Profile of the Week Manly Warringah Basketball Association Sea Eagles Under 14's to Represent NSW in the club's 75th Year: Fundraising Support + NBL1 East Women's Champions are Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles + Warriewood hosting Wheelchair Basketball Australia Finals Next WeekendHome courts: NBISC Stadium, Jacksons Road, Warriewood
Website: manlybasketball.com.au
Both of Manly Warringah Basketball Associations Boys and Girls Under 14s teams have qualified for Nationals, the Australian Club Championships, to be held in Perth this September.
These juniors have been working hard for this opportunity on the court and fund raising in their free time so let’s get behind them! This is more than just a competition. It’s a chance for these dedicated young athletes to test themselves against Australia’s best, grow as a team, and create memories that will last a lifetime. But getting to Perth isn’t easy—it comes with a big price tag. Flights, accommodation, uniforms, meals, and team logistics all add up quickly.
Club members, supporters and family are reaching out to our community—families, friends, local businesses, and basketball lovers—to help make this dream a reality. The boys and girls have also been fundraising locally, running bake sales at games and sausage sizzles when and where they can.
MWBA organisers (and mums) tell us: ''We’ve teamed up with the Australian Sports Foundation, so any donation over $2 is tax-deductible. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to the court in Perth. If you believe in supporting youth sport, teamwork, and opportunity, we’d love to have you on this journey with us.''
Girls Team Donations: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/manly-warringah-basketball-association/u14s-girls
Boys Team Donations: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/manly-warringah-basketball-association/u14-boys
The junior basketball event will see more than 700 participants from Australia's top 48 boys and girls' junior teams travel to Western Australia, along with nearly 100 officials and hundreds of family members and supporters. It is the first time Perth has hosted the six-day tournament, which will run from 27 September to 3 October 2025 at Willetton Stadium.
Having a Great 75th Year
The teams heading west are another Season highlight for the MWBA as it celebrates its 75th year. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Women's team are champions of the NBL1 East and will now be focused on next weekend's NBL1 Nationals, taking place in Canberra from the 29th–31st of August, while 6 teams from MWBA took part in the 2025 Waratah Junior Premier League that ran last weekend with some great practice for upcoming games and great fun had by all.
Add to this, the nation's top 4 NWBL and WNWBL teams will battle it out for the Wheelchair Basketball Australia National Finals championship on their home courts from August 29-31, with the Manly Wheel Eagles among the action.
Manly Warringah Basketball Association has been catering for the basketball fraternity since its inception in 1950 and over the last 75 years has produced highly talented players many of whom have moved on to the professional ranks, representing State, Country and playing in the NBL & WNBL.
More in this week's Profile.
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
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Barrell accepts national appointment
Tuesday August 19, 2025
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell ESM will step down from the role next month after accepting a position as Executive Director, Response, at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Commissioner Barrell joined Marine Rescue NSW in 2020, following a distinguished career that included frontline service with NSW Police and senior executive roles with NSW Maritime.
As Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner, he has overseen the growth of the Service’s membership to more than 3,500 volunteers and driven significant improvements in search and rescue response and capability across Marine Rescue NSW’s 46 units.
“Marine Rescue NSW is in a very strong position, with immense capability in marine search, rescue and communications.
“The strength of any organisation comes from collective effort, and I look forward to watching Marine Rescue NSW continue to grow from the sidelines.
“My appointment to AMSA reflects the value and respect held for volunteer marine rescue services.
“I am excited to step into this new role, and I look forward to working closely with the dedicated team at AMSA,” Commissioner Barrell said.
Marine Rescue NSW Chair, Jim Glissan AM ESM KC, congratulated Commissioner Barrell on his national appointment.
“Alex’s maritime knowledge and management skills are exceptional, and he will be a tremendous asset to AMSA.
“Whilst the volunteers, Board and staff at Marine Rescue NSW will be sad to see Alex leave the organisation, national search and rescue operations will benefit greatly from his experience,” Mr Glissan said.
Image: Commissioner Alex Barrell and Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews
At the request of the Marine Rescue NSW Board, Deputy Commissioner Todd Andrews will take on the role of Acting Commissioner on 15 September, while a recruitment process is undertaken to appoint the next Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner.
Scruby Fought Hard on Speed Limits but No Change
On Friday August 22 Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said she’s disappointed that TfNSW’s review of speed limits has not changed its decision on any stretch of road, despite community opposition, and it will be rolled out from 28 August 2025.
Although reversing the speed limit reduction from 60kmph to 50kmph between Newport and Palm Beach was always unlikely at this late stage and Ms Scruby was clear to communicate that to the community, the Pittwater MP represented community views to Transport for NSW.
The decision was the result of a two-year independent government review requested by the former Member for Pittwater.
“I challenged the speed limit change after thorough review of Technical Guidelines for setting of speed limits in NSW and Austroad guidelines, including the requirement of community consultation.
“I had particularly strong technical arguments regarding Newport Hill, supporting the common-sense view that, using TfNSW terminology, is not a ‘self-explaining’ 50kmph road. No one would expect a six-lane arterial road to be 50kmph.”
“I’m disappointed TfNSW hasn’t accepted my proposed alternative to trial to improve safety using parking changes at Newport Hill.
“TfNSW has provided more detailed reasoning, but not detailed enough and I’ll be asking further questions when Parliament resumes,” said Ms Scruby
TfNSW indicated that crash data for this short stretch, including two accidents at the bottom of Newport Hill on the weekend, exceeded the typical crash rate thresholds, resulting in 80% injury rate.
There will be a 4-week grace period on enforcement granted by NSW Police.
“This couldn’t come at a worse time, when people are tearing their hair out that the major safety risk is potholes and flooded roads. My message to TfNSW is to switch your focus and your investment and fix the appalling state of our roads,” Ms Scruby said.
“If there is any silver lining, it’s that I’ve expressed my outrage about upgrades falling short of addressing the worst parts of the road and the government has now committed to further repairs on Barrenjoey Road by the end of the year which I’m pushing to include further north also.”
“Bilgola Bends has just been patched up like a quilt. I’m fighting to get acknowledgement of the subsidence and flooding issues. The status quo of managing roads is not fit for purpose, especially In light of more intense rain as we feel the impacts of climate change,
“Our community deserves more than patchwork repairs, potholes, and penalty notices. We deserve roads that are safe, reliable, and built to withstand the conditions we live with, and I will continue to push for the government to make this a priority.”
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Corner of Barrenjoey Road and Careel Head road floods in rains, with some drivers crossing double lines on that corner and into lane of southbound vehicles. This section has been like this for weeks. The section on the east, heading south, has been flooded since April.
Plastic grass announced For Kamilaroi Park Bayview + Lakeside Park, Narrabeen
On Friday August 22 2025 the council announced on its website it will be installing plastic grass in Kamilaroi Park, Bayview.
The project webpage states;
''We are planning to install synthetic grass softfall beneath the existing swingset to ensure compliance with current Australian Playground Standards.We understand the swing set is valued by the local community, so we have consulted with Council’s Tree Services Team as to the best approach to maintain swings in this location without affecting the existing trees.The existing swing frame will be reused to avoid disturbance to tree roots.Synthetic grass was chosen over mulch soft fall due to the thickness (and excavation) required to achieve compliance.Works are currently planned to be undertaken in September 2025. (Weather and contractor availability permitting).''
Kamilaroi Park Bayview, halfway up steep Beaumont crescent, is susceptible to runoff into the estuary.
The same is in store for Lakeside Park, North Narrabeen, another well-known flood zone, where the field is closed regularly due to flooding.
Here synthetic grass surfacing will be installed under gym equipment. The webpage for that states;
''Works begin on Monday 4 August, and should take approximately 3 weeks to complete, weather permitting.''
Both announcements form part of the council's 'playground renewal program', accessed under their 'have your say' section of the council website.
The problem being no one is getting to 'have a say' about the installing of plastic pollutants in the Pittwater environment.
This week's announcement for Bayview follows on from scores of angry emails received last week about the council not announcing during consultation its intention of installing the same product in Dunbar Park on the site of the old Guide Hall, where it regularly floods due to being part of the old Toongari reserve creek-bed.
Residents are also questioning the installation of another known pollutant, plastic boardwalks, over the Newport to Bilgola headland, in another well-known high water run-off zone. Here again, residents state it was not made clear the council intended to install plastic in this sensitive marine environment.
See last week's report: Community Concerned Over the Increase of Plastic Products Being Used by the Northern Beaches Council for Installations in Pittwater's Environment
Also available:
Kamilaroi Park, Bayview - from the road
Lakeside park; the catchment claiming landfill areas back
Wildlife Hungry: Moving to road Edges to feed - Please Slow down
A Sydney Wildlife Carer has stated this week: ''We've been getting a lot of calls to Sydney Wildlife (Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services) lately.
Please slow down and be aware that food through winter is scarce and many animals are moving closer to the edges of the road in search of winter grass.
If you see any sick or injured animal please call Sydney Wildlife Rescue 9413 4300.''
Help shape the future of maritime infrastructure in NSW
communities to have their say on the future of maritime infrastructure across the state.
Executive Director NSW Maritime Mark Hutchings said public consultation is now open on the Maritime Infrastructure Discussion Paper, which will guide the development of the future maritime infrastructure agenda.
“This is a key opportunity to hear directly from the people who use our waterways every day like recreational boaters, commercial operators, and coastal communities,” Mr Hutchings said.
“We want to understand what’s working, where improvements are needed, and how we can best invest in safe, accessible and sustainable maritime infrastructure.”
The Discussion Paper outlines the progress made under the Maritime Infrastructure Plan 2019–2024, including efforts to improve access, enhance safety, and make better use of our waterways. The Discussion Paper also identifies key focus areas that will help guide future investment and infrastructure delivery.
“The insights we gather from this consultation will directly shape our future planning and funding priorities across NSW,” Mr Hutchings said.
“Whether you're a weekend boater, a commercial operator, or part of a coastal community, your feedback will help ensure our maritime infrastructure meets the needs of everyone, now and into the future.”
This consultation marks a key milestone in our ongoing commitment to working with communities, stakeholders, and the broader maritime sector to guide future planning and investment in maritime infrastructure.
Have Your Say
Consultation is open from Monday 18 August to Friday 3 October 2025
Visit the NSW Government’s Have Your Say website to provide feedback via a short survey or written submission:
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Marine Rescue Broken Bay Christmas Raffle 2025
How would you spend $5000?? It's raffle time!
Help us to prepare for the summer boating season - every $$ donated helps to keep us on the water AND you get the chance to win some amazing prizes! Scan the QR code or click on the link at: https://rafflelink.com.au/mrbb-xmas25
Hopefully you will never need us, but help us to be there if you do! Manned 100% by volunteers, our Unit relies on fundraising throughout the year to keep our support to boaters running.
Through generous donations we have 2 rescue capable boats but they need maintenance and fuel to remain on the water. We rely heavily on your generous support so we can continue to support our community in need. This year looks to be a bumper festive one with some amazing donations for our local community supporters.
Win big!! Our lucky 1st prize winner gets an amazing $5000 of Woolworths Gift Cards. What a huge way to brighten up that Christmas Shopping. You can get a lot of lobster with that!
2nd prize is a fantastic pamper full of fishing goodies. It includes fishing rod, spin reel, wide range of lures, filleting knife and shears. Plus a selection of fishing clothing and sunglasses and has a total value of $1200!
3rd prize is another great gift to get you out on the water! An adult size Stand Up Paddleboard, PA Aqua Marine All Around Air 10’2″ , complete fit with paddle, pump and shoulder bag, valued at $250
Our 4th prize is a $200 Gift Card from our major sponsor, the RMYC, Newport. Get together with friends or family, for a fantastic night out at your local motor yacht club.
Did you know that you can donate directly?
Your kindness goes towards fuel, training, maintenance and lifesaving equipment. Donations are tax deductible. So, help us to help you by donating NOW!
Volunteers needed
Looks like we have a new recruit. I hope they are good at cooking sausages!
Our unit is a 100% volunteer organisation and is located at Rowlands Reserve, Bayview.
Marine Rescue Broken Bay is available Weekends and Public Holidays from Sunrise to Sunset to assist the boating and public communities.
Our roles can vary from person to person, covering a number of different skills and many are available immediately, making them a great opportunity for anyone looking to find really valuable way to give back to the community. Plus, this is a great opportunity to learn new skills, find new friends and really make a difference.
Based in the beautiful Bayview area and serving the Pittwater community, this can also be a great way of getting involved whilst waiting for an opportunity to join the boat crew training.
We are looking for your help!
Have a few hours a week to contribute to a cause that can really save lives?
Looking for flexible hours and work locations?
Experienced in any of the following?
- Event Coordination
- Fundraising
- Secretarial & Administration
- Community engagement
- Accounting/Book keeping
- First Aid / Lifesaving
- Training
- PR/media
- Web design /SEO
Our Marine Rescue NSW members come from all walks of life and bring a range of skills to the team.
INTERESTED?
Read our general recruitment information and Contact us via duca.brokenbay@marinerescuensw.com.au and organise to come along to one of our information sessions. We look forward to see you soon!
We always recommend you logon with us every time you’re on the water. You can find more information how via this link: www.marinerescuensw.com.au/plan-log-on/.
Avalon Dunes: can you help?
On Sunday September 7 there will be a big planting morning of beach plants to help stabilise the sand on the blowout on the northern end of Avalon Dunes. Starting about 8.30 we will put in about 1000 plants.
But before that, on August 25-29 the westward moving sand will be moved back to the beach from Des Creagh Reserve and stabilised with 100+ coir logs and jute matting. This is a joint project of Northern Beaches Council and the NSW Government.
This blowout happened because dune fencing broke and people trampled on fragile dune vegetation, trying to get a high view of the beach, just where the strong south-east winds blast up from the beach.
All help very welcome.
Avalon Preservation Association
Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Speckles
12mths Terrier x
Speckles is a sweet but very anxious girl. She has an affectionate loving nature but always needs to be near a human. Speckles is social with other dogs and has a playful nature. She especially enjoys the company of young playful dogs. She has a scruffy coat and weighs 7.1kg. She suits apartment living and 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. Her adoption fee is $800.
Sky
8yo Mini Foxy X
Skye is gentle but timid girl who builds relationships slowly. She needs slow gentle hand movements. She loves her humans when she trusts and loves to sleep on their bed. She is social with other small calm dogs. Sky can be a bit nervous of large dogs as she was attacked in the past. She has a short coat and weighs 4.5kg. Sky suits apartment living and FT working hours. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. Her adoption fee is $600.
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
NSW launches ultimate biosecurity guide to weed control
NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer, Scott Charlton, launched the latest NSW Government weed management guide at the 23rd NSW Weeds Conference in Port Macquarie on August 5.
Welcomed by more than 280 biosecurity specialists at the event, the popular New South Wales Weed Control Handbook: A guide to weed control in non-crop, aquatic and bushland situations has been in high demand across the state since the first edition was published in 2001.
“Whether you’re managing weeds in bushland, pastures, yards or aquatic situations, this Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) handbook is the ultimate guide to weed control for NSW,” Mr Charlton said.
“The guide supports the shared biosecurity responsibility we all have to protect NSW from invasive plant species by providing land managers with the most up-to-date weed control information.
“You can check on the latest integrated weed management tactics, learn your legal responsibilities, and find the latest updates on herbicide use and how to manage chemical resistance.”
Local council and weed management biosecurity officers, land managers, farmers, gardeners and environmentalists use the handy guide in the field, supported by DPIRD training and digital resources, to manage weeds across the state.
The 8th edition of the DPIRD New South Wales Weed Control Handbook highlights integrated weed management strategies and new control options, including herbicide capsules which are sealed in woody weeds for safer application and effervescent tablets to control water weeds.
Listing state priority weeds, including prohibited matter, there are now 336 weed species covered in the latest edition, 25 more than the last edition.
DPIRD training, including an induction course for new council weeds officers, understanding Prohibited Matter, vehicle and machinery hygiene, identifying Opuntioid cacti, water weeds and grasses, and biosecurity essentials complement the guide.
The weed control handbook is supported by NSW WeedWise, the complete digital guide to weed identification and management in NSW.
The weed control handbook is available from local council weeds officers and online (PDF: 9.3MB).
Australian Climate outlook for September to December 2025
Issued by the BOM: August 14, 2025
Long-range forecast overview
The long-range forecast for September to November shows:
- Rainfall is likely to very likely to be above average across most of the eastern half of Australia
- Warmer than average days are likely across northern, western and south-eastern Australia, with an increased chance of unusually high daytime temperatures in the far north and south-east.
- Warmer than average nights are very likely across most of Australia, with an increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures for northern, eastern and central Australia.
Rainfall—Summary
Above average rainfall likely for the eastern half of Australia
September to November
- Above average rainfall is likely to very likely (60% to greater than 80% chance) for most of the eastern half of Australia. There is an increased chance of unusually high rainfall(1) across much of eastern Australia, including north-eastern Tasmania.
- During September to November, northern Australia transitions from the dry to the wet season, which is associated with a seasonal increase in humidity, storms and showers.
- Below average rainfall is likely (60% to 80% chance) for parts of Western Australia, including parts of the South-West Land Division.
1Unusually high rainfall is in the highest 20% of September to November rainfall, between 1981 and 2018.
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
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/monavaleresidents
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
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January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 July 2022 August 2022 September 2022 October 2022 November 2022 December 2022
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January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025
Warringah-Pittwater SES Volunteer Rescues Kooka Bubba
Warm feathery news story of the week comes from our local SES crew and member Gary H.
The NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit, out in the past weeks' incessant downpours, were front and centre when an eagle eyed 5 year old spotted a kookaburra that had been swept into a drainage system under her home.
The unit says:
''Our trucks don't carry nets and things useful for rescuing birds so the team had to get resourceful.
Using a shopping basket attached to a hook on a pole (a hookey thing 😀), after a few attempts they successfully scooped the kookaburra up to safety.
Wrapped up in a towel the resident and 5 year old whisked the kookaburra off to the Vet. The little bird seemed cold and wet but appeared to be ok.''
The co-rescuers reported the next day that:
''The Vet says the kookaburra is doing well 🧡 It’s heading to a carer today and will be released back home when the sun’s out. Huge thanks to the wonderful team for the rescue!''
Love your work and creativity team. And Thank You Gary H!
That's one local songster you're likely to hear singing up a rainbow again soon.
If YOU spot one of our areas other locals looking a cold and wet during this weather, please contact local WIRES and Sydney Wildlife volunteers. Resident wildlife is impacted by days of cold rain and can experience hypothermia due to extreme cold, wind, wetness, poor insulation, or compromised health.
Vulnerable animals include the very young, old, injured, sick, and small animals. To help a hypothermic animal, keep it warm and contact local wildlife rescue groups.
With a wet Spring forecast, and more bubs on the way, we can all help out those we live with in this place.
WIRES: 1300 094 737
Sydney Wildlife: 9413 4300 - both 24/7
Pics: NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit,
Narrabeen JRLFC Sharks on a roll
First team into the Grand Final; Narrabeen Sharks under 14s with a good win 44-6, Saturday August 23. Second team into the Grand Finals and the minor premiers Under 15s. Taking the win 36-18.
Grand Finals scheduled for next weekend, August 30/31, at this stage.
Today at Lake Park - it's A Grade's turn against Asquith:
Newport Breakers Colts and Womens Team Minor Premiers
Last weekend the Breakers boys took down Hunters Hill with only 14 players on the field — absolute grit and heart. With just 2 losses all season and the guidance of Adam Hanks, Angus James, Alex Baczkowski, and Luke Holmes, it’s been an epic ride so far.
Now it’s time to finish the job and bring home some glory. Go Colts!
Newport's Womens team are also Minor Premiers, Twice-a-week trainers, rain never stopped them — if it wasn’t the gym, it was an indoor hall, theory sesh, or team dinner.
The club says:
- 8 of our 20 had never played rugby before this season — now they’re absolute key players.
- Another 8 carried over from last year, the rest brand new — but all bought straight in.
- Half the team came from surf boat rowing and turned into rugby weapons.
Big shout to Sarah Randall — a foundation player, improving every season, and this year the heart + tank of the team. Our undefeated Ladies will play St Patricks at Pioneers Park, Malabar Sat 23 August 2025.
Go Girls!
Newport Breakers Ladies Day went well on Saturday 9th August. In spite of no games, (our field was a quagmire) the Cow girls hit the Clubhouse en masse (150 of them). Big thanks to Pittwater MP for stopping by to help with the draw for prizes.
Avalon JRLFC Bulldogs Prelim Finals
The Doggies are also having a good run with Junior teams enjoying their Prelim. Finals on Saturday August 23.
Their A Grade Team is playing Cromer on Newport Oval this afternoon, Sunday August 24, with kick off scheduled for 3pm.
Go Doggies!
24 Hour Row 2025
Get ready for the 24 Hour Row - a powerful challenge where teams row for 24 hours straight to raise funds for Gotcha4Life and build a mentally fit future, where no one worries alone.
This isn’t just a row. It’s a chance to spark meaningful conversations, show up for your mates, and highlight the importance of connection, community, and fitness - both physical and mental. Whether you're rowing at your local gym, sporting club, school or even your garage - this is a challenge anyone can take on.
Register your team for 13–14 September 2025, and be a part of this important conversation, at: 24hourrow.com.au/signup
FoNLC - Forum/AGM
Tuesday 9 September, 2025 at 7:00 pmCoastal Environment Centre
Pelican Path, Lake Park Rd,
Nth Narrabeen
Please RSVP for catering purposes to: contact@narrabeenlagoon.au
Guest Speakers
* Dr Anthony Harris – Professor of Psychology
Topic: Mental Health and the Environment
* Jacqui Marlow – Sydney Wildlife
Topic: Benefits of the wildlife underpass and overpass on the Mona Vale Rd. East upgrade.
The AGM will follow the forum.
All are welcome to attend.
Ron Patton
President of Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment
Avalon Beach Historical Society September 2025 Meeting
After a very successful film-clip/video presentation at the June meeting (along with popcorn!) we’re heading for a combination ‘slide night’ with some interesting and new ‘stills’ but with a fascinating additional movie segment.
The meeting on 9th SEPTEMBER will be our AGM but as members will assure you, there is little time spent in the Election of Office Bearers so we are able to get onto ‘what really matters’.
The meeting will start at 8pm but if you wish to update your dues - which will be due at this meeting, please arrive that little bit earlier to save time.
We have recently lost 4 local and wonderful creative geniuses - all in a tiny space of time!
We have assembled (where possible) a brief resume of both their memorial services and some of their amazing works of art!
John has down-loaded Ken G. Hall’s film “SMITHY” produced in 1946. It’s a great piece of work with what appears to be a faithful reworking of ‘Smithy’s’ fantastic trans-pacific flight in 1928 with his co-pilot Charles Ulm.
HOWEVER, we have found a couple of stand-out anomalies or discrepancies - once when leaving Suva and then the approach to Eagle Farm Airport in Brisbane. Call them early and sloppy attempts at ‘AI’ if you wish, but we will be interested to see what you think!
Geoff Searl OAM
President Avalon Beach Historical Society
$550k For Coastal Art: Newport + Collaroy
On Friday August 22 2025 the council sprang two 'have your say' webpages for a coastal installation at Newport (up to $350,000) and another at Collaroy (up to $200,000).
The funding is stated to have come from the forced amalgamation of Pittwater with Warringah 'savings funds', not the council much increase permanently rates.
At Newport feedback on themes selected by 'key stakeholders' are:
- The historic Newport lagoon connecting Newport and its community.
- Newport’s culture centred around its beach and waterways.
At Collaroy, no 'key stakeholders' are not-named but the site is to be around the rockpool. The council would no be installing trip hazards around this much-loved pool ... which the webpage makes clear.
Interestingly the Newport Lagoon was filled in to facilitate developers then forced into pipes under the Warringah Shire Council - although it regularly reappears during inundations, unbeaten and undeterred.
Feedback and a call for ideas on the scope of each project is open until Sunday September 21st. The webpages for both are listed under the council's 'have your say' sections at:
Newport lagoon - circa 1910
''A CREEK AT NEWPORT BEACH,'' (Photo: C. S. Harnett, 1923.)
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into a concrete channel by 1934
Ross Street Newport during 1960's. Photo: Dave Whiteman
Newport shopping area flooding in old lagoon site in March 2022
Northern Beaches Police Area Command: Retired police day 2025
2025 North Shore Volunteer of the Year
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now in their 19th year and celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.
This past week leading advocate for the Gidget Foundation Marcelle Cooper was named the 2025 North Shore Volunteer of the Year, for her work raising awareness and support for parents suffering with perinatal depression and anxiety.
The category winners for the 2025 awards are:
2025 North Shore Young Volunteer of the Year: William Webster
William is a crucial cog in the planning and delivery of events for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. His volunteer work includes setting up and delivering equipment for the hospital based events, logistics, on the ground support, packing up, and supporting fundraising.
2025 North Shore Adult Volunteer of the Year: Marcelle Cooper
Marcelle volunteers with the Gidget Foundation Australia, sharing her story of living with perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) with expectant and new parents. Her speaking and engagement helps raise awareness of the support and specialist services available for parents and families suffering with this treatable illness. Her compelling and passionate words have helped to reach more than 6 million viewers on media and social media channels for the Gidget Foundation and PNDA.
2025 North Shore Senior Volunteer of the Year: Garry Standen
Garry gives his time to support the People and Culture team at Taronga Zoo by designing and building elearning and staff recognition programs. His volunteer work over the past seven years has also included administrative work for the volunteer team at the zoo.
2025 North Shore Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Sally Fenton
Sally helps lead the cadet program at St John Ambulance Australia Harborside Combined Division where cadet attendance has experienced a threefold increase under her guidance. She has provided more than 860 duty hours developing training material, leading live sessions including interactive simulations and collaborative exercises that encourage cadets to think critically and work as a team.
2025 North Shore Volunteer Team of the Year: Mary’s House Services Volunteer Team
The 100 volunteers at Mary’s House Services provide day to day support to ensure women and their children staying at the refuge receive the help and care they need during this difficult period of their lives. They provide child minding for clients when they are seeing counsellors or attending legal and financial clinics. They also help with cleaning, laundry, gardening, collecting groceries and donated meals, as well as grant writing, marketing and public relations; and organising community programs.
Photo: Zali-Staggall, Nicolette Boele, Tim James and Felicity Wilson presented the 2025 North-Shore Volunteer-of-the-Year-Award to Marcelle Cooper
Proposed Road Reserve Lease: adjoining 19 Rayner Road Whale Beach
On Friday, 22 August 2025 the council announced:
''We're proposing to grant a road reserve lease for another five years to the owners of 19 Rayner Road, Whale Beach.The purpose of the proposed lease is for marina (????), brick fence and planter boxes.Any person is entitled to make submissions to Council with respect to the proposed lease.Submissions can be made within 28 days of the date of this public notice by:
In writing: Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655.
This public notice is in accordance with Section 154 of the Roads Act 1993.
Submissions close Sunday 21 September 2025.
NB: seems a bit of a dry and too small an area for a marina installation - those commenting may want to check exactly what the typo may be in this Notice.
Monthly dads group launches at McMahons Point Community Centre
North Sydney Dads Group starts next month, giving fathers and father figures a welcoming space to learn, share and grow.
North Sydney Council stated this week it is proud to support the launch of a new dads group at McMahons Point Community Centre, starting Thursday 11 September.
The free monthly gathering will support fathers and father figures (including grandfathers, uncles and carers) to navigate parental challenges and be the best version of themselves for their kids, from infants to teens.
The group will help fathers and father figures build stronger family relationships, reduce stress and learn positive role modelling, while connecting with other dads in the area.
The sessions combine research-based parenting insights with open discussion and are facilitated by The Fathering Project, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote positive fathering behaviours and fathers’ engagement with their infants, preschool, primary school and adolescent-aged children.
Each meeting will include a 20-minute topic (such as supporting your kids when co-parenting or connecting with daughters) followed by an open floor for sharing challenges, reflections and support.
The first session runs on Thursday 11 September from 4pm to 5pm, and all are welcome. Register here.
Other Upcoming Dates: 9 October 2025 13 November 2025
Cost: Free
Location: McMahons Point Community Centre, 165 Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point
Pittwater RSL: new Developments
Before there was a clubhouse, there was a borrowed pavilion and a few crates of beer from the local pub.
In 1958, Pittwater RSL began as a small group of locals gathering in Mona Vale to stay connected, share stories, and honour service.
Our first official clubhouse?
A surplus army hut, lowered onto brick piers built by volunteers. Army boots filled with geraniums on the porch, a single poker machine, and a dance floor that saw more than a few big nights.
Photo: Original Pittwater RSL Sub-branch building, erected 1958 in Huxley St Mona Vale. Purchased from Dame Edith Walker Estate for £600. From 1961 until its demolition in 1966 it was used by 1st Mona Vale Scouts.
It took some guts (and a bold land deal) to move us out to Mona Vale Road, but with a little help and a lot of community spirit, the club found its home.
From those humble beginnings, we've grown into something much bigger, but we’ve never forgotten where it all started.
Now, we’re planning for the future. A new redevelopment will deliver modern club facilities, five brand-new Pickleball courts, dedicated admin offices for the Sub Branch, and a state-of-the-art entry, foyer, and Reward Members parking area, all designed to honour our legacy while securing the club’s future for generations to come.
Once construction is complete and the courts are functioning, opening hours will be seven days a week, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The refurbishment of the Bocado space within Pittwater RSL is aimed at transforming a currently underutilised 280 sqm area into a versatile, multi-purpose function venue. Over time, the space had undergone several piecemeal alterations, leading to a fragmented aesthetic and limited usability. The proposed redesign, is focused on creating a cohesive, flexible environment that caters to:
- Social gatherings
- Private events
- Corporate functions
The plan includes targeted demolition, installation of new flooring and cladding, a mobile furniture system to support different layouts (theatre, cocktail, dining), and feature lighting to enhance ambiance and functionality.
A $9 million refurbishment will introduce:
- A new lower-level 5-star entry
- A portico for a grand arrival experience
- Accessible parking
- Deck and Club connectivity via the terrace
- New escalators and lifts
- Pittwater Rewards (Platinum members) parking with direct club access
The Club will continue operating, though some areas may be temporarily affected. Members and guests will be kept informed about any changes.
Keep up with the progress here: www.pulseofpittwater.com.au
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
