Pittwater Life December 2017 Issue

The Local Voice Since 1991
LOCAL
HEALTH
BOOST
New private hospital
opening soon
in Warriewood
DECEMBER 2017
FREE
pittwaterlife
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SET...
Latest on
transport
& parking
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A $500
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SHARING THE
XMAS SPIRIT
Your guide to
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art & more

Editorial
Pittwater’s healthy start to 2018
It’s fair to say health and
transport are the subjects that
matter the most to locals – and
this month Pittwater has met
with significant developments
on both fronts.
In a first for our area, a new
private hospital at Warriewood
is nearly ready to start accepting
patients, with an opening
scheduled for February.
Arcadia Pittwater will offer an
opportunity for locals to access
much-needed rehabilitation and
recovery services near their
homes and families.
We spoke to several local
medical providers who agree
the new private hospital will
complement the health needs of
our community (see p10).
In Mona Vale, Pittwater
Day Surgery is embarking on
massive expansion that will see
its rooms quadruple, with more
operating suites allowing for a
wider range of services – which
will negate the need for patients
and their carers to travel out of
area (see p48).
The B-Line and its associated
on-demand transport trial has
hit the streets (well, in the case
of the B-Line, the main road),
with increased parking, new
routes and revised services (see
p18). Will it be a hit or a miss?
We’d like to hear from readers
about their new commuting
experiences.
Meanwhile the extension
of the B-Line to Newport
remains on the government’s
wish list for 2018 – a red rag to
some community groups. The
Newport Residents Association
remain in consultation with
Transport NSW and have tallied
more than 1000 signatures
on their petition opposing the
extension until a detailed and
workable plan is submitted and
given the green light by locals.
Many thanks for your
support and kind words over
the past year; we’re looking
forward to continuing to
celebrate our incredible
community in 2018. Merry
Christmas all! – Nigel Wall
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 3

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Email:
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Website:
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Publisher: Nigel Wall
Managing Editor: Lisa Offord
Graphic Design: CLS Design
Photography: iStock
Contributors: Rosamund
Burton, Gabrielle Bryant, Brian
Hrnjak, Jennifer Harris, Nick
Carroll, Sue Carroll, Dr. John
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Vol 27 No 5
Celebrating 26 years
The Local Voice Since 1991
LOCAL
HEALTH
BOOST
New private hospital
opening soon
in Warriewood
WIN
A $500
Gift Card
(See P9)
SHARING THE
XMAS SPIRIT
Your guide to
carols, gifts
art & more
DECEMBER 2017
FREE
pittwaterlife
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SET...
Latest on
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& parking
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thislife
COVER: In a massive boost to local health services,
read about the new 85-bed private hospital opening in
Warriewood in February (p10) and the huge expansion of
the established Pittwater Day Surgery rooms at Mona Vale
(p48); we track what's been delivered and also what's in
store regarding new transport and parking infrastructure
(p18); meet local whole food expert and author Holly Davis
(p32); pick a date and venue for local Christmas carols
(p34); find a Christmas gift from a local business (p36);
and step back in time to when double-decker buses were
the norm, not a new thing (p71). Merry Christmas all!
also this month
Editorial 3
Pittwater Local News 6-31
Life Stories 32-33
Local Christmas Events 34-35
Christmas Gift Guide 36-39
Boating Life 40
Art Life 42-45
Surfing Life 46-47
Health & Wellbeing; Hair & Beauty 48-55
Money 56-57
Law 58-59
Food: Edible Christmas gifts 68-70
Times Past 71-72
Gardening 72-73
the goodlife
Restaurants, food, gigs, travel and gardening.
Also find our regular features on beauty, health, surfing,
art, local history, our guide to trades and services, money,
law and our essential maps.
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4 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
Testing times for humpback whale research
The Palm Beachbased
conservation
group Living Ocean
is undergoing a major
refocus, launching a
new website that shares
information on upcoming
projects, how to get
involved and fundraising
for a vessel to enable vital
research to continue.
Founded in 2010,
the group’s work cuts
through all levels of the
community from the ‘No
Plastic Please’ campaign
in partnership with our
local schools, to youthled
beach clean-ups, film
nights, lectures and scientific research.
Its major research project occurs
every year during the whale migration
season when scientists and volunteers
from Living Ocean’s Centre for Marine
Studies study humpback whales that
migrate along the east coast.
The study – licensed by State and
Commonwealth agencies including
an Ethics Committee – continues an
innovative program that began in 2004
recording the whales’ migratory tracks.
Recently, Living Ocean made national
headlines when its data, collected
though a ground-breaking app designed
by member Bill Fulton, was used to help
halt a gas company’s plan to conduct
seismic testing in waters 40 kilometres
south of Newcastle.
Living Ocean President Robbi Newman
said the proposed area of testing would
have covered about 208 kilometres and
was scheduled during the peak time for
the southern migration of humpback
whales and their calves.
“This testing time and
location would have been
devastating had it gone
ahead as our extensive
research shows this is
within the peak time
(August-December) of the
southern migration of the
humpback whales and
the proposed location of
the seismic survey is also
directly in their path,”
Robbi explained.
After taking the data on
board, the Perth-based gas
company Asset Energy,
now plans to conduct
its testing in January/
February 2018, when there are very few
whales about.
“This is an enormous plus for the
whales and the ocean environment,”
Robbi said.
The team is urgently seeking
donations or access to a boat to ensure
Living Ocean can continue whale
research off our shores.
Go to livingocean.org.au to learn
more about how you can get involved.
– Lisa Offord
6 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Forced landing for Airbnb?
News
Northern Beaches
Councillor Rory Amon
has led opposition to
a push by Council staff for a
mandatory registration system
for Airbnb and Short Term
Holiday Letting owners, as
well as what he describes as
staff’s agenda to allow owners
corporations to implement
strict by-laws – including
possible Airbnb bans.
In July this year, the NSW
Planning & Environment and
NSW Fair Trading released its
Short-Term Holiday Letting
in NSW Options paper,
calling for any submissions
in response by 31 October
2017.
In October, Councillors
refused to endorse staff’s
submission to the NSW
Government, with Narrabeen
Ward Councillor Amon
quickly taking up the fight
against the submission
which included that: ‘Council
does not oppose various
initiatives for strata and
industry regulation as well
as registrations. Council
supports strata title reform
giving owners corporations
the power to determine and
better manage short term
holiday lettings under bylaws
including trial periods
and enforcement of by-laws
that are associated with
moderating the impact of
use.’
Councillor Amon said
he would not support the
submission prepared by
Council staff.
“There was no community
consultation undertaken
in relation to short term
holiday letting, Airbnb and
the options paper, there
was no briefing given to
Councillors regarding
this issue, the options
paper and the submission
are based on little to no
empirical evidence, and
this submission takes
Council down the path of
more red tape for families
and households trying to
make their lives a little
better through the sharing
economy,” he said.
“Council needs to be
getting out of the way of
private enterprise, not
putting up road blocks.”
The debate was had in the
absence of Councillors Daley,
McTaggart, Regan and Sprott
whom all declared pecuniary
interests.
Councillor Amon argued
the possibility of ‘party
houses’ was not cause for
strict regulation of Airbnb or
Short Term Holiday Letting.
“That is a matter for police
and council to penalise
owners and occupiers, as
they are already entitled
to do under law. Further,
no-one has presented one
shred of evidence to show
that Airbnb or Short Term
Holiday Letting is leading
to increased instances of
tourist party houses or
increased noise complaints.”
He noted that in Pittwater,
there were 1,100 active
listings on Airbnb, with the
typical listing hosting 16
nights per year. Nearly one
fifth of those listings were
a private room, with the
remaining being the entire
home/apartment.
“With the typical host
receiving income of about
$9,000 per annum, Pittwater
is the Airbnb capital of the
Northern Beaches,” he said
“It is important that
we are alive to this issue,
as the State Government
looks at possible State-Wide
reforms, and as Councils
look at whether there are
negative impacts of Short
Term Holiday Letting which
need to be addressed,” said
Councillor Amon.
* Jennifer Harris addresses
the legal issues – see page 58.
What do you think?
Tell us at readers@
Pittwaterlife.com.au
8 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 9

News
Warriewood’s new hospital
In a first for Pittwater, a new
private hospital is set to
open in Warriewood early
next year providing an opportunity
for locals to access
much-needed rehabilitation
and recovery services near
their homes and families.
Promoted as the next
generation in healthcare, the
purpose-built 85-bed Arcadia
Pittwater, is designed for patients
requiring short to longer
hospital stays for recovery
after surgery or for medical
conditions.
Set to accept patients from
February, the site at 4 Daydream
Street will specialise
in rehabilitation, medical and
geriatric care, liaising with
GPs, specialists and allied
health professionals to develop
holistic treatment programs.
With the aim of delivering a
new benchmark for sub-acute
hospital care, the boutique facility
is the first developed by
new private hospital operator
Acardia Health Care.
Co-Managing and Medical
Director Dr Harry Pannu said
there was a pressing need for
a service of this kind in Pittwater.
“Arcadia Pittwater will
provide a much-neglected link
in a patient’s recovery journey
from an acute illness or surgical
procedure in a standard
hospital, to being sufficiently
well enough to return home,”
Dr Pannu explained.
“Many patients can and
should return home after a
three-day recovery from an
acute event, but there remains
a significant number of patients
who would benefit more
from an extended stay in a
specialised recovery hospital.”
The hospital will also be
available to patients continuing
their recovery at home and
operate as a community
“wellness hub”, with plans to
provide education and preventative
programs to those who
want to proactively manage
their own health and wellness.
A first look behind the scaffolding
last month revealed a
modern-multi-level building
with oversized ‘super single’,
single beds and double
bedrooms which will boast
ensuites and discrete hightech
inclusions.
The light-filled space will
feature a rehabilitation and
physiotherapy centre including
hydrotherapy pool, gymnasium,
occupational therapy
and treatment rooms.
And there will be other
hotel-style inclusions such
as local artworks, conciergeassisted
parking and food
created by a former 5-star
hotel chef.
10 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

“Our research has shown
the quality expectations from
patients have grown significantly
– Arcadia Pittwater will
deliver a unique holistic care
model, high quality facilities
and amenities,” Dr Pannu said.
“Empathetic nursing care is
supplemented with dietitiansupervised
and executive chefdesigned
menu choices, with
room service options throughout
the day.
“There will be a range of
lounges and open-air balconies
for sunshine and garden
breaks, all to encourage mobilisation
and socialisation to enhance
the patient’s recovery.”
Local GPs and care providers
welcomed the addition of new
community-based care on the
beaches.
Currently the choice is limited
to public rehabilitation at
Mona Vale Hospital, with those
requiring short- to long-term
rehabilitation accommodation
either travelling to Dee Why or
to Lady Davidson, North Turramurra
or further, explained
Mona Vale GP Dr Ethel Gilbert
(who has no affiliation with
Arcadia Health Care or associated
businesses).
“The population of The
Northern Beaches continues to
age and robust geriatric care
and support is an essential
integrated service which requires
further expansion,” Dr
Gilbert said.
Of course, all ages required
rehabilitation, and outpatient
care near to patients’ homes
was also going to be particularly
welcomed as it would reduce
travel times for families
and patients alike, she said.
“People often forget that it
is elderly relatives or spouses
who bear the burden of many
hospital visits,” Dr Gilbert
added.
Managing Director of aged
Continued on page 12
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 11

News
Continued from page 11
care planning advisor New Way
to Stay Louise Mace agreed,
observing many of her clients
and their families were struggling
with busy lives and fitting
in a commute as well as a visit
to their loved ones.
“Many husbands and wives
experience separation when
one has to spend time in rehab
before coming home,” Mrs Mace
said. “The elderly spouse is
often unable to drive long distances
or afford the taxi fares to
make regular visits.
“A new option in Pittwater
means older couples will have
easier access to each other, and
it should alleviate some of the
burden of younger adult children
being relied upon to take
them back and forth.
“In our experience a critical
aspect of recovery for our
ageing clients is regular close
contact with their loved ones…
I can already think of clients
who would love to have access to
this,” Mrs Mace said.
Angie Kelso of Carers &
Companions said: “I am looking
forward to the opening of
a hospital to provide a more
personal service and recovery in
a caring environment… it seems
to me this hospital will provide
a lifestyle-driven approach.
“By providing professional
medical care, high-end services,
luxury accommodation and a
restaurant, the patients will enjoy
the level of comfort they are
used to in their own home.
“This will result in better patient
outcomes in a more relaxed
environment, rather than the
structured traditional medical
facility,” Ms Kelso said.
* Pittwater Day Surgery
expands facilities – see page 48.
– Lisa Offord
12 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

5THINGS
THIS MONTH
News
Gifts made with love. Snap
up some beautiful hand-made
Christmas gifts at the Avalon
Craft Cottage Christmas show
at the Rec Centre on Fri 1 and 2
from 10am-4pm. Also, The Mona
Vale Hospital Auxiliary will have
a lovely assortment of knitting,
sewing, craft and jams for sale
at stalls outside the ANZ Bank in
Avalon on Fri 8 and in the hospital
foyer on Fri 15 from 9am-3pm.
Discover a hidden treasure.
Take a stroll down Pelican
Path, Lake Path Rd North
Narrabeen and check out the
Coastal Environment Centre.
The community learning space
that focuses on protecting our
precious area is holding an Open
Day from 10am-2pm on Sun 3
when the team will be celebrating
Ocean Care Day and Narrabeen
Lagoon’s many wonders with
face painting, native animal
displays and free kayaking tours.
Ocean Swim. The Pittwater
Ocean Swim Series kicks off at
Bilgola on Sun 10. Two courses;
an 800m swim in the morning
and the 1500m main event.
More details about this season’s
program see page 48.
Technology drop-in
sessions. Who doesn’t get
flustered with their laptop, iPad
or mobile phone? Get some free
help at Mona Vale Library on
Tues 5 and 12 from 4pm-5pm
when Duke of Edinburgh Award
Scheme volunteers will give
advice. And put a note in the diary
– these wonderful young folk
will be helping out next year too
at the same time every Tuesday
during school terms. More info
9970 1600 or mary.anderson@
northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Stressing about stuff? Take
a load off your shoulders, pack
up all those unwanted belongings
you have been meaning to sell
and book a spot at the first car
boot sale of the new year. The
next Avalon Car Boot Sale will be
held in Dunbar Park on Sat Jan 20
from 8am-2pm. Spaces usually
sell out way before the day so dig
out the ‘stallholder’ fee (curious
amounts of $37.57 per car or
$48.02 for car and trailer site) and
lock in via the council website.
14 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

It’s Indie rock ’n’ ro
News
Trailblazer Brynn Davies
not only has a passion
for Australian music,
it runs through her veins.
So last April, when the then
23-year-old sensed a gap in
the industry, she followed
her heart and launched an
innovative start-up to shine
the spotlight on our homegrown
talent.
Brynn designed a media
platform and shared
‘LunchBox’ with the world
– the first online music
publication dedicated entirely
to showcasing Australian
musicians.
With a comprehensive
appreciation of the arts
(mum is Tonia Kelly, former
principal dancer at the
Sydney Dance Company, dad
is multiple ARIA-winning
musician Iva Davies, and
Brynn too was headed down
the entertainment career
path before being drawn to
journalism), the northern
beaches native has witnessed
how difficult it can be for
budding artists to be heard.
“I realised that there was
this huge gap in the market
for an Australian-centric
music publication and I was
completely surprised that noone
had thought to cater to the
established triple j audience
who so passionately support
and celebrate local music,”
Brynn explained.
BIG IDEA: Brynn Davies is living her dream working on her own innovative
online music site Lunchboxtv (interviewing band Dear Seattle at BIGSOUND).
“I was also determined
LunchBox would exist to
support the local scene by
bringing journalistic integrity
and storytelling back to music
journalism.”
Clearly others are on the
same page – within eight
short months LunchBox has
garnered a loyal following
and a growing respect in the
industry with updates around
the clock from contributors
Australia-wide breaking
stories, writing features,
honest reviews, producing
interviews, live reviews, live
galleries and music video.
The Lunchbox team is
youth-run and youth-oriented
so there is no holds barred
when it comes to what and
how things are discussed; no
surprise then readership is
predominately 18-34.
That’s not to say the site is
‘too cool for school’.
“We also have a solid
following of parent-age
readers… lots of people who
grew up watching INXS and
Crowded House who want to
know what the next gen of
Aussie musos are creating.”
Australia’s premier music
writer Kathy McCabe is a
fan, telling Pittwater Life:
“While many music sites
seem hellbent on clickbait
plagiarism, Lunchbox is a rare
treat of an online destination
for those with a passion for
homegrown music.”
When covering music
industry issues Kathy
observed “Lunchbox straddles
that fine line between
entertaining and informing
the reader with an admirable
balance.
“But most importantly,
they achieve that most
noble of goals by turning us
onto new Australian music,
an important distinction
when homegrown music
is struggling to score
mainstream airplay or wider
media coverage.”
Talk to Brynn and you’re left
in no doubt she possesses the
creativity, drive and purpose
to achieve her aim of making
LunchBox the destination for
Australian music and evolving
into a fully fledged media
business.
And local musical talent
is lucky to have her as its
champion, as up until the age
of 15 Brynn was preparing to
be a dancer, studying full-time
in the city and completing
her school work via distance
education on the bus to and
from home.
However, injury put an end
to Brynn’s dancing dream and
she returned to traditional
schooling, graduating as DUX
of Freshwater Senior Campus
all the while interning “on the
side’ in radio at the ABC.
Brynn completed a
Communications degree
at UTS and her work
as an investigative and
entertainment journalist and
16 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

ll for she!
presenter has been published
and broadcast widely.
Buoyed by the huge ‘mosh
pit’ of interest in live music
and local talent, Brynn backed
herself and left her job as
assistant magazine editor
to focus full-time on her
LunchBox start-up.
In keeping with its shoestring
budget, Brynn’s team
dedicates time voluntarily
“subsisting on passion”,
looking out for each other
while also pooling resources.
As the team prepares to
launch into LunchBox’s first
festival season Brynn provided
a little insight into the
operation.
“One of our toughest slogs
was in September when myself
and head camerman Dane
Filmer (honestly, that's his last
name) headed to Jindabyne
and spent three days and
nights filming back-to-back
interviews at a festival.
“We drove home, and flew
the ‘redeye’ to Brisbane where
we spent the next week at the
biggest music industry event
of the year – BIGSOUND – with
three other team members.
“The whole week we probably
got between three to five hours
of sleep, and our schedule was
so packed out with interviews,
conferences, meetings and
editing that we started
measuring our time in minutes.
"It was ‘I finish this
conference at 2pm, and we've
got an interview at 2:05… if
you sprint the five blocks and
it takes three minutes, you'll
be in the door at 2:03 with
time to pee’.
“No exaggeration, when we
got back home the concept of
time was so skewed it took a
while to readjust… I thought
in seconds, minutes, not
blocks of time.”
Brynn said taking a leap of
faith to launch LunchBox with
no prior business experience
was and still is “completely
terrifying”.
“But learning on the fly is
one of the most rewarding
experiences of my life.
“I’d love to say I’m totally
nailing being an entrepreneur
but some days I find myself
questioning everything,” she
admits.
“But then I see the posts from
bands absolutely overjoyed
with their feature; watch my
amazing team grow from a
handful of contributors to over
40 nation-wide; and take in the
opportunities for LunchBox
to film and review the biggest
events in the country.
“I’ve realised the biggest
challenge isn’t financial,
or stress, or motivation or
support; it’s patience and selfbelief.”
* Check out Brynn's ARIAs
wrap at lunchboxtv.com.au
– Lisa Offord
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 17

News
B-Line shifts into gear
The transformation of
public transport on the
Northern Beaches has
commenced, with the start
of turn-up-and-go B-Line
services between Mona
Vale and Wynyard, targeted
improvements to the local
Pittwater bus network plus
an innovative on-demand
transport trial to ‘feed’ into the
B-Line.
The revitalised system has
been both eagerly welcomed
and vehemently opposed by
sections of the community
since it was first touted in 2015.
It features more than 3,200
extra weekly services across
the Northern Beaches including
2,000 weekly B-Line services
– featuring new purpose-built
double decker buses – aimed at
making it easier for customers
to travel both locally and to
and from the Sydney CBD.
Although an inconvenience
of late, to help traffic flow
better in the long term and
make bus services more
reliable, Transport NSW have
been installing new bus bays
to help keep buses and traffic
moving, tidal flow systems
and extended turning lanes to
maximise traffic flow in the
peak directions.
Pittwater Life has been told
works will continue into 2018,
with the proposed B-Line
extension to Newport still
under community consultation
and the subject of engineering
studies.
Here’s an update of what’s
happening in your suburb, with
completed and planned works.
Mona Vale
Roadworks on Pittwater Road,
Golf Avenue, Park Street
and Barrenjoey Road will
include pedestrian crossing
adjustments to improve
safety across Golf Avenue and
Barrenjoey Road, the extension
of turning lanes, pedestrian
fencing, pavement work and
line marking.
The mound between Village
Park and Barrenjoey Road – the
subject of heated community
protest when removed earlier
this year – has been restored
as planned and planted out
with a mixture of juvenile
casuarina and eucalyptus
(swamp mahogany) trees, plus
sympathetic ground cover (left).
An indented bus bay for
outbound traffic to improve
congestion through this area
has been created while the
existing 74-space car park has
been upgraded with additional
security and lighting.
Narrabeen
A new commuter car park will
provide an additional 40 car
spaces while the new B-Line
stop can been accessed via
18 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

the completed bicycle and
pedestrian links, as well as the
Lagoon trail.
The right turn bay at Mactier
Street has been extended and
a new right-hand turn bay has
been created at Wetherill Street,
while the median strip has
been closed at Clark Street.
(The popular basketball
courts and outdoor gym will be
relocated and ready for use in
early 2018 as part of Northern
Beaches Council upgrades in
the area.)
Warriewood
Work is underway to deliver
more active transport links
and car spaces for customers,
with the new commuter car
park due for completion in
early 2018.
A new signalised intersection
is also being created, providing
easy access to the car park,
direct access to North
Narrabeen Reserve and a direct
exit to the Northern Suburbs.
Newport
The extension of the B-Line
route to Newport is expected
to take place in 2018 subject
to further community
consultation and planning
approval.
On-demand Trial
As reported by Pittwater
Life in September, the ondemand
service will provide
personalised travel feeding
into B-Line stops.
Customers can book a vehicle
(car or 4WD) to pick them up
from their home, designated
pick-up point or nearest bus
stop and take them directly
to the closest B-Line transport
hub. (The pilot will operate in
addition to existing bus services
that currently service the area.)
Pittwater is split into two
operational on demand zones:
Zone 1 – North Narrabeen to
Mona Vale; and Zone 2 – Mona
Vale to Palm Beach. Cost is
$3.10 one way (concession fares
of 50% for seniors and students
also apply). The fare doesn’t
include the onward journey
from the transport hub. The
on-demand service operates
weekdays 6am – 10pm;
Saturday 7am – 7pm; and
Sunday 7am – 5pm.
If you don’t have a
smartphone you can book
a trip by calling operator
Keoride on 1800 536 743 or
online at Keoride.com.au;
payment is by credit card only
(not Opal card).
One of the benefits is its
booking system allows you to
book multiple trips at once,
enabling forward planning for
several weeks in advance.
Tell us what
you think?
Pittwater Life wants to hear
from readers about their
experiences with the new
B-Line bus system, parking
arrangements and ondemand
transport trial.
Why and how has it made
your daily commute, or your
occasional trip, better or
worse? Email your story to
readers@pittwaterlife.com.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 19

Village Park to come
alive with stalls aplenty
for Mona Xmas Market
Organisers, stallholders and locals will be
hoping for blue skies when the sixth annual
Mona Vale Xmas Market kicks off at 9am
at Village Park on Sunday December 10.
With inclement weather putting a dampener
on the local Chamber of Commerce’s market
in November, the Xmas Market provides
another chance to grab a unique and bargain
gift in the run up to December 25.
“We’re really looking forward to a great event
this year, it’s a great opportunity to get your
last minute Christmas shopping done,” said
founder Jeremy Drayton.
“This year, the focus is on the vibrant Mona
Vale community… there will be a lot of local
stallholders and businesses getting involved in
the day, both long-term operators and startups.
It’s a great opportunity for these local
fledgling businesses to start their journey and
grow to bigger and better things in the future.”
Jeremy said an eclectic mix of market stalls
would ensure everyone’s tastes were catered for.
“There will be live music all day from local
artists, plus rides for the kids and non-stop
entertainment, all conveniently located in the
heart of Mona Vale.
“The event is accessible to everybody – with
parking in surrounding streets and a hub for
public transport, Village Park is a great venue
for this Christmas event.”
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 21

News
New Macca’s
table service is
tray magnifique!
There’ll be no more
waiting for your number
to be called to collect your
meal when you dine in at
McDonald’s Warriewood this
month, with the popular fast
food restaurant relaunching
its expanded site with allnew
table service.
Franchisee Warwick
Hokins said construction
work at the new-look
restaurant would be
completed soon with a
relaunch scheduled for mid-
December.
Among the feast of
improvements will be more
indoor seating, a new party
room, all new décor, plenty
of alfresco dining, plus new
restrooms.
And with 60 more seats,
an additional 15-20 local
staff will be employed.
The biggest change is the
introduction of Bluetooth
technology that will allow
employees to identify diners
and their tables, allowing
speedy delivery of meals.
Diners will receive a table
number unit with in-built
Bluetooth, enabling them
to take any seat they wish,
relax and wait for their meal.
“We decided that it was
time to give the restaurant
the facelift our community
deserved,” Mr Hokins said.
“We’re delighted to give our
customers the same great
service but with a fresher
look and new facilities, and
we think diners will love it.
“We strive to give
our customers the best
and adopting Bluetooth
technology to help with
speedy table delivery ensures
our restaurant provides
truly state-of-the-art dining
22 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

options,” Mr Hokins said.
“I’m excited for Pittwater
residents to come and try
out our new and exciting
restaurant feature for
themselves, which we know
will add to their Macca’s
experience!”
Other improvements
include a dedicated drivethrough
coffee pick-up
window and digital drivethrough
signage.
* Find out more about the
local job opportunities at
apply.McDonalds.com.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 23

A lot of bottle!
News
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed
running your
eyes over a restaurant’s
extensive wine list, spare a
thought for Jonah’s new head
sommelier Niels Sluiman –
not only is he responsible
for overseeing the boutique
hotel and restaurant’s awardwinning
wine list, he also has
to track down your selection
from a cellar of more than
1600 bottles.
With the peninsula gearing
up for its annual influx of
holidaymakers, Niels and his
international team of Riccardo
Molfetta (Italy), Christian Baeppler
(Germany) and Miyuki
Morimoto (Japan) are checking
stocks and making sure all is
ready for discerning palates.
Dutchman Niels, who grew
up in the south of France and
started his wine journey in
a restaurant in Ireland while
taking a break from university
studies, has worked at
several world class establishments
in Europe including La
Cote St Jacques in Burgundy
and Le Pre Catelan in Paris
(each 3 Michelin stars).
Niels is enjoying introducing
new wines to match the
dishes created by new Executive
Chef Matteo Zamboni.
“Tasting wines and food
together is really enjoyable,”
said Niels. “I always try to
have a few different wines on
hand to taste when there is a
new dish coming up… it is all
about balance but also keeping
it exciting for the sommelier
team and of course the
guests.”
He said Jonah’s cellar was
undoubtedly one of the greatest
in Australia.
“Rating a cellar is always difficult
but I am not afraid to say
that our current level is reaching
a really high quality… and
of course I keep adding wines
to the list. Mixing diversity and
traditionalism is the key part
of a great wine list.”
Niels said keeping track of
more than 1600 Australian
and international labels was a
day-to-day task.
“It is all about being accurate
on your cellar mapping,
being organised and
extremely tidy,” he said. “As
well as spending a lot of time
in the cellar.”
Although a knowledge of
wine is the foundation stone
of his vocation, Niels said
a strong appreciation of all
types of drinks was imperative
in his role.
“Beers, spirits, teas and
sake are also drinks that a
sommelier should be able to
recommend to a guest – it
makes our job really diverse
and fun.”
And his tip for the perfect
glass of wine on its own?
“An Assyrtiko-Hatzidakis
from Greece, with that beautiful
tension and minerality,
or even a great Pinot Gris
from Garagiste winery on the
Mornington Peninsula, showcasing
vibrant, summery fruit
in the glass.” – Nigel Wall
24 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

What goes with what?
N
iels says the palate is such a personal
thing that ‘rules’ shouldn’t apply when
pairing wine with food. However, he offers
this advice (using Jonah’s summer dishes
as a guide):
Black Angus beef (served with roasted
turnips and barberry jus) – “Goes
perfectly with a medium-bodied Shiraz
from the Mudgee region of NSW. Beautiful
limited release Shiraz ‘The Kinnear’ 2014
made by the Robert Stein Winery, shows
a great ripe black fruit expression with a
great spicy character. This combination
is driven by that balance between meat,
fruits and spices.”
Lamb Rump (slow cooked with linseed
and baby peppers) – “Pair with a Cabernet
Sauvignon from the Wrattonbully region
of SA. Terre a Terre Cuvée ‘Crayeres’,
made by husband-and-wife team Xavier
Bizot and Lucy Croser. This wine holds
lots of smooths tannins cutting through
the powerful meat but also helps emphasise
the peppers hints by bringing mint
and capsicum flavours.”
Jonah’s Seafood platter (fresh seafood
varieties sourced daily) – “Match with
an extremely precise and pure Riesling
made by Grosset ‘Cuvée Polish Hill’ from
the Clare Valley in SA. This great wine is
showcasing some beautiful lime and lemon
hints with a great savory aftertaste.”
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 25

Keen teens making waves
News
Veteran Avalon Beach
sweep Rick Millar
gets a real buzz out of
developing juniors – but his
is a no-kid-gloves treatment,
even if they are new to the
sport of surf boat rowing.
Under his wing now are
the ‘Puddlemakers’ – four
young northern beaches
locals who could pass for
Rick’s grandkids. Regan
Dale, Charlie Lewis (both
15) and 16-year-olds Jordan
Hawke and Lachie Mills
forged a friendship through
Avalon Beach nippers and
have even a closer bond
these days.
Only Lachie attends
a different high school
(Pittwater House) to the
others who are students at
Barrenjoey High School.
The boys have quickly
discovered how tough Rick
can be: “I am not here to
be your friend. I am your
coach. If you want to train,
make sure you are on time.
‘PUDDLEMAKERS’: Rick Millar with his boys (from left) – Regan Dale,
Jordan Hawke, Charlie Lewis and Lachie Mills.
No excuses. You have to be
willing to work together,”
was the first message he
delivered.
While Rick says he wants to
impart as much knowledge as
he can to the boys about the
vagaries of the surf, he also
wants to teach them about
lessons in life.
The Avalon Beach mentor
was pleasantly surprised
how they performed when
they raced for the first
time at the opening Sydney
Northern Beaches Branch
carnival at Bilgola in
November.
“I was really proud of how
they handled the surf for
the first time,” Rick said. “‘It
was a big surf for them…
they had only been training
for just over two months
and had never been in a boat
before.”
Rick, who has been around
surf boats for more than 50
years, sweeping for 40 years
and won numerous titles,
says it’s rare to have a group
of boys who are eligible to
row juniors for four years.
“If they stick together they
could become a definite
force in rowing,” he said.
Andrew Mills, the father of
Lachie, knows the boys from
nippers. “I have already seen
a confidence and maturity
in them since they started
rowing surf boats,” Andrew
said. “‘They have responded
beautifully to Rick and are
totally committed to the
sport. They’ve had a heavy
26 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

training schedule but can’t
wait to go to training. On
race days they help move the
other boats. They are really
involved and it’s confidencebuilding.”
Director of Surf Sports
Nick Sampson says Avalon
Beach could take as many
as 15 crews to Aussies in
Scarborough next year.
While Nick said there
wasn’t a drive to increase
rowers, somehow it has just
happened.
“We wanted to get a crew in
every division if we could,”
Nick said. “‘It has been a big
step up with 10 brand new
rowers – eight juniors and
two colts. The growing team
is largely because all our
juniors have come from our
own club. They have come
up through our fantastic
cadet program. We also have
rowers returning after a few
years off.
“We strive to create
a one-club atmosphere
with everyone helping out
everyone, with juniors filling
in for the A’s at training.
“We have guys from the
reserves and open men’s
crews learning how to sweep
because of the big training
load we have.”
Avalon already have
Nathan Wellings, Rick Millar,
Pete Carter, Hector Heathcote
and Jean Harper as sweeps.
“Without their dedication
the team at Avalon Beach
would not exist,” said Nick.
“A huge part of our club and
training program is through
Brent and Maree Williams
at CrossFit Avalon Beach.
They do a fantastic job with
training programs and
motivation of all our crews,”
he explained.
“And not forgetting the
man who leads us – our boat
captain Matthew Mayall.
Where would we be without
him?”
It’s going to be a very tough
season for Nick watching
things unfold from the beach
as a spectator. He normally
rows for one of the club’s top
crews, Pinkies, but is waiting
to have a knee reconstruction
following a freak accident in
a game of touch football only
days before the first carnival
at Bilgola.
– John Taylor
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 27

No hassles on the highway
News
School holidays are almost
here – for many families,
that means packing the
car, hitching the caravan or
boat trailer and heading on a
vacation road trip.
But hit the highway unprepared
and you could be
asking for trouble.
Mal Graham from British &
Swedish Motors in Narrabeen
and John Godley from Battery
Business in Warriewood
offered these tips to ensure a
hassle-free holiday by car.
“If the car is not quite due
for a service, a good check over
and top up of levels is usually
enough for a vehicle that’s serviced
regularly,” Mal said.
“Make sure the cooling
system is in good order, with
no loose or leaking hoses. If
tyres are low replace them –
some tyre sizes these days,
you might be stuck in a country
town for a week waiting
for a replacement!
“If the air conditioning isn’t
feeling as cold as it should be
after winter, get it checked
out – the more passengers,
the hotter it will be.
“Last, the biggest problem
with trailers are tyres and
wheel bearing maintenance –
especially boat trailers.”
John Godley said many
people didn’t realise that new
engine technology was affecting
battery longevity.
“There’s a bewildering
amount of information and
folklore about batteries, and it
can be hard to sort fact from
fiction – that’s where we come
in,” John said.
“Car batteries in regular
use should last about five
years, and the good ones have
a three-year warranty. But batteries
in cars with stop-start
technology get a hard life – up
to 13 times as many engine
starts on average.
“If your car has that technology,
make sure that any
battery fitted is suitable. A
standard car battery will not
do the job for long…”
He said boat batteries
would last a similar time, typically,
although the deep cycle
batteries on a boat might last
less, especially if they were
worked hard every day, or not
kept fully charged.
John said Battery Business
offered a free on-site car battery
test “on the spot, every
day of the week, no appointment
necessary”.
“For boat batteries it’d be
unreasonable to expect the
boat or batteries to get to our
store so we will come to the
marina and test them, free of
charge,” he said.
“We’re happy to make appointments
to do this, and
we’re Marine Card Holders
with the Boating Industry Association,
which is important
reassurance for boat owners
and all the marinas that we
visit.” – Nigel Wall
28 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Mobile wildlife
clinic fundraiser
Sydney Wildlife are $50,000
closer to securing their
first mobile wildlife clinic
following a successful
fundraiser at the
International College of
Management at Manly last
month.
More than 170 people dug
deep to add to the $70,000 the
organisation already has in
its coffers earmarked for the
clinic, which is expected to
cost $200,000.
Readers who would like to
donate to help them achieve
their goal can visit www.sydneywildlife.org.au
and press
the donate button (indicate
that the donation is for ‘clinic’
so the funds go to the right
Sydney Wildlife project).
Meanwhile volunteers are
calling out to mobile home
companies to come to the
party and possibly donate a
vehicle, which Sydney Wildlife
would then fit out with their
funds pool... any takers?
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 29

Pittwater News
Macquarie Park on
bus strategy radar
A report outlining progress
on the NB Council’s new
Transport Strategy will be
tabled early in the New Year.
Announcing the strategy in
November, Mayor Michael
Regan said it would provide
a clear plan for improving
public, active and road
transport and would
transform the way people
moved about the beaches. He
said a key focus was rapid
public transport connection
between Mona Vale and
Macquarie Park. “Macquarie
Park is the fastest growing
major employment centre in
Sydney. A one-hour-and-20-
minute journey on the 197
bus route to travel 20km is
unacceptable.” He said the
concept of the ‘30-minute
city’ could be achieved with
rapid transport solutions.
New walking and cycling
paths are already being
delivered across the Northern
Beaches to encourage
increased active transport
and will be linked within the
transport strategy.
Cash boost for
Pittwater schools
Pittwater’s 11 public schools
will receive more than
$3.8 million from the NSW
Government for additional
learning initiatives. The needsbased
funding, the result of
the government signing up to
the Gonski funding agreement,
represents an increase of more
than $580,000 on last year’s
allocation. Local MP Rob Stokes
said priorities for spending
would be left solely with school
principals, for things such as
employing specialist teachers
or purchasing extra resources
to respond to the unique
requirements of their students.
overhaul, with slabs laid
to the road edge providing
wider footpath access. The
shared paths provide an
off-road cycling link between
Dee Why and Warriewood.
Australia Day awards
deadline extension
Northern Beaches Council
has extended the closing
date for nominations for
the Northern Beaches 2018
Australia Day awards to
Monday December 4. Mayor
Michael Regan is urging
residents to look around
and nominate someone who
deserves to be recognised.
This year, a Senior Citizen
of the Year Award is being
added to other categories. .
More info northernbeaches.
nsw.gov.au
News
Make a splash in Bilgola swim
The popular Pittwater Ocean Swim Series will make its
first splash for 2018 at Bilgola on Sunday 10 December.
Thereafter there will be an ocean swim every Sunday in
January, starting with Newport (7th) followed by Avalon
(14th), Mona Vale (21st) and the ‘Big Swim’ Palm Beach to
Whale Beach (28th). The 2018 series will bring more than
4,500 swimmers of all ages to the Pittwater region from
all over Australia, providing a boost to local businesses.
Plus all funds raised go to the surf clubs, enabling the
purchase of essential life saving equipment as well as
maintenance. Full details oceanswims.com.
New Mona Vale
footpath complete
Pedestrian safety and
access along Pittwater Road
at Mona Vale has been
bolstered by the completion
of a comprehensive
concrete footpath as part of
Northern Beaches Council’s
‘Connecting Northern
Beaches’ program. Motorists
and pedestrians experienced
disruptions for a few
months as the one-kilometre
section on the western side
of Pittwater Road between
Coronation St and Vineyard
St underwent a complete
Help your teenage
'Learner' driver
Is your teenager about to turn
16 and get their ‘L’ plates?
Then consider attending
Northern Beaches Council’s
‘Helping Learner Drivers’
workshop at the Dee Why
Civic Centre on December 6
from 6.30pm-8.30pm. The
workshop aims to increase
the confidence and knowledge
of supervisors who oversee
learner drivers. It will
provide practical advice
about: changes to the Learner
Driver Licensing Scheme
(which started on November
30 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

2018 Barrenjoey
Week of Golf
The Barrenjoey Peninsula Week of Golf
is on again in February – and in 2018 it’s
turning 36! One of the largest amateur
women’s golfing tournaments in the
southern hemisphere, the event is played
on the fairways of beautiful Bayview,
Cromer, Long Reef, Manly, Mona Vale,
Monash and Wakehurst Golf Clubs. It’s
also a Jean Derrin event, which attracts
many low handicap golfers. The format
begins on Monday 12 and Tuesday
13 February with individual stroke
for Divisions 1 & 2 and stableford for
Division 3. On Thursday 15 February the
Foursomes are held in four divisions.
On Friday 16 February a four-person
Best Ball v Par event, with shotgun start,
completes the tournament. Players can
20; log book apps approved
by the Roads and Maritime;
completing the Learner driver
log book; understanding the
benefits and safety aspects
of supervised on-road
driving experience; and the
understanding of licence
conditions for learners and
provisional licence holders.
Interested? More info
roadsafety@northernbeaches.
nsw.gov.au
Portable defibrillator
funding for clubs
Pittwater’s sporting clubs are
being encouraged to apply
for defibrillator funding
assistance under the NSW
Government’s new Local Sport
Defibrillator Grant Program.
Up to 2,500 Automatic
External Defibrillators (AEDs)
will be rolled out across the
state over the next four years
under the $4 million program.
More than 33,000 Australians
experience cardiac arrest
every year and early access to
CPR and defibrillation within
the first eight minutes are
critical and can influence
survival rates by up to 75
per cent. The program will
fund up to 50 per cent of the
defibrillator cost, along with
training and maintenance
support. “This fantastic
technology has been proven
on beaches, sporting fields
and in shopping centres – the
more defibrillators we have in
our community, the greater
the chance we can assist
someone with life-saving
intervention,” Local MP Rob
Stokes said. Applications
nominate to play on all four days or play
in one, two or three events. Entries are
now open – and it’s great value, with any
three or four days $100 (postal $110), any
1 or 2 days $70 (postal $80). More info
barrenjoeyweekofgolf.com
close 20 December; more info
sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants
Loosely Woven
charity concert
Local music group ‘Loosely
Woven’ is back with a free
concert at Avalon Baptist
Church from 4pm on
Sunday Dec 10. Led by
Wayne Richmond, the group
includes an impressive 21
instrumentalists and singers.
Wayne and his musicians
have been contributing to
Amnesty International’s
great work for more than
20 years and helping those
who suffer injustice, unfair
imprisonment, torture, and
other human rights abuse. Free
entry; free supper provided
(donations welcomed). More
info 0417 069 472.
Vet
on
call
with
Dr Ben Brown
Just like in humans, this is
the time of the year our pets
suffer the most with allergies.
Allergies can manifest in a
variety of different ways,
however the most common
symptom of allergies in pets
is itchy skin – under the arms,
in the groin, on the neck
and in the flanks. Common
triggers of skin allergy in
pets are fleas, environmental
factors such as air borne
pollens, moulds and dust
mites, contact allergies caused
by grasses, and even some
foods can cause allergies
and itchy skin. In many cases
this problem is seasonal and
develops at the same time
(spring and summer).
Symptoms of allergies
can be varied, but generally
consist of excessive licking,
chewing, biting or scratching
of the skin, restlessness and
difficulty settling, dragging
belly or back along the
ground, chewing and sucking
of the feet, head shaking, ear
scratching and recurrent ear
infections, hair loss, sores and
darkened or red patches of
skin, and excessive ‘doggy’
body odour usually caused by
secondary fungal infections.
Food reactions account for
up to 15–46% and 10–23% of
inflammatory skin lesions in
dogs and cats respectively.
The most common ingredients
that cause this problem in
dogs are beef, milk, lamb,
wheat, corn, egg, soy and
chicken, and adding tuna and
salmon to the list for cats.
There are new medications
available that are much safer
for long-term treatment of
itchy skin in pets and special
diets that can effectively
diagnose and treat food
allergy whilst maintaining
nutrition.
If you’re concerned about
your pet’s skin drop into one
of our hospitals at either
Newport or Avalon for a free
skin, ear, teeth and weight
check by one of our qualified
staff (through December 31).
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 31

Life Stories
Whole
truths
The ancient art of culturing food for
beneficial health has been a focus of
Holly Davis’ life for more than 40 years.
Story by Rosamund Burton
The door of the single-storey
original weatherboard house on
Palm Beach’s Pacific Road is open
and I find the renowned wholefood
chef, Holly Davis, in her kitchen up to
her elbows in a large bucket of finely
chopped red cabbage.
“I hadn’t forgotten you were coming,”
she assures me, “but we’re making
sauerkraut and kimchi. We’ve been
chopping cabbage all day.” Her friend
and co-worker, Belinda Flynn, is still
slicing.
With the setting up of Iku Wholefood
stores, her first book Nourish, her
cooking classes and the many events
for which she’s catered, Holly Davis
has educated thousands of people in
the creation of delicious, nutritious
wholefood. Her new book – Ferment, a
guide to the ancient art of culturing food
– with its exquisite photographs, gives
readers a host of recipes for cultured
food, from sourdough bread to crème
fraiche.
“Take a seat,” says Holly, indicating
a wooden chair beside a narrow desk
in the sitting room. I sit gazing at a
mountain of red and green cabbage
leaves on a trestle table. She explains
that earlier in the week she cooked
dinner for 120 people at Moby Dicks
Whale Beach, hosted by Bookoccino,
showcasing recipes from her book.
“I cooked 21 ducks, using the recipe
from the book, and had a big display of
cabbages, because cabbages are such a
fabulous representation of fermentation,
as everyone knows sauerkraut.”
She places down a pot of tea and two
cups, and sits on the other side of the
desk. On a shelf behind her is a glass
flagon of fermenting apple cider, and
beside it pieces of beetroot floating in a
jar, which she explains are fermenting
to make a beverage called ‘beet kvass’.
Beside it is a jar of jun, a green tea
and honey ferment very similar to
kombucha.
Holly grew up in North London, where
as a teenager she was introduced to
macrobiotics by her best friend’s older
sister.
“I had a cold and she gave me a drink
made with omeboshi [Japanese pickled
plums]. When I asked her later why it
had made me feel better she told me
about the idea of food as medicine,
the power of food to have an effect on
both physical and mental health.” It
made perfect sense to her, and she was
hooked. In her early 20s, Holly worked
at Food for Thought, a well-known
vegetarian restaurant in Covent Garden;
then, fascinated by Japanese culture
and macrobiotics, she travelled to Japan.
She was 24 when she came to
Australia in 1982. Early in 1985 she
was introduced to Willem Venter, an
Afrikaaner. “He became my best friend
and I adored him,” she says, her eyes
filling with tears. “We had this strong
sense that we had met one another for a
purpose.” In 1985, together they opened
Iku Wholefood restaurant in Glebe. “We
didn’t think that we were likely to make
a living out of it. We worked hundreds
of hours a week, and I was so happy to
be doing what I believed in.” Every week
for the first three years the restaurant
did a little better, and after three years
it took off.
Originally, it wasn’t a vegan
restaurant, but vegans quickly made up
a large part of its customer base, and
said they wouldn’t continue coming if it
wasn’t vegan. So Iku and Holly became
vegan, and for Holly that only changed
when she got pregnant. “My body very
clearly wanted dairy products, then
meat, and then chocolate and I have
never looked back.”
Hanging in the hallway is a
photograph of the handsome Willem
asleep. It was in 1988, three years
after Iku had opened, that Willem was
diagnosed with HIV.
“I looked after him, and his partner,
Nicholaas Van Schalkvyk, who died six
months after him. I was 33 when Willem
died. I only knew him for six years, but I
am who I am, because of him, and those
32 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

experiences.”
Holly admits that having her
daughter, India, was another huge
turning point in her life. Holly and
India’s father were together for 10
years until India was six. India went
to Kamaroi Steiner School in Belrose,
where she began learning to knit, and
then on to Barrenjoey High.
“She’s now 24, and works in costume
for film. She recently knitted costumes
for Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet, for the
Disney film ‘Christopher Robin’. It was
through filmmaker and friend Margaret
Sixel that she got this break, to work
under costume designer Jenny Beavan
and she is about to start on her third
film, a remake of Doctor Doolittle.”
A month before Willem died he sold
his share of Iku to Ken Israel. Ken and
Holly were business partners for six
years and opened Iku outlets in Neutral
Bay and Waverley. Now there are 11
stores and Ken still owns Iku today. He
lives in Clareville, and encouraged Holly
to move to Pittwater, telling her she
would never regret it. He was right.
“I’ve been pretty much on this hill
for 22 years, apart from short stints at
Whale Beach and Careel Bay. I’ve lived
in three houses on Bynya Road and
four on Pacific Road. I’ve been in this
house for two years. I love its higgledypiggledyness,
and the four water
dragons who scuttle around the garden.
I’ve named them Walter, Wilhelmina,
Wendy and Willow.
“It took me a long time to feel I really
lived in the area, that if I had forgotten
my purse I could come home with what
I needed,” she comments. Most of her
shopping is done at Avalon Wholefoods,
Avalon Organics, and The Beaches
produce market at Warriewood.
Belinda packs all the cabbage leaves
on the trestle table into several large
plastic bags, and a conversation ensues
about worm farms and composting.
Holly wants Ferment to be “useful”.
She explains that every traditional
culture in the world fermented food
in some way, and fermented foods
are delicious, they are condiments
that pique interest and they are also
nutritious and good for our digestive
system and so in turn all body systems.
“I’m really keen for people to have a
relationship with their food, and when
you ferment something you do have a
relationship with it, because it’s not just
you at work, it’s billions of beneficial
bacteria. But first and foremost, food
has to be delicious,” she says, walking
over to the fridge. She scoops a spoonful
of homemade heirloom yoghurt from
a jar for me to sample and she tells me
the culture is over 100 years old. It is
the best tasting yoghurt I’ve ever tried.
Next April she turns 60 and she’s
thinking about what she wants to do for
the next 20 years of her life.
“I’ll continue to teach classes, and I’m
keen to do some classes from home. I
also want to develop a small bespoke
range of ferments, and provide cultures
for people so they can make their own.
Online teaching is another goal. I’ll be
cooking for people until I drop, because
I absolutely love it.”
Friend Belinda deposits a case of jars
on the trestle table, and I leave the pair
pressing the deep pink sauerkraut into
jars ready to sell at the North Sydney
produce market to be held the next day.
And inspired by this unique and gifted
down-to-earth chef I head home to study
her cookbook, and start making my own
sauerkraut.
* ‘Ferment, a guide to the ancient art
of culturing food’ by Holly Davis (RRP
$45) is published by Murdoch Books
and available at Bookoccino and all
good bookshops.
Life Stories
CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE: Have
cabbage, will ferment – Holly Davis
seated in the Bible Garden at Palm Beach;
her latest book Ferment is packed with
recipes for cultured food; an Iku staff
meeting in Holly’s home in East Sydney,
circa 1987 (Willem glasses at back); with
Willem at the Iku staff Christmas party
in 1989; getting into the Japanese spirit
with an Iku paper hat; the restaurant on
Glebe Point Rd circa 1986.
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 33

Carols & Church Services 2017
CELEBRATE
THE SPIRIT
Getting together with family and
friends to sing carols and celebrate
the true meaning of Christmas
remains an important part of the year. In
December there will once again be three
free major local events to warm hearts
(and vocal chords) and reinforce the bond
of community…
AT THE BEACH
The hugely popular Carols at the Beach,
hosted by Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving
Club, will be held on Saturday December
9. The relaxed event on the grass outside
the club brings our community together
for a night of singing, led by the sensational
Jubilation Choir, celebration and
fireworks all set against the spectacular
backdrop of Avalon Beach. The evening
also includes a market-style food fair
from 4pm, a visit by Santa and other
special guests. This event supports the
club with a fundraising target of $20,000
used to purchase much needed rescue
equipment.
WHAT: Carols at the Beach
WHERE: Avalon Beach SLSC
WHEN: Sat Dec 9 from 4pm carols from
6-9pm
IN THE PARK
The fun begins at 6.30pm in Village Park
Mona Vale on Saturday December 16
when it comes alive with music and song
with a line-up of local superstars leading
us in the traditional tunes. Presented
by The Rotary Club of Upper Northern
Beaches in partnership with Pittwater
Uniting Church, the annual Carols in the
Park organisers promise a wonderful
evening for the hundreds of families who
choose this event to share the Christmas
spirit. There’ll be food and refreshments
available and free lollies for the kids. And
Santa will make his usual appearance,
arriving in spectacular fashion!
WHAT: Carols in the Park
WHERE: Village Park, Mona Vale
WHEN: Sat Dec 16 from 6.30pm
BY THE LAKE
Now in its 12th year, more than 10,000
people typically flock to Carols by the
Lake which will be held in Lakeside Park,
North Narrabeen on Saturday December
23. Hosted by Link Church, there will be
the same great music locals expect, glow
sticks, plenty of food stalls, an appearance
by Santa, with fireworks capping off
the evening. Pre-entertainment commences
at 6pm with the main event starting at
7pm. The first 5000 people to arrive will
receive a Carols by the Lake Santa hat.
Donations will be received on the night
to support FoodCare, a local charity that
helps people in need on the Northern
Beaches.
WHAT: Carols by the Lake
WHERE: Lakeside Park, North Narrabeen
WHEN: Sat Dec 23 from 6pm
34 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

CHURCH SERVICES
ANGLICAN
Palm Beach
1079 Barrenjoey Rd
Sun 17th Dec
8pm Lessons & Carols
Christmas Eve
9pm Carols by Candles
Christmas Day
8am Christmas Celebration
Avalon Beach
1 Kevin Ave, Avalon Beach
Sun 17th Dec
9am and 6pm Lessons & Carols
Christmas Eve
5pm Family Celebration
Christmas Day
9.30am Christmas Celebration
St John’s Mona Vale
1624 Pittwater Rd
Christmas Eve
8am Holy Communion
10am Family Service
5.30pm Family Service and sausage sizzle
Christmas Day
8am Holy Communion
10am Family Service
Sunday 31
8am Holy Communion
10am Family Service
5.30pm “Ignite” Service and
celebration meal
St. Faith’s Narrabeen
5-9 Clarke St
Christmas Eve
4pm Kid’s Celebration
6pm Family Service
8pm Christmas Service with Communion
Christmas Day
8am Christmas Service with Communion
9.30am Christmas Family Service
St Michael & All Angels Newport
Foamcrest Ave (next to Post Office)
Christmas Eve
6pm Children’s Christmas Play
Christmas Day
8am Holy Communion
9.30am Family Christmas Celebration
www.ststephens.net.au
Warriewood Anglican Church
The Clubhouse Warriewood Brook 6-14
Macpherson St
Christmas Eve
9.30pm Christmas Celebration
Christmas Day
9am Christmas Celebration with Holy Communion
CATHOLIC
Sacred Heart Mona Vale
1 Keenan Street
Christmas Eve
5.00pm Children’s Mass, Sacred Heart
School Grounds
9.00pm Sacred Heart School Grounds
Midnight Mass (Carols from 11.30pm)
Christmas Day
8.00am, 9.30am, 6pm (Croatian Mass)
Maria Regina Avalon
7 Central Road
Christmas Eve
6.00pm Children’s Mass
9.00pm Mass of the Night (Carols from
8.30pm)
Christmas Day
9.00am Mass
St Joseph’s, Narrabeen
21 Lagoon St
Christmas Eve
6.00pm Family Mass. Children are asked to
dress as Angels and Shepherds
Midnight Mass (Carols from 11.30pm)
Christmas Day
9.30am Mass
St Rose, Collaroy Plateau
4 Rose Ave
Christmas Eve
6.00pm Family Mass. Children are asked to
dress as Angels and
9.00pm Christmas Vigil (Carols from
8.30pm)
Christmas Day
8.00am Mass
War Vets Chapel
RSL Lifecare 39 Cutler Circ, Narrabeen
Christmas Day
11.00am
BAPTIST
Avalon Baptist Peace
Memorial Church
2 George St
Christmas Day
9.00am
UNITING
Pittwater Uniting Church
Warriewood
10 Jubilee Ave
Christmas Eve
9.30am and 6pm
Christmas Day
9.00am
PRESBYTERIAN
Pittwater Presbyterian
Church Newport
Robertson Rd
Christmas Eve
8.00pm Carols by Candlelight service
Christmas Day
9.30am
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 35

Christmas guide
GIFT IDEAS
FOR
CHRISTMAS
Our local businesses have come up with some
great ideas for all members of the family…
The Art Shop
Christmas shopping is a pleasure and a delight in The Art
Shop Mona Vale. This colourful space in the arcade on
the corner of Bungan Street and Mona Vale Road is packed
with gifts to inspire and fulfill creative spirits of every age.
For the serious artist, student or beginner there is a wide
range of artist’s materials. Find easels, stretched canvases,
papers, journals, paints, brushes, pastels, drawing and
sketching materials along with books to learn from and be
inspired by. For the artist or crafter there is a large collection
of Japanese papers, handmade papers, art papers and hand
printed papers for collage, print making, card making or gift
wrapping. New in is a range of handmade wool felt toys, dolls
and creatures – these are pure whimsy and loved by all ages.
For creative, offbeat or original gifts this Christmas, call in
to The Art Shop and take time to browse the collection. It’s
peaceful, cool and inspiring inside! Gift vouchers are available.
P: 9979 6559
Utopia Lingerie
Do you need
help with
Christmas gifts?
Then head to
Utopia Lingerie
in Narrabeen
(previously
located in
Warriewood
Square)… their
store is at
2/1238 Pittwater
Road opposite
Bunnings (near
The Sands). So
guys – there is
no excuse; it’s
easy to get to
and park and
you’ll get all
the help you need from experienced, trained staff. Plus, they
do Gift Vouchers if you can’t make up your mind. Ladies…
they stock many brands and sizes including Simone Perele,
Freya, Fantasie, Pleasure State, Triumph, Berlei, Fayreform,
Lovable, Schrank, Grosby and many more. They have years
of experience and can make the job of getting a new bra
easy! They cater for all ages: from first bras to sexy lingerie
to comfortable soft cups to Sports Bras to large sizes cups
and backs. They are also prosthesis specialists. Utopia have
gorgeous silk nighties and cami/boxer sets to nighties for the
older ladies. Also swimwear including Moontide. Other gifts
include perfumed flowers, candles and men’s boxers! Free giftwrapping.
P: 9913 7091
36 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

SABI
Japanism
SABI Japanism has now
been in Avalon for one full
year thanks to the support
and patronage of their everincreasing
and loyal customer
base. The word Japanism is
derived from ‘Japonisme’
– meaning the influence of
Japanese art, fashion and
aesthetics on Western culture.
Now comfortably settled into
premises at Shop 5, 25 Old
Barrenjoey Road, owner Yuko
has expanded her product
range to provide locals with
more opportunity to sample
Japanese design at its best. In
addition to a fine selection of
Arita porcelain that is shaped
by ancestral traditions and
techniques refined over the
centuries, SABI Japanism now
stocks Japanese designed
clothing and accessories
including bags, scarves and
origami earrings. Yuko has
recently returned from a trip
to Arita – the oldest porcelainproducing
district in Japan
– with a new selection of
hand-finished plates, bowls
and tumblers which make ideal
and unique gifts for Christmas.
P: 0430 238 850
The Local Voice Since 1991
Natcha Thai Massage & Spa
Send your special
loved one
back in time this
Christmas with
a Gift Certificate
from Natcha Thai
Massage & Spa
at Mona Vale. Let
them experience
the wonders and
benefits of more
than 2000 years
of Thailand’s
traditional healing
system. Natcha’s
invigorating massage therapies embrace the
most effective Thai Massage techniques.
Their heavenly hands and aromatic oils loosen
tight muscles, improve circulation, soothe the
mind, nurture the spirit and promote overall
wellbeing. You’ll feel your muscles being
Avalon Stand Up Paddle
Give the gift of SUP
with Avalon Stand
Up Paddle! Tony Henry,
from AVSUP, invites you
to experience the many
pleasures of SUP at any
level you choose from the
tranquil and picturesque
location at Clareville
Beach. Achieving a Trip
Advisor 2016 Certificate
of Excellence, Avalon
Stand Up Paddle has an
established reputation
for quality accredited
coaching, equipment
and personal service.
SUP is fun, easy, social
and improves core strength. It makes for
perfect, low-impact exercise. “It’s one of the
few exercises where your body actually calms
kneaded and the
tension seep away,
leaving you in a
state of sublime
relaxation. For the
whole of December
Natcha is offering
45 minutes
Aromatherapy
Massage – a gentle
massage using the
healing properties
of essential oils –
plus a 45-minutes
deep tissue
massage, all for just $125. Find Natcha in their
quiet space between MGS Physio and The Art
Shop; Shop 11/20 Bungan St, Mona Vale. Open
Monday to Saturday from 9am-7pm (convenient
for after work). And health fund rebates will be
available soon! P: 9979 5318
Nothing Butt Lingerie
This small but inviting
Mona Vale boutique has
lots of beautiful summer
lingerie and sleepwear for
gift-giving this Christmas.
Essence from New Zealand
have delivered gorgeous
floral nighties with matching
robes. New label Envy offers
beautiful print satin nighties,
robes plus silk nighties.
French Country and Victoria’s
Dream cotton nighties and
robes are also set to be very
popular this Christmas. Also,
Simone Perele, Pleasure State
and Heidi Klum have released
beautiful sets in time for the
festive season. Berlei and
Triumph present lovely lace
sets as well as everyday bras
and briefs. “Gift wrapping is
available and we have trained
fitters in store at all times,”
says owner Chris. New label
Palindrome have outstanding
bras, briefs, camis, shots and
robe sets in gorgeous prints.
All-time sleepwear favourites
from Givoni, Florence
Broadhurst, Schrank and Billy
Dream are always available,
as well as silks from Ginia
and Simply Silk. And if you
are undecided about that
special purchase Chris says
she or a member of the team
would be only too happy to
assist with selection.
P: 9999 1462
down, rather than
stresses, as you step off
the shore and reconnect
with nature,” says Tony.
Consider making it a
fresh addition to your
wellness routine – why
not try with a few
friends or join one of
their enjoyable Paddle
Group Sessions? Nothing
beats getting out into
the great outdoors.
Tony is open all year
for SUP hire, lessons,
parties, corporate, team
building, SUP sales and
gift certificates. As he
is so fond of saying: “Happy Days!” More info
tony@avsup.com.au; www.avsup.com.au
P: 0413 363 405
DECEMBER 2017 37

Christmas guide
Avalon Uncovered
Avalon Uncovered
is a locally owned
independent lingerie &
activewear store which
opened at the beginning of
November 2017 by mother
and daughter Madeleine and
Lauren Petersen. The family
have lived and raised two
children in this beautiful
part of the northern beaches
since 1994. “Our passion
is for personalised service,
style, comfort and highquality
products with an
aim of providing a range
of well-known and unique,
independent labels,” said Madeleine. “We have
a range of services including personalised
in-store fittings for all ages and sizes – from
young girls getting their first bra, through
Manly Surf School
Looking for something amazing to do over
the Christmas holidays? Check out what
Manly Surf School has to offer this summer.
With more than 20 years’ experience and voted
as the Number 1 Surf School in NSW, they have
Antique General Store
If you’re looking for
unique Christmas gifts
this year, and if you
long to avoid crowded
shopping malls, then
head to North Narrabeen
and browse through
the Antique General
Store. You’ll find an
amazing array of diverse
and unique gifts – ontrend
décor pieces,
jewellery, silver, furniture,
collectables, and all
things vintage. Their 10
specialist dealers have
been stocking up for
Christmas so there’s something for everyone,
from traditional to quirky, and at prices to suit
your budget. If you’re expecting house guests
or a large crowd on Christmas Day, you’ll find
to maternity and breastfeeding,
with stock sizes
from 8-20 and cup size from
A-G. For Christmas, we have
a beautiful wide range of
lingerie from Simone Perele,
Palindrome, Lace Affair,
Freya and B’Tempted by
Wacoal, as well as luxury
silk nightwear by Ginia.”
Madeleine said a variety
of pretty and affordable
stocking filler ideas also
featured, including stylish
cosmetic bags, totes and
robes from Sanctuary
Studio, plus minikin lanterns
and rotary candle holders from Koh. “We also
provide free gift-wrapping services as well as
gift vouchers for that special someone.”
P: 0419 822 844
a range of programs to suit all levels of surfing,
from first-timers, beginners to advanced
surfers. Beginner group classes run daily for
the whole family, or private lessons are also
available with their highly trained instructors.
For those Intermediate to Elite Surfers looking
to take their surfing and fitness to the next
level, check out their High Performance
Surf Centre. Elite instructors and Personal
Trainers can coach you at the beach and in the
gym. Fitness classes run daily for kids, teens
and adults. Need to keep the kids busy? MSS
school holiday programs will keep them active
whilst teaching the thrill of surfing. Choose
from one of three locations on the Northern
Beaches. To book, call Manly Surf School or
visit www.manlysurfschool.com to check out
their full range of programs. Give someone
the gift of surfing – Christmas Vouchers are
available online now. P: 9932 7000
all the extra seating,
tables, cutlery and china
you may need. And why
not treat yourself to
that perfect, one-of-akind
piece, which will
give your home that
‘signature’ touch? Make
Christmas shopping a
relaxing experience this
year. Visit the Antique
General Store – whether
shopping for Christmas
gifts or adding to the
décor of your home,
you’ll find something
truly special. Like them
on facebook and stay updated on their latest
stock. Find them at 2 Warraba Road, North
Narrabeen (cnr Powderworks Road).
P: 9913 7636
Beachside
Bookshop
Owner Libby Armstrong
says one of their
favourite pieces of
advice for gift giving is:
“Something they want,
something they need,
something to wear…
and something to read.”
They want: Nevermoor
by Jessica Townsend;
$16.99. “A huge marketing
campaign is wasted if early
word-of-mouth is poor,
but Australia’s answer to
JK Rowling has certainly
delivered the goods,” says
Libby. “Everyone is talking
about this new series
for 9+ in the best way.”
They need: A Thoroughly
Unhelpful History of
Australian Sport by Titus
O’Reily; $34.99. “Not
unhelpful at all, packed
with lots of facts that will
make you the best guest at
parties this season.” They
wear: “Their war-on-waste
with a Love Your Bookshop
Keep Cup. Perfect for all
take-away beverages, and
with many Pittwater cafes
offering a discount when
you bring your own cup,
this cup will make money.”
They read: The Extremely
Inconvenient Adventures
of Bronte Mettlestone by
Jaclyn Moriarty; $22.99.
“Our November book
of the month is now in
the wild and it’s more
beautiful and special
than we hoped. It’s the
new Australian classic
every home must have,”
says Libby.
P: 9918 9918
38 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Northern Beaches Cycles
This Narrabeen business
has been serving locals
for more than 30 years now
(opened 1986), looking after
new bike needs and helping
out with a comprehensive
repair service. Bikes are
always high on the list of
kids’ Christmas wish letters
to Santa and this year NB
can help you out with a great
range – and you can lay-by
now for the big day. Browse
their shop or website for GT
Mountain Bikes, or ‘Fat’ Bikes
– the Go Anywhere Bike for
kids and adults. Just in for
Christmas are the ByK Kids
Bikes; owner Chris advises you
don’t delay and lock yours in
today. “They’re the best kids
bikes on the market – so light
with the best components
and geometry so they fit the
kids for many years,” he said.
Micro Scooters have
also landed – and they
have plenty in stock
for Christmas. For
ladies, check out the
special on the Mongoose
27.5 F Montana
complete mountain
bike, reduced to
$385. You’ll find
them at 5/1
Powderworks Rd,
Narrabeen. Also
on facebook.
P: 9913 8455
Karavan
If you are looking for a
special gift that is a little
different, head to Karavan in
Newport. A walk into Karavan
is to discover a treasure
trove of unique, hand-crafted
merchandise created by skilled
artisans from around the
globe. “A cool Museum and
the ultimate gift shop” is how
one client described the warm,
eclectic space run by coowners
Wendyanne Robertson
and Willi Connor. Browse their
welcoming shop and you’ll
find hand-painted Turkish and
Moroccan pottery, African
basketry and sculpture,
finely crafted model sail
boats, compasses and many
other ‘objects of desire’ that
are both decorative and
collectable. It’s the perfect
venue to pick up something
to style your home. And don’t
miss the bargains on offer
at the Closing Down Sale at
the adjoining Newport Rug
Shop – you’ll find a range of
hand-woven rugs at neverto-be-repeated
prices, from
neutral cool and contemporary
look to bold urban tribal. Find
them on facebook and at 373
Barrenjoey Rd, Newport.
P: 0412 259 268
And something to consider for that home renovation in the New Year
BORA – driven to extraction
No kitchen is complete without a
rangehood extractor. But much less
common is the downdraft – an extraction
system that expels fumes “down”
through a duct, and can be installed
much more discretely than a conventional
overhead rangehood. Popular
in the 1980s and 1990s, downdraft
extractor systems are starting to make
a comeback, with the innovative BORA
team leading the way. Here are five
reasons to incorporate them into your
next kitchen design …
1. Fresh Air
Steam and cooking fumes are part of the package when it comes
to preparing food over a cooktop. While usually these fumes are
drawn away by a range hood, any escaping fumes can linger for
days as particles settle on furniture, curtains and other surfaces.
With a BORA downdraft extraction system, fumes and grease
particles are absorbed at the source – the cooktop.
2. A Clear View
Compared to an overhead rangehood, downdraft extractor
systems allow for far more versatile installation, and allow
complete freedom in an open-plan kitchen or when installing a
cooktop on an island bench. An open-plan kitchen design, without
an overhead rangehood, can also make it easier for guests
The Local Voice Since 1991
[Advertorial]
to socialise in your kitchen, and for
you to interact as you cook.
3. Versatility in design
You have control of your kitchen
layout; you can install a cooktop almost
anywhere, and allow for a truly
open-plan kitchen. Or use the extra
space above to increase your kitchen
storage space.
4. Silence
According to BORA, the average extractor hood has a sound
level of over 70 decibels at head height – about the same noise
level as a vacuum cleaner. A BORA downdraft extraction
system, located at the kitchen plinth level, is generally quieter
than a steak being grilled.
5. Easy to clean
An overhead rangehood is nearly always difficult to clean,
and the results aren’t always clear. By contrast, a downdraft
extractor system can usually be taken apart, at the countertop
level, without any hassle. BORA’s appliances can be separated
without the use of tools – and cleaned in the dishwasher!
* Find out more at bora-australia.com.au. Find their showrooms
at 100 Victoria Rd, Drummoyne; for info on cooking
demonstrations call 9719 2350.
DECEMBER 2017 39

Boating Life
Boating Life
Coffs Race is
looking SWISH
Steve Proud is hoping
it’s fourth time lucky for
his boat SWISH when it
contests the reinvigorated
Pantaenius Newport to
Coffs Coast Yacht Race on
December 27.
Off the back of his great
win in this year’s Hamilton
Island IRC Passage Division
1, Steve says the 230-nautical
mile Coffs race is just
long enough to fit neatly
between the Christmas and
New Year holiday period.
“It’s a time when lots of
crew have time off work
and looking to get out and
enjoy an ocean race,” the
Middle Harbour yachtsman
said.
Depending on the speed
of the boat and the wind
direction the race can take
from one to three days.
Entries and info royalmotor.com.au
Small steps to big fun
Looking to combine a love Bay, with trips to Sydney Harbour,
Newcastle and beyond,” on for trips, marine radios,
Marine Rescue app for logging
of sailing with making new
friends? Consider the Small said Astrid. “Many have sailed boat maintenance, anchoring,
Yacht Cruising Club of Pittwater
different regions of the world rafting up techniques and sail
Inc (SYCC) which has about and around Australia. They trim.
35 members and welcomes foster a love of sailing in a “One of the reasons people
both experienced and new safe, responsible and sociable enjoy the club is the sharing
sailors.
manner.”
of knowledge and supporting
SYCC new members secretary
Events are scheduled
the skill development of other
Astrid King said members fortnightly and co-ordinated members,” said Astrid.
included couples, families and by a Trip Leader. Most trips Social events are held on
solo sailors who own mono incorporate an educational land and on water; the club
hull yachts ranging from 24’ component such as boat handling,
owns moorings in Pittwater and
up to a maximum of 46’.
emergency procedures, Cowan Creek which enable the
“We enjoy cruising Broken navigation, colregs, using the boats to raft up for small group
gatherings.
“There was a recent raft up
of 15 yachts in Castle Lagoon
for the Annual Progressive Dinner
with a ’70s food and dress
theme,” said Astrid.
Upcoming events include
trips to Sydney Harbour and
Newcastle, Australia Day celebrations
with cricket on the
beach, navigation exercises,
Ladies Day with women at the
helm and men in the galley
and a lunch of fish and chips at
Patonga.
For more info visit sycc.net.
au or phone Astrid King on
0419 224 534.
40 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Art Life
Art Life
Project brings emotion to a Head
orth Head Project’ is an
‘Nenthralling and diverse
exhibition of new work by 10
artists – including Avalon locals
Susan Milne and Chris Langlois
– that is sure to invoke emotion
when it is displayed at the
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
from December 8.
Senior Curator Katherine
Roberts explained the artists
were invited to consider the
entirety of the North Head precinct,
including its complex Indigenous
and cultural heritage,
environmental significance,
military history, and unique migration
and quarantine stories.
“Bringing the artists together
at the camp on North Head
in February 2017 created a
real and palpable energy and
frisson among the group,”
Katherine said.
“Everyone understood this
project was an opportunity to
create something meaningful
about a place within a universal
context. It was driven by
genuine artistic endeavour and
provided an opportunity for
the artists to explore ideas,
share knowledge and experiment.”
Katherine said the North
Head Project artists immersed
themselves in the site, initiated
their own research and enquiries,
and learned from scientists,
educators and historians
about the unique stories of the
area; its geology, biodiversity,
Aboriginal cultural connections
and artistic heritage.
Those who came to the
site for the first time found it
deeply evocative and moving.
“Karla Dickens and Susan
Milne made connections
between migration, death
and displacement,” Katherine
said. “Hobie Porter portrayed
the distinctive geography and
cultural connections of North
Head; Helen Earl explored the
site and the role it played in
19th century medicine; Craig
Better photos in a flash
Professional photographer Peter
Sedgwick says the best way to achieve
better photos, and to enjoy photography
more, is to learn how to use your camera
properly.
“If you own an SLR camera, or one of
the amazing compact cameras that are
available today, then you have the ability
to control every function that the camera
uses to create an image,” Peter said.
“Why own such a wonderful camera, but
not use all of its capability? If you are
taking photos with the camera settings
left on Auto mode, then you are missing
out on the pleasure of participating in
the making of a beautiful image.”
Peter runs one-on-one photography
tuition courses on the northern beaches.
It’s a full day of learning, conducted
at a pace that suits you, and caters to
your individual photography needs.
‘Understanding your Digital Camera’ is
suitable for beginners and intermediate
photographers who love photography
but are not using the settings available
on their camera. There is also an
Advanced Course for those who already
understand the settings, but would like
to delve further into the art of Photography.
And for those who would like to
experience something special, Peter runs
two- and three-day workshops, away to
beautiful locations outside of Sydney,
where you can completely immerse yourself
in nothing but photography.
“These trips have taken us to the Blue
Handley and Chris Langlois explored
the built environments
overlaying ideas of introduced
species and containment, and
Tamara Dean reflected on
a new narrative for the site
through her photographic
series.”
Susan Milne’s contribution
‘Souls on Board’ (right) represents
the 572 recorded deaths
at the Quarantine Station.
“As part of the disembarkation
method for a yellowflagged
ship moored in the
waters off the station, the
travelers were protected and
isolated, incubated and infected,
sealed and preserved,” said
Susan. “Each soul was in limbo,
in a hospital where fumigation,
steam and lime were the salving
agents.”
Dressing these souls in
gauze, the artwork “unrolls
memories, swathing the skin
shifting in the air”.
‘Wet’ your appetite for January
The ethereal landscape paintings
of local artist Cathie Anderson are
bound to draw big crowds among the
Summer Art Space exhibits at the Avalon
Recreation Centre in January.
Art lovers in NSW will be presented
with a unique opportunity to view and
purchase Cathie’s mood-instilled ‘Wet’
series works for 10 days only, from 10am-
5pm on January 6-14.
Mountains, the South Coast or to the
beautiful waterfalls and rainforests of the
mid north coast,” he said.
Tuition is one on one, but should you
wish to bring along a friend or partner,
they can come along at half price.
Peter is currently displaying his
Landscape Photography at Centro Warriewood,
in front of the Quiksilver Surf
Shop, through to Saturday December 24;
Gift Certificates available.
More info threepeaksphotography.
com.au
Save the date of Friday, January 5 – it’s
opening night with the artist, with music,
wine and nibbles from 6-9pm at the
rooms at 59a Old Barrenjoey Rd.
Or to preview and pre-purchase
Cathie’s ‘Wet’ series before the event
contact the artist on 0401 161 737 or
cathiealexander.com.au
(Pictured is ‘Wet’ 3 Acrylic on Canvas,
120cm x 120cm.)
42 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Many of the souls onboard
were never noted because they
had never arrived, she said.
“This artwork responds to
the ardour of the journey with
an enforced segregation once
arrived and for many, an unrecorded
death, nowhere.”
The exhibition runs from
December 8 through February
18; a special ‘Artists in Conversation’
session on Sunday December
10 will see the artists
discuss the exhibition concept
and their creative approaches.
– Nigel Wall
Michael draws on land for inspiration
Northern beaches artist and pioneering
experimental filmmaker Michael Glasheen
is holding his first solo art exhibition over
three weekends in December.
‘Drawing on the Land – GARIGAL COUN-
TRY’ celebrates the art and science of the
indigenous people of the northern beaches.
Michael said the exhibition will feature an
installation of large panoramic drawings and
paintings done at major rock engraving sites
in the Kur-in-gai National Park.
“All drawings and paintings are done with
multiple vanishing points, so that they can
be viewed in 3D 360-degree virtual reality
– re-enacting the original Aboriginal rock
engraver’s ‘drawing on the land’ itself, which
is a unique Australian Aboriginal contribution
to the history of art,” he said.
Michael has dedicated his exhibition to the
memory of Boin Bungaree (c.1802-1853), a
Garigal man who lived in Pittwater and was
murdered in early December 1853 by bushrangers
– “… probably from Bushranger’s Hill,
which rises behind the Newport Community
Centre, the venue for the exhibition,” he said.
The exhibition is being held in the Newport
Community Centre (11-13 The Boulevard)
on the weekends of December 2 & 3, 9 & 10
and 16 & 17 (hours are 8am-6pm). It will be
officially opened at 2pm on December 2 with
a smoking ceremony by a local Yuin man. The
opening will be accompanied by live Jazz music
from Matt Hall, with paintings and prints
available for purchase.
Art Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 43

Art Life
Art Life
Something old… something blue
Scotland Island artist
Carolyn Hampson
has drawn inspiration
from many aspects
of the Australian
environment and
its flora and fauna
throughout the years.
Currently though,
she admits to being
obsessed by whales.
“I’ve been lucky to
have seen many of
them in my lifetime,”
said Carolyn. “They’ve
been worshipped, loved,
hated, hunted to the
brink of extinction…
these quiet guardians of
the deep, they fascinate me.
“Despite everything they’ve
gone through, they are still
here, just quietly going about
their business, being whales.”
Carolyn’s latest works form
an exhibition that will be on
display at Eye Doctors Mona
Vale over summer.
“This collection of works is
inspired by them and combines
my love of old things and
reused items,” she said. “I have
always been a lover of nature,
and basically anything green.
The waterways and ocean have
featured heavily in my psyche.”
Carolyn says she is
particularly inspired by the
beauty of aged and vintage
things.
“I love kerb-side
clean-ups, op shops
and items that invoke
memory,” she said. “I
take great pleasure in
taking something that
has been discarded
and turning it into
something beautiful,
giving it a new phase
of life.
“We love Scotland
Island and that ‘feel’
it has; like when you
were a kid... freedom
and dirt roads and
nature. Living here and
building the house has
also been a big inspiration.
“My artistic philosophy is to
create pieces that invoke the
past, that soothe and comfort,
that feed the imagination. I
believe art is for the artist, it’s a
bonus if others enjoy it.
“I’m happiest working away
with a pencil or a jigsaw, a
sander or a paint brush in my
boatshed by the sea, or in
the back yard in the bush…
allowing the recycled ply to tell
me what shape and colour it
should be – and enjoying every
new whale that appears!”
View ‘Whales’ at Eye Doctors
Mona Vale, Level 3, 20 Bungan
St, Monday to Friday from
December 1. – Nigel Wall
Creatives
Unleashed in
time for Xmas
With Christmas fast
approaching and with
so many wonderful artworks
made on site this year, the
good folk at Sydney Art Space
felt it would be a great idea to
hold a ‘Creatives Unleashed’
art market on Sunday
December 10 from 10am-4pm
at their studio at 64 Darley St,
Mona Vale.
Roll up to find a unique
art treasure which includes
sculptures, paintings,
weavings and drawings and
help them celebrate a great
year of creativity!
Convenor Christine Simpson
reminds art lovers their
January Endless Summer
Art Workshops kick off on
Wednesday the 10th for adults
and children.
“Workshops include
sessions for handbuilding in
clay, watercolour painting, En
Plein Air painting, soapstone
carving, weaving using natural
materials, soft sculpture
making; printmaking and
collage; outdoor sculpture
using paly-tiya, polymer clay
modelling and glass, resin
and ceramics,” she said.
“Something for everyone to
enjoy!”
Liz eyes the beautiful ‘imperfect’
Having been included at
a gallery in the Gateway
Building in Mona Vale for
the past 12 months, Liz Muir
is now settling back for the
Christmas period in her
studio at 19 Catalina Crescent,
Avalon Beach.
Liz is excited at the evolution
of many of her new works
throughout 2017 – and she is
also fielding plenty of compliments
following the launch of
her new website.
Liz’s paintings start with a
small watercolour, which become
a map of composition,
tone and line.
Beaches, creeks, rock pools
and headlands of the Northern
Beaches, Careel Bay and
Pittwater have been given the
Muir treatment of impressionism
– recognisable but not
exact.
Liz says they take the viewer
into the world of Wabi-Sabi.
“This is the Japanese acceptance
of nature in all its imperfect
ways,” she said. “The love
of simplicity, solitude and liberation
from a material world.
These paintings will give
you many years of joy and
thoughtful contemplation.”
The large beach works that
Liz is well known for are available,
as well as smaller works.
Her studio is bursting with
paintings and is open from
11am to 3pm or anytime by
appointment.
View the new website
(desktop and mobile devices)
at lizmuir.com.au; more info
9918 7438 or 0414 505 450.
44 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Newport local in
Botanic residency
When you visit one of Julie
Hickson’s Open Studios
over summer, be sure you ask
about her 2018 artist residency
at the Australian Botanic Garden,
Mt Annan.
Julie’s fascination
with
Australian plants
led her to view
this botanic
garden, situated
near Camden,
as it showcases
around 2000 species of Australian
native plants.
While on this photography
trip she visited the Australian
PlantBank for the first time.
(The PlantBank is a seedpod
paradise, as well as being a
major scientific research and
conservation centre for NSW
flora.)
Next year Julie will have the
pleasure of exploring the collections
and interacting with
scientists in their architectural
award-winning building.
“At the heart of the PlantBank
is the seed vault which is one of
the most biodiverse places on
the planet,” said Julie. “It holds
seed collections
of many
of the 25,000
plant species
that grow in
Australia.”
The offices
and education
areas host
many visitors who will now
include Julie on a regular basis.
The new work that Julie
develops during her many
visits to the gardens and seed
collections will form an exhibition
at the PlantBank in late
2018.
Also, Julie intends to stage a
few stencilling workshops on
site during the course of the
year – for more details check
her website www.podandpod.
com.au – NW
Art Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 45

Surfing Life
Surfing Life
Off the rails? Welcome
to the Aldi apocolypse
Could your wacky Christmas gift destroy the surfboard industry?
Ahhh, December! Many
people look forward
to this time of year.
None more so than my many
surfboard-making mates. For
them, it’s all about the Christmas
rush – four weeks that may
make or break their entire 2017.
Surfboards aren’t quite the cottage
industry of the past, but
honestly, despite the modern
high-end price tag of $800 or
so, they aren’t making anybody
a fortune. Boardmakers NEED
Christmas.
Which is why a few of my
mates were in shock recently at
the news that Aldi, the wonderfully
disruptive Little Supermarket
That Could, is selling
surfboards. Just in time for the
summer rush. At $99 a pop.
The boards are not superglossy
Mick Fanning pro models
or whatever. Aldi’s product is a
plastic softboard straight out of
the container terminal.
Still… $99!
Within days the news was being
shared on social media by
boardmakers across the nation,
touchingly oblivious to the free
ads they were supplying to Aldi
in the process, but obviously
concerned they were about to
be left high and dry at the only
time of year that counts.
Are their fears justified? Well,
as a matter of fact, we can
make a call on that,
because there is a recent
test case: Costco’s
Wavestorm.
Costco has just a
couple of stores in Australia,
but in the USA,
it’s a behemoth. Once
known as the Price
Club, it’s the original
“big-box” store, the
place that really got
Americans used to
serious consumption.
You go to Costco to
buy 120 toilet rolls, six
chickens, and jars of
salsa bigger than your
eldest child.
A decade ago Costco
began selling Wavestorm
surfboards. Soft
eight-foot things, safe,
simple, easy to paddle: the ideal
board for a family or a beginner,
or if you just surfed a few
times in summer (which is what
most surfers do). But the key
was its price point: $99.
The Wavestorm took off. It’s
undoubtedly the most popular
single board model in the
world right now, and probably
ever. Up to 500,000 have been
sold. “People would just go into
Costco and buy five of ’em – like
one each for every member of
the family,” says a US colleague
of mine who keeps a close eye
on the industry. Five boards for
the price of one “name” highperformance
board.
So what has happened to
normal US surfboard sales in
the same period? The numbers
have bounced around a bit,
especially in the immediate
wake of the GFC, but for eight
of those years the sales arc
has basically been upwards.
Wavestorm was just one factor
in a dynamic period of change:
new materials like carbon fibre
and lightweight foam cores
gave boardmakers new things
with Nick Carroll
to throw at the market.
Plus the ever-increasing
effectiveness of
CAD shaping machines
allowed a handful
of bigger labels to
dramatically expand.
Finally they could sell
near-identical craft, not
just across the US, but
the world.
The past two years,
though, have been a
different story. Traditional
surfboard retail
has been slammed.
Some big and mediumsized
labels are doing
a fraction – somewhere
between 30% and 50%
– of what they were
turning out in 2014.
There’s been a lot
of blame hurled around behind
the scenes. Kelly Slater released
a hugely successful first-time
range through his co-owned
Firewire label, drawing a pile
of Aldi-style criticism in the
process. Some embittered
boardmakers went so far as to
call him a traitor to his roots.
But that’s a bit too easy a call.
What was really happening,
according to my US colleague,
was the arrival of a tipping
point for the surfboard retail
method. Americans’ shopping
habits have changed faster than
46 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

anyone in surfing expected.
Starved for time, they’ve turned
from the mall toward online.
This, plus increasing rents,
has toasted quite a few surf
stores and chains, who’ve been
reducing the floor space once
given over to boards. “(The
shops) are lucky to make 10%
on boards,” says my colleague.
“They can’t afford to support
that the way they used
to.” Thus the bigger labels,
who’ve been pouring boards
into shops and boosting their
apparent sales in the process,
have run out of growing room.
If you want to check the true
health of the core US surfboard
market, have a look at
the custom makers, especially
the high-end guys. There’s
evidence they’re doing better
than ever. Album Surfboards in
San Clemente, California, which
sells expensive hand-finished
surfboards through an online
portal, is doing record figures.
And boardmakers with top gun
pros on board, like Pyzel Surfboards
with John-John Florence,
are doing just fine.
So, it’s variable. Some people
are up, some are down, the
good ones are doing OK. But
there’s no real evidence that a
half million Wavestorms have
dented the market.
You know what I wonder?
Maybe these cheapo softboards
are necessary. A good board is
a daunting thing for a beginner,
even sometimes for an OK
surfer; you look at its beautiful
lines and curves and its hard
exterior and think, “It’s too
good! I’m not ready for that!”
A Wavestorm, or an Aldi
Thing or whatever, helps you
catch your first wave. In some
percentage of cases, it’s what
gets you to the point where you
feel you ARE ready. It’s not a
competitor, it’s a recruiter.
Nick Carroll is a leading
Australian and international
surf writer, author, filmmaker
and surfer, and one
of Newport’s own. Email:
ncsurf@ozemail.com.au
PL’s DECEMBER SURF CALENDAR
8-20/12: Billabong Pipe Masters
The big end of year title showdown event to end all events. Two surfers
are pretty much in a points lock going into this: John-John Florence,
who grew up surfing the joint and is probably a slight favourite to
win, and Gabriel Medina, the Brazilian 2014 world champ, who unlike
Johnny has actually won a world title at Pipe under pressure. Pipeline
closes out a World Surf League tour year fraught with imminent
change, as the League prepares a transition to a new style of tour
beginning in 2019. The new tour will be shorter and more intense, and
for the first time since 1992, it won’t feature Pipe as the final event location.
So watch this one if you can, there may never be another quite
like it. www.worldsurfleague.com
NICK’S DECEMBER SURF FORECAST
So the Bureau and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (wow! mouthful!) have declared this a La Niña summer.
Well done! Theoretically this means a better than average summer
for surf along our fair shores – La Niña typically spikes the southwest
Pacific with warm surface water, leading to winds and storms and
cyclones and all sorts of wave-making hullabaloo. I dunno, though.
The southwest Pacific has been overheated for several years straight
without the help of La Niña, and we haven’t had a solid cyclone swell
since TC Winston in February 2016. I think December will be a wobbly
month for surf, cloudy and cool at times, with a lot of wind switches,
persistent cool-water upwellings, and nothing consistent in the way
of swell. None of which rules out some freak occurrence. If there were
one, I bet it comes from the south-east, with a lot of bluebottles.
Nick Carroll
Surfing Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 47

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Operation go as Day Surgery expands
While most of us are
enjoying a relaxing break
over summer, local specialists
will be working hard to create
a state-of-the-art day surgery
in the heart of Mona Vale.
Pittwater Day Surgery inside
20 Bungan Street is preparing
for a rebuild, with its new facility
set to open in March 2018.
The surgery will continue to
see patients until December 22
before closing for the rebuild.
Since 2002 more than
17,000 patients have visited
the day surgery for ear nose &
throat, ophthalmology, plastic
and cosmetic surgery and
dental operations.
The expanded facility on
the original site will be four
times bigger (from 250m2 to
1000m2) and allow for other
services including endoscopy,
urology and gynaecology
surgery to be provided in the
medical hub where more than
50 specialists are located.
Pittwater Day Surgery
founder and CEO Dr Frank
Elsworth (pictured on site)
said key features of the
build included a complete
refurbishment of the
existing consulting rooms,
comfortable waiting space
and construction of a new
day surgery which would
result in the expansion from
one operating theatre to
three, incorporating the latest
technology and equipment.
“The new facility will
ensure Pittwater Day Surgery
will continue to provide the
best in medical care for the
community with minimal
need for residents to leave
the northern beaches for day
surgery and post-operative
care,” Dr Elsworth said.
Pittwater Day Surgery is
fully licensed with the NSW
Department of Health, holds
full ISO accreditation and is
also accredited against the 10
National Quality Standards,
he said.
“The specialists who work
here are our neighbours, highly
trained and very experienced
surgeons and anaesthetists also
operating at the top private
hospitals such as The San, The
Mater and North Shore Private.
“Investing in this new facility
in Mona Vale ensures people
on the northern beaches will
get the very best care close to
home – from local people they
can trust.”
For more information contact
Pittwater Day Surgery
9979 3888 or admin@
pittwaterdaysurgery.com.au
– Lisa Offord
48 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 49

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Get a handle on
tick prevention
Pittwater residents are acutely
aware of the problem of
ticks and the importance of
prevention but there are still
those of us putting ourselves at
risk of side effects.
According to Professor Sheryl
Van Nunen from the Tick-
Induced Allergies Research
and Awareness group (TiARA)
the numbers of people suffering
allergies or anaphylaxis
caused by ticks on the
peninsula was higher than
anywhere else in the world.
It has been estimated at
least 1200 people are living
with the life-threatening conditions
on the peninsula.
Experts believe that killing
the tick and preferably allowing
it to fall out naturally may be
the best way to minimise the
risk of severe allergic reactions.
The Australasian Society
of Clinical Immunology and
Allergy (ASCIA) says forcibly
removing the tick is likely to
disturb it and cause the critter
to inject more of its allergencontaining
saliva.
According to TiARA
“household tweezers are tick
squeezers”.
TiARA recommends if you
are bitten by a tick, kill the
tick where it is.
n For small ticks (larva and
nymphs), use permethrin
cream available from
pharmacies. For adult ticks,
freeze them with an ethercontaining
spray, again
available at pharmacies.
n Wait for the tick to drop off
or remove it, taking care not
to compress the tick as this
will squirt allergen, toxin
and possibly infection into
you. – Lisa Offord
Top tips
for staying
protected
Ticks have a distinct seasonality
– reaching full maturity during
the warmer early summer
months. Ticks are most active
during periods of high humidity,
especially after rain. To
reduce the risk of tick bites:
1. Wear light-coloured clothing
when outdoors so you can
see small ticks;
2. Check your body, children
and pets thoroughly when
you return from outdoor
activity – this includes behind
the ears, in the hair and back
of the head;
3. Once home, place your clothing
in the dryer on high heat
for 30 minutes to kill any
ticks;
4. Cut grass and trim shrubs
and small trees around your
home regularly;
5. Grow insect-repelling plants
in your garden such as
chrysanthemums, citronella,
lavender or garlic
Source – the Karl McManus Foundation
50 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Hands-down solution to
severe sweat problem
Primary axillary hyperhidrosis
(severe underarm sweating)
is a medical condition that
involves overactive sweat
glands. Sweat is your body’s
temperature regulator. In severe
primary axillary hyperhidrosis,
sweating significantly exceeds
the body’s normal requirements
for cooling.
Many people with this
condition cope by:
n Changing clothes frequently;
n Putting absorbent materials
under clothing;
n Avoiding certain fabrics
colours and styles of clothes;
and
n Seeking medical attention
and treatment.
While many people with
severe underarm sweating
may choose different
antiperspirants, in some
instances those products do
not work very well to control
their sweating. When clinical
strength antiperspirants do
not work well enough, sweatminimising
injection treatment
may be the right option.
Sweat-minimising injection
treatment helps control
the symptoms of severe
underarm sweating when
topical medicines do not
work well enough; they do
this by temporarily blocking
the chemical signals from the
nerves that stimulate the sweat
glands.
When the sweat glands don’t
receive chemical signals, the
severe sweating stops.
It’s important to understand
sweat-minimising injections are
expected to temporarily stop
the production of excessive
sweat in the treated areas
only. These injections will not
stop sweating altogether, just
reduce it.
Sweat continues to be
produced elsewhere. The rest
of your body still produces
with Dr John Kippen
moisture normally.
If you have further questions,
please contact our rooms
to make a consultation
appointment.
Our columnist Dr John
Kippen is a qualified, fully
certified consultant specialist
in Cosmetic, Plastic and
Reconstructive surgery.
Australian trained, he also
has additional Australian and
International Fellowships.
Dr Kippen works from custom-built
premises in Mona
Vale. He welcomes enquiries
and questions. Please
contact him via johnkippen.
com.au or by email: doctor@
johnkippen.com.au
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 51

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Hearing tips for
the festive season
The festive season is upon
us – but not everyone looks
forward to the inevitable catchups
with family and friends.
When you have hearing
loss, this time of year can
be challenging because of
difficulties communicating
said audiologist Emma van
Wanrooy.
“While planning Christmas
celebrations, one thing you
probably aren’t thinking about
is how many hearing-impaired
people you will be socialising
with,” Emma said.
“One in six people in
Australia have a hearing loss
and most of the time you
wouldn’t realise because only
about a third of these people
use hearing aids or a cochlear
implant.”
Emma, from Pittwater
Hearing in Avalon, explained
hearing devices were only part
of the solution for hearing well.
“When people find it difficult
to follow conversation in
large groups, or have trouble
hearing above background
noise, effective communication
requires your help.”
Here are some things
that you can do to make
communication easier when
talking to someone with a
hearing loss:
Reduce the background
noise. Choosing a venue that
isn’t too loud or reducing
the volume of music or other
noise will help. Hard surfaces
and high ceilings make
sound reverberate more,
making it noisier and harder
to hear. Small rooms with
soft furnishings have better
acoustics and outdoor garden
settings with fabric shades
are also preferable.
Reduce the distance between
you. The further your voice
has to travel to reach the
listener, the more distorted
or degraded the sound can
become. A hearing-impaired
person should be seated in
the middle of a long table,
rather than at the end. This
will increase their chances of
being able to follow a group
conversation.
Face the listener. Even though
none of us would consider
ourselves lip readers, we all get
some clues about what is being
said from watching people’s
faces, particularly when we are
in noisy situations.
Rephrase. If someone hasn’t
understood what you said, or
missed something, repeating
exactly the same words may
not make it easier because
there may be certain speech
sounds they can’t hear. If
you can find another way of
saying the same thing they
will have a better chance of
understanding, Emma said.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Shouting doesn’t make it easier
for you to be heard. It only
makes your voice distorted and
harder for a hearing impaired
person to understand you.
– Lisa Offord
52 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 53

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Avoiding shoulder injury
The overhead medicine ball throw is a common
and popular strength exercise undertaken
at the gym – but it could also be doing
you harm.
Avalon osteopath Francois Naef said he had
recently noted many patients presenting with
immobility and shoulder
pain linked to throwing a
medicine ball.
“Many patients experienced
shoulder pain when
raising their arm above 90
degrees,” he said, adding
ultrasounds had shown
tendon inflammation, bursitis
or tears of the rotator
cuff.
“These patients were all in their mid-40s,
often had sedentary jobs and were recently
involved in some sort of intense gym workout,”
he continued. “The common cause of their pain
was exercises involving repetitive overhead
movement, such as throwing a medicine ball.”
Francois said this common exercise required
specific technique to minimise injury.
“Starting from the lower back, it requires
lumbar stability and a neutral spine,” he said.
“Going up from here we need a good thoracic
mobility and extension as the trunk contributes
to the movement. The shoulder blades need to
remain stable, while the shoulder joint participates
in most of the throwing and thus needs
to be mobile.”
However, most often poor technique and a
lack of core strength contributed to injury.
“Due to a reduced thoracic mobility – often
caused by a poor posture and from too much
sitting – we initiate the movement with the
lumbar spine, which increases the risk of lower
back injury,” he said.
“And due to a reduced
shoulder mobility – often
caused by a tight and
forward shoulders position,
and again too much
sitting – we compensate
with an increased scapular
movement and a
forward head carriage.”
This caused an increased
pressure on the shoulder joint which
could result in tearing, inflammation and pain.
He added you should not train while injured
or in pain.
“But these conditions can be prevented by
appropriate exercises and are well managed by
manual therapy.
“As an Osteopath, I help to mobilise the
thoracic spine and release shoulder muscles
tightness, allowing a freer movement and a
return to activity. I also prescribe exercises
to retrain the correct movement pattern and
increase stability.”
Contact Francois on 9918 2288 for information
on how to prevent and help shoulder
pain and injury.
PCYC in $100 kids rebate incentive
Local families are set for savings
with PCYC NSW being
listed as a provider within the
state government’s Active Kids
Rebate program.
From the end of January
eligible recipients will receive
a $100 voucher that can be redeemed
towards the payment
of sport and recreation membership
or participation fees.
Rebates are available for
children up to 18 enrolled from
kindergarten to Year 12 with
the aim of increasing participation
of children in sport and
active recreation to reduce
the prevalence of childhood
overweight and obesity.
More than 100 different
activities are available in PCYC
clubs throughout NSW, including
at Dee Why, and the rebate
can be used for programs of
at least eight weeks’ duration
and be applied to registration,
participation and membership
fees and equipment or
uniforms.
More info pcycnsw.org.au
54 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Hair & Beauty
Vitamin B injections: are
they really worth a shot?
Skin aging comes from two
cells. Found in liver, meat, egg
main factors: the inside
yolks.
(chronological or intrinsic);
Another great way for a lot of
and the outside (extrinsic). Our
outer appearance reflects our
inner wellbeing. We all look to
the next cream or serum to bring
about a youthful glow, but if
the balance of our vitamin and
mineral intake is out of kilter, no
amount of cream will help us.
Vitamins, minerals,
antioxidants, pro and pre biotics
and essential fatty acids all play
an important role in maintaining
healthy skin. Star players on the
nutrition team to keep us healthy
on the inside and the outside are
the B Vitamins, Vitamins A, C, D,
and E, Zinc, Lutein, Magnesium,
Manganese, and Lycopene
to name a few. It is always
important to take nutrients in the
correct combinations in order to
receive the optimum benefits.
The B Vitamins are a complex
group and offer benefits for skin
internally and externally. Even
though the B group Vitamins are
found in many foods, they are
water-soluble and delicate. They
are easily destroyed, particularly
by alcohol and cooking.
There are 8 types of Vitamin B:
Thiamin or B1 – helps to convert
glucose into energy. Found in
wholemeal grains, sesame seeds,
wheatgerm and pork.
Riboflavin or B2 – helps vision
and skin health. Found in milk,
yoghurt, egg white, meat and
leafy greens.
Niacin or B3 – essential for the
body to convert carbohydrates,
fat and alcohol into energy.
Found in meat, fish, poultry,
eggs, nuts and mushrooms.
Pantothenic Acid or B5
– needed to metabolise
carbohydrates, proteins, fats and
alcohol. Found in liver, meat,
yeast, peanuts and legumes.
Pyridoxine or B6 – required
for protein and carbohydrate
metabolism, the formulation of
red blood cells and certain brain
chemicals. Found in leafy green
vegetable, fish and nuts,
Biotin or B7 – needed for fat
synthesis. Found in cauliflower,
egg yolks, peanuts, liver, yeast
and mushrooms.
Folic Acid or B9 – assists with
forming red blood cells, which
carry oxygen around the body.
Found in citrus fruit, liver, yeast,
peanuts, seeds and cereals.
Cyanocobalamin or B12 – helps
to produce and maintain the
myelin sheath surrounding nerve
people to receive their B12 is to
have an injection once a month.
Many people don’t understand
why they are deficient in B12 if
they are eating enough of the
foods containing this vitamin.
A huge part of the problem is
that as we age, there can be a
problem of poor absorption.
Other contributing factors such
as toxins in the environment,
cigarette smoking, a vegan
diet and excessive alcohol
consumption can all play a part
in depleting our B12 supply.
Food or oral B12 supplements
often don’t work because of
the absorption problem. The
body cannot release enough
B12 from the stomach into the
with Sue Carroll
bloodstream; B12 injections let
you skip the absorption issues.
The injection can be delivered
into the muscle of the arm or
into the bottom. (Whatever the
body does not use is excreted in
the urine which may initially be a
pink colour.)
When a clean and balanced
diet is not possible an option
is to include vitamin injections,
infusions and oral supplements.
Sue Carroll of Skin
Inspiration has been a qualified
Aesthetician for 33 years.
Sue has owned and
operated successful beauty
clinics and day spas on
the Northern Beaches.
info@skininspiration.com.au
www.skininspiration.com.au
Hair & Beauty
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 55

Business Life: Money
Business Life
Good reason for going
‘nuts’ this festive season
When writing about
financial innovation one
of the perspectives I
can share with you is from the
inside of a fintech company
which in my case has been
rolling out the fast-growing
Acorns app. Since launching
in Australia in early 2016 the
app now resides on the smart
phones of around 350,000
Australians, that’s roughly 1.5%
of the population.
If you’re in the dark about
what I’m talking about, Acorns
is a micro investment platform
or what’s sometimes called a
‘round-up’ app, the first one
of its kind in Australia. Our
firm along with our partners
brought it out from the US
in 2015 where it had been
established for a few years.
The app works in a couple
of ways: by taking a data
feed from your spending
accounts and rounding up the
purchases you make to the
nearest dollar and investing
these accumulated balances
into a mix of exchange traded
funds listed on the ASX, or,
by you debiting an amount or
regular payment from your
bank account to your Acorns
account. Most users enjoy the
round up feature of Acorns as
it allows them to save while
they spend. As a parent of
teenagers I think I’ve come
to the conclusion that apps
such as Acorns using a blend
of psychology and technology
may be the only effective way
to get modern kids to save
because they sure do know
how to spend.
Acorns works because the
principles underlying its design
are firmly rooted in behavioural
finance: investing small
amounts on a regular basis that
won’t be missed combined with
investing over an extended
period of time to average
into the markets smoothing
out peaks and troughs. Of
course it doesn’t hurt that it
does all of these things within
the framework of a highly
attractive and functional user
interface – fancy words for the
app looks and feels very cool.
While these principles have
proven to be sound over time
Acorns goes on to provide an
indirect benefit to its users
in the form of education and
improved financial literacy.
Get two or more people in the
room who have an account and
you’ll find out what I mean –
when did you start? What are
you saving for? What returns
have you had? It’s inherently
competitive but when it’s
combined with the tools and
information that the app
provides it’s also extremely
informative – as a regular user
you can’t help but become
more informed about the
behaviour of markets whether
you are looking to or not – the
with Brian Hrnjak
balance of your Acorns account
rises and falls in line with the
movements in markets during
the course of the trading day.
One of the challenges
any finance app would have
encouraging young people to
save and invest is to remain
relevant in their eyes. Over
the past year a number of
enhancements have taken place
following user feedback, the
headline ones being:
Found Money partners – users
can shop online with brands
such as Bonds, Dan Murphy’s,
BCF, Uber etc. and these
partners usually deposit bonus
amounts or extra round ups
into the users account;
My Finance feature – uses
artificial intelligence to track
and categorise spending and
calculate free cash flow;
Super fund linkages – allows
users to make deposits to a
range of industry and public
offer superannuation funds;
Emerald Portfolio – a socially
responsible portfolio option
introduced following member
feedback;
Little Acorns – sub accounts
designed to allow investment
on behalf of children or other
dependants under the age of 18.
56 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

The latest upgrade was the
introduction of Little Acorns on
1 November 2017.
Acorns account holders
must be over the age of
18 but this latest feature
allows parents to invest on
behalf of their children or
grandchildren. Interestingly
we have also seen the reverse
apply where some adult
children have created accounts
for the benefit of their parents.
Assuming you are sticking
with the original idea of
investing for children or
grandchildren a
Little Acorns account is a
subset of an existing adult
account. Using a slider in
the app you allocate the
percentage to be split between
the parent account and the
child account. You can track
performance of the child
account and the software will
offer a projection to the point
when the child turns 18 and
they are able to have their own
account. In the meantime, the
parent is responsible for any
tax issues arising from income
or capital gains as would
normally be the case when
investing on behalf of a child.
In day to day practice one
of the most common requests
we get is how best to invest
on behalf of children. Parents
usually understand the
benefits of compound interest
and investing for the long
term; where the plan comes
unstuck is the complexity of
establishing savings plans and
high starting balances which
can be prohibitive. With an
established Acorns account
you can start immediately and
with as little as a $5 to build
a diversified portfolio of ASX
listed exchange traded funds.
And with the introduction of
Little Acorns only about three
weeks ago it’s just amazing (to
me anyway) that over 24,500
users have already started
using this feature. It says to
me that there is a substantial
unmet need for child savings
products and is being driven by
the parents and grandparents
who know only too well the
future cost of housing and
education.
With cash and gift cards such
a popular choice at Christmas
time, perhaps a gift even
more valuable than money is a
financial education? Loads of
information is available at www.
acornsau.com.au. The Acorns
app is available through the
Apple Store and Google Play for
Android phones.
* Disclosure: The author
holds shares in Instreet
Investment Management Ltd
which is in local partnership
with Acorns US.
Business Life
Brian Hrnjak B Bus CPA (FPS) is a Director of GHR Accounting
Group Pty Ltd, Certified Practising Accountants. Offices at:
Suite 12, Ground Floor, 20 Bungan Street Mona Vale NSW 2103
and Shop 8, 9 – 15 Central Ave Manly NSW 2095,
Telephone: 02 9979-4300, Webs: www.ghr.com.au and
www.altre.com.au Email: brian@ghr.com.au
These comments are of a general nature only and are not
intended as a substitute for professional advice.
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 57

Business Life: Law
Business Life
Negotiating short stays
and their many issues
Welcome to summer on
the peninsula where for
generations families and
visitors local and international
have migrated for the annual
holiday season.
For the traditional and
established it is the family beach
house, often idle for much of
the year. For others it is the
regular booking of a favorite
rental place and for others still
it is a question of contacting
local agents or friends and
finding what accommodation is
available for the relevant period.
For those who live locally, the
influx of holiday makers can be
overwhelming as villages such
as Avalon and Newport are
inundated with cars and people,
and parking is hard to find.
Some locals take advantage
of the season and give up
their homes for the duration
and lease out their properties.
In recent times the manner
of acquisition of traditional
accommodation through agents
and other accommodation
providers has changed, with the
introduction of online platforms
and the growth of short-term
and online letting.
Short-term holiday letting is a
form of accommodation where
people temporarily rent out
properties for less than 90 days.
In 2011, groups including
holiday letting organisations
together with the NSW
Department of Planning and
Environment and Destination
NSW, developed a draft Holiday
Rental Code of Conduct. The
objectives of the Code, the first
of which commenced operation
in 2012, were stated as:
(a) to establish acceptable
standards of behavior for
holiday rental guests and visitors
to minimise any adverse social
or environmental impacts;
(b) to assist owners and
managers of holiday rental
accommodation to meet
the needs of all participants
including guests, neighbours,
local communities, local
councils and government
authorities; and
(c) to inform the community
of the standards of conduct
expected from holiday rental
owners, managers, guests and
visitors so as to effectively
minimize amenity impacts.
The code was amended
several times before being
relaunched as the national
Holiday and Short-Term Rental
Code of Conduct in 2015.
In 2016, the Legislative
Assembly Committee on
Environment and Planning was
tasked by the then Minister
for Planning and member for
Pittwater Rob Stokes to inquire
into and report on the adequacy
of the regulation of short-term
holiday letting in NSW, with
particular reference to:
n the current situation in NSW
and comparison with other
jurisdictions;
n the differences between
traditional accommodation
providers and online
platforms;
n the growth of short-term
online letting, and the
changing character of the
market;
n the economic impacts of
short-term letting on local
and state economies; and
n regulatory issues posed by
short-term letting including
customer safety, land use
planning and neighbourhood
amenity, and licensing and
taxation.
The committee received
research into the estimated
holiday rental premises in
NSW/ACT (215,964); the total
holiday homes owned in NSW/
ACT made available for rent
when not in use by their owner
(108,000) and the fact that
with Jennifer Harris
77 per cent of holiday home
owners used their holiday
home for personal use on an
average of 7.5 weeks a year (BIS
Shrapnel).
The committee was also
provided with submissions as
to short-term rentals not just
confined to holiday letting – e.g.
corporate relocation, corporate
and consulting short stays and
all variations of temporary
accommodation, during
renovations or during medical
treatments or between buying
and selling a home.
Submissions were made
concerning the increase in
the many and popular online
booking services such as Stayz,
Airbnb, HomeAway and Owners
Direct. Property owners can
use these services to advertise
and let their properties direct to
potential guests.
Stayz advised the Committee
of 16,000 holiday home listings
in NSW and Airbnb had 27,000.
Now, millions of hosts and
travellers choose to create a
free Airbnb account so they
can list their space and book
unique accommodation around
the world. Airbnb offers limited
insurance protection to hosts for
damages to property by guests
known as the Host Guarantee.
Under the guarantee:
n hosts are covered for
damages to property of up to
A$1 million;
n not covered are cash and
58 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

personal effects, pets,
injuries, and shared and
common areas.
The Committee reported
in October 2016 and made
12 recommendations to the
government relating to planning
matters and strata laws. The
government responded to the
report which was released
in April 2017 and generally
supported the recommendations
of the Parliamentary Inquiry
and supported putting in a
regulatory framework for
short term holiday lettings.
It therefore sought feedback
from the public and in July 2017
produced an Options Paper in
which people were invited to
respond by October 31, 2017. In
doing so it said inter alia ‘Short
term holiday lettings (STHL)
has the potential to generate
impacts on the community if
not adequately managed. These
impacts could include noise,
waste, traffic and parking,
safety and security, and the
potential impact on housing and
broader industry in general.
These impacts vary between
regional and metropolitan areas,
and between detached dwellings
and apartments.’
The Parliamentary Committee
recognised that strata properties
present a special case when
compared with detached
housing and recommended that
the management of short-term
letting in strata properties
needs to be complemented
by amendments to strata
management legislation. (Action
by government can’t come too
soon for owners and occupiers
of strata units.)
People wishing to rent out
their units or spare rooms
are finding a lack of clarity
concerning Airbnb rules is
causing frustration.
There have been several well
publicised disputes in strata
units. However, in October
a decision by the NSW Civil
and Administrative Tribunal
overturned a by law which
banned an owner from renting
her Woollahra unit on Airbnb
during school holidays.
This is a very significant
decision and prevents an
Owners Corporation from
restricting people dealing with
their own property. Needless,
a spokesperson for the Owners
Corporation Network and Our
Strata Community, Our Choice,
is reported as campaigning for
the right of buildings to decide
their own stance.
The press release from
the Owners Corporation
Network stated inter alia “This
is an appalling predictable
outcome from a very confused
position of law, and it requires
government intervention to
stop the disempowerment of
apartment residents. Strata
schemes should have the
democratic right to decide for
themselves how they want their
buildings to be used.”
In the meantime, the
government is yet to respond.
So as we await with interest…
enjoy summer and the holidays
ahead on the peninsula. Merry
Christmas all!
Comment supplied by
Jennifer Harris, of Jennifer
Harris & Associates, Solicitors,
4/57 Avalon Parade,
Avalon Beach.
T: 9973 2011. F: 9918 3290.
E: jennifer@jenniferharris.com.au
W: www.jenniferharris.com.au
Business Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 59

Trades & Services
Trades & Services
AUTO REPAIRS
British & Swedish
Motors
Call 9970 6654
Services Range Rover, Land
Rover, Saab and Volvo with the
latest in diagnostic equipment.
Narrabeen Tyrepower
Call 9970 6670
Stocks all popular brands
including Cooper 4WD. Plus
they’ll do all mechanical repairs
and rego inspections.
Barrenjoey
Smash Repairs
Call 9970 8207
barrenjoeysmashrepairs.com.au
Re-sprays a specialty, plus
restoration of your favourite vehicle.
Commercial vehicle specialist.
BOAT SERVICES
Avalon Marine
Upholstery
Call Simon 9918 9803
Makes cushions for boats, patio
and pool furniture, window seats.
ELECTRICAL
Eamon Dowling
Electrical
Call 0410 457 373
For all electrical, phone, TV,
data and security needs.
FLOOR COVERINGS
Blue Tongue Carpets
Call Stephan 9979 7292
Family owned and run. Carpet,
rugs, runners, timber, bamboo, vinyl,
tiles & laminates. Open 6 days.
GARDENS
Graham Brooks
Call 0412 281 580
Tree pruning and removals.
Reports regarding DA tree management,
arborist reports.
Precision Tree Services
Call Adam 0410 736 105
Adam Bridger; professional tree
care by qualified arborists and
tree surgeons.
CLEANING
The Aqua Clean Team
Call Mark 0449 049 101
Quality window washing,
pressure cleaning, carpet
washing, building soft wash.
Martin Earl House Wash
Call 0405 583 305
Pittwater-based owner on site at
all times. No travellers or uninsured
casuals on your property.
House Washing
Northern Beaches
Call Ben 0408 682 525
Family-run housewashing –
exteriors, high-pressure cleaning
and soft washing; 18 years
on the Northern Beaches.
LAWN CARE
Platinum Turf Solutions
Call Liam 0412 692 578
Specialists in turf supply &
installation, lawn care & cylinder
mowing, full lawn construction,
turf renovations, maintenance.
MASSAGE & FITNESS
Avalon Physiotherapy
Call 9918 3373
Provide specialist treatment for
neck & back pain, sports injuries,
orthopaedic problems.
Avalon Physiotherapy
& Clinical Pilates
Call 9918 0230
Dry needling and acupuncture,
falls prevention and balance
enhancement programs.
Avalon Beach
Chiropractic
Call 9918 0070
Professional care for all ages.
Treatment for chronic and acute
pain, sports injuries.
NJF Exercise Physio
Call 0449 713 472
Increase mobility. Entitled
Department of Veterans Affairs
(DVA) clients may be referred for
clinically necessary treatment
on a valid D904 referral form.
Francois Naef/Osteopath
Call 9918 2288
Diagnosis, treatment and
prevention for back pain and
sciatica, sports injuries, muscle
soreness and strain, pregnancyrelated
pain, postural imbalance.
PAINTING
Contrast Colour
Call 0431 004 421
Locals Josef and Richard offer
quality painting services. Tidy,
reliable, they’ll help consult
on the best type of paint for
your job.
Modern Colour
Call 0406 150 555
Simon Bergin offers painting
and decorating; clean, tidy,
quality detail you will notice.
Dependable and on time.
Painting & Decorating
Call 0418 116 700
Andrew is a master painter with
30 years’ experience. Domestic
and commercial; reasonable
rates, free quotes.
UPHOLSTERY
Luxafoam North
Call 9999 5567
Local specialists in all aspects of
outdoor & indoor seating.
Custom service and expert
advice.
Susan Ottowa
Call Susan 0422 466 880
Specialist in day bed and outdoor
areas. Reliable local
service. Offering domestic &
commercial.
Leather Hero
Call 0490 796 012
Northern Beaches-based
specialists in leather cleaning,
revamps, repairs and colour
restoration. Clean in time for
Xmas.
PEST CONTROL
Predator Pest Control
Call 0417 276 962
predatorpestcontrol.com.au
Environmental services at their
best. Comprehensive control.
Eliminate all manner of pests.
They provide a 24-hour service.
PUMPS & TANKS
Water Warehouse
Call 9913 7988
waterwarehouse.com.au
Rainwater tanks & pumps. Irrigation
& filter supply specialists.
RENOVATIONS
Rob Burgers
Call 0416 066 159
Qualified builder provides all
carpentry needs; decks, pergolas,
carports, renovations and
repairs.
60 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Trades & Services
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 61

Trades & Services
Underdeck
Call Adrian 0417 591 113
Waterproof under your deck and
turn the area into usable space
all year round.
SunSpec
Call Dustin 0413 737 934
sunspec.com.au
All-aluminium, rust-proof remotecontrolled
opening roofs & awnings.
Beats competitor’s prices.
Advertise your
Business in
Trades
& Services
section
Phone
0438 123 096
DISCLAIMER: The editorial
and advertising content
in Pittwater Life has been
provided by a number of
sources. Any opinions
expressed are not necessarily
those of the Editor or Publisher
of Pittwater Life and no
responsibility is taken for the
accuracy of the information
contained within. Readers
should make their own
enquiries directly to any
organisations or businesses
prior to making any plans or
taking any action.
Trades & Services
62 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

the
good
life
dining
crossword
food
gardening
travel
64
67
68
72
74
Showtime
Enjoy Wicked variety of
music & entertainment
There’s a great variety of
entertainment in and
around Pittwater in the lead
up to Christmas, with the Glen
Street Theatre staging the acclaimed
musical ‘Wicked’ for a
one-week run from Friday 8th
to Saturday 16th.
Wicked looks at what happened
in the magical
Land of Oz... long before
Dorothy arrived.
Wildly inventive and uplifting,
it’s the tale of another
young woman, born with
emerald-green skin – smart,
fiery, misunderstood, and
possessing an extraordinary
talent.
When she meets a bubbly
blonde, their initial rivalry
turns into the unlikeliest of
friendships... until the world
decides to call one ‘good’ and
the other one ‘wicked’.
The New York Times called
it “the defining musical of the
decade” while Time Magazine
said “if every musical had the
brain, the heart, and the courage
of Wicked, Broadway really
would be a magical place”.
Performances are 7.30pm
daily, with 2pm matinees on
Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th
and Saturday 16th; more info
glenstreet.com.au
■ ■ ■
At Dee Why RSL, Mark Anthony
recreates Elvis Presley’s return
to the concert stage with ‘One
Night In Vegas’ on Saturday
December 2.
It’s a step back in time to
1969, when after nine years
in Hollywood, ‘The King’
returned to his real passion
– live performance. Over the
next two years Elvis ascended
the throne to rule the Las Vegas
entertainment scene.
Anthony brings together the
songs, the costumes, the emotion,
the energy and the raw
power in a two-hour concert
spectacular.
The Club also has a ‘Come
Fly With Me’ New Year’s Eve
musical event from 7.30pm
on December 31, with ‘Swing’
Commander Lionel Robinson
& his six piece band delivering
the hits of Michael Bublé,
Frank Sinatra and lots more
culminating in the Fireworks
live on the big screen.
More info deewhyrsl.com.
au
■ ■ ■
The Royal Motor Yacht Club is
a great vantage point for the
Fireworks over Pittwater and
it has two options on New
Year’s Eve – a three-course
dinner plus entertainment in
the Top Deck function room
or a casual get together in
the Salt Cove Brasserie and
Garden Forecourt.
Be pampered with dinner,
a drink on arrival and great
music from Collage; starts
7.30pm in the Top Deck. Collage
is one of Australia’s best
cover bands and they’ll sweep
through a diverse range of
material. Cost is $125 and
bookings essential.
Or be entertained by Antoine
in the Garden Forecourt
from 6pm (adults $20, under-
16s $10).
More info royalmotor.com.au
DECEMBER 2017 63
Showtime

Dining Guide
December’s best restaurants, functions, events and reader deals...
Dining Guide
Riva Bar &
Kitchen
8/57 Avalon Pde,
Avalon Beach
OPENING HOURS
Lunch 11.30am-3pm Wed-Sun
Dinner 5.30-9.30pm Tues-Sat
CUISINE
Modern Australian
PRICE RANGE
Entrees $14-$19
Mains $30-$32
Desserts $14
BOOKINGS 9918 4007
Avalon’s latest up-market
eatery boasts a stylish
interior and mouth-watering
contemporary menu crafted
by experienced chef Rishi
(ex Berowra Waters Inn) at
exceptional value (3-course
special only $55).
Tuck into entrees including
Kingfish Carpaccio, lime,
chilli vinaigrette and pickled
cucumber and watercress
salad, or Crispy-skin Pork
Belly with port-braised
cabbage and apple and
saffron puree (both ($16).
Mains include Slowpoached
Salmon, dried olives,
orange and fennel and ginger
cream, Baby Chicken stuffed
with pistachios, porcine
and brioche served with
mushroom sauce (both $30),
and 8-hours Slow-cooked
Glazed Wagyu Beef Brisket,
truffle mashed potato, speck
and wild mushroom ($32).
New to the dinner menu
is a sharing platter of whole
duck (or half duck per person)
with port braised cabbage,
Cointreau sauce and green
shallot and potato blinis.
Plus all vegan, vegetarian,
gluten-free, nut allergy or
other special requirements
can be catered for with
advance notice.
Kids meals Including Fish
and Chips, Pasta or Chicken
and Chips) are $12; BYO
only Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday. Phone 9918 4007.
Riva adds ‘fine’ detail to Avalon
The Pavilion on Avalon Parade on the outskirts of the Avalon
shopping precinct has a new tenant – Riva Bar & Kitchen –
which is already getting the checkered flag from locals for its
bold menu and flavours.
Riva is the vision of owner and chef, Rishi, who boasts a
serious resume that includes working under Dietmar Sawyere,
owner of former iconic eatery Level 41 in Chifley Towers.
Most recently Rishi worked at Turramurra’s
successful Kipling’s Garage Bar – but he has
always longed to open his own eatery on the
northern beaches.
He believes there’s a market for a restaurant
with a sophisticated menu with high-quality
food that’s still affordable.
“I opened in Avalon after doing a bit of
research and discovered a niche is there,” Rishi
said. “There are some fine dining places, like
Pilu at Freshwater and Jonah’s at Whale Beach;
and there are a lot of restaurants who are very
basic as well. But there are very few in the middle that serve
high-quality food in a casual environment and are not very
expensive.”
Barely two months after opening Riva already has a strong
core diner base.
A glance at the menu explains why, with lunch dishes
glistening with attention to detail including Corn, Zucchini
and Carrots Fritter, house cured Salmon and Avocado ($28); or
The Mirage
Restaurant
at Metro Hotel
Mirage Newport
2 Queens Parade West,
Newport
CUISINE
Modern Australian
PRICE RANGE
Breakfast – $25 adults,
$12.50 kids (5-12)
Dinner – entrees
from $7-$17,
Mains from $21-$30,
Desserts from $13-$25
BOOKINGS 9997 7011
You’d better hurry! Bookings
are filling fast for this
boutique waterfront
hotel’s popular traditional
Christmas Day Buffet Lunch,
commencing at 12 noon on
December 25.
Guests will enjoy a
sumptuous Christmas menu
created by Head Chef, Raul
Farnea.
At a fixed price of $150 for
adults and $65 for children
(5-12 years), guests will enjoy
everything from Italianstyle
porchetta with crunchy
crackling and roasted turkey
filled with dried fruit and
nuts, to a selection of fresh
seafood including oysters, king
prawns, house-smoked salmon,
Moreton Bay bugs and blue
swimmer crabs. Whether it’s
traditional roasted vegetables
or a variety of summer salads
you are after, the buffet has
all the sides you could want,
including an antipasto platter
of Italian charcuterie, marinated
olives, pickles, assorted
cheeses and dips.
A choice of desserts will be
available, including a traditional
Christmas pudding with brandy
sauce and berry Christmas
pavlova. Tea and coffee and
gingerbread cookies are also
included (other beverages are
additional cost).
Bookings 9997 7011.
John Dory with saffron sauce, fennel, dried olives and orange
salad ($30).
Dinner options include Grain fed Sirloin 200gm, kipfler
potatoes, caramelised onion, spinach and red wine jus
(competitively priced at $30); Crispy skin barramundi, black
rice, prawn and peas with citrus vinaigrette; and Noisette of
Lamb with its shank in the brick, smoked and spiced eggplant
with rosemary and port jus (both $32). The
latest dinner addition is a sharing platter of
whole duck (or half a duck per person) with
port braised cabbage, Cointreau sauce and
green shallot & potato blinis.
Riva does a small selection of street food
(available until late afternoon) too, including
croquets, fish tacos and beef and BBQ pork
sliders.
“I designed the dinner menu very carefully
– it is a small menu however it includes a lot
of varieties,” Rishi said. “I intend changing
the menu every 6-7 weeks – most dishes, not necessarily
everything.”
It’s easy to see why Rishi has adopted the ‘bar & kitchen’
moniker – Riva is a casual space with dedicated bar at the front
of the room and a hidey-hole kitchen at the back. You can sit at
the bar for a quick drink or small bite, or grab a table for dinner.
* Enjoy a complimentary coffee with lunch any day in
December; simply mention the ad in Pittwater Life.
64
DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Royal Motor
Yacht Club
Salt Cove on Pittwater
46 Prince Alfred
Parade, Newport
OPENING HOURS
Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Mon-Fri from 8.30am
Weekends from 8am
PRICE RANGE
Breakfast from $8-$18
Entrees from $9-$21
Mains from $16-$26
BOOKINGS 9997 5511
RMYC’s restaurant Salt
Cove on Pittwater’s menu
offers affordable meals and
generous servings including
a variety of starters and share
plates, seafood, burgers,
grills, salads, desserts and
woodfired pizza.
Great Friday night
entertainment in December
kicks off in the Lounge Bar from
7.30pm. Acts appearing include
Jack Evans (1st), Keff McCulloch
(8th), Rohan Cannon (15th),
Geoff Kendall (22nd) and GJ
The Local Voice Since 1991
Donovan (29th).
Bookings are essential for
Christmas Day Lunch; also for
New Year’s Eve, with a 2-course
dinner, music by ‘Collage’ and
the Fireworks over Pittwater.
Trivia is held every Tuesday
night from 7.30pm (great
prizes and vouchers).
Club social memberships
are available for just $160.
Barrenjoey
Bistro
Club Palm Beach
1087 Barrenjoey Rd,
Palm Beach
BISTRO OPENING HOURS
Lunch 11:30am-2.30pm
Dinner 6pm-8.30pm
PRICE RANGE
Lunch and dinner
specials $13.50
BOOKINGS 9974 5566
Dining Guide
Head to Club Palm Beach,
conveniently located just a
short stroll from Palm Beach
Wharf, for your chance to
win a Christmas Feast!
They’re holding Monster
Ham & Turkey raffles from 2pm
on Sundays 3rd, 10th and 17th
December. Plus Ham Raffles
from 5pm on Wednesdays 6th,
13th and 20th and Fridays 1st,
8th, 15th and 22nd.
The Members’ lucky badge
draw is held Wednesday and
Friday night (every 30 mins
between 5pm-7pm), and
jackpots by $100 each week.
Enjoy Trivia Night from
5.30pm on Wednesdays, plus
Bingo at 10am on Fridays.
The club’s Barrenjoey
Bistro is open for lunch
(11.30am to 2.30pm) and
dinner (6pm to 8.30pm) seven
days. The Bistro serves topvalue
a la carte meals plus
daily $13.50 specials of roasts
(Mondays), rump steak with
chips and salad (Tuesdays),
chicken schnitzel with chips
and salad (Wednesdays),
homemade gourmet pies with
chips and salad (Thursdays)
and fish and chips with salad
(Fridays), except public hols.
The club has a courtesy
bus that makes regular runs
Wednesdays, Fridays and
Saturdays from 4.30pm to
9pm. Ring to book a pick-up.
DECEMBER 2017 65

Dining Guide
Dining Guide
Hong Kong
Chinese Restaurant
332 Barrenjoey Rd,
Newport
OPENING HOURS
Dinner Tues-Sun 5pm
CUISINE
Chinese & Asian
PRICE RANGE
Entrees $5-20
Mains $12.90-26.50
*Deliver Whale Beach - Narrabeen
BOOKINGS 9997 4157
LIC
BYO
All
Book a table at this
popular Newport eatery in
December and your family
is guaranteed a great night
out with a feast for the eyes
and the tastebuds.
Order ahead for their
wonderful Peking Duck which
is offered as a dine-in-only
special Thursdays through
Sundays in Summer.
There are two traditional
courses: Peking Duck pancakes
& duck sang choy bow
(bookings essential; mention
the ad when you call).
This long-established
restaurant on the eastern
side of Barrenjoey Rd has
an extensive menu based
on traditional flavoursome
Cantonese with touches of
spicy Szechuan and other
Asian dishes and fresh
seasonal vegetables.
Entrees start at just $6
while mains are great value
too, starting at $16.80.
The menu ranges from
adventurous, like a Sizzling
Szechuan-style Platter of king
prawns and fillets of chicken,
to contemporary, featuring
spicy salt and pepper king
prawns, to traditional,
with favourites including
Mongolian lamb, Honey king
prawns and Honey chicken.
New dishes are introduced
regularly so make sure you
check out the blackboard
specials.
The team are only too
happy to home deliver your
meal, with a range that takes
in Narrabeen to the south to
Palm Beach in the north.
Fully licensed or BYO.
P
Bistro 61
Avalon Beach RSL
1 Bowling Green Lane
Avalon Beach
OPENING HOURS
Open 7 days
Lunch 12pm-2:30pm
Dinner 5:30-8:30pm
CUISINE
Modern Aust / pub food
PRICE RANGE
Meals $8-$30
Specials $12-$15
BOOKINGS 9918 2201
Avalon Beach RSL’s new
Bistro 61 is a great place
to head for a local meal,
offering tasty modern
Australian dishes at
affordable prices.
The Club is open Christmas
Day from 11am to 11pm – last
tickets for lunch still available.
They’re also now open for
breakfast on weekends over
summer, from 8am.
Great music acts on
Saturdays include Coast &
Ocean (2nd), The Overtones +
Beautiful Chaos (9th), Mojam
(16th), Sundown (23rd) and
East West Blues (30th).
Happy Hour is every
Monday, Tuesday & Friday
from 4-6pm.
Bistro 61 has been named
to commemorate the opening
of the Club in 1961. The
kitchen – led by experienced
Northern Beaches head
chef Mitch Blundell, boasts
all fresh, house-made
meals, with locally sourced
ingredients.
Open for lunch and dinner
seven days, with extensive
outdoor dining areas, Bistro
61 offers a variety of specials
(lunch and dinner) during the
week, including $12 tacos
(Tues), $15 Chicken Schnitzels
(Wed), 2-4-1 pizzas (Thurs),
and a $20 burger + beer (Fri).
Seniors are well catered
for – there are daily Seniors
specials, including beerbattered
flathead – plus they
do a $5 kids meals on Sundays!
(There’s a playground, too.)
From the menu, chef
Mitch recommends his twist
on nachos – pulled beef and
blackbeans with chipotle,
corn chips, guacamole,
Danish fetta and coriander.
Members get discounts on
meals purchased. Membership
starts from $5.50.
The club is licensed, with
no BYO. Bookings online or
call 9918 2201 – large groups
welcome.
Head to Avalon RSL for
APL Poker Tournaments on
Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Visit avalonrsl.com.au/
bistro-61
Pizzico Italiano
2 Simmonds Lane
Avalon Beach
PRICE RANGE
Entrees from $17.50
Mains from $24.50
BOOKINGS 9918 8717
Family-owned Pizzico has
introduced relaxing ‘Aperitivo’
summer dining sessions
with extended hours Friday
through Sunday, from 2pm-
6pm, with a light tapas-style
menu inspired by summers
on the Amalfi coast and accompanied
by Aperol spritz,
cocktails, Italian wines and
imported beers.
Brother and sister Elena
and Mauritzio and mamma
Giovanna have crafted a menu
that sings with traditional
treats and flavours including
Elena’s favourite pasta offering,
pappardelle with slowcooked
lamb ragu, topped with
parmigiano reggiano.
Other offerings include
Nonna’s house-made gnocchi
baked and served in a clay pot,
Spaghetti barcaiola with fresh
local seafood, lamb scottadito,
stuffed zucchini flowers, while
the specials menu regularly
features duck, quail, fish and
house-made pasta.
As part of the Aperitivo
by Pizzico menu, expect
house-made fried bread with a
selection of cured meats and
cheeses, fresh buffalo ricotta
and mozzarella, antipasto platters,
sardines scapece, Burrata
cheese, and traditional street
food from Napoli.
More info on facebook.
com / pizzicoitaliano
66 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Pittwater Puzzler
Compiled by David Stickley
Veterinary Hospital (6-3)
28 Great expanse of sea water
(5)
29 Beverage available at Club
Palm Beach (and other fine
establishments) (4)
30 Suitable for formal occasions
(6)
ACROSS
1 Pittwater haven, Scotland ______ (6)
5 Defeat (4)
9 Singing group like Good Vibrations
based on the Northern Beaches (5)
10 A water activity not officially
permitted at any of Pittwater’s
beaches (6-3)
13 Small relative of 11-down,
perhaps? (7)
14 Gases ejected from an engine as
waste products (7)
15 Business started by Palm Beach
resident, Holly Davis, ___ Wholefood
(3)
16 Shot you might see at Goodwin’s
Tennis in Mona Vale (4-6)
19 An overall or long-term view (3,7)
20 Department store in Warringah
Mall (3)
23 Popular pastime on the Northern
Beaches (7)
25 Stiff, formal, strait-laced, prim (7)
26 Number in Park St of Mona Vale
DOWN
2 A writer, especially a journalist
(6)
3 One whose job is to provide
help (9)
4 Grandview is one in Newport
and Cannes is another in Avalon
Beach (5)
5 Media platform designed by
Northern Beaches resident,
Brynn Davies (8)
6 Travel on the water behind a
speedboat (3)
7 Very large prawns (6)
8 Garigal man who Michael
Glasheen dedicates his solo art
exhibition to (4,8)
11 Type of bus used on the
B-Line that will extend to
Newport in 2018 (6-6)
12 Save for later (3,2)
17 The space between high and
low water marks (9)
18 A member of the clergy in
certain denominations of the
Christian church (8)
19 Assail or attack on all sides
(5)
21 Undercover work (6)
22 Popular songs sung at
Christmas time (6)
24 Describing some housing
developments separated from
surrounding dwellings (5)
27 Spider’s trap (3)
[Solution page 70]
Pittwater Puzzler
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 67

Food Life
For more recipes go to www.janellebloom.com.au
Food Life
The gift of eating – homemade
Xmas presents for all tastes...
December has arrived –
and the countdown is
on to the silly season! I
love this time of year; although
busy, it’s all about food, giving,
spending time with family and
friends and enjoying where we
live. This month we thought
you might like some inspiration
for edible gift giving. So
as another year winds down,
my family and I wish you and
yours a very merry Christmas
and the very best for 2018.
Xmas Brownie trees
Makes 8
You need ribbon, paddle pop
sticks & cellophane
200g dark chocolate (Plaistowe
or club)
200g butter, chopped
¼ cup strong black espresso
coffee (see tip)
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup caster sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
¾ cup self-raising flour
Mini smarties and edible decorations
Icing
2 cup pure icing sugar
1 to 1½ tbs warm water
Green food colouring
1. Preheat oven 160°C (no fan).
Grease and line base and
sides of a 22cm (base) round
cake pan.
2. Place the butter, chocolate
and coffee in a heatproof,
microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave, uncovered for
2-3 minutes on High/100%,
stirring every minute with a
metal spoon until smooth.
Add cocoa while warm; whisk
until smooth.
3. Whisk in the vanilla, sugar
and eggs. Sift flour over the
chocolate batter and stir
gently to combine. Pour the
batter into the prepared
pan. Bake for 45 minutes or
until a skewer inserted into
the centre has moist crumbs
clinging. Stand in pan to cool
Janelle’s Tip: If you don’t
want to use coffee, you can
use warm water.
completely.
4. Turn the cake out onto a
board; using the palm of
your hand, press down on
the cake carefully to compress
the cake and ensure
the top is flat. Cut cake into 8
even triangles.
5. For the icing, mix icing sugar
and enough water together
to form a thick icing. Add
enough food colouring to
tint icing to desired colour.
Mix well. Stand the bowl
over a saucepan of simmering
water until icing soften
slightly. Spoon into a snap
lock bag, cut off the end
and pipe squiggles over one
piece of cake to form a tree.
While icing is wet, quickly
decorate with smarties and
edible Xmas sweets; allow to
set. Repeat one at a time to
make 8 trees. Carefully insert
lollypop sticks, then wrap in
cellophane.
Spiced fruit & nut
nibble mix
Makes 6 cups
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons caster sugar
3 teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground fennel
seeds
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
5 cups mixed nuts
100g pkt fried noodles
½ cup mixed seeds (like pepita
& sunflower)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 cup raisins
1. Preheat oven to 180°C, fan
forced. Line a large, shallow
roasting pan with baking
paper.
2. Using a hand beater, beat
egg whites in a medium bowl
to soft peaks. Add sugar,
a little at a time, beating
constantly until sugar has
dissolved. Combine all the
spices in a bowl, then gently
stir into the egg white mixture
to combine.
3. Combine the nuts, noodles,
mixed seeds and sesame
seeds in a large bowl. Add
the spice mixture and stir to
coat. Spread mixture into the
roasting pan.
4. Bake, stirring every 5 minutes,
for 25-30 minutes or
until nuts are toasted and
feel dry. Set aside to cool
completely.
5. Carefully break up the nut
mix, add the raisins, spoon
into clean airtight jars or
bags.
68 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

with Janelle Bloom
Microwave rhubarb
& strawberry
vanilla jam
Makes 3 cups
2 (about 600g each) bunches
rhubarb
375g strawberries, hulled,
chopped
1 large lemon, juiced
2 cups white or raw sugar
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
1. Remove and discard the
tops and leaves of rhubarb.
Trim 2cm of base each stalk
and wash well, leaving water
clinging. Cut rhubarb into
4cm lengths and place into
a large microwave-safe,
heatproof bowl. Cover with 2
layers of wrap and microwave
for 6-8 minutes on
High/100% until pulpy.
2. Carefully remove the wrap,
stir rhubarb. Stir in strawberries,
lemon juice, sugar and
vanilla. Microwave uncovered
for 15-18 minutes on
High/100%, stirring every 5
minutes until thick and jamlike
(see Janelle’s Tip).
3. Ladle hot jam into hot
sterilised jars; seal and label.
Jam will keep 1 month in
cupboard and 3 months in
fridge once opened.
Janelle’s Tip: To check
if jam has reached
setting point, Drop one
teaspoon of jam onto a
chilled saucer. Place into
freezer for 1-2 minutes or
until jam is chilled. Run
your finger through jam.
If jam stays in 2 separate
portions, it’s ready. If
not, continue cooking in
2- to 3-minute bursts and
test again.
Chocolate Chip
Cookies
Makes 60
Food Life
250g butter, room temperature
¾ cup caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup firmly packed soft
brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/3 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
400g choc bits
1 cup macadamia nuts,
roughly chopped.
1. Preheat oven to 170°C,
fan forced. Line two large
baking trays with baking
paper.
2. Cream butter, sugars and
vanilla together until light
and creamy. Add eggs,
one at a time, beating well
between each addition. Sift
flour and baking powder
together over the butter
mixture, stir until combined.
Stir in choc bits and
nuts.
3. Spoon level tablespoons of
cookie dough and flatten
slightly onto the prepared
baking trays allowing room
for spreading. Bake in
batches for 9-11 minutes
or until light golden. Allow
cookies to cool on trays
before transferring to wire
racks to cool. Repeat with
remaining dough. Package
into gift boxes or bags.
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 69

Food Life
In Season
Lemongrass
Food Life
The citrus touch of
lemongrass plays a
starring role in Tom Kha Gai,
the traditional spicy Thai
coconut broth. Classified as
a herb, it’s widely used in
almost all Asian cuisines.
Buying
Buy stalks that are firm, palegreen
and bulbous at the base.
Lemongrass should have a
lemon smell. Avoid lemongrass
stalks that are dried out or
shrivelled. Only the white part
of lemongrass is used in cooking.
The tough outer layers
should be removed – although
these great tied up and added
to simmering curries, soups
and stews.
Storage
Store lemongrass wrapped in
plastic in the crisper section of
your fridge. It will keep for up
Also In Season
December
This month look out for
raspberries, blueberries,
blackberries, strawberries,
cherries, fresh lychees,
mangoes, watermelon,
peaches, nectarines and
pineapple; also Hass
avocadoes, green and
butter beans, red, yellow
and orange capsicum,
cucumber, radishes, corn,
lemongrass, mint, basil,
tomatoes and kumatoes.
to two weeks when stored this
way. Freeze lemongrass for up
to six months by tightly wrapping
it in foil.
Nutrition
Lemongrass contains vitamins
B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and folate and
minerals such as manganese,
iron and calcium.
Blender lemongrass, ginger lemonade
Makes 2½ cups syrup
3 lemons, washed
8cm piece ginger, unpeeled,
ends trimmed
2 sticks lemongrass,
chopped
2 cups white sugar
2 cups water
Ice cubes and sparkling mineral
water, to serve
1. Trim the ends off each
lemon. Discard the ends
then cut lemons into 3-4
thick rounds and place into
a large saucepan with the
ginger and lemongrass.
Add the sugar and water.
Stir over medium heat
until sugar has dissolved.
Increase heat to mediumhigh
heat and bring to the
boil. Boil gently for 12-15
minutes. Remove from
heat and set aside to cool
1 hour.
2. Pour the mixture into a
blender, blend until well
combined. Strain mixture
through a sieve lined with
muslin (see Janelle’s Tip),
squeezing as much liquid
from the solids as possible.
3. Pour the thick, cloudy syrup
into sterilised jars or bottles
and refrigerate for up
to 3 months.
Serving suggestion
Pour syrup into base of glass
or jug, top with ice and sparkling
mineral water, sparkling
wine or soda. Alternatively
pour 30ml into glasses halffilled
with crushed ice, top
up with 30ml chilled gin and
tonic.
Janelle’s Tip: If you don’t have
muslin you can use a new
Chux-style dish cloth.
Crossword solution from page 67
Mystery location: CRYSTAL BAY
70 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Times Past
Double-deckers: Old is new again
aboard’ was
the invitation to
‘Welcome
travellers on the
last double-decker bus to
drive on Sydney roads.
The Historic Commercial
Vehicle Association provided
an informative flyer for those
commuters who rode that last
double-decker bus, the 44
kilometres to Taylor’s Point on
16 May 1986.
“When you step off the bus
for the last time you may care
to retain this small memento
as a reminder of a familiar
mode of transport which has
served Sydney faithfully for
over 50 years,” it reads.
Local resident, Leigh
Haines, was one of those
passengers to travel on the
5.20pm from Wynyard and
my late mum and dad joined
the bus in the Avalon Beach
shopping centre for the ride
to Taylor’s Point, just to be a
part of history.
That history began in the
1930s when an Australian
motor body-building firm,
Smith and Waddington, began
building a bus body around
a diesel chassis in their
workshops at Camperdown.
Double-deckers also
operated in Newcastle and
the total number of these
mighty beasts amounted to
over 150. They were known
as ‘Beasts’ because drivers
of the Albion and Leyland
buses had to work hard
without power steering. It
was especially a struggle to
get the big 60-seaters up hills
like Newport hill and the Spit
hill with manual gear changes
using ‘crash’ gear boxes.
Early double-deckers had
a rear platform from which
you joined or alighted from
the bus.
Young men from the
Woolloomooloo Police Boys
Club used to patrol Avalon
Beach during World War II,
staying in the clubhouse
Friday and Saturday nights.
On Sunday, after patrol had
finished, they would sneak up
Surfside Avenue and through
to the bushes opposite the
golf course. As the lumbering
‘two-storeyed’ bus crawled
its way up and out of the
shopping centre, the men
would scramble onto this
‘moving’ platform for a free
trip back to Wynyard.
I remember well being
homeward bound from
Narrabeen Boys High School
in the early 1960s, upstairs
in the double-decker bus.
Attempts at ‘peroxiding’ the
bus prefect’s hair were halted
to give time to rush over to
the left-hand side of the bus,
on the deepest corner around
the Bilgola bends, in a vain
attempt to get the bus to take
a dive into the rainforest of
Hewitt Park.
Originally the doubledeckers
had conductors to
collect the fares but when
the Atlantean buses came
along in the 1970s, with left
front entry, fares began being
collected by the driver.
This brought about a long
fight by the unions which
became known as the ‘oneman
bus dispute’.
The photo shows an early
double-decker heading
south along Barrenjoey Road
between Wollstonecraft
Avenue and George Street (in
the distance) in Avalon Beach.
TIMES PAST is supplied
by local historian
and President of the
Avalon Beach Historical
Society GEOFF SEARL.
Visit the Society’s
showroom in Bowling
Green Lane, Avalon
Beach.
Times Past
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 71

Garden Life
Garden Life
Delight in the amazing
colours of hydrangeas
Always a favourite for
Christmas colour, hydrangeas
are flowering their
heads off! They look wonderful
in the garden, brightening
the semi-shaded areas and
glowing in the full, protected
sunlight. Once the older
varieties were either pink or
blue depending on the soil,
additional lime will deepen
the pinks and blueing tonic
(sulphate of aluminium) will
heighten the blues, but the
new named varieties will
maintain their colour. White
never changes. There are
hydrangeas of every size from
the tiny dwarf Piamina to the
tall traditional Mop Heads.
With so many to choose from
it is almost too difficult to
decide. There are the delicate
lace caps, the huge blooms
of the traditional mop heads,
the cone-shaped flowers of
hydrangea paniculata bushes
that can be two metres tall.
The recently introduced
smaller growing Picotee
varieties with two-tone flower
heads are hard to leave behind
and if you have a semishaded
wall, the climbing
hydrangea petiolaris is just
beautiful.
Hydrangeas are forgiving
plants that are easy to grow.
They like regular water and
any good garden soil. Mulch
the roots with compost to
keep them cool and feed
them in early spring to get
them going. Grow them in
pots, or in the garden; bring
them inside when in flower
or cut the blooms – they last
well in water.
with Gabrielle Bryant
Cherry Guava a
sweet surprise
In full flower in my veggie
garden is my Cherry Guava,
sometimes known as a Strawberry
Guava. This delightful
evergreen shrub never fails to
produce a heavy crop of cherry
guavas in early autumn.
It is a small, pretty tree with
rounded, glossy green leaves
that only grows to about
three metres in height. Keep it
trimmed into shape after fruiting.
The delicate fluffy flowers
are creamy white, growing close
to the branches. They are followed
by the tangy flavoured,
sweet, berry-sized, cherry red
fruit that are high in vitamin C.
Unlike the taller-growing deciduous
yellow guava that needs
cooking, the fruit can be eaten
raw straight from the tree or
used in cooking, jellies, drinks,
sauces or jams.
You should protect the fruit
from fruit fly with a fruit fly bait.
Get into the
‘swing’ of Xmas
It is time to relax and enjoy
your garden. Look at your
outdoor seating requirements
– the shops are full of
amazing chairs and tables.
Hanging cane egg chairs have
been trendy for the past few
years and now the ‘Swing
Seat’ is back. Nothing is more
peaceful than swinging in a
seat for two, sheltered from
the weather with a roof to
shade from the sun – makes a
great Christmas present too!
72 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Natural decorative touch
trio of cheerful Santas
A to welcome your visitors
sets the atmosphere for
Christmas. Easy to make, it’s
a project to complete with the
kids on holidays.
Find a log or slim branch of
wood. Cut it into three different
lengths with diagonal cuts
at the top and horizontal cuts
at the base. Strap them tightly
to form a solid trio; for added
strength use a hot glue gun to
stick them together.
Now the fun begins! You
will need scarlet paint, white
paint, a pompom for a nose
and a black permanent marker,
buttons or beads for eyes.
Paint the top third scarlet and
the bottom half white. Stick a
pompom onto the natural timber
face and paint two cheeky
black eyes.
Take a walk in the park or
along the road and collect
some dried banksia seed
heads, huge gum nuts or casuarina
nuts (white cockatoos
are very obliging the way they
pick them off!). Banksias make
great Christmas tree decorations;
screw an eyelet into the
top to hang it, then decorate
as you please. Spray paint of
white, red, green gold or silver
or any colour to match your
Christmas décor. (Nail varnish
is perfect to paint inside the
eyes and glitter glue makes
the baubles shine.)
Fir cones are more difficult
to find but once you collect
them they keep for many
years. Painted and decorated
they make perfect miniature
trees in tiny terracotta pots for
table decoration.
All the seeds, nuts and
cones that you find should
be put on a tray in the oven
and baked for 30 mins at 200
degrees. This will dry them
and make them free of insects
or spores. Once you put a fir
cone into the oven it is amazing
how any unopened patches
spring open with the heat.
Even the most misshaped cone
comes out looking perfect!
Get the new-look Agapanthus
The purple haze of agapanthus
will always bring
back memories of hot summer
days at the beach. Sadly
agapanthus have, in recent
times, got a bad name as
they seed readily
in the bush.
Plant breeders
have come up
trumps. The
new varieties
come in every
shade from
white, pink,
purple, blue
and midnight. From the magnificent
Queen Mum, whose
huge striped flower heads
of white and pale blue reach
1.5m towards the sky, to the
tiny Baby Pete, a miniature
blue that grows to a height
of just 20cm (perfect for
mass planting as a border),
all the new varieties have
been bred to produce fewer
seeds.
Look for Tinkerbelle, with
its delicate
green-andwhite
striped
leaves, or the
dark purple
Black Pantha
whose flowers
are almost
black. Snowball
is a tiny
white to complement Baby
Pete, Purple Cloud grows tall
or find Strawberry Ice, whose
flowers are the palest pink.
The agapanthus of today are
sensational – there is a variety
for every situation.
Garden Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2017 73

Travel Life
Travel Life
Taking the Scenic route in 2018
Join Scenic in 2018, as the
cruise line launches into ocean
cruising with the inaugural
season of Scenic Eclipse, the
World’s First Discovery Yacht.
Travel View’s Karen Robinson
says Scenic Eclipse, which
debuts in August, will redefine
ocean cruising with its stylish
design, detailed range of
inclusions – from all dining
and beverages to transfers and
gratuities – and exciting array of
itineraries covering Antarctica
and the Arctic through to Europe
and The Americas, including
Cuba.
“Among the itineraries on
offer during Scenic Eclipse’s
inaugural season will be a series
of Rediscovery voyages, which
will provide an affordable entry
into the world of luxury expedition
cruising,” Karen said.
From cruises of just a few days
to longer multi-week journeys,
Scenic Eclipse’s Rediscovery
itineraries can be linked with
subsequent departures to create
epic month-long voyages, or with
one of Scenic’s great city stays
or land tours for a more in-depth
exploration of a destination.
Scenic is inviting guests to
immerse themselves and step on
board to experience some of the
world’s most iconic and remote
destinations in style.
“Embark on the journey of
a lifetime from the spacious
surrounds of a stylish suite and
contemplate which exclusive,
once-in-a-lifetime experience to
enjoy next,” Karen said. “Savour
world-class dining and top-shelf
beverages as the ever-changing
view drifts by or relax with
a book in one of the elegant
lounges.”
Featuring a choice of up to 10
dining experiences, inspired by
all four corners of the globe, the
on-board culinary creations will
range from casual to fine dining,
ensuring all palates are catered
for.
“Enjoy contemporary French
fine dining in Lumiere, sushi
and sake at Asian-fusion venue
Koko’s, a casual meal in the
Azure Bar & Café or the Yacht
Club poolside grill – or a
perfectly cooked fillet steak
in Scenic Eclipse’s elegant Elements
main restaurant,” said
Karen.
Scenic’s range of included
Scenic Freechoice and exclusive
Scenic Enrich experiences
will also provide plenty of opportunities
to customise each cruise,
while the on-board helicopter
and submarine (extra fees apply)
will offer a new perspective on
many of the ports of call.
* More info phone Travel
View Cruise View Avalon (9918
4444) or Collaroy (9999 0444).
74 DECEMBER 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991