This Issue: full list in Contents page
Profile of the Week John 'Allships' Alldritt - The Barefoot Legend Of PittwaterJohn Reginald Alldritt, February 2nd, 1946 - October 9, 2021, was the great-great grandson of Captain John Alldritt, 1796-1875. Captain John Alldritt married Anna Mabella Jemima (born Northey) in 1827.
In 2012 John said:
''I started out as an electrician – x-ray equipment, then became a commercial fisherman. This was 1963. I was born on the water – my parents had a holiday house at Coaster’s Retreat – it was the family place we’d had since 1926. I lived over there for 42 years.''
On October 15th 2021 the Pittwater community said farewell to our mate John Alldritt who passed away on his boat 'Aspro' on the 9th of October, 2021.
Many stories were told about the 'Barefoot Legend of Pittwater'.
Thanks to the generosity of John's children Beck (Rebecca) and Christopher (Stuffer) these Tributes, Tall Tales and True Reckonings add more to the legend of John 'Allships' Alldritt and have been collected here, along with his own words, as a Tribute to a True Pittwater man.
History History Of The Modern Surfboat: Recognising The Surfboat Builders From 1950 To 2021 by Bert HuntThis History of the Modern Surfboat has been compiled and written by Bert Hunt, Life Member Moruya Surf Club & Australian Surf Rowers League; our thanks to Bert and the ASRL for permission to re-run this October 2021 Feature.
The first weekend of racing will begin with SLS SNB's Super Saturday, on the 13th of November! Round 1 of the Surf Boats Premiership will be held at Freshwater Beach. Round 2 will be held at Newport Beach on November 20th.
This document has been extensively researched to the point of reasonable accuracy with a lot of input from Surfboat people from each State and many hours spent on web and other searches. Apologies in advance to any boat builder missed, or for any detail not completely correct, as this paper is a best attempt to create a running history of surfboat evolution.
The motivation for creating this document was to give due recognition to each and every surfboat builder across many decades. Our sport has always been totally indebted to these builders for their knowledge, passion and craftmanship in the continuing evolution of the iconic Australian Surfboat. To each of the builders, we the rowers and sweeps, say thank you.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: October 13
Click on Logo to access the latest PON: 
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Scotland Island Newcomers' Welcome
Scotland Island Community Hall, Sunday 24 October, 11 - 12 noon
Residents who have just moved to the island are invited to a special information session, to be held in the Community Hall during the next island café. We’d love to meet you and give you the opportunity to get to know more residents.
If you are new to the island, we’re shouting you coffee! Please register and get a coffee voucher at the hall and put your coffee order in early as there is always a queue.
There will be ‘need to know’ information available with key speakers on SIRA, fire, water, wharves and roads.
Some island businesses and service providers will be on hand to tell you what they have on offer. And we’ll give you a heads up about various social and cultural groups.
Due to Covid restrictions we need you to sign in with the QR code and practice social distancing. Masks must be worn by persons over 12 years of age and everyone over 16 must be fully vaccinated (unless exempt).
Remembrance Day Service 2021: Pittwater RSL Cenotaph
Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch Club can proceed with our annual Remembrance Day Service 2021, at the Club.
The Service will be held at the Lower Cenotaph on Thursday 11 November 2021. The Service will commence at 10:20am. Last Post at 11am.
The community is welcome to attend, but they have to provide proof of double vaccination, and check in with QR Code, masks and social distancing.
.jpg?timestamp=1635026281835)
Avalon Woolworths store slated for refurbishments in 2022
Residents contacted Pittwater Online this week due to the change in how Woolworths is now displaying its hours of trade on the Woolworths's website store locator function, stating it is a Metro version of Woolworths.
Metro does cater for the top-up shop, with everyday essentials, but the emphasis is on fresh produce and a protein range that's heavily weighted to meal occasions.
The Woolworths webpage on Metro stores states:
We believe that everyone, in every community, should have good food within their reach. Whether around the corner from your workplace or next door to your home, Woolworths Metro makes sure that you’ve always got the option to walk by and pick up something fresh to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and those cheeky snacks in between.Each one of our stores is tailored to the community it serves. When you’re at work, you’ll find quick lunch options to get you through the workday. And when it comes time for dinner, your neighbourhood store has easy, fresh and delicious options to help you out.
Screenshot of how the Avalon trading hours are listed
Pittwater Online News contacted Woolworths to clarify whether there are any planned changes for the supermarket servicing the population of Avalon, Bilgola, Clareville, Careel Bay, Whale Beach, Palm Beach, Coasters, Currawong and Mackerel.
''Our Avalon store continues to operate in the same way it has for many years.'' a spokesperson said
''We're looking into plans for a refurbishment at some stage next year.''
''We'll communicate with our customers in advance of any works taking place.''
Non-urgent elective surgery to resume across Greater Sydney
October 20 2021
Non-urgent elective surgery will recommence at public and private facilities within Greater Sydney, including the Nepean Blue Mountains region, from Monday 25 October.
NSW Health Deputy Secretary Wayne Jones said the safe recommencement of non-urgent elective surgery is now possible after it was temporarily postponed to support the NSW health system's response to the recent Delta outbreak.
"Thanks to the extraordinarily high vaccination rates across the state and declining community transmission of COVID-19, patients can now have their non-urgent surgery," Mr Jones said.
"NSW Health will at the same time continue to ensure our integrated hospital system has the capacity to manage the ongoing COVID-19 response."
All emergency surgery and urgent elective surgery continued to be performed across the state since non-urgent surgery was postponed in public hospitals in Greater Sydney from 2 August and many private hospitals from 23 August.
Non-urgent elective day surgery, including IVF services, resumed on 5 October in NSW private hospitals for both public and private patients.
Overnight elective surgery will be capped at 75 per cent in both public and private facilities in the Greater Sydney area, including Nepean Blue Mountains.
Private facilities within this region can exceed this cap if they are providing surgery for public patients. There will be no restrictions on facilities in regional NSW providing overnight non-urgent elective surgery.
Generally, non-urgent elective surgery continued in regional and rural NSW, however temporary restrictions were put in place in response to local outbreaks, such as in Western NSW and Far West NSW.
Where necessary, local health districts may impose temporary restrictions in the event of an outbreak to ensure the community is kept safe and can access hospital care if required.
All local health districts' workforce surge plans remain in place to respond to the pandemic in the event that cases of community transmission are identified locally.
Mr Jones thanked the staff from many private hospitals across NSW who have assisted the NSW Government's response to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
"Staff from private hospitals have been providing care to public patients during the ongoing pandemic, including in the large-scale vaccination effort and supporting workforce demands in the NSW public health system," he said.
"We also acknowledge the critical importance of private hospitals in delivering timely and high-quality care for our communities and we thank them for their ongoing partnership in responding to the pandemic.
"These private hospitals have been conducting additional elective surgery on behalf of the public health system for patients who had their non-urgent elective surgery postponed in 2020, following a National Cabinet decision."
In 2020-21 the NSW Government provided an extra $458.5 million to fast-track elective surgeries which were delayed as a result of the Federal Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, and a further $80 million has been provided as part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
The NSW Government has committed more than $4 billion to the NSW health system to manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020.
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary reopens
Katandra Bushland Sanctuary is now open each Sunday in October, 10-4pm. It's at Ingleside, off Lane Cove Rd. Entry by donation. Magnificent trees, bush tracks, peace and quiet on the escarpment above Mona Vale.
Covid health rules apply.
This is also a sanctuary for our wildlife - and thus a no dogs area - so leave roving Rover and frisky Fido at home.
There's also a fresh new look website where you find out more at: katandrabushlandsanctuary.com
Newport Rugby AGM 2021
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Newport Rugby Club Inc. will be held at the Porter Reserve Club House, Burke Street, Newport on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 12:00pm.Nominations for Office Bearers and Other Directors can be lodged with the 2021 Committee by email at newportrugbyclub@gmail.com
No Members, other than those who have paid their annual subscriptions and other monies due to the Club, shall be entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting.
It would be great to have you all there. We will also be having drinks at 1pm with the playing, coaching and wider group so we can celebrate the "almost" year.
The AGM will be followed by End of Season Beers.
Jake Osborne.
President.
Tritag at Newport this Summer
This summer we are hosting Tuesday night and Thursday night competitions of Tritag. This is a minimal contact low risk attack based rugby union game that incorporates the skill set and fabric of tradition running rugby. Watch the video here.
Mens comp to be held on Thursday nights from November onwards at Porters
Send an email to info@tritagrugby.com with your name and age group to register interest.
Avalon Preservation Association AGM 2021
Speaker: Angus Gordon OAM“Global warming, is it real?”
The 2021 Annual General Meeting for Avalon Preservation Association (APA) will be held from 7.00pm on Thursday 11 November 2021 at the Avalon Beach surf life saving club.
Our special guest speaker is Angus Gordon OAM. Angus will talk on the controversial and very timely topic “Global Warming, Is it Real?”
Angus was General Manager of Pittwater Council from 1996 to 2005. He has a Master’s degree in Water and Coastal Engineering. In 2018 Angus received the Medal of the Order of Australia for “service to environmental management and planning, and to the community”.
Over the past 40 years he has undertaken projects in all states of Australia and in a number of overseas countries in coastal engineering, coastal zone management and flood management and engineering.
Angus has served as a UN expert and was tasked with the development of the NSW Coastal Protection Act.
Angus Gordon OAM. AJG pic.
Due to the current health situation, APA will hold the AGM strictly in line with the NSW Public Health Orders in force at the time. This may restrict the number of members and guests able to attend and guests may need to check in with a QR code, wear facemasks and show that they have been fully vaccinated.
SIRA AGM 2021 and Barbecue
Sunday, 14 November
AGM: Scotland Island Fire Station, 10 - 12 noon
Barbecue: Catherine Park, 12 - 2 pm
Due to COVID restrictions, SIRAC (the SIRA Committee) decided to delay the Annual General Meeting by one month so that more people can attend. It will now be held on Sunday, November 14, 10 am to 12 pm. It is likely that attendance by Zoom will be available as an alternative to attendance in person.
After the AGM, you are invited to attend a gathering in the park (with appropriate social distancing) from 12 noon to 2 pm. Sausages (including vegetarian options), salads and rolls will be provided. BYO drinks, but the Two Catherines Café is also open that day, and will stay open until 1 pm.
Information about nominations for the 2022 committee will be sent out shortly via SIRA News and on social media. Start thinking about who you’d like to nominate! SIRA encourages all islanders – including newcomers – to become involved.
Warringah Rugby Club 2021 AGM
Notice is hereby given that the fifty seventh (57th) Annual General Meeting of the Warringah Rugby Club Limited will be held at Pittwater Rugby Club, 1472 Pittwater Road, Warriewood on Sunday, 21 November 2021 at 9.00am.Nominations of Office Bearers and other Directors must be in writing and be lodged with the Club General Manager at the club at least eight (8) days prior to the Annual General Meeting. Each nomination must bear the signatures of the nominee and two (2) financial members.
Agenda.
Please click here for the agenda
Proxies.
Proxy forms will be available on request from the office on 0402 192 311 or by email to info@warringahrugby.com.au.
The following points should be noted with respect to proxies.
- If you are entitled, in accordance with the Constitution of the Company, to attend and vote at a meeting of the Company, you are entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in your place at the meeting.
- A proxy does not have to be a member of the Company.
- A proxy appointed by you will have the right to speak at the meeting but is not entitled to vote except on a poll unless the Constitution of the Company otherwise provides.
- Your proxy will be able to demand or join in demanding a poll. You may specify the manner in which your proxy is to vote and where you do so, your proxy is entitled to vote on the resolution except as you specify.
- The proxy form must be signed by you personally or by your attorney.
By Order of the Board
Phillip Parsons.
President.
School zones back in force: slow down
Transport for NSW is reminding everyone school zones will be back in force as the fourth school term starts across NSW.
“School zones are active on every NSW school day, no matter how many students are attending, so while most children won’t start returning to schools until 18 October as the state begins to reopen, schools remain open for families that need it,” said Tara McCarthy, Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation.
“Children are vulnerable and we need to ensure we do everything possible to keep them safe on the road network.
“Which is why I’m reminding all motorists to slow down to the reduced speed limit, typically 40km/h, when entering a school zone or when you see bus lights flashing.
“At the end of July, we saw the number of people caught speeding in school zones reach more than 150 per cent above the pre-lockdown average.
“However in August we have seen people begin to get the message and slow down with offences dropping by 25%.”
“Between 2016 and 2020, two children were killed, 36 were seriously injured and another 75 were injured while walking in active school zones – we need everyone to work together to help keep our kids safe when they’re on the way to or from school,” Ms Mcarthy said
The NSW Government has made sure every school has at least one set of flashing lights, with additional sets also installed outside many schools with multiple busy entrances.
As well an extra $18.5 million has been invested to provide 300 new School Crossing Supervisors offering more protection for children and improved visibility of crossings for motorists.
Motorists who don’t obey the rules are putting lives at risk and face heavy fines and demerit points. Higher fines and demerit points also apply to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.
ORRCA's 'Seas the Day' 2022 Calendar now available
A huge thank you to all who entered ORRCA's first ever ‘Seas the Day’ Calendar Photographic Competition.
Every entry has helped raise awareness and funds for ORRCAs vital marine mammal rescues and research.
A special congratulations to our twelve winners who will feature in our ORRCA Calendar for 2022. A special mention to Ann Scarrett whose photo will feature on the front cover.
It is with much appreciation and thanks from the ORRCA team to our wonderful judge, Darren Dew for his generous support and tough decision making.
To everyone involved, you inspire others to care for our precious marine mammals. Thank you so much!
And the winners are:
Ales Zib-Poole – January Fur seal
Selina Guckenbiehl – February Orca x3
Elissa Chan – March Seal swimming
Sharyn Coffee – April diving Seal
Michelle Barry – May - Minke
Ann Skarratt – June Humpback breach
Maree Jackson – July Southern right whale mother and calf
Robert Smith – August Humpback mother and calf
Peter Wandmaker – September Dugong mother and calf
Jamen Percy – October Humpback
Bonita Holmes-Nuu – November Common Dolphin
Jodie Lowe – December Humpback breach
CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!
To order your copy of our 1st ORRCA ‘Seas the Day’ Calendar, please visit the ORRCA Events page of our website and follow the link: www.orrca.org.au/orrca-event
Monika’s DoggieRescue’s 2022 Calendar is out Now!
Monika’s DoggieRescue’s 2022 calendar has arrived! This is our biggest annual fundraiser and helps us continue to save the lives of dogs and cats on death row in NSW pounds. To date we have saved over 13,000 dogs and are home to around 100 dogs looking for their families. We rely on fundraising like our calendar to keep the doors open so please help us continue to save lives!
This year’s calendar was photographed by our volunteer photographer Dave Pigeon from The Dog’s Pyjamas. Dave has perfectly captured the different faces and emotions of our resident dogs, from Bowie looking hopefully to the future with a family of his own to sad Champ who isn’t sure what to do with himself facing another year without a home of his own.
Winston stars on the cover he found his way to Monika’s DoggieRescue from a Sydney pound and was discovered to be blind, his bandana reminds us all to be kind to those who have extract burdens to bear. Winston was lucky enough to be adopted just before the calendar arrived!
This year’s calendar features 16 DoggieRescue dogs many of whom are still waiting at the shelter for their families to come.
At $20 the calendar is the perfect gift for dog loving friends and together we save more lives! Do something good for Christmas and give the gift of life.
About Monika’s DoggieRescue
DoggieRescue is a Northern Beaches based no kill animal shelter, we’ve been in operation since 1998 with the primary objective of saving dogs and cats from death row in council pounds. We do not place a time limit on the lives of the animals we save and are often contacted about the more difficult animals in need.
You can grab your copy from the shelter or from our website by clicking here:
Sydney Wildlife Recycled Bottles for Wildlife 2021
Sydney Wildlife Rescue is registered for return and earn in NSW. This time it is accessed by an App called My Tomra - which is the organisation that runs the recycling. Once you have downloaded the My Tomra App. Just search “Our Wildlife” you will see Sydney Wildlife Rescue listed. You can set that as the payout.
So you just scan the bar code from the App at the recycling machine and the 10c will be donated to Sydney Wildlife Rescue. The machines can be located anywhere in NSW.
Please have a look it’s a good way to support us to care for wildlife and do your bit to keep Australia Beautiful.
VALE Dmitry George Repin AM
1928- 2021
Husband of Beloved wife Pam (dec.) for 64 years. Son of Ivan Dmitrievitch Repin (1888-1949) and Maria. Devoted father of Ivan, Jane, Nicholas and Catherine. Father-in-law of Roger Carthey, Kerry Repin [Goldstone] and Jeremy Raven. Adored grandfather ["YaYa"] of Alexandra Ralph, Georgia and William Carthey, Libby and Max Repin, and great grandfather of Finn Ralph. Brother in law of Ted [dec.], Bill [dec.], Beth Boden [dec.], Bruce [dec.] and Helen Ferguson.
Australian Medical Association Gold Medal – George Repin
The former Secretary General, Dr. George Dimitri Repin, was awarded the Associations Gold Medal, its highest honour, in recognition of 17 years of devoted and exceptional service to the Association. The Medal was presented at a dinner in his honour in Sydney following his retirement in February 1987.
The citation for the award said that Dr. Repin graduated in medicine from the University of Sydney in 1952 after a brilliant school and undergraduate career. Due to family circumstances he left medicine while a resident at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to engage in commerce, a field in which he was active for more than twelve years.
It was an unusual but productive prelude to a career of exceptional distinction in the service of his profession.
While in business Dr. Repin gained valuable management, political and industrial relations experience, being active on the councils of three industrial and trade organisations. Of one, the Catering Trades Organisation of New South Wales, he was the foundation President. He was also a member of the Apprenticeship Council and a number of conciliation committees for his industry.
His welcome return to medicine came in 1967 when he gained the Diploma in public Health at the University of Sydney. Two years later he was awarded the Diploma in Industrial Health of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of England after studying at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Subsequently he returned to teach at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in Sydney.
However, this was a brief interlude, and in 1970 he joined the Secretariat of the New South Wales Branch of the Australian Medical Association.
In 1972 he became Deputy Secretary General of the Australian Medical Association and was Secretary General from June 15 1973, until his retirement on February 21,1987.
Along the way he became a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators and a Fellow of the Australian Medical Association.
George Repin brought to the role of Secretary General an exceptional analytical intelligence, and a ferocious appetite for work. Tough and unyielding when necessary, yet always controlled and polite, he became a highly respected and formidable advocate for the medical profession. George Repin’s expertise as an advocate, negotiator and tactician was the envy of his adversaries.
He was confronted with his first major challenge within a few weeks of taking office – the Ludeke Medical Fees Tribunal. Throughout the 45 hearing days from July to December 1973 he displayed extraordinary tenacity, stamina and devotion in ensuring that the best possible case was presented at all times to an enquiry that represented a watershed in medical politics.
The same outstanding qualities were brought to bear on behalf of the profession throughout the next thirteen turbulent years of Medibank and Medicare interspersed with five different health schemes of the Coalition Government.
He also effected a successful long-term strategy of building from very modest beginnings an efficient, highly professional and technically sophisticated organisation equipped to deal effectively and responsibly on behalf of the profession with the increasingly complex world of health care delivery. Thanks to his leadership and management skills the Association is now widely respected as a leader among national representative bodies. His absolute loyalty to his presidents, his Federal Council and his staff engendered a trust that helped him to achieve this goal.
He also made a major contribution through fostering and developing the participation of the Australian Medical Association in international medical affairs. Starting by re-establishing close communication with the New Zealand Ueaicat Association, which has led to annual exchange visits between senior officers of the two Associations, he extended his efforts to establishing and maintaining close ties with the American Medical Association, as well as adding to the long existing relationship with the British Medical Association.
As Secretary General he arranged visits to Australia of delegations of senior officers and officials of the American Medical Association and his close association with senior officers of that Association and his attendance at their meetings have been of inestimable value to the Australian Medical Association.
by the AMA, 1987.
Dr George Dimitri REPIN
Award: Member of the Order of Australia
Post-Nominal AM
Date Granted: The Queen's Birthday 2006 Honours List, 12th of June, 2006 -;
For service to medicine, particularly through the Australian Medical Association, to the development of post graduate education, and to medico-legal and professional organisations.
We lose a good friend and the community, and Australia, has lost a good man. He was so kind, supportive and generous to all.
George's 'Reflections' ran until 2019 here - and may be accessed via this link.
Our Sincere Condolences to George's family.
‘Neighbourhood Watch In Pittwater’ To Launch Updated Model On Monday November 1st 2021
In response to concerns from the community, ‘Neighbourhood Watch in Pittwater’ is launching on Monday November 1st.
Neighbourhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program which aims to improve the quality of life within a neighbourhood, by minimising preventable crime and promoting closer community ties.
Michael Gencher, Coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch in Pittwater said, “We have come to rely on CCTV and technology to deter and detect crime, and in doing that we have let real-life observation, awareness, and ‘looking after each’ other decline.”
The program relies on the community, community groups and the police working together in a partnership to achieve these aims.
Traditionally, the focus of Neighbourhood Watch has been on reducing crime by directly involving the community in activities that promote safety, or assist with the detection of crime - observation and awareness.
‘Neighbourhood Watch in Pittwater’ is launching a modernised model to include not only community-based crime prevention, but additional programs to address a greater scope of issues and concerns affecting our community – for example:
- Looking after Seniors, and fostering a greater understanding of compassion between generations
- Bullying
- Depression
- Drug and alcohol use, and early intervention
- Peer pressure, and promotion of friendship skills
- Social media
- Social isolation and depression.
Michael Gencher, Coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch in Pittwater, said “It’s becoming obvious to many of us in the Community that there are growing problems, issues and concerns.
"When I approached Neighbourhood Watch, my thinking was to create the social connections that I see grow at Surf Life Saving Clubs, within the fabric of the wider community.
''Connecting Pittwater Residents through the Neighbourhood Watch programs, in collaboration with other community groups, helps us build a vibrant, safe and secure life for the whole Pittwater community." Mr. Gencher said
Neighbourhood Watch in Pittwater will be working with the vision that a connected community is a safer and healthier community - delivering better wellbeing for residents by providing an added sense of connection, safety and security.
Michael is a Mona Vale local, a father, husband, business owner, vice president of Mona Vale SLSC and a candidate for Pittwater in the upcoming local council elections with Your Northern Beaches Independent Team.
To establish a connected, informed and empowered community this updated model invites all residents to get involved.
Contact Neighbourhood Watch in Pittwater for more information via email at nwpittwater@gmail.com
Or follow the Neighbourhood Watch in Pittwater Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/Neighbourhood-Watch-in-Pittwater
Michael Gencher
Avalon Sailing Club: Open Day For Our Community And New Members
FRIDAY, 29 OCTOBER 2021 AT 16:00
Avalon Sailing club has been teaching children to sail on the glorious waters of Pittwater for more than 80 years.
Members of the public are welcome to visit the club, view our facilities, talk to existing members and explore sailing options offered by the club to all comers from 8 to 88 years of Age!
Avalon Sailing Club is a certified Discover Sailing Australia centre and offers courses for absolute beginners, through to those developing & improving their skills to club racing and beyond.
Please join us on Friday afternoon, enjoy the sunset and amazing view, have a bite to eat, wash it down with a cool drink and meet some of our local members and enthusiasts.
Visit our website at www.avalonsailingclub.com.au for more details, and register online to book your kids into our learn to sail and racing programs.
Pittwater Outriggers Club Back on the Water
It's great to be back.
Strong winds didn't deter our first group of OC paddlers getting back onto the waterways this morning.
Join up now and come and enjoy scenic surrounds like these.
Outrigger canoe paddling is an exciting, exhilarating and challenging experience which promotes fitness, teamwork and general well-being through a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Come and join us paddling on the pristine waters of Pittwater.
Find out more at: www.pittwateroutriggers.com.au
Waratahs: Look But Don't Steal
The NSW Government announced on Friday rangers and volunteers have applied a non-toxic blue paint to waratah petals and stems to deter flower pickers. Thieves caught blue-handed may face a $300 fine.
If you see one when out walking please look but don't touch. Native plants are an important part of these ecosystems.
Waratahs were once were everywhere in Pittwater.
Getting ready to go back to school: top Ten Tips for parents
For many of us, learning from home has been the norm since June. There’s no doubt that new routines have been tried and tested, and you’ve probably learnt things about yourself as a parent.
However, it’s time to get back into familiar routines as your child heads back to school.
To help take some of the stress out of returning to school, here’s the NSW Department of Education’s Top Ten (plus one) help list:
- Find school equipment and check uniforms and shoes still fit – your child may have grown. Give yourself enough time to organise replacements or a uniform alternative if needed.
- Encourage your child to check their school timetable if needed, pack their school bag, and get their lunch box, drink bottle and uniform ready.
- Plan ahead for making lunch boxes again. You can find some nutritious ideas at www.education.nsw.gov.au/parents-and-carers/wellbeing/health-and-safety/nutrition-at-school and www.healthy-kids.com.au/parents.
- Promote positive conversations. Let them know that school staff are looking forward to seeing them. If they feel nervous or worried, help them understand this is a normal reaction, and that you and their teachers are there to support them.
- Remind your child that everyone at school is working hard to make sure that everyone is safe and that anyone who is unwell will stay home.
- Look at the school website, Facebook page and newsletters to learn about new procedures that may have been introduced such as changes to parents’ access to the school grounds, drop off and pick up points as well as new rules such as wearing face masks or hygiene rules.
- Allow more time than usual on the first morning back to calmly get ready. Take your child to school if that will help build a greater sense of security. Alternatively, encourage your child to meet up with a friend before school and travel in together.
- Routines help provide certainty and increase feelings of security, so it will help to re-establish routines and plan for the return. After-school routines to review the day’s learning and complete homework tasks will also be important.
- Provide opportunities for your child to play and relax at the end of the day. Returning to school can be a big deal especially after lockdown.
- Remember your school is there to help – contact them with any concerns or issues you might have.
And finally: visit www.education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families for more hints, help and tips to make the transition back to school smooth sailing.
Development assessment processes in local councils: assessment stage
By Audit Office of NSW
The Audit Office of New South Wales is planning to commence an audit in 2021-22 into the development assessment (DA) process in local councils.
The audit will assess the extent to which the assessment of DAs by selected councils aligns with relevant legislation and relevant guidance from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
This audit is open for submissions and we welcome information regarding insights and experiences with the DA process including the assessment of DAs by local councils.
Contributions will be accepted until 10 am 23 November 2021.
Any person or entity, including local councils, can make a submission. Submissions could include what local councils do well, or what they could improve in the DA process to ensure the process is efficient, effective and done in compliance with relevant laws and policy. Those making submissions should consider that the Auditor-General cannot question the merits of government policy objectives. The Auditor-General focuses on assessing whether activities undertaken by government authorities are efficient, effective, economical and in compliance with the law.
Councils to be audited have not yet been identified. Councils to be audited will be selected during audit scoping and planning. Local councils subject to performance audits are selected based on targeted, objective criteria relevant to the audit topic.
We will consider your contribution in the context of the role of the Audit Office, other audit evidence and its relevance to the topic, and may not reference it in the tabled report.
We will not publish your name or other identifying details, or your contribution, in our reports or on our website.
To contribute visit: www.audit.nsw.gov.au/development-assessment-processes-in-local-councils
Pets of the Week
Charlie
AGE/SEX: 7 months / F
BREED: Staffy X
Charlie is a well-mannered affectionate and friendly girl. She can be a bit shy at times but looks to the handler for reassurance. She walks well on loose lead, loves pats and cuddles and also enjoys a jog. She is looking for an adult home. She has a short coat and weighs 17.8kg. She comes desexed, C5 vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DR Vet. Her adoption cost is $450.
Soup
Soup is a 7 month old Russian Blue boy who came from the pound sick with cat flu and spent 3 weeks at our vets recovering. He is a shy boy who is tentative about being picked up and is looking for an experienced cat rescue family with calm surrounds. He still needs to gain some 500g weight. He would be best as an only cat or one who has had similar flu issues in the past. He weighs 3.4kg
He comes desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV tested and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email cats@doggierescue.com
Foster Carers Needed
Not everyone is in a position to adopt a dog, which is why DoggieRescue runs a foster program making it easy for caring dog lovers to make an immediate difference.
For further details or to meet all cats, rabbits and dogs at Doggie Rescue call 9486 3133 or email monika@DoggieRescue.com. Visit www.DoggieRescue.com to see all our dogs. www.facebook.com/doggierescue
Rehoming Organisation No R251000024.
Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls at Pittwater Place
Our Avalon Mothers’ Day stall was most successful raising $2,400 which we will spend on outdoor furniture for the new Palliative Care Centre.
“Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members will be holding stalls at Pittwater Place, Mona Vale on the first Saturday of the month for the rest of the year, selling knitting, sewing, craft, jams and books, from 8am to 3pm.”
Call for Entries: North Sydney Art Prize 2022
Entries are now open for the North Sydney Art Prize 2022, a major biennial arts event showcasing some of the best in contemporary art by emerging, mid-career and established artists.
Artists from across Australia are invited to submit entries for the 16-day exhibition to be held from 14 to 29 May 2022 at the iconic Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton. This unique site enables broad participation and accommodates the inclusion of all mediums.
Indoor and outdoor works will be selected for exhibition in the Caretakers Cottage, Artist Studio, Platform, tunnels, 25 chambers and surrounding parklands. All proposals for the tunnels and chambers must first be discussed with the Curator prior to the submission of entries.
Due to the nature of this unique post-industrial site installation, site specific and sculptural works are encouraged.
Awards to the value of $41,000 with six award categories including:
- Major Open Award $20,000
- Award for Sculpture $12,000
- Site Specific Award $5,000
- Emerging Artist Award $2,000
- Work/on with Paper Award $1,000
- Award for Drawing $1,000
North Sydney Council acknowledges and sincerely thanks Australian Catholic University, Primrose Park Art & Crafts Centre Inc and the Royal Art Society of NSW for their generous sponsorship of the North Sydney Art Prize.
Entries close November 30th 2021.
Apply online at www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/artprize
The purpose of www.westpittwater.com.au - is best defined by the vision of the West Pittwater Community Association.
To be a supportive community, encouraging and promoting civic pride, interest in community affairs and goodwill amongst residents.
To protect local fauna and flora and generally preserve West Pittwater and its environs.
To secure essential facilities including public wharves and reserves and to protect private and public property.
To speak with one voice and represent the interests of the Western Foreshore community when in discussion with Pittwater Council and other relevant government bodies. The WPCA website provides a forum for the better realisation of these objectives. Visit: www.westpittwater.com.au