June 1 - 30, 2025: Issue 643
Week Five June 2025 (June 23 - 29): NB Next Issue available Sunday July 20 - after Winter School Holidays break
Bilgola Public School Celebrates 60th Birthday: The Anniversary Walk to recreate history
Avalon Bulldogs Celebrate 50 Years of Friendly Coaching Youngsters + Kurt Stevenson's 350th Game
NSW Budget 2025-26: Pittwater Allocations - Wakehurst, Narrabeen x 2 projects, Mona Vale Road West and ancillary roads Progress, Bus Fares Capped and 8 Bendys back for Term 3, New pool at Broken Bay Fitness Centre
Regan's Northern Beaches Hospital Deed Termination Bill Passed
Aquatics Young Whale Disentangled off Barrenjoey Underlines the Value of going Whale-Watching from our Headlands - Winter School Hols. Ideas
NSW RFS teams respond to Canada’s call for firefighting support
Pictures Play Footy Time June 2025: at Lake Park, North Narrabeen + Hitchcock Park, North Avalon Beach
DIY Ideas Winter School Holidays: Fun Projects You Can Do Around The Home - Something For Everyone
Park Bench Philosophers Ever-changing Universe Revealed in First Imagery From NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Interactive Sonification; SkyView App; Citizen Scientist invite
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Week Four June 2025 (June 16 - 22):
Profile: Bruce Goold 1948-2025 Tribute and Celebration
History: Church Point Public Wharf - 1885 to 2025: Some History
2025 NSW Architecture Awards Winners: Babylon House (Avalon/Clareville) Morning Bay House (Morning Bay) Lagoon House (Curl Curl) win - Sydney Metro City Stations Project Awarded the NSW Architecture Medallion
Pictures Cremorne Point Walk: June 2025 by Joe Mills
Delay in New Home Care Packages Endangers Older Australians: Independent MP's
Griffin Calls for a Crack Down on Tobacco Shops: Petition + Scruby Wants DA requirement + Parliamentary Inquiry into Illegal Tobacco Now Open for submissions
E-Bike Safety Education Pop-up at Avalon Beach
Climate Change Authority Report: Invest in climate adaptation now to save billions a year in recovery costs - Steggall's Climate Resilience Plan Launched
From the Council Chamber: June 17, 2025 by Miranda Korzy
Rise Festival Is Firing Up Manly's Winter - Runs Until June 29
Aquatics New 'Google Maps for the sea' to cut shipping industry’s CO2 emissions: UNSW Research
Park Bench Philosophers Sea ice plays important role in variability of carbon uptake by Southern Ocean: New Study
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Week Three June 2025 (June 10 - 15):
Profile: Monika's Doggie Rescue: In need of Good People with Great homes for Pets - Foster Carers
History: Old Fashioned Film Evening at Avalon Beach Historical Society's June 2025 Meeting by Roger Sayers OAM
Aquatics Sea Waters off NSW retaining sustained above average heat: BOM States May 2025 Sea Surface Temperatures are highest on record + ‘Like an underwater bushfire’: SA’s marine algal bloom is still killing almost everything in its path + As Antarctic sea ice shrinks, iconic emperor penguins are in more peril than we thought
Warriewood Community Centre Build: June 2025 Update - photos by Joe Mills
Warriewood resident to receive Sport NSW Distinguished Long Service Honour - Collaroy Tennis Club Finalist in Inclusion Achievement of the Year Award
School Excursion to the Surf Club by Year 2 Maria Regina Primary School during the Club's 100th Anniversary Year - Encouraging Future Surf Lifesavers & Promoting Surf Safety + June Reflections by Rogers Sayers OAM, ABSLSC Life Member
Pictures Cremorne Point Walk: June 2025 by Joe Mills
Park Bench Philosophers ON Accelerate 9 showcases national innovation potential in deep tech: CSIRO
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Week Two June 2025 (June 2 - 9): King's Birthday Honours Edition
Council announces single service for lifeguards across the Peninsula
VW State Classic 2025: Local Surfers among Winners in NSW State Surfing Titles + Results
Rockfisher Drowns at North Head
Aquatics NSW Government announces Beachwatch program to continue under current model for another two years
Marine Rescue NSW commends caution as missions drop in May 2025
Operation Snow Safe 2025 launches For opening of ski season: NSW Police
High Schools Get Hooked on New Fishing Program
North Narrabeen in 1911 - Panoramas taken for West's Lakeside Estate
Australia Post prioritises Postie safety with introduction of new dog attack deterrent
Park Bench Philosophers Snow Season 2025: Local Connections with the Sport of Skiing beginnings in Charles Kerry, Percy Hunter and Herbert Schlink
Pictures Long Reef Sunrise Headland Walk by Joe Mills
DIY Ideas 11 Ways to keep your home warm, safe and save money this Winter
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Week Five May 2025 - Week One June 2025 (May 26 - June 1): Issue 643
Profile: A Celebration of Jack McCoy
History: Avalon Beach Camping Ground Gave a Lot of Legends to the Pittwater Community
2025 Environment Art & Design Prize Finalists announced
Pictures A Few Waves for Jack: Little, South + North Av.
World Oceans Day 2025 at Bongin Bongin Bay Mona Vale: The Janice Mason Memorial Swim + Family-Friendly Activities - Sunday June 8, from 8am
Aquatics RPAYC's Gwen Slade Regatta 2025 + Upcoming Inaugural Kay Cottee Women's Development Regatta - June 29
Park Bench Philosophers Labor approves Woodside's North West Shelf extension: 'a prelude to approval for Woodside's Browse Project carbon bomb' + Green light for gas: North West Shelf gas plant cleared to run until 2070 + How the North West Shelf expansion risks further damage to Murujuga’s 50,000-year-old rock art
Feedback Invited on Council's Climate Change Policy + Changes to Development Control Plans (for Manly-Warringah-Pittwater) - closes June 22

On 28 June, 1965, 2 teachers and 25 students walked up the hill from Avalon PS and into a new school, which today is the Heart of the Hill.
On Saturday 28 June, 2025 - 60 years to the day - around 200 Students, all the Teachers and Staff members, parents and families past, present and future, retraced their steps in an Anniversary Walk.
Four original students were present from the first intake; Ross Montague, John Gray, David Watson and Di Page.
No 60 Year BPPS Celebration would be complete without a delve into the history of the Bilgola Plateau Public Schools' beginnings.
This has been researched and written by Susan Peacock, who has an Archivist and working in Museums background and has been reading those 60 years of records, many of them still on paper - thank you Susan.
Pittwater Offshore Newsletter:
Click on Logo to access the latest PON:
To contact Roy: editor@scotlandisland.org.au
Jack's Day: Sat. July 5

Winter School Holidays Break

Open Mic at Palm Beach

Works on Scotland Island Commenced

Narrabeen Beach: Access Stairs Project
- A Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) stair landing with stainless steel balustrading will be installed. The landing will extend beyond the crest, starting from the edge of the vertical supports, to maximise views. A timber platform bench seat will also be included.
- Replacing the existing stairs to improve safety and accessibility, designed to match recent upgrades at nearby locations.
- An outdoor shower
- Rock Restacking: To support the installation and structural stability of the stairs, some rock repositioning will take place. The existing mix of sandstone and basalt rocks will be retained and reused where possible. Additional rocks will be brought in as needed to reinforce the structure.



Mackerel Beach Wharf Upgrade Update: Works to Commence in March 2026
Council announced on Monday January 20 2025 has secured almost $1 million in funding towards upgrades at Mackerel Beach Wharf with works expected to commence mid-year.
The works are part of the of the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program which supports capital works projects that enhance liveability, strengthen social cohesion and support local amenity in communities across Australia's cities and suburbs. Council secured $939,305.00 under the program.
The Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club had $5,150,000 approved under the same program for their Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club Centre of Excellence project.
More in January 2025 report:
Funding to assist Mackerel Beach Wharf upgrade from Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program
A separate project had involved the potential restoration of the Bayview Baths, with investigations and scoping planned for 2024/25 and construction potentially in winter 2026, 'subject to water quality improvements'.
The council's Delivery Program 2025-2029 post the 25% permanent SRV increase on Pittwater residents lists:
Wharves works program*
2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29; $'000
1,927 2,059 3,341 3,171
* Includes Special Variation funding

Newport Surf Life Saving Club Building extensions Update
- a clear entrance and a primary circulation space
- new lift to provide access to all parts of the building
- grouping of all amenities to the southern end
- new training rooms with separate stair access/exit
- increased equipment storage
- a large north facing terrace
- centrally located kitchen to service both the hall and committee room at the same time
- clear identification of the new extension from the original building
- a committee room opening into an extended northern terrace
- bike racks
- Building works - $3.75M
- Other costs - $1.1M (include allowance for professional fees, authority fees, design and construction contingencies, and provision for temporary buildings)
- Seawall works - $2.48M
- Other costs - $0.65M (include allowance for professional fees, authority fees, design and construction contingencies)
Female change facilities at Pittwater Rugby Park: Update

Double Callout: Marine Rescue Broken Bay assists two medical emergencies in one morning

Marine Rescue NSW finalists announced for Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Awards


NSW Rural Fire Service RESCA 2025 Finalists
- Deputy Group Captain Phil Hurst AFSM - Hawkesbury (pictured right)
- Captain Hannah McInnerney - Jamberoo (pictured centre)
- Firefighter Kingsley Hunt - Murrumbateman
- Deputy Group Officer Sarah Mika – Uralla

NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit Visit NSW Parliament


NSW teams respond to Canada’s call for firefighting support



Renewing the water main in Old Barrenjoey Road: Update
Next week, we’ll continue our night work to install the new water main along Old Barrenjoey Road. We will be working near 48 Old Barrenjoey Road and continue progressing down the road towards The Crescent.
We’ll also continue day work in the tunnelling zone, including excavating both shafts, starting our tunnelling work and installing the new water main within the tunnel.
We’ll also work tomorrow, Saturday 28 June, in the tunnelling zone, between 8 am and 1 pm. This is within our standard approved day work hours, but we try to minimise working on Saturdays where possible. This is essential to keep the project on track and finish work in this area as quickly as possible.
Night work (8 pm to 5 am, Monday to Friday mornings):
- temporarily closing Old Barrenjoey Road during our night work hours – see map below. General traffic will be diverted via local streets. Access to driveways, businesses and parking spaces will be maintained at all times. Our traffic controllers will be on site to assist and to help keep traffic flowing safely.
- using saw cutters or jackhammers to open the road for our work. Use of the saw cutter and jack hammer will finish by midnight.
- digging using an excavator and installing the new water main in sections.
- potholing using a vacuum truck to confirm the location of underground services within our work area.
- temporary rolling storage area located in front of 44 - 46 Old Barrenjoey Road and consisting of up to eight parking spaces.
- at the end of each night shift, we will temporarily restore Old Barrenjoey Road to allow for continued use during the day.
If we finish next week’s planned night work early, we may keep moving further down Old Barrenjoey Road towards The Crescent.
Day work (7 am to 6 pm weekdays, 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays):
- work between Avalon Fire Station and Woolworths.
- one-way traffic (southbound) with traffic diverted through the Woolworths car park (see ‘Temporary traffic changes – Section 2’ map below).
- parking restricted along Old Barrenjoey Road between the between the Fire Station and Avalon Parade. Parking will be suspended for the duration of our work in this area.
- parking inside the car park next to Woolworths will be maintained at all times.
- we will maintain access to the loading zone outside the Avalon Recreation Centre.
- temporarily closing the footpath outside the Woolworths for safety while this tunnelling work is underway. The footpath on the opposite side of the street (near Dunbar Park) will remain open at all times.
- these traffic changes will be in place 24/7 for 12 to 16 weeks while the tunnelling work is underway.
- continue excavating to create launch and receive shafts for the tunnelling work (see map below).
- tunnelling underground using a tunnel boring machine, between the launch and receive shaft.
- installing the new water main pipe within the tunnel underground.
- truck movements to transport material to and from our work site.


There will be some noise from our equipment and machinery as our work progresses along Old Barrenjoey Road. The level of noise you may experience will vary based on how far you live from our work area and what type of property you live in.
We will make every effort minimise noise where possible. We will finish the noisiest work (including saw cutting or jackhammering) by midnight, avoid unnecessary loud noises where possible and turn off vehicles when not in use.
- Visit our project website.
- Call us on 1800 943 119 or email confluence@sydneywater.com.au. For other Sydney Water repairs or faults, please call 13 20 90 (24 hours).
- Speak to us in person at one of our monthly drop-in sessions in Dunbar Park. They are held on the first Wednesday of every month, between 1 pm and 3 pm.

More funding available for war memorials in NSW
Bilgola Beach Carpark Accessible parking upgrade: Feedback Invited

Slow Down: Wildlife Crossing

Speed humps on McCarrs Creek Rd: share Wildlife Data
- The position via GPS or road and suburb
- The date
- The animal
Community News + what ran in each Issue
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JP Public Register
- Terry Jones J.P.
- Robert (Bob) Wood J.P.
- Deborah Hendy(Carter) J.P
Report Hate Crimes
Mona Vale Residents Association

Letters to the Editor
VALE - Graham Nock AM, OBE



Pittwater Celebrates National Award-Winning Village Manager

Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade: BF Training


Long Reef Golf Club clubhouse's $21+ Million Alterations Proposal
'inspired by the timeless spirit of coastal pavilions, particularly those from the Interwar Mediterranean style that have graced the Sydney coastline for decades. This style, often seen in iconic Sydney structures like the Manly Pavilion, Bondi Beach Pavilion, and the Bathers’ Pavilion at Balmoral Beach, is known for its connection to the coastal environment. The design of the new clubhouse draws upon this essence, evoking a sense of place that harmonizes with the landscape.The new clubhouse will embrace these principles of openness, warmth, and coastal beauty, with clean lines, open verandas, and a design that allows the space to breathe and flow. More than just a structure, it will be a place for the community—a hub that balances the legacy of the past with the vibrancy and functionality needed for today and into the future.This design is a celebration of the club’s heritage, a tribute to the coastline, and an invitation for all to come together in a space that feels timeless yet utterly contemporary.'
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More influencers join the fight against youth vaping
- Col Pearse
- Cxloe
- Phos
- Aunty Salma
- Tedsthetics
- Samuel Stubbs.
- choose to 'Quit Now', ‘Continue Quitting’, or prepare to 'Quit Later'
- set your goals and understand your motivations to quit
- nominate friends or family who can help you in the tough times
- view your progress, including a count of every day, hour and minute you stay vape or smoke-free and how much money you've saved
- nominate any ‘Danger Times’ and My QuitBuddy will send you notifications to keep you on track
- engage in a range of distractions to occupy your mind and your hands through any moments of craving

New requirement to audit Care Minutes Performance: Statement
- direct care minutes delivered
- associated labour hours and costs
- registered nurse (RN) coverage
- occupied bed days.
Improving Cancer detection in youth with NF1

New tech improvements at RNSH ICU

Narrabeen Youth Club's 60th: Call for old photos

2025 Election Review: Liberal Party of Australia
To conduct a review of the Liberal Party’s 2025 federal election result, including the campaign and the parliamentary term, and to make recommendations arising from the review.The review will include examination of the performance of – and lessons arising for – the Federal Secretariat/CCHQ, the Parliamentary party, the Divisions of the Liberal Party (including the Country Liberal Party’s campaign in Solomon), and consultants and service providers used by the Party.The review will also examine, among other things:
- An historically low primary vote for the Liberal Party.
- The Party’s electoral performance among different voter segments.
- The long-term challenge for the Party presented by ‘independents’.
The review will consult with relevant subject matter experts.Further relevant matters may be considered as the review progresses, where they are judged to have a material bearing on the Party’s electoral prospects.
Statement: Committee of Management
Mid North Coast Floods May 2025
Hats on for Soibada

NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit: Workshops for Women 2025

Valuation of Land Regulation remake
- remove duplication
- update outdated references and processes
- improve clarity and readability.
- prescribes the types of leases that make land Crown lease restricted when determining land values
- explains how landowners can lodge or withdraw an objection to a land valuation
- outlines how other notices may be issued or received.
Have your say on NSW’s anti-discrimination laws
- a community summary, which provides a more concise and less technical summary of the consultation paper, and
- an Easy Read consultation paper, which uses simple language and pictures to help make information easier to understand.
- what conduct should be unlawful, and when
- who should be protected
- who should be held responsible for unlawful conduct
- when exceptions are appropriate, and
- whether the ADA should do more to promote substantive equality.
- respond to the NSWLRC’s community survey
- make a submission in response to the issues and questions raised in the consultation paper, or
- answer the questions in the Easy Read consultation paper.
2026 Australian of the Year Nominations now open
- Australian of the Year
- Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over)
- Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30)
- Australia's Local Hero
The 2025 CWAS "David Malin Awards"
- General Section (Open only to Australian residents):
- Wide-Field
- Deep Sky
- Solar System
- Theme - "People and Sky"
- Junior Section (Australian residents aged 18 years or younger):
- One Open Category (can be of any astronomical subject)
- International Section (Open to all Australian and overseas resident astrophotographers)
- Nightscapes
Australia Post expands Community Grants program


Monika's Doggie Rescue Pets of the Week
Button
2yo Wiry Jack Russell
Button is a lively happy boy who loves playing with other small dogs however his humans are most important to him. He loves sleeping on someone's lap and also helping them eat their meal! He has separation anxiety but is comfortable being left alone providing he has a doggy pal. He has a scruffy coat and weighs 5.7kg. Button suits apartment living but is looking for a home where someone is around or he needs a doggy pal. All our dogs come with desexed, fully vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $800.
Bjorn
4yo Wolfhound X
Bjorn is a very gentle affectionate boy who had been dumped in bushland and was found full of scars and a sore leg. For a dog who has experienced such hardships he is such a gentle sooky boy. He just loves affection and attention and walks well on loose lead. Bjorn is scared of mechanical noises such as cars, trucks and mowers and typical of his breed is not trustworthy around pocket pets, cats etc with high prey drive. He has a scruffy coat and weighs 31.3kg. He would suit a family with house with garden and is comfortable being left alone for part-time hours. All our dogs come with desexed, fully vaccinated, heartworm free and microchipped. Also included for the love and health of our dogs is a free Health and Wellness Voucher with our DoggieRescue Vet. His adoption fee is $400.
Dog rescuers report a number of pets are being dumped in bushland at present. For more, see June 2025 updated Profile for Monika's Doggie rescue:
Monika's Doggie Rescue: In need of Good People with Great homes for Pets - Foster Carers
For further details call DoggieRescue on 9486 3133 or email Monika@DoggieRescue.com. RON R251000024
Nominations open for the 2025 Australian Mental Health Prize
Pothole Problems: How to report
- Beach Road, Palm Beach
- Ocean Road, Palm Beach
- Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach to Mona Vale
- Pittwater Road, Mona Vale to Manly
- Warringah Road
- Condamine Street (Brookvale to Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation)
- Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation and Myrtle Street overpass
- Forest Way
- Wakehurst Parkway
- Mona Vale Road
- McCarrs Creek Road (From Terrey Hills to McCarrs Creek Reserve)
- Liberator General San Martin Drive
- Sydney Road
- Belgrave Street
- Manly Road
- Frenchs Forest Road, Seaforth
