December 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 649

Front Page Issue 649

Week One December 2025 (December 1-7)

2025 Australian Surfing Awards Honourees: Long Reef Boardriders Win Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award - Locana Cullen receives Mick Fanning Rising Star Award - Tom Myers Wins Heavy Water Award - More Positive News on the Way

Sunday December 7 announcement: Minns Government announces $2.5 million boost to summer beach safety with immediate extra shark surveillance drones

Aquatics 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles: Local Winner Ben Zanatta Dedicates His Australian Title Triumph to Mercury Psillakis – Kincumber’s Talia Tebb wins back-to-back Australian Junior Surf Titles by Suzie Leys

Natalie Scott Shares her First Memoir, at 97

Maximum legal power output of e-bikes in NSW to be reduced to 250 watts - Federal Government reinstating EN-15194 standard: Scamps Welcomes changes, Scruby calls for NSW to lead with e-bike licensing and registration

Fledging - Baby Birds coming to ground: Please try and Keep them close to Parent Birds - Please Put out shallow dishes of water in hot weather

Pictures  Work Experience: Y10 - Mobile Photography lesson by Joe Mills in a stroll through Warriewood Wetlands

Park Bench Philosophers Australian Government Appointments Framework Released alongside Briggs 'Report of the Review into Public Sector Board Appointments Processes; No Favourites'

NSW Health: residents urged to take care this mosquito season - Visitors-Residents of 60 LGA's urged to guard against JE Virus

DIY Ideas Christmas-New Years 2025-26 Checklists: Preparing The Garden & Home - Entertaining - Gift Ideas For Every Budget

_________________________________

Council's Open Coast & Lagoons Coastal Management Program (CMP's): Scoping Study Feedback until Dec. 14

Australia Post Dog Attack Warning as Christmas Runs Begin - deliveries to a property or street will Cease if a Postie is threatened or injured by an aggressive dog - 2024-2025 Dog Attack Statistics for NSW Not Released + South Australia's Tougher Penalties for Dog Attacks Begin 

Newport Pool to Peak Kicks Off Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2026

A new lens on rock fishing safety through AI camera trial: Barrenjoey to Manly high risk rock fishing declared areas map - Lifejacket required

Yule have a great time in Sydney this Christmas - lots of Free Family events, what's on where and when

James Griffin MP Launches ‘Future Manly’ - Putting the Community at the Centre of Decision-Making

Strata overhaul reaches 'final milestone' as fourth reform bill is introduced to NSW Parliament: Double-hit fees-council rates still not addressed - Issues Paper for review into strata managing agents Open for feedback (Until December 14)

Profile of the Week Tilly Rose Cooper's Debut Children's Book is set to Inspire a New Generation of Nippers

Teen and youth leader Tilly Rose Cooper has announced the launch of her debut children’s book, A Day of New Adventures — an uplifting story inspired by her own journey as a young Nipper at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club. 

The story follows Emily, a child experiencing her first day at Nippers, capturing the excitement of joining the surf club while exploring themes of trust, courage, friendship, family values, and water safety. Illustrated by Mona Vale SLSC member Richard Perry, the book aims to inspire families to discover the Nippers program together and help children build confidence in and around the ocean. 

Tilly, who continues to make a positive impact through several community initiatives — including My Fijian Clothes Drive and The Electric Way to Pedal, an e-bike safety awareness project — says the book is her way of giving back. 

“Surf lifesaving has given me confidence, courage, and a second family,” Tilly said. “I wanted to create something that helps other kids feel the same sense of belonging and bravery. This book is for every child stepping into the waves for the first time.” 

A dedicated champion of community spirit, Tilly recently received the Global Leadership Network’s Next Gen Step-Up Challenge for her work supporting children and families in Fiji through her My Fijian Clothes Drive. The Global Leadership Network’s Next Gen Step-Up Challenge invited young people to share their leadership impact in 60-second short films, capturing what it means to step up, make tough choices, and lead for others. 

Tilly also proudly serves as an Ambassador for the Kimaya Brighter Minds Program, promoting youth leadership and positive decision-making across Fiji and Australia. 

History Newport's Dearin Reserve has had Residential Environmental Defenders Since 1906: Third Time inspired Iconic Logo Epitomising the Mangroves of the estuary Became Symbol of Pittwater Council

Dearin Reserve, on Heron Cove at Newport, with Haystack Point to the north, Newport Public wharf, Newport Hotel and Old Mangrove Bay to the south, is another area on the Pittwater estuary that was resumed to provide ‘access’ to that waterbody for residents and visitors and that residents have stood up for over the years.

Dearin Park has been stated to be named after Mr. and Mrs. Dearin who lived at the bottom of Gladstone street and gave the land to the council for the residents use as a reserve. Although this has become a popular local anecdote, the land was actually resumed from Mr. Dearin and two others in the 1920's. The name was given to honour his looking after the reserve, even after that resumption in what reads as a touch of lording over a resident and bullying by the then council. 

Records indicate his home was at end of Gladstone and on Princes street – at the waterfront end of Lot 7, Section A Town of Newport. 

This is also where, at least three times, residents have stood up to defend the Pittwater foreshores and this reserve in particular from developmental impacts that would destroy its environment and all that lives there because that had been retained. 

Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:

December 1 2025


Click on Logo to access the latest PON:  

Contents: Play News; Carols Afloat; Island Café; Merchant of Venice. To contact Roy:  editor@scotlandisland.org.au

Christmas Closure Dates

Please note the news service will run its final full Issue for 2025 next Sunday, December 14.

The first full Issue for 2026 will run Sunday January 24, just before schools go back.

Notices and events posters can be added in at any time during the interim but if you want yours in the final Issue Notice going out to subscribers next Sunday please get it in ASAP.

Surf clubs and events organisers who have booked us in to attend and get photos during the next 4 weeks will get a link to where they and their members can download what they want for their albums prior to then.

Thank you very much.

Oppose the Planning Reforms: Petition

Liberals have worked with Labor to radically reform NSW's planning rules to be developer-led. 

NSW is implementing the biggest reforms in 50 years - overriding council-led planning and existing planning controls, and reducing community voices in planning decisions. 

These blanket planning laws disregard strategic council-led planning and centralise state-power, opening up the risk of corruption and lack of transparency in decision making. 

Although some mum and dad developers will welcome some streamlining, the reality is that we will face a development onslaught that will allow developers more scope to build where they want, when they want. 

We all knew the NSW Government was focused on delivering housing and was going to embark on these reforms, but we thought there would be resistance from the Opposition. Instead, the Liberal party worked with the government. 

"We are now a pro-supply, yimby-based (Yes In My Back Yard) party... getting government out of the way and letting developers build houses," according to Liberal MLC the Hon. Chris Rath.

I have spoken in parliament against these reforms and was one of only four MPs out of 93 who voted against these reforms in the Legislative Assembly. Please view my speech for details on the reform. 

We must continue this fight, which is likely to be long and difficult. Many small groups are popping up, but we are stronger together. 

This petition will allow me to build a co-ordinated campaign and keep you informed on planning. 

If you want to keep community voice in planning decisions and balanced developments that protect the environment, please sign my petition and remember to tell us if you are affected by any development applications or offers to purchase your property.

Jacqui Scrub,
MP for Pittwater

Newport Breakers: AGM & Christmas Cheer

The Club is holding a Christmas Cheer at Porters from 1:00pm Saturday 13 December ( AGM is midday) We would like everyone to come and support the Club.

Kelly Pound is cooking her famous hams plus other food - complimentary $5 beers / wines.

It should be over by say 4:00pm so the day/night is still young.
Maybe you can only afford to pop in - please do.

Please spread the word and encourage others to support the Club​.
Cheers (and thank you ) 
AJ, President.

Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week

Woody 

2yo Cattle X Staffy

Woody is a fun loving happy friendly boy. He loves all people and is so eager to please. Woodly walks on loose lead and enjoys belly rubs. He ignores other dogs and cars whilst out walking. He as a smooth coat, has an athletic build and weighs 28.3kg. He suits a house with garden and PT hours left alone. He is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. His adoption cost is $400. 

Gem

9yo Jack Russell X

Little Gem ended in the pound after her owners abandoned her when they went on holidays. She came with a huge hernia with organ entrapment as well as a mammary tumour (pic attached). Gem has gone so well through the surgery and is so bright and happy. She will need a dental in a few weeks when she has fully recovered. Gem is a bit of a fussy eater being keen on chicken breast and some cat foods. She is social with other small dogs but can get jealous of attention and affection from a human. She has a short coat and weighs 5.2kg. She suits apartment living and FT hours alone. She is desexed , fully vaccinated, heartworm free and chipped. Her adoption cost is $600. 


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

Have your say: 2026-27  Pre-Budget submission

The 2026-27 NSW Budget will be delivered in June 2026.

The NSW Government is seeking your feedback to help them deliver on key wellbeing themes while maintaining our commitment to responsible budget management.

The most recent 2025-26 NSW Budget showed the budget is improving due to a measured and responsible approach to fiscal management. Any new spending that is not offset by revenue or savings measures is likely to impact this progress. As a result, the 2026-27 NSW Budget will continue to focus on reprioritisation of existing budgets.

Tell us what you think
We'd like to hear from individuals, businesses and community groups on their views regarding priorities for the
2026-27 NSW Budget.

Please consider the following in your submission:
  • What is the NSW Government doing well and should continue to do?
  • What is the NSW Government not doing well?
  • What work should the NSW Government pause or deprioritise?
  • What ways could the NSW Government raise funds to support service delivery and infrastructure?
The submission form includes areas for free text responses. For consistent analysis, we encourage you to summarise your key points in the spaces provided and avoid referring straight to your attachment or typing "N/A".

Submissions will be accepted until 5pm, Monday 22 December 2025. This will give the NSW Government sufficient time to consider the submissions during budget preparations.

James Griffin MP Launches ‘Future Manly’ 

Putting the Community at the Centre of Decision-Making

Mr Griffin said the project represents his ongoing effort to ensure the direction of the local community is informed by residents’ ideas and opinions.

“Throughout my political career, it has always been important to me that the views and perspectives of residents and businesses inform the work I do on their behalf. With Future Manly, I am making it as easy as possible for people to share their views. My role is to represent our community, our ideas, our priorities, and our vision for the future of our community,” Mr. Griffin said.

The project will begin with a large-scale community conversation, inviting residents to join at futuremanly.com and share their views on the issues and opportunities shaping the local area.

Following the online engagement, Mr Griffin will publish the results and release a shared plan for Manly’s future and a community vision statement.

“Too often politicians spend their time speaking about issues and not getting on with delivering. People know me, and they know I deliver what I promise. I’m wanting to get their views on where to next for the electorate of Manly.” said Mr Griffin.

“Our area requires continued modern leadership, and community consultation projects like this are vital. They ensure that elected representatives are truly reflecting the voices of the people they represent. Future Manly is about listening first and then acting together.”

Mr Griffin emphasised that the process is ongoing, and he will continue to engage with residents beyond the initial consultation to ensure community voices remain central to delivering projects.

Future Manly: Shape your neighbourhood! 

Takes 5 minutes.
Our community is strongest when everyone has a voice in shaping its future. That’s why I am launching the Future Manly Community Survey.

If you live in Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Brookvale, Clontarf, Curl Curl, Dee Why, Fairlight, Freshwater, Manly, Manly Vale, North Balgowlah, North Curl Curl, North Manly, Queenscliff, Seaforth, then this is for you!

The survey will run over the summer months, giving people time to reflect and contribute their perspectives on what they’d like to see in their neighbourhood.

Share what you want for your neighbourhood and broader community over the next 5,10 years and beyond. 

This quick 5 min survey is to shape our community.

From local parks, to traffic, schools, transport, density and supporting our local businesses - share your views and help build our great community together. 


James Griffin, MP for Manly

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!

Avoid the Christmas rush with Australia Posts last-sending dates

Australia Post has announced the all-important last sending dates for Christmas gifts and cards urging customers to plan ahead to ensure presents arrive by Thursday 25 December.  

For Metro locations across Australia: 
  • Parcel Post: Parcels should be sent by Monday 22 December for same state deliveries and Friday 19 December for interstate deliveries
  • Express Post: Parcels should be sent by Tuesday 23 December
  • Letters/cards: Christmas letters and cards should be sent by Thursday 18 December for same state deliveries and Tuesday 16 December for interstate deliveries 
People sending to or from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, or regional and remote locations, should allow a few extra days. 

For international: 
  • Economy Air: Parcels should be sent between 21 November – 5 December depending on the destination
  • International Standard: Parcels should be sent between 28 November – 12 December depending on the destination
  • International Express: Parcels should be sent between 5 December – 18 December depending on the destination 
Gary Starr, Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services said customers should check the sending deadlines for their chosen destination on the website and plan Christmas posting early to give parcels and cards the best chance of arriving on time. 

“Christmas is the busiest time of year for our network and we know how important it is for parcels and cards to arrive on time. We’re sharing these key dates early so people can plan ahead, while also scaling up our operations with thousands of extra team members.  

“Planning ahead is the best way to make sure your gifts reach loved ones — and while we’ll still deliver items sent after the recommended dates as quickly as possible, we can’t guarantee they’ll arrive before Christmas,” Mr. Starr said. 

All last sending dates are now available to view at auspost.com.au/christmas, which include domestic sending via Parcel Post and Express Post, and international sending via Economy Air, International Standard and International Express. 

To stay informed about delivery updates, including expected arrival times and any major service interruptions or impacts to the network, customers can use the Australia Post app or visit auspost.com.au/service-updates. 

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  April 2025  May 2025  June 2025  July 2025  August 2025  September 2025  October 2025  November 2025

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


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

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. 

Simply enter:
  1. The position via GPS or road and suburb
  2. The date
  3. The animal

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. 

Send yours via email to: pittwateronlinenews@live.com.au

Council supports bushfire readiness for offshore residents

As the weather heats up, many residents on bush blocks or close to public spaces are getting bush fire ready. 

From clearing out gutters, sweeping up leaf litter to trimming and removing trees, shrubs, mulch and grass, there are many ways to prepare your home so you and it are more likely to survive in a bush fire or ember attack.

For offshore communities across the Pittwater, managing vegetation can be challenging. To help residents get prepared, the council is offering a special collection of ‘fine fuels’ for residents of Scotland Island, Mackerel Beach, and the Western Foreshore starting Monday, 8 December.

What are fine fuels?
Fine fuel are leaves, twigs and bark that can easily catch fire and that are smaller than a little finger width – material that ignites easily during fires.

How to prepare if you live offshore
  • From Thursday the 27th of November collect council-provided bags from Scotland Island Residents Association or from public wharves at Mackerel Beach, North Elvina Bay, South Elvina Bay, Lovett Bay, Hall or Morning Bay and at Bonnie Doon and Bennetts Wharf at Coasters Retreat.
  • Collect fine fuel from your roof and around your property and fill the bags.   
  • Leave full bags out before 8am on the day of collection at your collection point. 
 
Collection points
Depending on where you live collection is via the public wharves, the roadside outside your property or from private jetties that are accessible at low tide.

Follow the special instructions:
  • Ross Smith Parade, Mackerel Beach residents’ collection point is via the southern corner of the street or near the public wharf.
  • Public wharf collections are to be secured at the wharf’s entrance point.
  • Roadside collections are to be placed with a 3-metre gap in the road reserve or fire trails to allow emergency access.
  • Please note that regular vegetation will not be included in this special collection.
For more information email our waste services team wasteservices@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or follow signage being displayed at public wharves in the coming weeks.

Avalon Beach Historical Society December 2025 Meeting

The next meeting of the Society will be held on TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER, commencing promptly at 8pm in the Annexe in the north-western corner of Dunbar Park.

Besides being our Christmas meeting, with plenty of yummy Christmas fare, those who attend will be treated to 2 very worthwhile guest speakers.

We mentioned the death of one of the northern beaches’ creative geniuses at our September meeting, that of JOHN MURCH.

John’s history is a fascinating one and I am delighted that both his sister Michelle and his wife, Deb Masters, have accepted my request to present his amazing life in 2 Power Point presentations they showed at his memorial service.

Beyond The Bends, John was known as ‘the legend’ in the Australian film industry, working as a sculptor and model maker on some of Australia’s iconic movies.

Surely a night not to be missed.  Supper, like our guest speakers, is also not to be missed!

We still have quite a few members who are behind in their dues, and we would like you to update your membership (due last September). A full membership list will be available at the meeting.

For those of you who are unable to attend, we wish you the happiest of Christmases and look forward to your company in the new year.  

Geoff Searl OAM
President ABHS

Lion Island Yacht Race 2025

BYRA have changed the date for the annual Lion Island Yacht Race to Sunday 7th December.
All members are welcome to bring their yachts and compete. The Race is also open to yachts from other clubs.
This is a fundraising celebration of the foundation of the club. Prizegiving after the race in the clubhouse from 5pm
The start is at 12.00pm from a line set outside the moorings just off the club, around Lion Island to port and return.
You can enter now at www.byra.com.au/events/322203

community grants program now Open

  • Infrastructure Grants: arts and culture - From $50,000 to $200,000
  • Infrastructure Grants: community infrastructure - From $50,000 to $250,000
  • Infrastructure Grants: disaster readiness - From $50,000 to $200,000
  • Infrastructure Grants: sport and recreation - From $50,000 to $300,000
Application opens: 24 November 2025
Application closes: 15 December 2025

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“These grants support local communities to create or improve facilities that boost community spirit and increase health and wellbeing through participation in sport and recreation, the arts, volunteering or preparing for natural disasters.

“This round includes projects invites applications from all over NSW that will benefit young people, culturally diverse communities, Aboriginal organisations and people seeking support with challenging circumstances.

“There are also projects that ensure councils and volunteer organisations can respond quickly and effectively to emergency rescues on our waterways.

Marine Rescue Middle Harbour launches Club 500 fundraising programme

Marine Rescue Middle Harbour has introduced a new fundraising and community engagement initiative, the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour Club 500 Programme, designed to strengthen connections between the boating public and the volunteers who support them.

So far this year, volunteers at Marine Rescue Middle Harbour have performed 188 search and rescue missions, including 24 emergency responses, safely returning 460 people to shore.

The programme has been developed by volunteer crew member Tony Collins, who also serves as the unit’s Community Partnership Manager – Club 500. It invites boat owners and supporters to become Club 500 Members by contributing an annual $500 fee. Members gain access to a range of benefits provided by local marine businesses and national industry partners.

Marine Rescue NSW is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that receives some government funding but relies on community support to sustain its services. Collins said fundraising is essential for Marine Rescue Middle Harbour to maintain its operational readiness.

“The programme raises essential funds to ensure safe and effective operations, while also fostering stronger engagement with the wider boating community. Club 500 is structured so that participating partners also gain commercial value through increased customer engagement,” he said.

Club 500 has attracted a range of partners offering practical benefits to members, including:
  • Fuel discounts from d’Albora Marinas
  • Antifouling discounts from BoatYard and Short Marine
  • Mooring services from Treharne Moorings
  • Mechanical servicing by Onboard Marine Services
  • Equipment discounts from Boat Warehouse
  • Dive service discounts from Underwater Dive Services
  • Membership discounts at Manly Skiff Club
  • Survey and inspection services from Boatbuy
  • Marine training courses from Maritime Training School, Boatwise, and Flying Fish Sailing
The programme is designed so that many boat owners can recover the cost of membership through partner discounts alone. Contributions also support Marine Rescue Middle Harbour search and rescue and emergency response capability on Sydney Harbour and offshore, vessel maintenance and crew training.

“Marine Rescue Middle Harbour’s Club 500 establishes a programme grounded in partnership, trust, and community connection, offering a practical way for members of the boating community and the wider public to support volunteer rescue services,” Collins said.

Further information and membership details are available on the Club 500 website: club500.mh.marinerescuensw.com.au

Photo: MH 20 at the Marine Rescue Middle Harbour base at The Spit. Photo: MRMH

Proposed lease expansion at Church Point: Have your say

Crown Lands invites your feedback on a proposal new lease over an expanded area for The Quays Marina at Church Point, Pittwater.
Consultation period: 5th November 2025 - 2nd December 2025
See consultation methods
Location: 1856 Pittwater Rd, Church Point NSW 2105

What’s this about?
Crown Lands's tenant at Church Point, The Quays Marina, proposes to expand the marina footprint (in the area shown by red shading in the aerial diagram) for a development that includes a new marina arm with fixed berths.

Before decisions are made that change the use of Crown land and waterways, Crown Lands engages with the community for feedback on how the proposal would impact their use and enjoyment of the area.

The Quays Marina, Crown Lands's tenant, is also seeking planning approval via a development application (DA) to the council for a proposed expansion of the marina. 
While the new Crown Lands lease would enable the proposed development, the lease and council’s development approval are 2 separate matters.

Crown Lands and the council are consulting the community on the 2 different aspects of the project at the same time.

To provide feedback on the development application, visit the Northern Beaches Council Development applications website and search for DA2025/1506 or 1856 Pittwater Road, Bayview. Link and project overview below.

You can provide feedback on the proposed new lease on the Crown Lands website.

Your feedback will be considered in making a decision about this proposed lease. Engagement on this proposed lease is a requirement of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s Community Engagement Strategy. The Strategy has been developed to set an open and transparent framework for engaging the community about important decisions on Crown land. The Strategy acknowledges that needs vary between communities, and that a range of engagement approaches may be required to ensure community views are understood before important decisions are made. 

The final decision will be made following the 28-day consultation period, once the Department has reviewed all comments and feedback provided by the community and stakeholders. The final decision will be published on this page.

Have your say
Have your say by 11.59pm on Tuesday 2 December 2025 (AEDT).

Aerial diagram. The red shading shows the indicative boundary of proposed lease. The blue outline shows existing lease boundary held by the applicant for the purpose of commercial marina. Credit: Crownview – Nearmap Imagery

Quays Marina DA through the council 

DA2025/1506, open until 3/12/2025 with the council, is for 'Alterations and additions to a marina'; for a reconfiguration of the existing marina facility with an extra Arm C offshore and parallel to the inner Arms A and B (Figure 2) and the relinquishment of swing moorings currently under the control of the marina. 

The proponent's documents state:
The proposed arm will provide fixed berthing for 40 vessels ranging in length
from 16 to 18 metres and will replace 40 existing swing moorings, resulting in no net increase in vessel storage capacity; no dredging is proposed, and all infrastructure works will occur within the existing operational footprint of the Marina.

The Marina itself provides employment for over 100 people locally, and its future depends on providing a modern facility which meets a continuing demand for berths and boats of increasing size.
  • The proposal in this DA allows us to meet this demand without increasing the number of boats serviced by the marina.
  • In providing fixed berths, we can minimise environmental impacts by removing swing moorings, which are known to cause seagrass scouring and seabed damage. Fixed infrastructure, on the other hand, is known to create habitats for fish.
  • The proposal will improve safety and navigation through reducing the extent of swing moorings in the waterway and improve safety by providing a stable platform for moving on and off vessels.
  • The removal of particular moorings will allow a safer passage for young dinghy sailors under instruction at the local sailing club, BYRA.
The proposal is also in line with the results of community consultation in the Council's Pittwater Waterway strategy 2038, to reduce the cumulative impacts on the waterway as a result of swing moorings. 

Cost of Work will be $ 3,432,000.00. Quays Marine Centre at 1856 Pittwater road Bayview is a private marina catering for all things boating with, currently, 110 berths and 69 moorings that are leased out to customers. All documents now available on the council webpage for the proposed project.

Petition: Stop Politicians from spamming & harvesting our data

Sign at: www.katechaney.com.au/spam-and-data-petition

We want political parties to communicate - but without bombarding us or harvesting our personal information.

This is a chance for the Government to act to protect voters.

Political Spam

We’re tired of getting swamped with political texts. Political parties shouldn’t be exempt from the Spam Act 2003 - they need to follow the same rules as every business. Prime Minister Albanese said on ABC Radio, “I certainly think that would be a reasonable thing to do, to ban the texts."

Data Harvesting - Postal Vote Applications

Millions of Australians vote by post. This process should be between you and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) - not political parties fishing for your data. Right now, major parties send postal vote application forms – by SMS, email or to your mailbox - along with their political ads and ask you to send your application to a “processing centre” they control. They can then collect your personal details to use and share before passing the application on to the AEC. As AEC Commissioner Jeff Pope said on 31 March 2025, "Concerns about party postal vote applications through unsolicited outreach is the number one complaint we hear from voters at almost every federal election"

Governments in Victoria and Western Australia have fixed this. NSW is next. 

It’s time for the Federal Government to do the same!

More in report: Bill to Stop Politicians Harvesting your Data Via Postal Votes Introduced: Petition to support Bill

Disability safeguards consultation: share your thoughts

The Australian Government is consulting on a new Framework and Strategy to improve safeguards for people with disability.

The government wants to improve safeguards for people with disability. The government is developing a:
  • Disability Support Quality and Safeguarding Framework (the Framework), and
  • Disability Support Ecosystem Safeguarding Strategy (the Strategy). 
The Framework and the Strategy are intended to support all people with disability, within and outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Framework and the Strategy will:
  • set the standard and culture of the systems, services, supports, people and organisations that together meet the needs of people with disability
  • empower people with disability to access quality supports and use safeguards
  • unify and strengthen safeguards for people with disability.
This is intended to improve quality and safeguarding for all people with disability.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has engaged Australian Healthcare Associates (AHA) to consult with the disability community and the disability sector. AHA is working with the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations to ensure people with disability can contribute to this project.

AHA welcomes submissions for this consultation by 22 December 2025.

Submissions can be made in a number of ways. Auslan and Easy Read versions of the survey are available. Interpreting services are available at no cost.

For more information: 
To share your thoughts, visit: Disability Safeguards Consultation.

Report Hate Crimes

Recent reports to the news service would indicate this reminder is needed at present.

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.

When not on social media and when there is no crime committed, but an action is still motivated by hate, prejudice or bias, it is known as a hate incident. Both hate crimes and hate incidents are taken very seriously by the NSW Police.

When you report hate that you witness or experience, you become part of a larger movement to remove it from our society.

What you can expect from the NSW Police Force:
  • Every report is taken seriously by the NSW Police Force.
  • You can expect a respectful and straightforward experience.
  • A translator will be used if required.
  • When you report to the police, they will request your details. You can choose not to provide these details at the time of reporting however, this will likely affect how police can proceed with an investigation.
  • Support services or contact with an appropriate liaison officer will be offered.
  • You will be kept informed of what happens next, your rights and the criminal process (if someone was able to be charged).
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.  
For more information, visit  www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/hate_crimes

 

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