Pittwater Life November 2022 Issue

The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022
FREE
pittwaterlife
AVALON IN ROADS UPHEAVAL
COUNCIL MOVES TO CALM COMMUNITY OVER REZONING FEARS
WAL WILLIAMS’ MONA VALE WAR MEMORIAL / THE WHITLAMS
HOT PROPERTY / ROB STOKES RETIRES / SEEN... HEARD... ABSURD...

Editorial
Council’s prestigious award
Congratulations to
Northern Beaches Council
for winning the AR Bluett
Memorial Award, described
as “the pinnacle of local
government achievement”.
The Award, handed out by
Local Government NSW, has
been running since 1945. It is
hotly contested and recognises
the most progressive
metropolitan and rural council
out of 128 across NSW.
Mayor Michael Regan
welcomed the accolade and
praised all involved at Council.
“Winning is an incredible
honour,” he told us. “Since
amalgamation we have had a
huge focus on repairing and
renewing ailing infrastructure,
delivering long-term financial
stability and putting the
community at the centre of
everything we do.”
Cr Regan said 2021/22 was
a challenging year with the
pandemic continuing to take
its toll as well as devastating
rainstorms which led to the
Northern Beaches twice being
declared a natural disaster
zone.
“We worked with our
community to get through the
worst of it, conducting door-todoor
welfare checks, facilitating
hundreds of additional waste
collections and supporting our
local businesses in recovery,”
he said.
Council’s focus on resilience
and sustainability has led to
the rehabilitation of Careel
Creek, the installation of
over 2000sqm of sustainable
concrete, support for solar on
schools and a diversion of more
waste from landfill – up from
49 per cent of domestic waste
in 2018/19 to 66% in 2021/22.
It’s a real boost for Council,
coming at a time when a
section of the Pittwater
community are ramping
up efforts to see the former
Pittwater Council restored.
– Nigel Wall
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 3

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Publisher: Nigel Wall
Managing Editor: Lisa Offord
Graphic Design:
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Photography: Adobe / Staff
Contributors: Rob Pegley,
Steve Meacham, Rosamund
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Vol 32 No 4
Celebrating 32 years
36
76
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022
FREE
pittwaterlife
AVALON IN ROADS UPHEAVAL
COUNCIL MOVES TO CALM COMMUNITY OVER REZONING FEARS
WAL WILLIAMS’ MONA VALE WAR MEMORIAL / THE WHITLAMS
HOT PROPERTY / ROB STOKES RETIRES / SEEN... HEARD... ABSURD...
PWL_NOV22_p001.indd 1 26/10/2022 2:46 pm
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thislife
INSIDE: Who will run for the Liberals at the NSW Election
now incumbent MP Rob Stokes has withdrawn from politics
(p9)?; it’s hoped last-ditch efforts will stop Darko Desic from
being deported after his release from jail (p10); Council
says the Avalon Beach roads and footpaths transformation
will be finished by December (p14); a new war memorial
has been unveiled at Mona Vale (p20); and Council
says fears its new rezoning will lead to inappropriate
development are “incorrect and misleading” (p24).
COVER: Simple Things / Sharon Green
XXXXX 2022
also this month
Editorial 3
Pittwater Local News & Features 8-35
The Way We Were 26
Seen... Heard... Absurd... 28
Briefs & Community News 30-35
Art 36-37
Life Story 38-40
Hot Property 42-51
Surfing 52-53
Health & Wellbeing; Hair & Beauty 54-63
Money; Law 64-67
Crossword 72
Food & Tasty Morsels 74-76
Gardening 78-80
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NOVEMBER 2022 The Local Voice Since 1991

News
‘BLACK STUMP’ LINE-UP: Tim Freedman, Matt Fell, Ollie Thorpe, Terepai Richmond and Rod McCormack.
Show up at the pokies!
The Whitlams are returning to the Northern
Beaches for the first time in two
decades – albeit in a country and (inner)
western format.
The local connection is strong though. The
band’s frontman Tim Freedman is off to do
some laps of Collaroy Ocean Pool after he’s
talked to Pittwater Life – it’s where he learnt
to swim as a kid. He’s a regular at his mum’s
house on the Beaches and makes sure he still
gets to at least one Sea Eagles game every year.
“My dad used to take me when I was six years
old, when [Bob] Fulton and [Graham] Eadie
we’re playing,” he shares, “I’m a bit of a Des
Hasler fan, so feeling sad about him going.”
Frequent trips over the Spit Bridge as a son
haven’t been matched by regular performances
as lead singer of The Whitlams though.
“It’s almost 20 years since we played the
Beaches,” says Tim, “We played a show with
Mental as Anything back in 2003, and that
was the last gig. I used to play to full houses at
Lizotte’s in Dee Why, so it’ll be good to come
back.”
The Whitlams Black Stump Band arrives back
in Pittwater as Tim’s latest experiment, playing
Avalon Beach RSL on Friday 25 November. Black
Stump have embraced country music in what
feels like a natural extension for the band.
“We’re more country and inner western,”
jokes Tim, “I’ve always written songs based
on narratives, and I like the flavour of country
instruments and roots music. I’ve always liked
performers like Steve Earle.
“It largely came about when I was doing solo
gigs in places like Mudgee after lockdown, and
listening to a lot of country music on the car
stereo – I heard The Whitlams on the country
stations as well.
“It’s not too much of a departure for us, we
used to play beer gardens up and down the East
Coast as a three-piece, and we did some skiffle,
some Hank Williams and Patsy Clyne-type stuff
– Jonathon Richmond and Bob Dylan, with me
doing Tom Waites’ style vocals.”
Other influences that come up include English
acts with literate sensibilities and a quirky
sense of humour, such as Bowie, The Divine
Comedy and The Kinks. As well as Bobby Gentry
and Elvis.
“A lot of country songs are very focused on
the lyrics – of place and time and narrative –
so it’s not a great leap for us. But we’re more
country rock and country soul… we’re not Slim
Dusty!”
Tim is enthusiastic about getting back into
creating music in a big way after something of
a hiatus.
“I had a quiet decade raising my daughter,
and then just before COVID I’d decided to go for
it again. To pull my finger out and start writing
and touring again. I feel lucky that I have a
vocation for this and I got my work ethic back
when I was driving around going solo.
“We’ve recorded ‘Sancho’ as The Whitlams,
we’ve sold out The Enmore three times this
year, and the 2000-seater Forum in Melbourne.
“Essentially we’ve doubled our business
because I’m paying attention again!”
It might be an obvious question, but it occurs
they might be playing ‘Blow Up The Pokies’ at
their RSL gig?
“It’s funny,” says Tim, “Blow Up The Pokies
came out in 1999 and we were then voted Club
Act of The Year, so either the voting panel
wasn’t listening or we all had a polite understanding.
And seriously, the clubs don’t like
problem gamblers either.
“We’ve got a country version of the song coming
out and we’ll be playing that, but Avalon
RSL is the only club on the 16-date tour. I’m
sure they’ll let us play it in the name of pluralism
and being broad-minded.
“I can’t wait to play though – I’m vibed!”
– Rob Pegley
*The gig (with Perry Keyes) is at Avalon Beach
RSL on Friday November 25; tickets thewhitlams.com.au
8 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991
PHOTO: Nick Brightman

Who will run for Libs post-Stokes?
The contest is on to select
the next Liberal Party
candidate to run for the
seat of Pittwater at the NSW
Election in March following Rob
Stokes’ decision to step down
after 15 years as local MP.
Mr Stokes, who has held
senior government portfolios
and ministries including Planning,
Environment, Transport,
Education, Health, Cities, Infrastructure
and Active Transport,
made his announcement
to withdraw from politics in
late September.
Natasha Maclaren-Jones – a
Member of the NSW Legislative
Council, the NSW Minister for
Families and Communities and
Minister for Disability Services
– immediately announced
her intention to nominate for
Liberal Party Pre-selection.
She was joined by Northern
Beaches Pittwater Ward Liberal
Councillor Rory Amon.
Others reportedly interested
included lawyer Claire Longley,
the daughter of former Pittwater
MP Jim Longley who held
the seat from 1986 to 1996.
It’s expected the preselection
battle will be determined
before December.
Mr Stokes said it was time
to make room for a different
perspective and a new voice for
Pittwater. “I’m now excited to
support someone else to have
that chance,” he said.
“I’ve had a great go, and now
is the time to give others the
opportunity to stand as Liberal
candidate for Pittwater at the
election next year.
“I am immensely grateful to
the people of Pittwater and the
Liberal Party for the amazing
privilege I have had to serve
our community as an elected
representative for more than
15 years.”
He added that in the meantime,
he would use all his
energy, experience and enthusiasm
to support the Liberals
and Nationals team as it fought
to return the Perrottet-Toole
Government in 2023.
“What an honour it has been
to serve as part of a government
that has fought to transform
New South Wales into a
Local ‘Teal’ search progressing
‘GREAT GO’: Mr Stokes.
freer, fairer and more prosperous
society,” Mr Stokes said.
“Public service is a team
effort. I am thankful to my
family, friends and everyone
I’ve worked with for their support
on an amazing journey
representing Pittwater in
Parliament.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet
said Mr Stokes had been a fearless
advocate for his community
and for the people of NSW.
“Rob has been a champion of
reform, spearheading significant
changes during his time
The Independent Pittwater group says
the search for a teal candidate to stand
in the NSW election next March is making
progress, with several names being
considered.
The Group says it’s not too late to
come forward and last-minute applications
will be considered.
“We’re happy to talk to anyone local
who could champion the interests of
our unique community,” said spokesperson
Rebecca Clarke.
“Political experience is not required.
We’re looking for a different kind of candidate,
someone who values integrity,
the environment and respect for all.
“Someone who is committed to listening
to people’s concerns and could be a
strong independent community voice in
the NSW parliament.”
She said Independent Pittwater was a
group of local volunteers who would be
out and about talking to the community
in coming weeks.
For more info on becoming a
candidate or getting involved visit
independentpittwater.com.au or email
info@independentpittwater.com.au
as Minister for Environment,
Minister for Planning and
Minister for Education among
others, that will have a lasting
and beneficial impact on the
people of NSW, including embarking
on the State’s largest
ever school building program,”
the Premier said.
Heading the list of Mr
Stokes’ achievments is the
$600 million upgrade of Mona
Vale Road.
Also, Mr Stokes oversaw the
retention of the entire Mona
Vale Hospital campus in public
ownership and more than $90
million invested in new hospital
buildings, medical services
and technology enhancements.
The introduction of Keoride
on-demand public transport,
the B-Line buses and the declaration
of Currawong Beach
State Park and Narrabeen
Lagoon State Park are other
legacies.
Other incumbent local Liberal
MPS Brad Hazzard (Wakehurst)
and Jonathan O’Dea (Davidson)
also announced their
retirements. – Nigel Wall
OUT AND ABOUT: Independent Pittwater team members
Emma Tonkin, Murray MacDonald and Charlie
Kent at the recent Newport Spring celebration.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 9

News
Final ‘Dougie’ freedom bid
It’s now over a year since the fugitive
known as Darko Desic – ‘Dougie’ to his
friends and co-workers in Pittwater
– handed himself in at Dee Why police
station.
It was a Sunday in September 2021
when the stone mason, shirt freshly
ironed and work boots polished, surrendered
after almost 30 years on the run,
hiding in plain site as a hard-working
craftsman and labourer in Avalon.
Police were astounded when Desic
confessed he’d used a hacksaw and bolt
cutter to break out of the notorious high
security Grafton prison in 1992.
Half of his sentence for growing
cannabis had been served, so it wasn’t
prison he feared – but being deported
back to Yugoslavia which was then in the
midst of the bloody Balkans war.
He now faces the same fortune –
although his homeland is now peaceful
Croatia.
Originally imprisoned at the Clarence
Correction Centre (near Grafton), he’s
since been transferred to the John Morony
Correctional Complex in Windsor –
a minimum security prison closer to the
place he calls home: Avalon.
He will complete his sentence on December
29.
But almost certainly he won’t be
released to enjoy life in Pittwater – even
though he has a specially prepared home
and a job waiting for him.
His fate now depends on whatever
Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps and Desic’s
pro bono legal team, led by former
police prosecutor-turned-defence-lawyer
Paul McGirr, can do to tip the scales of
justice in his favour.
Ever since Desic handed himself in,
and Pittwater and the wider Australian
community contributed more than
$30,000 to a Go Fund Me site for his
rehabilitation to Avalon, McGirr has been
pursuing legal channels arguing his is
a special case. That Australia is worth
more than a cast iron rule of law.
“We sought clemency for Darko
through the NSW Government,” McGirr
explains. “We kept hounding.”
Finally on Friday the Thirteenth (of
course!) of October, McGirr received the
reply neither he, nor any of the 10,000
plus citizens who signed a ‘Free Dougie’
petition, wanted.
“The letter said they (on advice from
the state executive) won’t be exercising
clemency,” McGirr explains. “They didn’t
find his circumstances exceptional
enough.
“As the law stands, having served two
years of a custodial sentence, he’ll be
moved to Villawood detention centre
when his sentence is complete, and
deported.”
So that’s it then?
“No way have we given up!” McGirr insists.
“It’s just another round in the fight.
“We’ll need help from the local Federal
member – and I will need assistance from
lawyers who specialise in immigration.”
His plan is to have a credible legal case
“in the pipeline” before Dec 29, which
will ensure Desic can’t be deported without
further legal examination.
Mackellar MP Dr Scamps told Pittwater
Life: “I am aware of Mr Desic’s case.
My team and I have been proactively
investigating how and if we may be able
to assist.
LOCAL SUPPORT:
10,000 people have
signed a petition to
prevent Darko
Desic’s deportation.
“We have requested a briefing from
Mr Desic’s legal team, and we have also
raised this case with the office of the
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship
and Multicultural Affairs.”
Based on his actions while “on the
run”, everyone including the police are
of the opinion he poses no threat to the
community.
At 65, he has spent almost as much
of his adult life in Australia as he did in
Croatia, and certainly has more friends
here. Though Desic has a few relatives
back in Croatia he hasn’t seen them for
more than 30 years.
Given his expected deportation, surely
he must regret handing himself in last
year?
Not according to friends who he
phones from prison every couple of
weeks when he has something to report.
For a convict, he seems remarkably
philosophical. His attitude seems to be
that on December 29 he’ll have paid his
dues to Australian society.
Whatever happens after that he’ll be a
free man, either in Croatia or Australia.
He’ll be able to live under his own name,
without having to look constantly over
his shoulder.
But Many in Pittwater are working to
ensure he is entitled to remain in Australia.
– Steve Meacham
10 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
STRATEGY: Council will focus on more-frequent but smaller sand clearance
operations at the mouth of Narrabeen Lagoon, like this one in March 2018.
Protecting and
managing our open
coast and lagoons
Northern Beaches Council
will develop a Coastal
Management Program to better
understand our open coast and
lagoons, thanks to technical
support and almost $90,000 in
funding provided by the NSW
Government.
The Government is establishing
CMPs across NSW, seeing
them vital to securing the
future of the state’s coastal and
estuarine environment.
NSW Local Government Minister
Wenday Tuckerman noted
the northern beaches open
coast, stretching from Palm
Beach to Manly, featured four
lagoons, along with significant
recreational and ecological
values to protect.
Northern Beaches Mayor
Michael Regan said the funding
was recognition of the role of
local and state governments
in responding to changing
climate and environment.
“We have already completed
a significant body of work to
assist us in managing all of our
beaches,” Cr Regan said.
“Preparation of a CMP for
hotspot locations of Collaroy-
Narrabeen, Fishermans Beach,
Bilgola and Mona Vale Basin is
well under way.
“This funding will help
us build upon that work and
ensure all other beaches in our
local government area have a
CMP in place.”
Also, Council last month announced
its endorsement of a
comprehensive strategy which
looks at short-, medium- and
long-term solutions to manage
sand build-up at the Narrabeen
Lagoon entrance and reduce
the risk of flooding in the
catchment
The management strategy
follows analysis and review
of options by coastal experts
and included several phases of
community consultation.
Cr Regan said Council will
now begin to implement the
prioritised actions outlined in
the Strategy, including trialling
more-frequent but smaller
sand clearance operations
(every two to three years rather
than four to five years); developing
a more flexible set of the
conditions which trigger Council
intervention to open the lagoon
if required; adjusting the
alignment for the pilot channel;
reshaping and revegetating
the denuded part of Birdwood
Park dune to assist with sand
stabilisation; and investigating
the financial viability of mobile
sand pumping as a longer-term
alternative to trucking.
Cr Regan said managing the
lagoon entrance was complex.
“Unfortunately, there is no
one quick fix which will stop
the flood risk on the Narrabeen
floodplain,” he said.
“Locals will know that in
recent times, large seas and
heavy rainfall have caused
some flood damage, despite the
lagoon entrance being open to
the ocean.
“This strategy is about ensuring
we have canvassed numerous
appropriate options using
the best available science, and
has identified and prioritised
actions we can put in place to
reduce the risk as much as we
can.
“While we never stopped
managing the entrance during
development of the Strategy, it’s
important to now have a formal
strategy in place to guide our
activities and have a forward
plan for the more significant
medium- to longer-term actions.”
– Nigel Wall
12 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Streets of Avalon endure
Business owners, residents and
shoppers north of the Bilgola Bends
are braced for ongoing mayhem in
Avalon in the lead-up to Christmas following
the commencement of Council’s
schedule of major construction work that
will transform the centre of the village.
Major road closures and diversions for
both traffic and pedestrians will occur
until at least early December as Council
implements its Shared Space Plan trial.
Council says the plan, which includes
a one-way shared zone on Old Barrenjoey
Road, will make it safer and easier for
pedestrians to move through the village.
Nine car parking spots in the village
centre will be lost.
The trial will last six months.
Pittwater Life approached Council to
obtain full detail of the works, which we
reported last month.
In its response, Council confirmed full
mobilisation to site would commence in
late October (weather permitting), with
the majority of its work completed by
early December.
Heavy machinery work on the kerbs
and gutters around the intersection of
Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade
will need to be undertaken between
10am and 3pm – due to expected noise
impacts and safety issues.
There will be several full closures in
the program, with specifics communicated
via Council’s project page and
electronic site signage.
Council said other works would take
place at night between 8pm and 5am.
Council CEO Ray Brownlee said the
main changes included a 10km/h Shared
Zone at Old Barrenjoey Road (north);
introducing a one-way traffic flow in a
section of Old Barrenjoey Road (south
bound from Woolworths car park entry);
removing nine on-street parking spaces
to provide safer pedestrian access;
improving pedestrian crossings at the
intersection of Old Barrenjoey Road and
Avalon Parade; widening footpaths to create
more space for pedestrians; additional
seating and plants; adjusting bus and taxi
services; and relocating loading zones.
A Council spokesperson said the
restriction on motorists turning right
into Old Barrenjoey Road from Barrenjoey
Road between 7am and 9pm would
News
Review showed pedestrian crossings were ‘unsafe’: Council
Northern Beaches Council
has admitted that the
four pedestrian crossings
that served the intersection
of Old Barrenjoey Road and
Avalon Parade for decades
were unsafe prior to their
imminent upgrades.
Council’s revelation follows
enquiries about narrowing
the roads to allow more space
for pedestrians.
Readers contacted Pittwater
Life with concerns the
narrowing will lead to traffic
bottlenecks in the approaches
to the new crossings.
Formerly, the roads were
wide enough to permit cars
to approach the intersection
abreast, as a type of undesignated
lane.
A Council spokesperson
said: “Traffic modelling was
undertaken using both peak
summer traffic volumes and
the reduced lane capacity in
the design plans.
“The traffic modelling
also used pre-COVID trip
numbers to ensure that the
modelling used valid data.
“The existing pedestrian
crossings were reviewed and
do not meet the standard for
a pedestrian crossing in NSW
(and are unsafe).
“The Traffic Committee
has assessed the design and
approved the trial.
“The design has been extensively
workshopped with
the local residents associations,
who have had input
into the design development,
as has the Avalon Place Plan
working group.”
When the former crossings
were built they met the
NSW standard; Council did
not reveal when the standard
changed.
– NW
14 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

construction mayhem
SIX-MONTH TRIAL: Artist’s impression of the 10km/h Shared Zone with one-way traffic flow down
Old Barrenjoey Road. There is concern about a lack of parking for residents and delivery trucks.
be removed, enabling 24/7 access to the
Woolworths car park for those wishing
to shop before work.
The loading zone opposite Chill Bar is
being relocated to the north and Council
says two 10-minute parking spaces will
be designated in the area “to facilitate
pick-up and drop-off”.
The bus stop on Old Barrenjoey Rd
will be removed to make way for the new
shared zone; a new bus stop is under
construction on Barrenjoey Road, north
of the Shell Service Station.
Commuters from Clareville and Avalon
who wish to travel south will need to
alight at the new bus stop and cross the
road at the traffic lights to board buses
from the bus stop on the eastern side of
Barrenjoey Road.
Council said: “Buses will continue to
use the Avalon Parade bus stop and the
191 and 192 services will operate as a
figure 8.”
Council added it would work closely
with local resident associations and
the wider community to seek ongoing
feedback throughout the six-month trial.
Traffic counts and pedestrian observation
studies will also be carried out to
evaluate the project.
Pittwater Life reached out to the Palm
Beach & Whale Beach Association and
Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents
Association (CABPRA) for comment but
no response was received. – Nigel Wall
*What do you think? Tell us at readers@
pittwaterlife.com.au
‘Visitors will laugh’
Avalon cafe owner Luke Femia
disputes Council’s claim of
extensive consultation with local
businesses.
Luke, who owns Chill Bar, adjacent
to the new shared zone on Old
Barrenjoey Road, told Pittwater Life:
“The first time I was consulted was
last week (mid-October) when two
Council people came into the shop.
“Now they’re going to stop this road
and put on the construction in our
busiest time of the year? It’s going
to really affect all the close local
businesses.
“They think they’ll get it completed
in under two months? No way! And
we’re coming into our peak period.
“Visitors are going to laugh when
they see what’s happening.”
Luke said the trial should have been
scheduled for a quieter time.
“They could have done it in March,
or winter. Not now!”
Provision for loading zones for his
suppliers remains a sticking point.
“As we speak there are trucks
parked in the bus stop because
they can’t find anywhere… there
are residents sedans stopped in the
loading zone. Two new drop-off zones
won’t cut it.
“There’s going to be gridlock here
and it will be terrible for passing trade.
As a shop owner you look for passing
trade.
“It’s like Council want to stop people
from coming into Avalon. It’s stupid.
“I hope they take a good look at what
happens during the trial period.” – NW
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 15

Art pivot feels good to Jess
News
Jessica Reader is one of the
lucky people who found
an upside to the almost
two years of COVID disruption
and lockdown – it enabled her
to pivot her working life and
concentrate on what she has a
passion for: textured art.
With a love for neutral
colours and minimalistic
interior design, Jessica
began creating her textured
art in September 2021.
Describing herself as a
“texture addict”, her passion
means each piece is handmade
using a unique blend of
materials from both the construction
and art industry to
create highly textural pieces.
Now she’s heading to hybrid
art space The Studio at Careel
In their upcoming exhibition ‘Between the
Coast and the Bay’ at Art Gallery on Palm
Beach, northern beaches artists Karen Hick
and Ingrid Kwong explore the coastal views of
Palm Beach and the tranquil bays of Pittwater,
each from a different perspective but both
with a shared love for their life by the sea.
The natural beauty of the peninsula, its
peaceful bays on one side and the wild ocean
on the other, brings constant inspiration to
both artists and informs their art practice.
They both love to capture the ever-changing
light and movement in land, sea and sky
and share their interpretations and experience.
Karen’s inspiration to draw and paint
comes from observing the beaches and
Pittwater at different times of the day. The
Bay in November to exhibit
her pieces, with a percentage
of sales from the Textures
by Jess collection donated to
local charity OneEighty.
Retracing her new career
path, Jessica said that once
COVID restrictions eased, she
returned to her marketing
position and started selling
art through Facebook Marketplace
and her Instagram page,
Textures by Jess, which has
grown rapidly to over 129,000
followers.
Due to the popularity of
her work, Jessica has now
switched her corporate career
to pursue her passion for
textured art.
Inspired by nature, her
upcoming exhibition will
showcase various pieces
created to add extra textural
dimension to interior spaces,
in tones and patterns which
add a sense of relaxation
and tranquillity to people’s
homes.
Laing+Simmons Young
Coast and bay perspectives on show
tones, shapes and colour are reflected in her
artworks on canvas, creating an ethereal
peaceful composition. “I feel living by the sea
is a privilege,” she said.
Ingrid said: “I enjoy painting my little
scapes on salvaged wood that I find on my
coastal walks or along the beach.”
Spending time at her Mackerel Beach shack
and in the surrounding bays of Pittwater and
the national park, she creates small works of
coastal views, treelined headlands and characteristic
boatsheds. She adds her work is a
true reflection of her environment and her
passion to protect it.
– NW
*Exhibition runs 10-16 November at Art
Gallery on Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Rd (open
10am-3pm). Opening night Thursday 10 November
(6-8pm); more info 0488 400 053.
Property won the John Greig
OAM Community Service
Award at the 2022 REINSW
Awards for Excellence for
The Studio, through which
Amy and Matthew Young support
local artists and important
causes with art exhibitions
each month.
Amy (pictured with Matthew
and Jessica) said they
were humbled by the way the
community had embraced the
initiative.
“It’s a privilege to play a
meaningful role in connecting
local artists, local causes and
local people.”
*Textures by Jess opens on
3 November (8.30am-5pm
Mon – Sat); more info call
Amy 0422 225 227.
CALM COASTAL: Ingrid and Karen are
exhibiting at Palm Beach in November.
More Art Shows – See Page 36
16 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
Scamps on Stage 3 tax cuts
Mackellar Independent MP Dr Sophie
Scamps agrees with the Albanese Labor
Government’s decision to delay any change to
the former coalition government’s proposed
Stage 3 tax cuts.
“It is clear the economic outlook
has changed drastically since the Stage 3 tax
cuts were legislated by the former government.
However, as they are not due to be
implemented until July 2024, I believe it would
be sensible for the government to assess the
economic situation closer to that time before
making a decision,” Dr Scamps said.
“Given the changing economic circumstances,
I also believe it is important I seek the views
of the people of Mackellar as well as listen to
economic experts before forming a definite
position.”
She added economic responsibility needed
to be weighed up with reforming the tax system
so Australians could “keep more of their
hard-earned pay”.
“In the meantime I look forward to the introduction
of the government’s proposed multinational
tax reforms as we need to ensure
multinationals pay their fair share of tax.”
On NSW premier Dominic Perrottet’s accusation
that Federal Labor had “dudded” NSW in
its federal budget infrastructure allocations to
the states, Dr Scamps said: “It’s hugely important
that critical infrastructure projects both
here in Mackellar and throughout NSW receive
adequate federal funding.
“I have made representations on behalf of
Mackellar to ensure the upcoming budget allocates
funds to help improve our roads, including
ensuring funds allocated for improvements
to the Wakehurst Parkway are guaranteed
– despite the NSW Government postponing the
Northern Beaches Tunnel project.”
Meanwhile, Dr Scamps said recommendations
made by 84 Australian health experts in
the Food Policy Index report further supported
her push to regulate junk food advertising in
Australia.
“The report recommends the federal government
legislate nationally consistent junk food
marketing standards to protect children from
overexposure to the marketing of unhealthy
food and beverages,” she said.
“The Private Members Bill I am currently
developing and hope to introduce next year
will aim to do just that by regulating junk
food advertising.
“Approximately 40 countries around the
world already have or are planning to regulate
junk food advertising.
“Just last year, a Boris Johnson-led government
in the UK introduced legislation which
will see junk food advertising banned on TV,
on social media and online by 2024.
“This is a model I will be exploring as I continue
to consult with stakeholders.”
– Nigel Wall
7THINGS
THIS MONTH
NB Music Festival. Fifty live
music acts on five stages over
two days lakeside at Narrabeen,
The Tramshed and Berry Reserve
From 11am Sat 5 - 9pm, Sun 6.
Author talk. Caroline Beecham
will discuss her recent novel
Esther’s Children – a WWII love
story inspired by the life of Esther
Simpson who helped rescue
thousands of academic refugees
from death and persecution – on
Wed 9 at Avalon Community
Library; from 6pm.
Growing small. Have you ever
wanted to grow your own food
but feel you don’t have the garden
space to do it? This practical
workshop at Kimbriki ECO House
& Garden Education Centre,
Ingleside, may be for you; Sat 12
from 10am-1pm; cost $30, book via
website or call 9486 3512.
FashionOPsta. Newport and
Avalon Red Cross Shops are
presenting the best of the best
in Op shop fashion. Enjoy a fun
evening of shopping new and
preloved summer ladies’ designer
and well-known brand clothing
plus a fashion parade at Newport
Bowling Club on Thurs 17 from
7pm. Tickets $20 via trybooking
and redeemable against any
purchase on the night.
Waste wise Xmas. Tune in to
this free webinar on Mon 21 from
6pm-7.30pm hosted by chef Sue
Lambert who will inspire you to
re-think your consumption over
the festive period and discover
creative alternatives and options
for more sustainable decorations,
gifts, gift wrap, Christmas trees,
meals, using leftovers and creating
memories that last. Book via NB
Council Website.
Discover Ability Day. A free
event showcasing local services,
groups and businesses and the
inclusive activities they offer to
encourage community connection
and an active and healthy lifestyle
to be held at PCYC Dee Why on
Sat 26 from 2pm-6pm. Details on
NB Council website.
Car Boot Sale. Pick up some
treasures at this always-popular
second-hand sale event in
Avalon’s Dunbar Park on Sun 27
from 8am-2pm.
18 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Wal’s final chapter
News
A
new memorial at Mona Vale headland
to commemorate 1800 men,
women and children who lost their
lives in the South-West Pacific during
World War II is the lasting legacy of Walter
‘Wal’ Williams OAM.
The memorial was unveiled at ceremony
last month attended by dignitaries including
Pittwater MP Rob Stokes, NSW Minister
for Veterans David Elliott and Northern
Beaches Mayor Michael Regan.
Wal’s life was marked and characterised
by the atrocities of the Japanese: after the
fall of Singapore as a prisoner of war (POW)
in Changi and on the infamous Thai Burma
railway and then as a ‘slave’
at the whim of his captors as
the Japanese advanced across
South East Asia and the western
Pacific region.
While Wal survived the
war, returning home to
Sydney on his 23rd birthday
on October 10, 1945, the war
never left him and he had
a lifelong association with
the RSL and with his fellow
diggers dispersed across
Australia.
In recent years, I was fortunate to have
spent hundreds of hours with Wal and his
story, piecing his experiences together in
his memoirs, ‘I Don’t Mind Telling You’.
Despite our age difference, we shared
numerous present-day connections – a love
for sport, fishing, a ‘punt’, and the raising
of teenage boys. Over time, it became apparent
we had several past connections,
too.
During one session, Wal talked of “this
memorial” he was trying to get off the
ground. “It’s been 20 years, would you
believe it? Just for a small memorial, you’d
think we were building the Taj Mahal!” he
said in frustration.
Wal had tried on many
occasions to garner support
for a memorial to overlook
the sea at Mona Vale headland
so that generations to
come could remember those
who’d sacrificed their lives
– service men and women,
medicos and civilians who
died at sea – while being
transported by the Japanese
as prisoners.
It finally came to fruition,
WAR BOND: Michelle Fraser (right) at the new
memorial; the late Wal Williams (left); Michelle’s
great uncle and victim-at-sea, Ronald Fraser.
thanks to funding from the NSW Government
and Northern Beaches Council.
It was a topic close to Wal’s heart. As a
POW, his life was always precarious. He
had a brush with death when the ship he
was on, the Rakuyo Maru, was torpedoed
by US submarines en route to Japan. Many
on board were killed in the blasts while
many others, including Wal, were left
floundering in the sea for days, bracing the
elements, surrounded by burning fuel, and
wary of a vengeful Japanese navy.
I came across Wal partly due to my
great uncle Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Angus Fraser.
20 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

written
Local veteran and POW
survivor Wal Williams
would be proud of his final
legacy, writes Michelle Fraser.
Raised on a property in Boggabri, NSW,
Ronnie enlisted on 1 March, 1941, as legend
goes, to escape a cruel father.
Ronnie was serving with the 2/22nd
battalion and part of the Lark Force in New
Guinea when he was taken prisoner after
the Japanese invasion in January 1942. Pte
Fraser was one of an estimated 845 POWs
and 209 civilians who left Rabaul aboard
the Japanese transport ship Montevideo
Maru, torpedoed by the USS Sturgeon, off
the coast of Luzon Island in the Philippines,
on July 1. Ronnie was a tower of a
man, just 24 years old. No-one survived.
Wal’s knowledge of WWII, particularly
as it related to the Japanese in South East
Asia and the Pacific was deep.
Those same Japanese forces who
fought in Rabaul, who’d kept my great
uncle captive, made their way to another
famous Australia battlefield at Milne Bay,
New Guinea. As fortune would have it, to
where another of my uncles, my mother’s
eldest brother, Pte Morrie Spence was
positioned.
Wal knew that battle well too. “Tell your
mother she should be very proud of her
brother. What the Aussies did there was
extraordinary, they stood up to the Japs,
showed them we could beat them.” And
we did, for the first time on land in that
conflict.
It was for soldiers like my great uncle
Ronnie, who didn’t make it home, and for
men like Morrie who did, but who died
young, at just 47, like many others, who
Wal rallied for.
Wal didn’t live to see his project come to
fruition, but before he died on June 4 this
year (aged 99), he knew it wasn’t far off.
His interest was such that in his remaining
days, he continued to provide input into
the plaque’s informative text.
While the facts of conflicts are well documented,
Wal’s wish was that the people
who fought, died, and even returned home
be remembered properly and perpetually.
In telling his stories, and recalling a lost
mate, Wal would give his battalion, tell a
short story about the person, then pause,
close his eyes, and say: “and his name is
spelled…” Such was his commitment to
getting details of every man spot-on right.
The north-facing sandstone plinth and
acknowledgement plaque, and a park
bench (Wal’s, although he was adamant it
was to not bare his name), is the last and
very fitting chapter in Wal Williams’ life.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 21

News
Overland Telegraph history traced
On the 150th Anniversary
of the First Global Instant
Communication for Australia,
Pittwater Life feature writer
Rosamund Burton has detailed
the background and research
for her compelling new book
– ‘Whispering Wire’ – on following
the Overland Telegraph
Line from Adelaide to Darwin.
Rosamund says the catalyst
for the tome was to gain an
understanding of Australia’s
history.
“I first learnt about the
Overland Telegraph Line
when my partner Steve and
I drove to Kati Thanda-Lake
Eyre in 2006. We stopped at
Curdimurka Siding along the
Oodnadatta Track, where we
saw not only the old Ghan rail
lines, but also an original section
of the Overland Telegraph
Line,” she said.
“I was intrigued by this
single strand of wire and
the 36,000 poles, which ran
through the vast desert interior
and flood-prone Top End,
and the telegraph repeater
stations dotted along it.
“I wanted to move slowly
across the country, which is
why I chose to cycle the first
800 kilometres of the journey
from Adelaide. My friend, Fleur
Dare, said she would join me
and we bicycled to the deserted
outback town of Farina. Then
Steve and I drove by 4WD along
off-road tracks to Alice Springs,
before I continued along the
Stuart Highway to Darwin.”
ON THE CASE:
Rosamund Burton
follows the ‘wire’.
Rosamund took a small tape
recorder with her, recorded
interviews, and every night
wrote in her journal.
“Then back at home I started
writing the book. I had read
about the history of the Overland
Telegraph Line before
tracing it, but now I had so
many questions, which led to
more reading and research.”
One day she received a call
from Fleur saying that she had
met Julian Todd, a direct descendant
of Sir Charles Todd,
who constructed the line in
the 1870s. When she spoke to
Julian he told her she should
visit his parents, who were in
their 80s, in Bowral.
“They regaled me with Todd
stories,” she said. “For them
the Overland Telegraph Line
is part of their family history,
but they wanted to know why I
was so interested in it.
“I was fascinated that the
line, built 150 years ago, was
the start of instant global
communication for Australia.
The first telegraph message
to be sent direct from London
reached Adelaide, on 22 October
1872, in seven hours. Prior
to this, mail from England
came by ship, which took
seven weeks or more.
“But following the line I also
heard stories about the telegraphists,
explorers, pastoralists
and from Aboriginal people
through whose country it ran,
and discovered many different
aspects of its impact.”
Rosamund added no publisher
had a greater understanding
of the significance of
the Overland Telegraph Line
than Adelaide-based Wakefield
Press, which has published
Whispering Wire to coincide
with the 150th anniversary.
“My greatest concern was
whether the book would
engage readers. A couple of
people had seen early drafts,
but only Steve had read the
final manuscript. So, I am
enormously grateful to Pittwater
local – the adventurer,
historian and author of over
30 books, Dr Jonathan King
OAM – for not only offering to
read it but declaring it a ‘page
turner’ and endorsing it.”
Rosamund’s first book,
‘Castles, Follies and Four-Leaf
Clovers’ published in 2011, is
about walking St Declan’s Way,
an ancient Irish pilgrim route
which runs through Lismore
in County Waterford, where
her family lived for 30 years.
“I battled through the
undergrowth, constantly getting
lost, during the wettest
summer in Ireland for 100
years. Writing that book gave
me a far greater understanding
of the history of that part
of Ireland.”
And piqued her interest in
pursuing the history of other
regions, too.
*‘Whispering Wire: Tracing
the Overland Telegraph
Line through the Heart of Australia’
is being launched on
the Northern Beaches by Dr
Jonathan King on 17 November
at 5.30pm at Berkelouw
Books, Stockland Balgowlah.
RSVP by Nov 14 to 9948 1133.
22 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Council moves to calm
News
VOCAL GROUP: The crowd voting for resolutions at the Mona Vale forum.
Northern Beaches Council
has moved to allay fears
within the Pittwater
community about its rezoning
process, labelling claims that
new rezoning will lead to a risk
of inappropriate development
as “incorrect and misleading”.
Council said residents
groups’ claims that rezoning
would see intrusion into
greenspace, as well as claims of
insufficient physical inspections
by technical specialists,
were unfounded.
And it remained adamant
that the rezoning would not
compromise green corridors.
Council’s response follows a
community forum at Mona Vale
on October 16, which posed the
question: “Is there is a strong
argument for an increase in
conservation zoned land and
to see all existing conservation
C4 lands retained along with
establishing a foreshore scenic
protection area from shoreline
of waterways to ridge?”
The forum was arranged
and authorised by Bayview
and Church Point Residents
Association, Canopy Keepers,
Church Point Friends, Clareville
and Bilgola Plateau Residents
Associations (CABPRA), Friends
Of Mona Vale, Mona Vale Residents
Association, Palm Beach
Protection Group, Pittwater
Environmental Heritage Group,
Pittwater Community Alliance,
Pittwater Natural Heritage
Association, West Pittwater
Community Association.
The forum determined a raft
of motions for Council, including
a request that the medium
environmental value criteria
that form the basis of the Conservation
Zones Review should
be changed so that biodiversity
corridors and urban tree canopies,
as well as ridgelines and
escarpments, be given a high
environmental value.
Other motions included
requesting that Council rule
out rezoning any C4 land to
residential; apply conservation
zonings to properties where
any significant environmental
values or hazards were present;
create ‘Scenic Foreshore Protection’
areas from shorelines
to ridge lines; and retain all
Heritage Conservation areas
while investigating those that
were proposed but not implemented
by the former Pittwater
Council.
MVRA member Marcia Rackham
told around 200 attendees
at Mona Vale Memorial Hall:
“Council is proposing to rezone
3613 properties from a C4
zoning into residential zoning,
and some properties will move
from an R zone into a C3 classification
where hazards have
been identified.
“This means that there are
an overall reduction of 2285
properties currently listed as
C4-zoned. This is a reduction
of conservation zoned lands in
Pittwater of 50 per-cent-plus;
7447 properties will have a C
classification and 9347 properties
will now be exposed to
regulations in a R zone.
“The suburb of Mona Vale
will see a reduction of approximately
75% of its lands formerly
classified as conservation 4
rezoned to residential.”
However, in a briefing note
given to Pittwater Life, Council
said it could not confirm the
figures or calculations provided
at the forum.
Council maintained there
would be an increase in C3-
zoned properties in the Pittwater
LEP 2014 area – from 723
to 3186 – which it said would
permit fewer land uses than C4
zones.
Further, it said C4-zoned
property numbers would decrease
from 9732 to 5289.
Together, the proposed C4-
and C3-zoned properties would
total 8,475 compared to 10,455
currently.
Council added it was important
to “look behind the numbers
and to consider Council’s
methodology for inclusion in C
zones”.
One of the concerns raised
at the forum was the perceived
inequity between proposed lot
rezonings in same streets, including
land above the Bilgola
Bends and along the Bilgola
Beachfront.
A Council spokesperson
said staff and consultants
had considered how various
environmental attributes and
hazards affected land and had
developed a methodology that
could be applied to the whole
local government area.
They said Council needed
to do this so it could meet the
PHOTO: NB Advocate.
24 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Pittwater rezone fears
State Government’s requirement
for a single Local Environment
Plan (LEP).
“It is underpinned by a
comprehensive evidence base
that includes several technical
studies, biodiversity planning
reviews, biodiversity assessments
of deferred lands, flood
studies, bushfire-prone land
mapping, strategic bushfire
assessments of deferred lands,
geotechnical reviews, planning
controls, studies of watercourse
wetlands and tree canopy
data,” the spokesperson said.
They stressed the methodology
was not final and that community
feedback was welcome.
Specifically, Council says
the blocks above Bilgola Bends
have not been identified for a
conservation zone as they do
not meet the environmental
thresholds in Council’s zoning
methodology.
“In this instance, although
ridgelines and escarpments impact
the entire site, the geotechnical
planning class impacts
less than 50 per cent of the
site. Both criteria are ‘Medium
Environmental Value’, meaning
more than one of these must
impact more than 50 per cent
of the site.”
Responding to claims of a
risk of inappropriate development,
Council said it had not
yet specified the type of residential
zone to be assigned to
land because this position had
not been finalised. However, it
said for areas in the Pittwater
LEP, a ‘Residential zone’ would
most likely become a R2 Low
Density Residential zone to
maintain the low-density nature
of the neighbourhood.
“It is not intended to permit
townhouses or medium-density
housing within this zone (e.g.,
boarding houses, multi-dwelling
housing, attached dwellings
or semi-detached dwellings).
And although seniors housing
may be permitted under
State Environmental Planning
Policy (Housing) 2021, it would
need to meet site-related requirements,
Council said.
“The final list of permitted
uses will be considered in the
draft LEP.
“The land uses currently
permitted in the R2 zone in
the current Pittwater LEP 2014
provide a strong indication of
likely future permissible uses.”
On green space and habitat
corridors, Council said zoning
only controlled permissible
uses; lands not within conservation
zones would be protected
by controls in the draft
LEP and DCP.
“The rezoning will not compromise
green corridors. Many
other controls are proposed to
protect green corridors, including
the proposal for conservation
zones in transition areas
adjoining parks and reserves.
The foreshore building line is
‘The Department of Planning and Environment
has specifically advised that scenic values/protection
should not be used as a criteria to establish
Conservation Zones.’ – NB Council
PLANNING TOOL: Council’s map shows proposed changes.
also proposed.”
However, it noted the Department
of Planning and Environment
had specifically advised
Council that scenic values
should not be used as a criteria
in Conservation Zones.
“Council prepared a comprehensive
evidence base that
included several technical
studies, as well as high resolution
aerial photography and
airborne laser imaging, detection
and ranging (LDAR).
“Consultations and Council’s
technical experts working on
the project have substantial
local knowledge which has
helped improve the accuracy of
the draft mapping.”
It added all maps had been
made available for public consultation
– see Council website
(Conservation Zones Review).
“We invite the community
to view them and provide
feedback. We are committed to
further ‘ground-truthing’ land
where concerns are raised.”
Mayor Michael Regan
weighed in with a reminder the
State Government had asked
Council staff to move towards a
single Local Environment Plan
for the whole Council area.
“As part of that process, we
need to review our conservation
zones,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to make
sure we apply the right zoning
to the right areas using the best
available knowledge. We know
there are increases in proposed
Conservation Zones in some
areas and decreases in other
areas however, overall across
the Northern Beaches, there is a
net increase of 1,205 in properties
proposed to be moved to a
Conservation Zone.
“Head over to our ‘Your Say’
page, look at what is being
proposed, see what it means for
you, and let us know what you
think. You can also contact our
planners to discuss how this
review applies to you.”
NB Council has extended
community consultation to
December 2. – Nigel Wall
*What do you think? Tell us at
readers@pittwaterlife.com.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 25

The Way We Were
Every month we pore over three decades of Pittwater Life, providing a snapshot
of the area’s recent history – and confirming that quite often the more things change,
the more they stay the same! Compiled by Lisa Offord
25 Years Ago…
5 Years Ago…
The Way We Were
An item about the
“talkfest over the
constitution next
year” between the
Republicans and
Monarchists had the
writer “thinking of
history repeating itself”
referencing happenings
in the mid-1600s “the
Republicans had their
day but barely a decade
later… Charles II was
back and the Monarchy
was restored”. In Council
news, new Mayor Patricia
Giles agreed to a move to
stop a proposal to charge
cafes to “put a table on
the footpath… the problem
is Council has taken
large extra lumps of money from shop and
property owners in Avalon to fix footpaths.
It then turned around and was about to
demand more money from them to use the
facilities that they had already totally paid
for through rates and extra contributions.”
There was debate about a Council report
15 Years Ago…
Pittwater Council was financially
sustainable “... and one
of around five NSW councils
that will remain so over the
next 10 years, assuming its
present financial policies remain
unchanged”. Council had plans
to reduce water use by 40%
as Pittwater was identified as
having one of the highest water
consumption rates in Sydney
and “it is expected to rise by 20%
in the next 30 years”. A water
conservation plan proposed
“everything from wetting a
toothbrush and turning the tap
off while brushing to replacement
of watering systems with
drip irrigation… advice for
schools and businesses, rainwater
and stormwater harvesting
and incorporation of recycled
water in new developments…
and more council workers
through the employment of
‘water conservation personnel’
including a water conservation
officer at a cost of $100,000
a year”. We presented the
‘Who’s who’ for Mackellar for
the 2007 election: “Bronwyn
Bishop requires a swing
against her of 15.5% to let
the Labor candidate Chris
Sharpe in, and that simply
won’t happen.” Avalon Market
Day was being organised
by Alex and
Denise McTaggart of the
Avalon Lions Club; a
monthly feature on local
bushwalks focussed on
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse
walk; The Royal Motor
Yacht Club was to celebrate
its 81st boating season with a
“spectacular Sail Past”; Palm
Beach Sailing Club (formed in
1963 for “off the beach” catamaran
sailors) won two World
Championships in the Hobie 16
Catamaran World Titles – Kerli
and Ali Corlett were crowned
World Champions; and Jason
mentioning the Careel Bay
Park dog exercise area
and “conflict” between
sporting groups and
dogs; and a question
about “the unfettered
spread of skateboarding…
the problem goes right
through Pittwater and the
Council will do nothing
about it because the
Rangers claim there
are too many problems
and risks in bailing
up the boarders and
confiscating skateboards
(which they can do).”
Meanwhile, Avalon
Beach RSL was
offering “the best-value meals in town” with
$2 lunch on Saturdays and Tuesdays; the
Whale Beach Restaurant had been sold
and Jonah’s was a finalist in Gourmet
Magazine’s best restaurant awards, having
recently won the NSW Tourism Awards
Restaurant of the Year gong.
Waterhouse and Michael Mc-
Cormick became the World
Youth Champions dominating
their division with five firsts
and a 4th; a $300,000 refurbishment
of Palm Beach RSL
was underway and Jonah’s was
named by Gourmet Traveller
magazine as one of the top 100
restaurants in Australia.
The State Government
contributed $300,000 towards
the installation of permanent
Netball courts at Avalon
Beach. Residents groups
remained opposed to the
extension of the B-Line to
Newport; it was Market and
Festivals month with plenty
happening at Mona Vale,
Narrabeen Lakes, Avalon
Beach and Newport Beach.
We put five questions to the
new Mayor Michael Regan
who gave us the heads-up
on what to expect from
Council in its first term.
(The first question? “What’s
your message to Pittwater
residents wary that the Mayor
and Deputy Mayor roles
have been won by councillors
external to the Pittwater
and Narrabeen wards...)
Meanwhile NB Council sought
the community’s help in
identifying priorities for its
projects and service delivery.
“Mayor Regan said… ‘Issues
like housing and transport
are regularly identified as
among the most pressing on
the Northern Beaches… this
is a great opportunity for
the community to join the
conversation to help Council
deal with some of the major
issues we face’.” We profiled
artist and Archibald Prize
finalist Phil Meatchem; there
was a call for volunteers to
lead Barrenjoey Lighthouse
tours; and the Jonah’s
renovation was unveiled.
26 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
[NOT] SEEN…
Any readers wondering what happened to the new Art
Space North which was announced by Council with great
pride more than four years ago might be interested to
hear it’s still on the agenda. Reminding us that COVID has
had some impact on delaying matters, Council says it will
undertake planning this financial year to determine the
long-term reuse of the Mona Vale Council offices which it still
occupies. Mayor Michael Regan said: “We are committed to a
permanent creative space in Mona Vale in the long term. That
commitment has not changed and planning is continuing
towards that goal. In
the meantime we have
created temporary
creative spaces in
Mona Vale which
provide affordable
artist studio, maker’s
pop-up shop space
and a gallery in the
heart of Mona Vale.”
SEEN…
We’re heading into
summer and peak
tourist season, so it
makes sense that our
open spaces should be
presented in the best
possible
manner. Which is
why Palm Beach
locals are disgusted
at Council’s lack of
care in maintaining
Governor Phillip
Park, the gateway
to Pittwater’s
jewel in the
crown, Barrenjoey
Headland.
Weeds encroach
the park’s BBQ
facilities and park
benches. And
it’s tick season.
C’mon!
HEARD #1...
The NSW Government says it has no intention of closing the
dental clinic at Mona Vale Community Health Centre, despite
the facility being closed since COVID and services relocated
to Brookvale. Readers contacted us concerned the Clinic
and its four state-of-the-art chairs would be dismantled;
however a Local Health District spokesman told us: “Mona
Vale Community Health Centre has experienced challenges
recruiting dental staff due to a nationwide shortage of
skilled oral health specialists. A recruitment campaign is
currently underway to attract dental staff to work in some key
vacant positions at the centre. While recruitment for dental
clinicians continues, dental assistants and administrative
staff working at Mona Vale have been relocated to work
alongside colleagues at the Brookvale Community Health
Centre dental clinic. Consolidating service provision ensures
a full oral health service can be provided to the Northern
Beaches community.” The spokesman said Brookvale was the
main public dental hub for the Northern Beaches, providing
a comprehensive multidisciplinary oral health service to the
local community. “We thank the community for their patience
and understanding during this time and apologise for any
inconvenience caused.”
HEARD #2...
Curl Curl Ward’s Sue Heins has been re-elected Deputy Mayor
of Northern Beaches Council for a second term, having held
the office in 2018-19. The only other Deputy Mayor since
amalgamation has been Manly’s Candy Bingham – also twice
(the latest during COVID, 2019-’22). During the first round
of Councillor voting last month, Pittwater Ward Greens
nominee Miranda Korzy received 2 votes, Narrabeen Liberal
Bianca Crvelin 6 votes, and Sue Heins 7 votes. With Cr Korzy
eliminated, the final vote was Heins 9, Crvelin 6. Congrats
to Cr Heins – but wouldn’t it be great if one of Pittwater or
Narrabeen’s representatives got a chance to shine next time?
ABSURD…
In case this applies to you: Council staff have been in frantic
negotiations with the supplier of its 2022-23 Beach Parking
Permits after hundreds of ratepayers reported the stickers
weren’t, well, sticking. A Council spokesperson said: “We
are aware that some 2022-23 Beach Parking Permits are not
sticking properly to windscreens. Council is working with
the permit manufacturer to identify the fault and arrange
replacements.” They said residents with affected permits were
welcome to return them to one of Council’s Customer Service
Centres, where a new one would be issued on the spot. Through
the end of October almost 200 parking permits had been
returned and replaced.
28 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
Pittwater News
Local Probus news
The next meeting of Palm
Beach and Peninsula
Probus Club on Wednesday
16 November will hear
former Australian
businessman Gordon Mar
talk about a curious episode
he came across when
researching his Chinese
forebears: the role of Chinese
coolies in France in World
War I. Starts 9.45am at Club
Palm Beach; visitors welcome.
More info Carmel 0414 978
465. The speaker at the next
Newport Probus meeting on
3 November will be David
Rosenberg who will be
talking about his experiences
with the Pine Gap satellite
surveillance base near
Alice Springs. Starts 10am
at Newport Bowling Club.
Visitors welcome; more info
David Newton-Ross 0418
298 572. Over at Pittwater
Men’s Probus, member Bill
Sivyer will lift the lid on
life around Kings Cross
in the 1970s when he took
ownership and management
of a Wine Bar and Restaurant
in Woolloomooloo called
‘Sorens’. Meeting at Mona
Vale Surf Club, Tuesday 8
November commencing at
10am; visitors welcome. More
info Terry Larke 0412 220
820.
Zonta trivia night
The Zonta Club of the
Northern beaches is holding
a trivia night at Mona Vale
Memorial Hall on Saturday 19
November, commencing 7pm.
It’s BYO food (and serving
tongs), glasses, drinks and
nibbles although a supper
will be provided later. Funds
raised will help support
women in the local area,
including education grants
to women via a Local Study
Grant Program, assistance for
disadvantaged high school
students, and support for
the local Women’s Refuge
and Northern Beaches
Women’s Shelter. Cost $30
(on entry) – bookings (tables
of 8) essential. Info Annette
0417 236 982 or email
zontanbtrivia@gmail.com
Readers Festival
a huge success
Nearly 1,000 tickets were
booked to September’s
inaugural Northern Beaches
Readers Festival, attracting
hundreds of visitors to
Avalon Beach and pumping
many thousands of dollars
into the economy. Delighted
Director Sandie Docker
said the result exceeded
expectations. “So many of
those who attended have
told us how much they
appreciated the relaxed and
friendly vibe. Our aim was
to connect readers with
their favourite authors,
and that’s exactly what we
achieved. Nearly a quarter
of our sessions were free
to the public because it was
always important to us that
we present an inclusive and
accessible event.” The Festival
featured a program of 30 of
Australia’s favourite authors
across a weekend of panel
discussions, ‘in-conversation’
events, Q&As and book
signings.
Sailability volunteers
Volunteer organisation
Sailability Pittwater is calling
for recruits. The local branch
provides opportunities for
people with a disability to
experience and enjoy the
freedom of being on the water.
Its program takes place on
the waters of Winnererremy
Bay, in colourful, safe,
stable, specifically designed,
two-person Access 303
dinghies. Volunteer tasks
include rigging, launching
and sailing the dinghies,
organising lifejackets and
assisting people to get in
and out of the dinghies.
In the background there
are also maintenance and
clerical opportunities. Sailing
experience is not essential;
training is provided.
Sailability Pittwater operates
fortnightly on Wednesday
Pittwater Community Awards
Gotcha4Life 24-Hour Row founders Mel and Nathan Wellings
have been named Pittwater’s NSW Government Community
Service Award recipients for 2021.
Local MP Rob Stokes made the presentation at a COVID-delayed,
combined ceremony attended by more than 100 community
leaders at Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving Club in October.
The Wellings’ mental health awareness initiative commenced
at Avalon Beach Surf Club in 2018 and has grown into an
Australia-wide event held annually on World Suicide Prevention
Day.
The 2022 award was presented to Northern Beaches SES Commander
Wayne Lyne who has been actively involved in the SES
for more than 40 years and helps coordinate the emergency
response to all natural disasters across the Northern Beaches.
PHOTO: NB Advocate
30 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

and Saturday mornings
from September to May. Info
pittwatersailability@gmail.
com
WorldPride 2023
The world’s largest LGBTQIA+
event is coming to Sydney
next year and Northern
Beaches Council is committed
to celebrating diversity with
local activities across the
three-week spectacular.
Sydney is the first city in
the southern hemisphere
to host the event from
17 February to 5 March,
including the Mardi Gras on
25 February, making it the
biggest tourism drawcard
since the 2000 Olympics.
Mayor Michael Regan said
Council was unanimous
in its commitment to
inclusion, equity, and
support of the LGBTQIA+
community. Council will
roll out several activities to
celebrate WorldPride 2023
including rainbow flags and
banners across the peninsula;
a $20k grant program to
aid local businesses and
organisations that wish to
organise WorldPride-related
events and activities; a
temporary art installation in
Manly; exhibitions in libraries
with Rainbow Storytimes for
children, film screenings
and author talks. In addition,
Council has been exploring
options with local transport
providers to “dress up” a
B-Line bus and a Manly Ferry
during WorldPride.
Youth Theatre
open-mic night
Northern Beaches Youth
Theatre is holding an artful
open-mic experience at Dee
Why RSL on Thursday 10
November in which volunteer
performers can relay their
stories. ‘Dear Diary’ is billed
as “a sentimental, often
comical sharing of personal
journey, celebrating the
healing power of connection”.
It will be hosted by Milo
Continued on page 32
Remember to remember
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a time
to pause and honor the memory of those who served,
are currently serving and those we have lost to the cause.
Local Remembrance Day services include:
Avalon Beach RSL sub-Branch – Service will be held at the
Club Cenotaph in Dunbar Park at 11am. Public welcome.
Dee Why RSL sub-Branch – Service will be held at the Club
in the Memorial Garden from 10.45am. Public welcome.
Narrabeen RSL sub-Branch – Service will be held at the
Narrabeen Cenotaph (opposite the Fire Station) at 11am.
Everyone welcome.
Palm Beach RSL sub-Branch – Assemble at the Cenotaph
at the front of the Club at 10.45am for 11am Service. Public
welcome, limited seating available. Ceremony will include
wreath laying, buglers from Avalon PS and a vocalist.
Pittwater RSL sub-Branch – Service will be held at the
Club Cenotaph, seating by 10am for a 10.20am start (runs
for around 45 minutes). All welcome. If wet weather, the
service will be in the Club’s Auditorium.
War Veterans Village (Narrabeen) RSL sub-Branch – Arrive
at the Montgomery Memorial Wall at 10.20am for a service
from 10.30am-11am. Speaker Colonel Warwick Young OAM,
NSW Commander of the Australian Army Cadets. Event
primarily for RSL LifeCare’s residents (Residential Aged
Care and Retirement Village), Home Care clients and their
families.
*The COVID pandemic has impacted sub-Branches’
ability to raise the funds they need to support
veterans in their local communities. They thank
you for any donations you can make. More details
remembertoremember.com.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 31

News
Pittwater News
Continued from page 31
Hartill (aka @ThatFatDiva
from Fangirls and Cyrano).
Co-Director Victoria Lockhart
said Northern Beaches
Youth Theatre was driven
by a desire to see an outlet
for tension for youth and
a way to build community
and uphold their voices.
“By telling our stories, we
validate our experience and
also remember how far we
have come. NBYT take care
to ensure a safe space for
letting go, letting it out and
healing together for all ages,”
she said. Participation in the
reading is voluntary. Tickets
$30 adults, $15 youth/
concession, $10 performers.
More info and bookings
humantix.com
Warriewood win
Warriewood Surf Lifesaving
Club is one of the winners
in Council’s 2022/23
Community, Arts and
Creativity and Environmental
Grants Program, with money
being allocated to install
solar panels on the Club’s
roof. They will share in
$290,000 in Council funding
to support projects and
initiatives that deliver direct
benefit to our community.
Support a Syrian
refugee family
Volunteer group the
Manlygees is hosting a
Syrian-themed evening
on Friday November 4 at
Manly Life Saving Club to
raise funds to support and
welcome a Syrian refugee
family on the Northern
Beaches. All funds raised will
help the family set up their
new life and support them for
six to 12 months. The family
have been displaced from
their home in Syria and have
been living in a bordering
country for the past 10
years. Their children know
no other life and have only
been able to attend school
sporadically. The Manlygees
are part of a new Federal
Continued on page 34
32 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
Pittwater News
Continued from page 32
Government scheme called
the Community Refugee
Integration and Settlement
Pilot (CRISP). Tickets $70
include entertainment,
canapés and a Syrian meal,
plus welcome drinks. More
info manlygees.org.
20-year Surf Life
Saving Club leases
Council has thrown greater
support behind our Surf Life
Saving Clubs by offering
the surety of 20-year leases.
Sixteen of 21 Clubs on the
Northern Beaches have been
granted 20-year leases,
including (locally) Bilgola
Beach, Bungan Beach, Mona
Vale, Newport, North Palm
Beach, North Narrabeen,
South Narrabeen, Warriewood
and Whale Beach. “Providing
these clubs with security in
relation to tenure over the
coming 20 years allows them
to plan for their ongoing,
Local Schools Spec stars
Local school student Maddie Stead is among 46 featured
artists who will perform at the 2022 Schools Spectacular at
Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 November.
Warriewood resident Maddie, 17, who attends Northern
Beaches Secondary College Freshwater Senior Campus, says
she’s excited to have been selected as a featured singer.
Maddie (pictured) was part of the show’s mass choir
from 2017-19 and has spent the past four years honing her
performing skills busking on the Northern Beaches.
Daisy Hampson from Newport will perform as a featured
dancer, while Lili-Rose Delerue (Warriewood) and Lucy
Martin (North Narrabeen) have also been selected to join the
Spectacular’s dance troupe.
*More info schoolsspectacular.com.au
long-term operations and
make capital investment
in their Surf Life Saving
facilities,” Mayor Regan
said. The new agreement is
backdated to 1 July 2022.
Follow the Sun Run
Registrations for the 2023
Sun Run open on November
7. The fun-spirited event on
Saturday 5 February follows a
scenic course from Dee Why
to Manly. With the choice of
a 7km of 10km course, the
event raises much-needed
funds for charity. The family
friendly Sun Run is one of the
few charity-based running
events that continued
through lockdown. This year
it welcomes celebrity personal
trainer Shannan Ponton as
Sun Run Ambassador. More
info and registrations sunrun.
com.au
Ooh la la! French
Market is back
Attention Francophiles:
the local French Market
is back after two years of
COVID cancellation. Head
to Killarney Heights Public
School on Sunday November
6 (9am-4pm) and enjoy
crepes, waffles, kids rides,
and sample fine regional
food products from the four
corners of France or stroll 50
stalls selling unique fine food
delicacies, French fashion,
home decor, jewellery, books
and more. Free entry; info
frenchmarket@fanssydney.org
34 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Vet
on call
with Dr Brown
V
accinations and health
checks are important for
keeping your pets healthy and
protected from a variety of
diseases such as parvovirus and
canine cough in dogs, and cat
flu and feline enteritis in cats.
Starting from a puppy or kitten,
vaccinations boost your pet’s
immunity against disease and
protect them as they grow older.
Regular health checks and
vaccinations throughout their
adult life ensure that our
vets have the opportunity to
diagnose, treat or even prevent
problems before they become
life-threatening. Early detection
of disease is the key to pet
health. These regular health
checks also provide you with
the opportunity to ask us about
your pet’s nutrition, behaviour
and any other issues of concern.
Parasite control is vital on the
Northern Beaches to ensuring
your pet is protected from ticks,
fleas, mites, heartworm and
intestinal worms, as parasites
can be deadly.
SAH’s Preventative Health
Care Plans take the worry out
of keeping track of your pet’s
health care needs. Our plans
cover pets for their annual
vaccinations and health check,
along with all parasite control
treatments – including for fleas,
ticks, mites, heartworm and
intestinal worms. Our Ultimate
plan includes an annual wellness
blood test and urine test, whilst
our Senior plan includes halfyearly
blood tests – helping to
monitor our older pets’ health.
Pets on all three plans have
access to unlimited free nurse
health checks, and nail clipping
with every visit. Discounts
are included for grooming,
boarding and Hill’s pet food
purchases. Our Senior plan also
includes discounts on arthritis
medications and laser therapy.
For our Preventative Health Care
Plans, we’ll send you reminders
to ensure you never miss a
vaccination or check-up, and the
parasite preventative treatments
are delivered free to your door.
More info call Avalon (9918
0833) or Newport (9997 4609);
or visit sydneyanimalhospitals.com.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 35

Art Life
Art Life
Denise’s art world ‘rocked’
Local artist Denise Barry’s inspiration for her new Northern
Beaches solo exhibition literally rocked her world.
Denise explains the stunning Triassic Age sandstone rock
formations hugging her Whale Beach fisherman’s cottage on
three sides (right) provided motivation for her to explore her
artistic process during long periods of home isolation throughout
the COVID lockdowns.
Almost a year later Denise will exhibit her ‘My Microcosmic
Wonder World Of Rocks’ show at the Creative Art Space, North
Curl Curl, from November 16-27.
It will include a film element, with the screening of special
movies made by Pittwater Pathways’ John Illingsworth which
feature input from Professor of Geology, Dr Peter Mitchell (who
will open the exhibition on Friday November 18).
“These huge Hawkesbury and Narrabeen sandstone rocks
were formed and deposited from a riverbed – their unique threelayered,
twisted-contour wet-slump patterns both dominate and
protect,” Denise said.
“During COVID isolation and with limited art materials I was
energised to try something new and experimental.
“A ‘found’ roll of brown paper began that process. These
collage paper relief constructions took on a life of their own,
exploring the simple acts of tearing, scrunching, unfolding, refolding.
“I started to explore different papers, and this created diverse
reactions and behaviours. Secret crevices appeared and a whole
new textual paper world to collage, draw and explore developed.”
Denise said that while she was exploring these paper relief
construction collages, she coincidentally received a card from
her youngest pre-schooler grandchild.
“The card was decorated in the very same technique,
scrunched paper!
“Picasso always said he tried to express his art like a child,
and I recently read that Kandinsky began this form of paper
abstraction just prior to the Russian Revolution.
“Humbled, and some validation, my art journey continues.”
– Nigel Wall
*More info see ad below.
36 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Trail of magnificence
Lose yourself in the diverse
work offered on the
Pittwater Artists Trail – from
one end of the trail to the
other, the Open Studio
weekend is a fantastic
opportunity for visitors to
discuss directly with the artists
their motivation, or experience
first-hand their method.
Commencing at Eramboo in
Terrey Hills, Mark Kingston’s
realistic original oil paintings
and drawings depict local seascapes,
wildlife and flowers. He
also has a strong following for
his custom pet portraits. Just
down the road at Ingleside, the
members of Silver Plus Studio
create interpretive pieces that
respond to their bush setting.
Their work often takes organic
form or a playful twist on a
floral element (live demonstrations
of precious metal works
11am and 1pm both days).
Starting at the other end of
the trail, at Palm Beach, you will
find long-term members Jan
Cristaudo and Karen Hick who
are known for their expressive
use of colour and diverse mark
making. They are joined this
year by Jacqueline Payne, who
loves to lose herself in the landscape.
She always has a sketch
book and gouache paints at
hand to record the moment
(above). She then returns to
the studio with reference
material to bring it all together.
Working with a palette knife
and loads of paint, she recreates
the experience of being
in the landscape. At the studio
visitors can view her original
sketchbooks as well as the
finished work.
Plan your journey by accessing
the trail map on the
website, or find a brochure
in coffee shops and council
buildings across Pittwater.
You might visit all of the 11
studios (featuring more than
17 artists), or only a few – the
choice is yours!
– Susan Peacock
*Open Studios Saturday 5
and Sunday 6 November
(10am-5pm); more info pittwaterartiststrail.com;
Insta:
@pittwaterartiststrail; FB:
Pittwater Artists Trail
Art Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 37

Finding
light in
the dark
Life Stories
Mick Miller has worn many hats in his time;
but none has fitted quite as comfortably as
his current one – focusing on helping people
to find purpose in their lives.
Story by Steve Meacham
USA-born Mick Miller – Olympic so busy, avoiding questions I needed to hurt will simply hurt others,” Mick says.
sailing and rowing coach, former ask myself.”
“It was very clear and sad that both my
“rehab conditioner” with the Manly Not knowing if he’d ever be able to parents were still hurting themselves in
Sea Eagles, author, motivational speaker speak again or outlive the operation, some way.”
and self-proclaimed “cancer thriver” – Mick rang his estranged parents before He spent close to 70 days in Royal
lives in a cottage in Pittwater’s remote the first treatment.
North Shore Hospital going through
Elvina Bay, accessible only by water.
“I phoned my Dad… (but) he kept “radiation, chemo, stomach tubes” but
However his many adventures are interrupting. I felt my dad was being “learned some amazing lessons in how to
mainly on land with his favourite
sarcastic (when) he told me he would surrender and love and accept myself”.
companion: a light blue 1968 Volkswagen come visit to fight off the cancer. I did “I came out of hospital unable to eat,
Beetle.
not want any more fights in my life,” talk and walk,” he tells Pittwater Life.
“I call it The Rocket,” Mick says. “It’s Mick writes in The Right Path, his newly “I went into hospital weighing 75
my first car. I’ve had it for more than 30 published ‘self-discovery journal’
kilograms and came out at 49 kilos,
years. I bought it from Iain Murray (the which he wrote to help people develop really knocked around. I was simply at
legendary Australian sailor and boat awareness of themselves, their values rock bottom, physically, emotionally,
designer and fellow Pittwater resident). It and their purpose – passing on some of spiritually and financially.
was his mum’s car.”
the life lessons he’s learned to others “For the first month or two I could
In 2013, Mick and The Rocket set off on needing to love themselves.
only crawl around the place where I was
what turned out to become a 16-month The next calls, to his mother, were living. But by focusing on what I did
trip around Australia.
even more challenging “… as I had not have going for me, and not (dwelling) too
Earlier that year – just before his 50th spoken to her for years.
much on what I didn’t, I began to evolve.”
birthday – Mick had discovered a lump “I rang to thank her for having me and After a while he decided to go on that
on his neck and was diagnosed with for all she had done for me and told her road trip in The Rocket, though at first
throat cancer.
that this could be the last conversation I he could only drive for an hour before
It came “as a complete life changer”, he might ever have with her.”
pulling over to sleep.
says. He’d felt “invulnerable but was now Mick says she hung up twice before As he got stronger, he started to take
in a hospital bed.
finally allowing Mick to finish what he more photos, on his iPhone, discovering
“In hindsight it introduced me to all wanted to tell her.
a natural talent for photography. “It was
the things I was suppressing and not “In my life it has taken me some time part of my transformation,” he says.
addressing… I had been keeping myself to become aware that people who are But let’s go back to the child who
38 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

formed the man.
Mick and his sisters Laura and Julie
were born in Michigan but came to
Australia in 1970 when their parents
feared the race riots in Detroit might
affect their children.
Mick’s first day at school hadn’t gone
well. Aged six, “I hopped on the wrong
afternoon bus and got completely lost,”
he writes in the book. “I didn’t know our
street address or our phone number.
“Somehow I managed to find my way
home, hours later than expected, in the
dark, alone, confused and scared.”
Instead of hugging her son, his mother
“yelled and cursed at me for getting on
the wrong bus and being late”.
“When I was about 11, after witnessing
another one of my parents’ crazy fights, I
watched my Dad madly pack his suitcase.
“Where are you going, Dad? When are
you coming back?’, I asked with tears in
my eyes.”
His father’s reply? “I’m going away.
You’re going to have to be the man of the
house now.”
As Mick reveals in the book, his father
was an adulterer, leaving his wife with
four young children: “When a person
cannot love oneself they go looking to
try to find it other places.”
But his mother – “an extremely
religious Christian who seemed to use
the teachings of the Bible to punish
herself and others if they didn’t live
up to God’s expectations” – “found life
challenging with her second marriage
from all the things she had suppressed
in her life”.
Despite this upbringing, Mick insists “I
wouldn’t classify my childhood as awful.
I’ve been very grateful to learn from the
life experiences and contribute to myself
and others.
“Over the past years I have learned
more about my parents’ own upbringing
which was pretty horrific in itself.
“I now don’t judge my parents. I have
more clarity about how and why they
raised us as they did.”
Mick is the first to admit he wasn’t
an elite athlete himself, though his
stepfather introduced him to rowing,
rugby, wood chopping, boxing, tennis
and sailing.
“I was a really ordinary sportsman,”
he says. “But I challenged myself to get
really fit.”
That led to his first career
breakthrough, training a group of young
Pittwater sailors to become fit enough to
excel in international competitions.
“I didn’t just teach them about physical
conditioning, I taught them about how to
love their parents, eat well, sleep well, do
their homework and be grateful for what
they had.”
His prowess eventuated in a coaching
Continued on page 40
Life Stories
CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE: Mick
and ‘The Rocket’ in the Red Centre
during his 16-month trip around
Australia; early school days with his
sister Laura; on his boat at Elvina Bay;
the back cover of his self-help journal
The Right Path; Mick has worked with
the Olympic preparations of sailors
or rowers since Barcelona in 1992;
a drone shot of The Rocket capturing
the beauty of the Australian outback;
taking in the wonder of Pittwater.
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 39

Life Stories
Continued from page 39
scholarship at Canberra’s
Australian Institute of
Sport, where he became an
Australian Citizen.
There he was approached
by the rowing team who
recognised the success he was
having with the sailors.
Since 1992 in Barcelona
Mick has been involved with
eight Olympics, working with
either sailors or rowers.
His book includes many
of his own challenges, but is
mainly intended as guide for
others going through similar
life crises.
There’s a guidance to
discover “your own values and
purposes”; a monthly check-in
diary; and fabulous photos.
While he and The Rocket
were away on their second trip,
Mick says another of his longterm
relationships broke down.
“I’ve never been married
but I became aware that even
after my cancer journey there
were still a few things that
needed to be addressed and
this time not suppress within
myself,” he says.
In 2018, with this book in
mind, Mick set off again to
recreate his life-affirming
journey with The Rocket.
“The second trip was to
speak to all the hospital
medical teams from Sydney to
Broken Hill and then head out
to Uluru,” he explains.
The photos, particularly
in the red earth of central
Australia, are extraordinary.
So are the mottos Mick has
come up with: “Sometimes
you cannot discover The Right
Path without getting lost.”
So, what’s Mick’s advice
to anyone going through a
similar challenge?
“Really believe in yourself
and surround yourself with
the right people,” he says.
“But before you get to that
crisis point, stop and reflect
and get rid of what you no
longer require.
“The best investment you
can make is with the person
you’ll spend most time with.
You!”
*The Right Path Self
Discovery Journal is
available online or in local
bookstores; more info
therightpath.net.au
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
40 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Hot Property
Lap up these
Pittwater beauties
Hot Property
While there’s
speculation floating
around that the
Palm Beach trophy home
Bellona near the surf club
on Ocean Road could sell
for an eye-watering $40
million plus, several other
coveted properties have
slipped onto the market
including these three
beauties just footsteps
to the shoreline greeting
Pittwater.
Gazing directly across to
Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National
Park is the characterfilled
Palm Beach cottage
at 881 Barrenjoey Road.
Boasting one of the area’s
best positions, the threebedroom
home is set on
the water’s edge with its
own beach plus an original
boatshed and boat ramp.
With native foliage
providing plenty of privacy,
the cottage is over two
levels which flow out to
large decks.
Two bedrooms at entry
level sit off the open-plan
living/dining area with the
entire lower-level housing a
king-size master bedroom
and impressive ensuite.
The house is set for
auction on November 15
through LJ Hooker’s Peter
Robinson, with a $6 million
guide.
Robinson is also handling
the sale of the perfectly
presented 83 Paradise
Avenue Avalon Beach, one
of the five homes gracing
the pristine sands along the
absolute waterfront strip
near Paradise Baths.
With a practical floorplan,
four generous bedrooms
including the top-floor
parents retreat, the muchloved
property is being sold
by expressions of interest
(price guide $8.8 million)
closing 2pm on December 2.
At Newport, the expansive
landmark estate Melody
Lane spans a 3000sqm
parcel of land that spills out
to a whopping 76m beach
frontage with private jetty
and deep-water mooring.
Many locals would be
aware of the history of 49
Beaconsfield Street built in
the 1930s and in its early
years used as a retreat for
Catholic nuns.
The property was bought
and extensively renovated
by Pandora Jewellery
founder Karin Adcock who
held it for 11 years before
selling in 2020, and while
the current owners have
made a few updates to
ON THE WATERFRONT: Character cottage on the beach at 881 Barrenjoey
Rd (top right); perfectly presented 83 Paradise Ave Avalon Beach (below);
landmark estate at 49 Beaconsfield St Newport (above).
42 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Take in the views
On the crest of a hill at the
end of a quiet cul-de-sac,
the fabulous architect-designed,
light-filled timber home
at 25 Crane Lodge Place Palm
Beach is wrapped in balconies
that take in magical views to
Pittwater.
Listed with a price guide of
$4 – 4.3 million, agent Noel
Nicholson at Ray White Prestige
says the five-bedroom property
would make an ideal family
house or weekend getaway.
Set over two levels, the entry
level contains one of two living
areas, a second kitchen,
powder room, kids bunk room
or guest bedroom, a second
laundry and a generous master
suite plus a study all opening
onto a balcony and views to
Pittwater.
Upstairs, the spacious main
living area overlooks extra
wide balconies ideal for outdoor
entertaining.
A dining room and large
kitchen open onto covered
verandah at the rear of the
property.
This level has three bedrooms,
a large laundry (with
external access) and two
bathrooms. There is ducted air
conditioning throughout, and
complement their lifestyle,
the grand estate still retains
much of its original charm.
For sale by expressions of
interest closing November 8
through Simeon Partners, with
a price guide of $13 million.
Style for success
In today’s market, you can’t
leave anything to chance,
especially when dealing with
what is possibly your biggest
asset. Cunninghams Avalon
Beach’s Jonathan Fletcher is
adamant that success starts
with the right presentation
and styling of a property.
“We have seen many case
studies over the years where
owners have received a great
return on investment just by
styling their property to show
buyers what it is like to live in
the home, documenting the
finer details, and capturing
the feeling of how people
interact with each space,”
Jonathan said.
A photograph or a video
will often be the first
an array of sliding doors and
windows that bring in the light
and catch gentle breezes. A
impression potential buyers
will have of the property, and
it can inspire their decision to
view it and buy it.
“Investing in your campaign
with styling, high-quality
photography and video is
crucial in achieving a great
result,” he said.
Jonathan said part of
Cunninghams’ emotive
marketing strategy involves
having a human element, to
allow more effective buyer
engagement.
“We involve people in action
in the photos and video and
ask our owners to be present
and participate in the photo
shoot, if appropriate,” he said.
“This helps us achieve
the best possible buyer
connection from our
marketing strategy.”
He added that if you
book an appraisal with the
Cunninghams team in Spring
you’ll go into the draw to win
a Spring clean for your home
worth $1000 (see ad Page 23).
– Lisa Offord
low-maintenance garden and
garaging for three vehicles
completes the picture.
Hot Property
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 43

Hot Property
Hot Property
Winnererremy ‘Bay’ watch
Bayside is a special new
boutique development
located opposite the
waterfront parklands of
Winnererremy Bay on the
Pittwater side of Mona Vale.
These stunning homes have
been designed by renowned
PopovBass architects, who
have a long list of awards and
design excellence spanning
the past 30 years.
Domain Residential’s Peter
Grant says Bayside’s collection
of boutique, three-bedroom
apartments is the perfect
choice for downsizers as well
as those seeking a lifestyle
upgrade in a sought-after
location.
With interiors that have
been artfully crafted by
Baxter & Co and possessing
timeless neutral palettes, each
residence is designed with
an emphasis on space and
beaches-style alfresco living,
coupled with intelligent use of
natural light throughout.
“They’ve been designed to
suit the changing needs of
active downsizers looking for
all the features offered in the
finest of residences,” Grant
said.
Bayside offers a plethora of
features suited to downsizers
such as full lift access,
single-level living, a chef’s
kitchen, a feature fireplace,
a flex-room third bedroom,
air conditioning plus fans,
twin basin ensuite, a standalone
bathtub, ample storage,
secure underground parking
with numberplate recognition,
EV charging, solar, a rooftop
garden and a whole lot more.
“They offer the ultimate
lifestyle – Bayside’s location
delivers residents all the
benefits of having the local
parklands as an extension
of their own backyard,” said
Grant. “They’re located across
the road from Flying Fox park,
which is the perfect place
for connecting with kids and
TICKS ALL BOXES: The new Bayside boutique development.
grandchildren or grabbing a
coffee.
“Winnererremy Bay also
features waterfront walking
trails and picnic areas which
provide the perfect spot for
friendly get-togethers. There
is a nearby boat ramp for
water sports and recreation
and the waterfront dogfriendly
park of Rowland
Reserve is only a stone’s throw
away.
“Plus, imagine having the
Mona Vale village and B-Line
within an easy stroll? With all
of its convenience, Bayside
really has considered all of the
needs of active downsizers
with both its contemporary
design and prime parkside
location.”
*For more information on
Bayside residences call
Peter Grant from Domain
Residential on 0412 527 071
or visit baysidemonavale.
com.au
Scenic Avalon rental
Avalon Beach
65 Dolphin Crescent
4 Beds / 2 Baths / 3 Cars
Situated amongst the tranquil treetops of North Avalon, this
charismatic coastal home radiates charm and comfort.
This quality rental property exudes complete family functionality
across two levels. It features four spacious bedrooms, each with
built-in wardrobes; the master bedroom with walk-in robe.
Polished timber floorboarded interiors flow effortless through
bifold doors to an expansive L-shaped wrap-around deck. Perfect
for entertaining!
All-day sun exudes light and bright interiors, encouraged by a
gorgeous northerly aspect.
It also features reverse cycle air-conditioning.
*Contact the leasing agents at LJ Hooker Avalon Beach:
Sian Uther (0439 844 743) or Lauren Fisher (0499 154 655)
Easy plateau living
Bilgola Plateau
116 Plateau Road
3 Beds / 2 Baths / 3 Cars
Claiming a blue-ribbon parcel at the crown of the Plateau, this
home blends the cool, white-washed style of a Mediterranean
villa with a highly functional layout for a growing family.
Set on a level, 697 sqm block with a sparkling saltwater pool
and tropical gardens, it soaks up all day sunshine and offers
excellent proximity to schools, shops and bus lines. Inside, you’ll
find graceful arches and curves between rooms.
Offers integrated living/dining areas plus a secondary casual
lounge/living off the pristine gas kitchen with stainless steel appliances.The
three double bedrooms come with built-ins.
Also air con, built-in cabinetry, lock-up garage.
*Contact agents @ LJ Hooker: Gordon Spring – Newport (0418
210 219) or Olivia Broomhead – Avalon Beach (0418 463 615).
44 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Surfing Life
with Nick Carroll
Summer’s coming; time for
local saltwater wallowing
Life’s a beach: here’s a guide to the best stretches of sand from Palmy to Warriewood...
Surfing Life
December is almost upon
us; and summer here is
like nowhere else. I mean
really, it isn’t. Nowhere else
in the world do whole nations
just basically shut the gate and
go to the beach for weeks. But
where to do your saltwater
wallowing? Here’s a brief guide
to the peninsula’s best.
Palm Beach
I’m always a bit irritated by
the press around Palmy at this
time of year. It’s always about
which celebrity is renting the
most expensive house, who
was seen at Barrenjoey House,
blah blah blah. It completely
ignores the Palm Beach coastal
and estuary environment,
which is extraordinary, everchanging,
and free of charge.
There’s so much space to
roam here, and most of it can
be navigated by pretty much
anyone, with care. The entire
northern half – Barrenjoey
and its isthmus – is worth a
couple of days on its own,
not to mention the beaches,
inhabited and otherwise, on
the western shore of northern
Pittwater, which you can access
by ferry and walking. If you
are super adventurous and in
the company of skilled waterpeople,
paddling a kayak or
surf-ski down the northern side
of the Joey will blow your mind.
Whale Beach
A short beach with a lot of
headland on its southern rim,
Whaley is attractive real estate
but can be a dicey surf zone
proposition – the headlands
refract and focus swell energy,
and the beach often features
half-visible rips, backwashes
and other challenging water
features. It also has the
most ridiculously teeny rock
swimming pool on the northern
beaches! So cute. Otherwise,
“swim between the flags” kind
of goes twice as sternly here.
Avalon
Another fairly short beach with
some underwater rock zones
near the shoreline, a pretty cool
and occasionally surf-invaded
rock pool at the south end,
heaps of surfers, and large
numbers of other people. The
COAST WITH THE MOST: The upper Peninsula.
beach also features the biggest
single surf club building on
the beaches. It’s got space
for a cafe and a restaurant –
although these have been out
of play for almost two years.
Hopefully new tenants will be
up and running for summer
2023…
Bilgola
Possibly the least overdone
of all the beaches, Bilgola has
a good claim to the title of
Best North End. Sheltered by
a big high-cliffed headland
that forms one end of a big
bay framed at the other end
by Newport Reef, north Billy
in sun and a late afternoon
north-east seabreeze is a fullon
sublime experience. It also
has the best rock pool north
of Narrabeen. But it also has
52 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Tom’s Surfing NSW award
Two-time world champion Tom
Carroll has been presented with
the 2022 Midget Farrelly Lifetime
Achievement award.
At a special event at NSW
Parliament last month, Carroll
paid tribute to Farrelly, who was
Surfing NSW’s first president and
the sport’s first world champion,
and the incredible life he led as
a pioneer in the sport and in all
aspects of ocean sports.
“It really is such an honour,”
said Tom, who told the story
HONOUR:
Tom.
of how his first world title was won with the influence of ballet
training after hearing Farrelly drew elements of his surfing style
from his sister’s ballet.
“Surfing has given me so much and it just doesn’t stop. It’s a
script that was written and it’s in me and now I can pass it onto
the young kids,” he said.
The event also provided the opportunity for 2021’s Midget Farrelly
Lifetime Achievement recipient, 1990 world champion Pam
Burridge, to be presented with her trophy, as well as acknowledgement
of the Her Wave initiative and Surfers Rescue 24/7 – NW
bugger-all parking. Don’t risk a
no-parking zone on one of the
tiny suburban streets; there’s a
handful of residents who just
love alerting the rangers.
Newport
Expansive beach, exposed
to the north and sheltered to
some degree from the south
by the Diamond-Head-like
headland and by Little Reef,
which stretches 400 metres
or so to sea. Plenty of parking
and generally a safe enough
beach to swim. There’s a nice
rock pool at the southern end,
tucked under some fabulously
expensive real estate; if you’re
up for some rock-hopping, it’s
worth exploring that end and
its associated rock platforms,
but make sure it’s low tide when
you do it.
like Bilgola, there’s bugger-all
parking.
Mona Vale
A bit like Newport, wide open
and expansive, this time
sheltered a bit from the
north by the ex-Bungan
headland and the rare and
fascinating Bongin Bongin
basin, where the northern
beaches’ most recent shark
attack occurred, in 2010,
when a man was bitten on the
foot by a vaguely pissed-off
wobbegong. Don’t let this turn
you off wandering around the
Basin and taking a walk up
the headland track, which is
so riddled with scenic views
it’s almost embarrassing.
Gorgeous short rock pool in
the mid-beach platform. Heaps
of parking.
Surfing Life
Bungan
Author’s disclaimer: I grew up
opposite Bungan Beach, at a
time when Barrenjoey Road
was a two-lane path with no
gutters. You could walk across
the main road whenever you
wanted because frequently,
several minutes would pass
between cars. The Bungan
escarpment has been built on
quite a bit since then, in some
cases by people with absolutely
no taste whatsoever! Spanish
tiles! I mean come on! But it’s
extraordinary how much of
the old beach’s feel of vague
remoteness remains. Unlike
Bilgola, there’s no rock pool;
The Local Voice Since 1991
Warriewood
Oddly aspected beach, facing
directly upwind in the classic
seabreeze, sheltered like a
reverse Bilgola in a southerly.
Something about the aspect
and the shape of the headland
feels very old, which is a
bit weird because this whole
coastline is pretty young
by geographic standards.
Warriewood has some tricks –
an occasionally heavy rip
in the south corner is one –
and the infamous Blowhole
inside the cliff line is both
fun and an injury waiting to
happen. Don’t be an idiot on
this beach.
NOVEMBER 2022 53

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
When it’s hard
FRUSTRATING:
Eating and
drinking can be
uncomfortable
for sufferers of
dysphagia.
to swallow
Humans swallow at least
900 times a day and rarely
give it a second thought…
until something goes wrong.
If you cough or gag or choke
when you are eating or drinking
or find that food or medication
‘sticks’ in your mouth or throat,
you may have a swallowing
problem you shouldn’t ignore.
Dysphagia is the medical term
for difficulty in swallowing.
Northern Beaches-based medical
Speech Pathologist Dijana
Dragicevich of Sydney Swallowing
Diagnostics specialises in the
assessment of dysphagia.
Dijana explained that the
impact of swallowing problems
may be short or long-term and
they could have a significant
impact on a person’s life.
“Eating and drinking can be
uncomfortable, stressful and
frustrating for a person with
dysphagia and can lead to lifethreatening
medical problems if even death,” Dijana said.
not managed properly,” she said. “Dysphagia can also lead to
The good news is people who dehydration and difficulties
seek professional help can work getting enough food into the
on ways of eating and drinking stomach, leading to weight
that can reduce these problems. loss, malnutrition and muscle
Left unchecked, dysphagia can wasting.”
lead to serious medical consequences
such as food or fluids cur at any age but is more com-
Swallowing difficulties can oc-
“going down the wrong way” mon in older adults and often a
into the airways and lungs. symptom of another condition
“This is called ‘aspiration’ and such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s
disease, cancer or COPD.
can cause chest infection and
pneumonia and in many cases, With more than 20 years of
can lead to poor outcomes and experience in swallowing assessment
and management and
currently completing a PhD in
dysphagia, Dijana assesses patients
using a flexible endoscope
to provide immediate feedback
and strategies to improve swallowing
on the spot.
If you have a swallowing
problem, a management plan
will be developed for you which
may include changes to the
textures of foods and drinks
and exercises and rehabilitation
techniques to help you
swallow safely. – Lisa Offord
Dysphagia
signs &
symptoms
Early identification
is very important. If
you notice any of the
signs or symptoms
below see your doctor
and/or refer yourself
directly to a speech
pathologist.
• Food and fluids/
saliva falling out of
the mouth;
• Food and fluids/
saliva pooling in the
mouth;
• Coughing and
choking when eating
and drinking;
• A wet or “gurgly”
voice;
• Food and fluids
sticking in the throat;
• Foods and fluids
coming back up into
the mouth or nose;
• Prolonged mealtimes;
• Holding food in the
mouth/inability to
initiate swallowing;
• Chest infections/
pneumonia;
• Weight loss; or
• Avoidance of food/
fluid types or
consistencies.
Source: sydneyswallowingdiagnostics.
com.au
54 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Terrey Hills respite cottage
An overnight respite
cottage at Terrey Hills,
the first of its kind on the
Northern Beaches, will be
a home away from home
available for older people
who are frail or living with
dementia.
Located in a quiet
residential street,
Bugari Cottage provides
specialised care and
tailored lifestyle activities
to guests while their carers
take a much-needed break.
Operated by health
and aged care provider
HammondCare, Bugari
Cottage is designed to
operate and feel more like
a Bed ’n’ Breakfast than a
traditional aged care home.
HammondCare Chief
Executive Mike Baird said
local carers could book
their loved ones into the
cottage for periods of up to
10 nights.
“Carers can take a welldeserved
break, knowing
that their loved ones will
be given compassionate,
individualised care at Bugari
Cottage, supported by a
homely environment and
personalised engagement
activities,” Mr Baird said.
Bugari Manager Elaine
Collins said two staff were
always on site to care for a
maximum four guests with
stays scheduled to coincide
with others of similar needs
and interests.
“It’s not just about the
respite needs of the carer,
it’s a wonderful enablement
opportunity for each guest,”
Ms Collins said.
“If guests want to join
in with making a cake in
the kitchen, they can. Or if
sport is their interest, we
can put on a sporting event
on the big screen. We can
even engage other guests
with a sausage sizzle if
that’s what they want to
do.”
Bugari is the local
Aboriginal word for ringtailed
possum. – LO
*More info hammond.com.
au
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 55

Health & Wellbeing
New era for
Milat Optometry
Health & Wellbeing
Milat Optometry (Eyecare
Plus Avalon Beach)
has been serving the
Northern Beaches and the local
Avalon Beach community for
the past 40 years.
Established by Robyn Milat
and her husband Tony in
1982, the practice started with
paper patient records filed
meticulously in alphabetical
order; a focus on spectacle
correction with single vision
and bifocal lenses; and the odd
contact lens fitting – in a pair
you’d hope you won’t lose or
tear for a whole year.
Four decades on, patient
records are digital, contact
lenses are disposable by the
day, and optometrists talk
about free-form technology to
maximise the usable area in
multifocal lenses.
As more diagnostic
equipment was added to the
practice – including the latest
scanning device that can
produce cross-sectional scans
of the eye – a shift towards
eye health and early detection
of eye diseases became,
inevitably, the new focus.
And what better way to
welcome a new era for Milat
Optometry than by introducing
a new optometrist, Ms Li Chen.
Li graduated from the
University of NSW in 2005
with first class honours and
the CooperVision prize for
best performance in Clinical
Optometry; she then began
practising with an independent
optometrist in the heart of the
Sydney CBD.
It didn’t take long for her
excellence in patient care and
practice management skills to
be noted, and she was quickly
promoted to practice manager.
After receiving her
Certificate IV in Small Business
Management, Li further
advanced her clinical skills
with a postgraduate course
in Ocular Therapeutics. Skilled
with the ability and knowledge
not only to detect but also
to treat eye diseases using
prescription medication, Li
found her passion in optometry
– delivering clinical excellence.
“A good optometrist listens,
observes, asks questions,
performs all relevant
diagnostics tests, concludes
based on the diagnosis of
exclusion, and monitors for the
diagnostic accuracy,” she says.
Li believes prevention is
better than cure, adding she is
quite pedantic when it comes to
record keeping.
Li’s bubbly and talkative
personality, along with her
thoroughness and an eye (or
two) for detail, meant she was
the perfect candidate for the
role of Ambassador for the
Vision Van project.
Between 2008 and 2009,
the Vision Van took Li across
regional towns of all six
WELCOME: Li.
states of Australia, where she
provided free screening for agerelated
Macular Degeneration
to elderly Australians and
raised the awareness of this
leading cause of blindness
through radio talk-shows,
newspaper articles, local TV
news segments, and even
appearing on Mornings with
Kerri-Anne.
After the conclusion of the
Vision Van project, Li settled
down with her family on the
Central Coast, working in the
role of principal optometrist for
the past decade.
“I look forward to providing
a fresh pair of eyes at Milat
Optometry – pun intended,”
she said. – Lisa Offord
*Milat Optometry bulk-bills
all its examinations and
assessments; call 9918 2400.
56 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

From Olympics to Mona Vale
Gilbert Collins Medical Practice
has a new team member – Dr
Marcia Whalen, who joins with
20 years’ experience in general
practice, sports medicine and the
business of medicine in the USA.
Dr Whalen (pictured) moved
with her family to Australia in 2017,
spending five years at Armidale in
country NSW.
In the USA, she founded
two medical practices and her
experience included national sports
representation – she was Head Team
Physician for the USA Water Polo
Olympic teams for five years and
attended the 2012 London Olympics
as a US Olympic Committee
Physician.
Originally from a small town in central Pennsylvania, Dr
Whalen married a Pittwater local and after their stint at Armidale
the pair decided to make their home on the Northern Beaches.
After spending most of her career in large cities like
Philadelphia, New York and the greater Los Angeles area, she is
delighted to be back in a community setting focusing on General
Practice.
Practice co-principal Ethel Gilbert says Dr Whalen’s interest and
experience in Sports Medicine makes her a great match as a GP
for any active child, teen, young adult or mature athlete.
Dr Whalen likes to focus on preventative health with her
patients including healthy eating habits, regular exercise and
patient education.
– Lisa Offord
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 57

Health & Wellbeing
with Bec Johnson, M.Pharm
Health & Wellbeing
A guide to understanding
and managing your acne
Acne is a highly common
skin condition, estimated
to affect around 85 per
cent of Australians aged 15-24.
While acne is most often related
to the hormonal changes during
puberty and commonly resolves
after puberty, it can occur at any
age. Acne is not infectious and
cannot be spread.
Acne occurs due to an oversecretion
of sebum, the oil
which is produced by the body
to lubricate the skin and hair. In
excess, a build-up of sebum and
dead skin cells can occur in the
pores, causing a blockage and
forming a comedone (a clogged
pore). Comedones can develop
into:
Whiteheads – the comedone is
closed, and the plug is under the
skin. These look like small white
spots under the skin, and are
classed as non-inflammatory
acne.
Blackheads – the comedone is
open, and the plug has pushed
to the skin surface. These look
like small, dark, blocked pores,
and are classed as non-inflammatory
acne.
Pimples – these inflamed
tender bumps can be small
pink papules, painful pus-filled
pustules, or in severe acne,
large deep pus-filled nodules.
All pimples are classed as
inflammatory acne.
While a family history of acne
increases a person’s risk of developing
acne themselves, there
are several other triggers:
• Living in high humidity
areas, perspiration, and working
in warm or oily environ-
ments;
• Stress, anxiety, a change in
hormonal levels (such as during
menstruation) and general
illness;
• Irritating or oil-based skin
care products;
• Smoking; and
• Some medical conditions and
medications.
Treatments
The aim of acne treatments are
to unblock the pores, reduce
sebum production, reduce the
presence of bacteria on the
skin, reduce inflammation, and
reduce the risk of scarring.
It can take 6-12 weeks to see
improvement in acne symptoms
with most treatments.
The mainstay treatment options
available over the counter for
mild acne are:
• Skin cleansers and antibacterial
washes.
• Benzoyl peroxide creams,
gels, or lotions to reduce comedone
formation and skin bacteria.
Speak with your pharmacist
before starting this medication
so the right strength can be
selected.
• Azelaic acid gels or lotions
also reduce comedone formation
and skin bacteria.
Other treatments, including
topical or oral retinoids,
antibiotics, and hormonal
therapy such as the oral
contraceptive pill, are available
on prescription for moderatesevere
acne.
Your lifestyle and skin cleansing
habits can have a huge
impact on acne control, with
or without the use of other
medications.
DOs
• Use a gentle, soap-free
cleanser with pH balancing
properties that is free of
alcohol, exfoliants, and strong
perfumes.
• When washing your skin
(pictured), use lukewarm water
as hot water can further irritate
the skin. Pat cleansed skin dry
with a clean and soft towel,
avoiding harsh rubbing which
can cause irritation.
• Choose water-based products
which do not clog the pores
(many have ‘non-comedogenic’
on their label). If you are using
an oil-based cleanser, use a
water-based cleanser afterwards.
• Avoid wearing heavy oilbased
makeup, and clean makeup
off thoroughly each night to
prevent blocking pores.
DON’Ts
• No matter how tempting it
may be, do not pop, squeeze,
rub, or pick at your acne. This
can worsen the condition, increase
the risk of infection, and
can cause scarring.
• Avoid using harsh exfoliating
scrubs on acne affected areas,
as this can cause scarring.
As we enter the warmer
months, it is important to note
that some acne treatments can
increase your skin’s sensitivity
to the sun. If this is the case,
ensure you are practising good
sun-safety techniques, and are
using an oil-free and at least
SPF30+ sunscreen every day. If
unsure, speak with your local
pharmacist for advice.
Pittwater Pharmacy &
Compounding Chemist
at Mona Vale has operated
as a family-run business
since 1977. Open seven
days; drop in and meet
the highly qualified and
experienced team of Len,
Sam and Amy Papandrea
and Andrew Snow. Find
them at 1771 Pittwater Rd;
call 9999 3398.
58 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Dementia indicators revealed
How fast we walk and how
strong our hands grip as we
get older could be early indicators
of dementia before the onset of
noticeable symptoms, a major new
Australian study has revealed.
Researchers at Monash
University found slow walking
speed combined with weak hand
grip was a stronger predictor of
cognitive decline and dementia in
older adults than either measure
alone.
It’s believed the findings
have significant implications
for dementia diagnosis, early
intervention and treatment.
Lead author Dr Suzanne Orchard,
a Senior Research Fellow with
Monash University’s School of Public
Health and Preventive Medicine, said
the research showed an important
link between age-related cognitive
and physical decline.
“Poor physical function may be
a marker of future risk of cognitive
decline and dementia, and thus,
understanding this association
could enhance early detection and
prevention strategies,” Dr Orchard
said.
“While there are currently no
cures for dementia, if identified
early, treatment strategies can
be implemented to slow its
progression and manage the
symptoms.”
Dr Orchard said simple
grip strength and gait speed
assessments could be adopted
by GPs and other health care
providers to help identify dementia
risk early and establish treatment
pathways to improve patient
outcomes.
The study of data from more
than 18,000 initially healthy
adults, mostly aged 70 and older,
revealed that a combined poor
gait speed and grip strength was
linked to a 79 per cent increased
risk of dementia and a 43 per cent
increased risk of cognitive decline.
Over time, the risk for dementia
or cognitive decline was shown
to be highest when gait and grip
declined simultaneously over the
study period of nearly five years,
with an 89 per cent increased
risk of dementia and 55 per cent
increased risk of cognitive decline.
It’s the first time the two
physical measures have been
studied together to assess their
combined link with changes in
cognitive function. – Lisa Offord
Toolkit for women to
help with menopause
free online toolkit is now available offering
A women advice on how to better recognise and
understand the symptoms of perimenopause and
menopause, such as night sweats, mood swings and
disturbed sleep.
The toolkit provides links to clear and accurate
information, including locations of NSW Government
funded clinics.
Around one in five women experience severe or
prolonged menopause symptoms, and many suffer
in silence.
“In previous generations, women were expected to
deal with perimenopause and menopause privately.
It’s important for women’s health and wellbeing that
we break down social stigmas around discussing
and seeking treatment for perimenopause and
menopause,” said Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor.
“Women live around a third of their life after
menopause. Women are still working, caring and
giving back to their communities. We cannot afford
to ignore the very real effects of menopause for
women. We need to remember menopause is
normal.”
The NSW Government is investing $150 million
over four years to improve women’s health and
wellbeing, including $40.3 million from the 2022-
23 NSW Budget towards services for women
experiencing severe perimenopause and menopause
symptoms.
*More info nsw.gov.au/women
– LO
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 59

Health & Wellbeing
with Matilda Brown
Health & Wellbeing
Tricks and failsafe ways to
live a longer, happier life
This might surprise
you, but as we age,
we increase the risk of
dying from all causes. This
is a happy subject right!?
The good news is, there are
several things we can do to
mitigate all that morbid stuff.
Not getting hit by a bus is
one, but there are a handful
of lifestyle choices we can
make (daily, weekly, monthly
and quarterly) that extend
our health-span and protect
us from death of ACM (allcause
mortality).
Using Dr Peter Attia’s
analogy: setting your ‘glider’
as high as possible early
on in life, as it descends
with age (and it will) means
you can stall the onset of
illness, disease, and death
– essentially extending
your health and lifespan.
This stuff tends to manifest
over years, if not decades,
meaning that you inherit
the actions, behaviours and
lifestyle choices over a long
period of time rather than a
few big nights out. Smoking
one cigarette probably won’t
kill you but smoking for 40
years most likely will (this
increases your risk of ACM by
Scott’s Comfort Corner
Delicious Regenerative
Beef Curry
Ingredients
1.2 kg diced chuck beef
(from The Good Farm Shop)
2 tbs coconut oil
1 tsp cumin
2 brown onions
¼ tsp cardamon powder
6 curry leaves
1 long red chilli – sliced
1 tsp chilli powder
¼ tsp chilli flakes
½ tsp mustard powder
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp coriander
4 garlic cloves – crushed
1cm fresh ginger – grated
6 tomatoes – cored and
roughly chopped
2 red capsicum – deseeded
and roughly chopped
2 cups Spinach – optional
Method
1. Pre-heat oven to 140C.
2. In an oven-proof dish
or crock pot heat the
Coconut oil on a medium
heat on the stove top.
3. Add the onion, garlic
and ginger and sauté
for 5 minutes before
adding all the spices,
curry leaves and chilli –
stirring occasionally for 10
minutes.
4. Next add the tomatoes
and capsicum and stir,
continue to cook for
further 10 minutes.
5. Season before popping
the lid on and placing in
the oven. Cook for 2½ hrs
or until meat is tender.
40 per cent).
When we view health in
these terms, it can relieve
us of the stress that there
is urgency to be the best
version of ourselves ASAP
and maintain this 100%
of the time. That is highly
impractical, unrealistic
and doomed for failure.
Instead, doing a few things
consistently over long periods
of time, can move the needle
in a positive direction,
without being overwhelming.
Below are a few ways
in which you can set your
‘glider’ high over the years:
6. Remove from the oven
and fold in the spinach
(optional).
7. Otherwise place on a low
temp on the stove and
reduce the curry to a
desired consistency.
8. Remove from the heat and
serve.
1. Get good consistent sleep
– typically 7-9 hours per
night
1. Eat predominantly natural
and unprocessed to aid in
consumption of nutrients,
minerals and vitamins.
2. Move your body often – get
to the point of perspiration
or ‘somewhat’ difficult to
maintain a conversation,
most days if possible.
3. Prioritise protein with each
meal. Protein forms the
building blocks for your
body.
4. Strength training at least
2 x per week is seen to be
very beneficial for overall
health, body composition
and longevity.
5. Periodically limit calories
– fasting daily, weekly,
monthly or quarterly
benefits cellular health and
fosters resilience.
6. Cook from scratch – fall in
love with food, ingredients,
cooking, creating and your
health will bloom
7. Get your heart rate
to maximum (seek
advice from your health
practitioner) at least once
per week.
8. Limit sugar – sugar is
pernicious to our health so
keeping the lid on it is a
prudent course of action
9. Stay hydrated – drink 2.5 to
3 litres daily… more if hot
or exercising.
If none of these are
familiar to you, it might be
worth trying to pepper some
throughout your week, sooner
rather than later!
Matilda Brown is
an actress, writer and
business owner. Her
husband Scott Gooding
is a holistic performance
& nutrition coach, sports
nutritionist and chef.
Together they founded and
run The Good Farm Shop.
www.thegoodfarm.shop
60 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 61

Hair & Beauty
with Sue Carroll
How you can stimulate skin
repair around the clock
Retinol is a Vitamin A
derivative which has
been studied extensively
regarding its impact on our
body and skin. It is a powerful
skin rejuvenator which can be
applied topically, providing
excellent results. Retinol
is beneficial for those who
want to optimise their skin
health. The more you dig into
this, the more you begin to
see how well Retinol works
as time goes on. Retinol is
essential for those who want
to optimise their skin health.
We cannot reverse the
aging process, but using
something like potent Retinol
will improve your skin.
Retinol works wonders for
acne, post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation (PIH) and
increases blood circulation to
the skin. Retinol is a chemical
exfoliation that increases
collagen production, reducing
the appearance of wrinkles,
scar tissue and fine lines. In
addition, the regular use of
Retinol will lead to a more
even tone, texture and colour
for the skin.
With time, the skin ages,
and it’s essential to consider
how the blood circulates
and how the skin repairs. In
addition, I encourage you to
think about managing skin
cells and ensuring you handle
everything with great care. For
example, when you embrace an
evening routine with the topical
application of a Retinol cream
or serum, the skin will refine
and become more radiant.
Most people have a healthy
skin cell turnover during their
20s, but it slows down in their
30s which is when we begin to
notice the aging process. From
30 onwards, with a decline
in hormonal balance and
wear and tear on the human
anatomy, it may be a slippery
slide to an unnecessary aged
appearance. It can also get
worse if we are not sleeping
well, as it does not let the skin
The Local Voice Since 1991
recover as it needs to. Add
poor diet, sun tanning, lack
of exercise, excessive alcohol
and smoking, and the skin
regeneration process does not
stand a chance.
The signs of ageing will
appear due to the skin not
being as efficient as it used
to be. As a result, the skin
may start to look dull or
sluggish. Both mechanical
(using gauze and toning
lotion, microdermabrasion)
and chemical exfoliating is
essential to ensure the skin
remains in good shape. Marry
the two; this is a match made
in heaven for revitalised skin.
The dermal layer will start
to break down over time
due to its insufficient elastin
and collagen. When this
is the case, it cannot keep
the epidermis (top layer) in
good shape. Therefore, the
dermis must be kept healthy,
including increasing collagen
and elastin production. You
can use a Retinol serum
or cream at night with a
moisturiser or hydrating
serum over the top in your
skincare routine. Other serums
such as growth factors,
hyaluronic, multivitamins and
omega3 cocktails are ideal for
healthy functioning skin.
Depending on your preferred
method, consistency and
potency, Retinol is available
as a cream or serum. It is all
about what you like and what
your skin can tolerate the
best. You can even spread the
application routine to every
second or third day if that
helps. Retinol sandwiching is
also an option where you apply
a hydrating serum first, follow
this with your Retinol and then
another layer of active serum
or cream. Your skin would
benefit from using Retinol
throughout the year because
it will help protect the skin
from the sun and ensure it is
healthy.
With a variety of Retinol
products available today, it
is no longer only for mature
skin. Even the most sensitive
skin may benefit from
regular Retinol application
with the correct product
selection. Think of the Retinol
application each night as an
exercise for the skin so your
skin will stay healthy and
vibrant for many years to
come.
Sue Carroll is at the forefront
of the beauty, wellness
and para-medical profession
with 35 years’ experience on
Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
She leads a dedicated team
of professionals who are
passionate about results for
men and women.
info@skininspiration.com.au
www.skininspiration.com.au
NOVEMBER 2022 63
Hair & Beauty

Business Life: Money
with Brian Hrnjak
Business Life
Hacked! Why it’s crucial to
monitor your cyber security
This month we take a
deeper dive into the issue
of cyber security
following two major hacking
incidents. These incidents
involved Optus and Medibank
private and affected roughly
10 million and 4 million customers,
respectively.
Call me the shaded section
of the Venn diagram, or just
call me unlucky, but I happen
to be a customer of both. It is
intriguing to me that having
now unwittingly participated
in two of Australia’s largest
data hacks that the sum total
of information I have received
from these guys is a couple of
reassuring but vague emails. I
wasn’t overly panicked about
this as I have been a customer
of both companies for so long
that my accounts were set up
in the days before you needed
to supply driver’s licences or
passport information. Hopefully
it will be enough in these
cases to change passwords
and maintain vigilance. One
of the other things I did was
to put a lock on my credit
file as the principal risk here
was from identity theft, this
is quite easy to do these days
through apps such as Credit
Savvy.
With two major data
breaches in two months cyber
security should be positioned
at the top of mind for anyone
in business. The fact that we
have a federal minister with
responsibility for cyber security
(Clare O’Neill) says a lot
about the reality of the electronically
linked world that we
live in.
Larger companies are struggling
to come to terms with
the expectations of government
and consumers that personal
data is protected. One
month after the Optus hack
we still know very little about
the actual cause and the extent
of the problem.
Medibank has also taken a
very quiet approach to giving
information; the following is
from the AFR on 20 October:
‘It is not clear what Medibank
customers could do to protect
their cyber safety because the
company has given no indication
of what information was
accessed nor how many of its
3.8 million members could
have been hit. Australia’s
largest private health insurer,
Medibank has continued to
play down the extent of the
attack after halting trading of
its shares on two separate occasions.
On Wednesday night,
the company admitted it had
been asked for a ransom. But
it said it still did not know if
the hackers posed a genuine
threat.’
These occurrences are igniting
important subsequent
debates around what I would
think are reasonable consumer
expectations with data, the
first being about the extent of
and length of time that companies
hold information about
us, the ‘you can’t hack what
you don’t have’ argument. The
second issue being debated is
why do we freely give all this
data to so many companies
who may have varying degrees
of security and ability to protect
it? This second argument
is particularly interesting as it
offers a potential solution in
the form of a digital ID such
as that already in use by some
Federal Government agencies.
The Digital ID system is
described as: ‘… an Australian
Government program
that enables people to prove
who they are to access online
services at a time that suits
them. Digital Identity is a safe,
secure and convenient way to
access government and other
services online. A secure Digital
Identity replaces the need
for multiple logins to access
different services. The System,
pending the passage of
Digital Identity legislation, will
expand over time to include
more government agencies as
well as private sector organisations.
Creating and using
a Digital Identity is not compulsory
and is each person’s
own choice to make. People can
still access services in other
ways, such as on the phone
or in person at a government
shopfront.’
The reason I said the Digital
ID argument was particularly
interesting was that it echoes
back to a time in 1985 during
the national tax summit when
Bob Hawke argued for a national
ID card called the ‘Aus-
64 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

tralia Card’. The proposal went
down like a lead balloon with
no opposition or cross bench
Senate support and even
Hawke’s own backbenchers
describing it as un-Australian
and a ‘Stalincard’.
That was back in 1985, we
used typewriters, times have
changed. We use the Digital
ID every day in our practice
to access the ATO tax portal
system and it works very well.
I would rather go through
a process once to verify my
data with the government who
issued and holds that information
and then others, who
need to prove its me, only get
to interrogate that database
and verify that it is me when I
am making an application or
buying something. My data
doesn’t go to the company
seeking verification, it remains
with the government. In 1985
it may have been the ‘Stalincard’
but in 2022 I think I’d
rather trust the government to
keep my passport and Medicare
data safe than Optus or
Medibank private.
When I wrote about the
proliferation of scams a few
months ago, I ended with a
reference to the resources
available at the Australian
Cyber Security Centre and I
would reiterate those again at
www.cyber.gov.au. A significant
portion of their resources
are dedicated to larger businesses
and are drawn from
the ‘essential eight’ mitigation
strategies.
For smaller businesses and
individuals similar principles
apply but from a combination
of what they suggest and what
we see in practice:
n All data is important, but
establish the crown jewels
and protect these – for ex-
ample move your email and
accounting data to the cloud
where programs can be automatically
updated and require
multi-factor authentication to
access;
n Know who has high-level
(administrator) access to your
programs and limit these,
never share passwords;
n Update your applications,
operating systems, apps and
devices as they arise – updates
are often done to fix vulnerabilities,
putting them off
leaves you exposed;
n Use multifactor authentication
where available and use
it on your Apple ID, payments,
social media accounts and
email. They may hack your
password, but MFA puts another
hurdle in the way;
n Back up your devices in the
cloud or onto another device,
if you get hacked you can restore
and continue;
n Change the password on
your wi-fi regularly, if you
have a house full of kids half
the neighbourhood might
know it;
n Avoid links in text messages,
if it’s from your bank enter
the website independently
in your browser and proceed
from there;
n With scams and emails, it’s
back to the future: read the
email address in the address
bar – if it’s meant to be from
the CBA look for cba.com.au
from the sender otherwise
email, call them, visit the
branch to confirm. With clients
don’t alter payment destinations
or authorise payments
without verbal confirmation.
n Use apps such as Credit
Savvy to lock access to your
credit file if you suspect identity
theft such as with the Optus
hack.
Business Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
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.
NOVEMBER 2022 65

Business Life: Law
with Jennifer Harris
Business Life
Jury service: origins & intent
of this ancient public duty
We all have a view of
the role and functions
of a jury, which many
members of the community
have garnered from the
dramatic depictions of juries
on both the small and big
screen (like 12 Angry Men –
pictured).
Prior to the commencement
last month of the trial of Bruce
Lehrmann, who was accused
of the rape of Brittany Higgins,
the Chief Justice of the ACT
Supreme Court Lucy McCallum
had to consider the pretrial
publicity on a potential jury,
which had become the subject
of national debate.
She reluctantly (“through
gritted teeth”) ordered a
four-month delay of the trial
because of the possible effect
it might have on a jury. She
observed “… there is no way
of knowing the full impact on
the public” of widely publicised
comments on the issues to be
determined by a jury at the
trial.
The formation of a jury – a
group of laymen summoned
to assist a court by deciding
a disputed issue of fact on
evidence heard – is one of the
most ancient areas of law.
By an ordinance of King
Ethelred II (AD 1000) it was
provided that 12 senior citizens
should go out and present on
oath all whom they believed to
have committed a crime.
The guilt or innocence of the
accused had to be determined
by ordeal or compurgation –
i.e., by the medieval practice
of one of several forms: being
set to swallow the consecrated
morsel of bread, with the guilty
choking; or plunging the hand
or arm into boiling water, the
scalds healing in the case of
innocence. Compurgation,
or wager of law, involved an
accused clearing himself of an
accusation by taking his own
oath and being supported
by 12 oath helpers – usually
his relatives or neighbours –
who testified to the character
of the accused. Ordeal was
abolished by the fourth Lateran
Council of 1215 as the method
was open to corruption and
convictions difficult to achieve.
Compurgation lasted until 1824
and was abolished in 1833.
The origins of the jury are
thought to be found in the
importation from Normandy of
a system of inquisition in local
courts by sworn witnesses.
The jury today still involves
a group of laymen summonsed
to assist the court. The
summons notifying a potential
juror in NSW is issued from the
Office of the Sheriff – another
very ancient office.
To be eligible to be a
member of a jury, the
citizen must be registered
to vote. Some people are
ineligible e.g., judges, police
officers, members of the
legal profession. Some are
disqualified e.g., people in jail.
If your name has been
included on a jury roll the
Sheriff will write to you and
advise you of your inclusion.
This means you may be called
66 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

during the next 12 months to
sit on a jury.
If you think you are ineligible
or wish to apply for an
exemption from jury service,
you should advise the Sheriff.
Exemptions are often given
for people in essential services
such as firefighters or doctors,
clergy and pregnant women
may also ask to be excused.
There are others, such as small
business proprietors, who have
no replacement, or if you are a
performer in a production and
cannot easily be replaced, you
may apply for exemption. The
excuse must be reasonable
and not contrived. It is your
public duty to perform jury
duty.
When you are called for
jury duty you will receive a
summons from the Sheriff
which will state your name
and address; juror number;
what court you need to attend;
what time and day you need to
attend; and information about
what to do when you get there.
The notice will also state
whether you will hear a civil or
criminal matter and provide an
estimate of the time the trial is
anticipated to take.
You may be called for jury
service and not have to serve
as you may be challenged by
counsel representing one of
the parties.
Today the jury acts under
the direction of the judge.
The judge must decide what
evidence is admissible and
what is inadmissible. He or
she usually explains to the
jury the points of law involved
to be considered in reaching
their verdict e.g., in a criminal
matter what facts have to be
held to be established before
the jury is entitled to convict.
The merits and demerits of
jury trials are much debated.
The principal arguments in
favor of the system have been
the value of participation
of ordinary citizens in the
administration of justice and
the advantage of four, six or 12
people over one; the protection
of the liberties of the individual
afforded by entrusting
decisions to a group chosen
at random; the difficulty of
bribing or intimidating a
group which does not exist
until a trial is underway; and
the ability of a jury to temper
legalism with common sense.
On the other hand, some
trials today offer very technical
and complex evidence and
critics of the system worry
about the inexperience and
ignorance of jurors; the
uncertainty as to whether
jurors have appreciated the
issues, or the evidence put
before them or have properly
understood or applied the
judge’s directions.
The Criminal Law Committee
of the NSW Law Society over
recent years has considered
the modern role and function
of juries and has regularly
responded to reports by the
NSW Law Reform Commission,
most recently the 2013 Report
on Jury Directions; however
like many reports it does not
appear to have progressed
beyond the report.
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
Business Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 67

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Conditioning Installation, Service, Repair & Replacement.
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.
BATTERIES
Battery Business
Call 9970 6999
Batteries for all applications. Won’t be beaten on price or
service. Free testing, 7 days.
BUILDING
Southern Stairs
Call 9542 1344
Specialists in high-quality staircase for 35 years; new
Northern Beaches showroom.
CARPENTRY
Able Carpentry & Joinery
Call Cameron 0418 608 398
Doors & locks, timber gates & handrails; decking repairs +
more; 25 years’ experience.
CLEANING
Amazing Clean
Call Andrew 0412 475 2871
Specialists in blinds, curtains and awnings. Clean, repair,
supply new.
Aussie Clean Team
Call John 0478 799 680
For a sparkling finish, inside and out. Also light maintenance/
repairs. Free quotes; fully insured.
Housewashing -
northernbeaches.com.au
Call Ben 0408 682 525
Established 1999 in Avalon & Collaroy.
We specialise in soft and pressure washes, plus window and
gutter cleaning, driveways and rooftops.
CONCRETING
Adrians Concrete
Call Adrian 0404 172 435
Driveways, paths, slabs… all your concreting needs; Northern
Beaches-based.
ELECTRICAL
Alliance Service Group
Call Adrian 9063 4658
All services & repairs, 24hr. Lighting installation, switchboard
upgrade. Seniors discount 5%.
Eamon Dowling Electrical
Call Eamon 0410 457 373
For all electrical needs including phone, TV and data. Pittwaterbased.
Reliable; quality service guaranteed.
Warrick Leggo
Call Warrick 0403 981 941
Specialising in domestic work; small jobs welcome. Seniors’
discount; Narrabeen-based.
FLOOR COVERINGS
Blue Tongue Carpets
Call Stephan or Roslyn 9979 7292
Northern Beaches Flooring Centre has been family owned & run
for over 20 years. Carpets, Tiles, Timber, Laminates, Hybrids &
Vinyls. Open 6 days.
GARDENS
!Abloom Ace Gardening
Call 0415 817 880
Full range of gardening services including landscaping,
maintenance and rubbish removal.
Conscious Gardener Avalon
Call Matt 0411 750 791
Professional local team offering quality garden maintenance,
horticultural advice; also garden makeovers.
Living Gardens Landscape
Call Richy 0475 148417
Lawn & garden maintenance, garden regeneration, stone work,
residential & commercial.
Melaleuca Landscapes
Call Sandy 0416 276 066
Professional design and construction for every garden situation.
Sustainable vegetable gardens and waterfront specialist.
68 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Precision Tree Services
Call Adam 0410 736 105
Adam Bridger; professional tree care by qualified arborists
and tree surgeons.
GUTTERS & ROOFING
Cloud9 R&G
Call Tommy 0447 999 929
Prompt and reliable service; gutter cleaning and installation,
leak detection, roof installation and painting. Also roof repairs
specialist.
Ken Wilson Roofing
Call 0419 466 783
Leaking roofs, tile repairs, tiles replaced, metal roof repairs,
gutter cleaning, valley irons replaced.
HANDYMEN
Hire A Hubby
Call 1800 803 339
Extensive services including carpentry, outdoor
maintenance, painting and plastering and more.
Local Handyman
Call Jono 0413 313299
Small and medium-sized building jobs, also welding &
metalwork; licensed.
HOT WATER
Hot Water Maintenance NB
Call 9982 1265
Local emergency specialists, 7 days. Sales, service,
installation. Warranty agents, fully accredited.
KITCHENS
Collaroy Kitchen Centre
Call 9972 9300
Danish design excellence. Local beaches specialists in
kitchens, bathrooms and joinery. Visit the showroom in
Collaroy.
Seabreeze Kitchens
Call 9938 5477
Specialists in all kitchen needs; design, fitting, consultation.
Excellent trades.
LOCKSMITHS
Mosman Locksmiths
Call 9969 6333
40 years servicing the Beaches; specialists in lock-outs
including automotive, rekeying, smart lock security; also door
hardware and safe sales & installation.
MASSAGE & FITNESS
Avalon Physiotherapy
Call 9918 3373
Provide specialist treatment for neck & back pain, sports
injuries, orthopaedic problems.
PAINTING
Cloud9 Painting
Call 0447 999 929
Your one-stop shop for home or office painting; interiors,
exteriors and also roof painting. Call for a quote.
Tom Wood Master Painters
Call 0406 824 189
Residential specialists in new work & repaints / interior &
exterior. Premium paints; 17 years’ experience.
PEST CONTROL
Predator Pest Control
Call 0417 276 962
predatorpestcontrol.com.au
Environmental services at their best. Comprehensive control.
Eliminate all manner of pests.
PLUMBING
Mark Ellison Plumbing
Call 0431 000 400
Advanced solutions for sewer & stormwater pipe relining:
Upfront price, 25-year warranty.
Trades & Services
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 69

Trades & Services
Trades & Services
R AINWATER TANKS
Aquarius Watermaster
Call 1300 794 850
Rainwater tanks & pumps to capture and use the rain. Sales,
service & installation. View large display area at Warriewood.
RUBBISH REMOVAL
Brown Bros Skip Bins
Call 1300 879 688
Local waste management & environmental services experts.
Bins to suit, delivered between 2 & 24 hours. Green footprint.
Jack’s Rubbish Removals
Call Jack 0403 385 312
Up to 45% cheaper than skips. Latest health regulations.
Old-fashioned honesty & reliability. Free quotes.
One 2 Dump
Call Josh 0450 712 779
Seven-days-a-week pick-up service includes general
household rubbish, construction, commercial plus
vegetation. Also car removals.
SLIDING DOOR REPAIRS
Beautiful Sliding Door Repairs
Call 0407 546 738
Fix anything that slides in your home; door specialists –
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.
wooden / aluminium. Free quote. Same-day repair; 5-year
warranty.
TV & AUDIO
Install Service
Call Damian 0456 53 53 51
Sound specialist + TV (inc iQ5) and Wi-Fi repair; express
service. Seniors’ rates.
UPHOLSTERY
Luxafoam North
Call 0414 468 434
Local specialists in all aspects of outdoor & indoor seating.
Custom service, expert advice.
70 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Trades & Services
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 71

Pittwater Puzzler
Compiled by David Stickley
25 A Spanish soup made with oil,
garlic, onions, tomato, etc., and
served cold (8)
27 Pittwater Artists Trail event:
____ Studios (4)
28 A periodical gathering for
the sale of goods, often with
entertainments (4)
29 Pittwater Cafe: _____ Palm
Beach (5)
30 An animal’s or insect’s
breeding place or lair (4)
31 An easy task (6,4)
Pittwater Puzzler
ACROSS
1 Food from Australian
indigenous plants and trees (4,6)
6 A defined region like
Pittwater (4)
9 Feeling for what is
appropriate (5)
10 The largest of the world’s
continents (4)
11 Small amount of land
surrounded by water (4)
13 Pardoned (8)
14 You can see these at sea
by taking special Fantasea
Cruises (6)
16 A straight portion of a stream
or river (5)
17 Frozen treat popular in
summertime at the beach (3,5)
19 Setter of a crossword, for
example (8)
21 A person of great energy,
enthusiasm for a cause, etc (5)
24 People who act for others in
business, politics, etc (6)
DOWN
1 Blaze which burns through
(often extensive) areas of natural
vegetation (8)
2 A Spanish drink of red wine
with lemonade, fruit, etc (7)
3 “Self-discovery journal” by
inspiring Pittwater resident, Mick
Miller (3,5,4)
4 Suburban home of Taylors
Point (10)
5 Get ready to publish Pittwater
Life, for example (4)
7 Any of several varieties of
Australian parakeet with brightly
coloured plumage (7)
8 Free from anxiety or
constraint (2,4)
12 Areas used by pedestrians
and vehicles safely at the same
time (6,6)
15 Keg (4-6)
18 Not of adequate merit or
character (8)
20 Batters who start off an
innings (7)
22 Mayor of Northern Beaches
Council, _______ Regan (7)
23 Body of water that’s a major
feature of Narrabeen (6)
26 Water moving along in waves
or with a rushing movement (4)
[Solution page 80]
72 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Food Life
with Janelle Bloom
Food Life
Recipes: janellebloom.com.au; facebook.com/culinaryinbloom; instagram.com/janellegbloom/ Photos: Adobe Stock
Texture and taste: here’s a
change to boring vegetables
Bored with serving up the same old vegetables? Well if you’re
bored cooking them, allow me to let you in on a little secret:
the family are bored eating them, too! So, grab a pen and
paper, start your list and be inspired by this month’s recipes –
they are packed with vibrant colour, great flavour, chock with
nutrients and texture. Happy cooking!
Roast pumpkin with
Quinoa, chickpea &
cranberries
Serves 4-6
see Janelle’s Tip). Spoon
the quinoa mixture into the
warm pumpkin cavities.
Combine the lemon juice
and remaining oil together,
pour over the pumpkins and
serve.
Janelle’s Tip: Mash the soft
pumpkin flesh, cool and stir in
thick sour cream, yoghurt or
crème fraiche, chopped chives,
toasted pepita seeds and serve
as pumpkin dip.
Spring potato,
asparagus, pea and
bean salad
serves 4-6 (as a side)
1kg kipfler or baby new,
peeled, cut into 3cm chunks
2 tbs olive oil
1 bunch asparagus, ends
trimmed, halved crossways
150g green beans, trimmed
½ cup fresh shelled peas (or
frozen)
4 red radish, thinly sliced on a
mandolin
2 semi-hard-boiled eggs,
peeled, halved or quartered
2 tbs fresh dill, torn, optional
Quick pickled shallots
4 golden shallots, peeled
2 tsp sea salt flakes, crushed
1 cup white wine vinegar
½ cup white sugar
½ long red chilli, thinly sliced
1 tbs black peppercorns
1 tbs coriander seeds
1 tbs yellow mustard seeds
pinch of dried chilli
flakes (optional)
2 bay leaves
Dressing
4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
2 tbs white wine vinegar
1 tsp raw sugar
2 tbs basil pesto
1. For the quick pickled
shallots: thinly slice the
shallots into rounds. Place
into a heatproof glass or
ceramic bowl, sprinkle
over the salt. Combine the
remaining ingredients in a
small saucepan and bring
to the boil, stirring until the
sugar has dissolved. Pour
over the onions and set
aside to cool.
2. Place the potatoes in a large
saucepan, cover with water
and season with salt, Bring
to the boil, boil 8 minutes
or until the potatoes are
just tender. Using a slotted
spoon remove the potatoes
to a plate, keep the pan of
water boiling.
3. For the dressing, combine
the oil and vinegar and
sugar together, season.
for 1½ hours or until tender
all the way through (test by
inserting a skewer).
2. Tear the leaves from the
kale stems and place onto
a baking tray. Spray lightly
1.6-1.8kg butternut pumpkin, with olive oil. Roast above
halved lengthways
the pumpkin for 5-8 minutes
olive oil cooking spray
until lightly coloured (it will
6 large stems of kale
become crisp in cooling,
4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
remove and set aside).
1 brown onion, finely chopped 3. Meanwhile, heat 1
2 tbs Moroccan spice mix
tablespoon of the oil in
1 cup Quinoa, cooked and
a medium frying pan
cooled
over medium heat. Add
1 cup drained can chickpeas onion, cook, stirring, for
½ cup chopped parsley leaves 4-5 minutes or until soft.
1/3 cup dried cranberries
Add spice mix and cook,
1/3 cup slivered almonds,
stirring, for 1 minute or until
toasted
fragrant. Remove to a bowl.
1 lemon, juiced
Add the quinoa, chickpeas,
parsley, cranberries,
1. Preheat oven to 220°C fan almonds and kale. Season.
forced. Line a baking tray Stir to combine.
with baking paper. Discard 4. Place the pumpkin, cut side
the pumpkin seeds and
up onto a board. Leaving
membranes. Spray the cut a 2cm border around the
surface of the pumpkin with edge and on the base of
oil and season. Place cut-side pumpkin halves, scoop out
down, on the baking tray. the flesh (spoon into a bowl
Cover tightly with foil. Roast and reserve for another use,
74 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

For more recipes go to janellebloom.com.au
Spoon 2 tablespoons over
the warm potatoes, turn to
coat. Add the pesto to the
remaining dressing and set
aside.
4. Add the asparagus and
beans to the boiling water,
cook for 1 minute. Add the
peas and cook a further 30
seconds. Carefully drain the
vegetables. refresh in cold
water, then drain again.
5. Add the asparagus, beans,
peas and radish to the
potatoes, toss gently to
combine. Scatter over the
pickled onions and dill if
using. Season then spoon
over the reserved pesto
dressing just before serving.
Tandoori roasted
cauliflower
Serves 4-6 (as a side)
1/3 cup tandoori paste
½ cup Greek yoghurt
1 medium cauliflower, cut into
florets
lemon wedges, to serve
1. Preheat oven to 240°C fan
forced. Grease a large
roasting pan.
2. Combine the tandoori
paste and yoghurt in
a large bowl. Add
the cauliflower and stir
to combine. Place the
cauliflower into the roasting
pan. Place a sheet baking
paper onto the surface then
cover tightly with foil. Bake
for 12 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and baking
paper, roast, uncovered for
12-15 minutes or until the
cauliflower is lightly charred
and tender. Serve with
lemon.
Serving suggestion: Tandoori
cauli is delicious served with
chicken, sausages or fish or
turn into a meatless main
by serving over brown rice
drizzled with yoghurt and
lemon.
Barbecued
vegetables
serves 4-6 (as side)
1 small head broccoli, cut into
florets
½ small cauliflower, cut into
florets
2 cobs fresh corn, peeled
1 small red capsicum, cut into
strips
1 eggplant, sliced into rounds
2 zucchini, cut into rounds
8 cup mushrooms
½ cup (125ml) extra virgin olive
oil
2 tsp dried oregano
1 small garlic clove, crushed
1 lemon, juiced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp maple syrup
1. Bring a medium saucepan of
salted water to the boil. Add
the broccoli and cauliflower
florets, cook for 1-2 minutes
until the broccoli is bright
green. Using a slotted
spoon, remove to a sieve
and refresh in cold water.
2. Add the corn to the pan of
boiling water; cook for 3-4
minutes until bring yellow.
Drain well.
3. Spread all the vegetables
on a large tray. Combine
the oil, oregano and garlic.
Spoon 4 tablespoons (80ml)
over the vegetables. Season,
turn gently to coat all the
vegetables.
4. Preheat a barbecue plate
on medium-high heat.
Cook the vegetables, in
batches, for 6-10 minutes,
turning occasionally until
the vegetables are lightly
charred and tender. Remove
to a serving board or bowl.
5. Add 2 tablespoons lemon
juice, mustard and maple to
the remaining oil mixture,
season, mix well. Spoon over
the vegetables and serve.
Serving suggestion: The
barbecued vegetables are
delicious served with barbecue
sausages, steak or chops.
Food Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 75

Tasty Morsels
with Beverley Hudec
Some Tiny Morsels to savour in November
Pasadena dining with
views and share plates
Pasadena is summer-ready after the
recent unveiling of the dining room,
Palms by Pasadena. This airy venue
channels a laid-back Scandi vibe,
complete with big windows which
perfectly showcase the Pittwater
location. Head chef Tom Strohi’s seafood
and Mediterranean sharing menu
completes the package.
Tasty Dining Morsels Guide
New prawn rolls to
hit the Palmy Coast
Coast Palm Beach is prepping for
a huge summer. Order ahead and
collect en route to the sand. Lunch
from 11.30am includes a wickedly
moreish Gyros Wrap. The ‘Super Bowl’
is a healthy veggie offering that can
be protein-pimped; and Coast’s new
seafood selection includes to-die-for
prawn rolls.
Elanora gets
stateside vibe
Mix a little bit of Tex-Mex
with a big helping of
American steakhouse and
the mash-up is California
Republic. This Elanora
Heights eatery opened
its doors back in June.
As well with jalapeño
margaritas, the kitchen
pops out staples like
burritos, fajitas, tacos
and loaded fries. Meaty
options include ribs,
burgers and steaks.
Three of a kind: Nature’s best
Do-it-yourself batch
of healthy ferments
How hard is it to make sauerkraut? If
you’d like to stock your pantry with
jars of healthy ferments, a webinar
from Moss House will show you how.
You’ll learn safety tips, how to brine
vegetable ferments and how to do
a seasonal kraut. The online tutorial
is on November 7. Details on the
Council website.
Entry to Garden Terrace in Warriewood
Boutique bakery Berkelo
Frankie’s Food Factory
is through the nursery, has an exciting project up its (pictured) does breakfast,
so there are plenty of tempting sleeve. Come December, Bar brunch and lunch with a little
pots, plants and homewares Berkelo should open for lunch bit of everything for all age
to peruse on the way. This cafe and dinners at the former Buddha
groups. There are pancake
welcomes dogs and is right
Belly next to Palmland at sliders and loaded milkshakes
next to a playground for the Terrey Hills. Expect a seasonal for the kids, and black squid
little ones. The simple menu menu, woodfired pizzas and ink pasta with seafood for
has bacon and egg burgers for cocktails. For the time being, more refined adult tastes. Find
breakfast and chicken wraps the team has a coffee van with the bustling cafe at Flower
and burgers for lunch.
sour doughnuts on site.
Power in Terrey Hills.
76 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Garden Life
with Gabrielle Bryant
Garden Life
Bambino bougainvillea:
little goes a long way
Bougainvillea give colour for
most of the year, in every
shade from white to dark
purple, from coral to brilliant
scarlet – but they can grow
rampant and out of control.
They are suitable for large
gardens and pergolas, but not
for tubs, containers or patio
gardens.
Luckily there is a solution to
this problem. Dwarf Bambino
bougainvillea are perfect for
low-growing hedges, neatly
shaped shrubs, for rambling
across banks, trimmed to a low
height great as ground covers,
for large pots or even hanging
baskets in the full sun.
Over the past few years
there have been more and
more colours developed,
from snow white, yellow and
orange, to all shades of red,
pink and lavender. Some have
bright green foliage, and some
are variegated. If left alone,
Bambino bougainvillea (left and
above) will grow to a maximum
of 1.5m tall but can easily kept
under control to a smaller size
by regular trimming.
For an even smaller plant,
look for bougainvillea
Babybino. These are newer
varieties with limited colours,
but they will only grow to a
height of about 50-60cm tall
and 1m wide. Just perfect for
pots and baskets! (They may
be hard to find in garden
centres, but they can be found
for purchase online.)
To have flowers for most of
the year, trim the plants back
after flowering and feed and
water them well. Allow the soil
to dry before watering again.
After a few weeks, another
flush of brightly coloured
bracts will appear, lasting for
several weeks.
A slow-release fertiliser is
beneficial in spring and again
in later summer. Bougainvillea
are easy to grow, they love
warmth and bright light; but
they need good drainage and
hate wet feet.
Looks like a
Kiwi Christmas
F
lowering now is the New
Zealand Christmas Bush
(above) – better known
to our Kiwi friends as the
Pohutukawa. Along the coast
of New Zealand’s North
Island, it will grow into a tree
25m tall but here in NSW it
is much smaller and is used
as a wind break, a hedge,
or a feature plant, with soft
new grey leaves that turn to
a leathery dark green as they
mature and bright red fluffy
pom-pom flowers.
The New Zealand Christmas
bush is also available in a
variegated form with yellow
and green leaves; this variety
is slightly smaller as a fullgrown
plant. Look out for
Fiji Fire with bright new red
foliage, Tahiti Sunset with
cream variegated leaves,
red stems and pink flushed
new leaves, or Golden dawn
that has green leaves with
yellow middles and coral pink
flowers.
78 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Moons on the rise
Weeding is time-consuming
in places where there
is no ground cover. Bark
and other mulches are one
solution but an attractive
alternative is to plant an
ornamental plant.
Convolvulus mauritanicus
is a dense, low-growing,
prostrate perennial plant.
Unlike its close relative
Morning Glory that overtakes
in the bush, it is not invasive
and will never be a problem.
The sky-blue flowers open in
profusion along the delicate
trailing stems, backed by
small oval green leaves.
For many years the blueand
the white-flowered
varieties of convolvulus have
been available but as with so
many plants after selected
breeding there is a new strain
called the Moon series. New
Blue Moon, Lilac Moon, Silver
Moon, Full Moon, Pink Moon,
Arctic Moon, Ruffled Moon
and the baby of the family
Echium Madeira takes the cake
Echiums are a landscaper’s dream, for harsh conditions. They
are fast growing, very hardy, tolerant of many different soils,
salt hardy, sun loving, drought-resistant plants that require little
maintenance.
Echiums – ‘The Pride of Madeira’ – are native to Madeira and
the Canary Islands. They thrive on rocky hillsides and mountain
slopes. The spectacular, tall spires of sky-blue flowers (below)
appear above the soft grey green foliage in late spring and
early summer. The grey rosettes of their leaves are the perfect
backdrop to their
amazing flowers.
Echiums have
been widely
grown in domestic
gardens for many
years and many
cultivars have been
developed; some
are smaller growing
than the original
variety. Some are
pink, white, lilac, or
dark blue. As with
all fast-growing
plants, they need
to be pruned
after flowering
to prevent them
growing woody
and leggy. They
are short lived and
should be replaced
after five years.
The Local Voice Since 1991
that is smaller-growing and
more compact, Little Arctic
Moon. I recommend you try
the wonderful Two Moons with
both white and lilac flowers on
a single plant.
The ‘Moon’ convolvulus
work well as a thick, weedsuppressing
ground cover,
planted amongst taller
growing shrubs; they trail
over rockeries, retaining
walls or look great in pots.
They love the sun or semishade
and flower all through
Summer.
Enjoy regal
lavenders
Every vegetable garden
needs bees. No bees mean
no zucchinis, tomatoes,
beans, peas and no crops
on other fruiting plants.
What better plant to border
the garden than flowering
lavender?
Lavender flowers come
in every colour, white, pink
lavender, purple and pink.
None can be more colourful
than the regal Lavinnova
lavenders. The huge purple,
tassel flower heads of The
Queen and hot pink flowers
of The Princess, are unrivalled
for both colour and impact.
Lavenders love it hot and
dry but will not tolerate shade
and wet feet.
NOVEMBER 2022 79
Garden Life

Garden Life
Jobs this Month
Garden Life
Rain… more rain… and
even more rain is forecast
to fall. Make the most of
every hot sunny dry day to
enjoy your garden! However,
watch out for the first signs
of powdery mildew on your
plants. Powdery mildew can
be controlled with 1-part milk
and 5-parts water, mixed as a
spray.
Lawn love
Lawns need some TLC after
so much water. This is a good
time to top-dress your grass
that is growing now. It will
soon pop through the topdressing
soil. Washed river
sand (available from hardware
stores) or River sand as an
alternative are both excellent
to improve the drainage, if
drainage is a problem.
Plant seedlings
If you haven’t sown vegetable
seeds buy some ready-to-plant
seedlings. Plant now tomatoes,
climbing beans, bush beans,
squash, zucchini, pumpkin,
cucumber, spring onions,
carrots, lettuce, capsicum,
eggplant, basil, coriander,
parsley, oregano, and all other
herbs.
Weed bindii
Too late now to control the
bindii in the grass! The seed
November
heads are already formed, with
the tiny barbs that are designed
to hook onto passing prey and
spread the seed far and wide.
Bindii cannot differentiate
between human feet and the
fur coats of wild animals! The
only way now is to sit on the
grass with a glass of wine and
systematically dig out the bindii
plants. A garden weeder makes
the job easy.
Moth watch
Watch out for pale green
caterpillars that will eat your
vegetables through the night.
They can be hard to see, but
if you see the white cabbage
moth flying around you can be
sure that they will soon appear!
For control, spray with Yates’
Success. It can be used safely
on vegetables. The withholding
time is just one day.
Bees tip
If you are growing veggies
in pots away from flowering
plants, spray the veggies with
‘Bee Keeper’ to attract the
bees. Without the bees there is
no pollination.
Worm trap
Army worm are on the march
as the weather warms up. If
tell-tale patches appear in the
grass, spray with Neem oil.
These caterpillars appear at
dusk to eat their fill of your
lawn and its roots. If you are
unsure, leave a damp towel
on the grass overnight and
look under it in the morning. If
caterpillars are there, they will
be under the towel.
Top tomatoes
Tomatoes are the most popular
vegetable and the easiest
to grow. The larger, table
varieties attract fruit fly and
will need regular treatment
to protect the crop. White oil
sprays every week and a Cera
trap fruit fly bait hanging on
the plant. For carefree tomato
growing plant the small cherrysize
tomatoes. They don’t
attract the dreaded fruit fly.
Weed advice
Weeds are appearing
everywhere. Don’t spray with
poisons; use one of the new
organic weed killers. There are
several on the market; they
are made from natural oils
that burn the weeds. They are
not selective so don’t spray
where there is a possibility of
wind drift. They are fast and
efficient leaving no poisonous
residue.
Aggie watch
It is Agapanthus month.
Purple, and white flowers
everywhere. Remember to cut
back the flower heads before
they go to seed and escape
into neighbouring bushland.
Annuals done
It is only a few weeks
until Christmas: Resist the
temptation to leave flowering
spring annuals that are nearly
finished. Pull them out now
while there is still time to
plant petunias, alyssum,
lobelia, bedding begonias,
asters, portulaca, nasturtiums,
gerberas, French marigolds
and ageratum.
Gold advantage
The golden yellow flowers of
the silver-leafed gazanias are
to be seen on every bank and
verge. They are unbeatable for
hardiness and colour. Split and
divide them now, or start them
growing in barren, dry corners
of difficult hot ground.
Crossword solution from page 72
Mystery location: SAND POINT
80 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991

Times Past
BEFORE THE BLAZE:
A rare photo of the Church
Point store before it was
gutted by fire in 1928 – after
just two years of operation.
One flash and it was ash!
The night sky over Church
Point must’ve looked like
it was challenging the
Aurora Australis when Jensen’s
store burst into flames late on
21 November 1928.
A resident living near the
Royal Motor Yacht Club at
Newport called the Mona Vale
telephone exchange to enquire
if the “brilliant glare” had been
reported. By the time contact
had been made with a resident
of Church Point, the store was
well alight and beyond saving.
The Sydney Morning Herald
reported: “The residents of the
well-known pleasure resort
were unable to combat the
flames, as no water supply was
available”.
The large timber structure
housed the general store, the
post and telegraph office, a
bank branch office, tea rooms
and garage, with several cars
inside on the night.
The building was owned by
Mr Herbert James Fitzpatrick of
Mosman but Mr H. Jensen was
the manager. He was spending
the evening with his family at
the Odeon Cinema at Collaroy
and returned to find the building
completely destroyed.
Neither Jensen nor Fitzpatrick
could have had any idea
that the store would suffer
such a short life (and experience
such a violent demise).
A letter from Mr Fitzpatrick
to Warringah Shire Council on
11 June 1926 requested:
“The widening of Church
Point Road, opposite the site of
the proposed building…”
Yet only two years and five
months later the store would be
a huge pile of rubble and ashes.
This ‘young life’ was confirmed
in an article in The Daily
Telegraph on 22 November
1928, where it was claimed: “…
the flames had eaten through
the recently erected store…”
The same report claimed
that: “... sparks from the
building set fire to a boat shed
nearby and three launches
and 40 rowing boats were
destroyed.”
Local residents were keen to
support Mr Jensen’s desire to
re-establish another store.
Less than one month after
the loss of the store, “... the
Jensens, facing misfortune
bravely, have opened a little
store in an old shed’. One paper
reported that ‘Anonymous’ sent
one pound to help the Jensens
and a Mrs Cole “... will give a
fuel stove, if someone will cart
it from Roseville.”
Mr Fitzpatrick was in no
rush to help resolve the matter.
Council was unhappy with his
tardiness and decided that if a
new building was not commenced
within a month, Council
would support a Special
Lease application by Mr Jensen.
By Monday 18 November
1929, Council had had enough
and resolved that the plan of
the proposed building by Mr
Jensen on his Special Lease on
the foreshores at Church Point
be approved.
It appears that Mr Jensen
built his new store on his lease,
adjacent to the wharf, soon
after approval of the lease –
and this eventually became the
current Waterfront Café and
General Store.
TIMES PAST is supplied by
local historian and President
of the Avalon Beach
Historical Society GEOFF
SEARL. Visit the Society’s
showroom in Bowling Green
Lane, Avalon Beach.
Times Past
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2022 81

Travel Life
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82 NOVEMBER 2022
The Local Voice Since 1991