Pittwater Life October 2017 Issue

The Local Voice Since 1991 

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pittwaterlife 

ELECTION 

DEEP DIVE 

How Pittwater will 

set the tone for 

our new NB Council 

SECRET MEN’S 

BUSINESS? 

MEET AVALON’S 

‘BLOKES BOOK CLUB’ 

EYES IN THE SKY 

DRONES BOLSTERING 

WATERWAYS SECURITY

Editorial 

Consultation the buzzword 

Pittwater Life went to print 

the night before the vote 

by the 15 new councillors to 

determine the first Mayor of 

our new Northern Beaches 

Council, so we were unable 

to garner a message from the 

successful individual about his 

or her plans for the future. 

But we did approach key 

individuals to try to get a handle 

on how the former Pittwater 

Council region might exert 

influence on the machinations 

of the new Council. 

The key phrase we kept 

hearing was “better community 

consultation”. Which, given 

that the protest over our 

Council’s amalgamation hinged 

greatly on a perceived lack of 

community consultation, is 

indeed encouraging. 

Although, whether or not 

that is followed through, is 

quite another thing. It’s up to 

us, the ratepayers, to keep the 

administration accountable. 

The run-up to the Council 

election was dogged by fears 

that party politics would 

hijack our local government 

but the result was anything 

but that. The Liberals had five 

councillors elected, the Your 

Northern Beaches Independent 

team six, plus three unaligned 

independents and a Greens. 

That’s a pretty good balance 

and one that augurs well for 

robust debate and some good 

outcomes. 

(More on the new councillors 

and their vision on page 6.) 

* * * 

Iconic local institution 

The Royal Prince Alfred 

Yacht Club celebrates its 

sesquicentenary this month. 

But would you believe it? 

It’s also a big year for one 

of their passionate sailors 

who celebrates 40 years as a 

member. 

Bill Buckle, 91, he of 

significant motor industry 

renown, is our ‘Life Stories’ 

focus this month (p28). What a 

life, and what a story! 

– Nigel Wall 


OCTOBER 2017 3

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Publisher: Nigel Wall 

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Vol 27 No 3 

Celebrating 26 years 


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FUN WITH CARS + 

SAILBOATS AS THE 

RPAYC TURNS 150 

SECRET MEN’S 

BUSINESS? 

MEET AVALON’S 

‘BLOKES BOOK CLUB’ 

EYES IN THE SKY 

DRONES BOLSTERING 

WATERWAYS SECURITY 


FREE 

pittwaterlife 

ELECTION 

DEEP DIVE 

How Pittwater will 

set the tone for 

our new NB Council 

14 

28 

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thislife 

COVER: The new Northern Beaches Council has been 

sworn in – who are our representatives, what are their 

priorities and what does the future hold for Pittwater 

(p6)? We update the ongoing squabble over the new 

B-Line bus service (p12); read how drone technology 

is making our waterfront a safer place (p14); the Royal 

Prince Alfred Yacht Club turns 150 this month – we talk 

to 40-year member Bill Buckle (p28); and don’t miss our 

simple tips for spring cleaning your home (p34). 

COVER IMAGE: Little Penguin / Chuck Bradley. 

also this month 

Editorial 3 

Pittwater Local News 6-27 

Life Stories: RPAYC turns 150 28-29 

Art Life 30-31 

Boating Life 33 

Home Special: Clean & De-clutter 34-37 

Surfing Life 38-39 

Health & Wellbeing; Hair & Beauty 40-47 

Money & Finance 48-52 

Law: Mutual Wills 54-55 

Trades & Services 56-58 

Food: Marvellous mince recipes! 64-66 

Gardening Life 68-70 

Travel Life 72-74 

the goodlife 

Restaurants, food, gigs, travel and gardening. 

Also find our regular features on beauty, health, surfing, 

art, local history, our guide to trades and services, money, 

law and our essential maps. 

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4 OCTOBER 2017 

The Local Voice Since 1991

News 

‘Hey Pittwater – we need to talk’ 

The newly sworn-in Northern 

Beaches Council is already 

shining the spotlight on the 

former Pittwater region as it 

looks to create harmony across 

its 30-kilometre patch from 

Palm Beach to Manly. 

And better community consultation 

sits atop the councillors’ 

mutual to-do list. 

Pittwater ward councillor 

Alex McTaggart said his 

approach would be to “not 

hit the ground running but 

hit the ground listening” 

while Your Northern Beaches 

Independent (YNBI) team head 

Michael Regan wants direct 

community consultation to 

trigger and drive important 

projects like the shelved Mona 

Vale Place Plan. 

“We want transparency and 

accountability at a level we 

have not seen before in the 

former Pittwater area,” said 

Mr Regan. 

Mr McTaggart was elected 

as an independent in Pittwater 

ward along with former Pittwater 

councillor Ian White (YNBI) 

– but only after 24 recounts, 

and a dismissed protest from 

the Greens – saw them join 

former Pittwater deputy mayor 

Kylie Ferguson (Liberals) as the 

chosen three. 

Mr White acknowledged the 

need to make Council “more 

accessible” to everyone but 

added the greater priority was 

to get the new Council working. 

“It is so much bigger and has 

so much more money,” he said. 

However, Mr McTaggart 

told Pittwater Life that several 

philosophical debates were 

required between Council and 

community. 

“Although I was not part of 

the Pittwater secession I was 

mentored by the early secessionist 

community members,” 

he said. “Their message was 

clear and simple and stays with 

me today: Protect the environment, 

be fiscally responsible 

and ensure good governance.” 

He added that through the 

1990s he was part of a Council 

that paid off the debt for 

the purchase of the Warriewood 

wetlands, then acquired 

and put into public ownership 

important environmental 

assets such as the Ingleside 

escarpment, Winnererremy 

Bay, Currawong and the Warriewood 

land release creek 

line corridors among others. 

“In many cases these assets 

were funded by environmental 

rate levies, a social contract between 

council and community 

to deliver specific outcomes,” 

he said. “This leads me to the 

philosophical debates I believe 

this Council and community 

should have. 

“Is public land to be protected 

and enhanced for future 

generations, or flogged off to 

vested interests for short-term 

gain? Should the built form 

dominate the landscape or are 

ridgelines, wildlife corridors 

and tree-lined streets worthy 

of protection? 

“Should we use debt to 

acquire or build assets – not 

operating expenses – and pass 

on some of the costs to the 

next generation who will have 

the use of that asset?” 

He questioned whether the 

Council as a wholly owned 

subsidiary of state government 

should “blindly accept” what 

it was given, or should instead 

challenge decisions that were 

not in community interests. 

“Having these and other debates 

requires transparent and 

respectful consultation that 

gives to the community ownership 

of the decision-making 

process,” he said. 

In all, the 15 new Northern 

Beaches councillors comprise 

nine independents, five Liberals 

and one Greens. 

YNBI team head Michael 

Regan told Pittwater Life he believed 

the representation was 

well-balanced, adding he was 

heartened to hear the Liberals 

had said they would not bloc 

vote on issues. 

“That is encouraging and 

bodes well for all our community,” 

he said. 

Dog policy across the 

peninsula was just one of the 

projects that needed atten- 



GROUP HUG: The new Northern Beaches councillors (minus Manly's Pat Daley). 

tion, he said. 

“All the councillors agreed 

to a review… I want to take 

that further and ensure it is 

an active document that is 

constantly reviewed, updated 

and the like.” 

He confirmed YNBI team 

councillors White and Heins 

were keen to open communication 

channels between the 

Council and community and 

get to work on “everything 

from overseeing section 94 

expenditure in Warriewood 

to improving basic services”. 

“I personally want to see 

the Mona Vale place plan kickstarted. 

As an outsider to that 

project, it looked as if the direct 

community consultation 

was ignored on certain issues 

and no explanation forthcoming 

as to why. 

“Something needs to be 

done, but it has to be backed by 

those that live and work there, 

otherwise it won’t work.” 

In Narrabeen ward, 13 

recounts were required before 

independent Vince De Luca 

claimed the third spot behind 

Rory Amon (Liberals) and Sue 

Heins (YNIT). 

Mr Amon said the election 

result was pleasing for the 

Liberals. 

“Two of the main issues the 

Liberals campaigned on were 

stopping overdevelopment and 

lower Council rates… it is clear 

these resonated with the people 

of Narrabeen,” he said. 

“In terms of my role on 

Council, Council will not be a 

club. There needs to and will 

be robust debate – we need to 

hold each other to account and 

I will be the first to call a spade 

a spade. 

“We’ll fight to keep rates 

down and focus first on controlling 

costs before hitting up 

ratepayers for more cash.” 

Mr Amon confirmed he 

would continue to oppose 

overdevelopment “so that the 

character of Narrabeen ward, 

the old Pittwater Council 

and the Northern Beaches is 

protected”. 

And he promised to drive 

the development of a masterplan 

for Narrabeen Lagoon to 

protect and enhance the natural 

resource. – Nigel Wall 

News 



News 

Out to make a splash 

Swimming is one of those rare sports that go rather than being the fastest… although 

can be enjoyed by all the family, says this might not seem the way in some of the 

Avalon Bilgola Swimming Club Vice President adult’s races!” Garry said. 

Garry Gudmunson. 

“The majority of our races are handicaps so 

“Living on the peninsula with water on it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you swim, 

both sides I have always believed swimming one of our regular events is the 2 x 50m freestyle 

relay where parents and kids to swim 

is a necessity, not a choice,” Garry said. 

“It’s a also a life skill 

together.” 

– once you know how to 

The club also runs 

swim properly you can 

junior and senior learn 

always continue in later 

to swim/stroke correction 

programs and 

life, it’s great for fitness 

and it’s a sport you can 

members have the 

do on three levels – for 

opportunity to compete 

in interclub meets 

fun, to compete… and to 

win.” 

organised through the 

An ABSC Life Member, 

Warringah Amateur 

Garry, 49, joined the club 

Swimming Association. 

with his dad in the late 

Over the past 18 

’70s, continuing the family 

tradition by taking 

her swimming to the 

months Jessica has taken 

his daughters Jessica, 15, 

next level – qualifying for 

and Emily 12, to race at 

Metro, State and National 

Bilgola Beach Ocean Pool. 

events in both pool and 

Races from ages 4 and 

open water swimming. 

up are held Saturday 

For more info about 

mornings from mid- 

local swimming clubs 

October until the end of 

or competition visit 

March. 

warringahswimming. 

“We focus on having a 

asn.au. 



News 

B-Line ‘scaremongering’ slammed 

Pittwater MP Rob Stokes 

has refuted claims being 

circulated throughout the 

community regarding the 

extension of the B-Line bus 

service to Newport, labelling 

them “scaremongering” and 

unhelpful to the understanding 

of the $500m project. 

However, the Newport 

Residents Association (NRA) 

has returned serve, questioning 

whether in fact the rumours 

were wholly misleading. 

The developments come as 

Transport NSW confirmed Mona 

Vale as the initial terminus 

point for the B-Line when it 

commences in November, 

while committing to further 

consultation with the Newport 

community prior to the 

extension to Newport in 2018. 

The department said it would 

continue to work with the 

local community – including 

residents, businesses, the surf 

club and council – as part of the 

ongoing planning process. 

There is no suggestion 

the NRA or its members are 

responsible for intentionally 

spreading misinformation. 

Mr Stokes said a volley of 

bizarre rumours had been 

circulating which were 

inaccurate. 

“To be very clear, no ‘bus 

terminals’ or ‘bus depots’ will 

be built in the Newport Beach 

Car Park; no ‘B-Line toilet 

blocks’ will be built in the 

car park and no multi-storey 

car parks will be built in the 

Newport Beach Car Park,” a 

disappointed Mr Stokes said. 

He confirmed no B-Line 

buses would be directed 

down Coles Parade, Foamcrest 

Avenue, Seaview Avenue, Ross 

Street or Bramley Avenue – or 

other residential side streets. 

“Further, no dedicated ‘B-Line 

lanes’ will be introduced 

through the Newport shopping 

precinct – and the iconic 

boulevard of Norfolk Pines 

through Newport will stay.” 

Mr Stokes said spreading 

misleading rumours deprived 

the community of the 

opportunity to have a genuine 

discussion about improved 

public transport services. 

“Scaremongering doesn’t 

help anyone,” he said. “It’s 

the oldest trick in the protest 

handbook – come up with a list 

of frightening rumours and use 

these to hijack discussion.” 

He stressed every person that 

caught a bus was potentially 

one less car on local roads. 

“The only thing we’re looking 

at adding is improved public 

transport services and the 

only thing we’re looking at 

removing is traffic congestion,” 

Mr Stokes said. 

“Transport for NSW has 

consistently said it wants to 

work with the community 

on a suitable proposal before 

progressing. This is a position I 

strongly support.” 

NRA president Gavin Butler 

said residents welcomed the 

postponement of the service to 

Newport and looked forward 

to Transport NSW presenting a 

“viable solution to consider”. 

“Although, the department 

stated this would occur before 

the end of September, which 

appears overly optimistic given 

as of the 22nd we had not 

heard from them,” he said. 

He added the association did 

not have an option for Newport 

to put to Transport NSW as 

they were “unable to see any 

solution that will not have 

a huge impact on the iconic 

beach nature of Newport or not 

create a significant impact on 

the surf club car park”. 

“Whether or not parts of 

the car park are dedicated 

commuter spots, the concept 

is to make the car park a parkand-ride 

facility, which is going 

to impact the beach facility.” 

Mr Butler said the NRA 

took issue with some of Mr 

Stokes’ comments about 

misinformation and rumours. 

“Regarding no ‘B-Line toilet 

blocks’ built in the Newport 

Beach Car Park, we will have 

to take Rob at his word – 

as Transport NSW told us 

something different as initially 

they thought the surf club 

facilities would be too far away 

and they needed to ensure 

there was provision for both 

male and female toilets at their 

‘Terminus’,” he said. 

“Regarding dedicated ‘B-Line 

lanes’ to be introduced through 

the Newport shopping precinct 

– yes, both Rob and Transport 

NSW have indicated they have 

no plans to commence with a 

dedicated bus lane. 

“The problem is, as the 

Minister says, he can’t 

guarantee what a future 

Government does and 

Transport NSW said they are 

still working out the best way 

for a Rapid Bus Transit system 

to work.” 

Regarding confirmation the 

“boulevard of Norfolk Pines 

through Newport” would not 

be removed, he said: “If the 

B-line turns around in the 

car park we do not see how 

they can avoid not taking out 

some pines... and Transport 

NSW have told us they have 

not yet determined what to do 

about the trees in the centre 

of Newport given a B-Line bus 

probably cannot get under 

them at their current height.” 

He said the association was 

not against improved services 

but wanted the issue balanced 

against “the cost”. 

“At our monthly meeting 

in September we were almost 

packed out, with a lot of new 

residents turning up and 

expressing their unanimous 

deep concerns about the B-Line 

extension to Newport, and 

calling for action.” – Nigel Wall 



Local chapter 

for ‘Blokes 

Book Club’ 

Here’s a ‘novel’ idea – a 

men-only book club where 

members can meet, share their 

thoughts on crime literature 

and broaden their friendship 

bases. 

And before anyone cries “discrimination!”, 

consider it comes 

with the blessing of partners 

who are only too happy for their 

gents to participate. 

The all-new ‘Blokes Book 

Club’, which meets for 90 

minutes at Beachside Bookshop 

at Avalon the first Monday of 

every month, is chaired by store 

co-owner Michael Armstrong. 

Michael said the idea for the 

club, which numbers up to 

eight participants per session, 

came after a few male customers 

commented that their wives 

were in a book club “… and 

wouldn’t it be good to have a 

club where blokes could chat 

about books”. 

“The advantage of a club is 

that it forces the members to 

read authors and topics they 

may not normally choose to 

themselves,” said Michael. 

“Given the shop’s focus on 

promoting Australian authors, 

we are introducing members to 

their favourite crime genre.” 

Michael said proceedings 

were very relaxed and that the 

group discussion was stimulating. 

“We start with a beer and 

chat about overall impressions,” 

he said. “Although discussion 

is informal, we do follow an 

overall framework to make sure 

we cover off all aspects of the 

book including structure, plot, 

characters etc. We typically end 

with whether we would recommend 

this book, and to who. 

“Now we are three books 

along, we also compare the stories, 

their plots, and characters 

from the earlier authors.” 

To date the group have chewed 

over ‘Crimson Lake’ by Candice 

Fox; ‘The Girl on Kellers Way’ by 

Megan Goldin; and ‘The Twentieth 

Man’ by Tony Jones. Their 

current book, which will be 

dissected in early October, is 

‘The Rules of Backyard Cricket’ 

by Jock Serong. 

Michael said members came 

with their own experiences and 

perspectives on life and this 

fostered a good discussion and 

the chance to learn. 

“For example, Tony Jones’ 

book covered events in the early 

1970s and it was great to have 

some members describing their 

own experiences of the era and 

Not secret men’s business: Michael Armstrong (rear) with Blokes Book Club 

members Andrew Blake, Ian Hallett, Geoff Payne, Ray Drury and Peter Peine. 

how accurately the author captured 

the feeling of the time. 

“Personally I have found the 

benefit of being involved in the 

club is the discipline of having 

to read a specific book a month, 

widening my horizons and generally 

being a more interesting 

person to talk to!” 

Local Geoff Payne said he 

joined because it was just for 

‘blokes’. 

“My wife goes to two groups 

in the area and there are no 

males in either group,” he said. 

“A male group with a narrow 

focus on crime thrillers seemed 

a good way of getting involved.” 

He said he is enjoying the 

informal catch-ups which involve 

a general introduction by 

Michael followed by overview 

comments by most members. 

“It is good to meet with 

a male group of locals. It’s 

not high-brow… it’s a pretty 

spontaneous discussion of 

impressions and summary of 

the book’s strengths and weaknesses,” 

Geoff added. 

“The group session offers 

some social contact and 

the discussion is reasonably 

lively – the group has a wide age 

range… mid-40s to mid-70s. 

“I’ve found people are serious 

about the responsibility to read 

the book, form a personal view 

and be active in contributing. 

“I find the differing views 

stimulating and it has forced 

me to look closer at how I am 

influenced to form an opinion.” 

Fellow member Peter Peine 

said he looked forward to the 

meetings of “like-minded men 

with common interests”. 

“It’s easy to make acquaintances, 

an entertaining evening 

and a great way to widen your 

social network and meet people 

from your neighbourhood.” 

Want to know more? Call 

Beachside Bookshop on 9918 

9918. 


News 



Eye in the sky, looki 

News 

Drone technology has 

a new application in 

Pittwater – as an eyein-the-sky 

security guard 

patrolling Newport’s western 

waterfront. 

Specialist John Morrison 

from Morrison Aerial Robotics 

has been assisting childhood 

mate David Rowell with 

surveillance of the Rowell 

Marina adjoining The Newport 

entertainment precinct, 

utilising drones as deterrents 

to would-be mischief and 

trespass. 

In just a few months, the 

results have been impressive. 

“After messing about with 

security cameras at the Rowell 

Marina, David came to me with 

the idea of covering the entire 

East Bayview mooring area 

with cameras and drones – he 

called it ‘Baywatch’,” John said. 

“I was already doing lots of 

drone flying in the area, so it 

was a good fit. From the very 

first security flights we were 

amazed at what the camera 

catches from above. You 

wouldn’t believe it!” 

Added David Rowell: “John 

and I had been talking about 

security for a while – the 

stretch of water between The 

Newport wharf and Bayview 

sand spit is a very busy patch. 

“The drone footage gives the 

eagle eye of Rowell Marine and 

its surrounds. We will also 

use drones during the festive 

times and undertake regular 

night flights to set a pattern of 

cover from the air, providing 

peace of mind for us and our 

tenants.” 

John, a licensed pilot who 

first started flying 40 years 

ago, said security work with 

a drone was much like the 

work a regular security guard 

would do, complete with a 

similar ‘authoritative’ look. 

“It’s the perfect security 

tool and it really does work,” 

he said. “Deterrent is the first 

order – that’s why security 

guards wear a uniform and 

have little cars with a flashing 

light on top… they want to 

look like the police, of course. 

“You just can’t miss our 

drone – it sits up there 

buzzing away with flashing 

lights and you know it’s 

looking down on you.” 

As well as serving as 

a deterrent John said his 

surveillance had also helped 

panicked dog owners find 

their missing pets at the dog 

park, kept an eye on kids who 

had swum out too far from 

the wharf, helped other people 

track down where they had 

parked their car, documented 

speeding boat drivers, picked 

up bits and pieces of rubbish 

floating in the water, and 

reported boats that were 

found to be listing or leaking. 

“And of course, we’ve seen 

a few people who were listing 

and leaking,” said John with 

a smile. 

He added privacy was an 

important consideration. 

“I completely understand 

that the ‘eye in the sky’ 

idea makes many people 

feel uncomfortable and 

you always have to respect 

people’s privacy,” he said. “We 

never film or fly over private 

property – our MO is to keep 

public areas secure and safe. 

“Any ‘listing or leaking’ you 

do in your own backyard is 

your business!” he said. 

Random timings of flights 

are seen as key to successful 

prevention. 

“Good security companies 

randomise their movements 

so you can never predict when 

a sweep is happening,” he 

said. “The best security is in 

place when a would-be ‘rascal’ 

realises that it’s just not worth 

trying.” 

He said the biggest 

difference between a regular 

security guard and drone 

security was that, “… they 

can only see what they can 

see from a car – we have a 

helicopter.” 

John currently pilots his 

drones but has no doubt 

autonomous flight will be 

approved in the future. 

“Technology experts now 

predict that drone technology 

will be the most disruptive 

technology in human history – 

remember that a driverless car 

is also just a drone,” he said. 



ng at you! 

“At the current time 

CASA does not allow fully 

autonomous flight… much like 

all modern airliners, a drone 

can already fly itself easily 

once programmed correctly 

but there has to be a ‘pilot’ in 

case something goes wrong. 

“People will travel in 

driverless cars for a long 

time before they will be 

comfortable flying in pilotless 

aircraft – but it will happen.” 

John said drones promised 

further widespread benefits 

for society. 

“I remember a great story 

in the local paper last year 

telling how our water police 

used a drone to find lost 

bushwalkers up in the West 

Head area,” he said. “They just 

took off from the police boat, 

flew up into the hills and 

found them in no time. It was 

on the front page. The first 

good local story about a drone 

helping to save someone’s life. 

I believe there will be many 

more. 

“Disruptive technology will 

always invoke fear that will 

one day be laughed at. The 

best way into the future is to 

just keep laughing!” 


Politics & Peta Credlin 

on Spring dinner menu 

Liberal Party identity Peta Credlin says 

she’s looking forward to supporting 

the Palm Beach branch as guest speaker at 

their sold out Spring Dinner at Moby Dick’s, 

Whale Beach, on Thursday October 12. 

“Grassroots involvement in policy 

development is critical to both good 

policy, and the health of our democracy,” 

Ms Credlin said. “As a new Sydney 

resident, I’ve only just started to get to 

know the Palm Beach area but I think Pittwater in particular 

is unique with the bushland setting and waterways.” 

Ms Credlin said she was keen to hear from supporters and 

small business owners about what government – both state 

and federal – could do to “better reward effort”. 

“As Liberals, we’ve got to be the party that gives 

aspirational Australians hope that the system works for 

them and not against them.” – NW 

News 



6THINGS 

THIS MONTH 

News 

Give blood. The mobile blood 

service is visiting Avalon Beach, 

Bowling Green Lane Car Park 

on Tue 3 and Wed 6 from 9am- 

2pm. The Australian Red Cross 

Blood Service says every blood 

donation can save three lives. To 

make an appointment call 13 14 

95 or visit donateblood.com.au 

Family fun. Trafalgar Park at 

Newport will come alive from 

10am-3pm on Sat 14 with an 

inflatable obstacle course, 

entertainment, carnival rides 

and sideshow alley games and 

delicious food and coffee from 

Sotto Sopra and Zubi. All profits 

will go to Newport Public School 

P&C to fund support education 

and playground improvements. 

Join a band. Dust off your 

tuba, trombone, percussion or 

woodwind instruments – the 

Northern Beaches Concert Band 

wants you! If you are a musician 

Grade 3 or above interested in 

playing a varied repertoire and 

performing with a “mixed bunch” 

aged 18-88 go to nbcb.org.au 

for info. 

How to get rid of stuff 

online. Learn how to use 

websites Gumtree, eBay and 

Facebook to sell and donate 

stuff that’s too good to chuck 

out, at a free workshop at 

Warringah Mall Library on Mon 

16 from 5.30-7pm. Bookings 

essential through Northern 

Beaches Council website. 

Support local theatre. 

Described as a ‘star-spangled 

theatre rock party’ Sunny Ray 

and the Magnificent Moon is a 

production for kids aged four 

and up, taking the audience on 

a journey of what it would be like 

to stay up all night and party with 

the moon. Sat 21 and Sun 22 at 

11am; Glen Street Theatre. Ages 

4+. Tickets $22 or Family Pass of 

5, $85. Bookings 9975 1455 or 

glenstreet.com.au 

Be a trailblazer. Newport 

Sculpture Trailblazers 2017 

curated by Sydney Art Space 

commences Fri 27 for two weeks 

with sculpture, live painting, 

performance, music and 

dance celebrated throughout 

Newport village. Full program at 

newportsculpturetrailblazers.com. 



News 

$1m for Currawong renovation rescue 

Co-ordinating a meeting 

with the top brass of our 

local council and state and 

federal governments is no 

mean feat, especially when the 

venue is offshore. 

But the effort in getting 

NSW State Member Rob Stokes 

and Federal Member, Jason 

Falinski and council heads 

to Currawong Beach to see 

first-hand both the challenges, 

but more importantly 

the opportunity and potential 

of the site, has certainly paid 

off with the NSW Government 

announcing it will provide $1 

million to support Northern 

Beaches Council with the 

refurbishment of the iconic 

holiday cottages. 

Currawong State Park 

Advisory Board Chair Romilly 

Madew said she was pleased 

the visit this time last year 

had culminated in government 

funding which would 

help in refreshing the nine 

1950s cottages to make them 

more comfortable and inviting 

for guests. 

“Currawong is a gem in Pittwater, 

however the cottages 

are in need of a refurbishment 

due to their age,” Ms 

Madew said. 

“The Advisory Board has 

been working closely with 

Council for a number of years 

developing plans to refurbish 

the cottages with sustainability 

and heritage at the heart 

of their considerations. 

“We are committed to maintaining 

the simplicity and 

accessibility of the cottages, 

so that all visitors can appreciate 

and explore the natural 

beauty of Currawong and its 

surrounds.” 

Currawong was purchased 

by the NSW Government in 

2011 following a hard-fought 

community campaign against 

residential subdivision plans 

by a private owner. 

The area was afforded protection 

from developers and 

a guarantee it would continue 

to be a place the wider community 

could enjoy when the 

NSW Government announced 

the creation of Currawong 

State Park in 2015. 

Midholme, the original 

Currawong homestead dating 

from 1911, was carefully 

restored in 2014 through collaboration 

between Council, 

Pittwater Environmental 

Foundation and Friends of 

Currawong. 

And over the last year 

Northern Beaches Council, 

which manages Currawong 

State Park, has been planning 

essential improvements to 

the heritage-listed cottages to 

enhance their functionality 

(such as creating bathrooms 

inside), provide greater 

comfort for guests (knocking 

through internal walls to 

increase living spaces) and 

ensure their longevity. 

In announcing the $1 

million funding Rob Stokes 

described Currawong State 



SIMPLE PLEASURES: The quaint 1950s Currawong cottages are ripe for a 

sensitve renovation. Credit: Michael Mannington Volunteer Photography. 

Park as one of the most iconic 

areas of our community. 

“Currawong holds a special 

place in the hearts of many 

local residents – so I’m 

delighted Northern Beaches 

Council is planning essential 

improvements that will 

enhance visitor opportunities 

and preserve its history,” Mr 

Stokes said. 

“Anyone that’s visited 

Currawong knows its key 

drawcards are its simplicity, 

tranquillity and pristine surrounds. 

“I commend Friends of Currawong, 

Pittwater Environmental 

Foundation, Northern 

Beaches Council and the 

Chair of the Currawong State 

Park Advisory Board, Romilly 

Madew, for their ongoing 

support and guardianship of 

Currawong. 

“It’s fantastic the NSW 

Government is continuing 

to work with these groups to 

see necessary improvements 

introduced and the unique 

character of Currawong preserved.” 

– Lisa Offord 

News 



News 

All the 

right 

‘moves’ 

Fitness expert Lizzy 

Williamson, who devised 

the cheeky ‘Wine Bottle 

Workout’ has shared her 

personal story and wellness 

tips in her first book written 

for women struggling to “put 

on their oxygen mask first”. 

Nine years ago, the Bilgola 

mum to Stella, 10, and Ruby, 

9, was diagnosed with postnatal 

depression. 

“I was stuck and in an 

overwhelmed place when my 

doctor gave me the advice 

to put my ‘oxygen mask’ on 

first,” the 40-year-old said. 

“So, even though it was the 

last thing I felt like doing – I 

was tired, unfit and not in a 

good headspace – I thought I 

should try to start exercising 

again.” 

Lizzy began doing little 

workouts at the kitchen 

bench and realised that even 

though she only seemed to be 

able to manage two minutes, 

it still felt “incredibly 

worthwhile”. 

She filmed her ‘Two-Minute 

Moves’ and now thousands of 

women access her YouTube 

channel, Instagram and 

Facebook to get their daily 

inspiration on easy ways they 

can give their body, mind and 

spirit some love. 

“I think ‘Two-Minute 

Moves’ resonates so much 

because it feels achievable 

and can easily fit into 

what you’re already doing 

throughout your day,” Lizzy 

said. 

Her new book demonstrates 

how little moments add up to 

big changes. 

“I wrote the book for those 

women who are finding it 

hard to make that first step 

or keep going,” Lizzy 

said. 

“I also know that 

when someone shares 

their story in a honest 

way, it helps others feel 

less shameful about 

what they’re going 

through and know they 

are not alone.” 

Lizzy said she hoped 

readers would prop 

up the book on their 

kitchen bench and when 

they’re cooking dinner 

follow the easy moves. 

“I imagine them 

following the ‘brushing 

teeth’ workout or seeing 

the moves they can do 

at work to give them a 

whole lot more energy 

throughout the day…. or 

before they open a wine 

bottle they lift them up and 

use them as their dumbbells. 

“There are so many little 

suggestions of moments 

you can take in your day to 

get back your sanity and 

energy so instead of putting 

themselves last, I hope that 

my reader begins to make 

themselves a priority,” she 

said. – Lisa Offord 



Book Reviews 

Two Minute 

Moves 

Lizzy Williamson 

Affirm Press, 

$29.99 

Who can’t find just 

two minutes to move? 

Better yet, you don’t 

need to make the 

time, just use the time 

you have already put 

towards brushing 

your teeth, waiting 

for your coffee 

or unpacking the 

groceries. 

Followers and 

friends of local Lizzy 

Williamson who love 

her online workouts, 

including the famous 

Two Minute Wine 

Bottle Workouts, have 

been eagerly anticipating 

Lizzy’s first book Two Minute 

Moves. Her beautifully 

photographed and styled 

debut will not disappoint, as 

she has managed to channel 

so much of her signature 

energy and charm into this 

motivating charter. 

A lead Christmas title for 

her Australian publisher, 

Lizzy’s story of how exercise 

saved her from a dark place 

will resonate with many, and 

her workouts and recipes for 

a healthier life will inspire 

all. 

– Libby Armstrong 

News 



Comment 

News 

The threat to our native 

flora and fauna is real 

Threatened Species Day 

2017 was on 7 September, 

which happened to 

be on a sitting day. 

At Parliament House, I joined 

a number of my colleagues, 

including Minister for the 

Environment Josh Frydenberg, 

to announce new initiatives 

the Liberal Government is 

putting in place to protect our 

native wildlife. 

Having the honour of representing 

the Northern Beaches 

in Parliament, one of my duties 

is bringing environmental 

issues to the fore in Canberra. 

We are incredibly privileged 

to live in such a beautiful part 

of the world and our beaches, 

waterways and bush should be 

preserved. 

In 2014 the Government 

appointed Australia’s first 

Threatened Species Commissioner, 

Mr Gregory Andrews. 

Since then we have spent 

$228 million on more than 

1,000 projects supporting our 

threatened species. 

In September, we announced 

19 new grants – worth more 

than $3 million – from the 

Threatened Species Recovery 

Fund to help community 

groups fight extinction of 

endangered Australian native 

wildlife. 

The Threatened Species 

Strategy we have been 

implementing since its 2015 

launch, shows our commitment 

to protect and recover 

some of our most precious 

and endangered animals and 

plants. Under the strategy, 

we have targeted 20 birds, 20 

mammals and 30 plants for 

recovery by 2020. The habitat 

improvements to support 

these species will protect 

many more. 

In New South Wales, we 

spent $250,000 to protect wild 

populations of Magenta Lilly 

Pilly in the Great Lak es area by 

improving its habitat and that 

of eight other threatened species 

in the area. 

We are allocating $205,000 

to support efforts to protect 

populations of golden 

bandicoot and the brushtailed 

rabbit-rat from feral 

cats and other threats in the 

Dambimangari and Uunguu 

Indigenous Protected Areas of 

Western Australia. 

Marvel 

at ‘Little’ 

rascals 

If you know what you are 

hearing it’s not uncommon to 

experience the sounds of Little 

Penguins calling or splashing 

off our western foreshores as 

they venture from their colony 

on Lion Island. 

A few lucky residents 

also boast coming face 

to face with the cheeky 

creatures while swimming 

off Clareville. 

A spokesperson for the 

NPWS said Lion Island was 

home to around 130 pairs of 

Little Penguins. 

“This colony is highly 

protected as this little 

creature is vulnerable to many 

threats and access to the 

areas where these colonies 

live is restricted,” she said. 

We are spending almost 

$50,000 in a partnership 

between school children and 

farmers to grow seedlings and 

create new habitat for Australia’s 

rarest cockatoo, the 

south eastern red-tailed black 

cockatoo in South Australia. 

On Threatened Species Day, 

I saw first-hand the Turnbull 

Government’s commitment to 

working with conservation and 

community groups, scientists 

and other governments to 

deliver the on-ground actions 

required to save species. 

In Mackellar we have 26 

threatened species, which 

include birds, turtles, sharks 

and whales that pass through 

our water and land as part of 

their migration. 

Six of these species are 

specifically targeted in the 

Threatened Species Strategy: 

the Caley’s Grevillea, Regent 

Honeyeater, Swift Parrot, 

The primary purpose of a 

Nature Reserve is the care, 

preservation and conservation 

of natural environments 

and natural phenomena and 

landing on Lion Island without 

permission is prohibited and 

is an offence under NPWS 

legislation. 

Natural predators of the 

Little Penguins include 

snakes, goannas, fur seals 

and sea eagles. Penguins are 

also often killed or injured 

by boats, being tangled in 

fishing debris or ingesting 

By Jason Falinski 

Federal Member for Mackellar 

Eastern Curlew, Australasian 

Bittern, and Magenta Lilly Pilly. 

More than $1 million has 

gone towards supporting 

threatened species in Mackellar 

through the Green Army 

Program. 

The only place on earth you 

can see the Caley’s grevillea is 

an 8km2 area around Terrey 

Hills, which includes the Baha’i 

Temple grounds. We are working 

on a program that will 

introduce the Caley’s grevillea 

into nurseries so the community 

can help protect them 

against extinction. 

For regular updates of 

what’s happening to protect 

our local fauna and flora send 

me an email jason.falinski. 

mp@aph.gvo.au, so I can add 

you to my mailing list. You 

can also ‘Like’ my Facebook 

page for automatic community 

updates in your own Facebook 

feed. 

plastic rubbish. 

“For those boating on 

Pittwater, if you see or 

hear penguins swimming 

near your boat, turn off the 

engine if possible and just 

watch for a while,” she said. 

“They are very acrobatic in 

the water and the skill they 

display while chasing down 

fish is something to see.” 

Anyone who finds a dead 

or injured penguin in the 

Pittwater area is urged to 

report it to their local NPWS 

office. – Lisa Offord 



Photo: Chuck Bradley

Pittwater News 

War historian 

Probus talk 

War historian Peter Sweeney 

will deliver a detailed talk 

on the Battle of the Coral 

Sea at the next Pittwater 

Men’s Probus Club meeting 

on Tuesday October 10. Last 

May represented 75 years 

since American warships, 

aided by Australian forces, 

turned the Pacific War 

around by preventing the 

Japanese from invading Port 

Moresby, in this historic 

battle off the Queensland 

coast. The meeting at Mona 

Vale Golf Club starts at 

10.30am and visitors are 

welcome. More info Bill 

Marshall 9999 5226. 

Drive for more 

sustainable living 

Permaculture Northern 

Beaches have two great 

initiatives in the coming weeks. 

First up, if you are interested in 

‘Greening’ your home – from 

retrofitting to clean energy 

innovations, to being chemicalfree, 

attend the Permaculture 

‘Green Home’ launch on 

September 28, when guest 

speakers (architect Joanne 

Gillies of Archisoul Architects 

at Manly who specialise in 

sustainable building design 

on the Northern Beaches 

and John Caley, mechanical 

engineer, founder of Ecological 

Design in 2004 which 

provides residential building 

thermal modelling, BASIX 

assessments, water balance 

modelling and design of 

rainwater harvesting systems) 

will talk from 7.15pm. Venue 

is Nelson Heather Centre, 

Banksia Room, 5 Jacksons Rd, 

Warriewood. More info www. 

permaculturenothernbeaches. 

org.au/events. There is also a 

two-day course (October 28-29) 

at the Coastal Environment 

Centre, Narrabeen (9.30am- 

4.30pm), where participants 

will learn how to include 

News 

Palm Beach takes a walk 

Construction on the 

long-awaited walkway 

from Palm Beach Wharf 

to Governor Phillip Park 

is expected to commence 

before Christmas 

following the awarding 

of the tender to northern 

beaches company Lloyd 

Drilling. NB Council 

funded the project 

under the $32.6 million 

Connecting Northern 

Beaches program, 

utilising funds provided 

to Council as a result of 

the merger under the NSW 

Government’s Stronger 

Communities Fund. With 

the help of a communitybased 

working group, 

Council developed concept 

designs for a walkway 

from the Palm Beach 

Ferry Wharf to Governor 

Phillip Park, which 

forms part of the larger 

Connecting Northern 

Beaches iconic coastal 

walkway from Palm Beach 

to Manly. The walkway 

will be a combination of 

suspended walkway and 

concrete path. Palm Beach 

Whale Beach Association 

President Dr Richard West 

said the community was 

delighted the walkway 

was progressing. 



permaculture design in 

your own home and garden. 

Teachers include biologist 

Margaret Mossakowska 

and international ecologist 

Michelle Sheather. Cost is 

$290 for members, $330 for 

non-members; concessions 

available. More info elle232@ 

gmail.com with the subject 

heading ITP October 2017. 

HSC library Lock-In 

Local HSC students who enjoy 

pizza and good company 

are invited to attend special 

HSC ‘Lock-In Study Sessions’ 

at Mona Vale Library on 

Wednesday nights (6-9pm) 

throughout October. The 

popular Council initiative is 

designed to support young 

people through the stress 

of the Year 12 study period. 

The HSC Lock-Ins offer a 

safe, supervised and social 

environment where students 

can study with their friends 

or tutors. Library members 

can show their card for free 

entry. Non-members can bring 

identification and join on 

the night or simply pay $5 at 

the door. It’s first-in, bestdressed 

and entry will close 

15 minutes after start time to 

minimise interruptions. 

‘Save’ date for 

Surf Open Day 

Want to be a part of Surf Life 

Saving? You can check out 

what happens at a surf club 

when their Open Day is held 

at clubs across the northern 

beaches on October 15. 

Participating clubs will host a 

range of activities, including 

lifesaving demonstrations, 

clubhouse tours, barbecues 

and displays – plus watch 

the Nippers participating in 

beach and water activities. 

Organisers say there are many 

roles that you can take on 

which can make a difference 

to the safety of our beaches 

and make you feel part of the 

Surf Life Saving family. These 

include putting on the red 

and yellow and patrolling the 

Continued on page 26 

News 



News 

Pittwater News 

Continued from page 25 

beach; helping train Nippers 

into lifesavers; officiating 

at sport events; training 

fellow members; supporting 

governance; fundraising or 

running the barbeque; 

running social events; and 

undertaking skilled project 

work within the club. More info 

phone SLS Sydney Northern 

Beaches on 9913 8066. 

Alcohol-Free Zones 

Northern Beaches Council 

wants community feedback 

on existing and the planning 

of future alcohol-free zones 

in Pittwater. Existing zones 

and amended existing zones 

currently on exhibition for 

community feedback include: 

Church Point (from the cargo 

wharf in McCarrs Creek Road 

to the eastern end of Church 

Point car park); Newport 

residential (from Barrenjoey 

Road to Pittwater and 

bounded by Gladstone Street 

and Beaconsfield Street); 

Newport Beach; Avalon Beach; 

Mona Vale (reduced – but now 

includes the main shopping 

Tony Milat remembered 

Avalon is mourning the passing of respected community 

member Tony Milat. A local optometrist for more than 30 years, 

Tony passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on 

August 26; he was 62. A celebration of Tony’s life was held at 

the Avalon Beach Village Church, with his family, friends and 

patients gathering to commemorate his life. Tony was a beloved 

husband to Robyn, father to Jane and Karla, and a friend to 

many on the Northern Beaches. “He was a wonderful, clever, 

generous man, with a positive attitude and a cheeky smile,” 

said Robyn, who along with her daughters thanked locals for 

their thoughts, support and kindness. 

centre and is bounded by 

Darley/Pittwater Rd, Surfview 

Road to the east and Mona 

Vale Road/Pittwater Road). A 

new zone is proposed at Palm 

Beach (Ocean Road from the 

rock pool end to the junction 

with Palm Beach Road). 

Feedback via the Council 

website until October 2. 

Hospital fundraiser 

The Mona Vale Hospital 

Auxiliary will hold a 

fundraising fashion parade 

on Tuesday, October 

24 at Newport Bowling 

Club. Morning tea will be 

available from 10.30am 

followed by a Donna 

Lou affordable fashions 

parade. There are raffles 

and lucky door prizes and 

funds raised will help to 

purchase equipment for the 

hospital and rehabilitation 

units. Entry $10 at door; all 

welcome. 

2017 sporting grants 

Local groups are being 

encouraged to apply for funds 

under this year’s Local Sport 

Grant Program. Grants up to 

$20,000 are being awarded as 

part of a $10 million sports 

grants package announced 

by the NSW Government. 

The focus this year will be 

to encourage more girls and 

young women into local 

sporting programs. Around 

half of all Australian boys 

are active through a sports 

club during their childhood 

compared with just 33 

per cent of girls, and the 



Surf Club funding 

Mona Vale and Newport Surf 

Clubs will receive a total of $1.5 

million in state government 

funding to support upgrades, 

refurbishments and planning 

works. Local MP Rob Stokes said 

Mona Vale would be the major 

beneficiary of the latest round 

of grants, with a new clubhouse 

in the pipeline. “It will not 

only provide more suitable community 

amenities but will also help cater for the 

club’s increasing membership whose core 

role is keeping beachgoers safe,” Mr Stokes 

said. Meanwhile a six-figure sum will assist 

Newport SLSC develop better links between 

its facilities and the nearby all-abilities 

playground at Bert Payne Reserve. In August, 

participation rate for girls 

drops sharply after they turn 

12. Applications close October 

6; sport.nsw.gov.au 

Zonta Annual Dinner 

The Zonta Club of Northern 

Beaches and Mackellar ZClub 

dinner is on Thursday October 

26 with the theme ‘Women, 

Work & Family’. Guest speaker 

Dr Marian Baird – Professor 

of Gender & Employment 

Relations at the University of 

Sydney Business School – will 

talk on her work researching 

women’s working lives and 

advocating for improved 

policies. The dinner (7pm, 

Dee Why RSL) is a fundraiser 

to support Zonta projects for 

local women in need on the 

Northern Beaches. Tickets $65 

(by Oct 10) with students $50. 

More info Julia 0419 122 987; 

zontacnbdinner@gmail.com 

Northern Beaches Council also allocated 

$554,500 to the Mona Vale Surf Club project, 

as part of the NSW Government’s Stronger 

Communities Fund and Northern Beaches 

Council’s own Merger Savings Fund. Other 

local surf clubs to benefit under this joint 

initiative include South Narrabeen ($203,500) 

and Warriewood ($337,500). 

Who's next Lion King? 

Avalon Beach SLSC will 

host the 12th Lion Island 

Challenge from Station 

Beach (Pittwater side of Palm 

Beach) on Saturday October 7. 

Participants have the option 

of covering two distances 

– 14km and 8km – in ocean 

racing skis, SLSA spec skis, 

SUPs and outrigger canoes. 

Info contact avalonbeachslsc. 

com.au 

Vet 

on 

call 

with 

Dr Ben Brown 

Owning a new puppy can 

be a very exciting (and 

busy!) time for owners. There 

are some crucial health care 

measures that need to be 

taken to ensure your puppy 

gets the best start in life. 

Puppies need a balanced, 

premium puppy food. Puppies 

grow and develop rapidly and 

have very different nutritional 

requirements to adult dogs. 

For example, puppies require 

additional calcium and energy 

to facilitate proper growth of 

bones and muscles; this ratio 

of calcium and energy can 

be different for small breeds 

to large breeds. It’s essential 

that you discuss the best 

nutritional plan with a trained 

veterinary professional. 

Parasite control is also very 

important for puppies as they 

are more likely to be carrying 

gastrointestinal worms at 

this stage in their life. An 

all wormer tablet should 

be given every two weeks 

until 12 weeks, every month 

until six months and then 

every three months for life. 

Heartworm prevention is even 

more important – the best 

way to prevent heartworm 

is with injectable medication 

administered by your vet; this 

removes the possibility of 

forgetting to give a dose. Tick 

prevention on the Northern 

Beaches is a must. The 

newer oral tick preventatives 

and tick collars are highly 

effective and very safe. 

Vaccinations are also 

imperative to prevent deadly 

infectious diseases such 

as parvovirus, distemper, 

hepatitis and infectious 

canine cough. During the 

consultation the vet will 

complete a full physical to 

ensure your puppy is healthy 

and fit for vaccination. 

We are currently offering 

free puppy health check-ups, 

free pet insurance for one 

month and a free heartworm 

injection for puppies. Drop 

into our hospital at Newport 

or Avalon with your new pup! 

News 



‘Alfred’ 

& Bill 

While the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht 

Club celebrates its sesquicentenary in 

October, Bill Buckle is celebrating 

40 years as a club member. 

Life Stories 

Story by Rosamund Burton 

Bill Buckle has driven to the yacht club 

in his silver Tesla Model S electric 

car. “When I first drove it I knew I 

had to have it,” he says, extolling both 

its performance and efficiency. On a full 

battery it can travel 450 kilometres. “It’s 

a beautiful, refined, extraordinary motor 

car.” Coming from someone, who over his 

life-time career is considered to have done 

more for the Australian motor industry 

than most others, I realise this is an 

exceptional vehicle. 

Bill has been a member of the Royal Prince 

Alfred Yacht Club, which celebrates its 150th 

anniversary this month, since 1977. “The 

club was nowhere near as big as this 40 

years ago,” he reminisces, sitting on a leather 

sofa in the Edinburgh Lounge Bar on the 

first floor, and looking out over Pittwater. 

The Prince Alfred Yacht Club was formed 

on 15 October 1867, when the Mosquito 

Yacht Club, which had been established in 

1856, called a meeting of boat owners at 

Punch and McGrath’s Hotel in King Street. 

In 1911 the club was permitted by King 

George V to use the prefix ‘Royal’ and 

became the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht 

Club. By 1919 the club’s committee decided 

that Sydney Harbour was becoming too 

congested for racing, so this land at Green 

Point was purchased. For nearly 20 years 

it was barely used until a group of Jubilee 

class yacht owners built a boatshed, slipway 

and pontoon. The Governor of New South 

Wales, Lord Wakehurst, officially opened 

the current premises in 1938 and in 1968 

His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke 

of Edinburgh, came to lay the foundation 

stone for the present clubhouse. And the 

royal connection continues as the RPAYC is 

the organizing authority, with the support 

of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and 

the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, for 

the sailing events in Prince Harry’s Invictus 

Games, to be held in Sydney in 2018. 

“This has to be considered a world class 

yacht club on probably one of the best harbours 

in the world,” Bill reflects. “It’s better 

than Sydney Harbour for pleasure boating, 

because it’s non-commercial, not full of ferries 

and liners. We’re very lucky.” 

Bill lives with his wife, Alvia, at Church 

Point. His grandfather built the first big 

house on the hill above Church Point, and 

a boatshed in the bay below. “I’ve got the 

boatshed now,” says the sharp and spritely 

91-year-old, “and it’s still in beautiful nick.” 

Bill’s father owned Buckle Motors in the 

city. He was gassed during World War I, and 

in his early 50s got cancer of the oesophagus 

and died when Bill was 19. Bill junior 

was doing an engineering apprenticeship, 

but he never finished it as he immediately 

joined the family business. 

In the early 1950s Bill persuaded the 

other directors of Buckle Motors they 

should make a fibreglass-bodied sports 

car, and in 1957 the first Buckle Coupe was 

manufactured. “At one stage that thing 

held every hill climb record, and every lap 

record for GT cars at tracks across the East 

coast, including Bathurst and Orange,” he 

says with a grin. 

In the late 1950s when the economy was 

down, and import taxes on fully assembled 

foreign cars were high, Bill went to Bavaria 

to visit Hans Glas GMBH. Despite having 

no German, and not much English being 

spoken in country Bavaria, he explains, he 

reached an agreement with the company 

that he would import the chassis, engine 

and running gear, and the bodies of the 

cars would be made in Australia at the 

Buckle factory in Punchbowl. The result was 

a Buckle version of a Goggomobil, a basic 

car for two adults and two kids. 

“Lots of people bought it, because it was 

cheap,” he explains. 

Then Bill designed a little sports car – 

the Goggomobil Dart – now considered an 

iconic Australian vehicle, and a van called 

the Goggomobil Carryall. 

In the 1960s Bill set up Bill Buckle Auto 

Conversions in Brookvale, converting 

American cars like Buicks, Cadillacs and 

Mustangs from left- to right-hand drive. He 

went on to become one of the first Australian 

dealers for Toyota vehicles. “Cars and 

boats are my passions,” Bill admits. 

He started sailing as a boy in a heavy 

clinker dinghy, which was the tender for 

his father’s motor launch. Also, setting sail 

for the first time was Bob Oatley, another 

long-time member of the RPAYC, who had 

converted a canoe to a sailing craft using a 

garden stake as a mast and a sheet as a sail. 

Both lived at Mosman and became friends 

because of their mutual love of sailing. 



They went on to sail 12ft skiffs together 

and raced out of Middle Harbour, but 

irritated that they were paying the same 

subscriptions and entry fees as the 16ft 

skiffies, but only receiving a fraction of 

the prize money, they decided to start 

their own club. A concrete slab was laid at 

the southern end of Balmoral Beach, they 

bought an ex-Army Nissen hut for the skiffs 

– and that was the start of the Balmoral 12ft 

Sailing Club. It later became the Balmoral 

Sailing Club, and in 2015 Bob Oatley and 

Bill attended its 70th anniversary. 

In 2014 within weeks of one another Bob 

Oatley was appointed an Officer of the Order 

of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service 

to the Australian wine and tourism industries, 

to yacht racing, and as a supporter 

of medical research and the visual arts. 

Bill was awarded the Medal of the Order of 

Australia (OAM) for his service to the motor 

vehicle industry as a designer and retailer. 

Then in November 2015 the pair were 

honoured with Lifetime Achievement 

Awards by Yachting Australia for their contribution 

to sailing. That was Bob Oatley’s 

last public appearance before he died in 

January 2016 aged 87. 

Bill admits that they were always competitive 

when it came to sailing and went 

to great lengths to outdo one another. Soon 

after Bob Oatley commissioned the first 

Wild Oats, a Farr 43 in 1983, “I decided to 

build something that would blow Bob’s boat 

away,” says Buckle. 

The result was ‘Buckle Up’, a super light 

40-footer. The construction material he 

used was instrumental in revolutionising 

the building of light displacement yachts 

around the world. This boat had a seven-foot 

beam on the waterline and a 15-foot beam 

on the deck. It had an asymmetric kite, and 

three trapezes, so was like a giant skiff. 

“Nothing could catch Buckle Up. It was 

very radical. Downwind it really took off. 

We used to single-ski waterski behind it.” 

As Bob Oatley acquired bigger boats and 

set his sights on winning longer races Bill 

admits he never had any interest in the long 

offshore races. 

“I never wanted to go to Hobart. My saying 

was ‘Round the buoys in the daytime, 

round the girls in the night time’.” 

After he sold Buckle Up, he bought a 

little 23-foot trailer boat, which he named 

‘Buckle Up Again’. It was a very quick little 

boat, and seeing the potential of the design, 

he became an early enthusiast for what is 

now known as ‘Performance Sports’ class. 

These days Bill is sailing on his old 

friend’s boat, Wild Oats X, in the Wednesday 

afternoon races. 

“I’ve sailed most of my life, but as you get 

towards where I am now it gets a bit harder,” 

Bill admits. “Wild Oats X is a powerful 

66-footer. It jumps about a fair bit, and you 

need to be able to hang on.” 

Bill admits he doesn’t get to the club as 

often as he would like to as there are too 

many other things to do. His innovative, 

creative mind is still bubbling with ideas. 

“Presently, I’m designing with another 

guy a radical type of wing sail. It’s for 

everything from a dinghy to a freighter. It’s 

in the early stages, but it could be a big deal 

in the future.” 

* The RPAYC was recently awarded 

Marina Industry Association ‘Club of the 

Year’ and Yachting NSW Club of the Year for 

2017; for more info about the RPAYC and its 

sailing calendar go to www.rpayc.com.au 

Life Stories 

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE: Bill Buckle, in his element, at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club at 

Newport; the 40-foot ‘Buckle Up’ streaks across Pittwater in the mid 1980s; Bill at the tiller of his first 

sailing boat off Clontarf in 1940; Prince Alfred, after whom the Club is named; Bill at the wheel of a 

Cole 43 in the 1980s; ‘Oh, What A Feeling!’ – jumping for joy with Australia II designer Ben Lexcen; the 

RPAYC site back in 1960; Bill poses proudly with a 1959 Goggomobil Dart at a show in 2000. 



Art Life 


Beaches society’s 

Avalon exhibition 

The recently ‘retouched’ Northern Beaches Art Society will 

hold their 71st Annual Art Exhibition on the weekend of 

October 7-8 at the Avalon Rec Centre. 

The talented artists of the NBAS (until recently known as 

North Shore Art Society), cover all media – oils, acrylics, watercolour, 

mixed media and pastels. Their free exhibition will also 

include the beautiful paintings of Liz Curman. All the works on 

display are original and are in both contemporary and traditional 

styles. 

This year their judge will be respected artist Geoff Buckle, 

who will have the daunting task of awarding the top three prizes. 

All the entries will also be in the running for the ‘Northern 

Beaches Council Award’, as well as the ‘People’s Choice Award’, 

selected by the viewing audience. A Raffle for a beautiful acrylic 

painting by Annette McCrossin will also be held. 

With the variety available, there will surely be something for 

everyone – it’s a great opportunity to shop early for Christmas. 

New members are always welcome to join the society; information 

will be available at the exhibition or check out their 

website – northernbeachesartsociety.org – where you can also 

download a membership form. 

Age no barrier in Space courses 

Broad-focus art and a special teens’ ‘Art Club’ 

are two new offerings among the collection 

of exciting Term 4 courses kicking off this 

month at the Sydney Art 

Space in Mona Vale. 

Tutor Rachel Carroll is 

looking forward to nurturing 

participants in her 

eight-week ‘Expression 

to Abstraction’ course 

commencing Thursday 

October 12. 

“Artists will learn to 

think laterally about new 

mark making ideas,” said 

Rachel. “This class explores 

still life, interiors 

and landscape with a 

move toward abstraction. 

“Mixed media is the 

focus, with acrylic being 

the main component in 

any artwork – this is a 

great way to move beyond 

your comfort zone 

in art and explore new possibilities. 

“Students are also invited to bring their own 

projects to class that I can help them complete.” 

Classes run 12.45pm- 

3.45pm; beginners welcome. 

Meanwhile Christina 

Frank says she is looking 

forward to tapping the creative 

minds of the region’s 

emerging teens when she 

hosts a special Saturday 

morning ‘Art Club’ (10am- 

12pm) for eight weeks 

starting October 14. 

“Students will explore 

drawing, painting, mono 

printing and hand building 

in clay,” she said. 

Ages are 11-15; all art 

materials supplied. 

For more info on 

courses or to book visit 

sydneyartspace.com 


Locals 

‘in the 

frame’ 

Local specialist arts 

business Peninsula 

Reflections are ‘in the frame’ 

as the recently announced 

winners of the coveted 2017 

National Picture Framing 

competition. 

Operators Bill and Linda 

Roberts say they are thrilled 

with the accolade, which saw 

them best a competitive field 

from across Australia, based 

on the couple’s excellence 

in design and quality of 

workmanship. 

A record number of 

entrants were given the same 

image to frame – a copy of 

a lithograph of Snowy Owls 

– with entries judged by a 

panel of experts and peers 

within the industry based on 

originality, creativity, design 

and craftsmanship. 

Bill said the pair spent 

countless hours working 

on the perfect design to 

complement the print, and 

focused on delivering 100% 



Hit the Trail, 

connect – 

and collect! 

It’s on again in October – the 

Pittwater Artists Trail, celebrating 

the alliance of talented 

artists who collectively open 

their studios to the public on 

two weekends each year creating 

a ‘Trail’ for art lovers. 

Visitors can engage with 

the artists, see how they work 

and what inspires them, buy 

beautiful, original artworks or 

perhaps enroll in one of the 

courses offered by several of 

the artists on the Trail. 

The PAT’s inaugural Open 

Studio weekend was held 

in 2011 and the group have 

been going from strength to 

strength ever since. 

This month, don’t miss the 

opportunity to spend a day (or 

even two) discovering original 

works on Saturday 14th and 

Sunday 15th, from 10am-5pm. 

You are encouraged to plan 

your own route from Elanora 

to Clareville and Terrey Hills to 

Newport. Enjoy the day by engaging 

with multiple makers 

who are ready to share their 

stories and spaces. 

(If you are an artist who 

lives on the Northern Beaches, 

have visited the Trail and 

would like to apply to join in 

2018-2019, check out their 

website – it also contains a 

map and artist details.) 

More info pittwaterartiststrail.com.au 



quality in workmanship – 

“much the same as we do 

with any of our clients”. 

“Our entry used a high 

grade of preservation 

materials including an antireflective 

glazing which is 

almost invisible and is highly 

sought after by our clients,” 

said Bill. 

“When it comes to 

design solutions, we frame 

to suit the artwork and 

ask questions and listen 

attentively to our clients 

relating to matters like taste, 

decor, likes and dislikes.” 

Bill and Linda’s work 

ethic is reflected by their 


continuing education and 

professional affiliations. 

Bill is a Master Certified 

Picture Framer with the 

Professional Picture Framers 

Association and is affiliated 

with the Australian Institute 

for the Conservation of 

Cultural Materials, the 

Australian Institute of 

Professional Photographers 

and the Cultural Heritage 

Preservation Foundation of 

Australia. 

Find their studio at Suite 

2102, 4 Daydream Street, 

Warriewood; open Monday 

to Friday 9am-5pm or by 

appointment. – Nigel Wall 


Boating Life 

Life’s a 

breach 

The southern migration of 

humpbacks and southern right 

whales will reach its peak late this 

month, with great viewing expected 

off the coast of the upper northern 

beaches in the next few weeks. 

Having travelled from the 

feeding grounds of Antarctica to 

the warmer waters of Australia to 

breed from May to September, the 

whales are now migrating back to 

Antarctica. 

(Thank you to reader William Hall 

who sent us this photo of a sighting 

by a yacht off Palm Beach in late 

September.) 

Local operator Fantasea have 

three dedicated Sunday cruises 

out of Palm Beach scheduled for 

October, offering an unforgettable 

close-up look at these amazing 

creatures – and a whale watching 

guarantee. 

Not only will you get the chance 

to get up close and personal 

with these charismatic creatures, 

but your cruise also includes an 

experienced marine biologist on 

board, giving expert explanations 

about the whales and their 

behaviour. 

The enthusiastic and 

knowledgeable crew will perform 

guidance and commentary, 

explaining the history and wildlife 

of Sydney’s Northern Beaches. 

If you have a question, they can 

answer it! 

Plus there’s plenty of room for 

viewing – they limit capacity so 

everyone gets front row views. 

Dates are October 1, 8 and 15; 

more info 9974 2411 or fantasea. 

com.au 

Sailing volunteers call 

Summer presents a great opportunity to enjoy the 

twilight hours on Pittwater – and the Royal Motor 

Yacht Club is calling for keen locals to join their sailing 

volunteer group. 

Club Sailing Master James Hill said it was a one-off 

opportunity to be part of a great bunch of people and 

great club. “The job entails helping to run races, including 

the very popular Monday and Friday Twilight series, 

plus there’s sailing events on the weekend as well,” he 

said. 

Whilst having a salty-sailor background is an advantage, 

complete landlubbers are welcome – providing 

they’re keen to “learn the ropes”. 

There are positions aboard the starter’s boat such 

as time-keeping, signal flags and time recording which 

non-sailors can pick up with training. The club is constantly 

up-skilling its volunteers so they become more 

effective in their role; participants can gain valuable 

qualifications as a Race Officer, boat driver or radio 

operator. 

Volunteers will be part of various club functions and 

gain a few perks too – including free drink/food vouchers, 

and tickets to the RMYC annual Sponsors and 

Volunteers Dinner Night. 

This year the RMYC is needing extra hands as it takes 

on the exciting role of hosting the Pantaenius Newport 

to Coffs Coast Ocean Race starting December 27. 

More info 9997 5511 or email jaz@royalmotor. 

com.au 

Boating Life 



Seize the 

season 

Spring is the season of renewal and 

a time to clear out, downsize and 

lighten your load. Here’s a guide 

to help you deep-clean and spruce 

up your home. And if a move to a 

smaller place is on the cards check 

out our local experts’ tips to help 

you get your head around the task 

at hand. Compiled by Lisa Offord 

Home Special 



CLEAN SWEEP 

Preparation is key. 

Might sound obvious but 

before you start anything 

make sure your essential 

equipment and tools such as 

a ladder, brooms, dustpan, 

mop and vacuum are in good 

order. Create a cleaning kit 

by filling a bucket with the 

basics you’ll need to use room 

to room, such as cleaning 

sprays, rags, sponges, 

brushes and rubber gloves. 

Make a to-do list. Schedule a 

day and break it up into a few 

cleaning sessions of two to 

three hours. Identify the jobs 

that absolutely need doing 

and tackle those first, treating 

every other task you manage 

to complete within the allotted 

time as a bonus. The aim is 

to not get overwhelmed by 

chores so at the end of the 

day when you put your feet up 

you can do so with a sense of 

accomplishment. 

Inside general. Start 

from top to bottom. Dust 

ceilings and corners of walls 

and vents. Dust and clean light 

fixtures. Replace light bulbs 

and change the batteries in 

smoke detectors. Clean the 

blades of ceiling fans. Clean 

windowsills. Wash walls and 

wipe down doors, light switch 

plates, clean skirting boards 

and touch up with paint. Wash 

all your windows. Clean blinds. 

Wash curtains. Beat clean 

or wash rugs, shampoo and 

vacuum carpets. Clean sliding 

door tracks. Scrub and mop 

hard floors. Replace anything 

broken. 

Kitchen. Declutter and 

clean out fridge and freezer. 

Wipe down the front and the 

top of whitegoods and clean 

underneath and behind if 

possible. Clean microwave, 

oven, and cooktop and 

exhaust fan. Remove 

everything from the pantry 

and throw out expired food. A 

must: clean out the food trap 

in the dishwasher. 

Bathroom. Take 

everything out from under 

the sink and discard expired 

cosmetics and products. 

Clean and wipe down. Clean 

the showerhead and taps. 

Clear out drains. Give shower 

screens and/or curtains a 

good scrub. Touch up any 

cracked grout or tiles. 

Laundry. Clean behind 

washer and dryer, remove 

and clear lint filters and wipe 

down. 

Bedrooms. Replace 

pillows and rotate and/or flip 

mattress if necessary. Change 

bedding from cold weather 

to warm weather and wash 

before storing. Go through 

cupboards and sort through 

your winter clothes, discard, 

donate or sell what you won’t 

wear next year. Vacuum 

cupboards and arrange your 

spring and summer clothes. 

Family/living 

rooms. Remove books and 

knickknacks from shelves and 

tables, donate or sell items 

you are ready to let go, dust 

before replacing the things 

you want to keep onto clean, 

polished surfaces. Change or 

replace cushions and throws 

to lightweight fabrics. 

Outside general. Get 

rid of cobwebs. Wipe down 

flyscreens and security 

grills. Wash the windows, the 

house and paths (or hire a 

specialist). Clear out gutters. 

Check fencing. Consider 

oiling the deck. Tackle the 

shed and the garage. Treat 

Continued on page 36 

Home Special 



Home Special 

continued from page 35 

your home to a new front 

door mat. 

Specialist help 

If any part of your spring 

cleaning seems like ‘too 

much’, refer to our specialist 

providers whose ads are 

sprinkled throughout the 

magazine and in this feature, 

as well as our Trades & 

Services section (page 56) to 

locate local professionals to 

do the job for you. 

ADDING VALUE 

A professional exterior clean 

and a fresh lick of paint will 

always help add value to your 

home. Other value-added 

details include: 

n Super-tidy garage spaces 

with built-in storage. 

n A remote control garage 

door. 

n An outdoor kitchen. 

n New blinds and/or curtains. 

n An automated louvre 

roof to define an outdoor 

entertaining area. 

n New all-weather cushions 

for outdoor seating. 

n A safe and tidy garden 

(check trees and fencing are 

in good order). 

n Beautifully presented 

interiors that champion 

a natural, lived-in feel 

(check out our wonderful 

local small businesses for 

furniture, linens, fittings 

and accessories that reflect 

the Northern Beaches 

lifestyle). 

n Air conditioning. 

n New carpet or polished 

floorboards. 

n A new bathroom (keep it 

neutral but add some ontrend 

accessories such as 

indoor plants). 

n A new kitchen with highquality 

appliances such as 

built-in water filters and the 

latest cooking innovation 

– induction cooktops with 

extractors built into the 

benchtop (see Bora ad 

page 37 – could this be 

the beginning of the end 

to grease-filled overhead 

extractor fans?). 

SPRING INTO 

DOWNSIZING 

Whether you are an empty 

nester or a retiree moving 

to a smaller home, making 

the move to downsize is far 

from easy. 

Here, downsizing expert 

Angie Kelso from Nannies & 

Helpers shares some tips to 

help with the process. 

Prepare. First, think about 

what you have, what will fit 

into the new house and get 

rid of what you don’t need. 

Draw a floor plan of your 

new house to ensure your 

furniture will fit in the new 

space. Don’t clutter the new 

house with old furniture that 

needs repair or paint. 

Enlist help. Get your 

family and friends on board, 

ask if they want any of your 

things. 

Plan. Take your time, attack 

one room at a time, and clean 

the inside of cupboards and 

wardrobes as you go. 

Love it or leave it! 

Make a list for each room, put 

a coloured tag on furniture 

i.e. blue to keep, green to 

give away to family or friends, 

red to charity, yellow for 

dump/council disposal day. 

Get rid of what you don’t want 

as quickly as possible. Out of 

sight... out of mind. 

Get quotes. When you’ve 

made decisions about keeping 

or disposing of major furniture 

items get several quotes from 

removalists. 

Stay focused. Write a daily 

or weekly schedule so you are 

really organised and have a 

good plan of action. It is very 

satisfying to cross items off 

the list! 

Assess. If you have items you 

think might be valuable – get 

them professionally assessed 

and then decide if they should 

be sold at auction or if that 

valuable painting should hang 

on the wall in the new house! 

Sell. Make money from your 

move. Have a garage sale, sell 

items on eBay or a local online 

website. 

Don’t be sentimental. 

Make a decision and stick to it. 

Do you really need three sets 

of china, nine wooden spoons 

or two irons? 

Reduce your load. Give 

your children their school 

projects, baby book, school 

reports and photographs. 

Tackle paperwork. 

Keeping all your old paperwork 

is a waste of space. Scan 

documents to your computer 

and file the important papers 

to keep them safe. 

Stop buying food. 

Use-up the pantry items by 

incorporating in meals and eat 

the food in the fridge. 

Storage. Think about the 

new house – have you enough 



Vault locks in better storage 

Fed up with working or living in a confined space and frustrated 

by a lack of decent storage for all your extra stuff? 

A solution is on the way – ‘The Vault’ Storage Centre at 

Cromer due for completion in 2018. 

The strata-titled, storage units will range in size from 20m2 

to 103m2 with each having a five-metre ceiling. ‘The Vault’ will 

feature 24-hour, back-to-base security with pin code access, plus 

lighting and power for each unit. Each storage unit can comfortably 

fit a car and there are different shapes and sizes to suit all 

storage requirements. 

Shore Commercial leasing agent David Falvo said investors 

could expect around a six per cent return on units which start at 

$95,000. 

“Storage space is in great demand on the Northern 

Beaches, from small- to medium-sized businesses as well 

as families,” David said. “Business operators, such as 

tradesmen and home-based entrepreneurs, need secure 

space for equipment, stock, stationery and other items. 

“The big difference with this release is that the storage units the garage or simply de-clutter their homes but don’t want to 

are strata titled and they have a five-metre high clearance which throw stuff away.” 

will be ideal for many businesses and families,” he said. 

He added the fact that space would be rented on a squaremetre 

basis and not by the cubic metre, as is normal in the 

“With an increasing number of people living in apartments 

there is strong demand for somewhere to store extra furniture storage industry, would be a big plus. 

and other items. Then there are the families who want to clear More info 9938 3122 or email david@shorecp.com.au. 

storage? Buy transparent 

storage bins in the same size 

so they will stack on top of one 

another and when packing, 

label the contents of each box. 

Use plastic boxes in the space 

under the bed for storage. 

Clean out wardrobes. 

Use the 12-month rule – if you 

haven’t worn it in a year, you 

probably don’t need it. 

Connect. And when you 

are done and make the move, 

make an effort to get to know 

your new neighbours, invite 

them to your house to meet 

and greet. 

Home Special 



Surfing Life 

Surfing Life 

Strangely powerful duo 

driving a tricky transition 

The top end of professional surfing is in for a seismic shift... and not everyone’s happy 

Yes, sorry gang! This month 

we veer from the bliss of 

the Reef to the harsh reality 

of Money. 

It’s tricky times at the top end 

of professional surfing. Three 

weeks ago in Dana Point, California 

– many thousands of Ks away, 

yet oddly, at almost the exact 

opposite latitude to Pittwater! – a 

very rich man stood up in front 

of the world’s pro surfers and 

told them the truth. 

The rich man was Dirk Ziff, a 

New York-based private equity 

investor who for four years now 

has been pouring his cash into 

the sport, underwriting the world 

championship tour to the tune of 

about US$30 million a year. 

Now Dirk, by all accounts a 

quiet man who carries a big 

stick (he is currently worth about 

US$4.8 billion), was there to 

explain that something had to 

give. That in 2018, the world 

tour would undergo a massive 

re-vamp, designed both to save 

some money and to focus closer 

on the handful of surfers at the 

very top of the rankings. 

Iconic events like the Pipe Masters 

in Hawaii would be shifted 

or dropped. In their place would 

be a shortened Championship 

Tour – less events, and down the 

track, less surfers – and a single 

World Champion Showdown 

event as a climax, featuring just 

BUYING UP: Dirk Ziff is now the majority shareholder in the KS Wave Co. 

the top six men and top four 

women, battling it out for the 

title at a remote Indonesian location, 

far from prying eyes. 

The surfers were – well, they 

weren’t all stoked. But they 

have little choice. Their wealthy 

benefactor is on the move. He’s 

acquired a majority stake in 

the Kelly Slater Wave Company, 

whose central California wave 

pool was last month’s biggest 

surfing news, and hopes to turn 

it into pro surfing’s new Chocolate 

Factory. 

And in his quiet way, he’s 

hired a couple of serious guns 

to do it. 

First, there’s Englishwoman 

Sophie Goldschmidt, who has replaced 

former CEO Paul Speaker. 

with Nick Carroll 

In the past 16 years, Ms 

Goldschmidt has assembled 

one of the most formidable CVs 

of anyone in world sport. She 

played pro tennis briefly before 

working at adidas in the US as 

a sports marketing manager. 

Then came a fascinating series 

of increasingly big gun jobs: 

running the US National Basketball 

Association’s overseas 

programs in Europe, the Middle 

East and Africa; backing up 

with the Women’s Tennis Association; 

chief of commercial 

and marketing at the English 

Rugby Union; then a stint at 

CSM Strategic, a British sports 

management group chaired by 

Lord Sebastian Coe. (Olympics.) 

She’s also active in sportsbased 

youth welfare programs, 

sits on the advisory board of 

the British E-Sports Association, 

and is a close friend of Maria 

Sharapova’s. 

Then there’s Joe Carr. On 

August 15, the day Ms Goldschmidt 

began her job, the WSL 

announced that Joe, a former 

senior vice-president and head 

of content at UFC, had been 

hired to oversee “strategy, corporate 

development, execution of 

international operations, sales, 

events and athlete development”, 

and to “spearhead further 

integration with the Kelly Slater 

Wave Company”. 

Joe Carr is a Boston native 

who lived in Las Vegas while 

working for UFC; prior to UFC, 

he worked in real estate private 

equity. More to the point is his 

record at UFC, where he helped 

drive the organisation’s international 

growth, was a big part of 

the famed Ronda Rousey/Holly 

Holm fight in Melbourne in 2015, 

and was key to developing its 

Fight Pass program: a worldwide, 

highly successful live/on 

demand pay-per-view subscription 

system. (Read it again: 

Pay-per-view.) 

You’ve gotta wonder: how’d 

these two find their way into pro 

surfing? 

Well at the bottom of the Joe 

Carr PR, there’s a hint of how. It 

says that for more information, 

one should contact a person 

named Holly Zhao. And Holly’s 

email suffix is “teneostrategy. 

com”. 

Whooo! 

This is the first and only acknowledgement 

I’ve seen of the 

WSL’s extremely discreet advisor. 

Teneo Strategy is an arm 

of Teneo Holdings, one of the 

world’s least-written-about yet 

most effective corporate handholders. 

Founded in 2011 by 

former US diplomat Declan Kelly 

and two partners, with impeccable 

connections across the top 

end of Western moneyed society, 



PL’s OCTOBER SURF CALENDAR 

WSL: Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro, Hossegor, France 

7-18/10; MEO Rip Curl Pro, Supertubos, Portugal, 20- 

31/10 

Big events pushing nearer to what seems like a classic Hawaiian 

showdown for both men’s and women’s world titles. The World Surf 

League’s proposed changes will change everything about these 

tours when they take effect. 

56th Mattara Classic, Bar Beach, Newcastle 21-22/10 

At the other end of the scale is this event, which has been running 

longer than almost any other surf contest on Earth. The Mattara 

was once one of Australia’s big three – Bells and the national titles 

being the other two – and the names on its winner’s list are legion 

and legendary. It’s a lot smaller in rep these days, but it’s still got a 

lot of heart and it’s still going. 

NICK’S OCTOBER SURF FORECAST 

September turned the seasons around so fast we didn’t know where 

we were going. Crazy bombing south swells and cold SW winds, then 

the spring switch flicked back and forth so quick even the whales 

didn’t seem too sure what was what. Nutty, but good. We like rattly 

times of year, they always mean surf, and I bet October has its share. 

Watch for a couple of southerly shifts, some periods of onshore winds 

and rain, and a few magical days as the sand off our beaches rearranges 

itself after all the big swells of late August and early September. 

Only drawback, the water is likely to stay in the 18-degree range for a 

little while yet, so don’t hang up the rubberwear. 

it’s “a one-stop shop for CEOs 

to get advice on a wide range of 

issues”. (Quoting The New York 

Times.) 

You won’t hear much about 

Teneo. They’re damn good 

at keeping quiet, particularly 

about their clients. In 2015, for 

instance, when Huma Abedein, 

one of Hillary Clinton’s aides, 

was being vetted by the US 

Senate Judiciary Committee 

over her simultaneous employment 

by the US Government 

and Teneo, the company was 

requested to appear before 

the Committee. Teneo politely 

declined, saying they’d already 

provided the US State Department 

with all the information 

required. 

Imagine that! You’re so underground, 

yet so gnarly, that you 

can say No to the US Senate. 

Nonetheless, Teneo advises 

very rich people, including Ziff, 

on many things: capital, risk, 

foreign investment, corporate 

crises, leadership, recruitment… 

and sport. They’ve consulted to 

NASCAR, FIFA, various Olympic 

bids, the WTA, and the Billie Jean 

King Leadership Initiative. Add 

to that our very own little field 

of dreams! 

You do not have to be Sherlock 

Holmes to see how these 


Nick Carroll 

big guns of world sport were 

recruited. 

As for Goldschmidt and 

Carr, I’ve got no clue yet as to 

what they know about surfing 

and surf culture. 

But the fact is that there’s 

been times in pro surfing 

when everyone involved 

would have cut off their right 

arms for access to the likes of 

this crew. Pro surfers used to 

talk wistfully about things like 

Mark McCormack’s IMG, or 

Rupert Murdoch’s CSI – elite 

sports superpowers, people 

with clout beyond surfing, 

who could drag it into some 

stratospheric future, far far 

away from its scuzzy surf 

bum origins. 

Well, here they are. For real. 

Someone with Sophie Goldschmidt’s 

track record and 

contacts list? With Joe Carr’s 

UFC pay-per-view success? 

With Teneo’s connections? 

If they can’t build Dirk Ziff’s 

Chocolate Factory, who can? 

Nick Carroll is a leading 

Australian and international 

surf writer, author, filmmaker 

and surfer, and one 

of Newport’s own. Email: 

ncsurf@ozemail.com.au 

OCTOBER 2017 39 

Surfing Life

Health & Wellbeing 


Holistic approach a grey matter of choice 

There’s plenty of advice on 

how to keep your brain 

sharp and healthy but with so 

much information out there it 

can be confusing to work out 

what’s best for you. 

There are a few simple 

things you can do to help 

maintain overall health, 

including the health of the 

brain, said Delia Schaffer 

of Home Care Assistance, a 

provider of in-home caregiver 

services and in-home nursing 

services. 

“Coming from an epidemiology 

background, and having 

written systematic reviews 

of healthcare evidence for 18 

years, I can see this is an area 

that doesn’t have fast-andready 

conclusive answers 

and I often hear exasperated 

comments ‘what I was told to 

do 15 years ago is the exact 

opposite now!’” she said. 

“Despite all the scientific 

research and clinical data that 

exists today, I believe that 

trial and error is a ‘skill’ that 

everyone still needs to do for 

themselves, especially when it 

comes to one’s brain health.” 

Delia explained when 

trying new “health things” 

she followed a concept from 

epidemiology called an ‘N of 

1’ trial. 

“When I am trying a new tip 

or product – for example eating 

a high protein or low-fat 

diet – I often set a time frame 

of three months. 

“I buy a notebook to jot 

down how I feel daily plus any 

other observations that help 

me to decide at the end of the 

three months if I am benefiting 

in ways that are meaningful 

for me,” she said. 

Home Care Assistance 

health advice and education 

is based on the research findings 

from the population in 

Okinawa, Japan, where more 

people live to over 100 years 

old than any other place on 

earth, Delia said. 

It is thought that living a 

long and healthy life in this 

population is influenced twothirds 

by modifiable lifestyle 

habits – the other third is 

genetics. 

“Okinawans have low cholesterol 

levels, low homocysteine 

levels, clear arteries, 

suffer from dementia at less 

than half the rate of Western 

populations, have a low incidence 

of cancers and experience 

slower rates of bone 

density loss,” Delia said. 

Home Care Assistance’s 

‘Balanced Care Method’ to 

maintain overall good physical 

and mental health involves: 

1. Following a diet that is 

plant-based, high in fibre, 

low protein, high omega-3 

fatty acids and high in 

flavonoids; 

2. Eating until only 80% full; 

3. Moderate physical activity 

that involves flexibility, 

strength building as well as 

aerobic activity; 

4. Mind exercises; 

5. Low stress, socially rich 

lifestyle; 

6. A mind-calming routine or 

activity (e.g. meditation, 

mindfulness); and 

7. Consciously spending a 

significant part of the day 

doing things that have 

meaning and purpose for 

you. 

Some clients are offered 

formal science-based brain 

exercise called Cognitive 

Therapeutics Method (CTM). 

Delia explained the aim 

of the program was to help 

clients maintain and sometimes 

even improve cognitive 

function so that they could 

remain at home with as much 

independence as possible. 

“CTM accomplishes this 

goal by engaging clients both 

mentally and physically with a 

variety of activities that target 

the five primary domains of 

the brain. 

“Our caregivers are trained 

to deliver CTM one on one as 

part of their in-home visits. 

“It is a social activity and the 

caregiver typically plays 15 to 

30 brain games with a client 

for an hour, systematically 

targeting the planning, attention, 

visual-spatial perception, 

language, memory and coping 

functions of the brain,” she 

said. 

Clients can also step up to a 

CTM program specifically tailored 

to their cognitive needs. 

This program is delivered by 

more specialised staff. 

More info phone 8052 

3255. – Lisa Offord 





Slow down the clock 

Slowing down the ‘ageing 

clock’ is the pursuit of 

most people the wrong side of 

40 – but few realise that exercise 

is one of the best ways to 

achieve it. 

Rachel Cohen from 

Xperteze Fitness & Nutrition 

says she sees people over 

40 who have spent too many 

years being sedentary, and 

now struggle with simple 

functional activities such 

as balancing on one leg or 

getting up and down off the 

floor. 

“They start their ‘exercise’ 

journey by telling me all the 

things they believe they can’t 

do rather than focusing on 

what they can do, and believe 

that exercise is a difficult activity 

involving gym machines, 

heavy weights and lots of pain 

and sweat,” said Rachel. 

“That’s a myth that should 

be dispelled... exercise is 

doing any type of physical 

movement, and the days of 

‘go hard or go home’ are long 

gone.” 

Rachel said walking, 

cycling, swimming, jogging, 

gardening, even doing the 

housework, dancing, or playing 

sport were all forms of 

exercise. 

“Then there’s our tendency 

to over-complicate things – 

what do we do and how long 

do we do it?” she said. 

Rachel said the key to maintaining 

vitality was simply to 

move – and move often. 

“Research shows that just 

30 minutes a day can add significant 

years to your life and 

quality of life... while being 

obese and inactive is proven 

to decrease life spans by up to 

eight years,” she said. 

She said there were undeniable 

truths to the new saying: 

“Sitting is the new smoking.” 

“It’s time to stop making excuses, 

stop making the process 

too hard, stop thinking it has 

to be in a gym, stop feeling 

you’ve failed if you miss a day 

– and please stop looking for 

short-term ‘instant results’.” 

Rachel advised there were 

four key components over-40s 

should incorporate into their 

fitness regimes: 

CARDIO 

“It will strengthen your cardiovascular 

system, reduce 

the risk of type 2 diabetes, 

lower cholesterol and blood 

pressure and improve your 

immune system – aim 10,000 

steps a day.” 

STRENGTH 

“Increase muscle strength, 

prevent loss bone loss, 

improve balance and stability 

– perform squats, lunges, 

push-ups, plank and balance.” 

STRETCHING 

“To keep muscles, tendons, 

joints and ligaments as flexible 

as possible, avoid stiffness 

and injury and improve 

mobility – try pilates, yoga, or 

Tai Chi.” 

MINDFULLNESS 

“To calm the mind, reduce 

stress, reduce cortisol, improve 

cognitive function and 

sleep, improve digestion and 

the immune system – again 

pilates, yoga or Tai Chi, plus 

meditation. 

“Amazing results and improvements 

are achievable at 

any age, Rachel said. 

More info call Rachel 

on 0409 241 297; www. 

xperteze.com.au – NW 



Consider surgery solution 

to reduce prominent ears 

scraping technique. Each 

part of the ear is corrected. 

Surgery is performed 

through an incision along 

the back of the ear, close to 

the scalp, ensuring scars are 

well hidden. Timing of the 

surgery is important. It can 

be performed at any age, 

from children to adults, but 

usually after five years of 

age, or in the early school 

There are two main 

factors contributing 

to prominent ears: an 

excess of cartilage in the 

bowl of the ear (near the 

ear canal); and an unfolding 

of the ear folds. It is also 

common for the ears to be 

uneven. 

When contemplating ear 

surgery, the upper, middle 

and lower ear is carefully 

assessed and measured. 

The relative contributions of 

the two causes are assessed 

to allow accurate surgical 

planning. 

Excess cartilage is either 

sutured closer to the scalp 

or a small section cut out. 

The fold is restored to 

nearly 90 degrees by either 

using sutures or a cartilageyears. 

Importantly, children 

need to be old enough for 

ear growth to be complete, 

the cartilage strong enough 

to hold sutures and the child 

mature enough to be cooperative 

with the care after 

surgery. 

The ears are then carefully 

bandaged and packed to 

maintain the folds, contours 

and position. This head 

bandage is worn for the first 

week. Scratching must be 

avoided as this may alter the 

position of the ear or even 

fold it over. A headband is 

then worn at night for six 

weeks to prevent the ears 

from folding over during 

sleep. 

Otoplasty is generally 

considered to be not very 

with Dr John Kippen 

painful. Recurrence of ear 

prominence is possible 

with any of the surgical 

techniques used and may 

require further surgery. 

Our columnist Dr John 

Kippen is a qualified, fully 

certified consultant specialist 

in Cosmetic, Plastic and 

Reconstructive surgery. 

Australian trained, he also 

has additional Australian and 

International Fellowships. 

Dr Kippen works from custom-built 

premises in Mona 

Vale. He welcomes enquiries 

and questions. Please 

contact him via johnkippen. 

com.au or by email: doctor@ 

johnkippen.com.au 






Thongs a friend for feet 

Nothing is more 

representative of our laidback 

northern beaches lifestyle 

than wearing thongs on your 

feet as the weather warms – but 

did you know the humble yet 

iconic rubber footwear can both 

benefit and harm your feet? 

Avalon Beach Podiatry 

operator Evan Johnstone 

(pictured) says thongs offer 

good foot protection. 

“Hot sand and concrete 

can often cause blisters,” he 

said. “Also, wear thongs in the 

showers at the beach – be wary 

of changing room showers that 

are inside, damp and don’t get 

direct sunlight. These showers 

are the kind of environment 

tinea pedis loves.” 

While we all seem to grow 

attached to our favourite 

summer footwear, Evan advises 

changing thongs regularly. 

“We often see patients 

during summer suffering 

from capsulitis of the 

metatarsophalangeal joints 

(joint inflammation/damage) 

or plantar plate tears (ligament 

damage in the forefoot),” he 

said. 

“These conditions could 

easily be avoided by throwing 

out the old, worn-out thongs 

and replacing them with new 

ones.” 

He added the rubber 

material that thongs are made 

from compresses and warps 

over time, which amplifies the 

pressure areas on the soles of 

your feet. 

“Thongs don’t need to be 

flat unsupportive footwear,” 

he continued. “At the clinic, 

we sell thongs that look the 

part and are in the same price 

bracket as the usual thongs, 

but support the feet.” 

Also, with Melbourne Cup 

and Christmas parties just 

around the corner, Evan 

suggests men currently 

embracing the ‘no socks’ 

fashion trend should think 

again. 

“It might look good but 

wearing shoes without socks 

is another environment for 

tinea pedis to thrive,” he 

warned. “And if you have old 

trainers that are used as gym 

or running shoes, throw them 

in the wash or use powder to 

soak up any moisture in the 

shoe.” 

Cracked heels are another 

summer “given”. 

“See a podiatrist to remove 

any hard skin and use heel 

balm cream regularly – heel 

balms contain urea that helps 

with water retention in the 

epidermis (upper layer of skin).” 

His final advice? 

“Put sunscreen on your feet 

– everyone forgets about the 

feet!” 

You can find Evan at 2 

Simmons Rd, Avalon (above 

Pizzico); call 9918 0070. 









Staying connected during 

Oct Mental Health Month 

range of free local workshops and activities 

A designed to uplift, educate, build resilience 

and help people connect are being held in October 

supporting Mental Health Month. 

There are events for all ages kicking off with 

Odd Socks Week (Mon 2-Sun 8) where we are 

all encouraged to pull on odd socks 

and to help stomp out the stigma 

surrounding mental illness. The Odd 

Socks campaign (oddsocksday.org. 

au) demonstrates that being ‘odd’ 

is really ‘normal’ and encourages 

people to reach out for support. 

Workshops promoted by Northern 

Beaches Council (bookings essential 

through the council website) 

include: 

Mental Health Awareness 

Workshops. Learn about the 

common warning signs of mental 

health issues and how to offer support. Wed 

4, 6-8.30pm at Dee Why RSL and Wed 18, 

6-8.30pm at Coastal Environment Centre North 

Narrabeen. Light supper provided. 

Cancer Journey Workshops: A Holistic 

Approach. Join three-time cancer survivor 

Chad Walkaden to learn about a therapeutic 

program for people with cancer which is 

designed to complement oncology medicine 

for a better quality of life. Thur 5, 6.30-7.30pm 

at Dee Why Library. Tue 10, 11.30-12.30pm at 

Mona Vale Library. 

Laughter Yoga Workshops. Enjoy 60 

minutes of gentle breathing and 

stretching exercises and loads of 

laughs, followed by a light breakfast 

on Sat 14, 8.30-10am at Avalon 

Annexe. 

Supporting Students’ Study, 

Stress and Memory Workshop: 

Feed Your Mind. For students 

aged 14 to 25, local naturopath and 

clinical nutritionist Layla Metcalfe 

will explain how making healthy 

food choices can help manage 

stress and increase memory and 

study performance. Includes delicious 

samples. Thurs 19, 5.30-7pm at Mona 

Vale Library. 

* Mental Health Month promotes the importance 

of early intervention for positive mental 

health and wellbeing and reducing the 

stigma associated with mental illness. For 

more info go to mentalhealthmonth.org.au. 

Paddle for 

breast cancer 

recovery 

Fire up for the annual dragon 

boat regatta at Darling 

Harbour and help make a difference 

in the lives of breast 

cancer survivors. 

This year marks the 10th 

annual Dragons Abreast 

Australia corporate and community 

challenge with each 

team of between 16-26 people 

competing in three heats of 

200m races before the finals. 

The festival is the major 

annual fundraiser for Dragons 

Abreast Australia, a national 

not-for-profit registered 

charity raising breast cancer 

awareness through the sport 

of dragon boating and giving 

hope to those with a diagnosis 

of breast cancer. 

Support our own Pittwater 

Pinks Dragon Boat Club crew 

as they compete in the festival 

at Cockle Bay on Saturday Oct 

21 action starts 8am. More 

info dragonsabreast.com.au 



Hair & Beauty 

Breakthrough for 

the skin barrier 

with Sue Carroll 

The skin is the largest 

A compromised skin barrier 

organ of your body. You 

and its side effects do not 

may not think of your 

need to be endured. In addition 

skin as being one of the most 

to the right combination 

important organs – with the 

of high-quality ingredients, a 

heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas 

healthy diet and lifestyle and 

taking priority. But our 

certain non-aggressive (but 

skin is the outer barometer of 

result-orientated) techniques 

what is happening on the inside 

in the treatment room will 

of our bodies. If there is 

have a hydrated, radiant and 

an irritation, dryness, rosacea 

healthy skin back to functioning 

or any type of rash, our skin 

at its optimal level quickly. 

is simply letting us know that 

our internal homeostasis is 

Sue Carroll of Skin 

out of balance. 

strengthening. Another 

Inspiration has been a qualified 

Aesthetician for 33 years. 

Common signs of a compromised 

skin barrier may of a Jet Peel system which 

alternative may be the use 

Sue has owned and 

include dry, flaky, itchy, irritated, 

sensitive or red skin. skin hydrated and oxygen- 

will exfoliate and keep the 

operated successful beauty 

clinics and day spas on 

When the lipids – which are ated. This is imperative for a 

the Northern Beaches. 

like the cement that holds the positive outcome for a healthy 

cells together – are damaged and hydrated skin. A facial info@skininspiration.com.au 

or depleted by environmental massage will not only relax www.skininspiration.com.au 

conditions, harsh products, the mind and the skin, it will 

handling or treatments, skin also hydrate and soothe when 

loses water and becomes ingredients such as hyaluronic 

dry and more permeable to acid, organic stem cells, shea 

pollutants and irritants. When butter, and epidermal growth 

this occurs, an inflammatory factors are incorporated. The 

response is triggered. 

finishing touch is always with 

The skin barrier strength a cooling alginate mask which 

will determine the level of will help with a calming effect 

protection the skin will receive on the skin, plus the infusion 

from external assaults. The of the ingredients used. 

skin barrier serves an important 

Home care for a compro- 

role in protecting us from mised skin barrier is impera- 

toxins, bacteria, infection tive to assist in rebuilding the 

and other DNA damaging strength and hydration of the 

elements. A compromised skin. A few of the points to 

skin barrier is more prevalent consider for home care may 

today than ever before as a result 

include: 1. Avoid irritants 

or our environment, over- 

and allergen; 2. Avoid harsh 

use of skin care products with cleansers and body washes, 

harsh ingredients, medications, 

either with a high alkaline or 

autoimmune diseases, low acid pH level; 3. Exfoliate 

as well as overly aggressive by using gauze with toning 

professional treatments. lotion only; 4. Avoid extreme 

In the treatment room the environmental conditions 

aesthetician will ask questions 

such as extreme variances in 

such as: when did the either hot or cold water, high 

changes in your skin appear? heat, dry air and cold winds; 

And do diet, medications or 5. Repair the lipid barrier of 

stress trigger any changes in the skin with ingredients such 

your skin? A corrective facial as rose water, hyaluronic acid, 

treatment for a compromised shea butter, epidermal growth 

skin barrier may include an factors, mandelic or arginine 

enzyme peel which contains acids, and organic stem cells; 

amino acids which will soften and 6. Use sunscreen daily, 

the skin and digest surface which will protect lipids from 

cells, while supporting skin lipid peroxidation. 



Hair & Beauty

Business Life: Money 

Business Life 

Touching on the murky 

‘cryptocurrencies’ world 

Let me be completely 

up front here: when it 

comes to the fine details 

about Bitcoin or any other 

so-called ‘cryptocurrency’ 

I have absolutely no idea 

what I’m talking about – so 

please don’t read further 

thinking I’m about to 

enlighten you about what 

these things are. I’m more 

interested in what investors 

should be thinking about 

when considering the issue 

because in practice we 

are being asked more and 

more about the potential 

investability of Bitcoin. 

Like many others I source 

my general knowledge 

about developments with 

things like Bitcoin from 

the press and a good 

example of how and what 

the press are writing 

about cryptocurrencies is 

contained in the following 

paragraph from Financial 

Review journalist Jessica Sier 

in May this year: 

“Put another way, you 

know how Bitcoin is the 

asset that powers the 

blockchain? And Ether is 

the asset that powers the 

Ethereum network? People 

are basically now creating 

hundreds of new assets 

(called coins or tokens) that 

might power new, yet-tobe-developed 

peer-to-peer 

blockchain networks.” 

Um, no Jessica as a matter 

of fact I don’t know what a 

‘blockchain’ is and trust me 

Google is no real help in this 

regard. 

Bitcoin itself has been 

around for ages but even 

now after many years 

of existence I wouldn’t 

know what to classify it 

as – currency, commodity 

or some form of deity? It 

basically draws its value 

from those who worship it. 

What I did glean from this 

article and a bunch of others 

like it is there is a high 

degree of angst amongst 

potential Bitcoin punters in 

the form of FOMO, or, the 

fear of missing out which is 

driving up prices – this is an 

element of human nature 

that I think experienced 

investors are easily able to 

understand. 

In concluding her article 

Ms Sier noted: 

“No-one knows how the 

legality of these things work 

and, like any speculative 

market, no-one knows which 

project will actually get off 

the ground.” 

This sentence composed 

of weasel words at the 

end of the article simply 

means that all of the views 

preceding it are at best 

guesses. Like the FOMO 

example though it does 

give potential investors a 

clear signal, in this case 

one that says the markets 

underlying cryptocurrencies 

are speculative and legally 

untested. 

with Brian Hrnjak 

Most of the heady price 

gains for Bitcoin have 

occurred in the past 12 

months, with the internetbased 

currency climbing over 

US$4,000 per coin. It has also 

had some spectacular falls 

over the years, the biggest 

in 2013 I understand with 

some articles pointing to an 

overnight price collapse of 

70% after a failure of trades at 

the largest Bitcoin exchange 

at the time. 

More recently we saw 

reports from CNBC of 

comments by JPMorgan Chase 

global CEO Jamie Diamon who 

called the cryptocurrency a 

‘fraud’: 

“It’s worse than tulip bulbs. 

It won’t end well. Someone is 

going to get killed,” Dimon 

said at a banking industry 

conference organized by 

Barclays. “Currencies have 

legal support. It will blow up.” 

Dimon also said he’d “fire 

in a second” any JPMorgan 

trader who was trading 

bitcoin, noting two reasons: 

“It’s against our rules and 

they are stupid.” 

Diamon’s comments in 

early September coincided 

with a crackdown on 

cryptocurrencies, such 

as Bitcoin, by Chinese 

authorities – although it’s 

still not entirely clear weeks 

later what in fact is being 



anned and if so to what 

extent. Perhaps the Chinese 

authorities know as much 

about Bitcoin as I do? 

But Diamon’s comments 

had their detractors, only 

a few days after his strong 

views were published Forbes 

magazine reporter Laura Shin 

basically stuck it right back to 

him in an open letter headed 

“Jamie Diamon, here’s why 

you are wrong about Bitcoin”. 

After laying out half a dozen 

technical reasons why Bitcoin 

is robust, safe, indestructible, 

cheaper to use and 

overall better than normal 

currencies, Shin signs off her 

article with these words: 

“I’m not saying that Bitcoin 

will definitely succeed. As I’ve 

written about before, there 

are many ways in which it 

could fail. But I would be 

surprised if cryptocurrencies, 

with their many advantages, 

don’t prevail over the long 

term – especially at a time 

when everyday people are 

still angry about paying for 

the economic crisis caused 

by financial institutions while 

bankers made off with 

bonuses.” 

Yep, a whole paragraph 

of weasel words with a bank 

bash thrown in for good 

measure. 

In the end, it doesn’t 

matter what you read 

about Bitcoin or other 

cryptocurrencies, no-one 

wants to go out on limb and 

say without qualification that 

Bitcoin will be there in one 

year, 10 years or 100 years’ 

time because they simply 

don’t know. 

As investors, we define 

our risk appetite and then 

select investments to satisfy 

the need for income versus 

capital growth, security 

versus volatility. Investing 

101 says that you need 

to understand what 

you are buying – recall 

that Collateralised Debt 

Obligations (CDOs) were not 

thought to be a problem 

in the early part of 2007 

because no one other than 

the architects of CDOs really 

understood them. 

Bitcoin may very well be 

the next big thing; or, it 

may turn out to be a great 

big fraud; or, it may simply 

disappear only to be replaced 

by the next big thing. The 

range of variables affecting 

Bitcoin and other such 

cryptocurrencies combined 

with their opaqueness make 

them uninvestable in normal 

portfolios. Until these issues 

can be resolved they will 

remain nothing more than a 

punt. 


Brian Hrnjak B Bus CPA (FPS) is a Director of GHR Accounting 

Group Pty Ltd, Certified Practising Accountants. Offices at: 

Suite 12, Ground Floor, 20 Bungan Street Mona Vale NSW 2103 

and Shop 8, 9 – 15 Central Ave Manly NSW 2095, 

Telephone: 02 9979-4300, Webs: www.ghr.com.au and 

www.altre.com.au Email: brian@ghr.com.au 

These comments are of a general nature only and are not 

intended as a substitute for professional advice. 



Business Life: Finance 


Big market power means 

never having to say sorry 

The Amazons, Googles 

and Facebooks of our 

world remind me so 

much of some historical 

monopolies that ended up 

being broken up by the 

Governments of the day 

who saw them as companies 

that had simply amassed 

too much power. The irony 

of this is that following the 

forced break-ups, the sum 

of the parts ended up being 

greater than the original. 

The best illustration I can 

think of is The Standard Oil 

Trust, which was formed in 

1863 by John D Rockefeller. 

He built up the company 

through 1868 to become the 

largest oil refinery firm in the 

world. In 1870, the company 

was renamed Standard 

Oil Company, after which 

Rockefeller decided to buy 

up all the other competition 

and form them into one large 

company. 

The company faced legal 

issues in 1890 following 

passage of the Sherman 

Antitrust Act. That also 

brought unwanted attention 

to the company by Ida M. 

Tarbell, a McClure’s Magazine 

reporter, who began an investigation. 

Following publication 

of her report, the Standard Oil 

Company was forced to break 

up into separate state companies 

– the ‘Seven Sisters’ 

– each with its own board of 

directors. 

The Standard Oil Trust had 

quickly become an industrial 

monster. The trust had 

established a strong foothold 

in the US and other countries 

in the transportation, production, 

refining, and marketing 

of petroleum products. Early 

on, Rockefeller and partners 

attempted to make money 

on the home lighting market, 

converting whale oil to 

kerosene. Gasoline had been 

nearly worthless up to 1911. 

However, with a growing 

demand for “juice” needed to 

power the newly emergent automobile, 

Standard Oil Trust’s 

moneybags began to bulge. 

The Trust broke up in 1911, 

which led to the skyrocketing 

of the trust’s stock prices. 

Some historians contend that 

the break-up of Standard Oil 

closely resembles the more 

modern monopoly breakup of 

AT&T and the Bell telephone 

system. 

Like the telephone industry’s 

‘Baby Bells’, many of big 

oil’s ‘Baby Standards’ kept the 

old company name as they 

went into business for themselves. 

However, if a company 

separated on its own, it was 

restricted from using the 

‘Standard’ brand. Just as Bell 

had accomplished later on in 

its history, the Standards soon 

rose up to dominate the market, 

becoming more valuable 

than the original trust. 

The impending arrival of 

Amazon to Australian shores 

has sent the retail market into 

a frenzy; tens of millions of 

dollars of market capitalisation 

has been erased from 

the listed Australian retail 

sector, just on the back of the 

(free) fear mongering – thanks 

to the generous Australian 

media who are saving the 

company millions in advertising 

costs and publicity. And 

that’s even before Amazon 

has stepped ashore (likely 

with Simon Bond 

2018)! 

Just ask Gerry Harvey how 

he feels about Amazon and 

its impending arrival. Perhaps 

top of the ‘probably shouldn’t 

say that’ list was the suggestion 

that Australia stop 

Amazon from coming here 

“… like Donald Trump not 

letting the Muslims in”. Later 

he would refer to Amazon as 

“parasites”. 

Harvey’s issue focuses on 

Amazon’s pricing, which he 

believes is part of a long-term 

plan to “send everyone broke, 

then put up the price”. 

However, among Harvey’s 

more reasonable concerns is 

the fact that Amazon – and 

global companies like Amazon 

– aren›t paying corporate 

tax in Australia. “They pay 

virtually no company tax 

[globally] and make virtually 

no profit in relation to their 

turnover. They’re not good 

corporate citizens, they send 

lots of people broke, they 

contribute virtually nothing to 

society. They’re not someone 

that we’d want around the 

place,” thundered Mr Harvey. 

Having overwhelming 

market power means never 

having to say you’re sorry – 

even to your owners. Beyond 

taxpayer subsidies, Amazon 

founder Jeff Bezos can afford 

to be a voracious predator 

because his Wall Street inves- 



tors have allowed him to keep 

operating without returning a 

profit. On paper, his revenuegenerating 

machine has lost 

billions of dollars, yet his 

major investors, enamoured 

with Amazon’s takeover of 

one consumer market after another, 

haven’t pulled the plug. 

Amazon uses their capital to 

buy its competitors and/or 

to market its own version of 

competitors’ products, which 

it then sells at a loss in order 

to squeeze hapless competitors 

out of business. To many 

that’s the very definition of 

predatory pricing. 

Brad Stone’s book about 

Amazon gives a chilling example 

of one such predation. According 

to the author, Amazon 

has its own corporate espionage 

team called Competitive 

Intelligence that tracks rivals. 

In 2009, CIAmazon spotted 

a fast-rising online seller of 

one particular baby product: 

Diapers.com. A Bezos lieutenant 

was dispatched to inform 

the diaper honchos that the 

cheetah was going into that 

business, so they should just 

sell their firm to it. No thanks, 

replied the upstart. 

Amazon promptly responded 

to the rebuff by marketing 

another line of diapers with a 

price discount of 30 per cent. 

It kept dropping the price 

even lower (plus free shipping) 

when the smaller firm 

tried to fight back. Diapers. 

com’s investors grew antsy, 

and in September 2010, the 

two founders of the company 

met with Bezos himself and 

surrendered. The final blow 

was their discovery that Bezos, 

in his campaign to crush them 

and control the market of 

online diaper sales, was on 

track to lose $100 million in 

just three months. 

Fast forward to where we 

now sit with the behemoths. 

Stratechery.com writes about 

‘Aggregation Theory’, which is 

about how business works in 

a world with zero distribution 

costs and zero transaction 

costs; consumers are attracted 

to an aggregator through the 

delivery of a superior experience, 

which attracts modular 

suppliers, which improves the 

experience and thus attracts 

more consumers, and thus 

more suppliers in the aforementioned 

virtuous cycle. It 

is a phenomenon seen across 

industries including search 

(Google and web pages), 

feeds (Facebook and content), 

shopping (Amazon and retail 

goods), video (Netflix/You- 

Tube and content creators), 

transportation (Uber/Didi and 

drivers), and lodging (Airbnb 

and rooms, Booking/Expedia 

and hotels). 

The first key antitrust implication 

of Aggregation Theory 

is that, thanks to these virtuous 

cycles, the big get bigger; 

indeed, all things being equal 

the equilibrium state in a 

market covered by Aggregation 

Theory is monopoly: one 

aggregator that has captured 

all of the consumers and all of 

the suppliers. This monopoly, 

though, is a lot different than 

the monopolies of yesteryear: 

aggregators aren’t limiting 

consumer choice by controlling 

supply (like oil) or 

distribution (like railroads) or 

infrastructure (like telephone 

wires); rather, consumers are 

self-selecting onto the Aggregator’s 

platform because it’s a 

better experience. 

It’s my long-held view that 

in time the new Standard Oils 

– aka the Internet guys – will 

incur the wrath of Governments 

globally and will also be 

broken up. 

And then, yet again the 

sum of the parts will be worth 

more than the whole. 

My view of Amazon and Jeff 

Bezos is complete awe; I believe 

he is the businessman of 

our generation – but gee these 

guys really do scare me! 

So, as Andy Grove of Intel 

continually said: “Only the 

paranoid survive.” 


NewportNet co-director Simon Bond has been actively involved in 

all aspects of Stockbroking since 1987. Simon’s area of expertise 

includes equities, portfolio management, short-term trading, 

long-term strategies, derivatives and fixed interest. His focus is 

on how technology is changing the investment landscape, demographic 

trends and how they influence equity markets. 



Business Life: Finance 


Suddenly single: how to 

cope and move forward 

Whether it is buying a sudden took all of my energy. I 

house, planning an 

was in no shape to make major 

overseas holiday or deciding financial decisions on my own,” 

to accept a new job offer, most said Irene when asked about 

major financial decisions are the weeks that followed her 

made with the help and input husband’s passing. 

of someone else. But that 

The good news for Irene, and 

can all change when death or others like her, is that many 

separation mean that you are significant financial decisions 

now faced with making these are not nearly as time critical 

decisions alone. 

as they are perceived to be. By 

“I could barely cope with following the steps below and 

daily life, things like cooking getting professional advice, 

and grocery shopping all of a Irene was able to work her way 

Kay offers First Class help 

Ask any small business operator and they’ll tell you a quality 

bookkeeper is an important asset and not an expense 

when it comes to running a productive enterprise. 

After a successful career in finance and accounting, Kay 

Godfrey has set up a business radiating from Mona Vale. 

“You need to grow your business but you also need to live 

better and not be stressed by doing record-keeping,” Kay said. 

“I am dedicated to helping clients run businesses more efficiently… 

I understand the time and effort required to run a 

small business and offer flexible, local and compliant bookkeeping 

services – you have enough on your plate, so let me 

eliminate your bookkeeping headaches.” 

Kay can assist with accounting software, identify where you 

can improve procedures and show you ways to save time and 

money. 

“No matter how well you are running your business, you 

may find yourself playing ‘catch-up’ if your records are not up 

to scratch,” she warned. “It is important to stay on top of cash 

flow and keep track of expenses so when BAS time arrives, 

there will be no hiccups.” 

Kay is fully trained in accounting software such as MYOB, 

Xero and Reckon One; call First Class Accounts on 0438 529 

439 for a free, no-obligation assessment on your business. 

through adapting to her new 

life. 

Keep or form routines 

If you have always paid your 

credit card off by cash on the 

first Tuesday of the month, 

keep doing it. If things are 

working, there is no need to 

change. 

Beware of ‘helpers’ 

There will likely be people 

around you that will want to 

help. By all means accept their 

generosity, but be sure to 

seek professional advice when 

it comes to financial or legal 

matters. There is no shortage 

of half-truths when it comes 

to death, divorce and money. I 

have heard on many occasions 

that “… if you want to stop 

your child contesting your will, 

leave them a specific amount, 

like $1,000. This way they can’t 

challenge your will”. This is 

simply not true. 

Create a Decision-free Zone 

It’s OK to leave some space for 

your emotions and perfectly 

normal to feel like you need 

time to grieve, so don’t feel 

like you need to be on top of 

everything straight away. By 

creating a DFZ, you give yourself 

an exemption from making 

major financial decisions. For 

some people, it can be as short 

as three weeks. For others, 12 

months is needed. It is different 

for everyone. 

Define ‘Urgent’ & ‘Important’ 

Write down all the things or 

decisions you think you must 

make and then mark them as 

either important or urgent. 

Urgent might be getting cash 

from the ATM. Important might 

be advising the Tax Office 

about the passing of your 

partner. By doing this, you will 

with Darren Johns 

feel more confident in your 

Decision Free Zone as you are 

aware of what has to be done – 

and by when. 

It is not a race 

I have seen people rush into 

making decisions to try to 

make things ‘normal’ again. But 

what they soon come to realise 

is that it takes time to adjust; 

and making financial decisions 

in a hurry can have disastrous 

consequences. 

Stay organised 

It is likely you will be faced 

with a reasonable amount of 

paperwork and be asked for 

the same thing over and over 

(eg a death or divorce certificate). 

By staying organised and 

having a file where important 

documents are kept, you will 

feel more in control. 

Cash up 

Arrange for your living expenses 

for six months to be 

covered by cash in the bank. 

This way you can feel free to 

contemplate long-term decisions 

without the fear that you 

might run out of money. 

Seek Financial Advice 

A financial adviser with experience 

in this area can help at 

this early stage and take the 

stress out of making financial 

decisions alone, along with 

helping facilitate the legal 

aspect of things. By adopting a 

collaborative approach, a good 

financial adviser can make sure 

all aspects of your financial 

life are co-ordinated and that 

all your professional advisors 

are working towards the same 

goal: YOURS. 

For more detail, download 

our eBook on being Suddenly 

Single at alignfinancial.com. 

au/resources. 

Darren Johns is the current AFA Adviser of the Year, a SMSF 

Specialist and one of Australia’s only Financial Life Planners. 

He is the Principal Adviser at Align Financial, an independently 

owned financial planning business. Email: adviser@ 

alignfinancial.com.au or call 02 9913 9995. 

These comments are of a general nature only and are not 

intended as a substitute for professional advice. 






Business Life: Law 


Mutual Wills: a binding 

contract or otherwise? 

Over a lifetime it 

is not unusual to 

make a Will several 

times, as life unfolds. For 

example, a couple making 

wills on marriage and the 

purchase of assets such 

as a first property, or on 

the birth of children and 

added responsibilities, or on 

becoming grandparents, or as 

one ages and contemplates 

making more final 

arrangements for the care 

of a husband, wife, partner, 

children and grandchildren 

and the allocation of assets. 

The first Will is likely to be 

what is often described as a 

‘simple Will’ by which all your 

estate is left to your spouse 

or partner. 

The second reflects the 

first but makes provision for 

children, guardianship for 

infant children, and perhaps 

a trust for them until each 

reaches a nominated age. 

In middle-age 

circumstances may have 

changed and the Will may 

reflect a divorce and or 

remarriage and a blended 

family. 

Finally, as one becomes of 

a more mature age, a final 

Will reflects as noted above 

arrangements for the family 

and the allocation of assets. 

There are of course many 

differing circumstances which 

bring about one creating or 

revising a Will and the general 

categories outlined here are 

but that general. 

A mirror Will is one 

where the parties, husband 

and wife, have identical 

documents in which they 

appoint each other as 

their executor and leave 

to each other the whole of 

their estate, both real and 

personal. 

A mirror Will can be 

revoked at any time and 

replaced by another 

document that is it can 

be adapted to a change in 

circumstances at any time. 

There are many variants 

in estate planning – and 

interestingly a form of quite 

ancient Will is surprisingly 

modern and adaptive to the 

times today. 

In 1769, in a novel case 

(that of Dufour v Pereria) 

consideration was given 

by the courts of a joint Will 

which was also ‘mutual’. It 

was unknown in English law 

until this time. The family 

involved were probably 

French Huguenot refugees 

who married in England and 

remained there for the rest of 

their lives. When they made 

a Will it was expressed to 

be “their mutual testament” 

which was a form used in 

France but new to England. It 

with Jennifer Harris 

reflected the civil law and was 

witnessed by a Notary Public 

as was civil law custom. 

The Wills provided for a 

life interest in each other’s 

property and a scheme for the 

distribution of what remained 

on trust on the death of the 

survivor. 

In terms of the Will, the 

daughter was left the whole of 

the residue and the trustees 

were to pay her a specified 

income for herself and her 

children; the balance of the 

income was to be divided 

in equal portions among 

the children of the daughter 

on attaining 21 years, but 

meanwhile they were to 



have an allowance to be 

maintained. 

On the death of her 

husband the wife in the Will 

revoked the original Will and 

made a new Will with various 

legacies and arrangements, 

the effect of which was to cut 

out the residuary gift to the 

grandchildren. 

The grandchildren sued 

their mother, who under the 

new Will was the beneficiary. 

They claimed that their 

mother and stepfather 

(Pereira) had “converted, 

applied and disposed of 

the personal estate of their 

grandfather” – in other words, 

they had been cheated out of 

their inheritance. 

The issue in the case was 

the right of the grandmother 

to leave her property contrary 

to the mutual Will and give to 

her daughter and not to her 

grandchildren. 

It was found that a mutual 

Will was a mutual agreement 

expressed in a contract. 

The consideration for the 

agreement was the reciprocity 

of provisions each made in 

consideration of the other. A 

binding agreement had been 

established. 

It was therefore determined 

that all the bequests in the 

original mutual Will between 

husband and wife, where the 

residue was to be divided 

into two equal parts for the 

grandchildren, belonged to 

the granddaughters as agreed 

in the mutual Wills. 

Mutual wills arise where 

two or more people make 

an agreement as to the 

disposal of their property 

through Wills, and each has, 

in accordance with their 

agreement, executed a Will. 

The doctrine is based on the 

mutuality of the obligation 

of the two testators each to 

make provision for the other. 

What makes mutual Wills is 

a specific agreement that the 

provisions for the distribution 

of property set out in the Wills 

are to be binding and are 

frequently expressed that they 

should not be revoked. 

A common arrangement 

where mutual Wills are used 

is where a husband and wife 

marry and each has children 

from an earlier marriage. 

They may agree that whoever 


survives the other is to inherit 

the estate of the other, but 

on the death of the surviving 

spouse, his or her entire 

estate is to be divided, for 

example, equally amongst 

all of the children of both of 

them. 

During the life of the 

husband and wife if one of 

them changes or makes a new 

Will without obtaining the 

consent of their partner, this 

is a breach of the agreement. 

It may be that one partner 

alters the Will and leaves the 

whole of his/her estate to 

his/her children. The partner 

who learns of the change 

can make a new Will because 

the breach of the agreement 

discharges he/she from 

having to comply further with 

the agreement. 

There are limitations in 

a mutual Will arrangement 

where, for example, one 

spouse has died and the 

estate has been inherited 

by the survivor. While the 

survivor will not be able to 

make a new Will which could 

operate to give away the 

estate other than according 

to the scheme of the agreed 

mutual Will. Unless the wills 

are precise and clear with 

matters particularized, for 

example, listed as to: 

n The trusts on which the 

property is to be held; 

n The property to be 

included; 

n What happens during the 

lifetime of the survivor; and 

n The nomination of the 

trustees and their powers. 

It may be difficult to 

prevent the survivor from 

doing what is known as 

‘white anting’ the agreement 

by giving away assets during 

his/her lifetime. 

There are many other 

matters to be considered in 

relation to mutual Wills, which 

should be the subject of 

advice and elaborated on in 

conference. 

Comment supplied by 

Jennifer Harris, of Jennifer 

Harris & Associates, Solicitors, 

4/57 Avalon Parade, 

Avalon Beach. 

T: 9973 2011. F: 9918 3290. 

E: jenniferha@pacific.net.au 

W: www.jenniferharris.com.au 


Business Life

Trades & Services 


AUTO REPAIRS 

British & Swedish 

Motors 

Call 9970 6654 

Services Range Rover, Land 

Rover, Saab and Volvo with the 

latest in diagnostic equipment. 

Narrabeen Tyrepower 

Call 9970 6670 

Stocks all popular brands 

including Cooper 4WD. Plus 

they’ll do all mechanical repairs 

and rego inspections. 

Barrenjoey 

Smash Repairs 

Call 9970 8207 

barrenjoeysmashrepairs.com.au 

Re-sprays a specialty, plus 

restoration of your favourite vehicle. 

Commercial vehicle specialist. 

BOAT SERVICES 

Avalon Marine 

Upholstery 

Call Simon 9918 9803 

Makes cushions for boats, 

patio and pool furniture, 

window seats. 

KB Marine 

Call Pami 9913 3522 

New owner; one-stop shop for 

sales, service and repairs of 

outboard and inboard Mercury 

engines, boats and trailers. 

ELECTRICAL 

Eamon Dowling 

Electrical 

Call 0410 457 373 

For all electrical, phone, TV, 

data and security needs. 

FLOOR COVERINGS 

Blue Tongue Carpets 

Call Stephan 9979 7292 

Family owned and run. Carpet, 

rugs, runners, timber, bamboo, 

vinyl, tiles & laminates. 

Open 6 days. 

GARDENS 

Graham Brooks 

Call 0412 281 580 

Tree pruning and removals. 

Reports regarding DA tree management, 

arborist reports. 

Precision Tree Services 

Call Adam 0410 736 105 

Adam Bridger; professional tree 

care by qualified arborists and 

tree surgeons. 

CLEANING 

The Aqua Clean Team 

Call Mark 0449 049 101 

Quality window washing, 

pressure cleaning, carpet 

washing, building soft wash. 

Martin Earl House Wash 

Call 0405 583 305 

Pittwater-based owner on site at 

all times. No travellers or uninsured 

casuals on your property. 

House Washing 

Northern Beaches 

Call Ben 0408 682 525 

Family-run housewashing – 

exteriors, high-pressure cleaning 

and soft washing; 18 years 

on the Northern Beaches. 

LAWN CARE 

Platinum Turf Solutions 

Call Liam 0412 692 578 

Specialists in turf supply & 

installation, lawn care & cylinder 

mowing, full lawn construction, 

turf renovations, maintenance. 

MASSAGE & FITNESS 

Avalon Physiotherapy 

Call 9918 3373 

Provide specialist treatment for 

neck & back pain, sports injuries, 

orthopaedic problems. 

Avalon Physiotherapy 

& Clinical Pilates 

Call 9918 0230 

Dry needling and acupuncture, 

falls prevention and balance 

enhancement programs. 

Avalon Beach 

Chiropractic 

Call 9918 0070 

Professional care for all ages. 

Treatment for chronic and acute 

pain, sports injuries. 

NJF Exercise Physio 

Call 0449 713 472 

Increase mobility. Entitled 

Department of Veterans Affairs 

(DVA) clients may be referred for 

clinically necessary treatment 

on a valid D904 referral form. 

Francois Naef/Osteopath 

Call 9918 2288 

Diagnosis, treatment and 

prevention for back pain and 

sciatica, sports injuries, muscle 

soreness and strain, pregnancyrelated 

pain, postural imbalance. 

PAINTING 

Contrast Colour 

Call 0431 004 421 

Locals Josef and Richard offer 

quality painting services. Tidy, 

reliable, they’ll help consult 

on the best type of paint for 

your job. 

Modern Colour 

Call 0406 150 555 

Simon Bergin offers painting 

and decorating; clean, tidy, 

quality detail you will notice. 

Dependable and on time. 

Painting & Decorating 

Call 0418 116 700 

Andrew is a master painter with 

30 years’ experience. Domestic 

and commercial; reasonable 

rates, free quotes. 







UPHOLSTERY 

Luxafoam North 

Call 9999 5567 

Local specialists in all aspects 

of outdoor & indoor seating. 

Custom service and expert 

advice. 

Susan Ottowa 

Call Susan 0422 466 880 

Specialist in day bed and outdoor 

areas. Reliable local service. 

Domestic & commercial. 

RENOVATIONS 

Rob Burgers 

Call 0416 066 159 

Qualified builder provides all 

carpentry needs; decks, pergolas, 

carports, renovations and 

repairs. 

Underdeck 

Call Adrian 0417 591 113 

Waterproof under your deck and 

turn the area into usable space 

all year round. 

Advertise your 

Business in 

Trades 

& Services 

section 

Phone 

0438 123 096 

DISCLAIMER: The 

editorial and advertising 

content in Pittwater Life 

has been provided by a 

number of sources. Any 

opinions expressed are 

not necessarily those of 

the Editor or Publisher 

of Pittwater Life and 

no responsibility is 

taken for the accuracy 

of the information 

contained within. Readers 

should make their own 

enquiries directly to any 

organisations or businesses 

prior to making any plans 

or taking any action. 

PEST CONTROL 

Predator Pest Control 

Call 0417 276 962 

predatorpestcontrol.com.au 

Environmental services at their 

best. Comprehensive control. 

They provide a 24-hour service. 

SunSpec 

Call Dustin 0413 737 934 

sunspec.com.au 

All-aluminium, rust-proof 

remote-controlled opening roofs 

& awnings. Beats competitor’s 

prices. 


PUMPS & TANKS 

Water Warehouse 

Call 9913 7988 

waterwarehouse.com.au 

Rainwater tanks & pumps. Irrigation 

& filter supply specialists. 

Askerrobertson 

Call 0411 956 242 

Northern Beaches-based 

specialists in residential alterations 

and extensions, and new 

houses. 



the 

good 

life 

dining 

food 

crossword 

gardening 

travel 

60 

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72 

Showtime 

Hats off to Cocker 

If you love the music of Joe 

Cocker you won’t want to 

miss this ultimate tribute show 

by Australia’s greatest soul 

voice Doug Parkinson. 

And if you act quick, you can 

still snap up seats at Dee Why 

RSL this month before the show 

lands at Sydney’s State Theatre. 

With seasoned backing singers 

and a tight eight-piece band, 

Doug Parkinson Honours Joe 

Cocker has earned rave reviews 

from audiences Australia-wide, 

with Parkinson’s powerful and 

unique smoky voice doing Cocker’s 

interpretations of American 

classics proud. 

Cocker is most famous for 

his treatment of other people’s 

works including Hitchcock 

Railway, Delta Lady, You Can 

Leave Your Hat On, She Came in 

through the Bathroom Window, 

The Letter, You Are So Beautiful, 

Up Where We Belong and Cry Me 

A River… just a few of the songs 

Parkinson has included in this 

new show. 

Parkinson too is often described 

as a master of interpreting 

other’s songs – like his huge 

hit, The Beatles’ Dear Prudence. 

In this show Parkinson includes 

his own hit records plus 

interpretations of other legendary 

artists such as Ray Charles, 

Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and 

Michael McDonald. 

Doug Parkinson Honours Joe 

Cocker is at Dee Why RSL on 

Oct 14 at 8pm. Tickets are $38. 

Book at dyrsl.com.au or call 

9454 4000. 

Enjoy evening of elegant 

& engaging French music 

The next Peninsula Music 

Club concert in early 

November will feature 

wonderful melodic French 

music. 

Ensemble Aspherical (pictured) 

is a new and exciting 

chamber group formed by four 

leading Sydney classical musicians 

who enjoy performing 

elegant and engaging music. 

The group, all long-standing 

members of the Sydney Symphony 

Orchestra, features sisters 

Marina and Justine Marsden 

(violin and viola), Louise Johnson 

(harp) and Jane Web (flute). 

“The vibrancy and warmth of 

the violin and viola strings combine 

with the ethereal qualities 

of the flute and harp to create 

sounds and evoke images for 

the listener both congenial and 

colourful,” said PMC’s Janice 

Tuynman. 

They will perform works by 

Vivaldi, Ravel, Ibert, Debussy, 

Piazzolla, Mahler and more. 

“It’s a largely French program 

which should be beautiful,” 

Janice said. 

The concert will be on Friday 

November 3 at 8pm at St Luke’s 

Grammar School Bayview Campus. 

Tickets are $25 (available 

from 7.30pm at the door). 

Children’s 

hospice 

concert 

Enjoy an evening 

performance at a 

fundraising concert 

for the children’s 

hospice Bear Cottage. 

The concert of 

celebrated songs 

from opera, oratorio, 

art song and music 

theatre has been 

organised by soprano 

Sarah Clark with 

mezzo-soprano Judith 

James, tenor Michael 

Butchard, baritone 

William Moxey and 

piano accompaniment 

by Ben Burton. The 

concert will be held on 

Wednesday October 4 

from 7pm at New Life 

Church 28 Fisher Rd 

Dee Why. Adult $25, 

conc $20. More info 

0402 667 126. 

A supper will be held after 

performances where concert 

goers can mingle and meet the 

musicians. 

More info 9999 1937 or 

0407 441 213, or visit peninsulamusicclub.com.au 


Showtime

Dining Guide 

October’s best restaurants, functions, events and reader deals... 

Dining Guide 

Bistro 61 

Avalon Beach RSL 

1 Bowling Green Lane 

Avalon Beach 

OPENING HOURS 

Open 7 days 

Lunch 12pm-2:30pm 

Dinner 5:30-8:30pm 

CUISINE 

Modern Aust / pub food 

PRICE RANGE 

Meals $8-$30 

Specials $12-$15 

BOOKINGS 9918 2201 

Visa 

MasterCard 

Avalon Beach RSL’s new 

Bistro 61 is a great place 

to head for a local meal, 

offering tasty modern 

Australian dishes at 

affordable prices. 

Don’t miss the 5th annual 

Octoberfest on Saturday 

October 21 with specialty 

beers and souvenir steins. 

Book now for ‘Melbourne 

Cup by the Park’ on Tuesday 

November 7 with a threecourse 

lunch including 

bubbles and canapes on 

arrival ($65 members; $69 

non-members). 

Happy Hour is now every 

Monday, Tuesday & Friday 

from 4-6pm. 

Bistro 61 has been named 

to commemorate the opening 

of the Club in 1961. The 

kitchen – led by experienced 

Northern Beaches head chef 

Mitch Blundell, boasts all 

fresh, house-made meals, with 

locally sourced ingredients 

used when possible. 

Open for lunch and dinner 

seven days, with extensive 

outdoor dining areas, Bistro 

61 offers a variety of specials 

(lunch and dinner) during the 

week, including $12 tacos 

(Tues), $15 Chicken Schnitzels 

(Wed), 2-4-1 pizzas (Thurs), 

and a $20 burger + beer (Fri). 

Seniors are well catered 

for – there are daily Seniors 

specials, including beerbattered 

flathead – plus 

Pinch me – I’m in Italy! 

Family-owned Pizzico Italiano in 

Avalon will further live up to its 

name when it introduces relaxing 

‘Aperitivo’ summer dining sessions 

from October 28. 

With its name meanings ‘a pinch 

of Italy’, the cosy restaurant located 

in Simmonds Lane will offer extended 

hours Friday through Sunday, from 

2pm-6pm, with a light tapas-style menu 

inspired by summers on the Amalfi 

coast and accompanied by Aperol 

spritz, cocktails, Italian wines and 

imported beers. 

Brother and sister Elena and 

Mauritzio and their mamma Giovanna 

have a successful background in Italian 

cuisine in Italy, France and Sydney. 

“Our family moved to Sydney in 1979 

with the opening of Alberto trattoria 

on Bondi Rd, followed by Il Puntino 

and later Marina Piccola at The Spit.,” 

explained Elena. “We slowly moved 

north and we all now reside in Avalon.” 

Elena said that since opening in July 

last year, the family had focused on 

offering customers the experience of 

being transported back to Italy through 

great authentic food served in a cosy, 

buzzing Italian atmosphere full of 

amazing aromas. 

“The local support has been 

fantastic,” says Elena. “Many have 

shared their enthusiasm and 

appreciation of having authentic cuisine 

and a true Italian atmosphere. 

“We often hear how Pizzico Italiano 

transports them back to Sorrento, 

Amalfi and many other towns they have 

visited in Italy and this of course gives 

us great joy.” 

The Pizzico menu sings with 

traditional treats and flavours including 

Elena’s favourite pasta offering, 

pappardelle with slow-cooked lamb 

ragu, topped with parmigiano reggiano. 

There are no pizzas on the menu, 

although they serve a street food called 

pizzette (like a small calzone) – housemade 

dough filled with prosciutto 

ricotta and mozzarella. 

Other offerings include Nonna’s 

house-made gnocchi baked and served 

in a clay pot, Spaghetti barcaiola with 

fresh local seafood, lamb scottadito, 

stuffed zucchini flowers, while the 

specials menu regularly features duck, 

quail, fish and house-made pasta. 

“Our special Aperitivo sessions are 

inspired by the flavours of the south 

of Italy, summers in Sorrento and 

Amalfi coast where we spent time 

with our family as kids,” said Elena. 

“The flavours transport us back to 

childhood; the magic happens when 

fresh quality produce meets traditions 

and recipes passed down from 

generations.” 

The restaurant team and family 

sought to reflect their Italian heritage 

by referencing how they remember 

eating when growing up – communal 

seating with food at its centre. 

As part of the Aperitivo by Pizzico 

menu, expect house-made fried bread 

with a selection of cured meats and 

they do a $5 kids meals 

on Sundays! (There’s a 

playground, too.) 

From the menu, chef 

Mitch recommends his twist 

on nachos – pulled beef and 

blackbeans with chipotle, corn 

chips, guacamole, Danish fetta 

and coriander. 

Members get discounts on 

meals purchased. Membership 

starts from $5.50. 

The club is licensed, with 

no BYO. Bookings online or 

call 9918 2201 – large groups 

welcome. 

Head to Avalon RSL for 

APL Poker Tournaments on 

Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Visit avalonrsl.com.au/ 

bistro-61 

cheeses, fresh buffalo ricotta and 

mozzarella, antipasto platters, sardines 

scapece, Burrata cheese, and traditional 

street food from Napoli. 

While Italian wines by the glass as 

well as an organic selection of wines 

are available, Aperitivo by Pizzico is 

the perfect time to try a classic Italian 

drink, like an Aperol Spritz, Campari, 

Americano, Negroni and Bellini. 

The Pizzico dinner menu will 

continue as normal Tuesdays through 

Saturdays from 6-10pm, with the 

restaurant closed Mondays. 

More info facebook.com / 

pizzicoitaliano or phone 9918 8717. 

60 



Barrenjoey 

Bistro 

Club Palm Beach 

1087 Barrenjoey Rd, 

Palm Beach 

BISTRO OPENING HOURS 

Lunch 11:30am-2.30pm 

Dinner 6pm-8.30pm 

PRICE RANGE 

Lunch and dinner 

specials $13.50 


LIC 

All 

P 

Club Palm Beach, 

conveniently located just a 

short stroll from Palm Beach 

Wharf, celebrates its 60th 

birthday on September 30. 

The Bobby Sox will rock 

from 7pm – but you must 

book! Plus there’s a lamb on a 

spit from 5-8pm ($15pp). 

Head down on Sunday 

October 1 for the NRL Grand 

Final on the big screen. 

Book now for their 

Melbourne Cup celebration on 

Tuesday November 7 with a 

Bucket of Prawns and glass of 

champers (for $26.50pp). 

The Members’ lucky badge 

draw is held Wednesday and 

Friday night (every 30 mins 

between 5pm-7pm), and 

jackpots by $100 each week. 

Wednesday and Sunday 

are meat raffle nights, with a 

whopping 14 trays to be won. 

Enjoy Trivia Night from 

5.30pm on Wednesdays, plus 

Bingo at 10am on Fridays. 

The club’s Barrenjoey 

Bistro is open for lunch 

(11.30am to 2.30pm) and 

dinner (6pm to 8.30pm) seven 

days. The Bistro serves topvalue 

a la carte meals plus 

daily $13.50 specials of roasts 

(Mondays), rump steak with 

chips and salad (Tuesdays), 

chicken schnitzel with chips 

and salad (Wednesdays), 

homemade gourmet pies with 

chips and salad (Thursdays) 

and fish and chips with salad 

(Fridays), except public hols. 

Entrees on the a la carte 

menu range from $10.50 to 

$17.50 (mains $14.50 to $25). 

The club has a courtesy 

bus which meets the 11am 

ferry from Ettalong at the 


Palm Beach Wharf at 11.20am 

daily, returning on request. 

It also makes regular runs 

Wednesdays, Fridays and 

Saturdays from 4.30pm to 

9pm. Ring to book a pick-up. 

Royal Motor 

Yacht Club 

Salt Cove on Pittwater 

46 Prince Alfred 

Parade, Newport 

OPENING HOURS 

Breakfast Lunch & Dinner 

Mon-Fri from 8.30am 

Weekends from 8am 

PRICE RANGE 

Breakfast from $8-$18 

Entrees from $9-$21 

Mains from $16-$26 


LIC 

All 

RMYC’s restaurant Salt 

Cove on Pittwater’s menu 

offers affordable meals and 

P 

generous servings including 

a variety of starters and share 

plates, seafood, burgers, 

grills, salads, desserts and 

woodfired pizza. 

Great Friday night 

entertainment in October kicks 

off in the Lounge Bar from 

7.30pm. Acts appearing include 

Jesse (6th), James Naldo (13th), 

Geoff Kendall (20th) and Keff 

McCulloch (27th). 

Don’t miss The Elton Jack 

Show on Saturday October 21; 

Lance Strauss is celebrating 

25 years of performing this 

awesome tribute to Elton John. 

Book now for the Melbourne 

Cup Luncheon in the Top Deck 

Function Room with a threecourse 

lunch plus champagne 

on arrival and Fashions on the 

Field for $75 per member ($80 

non-members). 

And save the date for the 

2017 Timber Boat Festival on 

November 4-5. 

Trivia is held every Tuesday 

night from 7.30pm (great 

prizes and vouchers). 

Club social memberships 

are available for just $160. 


Dining Guide

Dining Guide 

Dining Guide 

Hong Kong 

Chinese Restaurant 

332 Barrenjoey Rd, 

Newport 

OPENING HOURS 

Dinner Tues-Sun 5pm 

CUISINE 

Chinese & Asian 

PRICE RANGE 

Entrees $5-20 

Mains $12.90-26.50 

*Deliver Whale Beach - Narrabeen 


LIC 

BYO 

All 

Book a table at this 

popular Newport eatery in 

October and your family is 

guaranteed a great night 

out with a feast for the eyes 

and the tastebuds. 

Order ahead for their 

wonderful Peking Duck which 

is offered as a dine-in-only 

special Thursdays through 

Sundays in Spring. 

There are two traditional 

P 

courses: Peking Duck 

pancakes & duck sang choy 

bow (bookings essential; 

mention the ad when you call). 

This long-established 

restaurant on the eastern 

side of Barrenjoey Rd has 

an extensive menu based 

on traditional flavoursome 

Cantonese with touches of 

spicy Szechuan and other 

Asian dishes and fresh 

seasonal vegetables. 

Entrees start at just $6 

while mains are great value 

too, starting at $16.80. 

The menu ranges from 

adventurous, like a Sizzling 

Szechuan-style Platter of 

king prawns and fillets of 

chicken, to contemporary, 

featuring spicy salt and 

pepper king prawns, to 

traditional, with favourites 

including Mongolian lamb, 

Honey king prawns and 

Honey chicken. 

New dishes are introduced 

regularly so make sure you 

check out the blackboard 

specials. 

The team are only too 

happy to home deliver your 

meal, with a range that takes 

in Narrabeen to the south to 

Palm Beach in the north. 

Fully licensed or BYO. 

Sabiang 

Thai Restaurant 

4/49 Old Barrenjoey Rd, 

Avalon 

OPENING HOURS 

Lunch 11.30am – 3pm 7 days 

Dinner 5-10pm 7 days 

CUISINE 

Thai 

PRICE RANGE 

Entrees from $8 

Mains $15-$28 


Sabiang Thai is Avalon 

Beach’s newest dining 

destination – and if you’re 

craving some traditional 

Thai ‘street food’ fare as well 

as hearty curry favourites, 

you’ll come away licking 

your lips at the menu 

View and value at Spring Wed 

Future brides and grooms 

will find everything 

they need to create their 

once-in-a-lifetime wedding 

experience when waterfront 

reception venue Metro 

Mirage Hotel Newport hosts 

its Spring 2017 Wedding Expo 

on Sunday 8 October from 12 

noon to 3pm. 

Overlooking picturesque 

Pittwater, the Bridal Expo 

will include live music, 

sparkling wine and canape 

menu tastings and a range of 

suppliers. 

Marriage celebrants, 

event stylists, florists, 

photographers, wedding 

stationers, make-up artists, 

music and entertainment 

specialists, vintage car hire 

and more will be available 

on site for couples to speak 

with, either to discuss their 

own ideas for their wedding 

or to find out what the 

experts recommend. 

Couples will also be 

given opportunity to view 

a function room fully set 

for a wedding to enable 

them to picture exactly how 

their reception could look, 

and to discuss with expert 

function and catering staff 

the different decorating and 

catering options available. 

It’s the perfect place for 

the bridal party to stay and 

prepare for the wedding, 

and for couples to spend 

their wedding night – when 

you book a package you’ll 

receive a complimentary 

one-night stay on your 

wedding night, with 

French champagne and full 

breakfast in the morning! 

The Hotel offers wedding 

packages from $99 per 

person. Couples who book 

their reception at Metro 



formulated by co-owner Mint 

and team. 

Chef’s specials include 

‘Angry Seafood’ (a spicy 

seafood stir-fry), Pad Cha 

Duck (stir-fried with wild 

ginger, basil, red chilli and 

green peppercorn), and 

‘Heavenly’ Sizzling Beef 

(marinated in sesame oil with 

oyster sauce, onion, shallot 

and roasted sesame seeds). 

Enjoy Larb Chicken Mince 

– which features chicken, 

chillies, toasted rice, onion 

and mint – or the Kana Moo 

Grob, which is a stir-fry 

broccoli dish with oyster sauce 

and garlic. For street food you 

can’t go past the crispy skin 

pork stir fry with green beans, 

red chilli, kaffir lime leaves 

and prik khing sauce. 

Or try their delectable 

seafood dishes including 

whole fried baby barramundi, 

crispy soft shell crab or salt 

and pepper squid. 

Fried rice, noodle dishes, 

curry, and soups are also 

favourites... 

Located near the corner 

ding Expo 

Mirage Hotel Newport at 

the Wedding Expo and pay 

a 10% deposit will receive 

a complimentary round of 

canapes for their big day. 

Metro Mirage Hotel 

Newport is a boutique 

waterfront hotel and event 

centre boasting magnificent 

views from Pittwater to 

Ku-ring-gai National Park. 

It offers three stunning 

waterfront wedding ceremony 

venues – for couples looking 

for something unique and 

spectacular for their wedding. 

The hotel also offers an 

intimate wedding chapel for 

those that prefer an indoor 

ceremony venue. The hotel’s 

experienced functions team 

is well-equipped to help 

couples plan their perfect 

day, while the catering is 

handled through the hotel’s 

restaurant. 

For further information 

on hosting a wedding at 

Metro Mirage Hotel Newport 

phone 9997 71011 or visit 

metrohotels.com.au 


of Old Barrenjoey Road and 

Avalon Parade, Sabiang 

boasts a smart, industrialstyle 

interior with soft 

colours and soothing blackand-white 

wall prints. 

There’s outdoor seating 

too – perfect as the weather 

heats up. Open seven days; 

takeaway pick-up or delivery. 

The Mirage 

Restaurant 

at Metro Hotel 

Mirage Newport 

2 Queens Parade West, 

Newport 

CUISINE 

Modern Australian 

PRICE RANGE 

Breakfast – $25 adults, 

$12.50 kids (5-12) 

Dinner – entrees 

from $7-$17, 

Mains from $21-$30, 

Desserts from $13-$25 


Bookings are now open 

for Christmas lunch at the 

waterside Metro Mirage 

Hotel at Newport. 

Local residents are finding 

the peaceful ambience of The 

Mirage restaurant overlooking 

spectacular Pittwater, the 

perfect waterfront venue to 

enjoy breakfast or dinner. 

Located in boutique Metro 

Hotel Mirage Newport, The 

Mirage restaurant is a popular 

choice for breakfast from 

7-10am seven days a week, 

offering a fixed-price full hot 

and cold buffet, including a 

selection of cereals, seasonal 

fruit and freshly made juice, 

toast and pastries and 

sausages, eggs, has browns, 

bacon and tomato served with 

the Chef’s Special of the day. 

The Mirage restaurant is 

also open for dinner from 

Monday to Saturday from 

5.30 pm – 8.30pm and can 

be hired, along with all the 

hotel’s function rooms, for 

private and corporate events 

of between 60-110 guests. 

The restaurant also offers 

dinner six nights a week 

(Mon-Sat) from 5.30pm. 

Christmas lunch enquiries 

on 9997 7011. 


Dining Guide

Food Life 

For more recipes go to www.janellebloom.com.au 


Recipes: Janelle Bloom Photos: Steve Brown; Benito Martin 

There’s really so much more 

to mince than ‘meats’ the eye! 

It’s no surprise mince is the 

most popular ‘cut’ of meat 

purchased from supermarkets. 

Mince is quick to cook, 

cheap – and very versatile. The 

Pittwater Life team challenged 

me to come up with great new 

ideas using mince that hopefully 

will replace the bolognese 

and appear on your dinner 

table over the coming weeks. 

Meatballs 

Serves 4 

600g beef mince 

½ cup dried breadcrumbs 

30g parmesan, finely grated 

2 tbs shredded fresh basil 

1 egg, lightly beaten 

3 garlic cloves, crushed 

1 tbs plain flour 

3 tbs olive oil 

1 cup long grain rice, rinsed 

1½ cups water 

1 brown onion, finely chopped 

700g jar tomato passata sauce 

1 cup beef stock 

1 cup basil leaves & extra 

grated parmesan, to serve 

1. Combine mince, breadcrumbs, 

parmesan, basil, 

egg and half the garlic in a 

bowl. Season and mix until 

well combined. Roll level 

tablespoons of mixture into 

balls with damp hands. 

2. Scatter flour on a plate, season. 

Roll meatballs in flour 

to coat. Heat one tablespoon 

oil in a large frying pan 

over medium heat. Add half 

meatballs, cook, shaking 

pan often 4-5 minutes until 

browned. Remove to a plate, 

cover keep warm. Repeat 

with oil and remaining meatballs. 

3. Meanwhile, put the rice and 

water in a medium saucepan. 

Bring to the boil. Reduce heat 

to low, cover and simmer 

for 12-15 minutes until small 

craters form in surface of 

the rice. Remove from heat. 

Stand covered for 5 minutes. 

4. Heat remaining oil in a large 

saucepan over medium heat. 

Add onion and remaining 

garlic, cook, 5 minutes until 

soft. Add passata sauce and 

stock, bring to the boil. 

Simmer 10 minutes until 

thickened slightly. Add the 

meatballs, cook 5-8 minutes 

or until meatballs cooked 

through. 

5. Stir the rice through the 

meatballs and sauce. Stir 

through basil leaves and season. 

Scatter over parmesan 

and serve. 

Mexican chicken and 

tomato quiche 

Serves 6 


300g chicken mince 

1½ tbs taco seasoning 

1 leek, halved lengthways, 

thinly sliced 

1 large tomato, diced 

1 tbs chopped coriander 

¾ cup grated tasty cheese 

3 eggs 

300ml carton pouring cream 

Fresh coriander & lime to serve, 

optional 

Pastry 

1½ cups plain flour 

125g butter, chilled, cubed 

1 egg yolk 

2-3 tbs chilled water 

1. For the pastry, combine flour 

and butter in a food processor. 

Process until mixture 

resembles breadcrumbs. Add 

egg yolk and 2 tablespoons 

water. Process until pastry 

just comes together in one 

ball, adding remaining water 

if necessary. Turn onto lightly 

floured surface. Knead gently 

until smooth. Press into a 

15cm round. Wrap in greaseproof 

paper. Refrigerate until 

firm enough to roll out. 

2. Preheat oven and large flat 

tray to 200°C fan forced. 

Roll the pastry out between 

baking paper to fit base and 



with Janelle Bloom 

sides of a 2½ cm deep 25cm 

(base) fluted loose-bottom 

tin. Trim the edges. Pierce the 

base of the raw pastry with a 

fork 6 times. Line with baking 

paper. Half fill the pastry with 

baking beans or dried rice. 

Place the tart onto the hot 

tray, bake 15 minutes until 

set. Remove the paper and 

weights and bake a further 

15-20 minutes until light 

golden. Reduce oven 180°C. 

3. Meanwhile, heat oil in nonstick 

frying pan on mediumhigh 

heat. Add the mince 

and seasoning, cook stirring 

4 minutes until mince has 

changed colour. Add leek and 

cook a further 2 minutes until 

leek is soft. Set aside to cool 

completely. 

4. Spread mince mixture over 

pastry base. Top with tomato, 

coriander and cheese. Beat 

eggs, cream and salt and 

pepper in a jug with a fork. 

Pour over cheese. Bake 25-30 

minutes or until set in centre. 

Stand 10 minutes before cutting 

into pieces. Serve with 

coriander and lime. 

Janelle’s Tip: You can use 

frozen shortcrust pastry 

sheets if you don’t want to 

make your own pastry. 

Meatloaf 

Serves 4 (with leftovers 

for lunch) 

1 cup couscous 

½ cup water 

12 slices prosciutto 


1 brown onion, finely chopped 

2 garlic cloves, crushed 

400g veal mince 

400g pork mince 

1 carrot, grated 

1 zucchini, grated 

100g roasted capsicum, 

chopped 

60g semi dried tomatoes, finely 

chopped 

¼ cup chopped stuffed olives 

Tomato or beetroot relish, to 

serve 

1. Place the couscous in a large 

heatproof bowl. Pour over 

½ cup boiling water. Cover 

and stand for 5 minutes until 

couscous has absorbed water. 

Remove the cover, drizzle 

over 1 tablespoon olive oil 

and stir gently with a fork to 

separate the grains. Set aside 

to cool. 

Janelle’s Tip: The 

couscous absorbs all 

the meatloaf juices, 

preventing meatloaf 

from tasting dry. 

to a large bowl, set aside 5 

minutes cool slightly. 

4. Add the mince, vegetables, 

olives to the couscous; season. 

Use clean hands to mix 

until well combined. Press 

mixture into loaf pan, folding 

the prosciutto over to cover. 

Bake for 40-50 minutes or 

until firm in the centre. Stand 

in the pan for 10 minutes 

before turning out. Slice and 

serve with chutney. 

Pizza Scrolls 

Makes 10 


½ small onion, grated 

150g beef mince 

1/3 cup pizza sauce 

80g thinly sliced mild salami 

1/3 cup pitted olives, chopped 

1 cup grated tasty cheese 

Extra finely grated tasty 

cheese, to serve 

Dough 

2¼ cups self-raising flour, plus 

extra for dusting 

1 tsp sea salt flakes 

75g cold butter, chopped 

½ cup finely grated parmesan 

¾ cup milk 

1. Preheat oven 180°C fan 

forced. Grease and line a 

22cm round cake tin. Heat 

oil in a small frying pan over 

medium heat. Add onion, 

cook stirring 3 minutes until 

soft. Increase heat to high, 

add mince, cook stirring 5 

minutes until mince changes 

colour. Transfer to a bowl, set 

aside to cool. 

2. For the dough, combine 

the flour, salt and butter 

in a large bowl. Use your 

fingertips to rub butter into 

flour to form fine crumbs. Stir 

in parmesan. Make a well in 

the centre. Add milk. Gently 

stir with a butter knife, until 

dough comes together, adding 

more milk if necessary to 

form a soft dough. 

3. Turn out onto a lightly floured 

bench. Gently knead until 

dough is smooth. Roll out 

to a 25cm x 35cm rectangle. 

Stir the pizza sauce into the 

mince mixture then spoon 

over the dough, leaving a 

1cm border around edges. 

Top with salami, olives and 

cheese. 

4. Starting from one long 

side, roll up dough firmly to 

enclose filling. Trim ends. 

Cut into 10 equal slices. Arrange 

in the cake tin. Bake for 

about 35-40 minutes, or until 

golden. Serve warm or at 

room temperature sprinkled 

with extra cheese. 



2. Preheat oven to 180°C fan 

forced. Grease the base and 

sides of a 7cm deep, 7cm x 

25cm (base) loaf pan. Line 

the pan with prosciutto, 

allowing slight overhang on 

both long sides. 

3. Heat oil in a small frying pan 

over medium heat. Add onion 

and garlic and cook 3-4 

minutes until soft. Transfer 

Janelle’s Tip: 

Scrolls are best 

eaten on the day 

they are made. 




In Season 

Passionfruit 

Whether eaten straight 

from the shell or 

drizzled over a sweet pavlova, 

nothing says warm weather 

like passionfruit. Australian 

passionfruit thou available 

all year, peaks at the start of 

winter and summer. 

Buying 

Ripe passionfruit should feel 

heavy for its size and the skin 

should be slightly soft to the 

touch. Avoid those with mold 

forming around the stalk or 

really wrinkled. 

Storage 

Keep the fruit in a bowl out 

of direct sunlight for 1 to 

2 days, as they dehydrate 

quickly. They will keep in 

the fridge for up to 2 weeks. 

You can also freeze the pulp 

or the whole fruit for up to 

12 months. 

Nutrition 

Passionfruit are a good 

source of fibre and vitamin 

C. They are low in KJ only 

55kj per serve. 

Also In Season 

October 

Bananas, Blueberries, 

Strawberries, Grapefruit, 

Australian Valencia 

Oranges, Passionfruit 

& Pineapples. Also 

Avocado, Asparagus, 

Asian Greens, Broad and 

Green Beans; Beetroot, 

Cucumber, Australian 

Garlic, Fennel, Peas and 

Zucchini. 

Grow your own 

Many factors contribute to the 

development of plump and 

luscious passionfruit. Here 

are some top tips for transforming 

passionfruit flowers 

into tasty fruit (from Aussie 

Passionfruit grower Nick 

Hornery). 

n Fertilise your plant with 

Seasol or granular fertiliser 

approximately every 6-8 

weeks. 

n Hand-pollinate your passionfruit 

to encourage the 

fruiting process. This can 

be done using a paintbrush 

by collecting pollen from 

the stamen of one flower 

and spreading it to the pistil 

of another flower on the 

vine. 

n Plant fragrant flowers such 

as lavender near your vine 

to attract more bees to help 

pollination. 

n Plant your vine in a sunny 

spot, and run the vine from 

north to south to ensure 

optimal sunlight. 

n If you’re planting a purple 

variety, do so in spring so it 

has time to grow stronger 

before the winter chill sets 

in. 

n Passionfruit vines can take 

anywhere between 5 – 18 

months to fruit, depending 

on variety and conditions 

however they usually develop 

fruit within a year. 

passionfruitaustralia.org.au 

Passionfruit cream sponge cake 

Serves 8 

1 cup wheaten cornflour 

1 tsp cream of tartar 

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 

4 eggs, at room temperature 

¾ cup caster sugar 

300ml thickened cream, 

whipped 

1 passionfruit, halved 

Passionfruit icing 

1½ cups icing sugar 

2 tsp butter 

1 passionfruit, halved 

high speed in a mix master 

until thick and creamy, 

about 5 minutes. Using a 

large metal spoon, gently 

fold in sifted flour mixture 

until just combined. Divide 

mixture among cake pans. 

Bake for 15 minutes or until 

a skewer inserted into the 

centre comes out clean. 

Stand in cake pan 5 minutes 

before turning onto a 

wire rack to cool. 

3. Place 1 sponge cake onto 

serving plate or cake stand. 

Spread over the cream, 

drizzle with passionfruit. 

Sandwich together with 

remaining sponge. 

4. For the passionfruit icing, 

sift icing sugar in a small 

1. Preheat oven 180°C fan 

forced. Grease and line 

bases of two 22cm round 

cake pans. Sift the cornflour, 

and enough passionfruit to until icing is a spreadable 

cream of tartar and bicarbonate 

forms a thick paste. Place consistency. Spread icing 

of soda together twice. 

bowl over a saucepan of over sponge and allow to 

2. Beat eggs and sugar on 

heatproof bowl, add butter simmering water and stir set before serving. 



Pittwater Puzzler 

Compiled by David Stickley 

25 The YC in RPAYC (5,4) 

27 Swag; book by British writer Roald 

Dahl (7) 

28 The ability to endure prolonged 

physical or mental strain (7) 

29 Beach at the lower end of the 

Northern Beaches (4,4) 

30 Draw back, as with fear or pain (6) 

ACROSS 

1 Bill, a 40-year member of the RPAYC (6) 

4 Important people in the business 

world (8) 

9 A person who grows, makes or 

invents things (7) 

11 Essential breakfast appliance for 

some (7) 

12 Newport _________ Trailblazers 2017 

will be curated by Sydney Art Space 

starting the end of October (9) 

13 Quick-moving, nimble, active (5) 

14 An account of one’s education, 

qualifications, previous occupations, 

etc. (6) 

16 The leading or most impressive 

element in an enterprise or 

organisation (8) 

18 Newport and Newport Beach’s is 

2106 (8) 

21 Of first importance; fundamental (6) 

24 Name given to roads Capri, Elgata 

and Coral in Avalon Beach (5) 

DOWN 

1 Piece of lamb no doubt available 

from Avalon Village Meats (9) 

2 Witten orders directing a bank to 

pay money (7) 

3 Ease off (3,2) 

5 A greyish-fawn colour flecked with 

brown (7) 

6 A family fun day will be held at this 

park on October 14 in support of the 

Newport Public School P&C (9) 

7 Whiskery, slimy, eel-like sea creature 

(7) 

8 Shot on show at the Kitchener Park 

Tennis Courts (5) 

10 A mixture of fat (especially butter) 

and flour used in making sauces etc. 

(4) 

15 Australian electoral division that 

covers the Pittwater area (9) 

16 A fixed charge for a privilege or 

for professional services (3) 

17 The northern start of Sydney’s 

Great Coastal Walk (4,5) 

19 Abbreviate (7) 

20 Service provided by Making a 

Difference at Oceana, for example 

(3,4) 

22 A thousand thousands (7) 

23 High cards usually (4) 

24 A light yellowish-brown colour (5) 

26 The next open studio weekend 

by The Pittwater Artists _____ starts 

October 14 (5) 

[Solution page 70] 

Pittwater Puzzler 



Garden Life 


Looking further afield to 

inspire and excite senses with Gabrielle Bryant 

Every gardener loves the 

challenge of something 

new. A trip to a garden 

centre can be frustrating; the 

plants are the same, week in, 

week out – ditto the hedging, 

bordering and potted colour. 

To find something different 

make sure that you go to 

garden shows and open days. 

There you will find plants that 

are almost forgotten. They 

may not be perfectly presented 

and uniformly grown but 

they will be the plants that are 

grown by small growers in an 

old-fashioned way. It is always 

fun to find something new. 

Last month I went to the 

Rosehill Garden Show and was 

delighted to find a plant that I 

had never come across before. 

It is planted in my garden 

and I am longing to see the 

results. Syneilesis aconitifolia, 

commonly called the Shredded 

Umbrella Plant. I have planted 

it in the garden in a shaded 

position under a tree. 

This is a plant that comes 

from Korea. It grows to about 

40cm. It is a shade-loving 

member of the aster family 

and has a white flower 

in autumn but I am growing 

it for its foliage, a clump of 

pale dusty grey leaves that 

will fill out under the shade. 

Herbaceous, it will die down 

in winter to reappear bigger 

and better next spring. (Look 

carefully through stalls and 

you will always find something 

that will take your attention!) 

Banking on Royal Mantle 

Roadside banks can be hard to cover. No plant will do the job 

better than a prostrate grevillea. Grevillea Royal Mantle is an 

old favourite that is hard to beat. 

It will grow in full sun or semi-shade, it will tolerate dampness 

and it thrives in the dry. It flowers in spring, spot flowers 

throughout the summer and carpets the ground with thick dense 

dark green leaves that complement the bright crimson toothbrush 

flowers. 

Other prostrate grevilleas are Bronze Rambler that has dark 

bronze new foliage; the fast-growing Gaudichaudi that has more 

height; the smaller-growing, softer-leaved Mt Tambouritha with 

delicate pink spider flowers; and obtusifolia Gingin Gem whose 

bright green grassy foliage shows off the scarlet flowers that 

appear in late winter and early spring. There are many more new 

wonderful varieties that have been developed by plant breeders, 

but these older varieties are sure to thrive. 

Local Giant Spear Lily 

Doryanthe is a family unique 

to the east coast. There 

are two varieties: doryanthus 

excelsa (Gymea Lily), and doryanthus 

palmerii, the Giant Spear 

Lily. Both grow in huge rosettes 

of tall, spear-shaped leaves that 

can reach two metres. 

These majestic plants have 

become a landscaper’s delight 

for pots, rockeries, feature 

plants and main road median 

strips. They may take up to 10 

years to flower from seed, but 

the wait is worth it. The Gymea 

lily grows naturally around the 

Hawkesbury coastline and up 

into the Central Coast district, 

while its cousin the Giant Spear 

lily grows further up the coast in 

warmer climates. 

It can be seen in Sydney but 

will not take any frost or cold 

winter temperatures. The flowers 

are loved by florists and 

home decorators alike. Until 

they flower the plants are very 

similar. The Gymea Lily sends up 

a tall rosette of hot red trumpet 

flowers on a single stem that 



Easy ball 

hanging 

baskets 

This summer, we are 

told, will be hot and dry. 

Hanging baskets will need 

a lot of water and care. So, 

try making a hanging ball of 

succulents that will be easycare 

and drought-tolerant. 

Use the smallest hanging 

baskets, as the weight will 

be considerable. Fill both 

baskets’ rims with goodquality 

potting mix. Add 

some slow-release fertiliser 

and some sphagnum moss to 

hold the moisture, and water 

well. Wet soil will stay in the 

basket better when you join 

the two halves together. 

Once full, cover one basket 

with a sheet of baking paper 

or plastic wrap. Very carefully 

turn the basket and place it 

upside down over the other 

one. Once in place, slide the 

paper or plastic from the 

middle. With cable ties or 

wire, join the two halves of 

your ball. The soil inside will 

compact down, so cut a small 

hole in the top and carefully 

fill the cavity with additional 

potting mix. (A chopstick is 

the ideal implement to pack 

it in.) 

If the hanging chains 

provided are not long 

enough reconnect them on 

wires that are at the top side 

of the ball. 

Now you are ready to 

plant. With a sharp knife, or 

a Stanley knife, cut a small 

hole in the fibre liner where 

you want to insert a cutting 

or seedling. The fibres are 

tough; once you have made 

a hole cut a “V” shape with 

small scissors above the 

hole, just large enough 

to poke the seedling into 

its new home. Use your 

chopstick to firm it in. The 

top half is easy but the 

lower seedlings need to be 

supported with thin wire 

until the roots take hold. 

The plant selection is up 

to you. If you have time to 

water daily, you can choose 

from sun-loving seedlings 

of lobelia, petunias, seaside 

daisies, white alyssum, 

violet scaevola, pink 

nemesias or other trailing 

plants. In semi-shade try 

impatiens or dichondra, 

native orchids or native 

violets… although nothing 

is easier than a succulent 

ball that will not mind if you 

miss a day of watering. 

Hang your new basket 

where it can be admired 

by everyone – and watch it 

grow. 

A month of maintenance 

for beautiful bottlebrush 

Long sunny days and still 

no rain as I write. Spring 

has arrived with strong 

winds and clear blue skies 

and our wildflowers and 

native shrubs are bursting 

into colour. October is 

the month that the bottlebrushes 

(callistemons) 

flower in every colour, from 

the palest cream to pinks, 

lavenders, scarlet and deep 

burgundy. Bottlebrushes 

have been bred and hybridised 

so that there is one for 

every situation. 

There are tiny dwarf plants 

that grow no more than 

50cm, to tall, weeping street 

trees that fill with lorikeets 

as the brushes open. Some 

weep with bright green new 

growth and others are stiff 

and erect in form. 

All bottlebrushes respond 

to regular pruning; they look 

good as individual trees 

and specimen shrubs or 

clipped into hedges. Once 

the brushes fade remove the 

spent flowers otherwise the 

stems will have bald lengths 

between the leaves. A word 

of warning: take care to keep 

the earth under the branches 

clean and clear of litter, as 

this can harbour ticks. 


can be 6m high. 

The Giant Spear lily produces 

a huge, single stem that droops, 

displaying a long bough of 

glorious red trumpets that can 

be easily seen from below. Every 

gardener will be thrilled to see 

the flower after a wait of many 

years. Doryanthes require little 

maintenance. Remove any old 

woody spent flower spikes and 

wait as the new side shoots 

increase the size of the clump. 

(Thanks to Trilby Bond from 

Mona Vale who sent this amazing 

pic of a nine-year-old doryanthes 

palmerii in her garden.) 





Jobs this Month 

October 

It has been a long cold dry 

winter. Check hoses and 

sprinklers to be ready for the 

summer to come. Rejuvenate 

the garden by turning the soil, 

trimming plants as you go. 

Then mulch with cow manure 

or garden compost. Water in 

with a wetting agent to let the 

water and fertilisers penetrate 

the dry earth. 

Ṫhink ahead 

Dahlia and hippeastrums are 

on the bulb and perennial 

stands now. Nothing is more 

fun than watching dormant 

plants appear as the weather 

warms up. Also, it is hard to 

find plants that like it hot and 

dry. Look for a grafted Emu 

bush, Eremophyla nivea, the 

pale silvery foliage and lilac 

flowers will be a highlight in 

any seaside garden. 

Set a bait 

Hang a Cera Trap fruit fly bait 

in the veggie garden to protect 

your tomatoes and fruit crops. 

You can buy them at garden 

centres or on line from Organic 

Crop Protectants. 

Seek protection 

Leaf miner can totally disfigure 

your citrus trees; hang a 

leaf miner trap in the tree and 

Beekeeper 

spray regularly with Eco Oil. 

Time spent with protection 

now will be well rewarded in 

summer. 

Be fire ready 

Clean gutters and clear away 

litter from the house, keep a 

hose handy and be prepared 

for the bushfire season ahead. 

Xmas planning 

Plant pots and borders with 

colourful seedlings to flower 

in time for Christmas. Petunias, 

marigolds, dianthus, lobelia, 

nasturtiums, ageratum, 

vinca, alyssum, verbena and 

zinnias can all go in now. 

G 

one are the days of arsenic and DDT 

to control insect damage that not only 

killed harmful insect life but beneficial 

bugs and bees as well. Now it is the job 

of every gardener to encourage back the 

bees, insects and as a consequence the 

birds, lizards and wildlife as well. 

Every year new products are released to 

improve the sustainability of our gardens. 

The most outstanding new one is ‘Beekeeper’, 

made by Amgrow. Beekeeper is a 

liquid spray that will entice the bees back 

into your garden. It is made of Honey 

Bee-attractant fragrances and controlledrelease 

formulation aids. It will attract the bees who will in turn 

improve the pollination and yield of all flowering crops. 

On trend at 

Wirreanda 

While screening and 

hedging plants are 

always in demand, the trend 

over the past few years has 

been for growing natives, 

especially the long flowering 

hybrids now available. 

Tropical gardens and the 

more traditional Bush 

Tucker plants are also proving 

popular. 

You’ll find all needs at 

Wirreanda Nursery, a traditional, 

family-owned and 

operated nursery situated 

just off Mona Vale Road in 

Ingleside. Uniquely run as 

both a retail and trade nursery 

and established over 

30 years ago, they are well 

known for growing quality 

plants, giving professional 

advice and providing friendly, 

personalised service. 

Specialising in natives, 

but also stocking a full 

range of exotic plants, horticulturists 

are available seven 

days a week to help with 

advice on plant care and 

selection. A plant sourcing 

service is also available 

(more info ad p19). – NW 

Crossword solution from page 67 

Mystery location: BILGOLA HEAD 



Times Past 

From 

‘Farrells 

Beach’ 

to 2106 

The story of early 

Newport and the Farrell 

family is so closely 

enmeshed as to be almost 

inseparable. 

In his excellent book ‘The 

Newport Story’ Guy Jennings 

regarded the Farrells as 

Newport’s founding family. 

Some early locals and writers 

even referred to the beach 

as ‘Farrell’s Beach’ and the 

lagoon, which flowed to the 

beach behind the eastern side 

of Barrenjoey Road and under 

the present Bramley Avenue 

car park, Farrell’s Lagoon. In 

fact, there were three Farrell 

family members, all called 

John – and none of them had 

a middle name! 

John Farrell arrived in June 

1813 on board the ‘Fortune’ 

as a convict to serve 14 years’ 

transportation for “knowingly 

having a forged banknote in 

his possession”. 

The second John Farrell was 

known as John Junior and the 

third simply as Johnny. 

Governor Macquarie 

granted John Farrell a ‘ticket 

of leave’ and he promptly 

married Martha Hughes in 

the first St Mary’s Church on 

March 1821. John and Martha 

bore four children: Hannah, 

Daniel, Mary Ann and John 

junior. 

Farrell purchased a 30-acre 

grant in Newport in July 

1822; at the time it was in the 

possession of Martin Burke. 

Two years later he added 

an adjoining property of 40 

acres. At the end of October 

1826, Farrell had 18 acres 

cleared, nine of those planted 

out with wheat. He had 93 


head of horned cattle, two 

mares, two colts, 18 pigs and 

a ‘logged house’ (photographs 

show it as a vertical slab 

building) worth about 40 

pounds. 

Surprisingly, the family 

spent much of the early 1820s 

in their house in Macquarie 

Street, Sydney (valued at 

the time about 100 pounds). 

Farrell had several assigned 

convicts taking care of his 

Newport Beach property. 

John died in November 

1851 and left the farm to his 

son John junior, who in turn 

left it to his son Johnny in 

1889 who ran the farm until 

he died (from a stroke) in 

1933. 

Early locals recalled the 

‘cow cemetery’ as the early 

name given to the Avalon 

Beach golf course. Farrell’s 

cattle were free to roam ‘far 

and wide’ and took a fancy 

to the pineapple-looking 

fruit of the Burrawang Palms 

(Macrozamia), especially in 

Bilgola Valley. By the time 

they reached the golf course 

Rickets (also known as the 

‘Zamia staggers’ in cattle) had 

deprived them of the use of 

their back legs and there they 

perished. 

TIMES PAST is supplied 

by local historian 

and President of the 

Avalon Beach Historical 

Society GEOFF SEARL. 

Visit the Society’s 

showroom in Bowling 

Green Lane, Avalon 

Beach. 


Times Past

Travel Life 


Crystal’s ‘All Exclusive’ hallmark 

for uncommon travel excellence 

If your ideal travel brief 

encompasses elegant, 

enriching journeys by ocean, 

river and private air, Crystal hits 

the mark with its revolutionary 

collection of uncommon travel 

experiences that go far beyond 

all-inclusive luxury. 

“Crystal have introduced ‘All 

Exclusive’ – an entirely new 

standard of travel born of a 

singular passion for innovative 

excellence,” said Travel View’s 

Karen Robinson. 

“Modern and sophisticated, 

yet infused with a classic 

heritage, All Exclusive is defined 

by a stunningly stylish fleet of 

extraordinary-design, epic land 

adventures and a level of sixstar 

service simply unrivalled in 

luxury travel today.” 

Karen said Crystal catered 

to myriad travel preferences 

through an impressive 

offering including: 

Crystal Cruises 

Crystal’s two oceangoing 

ships – Crystal 

Symphony and Crystal 

Serenity – are the stewards 

of the line’s awardwinning 

reputation, 

boasting some of the 

highest space-per-guest 

ratios in the industry. 

“These award-winning 

ships sail on world-wide 

voyages visiting Europe, 

Alaska, The Pacific and 

The Americas,” said Karen. 

“Onboard amenities include 

numerous exceptional dining 

venues including specialty 

restaurants by Master Chef 

Nobu Matsuhisa (pictured); 

Feng Shui-inspired spa and 

full-service salon; enriching 

onboard programming and 

entertainment; and innovative 

optional Crystal Adventures 

ashore, many of which are 

exclusively available to Crystal 

Cruises guests.” 

Crystal River Cruises 

The launch of Crystal Mozart 

in 2016 heralded the debut 

of Crystal River Cruises. On 

roundtrip Vienna voyages 

exploring the Danube River, 

Crystal Mozart hosts just 154 

privileged guests in luxurious, 

all-suite, butler-serviced accommodations. 

“Here Michelin 

star-inspired farm-to-table cuisine, 

expansive social spaces 

and an unparalleled range of 

all-inclusive amenities and 

services are complemented by 

a curated collection of Crystal 

Complimentary adventures 

onshore and a Crystal Signature 

Event on every voyage,” 

said Karen. 

Crystal Bach and Crystal 

Mahler, the first two of 

Crystal’s four Rhine Class sister 

ships have now also set sail. 

“All-suite Crystal Bach and 

Crystal Mahler offer the 

largest luxury suites of 

any European river ship, 

creating the perfect 

sanctuary for guests, 

with plush king-size 

beds facing Panoramic 

Balcony-windows, walkin 

closets, dual vanity 

in the bathrooms, ETRO 

robes and slippers, 

wall-mounted flat-screen 

HD televisions and 

Nespresso machines.” 

Crystal Yacht 

Expedition Cruises 

Designed for curious, intrepid 

travellers, the 62-guest Crystal 

Esprit offers thrilling adventures 

and an intimate connection 

to some of the world’s most 

remote destinations. With its 

high-tech marina platform 

and two-person submarine for 

optional adventure, their sporty, 

all-suite expedition yacht sails 

the waters of the West Indies 

and Europe’s Adriatic. 

Karen said Crystal continues 

to introduce exciting new ways 

to see the world. “They remain 

committed to a hallmark of 

excellence — service, space, 

quality and choices — with 

a refined ‘All Exclusive’ twist 

that is aimed at delivering 

you moments of a lifetime all 

day, every day of your travel 

experience.” 

* More info crystalcruises. 

com or contact Travel View 

Cruise View on 9918 4444 or 

9999 0444. 





Unlock the mysterious 

kingdom of Myanmar 

Out-of-the-ordinary 

departures aboard Cruiseco the serenity of picturesque 

destinations are becoming Explorer departing 15 and 22 Kandawgyi Park and the 

increasingly popular with 

travellers, as more and more 

vacationers look to tick the box 

of achieving broader cultural 

and spiritual experiences. 

Myanmar is one such 

destination – with Cruiseco’s 

11-night luxury river cruise 

between Mandalay and Yangon 

(Prome) enabling guests to 

glimpse one of most unspoilt 

destinations in the world. 

Sailing along the waters of 

Irrawaddy, Upper Irrawaddy 

and Chindwin Rivers, you’ll 

immerse in the rich culture and 

beautiful scenery of Myanmar 

whilst embracing the traditional 

lifestyle. 

Cruiseco is offering guests 

$500 per person savings 

on two exclusive Myanmar 

March 2018. (Carrying just 58 

guests across three decks, the 

luxurious Cruiseco Explorer is 

a hotel-style passenger ship.) 

“It’s a fascinating adventure,” 

said Travel View’s Sharon 

Godden. “Highlights include 

Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home 

to the exquisite 70-metre-long 

reclining Buddha; Bagan’s 

authentic local markets which 

sell a variety of wood carvings, 

fabrics and rattan products; 

and Mandalay Hill, where 

guests can enjoy panoramic 

views of the voyage.” 

Sharon said guests would 

also explore the lush teak 

forests of ancient Yangon and 

sample Mandalay’s impressive 

mix of classic and modern 

culture, as well as soak up 

glittering gold pagodas and 

temples of Myanmar. 

“Your evenings will feature 

tantalising cuisine, enchanting 

local entertainment and 

service from a crew that’s 

ever-attentive,” she promised. 

The reduced rate Cruiseco 

Explorer package starts from 

$5,299 per person, twin share, 

in a French Balcony Main Deck 

cabin with floor to ceiling 

windows for optimum viewing. 

Price includes 

return Economy Class 

airfare from Sydney; sevennight 

luxury cruise between 

Mandalay and Yangon, including 

on-board gratuities, soft 

drinks, local beers, wine, daily 

breakfast, lunch and dinner 

(as specified); deluxe hotel 

accommodation with two 

nights at Mandalay Hill Resort 

in Mandalay; two nights at the 

five-star Sule Shangri-La Hotel 

in Yangon; extensive sightseeing 

with expert local guides; 

plus all transfers. 

Conditions apply – offer 

valid for a limited time only 

or until sold out; alternate 

departures are 26 October and 

2 November 2017 and 1 and 8 

February, 2018. 

* Want to know more? 

Contact exclusive Cruiseco 

member Travel View Cruise 

View on 9630 4931.

Pittwater Life October 2017 Issue

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