Pittwater Online News

December 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 649

Profiles of the Year: 2025

Although there is only one 'Profile of the Week' page there are reports that run each week which get added into the permanent Profiles section or run in the end of year 'wrap' page featuring the Profiles of the Year because that's where such events, awards, adventures, wins, individuals and volunteer community groups and milestones belong, among all that is celebrated, honoured, remembered.

Some of what's been happening and has happened in 2025 runs below.

January

Virginia Head: Tribute

On Boxing Day, December 26 2024, Virginia Head, Beloved Wife of Malcolm and Loving Mother of Diana and Michele, lost her battle with cancer.

A long-term Member of Avalon Beach SL:SC, the Barrenjoey Breakers swimming group, Pittwater Outrigger Racing Club and the Manly Warringah Kayak Club, Virginia had a passion for watersports and was a very kind lady who sought to save lives in the water.

Virginia made her time available to all who had never swum to teach them 'how to' and extended this to looking after those who had never swum in the ocean and wanted to have someone beside them who would introduce them to this environment.

Virginia Head was that lady who would stand beside you, or more accurately, swim beside you.

Thousands of people were enabled to take to the water through her six decades of teaching others to swim.

In 2023 she was spotted taking part in the Bilgola SLSC 'Billy Ocean swims' - she could still kick, still swim, even if her legs made it hard to negotiate the sand when walking.

Virginia still made it through, and threw her fist up in triumph when she made it back to the beach.

Her love for children, for other people, for inspiring others to 'get in the swim' or try paddling, her favourites, will remain in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.

As a volunteer Patrol member of Avalon Beach SLSC Virginia was known for her sharp eyes and not missing her duties until she could no longer serve the community in this capacity.

As a member of two paddling clubs in our area Virginia would encourage people to get involved either as a team member or as a solo athlete, sharing how fit and free taking to the water and exploring our area via kayak or outrigger will make you, and how getting to represent your club, state or country will connect you to those who share this passion across the world.

As a mark of respect, love and celebration of a lovely lady who will be much missed in our community, her Profile from 2014 runs this Issue.

Rebecca Capell: Vice President of Newport SLSC

As the proud mum of two boys and a girl 'Bec' Capell has long been focussed on equipping her by no young adults with everything and anything they need to become all they want to be.

Her focus has been on keeping it real and relative. After joining Newport SLSC as a Nippers mum, Bec has undertaken various roles in the club - everything from womanning the shop to looking after the littlies and now looking after members across the club structure as VP of Newport surf club.

Bec introduced 'The Top 5' at Newport, a newsletter featuring the top five stories for club members, when her role was Member Protection Information Officer, contributing a story for the first edition on Tips for Schoolies and how to stay safe if attending. The other 4 stories for that edition were about Newport athletes excelling at surf sports, a working bee on the garden at the front of the club, and the Return and Earn scheme for bottles the club had recently signed up to and Bec again penned an update on Taking 3 for the Sea the Nippers were involved in, setting up the under 7s, 8s and 9s to be current and future custodians of their own and any other beach they find themselves on.

Bec is also an athlete - especially in water sports; a love and passion that commenced when she was young and has been renewed through the opportunities being a member of a surf club provides for all ages and all genders.

Bec won Gold in the 2022 Aussies in the Champion Lifesaver event. That had been preceded by a Silver in the same event at the NSW State Championships in 2020. Bec also takes part in the Patrol Competition team event, again with great team results from Newport SLSC's volunteers working as one crew.

However, getting in the swim of things runs in the family with her daughter Abigail part of the next generation of athletes coming out of the club that sees commentators at Branch, State and National carnivals calling out 'Newport!, Newport!, Newport!' as competitors cross the finish line.

Surf sports have their grounding in honing the skills that enable surf lifesaver volunteers to save lives on the beach and in the water; everything from sprinting on the sand to being able to successfully complete a surf rescue via a range of equipment, and should that be needed, complete first aid and resuscitation once a patient is brought back to the shore.

The carnivals held locally and across Australia also bring together old friends and continue to foster the camaraderie of one team all working together to look after each other and the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our beaches each Season. This, in essence, creates an extended family centred in every surf club - a foundation available for all Bec says gives everyone a place to belong to because all are welcome as all belong - there is something you can do in your local surf club to help your community, help complete strangers, even if you are not an athlete.

This week a few insights into a Season at Newport SLSC from a lady who has undertaken 'Vigilance and Service' for over two decades on glorious Newport Beach.

New Fire Truck for Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade

Friday January 10, 2025

Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade took delivery of a brand new fire truck today. Our Captain Laura Marsh, received the keys & formal handover of the RFS Category 10 Pumper, from Northern Beaches RFS A/District Manager, Supt. Peter Marshall.

Laura said, "This brand new RFS Pumper, will support the Ingleside area and surrounding suburbs during Structural and Bush fires, and during responses to Vehicle accidents and fires. Its a great addition to our Brigade and the Northern Beaches District and our volunteers are looking forward to putting it to use."

The truck is two-wheel drive, weighs 15t, carries 2000L of water. It can be set up as a designated pumping unit at small and large structural fires. With better lighting on a truck mounted light pole, it will ensure better safety during night time incidents.

The RFS Pumper is now in service at Ingleside, along with our heavy 3400L bushfire tanker. The new 'Cat 10' replaces our old 'Cat 11' 4WD Pumper, which struggled with older age and some later in life sickness. The old Cat 11 Pumper was the very first prototype of that style of Pumper for the RFS back in 2007, which served in the District as the Districts 'Flyer' for most of its life, before moving to the Ingleside area a few years ago.

Photos: Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade

Tilly Rose Cooper's Swimwear Drive For Fijian Youngsters

Anyone interested in having a clean out of children’s outgrown swimwear, rashies and wetsuits in the next few weeks, please bring them along to your local surf club and put them in the special bin for a clothing drive for youngsters in Fiji. Community surf clubs from Palm Beach to Collaroy are supporting Tilly Rose Cooper, a 13-year-old Mona Vale SLSC SRC member, who is collecting these items for the community of Tagaqe Village in Fiji.

Tilly explained during the week her family had gone to Fiji as her grandparents were renewing their vows.

‘’Tagaqe Village in Fiji is a very special place, you have to be invited to be allowed to go there. I started talking with the other kids there – they asked if I played football – and then we went for a swim.’’ Tilly told the news service this week

‘’I noticed then they didn’t have any swimmers – they were going in in their everyday gear or their school uniforms because they didn’t have swimmers. With Christmas, and so many of us getting new swimmers because we have outgrown our other ones, I thought it would be good to repurpose these so they could have swimgear too.

‘’This would allow them to go swimming in swimgear instead of their clothes, which is a drowning hazard. We’d also be saving them from landfill by repurposing them.’’ Tilly said

How much gear do you need Tilly?

‘’As much as possible and whatever people can give. We need swimmers, rashies, t-shirts, shorts, hats, thongs, sunblock in ages from littlies through to teenagers. Everything really, and gently used or new would be great. We’re hoping to collect around 20 boxes of swimgear to send over. ‘’

‘’The surf clubs from Palm Beach to Collaroy will have a box with this sign people can drop it off to – that way our community will be helping this community.’’

Tilly is also looking for a sponsor to help her ship the swim wear over. If you want to be the sponsor for this, or can help out in another way, please email her mum Allison: allison@steamit.com.au

Details of the Fijian Clothes Drive for Youngsters

What to Donate: Gently used or new swimwear, rashies, board shorts, and t-shirts.
When: Now until February 9th.
Where: Donation boxes will be placed at participating Surf Life Saving Clubs, including during nippers and other club activities, from Palm Beach SLSC to Collaroy SLSC.

More via Instagram at: www.instagram.com/myfijianclothesdrive

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said this week; ‘‘There aren’t many 13-year-olds who come back from a holiday in Fiji with a mission to give back to the community they have visited. Tilly is a changemaker and embodies the Spirit of Pittwater, making a difference in our community as a member of Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving Club and beyond.

‘’I encourage everyone to donate swimwear for this wonderful cause. I look forward to recognising Tilly in parliament with a Community Recognition Statement in the upcoming sitting weeks.’’

Australia Day 2025 Honours List

Australian Honours: Dr Cameron John Bell of Ingleside (AM), Deborah Killelea of Newport (AM), Lisa Blair of Warriewood (OAM), Lynette Foley of Collaroy (OAM), Martin Meredith of Collaroy (OAM, Peter Owens of Terrey Hills (OAM).

Council's Recognitions: Kevin Lee of Belrose, Ian Hocking of Bilgola Plateau, Saskia Rundle Trowbridge of Narrabeen, Chris Turnbull of Clontarf, Glenn and Clare Wysman of The Link Church, Lifeline Northern Beaches Book Fair Volunteers

Council's Outstanding Community Service Awards 2025: Nicholas Chambers of Cromer, Roland Davies of North Manly, Bruce Davis of Curl Curl, Vipul Jajal of Dee Why, Laurelei Moore and sister, Gay McLindin of Dee Why, Leanne Shanahan of Warriewood, and Mel Thomas of Clontarf.

Avalon Beach SLSC's Volunteers on Patrol: January Long Weekend

A huge 3 day long-weekend.

I think the busiest 3 day period I can recall and certainly since Covid.

Sat

200 - 300 on the beach morning and afternoon patrols with a few board rescues on the afternoon patrol

Sun

500 - 600 on the beach morning and afternoon patrols and over 50 bluebottle stings requiring treatment on afternoon patrol from 2pm onwards with the wind change.

Drone patrol took place at Av courtesy of Remo who organised that with SLSNSW. Remo has advanced UAV credentials and does all sorts of drone operations for the ALS. It was set up in a small seclusion zone behind the patrol tent under Max's.. You'll be pleased to hear there were no sharks sighted. The club advertised this event via social media on the day.

Mon

500 - 600 on the beach morning and afternoon patrols until about 4pm with the approaching storm front and 8 rescue tube and 3 board rescues

Not the most ideal swimming conditions all long-weekend with messy choppy waves and sand banks creating tricky rips close to shore. Tide rushing in/out with low tides just after lunch created the most hazard along with the stiff NE that brought in a gazillion blueys on Sunday afternoon.

Rescue causes mainly related to inexperienced visitors/swimmers unable to swim competently (to be expected).

No major incidents during patrols over the entire school holiday period during patrol.

Report from Andrew Clark Director of Surf Lifesaving (Club Captain) Avalon Beach SLSC

More in: All in the Family: Avalon Beach SLSC father and daughter UAV Pilots are Keeping People Safer on our Beaches this Summer

Photo: Avalon Beach SLSC Director of Life Saving (Club Captain) Andrew Clark (centre), with two other Patrol 8 Members, Remo and Alexandra Adoncello, who are both also UAV Pilots - photo taken on Avalon Beach on Australia Day 2024. Photo: AJG/PON

Woody Point Yacht Club's 2025 Wooden Putt Putt & Gentleman's Launch Regatta by Michael Mannington OAM

Louis Tilly Crowned 2025 Australian WASZP Champion

In what was a testing week for all competitors, Louis Tilly from NSW (RPAYC Member and Pittwater sailor) has taken the title of 2025 Australian WASZP Champion.

In a true display of his consistency over the week, Tilly took out 6 of the 8 races as first over the line, and finished the regatta on an impressive net score of 6 points. Following behind in 2nd place was Victorian Conall Green (Turbo), with a net score of 17, followed closely by Nicholas Dunne (The Sting) from QLD on a net score of 19 points. It certainly was tight competition out on the water.

As stated by Class President (and Super Master Australian Champion) Jervis Tilly, it was those who have come out on top that always were able to be at the front of the fleet regardless of the type of conditions, which is a true display of their skill. Racing over the 4 days brought a huge range of conditions, and tested all sailors including the locals.

Divisional winners:

🏆1st Female: Bridget Conrad

🏆1st Small Rig: Ed Steedman

🏆1st Master: Richard Steedman

🏆1st Super Master: Jervis Tilly

🏆1st Youth: Louis Tilly

🏆1st Apprentice: Conall Green

🏆1st Junior: Ashton Rawstron

Thank you to all who were involved in the event. This regatta had almost the same amount of volunteers each days as competitors, and the effort that that our local, and visiting class volunteers put in was truly amazing. We thankyou so much for your efforts.

A special thankyou to our PRO Ian Ross for getting 8 races in what was truly challenging winds to get a course in, Will Allison from SBSC for his event organisation, and the Derwent Sailing Squadron as always for their support with resourcing.

We could not run event like this without you all!

RESULTS: https://sailingresults.net/?ID=82031

Photo: Amy Potter

Report: Sandy Bay Sailing Club (Tasmania; near Hobart) January 26, 2025

February

Newport SLSC's 'Stingers' are 2025 Trans-Tasman Australian representatives

On December 6 2025 Surf Life Saving Australia announced the Australian Surf Boat Team and the Australian Development Surf Boat Team, selected to represent Australia in the upcoming Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Test Series in New Zealand.

Fifty-nine surf boat crews from Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales competed at the National Team Selection Event (NTSE) at Ocean Beach, NSW, with the top crews earning the honour of representing Australia at Waihi Beach, New Zealand in 2025.

The Australian Surf Boat Team will be represented by back-to-back representatives, Currumbin Cockatoos (Open Women) and Bulli Gold (Open Men), who were successful in the Open Women and Open Male competitions at the NTSE. Both Open crews were victorious in seven out of eight races.

The Australian Development Surf Boat Team will be represented by Newport Stingers (U23 Women), who were undefeated in all eight races, and South Curl Curl Burley (U23 Men).

Newport's U23 Female team, the 'Stingers', are Alani Barros, Zoe Ellis, Ella Gale, April McCarney and Michael King – Sweep.

This is the second time in recent years a crew from Newport SLSC has represented Australia in the Trans Tasman in New Zealand and on the waters off Waihi Beach. In 2017 the Newport 'Pistol Shrimps', which included Michael's then 19 year old daughter Zoe, along with Under 23 2017 Trans-Tasman Representatives Celestine May, Katy Hulton, Piret May and Michael King.

Breeding time for Manly and Pittwater's Little Penguins: Boaters urged to stick to speed limit - First NSW Maritime Blitz for 2025 now on

First NSW Maritime Blitz for 2025 Now on

🐧 Say hello to Manly's newest (and cutest) residents - Little Penguins!

It's breeding season for these endangered guys, so boaters lets keep them safe by:

Keep speed to under four knots when entering North Harbour, Manly
Be extra careful at dawn and dusk
Don’t anchor in seagrass beds
Don’t bring dogs or cats onto beaches

To learn more visit: https://bit.ly/4g0HUbg

NSW Maritime

January 16, 2025

NB: there is also a colony of Little Penguins on Lion Island and a colony of seals at Barrenjoey. Residents have reported vessels speeding on the Pittwater estuary during January 2025.

Visit: Are Turtles not Safe in the Estuary? Green Turtle Killed in Pittwater Prompts Renewed Calls for Boaters to slow down, adhere to the speed limit

Project Restore: seagrass from Palm Beach Going to Sydney Harbour - Join the Storm Squad + Environmentally Friendly Moorings – Free Trial Available

Station Beach, Palm Beach, on Pittwater - collection place for endangered (to Exctinction) Posidonia australis and Project Restore

Warriewood SLSC News: Junior Lifesaver of the Year Awards + More

December and January are our busiest times and the beach, and I want to extend a huge thanks to all our Patrol Members during this time. A combined effort of over 2250 volunteer hours dung this time is a tremendous effort.

I had the privilege of attending Northern Beach Branches Junior Life Saver of the Year Awards last Friday evening, January 31 2025. I want to congratulate Hannah K and Max McD on being selected to represent Warriewood SLSC. This is the best of the best from each Club, and to get across the line to win Junior Life Saver of the Year for SLSSNB is simply outstanding.

Congratulations Max on being crowned SLSSNB Male Junior Life Saver of the Year. We all wish you the best in the upcoming SLSNSW Junior Life Saver of the Year in April.

There's lots going on in the Club. IRB training commenced last weekend, it’s not too late to start the course if you didn’t register.

Keep an eye out for First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation courses in March. And our Dippers program started over the weekend. If you didn’t have the opportunity last year, please pop down and get involved and make the participants welcome. It’s a very rewarding experience seeing all the smiles on the participants faces.

Look out for upcoming social events. We had a big Aussie Day weekend with the Beach Volleyball, and a huge Sippers night last Friday night with Ben Hargy’s band ‘Rough Edges’ performing. Congratulations and thank you to all involved in making these events a success.

See you on the Beach.

John Dulieu

WSLSC President

Photo (l to r): Cameron Powell - WSLSC Vice President, Valerio Corniani - WSLSC Nippers President, Hannah and Max, John Dulieu - WSLSC President. Pic: WSLSC

Photo: SLSSNB Junior Life Savers of the Year, nominees from each surf club and winners. Pic: SLSSNB

Anzac Community Grant Recipients 2024

More than $124,000 in funding has been provided to 99 community groups, schools and ex-service organisations from Wyong to Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra to Coogee, Winston Hills to Wollondilly as part of the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP) to commemorate veterans across the state.

Minister for Veterans David Harris announced on Tuesday February 4th that $124,629 will be provided to a wide variety of projects that commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former servicemen and servicewomen.

The 2024 round of the ACGP received 116 applications, surpassing the number received last year with a record amount of funding requested. Up to $3,000 was provided to help fund each of the 99 projects around the state, with veterans as well as the wider community benefitting from the projects delivered from this round, including 34 schools, 20 RSL sub-Branches and 15 Councils.

Grant recipients include Wyalong Public School in the state’s west with funding to enhance their commemorative garden and Goulburn Mulwaree Council to support the display of the significant CEW Bean Military Collection.

For the full list of 2024 ACGP recipients and more information about the program visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/acgp2024

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.

“The Anzac Community Grants Program allocates funding for outstanding projects and initiatives that not only acknowledge Australia’s military service history but also play a crucial role in educating future generations and enhancing the wellbeing of the veteran community in NSW.

“This round saw applications from 99 suburbs, across 59 Local Government Areas and 57 State electorates. It’s wonderful to see that so many communities throughout NSW are applying for this funding, and many projects will gain from this program.”

Local projects funded include:

Barrenjoey High School; Avalon Beach - Barrenjoey Anzac Tribute

The initiative will see the delivery of a large mural inspired by the Anzac tradition involving students and community. The school will draw on its artist in residence program to engage students in a learning process involving the historical significance of the Anzacs and the enduring need for remembrance. Amount of grant: $1,400.00

Easylink Community Services Limited; Dee Why - Diggers Shuttle

This proposal seeks funding to establish a regular bus service from Anzac Village in Narrabeen to local shops, aimed at supporting the NSW veteran community. The service will facilitate access to essential services, social activities, and community engagement, thereby enhancing the health and wellbeing of veterans. Amount of grant: $1,500.00

Terrey Hills Public School; Terrey Hills - Anzac Path

Pathway entrance to our school will be bordered with plant native shrubs. Flagpole will have a plaque made in recognition of all service men and women. At the end of the path we would place an Anzac commemorative banner supported with sandstone blocks. Amount of grant:$1,750.00

New amenities now open at Barrenjoey Headland
Newport’s Conner Maggs wins 2024/25 Iron Series
New Bus Timetable Leaving Commuters Stranded Along Essential Routes, again
Pittwater Regatta 2025 by Di Pearson
Australia's climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record: BOM + It’s official: Australia’s ocean surface was the hottest on record in 2024 + Extra Recent Related reports

Photo: Conner Maggs Wins!

Photos: Shaw and Partners Iron Series. Reports: Shaw and Partners Ironman & Ironwoman Series Updates and Surf Life Saving New South Wales

Barrenjoey facilities, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Image Credit: DCCEEW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Narrabeen sports High School's New outdoor seating

Narrabeen Sports High School is sharing some great news:

''Over the holidays, our wonderful P&C Committee made an incredible contribution to our school by funding a brand-new outdoor undercover seating area next to our outdoor basketball and Tennis courts.

This fantastic addition provides a great space for students to sit, enjoy lunch, and watch court games while staying cool and protected from the elements.

We are so grateful for the ongoing support of our P&C—your generosity and commitment to our school make a huge difference!''

Palm Beach SLSC’s Boat Section: the ‘Palmy Army’

The Team Navy Australian Surf Rowers League 2025 Open is currently taking place at Coffs Harbour. Running February 13 to 16, this annual event is one of the favourites of surf boat rowers and sweeps from all over Australia, bringing together old mates and new friends for a long weekend of surf boat competitions which includes the Interstate Championship.

Known as the ‘Palmy Army’, with participants across all Age Divisions, some of these rowers have been team mates for years – with the results you’d expect from people who work for each other in the boat and have finessed their racing and have sweeps who can read the water. Others are just coming into the sport and learning how to get out over dumpers, how to catch a wave back in so you shoot past those who fell off the back of the swell.

Led by Boat Captain Peter Spence, who explains the Palmy Army has built its Boat Section up over the past 20-25 years, the love of this sport has been an integral part of Palm Beach SLSC since just after it was formed in 1921. That passion for surf boats translates to very fit and water-savvy people looking after others as volunteer Patrol Members on the sand each Season.

As we head into the final and BIG Carnivals of the Season; SNB Branch (Feb. 5 to March 1 at Newport and Palm Beach), NSW State Championships (Feb. 28 to March 16 at Freshwater and Queenscliff) and Aussies (on the Gold Coast, Queensland at North Kirra SLSC and Tugun SLSC from 29 March – 6 April) a catch-up with Mr. Spence.

Saltwater Veterans: Sailing For Connection, Healing & Growth

Website: saltwaterveterans.org

With the last weekend of Summer upon us - and although they sail year round - a 'dip into the briny' courtesy of the Saltwater Veterans, is more than an appropriate way to bid farewell to the 2024/2025 Season and 'welcome' to all we can do this Autumn.

Saltwater Veterans, originally known as ‘Four Men in a Boat’, was Co-founder Scott Reynolds and three veteran friends with no sailing experience taking to the waters to reconnect with life and each other. Following an 18-year naval career, Scott found the camaraderie, the movement, and the sheer enjoyment of being out on the water had immediate benefits for each veteran’s physical and mental health. Inspired by the effects on his wellbeing, Scott and his wife Jen started volunteering, encouraging more veterans to get involved in sailing.

Saltwater Veterans has been operating since 2017, and commenced here, on the waters of Pittwater's estuary.

In 2018 they became the Saltwater Veterans.

With a crew of ‘salty volunteers, yacht clubs and sponsors such as Young Veterans and more recently local RSL sub-branches, Saltwater Veterans are now fostering overlapping communities in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Nowra, Perth and Mooloolaba, and upwards of 80–100 veterans each month on water.

reached an important milestone in September 2022 by officially establishing the SWV Ltd trading as Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP) as an Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) registered health promotion charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and as a recognised Australian Sailing club.

Your support will ensure a future of camaraderie, skill-building, and meaningful engagement for those who have served our nation.

This week, Manly residents Scott and Jen Reynolds, Co-Founders of the Saltwater Veterans & Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project kindly lend a few more insights into this outstanding organisation.

Marine Rescue Broken Bay News

Congratulations to Karen McCarthy passing her crew Operational Assessment earlier today. Well done Karen - January 19 2025

Congratulations to Jamie Cox for passing his Crew OA over the weekend. Well done Jamie - February 17 2025

Great job 'Romeo Watch' assisting a vessel along with Maritime using pumps to save this yacht. Good job - February 17 2025

Photos: MRBB

National Medals for Dedicated NSW Lifesavers

Surf Life Saving NSW would like to congratulate a host of surf lifesavers who have been awarded the National Medal, as well as Second Clasps and First Clasps for their sustained service and commitment to Surf Life Saving.
Established in 1975 as a military recognition award, the National Medal has since branched out into government and voluntary organisations and is now Australia’s most awarded civil medal.
The National Medal is awarded to individuals on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and recognises long and diligent service in organisations that are dedicated to protecting life and property at a degree of risk to their members.
National Medals can also be awarded to those who risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law or in times of emergency or natural disaster.
“The National Medal is a prestigious award, and it always fills me with pride to see a large number of our NSW members among the recipients,” said Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew AM.
“We are very lucky as a gazetted emergency service to be supported by 80,000 dedicated and passionate members, and this honour, in a way, is testament to their commitment to the movement and their character as individuals.”
Heading the list of those honoured in Batch 52 are six members from NSW receiving 2nd Clasps for 35 years of service, led by former SLSNSW Vice President, John Restuccia OAM (Maroubra SLSC).
Clubmate, Michael Gray was also honoured with a 2nd Clasp, as was Paul Johnson (Bronte SLSC), Peter Brown (Dixon Park SLSC), Darren Palmer (North Bondi SLSC), and Bruce Kejda (Shellharbour SLSC).
SLS SNB Branch recipients include:
National Medal – 1st Clasp (25 Years)
Warren Young OAM – Avalon Beach SLSC
National Medal (15 Years)
Robert Hopton – Avalon Beach SLSC
Richard Cole – Avalon Beach SLSC
Geoffrey Ward – Avalon Beach SLSC
Peter Brennan – Avalon Beach SLSC
Jeffrey Nesbitt – Avalon Beach SLSC
William Elliott – Avalon Beach SLSC
Colin Campbell – Avalon Beach SLSC
Nicholas Wood – Avalon Beach SLSC
Michael Stanley-Jones – Avalon Beach SLSC
Roland Luke – Avalon Beach SLSC
Tim Hixson – Avalon Beach SLSC
Mark Heffernan – Avalon Beach SLSC
Jason Brown – Avalon Beach SLSC
Romilly Madew – Bilgola SLSC
Peter Fenley – Bilgola SLSC
Levi Broughton-Rouse – Bilgola SLSC
Robert Farr – Bilgola SLSC
Andrea Whittet – Bilgola SLSC
Bruce Scheffers – Bilgola SLSC
Geoff Raper – Bilgola SLSC
Craig Poppleton – Bilgola SLSC
John Lawson – Bilgola SLSC
David Gillard – Bilgola SLSC
Greg Franks – Bilgola SLSC
Louise Edgley – Bilgola SLSC
David Edgley – Bilgola SLSC
Nigel Penn – Bilgola SLSC
Jodie Trim – Collaroy SLSC
Allen Lakeman – Dee Why SLSC
Timothy Cuthbert – Manly LSC
Michael Studden – Manly LSC
Robin Barham – Manly LSC
Mark Fletcher – Newport SLSC
Benjamin Matthews – Newport SLSC
Andrew Thomson-Ko – Newport SLSC
Gordon Cockburn – North Narrabeen SLSC
Benjamin Neighbour – Palm Beach SLSC
Ian Johnston – Queenscliff SLSC
Talia Field – Queenscliff SLSC
Kevin Harris PSM – Queenscliff SLSC
Robert McNamara – Queenscliff SLSC
Garth Hickey – Queenscliff SLSC
Peter Shapcott – South Narrabeen SLSC
Troy Stephen – South Narrabeen SLSC

President of ABHS Heads South on Historic Replica HMB Endeavour

Geoff Searl OAM, president of the Avalon Beach Historical Society, was aboard the HMB Endeavour that sailed south to take part in the Australian Wooden Boat Festival a few weeks back.

The Australian-built replica of James Cook's HMB Endeavour is one of the world's most accurate maritime replica vessels.

'Helming during one of our watches east of Gabo Island - 2 of our watch on the helm and the navigator in fluoro.' - GS (Geoff is in orange on right)

At right in orange: Geoff Helming during one of his watches east of Gabo Island - '2 of our watch on the helm and the navigator in fluoro' - GS. Photo supplied.

The 'Follow the Wind' Endeavour voyage ran from Sydney to Hobart, Tasmania, from January 28 to February 7, 2025.

This was an opportunity to experience eighteenth-century historic replica sailing and an obvious match for a gentleman who has done so much for decades to honour and celebrate our local history in between his 'voyages' on the estuary aboard his own vessel or being on Patrol on the sands of Avalon Beach itself, his eyes always turned seawards.

The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) offered thirty positions for active crew and a further four for supernumeraries (non-working passengers) on each voyage - getting there, and then a return voyage back to Sydney. Geoff securd a place on the southward 'Follow the Wind' stage.

Geoff explained: ''I was one of 34 applicants from 360 who applied to be a part of the crew.

We were warned that it wasn’t going to be a cruise and we would not be referred to as passengers but part of a team responsible for getting her to Hobart for the National Classic and Wooden Boat Festival.''

Insights on the HMB Endeavour, AWBF and from the Captain's Log run as this week's Aquatics Feature: Local Historian Geoff Searl Sails south on Historic Replica Vessel HMB Endeavour To 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival

Avalon Beach SLSC's Reserves division, with the Pinkies and Chaos taking gold at the 2025 ASRL Open. Photo: Malcolm Trees

Newport SLSC's 'Stingers; Alani Barros, Zoe Ellis, Ella Gale, Michael King (sweep) and April McCarney. Photo: Malcolm Trees

Ronda Alterator OAM. Image supplied.

March

The Better Cities Initiative: Mona Vale public forum on housing and development reveals strong support for a more community-driven approach

On Wednesday February 26 around one hundred residents, urban planners, experts and community leaders came together for a public forum at Mona Vale Memorial Hall, to explore local housing and development challenges and opportunities. The forum, hosted by The Better Cities Initiative, also looked at how citizen-led approaches can be a pathway for building consensus and delivering better outcomes of planning and combat our triple crises of housing, climate and democracy by listening. The Mona Vale forum provided a platform for open discussion on housing growth,

Happy 100th Birthday Avalon Beach SLSC!
Expanded mental health services for young people at Brookvale: Design-Services Consultation With Community Now Open
NSW Pet Laws (dog and cat regulations) go under the microscope - Have your say until May 4
Purple Poppy Day 2025: Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial of Narrabeen War Veterans - Pittwater RSL Honours All Animals who Served or Serve still in Moving Tribute
Lime Cordiale Tees for Green Music Australia + Green Venue Program - Free Workshops this month

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

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and Beth Lawsen at the Zonta Women's Day Breakfast, held Wednesday March 5, 2025. Photo by Michael Mannington OAM, Community Photography and Pittwater Online News

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby and Simone Allan

Women and girls' football participation soars in 2024

March 4, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women’s Asian Cup 2026 fast approaching

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

The Zonta Club of the Northern Beaches: Celebrating 50 years of Action in 2025 - The Zonta Northern Beaches Annual Women's Day Breakfast photos by Michael Mannington OAM, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches and others!
Saltwater Veterans in Hansa Worlds on Pittwater: Let’s Support Our Girls!
Aquatics Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar
Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why + What Services are Available 24/7 at Mona Vale Hospital UCC: Reminder + Tribute to Eileen Gordon Unveiled

Pittwater Woman of the Year in 2021, Lynleigh Greig OAM, Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps and Pittwater Woman of the Year 2020 Roberta Conroy OAM

Manly Warringah Sapphires Claim 2025 HeartKids Cup

Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens HeartKids Cup 2025 Champions! L-R Sue Gill, Charlotte Craig, Eloise Egan, Mardi Aplin, Audrey Little, Eugenie Little, Kiara Bloor, Mel Clarke, Erin, Chelsea Mann, Latika Tombs (C), Allegra McDonald, Jemma Donoghue. Photo: Clusterpix

The Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens team has emerged victorious in the 2025 HeartKids Cup, setting an exceptional standard for the upcoming Netball NSW Premier League season.

Their thrilling grand final victory, secured by just one goal on the whistle, was a testament to their resilience and skill.

Netball NSW proudly hosted the 2025 HeartKids Cup, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for HeartKids, a non-profit organization supporting those affected by childhood heart disease in Australia. Held on the 1st and 2nd of March at Sydney Olympic Park’s Netball Central, the tournament featured all 10 Netball NSW Premier League franchises in a highly competitive preseason event.

The HeartKids Cup was founded by Netball NSW Performance and Pathways General Manager Mardi Aplin, whose son Carter was born with a rare and complex heart condition. In 2012, Mardi channelled her passion for netball and her family's journey, including significant financial and emotional challenges, into a meaningful initiative to raise awareness and funds.

Since then, The HeartKids Cup has raised thousands and grown significantly from its inaugural match between Orange and Baulkham Hills.

2025 marked the first year The HeartKids Cup partnered with Premier League as the official preseason tournament.

Both of our Sapphires teams were thrilled to participate in and contribute to such an important initiative and both teams delivered strong performances, over two intense days of competition in challenging conditions, gaining valuable confidence heading into Round 1.

Congratulations to the Sapphires, and all participating teams for their outstanding efforts, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making the 2025 HeartKids Cup a resounding success.

Judith Friezer

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

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

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

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

Will she ever unravel the real secret that lays buried inside?

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

Hidden inside though, Jude has always been a writer!

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

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

This week a chat with Judith, with HUGE thanks to her son Robert Gale for his help with this Issue's Profile of the Week.

2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Masters Report + Results
Double celebration for two long-serving Marine Rescue Cottage Point volunteers
Parliamentary inquiry into Safety and Quality of Northern Beaches Hospital Services Announced
It's a 'Bit Sharky' out there: 5 Tagged Bull Sharks Pinged at North Narrabeen on Same Day - Bull Shark spotted at Bayview + some historical insights into Sharks in the estuary and along our beaches
Bus Problems set to Ease: Repaired Buses returning to Service in April - New Buses slated for local routes by end of 2025
Warriewood Community Centre Build: March 2025 Update by Joe Mills

Marine Rescue Cottage Points' Chris Gillett and Paul Millar

GOLD for Newport SLSC's YTNL - Rebecca Capell Ski Paddler, Julia Jones-Hughes Board Paddler, Amanda Lehman Swimmer

Loosely Woven Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 'Unwound' Concerts - A Few Insights from and Into Founder Wayne Richmond

Pittwater Online recently had the pleasure and privilege of chatting with Wayne Richmond, founder of the music group 'Loosely Woven', which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary with a series of free concerts called 'Loosely Woven Unwound'. Two will run next weekend at Avalon and Narrabeen.

Loosely Woven has put a new repertoire together for free public concerts three to four times a year during the last three decades. The Programme ranges from pop to opera to folk, and includes a variety of singers and performers playing instruments such as the harmonium, violin, saxophone, harp and glockenspiel.

Wayne says new instrumentalists and singers are always welcome to join the group - you don't have to be an expert, just join in the fun.

Wayne pops by the PON office

Hansa Worlds + Para Worlds Will Fire Up the estuary This Week: 'Welcome to Pittwater Athletes'! by Di Pearson and RPAYC (runs March 23-30)
2025 NSW Surf Life Saving Championships: Opens - Newport Wins 11th Straight Title!
Terms of Reference for 2025 Inquiry Into the Safety and Quality of Health Services provided by Northern Beaches Hospital Released: Pittwater MP's Clarion Speech in NSW Parliament on Tuesday March 18
Scamps' Call for Residential Battery Subsidies May Ease Council's EV-Charging Stations Dilemma + Solar for Apartment Residents incentive open until December 31 + EV and Hybrid vehicle data for our area by postcode + NSW Inquiry into Infrastructure for electric and alternative energy source vehicles in NSW (closing date for submissions is Friday 2 May 2025) + ‘A house battery you can drive around’: how a handful of Australians are selling power from their cars back to the grid
Tender Accepted for Female friendly Accessible change facilities at Pittwater Rugby Park: Construction Scheduled to commence in April
Boaters reminded not to get complacent on the water: MRNSW's February 2025 Rescues - Boating Season Closes Anzac Day 2025
Elanora's Kalang Road - Newport's Robertson Road Permits Approved by Traffic Committee for Plug & Play: Fairlight + Brookvale approved too
Digital Parking permits coming for across the Peninsula + CellOPark Dispute 2024-2025 + NSW Government's Ticketless Parking Reforms and Consultation on Equal Access to Beach Parking Permits (open until April 17 2025)
Australia has promised to end domestic violence within a generation. Jess Hill asks: are our strategies working?
Seas The Day 2025 returns to Kingscliff Beach

Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards

Seven outstanding Pittwater residents have been honoured for their valuable contribution to the community with a Local Achievement Award, as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival.

Jacqui Scruby, Independent MP for Pittwater, presented six of the awards at a celebratory morning tea at Narrabeen Surf Club on Monday 24 March.

“Warm congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards, who are doing so much to make our community better every day,” Ms Scruby said.

“We have a wonderful, diverse group of seniors in Pittwater who generously share their time and expertise and make a really positive impact on our whole community. They are part of what makes Pittwater special.”

Recipients for the Pittwater Local Achievement Awards 2025 are:
Margaret White, Zonta Club of Northern Beaches
Philip Jackson, Warringah Rats Rugby Club.
Vivien Jackson, Women’s Resilience Centre
Christine Boyce, Cicada Australia
Marita Macrae, Pittwater Natural Heritage Association
John Pratten, Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club
George Wester, Bei Loon Dragon Boat Club.
The Local Achievement Awards are among a range of exciting events taking place across the state as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival, which celebrates older people and helps keep them active and engaged with their community.

Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison said the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival and Local Achievement Awards are key initiatives in the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting seniors.
“The theme for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival is ‘Time to Shine’ and there is no better sentiment to express the contribution older people make to this state,” Minister Harrison said.

Pictured left to right: Vivien Jackson, Margaret White, Jacqui Scruby MP, George Webster, Marita Macrae, Christine Boyce
Unable to attend the presentation: Philip Jackson & Jon Pratten. Photo credit: Michael Mannington OAM, Community Photography

Palmgrove Park Avalon planting morning

Residents will remember that two years ago our project to revegetate part of this park from turf to its original endangered Spotted Gum forest was completed. This is in the area between Dress Circle Rd and Bellevue Avenue. The project was funded by an environmental grant from Northern Beaches Council.

Then Council set up a bushcare group to maintain the planted area. Trees, shrubs and groundcovers are growing well.

Next Saturday April 5 we will be extending the planted area with more tubestock.

We would love some help with the planting. We meet at 8.30 and work until 11.30. You need to wear enclosed footwear and bring light gardening gloves.

Tools and morning tea provided. Park in Bellevue Avenue Avalon.

Not keen to plant?Just come along for a visit to see what's going on here!

Pittwater Natural Heritage Association

Planting Area August 2021 Before work

Planted Area March 1 2025. Photos; PNHA

Brian Friend OAM, Q.C., B.C., - on 50 Years of Coaching Avalon Bulldogs Rugby League Littlies

Brian Friend, known is ‘Friendly’ and now 82-years-young, has commenced his 50th year of coaching the little ones at Avalon Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Club for the Winter Season.

After the Season for youngsters closes in August, there's a short pause, and then the Touch Footy Season, to keep the kids outdoors in the fresh air having some fun with their mates, begins - a few years ago the Avalon JRLC they had 730 youngsters doing handstands and cartwheels in between sprints down the field with the ball tucked firmly under one arm.

As our final Seniors Celebration Profile for Seniors month 2025, Friendly shares a few insights on what his Under 7’s gain through joining a team and having a play, as well as a few insights into his own long-term playing with the Narrabeen Sharks, now as a Master, and his ongoing commitment as a volunteer referee he points out you don't have to be an expert, just join in the fun.

Good Luck to All Aussies 2025 Athletes
The 2025 Hansa - Para Worlds on Pittwater: by Di Pearson, photos by Alex Dare
Australian Para Surfing Titles + Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championships 2025
Minns Government Announces 'Joe's Law' to End Private-Public Hospital Model As Inquiry into Safety and Quality of Services at Northern Beach Hospital Opens for Submissions
ABSLSC's 100th Anniversary Ocean Swims by Roger Sayers OAM
Monika's Doggie Rescue: 3 x Chihuahua Pup Litters need ongoing care
ANZAC Day 2025 Commemoration Services: when and where
Turimetta Moods: mid-February to Mid- March 2025 by Joe Mills
Shark Nets to Come out Monday March 31 Due to Increased Turtle Migrations + Research: Green lights on fishing nets could slash bycatch of sea turtles + Record number of sea turtle nests rescued before cyclone

Sam Bloom wins the Prone 1 Women's Australian Title, pictured here with husband Cameron. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia

April

Richard Jeffery Is Working to Reinstall the North Bilgola Lookout Direction Indicator: photos of Surface or original Casting plans needed

Those who visited the North Bilgola Lookout during the 1980’s and early 1990’s will remember a direction marker or toposcope of brass installed on the stone plinth that still stands in the centre of this lookout today.

The original, made of brass, was unveiled in June 1988 as a present to the community from the Rotary Club of Pittwater.

Having seen it and photographed, but now being unable to locate those images (yet), we recall it as being a simple version flat version with lines pointing to geographical features alike that atop Barrenjoey headland.

Others recall something more elaborate, alike that raised surface map at Long Reef point.

Around 20 years later, someone stole it - probably due to the value of material it had been cast from.

Now Richard Jeffery, who has been looking after the lookout for years, wants the North Bilgola Direction Indicator replaced. But first he needs to locate either a photo of the surface which shows how it was or the plans used to cast the sphere. This Issue a few insights from Richard on this project.

Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club Last Sail for the Season

It was a bittersweet (bitter really!) day on Sunday April 6 2025 as we had our last day for this season. This last day was on par with the last 8 months: brilliant! Nice fair winds, a beautiful sunshine and an amazing spirit on the water and on shore.

- Our Learn to Sail kids and Intermediate Squad kids took part to their very first race.
- Dev Squad did some more training ahead of CHS and had a nice adventure in some areas we rarely explore.
- Mums and daughters (no grand-mother this year) had a nice contest for the coveted Ladies Champion title.
- Afternoon sailing was as pleasant as it is possible to be.
- And everyone helped to prepare the club for winter!

We wish those who venture to other sports good luck and we look forward to seeing everyone to celebrate the season it was at our presentation evening on 7th June.

Bilgola Big Winner in 2024-25 NSW Government's Surf Club Facilities Grants: Over 1.3 Million allocated to local clubs
Australian Boardriders Battle 2025 Grand Final: Seven Local Clubs Have Qualified - runs next weekend 12-13 April and will be broadcast LIVE

Marine Rescue Broken Bay News

Saturday April 12 2025

Congratulations to Michael Clinen for receiving his 10 year service medal. Thankyou for your years of volunteering.

Congratulations to Steph Minshall for achieving the Coxswain Restricted rating. Well done Steph.

Photos: MRBB Unit

The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 2025: Finals Results + 'Wrap'

This year's Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 'wrap' of members efforts from the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch is a compilation of Surf Lifesaving Australia, Surf Life Saving New South Wales, Avalon Beach and Newport surf club reports.

Newport SLSC excelled again this year, finishing the championships ranked 2nd on 249 points, with their Newport Kinghorn Academy Surf Racing Academy accounting for a swathe of those - although all local clubs had members winning points for their club in each Age Division or ensuring their club's colours were front and centre on the sand or in the water.

The peninsula also saw a large crew of officials heading north to ensure the championships could take place, happily giving their time, energy, and a fair amount of money, to be where they could support the events.

On a special note during the week of Aussies, Newport's Life Member Gary Cook received a recognition award for his 30 years of service as an official which is an outstanding contribution to his club and lifesaving as a whole.

Three great peninsula March Past teams made the Finals with the Collaroy Ladies being awarded the Gold, the Freshwater Maroon in 5th and the Collaroy Bears in 8th.

Some of the biggest smiles came from more than 30 athletes hitting the beach for the Adaptive Program events on Day Eight of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.

Gold, Silver, Bronze, points and 'having a go' is still brimming over across all ages - it's a good thing everyone has an Autumn School Holidays break to wind down in.

This Issue the full list of Finalists across all Age Divisions and Events.

Happy Dance Time! Narrabeen Sports High School to receive new Performing Arts Hall as part of major upgrade
Electric Day 1 of 2025 Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final - NASA, North Steyne into Quarterfinal rounds
Dr Scamps’ plan to protect Pittwater: Nomination For Heritage Listing
Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race 2025: The Race reports by Di Pearson
Mackellar - Warringah 2025 Candidates by Ballot draw + Record Voters this Election + Community Fed up with Juvenile behaviour during election campaigns + How Preferential Voting works: YOU Determine which way your vote flows
Healthscope Announces it Wants to Exit Northern Beaches Hospital, Return it to the Government
Manly to Barrenjoey Peninsula Tops Uptake of NSW Government's Household Battery Incentive + Mackellar MP's Residential Batteries Policy Adopted by Labor + Warringah MP Steggall's Comment + Labor’s home battery plan must be properly targeted to be fair
Fewer rescues, smarter boaters: Marine Rescue NSW sees drop in March 2025 missions - Cottage Point tops local unit rescues
Partnership Expands Surf Lifesaving NSW's Drone Operations Out of Sight

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, The Hon. Prue Car, and Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby with NSHS Dance Academy students. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM

Mackellar 2025 Candidates

On Saturday, May 3rd 2025, the 2025 Australian Election will be held. If people can’t vote on election day then they may vote at early voting centres now open across the Mackellar Electorate until Friday May 2nd.

Time to cast your Ballot

Your closest early voting centres in Mackellar are:

Avalon Recreation Centre - Activity Room 4, Level 1, 59A Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach

Bilarong Community Hall - Bilarong Reserve, Wakehurst Pkwy, North Narrabeen

Terrey Hills Community Centre - Yulong Ave, Terrey Hills

Opening hours for all three centres are:

Mon 28 Apr – Thu 1 May: 8:30 am–5:30 pm

Fri 2 May: 8:30 am–6 pm

For those voting on Saturday May 3rd you can find your nearest polling booth on the AEC's Where To Vote tool.

Although the AEC states over one million people have cast their ballots early, with over 18 million people voting this election, there are likely to be queues at some centres a certain times across the day.

Postal Votes

The AEC is asking anyone who needs a postal vote, but has not yet applied, to do so ASAP. The latest urging from the AEC follows earlier advice for people to plan their vote early and, if needed, apply for a postal vote early in the election period.

''Australia has some of the best in-person voting options in the world. If a voter can turn up to a voting centre, then that is what they must do.'' the AEC states

While the legislated deadline for postal vote applications is this Wednesday 30 April, anyone who leaves it until the final week risks their postal vote pack not arriving in time.

People can apply for a postal vote on the AEC website.

As of COB on March 22, around 2.39m people had applied for a postal vote with 2.2m postal vote packs distributed so far.

This Issue the Mackellar 2025 Candidates responses to YOUR questions.

Max McDermott of Warriewood SLSC and Mia Jamal of Avoca Beach SLSC. Photo: SLSNSW

Colonel Bradley Robertson CSC, President of the Veteran’s charity, Carry On, Commodore Richard Menhinick AM, CSC, RAN, re’td., President of Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch, and Vice President, Captain Ian Campbell RAN after the Dawn Service at Avalon Beach RSL. Pic: AJG/PON

RPAYC Shines at the 2025 Sail Port Stephens IRC NSW Championship

April 29, 2025

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) was proudly represented at the 2025 Sail Port Stephens IRC NSW Championship, delivering outstanding performances across both Division 1 and Division 2 in a highly competitive fleet.

In Division 1, Hooligan (AUS100), Marcus Blackmore’s Botin-designed TP52, showcased exceptional skill and teamwork. With RPAYC’s Katie Spithill at the helm and Olympic silver medallist Nina Curtis among the talented crew, Hooligan posted an impressive series of results — 1st, 1st, 1st, and 4th — securing the IRC NSW Division 1 Championship title with just 7 points overall.

In Division 2, RPAYC’s presence was equally formidable. Bullwinkle (9010), the Bull 9000 skippered by Peter Farrugia — RPAYC’s Rear Commodore Yacht Racing — had an outstanding regatta both on and off the water. The Bullwinkle team started strongly, finishing on the podium after the three windward/leeward races on Day 1.

The regatta highlight came on Day 2, when Bullwinkle took 1st place in both IRC and ORC during the passage race, sailing brilliantly against a very competitive fleet including two Farr 40s, two Cape 31s, and the very competitive Corby 36. Great boat handling, tactical decisions, and strong team spirit made all the difference. Bullwinkle finished the event with excellent results — 3rd overall in IRC and 2nd overall in ORC — a fantastic achievement for Peter and his team.

Bushranger, the Mat 1220 skippered by RPAYC’s Gerry Hatton, also competed in Division 2 and delivered a commendable performance, finishing 4th overall. Competing against a diverse and competitive fleet, Bushranger’s result was a testament to the skill and determination of the crew.

Congratulations also go to all our RPAYC members who sailed across a range of other yachts at the regatta, proudly representing the Club and continuing to showcase RPAYC’s depth of talent.

A huge thank you to the regatta sponsors, especially Pantaenius, for their invaluable support, and to all the volunteers and race officials who made the regatta possible.

Special thanks to the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, and to Paul O’Rourke and his team, for their superb hosting of the 15th edition of this wonderful regatta. The warm welcome, excellent race management, and the overall spirit of the event have made Sail Port Stephens a true highlight on the annual sailing calendar.

It was a fantastic weekend of competition, friendship, and club pride for RPAYC!

Robert McClelland

Commodore, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club

May

VALE Gwenyth Sneesby (June 17, 1924 - April 10, 2025)

At 2025 Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch Anzac Day Commemorative Service the Sub-Branch President, Deborah Carter, broke the news that our community has lost World War Two Veteran Gwenyth Sneesby just days before this year's Services.

President Carter stated:

''Anzac Day is not just about WW1 (the war to end all wars) but is a remembrance of all campaigns in theatres of war and sadly many wars have followed.

In my view, the war that changed Australia was WW2 because the enemy was close on our doorstep and the Brisbane line was proposed. With the fear of occupation of the Japanese, the government decided that the Japanese could live north of Brisbane, and the Australians could live south of Brisbane.

I pay tribute to our WW2 veterans, the young men of the militia of Kokoda, Templeton’s Crossing, the battles Milne Bay, Gona and Buna which broke the back of the Japanese from further aspirations to take Australia.

I also pay tribute to the 7th division on returning from the Middle East who assisted with this triumph.

Sadly, on Thursday 10 April this year, we lost WW2 Veteran, Gwen Sneesby, nee Forster. Service no. WR379. (17 June 1924 – 10 April 2025, just 9 weeks short of her 101st birthday).

Gwen was a Mona Vale girl who attended Mona Vale Public School and her name is on the WW2 Honour Roll; Gwen Forster.

Gwen’s father was in the Australian Navy in WW1. He was seconded to England to work with the Royal Navy. As a small child, Gwen returned to Australia by ship and this is when she decided she wanted to join the Navy.

With the outbreak of WW2, Gwen went to the recruiting office was in Loftus street, Circular Quay and signed up to become a WRAN; she was 18 years.

After basic training at HMAS Penguin, Gwen spent the next three years at Bradley’s Head Degaussing Range. This was built and staffed by the US Navy who trained eight WRANS (where Gwen was Leading Writer) to operate the instruments required for the testing of the ship’s Magnetic Field. This was essential for the electrical officers to calculate settings required to repel magnetic mines. The Degaussing Range was later taken over by the RAN and at the end of the war the building was completely demolished.

On June 1st 1942, at 2:30am, the Japanese Midget Subs entered Sydney Harbour and torpedoed the steam ferry HMAS Kuttabul which was docked at Garden Island where 21 sailors were killed. Fatefully, Gwen happened to be off duty when the HMAS Kuttabul was sunk.

Anzac Day is not just a day we remember our ANZACS, but we salute all veterans who have put on the uniform, in particular, our current serving members and Reservists who have kept us safe during fire assist, Covid safe, floods and border control. Thanks also to our Kiwi cousins.''

A service for Gwen was held on Monday, 28 April 2025 at the Ann Wilson Funerals Mona Vale Chapel on the corner of Barrenjoey Road and Darley Street Mona Vale so family members and friends could celebrate Gwenyth.

The news service was very fortunate to meet and speak with Gwen when she was in her late 80's, in 2013, to speak about her Service during World War Two.

As a mark of respect, and Tribute, her story in her words runs this week.

Thank you for your Service Gwen - and for a lifetime of being a kind and gentle lady who cared about her community.

Commissioner Webb APM to retire in September

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM today confirmed she will retire this September after 38 years in the NSW Police Force.

Commissioner Webb said she had decided to retire following discussions with her family.

Commissioner Webb had planned to announce her retirement on May 18 to commemorate the date she walked into the Goulburn Police Academy 38 years ago.

The Commissioner said her role as the first female police commissioner has been her greatest honour.

“I have recommended to the government that Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell act in my role,” Commissioner Webb said.

“I knew when the time was right I would know, and I wanted to give the State Government time to recruit and appoint a new Commissioner going into an election period in less than two years’ time,” she said.

Commissioner Webb will officially be farewelled from the force when she walks off the parade ground at the Goulburn Police Academy at the next attestation in August.

The Commissioner is in discussions with the Government about working in critical areas specifically around women’s safety and domestic violence.

Premier Chris Minns stated:
''I want to congratulate Commissioner Webb on what is an historic career in the New South Wales Police Force.

Commissioner Webb has stood tall in moments of crisis, led significant reform to policing, and staunchly defended law and order in this state.''

''She leaves behind a legacy of substance, both as the first female Police Commissioner of New South Wales, and someone who made lasting changes in that position, including:
Leading our response to the Bondi tragedy
Establishing the Domestic Violence Registry
Implementing new winding laws to get knives off our streets
Establishing Strike Force Pearl and Operation Shelter to tackle antisemitism and hate crimes
Tackling regional crime through Operation Regional Mongoose and Operation Soteria
Achieving an historic pay rise for NSW Police Officers, including payment for student officers
Overseeing the largest student police clast in 11 years, just last week
And delivering critical infrastructure upgrades including a new police station at Helensburgh and critical upgrades to the Nemesis
Commissioner Webb will always be remembered as a trailblazing leader and a first-rate police officer. I wish her and her family the very best in the years to come.'' the Premier stated

Commissioner Karen Webb joined NSW Police Force in May 1987 and has performed general duties and criminal investigations both in the metropolitan area of Sydney and Regional NSW. She has performed duties at the Child Mistreatment Unit, Drug Enforcement Agency, Detectives Training Unit and command roles at Forensic Services Group, Local Area Commands, Operations Manager, North West Metropolitan Region Commander, State Surveillance Branch and Assistant Commissioner Police Transport & Public Safety Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

Commissioner Webb has led high-level projects including a joint National Institute of Forensic Science/Prime Minister & Cabinet research project, National Accreditation of NSW Police Forensic Services laboratories, 90 Years and 100 Years of Women in Policing celebrations. She was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2015.

Commissioner Webb has also commanded several operations including Invictus Games 2018, Australia Day 2018 & 2019, sporting events, crime reduction and public safety strategies and was a member of the World Youth Day command team. She was a Local Area Commander for the Merrylands High School riot, bias-crimes such as the Sri-Lankan acid burn attack and multiple drive-by shootings. These events received national and international media attention requiring high-level discussions and stakeholder engagement.

Commissioner Webb has undertaken numerous internal and external courses. Career highlights include the Detectives Education Program, Bachelor of Professional Studies, Executive Master of Public Administration, overseas study tours of the UK and USA. She completed the Australia and New Zealand Police Leadership Strategy and International Action Learning Group Pearls in Policing program and has also participated in the NSW Government Leadership Academy program.

Commissioner Webb has also served as the Corporate Sponsor for Women in Policing, LGBTI and Victims of Crime & Customer Service.

In August 2017 she was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner at the Police Transport & Public Safety Command where she was responsible for several frontline and specialist commands including the Police Transport, Aviation, Dog, Major Events & Emergency Management Command, Marine Area Command, Mounted Unit and State Planning Unit.

In 2018, Commissioner Webb was appointed to the NSW Police Legacy Board and to the State Rescue Board. She was appointed the Deputy State Emergency Operations Controller in 2019 and worked closely with the emergency service agencies during the bushfires, floods and COVID-19 pandemic.

In June 2020, Commissioner Webb was appointed as the first female Commander of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command before being promoted to Deputy Commissioner, Corporate Services a year later.

In November 2021, Premier Dominic Perrottet announced Commissioner Webb’s appointment as the 23rd Commissioner of the NSW Police Force. Commissioner Webb was formally sworn in at a ceremony in her hometown of Boorowa in February 2022, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the history of the state.

Commissioner Webb is a proud working parent of two sons.

Photo: NSW Police Force

PBWBA visits MP for Pittwater in Parliament

Thursday May 8 2025

Jacqui Scruby, MP for Pittwater:

''I was joined in NSW Parliament today by members of the Palm Beach Whale Beach Residents Association.

It was wonderful to welcome the group into the Legislative Assembly to watch question time and into my office for a productive meeting.

A member of the group’s grandfather was the Member for Willoughby in 1938, and we were lucky enough to find his official photo in the hallway of the chamber.

Thank you to the association for making the trip into NSW parliament!''

Stay Safe Jools!

Pittwater lady Jools Farrell, a long time Sydney Chapter Coordinator and current offshore crew member with the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, whose namesake was released from from prison in Greenland after Denmark rejected a Japanese request to extradite him, is currently heading into the northern Summer to persist in what she has been doing for years now - trying to save whales.

On Wednesday May 7 Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby made the following Community Recognition statement in the NSW Parliament:

''I recognise the dedication of Jools Farrell, who bravely protects our local and global marine life while placing herself in harm's way. Jools is currently en route to Dublin with the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, where she and the crew will be ready to depart if the Icelandic whale fleet decide to whale off the coast this summer.

During that campaign, the crew will put themselves between the harpoon of a boat and whales to prevent the killings of those gentle giants. These campaigns require months of dedication, both onshore and at sea, where Jools acts as a medic and quartermaster.

Jools is motivated by her passion for marine life. Her inspiration is Paul Watson, who has worked tirelessly to protect marine life across the world. Jools has been on several campaigns, including to Antarctica, which requires months of perseverance. I thank Jools for her outstanding commitment to protecting the marine animals we hold so dear in Pittwater and extend my deepest gratitude for her work.''

On Thursday May 8 2025 Captain Paul Watson updated us all with:

''The JOHN PAUL DEJORIA has arrived in Dublin from Bermuda.
Now we look to Iceland for confirmation that whaling has been cancelled for the third year in a row.

In 2023 on the very day that the JPD arrived in Icelandic waters, the Icelandic government called for a moratorium on whaling for the summer. In September 24 Fin whales were illegally killed but Denmark blocked the return to Iceland.

In 2024 while on route to Iceland, the whale hunt was again cancelled. Now in 2025 it appears that Fin whale murdering by Iceland has been cancelled. We shall see. Kristján Loftsson has never been a man of his word.''

Photos; courtesy Jools and Paul.

Congratulations Michelle!

The Warringah Pittwater SES unit is delighted to announce that member Michelle Puhl won the Champion of Change Award at the NSW SES International Women's Day Awards (delayed due to operational activity with TC Alfred).

"Michelle has brought a level of fun and enthusiasm while leading a variety of activities which has led to significantly increased participation and interest in the unit".

Congratulations Michelle! We love having you in our unit and cannot wait to see what you will achieve in the future.

NSW SES Warringah / Pittwater Unit

Scamps Retains Mackellar, Increases Margin, Steggall Retains Warringah, Increases Margin, Independent Nicolette Boele Looks set to Win Bradfield – Landslide win for Labor: The Data
Avalon Bulldogs A Grade 2025: Three Pittwater A Grade Teams this Season
A Field Guide to the Marine Life of Coastal Reefs and Rock Pools: by Phil Colman - Peter Mitchell - an expanded + updated 'Exploring Tidal Waters on Australia’s Temperate Coast' for all who live here
'Wedding Island' The new island play opening this month report by Roy Baker, Editor, Pittwater Offshore Newsletter
Attestation of Class 365 - Largest class to graduate in 11 years: 7 New Probationary Constables for Northern Beaches PAC
Australia Post Community Grant to First Hand Solutions' IndigiGrow - Grevillea Caleyi propagators - Continues the Saving of Critically Endangered Species
2025 APRA Music Award winners announced

Volunteer for Dr. Sophie Scamps, returned MP for Mackellar 2025

Big Brother Movement Celebrates 1925 to 2025 Centenary: Now Sends Australians Out into the World - Scholarships Now open for All Young Australians - Celebrating Courage, Care and Connection

For a century, the Big Brother Movement (BBM) has been a catalyst for change and opportunity, opening doors for young people to explore the world and make their mark.

It began as Australia’s most successful migration program for young men moving from the UK to Australia, the Big Brother Movement.

Today, built on this legacy, BBM continues to empower young people to venture overseas for work experience through their Global Footprints Scholarships program.

So instead of bringing young people to Australia to access all the opportunities here, they are providing a chance for young Australians to follow their vocational dreams overseas.

A National Monument to Migration Ceremony took place yesterday, Saturday 10 May 2025. This moving ceremony included the unveiling of names on The Welcome Wall, Australia’s National Monument to Migration, highlighting migrant stories and the Australian National Maritime Museum’s role in shaping Australia’s identity.

Their BIG Centenary Grand Celebration at the Maritime Museum will take place on Tuesday 12 August 2025 at the Australian National Maritime Museum and they are currently reaching out and asking all former 'Little Brothers' to contact them and get involved.

Join them as they continue to champion the remarkable journeys of young people in this world.

100 years of opening up the world to young people
The legacy of Australia's most successful historic migration program, the Big Brother Movement
40 years of scholarships for vocational work experience around the world
Celebrating stories of courage, care, and connection

Join us in championing the remarkable journeys of young people growing a better world.

This week a look into their Global Footprints Scholarship, now open for applications and closing June 1 (for young men and women aged 18 to 24), some history of the movement, and an insight from a former Mona Vale resident and Manly Daily gentleman who was a 1950 'Little Brother'.

Palm Beach & Whale Beach Association Annual Report 2024/2025 + Guest Speaker: “Two Lives: Beverlie & Midget Farrelly”

The Palm Beach Whale Beach Association held its 107th AGM on Tuesday May 13 2025.

Assoc. Prof. Richard West AM was re-elected President and tabled his report, made available for the community this Issue - Prof. West has already served 10 years in this capacity.

Prof. West paid tribute to Virginia Christensen at this year's AGM, stepping down after years as a Vice-President, although she will remain active as a member.

Gordon Lang will be taking up the VP role alongside fellow VP Frank Edgell-Bush AM, who continues to represent the community and its residents.

Frank Edgell-Bush received his AM in the 2018 Queens' Birthday Honours List; 'For significant service to business, particularly to improving standards of corporate governance across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.'

After presenting his report, Beverlie Farrelly, as this year's Guest Speaker, was interviewed by PBWBA Secretary Robert Mackinnon, a gentleman with a passion for local history, who is currently working on the Association's History - a legacy of looking after the local community and environment that stretches over 107 years.

About the PBWBA

The Palm Beach & Whale Beach Association is a not-for-profit, non-political organisation of volunteer residents who are passionate about keeping our area unique, and keeping the local council and state government accountable. Our objective (from our Constitution) is:

“to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area and to protect the local amenity by promoting proper planning of all developments and by expressing positively, in appropriate quarters, the views of residents.”

The Association welcomes new members from the community.

They welcome new members from the community; click here to become a member of the Association or find out more about membership here.

Prof. Richard West AM Commences 11th Term as Palm Beach Whale Beach Association President

Congratulations to Richard West who was elected for yet another term as the president of the Palm Beach- Whale Beach Association, the local residents group, at the AGM held on Tuesday May 13th.

The news service has been fortunate to speak with Prof. West for his Profile which will run, once he has vetted the transcript, shortly.

That all runs as this week's Profile.

Robert presents an Australian flowers bouquet- 'my favourites' said Beverlie - as a thank you

Prof. West paid tribute to Virginia Christensen at this year's AGM, stepping down after years as a Vice-President, although she will remain active as a member.

Gordon Lang will be taking up the VP role alongside fellow VP Frank Edgell-Bush AM, who continues to represent the community and its residents.

On Monday May 26th the PBWBA will host a special Guest Speaker from the NSW State Library on the “PIX: Palm Beach Expose” at their monthly coffee meeting - sure to be a great insight into the Palm Beach of the 1930's. The news service has already run some of these great photos and stories as part of Palm Beach history pages, but the State Library of NSW has a wonderful team of researchers and archivists who no doubt will provide some brilliant insights.

That will run from 10.30am at The Pacific Club for members.

Their objective (from their Constitution) is:

“to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area and to protect the local amenity by promoting proper planning of all developments and by expressing positively, in appropriate quarters, the views of residents.”

They welcome new members from the community; click here to become a member of the Association or find out more about membership here.

PBWBA Committee. Photos: AJG/PON

Government Response to Upper House inquiry into the ‘Ability of local governments to fund infrastructure and services’ signals Special Rates Variations will be tied to specific projects - time limited
Wakehurst MP Michael Regan Tables the Northern Beaches Hospital (Voluntary Contract Termination) Bill
Wedding Island Opening Weekend: 'A Triumph' - Review: Play Time! by Bill Gye OAM
NSW Architecture Awards 2025: Shortlist announced May 12 + Local Nominations + Australian Institute of Architects 2025 National Prize winners - New President + The Inaugural Murcutt Symposium on this September
Pittwater Tigers Secure 50k Grant for Auskick field at North Narrabeen + Amenities Upgrade
Return to Paradise Series 2: Being Filmed in Pittwater Again
Scruby-Regan-Greenwich Renew Call for Koala Park: Over 100 North Coast Businesses Call for the Immediate Establishment of the Whole Great Koala National Park - Still No Crossings in Place for Sydney's Last Koalas - Forestry Corp. of NSW Half-Yearly Report tabled
Warringah Golf Club appoints Prime Projects for new clubhouse build
Thousands reunited with loved ones thanks to tireless Marine Rescue NSW volunteers during high-demand boating season: MAYDAY Appeal 2025
NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit Celebrates 40 Years of Rescues
Pittwater's Mother Nature: Mother's Day 2025 - a celebration through some of the best photos taken by Joe Mills and Kevin Murray
It’s almost winter; Why is Australia still so hot? + Even as emissions level off, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is growing faster than ever; Here’s why

Taken from Towler's Bay loop track by Joe Mills

January 1985: The two Mitchell brothers when Warren received this INNOVATION AWARD from Surf Life Saving Australia. Photo: Geoff Searl OAM, Avalon Beach SLSC Life Member and President of Avalon Beach Historical Society

The 2025 Beau Hewitt Cup family. Photo Mona Vale Raiders

Let There Be Light: Vivid Sydney 2025 Kicks Off

The Harbour City has awakened in colour and creativity as Vivid Sydney 2025, Australia’s largest event, has officially begun for its 15th year.

Under this year's theme of 'Dream', a world class curation of Light, Ideas, Music and Food await festivalgoers until Saturday, 14 June.

This year, the festival comprises over 200 events across five unique zones around the city’s CBD, all designed to inspire wonder, expand thinking and give each visitor the opportunity to see Sydney in a new light.

Making Vivid Sydney more accessible than ever, over 75 per cent of this year’s program is free to enjoy, including the entire Vivid Light Walk, with Martin Place also making a welcome return to the festival footprint after a seven-year absence.

The iconic Vivid Light Walk will connect five zones throughout the city—Circular Quay and The Rocks; Barangaroo; the CBD and Martin Place (returning for the first time since 2018); Darling Harbour; and The Goods Line and Inner City, with each zone offering visitor experiences spanning all four festival pillars; Light, Music, Ideas and Food.

This Issue we step outside of Pittwater to provide an overview.

Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force News

Marine Area Command (MAC) officers from the Sydney and Broken Bay sectors recently completed their Certificate I in Maritime Operations (GPH NC). This qualification prepares these officers to function effectively as integral members of the crew aboard our commercial police vessels.

These newly certified officers significantly bolster the capabilities of the NSW Police Force, enhancing our ability to combat marine-related crime and execute search and rescue missions with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

VW State Classic 2025 - NSW High School State Titles: Results

Surfing NSW is currently running the 2025 Volkswagen State Classic, a historic event combining five NSW State Titles: Juniors, Masters Shortboard, Longboard, SUP and High School, under one banner for the very first time.
Being held from May 27 to June 1 in Coffs Harbour, the six-day event features more than 700 of the state’s top surfers, aged 10 to 80+, competing across three breaks on the Coffs Coast. This all-ages, inclusive surfing celebration is bringing the community together for a week of competition, connection and experiences that reach far beyond the water.
The results of the NSW High School State Titles, held Wednesday May 28, are already in and record Narrabeen Sports High School had two teams taking part, both of which won a place in the finals, with their junior team winning first place, while St. Augustine's secured the silver in the Seniors Division - congratulations to all who had a go - and especially to the St Augustine's and Narrabeen crews who did so well in their heats and across the competition.
The news service sent through a request for some 'medal pics' late Saturday (May 31) and the great team at Surfing NSW (thanks Zoe!), and your peers, sent back those that run below - we'll run a full 'wrap' next Sunday, including action pics. In the meantime, some results:
Senior Boys- High School (16 teams overall)
Illawarra Sports High - Ethan Rule and Taj Air
St Augustine's College Sydney - Aussie Kelaher and Ben Zanatta
St Francis Xavier's College - Jye Kelly and Felix Byrnes
Narrabeen Sports High School - Louie Ewing and Rene Galloway
Senior Girls- High School
Illawarra Sports High
Cronulla High
Byron Bay High School
McAuley Catholic College
Junior Boys- High School
Narrabeen Sports High School - Jaggar Phillips and Eli Clarke
Illawarra Sports High - Cruz Air and Ashton Mekisic
Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School (2)- Jay Whitfield and Charlie Cairncross
Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School (1) - Hunter Sutcliffe and Marvin Freeman
Junior Girls- High School
Illawarra Sports High
St Peters Anglican College (1)
St Peters Anglican College (2)
McAuley Catholic College (1)
VW State Classic 2025: Local Surfers among Winners in NSW State Surfing Titles + Results

Vale Jack McCoy
July 31, 1948 - May 26, 2025

Our community is in mourning on hearing of the passing of one of our own and extends love to Jack's wife Kelly, children Cooper and Indiana, and grandchildren Makoha, Kalani, Cloudy, and Isabel.
Jack passed peacefully at home on Monday.
His family stated on Thursday, May 29:
The last couple of days have been a blur however the pain has been eased by the outpouring of tributes and stories being shared. It’s a testament to the amazing life he created and a reminder of how much he touched, moved and inspired so many people from every corner of the world. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
In true Jack McCoy style, we’ll be organising a couple of celebrations in the coming months to allow those from far and wide to join us and pay their respects, beginning with a small paddle out at Scotts Head this Saturday for the local community and friends nearby.
The main ceremony / paddle out will be held at Avalon Beach on July 5th, and then we will return to Hawaii later this year to spread his ashes.
We invite all friends, family, the wider community and beyond to come and respectfully celebrate his amazing life.
Dress: Wear your favourite aloha shirt.
It’s been literally impossible to keep up with the sheer volume of posts and stories that have been shared - if you could please send any special pics and videos you may have to jackmccoyaloha@outlook.com so we can compose something special for the celebrations and our family at this time and forever.
Love, the McCoy ohana
Jack McCoy, who wrapped up two months of touring Blue Horizon for the 20th Anniversary of this award winning film on Saturday May 24th, reminded surf fans that it was he who fed Mark Foo the famous line, 'Eddie Would Go', and closed with a plea to go easy in the lineup, share the waves, and love your brothers and sisters - your brothers and sisters who are everywhere and present in everyone.

Every time any of us saw him out and about, Jack always had a big smile for you - he was about community, surfing, sharing the stoke - living every moment as best you can, and family.
More in this week's Profile: A Celebration of Jack McCoy

June

The King's Birthday 2025 Honours List

Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, announced the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours list on Monday 9 June 2025.

The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List recognises 830 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service. This represents an increase of awardees of almost 30% since the Australia Day 2025 List.

The list includes people recommended to the Governor-General by the Council of the Order of Australia and organisations responsible for recommending meritorious, gallantry, distinguished and conspicuous honours.

“I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List,” the Governor-General said. “These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country.

“As your Governor-General, I see the values of care, kindness and respect in the many Australians who are honoured today, and in those who have been recognised throughout the fifty-year history of our Australian honours system.

“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve. To all who are being recognised in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, I want to offer my congratulations and gratitude for all that you have given to Australia – and I look forward to meeting many of you at the investiture of your awards,” the Governor-General said.

In addition to the 581 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (14 AC, 31 AO, 123 AM and 413 OAM), today’s Honours list includes:

36 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (3 AO, 10 AM and 23 OAM) and 64 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards
149 Meritorious awards

Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at the Government House in their respective state or territory in coming months to receive the insignia of their award.

2025 Kings Birthday Honours from and those who have served the community in this area are Michael Bate - AM, Peter Meldrum Biscoe KC - AM, Richard Penn - AM, Teresa Plane - AM, Andrew Warden - AM, Robert (Bob) Connors - OAM, Dean Gardiner - OAM, Kim Mukuka - OAM, Ray Petersen OAM, Juris Turmanis - OAM, Michael Richer - ASM, Commissioner Alex Barrell - ESM, Douglas Lucas - ESM, Lance Miller - ESM.

Congratulations Shannon!

Shannon Macdonald (née Evers) was a member of the Narrabeen Lakes Amateur Swimming Club back in the ‘70’s. She was a champion then, and is still one now!

This of Shannon, in late May 2025 at the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, still swimming competitively as part of the Hervey Bay Masters, shows her 6 gold medals, 2 silvers and 4 Games records in the pool and a gold in the 1.5km open water swim. Shannon says she is forever grateful for the lifelong skills acquired at Narrabeen Lakes Amateur Swimming Club.

Flashback to the 1970’S

Shannon Evers, three years running broke over 10 Club records; represented the Club in State & National titles, finishing in the top 10 swimmers in the State for Backstroke and Medley; represented Narrabeen High School in the finals of the State Combined High School Championships and achieved 2nd in 12 yrs 100m Backstroke and 3rd in 12yrs 200m individual Medley in State Winter Championships in 1975.

Congratulations Shannon, great to see former NLASC member still has her passion for swimming.

Monika's Doggie Rescue: In need of Good People with Great homes for Pets - Foster Carers

Monika's Doggie Rescue
2 Cowan Road, Ingleside
www.DoggieRescue.com
www.facebook.com/doggierescue
www.twitter.com/monikadogrescue
www.instagram.com/monikadogrescue/

Although here are a variety of reasons people may give up a beloved pet, just as they were after Covid re-openings, pet re-homing facilities across Australia are currently full as owners surrender dogs and cats, this time stating they do so due to the cost-of-living impacts.

Across Sydney there has been an uptick in dogs aged just 12 months, not just older dogs whose owners may have passed away, who are being dumped. Although some flinch or avoid being touched by people, indicating they have been abused, owners being unaware how much a pet costs has become the primary reason there are a lot of homeless dogs.

According to the Australian Veterinary Association, the average dog owner spends more than $25,000 caring for their canine companion. Cat owners could spend $21,000 on average. The RSPCA states within the first year of dog or cat ownership, people could face up to $3,500 of expenses on vaccinations, vet visits, food, de-sexing, grooming, bedding, toys and treats.

This is also causing a massive slow-down on rehoming animals - and for shelters being able to take on new dogs and cats that need a home. Numerous full shelters are reporting a wait-list of people who want to surrender their dog.

RSPCA national data shows around 81,000 pets were surrendered in the 2023/2024 financial year, with only 27,000 finding new homes.

However, in Pittwater, for over a quarter of a century, Monika's Doggie Rescue has sought to find the homes for these pets.

Monika's DoggieRescue is a registered charity that believes in saving and re-homing as many pets as they can from the council pounds. For many years Monika Biernacki and a group of volunteers have been rescuing pets from death row and successfully re-homing them with permanent and loving owners.

Their motto at present is 'don't shop - adopt'.

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
Northern Beaches Council Wins Award for Partnerships-Collaborations in Rethink-reduce-reuse Program - North Sydney Council Recognised for Innovative Citizenship Ceremonies
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

This species, and Posidonia australis, form an essential nursery habitat for various marine species, from our local seahorses and the Barrenjoey to Narrabeen Weedy Seadragons to commercially important species such as snapper and blue swimmer crabs.

See: Study shows what stresses Pittwater's seagrass meadows (and the fish that love this estuary habitat) + Jetty design review to protect seagrass and Weedy Seadragons Citizen Scientist Project Needs More Eyes On The Seas, Sands + Shores: The SeadragonSearch Project

Bruce Goold August 12 1948 – June 16, 2025

Adored son of Wilfred and Phyllis, beloved husband of Kate (Dec.), treasured father to Nancy.

Our community lost one of its favourite sons on Monday June 16. A lanky Puck natured icon of the Barrenjoey peninsula, Bruce Goold refined Australian Art through his own development and expanded its 21st century perimeters.

Renowned for bold graphic prints using linocuts and woodblock techniques, Bruce Goold’s instantly recognisable style established him as one of the most influential and celebrated artists in Australia. Goold was famous for his use of woodcut and lino techniques, which drew on the skill of hand cutting designs, using the positive and negative spaces to create beds for ink application. Once printed the designs come to life, with depth and texture.

For Bruce, Art is not just for the walls, it can be worn, and then it is not just about the style and cut of the cloth, it is about what the printed threads bring together; the colours, the subject, and with so many Australian birds, wildflowers, his designs were unapologetic celebrations of here and a call to immerse yourself in living Art.

There are not many locals who do not have a t-shirt, a cushion, a curtain, a Mambo shirt in his favoured themes of marine, flora and fauna, the tropical and those he called 'curiosities' - a kind of Edward Lear nonsense poem, only Bruce's acutely epitomised version.

Bruce was a joy-maker, who called all to allow themselves to be immersed. His smile, his dancing, were about sharing we are all living in a vision, knit currents of air, earth and water, and in these threads and their verses we too are all connected too to the Creative in all of us.

Artist Bruce Goold with the original No 1. Hand Coloured linocut for the Avalon Centenary Celebrations in 2021

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
NSW Budget green lights congestion busting Mona Vale Road West upgrade - Scruby delivers on Election Promise: Secures Funding
Minns Government to amend Wakehurst MP's Northern Beaches Hospital (Voluntary Contract Termination) Bill
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

Rise Festival Is Firing Up Manly's Winter - Runs Until June 29

Babylon House, atop the Avalon/Clareville verges, has won The John Verge Award for Interior Architecture and a Alterations and Additions Award for Casey Brown Architecture. Photographer: Zella Casey Brown

NSW teams respond to Canada’s call for firefighting support

A deployment of 54 NSW firefighting specialists depart Sydney on Monday June 9 to support Canadian authorities battling more than 200 wildfires across the country, which have already burned over 2.3 million hectares.

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members from Belrose are among the 54 NSW specialists deployed to Canada to assist with the ongoing wildfires.

The NSW personnel will join a 96-strong Australian contingent, following a formal request for assistance from Canada’s Interagency Forest Fire Centre. The deployment is being coordinated by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council’s (AFAC) National Resource Sharing Centre.

The NSW team includes 36 members from the NSW Rural Fire Service, 16 from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and two from Forestry Corporation NSW. The deployment includes incident management specialists and frontline firefighters, all with significant experience responding to complex fire conditions both in Australia and overseas.

The first contingent arrived in Canada on June 13.

This deployment reinforces the strong international partnerships that exist between fire agencies, and the global recognition of the expertise within Australia’s firefighting ranks.

On Thursday June 26 an additional 18 RFS personnel were deployed to Alberta, Canada to help local firefighters battling over 290 wildfires. Over 100 of which still remain out of control.

With fires having already burnt through 4.1 million hectares, this new contingent of firefighters will join 94 Australian personnel currently aiding the firefighting efforts across Canada. They were farewelled at the airport by Deputy Commissioner Ben Millington.

Eight skilled firefighters from South Australia are also deploying to Canada, to help battle remote wildfires in Alberta.

The 8-member deployment departed Adelaide on Thursday, June 26, as part of a larger 103-member Australian contingent supporting the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre - the lead agency for the Alberta wildfires.

The South Australian group includes a Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteer and staff member, along with personnel from the SA National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) brigade (four staff from the Department for Environment and Water, and two from Landscape Boards).

CFS Regional Officer Peter Ikonomopoulos, of Port Augusta, is travelling to Canada as Australia's agency representative for this deployment, his second to Canada.

The remainder of the contingent, listed below, will be operating as arduous firefighters and have been specifically chosen for their experience and fitness levels:

- Tony Pratt, Aldgate CFS

- Luke Ashworth, NPWS Brigade

- Joseph Gallasch, NPWS Brigade

- Paul Gillen, NPWS Brigade

- Nathan Moore, NPWS Brigade

- Renata Rix, NPWS Brigade

- Brett Backhouse, NPWS Brigade

Canada's wildfire season started early due to a hot, dry spring which has significantly escalated fire risk.

Currently, approximately 50 wildfires are active in Alberta, mostly in hard-to-access forested areas.

Fighting these fires involves on-foot crews, heavy machinery for containment, and significant aircraft support for suppression and transport.

This deployment is expected to last for up to 40 days.

Executive Director Operations Brenton Hastie said:

"We are proud that South Australian firefighters are again supporting Canada in its time of need."

"South Australia benefits from these deployments as our firefighters gain invaluable skills that they can then utilise during our own Fire Danger Season."

"Canada's early fire season echoes concern we hold for the upcoming South Australian summer, providing insight into what we may face during the 2025/26 Fire Danger Season due to current soil and vegetation dryness."

South Australia is currently in drought. The BOM, in its June 5 2025 Drought Statement said the Southern Annual Mode (SAM) has been positive for most of 2025. This has resulted in high pressure systems being further south than usual for this time of year across the southern hemisphere.

Persistent low rainfall conditions have affected much of southern Australia in recent seasons. Since early 2023, rainfall deficiencies (rainfall totals in the lowest 5% since 1900) have developed in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.

Rainfall deficiencies have been especially significant in regions with western-facing coastlines, including the south-east of South Australia. During this time, soil moisture content, runoff, streamflow and water storage levels have all decreased across much of southern Australia.

Regional Officer Outback Areas Peter Ikonomopoulos said:

"I am immensely proud to represent the CFS, South Australia and the nation on this deployment to Canada."

"Primarily, my role is to ensure our Australian firefighters in Alberta are well looked after and able to support our Canadian colleagues to the best of their abilities. I look forward to our team showcasing the very best of Australia's firefighting and incident management expertise."

SA Minister for Emergency Services Emily Bourke stated:

"South Australia has a proud history of helping communities in need, at home and abroad. Our skilled firefighters answered the Canadian call during their wildfires last year and are again stepping up to assist."

"Thank you to this dedicated group of South Australians who are pausing their own lives and to their families for their understanding and support."

Canadian Fires Current as of: June 25, 2025

Current active fires

Uncontrolled Being Held Controlled Modified Response

64 25 78 29

The ongoing 2025 Canadian wildfire season began with over 160 wildfires active across the country in mid-May 2025 primarily in Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Two people have died in the town of Lac du Bonnet located northeast of Winnipeg.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our thoughts are with the people of Canada and the communities affected by these devastating fires.”

“Here in NSW, we understand the destructive power of bush and forest fires, and we stand ready to support our Canadian colleagues in their time of need.”

“I’d like to thank all personnel involved in this deployment and wish them well. We look forward to their safe return.”

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said:

“NSW has a long and proud tradition of supporting international firefighting efforts, including previous deployments to Canada over the past two decades.”

“Our 737 Large Air Tanker, Marie Bashir, is already in California providing assistance. This contingent, along with the LAT, demonstrates the depth of capability we can offer, not just on the ground but also in the air, to assist international partners during their times of need.”

Arriving in the USA earlier this month the RFS 737 Large Air Tanker the Marie Bashir is continuing operations alongside CAL FIRE, with the aircraft so far conducting 11 missions and dropping over 151,000 litres of retardant.

On June 19, it completed 5 missions that dropped over 69,000 litres of retardant. As fire activity increases in California, the 737 will continue to assist local firefighters until mid-July, before returning to Sydney for the start of our season.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) serves and safeguards the people and protects the property and resources of California.

Record heatwave temperatures are persisting across America and Canada as we go to press, with dozens of people hospitalised.

June 19 2025 photo by: Csmeadphotography

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

Tuesday June 24, 2025

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Broken Bay have assisted two separate medical missions this morning.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said rescue vessel Broken Bay 30 was tasked with transporting emergency services personnel to a medical emergency on Scotland Island just before 8:30am.

“A volunteer crew was quickly assembled and Broken Bay 30 activated.

“BB 30 transported emergency services personnel to the island, which is only accessible by boat.

“As the emergency services personnel were disembarking the Marine Rescue NSW vessel, we received another medical assist request.

“Broken Bay 30 was immediately deployed to Palm Beach Wharf to collect NSW Ambulance paramedics and transport them to Great Mackerel Beach to attend to a person.

“The volunteer crew on board Broken Bay 30 then transported the paramedics and patient back to Palm Beach Wharf,” Inspector Greenslade said.

Volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Sydney managed communications for this morning’s medical assists.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

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

Marine Rescue NSW is proud to announce that five exceptional members have been named as finalists in the prestigious 2025 Rotary Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA), recognising their outstanding service and dedication to community safety on the water.

Four members are finalists for the Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year Award, with a collective service history of more than 45 years. They are:

Julie Rostron – Unit Commander, Marine Rescue Norah Head

Warren Collins – Coxswain and Trainer, Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie

Helen Zielke – State Radio Operator, Marine Rescue Sydney

Stuart Massey – Illawarra Zone Duty Operations Manager

Nineteen-year-old Marine Rescue Terrigal volunteer Rachael de Courcy has also been named as a finalist for the Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship, recognising her leadership and commitment since joining the Terrigal unit in 2022.

Winners will be announced at the RESCA Presentation Dinner at Bankstown Sports Club on Saturday, 2 August 2025.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell congratulated the Officer of the Year finalists on their nominations.

“We are extremely proud of this dedicated group of people who continually go above and beyond in their roles to assist the boating community of NSW,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“This group boasts almost five decades of marine rescue experience, with each nominee playing a crucial role in saving lives on the water—whether on board a rescue vessel or managing vital communications in the radio room.”

Commissioner Barrell also wished Rachael de Courcy well in the youth category.

“We are privileged to have such an enthusiastic young woman as part of the crew at Terrigal,” he said.

“Rachael is one of the youngest rated crew members in the state and has already made a valuable impact on her unit. Marine Rescue NSW is excited to support Rachael’s journey in the Service.”

The RESCAs recognise outstanding service by NSW emergency services personnel. The awards celebrate both paid and volunteer members of all NSW emergency services agencies who have gone above and beyond their normal duties, exemplifying the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self".

About the Finalists

Julie Rostron – Marine Rescue Norah Head

Julie leads a team of 40 volunteers and has risen through the ranks since joining in 2016. As Unit Commander and a qualified Radio Officer, her calm leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for female participation exemplify service and resilience.

Warren Collins – Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie

With over 16 years of service, Warren is a respected Coxswain, Trainer, Rescue Water Craft Operator, and former Deputy Unit Commander. His hands-on leadership during complex rescues, along with his contributions to training and public education, reinforces his commitment to safer waterways.

Helen Zielke – Marine Rescue Sydney

A stalwart of the State Communications Centre at Belrose since 2013, Helen averages three overnight shifts a week. She has coordinated critical rescues, mentored dozens of radio operators, and was honoured for her support during the 2019–20 bushfires.

Helen Zielke – Marine Rescue Sydney

Stuart Massey – Marine Rescue Illawarra Inspector

Stuart has more than 40 years’ experience in emergency services, including Surf Life Saving. He now directs seven Marine Rescue NSW units across the Illawarra, supporting crews through 24/7 coordination, training, and culturally inclusive community safety initiatives.

Rachael de Courcy – Marine Rescue Terrigal

Joining in 2022, Rachael has quickly become a key member of her unit—balancing university with callouts, emergency training, and community outreach. Her maturity, leadership, and calmness under pressure have made her a role model for new recruits.

Rachael de Courcy – Marine Rescue Terrigal

Previous RESCA Marine Rescue NSW Officer of the Year winners

2024 – Nancy Weatherman, Marine Rescue Eden

2023 – Phillip Causley, Marine Rescue Ballina

2022 – Karen Lowry, Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet

Mid North Coast Floods May 2025

Video by Julian Andrews of Davidson RFS
Photo-essay with descriptive captions from the deployment of a New South Wales Rural Fire Service 'Strike Team' from Sydney's northern beaches to the Mid North Coast (NSW) floods in May 2025.

Telling the story of the RFS involvement in the immediate aftermath of the floods through the crew of one fire truck.

Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade: BF Training

June 14-15: This weekend 14 new recruits from across the district did their Bush Firefighter (BF) training, the first step to being able to contribute as a firefighter in the NSW RFS.

Skills taught include safety, rolling and bowling, equipment knowledge and maintenance, drafting, shipping a stand pipe and overrun practise.

This great group of future firefighters will be back July 6 for their assessment. Thanks to all the instructors from Tumble, Terrey Hills, Belrose, Davidson and HQ.

Bonus: seeing the cutest little mum and bub brushtail possum who just wanted to see how good our district is!!!

Photos: Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade

Pittwater Celebrates National Award-Winning Village Manager

Aveo’s Melinda Akehurst won the Programmed Award for Village Manager of the Year at the prestigious Property Council of Australia’s National Retirement Living Awards.

The 2025 awards were announced June 19 as part of the National Retirement Living Summit held at The Star, Brisbane.

Ms Akehurst, Village Manager at Aveo’s Bayview Gardens Retirement Living on Sydney’s northern beaches, was recognised for her outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to resident wellbeing.

Overseeing a flourishing community of more than 300 residents and 12 dedicated staff members, Ms Akehurst said she was humbled to receive the national accolade.

“It is an incredible honour to be recognised nationally for a role I truly love. Each day brings the opportunity to enrich the lives of Aveo residents, and I am fortunate to work alongside a talented team who share my passion for building a welcoming, connected community,” she said.

“I am proud to represent Aveo, a leader in Australia’s retirement living sector.”

Aveo’s Chief Executive Officer, Tony Randello, congratulated Ms Akehurst on her national achievement.

“Melinda embodies the very best of our industry. Her vision, empathy, and drive for excellence have created a thriving community at Bayview Gardens,” Mr Randello said.

“She brings her authentic personality and joy to work every day, takes a creative approach to resident wellbeing, and champions residents and staff.’’

Pittwater's Melinda Akehurst (green gown) with Tony Randello, Mohammed Hage-Hassan and Natalie Patterson. Photo supplied

The National Village Manager of the Year Award is the sector’s highest accolade, reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to supporting residents to live their best lives in retirement communities.

Aveo’s Bayview Gardens Retirement Living is located at 36-42 Cabbage Tree Road, Bayview.

VALE - Graham Nock AM, OBE

Past RPAYC Commodore and Life Member
A Life of Service, Seamanship, and Integrity
7. 1.1928 - 12.5.2025

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club acknowledges with deep respect the passing of Graham Norman Nock AM, OBE— former Commodore, Life Member, dedicated yachtsman, and much-loved member of the Alfreds community.

Graham served as Commodore from 1963 to 1966, a time of signiﬁcant growth and evolution for the Club. He oversaw the completion of A-Marina and the Green Point Hardstand (then known as the 5.5m Hardstand) and played an instrumental role in the publication of the Club’s Centenary History Book – a lasting tribute to the RPAYC’s rich legacy.

His steady hand on the helm helped modernise operations, guide membership expansion, and uphold the traditions that continue to deﬁne RPAYC today. In 1973, in recognition of his outstanding service, Graham was awarded Life Membership— one of the Club’s highest honours.

Graham’s generosity and ongoing support of sailing at RPAYC is reﬂected through his donation of two enduring trophies: The Alyth Trophy, awarded to the winning PHS boat in the Bluewater Pointscore Series, and The Commodore’s Cup, presented to the winning PHS boat in each division of the Commodore’s Cup Series.

A Passion for Sailing
Graham’s lifelong love of sailing was inherited from his father, Sir Norman Nock (acknowledged as introducing the Dragon class yachts to Australia in the 1950s), and passed down to the generations that followed. A true sailor in every sense, Graham raced extensively along the east coast and throughout Sydney Harbour.

For more than 35 years, Graham was most closely associated with the classic timber yacht CARESS, a Wally Ward design built in 1961. Purchased by Graham in 1982, CARESS became a regular and successful competitor in the SASC Classic Division, often seen surﬁng home ahead of the ﬂeet.

He sailed most often with his son Rick—a formidable team whose skill and teamwork earned them admiration and many trophies. Even well into his 90s, Graham remained connected to the boat, and in 2023, was honoured with one last sail aboard the beautifully restored CARESS—a poignant tribute to a lifetime spent on the water.

A Broader Contribution
Graham’s inﬂuence extended far beyond the Alfreds. He was a director and chairman of the family retail ﬁrm Nock & Kirby and served on the boards of major Australian companies such as AMP, Carrier, and Rheem. He also held ofﬁce as an Alderman for the City of Sydney, with a strong commitment to civic responsibility and charitable work.

For these and other contributions, he was appointed an Ofﬁcer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1975 and made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1988. He was a lifelong supporter of The Smith Family, the Art Gallery of NSW, the Australia Day Council, and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he served as a Life Governor.

A Lasting Legacy
Graham passed away peacefully at home on 12 May 2025, aged 96. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Pamela, with whom he shared 65 wonderful years, and is survived by their four children—Michael, Rick, and two daughters— and their many grandchildren.

He will be remembered at RPAYC not only for his achievements but for his quiet wisdom, gracious nature, and steadfast loyalty to the Club. His legacy lives on through those he mentored, the friends he made, and the enduring mark he left on our waters and our hearts.

Fair winds, Graham. You have crossed the bar with dignity. Your presence will always be felt at the Alfreds.

Commodore Robert McClelland
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club Newport, NSW

A few more insights
Graham Nock was born in Sydney on 7 October 1928, the son of former Lord Mayor Sir Norman Lindfield Nock and his wife Lady Ethel E Nock, nèe Bradford. He married Pamela, daughter of J and PA McCathie, on 26 January 1955 and has three sons and one daughter.

Graham Nock was educated at Sydney Church of England Grammar School and Scots College and the Babson Institute of Administration in the United States of America. He held a Bachelor of Science degree.

He joined his father in the family’s well-known hardware store Nock and Kirby Pty Ltd, being Chairman of Directors since 1950. He was a director and/or chairman of many companies including Carrier Air conditioning Holdings Ltd (1961–87), the AMP Society (1992–95), Rheem Australia (1987–88), Touraust Corporation (1995–) Emerging Markets Co Ltd (1995–), and Development Capital of Australia Ltd (1993–).

He was President of the Australian Retail Traders’ Association from 1978 to 1981. He was the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Hedge Funds Ltd (HFL).

Graham Nock inherited his love of sailing from his father and was a champion yachtsman.

He was a member of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, and the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.

Graham was a man of integrity and vision, who embodied the virtues instilled by his father, Sir Norman Nock. He leaves behind his children Michael, Richard, Jane, and Andrew, and grandchildren Camille, Lucy, Alex, Tom, and Sophie.

Known for his honesty, courage, and leadership, Graham's life was a testament to patriotism, kindness, and ambition. His spirit now rests with Pamela, united in eternal peace.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in July 2025.

Graham Norman Nock Alderman 1962-1967 (City of Sydney Archives, A-00025178)

Graham Nock was Alderman for Gipps Ward, 1 December 1962 to 13 November 1967 when the City of Sydney Council was replaced by City Commissioners. He was a member of the Works Committee and the Health and Recreations Committee from 1963 to 1967.

The partnership of Thomas Nock and Herbert Kirby began in November 1894. The original Nock & Kirby store was at Circular Quay, before the business expanded and moved to new premises at 417 George Street, Sydney.

By the 1950s, Nock & Kirby’s had become a household name in New South Wales. The shop sold everything from pots and pans to clothing, as well as hardware and gardening equipment. The company traded until 1983, when it was taken over by Burns Philp & Co and renamed BBC Hardware. Bunnings (Wesfarmers) bought the BBC Hardware chain in 2001.

References
City of Sydney Archives: Aldermen’s Files
Who’s Who in Australia 1997
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron
Nock family archives

The Narrabeen Sharks Junior Rugby League Football Club A Grade Team for 2025

The Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC has long been a core of the Narrabeen community, raising generation after generation of powerful and strong players who have gone on to represent the game in the big clubs, at state level and Australia in both the rugby league and rugby union codes.

The club is centred in family, instilling loyalty and fitness in young men and now young women to strive to be the best they can in their sport, and to extend that to the way they conduct themselves, and look after each other. The Sharks are a tribe, a family with a team of coaches, managers, and trainers who guide and develop players in what it means to be a Sharkie and who help uphold the core values of the club.

However, they’re not just developing great sportspeople, through a focus on sportsmanship and family, they’re also helping members and supporters be great human beings.

2025 President at Narrabeen Sharks is Isaac Freudenstein.

The Freudenstein family has multi-generational involvement a Narrabeen, in the Sharks rugby league club. Isaacs's father Don, who passed away in 2015, is a prior President and Life Member of the club, as his wife Carmel and Isaac’s mum still is. Isaacs uncle, John Clarke, is also a Life Member as well.

The Freudenstein family have also been a long-term part of the surf club and the North Narrabeen Boardriders as well.

Don was a Director on the Board of NSW Police Legacy from 1991 -1994 and his wife Carmel spent many years as Secretary of NSW Police Legacy.

Serving the Community is in their blood.

This Issue a few insights into the club and the A Grade teams' aspirations from the 2025 Season from Isaac and A Grade coach, Michael Raddisich, 'Mick'.

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
VALE - Graham Nock AM, OBE
New Commissioner, Trent Curtin appointed to lead NSW Rural Fire Service: Thank you for your Service Rob Rogers AFSM
NSW RFS teams respond to Canada’s call for firefighting support
Play Footy Time June 2025: at Lake Park, North Narrabeen + Hitchcock Park, North Avalon Beach

Cutting the Bilgola Plateau Public School 60 Year Birthday cake; Ross Montague, John Gray, David Watson and Di Page

the 2025 Narrabeen Sharks A Grade Team, including coaches and support crew

John Davis, Past-President of Avalon Bulldogs, Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, Brian Friend OAM

Kurt Stevenson - another Doggies legend who played his 350th game this month.

July

Say No To Plastics - Net Bags for Veggies while shopping

In 2022-23, NSW alone generated 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste. Only 14% of this material was recycled. About 79% of litter washed into our waterways is plastic. Plastic litter can have disastrous consequences and significant cost on the environment and communities.

Barbara Elkan has kindly shared some news on a local initiative to bring back the use of reusable string bags for veggies when you're shopping.

String bags or bags made from compostable materials such as woven reeds have been around from time immemorial. During the 1930s, string bags, also known as mesh or net bags, were a common and practical item for shopping in Australia. They were lightweight and could hold items of various shapes, making them a popular choice for carrying groceries and other purchases. While they had some drawbacks, like the tendency for items to fall out if not carefully placed and the potential for getting caught on clothing, their affordability and convenience ensured their continued use.

What's more they were not going harm the environment or all other animals living in it through being carelessly discarded or because they were made from something unable to be recycled.

Barbara shared that you can actually buy a version of these - 3 for $1.50 - at Woollies and Coles.

Woolworths states that in recent years, they’ve removed more than 800 tonnes of plastic from their fruit and veg range and plan to keep that momentum as they continue to reduce plastic and increase their use of recycled content. In June 2022 they announced the discontinuation of their use of those white and green 'recyclable plastic bags' your shopping could be packed in, removing a further 9,000 tonnes of plastic from circulation annually.

But the ubiquitous plastic bag for those grapes, apples and potatoes is lingering.

Our home delivery shop from Woollies each week comes packed in papers bags now - even the green beans are in a smaller paper bag - just as they were when many of us were younger. But some fresh items, such as apples or pears, although they will turn up in a recyclable cardboard box, are wrapped in plastic. The option there is to choose our apples and pears singly, and then they will come just as they are in the paper bag.

All we have to do, as individuals choosing what to do, is opt for the plastic-free choice.

This Issue a few insights on this next local focus on eliminating plastics from our own and others food chain, and the state government's next phase of its rollout of alternatives and eliminating plastics, as outlined in NSW Plastics: The Way Forward Plan

The above great photo by David Collins shows the 'Say No to Plastics' crew - go team!

Jack's Paddle Out

The report for the Paddle Out to honour ad Celebrate surf film maker Jack McCoy is available in. Celebrating Jack McCoy: More than a Paddle out

Photograph: Manly to Barrenjoey surfing legends Pam Burridge, Tom Carroll and Layne Beachley

We're fundraising for Bear Cottage!

Avalon charity soccer game for Bear Cottage: PLEASE DONATE!

On Saturday 26 July two teams from Avalon Soccer Club will raise funds again for Bear Cottage in their annual charity league game. It's Avalon A Vs Avalon B in the MWFA Over 45 division 2 competition. The game will be at Careel Bay Playing Fields, field 1, kick off 3pm.

Please donate all you can to help children with terminal illnesses here: www.superheroweek.com.au/bear-cottage-cup-2025

This marks the tenth year that a team from the Avalon Over 45s has held an annual fundraiser for Bear Cottage, raising close to $15,000 during that time. This year we're hoping to raise $2,000, which would beat last year's record of $1,800.

It's previously been Avalon Vs Manly Vale each year, but this time we're bringing it solely to Avalon.

Come down on the day! All spectators are welcome!

Bear Cottage is the only children’s hospice in NSW, providing respite and end-of-life care for children with terminal illnesses and their families in a medically supported ‘home away from home’. For children in their care there is no happy ending or miracle cure.

Bear Cottage gives them as much love, care, laughter, fun, and support, as they need.

Please support us as we fundraise for this amazing cause!

Avalon Bulldogs J.R.L.F.C. 2025 A Grade Team

Website: www.avalonbulldogs.com.au

Home Ground: Hitchcock Park

The Avalon Bulldogs Junior Rugby League club is a family oriented community-based sporting club with over 60 years of heritage, commencing in the Manly Warringah District Junior Rugby League in 1962.

The club is a much-loved asset to the community with a large following of passionate supporters. The junior division and touch football competition attracts over 1200 players annually. Home games are played at Hitchcock Park on Saturdays from April to August, and touch footy games on a Friday night are THE place to be socially for around 700 families from toddlers to grandparents between October and December.

The organisation is committed to providing a fun and healthy environment for families to come together and get active. They follow the NRL values of Excellence, Inclusiveness, Courage, and Teamwork. From the youngest players at four years old to the team of 100 volunteers who give hours of their time to the club for the love of the game, the commitment is impressive. In the eyes of the youngsters, the club is the best thing since sliced bread. They wear their training shirts proudly everywhere they go!

This Winter Comp. Season the Doggies have 22 teams from Under 6's through to Opens (A Grade), including 8 girls teams playing in the rapidly growing Blues Tag comp.

This week, a chat with the 2025 A Grade Teams' Head Coach, President and Assistant Coach, who remembers when they were Under 6's, and Manager

De-amalgamation news: Protect Pittwater Update - 'Fit for the Future' a ruse to effect Amalgamations
Tree Management Policy Adopted
Turimetta to Avalon Dunes Being Trashed: Young Locals Need Some Where to go - Something to do
Aquatics Locana Cullen wins his Age division in 2025 Oz Grom Open: Posts only 10-Point Ride of Comp.
Joe Lacey Scores Winning Goal for Sydney FC
2025 NSW Community Sports Award winners announced: Collaroy Tennis Club is Community Club of the Year, Warriewood's Distinguished Long Service Honouree; Mark Stephenson
Topknot Pigeon Flock of 10-12 Spotted: Winter Visitors to Pittwater
Crown Reserves Grants 2025 Announced: Local focus on Weeds + Repairs to Long Reef Boardwalk + some pictures of council's recent works at Hitchcock Park - Careel Bay playing fields - CRIF 2025
Australian Longboard Titles Return To The Tweed Coast: 22nd - 27th July 2025
New internship program seeking businesses and students to charge towards net zero: Opportunity at Blackmore's Warriewood campus Now Open
Still no EV Kerbside Chargers for Postcode 2107 Despite 66 allocated for across the peninsula in latest grant funding announced: Mapping Photovoltaic installations Across Pittwater Postcodes - some More data
2025 Crackdown on illegal e-bike riders: 32 Local riders fined - Operation Kilowatt
80 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Locals Impacted - Council again sidesteps Opportunity to Support Peace Accord
Over 10 million vapes seized and fewer young people taking up vaping - Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner Appointed
Beachside musical partners dare to differ

U16 Boys Champion Locana Cullen. Credit: Wes Thompson

Mark Stephenson with his award. Photo supplied

August

Manly Warringah Netball Association to Celebrate 60 years + Manly Warringah Sapphires Opens Wins 2025 Grand Final at Ken Rosewall Arena

Website: www.mwna.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said:

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

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

Killing of Ruskin Rowe Heritage Listed Tree 'authoritarian'
Trial to remove shark nets - NBC - Central Coast - Waverly approached to nominate a beach each
The Top Predator by A Dad from A Pittwater Family of Dog Owners & Dog Lovers
Turimetta Moods: Winter Visions by Joe Mills
Avalon Beach SLSC's 100th Annual General Meeting by Roger Sayers OAM, Life Member ABSLSC
Speed limit for Newport to Palm Beach Lowered to 50k from August 7: Pittwater MP calls for Review of decision + More than 183,000 school zone speeding offences recorded in NSW in the last financial year
IPART Draft Report on the review of prices for Greater Sydney from 1 October 2025: Have your by August 25
NSW cracking down on illegal vapes-tobacco shops on high streets + School OurFuture program prevents teen vaping - open to Secondary schools
Man charged with allegedly producing child abuse material at six out-of-school hours care services in northern Sydney - council statement - NSW to Introduce Working With Children Check reforms this week
Disaster-ready housing starts local: Landmark Inquiry from AHURI Urges fourth 'R' for Councils
Watch out, Shorebirds are Permanently About and now building nests - With More Annual Visitors coming from this Month!! + CSIRO: We used tiny sensors in backpacks to discover the extraordinary ways birds migrate to find water
Government to deliver 21-metre high-tech ‘thunderbird’ to protect NSW waters: will be a 'floating command centre'

Ruskin Rowe tree vigil, June 2024. photo supplied

screenshot from CK video of the Ruskin Rowe gum tree trunk

Residents attended the NBC Meeting of June 25 2024 to defend Pittwater's trees and the two slated for destruction in Ruskin Rowe, Avalon Beach. Photo: Supplied

Mona Vale Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre Becomes first in NSW To Roll Out ECAT

On July 15 2025 it was announced that Mona Vale Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre (UCC) has become the first UCC in New South Wales to implement Emergency Care Assessment and Treatment (ECAT) protocols.

The protocols will allow nurses to begin treatment immediately after triage which ultimately helps to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes before a medical officer, nurse practitioner or physiotherapist takes over care.

The milestone follows the successful implementation of ECAT protocols across NSLHD’s emergency departments last year.

Over the first 24 hours of implementation, the centre adopted the protocols for 23 presentations.

Mona Vale Hospital’s UCC nurse unit manager Heidi Stojic said early adoption of the system is helping streamline care and enhance the patient experience.

“Patients are now receiving treatment faster, which helps reduce anxiety and improves their overall experience,” she said.

Photo: MVH/Facebook

Dr Gordon Stokes, MB MS MD, FRACP, Dip Thl, 1935–2025

Late of Mona Vale. Respected physician, pioneering researcher, devoted family man, and man of faith.

A Service was held for Dr. Stokes in Mona Vale on Friday August 1, 2025.

Gordon in Cambodian refugee camp

Turimetta Beach Boulders Falling: 2m of Erosion by Joe Mills and John Illingsworth
Mona Vale Hospital Still First in State in Health Care: NSLHD's NatureFix App Transforms Green Spaces + Mona Vale Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre Becomes first in NSW To Roll Out ECAT
Seals Hauling Out Along Our Beaches: Register these on the NSW Haul-out, Call-Out seal survey
Community Building Partnership (CBP) Program: 2025 Funding Announced - Pittwater to Manly
Mapping microplastics in 120 NSW Estuaries

Community Tribute to Lisa Atkins for over Four Decades of Bushcare Dedication

July 2025 - By and courtesy West Pittwater Community Association - website Editors

Local Bushcarers, Northern Beaches Council and National Parks gathered this week to honour Lisa Atkins, whose remarkable commitment to bush regeneration has helped transform the landscapes of the Western Foreshores over the past 40 years.

Lisa’s quiet determination and four decades of volunteer work have restored significant areas of native habitat in what was once a heavily weed-infested environment. Her efforts, carried out with little fanfare but unwavering dedication, have inspired a generation of bushcarers and left an enduring impact on the local environment.

Left to Right: Bettina Tuerk-Rochl – National Parks and Wildlife, Lisa Atkins, Michael Kneipp & Georgia Williams – Bushcare Team: Northern Beaches Council.

Hosted by Rocky Point Bushcare, the gathering at Lovett Bay Beach was attended by representatives from National Parks and Wildlife, Northern Beaches Council, Morning Bay Bushcare and Elvina Bay Bushcare, all of whom came together to express their gratitude. Messages messages of praise, thanks, and best wishes also came from South West Lovett Bay Coastcare and the budding North Elvina Bushcare.

Bettina Tuerk-Rochl (National Parks and Wildlife) praised Lisa’s long-standing leadership and deep knowledge of the local ecosystem, while Michael Kneipp, (NB Council), recalled just how overgrown the area once was with lantana before Lisa’s intervention.

“She didn’t just pull out weeds,” Michael said. “She created space for native species to return — for the forest to breathe again.”

“Lisa also created the local belief that “No offshore event is complete without a cup of tea and something to eat’ — and always made sure we had both. Her warmth and presence at every possible occasion has made bushcare feel like special community.”

In recognition of her service, Lisa was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation, a bouquet of native flowers, Burrawang seedlings to plant in her own time, and a custom-engraved thermos — a nod to her reputation for never arriving at a bushcare day without a strong brew and something tasty to share.

Newly Engraved Rocky Point Thermos

The event was informal but heartfelt, a fitting tribute to someone who has quietly given so much to the local environment and the people who cherish it. Lisa, true to form, responded with humility: “I’m just one of many. Nature does the real work — we’re just here to give it a helping hand.”

The Western Foreshores are greener, richer, and more alive thanks to Lisa Atkins. Her legacy, like the bush she’s helped restore, will continue to grow.

Warringah Rats News: Wallabies!

Rats into Wallabies - how good was that to see last night!!

Pek Cowan, Beau Robinson, Hugh Pyle, Mark Gerrard

Refreshed Mobys this Summer

Whale Beach SLSC announced on Tuesday August 12 they are thrilled to share an exciting update on the transformation happening at the top of their clubhouse.

''Earlier this year, we leased the upper two levels of the club to the Merci Group, an experienced hospitality team behind beloved venues like Dunes in Palm Beach and Suki in Mona Vale.'' WBSLSC states

''Their newest venture? A complete reimagining of our historic venue – Mobys – set to open this summer. Mobys will be a vibrant, produce-led Italian restaurant and al fresco café, blending coastal charm with a modern twist. Expect handmade pastas, fresh seafood, perfectly grilled steak, and the kind of long, sun-drenched lunches Whale Beach is made for.

This exciting project wouldn’t be possible without you – our members. Your ongoing support has allowed us to secure a lease agreement that not only enhances our iconic building but also contributes significantly to the financial sustainability of the Club.

Merci’s investment, paired with the Club’s own cooperation, means we are realising a rapid and intensive fit-out and landscaping, creating a stunning new space for the community and a reliable revenue stream for years to come.

The new Mobys will include:
A standalone restaurant on Level 6
A stylish alfresco café area on the front courtyard, with direct access to the restaurant
A refreshed Level 5 hall for private functions and overflow dining
Beyond great food, we believe Mobys will add real value to our members, the Whale Beach community, and the Club’s future.

Stay tuned – we’ll continue to keep you updated as the project progresses. In the meantime, we can’t wait to see you upstairs this summer for a drink, a meal, or simply to soak up the view.''

Peninsula Junior Cricket Club

Gary Searles, Club Treasurer and Registrar, states;

Peninsula Cricket Club is a large junior cricket club covering from Palm Beach through to Narrabeen.

Our Cricket Blast season commences Oct 15 ( Avalon), Oct 17 (Warriewood) and Oct 18 (Warriewood). Cricket Blast is our entry level cricket program designed to teach the kids the basics of the game before tackling competitive Cricket from U10s.

Competitive Cricket, for U12s and up (we go through to U16s) commences September 13 2025.

The Girls U11s / U13s and Boys U10s and U11s start October 18.

Registrations are now open at: www.peninsulacricketclub.com.au/registration

We are the only Cricket Club in the Barrenjoey Peninsula catchment area - Palm Beach to Narrabeen – and we are Not for Profit. Our primary focus is the children's welfare as they develop their skills, passion and a lifelong love for the wonderful game of cricket.

We have Cricket skill programs, designed to get kids into Cricket - so think Kindy, Year 1 and 2 - available at 3 locations. The cricket skills program runs at Avalon (Wednesday), Warriewood (Friday evening), Warriewood (Saturday morning).

We have modified games, so no helmets, pads etc. These re-designed for children for prior to getting into competition Cricket, for Years 3 and 4.

Then we also offer Competitive Cricket for U10s and Up for boys. We have 3 girls teams in the U11s, U13s and U15s – and are always wanting to build up more girls playing.

More details are on our Website

Ratettes grand final Winners. Photos: Debbie Benefield and Sue Barry-Cotter

At the 2025 Bilgola SLSC AGM two members were also recognised. Romilly Madew AO in recognition of her commitment to the club was awarded Life Membership, the 15th member and first women in 75 years. David Madew’s commitment was also acknowledged, being awarded Distinguished Service.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Committee Members who have stepped down after an incredible 6–7 years of dedicated service: Peter Fenley (President), Adrian Wegrzyn (Director of Life Saving), Ian MacDonald (Administration Officer), and Mark Parsons (Operations). Their commitment, time, and energy have kept the lights on and the club thriving behind the scenes. It’s hard to overstate the importance of their tireless efforts, without volunteers like them, our club simply wouldn’t function.

A special mention goes to Tracey Rock, who continues her invaluable service as our Finance Officer. We are eternally grateful for her ongoing support.

L-R: Peter Fenley, Ian MacDonald, Tracey Rock, Adrian Wegrzyn & Mark Parsons. Photo: Romilly Madew AO

Bayview wharf as it is at present - non-existent having being neglected to the point where it failed in 2024

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. Photo supplied

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.

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 Weekend

Home 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.

Vale Geoff Clarke

Geoff's daughter Sally contacted the news service on Tuesday August 26 to let us know Geoff passed away last Friday, 22 August 2025.

He and Sally's mum Shan were former residents of Avalon, and Geoff regularly submitted photos of Avalon Beach and the Pittwater area to run as seasonal updates. His favourite places to photograph was Clareville in the afternoon or Avalon Beach at dawn.

Clareville Beach was his favourite place in Pittwater because when his children were very young his in-laws had a weekender at Taylor’s Point and they used to spend each Summer of each year on Clareville Beach during the early 1960's.

Geoff went to sea at the age of 17 and took the various tickets for becoming a Master Mariner, passing his Master Mariners Exams in 1956.

On his voyages between the U.K and here he met Shan. They were married in1958.

We published a story about them some years back in his Profile.

Geoff worked as a Shipping executive in two agencies, did a short spell on the Australian Coastal Trade, and was Operations Manager for a Korean Shipping Company.

He then went into recycling until he retired in December 2011, which was when your editor had the privilege to meet him and get to quiz him about a few things and share in a mutual passion for photography.

Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Sally and the rest of her family.

Geoff Clarke was a kind, generous gentleman who shared insights on shipping during the ears he was involved, and loved Pittwater. He celebrated his other home beside the sea on a daily basis through his photography, and did so for decades.

Thank you sir.

Above: Geoff and Shan in January 2012. Pic; AJG

Above: one of his pictures of Clareville Beach in 1961.

Mona Vale Boardriders' Andrew Gobbe on a Roll - Australian Shortboard Champion 2025

The Australian Shortboard Titles presented by SafeStyle have officially kicked off in Wollongong. With near perfect conditions for the first three days of competition, the master divisions flexed their experience, showcasing explosive turns and powerful carves.

With all six surfing states competing head to head for national glory, and a chance to qualify for the Australian National Surfing Team 'The Irukundjis' in the Over 40's & Over 50's, and Over 60's divisions, the stage is well and truly set.

As the action heats up in Wollongong, Surfing Australia Contest Director Glen Elliott says the 2025 Australian Shortboard Championships are already delivering on their promise:

"Shortboard surfing is the high-performance core of our sport, defined by speed, precision and progressive manoeuvres. Wollongong has provided fantastic conditions so far, and the level of surfing across all divisions is a true showcase of what makes this discipline so exciting." Mr. Elliott said

First Champions Crowned

By the conclusion of the day Surfing Australia crowned champions for the Over 65 Men, Over 60 Men & Women, and SafeStyle Over 50 & Over 40 Men and Women.

The first finalist of the day was Mark Gobbe (Mona Vale) in the Men's Over 65 Division, where he narrowly overcame Mark Loyd (VIC), by just 0.5 points! Mark had been working towards this victory for 10 years, and was so relived to finally achieve his dreams.

“This is my first Aussie title. I’ve won my state three times, and I’ve been to this event four or five times before — making finals a few times but never taking the win. I had a really clear goal to get it this year; it’s been in the works for over 10 years. It’s been a struggle, but it feels so good to finally get there.” Mark said

Readers will recall Mark took out the 2025 Surf Masters State Title in June this year.

In the Women’s Over 60s Division, Susan Levett (Manly, NSW) put on a dominant performance, scoring 6.67 and 8.33 for a 15.00 point heat total to claim the championship. This win qualifies her to join ‘The Irukandjis’ and compete at the 2026 ISA World Surfing Championships, and it also marks her third Australian Surfing Championship!

“I was lucky enough to catch some really good waves and grab the win. This is my third Aussie title — I can’t believe it! My first was ages ago, but to go back-to-back in 2024 and 2025 is really special. I just love it — I feel like a grom again. I love surfing, I love travelling, and I never want to stop competing. I also want to thank my family for their support, especially my kids. They probably want to go surfing themselves, but they always have to put up with their mum — and I’m so grateful for that.” Susan said

With the Open divisions hitting the water this Sunday, there’s plenty more action still to come, as the Australian Shortboard Titles presented by SafeStyle continue to set the benchmark for high-performance shortboard surfing in Australia.

Full report when ALL the results are in - next Issue - the first week for September 2025.

About the 2025 Australian Surf Championships

The shortboard divisions of the 2025 Australian Surf Championships are being held as a stand-alone event on Dharawal Country, along the stunning South Coast Line in New South Wales.

Winners in the Men & Women Over 40's, Over 50's and Over 60's will earn a spot in the Australian surfing team, the Irukandjis, for next year's International Surfing Association (ISA) World Master Surfing Championships in 2026.

Mark Gobbe, Mona Vale, in action - Photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW

TiARA Immunologist says “Freeze It – Don’t Squeeze It”

Website: www.tiara.org.au

A group of eminent professionals from TIARA, (Tick-induced Allergies Research and Awareness Committee) has developed a key communication strategy to help all those at risk of tick bites.

Although you may be bitten by ticks year-round in our area, as we head into Spring and residents go into their garden and outdoors to enjoy the season, please use these resources as a refresher on how to protect your family, yourself, and your pets.

Front Page Issue 645 - Avalon Bulldogs Win 2025 A Grade Grand Final (Sunday August 31 2025 at Rat Park, Warriewood)
Warringah Rugby Club Wins 2025 Shute Shield
Surf Life Saving Australia Develops Innovative Lifesaving CPR: SLSA will host online Q&A sessions for members this Sept., Oct., Nov.
National Drowning Report 2025: Tragic Surge in Drowning Deaths Prompts Urgent Call for Action Ahead Of Summer
New rescue jet skis for Newport, Warriewood, Palm Beach, Bilgola - 2025-2026 Season
Community Concerned: Warriewood DA Proposes removal of 11 Hectares of Vegetation, Bridge Over Narrabeen Creek to funnel 280+ extra vehicles into Warriewood's Back streets
BreastScreen NSW clinic opens at Mona Vale Hospital
Australasian Dark Sky Alliance Calls for National Legislation to Curb Light Pollution - Closes September 19
Details released for Sydney Academy of Sport athletics track
Pictures Avalon Beach Ocean swim fundraising legend named 2025 Volunteer of the Year - close to 100 locals recognised in the Centre for Volunteering 2025 Awards
New Model Code of Meeting Practice for Councils Released: Commences from January 1 2026 - New one for Councillors on its way too
Davidson High School revamped hall finished on time
Fairy penguin found on Pacific Highway returned to Local Pacific ocean waters
Young Local helps net illegal fishers: Narrabeen Lagoon
New Study Shows Floods from Hawkesbury Causes Abundance of Reef Fish to Drop by 50%
Protecting boaters from buying a lemon: Public Register of Vessel Statutory Notices Launched - Free to use
ACYP Evaluation report shows impact of NSW Strategic Plan for Children and Young People

Warringah crowned the 2025 Charter Hall Shute Shield Premiers. Photo Credit: Karen Watson/SRU

Avalon Bulldogs 2025 A Grade Premier Team - plus supporters!. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM

Grand Final Player of the Match and A Grade Captain, William Kelly. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM

September

2025 A-Grade Rugby League Premiers: Avalon Bulldogs

An historic rugby league Winter Season has just been completed for local rugby league clubs.

Not only has the return of an A Grade team to Mona Vale Raiders been a cause for celebration, and the growth of girls blue tag risen, with the Raiders and Narrabeen seeing many of their junior boys and girls teams play Grand Finals, the enjoyment of rugby league in the community has brought thousands of residents together across the peninsula to enjoy being together on weekends, and rally around and support each other during times of tragedy.

The efforts of every individual working as a team has continued to foster connection between the youngest residents through to the oldest. The Village Green, or common ground, has been the footy ground – the home-grounds of each club as well as the away games grounds. Here the cheers from crowds numbering thousands, the squeals and laughter of small children playing on the sidelines, the quieter murmur of mums and dads overseeing the barbecues and kiosks, the busy presidents running everywhere looking after everyone on game days, the quiet talks of coaches and support staff, are still lingering in the air.

The BIG WIN for the Season has been the return of an A Grade Team to the Avalon JRLFC and their HUGE WIN last Sunday, August 31, of the Grand Final to become 2025 Premiers.

The A Grade competition in suburban rugby league is the top-tier local men's rugby league competition - this is the premier or highest-ranked division – and the one many set their eyes on being a part of from an early age.

This Issue a CELEBRATION, and a few insights from those who led the charge.

Narrabeen to Manly Beaches Closed After Fatal Shark Incident at Dee Why - Heartbreak for family and community
Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps Tables Safer E-Bikes Bill
Narrabeen Sports High School’s New Performing Arts Hall Designs Revealed
Bilgola Plateau Public School Celebrates 60 Years with Groovy Village Fete: Sunday September 14 - 10am to 3pm
Bendy Buses Return to Pittwater
Aquatics Champions Crowned at 2025 Australian Shortboard Titles: 5 Local Winners
NSW Health transition team deployed to Northern Beaches Hospital
Osprey Nest Platform Installed In Careel Bay Wetlands: Fingers crossed for a Spring Thing to happen...
Molly Picklum - Yago Dora Crowned 2025 World Champions at WSL Finals Fiji
Australian Boardriders Battle Returns for 13th Edition: North Narrabeen Qualifier Round Runs November 8
NSW Councillors to face stronger penalties, faster hearings under proposed laws
Park Bench Philosophers 2025 Australian Museum Eureka Prize winners announced: ocean research projects big winners
Turimetta Moods: First Week of Spring 2025 - by Joe Mills
Consultation begins on illegal tobacco offences for NSW landlords: Online Survey open until September 14
Australasian Dark Sky Alliance Calls for National Legislation to Curb Light Pollution - Petition Closes September 19
Community Concerned: Warriewood DA Proposes removal of 11 Hectares of Vegetation, Bridge Over Narrabeen Creek to funnel 280+ extra vehicles into Warriewood's Back streets - Exhibition period closes Oct. 1, 2025

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the SLSNSW members who were recognised at Government House in Sydney over the past two days.

The Investiture Ceremonies saw Michael Bate AM from Freshwater SLSC recognised and Ray Petersen OAM from Manly LSC receive his Order of Australia medal.

Louise and Peter Lambeth from Ocean Beach SLSC and Peter Quartly from Bondi SBLSC also were honoured with OAMs, while Shaleigh Lennox ESM from Cooks Hill SLSC and Doug Lucas OAM from Garie SLSC were awarded Emergency Service Medals.

After being formally recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List in June, it’s fantastic to see our members duly rewarded for their dedication to Surf Life Saving.

Well done everyone!

Surf Life Saving NSW

Pictured here with Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce.

Yesterday September 11, was a proud day at Government House in Sydney as Inspector Steve Raymond, Lance Miller from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour, and Commissioner Alex Barrell were each awarded the Emergency Services Medal (ESM).

A huge congratulations and thank you to Steve, Lance and Alex for their incredible service to the community and dedication to saving lives on the water.

Marine Rescue NSW Board Chair Jim Glissan AM ESM KC, was also in attendance to celebrate this special occasion.

Marine Rescue NSW

Gotch4Life's 2025 24 Hour Row: Let's Row the Distance for Mental Fitness

This weekend, people across Australia are rowing in Gotcha4Life’s 24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness (13–14 Sept), raising funds to build a suicide-free future.

From surf clubs to workplaces to schools, 60+ teams will row in relay for 24 hours, all linked by a national live stream. The goal is $600,000 to help 12,000 more Australians with programs that give them the skills to connect, speak up and seek help.

Let's all get behind this epic event. The 24-Hour Row started right here on the Avalon Beach surf club balcony, their crew page here for this year's Gotcha4Life 24Hour Row. Mel and Nathan Wellings put ideas into action and, with the support of our boaties, the 24-Hour Row fundraiser was hatched. Drop in to your local Surf Club this weekend, say hi, show your support and contribute if you can.

For more information on the 24 Hour Row or to donate to the cause to support building a mentally fit future, visit: 24hourrow.com.au

The donation function will stay open for a few weeks after Sunday, so please, chip in a bit if you can.

Wilga Wilson Planning Proposal for 536 Dwellings at Ingleside: feedback Closes September 24
Great Koala National Park Announced: Historic Win for Wildlife, Biodiversity, Community
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's 159th Opening Day A Celebration for All + What else is coming up at the Alfreds' this Spring
Shark net removal trial cancelled for this year: Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program 2024-25 Annual Performance Report Released
Currawong Wharf Upgrade: Draft REF Open for Feedback Closes October 6
Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale - Avalon 70th Birthday Celebrations: September 19 to 22
NSW Government commits $10 million to Men’s Rugby World Cup Legacy Program
NSW Mounted Police mark 200 years in the saddle

Zonta Northern Beaches Celebrates 50 Years Of Service and Advocacy: President's Address

The Zonta Club of Northern Beaches celebrated 50 years of Service and Advocacy at a special dinner held Monday September 15 for members and guests.

Highlights included a great history of the club presented by Robyn Milat, four members were recognised for their long-standing commitment, amassing almost 150 years of Service to women and girls between them, President Dr Lorna Scott spoke of the future of Zonta as a Human Rights organisation, her Address runs this Issue, Guest Speaker Anita Jacoby gave a powerful presentation of her life as a Journalist - The Importance of Telling Stories! (and giving communities a Voice), CEO of Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter Narelle Hand offered a vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients of our Workskills grants, Study grants and the many factors that the ZCNB have given to the women and children supported by the agencies.

Australian Sailing Awards 2025 for NSW/ACT: RPAYC Wins Club of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Youth Sailor of The Year - Lifetime Achievement Award for Ted Anderson + Club of the Year (Cat. B) is Saltwater Veterans
First Manly Little Penguin Chicks for Spring 2025
Aquatics Irukandji's Crowned World Champions at the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games
Tom Myers Takes Out Men's Ride of the Year in 2024/25 Big Wave Challenge
Greens to introduce cat containment laws in NSW: Empower Local Councils to Act
Aussie Bird Count 2025 Runs October 20-26: BirdLife Australia Publishes 'What Bird is That?' Help for Participants - so do we!

Team Australia. Photo: ISA / Jersson Barboza

Tom Myers accepting his award from Bill Sharp

Andrew Clark: President of Avalon Beach SLSC As the 2025-2026 Patrol Season Commences

At the 100th AGM of the Avalon Beach SLSC Andrew Clark was formally elected a President for the 2025-2026 Season after Bernadette McKay stepped down from the role she has fulfilled since 2021.

Recently he has been among the first cohorts of the SLS SNB Branch to learn about progressions in resuscitation through Surf Life Saving Australia, and led by Branch CEO, Tracey Hare-Boyd, another outstanding leader, role model, mentor, and inspiration in our local surf lifesaving movement.

See: Surf Life Saving Australia Develops Innovative Lifesaving CPR: SLSA will host online Q&A sessions for members this Sept., Oct., Nov.

Andrew, known as 'Clarkie' to fellow clubmates, is a high energy intelligent gentleman, calm under pressure, with an appetite to learn all he can to save lives on our beaches.

He, alongside Karl Attkins, Mike Stanley-Jones, Blaze Roberts, Stuart ('Stretch') Cooper and Lucas Molloy, received an Award Of Excellence Meritorious Award in 2023, at State and National level, for their rescue of Mark Head.

Meritorious Awards are awarded to clubs, members or the public for outstanding deeds of bravery performed through lifesaving actions during and outside of patrol hours.

Mark said the support from his mates in the aftermath of the accident was critical to his survival.

“It’s not just the hour on the beach they spent with me, it’s the 15 months after. They’re the only reason I’m here tonight.”

The Avalon community gets to still see Mark's glorious smile and hear his laugh as a result. In fact, Mark was back to the club by November 25, 2023, still lighting up even overcast days with his inherent joy for Avalon Beach.

This Issue, as the Volunteer Patrol Season opens, a few insights into the 2025-2026 Season Avalon Beach SLSC President.

Max Wins! Credit: WSL / Cait Miers

Palm Beach-Avalon surfer Max Weston won the 2025 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic on Sunday September 21, Stop No. 2 of the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Longboard Tour (LT). The iconic Bells Beach line-up was picture-perfect for much of the final day, with four-to-six-foot swell lining the Bowl, providing all-time conditions to decide the winners. Soleil Errico (USA) won the womens comp., her third Bells Beach victory in a row, leaving her undefeated at the location, while Max Weston’s maiden victory came from his first-ever Finals Day appearance.

Locals will have seen Max at the 2023 Manly Longboard Classic where he secured a run in the first WSL LT, and will recall he won the 2023 Noosa Longboard Pro in the lead into the Manly event.

Tour veteran Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN) also broke through for a career-best result with a runner-up placing, with Kevin Skvarna (USA) matching his best finish by making his first Final in five years.

Max in action on Finals Day. Credit: WSL / Ed Sloane

Collaroy beach on January 4th 2022. Image: Ian Bird Photography.

On September 10 2025 the NSW Audit released its findings into Coastal Management. The Office assessed effectiveness through examining the following audit questions:

Are DCCEEW and DPHI effectively overseeing and facilitating councils’ implementation of the coastal management framework?
Have the selected councils effectively developed programs and priorities for coastal management?

The audited councils were the Northern Beaches Council, City of Coffs Harbour Council, and Shoalhaven City Council. They were selected after an examination of factors relevant to the operational and coastal management context of local councils in the NSW coastal zone.

The coastal management framework under the Coastal Management Act 2016 (the Act), aims to deliver strategic and integrated management, use and development of the coast by state and local government for the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the people of NSW.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) oversees and facilitates implementation of the framework by local councils in the coastal zone.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) facilitates integration of the framework with the land use planning system.

Local councils are supported by DCCEEW and DPHI to develop coastal management programs (CMPs) that set out risk-based, long-term strategies for managing the coast.

This audit examined whether DCCEEW, DPHI and three local councils (City of Coffs Harbour, Shoalhaven City and Northern Beaches Councils) are effectively implementing the framework to manage the NSW coast.

In its Conclusion the NSW Audit office found that the coastal management framework is not being effectively implemented to manage the NSW coastal environment.

Seven years after the framework came into effect, most local councils are still in the process of developing coastal management programs (CMPs), and are not yet implementing CMPs to address risks and opportunities. DCCEEW is not effectively overseeing and facilitating implementation of the framework by state and local government.

As a result, the objectives of the Act – ‘’to manage the coast in an ecologically sustainable way for the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the people of NSW’’ – are not being achieved.

‘The audited councils are developing CMPs to support coastal management and strategic land use planning. However, the process is taking longer than anticipated. As at April 2025 most of the councils’ CMPs had not yet progressed to the implementation stage.

Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches stated it is dismayed, but not at all surprised, by the findings of the NSW Audit Office’s Performance Audit on Coastal Management.

‘The document states what we have voicing loudly for years.’ the organisation stated

‘The audit found poor coordination and a lack of oversight in how our beautiful coastline is being “managed”. It finds that state government departments and local authorities are not acting in concert. This lack of integration has resulted in the abject failure of the objectives of the Coastal Management Act.’

‘This spaghetti like admin system results in the destruction of beach public amenity as witnessed at Narrabeen/Collaroy, violence on the beach at Wamberal, and the approval of the beach obliterating projects like the expensive renovation of the Newport SLSC in a flood and tidal inundation zone.’

Surfrider Northern Beaches Branch President Brendan Donohoe said:

”We call on the Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, to take immediate action and appoint a ‘Coastal Commissioner’ to oversee works and development on the precious NSW coast.

“We now have a “Building Commissioner” in NSW, we need the same for the coast.

“Australians love their beaches. It is well past time we acted accordingly by giving the beaches the attention they deserve.”

The report made a Recommendations. MORE HERE

Brendan Donohoe, President of Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches, at Line in the Sand 2021 at Collaroy-Narrabeen. Photo: Michael Mannington, Community Photography

October

Beryl Driver OAM, at 92 Years Young, is looking forward to her 29th Variety The Children's Charity Long Drive in the Australian Countryside

On Monday October 13 Beryl Driver OAM, a former ‘Mermaid of Palm Beach’ and a Variety the Children’s Charity participant in the B to B ‘bashes’ since the Brickpit to Broome Bash of 1999, held a function to raise funds for her March 2026 4WD Bash.

The Club Palm Beach (Palm Beach RSL) room was dressed in red and gold to celebrate the 50th year of Variety in Australia (gold) and red for Variety’s big heart. Over the last 50 years, Variety - The Children's Charity, has touched the lives of over 2 million children in need, raising over $700 million for children and their families across Australia.

This week a few insights into the long road and lasting passion for looking out for and after Australia's children.

The Rions: Harley Wilson, Noah Blockley, Tom Partington and Asher McLean. Photo By Lisa Maree Williams, Getty Images: PON Lic.

Synthetic turf: Myths vs the reality - Mona Vale forum

Northern Beaches Greens will host a forum featuring experts discussing “The Myths vs Reality of Synthetic Turf”, at Mona Vale on October 30.

NBG convenor and Pittwater councillor Miranda Korzy said Northern Beaches Council already has synthetic turf playing fields at Frenchs Forest and Cromer, while more of these “all weather” surfaces are planned for other sites, including Narrabeen and Careel Bay.

Additionally, council has laid or is laying the material under outdoor gym equipment at Lyn Czinner Park, at Narrabeen, Warriewood, Bayview and Dunbar Park in Avalon.

”Speakers at this forum will discuss some of the myths about the so-called exceptional performance of synthetic turf vs problems with natural turf,” Ms Korzy said.

“They will expose the reality of the health and environmental impacts of this plastic grass, and how natural turf can be as long lasting and cheaper.

“A number of experts will address the forum, including soil scientist Mick Batten, NSW Greens MLC and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson, and a speaker from the Natural Turf Alliance.

“We invite all members of the community, and particularly those who use playing fields for soccer and other sports, to come along to hear the discussion and ask questions.”

The NSW government released the NSW chief scientist’s Synthetic Turf Study in June 2023, followed by its guidelines for “Synthetic turf sports fields in public open space,” last May.

Ms Korzy said these guidelines acknowledge the environmental and health problems created by synthetic turf, which is essentially composed of plastics, along with a variety of unknown impacts.

However, the guidelines conclude that due to population growth and “pressure on existing public open spaces” synthetic fields can be designed and managed “to support positive social outcomes”.

The free forum is open to all and will be held on October 30, from 7pm to 9pm, at Mona Vale Memorial Hall.

November

John Ogden's 10th Book 'Stone Free' Shares insights from a world much-changed

When it comes to surf photography the name 'Oggy' is synonymous with the formative years of Tracks magazine and the rise of this sport as part of our culture. John Ogden is more then a surf photographer though, and has travelled a much longer road than many would know about. John has published and helped with about 30 books since starting Cyclops Press in 1999.Stone Free is his 10th book as an author, and my second biography, with the other called Whitewash — the story of Bernie Showery, an African-Australian who was a member of the Freshwater SLSC when Duke Kahanamoku stayed there in the summer of 1914-15. But most readers on the peninsula; would perhaps best know him by the Saltwater People companion books

Stone Free: From Choirboy to Ganja Kingpin, published through Cyclops Press, is available now at Bookoccino and Berkelouw Books.

The launch, a free event, takes place Thursday November 13 at Bookoccino with Nic Carroll MCing.

Stone Free: From Choir Boy to Ganja Kingpin unravels the true story of Warren Anderson.

Warren was a Californian misfit who turned his back on the American Dream. Reforged as James “Abdul” Monroe, he emerged from the psychedelic haze of the 1960s not as a compliant citizen but as an outlaw fugitive.

What began as a search for meaning morphed into one of the boldest Thai-stick marijuana smuggling operations of the later 20th century. But living untethered had a price.

Betrayed by a former friend and convicted on major conspiracy to import marijuana into America, Abul was shackled and shuffled through 25 federal prisons, doing time alongside outlaw ghosts like surfing’s dark prince, Miki Dora, and the infamous Stopwatch Gang serial bank robber, Paddy Mitchell.

Oggy recently shared a few insights into this new work.

Nic with proud dad and SLS SNB Branch President and fellow Bungan Beach SLSC member Rod McGibbon. Photo: Bungan Beach SL:SC

Peter Watson, Founder of Men's Kitchen: Nominee for 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for NSW

Visit: www.menskitchen.org.au

Congratulations to Peter Watson, Founder of the Men’s Kitchens and President of the Men's Kitchens Association, who has been named as a Nominee in the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for NSW. Peter is transforming thousands of lives with a simple act – teaching older men to cook in a supportive, social setting. What began as six men in a Forestville kitchen 10 years ago has grown into a thriving Australia-wide network, where each month 100 volunteers run sessions for 200 participants.

Men's Kitchens are now open at Seaforth, Turramurra, Warriewood, Lindfield, the original at Forestville, at Castle Hill and in Canberra and on the Gold Coast.

But they'd like to do more and connect with a corporate sponsor to meet a growing call for more Men's Kitchens.

This Issue a look into what they do and how they do it - that's right, Men can COOK!

Peter Watson, Founder of the Men’s Kitchen. Photo: Westfield local heroes awards 2020 screenshot

peaceful protest at Narrabeen over DA submitted to the state government's Planning Dept.

Babylon House Interior | Casey Brown Architecture | Photographer: Zella Casey Brown

Australian Sailing Awards 2025 National Winners: RPAYC's Julia Hornsby Volunteer of the Year, Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project Club of the Year, Australian Sailing Lifetime Achievement Award to RPAYC's Ted Anderson

The National 2025 Australian Sailing Awards were held on Friday night November 14 in Sydney where the off-water contributions were acknowledged with Volunteer of the Year winner being announced as the RPAYC's Julia Hornsby. Julia played an integral role in the hugely successful delivery of the 2025 Hansa and Para World Championships at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club through her role as the Chair of the Organising Authority.

“It’s a great surprise because I’ve been volunteering for a long time and I meet the most wonderful people and athletes doing it,” said Hornsby.

“It’s wonderful that my club are so supportive of everything, and it’s something I would just keep on doing regardless because I love it.”

Sailors who attended the 2025 championships across the world sent their congratulations via social media, thanking Julia for her efforts earlier this year and the club for being such wonderful hosts.

The other big local recognition went to the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project who were awarded the Club of the Year - Category B, while RPAYC's Ted Anderson was honoured with an Australian Sailing Lifetime Achievement Award.

Scruby slams government and opposition teaming up to make it easy for developers as NSW Planning System Reform Bill passes - community asks: who are these elected Representatives actually representing?
Palm Beach Sailing Club's 2025 Beware the Bullets Regatta
The Irukandjis WIN Eight Medals and Team Copper at the ISA World Para Surfing Championships!
Remembrance Day 2025: Commemorative Service at Palm Beach RSL Cenotaph
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers record busiest ever start to boating season + Marine Rescue Cottage Point, Broken Bay, Hawkesbury conduct joint Training Exercise
Where is Surf Life Saving going World-Wise? by Warren Mitchell OAM
Newport Pool to Peak Kicks Off Pittwater Ocean Swim Series 2026
Avalon Baptist Peace Church kicked out of NSW Baptist Association over Marriage Equality
2026 Australians of the Year for New South Wales announced
Yule have a great time in Sydney this Christmas - lots of Free Family events, what's on where and when

Kirk Watson (Mona Vale - grew up on Scotland Island) on his way to another World Championship medal. Credit: ISA /Sean Evans

Australia's co-Captains, Emma Dieters and Mark 'Mono' Stewart. Credit: ISA /Jersson Barboza

Congratulations Layne!

November 17, 2025

Layne Beachley AO has been announced as the recipient of The Dawn Award.

A seven-time World Surfing Champion, Beachley’s extraordinary courage, resilience and determination helped reshape women’s surfing and create lasting change within the sport.

Her story continues to inspire athletes and communities across Australia.

The Dawn Award, established in 2021 and named in honour of Dawn Fraser AC MBE, recognises an individual, team or organisation whose courage, bravery and example has changed sport for the better.

Layne is just the fifth recipient of The Dawn Award, following Evonne Goolagong-Cawley AC MBE, the late Peter Norman, the Sydney 2000 Olympics Women’s Water Polo champions and basketballer Lauren Jackson AO.

“I was pleasantly surprised and a little overwhelmed to be quite honest. Dawn is one of my absolute heroes, so to receive this award in her name fills me with immense pride and joy,” Beachley said.

“I refer to her as the matriarch of sport in this country and I’m very proud to be receiving this award in her honour.

“When I joined the pro tour in 1990, I was shocked by the state of women’s surfing and committed to changing the sport’s trajectory. Through compromises, sacrifices and battles, we achieved pay equity in 2018. Now women can truly aspire to be seen and respected in what was once a male-dominated environment. It’s incredibly satisfying.”

Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Layne has been the Chair of Surfing Australia and is a current member of the Freshwater Boardriders club, where she has also been involved in projects to regenerate the Freshwater environment through bushcare works.

Freshwater Boardriders said on hearing of the award:

''Congrats to Freshwater Boardriders club member and all round GOAT Layne Beachley on receiving the Dawn Award, for her contribution to Australian sport and surfing, and the adversity she’s overcome in her life.

Freshie Boardriders is so lucky to have a figure like Layne mentoring our young girls to become better in the water and more importantly grow as human beings. Between helping us qualify for 3 consecutive national ABB finals and a packed speaking schedule, she continues to rack up the awards.''

Surf Boats: 2025-2026 Season

SLS SNB Premiership 2025-2026 Surf Boat Series Round 2 hosted by Palm Beach SLSC: The Boaties Family Continues to Thrive under Historic Barrenjoey Headland - Saturday November 20, 2025

Friday December 12, 2025::Australia Life Saving Team selected for the 2026 Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Test Series: Collaroy, Curl Curl, Palm Beach Currumbin to represent Australia

Surf Boats at Palm Beach: A Historic Tradition

With Barrenjoey headland in the distance, the place where lifeboats were launched from the Broken Bay Customs Station on Station Beach, Pittwater, and later Barrenjoey Lighthouse to rescue those in peril at sea, and which was passed by early Palm Beach SLSC boaties on a long row to Newcastle to compete, there's no better place than current surf boat crews to test themselves and each other in a great early 2025-2026 Season carnival.

Station Beach, Pittwater, circa 1879-1880, photos courtesy State L:ibrary of NSW

Palm Beach SLSC Foundation Members Rowing to Newcastle

Early PBSLSC 'boaties' built yachts, launches and opened a shop. These foundation members were year-round permanent residents who also went out to rescue others during the off-season when called on to help.

These were real 'men of the sea' who thought nothing of rowing up the coast to be part of surf boat races in carnivals at Newcastle, where one of their number had family connections and where his father had formed part of those who went out to rescue those in peril there as had occurred under Barrenjoey.

The first Boat Captain of Palm Beach SLSC was Arthur Goddard, son of William Joseph Goddard, and Gonsalves were also among the founding members of this club who were boat aficionados.

Some insights on these a few of these rows:

A GREAT PULL Palm Beach Surfers Reach Newcastle

NEWCASTLE, Saturday.— A feat probably unequalled in surfing annals was accomplished today by the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club boat crew, comprising A. Goddard (captain), the brothers H. S. and L. Gonsalves, and J. Coltman. The crew rowed from Palm Beach to Newcastle in order to take part in the club's surf carnival today. Starting from Palm Beach at 9 a.m. on Friday they rowed 30 miles, and were towed five miles from the Newcastle side of Norah Head by the steamer Currembene. There they were met by the Newcastle surf boat, and pulled ashore amid great enthusiasm. A GREAT PULL. (1924, February 17). Sunday Times(Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128153132

PALM BEACH BOYS To Sea in a Surf Boat FOR NEWCASTLE FETE; crew comprised H., H.E Gonsalves, A Goddard, R Thompson and A. Dellit. : PALM BEACH BOYS. (1925, February 6). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 1. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117972634

FROM PALM BEACH

Surfers Arrive towed by Herga

“A long pull and a strong pull” - The words of the old chanty were evidently, in the minds of the Palm Beach surf boat crew when it set out from Palm Beach on Thursday night. It was their intention to make for Newcastle to participate in a two-days carnival.

The seas however, were unkind to the intrepid little band, which included, besides members of the Gonsalves family, Messrs. R. Johnson, Carl Gow and Arthur Goddard. Mr. Gow is a former member of the Newcastle surf club, while Mr. Goddard is captain of the crew.

The party had got about 20 miles on their way when they encountered a heavy ruin squall. The sea became exceedingly choppy. Eventually they were forced to return. Undaunted, the crew made another start on Friday, but old Neptune did not make matters easy for them. The sea was rough, and conditions generally unpleasant.

It was with a good deal of relief that they availed themselves of an offer of a tow from the sixty-miler “Herga”. The Newcastle beach was reached about five o'clock last night. The visitors were given a warm welcome. The breakers were rolling up in great force just then, so it was thought advisable to proceed to Nobby's and make a landing there. This also proved impossible, so eventually the surf boat was taken round to the pilot harbour.

This morning it was taken round to the Newcastle beach by the Ajax. It is probable that a tow back to Palm Beach will be arranged for them tomorrow. Shipping circles have given every assistance, and kept a keen look-out for the little craft yesterday. - Newcastle Sun (NSW) - Saturday 7 February 1925 - Page 8

Those fearless Palm Beach men getting a tow from the Ajax - gentleman sitting on the rail is Carl Gow WWI veteran whose brother and father were station at Barrenjoey Lighthouse after he returned home. Photo: Bill Goddard/Goddard family

PALM BEACH SURF BOAT

What is claimed to be the most up-to-date surf-boat built in Sydney was launched at Palm Bench on Sunday. Built by W. Holmes, of Lavender Bay, at a cost of £93, it is 21ft overall, with a 5ft beam. It Is the only surf-boat in New South Wales with masts and sails.

The launching ceremony was performed by Mrs. H. W. Meggitt. Mr. J. Craig referred to the liberality of the residents of Palm Beach, and to their keen Interest in the Club. The spectators were treated to a first-class exhibition In the heavy southerly swell that was running, and the boat behaved splendidly. Mr. Fred Notting, ex-captain of the Manly Surf Club, took the steering oar.

Although the Palm Beach Surf Life saving Club was started only in November 1921, it has now 35 active members, nearly all of whom are qualified life-savers. PALM BEACH SURF BOAT (1922, May 17). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8 (FINAL RACING). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223949070

Early PBSLSC Surf Boat members. Photo: Goddard family

December

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.

The Cooper family. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM

Tilly Cooper with her debut children’s book, A Day of New Adventures. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM

Natalie Scott Shares her First Memoir, at 97

Warriewood resident Natalie Scott is a writer of novels, short stories, non-fiction, and books for children, many of which have been published internationally.

Now 97 years young, the ex-journalist is turning the spotlight on her own life. Born to middle-class parents of European origins, Natalie’s memoir, A Secret Grief, centres around the formative years of her childhood which was shaped by beauty, fear and fierce emotional undercurrents in 1930s and 1940s Australia.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘Natasha’, Natalie’s childhood was over-shadowed by her complex and brilliant mother, Nina, whose first act of motherhood teeters on the edge of tragedy. Her father, Marcus, is warm and sociable but torn between loyalty to his wife and love for his daughter. In an effort to protect Natasha, he sends her to a conservative boarding school in the Blue Mountains.

There, under the rule of two stern spinsters, one English, one French, Natasha enters a world of strict routine, silence and subtle cruelties. Beyond the school gates, the Depression and World War II reshape the world; within them, Natasha faces her own struggles; loneliness, loss and the pressure to conform.

In time, she runs from the school and towards her own developing sense of self.

Unflinching and lyrical, A Secret Grief is a meditation on memory, survival and the forces that shape, and sometimes fracture, our earliest bonds. With exquisite honesty, Scott captures both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.

A Secret Grief is an incredible insight into not just Natalie's own childhood, but also a vivid, detailed and beautifully written depiction of life in an era gone by.

A columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald, Natalie has written for television and radio and has contributed to many literary magazines, including The Griffith Review, Southerly, Westerly and Meanjin. She has also conducted courses in creative writing at both NSW and Macquarie Universities.

Her debut novel, Wherever We Step the Land is Mined (1980), published in Australia, the UK and USA, explores a woman’s struggle for independence, while her second, The Glasshouse, examines the anguish of old age and the guilt of selfish choices. The late Ruth Cracknell recorded The Glass House for the ABC, and also narrated Scott’s Eating Out and Other Stories, which won both the National Library TDK Audio Book Award for Unabridged Fiction and The Women Writers Biannual Fiction Award.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg of a literary and journalism career that spans decades and places Natalie among Australia's Women of Letters.

Pittwater Online recently spoke to Natalie to try and find to where it all comes from and more about her newest work. More in her Profile: Natalie Scott Shares her First Memoir, at 97

Ben Zanatta WINS! Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield

Report by Suzie Leys, with input from Surfing Australia's daily updates

The 2025 Australian Junior Surfing Titles has run this past week, with a number of local surfers making the NSW Team.

Featuring the nation's best junior surfers, the Australian Junior Surfing Titles encompasses individual divisions for U14-U18 junior men and women, as well as a school surfing division for U16-U19 (MR Shield) junior men and women. The seven-day competition took place between November 29th and December 5th, 2025.

U16 and U18 winners earn a spot on the Australian National Surfing Team, The Irukandjis team, for the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships.

Dee Why surfer Ben Zanatta won the 2025 Australian Title, taking out the U18 Men’s Division.

During the U18’s Final between Ben and Queensland’s Will Martin, commentators of the live broadcast shared Ben was riding a Psillakis surfboard, crafted by Mike Psillakis of Psillakis surfboards at Brookvale. Mike is the twin brother of Mercury, a Long Reef Boardriders member, who our community recently lost on his home break at Long Reef-Dee Why through a fatal shark attack.

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, as well as Longy Boardriders and Maria, Merc’s wife, called for more drone surveillance to increase safety at popular metro surfing and swim spots as Summer commenced, a call backed up by the council.

See: Jacqui Scruby - Council - Long Reef Boardriders - Maria Psillakis Call for Expanded Drone Surveillance to Improve Safety at Beaches

Ben and his fellow team mates were jumping all over the oceans' edge when it became apparent he'd won - just before they chaired him back up the beach.

Immediately after winning Ben said: ‘’I was frothing to get chosen for the NSW team and then chosen as Team Captain. And now I’m frothing to be part of the Irukandjis Team and represent Australia at the 2026 World Junior Surfing Championships.’’

‘’I’d like to thank my mum and dad and girl and Dee Why Boardriders and especially Mike Psillakis and Merc – this is for Merc Psillakis, he has definitely helped me achieve goals. During the last few months I’ve felt like he (Merc) was by my side.’’

Competing in the Australian Junior Surfing Titles is a huge achievement, and the whole community has been behind the NSW Team and the young surfers from the peninsula who were chosen to represent the state, following the comp over its 7 days.

Team NSW. Photo Credit: Surfing Australia / Andrew Shield. More in: 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

Long Reef Boardriders take out the BIG ONE AROUND HERE Award - for Community. Pictured here with Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew AM. Photo: Surfing Australia / Ethan Smith

Simon and Tom - a great way to close a great year. Photo: Surfing Australia / Ethan Smith

Loci with his Award. Photo: Surfing Australia / Ethan Smith more in 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

Current Long Reef Boardriders Association President Natasha Gee and Carlos Blacksmith The Hon Tara Moriarty MP, NSW Minister for Agriculture, Maria Psillakis, widow of Mercury, Mike Psillakis, Merc's twin brother, and Lucas Townsend, CEO of Surfing NSW . Photo: LRSA. More in: Sunday December 7 announcement: Minns Government announces $2.5 million boost to summer beach safety with immediate extra shark surveillance drones

A/Professor Richard West AM BS(Syd.) FRCS(Eng.) FRACS: 10 Years as President of Palm Beach Whale Beach Association

A/Professor Richard West, is stepping down as President of the Palm Beach Whale Beach Association (residents group) at the end of this year after ten significant years during which there have been many successes.

A/Prof West AM took over the reins after previous President of the PBWBA Storm Jacklin stepped down

Never forgetting the Association’s main objective to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area and protect its residential amenity, Professor West has worked tirelessly representing the Association across all levels of government. He has focused on achieving the most important safeguards and directed the Association’s efforts in the most practical ways.

Richard and Anne West at the 2016 Pacific Club's Blanc de Blanc Fundraiser for Palm Beach SLSC

Profiles of the Year: 2025

January

New Fire Truck for Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade

Avalon Beach SLSC's Volunteers on Patrol: January Long Weekend

Louis Tilly Crowned 2025 Australian WASZP Champion

February

First NSW Maritime Blitz for 2025 Now on

Warriewood SLSC News: Junior Lifesaver of the Year Awards + More

Anzac Community Grant Recipients 2024

Narrabeen sports High School's New outdoor seating

Marine Rescue Broken Bay News

National Medals for Dedicated NSW Lifesavers

President of ABHS Heads South on Historic Replica HMB Endeavour

March

Women and girls' football participation soars in 2024

Manly Warringah Sapphires Claim 2025 HeartKids Cup

Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards

Palmgrove Park Avalon planting morning

April

Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club Last Sail for the Season

Marine Rescue Broken Bay News

RPAYC Shines at the 2025 Sail Port Stephens IRC NSW Championship

May

Commissioner Webb APM to retire in September

PBWBA visits MP for Pittwater in Parliament

Stay Safe Jools!

Congratulations Michelle!

Prof. Richard West AM Commences 11th Term as Palm Beach Whale Beach Association President

Marine Area Command - NSW Police Force News

VW State Classic 2025 - NSW High School State Titles: Results

Vale Jack McCoyJuly 31, 1948 - May 26, 2025

June

Congratulations Shannon!

NSW teams respond to Canada’s call for firefighting support

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

Mid North Coast Floods May 2025

Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade: BF Training

Pittwater Celebrates National Award-Winning Village Manager

VALE - Graham Nock AM, OBE

July

Jack's Paddle Out

We're fundraising for Bear Cottage!

August

Mona Vale Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre Becomes first in NSW To Roll Out ECAT

Community Tribute to Lisa Atkins for over Four Decades of Bushcare Dedication

Warringah Rats News: Wallabies!

Refreshed Mobys this Summer

2025 North Shore Volunteer of the Year

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Barrell accepts national appointment

Vale Geoff Clarke

Mona Vale Boardriders' Andrew Gobbe on a Roll - Australian Shortboard Champion 2025

September

Congratulations!

October

Synthetic turf: Myths vs the reality - Mona Vale forum

November

Congratulations Layne!

Surf Boats: 2025-2026 Season

December

Natalie Scott Shares her First Memoir, at 97

Vale Jack McCoy
July 31, 1948 - May 26, 2025