Pittwater Life May 2018 Issue

The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018
FREE
pittwaterlife
CARE
FACTOR
MEET THE OLD
HOSPITAL’S NEW
‘URGENCY’ TEAM
GOOD SPORT
WHY MIKE PAWLEY
FEELS SO HAPPY
MINDING OUR
OWN BUSINESS
WILL COUNCIL-RUN
CHILDCARE
EVER RETURN
TO PITTWATER?
UNIVERSITY OF
WARRIEWOOD?
SATELLITE CAMPUS
PLAN FOR BEACHES

Editorial
The story that keeps on giving
It might seem like we’re
flogging a dead horse with
our ongoing coverage of the
Pasadena saga (no disrespect
to the property or its owners
intended) but it’s a tale of such
intrigue (see page 20) that it
demands attention.
The latest chapter involves
the developer contacting
Northern Beaches Councillors,
hoping to clear up the
“misinformation” that’s been
circulated by Council staff and
the media.
At the same time, Council
have added a bespoke page
to their website to inform the
community of their position,
and the status of their pursuit
of compulsory acquisition.
Further, they say the clock
is now officially ticking on a
six-months consultation period,
with talks aimed at ultimately
delivering the Pasadena title
deed to Dee Why.
Then we have the West
Pittwater Association weighing
in on the matter, with their
legal advice suggesting recent
renovation of the space is
illegal.
If that weren’t enough
the owner has signaled his
intention to open for business
in the coming weeks… watch
these pages again next month!
* * *
We are often contacted
by locals who have
expressed surprise at Council
plans and activations in their
area that they say they have
known nothing about – often
until after the deadline for
community feedback.
While we endeavor to address
matters within the timeframe
of our monthly publication
deadline, there is a way you can
keep abreast of Council’s plans
– go to the ‘Have Your Say’
page on their website and then
‘Register Your Interest’. You’ll
be updated by the Community
Engagement Team on ways to
contribute locally. – Nigel Wall
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 3

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Email:
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Publisher: Nigel Wall
Managing Editor: Lisa Offord
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Photography: iStock / Staff
Contributors: Rosamund
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Cleary, Brian Hrnjak, Jennifer
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Vol 27 No 10
Celebrating 26 years
The Local Voice Since 1991
CARE
FACTOR
MEET THE OLD
HOSPITAL’S NEW
‘URGENCY’ TEAM
GOOD SPORT
WHY MIKE PAWLEY
FEELS SO HAPPY
MINDING OUR
OWN BUSINESS
WILL COUNCIL-RUN
CHILDCARE
EVER RETURN
TO PITTWATER?
UNIVERSITY OF
WARRIEWOOD?
SATELLITE CAMPUS
PLAN FOR BEACHES
MAY 2018
FREE
pittwaterlife
21
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thislife
COVER: Mona Vale Hospital is getting a new Urgent Care
Centre that will remain active on site when other services
are transferred to the new Northern Beaches Hospital in
October (page 14); actor Bryan Brown leaks us the plotline
of his new film 'Palm Beach' which commences shooting
locally this month (page 8); read how a satellite university
campus on the upper peninsula would relieve students
of stress (page 21); meet Mick Pawley and learn about his
incredible contribution to the youth of Cambodia (page
30); and read what you can do when an ageing loved one
refuses care (page 44). COVER IMAGE: Andrea Francolini
also this month
Editorial 3
Pittwater Local News 6-29
Life Stories: Mike Pawley 30-33
Art Life 34-37
Local Call 40
Young Life 41
Surfing Life 42-43
Health & Wellbeing; Hair & Beauty 44-53
Money & Finance 54-57
Law 58-59
Food 66-68
Crossword 69
Gardening 70-72
Times Past 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 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Does Council have a du
News
Pittwater Ward Councillor
Alex McTaggart says
Northern Beaches Council
needs to think carefully
before making any decision
to expand its provision of
childcare services across the
new council region.
“It’s a debate that has to be
had: Is it Council’s business to
implement and run childcare
services – or is it their role to
plug the gaps?” he said.
Councillor McTaggart was
a member of the former Pittwater
Council in 2013, when
it made the controversial decision
to close its only Daycare
Centre at Warriewood and
outsource other council-run
childcare services.
The former Council’s decision
was made after careful
analysis of the childcare
environment, which staff
determined had changed
dramatically since the 1990s,
with the introduction of
Federal Government subsidies
making it no longer a more affordable
option for ratepayers
with families.
Councillor McTaggart’s call
comes as Northern Beaches
Council pencils in childcare
as an agenda issue in its first
term, with staff focusing
on what has been inherited
across the 37-kilometre territory.
Council’s long day care and
pre-school services provide a
combination of full and part
time positions, filled by over
nearly 900 children aged six
weeks to five years. The family
day care team support 60
educators to provide education
and care within their
homes to around 450 children
aged up to 12 years. Vacation
care cater for over 2,000 children
through school holiday
care.
Costs at Council’s six Daycare
Centres from Manly to
Narrabeen range from $121-
$136 per day for 0-2 years,
$111 to $126 for 2-3 years, to
$96-$116 for 3-5 years.
NB Council’s General
Manager Planning Place and
Community David Kerr said
Council was proud to offer
the highest quality, professional
care which consistently
exceeded quality standards
to be rated above other local
providers.
“At this time, our strategic
direction for our children’s
services is yet to be determined
by the elected Council,”
he said. “As the organisation
matures there will be
opportunities to discuss the
demands and needs of our
community with Council.”
Councillor McTaggart
explained: “The childcare environment
changed dramatically
over past 20 years – if
you look back to the 1980s
and 1990s, not many private
spaces offered long day care.
“Back then there may have
been 275 places, with Pittwater
Council contributing just
35 at Warriewood.
“Five years ago though there
were more than 1000 places
being offered privately.”
He said the decision to vacate
the childcare space came
as a reaction to the Federal
Government’s taking responsibility
for the affordability of
childcare via heavy subsidies
since the 1990s.
“Consequently Council
didn’t need to play that role,”
Councillor McTaggart said.
“That’s when the former Pittwater
Council questioned
why it was in the business,
especially when its contribution
was only a drop in the
ocean.
“And now, although it’s still
provided based on means
testing, there’s no way to
determine the most-needy,
which was a pillar of the former
Council-led provision of
the service.”
He said when looking at the
childcare facilities footprint
across the Northern Beaches
Council region, the question
remained as to why Council
6 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

ty of Care?
should remain in the childcare
business – although
children with special needs
was a motivator.
“Is there a need for more
placements in Pittwater Ward?
Perhaps there should be a
serious consideration around
special needs kids – private
providers are generally reluctant
to take on special needs
children, due to the extra
costs involved,” he said.
“This is an area where
Council should step up to the
plate, investing in an integrated
centre with a good balance
of staff to manage requirements.”
He added the comparatively
much smaller area of the former
Pittwater Council further
justified the dissolution of
Council-run childcare in 2013
– along with an important
realisation and shift in focus.
“We identified we were
underinvesting in youth
services – so that’s where we
reinvested, in things like the
Mona Vale Skate Park.”
Opened in 2016, he
said the park was conceived
with the input
of local youth, with an
inclusive ‘partnership’
methodology applied
right through the
process that instilled
a sense of ownership
among the area’s
youth.
Pittwater Council
also appointed a group of
youth consultants, who were
trained and inducted as casual
staff and met once a month
to provide guidance, ideas
and to help events for young
people. (Northern Beaches
Council has just reintroduced
a rebranded Youth Advisory
Group initiative.)
“The issues involved with
providing childcare are not
straightforward – they have a
level of complexity that must
be considered,” he continued.
Councillor McTaggart said
that while it appeared there
remained no great need to
have Council-run childcare
in Pittwater Ward, a look at
the working habits of locals
showed where Council perhaps
should be looking to
maintain or expand services.
“The new transport discussion
paper shows 43 per cent
of locals travel south and
out of the area for work. And
a portion of the 52 per cent
living and working in the NB
Council region travel to their
place of work outside of the
Pittwater Ward,” he said.
“It makes sense then to
look at places like Narrabeen
and suburbs on other traffic
corridors as venues – it would
add a level of convenience in
that working mums and dads
would be able to drop off and
collect their children as part
of their routines, and would
reduce the panic involved in
trying to make closing times
of local facilities should they
not have grandparents or a
support network handy.”
– Nigel Wall
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 7

Brown drops Palmy plot
News
he Big Chill’ meets ‘The
‘TBest Exotic Marigold
Hotel’ – that’s the way Aussie
acting icon Bryan Brown
describes his production
team’s new movie ‘Palm
Beach’ which commences
shooting on location around
the top end of the peninsula
in late May.
Brown’s actor partner
Rachel Ward will direct the
film, written by Joanna
Murray-Smith, which also
stars Sam Neill, Jacqueline
McKenzie, Greta Scacchi and
US actor Richard E. Grant
(Pulp Fiction).
Brown, who lived with his
family at Whale Beach for 11
years before moving away
two decades ago, revealed a
few plot secrets exclusively to
Pittwater Life.
“There are 11 characters,
including four couples and
three younger adults,” Brown
said. “Three of the men are
Sam, Richard and I – we used
to be in a band when we were
younger, along with Roxy, our
singer.
“The group had a minor hit,
which bonded them, but they
all went in different directions
– one stayed in music, one
got into art and one became a
journalist.
“Roxy died; she had a
daughter that they all looked
after her – and she arrives
with her new beau.”
SAND BETWEEN THEIR TOES: Four great Australian actors are about to hit Palm Beach.
Brown said the four-week
shoot would focus on a
house and locations in and
around Palm Beach, with a
further two weeks shooting
at locations including The
Basin, Barrenjoey Lighthouse,
Avalon and Rose Bay.
He added that although
he and Ward had been out
of the area for 20 years, he
observed that not too much
has changed.
“We still have our fibro
cottage, although I note
the garage Totally Tom’s at
Avalon (17 Old Barrenjoey
Rd) has gone… and there are
better coffee shops, and more
of them!
“Of course, money has come
into some places, whether
you agree with that or not,
but once you get around the
bends it’s the same beautiful
place it’s always been.
“The peninsula is such an
extraordinary place on its
own… it sets up so its beauty
can’t change.”
Brown said one of the most
exciting aspects of the project
had been the support from
locals in the lead-up to shooting.
“Any time we have
needed help, everyone has
been so enthusiastic and
accommodating… we’re
looking forward to telling a
Palm Beach story – we can’t
wait, it’s a ripper story to
tell!”
– Nigel Wall
8 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
Business unusual if parking scrapped
The man responsible for
teaching more than
50,000 local kids how
to surf at the Kiddies’ Corner
break at Palm Beach says
Northern Beaches Council
should rethink its decision to
take away up to 20 parking
places along the beachfront.
As reported previously in
Pittwater Life, Council intends
to push ahead with its boardwalk
rejuvenation along the
popular strip, with its plan to
reduce the amount of parking
taking both residents and visitors
by surprise.
Manly Surf School operator
Matt Grainger has a commercial
agreement with Council
to run his business at Palm
Beach. He currently parks his
equipment trailer along the
beachfront strip, which provides
easy access to the sand
for kids and adults carrying
his learner surfboards.
However, Mr Grainger is concerned
Council’s plan will have
a huge impact not just on his
ability to deliver a convenient
service, but also on safety and
the aesthetic of the area.
“No-one from Council has
contacted us about this – if it
goes ahead we will have to park
300 metres away from where
we used to park,” he said. “We
have over 50 surfboards. It is
going to be difficult for the
kids to walk the boards all the
way to the corner.”
Mr Grainger said he had
operated at Palm Beach since
1997, with his team responsible
for around 52,500 kids learning
to surf at the iconic beach.
“Kiddies Corner is special
because it has safe waves to
learn on,” he said. “It has safe
parking as well, as the kids exit
the car straight onto the beach
– if they change that I think it
is going to make the area more
unsafe as families will have to
walk further from the corner.
“Council should rethink
their plan, as it is unworkable
and goes against what the
local Palm Beach, Whale Beach
and Avalon folk want. And
less parking will create a huge
amount of problems for the
local community and people
visiting.
“At the moment the Kiddies
Corner parking configuration
works perfectly for all involved
within the community at large.
I can’t see why you would want
to change it.”
Kiddies Corner is the preferred
beach of Elanora couple
Shane and Kelly Casey and
their daughter Sienna, 10, and
son Isaac, 7, who opt to drive 10
kilometres to enjoy its privacy
and proximity to the sand.
Elanora’s Kelly Casey with kids and
friend (above); Manly Surf School
instructor Shane Conwell (right).
“It is a great, safe spot for the
kids to swim and surf and has
so much to offer for the family
with nearby cafes,” said Shane.
“We always try to park by the
beach for its easy access without
having to cross roads with
the kids – it’s very convenient
and we have never felt unsafe.”
Shane said the family would
be disappointed if Council removed
parking along the strip.
“I agree they should rethink
it as it will increase pressure
10 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

on parking, which may make
us reconsider visiting if unable
to park so close to the beach,”
he said. “I’m sure many other
families feel the same way.
“It would be nice to see council
consider alternate options
to maintain this as a great family
destination.”
Council’s design process for
the site will commence later
this year. – Nigel Wall
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 11

News
Council’s 20-year transport strategy
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael
Regan says he’s open to extending
the popular Council-funded ‘Hop,
Skip & Jump’ bus that currently operates
in Manly to other regions across the peninsula
– but only if the NSW Government
were to put its hand in its pocket to fund
the broader service.
Mayor Regan said initiatives including
the successful hyper-local bus service,
plus the NSW Government’s on-demand
transport trial, needed to be considered
as a way of easing traffic on the beaches.
He was commenting while releasing
Move: Northern Beaches Transport Discussion
Paper – a 20-year strategy, with
10-year formulation, aimed at stimulating
community input to help drive
tangible solutions by 2038.
Mayor Regan said traffic congestion
was crippling the Northern Beaches,
with the biggest challenge its residents’
dependency on cars.
“Public transport usage is below other
parts of Sydney, despite buses and now
the B-Line,” he said. “In 2016, 18 per
cent of our residents used public transport
to commute to work, while private
vehicle usage (as driver and passenger)
was 60 per cent.
“However, this is low compared to
GRIDLOCK: Council says increased traffic
congestion is crippling the Northern Beaches.
Greater Sydney where 23 per cent commuted
via public transport and 58 per
cent by private vehicle.”
He added more than half Northern
Beaches households had more than two
motor vehicles and three out of five local
residents used a car to get to work.
“Traffic will only get worse unless we
improve public and active transport options
and links, so the community has a
reason to get out of their cars,” he said.
“The purpose of this discussion paper
is to spark conversation and gather ideas
to feed into a transport strategy and
related transport plans in support of
our advocacy to the NSW Government
and transport providers to improve our
transport network.
“Northern Beaches Council is now in a
unique position – our size and strategic
capacity make us a capable advocate,
and partner with, the NSW Government
agencies and transport providers. We are
a strong voice for our community and can
influence transport outcomes for our area.
“The transport strategy will set the
framework and directions to strengthen
these relationships and ensure Council has
a seat at the table when important regional
transport decisions are being made.”
Mayor Regan said there were opportunities
to better integrate future growth
and transport corridors.
“Future land release areas at Ingleside
and Warriewood Valley provide the opportunity
to plan sustainable, connected,
vibrant and attractive communities,”
he said.
“The successful development of these
communities is also dependent on State
Government and Council infrastructure
to deliver public transport, new supportive
technology, road upgrades and active
travel options.”
– Nigel Wall
* You can read the Transport Discussion
Paper on the Council’s website.
12 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Urgent Care
boost for
Mona Vale
News
Fears that Mona Vale
Hospital will not be
equipped to treat urgent
medical cases when the New
Northern Beaches Hospital
opens later this year have
been quashed with the announcement
that construction
works on a new Urgent
Care Centre providing
treatment 24 hours a day will
commence soon.
Delivering the news and
fronting the campaign to educate
locals about the role of
the new Mona Vale Hospital
Urgent Care Centre (UCC) is
the familiar face of the hospital’s
Director of Emergency
Medicine, Dr Andy Ratchford.
Dr Ratchford explained the
UCC would be located within
the footprint of the current
Emergency Department and
would begin operating when
acute services were moved
to the new Northern Beaches
Hospital in Frenchs Forest
when it opened in October.
He said staff at the UCC
would provide treatment for
minor injuries and illnesses
24 hours a day, seven days a
week.
“Medical and nursing
staff at Mona Vale Hospital’s
Urgent Care Centre will offer
a convenient walk-in service,
treating minor fractures,
cuts and burns and medical
conditions such as mild
asthma and chest infections,”
Dr Ratchford said.
The UCC will be supported
by X-ray facilities to assist
with the management of
FACES OF COMMUNITY EDUCATION CAMPAIGN: Dr Andy Ratchford with
Emergency Department nursing staff Michelle Link and Ellie-Rose Williams.
minor fractures and dislocations,
plus pharmacy and
pathology services.
“The Mona Vale Hospital
Urgent Care Centre will cover
the gap in services between
general practice and emergency
departments by providing
treatment not always offered
by GPs and especially after
hours, including fracture
management, plastering and
suturing,” Dr Ratchford added.
“Patients with more
14 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

serious or life-threatening
conditions should call triple
zero (000) or present to the
new 50 space Emergency
Department at Northern
Beaches Hospital when it
opens. It will treat patients
with conditions requiring
more complex treatment and
emergency care.”
Avalon GP John Eccles
welcomed the announcement,
noting the plan for the
Urgent Care Centre at Mona
Vale Hospital had long been a
key feature of the redevelopment
of health services on
the Northern Beaches.
Allaying some concerns
that residents needing emergency
care would be disadvantaged
when acute services
were shifted from Mona Vale
Hospital, Dr Eccles said it
wouldn’t “change anything”
as the majority of northern
beaches patients with more
serious conditions requiring
ambulance transfer to hospital
were currently not treated
locally.
In the event of a heart
attack for example, ambulances
have for some time
bypassed Mona Vale Hospital
for Royal North Shore
Hospital, where higher-level
emergency medical services
were available.
“The fact is the bigger
hospitals have all the specialists
in the building – smaller
hospitals have to call them
in,” Dr Eccles said.
“It is great for the area
that there will be a betterdesigned
facility for trauma
and urgent care at Mona Vale
and also a new larger hospital
that’s nearer than ‘North
Shore’ that will have the specialist
medical units on site
for more complex cases.”
As part of the planning for
the Mona Vale Hospital Urgent
Care Centre, clinicians
examined similar facilities
across the state, including
the Wauchope District
Memorial Hospital’s Urgent
Care Centre on the mid-north
coast.
“It was really helpful to
speak with the doctors and
nurses about the model of
care and day-to-day operation
of the Wauchope centre, as we
prepare to provide a similar
service later this year,” Dr
Ratchford said.
The Mona Vale Hospital
UCC will be sited adjacent to
a specialist 10-bed Short Stay
Unit designed to accommodate
patients that may require
extended medical observation
before being admitted or
discharged.
And with a helipad and a
new onsite ambulance facility
in the wings, the Mona
Vale Urgent Care Centre will
have the capacity to transfer
patients for more specialised
care if necessary.
The new high-level Northern
Beaches Hospital will
officially open its doors to
patients on October 30, with
a state-of-the-art Emergency
Department, critical care
services including intensive
care, 14 operating theatres,
two cardiac catheter labs and
procedural rooms.
The nine-storey building,
which has its own helipad
for emergency transport, will
house nearly 500 beds and
provide medical, surgical and
mental health services and
maternity, paediatrics, renal
and cancer care specialties,
to name a few.
– Lisa Offord
Always call triple zero (000)
for an ambulance if someone
is seriously injured or in
need of urgent medical help.
From October Mona Vale
Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre
will manage all patients who
self-present and ambulances
will transport patients in
need of high-level care directly
to the new NB Hospital.
Attend UCC at MV for:
Minor fractures or injuries,
minor illnesses including
infections and rashes, mild
asthma or chest infection,
minor burns or scalds, minor
cuts needing stitching or
glue, minor sports injuries
including sprains and
strains, wound review, minor
head injury, bites or stings,
mild stomach pain, migraine,
skin infections.
Attend ED at NBH for:
Heart attack or chest pain,
serious head or neck injury,
unable to breath, stroke,
experiencing a seizure, motor
vehicle accidents, heavy
bleeding, severe burns,
severe stomach pain, serious
mental health issues, pregnancy
complications, serious
allergic reactions.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 15

Falinski urges development freeze
Mackellar MP Jason Falinski
is calling for the shelving
of large-scale development
approvals across the Northern
Beaches Council region until
major infrastructure and transport
projects – both current
and scheduled – are completed
over the next few years.
“There has been a lot of
discussion recently about overdevelopment
and the lack of
infrastructure on the Northern
Beaches,” Mr Falinski said.
“Most recently, Northern
Beaches Council under Mayor
Michael Regan, as well as the
previous administrator Dick
Persson, have approved more
and more apartments and
boarding houses – Dee Why is a
prime example.
“Now is the time we need to
plan and build the infrastructure
and transport that the
Peninsula needs – not scrapping
plans.
“Previous Governments, especially
under Bob Carr, forced
councils in our area to prepare
for an extra 100,000 people,
SPEAKING OUT: Jason Falinski (right) opening the new Pittwater
Day Surgery with State MP Rob Stokes and Dr Frank Elsworth.
while closing two schools and a
TAFE. Being Labor, it goes without
saying they did not propose
to spend a single dollar on
transport and infrastructure.
“If you think the Labor Party
of today has changed, think
again – Luke Foley has vowed to
scrap the Beaches Tunnel, stating
that ‘the needs... of Western
Sydney must come before those
of 300,000 Northern Beaches
residents’.”
Mr Falinski said the Northern
Beaches area contained three
of the most congested roads in
Australia – Warringah Road, for
example, had been rated by an
Infrastructure Australia report
as the third worst road in the
country.
“Billions of dollars of Federal
Government support has been
provided to the NSW Government
to build a plethora of
badly needed infrastructure,”
he continued.
“From the $100 million spent
on Mona Vale Hospital, to the
billion-dollar Northern Beaches
Hospital. The B-Line – which
was opposed by Labor and at a
local level by its former premier
Barry Unsworth… Warringah
Road and the Mona Vale Road
widening which is scheduled to
commence shortly. All of these
projects when completed will
make a difference.”
He added that for too long
the Northern Beaches had been
used as a “dumping ground”
by previous Governments and
unelected bureaucrats.
“I implore Northern Beaches
Council to put further development
on hold until these projects
are completed,” he said.
“I will not stop advocating
for the Northern Beaches
and construction of major
infrastructure and transport
projects before development.”
Mr Falinski said he would
talk more on the issue following
the delivery of the Federal
Budget on May 8. – Nigel Wall
16 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

6THINGS
THIS MONTH
News
International food market.
Head to Mona Vale Village
Park from 5-10pm on May
11 for the inaugural Aussie
Night Markets featuring a wide
variety of scrumptious-looking
street food and retail stalls. In
a reinvigoration of Mona Vale,
they’re booked in to return on the
second Friday of each month!
New Skate Park. The
Terrey Hills skate park will be
officially opened on Sat 12 with
giveaways, food, skate and
scooter coaching, live music and
art from 1-4pm. Free!
Wipe library fees. Libraries
will waive your library fees in
exchange for in-date canned
goods from Mon 14 to Fri 25.
One can will see $1 struck off
your overdue fees! Cans will be
distributed by Street Mission
to disadvantaged people in the
community.
Darts showdown. The Sydney
Darts Beaches Challenge is
coming to Narrabeen RSL on Sat
19 from 7-11pm. This exhibition
darts match will be played
out on stage with top players
from Sydney battling alongside
the star guest pro player and
Aussie World Cup star, Kyle ‘The
Original’ Anderson. Tickets and
more info through Eventbrite.
Have a ball. Save the date Sat
2 June and buy tickets for the
Northern Beaches Women’s
Shelter Gala Dinner at Manly
Pavilion. Theme is the 1920s
and the evening promises to
be one filled with glamour, fine
food and wine and auctions
raising money to support
services that struggling women
need to survive. More info
manlywomensshelter.org.au
Local Aborginal history.
Meet and listen as descendants
of the Garigal Clan talk of their
history. What is the history
of the local Clan? Who were
they? What evidence is there of
Aboriginal people in this area?
The evening on May 28 is hosted
by Friends Of Narrabeen Lagoon
Catchment as one of their
quarterly informative forums at
the Coastal Enivronment Centre.
Bookings: Judith 9905 2135 or
email@narrabeenlagoon.org.au.
18 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Pasadena: It’s
protagonists
at 10 paces!
News
The owner of Pasadena at
Church Point – subject of
a controversial ‘tug-ofwar’
with Northern Beaches
Council over its proposed
compulsory acquisition – has
reached out to local Councillors
to “correct misinformation”
relating to works on the
waterfront lot which he expects
to reopen in mid-May.
At the same time, the legal
team for the West Pittwater Association
has outlined why the
works should be deemed illegal.
And Council has launched a
dedicated Pasadena page on its
website to deliver ratepayers its
position.
Also, Council appears to
accept it has not entered into
formal negotiations to buy the
site, recently posting: “We have
now engaged acquisition specialists
and valuers to progress
the acquisition process and will
soon be commencing formal
negotiations with the owner
which will occur over a period
of at least 6 months.”
Plans for the 160-seat restaurant
and 10-room boutique
accommodation have polarised
opinion of locals.
Pasadena was purchased at
auction by the company Altius
Pty Ltd in 2012. Following the
rejection of several DAs since
2012, in September last year
Altius was issued a construction
certificate based on 1961
development consent.
Pittwater Life understands Altius
director Paul Peterkin has
emailed councillors saying that
before the site’s Construction
Certificate was issued, Altius
met with the interim Council
in January last year to explain
what works would be carried
out – and that Council had not
objected.
Mr Peterkin says Council only
started to question the validity
of the construction certificate,
which was based on 1960s
consent, in March.
Last month Pittwater Life
reported that Council had engaged
a specialist legal team to
assist the process, following the
expiry of the compulsory sixmonth
negotiations timeframe.
However, Mr Peterkin alleges
Council has not made a genuine
attempt to facilitate acquisition
negotiations because it had
failed to obtain or present a
valuation to Altius. Further, if
such a valuation were obtained
this month (May), Mr Peterkin
suggests the earliest Council
CENTRE OF ATTENTION: Pasadena at Church Point could open this month.
could issue an acquisition notice
would be November 2018.
Opponents point out that in
December 2016, the current
proposal was submitted as a
DA, reviewed by an Independent
Review Panel and refused.
The 1963 assertion was denied
on grounds of public interest
and lack of parking.
However, Mr Peterkin asserts
long-standing car parking issues
at Church Point have not
been brought about because
of the uncertainty surrounding
Pasadena. He believes that
meeting the private needs of
the offshore community should
not come at the expense of the
broader community.
Meanwhile, recent work on
Pasadena should be deemed
‘illegal’ on two accounts, according
to a Senior Counsel
acting for the three Pittwater
residents’ groups (West Pittwater
Community Association,
Scotland Island Residents’
Association and Church Point
Friends), calling into question
the validity of the privately issued
construction certificate.
West Pittwater Community
Association Vice President
Nicholas Cowdrey said: “It is a
travesty that these works are
continuing under the pretext
of a complying approval dating
back to 1963. Notwithstanding
legal advice that the approval
was superseded the same year
and the ‘existing use’ rights
abandoned in 2008.”
Mr Cowdrey said the Senior
Counsel’s advice concluded that
the existing use (motel/guest
house, etc plus restaurant and
shops) had been abandoned
(since 2008) and could not be
relied upon by the developer.
So, any work or operation directed
towards such uses was
prohibited under the EPA Act,
he said.
Council’s website further
states: “... we have engaged
acquisition specialists and valuers
to progress the acquisition
process and have no plans to
change course.” – Nigel Wall
20 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Satellite Uni campus plan
Northern Beaches Council’s administration
offices at Vuko Place
in Warriewood could be transformed
into a vibrant satellite university
campus under a bold plan spearheaded
by Mayor Michael Regan.
Mayor Regan told Pittwater Life that
Council was actively looking to get “skin
in the game”, inviting expressions of interest
from the higher education industry
to access and potentially
repurpose the former
Pittwater Council offices
at Warriewood as well
as other Council-owned
buildings such as the
Seaforth Village Community
Centre, Dee Why
Library and Civic Centre.
“The three former
Councils made efforts
to secure a university
but now with one
Council for the Northern
Beaches, there is an opportunity
to make this
idea a reality,” Mayor
Regan said.
“It’s something that
will benefit the whole
of the Northern Beaches
– ultimately the more
students we can keep in the area, the
better it will be for the economy.
“It will keep cars off the road and it will
keep people living and spending locally.
“We’re looking at anyone who wants a
presence; we have buildings that would
serve as the perfect sites.”
Mayor Regan added he believed a
satellite campus was the obvious entry
point for a tertiary provider on the
Northern Beaches, but added the opportunities
thereafter were endless.
“Who knows what might happen from
overseas?”
Mayor Regan said Council understood
the NSW Department of Planning & Environment
was exploring the potential
of locating a university campus near the
new Northern Beaches Hospital, as part
of the Frenchs Forest ‘Planned Precinct’.
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION: How the Council Chambers at Warriewood may look as a Uni.
“With the new Frenchs Forest Hospital
coming on line soon, such a campus
could potentially support medical sciences,
nursing and medicine, amongst
other disciplines.
“However, this may be several years
away and in the meantime it may be feasible
to create a satellite campus of an
existing university for them to establish
a presence on the Beaches.”
Vuko Place in Warriewood, with its
proximity to the B-Line, is ideally located
to attract local students currently
travelling more than four hours a day to
institutions such as Macquarie University,
the University of Western Sydney,
the University of Sydney, UTS and the
University of NSW.
Avalon resident Elisa Flanet, who
has just started a degree in nursing at
Sydney University, said
she would consider
changing institutions if
her chosen course was
offered at a university
closer to home, or on a
satellite campus.
The 18-year-old attends
university three
days a week, often starting
at 9am and finishing
at 6pm before commencing
the long trek home.
“My commute from
home is usually two and
a half hours, meaning
I often have to get up
at 5:30am and don’t get
back until 8:30pm,” Elisa
said. “Having a university
campus based on
the northern beaches
would cut five hours of travel out of my
day, which I could use productively to
complete uni work and assignments.
“If Nursing was offered at a university
closer to home I would definitely consider
changing institutions as it would
just give me so much more time and I
believe the same case applies to many
university students situated on the
Northern Beaches.” – Nigel Wall
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 21

News
SEEN…
It’s been a few years in the
making – and largely due
to hounding of the State
Government by stakeholders
and Mackellar MP Jason
Falinski – but the Academy
of Sport and Recreation at
Narrabeen has unveiled
its new $1.2 million track,
grandstand and amenities
makeover. Sydney Pacific
Athletic Club (SPAC) lobbied
the government to resurface
the track after it deteriorated
to the point of being unsafe
for use by the tens of
thousands of local and out-ofarea
athletes, including more
than 90 school groups, who
used it each year. MP Falinski
started a petition which
garnered 1000 signatures in support of the repair, prompting action
from NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres. SPAC President Robert
McEntyre said users were grateful for the concerted efforts of the
local community in bringing awareness to the issue.
HEARD…
Last month we reported hearing that Council was looking to kick off its new place planning
processes, with Avalon first cab off the rank. Also the concern a report compiled by the Chamber
of Commerce, Surf Life Saving Club, residents and community groups and tabled with the former
Pittwater Council in 2015 would not be used to help shape the new vision. Potential crisis averted!
Peter Maymans from the Avalon Preservation Society tells us they have had reassurance from
Council that the place plan will commence soon – “and will involve full community consultation
and embrace the Avalon Vision project that we led and participated in”.
ABSURD…
Someone at Northern Beaches Council obviously didn’t think this one through: proposing to
replace the grass along the Bilgola Beach foreshore, between the car park and sand, with… astro
turf! This from a Council that prides itself on its approach to minimising plastic use! Did they
consider microbeads and the ocean just metres away? Obviously not. But credit to Council: as
soon as a wave of incredulity spread across the local community the proposed astro turf was
ditched from the Council website’s artist’s impression image and grass reinstated. (Nothing more
to see people! Move along!)
22 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
Pittwater News
New focus for
Pittwater Forever
Pittwater Forever, the umbrella
group for 12 prominent
community-based organisations
representing residents
across Pittwater, has a new
name – Pittwater Community
Alliance (PCA) – and a new
strategic direction. Chairman
Craig Boaden said his
group had taken stock of the
environment, reviewed their
strategic plans and refocused
their energies following the
local government election last
September. “The new Pittwater
Community Alliance is
determined to work constructively
with others, including
the Northern Beaches Council,
for the benefit of all Pittwater
residents,” he said. “We will
be talking to Northern Beaches
Council and to the NSW
government on a regular basis
to actively ensure our goals
are achieved. The Alliance
will also be alert to the wide
range of opportunities for
improving local government
on the Northern Beaches.”
PCA’s mission statement can
be found at pittwaterforever.
wordpress.com/
Protect Pittwater
community forum
Local community group
Protect Pittwater are holding
a community forum on
Thursday May 3 at Pittwater
RSL. The subject is ‘Where
Are We Now’ – a look at the
performance of the Northern
Beaches Council and discussion
on the status of the
group’s objective to break
away from the amalgamated
Get ready to marvel at whales up close
W
ith whales already sighted off our coast Fantasea are gearing up
for a massive season of whale-watching out of their Palm Beach
base. Their 3-hour Sunday cruises aboard their 23-metre catamaran
coincide with the annual Humpback whale migration North to warmer
waters. It makes a great school holiday activity – listen to their expert
host educate all onboard about these fascinating creatures; and
enjoy wildlife photo opportunities and the chance to see these majestic
animals up close. Plus, you’ll get to visit the local seal colony at
Barrenjoey headland on your return to the wharf. Complimentary tea
and coffee is offered onboard and snacks are available for purchase.
Northern Migration Cruise dates are 17th and 24th June and 1st and
8th July. Southern Migration Cruises on 30th September and 7th and
14th October. More info and bookings fantasea.com.au
Council and revert to Pittwater
governance. Speakers
include former councillor Bob
Grace, Labor’s local government
spokesman Peter Primrose
and the Greens’ David
Shoebridge; 7-9pm.
Beaches fundraisers
dance up a storm
The second annual Stars of
the Beaches dance gala at
Miramare Gardens, Terrey
Hills, raised nearly $50,000
for Cancer Council NSW last
month. Twelve local business
people, community leaders
and cancer survivors paired
with local dance instructors
to deliver a routine in
a selected genre. ‘Judges’
Choice’ was awarded to Active
Networks’ Editor-In-Chief Kate
Hutchinson for her throwback
hip-hop routine which
included high fives from the
crowd and confetti cannons.
‘People’s Choice’ was awarded
to grandmother and company
director Ann Doughan who
danced a “spicy samba number”
and was top fundraiser
with $6,674.
Writer’s Festival talk
Sydney Morning Herald Young
Novelist of the Year Jennifer
Down will give a talk at Glen
Street Theatre on Sunday 6
May as part of this year’s Sydney
Writers’ Festival. Jennifer’s
first novel ‘Our Magic Hour’
was shortlisted for the NSW
Premier’s Award for New Writing
and highly commended in
the 2017 Victorian Premier’s
Literary Awards. Join her as
she discusses her new book,
‘Pulse Points’, a wrenching collection
of short stories, in precise
and beautiful prose that
explore the lives of mourners,
survivors and perpetrators in
small dusty towns, glittering
exotic cities and slow, droll
suburbs. Starts 2pm, cost $15;
more info glenstreet.com.au or
9975 1455.
Walk to beat
bladder cancer
Family and friends of local
mum of two and nutrition-
24 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

ist Anna Lynch, who lost her
battle with bladder cancer
less than 12 months ago, are
continuing her mission to
create greater awareness of
the disease. The inaugural
‘Anna’s Walk’ will be held on
Sunday May 27 to remember
Anna’s grace, beauty, positivity
and determination and
raise money to fund BEAT
Bladder Cancer Australia Inc,
a new group formed to help
educate the community and
promote awareness, support,
treatment and research. The
3.75km walk from North
Narrabeen Rock Pool to Mona
Vale Surf Club will start at
3pm and will take about an
hour. To register for the walk
and for more info, or to donate,
go to annaswalk.org.au
Seniors gain
Airbnb incentive
New social connections and
additional income are among
the benefits waiting for
seniors across the State as the
NSW Government partners
with home sharing platform
Airbnb. In an Australian-first
pilot program lasting six
months, NSW Seniors Card
holders will receive a $100
cash reward when they sign
up as an Airbnb host and successfully
complete their first
booking of three nights or
more. More info seniorscard.
nsw.gov.au.
Points of interest
for Probus in May
The culture and scenery of
Bhutan will be the topic of a
talk by Pittwater Probus Club
member Ken Plumb at their
next meeting at Mona Vale
Golf Club on May 8. Ken will
speak on his extensive travels
to the little-known country
which is nestled in the foothills
of the Himalaya Mountains.
The meeting’s ‘5-minute
speaker’ is Colin Sutton who
will detail his life’s work with
medical implant devices and
their evolution and use. Meeting
commences 10am; all welcome.
Meanwhile ‘Memories
of a childhood in Scotland
during WWII’ is the subject
of speaker Jean Middlemost
at the May meeting of Palm
Beach Probus at Club Palm
Beach from 9.30am on May 16.
More info 9973 1247. And Avalon
Beach Ladies Probus welcomes
Lucilla Ronai, the Paper
Conservator at the Australian
National Maritime Museum,
as its speaker at their meeting
at Club Palm Beach on May 1.
Meeting commences 10am;
more info 0416 182 393.
Mona Vale Road
East work warning
Motorists being advised of
continuing work on the new
Mona Vale Road East upgrade
between Ingleside and Mona
Vale, involving further survey
and investigation work, as
well as geotechnical and
utility investigation. The
work from 7am to 6pm on
weekdays, excluding public
holidays, is expected to be
completed by the end of May,
weather permitting. RMS
says that to reduce impact on
motorists and for the safety
of workers, there may also
be occasional night work on
weeknights between 6pm and
Continued on page 26
Tram Number 1753 back on track
It’s been a long and
colourful journey for
1930s-era Tram ‘Number
1753’ which has been
rebirthed and now sits
proudly on iron tracks
beside busy Pittwater
Road in Narrabeen
as the drawcard for
the Tramshed Arts &
Community Centre.
Northern Beaches Mayor
Michael Regan said the
former Warringah Council
paid $3,000 for the tram
in 2014, having found its
dilapidated shell in the
Sydney Tramway Museum in
Glebe. He said it was decided
to resurrect the old tram
and incorporate it into the
Tramshed Arts & Community
Centre for the delight of the
community and visitors. “Trams ran along Pittwater Road
from Manly to Narrabeen from 1913 to 1939 – the old Number
1753, R-class tram, formerly trundled between North Sydney
and The Spit Bridge, transporting countless passengers from
1933 until it rattled to a halt finally in June 1958,” Mayor
Regan said. “Number 1753 was then sold off in 1959 for the
princely sum of £60, to an apple orchardist from Bilpin – to be
used for sleeping accommodation.” After purchase, Council’s
trades staff teamed with volunteer members of The Forest
Community Men’s Shed and set to work restoring Tram
1753 to its former glory. “The Men’s Shed members worked
tirelessly on the tram’s restoration for 12 months. Council
staff undertook contaminant removal, the electrical works
and exterior painting, amongst other things. Between them,
they’ve all done a terrific job of restoring the tram. It looks
just great.” The Community Centre is also undergoing a major
refurbishment and will soon be open to the community for
a wide range of arts, leisure, health and fitness activities –
and includes a café, outside which the tram now sits. The old
tram’s authentic two-tone green-and-cream exterior paintwork
and its timber-panelled interior have been faithfully restored
– complete with 1950s adverts plugging ‘PK’ chewing gum and
reminders to passengers to renew their TV Licences at a cost
of ‘£5 per year’. “Tram 1753 is both a delightful reminder of a
by-gone era and of the need for public transport to play a vital
part in addressing tomorrow’s transport needs, too. A must to
visit,” said Mayor Regan.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 25

News
Pittwater News
Recognising Aboriginal history and survival
striking new piece of interpretive signage
that honours thousands of years
A
of Aboriginal history and cultural diversity
has been unveiled at Mona Vale Library, an
installation Northern Beaches Mayor Michael
Regan says marks a positive step towards
acknowledging local Aboriginal heritage.
“Monuments and signs celebrating European
history dominate the local landscape.
This new educational sign acknowledges
the Aboriginal people who have lived here
for thousands of years,” Mayor Regan said.
The brightly coloured 600 x 450mm display
acknowledges the Aboriginal clans belonging
to the Northern Beaches, including the
Garigal, Cannalgal and Kay-ye-my peoples,
and references tens-of-thousands of years
of Aboriginal history and
continuing heritage. The
incorporated artwork features
both contemporary
and historical design elements,
including a vibrant
and colourful painting by
contemporary local Aboriginal
artist Jessica Birk.
The artwork combines
traditional ‘dot painting’
and Western techniques, positioned together
on a surf-board motif in a gesture to today’s
Northern Beaches lifestyle. Ms Birk’s painting
sits alongside an interesting account of
the life of the Aboriginal man Bungaree,
a prominent regional in
the early 1800s. The sign
was designed under the
guidance of the Budawa
Aboriginal Signage Group,
which obtained a $2,000
grant under the Northern
Beaches Council’s Community
Building Partnership
Program to undertake the
initiative.
Photo Credit: KAREN WATSON
Continued from page 25
7am. For the safety of motorists,
cyclists and workers,
lane closures and on-road cycling
detours may be in place
during parts of the work. For
the latest traffic updates you
can download the Live Traffic
NSW App, visit livetraffic.com
or call 132 701.
Dredge fund
Govt assistance
The State Government is
encouraging local coastal
councils to apply for a share
of $1.5 million in government
funding for essential dredging
projects. The funding will
allow coastal councils to apply
for up to 50 per cent of the
cost of dredging operations
and pre-dredging studies for
their local waterways. It’s the
latest round of the Government’s
Rescuing Our Waterways
program offering $6
million over four years to help
councils with dredging costs,
ensuring continued enjoyment
of coastal foreshores for com-
26 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

mercial and recreational users.
Just last month Northern
Beaches Council triggered an
emergency response to flooding
by Narrabeen Lake which
saw council staff clear sand
and create a channel between
the ocean and the lagoon.
Sport clubs awarded
defibrillator grants
Eight local sporting clubs
have been allocated Automatic
External Defibrillators (AEDs)
as part of the NSW Government’s
$4 million Local Sport
Defibrillation Program. Avalon
Beach Bowling and Recreation
Club, Mona Vale Bowling Club,
Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club,
North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving
Club, Palm Beach Surf Life
Saving Club, Pittwater Aquatic
Club, South Narrabeen Surf
Life Saving Club and Whale
Beach Surf Life Saving Club
are amongst 430 successful
applicants across NSW who
will receive up to 50 per cent
of the defibrillator cost, training
and maintenance. Local
MP Rob Stokes said early access
to CPR and defibrillation
could influence cardiac arrest
survival rates by up to 75
percent. “Pittwater is a sporting
paradise and I’m delighted
several local clubs have been
awarded funding,” Mr Stokes
said. “The club members
responsible for these applications
should be commended
for their efforts in helping
increase their club’s capacity
to provide life-saving intervention,
not only for fellow club
members – but also the wider
community.”
Mateship shines
in Nullabor drama
In an outstanding display
of good sportsmanship and
Aussie mateship, Jeff Nesbitt,
Ashley Cardiff and son Blake,
while towing Avalon Beach
SLSC’s surfboats to the Australian
SLSA Titles in Perth,
turned back after crossing
the Nullabor Plains to help
out opposition surfboat
competitors from Warrie-
Continued on page 28
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 27

Pittwater News
News
Make a positive change
Want to volunteer but not sure where to start? Then a
visit to the Northern Beaches Volunteer Expo is a must.
Now in it’s the ninth year, the expo at Dee Why RSL brings
together more than 30 organisations showcasing a variety of
volunteer roles.
Northern Beaches Community Connect Volunteer Recruitment
Program Coordinator Vesna Perisic said every year
around 300 people attend the expo to learn first-hand more
about the range of volunteer opportunities available.
Some of the organisations involved include Dial a Mum,
Artibility, Wires, Sailability and Home Library Services.
“This year a special feature of the expo will be a celebration
of volunteers and their pets with a display of beautiful
photographs by Jeff Dawson and accompanying stories by
local journalist Susan Milne,” Vesna said.
“The display will showcase volunteers and their devoted
furry friends, some of them with their own “volunteer”
roles, such as those that visit residents of nursing homes or
act as companion animals to those with special needs.”
The Volunteer Expo will be held in the showroom at Dee
Why RSL on Wednesday May 23 from 10am-2pm with free
tea and coffee available.
The expo is part of our areas celebration of National Volunteer
Week (May 21-27) an annual event acknowledging the
contribution of the six million Australians who volunteer
their time.This year’s theme is Give a little. Change a lot.
See this month’s Life Story on pages 30-31 to see the farreaching
impact one man’s decision to volunteer has had…
the benefits of volunteering work both ways. – Lisa Offord
Continued from page 27
wood SLSC who had broken
down in the middle of the
Nullabor – a round trip of an
extra 200km for the Avalon
boys. After Warriewood broke
down exactly half way across,
they drove back 100km to
pick them up plus their boat
and drove 100km back to
Eucla. We hear in the morning
a tow truck driver drove
the Warriewood crew back to
their car, then continued east
back to Ceduna where the car
was left for repairs. Meantime
they bought another car
and drove back across the
Nullarbor to pick up their
boat. Considering this was
their sixth straight day of
driving, it was a pretty good
effort all round!
Creative Film
Festival wows
The 5th Northern Beaches
Creative Creatures Film Festival
at Avalon Beach Bowling Club
on April 8 was a resounding
success, with an estimated
1500-strong
crowd (right) enjoying
22 short films made
by locals and out-ofarea
entrants. Judge
Rebel Penfold-Russell
said Euan Harris’
Gold Willbe winning
entry (Under-16 category)
‘The Parable
of Kurt and Vince’
showed heart and that the
film maker “has what it takes
to further his career in film
making”. Remarkably, the Gold
Willbe winner in the over-16
years category, Jackson Baker,
wrote, directed and created his
own music score for his film
‘Revive’. Festival founder Katy
Young said other notable films
included ‘Uber Driver’ by Milo
Cullen Blakey (Silver Willbe –
Under-16); and ‘The Applicant’
by Niall Connan Jackson (Silver
Willbe – Over-16). Director
Stephan Elliott made special
mention of Bronze Willbe winner
‘Flying High’ by Luke and
Max Bibby. The afternoon/even-
28 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

ing raised $1,300 for Lifeline
Northern Beaches. All winning
films together with the winners
of the People’s Choice Awards
can be found at creativecreaturesfilmfestival.com.au
Rotary Golf Day
The Rotary Club of Upper
Northern Beaches is inviting
men and women to sign up
for their third annual Charity
Golf Day at Bayview Golf Club
on Friday 18 May, with proceeds
going to the charitable
projects of the Rotary club.
“Golf experience is entirely
optional,” said club President
Tamara Sloper-Harding.
“The event will appeal to
the golfing enthusiast as
well as the casual player.
We’re planning a great day
out for everyone. “The 18-
hole event will follow the
popular 4-ball Ambrose
format, in which each player
can participate regardless
of skill level. The day begins
with golf registration and
a light breakfast at 7:30am
followed by a shotgun start at
8:30am. The event wraps up
with a hearty BBQ lunch
at 1:30pm. Players can register
as individuals or as
foursomes. The full breakfast-golf-and-lunch
package
costs $160. Or you can
register for just golf for $100
or just lunch for $65. Sponsorship
packages are available
for the event. Golf Day
proceeds will go to Lifeline
Northern Beaches, Be Centre
and other projects of Upper
Northern Beaches Rotary.
More info rotaryuppernorthernbeaches.org
Delayed swims a
wave of success
Conditions were perfect for
the second Newport to Avalon
‘Round The Bends’ swim and
the 26th annual Avalon Beach
Surf Swim on April 8. This
year’s delayed staging boasted
a combined 378 competitors
who enjoyed light winds,
smooth seas, warm water, and
a sunny 29-degree day. Organisers
report the oldest competitor
in the 2.5-kilometere
‘Round the Bend’s swim was
an “88-year-young” man, while
81-year-old Virginia Head of
Avalon Beach SLSC also completed
the swim. Avalon Beach
SLSC provided plenty of water
safety, supported by IRBs from
Newport and Whale Beach
and three Marine Rescue
vessels, while SLS volunteers
acted as observers on North
Bilgola. ‘Round the Bends’ line
honours went to Carl Sorenson
(13-15 years) who came first,
Ashley Brown (40-49 years)
second and Chris Wilson (20-
29 years) third.
Vet
on
call
with
Dr Ben Brown
Australians love their cats,
and more households are
getting cats each year. But,
compared to dogs, cats still
aren’t getting the care they
need and deserve. Regular
veterinary care is the best way
to keep your cat healthy and
happy. There are almost 4
million pet cats in Australia, but
they are less likely to receive
regular health checks than
dogs. In 2016, approximately
80 per cent of dogs were
examined by a vet at least
once, but this was the case for
only 65 per cent of cats.
Many feline veterinary
specialists recommend a
minimum of one annual
wellness examination for
cats, with more frequent
examinations for senior and
geriatric patients, or those cats
with medical or behavioural
conditions. Cats are masters
at hiding illness and injury and
their more sedentary nature,
compared to dogs, means that
signs of disease may be harder
to detect. Cats are also very
susceptible to kidney disease
because their kidneys contain
less nephrons, the functional
tissue of the kidney, than other
species. They are also adapted
to living in the desert and
conserving water by producing
highly concentrated urine,
this can make them more
susceptible to acute kidney
failure related to ingestion
of toxins. Cats are also very
susceptible to a special type
of dental disease called feline
odontoclastic resorptive
lesions, which causes painful
cavities in their teeth.
So to make sure your feline
friend stays in tip-top shape,
take advantage of our free
pick-up and drop-off services
for your cat in the months of
May and June. Our qualified vet
nurses will collect your cat from
your house, ensure they receive
a full health check-up and then
return them home for you –
all FREE of charge! Contact
our hospitals at Newport and
Avalon to make a booking.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 29

Good
sport
Mike Pawley was told he’d
never be content until he
started helping others. So
the peninsula retail identity
started a charity in Cambodia.
The result? ‘Happy Days’…
Story by Matt Cleary
Life Stories
So you pitch up for a coffee with Mike
Pawley in the café next to his Mona
Vale sports store, turn on the tape
recorder and say, “Mike Pawley – nice to
meet you”. And within 20 seconds he’s
given you his life story.
“I grew up in Lagoon Street, Narrabeen.
I went to Narrabeen Primary, Manly Boys
High School, Sydney University.
“I taught mathematics for 15 years
and then started my own business
selling sporting goods. I’ve had shops
for the last 40 years. I have five in Manly
Warringah.
“I played cricket for Manly for 20 years,
there were 616 first grade wickets, which
is top-10 all time. I played for New South
Wales. Captained Manly to a first grade
premiership.
“I’ve been broke several times. I’ve had
three goes at marriage. I’m 73. I’ve lived
up and down the peninsula and I’m not
going anywhere else.”
And then he looks over the rim of
his cup, half-smiles and raises an
eyebrow. Anything else?
And of course there is. Because Mike
Pawley has led a life. The blokes at
golf were lining up to offer tales. He’s
known by sports folks up and down the
peninsula. If you’re a parent, chances
are he’s fitted your child in shoes. If the
northern beaches has a sports store,
Mike Pawley’s is it.
As a boy Pawley played cricket and
rugby league like his father, Lionel, a
first grader for Eastern Suburbs. He
enjoyed the surf though he didn’t have
a board – in the ’60s few did. He’d swim
and fish in Narrabeen lagoon. And he’d
play never-ending cricket matches with
his pals in the street using garbage bin,
fence paling and tennis ball.
Manly Cricket Club took him in.
Manly Leagues Club helped him through
university with a bursary. As a young
grade cricketer Pawley played against
Neil Harvey, Richie Benaud and Norm
O’Neill. He played cricket against the
Chappell brothers, and dismissed all
three in an exhibition match with his
left-arm finger spinners. And he played
against Jeff Thomson – and survived.
In 1973 Thomson turned up at Manly
Oval a week after he’d felled – and
almost killed – Mosman’s 18-year-old
opening bat Greg Bush. Thomson was
mad about being left out of the NSW
team and his opening partner was future
fellow Test man, Lenny Pascoe. Pawley
says “everyone was petrified”.
“He was greased lightning, Thommo,
and also he was very… talkative [smiles].
He had a lot to say, he and Lenny. It was
all ‘I’m gonna f***in’ knock you’re f***in’
head off, f***in’ kill ya, I’ll see ya after
the game behind the toilets, I’m gonna
belt the s**t outta ya’. But after the game
we’d have a drink. We were friends.
“But we were so scared that day. So
everyone threw the bat. Slips couldn’t
catch the ball. Thommo hit the sight
30 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

screen on the full a few times. We got 247
off 24 overs at a time when no-one was
thrashing the ball. There were no helmets,
no covers on the wickets. It was very scary.
But he’s a really good friend now.”
From 1969 through to 1974 Pawley
would play 11 games for NSW doing
his best in competition with fellow
spinners Kerry O’Keeffe, Peter Philpott
and Johnny Gleeson. In ’73/74 Pawley
was 12th man for every game bar one,
bowling one over and taking one for
none. Manly won the premiership with
Pawley as captain. He took 56 wickets at
an average of 8.
In 1975 he began running cricket
coaching clinics. He says teaching is his
gift. Through the coaching he began
selling cricket equipment, which led to
sports gear. He sold to clubs and schools.
He opened his first shop, at Balgowlah,
in 1978.
“It was cricket gear to start off with and
then it became other sports,” says Pawley,
who has an oval at North Curl Curl named
in his honour. “A lot of that business has
now gone online, and most of my business
is now footwear. Last month we sold 600
pairs of shoes, mainly football boots and
netball shoes. And that business won’t all
go online one day, because people have got
to get fitted.”
Pawley opened stores in St Ives and
Hornsby but they didn’t work out. His
brand remains iconic on the northern
beaches. “People will go to shopping
centres or their nearest shop. And if they
can find what they want, and the price
is okay, they’re happy. We’ve survived on
service, product, and availability – and
easy parking,” Pawley says.
Pawley has survived Rebel Sports,
Paul’s Warehouse and the online
shopping phenomena. He’s been married
three times. He is close to his three
children and granddaughter Jessica, who
all live locally. In 2004 Pawley’s house
was burned down. A year later he got
cancer. He’s battled dark times. One day,
on a visit to Vietnam, a Buddhist told
him he’d never be happy until he helped
other people. Pawley took it to heart. And
begat a great legacy.
“I started running a charity with my
wife, Suzanne, six years ago when we
visited Cambodia on holiday. We started
Happy Days Cambodia, a school with
500 secondary school kids in it, and two
primary schools with 250 and 250 kids.
“We contribute $100,000 a year to
the welfare of all those people, to their
health and education. Because what we
all know is the fast track out of poverty
is through education.”
Since 2011 Pawley – who received the
Order of Australia Medal from then NSW
Governor Marie Bashir in 2013 – has
visited Cambodia upwards of 20 times.
Manly Cricket Club is a supporter. Manly
cricketers Tim Cruickshank and Adam
Crosthwaite have visited the schools.
Pawley is looking to run a golf day at
Long Reef to raise funds. One Manly CC
benefactor kicks in $25,000 each year.
Pawley says he was deeply affected
by his first and subsequent trips to
Cambodia. “I grew up through the
Vietnam War time, and it was always on
the television. And I’d always wanted
to visit. On that first trip I said to our
Continued on page 33
Life Stories
CLOCKWISE: More than 1000 Cambodian children from illiterate families
are supported at three village schools near Angkor Wat; receiving his OAM
from former Governor of NSW Marie Bashir in 2013; thanks for donated
bicycles; a new water pump (they cost $300 each); named in his honour!
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 31

Continued from page 31
guide, all these monuments
and bridges are great. But
we want to see how people
live. And he took us to North
West Cambodia near Angkor
Wat, where people are living
in absolute destitution and
poverty. It’s an area where Pol
Pot and genocide occurred in
the 1970s.
“Cambodia is the most
bombed country in history,
more so than Germany.
Cambodia has more amputees
from landmines than any
other country in the world. It’s
suffered incredibly. It has 15
million people and the most
corrupt Government in the
world.”
He pauses, takes another
sip of coffee. And says: “Now
you have it all.”
No, Mike. We do not. The
Pawley story has many layers.
And it lives on. All power to it.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Kitted
out and clowning around in-store;
Mike’s favourite photo – with a
village dad, 25 years Mike’s junior,
who survived the Pol Pot regime’s
program of genocide; thanks from
a Happy Days schoolgirl; students
from Stella Maris College witness
Cambodian conditions first-hand.
* To help Happy Days
Cambodian Village
School Inc charity visit
mikepawleysports.com.au
and click on the Happy Days
Charity link.
Life Stories
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 33

Art Life
Art Life
Snap decision a great idea
Looking for something different as a
Mother’s Day gift this year? Consider
giving mum a gift voucher for a oneon-one
day of photography tuition.
Professional landscape photographer
Peter Sedgwick says although many
people own a digital camera, plenty
are unsure how to use it correctly.
“The best way to improve the results
that you are getting from your photography,
and to enjoy it more, is to learn
how to use your camera properly,” said
Peter. “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 says that 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.
“When you look at stunning landscape
photography, showing nature in
all its rich, vibrant colours and sharp
clarity, I am sure you feel a little envious
of those images and wonder how
they are achieved.
“Part of the answer is that the photographers
have taken themselves out to
beautiful places – in itself one of the best
reasons to pursue photography – but
most importantly, the camera has to be
set up to correctly capture the light.”
You will learn all about the correct
use of your camera’s functions by attending
one of Peter’s courses. He also
runs 2- and 3-day workshops, away to
beautiful locations outside of Sydney.
“These trips have taken us to the
Blue Mountains, the South Coast or to
the beautiful waterfalls and rainforests
of the mid north coast,” he said.
All of Peter’s tuition is one on one,
but should you wish to bring along a
friend or partner, they can come along
at half price.
Peter will be displaying his photography
at Warriewood Square (in front of
Quiksilver), from April 30 through May
13; more info
threepeaksphotography.com.au
Set your creative
spirit free for a Day
A
s part of their free Open Day on June 2,
Sydney Design School are putting out a
challenge to budding interior designers: “Roll
up your sleeves and get creative with us!”
Their ‘Designer for a Day’ initiative is a popup
which invites you to develop a personal
mood board using inspirational images, fabric
swatches and paint colours to convey your
own style. And if you photograph
your mood board
and post it to Instagram on
the day, you’ll go into the
running to win a place in
a fantastic two-day Masterclass
in Interior Decoration.
“We love the opportunity
to show that our school
is an amazing community
that hums with creativity,”
said Director Amanda
Grace. “We have a personal
and unique approach to
education, delivered in a
boutique design studio
environment.”
Amanda’s team of educators,
who are also practising interior designers
and decorators, will be on hand to answer
questions and give advice.
Also, the school’s Careers Coach will give insight
into this growing area of employment.
Don’t miss Amanda’s presentation from
10.30-11am. She’ll be sharing information on
the career and short courses on offer, along
with the flexible learning options. You can be a
designer for more than just one day!
The Sydney Design School is located at
2/40 Oxley Street, St Leonards. Open day is
Saturday 2 June (10am-12pm); register to attend
online at sydneydesignschool.com.au
34 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Gerry a whiz in ‘kitschen’
Former Mambo Graphics
artist Gerry Wedd is
showcasing his hand-built and
wheel-thrown ceramics in the
exhibition ‘Kitschen Man’ at
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
until May 20.
From his beginnings at the
kitchen table, guided by his
mother’s hobby obsession,
through to formal training at
University of South Australia
and his studio tenancy at the
JamFactory, Wedd draws his
craft out of his own inspirations,
interest and experiences.
His works brim with a dry
wit and shift from the humorous
to darkly disturbing.
“Whether willow pattern
submerged in political jibes,
classic urns decorated with
lyrical portraits, or garniture
figurines poised in confrontational
narratives, Gerry’s work
is truly ‘a day at the beach –
with a smash of home-baked
reality pie in your face for
good measure’,” exhibition curator
Margaret Hancock-Davis
said. More info 9976 1421.
Newport prelude to
Artists Trail studio visits
Save the date: Pittwater Artists Trail will commence its new
2018 year with its calendar-favoured June long weekend
Art Exhibition at Newport Community Centre.
They’ll boast more than 20 artists on the trail, with professional
artworks range from photography, sculpture and
glasswork to ceramics, design ware, jewellery and a plethora
of painting subjects and styles.
Since its launch in 2011 it has become a solid artistic feature
of the Pittwater community.
“With 50 per cent new artists on this year’s trail the variety,
breadth and depth of artists provides for a stunning exhibition,”
said committee member Fiona Verity.
The best thing is it provides a chance to get out over the
weekend and view the talent that resides in the Pittwater
region all in one area – so you can decide who you would like
to visit in their individual studio spaces during the October
2018 and March 2019 studio openings.
The Newport Community Centre exhibition will run June
9-11, opening from 10am to 4pm daily. For more information
on the artists and their works go to pittwaterartiststrail.
com.au and also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Art Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 35

Art Life
Art Life
Help at hand for students’ HSC works
Conceiving, preparing and
finalising major art works
for the Higher School
Certificate can be a daunting
process but thankfully local students
have some experienced
‘sounding boards’ to call on to
help them maximise results.
University-trained high school
visual arts teacher Meredith
Rasdall, who has 30 years’ experience
(including HSC marking)
and has tutored students
for more than 15 years, says
students need to work consistently
throughout the year to
take panic out of the equation.
“They need to and keep up
good communication with their
art teacher throughout the process,”
Meredith said. “The final
pulling together of the work is
the most important part and
can make or break a work. That
means deciding what to include
and what to discard – sometimes
less is more, so guidance
and advice is very important.”
Also a practising artist who
exhibits in solo and group
shows, Meredith runs HSC classes
on Mondays 6.30pm-8.30pm
at Avalon Rec Centre, with HSC
body of work day workshops
every holidays. She is also available
for one-on-one tutoring.
“My students consistently
achieve Band 6s and are often
chosen for Artexpress,” she
said. “Mentoring Year 12
students is the most rewarding
part of my job; I love to
build students’ confidence and
watch them fly!”
Fellow local Monica Boardman
(left) boasts extensive
knowledge as an art historian
and teacher of critical and historical
studies amongst her 20
years’ experience.
Monica offers tuition in
artmaking and theory. She said
submitted artworks needed to
demonstrate sustained practice,
a connection to the art world
and a refined level of technical
application. “The works need to
be underpinned with a strong
concept,” she said.
Monica said the difference
between a good work and a
standout work was often simply
attention to detail.
“Clear articulation of ideas
and skills can transform works.”
Monica thrives on keeping
up with the students she has
helped through the years.
“It’s wonderful – these students
both boys and girls have
a great life filled with creativity
and critical thinking,” she said.
“Careers in Visual Arts offer a
platform for self-expression,
travel, meaningful existence
and access to a whole world of
ideas. I love catching up with
them and seeing their success
on social media.”
And her best advice for Year
11 and 12 art students at this
time of year?
“Keep at it! Often students
who may not have fully explored
their ideas realise that
their body of work is missing
something, they are not sure
now if they are doing the right
artwork or if their concept is
strong enough,” she said.
“If this is the case, reflect and
reconsider meaning through
content areas of Visual Arts
such as the frames; or better
still, seek a tutor’s advice.”
* Contact Meredith at meredith.rasdall@westnet.com.au
and Monica on 0414 338 137.
36 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

TALENT: Meredith’s
student Onnie
Seabrook’s HSC work.
Four responses to ‘Craving’
Curator of Eramboo’s ‘Constant
Craving’ exhibition, Dr Therese
Kenyon, established her theme after
noting that humans seem to be
inexplicably driven by desires.
“Once our needs have been met,
our wants tend to go into overdrive,
yet we are never truly satisfied or
fulfilled,” she said.
Artists Christine Simpson, Bernadette
Meyers, Annette Kelsey and Lachlan
Chang have responded with respective
interpretations of ‘Desire’, ‘Solitude’,
‘Acceptance’ and ‘Preservation’.
In Simpson’s ‘Desire’, former
material possessions have been
largely repurposed and reimagined
as other ‘Objects of My Desire’,
purveying a cycle for craving beauty
“in the tangible realm”. Simpson has
worked with textile reassembly and
the dyeing, coating, stitching and
perforating of paper.
Meyers constantly craves ‘Solitude’
in nature, noting the things she
loves the most “cannot be insured or
replaced on eBay if lost or stolen”.
She observes that she is a chronic
collector of things from nature
that cannot necessarily be bought:
feathers, shells, sea glass, sea
urchins, driftwood, pebbles, insect
wings, leaves, petals, seed pods,
photographs, quotes and memories.
Kelsey observes that our cravings
for attention and ‘Acceptance’ have
reached epidemic proportions in
a skewed world that informs you
immediately if you are ‘liked’ via social
media. Kelsey has documented her own
journey from recognizing her craving
for acceptance to arriving at a solution,
through poetry and mixed media.
Chang’s installation and series
of photographs deal with the need
for ‘Preservation’. The outcome is a
response to constant consumerism
in everyday life. Chang transforms
the space through a collection of
objects, discarded furniture, vintage
preserving jars and found natural
materials. The audience is invited to
take a seat, become immersed within
the work, and contemplate our future.
Showing Saturday 28 April,
Sunday 29 April, Saturday 5 May,
Sunday 6 May, 10am-4pm. More
info eramboo.com.au
Art Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 37

Local Promotion
Thanks Mum!
Consider these great gift ideas for Mother’s Day
Utopia Lingerie
Help Mum to feel special with the gift of luxurious sleepwear or lingerie
from this spacious, specialist shop at Narrabeen. Owner Julia recommends
the nighties range, from silk chemises to full-length cotton
jerseys to keep older bones warm. Brands include Ginia Silk, Wacoal and
they stock classical favourite sleepwear brand Givoni and Schrank.
“With winter fast approaching, consider treating mum to a pair of
gorgeous, comfortable slippers from Grosby,” said Julia. “Our lingerie
includes beautiful lace bra and brief sets in all price ranges and various
sizes, with quality brands Simone Perele, Freya, Fantasie, Heidi Klum,
Pleasure State, Fayreform, Lovable, Berlei, Jockey and Triumph.” Utopia
also stock lounge wear and Kaftans, plus French perfumed artificial
flowers and many other types of gifts. If you’re not quite sure what
Mum might like, relax – Utopia offer gift vouchers to ensure stressfree
shopping. Plus for a limited time they have a sale of all stock with
discounts of between 10% and 50% off. “And we have trained bra
fitters in-store so you get the service and the discount, what could be
better!” said Julia. Utopia Lingerie was situated at Warriewood Square
for 10 years – now you’ll find them on Pittwater Road at Narrabeen (in
between The Sands and the 7/11, opposite Bunnings). P: 9913 7091
Sabi Japanism
The word ‘Japanism’ is derived from ‘Japonisme’, meaning the influence
of Japanese art, fashion and aesthetics on Western culture –
essentially it is taking Japanese aesthetics but applying to everyday
objects, in this case porcelain. Yuko has been in Avalon with her Sabi
Japanism store for over a year now. During that time Sabi has extended
its range from beautiful and contemporary Japanese Ceramics
to include Japanese-inspired clothing and accessories (Origami
earrings). Ceramic ware still forms the core of what Sabi is about.
An example is its elegant tableware, including plates and bowls
designed in collaboration with Dutch artisans to produce the world
renowned ‘1616’ range – highlighting simple lines for everyday use.
All ceramics are sourced from Arita in Kyushu province of Southern
Japan, where local potters follow traditional techniques dating back
400 years to craft these elegant pieces. Production is still heavily
labour-intensive and all finishing is done by hand. P: 0430 238 850
Billabong Retreat
Billabong Retreat is a magical eco-retreat offering affordable wellness and
relaxation short-breaks situated just 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, yet feeling
like a million miles away. Visit to unwind, be pampered, learn simple wellness
techniques and enjoy delicious wholefood organic cooking. Each retreat
includes twice-daily workshops introducing all aspects of yoga, mindfulness
and meditation and they’re suitable for any level of experience or fitness.
The delicious spa cuisine is all-included and offers organic meals made from
wholefood ingredients locally sourced from producers. Accommodation
includes tree-house ensuite cabins with private balconies overlooking the
water, some with outdoor roll-top bath, and guests can enjoy the stunning
aqua therapy magnesium mineral swimming pool and a
range of private spa treatments. Abundant with colourful
native wildlife, you can spot hundreds of bird species,
albino-faced black wallabies, lace monitors, deer, microbats,
water lizards and at night the whole place throbs to
the chorus of frogs and cicadas. For more info check out
billabongretreat.com.au. P: 02 4573 6080
Nothing Butt
Lingerie
Nothing Butt Lingerie on
Bungan St in Mona Vale have a
new range of winter sleepwear
from favourites such as
Givoni, Florence Broadhurst,
Schrank, Billy Dream and
French Country as well as new
label Project Rem. Store owner
Chris says Silks from Ginia,
Simply Silk and Envy will make
lovely Mother’s Day gifts on
May 13. “Jockey are offering
floral gift bags this year,” she
said. “And Simone Perele have
lace lingerie sets in red, navy,
aqua and blush which are very
special.” Berlei’s Barely Lace
sets now come in black, ivory,
navy, red and blush pink. “We
have a range of bras and
briefs from Triumph, Berlie,
Playtex, Bendon with fashion
sets from Pleasure State,
Palindrome and Heidi Klum.” A
real drawcard is their summer
sleepwear from Schrank
and Givoni – on sale at 50%
off with 50% also off selected
bras and briefs. Chris added
gift vouchers as well as gift
wrapping were always available.
“Let us help you with a
gift to spoil mum on Mother’s
Day!” P: 9999 1462
38 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Book Review
The Yellow Villa
By Amanda Hampson
Penguin Viking $32.99
RitzyRocks
Renata of RitzyRocks has a beautiful
gift idea for this Mother’s
Day – give your mother, wife or
partner a vibrant, timeless piece of
Italy. “These beautiful watches are
directly from Venice and the watch
face is surrounded in the traditional
pattern of millefiori, meaning
one thousand flowers,” said Renata.
The watch has a leather band
and comes with a warranty. Renata
has a variety of colours including
black, blue, pink, violet, red and
yellow with a silver or gold watch
face. These watches are priced
at just $55 (plus express postage
to your door of $12). RitzyRocks’
millefiori watches can be found at
ritzyrocks.com.au under the heading
“something unusual”. Or if you
are after something in particular,
Renata invites you to contact her.
P: 0403 282 800
Avalon’s very own bestselling author Amanda
Hampson’s new book The Yellow Villa is out
now and makes the perfect gift for Mother’s
Day. Get it for your wife, daughter, mother, or
grandmother, you could even buy it for all four!
Mia and Ben make their dream of owning
a villa in France a reality, but things in their
picturesque village turn out to be not as they
seem after they are befriended by Susannah
and Dominic, an older English couple who
have secrets to hide.
If you loved The French Perfumer or
The Olive Sisters then this is the book for you .
Amanda’s signature wit, keen sense of character and astute storytelling shine
through on every page, much like the morning sun in Mia and Ben’s villa.
There will be signed copies at Beachside Bookshop. – Danica Beaudoin
Divine Balance
As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s not only a time of honouring mothers,
but the energy of nurturing within ourselves. The pace of modern life can
deplete us in so many ways, and often it starts with forgoing self-care.
This is particularly relevant for mothers who are often in a constant state
of giving their energy out without necessarily filling back up again. The
beauty of a healing session with Divine Balance is the sanctuary that is
provided by deep relaxation. In this relaxed state, the body undergoes its
own repair and rejuvenation, accompanied by energy healing and crystal
therapy. Owner Shelley is also a polarity therapist, and her partner Jason
is an Aboriginal Medicine Man with inherited abilities. Their clients can
choose from either a single-practitioner healing with either one of them,
or they can opt to have Shelley and Jason work simultaneously. “Quite
often clients fall into a deep sleep and receive all the benefits of a rest,
along with an hour of energy work,” said Shelley. “They have described
feelings of being held lovingly by the divine mother, where they effortlessly
release old, stuck energies and emotions without judgment. This
can take the form of yawning, sighing, tears, or twitching. Contact Shelley
to arrange a bit of TLC for the special mum in your life – or to honour
Avalon Uncovered
To help celebrate Mother’s Day Madeleine and
the staff at Avalon Uncovered have sourced
many beautiful gifts to help make every mother
feel special, feminine and loved. From the everpopular
100% pure mulberry silk pillow cases
and eye-masks to the new range of sleepwear
from Sanctuary Studio and Chateau including
the highest quality cotton voiles, their products
will ensure mothers feel spoilt and pampered.
For something totally luxurious, don’t forget to
check out their beautiful collection of silk slips,
pyjama sets and matching camisole/shorts from
Simone Perele and Ginia. Of course, for the
more energetic mums, their diverse collection
of activewear – from Dharma Bums, Running
Bare, Lorna Jane and the recently introduced
Melbourne company Jaggad – is proving very
popular. The friendly staff at Avalon Uncovered
pride themselves on making every customers’
in-store experience enjoyable and rewarding;
they’re dedicated to help ensure every gift chosen
is done with care and attention to detail. As
a special promotion leading up to Mother’s Day,
every gift purchased will go into the draw for a
gorgeous luxury sleep kit from The Goodnight
Co including a silk pillow case and eye mask,
essential oils and more worth over $160! Gift
vouchers and free gift-wrapping services available.
P: 0419 822 844
the nurturer within yourself. Gift vouchers available. P: 0412 919 136
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 39
Local Promotion

Local Call
Starting a
new chapter
Local Call
Avalon’s Bookoccino is
entering a new chapter
with original owners
Margaret and Roger confident
the place they worked so hard
for will remain in safe hands.
Recently stepping away after
25 years of running the unique
bookstore and café, Margaret
said the concept was simple –
to create a warm, relaxed place
where people could come to
engage with the written word.
“I remember clearly the first
day, and the first book we sold
– everything was done on a
ledger,” Margaret said.
“The journey has been long,
and not always easy, but over
the years I have met the most
wonderful people and of course
I’ve read some fantastic books!”
Margaret said the most enjoyable
aspect of her business
was the people she has met
along the way and the hope
their intelligence and insight
has given her.
“Being able to engage with
thoughtful people who care
deeply about our culture and
our direction is just wonderful,”
she said.
Margaret’s fondest memory?
“When we first opened, Tom
Keneally wrote us a poem,
which I really treasure and
we’ve always had incredible
guests over the years – Spike
Milligan (very eventful, not
in a good way); Jackie Collins;
Stan Grant; and just recently
Geoffrey Robertson.”
New owners Sally Tabner
(who has worked alongside
Margaret the past four years)
PARTNERS IN CRIME FICTION: Sally Tabner and Ray Bonner.
and author and Pulitzer Prize
winning journalist from
the The New York Times Ray
Bonner are looking forward
to meeting more people and
getting more involved with the
community.
Sally said people often have
very particular interests and
requests, so it was “a pleasure”
to match them perfectly to a
book.
“When someone passes
by and lets me know how
much it meant to them, or to
their friend, that is the best
reward.”
Sally said she and Ray were
excited to introduce a loyalty
program and have many other
plans for getting great books
into people’s hands.
“We want our shop to be full
of stories and smiles.”
This month Bookoccino is
celebrating local literature
with three local authors – Sally
Seltman, Jonathan King and
Amanda Hampson. For more
info or to book tickets call
9973 1244 or ask in-store.
– Lisa Offord
40 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Young Life
LITTLE LEARNERS: Cottage Pre-School Children with their books.
New age of powerful learners
As schools wrestle with
how to best prepare
their students for a
rapidly changing world, there
has been growing awareness
that young people need more
than traditional basic skills to
prepare them for the world
beyond school.
A recent project at St Luke’s
Grammar School, Bayview
showed it is never too early to
start helping a child to learn
how to be powerful learners;
they believe children need help
to develop an understanding of
how they can learn effectively
and have confidence in their
capacity to embrace new challenges.
Shirley Meares, one of the
early childhood educators at St
Luke’s Bayview, uses everyday
situations to help pre-schoolers
see that they are capable of
solving problems and taking
on new challenges.
Twice a week the Cottage
Pre-school class go to the
library to borrow books. One
day, two children decided they
wanted the same book, part of
the well-known Hairy Maclary
series by Lynley Dodd.
“Their teacher asked: ‘I
wonder whether you could
find some other books like
this you could borrow?’” said
Jodie Bennett, Head of Junior
School. “A quick scan of the
shelves showed the pair that
there was, indeed, others like
it. More little learners gathered
The Local Voice Since 1991
to see what had gained the
attention of the group. Soon
all the books in this collection
had been borrowed and the
students were comparing the
stories they had found.”
This was the start of a learning
journey through the works
of Lynley Dodd.
“Together the students
identified all the picture
books written by the author,”
Ms Bennett said. “They knew
how many books there were
about dogs, how many about
cats, about cats and dogs and
books about other animals.
They noticed that Scarface
Claw often appears in the
background of many of the
stories, even when he is not a
featured character.
“They delighted in the magical
language that characterises
the stories. ‘Cacophony’, for
example, became a favourite
word for describing the noise
in the classroom whenever play
became over-enthusiastic.”
Class representatives
presented a proposal for the
purchase of new books for the
library. They developed an outline
of the books they would
like added, having confirmed
these titles were currently
available for purchase and with
details of how much the order
would cost.
“The students wrote and
illustrated their own books
about their favourite characters,
sharing them with family
and friends during an open
afternoon.”
This inquiry showed the
little learners what it was like
to dive deeply into an area of
interest.
“Each step in the journey
was driven by a desire to know
more. Most of all, they saw a
purpose for developing core
skills. They wanted to learn to
read and write so they could
develop and share their own
stories. Surely, a love of learning
and a sense of confidence
that they can ask and answer
questions are the foundation
stones that will equip our
learners well into their schooling
journey.”
St Luke’s is having an
Open Day at their Bayview
Campus on Thursday May 10,
9-11.30am (K to Year 6). More
info 9979 5755.
Roo in
the Glen
The popular children’s book
character, Josephine the dancing
Kangaroo, is bounding to
Glen Street in May.
Josephine Wants to
Dance is a brand new
Australian musical bringing
to life a tale about a bush
kangaroo and based on the
much-loved book by Jackie
French and Bruce Whatley. Josephine
is about a kangaroo
who loves to dance, but also
teaches kids to dream and
believe in themselves.
The show is perfect for
children aged 4 to 9-years of
age and their families who
are urged to come bounding,
prancing, swirling and
twinkle-toe twirling to Glen
Street for a hilarious time.
Dates are May 2-5,
10.30am and 1pm daily;
tickets $22 single, Family
pass of 5 $85. Children
under 2 free (seated on
lap). More info glenstreet.
com.au or 9975 1455.
PCYC Band Night
Kingswood and The Delta
Riggs headline an all-ages
band night at the PCYC
Northern Beaches, Dee Why
on Friday May 4.
The no-alcohol event is for
all ages, with security and no
pass-outs.
Tickets ($25) include free
membership to the PCYC for
a year.
There will also be free
end-of-night transport, with
buses running to Manly and
Mona Vale.
More info Eventbrite.com.au
MAY 2018 41
Young Life

Surfing Life
Surfing Life
Cancel that! The trouble
with WSL risk avoidance
A big pro event’s cancellation puts the sport under a microscope...
So, back to my semi-favourite
subject, professional
surfing. Early in May, the
World Surf League is planning
to hold its first open-to-thepublic
event at their prize
possession, the Kelly Slater
Wave Company wave pool in
Lemoore, California. (You may
have read our account of this
pool back in January.)
The event is called the
Founders’ Cup and it features a
two-day team competition between
a selected field of Championship
Tour surfers, along
with entertainment of various
kinds. Tickets are on sale for
between US$99 (for one day’s
attendance) to a slightly eye
watering US$9,800 (for three
days, including accommodation,
VIP treatment, post-event
concert, and an hour of surfing
time in the Pool itself).
I’m not sure how ticket sales
are going. But it better be a
success. Because the WSL is
losing its traditional audience
– if not yet in numbers, then in
trust.
The Founders’ Cup follows
hard on the heels of a disastrous
double header CT event
cancellation at Margaret River,
Western Australia. The event
was cancelled halfway through
both men’s and women’s
rounds after a shark attacked
two surfers in quick succession
near Gracetown, around 10
kilometres north of Margaret.
with Nick Carroll
DANGEROUS CONDITIONS: And we’re not talking about Margaret River’s surf.
(One surfer was seriously people, the major sponsors of
injured, the other escaped with the event, found themselves in
minor cuts.)
the awkward position of having
The shock value of a CT
spent a couple of million
cancellation is huge. It’s barely dollars to promote their key
ever happened. You’d have to tourist attraction as the shark
go back to the early 1990s to attack capital of the known
find an event being cancelled Universe. Needless to say, they
at this stage of proceedings. and the WA State government
(That was the Quiksilver Pro in were furious. State tourism
Biarritz, France, when no waves minister Paul Papalia told the
showed up.)
ABC he thought the WSL was
It stunned many core surfers,
putting its whole business in
both locally and world-
jeopardy.
wide. While there was a degree The event still has a year left
of understanding, the general
on its contract, but whether it
response seemed to be in survives even that long remains
modern social media parlance: to be seen. If it’s booted, it
WTF?
joins a short but eminent list of
You could debate the relative
CTs to exit the tour, including
risk of shark attack in the the tour’s crown jewel, the
area all day, but the fact is that Pipeline Masters – bumped
while Gracetown has seen several
from the 2019 CT after the WSL
fatal shark attacks on surf-
couldn’t negotiate a planned
ers over the years, nobody’s date change with the Honolulu
ever been attacked at Margaret
City and County.
River in over 50 years of This is kinda like losing
continual surfing at the spot. Wimbledon because the ATP
And plenty of people, including
decided they wanted to hold it
several CT pros, spent the in January.
days following the cancellation Maybe the most telling thing
surfing it without incident. about the Margaret River cancellation
Meanwhile, the WA tourism
was how it occurred.
42 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

PL’s MAY SURF CALENDAR
11-20/5: Oi Rio Pro, Saquarema, Brazil
This double header men’s and women’s WSL CT marks a return to
world championship competition after the Margaret River cancellation.
Saquarema isn’t a great surfing location but the WSL will be
hoping for some good days in order to re-set what now seems a
compromised title race on both scores.
25-27/5: 2018 Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles, Bells
Beach, VIC
One of the coolest events on the Australian surfing scene. Doesn’t
draw huge competitor numbers but there’s open mens and womens,
masters, juniors and a longboard division. There’ll also be an
Elders Expression Session in honour of the founders of this event
and other Indigenous surf initiatives.
NICK’S MAY SURF FORECAST
Wow, this summer just won’t go away. Or will it? You can never be
sure (see main column), but I have my doubts. The tradewind band
in the south-west Pacific just keeps looping on down into temperate
latitudes. It keeps raining in the Northern Rivers and not here. Deep
low pressure passes south of us without ever smacking us with a
real chill. At some point it has to blow up in our faces. Possibly not in
May though. Instead we should get a very fractured and changeable
month of surf and weather, as the seasons continue to struggle with
each other. Lots of surf should arise from this struggle, maybe off
slightly displaced East Coast Lows (a bit too far north), extremely
powerful polar lows (a bit too far south), and broken wind bands
much closer to our coastline (horrible onshore gales). Water should
remain pretty warm though.
The tour pros were called
into a meeting, which was
pitched to them as a chance to
canvass views on whether or
not to proceed. But when they
arrived, they were simply told:
the event’s off. The directive
came from the very top of the
WSL food chain in far off NYC,
owners Dirk and Natasha Ziff.
It’s telling because it tells
you just where all the power is
in pro surfing right now.
The WSL is trying to drive
huge change across professional
surfing. Its key investors
have spent hundreds of
millions of dollars in the past
four years trying to make
sense of our fabulously looney,
romantic, scary sport. Now it’s
time to cash in, and they’re
determined to use that wave
pool as the mechanism.
I can totally see how it might
look good from an office in
Santa Monica or New York.
The pool makes surfing look
like other sports. You can
charge for entry – maybe even
US$9,800! You can run events
on time to the second, as long
as the machine doesn’t break
The Local Voice Since 1991
Nick Carroll
down. You can set camera angles,
shut out the opposition,
and broadcast exactly as and
when you choose. And thus,
you control the risk. There’s
no risk of a shark attack, that’s
for sure.
Trouble is: surfing is all
about risk. It’s uncertain,
unpredictable, even dangerous
at times. It’s a tangle with
the world, it fails to adhere to
deadlines, it’s different every
single day. That’s the source
of all its great moments in history,
competitive and otherwise.
That’s why we love it.
Yet it’s just what the WSL is
trying to avoid. It’s beginning
to look like they’re afraid of
the ocean. And that, for pro
surfing, would be game over.
As one person I know said
recently: “I expect pro surfers
to go places I won’t.”
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
MAY 2018 43
Surfing Life

Health & Wellbeing
Handle with care: When
Special report by Lisa Offord
Health & Wellbeing
It can be frustrating to see an elderly
loved one refuse or resist care when you
are concerned about their wellbeing and
safety… so how do you best approach this
challenging issue?
Owner-Care Manager Home Care Assistance
Delia Schaffer said first and foremost
it was important to recognise that loved
ones in need of care were often suffering
one or more losses – loss of physical or
mental health, loss of spouse, loss of lifestyle…
friends… independence.
“Resistance to care is quite common in
situations of loss, often associated with
strong emotions that an elderly loved one
may be feeling: anger about needing help,
fear of losing privacy, distress from multiple
changes at once, fear of new routines or
financial worries,” Delia said.
“Also, the nervous system, like most bodily
systems, tends to deteriorate with age or
from diseases common in older age – this
often leads to a reduced capacity to cope
with change.
“Memory loss, mental health issues,
lack of insight, or a more formal diagnosis,
would make it difficult for an elderly loved
one to understand why they need help.
“A stubborn character can also be the
cause in some cases.”
Delia said often concerns for safety and
wellbeing, or concerns about a dishevelled
home, drove adult children to offer extra
care to an elderly parent.
But improved safety or cleanliness was
not always what an elderly loved one was
interested in.
“Improved cleanliness can be perceived as
a threat in fact, if it means that their belongings
will be moved around,” she said.
“We have observed a few times, after a
‘care worker trial’ (involving an elderly parent
obligingly agreeing to a request by their
PATIENCE: It often takes time to talk with an aged loved one about the need for care in the home.
adult children), that the parent refused to
have further ‘domestic assistance’ because
they didn’t like finding things in different
spots after the care worker visit.”
Care workers also commonly observed
distress when they tried to move clutter.
“Not uncommonly, they need to wait a number
of weeks until a rapport has been built
and then they need to discuss in detail with
care recipients exactly what they can move
and where it can be moved to.
If done patiently and with respect, a cleaner
home could be a benefit of care.
“However, a domestic assistance visit can
be perceived as a disaster, depending on the
personality of your elderly loved one, and
may not be an ‘easy-sell’.”
Research shows most Australians aged 60
and over would prefer to stay in their own
homes as they age.
“Therefore staying home longer will often
be the most compelling motivation for an
elderly loved one to accept care,” Delia said.
She added it was important for elderly
adults to be aware that if they did go into
hospital for any reason in the future, hospital
discharge teams had a duty of care to
ensure patients had sufficient care arrangements
at home before releasing them.
“Elderly patients who can demonstrate
that they have had care workers visiting
them in the home for an ongoing period
prior to hospitalisation, may have an easier
time getting released to home, rather than
getting released to residential care – after
hospitalisation for a fall, for example.”
Avoiding a fall in the first place, that could
lead to hospitalisation or residential care,
44 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

loved ones refuse help
can be common ground for an elderly loved
one to agree to some trial services.
“Risks of hospitalisations that are widely
known, such as falls, and any services to
reduce those risks, can mutually be seen as
a reason for accepting care,” Delia said.
“Accepting a handy service to come into
the home for installation of bars in the bathroom
can be a good starting point.”
She added that seeking input from an
elderly loved one, with an aim of making an
honest assessment of what minimum help
was needed to enable them to remain living
at home, would ensure the care recipient
experienced a real benefit from any services
they agreed to.
Having the conversation
The team at Community Connect Northern
Beaches (CCNB) provides independent and
impartial information, advice and guidance
to support people access the health and
community care systems.
CCNB’s work with older people, their
families and communities focuses on linking
them to the support they require to live well
in their chosen community.
Families and friends played a pivotal role
in identifying need for care.
“Often older people are good at hiding
their needs and older people themselves are
best placed to give information, advice and
guidance to another,” they said.
“Often we ask people who have used care
and seen the benefits to speak with others
to share their experiences.”
The team suggested attending relevant
social groups or information sessions and
leaving information about ‘planning ahead’
and the range of services available handy
and said it was helpful to say that government
today was really looking at ways to
keep older people at home longer – the end
game is to avoid hospital or nursing home.
The team offered the following conversation
starter: “So, your preference is to stay
at home for as long as possible? Then let us
help you to achieve this. There’s a range of
support services available which can support
your independence and maintain your
lifestyle in your own home.”
And if you aren’t comfortable raising the
subject?
“You can also ask the GP to speak with an
older person and encourage them to accept
a referral.”
Delia Schaffer says before discussing the
need for care, it can be beneficial to mentally
prepare with an attitude of respect and
dignity for your elderly loved one.
“Leave the conversation for a time when
you both are relaxed and there is sufficient
time to listen to each other,” Delia said.
“Making space and time for two, four
or even six conversations is important,
because finding out your elderly loved one’s
preferences, fears and worries usually takes
a series of conversations.”
Significantly, it was important to approach
an elderly loved one without any preconceived
notions of what’s best for them.
And another tip: “Music interventions
have been shown to significantly reduce
care-resistance in dementia patients in nursing
homes in some small studies, so it may
be worthwhile to play your elderly loved
ones some favourite music before your
conversations.”
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 45

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Why clear driving
vision is crucial
A
car’s most important
safety feature is YOU.
As drivers, we are very
focused on safety… it’s a musthave.
Whilst we are concerned
about our car’s safety features,
we often don’t think about
the major influential factor
in crashes: human error. We
know that vision is the most
important sense for making
decisions on the road and
that uncorrected vision is a
contributor to crash risk.
Vision is responsible for
around 90 per cent of the
information we use for
driving, which is why even
a small change in vision is
cause for concern.
How do you know if
you might be at risk? Ask
yourself if you experience
any of the following:
n Trouble recognising details
on road signs or number
plates?
n Difficulty judging the
distance of oncoming
vehicles, particularly at
night?
n Trouble seeing clearly in
changing light conditions,
e.g. from day to dusk to
night?
n Visual sensitivity to
oncoming headlights?
n Need to move your head to
see in side mirrors or read
your dashboard clearly?
with Rowena Beckenham
n Reluctance to drive at
night or in unfamiliar
environments?
n Uncertainty and lack of
confidence behind the
wheel?
There are simple solutions
to these concerns and
a comprehensive eye
examination will provide the
answers to your concerns
as well as strategies to
maintain ongoing vision safety
with driving, keeping you
confident and prepared for all
conditions.
People often only come and
see us when things start to get
blurry or they have to hold a
book closer to their face. The
fact is one in four Australians
are at risk of losing all or
part of their vision due to eye
disease – nearly half of these
wait until their eyes deteriorate
before getting them checked.
Some 4.1 million Australians
have not had their eyes tested
recently and approximately
one million have never had
an eye exam. They may be
putting themselves – or others
– at risk on the road.
Comment supplied by Rowena Beckenham, of
Beckenham Optometrist in Avalon (9918 0616). Rowena
has been involved in all facets of independent private
practice optometry in Avalon for 16 years, in addition
to working as a consultant to the optometric and
pharmaceutical industry, and regularly volunteering in
Aboriginal eyecare programs in regional NSW.
Natural
Approach
A good
night’s
sleep is not
only important
for our energy
levels but our
sleep quality
contributes
to our mood,
hormonal
By Jean
Jarrett
balance, detoxification, weight
management and can assist
in prevention of chronic
illness such as diabetes and
cardiovascular disease. Here
are my 5 best tips that can
work towards helping you
achieve a restoring and blissful
sleep every night.
1. Exercise in the morning
helps reset cortisol levels
which leads to improved
stress management during
the day and better sleep.
2. Morning sunlight can boost
your energy and reinforce
your body’s circadian sleepwake
cycle.
3. Avoid eating 2 hours before
bed and avoid stimulants
such as caffeinated tea and
coffee after lunch, limit to
one or two per day. Be aware
some medications contain
caffeine and alcohol can
also be a stimulant, 1 glass
of wine may be relaxing but
2 or more can result in a
restless sleep.
4. Ensure your bedroom has a
relaxing atmosphere, avoid
working in your bedroom
and invest in a comfortable
bed and pillows.
5. Wind down your day with
a bedtime routine that
includes activities you find
relaxing. Begin 1 hour before
your planned sleep time
and be at approximately the
same time each night.
Flannerys have a range
of products that can assist
with helping you sleep well,
including magnesium for your
baths, calming essential oils,
sleepy time tea and vitamins.
If you suffer sleep issues
book in for a free advice
session with one of our
naturopaths who can help you
improve your wellbeing – visit
flannerys.com.au
* Jean is a naturopath at
Flannerys, Mona Vale.
46 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Showing parents
the stuff dreams
are made of
Michele was finding
things a “little challenging”
– her 16-month-old
daughter Jenny was refusing
to sleep and the single working
mum was understandably
exhausted.
“I was a new mum and I was
struggling so it was more than
a relief to discover there was
someone who I could turn to
who could help us get the sleep
we both needed,” Michele said.
Responding to a Facebook
post, Michele contacted the
Northern Beaches’ new child
sleep consultant, Scarlet Jahn,
for guidance.
“Scarlet visited us, she drew
up a plan, took me through all
the steps and gave me the tools
and support I needed to help
Jenny get to sleep and sleep
through the night,” she said.
Within a week, things
started to fall into place and
within 10 days, Michele said
daughter Jenny had settled into
a good sleep routine.
And now five months down
the track when night falls, a
restful night’s sleep is no problem
for this busy mum
and bub.
Scarlet said Michele and
Jenny’s story was far from
uncommon.
A childhood educator,
Scarlet decided to train as a
baby sleep consultant after
hearing the frustrations of
many sleep-deprived parents
from all ages, experience and
backgrounds, desperate for
help with their little ones.
“I could see the impact that
sleep has not only on the child
but the family as a whole and
that there was a real need for
quality advice,’ Scarlet said.
Fully trained and certified
as an infant and child sleep
consultant, Scarlet launched
Little Z’s Sleep Therapy, providing
tailor-made sleep programs
which are implemented via
correspondence and in-home
consultations for those wanting
face-to-face interaction.
She also offers group chats
and night nanny services.
Importantly, Scarlet deploys a
wide range of sleep techniques.
“When working with families
I take a wholistic approach,
taking into account the child’s
needs, the parents beliefs and
the environment.
“I don’t apply a ‘one-size-fitsall
approach’… because there
isn’t,” she said.
The most common sleep
problems Scarlet sees in
children are multiple and early
wake-ups and the inability to
self-settle.
– Lisa Offord
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 47

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Day surgery readies for boom
Local surgeons and practitioners are
readying for increased patient numbers
following the $6 million renovation of
the Pittwater Day Surgery in Mona Vale.
The new, expanded surgery, which
was officially opened in early April by
founder Dr Frank Elsworth and local State
and Federal MPs Rob Stokes and Jason
Falinski, has seen its Mona Vale floorspace
quadruple.
When it closed for construction in
November the day surgery accommodated
12 surgeons and one theatre – it now
boasts 25 surgeons on its books and three
state-of-the-art operating theatres.
Dr Elsworth said the development
had been planned to take into account
the trend in the US, where two thirds
of procedures were conducted in day
surgeries.
“Currently one third of procedures in
Australia are carried out in day surgeries
but we anticipate that number to rapidly
rise,” he said.
Dr Elsworth said he and staff were proud
to deliver locals an improved facility which
would enable them to undergo more
treatments locally than ever before.
PROUD: Dr Frank
Elsworth in one
of the new PDS
theatres.
Safety was an imperative that had been
well and truly delivered over its 18-year
history.
“We have performed 17,000 surgeries
in 17 years since opening in 2000,” Dr
Elsworth said. “The general transfer rate (to
hospital) for day surgeries is around 0.5%
– in that time we were required to transfer
just two patients, or 0.085%.”
He said there were many reasons why
day surgeries were proving more popular,
including improvements in surgical and
anaesthetic techniques.
“Also, there is less risk of infection, easier
access, it’s a less formal environment, and
it’s quicker.”
He added there was a much less cost
to health funds and government than in
hospital treatment.
The surgery has added endoscopy,
expanded eye surgery, urology and
general surgery to its existing surgery
service offering of plastic, eye, dental,
maxillofacial, and ear, nose and throat
(ENT), gynaecology and orthopaedics.
Mackellar MP Jason Falinski said the
expansion was a great outcome for the
Northern Beaches.
“It will bring much-needed medical
procedures closer to patients,” he said.
“The three new operating theatres, making
it possible for 25 surgeons and 30 staff to
work, will lower hospital waiting times and
reduce the need for locals to travel outside
of the peninsular for medical procedures.”
Pittwater MP Rob Stokes added:
“Together with the ongoing investment at
Mona Vale Hospital and the new private
hospital on Daydream Street, the Pittwater
Day Surgery emphasises Mona Vale’s role
as a major local health hub.” – Nigel Wall
48 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 49

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
Balanced approach
to falls prevention
We all ‘trip up’ when getting around sometimes,
and many of us have experienced
a tumble, recovered from the episode
quickly, and – apart for some initial embarrassment
– not thought too much about it.
However, what many of us fail to recognise is
how serious a trip and a fall could be – especially
as we age.
The research paints a
grim picture: falls are the
second leading cause of
accidental or unintentional
injury deaths worldwide.
One in three elderly people
in Australia fall every
year and it is expected this
statistic will only increase
as the population ages.
Ten years ago, two
thirds of our population
aged 65 and over who had
a fall sustained at least
one fracture and in the same period (2007-2008),
16,868 of elderly falls resulted in hip fractures
and a hospital admission.
Physiotherapist Jessica Osorno Caro from Avalon
Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates explained
that as we age our reaction time and leg strength
dramatically diminish, which in turn affects
our balance and ability to negotiate obstacles,
thereby increasing our risk of falls.
“There are other factors too which may result
in an increased risk of falling including a decrease
in visual and hearing abilities, the intake
of multiple medications and certain health conditions,”
Jessica added.
Injuries from falls reduce mobility by decreasing
confidence, activity levels, independence and
can have an effect on community participation.
“Often patients don’t regain their ability to live
in their own homes and are admitted into aged
care,” she said.
Research shows an appropriate program with
leg strength, tailored balance tasks and education
makes a big impact in reducing falls.
The good news is you are never too old to
learn how to help stay on your feet and Jessica
will soon be offering evidence-based balance
and falls prevention classes in Avalon to show
you how.
“The strongest
predictors of falls are
abnormalities of the
walking pattern and abnormalities
of balance,”
Jessica said.
“As people with reduced
or impaired physical
function are more
likely to fall, an appropriate
exercise program is
important to reduce this
risk of falling,” she said.
Originally from Colombia,
Jessica has lived in Australia for a decade
– her interest in balance and falls prevention was
sparked when completing her Masters of Physiotherapy
at Sydney University.
Since joining the team at Avalon Physiotherapy
and Clinical Pilates, Jessica identified a need for
falls prevention classes locally, as the nearest
option for people with balance difficulties living
north of the bends was in Mona Vale.
Clients will be assessed and placed into classes
structured with a warm-up, lower limb (legs)
strength exercises and balance specific exercises.
“The level of difficulty of each of the exercises
will depend upon the level of physical and mental
ability of the attendees and the medical conditions
they are dealing with.”
Additionally, the classes will have an educational
component covering falls prevention issues
such as environmental factors.
– Lisa Offord
Home
Hazards
Most falls in people over
the age of 65 happen
around the home. Here are
some simple things you
can do to make your home
safer.
Floors: Secure rugs or
remove them. Have nonslip
floors and remove
clutter and cords from
walkways. Mark any
changes in floor surfaces
and levels in your home
with high contrast tape.
Bathroom: Install grab rails
in the bath and shower
and next to the toilet if
necessary. Use non-slip
mats.
Kitchen: Mop up spills
straight away. Get help to
rearrange cupboards and
shelves so there’s no need
to reach or climb to access
things stored up high.
Lighting: Use adequate
lighting in all rooms and
near steps and stairs and
ensure light switches are
in easy to reach places.
Use plug-in nightlights and
have movement sensitive
lights in hallways, near
stairs and between the
bedroom and bathroom.
Steps and stairs: Mark
edges of steps clearly. Use
slip resistant strips and
install (and use) handrails.
Garden: Make sure paths
are even and free of moss.
Pack away tools and take
care when using the hose.
50 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Screen now, not later
If you are over 50 years of age
you would have received a
bowel cancer screening kit in the
mail; however, chances are you
haven’t yet used it.
Incredibly, only 36 per cent
of people in NSW are doing
the simple test – the rest of us
are apparently “too busy” to
spend just a few minutes doing
something that could potentially
save our life.
Professor David Currow, Chief eating habits, data from the
Cancer Officer and CEO of the NSW Cancer Registry shows that
Cancer Institute NSW, urged almost 60 per cent of people
people to use their free, homedelivered
test kit as soon as they cancer find out it has already
in Northern Sydney with bowel
receive it in the mail as early spread by the time they are
detection is critical.
diagnosed, reducing the chances
“Bowel cancer can be
of successfully treating it.
successfully treated in 90 per On average, 572 people in
cent of cases if it is detected Northern Sydney are diagnosed
early so please don’t leave these with bowel cancer each year
kits in your drawer or wait until and 194 die from the disease
you are experiencing symptoms,” annually.
Professor Currow said.
According to the Cancer
A bowel screening kit is used Institute, people who participate
to detect bleeding from your in the National Bowel Cancer
lower bowel, which is often not Screening Program are almost
visible; the test is completed in twice as likely to have their
your home and returned in the cancer detected at the earliest
mail for processing.
stage, when it is most treatable.
“This is a free, quick and
For many people, by the time
simple screening test you can do they experience symptoms of
in the privacy of your own home bowel cancer, the cancer has
and will give you the best chance already spread to areas outside
against bowel cancer – or even the bowel, when survival rates
prevent it entirely.”
drop to 72 per cent.
Australia has one of the
The free National Bowel
highest rates of bowel cancer Cancer Screening Program mails
in the world – around one in 23 kits to people 50-74 years every
Australians will develop bowel two years. For more information
cancer in their lifetime.
visit cancerinstitute.org.au or
Even though residents of the call the National Bowel Cancer
Northern Beaches are mostly Screening Program infoline on
health-conscious and with good 1800 118 868.
What you
can do...
Bowel cancer is one of
the most preventable
cancers and people of all
ages can take action to
reduce their risk.
Personal and lifestyle
factors associated with
an increased risk of
bowel cancer include:
n Overweight and
obesity;
n Lack of physical
activity;
n High intake of
some foods such as
processed meat;
n High alcohol
consumption; and
n Smoking.
Other risk factors include
a personal history of
bowel polyps and family
history of bowel cancer.
It is also important to
know the symptoms
of bowel cancer, these
include:
n Bleeding from the
rectum;
n Anaemia;
n Changes in bowel
habit;
n Abdominal pain or
cramping;
n Bloating;
n Weight loss; and
n Unexplained tiredness
or fatigue.
People with a family
history should see their
doctor for an assessment
of risk and advice about
management options.
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 51

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
New level of ‘Core’ fitness
If you’re tired of typical gym
classes, sick of not seeing
results and unable to commit
to lengthy treadmill sessions,
consider a groundbreaking
new flexible workout that’s
landed in Mona Vale.
The stylish, spacious new
Core9 club is not like traditional
gyms. With sessions starting
every three minutes, no bookings
needed, a personal trainer
and nutritional support inclusive
with all memberships, it
offers no-excuses conditioning
training for those who want to
work out smarter, not harder.
Owner and fitness expert
Sam Theyers (right) says: “I
have been in the industry
20 years, have run over 800
clubs around the world and
Core9 for me is the first brand
to challenge the industry to
change.”
Sam says his experience and
observations are that traditional
gym offerings are not working.
“Gym numbers are growing
in Australia yet the public are
getting more overweight and
unhealthy,” he said. “I believe
Core9 has begun the change
that is required. Mona Vale
Core9 has adopted the belief
that if we look after our members,
the members will look
after us, and they do.”
Core9’s is “fitness reimagined”,
with a regime combining
gymnastics exercises,
kick-boxing fundamentals and
military training techniques for
a full-body functional workout.
“There’s no such thing as
being late for a session, no
such thing as ‘sorry we are fully
booked’, no such thing as training
alone with no help – this
philosophy continues into the
gym itself too.”
Core9 recognises that rigid
times, lengthy training sessions
and the additional expense of
paying for personal training
and or nutrition support are
serious de-motivators.
“The average gym has a
success rate of 18% when it
comes to members getting
results, with the average
member of a traditional
gym attending on average
2x per week across
the globe – Core9
has a monstrous
success rate of over
80% (world leading)
and the average
attendance of our
members is over
3.5x per week.”
Importantly,
there were no ‘member
acquisition’ roles
in the business model.
“Its unique approach
offers people of all fitness
levels the most efficient,
effective and personalised
way to challenge themselves,
enhance their health, and become
stronger and fitter.”
More info call 0499 994 672
52 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Hair & Beauty
Shaving tips to help stop
aggravation of the skin
with Sue Carroll
With a little knowledge,
men can learn to
recognise and address
the common skin concern
called PFB – or Pseudofolliculitis
Barbae. Don’t worry: it is a not
a new contagious disease. PFB
is a foreign body inflammatory
reaction involving papules and
pustules on the beard area – the
lower face and neck – of men.
Typically, there are groups of
small, red or pigmented bumps
on the beard area that may flare
with repeated shaving, and PFB
tends to be worse with very
curly or kinky hair.
Since men have more facial
hair, which is also toughened by
testosterone, this along with the
accompanying ingrown hairs,
is one of the most common
skin issues for men. Ingrown
hairs occur when the end of the
hair shaft is cut, resulting in an
inflammatory response such
as redness, itchiness, and/or a
raised infected area.
Treatment for PFB depends
on its severity. Treatment
specifications include shaving
protocols, skin care ingredients
and regimens, laser therapy and
possible prescriptive remedies.
An effective starting place to
treat PFB is to grow the beard
out for about 30 days to eliminate
ingrown hairs; if lifestyle
and work environment allow
for this. Also, changing shaving
practises will improve the condition.
This involves stopping
shaving altogether; shaving
less frequently; shaving with
one- or two-blade shavers only;
shaving in the direction of the
hair growth; avoiding stretching
the skin while shaving; using
hair clippers as an alternative
to shaving, as they do not cut
the hair as close to the skin as a
razor does; and avoiding using
needles, toothpicks or tweezers
to dislodge stubborn hair
tips (as this will cause greater
irritation and can cause greater
irritation and further damage).
The shave itself assists with
the reduction of PFB:
The Local Voice Since 1991
n Start with cleansing the skin
with a good pH balanced
cleansing gel, used with warm
water. Massage for a few minutes
with warm water which
will soften the skin allowing
the hair to be removed with
greater ease.
n Pump 2-3 drops of your shave
oil onto your finger tips and
massage with fingertips,
adding more water when
necessary.
n Take the time to invest in a
good reusable DE razor and
badger hair brush which will
enhance the shave experience.
Prepare your razor by
heating it in hot water – hot
steel cuts more efficiently.
n Place a small amount of shave
gel into a shave cup and
whip into a light foam with
a slightly damp badger hair
brush. Brush onto bearded
area. The choice of a good
pH balanced shave gel can
reduce the possibility of skin
irritation and blockages such
as pimples and PFB.
n A good place to start is with
the sideburns. Be sure to
shave WITH the direction
of the beard grain in short
strokes. Work systematically,
one section at a time, instead
of jumping from side to side.
Remember to rinse your razor
between strokes with hot
water. Leave the lip and chin
area for last as this allows the
hair to soften longer.
n For an even closer shave, reapply
the shave gel. Hold skin
firmly with the other hand and
shave across (not the opposite
direction) the grain forming
a criss-cross pattern. NEVER
shave against the grain.
n When finished, rinse with cool
water and pat skin dry. Apply
toning lotion with a gauze
square which will help to
remove last traces of shaving
gel and dry skin. To calm and
hydrate the skin apply an
anti-oxidant support serum
followed by sunscreen.
Male grooming no longer
starts and finishes with a shave,
the application of your wife’s or
mother’s moisturising cream, a
spray of deodorant and a splash
of after shave lotion. Although
usually not regarded as a serious
medical problem, PFB can
be painful, embarrassing and
can cause cosmetic disfigurement.
The papules can lead to
scarring, post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation, secondary
infection and keloid formation –
an overgrowth of fibrous tissue
or scars.
By following an appropriate
shaving technique, the use of
pH balanced products along
with the possibility of a laser
treatment, PFB can be controlled
and/or eradicated, resulting in a
completely smooth complexion.
Sue Carroll of Skin
Inspiration has been a qualified
Aesthetician for 33 years.
Sue has owned and
operated successful beauty
clinics and day spas on
the Northern Beaches.
info@skininspiration.com.au
www.skininspiration.com.au
MAY 2018 53
Hair & Beauty

Business Life: Money
Business Life
Good Look Bill: reason I just for can’t going see
‘nuts’ this working this festive out season for us
with Brian Hrnjak
When This month writing some about thoughts on round are used up when feature you of lodge Acorns your as tax attractive and functional user balance of your Acorns account
Labor’s financial foreshadowed innovation policy one it return. allows them to save while interface – fancy words for the rises and falls in line with the
to end of the perspectives refund of franking I they Now spend. for a simple As a parent worked of app looks and feels very cool. movements in markets during
can credits share on company with you shares. is from Now, the teenagers example: if I a think company I’ve come makes While these principles have the course of the trading day.
inside before of you a glaze fintech over company and turn to $10,000 the conclusion profit and that pays apps $3,000 proven to be sound over time One of the challenges
which straight in to my the case Food has pages, been let me such in company as Acorns tax it using keeps a $7,000 blend Acorns goes on to provide an any finance app would have
rolling tell you out that the is precisely fast-growing what the of retained psychology earnings and technology
to distribute
indirect benefit to its users encouraging young people to
Acorns politicians app. want Since you launching to do but I’ll to be its the shareholders. only effective The way may
in the form of education and save and invest is to remain
in make Australia you a promise in early here 2016 and the now to shareholders get modern collect kids $7,000 to save of improved financial literacy. relevant in their eyes. Over
app that this now will resides be easy on to the understand.
smart because dividends they and sure they also do know receive an Get two or more people in the the past year a number of
of around 350,000 how entitlement to spend. to $3,000 of franking room who have an account and enhancements have taken place
phones
Australians, First some that’s nuts and roughly bolts: 1.5% what credits. Acorns If the works shareholders because the are in you’ll find out what I mean – following user feedback, the
of is a the franking population. credit? Franking principles the 30% tax underlying bracket they its pay design no when did you start? What are headline ones being:
credits If you’re are a in record the dark of tax about paid more tax on the dividend. If they
Found Money partners – users
what
by a company
I’m talking
on their
about,
profits
Acorns
are in a higher bracket they pay a
can shop online with brands
is
after
a micro
those
investment
profits are paid
platform
to top up level of tax between 30%
such as Bonds, Dan Murphy’s,
or
shareholders
what’s sometimes
as a dividend.
called
Only
a
and their actual bracket. If they puts an end to the last situation
BCF,
the days
Uber
before
etc. and
this
these
system was
‘round-up’ app, the first one
profitable companies that pay are in a lower tax bracket or they described above – where a taxpayer
receives a refund of frank-
amounts once in the or hands extra of round the company ups
partners
introduced
usually
dividends
deposit
were
bonus
taxed
of its kind in Australia. Our
tax are able to distribute franking pay no tax at all they get a cash
firm along with our partners
credits. The franking credits themselves
are intangible – they’re not the current rules.
what types of situations give rise My the shareholder. Finance feature It was – the uses Hawke
refund from the tax office – under ing credits. This begs the question into and a the second users time account; in the hands of
brought it out from the US
in 2015 where it had been
cash – but they are valuable to the The proposal announced by Bill to an excess of franking credits artificial and Keating intelligence government to track that
established for a few years.
tune of 30 cents in the dollar and Shorten a few weeks ago basically or a refund of tax? The main and introduced categorise dividend spending imputation and
The app works in a couple
ones as I mentioned are when the calculate in 1987 but free in a cash limited flow; format
of ways: by taking a data
recipient of the franking credits Super similar fund to what linkages Shorten – wishes allows to
feed from your spending are firmly rooted in behavioural you
is in
saving
a low or
for?
no tax
What
position
returns
– for users return to to. make It was deposits the Howard to a and
accounts and rounding up the finance: investing small
have
example
you
a
had?
superannuation
It’s inherently
fund range Costello of government industry and that public fully
purchases you make to the amounts on a regular basis that competitive
that is in pension
but when
phase
it’s
(paying offer implemented superannuation the system funds; we have
nearest dollar and investing won’t be missed combined with combined
out pensions
with
to members)
the tools and
or Emerald today. Double Portfolio taxation – a of socially dividends
was viewed portfolio as bad option policy
these accumulated balances investing over an extended information
someone whose
that
income
the app
is below responsible
into a mix of exchange traded period of time to average provides the tax free it’s threshold. also extremely introduced because it discourages following member companies
funds listed on the ASX, or, into the markets smoothing informative There’s even – as another a regular more user feedback; to pay out earnings as dividends,
by you debiting an amount or out peaks and troughs. Of you important can’t help question but become we should Little encourages Acorns companies – sub accounts to raise
regular payment from your course it doesn’t hurt that it more ask before informed going about on and the that is: designed more debt to than allow equity investment and it discourages
behalf share of children ownership. or other
bank account to your Acorns does all of these things within behaviour what was the of intended markets purpose whether on
account. Most users enjoy the the framework of a highly you of franking are looking credits to in or the not first – the dependants So if the goal under of the system age of 18.
place? The purpose behind is to end the double taxation of
franking credits was, as part of company profits, consider this
the wider system of dividend example that will arise if Bill
imputation, to end the double Shorten gets his wish:
taxation of company dividends. In Taxpayer 1: Operates a small
consulting business under an ABN
and earns $10,000 per year net,
he has no further obligation for
tax because his income is below
the tax free threshold;
Taxpayer 2: Is our company
owner from the example above
– she earns the entire $7,000 dividend
and nothing else. Under Bill
Shorten’s proposal she won’t receive
a refund of franking credits
and is $3,000 per year worse off
than someone with the equivalent
taxable non-dividend income – an
effective 30% tax rate for someone
in a zero tax situation.
Seems unfair because it is unfair.
Many small business people
56 54 DECEMBER MAY 2018 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

entering retirement can find
themselves retaining a company
with a few residual assets or a
property and paying modest
dividends going forward. The
alternative is to wrap up their
affairs which may involve capital
gains tax or stamp duty. The
same situation above applies to
people who own shares in ASX
listed companies.
Most of the debate concerning
this issue has been framed
around the superannuation
environment, in particular how it
may affect self-managed funds.
Self-managed funds are especially
affected by these proposed
changes because they have limited
members and the whole fund
(normally just mum and dad) can
find themselves in a tax-free position
because they are paying pensions
to all members. If the fund
invests in Australian shares it may
have no taxable earnings to offset
the franking credits earned from
dividends. Previously the fund
would have received a refund of
these credits but this will cease
under the Shorten proposal.
This is in contrast to, say, an
industry fund with thousands
of members some of whom will
be in pension phase and many
of whom will be in accumulation
(taxable) phase. The industry fund
will use excess franking credits
from the pensioner accounts to
offset tax from the accumulators
– when you think about it
this is a pretty Bolshie situation
if you are the pensioner member
invested in Australian shares and
your franking credits go to others
in the fund who didn’t take the
same investment risk that you did.
It reinforces my view that the only
fund built to profit members is a
self-managed fund.
Having promised that I would
keep things simple… once you
start introducing tax thresholds
and superannuation I struggle to
find the language to make these
things widely understandable.
From my experience in public
practice dividend imputation is
one of the least understood topics
and I have no doubt that this was
a factor in the policy development
process – it’s a complex issue, lets
create a perception that it only
affects the wealthy, no-one will
comprehend the impact until after
we get in.
The reality is this proposed
change affects a wide cross sec-
The Local Voice Since 1991
tion of society because Australia
is a nation that embraces small
business, share ownership and
self-managed superannuation.
When the opposition announced
this policy there was an
immediate backlash in the media.
Shorten’s attempt to appease the
anger by excluding pensioners
(mind you only those pensioners
as at 28 March 2018, future pensioners
are affected) and charities
is text book realpolitik but it
exposes the opposition as a party
willing to sell out middle Australia.
The truly wealthy will have
accumulation accounts in their
superannuation funds they can
use to offset the unused franking
credits generated by their
fully stocked $1.6 million pension
accounts. For those in between
and that’s anyone who’s not a
pensioner – by definition assets in
super of more than $556,500 for
singles and $837,000 for couples
– can go sing.
Of course there are a couple
of strategies you can employ
to minimise the effect of these
proposed changes, things such as
re-organisation of the asset mix
in your fund or including your children
in your fund to soak up the
franking credits on a family basis.
The best defence, however, would
be to stop this atrocious piece of
policy from ever becoming law
– firstly because it weakens the
system of dividend imputation
and restores in part the double
taxation of dividends. Secondly
because it is patently unfair to
small business owners, shareholders
and superannuants who have
planned their retirement based
on long-established rules only to
have the goal posts moved.
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.
MAY 2018 55
Business Life

Business Life: Finance
Business Life
‘A little bird told me’: The
new world of instant risk
It’s very interesting to go back
over time and review what
we have written in previous
columns in order to garner the
“benefit of hindsight”. I recently
re-read a number of these
columns to get a sense of how
far we have come, and what
may come next.
Apart from our ongoing
rantings about the future of Facebook
over the past two years
(and don’t say
you weren’t
warned) our
fixation has been
on the lack of understanding
of RISK in the
investment markets.
In the stockbroking business
we see our main aim as being
able to “save people from
themselves” and we continually
bang the table about the
unknowns and left field events
that we all know lurk in the
shadows, but we just don’t
know their timing.
In October 2016 we described
risk as set out below:
“The Oxford English Dictionary
cites the earliest use of the
word in English (in the spelling
of risque from its French
original, ‘risque’ as of 1621), and
the spelling as risk from 1655.
It defines risk as: Exposure to the
possibility of loss, injury, or other
adverse or unwelcome circumstance;
a chance or situation
involving such a possibility.”
Oh how far we have come?
Now we have risk on steroids;
risk today looms like a tarantula
that is ever-present, waiting in
the shadows not necessarily
to cause injury but certainly to
cause fright.
And, sadly, this is now the
world we live in. The volatility
that we knew and thought we
had bade farewell to is back…
and back with a vengeance.
Overseas markets can and
see swings of 5 per cent or
more in a night. You can go to
bed at night and the Dow Jones
Index of 30 stocks can be down
500 points, and when you wake
up in the morning the Dow
may be up 500 points. Who
knows? And that’s the
worry.
According
to all
reports, the US
economy is doinably
well,
remarkto
improve, and
China is invigorating
its domestic economy
better than most people
realise. The emerging markets
continue to emerge. BUT – and
it’s a big BUT – when you have
Europe
continues
the President of The United
States prowling the halls of The
White House sending ‘Tweets’
ensuring market mayhem, it
becomes all the more difficult
to predict anything.
So, what to do in an investment
environment such as
with Simon Bond
this? The old saying of “when in
doubt stay out” has never been
more appropriate in this situation
and those who attempt
“to trade from their kitchen
tables” run the risk of incurring
significant loss.
Stand by for regulation of
Big Tech – it’s not a matter of if
but when – and when the great
unwind begins, those who are
over-exposed will struggle to
get out. Facebook is a monopoly
and monopolies cannot last.
Donald Trump’s not-so-subtle
attacks on Amazon are just the
beginning. Google has already
begun preparing and they are
ahead of the pack.
The Big Tech names have
been the big performers and
the risk of regulation now
looms large. It won’t come out
of the US, it will come from
Europe; and my expectation is
that when it happens the fines
will be in the TENS of Billions.
It’s not a matter of if but
when. Stay astute, stay alert
and stay solvent.
NewportNet co-director Simon Bond has been actively involved
in all aspects of Stockbroking since 1987. His focus is on how
technology is changing the investment landscape, demographic
trends and how they influence equity markets.
56 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Business Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 57

Business Life: Law
Business Life
Signing non-disclosure
agreements under focus
In the 14 months since Donald
Trump was inaugurated
as the 45th President of the
United States of America there
has not been a day without a
headline mentioning him. He
must be the most consistently
reported and commented-upon
President ever – and it appears
unlikely to abate.
Until now Donald Trump has
been a most unlikely subject
for this column; that is, until
the arrival of adult film actress
and director Stephanie Clifford
(also known as Stormy
Daniels) and Playboy model
Karen McDougal. Both these
ladies have recently given extensive
media interviews and
in the case of Ms Clifford, a
much-publicised ‘60 Minutes’
interview.
Both had previously signed
non-disclosure agreements,
being settlements concerning
their sexual encounters with
Donald Trump.
In Clifford’s case she signed
the non-disclosure agreement,
was paid, and agreed not to
talk about the matter. On the
other hand, McDougal sold
the rights to her story of her
affair with Trump to American
Media Incorporated (AMI), the
publisher of tabloid magazines
such as the National Enquirer.
It was a legal arrangement in
which one sells one’s story
in order to quash it in a deal
known as “catch and kill’.
Both women, perhaps
emboldened by the Harvey
Weinstein publicity, have approached
a court to declare the
non-disclosure deeds void.
Documents which protect
confidentiality are referred to
by various names, for example:
Deed of Confidentiality, Non-
Disclosure Deed or Confidentiality
Agreement. They are essentially
the same document,
usually a commercial agreement
between two
Here, binding promises of confidentiality
are quite common.
In the US several states,
including Florida, Washington,
and Louisiana had, prior
to the Weinstein-led #MeToo
movement, introduced what
is known as “sunshine in
litigation” – a reference to the
famous Justice Louis Brandeis’s
statement that sunlight is “the
best of disinfectants” – legisla-
tion which prohibits conparties
or companies where
the parties agree to protect the
confidential information of one
or both parties.
Employment contracts and
many varieties of legal agreement
are used in business, one
example being in the protection
of intellectual property
as progressive disclosure of
the essence of information is
made to a prospective partner
or distributor a non-disclosure
agreement will issue at each
stage of revelation of the product.
Such agreements are also
issued in legal settlements,
which may be negotiated prior
to issues between parties escalating
into full scale litigation.
fidentiality provisions if they
conceal ‘public hazards’ such
as danger to general health
and safety.
While Clifford and McDougal
have declared that their
confidentially agreements
concerned consensual sex with
Trump, Harvey Weinstein has
been revealed as a person who
entered into multiple nondisclosure
agreements with
victims of his alleged sexual
harassment and abuse. In this
way he ensured that his victims
were bound to silence, made
more so by the fact that he was
acknowledged as a very powerful
presence in the entertainment
industry.
One effect of the Weinstein
with Jennifer Harris
scandals has been a move to
re-examine non-disclosure
agreements as being a method
to coerce people and support a
power imbalance.
Since #MeToo, New York,
California and several other
states have introduced legislation
prohibiting confidentiality
clauses in deeds that have the
effect of concealing discrimination
or harassment. An interest-
ing example to this thinking
occurred in December 2017
when Congress passed one
taxation bill which provided
for a provision disallowing a
deduction for “any settlement
or payment related to sexual
harassment or sexual abuse
if such settlement or payment
is subject to a non-disclosure
agreement”.
With their media disclosures
and lawsuits Clifford and Mc-
Dougal combined with the #Me-
Too campaign have attracted
national attention to their cause
and the use and effect of non
– disclosure agreements and
their enforceability.
McDougal’s claim contends
that an agreement that has
the effect of coercing a person
not to speak out on matters of
public concern violates ‘foundational
tenets of our system of
government, including freedom
of expression and conscience
and freedom of the press.’
Added to the interest in this
matter has been a report in the
58 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Washington Post that Donald
Trump’s senior White House
members have signed confidentiality
agreements, which
has raised the query as to
whether they might be enforceable,
if not unconstitutional.
There are varied and specific
arguments in the Clifford and
McDougal litigation which go to
whether, in Clifford’s case, she
freely entered the non-disclosure
agreement. And McDougal
claiming a misunderstanding in
signing her agreement.
Both women allege that they
received funds which may
have circumvented federal
campaign-finance law, because
payments were unreported expenditures
by, or contributions
to, Trump’s campaign, intended
to influence the election.
Non-disclosure agreements
were widely discussed in
Australia in July last year in the
case of Amber Harrison, a former
Channel Seven executive
assistant and Seven CEO Tim
Worner concerning an extramarital
affair.
Harrison had agreed at the
end of 2016 to leave Seven on
the condition that the company
pay her in instalments a total
of $427,418 including $100,000
for “alleged injury, including
loss of professional standing
and reputation”.
A Deed of Agreement
required Ms Harrison not to
speak about the affair with Tim
Worner or anything that would
bring her former employer into
disrepute.
However, when Seven missed
a payment Ms Harrison believed
the agreement had broken
down. She therefore went public
about the affair on Twitter and
Seven went to the Supreme
Court and sought a permanent
suppression order in terms
of the Deed of Agreement i.e.
not to speak about the affair
or Channel Seven which might
bring Seven into disrepute.
Eventually negotiations
broke down. Ms Harrison was
left without legal representation,
funds, and an order in
the terms sought by Seven and
a huge award of costs (which
only recently Seven have decided
not to enforce).
While there has been debate
to disallow the enforcement
of non-disclosure agreements
there is, we would suggest, a
possibility that to abolish them
would have the effect of taking
away the bargaining leverage of
less powerful parties in a dispute.
Without a legally enforceable
undertaking/promise to
keep the issue out of the public
eye, many powerful people may
prefer to take their chances defending
themselves in Court or
in the media. Victims seeking
redress could be left worse off,
as their only bargaining chip
– the possibility of silence – is
removed.
n Since preparing this column
it has been reported
that President Trump’s
lawyers are seeking at least
$US20 million in damages
from Clifford (Stormy Daniels)
for violation of the nondisclosure
agreement.
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
MAY 2018 59

Trades & Services
Trades & Services
AUDIO REPAIRS
Andy McGill
Call Andy 0450 511 250
45 years’ experience in hi fidelity
& muso equipment. Specialising
in old analogue equipment
including amplifiers, speakers &
turntables.
AUTO REPAIRS
British & Swedish
Motors
Call 9970 6654
Services Range Rover, Land
Rover, Saab and Volvo with the
latest in diagnostic equipment.
Narrabeen Tyrepower
Call 9970 6670
Stocks all popular brands
including Cooper 4WD. Plus
they’ll do all mechanical repairs
and rego inspections.
Barrenjoey
Smash Repairs
Call 9970 8207
barrenjoeysmashrepairs.com.au
Re-sprays a specialty, plus
restoration of your favourite vehicle.
Commercial specialist.
BOAT SERVICES
Avalon Marine
Upholstery
Call Simon 9918 9803
Makes cushions for boats, patio
and pool furniture, window
seats.
ELECTRICAL
Eamon Dowling
Electrical
Call 0410 457 373
For all electrical, phone, TV,
data and security needs.
FLOOR COVERINGS
Blue Tongue Carpets
Call Stephan 9979 7292
Family owned and run. Carpet,
rugs, runners, timber, bamboo, vinyl,
tiles & laminates. Open 6 days.
GARDENS
Graham Brooks
Call 0412 281 580
Tree pruning and removals.
Reports regarding DA tree management,
arborist reports.
Precision Tree Services
Call Adam 0410 736 105
Adam Bridger; professional tree
care by qualified arborists and
tree surgeons.
CLEANING
The Aqua Clean Team
Call Mark 0449 049 101
Quality window washing,
pressure cleaning, carpet
washing, building soft wash.
Martin Earl House Wash
Call 0405 583 305
Pittwater-based owner on site at
all times. No travellers or uninsured
casuals on your property.
Housewashing Northern
Beaches
Call Ben 0408 682 525
Pressure cleaning and soft wash;
window & gutter cleaning. Used
by local real estate agencies.
MASSAGE & FITNESS
Avalon Physiotherapy
Call 9918 3373
Provide specialist treatment for
neck & back pain, sports injuries,
orthopaedic problems.
Avalon Physiotherapy
& Clinical Pilates
Call 9918 0230
Dry needling and acupuncture,
falls prevention and balance
enhancement programs.
Avalon Beach Chiropractic
Call Sam 9918 0070
Professional care for all ages.
Treatment for chronic and acute
pain, sports injuries.
Francois Naef/Osteopath
Call Francois 9918 2288
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention for
back pain and sciatica, sports injuries,
muscle soreness and strain, pregnancy-related
pain, postural imbalance.
PAINTING
Modern Colour
Call 0406 150 555
Simon Bergin offers painting and
decorating; clean, tidy, quality
detail you will notice. Dependable
and on time.
AJJ Painting & Decorating
Call 0418 116 700
Andrew is a master painter with
30 years’ experience. Domestic
and commercial; reasonable
rates, free quotes.
Interior &
Exterior Colour
Call 0417 236 577
Deborah is a local colour and
interior design/decorating consultant
with over 30 years’ experience.
One-hour colour consultation with
spec and samples.
UPHOLSTERY
All Foam
Call 9973 1731
Cut to measure quality foam for day
beds, boats, caravans and more.
Discounted prices and reliable local
service. Free measure and quote.
Luxafoam North
Call 9999 5567
Local specialists in all aspects of
outdoor & indoor seating.
Custom service, expert advice.
Essyou Design
Call Susan 0422 466 880
Specialist in day bed and outdoor
areas. Reliable local service.
Offering domestic & commercial.
TUITION
Northern Beaches Home Tu tor ing
Call John 9972 1469
1-ON-1 individual tutoring in your home. All ages and subjects K-Uni.
Qualified tutors. WWC child protection checked. Since 2009.
Leather Hero
Call Leanne 0490 796 012
Northern Beaches-based
specialists in leather cleaning,
revamps, repairs and colour
restoration for lounges, cars
and boats.
Advertise
your Business
in Trades
& Services
section
Phone
0438 123 096
60 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Trades & Services
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 61

Trades & Services
TUITION
Northern Beaches
Home Tutoring
Call John 9972 1469
1-ON-1 individual tutoring
in your home. All ages and
subjects K-Uni. Qualified tutors.
WWC child protection checked.
Since 2009.
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.
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.
PEST CONTROL
Predator Pest Control
Call 0417 276 962
predatorpestcontrol.com.au
Environmental services at their
best. Comprehensive control.
RENOVATIONS
Rob Burgers
Call 0416 066 159
Qualified builder provides all
carpentry needs; decks, pergolas,
carports, renons & repairs.
Trades & Services
Advertise
your Business
in Trades
& Services
section
Phone
0438 123 096
Underdeck
Call Adrian 0417 591 113
Waterproof under your deck and
turn the area into usable space
all year round.
TILING
WM Tiling Services
Call Wally 0452 449 4494
wmtiling.com.com.au
Bathroom renovations, supply
and install. Quality, guaranteed
work. Call to arrange quote.
62 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

the
good
life
dining
food
crossword
gardening
travel
64
66
69
70
74
Showtime
Learn the story
behind the music
The fascinating story of
one of the most influential
composers and innovators
of the 19th century will be
showcased in an innovative
concert in Bayview in June.
John Field: Inventing ‘Night
Music’ shines a light on the life
and music of Irish composer
and pianist John Field.
In this unforgettable
afternoon of music, Irish
diplomat and raconteur Richard
O’Brien and acclaimed pianist
Tamara-Anne Cislowska (above)
share the stage weaving the
story of Field’s life into the
audience’s experience of the
music.
Performed to great acclaim at
venues such as the Melbourne
Recital Centre O’Brien’s
storytelling accompanied
by Cislowska’s unerring
musicianship has captivated
audiences around Australia.
Field’s Nocturnes influenced
Chopin, Schumann and Liszt
among others.
He lived the last 30 years of
his life in Russia and fostered
a new school of Russian
pianism that can be seen in the
compositions of Tchaikowsky,
Scriabin and Rachmaninov.
This special concert,
organised by Peninsula Music
Club, is sure to appeal to wide
audience – while you may
be new to the story expect
to hear music that is not
unfamiliar.
The concert will be held at
St Luke’s Grammar School,
Bayview Campus on Sunday
3rd June at 2.30pm; doors
open 2pm.
Single tickets are $25. More
info 0407 441 231 or 0413 077
749; peninsulamusicclub.com.au
Afternoon tea will be served
after the performance.
Sydney Film Festival action
The full program for the 65th Sydney Film Festival is
revealed this month and if the sneak peak of the line-up is
anything to go by we are certainly in for a treat… even if we
have to go into the city! The festival will be opened by sidesplittingly
funny New Zealand film ‘The Breaker Upperers’
at the State Theatre on Wed 6 June followed by 11 days of
screenings of more than 250 films across Sydney (nearest
venue to us is the Hayden Orpheum Cremorne). Tickets,
flexipasses and subscriptions are on sale now. Call 1300 733
733 or visit sff.org.au.
High notes
Show off – Give your mum
a night out with tickets to
a show. Dee Why RSL has
some great acts scheduled
in May which would make
perfect (early) Mother’s Day
gifts including The Australian
Bee Gees Show on Fri 4,
every mum’s favourite Mark
Vincent on Wed 9 – and if you
dare/or are feeling particularly
cheeky, the hilarious
Menopause The Musical on
Thurs 10. Details at deewhyrsl.com.au.
Funky beats – The Avalon
Beach RSL presents the seven-piece
funk, soul, rhythm
and blues group Vicky Turner
Band on Sat 12. The beachesbased
group showcases a
great blend of material from
the Mowtown era to classic
rock and funk so wear your
dancing shoes. From 9-12pm.
Musical theatre – Strictly
Song and Dance is a colourful,
high-energy show, featuring
three talented performers
delivering highlights from
the greatest musical theatre
productions of all time (think
Phantom of the Opera, Les
Misérables, The Wizard of
Oz, Chicago and Strictly Ballroom
to name a few) on Tues
15 at 11am at Glen Street
Theatre.
Here is the voice – You
may remember Nic Jeffries
(pictured) from the popular
Channel 9 television program
The Voice. Also a formidable
sax player, Nic will be
bringing his rich and soulful
sound to The Co-Op Club at
the Waterfront General Store
Church Point on Sat 20 from
3.30-6.30pm. Call 99796633
to book a table.
MAY 2018 63
Showtime

Dining Guide
Dining Guide
May's best restaurants, functions, events and reader deals...
Bistro 61
Avalon Beach RSL
1 Bowling Green Lane
Avalon Beach
OPENING HOURS
Open 7 days
Lunch 12pm-2:30pm
Dinner 5:30-8:30pm
CUISINE
Modern Aust / pub food
PRICE RANGE
Meals $8-$30
Specials $12-$15
BOOKINGS 9918 2201
Avalon Beach RSL’s Bistro 61
is a great place to head for
a local meal, offering tasty
modern Australian dishes at
affordable prices.
Book a table for lunch on
Mother's Day and enter their
'Mum's Mega Raffle' with more
than $1000 in prizes to be
won.
There will be hampers for
mum, plus beauty treatments,
gift vouchers and more.
Music in May (9pm-12am)
includes Coast & Ocean
(Saturday 5th) and the Vicky
Turner Band (Saturday 12th).
And don't forget to check
out their new Stella Room!
Happy Hour is every
Monday, Tuesday & Friday from
4-6pm.
Now open for breakfast
from 9am to 11.30am.
Open for lunch and dinner
seven days, with extensive
outdoor dining areas, Bistro
61 offers a variety of specials
(lunch and dinner) during the
week, including $12 tacos
(Tues), $15 Chicken Schnitzels
(Wed), 2-4-1 pizzas (Thurs),
and a $20 burger + beer (Fri).
Seniors are well catered
for – there are daily Seniors
specials, including beerbattered
flathead – plus they
do a $5 kids meals on Sundays!
(There’s a playground, too.)
From the menu, chef
Mitch recommends his twist
on nachos – pulled beef and
blackbeans with chipotle, corn
chips, guacamole, Danish fetta
and coriander.
Members get discounts on
meals purchased. Membership
starts from $5.50.
The club is licensed, with
no BYO. Bookings online or
call 9918 2201 – large groups
welcome.
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 April 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 Autumn.
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
P
New dishes are introduced
regularly so check out the
blackboard specials.
The team are only too
happy to home deliver your
meal, with a range that takes
in Narrabeen to the south to
Palm Beach in the north.
Fully licensed or BYO.
Barrenjoey
Bistro
Club Palm Beach
1087 Barrenjoey Rd,
Palm Beach
BISTRO OPENING HOURS
Lunch 11:30am-2.30pm
Dinner 6pm-8.30pm
PRICE RANGE
salad (Thursdays) and tempura
fish and chips with salad
(Fridays), except public hols.
The Members’ lucky badge
draw is held Wednesday and
Friday night (every 30 mins
between 5pm-7pm), and
jackpots by $100 each week.
Enjoy Trivia Night from
5.30pm on Wednesdays, plus
Bingo 10am on Fridays.
The club has a courtesy
bus that makes regular runs
Wednesdays, Fridays and
Saturdays from 4.30pm to 9pm.
Ring to book a pick-up.
The Mirage
Restaurant
at Metro Mirage
Hotel Newport
2 Queens Parade West,
Newport
CUISINE
Modern Australian
PRICE RANGE
Breakfast – $25 adults,
$12.50 kids (5-12)
Dinner – entrees
from $7-$17,
Mains from $21-$30,
Desserts from $13-$25
BOOKINGS 9997 7011
Local residents are finding
Lunch and dinner
the peaceful ambience
specials $13.50
of The Mirage restaurant
overlooking spectacular
BOOKINGS 9974 5566
Pittwater, the perfect
Head to Club Palm Beach, waterfront venue to enjoy
located just a short stroll from breakfast or dinner.
Palm Beach Wharf, for Mother's Located in boutique Metro
Day lunch on May 13.
Hotel Mirage Newport, The
Enjoy a special menu from Mirage restaurant is a popular
11.30am through 3pm – no choice for breakfast from
bookings taken.
7-10am seven days a week,
Enjoy a round-trip cruise on offering a fixed-price full hot
Pittwater followed by lunch at and cold buffet, including a
the club ($25pp groups of 10+). selection of cereals, seasonal
Barrenjoey Bistro is open fruit and freshly made juice,
for lunch (11.30am to 2.30pm) toast and pastries and
and dinner (6pm to 9pm) seven sausages, eggs, has browns,
days, plus there's a Snack Menu bacon and tomato served with
available 2.30pm-6pm.
the Chef’s Special of the day.
The Bistro serves top-value a The Mirage restaurant is
la carte meals plus daily $13.50 also open for dinner from
specials of roasts (Mondays), Monday to Saturday from
rump steak with chips and 5.30pm – 8.30pm and can
salad (Tuesdays), chicken be hired, along with all the
schnitzel with chips and salad hotel’s function rooms, for
(Wednesdays), homemade private and corporate events
Honey chicken.
gourmet pies with chips and of between 60-110 guests.
64 MAY 2018
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 has been
updated – but it still offers
affordable meals and generous
servings including a variety
of starters and share plates,
seafood, burgers, grills, salads,
desserts and woodfired pizza.
This month, treat mum to a
special Mother's Day breakfast,
lunch or dinner at the RMYC on
Sunday May 13.
A Champagne Buffet Breakfast
is available from 8am-11am ($25
members, $28 non-members, $15
kids).
Or enjoy Buffet Lunch in the
Top Deck function room, feasting
on king prawns, oysters, fish,
roast chicken and beef, salads and
a variety of yummy desserts ($85
members, $90 non-members,
kids $30).
Buffet bookings essential.
Or for a more formal gettogether,
there's a set-menu Lunch
(12pm-3pm) and Dinner (5.30pm-
9pm) at Salt Cove on Pittwater
(bookings appreciated but not
essential).
'A Tribute To Family Legends'
on Saturday May 12 features the
talents of all-girl group Audio
Vixens who will play hits from the
likes of The Bee Gees, The Everly
Brothers, The Beach Boys, The
Capenters, The Andrews Sisters
and more.
Trivia is held every Tuesday
night from 7.30pm (great prizes
and vouchers).
Club social memberships are
available for just $160.
Food Merchants Feast!
Looking for something out of the ordinary for Mother’s Day?
Head to Food Merchants within Parkhouse Food & Liquor
at Mona Vale for a sumptuous three-course house feast with
inspired Southern California flavours. Leave it to the talented
chefs to bring you a taste of everything!
The great new space is the perfect retreat to spoil mum – plus
every booking will receive a Palm Beach Collection candle and a
beautiful posy of flowers.
It’s great value at just $55 per person, with kids $15. Bookings
recommended.
Also, look out for their new ‘Truck Stop’ which will be open on
weekends, featuring a rotation of food trucks serving delectable
delights. It’s an awesome new outdoor space featuring hand ball
courts, snooker, croquet, ping pong tables, pizzas – the perfect
location for everyone.
More info parkhousefoodandliquor.com.au
Dining Guide
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 65

Food Life
For more recipes go to www.janellebloom.com.au
Food Life
Recipes: Janelle Bloom Photos: Steve Brown & Benito Martin
Rice is nice – but which
one to use, and when?
Over the Easter weekend a lively discussion was held around
a friend’s table regarding the various and many rice varieties
on supermarket shelves – in particular, what variety
should be served with what cuisine! I tried to stay neutral, so as
not to upset the host, but it was clear from the conversation there
was some confusion, which is what inspired me for this month’s
column.
For the record, long grain is an all-purpose rice with a generic
flavour. It is the most forgiving rice to cook and suits all cuisines.
It’s the best rice to use when twice cooking – for example,
fried rice (boiled, cooled then stir-fried).
Jasmine originated in Thailand and is commonly used in
Southeast Asian cooking. It is a long grain variety with a floral
aroma and a soft, sticky texture. Use when serving Thai, Vietnamese,
Indonesian or Malay.
Basmati originated from the foothills of the Himalayas in
northern India and Pakistan. Its long, thin grain has a fragrant,
nutty flavour; it should be used when serving Indian.
Arborio is a medium grain rice that should always be used
when cooking risotto. And it’s the only rice that doesn’t require
washing before cooking.
Butter chicken
Serves 4-5
800g chicken thigh fillets, cut
into 3cm pieces
½ cup roasted salted cashews
1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken stock
60g ghee (see Janelle’s Tip)
1 brown onion, finely chopped
¼ tsp ground cardamom
2 tsp sweet paprika
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup tomato passata
300ml thickened cream
coriander leaves & lime
wedges, to serve
Marinade
½ small lemon, juiced
½ cup greek-style yoghurt
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 tsp garam masala
½ tsp chilli powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbs grated fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1. Combine all the marinade
ingredients in a ceramic
bowl. Add chicken and stir
to coat. Cover and refrigerate
2 hours (or overnight if
time permits). Process cashews
until finely ground.
2. Put rice and 1½ cups stock
into a saucepan, bring to
the boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover
and simmer 15 minutes until
rice has absorbed the stock.
Stand without removing the
lid 10 minutes.
3. Melt the ghee in a wok over
medium heat. Add the onion
and spices, cook, stirring for
5 minutes until soft. Stir in
the ground cashews. Reduce
heat to low, add the passata
and remaining ½ cup stock.
Bring to the simmer. Stir in
the chicken and marinade.
Simmer, uncovered for 20
minutes. Stir in cream and
simmer a further 15 minutes,
until chicken is cooked
through and sauce reduced
slightly.
4. Scatter with coriander.
Serve with rice and lime
wedges.
Janelle’s Tip: Ghee is
traditionally used for cooking;
you will find it near the
Indian ingredients in the
supermarket. Once opened,
keep stored in the fridge. You
can use vegetable oil as a
replacement if you like.
Fried rice
Serves 4 as main
with Janelle Bloom
2 cups long grain rice, rinsed
1 tbs Shao Hsing wine
1 tbs oyster sauce
1 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp white sugar
3 tsp Maggi seasoning (see
Janelle’s Tip)
1 tbs peanut oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 brown onion, halved, thinly
sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 long red chilli, thinly sliced
2 rashers bacon, chopped
2 lap chong sausages, sliced
66 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

(See Janelle’s Tip)
250g green prawns, peeled,
deveined, roughly chopped
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 red capsicum, diced
1/3 cup frozen peas
1. Combine the rice and 3
cups cold tap water in a
medium saucepan. Bring
to the boil. Reduce heat to
low, cover and simmer for
12-15 minutes or until small
craters appear in surface of
the rice. Remove from heat.
Stand covered for 5 minutes.
Rinse then drain well.
Spread out onto a baking
tray. Refrigerate, uncovered
for 2 hours or until cold.
Combine cooking wine,
sauces, sugar and seasoning
together.
2. Heat a wok over medium
heat until hot. Add 1 teaspoon
oil and swirl to coat
wok. Add the egg, swirl to
form a thin omelette. Cook
for 30 seconds or until egg
sets. Slide onto a board.
Roll up omelette. Set aside.
3. Reheat the wok over high
heat. Add remaining oil
with onion, garlic, chilli, bacon
and sausage. Stir-fry for
2 minutes. Add the prawns.
Stir-fry for 1 minute or until
prawns turn pink. Add the
rice, green onions, capsicum,
peas and combined
sauce. Stir-fry until rice is
heated through. Slice the
omelette and stir into rice.
Serve with chilli soy on the
side.
Janelle’s Tip: You will find
Maggie seasoning with all the
spices in the supermarket,
and sausage where Asian
ingredients are located.
Lemongrass
beef stir-fry
Serves 4
3 tbs peanut oil
1 tbs lemongrass paste
1 long red chilli, finely
chopped
1 tbs grated fresh ginger
600g beef fillet, trimmed,
thinly sliced
1 bunch choy sum, ends
trimmed, leaves and stems
separated
150g snow peas, thinly sliced
100g green beans, trimmed,
The Local Voice Since 1991
cut into 3cm lengths
1 tbs Shao Hsing Chinese
cooking wine
Jasmine rice, cooked to serve
1. Combine 1 tablespoon oil,
lemongrass, chilli and ginger
in a ceramic bowl. Add
the beef, stir to coat.
2. Cut choy sum leaves and
stems into 3cm lengths.
Heat a wok over high heat
until hot. Add 2 teaspoons
oil and swirl to coat the
wok. Add one-third of the
marinated beef, stir-fry for
2 minutes or until browned.
Transfer to a large plate.
Repeat, in 2 more batches,
with oil and remaining beef,
reheating the wok between
batches.
3. Add the remaining oil to the
wok, with choy sum stems,
stir-fry 1 minute. Add snow
peas and beans, stir-fry 1
minute. Add Shao Hsing
wine, cover for 30 seconds.
Return the beef and any
juices to the wok. Stir-fry for
1-2 minutes or until the beef
is warmed through. Stir in
the choy sum leaves. Serve
with Jasmine rice.
Oven-baked risotto
Serves 4
600g sweet potato, peeled, cut
into 3cm pieces
1 tbs olive oil
50g butter
2 chorizo, chopped
1 large leek, halved, thinly
sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
a plate. Cover and set aside.
1½ cups Arborio rice
Add leek and garlic to the
4 cups chicken stock
pan, cook, stirring constantly
50g parmesan, finely grated
for 2 minutes.
¼ cup chopped flat leaf
3. Stir in the rice, cook while
parsley
stirring for 1 minute. Add
the stock and bring to the
1. Preheat oven to 220°C fan
boil. Cover with a tightfitting
lid or foil. Transfer ri-
forced. Scatter the sweet
sotto to the oven and bake,
potato over a baking tray.
stirring every 10 minutes,
Drizzle with the oil, season.
for 30 minutes.
Roast for 20 minutes until
4. After 30 minutes stir in the
golden and tender.
chorizo and sweet potato.
2. Reduce oven to 180°C fan
Cover and return to the
forced. Melt butter in a
oven for 8 minutes or until
large flameproof dish over rice is tender and absorbed
medium heat. Add chorizo, all the stock. Remove from
cook for 5 minutes or until the oven, stir through the
light golden. Use a slotted parmesan and parsley.
spoon to remove chorizo to Serve.
MAY 2018 67
Food Life

Food Life
In Season
Rhubarb
Rhubarb, raspberry white
chocolate croissant cake
Serves 6-8
Food Life
The Chinese call rhubarb
“the great yellow” (dà
huáng); they have used
rhubarb root for medicinal
purposes for thousands of
years. Rhubarb is related
to sorrel and buckwheat.
Its stalk is fleshy and tart,
while its leaves contain
high levels of oxalic acid
which makes them toxic.
Remove and discard leaves
before cooking! Although
rhubarb is not a true fruit,
in the kitchen it is usually
prepared as if it were. Most
commonly, the stalks are
cooked with sugar and used
in pies, crumbles and other
desserts.
Buying
Look for rhubarb with glossy,
crisp, bright red stalks – the
more intense the colour, the
sweeter the fruit. Avoid limp
stalks, or stalks with bruising.
Storage
Fresh rhubarb perishes
quickly at room temperature
so it’s best stored, unwashed
and uncut, in a snap lock bag
in the fridge. Once cooked
rhubarb will keep 4-5 days in
the fridge or up to 6 months
in the freezer.
Nutrition
Rhubarb contains some fibre,
calcium, vitamins C, A and K,
magnesium, potassium, manganese
and a little iron.
Also In Season
May
Apples –look out for Kanzi
and Jazz; Bananas; Custard
apples; Dates; Grapes;
Kiwi Fruit; Mandarins;
Oranges – Navel; Pears;
Pomegranates; Quince and
Rhubarb. Also Avocados;
Bok Choy; Broccolini and
Broccoli; Brussels sprouts;
Cabbage; Cauliflower;
Eggplant; Fennel; Kale;
Ginger; Leeks; Spinach and
Sweet potato.
8 croissants, cut into four
crossways (see Janelle's Tip)
2 eggs
½ cup caster sugar
1/3 cup thickened cream
¼ cup ground almonds (almond
meal)
2 tablespoons flaked almonds
2/3 cup frozen raspberries
150g white chocolate,
chopped
Double cream to serve
Stewed rhubarb
600g rhubarb, washed,
trimmed
2 tbs white sugar
½ tsp vanilla bean paste
1. Cut rhubarb into 1½cmthick
pieces. Place into a
heatproof, microwave-safe
bowl with the water clinging
from washing. Add
sugar, stir to coat. Cover,
microwave on High/100%
for 5 minutes. Carefully remove
the cover, stir. Cover
again and cook further 3-5
minutes or until stewed.
Stir in vanilla. Set aside to
cool.
2. Lightly grease base and
sides 6cm deep, 20cm
(base) springform pan.
Arrange croissants, cut
surface facing up over the
base of the pan, making
sure the base is completely
covered. Combine eggs,
sugar, cream and ground
almonds in a bowl. Whisk
with a fork until combined.
Pour half over the croissants.
Allow to stand 10
minutes to absorb the egg
mixture.
3. Carefully spread 1 cup of
stewed rhubarb over the
croissants. Top with half
the raspberries and half
the chocolate. Top with
remaining croissants.
Pour over remaining egg
mixture and allow to stand
10 minutes.
4. Preheat oven 180°C fan
forced. Poke the remaining
raspberries and white
chocolate between croissants.
Sprinkle the top with
flaked almonds. Place onto
a lined baking tray. Bake 30
minutes or until set. Stand
15 minutes before releasing
sides. Serve warm with
thick cream.
Janelle’s Tip: Day-old croissants
are best for this recipe.
If using frozen, allow them
to thaw then stand room
temperature for 1 day.
68 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Pittwater Puzzler
Compiled by David Stickley
ACROSS
1 A small recess opening off a larger room
(6)
4 Wide landscape view (8)
9 Administrative centre of the local
government area of Northern Beaches
Council (3,3)
10 Small bits of coloured paper thrown by
wedding guests at the bride and groom (8)
12 North Avalon’s “hole in the wall” (2,8,4)
14 Those having a dip on the Northern
Beaches (7)
16 Small umbrella (7)
17 Division of geological time (3)
18 Summaries of academic and work
histories (7)
20 A surfboard about 2.5 metres in
length, propelled by a paddle (4,3)
22 Stretch of sand just north of Collaroy
(9,5)
26 Shipwreck survivor (8)
27 Black and white bird (6)
29 Common beachwear for those wishing
to keep their budgie smugglers under
wraps (8)
30 Etival is the only one in Palm Beach (6)
24 DOWN
DOWN
1 Financial assistance (3)
2 The best part of anything (5)
3 Any conveyance for transporting
people, goods, etc., especially on land (7)
5 A coral island consisting of a circular
belt of coral enclosing a central lagoon
(5)
6 A person appointed or elected to some
position of responsibility and authority
in the public service, or in some
corporation, society, or the like (7)
7 Zealous workers for a cause, especially
a political cause (9)
8 The largest of the world’s continents
(4)
11 A large quantity or number (6)
12 Residential area like Palm Beach,
Newport or Avalon (6)
13 Quite advanced in years (6)
15 Body of water lapping the Northern
Beaches (6,3)
16 Family behind the Happy Days
Cambodia charity (6)
19 Half woman, half fish (7)
21 Vigorous and animated (7)
23 A couple or pair (5)
24 iPhone maker (5)
25 Sign of a healing wound (4)
28 Dine at the Beach House, Avalon, for
example (3)
[Solution page 72]
Pittwater Puzzler
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 69

Garden Life
Garden Life
Delight Give a gift in that the amazing lasts a lot
colours longer than of hydrangeas
Mother's Day with Gabrielle Bryant
Always a favourite for All mothers deserve with cactus will look
Christmas colour, hydrangeas
are flowering their
on Mother’s Day. If your mum likes a
special treatment after themselves.
heads off! They look wonderful
Treat your mum with challenge give her a
in the garden, brightening
a gift that will give raised vegetable garden
the semi-shaded areas and
pleasure for the weeks in kit form, or a readymade
glowing in the full, protected
ahead.
veggie pod for
sunlight. Once the older
Gardening mums love the balcony. For a more
varieties were either pink or
nothing more than a living
relaxing present give
blue depending on the soil,
plant. Cyclamen (left) a water fountain or
additional lime will deepen
will flower for the colder tabletop water feature so
the pinks and blueing tonic
months to come. Moth that she can relax to the
(sulphate of aluminium) will
orchids are sensational, sound of water. Cherry Guava a
heighten the blues, but the
chrysanthemums can Seeds, herb kits, mushroom
farms, secateurs,
sweet surprise
new named varieties will
be planted out into the
I
maintain their colour. White
garden to flower again hand trowels or watering n full flower in my veggie
never changes. There are
next autumn. Peace lilies, cans may seem basic garden is my Cherry Guava,
hydrangeas of every size from
pink begonias, pots of but are all welcomed by sometimes known as a Strawberry
Guava. This delightful
the tiny dwarf Piamina to the
tiny yellow jonquils or gardening mums.
tall traditional Mop Heads.
scarlet anthuriums are all And if all else fails take evergreen shrub never fails to
With so many to choose from
flowering now.
your mother for a day produce a heavy crop of cherry
it is almost too difficult to of the traditional For working mop heads, mothers, that can out be to the two nearest metres garden tall. guavas in early autumn.
decide. There are the delicate the cone-shaped glass terrariums flowers of planted The recently centre! introduced
It is a small, pretty tree with
lace caps, the huge blooms hydrangea paniculata bushes smaller growing Picotee rounded, glossy green leaves
varieties with two-tone flower that only grows to about
heads are hard to leave behind
and if you have a semi-
trimmed Silver into shape Falls after fruit-
three metres in height. Keep it
New alternative to Murraya hedging
shaded wall, the climbing ing. The delicate fluffy flowers
Radermachera Summerscent naturally dense foliage. They
hydrangea petiolaris is just are a creamy hanging
white, growing close
is a dwarf cousin of the can be clipped as a hedge or
beautiful.
to the branches. They are followed
wonder
by the tangy flavoured,
China Doll tree that has been be left to grow in their natural
Hydrangeas are forgiving
a favourite indoor plant for shape. Summerscent will work
plants that are easy to grow. sweet, Dichondra berry-sized, Silver cherry Falls red is
many years. Once China Dolls as a screening plant in far
They like regular water and fruit that often are sold high in in hanging vitamin C.
are planted in the ground they less time than other hedging
any good garden soil. Mulch Unlike baskets. the taller-growing It is an easy-togrow
yellow plant guava with that glistening needs
deciduous
will grow into huge trees but plants. Alternatively, it can be
the roots with compost to
Summerscents (right) grow trimmed to a single trunk until
keep them cool and feed cooking, silver, trailing the fruit foliage. can be eaten
no more than 3m tall, and it is a metre tall and then left
them in early spring to get raw straight In a basket from it the will tree spill or
they are quickly replacing the to branch out as a small street
them going. Grow them in used down, in cooking, cascading jellies, over drinks, the
Murrayas as hedging plants in tree. As an added bonus Summerscent
has fragrant pale
pots, or in the garden; bring sauces edge or with jams. long stems of
coastal gardens from the Gold
them inside when in flower small You should kidney-shaped protect the silver fruit
Coast down to Sydney.
cream flowers for most of the
or cut the blooms – they last from leaves. fruit It fly is with often a fruit overlooked
as a ground cover
fly bait.
They are fast growing with summer months.
well in water.
plant (above). It is so easy
Get to grow, into it will the soon cover
dry, poor soil.
‘swing’ of Xmas
I
Once established, it
t
only
is time
needs
to relax
to be
and
watered
enjoy
your
after
garden.
long dry
Look
spells.
at your
outdoor
Silver Falls
seating
is undemanding.
It
requirements
Like its cousin the China
–
will
the shops
cover root-filled
are full of
Doll, Radermachera Summerscent
is a great indoor plant Hanging
amazing
soil under
chairs
trees,
and
spill
tables.
over
rockeries,
cane
grow
egg
down
chairs
the
have
but without the sun it will not been
centre
trendy
of driveways
for the past
or
few
flower.
years
tumble
and
out
now
of
the
pots.
‘Swing
This very welcome newcomer
will grow in sun or peaceful
Seat’
The
is back.
best way
Nothing
to make
is more
it
spread
than
quickly
swinging
is to layer
in a
shade, and once established seat
the
for
trails
two,
of
sheltered
silver. It will
from
is drought-tolerant. It doesn’t the
root
weather
from the
with
base
a roof
of the
to
like wet feet and grows best in shade
leaves.
from the sun – makes a
good soil.
great Christmas present too!
72 70 DECEMBER MAY 2018 2017
The Local Voice Since 1991

Take the
Nodding
challenge
Sometimes it is fun to
take on a challenge, and
if you are lucky enough
to find a plant of the
Nodding Clerodendrum
– clerodendrum nutans –
don’t miss out.
It is a slow-growing
tropical plant that has
sprays of pure white
flowers that contrast
against the dark green
glossy leaves in summer. It
will grow in the semi shade,
out of the hot midday sun.
It will grow in the garden
away from the wind that
would damage its brittle
foliage but I believe that
this very beautiful plant is
better grown in a large pot,
where it can be fed and
watered regularly. It can be
grown as an indoor plant in
a very light room.
Prepare poppies for 100
years of remembrance
If you plant your poppies now
they will flower in time for
the 100 years commemoration
of World War I in November.
Mr Fothergills
seeds have released,
in partnership
with Legacy,
a packet of scarlet
Flanders Poppy
seeds. For every
packet sold, Mr
Fothergills will donate
50c to Legacy.
Check the garden
centre but if you
cannot find them
you can buy them
from Mr Fothergills
online.
Flanders Poppies make a
brilliant display in late spring,
in pots or in mass displays.
Their huge scarlet flowers
with black centres have become
the symbol of remembrance.
Scatter the seed lightly over
damp soil and press down
firmly, or sow the seeds in a
seedling tray and plant them
out when strong
enough to handle.
The seed is very
fine; to make the
seeds easier to
handle, mix the
seeds with some
dry sand before you
sow them (they will
germinate quickly).
Thin out the seedlings
to space 20cm
apart. Once they
begin to flower you
will have a display
for many weeks until
the summer heat arrives.
Poppies love full sun; feed
them with a slow-release
fertiliser and you will be well
rewarded. To keep the flowers
coming, remove the old flowers
as they finish.
Garden Life
Let the cat out of the grass
It’s fun to have a project for the kids that works fast. Sprouting
seeds and grass heads are great but nothing is more fun than
growing seeds in water beads.
Water beads are the perfect medium for germinating seeds.
They can be coloured with food colouring as they swell in the water.
Packets of beads can easily be found in plant shops or online.
Nothing grows quicker than cat grass (above). All cats love
to nibble grass that they will find outside, but if you have an
indoor cat, keep your cat happy with home-grown cat grass.
The seed will germinate in just a few days. If you don’t have a
cat, any seeds can be grown the same way: cress, bean sprouts,
alfalfa, mustard, mung beans or peas.
If you add a complete fertiliser to the water, use water beads
to grow culinary herbs hydroponically on a sunny window sill.
The Local Voice Since 1991
MAY 2018 71

Garden Life
Garden Life
Jobs this Month
May
Now that the weather
has started to cool
down a little, plant
out your spring flowering
bulbs. If you are planting
them into pots layer the
bulbs at different depths to
prolong the flowering time.
Use bulb fibre potting mix
for the best results. Some
pansy or alyssum seedlings
will brighten the pots before
the bulbs appear, without
affecting the growth of the
bulbs.
Move orchids
Move cymbidium orchids
into the sun. They are
beginning to make flower
spikes and need bright light
or winter sun to develop the
buds. Watch out for snails
though – protect them with
Multiguard snail bait.
Dose citrus
While the soil is still warm
give your citrus trees a dose
of fertiliser before winter.
Spray fortnightly with Eco oil
to protect the foliage from
leaf miner and citrus bugs.
Not too wet
Make sure that pot plants
are not sitting saucers full of
water. Plants need less water
when they are dormant in
winter. Cold wet roots will rot.
Compost call
Autumn leaves make
wonderful compost. Keep
filling the compost bin with
leaves, twigs, veggie scraps
and shredded paper. Water
with GoGo Juice to help the
compost break down.
Mind your peas
Sweet Peas are shooting
up now. Make sure they
have something strong to
climb up. A bamboo tripod
wrapped with chicken wire
or wound with string works
well. A lattice on the fence
or an archway makes a good
base. If you haven’t planted
seeds it is not too late for
seedlings.
Worm alert
If the rains come before the
weather cools, watch out for
Army Worm in the lawn. Dead
patches are tell-tale signs.
Apply Professor Mac’s 3 in 1.
It is a natural insecticide, a
wetting agent and a fertiliser
to control the grubs.
Seasonal change
Autumn colours define the
seasons. Deciduous trees give
summer shade and winter
sun. Check out the trees
around that are losing their
leaves. Take note of colour
and size before you buy bare
trees next month.
Cull tomatoes
The very warm autumn has
prolonged the tomato season
and some are still fruiting.
But if you want to plant winter
crops you will have to pull
Camellia care
It is time to disbud camellias.
Where the flower buds are
multiple gently twist them
off leaving just a single
flower. Sometimes camellias
are very enthusiastic. Single
flowers can open fully.
Overcrowded buds can open
as misshapen flowers.
tomatoes out now. Otherwise
your new crops of peas,
broccolini, spinach, silver
beet and other winter veggies
won’t be ready to harvest by
the time the weather warms
up in spring.
Space for seedlings
Leave some space in the
vegetable garden for flower
seedlings. Primula, pansies,
marigolds, sweet William,
stock, nasturtiums and snap
dragons will attract the bees.
Crossword solution from page 69
Mystery location: CLAREVILLE
72 MAY 2018
The Local Voice Since 1991

Times Past
Avalon’s sea cave is more
than just a hole in the wall
You could be excused for
thinking that Avalon
has/had three ‘Holes
in the Wall’ if you include
the Sea Cave (or ‘The Ovens’)
with St Michael’s Arch and
St Michael’s Cave at North
Avalon.
The Reverend Father Therry
knew of (and named) both the
latter two – but he wouldn’t
have known of the sea cave.
He would have needed to be
on the deck of the SS ‘Collaroy’
as she steamed past Careel
Head on Easter Monday, 21
April 1862. He was on his way
to the wharf at Careel Bay to
deliver the inaugural lecture
of the season in St Michael’s
Cave to 250 members of the St
Benedict’s Society.
Careel Head lies to the north
of Bangalley Headland and at
its base, at sea level, constant
erosion has created two sea
caves. The northern sea cave is
large, with an entrance about
10 metres across and 2 metres
across at the ‘wet section’. It is
10 metres high and about 100
metres deep!
However, it pales when compared
to the more southerly
‘monster’.
Leaving the minor cave and
heading south, an incredible
roar greets the intrepid caver
or fisherman from around a
corner, even with a relatively
calm sea and a low tide. Big
T-Rex would be proud of the
noise emanating from a mouth
far bigger than his! This
mouth has measurements of
30 metres across the entrance
and the height inside is greater
than a 10-storey building.
The escarpment from North
Avalon to Whale Beach is made
up of almost vertical cliffs,
with the foreshore sloping to a
varying degree. Within the escarpment
are a number of vertical
doleritic dykes, especially
the most visible one through
the apex of St Michael’s Cave.
PHOTO: John Davis
Just like the forces which
formed St Michael’s Cave,
molten rock forced its way
up through cracks in Careel
Head to form a similar dolerite
dyke. The molten rock
rises from deep within the
Earth and forms thin vertical
sheets that punctuate the
sedimentary geology. It is
claimed that this intrusion
occurred during the Jurassic
era – around 170 million
years ago.
Geologists claim that St
Michael’s Cave would have
eroded faster once the sea levels
fell due to the action of the
wind-blown sand over time.
There have been many
claims that smuggling occurred
in earlier years in both
St Michael’s Cave and the sea
caves. However, the wave that
is generated as a swell enters
the narrowing sea cave is
anything but welcoming and
a wooden boat would soon be
belted to splinters.
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
MAY 2018 73

Travel Life
Travel Life
Take in glaciers & volcanoes
on luxury ‘Ring of Fire’ Cruise
Crystal Cruise’s enticing
22-night ultra-luxury
voyage from Tokyo to San
Francisco via Russia’s Kamchatka
Peninsula in May next
year will take in some of the
world’s most stunning views –
including Avacha Bay and surrounding
volcanic mountains,
followed by the glaciers and
fjords of Alaska.
Travel View Cruise View’s
Karen Robinson says that with
the scenery come countless
opportunities for wildlife
watching, a wide variety of
outdoor activities and the
chance to explore the various
cultures in the area.
“One of the highlights of
this unique and charming itinerary
aboard the prestigious
six-star Crystal Symphony is
going to Petropavlovsk,” Karen
said. “Petropavlovsk’s claim
to fame isn’t necessarily the
city itself, but the remarkable
scenery that surrounds it.”
She explained the peninsula
is part of the Ring of Fire, the
string of volcanoes that encircle
the Pacific. Here there are
68 active volcanoes, providing
outstanding opportunities for
exploration and adventure.
“Visitors might soak in the
hot springs, soar over the
volcanoes via helicopter, see
the Valley of the Geysers or
discover Nalichevsky Nature
Park,” Karen said.
Cruiseco’s generous
25-night fly, cruise and stay
packages (departing May
26) in a Deluxe Oceanview
stateroom, start from $14,995
per person, twin share;
they include Economy Class
international airfare from
Sydney to Tokyo and return
from San Francisco to Sydney,
plus two nights pre- and one
night post-cruise opulent
hotel accommodation.
Private car transfers between
port, hotel and airport
in Tokyo and San Francisco;
onboard gratuities; port
charges; government fees and
air taxes are also included.
“Voted the prestigious
luxury travel award for
World’s best large-ship cruise
line, consecutively for the past
10 years, indicates Crystal
Cruises dedication to delivering
a six-star experience on
every cruise,” Karen said.
“Following a recent multimillion
dollar redesign, the
Crystal Symphony has been
transformed into a sanctuary
of refined style and cutting
edge technology, maintaining
her undisputed status as the
World’s best.”
* Join Travel View for an
information evening on
Wednesday 30 May from
5-7pm. Call to secure your
spot – Avalon 9918 4444 or
Collaroy 9999 0444
74 MAY 2018
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