Pittwater Life July 2017 Issue

Celebrating 25 Years
MONA VALE RD
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JULY 2017
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Editorial
Angst over Newport solution
Last month we broke the news
of the schedule of services
for the State Government’s new
B-Line public transport upgrade
– and also Newport’s selection
as the terminus point.
This month we focus on the
response of residents groups.
In short: they don’t like it.
They say it’s inferior to existing
services. And if it has to
proceed, they are unanimous
that Newport is not the right
spot for such a large commuter
hub, and that it should instead
radiate out of Mona Vale.
Despite assurances to the
contrary from the government,
they fear the streetscape at
Newport will be ripped up, with
designated ‘in’ and ‘out’ bus
lanes installed. Pave paradise,
put up a parking lot-type stuff.
Newport Surf Life Saving
Club don’t want it on their
doorstep, or in their car park.
It’s not our job to pass
judgment. We’re here to report
the facts, as presented. Which is
what we’ll continue to do.
That said, we think the
government and residents
groups should take on board
the suggestion of a Newport
local who contacted us to
recommend a survey be taken
of commuters who use the
buses every day. But we’ll go
further and say it should be an
independent survey, to avoid
accusations of bias.
The B-Line is scheduled for
the end of 2017; the clock is
ticking...
* * *
If you took advantage of the
Northern Beaches Council’s
free ‘Chemical Cleanout’
service at the Mona Vale Beach
car park over the last weekend
in June chances are you, like
us, were impressed with how
smoothly it all ran.
Ratepayers turned up, stayed
in their cars while a friendly
team opened boots and sorted
through myriad paint tins and
other accumulated chemical
hoarding. Easy. Full marks.
– Nigel Wall
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 3

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Email:
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Publisher: Nigel Wall
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Vol 26 No 12
Celebrating 25 Years
Celebrating 25 Years
MONA VALE RD
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thislife
COVER: The decision to site the terminus for the new
B-Line bus service at Newport has divided the Pittwater
community – read who is for and who is against (p10);
the much-needed Mona Vale Road overhaul is no longer a
pipe dream (p8); it’s Plastic-Free July – but read of the local
initiatives aimed at reducing plastic use and making an
eco-difference every day (p21); catch up on this month’s
Pittwater Community News (p22); learn some great new
home and living style trends, perfect for the beaches
(p29); and entertain friends and family at home with a
‘Christmas in July’ feast. COVER IMAGE: Gabriel Scanu.
also this month
Editorial 3
Pittwater Community News 8-25
Life Stories: Margaret Molloy 26-27
Northern Beaches Living 29-37
Art Life 38-39
Surfing Life 40-41
Sporting Life 42
Health & Wellbeing; Hair & Beauty 45-51
Money & Finance 52-55
Law 56-57
Trades & Services 58-60
Food: Christmas In July 64-66
Gardening Life 68-70
Travel Life 72-74
the goodlife
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4 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

News
Mona Vale Rd East upgrade
to kickstart inside 12 months
Delivery of the new
Mona Vale Road East
upgrade is scheduled in
2020 following the State
Government’s budget confirmation
of full funding
for the project and the announcement
of the tender
process which will see
the successful contractor
jackhammer the first piece
of tar within 12 months.
The announcement of
$150 million for the East section
will be welcomed by peakhour
commuters left frustrated
by the choking traffic heading
in and out of Pittwater via the
western arterial road.
The announcement is the culmination
of six years of planning
and essential preliminary
works which have included
geotechnical and sensitive
environmental studies, plus
planning approvals and design
refinements as well as changes
to State Park boundaries.
Pittwater MP Rob Stokes said
expenditure for the East project
in the State Government’s
2017/18 Budget totalled $17.5
million – but more importantly
the balance of funds had been
provided in forward estimates.
Key features of the 3.2km
eastern section, between Foley
Street at Mona Vale to Manor
Road at Ingleside, include the
upgrade from a two-lane undivided
road (one lane in each
direction) to a four-lane dived
road (two lanes each direction).
Provision has also been made
for a heavy vehicle arrester
bed, central concrete median
divider, additional lanes for
climbing and descending,
improved wildlife connectivity
and a signalised intersection at
Ponderosa Pde.
Additional funding has also
been allocated to complete preliminary
works for the western
section of the project.
“Confirmation of construction
funding is fantastic news,”
Mr Stokes said. “With the
planning works completed,
we’re now able to proceed to the
construction phase, with the
successful contractor expected
to commence before July 2018.”
Mr Stokes added that an additional
$2 million had been set
aside to introduce traffic flow
improvements at the intersection
of Mona Vale Road and
Forest Way at Terrey Hills.
“This separate ‘Pinch Point’
project includes the construction
of a third westbound lane
on Mona Vale Road to
help reduce congestion,”
he said.
The complementary
project would include
road widening, additional
lanes and extending turning
bays.
However, not everyone
is happy with the details
and funding of the East
upgrade, with outspoken
Mona Vale resident Mark
Horton calling it “a job done on
the cheap”.
“Compare this to the addition
of $137 million for the Warringah
Road upgrade which has
already attracted $500 millionplus
and you get an idea of the
low priority,” he said.
“There will still be that
steep climb as better, more
expensive, options were never
intended. And road works will
follow the existing corridor and
not involve separation, as in the
Terrey Hills to St Ives stretch.
“It is claimed that the
upgrade is because of the
accidents and deaths on that
stretch. The real reason is to
improve road access between
Mona Vale and the planned Ingleside
development. Why nothing
for the Wakehurst Parkway
access to the new hospital?”
Mr Horton added: “Thankfully
safety concerns have been
addressed with the inclusion of
a sand-and-gravel arrestor pit.”
– Nigel Wall
The story
so far…
May 2011 Funds allocated
to commence environmental
and geotechnical studies.
Oct 2012 Route options
published for Mona Vale Road
West.
May 2013 Funds allocated to
develop upgrade options for
Mona Vale Road East.
Aug 2013 Route selected for
Mona Vale Road West.
March 2014 Interim road
widening works announced
for Mona Vale Road East.
Oct 2014 Concept plans
published for Mona Vale Road
East & West.
Dec 2014 Interim road
widening works completed
for Mona Vale Road East.
Aug 2015 Planning
approvals received for Mona
Vale Road East.
Jan 2016 Design
refinements published for
Mona Vale Road East.
May 2016 Legislation passes
NSW Parliament to amend
boundaries of Ku-ring-gai
Chase and Garigal National
Parks to facilitate Mona Vale
Road West.
June 2016 Funds allocated
for Mona Vale Road East preconstruction
works.
Feb 2017 Design refinements
published for Mona Vale Road
West.
May 2017 Detailed road
design undertaken for Mona
Vale Road East.
June 2017 Funds allocated
to commence construction of
Mona Vale Road East.
* NSW Lib Govt elected March 2011
8 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Special Report
Newport: To ‘B’ or not to ‘B’
News
The terminus for the State
Government’s new $500
million B-Line bus service
remains up in the air after disillusioned
residents and community
groups based north of
Mona Vale agreed to reject the
‘Newport solution’ and resolved
to push for the service to radiate
south from Mona Vale.
Representatives from the
Newport Residents Association
(NRA), Palm Beach & Whale
Beach Association (PBWBA),
Avalon Preservation Society
(APS) and the Clareville and
Bilgola Plateau Residents Association
(CABPRA) met with
Transport NSW representatives
in late June to reject its three
permanent options for turning
around buses at Newport, as
well as two interim options that
would enable the January commencement
deadline to be met.
Attendees at a meeting at
Newport on June 21 passed a
resolution demanding: “… that
no B-Line service is extended to
terminate in the village of Newport
and that it be terminated at
the town centre of Mona Vale.”
Responding, Pittwater MP
Rob Stokes told Pittwater Life:
“My job as local member is to
secure the funding for better
public transport. It’s now up to
the community to determine
whether they want these improvements
or not – or how they
want them delivered.
“The government is determined
to improve public transport
from the northern beaches
Decision 'good for Mona Vale'
Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce President Simon Dunn
supports the proposal for a Newport terminus, saying it
will mean Newport residents and those driving from further
north will find it more convenient to hop on the B-Line at Newport
and get to Mona Vale “without having to waste any time
driving through Mona Vale and looking for suitable parking”.
“With its greater variety of retail stores and a full complement
of medical and professional services on offer, Mona Vale’s
increasing popularity is putting ongoing pressure on parking
for customers, clients and the growing number of people who
work in Mona Vale,” Mr Dunn said.
“This is evidenced by the high demand for the free long-stay
spots in the multi-level Bungan Lane car park.
“The introduction of a non-stop bus service between Mona
Vale and Newport operating at a 10-minute frequency seven
days per week will save parking congestion.
“Likewise, those living near Warriewood, Narrabeen and Collaroy
B-line stops will benefit from the all-day express services
to and from Mona Vale,” he continued.
“Less cars trying to pile into Mona Vale will improve the
amenity of the town centre for pedestrians, ensuring Mona Vale
remains a fantastic retail and professional services destination.”
to help alleviate congestion –
particularly during the peaks,”
he said. “Our objective is to get
more cars off the road which
will make Newport a more liveable
and walkable community.”
He said it was a “rare opportunity”
for effective change
and stressed it was crucial the
community didn’t dismiss it
out of hand.
“However, we’re flexible and
we’ll continue to work with
the community to get the best
outcome,” he said.
Following last month’s publication
of the detailed services
delivery of the B-Line, Pittwater
Life sought comment from
community groups.
Newport Residents
NRA President Gavin Butler
said the B-Line team had informed
his executive of options
for terminating and turning
around 100 buses a day in Newport,
which included queuing
three buses at a time to meet
the schedule.
“They included three permanent
scenarios each of which
would have a significant impact
on either the Newport Surf Club
car park or on the shopping
centre Bramley Lane car park,”
Mr Butler said.
“The project team also told
us of two interim options to
allow the B-Line to commence
at the end of this year – one in
‘The Boulevard/Ross Street/
Bramley Lane’ and the other at
Porter Reserve (Rugby Park).”
The first option made no
sense as it funnelled buses onto
residential streets; the second
appeared doomed due to its use
as a sports site, he said.
Mr Butler added that the
NRA wrote to Council a year
ago with concerns about the potential
impact the B-Line would
have on residential streets and
the Surf Club.
He concluded: “Whilst having
a bus service leaving every 10
minutes (instead of 15 minutes)
from Newport can be flagged
as an improvement to bus services,
we don’t believe the permanent
impact on the Village
of Newport can be justified."
(* The Newport Chamber of
10 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Commerce supported the NRA
position, said Chamber President
Margo Strong.)
Newport SLSC
Upon being told the B-Line
would terminate at Newport,
with the surf club as an option,
NSLSC President Rob Emerson
said he told the B-Line team of
the severe impact it would have
on the club.
“We explained we have over
1400 community members,
outlined the voluntary services
we provide on and off the beach,
plus the fact we operate Nippers
on a Sunday through summer to
over 400 kids,” Mr Emerson said.
He further explained the club
had plans to modestly increase
the club’s footprint into the car
park and they had been advocating
that the southern end of
the car park outside the club
should be replaced with parkland
to improve the pedestrian
circulation dangers of children
crossing the car park between
the playground and the
public toilets and the
playground and the
beach.
He said the car park
was already under
pressure throughout
the year.
“When we run Nippers
the car park is
fully utilised,” he said.
“Plus we operate at
least six surf carnivals
and other events to assist the
club and local businesses with
income generation and these
uses fill the current car park to
capacity.
“Proposing such significant
bus infrastructure on the
absolute beach front land seems
completely inappropriate for the
local beachside environment
and people that use the car park
for the coastal walk, visiting the
beach… even netball training.”
The apparent lack of detailed
planning for the Newport extension
was a major concern.
“If as suggested the Newport
option is to go ahead for January
there will need to be a temporary
bus turning solution (we
don’t know what that is) whilst
a design and Review of Environmental
Factors (REF) is prepared
for a permanent solution.
“If the buses are running to
Newport in January it doesn’t
provide confidence that the REF
for the permanent solution will
receive unbiased consideration.”
Celebrating 25 Years
CABPRA
President David Owen (below)
said his association worked
with the APA, NRA and PBWBA,
listening to more than 400 residents’
concerns, before drafting
a solution that supported the
NRA in targeting Mona Vale as
the terminus for the B-Line.
“We want express buses into
the city,” Mr Owen said. “We
don’t want to have to change
buses when going such a long
distance. The resounding
sentiment was that lots of buses
terminating and turning in our
villages will ruin them and create
car parks of our villages.
“The solution is simple: have
three routes which extend
to where people live – i.e. the
suburbs – and then go basically
express from Mona Vale, with
one set-down into the city, and
one pick-up going out of the city
at Neutral Bay.”
The solutions were an ‘E90’ (a
bendy bus or a double-decker
B-Line bus), which
“goes around the Palm
Beach area via Avalon
ever half-hour all stops
into MV then stopping
only at Neutral
Bay Junction and the
City”; an ‘E88’ (normal
size bus), which “goes
around Careel Bay area
via Avalon (Avalon
Pde, not Central Rd)
every half-hour with
all stops into MV
then stopping only at Neutral
Bay Junction and the City”; and
an ‘E89’ (normal size), which
“goes around Clareville/Bilgola
via Avalon ever half-hour all
stops into MV then stopping only
at Neutral Bay and the City.”
He added the new 199 service
from Manly to Palm Beach was
“an interesting route, obviously
aimed mainly at the tourists”.
PBWBA
Association President Dr Richard
West said the B-Line would result
in a downgrade to the L90 service
operating to and from Palm
Beach, causing inconvenience.
“The L90 is the longest commuter
bus trip in Sydney, taking
at least one and a half hours to
cover the 44km to Wynyard,” he
said. “Now residents will have to
change buses at a B-Line hub.”
“The L90 will only operate
during the weekday off-peak
(9am-3pm) and weekends (7am-
10pm), with a frequency of 60
Continued on page 12
JULY 2017 11
News

Special Report
News
'Hysteria' driving revolt
Newport resident Peter
Tommerup says
hysteria is affecting the
thinking of residents
groups opposed to the
B-Line terminating at
Newport.
The 79-year-old fears
opposition from people
he says don’t use the bus
service regularly will place
in jeopardy improvements
for those who do use the
service to commute as far
as the city every day of
their working life.
Although retired, Mr
Tommerup says he catches
buses to places outside
Pittwater at least three
times a week. Reaching out
to Pittwater Life, he says he
has urged the government
and its decision-makers to
“put people on the ground
at bus stops to hand
out information leaflets
and consult on their
requirements.
“The people on the
residents groups… they’re
very good, but you have to
question them – they’re all
very old, and they don’t use
the buses,” he said.
“Why should the whole
of Newport be penalised,
and have to get on and off
at Mona Vale to get to the
city?
“I’m afraid if they keep
to their agenda they will
ruin it for those who want
to stop using their cars
and catch buses with better
services. They’ll shoot
themselves in the foot; it
will be a shamozzle.
“The government must
gauge the response from
the people who actually use
the buses – the people who
pay the taxes.”
Mr Tommerup said the
Newport Surf Club was an
obvious terminus point.
“It keeps the buses on
the main road, not on the
backstreets,” he said. “And
the surf club car park is
barely half full during the
week. It makes sense.” – NW
Continued from page 11
minutes. The present frequency
is 30 minutes on weekdays and
15 minutes at weekends. This
represents an unacceptable
reduction in frequency."
PBWBA welcomed the introduction
of the 199 to Manly but
insisted it should not be at the
expense of the L90 service.
(The 199 will operate as a
full-time, all-stops service with
frequency of 30 minutes on
weekdays and every 15 minutes
on weekends between Palm
Beach and Manly via Avalon,
Newport shops, Newport loop,
Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Collaroy,
Dee Why and Warringah Mall.)
Dr West continued: “Northern
Beaches Council together with
the community are currently
working on a parking strategy
for Palm Beach with an emphasis
on encouraging visitors, residents
and tourists to use public
transport, as parking in Palm
Beach is extremely limited.
“The Council and the NSW
Government are spending $1.7
million on building a walkway
from Palm Beach Wharf to
Governor Phillip Park which
will be a major visitor drawcard.
It is essential that the L90
bus service be maintained, not
downgraded.”
Dr West claimed the
proposed changes to the L90
service would make city commutes
even longer in the morning
peak hours, as it would be
necessary to catch the new 199
from Palm Beach and change
to either the E88 at Careel Bay
(where it started) or the B-Line
hub at Newport or Mona Vale.
“On the return journey from
the city in peak hours it will
be necessary to change to the
199… this could involve a halfhour
wait for the bus to come
from Manly. This will make the
longest trip even longer.”
He added the Association
supported the NRA in their opposition
to the “inappropriate
and unacceptable use of the car
park at Newport Beach”.
APA
The APA supports improvements
for a faster, more
comfortable and more reliable
service to the city and to Manly,
with major intermediate stops –
but without the need to change
to another bus.
“Any need to change buses is
unacceptable being disruptive,
12 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

time consuming and inferior
to what we have now,” said APA
President Peter Mayman.
“Our current service to
the city and to limited stops
is every 15 minutes which is
adequate but until there is a
24-hour bus lane from Mona
Vale to the city, the service is
unreliable and congested,” Mr
Mayman said.
“We support our neighbours
in Palm Beach and Clareville
facing inadequate services and
oppose 100 large buses per day
turning around in absolutely
prime beachside location.
“Together with other community
groups north of Mona Vale,
we have met with B-Line staff
and made clear what people
expect and suggestions on how
this can be achieved so that
services are in fact improved.
It is not yet clear how well this
is being heard and we will certainly
be following it up.”
Mona Vale RA
Association President Marcia
Rackham said the area had
waited a long time for an improvement
to buses and travel
times.
“To get more people off the
road and travelling by bus
is a positive move, however
our travelling patterns have
changed and no longer do we
all travel to the city for work,”
Ms Rackham said.
“Many people are moving in
an east-west direction and the
B-Line does nothing to service
this need..”
She said MVRA had lobbied
government to utilise the Mona
Vale Bus Depot.
“It makes perfect sense for
additional parking requirements
and bus turn-arounds,”
she said. “No trees need to be
removed to utilise this area.”
She added residents had
made suggestions in relation to
timetabling and bus routes but
that this “seems to have largely
fallen on deaf ears”.
“These community members
are the people who currently
use bus services now, who have
a very good local understanding
of the pros and cons of the
current services and who have
made very valid suggestions
in relation to public transport
improvements.
She said a positive was the
fact the B-Line would not be
privatised. – Nigel Wall
News
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 13

U-turn plebiscite
still a live option
Pittwater residents have
swung their support
behind the campaign
to restore their council
while momentum builds at
the state level to unwind
amalgamations.
The issue has gained
traction in the NSW
Parliament, with the Upper
House passing a bill in late
June to end forced council
mergers.
Protect Pittwater
Association President
Bob Grace welcomed the
development.
“This is terrific news for
Pittwater,” Mr Grace said.
“And it just goes to show
the anger felt by Pittwater
residents is shared by
others around the state.
“The Upper House of
Parliament has recognised
that the State Government’s
mergers were undemocratic
and momentum is building
to put an end to them.”
The bill, proposed by
the Shooters, Fishers
and Farmers Party and
supported by all parties
except the government,
would set up plebiscites in
all areas forcibly merged
last year.
Proposed mergers – in
areas such as Woollahra,
Waverley and Hunters
Hill where legal action is
underway – would also be
halted until a referendum
is held and approval gained
from a majority of electors.
The Greens also moved
amendments that would
ensure amalgamations could
never happen again without
local residents’ consent in a
binding plebiscite.
However, Mr Grace said
Protect Pittwater would
continue preparing for legal
action and circulating its
petition calling for the local
council to be reconstituted
because of the risk that the
bill might fail in the Lower
House when parliament
returns in August.
At the local level, the
group’s Treasurer, David
Wenden, said he had been
overwhelmed by the level of
support at the Careel Bay
Winter Festival last month
(June 17) where Protect
Pittwater had a stall.
“Visitors were seeking
out the petition before the
festival even opened in
the morning and were still
coming up to sign it while
we were busy packing up
at the end of the day,” Mr
Wenden said.
“I only had two people
knock me back in the
whole day… the underlying
displeasure with the forced
amalgamation is still raw
among all the Pittwater
residents we spoke with.”
The petition, which
hundreds of people have
already signed, can be
printed from the Protect
Pittwater facebook group.
It is available for signing at
some local shops and cafes.
– Miranda Korzy
News
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 15

News
Book Review
D-Bot Squad Series
Mac Park, Allen & Unwin
$9.99 (each)
The dynamic writing duo that gave us Boy vs Beast is
back with a very exciting series for 5- to 7-year-olds
about Dinosaur Robots, and the children who hunt them.
Local author Louise Park (the ‘Park’ to Susannah
McFarlane’s ‘Mac’) has been sharing all sorts of dinosaur
facts with us, many that are guaranteed to make young
readers laugh and quote them back infinitum.
The books are each cleverly illustrated and include
a snazzy flipogram, and will be a big hit with new
independent readers, or just good, fun read-a-louds at
bedtime.
This new series is launching with four books just in
time for the school holidays – plus there’s a special Dino
Hunter event at Beachside Bookshop in Avalon at 9.30am
on Monday 10 July. Meet Louise and a Dinosaur! More
info beachsidebookshop.com.
– Libby Armstrong
6THINGS
THIS MONTH
Give Blood. The Mobile Blood
Service is visiting Avalon Beach,
Bowling Green Lane Carpark,
Avalon Pde on Wed 5, Thurs
6 and Fri 7 from 9am-2pm. To
make an appointment call 13 14
95 or visit donateblood.com.au
Navigating aged care
changes. The aged care
system has changed – people
over 65 must register on the My
Aged Care website to receive
services. Learn what’s in it for
you followed by a hands-onsession
to help you set up and
manage your account on your
computer or personal devices.
Tues 18 from 1.30-3.30pm at
Newport Community Centre.
Free; light afternoon tea served.
Bookings 9942 2560.
Superhero Week. Here’s
your opportunity to pull on
some tights and a cape and
dress up to lighten the load
for children with life-limiting
illness. The wonderful people
at Bear Cottage ask you to be
a Superhero from Sun 23 to
Sat 29 (for a day, a week… or
longer) so they can continue
to support families and provide
respite and end-of-life care for
some beautiful children. Go to
superheroweek.com
Avalon car boot sale. There
will be plenty of pre-loved goods
wanting a new home at this
community event at Dunbar
Park on Sat 29 from 8am-2pm.
Young writers competition.
Do you have a budding author
in the family? Here’s their
opportunity to be published
in a Library eBook. Open to
students up to Year 12. Pop into
your nearest library or visit the
NB Council Website for details.
Closes Wed August 2.
Big Bookoccino birthday.
Owners Margaret and Roger
are celebrating this Avalon
bookstore/cafe's 25th in style all
month with massive giveaways,
great prizes and a day-long
party on the 29th featuring
special guests including MIchael
Robotham, Richard Roxburgh
and Amanda Hampson and a
giant cake! Pop into store or
keep an eye on their website
bookoccino.com for details.
16 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

News
Flood management simplified
Amendments to policies
and development controls
will make it easier for Northern
Beaches residents to manage
flood risk and save them
money when they develop
their land.
Council is simplifying
requirements for flood-prone
sites, which affect an estimated
15,000 properties from
Palm Beach to Manly – with
the majority on the upper
peninsula.
Council GM Environment
& Infrastructure Ben Taylor
explained the three former
councils differed in their approach
to flood risk management,
resulting in varied
experiences and outcomes for
residents and businesses.
For residents of the former
Pittwater, the changes mean
that some buildings such as
sheds, carports and swimming
pools will be exempt
from flood requirements.
Other minor development
such as minor additions or
internal alterations may not
require detailed consulting
reports or building a new
place to shelter, depending
on the level of risk at the
property.
Designer Kinga Monaghan
from Blue Sky Building Designs
at Newport welcomed the
move.
“I worked on a project
where owners in North Narrabeen
were trying to get
approval for a small alteration
and addition – they called
me because their original
designer had been unfamiliar
with the council requirements,”
Kinga said.
“The DA conditions
shocked them; they had to
relocate the electrical work
above the FPL (flood planning
level) and build the extension
600mm higher than the rest
of the house. Plus they had to
make sure that the existing
house was flood-proof.
“The owners decided to start
again – the second time mainly
just internal alterations and
replacement of some windows
into sliding doors. But to
comply, we had to propose a
shelter – an attic that could be
accessed in case of flood.”
Kinga said that despite
never having experienced
flooding in their 15 years’
residency, the owners paid
double the cost of a standard
process and had to wait a
frustrating two years.
“Designers understand the
requirements for larger developments
but for the small
projects it's not necessary,”
she said.
“Simplifying the application
process and not requiring
the flood report can save 2-3
weeks’ preparation time – and
even around $3,000 before
the DA is even lodged.”
Council will arrange oneon-one
information meetings
for residents on request; call
1300 434 434.
* Northern Beaches Living
feature – P29.
Former Pittwater Councillor
Selena Griffith will run as an
independent candidate for the
Pittwater Ward in the upcoming
Council election.
The Elanora Heights resident
and UNSW academic says she
remains disappointed Pittwater
was forced to amalgamate.
“As a ratepayer under the
new Council, I have not seen
any improvement in any services
and my customer-based
interactions with staff revealed
they are still working in silos
reflecting the three former
councils,” she said.
“From my experience advising
on the change process, I do
not believe there has been the
promised success in ‘harmonising’
the three councils.
“There has been a huge
loss of corporate memory, key
knowledge, skills and talent
across the new entity.
“So beyond the crowd-pleaser
parking sticker, I don’t think
any demonstrable benefits have
been delivered to the residents
of former Pittwater, Warringah
or Manly Councils yet.”
Ms Griffith said it was
discouraging to see political
factions forming around
the larger council, which she
believes will make it difficult
for local communities to be
Selena
to take
a stand
heard above party positions in
decision-making.
“I am standing to ensure I
can continue the consistent,
independent, community advocacy
I provided in my tenure on
Pittwater Council,” she said.
“I have good relationships
with local community groups
and want to work closely with
them to achieve the continuation
of the values, culture, and
sense of identity our community
fought for and enjoys.
“I want to ensure these values
of community engagement,
environmental protection and
sensible, inclusive development
are not diluted or lost,
but rather strengthened and
support the other communities
across the Northern Beaches.
“I want to help develop a
council which respects, celebrates
and supports its diverse
communities and ensure access
to assets and resources are
equitably distributed.”
Ms Griffith said the September
9 vote was critical to the future
tone of local government.
“The new council will be
laying the foundations for how
our community will be dealt
with and run,” she said. “It is
very important that this forms
independently, without political
interference.”
Photo: Bettina Kingma
18 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Take the plastic-free pledge this month
and swap items such as disposable
coffee cups, shopping bags and straws
for reusable alternatives… you might be
surprised where it will take you.
Plastic-free living is about eliminating
single-use and semi-disposable plastic
items from your life, with many people
who become committed also weeding
out other plastic items over time, such as
choosing natural materials over polyester
fabric.
In time for July, Northern Beaches
Council has launched a multifaceted
campaign to wipe out single-use plastics
on the Northern Beaches and provide more
support for local businesses and the community
to change behaviours.
Northern Beaches Council Administrator
Dick Persson is also lobbying State and Federal
governments and major supermarkets
to bring about sustainable change, such as
a total ban on plastic bags.
Council plans to implement two new
policies that will change the way the organisation,
employees, agents, lessees and
contractors consume SUPs.
A Single Use Plastics Policy will drastically
reduce the procurement of plastics
and help the community to live without
them. Anyone planning to hold an event on
Council land will need to procure sustainable
alternatives to plastics too as they will
be banned under the Event Management
Policy.
Council’s 1800 staff will also make the
switch to reusable cups for their morning
coffees.
Also, Council has a great line-up of
plastic-free events including pop-up info
sessions with theatre performers at the
Beaches Market at Pittwater Park on Fridays
June 30 and July 21.
Take the lead from local Sarah Tait who
decided to live without plastic for a year
and share her experience on a blog (wanderlightly.com)
after being confronted with
sea pollution in Tonga.
Almost three years on the habit has
stuck, with Sarah reporting her “lighter”
approach to life has transformed her.
It has also influenced others, such as members
of the northern beaches-based youth
environmental conservation organisation
The Green Team who regularly join forces
with other like-minded groups to clean
beaches, host sustainability events, workshops
and screenings targeting younger
community folk.
The Green Team also shares its youthful
enthusiasm with the ladies behind Avalon
Boomerang Bags, regularly joining the
workshops at Sew Craft Cook, helping to
create the reusable bags for distribution
(check out Avalon Map on page 49 to see
where you can find – and importantly –
return Boomerang Bags).
Avalon Boomerang Bags recently
celebrated its first anniversary, reporting
more than 7,000 hand-made and donated
bags have been borrowed in Avalon alone,
Council says: ‘Ban the bag!’
saving almost half a million plastic bags
from going into landfill.
They say almost 75 per cent of Avalon
retailers are single use plastic bag-free.
Already many local businesses throughout
Pittwater are increasingly doing their
bit to reduce plastic, with many baristas
happy to fill 'keep cups', cafes shunning
plastic straws and retailers making an effort
to reduce packaging.
Russell Lamb, founder of Northern
beaches born business ecodownunder,
is always looking at ways the company
can further minimise its environmental
footprint.
Russell and the team have been trialling
various ways to reduce plastic use and utilise
eco-friendly packaging since launching
his first earth-friendly bed and bath shop
in Mona Vale in 2003.
He said the Plastic Free July campaign
nudged them to review their efforts to date.
“The plastic-free journey is not easy,”
Russell said.
Especially when you are part of a manufacturing
and supply chain that requires
products to be protected against the elements.
Nevertheless, ecodownunder has taken
several positive steps in-store to reduce
plastic.
“People don’t seem to mind buying their
towels unwrapped, however it’s a completely
different story when it comes to sheets,”
Russell explained.
So, after a few trials and errors, some
products now come protected in an ‘alternative
plastic’ packaging.
“Customers are also offered the opportunity
to unwrap products in store so we can
recycle packaging and we offer free cotton
shopping bags,” Russell said.
– Lisa Offord
News
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 21

Pittwater News
Beaches get taste
of new foodie event
Expressions of interest are
now open for local restaurants
and cafes to participate as
food stallholders at the new
‘Taste of the Beaches’ Food,
Wine & Brewers Festival.
Stepping into the shoes of
the annual Pittwater Food
and Wine Fair, the festival
organised by NB Council will
run at Winnererremy Bay on
Sun 27 Aug from 11am-5pm.
Info northernbeaches.nsw.
gov.au
Help Mermaids gear
up for Variety Bash
Support the unstoppable
‘Mermaids of Palm Beach’
– Beryl Driver, Elyse Cole
and Viktorija MacDonnell
– as they prepare to get on
the road again for Variety
– The Children’s Charity,
raising money for and
awareness of children who
are sick, disadvantaged or
have special needs. This
year’s Variety Bash will see
the adventurous trio join
a bunch of other mates
driving pre-1978 cars from
Belmore to Buffalo Creek
in the Northern Territory,
visiting iconic rural towns
and schools over 10 days in
early August. To donate or to
book a seat at the mermaids’
annual fundraising dinner at
Club Palm Beach on Monday
July 24, call 0410 478 897.
‘Great Australians’
Trivia Night
Help the local community
at Zonta Club of Northern
Beaches’ annual Trivia Night
fundraising event on Sat 22
at the Pittwater Memorial
Hall Mona Vale, (6.30pm for
7pm start). The theme this
News
Champion of Mackellar
Long-serving Easylink volunteer John Wilson is the winner of the first
annual ‘Champion of Mackellar’ award, an initiative of new federal
MP Jason Falinski. Currently the voluntary Chairman of the Board of
Easylink, John has driven groups of senior citizens on mystery social
drives every fortnight during 10 months of every year for the past 12
years. “What an amazing, long-standing, and selfless contribution from
one person, never seeking recognition, just doing their bit every fortnight,”
said Mr Falinski upon presenting the award at The Sands Hotel at
Narrabeen. “I have started the Champion of Mackellar award to recognise
the community groups, the sporting champions, the volunteers; the
people on the Beaches who think beyond themselves, who help others,
and who make this the best place to live.” * Do you know a candidate for
the ‘Champion of Mackellar’? Email info@pittwaterlife.com.au
22 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

year is ‘Famous Australians’
and you can dress according
to the theme (there are best
dressed awards) or just come
as you are. Questions will be
broad and general in nature
with some notable inclusions
regarding – you guessed it
– famous Australians. BYO
glass – drinks and nibbles,
tea, coffee and biscuits will be
available. Bookings essential;
call Tricia 0414 568 414 or
zontanb@gmail.com. Cost
$20pp payable at door.
Grants doubled for
local Surf Clubs
Local Surf Life Saving
Clubs in need of structural
improvements or looking to
further boost their facilities
over the next 12 months will
benefit from a doubling of
the NSW Government’s club
grants to $4 million. Local
surf clubs that have received
funding under this particular
grant program (Surf Club
Facility Grant Program) over
Continued on page 24
Rev up for Unique Vehicle Show
It’s on again – the Unique Vehicle Show at the Royal Motor Yacht
Club on July 23. The Pittwater Motor Enthusiasts Association
will again be out in numbers, contributing to the up to 100
vintage, classic and modern cars, motorcycles, stationary engines
and hot rods on display. All funds raised are for Charity.
Visitors are encouraged to nominate their favourite vehicles for
the award of prizes for the most popular exhibits. To make life
better for others, entrants are asked to donate $10 per entry to
charity and the public are asked for a gold coin donation, all of
which will go direct to Cure Cancer Australia, Bear Cottage, and
Mona Vale Hospital Palliative Care Unit. The PMEA was formed
in 1994 and now has 287 members; they meet fortnightly at
7.30pm on Tuesdays at the Mona Vale Girl Guides hall off Golf
Ave. Next meeting July 11; more info kerryballina@gmail.com
News
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 23

Pittwater News
News
Homeless helpers a tight-knit crew
In 2016 Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett were awarded ‘Young
Australians of the Year’ for their social entrepreneurialism. In
2014 these two young men founded the Orange Sky Laundry – a
mobile clothes washing and drying service for the homeless.
This humble beginning has now grown to 12 mobile laundries
which service 96 localities Australia-wide with 800 dedicated
volunteers. The most important aspect of these vans isn’t the
machines they carry but the six orange chairs where those
having their clothes washed sit – a catalyst for great conversation
and communication. Avalon Beach local, Lyn Taylor, saw a
TV program about the Orange Sky laundries and it had a great
impact on her. She organised 12 local knitters to undertake a
project to knit beanies for the homeless. In the first year, 25
beanies were made and Orange Sky was used as a conduit to
disperse the beanies. This year the number of beanies and
fingerless mittens reached 70, distributed throughout Woolloomooloo,
and to the Wayside Chapel and in Martin Place. “Apparently
we are known by those using the laundry service as the
‘Knitting Ladies’!” said Lyn. This project shows just how a local
and her friends can certainly make a difference. – Collette Searl
Continued from page 23
recent years include Avalon
Beach SLSC, North Narrabeen
SLSC, Whale Beach SLSC, South
Narrabeen SLSC and Bungan
Beach SLSC. Grant applications
will be invited from 1 July
this year for funding amounts
of between $35,000 and a
maximum of $350,000 per
financial year or $500,000
across the life of the new
program. This financial year
surf clubs who had previously
already reached the maximum
cap of $400,000 will be eligible
for facility funding again.
The news coincides with
Newport SLSC having flagged
its intention to expand its
footprint; meanwhile a working
group of representatives from
Mona Vale SLSC, residents,
other key stakeholders, NB
Council and design consultants
met late last month to help
shape the design concept for
a long-awaited renewal of the
club building.
Canapes for a cause
Newport Surf Life Saving Club
has introduced an annual
scholarship program for
two young Bronze Medallion
Trainers & Assessors to
travel to East Timor with the
Pittwater Friends of Soibada
in mid-July. The inaugural
winners are Jessica Menzies
and Lauren Budd who will
teach members of the Soibada
community how to apply
First Aid and perform CPR.
Support this initiative at an
evening of food, drinks and
entertainment at Canapes for
a Cause on Sat 8. Tickets $60;
RSVP by June 30. Info 0409
207 907.
Motivation to ‘stand
against normal’
What do you get when you
combine three charismatic
entrepreneurs with a shared
passion for people and
wellbeing? The ‘Stand Against
Normal’ movement. Cafe Racer
owner Jeremy Drayton will
share from personal testimony
his journey back to health
through whole food nutrition.
Local chiropractor Murray
Warmer will provide education
and insight around reducing
pain and stress held in our
body and mind. The night will
conclude with motivational
speaker and wellness coach
Meredith Julliard encouraging
a mindset shift to rethink
what is “normal” and establish
new pathways for change.
Head to Café Racer Wed Aug 2,
6.30pm for a 7pm start; tickets
$35 (first 20 tickets $30).
Retirees' day out
at Dee Why RSL
Sydney Northern Beaches
Branch of the Association
of Independent Retirees
(AIR) will hold an all-day
meeting on Monday, July10 at
10.30am, courtesy Dee Why
RSL Club. Four guest speakers
24 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

will address the meeting,
with finger food lunch
provided. All are welcome but
reservations are essential;
more info or RSVP phone
Brian 9997 1820.
Help needed to
track down family
The Kolednik family is
looking to reconnect with
loved family friends on the
peninsula. They are seeking
information on Jenny and
Gail Maric (maiden names)
who lived on Pittwater Road
at Mona Vale and who are
believed to have attended
Pittwater High between 1970
and 1976. Contact was lost in
the late 1970s. It’s believed
Jenny was married with
two boys (married name
unknown) and possibly still
lives on the northern beaches;
Gail (status unknown)
was last heard of in Spain.
The Kolednik connection
is through relative Stefi
Jarrett’s maiden name.
Contact 0408 424 310 or email
tonyandstefi@jarrett.id.au
Softball fun in
school holidays
Pittwater Softball Club is
holding a free introductory
clinic for girls and women
on Tuesday July 11 from
9.30am to 12pm at the softball
diamonds behind Rat Park.
Have fun and learn new
skills in ‘Teeball’, ‘Modball’ or
softball; morning tee provided.
Bring a hat, a softball mit (if
you have one) and a smile!
Places limited; register in
advance. Email Stephanie at
stephdene@hotmail.com or
call 0430 283 145.
National Tree Day
Everyone is invited to help
regenerate the Palm Beach
Dunes with native plants and
enjoy a free sausage sizzle
on Sun July 30 from 10am-
1pm. Meet at North Palm
Beach Surf Club, bring some
water and wear long sleeves,
trousers, sturdy shoes and a
hat. Info call the NB Council
on 9942 2766.
Vet
on
call
with
Dr Ben Brown
One of the most common
complaints from pe t
owners is the smell of their
pet’s breath. The most
common reason for bad
breath (halitosis) in dogs and
cats is dental disease which
affects 80% of pets by just 3
years of age. This is hardly
surprising considering our
pets don’t brush their own
teeth!
Without regular brushing,
residual food and bacteria
can form a build-up of
tartar on the teeth. Over
time this tartar then leads
to infection, inflammation
and bleeding of the gums
(gingivitis) and breakdown
of the tooth’s ligamentous
and bony attachments in the
jaw (periodontal disease) via
severe bacterial infection. Both
gingivitis and periodontal
disease are painful conditions
that lead to loss of teeth and
poor quality of life.
Good oral cavity health, just
like in humans, is paramount
to general wellbeing and
longevity in animals. There are
many preventable diseases
that can be linked to poor
dental hygiene such as heart
and kidney disease. Just like
with people, prevention is
better than cure; regular
check-ups, special dental
health diets and dental
treats all help to reduce the
incidence of dental disease.
The signs of dental disease
in dogs and cats can be
subtle. Bad breath is the most
common sign, dogs and cats
may also paw at their mouth,
chatter their teeth, drool and
dribble, have difficulty eating
and may have a preference for
softer foods.
All pets need to have their
teeth checked regularly (just
like people!). Drop in to one of
our Sydney Animal Hospitals
at Newport or Avalon for a
free dental check-up on your
pet during July and August to
discuss the best preventative
dental plan for your furry
friend!
News
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 25

Offshore
account
Life Stories
Much-loved local Margaret Molloy’s connection to Little
Lovett Bay extends 45 years; now she’s preparing to
celebrate the 25th anniversary of it being her home.
Story by Rosamund Burton
a water taxi,” says Margaret Molloy when I ring
her about visiting, “the ferry doesn’t stop at Molloy’s
“Get
Wharf anymore.” With the exception of Michael
and Lynne Clay at Elvina Bay, Margaret Molloy is the longest
resident of the Western foreshore, and Alex, who operates
the Pink water taxi service from Church Point to Pittwater’s
offshore communities, describes her as “absolute salt of the
earth”.
She grew up on the NSW South Coast, and wanted her two
sons to have a similar coastal experience. So in 1970 she and
her husband Tom came with a real estate agent to look at a
house on Scotland Island.
“That’s not us,” Margaret told the real estate agent, who then
took them over to look at the boatshed and a block of land on
the foreshore here. “That’s what I call ‘a weekender’,” Margaret
exclaimed when she saw the little wooden building, which she
later described as, “leaning over a lopsided jetty like a drunken
sailor”. They bought the boatshed, and that was the family
weekender until 1992, when Tom and Margaret moved here
permanently.
The boatshed was washed away twice during that time, and
until they raised the floor it used to get wet every time the tide
came in. But their two boys spent their holidays and weekends
growing up with the bush at the back door and the water on
their doorstep.
“It made them who they are today,” says Margaret. Her
oldest son Scott is a technical officer with the University of
Newcastle who is developing an electrical process to convert
waste materials, such as toxic refrigerator gases, into useful
products. While her younger son, David, operates a yacht
charter business in the Whitsundays.
When Tom and Margaret decided they wanted to make Little
Lovett Bay their permanent home they asked local Lovett Bay
resident architect, Richard Leplastrier, to design a house for
them. In the 1960s Leplastrier worked in Jorn Utzon’s office
assisting with the documentation of the Sydney Opera House,
and shares with Utzon a similar love of creating buildings in
keeping with the surrounding natural world.
“I rang Richard, and he agreed to design it,” Margaret
recounts, “but he said, ‘I’m working on the Opera House and
it’ll be eight years before I can start.’ We were happy to wait
eight years, and when the time came he sat up on the hill for
three weeks doing sketches.” Sadly, Tom Molloy died in August
1993, soon after their 35th wedding anniversary and the
blessing of the house which was finished soon thereafter.
The simple, stylish wooden structure sits on the side of the
hill up from the jetty and boatshed. Flames are licking a couple
of large logs behind the glass window of the wood-burning
stove in the corner of the main room and Margaret’s piano sits
up against the main wall. China cups and plates are arranged
on a large tray, and we sit having morning tea at a round table
overlooking the bay.
“What I love most about Pittwater is the peace,” reflects
Margaret. In the same breath she points out a young wallaby on
the hill behind the house. She goes immediately to the kitchen,
cuts up a carrot, and calls it down to her.
Margaret celebrated her 85th birthday on May 22. “I had my
Pittwater friends in for drinks, about 60 people, and everyone
brought food. One friend came with a large board, and the
figures 8 and 5 made from little marshmallows with a candle
in every one.”
Margaret is the youngest of six children. Her grandfather
owned newspapers and her father inherited the Shoalhaven
News (now the Shoalhavean & Nowra News). One of her
brothers drowned, aged 19, and her father died in 1946.
Margaret was a young teenager and moved with her mother
26 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

to her grandmother’s house in Sydney. Then from 1949 until
she married at the age of 27 she lived with her oldest brother,
Bert.
She became a fundraiser for The NSW Society for Crippled
Children, joining the Nunyara committee to raise funds for a
meeting room for older children. It was while she was making a
fundraising speech that she caught the eye of Tom Molloy. “We
called this house Nunyara. It’s an Aboriginal word meaning ‘a
place of peace’.
“I married the most marvelous man, and he thought I could
do anything,” says Margaret. As a result, she has never been
afraid to take on a challenge. One was accepting her nephew’s
nomination of her for secretary of the NSW Debating Union.
Soon after, the Salvation Army suggested a prison program
called Rehabilitation Through Education, and for six years she
taught debating in maximum security prisons.
Although she never thought she would become a journalist, she
has written and taught writing for much of her life and is author
of several books, including A Century of Flying Sailors about the
Sydney Flying Squadron. She attended Prince Charles and Lady
Diana’s wedding in St Paul’s Cathedral as a journalist for the
Shoalhaven News, as well as the marriage of Prince Andrew and
Sarah Ferguson. She also represented the Sydney Journalists Club
at the 100th anniversary of the London Press Club.
In 2009 Margaret received an Order of Australia Medal for
her service to the community of West Pittwater, which was
presented to her by the then Governor of NSW, Honorable Marie
Bashir, who said at the presentation: “This is for 55 years of
voluntary service to this great nation of ours.”
She has been a member of West Pittwater Community
Association since 1970 and is considered an integral part of the
Western foreshore.
In the 1990s, the West Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade wanted a
boat, but the Rural Fire Service Headquarters were not willing
to give it one, so Margaret became the driving force to raise
$30,000 to build one.
“I was asked to launch it, and when I enquired what the boat
was called, I was told you weren’t allowed to name a fire boat.
Having broken a bottle of champagne, and said, ‘God bless this
craft and all who use her’ I was told to uncover the hatch. There
on the hull was written ‘The Margaret Molloy’.”
“At a meeting years later it was announced that the Rural
Fire Service Headquarters were giving us a new boat. Someone
asked what would happen to the old one and was told, ‘We’re
going to wait until she dies, then put her in it and scuttle it to
make the Molloy fishing hole!’.”
Life Stories
CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE: Margaret with her OAM on the deck of her
home; architect Richard Leplastrier contemplates the design; the house
set back from the converted boatshed; sons Scott and David in the 1970s;
With friends and husband Tom (right) at the blessing of the home; the kids
learning to handle the oars in the early 1970s; and back from a successful
afternoon’s fishing.
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 27

Northern Beaches Living
Home Truths
Lifestyles change and our
tastes evolve; but where
to start when you want to
update the look or your home?
We asked the educators at
Sydney Design School, who
are also practising Interior
Designers, to create the following
cheat sheet for interior
enthusiasts who want to give
their home a refresh.
Unify the space
One of the easiest ways to
create cohesion and flow is to
decide on one colour palette
that you love and then apply
it to all areas of your home.
Do your homework – get on
Pinterest and Instagram or
cut up your favourite interior
magazine to create a simple
palette – and remember to
create balance by combining
lots of neutrals, soft modern
colours and a few unexpected
brights.
Focus on functionality
Ask yourself tough questions
about whether your home
is actually working for your
current lifestyle. Can people
move around your living
spaces easily? Do you need
more seating and is it comfortable?
Are all areas of your
home well used? If not, can
they take on a new life? Talk
to everyone who lives in your
home about what works and
what doesn’t.
Declutter your life
Less is so much more! Sell
or give away furniture and
objects that you simply don’t
use or love and give your
most beautiful possessions
the space to truly shine.
Think carefully before you
bring new pieces into your
home – do they bring you joy
and enhance the space? Do
they work with the colour
palette you’ve established for
your home?
Consider all five of
your senses
When we truly engage with a
space our senses are ignited.
Consider how the glow of a
Continued on page 30
Cover Story
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 29

Cover Story
Northern Beaches Living
Continued from page 29
table lamp, a soft-textured
rug and fresh flowers can
contribute to making an
interior feel welcoming. As
the world outside gets busier,
we’re seeing a trend towards
decorating your home as a
personal retreat rather than a
designer showroom.
Go green
Pot plants can take a lot of love
but they give back with interest!
They not only clean the air
in your home but they bring
a sense of calm and tranquillity.
Think about what foliage
colours and leaf shapes will
enhance your colour scheme
and the space itself. Vary the
scale and type of plants you
use and always get an expert
opinion on which species will
thrive indoors.
If you want to take your
passion for interiors further
go to sydneydesignschool.
com.au to find our more
about studying world-class
interior design and decoration
courses on campus or online.
WARM
THINGS UP
Shorter, cooler, gloomy days
can highlight how important
natural light is to our
overall wellbeing.
If your home is on the dark
side there are a number of
things you can do to brighten
it up and a simple fix is to
clean windows and existing
skylights or install new ones.
Trevor Williams from
Skylight Design suggests you
“know your house” before you
call him in.
“Know where the dark
spaces are that make you love
the house less,” he said.
“It also helps to have a copy
of house plans and structural
engineering details that may
affect the location of proposed
skylights,” Trevor said.
Don’t let the cold weather
prevent you from taking on
home exterior and maintenance
jobs.
“In my business, we are very
weather-dependant and in
winter we seem to get less rain
interruptions than in most of
the summer months,” Trevor
said.
“Also, if home improvements
are done in the winter,
then the house is back to
normal and ready to enjoy the
summer.”
A good-quality louvered
roof is water-tight and can
provide you with cover from
the elements but also gives
you the flexibility to control
the light, provide ventilation
and view the sky when you
want to.
Louvered roofs can easily integrate
with existing architecture
and can be free-standing,
attached or incorporated
30 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

into your current solid roof,
Dustin Weaver from SunSpec
explained.
“Our louvre system offers
a range of positions between
open and fully closed, at the
push of a button giving you
the ability to stop anywhere,
perfectly controlling light,
shade and ventilation,” Dustin
said.
“When the louvres are completely
closed, the system is
water-tight, offering complete
protection from the rain,
just as a solid patio covering
would,” he said.
GET THE
JOB DONE
Take steps now to stop
the draughts breezing
through – check around
doors, windows, in between
floorboards, chimneys and
around exhaust fans and seal
up. Get advice from a builder
before conducting any major
work.
Don’t wait for Spring.
Keeping things clean and not
letting dust and dirt build up
can help keep your home in
tip-top shape.
Maintaining your home
by protecting surfaces and
fixing leaks and cracks when
they first appear can prevent
the need for much bigger and
more expensive jobs.
Keep an eye on your roof,
skylights, windows and
keep gutters free and clear
as neglect can lead to leaks,
flooding and major internal
damage.
Don’t let your timber deck,
stairs and windows go to rot
so they need to be replaced
when regular TLC can extend
their life by decades.
Having your house professionally
washed will remove
mold as well as grime and
significantly extend the life
of its paint job.
If you are toying with the
idea of a home reno or new
build and you want it done
before the most popular
deadline of the year – Christmas
– get onto the experts
now.
And if it’s a kitchen you
are after, plan now and you’ll
have plenty of time to get
things sorted and beat the
rush, says Collaroy Kitchen’s
Helle Olsen who says she
expects to see more homes
incorporating a new concept
called PITT cooking where
individual burners are built
into benchtops.
Continued on page 33
Cover Story
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 31

Northern Beaches Living
Life’s a Beachcomber
Cover Story
When local writer Helen
Thurloe first spotted
the house she and her
family would call home for the
next 20-plus years she had no
idea of its place in Australian
suburban architectural history.
“All we knew was that the
house felt good to be in,” she
said. “After living in a doublebrick
semi in the inner-west, it
felt deliciously weightless.
“It felt like we were in the
trees and the sky.”
Helen is the proud owner of a
Beachcomber.
Designed for
Australian conditions
as rectangular
homes elevated
on stilts with big
panels of floor-toceiling
glass, these
1960s Bauhaus-style
Lend Lease project
homes are now
highly sought-after,
with many people
hungry for information
about where to find them,
their history and how to maintain
or renovate them.
Timely then that Helen’s
thirst for knowledge led her to
research ‘The Beachcomber’
and to develop a website that
celebrates these modern Australian
homes. *
Helen explained at the time
of its release, The Beachcomber
was an “audacious modernist
structure”.
“It excited new home buyers
with its vast windows onto a
shaded sun-deck, while also
featuring quality architectdesigned
fittings and fixtures,”
she said. The popularity of The
Helen Thurloe has lived in her Beachcomber for almost 25 years; the Avalon Beach resident won
the Multimedia gong at the recent National Trust Heritage awards for her resource website.
Beachcomber
throughout the
1960s saw it
evolve into four
versions (Marks
I, II, III & IV) and
there were numerous “copy-cat”
designs by other home builders,
Helen said.
But Beachcombers haven’t
always been admired.
When Helen and her husband
bought their home in Avalon
1995 it had been listed by a
number of agents and on the
market for a long time.
“It wasn’t a popular style
of home to purchase in the
1990s,” she explained. “When
we moved in, a neighbour told
me he called it ‘the television
set’, because it looked like a TV
on legs (this no longer makes
sense with wall-mounted LED
screens but you know what he
meant)… a little bit ‘Jetsons’.”
The features of the home that
first appealed to Helen – the
aspect (the house is perched
high on the block and positioned
to look across the valley
to the ocean) and the clean,
rectangular lines expressed in
the sheltered sundeck and the
10 roof beams with highlight
windows set between them to
always let a slice of light in and
out – stand true today.
Built in 1963 Helen’s home
is both elegantly proportioned
and well built – she and her
family love its sense of space
(despite its small dimensions),
and its practicality.
“On hot days the breeze can
flow right through the house,”
she said. “The carport and the
enclosed space under the main
house are also very handy.”
Any drawbacks?
“The flat roof means there
is no cavity for electricals, so
there are no ceiling lights,”
Helen said.
“Because of its lightweight
construction, it can be cold in
winter, but at least there’s not
too much of it to heat up!”
Eleven Beachcombers were
built in Avalon and there are at
least a dozen more in Pittwater,
from Palm Beach to Warriewood
and from Elanora Heights to
Bilgola.
* Helen’s 12-year labour of love
was recognised recently at the
National Trust Heritage Awards
when her website beachcomberhouse.com.au
took out the
Multimedia Award, the judges
commenting: “Mid-century modern
gets a great advocacy tool
in this website. It is informative
and a great resource which will
no doubt grow.” – Lisa Offord
32 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

STAMP IT OUT
The NSW Government’s new stamp duty concessions are
expected to support around 24,000 people trying to get a
foot on the property ladder.
The Government announced last month it will help first
homebuyers through a raft of changes, including stamp duty
exemptions, which will save them up to $34,360.
The package includes:
n Abolishing all stamp duty for first homebuyers on
existing and new homes up to $650,000 and stamp duty
discounts up to $800,000. These changes, to be introduced
on July 1, will provide savings of up to $24,740 for first
homebuyers;
n Abolishing the stamp duty charged on lenders’ mortgage
insurance, which is often required by banks to lend to first
homebuyers with limited deposits, providing a saving of
around $2,900 on an $800,000 property.
AFFORDING CHANGE
Northern Beaches Council has adopted a series of
policy initiatives to address the pressing issue of
affordable housing locally.
“There is a 10 per cent target for affordable
rental housing in areas like Frenchs Forest and
Ingleside where housing density will increase, and
a commitment to even higher targets where that is
feasible,” said Council Chief Executive Officer Mark
Ferguson.
“Affordable rental housing targets for other parts of
the Council area will be established through Council’s
new local housing strategy.
“Eligibility for affordable rental housing will be
based on household income and social or economic
association with the Northern Beaches Council area –
for example key workers who are employed in the area
or those needing access to family support,” he said.
The policy would also see Council work with
registered Community Housing Providers to manage
affordable rental housing delivered through the
development approval process.
Further investigation of other planning incentives
and mechanisms to deliver affordable housing will be
undertaken in association with the State Government,
industry experts and the private sector and Council
will continue to advocate for taxation reforms.
“Consideration would also be given to the
construction of affordable housing on Council-owned
land, where feasible.”
ADVERTORIAL
Does your old skylight
look like THIS?
It could become a disaster
in the next big storm...
our garden-
skylight
BEFORE
Yvariety
is not a good look;
it’s noisy, hot as
hell in the summer,
and lets your
heating escape in
winter. They are
also notorious for
trapping leaf debris,
which leads to leaks
(a big problem in
gum tree country).
Good news –
the rusty shocker
can be replaced
with a vastly
superior skylight
WITHOUT the
mess and expense
of re-building or
modifying the light-shaft below.
Even better news – it’s only slightly
more expensive than replacing with
another bubble skylight.
The VELUX FCM skylight can
be installed on an easy-clean
Colorbond flashing tray to suit both
metal and tile roof types, whether
pitched or dead flat.
They’re double-glazed, with
performancetoughened
glass to
block heat and UV
in the summer and
retain heat in winter.
They even have a selfcleaning
coating to
reduce maintenance.
All Velux products
have been rigorously
AFTER storm tested – and
even hail tested,
using cricket balls!
The 10-year warranty
gives you that extra
confidence.
With a size to
match most bubble
skylights and so many
advantages, it seems
like a no-brainer!
If you’d like to arrange a noobligation
assessment of your
old skylights, or even to discuss
options for brightening up your
dark rooms, give Trevor at Skylight
Design a call on 0406 616 306 or
visit www.skylightdesign.com.au.
Licensed and fully insured
skylight specialists.
Avalon-based and proudly local!
Cover Story
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 33

Northern Beaches Living – Directory
Peninsula Reflections
Owners Bill and Linda agree it can be
confusing choosing the right glazing option
for your artwork and
your budget. “We offer
several options,” says
Bill. “First, there is
standard glass (the most
cost-effective option);
however it imparts a
green colourcast to
your art, and it has
only 45% protection
against UV damage.
Plus it can damage
your art if broken!
Second, non-reflective
glass, which has the
same specifications
as standard glass, is simply etched on one
side only which creates the anti-reflection.
Third, there is acrylic, within which there are
a few different options.” Bill says the main
advantages of any acrylic is its weight (or lack
of), its clarity (there is no
green colourcast), plus it
has more UV protection
than glass. “We offer a
standard acrylic with
65% UV protection, and
a gallery-grade acrylic
with 99% UV protection
in both clear and nonreflective,”
he said.
“Finally, the ultimate
is art glass (right) –
boasting eight times
reduced reflection of
standard glass, its clarity
is stunning. See the true
colour of your framed item; it has 65% UV
protection, and is easier to clean than acrylic.
P: 9979 4488
Rug Revival (AGI)
Cover Story
Collaroy
Kitchen Centre
After 19 years in the same
premises, passionate owners
John and Helle have moved a
few doors down to Shop 7/8,
1000 Pittwater Road, where
they are proudly revealing
totally new display kitchens
featuring state-of-the-art,
upmarket appliances from
Sub-Zero and Wolf. The
latest trends and materials
from Eurocucina ITALY 2016
are incorporated into their
innovative new designs and
you’ll be amazed at the fresh
new options for benchtops
and cabinetry now on display.
The kitchen, being the hub
of the home, needs to be a
reflection of your needs and
style. With their cabinetry all
custom-designed, your needs
can be met and you are not
locked in to a fixed modular
system. And you know every
project will be handled by the
owner of the business. “We can
include every trade needed in
one contract – we can do that
because we have a full builders
licence, and can even include
structural work,” said Helle.
“When you are not limited to
modular sizes you can get
nicer design lines, like equal
door sizes,” said Helle. Open
six days – Monday to Friday
9am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-
3pm. P: 9972 9300
It’s time to prepare your rugs
for winter’s cooler weather
– rugs collect an incredible
amount of dust and dirt
that cannot be removed
with simple vacuuming.
Plus, general spills and pet
‘accidents’ can lead to very
dirty, smelly rugs. Local
family-owned specialist
business Rug Revival provides
a full wash and restoration
system to completely
rejuvenate your treasured
pieces to prolong their life. It
makes perfect sense that when
you invest in improvements
to your home, your floor
and furniture coverings
aren’t neglected. With over
20 years’ experience and
Certification, co-owner Ian will
provide a complete service.
From beating, shampooing
and power washing, stain
and odour removal, fringe
detailing, complete drying and
grooming, repairs, pick-up and
delivery – Rug Revival does it
all. “We also have a full range
of underlays and non-slip
sprays to prevent your rug
Northern Suburbs Water Filters
This Mona Vale business has specialised in
removing chemicals from your drinking water
since 1994. Owner Jenny Dey says their reverse
osmosis purifiers filter
down to a molecular level
(1,000 times finer than
most filters) removing
all chemicals and
contaminants. Plus they
have optional designer
faucets for home style as
well as Alkalisers. “Our
filters make good sense
economically; they are
inexpensive and only
use water pressure, not
electricity,” says Jenny.
“At just a few cents a litre you can benefit
from peace of mind knowing they can remove
chlorine, ammonia, asbestos, fluoride,
from bunching or moving,”
says co-owner Belinda. “Ask
about our full 12-month stain
warranty when your rugs
have been protected.” Rug
Revival also has a large range
of quality second-hand rugs
for sale – all fully washed and
ready to place on your floor.
Find them at 2/45 Bassett St
Mona Vale. P: 9997 8888
pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, phosphates,
petroleum products, heavy metals – as well
as parasites giardia and cryptosporidium
– all year round at the
touch of a tap!” She adds
it’s important to know
you’re hydrating your
family with clean, healthy
water that’s economical,
environmentally friendly,
easy to use, convenient
and reliable. “So
complement your kitchen
with a stylish, functional
under-sink water filter
for all your drinking, tea,
coffee and cooking water,”
Jenny said. “Drop in and speak to our friendly,
informative team, see our range and have us
tailor a filter to suit your needs.” P: 9979 5855
34 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Special Local Promotion
Trentwood Building Services
If your home is looking a little rough around the edges, or you
need help to create some more space, or perhaps you’re thinking
of starting from scratch and building a new home, selecting the
right people to do the work is a decision that shouldn’t be rushed
into. Consider Avalon-based Trentwood Building Services – they’ve
been building and renovating homes on the Northern Beaches and
Lower North Shore for more than 20 years. Owner/operator Ian
Brooks says what sets Trentwood apart from others is the value
the team places on building quality relationships with their clients,
as much as the quality of their workmanship. “We are a familyrun
business that offers experience, professionalism and peace
of mind when building precious investments such as new homes,
additions, decking and drainage,” he says. Trentwood Building
Services is a member of the Master Builders Association of NSW.
To see for yourself what the team at Trentwood have been up to
lately, check out trentwoodbuildingservices.com.au. Ian is only
too happy to provide more info or to arrange an estimate of your
project. P: 0411 630 224
Luxafoam North
Luxafoam North has been providing top-quality Australian-made
Dunlop foams to Sydney customers for more than 15 years.
Their reputation for the highest-quality products, outstanding
service and value for money has been the backbone of their
success. The talented team specialise in providing the best
quality foams for use in your home, outdoor areas and boats.
They cut their foams to any size and shape to suit all styles of
seating. From lounge chairs to dining chairs, window seats,
outdoor daybeds, BBQ settings, cane and wicker settings,
you can easily bring new life and comfort to your furniture by
replacing old and worn-out cushions with comfortable and
supportive ones. They are masters at helping you transform
your interior and exterior spaces into beautiful comfortable
areas. They also provide an upholstery service specialising in
custom-made seat covers for your home, marine and outdoor
areas. Rob, who has over 25 years’ experience in creating highquality
covers, thinks outside the square and can provide expert
advice on all aspects of your seating needs. P: 9999 5567
Shades of Pittwater
Jonathan Pretty explains that his experienced team’s desire is to
provide smarter design solutions and inspiration to homeowners
across Pittwater, helping them to design the home of their dreams.
“We offer expert advice to local residents who want to update the
look and feel of their home,” explains Jonathan. “Our interiors
range includes products suitable for any home makeover, and our
expert team will offer a customised experience for each customer.”
Shades of Pittwater offers window furnishings for any home or
lifestyle, including new Modern Roman Shades. Designed with
child safety in mind, Modern Roman Shades feature an innovative
cordless rear design, providing ease of mind for families with
young children and pets. The stylish DUETTE Shades range is
also available – one of the most energy-efficient window covering
ranges. And Shades of Pittwater boasts the entire Luxaflex range.
Take advantage of their mid-year sale which runs until July 18
including 20% off selected Luxaflex window fashions – plus you
can win $5000 towards a Luxaflex makeover. P: 9999 6001
Cover Story
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 35

Northern Beaches Living – Directory
Skylight Design
This is a Northern Beaches-based natural
lighting business with a difference. Coming
from a building background, owner/operator
Trevor can handle the
most complex structural
challenges to ensure
his clients get the wow
factor they’re after, and
he’s always happy to
spend the time to advise
customers on all the
options for the most
cost-effective solution.
The Velux range of
skylights are by far the
best on the market,
and in over a decade
in the business, they
have installed hundreds of them all over
the north shore – but Trevor and his team
can also design and construct custom-made
skylights and architectural glass roof systems
of any shape or size. Skylight Design is also
the Sydney sales and
installation agent for the
amazing new Redi-Lite
solar daylighting system.
www.redi-lite.com.
Whether your tired old
skylight needs replacing
before it becomes a
leaking liability, your
existing Velux products
need repairs or service,
or you’re considering
new skylights to add
value, light and thermal
efficiency to your home
– a good place to start is www.skylightdesign.
com.au P: 0406 616 306
Cover Story
Design
Curtains
Established for more than
three decades, Design
Curtains has decorated
homes across Sydney with an
extensive range of uniquely
beautiful interior and soft
furnishing products. They
showcase a complete range
of window furnishings,
interior soft furnishings,
fabrics, decorative trimmings,
hardware, furniture, decorator
accessories and wallpapers.
You can rest assured you
will be appointing an
interior designer/decorator
that understands your
expectations, has vast
furnishing knowledge, and
can deliver expert advice with
professionalism. Beyond their
core business, their team are
being commissioned to do a
lot of re-upholstery as well as
colour consultations and “de-
Cluttering”. Their dedicated
showroom at Mona Vale
showcases some of the latest
curtain and blind displays and
also stocks one the largest
decorating sample collections
in Sydney. All consultants
are up to date with the latest
global design trends and
colours, which will help to
make your buying decision
easier. They manufacture their
own curtains, so convenient
turnaround times and ‘assured
quality workmanship’ is a
priority. Call them for a free
measure and quote and to
hear their special promotions.
P: 9999 0100
Susan Ottowa
Antique General Store
Here is the perfect fit for the northern
beaches’ relaxed lifestyle. After 30 years
in the same heritage building at North
Narrabeen, Antique General Store know what
customers are looking for and are often able
to help them achieve
that casual coastal
vibe which is always
so popular. This large,
rambling store houses
a treasure trove of
diverse and unique
décor pieces that are
sourced both locally
and overseas. It is a
regular destination
for stylists, designers
and home renovators.
They know they will
generally find exactly
Upholstery and soft
furnishings by Susan Ottowa,
is an affordable and local
Northern Beaches business
specialising in outdoor
and indoor furniture, boat
upholstery and day beds. Take
your time and talk through
your ideas, for a stressfree
styling experience and
outcome. Owner/operator
Susan says her team offers a
wide selection of foam and an
extensive range of designer
fabrics which range from
plain to modern to cater to all
clients’ tastes, from domestic
commissions to commercial
jobs. And all at competitive
prices. “Our aim is to transform
and reinvigorate your muchloved
but perhaps tired
furniture into pieces that sing,
with a fresh new appearance,”
says Susan. Other services
include curtain-making,
cushion design plus screens
and awnings. Complimentary
style advice is included in
the service, to guarantee
you are provided with the
result you envisage – and the
result you want. “We are all
about providing a hassle-free
experience,” she said. “We are
very passionate and handson
about what we do and
welcome your enquiries.”
P: 9973 1731
what they’re looking for; or perhaps they
come looking for inspiration whilst browsing
the many rooms full of vintage, collectables
and eclectic décor items. Run by 10 passionate
dealers, each with diverse interests, the AGS
stock ranges from
traditional to quirky,
rustic to retro, and
includes on-trend
pieces perfect for
that one-of-a-kind
signature touch to
your home. And if you
can’t find exactly what
you’re looking for they
will do their best to
source it for you. Like
them on facebook to
stay updated on latest
stock. P: 9913 7636
36 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Special Local Promotion
Blue Tongue Carpets
– Northern Beaches Flooring Centre
Winter is here – and with the change of weather often comes a
change in the look and feel of our favourite rooms. Although
carpet is a lovely, soft and cosy option for the bedrooms, timber
floors and the many timber look-alike products are on-trend
for living and family areas. For some there is no alternative to
a beautiful, natural oak floor but for an ever-increasing number
of savvy buyers, the new generation of loose-lay vinyl planks
and tiles are the product of choice. They offer a long list of
advantages: a large variety of timbers, travertine, marble,
brushed concrete and more, with less to spend. (There are
dozens of poor quality copies around, so do your homework.)
The latest advancement comes from Karndean with their new,
mega-size Longboard range. You can view their entire range
plus other big-name brands in the newly furbished showroom.
Stephan, Bryan and Ian are always happy to help out with
samples and friendly advice. “We are the Northern Beaches
centre for flooring, with all of your indoor and outdoor needs
covered,” says Stephan. P: 9979 7292
Backyard Cabins
Northern Beaches-based business Backyard Cabins has been
delivering a wide range of quality built, well-designed and
beautifully finished cabins and cottages since 1990 to nearly a
thousand happy customers Australia-wide.
Specialising in the family-orientated residential market,
Backyard Cabins has solved a vast array of customer requests
generally centred upon the lack of space at home.
Whether it’s a cute cabin or cottage from their country or beach
style range, a customised design of your own or something from
their large portfolio there is a backyard cabin to suit your needs.
Their extensive range will allow you to add that extra bedroom,
studio, granny flat, home office, teenage retreat, rumpus or
work space at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional
renovations. Their detached solutions create flexibility in your
living arrangement and are less intrusive and interruptive in their
construction. You gain that needed space and the possibility of
an extra income off your disused backyard area, while still adding
value to your home. Their helpful and professional team will be
happy to answer any questions. P: 9973 1691
Celebrating 25 Years
SunSpec
Designed for Australian conditions so you can enjoy the
outdoors all year-round with family and friends, Sunspec
opening roofs offer the whole range of positions between open
and fully closed, conveniently operated by a remote control.
Their ingenious roof systems are versatile, easy to use and
clean. The louvered roof mechanism transforms from a solid
waterproof covering to an open garden trellis, or Pergola-style
covering – giving light, ventilation, and views of the clear sky
above. All of this simply at the touch of a button, giving you
complete flexibility of your light and weather control needs for
any outdoor living area; you control your environment! Their
opening roofs are perfect for the home, office, shop, business,
commercial or industrial site. Whether it’s for your back patio,
deck, balcony, courtyard, hotel or restaurant, the team at
SunSpec can design the system perfect for your application.
And SunSpec opening roofs are unmatched in terms of cost,
functionality, warranty period (10 years’ parts and labour) and
performance. P: 0413 737 934
Martin Earl House Washing
Local business owner and operator Martin Earl is celebrating 10
years of keeping the exterior of homes on the Northern Beaches
sparkling clean. The services he offers are ideal if you’re selling,
leasing, pre-painting or for purely putting the sparkle back into
your home. Of the thousands of homes washed over the past
decade, Martin says he has been on site for the entire clean of
every single one! “Home owners rightly expect their most valued
asset to be in safe and professional hands,” he says. “I always
guarantee that I am not just quoting but that I will be there
throughout the entire cleaning process. No casuals, travellers
or uninsured persons will be bought onto your property, he
said. “Customers have peace of mind and importantly are
amazed at the stunning results.” If you require a soft wash to
remove the mould, cobwebs, dirt and grime from the exterior
of your house, or you need your driveway, paths and patios high
pressure cleaned back to their former glory, Martin is offering
a free quote. “This is a local, highly professional, family run
business offering excellent results that ticks all the boxes for
your requirements,” he said. P: 0405 583 305
37
Cover Story

Art Life
Art Life
Winter exhibition continues
ACOP’s 50-year celebration
It’s hard to believe the
Artists & Craftsmen of
Pittwater have turned
50! The talented group
continue to celebrate
their Golden Jubilee Year
with a wonderful winter
exhibition and sale at the
Mona Vale Memorial Hall
on July 13-15.
This diverse band are
very proud to have been
continuously representing
local artists and crafts
people on the Northern
Beaches since 1967.
Historically their
exhibitions showcase new
and existing collections
from their members.
The winner of the
April ‘People’s Choice’
Award – Becky Diacono
– will be showing four new works at the
upcoming show. Also, choose from a variety
of mixed media, oils, acrylic, watercolours,
photography and
framed prints among
original works by Linda
Joyce.
Browse felt mermaids
and creatures; glass
terrariums; mosaics;
jewellery; folk and
decorative art,
Australian timber,
hand-crafted burls
from salvaged timber;
porcelain; patchwork
(by Vivien Prince);
knitting and baby gifts
(from Lesley Warren’s
Collection); embroidery;
silk; art cards; glass;
cushions; paper tole
and quilling.
The group welcome
membership enquiries
from local artists.
The ACOP exhibition and sale will be
open from 9am-4pm each day; more info
on facebook and acop.com.au.
Bring out your
creative bent at SAS
Creative treats galore
await at Sydney Art Space
in Mona Vale this month,
including a school holiday Art
Program featuring wonderful
workshops for kids and adults
covering clay hand-building,
drawing, collage, oil pastels,
pom poms, polymer clay
jewellery, beads, koalas and
platypus necklaces, origami,
and watercolour.
“Term 3 kicks off with 10
weeks of creative growth and
exploration on Tuesday July
18 with courses in Sculpture,
Drawing Fundamentals, Oil
Painting, Kids Art Club, Life
Drawing and HSC VAPD,”
says SAS convenor Christine
Simpson.
The art space also offers
themed Art Parties for children
on Sundays from 10am-
12pm and adult art parties
(with a life model or themed),
can also be arranged; bookings
essential.
“Sonic Moves, our third
experimental sound night,
will be held at the Kave Bar in
Newport on Wednesday July
26,” Christine said. “These
nights are dedicated to artists
exploring new sounds and
noises via the subversion
and conversion of the artist’s
chosen instrument/s.”
She added members of the
audience are welcome to respond
via drawing or relaxing
and listening “over a fabulous
cocktail!”
For more info and availability
on all courses,
workshops and events visit
sydneyartspace.com
New wave trio
for Manly
The Manly Art Gallery &
Museum will host a new
wave of thought-provoking
exhibits from July 14 until 3
September.
Opening night for the
exciting trio of exhibitions –
Aura: Repetition, Reproduction
and the Mark of the Artist; Tilt;
and Wildflowers – will be held
on Friday July 21 ahead of a
special series of artist talks.
“Aura is an exciting
collection of wall-based prints,
installations and sculpture from
10 emerging and established
artists,” said gallery senior
curator Katherine Roberts.
“Tilt is a painfully beautiful
installation of ceramics
paintings, sound and digital
prints from Hague-based
Australian artist Belinda Fox
and Melbourne-based Neville
French… they ask ‘Which
way will the world fall?’ in
what is a politically charged
collaboration.”
Meanwhile Northern
Beaches local Salvatore Zofrea
will be celebrating the 10th
anniversary of Days of Summer,
with his 40 hand-coloured
woodblock prints shown
at the MAG&M for the first
time, alongside some recent
watercolour paintings. – LO
Nominate for
sculpture walk
Local sculptors of are
being urged to nominate
pieces for the Stony Range
Botanic Garden’s annual
Spring Festival on Sunday
September 10.
Organisers are seeking 20
outdoor artworks for a special
sculpture trail to be installed
along the garden’s 2km
walking track at Dee Why.
Artists are invited to submit
works for display and sale in the
exhibition, which is expected to
attract more than 800 visitors,
by Friday, 7 July. The works
should relate to the Spring
Festival theme of ‘Wild Things’.
For more info or
applications, email Eleanor
Eakins at stonyrange@gmail.
com or phone 9451 1883.
38 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

HIGH ACHIEVER: Gabriel Scanu with Shores’ Stephanie Hammond
A career heading
for great heights
Sydney-based content
creator Gabriel Scanu
knows he bagged a huge
break when networking app
Instagram published a blog
post on his amazing drone
photography and posted a
photo to their account which
reached over 1.2 million likes.
Scanu’s meteoric rise sees
him now shuffle between the
US and his home in Sydney.
It’s been a whirlwind past year
for the 21-year-old, who was
also recently commissioned
by Shores real estate principal
Stephanie Hammond to shoot
bespoke imagery for her new
Avalon-based agency.
“I was always interested in
photography as a kid and was
shooting photos on a DSLR
camera since I was about 12,”
said Gabriel, who photographed
this month’s cover photo of a
lone surfer on Avalon Beach.
“I was introduced to drones
a few years ago… I was blown
away with the convenience
and quality of the results.
Once I started experimenting
and posting my work online
I saw the potential in an area
of photography which up until
that point had been somewhat
unexplored.”
A lot of his work is based
around the water and the
Celebrating 25 Years
ocean. “Living in Sydney I am
lucky enough to live close
to some amazing beaches,”
he said. “I’ve taken what I’ve
learned shooting at these
locations and have begun
adapting it to different
landscapes around the world.”
Advanced technology
enables him to pilot the drones
while keeping a creative eye.
“I am able to easily fly and
focus on the composition of
my work, thanks to automated
features which keep the drone
stable in the air without having
to use the controls.
“I work a lot on colour after
shooting, as I think it is one of
the most important features of
any image,” he explained.
“I spend a lot of time
highlighting certain tones and
exposures, to make different
aspects of the image ‘pop’.”
Not surprisingly, Gabriel has
some lofty ambitions.
“The best thing about my
job is the variety of projects I
could be commissioned to do
so it’s difficult for me to list a
single dream shoot,” he said.
“However, I’ve always wanted
to travel and shoot lifestyle
content for a large commercial
airline.” – Nigel Wall
* Look out for more great
images in future issues.
JULY 2017 39
Art Life

Surfing Life
Surfing Life
Addicted to youth... but
ad agencies know better
Revealing window into how marketers now see surfing is a surprise for us all
A
few weeks ago, David
‘DJ’ Jones, the head
local at Newport Beach,
turned 70. DJ didn’t tell me
this, despite the fact that we
were both out the Peak at the
time. He just grinned at me
from the inside position and
went the next set wave.
“It’s his birthday,” another
of the crew told me. We
were both a bit awestruck.
As grommets we’d watched
a twenty-something DJ
ripping apart the Newport
shorebreaks on his sharplooking
yellow pintail.
Somehow, the thought of him
still getting waves off us in
2017 was both heart-warming
and vaguely unbelievable.
Surfing at 70? We’d never
dreamed of it.
Then a couple of weeks
later, on a flat weekend
morning, I leafed through
Sunday Life, the Sun
Herald’s colour magazine,
and had a very weird
moment indeed. For there,
back to back, were two ads
using surfing as a pitch
assist – to pensioners.
One, featuring a stokedlooking
older woman, was
for a superannuation fund
pitching you on managing
your retirement. The
other, featuring a stokedlooking
older man, was for
a charity pitching you on
your “legacy”: suggesting
you remember the charity
in your will, so it gets some
money when you, well, die.
Surfing? Retirement?
Death??
This is not coincidental.
It’s a revealing window into
how Australia’s advertising
industry now sees surfing.
And man, it is a long way
from how the surf culture
would like itself to be seen.
DJ’s birthday was only one
reason these ads tweaked
me. Lately, thanks to book
research, I’ve been jammed
up against a very different
time – the late 1960s and
early ’70s, the days when
professional surfing climbed
out of the primeval ooze
and began looking around
for sponsorship.
The corporations who
came sniffing around mostly
didn’t know a thing about
surfing. But their ad agencies
and marketing people swiftly
remedied that.
Smirnoff, who became the
biggest deal in the game for
a few bright years in Hawaii
in the ’70s, commissioned
a report from their
agency. The report makes
fascinating reading. “Why
Targeted: To admen, older surfers are the flavour of the month.
surfing?” it asked, then
answered itself. Surfers, it
said, were social pioneers,
world-changers: “They’re the
seekers, the style setters, the
young ones who will lead us
into the future.”
In Australia, the first
Bells pro event in 1973
was sponsored by Amco
Jeans, a denim label whose
advertising locked directly
on to the cool surfer teenrebel
look. Their print models
looked amazingly like the
teen blond surfers in the
ads for the pimple cream
Clearasil, the cute girl and
her scruffy-hot boyfriend
and their fantastic tagline:
with Nick Carroll
“I got pimples, but I still
got Jimmy Peterson.” Whoa!
Anyway. When the event
promotor Graham Cassidy
was approached by Coca-
Cola Bottlers later in ’73, he
discovered what Coke wanted:
to be in on the ground
floor with a young sport,
unpredictable and brilliant,
and full of blue sky. That’s
us, said Cassidy. And they ate
it up.
Across the board, the
pitch was clearer than
Clearasil. Surfing was young,
cool, adventurous, sexy,
dangerous, and you wished
you were one.
Surfing’s always loved
40 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

PL’s JULY SURF CALENDAR
that idea of itself. It was
just so damn appealing, and
at the time, it was pretty
much true. As a result, the
surf industry is hopelessly
addicted to Youth; it’s very
uncomfortable with the idea
that a good part of the surf
culture is now populated by
people who can’t remember
where they left their car keys.
They’ll take your money, if
you insist; but the chances
of a surf company actually
pursuing the custom of such
people? Ha!
But while youth-based
surf mags are shutting their
doors and surf garment
sales stalling, mainstream ad
agencies see the whole thing
very differently. They’re not
fooling themselves about the
numbers here. They’ve seen
the research, both public
and private, that shows the
sport’s age range has spread
far beyond the young-anddangerous
demographic; that
in fact right now in Australia,
there’s more surfers over 35
than under, and more surfers
over 50 than under 15.
Surfing may still be young at
heart, but these days, not in
years.
And those older people,
they’re not just surfing –
they’ve got Money.
Which almost certainly
means we’re gonna see
more of the things I saw in
the Sunday Life supplement.
What’s next? Surfing funerals?
Wetsuit-safe incontinence
pads? State government ads
for age-mandated driving
tests, featuring hearty
old folks in Kombis doing
successful reverse parks at
Wategos?
The mind reels. Meanwhile,
I’m just doing what I’ve
always done – thinking about
how to catch up to DJ.
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
July 12-23: Corona J-Bay Open, Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
We probably shouldn’t hype this event, since the last time we got
excited about a WSL CT event was in Fiji in June, and the surf went
flat for a week. Nonetheless! Jeffreys Bay is one of the world’s great
surf spots and while Mick Fanning was almost bitten by a white
shark there two years ago, it probably won’t happen again. It’s a
last chance shot at a world title run for a couple of people, including
Kelly Slater, whose brilliance at the location is renowned. Check
it out online at www.sorldsurfleague.com
NICK’S JULY SURF FORECAST
I don’t know about you, but I had a very fun June. A lot of different
surf from a lot of different places. It was never massive but I think
consistency beats size in a year like 2017. June was incredibly
similar to most Mays, and thus I’m gonna roll the dice and say July
is gonna be like a lot of Junes – that is, very good, with a twist.
The twist will come in the shape of strong potential for a lateseason
east coast low event, which if it happens, will seriously
disrupt the current sand load on most northern beaches. (It needs
a bit of disrupting right now, which is why I’m hoping it’ll happen.)
Otherwise, July will be a month during which the weather window in
the southern Tasman Sea should swing wide open and send us up
a few servings of strong winter southerly swell. Those swells have
been going nuts in the Indian Ocean lately; it’s just a matter of time
before the long wave trough in the southern upper atmosphere, so
stubbornly locked off to our far west, comes wandering around the
base of the world and sits off eastern Tasmania and gives us some
curry. Have a good time with it.
Nick Carroll
Surfing Life
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 41

Sporting Life
Beaches brigade in fine touch
Competing for the fourth
consecutive year as a
new representative team,
Northern Beaches Touch Renegades
emulated their performance
of 12 months ago with
a runner-up placing in the Club
Championships table at the NSW
Touch Junior State Cup in Port
Macquarie.
“We headed north with a
team in every age group, from
Under-10 boys and girls to Under-18
boys and girls,” recapped
club president Jim Randall.
“There were 1237 games played
over three huge days of competition
from teams all over the state
– it was great fun and our squad
of participants did us proud.”
NBT tallied a combined 100
points, placing behind the strong
Manly club (139 points) and
ahead of western Sydney powerhouse
Parramatta (94 points)
who finished third overall.
“Every one of our teams, from
-10s through to -18s contributed
to the club points,” Jim said. “All
teams made it to a round of 16,
Sporting Life
BLUES BROTHERS: Northern Beaches Touch Renegades’ Under-10 boys
(above, left and below) were huge contributors to the club’s second
placing in the NSW Junior State Cup, as were the Under-10 girls.
with three teams going into a
grand final and three teams
getting to semi-finals – which is
a huge achievement considering
the size of the event and the
large number of teams competing.”
Special mention went to the
club’s biggest achievers, the
youngest of the ‘tribe’ – the Under-10
girls who, under the guidance
of long-serving coach Peter
Smyth emerged as premiers,
convincingly winning their
decider against the strongly
fancied Singleton girls.
“Peter has been in this position
from the very start of Renegades,”
said Jim. “Every year
he has proved to be successful
and there’s a reason why – ask
any of these girls how hard
they trained for this event and
I’m sure they will tell you ‘very
hard!’… their fitness sessions at
trainings would put the Under-
18s to shame!”
The Renegades’ Under-10
boys, coached by Joel Maguire,
also made it to the Grand Final,
only to be defeated by an outstanding
Wests Magpies team.
“The Northern Beaches is
a melting pot of talent with a
bunch of kids who have their
hand in every sport,” Jim said.
“We’re always after new players
and if you want to make touch
football your sport, or add it
to your list of pastimes, don’t
miss out on our representative
trials which will be held within
the first two weeks of the new
competition starting.”
For information on reps and
registrations visit northernbeachestouch.com
42 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Boating Life
Sailing showcase
for Prince Harry
The Royal Prince
Alfred Yacht
Club helped launch
the 2018 Invictus
Games last month
with a sailing
demonstration
for Games patron
Prince Harry,
following a request
on the back of their
successful sailing
program with veterans and the
Soldier On Australia charity.
Speaking in front of athletes
and distinguished guests
Prince Harry said: “Sydney will
soon be the custodian of the
Invictus spirit and the focus for
hundreds of men and women
using the Invictus Games to
motivate their recovery from
physical and mental injuries.”
RPAYC Club Coach Tom
Spithill, along with Commodore
Ian Audsley and Integrated
disAbled Sailing Board of
Governors representative
Norm Weaver co-ordinated
an excellent display of sailing
which cemented the earlier
decision announcing the
inclusion of sailing in the
2018 Games (commencing in
October) for the first time.
The RPAYC will also be the
organising authority for the
2018 Games.
Spot a whale – guaranteed!
While living in Pittwater
affords us the
opportunity to spot whales
from the shore (and we all
know at least one person
who can boast seeing
humpbacks breaching
when they look out their
living room window)
there’s nothing like a
close encounter with these
amazing creatures.
Thousands of whales
migrate along our coastline
from May to November.
In Sydney and its
surrounds there are almost
40 vantage points on land
to see humpbacks and
southern right whales – and
in our neck of the woods
Bangalley and Barrenjoey
headlands offer great views
of these marine mammals
in their element.
But seeing them while
you are on the water
is an entirely different
experience and while you
might be lucky to spot a
whale on a regular ferry
trip, or when you are out
in the surf or sailing, when
you book a whale watching
cruise dedicated operators
will pull out all stops to
ensure you will get a closer
look at these charismatic
creatures.
Good news is you don’t
have to travel into town to join
a tour, with Fantasea Cruising
operating guaranteed whale
watching experiences, with
a marine biologist on board
and complimentary tea and
coffee.
This winter their
cruises (from Palm Beach
Wharf) are on July 2, 9
and 16 (for the whales’
northern migration) and
October 1, 8 and 15 (their
journey south/home to
Antarctica). The threehour
tours depart 8.45am.
More info phone 9974
2411.
Boating Life
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 43

Young Life
Young Life
TAFE’s life lessons for Jordan
Avalon Beach landscape
gardener Jordan Cahill
says that if he’d dwelt on
the reputation of universities
over TAFE colleges he may not
have chosen the path that’s led
him to the job satisfaction and
success he has experienced in
just a few short years – including
winning the Horticulture
Industry award at the recent
2017 TAFE NSW Student Excellence
Awards.
The 21-year-old graduated
with his HSC in 2013 before
pursuing an apprenticeship
with Cromer-based outfit The
Garden Makers, finishing his
time recently.
Jordan says his fascination
with landscape construction
and horticulture began when
he studied earth and environmental
science for his HSC.
With a keen eye for design and
arts, he considered studying
interior design or architecture,
but decided he wanted to be
able to build “what my mind
thought”.
“My TAFE (technical and
further education) experience
from day one was amazing,”
he said. “The perception is
that TAFE is looked down
upon by big universities and
employers, however some of
the most necessary training
and job possibilities come out
of a TAFE education.
“My teachers were like
friends to me, always mentoring
me to become the best
tradesman possible. They
teach you the guidelines and
ways in which to do something,
however give you the
potential to work out your
own methods to do things
your way.
“It was a perfect benchmark
for my career in the industry,
and I would definitely recommend
it to anyone.”
At TAFE Jordan showed
exemplary job skills in the
classroom and through his
workplace-based assessments.
He also competed in the World-
Skills Australia 2016 national
competition where, together
with his team partner, he was
awarded a silver medal.
Jordan said the best thing
about his job was seeing a job
progress from day one to the
completion, and realising the
potential of any outside space.
Having finished a Certificate
III in Landscape Construction,
Jordan says he’s eager to pursue
qualifications in landscape
design or architecture.
“I would also like to keep
building job sites with professionals
and work with some
respectful clients which will
hopefully see me growing
to build my own landscape
company one day, or become
a successful representative in
the landscaping industry,” he
said.
“My goal is to not only be
the best in the industry, yet
give the best, and train and
educate the future students to
make sure they are getting the
best training possible and are
giving back the best results
to improve the industry over
time.” – Nigel Wall
44 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Health & Wellbeing
Building self-esteem
through creativity
It’s never been easy being a teenager. Along
with schoolwork, family relationships and
‘fitting in’, young people now have social
media to contend with. For many, life can be
very stressful indeed.
As a professional counsellor who is also
raising a family of young men, Shar Votano
is acutely aware of what our teens (and
younger) are experiencing.
“As a community we are all very concerned
about the mental health of
our young people, building
self-esteem, engaging with
others, having healthy
boundaries and being
resilient for what they face in
our everyday world,” she said.
“Raising a family of young
men on the Northern Beaches
has highlighted how unique
the journey of adolescence is
for each individual and how
much we as parents, teacher,
carers and counsellors can
assist them though our
support in many varied
ways… it does take a village!”
Shar has created a peaceful
and discreet space for her
practice in Warriewood offering locals of
all ages the opportunity to engage with
professional counsellors, helping people
adjust to major events, understand thoughts
and actions plus find ways to reduce stress
and enhance emotional wellbeing.
With a background as a high school visual
arts teacher, natural therapist and health and
wellbeing consultant, Shar practises a holistic
model of counselling.
“Acknowledging the importance of balance
in body, mind and spirit is very much the
core belief of how I approach the counselling
ART THERAPY: A positive step.
process,” Shar explained.
Shar said that while her practice was
predominantly set up as a unique healing
space for private counselling for individuals,
she now also facilitates events and
workshops for teens and children to provide
healthy connections to others and also to
themselves.
These school holidays Shar will be running
a series of art-based therapy workshops
(for ages 12-16) that focus
on building self-esteem,
resilience and mindfulness. *
“Engaging in thoughtprovoking
activities, working
with others, problem
solving, discussing emotions
and feelings and the
creative process, I believe, is
conducive to wellbeing and
health in all people of all
ages,” she said.
“For teenagers in
particular, those years
of cognitive and physical
development where they
are finding their sense
of self and place in the
world, can be isolating and
overwhelming.
“They need an arsenal of strategies to
navigate this time and this is why we have
much discussion in the workshops around
coping strategies – and when and how to
reach out if you need to,” she said.
* Holiday workshops – activities include
painting, drawing, sculpture, yoga,
meditation and music from 9am-4pm on
July 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14 and 15. Cost $80 a
day; info goodcounsel.net.au or call 0409
253 277.
– Lisa Offord
$7 million
boost for
seniors living
Expect to see a rollout of
local programs helping to
tackle elder abuse, ease cost
of living pressures for older
people, and enable more seniors
to become tech savvy.
Minister for Ageing Tanya
Davies said the 2017-18 Budget
will enable the NSW Government
to help make communities
more inclusive, accessible
and safe for older people.
“People in NSW are living
longer and we want to make
sure all people, regardless of
age or ability, can lead active,
independent, healthy lives
with access to their community,”
Mrs Davies said.
Budget highlights for older
people are $6.5 million to continue
to implement the NSW
Ageing Strategy, including:
n $1 million for the Liveable
Communities Grants Program
delivering innovative ways to
make our communities more
accessible and inclusive;
n More than $600,000 toward
the Elder Abuse Helpline and
Resource Unit, every year giving
more than 10,000 people
across NSW access to support
and resources on elder abuse;
n $500,000 to expand the
digital literacy program Tech
Savvy Seniors, including the
creation of 3,500 new training
places for older people across
the state; and
n $500,000 to continue the
NSW Seniors Card program,
giving 1.5 million card holders
access to more discounts on
living and entertainment. – LO
Health & Wellbeing
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 45

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
A smashing way to unwind
The Greeks sure know how to have a
good time – there’s a word for their
boundless joy, passion and enthusiasm;
it’s called ‘kefi’ and it mostly means everything
associated with positive emotions.
Their spirit of feeling good even extends
to the tradition of plate smashing, something
local restauranteur Effie Hatgis embraces at her
new Clareville restaurant ‘Ouzo’ on Friday and
Saturday nights, along with Greek dancing.
Effie explains she wanted to bring a real
Greek experience to the beaches after moving
to Avalon four years ago.
“My parents owned a taverna on the island
of Lesvos where I helped during the summer
period,” she said.
Since opening last December she has been
flooded with support from locals who have
enjoyed dining on her rustic Greek cuisine
including dishes of moussaka, kleftico, roast
lamb and lots of seafood recipes like stuffed
calamari with ouzo, sultanas, and fresh herbs
(soups and legume dishes also feature through
the winter months).
Immediately plate smashing and dancing
were added to the menu too – Effie said it was
incredible to see customers embracing the
mood, even timid diners.
“We had one lovely lady watching who asked
if she could smash a plate; she dropped it to
the tiles, it smashed and she said it felt so
good!
“You could say it’s an almost therapeutic
feeling, and the beautiful sound from the
smashed plates and music also reminds
them of holidays in Greece and of course the
dancing, the famous movie ‘Zorba the Greek’.
However, plate smashing can put a dent
in your crockery stocks – which is why Effie
recently appealed for donations of old plates
for smashing.
“Plus I have customers bring us all old plates
in order to have the experience in smashing
them,” she said.
If your future dinner plans include dinner at
Ouzo on a Friday or Saturday night, you might
want to think about bringing your own stash of
plates along… you’re guaranteed a smashing
good time.
– Nigel Wall
Fit for a
rewarding
career on
beaches
P
ittwater-based lifeguards
from the Australian
Lifeguard Service report last
patrol season was busy with
more than a million people
flooding our beaches.
A spokesperson confirmed
the team charged with
patrolling nine locations
on the Northern Beaches
made more than 78,000
preventative actions in 2016-
17 (more than 20,000 more
than the previous season) and
carried out 360 rescues (twice
as many compared to the
previous season); while total
first aids remained stable.
The ALS team is conducting
reviews, planning training
programs, inspecting
equipment and recruiting new
lifeguards, with many coming
from local surf clubs.
“We’re always on the hunt
for new talent,” said ALS NSW
Lifeguards Operation Manager
Oliver Munson.
Applicants for lifeguard
positions will participate in
a vigorous fitness and skills
session ahead of the season
to ensure that they are in peak
physical and mental condition.
ALS Pittwater covers North
Palm Beach, Palm Beach,
Whale Beach, Avalon, Bilgola,
Newport, Bungan, Mona Vale,
and Warriewood.
Visit lifeguards.com.au for
more information. – LO
46 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Lens quality: what you
don’t see really matters
Whilst lenses may all
look the same, there
are vast differences
in quality affecting vision,
visual comfort, UV protection,
aesthetics and progression of
vision problems.
Many people in our local
area might not be using the
right lens for their vision. This
can have a major impact on
people’s quality of life as the
lens selection decision will ultimately
determine how well and
comfortably you will see.
We know that for our customers,
the focus is often on
the frame selection process.
You see your frames every day;
we love frames and selecting
the best frame for our patients
is a really satisfying part of
our role. However, seeing out
of your frames, in some cases,
is something you do all day
every day. Our focus is looking
after getting the best lens for
you and ensuring the vision
improvement aspect of an eyewear
purchase is perfect for an
individual’s requirements.
Not all prescription lenses are
created equal, and there is no
one-size-fits-all approach to selecting
the type of prescription
lens for each patient. It’s what
you don’t see that matters.
Technological advances have
significantly improved the
optics and clarity of lenses,
particularly in the progressive
lens area and in response to
with Rowena Beckenham
the evolving dilemma of digital
eyestrain. Embracing the latest
technology in measuring
and fitting lenses allows us
the freedom to choose from
the widest lens ranges and
customise these to provide
exceptional vision.
* As part of the ‘Lenses are
clear. Lens quality isn’t’ campaign,
Rowena is urging people
to consider their current lenses.
Is your vision and quality of
your sight not what it could be?
Comment supplied by Rowena Beckenham, of
Beckenham Optometrist in Avalon (9918 0616). Rowena
has been involved in all facets of independent private
practice optometry in Avalon for 16 years, in addition
to working as a consultant to the optometric and
pharmaceutical industry, and regularly volunteering in
Aboriginal eyecare programs in regional NSW.
Health & Wellbeing
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 47

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Implants – for more than just a smile
Think dental implants and most people would
consider it a procedure to improve the shape
of the mouth, or to restore the natural look of
a smile. But it’s so much more than that, says
specialist prosthodontist Dr Thomas Giblin.
A dental implant – the
replacement of the natural tooth
root or bone anchor with a titanium
screw that fuses to the bone – has
wide-reaching benefits other than
self-esteem.
“Tooth loss causes bone loss; this
can lead to a structural change in
the face and affect oral functions,
including speech and chewing,” Dr
Giblin said.
“For older patients this can affect
food digestion – an associated
problem that’s definitely not on their
radar and not what they need in their lives.”
He said dental implants helped to maintain
bone density, promoting a more youthful
appearance, and ensuring and increasing stability.
It also helped improve the speech of patients.
“It’s not just an older person’s procedure
too; often it is required to treat and correct the
effects of trauma-related accidents, including
the loss of a tooth or teeth while playing sport
or indulging in any active pastime such as
mountain biking,” he said.
“And there’s still a bit of a mindset that when
you hit 60 you won’t be around for long but the
reality is most people will live to your 90s – so
you have 30 more years of having to eat.”
Dr Giblin manages the whole implant case
from start to finish, including
consultation, treatment plan,
dental lab and long-term
maintenance. He says implants
have a good success rate of
between 96 and 99 per cent.
Dr Giblin graduated in Dentistry
from Sydney University with
Honours in 2004. In 2007, after
a stint in private practice, he
completed a three-year Advanced
Prosthodontics Residency at the
University Of Texas Health Science
Centre in San Antonio – one of the
leading programs in the USA.
In the US, he gained a broad education in
all aspects of dentistry, including advanced
implant, cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.
Since returning, he has worked in several
locations before establishing Northern Dental
Specialties as a centre of dental excellence for
the Northern Beaches.
Find Dr Giblin and his experienced team at
Shop 1, 1731 Pittwater Rd, Mona Vale; phone
9997 1122.
Eco Corner
The Challenge is on! Plasticfree
July is here. Commit
to making changes that will
reduce the amount of singleuse
plastic you throw away.
Your actions may even become
a habit of a lifetime!
War on Waste (WOW)
has educated and engaged
us about the state of waste in
our households. Full credit to
the ABC for getting behind the
issue and reminding us that
we’re the world’s fifth largest
producer of municipal waste.
It left many of us baffled about
how we have got to this state
of plastic consumption. Was it
consumer or producer-led?
Post WOW, a 400% jump
in sales of reusable coffee
cups for Aussie company
KeepCups demonstrates
that we can change. WOW
reminded us that it’s up to us
as individuals to change. We’re
at the stage where solutions
have to be found, in two
areas: removing the plastic
that’s already in the ocean but
perhaps more importantly,
preventing further plastic from
ending up in the ocean.
When plastic was invented,
one of its much-heralded
properties was its durability
– and there lies part of our
problem. It doesn’t break
down. It becomes brittle,
breaks up into micro plastics
which are mistaken for food
by marine animals eventually
ending up on our plates.
Removal is a must. But we
must also stop the flow of
plastic into the ocean. A recent
survey by Ocean Cleanup
studied over 40,000 rivers
and identified 20 as being
responsible for over two
thirds of global plastic in the
sea. Most of these rivers are in
Asia, but it’s not just an Asian
problem. Pollution has no
respect for borders.
Refuse, Reuse or
Recycle. When
there’s no
alternative to
plastic, be sure
to use it again.
Russell Lamb is
the founder of
ecodownunder
48 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Health & Wellbeing
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 49

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
New PCYC an awesome space
The Northern Beaches’ first PCYC is now
open and even if you don’t have kids it’s
worth a visit to Dee Why to check out the new
architecturally designed space.
Once known as Police Boys Clubs and
launched 80 years ago to empower young
people to reach their potential, PCYC facilities
today are a centre for all ages and the
community.
The awesome-looking state-of-the-art
sport and recreational space on the Kingsway
includes indoor sports courts, multi-purpose
community rooms, a youth drop-in centre,
study area and cafe.
Doors opened late last month with a range
of activities to tap into including school holiday
programs and opportunities for all ages to
participate in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, play table
tennis or badminton and join ladies and men’s
basketball, netball, Super 5 netball and futsal
competitions. (There’s an opening special of
15% off PCYC activities in the month of July).
Northern Beaches Council Administrator Dick
Persson said the $26 million facility opposite
the council’s Civic Centre also provided muchneeded
additional car parking.
“Council has built this PCYC to deliver more
social, sporting, cultural and recreational
activities for all Northern Beaches young
people, as well as to provide a larger,
integrated carpark that benefits the whole
community,” he said.
He added to encourage residents to inspect
the new facility, Council will be providing free
parking from 29 July to 11 August.
School Holiday Program
PCYC Northern Beaches first school holiday
program for ages 5-12, from 9am-4pm daily
has been discounted to $42.50 per day.
Mon July 11: Swansfit / Multi-Sport – a
Sydney Swans fitness session followed by range
of fun games and sports.
Tues July 12: Laser Warriors – play Laser Tag
with the team from Laser Warriors, followed by
a Mini Olympics.
Wed July 13: Cricket NSW – cricket skills
with the gang from Cricket NSW and play some
sports and games.
Thurs July 14: Football World Cup – kids will
play in a ‘world cup’ tournament.
Fri July 15: Multi-sport Gala Day – kids
will be encouraged to play a range of sports
throughout the day, including basketball,
netball, futsal and more. BBQ lunch included.
For more info or to book, visit pcycnsw.org.
au/northern-beaches or call 0447 434 716.
50 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Hair & Beauty
High intensity: revival
for skin without a ‘lift’
with Sue Carroll
Putting ageing skin back in
its place without a surgical
facelift is certainly a
possibility today given the
advent of HIFU treatments.
Sagging skin gives us tiredlooking
eyes and distorts
the contours of the face,
particularly at the chin and
neck. High intensity focused
ultrasound – HIFU – lifts and
tightens skin on the face and
body for a non-surgical uplift
of the face and neck and gives
body skin a revival.
HIFU is a high-focused
ultrasound beam that directs
energy to precise points in
the skin to lift and tighten.
Various cartridges are used to
penetrate at different depths
to target collagen. Utilising
ultrasonic energy to penetrate
deep below the skin and fat
layer of the face, gently but
effectively targets connective
tissue. Connective tissue is a
firm, tough layer that supports
the neck and facial contours.
Ageing and the passage of
time cause connective tissue
to droop. HIFU tightens loose
connective tissue, creating
firmness and lifting to areas
of sagging skin.
Good candidates for HIFU
are those with skin that
has relaxed to the point of
looking, and often feeling,
less firm. Typically, those
in their 30s, 40s and older
who have mild to moderate
skin laxity are candidates.
Individual results will vary
based on the degree of laxity
(excess or loose skin), volume
(amount and distribution of
fat), quality (wrinkles or sun
damage), age, health and
lifestyle. The areas that can
be treated include brows, mid
face, neck, décolletage and
body skin.
The HIFU treatment itself
can be uncomfortable and
some people may choose
to take a pain killer prior to
treatment. There is no lasting
pain and the treatment may
Celebrating 25 Years
take as little as 30- to 90
minutes, depending on the
size of the area to be treated.
The discomfort ceases as
soon as the beam is moved to
another area and therefore the
procedure is quite tolerable.
There is no downtime
and normal activities may
be resumed immediately
post-treatment. The skin
may appear red immediately
after the treatment but this
quickly settles. Some people
experience swelling and/or
bruising a day or so posttreatment,
and this can be
alleviated by sleeping on an
elevated pillow.
While individual results will
vary, in the first week there
will be a slight lifting and
plumping of fine lines, with
slight tenderness to the touch
and possible tingling or a
numb sensation. One month
post-treatment there is more
of a slight lift, and a tighter
feeling to the skin. Three to
six months post-treatment
the final result will appear
with additional lifting and
tightening, and “better-fitting”
skin should be noticed with
brow elevation, less sagging,
smoother texture and more
even skin tone. Some people
may need a second treatment
eight to 12 weeks after the
first treatment and then a
periodic treatment once or
twice a year.
It is important to remember
that HIFU is an “uplift” and
not a “facelift”. While it is not
a replacement for surgery, it
is a viable option for those
not ready for a facelift, those
looking to prolong the effects
of cosmetic surgery, and those
who simply want to stay ahead
of the game.
Over time, underlying
changes to the skin tissue result
in lines, wrinkles and sagging
skin. HIFU is considered a
revolutionary, non-invasive
uplifting of the face and body
skin that works to renew
collagen in the skin naturally
from the inside out. When
this procedure is combined
with a healthy lifestyle, a
good homecare skin routine
and possibly used with other
modalities (such as injectables
and laser), the outcome is
nothing short of an amazing – a
refreshed, new you… without a
surgical procedure.
Sue Carroll of Skin
Inspiration writes on
beauty trends and treatments
for Pittwater Life.
She has been a fully qualified
Aesthetician for 33 years.
Sue has owned and
operated successful beauty
clinics and day spas on
the Northern Beaches.
info@skininspiration.com.au
www.skininspiration.com.au
JULY 2017 51
Hair & Beauty

Business Life: Money
Business Life
Time accountants woke
up and smelt the irony
Look up the definition of
irony in the dictionary and
you’ll be referred to the
listing for CPA Australia. Thirty
years is a long time – that’s
how long I’ve been a member
of a professional body that
aspires to be one of if not
the pre-eminent governance
organisation in the country,
CPA Australia.
Since February this year
the CPA brand has been all
over the press… and not in a
good way. To get a handle on
the scope of the problems affecting
the leadership of CPA
Australia first consider these
simple questions:
n Would you expect rank and
file members to be able to
vote for the appointment of
directors to the governing
body?
n Would you as a member
expect to know how much
the directors and key senior
staff are paid?
n Would you expect the
organisation to not compete
with members in the
marketplace?
n Would you expect directors
and senior staff devote the
majority of their time to advancing
member interests?
I think most reasonable
people would answer yes to
all these questions, regardless
of whether they belonged
to a local football club or a
large professional body. These
questions are basics when it
comes to associations. Unfortunately
however in the case
of the national accountants
body it seems that we have
been living in the builder’s
house, or driving the mechanics
car. As far as the press
reports are concerned, members
have taken their eye off
the board and they have been
let down.
For anyone following the
saga through the pages of the
major papers it has been a
long, drawn-out and complicated
story.
From what I understand
matters came to a head in
February of this year when the
CEO of CPA Australia, a fellow
named Alex Malley, questioned
governance standards
at Woolworths over the issue
of the Masters Hardware chain
in an op-ed piece published
in the Australian Financial
Review. This was followed
by the AFR’s Rear Window
columnist, Joe Aston, calling
out what he saw as hypocrisy
and describing Malley as
“Australia’s most accomplished
self-promoter”. This article,
along with further CPA Australia
self-promotion, piqued
the ire of Armidale-based CPA
Brett Stevenson who raised
objections “… about the way
the accounting body marketed
itself, the focus of the marketing
on CEO Mr Malley, the poor
transparency about salaries of
key executives, the promotion
of Mr Malley’s autobiographical
book in the US and a lack
with Brian Hrnjak
of focus on issues close to the
hearts of accountants”. Pretty
much from that point on,
the bean counters were at
war (and if you like to know
what that might look like
feel free to refer to Monty
Python’s famous Accountancy
Shanty: youtube.com/
watch?v=7YUiBBltOg4).
Like Stevenson, many of us
who regularly travel through
the airport or around town
would notice and/or comment
to our colleagues about
the massive billboards and
placards advertising Malley’s
‘The Naked CEO’ book or ‘In
Conversations’ TV show – our
membership fees at work we
would joke. Unlike Stevenson
we never did anything about it.
And so a soap opera of sorts
played out between February
and May 2017. Stevenson,
leading a dissident faction of
members, demanded access to
member contact information
including email addresses that
was previously available on
the CPA website but removed
without reason. The board
ignored repeated requests for
information about the payment
of director’s fees and senior
executive salaries. Questions
52 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

were raised about the extended
tenure of certain board
members. More questions were
raised about sponsorships paid
by CPA Australia to professional
sporting groups, including
one related to a current director.
There were apparent issues
with membership statistics that
just didn’t add up. And what
appeared to be the final straw
– the board decided to hold the
AGM in Singapore. All these issues
played out for everyone to
read in the pages of the capital
city and national newspapers.
And then quietly, in the
dead of night on 31 May, after
the first State of Origin game
had concluded, the board issued
an email to the members
with a 32-page document
enclosed. The document was
accompanied by a notice advising
early retirement of the
President. What it contained
though was explosive. According
to the board of directors,
the self-promotion of the
CEO is simply a welcome and
effective marketing initiative.
In their view there are no
governance issues of concern,
just opposing points of view. It
is apparently ok to establish
a subsidiary company, lend it
money and then pay another
round of board fees to the
directors even though that
company has lost millions.
It is also ok to pay the CEO,
the head of a member-based
organisation not an ASX-listed
corporation, a salary of almost
$1.8 million per year.
And that’s about when the
abacus hit the fan. Following
the president, independent
directors (former federal liberal
politician Richard Alston
and Kerry Ryan who sits on
the board of the Richmond
AFL Club) quit their posts as
reported by Ben Butler in The
Weekend Australian: “It was a
fortnight ago, and the former
Liberal minister and current
federal president had dialled
in to a meeting of the board of
CPA Australia, where he was
one of two independent directors,
to lay down the law about
how to get the organisation out
of an apparently never-ending
crisis engulfing it and its
controversial chief executive,
Alex Malley. Sources say Alston
delivered a 20-minute “rant”
on the need to bring independent
experts in for a good hard
look at what was going on –
and wrong – inside CPA.”
These three departures
were then rapidly followed by
four more director resignations
up to mid-June, leaving
the organisation without a
quorum for meetings. New
chairman Jim Dickson chose to
support the CEO continuing in
his role even though the AFR
reported that the organisation
was facing an ASIC review
over potential breaches of directors’
duties and the alleged
misuse of members’ money.
Dickson then announced a
three-person review of CPA
Australia headed by former
chief of the Defence Force
Sir Angus Houston, former
federal auditor-general Ian
McPhee and a third member to
be named. The appointments
of Houston and McPhee have
already been challenged by
dissident members, as both
have had involvement with
Malley in the past – Houston
Continued on page 55
Business Life
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 53

Business Life: Finance
Business Life
No room for complacency
as we address New Order
Having travelled solidly
during the first two
weeks of June it’s great
to be back in the sanctity,
security and solitude of
the Northern Beaches of
Sydney. In the business of
stockbroking it’s vital to
have the opportunity to be
able “to leave the screen”
and go on the road so as
to watch the signals and be
able to change investment
course after taking into
consideration what you learn.
What frightens me is that
the more I travel the more I
am convinced that we are in
a very different, and whole
‘New World Order’. The
world used to be separated
by borders and languages,
but now, with the internet
and the acceleration of
connectivity and networks we
are all in it together.
In markets, there are
investors that take risks
without fear, and there are
those who take risks despite
the fear. The changes that
are currently being wrought
upon us are more profound
than we can understand,
because we as humans tend
to overestimate the short-term
impact and underestimate the
long-term impact.
Since I have been writing
these columns I have focused
on the technology companies
and the impact that these
businesses are having
globally. Amazon, Apple,
Facebook, Google, Microsoft
are the companies mentioned
the most and investors who
have followed this investment
strategy are well in front and
in my opinion will continue to
be ahead of the game.
We harp on the view that
the new generation represents
the future of “access over
ownership”, that the ultimate
value of all assets rests on their
ability to produce goods and
services in the future. Where
will growth come from? How
do you encourage people to
save in a low interest rate
environment? Will we continue
to see a hollowing out of
the middle class in western
economies? Why do investors
continue to have a fundamental
misunderstanding of risk?
More questions than
answers... and many
Australians are blinkered
and blissfully unaware of the
challenges that our youth will
face in their future employment
endeavours, in many ways due
to the fact we are lucky enough
to live where we do.
The increases in
connectivity are enabling
new and competitive
businesses to impact like
never before, as the pricing
powers previously enjoyed by
companies and their walled
garden business models
continue to get blown to
bits by new and fractional
players. Network Ten going
broke is no surprise, and now
maybe people will reconsider
our ravings about ‘THE COST
OF FREE’ and its impact on
the future of unemployment
and society in general.
In investment markets, we
used to enjoy some degree of
predictability but these days
we don’t have the faintest clue
what’s going to happen tonight,
next week, next month… or
next year. Left-field events are
more the norm than not.
Algorithmic traders buy
and sell billions of dollars of
with Simon Bond
securities all in the blink of an
eye without the need to see
what’s in plain sight. So much
for playing the long game.
A few weeks ago I was in
the Philippines visiting call
centres. Immediately one
conjures up images of back
office sweatshop businesses
in poor countries taking
Australian jobs, but the new
models of doing business
in emerging markets is like
nothing you have seen before.
One place had 3,000 staff
happily beavering away in
super-modern buildings
with the most sophisticated
software you could imagine.
The Australian businesses
who have set up shop there
is a roll call of names you
would know and deal with
every day. If you closed your
eyes you could have been
in Silicon Valley; and their
artificial intelligence software
developers are world class.
Yes, the jobs in Australia
will continue to disappear
at an increasing rate and
sitting here in the sanctuary
of Newport and surrounds is
an aspirational goal for more
people than you could ever
imagine.
In the building in Newport
where Morgan’s occupies
space Newportnet Coworking
is currently installing new
internet infrastructure in order
to be future-ready, and also to
provide opportunity to those
who share a view of the future.
On the way is 10,000 mbps
– that’s 1,000 (one thousand)
times the speed of the fastest
available NBN offering. That’s
how we are going to compete!
* Simon Bond is co-director of
NewportNet.
Simon Bond of Morgans Newport (9998 4200) 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.
54 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Business Life: Money
Continued from page 53
has publicly praised Malley’s
book and McPhee sits with
Malley on another board.
As far as this sorry state of
affairs is concerned I couldn’t
help but recall the quotation:
“The only thing necessary
for the triumph of evil is that
good men should do nothing”
although who originally said
this is in dispute.
With the publicity our
professional body has copped
over the past five months
outsiders might be justified
in thinking that ISIS is better
governed! But we only have
ourselves to blame. The
membership (me included)
are guilty of inaction which
allowed Byzantine changes to
the constitution to pass without
challenge some 10 years
ago. When you go back to first
principles it is this act that allowed
all others to occur as it
removed the direct accountability
of directors to the membership
they are supposed to
serve. In a nutshell, it’s a bad
look for a governance organisation
but it reinforces a thing
or two about human nature.
As a NSW Labor premier once
said: “Always back the horse
named self-interest, son. It’ll
be the only one trying.”
(By the way, members
learned by middle-of-the-night
email on June 23 that Malley
was sacked.)
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
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 55

Business Life: Law
Business Life
Solar investment: what
happens if covered up?
It is rare to listen to radio,
view TV or read newspapers
without encountering
discussion on renewable
energy – sunlight, wind,
rain, tides and geothermal
heat which are naturally
replenished.
Renewal technologies
includes solar power and wind
power. It has been defined as
energy from a source that is
not depleted when used.
In the 5th century BC Greek
dramatist Aeschylus wrote
that primitive people had
“neither knowledge of houses
built of bricks and turned
towards the sun nor yet of
work in wood”.
Today on the peninsula
many, many houses look
to the sun through the
installation of solar panels to
provide them with heating,
hot water and electricity.
Solar powered photovoltaic
(PV) panels convert the
sun’s rays into electricity by
exciting electrons in cells
using the photons of light
from the sun.
In April this year, 1.6 million
properties around the country
were assessed as having
photovoltaic (PV) solar power
panels – and this number is
expected to double over the
next several years.
The development of solar
as a source of energy has
grown apace with property
owners, residential and
commercial, installing PV
panels on environmentally
green buildings.
However, what happens
when direct sunlight is
partially or completely
obscured by unchecked
vegetation growth or
development on nearby
property?
Most states have some
planning and development
controls that regulate solar
access but legal regimes
that regulate planning and
development do not provide
any explicit protection of
solar access to a building.
In NSW, some planning
laws which control the
construction of schools
or TAFE buildings and
new residential flats
include a requirement
for overshadowing of
neighbouring buildings to
be limited only so much as
to allow for a minimum of
three hours of solar access to
principal private open spaces
between 9am and 3 pm on
the winter solstice (21st June).
So what are the rights
of owners of solar panels
to protection from
overshadowing of panels and
living spaces by both trees
and adjoining developments?
Litigants have brought their
disputes to courts in NSW,
Victoria, South Australia and
with Jennifer Harris
Western Australia during the
past few years. From these
cases, some legal principles
have emerged.
In NSW in 2015 the Land and
Environment Court held that
trees could be the subject of a
height restriction if sufficient
proof is provided that the
overshadowing compromises
the passive solar heating of
a neighbouring property. In
an earlier judgment in the
same court it was held that a
development can be ordered
to be modified if an alternate
design would result on
greater solar access to a solardesigned
house.
While in the Victorian Civil
and Administrative Tribunal
in 2012, a loss of sunlight to a
solar array, resulting in a total
loss of energy generation
greater than 50%, was held to
be unreasonable.
Elsewhere the Civil and
Administrative Tribunal has
found:
n Solar panels which have
been poorly placed are
unlikely to attract protection
from overshadowing by
adjacent development;
n Additional heating and
cooling costs of less than
$100 a year that would be
experienced through lost
efficiency in a solar passive
designed home are grounds
to order a neighbouring
development to be modified
56 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

to eliminate overshadowing;
n The term ‘solar access’
could be defined as
‘sunlight onto walls and
other surfaces of a house’.
Last year in the Environment
Resources and Development
Court of South Australia
a developer appealed
against a decision by the
Corporation of the City of
Adelaide which had refused
development consent for a
four-storey residential flat
building on the grounds
that it was found to be
of excessive bulk and
scale with consequential
failure to minimise impacts
of overshadowing. The
residents of a small
development called
Christy Walk, 27 units
of medium density with
emphasis on nature and
people-friendly urban
development, withstood
the plans of the developers.
Christy Walk is a place
of shared green spaces
and community gardens
available for all residents.
If the development had
been approved, the PV solar
collectors and solar hot
water systems would have
been largely overshadowed
and would have greatly
diminished the amount of
electricity which could be
generated, thus affecting
hot water and heating of
the units. The community
gardens would have been
cast into shadows.
In evaluating shadowing,
planners tend to look at
shadowing as at the solstice,
which is considered a worstcase
scenario. However, an
interesting aspect of the
evidence adduced in this
case was from an architect
who, using software, was
able to provide diagrams of
shadowing of the proposed
four-storey development
over the units and gardens
of Christie Walk throughout
the year so that the effect
of overshadowing could be
evaluated. This, together with
the ability of the solar systems
to quantify output, meant
the residents could quantify
in monetary terms and in
terms of electricity generation
measured, how much they
were likely to lose.
Celebrating 25 Years
The parties to this
development have continued
beyond the litigation to try to
find a solution to the desire of
new development alongside
the residents of Christie Walk.
The developers have now
submitted plans for another
four-storey apartment block
which is stepped back on
the eastern and southern
boundaries and allows for
much greater protection for
the residents PVs and solar
hot water. Unfortunately
the community garden will
suffer as it will be heavily
overshadowed.
In attempting to find a
mutually acceptable solution
the residents suggested to
the developers the possibility
of transferring their PV panels
to the roof of the new fourstorey
development. However,
the law was unhelpful as it
would involve a complex
system of cross easements
(an area not settled at
present).
In California 40 years ago,
laws were introduced that
protect homeowners’ access
to the sun. Now, 36 states
and the US Virgin Islands
protect solar access in
varying degrees but only 15
have easement laws that stop
overshadowing.
Boulder Colorado sets
limits on shading with what
is described as a ‘solar fence’
extending up to 8m around
a boundary in summer,
shielding neighbours.
In Australia, the rights of
solar panel owners are not
protected and the owners of
passive heating designs are
under-protected under existing
laws. It therefore appears
timely for State Parliaments
to legislate to modernise the
law through introduction of
a solar easements permits
system in developed areas
and strengthened subdivision
planning requirements in new
estates.
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
JULY 2017 57
Business Life

Trades & Services
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; 10% off engine
and trailer servicing in July.
Free salt-away flush with every
engine service.
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.
FLORISTS
Avalon Floral Art
Call 9918 2711
Internationally recognized;
amazing bouquets and
arrangements with freshness
guaranteed.
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.
MASSAGE & FITNESS
Avalon Physiotherapy
Call 9918 3373
Provide specialist treatment
for neck & back pain, sports
injuries, niggling 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.
Fix & Flex Pilates /Physio
Call Jen 0404 804 441
Equipment pilates sessions run
by physios. Mona Vale-based.
Help improve posture and reduce
pain while improving core
strength.
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.
58 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Trades & Services
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 59

Trades & Services
PLUMBING
Nick Anderson Plumbing
Call 0411 251 256
All aspects of plumbing including
gasfitting and drainage.
Competitive 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.
SunSpec
Call Dustin 0413 737 934
sunspec.com.au
All-aluminium, rust-proof
remote-controlled opening roofs
& awnings. Beats competitor’s
prices.
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.
Trades & Services
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.
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.
SECURITY
Sure Security
Call 1300 55 12 10
Northern Beaches-based specialists
in Alarms, Intercoms, Access
Control and CCTV Surveillance;
solutions to fit your needs.
60 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

the
good
life
dining
food
crossword
gardening
travel
62
64
67
68
72
Showtime
Couples comedy: (Back row) Timothy Burt, Matthew Burke, Chis Richardson
and Sue Whittaker; (Front row) Chantel Ciano and Huw Jones.
Wacky play mixes
up space and time
The work of the Elanora
Players’ favourite
playwright Alan Ayckbourn
gets another curtain call
in July with the talented
ensemble presenting the
wacky comedy How The
Other Half Loves at the
Elanora Community Centre.
Ayckbourn, who rose to
fame in the 1970s, holds his
audience with the quirk of
playing games with space
and time. He overlaps two
distinct households: one, the
posh, upper-class Fosters;
the other, the messy, middleclass
Phillipses.
Production director Kerrie
King explains How The
Other Half Loves concerns
three couples: Frank and
Fiona Foster; Bob and Teresa
Phillips; William and Mary
Featherstone.
“Frank employs both
Bob and William and is
considering promoting
the latter,” she said. “Bob
is having an affair with
Frank’s wife Fiona and is in
constant conflict with his
own wife, Teresa. She feels
Bob is neglecting her while
she raises their baby and is
suspicious of his actions and
phantom phone-calls made
to the house.
Russian
maestro’s
Bayview
concert
Winner of the 2016
Sydney International
Piano Competition of
Australia Andrey Gugnin
returns to Australia in
July to deliver a national
tour in celebration of
The Competition’s 40th
Anniversary.
Local music lovers
don’t have far to travel to
see the talented Russian;
he will be performing
an afternoon recital for
Peninsula Music Club in
Bayview and everyone is
welcome.
Gugnin was the most
impressive performer
in the prestigious
competition, taking out
four prizes in addition to
his overall first placing.
“Since his stunning
Sydney win he has been
in high demand around
the world as a soloist,
chamber musician and
festival artist,” said PMC
President Janice Tuynman.
The Bayview concert
is part of a tour of six
Australian states and
territories offering
performances including
Bach, Schubert,
Shostakovich, Desyatnikkov
and Stravinsky.
After graduating from
the Tchaikovsky Moscow
State Conservatory
in 2010, Gugnin was
invited to be a regular
participant of the Moscow
Philharmonic Society
program for promising
young artists – ‘The 21st
Century Stars’.
You can see this
wonderful musician
perform at 2.30pm on July
23 at St Luke’s Grammar
School Bayview Campus,
1977 Pittwater Road
(afternoon tea served after
the performance). Tickets
$25; more info 0407 441
213 or peninsulamusicclub.
com.au
“When he returns late,
she confronts him about
his actions and he lies that
he has been comforting
work associate William, who
believes his wife Mary is
having an affair.”
In the play’s most famous
scene, Ayckbourn ups the
ante by showing the hapless
Featherstones, used as
alibis to cover an adulterous
fling between Fiona Foster
and Bob Phillips, being
invited to dinner by each
family on successive nights.
“The joke is that both
parties are shown in the
same theatrical time, with
the Featherstones swivelling
between the two events,”
Kerrie said.
“Our wonderful cast
includes a few favourites,
namely Chris Richardson
and Matthew Burke. We
welcome back Huw Jones,
Chantel Ciano and Sue
Whittaker and newcomer
Timothy Burt, with the
busy and meticulous
Jan Adamson as Stage
Manager.”
Performance dates are
July 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 at
8pm; matinees at 3pm on
July 8, 9 and 15
plus 11am on July 9.
Bookings on 9979 9694.
JULY 2017 61
Showtime

Dining Guide
Dining Guide
July’s best restaurants, functions, events and reader deals...
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
BOOKINGS 9974 5566
LIC
All
P
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.
* The Club celebrates its
60th anniversary in 2017;
the call is out for locals to
contribute stories about the
early days. Phone 9974 5566.
Bistro 61
Avalon Beach RSL
1 Bowling Green Lane
Avalon Beach
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
Head to Club Palm Beach,
OPENING HOURS
conveniently located just
a short stroll from Palm Open 7 days
Beach Wharf, for great meal Lunch 12pm-2:30pm
specials in July.
Dinner 5:30-8:30pm Little Bok Choy
There’s a special encore CUISINE
Pittwater RSL
screening of Tim Bonython’s Modern Aust / pub food
‘The Big Wave Project’ on
82 Mona Vale Rd,
Mona Vale
Saturday July 8 – tickets are PRICE RANGE
available online at asmf.net. Meals $8-$30
au; don’t miss out!
Specials $12-$15 OPENING HOURS
There won’t be a better
Open 7 days
BOOKINGS 9918 2201
venue to soak up the great
Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm
atmosphere of ‘The Decider’ – Visa MasterCard
(3pm Fri, Sat, Sun)
State of Origin III – on July 12.
Dinner 5:30-8:30pm
The Members’ lucky badge
(9:30pm Fri, Sat)
Avalon Beach RSL’s new
draw is held Wednesday and
Bistro 61 is a great place PRICE RANGE
Friday night (every 30 mins
to head for a local meal,
between 5pm-7pm), and
Entrees $6-$20
offering tasty modern
jackpots by $100 each week.
Mains $12.80-$25
Australian dishes at
Wednesday and Sunday affordable prices.
BOOKINGS 9446 9613
are meat raffle nights, with a Bistro 61 has been
whopping 14 trays to be won.
Little Bok Choy are still
named to commemorate
Enjoy Trivia Night from
celebrating their first
the opening of the Club
5.30pm on Wednesdays, plus
birthday – book now for
in 1961. The kitchen – led
Bingo at 10am on Fridays.
10 per cent off your meal
by experienced Northern
The club’s Barrenjoey
(mention the ad left)
Beaches head chef Mitch
Bistro is open for lunch Blundell, boasts all fresh,
Have you discovered this
(11.30am to 2.30pm) and house-made meals, with
hidden gem? Conveniently
dinner (6pm to 8.30pm) seven locally sourced ingredients
located inside Pittwater RSL,
days. The Bistro serves topvalue
a la carte meals plus Open for lunch and dinner and public transport, it’s the
used when possible.
with plenty of on-site parking
daily $13.50 specials of roasts seven days, with extensive ideal location to get together
(Mondays), rump steak with outdoor dining areas, Bistro to share great Asian food.
chips and salad (Tuesdays), 61 offers a different special With a vast range of menu
chicken schnitzel with chips (lunch and dinner) every options, you won’t know where
and salad (Wednesdays), weekday, including $15 to start in this Asian Fusion
homemade gourmet pies with rump steak chips and salad restaurant. Some of the secrets
chips and salad (Thursdays) (Mon), $12 tacos (Tues), $15 of LBC’s finest eats include
and fish and chips with salad Chicken Schnitzels (Wed), traditional favourites, like Shao
(Fridays), except on public 2-4-1 pizzas (Thurs), and a Long Bao – it’s the perfect
holidays.
$20 burger + beer (Fri). starter; the juicy mini pork
Entrees on the a la carte Seniors are well catered buns will get your taste buds
menu range from $10.50 to for – there are daily Seniors excited for the coming courses.
$17.50 (mains $14.50 to $25). specials, including beerbattered
Tuck in to Yum Cha
The club has a courtesy
flathead – plus favourites including delicious
62
JULY 2017
Celebrating 25
Years

Prawn Dumplings, BBQ pork
buns, Spring Rolls and Thai
entrees like Thai Curry Puffs.
For mains, all the
popular Chinese dishes are
included, from Sweet and
Sour Pork, Honey Chicken,
Sizzling Mongolian Beef and
Seafood Stir-fry. Plus, they
have plenty of fried rice and
fried noodles also available in
special kids’ size!
Prices are very reasonable
– Chinese mains start from
$15.80, with gluten free and
vegetarian options available.
If you prefer Thai, be sure
to check out their latest
addition – Tom Yum Fried Rice,
a modern twist on a classic
favourite. And their range of
Thai soups, salads, curries
and stir fry noodles are fresh
and exciting, all prepared by
their skilled Thai chef.
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
BOOKINGS 9997 4157
LIC
BYO
All
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 $5
while mains are reasonable
too, starting at $12.90.
The menu ranges
from adventurous, like a
Mongolian chicken hot pot,
to contemporary, spicy salt
and pepper king prawns, to
traditional, fillet steak with
snow peas and bean sprouts.
New dishes are introduced
regularly so 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.
Oceanviews
Restaurant
Shop 4, 120 Narrabeen Park
Pde, Warriewood Beach.
OPENING HOURS
Open 7 days lunch and dinner
CUISINE
Vietnamese
PRICE RANGE
Entrees $2-$9.80
Mains $13.80-$19.80
Noodles $13.80
Lunch specials.
1/2 price daily deals.
Tantalising lunch specials
from $2 to $10.80 include egg
custard buns (two for $4.40),
Money Bags (four for $5.80),
prawn dumplings, fresh rice
paper rolls, beef noodle soup,
noodles with veggies and
chicken, or beef with rice for
just $10.80.
Chef’s specials include Basil
Mint Pork, Honey King Prawns,
Sizzling Tofu Hot Pot and
Chicken Laksa.
Each day there is a halfprice
deal for evening diners-in
(limit of one deal per table of
diners).
They include: on Thursday
satay king prawn for $10.40, on
Monday salt and pepper squid
for $10.40 and on Saturday
lemongrass chicken for $8.90.
Prices reduced across the
board, as well as lunch specials.
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
BOOKINGS 9997 5511
LIC
All
P
RMYC’s restaurant Salt
Cove on Pittwater’s menu
offers affordable meals and
generous servings including
a variety of starters and
share plates, seafood,
burgers, grills, salads,
desserts and woodfired
pizza.
In July, Friday night
entertainment kicks
off in the Lounge Bar
from 7.30pm. Great acts
appearing this month
include Peter Kinch (7th),
Geoff Kendall (14th), Keff
McCullough (21st) and Phil
Simmons (28th).
Trivia is held every
Tuesday night from 7.30pm
(great prizes and vouchers).
Don’t miss the ‘One
Night Only’ Bee Gees Show
on Saturday July 15. It’s a
walk through the golden
hits of the Brothers Gibb,
with great costumes
reliving the different eras
of their incredible career;
bookings essential.
The Unique Vehicle
Show is on Sunday July
23, featuring more than
80 vintage cars, classics,
motorcycles and more.
Entry by gold coin donation.
Club social memberships
are available for just $160.
Dining Guide
BOOKINGS 9979 9449
BYO
All
P
Book a table at this popular
Newport eatery in July 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 dinein-only
special Thursdays
through Sundays.
There are two traditional
Celebrating 25 Years
Book now for a great table
for lunch or dinner at this
popular Vietnamese eatery.
Ocean views across Warriewood
Beach may be enjoyed
from the restaurant which offers
one of the most popular
of Asian cuisines.
Eat in and take-away
meals are available; plus they
offer free home delivery for
orders over $35.
JULY 2017 63

Food Life
Food Life
Recipes: Janelle Bloom Photos: Steve Brown; Ben Dearnley & Benito Martin
Mid-year festive feast
with a modern twist
Can you believe it has been six months since Christmas?
Which of course means there are six months to go before
the next Christmas! But why wait that long for your next
festive celebration – the chilly winter weather is the perfect
excuse to celebrate Christmas in July! Start with warm mulled
wine, enjoy a hot roast with all the trimmings, then finish your
meal with a delicious traditional hot pudding laden with rum
and brandy butter. Invite your friends around and consider it a
practice run for the family come December 25!
Tomato tarts
Makes 24
200g soft goats cheese,
crumbled
200g Solanato tomatoes,
halved
½ cup basil pesto
Micro cress, to serve
Extra virgin olive oil, to serve
Parmesan pastry
1¼ cups plain flour
50g parmesan cheese, finely
grated
100g butter, chilled and
chopped
1 egg yolk
1-2 tbs iced water
1. For the parmesan pastry,
process the flour, parmesan
and butter until mixture
resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon
water and process until
the dough comes together,
adding remaining water if
necessary. Turn the dough
onto a lightly floured surface
and knead lightly until
smooth. Press into a square.
Roll the pastry out between 2
sheets baking paper to 20cm
x 30cm rectangle. Refrigerate
15 minutes.
2. Preheat oven and large flat
baking tray to 200°C fanforced.
Remove top sheet
baking paper. Piece pastry
all over with a fork then cut
pastry into 5cm squares.
Lift the pastry squares, still
on baking paper onto the
hot tray. Bake 12-15 minutes
or until golden and cooked
through. Set aside to cool.
3. Spread goats cheese over
the base of each pastry
square. Top with a tomato.
Spoon over a little pesto
and season with salt and
pepper. Scatter over the
micro-cress, drizzle with a
little extra virgin olive oil
and serve.
Peppered beef
with gourmet
mushrooms
Serves 6
60g butter, melted
3 teaspoon Dijon mustard
600g mixed mushrooms,
thickly sliced (like Buttons,
Swiss Brown, Shiitaki and
Oyster)
4 eschallots, peeled, thinly
sliced
1 tbs pink peppercorns
1 tbs black peppercorns
2 tbs thyme leaves
1 tbs olive oil
2 x 600g pieces fillet beef,
trimmed
with Janelle Bloom
eschallots over the base of
a large roasting pan, season
with salt and pepper.
2. Pound the peppercorns in a
mortar with the pestle until
coarsely ground. Add the
thyme leaves and sprinkle
onto a piece baking paper.
Brush beef with oil roll in
pepper mixture. Tie the
beef at 3cm intervals with
un-waxed string.
3. Heat a non-stick frying pan
over high heat. Add one
beef fillet and cook, turning
occasionally, for 5 minutes
or until it is browned all
over. Place beef on a rack
over the mushrooms. Repeat
with remaining piece beef.
Roast for 20 minutes for
medium, or until cooked to
your liking.
4. Cover and allow to stand
for 15 minutes to rest. Slice
the beef and spoon over the
mushrooms and pan juices.
Serve.
1. Preheat oven 190°C fanforced.
Combine the butter
and mustard in a bowl,
add the mushrooms and
eschallots and stir to coat.
Spoon the mushrooms and
64 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

For more recipes go to www.janellebloom.com.au
Apple cider
mulled wine
Serves 6
500ml apple cider
750ml fruity red wine
(such as a merlot)
2 cups water
½ tsp nutmeg
6 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup caster sugar
1 apple, quartered, thinly
sliced
1. Combine all the ingredients
in a large saucepan.
Stir over medium
heat for 10 minutes
until sugar dissolves
and wine just comes to
the simmer.
2. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Strain, divide among
heatproof serving
glasses. Serve.
Potato hash
Serves 6
1.5kg baby red delight potatoes
150g chopped ham
6 green onions, thinly sliced
2 cups grated cheddar
1/3 cup shredded basil leaves
100g butter, melted
3 tbs olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbs small basil leaves, to serve
1. Put the potatoes into a
saucepan. Cover with cold
water. Add a good pinch
salt, bring to the boil
uncovered. Reduce heat to
medium, simmer 20 minutes
until just tender. Drain then
transfer to a flat baking tray.
2. Use a potato masher to
squash the potatoes. Transfer
to a large bowl. Add the
ham, onions, cheddar and
basil, Season, toss to combine.
Combine the butter, oil
and mustard.
3. Preheat oven 220°C fanforced.
Spoon half the butter
mixture into an 22cm (base)
non-stick ovenproof frying
pan. Spoon potato mixture
into the pan, pressing down
to compact the hash. Drizzle
over the remaining butter
mixture. Place the pan over
medium heat and cook for
15 minutes. Transfer the pan
to the oven, cook further 30
minutes or until golden and
crispy around the edges.
4. Scatter over basil leaves.
Serve.
Rum and raising
Christmas pudding
Serves 10
300g raisins, chopped
200g sultanas
250g pitted dates, chopped
200g dried dessert figs,
chopped
200ml dark rum
1/3 cup Golden Syrup
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
200g butter, at room
temperature
1 cup dark brown sugar
3 eggs, at room temperature
1 cup plain flour, sifted
3 cups fresh white breadcrumbs
Brandy butter
250g unsalted butter, at room
temperature
1 1/3 cups pure icing sugar
1/3 cup brandy
1. Combine the raisins, sultanas,
dates and figs in a
large heatproof bowl. Heat
rum and Golden Syrup in
a saucepan over high heat
until hot, stir in the spices.
Pour over the dried fruit. Stir
to combine. Cover and set
aside at room temperature
for 24 hours if time
allows.
2. Grease and
line base
of 8-cup
pudding
basin.
Beat
butter and sugar in a large
bowl of an electric mixer
until pale. Add eggs, one
at a time, mixing well after
each one added.
3. Stir half of the flour into
butter mixture and the remaining
half into the fruit.
Stir in the breadcrumbs and
fruit into butter mixture.
Mix well. Spoon into pudding
basin.
4. Place a circle of baking paper
right down on surface
of the pudding mixture.
Cover the bowl with a sheet
of baking paper and two
layers of foil. Secure with
string. Fold the foil up
over the string to ensure it
doesn’t touch the water during
cooking.
5. Place upturned saucer in
the bottom of a large saucepan.
Stand pudding on the
saucer. Pour boiling water
into the saucepan to come
halfway up basin. Cover
saucepan with lid and boil
over medium-high heat for
3½ hours, adding more boiling
water every 30 minutes.
Turn the pudding out, serve
warm with brandy butter.
6. For the Brandy butter; beat
the butter in a small bowl of
an electric mixer until
pale. Add sugar, and
beat until light and
fluffy. Gradually
pour in brandy,
beating on low
speed until
combined.
Food Life
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 65

Food Life
In Season
Kale
Food Life
Although considered
‘trendy’, Kale is a versatile
vegetable worth buying. This
leafy green vegetable belongs
to the Brassica family, a
group of vegetables including
cabbage, Brussels sprouts
and broccoli.
Buying
Look for kale with dark
bunches that have small to
medium leaves. Avoid kale
with brown or yellow leaves.
Storing
Store unwashed in a plastic
bag in the coldest part of the
fridge up to 4 days.
Also In Season
July
Apples, Bananas, Custard
apples, Dates, Mandarins,
Nashi, Australian Navel
and Cara Cara Oranges,
Pears, Quince, Rhubarb
and winter Strawberries.
Also Avocados,
Beetroot, Broccolini
and Broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, Cauliflower,
Leeks, Fennel, Jerusalem
Artichokes, Kale,
Butternut Pumpkin,
Sweet Potato, Spinach &
Silverbeet; and Turnips.
Nutrition
Kale is a great source of fibre
and contains vitamins A, C
and K.
Chicken &
kale stir-fry
Serves 4
6 large kale leaves, washed,
dried
3 tsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2cm piece ginger, peeled,
grated
500g chicken breast fillet,
trimmed, thinly sliced
2 tbs peanut oil
125g snow peas, trimmed,
thinly sliced
1 tbs fish sauce
1 tbs grated palm sugar
1 lime, juiced
½ cup Thai basil leaves
½ cup roasted salted cashew
nuts
Steamed rice or noodles, to
serve
1. Remove the centre stem
from the kale, tear leaves
into smaller pieces. Combine
sesame oil, lemongrass,
garlic and ginger in
a bowl. Add chicken, stir to
coat.
2. Heat the wok over high heat
until hot. Add 2 tsp oil and
swirl to coat the wok. Add
one quarter of the chicken,
stir-fry for 30 seconds until
sealed. Remove to a clean
bowl. Repeat with oil and
chicken in three batches.
3. Add remaining oil with kale
and snow peas, stir-fry
1 minute. Return all the
chicken and any juices to
the wok. Add combined fish
sauce, palm sugar and lime
juice, stir-fry 30 seconds.
Remove from heat, scatter
over the basil and cashews.
Serve over rice or noodles.
66 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

25 26 27 28 29
Pittwater Puzzler
30 31 32 33 34 35 36
37 38 39
40 41
42
43 44
Compiled by David Stickley
25 Plodder, one who takes their time (9)
26 Under discussion (2,5)
27 Plant developer – one that works
hard? (7)
28 Your children can make and fly this
on July 10 at the Coastal Environment
Centre, North Narrabeen (4)
29 To daze or bewilder by distracting
noise (4)
30 Manoeuvres undertaken by yachts on
Pittwater (5)
ACROSS
1 Cuisine available at Ouzo in Clareville (5)
4 See 22-down
6 Small inlet near where Newport Wharf
sits, Heron ____ (4)
10 Holds office (7)
11 Continual, permanent or lasting (7)
12 Those, generally, who frequent
Elizabeth Park, perhaps? (9)
13 Reptile that goes into a form of semihibernation
called brumation during
winter (5)
14 A physical slice of Pittwater Life (4)
15 Form of guaranteed income (7)
17 Former Pittwater resident, the ‘Sailing
Granny’, ___ Gash (3)
18 Small marine echinoderms with a
spherical or flattened spiny shell (7)
20 One may be spotted out to sea from
the Northern Beaches (4)
24 Two intersection upgrades on Mona
Vale Road and Forest Way are part of the
_____ Points Program (5)
DOWN
1 Winner of the 2016 Sydney International
Piano Competition of Australia, who will
be performing a recital for Peninsula
Music Club in Bayview (6)
2 Surround entirely (7)
3 National Park that Barrenjoey Head is
part of (2-4-3,5)
4 Hopefully how you feel after a
holiday (6)
5 Class of narrow-beam full-keel
yacht designed and built on the
Central Coast (8)
7 Paperwork originating in Japan (7)
8 The ability to notice small details (5,3)
9 Northern Beaches Council school
holiday program (4,2,3,5)
16 Large whale with long flippers that
may be seen travelling off the Northern
Beaches (8)
17 IMO (2,1,3,2)
19 A person transported to the
British colonies to serve out a prison
sentence (7)
21 One of biggest targets of the current
War on Waste (7)
22 & 4-across Quirky construction
overlooking Avalon Beach built by
architect Alexander Stewart Jolly
in 1929 (6,4)
23 Coastal areas (6)
[Solution page 70]
Pittwater Puzzler
Celebrating 25 Years
JULY 2017 67

Garden Life
Garden Life
Sow fresh seeds now and
gain head start for spring with Gabrielle Bryant
Seedlings are expensive to buy, so get
sowing now to have seedlings ready
in time for planting when spring
arrives.
Make sure that the seeds you sow are
fresh. Seeds, like all perishables, have a
use-by date on the back of the packet.
Once this date is reached the germination
rate will be poor.
Some seed can be sown directly into
the garden – read the instructions carefully
on the packet. Others should be sown
into pots or punnets. Summer seedlings
of tomatoes, basil, capsicum, egg plants,
beans and zucchini or petunias and other
summer flowering annuals, should be
sown in August or September, but if you
sow them now and protect them from the
cold you will be ready to plant them out
as soon as the weather warms up.
Always use a good-quality seed-raising
mix. Water it well before planting the
seed, making sure that the water has
soaked right through. New mix often
repels the water. Press the seeds firmly
into the surface and then cover with a
fine layer of mix.
Cover the pot or punnet with a sheet
of glass or plastic until they germinate.
Once the tiny shoots appear, keep the
seedlings warm. Yates make a minigreenhouse
lid that fits a seedling tray. It
works well as it has vents in the top that
can be opened during the day to prevent
condensation. Make sure that the tray is
in good light, but not direct sun. After
planting, water sparingly with a mist
spray – keep the soil moist but not wet.
Once the tiny plants appear, select the
strongest and thin them out, keeping just
the number that you want. As the plants
grow, harden them off. Once big enough
they can be pricked out into small pots
waiting for spring to arrive.
Larger seeds such as beans, zucchini,
pumpkins or squash, that would normally
be planted into the ground, can be sown
in pairs into jiffy peat pots. This helps
avoid planting shock when they are put
pot-and-all into the veggie garden.
Last, never fertilise seedlings before
they germinate. Once they have four
leaves, water with a weak seaweed solution
at weekly intervals. Fertilise the
plants once they are in the ground.
Get a Moonlight
Velvet glow
H
ere’s a new look
for an old favourite:
Moonlight Velvet
is a hybrid form of
the much-loved silver
ground cover Lambs’
ears.
The huge,
elongated velvety
leaves grow in hot
dry sunny places,
or in dry semishade.
The leaves
are so soft that it
is difficult to resist
the temptation to
stroke them.
The salt-hardy
silvery plants glow
in the evening
light. It is a brilliant
plant for seaside gardens. As an evergreen perennial, Moonlight
Velvet makes a wonderful border.
It must be grown in very well-drained soil. It hates wet, cold
feet and high humidity. It looks great in the garden or in pots,
either on its own or mixed with colourful summer annuals. It
will grow just 40cm tall and form into a clump 50cm wide that
can easily be divided.
68 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Caring
for your
Frangipani
Usually thought of as easy,
maintenance-free trees,
frangipani do need some care
this time of the year. In recent
times, frangipani have become
the victims of frangipani rust, a
fungal disease that can defoliate
the trees in late summer, severely
affecting the strength of the
trees. Rust appears as a brown
dust on the back of the leaves.
This dust falls to the ground
and the spores carry the disease
into the next season. The fallen
leaves must be cleaned up from
the ground and disposed of into
the rubbish bin.
Next: the earth beneath and
the trees, that are now bare,
should be sprayed with lime sulphur
to kill any spores that have
fallen. Once cleaned, it is time
to prune and shape the trees to
keep them compact. Frangipanni
trees can be cut back by 25%
to 50%. New shoots will appear
from the trimmed ends. The
more shoots, the more flowers!
There are frangipani trees for
all spaces… dwarf, semi-dwarf
and full size. Dwarf will only
grow to a maximum of two
metres tall.
Recently I have heard several
promotions for evergreen frangipani.
However, they are not suitable
for Sydney gardens. They
need the warmth of Queensland
to thrive. South of Brisbane
they will struggle. It is always
tempting to try and there may
be the occasional tree that will
survive, but it is the exception
that proves the rule.
Evergreen frangipani are
expensive, but very beautiful.
If you buy one you must be
prepared that it may not survive
the Sydney winters.
Celebrating 25 Years
On-Poinsettia for winter colour
It is hard to beat the
cheerful scarlet colour of
poinsettia trees in winter.
The fiery red bracts light up
the winter cold.
Poinsettias are associated
with Christmas table
decorations, but their
natural flowering time is
winter. The colour swirls
begin to develop once the
daylight hours are shorter
than the night. The ones
that are sold for Christmas
are grown under artificial
lights to trick the plants.
The old-fashioned single
plants grow tall and need
to be cut back hard each
year after the flowers are
finished, but the darkerleafed
doubles that are sold
in the florist shops are a
dwarf variety. Planted out
into the garden they quickly
recover from their party
time ordeal and flourish
into a compact bushy shrub
that is a delight in the cold
winter gloom.
They will grow in full sun
or semi-shade, kept in a
large tub, under a window or
in a shrubbery. If you keep
your poinsettia in a large
pot you can bring it back
inside for a second time.
I often wonder why they
are not used more often in
landscaped gardens, they
are such easy shrubs to
grow.
Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’ an acid queen
Daphne, which was very much
a plant of the ’50s, has always
had a reputation of being difficult
to grow – it hates cultivation.
For many years daphne was not
easily found, after it was attacked
by a virus disease. But breeders
worked hard to develop a hardy variety.
A nurseryman in New Zealand crossed two
varieties, with the most amazing results. He
produced a daphne with an unbelievable number
of huge, fragrant flowers that appear along
the length of the stems, sheltered
by bright green glossy leaves. It’s a
variety that is tough, disease resistant
and highly fragrant.
The sweet smell of the daphne
flowers will fill the garden from midwinter
to early summer. The soft pink
flowers fade to white as they age.
This amazing daphne will grow in full sun,
but prefers a lightly shaded position in a welldrained
soil. Feed it with Kahoona, as it is a
plant that likes a slightly acidic soil.
JULY 2017 69
Garden Life

Garden Life
Jobs this Month
July
Garden Life
It has been a long, wet
winter but just wait….
Spring is not very far
away! Remember, heavy rain
compacts the soil. Once the
dry days return the surface
hardens and the water runs
off. It’s important to turn the
surface and water with Eco
Hydrate, before mulching with
garden compost or sugarcane
mulch to repair the damage.
Bindii-die
There’s nothing worse than
bindii in the lawn; spray this
month to eliminate bindii
before the seed heads mature
in summer. Always check
with a salesperson about the
chemical that you use, as
some grasses are sensitive to
chemicals.
Close the gaps
New season lilliums,
hippeastrums, iris and
summer annuals are on the
bulb stands now. Fill in any
gaps for some summer colour.
Rose care
Prune your roses this month.
Cut back any dead or twiggy
growth. Open the centre of
the bush to avoid branches
that overlap. Always prune so
that the new shoots will grow
outwards. Then clear any
fallen leaves from the earth
beneath and spray with lime
sulphur to kill any residual
spores of black spot. Feed
your bushes with Sudden
Impact for Roses.
Bridle passion
Time to train your
passionfruit vine. Cut it back
by 50% to encourage new
shoots. The flowers and fruit
are only produced on new
growth. If you let the vine go
it will soon get out of hand.
Orchid attention
Cymbidium orchids are in full
flower. As the flower spikes
finish, trim them back, feed
the plants and move them
back into a semi-shade area for
summer. However, if they need
repotting wait until next month.
Moving moments
It is a busy time in the
garden. Move any trees or
shrubs that are in the wrong
place. Spray with drought
shield before digging them
up. This will help to reduce
transplanting shock. Water
the plants into their new
home with a weak solution of
seaweed mixture.
The great divide
This is the best month
for lifting and dividing
summer perennials, gingers,
agapanthus, iris, liriope,
mondo grass, day lilies and
hippeastrum.
Potted colour
Brilliantly coloured kalanchoes
are flowering now for fantastic
winter colour. Enjoy them in
pots while they flower then
plant them out into the garden
in hot sunny spots. They
are easy to grow and very
forgiving for busy gardeners. If
a piece breaks off just stick the
Snail trails
Watch out for tiny snails that
will climb up into your snow
peas and eat the flowers as
they grow. They are hard to
control. A saucer of beer will
attract them but not the ones
high up. Hand-pick them
from the vines each morning
and spread some Multi guard
pellets beneath. The snails
breed under compost and
mulch. Keep the soil clear
under the plants. An upsidedown
watermelon peel will
catch some at night.
broken end into the soil and
it will grow! Careful though –
they will rot if you give them
too much TLC and water.
Lure leaf miner
Watch out for leaf miner on
the new leaves of your citrus
trees. Purchase a leaf miner
lure to hang in the tree and
spray regularly with Eco Oil.
Trumpet cover
If you have a fence or garden
shed to cover, plant a bright
orange trumpet vine, they are
vigorous vines that will soon
do the job.
Crossword solution from page 67
Mystery location: SAND POINT
70 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

Times Past
Windows of
the Soul in
harmony
with
nature
Alexander
Stewart Jolly
was an architect
who possessed many
talents. He was also
a fine stone mason,
artist, author, poet,
sculptor and woodworker.
His excellence as
an organic architect is
unquestionable and no
better illustrated than
by the cabin he designed
and built overlooking
Avalon Beach for Colonel
Lionel Hurley – ‘Loggan
Rock’ (log and rock).
Douglas Anderson, in
the thesis for his Bachelor
of Architecture in 1965,
commented that the “cabin
harmonises well in colour,
texture and form, with the
surrounding bush. All the
materials used are natural,
mostly taken directly
from the site and are used
with as little treatment or
preparation as possible.
It shows him as a creative
artist working in terms of
pure organic architecture”.
Some of the windows
in the cabin have been
treated in a unique and
almost romantic fashion,
especially the bank of four
in the south-east elevation.
Jolly has taken more-formal
structural timbers and
created a rugged frame and,
within that frame, fixed
thin branches from nearby
trees. Glass was cut to fit
the irregular shapes created
between the branches and
the individual frames.
It was then fixed to the
wooden components using
pins and putty.
Celebrating 25 Years
Looking through the
windows from inside the
cabin creates the impression
and doubt that you could in
fact be outside in the bush.
The roof is a simple hipped
roof composed mostly
of timbers left in their
natural state, many with the
bark still intact. The roof
covering is timber shingles
extending out over the main
entrance from the northwest.
Originally a section
of this roof was formed
around a small tree. Rather
than remove an apparently
healthy tree, Jolly chose to
“build a hole” in this roof so
that the tree could continue
to live ‘in situ’.
To some sympathisers
(like myself) it looks as
though some giant’s hand
has simply pushed the
structure up and out of the
earth.
However, to some
observers and critics it
looked as though Jolly
had thrown the stones
together randomly – but
nothing could be further
from the truth. Jolly’s
plans, elevations and
renderings confirm the
cabin was constructed
faithfully according to that
information.
The cabin is listed
on the State Heritage
Inventory – “Loggan
Rock, its furniture and
garden is a rare record
of the uniqueness of
a culture in place and
time which focused
on a heightened
appreciation of organic forms
and natural materials”.
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.
JULY 2017 71
Times Past

Travel Life
‘New’ improved way to self-drive Europe
If you’ve ever booked a hire
car for use overseas only to
turn up and find there’s no
car available, or record of the
booking, you’ll know the bad
taste it can leave in your mouth
at the start of what was intended
to be a relaxing holiday.
Now you can take the uncertainty
out of your European
self-drive vacation with a
great-value deal from Renault
Eurodrive – with a brand-new
vehicle for lease for durations
of 21 days to six months.
Renault Eurodrive continues
to prove one of the most costeffective
and inclusive self-drive
holiday options for Australians
visiting Europe; for example 28
days cruising in a new car (including
all insurance), is priced
from just $1499.
“We have many clients who
come back and book their
holidays using one of the lease
vehicles from Renault,” said Paul
Hodges, General Manager Leasing
at Driveaway Holidays. “The
UP CLOSE: The wonders of Europe are easily accessible by road.
average lease duration is 52
days and put simply, our clients
love the fact they can select the
exact model from the extensive
range, every car is delivered
new and tax free from the factory
and there are no hidden
expenses or insurance costs
added on collection.”
Paul added that everything
is prepared and paid for in
Australia and at the end of the
lease period the car is simply
returned on the agreed date.
Renault then sell the cars on the
second-hand market in Europe
via the Renault Dealer Network.
Bigger discounts apply for
longer leases of more than 90
days.
“All of the cars are the latestrelease
models and feature European
GPS systems included
in the cost,” Paul said.
“In terms of value for
money, this leasing offer is a
wise choice; it’s simple-to-use,
all-inclusive and hassle-free
motoring for anyone looking
at a holiday in Europe for
three weeks plus.”
He said every vehicle was
delivered direct from the factory
and included full comprehensive
insurance and, best
of all, a zero excess insurance
policy.
Rates include unlimited
kilometres, no charge for an
additional driver, full factory
warranty and back-up from a
24-hour assistance service.
Their 29 Delivery and
Return centres across Europe
can be used and all collections
and returns within France are
free of delivery fees (for deliveries
or collections outside
of France, such as Germany,
Italy, Spain, Portugal a small
fee applies). This provides
great options for holidaymakers
who for example may wish
to collect their car in Paris and
leave the car at Rome at the
end of their holiday.
More info www.renaulteurodrive.com.au
or call 1300
55 11 60. – Nigel Wall
Cape Kidnappers escape
Complement your next NZ golf getaway with complete comfort
at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, set on a 6,000-acre sheep and
cattle farm in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay wine region. Relais
& Châteaux accredited, this unique property adjacent to Tom
Doak’s internationally acclaimed golf course embodies rustic-luxe
living and highly skilled resident chefs craft menus highlighting
the farm-fresh produce grown on-site. Spacious cottage suites
afford jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean below and there’s
a host of activities available from golf and spa treatments to touring,
discovery walks and more. As a special bonus (for travel before
September 30) book the ‘Living the Lodge Life’ package and
receive a NZ$400 activity credit per night which can be applied
to golf, spa, Can-Am touring, Kiwi Discovery Walks and more. For
more info call Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 590 317.
72 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years

EXPERT ADVICE: Anne Williamson knows the ins and outs of world travel.
Anne excited about
her next chapter
at The Travel Book
Anne Williamson knows
the keys to a successful
career in the travel industry
– she has built her outstanding
reputation as a consultant
over 30 years by understanding
her clients’ travel needs
and building a strong bond
of trust.
Anne, who joins Mike Dungan’s
team as lead consultant
for The Travel Book at Mona
Vale this month, says the devil
is in the detail when it comes
to ensuring her clients fulfill
their expectations and their
dreams.
“The planning of a holiday is
an exciting time for customers
and I love to offer many
options and share my experiences
of the places I have
visited, as well as revealing the
important tips I have acquired
first-hand,” said Anne.
“Planning individual, bespoke
itineraries is a what I
really enjoy – airfares, tours,
accommodation, rail, cruises
and all the detail that goes
with that.
“Sorting it all for the client is
what it’s all about for me – and
most importantly also sourcing
the best deals.
“Then I can’t wait to hear
how things went, and soak up
the feedback on their return
so I can add it for next time.”
Overseas travel may seem
a glamourous perk but Anne
says visiting as many places
both far and wide proves
invaluable for compiling an
important ‘memory bank’ of
travel information.
“I have taken every opportunity
to travel, in both Australia
and to a variety of overseas
Celebrating 25 Years
destinations including the
UK and Europe, South Africa,
South America, the USA and
Hawaii,” said Anne.
“My specialist Asian destinations
include Hong Kong, Singapore,
Thailand and Bali and
the Maldives, and across the
Pacific including Fiji, Vanuatu
and the Cook Islands.”
With cruises experiencing a
boom world-wide, Anne adds
she knows all the ins and outs
of lines including P&O, Princess,
Holland American and
Royal Caribbean.
“And last year I experienced
small ship luxury with APT,
travelling up the Adriatic
Coast Line and visiting magical
Croatia which opened my
eyes to this very special part
of the world,” she said.
The Travel Book is a specialist
in worldwide retail holidays
and cruises plus SME business
travel and events. As an
American Express agent TTB
does not charge cardholders
a merchant fee and rewards
them with the opportunity
to convert their Membership
Rewards points for travel.
Find them at 17/20 Bungan St,
Mona Vale; contact Anne on
9979 7780. – Nigel Wall
* APT has left no course
uncharted in creating a range
of unforgettable European
journeys – there are 200
different travel experiences
in all, from cruising tranquil
estuaries and mighty rivers to
traversing storybook scenery
by land and rail. Book early to
secure the best Superdeal offer
available. Superdeal offers are
strictly limited and will sell out!
JULY 2017 73
Travel Life

Travel Life
Travel Life
Plot a short course around
Oz and enjoy cruising luxury
Too time-poor to retrace
Matthew Flinders’ steps
and circumnavigate Australia
but still want to experience the
raw beauty of our great continent
from the sea? Cruiseco
have the solution; the leading
provider of cruising options
in Australia and New Zealand
has announced two shorter
voyages, on the full 40-night
Australian circumnavigation
charter voyage aboard Ponant’s
magnificent L’Austral departing
Sydney on January 25.
“Exclusively designed for
Cruiseco, the new Sydney to
Fremantle shorter voyage will
cruise to some of Australia’s
most breathtaking destinations
such as Wineglass Bay; the
awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles
in Port Campbell, Victoria (with
an option to view this natural
phenomenon from the sky);
Kangaroo Island and Port Lin-
coln in South Australia,” said
Travel View’s Sharon Goddard.
“Plus there’s a visit to the moving
National ANZAC Centre in
Albany, Western Australia.”
Reduced fares for the cruise,
which also departs January 25,
start from $11,630 for the first
guest and $5,815 for the second
guest (Deluxe stateroom).
The second shorter cruise
– 26 nights with a Tropical
Australia itinerary – embarks in
Fremantle on February 8,
taking in the highlights of the
second part of this stunning
itinerary, concluding in Sydney.
“Added highlights include
Darwin and the Northern
Territory with optional tours
to Kakadu and its surrounds,”
said Sharon.
Its reduced fares start from
$19,435 for the first guest and
$9,718 for the second guest.
Accommodating guests within
132 cabins, L’Austral remains
true to the Ponant philosophy
of creating a unique atmosphere,
with a subtle blend of
luxury and wellbeing.
“It’s amazing – guests will
encounter a chic and elegant
yacht-like ambiance, refined
and personalised service, as
well as gastronomic traditional
French and international cuisine,”
said Sharon.
Cruiseco was the first to
charter an Australian circumnavigation
back in October
2005, which sold out in less
than a week. Likewise, Sharon
says the three new unique
voyages will fill quickly at the
reduced prices.
Each voyage is accompanied
by a specialist expedition team
to provide insights into the
history of each port, as well
as flora, fauna and stunning
landscapes via Zodiac tours.
Full voyage fares now start
from $29,900 for the first
guest and $14,950 for the
second guest in a Deluxe
Stateroom.
As a cruise specialist agency
of Cruiseco, Travel View Cruise
View can book these fascinating
voyages; call 9918 4444 or
9999 0444. – Nigel Wall
74 JULY 2017
Celebrating 25 Years