Pittwater Life September 2024 Issue

The Local Voice Since 1991 

SEPTEMBER 2024 

FREE 

pittwaterlife 

COUNCIL ELECTION '24 

MOORED & IGNORED: PITTWATER MARITIME DUMP DISGRACE 

HICKORY GOLF / MOUNTIES POLICEWOMAN MELINDA MURRAY 

THE WAY WE WERE / READER LETTERS / SEEN... HEARD... ABSURD...

Editorial 

Council a full-time job? 

Each month, Editor Lisa 

Offord delves into the Pittwater 

Life archives to see what 

made local news 5, 15 and 25 

years ago. In her research for 

this month’s The Way We Were 

column, Lisa discovered that 

for the 1999 Council Election, 

the then-Editor lamented 

that “only” 20 candidates had 

nominated across the (former) 

Pittwater Council area. 

At this year’s Council Election 

on September 14, a total 

of 16 candidates are running 

across Pittwater and Narrabeen 

Wards for Northern 

Beaches Council, including 

nine “support” candidates 

(2nds and 3rds on a ticket). 

And of course, no Liberals are 

running. 

The Editor in 1999 reasoned 

the small pool of candidates 

was because “… being a Councillor 

… involves among other 

things long weekly meetings 

… for little reward.” And he 

noted “… it is my hope that the 

new Council will exercise some 

control over its staff instead 

of simply being a cipher to the 

staff’s wishes and actions.” 

In the 2024-25 Financial 

Year, our councillors’ remuneration 

is capped at just 

$33,810, plus modest out-ofpocket 

expenses. 

Just putting it out there: Is 

it perhaps time that Councillors 

were paid a salary and 

worked fulltime to serve their 

constituents, the ratepayers? 

As our Economics columnist 

Brian Hrnjak writes this month 

(on p54): “You are electing the 

board of an organisation that 

in 2023 had an income of $425 

million – $234 million from 

rates and other charges from 

us ratepayers and residents; 

that control s $5.5 billion of 

assets; held $183 million in 

cash and reserves and paid out 

employment expenses of $146 

million.” 

It’s food for thought. 

– Nigel Wall 


SEPTEMBER 2024 3

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pittwaterlife.com.au 

Publisher: Nigel Wall 

Managing Editor: Lisa Offord 

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Photography: Adobe / Staff 

Contributors: Rob Pegley, 

Steve Meacham, Rosamund 

Burton, Beverley Hudec, Brian 

Hrnjak, Jennifer Harris, Janelle 

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* The complete Pittwater Life archive can be 

found at the State Library of NSW. 

Vol 35 No 2 

Celebrating 34 years 

36 

60 


SEPTEMBER 2024 

FREE 

pittwaterlife 

COUNCIL ELECTION '24 

MOORED & IGNORED: PITTWATER MARITIME DUMP DISGRACE 

HICKORY GOLF / MOUNTIES POLICEWOMAN MELINDA MURRAY 

THE WAY WE WERE / READER LETTERS / SEEN... HEARD... ABSURD... 

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8 

thislife 

INSIDE: With its trial period expired, Council has 

determined that the Avalon Shared Spaces zone will remain 

in place permanently (p7); locals are worried Pittwater 

is fast becoming a maritime dumping ground (p8); the 

Northern Beaches Readers Festival returns (p12); hear 

what readers have to say about local issues (p13); meet 

the Local Government Election candidates for Pittwater 

and Narrabeen Wards (p20); and our Life Stories subject is 

Sergeant Melinda Murray of the NSW Mounted Police (p36). 

COVER: Northerly Seabreeze/ gemmarasdall.com 

also this month 

Editorial 3 

Pittwater Local News & Features 6-35 

The Way We Were 16 

Seen... Heard... Absurd... 18 

NB Council Election: Meet The Candidates 20-26 

Community News 30-35 

Life Stories: Sergeant Melinda Murray 36-39 

Art 42-45 

Hot Property 46 

Health & Wellbeing; Hair & Beauty 48-53 

Money 54-55 

Food & Tasty Morsels 60-62 

Crossword 63 

Gardening 64-66 

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our OCTOBER issue MUST be supplied by 

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on FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 

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SEPTEMBER 2024 The Local Voice Since 1991

News 

New era for Narrabeen North 

Educators, students and their parents 

are celebrating the delivery of brandnew 

classrooms at Narrabeen North 

Public School following a multi-milliondollar 

refurbishment. 

It closes the book on a years-long battle 

by the school community to secure the 

much-needed upgrade. 

Labor said its delivery of Narrabeen 

North Public School – more than six 

months ahead of schedule – was part 

of the Minns Government’s work to 

address the school infrastructure 

backlog left after 12 years of neglect 

by the Liberals and Nationals. 

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey 

visited the school alongside Principal 

Adam Hughes to view the upgrades 

which delivered 15 new air-conditioned 

classrooms (replacing 15 

demountable classrooms), along with 

three support classrooms, a covered 

outdoor learning area, new amenities, 

landscaped gardens with native Australian 

plants, a new school hall and new 

staff and administration areas. 

“These upgrades will be enjoyed for 

years to come by this school community, 

and I look forward to seeing what Narrabeen 

North Public School achieves next,” 

said Mr Mookhey. 

At neighbouring Narrabeen Sports High 

School, major upgrade works are ongoing, 

with improvements to the Science, 

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics 

(STEM) classrooms, and woodwork, 

textile, and computer rooms, as well as 

refurbishments to classrooms recently 

completed. 

STATE-OF-THE-ART: One of the 15 new classrooms. 

Works at Narrabeen Sports High School 

are due to be complete in mid-2025. 

Minister for Education Prue Car said: 

“Improvements at Narrabeen North 

Public School, pushed for a long time by 

Principal Adam Hughes, will offer local 

students a boost and I am sure the local 

community will enjoy these improved 

facilities for years to come.” 

Mr Hughes said the school community 

was excited to have the new facilities that 

provided versatile areas to support the 

wide range of activities the school offered 

and provide students with a well-rounded 

education. 

“We are committed to ensuring this 

excellence is reflected in our classrooms 

every day for every student,” 

he said. 

Narrabeen Sports High School Principal 

Heidi Currie said students were 

already taking advantage of their 

new science labs. 

“The school community has advocated 

strongly for these upgrades,” 

she said. “We will keep families 

updated throughout each stage of 

construction, and I look forward 

to sharing more as the work progresses.” 

Pittwater MP Rory Amon paid tribute 

to Principal Adam Hughes and said 

the upgrade would ensure students had 

the best possible start to their educations. 

“I also pay tribute to the former Liberal 

Government who planned the works, 

allocated the funding and signed off on 

the delivery of this amazing community 

upgrade,” he said. 


6 SEPTEMBER 2024 

The Local Voice Since 1991

Avalon trial now permanent 

Northern Beaches Council 

has shut the door on the 

short-term completion 

of the Avalon Place Plan due to 

a lack of cash – but not before 

making the Village’s Shared 

Space Trial development a permanent 

fixture despite it also 

lacking funding for its upkeep. 

At Council’s August meeting, 

staff delivered feedback 

on community consultation 

(1,680 submissions) which it 

said indicated a high level of 

support for the trial, which 

includes a 10km/h pedestrian 

zone, to either be extended (25 

per cent) or made permanent 

(42 per cent) – with 32 per cent 

not wanting the trial extended 

or made permanent. 

At the Council meeting, Pittwater 

Ward Councillors Michael 

Gencher and Karina Page proposed 

a motion to: “Note with 

concern, the outcomes of the 

recent report, particularly the 

representation of a high level 

of support for the project. This 

support appears to have been 

gauged without providing the 

CONTROVERSIAL: The Avalon Shared Space zone. 

community with the relevant 

information necessary for it to 

form informed decisions.” 

However, Greens councillors 

Miranda Korzy and Kristyn 

Glanville were successful in 

amending the resolution to 

simply “note the engagement 

report and community feedback”. 

Cr Gencher told Pittwater 

Life: “Too often, I’ve encountered 

what can only be 

described as arrogance from 

Council in its dealings with the 

community. A prime example 

is the Avalon Shared Space 

Trial – a classic case of topdown 

decision-making with no 

genuine consultation, leaving 

the community sidelined. 

“No wonder locals feel 

ignored when their streets 

become experimental playgrounds 

for out-of-touch planners.” 

However, Cr Korzy defended 

making the zone permanent. 

“We are all aware of the debacle 

that was the construction of 

the shared space, in terms of 

timing, flooding and the three 

attempts to get it right. 

“That’s why I asked for a 

review of the project in my 

amendment to the motion supporting 

the area,” she said. 

“Despite issues with the 

survey design and reporting 

on the public consultation, the 

1,680 submissions indicated 

only 32 per cent of submissions 

did not want the shared space 

at all – and 42 per cent, wanted 

it made permanent. 

“However, I voted for it for 

a number of other reasons. I 

frequently visit through the 

week and can see it’s well-used 

on sunny days, especially until 

lunchtime and after school. 

“Most residents now tell me 

how much they like the area – 

with few complaints – and the 

local residents group Avalon 

Preservation Association supported 

making it permanent. 

“In the public consultation, 

the community clearly indicated 

what it wants fixed, and 

our Pittwater councillors will 

need to be determined to find 

the money in the next term to 

finish the job properly.” 


*What do you think? Tell us at 

readers@pittwaterlife.com.au 

News 



Moored… and ignored! 

News 

Pittwater is turning into a dangerous 

“maritime dump” with old yachts, 

flimsy cruisers and ailing commercial 

craft left lingering on moorings 

for years, according to locals who say 

the worsening situation needs to be 

addressed through better government 

policy and policing. 

Clareville resident Fred Murray-Walker, 

a keen kayaker who regularly gets out on 

the water, says the problem is most obvious 

in the Clareville basin but prevalent 

throughout Pittwater. 

“I have seen the number of moored 

boats increase exponentially and, more 

recently, noticed that many of them are 

in very poor condition,” says Mr Murray- 

Walker. 

“Many are totally unseaworthy and 

there is a sinking or boat washing ashore 

regularly. 

“It is my impression that boats, at the 

end of their life, are being moored in Pittwater 

because it is an inexpensive way 

to keep a boat when it is very expensive 

to remove it to Kimbriki tip or wherever. 

“Pittwater is becoming a maritime 

dump.” 

Avalon Sailing Club Commodore Ralf 

Moller concurs, saying the mooring and 

registration system needs to be overhauled 

BROKE ON THE WATER: A collection of rusting, neglected vessels currently gathering moss on Pittwater. 

to take unseaworthy craft out of of seaworthiness and insurance before dispose of them – so the scheme needs 

the system. 

registration, Mr Moller says “it would be a to be effectively free of charge. A levy 

“This problem is getting worse every simple matter for NSW Maritime to check or some kind would need to be raised to 

year as old boats get to end of life,” he says. the registration of all boats on moorings, pay for it.” 

“We at Avalon sailing Club are particularly 

and deal with those not registered. 

Transport for NSW says there are more 

impacted because we are on the “My view is that this is a no-brainer than 3000 moorings in the wider Pittwa- 

eastern shore of Pittwater. Whenever there that could be adopted by government ter/ Broken Bay/ Hawkesbury region, at 

is a big blow or storm with westerly winds, easily.” 

least 2100 of which are in Pittwater. 

these abandoned boats come off their He also wants the State Government to It says NSW Maritime aims to audit 

moorings and cause untold damage.” address end-of-life boat disposal. “These approximately 50 per cent of those moorings 

Mr Moller explains there are two boats end up in the hands of owners 

each year and 41 statutory notices 

primary issues. “One is the lack of rigour who can’t afford to maintain, let alone were issued to owners to remove their 

and enforcement in ensuring that boats 

non-compliant vessels from Pittwater in 

on moorings are seaworthy, insured and 

the past 12 months. 

registered. 

A further 129 notices were issued 

“The other is no practical options to 

across the Hawkesbury River and Broken 

dispose of a boat at end of life – the two 

Bay region. 

are related.” 

“Transport for NSW says Maritime 

He argues that if boats had to be 

takes an active approach to auditing 

inspected annually by law (like cars) they 

boats on moorings, with a state-wide 

would be less likely to fall into disrepair. 

audit of moorings conducted between 

“Whilst you are required by law to have 

March and September each year,” a 

your mooring inspected annually, must 

Transport for NSW spokesperson said. 

pay mooring and registration fees, and 

“These audits are conducted by our 

keep your boat in a seaworthy condition 

boating safety officers, with the aim of 

– these laws at most sporadically 

increasing mooring compliance, safe- 

enforced,” Mr Moller claims. 

guarding the marine environment, and 

“When I renew my boat registration, I 

improving waterway safety and access. 

simply pay the fee online. I don’t need to 

“Vessel owners are subject to heavy 

show a pink slip (roadworthy) equivalent 

fines if they are found to be non-compliant 

or insurance. Same deal with the mooring. 

with the relevant marine legislation, 

“In other words, I could have an unseaworthy 

plus they can be liable for the cost of 

boat registered on a mooring that 

removing and disposing of their derelict 

is dangerously close to breaking – but 

vessel.” 

– Martin Kelly 

have both registrations up to date.” 

OVERHAUL REQUIRED: Avalon Sailing Club *What do you think? Tell us at readers@ 

If boat owners had to show a certificate Commodore Ralf Moller. 

pittwaterlife.com.au 



PHOTO: Martin Kelly

News 

Hickory, dickory… thwock! 

Bertie Wooster, hapless hero of author 

PG Wodehouse’s Jeeves comedies, 

wouldn’t look out of place at two 

Northern Beaches golf clubs in September. 

Plus four breeches, knee-length socks 

and plaid golf caps will be in abundance 

as the 29th annual Australian Hickory 

Golf Championships get underway 

at Warringah and Manly golf clubs. 

Among those taking part in the 

foursomes and individual competitions 

will be enthusiasts from 

Japan, Canada, China and New 

Zealand as well as Australia. 

Manly’s Director of Golf Philip 

Baird is one of four former champions 

– with Darron Watt, Tim Sayers 

and Richard Macafee – teeing 

off with sets of wooden-shafted 

clubs which date back to 1935 or 

earlier. 

Hickory golf is in resurgence 

around the world, attracting golfers 

who embrace the romance of the 

sport’s origins. 

The original “hackers” in Scotland 

made their own clubs, from 

bone or wood, coming up with 

terms like ‘longnoses’ (drivers), 

‘spoons’ (short clubs) and ‘niblicks’ 

(wedges) for the weapons in their 

canvas-made ‘pencil bags’. 

Then King James IV of Scotland 

commissioned William Mayne, a 

bow-maker, to create a perfect set – 

earning Mayne the title ‘Royal Club 

Maker’. 

Ash and hazel were used for the 

shafts and apple, holly and pear for 

the heads. Still, hickory was the shaft of 

choice until 1935 when metal shafts were 

allowed in competition. 

Narrabeen resident Les Browne is 

Captain of the Australian Golf Heritage 

Society and organiser of the weekend’s 

tournament. A member of Long Reef 

Golf Club, he plays “normal golf a couple 

of times a week and hickory golf events 

whenever they come up”. 

Long interested in the history of golf, he 

recommends the society’s golf museum at 

Forster Tuncurry Golf Course. 

“I wanted to try something a bit different,” 

Mr Browne explains. “I had a 

few friends who played hickory golf and 

joined them. I really enjoyed it. 

PAR FOR THE COURSE: Media personality Andrew Daddo and past 

Hickory Golf event champ Philip Baird dressed for the occasion. 

“Current steel-shafted golf clubs are 

very forgiving. With hickory clubs you 

have to hit the ball properly, use a slightly 

different swing, and run the ball onto the 

greens rather than expect the grooves 

on the clubface to stop a shot moving far 

from where it lands. 

“You’ve got to be more accurate with 

hickory golf.” 

All golfers are welcome at hickory golf 

events provided they use golf sets that 

date from 1935 or earlier. And there’s no 

need to invest in vintage-style clothing. 

“Sometimes we feel people are deterred 

because they think they have to dress up,” 

he confesses. “You can wear any golfing 

outfit that complies with the rules of the 

club hosting the event. 

“Those of us who dress up in 

1920s fashions do so because we 

like the history of the sport.” 

Women play hickory golf too, 

though Browne accepts they are 

still a minority: “Of the 45 players 

registered to play in the annual 

championships, around five are 

women”. 

The bulk of Australian hickory 

golf enthusiasts live in the three 

most popular Eastern states, 

something that has been true 

since interest was re-sparked in 

the 1970s. 

Internationally most hickory 

golfers live in the US, the British 

Isles, Western Europe and Australasia, 

where golf was played at the 

turn of the 20th Century, at least 

by a certain class of the wealthy. 

More recently, players in Asia – 

which had no such tradition – have 

taken up the trend, leading to an 

annual Asia Pacific competition 

held in Australia this year and in 

Japan in 2025. 

PHOTO: Supplied 

Only a handful of international 

golf manufacturers are approved 

to make hand-made competition 

hickory golf sets, including 

Ross Baker Golf of Melbourne. But most 

aficionados prefer second-hand “antique” 

clubs, Browne says. “According to the better 

players, a good set of pre-1935 clubs is 

not only cheaper than buying a modern 

replica, but better.” – Steve Meacham 

*Watch the players at Warringah GC on 

September 8 (foursomes) and Manly 

GC on Sept 9-10 (individual). More info 

lesnkate@bigpond.com.au 



Local hospitality bucks trend 

At a time when restaurants 

are closing across 

Sydney due to rising 

costs and falling business, 

Pittwater is emerging as one 

of the city’s leading hospitality 

destinations thanks to new 

openings, the return of an 

iconic brand and the potential 

resolution of a very public 

dispute. 

At Palm Beach, The Boathouse 

Group has reversed its 

decision to exit 1 Beach Road 

while owners of The Joey are 

hopeful the evening dining 

ban imposed by Northern 

Beaches Council (NBC) will be 

lifted. 

Further down the coast 

another Boathouse Group 

creation, The Mona Social, has 

been a big hit since opening 

in May after a major refit 

of the under-utilised upper 

level of Mona Vale Golf Club, 

delivering a modern bar and 

bistro. 

Doug Fraser, who founded 

the Basin Dining Room at 

Mona Vale Surf Club, welcomed 

the new openings and 

said they bring depth to the 

area, attracting people from 

other parts of Sydney. 

“I think it’s great and is 

bringing more people from 

out of the area into the upper 

Northern Beaches,” Mr Fraser 

says. 

“People don’t just look at 

Manly anymore, they’re looking 

at Mona Vale and Palm 

Beach as more of a serious 

dining destination. 

“I know for myself, generally 

when we’d eat out, we’d go 

to the city but now there’s a lot 

more options and we can stay 

in the area, which is great.” 

Rob Domjen, co-owner of 

The Joey with Ben May, says 

daytime business has been 

good since the property 

opened in February after a $7 

million upgrade. 

“It’s been a great start with 

a lot of support from locals,” 

he says. 

NBC knocked back their application 

for evening trade due 

to objections from a couple of 

residents – a decision which 

received a blizzard of media 

coverage supporting the 

venue. 

Even Premier Chris Minns 


READY TO TALK: 

Owners of The Joey 

at Palm Beach are 

hopeful of mediation. 

weighed in. “I am worried 

about it ... I was pretty troubled 

by that story,” Mr Minns 

told The Sydney Morning 

Herald in April. 

“One or two complaints 

knocking over an entertainment 

venue or a restaurant 

or a bar that could employ 

lots of young people, provide 

some opportunity, some entertainment, 

something to do 

in Sydney – it’s the opposite 

direction in which want to 

travel.” 

Mr Domjen says a Land and 

Environment Court hearing to 

appeal the decision is scheduled 

for late September but is 

keen to resolve the issue with 

NBC beforehand. 

“Hopefully it doesn’t have to 

come to that,” he said. “Prior 

to these hearings you always 

get a chance to have a nonprejudice 

meeting at which 

we’re hoping to have a bit of 

mediation. 

“We’ve done a whole bunch 

of acoustic reports and homework 

to ensure we don’t upset 

any nearby residents. They all 

came out positive.” 

Despite the hassles, Mr 

Domjen remains positive and 

is looking forward to a great 

summer. 

“It’s a bit mad we have to 

close at 4pm but I think common 

sense will prevail and we 

can work towards doing an 

evening offering.” 

A few hundred metres away 

at 1 Beach Road, most recently 

home to Casa by The Boathouse, 

renovations by landlord 

Beecraft are scheduled to finish 

by November for the return 

of The Boathouse Palm Beach, 

which previously occupied The 

Joey site. 

Ben Collis, Head of Commercial 

and Marketing at The Boathouse 

Group, says it was good 

to retain a presence on the site 

after previously deciding to 

leave when the lease expired. 

It coincides with the Group 

not renewing its lease on Moby 

Dicks at Whale Beach. 

“Essentially, we were reviewing 

our options,” says Mr Collis. 

“The site definitely needed 

some work, it’s an old building 

– so there were some discussions 

with the landlord, and 

we managed to find a really 

positive outcome. 

“We are planning to reopen 

the space with a new concept 

and we’re looking forward to a 

big summer.” – Martin Kelly 

SEPTEMBER 2024 11 

PHOTO: The Joey 

News

Time to read the room 

News 

The second bi-annual 

Northern Beaches 

Readers Festival takes 

place in Avalon in late 

September, and author and 

organiser Sandie Docker is 

confident it will be every bit 

as successful as the first. 

“Getting the authors 

was the easiest part,” says 

Sandie. “They jumped at the 

chance. It’s a unique festival 

in Australia as it’s purely 

fiction-based.” 

The readers who attended 

the first festival in 2022 were 

also glowing in their praise 

and Sandie hopes to replicate 

the vibe they enjoyed. 

“The strongest feedback 

we had was how warm and 

inclusive the 2022 event 

was,” she says proudly. 

“Readers mixed with 

authors easily and chatted, 

and there was no snobbery, 

just great connections.” 

“We have the same 

committee this year and really 

hope to repeat that feeling.” 

Avalon’s own Michael 

Robotham is the patron of 

the event and Sandie herself 

will interview the great crime 

writer as he celebrates the 

20th anniversary of his first 

novel. Seventeen more books 

have followed since then 

along with many awards. 

Sandie herself has just 

returned from a book tour 

for her sixth novel and so has 

hardly taken a breath. 

QUIZMASTER: Northern Beaches Readers Festival Patron and Avalon 

local Michael Robotham will test the audience with a fun quiz. 

“I’ve not had a lot of sleep 

lately,” she says, laughing. 

“But we have a fabulous 

committee of seven to help 

and I’m really excited about 

interviewing Michael. Michael 

will also host a session which 

is a fun quiz – the ‘Battle of 

the Bookish Brains’.” 

Tim Ayliffe, another local 

who has become a successful 

crime novelist, will attend 

the event; however, plenty 

of other genres will be 

represented. 

“We’ve added ‘magic 

realism’ and ‘rom com’ to the 

other genres such as crime, 

romance and historical 

this year,” says Sandie. “We 

have 24 sessions taking 

place altogether and we’ve 

tried to mix up the panels 

so that different genres are 

represented in each. 

“There’s a mix of panel 

sessions, industry-based 

conversations and even a 

book club, and there’s a 

mixture of experienced and 

PHOTO: Supplied 

debut authors.” 

Indeed, the list of 

Australian authors is hugely 

impressive. Along with 

Michael, Tim and Sandie, 

there are 45 other authors 

taking part including big 

names such as Candice 

Fox, Chris Hammer, Hayley 

Scrivenor and Kate Forsyth. 

Sandie also mentions a 

couple of fledgling authors 

worth looking out for. 

“Jane Tara’s debut novel 

is a really interesting take 

on ‘invisible’ women in their 

50s and has already been 

sold into three different 

countries, and Darcy 

Tinsdale is another great 

addition to the crime genre.” 

The event takes place at 

the Avalon Recreation Centre 

again from Sept 27-29; almost 

1000 seats were booked over 

the weekend back in 2022. 

And if you want to get 

even closer to the action, 

volunteers are welcome. 

“Around 20 volunteers 

would be great,” says Sandie. 

“We need people to be 

ushers for the session and 

look after authors in the 

green room.” 

Whether you volunteer or 

attend as a reader, it’s the 

best opportunity to get up 

close and personal with your 

favourite Australian authors. 

– Rob Pegley 

*Tickets and volunteer info 

visit nbrf.com.au 



Letters: Readers have their say 

Power of press? 

Thank you, Pittwater Life! Has 

everyone noticed that following 

the revealing article that 

questioned why we all pay so 

much more for petrol on the 

Northern Beaches (Pittwater 

Life – August) that petrol prices 

suddenly and inexplicably 

dropped – by as much as 30 

cents a litre? 

Hope it remains so! 

Good work, Pittwater Life! 

Danina Anderson 

Newport 

Boycott local 

petrol bowsers 

I read with great interest 

your article on petrol prices 

(Pittwater Life – August). When 

I returned to Australia from 

Europe 18 years ago, I noticed 

immediately the so-called 

price cycle and thought it odd. 

It happens nowhere else on 

the globe, to my knowledge. 

Like many things in Australia, 

business treats its customers 

like idiots. Problem is we are 

idiots to put up with inflated 

prices. 

My advice? Don’t buy fuel on 

the Northern Beaches unless 

you have to… only buy enough 

to get yourself to Warringah 

Road at Forestville (where the 

independents are so much 

cheaper)… and download and 

use the FuelCheck app. 

These actions might bring 

the rip-off merchants to their 

senses – although I fear/doubt 

there are enough residents on 

the Northern Beaches who care 

enough that they are being 

taken for fools. 

Paul Davison 

Avalon Beach 

Maintain rage 

on costly fuel 

It’s high time the behaviour 

of the fuel companies was 

brought into the open 

(Pittwater Life – August). The 

pricing behaviour highlighted 

in your article would result 

in legal proceedings for 

cartel behaviour in any other 

industry. 

Another anomaly (not raised 

in your article) is the relative 

prices between petrol products 

and diesel. Diesel is the 

cheapest to produce of all fuel 

products, yet is often sold at a 

higher price, as it is today. 

Yet another anomaly is the 

relative pricing differential 

between city and country, 

where country prices are often 

substantially cheaper than city 

prices, despite the relatively 

higher cost of transport to 

country areas. 

As pointed out in the article, 

the so-called “pricing cycle” 

is not only fake, it’s a joke, 

perpetrated on the consumer 

to get the ACCC off the backs 

of the fuel companies – and the 

ACCC has fallen for it! 

If ever there was a case 

for a class action, this is it. 

Unfortunately the ACCC seems 

to have been conned by the oil 

companies and seems to be 

reluctant to act. 

Please keep up the pressure! 

Norm Nolan 

Bilgola Beach 

MP Amon’s 

right of reply 

In reply to Andrew McIntosh 

(Pittwater Life – August): 

The $250m Mona Vale Road 

East upgrade commenced in 

2019 with completion initially 

expected in 2022. COVID and 

years of record rainfall delayed 

this to 2023. 

On Transport for NSW’s 

advice, the West upgrade was 

scheduled to commence after 

the East finished. In June 2022, 

$340 million was enshrined 

in law – the Appropriation Act 

2022 – to deliver Mona Vale 

Road West. Before Labor was 

elected in 2023, $24 million was 

spent planning and starting 

the West upgrade. 

To critics of the Liberal 

record of delivery in Pittwater, 

I ask: Would this record 

funding of $590 for Mona Vale 

Road East and West have been 

delivered under Labor? Or the 

$500 million B-Line Project? Or 

the $30 million plus upgrade 

of Narrabeen North Public 

School? Or the $18 million for 

flood mitigation works to be 

undertaken by Council? To 

name a few... 

Rory Amon 

MP for Pittwater 

Time to restore 

Pittwater Council 

Having lived in Pittwater for 

54 years, I have seen several 

changes to our Council. I 

recall Warringah Council was 

the ruling authority, until an 

administrator was installed 

to clean up corruption. This 

seemed to clear the decks and 

we went back to a democracy 

whereby it was run very 

successfully by Robert Dunn. 

State Premier Mike Baird 

amalgamated councils – totally 

undemocratic. Being the 

Premier of NSW became too 

difficult, hence he jumped ship. 

Now we are requesting that 


be undone (Pittwater Life – 

August). We don’t want to be 

part of an organisation that 

is out of control (with several 

staff exceeding Premier Minns’ 

salary), and which is unable to 

balance the books. 

So please Minister Hoenig, 

provide us the opportunity to 

elect our own Council! 

Geoff Grimley 

Clareville 

News 



News 

Council still in Gencher sights 

Pittwater Ward Councillor Michael Gencher 

says he’s devastated by the head office 

blunder that has denied all primary Liberal 

Party candidates from running in the September 

NSW Council Election. 

Cr Gencher defected to the 

Liberals from the Your Northern 

Beaches Independent Team in 

January, citing lack of unity and 

policy clarity for his decision. 

He said ratepayers would be the 

real victims of the Liberal administration’s 

“monumental misstep”. 

“Over 43 per cent of our electorate, 

who typically lean towards 

Liberal representation, now find 

themselves effectively voiceless,” 

he said. “Regardless of your political 

leanings, this is a concern 

because it’s about maintaining 

balance and ensuring everyone is represented. 

Only Sunny Singh in Pittwater is running as 

a Liberal-aligned candidate (see Preview p20). 

“As someone who’s dedicated years to serving 

this community, I’m gutted at not being 

able to run again this year.” 

Cr Gencher said he was proud to have 

worked to cut through red tape, find practical 

solutions, and advocate for residents. 

“What I’ve cherished most is the direct 

contact with locals – helping them navigate the 

often-daunting Council processes,” he said. 

‘SIDELINED’: Cr Gencher. 

“What makes this setback even harder to 

swallow is the stark contrast between my recent 

successes and this sudden roadblock. Just the 

night before I learned I wouldn’t be able to run, 

we celebrated a win for 2kf Café 

at Mona Vale – exactly the kind of 

common-sense advocacy Councillors 

should be engaged in.” 

He said he remained committed 

to holding Council accountable. 

“Throughout my tenure, I’ve 

consistently battled against 

unnecessary bureaucracy, poor 

decision-making, and frustrating 

communication failures,” he said. 

“This kind of arrogance only 

widens the gap between Council 

and the people it’s supposed to 

serve. 

“I’m not stepping away from 

our community. If possible, I hope to continue 

contributing… whether I’m at the table or on 

the sidelines, I’m still here to advocate for you. 

“I was only ever in this for the community. 

Real change happens when people come 

together to work toward common goals. While 

I may not be serving on Council this time, I’m 

still here, still ready to help, and still committed 

to the Pittwater community.” – Nigel Wall 

*Michael Gencher will pen a pull-no-punches 

column on Council matters exclusively for 

Pittwater Life each month, starting October. 

PHOTO: NB Advocate 

6THINGS 

THIS MONTH 

Save the Oceans. Help the 

Captain Paul Watson Foundation 

Australia to deploy two ships to 

the Southern Ocean to safeguard 

Minke, Humpback, and Fin Whales 

from the Japanese Whaling Fleet 

at a fundraiser at Awaken Café 

Avalon Beach on Sat 7 from 6pm- 

11pm; there will be food, drinks, 

a silent auction, prizes and live 

music. Tickets $33 via eventbrite. 

Children’s book launch. The 

delightful new book Grandma 

Gogo – The Little Book Of 

Encouragement written by local 

Margot Bain, is about values, 

taking readers (and listeners) on 

a journey through a grandma’s 

letters to her grandchildren, 

reinforcing the positives of life. 

Meet the author at Bookoccino on 

Sun 8 from 4pm. 

Night Walk. Join a family friendly 

night walk with an expert guide 

through South Creek Reserve/ 

Jamieson Park and discover the 

nocturnal animals that inhabit the 

shore of Narrabeen Lagoon on Fri 

13 from 6pm-8pm. Book through 

the Coastal Environment Centre. 

First nations craft. Hosted 

by Permaculture Northern 

Beaches and led by master basket 

weaver, Aunty Karleen Green, 

this workshop is an invitation for 

people of all ages to connect with 

the stories, traditions, and living 

culture of Australia’s First Nations. 

Adults will learn the art of weaving, 

and children will be making 

Indigenous craft. Sun 15 from 

1-3pm at Mona Vale Memorial Hall. 

Tickets from $16 at Humanitix. 

Fleetwood Mac tribute. The 

Dreams show is your ticket 

to experiencing the magic 

of Fleetwood Mac and the 

captivating solo career of their 

leading lady, Stevie Nicks on Fri 

20 from 7.45pm at Glen Street 

Theatre. Tickets from $55 at 

glenstreet.com.au. 

Beach netball. Australian 

Beach Netball is coming to 

Narrabeen on the weekend of 

28-29. Organisers say it’s a 

fantastic opportunity for netball 

enthusiasts to come together, 

showcase their skills, and engage 

in friendly competition. Teams will 

vs in an intriguing combination of 

rules from Netball, Basketball and 

Volleyball. 



Major fuel retailers’ 

margins 50c a litre 

Petrol price gouging by major 

fuel retailers is delivering 

sales margins of up to 50 cents 

on every litre of fuel sold to 

Pittwater car and motorcycle 

owners, who pay some of the 

highest fuel prices in Australia. 

Last month, Pittwater Life 

revealed residents are being 

ripped off by major fuel companies 

which charge at least 

40 cents a litre more than at 

same-brand outlets just a few 

kilometres away. 

Our analysis showed that 

fuel prices on the Northern 

Beaches are cheapest at 

independent petrol retailers 

in Manly and become more expensive 

the further north you 

drive, peaking at Avalon Beach 

(Coles Express). 

Yet analyst Geoff Trotter 

from Fueltrac says the wholesale 

rates paid by retailers, 

known as the Terminal Gate 

Price, are at historically low 

levels. 

“We have the lowest underlying 

petrol price we’ve had in a 

long time,” Mr Trotter says. 

In late August, the Terminal 

Gate Price for unleaded petrol 

in NSW fell between $1.66 and 

$1.67 a litre on consecutive 

days. 

According to Petrolspy.com. 

au, the same fuel was being 

sold at Coles Express Avalon 

for $2.18 a litre – a margin of 

around 50 cents – while the 

nearby Metro was charging $2 

a litre. 

As usual, prices were 

significantly cheaper further 

down the peninsula. “So, the 

independent service stations 

are operating at a very low 

margins,” says Mr Trotter. 

Petrol prices rise and fall in 

cycles, which in a recent analysis 

the Australian Competition 

and Consumer Commission 

(ACCC) says have become 

longer in Sydney, Melbourne 

and Brisbane, increasing from 

around four to seven weeks. 

– Martin Kelly 

*Fuel cycles info on the ACCC 

website. 

News 



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 

The Way We Were 

25 Years Ago… 

With 20 candidates to choose from in the 

1999 Council election, voters “should be 

wary of the system introduced this year with 

groups above the line and candidates below”. 

The Editor wrote: “Voters who want to elect 

their Councillors themsleves, rather than let 

the candidates do it for them, should go to the 

bottom half of the sheet and make their own 

preferences. That’s how it used to be.” The 

Editor continued: “… there are no really major 

issues to be aired”. Mona Vale Hospital, of 

course, was an issue that “… candidates can 

latch onto” but “in the end it will be the State 

Government and Health Authorities who will 

make that decision. All the Council can do is 

help organise public action to oppose a closure and the record 

of the Government is such that it will be ignored anyway. This 

is not a marginal seat.” The Editor observed: “All candidates 

appear to be friends of the environment…” and “Why there 

are so few (20!?) candidates is simple. Being a Councillor in 

Pittwater involves among other things, long weekly meetings 

in an uncomfortable barn of a hall, for little reward. Council 

policy comes from documents prepared by the staff who make 

the recommendations that the Councillors generally adopt. 

The Local Government Act puts responsibiity for management 

and running of the show firmly with the staff. Councillors can 

offer opinions and guidance.” The Editor concluded: “… it 

is my sincerest hope that the new Council will exercise some 

control over its staff instead of simply being a cipher to the 


Spring gardeners were 

“turning their thoughts to fruit 

and vegetables rather than 

flowers… with a surge in the 

sale of edible seedling and fruit 

trees, whether we’re growing 

our own to save money in 

tough times or choosing to feed 

our 

families fresher, chemical 

free produce”. MP Rob Stokes 

wrote a column about the how 

the Rees Labor Government 

had “… slipped in new laws, 

without parliamentary debate, 

to enable the development 

of flats throughout Pittwater 

under the guise of affordable 

housing”. He concluded the 

new SEPP Affordable Rental 

Housing laws “are unworkable 

and are just a subterfuge for 

ramming more unit blocks into 

low-density areas”. Meanwhile, 

there was little progress 

and more long delays on the 

Ingleside land release “and 

it could be as late as 2015 

before a block of land is sold 

for residential development.” 

Avalon Golf course got AGU 

handicap status and Palm 

Beach Kindy celebrated its 

Golden Jubilee. 

staff’s wishes and actions.” Meanwhile plans 

for a series of traffic calming obstructions 

at Old Barrenjoey Road and Dress Circle 

Road were on hold with “… a total review 

of Avalon’s parkiing and traffic problems to 

start soon. This will include a new look at the 

Kamikaze Corner roundabout.”; In a “secret 

session”, Council approved the constuction 

of 33 “Federation-style” bus shelters which 

will be installed and maintained by a 

company called Adshel, providing “… it got 

the advertising rights in return – for 20 years.” 

and “… modern technology is being used in 

efforts to help plan the future look of Pittwater’s 

shopping centres. Digital photographs are 

being taken of the exisiting facades in Newport Beach and 

Avalon which in turn are being fed into computers.” Christmas 

– New Year holiday rentals prices in Palm and Whale Beach 

“have increased by as much as $1000 a week, with property 

owners banking on the Millennium in a big way”. Plans for a 

block of 20 serviced apartments in the heart of Palm Beach 

were given approval by the Land and Enviroment Court 

and were expected to be completed in time for the 2000 

Olympics – “Pittwater Council and the Palm Beach Association 

had opposed the development.” Prime Minister John Howard 

officially opened the Christian City Church at Oxford Falls; 

and Glen Street Theatre staged a Sydney Theatre Company 

production of Barrymore starring Barry Otto and actor and 

first time director, Judy Davis. 


There was a Parliamentary 

Inquiry into the operation and 

management of the Northern 

Beaches Hospital. “Let’s 

hope that when complete, 

the Inquiry helps cure any 

lingering ills (and doubt) so 

that the hospital can get on 

with the job of providing 

professional health services 

and care that our community 

can embrace with confidence.” 

Precious littoral rainforest at 

Hillside Road Newport was 

saved from the bulldozer 

thanks to an investment by 

the NSW Government and NB 

Council; the green light was 

given to the controversial 

off-leash dog trial at Station 

Beach; we met Ella Woolcott, 

Pittwater’s first female Ferry 

Master; the “keepers” of 

Bungan Castle John Webeck 

and his wife Pauline were 

celebrating the local icon’s 

100th anniversary; National 

Parks and Wildlife floated 

the idea of short stays at the 

lighhouse keepers cottage and 

other buildings on Barrenjoey 

Headland… again(!); and our 

Life Stories subject was homegrown 

boss of ABC News and 

author, Tim Ayliffe. 



News 

SEEN… 

Just when we 

thought the PEP-11 

offshore oil and gas 

project proposed 

between Newcastle 

and Manly was a 

thing of the past 

comes news the 

lease-holders 

Advent Energy 

have filed action in 

the Federal Court 

demanding the Albanese Government 

expedite the review of their application. The Government has 

been sitting on its hands since it granted a new review of the 

lease application last year. In that time, the NSW Government 

has moved to ban any drilling within State waters – but the 

PEP-11 permit lease is in Commonwealth waters. Mackellar 

MP Dr Sophie Scamps is back on the front foot, framing a new 

petition to highlight the absurdity of the ongoing saga (on 

change.org). “We’ve fought this for years and will continue to 

fight it,” Dr Scamps said. “Advent Energy is taking the Federal 

Government to court to force them to make a decision on 

whether drilling can proceed. Our Prime Minister promised 

that PEP-11 would be dead under a Labor Government (PM 

Albanese – pictured on the Central Coast in 2021), but we have 

heard nothing for over two years!” 

PHOTO: CoastCommunityNews.com 

HEARD #1… 

Community activist group Pittwater Unleashed, which advocates 

for a “fair share” of open space for dog walking, has 

thrown its support behind lone “Liberal” councillor candidate 

Sunny Singh after the Blue Team’s traditional support base 

of potential Council representatives was wiped out by the 

party’s well-documented Head Office bungle. That’s because 

PU fears the worst for the planned off-lead dog walking trials 

at South Mona Vale and North Palm Beach now the Liberals are 

missing from the ballot. PU spokesman Mitch 

Geddes told Pittwater Life: “We urge people to 

be mindful of the voting record of the various 

candidates and parties,” he said. “Based on 

this, we say avoid the Greens; they presented 

at the last election saying they would ‘vote in 

line with environmental reports’ with respect to 

the off-leash beach trials, only to then abandon 

this position once elected. The Liberals, on the 

other hand, have been consistently supportive of 

the resolutions advancing the beach trials. The 

record of Liberal Party support can be continued 

with a Vote 1 Mandeep Singh below-the-line 

on the Pittwater Ward ballot. Our focus naturally 

extends to Narrabeen Ward, where we have also been 

well served by Councillors Ruth Robins and Vincent 

de Luca. The Labor Party has had no presence in the 

current Council, but we have no reason to suspect 

that if elected, Sue Wright would ignore the community’s 

wishes if that situation changes.” Mr Geddes 

also provided a status update on the off-lead trials: 

“Council expects to have agency sign-off for the Mona 

Vale site well ahead of the November Council meeting, 

which is the first opportunity for the new Council to 

send it out for public exhibition.” 

HEARD #2… 

Pittwater MP Rory Amon has done the sums on the State 

Government’s planning changes and concludes our 35km 

stretch of Northern Beaches coastline could be in for 37,000 

new dwellings – and a population increase of 97,680. Mr Amon 

said there was no consideration to the ability of communities 

to absorb this increase in population, with no new investment 

proposed for public transport, roads, schools, hospitals, sports 

fields or open space. “The changes came into effect on 1 July… 

they permit properties located in any Low Density R2 zone to 

be divided into two separate dwellings if its lot size is at least 

450sqm and its lot width is at least 12m,” he explained. Mr 

Amon said the increase was based on eligible lot-holders taking 

up the opportunity – but said it was relevant to highlight the 

potential density tsunami. 

ABSURD… 

Even if they’re not your political cup of tea, the fact the 

Liberals won’t be fielding their primary candidates (pictured) 

across the five wards in September’s Council election is a poor 

outcome for our community. It means an automatic imbalance 

in representation, and fewer opportunities for checks and balances 

and important debate on things like rate increases and 

service delivery. How the Liberals’ sole candidate Sunny Singh 

made the field is a bit of a ‘bungle’ story too. Mr Singh selfnominated, 

not realising the formal 

process was to be managed by the 

Liberal Party. It will go down in 

Local Government folklore that he 

received a call from the Electoral 

Commission congratulating him 

on his nomination – then received 

a commiserations call from his 

Liberal team apologising for not 

nominating him. “It’s a bit of luck, 

so hopefully I can make the most 

of it,” he said. *Election Preview: 

Meet The Candidates – Page 20. 




Meet the candidates 

2024 Council Election 

Northern Beaches residents head to the polls on September 14 to 

determine our third elected Council. Three candidates from each 

of the LGA’s five Wards will be elected. Here are the Pittwater and 

Narrabeen Ward locals (in Group alphabetical order) hoping to make 

a difference – with the help of your vote... Compiled by Nigel Wall 

PITTWATER WARD 

Councillors 2021-’24: Liberal – 

Rory Amon (2021-’23); Karina 

Page (2023-’24); Michael 

Gencher (2024); YNBIT – 

Michael Gencher (2021-’23); 

Independent – Vince de Luca; 

The Greens – Miranda Korzy. 

Independent – 

Liberal 

Mandeep ‘Sunny’ 

Singh 

Who He Is: Mr Singh, 37, 

has lived on the Northern 

Beaches for more than 25 

years. He owns and runs cafes 

in Newport, Warriewood, 

North Narrabeen, Narrabeen 

and Brookvale, including the 

popular 4 Knots cafes. He says 

he is a committed member 

of the Liberal Party and was 

endorsed to run for Council by 

the Liberals. “For reasons well 

known, I am the only Liberal 

member standing across the 

entire Northern Beaches,” 

said Mr Singh, who lives locally 

with his wife and 6-month-old 

son. 

His Vision: Mr Singh (right) 

believes it is critical the whole 

community is represented 

on Council. “Strength lies in 

diversity of opinion, and I will 

bring a Liberal approach,” he 

said. 

“Council is run by ‘Teals’ 

(Your Northern Beaches Independent 

Team) and Greens,” 

he said. “Like so many small 

business owners and young 

families in Pittwater, I feel 

the impact of the Teals’ and 

Greens’ financial mismanagement 

and State and Federal 

Labor’s inflation and cost of 

living crisis. 

“On Northern Beaches Council, 

the Teals and the Greens 

have worsened our quality of 

life, overseeing significant rate 

hikes. 

“At the same time, Council 

has lost focus on delivering 

core services – roads, rates, 

rubbish, recreation, footpaths, 

parks and sports fields.” 

As an example, Mr Singh 

pointed to the fact that in 

July the YNBIT and Greens 

on Council approved funding 

and resources to deliver an 

‘Indigenous Voice’ to Council, 

including establishing an 

Aboriginal-identified staff 

position. 

“I believe we must listen to 

our indigenous community; 

however, we do not need a 

Voice to Council – we already 

have a legislated Metropolitan 

Local Aboriginal Land Council 

and a Council-funded Aboriginal 

Heritage Office who each 

provide exceptional advice. 

“Council needs to get back to 

delivering core services.” 

Election Pitch: “I will work to 

support small businesses, cut 

red tape and step in to stop 

Council attempts to shut down 

small businesses like 2kf 

Espresso in Mona Vale or The 

Joey at Palm Beach,” he said. 

Mr Singh said he would also 

oppose inappropriate development. 

“The State Government 

is doubling housing density 

in Pittwater, letting developers 

nearly triple apartment 

building height limits from 10 

metres to 27 metres,” Mr Singh 



said. “Council must stand 

against this. 

“And let’s finally start 

community-supported trials of 

off-leash dog spaces on small 

sections of South Mona Vale 

Beach and North Palm Beach.” 

Mr Singh added that as he 

has not been categorised as a 

Liberal on the ballot paper, voters 

who wanted a Liberal representative 

on Council needed 

to cast their No.1 preference 

for him below the line on the 

ballot paper – casting a No.2 

preference for another candidate 

below the line as well. 

Independent 

Philip Walker 

Who He Is: Head of activist 

group ‘Friends of Mona Vale’. 

Election Pitch: “Pittwater 

Council commenced the 

‘Mona Vale Place Plan’ 10 

years ago, but we still have 

nothing and Mona Vale is 

being neglected. Having been 

a ‘Council Watcher’ since 

1985, I feel I can contribute,” 

Mr Walker said. 

“The big issue is Council’s 

Budget blowout, resulting 

in a likely 25 per cent rate 

increase. 

“The amalgamated Council 

was meant to provide 

‘Increased Scale and Capacity’ 

to give us a reduction in costs, 

but Council has failed to do 

so. In my view, over-staffing 

at Senior Management Level 

is the main reason for the 

blowout. 

“Council must operate 

within its means, just like 

every ratepayer’s household 

has to. Then there would be 

no reason for a rate increase. 

“There is also the problem 

of the amalgamated Council 

being too big for proper local 

representation. I say, ‘bring 

back Pittwater Council’.” 

The Greens 

1.Miranda Korzy 

Who She Is: An incumbent 

councillor, Ms Korzy (right) has 

lived in Pittwater for 20 years 

during which time she helped 

found groups Canopy Keepers 

and Protect Pittwater. She said 

that being a journalist, activist 

and mother was a mix of 

experiences “that prepares you 

for almost anything!” 

Her Vision: Ms Korzy said that 

if elected her focus for next 

term would be planning – as 

preparation of the LGA’s new 


Local Environment Plan and 

Development Control Plan 

continued. 

“I will do all I can to prevent 

the further spread of massive 

excavations and buildings out 

of character with Pittwater,” 

she said. “Where the NSW Government 

is forcing increased 

density upon us, let’s push for 

affordable housing for our 

young people, families, downsizers 

and essential workers. 

“And we must ensure the upgraded 

and new infrastructure 

we need is built in advance, 

including footpaths in hightraffic 

areas.” 

She said she would also 

work to make climate change 

a central focus of Council 

business. 

“Planning must help prevent 

and adapt to climate change 

and its impacts – keeping the 

community out of the way of 

sea level rise, storm surges and 

flooding.” 

She said coastal management 

must recognise the reality 

of sea level rise, and policy 

should prioritise public access 

and amenity over private 

benefit. 

“My other top issue is 

building and environmental 

compliance. Council must 

send a strong message that 

the community cares about 

issues such as builders working 

to development approvals, 

protection of mature trees and 

enforcing parking rules.” 

Election Pitch: “I’m standing 

for re-election because I love 

Pittwater and our community,” 

she said. “I’m passionate about 

safeguarding our beautiful 

bushland and beaches for 

future generations and 

supporting residents – at 

a time when so many are 

experiencing financial, 

housing and family pressures. 

“I successfully fought a 

Council proposal to rezone 

3,613 properties in Pittwater 

from Conservation to Residential 

Zones. This will be critical 

to protecting our area in the 

future, with the NSW Government’s 

plans to increase density 

in Residential Zones. 

“I also secured a Tree 

Canopy Plan for the Northern 

Beaches, with inclusions to 

protect mature trees as well as 

to plant saplings in areas with 

minimal canopy cover.” 

“Another area of concern for 

me has been coastal management 

– with our beaches 

integral to Pittwater’s environment, 

I’ve represented Council 

on the Sydney Coastal Councils 

Group. “As part of that group, 

I’ve supported initiatives such 

as a campaign to retain NSW 

Government funding for the 

Beachwatch program.” 

2.Evan Turner 

Who He Is: A life-long 

local, Mr Turner (above) 

describes himself as an 

environmentalist. He is 

a small-business owner, 

with a Certificate III in 

Conservation and Ecosystem 

Management, and a Bachelor 

of Communications from 

UTS. “I run a local ecological 

gardening business and 

volunteer for Canopy Keepers 

as well as the Australian 

Association of Bush 

Regenerators,” he said. 

3.Felicity Davis 

Who She Is: Ms Davis (above) 

had a career in nursing and 

midwifery for 17 years before 

she ran an international 

science educational video 

business with her husband 

for 21 years. “Since retiring, 

I’ve dedicated much of my 

time to environmental causes. 

I run the Pittwater Knitting 

Nannas for Clean Energy 

group and am a member of 

Stop Adani and other climate 

action groups,” she said. “I’m 

standing for Council to do all 

I can to prevent catastrophic 

climate change at a local 

level.” 


2024 Council Election


Your Northern 

Beaches 

Independent Team 

1.Rowie Dillon 

Who She Is: Ms Dillon is the 

President of the Newport 

Chamber of Commerce; she 

is actively involved in the 

community and believes 

she can bring the business 

community together despite 

its varying views. Ms Dillon 

(below) said her commitment to 

small business, the community 

and to protecting Pittwater’s 

unique environment qualified 

her as a strong voice for local 

residents. 

Her Vision: “I will make 

sure the process of Council 

decision-making is robust and 

will work to keep financial 

sustainability in Council’s 

long-term Financial Plan for 

our future,” she said. 

“I intend to advocate for local 

business as their voice and 

will represent the different 

needs of the Pittwater Ward’s 

unique communities, while 

preserving our quality of life.” 

Election Pitch: “I have 

experience working with all 

levels of government and will 

be able to effect real change 

for the Pittwater community,” 

she said. 

Ms Dillon added she had a 

passion for finding solutions, 

which she was confident she 

could achieve on Council 

based on her ability to listen 

and communicate effectively 

to a wide range of locals. 

2.Judith Charnaud 

Who She Is: Ms Charnaud 

(above) said she brings a wealth 

of experience in education, 

youth, environmental 

sustainability and community 

enhancement. She has worked 

nationally and internationally 

with a range of organisations 

and aspires to the needs of 

looking after our youth, and 

ensuring the environment 

remains sustainable. . 

3.Ian White 

Who He Is: A retired primary 

school teacher and former 

Deputy Mayor of Pittwater, 

Mr White (above) served 

three terms as a Councillor 

(Northern Beaches and 

Pittwater). He said he was 

passionate about preserving 

the tree canopy and keeping 

property density low. Mr White 

has been an active member 

of the Rural Fire Service for 

more than 28 years and is an 

ambulance volunteer. 

NARRABEEN WARD 

Councillors 2021-24: Liberal – 

Bianca Crvelin; YNBIT – Ruth 

Robins; Independent – Vince 

de Luca. 

Independent 

Vincent de Luca 

Who He Is: A lifetime 

Northern Beaches local, 

solicitor and four-term 

Councillor (NB & Warringah 

Councils), Mr De Luca (below 

right) is an experienced 

public official, having served 

in the Attorney General’s 

Department, WorkCover NSW 

and the NSW Parliament. He 

was awarded the Medal of 

the Order of Australia in the 

2004 Queen’s Honours List 

for outstanding service to the 

community, youth welfare 

and charitable organisations. 

He has been a significant 

fundraiser for women’s 

and children’s refuges, safe 

houses and shelters as well as 

cancer research and cancer 

patients. 

His Vision: “Addressing 

the cost of living – Council 

needs to keep rates, fees 

and charges down as our 

community is struggling 

in this tough economic 

climate,” he said. “I insist on 

protecting ratepayers’ money 

and the need to focus on core 

issues – not waste money on 

highly paid management and 

vehicles, unnecessary events/ 

art projects. 

“Council needs to provide 

services and infrastructure 

that the community wants. I 

believe in accountability and 

transparency and have always 

fought for this.” 

Mr De Luca said that with 

the State Government’s 

proposed doubling of development 

and increasing 

height, bulk and scale, the 

community needed leaders 

who were prepared to fight to 

protect their interests and the 

environment, as opposed to 

developers. 

“Last, millions of dollars 

of State and Federal Government 

funding for infrastructure 

have been either cut or 

abandoned. Grants have dried 

up and Council is in dire 

financial deficit due to cost 

shifting by the Labor State 

and Federal Governments. 

I have strong experience in 

holding Governments of all 

persuasions accountable, and 




being able to liaise to achieve 

for our community.” 

Election Pitch: “On Council 

over the past three years I’ve 

worked closely with residents 

for traffic and pedestrian 

safety infrastructure across 

the Northern Beaches and 

represented residents 

efficiently and effectively. 

“I’m proud to have held the 

bureaucracy and the Reganled 

YNBIT/Teals/Greens 

alliance accountable – I voted 

against rate rises. 

“I worked closely with surf 

life saving, sporting and 

community groups to ensure 

funding. 

“I’ve fought hard to keep 

Mona Vale Police Station open 

and been a strong voice for 

more police on the beat. 

“I also lobbied State Parliamentarians 

on reforming 

E-bike laws to ensure safety, 

accountability and licensing. 

“I moved successfully that 

Council oppose the State 

Labor Government’s proposals 

to double the amount of 

development on the Northern 

Beaches and increase 

height, bulk and scale – we 

do not want high-rise like at 

Chatswood. 

“And I moved successfully 

that Council condemns the 

State Government for its unfair 

neglect and funding cuts 

on the Northern Beaches and 

have strongly advocated for 

the return of the $340 million 

taken out of the State Budget 

to finish Mona Vale Road.” 

2. Robert Giltinan 

Who He Is: Mr Giltinan (left) is 

a former councillor and Deputy 

Mayor of Warringah. As 

a local small business owner 

for many decades, he said he 

knew the problems facing 

local businesses and families 

with the cost of living. 

3.Tammy Cook 

Who She Is: Ms Cook 

(above left) holds a tertiary 

qualification in business. She 

has been extensively involved 

with youth welfare and 

advocacy as well as local 

community and sporting 

organisations and has been 

conferred the Distinguished 

Service Award at Narrabeen 

Beach Surf Life Saving Club. 

Labor 

1.Sue Wright 

Who She Is: A mother of two, 

former small business operator 

(florist) and fourth-generation 

Northern Beaches resident, Ms 

Wright (above right) grew up 

in Narrabeen and on Collaroy 

Plateau. She has been an active 

member of the community 

with involvement in various 

local grassroots organisations. 

She stood as the State Labor 

candidate for Wakehurst in 

2024. 

Her Vision: “I see good 

fiscal management and 

collaboration as the way 

forward for Northern Beaches 

Council… collaboration 

with fellow councillors, and 

through more interaction with 

the community about what 

matters to them, working 

with environmental groups, 

sporting groups, community 

safety and Domestic Violence 

advocates, small business 

groups, right across the 

community.” 

Election Pitch: Ms Wright said 

she would focus on bringing 

to Council measures to help 

residents with cost-of-living 

pressures; facilitate housing 

for pensioners, homeless 

people and essential workers; 

protect and enrich the 

coastline and bushlands; 

make the community a 

safer place to live and work; 

and increase greenscape in 

suburban areas. 

“Cost of living pressures 

are definitely affecting everyone,” 

she said. “We need more 

community kindergartens, 

less privatisation of Council 

services, more local apprenticeships 

and improved fiscal 

management, resulting in 

fewer rate increases and more 

money circulating in our local 

economy.” 

She said she was thrilled 

to hear NSW Premier Chris 

Minns announce recently that 

the State Government would 

spend more than $250 million 

to employ an extra 1300 apprentices 

and trainees in the 

Local Government sector. 

“We need better lighting at 

our bus stops and in parks. 

And we should protect and 

enrich our local tree canopy, 

coastline and bushlands – 

our Council has a good Tree 

Canopy Plan that needs to be 

better implemented across 

the LGA. 

“We need a Labor voice on 

Council, one that can work 

with councillors but also with 

fellow Labor party members 

in the State and Federal governments” 

2.Ryan O’Sullivan 

Who He Is: Mr O’Sullivan has 

worked in emergency services 

for almost 15 years and has 

been an active member of 

the Police Association of 

NSW, having formally led the 

Northern Beaches branch 

for several years. He said his 

priorities were affordable 

housing for emergency 

services and frontline workers; 

safer and free parking 

for emergency services; 

prevention of constant rate 

rises; and ensuring Council 

did everything it could to 

implement crime reduction 

strategies. 




Your Northern 

Beaches 

Independent Team 

1.Ruth Robins 

Who She Is: Ms Robins (right) 

is an experienced Councillor 

with an extensive career in 

Local Government. A board 

Director and local volunteer, 

she said her passion for 

inclusion, dedication to 

community service and 

social justice issues made 

her a strong advocate for the 

Narrabeen community. 

Her Vision: Ms Robins 

said she was a believer in 

“keeping local government 

local”. 

“I want to make sure that 

a local who knows their 

community well represents 

Narrabeen Ward and provides 

the people with a voice. 

“Keeping the community 

connected is important, whilst 

making sure Council lives 

within its means, will help 

keep the Northern Beaches a 

great place to live for all.” 

Ms Robins’ local priorities 

include protecting the 

natural environment and 

natural waterways, especially 

Narrabeen Lagoon. 

“Also important is to 

support and advocate for 

services to build a healthy, 

inclusive, safe and affordable 

community and to work to 

sensibly address the housing 

challenge with appropriate, 

environmentally sensitive 

development. 

She wants an improved 

consultation process to 

ensure the community’s 

participation in decisionmaking 

processes. through 

improved consultation 

processes. 

“And we must work within 

budget constraints to deliver 

the best value on behalf of 

our community.” 

Election Pitch: Ms Robins 

said her local achievements 

along with the YNBI Team’s 

on Council over the past four 

years were a good reference 

for her candidacy. 

“I championed for the 

Rat Park upgrade and was 

successful in applying for 

women’s amenities and 

change rooms,” she said. 

“We completed the Long 

Reef Surf Lifesaving club 

with public amenities, cafe 

and community storage, and 

oversaw the new pedestrian 

and cycle bridge completion 

across Narrabeen lagoon. 

“I helped create the new 

park at Warriewood, Lynne 

Czinner Park, named after 

the former Pittwater Mayor, 

plus the construction of 

Warriewood Community 

Centre has begun after a 20- 

year wait. 

“Also, the playground 

upgrade at Anana Reserve, 

Elanora Heights, and we 

advocated for more sports 

field use with local schools.” 

2.Christopher Jackson 

Who He Is: Mr Jackson 

(below left) has had 15 

years’ experience in public 

transport and community 

engagement, focusing on 

volunteering, men’s mental 

health and team building. 

3.Adam Hughes 

Who He Is: Principal of the 

North Narrabeen Public 

School and with more than 

30 years of experience in 

both public and international 

education sectors, Mr Hughes 

(below right) said he was 

committed to promoting 

equity in education. 

*The 2024 NSW Local 

Government elections will 

be held on Saturday, 14 

September. Pre-poll for the 

elections will be available 

from Saturday, 7 September 

to Friday, 13 September. 



News 

Pittwater News 

September Probus Club news in your suburb 

The next meeting of 

the Palm Beach and 

Peninsula Probus Club will 

be held on Wednesday, 

18 September at Club Palm 

Beach. The speaker will be 

Paul Kearney, a rock music 

buff/historian who will 

present the history of Rock 

’n’ Roll, as well as playing a 

selection of great old Rock 

’n’ Roll songs and video 

clips from the 1950s. In 

addition, there will be some 

short comedy clips to enjoy. 

Some of the featured big 

names include Bill Haley & 

the Comets, Buddy Holly, 

Little Richard and Paul 

Anka. Visitors are welcome; 

meeting commences 

9.45am. More information 

call 0421 435 792. 

At the next meeting of 

Newport Probus Club on 

Thursday, 5 September, 

retired economist Hans 

Kunnen will give a talk 

about his experience of 

being in New York during 

the 9/11 terrorism attacks 

on the World Trade Towers. 

Meeting is at Newport 

Bowling Club, commencing 

10am. Visitors are welcome 

and enquiries can be 

directed to Phil Butcher on 

0413 046 370. 

The next meeting 

of the Bilgola Plateau 

Probus Club will be held 

at Newport Bowling Club 

on Friday, 6 September. 

Members and visitors are 

invited to attend and enjoy 

morning tea followed by a 

talk delivered by speaker 

Jill Bruce who will recount 

her life’s journey from 

childhood poverty, to 

becoming a successful 

author of 100 non-fiction 

books about Australia. 

Jill is also a recipient of 

two Wilderness Society 

Environment awards. 

Meeting starts 10am; more 

info call Shelley (0415 538 

864). 

The Combined Probus 

Club of Mona Vale will 

meet next on Tuesday, 

17 September in the 

auditorium at Pittwater 

RSL Club (commencing 

10am). The guest speaker 

will be Lee-Anne James 

from Mercy Ships, an 

international organisation 

working in low- and 

middle-income countries 

in Africa. Mercy Ships 

deploys hospital ships to 

provide direct medical 

care to patients with 

utmost surgical needs and 

works with host nations to 

strengthen existing health 

systems and improve 

access to quality health 

care for all. Lee-Anne 

will outline the history 

of the organisation and 

the marvellous work 

they do – life-saving and 

life-changing surgical 

procedures performed by 

thousands of professional 

volunteers. Visitors 

welcome; more info call 

Barry (0435 010 367). 

The next meeting of the 

Narrabeen Lakes Probus 

Club will be on Wednesday, 

25 September at Narrabeen 

Baptist Church. Guest 

speaker will be Serina Mace 

from Travel Trade who 

will showcase many travel 

ideas in NSW and around 

Australia. Doors open at 

9.45am for a 10am meeting; 

visitors welcome. More info 

call/text 0423 937 344. 

The next meeting of the 

Avalon Ladies Probus 

Club is on Tuesday, 3 

September at Club Palm 

Beach. Guest speaker this 

month is Craig Allomes, 

Manager of the CBA, 

Avalon Beach who will give 

a detailed talk on Scams 

and how to recognise 

and avoid them. Meeting 

commences 10am; visitors 

welcome. More info call the 

Secretary on 0439 745 302. 

The next meeting of 

Pittwater Men’s Probus 

will be held at Mona Vale 

Surf Club on Tuesday, 10 

September. Speaker will 

be club member Geoff 

Richards who will describe 

his personal encounter with 

the Backhtiari Tribe that 

traces its roots back to the 

ancient Persian Empire but 

still holds a presence today 

in modern Iran. The tribe 

still lives within its biblical 

traditions despite some rare 

ventures into the modern 

world. Meeting starts 10am; 

visitors welcome. More info 

contact Terry Larke on 0412 

220 820. 

Newport’s Spring 

into Summer 

Newport Chamber of Commerce 

is seeking stallholders 

for its ‘Spring into Summer Festival’ 

on Saturday 2 November. 

They’re on the lookout for passionate 

local vendors to showcase 

their unique products 

and services. Whether you’re 

a talented artisan, offer local 

services, or have something 

special to share, this is your 

chance to connect with the 

vibrant community of Newport 

and surrounds. With live music, 

family friendly activities 

and a lively crowd, the Festival 

will offer the perfect platform 

to grow your business and 

engage with locals in a fun and 

festive atmosphere. Spaces are 

limited and filling up fast! For 

more details and to reserve 

a space, contact president@ 

newportbeach.org.au 

Stony Range 

Spring Festival 

The Stony Range Regional 

Botanic Garden at Dee Why is 

holding its Spring Festival 

on Sunday 8 September from 

9am-3pm. There’ll be lots 

for the kids to see, native 

plants for sale, displays and a 

sausage sizzle. The garden is 

located at 810 Pittwater Rd. 

Zonta Trivia Night 

Help your local Zonta Club of 

Northern Beaches raise funds 

for a Clean Birthing Kit Community 

Packing Day at their 

annual Trivia Night to be held 

at the Mona Vale Memorial Hall 

on Saturday 26 October. Entry 

is $35 payable at the door (cash 

Continued on page 32 



Leigh makes a Splash 

Make a diary note for 

October’s exhibition at 

community art space The 

Studio at Careel Bay. 

Beaches artist Leigh 

Binskin will 

showcase 

‘Iconically 

Us With 

A Splash’, 

celebrating 

the beauty 

of everyday 

items “at the 

sentimental 

heart of local 

life”. 

Leigh 

(pictured 

with Laing & 

Simmons’ Amy and Matthew 

Young) explained each artwork 

featured meaningful 

collages of historic photos, 

handwritten notes, or the 

artist’s own sketches. 

“A mixed media artist inspired 

by her Scottish heritage, 

Leigh says she aims to 

evoke themes of connection 

and legacy in her work. 

“We have two boys and 

decided 

that before 

they didn’t 

want to 

‘hang’ 

with us 

anymore, 

we’d travel 

around 

Australia in 

a caravan 

for 12 

months,” 

she said. 

“I found 

the courage to leave the corporate 

world after 25 years 

in IT and follow my passion 

for art professionally.” 

Open from 9am-3pm on 

Saturday October 5 and 

every Sunday in October. 

News 



News 


Watch whales head south 

Whale Watching Sydney returns to the Northern 

Beaches in September – just in time for the school 

holidays, their limited cruises from 28 September to 13 

October offer an unforgettable 2.5-hour journey from 

Palm Beach to witness the majestic southern migration of 

humpback whales. 

WWS say this season promises close encounters with 

these incredible creatures as they journey back to Antarctic 

waters. At this time of year expect to see newly born 

calves travelling along the coast with their mothers, often 

giving the most beautiful and exciting viewings of the 

entire season. WWS’s expert crew will lead you to the best 

positions to see these awe-inspiring animals breach, tail 

slap, and play in the wild. It’s a bucket list-worthy experience, 

right on your doorstep. 

*Child and concession prices apply, with special family 

bundles available; bookings and info whalewatchingsydney.com.au 

or call 1800 326 822. 

Continued from page 30 

or EFTPOS). Doors open 6:30pm 

for 7pm start. Book a table of 8, 

or you can join others. BYO nibbles, 

drinks and glasses; supper 

provided. Bring gold coins for 

games. Also, EFTPOS available 

for donations. For more info 

and bookings call Annette 

(0417 236 982) or email zontanb@gmail.com 

September acts 

for The Shack 

The Shack Live Music Club is 

held on the first Saturday of 

each month at the Ted Blackwood 

Hall at Warriewood. September’s 

show features three 

live music acts in a cabaret 

candlelit atmosphere with BYO 

food and drinks for an affordable 

and enjoyable night of live 

entertainment. The concert on 

Saturday 7 September features 

Rhonda & the Grasscutters, 

Mutual Acquaintances and 

Deanne Dale. Tickets $30 at 

shackfolk.com or cash at the 

door (no wi-fi). 

Local Toy Library 

service extended 

The popular toy library service 

operating from Mona Vale and 

Manly Libraries is set to continue 

for another five years after 

being supported by Council. 

EarlyEd, a not-for-profit organisation 

who operate the Cubby 

House Toy Library, recently 

completed a 12-month trial 

which has been supported to 

continue for Northern Beaches 

residents. Northern Beaches 

Mayor Sue Heins said the trial 

has been well received, with 

a good take-up over the past 

Table Tennis 

Players Wanted 

Good social players 

(adults) needed. 

Mondays 9-11am. 

Also School & Public hols. 

First visit free; 

$5 session thereafter. 

Pittwater Uniting Church 

Sports Hall 

10, Jubilee Rd, Warriewood. 

More info call Jane: 

0401 223 757 



Boat winch restoration 

Narrabeen local and her father’s desire to preserve local 

A maritime heritage has led to the restoration of historic 

boat winches and the creation of new public artworks on the 

coastal walkway at Collaroy. 

Originally these winches were placed on the shoreline to 

pull in heavy, timber-hulled fishing boats. Over time they were 

no longer used and started rusting away, with some falling 

into the ocean and buried by sand at Fisherman’s Beach, near 

Long Reef Headland. 

The project was initiated by Michell Cudmore and her late 

father Tony Davis a former President of the Long Reef Fisherman’s 

Club. 

Ms Cudmore worked with the club committee to obtain a 

NSW Government grant for almost $30,000 and liaised with 

Council whose landscape team helped bring the project to life. 

The restoration involved cleaning, sand blasting and repainting, 

taking 16 months to complete. Seven winches now 

sit on top of sandstone blocks as sculptures near the heritagelisted 

Fisherman’s Hut at the southern end of the beach. 


12 months. “Times are tough 

for everyone, and this great 

initiative helps families access 

high quality age-appropriate 

toys to support their development 

and interest; without 

forking out lots of money and 

being stuck with toys they only 

play with for a short time,” she 

said. “Over 103 members have 

signed up for the service with 

997 items being borrowed in 

the past 12 months.” The Click 

& Collect service at Manly and 

Mona Vale Libraries operates 

on a weekly basis during 

school terms. Cubby House Toy 

Library members choose items 

from an online catalogue and 

reserve items for collection at 

their preferred location. The 

toys are then transported by 

Cubby House Toy Library volunteers 

for collection and pick up. 

For more info visit Council’s 

website. 

Scamps backs ban 

on gambling ads 

Mackellar MP Dr Sophie 

Scamps says she fears the 

Albanese Federal Government 

is continuing to prioritise the 

pecuniary “health” of a few 

big media players and gambling 

companies ahead of the 

health of families, children and 

taxpayers, who bear the cost 

of problem gambling. She said 

she had asked Health Minister 

Mark Butler whether the 

Government would act to deal 

with the serious public health 

issue that gambling poses for 

our children. “The Albanese 

Government knows exactly 

what sort of misery gambling 

wreaks on people’s lives and 

health,” she said. “Australians 

lose approximately $25 billion 

on legal forms of gambling 


100 years of local history 

Manly, Warringah & 

Pittwater Historical 

Society is celebrating 100 

years of preserving local 

history on the Northern 

Beaches (pictured – Bilgola 

Beach circa 1930s). 

To celebrate, Northern 

Beaches Libraries are hosting 

an exhibition of historical 

photographs (19 August 

– 25 September) showcasing 

our local history, as well 

as a series of talks given 

by society members and 

the Northern Beaches Local 

Studies team about the history 

of our local areas. 

Mona Vale Library will 

hold a talk on Monday 2 

September, while another 

will be held at Glen Street 

Theatre on Wednesday 11 

September. 

The exhibition and talks 

are free but you must book 

for the talks. 

*More info Council website 

News 




News 

All that (Manly) Jazz 

Australia’s longest running jazz festival returns to 

Manly from 20-22 September with more than 70 acts 

for an unforgettable weekend for jazz enthusiasts and 

music lovers alike. 

Performances will take place across four outdoor stages 

and in-venues in and around Manly. 

Jazz ensemble Hot Potato Band will return, with other 

headline acts including the Funkophilia, Flashy Dashbacks 

Organ Trio, Blue Rhythm Band, Dan Barnett Big 

Band and Spyglass Gypsies. 

*Full program and info manlyjazz.com.au 


each year, representing the 

largest per capita losses in the 

world. It is not an answer that 

the television networks are 

facing financial pressure, so 

we should allow them to run 

some gambling ads. It’s time 

to act decisively. Public health 

experts are united that a ban is 

needed. Partial bans will just 

create loopholes and not work.” 

She added that data provided 

by Gambling Help Online revealed 

a 16 per cent increase 

in the number of young people 

aged 24 and under contacting 

the help service in the 2022-23 

financial year. “The public 

health community is united in 

their call for a complete ban on 

gambling advertising. Nothing 

else will be effective.” 

100 years of 

Creative Leisure 

The call is out for past 

participants of Creative 

Leisure Movement activities 

to celebrate the group’s 100th 

Anniversary. Founded in Surry 

Hills in 1924, the organisation 

catered for children with afterschool 

activities, holiday programs 

and travelling libraries. 

These activities later expanded 

to include pre-schoolers and 

adults, with Creative Leisure 

Centres in the inner city, 

eastern suburbs and north 

shore. From 1971, activities 

were developed on the Northern 

Beaches. The organisation 

pioneered children’s toy 

libraries, playgroups, dance 

camps, adult learning and leisure 

classes. These activities 

evolved to include learning 

difficulty support groups, 

playgroups for children with 

disabilities and disabled adult 

programs. When the Creative 

Leisure Movement closed in 

1996, the Northern Beaches 

region incorporated as Northern 

Beaches Creative Leisure 

and Learning continued the 

aim of providing a range of 

learning and leisure activities. 

Centenary is on 20 October; 

info phone 9944 6027 or manresa123@optusnet.com.au 



Local is Boating 

Apprentice of 2024 

Boating industry family member 

and apprentice marine 

mechanic Michaela Douglas 

of Douglas Marine, Pittwater, 

has won the Boating Industry 

Association Apprentice of the 

Year Award. “I’m delighted 

to see Michaela, who is third 

generation of this wonderful 

family business, recognised 

in this way by industry,” BIA 

President Adam Smith said 

during the presentation at 

the 2024 Sydney International 

Boat Show. “Michaela at only 

22, has already started her 

second trade qualification in 

Automotive Electrical Technologies, 

having just finished her 

Marine Mechanical Apprenticeship; 

a testament to her 

commitment to be the very 

best she can, demonstrating 

her enthusiasm for continual 

learning and development,” 

he said. The Awards drew a 

strong field of nominees from 

a range of businesses, including 

boatbuilders, boatyards 

and marine dealers. Michaela 

was presented with a trophy 

and certificate, along with a 

$1000 Repco voucher to put 

towards tools. The prize will 

also see Michaela take a trip 

to the Australian Wooden 

Boat Festival in Tasmania next 

February. 

Permaculture help 

to grow mushrooms 

Learn about mushrooms when 

Permaculture Northern Beaches 

hosts Clara Roza of Clara’s 

Urban Mini Farm in Narrabeen 

this month. Clara will talk 

about the various approaches 

to growing mushrooms at 

home, including making up 

an Oyster Mushroom bucket 

for growing indoors and 

safely cooking and foraging 

local mushrooms. The event 

is on Thursday 26 September 

upstairs in the Lakeview room 

at the Narrabeen Tramshed 

from 7.30pm-9pm. Entry is by 

donation ($5 recommended). 

Bookings via humanitix. 

Vet 

on call 

with Dr Brown 

The paralysis tick is a small 

but deadly threat to pets, 

especially in the Sydney area. 

Found predominantly along the 

east coast of Australia, these 

ticks are most active during the 

warmer months, particularly 

after wet weather. This is when 

the eggs hatch and larval ticks 

begin to search for hosts, 

including our beloved pets. 

Once attached to your pet, it 

takes just a day or two for the 

tick to inject enough toxin to 

cause significant neurological 

damage. The most common 

early sign is a weak or flaccid 

paralysis that usually starts in 

the hind limbs. Without prompt 

treatment, the paralysis can 

ascend the body, affecting 

the muscles responsible for 

breathing and swallowing. If not 

treated with an antiserum, this 

condition can be fatal. 

Tick poisoning is common, 

severe, and, thankfully, very 

preventable. Tips to keep your 

pet safe from ticks are: 

Daily Checks: Especially after 

walks in bushland or long grass. 

A professional groomer can 

help ensure your pet is tick-free. 

Preventatives: Administer 

proven tick preventatives like 

the new Bravecto Quantum 

yearly injection. Avoid relying 

on untested natural remedies. 

Avoid High-Risk Areas: During 

peak tick season, steer clear of 

bushland and areas with long 

grass where ticks thrive. 

The symptoms of tick 

paralysis can vary based on the 

length of time the tick has been 

attached and the toxin potency. 

Signs include: change in bark; 

laboured breathing or excessive 

panting; coughing or grunting; 

vomiting or regurgitation; 

weakness in the hind legs, 

progressing to the forelimbs; 

and reluctance to get up or 

walk. If you notice any of these 

signs, seek veterinary attention 

immediately. 

Sydney Animal Hospitals is 

here to help you safeguard your 

pets. With the newly released 

Bravecto Quantum yearly 

injection, you can enjoy peace 

of mind knowing your pet is 

protected from both fleas and 

ticks for an entire year. Take 

action now! 

News 



Mona Vale’s Sergeant Melinda 

Murray provides a fascinating 

insight into her career with the 

NSW Mounted Police. 

Story by Rosamund Burton 

Rein 

Life Stories 

and 

shine 

Mona Vale resident currently 20 horses in the – and when we bought him increase dramatically, due to 

Sergeant Melinda stables and 10 at spelling from her, we renamed him greater awareness and larger 

Murray is the longestserving 

paddocks. 

Lofty.” 

budgets. “We give our horses 

current member of “When I came here in 1996 Walking through the tack massages, professional 

the NSW Mounted Police. I it was 75 per cent men; today room, she explains: “We each chiropractor sessions and 

meet Melinda at the NSW the Mounties are 80 per cent have our own set of stirrups, they are taken out of their 

Mounted Police headquarters women,” she says. “There and every horse has its own boxes regularly during the 

in Redfern. Walking through were a lot of off-the-track saddle, professionally fitted day for training, patrol, 

the archway in the high red thoroughbreds back then, every month to make sure it’s grooming or even a roll in the 

brick wall on Baptist Street I because we didn’t have much not hurting its back, and its sand yard.” There is a horse 

find myself standing in the of a budget, so we relied on own bridle and bit.” 

exerciser that can walk six 

stable yard. Melinda appears horses being donated.” 

Melinda admits that what horses at a time. 

from an upstairs room and In an undercover arena, an incenses her are people – 

“When I first came to the 

immediately suggests giving officer has a young bay horse usually at a protest – saying Mounties I was handed a 

me a tour. 

on a lunging rein. 

it’s animal abuse to use bridle and a saddle, and you 

The premises were built “This is Lofty,” Melinda horses for police work. “I’m had to use those on every 

in 1907 and have majestic says. “He’s a Clydesdale a keen animal lover so I single horse, whether it was 

old stable blocks with brass cross.” He came from a find comments such as this a thoroughbred or a big, 

name plaques for the horses. woman who bought him offensive because our horses wide-backed Clydesdale. 

A couple of police officers when he was a two-weeksold 

are so well looked after. I Nearly every time we went 

are washing horses, another 

foal with his mother at wouldn’t work here if they over to Centennial Park to 

is grooming one. Several an auction. A man buying weren’t.” 

train somebody would come 

horses are being led around horses for dog meat was 

Horses are spelled every back injured – largely due to 

the yard, and occasionally bidding for the mare and foal, five to six weeks, and also having more fractious horses 

an officer feeds a horse an and this woman outbid him. get a day off a week. Over her with less education. It was a 

apple from a large box on a “She called the foal Costa – 28 years here, she has seen different world back then.” 

bench. She tells me there are because he ‘cost her nothing’ the welfare of the horses 

Being female has also had 



its challenges. “I remember 

telling my boss that I was 

pregnant, and the mindset 

was that it meant they were 

one down,” she says. “I rode 

right up to when I was six 

months pregnant, just to 

make a point. These days, 

as soon as an officer knows 

she’s pregnant, she stops 

riding. The risks of horseriding 

during pregnancy are 

well known these days and 

many woman do not want 

to take the risk – which is 

completely understandable.” 

Melinda was born at North 

Rocks. Her older sister really 

wanted a horse, and when 

Melinda was 12, her parents 

bought five acres at Galston, 

and both her sister and she 

got a horse. “I remember 

seeing the Mounties and 

thinking ‘that’s my future 

job’.” However, her parents 

did not want her to join the 

police force – saying it was no 

job for a girl. Having studied 

Japanese, she went to Japan 

after school to live, then 

started a teaching degree at 

university, but that didn’t last 

long. “I said to Mum and Dad 

‘I just want to join the police, 

that’s all I want to do’. So they 

relented. Now they couldn’t 

be prouder.” 

After graduating from the 

Police Academy at Goulburn, 

in 1991 she secured her first 

posting at Mona Vale Police 

Station and remained there 

for five years. “It was a good 

training station. There were 

traffic accidents, suicides off 

the headlands, lost people, 

bushfires, street offenses, 

domestic and neighbour 

disputes. I really enjoyed 

working at Mona Vale. I loved 

the people and the work.” 

At this time one of her 

colleagues had left Mona Vale 

to join the Mounties, and 

told Melinda that she should 

apply. 

Travelling to NSW’s 

regional areas is part of the 

job Melinda really enjoys, 

and she’s been as far afield 

as Broken Hill and Bourke. 

“People automatically think 

you are the local police who 

have jumped on a horse. 

“No, no: we’re from Sydney. 

There’s only one Mounties in 

the state.” 

One of their roles is to 

provide a police presence. 

They regularly patrol Sydney’s 


PHOTO: Rosamund Burton 

CLOCKWISE FROM 

OPPOSITE PAGE: 

Melinda astride 

‘Joker’ at the NSW 

Mounted Police 

HQ at Redfern; 

attending to 

‘Hollywood’; 

meeting Queen 

Elizabeth II in 

2012; maintaining 

a presence on 

Sydney streets 

during COVID 

lockdown; judging 

at the Royal Easter 

Show; giving 

‘Hollywood’ a 

cuddle; training 

with ‘Tobruk’; 

with the Mounties, 

waiting for the 

Anzac Day March 

to start. 

PHOTO: Swilly Telo Islands 






CBD and Darling Harbour, 

as well as Kings Cross, 

Darlinghurst, Circular Quay, 

Bondi and Manly during the 

summer months. “We support 

the local police and provide a 

high visibility presence.” 

On several occasions 

Melinda has also rostered 

horses to go to the Flying 

Fox park at Winnererremy 

Bay and skate park at Mona 

Vale, to provide a proactive 

presence. “It’s also great 

community engagement. I say 

to the constables that there 

might only be one time in a 

person’s life when they will 

pat a police horse and to talk 

to a police officer, and you 

want to make that memorable 

in a positive way for that 

person.” 

Another duty for the 

Mounties is public order, 

providing support for the 

police on the ground. “We can 

see over the crowd’s heads, 

and can see if the ground 

police need to go in. If the 

crowd aren’t listening to the 

ground police, we will assist 

them in moving the crowd. 

The Mounties’ use in these 

situations is usually a last 

resort, after the crowd have 

been given several warnings.” 

Melinda was the Sergeant 

in charge at the protest in 

Sydney’s CBD which called 

for an end to the COVID 

lockdown in 2021, when 

the horse Tobruk dealt 

with a combative protestor, 

and the mounted police 

had pot plants and other 

missiles hurled at them. 

But the only time she says 

she has been fearful in a 

public order incident was a 

May Day protest more than 

20 years ago. “The crowd 

was amongst us, whereas 

normally we’re either in 

front or behind them. There 

were people everywhere and 

a guy grabbed my rein and 

was trying to pull my horse 

over. He didn’t, but that was 

probably the only time that 

I was, like, I don’t want to be 

here anymore!” 

She admits it’s nerve 

wracking when she’s on 

a difficult horse during 

training at Centennial Park. 

She tries not to put herself 

on the tricky horses anymore 

– she is the oldest serving 

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Cooling off at Shelly Beach while on patrol at 

Manly; calming the horses during the violent COVID lockdown protest in the 

Sydney CBD; watched by the Anzac Day crowd; meeting Charles and Camilla. 

officer with the Mounties 

– but says she’ll ride one 

if she knows it needs to be 

ridden and there is no-one 

else around to do it. “If you 

are going to ride horses you 

are basically guaranteed you 

will fall off again at some 

point.” The last time that 

happened was late last year, 

when she was on a trial horse 

in the arena. “He was going 

really well, and I picked up a 

castanet to see how he would 

react. He started running 

sideways and I knew I had 

to drop the castanet, but I 

also I had to hold the reins. 

He spun round and I lost my 

balance… I don’t bounce as 

well as I used to!” 

With physical fitness 

being so important for her 

job Melinda goes to the gym 

every day. She lives with her 

husband at Mona Vale. She 



has a 22-year-old son working 

in film and television, and 

a 20-year-old daughter 

working at an animation 

studio in Manly. Both her 

children are also based on 

the Northern Beaches. She 

has a chihuahua fox terrier 

cross from Monika’s Doggie 

Rescue which she adores, 

and a newfound joy is the 

Pittwater Knitter’s Guild, 

which she joined a year ago. 

“I love sitting and talking to 

the women there, and hearing 

their life stories. They have 

a beautiful talent. I’m not 

the best, but they’re showing 

me the way, and it’s very 

meditative and relaxing.” 

Ceremonial duties are 

another aspect of the NSW 

Mounted Police’s work. 

“People love to see the 

Mounties.” They perform the 

musical ride at the Sydney 

Royal Easter Show every year, 

and a particular honour for 

Melinda is to lead the Anzac 

Day parade. 

The greatest moment of her 

career was when the Mounties 

performed a musical ride for 

the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 

at Windsor Castle in 2012. “We 

rode the Queen’s beautiful 

black cavalry horses, and 

went over a week beforehand 

to prepare and train them. 

We did four display rides and 

I met Her Majesty and shook 

her hand. I’m not much of a 

royalist, but it was special.” 

To Melinda, her time with 

the NSW Mounted Police 

has been all in a day’s work. 

Hats off to this magnificent 

Mountie! 




Arts Life 

Silver lining for Oggy 

Art Life 

John ‘Oggy’ Ogden was in 

his 60s the last time Pittwater 

Life interviewed him but 

entering his seventh decade 

– he’s 72 – has not slowed his 

mind, energy or work ethic. 

“I’ve got about six books percolating,” 

he shares enthusiastically. 

“Each book takes about a 

two- or three-year journey, so 

hopefully I live long enough to 

do them all.” 

John was an Australian 

photojournalist who went on to 

become a respected cinematographer 

working on films, 

documentaries and music 

videos. After losing his eye in 

a surfing accident in 1998 he 

formed Cyclops Press the following 

year. 

That means he is celebrating 

a Silver anniversary in the 

tough industry. 

A small, independent publisher, 

John has nevertheless 

created some memorable and 

important works. 

“I’ve put out about 20 books 

– around one a year,” says John. 

“I’ve written nine myself and I’m 

working on my 10th. 

“Independent publishing 

plays an important role. We 

can publish books that the big 

publishers won’t touch because 

we work on a smaller scale. 

“For instance, Cyclops Press 

published indigenous author 

Julie Janson’s debut novel ‘The 

Crocodile Hotel’ when the big 

companies dismissed her as an 

unpublished author. Now she’s 

gone on to bigger things. 

“My work model is to keep 

low overheads, do small print 

runs and have my own distribution 

to get the books over the 

line. Some books, like ‘Saltwater 

People’ are very successful 

and others are more for the 

idea behind them rather than 

the profit margin. 

“Many of our titles are First 

25 YEARS STRONG: 

Local publisher and 

author John Ogden. 

nation stories. ‘The Crocodile a young Californian named Warren 

Hotel’ and Sarah George’s 

Anderson but nicknamed 

‘Dreamtime Stories’ to name Abdul. His mum was born in 

just two. 

Bondi, but married an American 

“My second book ‘Portraits fighter pilot, so Abdul grew up 

of a Land Without People’ took in the suburbs of LA. He got 

many years to get it to the into surfing, went to India in 

printing press. Back in 1977 1969 and ended up in Bali a 

I saw a photo in the WA State couple of years later. 

Library of police standing over “A true believer, he started 

an Aboriginal prisoner in neck smuggling Thai sticks into the 

chains and it blew me away. I USA and moved about 100 

wondered if there were other tonnes during the ’70s,” Ogden 

powerful pictures locked away continues. “Eventually, the DEA 

in archives. Around 2000 I caught up with him and Abdul 

started going through the photo 

served 12 years in 25 different 

collections of every library prisons across America. I knew 

and gallery I could, searching little of his adventures in the 

for images from our past. marijuana trade until I caught 

“I viewed over 300,000 images, 

up with him in Bali last year. 

culled it down to about Over several weeks we record- 

800 and then tried to identify ed 100’s of hours of interviews 

the people – and this is before and I knew straight away it was 

the internet. Eventually I got it going to be a hit.” 

down to 240 images with approvals.” 

You can bet the book will 

be published, because when 

All of the profits from the Ogden commits to a story, he 

book went to the Jimmy Little really commits. – Rob Pegley 

Foundation to buy a mobile *John has hundreds of 

dialysis pod in the Alice Springs stories and you can hear 

area. 

some of them when he talks 

As for John’s 10th book at Manly Library on Sept 14 

himself, it is perhaps typical of and Bookoccino on Sept 24 

his adventurous and eclectic (expect music, a few famous 

lifestyle. 

guests and surfer Tom Carroll 

“It’s a biography of a character 

assisting with MC duties at 

I met in Bali back in 1972, the latter). 

42 AUGUST 2024 


PHOTO: Max Pam

Arts Life 

Portia finds her repurpose 


Mona Vale Public School student 

Portia Pringle’s passion for 

creativity was rewarded with 

double accolades last month – she 

received an honorable mention in the 

‘Young Archies’ portraiture competition 

and was named joint winner in the 

7–12 years age group in the 2024 

Environmental Art & Design Awards. 

The only winner from the Northern 

Beaches in the Australia-wide entrants 

pool, Year-5 student Portia won $500 

for her project ‘Reborn’, which saw her 

repurpose an old jumper into a scarf. 

“My neighbour gave me a jumper that I 

didn’t really like but I liked the colour and 

material so I unthreaded the jumper and 

re-crocheted the yarn into a scarf,” Portia 

explained. 

“By doing this I was able to repurpose 

the material into a new and exciting piece 

of clothing. 

“I don’t know how to knit but I can 

crochet – I learnt at ‘Crochet Club’ at 

school. The scarf is made from granny 

squares. There is a lot you can make from 

a granny square! 

CREATIVE: Portia with the remnants of the handme-down 

jumper and the ‘reborn’ scarf. 

“Unknitting the jumper only look 10 

minutes. I crocheted one granny square 

every couple of days. You then stitch 

the granny squares together. It took me 

around two weeks to finish. 

“This process allowed me to look at 

PHOTO: Karen Watson 

not just recycling clothing but recycling 

materials.” 

It’s the second year she’s entered the 

EA&D Awards. 

“Last year I made a short film of me 

and my friends called ‘Pass on Pals’. I 

made it on my iPad with iMovie.” 

Portia says she enjoys being creative, 

which makes her feel happy and calm. 

“I love and do all types of art – 

sketching, painting, lino printing, 

modelling clay. My favourite is sketching,” 

she said. 

Portia has entered a portrait in the 

Young Archies for the past five years and 

was thrilled to have been recognised this 

year. 

And does she consider the scarf a piece 

of art, or something functional? 

“Of course I will wear it! It is really 

warm and I am very proud I made it. It 

will remind me to be creative.” 

Portia hasn’t yet decided how she will 

use the $500 prize. 

“Maybe save some and buy something 

fun!” – Nigel Wall 

*Full list of winners on Council website. 

44 AUGUST 2024 


Underwater Photo comp 

Calling all photographers, swimmers, snorkellers and divers: 

get creative by entering this year’s Underwater Photography 

Competition. 

With a prize pool of $4,000, participants are invited to submit 

their underwater images from one of the five aquatic reserves 

on the Northern Beaches (pictured is last year’s winner ‘Torpedo’ 

by Talia Greis). 

The competition, which celebrates the precious underwater 

environment and the incredible marine life found there, encompasses 

all skill levels and is open to both amateur and professional 

photographers. 

Young people aged 12 to 17 years are also encouraged to enter 

and share their fascination with the underwater world. This 

winner will be recognised as the Underwater Youth Photographer 

of the Year 2024. 

Videographers also get a chance to participate with a reels 

category (15 - 30 secs) for both youth (12-17 years) and adults 

(18+ years). 

Entries for all categories close on Sunday 15 September. 

*More info Council website. 



AUGUST 2024 45

Hot Property 

Throw doors open to backyard bliss 

As we bounce into spring we’re featuring three homes for buyers who want space on 

their doorstep to make the best of the great outdoors… By Lisa Offord 

Resting in beautifully landscaped gardens, this sophisticated 

weatherboard at 7 Queens Avenue, Avalon Beach has 

been thoughtfully designed for relaxed single-level family 

living and entertaining. The home has three bedrooms with 

built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans; the master includes a 

shower ensuite and a walk-in robe. There’s a study nook 

and a modern kitchen with dual ovens, abundant storage 

space and servery windows that open to the deck. The freeflowing 

combined living/dining area with vaulted ceilings 

unfolds into an impressive outdoor living zone – a deck with 

pitched pergola and a sparkling solar-heated saltwater 

pool set amidst easy-care, tropical-inspired gardens with 

auto irrigation, perfectly level lawn and space for a firepit. 

For sale “on the quiet” with Cunninghams. 

Hot Property 

Nestled against the tranquil shores of Clareville Beach, 

framed by the picturesque backdrop of Pittwater, stands this 

remarkable residence embodying the epitome of luxury living. 

Number 10 Delecta Avenue is crafted without compromise; 

it boasts minimalist architecture and a clever layout that 

seamlessly integrates the interior with the spectacular outside 

environment, offering flexible spaces for maximum relaxation 

and entertainment. Set on a level block of 708 square metres, 

the expansive beach reserve frontage offers a beautiful coastal 

lifestyle where lush lawn merges with the shoreline. At the heart 

of the four-bedroom property is a heated pool and spa, which 

serve as a private focal point within the resort-style garden. 

Contact Jonothan Gosselin LJ Hooker Avalon Beach. 

This charming home sits on its waterfront reserve 

position at 11 Coasters Retreat. A place to unwind 

and appreciate natural beauty, with views of Currawong 

Beach and The Basin, the setting is private; a gently 

sloping lawn extends to the shoreline and the terraced 

garden is framed with sandstone and natural bushrock. 

The 1005-square-metre property has plenty of 

outdoor spaces – a lower sundeck, lawn terrace and 

two entertaining decks that flow from the lounge and 

dining area. Three bedrooms are on the upper level, 

two with water views. The third has its own deck with a 

bush outlook. It’s 200 metres from Bennets Wharf and 

available fully furnished. For sale $2,250,000; contact 

Amy Young Laing and Simmons Avalon Beach. 



Health & Wellbeing 


Profiles a lifeline for dark times 

Almost 20 years ago, aged 36 and 

just a step away from being Premier 

of NSW, former Member for 

Pittwater John Brogden tried to end his 

life by suicide. 

“I thank God I didn’t,” the Bilgola local 

said. 

Mr Brogden, who says he still lives with 

suicidality and depression, has become 

a passionate voice for mental health and 

suicide prevention since his darkest day. 

His first book Profiles in Hope will be 

released this month in a week marking 

World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) 

& R U OK? Day (12 September). 

“I know what it’s like to find 

yourself in the 

darkest of all places 

where suicide 

is the solution to 

your problem,” Mr 

Brodgen told Pittwater 

Life. 

“And I now know 

there is a way 

back. 

“I wrote Profiles 

in Hope so there 

are more messages 

and journeys of 

hope… that there 

is a way though the 

darkness.” 

The book tells the 

stories of 15 Australians 

– known and unknown 

– and their experience living with 

suicidality and/or living through a suicide 

attempt. 

Married to Lucy for 32 years and a 

father of three, Mr Brogden said the book 

is for those at risk and for the people who 

love them and want to help them. 

Presented in Q&A style in their own 

words, the conversations are honest and 

frank. 

VOICE: John Brogden. 

Mr Brogden started work on 

the book two years ago by interviewing 

billionaire businessman 

James Packer who shared 

his roller-coaster journey of 

success and failure in the 

public eye. 

“Like James, I knew most of 

the people in the book and I sought 

out the others through word of mouth or 

research,” Mr Brogden said. 

“The people I approached to tell their 

stories were very open and achingly honest.” 

Walks along the beach helped Mr 

Brogden piece the book together. 

“My friend and former Bilgola ‘boy’ 

Tom Keneally wrote many of his books 

dictating into his tape recorder as he 

walked up and back along Bilgola Beach,” 

he said. 

“That became a good habit for me as I 

framed my questions before the interviews.” 

Others who shared their stories include 

swimming legend Ian Thorpe who talks 

of the weight of global fame as a teenager; 

former professional surfer Layne 

Beachley; former NRL player Preston 

Campbell; and rebel Senator Jacqui Lambie 

disclosing her lowest point and her 

climb to become an important voice in 

national leadership. 

Profiles in Hope has been warmly received 

by readers. 

“This is my first book, and I’m a hard 

self-marker in the first place, so of course 

I’m looking for the critics,” Mr Brogden 

said. “And because they are other people’s 

stories, I am very protective of the 

people in the book – so I feel a great 

responsibility.” 

“The early feedback has been very 

strong and is reinforcing my reasoning 

for the project. 

“Readers are telling me the people and 

their stories are extraordinary and inspiring, 

and that the book will help people. 

“My hope is that it saves lives,” Mr 

Brogden said. 

All royalties earned from book sales 

will go to Lifeline Australia. – Lisa Offord 

*Profiles in Hope is being launched by 

journalist Leigh Sales on 10 September 

in Sydney. Bookoccino is hosting a local 

launch with John Brogden in conversation 

with television producer and 

journalist Anita Jacoby at Bilgola SLSC 

on Thursday 12 September from 6pm. 

Book through Bookoccino website. 

If you or someone you know is in need 

of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 



‘Compost king’ David honoured 

Newport’s David Lye has been named the 2024 Northern 

Beaches Volunteer of the Year for his work to forge a 

community compost network, while helping feed people 

in need. 

The entrepreneur turned up at free 

food relief charity One Meal’s Brookvale 

Warehouse a couple of years ago to see 

how he could help. 

One Meal prepares meals for the 

needy and expels tonnes of organic 

waste as a result. The waste was going 

into landfill before David turned his attention 

to the growing problem. 

In lightning speed, David got to work 

finding suppliers and forming partnerships 

with local businesses, schools, 

adults with disabilitites and local residents 

to create a composting program. 

The result? Two tonnes of organic 

food waste a month is now turned into 

a rich, healthy resource for community 

gardens. 

The NSW Volunteer of the Year 

Awards celebrate the work of thousands 

of individuals and volunteer 

teams from a diverse range of organisations 

across the state. 

Other local winners included Glenn Fisher from Frenchs Forest, 

who was awarded Northern Beaches Senior Volunteer of the 

Year for her work helping people connect while also improving 

the lives of people living with a disability. 

NETWORKER: David Lye’s dedication saw him named 

2024 Northern Beaches Volunteer of the Year. 

Glenn volunteers as a presenter for Radio Northern Beaches, 

is a community representative on the Northern Sydney Local 

Health District Cognitive Impairment Committee and helped 

establish the Turner Syndrome Association 

of Australia and Australasian 

Genetic Support Group and Growth 

Foundation. 

The Northern Beaches Volunteer 

Team of the Year was One Meal Northern 

Beaches – the team of 190 cooks 

devise the menus and ensure strict 

food safety standards are adhered to 

while providing up to 900 nutrious 

meals each week. 

The local finalists will be invited to 

a gala State ceremony in December in 

Sydney, where the NSW Volunteer of 

Year will be announced. 

The Awards are hosted by The Centre 

for Volunteering, whose mission it is 

to promote and support volunteering 

across NSW and are supported by the 

NSW Department of Communities and 

Justice and ClubsNSW. 

“These awards recognise the exceptional 

effort of volunteers across the 

region,” said CEO of the Centre for 

Volunteering Gemma Rygate. “It’s important for volunteers to 

know that their commitment is recognised and valued.” 

– Lisa Offord 

*More info volunteering.com.au 





with Dr John Kippen 


A versatile light treatment 

for various skin conditions 

When it comes to skin 

treatments, laser 

technology is one of 

the most recognised methods. 

However, a newer player in the 

field is Broad Band Light (BBL). 

Unlike laser light, which operates 

on a single wavelength, 

BBL utilises a broader spectrum 

of light. This means that 

while lasers require different 

machines and wavelengths to 

target specific tissues – such 

as veins, pigmentation, and 

acne – BBL can treat a wider 

array of conditions with a 

single light source. 

The expense of laser machines 

is significantly influenced 

by their light sources. 

For instance, having three 

separate lasers for different 

treatments entails having 

three standalone machines, 

each with its own light source. 

In contrast, BBL leverages a 

single light source that covers 

a wider spectrum, allowing 

for treatment of various skin 

issues simultaneously. This efficiency 

translates to reduced 

costs for each treatment 

session. 

BBL’s broader spectrum also 

accommodates more precise 

filtering for diverse skin 

tones. Caution is particularly 

necessary for individuals with 

darker or olive skin tones, 

as excessive treatment can 

lead to hypopigmentation or 

Before 

lightening of the skin. The 

versatility of BBL ensures that 

it can adapt to treat a variety 

of skin types from one source 

effectively. 

The spectrum of wavelengths 

used for various treatments 

includes: 

• 420 nm – Acne 

• 515 nm – Pigmented Lesions 

such as freckles, age spots, 

and melasma 

• 560 nm – Vascular Lesions, 

including small veins and 

redness 

• 590 nm – Deeper Lesions / 

Darker Skin Types 

• 590, 640 & 695 nm – Hair 

Removal 

The mechanics of treatment 

can be likened to dark spots 

on lighter skin: darker areas 

tend to absorb more light 

energy than their lighter counterparts, 

creating a substantial 

difference in energy absorption. 

The energy absorbed 

leads to controlled damage to 

the cells, prompting them to 

release pigment without com- 

After 

plete destruction (which could 

result in scarring). The body’s 

natural defences then clear 

away the remnants of this pigment, 

while the surrounding 

paler skin experiences minimal 

impact due to its lesser energy 

absorption. 

For acne treatment, BBL 

functions by diminishing the 

presence of bacteria both 

on the surface and within 

the pores. The approach for 

vascular, or red, areas mirrors 

that of treating pigmented 

spots. In this case, the light 

damages the walls of small 

blood vessels, causing them to 

collapse and effectively curtailing 

blood flow and redness. 

It’s important to note that new 

veins may form over time, necessitating 

repeat treatments. 

To enhance patient comfort, 

most BBL machines employ 

a cooling mechanism at the 

treatment interface. This 

serves a dual purpose: it alleviates 

pain during the procedure 

and optimises energy delivery 

to the cooler cells, thereby 

protecting the surrounding 

healthy skin. The goal is to 

maximise thermal injury to 

targeted Chromophores while 

minimizing damage to normal 

skin cells. 

Furthermore, BBL devices 

are equipped with various 

headpiece sizes and shapes 

to ensure precise dosing for 

different areas. Larger handpieces 

are suitable for treating 

flat surfaces like the forehead 

and cheeks, while smaller 

headpieces are ideal for more 

intricate areas such as the 

nose, upper lip, and chin. This 

flexibility facilitates effective 

treatment of individual dark 

spots, enhancing the overall 

outcome. 

In summary, BBL represents 

a significant advancement in 

light treatment technologies, 

offering an efficient, versatile, 

and cost-effective solution to 

various skin conditions. 

Our columnist 

Dr John Kippen is a qualified, 

fully certified consultant 

specialist in Plastic and 

Reconstructive surgery. 

Australian trained, he 

also has additional 

Australian and International 

Fellowships. He welcomes 

enquiries; email 

doctor@johnkippen.com.au 



Vale: Frank Wyld (1928 – 2024) 

The local community is mourning the 

recent passing of much-loved volunteer 

and personality Frank Wyld, a Narrabeen 

resident for more than 60 years. 

Born in London, Frank grew up during 

the great depression. He recounted 

that his resourceful mother shaped his 

independent spirit and self-sufficiency, 

teaching him to knit, sew and cook which 

led to his intense interest of art, craft and 

woodworking. 

He lived by the motto ‘where there’s a 

will there’s a way’. 

Frank met his wife Gerri at their local 

Fencing club in London, marrying in 1963 

and immigrating to Australia as £10 pound 

Poms. They purchased their home in Narrabeen 

in 1967; the couple embraced all the 

native flora and fauna that came with living 

close to the bush. (Sadly and unexpectedly, 

Gerri passed away when Frank was 50.) 

Frank worked a variety of jobs including 

Diversional Therapist, Postie, Teacher, Artist 

and Craftsman. 

As an active and talented member of 

the Avalon Craft Cottage for 43 years, he 

constantly created new pieces for events. 

An extremely fit and active man, Frank 

was kind, generous, interested in what 

others had to do and say and was a very 

thoughtful and loyal friend and neighbour. 

Missed: Narrabeen local Frank Wyld. 

He was especially interested in the 

younger generation and was always on 

hand to assist them; many regarded Frank 

as their Grandfather figure. 

He mixed the old with the new – embracing 

modern technology while being 

an avid user of public transport. 

In 2015, Frank was made the North 

Sydney Senior Volunteer of the year. The 

award was for his Volunteering work at 

Taronga Zoo, which he continued to do 

until his passing. For more than 40 years 

he was an incredible source of information 

regarding animals and happily shared his 

knowledge with anyone interested. 

Sharp of mind, Frank was also someone 

you wanted on your trivia table at the local 

pub – even into his 80s. 

Frank volunteered at the local community 

kitchen and was a regular gym attendee, 

enjoying the fact that even entering 

these premises at a late stage in life one 

could build muscles and gain strength. 

Those fortunate enough to have known 

Frank will remember him as a remarkable 

individual who crafted a world of joy, 

beauty and community friendship. He was 

one of a kind and helped make this world 

a better place. 

His memory will continue to inspire all 

who knew him. 

– Jan Osborn 






Face-to-face marine radio help 

Whether you’re a fair-weather 

boatie or a seasoned saltie, 

when heading out on the water it’s 

vital for safety to know how to use 

your marine radio. 

By law you need a radio licence to 

use a VHF or an MF/HF marine radio 

for enclosed, inshore and international 

offshore boating. 

To meet this legal requirement 

you have to complete a course and 

an exam to obtain a Certificate of 

Profiency. 

Highly trained radio operators 

run certified face-to-face courses for 

up to 12 people every month at the 

high-tech Marine Rescue Sydney State 

Communications Centre at Belrose. 

Training officer Charles Munro 

said the Short Range Operator Certificate 

of Proficiency (SROCP) and Long Range 

Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) 

courses were based on Australian Maritime 

College requirements. 

“When people do the course with us 

they are learning from qualified trainers 

who are also Marine Rescue NSW Watch 

Officers with years of operational radio 

experience,” Mr Munro said. 

COURSE: Certified training at Belrose. 

“Many of our trainers also have their 

own boats and crew on local marine rescue 

vessels.” 

Mr Munro said the courses were usually 

run on a weekday at 6pm and took about 

three hours, including exam time. 

Participants learn how to use correct 

marine radio operating procedures – in 

particular those relating to distress, 

urgency and safety messages – and gain 

an understanding of the operation 

and controls of marine radio equipment. 

They also learn simple maintenance 

practices and ship radio 

systems regulations. 

People attending the course at the 

State Communications Centre also 

get the opportunity to experience 

Marine Rescue Sydney in action, 

while their radio operators monitor 

calls and assist vessels along the 

NSW coast. 

The SROCP course costs $230; 

the LROCP course is $280. Costs 

includes workbook and exam. To 

secure your spot go to marinerescuensw.com.au. 

– Lisa Offord 

*Marine Rescue NSW is always 

keen to hear from volunteers who 

would like to help keep people on our 

waterways safe. If you’d like to learn 

more about how you can get on board 

as a volunteer, register your interest for 

their next information session which 

will be held on Monday September 16. 

Contact the membership team on 9471 

8350 or email newmembers.sydney@ 

marinerescuensw.com.au 



Hair & Beauty 

with Sue Carroll 

Farewell, Acne: You were just 

a chapter, not my whole story 

Acne. This is deeply 

personal. You’ve 

‘Dear 

affected my skin, my 

mood, and my confidence. 

Now, it’s time to part ways.’ 

There are a few new treatments 

on the horizon that 

might help with acne and oily 

skin. But first, let’s delve into 

what acne is all about. 

Identifying the exact cause 

of acne can be challenging. 

Multiple factors contribute, including 

hormonal imbalances, 

psychological stress, nutritional 

deficiencies, and genetics. 

Other influences can include 

stress, face-picking, excessive 

scrubbing, cosmetics, and skin 

irritants. Stress triggers the 

adrenal glands, and fluctuating 

testosterone levels can lead to 

breakouts. Improper extractions 

can rupture follicles and 

spread bacteria while touching 

your face irritates the skin and 

promotes bacterial growth. 

Additionally, soaps, cosmetics, 

hair products, and fabric softeners 

can be problematic, so 

it’s best to opt for fragrancefree, 

dye-free, and preservative-free 

products. 

Types of Acne 

Acne Vulgaris – This type 

usually involves a variety of 

lesions, such as comedones, 

papules, pustules, nodules, 

cysts, and sometimes scars. 

Propionibacterium acnes bacteria 

cause Acne Vulgaris. 

Acne Cosmetica – Triggered 

by comedogenic ingredients in 

topical products, this type typically 

presents as small, slightly 

raised red lesions, whiteheads, 

and occasional pustules. It’s 

usually non-inflammatory. 

Acne Mechanica – Caused by 

friction or pressure, this type 

occurs when rubbing or manipulation 

of microcomedones 

ruptures follicles. Constant 

friction from materials like hats 

can worsen this acne. 

Acne Rosacea – More common 

in women than men, Acne 

Rosacea is characterised by 

erythema and telangiectasia. 


Lesions typically form in the 

centre of the face, especially 

on the cheeks and chin. 

New Treatments 

Three treatments that may 

help reduce acne and oily skin 

include Tixel, Venus AC Dual, 

and AviClear. These treatments 

use heat, laser, and/or red 

and blue light therapy. People 

with acne and oily skin are 

optimistic about these options 

because they don’t involve systemic 

medications, potential 

side effects, or ongoing blood 

tests. 

Tixel – This treatment uses 

controlled thermal energy to 

treat sebaceous glands and 

rejuvenate the skin’s surface. A 

heated metallic plate delivers 

short bursts of energy to the 

skin, constricting sebaceous 

glands (which produce oil) and 

triggering a natural healing 

response, collagen production, 

and reduction in scar tissue. 

Venus Concept AC Dual – This 

laser uses dual light technology. 

Blue light targets porphyrin 

produced by P. acnes bacteria, 

reducing these bacteria, while 

red light promotes faster healing 

and decreases inflammation. 

However, this treatment 

might not be suitable for individuals 

with darker Fitzpatrick 

skin types. 

AviClear – Like the other 

treatments, AviClear uses laser 

technology to send a light 

beam of energy to the sebaceous 

glands. This reduces oil 

production, resulting in fewer 

pimples, less oil, and fewer 

blackheads. 

These treatments can be 

somewhat uncomfortable, and 

the skin may remain warm for 

a few hours post-treatment. 

Depending on the treatment, 

sessions may occur every 2-4 

weeks or monthly, with results 

visible in as little as two weeks. 

Complementary Care 

It’s crucial to maintain a good 

home care routine before, 

during, and after these treatments. 

Collaborating with your 

doctor, nutritionist, naturopath, 

or homeopath can help 

identify if gut or hormonal 

issues are contributing to your 

acne. By addressing these 

factors and making lifestyle 

changes, significant improvements 

can be achieved. 

With the right approach, 

saying goodbye to acne can be 

more than just a wish – it can 

become your reality. 

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 


Health Hair & Wellbeing Beauty

Business Life: Money 

with Brian Hrnjak 

Business Life 

This Council election is going 

straight to the pool room... 

We can’t possibly let 

this month go without 

a critical look at the 

upcoming Local Government 

election and the spectacular 

own goal by the NSW Liberal 

Party in missing the deadline 

for the registration of 

candidates. 

When news of this 

development was first 

reported by The Sydney 

Morning Herald in mid-August 

it took some time to discover 

the magnitude of the error – 

around 140 Liberal candidates 

in 16 Council areas missed the 

nomination cut-off. In fact, just 

before I had learned of this, I 

had finished reading an article, 

also in The SMH, by Ross 

Gittins about the ‘Alan Joyce 

effect – why business bosses 

get to run amok’. 

Gittins argued in the case of 

public companies: that share 

ownership has become heavily 

devolved through the publicoffer 

superannuation system; 

boards are effectively clubs 

drawn from the same pool as 

executives; and management 

are too focused on gaming 

their KPIs and ‘Rem’(uneration) 

that they can find themselves, 

like Qantas, in situations of 

significant damage to their 

reputation and relationships 

with customers, employees 

and stakeholders. 

As Gittins wrote: ‘In legal 

theory, the job of company 

boards is to represent the 

interests of the shareholders. 

In practice, as the Qantas case 

well demonstrates, boards 

defer to executives because 

they’re drawn from the same 

fraternity of managers… it’s 

just an extreme example of 

the licence chief executives 

enjoy because they work for 

companies that are owned 

by everyone in general and 

no-one in particular… the 

company announced the 

results of the review by 

Tom Saar, a former 

partner in management 

consultants McKinsey. 

He found that Joyce’s 

tenure as Chief 

Executive directly 

contributed to 

the erosion of the 

airline’s relationships 

with its regulators 

and customers… the 

board did not adequately 

challenge its executives and 

failed to acknowledge nonfinancial 

risks.’ 

So, what do we know from 

media reports of the Liberal 

Party’s failure to register 

candidates? We can read that 

on the evening of Tuesday 13 

August, there was a function 

to launch the campaign for 

the City of Sydney election. 

Candidates in this case read 

the vibe in the room accurately 

and made it in time to head 

back to the office to complete 

and lodge nominations that 

were due by noon the next day 

(Wednesday 14 August). 

By late Wednesday it was 

apparent that some 140 

candidates across 16 LGAs had 

not been registered. According 

to the state director of the 

Liberal Party, the responsibility 

lay with the State President; 

the State President said the 

responsibility lay with the State 

Director, who by Thursday 

was unemployed. According 

to Liberal members in State 

Parliament, they weren’t in the 

loop, it was all a fiasco, and 

the leader of the opposition 

fully supported the state 

president. Meanwhile leaks 

continued about resourcing 

constraints, poor organisation 

and communication. Lawyers 

were called in to challenge the 

NSW Electoral Commissioner; 

a week later the lawyers were 

called off. 

As per Gittins’ observations 

in the case of Qantas: 

what was the NSW Liberal 

Party State Council, led by 

the State President and 

presumably attended 

by the State Director 

doing if not monitoring 

the organisation’s 

preparedness for 

whatever election 

was coming up next? 

Thousands of feepaying 

members have 

a right to demand a 

wide-ranging reset of 

management when a 

political party seeking 

the keys to government 

is incapable of correctly 

registering candidates for 

election. This goes beyond 

a simple mistake or process 

failure, this points to failure in 

culture, oversight and overall 

governance. 

Right now, only one 

person has been sacrificed 

and no-one admits to any 

wrongdoing when clearly 

there must have been multiple 

sources of failure. The most 



likely outcome will be some 

internal enquiry headed by an 

‘eminent’ former politician, 

which is a shame as members 

should feel entitled to demand 

a root and branch review by a 

fully independent party. 

And what does this mean 

for our election here in a 

few weeks? As one of the 

most affected Council areas, 


had six Liberal councillors 

of the 15 positions on the 

elected body – they gained the 

last with a switch by Michael 

Gencher from Michael Regan’s 

Your Northern Beaches 

Independent Team (YNBIT) to 

the Liberal Party in January 

2024. This represents 40 per 

cent of the votes on Council 

and an average 40 per cent of 

the electorate looking at past 

voting returns – so more than 

a few voters are going to find 

themselves disenfranchised 

when they turn up to vote. 

One candidate identifying 

as a Liberal – Sunny Singh – 

managed to get through in 

Pittwater Ward. He was to be 

endorsed by the State Party 

but he nominated months 

ago unaware that head office 

would undertake the process 

on his behalf. (I worry that 

if elected, he may wind up 

racked with survivor guilt.) 

Ever since the electorate 

accepted political labels on 

local Council candidates, 

we’ve seen the blocks 

emerge – YNBIT, Labor, 

Liberal, Greens, and the odd 

independent or independent 

group. Regardless of whether 

you agree with their politics 

or not, the Liberals provided 

a counterbalance to the other 

views – through negotiation 

and horse trading on Council 

matters, voting outcomes 

move towards a middle 

position. With a major block 

removed the outcomes will be 

skewed. 

Remember that when you 

vote on 14 September that 

you are electing the board 

of an organisation that in 

2023 had an income of $425 

million – $234 million from 

rates and other charges from 

us ratepayers and residents; 

that controls $5.5 billion of 

assets; held $183 million in 

cash and reserves and paid 

out employment expenses of 

$146 million. 

Like any level of 


government, a Council can 

determine the position of CEO 

and therefore influence down 

the line management choices 

and headcount. They can stack 

committees, working groups 

and consultative forums with 

preferred members, they can 

set rates, fees and charges, 

re-prioritise works and 

service levels; they can alter 

policies and strategic plans 

for many years to come. If a 

weak Council emerged from 

this election, it could become 

captured by its staffing body 

rubber stamping spending and 

allowing unrestrained growth 

– look at what happened to 

Central Coast Council. 

On voting day, you may not 

find your preferred flavour 

of candidate when you are 

handed the ballot paper. This 

means considering the next 

most reasonable alternative. 

Sometimes that alternative 

is not the candidate heading 

the group – they may be on 

position 2 or 3 of a group and 

you can vote for them first 

regardless of how they want 

you to vote. You should read 

the candidates biographies, 

work history, qualifications 

and stated goals before you 

hand them the keys to this 

massive organisation. 

Finally, to hark back 

to Gittins’ theme: these 

situations emerge when we 

the many of us allow a few 

to operate unchecked on our 

behalf. Regardless of who 

is elected on 14 September, 

as ratepayers you always 

retain the right to attend, 

question and scrutinise the 

performance and decisions 

of the elected body and the 

employees of the Council. 

Hopefully, Liberal Party branch 

members can do the same. 

Brian Hrnjak B Bus CPA (FPS) is 

a Director of GHR Accounting 

Group Pty Ltd, Certified Practising 

Accountants. Office: Suite 12, 

Ground Floor, 20 Bungan Street 

Mona Vale NSW. 

Phone: 02 9979-4300. 

Web: ghr.com.au and altre.com.au 

Email: brian@ghr.com.au 

These comments are general 

advice only and are not intended as 

a substitute for professional advice. 

This article is not an offer or 

recommendation of any securities 

or other financial products offered 

by any company or person. 


Business Life

Trades & Services 


AIR CONDITIONING 

Alliance Climate Control 

Call 02 9186 4179 

Air Conditioning & Electrical Professionals. 

Specialists in Air Conditioning Installation, Service, 

Repair & Replacement. 

AIRPORT TRANSFERS 

TeslaAirportTransfers 

Call Ben 0405 544 311 

New Tesla Model Y fleet; Airport transfer 

Mona Vale ($129), Avalon ($139), Palmy ($149). 

Guaranteed on-time pick-up. 

BATTERIES 

Battery Business 

Call 9970 6999 

Batteries for all applications. Won’t be beaten on 

price or service. Free testing, 7 days. 

BUILDING 

Careel Bay Constructions 

Call Simon 0414 606 491 

25+ years’ local experience specialising in full 

bathroom renovations, custom kitchen/joinery and 

full apartment renovations. Great team of reliable 

subcontractors. Insta: @Careelbayconstructions 

CARPENTRY 

Able Carpentry & Joinery 

Call Cameron 0418 608 398 

Avalon-based. Doors & locks, timber gates & 

handrails, decking repairs and timber replacement. 

Also privacy screens. 25 years’ experience. Lic: 

7031C. 

CAR SALE & REMOVAL 

Cash for Cars 

Call Wal 0425 304 475 

Damaged, unregistered car on your property? 

Will beat any offer from dealer; also free tow-away 

service. 

CLEANING 

Amazing Clean 

Call Andrew 0412 475 287 

Specialists in blinds, curtains and awnings. Clean, 

repair, supply new. 

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. Pittwater-based. 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 Castro 9979 7292 

Owner/operator of Northern Beaches Flooring 

Centre. Owner/operator, Mona Vale. 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. 

Campos Tree Services 

Call Paulo 0403 941 883 

Over 20 years servicing Pittwater. All tree work 

including stump grinding. Fully qualified team. 

Conscious Gardener Avalon 

Call Matt 0411 750 791 

Professional local team offering quality garden 

maintenance, horticultural advice; also garden 

makeovers. 

Down To Earth Irrigation 

Call Kane 0405 153 703 

Get lawns and garden ready for a hot dry Summer! 

Installations, service and repairs. 

Luxury Property 

Maintenance 

Call Luke: 0415 112 480 

All maintenance inc hedge trimming, lawn mowing, 

pressure cleaning, mulching + planting. 

Melaleuca Landscapes 

Call Sandy 0416 276 066 

Professional design and construction for every 

garden situation. Sustainable vegetable gardens and 

waterfront specialist. 

Small and medium-sized building jobs, also welding 

& metalwork; licensed. 

JEWELLER 

Gold ‘n’ Things 

Call 9999 4991 

Specialists in remodelling. On-premises (Mona Vale) 

workshop for cleaning, repairing (including laser 

welding), polishing. Family owned for nearly 40 years. 

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. 

MASSAGE & FITNESS 

Avalon Physiotherapy 

Call 9918 3373 

Provide specialist treatment for neck & back pain, 

sports injuries, orthopaedic problems. 

PAINTING 

Alan’s Painting 

Call Alan 0478 714 478 

No.1 Painter in the Northern Beaches; high-quality 

work. Prompt, reliable. Free quotes. 

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. 


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 

Local Handyman 

Call Jono 0413 313 299 





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 

Milbur Plumbing 

Call 1300 645 287 

Offering upfront, fixed pricing + 24/7 service. 

Complete range of plumbing, drainage and gas 

fitting services. Lifetime workmanship warranty. 

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. 

Platinum Plumbers & Pipe 

Relining 

Call Rhys 0421 637 410 

Northern Beaches Plumbers, all general plumbing 

and specialists in blocked drains. 

Total Pipe Relining 

Call Josh 0423 600 455 

Repair pipe problems without replacement. Drain 

systems fully relined; 35 years’ guarantee. Latest 

technology, best price. 

REMOVALISTS / PACKING 

NB Removals 

Call Greg 0417 253 634 

Owner/operator, Avalon-based. For local / 

country / interstate requirements. Reputation 

(30+) years built on excellence in furniture 

removing. Trucks regularly upgraded. 

Pack & Unpack U 

Call Lynne 0414 988 919 

Professional local ladies will pack and unpack your 

clothes/belongings; also declutter and organise 

your home. 

RUBBISH REMOVAL 

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 – wooden / aluminium. Free quote. 

Same-day repair; 5-year warranty. 

UPHOLSTERY 

Luxafoam North 

Call 0414 468 434 



Local specialists in all aspects of outdoor & indoor 

seating. Custom service, expert advice. 

WINDOW CLEANING 

Local Window Cleaning 

Call Simon 0406 389 841 

Free quote; Mona Vale-based window cleaning 

micro-details specialist. Reasonable price, no 

subcontractor, the owner does it himself. Fully 

insured. 

YACHT SERVICES 

Hanlon Yacht Services 

Call Jeff 0415 327 687 

Professional yacht captain available for Australian 

and worldwide yacht deliveries and all yachting 

services. No job too small. 




Food Life 

with Janelle Bloom 


Recipes: janellebloom.com.au; Insta: instagram.com/janellegbloom/ 

Side hustles: veggie options 

will elevate Spring meals 

Not only does Spring bring longer, warmer 

days, it also heralds a plentiful supply of 

fresh, vibrant fruit and vegetables. Turning 

these into delicious ‘sides’ is pretty easy. Utilising 

vegetables such as cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, 

Chilli sesame 

cucumber salad 

(Serves 4-5) 

500g Qukes or Lebanese 

cucumbers 

2 tbs sesame seeds, toasted 

¼ cup chopped coriander or flat 

leaf parsley 

Dressing 

4 tbs crispy chilli oil (see tip) 

1/3 cup rice vinegar 

1 tbs soy 

1½ tbs caster sugar 

1. For the dressing, combine 

the ingredients in a medium 

bowl. Stir until the sugar is 

dissolved. 

2. Run a fork down the length 

of the cucumbers to score 

the skin, then thinly slice into 

rounds. Add cucumbers to 

the dressing, stir gently to 

coat. Stand for 30 minutes to 

marinate. 

3. To serve, spoon into a 

serving bowl. Add the 

sesame and coriander, stir to 

combine. Serve. 

Serve With: Pan-seared 

salmon or other fish; steamed 

bao buns, pot stickers or 

dumplings. 

Janelle’s Tip: There are many 

varieties of Chilli oil now 

available in supermarkets in the 

Asian section; alternately visit 

one of the many Asian grocery 

stores on the Northern Beaches. 

Cobb salad 

(Serves 4) 

4 eggs 

1 tbs extra virgin olive oil 

100g rindless bacon or 

prosciutto 

1 Cos lettuce, cut crossways 

into 3cm-thick pieces 

1 avocado, sliced 

250g cherry tomatoes, halved 

150g soft feta or creamy 

blue cheese (Castello or 

Gorgonzola), crumbled 

1 tbsp finely chopped chives 

Dressing 

¼ cup Japanese-style or whole 

egg mayonnaise 

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil 

1 tbs red wine vinegar 

avocado and corn will add flavour, colour, 

texture and nutrition to any meal. Whether you’re 

planning dinner or hosting a brunch, picnic, or 

family gathering, these spring-fresh sides are sure 

to satisfy. 

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 

2 tsp Dijon mustard 

1 tsp brown sugar 

1. Bring a saucepan of water to 

the boil. Add the eggs. Boil 

for 7 minutes. Transfer to a 

bowl of iced water to cool. 

Drain, peel. Cut eggs in half. 

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 

frying pan over medium 

heat. Cook the bacon or 

prosciutto in batches for 

2-3 minutes each side until 

golden. Remove to a plate. 

Cool. Break into smaller 

pieces. 

3. To make the dressing, 

combine all the ingredients 

in a jar; season. Shake 

to combine. Add a little 

warm water to adjust the 

consistency if needed. 

4. Arrange lettuce in a large 

bowl. Spoon a little dressing 

over the lettuce. Arrange the 

ingredients on top in rows: 

prosciutto, egg, avocado 

and tomatoes. Crumble over 

the cheese. Sprinkle with 

chives. Serve with remaining 

dressing. 

Serve With: Chicken, schnitzels, 

sausages or rissoles. 

Janelle’s Tip: You can turn 

a cobb salad into a main for 

lunch or dinner by adding 

protein like cooked chicken, 

prawns or canned tuna. 

Barbecue miso 

glazed eggplant 

(Serves 4) 

2 medium eggplant 

3 tbs vegetable or light olive oil 

1 tbs mixed black and white 

sesame seeds 

3 green shallots, thinly sliced 

Miso glaze 

¼ cup miso paste (white or red) 

2 tbs mirin 

2 tbs sake 

1 tbs rice wine vinegar 

1 tbs light soy sauce 

2 tsp finely grated ginger, 

optional 

1 tsp sesame oil 

1. To make the miso glaze, 

combine ingredients in a 

bowl. 

2. Preheat barbecue grill and 

flat plate on medium high. 

Cut eggplant into 1cm-thick 

slices. Brush both sides 

well with oil; season. Cook 

on the barbecue grill for 


lightly charred but still firm. 

Remove to a tray. Spoon half 

the glaze over the eggplant, 

turn carefully to coat both 

sides. 

3. Move the eggplant to the 

greased flat plate, cook 


tender, sticky and golden. 

Warm the remaining glaze 

in the microwave for 2-3 

minutes. 

4. Remove to a serving platter, 

spoon the remaining 

warm glaze over the warm 

eggplant. Sprinkle with 

sesame seeds and shallots. 

Serve. 

Serve: Over cooked egg or 

soba noodles; pile onto burger 

bun with pan fried haloumi, 

rocket and tomato relish; or 

serve topped with spiced beef 



For more recipes go to janellebloom.com.au 

or lamb mince. 

Janelle’s Tip: This is delicious 

served warm or cold. It’s great 

added to salads, burgers, 

sandwiches and pizza. Make a 

double batch and keep in the 

fridge in an airtight container 

for up to 10 days. Rewarm in 

the oven or frying pan. 

Blistered tomato & 

bocconcini salad 

with caper and 

olive dressing 

(Serves 4) 

500g cherry tomatoes, halved 

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 

2 tbs red wine vinegar 

2 tsp Dijon mustard 

2 tsp honey 

1 tsp dried oregano 

1 tbs drained capers 

2 tbs chopped pitted olives 

200g cherry bocconcini, torn 

in half 

½ cup fresh basil leaves 

1. Preheat oven 230°C fan 

forced. Place tomatoes into 

a greased roasting pan just 

large enough to hold them in 

a single layer. 

2. Combine the olive oil, 

vinegar, mustard, honey and 

oregano in a bowl. Season, 

whisk to combine. Spoon 2 

tablespoon of the dressing 

over the tomatoes, shake the 

pan to combine. Roast for 5 

minutes, until just blistered. 

Set aside to cool in the 

roasting pan. 

3. Meanwhile, add the capers 

and olives to the remaining 

dressing. 

4. Spoon the tomatoes and pan 

juices into a serving bowl, 

add the bocconcini. Spoon 

over the remaining dressing. 

Scatter over the basil. Season 

and serve. 

Serve With: Barbecued steak, 

salmon, fish or chicken or 

sausages. Also delish spooned 

over chargrilled sourdough for 

lunch. 

Janelle’s Tip: Quickly roasting 

the tomatoes boosts their 

flavour. 

Barbecued corn 

with Mexican 

lime butter 

Makes 4 

4 large corn cobs, peeled 

80g butter, softened 

2 tbs taco or fajita seasoning 

1 lime, rind finely grated 

3 tbs chipotle mayonnaise 

50g piece parmesan, finely 

grated 

Chopped chilli and lime wedges, 

to serve (optional) 

1. Wrap each corn cob in a piece 

of damp paper towel. Place 

evenly onto the microwave 

turntable. Cook on High/100% 

for 5 minutes, turning the corn 

over after 2 minutes. Remove 

to a tray, remove and discard 

the paper. Cool slightly. 

2. Mix the butter, seasoning 

and lime rind together until 

well combined. 

3. Preheat the barbecue grill 

on High. Barbecue the corn, 

turning often for 5-7 minutes 

until lightly charred. Remove 

to a serving plate. While 

hot, brush corn all over with 

butter mixture. Drizzle over 

the chipotle mayo, sprinkle 

with parmesan. Serve 

sprinkled with chilli and lime 

wedges for squeezing if 

desired. 

Serve With: Roast chicken; panseared 

minute steak; rissoles or 

meatloaf. 

Hasselback 

pumpkin, maple 

glaze and 

goat’s cheese 

(Serves 4) 

1 (1.6kg) butternut pumpkin 

3 tbs olive oil 

3 tbs maple syrup 

1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika 

2 tsp fresh thyme leaves 

100g goats cheese 

1/3 cup walnuts, toasted, 

roughly chopped 

1. Preheat oven to 180°C fan 

forced. Grease a roasting pan 

(or line with baking paper). 

Peel pumpkin. Cut in half 

lengthways. Scoop out seeds 

and membrane (see Tip). 

2. Place one pumpkin half, cutside 

down, onto a chopping 

board. Place 1 chopstick 

along each long side of 

pumpkin half. Slice pumpkin 

thinly, cutting through to 

chopsticks to prevent cutting 

all the way through. Transfer 

to 1 prepared tray. Repeat 

with remaining pumpkin half. 

3. Combine oil, maple syrup, 

paprika and thyme. Spoon 

half the glaze over the 

pumpkin turning to coat both 

sides. 

4. Roast, brushing and basting 

the pumpkin with remaining 

glaze, every 15 minutes for 

45-60 minutes or until golden 

and tender. 

5. Crumble the goats cheese 

over the warm pumpkin; 

sprinkle with walnuts. 

Season, serve. 

Serve With: Roasted meats, 

barbecued meats or Bolognese. 

Janelle’s Tip: The seeds are 

delicious roasted. Remove the 

soft membrane and discard. 

Place the seeds into a small 

roasting pan. Spray with oil, 

season with salt, pepper and 

spices. Roast 200°C fan-forced 

for 10 minutes until light 

golden. Set aside to cool and 

crispen. Add to salads, sprinkle 

over roasted pumpkin or enjoy 

as a snack. 




Tasty Morsels 

with Beverley Hudec 

Some Tiny Morsels to savour in September 

New Warriewood 

brews are oarsome 

Hop over to Warriewood where 

Surfboat Brewing has just opened its 

doors. As its name suggests, you’ll find 

that craft brewing embraces surfboat 

culture. Signature beers include 

Lifeguards lager, Paddleboard Pilsner 

and Rowing Rogue IPA. There’s food, 

trivia nights, tango on Tuesdays and a 

pool comp. 

Tasty Morsels 

Howl’s about these 

salmon rice bowls? 

Instagram says there’s ‘sandwiches 

and coffee’. There are. However, 

Avalon’s Wolfie & Co has much more 

than that. Tempt your taste buds 

with a selection of yummy feeds like 

Bulgogi beef or salmon rice bowls, 

prosciutto brekkie buns and baked 

Basque cheesecake, as well as a daily 

choice of wraps. 

Paddock to 

plate: 3-in-1 

Sunday deals 

Paddock and Vine has 

a triple whammy on 

Sunday nights when all of 

its midweek specials are 

available in one hit. The 

Mona Vale restaurant 

and wine bar is doing 

bowls of pasta for $20, 

steak and fries for $25 

and cocktails for $15. 

Alternatively, round off 

the weekend with a $10 

glass of vino. 

Three of a kind: Spice Trail 

Nopales (pictured) kicks off 

the spice journey with a burst 

of flavour. Newport’s vibrant 

fusion Mexican cooks up 

punchy dishes like 32-hour 

beef short ribs with a tamarind 

glaze and eggplant mole with 

pomegranate and minted 

yoghurt. And, of course, there 

are tequila and margaritas 

galore. 

It’s hard to believe that 

Narrabeen’s Spice Bazaar 

opened in October 1999. After 

25 years, chicken tikka masala, 

vegetarian samosas and 

tandoori lamb cutlets remain 

local favourites. The menu also 

has southern Indian dishes like 

Malabar fish curry and chicken 

Xacuti, a Goan curry flavoured 

with coconut and spices. 

Crumbs! you’ll love 

these schnitties... 

Aussies certainly love a schnitty. If 

schnitzel is one of your favourite 

things, Narrabeen is closer than 

the Alps. Austrian Beer Bar and 

Restaurant has a number of mouthwatering 

schnitties on its menu. Go 

traditional with a crumbed Wiener 

schnitzel. There’s plenty of hearty 

alternatives too. 

Where can you get handmade 

momos? The answer is Potala 

Kitchen. This local Avalon 

dishes up Tibetan meaty or 

vegetarian dumplings drizzled 

with homemade chilli oil. If 

that’s not enough, the menu 

also features stir fry dishes, red 

and green curry and delicious 

roti to mop up any leftover 

sauce. 



Tasty Morsels

Pittwater Puzzler 

Compiled by David Stickley 

an important part of beach 

rescues (7) 

25 Full worth in exchange (4,5) 

26 Rhythmical or metrical 

stress; in medicine, a sudden 

attack or stroke (5) 

27 A sail immediately above 

the top gallant sail (5) 

28 The leading or most 

impressive element in an 

enterprise or organisation (8) 

ACROSS 

1 Beach at the lower end of 

the Northern Beaches (4,4) 

5 An expanse or tracts of 

seashore or desert (5) 

9 An apparatus used by skindivers 

(5) 

10 An extremely famous or 

renowned actor, musician, 

etc. (9) 

11 Weapons test site in South 

Australia named after an 

Aboriginal spear thrower (7) 

12 Facility at 59A Old 

Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach 

(7) 

13 Slows down (5,2) 

14 Features of farmers 

markets, for example (6) 

15 As far as I’m concerned 

(1,1,1) 

17 French diary product 

available from Le Petit Marche 

(6) 

19 Seafood seasonally found 

on Jonah’s menu, no doubt (7) 

22 Worked up (7) 

24 Lifesaver who was once 

DOWN 

1 The previous seven days 

(4,4) 

2 Nerve cells (7) 

3 Event for book lovers held at 

Avalon Recreation Centre (7,8) 

4 Dead simple (4,2,3) 

5 Warriewood beer maker 

that crafts Lifeguards lager, 

Paddleboard Pilsner and 

Rowing Rogue IPA (8,7) 

6 Popular sport that now has a 

beach version (7) 

7 Lost animals (6) 

8 Member of the Australia 

women’s national basketball 

team (4) 

14 A photoelectric unit 

converting sunlight into 

electric power (5,4) 

16 Puts forward for 

consideration or discussion 

(6,2) 

18 Hardwood that was used to 

make golf club shafts (7) 

20 In accordance or coordination, 

especially in colour 

(2,5) 

21 The combining of two 

commercial companies etc. 

into one (6) 

23 Brot & Wurst German 

Small Goods in Narrabeen, for 

example (4) 

[Solution page 66] 

Pittwater Puzzler 



Garden Life 


Plant daisies together for a 

year-round cascade of colour 

Everlasting, or Paper 

daisies, are native annuals 

and perennials that come 

in a wide range of bright and 

vibrant colours and sizes. One 

of the best features of these 

plants is the long flowering 

period and large flowers. In 

a temperate climate, like we 

have on the Northern Beaches, 

they can provide nearly yearround 

colour. 

We recommend planting a 

variety of colours together for 

the best effect. Choose a nice 

sunny location with good drainage. 

They are hardy plants, that 

will tolerate drier conditions 

once established. Some varieties 

to choose from are: 

Lemon Duchess – A low-growing 

soft-wooded perennial 

with small dark green leaves 

and lemon-yellow everlasting 

flowers that attract butterflies. 

Jumbo Red Ember – A small, 

rounded shrub that will bloom 

with orange to red flowers 

with yellow centres. 

Mohave Orange – An uprightgrowing 

small shrub with 

lush green leaves and bright 

orange paper daisy flowers. 

Try planting these varieties 

together with some other 

native daisies, such as flannel 

flowers and Brachyscome (pictured), 

to create a year-round 

flowering meadow. It’s also a 

great way to encourage bees 

birds and butterflies to visit 

your garden! 

Beautiful Boronias 

Boronias are indeed beautiful! 

These Australian shrubs 

are known for their stunning, 

vibrant flowers that can range 

from pink and red to white 

and purple (pictured opposite 

page). They have a delicate, almost 

fragrant quality and can 

really brighten up a garden or 

floral arrangement. 

Boronias belong to the 

Rutaceae family and with 

approximately 90 different 

species and cultivars there 

is a lot to choose from. They 

are predominantly Australian 

natives; however there are 



Compiled by the team at Cicada Glen Nursery, Ingleside. 

some species in New Guinea. 

Boronia includes a diverse 

range of plants, varying in 

size from low-growing ground 

covers to larger shrubs, each 

with unique flower colors and 

shapes. 

With the right conditions, 

they can thrive and bring a lot 

of beauty to your garden. Here 

are some key tips for growing 

Boronias: 

• A well-drained sandy or 

loam soil that is slightly 

acidic will give the best results. 

They don’t really like 

a heavy clay soil. A raised 

bed or the addition of sand 

to your soil can help with 

drainage. 

• Boronias generally prefer 

full sun to partial shade. 

They need plenty of light to 

flower well, but in very hot 

climates, some afternoon 

shade can be beneficial. 

• Keep the soil consistently 

moist but not waterlogged. 

Boronias don’t tolerate 

drought well, so regular 

watering is important, especially 

in dry periods. Water 

at the base of the plant to 

keep the foliage dry and 

reduce the risk of fungal 

diseases. 

• Use a balanced, slow-release 

fertiliser or one formulated 

for acid-loving plants. Avoid 

fertilisers with high phosphorus 

content, as Boronias 

can be sensitive to phosphorus. 

• Prune after flowering to 

shape the plant and encourage 

a bushier growth habit. 

Regular pruning helps maintain 

the plant’s form and 

promotes better flowering 

in the next season. 

Bulging Bottle trees 

The Queensland Bottle tree 

or Brachychiton rupestris is 

a wonderful feature tree that 

doesn’t require a huge space. 

This tough tree has an impressive 

presence in the garden 

but will usually only grow to 

about 4-7 metres in a suburban 

garden. 

Native to Queensland, this 

unique tree is known for its 

distinctive, bottle-shaped 

trunk that swells with waterstoring 

tissue. This water-storing 

capacity 

makes it 

drought-tolerant 

and able 

to withstand 

long dry 

spells. Aboriginal 

people 

carved holes 

into the soft 

bark to use 

the significant 

amount of 

water stored 

between 

the inner 

bark and the 

trunk. (The 

fibrous inner 

bark was used to make twine 

or rope and was also woven 

into fishing nets.) 

In the garden it prefers a 

sandy, well-drained soil but 

is very adaptable to most soil 

types as long as there is good 

drainage. For best results, 

plant in a nice sunny location. 

While it’s drought-tolerant 

once established, regular 

watering is beneficial during 

its early years. 

Be cautious of 

overwatering, 

as this can 

lead to root 

rot. Minimal 

pruning is 

needed. 

However, you 

might want to 

shape it when 

it’s young, 

to encourage 

a strong 

structure and 

to maintain 

its aesthetic 

form. Why not 

give one a try! 






Your September to-do list... 

As gardeners we can finally 

say goodbye to winter and 

welcome the warmer weather 

of spring! The early mornings 

are still crisp but as the weather 

warms the vibrant colours 

of the flowers and new growth 

will gradually explode. Now is 

a great time to get into your 

garden and start those jobs 

you’ve been holding out for. As 

plants begin to wake up from 

dormancy and come into the 

growth period there is plenty 

of work to do, so get into it! 

Sow Seeds & Plant 

Get Planting! Spring is the 

perfect time to start planting 

vegetables that thrive in 

warmer weather. Sow seeds for 

popular warm weather veggies 

like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, 

eggplant, capsicum and 

corn. Leafy greens like lettuce, 

rocket, spinach and silverbeet. 

Don’t forget the herbs! Start 

sowing short-lived herbs like 

basil, coriander, parsley and 

also longer-lived herbs like 

thyme, rosemary and mint. 

Fertilise 

As the weather warms up 

and plants begin to put on 

growth, they will need more 

nutrients to support more 

growth. Fertilising provides 

essential nutrients which will 

help the overall plant vitality. 

Fertilising helps boost growth, 

improves soil health, enhances 

yields and blooming, supports 

younger plants and helps with 

nutrient availability. Remember 

to choose the right type of fertiliser 

for your specific plants 

and soil types and follow the 

recommended application 

rates to avoid over-fertilising. 

Mulch 

Mulching can be done yearround 

and is beneficial to 

your garden for many reasons 

such as: Weed suppression, 

temperature regulation and 

soil improvement by encouraging 

organic matter. Mulching 

has an extra benefit for plants 

over the warmer months as it 

helps to retain soil moisture 

by reducing evaporation. This 

means you’ll need to water 

your garden less frequently, 

which is especially beneficial 

during dry periods. Also, it 

improves the aesthetic appeal 

of your garden. 

Weed Control 

Weeds are an ongoing issue 

for most gardens and can be 

a real frustration to get on 

top of. Many weeds will begin 

Native Spring Flowers 

Spring is a gorgeous time of the 

year for flowers; in many areas the 

bushland and surrounding areas pop 

with all sorts of vibrant colours. Get 

out to see the natural displays which 

can inspire your own garden. 

The local wattles are popping 

off now and really do indicate that 

spring is around the corner. Some 

other natives to keep an eye out for 

are Waratahs, Boronia, Grevilleas, 

Dendrobium, Elaeocarpus, Hakeas, 

Kunzeas and an array of native peas. 

to emerge as spring rolls in 

and as they do it is a good opportunity 

to attack before they 

set seed. Most weeds spread 

by seed so removing the weeds 

before they flower or set seed 

will be beneficial. 

Pest Control 

With spring comes the growing 

period for most plants and 

as a result there will be an 

abundance of pests as there 

is plenty of fresh foliage and 

food. Inspect your plants regularly, 

look out for signs of damage 

like holes in leaves, black 

or discoloured foliage, galls 

on stems or the dropping of 

leaves. Early detection can help 

prevent major infestations. For 

pest removal you can manually 

remove bugs or wipe leaves 

and stems, you can introduce 

beneficial insects such as lady 

bugs or assassin bugs to keep 

numbers down otherwise as 

a last resort chemical control. 

Find out what pest or pests you 

are dealing with and research 

a specific chemical to combat 

against them, not all chemicals 

will work the same. 

Pruning 

Pruning plants in spring can 

enhance plant health, growth 

and overall appearance. Now 

with the warmer weather it is a 

great time to prune; it encourages 

new growth, shapes and 

structures plants, removes 

dead or diseased wood, improves 

air circulation and light 

penetration, promotes better 

flowering and fruit production, 

prepares the plant for the 

growing season and supports 

structural integrity. 

Watering 

Watering over winter hasn’t 

been a problem; there has 

been plenty of wet weather. As 

temperatures increase it’s easy 

to forget about watering as it 

hasn’t been an issue. You will 

start to notice plants drying 

out or wilting due to the seasonal 

change. Keep an eye out 

– especially for potted plants. 

Crossword solution from page 63 

Mystery location: BEEBY PARK

Pittwater Life September 2024 Issue

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