Pittwater Life October 2018 Issue

of our community – so it’s
fantastic they’ll have a new
kiosk as part of the upcoming
infrastructure works.”
Learn to play bridge
Want to boost your brain
power? Then consider learning
to play the game of
bridge. Peninsula Bridge Club
is holding a Beginner’s Course
that runs for six sessions from
Monday October 8 at Nelson
Heather Community Centre,
Jackson Road, Warriewood.
The sessions run from 7-9pm
every Monday; come on your
own or get a friend or partner
involved as well. Players of all
ages are welcome. Course costs
$100; more info phone Susan
Jensen on 0405 061 252 or
email soxfeldt1@gmail.com
Help capture
Our Stories
Northern Beaches Council is
inviting locals to share their
stories and experiences about
heritage locations in the
region. Mayor Michael Regan
said it was important to take
time to appreciate what the
region has beyond stunning
geography and climate. “The
Northern Beaches is renowned
for its beautiful coastline and
diverse landscape, but how
much do we really know about
the heritage that lies on our
doorstep? I’m sure there are
many untold stories that we
want to capture about locations,
and to keep them as
Lifesavers
on alert as
drownings
on rise
With the flags
set to return to
Pittwater’s beaches
on the October long
weekend, beachgoers
are again being urged to take water safety seriously. The
warning follows the release of the National Coastal Safety
Report which highlighted NSW-specific trends including 39
coastal drownings during 2017/18. The most at-risk groups
were men (89% of total drownings) and swimmers aged
20-29. While fatalities were overwhelmingly male, there
was a spike in the number of women who drowned last
season, with seven deaths recorded. A continuing concern
for surf lifesavers is that almost two thirds of fatal incidents
occurred less than 1km from a lifesaving service – but
outside the patrolled area. For information about patrol
times, weather and beach locations visit the Beachsafe
Website or Download the App.
* Back to the Beach – see page 32.
a permanent record so that
they can be shared with generations
to come.” Two ‘Our
Stories’ events will be held at
Irrawong Reserve on Sunday
28 October from 11am to 2
pm and at Fisherman’s Beach
on Saturday 24 November
from 12pm to 4 pm. More info
Council website.
Taking care
of business
October is NSW Small Business
Month and NB Council is
doing its bit with a series of
free events to get you inspired
to start your own business,
promote your existing one
or help you do business with
Council. Sessions will be
held at Newport Community
Centre on Monday 8 October
from 6-7.30pm and Glen Street
Theatre, Monday 15 October
from 6-7.30pm. Mayor Michael
Regan said: “As Council continues
to invest in our community,
we need a range of
services including trades (electricians,
builders), landscaping,
catering and specialist
consultants.” Attendees will be
given top tips for responding
to Council’s Request for Tenders
and Quotations, and how
to navigate local government
procurement requirements.
* Why you should join your
local Chamber of Commerce –
see page 61.
Vet
on
call
with
Dr Ben Brown
What better way to enjoy
the sunshine than to get
out and about in our local
parks and beaches? Our pets
love the outdoors just as much
as we do; however there are
some things we need to keep
in mind to ensure the comfort
and safety of our pets.
Certain breeds of dogs and
cats can be more affected by
the heat, particularly those
with shortened noses, and
narrow airways such as Pugs
and French Bulldogs, and also
those with a heavy coat such
as Huskies and Pomeranian
breeds. It may be of benefit
to consider having any longhaired
dogs or cats clipped by
a groomer over summer as a
preventative measure (this also
makes tick searching easier).
In hot weather try walking
your pets on grass rather than
concrete or hot sand, and
make sure at home there are
areas of shade or shelter where
they can rest and walk about.
You may also wish to put ice
cubes in their water bowl, or
freeze some of their food to
help keep them extra cool.
We always reiterate the
importance of never leaving
pets in the car in hot weather
as well, as pets can overheat
in a matter of minutes; this
has sadly led to the deaths of
otherwise healthy animals.
If there are any signs of
distress such as panting
excessively, breathing quickly,
or unexpected lethargy please
seek veterinary advice as
soon as possible. Heat stress
can unfortunately be fatal if
treatment of the condition is
not sought promptly. Try taking
your dog to the park or on their
walks during the cooler times
of day (early morning or early
evening), and always ensure
there will be access to water
along the way or bring a bottle
with you just in case.
Want tips on how to prepare
for the summer? Feel free to
call our helpful staff anytime.
* Dr Ben Brown, Sydney
Animal Hospitals.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
OCTOBER 2018 29