and Pittwater.

The current members for those electorates are seeking re-election and have each committed to speaking so come and meet them plus the other candidates.

Entry free but a donation is requested to cover expenses

Email: FoNLC to get a ticket and book a place.

The forum is at  The Tramshed , 1395A Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen

 Time To Help Clean Up Australia

Member for Pittwater and NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes is encouraging local community groups, sporting clubs and schools to get involved in this year’s Clean up Australia Day.

This annual event is now in its 25th year and will take place in communities across Australia on Sunday 1 March.

Since the initiative was launched more than 288,000 tonnes of rubbish has been removed by individuals and groups from thousands of beaches, car parks, schools, wetlands and playgrounds.

“Clean up Australia Day is a great example of power in numbers”, Rob Stokes said today.

“Everyone playing a small role can help deliver huge improvements to our local parks, reserves and estuaries.

“This initiative rallies people of all ages together for a really positive cause.

“In many cases there are immediate benefits to be seen and this is only possible with the generosity of local volunteers.

“Our community is always a big supporter of this event so I look forward to seeing people out in force again this year.

“More information on Clean up Australia Day and the locations of nominated sites is available by visitingwww.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au,” Rob Stokes said.

 Ted Blackall 3rdi Classes have begun First Term for 2015

Find out more at: /tedblackall.com/?c=3rdiPainting

 Woy Woy: Venice of Australia

Published on 9 Feb 2015

Woy Woy: the Venice of Australia. In this 1934 film by Claude Flemming, a couple make a trip to Woy Woy by train and visit the various attractions, such as the Bowling Club, Memorial Park, and Ettalong Beach. The wonderful scenery, beaches, mountains, and fishing are featured. The narrator tells a little of the history of the area and recommends the location as an ideal holiday destination. The narration is quaint to say the least, and owes much to the Benny Hill School of comedy.

Video uploaded for the public by Facebook group Good Old Woy Woy

 Stolen Historical Fountain - Hawkesbury LAC - NSW Police Force

Police are appealing for assistance from the community to find an historical fountain which was stolen from the yard of the Hawkesbury Regional Museum, 8 Baker St Windsor between 3pm on Wednesday 11 February and 1pm on Thursday 12 February 2015.

If you you may have any other information which may assist Police, could you please contact Windsor Police Station on 4587 4099 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.E56469909 relates.

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 22/2/2015 

click on Logo: 

Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Pittwater Council to Introduce Wharf Ranger

SIRA Notices From Pittwater Offshore Newsletter - Feb 22nd 2015 Issue 

The SIRA Committee received a letter from Mark Ferguson, General Manager, Pittwater Council dated 16 February outlining a plan to introduce a dedicated Wharf Ranger.   

This Ranger will cover the entire Church Point Precinct (extending from Rostrevor Reserve to Thomas Stephens Reserve, Church Point carpark and associated foreshores) and other wharves and boat tie-up facilities across Pittwater in order to tackle the many compliance issues.  This initiative is in response to a number of complaints received from Offshore community members about the lack of compliance enforcement. 

From Monday 23 February 2015 there will be a full time Ranger on duty on a 12 month trial basis. The first month will be an education exercise, after which infringement notices will be issued.

SIRA has been advised that this is being funded from the existing Ranger budget and using existing staff resource and no funding is being taken away from the Church Point carpark fund. 

Download the full letter here

We encourage residents to join the discussion on the Scotland Island Community Website, or on Facebook.

 Avalon Fire Officer Cycling for Good Reason

Avalon Fire Station Officer Peter Yates will take part in the 2015 Variety Cycle from 28 February to 14 March. SO Yates is an avid cyclist and will ride more than 2200kms during the 15-day event for Variety – the Children’s Charity. He hopes to raise $8000 to help disadvantaged children. 

“It’s a life changing adventure and physical challenge that helps Aussie kids in need,” he said. 

Only a handful of participants will complete the full ride with many either riding to Nowra or to Melbourne. 

SO Yates will be one of the participants completing the full ride. Having been hit by a car while riding his bike last September, it’s been a rush for SO Yates to get back into shape for this massive ride. 

“It’s not been easy but I’m determined to raise money for sick and disadvantaged kids.” 

The father-of-two has been busy raising money through sausage sizzles, bucket runs and fundraising fitness sessions. If you'd like to help, visit thevarietycycle2015.everydayhero.com/au/punishingpete 

 

Surfing Australia Launches Surf For Life Week

The Surf for Life Project was developed by Surfing Australia in 2012 with support from the Quiksilver Foundation to encourage and inspire underprivileged Aussie kids by providing vital life-changing experiences through participation in Surfing Australia’s VEGEMITE SurfGroms.

The program works in partnership with charities to ensure it reaches kids who need it the most, with over 1300 kids having benefited in the last two years.  The aim of Surf for Life is to create three key outcomes in the lives of these Aussie kids: 

• Social Inclusion by having access to a mainstream activity program;

• Life changing opportunity and lasting change by linking social outcomes with program participation; and

• Health, Safety & Leadership by providing exposure to healthy lifestyle choices and skills through the sport of surfing.

Surf For Life Week was officially launched last night at the Australian Surfing Awards in Manly by Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark.

Surf for Life Week which will run from Feb 12 – 19 is aimed at raising awareness of the program and providing a kick start to achieving Surfing Australia’s new target of raising $200,000 so Surf for Life can help more than 2000 underprivileged Aussie kids in 2015.

“Surf for Life is not just about surfing, it creates social change by encouraging kids to attend school, make healthier choices and be confident,” Stark said.

“Surfing Australia’s purpose as an organisation is to create a healthier and happier Australia through experiencing the joy of surfing for life. Surf for Life delivers on this purpose and we are excited about the prospect of helping as many underprivileged Aussie kids as we can.”

The Surf for Life Project is also being supported by the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) whose mandate is to partner with organisations like Surfing Australia to help raise funds for vital projects; in particular projects that will help improve the health of the nation, build communities and strengthen our national sporting identity.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Surfing Australia to raise money for Surf For Life and are proud that over 2000 underprivileged Aussie kids will enjoy the life-changing experience of catching their first wave as a result,” said Patrick Walker, Australian Sports Foundation CEO.

“Study after study has shown the social benefits of participating in sport - ranging from improved educational outcomes and enhanced social skills, to benefits for physical and mental health.

“Surfing Australia has been successfully changing the lives of underprivileged Aussie kids through Surf for Life for the last two years, clearly demonstrating that using sport as a vehicle for positive social change can and does work. The program is a credit to Surfing Australia, and I urge the community to show its support and donate.”

This Quiksilver Foundation and the NJ Innis Foundation have been loyal supporters of the program and in 2015 have once again kick started the fundraising by providing significant donations. The Surf for Life Week is the first of a number of promotional activities that Surfing Australia will be undertaking during 2015 to reach their target of raising $200,000 to help more than 2000 underprivileged Aussie kids.

To find out more and donate visit www.surfforlife.com.au.

For regular updates and happenings, become a fan of our Facebook page here.

By Surfing Australia 

 Green Army Round 3 now open for applications

The Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for the Environment

Media release - 12 February 2015

Community organisations, environment groups and local councils around Australia are invited to nominate new Green Army projects to support practical environment and conservation activities in their region – with Round 3 of the programme now open for applications.

The Green Army gives Australians aged 17-24 years the opportunity for training and experience in environmental and conservation fields and to explore careers in conservation management while delivering real benefits to the Australian environment.

The Green Army is a key Coalition election commitment and has already been an enormously successful environmental initiative. Round 1 teams are already out in the field improving the environment. Successful round 2 projects will be announced shortly. And now we're calling for round 3 projects.

These can include a vast range of activities on land and in our waterways, from restoring and protecting native habitat, weeding, revegetation and cleaning up waterways, creeks and rivers to fencing, gully remediation and preventing erosion.

They include protecting and conserving national heritage places and values or monitoring and surveying on Indigenous and non-Indigenous lands.

Local communities know what needs to be done to improve their local environment and we're calling on them to nominate Green Army projects that support practical environment and conservation activities.

Projects must run for 20-26 weeks and can take place across urban, regional and remote Australia on public land, Indigenous-held lands, or private land. Projects must benefit the environment or national or Indigenous heritage and offer participants valuable practical experience.

Participants will have the opportunity to undertake accredited training such as work readiness, conservation and land management, heritage conservation, project and human resource management and heritage trade skills.

Green Army participants will also receive an allowance and be eligible to gain Certificate I or Certificate II qualifications in areas such as land management, park management, landscaping or horticulture or nationally endorsed skills set to support them in their future career prospects.

Applications for projects under Round 3 of the programme close on 17 March 2015.

To be eligible for Round 3, projects sponsors must have at least one project ready to begin between 1 June 2015 and 30 June 2016.

Community information sessions on the Green Army Programme are also underway in each state and territory during February 2015. Community organisations, environment groups, local councils and young Australians should come along to see how they can become involved.

Session locations and times are available at:www.environment.gov.au/land/green-army/information-sessions

Further information on the Green Army including project guidelines and the application form is available online at:www.environment.gov.au/green-army

 

Pittwater International Women’s Day BreakfastWednesday 11 March 2015

Celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday 11 March from 7am-9am at Newport’s Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.  The breakfast is hosted by Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc, a member of Zonta International, which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.  

International Women's Day is a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place.  Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The 2015 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater. 

Guest speaker at the breakfast will be Kate Munnings, Chief Executive, Logistics, Construction and Consulting at Transfield Services.  Kate is focused on creating significant change in our society by leading the debate about women in leadership.  

Growing up on the Northern Beaches Kate qualified as a registered nurse and spent 8 years working in very challenging environments, including becoming a specialist in HIV/AIDS nursing in the 1980’s when the disease was new and not well understood in the community.  While nursing, Kate completed a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Immunology and graduated as Dux of that course.

In 1993 Kate completed a law degree and became a partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth in 2003.  Specialising in construction and engineering law, Kate worked with a wide range of private and public companies as well as government, negotiating complex commercial transactions.  She further developed her experience by joining international firm Baker & McKenzie in a leadership role in the Sydney construction practice.  At Baker & McKenzie, Kate was also one of three Recruitment Partners, responsible for graduate recruitment and mentoring at the firm.   

In 2006, Kate moved into a corporate role as General Counsel & Company Secretary of Transfield Services Limited.  In March 2014, Kate was appointed to the role of Chief Executive, Logistics, Construction and Consulting.  In this role Kate is responsible for the safe and profitable delivery of a portfolio of contracts with revenues of more than $2.2bn and circa 7,000 employees across Australia, NZ and Melanesia.  Her portfolio includes major contracts for the Department of Defence, Department of Immigration & Border Protection, NBN, NSW Department of Housing, NSW Department of Education and Chorus in NZ. In June 2014, Kate attended the Women’s Leadership Forum at Harvard Business School having been awarded a scholarship from Chief Executive Women and the Women's Leadership Institute of Australia.  

With a daughter and 3 step children, Kate also strives to be a role model for women who choose to combine career progression and family.   Kate will speak on her ‘life story’.  

The Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast will be held at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport at 7am till 9am on Wednesday 11 March 2015. The cost is $40.  Enquiries topittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Susie Lough on 0413 623 392.  Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc assisting local women in need, and Zonta International projects in developing countries. Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 10.  We will seat you.

The Pittwater IWD Breakfast is supported by Pittwater Council.    

 

Wood Smoke Reduction Policy

At it's meeting on Monday 1 December 2014, Pittwater Council agreed to seek public comment on a proposed Wood Smoke Reduction Policy.

Exhibition Period: 18 December 2014 to 27 February 2015

Submission Details: Should you wish to comment, please email, post or fax your submission to Council.  Submissions should be in writing by 5pm on the closing date. Please refer to the document on exhibition in your submission.

• Mail - Pittwater Council, PO Box 882, Mona Vale, NSW 1660

• Email - pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au 

• Fax – (02) 9970 1200

Please Note: Your submission is provided voluntarily and is collected for the purpose of community consultation. Failure to provide your contact information will prevent Council considering your submission and providing you with feedback and updates. In the interests of public transparency your submission may be made available in full on our website or in hardcopy at Council offices. It may also be accessed by public requests under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW). It will be stored in accordance with Pittwater Council’s compliant Records Management System (ECM) and the State Records Act 1998 (NSW). 

You have a right to access your personal information under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) by application to Council and to have that information updated or corrected.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2015

March  
6: Centro, Warriewood, 9am to 3pm:Knitting, craft,  sewing
7: Pittwater Place,  Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
14: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
20: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
28: Election stall Mona Vale Community Centre, 8am to 4pm: Baking, knitting, sewing, Bric-a-brac - Outside Library
 

April
4: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
11: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
17: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 

May
2: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knnitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
9: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
15: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing

 
June
6: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
13: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
19: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing      

 Seniors Toy Repair Group needs your help

Volunteers are sought to help out on Wednesday mornings (7.30am to midday) at the group's workshed in Ingleside. Volunteers need their own transport and be willing to sort and clean toys that are picked up at different collection points on the Northern Beaches. 

Prospective volunteers can email Mary Kitchen to arrange a visit to the workshed. To arrange a donation pickup please call Terry Cook on 0410 597 327 or email him.

Find out more about this great community group HERE

 $1.4 million to celebrate Australia's national heritage

The Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for the Environment

Media release - 6 February 2015

Community groups across Australia are now able to apply for grants through the 2014-15 round of the Community Heritage and Icons Grants Programme.

These grants are part of a commitment by the Australian Government to provide opportunities for community groups to engage with and raise awareness of places recognised on Australia's National Heritage List.

The 103 places the National Heritage List are exceptional places that are recognised for defining our nation's natural, historic and Indigenous culture. They are places that help tell the story of our unique and diverse heritage.

Up to $337,000 is available this financial year to community organisations to undertake activities that promote community participation and awareness of places on Australia's National Heritage List.

Grants of between $2,500 and $10,000 are available for projects that support the programme's objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for communities to be involved in the conservation, promotion, and raising awareness of places on Australia's National Heritage List.

I strongly encourage community organisations such as historical societies, Indigenous groups, National Trust groups, and 'Friends-of' groups to consider making an application.

Applications for funding close on 5 March 2015.

Further information about Community Heritage and Icons Grants, including the programme guidelines and application form, is available at: www.environment.gov.au/community-heritage-icons-grants

National Heritage List at:www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national-heritage-list 

 CAN YOU HELP?

Sent by the Government, RAAF Bomber Command Veterans of WWII still don't have a Bomber Command Medal from the Australian Government.  These legendary veterans certainly deserve a Bomber Command medal, as theirs is the highest casualty rate in Australia's military history. 

Bomber Command "Taking an example of 100 airmen: 27 survived a tour of operations"  Wikipedia.

"A Bomber Command crew member had a worse chance of survival than an infantry officer in World War I; more people were killed serving in Bomber Command than in the Blitz, or the bombings of Hamburg or Dresden.By comparison, the US Eighth Air Force, which flew daylight raids over Europe, had 350,000 aircrew during the war and suffered 26,000 killed and 23,000 POWs. Of the RAF Bomber Command personnel killed during the war, 72% were British, 18% were Canadian, 7% were Australian and 3% were New Zealanders.

Taking an example of 100 airmen:

•55 killed on operations or died as result of wounds

•three injured (in varying levels of severity) on operations or active service

•12 taken prisoner of war (some injured)

•two shot down and evaded capture

•27 survived a tour of operations"....Wikipedia

Ask our elected politicians to put forward a Private Members Bill in Parliament for the Government to award a Bomber Command Medal.

Lest We Forget.

J  Smythe - Tuesday, 13 Jan 2015

Sources:

wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Bomber_Command#Casualties

www.bchg.org.au/index.php/en/people/individuals/g-k/148-kingsford-smith-rollo 

Wilfrid Kingsford Smith - Pittwater Online News - Pittwater Airmen History pages - month of May 2012

Southern Cross Wildlife Care Critter of the Month - February 2015           

    Gloria Goes Free
Gloria was only a little joey when she first arrived in our surgery in July 2014.  We aren’t sure what caused the deformity, but both her feet were twisted and both her middle toes were facing the wrong direction! 

She had to undergo corrective orthopaedic surgery and her feet were tension-strapped.

On this particular visit, she was having her strapping changed, about a month post-op.

She was such a good patient. She sat patiently whilst Dr Howard Ralph removed her bandages and checked to see how her toe-alignment was progressing.

Her lovely carer, Jan, comforted her as her tension strapping was replaced. Little joeys form a bond with their carers, akin to that of mother and child.  In the absence of her kangaroo mother (who was killed in a vehicle collision) Jan became Gloria’s mum. 
The benefit of being a veterinary surgeon is that you get to cuddle your patients at the end of a consultation. And sometimes the patients are happy to reciprocate. Gloria, thankfully, was one of them :)
Gloria continued with her rehabilitation for some weeks, coming back intermittently for dressing changes. Her feet continued to grow - in the right direction - as she grew. 
Long-term patients build up a relationship with their doctors. Gloria had full trust in Dr Ralph and never became anxious at any of her consultations. 

Interesting Fact:
The female eastern grey kangaroo is usually permanently pregnant. However, she has the ability to freeze the development of an embryo until the previous joey is able to leave the pouch. This is known as diapause, and will occur if there is a shortage of food or in times of drought. In addition, the mother is able to produce two different kinds of milk simultaneously - one type for the newborn and a different type for the older joey still in the pouch. 

Isn’t that amazing?                                         

Gloria’s lovely carers travelled from far to bring her to her appointments and their post-surgery care of Gloria was second-to-none.

Being a joey’s Mum is not an easy caper...! It’s an 18-month commitment and they require round-the-clock care when they are small. 
We gave her red and white ‘socks’ which made her look like she was a Sydney Swans supporter :)

Doesn’t she look the picture of happiness?

This is how one of Gloria’s feet looked before the surgery. We think it must’ve become deformed inside the pouch as she grew. 
In November of 2014, Gloria was moved into her pre-release pen - as normal and as healthy as any other eastern grey kangaroo. 

She was released this week and we are proud to say that she went back to the wild in much better shape than when she left it!

By Lynleigh Greig
Southern Cross Wildlife Care

Federal Government Media Releases this week:

Round 3 of Financial Assistance Grants in council coffers

SNIPPET: From today local governments across Australia will bank a further $575 million in untied Australian Government grants as part of the Australian Government's $9.3 billion Financial Assistance Grant programme. 'This third quarterly payment of $575 million brings the Coalition Government's support for local government in this financial year, under this the Financial Assistance Grant Programme alone, to $1.725 billion&#8230 with more to come,' Mr Truss said. Details of the allocations to councils under the Financial Assistance Grant Programme are available online at:http://regional.gov.au/local/assistance/index.aspx.

COAG Disability Reform Council Communique

SNIPPET: The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Disability Reform Council (the Council) met today in Melbourne. The Council agreed that the first two-yearly report on progress under the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (NDS) be provided to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). Ministers noted that the inaugural Disability Ministers' National Forum would be occurring in the afternoon following the Council meeting in Melbourne.

Arts and disability funding for 2015 closes soon

SNIPPET: The Australia Council for the Arts is encouraging artists with disability to apply for dedicated funding before the 3 March deadline. Australia Council Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski announced at the Arts Activated Conference last October that $1 million over three years would be dedicated to supporting artists with disability after a successful pilot was run in 2014. Ms Hawkins said dedicated funding for artists with disability was an important step by the Australia Council and helped get her project off the ground.

Local school embracing independence 

SNIPPET: The new $70 million Independent Public School Initiative will help local government schools to become more independent by increasing their own local governance and community and parental engagement. Mr Jones said the Independent Public School initiative puts students first, by ensuring teachers, parents and the community have a greater say in how their local school is run. I'd encourage more local public schools to express their interest in this fantastic opportunity to become more independent and involve the whole school community in making decisions that will benefit their school and their students.

Industry Growth Centre appointments

SNIPPET: The rollout of the Australian Government's Industry Growth Centres will be steered by a panel of highly-experienced and internationally regarded business identities, who will provide a direct link to both the Australian and global business communities. Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane today announced Chairs for three of the Industry Growth Centres, as well as an independent Advisory Committee. For more information on the Industry Growth Centres Initiative and biographies of the members of the independent Advisory Committee and the three Growth Centre Chair appointees visit http://business.gov.au/IndustryGrowthCentres/.

Doorstop - Central Coast New South Wales | Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister

SNIPPET: Let's start off with this report. This is the Closing the Gap report?. What are the priorities? Obviously there is that distinct list.

Relocation Scholarships now available

SNIPPET: Senator the Hon Marise Payne Minister for Human Services. Relocation Scholarships are now available to Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY students who are moving to or from a regional area to undertake higher education. Minister for Human Services Senator the Hon Marise Payne said students do not need to make a separate claim for a Relocation Scholarship.

Governor-General to address racial discrimination conference 

SNIPPET: Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove will today address the RDA@40 Conference at the Australian Human Rights Commission in Sydney. The Racial Discrimination Act exists to protect all Australians against racial discrimination and vilification. The RDA@40 Conference will explore the history of the Racial Discrimination Act and its evolution over the past four decades, questions about racial vilification and free speech, the emerging challenge of cyber racism and the systemic impact of the Act in eliminating racial discrimination.

Lateline returns with a new look | About the ABC

SNIPPET: Award-winning current affairs program returns to air on in a new home, with a refreshed format and at a more accessible time. ABC Director of News Kate Torney said: Lateline represents a commitment to in-depth analysis and current affairs on News 24 in the evenings. The changes make it less of a news bulletin, a gap already filled by the 7pm News and the continuous news services on News 24 and ABC News Online.

Employers urged to have their say on training

SNIPPET: Assistant Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham has urged Australian employers to take part in the Survey of Australian Employers being conducted by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) over coming weeks. The survey aims to ask 9,000 employers from across the country and from all industry sectors about their experiences on how they meet their skill needs and how staff training needs could be better met. Both the survey and our investments in skills training will help to develop a better training system.

New Retail Series Launch

SNIPPET: An innovative retail training initiative to support employer-led training that focuses on job outcomes will be launched in Melbourne today by the Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator Birmingham. The New Retail Series is developing fit for purpose' training and involves employers in the development of qualifications and training requirements, said Senator Birmingham. The New Retail Series has been developed by the industry for the industry.

Works start on Great Western Highway safety upgrades

SNIPPET: NSW Member for Bathurst. Works on a $96 million Forty Bends and $70 million Hartley Valley Safety package have begun, forming part of a $250 million Great Western Highway&#8212Katoomba to Lithgow upgrade. 'The Great Western Highway is an important transport link between Sydney and Bathurst,' Mr Truss said.

Calling for Eureka Prizes 2015 nominations

SNIPPET: Great Australian ideas and new technology will drive the transformation of our economy - and the annual Eureka Prizes competition is a great way to uncover them. Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Science Karen Andrews today called for nominees and nominations for the Australian Museum 2015 Eureka Prizes. The Eureka Prizes are presented annually by the Australian Museum.

Australian Government renewing 29 bridges across New South Wales

SNIPPET: NSW Minister for Roads and Freight. Twenty-nine bridges across New South Wales will be upgraded under the first tranche of the Australian Government's new $300 million Bridges Renewal Programme. Replace a one lane timber bridge with a two lane concrete bridge.

Minister consults on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Pharmacy Agreement

SNIPPET: The Abbott Government has given pharmacists, consumers, doctors and medicines manufacturers the opportunity to present their views about the next multi-billion Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA). PDF printable version of Minister consults on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Pharmacy Agreement (PDF 311 KB). The Abbott Government has given pharmacists, consumers, doctors and medicines manufacturers the opportunity to present their views about the next multi-billion Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) to ensure patients can continue to access medicines through Australia's world leading Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Australians lose $75,000 every day to romance scams | ACCC

SNIPPET: This Valentine's Day, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning the online dating community to beware of any love interest who asks for money. Sadly, $28 million was reported lost to romance scams in Australia last year by 1,032 people. This is why disrupting relationship scams continues to be a priority for the ACCC.

Next Generation Banknotes: Additional Feature for the Vision Impaired

SNIPPET: Search Media Releases Speeches Publications Statistics FOI About the RBA Monetary Policy Market Operations Financial Stability Payments System Financial Services Banknotes 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2001-2010 1991-2000 1981-1990 Media Release: Upgrading Australia's Banknotes Next Generation Banknotes For people with Vision Impairment Number Date Embargo. The Governor, Glenn Stevens, has today announced that the next generation of Australian banknotes will include a `tactile' feature to assist people with a vision impairment. The addition of a `tactile' feature will further assist people with a vision impairment to tell the difference between denominations.

New Air Force uniform at the Australian Defence Force Academy 

SNIPPET: The Royal Australian Air Force today began the rollout of its General Purpose Uniform (GPU) in Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy. The GPU provides a consistent look for all Air Force personnel and enables them and their families to take pride in a unique Air Force identity. Images of the rollout at the Australian Defence Force Academy will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20150273.

QLD businesses urged to apply for new Industry Skills Fund 

SNIPPET: Businesses in Queensland can apply for support to boost the skills of their workforce under the Abbott Government's new $476 million Industry Skills Fund. With around 20% of Australian businesses located in QLD, it is expected the Industry Skills Fund will provide up to $93 million to Queensland employers to access around 40,000 training and support places. The Industry Skills Fund is a key part of the Abbott Government's ambitious program of vocational education and training (VET) reform to lift the quality of both training providers and their courses, enhancing the contribution VET makes to the employment prospects of students and the competitiveness of Australia's economy, Senator Birmingham said.

Nominations now open for Local Marine Advisory Committees - GBRMPA

SNIPPET: Residents along the Great Barrier Reef catchment with an interest in the Reef are invited to nominate to become part of their regional Local Marine Advisory Committee (LMAC). Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Chairman Russell Reichelt said through the LMACs, GBRMPA has an opportunity to hear about local issues first hand from local community members. The Great Barrier Reef is a hive of activity.

ACCC releases Statement of Issues on proposed acquisition by Sea Swift of Toll Marine Logistics

SNIPPET: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released a Statement of Issues (SoI) on the proposed acquisition by Sea Swift of the Northern Territory and far north Queensland marine freight business of Toll Marine Logistics, a subsidiary of Toll Holdings Limited (ASX: TOL). The ACCC is concerned that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in the supply of marine freight services in the Northern Territory and Queensland, including the Torres Strait Islands, ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said. Sea Swift and Toll Marine Logistics are both suppliers of scheduled and chartered marine freight services to the Northern Territory, far north Queensland and coastal communities including the Torres Strait Islands.


 Palm 2 Palms Charity Ride‏ T-Shirts Have Arrived This Week

P2P shirts have arrived this week in black and white and in all sizes! $20 each: get in touch to get yourself one. All riders in this year's ride get one with entry!!!! 

Its official people, The NSW Police have officially signed off on the ride!!!!!! The P2P is set to go!! Get on board and start riding. Only 60 Days to go

The Palm to Palms Charity Ride is the brainchild of five guys from Newport Surf Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Tom Kellaway, Alex Brown, Lachy Brook, James Brook and Tom Howes set out with a plan to do something a little bit different. They wanted to raise money to support their surf club and to assist in helping the club manage the increasing costs of protecting Australia’s Beaches.

They saw an opportunity to not only help their surf club but also to help other charities too, but also create an event that could bring people from all walks of life together to do something totally different……

Get 100 people to ride from North Palm Beach Surf Club at the foot of Barrenjoey headland at the mouth of the Hawkesbury to the North of Sydney down the coast passing every surf club in Sydney all the way to Burning Palms Surf Club, just to the North of Wollongong, the last surf club in Sydney. An ambitious ride of 130 km’s, passing 36 surf clubs all to coincide with the final day of surf patrols for the 2014/2015 patrol season.

If that's too far you can do the shorter course to Manly Surf Club!

Each rider pays an entry fee of $100 for the ride, and upon entry, set out and fundraise a further $900 to help us reach our goal.

On April 26th,  at North Palm Beach Surf Club, the journey begins…..Get on board and help us support our local community…… See you on the bike!

More details and how to sign up to be 1 in 100 at:www.palm2palmsride.com.au

 Popular Start For Learner Driver Reforms

18 February 2015

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today said it’s encouraging to see so many of Pittwater’s young drivers completing the NSW Government’s new Safer Drivers Course.

This subsidised course was introduced by the NSW Government in 2013 to better equip learner drivers with information and skills on safe driving practices and emergency situations.

Inspiration for the course and its design was the result of a comprehensive survey of Pittwater’s young drivers conducted in 2010.

Since being introduced, more than 200 of Pittwater’s young drivers have completed the 5 hour course - which reduces their log book requirements from 120 to 100 hours.

“This course provides a really positive shift in direction for learner driver training,” Rob Stokes said today.

“Far too many young drivers are going through the learner driver system without developing any knowledge of dangerous or emergency situations.

“Basic driving skills are needed to pass the test but advanced skills are often needed to avoid tragedies.

“Many parents don’t feel comfortable or capable teaching their children about dangerous driving scenarios and this is where this course assists.

“The fact this course was introduced following suggestions from our local young drivers is fantastic. 

“There’s a range of learner driver training operators across NSW accredited to conduct the course including the Honda Australia Roadcraft Training Centre (HART) at St Ives.

“The more learner drivers completing this course the safer our roads will be,” Rob Stokes said. 

The Safer Drivers Course is subsidised by the Community Road Safety Fund which was set up by the NSW Liberal Government to ensure every cent from speed camera fines goes back into the community.

Photo: Rob Stokes with driving instructors at the Honda Australia Roadcraft Training Centre at St Ives.

 Manly Stands Up! Public forum  Attracts Large Crowd

C/_ Land Water Future: www.landwaterfuture.org.au

Hundreds of people packed St Matthew's at Manly for what was an incredible evening of inspiring speakers and music. We were welcomed to country by Aunty Millie Ingram, heard from Gloucester Barrister John Watts and his son, Sydney restaurateur Hamish Watts, as well as Liverpool Plains grazier Megan Kuhn, and iconic Australian actor Michael Caton. Our MC for the evening was Nell Schofield and we were entertained with music from Luke O'Shea.

Thank you to everyone who turned out, and we'll see you all on Sunday 1st of March, join us: www.manlystandsup.org

Thanks also to our campaign partners The Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Get Up!, 350.org, EarthHour, and The Wilderness Society.

Manly Stands Up! Join us on Sunday March 1

Published on 18 Feb 2015 by Land Water Future

On Sunday March 1st, ahead of the 2015 state election, we’ll survey every house in Manly to find out what people in the Premier's own electorate think about coal and gas mining. Be part of it atwww.manlystandsup.org/survey

Across NSW, coal and coal seam gas mining operations are out of control; destroying some of our best farmland and special natural places, polluting and depleting our vital water resources, and putting the future health of our communities under threat.

Manly Stands Up is organised by a unique coalition of community groups, including The Nature Conservation Council of NSW, The Sunrise Project, 350.org, EarthHour, The Wilderness Society and GetUp!, as part of the Our Land, Our Water, Our Future campaign.

We’re working together to build a common voice in Manly, calling for the protection of our land, our water and health of our communities from coal and coal seam gas.

Sign up to be part of it at www.manlystandsup.org

 Stop Killing Our Trees

Friday February 13, 2015 -  Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)

A crowd of Stop the Chop Members and residents both young and older delivered a Valentine’s Day Stump to Rob Stokes' office today. We want the 10/50 code repealed NOW. 

It is disastrous for Pittwater where self assessment of bushfire risk permits trees to be destroyed for other reasons - irritating leaves on the car, views, development. Endangered species and ecological communities? No matter - cut them down. 

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association, along with 70 other environmental groups across the State, are fighting to get this wretched 10-50 code stopped!

See: www.facebook.com/chopstoppers

 

Movie mayhem celebrates Williams' work

Mona Vale Library is hosting a series of movie nights over the next four months celebrating the life and work of Robin Williams.

The money raised will go towards supporting the community of Soibada, one of the poorest regions of Timor Leste (East Timor), through programs run by Pittwater Friends of Soibada.

Whether it’s fun with Mrs Doubtfire, inspiration from Dead Poets Society, the wild and wacky Good Morning Vietnam or selection via a People’s Choice – there is something for everyone.

Pittwater Council’s General Manager said the screenings not only celebrated a great body of work by a very talented comedian, but aided a worthy cause with every $5 admission going towards the Pittwater Friends of Soibada.

“Pittwater’s Friendship Agreement with Soibada was established in 2010 as a way to support the community’s independence and wellbeing,” said Mr Ferguson.

Details of the screenings are as follows:

Thursday 26 February, 5.30pm: Mrs Doubtfire

Thursday 2 April, 6pm: Dead Poets Society

Thursday 7 May, 6pm: Good Morning Vietnam

Thursday 11 June, 5.30pm: People’s Choice

All screenings will take place in the Pelican Room at Mona Vale Library. 

As places are limited please book early to avoid disappointment. Bookings can be made by calling 9970 1600 or at the library’s front desk. The cost for this event is $5 per person, which include free refreshments.

Tourism, talk of the town in Pittwater

10 Feb 2015

Pittwater Council is looking to its businesses and Chambers of Commerce for input into a new discussion paper that will address the future of tourism in Pittwater.

General Manager, Mark Ferguson said economic development is a high priority for Council and the discussion paper will highlight the contribution and value of businesses to the Pittwater community and economy.

“Tourism to the area is growing; especially the day visitors to the area who want to experience the lifestyle and unique natural environment, eat at our superb cafes and restaurants, and shop in a village atmosphere”, he said.

Upcoming focus groups will help identify the community’s tourism-related priority areas.

“Tourism is a partnership that requires community ownership and these sessions are another great opportunity for businesses, chambers and Council to come together and create a vision for the future of Pittwater.

“Together we can identify opportunities for tourism growth and partnerships that will be central in promoting sustainable tourism, development opportunities and employment for our diverse economy.

”For our vision to be successful we need a close working relationship with business, chambers of commerce and the community,” he added.

The wider community is also encouraged to have their say on tourism, via a questionnaire on Council’s website.

Mr Ferguson said the tourism business sector plays a major role in building strong, vibrant village communities, and “that’s something we are wholeheartedly focused on”.

“Starting a public conversation and building a greater understanding of tourism in Pittwater will help identify where there are job opportunities—providing local opportunities to work where we live,” he said.

“More than 1900 of our Pittwater residents (approximately 10 per cent of our local workforce) are employed directly in tourism and hospitality, which is above the national average.

Focus group session scheduled for 26 February 2015, 9am to 11am, at the Coastal Environment Centre, North Narrabeen.

The paper is linked directly to Pittwater’s Economic Development Plan 2011–2016 Working Locally-Connecting Globally.

Further information or contact Paul William-Smith at:   paul_william-smith@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or call:  9970 1187

 Avalon Beach SLSC Juniors Get Wet N’ Wild

Avalon Beach Surf Club are reaping the rewards of keeping their juniors involved in surf lifesaving.

''The club has designed a program to keep them engaged and it has been very successful,'' Chief Training Officer Louise Lindop says.

A large group of under 14s, who have just completed their Surf Rescue Certificate, went to Wet N Wild over last weekend and were involved in water safety with their nippers.

''Most who went there have come through our nipper program,'' Louise said.

'They have helped out with the Ocean Swim, the Christmas Carols and Water Safety. The idea is to keep them engaged.''

Picture: The Avalon group; helping out with water safety and Willa Bellklemm and Frances Badger. Courteys Avalon Beach SLSC.

 

Know your rights before signing up for a training course 

19 February 2015 – NSW Department of Fair Trading

NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox today launched a new education campaign designed to protect consumers from unscrupulous training providers and marketers.

“In the last financial year nearly 600 consumers have called NSW Fair Trading with reports they have been tricked into taking out expensive student loans or have experienced issues in relation to refunds, cancellations and cooling off periods,” Mr Mason-Cox said.

“Consumers who signed up said they were not always aware they were signing up for a Commonwealth Government VET FEE-HELP loan in their name or they were told they wouldn’t need to repay the loan.

“The vast majority of training providers already do the right thing. For example, those training providers receiving State Government funding already have to comply with tough standards for ethical marketing. This campaign reminds consumers of what they should look out for when signing up to training courses and how to ensure they are studying with a quality training provider.”

Consumers should check training providers are accredited and read the fine print.

“Find a course that best suits your needs,” Mr Mason-Cox said. “Always check the training provider is registered with the National Register on Vocational Education and Training, and be wary of claims that the course is free or government-funded.

“Carefully check the contract details and cancellation fees as well as their policy for cooling-off periods, cancellations and refunds.

“Don’t be forced into signing up on the spot if someone approaches you or offers free incentives like laptops or iPads. “Importantly, never give out your personal details unless you have done all the checks and decided to enrol.

“Businesses who contravene the Australian Consumer Law could face penalties of up to $1.1 million for corporations and $220,000 for individuals, as well as damages for affected consumers. “Consumers and community workers can report any concerns to NSW Fair Trading by calling 13 32 20,” Mr Mason-Cox said.

Following a 23 per cent rise in complaints nation-wide, NSW Fair Trading is leading a national project investigating several groups. NSW Fair Trading has developed a new brochure in several languages to raise awareness.

For more information go online to www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.

If you have been approached or signed up please complete this short survey at: nsw-fair-trading/a-free-gift-could-cost-you 

 Mums for mums – Beauty and the beach - Saturday March 7th

A Mums for Mums fundraising event proudly supported by Newport Nasties.

In memory of Jules Ariel who touched our lives and in support of young sons Tom and James and loving partner Andrew.

Tickets (adults only): $50

Includes drink on arrival, dinner, live music, auction, party games and featuring DJ Puppy Love!

Dress: Beautiful, Beautiful at the Beach, or just Beach!

Book here

 

Pittwater Artists Trail 2015

Welcome to the 2015 Trail!

This year we have something happening on the first full weekend of each season.

All home studios will be open in March, September and December, and a group exhibition will be held in June, details to be announced soon.

Next Artists Trail Weekend - Sat 7th and Sun 8th March

Studios by location

Elanora Heights - Karen Pike, Penel Bigg

Mona Vale/Newport - Meredith Scott, Vicki Ratcliff, Julie Hickson, Wendy Grainger

Bilgola/Avalon/Whale Beach - Peter Cameron, Robyn Park, Elfriede Bartnitzky, Katarina Wells, Nada Herman, Diezel, Coco Elder, Helen Mackay, Jill Ferrall, Sylke Claridge, Geoff Searl, Marian Purvis

Church Point/Bayview - Willi Michalski, Allen Goodman

Artists by medium

Ceramics - Willi Michalski, Coco Elder, Katarina Wells

Glass - Penel Bigg, Meredith Scott

Jewellery - Karen Pike, Penel Bigg, Meredith Scott, Geoff Searl, Robyn Park

Paintings - Karen Pike, Vicki Ratcliff, Allen Goodman, Julie Hickson, Wendy Grainger, Peter Cameron, Helen Mackay, Jill Ferrall, Coco Elder, Nada Herman, Diezel, Elfriede Bartnitzky, Sylke Claridge, Marian Purvis

Sculpture - Penel Bigg, Geoff Searl, Katarina Wells

Silk - Robyn Park

More at: www.pittwaterartiststrail.com.au

 Sydney SUP Festival 2015 at RMYC

from PaddleSurfingAus

 Avalon Beach Historical Society March 2015 Meeting

The next meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be our first for the new year and will be held on TUESDAY 10 MARCH in the mighty Avalon Beach Bowling Club.

World War 1 SILK POSTCARDS

It’s two for the price of one again and our ‘main billing’ will be for the first time COLLETTE, our President’s wife. Instead of being on the end of a teapot at supper time she’ll be front stage and the main focus of the evening.

For some 20 years Collette has been collecting World War I silk postcards and her collection now makes the few examples at the Australian War Memorial appear as a pocket-sized version of hers.

She thought it would be an ideal time to introduce the topic with the centenary of Gallipoli next month. Besides the cards on display, John has scanned some of the more memorable ones to show on the big screen. 

The story of their production, their visual beauty and the emotional and sometimes tragic messages they carried will be told and read by Collette.

It’s going to be a ‘Searl’ evening because Geoff will then take over the reins from Collette for a ‘show and tell’ about the ‘Beacon Store’ which once stood almost opposite the ‘Boathouse’ at Palm Beach. It was ‘fire bombed’ as the central part of an episode of Home and Away in 1989 and we have some footage of the conflagration! One of the early owners have also loaned us some photos taken during her occupation. Some of you may remember buying a Paddle Pop on a hot summer’s day or a sandwich from the ‘Sand Witch’ as it was once called.

The evening will start at 8pm so if you fancy a drink from the bar beforehand please arrive that little bit earlier. Guests of members are always welcome and to stay for supper afterwards.

 "LOOSELY WOVEN " PLAYS  FOR  AMNESTY -  FREE  CONCERT  'WAVE'  

 Sat. 7th March  4 pm  

At AVALON BAPTIST PEACE CHURCH: 2  George  St.

 (vol. donations to Amnesty International  Aust )

2015 brings with it the 20th Anniversary of Loosely Woven - the first concert took place on 20th September 1995. The first concert for  this year  will bring back some of our favourite items from the  past. It will also feature the wonderful Sonia Bennett!   Some special songs from Sonia will include

Flour Bin (Henry Lawson), Learn all their songs, sweet lyrebird(Denis Kevans), I wonder (Henry Weston Pryce)

The program will include the usual eclectic mix and it will be a fun, folky, light-hearted acoustic concert that will uplift your spirits.

Some well loved songs,  eg: I'll never find another you (The Seekers), Feel like going back home (Brand Nue Dae), Bye Bye Baby Goodbye and  lots of others you will also enjoy .

Instruments this time will include violins, flutes, harps, glockenspiel, guitars, mandolin, concertina, accordions, keyboard and percussion.

Wayne Richmond the leader of the group is one of the area’s inspirational leaders in giving live music to the community. Wayne and many of the musicians are Amnesty members and regularly raise money for Amnesty at Avalon and also at Humph Hall (Wayne’s own venue).

The concert is free and there is always a scrumptious free supper but voluntary donations will be directed to Amnesty International Australia..

Avalon Amnesty International group works for the rights of:-  Prisoners of conscience,  refugees and asylum seekers; indigenous people,  many victims of unjust treatment and of slavery,  those at risk of torture and execution;also to gain human rights for  disadvantaged people all over the world. 

We will have a table with information and petitions for the stop torture campaign.

 NLSC 110-YEAR CELEBRATION DINNER - YOU'RE INVITED!

Do you have fond memories of sailing at Narrabeen Lakes as a child or in your younger years?

Have you ever watched the little boats with their white sails race around the western basin and wanted to know more about them?

Did you know that punters once stood on the shore every weekend and took bets on those little boats sailing on the flat waters of Narrabeen Lakes?

To celebrate 110-years of sailing on Narrabeen Lakes this season, NLSC is inviting former club members and interested community members to its 110-year celebration dinner and presentation onSaturday 7 March 2015.

www.narrabeenlakessailingclub.com/index.php/events/nlsc-110-year-celebration-dinner

 Have Your Say on Lifejacket Standards Review

Fri 13 Feb 2015 – SLS NSW

The Maritime Management Centre in NSW is calling on members of the public to have their say on a draft paper reviewing lifejacket safety standards in Australia.

“This is the first major review of lifejacket standards in almost a decade and I encourage anyone with an interest in water safety to provide their feedback as part of this important process,” General Manager Howard Glenn said.

The draft paper, produced by the Standards Australia committee Buoyancy Aids, contains substantial changes that should help provide safety requirements for lifejackets to cater for a wide range of water activities, including:

• addition of a new lower-buoyancy category of Level 25 (25 newtons of buoyancy) for competent swimmers for specialist activities;

• new requirements for a body mass of between 5 and 10 kg to address public demand regarding lifejackets for infants;

• harmonisation of Level 50 buoyancy requirements with international standards;

• new requirements for testing inflation indicators and gas cylinders; and

• the term “personal flotation device” or “PFD” to be replaced with “lifejacket” across all three parts of the Standard to remove ambiguity for the public.

“Lifejackets are one of the most important items when it comes to keeping people safe on our waterways,” Mr Glenn said.

“Modern lifejackets have already come a long way from the bulky styles of the past but we must continue to look at where we can make more safety improvements in terms of things like design and functionality.

“Remember an enjoyable day on the water is a safe one and this important work will help boost safety for boaters well into the future.”

Members of the public can provide their feedback on the draft paper until Friday 3 April and can access it online at the following link: sapc.standards.org.au/sapc/public/listOpenCommenting

 Proposed NSW code of practice Consultation - NSW Horse  Industry

What are we doing?

WorkCover is seeking your views on whether the NSW horse industry requires a code of practice that provides more information to better protect the health and safety of new and inexperienced persons interacting with horses.

This would be in addition to the recently released national Guide for managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses. 

How can you have your say?

If you require more information, or if you would like to provide comment, contact WorkCover’s Legislation and Policy Team by:

• phone: 02 4321 4596 or

• email: jacqueline.green@workcover.nsw.gov.au

The consultation period has been extended and comment is due to WorkCover by COB Monday 2 March 2015.

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Star

AGE/SEX: 9 years / F

BREED: Chihuahua x Shih Tzu

Star is a sweet tiny girl who just loves her walks and interacting with people. She is happy to be picked up by strangers and loves attention from children. She is very social with other dogs. She came from the pound with little hair on her body and severe dental disease. Her coat has regrown and she has had a dental. She is a gentle easy girl who weighs 4.5kg and has a long coat. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Her adoption cost is $400.

To meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or emailmonika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

Bushcare in Pittwater - February 2015
Council's Cooee Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015: HERE

For further information and to confirm the meeting details for the below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367.

Sun February 22
Bungan Beach 8-11am
Winn Bay 9-12pm
Kundibah Res 8-11am

Wed February 25
W’wood Beach 8-11am

Sat February 28
Nth Newport Beach 8:30-11:30am
Careel Creek 8:30-11:30am
Kywong Res 8:30-11:30am

 

Is my pool fence safe?

With Summer in full swing and pool fence laws about to change, now is the time to ask, ‘Is my pool fence safe?’

From April 29, 2015 all properties with a swimming pool or spa that are sold or leased must have a valid swimming pool certificate of compliance.

Pittwater Council’s General Manager, Mark Ferguson said the NSW swimming pool register and new laws are proactive measures that will ensure continuing improvement in the level of safety for young children.

“These thorough laws have been designed to actively contribute to a reduction in drownings or near drownings in private backyard swimming pools and spas.”

“Residents should make every effort to consciously check pool fences and follow through with obtaining a certificate,” added Mr Ferguson

Mr Ferguson urges owners to comply with the new legislation and register their pools on the swimming pool register operated by the NSW Department of Local Government.

“Although summer and the holiday season is a time to relax, don’t be relaxed about pool fences,” he said.

“If you haven’t already registered, please do it these holidays.

“There are over 5500 backyard pools in Pittwater, all of which should comply with the new legislation,” he added.

According to Royal Life Saving, drowning is a leading cause of accidental deaths in young children in NSW. Inconceivable but true—in the last 10 years across NSW 60 children have drowned in backyard swimming pools and 70 children have neurological damage as a result of immersion. Some 1000 children have also been admitted to a hospital as a result of immersion.

Research by the Royal Life Saving Society shows the majority of drowning deaths in young children are related to problems with child safety barriers.

To obtain a certificate of compliance, contact Council on 9970 1111 or an accredited certifier.

There are checklists for pool owners atswimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au or bepoolsafe.com.au

If unable to access the internet, Pittwater pool owners can contact Council’s Customer Service staff for assistance.

 Seeking the New Photographic Portrait

The LensCulture Portrait Awards is the 2nd annual call for international portrait photography. The importance of portraiture is present in cultures across the world, illustrating the power and endurance of human connection. 

With over 145 countries represented on LensCulture, in over 15 languages, we’re seeking new global perspectives on the modern day portrait. This is an open call for portrait photography from around the world. 6 Winners and 25 Finalists will be chosen. Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2015 Enter here

Won't enter this Close up Mike Flynn of Volunteer Photography  

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

 

Re-Imagine Art Competition - Over $10 Thousand in Prizes

Re-magine encourages artists to take materials that would otherwise end up in landfill and transform them into beautiful works of art as part of the Re-magine recycled art competition/exhibition. 

The competition has three exhibition locations and all artworks entered must demonstrate the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials. 

Entries for preselection close Friday 1 May 2015

Artworks will be exhibited in three locations:

For exhibition at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre

Hornsby Central Library

Hornsby Park

Entry Fee: There is a $20 entry fee for each artwork submitted. The non-refundable entry fee must be made by credit card as part of this entry.

For exhibition at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre

Artists are invited to submit work which demonstrates the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials, in the following categories

Mixed Media: must not measure more than 110cm in any direction, including framing, is not more than 5kg and meets requirements for hanging fixtures

Small 3D Sculptures: up to 1m wide, x1m high x1m deep, and is not more than 20kg and is on a base suitable for exhibition

Wearable Art: must form a garment or accessory designed to be worn on a human body

Functional Art: must have some practical use or purpose

Hornsby Central Library

Young creatives are invited to submit work which demonstrates the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials, in the following categories

Up 12 years of age

12 to 24 years of age

Entrants must be in the age category selected as at 7 June 2015

Hornsby Park

Artists are invited to submit a large outdoor sculpture for exhibition in Hornsby Park. “Clean Street, Clean Creek”, which encourages the exploration of water and life in our urban catchment areas and the celebration of our connections with healthy local waterways. Sculptures must also demonstrate the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials.

Artists can submit their entries from now up until Friday 1 May. For more information, visit www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/my-lifestyle/arts-and-culture/re-magine-2015

 

 LEGO AT THE LIBRARY

Local children will have the chance to join a club specialising in one of the most enduring playthings of childhood. Mona Vale Library has started a Lego club on the first Sunday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. Next is March 1st 2015. The club is open to children aged between seven and twelve years of age, with younger children welcome with parental supervision. If you are interested in attending a Lego at the Library session contact the library on 9970 1622 or book in person at the library, 1 Park Street, Mona Vale.

 February 15 - 21, 2015: Issue 202

 Articles This Week

Front Page Issue 202

Pictures: Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 2015 Branch Championships a Demonstration of One Wonderful Community

Hornets swarm Pittwater: 2015 MC38 Australian Season Championship & first event, the MC38 Summer Pittwater Regatta - by Lisa Ratcliff

Express Yourself 2015 -  a vibrant, fascinating and dynamic exhibition showcasing the immense talent and creativity of the 2014 crop of HSC Visual Arts students from Sydney’s Northern Beaches - at Manly Art Gallery until March 22

Aquatics: Broken Bay Marine Rescue Vessels Maintained Thanks to Pittwater RSL Community Club Grants Program 

Successful debut for Australian Sailing’s Jason Waterhouse at 2015 Extreme Sailing Series winning opening act with Red Bull Sailing Team

NSW Community Members ask Premier Baird to Reduce the Burden Cancer Council 'Saving Life' campaign gets major boost from Manly MP Mike Baird

INAUGURAL SYDNEY HARBOUR & COAST WALK - NIGHT 19A – COCKATOO ISLAND by John Illingsworth

National Geographic Kids Announces Grand-Prize Winner of International Photography Contest for Kids - for Children

Reflections by George RepinCAPPADOCIA

DIY Hints: Keeping Cool Over Summer - Creating an Outdoor Dining Arbour, Gazebo or Patio - Part I: This is a project that will take time so we split it into two stages, completed over two weekends: A. Building a paved patio area and B. Creating an Outdoor Nook

Profile: February 2015 - Pittwater Ladies: Sandy Menzies - Newport Surf Club's first female president is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, who has extended caring for others into her other passion, Surf Life Saving.

History: February 2015 - Pittwater’s Cycle Track of 1901 – Manly to Pittwater - Palm2Palms 2015: Thinking of joining the Newport Surf Club’s Palm to Palms cycle event and need a little bit more inspiration? This week we share a cycle path that was opened in 1901 and finished at the Newport Hotel !

Artist of the Month: February 2015 - Connor Wink Last July we attended the wonderful Annual Dinner and Show put on by the Mermaids of Palm Beach to raise funds for Variety, The Children's Charity. On the list of great entertainers that evening was a stand out performer with a stand-out song - I Am Life - co-written and performed in whole by teenager Connor Wink.

 Stop Killing Our Trees

Friday February 13, 2015 -  Pittwater Natural Heritage Association (PNHA)

A crowd of Stop the Chop Members and residents both young and older delivered a Valentine’s Day Stump to Rob Stokes' office today. We want the 10/50 code repealed NOW. 

It is disastrous for Pittwater where self assessment of bushfire risk permits trees to be destroyed for other reasons - irritating leaves on the car, views, development. Endangered species and ecological communities? No matter - cut them down. 

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association, along with 70 other environmental groups across the State, are fighting to get this wretched 10-50 code stopped!

See: www.facebook.com/chopstoppers

Thanks to RPAYC – Douglas Marine and Ron Jacobs

More evidence of what a great community we have in Pittwater came to hand this week. The War Veterans at Collaroy is currently, under the auspices of Solider On, facilitating taking soldiers who have returned form Afghanistan and Iraq, and not doing too well, out on the water sailing as a means to begin to exhale and heal.

One such gentleman, who has returned home haunted by what he has experienced, recently needed time to just get on a boat and think – the RPAYC, Shane Douglas of Douglas Marine and Ron Jacobs ensured he could do just that by being able to moor with them at no charge. 

There is a hidden problem going on here, many who are returning from these conflicts cannot settle back into ‘just living’, they are becoming homeless and going hungry.

Programs such as Solider On, through War Veterans and their services, are doing their utmost to ensure people have somewhere to sleep, something to eat, and access to the support services they need. Our local community members, in this instance our Pittwater marine services, individuals and the RPAYC, are also contributing with that characteristic ‘Sure; What can we do’ and “yes.” when asked to provide something.

Calm harbours and chances to be in an environment free from conflict where one may regain a few seconds of peace are vital to the restoration to families of loved ones who have served. Recognition that small somethings accumulate to become a hopefully positive outcome and caring about others, especially those who have cared for others, should never be avoided or ignored when it occurs.

Thank you to RPAYC’s Kylie and Suzanne, Shane Douglas and Ron Jacobs.
Thank you for reading.

A J Guesdon – Editor
Pittwater Online News.

 Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment

Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment is celebrating the declaration of Narrabeen State Park with a series of spectacular events to celebrate the wonders of  this beautiful part of Sydney. These activities are FREE but you must register  in advance.

Clean Up Australia - 8 - 11am, Mar 1, 2015

Narrabeen State Park site. Narrabeen State Park was declared in April 2014. This is the first opportunity to hold a Clean Up event at this site. The Narrabeen Lagoon Circuit path is about to be opened to the public which is very exciting.

We have permission to use the new path whether or not it has been officially opened to the public.

Come and be part of the fun!

We meet at Jamieson Reserve, 8am, Sunday, March1, 2015 but please register so we know you are coming.

Book by emailing: Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment

Meet the Candidates - 7pm, Mar 16, 2015

NSW State elections are on March 28 so how about coming along and hearing what our local candidates have to say. We have invited candidates from the three electorates that are represented within Narrabeen Lagoon catchment - Davidson, Wakehurst and Pittwater.

The current members for those electorates are seeking re-election and have each committed to speaking so come and meet them plus the other candidates.

Entry free but a donation is requested to cover expenses

Email: FoNLC to get a ticket and book a place.

The forum is at  The Tramshed , 1395A Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen

 Time To Help Clean Up Australia

13 February 2015

Member for Pittwater and NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes is encouraging local community groups, sporting clubs and schools to get involved in this year’s Clean up Australia Day.

This annual event is now in its 25th year and will take place in communities across Australia on Sunday 1 March.

Since the initiative was launched more than 288,000 tonnes of rubbish has been removed by individuals and groups from thousands of beaches, car parks, schools, wetlands and playgrounds.

“Clean up Australia Day is a great example of power in numbers”, Rob Stokes said today.

“Everyone playing a small role can help deliver huge improvements to our local parks, reserves and estuaries.

“This initiative rallies people of all ages together for a really positive cause.

“In many cases there are immediate benefits to be seen and this is only possible with the generosity of local volunteers.

“Our community is always a big supporter of this event so I look forward to seeing people out in force again this year.

“More information on Clean up Australia Day and the locations of nominated sites is available by visitingwww.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au,” Rob Stokes said.

 Surfrider Foundation Australia Wins ASB Spirit of Surfing Award

Last night we were honoured to win the coveted ASB Spirit of Surfing Award at Surfing Australia’s night of nights. The ASB Surfing Spirit Award is for a project or campaign that has given back to surfing through charitable, humanitarian, environmental or philanthropic pursuits. 

Brendan Donohoe, Surfrider Foundation Australia Chair, accepted the award "on behalf of the thousands of people who have helped Surfrider protect waves and beaches in Australia since it started here in 1991". 

To all of our supporters, who visit our website, donate money, donate time, volunteer, run a local Branch or act as a Beach Rep, follow us on social media, or mention us to your friends. You are Surfrider Foundation and your efforts allow us to do what we do best; protect waves and beaches. Thank you for your ongoing support.

2015 AUSTRALIAN SURFING AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Australian Surfing Hall of Fame Inductee: Ted Spencer

Male Surfer of the Year: Mick Fanning

Female Surfer of the Year: Stephanie Gilmore

Rising Star: Matt Banting

Waterman of the Year: Jamie Mitchell

ASB Surfing Spirit Award: Surfrider Foundation Australia

Peter Troy Lifestyle Award: Barry ‘Magoo’ McGuigan

Surf Culture Award: Byron Bay Surf Festival

Simon Anderson Club Award: Snapper Rocks Surfriders Club

Nikon Surf Movie of the Year: Spirit Of Akasha

Nikon Surf Photo of the Year: Ray Collins

 Avalon Fire Officer Cycling for Good Reason

Avalon Fire Station Officer Peter Yates will take part in the 2015 Variety Cycle from 28 February to 14 March. SO Yates is an avid cyclist and will ride more than 2200kms during the 15-day event for Variety – the Children’s Charity. He hopes to raise $8000 to help disadvantaged children. 

“It’s a life changing adventure and physical challenge that helps Aussie kids in need,” he said. 

Only a handful of participants will complete the full ride with many either riding to Nowra or to Melbourne. 

SO Yates will be one of the participants completing the full ride. Having been hit by a car while riding his bike last September, it’s been a rush for SO Yates to get back into shape for this massive ride. 

“It’s not been easy but I’m determined to raise money for sick and disadvantaged kids.” 

The father-of-two has been busy raising money through sausage sizzles, bucket runs and fundraising fitness sessions. If you'd like to help, visit thevarietycycle2015.everydayhero.com/au/punishingpete 

 

Surfing Australia Launches Surf For Life Week

Friday, 13 February 2015

The Surf for Life Project was developed by Surfing Australia in 2012 with support from the Quiksilver Foundation to encourage and inspire underprivileged Aussie kids by providing vital life-changing experiences through participation in Surfing Australia’s VEGEMITE SurfGroms.

The program works in partnership with charities to ensure it reaches kids who need it the most, with over 1300 kids having benefited in the last two years.  The aim of Surf for Life is to create three key outcomes in the lives of these Aussie kids: 

• Social Inclusion by having access to a mainstream activity program;

• Life changing opportunity and lasting change by linking social outcomes with program participation; and

• Health, Safety & Leadership by providing exposure to healthy lifestyle choices and skills through the sport of surfing.

Surf For Life Week was officially launched last night at the Australian Surfing Awards in Manly by Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark.

Surf for Life Week which will run from Feb 12 – 19 is aimed at raising awareness of the program and providing a kick start to achieving Surfing Australia’s new target of raising $200,000 so Surf for Life can help more than 2000 underprivileged Aussie kids in 2015.

“Surf for Life is not just about surfing, it creates social change by encouraging kids to attend school, make healthier choices and be confident,” Stark said.

“Surfing Australia’s purpose as an organisation is to create a healthier and happier Australia through experiencing the joy of surfing for life. Surf for Life delivers on this purpose and we are excited about the prospect of helping as many underprivileged Aussie kids as we can.”

The Surf for Life Project is also being supported by the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) whose mandate is to partner with organisations like Surfing Australia to help raise funds for vital projects; in particular projects that will help improve the health of the nation, build communities and strengthen our national sporting identity.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Surfing Australia to raise money for Surf For Life and are proud that over 2000 underprivileged Aussie kids will enjoy the life-changing experience of catching their first wave as a result,” said Patrick Walker, Australian Sports Foundation CEO.

“Study after study has shown the social benefits of participating in sport - ranging from improved educational outcomes and enhanced social skills, to benefits for physical and mental health.

“Surfing Australia has been successfully changing the lives of underprivileged Aussie kids through Surf for Life for the last two years, clearly demonstrating that using sport as a vehicle for positive social change can and does work. The program is a credit to Surfing Australia, and I urge the community to show its support and donate.”

This Quiksilver Foundation and the NJ Innis Foundation have been loyal supporters of the program and in 2015 have once again kick started the fundraising by providing significant donations. The Surf for Life Week is the first of a number of promotional activities that Surfing Australia will be undertaking during 2015 to reach their target of raising $200,000 to help more than 2000 underprivileged Aussie kids.

To find out more and donate visit www.surfforlife.com.au.

For regular updates and happenings, become a fan of our Facebook page here.

By Surfing Australia 

 Australia’s Surfboat team has made it a hat-trick of Trans-Tasman titles – C/- Surf Life Saving Australia

Australia’s Surfboat team has made it a hat-trick of Trans-Tasman titles with a clean-sweep of New Zealand at Waihi Beach.

Both the men’s and women’s crews went undefeated, winning all six races on offer (2 long-course and one short-course).

In calm conditions, the Aussies proved too strong throughout the day to win the Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Championship for the third straight year.

For the second year running, Australia was represented by the Tugun crew of Gen Bassingthwaighte, Marianne Walker, Lisa Webber, Sascha Lahey and Bruce Zillman in the women’s event.

The crew from Bulli SLSC - Dean Roberts, Heath Mercer, Adam Barlow, Ben Lowe and Shane Geloven – made their international debut as the Australian men’s team.

“That is the highlight of my rowing career without a doubt. It is the pinnacle of rowing to be able to represent your country and to hear that Australian national anthem played for you on the morning of the competition was just the best feeling I have experienced in the sport,” Lowe said.

“The Kiwis are very good starters and they got the jump on us in the first race. It took us until about the halfway stage to mow them down. In the second and third races we pushed a bit harder at the start to make sure we weren’t left behind.”

“We enjoyed the win. We knew they would celebrate hard if they rolled us and none of us wanted to see that so that was a big motivating factor.”

“It was a great experience. The team camp was awesome. We want to get our Bulli crew representing Australia again next year so that is already the aim for us.”

It is the second straight year Australia has inflicted a 6-nil whitewash on their New Zealand rivals.

 Green Army Round 3 now open for applications

The Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for the Environment

Media release - 12 February 2015

Community organisations, environment groups and local councils around Australia are invited to nominate new Green Army projects to support practical environment and conservation activities in their region – with Round 3 of the programme now open for applications.

The Green Army gives Australians aged 17-24 years the opportunity for training and experience in environmental and conservation fields and to explore careers in conservation management while delivering real benefits to the Australian environment.

The Green Army is a key Coalition election commitment and has already been an enormously successful environmental initiative. Round 1 teams are already out in the field improving the environment. Successful round 2 projects will be announced shortly. And now we're calling for round 3 projects.

These can include a vast range of activities on land and in our waterways, from restoring and protecting native habitat, weeding, revegetation and cleaning up waterways, creeks and rivers to fencing, gully remediation and preventing erosion.

They include protecting and conserving national heritage places and values or monitoring and surveying on Indigenous and non-Indigenous lands.

Local communities know what needs to be done to improve their local environment and we're calling on them to nominate Green Army projects that support practical environment and conservation activities.

Projects must run for 20-26 weeks and can take place across urban, regional and remote Australia on public land, Indigenous-held lands, or private land. Projects must benefit the environment or national or Indigenous heritage and offer participants valuable practical experience.

Participants will have the opportunity to undertake accredited training such as work readiness, conservation and land management, heritage conservation, project and human resource management and heritage trade skills.

Green Army participants will also receive an allowance and be eligible to gain Certificate I or Certificate II qualifications in areas such as land management, park management, landscaping or horticulture or nationally endorsed skills set to support them in their future career prospects.

Applications for projects under Round 3 of the programme close on 17 March 2015.

To be eligible for Round 3, projects sponsors must have at least one project ready to begin between 1 June 2015 and 30 June 2016.

Community information sessions on the Green Army Programme are also underway in each state and territory during February 2015. Community organisations, environment groups, local councils and young Australians should come along to see how they can become involved.

Session locations and times are available at:www.environment.gov.au/land/green-army/information-sessions

Further information on the Green Army including project guidelines and the application form is available online at:www.environment.gov.au/green-army

 

Pittwater International Women’s Day BreakfastWednesday 11 March 2015

Celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday 11 March from 7am-9am at Newport’s Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.  The breakfast is hosted by Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc, a member of Zonta International, which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.  

International Women's Day is a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place.  Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The 2015 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater. 

Guest speaker at the breakfast will be Kate Munnings, Chief Executive, Logistics, Construction and Consulting at Transfield Services.  Kate is focused on creating significant change in our society by leading the debate about women in leadership.  

Growing up on the Northern Beaches Kate qualified as a registered nurse and spent 8 years working in very challenging environments, including becoming a specialist in HIV/AIDS nursing in the 1980’s when the disease was new and not well understood in the community.  While nursing, Kate completed a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Immunology and graduated as Dux of that course.

In 1993 Kate completed a law degree and became a partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth in 2003.  Specialising in construction and engineering law, Kate worked with a wide range of private and public companies as well as government, negotiating complex commercial transactions.  She further developed her experience by joining international firm Baker & McKenzie in a leadership role in the Sydney construction practice.  At Baker & McKenzie, Kate was also one of three Recruitment Partners, responsible for graduate recruitment and mentoring at the firm.   

In 2006, Kate moved into a corporate role as General Counsel & Company Secretary of Transfield Services Limited.  In March 2014, Kate was appointed to the role of Chief Executive, Logistics, Construction and Consulting.  In this role Kate is responsible for the safe and profitable delivery of a portfolio of contracts with revenues of more than $2.2bn and circa 7,000 employees across Australia, NZ and Melanesia.  Her portfolio includes major contracts for the Department of Defence, Department of Immigration & Border Protection, NBN, NSW Department of Housing, NSW Department of Education and Chorus in NZ. In June 2014, Kate attended the Women’s Leadership Forum at Harvard Business School having been awarded a scholarship from Chief Executive Women and the Women's Leadership Institute of Australia.  

With a daughter and 3 step children, Kate also strives to be a role model for women who choose to combine career progression and family.   Kate will speak on her ‘life story’.  

The Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast will be held at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport at 7am till 9am on Wednesday 11 March 2015. The cost is $40.  Enquiries topittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Susie Lough on 0413 623 392.  Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc assisting local women in need, and Zonta International projects in developing countries. Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 10.  We will seat you.

The Pittwater IWD Breakfast is supported by Pittwater Council.    

 

Wood Smoke Reduction Policy

At it's meeting on Monday 1 December 2014, Pittwater Council agreed to seek public comment on a proposed Wood Smoke Reduction Policy.

Exhibition Period: 18 December 2014 to 27 February 2015

Submission Details: Should you wish to comment, please email, post or fax your submission to Council.  Submissions should be in writing by 5pm on the closing date. Please refer to the document on exhibition in your submission.

• Mail - Pittwater Council, PO Box 882, Mona Vale, NSW 1660

• Email - pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au 

• Fax – (02) 9970 1200

Please Note: Your submission is provided voluntarily and is collected for the purpose of community consultation. Failure to provide your contact information will prevent Council considering your submission and providing you with feedback and updates. In the interests of public transparency your submission may be made available in full on our website or in hardcopy at Council offices. It may also be accessed by public requests under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW). It will be stored in accordance with Pittwater Council’s compliant Records Management System (ECM) and the State Records Act 1998 (NSW). 

You have a right to access your personal information under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) by application to Council and to have that information updated or corrected.

Review of Dog Control Policy 30

Pittwater Council resolved at its meeting 1 December 2014 to establish a working group to review Policy 30 – Dog Control.

The objective of the policy is to provide effective dog control in leashed and unleashed areas in the Pittwater Local Government Area in accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998.

The review will consider the suitability of all areas in Pittwater and aspects of the policy such as environmental management, public education, compliance, asset management and signage.

The review will also consider the issue of dog control on Pittwater’s beaches. 

The working group will include:

• Four residents

• A Councillor from each Ward

• Government/Council representatives

• Non-government organisations

Nominations close Sunday 15 February 2015. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email after nominations close.

See relevant documents HERE 

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2015
February
20:  Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 

March  
6: Centro, Warriewood, 9am to 3pm:Knitting, craft,  sewing
7: Pittwater Place,  Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
14: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
20: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
28: Election stall Mona Vale Community Centre, 8am to 4pm: Baking, knitting, sewing, Bric-a-brac - Outside Library
 

April
4: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
11: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
17: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 

May
2: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knnitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
9: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
15: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing

 
June
6: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
13: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
19: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing      

 $1.4 million to celebrate Australia's national heritage

The Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for the Environment

Media release - 6 February 2015

Community groups across Australia are now able to apply for grants through the 2014-15 round of the Community Heritage and Icons Grants Programme.

These grants are part of a commitment by the Australian Government to provide opportunities for community groups to engage with and raise awareness of places recognised on Australia's National Heritage List.

The 103 places the National Heritage List are exceptional places that are recognised for defining our nation's natural, historic and Indigenous culture. They are places that help tell the story of our unique and diverse heritage.

Up to $337,000 is available this financial year to community organisations to undertake activities that promote community participation and awareness of places on Australia's National Heritage List.

Grants of between $2,500 and $10,000 are available for projects that support the programme's objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for communities to be involved in the conservation, promotion, and raising awareness of places on Australia's National Heritage List.

I strongly encourage community organisations such as historical societies, Indigenous groups, National Trust groups, and 'Friends-of' groups to consider making an application.

Applications for funding close on 5 March 2015.

Further information about Community Heritage and Icons Grants, including the programme guidelines and application form, is available at: www.environment.gov.au/community-heritage-icons-grants

National Heritage List at:www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national-heritage-list 

 CAN YOU HELP?

Sent by the Government, RAAF Bomber Command Veterans of WWII still don't have a Bomber Command Medal from the Australian Government.  These legendary veterans certainly deserve a Bomber Command medal, as theirs is the highest casualty rate in Australia's military history. 

Bomber Command "Taking an example of 100 airmen: 27 survived a tour of operations"  Wikipedia.

"A Bomber Command crew member had a worse chance of survival than an infantry officer in World War I; more people were killed serving in Bomber Command than in the Blitz, or the bombings of Hamburg or Dresden.By comparison, the US Eighth Air Force, which flew daylight raids over Europe, had 350,000 aircrew during the war and suffered 26,000 killed and 23,000 POWs. Of the RAF Bomber Command personnel killed during the war, 72% were British, 18% were Canadian, 7% were Australian and 3% were New Zealanders.

Taking an example of 100 airmen:

•55 killed on operations or died as result of wounds

•three injured (in varying levels of severity) on operations or active service

•12 taken prisoner of war (some injured)

•two shot down and evaded capture

•27 survived a tour of operations"....Wikipedia

Ask our elected politicians to put forward a Private Members Bill in Parliament for the Government to award a Bomber Command Medal.

Lest We Forget.

J  Smythe - Tuesday, 13 Jan 2015

Sources:

wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Bomber_Command#Casualties

www.bchg.org.au/index.php/en/people/individuals/g-k/148-kingsford-smith-rollo 

Wilfrid Kingsford Smith - Pittwater Online News - Pittwater Airmen History pages - month of May 2012

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 15/2/2015 

click on Logo: 

Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Southern Cross Wildlife Care Critter of the Month - February 2015           

Gloria Goes Free             
Gloria was only a little joey when she first arrived in our surgery in July 2014.  We aren’t sure what caused the deformity, but both her feet were twisted and both her middle toes were facing the wrong direction! 

She had to undergo corrective orthopaedic surgery and her feet were tension-strapped.

On this particular visit, she was having her strapping changed, about a month post-op.

She was such a good patient. She sat patiently whilst Dr Howard Ralph removed her bandages and checked to see how her toe-alignment was progressing.

Her lovely carer, Jan, comforted her as her tension strapping was replaced. Little joeys form a bond with their carers, akin to that of mother and child.  In the absence of her kangaroo mother (who was killed in a vehicle collision) Jan became Gloria’s mum. 
The benefit of being a veterinary surgeon is that you get to cuddle your patients at the end of a consultation. And sometimes the patients are happy to reciprocate. Gloria, thankfully, was one of them :)
Gloria continued with her rehabilitation for some weeks, coming back intermittently for dressing changes. Her feet continued to grow - in the right direction - as she grew. 
Long-term patients build up a relationship with their doctors. Gloria had full trust in Dr Ralph and never became anxious at any of her consultations. 

Interesting Fact:
The female eastern grey kangaroo is usually permanently pregnant. However, she has the ability to freeze the development of an embryo until the previous joey is able to leave the pouch. This is known as diapause, and will occur if there is a shortage of food or in times of drought. In addition, the mother is able to produce two different kinds of milk simultaneously - one type for the newborn and a different type for the older joey still in the pouch. 

Isn’t that amazing?                                         

Gloria’s lovely carers travelled from far to bring her to her appointments and their post-surgery care of Gloria was second-to-none.

Being a joey’s Mum is not an easy caper...! It’s an 18-month commitment and they require round-the-clock care when they are small. 
We gave her red and white ‘socks’ which made her look like she was a Sydney Swans supporter :)

Doesn’t she look the picture of happiness?

This is how one of Gloria’s feet looked before the surgery. We think it must’ve become deformed inside the pouch as she grew. 
In November of 2014, Gloria was moved into her pre-release pen - as normal and as healthy as any other eastern grey kangaroo. 

She was released this week and we are proud to say that she went back to the wild in much better shape than when she left it!

By Lynleigh Greig
Southern Cross Wildlife Care

 Surfing Mums - Avalon

from Leonie Blignaut 

This is a little video I made for the girls and little ones I hang out with every Thursday morning. We surf, we laugh and we have a pretty awesome time

 Mums for mums – Beauty and the beach - Saturday March 7th

A Mums for Mums fundraising event proudly supported by Newport Nasties.

In memory of Jules Ariel who touched our lives and in support of young sons Tom and James and loving partner Andrew.

Tickets (adults only): $50

Includes drink on arrival, dinner, live music, auction, party games and featuring DJ Puppy Love!

Dress: Beautiful, Beautiful at the Beach, or just Beach!

Book here

 

Pittwater Artists Trail 2015

Welcome to the 2015 Trail!

This year we have something happening on the first full weekend of each season.

All home studios will be open in March, September and December, and a group exhibition will be held in June, details to be announced soon.

Next Artists Trail Weekend - Sat 7th and Sun 8th March

Studios by location

Elanora Heights - Karen Pike, Penel Bigg

Mona Vale/Newport - Meredith Scott, Vicki Ratcliff, Julie Hickson, Wendy Grainger

Bilgola/Avalon/Whale Beach - Peter Cameron, Robyn Park, Elfriede Bartnitzky, Katarina Wells, Nada Herman, Diezel, Coco Elder, Helen Mackay, Jill Ferrall, Sylke Claridge, Geoff Searl, Marian Purvis

Church Point/Bayview - Willi Michalski, Allen Goodman

Artists by medium

Ceramics - Willi Michalski, Coco Elder, Katarina Wells

Glass - Penel Bigg, Meredith Scott

Jewellery - Karen Pike, Penel Bigg, Meredith Scott, Geoff Searl, Robyn Park

Paintings - Karen Pike, Vicki Ratcliff, Allen Goodman, Julie Hickson, Wendy Grainger, Peter Cameron, Helen Mackay, Jill Ferrall, Coco Elder, Nada Herman, Diezel, Elfriede Bartnitzky, Sylke Claridge, Marian Purvis

Sculpture - Penel Bigg, Geoff Searl, Katarina Wells

Silk - Robyn Park

More at: www.pittwaterartiststrail.com.au

 Avalon Beach Historical Society March 2015 Meeting

The next meeting of the Avalon Beach Historical Society will be our first for the new year and will be held on TUESDAY 10 MARCH in the mighty Avalon Beach Bowling Club.

World War 1 SILK POSTCARDS

It’s two for the price of one again and our ‘main billing’ will be for the first time COLLETTE, our President’s wife. Instead of being on the end of a teapot at supper time she’ll be front stage and the main focus of the evening.

For some 20 years Collette has been collecting World War I silk postcards and her collection now makes the few examples at the Australian War Memorial appear as a pocket-sized version of hers.

She thought it would be an ideal time to introduce the topic with the centenary of Gallipoli next month. Besides the cards on display, John has scanned some of the more memorable ones to show on the big screen. 

The story of their production, their visual beauty and the emotional and sometimes tragic messages they carried will be told and read by Collette.

It’s going to be a ‘Searl’ evening because Geoff will then take over the reins from Collette for a ‘show and tell’ about the ‘Beacon Store’ which once stood almost opposite the ‘Boathouse’ at Palm Beach. It was ‘fire bombed’ as the central part of an episode of Home and Away in 1989 and we have some footage of the conflagration! One of the early owners have also loaned us some photos taken during her occupation. Some of you may remember buying a Paddle Pop on a hot summer’s day or a sandwich from the ‘Sand Witch’ as it was once called.

The evening will start at 8pm so if you fancy a drink from the bar beforehand please arrive that little bit earlier. Guests of members are always welcome and to stay for supper afterwards.

 

Exploring Mona Vale's future

11 Feb 2015

Residents are invited to a series of events that will explore the future of the Mona Vale Town Centre.

General Manager Mark Ferguson said that Council will be running a number of urban talks, workshops and interactive activities around the Mona Vale Place Plan.

Mr Ferguson said a place plan is a holistic approach to designing places for people.

“The place planning process will develop a vision and plan that guides future improvements for the town centre.

“There is a great opportunity for Mona Vale to take advantage of predicted economic growth and position itself as the peninsula’s vibrant urban town centre,” he said.

“The place planning process will explore opportunities and challenges for the centre.

“We will look at issues such as the urban fabric (i.e. building types, open space and streetscapes); retail and economy; access and transport linkages; and the benefits of a night time economy.

Mr Ferguson said Council is keen for the community and businesses to have their say on the future of the town centre with themed events taking place over the next four months.

February events will kick off with the theme of ‘People & Destinations’ which will look at the future of Mona Vale and the importance of people when planning and designing centres.

An introductory session and Q&A with a panel of speakers will take place on Thursday 19 February at Mona Vale Memorial Hall from 6.30 to 8pm. Speakers include: Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend, Canada Bay Mayor, Angelo Tsirekas, Marrickville’s Planning and Environmental Services Director, Tim Moore and Sydney architect & urban designer Tim Williams.

The Thursday session will be followed by open-houses at the hall on Friday and Saturday 20-21 February from 10am to 4pm. Residents will be able to provide input on the future of Mona Vale, either face-to-face with Council staff or through a series of facilitated workshops.

For more information on how you can have your say on the future of  Mona Vale http://places.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/ 

Tourism, talk of the town in Pittwater

10 Feb 2015

Pittwater Council is looking to its businesses and Chambers of Commerce for input into a new discussion paper that will address the future of tourism in Pittwater.

General Manager, Mark Ferguson said economic development is a high priority for Council and the discussion paper will highlight the contribution and value of businesses to the Pittwater community and economy.

“Tourism to the area is growing; especially the day visitors to the area who want to experience the lifestyle and unique natural environment, eat at our superb cafes and restaurants, and shop in a village atmosphere”, he said.

Upcoming focus groups will help identify the community’s tourism-related priority areas.

“Tourism is a partnership that requires community ownership and these sessions are another great opportunity for businesses, chambers and Council to come together and create a vision for the future of Pittwater.

“Together we can identify opportunities for tourism growth and partnerships that will be central in promoting sustainable tourism, development opportunities and employment for our diverse economy.

”For our vision to be successful we need a close working relationship with business, chambers of commerce and the community,” he added.

The wider community is also encouraged to have their say on tourism, via a questionnaire on Council’s website.

Mr Ferguson said the tourism business sector plays a major role in building strong, vibrant village communities, and “that’s something we are wholeheartedly focused on”.

“Starting a public conversation and building a greater understanding of tourism in Pittwater will help identify where there are job opportunities—providing local opportunities to work where we live,” he said.

“More than 1900 of our Pittwater residents (approximately 10 per cent of our local workforce) are employed directly in tourism and hospitality, which is above the national average.

Focus group sessions are scheduled for 12 February and 26 February 2015, 9am to 11am, at the Coastal Environment Centre, North Narrabeen.

The paper is linked directly to Pittwater’s Economic Development Plan 2011–2016 Working Locally-Connecting Globally.

Further information or contact Paul William-Smith at:   paul_william-smith@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or call:  9970 1187

 MVHA First Meeting for 2015

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary had their first meeting on Tuesday February 3rd for 2015. 

If you want to be part of this great community group, visit their website’s contact page here: www.monavalehospitalauxiliary.org/

Photo courtesy Gail Carew

 Seniors Toy Repair Group needs your help

Volunteers are sought to help out on Wednesday mornings (7.30am to midday) at the group's workshed in Ingleside. Volunteers need their own transport and be willing to sort and clean toys that are picked up at different collection points on the Northern Beaches. 

Prospective volunteers can email Mary Kitchen to arrange a visit to the workshed. To arrange a donation pickup please call Terry Cook on 0410 597 327 or email him.

Find out more about this great community group HERE

 "LOOSELY WOVEN " PLAYS  FOR  AMNESTY -  FREE  CONCERT  'WAVE'  

 Sat. 7th March  4 pm  

At AVALON BAPTIST PEACE CHURCH: 2  George  St.

 (vol. donations to Amnesty International  Aust )

2015 brings with it the 20th Anniversary of Loosely Woven - the first concert took place on 20th September 1995. The first concert for  this year  will bring back some of our favourite items from the  past. It will also feature the wonderful Sonia Bennett!   Some special songs from Sonia will include

Flour Bin (Henry Lawson), Learn all their songs, sweet lyrebird(Denis Kevans), I wonder (Henry Weston Pryce)

The program will include the usual eclectic mix and it will be a fun, folky, light-hearted acoustic concert that will uplift your spirits.

Some well loved songs,  eg: I'll never find another you (The Seekers), Feel like going back home (Brand Nue Dae), Bye Bye Baby Goodbye and  lots of others you will also enjoy .

Instruments this time will include violins, flutes, harps, glockenspiel, guitars, mandolin, concertina, accordions, keyboard and percussion.

Wayne Richmond the leader of the group is one of the area’s inspirational leaders in giving live music to the community. Wayne and many of the musicians are Amnesty members and regularly raise money for Amnesty at Avalon and also at Humph Hall (Wayne’s own venue).

The concert is free and there is always a scrumptious free supper but voluntary donations will be directed to Amnesty International Australia..

Avalon Amnesty International group works for the rights of:-  Prisoners of conscience,  refugees and asylum seekers; indigenous people,  many victims of unjust treatment and of slavery,  those at risk of torture and execution;also to gain human rights for  disadvantaged people all over the world. 

We will have a table with information and petitions for the stop torture campaign.

 NLSC 110-YEAR CELEBRATION DINNER - YOU'RE INVITED!

Do you have fond memories of sailing at Narrabeen Lakes as a child or in your younger years?

Have you ever watched the little boats with their white sails race around the western basin and wanted to know more about them?

Did you know that punters once stood on the shore every weekend and took bets on those little boats sailing on the flat waters of Narrabeen Lakes?

To celebrate 110-years of sailing on Narrabeen Lakes this season, NLSC is inviting former club members and interested community members to its 110-year celebration dinner and presentation on Saturday 7 March 2015.

www.narrabeenlakessailingclub.com/index.php/events/nlsc-110-year-celebration-dinner

 PERMACULTURE PHOTO COMPETITION 2015

To launch PNB's new website and promote permaculture, we're holding a permaculture photo competition. This is your opportunity to contribute your best permaculture photos for our new website. We want the best and freshest, locally produced permaculture photos. Made by you.

So get out our camera, venture into your own backyard, observe and interact, take some beautiful shots. The closing date is February 22nd.

Prizes:

First Prize: A permabee at your place!  If you have a garden or even a balcony, the next permabee will be for you! Enthusiastic PNB members will bring their tools, knowledge and skills, and spend some time giving your garden a permaculture working bee.

Second Prize: A 3-tiered herb spiral thanks to New Leaf Nursery, and a Solitary Bee Habitat, thanks to PNBbees.

Third Prize: A PNB gift pack, featureing a Permaculture t-shirt, Permaculture 2015 Calendar, and Permaculture reusable shopping bag.

See: www.permaculturenorthernbeaches.org.au/photo-comp 

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE COURSE

February 21-22, 2015

9:30M - 4:30PM each day, Kimbriki Eco House and Eco Garden, Kimbriki Road, Terrey Hills.

We are holding our first PNB Introduction to Permaculture course this February and it is local!

Wanting to get more involved or know more about permaculture?  This course covers the key ethics and principles, outlining the basic design techniques such as zoning, site analysis, and climatic factors. You will leave looking at your home, garden or landscape in a different way. 

Cost $290 members, $335 non-members; pensioner and student discounts available. The learning style is collaborative and participatory. Bookings are essential contact:  info@permaculturenorthernbeaches.com.au  Phone: 0417 241 371. The course will give you tools to start implementing more sustainable solutions in your life. Be inspired!

AQUACULTURE A TO Z 

Thursday, February 26, 2015: 7:15pm – 8:15pm

Learn more about aquaponics from ponds, to water plants, to fish, crayfish and more. No booking required, all welcome (members free, guests by donation). Doors open at 7:15 pm for a 7:30 pm start.

Lakeview room, Narrabeen Tramshed Arts and Community Centre: 1395 Pittwater rd, Narrabeen.

 Have Your Say on Lifejacket Standards Review

Fri 13 Feb 2015 – SLS NSW

The Maritime Management Centre in NSW is calling on members of the public to have their say on a draft paper reviewing lifejacket safety standards in Australia.

“This is the first major review of lifejacket standards in almost a decade and I encourage anyone with an interest in water safety to provide their feedback as part of this important process,” General Manager Howard Glenn said.

The draft paper, produced by the Standards Australia committee Buoyancy Aids, contains substantial changes that should help provide safety requirements for lifejackets to cater for a wide range of water activities, including:

• addition of a new lower-buoyancy category of Level 25 (25 newtons of buoyancy) for competent swimmers for specialist activities;

• new requirements for a body mass of between 5 and 10 kg to address public demand regarding lifejackets for infants;

• harmonisation of Level 50 buoyancy requirements with international standards;

• new requirements for testing inflation indicators and gas cylinders; and

• the term “personal flotation device” or “PFD” to be replaced with “lifejacket” across all three parts of the Standard to remove ambiguity for the public.

“Lifejackets are one of the most important items when it comes to keeping people safe on our waterways,” Mr Glenn said.

“Modern lifejackets have already come a long way from the bulky styles of the past but we must continue to look at where we can make more safety improvements in terms of things like design and functionality.

“Remember an enjoyable day on the water is a safe one and this important work will help boost safety for boaters well into the future.”

Members of the public can provide their feedback on the draft paper until Friday 3 April and can access it online at the following link: sapc.standards.org.au/sapc/public/listOpenCommenting

 Proposed NSW code of practice Consultation - NSW Horse  Industry

What are we doing?

WorkCover is seeking your views on whether the NSW horse industry requires a code of practice that provides more information to better protect the health and safety of new and inexperienced persons interacting with horses.

This would be in addition to the recently released national Guide for managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses. 

How can you have your say?

If you require more information, or if you would like to provide comment, contact WorkCover’s Legislation and Policy Team by:

• phone: 02 4321 4596 or

• email: jacqueline.green@workcover.nsw.gov.au

The consultation period has been extended and comment is due to WorkCover by COB Monday 2 March 2015.

INVITATION TO COMMENT: PROPOSED MOTOR ACCIDENTS COMPENSATION REGULATION 2015

Notice | 20/01/2015

We are seeking comments on the Motor Accidents Compensation Regulation 2015, which proposes to make changes to the Motor Accidents Compensation Regulation 2005.

These changes include providing for:

• maximum costs for legal services and medico-legal services,

• the assessment of claims by claims assessors, and

• the maximum amount payable by insurers for certain treatment provided to claimants.

The Regulation will also require legal practitioners to disclose information about settlements, deductions and amounts paid to claimants to the Motor Accidents Authority.

The proposed Regulation and Regulatory Impact statement can be downloaded below.

• Motor Accidents Compensation Regulation 2015  (613kb) 

• Regulatory Impact Statement – Motor Accidents Compensation Regulation 2015 (348 kb) 

Comments and submissions on the proposed Regulation should be directed to:

Mail: The General Manager

Motor Accidents Authority

Level 25, 580 George Street

Sydney  NSW  2000

Fax: 1300 137 707

Email: maa@maa.nsw.gov.au

Online: Online feedback form www.maa.nsw.gov.au/forms/maa-feedback 

Comments and submissions on the proposed Regulation should be received by 5pm Wednesday, 18 February 2015.

 Palm 2 Palms Charity Ride‏

The Palm to Palms Charity Ride is the brainchild of five guys from Newport Surf Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Tom Kellaway, Alex Brown, Lachy Brook, James Brook and Tom Howes set out with a plan to do something a little bit different. They wanted to raise money to support their surf club and to assist in helping the club manage the increasing costs of protecting Australia’s Beaches.

They saw an opportunity to not only help their surf club but also to help other charities too, but also create an event that could bring people from all walks of life together to do something totally different……

Get 100 people to ride from North Palm Beach Surf Club at the foot of Barrenjoey headland at the mouth of the Hawkesbury to the North of Sydney down the coast passing every surf club in Sydney all the way to Burning Palms Surf Club, just to the North of Wollongong, the last surf club in Sydney. An ambitious ride of 130 km’s, passing 36 surf clubs all to coincide with the final day of surf patrols for the 2014/2015 patrol season.

And so the Palm to Palms Charity Ride was born. The fundraising target was set……. $100,000. Each rider to pay an entry fee of $100 for the ride, and upon entry, set out and fundraise a further $900 to help us reach our goal.

On April 26th,  at North Palm Beach Surf Club, the journey begins…..Get on board and help us support our local community…… See you on the bike!

More details and how to sign up to be 1 in 100 at:www.palm2palmsride.com.au

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Mintie

AGE/SEX: 14 weeks / F

BREED: Foxy x

Clinker, Milo, Mintie & Nougat are ready for homes. Freckles, their Mum came to us from the pound heavily pregnant. She gave birth to 4 beautiful pups. They are active pups who want families that have an active lifestyle and someone home based with time to train them. They come with 3 puppy vaccinations, wormed, heartworm free, with desexing and microchipped. Their adoption cost is $500.

To meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or emailmonika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

Bushcare in Pittwater - February 2015
Council's Cooee Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015: HERE

For further information and to confirm the meeting details for the below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367.

Sun February 15
Angophora Res 8:30-11:30am
Crescent Res 9-12pm

Thu February 19
Mona Vale Dunes 8:30-11:30am

Sat February 21
Toongari Res 8-11am
Old Wharf Res 8-11am
Nth Palm Beach 9-12pm
Pathilda Res 9-12pm
Irrawong Res 1-4pm

Sun February 22
Bungan Beach 8-11am
Winn Bay 9-12pm
Kundibah Res 8-11am

Wed February 25
W’wood Beach 8-11am

Sat February 28
Nth Newport Beach 8:30-11:30am
Careel Creek 8:30-11:30am
Kywong Res 8:30-11:30am

 

Help us clean up Pittwater!

Local residents are being invited to make a difference and register a group to help ‘Clean Up Pittwater’ on the annual Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March.

Pittwater is looking to increase the number of registered clean up sites this year, surpassing our record of 25 last year.

Clean Up Australia Chairman, Ian Kiernan AO congratulated Australians for their contribution last year – where 572,406 volunteers donned their gloves to pick up rubbish at 7,140 sites across the nation.

Pittwater Council’s Mayor Jacqueline Townsend applauded Pittwater residents for their contribution to keeping Pittwater beautiful.

“The high participation last year by our community members is a reflection of their connection to our beautiful environment. Our community are keen supporters of this worthy annual initiative.

Cr Townsend is again calling on our community to participate at Clean Up Day this year, but also to heed Ian Kiernan’s message of not littering and picking up unsightly rubbish every day of the year.

“It could be as simple as the ‘take three pledge’ – just think about the amount of rubbish we could reduce if every member of our community picked up three pieces of litter every day.  Small actions can make large contributions to our environment!”

“This pro-active litter removal is particularly relevant for our coastal and estuarine foreshores given the devastating impact plastics can have on our fragile marine ecosystems,” added Cr Townsend.

To participate, residents are invited to identify a site that they think needs a clean up and register it online, or they can contact Council and we are happy to suggest some sites that need attention.

Clean Up Australia Day also engages our business and school communities with Business Clean Up day on 24 February and Schools Clean Up Day on 27 February. 

Cr Townsend praised local schools, saying it was rewarding to see so many of our Pittwater schools participating by cleaning up their school grounds. 

To register a site or to join an existing site for Business Clean Up Day, Schools Clean Up Day or Clean Up Australia Day visit:cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or call 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329).

Volunteers should bring with them gloves, a hat, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Is my pool fence safe?

With Summer in full swing and pool fence laws about to change, now is the time to ask, ‘Is my pool fence safe?’

From April 29, 2015 all properties with a swimming pool or spa that are sold or leased must have a valid swimming pool certificate of compliance.

Pittwater Council’s General Manager, Mark Ferguson said the NSW swimming pool register and new laws are proactive measures that will ensure continuing improvement in the level of safety for young children.

“These thorough laws have been designed to actively contribute to a reduction in drownings or near drownings in private backyard swimming pools and spas.”

“Residents should make every effort to consciously check pool fences and follow through with obtaining a certificate,” added Mr Ferguson

Mr Ferguson urges owners to comply with the new legislation and register their pools on the swimming pool register operated by the NSW Department of Local Government.

“Although summer and the holiday season is a time to relax, don’t be relaxed about pool fences,” he said.

“If you haven’t already registered, please do it these holidays.

“There are over 5500 backyard pools in Pittwater, all of which should comply with the new legislation,” he added.

According to Royal Life Saving, drowning is a leading cause of accidental deaths in young children in NSW. Inconceivable but true—in the last 10 years across NSW 60 children have drowned in backyard swimming pools and 70 children have neurological damage as a result of immersion. Some 1000 children have also been admitted to a hospital as a result of immersion.

Research by the Royal Life Saving Society shows the majority of drowning deaths in young children are related to problems with child safety barriers.

To obtain a certificate of compliance, contact Council on 9970 1111 or an accredited certifier.

There are checklists for pool owners atswimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au or bepoolsafe.com.au

If unable to access the internet, Pittwater pool owners can contact Council’s Customer Service staff for assistance.

 Federal funding to support greater local decision making in New South Wales government schools

Tuesday 10 February 2015 Media Release 

The Hon Christopher Pyne MP, Minister for Education and Training, Leader of the House

New South Wales will benefit from the Australian Government’s $70 million Independent Public Schools initiative by increasing local decision making in the state’s public schools.

Minister for Education and Training the Hon Christopher Pyne MP said he welcomed New South Wales’ commitment to putting students first and supporting government schools to operate more independently.

“The New South Wales Government has shown great enthusiasm and commitment in supporting government schools to make local decisions about what is best for their school,” Mr Pyne said.

“The Australian Government’s Independent Public Schools initiative is designed to encourage greater autonomy in government schools.”

Between 2014 and 2017, New South Wales will receive $22.75 million from the Australian Government.

Under the Independent Public Schools initiative, every New South Wales government school will be allocated base funding of $5,000 plus an allocation based on the number of students at each school.

The funding will be used for several activities including enhancing and increasing community engagement in local decision making in New South Wales under the Local Schools, Local Decisions initiative.

“This will enable schools to undertake activities appropriate to their circumstances, such as the delivery of training modules and workshops to support better community engagement,” Mr Pyne said.

Schools will also have the benefit of support from Principals School Leadership, which consists of expert principals working with local school principals to build leadership capacity in community engagement activities.

The Australian Government’s Students First approach focuses on four key areas that will make a difference to students:

• teacher quality

• school autonomy

• parental engagement

• strengthening the curriculum

For further information, visit www.studentsfirst.gov.au

 February 8 - 14, 2015: Issue 201

 Articles This Week

Front Page Issue 201: 

Pictures: Biophilia Mondo Launched: On Saturday afternoon, February 7th, 2015, our own Pittwater Councillor, Selena Griffith, the lady behind the Ted-X Pittwater event of last year at Mona Vale, and the recent OnIslands project that ran at Eramboo, whose wonderful images brighten the day of many a person fortunate to be seeing them on her Instagram or other platform feeds, quietly launched a new project... BiophiliaMondo:

"BiophiliaMondo is a citizen scientist /arts project where people can share images they have taken, or made, of natural systems and living things that exemplify why we should all love and care for our natural heritage on a global scale..."

Aquatics: World Whale Day 2015 - Saturday 14th – 10am until 5pm at Mona Vale SLSC - we spoke with Jools Farrell this week to find out more about this educational and awareness raising event

International Paralympic Committee Removes Sailing from 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games programme

INAUGURAL SYDNEY HARBOUR & COAST WALK - DAY 19 - CHISWICK TO BALMAIN by John Illingsworth

Light shines on Sail Port Stephens: April 13-19, 2015 by Lisa Ratcliff

Crested Pigeons – An Australian Native - For Children

Peninsula Music Club 2015 Concert Programme + a taste of things to come:  King of the Air: Piano Concerto, this concert was produced in aid of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia by Symphony of Australia in 2014 and featured "King of the Air: The Musical" by composer Gavin Lockley, featuring Simon Tedeschi, who is on this year's Programme!

Collector's Corner:  Vintage Paddles and Gigs – Nautical Memorabilia – A Celebration of  this Seasons Surf Boat Carnivals With the last Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Boat Events forming part of the Branch Championships next Saturday, February 14th, at Palm Beach, and triple points on offer (see current point score HERE - PDF 243 kb), the Pittwater Festival run by the Royal Motor Yacht Club of Broken Bay again hosting a surf boat shoot on calmer waters as the last event of this year’s festivities, a small look into where rowing events began in Sydney is our way of celebrating all the great surf boat carnivals we’ve followed this season, and some of the chunks of wood fashioned into aquatic usefulness that linger in our collection of ‘just about anything’.

Profile: February 2015 - Pittwater Ladies: Louise Lindop (Spencer): In 2009 Louise was awarded the Sydney Northern Beaches Life Saver of the Year, in the 2011/2012 Season Avalon Beach SLSC Club awards the Norman Cook Club Member of the Year recognised Louise's contribution to her club, and in the same year she became the recipient of the Harry Ragan Award for Outstanding Service in the Sydney Northern Beaches Branch awards. Humble, with a smile that lights up rooms, this lady inspires everyone with her quiet dedication.

History: February 2015 - Pittwater’s Cycle Track of 1901 – Manly to Pittwater - Palm2Palms 2015: Thinking of joining the Newport Surf Club’s Palm to Palms cycle event and need a little bit more inspiration? This week we share a cycle path that was opened in 1901 and finished at the Newport Hotel !

Artist of the Month: February 2015 - Connor Wink Last July we attended the wonderful Annual Dinner and Show put on by the Mermaids of Palm Beach to raise funds for Variety, The Children's Charity. On the list of great entertainers that evening was a stand out performer with a stand-out song - I Am Life - co-written and performed in whole by teenager Connor Wink.

 Western Foreshores of Pittwater power supply update‏

There were some problems with electricity supply to Western Foreshores this week. Emergency crews have placed generators to get power back to parts of western foreshore of Pittwater after a fault on submarine cable. 

The generator below was brought in by barge this morning, 6 Feb 15 to help power parts of Elvina Bay and Lovett Bay. Getting into place was difficult for the crane operator, avoiding powerlines and trees.

Crews have installed the larger generator at Elvina Bay and are progressively getting the power back to the final 70 affected homes in Elvina Bay and Lovett Bay. 

Another generator is on its way to Morning Bay, where crews have rearranged the local network to get the power back safely to the remaining homes. 

Residents are reminded that keeping their energy use down will help ensure the generators work consistently. 

Crews will be on site daily to refuel the generators while repairs to the submarine cable take place over the coming weeks. 

Ausgrid thanks residents for their patience and assistance during the past few days.

New National Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council appointed

3 February 2015

Australian businessman Marcus Blackmore AM has been appointed National Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) for a period of five years.

Announcing the appointment, Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert said Mr Blackmore had been an active member of the DRSC National Executive since 2010, in the position of vice chair.

“I am delighted to appoint Marcus Blackmore as the new DRSC National Chair. His appointment gives promise for the future of the DRSC and will continue the excellent work done by his predecessor, Jack Smorgon AO, to whom I pay tribute for his six years of service as National Chair,” Mr Robert said.

In response to his appointment Mr Blackmore said he was extremely honoured and proud to be appointed to the position of National Chair of the DRSC.

“I look forward to promoting the benefits of Reserve service to the wider business community while at the same time developing new partnerships that will contribute to the availability of Reservists and to Defence capability,” he said.

Mr Blackmore is currently the Chairman of Blackmores Ltd, a public company employing over 800 people in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Mr Blackmore has served in the Australian Army, including being deployed to Vietnam, and was appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia in 1998 in recognition for his contribution to industry and the community. Mr Blackmore is also a Director (and past Chairman) of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme.

In addition to its National Executive the DRSC maintains a Council in each Australian State and Territory.

Council members are volunteers and include representatives from industry, small business, trade unions, youth and other interested community groups.

 The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club Crew Experience Program

The RPAYC Crew Experience Program gives you the opportunity to jump on board a variety of different yachts and sail with different teams. Learn from different people and experience different team dynamics as you work through a rotational roster and sail on various yachts over 4 weeks. This program is especially designed for those who want to become a part of our sailing community and lifestyle, learn to crew, meet new people and have a good time.

This crew experience program will run during Thursday twilights between February and March 2015. The sailing office will place up to two crew onto your boat.

If you are keen to participate contact the sailing office to register your boat and contact details. 

Further details: www.rpayc.com.au/sailing/crew-register-main

 Avalon Fire Officer Cycling for Good Reason

Avalon Fire Station Officer Peter Yates will take part in the 2015 Variety Cycle from 28 February to 14 March. SO Yates is an avid cyclist and will ride more than 2200kms during the 15-day event for Variety – the Children’s Charity. He hopes to raise $8000 to help disadvantaged children. 

“It’s a life changing adventure and physical challenge that helps Aussie kids in need,” he said. 

Only a handful of participants will complete the full ride with many either riding to Nowra or to Melbourne. 

SO Yates will be one of the participants completing the full ride. Having been hit by a car while riding his bike last September, it’s been a rush for SO Yates to get back into shape for this massive ride. 

“It’s not been easy but I’m determined to raise money for sick and disadvantaged kids.” 

The father-of-two has been busy raising money through sausage sizzles, bucket runs and fundraising fitness sessions. If you'd like to help, visit thevarietycycle2015.everydayhero.com/au/punishingpete 

 ANYONE CAN JOIN THE ROCK’N SOUL CHOIR - Mona Vale 

Now rehearsing weekly in the Mona Vale area. No audition necessary! 

Ever imagined yourself in a “Sister Act” style choir, singing songs from Motown as well as rock and pop tunes from the 60 & 70's, through to present day? The Rock ‘n Soul Choir provides an exciting opportunity for people of all ages and ability, to experience the thrill of singing and performing. 

It was the famous Rock’n Soul Choir that entertained the many thousands of people who attended the Carols by Sea event at the Avalon Surf Life Saving Club on the 20th December last year. The Rock’n Soul Choir regularly performs at major community events throughout Sydney, and when Carols by the Sea returns to Avalon on the 19th December this year, The Rock’n Soul Choir will again headline the night singing a mix of Christmas carols as well as their trademark Rock’n Soul songs. 

• Learn performance and singing skills. 

• Build confidence and make new friends who share your passion for singing. 

• Learn to sing the songs you've always sung in the shower, but never dared to inflict on others. 

All the various Rock’n Soul Choirs rehearse at different locations on different nights of the week and then come together as one, to perform at various venues and community events around the Sydney region. The Pittwater area now has its very own Rock’n Soul Choir that rehearse 8pm every Thursday evening at the Memorial Hall. For more information visit www.rocknsoulchoir.com.au or telephone 0431 200 500. 

No auditions, No stress, no pressure, just fun!

Mona Vale at: rocknsoulchoir.com.au/mona-vale

 

Pittwater International Women’s Day BreakfastWednesday 11 March 2015

Celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday 11 March from 7am-9am at Newport’s Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.  The breakfast is hosted by Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc, a member of Zonta International, which is a global organisation of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.  

International Women's Day is a day to acknowledge women's contribution to making Australia, and the world, a better place.  Everyone is invited to celebrate the day. The 2015 Pittwater Woman of the Year will be announced at the breakfast by Rob Stokes, MP for Pittwater. 

Guest speaker at the breakfast will be Kate Munnings, Chief Executive, Logistics, Construction and Consulting at Transfield Services.  Kate is focused on creating significant change in our society by leading the debate about women in leadership.  

Growing up on the Northern Beaches Kate qualified as a registered nurse and spent 8 years working in very challenging environments, including becoming a specialist in HIV/AIDS nursing in the 1980’s when the disease was new and not well understood in the community.  While nursing, Kate completed a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Immunology and graduated as Dux of that course.

In 1993 Kate completed a law degree and became a partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth in 2003.  Specialising in construction and engineering law, Kate worked with a wide range of private and public companies as well as government, negotiating complex commercial transactions.  She further developed her experience by joining international firm Baker & McKenzie in a leadership role in the Sydney construction practice.  At Baker & McKenzie, Kate was also one of three Recruitment Partners, responsible for graduate recruitment and mentoring at the firm.   

In 2006, Kate moved into a corporate role as General Counsel & Company Secretary of Transfield Services Limited.  In March 2014, Kate was appointed to the role of Chief Executive, Logistics, Construction and Consulting.  In this role Kate is responsible for the safe and profitable delivery of a portfolio of contracts with revenues of more than $2.2bn and circa 7,000 employees across Australia, NZ and Melanesia.  Her portfolio includes major contracts for the Department of Defence, Department of Immigration & Border Protection, NBN, NSW Department of Housing, NSW Department of Education and Chorus in NZ. In June 2014, Kate attended the Women’s Leadership Forum at Harvard Business School having been awarded a scholarship from Chief Executive Women and the Women's Leadership Institute of Australia.  

With a daughter and 3 step children, Kate also strives to be a role model for women who choose to combine career progression and family.   Kate will speak on her ‘life story’.  

The Pittwater International Women’s Day Breakfast will be held at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, 16 Mitala St, Newport at 7am till 9am on Wednesday 11 March 2015. The cost is $40.  Enquiries topittwateriwdbreakfast@gmail.com or Susie Lough on 0413 623 392.  Proceeds from the breakfast will support service projects of Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc assisting local women in need, and Zonta International projects in developing countries. Come by yourself, bring a friend or make up a table of 10.  We will seat you.

The Pittwater IWD Breakfast is supported by Pittwater Council.    

  Your Primary Health Network

Uploaded on 3 Feb 2015

The Federal Government is planning changes to primary health care with the introduction of Primary Health Networks. This follows a review of Medicare Locals, undertaken by Professor John Horvath and released in May 2014, recommending replacing Medicare Locals with a smaller number of Primary Health Organisations.

SNSBML welcomes the introduction of Primary Health Networks (PHN’s) which will become operational from 1st July 2015.

So how will PHN’s help you? 

The new PHN’s will work directly with GPs, specialists, hospitals and other primary care providers to provide integrated health services across local communities to make it easier for anyone, especially those in need of coordinated care, to access to a range of health care providers.

PHNs are anticipated to be managed by a skills based board and will be supported by local GP-led clinical councils. The new organisations will be required to establish Community Advisory Committees (CAC’s) to ensure that PHN decisions are patient-centred and address the needs of the community first. 

The Federal Government announced on October 15th that 9 PHN’s will be established in NSW and that the new Northern Sydney PHN boundary would encompass and align with the Northern Sydney Local Health District region.

Commissioning Model:

Primary Health Networks will not deliver direct services. The Sydney North Shore and Beaches Medicare Local has always been careful not to compete against our members and providers, therefore the PHN model sits well within our current culture and operational model. 

What is Primary Health Care?

Primary health care (PHC) is the first level of contact individuals and families have with the health care system

In Australia, PHC:

Includes the interconnecting principles of equity, access, empowerment, community self-determination and inter-sectoral collaboration

Incorporates personal care with health promotion and the prevention of illness

Encompasses an understanding of the social, economic, cultural and political determinants of health

SNSBML will continue to: 

Effectively support the community navigate the healthcare tools and services available to them

Proactively work alongside GPs, physios, aged care providers, allied health, hospitals and the private sector

Please email info@snsbml.org.au if you would like to gain any further information. 

See Sydney North Shore and Beaches Medicare Local at:www.snsbml.org.au/About-us.aspx

 

Wood Smoke Reduction Policy

At it's meeting on Monday 1 December 2014, Pittwater Council agreed to seek public comment on a proposed Wood Smoke Reduction Policy.

Exhibition Period: 18 December 2014 to 27 February 2015

Submission Details: Should you wish to comment, please email, post or fax your submission to Council.  Submissions should be in writing by 5pm on the closing date. Please refer to the document on exhibition in your submission.

• Mail - Pittwater Council, PO Box 882, Mona Vale, NSW 1660

• Email - pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au 

• Fax – (02) 9970 1200

Please Note: Your submission is provided voluntarily and is collected for the purpose of community consultation. Failure to provide your contact information will prevent Council considering your submission and providing you with feedback and updates. In the interests of public transparency your submission may be made available in full on our website or in hardcopy at Council offices. It may also be accessed by public requests under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW). It will be stored in accordance with Pittwater Council’s compliant Records Management System (ECM) and the State Records Act 1998 (NSW). 

You have a right to access your personal information under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) by application to Council and to have that information updated or corrected.

Review of Dog Control Policy 30

Pittwater Council resolved at its meeting 1 December 2014 to establish a working group to review Policy 30 – Dog Control.

The objective of the policy is to provide effective dog control in leashed and unleashed areas in the Pittwater Local Government Area in accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998.

The review will consider the suitability of all areas in Pittwater and aspects of the policy such as environmental management, public education, compliance, asset management and signage.

The review will also consider the issue of dog control on Pittwater’s beaches. 

The working group will include:

• Four residents

• A Councillor from each Ward

• Government/Council representatives

• Non-government organisations

Nominations close Sunday 15 February 2015. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email after nominations close.

See relevant documents HERE 

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2015
February
14: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
20:  Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 

March  
6: Centro, Warriewood, 9am to 3pm:Knitting, craft,  sewing
7: Pittwater Place,  Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
14: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
20: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
28: Election stall Mona Vale Community Centre, 8am to 4pm: Baking, knitting, sewing, Bric-a-brac - Outside Library
 

April
4: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
11: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
17: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 

May
2: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knnitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
9: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
15: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing

 
June
6: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
13: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
19: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing      

 CAN YOU HELP?

Sent by the Government, RAAF Bomber Command Veterans of WWII still don't have a Bomber Command Medal from the Australian Government.  These legendary veterans certainly deserve a Bomber Command medal, as theirs is the highest casualty rate in Australia's military history. 

Bomber Command "Taking an example of 100 airmen: 27 survived a tour of operations"  Wikipedia.

"A Bomber Command crew member had a worse chance of survival than an infantry officer in World War I; more people were killed serving in Bomber Command than in the Blitz, or the bombings of Hamburg or Dresden.By comparison, the US Eighth Air Force, which flew daylight raids over Europe, had 350,000 aircrew during the war and suffered 26,000 killed and 23,000 POWs. Of the RAF Bomber Command personnel killed during the war, 72% were British, 18% were Canadian, 7% were Australian and 3% were New Zealanders.

Taking an example of 100 airmen:

•55 killed on operations or died as result of wounds

•three injured (in varying levels of severity) on operations or active service

•12 taken prisoner of war (some injured)

•two shot down and evaded capture

•27 survived a tour of operations"....Wikipedia

Ask our elected politicians to put forward a Private Members Bill in Parliament for the Government to award a Bomber Command Medal.

Lest We Forget.

J  Smythe - Tuesday, 13 Jan 2015

Sources:

wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Bomber_Command#Casualties

www.bchg.org.au/index.php/en/people/individuals/g-k/148-kingsford-smith-rollo 

Wilfrid Kingsford Smith - Pittwater Online News - Pittwater Airmen History pages - month of May 2012

 

Re-Imagine Art Competition - Over $10 Thousand in Prizes

Re-magine encourages artists to take materials that would otherwise end up in landfill and transform them into beautiful works of art as part of the Re-magine recycled art competition/exhibition. 

The competition has three exhibition locations and all artworks entered must demonstrate the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials. 

Entries for preselection close Friday 1 May 2015

Artworks will be exhibited in three locations:

For exhibition at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre

Hornsby Central Library

Hornsby Park

Entry Fee: There is a $20 entry fee for each artwork submitted. The non-refundable entry fee must be made by credit card as part of this entry.

For exhibition at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre

Artists are invited to submit work which demonstrates the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials, in the following categories

Mixed Media: must not measure more than 110cm in any direction, including framing, is not more than 5kg and meets requirements for hanging fixtures

Small 3D Sculptures: up to 1m wide, x1m high x1m deep, and is not more than 20kg and is on a base suitable for exhibition

Wearable Art: must form a garment or accessory designed to be worn on a human body

Functional Art: must have some practical use or purpose

Hornsby Central Library

Young creatives are invited to submit work which demonstrates the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials, in the following categories

Up 12 years of age

12 to 24 years of age

Entrants must be in the age category selected as at 7 June 2015

Hornsby Park

Artists are invited to submit a large outdoor sculpture for exhibition in Hornsby Park. “Clean Street, Clean Creek”, which encourages the exploration of water and life in our urban catchment areas and the celebration of our connections with healthy local waterways. Sculptures must also demonstrate the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials.

Artists can submit their entries from now up until Friday 1 May. For more information, visit www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/my-lifestyle/arts-and-culture/re-magine-2015


 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Federal Government Media releases this week:

Updates to existing legislative changes affecting family day care services 

SNIPPET: Tips for searching this siteSearch documents. On 30 January 2015, the Government announced it would be making changes to its recent amendments to the Child Care Benefit (Eligibility of Child Care Services for Approval and Continued Approval) Determination 2000 (the Eligibility Determination) that imposes new requirements on Family Day Care services.. The changes remove the requirement that services ensure their carers do not obtain a session of care for their children from a carer in any family day care service on which the family day care carer provides any session of care to a child' (the child swapping' rule).

Training Centres in Schools Program - Independent Review  

SNIPPET: Tips for searching this siteSearch documents. Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, released the findings of the independent review of the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program on3 February 2015. The Trade Training Centres in Schools Program - Independent Review 2014 , announced in 2014, was undertaken to find ways to improve the use of Trade Training Centres and discover how much employers were involved in the training and if it met their needs.

Surf Life Saving Australia releases online tsunami guide

SNIPPET: Surf Life Saving Australia's interactive online resource Tsunami: The Ultimate Guide , funded by the Australian Government, is a valuable resource which can be used by individuals and schools to educate on all aspects of tsunami hazards. There is a lot of information about tsunami available on the internet, but there was no single authoritative guide with an Australian focus. The guide was recognised for its importance when Surf Life Saving Australia received a Highly Commended award as a Project of National Significance at the 2014 Resilient Australia Awards.

Scam warning - employment offer - Australia Post

SNIPPET: Australia Post is warning people about a scam where you are offered a job working from home for Australia Post.The sender has an email address of svsort@auspost-us.com (or similar). You may also be sent an employment contract - see example shown below.. Australia Post does not send emails to customers offering jobs or providing employment contracts. Subscribe below or see latest offers.

Bureau of Meteorology Newsroom

SNIPPET: Bureau meteorologists around the country are now trained and ready to tweet, with these tweets pointing back to the most up-to-date, comprehensive and official source of information - the Bureau's website. The Bureau fast tracked the tropical states and territory that experience cyclones with these accounts actively tweeting tropical cyclone information since mid-December 2014. Blog Warnings Water Climate Environment Tropical Cyclones Tsunami Warning Centre Agriculture - Water and the Land Marine & Ocean UV & Sun Protection Rainfall & River Conditions Radar Sat Maps Rainfall Forecasts...

Tackling the challenge of tuberculosis

SNIPPET: Today I announce a three-year package of assistance to support tuberculosis control in Papua New Guinea. The additional $15 million in funding will bring Australia's support for TB control in PNG to $60 million by 2016-17. While the number of new cases is falling globally, TB remains a serious challenge in our region.

AIMS focuses on sustainable marine industries

SNIPPET: The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) continues to play an important part in understanding one of Australia's most significant assets our marine territory. We know that growth in our marine based industries has been extraordinary, almost doubling over a decade to contribute around $47.2 billion a significant proportion of our GDP - in 2011-12, Mrs Andrews said after touring the institute's laboratories just south of Townsville. The SeaSim is a great facilitator of collaboration on marine science bringing together national and international research bodies, Mrs Andrews said.

Work begins on NorthConnex: 8,700 jobs for NSW

SNIPPET: NSW Minister for Roads and Freight. NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay and Federal Assistant Infrastructure Minister Jamie Briggs today marked the start of work on the $3 billion NorthConnex project, which will link the M1 Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga to the M2 Motorway at West Pennant Hills. 'The project will engage with local businesses throughout construction and will also establish a local business register given 7,500 jobs will be created during the construction phase alone with another 1,200 jobs directly created by the project.

Nationals united behind Inland Rail at Wodonga meeting

SNIPPET: Holding its first Party Room meeting for 2015 in Wodonga, Victoria, today, The Nationals reaffirmed their fervent support for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project. Nationals Leader, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss emphasised that Inland Rail is a critical investment in jobs, growth and our future prosperity&#8212especially for the regional areas along, and around, its route. Inland Rail will boost regional economic growth to drive national productivity.'.

More Homelessness Funding 

SNIPPET: Federal Minister for Social Services, the Hon. The Commonwealth acknowledges the important work of the NSW Government to address the causes and impacts of homelessness across NSW, Minister Morrison said. Over 70 per cent of the new funding under the NPAH in NSW will be distributed to specialist homelessness services in 2014-15, Minister Upton said.

Army partners with NSW Opportunity Hubs to offer greater opportunities for Indigenous school leavers : Department of Defence

SNIPPET: The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, yesterday signed a Partnership Memorandum with the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education and Communities, Dr Michele Bruniges, AM, setting the stage for greater cooperation between the two organisations. The Memorandum outlines the strategic partnership between the Australian Army and NSW Opportunity Hubs, a key initiative under OCHRE: the NSW Government's Aboriginal Affairs Plan. By collaborating with organisations such as the NSW Opportunity Hubs, Army will be able to provide greater advice and support to students so they can make an informed decision about a career in the Australian Army.

Life of researcher celebrated with reef naming - GBRMPA

SNIPPET: Tribute has been paid to leading marine biologist and ecotoxicologist, the late Dr Bob Endean, with a reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park named in his honour. The Great Barrier Reef is a hive of activity. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our Great Barrier Reef.

Final surrender period for the carbon pricing mechanism

SNIPPET: In line with the repeal of the carbon pricing mechanism, yesterday marked the end of the final surrender period for the 2013-14 compliance year. A very high compliance rate was achieved, with most liable entities fully meeting their obligations, as has been seen throughout the two years of the scheme. The Clean Energy Regulator will continue to administer the legislation as required until all carbon price revenue has been collected.

Quieter aircraft set for Sydney and Adelaide Airports

SNIPPET: An update to the list of permitted aircraft at Sydney and Adelaide airports will enable newer, quieter and more efficient small business aircraft to land during the 11pm to 6am curfews. 'The list of permitted aircraft for Sydney has not been updated since 2005 and the Adelaide list has not been updated since its establishment in 2000. 'The Australian Government is committed to maintaining the curfew hours of operation at Sydney and Adelaide airports and the cap of 80 runway movements per hour established under the Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997 and the Sydney Airport Long Term Operating Plan.'.

RBA: Media Release-Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

SNIPPET: Growth in the global economy continued at a moderate pace in 2014. A lower exchange rate is likely to be needed to achieve balanced growth in the economy.

ABS to change method of estimating first home buyer loans (Media Release)

SNIPPET: These documents will be presented in a new window. Commonwealth of Australia 2015.

Victoria Cross recipients honoured with opening of first completed apartments at Crimson Hill

SNIPPET: You are using an browser. Tubb's View - named after Major Frederick Tubb who received the Victoria Cross in 1915 for his leadership and bravery during the Battle of Lone Pine - was one of the first apartment buildings to be completed at our award-winning residential development, Crimson Hill. Hamilton Corner, named after Lieutenant John Hamilton - a recipient of the Victoria Cross in 1915 for his `coolness and daring example' during the Battle of Lone Pine - has also been completed.

AUKMIN opening remarks, Admiralty House, Sydney

SNIPPET: Welcome to Sydney and to the seventh AUKMIN - Philip Hammond, the Foreign Secretary, Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary and my friend and colleague, Kevin Andrews, Australia's Defence Minister and the delegations from the United Kingdom and from Australia. We have a lot to discuss in terms of the Asia Pacific region but I also want to echo what Philip was saying about the wider reaching implications for international security of the events that you see around the world and indeed here since the last AUKMIN took place in London. 

Non-government delegates announced for CSW59 

SNIPPET: Kimberley Abbott and Maria Osman will represent Australia as non-government delegates to the 59th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW59). Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women and Head of the Australian Government Delegation to CSW59, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the selection of the delegates was indicative of their commitment to the advancement of women. 'I congratulate Ms Abbott and Ms Osman on their extensive knowledge and experience that has led to their selection as Australia's non-government delegates to CSW59,' Minister Cash said.

Chief Commissioner and Commissioner appointed to TEQSA 

SNIPPET: Minister for Education and Training the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced the appointment of Professor Nicholas Saunders AO as ongoing part-time Chief Commissioner of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and Ms Linley Martin as an additional part-time Commissioner. TEQSA is Australia's independent national quality agency for the higher education sector responsible for registering and assessing higher education providers against the Higher Education Standards Framework. TEQSA is vitally important for Australia's higher education sector and our reputation internationally, Mr Pyne said.

 

Pittwater Artists Trail 2015

Welcome to the 2015 Trail!

This year we have something happening on the first full weekend of each season.

All home studios will be open in March, September and December, and a group exhibition will be held in June, details to be announced soon.

Next Artists Trail Weekend - Sat 7th and Sun 8th March

Studios by location

Elanora Heights - Karen Pike, Penel Bigg

Mona Vale/Newport - Meredith Scott, Vicki Ratcliff, Julie Hickson, Wendy Grainger

Bilgola/Avalon/Whale Beach - Peter Cameron, Robyn Park, Elfriede Bartnitzky, Katarina Wells, Nada Herman, Diezel, Coco Elder, Helen Mackay, Jill Ferrall, Sylke Claridge, Geoff Searl, Marian Purvis

Church Point/Bayview - Willi Michalski, Allen Goodman

Artists by medium

Ceramics - Willi Michalski, Coco Elder, Katarina Wells

Glass - Penel Bigg, Meredith Scott

Jewellery - Karen Pike, Penel Bigg, Meredith Scott, Geoff Searl, Robyn Park

Paintings - Karen Pike, Vicki Ratcliff, Allen Goodman, Julie Hickson, Wendy Grainger, Peter Cameron, Helen Mackay, Jill Ferrall, Coco Elder, Nada Herman, Diezel, Elfriede Bartnitzky, Sylke Claridge, Marian Purvis

Sculpture - Penel Bigg, Geoff Searl, Katarina Wells

Silk - Robyn Park

More at: www.pittwaterartiststrail.com.au

 MVHA First Meeting for 2015

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary had their first meeting on Tuesday February 3rd for 2015. 

If you want to be part of this great community group, visit their website’s contact page here: www.monavalehospitalauxiliary.org/

Photo courtesy Gail Carew

 Seniors Toy Repair Group needs your help

Volunteers are sought to help out on Wednesday mornings (7.30am to midday) at the group's workshed in Ingleside. Volunteers need their own transport and be willing to sort and clean toys that are picked up at different collection points on the Northern Beaches. 

Prospective volunteers can email Mary Kitchen to arrange a visit to the workshed. To arrange a donation pickup please call Terry Cook on 0410 597 327 or email him.

Find out more about this great community group HERE

 

Mona Vale Skate Park gets go ahead

04 Feb 2015

Pittwater Council adopted a funding plan at this week’s meeting which will see the building of a new skate park facility at Kitchener Park.

The skate park will be funded through Council loans and budget cuts, with $1.2 million to be set aside for its design and construction.

General Manager Mark Ferguson said that Council had previously explored a number of options to fund an upgrade to the park including federal government grants, but these had not come to fruition.

Pittwater Mayor Jacqui Townsend said she was delighted that Council had found a way forward to build the new skate park.

“It is important that we create facilities to meet the needs of families and young people.

“Discussions with young people over the years have highlighted their desire for more leisure and recreation activities.

“Further evidence of the need for another skate facility in the area is the fact that the skate bowl at Avalon is heavily used - this resulted in significant resurfacing costs of $360k to Council back in 2010,” said Cr Townsend.

Mark Ferguson said that the construction of the skate park is anticipated to commence within the next 12 months.

“Our next step is to create a working group that consists of relevant community stakeholders including young people to provide input regarding the design and development.

“We are looking to create a skate park which will support a range of skate/BMX activities at multiple levels of experience from beginner to advanced level, with the ability to facilitate competition and demonstration events,” added Mr Ferguson.

For details of the Council report visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au

Pittwater Park Activities 2015

04 Feb 2015

Pittwater Rugby Park has a heap of activities scheduled for 2015, with the venue kicking off with a NRL trial game between the Sea Eagles and Cronulla on Saturday 7 February.

Council’s General Manager Mark Ferguson said it was a bit of a coup to have attracted the mighty Sea Eagles to Warriewood.

“We are delighted that our Council facility meets the needs for this NRL trial game. I’m sure it will be a great match and a drawcard for our residents, given it is so close to home.

Gates open at 3pm on the day, ahead of the under-20s game at 3.30pm, with the NRL trial kicking off at 5.30pm. 

Mr Ferguson said that Pittwater Rugby Park also lends itself to festivals, concerts and markets.

On Sunday 22 February, car and bike enthusiasts will be out in force at the Car & Bike Fest, with the event expected to feature over 100 vehicles and funds raised going to the Heart Kids charity.

On display will be Australian and American ‘muscle cars’, so-called because of their V8  engines and hotted-up bodies, along with motor bikes, classic and vintage cars.

Gates open to the public at 10am with activities running until 3pm.  To enter your car or bike arrive between 7am and 9.30am; $20 entry for cars and bikes.

Public admission for adults is $5 and children under 12 are free. Raffles and prizes will be drawn during the day with entertainment for the kids.

Enquiries about the event can be directed to Barney Bedelis on 0478 032 122.

Later in the year, the Police Rugby League will have a gala day and fundraiser for the ‘Men of League’ at the venue with current and ex-NRL players in attendance on March 25.

On Sunday 19 April a public Anzac Commemoration service and march will take place. Close to 3,000 participants will march from schools, sporting clubs, service organisations and bands.

 NLSC 110-YEAR CELEBRATION DINNER - YOU'RE INVITED!

Do you have fond memories of sailing at Narrabeen Lakes as a child or in your younger years?

Have you ever watched the little boats with their white sails race around the western basin and wanted to know more about them?

Did you know that punters once stood on the shore every weekend and took bets on those little boats sailing on the flat waters of Narrabeen Lakes?

To celebrate 110-years of sailing on Narrabeen Lakes this season, NLSC is inviting former club members and interested community members to its 110-year celebration dinner and presentation on Saturday 7 March 2015.

www.narrabeenlakessailingclub.com/index.php/events/nlsc-110-year-celebration-dinner

 PERMACULTURE PHOTO COMPETITION 2015

To launch PNB's new website and promote permaculture, we're holding a permaculture photo competition. This is your opportunity to contribute your best permaculture photos for our new website. We want the best and freshest, locally produced permaculture photos. Made by you.

So get out our camera, venture into your own backyard, observe and interact, take some beautiful shots. The closing date is February 22nd.

Prizes:

First Prize: A permabee at your place!  If you have a garden or even a balcony, the next permabee will be for you! Enthusiastic PNB members will bring their tools, knowledge and skills, and spend some time giving your garden a permaculture working bee.

Second Prize: A 3-tiered herb spiral thanks to New Leaf Nursery, and a Solitary Bee Habitat, thanks to PNBbees.

Third Prize: A PNB gift pack, featureing a Permaculture t-shirt, Permaculture 2015 Calendar, and Permaculture reusable shopping bag.

See: www.permaculturenorthernbeaches.org.au/photo-comp 

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE COURSE

February 21-22, 2015

9:30M - 4:30PM each day, Kimbriki Eco House and Eco Garden, Kimbriki Road, Terrey Hills.

We are holding our first PNB Introduction to Permaculture course this February and it is local!

Wanting to get more involved or know more about permaculture?  This course covers the key ethics and principles, outlining the basic design techniques such as zoning, site analysis, and climatic factors. You will leave looking at your home, garden or landscape in a different way. 

Cost $290 members, $335 non-members; pensioner and student discounts available. The learning style is collaborative and participatory. Bookings are essential contact:  info@permaculturenorthernbeaches.com.au  Phone: 0417 241 371. The course will give you tools to start implementing more sustainable solutions in your life. Be inspired!

AQUACULTURE A TO Z 

Thursday, February 26, 2015: 7:15pm – 8:15pm

Learn more about aquaponics from ponds, to water plants, to fish, crayfish and more. No booking required, all welcome (members free, guests by donation). Doors open at 7:15 pm for a 7:30 pm start.

Lakeview room, Narrabeen Tramshed Arts and Community Centre: 1395 Pittwater rd, Narrabeen.

 Police to saturate our roads in high-visibility operation to combat the road toll

Wednesday, 04 February 2015 

NSW Police will be out in force in an operation on our major highways and suburban roads in an effort to combat the rising road toll.

Operation Saturation – funded by the NSW Centre for Road Safety - will include the entire Traffic and Highway Patrol fleet, assisted by local police, in high-visibility patrols on NSW roads.

The operation starts on Saturday (7 February 2015) and runs until Wednesday (18 February 2015).

Police will ‘saturate the state,’ as well as focus on the top 10 areas that have recorded the highest number of fatal crashes in 2014 and 2015 to date.

These include: Shoalhaven, Goulburn, Griffith, Richmond, Coffs/Clarence, Cootamundra, Mid North Coast, Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes, and Tweed/Byron.

Since the beginning of 2015, 27 drivers and their passengers, 13 motorcyclists, three pedestrians and one cyclist have lost their lives on NSW roads.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said police would be out in force.

“Road users across NSW can expect to see more officers on our roads in high-visibility vehicles and on motorcycles for extended periods, aiming to prevent serious injury and fatal crashes.

“Speeding, drink or drug driving, failing to wear seat belts or correct helmets, mobile phone use and fatigue are all key risk factors in fatal crashes which Traffic & Highway Patrol officers will focus on.

“Last year there were 309 fatalities in NSW, the lowest figure since 1923. While this was a positive trend, it still included more than 300 families and their friends that had to suffer the loss of a loved one.

“This operation aims to tackle the road toll head on, and through highly-visible officers, bring to the forefront of motorists minds the dangers associated with risk-taking when driving or riding,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

Please Help Find Harley 

 Proposed NSW code of practice Consultation - NSW Horse  Industry

What are we doing?

WorkCover is seeking your views on whether the NSW horse industry requires a code of practice that provides more information to better protect the health and safety of new and inexperienced persons interacting with horses.

This would be in addition to the recently released national Guide for managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses. 

How can you have your say?

If you require more information, or if you would like to provide comment, contact WorkCover’s Legislation and Policy Team by:

• phone: 02 4321 4596 or

• email: jacqueline.green@workcover.nsw.gov.au

The consultation period has been extended and comment is due to WorkCover by COB Monday 2 March 2015.

INVITATION TO COMMENT: PROPOSED MOTOR ACCIDENTS COMPENSATION REGULATION 2015

Notice | 20/01/2015

We are seeking comments on the Motor Accidents Compensation Regulation 2015, which proposes to make changes to the Motor Accidents Compensation Regulation 2005.

These changes include providing for:

• maximum costs for legal services and medico-legal services,

• the assessment of claims by claims assessors, and

• the maximum amount payable by insurers for certain treatment provided to claimants.

The Regulation will also require legal practitioners to disclose information about settlements, deductions and amounts paid to claimants to the Motor Accidents Authority.

The proposed Regulation and Regulatory Impact statement can be downloaded below.

• Motor Accidents Compensation Regulation 2015  (613kb) 

• Regulatory Impact Statement – Motor Accidents Compensation Regulation 2015 (348 kb) 

Comments and submissions on the proposed Regulation should be directed to:

Mail: The General Manager

Motor Accidents Authority

Level 25, 580 George Street

Sydney  NSW  2000

Fax: 1300 137 707

Email: maa@maa.nsw.gov.au

Online: Online feedback form www.maa.nsw.gov.au/forms/maa-feedback 

Comments and submissions on the proposed Regulation should be received by 5pm Wednesday, 18 February 2015.

 Palm 2 Palms Charity Ride‏

The Palm to Palms Charity Ride is the brainchild of five guys from Newport Surf Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Tom Kellaway, Alex Brown, Lachy Brook, James Brook and Tom Howes set out with a plan to do something a little bit different. They wanted to raise money to support their surf club and to assist in helping the club manage the increasing costs of protecting Australia’s Beaches.

They saw an opportunity to not only help their surf club but also to help other charities too, but also create an event that could bring people from all walks of life together to do something totally different……

Get 100 people to ride from North Palm Beach Surf Club at the foot of Barrenjoey headland at the mouth of the Hawkesbury to the North of Sydney down the coast passing every surf club in Sydney all the way to Burning Palms Surf Club, just to the North of Wollongong, the last surf club in Sydney. An ambitious ride of 130 km’s, passing 36 surf clubs all to coincide with the final day of surf patrols for the 2014/2015 patrol season.

And so the Palm to Palms Charity Ride was born. The fundraising target was set……. $100,000. Each rider to pay an entry fee of $100 for the ride, and upon entry, set out and fundraise a further $900 to help us reach our goal.

On April 26th,  at North Palm Beach Surf Club, the journey begins…..Get on board and help us support our local community…… See you on the bike!

More details and how to sign up to be 1 in 100 at:www.palm2palmsride.com.au

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Bentley

AGE/SEX: 12 months / M

BREED: Staghound X

Bentley is a sleek gentle boy. He plays well with dogs smaller than he and is never rough. He is still very puppyish. Bentley has an affectionate nature with people and he is easy to manage on lead. He has a smooth coat and weighs 23.5kg and needs to put on weight. He comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. His adoption cost is $350. 

To meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or emailmonika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

Bushcare in Pittwater - February 2015
Council's Cooee Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015: HERE

For further information and to confirm the meeting details for the below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367.

Sun February 8
Bangalley Head 9-12pm
Catherine Pk 10-12:30pm

Mon February 9
Rocky Point 9-12pm

Tue February 10
Browns Bay Res 9-12pm

Fri February 13
Bilgola Beach 8-11am

Sat February 14
Mona Vale Dunes 8:30-11:30am
Coopers Point 10-1pm

Sun February 15
Angophora Res 8:30-11:30am
Crescent Res 9-12pm

Thu February 19
Mona Vale Dunes 8:30-11:30am

Sat February 21
Toongari Res 8-11am
Old Wharf Res 8-11am
Nth Palm Beach 9-12pm
Pathilda Res 9-12pm
Irrawong Res 1-4pm

Sun February 22
Bungan Beach 8-11am
Winn Bay 9-12pm
Kundibah Res 8-11am

Wed February 25
W’wood Beach 8-11am

Sat February 28
Nth Newport Beach 8:30-11:30am
Careel Creek 8:30-11:30am
Kywong Res 8:30-11:30am

 February 1 - 7, 2015: Issue 200

 Articles This Week

Front Page Issue 200

10th Anniversary of the Bush to Beach Program - 2015 - Brewarrina children are at South Narrabeen SLSC this weekend - we talk to Beryl Driver, always there to greet them, about what the children are doing this year and her OAM - awarded in the 2015 Australia Day Honours List

Victorians tuned up for Sydney 38 national titles, Feb 20-22 at RPAYC by Lisa Ratcliff

Pictures: Pittwater's Australia Day Mix - 2015 - includes Hon. Bronwyn Bishop's Australia Day Address 2015

Reflections by George Repin: A FEW CHILDREN

INAUGURAL SYDNEY HARBOUR & COAST WALK - DAY 17 - SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK TO CABARITA by John Illingsworth

The Big Swim 2015 – A Brilliant 41st Year of The Challenge

Aquatics: Sea-Change; Young Life Savers Participate In Exchange Program - Aidan Clark Bungan Beach,  Aimee Clarke South Narrabeen, and Clive Cooper Palm Beach - from SLS NSW

DIY Hints: Keeping Cool over Summer – Salt Air Corrosion Protection

Palm2Palms Charity Bike Ride 2015 - Newport SLSC Members have launched the Palm2Palms with two classes of event, the Main ride from North Palm Beach Surf Club all the way to Burning Palms Surf Club, passing every surf club in Sydney. That’s 132km’s, 36 surf clubs, 1 ferry ride and one spectacular day, OR a shorter version from North Palm Beach down to Manly SLSC 

Profile: February 2015 - Pittwater Ladies: Beryl Driver - Awarded and OAM in the 2015 Australia Day Honoursand an Australia Day Award in 2013 from Pittwater Council in the senior category recognising her tireless fundraising for the children’s charity Variety, Beryl does a fair amount for others each year, and caring for children stretches back further than the 17 years the Mermaids from Palm Beach have taken themselves on over 6000 miles each year as part of the Variety Annual Car Bash - this week, for our 200th Issue, we share again a wonderful insight into a Pittwater icon

History: February 2015 - Pittwater Matriarchs:   Sarah A. Biddy Lewis and Martha Catherine Bens - Countless tributes to Bungaree (sometimes spelt ‘Boongarrie’) abound in the early papers of the colony of Sydney- places were named after him - like Bungary North (Norah Head ) and Bungary beach near Brisbane, hotels were called King Bungaree, there was a King Bungaree stage, which ran to Liverpool, and vessels both large and small were all named after this early greeter of those coming to a new for them but in reality, ancient world and culture.

What is known of the women who bore his children though – apart from short references to these mothers? As matriarchs, constant reference to one of these ladies daughter's ability as a midwife recurs, her skills as a fisherwoman – traits that seemed to be passed from one generation to the next, as her daughter then becomes a midwife to many. 

Artist of the Month: February 2015 - Connor Wink Last July we attended the wonderful Annual Dinner and Show put on by the Mermaids of Palm Beach to raise funds for Variety, The Children's Charity. On the list of great entertainers that evening was a stand out performer with a stand-out song - I Am Life - co-written and performed in whole by teenager Connor Wink.

Australia Day Honours List 2015 - Pittwater Peoples 

Wayne Minter AM

Wayne Minter, a Clareville gentleman, has been honoured for hissignificant service to chiropractic health through educational programs, clinical practice standards and patient management.Dr Minter has been director of the Frenchs Forest Chiropratic Centre since 1981 and has been chairman of the Chiropractic Board of Australia since 2014.

Robyn Ewing AM

A Bayview lady, Professor Robyn Ewing has been honoured for herservice to tertiary education through academic and administrative roles, to professional organisations and to the arts. Robyn is currently a Professor of Teacher Education and the Arts at Sydney University. She teaches in the areas of curriculum, English and drama, working with both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Robyn is passionate about the Arts and education and the role quality arts experiences and processes can and should play in pedagogy across the curriculum. A board member of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, president of the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association and was president of the Primary English Teachers Association from 2001-2006.

Beryl Driver OAM

Palm Beach stalwart who has taken part in 16 Variety, the Children’s Charity Club Bashes has been honoured for her service to the community through charitable initiatives.

Beryl also assists indigenous children at Brewarrina with donations of clothing, books and toys, and is on hand throughout each Bush To Beach visit by children from Brewarrina to South Narrabeen SLSC.

To celebrate Beryl is allowing us to run her Profile once more this week, and shared some news on this year’s 10th Anniversary of the Bush to Beach Program, who are here as we speak!

 Issue 200

Apparently milestones should be acknowledged when reached.

People keep asking why this news service was begun so, to mark a place, we list some of the reasons in chronological order:

1. For the next generation, to reinstating and maintaining the practice of Inclusion – ensure each issue not only includes history and quirkiness and celebrations of perseverance and revelling in simple fresh air but also a page just for the next generation with ‘Send Us Your Stuff’ + ‘All Are Welcome – All Belong’ as its primary messages - and keep listening, keep sharing real and positive stories About, By and For our children.

2. Falsehoods appearing in conventional Media needs to be addressed. Re-establishing the real tenets of the Fourth Estate would be a long term goal/roll out add on from this. And this is on par with 3:

3. Every community should have its own voice where every voice may be heard – no ‘we think we’re in charge and should be the only ones heard’ here. 

4. Online record keeping allows us to create files that, through thehyperlink, can be joined together to create a dynamic living map, even of history pages, and provides a means not limited by physical page edges to honour and celebrate individuals and events. ‘Honour and Celebrate’ are key words, principles, and policy here.

5. It’s great fun and everybody loves it.

A J Guesdon
Editor - Pittwater Online News.

 Youth ‘Enliven’ reps Sought

Enliven Pittwater is looking for two young people between the ages of 18 and 30 years of age to be involved in its leadership group. The group also has representatives from local Chambers of Commerce, Pittwater Business Ltd, Pittwater Councillors, Council staff, the arts and cultural community and interested individuals.

‘Enliven Pittwater’ is a Place Making strategy which aims to enhance the vibrancy of Pittwater’s village centres, and deliver key social, cultural and economic development outcomes to Pittwater communities.

Register or find out more online, at w.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/enliven  or call 9970 1247 or email liz_cassis@pittwater.nsw.gov.au Liz Cassis - Enliven Project Officer. 

Applications close at 5pm Tuesday 4 February 2015

 Pittwater RSL FC – Open Day Today

Open Day - Sunday 1st Feb we will be holding an Open Day with free sausage sizzle & jumping castle for the kiddies. Online registrations is not your thing? Have some questions? Then come and register in person and find out about our coaching and player development programs we will be offering this year.

Where: Kitchener Park, Mona Vale

Time: 9am - 4pm

There will be playing gear for sale.

 VALE - REGGIE IVES

Warringah Rugby Club officially announces the passing of REGINALD "REG" IVES on January 22nd 2015. 

Born on January 16th 1933, Reg was a physiotherapist and sports masseuse for the Sea Eagles before he joined the RATS in 1983 as part of the newly formed medical team at the Club. Reg remained a passionate RATS fan after he retired from official duties at the Club.

Reg's son Paul Ives has provided the Club with details of the funeral to be held this week for those wishing to attend.

Friday 6th February at 10.30am

Avalon Catholic Church 

Central Road, Avalon

RIP REGINALD IVES.

Bilgola SLSC Ocean Swim Rescheduled for Saturday February 8th, 2015

What started out as the first swim of the Pittwater Ocean Swim Series, the Bilgola Ocean Swim will now be the last swim of the summer series. The Ocean Gods presented us with some extreme surf conditions on 14th December 2014 and the swim was cancelled.

We have now rescheduled the Bilgola Ocean swim to be held on Sunday 8th of February 2015. This time the club is hoping for the Ocean Gods to deliver near perfect swimming conditions.

We have an 800m swim commencing at 9.00AM and our 1.5K swim starting at 10.00AM. All online entries for the 14th December 2014 swim will still be valid for our rescheduled swim. 

Entries can be made online at Oceanswims.com.au. Entries on the day can be made up to 8.45am for the 800m and 9.45 for the 1.5 K swims.

There are overall prizes and medallions for male and female age groups. 

All enquiries can be made to Barry Towns on 0407 221 996.

 Tick Awareness Talk

Tues 17 Feb, 7-8:30pm

Have you or someone you know been bitten by a tick? Join this educational talk on tick-induced allergies run by TiARA (Tick-induced Allergies Research & Awareness), a patient support group of Royal North Shore Hospital.  Specialists from Westmead, Royal North Shore and Mona Vale hospitals will be speaking.

The session will be held in the John Newlinds Education Room, Mona Vale Hospital, Coronation Street, Mona Vale. Refreshments available.

Contact Melanie Burk at;  Melanie.Burk@health.nsw.gov.au

 App for Carers

If you are a carer or know the family of a carer, try this new app. 

Designed by a mum who knows what info carers need.

www.careappsaustralia.com.au

Road Tolls Versus Petrol Costs 

We are finding our family budget stretched by costs incurred by our youngest needing to travel on roads where tolls are incurred for study and work purposes.

A quick bottom line analysis has shown the amount of money needed for petrol each week equals and is, on occasion, less than that incurred through tolls.

We would be interested in hearing from others who have students who must travel to study and work on any or all aspects of their own experiences in this, even if they find using a bus and student pass helps them make ends meet, or that they too prefer autonomy for family members who must travel out of hours. Please email us here

 Layne Beachley AO

c/- Aim for the Stars Foundation

We are absolutely delighted to announce that today on Australia  Day, Layne Beachley has received an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) for her outstanding achievements and service, recognising her mentoring of young women and influence in the community. 

Congratulations Layne, so very well deserved. Your team at 'Aim for the  Stars' is so proud of you and all you do to enable girls and women across Australia to invest in their future and fulfil their potential.  You are truly are great Australian!

"I am very honoured and humbled by the award. I have always loved what I do and feel very blessed that I have been able to make a contribution to Australian surf culture and our community". Layne Beachley

Announcing our 2015 Scholarship Recipients!
The initiative, passion and dedication of applications this year was both outstanding and very inspiring. We received a record number of over 1000 applications with the standard exceptional. We have awarded scholarships to applicants who we believe not only best demonstrated their aspirations to succeed in their chosen pursuit but to those girls and women who were best able to articulate how financial support and mentoring were crucial to their on-going development.

The Foundation is delighted to be able to offer support to and proud and excited to introduce our successful scholarship recipients for 2015. We will be sharing more about them and their incredible pursuits with you soon!

INDIVIDUAL NSW/ACT: 
Shalee Rooke - Theatre Production
Vicky Okot - Paediatrics
Karlie Swanson- Cross Country Running
Maddison O'Gradey-Lee - Young Leader 
Hannah Wandel - Country to Canberra Program

INDIVIDUAL VIC/TAS: 
Molly-Rose Parry - Futsal
Rebecca Kinsella - Social Work
Selam Gifford - Running
Ellie Norton - Ballet
Katie Yeomans - Indigenous Nursing

INDIVIDUAL QLD: 
Rosie Malone - Hockey
Jasmine Murphy - Nursing
Chelsea Stutchbury - Jazz Performance
Claire Keefer - Shot Put and Discus
Kate Row - 'DIFFabilities' Education

INDIVIDUAL WA: 
Isabella Choate- Kayak
Laura Byrnes - Motor Racing
Emily Little - Gymnastics

INDIVIDUAL SA/NT: 
Alexandra Manly - Cycling
Samantha Young- Theatre Direction

GROUP: 
Sally Kehoe and Olympia Aldersey - Rowing

CAROLINE BUCHANAN NEXT GEN TEAM: 
Mikayla Rose - BMX
Paige Harding - BMX

To the girls and women who did not receive a scholarship this year, we genuinely encourage you to apply again this year (applications open July 2015). Please share with us the progress you have made toward achieving your goals. Never give up!

 

Wood Smoke Reduction Policy

At it's meeting on Monday 1 December 2014, Pittwater Council agreed to seek public comment on a proposed Wood Smoke Reduction Policy.

Exhibition Period: 18 December 2014 to 27 February 2015

Submission Details: Should you wish to comment, please email, post or fax your submission to Council.  Submissions should be in writing by 5pm on the closing date. Please refer to the document on exhibition in your submission.

• Mail - Pittwater Council, PO Box 882, Mona Vale, NSW 1660

• Email - pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au 

• Fax – (02) 9970 1200

Please Note: Your submission is provided voluntarily and is collected for the purpose of community consultation. Failure to provide your contact information will prevent Council considering your submission and providing you with feedback and updates. In the interests of public transparency your submission may be made available in full on our website or in hardcopy at Council offices. It may also be accessed by public requests under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW). It will be stored in accordance with Pittwater Council’s compliant Records Management System (ECM) and the State Records Act 1998 (NSW). 

You have a right to access your personal information under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) by application to Council and to have that information updated or corrected.

Review of Dog Control Policy 30

Pittwater Council resolved at its meeting 1 December 2014 to establish a working group to review Policy 30 – Dog Control.

The objective of the policy is to provide effective dog control in leashed and unleashed areas in the Pittwater Local Government Area in accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998.

The review will consider the suitability of all areas in Pittwater and aspects of the policy such as environmental management, public education, compliance, asset management and signage.

The review will also consider the issue of dog control on Pittwater’s beaches. 

The working group will include:

• Four residents

• A Councillor from each Ward

• Government/Council representatives

• Non-government organisations

Nominations close Sunday 15 February 2015. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email after nominations close.

See relevant documents HERE 

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary 2015
February
3: Auxiliary meeting, Pittwater RSL , 10.30am: All welcome
7: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
14: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
20:  Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 

March  
6: Centro, Warriewood, 9am to 3pm:Knitting, craft,  sewing
7: Pittwater Place,  Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
14: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
20: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
28: Election stall Mona Vale Community Centre, 8am to 4pm: Baking, knitting, sewing, Bric-a-brac - Outside Library
 

April
4: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
11: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
17: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing
 

May
2: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knnitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
9: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
15: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing

 
June
6: Pittwater Place, Mona Vale, 9am to 3pm: Knitting, sewing, craft, Bric-a-brac
13: Bunnings, Narrabeen, 8am to 4pm: Sausage sizzle
19: Mona Vale Hospital foyer, 9am to 3pm: Baking, knitting, sewing      

 NBI Respite, Recreation, Support - ‎Host Program Information Evening

Becoming a Host family, couple or individual is wonderfully fulfilling and mutually rewarding experience for all involved!

Contact 02 9970 0500 or louise@nbi.org.au with any questions or to book your spot on the Host Information Evening 25th February

 CAN YOU HELP?

Sent by the Government, RAAF Bomber Command Veterans of WWII still don't have a Bomber Command Medal from the Australian Government.  These legendary veterans certainly deserve a Bomber Command medal, as theirs is the highest casualty rate in Australia's military history. 

Bomber Command "Taking an example of 100 airmen: 27 survived a tour of operations"  Wikipedia.

"A Bomber Command crew member had a worse chance of survival than an infantry officer in World War I; more people were killed serving in Bomber Command than in the Blitz, or the bombings of Hamburg or Dresden.By comparison, the US Eighth Air Force, which flew daylight raids over Europe, had 350,000 aircrew during the war and suffered 26,000 killed and 23,000 POWs. Of the RAF Bomber Command personnel killed during the war, 72% were British, 18% were Canadian, 7% were Australian and 3% were New Zealanders.

Taking an example of 100 airmen:

•55 killed on operations or died as result of wounds

•three injured (in varying levels of severity) on operations or active service

•12 taken prisoner of war (some injured)

•two shot down and evaded capture

•27 survived a tour of operations"....Wikipedia

Ask our elected politicians to put forward a Private Members Bill in Parliament for the Government to award a Bomber Command Medal.

Lest We Forget.

J  Smythe - Tuesday, 13 Jan 2015

Sources:

wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Bomber_Command#Casualties

www.bchg.org.au/index.php/en/people/individuals/g-k/148-kingsford-smith-rollo 

Wilfrid Kingsford Smith - Pittwater Online News - Pittwater Airmen History pages - month of May 2012

 

Re-Imagine Art Competition - Over $10 Thousand in Prizes

Re-magine encourages artists to take materials that would otherwise end up in landfill and transform them into beautiful works of art as part of the Re-magine recycled art competition/exhibition. 

The competition has three exhibition locations and all artworks entered must demonstrate the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials. 

Entries for preselection close Friday 1 May 2015

Artworks will be exhibited in three locations:

For exhibition at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre

Hornsby Central Library

Hornsby Park

Entry Fee: There is a $20 entry fee for each artwork submitted. The non-refundable entry fee must be made by credit card as part of this entry.

For exhibition at Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre

Artists are invited to submit work which demonstrates the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials, in the following categories

Mixed Media: must not measure more than 110cm in any direction, including framing, is not more than 5kg and meets requirements for hanging fixtures

Small 3D Sculptures: up to 1m wide, x1m high x1m deep, and is not more than 20kg and is on a base suitable for exhibition

Wearable Art: must form a garment or accessory designed to be worn on a human body

Functional Art: must have some practical use or purpose

Hornsby Central Library

Young creatives are invited to submit work which demonstrates the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials, in the following categories

Up 12 years of age

12 to 24 years of age

Entrants must be in the age category selected as at 7 June 2015

Hornsby Park

Artists are invited to submit a large outdoor sculpture for exhibition in Hornsby Park. “Clean Street, Clean Creek”, which encourages the exploration of water and life in our urban catchment areas and the celebration of our connections with healthy local waterways. Sculptures must also demonstrate the concept of resource recovery – turning waste into a resource – through the use of recovered waste products and materials.

Artists can submit their entries from now up until Friday 1 May. For more information, visit www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/my-lifestyle/arts-and-culture/re-magine-2015

Bushcare in Pittwater - February 2015
Council's Cooee Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015: HERE

For further information and to confirm the meeting details for the below groups, please contact Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367.

Sun February 1

Avalon Dunes 8:30-11:30am
W’wood Wetlands 9-12pm

Fri February 6

Norma Pk 9-12pm

Sat February 7
Algona Res 9-12pm
Plateau Pk 8:30-11:30am
Elizabeth Pk 9-12pm

Sun February 8
Bangalley Head 9-12pm
Catherine Pk 10-12:30pm

Mon February 9
Rocky Point 9-12pm

Tue February 10
Browns Bay Res 9-12pm

Fri February 13
Bilgola Beach 8-11am

Sat February 14
Mona Vale Dunes 8:30-11:30am
Coopers Point 10-1pm

Sun February 15
Angophora Res 8:30-11:30am
Crescent Res 9-12pm

Thu February 19
Mona Vale Dunes 8:30-11:30am

Sat February 21
Toongari Res 8-11am
Old Wharf Res 8-11am
Nth Palm Beach 9-12pm
Pathilda Res 9-12pm
Irrawong Res 1-4pm

Sun February 22
Bungan Beach 8-11am
Winn Bay 9-12pm
Kundibah Res 8-11am

Wed February 25
W’wood Beach 8-11am

Sat February 28
Nth Newport Beach 8:30-11:30am
Careel Creek 8:30-11:30am
Kywong Res 8:30-11:30am

 Pittwater Offshore Newsletter Update 1/2/2015 

click on Logo: 

Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach

To contact Julian:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Federal Government Media Releases this week:

Jobs on ice - Australian Antarctic Division

SNIPPET: Shipping & flight schedules | Media. The employment adventure of a lifetime could be yours with the Australian Antarctic Division now recruiting a new team of expeditioners for a stint on the ice. With more than a hundred jobs on offer for the 2015/16 season, the Division is looking for skilled men and women in a range of trades and professions to be part of Australia's Antarctic program.

Conference to celebrate 40 years of the Racial Discrimination Act 

SNIPPET: The role of racial discrimination laws in responding to racism will be the focus of a conference next month hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The RDA@40 Conference will be held in Sydney from 19-20 February 2015, bringing together an impressive line-up of speakers including Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act, the first federal human rights and anti-discrimination legislation in Australia, said Race Commissioner Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane, who is convening the conference

Social media helps GRDC keep industry ahead - Grains Research &Development Corporation

SNIPPET: When the Grains and Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) was founded in 1990, the internet was a phenomenon virtually unheard of in Australia. Ms Cook will host a social media presentation at this year's GRDC Grains Research Updates in Coonabarabran on February 25 and 26 and Goondiwindi on March 3 and 4. GRDC manager of online communities Prudence Cook says social media can be a powerful communications tool for Australian agribusiness.

Australia Council congratulates Dave Brown on prestigious international award

SNIPPET: Australia Council for the Arts Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski has congratulated Patch Theatre Artistic Director Dave Brown on winning one of the most prestigious honours for youth arts - the Mickey Miners Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented to Mr Brown on Sunday at the renowned International Performing Arts for Youth Showcase in Philadelphia. On behalf of the Australia Council I congratulate Dave Brown for being recognised by the International Performing Arts for Youth as one of Australia's international trailblazers and leaders.

Emerging artists' careers given an ArtStart

SNIPPET: An opera singer, a dancer with disability, a jeweller and a spoken word poet are among 99 emerging artists to be given a boost by the Australia Council in the latest round of ArtStart grants. ArtStart provides up to $10,000 to recent arts graduates wanting to establish a career as a professional artist, Mr Panucci said. Applications are now open for the next ArtStart round, which closes on 3 March. To be eligible, applicants must be a recent creative arts graduate and present a viable plan outlining proposed ArtStart activities, demonstrate artistic potential and display a commitment to their chosen field.

Defence Minister announces the gifting of two Landing Craft to the Philippines

SNIPPET: The Australian Government will gift two recently-decommissioned Landing Craft Heavy vessels, including a package of spare parts, to the Philippines Government, the Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews announced today. The Landing Craft will be commissioned in the Philippines Navy and will provide additional intra-theatre sealift capability. The Philippines Government is also considering whether to purchase the remaining three Landing Craft Heavy.

Australia assists Afghanistan counter improvised explosive devices

SNIPPET: Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews today announced that Australia has commenced delivering counter improvised explosive device equipment to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) as part of Australia's contribution to the Afghan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund. This project involves providing low cost, robust and lightweight force protection systems for the ANSF to counter improvised explosive devices, for use by dismounted personnel and for fitting to light vehicles. Improvised explosive devices represent a significant and immediate threat to our Afghan partners and these systems will provide considerable protection for the ANSF as it works to ensure the security of Afghanistan and its people, the Defence Minister said.

Australia to host AUKMIN in Sydney

SNIPPET: The Australian Government will host UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond and Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon in Sydney on 2 February 2015 for the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). AUKMIN is the premier forum for the discussion of high-level foreign policy, defence and security issues between Australia and the United Kingdom. 

Most fatal burden of disease caused by cancer and cardiovascular disease (AIHW)

SNIPPET: AIHW Board AIHW senior staff Annual report Capability statement Collaboration Customer care charter FOI - freedom of information Indexed list of files Organisation chart Presentations Privacy of data Public consultation Public Interest Disclosure Strategic Directions 2011-2014 Tenders . Male health Mental health Mothers & babies National health priority areas Overweight & obesity Palliative care Population health Prisoner health Risk factors Rural health Safety & quality of health care Veterans' health Workforce Youth health & wellbeing Youth justice. Health Health prevention Indigenous Australians Injury.

Life-changing career opportunity for arts professionals 

SNIPPET: The Australia Council for the Arts Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski has announced the selection of 33 Australian arts professionals to attend and participate in the world's most prestigious visual arts event, the 2015 Venice Biennale. Mr Grybowski said the Venice Biennale Professional Development Program offered a unique opportunity for emerging curators, artists and arts administrators to work at the new Australian Pavilion, gaining valuable experience and making important industry contacts. The Professional Development Program offers a rare opportunity for our emerging arts leaders to develop global connections in the collaborative, collegial environment offered through the Venice Biennale's presentation of a curated exhibition alongside more than 80 national pavilions.

New South Wales consulted on Vocational Education and Training

SNIPPET: Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham attended the fourth of eight face-to-face consultations about the future of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Sydney today. Our commitment to VET is unparalleled, with Australian Government contributions to support providers and students on track to surpass $6 billion per annum, and forecast to continue growing. As the new minister, I look forward to engaging with VET providers and industry to give the millions of Australians reliant on the VET sector the best opportunities possible..

COAG agenda to address ending violence against women 

SNIPPET: The 2015 COAG agenda will address the problem of violence against women at a national level. To advise COAG on these actions and other initiatives, I have established an Advisory Panel on violence against women. Every week in Australia a woman is killed by a current or former partner and one in three women over the age of 15 experience physical violence in their lifetime.

Navy Tall Ship STS Young Endeavour Rounds Cape Horn

SNIPPET: The Royal Australian Navy operated Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour rounded Cape Horn on Australia Day, 36 days into a 12-month circumnavigation of the world. During the world voyage Young Endeavour will sail to Europe, Africa and the Americas, visiting 16 countries and representing Australia at the 2015 International Tall Ship Races. For more information about the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and to apply for voyages aboard STS Young Endeavour , visit www.youngendeavour.com.au.

Scientists voyage to Antarctica for whale research - Australian Antarctic Division

SNIPPET: Shipping & flight schedules | Media. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Antarctica New Zealand and the Australian Antarctic Division are supporting a six-week research initiative in the Southern Ocean on areas of importance to humpback and blue whales and Antarctic toothfish. The voyage is also supported by Antarctica New Zealand which is responsible for New Zealand's presence in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Australia's pledge to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

SNIPPET: The Australian Government will today renew its commitment to the delivery of vaccines, otherwise unaffordable to children in developing countries. Our pledge follows on from our previous contribution to Gavi of $250 million over five years. I have asked Australia's Ambassador to Germany David Ritchie to represent me at the Berlin conference and confirm Australia's pledge.

NHMRC survey reveals key dementia research priorities 

SNIPPET: A survey commissioned by the National Health and Medical Research Council has revealed that finding ways to prevent dementia, improving diagnosis and better care are considered top priorities for future dementia research. The results will be used to inform the research agenda of the NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research - a major component of the Australian Government's $200 million Dementia Research Boost. The new NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research will be established in the first half of 2015 and will be responsible for targeting, coordinating and translating the national dementia research effort.


Cancer treatment among first to make Research Connections

SNIPPET: An innovative Australian biotech company undertaking ground breaking research into treatments for diseases like brain cancer is among the first to benefit from an Australian Government programme designed to link businesses with researchers. Sirtex, a Sydney based global life-sciences company, is one of the first 10 projects to receive assistance from the Research Connections element which opened to applications late last year. Details of the 10 recipients of assistance from Research Connections is available at.

Growing stronger regions across New South Wales

SNIPPET: NSW Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services. The Australian Government has today announced the Chair and Deputy Chair appointments to Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees across New South Wales. New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services Troy Grant said the appointments were good news for regional policy in the state.

Fisher &Paykel and Domestic &General to each pay $200,000 for false or misleading extended warranty representations 

SNIPPET: The Federal Court has declared by consent that both Fisher & Paykel Customer Services Pty Ltd (Fisher & Paykel) and Domestic & General Services Pty Ltd (Domestic & General) made a false or misleading representation in the course of offering an extended warranty to consumers, and imposed a pecuniary penalty of $200,000 on each business. Between January 2011 and December 2012, Fisher & Paykel and Domestic & General sent letters to consumers who had purchased a Fisher & Paykel appliance inviting them to purchase an extended warranty. The Court also granted injunctions against Fisher & Paykel and Domestic & General, ordered each of them to update their compliance programs and ordered that they contribute to the ACCC's costs of the proceedings.

Congratulations to the 2015 Young Australian of the Year 

SNIPPET: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training Senator the Hon Scott Ryan congratulated 2015 Young Australian of the Year Drisana Levitzke-Gray, who was recognised for her leadership in and advocacy for the deaf community. Senator Ryan hosted Ms Levitzke-Gray and other 2015 Young Australian of the Year finalists at a function in Canberra on Saturday 24 January. Ms Levitzke-Gray was the 2015 Western Australian Young Australian of the Year.

VA001

SNIPPET: The support from Woodside for the Anzac Centenary Public Fund demonstrates that corporate Australia wants to share the Anzac Centenary with the community.. For more information about the Anzac Centenary Public Fund, please visit the Anzac Centenary website www.anzaccentenary.gov.au.

 Seniors Toy Repair Group needs your help

Volunteers are sought to help out on Wednesday mornings (7.30am to midday) at the group's workshed in Ingleside. Volunteers need their own transport and be willing to sort and clean toys that are picked up at different collection points on the Northern Beaches. 

Prospective volunteers can email Mary Kitchen to arrange a visit to the workshed. To arrange a donation pickup please call Terry Cook on 0410 597 327 or email him.

Find out more about this great community group HERE

 Pittwater and Manly Surf Boat Crews to represent NSW

C/-  Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches 

The Palm Beach 'Pidgins' are certainly having a great season and will be the NSW men’s open crew to race at the ASRL Championships at Shellharbour 20th Feb to 22nd Feb, 2015.

Peter Spence and his crew of James Raleigh, Kurt Spencer, Ollie Archibald and Tom Webster won two of the State selection carnivals at Coffs Harbour and North Cronulla to clinch selection.

They also came second at an Australian selection carnival and have rowed consistently at local carnivals, finishing second at Warriewoodand Queenscliff.

Sweep Peter Spence thought the boys were unlucky at the Australia Day Freshie carnival. “We were leading but four crews ended up coming down the same wave and we were unplaced,” he said.

But while the opens didn’t finish among the placegetters, the Palmy club had a fantastic Australia Day, winning the Open Women, Reserves and both the under 23 and under 23 women.

With the Pidgins winning State selection, it means Sydney Northern Beaches will have three of the six crews representing NSW – Mona Vale gained selection in the reserves and Manly is the women’s open crew. This team, of Bec Mobbs, Alex Hill, Nathan Perry, Jamie-lee Patterson and Beck Lock, has rowers who have also been part ofPalm Beach SLSC’s boat crews as the Palmy Pokopanos. 

"They are experienced girls and very focussed,'' says Nathan Perry who is sweeping the crew for the first time this season.

Their main rivals in the women's open event on February 21 will be Australian champions Tugun and WA hot shots North Cottesloe.

The Manly girls will also race in a relay.

Top: Mr Spence and the PB crew at Warriewood SLSC's Boat Carnival - December 6, 2014 - A J Guesdon photo.

 Avalon Beach SLSC Members Make Big Splash at 2015 Big Swim

January 25, 2015 

Two senior swimmers of Avalon Beach SLSC did very well in last Sunday’s 2015 Big Swim. Virginia Head, came 3rd and Wilson Gamble, won 2nd in 70+ Division in the Palm Beach to Whale Beach swim. 

Virginia has also won a place representing Australia at the IDBF 12th World Nations Championships being held in Welland, Canada in 2015, 19 to 23 August as part of the Senior Team. This has been a dream of Virginia’s and one she has been working towards for a while. You can read more about this inspirational Pittwater lady in her page.

Avaklon Beach SLSC are marking their 90th year in 2015 - we're looking forward to bringing you some great History pages in the lead up to celebrations.

This year's Big Swim report is HERE

Top: Virginia, Below, Wilson - pictures courtesy Avalon Beach SLSC's Christine Hopton.

 Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club 110-year Commemorative Race a winner!

Last Sunday (25.1.2015), NLSC's fleet of windsurfers, Herons, Sabots and Open Class lined up together on one start line to race in the once-in-a-lifetime 110-year commemorative race.

With the sun shining and a moderate nor-easter blowing, we couldn't have asked for better conditions.

And almost better than the perfect sailing was the long, relaxing evening spent together in the park enjoying a bbq dinner and a few beverages and hearing stories from former members about the history of our favourite sailing club.

Thanks to all who competed and thanks to all who helped make the day the perfect anniversary celebration!

Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club is a not-for-profit community organisation based on Sydney's Northern Beaches at Jamieson Park, Narrabeen Lake.

We are here to encourage sailors of every ability – the junior, the novice, the experienced – and to offer them a club environment in which they can learn to sail or improve on their existing skills, join in fun races and enjoy the company of like-minded community members.

We have a very strong community focus and love nothing more than enticing everyone – mums, dads, grandparents, kids – to jump into a boat or onto a sailboard and simply give it a go.

We place almost as much emphasis on socialising as we do on sailing, and our club is built on the values of camaraderie, role-modelling and team spirit.

Find out more here: www.narrabeenlakessailingclub.com

 Australia Day Long weekend Rescues C/- Surf Life Saving NSW

It was a busy long weekend around NSW with temperatures soaring over 30 degrees on Saturday and Sunday. Despite grey conditions in some parts on Monday 26th, many still flocked to their local beach for an Australia Day dip. Surf lifesavers performed a whopping 467 rescues - it was our busiest weekend this season! 

Maroubra Surf Club performed 45, North Avoca 43, and Avoca 37. There were 16 calls to our emergency response system last week and 38 NSW Ambulances were called throughout the long weekend. A big thank you to all our volunteer surf lifesavers who patrolled throughout the long weekend.

 PERMACULTURE PHOTO COMPETITION 2015

To launch PNB's new website and promote permaculture, we're holding a permaculture photo competition. This is your opportunity to contribute your best permaculture photos for our new website. We want the best and freshest, locally produced permaculture photos. Made by you.

So get out our camera, venture into your own backyard, observe and interact, take some beautiful shots. The closing date is February 22nd.

Prizes:

First Prize: A permabee at your place!  If you have a garden or even a balcony, the next permabee will be for you! Enthusiastic PNB members will bring their tools, knowledge and skills, and spend some time giving your garden a permaculture working bee.

Second Prize: A 3-tiered herb spiral thanks to New Leaf Nursery, and a Solitary Bee Habitat, thanks to PNBbees.

Third Prize: A PNB gift pack, featureing a Permaculture t-shirt, Permaculture 2015 Calendar, and Permaculture reusable shopping bag.

See: www.permaculturenorthernbeaches.org.au/photo-comp 

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE COURSE

February 21-22, 2015

9:30M - 4:30PM each day, Kimbriki Eco House and Eco Garden, Kimbriki Road, Terrey Hills.

We are holding our first PNB Introduction to Permaculture course this February and it is local!

Wanting to get more involved or know more about permaculture?  This course covers the key ethics and principles, outlining the basic design techniques such as zoning, site analysis, and climatic factors. You will leave looking at your home, garden or landscape in a different way. 

Cost $290 members, $335 non-members; pensioner and student discounts available. The learning style is collaborative and participatory. Bookings are essential contact:  info@permaculturenorthernbeaches.com.au  Phone: 0417 241 371. The course will give you tools to start implementing more sustainable solutions in your life. Be inspired!

AQUACULTURE A TO Z 

Thursday, February 26, 2015: 7:15pm – 8:15pm

Learn more about aquaponics from ponds, to water plants, to fish, crayfish and more. No booking required, all welcome (members free, guests by donation). Doors open at 7:15 pm for a 7:30 pm start.

Lakeview room, Narrabeen Tramshed Arts and Community Centre: 1395 Pittwater rd, Narrabeen.

 Are Fauna Corridors Adequate? 

Ingleside Animal Bushlink

We are not convinced that fauna corridors proposed so far for the Ingleside land release area, which has to be considered with the proposed widening of Mona Vale Rd, will in fact allow fauna movement through the landscape. Pittwater Natural Heritage Assn is proposing amendments to the planners. 

Animals affected will not only be endangered species such as this Eastern Pygmy Possum, and the more common tiny Feathertail Glider. 

The Feathertail Glider lives in forests and woodlands of the east coast of Australia. Its body is 65-80mm long, with a feather-like tail with lateral bristles about the same length. This acts as a rudder when gliding. The average gliding distance is about 14m, though one managed 28m. Gliding helps the Feathertail Glider stay amongst the treetops to avoid larger ground-dwelling predators.

It is an omnivore that eats nectar, pollen and insects. In the wild Feathertail Gliders live in groups of 5-25 individuals. Several group members help to maintain spherical nests of leaves, bark and fern. Mothers suckle young that are not their own.

Threats are predatory birds, including Kookaburras, owls, foxes and TRAFFIC. Photo: Michelle Johnston.

Please Help Find Harley 

 2015 Pittwater Festival 

Classic Yacht Regatta

Saturday/Sunday March 7th/8th

It is on again when we celebrate Pittwater and all that it offers through an array of aquatic events. Kicking off the festival this year will be the Classic Yacht Regatta. Over 60 yachts are expected; from all different eras competing over the weekend March 7th and 8th. A combination of scratch and handicap races across the various divisions, with a Parade of sail race to round of the regatta where all yachts will against each other. All of the yachts will be on display at the RMYC over the weekend in the morning and evening.

Stand Up Paddle –Scotland Island Race & Expo –Sunday March 22nd

One of the most exciting and successful events from last year was the Stand Up Paddle event. Of most interest was the 5 nm Scotland Island Race followed by the time trials back at the RMYC. For those wanting to try SUP, ideal facilities are on hand to do that and check out the EXPO where all the SUP gear is on exhibit.  Families are invited to come down and take part or just enjoy the festivities here at the club where there will be entertainment and jumping castles. You can try stand up paddle boarding or just watch the sprint time trials in the mariner.

Power Boat & Fishing Events

R Marine Riley, Pittwater’s Riviera Motor Yacht Dealership once again will be organising an array of power boat events including the:

RMYC Pittwater social Raft Up - Saturday February 28th

RIV KIDS Fishing Competition - Sunday March 8th

Ladies Power Boat Driving Lessons - Saturday March 14th, with High Tea … a must for the ladies!

35 Years of Riviera Boat Parade - Saturday March 21st

Riviera has been producing motor Cruisers for 35 years and each of their models will be on display in the parade and also back at RMYC Broken Bay

Surf Life Saving – Surf Boat Shoot Out  

Short Course Sprint Racing – Saturday March 28th

The last event for the festival will be attracting crews from 15 Northern Beaches Surf Live Saving Clubs. Men’s and women’s events are held right in front of the outer marina, which provides the perfect viewing platform for the Surf Boat Shoot out. Crews will race the clock in the two boat heats with the fastest teams making their way through to the finals. You will never get closer to a Surf Boat Race than this!

Check out all the details on our website for more detailswww.royalmotor.com.au

 Nippers Photo Comp - Surf Life Saving Australia

CALLING ALL NIPPERS! As a proud Community Supporter of Nippers, our mates at BONDS want you to share a photo of your best Nippers moment for your chance to WIN $1,000 for your Surf Life Saving club! PLUS 3 x runners up will also get a $100 Bonds voucher.

Enter here: http://bit.ly/WinNippers, or on mobile here:

http://bit.ly/WinNippersMobile

 SCAM Alert Do not respond to scammers who use text messages, social media or email to offer fake vouchers: Alert Priority Moderate

You are advised not to respond to scammers who use text messages, social media or email to offer fake vouchers in return for personal or financial information.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s SCAMwatch service has received reports of messages or posts that appear to misuse the names and logos of popular retailers to entice people to participate in the fake voucher programs.

According to SCAMwatch, some of the names and logos possibly being misused belong to ALDI, Bunnings, Coles, IGA, Myer and Woolworths. 

Consumers are typically asked to click on a link, to complete a survey or download a program to receive a voucher for as much as $1,000. A minor variation to the scam involves consumers being asked to pay a small amount (as low as $1) to receive a voucher for a substantially higher amount. 

Scammers often use these promotions to collect credit card or bank account details and other personal information. They can then use this information to obtain money or commit identity theft.

 Palm 2 Palms Charity Ride‏

The Palm to Palms Charity Ride is the brainchild of five guys from Newport Surf Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Tom Kellaway, Alex Brown, Lachy Brook, James Brook and Tom Howes set out with a plan to do something a little bit different. They wanted to raise money to support their surf club and to assist in helping the club manage the increasing costs of protecting Australia’s Beaches.

They saw an opportunity to not only help their surf club but also to help other charities too, but also create an event that could bring people from all walks of life together to do something totally different……

Get 100 people to ride from North Palm Beach Surf Club at the foot of Barrenjoey headland at the mouth of the Hawkesbury to the North of Sydney down the coast passing every surf club in Sydney all the way to Burning Palms Surf Club, just to the North of Wollongong, the last surf club in Sydney. An ambitious ride of 130 km’s, passing 36 surf clubs all to coincide with the final day of surf patrols for the 2014/2015 patrol season.

And so the Palm to Palms Charity Ride was born. The fundraising target was set……. $100,000. Each rider to pay an entry fee of $100 for the ride, and upon entry, set out and fundraise a further $900 to help us reach our goal.

On April 26th,  at North Palm Beach Surf Club, the journey begins…..Get on board and help us support our local community…… See you on the bike!

More details and how to sign up to be 1 in 100 at:www.palm2palmsride.com.au

DoggieRescue.com

Pet of the Week

Astrid

AGE/SEX: 4 years / F

BREED: Jack Russell Terrier x

Astrid is a gentle but shy girl with an affectionate nature. Astrid needs someone with patience to encourage her to walk and give her some confidence. She is an outdoorsy girl who loves to check out new places. She has a short coat and weighs 8.3kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Her adoption cost is $400. 

To meet all dogs at call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or emailmonika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue 

 

Help us clean up Pittwater!

Local residents are being invited to make a difference and register a group to help ‘Clean Up Pittwater’ on the annual Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March.

Pittwater is looking to increase the number of registered clean up sites this year, surpassing our record of 25 last year.

Clean Up Australia Chairman, Ian Kiernan AO congratulated Australians for their contribution last year – where 572,406 volunteers donned their gloves to pick up rubbish at 7,140 sites across the nation.

Pittwater Council’s Mayor Jacqueline Townsend applauded Pittwater residents for their contribution to keeping Pittwater beautiful.

“The high participation last year by our community members is a reflection of their connection to our beautiful environment. Our community are keen supporters of this worthy annual initiative.

Cr Townsend is again calling on our community to participate at Clean Up Day this year, but also to heed Ian Kiernan’s message of not littering and picking up unsightly rubbish every day of the year.

“It could be as simple as the ‘take three pledge’ – just think about the amount of rubbish we could reduce if every member of our community picked up three pieces of litter every day.  Small actions can make large contributions to our environment!”

“This pro-active litter removal is particularly relevant for our coastal and estuarine foreshores given the devastating impact plastics can have on our fragile marine ecosystems,” added Cr Townsend.

To participate, residents are invited to identify a site that they think needs a clean up and register it online, or they can contact Council and we are happy to suggest some sites that need attention.

Clean Up Australia Day also engages our business and school communities with Business Clean Up day on 24 February and Schools Clean Up Day on 27 February. 

Cr Townsend praised local schools, saying it was rewarding to see so many of our Pittwater schools participating by cleaning up their school grounds. 

To register a site or to join an existing site for Business Clean Up Day, Schools Clean Up Day or Clean Up Australia Day visit:cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or call 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329).

Volunteers should bring with them gloves, a hat, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Is my pool fence safe?

With Summer in full swing and pool fence laws about to change, now is the time to ask, ‘Is my pool fence safe?’

From April 29, 2015 all properties with a swimming pool or spa that are sold or leased must have a valid swimming pool certificate of compliance.

Pittwater Council’s General Manager, Mark Ferguson said the NSW swimming pool register and new laws are proactive measures that will ensure continuing improvement in the level of safety for young children.

“These thorough laws have been designed to actively contribute to a reduction in drownings or near drownings in private backyard swimming pools and spas.”

“Residents should make every effort to consciously check pool fences and follow through with obtaining a certificate,” added Mr Ferguson

Mr Ferguson urges owners to comply with the new legislation and register their pools on the swimming pool register operated by the NSW Department of Local Government.

“Although summer and the holiday season is a time to relax, don’t be relaxed about pool fences,” he said.

“If you haven’t already registered, please do it these holidays.

“There are over 5500 backyard pools in Pittwater, all of which should comply with the new legislation,” he added.

According to Royal Life Saving, drowning is a leading cause of accidental deaths in young children in NSW. Inconceivable but true—in the last 10 years across NSW 60 children have drowned in backyard swimming pools and 70 children have neurological damage as a result of immersion. Some 1000 children have also been admitted to a hospital as a result of immersion.

Research by the Royal Life Saving Society shows the majority of drowning deaths in young children are related to problems with child safety barriers.

To obtain a certificate of compliance, contact Council on 9970 1111 or an accredited certifier.

There are checklists for pool owners atswimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au or bepoolsafe.com.au

If unable to access the internet, Pittwater pool owners can contact Council’s Customer Service staff for assistance.