March 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 640

Week Two March 2025 (March 3 - 9)

Pictures: The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches: Celebrating 50 years of Action in 2025 - The Zonta Northern Beaches Annual Women's Day Breakfast, photos by Michael Mannington OAM, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches and others!

Saltwater Veterans in Hansa Worlds on Pittwater: Let’s Support Our Girls!

Aquatics Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar

Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why + What Services are Available 24/7 at Mona Vale Hospital UCC: Reminder + Tribute to Eileen Gordon Unveiled

NSW Government's Low and Mid-rise Housing policy – Exemptions for Avalon, Newport, Palm Beach: Residents Associations Responses

Local MP's Call for Funding to fix Narrabeen Athletics Track: Federal Budget scheduled for March 25

Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

Park Bench Philosophers CSIRO science ship has students sailing into future careers

DIY Ideas Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors

____________________

Week One March 2025 (February 24 - March 2)

Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!

Profile of the Week:  The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development 


Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby calls on Minns government to shelve Low to Mid-Rise Housing until the bus crisis - Mona Vale Road are fixed 

IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open - Closes March 17

Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open 

NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4

Pictures: Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute

Aquatics: New data from Surf Life Saving Australia shows increased drowning risk on public holidays: Summer Coastal Drowning Report 2024-2025

Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

Just Two Trees (the Great Ruskin Row): Council's Draft Tree Management Policy Opens for Feedback - Closes March 30

Park Bench Philosophers Minns Government must act to fix our rivers: NCC + Sample of Previous PON Reports 2019 to 2024

Light at the end of Sydney’s secret train tunnels: St James Historical Walking Tour to commence later this year

Profile of the Week Pittwater Women of the Year 2025: Lisbeth Lawsen - Simone Allan + 2025 Manly Local Woman of the Year: Melissa Burgess + NSW Women of the Year 2025 Award Recipients

    History Max Dupain of Newport: Pittwater Photographer

    Maxwell Spencer Dupain took thousands of photographs during his life, ranging from landscapes, to portraits, natural and informal scenes of people, and still life to nudes and architecture, along with a vast body of works taken for commercial use – the State Library of NSW holds almost 54 thousand of his images; a testament not only to his appetite for work but also the longevity of his career. 

    However, the subject he took many photos of was Newport Beach where the Dupain family had a holiday home, and here all of the genres that featured in his work can be seen, along with Newport ‘happenings’ – such as the launch Aklavic that was driven ashore in October 1954 by 20 year old Robert Michael Brown, ‘fugitive’ – who was eventually caught on Bushrangers Hill - or the storm of May 1974 that demolished the 'ablutions' block on Newport beach.

    Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

    March 1 2025

    How About a Car Ferry? Tales of Two Islands; New Yoga Classes in the Hall; Wedding Island; Men's Shed Welcome Night; Island Café; International Folk Dancing; Moon Dance: The Wall; House for rent.

    Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

    To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

    Avalon Quilters 'The Sum of Us' Raffle Quilt for Mito Foundation

    The Avalon Quilters with the 2025 raffle quilt, “The Sum Of Us”.

    The Avalon Quilters have an amazing raffle quilt they have made to raise funds for the Mito Foundation. 

    The quilt, appropriately named “The Sum Of Us”, was made last year by Avalon Quilter’s 25 members. It is completely handmade and totals over 4500 one-inch pieces, then finished off with hand quilting.

    Details show the personal and colourful choices made by Avalon Quilters for each piece, underlining the title of this beautiful quilt.

    Raffle tickets at $2 each, are available from members, who meet in the Uniting Church at Avalon every Thursday, 10-2.30,  at Patchwork on Pittwater at Mona Vale, and Avalon Fabrics and Craft, in Avalon Parade. 

    The raffle will be drawn at Easter.

    All tickets sales will go to the Mito Foundation, which Avalon Quilters have been supporting for over a decade through making raffle quilts. 

    The Mito Foundation supports people affected by mitochondrial disease (mito), funds essential research into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures of mitochondrial disorders, and increases awareness and education about mito. 

    Mitochondria are the power houses of the cell providing the body with over 90% of the energy it needs to sustain life. Mitochondria take in sugars and proteins from the food we eat and produce energy called ATP that our bodies use to function properly. Mitochondrial disease (mito) is a debilitating and potentially fatal disease that reduces the ability of the mitochondria to produce this energy. When the mitochondria are not working properly, cells begin to die until eventually whole organ systems fail and the patient's life itself is compromised.

    The Mito Foundation was founded in 2009 by Pittwater residents Doug and Margie Lingard, their friends, and experts in the field of mitochondrial disease (mito). 

    ABHS March 2025 Meeting

    The next Avalon Beach Historical Society meeting will be held on Tuesday March 11, at 8 p.m. in the Annexe at Dunbar Park.

    Part One:
    Bill Goddard and Geoff Searl have been researching and compiling the history of the first private residence at Palm Beach. Albert Verrills built Sunrise Cottage in 1911 to accommodate the surveyors for the Barrenjoey Company Limited. Its early history is fascinating, and we have some great photos shared by the original owner's great-grandson.

    Part Two:
    Geoff Searl has just returned from an 11-day voyage from Darling Harbour to Hobart as one of the ‘voyage crew’ on the replica HMB Endeavour. Geoff managed to get some worthwhile photos and some amazing details on the ship, which members may find interesting.

    Part Three:
    If we don’t look like running overtime and into suppertime, we have dug out the ‘Skippy’ episode from 1967, which featured Avalon Beach. It will be screened over the October long weekend this year as a part of the celebrations of the centenary of the surf club. It’s bound to cause a few chuckles!

    To assist you with your future planning, here are the dates of the meetings for this year:
    • Tuesday, 10 June
    • Tuesday, 9 September (AGM) and
    • Tuesday 9 December
    Geoff Searl OAM
    President Avalon Beach Historical Society

    Woody Point Yacht Club 2025 AGM

    Trophy awards and other constitutional necessities along with great food, drink and live music!

    Saturday 5th April / 5pm 'til late
    • Lovett Bay Boatshed
    • Members free, non-members $50
    • All included: food + beverages
    • Live music: ‘Nothing Too Serious’
    Free transport courtesy of Church Point Ferry Service:
    4:00 Newport, 4:15 Church Point, 4:30 Bells Wharf, 4:45 Tennis Wharf,  First ferry home 10:15 pm, Last ferry home 11:15 pm

    RSVP and pre-book tickets woodypyc.treasurer@gmail.com


    NSW Government enables delivery of new MS Plus centre

    A new health and wellbeing centre has opened its doors in a major boost for people living with progressive neurological conditions across the state.

    MS Plus officially opened its new Lidcombe Wellbeing and Accommodation Precinct on Wednesday March 5, courtesy of a $16 million funding agreement with the NSW Government. 

    The new centre at Betty Cuthbert Drive will provide important allied health and support services, including exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietetics, for people living with neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, dementia and strokes. 

    The NSW Government provided MS Plus with a 8,900 square metre parcel of land to ensure it has a new permanent home to continue its important work. The $16 million funding was allocated to support the construction of the centre. 

    The Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre includes eight therapy areas, a large multipurpose space for various activities; a purpose-built gym, lounge and café areas, a children’s play area, a sensory garden, landscaped outdoor spaces, and accessible parking, toilets, showers and lockers. 

    For more information, visit the 80 Betty Cuthbert Drive, Lidcombe webpage. 

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 
    “I am delighted that MS Plus has opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art wellbeing centre, which will provide critical care and support for so many in our community. 

    “This is a great example of the work of Property and Development NSW, which has facilitated MS Plus’ access to land so that it can be put to best use for community benefit.” 

    Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said: 
    “The NSW Government is proud to partner with MS Plus, helping deliver this impressive precinct which will make a real difference to people's lives. 

    “By bringing together specialist services, accessible accommodation, and a strong network of support, it ensures more people with disability can live independently and with dignity.” 

    MS Plus Chief Executive Officer John Blewonski said: 
    “The Lidcombe Wellbeing Centre provides everything needed for vital connection, health and wellbeing in one place: a one-stop-shop for neuro and ageing support, and a place of solace, where patients are understood, and can be supported to live well. 

    “We know that more people are being diagnosed with a variety of neurological conditions — often lifelong and requiring ongoing care. Living with a neuro condition can mean a lot of appointments, and being able to access multiple health professionals from one familiar, welcoming place is so important for people living in Sydney.”

    Photos: MS Plus

    Draft Tree Management Open for Feedback

    The Northern Beaches Council is inviting feedback on its new draft Tree Management Policy which the council states ‘aims to strengthen tree assessment and protection requirements and expand the local green links between natural areas’.

    ‘The draft harmonises the former council's policies and provides a consistent and strategic approach to tree management across the area.’ a release by the council says

    Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins encouraged the community to have their say on the draft Policy  

    “This initiative underscores our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the region's exceptional tree canopy coverage, which with an estimated 12 million trees is among the highest for an urban council in Australia.  

    "Our tree canopy is a vital part of our local environment, helping to keep temperatures down, providing important habitat, and is highly valued by our local community.

    The council states the new draft policy provides: 
    • a framework that supports the sustainable management and retention of safe and healthy trees 
    • supports the management of public trees through succession and new tree planting, along with proactive and reactive maintenance programs
    • preferences locally occurring native species for new plantings
    • prioritises alternative options before pursuing the removal of trees
    For more information and to provide feedback, the community can visit the Your Say project page. 

    The policy is on exhibition until Sunday 30 March 2025. 

    Nominate a Volunteer Today: 2025 Awards

    Nominations have now opened for the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year awards which recognise the outstanding efforts of the 4.3 million volunteers in NSW.

    Member for Manly, James Griffin said volunteering is incredibly valuable to local communities, with a range of community groups including sporting organisations relying on the hard work of volunteers. 

    “Volunteers contribute $178 billion to the NSW economy, and I know here locally, our community just wouldn’t work as it does, without the dedication of volunteers,” Mr Griffin said.

    “In many ways, volunteers are the backbone of our communities, and that is particularly true in the Manly electorate.

    “From our service clubs, emergency services, church groups, hospital auxiliaries and sporting clubs, there are those who work tirelessly to make our part of the world a better place to live.

    “There are countless projects and initiatives in our electorate that simply would never have happened without the work of volunteers, and I sincerely thank everyone who sacrifices their time for the betterment of our communities,” Mr Griffin said.

    “If you know someone who deserves to be recognised as part of the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, I encourage you to lodge your nomination promptly,” he said.

    The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are an annual program aimed at recognising the incredible dedication, effort and community service of our state’s volunteers, volunteer leaders and volunteer teams.

    Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open and close on Friday 23rd of May 2025.

    To learn more about the awards, please visit The Centre for Volunteering website at The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards - The Centre for Volunteering.

    Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

    Harry 

    Domestic Short Hair 6 mths.

    Belle came to us as a heavily pregnant stray cat. She gave birth to 7 beautiful kittens the boys being Jay, Ben, Carlos, Harry and girls are Dizzy, Uma and Evie. They are all sweet smoochy kittens. Harry is a sweet active but easy to handle kitten. All our cats come desexed, wormed, F3 vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested if over 6 months old and microchipped. His adoption fee is $220. 

    Emily 

    2yo Sharpei X

    Emily was a very sad shut down girl when she came from the pound. As soon as we found her some doggy friends she became a happy dog. Emily has been a breeding dog but that life is now behind her. She has entropion, typical of the breed which we are having repaired. She came from the pound, very thin and reached 16.5kg at the time of desex. Emily is very gentle and would do best with another dog to help build her confidence. She comes desexed , vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $450. 

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

    Wilma's Secret to Be Launched this April

    Avalon Beach lady Judith Friezer, a 90 year old mum of four, has been a prolific home writer for 40 years, and finally published her first book, “Wilma’s Secret”, for a younger audience of readers.

    The book is about a teenage girl who finds an old trunk belonging to her great grandma, and soon discovers she is also a witch.

    Judith will have a book launch at her local Avalon bookshop, Bookoccino on April 6th 3-4 pm!

    The news service will run more on this soon - but one for your diaries. Apparently the first 5 people that come dressed as a witch will get a free copy!

    Wilma’s Secret
    The story of a young girl who finds an old tin trunk, containing her great grandmother's belongings. Wasn’t she once a Witch? And where did she disappear to? Teenage Wilma discovers hidden treasures inside the trunk and struggles to understand and use them to their full power. All the while attempting to keep them a SECRET from her pesky brother and worried parents. But why is the West Wind trying to stop her in her learning quest?
    Will she ever unravel the real secret that lays buried inside? 

    Judith C. Friezer (Gale)
    Born in Western Australia 1935, Jude has led an amazing life. She travelled the world as an air hostess, then again as a life explorer. She also worked as a nurse, a beauty product salesperson, an entrepreneur, even a marriage celebrant. All through that time, she was also a devoted wife, a fantastic mother to 4 boys, and an avid bush gardener. She still is. 

    Hidden inside though, Jude has always been a writer! 
    Judith has been prolific in her output: countless pages of typed, handwritten, or scrawled poems and short stories; her kaleidoscopic biography is a multi-tomed epic that is still expanding…. yet despite this avalanche of creativity, this is her first published book! 

    Judith lives at Avalon and will soon share this tale, 20+ years in the making, with all the aspiring witches (and warlocks) out there. 

    More soon!

    2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships

    Dates are set for the 2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships, proudly presented by Your local club.

    Date - Event - Location: remaining events

    12-13 March 2025
    Masters Championships
    Queenscliff SLSC

    14-16 March 2025
    Open & Surf Boat Championships
    Queenscliff SLSC.

    North Bilgola Directional Marker: Do you have a photo of the surface? 

    Avalon resident Richard Jeffery is asking residents to look through their old albums and see if they have a clear photo of the surface of the brass directional marker that once graced the plinth on North Bilgola headland, as a project has been launched to replace this.

    Richard explains:
    ‘’I have a long-time passion for the place and usually spend a couple of hours a day there picking up garbage, talking to visitors, and generally enjoying this beautiful spot. 

    You are probably aware that the Directional Indicator was installed in 1988 as part of the 1988 Australian Bicentenary celebrations. I recently found a few photos of the event. 

    The Rotary Club of Pittwater and Warringah Council Direction indicator at Bilgola Headland being unveiled, June, 1988. Pic: NBC

    The original (and I believe a replacement) has been stolen over the years, probably because of their brass content. 

    Many residents are very keen to see a new Directional Indicator installed. I have approached the Northern Beaches Council and received a generally positive response. 

    The next stage is to get hold of a plan or a clear photo of the actual indicator so that the new one will be similar.

    Could I use your excellent publication to ask your readers if they have access to such a photo or plan?''
     
    I am promoting the headland on HERE
    I can be contacted at pittwaterplayground@outlook.com 

    Thank you
    Richard Jeffery

    Racing for a Cause: Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025

    Member for Manly, James Griffin has called on the community to get behind one of the Northern Beaches’ most outrageously fun charity events, the 2025 Manly Inflatable Boat Race.

    Awarded ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the 2016 Australia Day Awards in Manly, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is once again gearing up to take over Manly & Shelly Beach on Sunday 30 March this year, with waves of colour, chaos, and community spirit.

    Since its inception, the Manly Inflatable Boat Race has raised over $300,000 for charity. The event will see competitors paddle from Shelly Beach to raise funds for the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) Australia’s first dedicated young adult’s hospice, and cancer research charity Tour de Cure. 

    “The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an epic event and one which showcases the very best of Manly. I encourage everyone to get involved and make a splash for a fantastic cause,” Mr Griffin said.

    With over 500 participants and thousands of spectators expected, the 2025 edition promises to be as wild as ever. Registration and float pumping will take place from 7:30am at South Steyne, near Manly Surf Club, with the actual race being held at Shelly Beach at 10:00am.

    Founder and organiser Denver Bevan expressed his own excitement for the event. “The Manly Inflatable Boat Race is a highlight on the Sydney calendar because it’s just so much fun! Race-goers love the thrill of paddling through the waves in crazy, colourful inflatables, and the spectators get a front-row seat to all the mayhem. It’s a fantastic day at the beach for all ages,” Mr Bevan said.

    Service Manager at AYAH Tayia Yates welcomed the support, saying the funds raised on the day would make a profound difference. 

    “Supporting the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is an opportunity to contribute to a vital cause, offering respite and care to those who need it most. We encourage everyone to participate in this unique community event to help raise funds towards the AYAH and assist us in creating a lasting impact on the families and young individuals in our care.” Ms Yates said

    The concept of the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is simple:
    • Pick your wackiest fancy dress costume (the crazier, the better!)
    • Bring your inflatable of choice - anything from rubber duckies to pink flamingos, sea monsters, or pool ponies!
    • Join in the 1km paddle adventure from Shelly Beach, around the Manly Life Savers buoys, and back to shore.
    • Rules? There are none! First to the finish line wins!
    In a generous showing of support, 4 Pines Brewing Co have been announced as the major sponsor of this year’s event, with General Manager Adam Dearing declaring that he was ‘stoked to come on board as a major sponsor this year to help bring this fabulous charity event back to life after Covid.” The Boathouse Shelly Beach, Budgy Smuggler and OnlineProjects have also thrown their support behind the Race as key event partners. 

    To purchase tickets and for any further inquiries, please visit the Manly Inflatable Boat Race website at manlyinflatableboatrace.com.au

    NSW History Awards 2025: Submissions are now open

    The Awards acknowledge the contribution of historical research to our culture and communities, and to society at large.

    All works must have been first published, broadcast or screened and made publicly and commercially available between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

    A total of $85,000 in prize money will be awarded across six categories.

    Administered by the State Library, in association with Create NSW, the NSW History Awards will offer prizes in six categories this year:
    • Australian History Prize ($15,000)
    • General History Prize ($15,000)
    • New South Wales Community and Regional History Prize ($15,000)
    • Young People’s History Prize ($15,000)
    • Digital History Prize ($15,000)
    • The Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize ($10,000)
    A discounted early-bird entry fee is available until Thursday 13 March at 5pm!

    All entries close at on Thursday 3 April at 5pm. Find more information via the link below. 


    History Week 2025 Theme and Event Registrations

    Announcing the History Council of NSW's theme for History Week 2025: Water Stories!
    And...HCNSW are very excited to announce Event Registrations are now open for History Week, earlier than ever before!

    From the caring for water practices of First Nations people to non-Indigenous transformations of creeks and rivers, and the building of dams, there is an abundance of histories of water waiting to be ‘tapped’ and told.

    Members are invited to stage online or in-person events. Your event will form part of the HCNSW’s media campaign and be promoted in the History Week 2025 Program Event Calendar on our website.
    Registrations for History Week events are now open via the link below

    For all History Week inquiries, please contact programs@historycouncilnsw.org.au

    A little bit more about Water Stories:
    Water is fundamental to life. It also underpins our histories. From floods to droughts, from oceans to creeks, rivers and wetlands, our pasts are bound up with the ebbs and flows of water.

    History Week 2025 will engage with stories of how water was cherished, contained, diverted, contaminated, looked after and shared, or withheld.

    The theme invites History Council members to dive into their water stories.
    • 🛥️ What happens to communities when water is absent or when it is destructive? How did people in the past use water to travel and trade?
    • 🌊 How do waterways connect, or disconnect, communities?
    • 🐠 How important is water in cultures of sport, fishing, and play as well as the economy?

    NSW Training Awards: 2025 entries are now open

    The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, teachers, training organisations and employers.

    Get recognised and share your vocational success for the NSW Training Awards 70th anniversary. Don't delay, enter today.

    • Individual Awards entries close 14 March 2025 
    • Organisation Award entries close 2 May 2025

    To find out more and nominate, please visit; https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards

    National worker registration scheme feedback

    The Australian Government is seeking views on the design of a national registration scheme to support personal care workers employed in aged care, including new training and mandatory minimum qualification requirements.

    The scheme will support the growth of a strengthened and skilled aged care workforce, where personal care workers are better valued for the important role they perform, and with greater professional development opportunities and improved conditions.
     
    It will also play an important role in ensuring aged care is a safe place with appropriate protections for older people.
     
    Older people, their friends and family, supporters, advocates, care and support providers and workers, and training organisations and providers are invited to have their say by completing a short survey or providing a written submission by email.
     
    This consultation builds on the Government’s introduction of a Code of Conduct for Aged Care, which commenced 1 December 2022. Compliance with the code ensures safe, respectful and quality care for older people.
     
    To find out more, visit Have your say on the design of a national registration scheme for personal care workers in aged care - Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Citizen Space
     
    The consultation is open from 18 February to 17 April 2025.

    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

    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.  Email: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

    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. 

    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

    January 2014 February 2014  March 2014  April 2014  May 2014 June 2014  July 2014  August 2014  September 2014 October 2014  November 2014  December 2014 

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

    January 2016  February 2016 March 2016 April 2016 May 2016 June 2016 July 2016  August 2016 September 2016 October 2016  November 2016  December 2016  

    January 2017  February 2017  March 2017 April 2017 May 2017 June 2017 July 2017  August 2017 September 2017 October 2017  November 2017  December 2017 

    January 2018  February 2018 March 2018  April 2018  May 2018  June 2018  July 2018 August 2018 September 2018 October 2018 November 2018  December 2018

    January 2019  February 2019  March 2019  April 2019 May 2019  June 2019  July 2019  August 2019  September 2019  October 2019  November 2019   December 2019 

    January 2020 February 2020 March 2020  April 2020 May 2020  June 2020  July 2020  August 2020  September 2020  October 2020  November 2020  December 2020

    January 2021  February 2021  March 2021  April 2021  May 2021  June 2021  July 2021  August 2021  September 2021  October 2021  November 2021  December 2021

    January 2022  February 2022  March 2022  April 2022  May 2022  June 2022  July 2022 August 2022  September 2022  October 2022  November 2022  December 2022

    January 2023  February 2023  March 2023  April 2023  May 2023 June 2023 July 2023  August 2023  September 2023  October 2023 November 2023  December 2023

    January 2024  February 2024  March 2024  April 2024  May 2024  June 2024 July 2024  August 2024  September 2024  October 2024  November 2024  December 2024

    January 2025  February 2025  March 2025

    IPART Consult on NBC SRV Now Open: Closes March 17, 2025

    At its meeting on 28 January 2025 Northern Beaches Council passed a motion to apply to the Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation.

    The Councillors could only vote for or against Option 3 although four options were set out in the Have Your Say documents which were presented to residents by way of consultation and giving them opportunity to express their opinions. Option 3 will allow, by the end of three years, an increase of 39% on residential and business rates. This includes the IPART component which would automatically apply if no vote were taken by Councillors.

    On Tuesday February 25 2025 IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the Tribunal is now seeking community feedback on applications from Federation, Gunnedah Shire, Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Shoalhaven City and Upper Hunter Shire councils. Gunnedah Shire and North Sydney councils had also applied for minimum rate increases.

    “Community feedback is an important part of the Tribunal’s assessment of special variation applications,” Ms Donnelly said.

    "We encourage affected ratepayers and community members to fill out the survey on the IPART website or lodge a submission in relation to any of the applications we’ve received.”

    IPART sets a rate peg annually for each of the 128 councils in NSW which caps each council’s increase in the income they collect from ordinary rates. For 2025-26, the core rate pegs range from 3.6% to 5.1% across NSW. 72 of the 128 councils also received an additional allowance to reflect an adjusted population factor of up to 3.8%.

    In general, the councils that have applied this year have indicated they are applying for a special variation to improve financial sustainability and to maintain their current service levels, IPART states.

    Ms Donnelly said “IPART must assess Special Variation applications against criteria set by the Office of Local Government (OLG). Councils can only apply to IPART for a Special Variation if the elected councillors pass a resolution to go ahead with the application.”

    As set out in the OLG assessment criteria, IPART will consider whether councils have:

    • demonstrated the need for the additional income
    • provided evidence that the community is aware of the need for and extent of the proposed rate rise
    • established that the impact on affected ratepayers is reasonable
    • exhibited, approved and adopted relevant planning documents
    • explained and quantified the council’s productivity improvements and cost containment strategies.

    IPART may also consider other relevant matters.

    All Special Variation applications for 2025-26 are available for review on the IPART website, along with a short survey and information about how to lodge a submission. IPART will accept feedback on Special Variation applications until 11:59pm on Monday 17 March 2025.

    The documents lodged by the  Northern Beaches council are available to view at: www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/node/1726

    To fill out the IPART Survey or lodge a submission, go to: www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Special-Variations-and-Minimum-Rates-2025-26 - and click on the 'Have Your Say' link, then choose 'Northern Beaches Council' from the dropdown menu.

    IPART's Fact Sheet explains more about how to make a submission on a special variation application. It also explains some factors that are outside IPART’s remit in assessing applications but have been common concerns of ratepayers.

    You can also subscribe to receive email updates about the Special Variations process for 2025-26 subscribe here.

    IPART does not hold public hearings when assessing council applications for special rate variations (SRVs). 

    IPART can wholly or partially approve or not approve a council’s application.

    IPART will release the final decisions on Special Variation and Minimum Rate increase applications by May/June 2025.

    In an update to the report, 'Outraged Pittwater Community Fights To Stop Rising Costs Of Failed Merger; Renews Call To Reinstate Pittwater Council', members of Protect Pittwater, the community group working to have Pittwater Council reinstated, advised the news service they have heard back from the Office of NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig, and a meeting will take place in the third week of March 2025.

      Previous reports:

      Old Barrenjoey Road Water Main Renewal: March 3 2025 Update from Sydney Water - Construction starting on Monday 10 March 2025

      Update: March 2, 2025

      Our work for Section 1 planned to start on  Monday 10 March and is expected to take about 22 weeks to complete, weather and ground conditions permitting.

      We’ll write to you again before work starts in Section 2 to provide more details about our work and confirm our exact start date.

      We expect to finish construction by the end of October 2025, weather and ground conditions permitting. 

      Night work hours

      Our work in Section 1 needs to be done at night to reduce the impact on daytime traffic flows and local businesses.

      Our night work hours are 8 pm to 5 am, Monday nights to Friday mornings (four nights a week). We won’t work on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights, or on Public Holidays.

      No work on Public holidays: Anzac Day 11 am March in Avalon Beach along Old Barrenjoey Road

      In Section 1, we’ll need to temporarily close part of Old Barrenjoey Road where we’re working at night. Our friendly traffic controllers will maintain access for residents, and parking on either side of our work zone. General traffic will be detoured via connecting streets.

      At the end of each night shift, we’ll restore the road so it can be used as normal during the day.

      We’ll need up to borrow up to eight parking spaces for equipment storage next to our work area. This storage area will move along the road as we progress. 

      Come and talk with us

      We’ll have monthly drop-in sessions in Dunbar Park. Our team will be there to discuss our work and answer any questions you have.

      When: First Wednesday of every month, between 1 pm and 4 pm.

      We understand our work can be disruptive. We will make every effort to reduce our impact on residents, local businesses, and pedestrians as much as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about our work, please contact our friendly Community Engagement team by:

      • calling 1800 943 119 or emailing confluence@sydneywater.com.au
      • speaking to our team in person at our drop-in sessions held on the first Wednesday of every month in Dunbar Park.

      We’ll be sending out weekly project updates to anyone subscribed to our electronic mailing list, this will outline the work we have completed that week and what we will be doing in the next week. 

      If you would like to receive these updates, please sign up to our email list here.

      Previously:

      1. Water Main renewal on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach to Commence this March

      Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why

      Federal Member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps MP, has welcomed the Government’s election commitment of a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in Dee Why. Dr. Scamps states it will take pressure of Northern Beaches Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED).

      Announced on Sunday March 2nd, and among an additional 50 Urgent Care Clinics slated to be rolled out, the Dee Why UCC will provide bulk billed care for urgent non-life-threatening conditions, seven days a week, for extended hours, with no appointment needed.

      The announcement follows calls from Dr Scamps for another UCC in Mackellar to boost public healthcare services for the Northern Beaches community. 

      The Dee Why UCC is in addition to the already established Mona Vale Urgent Care Centre at the Mona Vale Hospital campus.

      The location of Dee Why was chosen based on Department of Health and Aged Care and Australian Bureau of Statistics data, particularly looking at locations which will take pressure off busy EDs.

      “This new Urgent Care Clinic in Dee Why will help to ensure the  community has access to urgent, quality free healthcare when they need it. It will mean shorter wait times for those less urgent cases that would otherwise be seen in the ED,” Dr Scamps said.

      “The provision of bulk billed care at this new UCC will enable individuals and families in Mackellar to seek urgent medical attention without the burden of financial cost, which many in our community can ill afford”.

      The new UCC in Dee Why and the new Youth Mental Health Hub in Brookvale, announced last week, are a result of the work Dr Scamps has undertaken to expand public healthcare services on the peninsula.

      “As a former GP and ED doctor, I know first-hand the importance of meeting our community’s healthcare needs and have been fighting non-stop for this during my first term in Parliament,” Dr Scamps said.

      “These new services are vital initiatives that expand public healthcare services on the Northern Beaches to ensure our community can urgently access affordable, safe and quality
      healthcare,” Dr Scamps said.

      The exact location and provider of the Dee Why UCC will be determined through an independent commissioning process to be conducted by the Northern Sydney Primary Health Network and State Government. This will include an Expression of Interest process that will invite existing GP clinics to scale up to be a UCC, with funding provided by the Federal Government to do so.

      Residents can attend the Mona Vale Hospital Urgent Care Centre for treatment of:
      • Minor fractures or injuries
      • Minor illnesses including infections and rashes
      • Mild asthma or chest infection
      • Minor burns or scalds
      • Minor cuts needing stitches or glue
      • Minor sports injuries, including sprains or strains
      • Wound review
      • Minor head injury
      • Bites or stings
      • Mild stomach pain
      • Migraine
      • Skin infections
      The Mona Vale UCC provides treatment for minor injuries and illnesses 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

      The Mona Vale Hospital Urgent Care Centre is staffed by an experienced team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.

      Services available include:
      • Pathology
      • X-ray
      • Plastering
      • Suturing
      The Urgent Care Centre is a free service for everyone with a Medicare Card.

      Number Screening Check for Year 1 students to be trialled in 150 NSW public schools next term

      March 4, 2025
      The NSW State Government has announced a new screening check to track Year 1 students’ early progress in numeracy will be trialled across 150 NSW public schools as part of the  Government’s plan to lift student outcomes following declining NAPLAN results in recent years.

      The short, teacher-led check will take around 10-15 minutes to complete with each student and will focus on foundational number sense skills that are key to later success in maths and numeracy, providing an opportunity for early intervention to ensure all students are on the right track. 

      The check will help teachers identify areas where students may require targeted assistance, such as counting, ordering numbers, and simple addition and subtraction strategies. 

      The Year 1 Number Screening Check will include 20-50 items to check students’ number understanding across three areas:
      1. Number knowledge - of whole numbers, for example being shown the numeral 13, recognising it and saying “thirteen”.
      2. Number relations - knowledge of relations between whole numbers, for example 5 comes before 6, which comes before 7.
      3. Number operations - knowledge of how numbers can be taken apart and put back together, for example adding 2 and 4 makes 6.
      The trial, launching in Term 2, follows an early pilot across 19 schools in November 2024, the purpose of which was to develop the content, structure and mechanics of the check. The department will further refine the details of the check using feedback from the trial. 

      Resources to help schools implement and respond to assessment results will also be developed during the pilot.

      The Year 1 Number Screening Check will support the existing Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, providing teachers with an early view of individual students’ progress and an opportunity to intervene in their development of these foundational skills of literacy and numeracy.

      Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
      “Literacy and numeracy skills are the foundations of an education that sets children up for life. The Minns Labor Government wants to ensure students are on track early on, so all children have the opportunity to succeed.

      “That is why we are trialling the introduction of a Number Screening Check in Year 1 which, along with the existing Phonics Screening Check, will serve as an important tool for teachers, enabling them to assess the foundational skill development of our young learners.

      "We know that early intervention is crucial for students needing additional support – the earlier we identify children who need attention, the more chance they have to succeed.”

      Women and girls' football participation soars in 2024

      March 4, 2025
      The 2024 National Participation Report has shown a big jump in women and girls playing football (soccer).

      Inspired by the excitement of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 and the Matildas' success, over 21,000 more women and girls now play football.  This means there are now over 158,000 women and girls playing football in Australia. 

      The 2024 National Participation report showed a 10 per cent increase in outdoor football participation and highlighted an 11 percent increase in overall football participation numbers. 

      This increase makes football the most participated team sport in the country with over 1.9 million Australians now participating in football.   

      The Australian Government's Play Our Way Program is also playing a big role in supporting grassroots football initiatives. Funding for facilities, participation and equipment initiatives is creating more opportunities for women and girls to engage in football. 

      There are many ways to get involved in playing football. One of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 tournament legacy initiatives Mini Roos for Girls continues to drive participation, and inspire the younger generation across the country. 

      Women’s Asian Cup 2026 fast approaching 
      It’s less than one year to go until the Women's Asian Cup 2026 is hosted in Australia, and excitement is building. The Matildas will be striving for success in front of a home crowd, as the tournament brings together 12 of Asia’s top women’s national football teams. 

      Anzac Memorial 2025 Residency

      March 4, 2025
      Applications are now open for the 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program.

      The program is open to creative practitioners who have served in the Australian Defence Force and preference will be given to applicants from New South Wales. 

      Applicants must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia. 

      There are no educational pre-requisites. However, applicants should have experience as a maker/creator and be able to demonstrate a capacity to communicate their artwork to a general audience, including children, if there is an exhibition element. 

      The applicant must be able to spend at least a portion of the program in residence on-site at the Anzac Memorial, located in Sydney, prior to 30 June 2025.

      The guest veteran artist (or group) will have a unique chance to explore the Memorial's architecture, history and artefacts as part of a creative project that reflects on and interprets Australian military experience, the Anzac Memorial and/or memorialisation. 

      The Anzac Memorial welcomes project proposals across a broad variety of creative formats including: 
      • 👉 Music composition 
      • 👉 Written works such as poetry and prose 
      • 👉 Performance and theatrical work 
      • 👉 Film, animation and video 
      • 👉 Visual art, including painting, graphic art and photography 
      Applications close Monday 24 March 2025 at 5pm. 

      Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together Womens Day

      The Women’s Resilience Centre & LocalKind Unite for International Women’s Day
      Manly, NSW – 13 March 2025 – This International Women’s Day, two powerhouse local charities—The Women’s Resilience Centre and LocalKind—are coming together to celebrate the theme: "Kindness Counts: Building Resilience Together."

      • 📅 Date: Thursday, 13th March 2025
      • 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
      • 📍 Venue: Miami Rice (Hotel Steyne rooftop), Manly
      • 🎟 Tickets: $85 – Includes a 2-course gourmet meal, inspiring stories from The Story Room, short speeches, and a raffle/auction to support domestic violence initiatives.

      With $39.50 of each ticket being tax-deductible, every attendee will directly contribute to supporting women facing domestic violence, homelessness, and hardship through the transformative programs of The Women’s Resilience Centre. (www.womensresiliencecentre.com.au) and LocalKind (www.localkind.org.au).

      International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a movement. It’s a call for kindness, empowerment, and resilience. How will you make a difference this IWD?

      This event is your opportunity to be part of the change. Join the conversation. Stand with us. Together, we can build a future where all women thrive.

      Zonta Club's 2025 Birthing Kit Pack Day

      Please join us for our Clean Birthing Kits Packing Day on Saturday 15th March. 

      If you can’t attend, please consider making a donation, details are shown below or please visit: www.zonta-northernbeaches.org

      Have your say: Remaking the retirement villages Regulation

      Closes: March 12 2025
      In NSW, retirement village operators are regulated by the Retirement Villages Regulation 2017 (the current Regulation), which supports the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (the Act).

      The current Regulation will expire on 1 September 2025. Remaking the Regulation allows the NSW Government to consider feedback on how to improve, modernise and streamline the current laws.

      The proposed Retirement Villages Regulation 2025 (proposed Regulation) makes significant changes to the asset management plan requirements for retirement villages. The updates aim to improve transparency for residents and reduce unnecessary administrative work for operators.

      The key changes include:
      • reducing the amount of information that operators must record on the retirement villages asset register
      • requiring operators to prepare a 1-year capital maintenance report as part of the annual budget process, instead of a 3-year report
      • requiring operators to record the ‘remaining effective life’ of capital items instead of ‘effective life’.
      The proposed Regulation also makes other minor changes to clarify the laws and improve how they operate, for example, by ensuring key information is disclosed in a form that is easier to understand and accessible.

      Changes are described in detail in the:
      Your feedback will help to ensure retirement village laws balance the rights of residents and support operators.


      Have your say: Restrictive practices legislative framework

      Experiences of people with disability and their supporter
      Closes: March 14 2025

      The Department of Communities and Justice is seeking feedback on a proposed new framework about using restrictive practices on people with disability.

      We want the framework to reduce use of restrictive practices and stop them being used where this is possible.

      Restrictive practices are interventions that restrict the rights or movement of a person to change their behaviour - when that behaviour is likely to place them or others in serious danger.

      An example of a restrictive practice is using a medication to influence a person's behaviour rather than treat an illness. Another example is restricting where a person can go.

      The Department of Communities and Justice has released a Consultation Paper on the proposed framework.

      An Easy Read summary is available. If you would prefer you can also read the full Consultation Paper.

      Tell us what you think
      You can give your feedback by completing a survey here by Friday 14 March 2025:
      • Survey for people with a disability who have experienced restrictive practices in NSW
      • Survey for supporters - family, carers, guardians and any other supporters of people who experience restrictive practices in NSW
      If you would like to provide feedback in another way, please:
      • Email: policy@dcj.nsw.gov.au to provide written or audio file feedback
      • Speak to a staff member by emailing: policy@dcj.nsw.gov.au to arrange a conversation
      • Post your written feedback to: Locked Bag 5000, Parramatta, NSW, 2124
      Your feedback will help inform the NSW Government as to whether to pursue the reform.

       

      Click on logo above to visit their website.

      Pittwater Community Groups: 


      Sports (plus Social Members)

      Gardens and Environment

      Rural Fire Brigades
      Services - Community Organisations

      Arts and Social

      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


      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

      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. 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