August 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 645

Front Page Issue 645

Week One August 2025 (July 28 - August 3)

Killing of Ruskin Rowe Heritage Listed Tree 'authoritarian'

Trial to remove shark nets - NBC - Central Coast - Waverly approached to nominate a beach each

The Top Predator by A Dad from A Pittwater Family of Dog Owners & Dog Lovers

Pictures Turimetta Moods: Winter Visions by Joe Mills

Avalon Beach SLSC's 100th Annual General Meeting by Roger Sayers OAM, Life Member ABSLSC

Speed limit for Newport to Palm Beach Lowered to 50k from August 7: Pittwater MP calls for Review of decision + More than 183,000 school zone speeding offences recorded in NSW in the last financial year

IPART Draft Report on the review of prices for Greater Sydney from 1 October 2025: Have your by August 25

NSW cracking down on illegal vapes-tobacco shops on high streets + School OurFuture program prevents teen vaping - open to Secondary schools

Man charged with allegedly producing child abuse material at six out-of-school hours care services in northern Sydney - NSW to Introduce Working With Children Check reforms this week

Disaster-ready housing starts local: Landmark Inquiry from AHURI Urges fourth 'R' for Councils

Aquatics Watch out, Shorebirds are Permanently About and now building nests - With More Annual Visitors coming from this Month!! + CSIRO: We used tiny sensors in backpacks to discover the extraordinary ways birds migrate to find water

Government to deliver 21-metre high-tech ‘thunderbird’ to protect NSW waters: will be a 'floating command centre'

DIY Ideas Father's Day 2025: A few Gift Ideas to Spoil the best Dad in the world

Food Pumpkin Season: Ideas for the Lunchbox and at Home

Profile of the Week Manly Warringah Netball Association to Celebrate 60 years + Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens Team Win 2025 Grand Final at Ken Rosewall Arena

Website: www.mwna.com.au

Manly Warringah Netball Association (MWNA) is one of the largest and most vibrant netball communities in New South Wales. The Association had 17 affiliated local clubs and over 3000 players for its Winter 2025 Season.

With a rich history spanning over 60 years, MWNA is dedicated to fostering a love for netball at all levels—from grassroots to representative competitions. 

The association proudly supports thousands of players, coaches, and umpires across all ages and skill levels, providing opportunities for development, teamwork, and community spirit. Whether you're new to the game or striving for elite performance, MWNA offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy netball.

The Manly Warringah Netball Association (MWNA) is about celebrating Community in Community Sport. 

With the Manly Warringah Sapphires playing in the 2025 Grand Final this Sunday, August 3, the MWNA Semi Finals and Grand Finals to be played Saturday August 16 and Saturday August 23 respectively, and a 60th Anniversary Dinner and Celebration on Friday August 8, and their Spring 2025 Competition registrations now open, a few details on the Association and the Sapphires pathway to this year's Grand Final runs this Issue.

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said:

“As a local MP and mum of a dedicated young netballer, I’ve seen first-hand the energy, joy, and community spirit that Manly Warringah Netball Association brings to the Northern Beaches. From early morning warmups to nail-biting finals, MWNA is where confidence is built, friendships are made, and life lessons are learned. 

For over 60 years, it’s been the beating heart of weekend sport, and I’m proud to support everything it stands for – especially as we cheer on the Sapphires in this Sunday’s Grand Final. Good luck, girls!"

History Broken Section: The Story Of Pittwater's Anti-Submarine Boom Net  By John Illingsworth

John Illingsworth's brilliant Pittwater Pathways films are a boon to local residents, sharing insights and news as well as great Historical features he has clearly spent a lot of time and effort making.

Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day in 2025 will be commemorated on Friday, August 15th in 2025, and will be mark the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allied forces in 1945. This day signifies the end of World War II in the Pacific and is a time for Australians to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of all those who served in this conflict, and particularly in the Pacific.

A combined Sub-Branches VP Day Commemoration Service will be held at the Avalon Beach RSL Cenotaph, commencing at 11.30am, led by Vice President Tamara Sloper-Harding, OAM.
In the lead-up to VP Day in Pittwater 2025, one of Mr. Illingworth's great insights into Pittwater's World War Two defences runs as the second insight.

Park Bench Philosophers Australians Fashioning a "Duty of Care" On Our Obligations to Protect Others from Climate Change, Regardless of political laggards - CSIRO's final 2024-25 GenCost report 

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

August 1 2025


Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Includes: Are We Idiots? The stories we tell ourselves; Scotland Island's Emergency Water Supply; Island Fire Brigade AGM; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Black Tie Gala; For Sale: hand-knitted cotton cloths

Pittwater Offshore Community Awards Black Tie Gala

Waterfront Café, Church Point
Saturday 13 September, 6 pm onwards

The Pittwater Offshore Men’s Shed is proud to present the inaugural Pittwater Offshore Community Awards, honouring the everyday heroes of our unique water-access-only community.

The POSMS Pittwater Offshore Community Awards celebrate the spirit of our unique, water-access-only community by recognising the unsung heroes who keep it connected, creative, safe, and afloat – often literally.

Submit your community award nominations here
Purchase your ticket to the Black Tie Gala here

Community Forum on E-Bike Use

Residents are invited to a Community Forum on E-Bike Safety hosted by Jacqui Scruby MP, State Member for Pittwater, and Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Federal Member for Mackellar, on Thursday 21 August at 6:45pm at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.

E-bikes are an increasingly popular form of sustainable transport, especially among young people, but concerns are growing across Pittwater and the broader Mackellar electorate about high-powered, often illegally modified e-bikes.

“E-bikes are a game-changer in accessible, clean transport – but we have a responsibility to ensure their growing popularity doesn’t come at the cost of people’s safety including the young people riding them and pedestrians who are feeling unsafe,” said Dr Sophie Scamps MP.

“From a federal perspective, I will be pushing for stronger safety standards and import regulations to make sure the bikes our kids are riding are safe and cannot be modified to exceed legal speed limits.”

The forum will bring together local police, school leaders, and advocacy groups including Bicycle NSW and E-Bike Safety Australia, creating space for practical solutions and open  discussion.

“E-bikes can be part of a cleaner, healthier future, but only if we get the rules right,” said Jacqui Scruby MP.

“We need clearer laws, stronger enforcement, and better education to protect both riders and pedestrians.”

Ms Scruby is advocating for urgent state-level reforms to:

● Introduce a 10km/h speed limit for e-bikes on footpaths and shared paths

● Maintain the ban on adults riding on footpaths, unless they are accompanying children under 16

● Prohibit modifications that allow e-bikes to exceed legal speed and power limits

● Grant police powers to confiscate non-compliant or dangerously operated bikes

● Support rollout of a student bicycle licensing programme in local schools

Recent incidents in Newport, Warriewood, and Mona Vale have highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action, with young riders and pedestrians injured in avoidable collisions.

“This forum is an opportunity for the community to come together, raise concerns, and help shape the changes needed to keep our streets and shared spaces safe,” said Ms Scruby.

Event Details
Date: Thursday 21 August 2025
Time: 6:45pm
Location: Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club
All welcome

Candlelight Vigil on 80th anniversary of Hiroshima - Nagasaki atomic bombings 

Local residents are invited to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the world’s first nuclear bombings in Japan with a candlelight vigil at Oxford Falls Peace Park on August 9. 

The attacks took place at Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, followed by Nagasaki on August 9. 

Pittwater Greens councillor Miranda Korzy said historians are still divided over whether or not the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were needed to bring the bloodshed of World War Two to an end.  

However, it was indisputable that hundreds of thousands of Japanese residents died and suffered lifelong injuries as a result.  

“The vigil will be an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy wrought by these atomic weapons but we hope also to make this an uplifting event, to give young people especially a sense of hope,” Ms Korzy said. 

”Whilst we will pay our respects to those who died, we’ll also be listening to poetry and storytelling as well as making Japanese paper cranes together as a pledge for peace.  

“Many residents, and particularly young people, are alarmed by the fraught nature of international affairs at the moment - and the fact that nuclear weapons are now many times more powerful than in 1945.” 

Frenchs Forest Greens councillor Ethan Hrnjak, who moved a motion seconded by Ms Korzy at the July council meeting for a council commemoration of the 80th anniversary, was disappointed that it was voted down. 

See: 80 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Locals Impacted - Council again sidesteps Opportunity to Support Peace Accord

”However, we know many residents feel it is important to recognise the events of August 1945,” Mr Hrnjak said. 

“As a result of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan, between 150,000 and 246,000 people were killed. The number of wounded and those who would go on to suffer from long-term radiation sickness is incalculable. 

”This sombre anniversary also serves as a timely reminder of the need for peace, its fragility and the importance of working towards a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons. 

“So please join us and like minded residents to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” 

The vigil will take place at Oxford Falls Peace Park on Saturday August 9, at 4.45pm. The ceremony will last about an hour with a light supper to follow.

Roadworks

Palm Beach

  • Barrenjoey Road at Palm Beach Road: Mon 4 Aug 2025 to Sat 9 Aug 2025 10am to 3pm. Alternating (stop/slow) traffic conditions will be in place to allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.
  • Resurfacing: Barrenjoey Road between Currawong Avenue and Nabilla Road: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Sat 9 Aug 2025 9pm to 5am. Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.
  • Resurfacing: Barrenjoey Road between Currawong Avenue and Iluka Road: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Mon 1 Sep 2025 9pm to 5am. Portable traffic control devices allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

North Narrabeen

  • Resurfacing: Pittwater Road between Rickard Road and Waterloo Street: Sun 20 Jul 2025 to Mon 18 Aug 2025, 9.30pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Pittwater Rd and Wakehurst Pkwy will be switched to flashing yellow. Portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.
North Narrabeen to Frenchs Forest
  • Utilities: Wakehurst Parkway between Pittwater Road and Frenchs Forest Road West; Sun 10 Aug 2025 to Wed 13 Aug 2025, 9pm to 5am - Road closed both directions.  Diversions - Northbound: Frenchs Forest Rd East, Warringah Rd and Pittwater Rd, or Frenchs Forest Rd West, Warringah Rd, Forest Way, Mona Vale Rd and Pittwater Rd. Southbound: Pittwater Rd and Warringah Rd. Unless specified otherwise, operators of Class 1,2 & 3 vehicles travelling under a Notice must consult their relevant enforceable network map to confirm a suitable approved alternative route. Operators of Class 1, 2 & 3 vehicles travelling under a Permit must not travel off the approved route listed in the permit unless an updated permit is obtained from the NHVR

Beacon Hill

  • Intersection upgrade: Warringah Road between Beacon Hill Road and Rodborough Road; Sun 17 Aug 2025 to Fri 22 Aug 2025, 9.30pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Ellis Rd will be blacked out, and portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Frenchs Forest

  • Intersection upgrade: Warringah Road between Wakehurst Parkway and Fitzpatrick Avenue West; Mon 28 Jul 2025 to Mon 4 Aug 2025, 9pm to 5am. Traffic lights at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Forest Way will be blacked out, and portable traffic lights will allow motorists to pass in one direction at a time.

Changed traffic conditions on Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach 

Road users are advised of changed traffic conditions on Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach. 

Road resurfacing will be carried out to create a safer road surface in both directions on Barrenjoey Road, between Surf Road and 967 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach.  

Work will take place for up to five nights between Sunday 20 July and Thursday 4 September, weather permitting. 

Night work hours are between 8pm and 5am. Work will not occur on Friday nights, Saturdays or public holidays.

Temporary lane closures, traffic controls and reduced speed limits will be in place for the safety of workers and road users. 

At times during work hours, there may be impacts or slight delays when accessing local roads adjacent to Barrenjoey Road.

Users are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers.

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Young Filmmakers Comp turns 21

The highly anticipated Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp 2025 is back, now in its 21st year, offering a golden opportunity for budding filmmakers to showcase their talents and creativity.

This exciting competition invites individuals or teams to produce a short film of up to 7 minutes, integrating secret inclusions—a mystery item, keyword, and phrase—that will be revealed on the council's website at 5 pm on Wednesday, 27 August.

Participants will have four days to bring their vision to life and submit their entries by 10 pm on Sunday, 31 August 2025.

With a total prize pool of $3000 and various industry prizes, aspiring filmmakers will also have the chance to see their films screened at the prestigious Finals and Awards Night on Thursday, 18 September at HOYTS Warringah Mall. Family, friends, and the public are invited to attend and celebrate the creative achievements of these emerging filmmakers.

Mayor Sue Heins expressed her enthusiasm for the competition and encouraged young filmmakers to take part.

"Beaches Young Filmmakers Comp is a wonderful way to learn the craft of filmmaking while having fun, picking up new skills and meeting like-minded people.

"If you’ve ever thought about making a short film, even if you have never done it before, why not enter? You never know where it may lead," said Mayor Heins.

Teams can consist of 1 to 12 members, aged between 12 and 24 years, with at least one member living, working, or studying on the Manly to Palm Beach peninsula.

The council stated it extends its heartfelt thanks to premium sponsor and long-time supporter, now for the thirteenth year, Miller Tripods, for their unwavering support, along with huge thanks to Screenwise and Canon for also being premium sponsors. Further thanks go to Australian Cinematography Society for their generous sponsorship of this year's competition.

Finalists’ films will be showcased on the council’s website following the Finals and Awards Night, providing further exposure for the talented young filmmakers.

Prize money is funded through entry fees, final night ticket sales and sponsorship.

Underwater Photography Contest returns

Council is holding its annual Underwater Photography competition from Thursday 24 July to Sunday 18 August 2025.

The 2025 theme Wonder, sustaining what sustains us aligns with the Worlds Ocean Day theme and gives photographers the opportunity to showcase the Northern Beaches 5 aquatic reserves and be in the running for part of the $4,000 prize pool.

With 80 km of iconic coastline featuring 24 ocean and harbour beaches, five aquatic reserves, and 5 intertidal protected areas—including nationally and globally recognised surfing reserves—photographers are truly spoilt for choice when deciding where to capture the perfect shot.

Mayor Sue Heins said, “Our coastline is home to an extraordinary array of marine life, from delicate seagrass meadows to majestic sea creatures. Each photograph taken helps tell the story of this precious underwater world and the urgent need to protect it for future generations.”

The competition celebrates all skill levels and is open to amateur and professional photographers and videographers.

“I encourage everyone, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, to grab your camera, dive in, and capture the wonder that lies beneath our waves. Every image you share inspires greater understanding and appreciation for the ocean that sustains us all.” Mayor Heins said.

With 8 categories including a major award - The Valerie Taylor Underwater Photography Award for Excellence, entrants can enter up to 3 images. Videographers can submit one reel.

Categories:

  • Behaviour: Capturing natural behaviour of marine life.
  • Macro: Getting up close to the subject matter.
  • Threatened Species: Portraying the vulnerability of a threatened species found, for example: black rod cod, grey nurse shark, green turtle.
  •  Human Connection: Capturing the positive or negative connection between a person(s) and marine life (flora / fauna / megafauna). This could include monitoring citizen science projects or research undertaken in one of the Northern Beaches aquatic reserves.
  • Seascapes (wide angle): Capturing the raw beauty of the underwater vista in one of the Northern Beaches aquatic reserves.
  • Youth: For the budding young photographers aged 12 to 17 years old. The winner will be recognised as the Underwater Youth Photographer of the Year 2025.
  • Reels: Capturing the wonder of the biodiversity in our underwater world. Reel length is 15 to 30 seconds duration.
  • People’s Choice Award: Everyone can vote online for their favourite finalist image.

The People’s Choice voting opens Thursday 28 August and runs through to Sunday 21 September with winners announced in November.

For more information about the competition and the full terms and conditions, visit council's website.

Winnererremy Bay hard courts Completed

A new multi-purpose hard court facility, at Winnererremy Bay Park, Mona Vale is now open for play.

The new hard courts have been designed in consultation with the local community and are suitable for a range of sports, including basketball, netball, handball and pickleball.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the hard courts help enhance the recreational facilities of the area, providing numerous benefits for the local community.

“The multi-purpose hard court and surrounding space provide a fantastic facility for residents of all ages to enjoy." Mayor Heins said.

"We are committed to creating vibrant and inclusive spaces for our community.

“These upgrades not only enhance the recreational opportunities available but also improve the overall aesthetics and functionality of the area.”

 The project is part of the council's broader Let’s Play! Open Space and Outdoor Recreation Strategy to invest in local infrastructure and promote active lifestyles.

The works were funded in part by a NSW Government grant and the council. 

Each court includes a crossfall at the hoop locations for effective drainage while maintaining playability and to facilitate the transition between the courts and the existing pathway, the design incorporates a minor swale.

 

Click on logo above to visit their website.

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

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

Mona Vale Residents Association

Mona Vale Residents Association is a community group encouraging involvement on important matters within the Mona Vale area. Email: mvrasydney@gmail.com


Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: 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

This 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. There is so much wildlife on the move in our area at present due to various pressures. This database that volunteers maintain 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

Letters to the Editor

Letters should preferably be 150 to 175 words, but that remains optional. Letters must include the writer's address and phone number and 'permission to publish'.  The editor's prerogative includes editing letters for length, grammar or legal reasons. 
Please

Community News + what ran in each Issue

Community News Pages list articles that ran each week as well as reports run in other pages: Inbox and Environment News archives etc.

March 2013  April 2013 May 2013  June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 October 2013 November 2013  December 2013

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January 2015  February 2015 March 2015  April 2015 May 2015  June 2015  July 2015  August 2015  September 2015  October 2015 November 2015  December 2015 

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January 2025  February 2025  March 2025  April 2025  May 2025  June 2025  July 2025  August 2025

Newport job site: run off into Pittwater

Dear Editor

This is the old Sirsi Marina at the Crescent Road Newport - every time it rains this is what washes into the Bay. Council have warned them but still it happens. This affects all the fish, people, kayaks, dragon boats, sailors, and birdlife that enjoy the bay.  And the development that they are still trying to get approved is for 8 house with 9 x 22 meter boats that will intrude further into the bay past these original pens.

Pittwater Resident, August 2, 2025

622kg of Rubbish Collected from Local Beaches

Sadly, our beaches are not as pristine as we'd all like to think they are. 

Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches' Adopt A beach ocean conservation program is highlighting that we need to clean up our act.

Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches' states:
''The collective action by our amazing local community at their monthly beach clean events across 9 beach locations is assisting Surfrider Foundation NB in the compilation of quantitative data on the volume, type and often source of the marine pollution occurring at each location.

In just 6 sessions, clear indicators are already forming on the waste items and areas to target with dedicated litter prevention strategies.

Plastic pollution is an every body problem and the solution to fixing it lies within every one of us.
Together we can choose to refuse this fate on our Northern beaches and turn the tide on pollution. 
A cleaner coast together !''

Join us - 1st Sunday of the month, Adopt your local for a power beach clean or donate to help support our program here. https://www.surfrider.org.au/donate/

Next clean up - This Sun 3 August 3 - 4pm. From September, times will revert to 4 – 5 pm.

Event locations 
  • Avalon – Des Creagh Reserve (North Avalon Beach Lookout)
  • North Narrabeen – Corner Ocean St & Malcolm St (grass reserve next to North Narrabeen SLSC)
  • Collaroy– 1058 Pittwater Rd (beachfront next to The Beach Club Collaroy)
  • Dee Why Beach –  Corner Howard Ave & The Strand (beachfront grass reserve, opposite Blu Restaurant)
  • Curl Curl – Beachfront at North Curl Curl Surf Club. Shuttle bus also available from Harbord Diggers to transport participants to/from North Curl Curl beach. 
  • Freshwater Beach – Moore Rd Beach Reserve (opposite Pilu Restaurant)
  • Manly Beach – 11 South Steyne (grass reserve opposite Manly Grill)
  • Manly Cove – Beach at West Esplanade (opposite Fratelli Fresh)
  • Little Manly– 55 Stuart St Little Manly (Beachfront Grass Reserve)
… and more to follow!

Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches

Celebrating 60 Years Of Manly Warringah Netball

1965 – 2025 

In 2025, we proudly celebrate 60 years of the Manly Warringah Netball Association.

We invite all past and present members to join us for a special evening of memories, laughter, and celebration.

Tables of ten or single tickets available.

This is an 18+ event.

Purchase tickets via the QR code or this link.

Let’s come together to honour six decades of netball, community, and connection.

Avalon Sailing Club Open for Registration

The sailing season is not far away.
Registration is open, including for Adult and Children's learn to sail programs. All the information is on our website. Visit: avalonsailingclub/learn-to-sail

Avalon Sailing Club is an Australian Sailing - Discover Sailing Centre and provides courses based on the Discover Sailing Syllabus. Sailing is a sport that can be enjoyed in many different ways, either in yachts or dinghies (small boats also known as centreboards). Avalon has a decades long tradition of teaching adults and children how to sail in boat classes and wind conditions specifically aligned to age (size) and skill of sailor. 

Avalon has a focused program with around 60-80 children and 10-20 Adults sailing dinghies every Sunday. We also have a yacht fleet of around 40 boats with 10 - 20 competing on any given Sunday.

Most sailing clubs offer the Australian Sailing "Discover Sailing" curriculum as a series of 8 week long courses. At Avalon members sign up for a full season of learn to sail which includes 25 weeks of sailing where they typically complete 2 Discover Sailing  course curriculum. 

NAPLAN results highlight NSW students’ strengths but much more to do to lift outcomes

July 30, 2025

The 2025 NAPLAN National Report released today shows some positive progress, with more still to be done to lift literacy and numeracy outcomes across the state.

This year, students in Years 5, 7 and 9 were the first cohort to complete a second NAPLAN cycle under the new proficiency levels first introduced in 2023.

For NSW schools, results in 2025 are stable compared to previous years, with students showing strengths in areas including:

  • Year 5 reading up 4.9 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 3 results in 2023
  • Year 5 spelling up 6.3 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 3 results in 2023
  • Year 7 spelling up 3.6 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same 2023 cohort in Year 5
  • Year 5 grammar and punctuation up 7.4 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same 2023 cohort in Year 3

The NSW Government stated in a release ''Today’s results show positive signs for many students in NSW, which is exceeding the national average in writing, reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The results also show where continued and consistent support is required, particularly in Years 5, 7 and 9 writing and Years 7 and 9 reading.''

''The Minns Labor Government is committed to the work of rebuilding public education and lifting outcomes across NSW.''

''Among our most significant reforms has been our work to address the teacher shortage and ensure every classroom in NSW has a dedicated teacher, by lifting wages, improving job security, reducing workload and improving the classroom environment by banning mobile phones and restoring principals’ authority to manage student behaviour. This work has seen teacher vacancies drop 40% to their lowest level in five years and the number of merged and cancelled classes halved.

The Better and Fairer Schools Agreement we signed with the Commonwealth earlier this year ensures every public school is on a path to getting 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard, with the additional funding going directly towards programs and reforms that will lift student outcomes.''

The Government stated its ongoing work to lift student outcomes includes:

  • Introducing a new Year 1 Number Screening Check trial to assess students’ early numeracy skills, with wrap-around early intervention;
  • Delivering the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check with targeted support for schools to ensure students obtain foundational literacy skills;
  • Introducing system-wide literacy and numeracy targets with ambitious goals to improve student outcomes;
  • Boosting the Small Group Tuition Program to provide more targeted literacy and numeracy support;
  • Building teachers’ capacity to deliver the new knowledge and skills rich K-12 English and Mathematics syllabuses through explicit teaching;
  • The explicit and systematic teaching of writing is a key focus in all new NSW syllabuses to better support all NSW students. 

The full 2025 NAPLAN national results are published on ACARA's website.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Congratulations to all of the students across NSW who participated in NAPLAN testing this year, especially those at more than 300 schools in the state’s north who did so in the face of extreme weather conditions.

“Students, families and teachers across NSW should feel proud of these results – and know that where there are gaps, we are focussed on supporting schools and teachers to close them.

“These results show NSW continuing to perform strongly against national benchmarks, and identify areas that require attention.

"We are committed to reforms that will strengthen literacy and numeracy foundations, including the introduction of an early Phonics and Number Check and a knowledge-rich curriculum explicitly taught across all our schools. These will equip NSW public school students with the vital knowledge and skills they need to achieve excellent outcomes.”

Sports Club Grant Applications now open

Member for Manly, James Griffin is encouraging local sporting clubs throughout Manly and across the Northern Beaches to apply for the latest round of funding under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.  

Mr Griffin said $4.65 million was now available across the state for upgrading or creating new sports facilities, new sport programs, community events and projects that improve sports participation, with $50,000 allocated to the Manly electorate. 

“Last year I was proud to support and help secure funding for Local Rugby, Bowling, Sailing, Boardriding, Cricket and Triathlon clubs,” Mr Griffin said.

“Our grassroots sporting clubs are a vital part of the fabric of our local community and these grants provide a much-needed cash injection to improve facilities and increase participation. I strongly encourage all interested clubs to apply for these grants.”

The key objectives of the Program include:
  • Increasing regular and on-going participation in sport.
  • Increasing participation opportunities for unrepresented groups.
  • Reducing barriers and improve access to participation in sport.  
  • Assisting sporting clubs to provide quality experiences to their members and meet community needs.
  • Increasing financial sustainability and improve facilities of community level sporting clubs.
Applications must clearly demonstrate an identified need for the project and articulate how the project outcomes will be achieved. Specifically, applications should demonstrate how the project will address at least one of the above objectives. 

The Local Sports Grant Program is now open and will accept applications until Monday 18 August 2025. Outcome will be advised from February 2026 onwards. 


Have your say on NSW’s anti-discrimination laws

Members of the community have the chance to help shape a more inclusive NSW, with the NSW Law Reform Commission (NSWLRC) inviting feedback as part of its review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) (ADA).

The NSWLRC has released a consultation paper (PDF 2.2MB), focusing on conduct prohibited by the ADA, including discrimination, vilification, sexual harassment and victimisation.

It explains the ADA and outlines some concerns and ideas the NSWLRC has heard from the community and in its research.

To encourage feedback from across NSW’s diverse communities, the NSWLRC has also produced:

  • a community summary, which provides a more concise and less technical summary of the consultation paper, and
  • an Easy Read consultation paper, which uses simple language and pictures to help make information easier to understand.  
These set out key issues about the ADA, including:
  • what conduct should be unlawful, and when
  • who should be protected
  • who should be held responsible for unlawful conduct
  • when exceptions are appropriate, and
  • whether the ADA should do more to promote substantive equality.
Three ways to have your say on the ADA:
  1. respond to the NSWLRC’s community survey
  2. make a submission in response to the issues and questions raised in the consultation paper, or
  3. answer the questions in the Easy Read consultation paper.
Advocates and people with lived experience of discrimination or other unlawful treatment are encouraged to provide feedback. This includes women and girls, Aboriginal people, people with disability, and those from multicultural backgrounds and faith groups. In 2023 the Attorney General requested the NSWLRC to review the ADA, asking it to consider whether the legislation could be modernised and simplified to better promote the equal enjoyment of rights and reflect contemporary community standards. Terms of reference set out the full scope of the review.

Feedback from the public will help the NSWLRC develop its recommendations to the NSW Government.

For more information about the ADA review and to have your say, visit the NSWLRC website. 
Submissions close on 15 August 2025.

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Bentley 

12mth Beagle

Bentley is a very sweet affectionate Beagle. He is typical of his breed, social with dogs, very interested in all the smells around, especially food ones. Bentley came from the pound with heartworm and is looking for a committed owner to see him through the 3-month process. DoggieRescue is supporting him through the treatment financially and can be adopted at any time. It is important that during the treatment he is kept very quiet and not allowed to engage with other pets. He has a short coat and weighs 13.3kg. He suits apartment living but is looking for a home based worker. All our dogs come with desexed, fully 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 $800

Kath

5 months Domestic Short Haired cat

Kath has spent the last few months under DoggieRescue’s loving care at The Cottage Animal Hospital, bravely overcoming early medical challenges. Now she’s healthy, and ready for a forever home filled with patience and kindness. She can be a little shy at first – but worth the wait. Once she trusts you, she blossoms into the sweetest companion. Loves soft pats, warm laps, and curling up somewhere cosy nearby. Quiet, gentle, and observant – the perfect calm presence in your home. She is looking for a peaceful, indoor-only home with patient adopters who will let her come out of her shell in her own time. She’d do best with older children or adults and may thrive with a calm feline companion – perhaps her brave sister Kim, who brings out her confidence. Kath and Kim are a gorgeous duo and adopting them together would be a dream come true for both. But Kath will also shine solo in the right loving home. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $220. 

For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133  or email  Monika@DoggieRescue.com.  RON R251000024

Pittwater Community Groups: 


Sports (plus Social Members)

Gardens and Environment

Rural Fire Brigades
Services - Community Organisations

Arts and Social

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

Report Hate Crimes

If you are subjected to hate on social media or online you should keep evidence by taking screen shots of the abuse including usernames, URLs and any other relevant information. You can report the abuse directly to the platform and report in person at any Police Station. If you witness a hate incident or hate crime but are not the victim, you can still make a report to the NSW Police. In an Emergency call Triple Zero (000). If not urgent, you can report online at crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000 or report in person at any Police Station.