The Local Voice Since 1991
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Editorial
How to turn back plastic tide
There’s more focus now than
ever on cutting down our
reliance on single-use plastic –
and in ‘Plastic Free July’ we are
all encouraged to modify our
(mostly bad) habits.
With the major supermarkets
withdrawing single-use plastic
bags there isn’t a better time to
turn awareness of plastic waste
into action.
Organisers of Plastic Free July
say their aim is to empower
Australians to “choose to
refuse” and collectively
contribute by making small
changes to their day-to-day
actions.
It is estimated each of us
produces 565kg of household
waste every year – and 20
million tonnes goes to landfill
in Australia alone. Although
plastic waste stockpiles on
land it often leads to problems
“downstream”. In fact, it is
estimated that if unchecked,
there will be more plastic in the
ocean than fish by 2050!
Paying attention to the
‘Big Four’ is the first step to
helping save the planet: plastic
shopping bags; plastic bottles;
straws; and takeaway food
containers and coffee cups.
To help inspire you, turn to
page 32 to learn how a group
of eco-conscious locals live
without plastic.
* * *
Pittwater Life has always
been proud to support our
creative community; this month
we launch a new sponsorship of
the Pittwater Artists Trail.
Every month readers will get
the chance to win an original
artwork, or classes donated by
PAT members. Turn to page 43!
* * *
Clarification: In last month’s
story on Pasadena we
referenced “Scotland Island’s
Nicholas Cowdery”. Although a
resident Mr Cowdery does not
represent Scotland Island; he is
the Vice President of the West
Pittwater Association. – NW
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 3
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Email:
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Publisher: Nigel Wall
Managing Editor: Lisa Offord
Graphic Design: CLS Design
Photography: iStock / Staff
Contributors: Rosamund
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Cleary, Brian Hrnjak, Jennifer
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Vol 27 No 12
Celebrating 26 years
The Local Voice Since 1991
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thislife
COVER: Learn what locals are doing to minimise plastic
usage and waste (p32); hear why people are increasingly
embracing Keoride, Pittwater’s new on-demand
transport option (p10); we reveal the new Northern
Beaches Hospital with a collection of exclusive photos
(p18); local fundraising legend Beryl Driver recounts
her 20 years’ involvement with the NSW Variety Bash
(p28); and meet local photographer Pamela Pauline,
whose art is helping deliver a sense of serenity at the
new Arcadia Pittwater private hospital (p40).
COVER IMAGE: Timothy Moon / Atelier 8
also this month
Editorial 3
Pittwater Local News 6-27
NB Hospital: Exclusive first look 18
Life Stories: Beryl Driver 28-31
Special Feature: Life Without Plastic 32-37
Northern Beaches Living 38-39
Art Life 40-43
Surfing Life 44-45
Health & Wellbeing; Hair & Beauty 46-51
Money 52-53
Law 54-55
Showtime 59
Food 64-66
Gardening 68-70
the goodlife
Restaurants, food, gigs, travel and gardening.
Also find our regular features on beauty, health, surfing,
art, local history, our guide to trades and services, money,
law and our essential maps.
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our AUGUST issue MUST be supplied by
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All contents are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the
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4 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Council warns of ‘highly
volatile’ recycling market
News
Local councillors have
been briefed about
the escalating costs of
recycling and its current
and ongoing implications for
Northern Beaches Council.
In a memo seen by Pittwater
Life, Council’s Executive
Manager Waste Management
& Cleansing, Natascha
Schultz, referenced reports
some Councils in Queensland
and NSW had chosen to
landfill recyclables generated
from domestic kerbside collections
due to costs being a
third or more cheaper.
She explained the ‘China
Sword Policy’ had impacted
on the recycling industry
worldwide.
“For many years recycling
agencies here and overseas
contracted with Chinese companies
to receive and process
recyclable materials,” Ms
Schultz wrote. “The demand
for this market was such it
resulted in a rapid expansion.
Combined with competitive
pricing mechanisms China
became the preferred processor
for Australasia, Europe
and America.
“As a direct result of
China’s prohibition on the
‘Break the mould’ on bad plastic habits
Northern Beaches Council wants the
community to break bad habits,
re-think how we live without using unnecessary
disposable plastic items and
join the plastic-free revolution.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan
said Council urged residents to stop using
the ‘big four’ single-use plastic items
and swap them for more sustainable
ones as part of Plastic Free July.
“Disposable plastic water bottles,
straws, takeaway coffee cups and plastic
bags are used for only a few minutes
but are made from material that does
not break down,” Mayor Regan said.
“Did you know that every piece of plastic
ever made still exists? That fact is
just shocking.
“Unfortunately, plastic ends up in our
waterways and oceans having a devastating
effect on our marine ecology. It
is getting so bad that scientists predict
by 2050, there will be more tonnes of
plastic than fish. It’s a no-brainer – everyone
needs to get on board.
“Our local ‘Swap This for That’ initiative
helps you re-think simple everyday
decisions by being more conscious while
shopping, eating and drinking, on your
way to work or while out and about. It’s
a great initiative that complements the
global Plastic Free July campaign.”
* Special ‘Living Without Plastic’ feature
– see page 32; also, for Council’s
plastic-free initiatives visit northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
6 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
importation of recyclables
and the progressive decline
of the glass and plastics
recycling market from 2016,
significant costs have and
continue to be incurred by
Kimbriki Environmental
Enterprises’ (KEE) recycling
partners.”
However, partner URM had
confirmed that none of the
recyclable material collected
in the NBC area was being disposed
of at landfill, she said.
But URM had received a
notice to increase pricing and
had written to KEE and Council
in relation to the increased
processing costs and was
seeking to vary the current
pricing.
“Both KEE and Council will
need to cover the uplift in
fees to ensure that recyclables
collected under the three current
contracts for Northern
Beaches Council continue to
be collected, transported and
processed,” Ms Schultz said.
She noted the NSW Government
had announced a $47M
support package, with $9.5M
earmarked for infrastructure
projects and the remainder to
support local councils.
“Negotiations are continuing
with respect to both the
shared value arising from
container deposit legislation
and the continued acceptance
and processing of recyclables
collected on behalf
of NBC. It is noted that the
declining recycling market
is highly volatile and should
be considered as a daily
proposition.
“Recognition of the higher
processing costs incurred by
our recycling partners is key
to this continued acceptance
as will be the proposed measures
touted by government
and business.” – Nigel Wall
More B-Line
response
time demand
The Newport Residents
Association is calling
on Transport NSW to
allow locals 60 days to
assess the Review of
Environmental factors
concerning the proposed
extension of the B-Line
to Newport when the
long awaited, delayed
document is finally
released in the next few
months.
The NRA have labelled
the current 14-day timeframe
for public comment
as “unreasonable”.
Meanwhile a group of
unaffiliated residents
are planning to stage
a march from Newport
to Mona Vale protesting
against the proposed
extension of the B-Line.
The July 21 protest will
commence at 2pm at the
Newport Beach Surf Club;
more info 0479 123 260.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 7
News
Pittwater place plan priority
Elizabeth Brown knows her
role as Place Co-ordinator
for the Pittwater Ward villages
of Mona Vale, Newport and
Avalon will see her in the firing
line of passionate residents looking
to air multiple opinions – but
insists it’s an essential part of
her job to connect places, people
and Northern Beaches Council.
Since starting the newly created
role in August last year,
Elizabeth says she has met more
than 200 residents across the
three villages – including more
than 100 in Avalon – which has
helped her to start developing a
data base and knowledge of the
ward, the places within it and a
strong sense of local issues.
First village on Elizabeth’s
busy agenda is Avalon Beach; so
far she has developed an Avalon
Town Centre snapshot document
and will be working closely
with Council’s Strategic Place
Planning team on the engagement
process for the new ‘My
Place: Avalon’ project (formerly
the Avalon Place Plan).
At the same time she is continuing
to build her contacts in
Newport Village and Mona Vale
Town Centre.
Elizabeth lives at Collaroy –
something she believes helps
her stay neutral and avoid bias
in her dealings with locals and
assessment of the Pittwater
villages.
She is also an important “eye
on the ground” for Council,
helping identify any ‘quick
fixes’ required, such as broken
footpaths, benches or identifying
graffiti.
The most common issue
raised by residents so far?
“Parking,” she said without
STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT: Elizabeth Brown with Newport Beach
Chamber’s Karen Bond, Avalon Palm Beach’s Sam Garner, Mona Vale’s
Chris Kavanagh and Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan.
hesitation.
Mayor Michael Regan said
Avalon was selected as the
Council’s first ‘My Place’ village
subject because it was “ready to
go and a project the former Pittwater
Council would have liked
to have done”.
“We’re keen to engage local
businesses and residents in a
very personal way away from
politics,” Mayor Regan said.
“We’re equally as passionate
as the residents to roll out these
projects to create foundations
for these villages, so the residents
can take ownership.”
Council’s Acting General
Manager, Planning Place and
Community Kylie Walshe
explained the ‘My Place: Avalon’
project had four broad phases:
Project initiation and data gathering;
Plan development; Plan
finalisation; and Plan implementation.
“A Place Plan aims to create
places designed for people, attract
the right uses to the right
places, provide a focal point for
employment and deliver highquality
urban design outcomes,
improve connectivity in and
around the centre – especially
for pedestrians – and recognise
the importance of streets as
community spaces and destinations,”
Ms Walshe said.
“We have already undertaken
a range of data collection and
research, including the review
of existing studies and documents
from a broad range of
sources/ stakeholders including
Avalon Preservation Association
and Clareville and Bilgola
Plateau Resident Association in
order to gain a broad understanding
of Avalon and relevant
issues from a community
perspective.”
Ms Walshe said once collated,
the results from the PlaceScore
survey that closed on June 24
would provide valuable data
on what the community cared
about and valued in village
centres.
“This information will allow
us to understand what aspects
make a village centre enjoyable
and pleasant places to visit and
spend time,” she said.
“Knowing what is important
and what the Avalon community
cares about will guide
Council in planning for the
future of Avalon in a way that
reflects the community’s values
and meets its needs.
“The heart of the process is
to inspire and stimulate the
community to work together to
create a greater Avalon.”
Ms Walshe said upcoming
community engagement included
stakeholder workshops on
June 30 and July 4, followed by
pop-up stalls running through
to July 28 (specific dates and
times to be confirmed – check
Council’s website).
“We’ve also undertaken PX
Assessments of Avalon Village
– PX Assessments give the community
the opportunity to rate
their own places in real time
revealing what is contributing
positively or negatively to their
experience of Avalon Village,”
she explained. “The assessments
have been undertaken
by face to face surveying with
community members since late
May and closed in the last week
of June.”
Also, an online forum is seeking
community feedback on
workshop questions, she said.
“And we will be establishing
the Avalon Community Reference
Group to guide the ‘My
Place: Avalon’ project, with calls
for nomination commencing in
late July.” – Nigel Wall
8 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Transport pick-me-up
News
On-demand transport
driver Bill Andronicos
says he loves his
work – because the customers
he transfers to B-Line bus
hubs from suburbs north of
Narrabeen love the service he
provides.
Semi-retiree Bill, 60, has been
‘chauffeuring’ for provider
Keoride ever since the NSW
Government kicked off the
innovative trial, designed to
seamlessly connect people in
Pittwater with the new B-Line
service, with a three-month
term on November 26 last year.
Three months became six
and now the program is pushing
into another term – with its
overwhelming success mounting
pressure on the Government
to introduce the service
full-time.
With fares from homes to B-
Line bus stops (and return journeys)
priced at just $3 ($1.50 for
students and Seniors) every day
from 6am to 10.15pm, Keoride’s
fleet of new, small SUVs has
been in hot demand.
Bill says he has plenty of
regular customers who book
rides from outlying suburbs including
Palm Beach, Clareville,
Bilgola Plateau and Newport
– but notes he also has “two or
three first-timers” each day.
“It’s mostly by word of
mouth,” says Bill as he took
Pittwater Life on a sample run
north of the Bilgola Bends.
“Once people try it they can’t
believe how good it is. I had a
guy today, took him from Palm
Beach to Mona Vale. He works
in the city, has a parking spot
in Phillip Street but prefers to
get the B-Line as it’s no headache,
it’s quicker saving him 90
minutes a day, plus he’s able to
plug in his device and work for
an hour.
“It frees up their cars, so his
wife and children can use them
if they need to.
“Then in the afternoon he
can have a few drinks after
work, get the B-Line back to
Mona Vale and have a Keoride
vehicle waiting to drop him
back home!
“I had another guy who said
he was waiting for the B-Line
and transport trial to kick into
action before he sold his house
at Castle Hill and moved to
the beaches – he now lives in
Bilgola and has a faster trip to
his work in the city.”
Bill estimates “99%” of customers
are repeat users.
“We also get a lot of university
students,” he continued.
“Like the mum who used to
have to drive her daughter
from Whale Beach to Mona Vale
so she could catch the bus to
Macquarie University – now it
doesn’t matter what time her
daughter has to go to uni, she
can book a Keoride to Mona
Vale, then a ride back home
when she returns.”
Operator Keolis Downer says
Keoride encourages the use
of public transport by providing
connections from people’s
homes or designated local pickup
points to B-Line bus stops
in Mona Vale, Narrabeen and
Warriewood, using GoGet car
share vehicles.
Keolis Downer spokesperson
Segolene Deeley said passenger
numbers had increased steadily
since launch, with many customers
re-booking the service
almost daily.
“Keoride saw a 10% increase
in customers between March
and April,” Ms Deeley said.
“Through May we had carried
more than 8,000 passengers
in total – with around 1300 of
them added in the final two
weeks of the month.”
She said majority bookings
came from the Mona Vale area.
“In April, 22% of customers
were travelling from Avalon
to the Mona Vale B-Line, and
14% from Bilgola Plateau to
the Mona Vale B-Line,” Ms
Deeley said.
To improve the passenger
10 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
experience and increase
comfort, eight new Toyota
Rav4 vehicles replaced smaller
Corolla cars at the beginning
of June; each has been decked
out in special Keoride livery to
make them more recognisable
to customers.
Northern Beaches local Bill
Andronicos is one of 21 drivers
on their books. He works
three days a week, with shifts
between five and eight hours.
“I thought why not?” Bill
said. “I like driving and I don’t
mind having a chat. I know the
area and it’s a pretty nice place
to drive around!”
Local MP Rob Stokes said
the success of the Keoride trial
to date showed that public
transport could be delivered in
a more personalised way.
“Many areas of our community
are inaccessible by
traditional buses – so this new
option enables residents to request
public transport to their
door at a time that best suits
them,” Mr Stokes said.
“This service isn’t designed
to replace traditional buses –
but rather to complement them
and help make access to our
local bus network easier for
more people.
“Running buses on loops to
every area of community isn’t
practical. This personalised service
enables public transport to
be provided exactly where and
when it’s needed.” – Nigel Wall
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 11
News
Eateries in outdoor
dining fee rise pain
Local café and restaurant
owners who lease Councilowned
space for customer
seating fear ongoing proposed
fee increases for outdoor
dining could threaten their
viability.
Their cause has been taken
up by local residents groups
and chambers of commerce
who are fearful of the impact
on small businesses and the
atmosphere of our villages.
Several café owners, who
commented on condition they
were not named, told Pittwater
Life they could face increases
of as much as 20%.
“They told us it’s because we
haven’t had an increase in so
long; we have to like it or lump
it,” one said.
Another pointed to their
outdoor seating area, noting
few customers willing to brave
the winter cold – even though
it was a sunny day.
The Newport Residents
Association has written to
Council, noting its proposal to
increase Outdoor Dining Fees
for a second time in two years.
“We ask how will this proposed
increase assist small
business plus help in the
development of vibrant village
centres?” President Gavin
Butler said.
“These businesses should
be encouraged, not penalised
– we believe this proposed
increase should be scrapped.”
Pittwater suburbs are hardest
hit by Council’s proposed
increases, Pittwater Life can
reveal.
Analysis of Council’s Draft
Fees and Charges 2018/19
document reveals a rollercoaster
of fee variations, based
on charges per square metre
per year, across the Northern
Beaches Council region.
Palm Beach is a case in
point, with owners facing an
increase of nearly 20% on their
current $250 base rate to $295.
North Narrabeen cafes face
a hike of more than 15% from
$240 to $280, while Newport
is bracing for an almost 15%
increase ($265 to $305). Avalon
is staring at a 13% increase
(from $290 to $330).
Fees for Narrabeen are
slated to rise 7% from $365 to
$390, while Mona Vale faces a
10% increase ($310 to $340).
Whale Beach and Warriewood
would face new introductory
fees of $260.
Many eatery owners outside
the former Pittwater area have
fared better – with the majority
section of the Manly CBD
(The Corso) not in line for any
rise on its fee of $1275.
Draft rises for North Balgowlah,
Brookvale, Frenchs Forest,
Narraweena are less than 2%
($310 to $315) while Freshwater
jumps just 4.5% (from $430
to $450).
Frenchs Forest Shopping
Centre is in line for a 7% increase
($360 to $390).
Council’s Acting General
Manager Environment and
Infrastructure Todd Dickinson
told Pittwater Life that
Council used external valuers
to provide third party pricing
advice on outdoor dining to
ensure fees fairly reflected the
market.
“Each location is benchmarked
against other like
areas and valuations take
into account relevant factors
including centre size, traffic
and more,” he said.
“Changes to outdoor dining
licence fees in the 2018/2019
Budget have been proposed in
line with external valuations
received. Increases are not
uniform across the area and
the total proposed increase
recommended by the third
party valuer has not been applied.”
Council is currently reviewing
resident and small business
feedback on the proposed
fees.
– Nigel Wall
12 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Book Review
Addicted?
How Addiction
affects every one
of us and what we
can do about it
By Matt Noffs &
Kieran Palmer
Harper Collins
$32.99
As the grandson of Ted
Noffs, founder of the
Wayside Chapel, and
the Ted Noffs Foundation,
Matt grew up with
a front-row seat to the
impact of addiction.
Over the past few
decades, working at the Foundation alongside coauthor
Kieran Palmer, Matt has honed his ability to understand
the drivers of addiction and in this new book the pair
offer a number of practical tools to help manage dependencies
such as alcohol and drugs, through to smartphones and
coffee.
Addicted? is also a fascinating and accessible insight into
the history of how addiction has been created in different
cultures. It’s a great resource for every household given its
down-to-earth style and advice, but buying it on the basis
of the chapter on smartphones alone is a must. Beachside
Bookshop has limited signed copies. – Libby Armstrong
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 13
News
Staff help needed for
next federal election
The Australian Electoral due to the sheer size of the some point within the next 12
Commission (AEC) is asking country and the sparsity of the months and we’re calling on
Pittwater residents to sign up
to help deliver the next federal
election in the Mackellar electorate.
Mackellar covers an area of
233km2 and contains 42 polling
places that will be staffed
by 519 paid temporary electoral
workers on election day.
In total, 80,000 people will be
needed across Australia to help
deliver the next federal election,
and the AEC has identified
Mona Vale as one of the key
areas to bolster ahead of time.
While the date for the next
election is not yet known, the
AEC is asking people to register
their interest in working now.
Holding elections in Australia
is a particular challenge
population in rural areas – not
to mention having to assemble
a crew for just one day’s work.
Tom Rogers, AEC Commissioner,
said federal elections
rank as Australia’s largest
peacetime events.
“With more than 8,000 polling
places spread throughout
Australia, the AEC has to
employ around 80,000 temporary
staff from across the
country to staff each polling
place. As such, it is crucial we
ensure the necessary preparations
are underway well
ahead of the election period
so that every Australian has
the opportunity to have their
say,” he said.
“There will be an election at
Pittwater residents to register
their interest for election work
now so they can help their local
community in the Mackellar
electorate as part of this unique
event.
“There are 519 positions in
Mackellar across 42 polling
places that we need to fill to ensure
the election runs smoothly.
Election work is a thoroughly
rewarding experience and a
great opportunity to contribute
to the local area.”
All temporary election roles
are paid and full training
is provided. Those wishing
to register their interest in
working at the next election,
or wanting more information,
should visit aec.gov.au.
6THINGS
THIS MONTH
Young writers competition.
Students up to and including
Year 12 are encouraged to write
an original story using this year’s
theme words ‘tiny door’ for a
chance to be published as an
author in a Library eBook. Entries
close Wed 8 August. Details on
the Council website, at your local
library, or call 9942 2449.
Work with wool. Kids can warm
up their fingers these winter school
holidays at Mona Vale Library
learning how to use wool and
found objects to make colourful
decorations. On Wed 11 from
10.30-11.30am. For ages 6-12.
Cost $7, bookings only; 9970 1600.
Weaving workshop. Join
Karleen Green at a workshop
to create your own small coiled
basket using lomandra grass
and learn about natural dying
techniques that you can try at
home. Karleen will also share
stories about Aboriginal weaving
traditions and how baskets, Dilly
bags and other woven objects
have been used throughout history
at the Coastal Environment Centre
on Sat 21 from 2pm-5pm. Cost
is $25 or $20 for Permaculture
Northern Beaches Members.
Bookings essential; contact
taradubs@gmail.com.
Have a ball. Secure tickets
to the annual Christmas in July
Charity Ball and make a positive
difference in the fight against
cancer. Organised by the Fight
On The Beaches community
fundraising group, the ball will be
held at Miramare Gardens, Terrey
Hills on Fri July 27. More info
fightonthebeaches.com.
Avalon Car Boot Sale. Get
down to Dunbar Park on Sat 21
from 8am-2pm and find a treasure
or two. The sale is embracing
Plastic Free July so bring your
reusable water bottle and coffee
cup and help do your bit to end
plastic pollution. Music, roving
performers, food and a surprise
celebrity appearance, too!
Dig this. Keep your eye out for
local events celebrating Australia’s
biggest tree planting and nature
care event – Schools Tree Day on
July 27 and National Tree Day on
July 29. Find a site or register at
treeday.planetark.org.
14 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
News
Medium Density Code deferral
Northern Beaches
Council has been
granted a lastminute
deferral on parts
of the NSW Government’s
Low Rise Medium Density
Housing Code following
representation by Mayor
Michael Regan and Pittwater
MP Rob Stokes.
The Code, which will
come into effect on July 6
and was made under State
Environmental Planning
Policy (Exempt and
Complying Development),
permits attached and
detached dual occupancies,
multi-dwelling housing,
and manor houses, and
the subdivision of such
developments, as complying
development where those
uses are currently permitted
under Council’s Local
Environmental Plans (LEPs).
Mayor Regan said the danger
for residents was that had the
Code been triggered across the
northern beaches as scheduled
with the rest of NSW, it could
have resulted in higher density
development than currently
permissible under Council’s
controls – particularly in low
density R2 zones such as
across Pittwater.
“The medium density
housing code has the
potential to create ad-hoc,
unplanned development
that would have impacted
on our ability as Council to
maintain the local character
THE ‘MISSING MIDDLE’: Northern Beaches Council will investigate low-rise medium density options.
of our neighbourhoods
and put further pressure
on infrastructure and
transport,” Mayor Regan said.
“And it can be a disaster for
residents. One day you wake
up to find a notice in your
letterbox for a development
next door. You have no say,
no recourse and neither does
your Council.
“This opportunity now
gives us the chance to plan
properly for medium density
in a way that is in keeping
with our local area and
supports residents.”
The Government’s 12
months deferral is subject
to NB Council submitting
a Planning Proposal aimed
to “rectify local planning
controls to meet the strategic
intent of each Council area”.
Local MP Rob Stokes said
Pittwater’s environment and
distance from the CBD meant
that unit blocks were generally
an inappropriate form of
housing for the region.
“Instead, we need to look
at terraces and townhouses
to allow for more homes,
particularly for older people
looking to downsize and
younger families who can’t
afford a detached home on a
big block,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for
Council to have a close look
at the most appropriate areas
in our community where
our future housing diversity
needs can be met.”
Mayor Regan added he
was pleased NSW Minister
Anthony Roberts was
listening to concerns about
development, infrastructure,
affordable housing and
transport across the northern
beaches.
“We look forward to
working with the Minister
and our State MPs to ensure
we get planning right on the
northern beaches, now and
for future residents,” he said.
“Our ability to have greater
influence like this at the state
level is a positive outcome of
our new size and capacity as
a larger council.” – Nigel Wall
16 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Healthy progress
News
It’s flooded with natural light and
filled with state-of-the-art equipment;
and although its beds and soft furnishings
have yet to be installed, there is
a distinct sense of comfort and purpose
that purveys throughout the new Northern
Beaches Hospital.
Our exclusive tour in late June revealed
attention to detail inspired by worldclass
hospital design and best practice.
Every material used in construction,
the colours and surfaces in the ninestorey
building have been meticulously
researched.
Considered touches such as muted
beach tones and ocean-themed murals
on walls, rounded edges on built-in
furniture and ceiling lights positioned so
they won’t shine on patients’ faces, won’t
be lost when the 488-bed hospital fills
with people in just a few months’ time.
And it’s apparent the layout of wards,
workstations, operating theatres and
equipment are the result of consultation
with medical, nursing, allied health and
support staff to ensure an environment
conducive to optimal service delivery
and patient care.
Take, for example, the 24/7 Emergency
Department (ED). Comprising 50 treatment
spaces, the large, ground floor area
is divided into several zones including
assessment, adult, paediatrics, resuscitation,
short stay and mental health assessment
(which has a dedicated lift to the
mental health unit on Level 3).
Imaging equipment is easily accessed
on the ground floor level and within the
ED and an electronic monitoring system
will link to Medical Records.
Adjacent to the ED is a bulk-bill GP
Medical Centre, sited to help minimise
the number of non-emergency patients
who present to the ED. When a patient
presents to the emergency area they will
be able to self-select which service they
wish to enter – a patient can easily be
transferred between the two depending
on the type of care they need.
The hospital will be opening its doors
to both public and private patients on
October 30.
You can check out the hospital yourself
when tours start in September; send an
email to enquiries@northernbeacheshospital.com.au
for more information.
* And if you are interested in
volunteering opportunities at the
hospital, register your interest
before July 11 at volunteering@
northernbeacheshospital.com.au.
18 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Our tour of the
new NB Hospital
News
PHOTOS: Nigel Wall
The Local Voice Since 1991
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:
The striking profile of the
ED located on the Frenchs
Forest Rd side of the
hospital; the hospital foyer
features modern wooden
styling for a pleasing
aesthetic and also good
acoustics; modern lighting
and natural light are major
features of the huge
interior; an aerial view to
Pittwater; a pastel palette
used in the corridors; the
hospital’s meeting rooms
are named after places
across the Northern Beaches;
the stunning vertical
garden feature by the main
entrance; a state-of-the-art
hybrid theatre provides
diagnostic high-definition
imaging while also allowing
clinicians to perform
myriad surgical procedures.
JULY 2018 19
News
SEEN…
Well, that ‘escalated’ quickly! Seems the NSW Government
has lifted its self-imposed six-month embargo on advertising
on the sides of the new B-Line bus fleet in a move that will
boost the state’s coffers and, State Transit tells us, help pay
for maintenance and repair. What a shame. We don’t mind the
wavy blue motif depicting surf to city on the double-decker
buses. It generates a sense of identity. The new norm? Twostorey
advertising ‘sleeves’. Boo! Imagine the stink the good
folk of Newport will kick up about the prospect of these giant
billboards cruising up and down the village centre, should the
B-Line be extended beyond Mona Vale, as is expected.
HEARD…
The restaurant at
iconic Barrenjoey
House has traded
hands, with
flavour-of-the
decade hospitality
operators The
Boathouse Group
taking over from
well-known
couple Brendan
and Jenny Barry.
Boathouse owner
Andrew Goldsmith told Pittwater Life Barrenjoey House would
be “re-energized” over July and August with maintenance,
repair and interior updates, before re-opening in September
with a core lunch and dinner trade. Locals needn’t worry about
BH losing its identity – Goldsmith promised the Group would
afford the building great respect, adding it was his “personal
favourite Palm Beach destination”. We hear the new menu will
feature simple, fresh, contemporary classics, delivered by “a
fresh mindset, fresh team and fresh ingredients”. All well and
good – but will they keep the ‘French 75’ champagne cocktail on
the menu is what we want to know…
ABSURD…
Speaking of alcohol and Palm Beach, seems the locals are
among Sydney’s worst offenders for drink driving – according to
Bureau of Crime and Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) figures.
Apparently 3% of licence-holders were booked for DUI in the
period 2013-18 – with eight individuals nabbed in the 12 months
to April this year. Avalon and Newport didn’t fare well either,
with 2.4% and 2.3% of licence-holders respectively busted in
the five-year period. Bayview were our best behaved, with 1.4%
blowing positive. Let’s all think twice, hey?
20 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Pittwater News
News
July Probus talks
Past President of the Manly
Warringah Pittwater Historical
Society and former
Wallabies tourist Jim Boyce
is the guest speaker at the
next meeting of Pittwater
Probus at Mona Vale Golf Club
on Tuesday July 10. In 1963,
Jim was selected to play with
the Wallabies touring side to
South Africa. On this tour, he
and the other players were
shocked by their exposure to
the injustices of the apartheid
regime. Throughout the tour,
Jim and the other players were
exposed to the arrogance of
white Springboks supporters,
officials, politicians and police
– as well as the everyday oppression
of the South African
black and non-white majority.
Jim’s talk will address the history
of commercial buildings
on the northern beaches. Also,
club member Roman Zwolenski
will talk about being in the
military ballot to go to Vietnam.
Roman will share his expectation
of being sent which,
however, did not eventuate.
Years later, Roman visited Vietnam
and he will reflect on the
aftermath of the war. Meeting
starts 10am; more info 0437
274 074. Meanwhile visitors
are also welcome to join Palm
Beach Probus members to hear
naval architect, John Jeremy,
speak about Cockatoo Island
and its history. Their meeting
is on Wednesday 20th July at
Club Palm Beach, commencing
at 9.45am. More info 9973
1247.
Dee Why RSL shows
Resilience strength
Last April Dee Why RSL
Club hosted their ‘Resilience
Month’, raising a total
of $196,420 for the Sydney
Northern Beaches Veteran
Centre to help further assist
ex-service men and women
and their families post their
time in the military. The funds
were raised by donating $1
from each main meal sold at
the Club throughout April; all
proceeds from the $6 Anzac
Breakfast, the Peace Garden
Sausage Sizzle, donations at
two-up and donation boxes located
in the club on Anzac Day
and through the major event
– The Resilience Luncheon on
April 13 – which was hosted by
TV veteran Ray Martin.
Testing the water
at Bayview Baths
Northern Beaches Council
intends to push ahead with
further water testing at
Bayview Baths as a prelude
to possible refurbishment.
Council adopted a recommendation
to participate in
another round of water testing
with Sydney Water and the
Office of Environment and
Heritage at the site in 2018/19.
Should this testing prove successful,
Council has resolved
to work collaboratively with
the community and funding
agencies to secure grant funding
for future refurbishment.
NB Mayor Michael Regan said
testing in October and November
2016 indicated that water
quality was generally suitable
for swimming in dry weather.
“It’s good news, as these results
mean the Baths are still
in contention as a swimming
location, and so refurbishment
may be considered,” he said,
although adding the Baths required
a significant upgrade to
improve the facility. Bayview
Baths received a ‘good’ rating
in the 2016/17 Beachwatch
report, largely due to it being
a dry year, following a ‘poor’
rating in the two prior years.
Council follows the Beachwatch
recommendation for
estuarine swimming areas affected
by stormwater outflows,
which says swimming should
be avoided for up to three days
following rainfall.
Expert gives tips on
wild food foraging
Wild food expert Diego Bonetto
will be the guest speaker at
the next meeting of Permaculture
Northern Beaches on
Thursday July 26. Learn about
the most common species
22 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
growing in your garden, along
the green belts and in parks
and reserves – every plant has
a story! Find out how these
‘wild foods’ have been used
for food, craft and natural
remedies. Discover ways to
safely harvest from the urban
‘wild’ and enrich your diet
with vitamins and minerals.
Organisers say there will also
be a swap table for any items
from your garden, or items to
reuse for others. Organic teas
and coffees available; bring a
plate of food to share. Meeting
is from 7.15pm at the Nelson
Heather Centre, Jacksons
Road, North Narrabeen. (A sea
foraging workshop will be arranged
for later this year.)
Call for Memories
of Mona Vale Hospital
Pittwater residents have
launched a project to record
memories of Mona Vale Hospital,
creating a social history
showing the facility’s significance
to the area. Protect
Continued on page 24
Gatsby-themed gala a success for Women’s Shelter
Last month’s sold-out Northern Beaches
Women’s Shelter Annual Gala raised
around $130,000 to support homeless
women across the region. More than 240
people attended the ‘Roaring ’20s’ themed
event, which highlighted greater community
awareness of the Shelter and its work
on the Northern Beaches. “Hundreds of
women right across the Northern Beaches
continue to find themselves homeless due
to domestic violence, financial trouble, drug
or alcohol abuse, or mental health issues,”
said the Shelter’s Acting President, Rosy
Sullivan. “The NBWS provides a safe haven
for these women. We offer more than just
a roof over their heads and a warm bed to
sleep in. We are helping to break the cycle
of homelessness, by linking women with
the right services, offering employment
and financial assistance and much needed
emotional support to help them rebuild their
lives and rejoin the community.” Formerly
the Manly Women’s Shelter, the non-profit,
charitable organisation was recently
renamed to reflect its growing reach across
the peninsula. Since the Shelter first opened
its doors in 2010, it has supported more than
350 women to rebuild their lives.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 23
Pittwater News
News
Continued from page 23
Pittwater president Bob Grace
said the group was calling on
residents from Palm Beach to
Narrabeen and in the offshore
communities to get in touch
about their experiences and
treatment at the hospital.
He added local filmmaker
John Illingsworth would film
interviews to create an archive
of the hospital’s history. “We
want to hear the stories of new
lives, lives saved and what the
hospital means to locals,” Mr
Grace said. “Patients, doctors,
nurses, other staff and volunteers
will all have stories –
medical treatment in Pittwater
was a different kettle of fish
before Mona Vale was built
and we want to pay tribute to
the hospital which has been an
integral part of our community
for over 50 years.” Protect
Pittwater is also organising a
film night and public forum
at Mona Vale Memorial Hall on
Wednesday July 18, from 7pm
to 9pm. To volunteer to be interviewed
for the film history
phone 0439 788 867.
Rural Fire Brigade
equipment boost
The West Pittwater, Mackerel
Beach, Coasters Retreat and
Scotland Island brigades of
the NSW Rural Fire Service
(RFS) have been boosted by
new equipment made available
under the RFS Association’s
Grant Scheme. West Pittwater
Brigade Captain, Andrew
Cutler, said the acquisition of
two thermal imaging cameras
would be invaluable to the
brigades when fighting fires
or assisting other agencies in
search activities. “The cameras
will be included in the equipment
on the two boats the
brigades use when attending
structural and bush fires or
assisting in searches,” Mr
Cutler said. These boats and
their equipment are essential
to the brigades as most of the
buildings and areas the brigades
cover are only accessible
by water. The thermal imaging
cameras enable the crews to
quickly identify where the major
heat areas of a fire are located
and provides much more
accurate information to better
assign resources and identify
potential risks to crews.
Mackellar aged care
Budget injection
The Federal Government’s
$5 billion aged care budget
injection will deliver significant
benefits for Mackellar,
says local member Jason
Falinski who visited Anglicare’s
Marcus Loan House
in Warriewood with Aged
Care Minister Ken Wyatt last
month. Mr Falinski said the
budget increased home and
residential care options and
provided more choice and
certainty for local older Australians
and their families.
“The Government invested
more than $116 million in
Mackellar aged care services
in 2016-17, including $107
million for residential aged
care, $1.1 million for transition
care, $5.3 million for
home care and $2.9 million
in the Commonwealth Home
Support Program.” Other
budget highlights included
increasing home care packages
from 87,000 to 151,000
so older Australians could
live in their own homes for as
long as they can; $60 million
in capital grants for new and
expanded aged care facilities;
$102.5 million commitment
to older Australians’ mental
health; an online aged care
provider comparison system;
health, career and finance
checks for 45- and 65-yearolds
for future planning; and
pensioners will be able to
earn $7,800 per year without
affecting their pension. “We
want the more than 28,000
people aged over 65 and their
families in Mackellar to live
longer, happier and healthier
lives,” Mr Falinski said. As at
30 June 2017, there were 20
residential aged care facili-
24 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
ties with 1,869 places operating
in Mackellar.
Council scoops up
pair of awards
Northern Beaches Council
was acknowledged in two
separate honours presented
at the 2018 NSW Local Government
Excellence Awards
last month. The awards
presented were in the Community
Partnerships and
Collaboration category, and
separately, The Col Mills
Scholarship which is given to
a younger professional drawn
from the local government
sector. The Community Partnerships
and Collaboration
award (for communities with
a population over 60,000)
was presented in recognition
of the widely-praised
Northern Beaches Council /
Dee Why PCYC Project. The
$26 million Dee Why PCYC
facility on the Kingsway opposite
Council’s Civic Centre
was opened in June 2017
Continued on page 26
Cruising Christmas in July
With Australia’s British and European heritage, there’s a strong attachment
to the tradition of celebrating Christmas in cold weather. That’s why there’s
‘Christmas in July’, which is also known as Yulefest or Yuletide in Australia.
So that means hearty food like roasts, and warm drinks in front of fireplaces.
Fantasea Cruising have collaborated with Club Palm Beach to create a Winter
Cruise experience around Pittwater followed by a delicious Traditional hot
Christmas Roast lunch (turkey and ham) with pudding – for just $30 per person
(groups of 10 or more). Christmas in July will be on offer from Monday to
Sundays for the month of July. For bookings call Club Palm Beach on 9974 5566.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 25
Pittwater News
News
Continued from page 25
As happy as a dog… in mud
The trial of the small off-leash dog walking area at Avalon
Beach Reserve parklands on Central Road may still
have a month to run but locals are already unconvinced
it represents an ongoing option. The park turf and and its
temporary fencing has taken a battering over the past few
months, with June’s ‘big wet’ turning the grounds into a
muddy quagmire requiring the turf to be replaced. Dog
walkers report that although well-used, the small space
cannot handle the volume of dogs and they are concerned
it will require maintenance every month. A report will be
presented to the Council regarding the future use of the
location when the trial expires on July 31.
to deliver enhanced social,
sporting, cultural and recreational
options for Northern
Beaches’ youth, as well as to
provide an integrated carpark
close to public transport. The
2018 Col Mills Scholarship
was presented to Northern
Beaches Council’s Project
Manager (Environment & Infrastructure),
Russell Peake,
who works on a wide range of
Council’s environment and
infrastructure projects. In
the citation accompanying
his Scholarship, Russell was
described as “a bright, young
professional, a future leader
and a well-deserved recipient
of the scholarship.”
State assists Councils
The recent NSW budget contained
several allocations by
the State Government aimed
at continuing the support of
local councils to enable better
delivery of key services,
facilities and infrastructure to
their communities. Minister
for Local Government, Ms Gabrielle
Upton, noted highlights
included: $98 million to help
councils to deliver services
and facilities for their local
communities; $79 million to
help pensioners make ends
meet by subsidising council
rates and charges; $31 million
over 10 years for low interest
loans so councils can invest
in infrastructure to address
housing affordability; $15 million
so councils could provide
better facilities through the
Local Infrastructure Renewal
Scheme; and $7 million to assist
councils to prepare plans
of management for Crown
lands.
Winter author
discussions
Beachside Bookshop at Avalon
Beach is introducing a
series of intimate Sunday afternoon
events with local authors
over the winter months,
commencing on Sunday July
29 with Caroline Beecham,
author of ‘Maggie’s Kitchen’
and now ‘Eleanor’s Secret’.
The ‘Sunday Salons’ will be
held over an afternoon tea
from 3-4pm in the shop and
is free. Limited capacity, so
bookings essential at info@
beachsidebookshop.com or
call 9918 9918.
Christian School
marks 40 years
It began with a vision to instill
in children a view of the world
the way God sees it – and 40
years later that vision remains
a core value for Covenant
Christian School. ‘Covie’
started with a class of 19 and
one teacher in a hired church
hall in Terrey Hills – there are
now almost 900 students from
all over the northern beaches
attending at the purpose builtschool
in Belrose. “Today’s
students and those from
that very first class might be
26 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
separated by four decades,
societal changes, unfathomable
advances in technology
and the providence of infrastructure
but they have this in
common: they have been, and
will be, taught God’s word as a
seamless part of their curriculum,”
principal Bill Rusin said.
“This educational philosophy
impacts what you’re saying,
how you’re saying it, and how
you teach.”
$1.5m to help youth
The NSW Government is
urging local organisations to
apply for a share of $1.5 million
to support projects that
improve youth participation
in the community. The program
provides one-off grants
between $10,000 and $50,000
to not-for-profit organisations
and local councils for
youth-led and youth-driven
community projects.
Projects previously selected
aim to upskill young
people to provide them with
greater opportunities for
employment in a number of
sectors, including hospitality,
events planning or
media. Since the program
was launched in 2012, Youth
Opportunities has provided
$9 million in funding to 177
projects across NSW. Applications
for grants under
this year’s program close on
Monday 16 July. More info:
youth.nsw.gov.au/youthopportunities/
Blues out for
Avalon blood
Throughout the State of Origin
series the NSW Blues and
Queensland Maroons have
taken the competition offfield
and are ‘Out for Blood’
– encouraging fans to get out
and donate for their state.
The distinctive NSW Blues
Mobile Donation Centre will
be at Bowling Green Lane,
Avalon on Fri 29 June and Sat
30 June from 9am-2pm both
days. To make an appointment
call 13 14 95.
Amnesty film event
Amnesty International
maintains the detention of
Asylum Seekers is a form of
torture and is used to deter
other refugees from attempting
to come to Australia. The
film Chauka Please Tell Us
The Time is a unique record
of life inside detention on
Manus Island. This thoughtprovoking
film is being
shown at Avalon Baptist
Church on Sun July 1 at 5pm.
Free entry and free supper
but voluntary donations to
Amnesty are welcome.
Support for Soibada
This month a group of local
volunteers are once again
heading to the village of
Soibada in Timor Leste to
continue the work begun 10
years ago by the students
at Avalon’s Maria Regina
Catholic Primary School. As
the children grew, so did
the project, which has now
become the registered charity
The Pittwater Friends of
Soibada and to involve local
government several schools,
community groups, Rotary
and surf clubs. The key objective
of the organisation is to
support sustainable development
in the region by helping
to implement projects initiated
by the people of Soibada
to improve their daily lives
and their future. Visit pittwaterfriendsofsoibada.org.au
to
find out how you can support
this great work.
Award for local
medical design
A local family business with
a huge global presence has
won an Australian Good Design
award for a medical instrument
used by specialists
to treat skin conditions. The
Terrey Hills-based company
Dermapenworld was presented
with the award for the
Dermapen4 micro-needling
instrument in a category
that has recognised iconic
brands such as Cochlear and
ResMed.
Vet
on
call
with
Dr Ben Brown
Is your pet showing signs of
slowing down? If you have
seen your pet slowing down
over the winter months, if
could be a sign that they
could be suffering from
arthritis.
Arthritis is a painful
condition characterised by
the progressive degeneration
of cartilage in the joints of
the body.
Arthritis affects up to 25%
of dogs and 90% of senior
cats. Signs that your pet
could be suffering from
arthritis include stiffness
after laying down, being
slow on walks, limping, pain
when being touched, muscle
wasting and lethargy.
There are many things
which we can do to help our
pets feel more comfortable
when suffering from arthritis,
including medications
including non-steroidal anti
inflammatories.
Cartrophen injections can
also make your pet feel more
comfortable by stimulating
new cartilage production and
helping to lubricate the joint
surfaces.
There are certain diets
such as Hills J/D which
contains omega-3 fatty acids,
glucosamine and chondroitin
and anti-oxidants which has
been shown to help preserve
joint cartilage.
Other supplements
such as Joint Guard are
also beneficial in helping
prevent ongoing cartilage
degeneration.
Weight management is
also essential in helping with
arthritis as there will be less
stress on your pet’s joints.
If you have noticed any of
these signs in your pet, drop
into one of our hospitals at
Newport or Avalon to discuss
with one of the vets how best
to help manage your pet’s
arthritis and keep your pet
comfortable.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 27
Driver’s
Seat
There’s no stopping Beryl
Driver and her fellow
‘Mermaids’ who are about
to buckle up and head off
on a 20th Variety Bash for
kids in need.
Story by Rosamund Burton
Life Stories
After turning 85 in May, Beryl Driver
had to do the compulsory NSW
driving test to retain her licence.
She passed with ease; now this Order of
Australia Medal and Australia Day Award
recipient is preparing to head off in August
on her 20th NSW Variety Bash. With
friends Elyse Cole, doing her 11th bash,
and Viktorija McDonell, on her 14th, Beryl
is driving 4440 kilometres on mostly dirt
roads from Bonnyrigg in Western Sydney
to Braitling, a suburb of Alice Springs.
Beryl’s Holden station wagon, its blue
panels painted with brightly coloured
mermaids, is parked outside her home on
Bilgola Plateau. And she is in the kitchen
making sausage rolls for the annual
Variety fundraising event she holds at Currawong.
Beryl Driver has had a lifelong passion
for cars. Back in the 1970s her son Michael
bought her a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda,
and she spent many years at classic car
shows with it. Because she’s always wanted
to do the Redex Trial, but never had the opportunity,
in 1999 a friend’s son suggested
she should do the Bash. A week later Michael,
who is a motor mechanic, had found
her a car – a meticulously restored 1963
EH Holden then owned by Warriewood
publisher, David Scott.
At the time Beryl looked after her four
grandchildren every day, so she took them
with her to his office.
“He wanted $20,000 for the car. I sat
across the table from him with my little
grandkids and said, ‘I really want to do
the bash. I’ll be the first woman with an
all-female crew, but I’m only on a pension.
I’ve got $3000 and not another cent to my
name.’”
David Scott told her to ring him tomorrow.
“When I rang his secretary said, ‘David’s
sitting here with one thumb up and one
thumb down.’ ‘What does that mean?’ I
asked. ‘Get your $3000 and come here as
quick as you can before he changes his
mind.’”
Beryl was born in Leeton and moved to
Mona Vale when she was two. Aged five
she went to Mona Vale School, but after the
first morning there decided she didn’t like
school and walked home. Soon after she
went with her parents to Glen Davies, near
Lithgow, as her father had a trucking business,
and he got a contract to build a road.
Beryl’s mother cooked for the 300 workers.
“She had a 22 rifle, and used to shoot
rabbits to feed the men, and I used to drag
along the hessian bags full of rabbits.”
Beryl eventually started school aged
eight when the Glen Davies contract
finished and the family moved to Bondi,
then left aged 14, after her Intermediate
Certificate, to care for her mother when
she broke her spine.
Beryl’s father wouldn’t let her use the
car, until she could drive a truck and semitrailer.
When she got her licence she used
to take the semi-trailer to dances at Rose
Bay, and at the end of the night drop home
all her friends. She met her husband, Brian
Driver, at high school. They married when
she was 19 and he was 21 and had three
children, Michael, Bruce and Stacey.
A friend who worked in the fire brigade
with Beryl’s husband, and whose wife had
just left him, asked if his two daughters,
aged 5 and 6, could stay with the Drivers
over the school holidays.
“He brought the girls up, then left the
fire brigade and disappeared for seven
years.” Three years later her husband ran
28 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
off, leaving her with the five children, and
working three jobs to make ends meet. Susie
O’Brien, the youngest of the two girls,
and Beryl still see each other nearly daily.
“She’s just like my own daughter.”
These girls weren’t the only children
to find their way into Beryl’s home. If
children had nowhere to go, due to trouble
at home, or after a broken marriage, they
came to live in the small house on Bilgola
Plateau.
In 1999 Beryl Driver and Kit Moore,
dressed as mermaids, and with a lighthouse
flashing on the roof of the EH
Holden, became the first female team to
ever do the NSW Variety Bash. With Beryl’s
commitment to supporting children doing
the bash made perfect sense, as it’s one of
the biggest fundraisers for the children’s
charity, Variety, and visiting schools is the
focus of the 10-day drive.
Beryl drove the EH Holden for the next
eight years, until her son Bruce, who is a
welder by trade, said 2006 would have to
be her last Bash, because the rusty body
couldn’t be welded any more. The Bash
had reached Huondon in Queensland,
when Beryl told another driver, Gordon
Douglas, that this was her last year, as she
couldn’t afford another vehicle.
“Beryl,” he said, “you’ve got to keep
doing the Bash, you’re an inspiration to us
all.” That evening Gordon showed Beryl an
immaculate-looking 1974 Holden station
wagon.
“It’s yours,” he said, handing her the
keys.
It transpired that the exterior of the
vehicle was in good shape, but it had
mechanical problems, so all the parts
from the first EH Holden went into the new
one. The result was a rust-free body and a
working vehicle, and 12 years later it’s still
going. But because the bash cars have to be
at least 30 years old, they break down frequently,
so the Mermaids of Palm Beach,
Bash Number 2108, travel well prepared.
“We carry a spare radiator, two axles,
two spare wheels and tyres, and three
big plastic containers full of other spare
parts.”
She became involved in Bush to Beach
when Jack Cannons, one of the heads of
the Bash, founded it in 2005, organising
through South Narrabeen SLSC for
children from Brewarrina to come to the
beach for the week. Beryl became friendly
with Les and Joyce Doole, the indigenous
couple coordinating the program in
Brewarrina. Wanting to help the community
further she collected clothes for
both children and adults, and furniture
for a women and children’s safe house,
and made regular trips to Brewarrina with
donations.
Beryl was very close to the Gonsalves
family and lived in a house on the waterfront
next to boatshed for 42 years. She
weathered several severe storms, and
knew one was imminent on 5 June 2016.
By the time she had packed a few belongings
waves were breaking on the toilet
block in the wharf car park.
“I saw green water coming over the car,
and thought when it breaks, I’m finished,
because it’ll take the car with it. I put my
foot down, and shot out onto the road.
Next morning there were 12 cars written
off in that car park.”
The house collapsed, and her bed, furni-
Continued on page 30
Life Stories
CLOCKWISE FROM
OPPOSITE: Long-time car
enthusiast Beryl Driver at
home at Bilgola, making
ready for her 20th NSW
Variety Bash in August;
trusty EH Holden – ‘Car
2108’ – heads off-road; Beryl
on her wedding day; with
her Mermaid friends Elyse
Cole and Viktorija McDonell;
the Variety Bash provides
the opportunity to meet
and help local indigenous
children.
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 29
Continued from page 29
ture and belongings were swept away. So,
she has returned to Bilgola Plateau, where
she lived when she married and was bringing
up her family.
Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski,
recently made a speech in Federal Parliament
about Beryl Driver, describing her as
“a Mackellar icon… and a truly inspirational
woman who has given everything
she has to those in need even at her own
detriment.” Ever since David Scott sold her
the car he has been asking her to write a
book about her life.
“It’s been a wonderful 85 years,” she
says, “but I haven’t got time – I’m too busy
living it.”
Footnote: You can meet Beryl and the
Palm Beach Mermaids and check out car
2108 when Federal MP Jason Falinski
hosts a sausage sizzle fundraiser at
Winnererremy Bay Playground Mona
Vale on Sun 29 from 12.30-2pm. Also, the
major fundraising dinner will be held
at Palm Beach RSL on Mon 30 from 7pm.
Dinner and entertainment $45 per head.
All proceeds go to Variety the Children’s
Charity. For tickets call 0410 478 897 or
Club Palm Beach on 9974 5566 or pop into
Pronto Cafe Palm Beach.
Life Stories
* To make a donation go to
2018varietyb2bbash.everydayhero.com/
au/car-2108
30 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Beryl’s former home at Palm Beach before
it was destroyed by a storm; receiving her Order of Australia Medal;
toasting with The Mermaids at Cape York; with her beloved 1969
Plymouth Barracuda; and car 2108’s journey to Broom, when Beryl tipped
a container of water from the Pacific Ocean into the Indian Ocean.
Life Stories
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 31
Cover Feature
Life
without
plastic
With China’s recent
announcement that it
will no longer accept
Australia’s waste for
recycling, and the ABC’s
War on Waste program
highlighting that the
contents of recycling bins
in some regions end up
in landfill, people are
looking at what they can
do to reduce their use of
plastics. For Plastic Free
July, Pittwater Life met
residents who are focused
on being part of the
solution rather than the
problem. Special report +
pics by Rosamund Burton
Helga Pike
’ve always been very
“I aware of not using
unnecessary plastic, but
particularly lately,” says
79-year-old Helga Pike. As
the oldest active member of
the Bayview Bei Loon Dragon
Boating team at Bayview, and
a daily swimmer in the Avalon
ocean pool, she is only too
conscious of the detrimental
effect plastics are having on
our oceans and sea life.
Helga buys very little
plastic, because she buys
predominantly fresh food,
shopping at the Friday
Beaches Markets at Rat Park,
and Avalon Organics, where
she buys unpackaged dried
fruit and nuts. She doesn’t
buy meat in plastic trays from
the supermarket, choosing
instead to shop from the
butcher, because the meat is
only in a very thin plastic bag
and wrapped in paper.
“I do like carbonated
water, so I used to buy
bottles of that, but now
I’ve got a SodaStream,”
she says. She rushes over
to the kitchen to make
me a carbonated water,
dropping in slices of
lime from the garden,
and it tastes delicious.
Her other new purchase
is a silicone lid as an
alternative to cling film
for sealing food (right).
She admits she buys
her milk in a plastic
bottle and doesn’t want
to go back to the days
when she first came with her
parents from Amsterdam as
a 10-year-old to the Northern
Beaches, and the milkman put
milk in a billycan.
“Birds often flipped off the
lid, or there was debris in it,”
she recalls.
Helga loves blueberries
and raspberries and is
frustrated she can only
buy them in plastic
containers.
“In my lifetime, I
would love to see them
presented in more
eco-friendly packaging,
like cardboard, but I’m
not going to stop eating
them.”
But whenever possible
Helga makes the choice
to avoid or reduce the
use of plastic, and
her Avalon Heights
neighbour, Kim Swaby,
says she has the least
rubbish of anyone she
knows.
“On weekly red bin nights,
she has one little bag at the
bottom of her rubbish bin.”
Celebrate
plastic-free
There’s little doubt
the vibrant and
environmentally conscious
groups on the northern
beaches are leading the way
towards a single-use-plasticsfree
community.
For the first time ocean
conservation charity Living
Ocean will host a huge day
of beach cleans, great food,
live music, workshops, face
painting, films and so much
more to showcase all the great
work our community is doing
in order to live a Plastic Free
Life.
Everyone is invited to
Barrenjoey High School, off
Tasman Road in Avalon, from
10am-4pm on Saturday 28 July
for a day of love for our planet.
Hear from the discussion
panel of community and
environmental leaders as they
get stuck into the plastics
situation.
Take part in the hands-on
Bees Wax Wraps workshop
and make your own nonplastic
food wraps or make
Boomerang Bags, or learn how
to recycle efficiently.
Walk through the Avalon
Community Garden and visit
the chooks.
There will be educational
demonstrations and ecofriendly
stalls selling things
such as sustainable t-shirts or
zero-waste reusable wooden
cutlery sets.
Meet the dedicated folks
from Living Ocean, Wander
Lightly, Sea Shepherd,
Surfrider, Green Team, Take 3,
Kimbriki, Wander Lightly and
more. – Lisa Offord
Cover Feature
Café culture has an appetite for change
When Surfrider Foundation
Australia’s Ocean Friendly
program rep Rowan Hanley took on the
gig of encouraging businesses to take
action to reduce single-use plastics she
knew cafes, food providers and bars
up our way would be quick to get on
board.
Since April, Rowan has been able
to certify more than 22 northern
beaches businesses that have set
high standards of environmental
accountability and sustainability to
protect the planet.
To be accredited as Ocean Friendly,
businesses must not use polystyrene,
plastic take-away packaging or
containers, plastic bags, plastic cutlery,
plastic straws, plastic water bottles;
and they must also adhere to the
proper recycling practices appropriate
to their local areas.
Other sustainable practices are also
encouraged but are not mandatory
such as discounts for customers who
bring their own keep cups, water
conservation efforts, energy efficient
appliances and sustainable food
procurement.
Rowan says it seems that customers
appreciate businesses that not only
do things well but have “soul and
purpose” and they respond in kind
with patronage.
Businesses interested in becoming
Ocean Friendly are encouraged
to send an email to operations@
surfrider.com.au or rhanley@
surfrider.org.au.
– LO
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 33
Kane, Mavournee, Ivy & Beau Georgeson
The Georgeson family, Kane
and Mavournee, and their
daughter, Ivy, and son, Beau,
live in Avalon. At first glance
their spacious family home
seems no different to any
other. However, four-year-old
Ivy doesn’t show me a range
of plastic toys, but instead a
basket of ceramic shapes she
made with her grandmother,
and a large white wooden
doll’s house (bottom left)
containing only wooden
furniture. In two-year-old
Beau’s room is a big basket
full of wooden building
blocks, with ‘Beau’ and ‘Ivy’
carved on them, which Kane
made.
“The kids do have some
plastic toys, but they have
mostly been given to us,”
Kane explains, “or are
second hand from Vinnies.”
The Georgesons have a
box of organic fruit and veg
delivered weekly from The
Organic Scarecrow.
“Blueberries are a great
treat, because we only get
them in our produce box
when they’re in season, or
we go fruit picking,” says
Mavournee.
Their large pantry
cupboard is filled with glass
jars (below right).
“We try to use all glass
jars, but when we run out
I use Tupperware,” says
Mavournee. “We’ve been
given a lot of Tupperware, as
I’m a big accepter of things.”
Mavournee is doing a
Bachelor of Sustainability
through the University of
New England, and admits
that she has been inspired
by Bea Johnson’s book, Zero
Waste Home. The decisions
she makes are based not
only on not using plastic,
but also using items which
would otherwise go to
waste.
They buy their dried
foods, such as rice, flour,
sugar, salt and pulses, and
also herbs and spices, at
either Scoop at Mona Vale
or The Source Bulk Foods
in Warriewood. When
they buy meat, they take
a Pyrex container for it
to the butcher. As a cake
decorator by profession,
Mavournee enjoys cooking
and happily makes all
their food from scratch.
When it comes to nappies
they’ve used a combination
environmentally friendly
disposals and cloth ones.
Kane admits that he isn’t
someone who likes change
but is pleasantly surprised
to find reducing their use of
plastic requires very little
extra effort.
“Lining the bin with
newspaper is no harder than
putting a plastic bag in.”
With their two young
children, they are
determined to make
conscious choices, and this
extends to Kane’s irrigation
business for residential
gardens. The cylinders for
his wire he returns to the
supplier and are reused,
and he’s found an outlet
which recycles old poly pipe.
However, he’s still searching
for a company that can
recycle hard plastic taps
and materials which are a
combination of metal and
plastic.
“Those are under the
house in five big cardboard
boxes, until I can figure out
what to do with them.”
Cover Feature
Be consistent in your focus on the Big Four
There are plenty of ways to reduce
waste and its impact on the
environment – the best part is you don’t
have to make a drastic change to make an
impact… you just have to be consistent.
If you haven’t already, start by
reducing the use of the ‘Big Four’ we
can’t ignore – plastic bags, plastic bottles,
takeaway coffee cups and plastic straws.
Need a plan?
Take your own shopping bags – keep
them by the front door, in the car or
folded up in your handbag so you
don’t forget them. If you find yourself
at the register without a bag and you
buy too many goods to carry, ask the
store for a box rather than fall into the
habit of buying those heavier reusable
plastic bags, which will eventually end
up in landfill.
Carry a reusable coffee cup – many
cafes will reward your effort by giving
you a discount on their brew.
Use a reusable water bottle – there
are plenty of cold-water re-fill stations
to utilise while you are out and
about. Say no to plastic straws and
cutlery – BYO stainless steel reusable
straws and eco-friendly utensils.
– LO
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 35
Cover Feature
Sarah Tait
My final visit is to 41-yearold
New Zealand-born Sarah
Tait in Newport. In October
2014, she went on a yoga retreat
to a small Tongan island with
Avalon-based yoga teacher,
Denby Sheather. Finding a large
sheet of polystyrene floating
in the ocean, while on a boat
whale watching, promoted a
group conversation about the
Great Pacific Garbage Patch and
marine pollution. Sarah woke
at 4am the following morning
resolving to stop using plastic
for a year and write a blog
about it (wanderinglightly.com).
“On 1 January 2015, I went
plastic-free, and my rule was, if
I did get any, I had to keep it.”
In her kitchen cupboard, she
had 182 food items packaged
in single-use plastic, so bought
bundles of glass jars from op
shops, and transferred all the
food items into those. She didn’t
use teabags, explaining that
most teabags, although they
look like paper, are woven with
a fine plastic, or the edges are
sealed with a layer of plastic.
When I mention that sometimes
I baulk at the cost of
an item in a bulk food store,
because I know I can buy it in
a plastic bottle in the supermarket
for a sixth of the price,
Sarah replies:
“I’ve found reducing plastic
you’re more mindful about
what you buy. That first year I
was a real purist, and I saved
so much money. Partly because
I wasn’t buying packaged food
and instead making my own.”
Sarah has continued to be
a minimal user of plastic, but
admits that sometimes her
partner Dwane and she buy potato
chips or corn thins, which
come in a plastic wrapper. However,
they both keep containers
in their cars, so if they decide
to get takeaway they ask for the
meal to be put in those. Also,
Sarah takes her own containers
to delicatessens.
In her bathroom, she shows
me their bamboo-handled
toothbrushes, and a shampoo
soap bar.
“I rinse my hair with cider
vinegar, and if it feels a bit dry
I rub some coconut oil on the
ends,” she explains.
Then she holds up her metal
razor, and says the packet of
blades cost $5 and lasts her a
year.
She used to make her own
toothpaste, but now buys it,
and recycles the tubes through
TerraCycle, which offers free
recycling of dental products, as
well as hair and beauty products
and coffee capsules.
However, she does make, and
sell, her own her natural deodorant.
She also sells reusable
metal straws which come with
a cleaner, plus chopsticks and
wooden cutlery sets made from
recycled wood by local communities
in Indonesia (above).
For anyone trying to use less
plastic Mavournee suggests
starting with the big four –
plastic bags, straws, coffee
cups and plastic bottles.
“My partner has a reusable
coffee cup, and gets a coffee
every day, so that’s 300-odd
takeaway cups a year saved. I
think it’s about doing what you
can and what works for your
lifestyle,” says Sarah.
Boomerang Bags’ new direction
After two years of creating
thousands of re-useable
Boomerang Bags for local
shoppers in Avalon to borrow
and share and finding many
don’t make it back, volunteers
are now making more bags for
supporters to call their own.
Carrying the logo “bought to
support” an increasing number
of bags are now made for sale
at markets and community
stalls. Boomerang Bags
always welcomes volunteers
to ‘sew’ the seeds of change
by providing a sustainable
alternative to plastic bags.
If you can’t sew there are
other ways to get involved and
if you want to learn how to
sew there are plenty of patient
people willing to teach you.
Volunteers meet at the Avalon
Community Centre on Tuesdays
from 11am-3pm – if you can’t
attend during the day there are
kits available to take away and
do in your own time.
For further info contact
boomerangbagsavalon@
hotmail.com or phone Laurel
0410 608 315. – LO
36 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
What a difference
a year makes...
Over the past 12 months Northern
Beaches Council has adopted policies to
reduce single-use plastics and reduce waste
within the organisation and the wider
community.
Currently Council’s Coastal Environment
Centre is driving an innovative program
to eliminate single-use plastic in school
canteens and significantly cut the amount
of waste schools produce across the
northern beaches.
Major supermarkets have now stopped
offering single use plastic bags to shoppers
and pledged to reduce plastic wrap on fruit
and vegies, meat and poultry and replace
packaging with recycled and renewable
materials.
Customers can now drop soft plastics
at supermarket ‘REDcycle’ bins so the
material can be converted into products
including outdoor furniture and road base.
To reduce litter from drink containers,
return and earn Reverse Vending Machines
have popped up at Warriewood near the
indoor sports centre and at Pittwater RSL
Club, Mona Vale where people can receive
a 10-cent refund for each empty glass, cans
and plastic container deposited. – LO
Cover Feature
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 37
Beaches Living
Warm up to winter
When winter bites we
naturally spend more
time inside, rearranging
interiors to add warmth to
our home, planning improvements
and tackling those
necessary jobs that are often
put off when sunny days and
blue skies demand we enjoy
the great outdoors
To help take the chill off
the season we’ve brought together
some tips and a directory
of local experts who can
help you create a home that’s
functional, warm and bright.
Compiled by Lisa Offord
Focus on
what works
Is your home working for you?
The specialists at Sydney Design
School suggest you start by asking
some tough questions about
whether your home fits your
current lifestyle such as;
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?
And if not, can they take on
a new life?
Be productive and sort
through cupboards, shelves
and storage areas and declutter
– sell or donate furniture
and objects you don’t use or
love and in return allow your
most beautiful possessions
the space to shine.
Think carefully before you
bring new pieces into your
home – do they bring you joy
and enhance the space? Do
they work with your home’s
colour palette?
Speak to an interior designer
or book yourself into a
course so you can achieve the
look and feel you want without
making mistakes along
the way.
Comfort rules
Take stock of how you heat
your home and how your
home retains the heat.
Use passive design principles
to increase comfort and
reduce energy use.
Assess insulation in the
roof, walls and floor and take
steps to stop draughts breezing
through – check around
doors, windows, in between
floorboards, chimneys and
around exhaust fans and seal
up.
To save energy, zone your
home and only heat the rooms
you are using, closing doors
to prevent heat escaping into
unused spaces.
It also pays to keep your
blinds open during the day
to allow sunshine to warm up
your rooms before the temperature
drops at night.
At night, use heavy curtains
to block draughts and insulate
your windows from the cold.
And check your ventilation
is up to scratch; the last thing
you want in winter is constant
condensation on your windows
and damp and mould on
your walls and ceilings.
You can instantly add
warmth to a room by introducing
layers of plush textiles in
fluffy faux fur, luxe velvets
and wool.
Things like cushions,
throws, sheepskins, floor rugs
and heavy curtains in a blend
of different materials will
instantly add an element of
cosiness to a home.
Simply overlapping rugs on
floors and adding cushions
and chunky knit throws on
sofas, chairs and beds are
not only bang on trend but
can also prevent heat from
escaping.
Take the coldness off bare
walls with framed photographs
and artwork you love.
Light candles, switch to
low-wattage bulbs in side and
floor lamps and string up interesting
lights to provide yet
another layer of warmth and
ambiance in your home.
It’s cool to
work now
Maintaining your home and
contents by protecting surfaces,
replacing and repairing
worn fixtures and furnishings
and fixing leaks and cracks
when they first appear can
prevent the need for much
bigger and more expensive
jobs.
38 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Don’t wait for spring! Even
the simple act of keeping
furniture, floors and fixtures
clean and not letting dust and
dirt build up will help keep
your home in tip-top shape.
Regular TLC – yes even
outside in the colder months –
will pay off in the long run.
Check your roof, skylights,
windows and keep gutters
free and clear as neglect can
lead to leaks, flooding and
major internal damage.
Make sure you get advice
from a builder before conducting
any major work.
Having the exterior of your
house professionally washed
HEATING
yourhome.gov.au/energy/
heating-and-cooling
INTERIORS
Sydney Design School
sydneydesignschool.com.au
9437 1902
Antique General Store
antiquegeneralstore.com.au
9913 7636
Peninsula Reflections
Custom framing and gallery
4 Daydream St Warriewood
peninsulareflections.com.au
9979 4488
AWNINGS, BLINDS
AND CURTAINS
SunSpec
Opening roofs and awnings
sunspec.com.au
0413 737 934
Shades of Pittwater
1731 Pittwater Rd Mona Vale
shadesofpittwater.luxaflex.
will remove mould as well as
grime and significantly extend
the life of its paint job.
And if your home is on the
‘dark side’ simply cleaning
windows, skylights, louvered
roofs or replacing old ones can
instantly brighten things up.
A good-quality louvered
roof can give you the flexibility
to control the light, provide
ventilation and view the sky
when you want to.
Bring new life to furniture
by having leather furniture
and fabric covers professionally
cleaned and replacing
uncomfortable cushion inserts
with new supportive ones.
com.au
9999 6001
HOUSEWASHING
The Aqua Clean Team
Call Mark 0449 049 101
Martin Earl House Wash
Call Martin 0405 583 305
UPHOLSTERY
Leather Hero
0490 796 012
Luxafoam North
luxafoamnorth.com.au
9999 5567
Essyou Design
0422 466 880
Avalon Marine Upholstery
9918 9803
FLOOR COVERINGS
Blue Tongue Carpets
Showroom – 1 Polo Ave
Mona Vale
9979 7292
Rug Revival
Heating can dry out leather
and cause cracks – a thorough
clean and condition can address
this issue.
Thinking of the bigger
picture? Winter is a great time
to plan major renovations
and updates to kitchens and
bathrooms – flick through
magazines and websites and
visit showrooms for inspiration.
And if you want your home
in the best shape it can be for
spring and summer beat the
rush and line up your tradies
now.
For more info and local services
contact…
aglcarpetservices.com.au
9997 8888
Karavan
373 Barrenjoey Rd Newport
0412 259 268
KITCHENS
Collaroy Kitchen Centre
Showroom - 1000 Pittwater
Rd Collaroy
collaroykitchen.com.au
9972 9300
Northern Suburbs
Water Filters
Showroom – 6/20 Bungan St
Mona Vale
9979 5855
BUILDER
Renovations and repairs/all
carpentry needs
Rob Burgers 9973 1455 or
0416 066 159
Eco Corner
How
refreshing
to walk into a
major super
market in
late June
to discover
their singleuse
plastic
bags have
with
Jono Burke
disappeared! If the biggest
businesses in Australia can
help make a difference to our
environment then we should
all follow their leads.
The consumption of nonrenewable
sources like oil,
gas and coal is increasing at
an alarming rate. The time
has come to look at other
renewable sources of energy
i.e. solar, wind and geothermal
energy.
The main benefit of solar
energy is that it does not
produce any pollutants and
is one of the cleanest sources
of energy. It requires low
maintenance and the systems
are easy to install. The only
limitation is that it cannot be
used at night and the amount
of sunlight that is received on
earth depends on location,
time of day, time of year, and
weather conditions. Australia is
the sunburnt country so there’s
plenty of sun to go around!
The main components of
a solar system are the solar
panels, used to capture the
energy and the solar inverter,
which in turn is used to convert
the energy from DC (Direct
Current) to AC (Alternating
Current) in your property.
Inverters now have the
ability to convert the energy
ready for storage, most
commonly into Lithium
batteries that have become
cost-effective. This allows the
solar energy you are producing
to power your property
through the night time hours
when there is no sunlight.
The technology is as good
as it has ever been and the
payback periods have reduced
dramatically (some cases
down to two years) to make
going solar a cost-effective
investment for your family or
business. So start saving the
planet, one roof at a time…
* Jono is a Partner with Solar
Energy Enterprises
Beaches Living
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 39
Art Life
Art Life
Curate escape
Mona Vale photographer
Pamela Pauline says
curating the northern
beaches’ new private hospital
Arcadia Pittwater with 70 pieces
of her artwork was one of the
most challenging yet rewarding
experiences of her career.
Pamela’s works cover the
rooms and corridors of three
floors at the hospital which
opened in February. They
include scenes of water, birds,
trees and other flora and fauna.
Pamela approached the
directors of the hospital with
a proposal after hearing they
were looking to install artworks.
They approved, and she then
met with the hospital’s Interior
Design Team at Billard Leece.
“We worked closely to select
the photos and it helped me understand
their colour scheme,
so that I could ensure that my
works were coordinated and
enhanced their design,” she
said. “Thereafter the selection
was curated with the purpose of
illuminating the extraordinary
beauty of Pittwater’s natural
environment.”
The word ‘Arcadia’ played a
role in the curation.
“Arcadia in old Greek means
‘a vision of pastoralism and harmony
with nature’,” Pamela said.
“As such, the artworks selected
for this facility were congruent
with this vision, offering patients
a sense of connectivity to
nature, facilitating
a reprieve from
their discomfort
and a sense of
wellness and
hope.”
She purposefully
veered away
from images of negativity, or
those with too much energy
such as powerful storm fronts
or crashing waves.
“The works are 100 per cent
photographic, but myriad
processing techniques are used
to create the final piece,” she
said. “Of course, there are also
images that just capture an
incredible moment in time.”
The lobby, banquette and
meeting rooms showcase large
Arcadia in old
Greek means
‘a vision of
pastoralism’
works printed onto metal and
encased in an artbox frame.
The lobby features a smooth,
long-exposure wave in a triptych
comprised of three 1.5m x
1m prints on metal.
“For the banquette artwork,
we used a triptych again, with
three 1m x 1m prints on metal
of the beautiful rocks down at
Flint and Steel
Beach at West
Head,” said
Pamela.
The other
works in the
hospital have
been printed
onto canvas. They are generally
grouped in themes along
corridors – ocean pools as you
walk towards the pool and gym;
birds in trees in another corridor;
sailboats and ocean scenes
in another.
“The feedback received
suggests that using one artist
throughout provides a sense of
continuity, calm and cohesion,”
said Pamela.
“I have been thrilled to receive
several emails from patients
and visitors to the hospital commenting
about their pleasure in
viewing the artworks. During
my visits, I have enjoyed engaging
with patients – their curiosity
and affinity with the images
has been heartwarming.”
Arcadia Pittwater Director
Dr Harry Pannu said Pamela’s
artworks were chosen because
they wanted bespoke photos
of local landscape, fauna and
flora to suit the hospital and its
northern beaches location.
“We reviewed Pamela’s previous
work and found that her
artistic touch created a sense of
serenity and calmness to the patients
of the hospital,” Dr Pannu
said. “It is also fantastic to be
able to showcase the talents of
a local northern beaches artist.”
* You can view Pamela’s other
works in her new home studio/
gallery on Mona Vale headland
(by appointment only); she is
also offering creative workshops
in the studio. More info
0412 234 675.
– Nigel Wall
40 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Arts and crafts on show
Members of the Artists and Craftsmen of
Pittwater are hunkered in their studios
painting and creating new work for their next
exhibition and sale at Mona Vale Memorial Hall
on July 19-21.
Two new artists who have joined their number
will exhibit – Patricio Polanski will take the
art viewer on a colourful storytelling journey
with his vibrant acrylic paintings, while Carol
Altman who has won awards at the St Ives
Show will be exhibiting oil paintings depicting
beach and landscapes.
Popular artist Linda Joyce, who was a finalist
in the Hunters Hill Art Show this year, will be
bringing her amazingly
detailed work
to the winter exhibition.
Linda has
also won many of
the ACOP ‘People’s
Choice’ art awards.
Organisers
promise a diverse
collection from
their other team
of artists, with oil
paintings, acrylic
art, water colour
and mixed media all at affordable prices.
Meanwhile, crafters will display patchwork,
jewellery, porcelain, wooden burls, handpainted
art cards and wooden gifts, quilling,
knitted baby wear and toys, felted toys and
play mats, silk scarves, paper tole, children’s
clothing (including new designs by Ruth),
cushions, folk art, silver wire jewellery, glass,
felt mermaids and creatures for children,
embroidery plus a few Christmas-themed
items for sale. (Great to send overseas or to
celebrate ‘Christmas in July’).
The exhibition and sale is open each day
(Thursday through Saturday) from 9am-4pm.
More info on Facebook or www.acop.com.au
Art Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 41
Art Life
Art Life
Coco warms
to career
Coco Tully was still studying at
Sydney Design School when she
decided to launch her own business
Cote Interiors in Manly.
A former fashion buyer and merchandiser,
Coco graduated with a
Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration
from SDS in December 2017.
“When I decided to change
careers and study interior design, I
just assumed I would work for someone else for a few years to
learn the ropes,” Coco said.
But towards the end of her course at SDS she had what she
described as a “bit of an Aha! moment”.
“I asked myself why I was putting off my ultimate goal when
I was already armed with a comprehensive design education
and business knowledge from my previous career,” she said.
Coco was amazed at how much she has learnt in the past 18
months about design, about business and about herself.
“When I enrolled, I didn’t know how to read a technical
drawing and now I can whip one up in AutoCAD.
“I can also tell you about Australian Trademark laws,
accounting platforms, and tile slip ratings – things I knew
absolutely zero about before,” she said.
Sydney Design School is currently taking enrolments for its
next major intake starting July 23 (see ad p41). – LO
Towering presence
series of assemblages
A expressing fascination with
the architecture of religious
worship is the focus of inventive
Sydney sculptor Geoff Harvey’s
latest exhibition at the
Manly Art Gallery & Museum.
Opening on July 13, Harvey’s
works – all made from
recycled materials – reference
distinctive Christian domes
and columns of Western sacred
architecture, with others
evocative of Eastern philosophy
with slender minarets and
finely proportioned towers.
MAG&M senior curator Katherine
Roberts said all conveyed
a dignity and clarity
of proportion that
transcended
the materials’
humble
origins.
“Together
in this
installation
they speak
of an overriding humanity,” she
said.
Much of what Geoff makes
comes from the streets and
beaches of the Manly area,
courtesy of his long-time friend
and local resident Rudi Wolf.
“Like Geoff, Rudi has a passion
for recycling materials and
during his daily walks he often
picks up unusual things he
knows Geoff may use in his art
practice,” said Ms Roberts.
“They are both pleased that
instead of becoming landfill
these objects have been reinvented
as art.”
Geoff Harvey has appeared
in numerous group exhibitions
in Australia,
England and
USA including
Sculpture by the
Sea, Sydney.
More info on
the Council
website or
9976 1421.
42 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
It’s ‘still’
rock ’n’ roll
Artist Phil Meatchem
is looking forward to
“rocking” the local community
with his innovative solo
exhibition ‘
Surfing Life
Surfing Life
Make a critical incident
safety net your priority
The Indo surfari follow-up: here’s what to do to protect yourself on a trip...
Last month’s piece on
the perils of travelling
to remote Indonesian
surf zones drew a lot of
responses. Like, a LOT.
Many people recounted their
experiences and those of
others, either stuff they’d
witnessed or just heard about
through the coconut wireless.
One of the issues with
assessing surf travel risk in
this part of the world is the
lack of statistical evidence;
not even travel insurance
companies keep detailed tabs
on such things. We tallied the
responses, matched them up
with our own research, and
came up with five deaths in
the past six years, two being
surf guides who drowned on
duty. Also a very broad and
rather magnificent collection
of injuries/illnesses,
including loss of eyes, neardisembowellings,
severe head
injuries, heart attacks, broken
bones (compounded and
otherwise), dislocations, and
the classic dengue fevers and
malarias.
Talking with resort owners
and operators revealed a
different picture: one in which
some boats and camps are
well-resourced in safety and
care, but are relied upon in
emergencies by other, less-
organised operators, who run
on luck and the good graces
of their betters. As Gavan
Clark, a former paramedic
and long-time surfer who
now runs a first aid training
program for Indo surf guides,
says: “The cowboys end up
relying on the established
operators to get them out of
trouble.”
Some resorts hire specialist
trainers like Clark and his
team to coach their guides in
lifeguard skills and help them
stock up on gear like oxygen
and defibrillators; others even
provide free accommodation
for doctors or paramedics
who want a surf holiday. And
some third parties are trying
to make a difference. Surfing
Doctors, an organisation of
around 40 docs worldwide,
have set up an infirmary at
the renowned Grajagan surf
camp in eastern Java – but it’s
at the surfing docs’ expense.
Further north, at Lagundri
Bay on the island of Nias,
Australian ophthalmology
specialist Dr Raf Ghabrial
is helping drive the set-up
of a not-for-profit medical
clinic to service locals and
travelling surfers alike. (You
can help by donating funds to
friendsofnias.org).
This is all great stuff;
WIPEOUT WOES: Don’t get caught out when surfing overseas.
Lagundri and Grajagan have
seen some horrendous
injuries and deaths over the
years. But it’s far from the
norm, and no rules, either
within the travel industry or
local governments, govern
the supply of such training or
expertise.
Here are a few tips for you
or any of yours who might
be planning such a trip:
with Nick Carroll
Get good travel insurance.
This is a must. It should
cover medical evacuation
from remote places (many
insurance policies only work
within 25 kilometres of a
significant town) and should
have no cap on medical
expenses. Pay the extra.
Do your homework. Make
sure you know how prepared
(or not) your resort or boat
44 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
PL’s JULY SURF CALENDAR
July 2-13: Corona Open J-Bay, Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Last year this was the best event on the WSL Championship Tour.
Best surf, best single wave ridden, best win from Brazil’s Filipe
Toledo. When it’s on fire, Jeffreys Bay is an overwhelming surf
experience: big, broad, fast, hollow, technically challenging, and
not without consequences, as even Kelly Slater can attest. (Another
feature of last year was Kelly breaking his foot in a wipeout, an
injury from which he is yet to fully recover.) This year it’s a double
header, with a long overdue women’s CT added to the program;
it’s also the tour’s hinge event, being sixth out of 11 stops on the
CT. Super critical in other words. But there’s two big risks at J-Bay.
One – sharks – we all know about courtesy of Mick Fanning’s 2015
moment. The other is inconsistency. The joint pumped last year
for 11 days straight, but its coastal angle and shadowing behind
Cape St Francis further west means it’s just as likely to be flat.
Here’s hoping it isn’t.
NICK’S JULY SURF FORECAST
The Bureau of Meteorology thinks this will be a dry winter. Me, I think
the end of June may mean the onset of a colossal and frightening
flat spell. Sydney has not had a real winter flat spell for many, many
years, not since the winter of 1979, in fact. Back then it went flat at
the start of June and nothing happened until the end of July. I mean,
it literally was flat for almost two months. This may well occur again
from the beginning of July through to the end of August, when it
looks as if a succession of long-range westerly wind fronts will pass
across south-eastern Australia, bringing cool dry winds, relatively
warm conditions, and very little opportunity in the way of swell.
Truly, truly I hope this does not happen and instead we experience a
continuation of June, an energetic and explosive month during which
all kinds of weather nonsense happened and several big swells
landed on our doorstep. But I can’t see June turning into July. Get
ready for a very boring surf month.
Nick Carroll
Surfing Life
operator is in case of an
emergency, or just a small
injury for that matter. Can
they pull off a medical
evacuation in a crisis? The
way things are at present,
your research and your
choice will come back to you,
not to them.
Take your own stuff. A
simple but useful first aid
kit can be found at many
pharmacies or online. Surf
travel agents often stock kits;
they’ll happily point you to
one of the numerous surf first
aid kits available from various
websites. Expect to pay $60 to
$80 for a good one.
Stay hydrated. This is a big
one for surfers coming from
a cool Aussie winter straight
into equatorial climes. Beer
won’t do it. Drink a lot of
water, especially early in the
day before you do too much
surfing, and when you’re not in
the water, stay out of the sun.
The Local Voice Since 1991
Listen to the guides. A lot
of injuries happen when
surfers overstep their limits
in unfamiliar surfing territory.
A good guide knows when
to encourage a client and
when to advise discretion.
Don’t do something you know
you can’t do just because
someone else on your trip can
do it – or worse, because your
mates egg you on.
Most of all: make it an issue.
Let booking agents, resorts,
charters, owners and guides
know that a critical incident
safety net is part of your trip
decision and really matters to
you. Every person we’d talked
with by Pittwater Life’s press
time told us they thought
the main factor in change
will prove to be customer
pressure. The more surfers
demand better crisis care on
trips, the more resorts and
charters will feel encouraged
to provide it.
JULY 2018 45
Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Dragon boaters fire
up for good cause
Angie O’Reilly, a member
of Bei Loon Dragon
Boat Club and Pittwater
Pinks, was diagnosed with
high-grade breast cancer in
2002 and given a 65 per cent
chance of not making five
years.
Angie, whose
treatment over a
12-month period included
two surgeries,
seven months
of chemotherapy
and seven weeks of
radiotherapy, said
she was determined
to beat the odds
and to be around
“way longer” than
five years.
“So here I am
nearly 16 years
later, stronger than
ever.”
She credits Dragons Abreast
Australia and dragon boating
for “giving me my life back –
and I am fitter than I have ever
been, both in mind and body.”
Angie explained she was introduced
to dragon boating in
2004 by her Breast
Care Nurse.
“A study undertaken
in Canada in
1996 determined
that upper body
exercise and, in
particular, dragon
boating was not
only safe but
beneficial to breast
cancer survivors
both physically
and, equally as
important, psychologically,”
Angie
said.
She said Dragon
Boating for breast cancer survivors
began in Australia with the
organisation Dragons Abreast
Australia (DAA) in 1998.
Angie has been paddling for
13 years and will be competing
in two International events
this month. The first is an International
Breast Cancer Paddlers
Commission Festival in
Florence, Italy with 24 of her
breast cancer survivor teammates
which will see some
200 crews (4,000+) individuals
from all over the World.
Then she’s off to the Club
Crew World Championships in
Szeged, Hungary, where the
Bei Loon over-40s Women’s
crew qualified alongside only
two other Australian crews to
join a total 500 crews from
across the world. The team of
23 paddlers will be competing
against 14 other international
crews over race distances of
200m, 500m and 2000m.
In preparation, the Bei Loon
Ladies have undertaken a gruelling
program which includes
four ‘on water’ training session
per week.
Steve McKeogh, Bei Loon’s
Head Coach, said: “This team
has made a huge commitment,
right from the start of
the season. It has been an
inspirational journey already,
before we even leave home.
“The competition overseas
is going to be tough, we’re
up against teams with a huge
membership base and a
46 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
history of being very strong
at this level of competition.
Having earned the honour of
representing Australian clubs
and racing alongside them
means there are no losers
at this World event and the
chance of a huge achievement
if we can beat them!”
When she’s not training
and competing, Angie works
to spread the word about
the Dragons Abreast Festival
which will be held on Saturday
October 20 at Darling
Harbour.
The festival’s Corporate and
Community Challenge, involving
hundreds of passionate
people of all ages, gender and
fitness levels racing 12-metre
dragon boats, is the major
fundraiser for DAA which helps
thousands thrive in their lives
after breast cancer treatment.
Businesses and community
groups are encouraged to
get together a group of 16-24
people, enter a team and get
training – if you have never
paddled there’s plenty of support
to show you how.
For more information go
to dragonsabreastfestival.
com.au
– Lisa Offord
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 47
Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Next Gen contact lenses:
seeing without specs
Patients over 40 love contact
lenses, but losing flexibility
in reading vision presents some
challenges.
The latest technology in
multifocal contact lens designs
can keep those needing reading
glasses free from specs for most
daily activities. Imagine driving
to a restaurant and then reading
a menu in dim lighting without
the need to pull out readers and
show your age.
People love contact lenses for
convenience, lifestyle and providing
excellent vision. For some
the advantage of visual clarity
becomes a challenge when they
reach their 40s and experience
the onset of presbyopia (problems
focussing at near). Suddenly
their spectacle-free world
is invaded by reading glasses.
For many of my patients, multifocal
contact lenses provide
a solution that allows them to
continue to enjoy freedom from
everyday spectacle wear.
But not all multifocal contact
lenses are equal…
Just like spectacles, multifocal
contact lenses come in a variety
of designs and technologies
that can suit each individual
patient differently. Each design
may interact differently with the
brain and eyes, and the material
may interact differently with the
ocular surface.
Each patient’s visual processing,
ergonomics and lifestyle
is different. Certain designs
work better for certain patients.
Sometimes it’s trial and error. I
use simple language to illustrate
the difference between multifocal
spectacle lenses: “Not every
shoe or pair of pants fits the
same. They may all be the same
size, but some will feel more
comfortable than others. Our
job is to find the right fit.” It’s
similar with multifocal contacts;
we can find the right lenses for
individuals with great vision and
comfort all day.
The lifestyle questionnaire we
use for all patients is particularly
helpful in perfecting multifocal
prescriptions. The questionnaire
asks about work and hobbies,
so we know how reliant an individual
is on detailed, up-close
vision versus the need for sharp
distance vision. For example,
one patient may love to do embroidery
as a hobby and use a
computer all day at work, therefore
having high near demands,
while another patient may be on
the road driving a lot for work
with Rowena Beckenham
requiring superb distance vision.
I ask progressive spectacle
wearers if they have heard of
multifocal contact lenses, pointing
out from their lifestyle form
where in their lives I think they
could benefit from contacts that
allow them to see both near and
far. On the Northern Beaches
this often relates to sporting
and outdoor pursuits, such as
reading on the beach, the computer,
on a bike and the need
to see clearly into the distance,
or when out walking and being
able to read a menu or Sunday
paper in a coffee shop without
the need to carry reading specs
with them.
Thinking about what you do
in your activities for work and
leisure enables optometrists to
customise a solution and provide
a whole new way of solving
vision concerns.
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.
48 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 49
Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Help needed
to pack Kits
Zonta Club of Northern
Beaches and Barrenjoey
High School are organising
a day to pack Birthing Kits for
women in developing countries.
Volunteers plan to pack 2000
kits made up of six simple items
assembled into a small bag, explained
Zonta Northern Beaches
Club President Margaret White.
And members of the community
are invited to help.
“With an estimated 385,000
women dying annually in
childbirth, many from infections
acquired during childbirth, there
is a great need for these birthing
kits,” Margaret said.
By providing a clean birthing
kit and training in how to use
it, these mothers will have the
resources to reduce infection.
Birthing Kits are assembled
under the auspices of the Birthing
Kit Foundation (Australia)
– the not-for-profit, non-government
organisation that provides
birthing kits and education in
clean birthing practices.
Margaret said BKFA originated
from the Zonta Clubs of
Adelaide Hills and had grown
to be supported by Zonta Clubs
across Australia.
Well over 100,000 kits are
assembled and distributed each
year.
Each kit contains six disposable
components:
n Soap to wash the birth attendant’s
hands and the
mother’s perineum;
n Plastic Sheet to prevent the
mother and newborn coming
into contact with the ground
or an unhygienic surface;
n Gloves to cover the birth attendants’
hands and provide
protection from infections
such as HIV for carers and
care recipients;
n Gauze to wipe clear the newborn
baby’s eyes, and to clean
the mother’s perineum prior
to giving birth;
n Cord ties to cleanly tie the
umbilical cord; and
n Sterile blade to cut the umbilical
cord and reduce risk of
newborn tetanus and sepsis.
A donation of $3 buys the
materials for one kit and the
training program for its delivery.
You can help by making a donation
on the day.
For full details of the Birthing
Kit Program see the BKFA website
at.bkfa.org.au
The Packing Day will run on
Saturday August 5 from 1-4pm
at Barrenjoey High School.
* Contact Margaret on 0416
182 393 or email marg.white@
me.com if you are able to
assist or you would like more
information.
50 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Hair & Beauty
Cooler months best time
to rejuvenate your skin
with Sue Carroll
The Local Voice Since 1991
After the summer sun’s
destruction of our skin,
the tell-tale signs of
brown hyperpigmentation and a
red capillary blush are scattered
all over our facial and body skin.
Take heart – the cooler months
are the best time to refresh and
rejuvenate your skin using IPL
(Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial.
This treatment is also
known as Photorejuvenation.
IPL, which uses light photons
to rejuvenate skin, is the world’s
most popular skin rejuvenation
treatment. In contrast to
laser resurfacing, IPL does not
injure the skin’s surface and
has a much shorter recovery
time. IPL primarily addresses the
skin’s tone, texture and reduces
the brown pigmentation and
redness that create a dull, aged
complexion. IPL is a treatment
that delivers pulses of light to
the targeted areas, such as
brown pigment and red cells in
the skin. The light is converted
to heat energy, which fades
those specific targets resulting
in a more even, brighter complexion
with less discolouration.
People who have had IPL treatments
once or twice a year over
a decade have healthier, more
radiant skin with often less skin
cancer than those who do not
have treatments.
IPL is used on sun-damaged
skin to even out a range of skin
issues, such as skin discolouration,
texture, pigmentation, distended
capillaries, facial rosacea
or redness and poikiloderma
of Civatte. IPL will also complement
other rejuvenation skin
procedures such as laser resurfacing,
skin needling, microdermabrasion
and dermal fillers.
Most clients who have IPL
tolerate the treatment with minimal
discomfort. The sensation
of the treatment can be likened
to the snapping of a few rubber
bands at the one time. For those
who are sensitive, a numbing
cream mat be applied about 30
minutes prior to the treatment.
This will reduce the discomfort
by about 60-70%. The treatments
are designed to work
over multiple visits, which may
be from 1 -3 treatments over a
couple of months. Most people
will see improvement in the removal
of capillaries and freckles
within two weeks of their first
treatment. Deeper redness and
brown discolouration will take
2-3 treatments to see significant
improvement.
For some people the side
effects of the IPL treatment may
include swelling and redness of
the treated area. This may last
for a few days and up to a week
in some cases. When darker
brown pigmentation is treated,
scattered brown crusts resembling
dark coffee granules may
occur and will take 7-12 days
to slough off. A very important
point to remember is that IPL
treats what it sees at the time of
treatment and does not prevent
new discolouration from forming.
Following an IPL treatment,
sunscreen is a must in order
to reduce the occurrence of
pigmentation and distended
capillaries. Ten to fourteen days
post-treatment it is advisable
to attend the clinic for a deep
exfoliation treatment such as a
microdermabrasion or Jet Peel.
This is then followed with a
hydrating infusion with either
oxygen therapy or a relaxing
facial treatment. These posttreatments
ensure the optimum
result for the skin and any
follow-up treatments can then
be customised for individual
needs.
Intense Pulsed Light is a
procedure rather than a relaxing
treatment. The results of the IPL
treatment will reveal a brighter,
healthier complexion. When the
prescribed home care products
are used diligently morning
and night, this will enhance the
results of the IPL treatment to
reveal a healthy and definitely
rejuvenated complexion.
Sue Carroll of Skin
Inspiration has been a 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 2018 51
Hair & Beauty
Business Life: Money
Business Life
Good Tax Dept reason does for laundry going
‘nuts’ on simply this festive massive season scale
When This month writing marks about the start
of financial the 2018 tax innovation season one
and of with the the perspectives media I
can reaching share saturation with you point is from about the
inside the problem of a fintech of overclaiming company
which expenses in my we case revisit has a few been of the
rolling fundamentals out the about fast-growing including
Acorns clothing app. expenses Since on launching tax returns.
in According Australia in to early data 2016 from the
app ATO, now work-related resides on clothing the smart and
phones laundry claims of around have 350,000 risen 20%
Australians, over the past that’s five years, roughly with 1.5%
of something the population. like six million people
claiming If you’re nearly in the $1.8 dark billion about in
what expenses I’m talking last year about, – that’s Acorns about
is $300 a micro per head investment per year. platform What
or sticks what’s in the sometimes Commissioner’s called a
‘round-up’ craw is the fact app, that the those first one
of numbers its kind represent in Australia. around Our half
firm the workforce along with apparently our partners having
brought to wear a it uniform, out from protective the US
clothing 2015 where or occupation-specific
it had been
established clothing. for a few years.
The Commissioner app works in a may couple very
of well ways: be onto by taking something a data here
feed because from from your where spending I sit in Mona
accounts Vale it doesn’t and rounding really feel up to me the
purchases like half the you workforce make to is the getting
nearest about in dollar uniforms, and hi-vis investing or steel
these caps and accumulated we’ve had construction
balances
into going a on mix for of months exchange in the traded
funds building. listed I suspect on the the ASX, problem or,
by has you its roots debiting in two an main amount places or –
regular the first payment being the from ever-expanding your
bank compliance account industry to your and Acorns the
account. second being Most a long-standing users enjoy the tax
round up feature of Acorns as
it allows them to save while
they spend. As a parent of
teenagers I think I’ve come
to the conclusion that apps
such as Acorns using a blend
of psychology and technology
may be the only effective way
to get modern kids to save
because they sure do know
how to spend.
Acorns works because the
principles underlying its design
myth about what you can claim.
Anyone who’s ever had
anything to do with the
compliance industry, and I’m
talking work health and safety
here, knows that you can never
have enough hi-vis vests, eye
protection, hearing protection
are
or sun
firmly
protection,
rooted in
etc.
behavioural
Sun
finance:
protection
investing
is now almost
small
a
amounts on a regular basis that
universal claimable for anyone
won’t be missed combined with
who on a sustained basis is
investing over an extended
required to be in the sun for all
period of time to average
or part of the day (ATO words)
into the markets smoothing
and this item alone could easily
out peaks and troughs. Of
course
impact the
it doesn’t
returns
hurt
of millions
that it
of
does
workers.
all of
The
these
growth
things
in claims
within
the driven framework by this avenue of a highly is therefore
attractive and functional user
interface – fancy words for the
app looks and feels very cool.
While these principles have
proven to be sound over time
Acorns goes on to provide an
indirect benefit to its users
in the form of education and
improved financial literacy.
Get two or more people in the
room who have an account and
you’ll find out what I mean –
when did you start? What are
hardly surprising… just look at
a the ATO’s occupation-specific
guides and many of them will
refer to protective clothing and/
or sun protection so for the
Commissioner to be upset about
growth in claims in this regard
might well be considered an own
you goal. saving for? What returns
have The you second had? issue, It’s inherently the tax
competitive myth factor, is but really when the it’s problem
combined child. Tax like with any the other tools business and
information has a mythological that the element app –
provides every industry it’s also does. extremely Compare
informative it to that classic – as medical a regular myth: user
you “… no can’t worries, help that but become mole will be
more fine it informed has a hair about growing the out of
behaviour it”, the tax equivalent of markets is: whether “… no
you worries, are looking anyone can to or claim not for – the
with Brian Hrnjak
balance laundry of work your clothes Acorns just account keep
rises it under and $150.” falls No, in line you with can’t; the it’s
movements a myth. The other in markets myth that during goes
the hand course in glove of with the trading the laundry day.
claim One is of the the $300 challenges substantiation
any threshold finance for app work-related would have
encouraging expenses. young people to
save To and give invest you some is to examples: remain
relevant my oldest in son their is an eyes. apprentice, Over
the wears past year an employer-supplied
a number of
enhancements uniquely branded have uniform taken (shirt, place
following trousers) to user work feedback, each day. the He
headline keeps steel ones capped being: boots at
Found the workshop. Money Each partners day his – users
can uniform shop needs online to with be laundered brands
such in a separate as Bonds, wash Dan because Murphy’s, of
BCF, the grease Uber etc. and and oil. He these can claim
partners the actual usually cost of deposit laundry bonus in his
amounts return based or extra on expense round receipts, ups
into or he the can users elect account; to claim the $150
My reasonable Finance basis feature amount. – uses He can
artificial also claim intelligence the cost of his to track boots
and as protective categorise clothing spending (assuming and
calculate he could ever free find cash the flow; receipt in
Super his car). fund linkages – allows
users On the to make other deposits hand, I work to a in
range office and industry get about and public in RM
offer Williams superannuation boots and what funds; some
Emerald have kindly Portfolio described – a as socially smart
responsible casual clothing. portfolio Occasionally option I will
introduced put on a suit. following Because member what I wear
feedback; to work is regular clothing and
Little neither Acorns protective – sub nor accounts uniform,
designed I don’t get to to allow claim investment for either its
on purchase behalf cost of children or laundry. or other
dependants An architect under who the undertakes age of 18.
56 52 DECEMBER JULY 2018 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991
egular site visits is not be able to
claim the cost or laundry of his or
her everyday clothing but is able
to offset the cost of steel capped
boots, hard hat and hi-vis vest
that live in the back of the car for
such eventualities.
A hairdresser required by her
employer to wear plain black
pants and a black t-shirt to work
each day cannot claim the cost
of purchase, laundry or if the
clothing becomes damaged in
any way. Yes, it does seem harsh
but it’s the way the ATO interpret
the legislation and I grabbed
this example directly from the
occupation guide.
The ATO released their own
examples in the lead up to
tax time to showcase types of
incorrect claims including:
An advertising manager who
claimed $1,854 for clothing
purchased at popular fashion
retail stores to wear at company
work functions and awards
nights. Her claim was disallowed
in full and a penalty issued for
failing to take reasonable care;
A car detailer who claimed
over $20,000 of work-related
laundry expenses over two
years calculating the expenses
at the rate of $227 per hour
because he valued his personal
time. His deductions were
disallowed with no penalties
applied because of a voluntary
disclosure made before the
ATO’s audits progressed, and;
A lab technician who claimed
$2,500 for the cost of purchasing
protective boots and laundering
his work uniform but failed to
keep any receipts to verify his
claim, resulting in a reduction to
$144, using the ATO’s reasonable
basis.
The Local Voice Since 1991
The ATO have a problem and
it’s one they cannot simply audit
their way out of. With six million
taxpayers making clothing
specific claims the only way to
attack the problem is going to be
via education, press releases and
the occasional flaming of a tax
payer and/or their tax agent if
they facilitated an incorrect claim.
So last words to the ATO…
the following three ‘golden
rules’ are from their press
release and should be your safe
harbour if followed but you are
unlucky enough to be audited:
The best way to get your
clothing and laundry claims right
is to follow the three golden rules.
Only claim if:
n You paid for it yourself and you
weren’t reimbursed;
n You were required to wear
a uniform that’s unique and
distinct to your employer,
protective or occupation
specific clothing; and
n You’ve got a record that
demonstrates how you
calculated your claim.
You cannot claim a deduction
for normal clothes, even if your
boss told you to wear them or
you only wear them to work.
And there’s no such thing as a
standard deduction or a safe
amount – if it doesn’t meet the
three golden rules, then don’t
claim it.
And I include this final line
from their press release as
a stern warning (but mainly
because it is the most Australian
thing ever written about
taxation):
Telling us you thought it was ok
because your mate makes those
claims or the shop assistant told
you it’s deductible won’t help you
in the case of an audit.
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.
JULY 2018 53
Business Life
Business Life: Law
Business Life
History & workings of
Australian Class Actions
Radio recently carried
a report that a
prominent legal firm
was investigating whether to
commence a class action. It
is not uncommon to hear and
read such reports. So, what is
a class action?
Generally it is defined as a
court proceeding where the
claims of a large group – or
‘class’ – of people are brought
by one or a small number of
named class representatives
against the same respondents.
These actions were
introduced in Australia in
1992 and have developed
since that time due mainly to
the availability of litigation
funding. Readers who
currently listen to 2GB may
have heard advertisments on
behalf of a named litigation
funder and a law firm directed
to investors in ANZ shares
between certain dates, and
an invitation to contact the
law firm and funder to join
an action about to be taken
against ANZ.
In 1992 class actions were
mainly concerned with product
liability and consumer issues
or migration claims.
In Australia there are
regimes for representative
proceedings in both the
Federal courts and the
State Supreme Courts. New
South Wales, Victoria and
Queensland have regimes
which copy that of the Federal
Court. Other states have
different models.
The requirements for a class
action to be commenced are
generally stated:
n 7 or more people must
have claims against the same
person/s;
n The claims should be, or be
in respect of, or arise out of,
the same or similar or related
circumstances; and
n The claims should give rise
to at least one substantial
common issue of law or fact.
In 2014 the Full Federal
Court held that when
commencing a class action
against multiple respondents
there is no requirement for
every group member to
have a claim against every
respondent. All that is
required is that seven or more
persons as well as the class
representatives have a claim
against the same respondent.
Actions may be
characterised as ‘opt in’ or
‘opt out’. The ‘opt in’ model
requires potential class
members to indicate positively
that they want to be part of
the group on whose behalf
the claim is being made – ie,
if they do not opt in, they will
with Jennifer Harris
not become members of the
class and will not be bound by
the final judgment or approved
settlement.
The opt-out model, which is
generally the Australian regime
model, means that all potential
claimants who fall within the
definition of the class become
members of the class on the
filing of the claim whether they
are aware of it or not. It follows
that they will all be bound by
the judgment of the Court
or any approved settlement
unless they opt out of the
proceedings before a date
which is fixed by the Court. All
class members will be notified
of the action and their right to
opt out.
Of course, before
commencing a class action one
must consider how Australian
Courts consider a class to be
defined. It is viewed that only
those claimants who have
retained a legal firm and/or
entered into an arrangement
with a litigation funder are able
to be members of the class.
These classes are described
as ‘closed’ as all members
are identified to the legal firm
and/or the litigation funder.
The effect of a ‘closed class’ is
to change the opt-out system
into an opt-in system for class
actions.
It is argued that closed
classes are attractive to
third party litigation funders
54 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
ecause they provide greater
certainty as to risk and the
number of claimants in the
class and the returns the
funder if successful will likely
achieve. It is also suggested
that closed classes encourage
settlement.
When settlement is
reached between the class
representative on behalf
of the class it requires
approval by the Court. The
Court considers whether the
proposed settlement is fair
and reasonable compromise
of the overall claims. In 2013
the Court held that a proposed
settlement sum between group
members was not fair and
reasonable.
A distinction between
the situation in America
and Australia is that here
lawyers and the profession
cannot enter into contingency
fee arrangements – i.e. an
arrangement whereby in
America lawyers can charge
fees based on a percentage
of their client’s recovery from
the litigation is not available to
Australian lawyers.
There is a gap which
is filled by non-legal
entities and commercial
organisations known as
third party litigation funders,
established to fund class
actions. These organisations
have been involved in
funding cases such as:
n Product liability – claims,
drug liability, dangerous
drugs;
n Defective Medical devices
– hip implants, stents,
defibrillators;
n Toxic chemicals – asbestos,
lead in toys, oil spills;
n Vehicle recalls and Defects –
basic injury, car defect injuries,
motor cycle defects;
n Dangerous foods – food
poisoning, food recalls;
n Dangerous baby and
children’s products – lead in
toys, drop-side cribs, airsoft
guns;
n Dangerous consumer
products, tobacco smoking
injury dangers.
The categories of claims
seem to be growing and in
future it is suggested that
potential claims will arise in
the following:
The Local Voice Since 1991
n Claims by residents and
businesses following disasters
such as bushfires and
floods – see the $700 million
distributed in December 2016
and 2017 to the Black Sunday
Bushfire class action;
n Claims by creditors against
directors/advisors of failed
companies;
n Franchisee claims;
n Claims by investors in
Managed Investment Schemes;
Claims against trustees of
Superannuation Funds and;
n Cartel claims.
Most cartel actions are now
funded by third parties and the
trend is continuing. However,
the market is becoming
crowded. And with specialist
law firms the threat of multiple
competing class actions in
respect of the same issues
are an ever-increasing risk,
problem for both insurers and
insureds alike.
In a recent Federal Court
case this year the Court had to
consider whether more than
two open class actions would
be allowed to proceed. It was
decided only one class action
would proceed and the other
two permanently stayed. The
decision being based on the
group members making up
the class and the allegations
of the competing proceedings
both being ‘substantially the
same’ – such that each class
action could be compared with
each other.
Finally, if a claim is
successful, the third party
litigation funder receives
its money back, together
with a share of the amount
awarded which is normally
between 20 per cent and 40
per cent depending on the
size of the case, the timing of
the settlement and the costs
incurred.
Class actions are becoming
a major action before the
courts. It is to be hoped that
those who sign up to be part
of a case are well rewarded.
Comment supplied by
Jennifer Harris, of Jennifer
Harris & Associates, Solicitors,
4/57 Avalon Parade,
Avalon Beach.
T: 9973 2011. F: 9918 3290.
E: jennifer@jenniferharris.com.au
W: www.jenniferharris.com.au
JULY 2018 55
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 specialist.
BOAT SERVICES
Avalon Marine Upholstery
Call Simon 9918 9803
Makes cushions for boats, patio and
pool furniture, window seats.
ELECTRICAL
Eamon Dowling Electrical
Call 0410 457 373
For all electrical, phone, TV, data and
security needs.
FLOOR COVERINGS
Blue Tongue Carpets
Call Stephan 9979 7292
Family owned and run. Carpet, rugs,
runners, timber, bamboo, vinyl, tiles &
laminates. Open 6 days.
GARDENS
Graham Brooks
Call 0412 281 580
Tree pruning and removals. Reports
regarding DA tree management,
arborist reports.
Precision Tree Services
Call Adam 0410 736 105
Adam Bridger; professional tree
care by qualified arborists and tree
surgeons.
CLEANING
The Aqua Clean Team
Call Mark 0449 049 101
Quality window washing,
pressure cleaning, carpet
washing, building soft wash.
Martin Earl House Wash
Call 0405 583 305
Pittwater-based owner on site at all
times. No travellers or uninsured casuals
on your property.
Housewashing
Northern Beaches
Call Ben 0408 682 525
Pressure cleaning and soft wash; window
& gutter cleaning. Used by local
real estate agencies.
MASSAGE & FITNESS
Avalon Physiotherapy
Call 9918 3373
Provide specialist treatment for neck &
back pain, sports injuries, orthopaedic
problems.
Avalon Physiotherapy
& Clinical Pilates
Call 9918 0230
Dry needling and acupuncture, falls
prevention and balance
enhancement programs.
Avalon Beach Chiropractic
Call Sam 9918 0070
Professional care for all ages. Treatment
for chronic and acute pain,
sports injuries.
Francois Naef/Osteopath
Call Francois 9918 2288
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention
for back pain and sciatica, sports
injuries, muscle soreness and strain,
pregnancy-related pain, postural
imbalance.
PAINTING
Modern Colour
Call 0406 150 555
Simon Bergin offers painting and
decorating; clean, tidy, quality detail
you will notice. Dependable and on
time.
AJJ Painting & Decorating
Call 0418 116 700
Andrew is a master painter with 30
years’ experience. Domestic and commercial;
reasonable rates, free quotes.
Interior & Exterior Colour
Call 0417 236 577
Deborah is a local colour and interior
design/decorating consultant with over
30 years’ experience. One-hour colour
consultation with spec and samples.
UPHOLSTERY
All Foam
Call 9973 1731
Cut to measure quality foam for day
beds, boats, caravans and more. Discounted
prices, reliable local service.
Free measure / quote.
Luxafoam North
Call 9999 5567
Local specialists in all aspects of
outdoor & indoor seating.
Custom service, expert advice.
Essyou Design
Call Susan 0422 466 880
Specialist in day bed and outdoor
areas. Reliable local service. Offering
domestic & commercial.
Leather Hero
Call Leanne 0490 796 012
Specialists in leather cleaning,
revamps, repairs and colour restoration
for lounges, cars and boats.
TUITION
Northern Beaches Home Tu toring
Call John 9972 1469
1-ON-1 individual tutoring in your home. All ages and subjects K-Uni.
Qualified tutors. WWC child protection checked. Since 2009.
56 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Trades & Services
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 57
Trades & Services
TUITION
Northern Beaches
Home Tutoring
Call John 9972 1469
1-ON-1 individual tutoring in your
home. All ages and subjects K-Uni.
Qualified tutors. WWC child protection
checked. Since 2009.
PEST CONTROL
Predator Pest Control
Call 0417 276 962
predatorpestcontrol.com.au
Environmental services at their best.
Comprehensive control. Eliminate all
manner of pests. They provide a 24-
hour service.
PUMPS & TANKS
Water Warehouse
Call 9913 7988
waterwarehouse.com.au
Rainwater tanks & pumps. Irrigation &
filter supply specialists.
RENOVATIONS
Rob Burgers
Call 0416 066 159
Qualified builder provides all carpentry
needs; decks, pergolas, carports,
renos & repairs.
BlindLight
Call Dave 0403 466 350
Specialists is window tinting and glass
coatings. Act now for summer.
TILING
WM Tiling Services
Call Wally 0452 449 449
wmtiling.com.au
Bathroom renovations, supply and
install. Quality, guaranteed work. Call
to arrange quote.
Trades & Services
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.
58 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
the
good
life
dining
food
crossword
gardening
travel
60
64
67
68
73
Showtime
‘Accused’ puts verdict
in hands of audience
Elanora Players’ latest
production The Accused
is a murder mystery
with an intriguing twist – the
courtroom drama, written by
Lord Jeffrey Archer, ends with
the audience acting as jury to
deliver the verdict, whereupon
one of two specially written
end scenes is triggered before
the final curtain falls.
“Audience members sit as if
they were in attendance at a
hearing in London’s Old Bailey
court and their verdict decides
which way the play ends,” said
director Kerrie King.
‘The Accused’ unfolds with
eminent surgeon Dr Patrick
Sherwood charged with
murdering his wife with drugs
obtained by his ‘supposed’
mistress, Jennifer Mitchell.
Dr Sherwood’s fate is left
in the hands of the audience:
Did Dr Sherwood murder his
wife? Was Jennifer Mitchell his
mistress? Which of his alibis
should the audience believe?
Is the accused a victim or
a murderer? Was it a heart
attack, or a crime of passion?
POINTS OF LAW: Susan Boyd, Jan Adamson and Bill Akhurst in character.
And ultimately, is the accused
a victim… or a murderer?
“The choice will keep you
on the edge of your seats and
at the end of the ‘trial’ you
will be asked to deliver your
verdict of guilty or not guilty,”
said Kerrie.
“Once the majority votes
are counted and the verdict
delivered, the play will
continue with one of two
different endings – only then
will you discover the truth.”
The production will
be performed at Elanora
Community Centre from July
13 to 21 – 8pm on July 13; 3pm
and 8pm July 14; 11am and 3pm
July 15; 8pm July 16 and 17; and
3pm and 8pm on July 18.
Complimentary wine and
cheese will be served on
opening night.
* Early bookings are urged;
more info 9979 9694
or boxoffice.elanora@
bigpond.com – Lisa Offord
Beaches return for Wendy Matthews
There are few recording artists
Wendy is looking forward to
in Australia who come close to
engaging with the audience at
Wendy Matthews and her stunning
Pittwater RSL.
credentials: seven ARIAs, 19 hit
“Yes of course, it’d be so rude
singles, and seven gold or multiplatinum
not to! We do songs that I hope
selling albums that see
people know and remember, as
her music in more than 1 million
well as a few new ones and some
Australian homes.
of the songs have little stories
And lucky us – Wendy is
as to how they came about,” she
returning to the northern beaches
said.
after many years, performing all
“The more you live the actual
her hits and more at Pittwater RSL
words, the more a song becomes
on Saturday July 28.
part of the fabric that makes
“When I go to a concert, I go to
you. When you record a song
mainly hear the songs I love, so I
that means something to you,
don’t bombard the audience with
it has no choice but to stay that
a whole lot of new material – although we do a way and grow with you. That’s the great thing
few pieces from the last few albums that people about songs, they can transport you to a
may not have heard,” she told Pittwater Life. specific moment in time.
Wendy takes songs from every genre and “Living in Sydney for 20 years, then moving
makes them her own; from jazz to blues, from to the country, I have lovely memories of
rock to gospel, from soul to outright infectious friends and adventures on the Northern
pop (‘Let’s Kiss’) and then, of course, there Beaches, so I’m looking forward to getting
are the beautiful ballads such as ‘The Day You back there.”
Went Away’.
More info pittwaterrsl.com.au – Nigel Wall
JULY 2018 59
Showtime
Dining Guide
Dining Guide
July's best restaurants, functions, events and reader deals...
Bistro 61
Avalon Beach RSL
1 Bowling Green Lane
Avalon Beach
OPENING HOURS
Open 7 days
Lunch 12pm-2:30pm
Dinner 5:30-8:30pm
CUISINE
Modern Aust / pub food
PRICE RANGE
Meals $8-$30
Specials $12-$15
BOOKINGS 9918 2201
Avalon Beach RSL’s Bistro 61
is a great place to head for
a local meal, offering tasty
modern Australian dishes at
affordable prices.
This month, catch State
of Origin Game III on the big
screen on Wednesday July 11;
it will be live and loud – with
$5 schooners between 7.30-
9.30pm. Plus there's a 2018
Blues jersey raffle – and $10
'Blues Burgers' from Bistro 61.
And now available for free
download – the brand new
Avalon Beach RSL Club App.
Earn rewards, prizes and
member points by logging in
daily.
See what's on, check out
events, view menus and more!
Bistro 61 is open for
breakfast from 9am to
11.30am. Open for lunch
and dinner seven days, with
extensive outdoor dining
areas, Bistro 61 offers a variety
of specials (lunch and dinner)
during the week, including
$12 tacos (Tues), $15 Chicken
Schnitzels (Wed), 2-4-1 pizzas
(Thurs), and a $20 burger +
beer (Fri).
Seniors are well catered
for – there are daily Seniors
specials, including beerbattered
flathead – plus 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.
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
$4 schooners during Happy
Hour (from kick-off)!
And don't miss Christmas in
July (see ad opposite).
Barrenjoey Bistro is open
for lunch (11.30am to 2.30pm)
and dinner (6pm to 9pm) seven
days, plus there's a Snack Menu
available 2.30pm-6pm.
The Bistro serves top-value a
la carte meals plus daily $13.50
specials of roasts (Mondays),
rump steak with chips and
salad (Tuesdays), chicken
schnitzel with chips and salad
(Wednesdays), homemade
gourmet pies with chips and
salad (Thursdays) and tempura
fish and chips with salad
(Fridays), except public hols.
The Members’ lucky badge
draw is held Wednesday and
Friday night (every 30 mins
between 5pm-7pm), and
jackpots by $100 each week.
Enjoy Trivia Night from
5.30pm on Wednesdays, plus
Bingo 10am on Fridays.
The club has a courtesy
bus that makes regular runs
Wednesdays, Fridays and
Saturdays from 4.30pm to 9pm.
Ring to book a pick-up.
The Mirage
Restaurant
at Metro Mirage
Hotel Newport
2 Queens Parade West,
Newport
CUISINE
Modern Australian
PRICE RANGE
Breakfast – $25 adults,
$12.50 kids (5-12)
Dinner – entrees
from $7-$17,
Mains from $21-$30,
Desserts from $13-$25
BOOKINGS 9997 7011
Local residents are finding
the peaceful ambience
of The Mirage restaurant
overlooking spectacular
Pittwater, the perfect
waterfront venue to enjoy
breakfast or dinner.
Located in boutique Metro
Hotel Mirage Newport, The
Mirage restaurant is a popular
7-10am seven days a week,
offering a fixed-price full hot
and cold buffet, including a
selection of cereals, seasonal
fruit and freshly made juice,
toast and pastries and
sausages, eggs, has browns,
bacon and tomato served with
the Chef’s Special of the day.
The Mirage restaurant is
also open for dinner from
Monday to Saturday from
5.30pm – 8.30pm and can
be hired, along with all the
hotel’s function rooms, for
private and corporate events
of between 60-110 guests.
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
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 dine-in-only
special Thursdays through
Sundays in Winter.
There are two traditional
courses: Peking Duck
pancakes & duck sang choy
bow (bookings essential;
mention the ad when you call).
This long-established
restaurant on the eastern
side of Barrenjoey Rd has
an extensive menu based
on traditional flavoursome
Cantonese with touches of
spicy Szechuan and other
Asian dishes and fresh
seasonal vegetables.
Entrees start at just $6
while mains are great value
too, starting at $16.80.
Head to Club Palm Beach,
located just a short stroll from
Palm Beach Wharf, for a huge
month of specials in July.
Watch State of Origin III on
the big screen on July 11 with choice for breakfast from
60 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
LIC
BYO
All
P
The menu ranges from
adventurous, like a Sizzling
Szechuan-style platter of
king prawns and fillets of
chicken, to contemporary,
featuring spicy salt and
pepper king prawns, to
traditional, with favourites
including Mongolian lamb,
Honey king prawns and
Honey chicken.
New dishes are introduced
regularly so check out the
blackboard specials.
The team are only too
happy to home deliver your
meal, with a range that takes
in Narrabeen to the south to
Palm Beach in the north.
Fully licensed or BYO.
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
RMYC’s restaurant Salt Cove
on Pittwater’s menu has been
updated for winter – but it still
offers affordable meals and
generous servings including
a variety of starters and share
plates, seafood, burgers,
grills, salads, desserts and
woodfired pizza.
You're invited to the RMYC's
special 'The Flavours Of India'
night on Thursday July 12.
Discover India through food and
wine at Salt Cove from 6pm; $55
members, $60 non-members,
$25 kids (12 and under).
Friday night music kicks off
in the Lounge Bar from 6.30pm.
Great acts in July include Keith
Armitage (6th); Geoff Kendall
(13th); Antoine (20th); and Keff
McCulloch (27th).
Book now for the sensational
Michael Jackson and Prince
Show on Saturday 14th July
featuring all the hits of the
late, great singers of the 1980s
and '90s; there's also a special
guest tribute to the music of
Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and
Advertise
in our
Dining
Guide!
Phone
0438 123 096
Blondie – it'll be a great night
of nostalgia and fun; tickets are
$25 members and $30 nonmembers.
And enquire about RMYC's
special 'Priscilla – Queen Of The
Desert' outing to catch the glam
stage musical at the Capital
Theatre on Tuesday July 17.
Hurry – there's limited seating.
Tickets $60, with bus seats $30
(inc champagne and nibbles).
Trivia is held every Tuesday
night from 7.30pm (great prizes
and vouchers).
Club Boat and Social
memberships are now available
for just $160.
Dining Guide
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 61
Tasty Morsels
Sophistic
For a meal to warm the
cockles this month, Mirage
Restaurant in the boutique
waterfront Metro Mirage Hotel
Newport is offering Pittwater’s
best-value dining experience –
and a weather-protected water
view.
Open for dinner from
Monday to Saturday from
5.30pm, guests can enjoy
the sophisticated new winter
menu created by Head Chef
Raul Farnea which combines
his passion for modern
Australian cuisine with a love
of fresh seafood and local
produce.
“Entrees and mains
options include a daily soup
and hearty stew special;
mushroom and speck tart on
taleggio cheese fondue with
Quick serve of Americana
What do you get when you combine a
classically trained chef who has worked
in fine dining establishments in New York City,
with a hospitality expert schooled in the world
of convenience food?
Welcome to Chriso’s at Narrabeen, an independent
outlet “fast” making its name across the
northern beaches for its mouth-watering and
generous offerings of ribs, chicken wings, burgers
and pizzas among other wicked food treats.
Couple Erika Carballo and Chris Milloy (above)
have built a steady clientele since opening their
doors in August last year. They restyled the
interior of the space on Pittwater Road to blend
elements of Australiana with an American roadhouse
or diner. Diners can eat in, take-away or
have their orders home-delivered.
“Chris and I have a love for all things old
Sydney and NYC,” explained former New
Yorker Erika, who was schooled at the former
French Culinary Institute in New York. “We’ve
got a few old school advertisements on our
walls and some iconic pictures referencing
NYC and Sydney. We’ve also some famous
American licence plates and we play classic
1980s early 1990s movies on our big screen –
and of course, 1950s and Doo-wop music on
our jukebox!”
Chriso’s has several other points of difference
that set it apart from the ‘usual suspects’
– namely a full range of tasty comfort food
entrees, mains and even desserts.
They serve a whopping New York-style pizza
in 16- and 18-inch options – although it’s dinein
only, until they manage to source boxes big
enough for take-away!
“Our supreme and meat lovers are the
most-ordered pizzas,” said Erika. “And our
slow-cooked hickory rib racks are consistently
selling out, as we make a limited amount of
those per day.
“We’ve also introduced a Burger of the
Month – this month it’s a Buttermilk fried
chicken served with bacon, parmesan garlic
aioli, shaved parmesan, lettuce and tomato
(pictured top).
“And our ‘Dirty Burger’ (doubly Wagyu beef
patties, cheese, bacon, fried onion, BBQ sauce,
mayo, lettuce and tomato) seems to be a challenge
a lot of our customers enjoy taking on!”
And if you still have room you might like to
consider their ‘Sweet Tooth’ pizza comprising
house-made custard, marshmallows, chocolate
chips, Tim Tams, caramel and chocolate
sauce – it’s a Kids Party favourite on weekends
(bookings only).
Chriso’s home deliver to Collaroy, Narrabeen,
Elanora Heights, Warriewood and Mona
Vale. Or call 9913 8045 to order; more info
www.chrisos.com.au
* Chriso’s have a special offer for July and
August (see ad page 13). – Nigel Wall
62 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
ated winter value
walnuts; house-smoked duck
breast, pickled grapes and
crunchy kale; spicy glazed
grilled chicken with pearl
cous cous and burnt orange;
sirloin steak with bush herbs;
and an Indian curry board
with vegetables, dhal, raita,
basmati rice and pappadam,”
said Raul.
A tantalising choice
of fresh seafood dishes
includes herb-stuffed
crumbed prawns, preserved
lemon and witlof salad; blue
swimmer crab ravioli in a
bisque sauce; and market
fish roasted on lemon
myrtle leaves with pickled
baby beetroot and roasted
heirloom tomatoes.
Mirage has also introduced
a popular special from its
sister venue, The Palace Hotel
Sydney – lightly crumbed
chicken breast fillet topped
with ratatouille, crispy bacon,
mozzarella and parmesan
with garden salad and crispy
golden fries.
The delicious choice of
desserts includes Mirage’s
signature sticky date pudding
with butterscotch sauce
and vanilla ice cream; apple
strudel with whipped cream;
chocolate parfait with berry
coulis: pavlova with rhubarb
jam; and a cheese selection
with dried fruits, lavosh and
crackers.
* Book your table now (and
enquire about overnight
accommodation); more info
9997 7011 or metrohotels.
com.au.
Here’s to you,
Mrs Robertson!
New small bar ‘Mrs Robertson’ is a much-anticipated, welcome
addition to the local hospitality scene.
On the roundabout in Robertson Road at Newport, it’s
the brainchild of locals Patrick Moroney and his wife Tanya
(above), who tapped into the need for something other than
a pub or club when considering gathering with friends.
“The market has too many pubs and not enough quiet
venues for the more discerning and [cough] mature among
us!” said Patrick.
“Mrs Robertson is the kind of place we think locals will
want to come to again and again – it’s intimate, personable
and welcoming, with just the right hint of funky and cool
without being intimidating.”
Patrick said Mrs Robertson, which seats up to 20 patrons,
“makes you feel comfortable, is impeccably stylish, and has
hospitality down to an a fine art.”
Our recent visit revealed a truly relaxed vibe, in no small
part to the eclectic, warm styling (courtesy of Tanya) and
excellent acoustics that help divide the small space into
individual sanctuaries that are still connected to the overall
character of the bar.
“We have an excellent, decently priced drinks list and delicious
morsels of food so you can stretch that ‘little drink’ to
an extended, delightful evening listening to an unobtrusive
but groovy music playlist.”
Wines are available by the glass or the bottle, with gourmet
cheese and meat plates to complement. They also serve
cocktails.
Patrick said that as a bonus, Mrs Robertson would soon
be offering ‘laneway learning’.
“We’re aiming to deliver an innovative mix of talks, teachings
and workshops on a range of topics including foraging,
French wines, and the fine art of conversation,” he said.
“The evenings will be full of good wine and laughter.
“Plus, keep an eye out for Mrs Robertson’s ‘Flight Nights’
which will be departing soon to many of the world’s leading
wine regions.”
Mrs Robertson is open 4-8pm Wed-Thurs; 3.30-10.30pm
Fri-Sat and 1-6pm Sun.
– NW
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 63
Food Life
For more recipes go to www.janellebloom.com.au
Food Life
Recipes: Janelle Bloom Photos: Mark O’Meara; Benito Martin
Cook up a French storm
to celebrate Bastille Day
July 14 is Bastille Day. The date marks the beginning of
republican democracy and the end of tyrannical rule in
France. A military parade takes place along Champs-Elysee
avenue. It is the oldest military parade in the world, having
first taken place on Bastille Day in 1880. Thereafter – as only
the French know how to do – family and friends gather for a
feast. While it’s summer in the northern hemisphere, some of
the classic French recipes they serve up to mark the occasion
are perfect for our southern hemisphere winter! Try these –
and celebrate. Vive la difference!
Beef bourguignon
Serves 6
8 small French shallots, peeled
8 thyme sprigs
4 fresh bay leaves (or 2 dried)
250ml red wine
1 cup beef stock
20g butter
300 g button mushrooms
Paris mash & sourdough, to
serve
speck, cook 2-3 minutes until
starts to colour. Remove
to a plate.
2. Add 1 tablespoon oil and
one quarter of the beef.
Cook 1-2 minutes until
browned all over, remove
to a plate. Repeat in three
batches with oil and remaining
beef. Add remaining oil,
followed by carrot, celery,
leek and shallots. Sauté for
5 minutes.
3. Return the speck and beef
to pan. Add the thyme, bay
leaves, wine and stock.
Bring to the boil. Reduce
the heat to very low, cover
and cook for 1 hour.
4. Melt butter in a frying pan
over high heat. Add mushrooms,
cook 2-3 minutes
until light golden. Stir the
mushrooms into the beef,
cover and simmer a further
45 minutes or until the beef
is tender. Remove the bay
leaves, taste and season.
5. Serve with the Paris mash
and sourdough.
Roasted garlic
Paris mash
Serves 6
1 head garlic
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1kg floury potatoes (like
sebago or coliban), scrubbed,
unpeeled
½ cup full cream milk
200ml pouring cream
150g butter, at room temperature
Sea salt and freshly ground
white pepper
with Janelle Bloom
from the skin onto a board
and mash with a fork.
2. Place the potatoes in a large
saucepan of salted water,
bring to the boil and cook
15 minutes or until tender;
drain. While hot, hold 1 potato
in a tea towel and peel
with a knife. Repeat with
remaining potatoes. Mash
or pass through a mouli or
potato ricer back into the
warm pan over low heat.
3. Heat the milk and cream
together in a small saucepan
until almost boiling. Pour
over the potato beating
with a wooden spoon until
smooth. Add the butter in
batches, stirring until fluffy.
Stir in the garlic. Season to
taste with salt and white
pepper.
4. Serve immediately or press
a piece of baking paper onto
the surface to prevent a skin
from forming.
1. Preheat oven to 180°C fanforced.
1.5 kg braising beef (like
Cut 1cm from the top
chuck, rump or topside), cut
of a garlic bulb to expose
into large chunks
the individual garlic cloves,
5 tbs extra virgin olive oil
place on a sheet foil. Discard
250g speck, diced
the top. Drizzle over the oil Janelle’s Tip: To reheat
2 carrots, halved lengthwise,
then wrap the garlic bulb in mash, add a little hot
cut into 4cm pieces
1. Season beef with salt and foil. Roast for 45-50 minutes. milk, beating constantly
2 celery stalks, chopped
pepper. Heat a large heavybased
Discard foil. Set the garlic with a wooden spoon
1 leek, halved lengthwise,
pan over medium-
aside for 5 minutes to cool. until heated through.
thinly sliced
high heat until hot. Add Squeeze the garlic flesh
64 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Cauliflower Gratin
Serves 6
1 large head cauliflower
60g butter, chopped
¼ cup plain flour
1 litre full cream milk
2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
1. Break the cauliflower into
medium-size florets. Drop
them into a large saucepan
of boiling salted water. Cook
for 3 minutes (cauliflower
should still be firm). Drain
well; transfer to a lightly
greased 6-cup capacity baking
dish.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C
fan-forced.
3. Heat a saucepan over medium
heat. Add the butter
and stir until melted. Add
the flour, cook stirring for
3-4 minutes, making sure it
doesn’t colour. Remove from
the heat. Pour in the milk,
whisking with a balloon
whisk constantly. Return to
the heat, stir until sauce just
comes to the boil. Simmer,
stirring often for about 6
minutes.
4. Add 1½ cups of the cheese,
whisking until melted and
Food Life
smooth. If the sauce thickens
too much, thin it out
with a little more milk. Season.
Pour the sauce evenly
over the cauliflower. Sprinkle
with remaining cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or
until the top is light golden.
Stand a few minutes before
serving.
Madeleines
(Makes 24)
The Local Voice Since 1991
3/4 cup plain flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs, at room temperature
2/3 cup caster sugar
1 lemon, rind only, finely
grated
60g unsalted butter, melted
and cooled
icing sugar & hot chocolate,
to serve
1. Preheat oven to 200°C fanforced.
Grease 2 x 12-hole
madeleine pans. Sift the
flour and baking powder
together three times.
2. Combine the eggs, sugar mixture into prepared holes.
and lemon rind into bowl or Bake 8-10 minutes or until
an electric mixer. Whisk 5-6 golden and cakes spring
minutes on high until thick, back when pressed in the
pale and doubled in volume. centre. Stand for 2 minutes
Gently fold in the flour mixture
in the pan before removing
followed by the butter to a wire rack to cool.
until just combined.
4. Dust with icing sugar and
3. Spoon tablespoons of
serve with hot chocolate.
JULY 2018 65
Food Life
In Season
Lemons
Food Life
Although Australiangrown
lemons are
available all year round
they are at their peak June
through to the end of
August. There are three main
varieties: Lisbon, Eureka and
Meyer. Lisbon are the most
common. They have smooth,
bright yellow skin and a tart
flavour. Eureka lemons are
larger than other varieties
(usually found across our
backyards); they have a thick,
rough skin and are more
acidic. And Meyer lemons
are a natural hybrid (cross)
between a lemon and orange,
so they are sweeter with a
slight orange skin colour.
Buying
Always choose lemons that
have a brightly coloured
skin and feel heavy for their
size. Avoid any with wrinkled
or soft, bruised skin.
Storing
Keep lemons for up to a
week at room temperature.
They will keep for 3-4 weeks
loose in the crisper part of
the fridge.
Nutrition
Lemons are a good source of
vitamin C, contain vitamin
B6 and dietary fibre.
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 and
Silverbeet; and Turnips.
Lemon delicious
Makes 6
80g butter, at room temperature
1 cup caster sugar
1 lemon, rind finely grated
3 eggs, separated
3/4 cup self-raising flour
2 cups milk
160ml freshly squeezed
lemon juice (4-5 lemons)
icing sugar
thickened cream or ice
cream, to serve
1. Preheat oven to 180°C fanforced.
Grease 6 x 1¼ cup
capacity ovenproof ramekins
or cups and place
into a roasting pan.
2. Beat sugar, butter and
lemon rind with an electric
mixer until pale and
creamy. Add egg yolks
one at a time, beating well
after each addition. Add
flour and milk alternately
in batches and beat to a
smooth batter. Stir in the
lemon juice.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk
egg whites with a pinch
of salt to stiff peaks. Stir
in one third of the egg
whites to lighten the
batter, then gently fold in
the remaining egg whites
until just combined.
Divide among ramekins
or cups.
4. Pour enough boiling water
into the roasting pan to
come halfway up the side
of the ramekins or cups.
Bake for 30-35 minutes
or until light golden. Dust
with icing sugar and serve
with cream or ice cream.
66 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Pittwater Puzzler
Compiled by David Stickley
CLUE: 21 DOWN
ACROSS
1 A project that generates a continuous
flow of money (4,3)
5 Wave close to shore (7)
9 Place in a grave at Mona Vale Cemetery,
for example (5)
10 Early PM (9)
11 Types of snake, yes, or essentially ugly
looking things? (8)
12 Pickling solution (5)
14 Break out suddenly or dramatically (5)
16 A system for networking computers (8)
18 A flat loaf of Italian bread made with
olive oil and topped with salt, herbs etc (8)
20 Sly looks (5)
24 Firearm with long barrel (5)
25 A very hot day (8)
27 Criminals hopefully thwarted by
groups of wooden posts painted white
and red once located on Barrenjoey
Headland (9)
29 Russian spirit (5)
30 Any of several varieties of Australian
parakeet with brightly coloured
plumage, first observed at Rose Hill near
Sydney (7)
31 In a state of rest or inactivity (7)
DOWN
1 Cuisine served by Hong Kong
Restaurant in Newport (7)
2 A complete meal with limited options
offered by a restaurant at a fixed price
(3,4)
3 Community event held every three
months in Avalon where unwanted items
can be sold (3,4,4)
4 Strip of coastline overlooked by Jonah’s
restaurant (5,5)
5 Tub for washing (4)
6 Wax collector (3)
7 A shared on-demand transport service
on the Northern Beaches (7)
8 One who holds a lease (6)
12 Bilgola Plateau resident taking part
in her 20th NSW Variety Bash in August
(5,6)
13 Elanora Players’ latest production (3,7)
15 Sports official in short (3)
17 Sailor; bitumen (3)
19 Timber remnants (7)
21 Australian animal that adorns the fivecent
piece (7)
22 Domestic helper (7)
23 Australian sand island (6)
26 Preliminary or testing stage of a
software or hardware product (4)
28 Cosmetic preparation (3)
Pittwater Puzzler
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 67
Garden Life
Garden Life
Delight Freshen in up the homes amazing with
colours glowing of indoor hydrangeas greenery with Gabrielle Bryant
AAlthough lways a favourite
it is a busy
for
time
Christmas outside colour, in the garden, hydrangeas
it is
are
still
flowering
cold. It is
their
fun
heads
to have
off!
a project
They look
that
wonderful
can be
carried
in the
out
garden,
inside
brightening
where it is
the
warm.
semi-shaded areas and
glowing
Indoor
in
plants
the full,
not
protected
only look
sunlight.
good, they
Once
have
the
also
older
been
varieties
proven that
were
they
either
clean
pink
the
or
air.
blue
This is
depending
why they
on
are
the
now
soil,
in
additional
every air-conditioned
lime will deepen
office
the
building
pinks
and
and
shopping
blueing tonic
centre.
(sulphate
Traditional
of aluminium)
flower pots
will
can
heighten
be expensive,
the blues,
so look
but
around
the
new
your
named
house and
varieties
find some
will
maintain
interesting
their
containers
colour. White
to pot
never
up. Old
changes.
tea cups,
There
tea pots
are
hydrangeas
or desk organisers
of every
are
size
ideal;
from
the
although
tiny dwarf
be very
Piamina
careful
to
not
the
to
tall
overwater
traditional
your
Mop
plants
Heads.
if there
With
is no
so
drainage
many to
hole
choose
in the
from
it
bottom
is almost
of the
too
container.
difficult to
decide.
Flowering
There
Peace
are the
lilies,
delicate
lace
African
caps,
violets,
the huge
orchids
blooms
and
anthuriums love good light.
Hanging baskets of ferns or
pots of maiden hair fern thrive
in the bathroom. Potted herbs
look good on the kitchen
window sill. In a darker
situation the Victorians knew
what to plant: the Cast Iron
Plant, aspidistra, Mother in
Law’s tongue or Parlour palms
were amongst the favourites.
Still on indoors, Terrariums
that were so popular in the
’70s have made a spectacular
comeback. They are very easy
to make and once done take
very little time to maintain.
First, find a suitable glass
of the traditional mop heads,
the cone-shaped flowers of
hydrangea paniculata bushes
container. Tall vases, round
fish bowls, fish tanks or glass
domes will all work well.
The most important factor
is the potting medium.
To start, add a layer sand,
then a layer of fine gravel or
decorative stones (if you have
several colours you can layer
them). Next comes a thin layer
of crushed charcoal. This is
important to filter the water
and keep the roots free from
that can be two metres tall.
The recently introduced
smaller growing Picotee
varieties with two-tone flower
heads are hard to leave behind
and if you have a semishaded
wall, the climbing
hydrangea petiolaris is just
fungus and mould. Finally, add
beautiful.
a thick layer of potting mix. (I
Hydrangeas are forgiving
use seed raising mix as it has
plants that are easy to grow.
a finer texture for a small pot.)
They like regular water and
Firm the soil by pressing it
any good garden soil. Mulch
well down before you begin to
the roots with compost to
plant your miniature garden.
keep them cool and feed
Now you are ready
them in early spring to get
to choose your plants!
them going. Grow them in
Remember that the tiny plants
pots, or in the garden; bring
will soon fill out, so don’t
them inside when in flower
over-plant. Ferns are ideal,
or cut the blooms – they last
miniature African violets do
well in water.
Cherry Guava a
sweet surprise
In full flower in my veggie
garden is my Cherry Guava,
sometimes known as a Strawberry
Guava. This delightful
evergreen shrub never fails to
produce a heavy crop of cherry
guavas in early autumn.
It is a small, pretty tree with
rounded, glossy green leaves
that only grows to about
three metres in height. Keep it
trimmed into shape after fruiting.
The delicate fluffy flowers
are creamy white, growing close
well, to the small branches. parlour They palms are followed
for by the height tangy and flavoured, the tiny,
are
great
creeping sweet, berry-sized, peperomias cherry will red soon
act fruit as that a ground are high cove, in vitamin if you C.
can Unlike find the them taller-growing small growing deciduous
yellow orchids, guava moth that orchids needs
native
or cooking, oncidiums the fruit love can the be humid eaten
conditions.
raw straight from the tree or
used Terrariums in cooking, create jellies, a very drinks,
moist sauces environment or jams. so choose
plants You should carefully, protect buy them fruit as
tubes from fruit or take fly with cuttings a fruit and fly bait.
wait for them to grow.
Get into the
‘swing’ of Xmas
It is time to relax and enjoy
your garden. Look at your
outdoor seating requirements
– the shops are full of
amazing chairs and tables.
Hanging cane egg chairs have
been trendy for the past few
years and now the ‘Swing
Seat’ is back. Nothing is more
peaceful than swinging in a
seat for two, sheltered from
the weather with a roof to
shade from the sun – makes a
great Christmas present too!
72 68 DECEMBER JULY 2018 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991
Time to
go potty!
I
t is still cold outside but
you get ahead with spring
veggies if you start them off
inside. Mr Fothergills’ seeds
have made a range of veggies
and herbs that are ready
to go. Inside the pots are soil
and seeds ready to plant.
All you need is water!
These plastic pots have
clear plastic lids to make
them into mini glass
houses. Start your basil and
tomatoes now and they will
be ready to plant out next
month.
Bottlebrush bushes make
great hedges but can get
untidy if not looked after.
They are great where there
is space for them to spread
out but not so good in narrow
spaces.
New from Ozbreed is
the callistemon called
Slim. True to its name, the
scarlet-flowering shrub
produces masses of huge
red brushes on a tall
narrow plant. It can grow
to a height of 3m but is
just 1.3m wide.
It is the perfect native
shrub for hedging or can
be trimmed to a column
shape as an accent plant
or it can be grown in a
large tub by the front door.
Trimmed just a couple
of times each year, it will
flower from early spring
into summer and autumn.
The foliage naturally grows
right to ground level and
the old flowers are selfcleaning.
The Local Voice Since 1991
As the days shorten the
brightly coloured Kalanchoes
explode into singing
colours of scarlet, yellow,
orange, pink, white or cerise.
Through the cold winter days
they give cheerful colour
in the garden, but once the
flowering finishes they need
some attention to make them
flower again next year.
They are often thrown
away, mistakenly, when the
old flower stems brown off.
Cut the old stems back to
two or three leaves above the
growing point to encourage
new growth. The plant
will thicken up with more
flowering tips for next year.
Kalanchoes have thick, fleshy
leaves that store the water.
They need water when they
are growing but after cutting
the plants back reduce the
water until the weather warms
up and new shoots appear.
Too much water at this stage
will kill the plants.
Better than a ‘Slim’
chance of great hedge
Exploding colours of Kalanchoe
In spring you can take
cuttings. Cut stems that have
at least three pairs of leaves
below the tip. Cut off the
bottom two pairs. The new
roots will appear from the
node that is where the leaf
was joined. Let the cuttings
dry for 24 hours before
planting. First dip the ends
into rooting hormone powder
then plant into seed raising
mix.
Don’t water for a couple
of weeks, once the cutting
appears to be firm in the soil
then you can start to water it.
Too much moisture will make
the cutting rot. They root very
easily if you keep them dry.
JULY 2018 69
Garden Life
Garden Life
Jobs this Month
July
Garden Life
We needed the rain in
June – although maybe
not quite so much.
The heavy rain has compacted
the soil. Aerate your lawn
and beds with a garden fork,
before adding new compost
or mulch.
Miner problem
New growth on citrus trees is
a target for leaf miner, so keep
up the regular sprays routine
of Eco oil. It is time to buy a
new leaf miner lure to hang in
the tree.
Snail watch
Cymbidium orchids are
flowering now. Marauding
snails can destroy the
flower spikes overnight. Use
Multiguard pellets to keep the
snails under control. Bring the
orchids inside while they are
flowering to enjoy the display.
Also, tiny snails are climbing
up vegetables and hibiscus.
Pick them off by hand or
entice that back to ground
level with a saucer of beer.
Fruiting tip
Train passionfruit this month.
The fruit is only produced
on new growth. Cut the
vines back by 50 per cent to
encourage new shoots.
Transplant time
It is cold outside but time
to keep busy. This is the
month to move any trees or
shrubs that are in the wrong
place. Spray the plants with
Yates’ Drought Shield the
week before you dig them
up. This will help to prevent
transplanting shock.
Prune roses
Time to prune your roses.
Cut back any weak or twiggy
growth and open up the
middle of the bushes. Always
prune back to an outward
pointing shoot, so that the
bush remains open. This will
reduce the congestion of the
leaves in summer and help
to prevent black spot. After
pruning spray your bushes
with lime sulphur to clean up
any fungal spores from the
previous season.
Buy bulbs
It’s not too late to plant liliums
and hippeastrum bulbs for
Bronze Glow for Xmas
It may be winter but you
can get ready for Christmas
now! Last year the
West Australian Woolly
Bush was sold as an indoor
Christmas tree. It is a
dense pale grey shrub that
responds well to trimming
into shape.
Adenothus Silver Streak
has soft, velvety grey leaves
and the new Bronze Glow
has the wonderful bronze
tips on the new growth.
The natural shape is like
a Christmas tree and with
summer flowers. If you buy
them now make sure that the
bulbs are still firm without any
signs of new leaves.
Lift & divide
Lift and divide gingers,
agapanthus, iris, mondo
grass, liriope, gazanias and
a little help to thicken the
foliage it looks spectacular
when it is decorated.
Buy a plant now and start
to shape it. Like all native
shrubs it is fast-growing.
Feed it with the slowrelease
fertiliser called Bush
Tucker. This is specially
formulated food for native
trees and shrubs. Woolly
Bush won’t do well as an
indoor plant, so make sure
to put it back outside in the
fresh air and sunlight after
the 12 days of Christmas.
any other garden perennials
now. Also, Geranium plants
need a tidy up. Take new
cuttings to replace any plants
that have become woody and
old.
Seeds & seedlings
Tomato seeds are ready to be
planted out next month. Also,
make sure that your sweet pea
seedlings have a strong frame
to climb up.
Crossword solution from page 67
Mystery location: HEADLAND
70 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Times Past
Sentry deception a
smuggler deterrent
Working day and night,
seven days a week,
outside and in all
types of weather conditions
certainly wouldn’t attract too
many job applicants today!
The ‘employee’ in this
case was a wooden effigy
of a military officer. He was
dressed in an orthodox,
scarlet swallow-tail coat,
capped with a plumed
infantry hat and drawn
sword, “correctly dressed
in the conspicuous uniform
of the red coats”, so that he
could be clearly seen from
anywhere in Broken Bay.
This fellow stood on
Barrenjoey Headland during
the latter half of the 19th
century as a deterrent to
smugglers (Smugglers Track,
right). Goods, especially rum,
were being landed in Broken
Bay to avoid paying Customs
duty in Sydney. Subsequently
in 1843, a Customs Station
was established in the lee of
the headland on the Pittwater
side of the isthmus.
Alexander Ross became
the fourth Coast Waiter in
January 1854. It was he,
according to Jervis Sparks,
who had cleverly fashioned
The Local Voice Since 1991
the soldier almost entirely
from a single log which
formed the head, body
and legs. “The arms were
made from thick branches
inserted into augured holes.
It was brightly painted with
a red coat, white trousers,
a fashionable full-black
military moustache and an
old black hat.”
Ross stated that since an
officer couldn’t remain on
duty all the time, an effigy
would provide him with
some down-time. (Other more
cynical observers stated that
it also gave Ross time for
cards and a tot of confiscated
rum with his fellow officers.)
Several reports claim that
the effigy stood in front of a
cave, erect and not far from
the lighthouse.
In his ‘A Century of Yachting’
R. H. Goddard wrote that
“… before the fire of 1912,
old groups of wooden posts
painted white and red, as if
to represent ‘red coats’, were
dotted over the hillside of
Barrenjoey. At a distance they
certainly looked like military
sentries (below).”
They also looked like
military sentries to some
skippers of passing vessels.
Apparently the drawn sword
was an acknowledged sign
of a signal of distress (see
illustration) and on one
occasion a captain tacked
into Pittwater to offer
assistance. After his crew
stopped laughing when it
was discovered the soldier
was wooden, the captain
complained bitterly to
the authorities. Ross was
cautioned, but laughing
himself, “… continued to
paint his soldiers, hoping
to trap another gullible
captain.”
Although Jervis said he
made a reproduction of
the soldier for one of the
Pittwater Festivals of the
1990s, no photo exists of his
creation.
A report in ‘The Bulletin’
stated that the soldier
remained on duty until the
late 1800s when “… white
ants ate his legs from under
him and he collapsed.”
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 2018 71
Times Past
Local Call
Local Call
We love the night
(market) life!
When Kiwis Sam Adams
and Phaly My moved to
Sydney three years ago
they – quite literally – spotted
a gap in the market, providing
them with the opportunity to
launch a new business.
Newly arrived from Auckland,
with two little kids in tow,
the young family were keen to
explore the local night market
scene.
“We loved going to night markets
back home and would go
to at least five or six a month,”
Sam explained. “It was a great
night out for our too little ones
– we didn’t want to be stuck at
home but having a young family
also ruled out going to the pubs
or clubs, so the night markets
were a great fit for us.
“When we started looking for
night markets in Sydney we really
struggled to find something
similar… that’s when the wheels
started turning and we thought
that the Sydneysiders were really
missing out on such a good
family experience,” he said.
After a year of research and
planning and trying to get the
concept off the ground, Sam
and Phaly were given their ‘first
shot’ just over 18 months ago.
GOOD FOOD, GREAT FUN: Aussie NightMarkets are a
great monthly addition to the Pittwater scene.
There are
now 10 Aussie
NightMarkets
boasting the best street food
from around the globe, with
kids’ entertainment and shopping,
held in different locations
across NSW on most nights
of the week – with the latest
launched in Mona Vale.
“We have had many requests
to come out this way (as well
as a few other destinations) but
thankfully the local Council
was willing to work with us to
get the concept off the ground
in Mona Vale and we were able
to make it work,” Sam said.
The markets feature a
wonderful mix of what Sam
describes as the “hottest food
vendors and food trucks on the
scene”.
With more than 30 food vendors
on site, locals can sample
a wide range of international
food flavours, with dedicated
dessert vendors dishing out
sweet treats as well.
These markets cater to all the
family – there are amusement
rides and games for the kids
and a boutique retail section
filled with quality goods and
services.
“We also bring in tables and
chairs for a nice sit-down meal
and a bit of music to create the
atmosphere,” Sam said.
“The park’s Amphitheatre
provides a great natural seating
area which overlooks the entire
event – a great place to head
if you miss out on grabbing a
table on the night,” he said
The Aussie NightMarkets
are held in Mona Vale Village
Park on the second Friday of
every month from 5pm until
10pm (weather dependent).
Check out the Facebook page
for announcements – kids’ rides
sometimes can’t be operated in
high winds and the food trucks
and cars can’t get access to the
grounds in damp conditions.
Sam said they are always on
the lookout for new stallholders
– visit aussienightmarkets.com.
au for more info.
This month’s market is on
Friday 13. – Lisa Offord
72 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
Travel Life
Educational tour of post-war Japan
World War II was without
doubt the defining
event of the 20th century –
it realigned the balance of
power both in Europe and
in Asia and established the
United States as a global
superpower. Indeed, the repercussions
of the war and
its aftermath still reverberate
today. Which makes Ponant’s
‘Legacy of World War
II’ cruise – following in the
wake of US General Douglas
MacArthur who journeyed to accept the Japanese
surrender in 1945, departing September 27, 2019 – a
truly unique and educational getaway.
“The ports of call on this intriguing 14 days/13
nights voyage from China to Japan introduce passengers
to the rich historical and cultural diversity of
the western Pacific,” said Travel View’s Karen Robinson.
“You’ll experience some 5,000 years of Chinese
history collected in the National Palace Museum in
Taipei; the unique crafts and music of the people
of Ishigaki; the legacy of the Ryuku kingdom represented in the
UNESCO World Heritage Shuri Castle on Okinawa; the samurai
houses of Chiran; the Fujisan Sengen shrine in the foothills of
Mt. Fuji; the Kumano Shinto shrines near Shingu – these are just
some of the fascinating places you may visit along
our way from Hong Kong to Osaka.”
As cruise members explore the natural and
cultural heritage of the distant past of islands
visited, they will also attend to a more recent
chapter in their history.
“Special guest lecturers, James Bradley and
Philip Hurst, will guide passengers in an exploration
of the origins and conduct of the war and
consider with them just how World War II shaped
the world in which we live,”
Karen said.
On August 6, 1945, the US detonated
an atomic bomb over the
Japanese city of Hiroshima – one
of the ports of call on this tour.
Three days later they dropped
a second atomic bomb on the
Japanese city of Nagasaki. Japan
surrendered to the Allied forces
on August 15 and the surrender
ceremony was held on September
2, aboard the US Navy battleship
USS Missouri, in Tokyo Bay. – NW
* To learn more about this trip
(departs September 27, 2019) attend an exclusive presentation
at Long Reef GC from 4.30pm to 6pm on Wednesday
25 July. Bookings essential; RSVP by 20 July on 9999 0444.
Travel Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
JULY 2018 73
Travel Life
Travel Life: The Insider
Stuff you must do before
heading to the airport...
Visiting the USA is a
GREAT idea! And there’s
never been a better time
to take off!
We’re pleased to provide tips
to help pave the way to the
holiday of a lifetime in the USA.
Move the ‘mouse’, before you
leave the house – and remember
to save this issue for future
reference; you’ll thank us later.
For starters, comprehensive
travel insurance is a must! We
suggest your buy travel insurance
from your local agent,
read the fine print and be sure
the premiums you pay will deliver
when needed in coverage.
Getting good comprehensive
travel insurance is possibly
the most important part of
packing for a holiday. Knowing
you’re ‘covered’ for flight
alterations, ‘deductibles’ for
accidentally driving the hire
car into the ‘drink,’ missing
luggage, theft, and (on
occasion) dropping that new
camera into the Grand Canyon.
An example? I chipped a tooth
consuming a bowl of Bubba
Gump Shrimp’s clam chowder.
Ouch! If you do need to use
any policy cover while away,
call the provider first-up, and
open a claim. While medical
attention in the USA is arguably
the best in the world the
first question any practitioner
is going to ask is “what’s your
coverage, please?”
Do homework online – but
when it comes to making your
purchases, march into your
travel agent and take a seat.
If you do need help later, your
travel professional can assist.
The best way to save money
is to shop before you put the
key card in the hotel door.
Plan to shop around while
still at home; short-list the
‘must-do’ items on the holiday
agenda and capture significant
savings. When you’re ready,
Did You Know!?
Australians are among the most
prolific and pleasantly resilient
travellers in the world. No matter
who is running the political
show, or the ebb and flow of
exchange rates, Australia continues its love affair
with America, breaking all records for ‘vacation’ invasions.
Over 1.4 million Australians lingered longer than any other
long-haul visitors in the world last year. And visitors to the
USA from ‘the lucky country’ return to the USA with incredible
loyalty. About three trips on average in a lifetime. Remarkable.
The traditional Australian’s trip to the US is, according to
statistics, 22.9 days in duration and highlighted by access to
incredible shopping opportunities. Shopping still puts Australians
at the top of the class for purchases. Australians continue
to rank shopping as the No.1 activity – 91% by last survey – and
nowadays not just running shoes, linens, and blue jeans are going
into the shopping trolley/cart. Australians are toting home
lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, new luggage, golf
clubs and vintage motorcycles and cars, to mention only a few.
highlights in hand, head for a
local travel guru and… ‘book
’em, Danno!’.
Pay the bulk of trip costs in
Australian dollars instead of
US Greenbacks when you ‘get
there’. Leaving hotel bookings
or car hire until the last minute
is no longer a reliable path
to savings. Planning can be
almost as much fun as going
along – enjoy the journey.
Use your own funds in the
USA with access to ATMs. Load
your ATM account before you
go, clear your credit cards.
Don’t tote along any Aussie
currency – unless you’re keen
to show the locals how bills are
a different size and colour.
Some nuggets of gold:
n Study pass options available
before leaving. When you buy
multi-attraction passes you’ll
save both money and, tons of
time!
n In major cities, nail down a
CityPass, which will include entries
and admissions to all the
key regional attractions. These
fabulous passes also save
huge chunks of time waiting
in lines. Go right to the front
and wave your VIP pass and
you’re in! These pre-purchased
passes will wind up saving the
clever traveller at least 50% of
the box office tariff. And you’ll
spend more time in attractions,
rather than waiting in
queues.
n Upgrade your current phone
for ‘roaming’ or consider buying
a new toss-away phone
with Mark Sheehan
while in the USA. Phone service
providers in Australia will
charge an international ‘roaming
fee’ for overseas use of
your own equipment. Ask your
provider for their best shot at
providing coverage. Crucially,
confirm you’ve got a good bit
of data to download so you
can use the GPS and maps now
available everywhere.
n Contact your bank and let
them know it’s you, using your
credit cards overseas. It’s a
sign of the times: your first
credit card purchase in the USA
goes as smooth as a baby’s
posterior, only to be abruptly
‘declined’ the next time you
buy a second round at the
bar. The message ‘contact
your bank’ is almost always,
guaranteed. Plan ahead – make
a pre-departure call into your
bank, or call the credit card
company to alert them of your
travel plans, and it should be
smooth sailing when flashing
the plastic. Without fear of
rejection.
n The Japanese business community
has a saying, based
on the iconic Samurai Battle
Creed, called the ‘Five Ps’:
Proper Planning Prevents Poor
Performance! Start planning
early, and you’ll be pleasantly
pleased with the results when
you finally do take off. Remember
to drop us a postcard!
Mark Sheehan is an
entrepreneur and travel
specialist who has helped
build iconic brands such
as TrekAmerica, Insight,
Elite, F2T, Scenic, Trafalgar,
and AmeriCan Adventures.
Mark helped Sir Richard
Branson launch V Australia
(now Virgin Australia), while
penning over 200 travel
guides for onboard Tour
Directors. His best-selling
Know BEFORE You GO Guide
– America Over Easy! Is in
its fifth reprint.
74 JULY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991
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The Local Voice Since 1991
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