August 7 - 13, 2022: Issue 549



This Issue: full list in Contents page 

Front Page Issue 549  

Dr Sophie Scamps MP Delivers Historic First Speech In Parliament + Climate Change Bill 2022 Passes House Of Representatives

2022 Environmental Art & Design Prize Winners Announced - details of this years' winners this year, and of events associated with the 2022 Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize and Exhibition; across three venues

Science Week 2022: August 13-21 School Theme This Year - Glass: More Than Meets The Eye

Pictures: Avalon Soccer Club Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Aquatics: Local Surf Life Saving Clubs 2022 AGM's: President's Words, New Life Members, Long Service Recognitions

Northern Beaches Aboriginal Land DDP Finalised By The NSW Department Of Planning

DIY Ideas Stop Winter Rain Soil Erosion In Your Garden - Especially On Sloping Blocks

Park Bench Philosophers Increases In Building Materials Costs Adds Pressure To Fixed Price Contracts - Construction Industry

2022 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards Winners Announced - NATSIAA's 2022 Exhibition Is Available To View Online

Proposals For De-Amalgamation Of Merged Councils Increase: Protect Pittwater Members To Attend August 9 Rally

Calls For Council To Address Dogs Offleash Everywhere After Two Serious Dog Attacks On Local Beaches In Same Week - dog owner still not identified as of Saturday August 6, 2022

Council's Open Space and Outdoor Recreation and Action Plan Open For Feedback: Supports Formalising Illegal Bike Tracks In Bush Reserves and Public Parks - Installing Fitness Equipment - Developing A Dogs In Public Places Policy: feedback closes Sunday August 14

Profile of the Week Pittwater Motoring Enthusiasts Association 

Website: www.pittwatermotorclub.org.au

Pittwater Motoring Enthusiasts Association (PMEA or the Club) was founded in 1994 in the Pittwater region of Sydney. The Club fosters a friendship among people with a shared interest in vehicles of all types both old and new, including cars, motorcycles and other types of machinery and equipment.

The Club encourages the preservation, restoration, maintenance, use and display of historic vehicles and machinery.

Members and guests can attend fortnightly Wednesday meetings held at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, 46 Prince Alfred Parade, Newport NSW, starting at 7.30pm.

Members meet socially in a range of regular events from our Events Calendar. The Club is very proud of its support, via donations, to charitable organisations each year. A Club magazine 'STAY TUNED' is published online every two months.

Most importantly, the Club encourages members to be active participants, not just joining the Club for the ‘cheap rego.’

The Royal Motor Yacht Club has a Bistro if you want to arrive early for dinner or a light snack, full bar facilities and plenty of off-street parking.

If you would like to become a member please Click HERE to view.

This Issue a few insights into another great Pittwater club and organisation. Our thanks to Graeme Smith for his great help in putting this Profile together.

History Grand Old Tree Of Angophora Reserve Falls Back To The Earth

President of the Avalon Beach Historical Society, Geoff Searl OAM, contacted this news service sending through the following photos of the grand old tree that gave its name to Angophora Reserve in Avalon Beach.

Geoff said; ''it was noticed yesterday (Friday August 5th) that the 450 years old Angophora costata has decided it ’s too tiresome to stand up any longer, so she fell over probably with the assistances of the strong westerlies we’ve had lately.
I know you’ve got some pics of her when she was young and beautiful but here are a couple of pics of her yesterday.
She was really hard to shoot because of her massiveness. 
R.I.P.''

The official opening of the Angophora Reserve on March 19th, 1938 by Sir Phillip Street (KCMG). Much of the groundwork to enable the purchase of the land by the Wildlife Preservation Society in 1937 was done by Thistle Harris. 

Artists of the Month August 2022: Personal Whale Tales - True Stories Of Surf Life Saving

Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club is fortunate to have a history of dedicated people who, in their own special way, have contributed to the growth and ideals of the Club and its service to the beach-going community. This heritage will surely be carried forward by future generations of young Australians as members of this special Club.

The stories of surf life saving at Whale Beach runs as the August 2022 Artist of the Month feature and is available now in the WBSLSC online site here.

This book is dedicated to the young men and women who have become members of Whale Beach SLSC since its foundation in 1937. It is a record of their determination and dedication to community service through becoming a trained lifesaver. Many risked their lives and serious injury in undertaking the rescue of beach visitors in danger in the surf. These stories share many of these incidents in which lives were saved.

Personal Whale Tales - True stories of surf life saving, is a testament to the selflessness and courage of those volunteer lifesavers.

Rob Berry, who has organised the work, says;

''Thank you to the members who have put forward stories, and to the many others who have helped in research, provided photographs, and for your encouragement with this Personal Whale Tales book project.

These stories are based on the personal recollections of the lifesavers involved, documents from Whale Beach SLSC archives and newspaper clippings.''

The book is divided into three themes: Rescues, Happenings and History, and dates from 1937 records right through 2021.

This month we share three insights from the large body of works contained in Personal Whale Tales - True stories of surf life saving, that are interrelated and centred in the one family that were always on the beach - the Hendriksons who owned and ran The Whale Beach Kiosk over three generations.

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter: August 1, 2022

Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Community urged to stay alert for meningococcal symptoms

August 5, 2022
NSW Health is urging parents and young people to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear.

So far this year, there have been 15 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW.

Sadly, a man in his 40s from Sydney has died with the disease. His infection was identified following his death and notified to NSW Health yesterday (Thursday).

NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to his loved ones.

While meningococcal disease is now uncommon thanks to vaccination, it can occur year round. We tend to see increases in late winter and early spring, with children under five and 15 to 25-year-olds at the greatest risk of contracting the disease.

Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said early intervention can be lifesaving.

“Onset of meningococcal disease symptoms can appear suddenly and become very serious very quickly. If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash – see a doctor immediately,” Dr McAnulty said.

Meningococcal disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated. Knowing the symptoms could help prevent premature death or life-long disability. They include:
  • severe, unexplained limb pain
  • difficulty waking up
  • high pitched crying in babies
  • severe headache
  • upset by bright lights
  • stiff neck
  • red-purple rash which doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass.
“While it is a well-known symptom of meningococcal disease, the rash does not always occur, or may present late in the illness,” Dr McAnulty said.

“If symptoms rapidly worsen, or if your child is very unwell, call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department.”

Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious and sometimes fatal infection. Up to one in 10 cases die, and four in 10 infections result in permanent disabilities, including learning difficulties, sight and hearing problems, liver and kidney failure, loss of fingers, toes or limbs, or scarring caused by skin grafts.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and community from the harmful effects of meningococcal disease.

Under the National Immunisation Program, meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine is provided free for babies at 12 months, adolescents, and people of all ages with certain medical conditions. In NSW, the adolescent dose is delivered through the school vaccination program in Year 10.

As of 1 July 2020, Aboriginal children up to the age of two years, and people with certain medical conditions, can also access free meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine. All children from six weeks of age can have the Men B vaccine to reduce the risk of infection.

For more information on vaccination or symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment of meningococcal, see the NSW Health website.

Cybercrime Squad issue warning after more than $2 million stolen under 'Hi Mum' scam

August 6, 2022: NSW Police
Cybercrime Squad detectives are reminding mobile phone users to remain vigilant, after a spike in reports by victims of an emerging scam dubbed the ‘Hi Mum’ scam.

The scam involves the offender sending a text message from an unknown mobile phone number to a person on a messaging application claiming to be their son or daughter.

The message will state they’ve lost their phone, telling the victim they’re sending from their new number and to delete the old number.

Once the victim engages in conversation, the offender will ask to borrow money or have a payment made on their behalf. This will generally include an excuse as to why they need it – for example, unavailability of online banking on the new device – and an offer to pay it back.

The offender will usually state it’s a matter of urgency before providing details for the payment.

Cybercrime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft, said the scam is becoming increasingly costly for parents around the world, including Australia.

“Victims of the ‘Hi Mum’ scam date back to at least October last year overseas, but since May, we’ve seen a significant increase in reports not just here in NSW, but jurisdictions across Australia,” Det. Supt Craft said.

“We encourage people to look out for suspicious behaviours demonstrated by these scammers; including their failure to personalise any communication and excuses as to why they can’t speak on the phone.

“If you receive a suspicious message on your mobile, particularly through social media or encrypted messaging, reach out to your relative by an alternative method of communication or call to confirm it is in fact them.

“In just a matter of months, the losses accumulated by Australian victims of this scam easily surpasses $2 million when you consider the significant underreporting by victims of cybercrime generally.

“The demographic of victims is predominately aged over 55, and sadly, many parents are falling victim because they’re simply nice people who are concerned for their child’s welfare,” Det. Supt Craft said.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has recorded a steep increase in the amount of cash and personal identity documents fraudulently obtained by the scam since May, most notably on those aged 65 and above.

Victims in NSW and Victoria account for just over half of all ‘Hi Mum’ scam reports made to Australian law enforcement bodies, followed by Western Australia and Queensland.

Fraudulently obtained funds are usually quickly moved from bank accounts into cryptocurrency and victims are unlikely to get their money back.

People who have lost money to a scam should contact their bank or financial institution as soon as possible and report the matter to police.

For more advice on how to avoid scams and what to do if you or someone you know is a victim of a scam, visit the Scamwatch website.


ICAC finds pork barrelling could be corrupt, recommends grant funding guidelines be subject to statutory regulation

August 1, 2022
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has found that pork barrelling could constitute corrupt conduct in certain circumstances, while recommending that any whole–of–government guidelines concerning grants funding be issued pursuant to a statutory regulation.

The Commission released its Report on investigation into pork barrelling in NSW (Operation Jersey), today, in which it defines pork barrelling as “the allocation of public funds and resources to targeted electors for partisan political purposes”. In the report, the Commission finds that while individual matters should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis, a minister, for example, may engage in corrupt conduct involving pork barrelling, within the meaning of section 8 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988, if the minister:
  • influences a public servant to exercise decision-making powers vested in the public servant, or to fulfil an official function, such as providing an assessment of the merits of grants, in a dishonest or partial way
  • applies downward pressure to influence a public servant to exercise decision-making powers vested in the public servant, or to fulfil an official function, such as providing an assessment of the merits of grants, in a manner which knowingly involves the public servant in a breach of public trust
  • conducts a merit-based grants scheme in such a way as to dishonestly favour political and private advantage over merit, undermining public confidence in public administration, and benefiting political donors and/or family members
  • deliberately exercises a power to approve grants in a manner that favours family members, party donors or party interests in electorates, contrary to the guidelines of a grant program which state that the grants are to be made on merit according to criteria
  • exercises a power to make grants in favour of marginal electorates, when this is contrary to the purpose for which the power was given.
The report notes that those who exercise public or official powers in a manner inconsistent with the public purpose for which the powers were conferred betray public trust and so misconduct themselves. The Commission also finds that pork barrelling could satisfy section 9 of the ICAC Act. It may do so, for example, by conduct amounting to a substantial breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct, or the Members’ Code of Conduct, or conduct constituting or involving the common law offence of misconduct in public office.

The Commission notes that in issuing this report, it intends to make it clear that ministers and their advisers “do not have an unfettered discretion to distribute public funds. The exercise of ministerial discretion is subject to the rule of law, which ensures that it must accord with public trust and accountability principles.”

Altogether, the Commission makes 21 recommendations to help prevent or better regulate pork barrelling. These also include that:
  • the Government Sector Finance Act 2018 be amended to mirror section 71 of the Commonwealth Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 by including obligations that a minister must not approve expenditure of money unless satisfied that the expenditure would be an efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of the money and that the expenditure represents value for money
  • the grant funding framework, or equivalent requirements, apply to the local government sector. This should include situations where local councils are both grantees and grantors
  • clause 6 of the Ministerial Code of Conduct be amended to read, “A Minister, in the exercise or performance of their official functions, must not act dishonestly, must act in the public interest, and must not act improperly for their private benefit or for the private benefit of any other person”.
The Commission’s report follows an investigation it commenced in May 2020 into the NSW Government’s Stronger Community’s Fund. Following an inquiry by the NSW Legislative Council’s Public Accountability Committee, a performance audit by the NSW Auditor-General, an assessment by the State Archives and Records Authority and a review into grants administration in NSW (led by the Department of Premier and Cabinet in partnership with the NSW Productivity Commissioner), the Commission revised its investigation scope. It determined that it was in the public interest to examine and report on the circumstances where, it had concluded, pork barrelling could involve serious breaches of public trust and conduct that could amount to corrupt conduct.

To assist its investigation, the Commission engaged a number of experts to prepare papers and participate in a public forum held on 3 June 2022. The report represents the view of the Commission but draws on the analysis of these experts. The report is available on the Commission’s website.

New Chief Commissioner and Commissioners appointed to the ICAC

August 4, 2022
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has today confirmed the appointment of the Honourable John Hatzistergos AM as Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

The Honourable Helen Murrell SC, recently retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the ACT, and his Honour Paul Lakatos SC, District Court Judge and President of the Mental Health Review Tribunal, have been appointed as Commissioners of the ICAC.

The appointments were made following an open merit-based selection process.

“These individuals have been charged with executing the powerful anti-corruption responsibilities of the ICAC and I expect them to bring their broad expertise and experience to these important roles,” Mr Perrottet said.

“The ICAC is responsible not just for investigations into alleged corrupt behaviour but also works proactively to minimise corruption by educating and advising on corruption prevention strategies.

I want to congratulate the new Commissioners on their appointments. I am confident we will continue to see the ICAC work to ensure the integrity and accountability of public administration in NSW and hold public officials to the highest standards.”

Attorney General Mark Speakman said these appointments are key to ensuring the ICAC continues to undertake its important statutory functions.

“A strong ICAC plays a vital role in investigating, exposing and preventing corruption involving or affecting public administration in our State,” Mr Speakman said.

The appointments will be for five-year terms and will fill the positions to be vacated on 6 August by the current Chief Commissioner, the Honourable Peter Hall QC, and Commissioners Patricia McDonald SC and Stephen Rushton SC, following the completion of their terms.

The Honourable John Hatzistergos AM and the Honourable Helen Murrell SC will commence their appointments on 7 August. His Honour Paul Lakatos SC will commence his appointment on 12 September.

The Premier said that he wished to thank the Honourable Peter Hall QC, Patricia McDonald SC and Stephen Rushton SC for demonstrating their significant abilities and making a highly valued contribution to NSW in their roles at the ICAC.

The ICAC is an independent body established to expose corruption and enhance public confidence in the integrity of the NSW public sector. The ICAC’s principal objectives are to investigate, expose and seek to prevent corrupt conduct in the NSW public sector, and to educate public authorities, public officials, and members of the public about corruption and its detrimental effects. 

The Hon John Hatzistergos AM – Bio
Mr Hatzistergos was appointed as a Judge of the District Court of NSW in 2014. He was called to the NSW Bar in 1989 and practised as a barrister from 1989 to 2003 and 2012 to 2014. During 2014 to 2015, Mr Hatzistergos was commissioned by the Government to conduct a 12-month review of the Bail Act 2013. In 2012 to 2014, Mr Hatzistergos was an Examiner at the Australian Crime Commission. Between 2003 and 2011, Mr Hatzistergos was a Minister in the NSW Government, holding portfolios including Attorney General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Regulatory Reform, Minister for Health and Minister for Industrial Relations. He was Chair of the Joint Committee on the Independent Commission Against Corruption from 1999 to 2003.
 

The Hon Helen Murrell SC – Bio
Ms Murrell recently retired as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the ACT, a position she held since 2013. She was called to the NSW Bar in 1981 and appointed Senior Counsel in 1995. Prior to her role as Chief Justice, Ms Murrell was a Judge of the District Court of NSW from 1996 to 2013. Her prior appointments include Deputy Chairperson of the NSW Medical Tribunal, Senior Judge of the Drug Court of NSW, President of the Equal Opportunity Tribunal of NSW and Deputy President of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal of NSW (Equal Opportunity Division), and Acting Judge of the Land and Environment Court of NSW. 

His Hon Paul Lakatos SC – Bio
Mr Lakatos was appointed as a Judge of the District Court of NSW in 2008 and as President of the Mental Health Review Tribunal in 2019, where he leads approximately 30 permanent staff and 140 part-time members. He has extensive legal experience and legal qualifications, having been appointed to the NSW Bar in 1984 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2005. His work as a barrister included criminal law, administrative law, and the conduct of, and Counsel Assisting for, various coronial and other inquiries including ICAC hearings.

NSW Pool Team hoping for Success

The NSW Pool Rescue team will be looking to make a splash this weekend as the nation’s best swimmers land on the Gold Coast for the Australian Pool Rescue Championships.

Selected following their strong results a fortnight ago during the State Championships at the Peninsula Leisure Centre on the Central Coast, the NSW team will be looking to build on the momentum gathered and bring a slew of medals back home with them.

Nine different surf clubs will be represented across the team of 24, with no club boasting more than five swimmers.

Having posted Australian records the last time the Championships were held in 2019, North Curl Curl’s Dominique Melbourn and James Koch – formerly of Shelly Beach, now of Bondi Surf Bathers – will be ones to watch.

Meanwhile, with five Australian records to her name – posted in two stunning spurts in 2013 and 2017 – James’ clubmate, Dori Miller is sure to be tough to beat once again.

Gun competitors Blake Hessel, Zara Kasprowicz, Emily Maythers, Alex Walker and Brayden Woodford – the latter of which coming off an outstanding State Championships that saw him claim seven gold medals from seven events and post scary times in the 50m with Fin and Super Lifesaver – will have a chance to make a name for themselves on a national stage.

The 2022 Australian Pool Rescue Championships will be held at the Southport Aquatic Centre on Queensland’s Gold Coast from 5-7 August.

NSW Pool Rescue Team:

Olivia Clues North Curl Curl SLSC
Katelynn Doyle Newport SLSC
Emily Doyle Newport SLSC
Anthony Doyle Newport SLSC
Kimberley Doyle Newport SLSC
Ethan Garland Bondi Surf Bathers LSC
Kye Green         Terrigal SLSC
Blake Hessel Shelly Beach SLSC
Samuel Higgs North Curl Curl SLSC
Luke Higgs North Curl Curl SLSC
Holly Holmesby Bulli SLSC
Chelsea Jones Bulli SLSC
Zara Kasprowicz North Curl Curl SLSC
James Koch Bondi Surf Bathers LSC
Noah Maggs Newport SLSC
Emily Maythers North Cronulla SLSC
Dominique  Melbourn North Curl Curl SLSC
Dori Miller          Bondi Surf Bathers LSC
Lily O’Sullivan Cudgen Headland SLSC
Tom Simpson         Shelly Beach SLSC
Stephanie Staniforth Bulli SLSC
Alex Walker Cooks Hill SLSC
Brayden Woodford Bulli SLSC
Jack Baker         Terrigal SLSC

by Surf Life Saving NSW

Monika's Doggie Rescue: Pets of the Week

Monty 


11yo English Staffy X

Monty is a very gentle sweet natured mature boy. Monty is affectionate with people and ignores other dogs walking past on lead. He is social with other dogs who are not too boisterous for him. Monty does have frosty vision and poor hearing, but he can still see enough to get around. Monty is looking for the quiet life for his retirement. He has a smooth coat and weighs 21.7kg. He suit apartment living and would cope with FT hours.

All our dogs come 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 DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $400. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email  Monika@DoggieRescue.com.  RON R251000024

Marie 


Marie, an adult Dwarf X is a sweet easy to handle girl who came to our clinic as a stray. She is desexed, vaccinated and chipped. She is about 4 years and weighs 2.5kg. She is happy to be a single bunny but has had mates in the past. Her adoption fee is $150. For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024

Changes to NSW ministerial arrangements

August 3, 2022
From Friday 5 August 2022, three NSW Government Ministers will have their portfolios expanded.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced three NSW Government Ministers will have their portfolios expanded following the resignation of Stuart Ayres from the Cabinet.

Mr Perrottet said the Ministers will take responsibility for the additional portfolios from Friday 5 August 2022, when recommendations will be made to the Governor regarding their commissions.

“These Ministers have a proven track record of serving the people of NSW and I have full confidence that they have the experience to take on these additional responsibilities,” Mr Perrottet said.

Alister Henskens will assume the additional portfolios of Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, and Minister for Sport. He is currently the Minister for Skills and Training and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Ben Franklin, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Regional Youth, will assume the additional portfolio of Minister for Tourism.

The Minister for Transport and Minister for Veterans Affairs, David Elliott, will assume the additional portfolio of Minister for Western Sydney.

PBS Listings will help people with spinal muscular atrophy, schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis

From August 1st 2022, Australians will have access to new and updated Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings, including a new spinal muscular atrophy medicine for adult patients. 

The PBS listing of nusinersen (Spinraza®) will be extended to include treatment of adult patients diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) whose symptoms appeared before 19 years of age. 

SMA is a rare genetic neuromuscular condition which causes progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement.  

Until now there have been no treatment options available on the PBS for adults living with SMA. 

Approximately one in 35 Australians carry the SMA gene - but most are unaware.

Without a subsidy, families would pay well over $300,000 per year for nusinersen treatment. Now, it costs just $42.50 per script, or $6.80 with a concession card. This will benefit an average of 100 patients per year. 

A new long-acting (6-month injection cycle) form of the medicine paliperidone (Invega Hafyera®) will be listed to treat schizophrenia for patients who have been stabilised on 1-monthly or 3-monthly injections.  

Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder affecting between 150,000 and 200,000 Australians, causing an altered experience of reality including delusions and hallucinations.  

Without subsidy for paliperidone patients may pay $4,200 per year of treatment. Last year 5,400 people accessed another form of long-acting paliperidone, and they will now have an alternative treatment option.  

A new treatment option for those with multiple sclerosis (MS), diroximel fumarate (Vumerity ®) will be made available through the PBS. Without this listing patients could pay up to $8,500 a year on treatment. 

MS is a result of damage to myelin – a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. This interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body. 

The Albanese Government is committed to making medicines more affordable for all Australians and ensuring they have improved independence and a better quality of life.  

Minister Butler said:  

“These updates to the PBS will improve the lives for Australians who suffer from SMA, schizophrenia and MS.  

“These are remarkable medications that without government support would be unaffordable for thousands of Australians diagnosed with these conditions.  

“The Albanese Government is committed to expanding the PBS, and will continue to list new medicines, or expand PBS listings, where recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.  

“We will continue to make vital medicines more affordable for all Australians.” 

Public warning against Tru Water

August 4, 2022
NSW Fair Trading has issued a public warning to consumers to avoid dealing with SPG Consultants Pty Ltd, who trade using the website www.truwater.com.au, after a high number of complaints about the company.

Investigations & Enforcement Executive Director Valerie Griswold said the company supplies and distributes water filtration products, systems, and accessories to consumers in Australia via the website.

“I warn consumers not to deal with SPG Consultants Pty Ltd, who trade using the website www.truwater.com.au and the business names Tru Water AU, Tru Water (Aust) and Tru Water (Tru Water),” Ms Griswold said.

“Since April 2020, Fair Trading has received 355 complaints and 164 enquiries concerning the website, the company, and the business names.

“Consumers complain about delayed and partial delivery of orders, products substituted without customer consent, and misrepresentation of goods advertised on the website.

“Anyone who has dealt with SPG Consultants Pty Ltd, the website “truwater.com.au” or the business names Tru Water AU, Tru Water (Aust) or Tru Water, and is not satisfied with their interaction, is urged to lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading via the Fair Trading website or call 13 32 20,” Ms Griswold said.

To lodge a complaint, call 13 32 20 or visit the NSW Fair Trading website

New leadership at the helm of NSWNMA

August 4, 2022
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has announced General Secretary, Brett Holmes, will conclude his leadership at the end of this week after two decades in the top job.

Mr Holmes, who was elected General Secretary in August 2002, formally announced his retirement to delegates and members during the NSWNMA’s 77th Annual Conference in Sydney this morning.

“After careful consideration, I decided now is the appropriate time to conclude my roles as General Secretary, and Branch Secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation NSW Branch, and to make way for new leadership of our union,” Mr Holmes said.

“I am honoured to have served the Association and its members for the past 32 years in my roles as an Organiser, Organiser Team Manager, Assistant General Secretary, and then as General Secretary for the last 20 years.

“I have returned that privilege by working as hard as I possibly can each day with the interests of our membership, both at work and in the communities in which they live and care for, as my driving purpose.

“It has been very humbling and rewarding. However, I believe it is a good time to extend our membership a chance for renewal and allow our two exceptionally talented new leaders the opportunity to map the union’s best path forward.”


Mr Holmes first trained as a registered nurse in Sydney in 1980, then as a psychiatric nurse for several years before becoming a midwife. He transitioned from clinical practitioner to trade union organiser when he started work at the NSWNMA in 1990.

Mr Holmes was elected as Assistant Secretary of the union in 1999. He was elected by the Council in August 2002 as General Secretary and subsequently elected by members in 2003, and then re-elected unopposed in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2018.

Regarded as measured and approachable by his peers, Mr Holmes has dedicated his career to fighting for improved pay, conditions and workers’ rights, as well as acknowledgement of the nursing and midwifery professions in NSW, nationally and around the globe. The NSWNMA’s membership has grown from 48,000 to almost 75,000 under his leadership.

Mr Holmes is a director on the board of superannuation fund, HESTA. For many years, he has also sat on the ACTU Executive, Unions NSW Executive, ANMF Federal Executive and Council, the NSWNMA Council, chaired the Edith Cavell Trust, and a director of legal firm, New Law.

Today Mr Holmes also announced the NSWNMA Council had appointed current Assistant General Secretary, Shaye Candish, as his successor and the Director of Strategy and Transformation, Michael Whaites, was appointed as the new Assistant General Secretary.

“Shaye and Michael are a dynamic team. Together, they’ll continue pursuing improved outcomes for all nurses and midwives, as well as persisting in our campaign for safe nurse-to-patient ratios across all sectors,” said Mr Holmes.

“Shaye’s genuine advocacy for nursing and midwifery, and the broader union movement, are reflected in her strong leadership qualities.

“Michael has been a dedicated advocate and strategic campaigner for our members over many years, as well as for the betterment of nurses and midwives globally.

“I congratulate Shaye and Michael wholeheartedly on their appointments and look forward to them confidently leading our union at the forefront of the movement.”


Mona Vale Residents Association

Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area.



Seals Coming Ashore: Please keep 40 metres distance

ORRCA would like to remind residents it is that time of year when we get the odd special visitor to our beaches and bays looking for a spot to rest and relax in the summer sun. 

If you are out and about and come across a seal that is resting, please don't approach it! Keep well back (40 meters is required under NSW Laws) and enjoy the special visitor from a distance. 

It is also important to report your sighting into the ORRCA Rescue Hotline on 02 9415 3333 so they can track and, if needed, assess the seal. 

ORRCA often track seals moving up and down our coastline over days, weeks and months so your report could add to the seal travel journey.


Leopard Seal at Bungan Beach. Photo: Jools Farrell

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: please share Wildlife Data 

Local wildlife rescuers are asking all members of the public to report any roadkill on McCarrs Ck Rd or any other road in the NB (Wakehurst Parkway or Mona Vale Road for instance) on www.wildlifemapping.org

It records the GPS position, date, sex, species. Photos can be added as they help in identification
The data is then forwarded to OEH and Transport NSW as it can help establish the best places to place  mitigation. Thanking you all in advance for your help with this. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. Although we have had pictures sent to us, many of these have no date or location.

There is a database that volunteers maintain but this needs three pieces of information:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal
The details can be entered into the database directly by you at: www.wildlifemapping.org

JP Public Register

You can find a Justice of the Peace (JP) using the online Public Register. You can search by postcode, name of a JP, day of availability, language spoken and JP registration number. The register lists a JP’s location, availability and telephone number. Please note that JPs are volunteers and may not be available at all times. ​Click here to access the JP Public Register

NB: There are  3 J.P’s working in Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch office, we work every Monday (10:30am to 15:30)except on public holidays:
  1. Terry Jones J.P.
  2. Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
  3. Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P

Narrabeen RSL Notice: Extraordinary General Meeting

MONDAY AUGUST 29th at 6PM: at MONA VALE BOWLING CLUB
If you were a financial member on February 6th 2022 when the RSL closed you are encouraged to attend and vote.

At this time the previous Management and Board at Narrabeen RSL would like to thank you for your unwavering patience and understanding regarding the current circumstance surrounding the future of our Club.

Our appointed administrator has brokered an amalgamation with Manly Leagues Club.
We are grateful for this opportunity to continue the legacy of Narrabeen RSL. 

Whilst we have always aimed to remain in our 116 Nareen Parade Nth Narrabeen location this is no longer a possibility.

Narrabeen RSL Sub-Branch is currently seeking a new tenant for the location and we wish them every success.

Narrabeen RSL has stood in the valley supporting and serving its community for over 65 years. It has been a privilege and an honour to be part of something that spanned generations and captured the essence of Narrabeen.

For all the singing, dancing, good times and bad The Razza has always held and will continue to hold a place in our hearts.

We acknowledge that change is difficult but want nothing more than spirit of Narrabeen RSL and it’s members to live on.

As most members will already be aware, the club was not able to cope with its worsening financial position and was put into voluntary administration.

Creditors of the club subsequently approved a Deed of Company Arrangement that will allow the proposed amalgamation to proceed subject to separate approvals in principle from the memberships of each of the two clubs and to approval by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority.

At the time that the administration commenced, the club's landlord Narrabeen RSL Sub-Branch had terminated the lease under which the club occupied its premises and the club, having no alternative premises was and is not able  to trade.

Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting
Notice is given that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of Narrabeen RSL Memorial & Recreational Club Ltd (Subject to Deed of Company Arrangement) will be held on Monday, 29 August 2022 commencing at 6:00pm at Main Auditorium, Mona Vale Bowling Club 1598 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale.

Members are encouraged to attend and vote. Without the support of the members for the proposed resolution, the club will just go into liquidation without the potential benefits of the amalgamation described in the link below.

gold medallist Sharni Williams now Water Girl at warringah rugby!

On Friday August 5th Sharni Williams popped by to wish Ratettes Anne Rutlidge and Sarah Carrington all the best on their final game for the Warringah Rugby Union Club. 

As the Rats posted on their social media pages;

Wins a Gold at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday in Birmingham… runs water for the Ratettes on Friday!
True Rats Spirit  Sharni Williams.
Seeing off Ranger and Ox in their last game!


Warringah Rugby photo

Tim Daleki, Haydn Black, Jack Wheatley and Luke Milham are also stepping back after playing their final games for the club.

All 6 players have been great, long-term assets for Warringah. Their consistent on and off field efforts, experience, leadership and welcoming nature has made them many friends and helped a lot of new players settle into the club.

Gentleman missing from North Narrabeen located by NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit members

Following a multi-agency search in the Narrabeen-Ingleside-Elanora Heights area, a man missing from North Narrabeen was located.

The 66-year-old man, Wagner Fernandes, was last seen at Elanora Heights about 5.30pm on Wednesday (3 August 2022).

Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command commenced an investigation into his whereabouts and had concerns for Wagner’s welfare as he is visiting Australia from overseas and does not know the area. His family, posting on social media local community forums explained he is diabetic and also recently recovered from pneumonia.

A two-day multi-agency search was conducted near Elanora Road, utilising assistance from Police Rescue, PolAir, NSW SES and NSW RFS volunteers, and members of the public.

The Fernandes family is well known and well-liked in the Narrabeen area, involved in volunteer work through the local surf club and school.

During the search, their father was found at the rear of a semi-rural property on Wattle Street, Ingleside, about 4.15pm on Friday 5 August 2022.

The gentleman was suffering from exposure and NSW Ambulance Paramedics attended to assess him.

Thousands of residents shared in the joy his family felt on being reunited, with high praise for the NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater and Manly Unit members, along with community volunteers who joined them.


Photo: The elated crew who found Wagner Fernandes (pictured here with his daughter-in-law Jade).
Rob, Harry, Vince, Eugenio, Steven and Jonno from NSW SES Manly Unit and Lauren, Michelle, Linda and Steve from NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit. 

The Warringah/Pittwater members found Wagner sitting at the creek bed near Wattle Rd Ingleside. It was very overgrown and could not be seen from the air. 

As you can imagine, everyone was so excited and proud. 

Rob from the NSW SES Manly Unit said a special mention to Manly Unit Commander Charles Hellawell who did a stellar job in the coordination of Friday's search. 

Well done all of the emergency agencies involved, including NSW Rural Fire Service, Northern Beaches Police Area Command and NSW SES Randwick Unit, NSW SES City of Sydney, NSW SES Mosman, Penrith NSW State Emergency Service and NSW SES Willoughby-Lane Cove Unit. 

Photo: NSW SES Manly Unit

Renewed appeal to locate man missing from Dee Why

As Missing Persons Week continues, police are re-appealing for assistance from the public to locate a man missing from our area since last year.

Taituha Hona, also known as Tai, aged 37, was last seen leaving his Dee Why home, about 2pm on Saturday 24 July 2021, telling his family he was going out to eat and would return later.

Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were notified of his disappearance after he failed to return home or attend his workplace the following day, which is out of character for Tai.

An investigation commenced into his whereabouts; however, Mr Hona has not been located.

Northern Beaches Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Brett O’Neill, said police continue to investigate Tai’s disappearance and urge anyone with information to come forward.

“Regardless of how insignificant you think it may be, we encourage anyone yet to speak to police who may’ve seen Tai around the time of his disappearance to come forward,” Det. A/Insp O’Neill said.

“Irrespective of time, police will always pursue any new information that may assist investigators in determining what has happened to a person who is missing.”

Tai is described as being of Maori appearance, of solid build, about 185cm tall, with short black/brown hair. He also has tattoos on his back and chest.



Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday 31 July and Saturday 6 August 2022.

If you have been reported as missing it means that someone is concerned about your safety and welfare. It is not a crime to go missing. You should attend the nearest police station with identification so that Police can ascertain that you are safe and well.

For more information on the campaign visit www.missingpersons.gov.au

Soup for Soibada Fundraiser

Friends of Soibada are having a good old fashioned “Soup for Soibada” evening on 26 August under Maria Regina Church. 

There will be updates about the recent trip and all projects. Also on the 'bill of fare' will be raffles and live music – just like in pre Covid days. 

Tickets are a mere $15 and available at this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CBRLW 


Tragic Tigers Open Day

The Narrabeen Tigers Junior Rugby Club and The O35s Tragic Tigers are running an open day Friday 19th of August from 5 pm. There will be some great activities to engage youngsters in Rugby and TriTag! 

Then the old boys will be having a run. Come down and try over 35’s Rugby if you are keen to put on the boots! 

Canteen will be open with food and drinks to raise money for our Fiji touring team.

Modus celebrates 8th birthday

The first brew venue of Modus Brewing’s establishments was launched in 2014 in Mona Vale. Modus Mona Vale is the original HQ of Modus Brewing, playing a pivotal role in the award-winning past of the company.

The venue has been awarded champion smaller, medium and large brewery and continues to produce award-winning beers today.

On Saturday July 2nd the venue hosted 8th birthday celebrations. The day was filled with youngsters running around with unicorns on faces, 5 special IPAs in honour of National IPA Day, fresh Modus Beer, shaken not stirred cocktails, piled high birthday cake, live music and even a great spit roast.

Congratulations Modus Operandi on your birthday and continued success - started here, in Pittwater.
A video of the day:

Rotary Club of Upper Northern Beaches 

There is so much more to Rotary than the tip of the iceberg. 
Did you know that Rotary offers great personal development opportunities for our members, via the Rotary Leadership Institute?

You are most welcome to come along to one of our meetings, to meet us and find out what Upper Northern Beaches Rotary is all about.

Our meetings are held at: 
  • The Sands, 1260 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen and
  • Avalon Beach RSL Club, 1 Bowling Green Lane Avalon Beach
Email contact@rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org or call us on 02 8005 0711 to find out more.


Potholes - damaged roads + damage to vehicles

Residents have been contacting Pittwater Online for months about the increasing amount of potholes we have in our area. Those that have already been sent in are being compiled into lists for each suburb.

If it is a MAIN Road you report it to TfNSW at:

If it is one of the smaller roads leading off a main road you report it to Council at (this includes flooded drain pits creating problems):

Residents can still send locations, and photos if you have them, where it's getting bigger and deeper and dangerous to Pittwater Online at: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au for those lists.

TfNSW has a form to fill out for compensation if your vehicle has been damaged.
Please visit the below link:


Lease of café and restaurant, Avalon Surf Life Saving Club: Public notice

Council are proposing to lease the café and restaurant at the Avalon Surf Life Saving Club to suitable operator(s) via a tender process. Tenderers may bid on either the café or restaurant, or both premises.

The proposed leases are on part of the ground floor to trade as a café, and part of the first floor to trade as a restaurant.

The tender for experienced food and beverage retailer(s) to lease and operate the café and restaurant will be released in the coming weeks. When released, you will find details of the tender on Council's tender portal, located here. Council will also update the details on this page.

The proposed lease is for five years, with an additional five year option at the lessee’s discretion. Council invite you to have your say on the proposal already though by:

writing to  council marked ‘Lease of Café & Restaurant – Avalon Surf Life Saving Club', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.

The leasing of the café and restaurant is authorised under the Ocean Beach Plan of Management for Avalon Beach. You can view the Plan of Management for Avalon Beach here.

Council is the owner of land and buildings at Avalon Beach, 558A Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach and this public notice is in accordance with Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993.

All submissions in their entirety will be treated as public documents and made available on request, subject to the Privacy Act 1988 and GIPA 2009 requirements.

The granting of the lease is subject to Council’s final approval.

Submissions opened on July 27 and will close on Wednesday 24 August 2022.

Flying Fox Café Mona Vale: Proposed lease Public Notice

Council are proposing to grant a 10-year lease to operate the Flying Fox Café/Restaurant located at 2 Mona Street, Mona Vale.

The purpose of the proposed lease is for the successful tenderer of RFT 2022/125 to occupy part of the land to trade as a café/restaurant. The tender is for an experienced food and beverage retailer for the lease and operation of the café and restaurant.

The Flying Fox Café is located within Winnererremy Reserve and is part of Lot 100/DP 1007142.

When released, you will find details of the tender on Council's tender portal, located here.

Submissions in relation to the proposal may be made by:

writing to council marked ‘PA2017/0022 Lease of Flying Fox Café – 2 Mona Street, Mona Vale’, Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.

Submissions opened on July 18 and close August 14 2022.

The leasing of the café/restaurant is authorised under the Winnererremy Bay Plan of Management. You can view the Plan of Management here.

Council is the owner of land and buildings at 2 Mona Street, Mona Vale and this public notice is in accordance with Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993.

The granting of the lease is subject to Council’s final approval.

Mona Vale Alcohol Free Zone: Have your say

Council is proposing to establish an Alcohol Free Zone in the following location in Mona Vale, adjacent to the existing AFZ, until 31 August 2025:

Barrenjoey Road from Darley Street to Seabeach Avenue, down Seabeach Avenue to Terrol Crescent, and along Terrol Crescent adjacent to Seabeach Gardens Retirement Village.

This in response to concerns raised by residents of the Seabeach Gardens Retirement Village who are experiencing issues with alcohol related antisocial behaviour. Council endorsed the public exhibition of the proposal at its meeting on 28 June 2022.

View the location plan and have your say by:

writing marked ‘Proposed new AFZ - Mona Vale’ to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.

Submissions close August 14, 2022

Forestville Memorial (Poppy Park) Playground Upgrade

Council are upgrading Poppy Park at the Forestville Memorial Playing Fields to provide the community with a new and inclusive, fun and challenging play space for all ages and abilities.

The upgrade will be partially funded through the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment's (DPIE) Everyone Can Play grant program which supports the creation of inclusive public open spaces for adventure and play.

The project aims to improve accessibility and safety and inspire more social interaction for all generations. The play space theme will pay homage to the memorial nature of the park and feature natural elements and materials.

Important components of the project are an upgrade to the equipment within the playground and improved access to the public amenities.

Features of the upgrade include:
  • additional inclusive playground equipment elements
  • introduction of more nature-based play themes
  • accessible picnic area with seating, barbeque and shelter
Council would like to hear what you think before they finalise the plans. View the concept plan here and have your say by:

writing marked ‘Forestville Memorial (Poppy Park) Playground Upgrade’ to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.
Comments close Sunday 14 August 2022.

Community Open Day & Night Details Announced for New Allianz Stadium

With the final piece of turf now laid and the last seats in place,  tickets are now available for a free community Open Day and Night on Sunday, 28 August at the new Allianz Stadium, headlined by Australian music superstars Guy Sebastian and Baker Boy.

Opening Day, running from 11am-3pm, will see the doors open to the community to explore the venue’s many new features for the first time, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the change rooms, meeting their favourite Sydney Roosters, Sydney FC and NSW Waratahs players, and an opportunity to have a kick on the new world-class playing surface.

Opening Night will kick off from 5pm, with dancers, light shows, large-scale projections and pyrotechnics, headlined by live performances from Australian music icons Guy Sebastian and Baker Boy.
Indigenous artist Tony Albert was the artistic force behind the new stadium’s seat design.

Mr Albert said through his artwork, that illustrates the concept Two Worlds Colliding: Water & Land, he embedded the idea of Country on top of the stadium creating an element of friendly yet fierce competition.

“Each end of the stadium is separated and distinguished by two different designs symbolising land and water – the land through geometric lines taken from nature, and the bubble of concentric circles for water,” Mr Albert said.

The seat design is one of six artworks that make up the new stadium’s public art program of art installations and recreational facilities that feature in the precinct, which can be seen during the community open day.

“We are inviting people to come out and enjoy a very special day and night. It will be the first opportunity for fans to experience first-hand how close to the action they will be and be entertained by Guy Sebastian and Baker Boy.”

The community can secure up to six free tickets per transaction to Opening Day (11am-3pm) and/or Opening Night (5pm-9pm). Tickets, which include public transport to and from the venue, can be secured from 12pm Tuesday 2 August via Ticketek:


Following the free community event the stadium will host three blockbuster events across five days when it opens on September 2, with the first match to be the NRL’s famous rivalry between the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The Wallabies will then take on the reigning Rugby World Cup winners South Africa on Saturday, September 3 and to cap it all off, the Commonwealth Bank Matildas will host Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal winners Canada on Tuesday, September 6 in an international friendly.

Time to bust your energy bills

Applications for the NSW Government’s Energy Bill Buster program to help households slash their power bills by up to $600 a year open on Monday, August 1st.

The 2022-23 NSW Budget included $128 million to help up to an initial 30,000 eligible households install solar or replace appliances with more energy efficient ones.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean is urging families to apply for the incentives to cut their bills.

“Around 30,000 households can apply for a free solar system or energy efficient appliance upgrades that can save them up to $600 per year,” Mr Kean said.

“It’s all about taking the pressure off families and putting more money back into household budgets.”

Mr Kean said the Energy Bill Buster program provides eligible households with more choice on how they manage their energy bills.

“This program enables households to make decisions that will deliver long term savings on their energy bills while making clean energy improvements to their homes,” he said.

“You can switch to solar or upgrade your home fittings and appliances, which are tried and tested ways to cut your energy bills year after year.”

Those renting or living in apartments who can’t have solar installed may be eligible to swap their current annual rebate for a suite of energy efficient upgrades, helping to reduce demand on the grid and lower power prices for everyone.

Appliances available in the package include energy efficient fridges, dryers, air-conditioners and hot water systems as well as upgrades such as window shading and draught sealing valued at up to $4000.

The solar offer has been trialled within select regions of NSW and is rolling out statewide to enable more people to save with solar.

The benefits aren’t just for private homeowners and tenants. The solar swap will also be offered to eligible land and housing corporation tenants later this year.

Eligible households include pensioners and Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card holders receiving the Low Income Household Rebate who can receive 10 years’ worth of rebates upfront to put towards solar or appliance upgrades.

Applications open Monday 1 August. Households can check their Bill Buster eligibility and apply from Monday at the Energy Saver website

Criminalising coercive control one step closer: feedback on draft bill sought

Coercive control is one step closer to being criminalised in NSW, with the NSW Government taking the significant step of releasing a draft bill for public comment ahead of introduction to Parliament. 

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW Government is consulting on a public exposure draft bill to outlaw coercive control in intimate partner relationships, as part of its ongoing response to the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Coercive Control.
 
Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that involves patterns of behaviour which have the cumulative effect of denying victim-survivors their autonomy and independence. This abuse can involve physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse.
 
Mr Speakman said the draft Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Bill 2022 would provide further protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. 
 
“Coercive control is complex, is insidious and causes untold harm for its victims,” Mr Speakman said. 
 
“Creating a stand-alone offence will strengthen our criminal justice system’s responses to abuse, but consultation is critical to ensure these reforms only capture very serious incidences of abuse, avoid overreach and do not unintentionally endanger those in our community we are seeking to help.”
 
The new law will create an offence to carry out repeated abusive behaviours to a current or former intimate partner, and will carry a sentence of up to seven years in jail.  
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward, who chaired the Joint Select Committee on Coercive Control, said the Exposure Draft Bill also introduces a definition of ‘domestic abuse’ to the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007.
 
“These are landmark reforms that recognise that domestic abuse isn’t just about physical violence, it can and very often does include physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse to hurt and control someone,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“These reforms are crucial to ensuring that we recognise in law a pattern of behaviour which is identified as a precursor to domestic violence deaths.” 
 
Coercive control is a significant ‘red flag’ for intimate partner homicide. The Domestic Violence Death Review Team noted that in 111 of the 112 (99%) intimate partner domestic violence homicides that occurred in NSW between 10 March 2008 and 30 June 2016 that it reviewed, the relationship was characterised by the abuser’s use of coercive and controlling behaviours toward the victim.
 
Submissions on the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Bill 2022 can be made via the NSW Government’s ‘Have Your Say’ website.
 
Consultation closes 31 August 2022. 
 
The NSW Government provided an earlier draft to restricted legal stakeholders and NSW Police to identify and address any technical legal matters, prior to releasing an exposure draft for broader consultation. 
 
The NSW Government is well-advanced to introduce a final Bill to Parliament in Spring 2022.
 
Release of the exposure draft bill follows the NSW Government’s announcement in June 2022 that more women and children experiencing domestic and family violence will be supported by $69.6 million in new funding in the 2022-23 Budget, including an initial down-payment of $0.7 million over two years to support the NSW Government’s commitment to outlaw coercive control.
 
This builds on the NSW Government’s landmark $484.3 million investment in housing and related services as part of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero (000).

For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary Stalls 

The Mona Vale Hospital Auxiliary members are having a stall at Pittwater Place on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 3pm selling knitting for babies and children, beanies, bedsocks and scarves for oldies, sewing items, craft and jams, raising funds for the rehabilitation and palliative care units.

Midget Farrelly Tribute statue for Palm Beach

A while ago, Bruce Raymond and Gordon Lang set up a community group to recognise Midget Farrelly as our own male first world surfing champion (and local hero) by commencing a fundraising campaign to design and install a life-sized statue of Midget at his spiritual home, Palm Beach.

They have obtained approval from Northern Beaches Council, who are actively supporting the project, along with Beverlie Farrelly, who is our patron. Details below and more soon!


Fairy Penguins coming ashore

The Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue Central Coast advises that during the last few weeks they have seen an increase in little penguins being found along our coastline. 

Little penguins on the Central Coast, off Barrenjoey and in the Hunter region live and breed on offshore islands.

If one is found along our coastline, the penguin may be suffering from exhaustion, is unwell, injured or is currently moulting. Please report any penguins that are found onshore and please don’t place them back into the ocean.


Please Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby weighed less than a kilogram when she was orphaned on the roadside after her mother was hit and killed by a vehicle. Fortunately, Phoebe was uninjured, taken to a local vet and raised and then released by Sydney Wildlife volunteer Jane.

While Phoebe was fortunate, other native birds and animals are not so lucky.

So, if you’re returning home after your summer holiday (or just out and about on Australia Day), please slow down - particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas identified with wildlife crossing signs, for your safety and the welfare of our wildlife.

Please contact Sydney Wildlife Rescue on (02) 9413 4300 for advice if you hit a native animal or come across an injured one while driving. It is helpful if you can provide an accurate location or landmark to assist our rescuers who will pouch check marsupials for joeys, so little lives like Phoebe can be saved. 



 
Photo: Phoebe the Swamp Wallaby by Jane
Notice by Sydney Wildlife Rescue