Pittwater Life December 2023 Issue

The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023
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Editorial
Mackellar boundary shift?
The next Federal election
may not be until 2025 but
already there is interest in the
lead-up to the poll.
The Australian Electoral
Commission needs to scrap one
electoral Division (seat) in NSW.
And electorates that do not
meet enrollment quotas may
need to change boundaries to
justify their existence.
That applies to Mackellar.
Currently, members of the
community, MPs and political
parties are being invited
to make suggestions about
potential changes to electorate
boundaries. The submissions,
publicly available on the
Commission’s website, make
for interesting reading.
Check out our story on p18.
* * *
The NSW Government has
sent Northern Beaches
Council into a flurry with
the news it is planning to
commence $150 million worth
of safety upgrades on the
Wakehurst Parkway next year.
The works are expected to
take two years.
Meanwhile Council has
shifted into overdrive to coordinate
the determination of
its three-stage flood mitigation
works, to try to align with the
government’s works. See p26.
* * *
It has been a tough past 12
months for workers, families
and the business community,
with cost-of-living pressures
continuing to eat into our lives.
On behalf of the Pittwater
Life team we’d like to thank
all readers and advertisers
for their support through a
difficult year.
We sincerely hope we’ve been
able to inform and entertain
you throughout 2023.
And we’d like to wish
everyone a happy and safe
Festive Season and Christmas
holiday. See you in 2024!
– Nigel Wall & Lisa Offord
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 3

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The Local Voice Since 1991
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thislife
INSIDE: The PEP-11 offshore gas lease is not ‘dead in the
water’ (p9); Dr Sophie Scamps has joined the chorus calling
for the Mona Vale Road West upgrade to be reinstated (p10);
Narrabeen surfer Laura Enever recounts her world record
Big Wave ride (p12); Listen to Jason Breen’s ‘whale’ of a tale
(p14); Iva Davies and Icehouse will play at the Sydney Opera
House to mark its 50th Anniversary (p20); what’s your view
on the new Mona Vale murals (p28)?; and the Big Swim is
celebrating its 50th anniversary in January (p44).
COVER: ‘Isopogon’ / Julie Hickson 2023 podandpod.com.au
also this month
Editorial 3
Pittwater Local News & Features 8-41
The Way We Were 32
Seen... Heard... Absurd... 34
Community News 36-41
Life Story: 50 years of The Big Swim 44-48
Hot Property 50
Art 52-54
Author Q&A 56
Health & Wellbeing; Hair & Beauty 58-63
Money 64-65
Crossword 70
Food & Tasty Morsels 72-75
Gardening 76-78
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DECEMBER 2023 The Local Voice Since 1991

News
Scamps clarifies Medicare ‘win’
Mackellar Independent MP Dr Sophie Scamps has
applauded the Federal Government’s cash injection
to strengthen the Medicare system – but warns that
it will actually do little to lower the cost of seeing the family
doctor.
Last month the Albanese Government tripled bulk-billing
incentives for GPs in a bid to make
it easier and less expensive to see
a GP.
The Government said it was the
largest investment in bulk billing
in the 40-year history of Medicare,
describing bulk billing as “the
beating heart of Medicare”.
Federal Senator for NSW Tony
Sheldon said Labor’s investment
would make it easier for more
than 27,000 children and their
families and 28,000 pensioners
and concession cardholders in
Mackellar to see a bulk-billed GP.
“Doctors’ groups have called this a ‘game-changer’ and GPs
have said this will help them maintain – and even shift back –
to bulk billing,” he said.
Senator Sheldon explained that on top of the investment in
bulk billing, the Government was investing in a $1.5 billion
indexation boost across the board to Medicare rebates,
increasing the amount that doctors receive for Medicare
services and reducing pressure on GPs.
“I know how important it is for our community to be able to
see a doctor when and where they need it.
INCREASING COSTS: Dr Scamps applauds the cash injection but
says the decline in Medicare rebates still needs to be addressed.
“Our historic investments into bulk billing will make a big
difference in Mackellar,” he said.
Dr Scamps told Pittwater Life the freeze on Medicare rebates
for nine years imposed by successive Liberal governments
meant that seeing their family doctor became increasingly
difficult for many patients, due to out-of-pocket costs.
“So I very much welcome these
incentives to boost bulk billing
rates and this investment in the
health of Australians,” she said.
However, Dr Scamps said the
changes did not address the
decline in the actual Medicare
rebate – the amount the patient
gets back from Medicare.
“So those people who are not
under the age of 16 or concession
card holders continue to face
increasing costs to see a GP.
“GP practices are still under
enormous pressure because of
rising costs. More needs to be done to ensure they can provide
quality, affordable healthcare to all their patients.
“As a GP I know how vitally important the availability
of bulk billing is to young families and older residents of
Mackellar.
“I would urge the Government to consider in the next
budget further measures to ensure that primary healthcare is
affordable for all and that GPs can run viable practices,” she
said.
– Nigel Wall
*What do you think? Tell us at readers@pittwaterlife.com.au
8 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Bill ‘no constitutional risk’
The spectre of offshore gas and oil
drilling – including the controversial
PEP-11 lease off the NSW Central
Coast – remains afloat after a NSW
Parliamentary Committee recommended
the voting down of a Bill that would
have seen it ‘dead in the water’ once and
for all.
Further, last month the Labordominated
Committee ‘gagged’ debate
on the Bill, pushing back discussion
until March.
The move comes after the Opposition
tabled its Minerals Legislation
Amendment (Offshore Drilling and
Associated Infrastructure Prohibition)
Bill 2023, which it said would effectively
stop projects like PEP-11 by preventing
any development associated with gas
drilling, such as pipelines, through the
seabed in NSW coastal waters.
The initial report of the Parliamentary
Committee raised concerns the Bill
could be “constitutionally invalid”.
However those claims have been
rubbished by lawyers representing
activist group Surfers for Climate (SFC).
SFC co-founder Belinda Baggs said
that while acknowledging “serious
concerns from the community about
the potential negative environmental
impacts of offshore drilling” and that
there was “significant opposition”
to such projects in NSW, the Report
recommended only that existing
environmental assessments standards
be reviewed.
“It is clear this recommendation goes
against everything the people of NSW
want,” she said. “The Government needs
to tell us: Why isn’t it stopping PEP-11?
Hannah Marshall, partner at Marque
Lawyers, said: “We disagree that the Bill
carries any significant Constitutional
risk. It does not create any new
inconsistency with Commonwealth laws.
“NSW already controls activity in NSW
coastal waters. Activity in the offshore
areas falls under federal authority.
NSW can already ‘impair’ offshore
exploration and drilling activity by
denying licences for infrastructure in
NSW coastal waters. It is already the
NSW policy position not to support new
offshore drilling activity.
“If the idea was that the
Commonwealth retain control over
infrastructure in state coastal waters,
the law could say that. But it doesn’t.”
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman
said it was another broken Minns Labor
Government promise.
CONCERN:
Offshore
gas drilling.
“Before the election, Labor repeatedly
said that they were opposed to PEP-11
and would ban it,” Mr Speakman said.
“But now that they have the opportunity
to protect our environment from
offshore drilling risks, they decide to
vote it down.”
Shadow Environment Minister Kellie
Sloane, the sole Coalition committee
member, said the Government was
using the excuse of an entirely
hypothetical future fight with the
Federal Government to vote against the
Bill.
Pittwater MP Rory Amon, who
introduced the Bill, said: “Labor
continue to play pure politics, referring
the Bill to a partisan committee for
a Government stitch-up – Labor’s
committee now recommends the Bill be
dumped,” he said. – Nigel Wall
*What do you think? Tell us at
readers@pittwaterlife.com.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 9

News
Abandoned Mona Vale Rd ‘danger’
Mackellar Federal Independent MP
Dr Sophie Scamps and Northern
Beaches Council have joined the
chorus of community frustration at the
mothballing of the second stage of the
$340 million Mona Vale Road upgrade.
In a rare display of tripartisan
support, Dr Scamps and Council joined
Pittwater State MP Rory Amon in
calling on the NSW Minns Government
to undertake a safety audit on the
abandoned 1.5-kilometre stretch of road
between Kimbriki tip and Addison Road,
Ingleside.
With the East upgrade almost
complete, works were due to commence
on the West upgrade in 2024 – before the
NSW Government deferred the project
citing a ‘no needs’ status.
However, both local members are now
highlighting that the West section is now
more dangerous than before, with high
mounds of cut-and-fill transferred from
the East upgrade planned in readiness
for the West upgrade now blocking vision
at the notorious blackspot.
At its November meeting, Council
resolved to write to Premier Minns noting
its concerns following recent serious
accidents on Mona Vale Road (West) and
expressing its support for the upgrade.
It called on the Government to fully
fund the upgrade in the 2024/25 State
Government Budget.
Latest traffic modelling by Transport
for NSW projects a 12 per cent increase
in weekday vehicle numbers travelling
on the Wakehurst Parkway between
Frenchs Forest and Narrabeen by 2046
– building each year it will place added
pressure on Mona Vale Road as motorists
seek an alterative route to exit Pittwater
to access the Sydney CBD via Belrose.
Transport for NSW’s traffic tool shows
Mona Vale Road is used by more than
30,000 vehicles each way from Mona Vale
to Terrey Hills each weekday.
Dr Scamps told Pittwater Life: “The
people of the Northern Beaches and
Mackellar have been waiting for years
ROAD CLOSED: A head-on collision in July on the West section of Mona Vale Rd.
for an upgrade to Mona Vale Road. This
stretch is an identified black spot and
should be a priority for an upgrade.
“It is very disappointing that the
people of Northern Beaches have been
overlooked once again by the NSW State
Government which deferred the western
upgrade for two years in its last budget.”
Dr Scamps said she would ask
Minister for Roads Jo Haylen and also
Infrastructure NSW to conduct an
assessment of the safety risks of leaving
the works half completed for so long,
as well as associated traffic congestion
implications.
State MP Rory Amon wrote to Premier
Chris Minns and Ms Haylen in late
November, also calling for a safety audit.
He said Mona Vale Road West was left
a construction site, with no funding to
complete or make the road.
Mr Amon wrote: “Following the Government’s
cancellation of the Mona Vale
Road West upgrade, there has been a
spate of near deadly accidents along the
very section of road that was to be upgraded.
A partly done job and construction
site seems to be increasing safety
risks and the frequency of accidents.
“I recently asked you questions in
Parliament about the Government’s response
to recent accidents. Your responses
were inadequate and an affront to the
victims and to the tens of thousands of
residents put at risk and impacted.
“Will you commission a safety audit of
Mona Vale Road West to understand the
safety risks posed by the construction
site and a road which halves in width
along the Western section (the remainder
of the road is four lanes)?
“Will you commit to funding to implement
safety measures recommended by
the audit? Lives are at risk. Please act
now. Your Government is on notice of
these risks.”
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman
said if ever a location was crying out for
an upgrade, it was the Mona Vale West
section.
“There has been an enormous
community outcry about this – and
understandably, and justifiably so,” he
said. “That’s why over 12,000 people
have signed Rory’s petition.
“If you support an upgrade here, sign
that petition and send a strong message
to the Government.” – Nigel Wall
*Join the petition; scan the QR code on
page 16.
PHOTO: NB Advocate
10 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
Laura’s monster wave record
“I Narrabeen professional surfer
knew it was the wave of my life,”
says Laura Enever, the North
who was awarded the Guinness Book of
Records world record for the largest wave
ever “paddled-in” by a female last month.
She had spent around two hours near
the shore, watching other Big Wave surfers
getting smashed while she waited for
a monster at Oahu’s Outer Reef off the
Hawaiian coast.
Video footage shows Enever paddling
past a crowd of a dozen surfers. “When
it came I was in the perfect spot,’’ she
recalls.
“When I took off I looked down the face
and realised it was the biggest wave I had
ever been on. That’s when I told myself I
had to make it to the bottom. Focus. Hold
on and ride this wave.”
She said it felt like an eternity hurtling
down the face in a near free-fall, before
the 31-year-old was engulfed in a
maelstrom of whitewash.
“I looked up and saw the height of the
wave coming down on me. It exploded on
me. I was underwater getting thrashed
around but I had a smile on my face.”
She had survived, without injury –
unlike one of her first Big Wave contests at
Maui’s famous Jaws break when she had to
BIG ACHIEVEMENT:
Laura Enever with
her record certificate
at North Narrabeen.
take herself home to the Northern Beaches
to recuperate for six months.
“My family and friends thought that
would be the end of Big Wave surfing for
me. But I couldn’t wait to get back.”
At just 1.6 metres and of slim build,
Laura isn’t the ideal body shape for
tackling Big Waves. Most competitors –
men and women – are taller and stronger.
But, as Jessi Miley-Dyer, Chief of Sport
of the World Surf League, put it: “Laura is
fearless, committed, and a real inspiration.
Athletes like Laura are pushing the
boundaries of Big Wave surfing.”
The first indication she might have
broken the world record, set by Brazilian
Andrea Moller at 12.8 metres in 2015, was
when one of the videographers told her.
“I got that on film. It might be a world
record.”
The paddle-in (most Big Wave surfers
are towed by high-powered jet skis) was on
Valentine’s Day 2023, but it took the WSL
scientific team months to authenticate.
The scientists used a series of wave
measuring techniques including video
footage from several angles and Laura’s
own height to gauge the distance from the
trough to the crest of the monster.
Ultimately they judged Laura had
paddled-in on a 13.5-metre wave, beating
Moller’s previous record.
The world record was presented to
Laura in front of family and friends at
North Narrabeen.
In the many interviews for global TV
and the surfing press, she thanked Moller
and the previous generation of female
Big Wave surfers who had inspired her to
get into the sport. “And I know the next
generation of female big wave surfers are
12 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

going to do the same.”
Tributes for Laura and her achievement
poured in, including from Layne Beachley,
the Manly-based seven-time surfing world
champion.
“Any athlete who can paddle into
a wave of that magnitude is pretty
extraordinary,” Layne told the Sydney
Morning Herald.
The highest wave the multi world
champion had ever been towed into was
around 15.2 metres but she had only
paddled-in to one that was less than five
metres.
Laura was 11 when she took up surfing
at North Narrabeen. Her junior career was
glittering. In 2008, she won the ISA World
Junior gold medal and Rookie of the Year
at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing event.
The following year she won the World
Junior Championship.
Her ambition was to follow Beachley,
qualifying for the WSL Championship
Tour. She consistently finished in the Top
Ten and her elegant looks and fashion
sense made her a prominent figure in the
surfing magazines.
However, in 2015, after seven years
on the WSL Championship Tour, she
announced she was switching to the WSL
Big Wave events.
“Friends and family thought I was mad,
but it was what I wanted to do.”
– Steve Meacham
PHOTOS: WSL x 3
WILD RIDE: Laura is captured taking off down the sheer drop; and before the whitewash hit.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 13

Shock encounter had
News
As Jason Breen was
being dragged by the
humpback whale way
below the surface to what
seemed like his inevitable
doom, the Newport-based
wing foiler remembers
thinking: “No-one would
ever believe this!”
A few seconds earlier,
Jason had been enjoying
the Southerly in Mona Vale
basin, close to the beach.
It was almost 11am on
October 25 and he had just
completed his first run of
the morning out towards the
open ocean, wallowing in the
sunshine and near-perfect
wind foiling conditions.
He had just turned and
was heading back to the
wave area when suddenly
an ominous shape appeared
on the surface, about two
metres to his right.
“I knew it was a whale,
not a shark, straight away,”
the 55-year-old recalls.
That didn’t make the
close encounter any less
dangerous.
“It grew in size as it
emerged from the water.”
Within a second or two the
breaching humpback was
“above my head and I knew I
was in trouble”.
As it came crashing down
onto Jason’s wind foil,
“it hit my shoulder and
chest”. That might not have
been too bad, but Jason’s
wing leash had got caught
and as the giant mammal
plunged to the depths, the
Newport businessman was
undergoing the initial stages
of drowning.
On the plus side, this
humpback was probably a
calf because its body wasn’t
covered in razor-sharp
barnacles – as many mother
adults are – which would
have resulted in Jason’s body
being mutilated when it was
found.
Jason tells Pittwater Life he
estimates he was dragged up
MILLION-TO-ONE INCIDENT: Jason Breen knows he is lucky to be alive.
to nine metres deep, his face
slapping against the meatlike
skin of the calf.
Then, as suddenly as the
humpback had appeared,
it disappeared. Normally a
wing foiler wouldn’t want
the leash securing him
to his craft to break. But
he felt a pop as the wing
leash snapped, allowing a
breathless Jason to return to
the safety of the surface.
He feels he was dragged
down for between 20 and
30 seconds. His first words
on getting to the surface
– recorded by his Go-Pro –
were “Shit! I just got hit by a
whale!”
Back on the wing foil,
Jason discovered his
Go-Pro had recorded the
encounter. At the same
time, Paul Nettelbeck – a
Mona Vale local who was
having a morning coffee at a
headland cafe – had grabbed
video footage of the incident
on his phone.
By evening the story had
gone viral in print and on TV
around Australia. However,
the worldwide interest has
been massive too: “I have
been interviewed 50 times in
12 different languages.”
He emerged relatively
unscathed, telling a New
Zealand wind-surfing
platform the next morning,
“I’ve got a bit of whale
14 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Jason in deep trouble
CALF STRAIN: Jason’s Go-Pro recorded his collision with a breaching juvenile Humpback off Mona Vale; he was dragged underwater for 30 seconds.
scale on my face, but I have
lived to tell the tale. My
equipment got busted up,
but that is all replaceable”.
Jason took up wind
surfing at the height of
its popularity in the early
1980s, but switched to
wing foiling three years
ago. “I’m a team rider for a
couple of brands and I run
my business – Foil Sports
Australia which I started
around a year ago – from
home.” He sells wings, foils,
boards and accessories.
“We’ve had so many
mothers and calves
swimming south along
the coast this year,” he
explained. “It’s been great to
see. I just didn’t expect one
to come so close.
“That morning there were
plenty of whales breaching
out to sea, but they were 500
metres to a kilometre away.
“This one came straight
up from the deep. It is very
large ocean. The chances of
this happening must be one
million to one.
“I don’t believe the whale
had any feeling of malice
or harm towards me. It may
have thought the wing foil
was a dolphin and wanted
to play – but it didn’t stay
around long enough for me
to ask it!”
Depending on wind
conditions, Jason goes wing
foiling up to three times a
week: “In summer we get a
lot of Nor’Easterlies.”
And no, the whale incident
hasn’t deterred him.
– Steve Meacham
*Tag: @jasonthejaw and
Jason Breen for all content.
Paul Nettelbeck’s footage is
on YouTube.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 15

News
Recognition for brave rescue
A
collection of brave
Avalon Beach Surf
Lifesavers and local
surfers received SLSA Meritorious
Awards last month to
recognise their rescue of an
ABSLSC Surf Lifesaver who
was brought back to life after
drowning.
Avalon Beach SLSC members
Michael Stanley-Jones,
Andrew Clark, Lucas Molloy
and local surfers Stuart
‘Stretch’ Cooper, Blaze Roberts
and Karl Attkins carried
out the rescue of Surf Club
Trainer Mark Head, who suffered
a freak accident in the
surf at South Avalon just over
a year ago.
Club publicity officer Roger
Sayers explained that September
16, 2022, started as a routine
Friday at Avalon Beach
before quickly transforming
into an extraordinary day.
“Mark, Mike and Andrew
had headed out for training
on rescue boards,” he said.
“Amidst the waves, an
unexpected event unfolded;
commotion on the south
headland and frantic
car horns attracted their
attention.
“At first they thought the
noise was to warn them of
a shark, so they returned
to shore. But then Stuart
Cooper – himself a former
Avalon Lifeguard – ran down
from the headland and yelled
‘there’s a body out there’. “
HONOURED: Karl Attkins, Mike Stanley-Jones, Blaze Roberts, Stuart
Cooper, Andrew Clark and Lucas Molloy.
Mike paddled back out; to
his horror he discovered their
mate Mark’s body floating
under the water.
Stuart and local big wave
surfer Karl Attkins had also
paddled out on rescue boards.
“Stuart got Mark onto his
board but the conditions
required the combined effort
of the trio, paddling together
against the South Avalon rip
to get Mark to the beach,”
Roger continued.
“Clarkie had run to the
clubhouse to get oxygen and
a defibrillator. Blaze assisted
the team with first aid and
CPR until paramedics arrived.”
Mark Head had not been
breathing for more than 40
minutes, and everyone feared
the worst. It was subsequently
found that his lungs were
100% full of water.
“Mark’s journey to recovery
has been remarkable,” said
Roger. “He spent four days
in an induced coma, with his
strength and resilience leading
to a gradual recovery.
“He has no recollection of
what caused the accident but
collision of his head with the
board or rocks has left him
with significant injuries.
“Despite this his brain is
functioning perfectly and
he suffered no brain damage
from being face down on
the water for approximately
8 minutes and a further 40
minutes of CPR, with no sign
of life.”
Mark’s message was simple:
“My six rescuers finally got
the recognition they so richly
deserve.”
Roger said the combined efforts
of trained surf lifesavers
and experienced local surfers
all acting as a team was
something the broader Avalon
Beach community could be
proud of.
“Importantly, Mark does
not want his accident to
put anyone off enjoying the
pleasures and health benefits
of surfing, and joining a surf
club,” he said.
“On the contrary, the incident
shows the importance
of learning what to do to help
someone in trouble in the
surf, not to stop or give up
on CPR despite the length of
time, and to not give up on
getting better afterward.”
– Lisa Offord
16 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Seat boundary squabble
News
The seat of Mackellar is under scrutiny
from the Australian Electoral Commission,
as the body determines
which electorate in NSW will be scrapped
before the next Federal election in 2025.
The Northern Beaches seats of Mackellar
and Warringah are among 35 of the
state’s 47 federal election divisions that
do not meet sufficient enrolment numbers.
The Commission has asked community
and political parties for their suggestions
on changes to division boundaries that
would better meet requirements.
The feedback will help the Commission
carve up existing electorates and cut one
NSW seat altogether.
Mackellar currently has 111,700 eligible
voters; its enrolment in 2028 is projected
to be 117,968 – more than 3.5 per cent
under the required enrolment quota.
Neighbouring Federal Independent
MPs Dr Sophie Scamps (Mackellar) and
Zali Steggall (Warringah) disagree about
the best way to potentially redraw their
electorates’ boundaries.
In her submission on 10 November,
Dr Scamps said there were “three commonsense
solutions” to increasing the
number of electors in Mackellar.
“The most natural and simple… would
be to extend our boundaries slightly to
the south – to incorporate the remainder
of Dee Why and North Curl Curl,” she
wrote.
“This would maintain the electorate’s
Beaches culture and character, solve the
problem of Dee Why being split between
electorates and would create a well-defined
boundary along Curl Curl Lagoon.”
Dr Scamps added that if a further
increase to elector numbers was required,
the suburbs of Curl Curl and parts of
Brookvale and Freshwater to the east of
Pittwater Rd could also be incorporated.
She continued: “The suburbs of Narraweena
and Beacon Hill are also currently
split between federal electorates, so
a [further additional] option would be to
extend the boundary in this area south,
so all of Narraweena and Beacon Hill fall
within Mackellar.”
However, fellow Independent Zali Steggall
took aim at Dr Scamps’ plan.
Ms Steggall wrote: “[It] proposes that the
southern boundary of Mackellar expand
southward within the LGA of the Northern
Beaches Council, at the expense of
the Division of Warringah, the only other
Federal Division in the LGA.
“This would result in a greater voter
shortfall in Warringah and result in a
greater westward movement of Warringah’s
boundaries, significantly altering
the character of the Division of Warringah
MACKELLAR NOW: The current boundary.
and further impacting the Division of
North Sydney.”
She said Dr Scamps’ suggestion focused
on the “beaches character” of Mackellar;
whilst noting its bushland expanses to
the west, she said it did not acknowledge
the significant “community connection
westward” via the areas of Duffys Forest,
Ingleside and Terrey Hills.
“There is a clear land connection to
the westward inland area with Mona Vale
Road, a significant transport artery for
public and private bus services, running
directly from Mona Vale into the heart of
St Ives,” Ms Steggall countered.
The Liberal Party – NSW Division’s
suggestion is that Mackellar remains a
Northern Beaches division, with the seats
of Warringah and North Sydney to be
merged into a single division.
Former Mackellar MP Jason Falinski
noted several submissions to expand
Mackellar included “some wild ideas that
seem designed to increase particular
electoral outcomes rather than improving
the representation that our community
should enjoy”.
In his personal submission, Mr Falinski
wrote: “The proposal to include Freshwater
within Mackellar while maintaining
the divide in the suburb of Frenchs Forest
and Forestville and leaving the people
of Killarney Heights isolated violates the
principles contained in the [electoral]
legislation.
“The problem of adding Curl Curl and
Freshwater to Mackellar is that it would
cut the current Council ward in half, a
point made by Zali Steggall.
“People living in Curl Curl look toward
Manly as a centre for shopping and work
and transport, not Dee Why. The suburb
of Dee Why is medium density the suburbs
of North Curl Curl and Freshwater
are typically detached housing... there is
little commonality between the areas.
“If you need to expand Mackellar it
would make more sense to include the
rest of Frenchs Forest suburb within
Mackellar, which is currently cut in half.
“This would also mean that almost
three of the five wards of Northern
Beaches Council would be encompassed
within one Federal electorate rather than
dividing two wards in Curl Curl and
Frenchs Forest.”
Members of the community who have
made submissions include authors Michael
Robotham and Dr Sarah Turnbull.
You can read all submissions at aec.gov.au
– Nigel Wall
*What do you think? Tell us at readers@
pittwaterlife.com.au
18 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Pittwater Council return boost
Community group Protect Pittwater
says it is encouraged at the prospects
of a return to Pittwater Council local
governance following the tabling of a
Private Members Bill in NSW Parliament
last month.
Greens NSW Upper House member
Dr Amanda Cohn introduced the
Local Government Amendment (Deamalgamation
Plebiscites) Bill 2023,
while referencing the concerns of
individuals and groups within the
Pittwater community, together with
nine other disenfranchised NSW
communities.
Dr Cohn noted the recent closure
of Northern Beaches Council’s Avalon
Customer Service Centre was just one
example of the reduction in services to
the Pittwater community and echoed the
concerns of many Pittwater residents in
relation to local issues being ignored by
the amalgamated council.
Protect Pittwater President Simon
Dunn joined representatives of Demerge
NSW Alliance (DNA) to welcome
the tabling of the ground-breaking
legislation, calling it “the missing piece
of the Local Government Act”.
“For the first time NSW communities
have a potential pathway for binding
PUSH: Simon Dunn (left) with Dr Amanda Cohn
(centre) and members of the Demerge NSW Alliance,
including Cr Miranda Korzy (right).
plebiscites to be held instead of the next
scheduled local government elections in
September 2024 and thereby provide a
mechanism for true local government to
be restored,” Mr Dunn said.
“The people of Pittwater were
overwhelming opposed to amalgamation
of their successful Council and outraged
that the decision to do so was made
arbitrarily by the then Minister for Local
Government.
“This bill promises to take back the
power to restore a Council from the desk
of one minister and place it squarely in
the hands of local communities, where
democratically it must reside.”
Pittwater Greens Councillor Miranda
Korzy, a founder of the Protect Pittwater
demerger group, said: “The significance
of this development for Pittwater is
that it would create a clear pathway to a
demerger via a plebiscite if passed into
law.
“The plebiscite would not force
a demerger if the community
voted against it, however it would
automatically bind the government to
re-establishing Pittwater as a standalone
Council if the majority want it.
“We would need to collect signatures
from just over 10 per cent of electors
from the former Pittwater Council area
– whose total population was around
60,000 at the time of the merger in 2016.
This would be totally achievable.
“It would then automatically trigger
a plebiscite where residents vote for or
against a demerger.”
Cr Korzy called on Pittwater MP Rory
Amon, who along with Dr Cohn cochairs
the NSW Parliamentary Friends of
Local Government, to advocate for the
bill amongst his Liberal colleagues in
Parliament.
– Nigel Wall
*What do you think? Tell us at readers@
pittwaterlife.com.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 19

The Iceman Returns
More than four decades after launching,
Icehouse will perform at the Opera House
this month to mark the 50th anniversary of
Sydney’s grandest landmark. For band front
man, Whale Beach’s Iva Davies, it’s a case of
returning to his roots. Story by Daniel Williams
News
If Icehouse still being active
surprises you, you’re not
alone. Iva Davies can’t quite
believe it either.
When he co-founded the
band as Flowers in 1977, his
assumption around even
the most successful musical
groups was that they didn’t
last long. “The last thing in my
brain was the idea that I’d be
talking to someone like you
45 years later,” Davies says.
“Everything’s been an amazing
kind of surprise for me,
the whole way along the line.”
On 12 December, Davies
will take to the stage in the
Opera House forecourt as an
evergreen 68-year-old grand
master of Australian music,
the creative force behind the
anthemic ‘Great Southern
Land’, the leader of a band
that’s achieved both critical
acclaim and huge popular
appeal, all the while evolving
in ways that help to explain its
longevity.
That Icehouse will perform
against the backdrop of the
Great White Shells is apt in
more ways than one. Before
he played nasty guitar for
Flowers, Davies played bright,
robust oboe at the Sydney
Conservatorium of Music.
In the winter of 1973, aged
18, he was part of the hybrid
orchestra that performed the
first two operas to be staged at
the Opera House, which before
long would host era-defining
rock concerts, such as the 2SM
Concert of the Decade in November
1979 and the Crowded
House farewell concert of
November 1996.
Coincidentally, Opera House
architect Jørn Utzon lived for
a time at Palm Beach while his
masterpiece was being built –
a short stroll from the house
in Whale Beach that Davies
has called home for the past
34 years.
Davies’ oboe is a key
artefact of Icehouse history.
The Wauchope-born boy with
Welsh roots had envisaged
a career in classical music
until a Lane Cove instrument
repairer “wrecked my Frenchmade
oboe and basically put
me out of commission,” he
says. “It was a case of the gods
conspiring to turn me into
something besides an oboist.”
PHOTO: Tim Buckley
20 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

LINK: Iva Davies performed at the Opera House a
few months before the building was opened; he’ll
now play a special 50th Anniversary concert there
with Icehouse in December.
50 YEARS AGO: The Opera House was wrapped
in red streamers for its opening ceremony in
November 1973.
EARLY DAYS: With first band Flowers in 1980.
That something was a cocreator
(with bassist Keith
Welsh) of an intriguing new
band that played what veteran
music writer Toby Creswell
called “an eclectic set of glamrock
cover versions and Sex
Pistols-style punk with rare
intensity”.
If you’ve ever heard Davies
being interviewed, you’ll know
he’s among the more articulate
and urbane rock stars ever
to plug into an amp. Which
prompts Pittwater Life to ask
whether Flowers/Icehouse were
ever a wild band. Davies responds
with a story from their
infancy about playing for a
pittance in a corner of the Time
and Tide Hotel in Dee Why.
As Davies tells it, they
played the Time and Tide
every Friday night for months
and had the place heaving,
but the miserly pub manager
never raised their pay or even
offered them free drinks, so
finally the band negotiated a
better deal at the Royal Antler
in Narrabeen. “In our last
show [at the Time and Tide],
it came time to finish, and we
just kept playing,” Davies says.
“The manager started freaking
out and pulling leads out of
the wall, and we kept putting
them back in. The crowd got
wind of what was happening
and there was a proper riot. It
was on for young and old. The
police turned up en masse and
we fled.”
Icehouse went on to sell
nearly 1.4 million albums in
Australia. By 1993, however,
their fortunes were waning,
while Davies had become a
father and was determined to
be a good one. The band took
a spell that lasted until March
2009, when it regrouped to
grace Sound Relief, the concerts
held simultaneously in
Sydney and Melbourne to aid
PHOTO: National Film & Sound Archive
victims of the Victorian bushfires
and Queensland floods.
Davies will never forget that
night: it was the first time his
children, Brynn and Evan –
young teens at the time – had
seen him perform. And they
were flabbergasted.
“Until then, neither of my
kids really had a clue about
what I did,” Davies says. “They
came along to Sound Relief
and there I was at the SCG
performing in front of 40,000
people, and the look on their
faces when they got backstage
was priceless. Utter shock.”
Reinvigorated, Icehouse
have been performing ever
since. Last year, they toured
Queensland and NSW to
celebrate 40 years of ‘Great
Southern Land’.
So, what can fans expect
from the band at the upcoming
Opera House concert? To
be thrilled? Inspired? Stimulated?
Educated?
“All of the above,” says
Davies, who says he’s too
busy these days preparing for
shows to dwell on the past or
worry about getting older. He’s
happy, he says. Loves what
he does – and where he lives.
“I can literally sit where I am
right now, talking to you, and
watch whales,” he says. “Virtually
every room in the house
has a view of the ocean.”
A case of a giant of Australian
music admiring the giants
of the sea.
*Icehouse will perform in the
Opera House forecourt on 12
December. For ticket information,
visit livenation.com.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 21

News
Pledge to end forest logging
Mackellar Independent MP Dr Sophie Scamps is pushing to
end industrial-scale native forestry, sponsoring a pledge
which calls on the federal and state governments to work together
towards a total national ban.
Explaining her lead, Dr Scamps said that in October, the NSW
Environmental Protection Agency discovered an endangered
greater glider dead in an area of the
Tallaganda Forest, located west of
the ACT, being logged.
“This tragedy highlighted the
threat that logging in native forests
poses for our unique fauna,” she
said. “An estimated 50 million trees
are bulldozed in Australia each
year, leading to the deaths of over
70 million native animals due to
deforestation across Australia.”
Dr Scamps said that while a total
ban seemed a radical call, just over
two years ago, Australia – along
LEADING
THE WAY:
Dr Scamps.
with more than 100 other countries – signed an agreement
called the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land
Use at COP26 to end deforestation by 2030.
“Victoria and Western Australia are already going down
this path. Logging of native forests in these states will end in
December,” she said. “But it continues in NSW, Tasmania and
Queensland.
“Native forests are home to some of Australia’s most iconic
species – koalas, gliders as well as countless other birds, mammals
and reptiles.
“But if Australia continues to log our native forests at the
current rate, these animals may become extinct in the wild
during our lifetime.
“How will I look my children in the eye when koalas have
been wiped out in my home state NSW – which a NSW parliamentary
inquiry found could occur as soon as 2050?”
She said logging of native forests not only threatened our native
species but also contributed to
climate change.
Plus, native forest logging was
lossmaking and relied on taxpayer
subsidies.
“In NSW we are subsidising the
destruction of our forests,” she
said. “While some of the logs ends
up as floorboards, much ends up in
low-value uses such as woodchips
and tomato stakes.”
Dr Scamps said plantation forestry
was more lucrative and a better
way to produce needed timbers,
especially for housing.
“Of course, there needs to be well thought through plans
to assist timber workers and communities to adapt to other
related roles including plantation work and tourism.”
Dr Scamps’ pledge has garnered 30 scientists’ signatures and
has the support of federal Independents Monique Ryan and
David Pocock, most Greens politicians and State Wakehurst MP
Michael Regan.
“It’s now time for the serving politicians in the major parties
to act,” she said.
– Nigel Wall
*More info the forestpledge.com.au or scan the code on page 31.
22 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

6THINGS
THIS MONTH
Post deadlines. If you want
your Christmas gifts delivered by
Australia Post on time, you’ll need
to get cracking. If sending parcels
overseas the deadline for most
countries is the first week of Dec.
The last day for parcel post within
Australia is Mon 18 and Express
Post is Thurs 21.
Disability support. People with
disability, their families and carers
can find out about the different
support options that are available
through Services Australia at this
free info session on Wed 6 from
2pm-4pm at Mona Vale Library.
Bookings essential through at
the library or through Council’s
website.
Sun Run discount. Thinking
about participating in next year’s
Sun Run? You can wipe $20 off the
entry fee by being an early bird and
registering online before Thurs 7.
Seaside edibles. Did you know
that every type of seaweed in
Australia is edible? Join the
Permaculture Northern Beaches
crew and expert forager Diego
Bonetto for a 2.5-hour workshop
where you’ll learn the what, where
and how of collecting a meal from
the seashore at Turrimetta Beach
on Sun 10 from 10am. More info,
costs and info on how to book on
PNB website.
Christmas show. Bringing to
life all your favourite Christmas
classics including songs by Bing
Crosby, The Drifters, Michael
Buble and Frankie Valli, ‘The
Vallies’ present a vibrant allsinging,
all-dancing show to get
you into the Christmas spirit at
Glen Street Theatre on Mon 18.
From 11am. Tickets start at $25.
NYE Fireworks. Forget travelling
into the city. The annual Bayview
fireworks (for 15 minutes from 9pm
and then again at midnight) are
presented every year (weather
permitting) by local businesses
with support from Council. To
comply with fireworks safety rules,
Rowland Reserve will be closed;
however families can still enjoy the
show from local clubs and multiple
outdoor vantage points around the
area. There’s a map on Council’s
website if you need it.
Bright ‘Sparks’ fly at Tank event
tech-driven solution that
A could one day power the
world was one of the visionary
winners at the fourth annual
Spark Tank youth business
pitch event held at Pittwater
RSL in October.
The event, run by non-profit
organisation Share the Spark
which focuses on empowering
young people to make lifeaffirming
choices, is similar
to the TV show ‘Shark Tank’
– “Just with smaller prizes
and much kinder judges”, said
founding director Kimberly
Clouthier.
This year five teams, selected
from a pool of 37 promising
young entrepreneurs, took centre
stage to compete for a share
of $15,200 in cash and prizes.
Additionally, each winning
team has received six months’
business coaching to further
develop their innovative
concepts and entrepreneurial
skills.
Leading the way were ‘Watergate
Labs’ – brothers, Benjamin
(16) and Oliver (18) who
invented a ‘Nitro Net’ device
that can create electricity from
the humidity in the air and
displayed their working prototype
at the event. They won
$2,000 cash, a $3,000 branding
package, and six months of
business coaching.
Other winners were: ‘Wet
Dry Wipes’ – friends Georgia,
Ivy, Giselle and Alice (all 12),
who revealed their Wet/Dry
wipe prototype (reusable with
fresh scents and fun emojis);
‘Disability Support Pillow’ –
Sahara (15) presented for two
as her partner Austin (15)
was in hospital. She shared
their idea for a customisable
pillow that offered people
who face physical challenges
more comfort; ‘Soap On The
Go’ – Willow, Libby, Sadie and
DAZZLING:
Nitro Net
on show.
Livia (all 10), joined up to help
us keep clean anywhere with
their idea for portable, dissolvable,
no-water-needed soap in
a convenient tiny dispenser
(ideal for travel); and ‘We Love
Dogs Rescue’ – Cade (12), Oisin
(12), and Alexander (12) were
inspired by Scarlet, their rescue
dog, to develop a central
website that matches dogs in
pounds to their new potential
owners.
– Nigel Wall
*Share the Spark provides
free ongoing micro-mentoring
programs that match young
people up with professionals,
usually in their work environment.
Youth 8 – 23, who feel
they would benefit can sign
up; visit sharethespark.org.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 23

News
Govt plan for Parkway safety upgrade
Northern Beaches Council
is working feverishly to
co-ordinate its proposed flood
mitigation works along the
Wakehurst Parkway following
the tabling of the NSW Government’s
plan for proposed
safety upgrades between Narrabeen
and Frenchs Forest.
Transport for NSW has
released its Review of Environmental
Factors (REF) for the
improvements, with submissions
from community open
until December 6.
Having weighed up the
ecological and social impacts
with the projected benefit to
community, the Government’s
REF recommends proceeding
to construction, effective next
year.
There would be no change
to the current flood risk as a
result of the proposal.
The safety upgrades comprise
$150 million in funding
for key blackspots along the
road. They were first pledged
by the former NSW Liberal
and Federal Coalition governments
($75 million each) in
TWO LANES:
Southbound from
Oxford Falls Road to
Frenchs Forest Road.
the lead-up to the 2022 Federal
election.
Since their respective
election wins, the Albanese
Government and Minns
Government have upheld the
commitment.
If the State upgrade is triggered,
Council staff say it is
imperative their own longmooted
flood mitigation works
along the Parkway – at Oxford
Falls, the Bends and Narrabeen
Sports Academy – be determined
for possible approval
and if approved, scheduled to
co-ordinate with the Transport
for NSW works.
This is to try to avoid commencing
their works after the
completion of the projected
two-year safety upgrade,
which would create further
disruption to motorists.
Council staff say they are
also liaising with Transport
for NSW to determine which
works might be conducted in
unison, so co-ordination on
materials and design can be
maximised.
The proposed mitigation
works have been funded to
the tune of $31 million, with
$5 in Council’s bank account
and the balance pledged by
the Minns Government. A first
funding offer of $18 million
was tabled in 2017 by the former
NSW Liberal Government
in 2017. NSW Labor topped
up the funding after it was
elected in March 2023.
A key component of the
blackspot upgrade is the proposed
widening of the southbound
carriageway between
Oxford Falls Road and Frenchs
Forest Road to create dual
lanes (new works extending to
the start of the existing two
lanes at Trefoil Creek).
Other improvements
include a new southbound
right-turn at Oxford Falls
Road; a new southbound leftturn
lane into Dreadnought
Road; plus new bus stops for
northbound and southbound
travel at the Dreadnought
Road intersection.
Safety improvements are
also planned for Elanora Road
and Mirrool Street.
It’s proposed to move the
give-way lines forward at
Elanora Road to improve visibility,
while concept plans
show provision for a concrete
median at the intersection.
It’s not known if the current
slip-road that holds turned
26 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

traffic waiting to merge will
be retained.
At Mirrool Street, it’s proposed
that the southbound
shoulder be widened to
provide sufficient space for
the flow of traffic to bypass
right-turning vehicles.
In its REF, Transport for
NSW notes traffic along the
Parkway is currently performing
at an unsatisfactory Level
of Service during the morning
and afternoon peak times.
Transport for NSW’s traffic
modelling projects a one per
cent increase in average weekday
traffic volumes within 12
months (2026) – with a rapid
escalation to a 12 per cent
increase on current volumes
by 2046.
The government notes some
impacts to traffic flow within
the proposal area may occur
during the construction phase
due to an increase in light and
heavy vehicles.
Roads within the proposal
area would remain open during
the construction period;
however partial road closures
would be required.
Justifying its decision to
proceed (subject to community
feedback), Transport
for NSW said the proposed
improvements would reduce
delays and improve safety for
motorists.
It noted “an extensive crash
history” along Wakehurst
Parkway, and at Wakehurst
Parkway and Dreadnought
Road intersection there is
existing poor levels of service
and capacity constraints.
Further, at the intersections
of Wakehurst Parkway and
Elanora Road, and Wakehurst
Parkway and Mirrool Street,
it noted existing line of sight
constraints and safety concerns
for cars entering Wakehurst
Parkway from side streets.
“This REF assessed the proposal
against the ‘do nothing’
option, and it was assessed
that the proposal’s benefits, of
easing traffic congestion and
improving safety, justify the potential
impacts,” it concluded.
Residents can view the REF
at transport.nsw.gov.au/wakehurst
and lodge submissions
(by December 6) by emailing
northplace@transport.nsw.
gov.au
– Nigel Wall
*What do you think? Tell us at
readers@pittwaterlife.com.au
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 27

The Mona murals
colouring our world
News
With ‘Midnight Dream’ by
David Cragg in Bungan Lane,
‘Memories of Mona Vale’ by
Gus Eagleton at the Memorial Hall, and
now Sofles’ ‘Mona Vale Village Green’,
bustling Mona Vale is becoming the
mural capital of the Northern Beaches.
Midnight Dream by David Cragg was
funded in 2020 by the Crime Prevention
Division of NSW, with an aim to reduce
levels of damage to public spaces in the
Mona Vale area.
The strikingly beautiful mural that
David created was a celebration of the
diverse nature of local flora and fauna.
It has been well-received by most locals,
although there has been a ripple of
dissent from some folk concerned about
it defacing brickwork.
Nevertheless, Council reports it and the
other grant-funded art have resulted in
reduced graffiti and tagging around the
Bungan Lane area in which it is situated.
Artist Gus Eagleton has added to the
local artistic landscape with his work
‘Memories of Mona Vale’. Gus won the
tender due to his idea for the image, his
depth of portfolio, but also his ability to
paint on difficult surfaces.
“It was a tricky job to do because of
the bricks and their texture, the layout
of the building and the multiple sorts of
surfaces involved,” explains Gus. “It took
two weeks to do and there were a few
hiccups along the way. The surface made
it a very hard job to do.
“My style is a realistic one, and I think
that appealed to the Council,” says
Gus. “I’ve captured the heritage of the
area, the people and the lifestyle. It’s
added colour and depth and hopefully
it will detract people from tagging and
vandalism.”
A contemporary view of Mona
Vale, the mural ranges from abstract
interpretations of heritage-listed
buildings such as Brock Follys Mansion
and the Rock Lily Hotel, to the shaping
of Mona Vale’s unpretentious beachside
culture and the characters who inhabit
the area.
“I’ve had lots of good feedback from
locals,” reveals Gus, “and some who saw
me painting have asked me to do private
jobs for their homes and businesses. So
hopefully I’ll be back in the area soon!”
The mural artists were paired up with
youth assistants during the process.
Council explained it partnered with
local organisations in the Northern
PHOTO: Kat Adamski
Beaches Youth Interagency (NBYI), such
as Streetwork and the Avalon Youth Hub,
to help young people actively participate
in community programs, activities,
events and opportunities including mural
projects related to graffiti management.
Council says this particular
partnership helps empower young
people through mural installations,
skill development, and community
engagement, and complements the
street-art workshops for at-risk youth
that the organisations also run.
Also, this opportunity enabled
local emerging artists to be mentored
by professional artists, gaining new
skills and greater connection to the
community.
One of the youth assistants, Lola from
Forestville, said: “It was very creative and
made me feel accepted an engaged.”
The striking bird mural at Mona Vale
Green marked street artist Sofles’ first
visit and contribution to the area.
Shaun Hossack of Juddy Roller
represents many street artists and has
been involved in more than 1000 murals
across Australia. Sofles, from his stable,
has more than 355 thousand followers
on Instagram and Shaun is constantly
fielding questions about him. Including
from this correspondent!
“He’s a Brisbane boy who has become a
bit of a celebrity in the street art world and
he travels far and wide,” says Shaun, “he
has a huge following on social media and
some of his videos have gone viral on a
global scale, getting up to 13 million hits.
“He’s known for his realistic but
futuristic style and the speed with which
he paints using spray cans.”
This is the first time Sofles – or Shaun
– have undertaken a project on the
28 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

OPPOSITE:
Sofles (left) with assistant
Finn in front of his new
mural within Mona Vale’s
Village Park precinct.
THIS PAGE:
Gus Eagleton’s ‘Memories
of Mona Vale’ references
the suburb’s heritage.
BELOW:
Sofles’ striking Robin
artwork.
Northern Beaches.
“My partner lives at Clareville,” reveals
Shaun, “so it’s really nice to bring
something to the area. Hopefully people
recognize the great job he’s done – a
focus on local flora and fauna, with his
own spin.”
Obviously an advocate for the craft,
Shaun thinks people will love the end
result.
“I’ve witnessed the transformative
nature of street art over the past decade
and it really brings something to the
community.
“I really think Sofles has done that
with this mural and it adds to the colour
of Mona Vale.”
– Rob Pegley
*What do you think? Tell us at readers@
pittwaterlife.com.au
PHOTO: Kat Adamski
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 29

News
Oscar’s building to big things
Local apprentice boat builder Oscar
innovative solutions that promote
Press is bound for Europe in 2024 to
eco-friendly practices,” he said. “I truly
further his passion for sustainability
in the industry after winning a Global
Footprint Scholarship.
Oscar, 21, is in his fourth year and
apprenticed with Rowell Marine at
Newport, which has a deep connection
with boating and Pittwater dating back
more than 50 years.
Oscar said it was a dream to have had
the opportunity to work on quality timber
boats including the impressive Palm
Beach line of motor cruisers.
For Oscar, the scholarship means he
will be able to travel overseas in the middle
believe this is something we need to start
doing better especially in my line of work.
“This scholarship will allow me to
grow personally while making a positive
impact on the environment through
sustainable practices learned abroad.”
He explained that at Rowell’s, he
worked with timber the majority of the
time.
“I find myself truly lucky to
be doing this work as not only is
timber a renewable resource that
can be sustainably harvested but the
craftsmanship and attention to detail
of 2024 once he has completed his
required in building timber boats
PASSIONATE: Oscar Press.
apprenticeship. His goal is to gain invaluable
are unparalleled,” he said. “I am very
experience as an intern with a timber
boat building business in Scandinavia,
France, Portugal, Spain or Italy.
Oscar Rowell, of Rowell Marine
Shipwrights, said Oscar Press was one of
five shipwright apprentices the business
employed.
“He has been working for me for
four years and has always been very
enthusiastic and passionate about the
trade and our industry,” Rowell said.
to improve and modernise boat building.
“The boating industry needs more
people like Oscar to ensure the future
of the boat building here in Australia
continues to grow and move in the right
direction.”
Oscar Press, whose leisure pursuits
include bushwalking and riding single-fin
surfboards, said moving overseas and
working towards sustainability in boat
building was a dream.
passionate about my work.
“I love taking on a job that I did not
think I could do at the start, and then,
weeks later, look at it knowing ‘I just
made that’.
“Although my main work is timber
there are times we will use other
materials and, unfortunately, it is not
the most sustainable trade. I like to take
pride in myself for continually trying to
implement ways to help make the job
“I see a bright future for Oscar… he is “As our planet faces environmental more eco-friendly.”
– Nigel Wall
always thinking of new innovative ideas challenges, it is imperative to find
*More info visit bia.org.au
30 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

$2m Scotland Island upgrade
Scotland Island’s stressed road and drainage
network is set for a $2 million upgrade
courtesy of a grant from the NSW and Federal
governments.
Confirming the funds, Northern Beaches
Mayor Sue Heins said the support was welcome
news to Council and the Scotland Island
community.
“The devastating storm
and flood events of 2021 and
2022 left many communities
across the state with extensive
damage and a massive
repair bill and the Northern
Beaches was no exception,”
Mayor Heins said.
“Scotland Island is one
location where we are continuing
repair works, with
a significant program to rebuild the road and
drainage network.
“We thank the Australian Government
and NSW Government for their support as
we rebuild vital infrastructure and make our
communities more resilient to future natural
disasters.”
The $2 million grant was awarded through
the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery
Funding Arrangements and is delivered
through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund.
The Infrastructure Betterment Fund is
ROADS REBUILD: Scotland Island.
focused on building back essential public
assets including roads and drainage networks
impacted by the storm and flood events of
2021 and 2022.
Mayor Heins said the funding would assist
Council in meeting the high cost of improving
road infrastructure on the island, making
it less susceptible to the
impacts of storm events.
“By rebuilding roads and
drainage systems back to
a higher standard, we are
better prepared for future
disasters, and can keep
communities connected,
reduce the amount of
hardship they experience,
as well as avoid future reconstruction
costs during
and after a disaster event,” Mayor Heins said.
Council engineers are currently working
on redefining the scope of work to match the
grant funding.
Council said it intended to add this latest
betterment funding to the funding already
received for storm damage repairs, to build
greater resilience into the road infrastructure
on the island and reduce the high cost of
ongoing road maintenance in this offshore
community.
– Nigel Wall
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 31

The Way We Were
Every month we pore over three decades of Pittwater Life, providing a
snapshot of the area’s recent history – and confirming that quite often the more things
change, the more they stay the same! Compiled by Lisa Offord
25 Years Ago…
The bumper magazine celebrated all things Christmas; festive
food and dining, where to find Carols, Santa and special
events plus a bonus shopping feature supported by local
small businesses. Meanwhile, Pittwater Council was preparing
“to place a further hindrance to traffic in Old Barrenjoey Road
near Kamikaze Corner. A large roundabout has been drawn
on the roadway, along with shoulder bumps which in turn will
make the carriageway extremely narrow. Already there have
been complaints from Avalon residents and users of the road
that the planned obstruction will make it difficult for larger
vehicles to navigate.” There was a debate over the booking of
motorists for parking illegally in Pittwater; preparations were
being made for the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour yacht race;
and Whale Beach SLSC’s Rob Berry was gearing up to mark 25
years since the first Big Swim. It is, Rob said, “the swim that
started the other swims… and still the greatest”.
15 Years Ago…
The Way We Were
Capital works of more than $3million “As a result, Pittwater Council has again
were put on hold by Pittwater Council temporarily closed the sand area at the
following a shortfall in Section 94 and Winnererremy Bay playground at Mona
grant funding from the then State Vale – the remainder of the playground
Government. “The shortfall is directly which has been replaced with bark
related to the current financial crisis remains open and infection-free.”
which has seen new developments Further tests had also been carried out
grind to a halt curtailing the Section 94
at closed playgrounds at Katoa Close in
funds used as a charge on developers
Warriewood, Hitchcock Park at Avalon,
to pay for public infrastructure,” we
South Avalon Beach, and Governor
explained. The shortfall was revealed
Phillip Park at Palm Beach. Sand was
as “Pittwater Council received a Federal
removed from these parks earlier in
Government grant of only $256,000”
the year and the latest round of testing
with the bulk of the $300 million of
government funding directed towards
had come back negative... “The original
Labor Councils or councils in the
sand in the playground at south Avalon
Labor and marginal
was left undisturbed
electorates. The
since May and is still
three Northern
testing positive.” Council
Beaches councils
was working with
received “… only
government agencies,
$951,000 between
Taronga Zoo and the
them”. Meanwhile,
University of Sydney The cover image was the cookbook ‘Beyond
Council was
to solve the problem. the Bends – Barrenjoey’s Best Bites’ compiled
“closely monitoring
Entries were rolling in with input from students and teachers of
the future of
for the 29th Pittwater Barrenjoey High School. Our story in the
childcare services
to Coffs Harbour race November 2018 issue about the bureaucratic
in the area” after
in 2009; The Sydney delays in progressing the proposal for an
the collapse of two
Design School opened off-leash dog trial at Station Beach “struck
large operators.
its doors with the a chord, with Northern Beaches Council
“There is a major
school’s director local
announcing a consultation period for
undersupply of
comment. The proposed trial is for a 12-month
Amanda Grace saying
spaces for children
period in 2019…” The successful tenderer
it was the first of
in the 3–5-year-old
for the $140m Mona Vale Road upgrade
its type established
group and more
was announced, with works to commence
in Sydney’s north
particularly in the
in February with a 2022 completion date.
giving residents of the Northern
0–2-year-old groups” … however, with
Readers learned the plans for 3500 dwellings
several Development Applications
Beaches and North Shore access to
at Ingleside would not proceed after an
either approved or before council,
quality training. Readers were told independent bushfire risk assessment
“there could be more spaces becoming “not to expect a dog swimming area found the 2016 draft plan would put
available in the new year.” In other at Station Beach on the Pittwater side future residents in danger. The “faithfully
news, testing of the sand replaced of Palm Beach this holiday. It’s been reimagined Barrenjoey House” was unveiled;
in the Children’s playground at
two years since the Council started the we ran stories about the annual sporting
Winnererremy Bay had detected
process to have a trial and there has events the Battle of the Bends and the Ocean
a recurrence of the Salmonella
been much too-ing and fro-ing between Swim Series, Janelle Bloom shared Christmas
bacterium that was linked to a local the State Government, the Council and cooking tips and our Life Stories subject was
community outbreak earlier in 2008. consultants who are yet to report.”
the remarkable Dr Elisabeth Kirkby OAM.
32 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991
5 Years Ago…

News
SEEN…
Council has assured us that
although its COVID-19 sign
at Palm Beach (Pit Life Nov)
has not been taken down (as
of this magazine going to
print), its removal is “imminent”.
While Council’s
Dee Why-based crew is out
and about in Pittwater, they
might want to take down
this redundant direction
sign at Mona Vale (pictured
right). Reader Sandra Mills
writes: “The Peninsular Nursing Home has been closed
and demolished for several years now and yet the signage
remains at the beginning of Golf Avenue. Many thanks
for forwarding this
to Council on my
behalf.”… Meanwhile,
reader David Riley
spied the jolly man in
red re-familiarising
himself with the local
Pittwater scene and
events in the lead-up
to Christmas Day.
(Hey, Santa – you might want
to check out page 41 for this
year’s Christmas diary!)…
Also spotted in November
was NSW Opposition Leader
Mark Speakman who toured
the Pittwater electorate with
local MP Rory Amon to hear
from residents, businesses
and community groups. Along
HEARD…
the way Mr Speakman visited
Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona
Vale, which was recently
named the Best Large Hardware
Store in NSW. Mr Amon
and Mr Speakman presented
Johnson Bros with a certificate
of recognition. They also
attended the abandoned Mona
Vale Road West upgrade site
(pictured), confirming the
location will remain more
dangerous if not recommitted
for upgrade by the Labor
Government.
Pittwater Greens Councillor Miranda Korzy has pushed
for a moratorium on vertical seawalls, raising the matter at
Council’s November meeting. Ms Korzy said her motion was
triggered by the recent approval of a third section of seawall
at Collaroy Beach, despite what she said was an overwhelming
majority of residents opposing it. “The current seven-metrehigh
vertical seawall at Collaroy Beach is widely detested by
residents,” she said. “It forms a massive concrete fortification
rising above the beach, topped with a glass fence… and
complete with surveillance cameras. I don’t want this wall
to become a precedent for any other beaches prone to
erosion, either on the Northern Beaches or elsewhere.”
She added that the moratorium would not prevent the
recently approved seawall at Collaroy from going ahead
– and could not interfere with assessment of any further
DAs that might be submitted. “It aims, however, to pause
any Council proposals for vertical seawalls until we have
reviewed our current situation and other possibilities.”
ABSURD…
Council has announced the proposal to extend public usage
of Rowland Reserve Dog Park at Bayview by providing
night lighting will not proceed – two years after it was
placed on public exhibition in November 2021. Almost 350
comments from residents, park users and groups were
received, with feedback indicating a “moderate level of support”.
Opponents though felt the proposed lighting would
cause unnecessary light pollution, impact on nocturnal
animals and would also affect nearby residents, with local
neighbours concerned about additional noise. “Many
thought the budget should be spent on other priorities,”
Council noted. Which is ironic, given Council concluded: “As
this project is currently unfunded, we will reconsider in future
years when the appropriate funding becomes available.”
34 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

News
Pittwater News
Hobart yacht start cruise
Avoid the Boxing Day spectator crush and take in the start
of this year’s Sydney to Hobart Yacht race with a four-hour
catered cruise featuring informative race commentary.
A canape menu is included plus a welcome glass of sparkling
wine (other beverages available to purchase).
Also, Coast Cruises is available for private charter on Sydney
Harbour, utilising their prestige, contemporary catamaran.
The owner-operated craft with professional, friendly crew accommodates
from 30-150 guests, with pick-ups available from
Manly or the city.
*Boxing Day cruise details and more info visit coast cruises.
com.au or scan the code on page 9.
Local Probus News in December
The next meeting of Pittwater Men’s Probus
will be held on Tuesday 12 December at
Mona Vale Surf Club, commencing 10am.
Guest speaker will be Club President Wes
Harder who has had many adventures in
his working life as an exploration geologist,
stockbroker and corporate CEO. Wes promises
he will relate some adventures – and his many
misadventures – of a lifetime of interesting
work. Visitors welcome; more info Terry Larke
(0412 220 820).
Narrabeen Lakes Probus Club next meets
on Wednesday January 24, 2024 (there is no
meeting in December) at Narrabeen Baptist
Surf Clubs urged to
apply for grants
Pittwater MP Rory Amon is
encouraging local Surf Life
Saving Clubs to apply for
their share of $5.25 million
in funding for the upgrade,
restoration or construction of
facilities. Applications for the
Surf Club Facility Program are
now open, with grants of up to
$1 million up for grabs. “Pittwater’s
12 surf lifesaving clubs
are the heart of our beachside
community, with more surf
life saving clubs than any
other electorate. This program
is about making sure those
clubs have the resources they
need, including facilities that
are modern, accessible, and
fit for purpose.” Applicants
can apply for various funding
streams, with Category 1 for
facility improvements under
$100,000 and Categories 2
and 3 for larger construction
projects up to and above
$500,000. Applications for
Category 1 close Monday 11
December and applications for
Church. Doors open at 9.45am for 10am
meeting. The club has around 80 members
(visitors welcome, no waiting list). January
guest speaker will be from the National
Maritime Museum. More info call or text 0424
464 047.
Bilgola Plateau Probus Club does not have
a meeting scheduled for December; instead
they will hold their Christmas Party on
Friday 1 December at Club Palm Beach. The
Club reports a very successful year; they are
still welcoming new members, have enjoyed
interesting speakers and made new friends.
Enquiries call Shelley (0415 538 864).
Categories 2 and 3 will close
on Wednesday 31 January
2024. More info and to apply
visit sport.nsw.gov.au/grants
Warriewood Centre
build gets go-ahead
Northern Beaches Council has
given the green light for the
Warriewood Valley Community
Centre to proceed to the
construction phase. Construction
is anticipated to commence
in April next year, with
a completion date of August
2025. The new multi-use community
centre will be built on
the existing site of the Nelson
Heather Centre. Council said
the centre would be an attractive,
modern and resilient
building with the capacity
to switch to an Emergency
and Recovery Centre during
a period of community
crisis. The centre will have
something for everyone with
halls for recreational activities,
meeting rooms, a community
lounge room, large
covered outdoor spaces which
overlook landscaped gardens,
showers and kitchen facilities.
Bayview Tennis Club
calls for members
Thinking about your wellness
goals for 2024? Get
ahead of the ball and take
up tennis – Bayview Tennis
Club is opening up its
membership and is calling
for new members, junior or
senior. Enjoy social and competitive
playing opportunities
for all levels and hone your
skills with coaching. This
friendly and social club is
located right beside Pittwater
36 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Glen Street 2024 launch
With a fresh line-up of performances, covering a suite of
genres for all generations, Glen Steet Theatre’s stage is
set for a sensational 2024 Season.
Highlights include the West End and Broadway classic and
longest running play of all-time – the event of the year –
Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’.
Families will find plenty of fun with high energy shows
like ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘Dog Man the Musical’. There are also
big names in Australian music like Kate Miller-Heidke and
Prinnie Stevens, top live music tributes to Fleetwood Mac, The
Beatles, ABBA, and more as well as plenty of dance with ‘The
Tap Pack’ and the return of the popular ‘Taste of Ireland’.
Audiences will be treated to excellent dramas and acclaimed
productions such as Pulitzer Prize-winning ‘Wit’;
‘The Peasant Prince’, adapted for children from Li Cunxin’s
iconic autobiography Mao’s Last Dancer; and the winsome
and lyrical Australian drama ‘The Highway of Lost Hearts’
by Mary Anne Butler.
Glen Street Theatre favourites also return, such as the beloved
Wharf Revue with their new show ‘Pride in Prejudice’
(pictured), the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Roadshow, and a suite of excellent film screenings.
*Tickets on sale 18 December; bookings glenstreet.com.au
or call 9470 5913.
News
foreshore, with easy parking
and first-class facilities.
The two synthetic grass
courts and clubhouse are
extremely well maintained.
They host great social
events each year, including a
Wimbledon Day, Easter and
Christmas parties and opportunities
to interact with other
local clubs. All members are
welcome to join in on social
events and use the club’s
facilities. More info visit tennis.com.au/Bayview
Christmas drama
The Northern Beaches Youth
Theatre (NBYT) Christmas
Season of performances
includes its Christmas Spectacular
and the play ‘April
AardVark’ (by Nathaniel Mon-
Continued on page 38
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 37

News
Pittwater News
Continued from page 37
crieff). The Christmas Spectacular
is a family friendly
celebration of youth creativity
with NBYT’s younger members
presenting three original
festive stories. ‘April Aardvark’
is a humorous tale for
our time with some important
messages recommended
for viewers aged seven and
above. Shows will be held at
10 Jubilee Ave Warriewood
on Thursday nights Nov 30
and Dec 7 with matinee and
evening performances on Saturdays
Dec 2 and 9. Tickets
from $10; bookings via NBYT
social media pages.
School sports shoes
special discount offer
Attention parents: The
Northern Beaches Indoor
Sports Centre (NBISC) at
Warriewood and Mona Vale
shoe retailer Mike Pawley
are joining forces to offer
a discount to all students
and players/participants
at the NBISC for the most
appropriate sports shoes
that do not mark the hall’s
polished timber playing
surface. They are urging
parents to not buy their
children’s sport shoes until
the special promotion is
announced in the January
issue of Pittwater Life. Full
details in next month’s
magazine.
Iva Masek biography
A biography of Iva Masek, the
well-known Barrenjoey High
School teacher for over 30
years, is being launched from
4pm on Friday 1 December
at Club Palm Beach. Iva was a
driving force in the creative
life of the school. Written by
another former teacher, Lyn
Levy, ‘Mrs Masek’s Marionettes’
chronicles Iva’s life, including
her early experience under
a repressive Soviet regime
in Czechoslovakia. Former
students are invited –
especially those who
were involved in the Rock
38 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Eisteddfod – as well as
colleagues, student families
and community members
who helped make the
productions so successful.
More info and to RSVP email
mrsmaseksmarionettes@
gmail.com
urged boaters to Log On before
embarking to ensure volunteers
could assist. “We know
Logging On can help save lives
and we ask all boaters to make
it a habit when they head out
on the water,” Commissioner
Barrell said.
Busy rescue month
Church Point-based Marine
Rescue NSW volunteers were
involved in 18 search and rescue
efforts in October – their
busiest month since January.
Across the state volunteers
were involved in a record 386
search and rescue missions,
making it the Service’s busiest
ever start to a boating season,
which runs from 1 October to
25 April. The previous busiest
October for Marine Rescue
NSW was in 2020 when crews
completed 376 missions. Marine
Rescue NSW Commissioner
Alex Barrell said just over
a quarter of responses were
for emergency situations, with
57% of calls for assistance for
mechanical or fuel issues. He
Community invited to
decorate Dunbar Park
Get into the Christmas
spirit creating sustainable
Christmas decorations for
trees in Avalon’s Dunbar Park
at a community workshop on
December 7. Pittwater Greens
Councillor Miranda Korzy
said she’s delighted Council
staff have picked up on her
idea for the community
to decorate trees in
Avalon. “Given the creativity
of many in the Avalon
community, both young and
old, this is an opportunity
to have some fun together
without creating more of the
plastic waste that abounds
Continued on page 40
News
Pittwater Christmas Market
Organisers of the highly anticipated Pittwater Christmas
Market, set to grace Mona Vale from 10am-4pm on Saturday
9 December, say it will herald the celebratory spirit of
the season.
Cambridge Markets pledges this year’s extravaganza will
surpass all expectations, presenting an expanded array of
offerings.
Patrons can expect a cornucopia of delights, from handcrafted
artisanal goods to delectable culinary treats, perfect
for gift-giving or personal indulgence. The market will
pulsate with an air of festivity, featuring vibrant stalls (150)
showcasing unique wares, merry entertainment (including
live music), delicious international food and a jubilant
atmosphere that resonates the joy of the holidays.
With an aim to create a truly enchanting experience, the
Pittwater Christmas Market is an unmissable highlight for
anyone seeking the perfect blend of seasonal cheer and
delightful discoveries.
*Head to Winnererremy Bay, Mona Vale on Saturday 9
December, 10am-4pm; more info email mads@cambridgemarkets.com.au
or visit cambridgemarkets.com.au
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 39

Pittwater News
Continued from page 39
at Christmas,” Cr Korzy
said. Twelve small Melaleuca
trees (paperbarks) in Dunbar
Park will be available for
decoration and residents
can also reserve one for
themselves or a group to trim.
Council staff will be onsite at
the workshop on December 7,
from 3.30-6.30pm. “Everyone
is invited to come along and
make their own ornaments
from natural and other
sustainable materials. These
will be provided but feel
free to bring your own,” said
Cr Korzy. Local artists are
also involved in planning
the workshop and will be on
hand to help on the day. For
more info or to reserve a tree
call 1300 434 434 or email
places@northernbeaches.
nsw.gov.au
Mosquito surveillance
program soon to begin
Northern Beaches Council is
again teaming up with NSW
Health in an annual surveillance
program which traps
mosquitoes at key locations
in the area to monitor their
numbers and detect any
viruses they may be carrying.
Our Council will begin weekly
monitoring of viruses in
mosquitoes from 4 December
to April 2024 at key locations
along Narrabeen Lagoon and
Warriewood wetlands. It is
the fifth year Council has participated
in the surveillance
program. More info Council
website.
Leaders wanted for
youth parliament
The next generation of youth
leaders is invited to apply to
participate in the Y NSW’s
Youth Parliament program in
2024. The Y (formerly YMCA)
Youth Parliament provides a
unique platform for individuals
to actively participate in
the democratic process and
advocate for issues that they
are passionate about. Young
people in Years 10, 11 and
12 (or equivalent age) in all
93 NSW state electorates are
invited to express interest.
School teachers and Members
of Parliament can also
nominate a young person.
To apply visit ymcansw.org.
au and submit applications
before 9 February 2024.
News
New boating showcase
Eyachts and Carbon Yachts’ recently opened
new Sydney Showroom at Warriewood is
set to be a central hub for yacht enthusiasts
and potential owners.
Luxury yacht sales leader Peter Hrones
said that with a diverse range of models from
Axopar, BRABUS Marine, RAND, Virtue and
Saffier Yachts on display, the spacious showroom
now served as a “full-time boat show”.
Hrones said of his local operation: “Over the
past three years, the group has expanded in
numerous ways – launching two new businesses,
opening two additional offices, and
more than doubling our staff.
“The opening of our Sydney Showroom not
only underscores this growth but also reaffirms
our commitment to providing top-tier
service by creating a central hub for spare
parts for all our brands.”
*Visitors to the showroom at 6C Prosperity
Place welcome; more info and showroom
hours visit eyachts.com.au or contact boats@
eyachts.com.au
40 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

A Very Pittwater Christmas…
TIME FOR GIVING
The LJ Hooker team are
collecting gifts on behalf of
Link Community Care for
families in need. If you can
donate, please drop off a
wrapped gift labelled with the
contents to any of the offices
at Avalon, Palm Beach or
Newport by Monday 4.
Pittwater MP Rory Amon’s
office is a collection point
for The Acts of Kindness
Community Outreach
Christmas Hamper Appeal.
Goods such as Plumrose
Tin Ham 450g, Christmas
pudding, long life custard,
bon bons, biscuits, large bags
of chips, lollies, chocolate, tin
tuna, tin corn, tin spaghetti,
tin beans and cordial or
1.24litre soft drinks (ring pull
or lid please) will be accepted
until Tuesday 12 when they
will be used to make up 300
hampers for our homeless
and vulnerable. 1725
Pittwater Road Mona Vale.
Local libraries have wishing
trees set up. Take a gift tag
from the tree, return your
gift unwrapped no later
than Saturday 16 December
and give it to library staff.
Gifts will be distributed
by Community Northern
Beaches to local families this
Christmas.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
In The Library
Mona Vale Mon 4 from
11am-12pm
Drop in and listen to Mona
Vale Public School choir sing
some popular Christmas
songs and share the festive
spirit.
At The Beach (pictured)
Avalon Sat 9 from
4pm-9pm
Enjoy the Jubilation Choir, a
market-style food fair, a visit
from Santa and spectacular
fireworks over beautiful
Avalon Beach to end the
festivities. Info 9918 3298.
In The Park
Mona Vale Sat 9 from 6.30pm-
9pm
Pack a picnic and take the
family to the annual Mona Vale
Carols hosted by the Rotary
Club of Upper Northern Beaches
in Village Park. Info 8005 0711.
By The Lake
Narrabeen Sat 16 from
6pm-9.15pm
Head to Lakeside Park
North Narrabeen for preentertainment
by local artists
followed by traditional
Christmas carols from 7pm
and fireworks over the lake.
Info 9999 0475.
Vet
on call
with Dr Brown
Paralysis ticks are commonly
found on the east coast
of Australia. They are most
active in the warmer months,
especially after wet weather
which initiates hatching of
eggs. They are a serious problem
for pets, particularly on
the Northern Beaches.
After the tick has been attached
for a day or two, enough
poison will have been injected
to cause significant neurological
disease. The most common
symptom is a weak paralysis
starting in the hind limbs. Over
time the paralysis ascends the
body to eventually affect the
muscles of breathing and swallowing.
This process causes significant
illness and death unless
an antiserum is administered.
Other symptoms of tick
paralysis include vomiting,
coughing, excessive panting
and grunting, and a reluctance
to get up or walk.
Tick poisoning is common,
severe – but very preventable.
Tips for prevention include:
* Clipping by an experienced
groomer and daily searching.
* Administration of highly
effective and safe tick preventatives,
such as the soon-to-bereleased
yearly injection.
* Avoid taking your pet into
long grasses and bushland.
* Ensure that you have appropriate
pet insurance.
It is important to seek veterinary
attention to determine
whether your pet needs tick
anti-toxin. Until then, there are
steps you can take to reduce
the risk of complications, including
keeping your pet calm,
quiet and cool – excitement,
exercise and overheating can
exacerbate illness associated
with tick paralysis.
Also, remove food and water.
Your pet’s ability to swallow
may be compromised, putting
them at risk of aspiration
pneumonia.
With the upcoming release of
a yearly flea-and-tick injection,
Sydney Animal Hospitals can
provide a long-term prevention
to keep your pet safe, without
the worry of needing to remember
to give your pet a regular
tablet at home. Book your appointment
today.
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 41

The Big Swim from Palm Beach to
Whale Beach celebrates its 50th
anniversary in January; here, event
organisers and long-supporting
entrants recall how it has evolved
into one of the most significant
of all ocean swims…
Story by Steve Meacham
Life Stories
Thinking BIG
Fifty years ago, Paul swimming? It looks OK at Kiddies
Corner but look at those saw the safety of Whale Beach, ficially it is still called the ‘Bob
Sou-Westerly. Then, when they before the second event. Of-
Hughes – now 88, a life
member of Whale Beach waves (out to sea). It is going to they separated – with former Lynch Memorial Marathon
Surf Life Saving Club, and now
living in Avalon – was lining
up on Palm Beach awaiting the
start of the first ‘Big Swim’.
“There were only 48 of us,
mostly patrol members of the
Whale Beach club with a couple
of ring-ins,” he recalls. “We
were worried about sharks
and the surf conditions once
we rounded the headland
towards Whale Beach.”
Police sergeant Bob Lynch,
then the captain of the Whale
Beach club, had come up with
the idea.
“I remember saying to Bob
before we set off that morning,
‘Do you think we should be
get very rough when we round
the headland’.
“We were genuinely scared
about sharks on that first
swim, but Bob said he had arranged
for a team of underwater
divers to protect us.”
As it transpires, there has
never been a single shark
attack in the years since 1974.
Much more prevalent have
been the bluebottles.
That inaugural Big Swim
remains what Paul Hughes
calls “the roughest I have ever
taken part in”.
The 48 males – no women
members in those days – stuck
together as they swam into a
policeman Paul Hughes striking
clear to win.
A photo exists of the second
year, with three female competitors
among the starting
line-up. They wouldn’t have
been patrol members because
women weren’t permitted to
patrol back then, just make
the sandwiches and arrange
the social evenings.
Paul Hughes says he will
be taking part again in the
50th anniversary Big Swim on
the Australia Day weekend in
January, despite admitting he
needs to train a bit harder.
Sadly instigator Bob Lynch
died on his police motorbike
Swim’, but a reporter for the
Australian Financial Review
(after their first entry) labelled
it the ‘Big Swim’, and sponsors
– the latest being Macquarie
Bank, which has been a supporter
for 24 years – have
latched onto that moniker.
There are older longdistance
swims in Australia,
including Swim Thru Perth,
first held in 1912 along the
Swan River to Fremantle. Recognised
as the premier ocean
swim on the East Coast, today
the Big Swim is the cornerstone
of the Pittwater Ocean
Swims Series, organised on
consecutive weekends by the
44 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

five local lifesaving clubs Newport,
Bilgola, Mona Vale, Whale
Beach and Avalon Beach. The
swims serve as a major annual
fundraiser for each of the
clubs.
“Don’t call the Big Swim a
race,” says long-serving race
public relations man Rob
Berry, who also took part in
that inaugural Big Swim. “We
have photos of people hugging
when they get to Whale Beach,
just glad they have achieved
their personal best.”
One of the pioneer swimmers
from 1974, 69-year-old local
builder Brian Lamrock, and
his son Jack – the Whale Beach
Club’s current captain – will be
in the swim in January. They
will all start at Palm Beach
according to their age categories.
At the finish, swimmers
will all get free fruit – donated
by ‘Fresh Produce Co’ from
Flemington Markets – with
nectarines and peaches by the
punnet.
Some Olympians take part
in the swim and are more competitive
between themselves.
However, race ‘records’ – something
that doesn’t weigh heavily
in the competitors’ motivations
according to Rob – hover
around the 29-minute mark,
depending on the conditions.
Then again, some winners have
needed almost an hour to get
to Whale Beach.
Olympians Jon Konrads,
Graeme Brewer, Mark Morgan,
Daniel Kowalski, Hayley Lewis
and Shane Gould are some of
the elite swimmers who have
taken the plunge, with Gould
recording a win in her age
category.
Avalon local Chris Shaw
has a remarkable record in
the Big Swim, having adjusted
the goggles a record 44 times
since 1973; he’ll be on the start
line for the 50th swim. Also,
there is an extensive list of
those who have done the swim
at least 10 times.
The course is usually 2.8
kilometres, depending on conditions
which vary from year
to year. “It has always been
‘a journey swim’,” Rob points
out. Most swims in Australia –
and on the Northern Beaches
– are beach swims, where entrants
swim around a number
of buoys but are essentially
confined between headlands.
For those not-so-competent
swimmers, there is also the
Big Little Swim around a 1km
course at Palm Beach.
Prominent in each Big Swim
are those wearing ‘Can Too’
cossies; a number are women
who are cancer survivors
while others are doing the
swim to raise money for cancer
research.
At 81, Richard Stewart has
been the Big Swim director
since 1981. He took part in the
first one but won’t be swimming
in the 50th anniversary
event: “It’s hard to be in the
Continued on page 46
Life Stories
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Excited Can Too swimmers;
multiple participants Bill Westerly, David Campbell, Steve Hill
and Chris Shaw in 1998; elation at the finish; it’s a swim for
everyone; Helen Dauncey, the 50+ age group winner in 2009;
winner of the inaugural Big Swim in 1974, Paul Hughes; the
all-male starting line-up in 1974; former MPs Rob Stokes and
Alex McTaggart have supported the cause.
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 45

GET SET: The Male Elite swimmers at the start of the 2002 Big Swim.
Life Stories
Continued from page 45
water and be on the beach
directing the race at the same
time,” he says with a hint of
sarcasm.
For years, he and Rob were
partners in surf carnivals
along the Northern Beaches in
surf kayak races (“me in the
front seat, Rob behind”).
In any given year, around 40
per cent of entrants are now female,
he says. They come from
far and wide. “We were the
first open ocean swim on the
east coast, and now we have an
international reputation,” Richard
explains. “We regularly
have entrants from Japan, the
USA, UK and Singapore.”
“One lady, Betty-Ann, was
from the USA and was part of
the crew of Hawaiian Airlines.
Each year she’d arrange her
schedule to arrive in Sydney
the day before the event, swim
it, then fly out the next day.”
The swim established its
high-water mark of 1930 entrants
in 2005; coincidentally
and disappointingly, that was
the only time in its 49 years
Continued on page 48
46 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Life Stories
SURF WATCH: Organisers ensure plenty of safety craft are on hand.
Continued from page 46
that no-one got to dip their
toes in the water.
“There was an east coast low,
with monstrous seas,” Richard
recalls. “It was apparent at
Palm Beach, which is much
more benign than Whale Beach.
“I drove to Whale Beach to
speak to the surf club captain.
He said: ‘If anyone gets stuck
out there we won’t be able to
rescue them’.”
Richard describes Bob Lynch
– father of former international
surfer Barton Lynch – as
“delightful to be with, intelligent,
fun… and he died far too
early in the line of duty, not to
be here to witness the success
of his legacy.”
For the 50th, as ever, organisers
will provide an abundance
of water safety around
the course with jetskis, IRBs,
heaps of boards and skis, Marine
Rescue craft, while flying
over for surveillance will be
four SLSA-operated drones.
*Videos of past events and
information on parking can
be found at thebigswim.org.
au with online registrations at
oceanswims.com
48 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Hot Property
Streets with names that allude to a view
Take a look at these three beautiful properties – character-filled, impeccably designed with premium
finishes and all boasting addresses that reflect some stunning views. Compiled by Lisa Offord
Architecturally designed to capture all-day
light with a northeast aspect, Chateau
Sur-Mer on the ridgeline at 124 Pacific Road
Palm Beach enjoys magnificent sunrises
over the ocean and sunsets on the Pittwater
side. This residence offers a balanced
floorplan, grand entryway, soaring doubleheight
ceilings, rich hardwood floors and
French windows. Multiple living spaces on
the ground floor are joined by decks on
both sides and well-established gardens.
Upstairs are four to five bedrooms, two
with ensuites and bathroom. Contact Peter
Robinson LJ Hooker Palm Beach.
Hot Property
This level-access, family entertainer is in a lofty
spot with a panoramic ocean outlook at 37 The
Outlook Bilgola Plateau. Boasting a coveted
northeast position, the ground level of this
finely crafted home with Australian hardwood
timber features and loft ceilings, holds the
kitchen, dining, two lounge areas, three
bedrooms, home office and a family bathroom.
Two bedrooms on the upper level are connected
by a wall library. A private rear garden and
luxurious 20-metre lap pool completes the
picture. Guide $3.5 million. Contact Amy
Young Laing+Simmons Avalon Beach.
Enjoying a prime absolute position on
the beachfront at Mona Vale Basin the
masterbuilt Shelton House takes full
advantage of its location with 180-degree
views from the rockpool to the headland.
Designed by rama architects 9 Surfview
Road Mona Vale has a generous and
elegantly proportioned floorplan with
five bedrooms and four bathrooms and
open-plan living flowing to sun-soaked
entertaining terraces and level lawn, with
direct access to the sand. Expressions
of interest closes 6/12. Contact Noel
Nicholson Ray White Prestige.
50 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Art Life
Art Life
Ross’ Celebration of identity
Terrey Hills based artist Ross Halfacree
has just returned from London where his
work ‘Celebration’ was included in the 2023
London Art Biennale.
The 400 finalists were selected from more
than 8,000 entries from 80 nations.
Ross said ‘Celebration’ was part of his
exploration of the theme of identity, and a
consequence of discussions with non-binary
friends and work colleagues over the past 10
years.
“The freedom to explore who we are,
and be who we are, should always be a safe
journey and a precious right,” said Ross.
“The complexity of personal identity is
no more profound than in the sometimes
emotionally complex journeys faced by those
exploring their gender identity.
“My work proudly acknowledges some
of the unique gender identifiers, cradled
within the celebratory colors of pride. One
area on the work remains undefined, hoping
that the exploration and celebration of
identity continues. The purpose of the work
is to generate a curiosity to learn more,
to heighten awareness and to encourage
acceptance.
Ross had originally decided to leave
the work in London with an appropriate
ACOP Christmas show
The Artists and Craftsmen of Pittwater are holding their Christmas
exhibition and sale at Mona Vale Memorial Hall from Friday
15 to Sunday 17 December.
The range of beautiful watercolours, acrylics, oils, toys, clothing,
homewares and more will provide great options for that perfect
Christmas present for a loved one or friend.
“If you’re looking for a stocking filler, a beautiful piece of art
or a last-minute gift for someone, you’ll find it here,” said ACOP’s
Margaret Thew.
“Our artisans from across the Northern Beaches are passionate
about what they do. So spread the word to your friends and family
and share that passion at our December exhibition.” – NW
*Find out more at acop.com.au, facebook.com/ACOP1967, Instagram.com/acop1967
or call Margaret on 0402 846 751.
not-for-profit. He contacted and met with
Fiona Russell, the COO of the Elton John
AIDS Foundation (pictured with Ross), and
subsequently agreed to donate the work.
“They are in discussions with Elton
regarding the final destination of the work,
which might include its auction in March
2024 at the Foundation’s Annual Academy
Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles,” said
Ross.
Ross is continuing his work on ‘Identity’
in his Eramboo studio, with a solo exhibition
planned for the end of 2024. – NW
Palmy gallery
is art ready
As we head into another holiday
season, the boutique
Art Gallery on Palm Beach is
full of affordable art including
ceramics, sculptures, small
paintings and large works suitable
for gifting or special treats
for the homeowner or friends.
Showcasing more than 18 artists,
the gallery has something
for everyone including local
scenes from prize-winning photography
artist Sally Mayman;
watercolour and oils, depicting
the beauty of Pittwater and
nostalgia by prize-winning artist
Vicki Ratcliff; and quirky and
retro artwork by Laurie McKern.
Director Vanessa Ashcroft
says very popular with so many
from the eastern suburbs is
ceramic artist Lia Klugman, with
her totems and large, sculptural
pieces putting the ‘wow’ into
any home.
“Drop in and have a chat,
discuss a commission of work,
or just gaze upon the mix of
high-quality prize-winning art,”
says Vanessa.
*Gallery open 10am-3pm
Thursday to Sundays and
open all January.
52 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

The Studio reimagined
Celebrated local artist Anne
Spencer’s work is about
capturing the essence of her
relationship with her surroundings;
this unique reimagining of
experience will be on exhibition
to close the year at The Studio
by Laing+Simmons Young
Property. Anne’s exhibition,
Reimagined, will be open at the
Careel Bay space on Saturdays
from December
9 from
9am-12 noon,
and by private
appointment.
Anne’s work
has been
represented by
Sydney galleries
including
Charles Hewitt
Gallery, Janet
Clayton Gallery and Project
Gallery 90. Internationally, she
has contributed works for the
Affordable Art Fair in New York
and Seattle, and at Gallery 104
in the Manhattan Art Centre.
Anne also had the honour
of private access to paint at
Monet’s Garden in Giverny.
She currently paints full-time
in her Palm Beach studio and
remains a passionate activist
fighting for the Northern Beaches
environment and heritage.
Anne (pictured with Matthew
and Amy Young) views painting
as “a form of enlightenment”
where she uses traditional
techniques of oil painting and
watercolours to lose herself in
time. “I approach my surroundings
as a series of shapes and
configurations,” Anne explains.
“My artwork is semi-representational.
I don’t try to
imitate nature but to create in
paint the essence of how I react
to, or relate
to, a given
experience,
my surroundings
or landscape.
This
reaction I try
to describe
using colour,
simplified
line, shape
and forms to
capture this essence.”
‘Reimagined’ will raise important
funds for the Avalon Beach
Historical Society, with 15% of
proceeds from sales donated to
the society.
The Studio space is in Careel
Bay Marina. Contact Matthew
Young on 0418 723 232 for
more info. – Nigel Wall
*Laing+Simmons Young Property’s
work with The Studio
has seen it named a finalist
in the Innovator of the Year
category at the industry REB
Awards in February.
Three Peaks gift ideas
Professional landscape photographer
Peter Sedgwick
is back with great gift ideas
at Warriewood Square until
Christmas Eve.
On display are more than
500 unique and beautiful
images, with a full portfolio
of work featuring all the
Northern Beaches. Another
portfolio showcases hidden
bays and beaches of Pittwater,
plus there’s imagery
from the north coast, Central
Coast, south coast and the
Blue Mountains.
Purchase a framed print
at one of the three standard
sizes and the framing can be
done while you wait. Images
can be purchased to suit –
simply take a photo of your
wall space, email it to peter@
threepeaksphotography.com.
au and the image that you
like can be digitally ‘hung’ on
your wall.
Peter also offers one-onone
photography tuition,
comprising a full day of learning
(based on your needs) at
Narrabeen. Plus he runs twoday
workshops held locally or
in the Blue Mountains.
Gift Cards and Christmas
Cards also available. Gift
Vouchers for all products.
*Find Peter in front of
Lowe’s from December 4;
visit threepeaksphotography.com.au
or call 0409
049 745
Art Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023
53

Art Life
‘Lost in Palm Springs’ found in Manly
stunning multidisciplinary exhibition that celebrates the
A landscape and mid-century modern architecture found in
the desert city of Palm Springs, California is coming to Manly
Art Gallery & Museum.
‘Lost in Palm Springs’ will run from Friday 8 December to
Sunday 25 February 2024.
The exhibition – which is also part
of Sydney Festival 2024 – provides
a unique opportunity to experience
works from 14 internationally recognised
artists, photographers and
thinkers from America and Australia.
Curated by award-winning Australian
writer and conceptual artist,
Dr Greer Honeywill, Lost in Palm
Springs features works that respond
to and capture the unique characteristics
of the city, its surroundings, and
its Bauhaus style.
Lost in Palm Springs evolved as
an exhibition in response to three
artist research residencies undertaken by Dr Honeywill in Palm
Springs in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and research that continued in
Australia between the residencies.
“I call ‘Lost in Palm Springs’ (the exhibition and the book), the
project of a lifetime because that is what it has been to me over
the last six years,” said Dr Honeywill. “And I have been blessed to
work with extraordinary and inspirational artists.”
The exhibition explores the resurgence of mid-century
modern architecture and design, not only in Palm Springs and
nearby Joshua Tree in the US but also in Australian locations
such as Mt Eliza, Canberra and Mermaid Beach, to name a few.
STUNNING: ‘Late Afternoon Sprinklers’, 2021, by Vicki Stavrou.
Artists featured are American artists Darren Bradley, Jim
Isermann, Troy Kudlac, Lance O’Donnell and Kim Stringfellow,
complemented by Australian artists Gosia Wlodarczak, Kate
Ballis, Tom Blachford, Sam Cranstoun, Anna Carey, Paul Davies,
Rosi Griffin, Vicki Stravrou and Robyn Sweaney.
Dr Honeywill will lead a curator’s
talk from 2-3pm on Saturday
December 9. The presentation will
outline the themes of the Lost in Palm
Springs exhibition and provide insight
into the development of its curation.
In 2015, Dr Honeywill undertook a
research trip to Palm Springs to look
at the mid-century modern architecture
for which the desert city is
famed. Inspired by what she found
she went on to complete three artist
residencies – 2017, 2018 and 2019 –
the findings of which have become
part of the touring exhibition.
Greer Honeywill lives and works in
Melbourne. She holds a PhD in Fine Art from Monash University
(2003) for which she was awarded the Mollie Holman Doctoral
Medal for academic excellence, and she holds a PhD in Art from
the School of Creative Arts, University of Tasmania (2015).
Lost in Palm Springs is a showcase for anyone interested in
mid-century modern architecture and its influence on contemporary
culture.
In 2023–2026, the exhibition will travel to 12 regional centres
in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and
Tasmania.
– Nigel Wall
*More info magam.com.au
PHOTO: Courtesy of the artist and Anthea Polson Gallery
54 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Local Author Q&A
Inspiration for a
Golden Gap Year
Author, GP and advocate for positive ageing Joanna Nell
shares her inspiration for her fifth bestselling novel ‘Mrs
Winterbottom takes a Gap Year’; how she kickstarts her writing
day with a walk; and why you shouldn’t be alarmed if you
catch her talking to herself. Interview by Lisa Offord
Books
Q: Tell us about yourself
and your connection to the
Northern Beaches…
I grew up in a small market
town in the middle of England
where my father owned a shop
and my mother worked as a
hairdresser. I was the first
person in my family to go to
university and qualified as a
doctor in 1991. My husband
and I moved to the Northern
Beaches 20 years ago with our
two small children after he
was seconded here with his
job. We were supposed to stay
for a year but naturally, we fell
in love with this tiny corner of
paradise and stayed to raise
our two children William and
Charlotte here, becoming proud
Australian citizens in 2011. I
worked as a doctor at Mona Vale
Emergency Department from
2003 to 2013 and following
that as a GP in several practices
on the Northern Beaches. My
husband runs a small marine
business from the Royal Prince
Alfred Yacht Club in Newport.
Although I’d wanted to be a
writer since I was a child, I only
enrolled in my first creative
writing course in my late 40s
after a freak tenpin bowling
accident forced me to take six
weeks off work. I published my
first novel, ‘The Single Ladies of
Jacaranda Retirement Village’,
at the age of 52.
Q: What inspired you to
write your latest book ‘Mrs
Winterbottom takes a Gap
Year’?
The idea began with a
conversation I had with my
husband about our plans for
retirement. His dream was
to sell up, buy a big boat and
sail off into the sunset, while I
had always envisaged moving
to a cottage in the country.
Fortunately, we still have time
to negotiate whether we go for
a sea change or a tree change;
but I pictured a couple who
had always assumed they
shared the same vision, only
to discover once they had
retired that they want very
different things from this new
chapter in life. By making my
main character a doctor, I also
wanted to explore what life
would be like without the job
that has always been so much
part of my own identity.
Q: How did it all come
together?
The planning stage of this
book (several weeks in 2021)
coincided with my daughter
studying Ancient History and
Classics in her first year at uni,
so I have her to thank for the
Greek theme, and the weaving
of Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ into the
plot. The actual writing took
about a year, during which
I wrote about half a dozen
drafts before the manuscript
was ready to submit to my
agent, followed by
another 6 to 12
months of edits
with the publisher,
and everything
else that goes
into preparing
the book for
publication.
Q: When and
where do you
write?
A typical
writing day always starts
with a walk. I find that the
creativity only begins to flow
only once my brain has cleared
the mental ‘inbox’, and there is
something about the rhythm
of walking that helps me to
focus. I often walk along Ocean
Road at Palm Beach with my
black Labrador Margot (I’m the
one talking to myself as I try
out lines of dialogue), followed
by a coffee at my favourite
café, 2108. Unfortunately,
Margot is 14 now and slowing
up, but thanks to her monthly
arthritis injection at Bilgola
Vet Clinic, she still enjoys her
walks. I write for the rest of the
morning, depending on how
the words are flowing – on a
good day I can write 3000 or
more, on a bad day it’s closer to
zero – then edit or do admin in
the afternoon when the Muse
packs up and heads home.
Q: Any interesting feedback
from readers?
I’ve been surprised how many
women have told me they are
married to an Alan, and how
many have already had or are
considering taking a golden
gap year!
Q: Anything else to add?
People often ask me why my
novels tend to feature mature
characters. The United Nations
has declared 2021-2030 the
decade of healthy ageing, with
a focus on combating ageism.
Not only do I believe that we
become more interesting as
we age, but I also hope that
in highlighting the everyday
challenges faced by older
people, the books might
help raise awareness of age
prejudice in a light-hearted and
entertaining way.
*‘Mrs Winterbottom takes a
Gap Year’ is available where
all good books are sold.
56 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Health & Wellbeing
Margery’s story highlights
importance of defibrillators
Health & Wellbeing
In May, Margery Filmer was brought
back to life after suffering a cardiac arrest
at her doctor’s surgery. Now Margery and
the emergency responders who saved
her are determined to share the role a
defibrillator played in that live-saving
event, and let people know where other
‘defibs’ are located on the Beaches…
now including Newport Bowling Club.
The last thing Margery
Filmer can remember
before she “died” for
15 minutes, is pulling up her
jumper for an injection at
her doctor’s surgery, then
experiencing “the strangest
feeling she’d ever had” in
her 79 years, together with
the brief thought that “this
is what it must be like”. The
next thing she can recall
after her heart had stopped
for a quarter of an hour is
being carried down the stairs
by firemen.
By then she had nine
broken ribs sustained
during her resuscitation;
but had been miraculously
brought back to life by quick
responders led by Newport
Doctor surgery GP Erin
Noonan.
“I’ve just had such a sense
of gratitude since then,” says
Margery. “I feel lucky to be
alive every day.”
The same goes for her
family.
“Mum’s always been the
centre of our lives,” says
daughter Blondie, “but even
more so now. We always
make events in our lives
special, but Christmas will be
even more special this year.”
For those who believe
coincidences are perhaps
divine intervention,
Margery’s cardiac arrest
provides great support for
the cause.
Dr Noonan’s colleague
Dr Julian Northover – happy
to be known as Julian – isn’t
normally at the Newport
Doctor clinic on the day of
the week Margery had her
cardiac arrest. Crucially,
further increasing the odds
of a favourable outcome was
the fact a defibrillator was
also present – and Julian
had just returned from two
days’ military training in
resuscitation with The Army
School of Health.
This ‘perfect storm’ was
literally a life-saver.
In November, Erin and
Julian were on hand at a
small ceremony as Margery
handed over a donated
defibrillator to Newport
Bowling Club, in recognition
of her survival, with the
venue nominated because
she is a member of the club
where she plays mahjong and
rummy.
The defib is one of many
located on the Northern
Beaches – including at all
Pittwater-region surf life
saving clubs and soon at
key bus stop locations
at Newport, Mona Vale,
Warriewood, Narrabeen and
Collaroy – and the doctors
are quick to give credit to its
role in saving Margery’s life.
“The key to saving
someone’s life when they go
into cardiac arrest is early
CPR and to get a defib on –
ideally within five minutes,”
emphasises Julian. “If
somebody goes into arrest
away from hospital and a
defib is not present, then
they only have a 7% survival
rate. With CPR and a defib,
this can increase to 75%.
“And every minute that
there is a delay in getting a
defib on after cardiac arrest,
there is a 10% increase in
death rate.
“Don’t be scared, just get
on with it.”
Julian points out that there
is a difference between a
heart attack and cardiac
arrest, and it is the cardiac
arrest which requires a
defibrillator. Signs of a heart
attack include pain in the
chest, difficulty breathing,
nausea, and feeling lightheaded;
while cardiac arrest
symptoms are those of being
unconscious, unresponsive
and an absence of – or
abnormal – breathing.
NSW Health is the best
website to visit for details on
symptoms and treatments,
with the consistent
messaging of ‘Call, Push,
Shock’ being one that Julian
is very keen to hammer
home. He also highly
commends the training
offered by The Army School
of Health.
“Their training can help
the community to better deal
with cardiac arrest and save
people’s lives.”
Certainly Margery, her
husband Dave, and her
daughters, grandchildren and
many friends will be forever
grateful to the Army, the
defibrillator, Erin and Julian
and his practice at Newport.
Five months on Margery
looks the picture of health;
but she knows how close
she was to not making it to
another Christmas.
“I felt lucky to be alive
from the moment I realised
58 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

SECOND CHANCE: Julian and Erin with Margery and the new Newport
Bowling Club-based defibrillator.
PHOTO: Rob Pegley
what had happened,” shares
Margery. “The ribs were
painful for three months and
my confidence was knocked –
I wondered if it would happen
again. And it may, but I have a
pacemaker and a defib fitted
and I’m going to live life to
the full.”
Not only will Christmas
be a great celebration, but
Margery’s 80th birthday
will be another event to be
thankful for. – Rob Pegley
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 59

Health & Wellbeing
with Dr John Kippen
Health & Wellbeing
Melanoma: monitoring
is crucial in detection
Melanoma is a skin cancer
that usually occurs on
the parts of the body
that have been sun-exposed.
They can however occur in
parts of the skin or body that
have never been exposed to
the sun.
Melanoma is the fourth most
common cancer diagnosed in
Australia; Melanoma is more
common in men than women.
The risk of being diagnosed
with melanoma by age 85 is 1
in 13 for men and 1 in 22 for
women.
In 2014, some 13,134 new
cases of melanoma were diagnosed
in Australia. In Australia
in 2015, there were 1520 deaths
due to melanoma.
Treatment may involve surgery,
radiation, medication or
in some cases, chemotherapy.
Monitoring and detection is
crucial.
You should:
• Look for new spots or spots
that change or grow, including
moles and freckles. Also size,
thickness and border.
• Watch for sores that don’t
heal or heal then return and
crusting or flaking.
• Be aware of spots or sores
that change in sensation or are
itchy, tender or painful.
• Check everywhere. Melanoma
can develop in places
that do not get sun exposure.
This includes under your arms,
the soles of your feet, buttocks,
under nails and genital areas.
• Look for areas of concern
when you shampoo, shower or
apply lotion.
• Monitor previous serious skin
injuries, such as a major scar
or burn.
• Be aware of any personal or
family history of skin cancer,
including melanoma.
Also important to consider:
• History of actinic (solar)
keratoses. These are precancerous
lesions.
• Immunosuppression, typically
due to taking immunosuppressive
drugs.
• Familial Atypical Multiple
Mole Melanoma Syndrome
(FAMMMS).
• Certain rare genetic disorders,
including xeroderma
pigmentosum and basal cell
nevus syndrome.
Factors that may put you at
increased risk for skin cancer:
• Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure:
Extensive lifetime sun
exposure or occasional intense
exposure, sunburn
• Tanning bed use.
• Age: The longer you are
exposed, the higher your risk of
developing a skin cancer.
• Having a fair complexion,
blonde or red hair, freckles,
blue eyes and/or a tendency to
sunburn.
• Having 50 or more moles.
Our columnist
Dr John Kippen is a qualified,
fully certified consultant
specialist in Cosmetic, Plastic
and Reconstructive surgery.
Australian trained, he
also has additional
Australian and International
Fellowships. He welcomes
enquiries; email
doctor@johnkippen.com.au
New
psychologist
Multi-service Newport
medical practice
Newport Doctor has
welcomed psychologist
Ana Nikibin to the team
available to provide
immediate support.
Ana (pictured), is a
registered psychologist
with the Psychology Board
of Australia.
Ana has extensive
experience working in
the mental health field,
including the disability
sector, psychiatric
settings in private mental
health hospitals, as well
as working with children
providing behaviour
supports.
Specialising in evidencebased
treatments and
tailoring her approach
to the individual’s needs
and goals, Ana works with
clients who present with
anxiety, depression, grief,
trauma, substance abuse
and stress/burnout.
*For more info or to
book an appointment
call 9997 4441;
newportdoctor.com.au
60 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Call for retiree aged care workers
The nation’s retirees should be able to return
to work without losing pension and other
retirement benefits – and pay tax like everyone
else – to help fix a critical workforce shortage
in the aged care sector.
That’s the message from HammondCare CEO
and former NSW Premier Mike Baird, who has
called for reforms to pension and superannuation
rules.
Mr Baird called for the change in a speech
to the Aged and Community Care Providers
Association (ACCPA) national conference in
November.
He said it was time to make it easier for older
people of pension age who wanted to work to
do so.
“Given that the aged care sector is crying
out for workers, while also facing an upcoming
tsunami of demand, it’s high time we make it
easier for older workers to step back in from
retirement,” Mr Baird said.
“Even though one in five retirees would
consider re-entering the workforce – a valuable
group of people with a lifetime of skills and
experience – there are several barriers for them
to negotiate,” he said.
“Apart from ageism and sometimes a need to
upskill, especially digitally, the bigger ones are
the pension and superannuation rules.”
Mr Baird said broadly speaking pensioners
lost around 50 cents of their fortnightly pension
for every dollar earned over the income
INITIATIVE: Mike Baird with aged care residents.
threshold. He added that working too much
over consecutive fortnights could lead to the
pension quickly reducing, and reinstating the
pension was never as quick.
Medication subsidies could be lost, and partner
pensions could also be reduced or lost.
“One solution could be to exempt employment
income completely for aged care workers
(and other sectors that have a critical workforce
shortage) from the aged pension income
test,” he said.
A recent report by the Commonwealth
Committee for Economic Development, Duty
of care: Meeting the aged care workforce challenge,
estimated the aged care sector needed
at least 17,000 more direct aged-care workers
each year in the next decade just to meet basic
standards of care.
– Nigel Wall
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 61

Health & Wellbeing
with Rowena Beckenham
Health & Wellbeing
Educating patients is key to
getting great vision outcomes
Educating patients in
the consult room is
an important part of
every health professional’s
responsibility. Sharing
knowledge and empowering
decision making from
individuals is key to great
outcomes for both preventative
health strategies and for
chronic health management in
eye-care.
Time taken in an eye
examination to understand the
needs of the patient – whether
it be their concerns in relation
to failing near vision, their
frustration with glare from
headlights when driving at
night, their interest in a new
option for vision correction,
or worry about relatives who
require intervention for vision
threatening conditions for
example – should all be open
to discussion. In the age of
fast information, qualified
professionals become a valued
resource in the dissemination
of options and best solutions.
Crucial to education, are the
use of tools in explanation.
Thankfully we live in an era
where technology has enabled
the opportunity to image and
scan eyes to an unprecedented
level to show patients exactly
what is happening in their eyes
over time. Seeing sequential
images of advancing pterygia
(tuh-rij-ee-uh), the fleshy
growth on the surface of
the eye from UV damage,
encourages patients to
increase vigilance on wearing
sunglasses and hats and use of
lubricant drops. Highlighting
changes in the eye that may
indicate cardiovascular risk,
encourages patients to follow
up with their GPs for general
health reviews.
With this in mind, continuity
of care is essential for best
outcomes and when patients
move to a new area, having
a history from a previous
practitioner becomes an
important resource and is
available at the patient’s
request. The use of images
and scans that are invaluable
in educating patients who
have ocular disease, are also
important in demonstrating to
patients why we recommend
that they be seen for annual
eye health exams even without
noticeable changes in vision.
During exams I am reviewing
and educating on imaging,
scans, visual field results and
other assessments. I also love
the ability to show images
of the patient’s own lids and
lashes, in addition to foreign
bodies in the eye to illustrate
why they feel the way they do.
My eye model is always handy,
as well, to explain conditions
like vitreous detachment
and why follow-up care is
important, or to explain how
cataracts affect vision and why
they may need surgery.
Part of education can also
be cultivating curiosity. For
example, if I see that a patient
has a particular symptom,
caused by a particular issue,
and can demonstrate that in
some way, they get curious
about what is causing it
and how to fix it. Patient
care, when done well, is
a partnership between
optometrist and patient.
When I complete an exam
I let patients know that they
are welcome to text or call
the office with additional
questions. Often, my team
can address those questions
without my input, but they
will pass questions along to
me that need my attention.
My team also carries on the
conversation about topics
like daily disposable contacts,
myopia control, dry eye
treatments and migraine tints.
They have all experienced
those treatments and
recommendations themselves,
so they can be a great source
of advice.
Rowena has been practising
at Beckenham Optometrist in
Avalon for 24 years. Whether
it be in Avalon alongside
valued colleagues Rebecca
Thompson and Stephanie
Ng, teaching eyecare
nurses and teachers in a
remote clinic in rural Sumba
Indonesia, or helping direct
the future of independent
optometry in her role
as Chair of the board of
Provision, the passion for
vision, eyes and the people
behind the eyes is there.
62 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Hair & Beauty
with Sue Carroll
Summer party… check; skin
ready… check… RSVP… Yes!
We are officially in the
thick of the summer
holiday party season
and heading towards the giftgiving
time of the year; and
who better to start giving to?
Yes, it is you!
A naturopath and friend told
me many years ago when your
well is dry and you try giving,
you are giving from nothing,
and it is exhausting. Give to
yourself, top up your well and
give quality all around. This can
be as simple as starting with
giving to your skin. Be radiant
and healthy and feel amazing
for the never-ending parties
and summer fun.
The outdated thought is we
cannot do many treatments in
the summer, as it can make our
skin sun sensitive. Along with
this, it’s challenging to have
downtime, as we have places to
go and people to see. There are
many skin treatments that will
provide healthy, rejuvenated
skin that will help us show off
the best version of ourselves.
The Carbon Facial – also
known as the ‘Hollywood’ or
‘China Doll’ skin treatment – is
fast, has no downtime, and
will leave the skin refined and
glowing. This cutting-edge
procedure combines a medicalgrade
carbon serum with a
complexion toning laser. This
treatment is specially designed
to address a variety of skin
concerns which include large
pores, dullness, congestion,
active acne and uneven texture.
The carbon serum is gently
massaged into the skin and the
laser is used to heat and absorb
the carbon which is popped
off along with the oil, bacteria
and debris in the pores as well
as the superficial layer of skin
across the face. There is no
downtime and can be repeated
as soon as 2 weeks for a better
result. This treatment can be
taken to the next level with
the addition of LED and/or a
JetPeel infusion with nourishing
peptides and antioxidants.
Laser Genesis facial
The Local Voice Since 1991
treatment allows the skin
to return with a noticeable
glow without unwanted side
effects such as bruising and
skin irritation. Laser energy
distributes gentle heat to
the upper layers of the skin,
stimulating collagen regrowth.
Laser GenQ will benefit those
looking to fade scar tissue,
treat fine lines, promote healthy
skin and restore a youthful
glow. This treatment is not
ideal if you are vacationing in
the sun. It can be repeated as
soon as 2 weeks, depending
on the results you want to
achieve. There can be slight
redness immediately after the
treatment and this will dissipate
overnight.
HIFU Glow is a fantastic
treatment using a mild, highintensity,
focused ultrasound
wavelength. It treats the top
layer of the skin, with results
being seen as soon as a week.
The full HIFU treatment goes as
deep as 4.5mm for the lifting
and firming results. The HIFU
Glow will treat 1.5mm into the
skin, meaning, treating the
epidermis or top layer of the
skin for the party radiance. A
gentle warmth can be felt which
is very relaxing. When teamed
with either microdermabrasion,
a dermal peel, LED, Bioptron
light therapy or a JetPeel
infusion, the results are nothing
short of red-carpet-ready.
Of course, the tried-andtrue
high-performance facial
treatments are high-touch
rather than high-tech. You can
step this up several notches
when combining the two
modalities; the results and the
relaxation cannot be surpassed.
It can be compared to taking
yourself away on a vacation
of relaxation and pampering,
the jaw-clenching stops, the
breathing becomes deeper,
and your cares are removed for
at least an hour or two. This
makes you more relaxed and
radiant.
Get ready to say YES to your
RSVPs. Escape from the holiday
summer hustle and start by
giving to yourself and receive
the gift of healthy glowing skin.
Be the best version of you, not a
different version.
Sue Carroll is at the forefront
of the beauty, wellness
and para-medical profession
with 35 years’ experience on
Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
She leads a dedicated team
of professionals who are
passionate about results for
men and women.
info@skininspiration.com.au
www.skininspiration.com.au
DECEMBER 2023 63
Hair & Beauty

Business Life: Money
with Brian Hrnjak
Business Life
Class discussion: who’s stuck
in the ‘middle’ with who?
This month we reflect on
the year just passed and
recommend setting aside
some time over the break to
check how your finances are
positioned relative to the changing
times.
It may be my age but as I get
older the pace of life seems to
be quickening. Think about the
sources of noise we deal with
today – television, radio, press,
post, email, phone calls, text
messages, internet and social
media in all its forms. There are
days in the office when it seems
all of them go off simultaneously.
I haven’t known it to be
any other way since I started my
working life in 1987 and I expect
it will never moderate.
This year, like many others
before, the foundations of the
financial system feel like they
shifted. Just as it did when I
started working in 1987 with
a stock market crash, or, 1991
with a severe recession, or, in
1997 with the Asian Financial
Crisis, or, in 2001 with the World
Trade Centre bombing, or, SARS
in 2003 and the subprime crisis
in 2007 which led to the GFC
from 2007 to 2009, or, in 2011
with the loss of the US AAA
credit rating and the Euro crisis,
or, in 2016 when we had Brexit
and the election of Trump, or, in
2020 with COVID-19 and more
recently the war in Ukraine in
2022, until this year with the war
in Israel being our latest geopolitical
crisis.
If we had to categorise 2023
from the sheer number of headlines,
it would have to be the
year of the cost-of-living crisis.
No other phrase dominated
the media so completely this
year. No other issue in recent
times, short of COVID, has been
blamed for affecting the fortunes
of so many. Cost of living
is why the yes vote of the voice
referendum failed, cost of living
is why the political fortunes of
a first-term government have
headed southward, cost of living
is why no-one under 30 can afford
a house. Cost of living is being
blamed for the demise of the
middle classes – yes, seriously.
Victoria Devine writing in the
SMH says so: ‘Australia, once
hailed as the land of opportunity
and the epitome of a fair go, is
witnessing an uncomfortable
shift in its socio-economic landscape.
The middle class, once the
backbone of the nation, is rapidly
diminishing, raising concerns
about a potential decline in our
collective standard of living. The
idyllic image of the quarter-acre
block and the Aussie dream is
fading, replaced by a growing
cost-of-living crisis that is reshaping
our society. In the heyday of
Australia’s prosperity, the allure
of a quarter-acre block symbolised
so much more than just a
piece of land. It encapsulated the
promise that hard work, whether
white collar or not would be
rewarded with a comfortable
lifestyle. However, the harsh reality
of today’s economic climate is
currently painting us a very different
picture. The middle class,
once synonymous with stability
and prosperity, is grappling with
the stark reality of a shrinking
existence.’
It may be premature to call
64 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

the demise of the middle class
purely based on this most recent
phase of rising interest rates and
inflation. It is true that consumer
confidence when measured by
any of the big 4 banks’ economists
is in the doldrums. Some
say worse than the GFC, others
say as bad as during the 1991
recession.
Devine admits that her view of
the quarter-acre-block-dwelling,
middle-class-of-the-past may
be something she is looking at
through rose-coloured glasses.
In the 1970s, middle class was
‘meat and three veg every
night, no dining out and a single
television in a household was
a luxury.’ We also didn’t travel
as much, get an MRI for a sore
pinkie or have anywhere near as
many foreign cars on our roads.
When I wrote earlier that the
foundations of the financial system
have shifted, I was referring
to an investment climate now
dominated by 13 interest rate
rises between May 2022 and
today. The last time rates were
at this level was in December
2008. This was followed by a
period of almost a decade when
real rates (after deducting inflation)
were zero or negative. This
is the reversion to the mean that
was always going to happen
regardless of how many times
people thought ‘it’s different this
time’.
In this current investment climate
things that were shunned
during the decade of low or
negative rates are now attractive
– cash for example can
be invested at a rate over 5%
p.a. which is equivalent to the
minimum pension drawdown
requirement for account-based
pensions. Bank-issued hybrid
securities can give floating rate
returns of more than 7% p.a.
after franking.
Some of the securities popular
during the ‘hunt for yield phase’
of the past 10 years are suffering
under these new conditions. The
price of some equities, real estate
investment trusts and bonds
will be affected until after the
peak of the rate cycle.
The investment environment
is dominated by discussion
about the levels and directions
of inflation and interest rates but
there are many parts to the concerns
faced by investors: wars
in Ukraine and Israel, cold war
in the Pacific, cyber threats, the
impacts of Artificial Intelligence,
large-scale climatic events, the
The Local Voice Since 1991
transition from fossil fuels to renewables,
commodity prices and
demand, the risks of recession
and unemployment as a result
of rate rises. There’s plenty to
worry about.
In Australia there is little
doubt that we are currently in
a retail recession. Our economics
offer up a confusing mix of
higher interest rates at the same
time as strong employment.
High levels of immigration along
with low supply of property for
sale have kept real estate prices
elevated and concerns regarding
the impacts fixed rate home
loans resetting to higher rates
(the so- called fiscal cliff) have
been met by banks and borrowers
in their stride.
The most economically exposed
are those renting or carrying
large mortgages; the rest
have been immune while some
have even benefited from higher
returns on cash holdings. This
generally means the younger
demographic have fared the
worst. The luckiest ones will
have mum and dad to call on
for support; the others will
do what it takes until the rate
needle turns down again. Aside
from the 10-year doldrum for
interest rates between 2012 and
2022, there has been a cycle
of rise and fall since rates were
invented – it didn’t kill off Australia’s
middle class before and I
doubt it will now, it is a resilient
demographic.
For investors who regularly
adjust their holdings now is
one of those rare times when a
significant uptick in rates has
not resulted in a material market
downturn. Investors do have the
opportunity to take some risk
off the table by taking profits
and parking funds into more
defensive term deposits or floating
rate securities.
Brian Hrnjak B Bus CPA (FPS) is
a Director of GHR Accounting
Group Pty Ltd, Certified Practising
Accountants. Office: Suite 12,
Ground Floor, 20 Bungan Street
Mona Vale NSW.
Phone: 02 9979-4300.
Web: ghr.com.au and altre.com.au
Email: brian@ghr.com.au
These comments are general
advice only and are not intended as
a substitute for professional advice.
This article is not an offer or
recommendation of any securities
or other financial products offered
by any company or person.
DECEMBER 2023 65
Business Life

Trades & Services
Trades & Services
AIR CONDITIONING
Alliance Climate Control
Call 02 9186 4179
Air Conditioning & Electrical
Professionals. Specialists in Air
Conditioning Installation, Service,
Repair & Replacement.
BATTERIES
Battery Business
Call 9970 6999
Batteries for all applications. Won’t
be beaten on price or service. Free
testing, 7 days.
BUILDING
Acecase Pty Ltd
Call Dan 0419 160 883
Professional building and carpentry
services, renovations, decks, pergolas.
Fully licensed & insured. Local
business operating for 25 years. Lic
No. 362901C
CARPENTRY
Able Carpentry & Joinery
Call Cameron 0418 608 398
Avalon-based. Doors & locks, timber
gates & handrails, decking repairs and
timber replacement. Also privacy screens.
25 years’ experience. Lic: 7031C.
CLEANING
Amazing Clean
Call Andrew 0412 475 2871
Specialists in blinds, curtains and
awnings. Clean, repair, supply new.
All NB Pressure Clean
Call 0416 215 095
Driveways, paths, garden walls, awnings,
house wash.
CONCRETING
Adrians Concrete
Call Adrian 0404 172 435
Driveways, paths, slabs… all your
concreting needs; Northern Beachesbased.
ELECTRICAL
Alliance Service Group
Call Adrian 9063 4658
All services & repairs, 24hr. Lighting
installation, switchboard upgrade.
Seniors discount 5%.
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.
66 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Eamon Dowling Electrical
Call Eamon 0410 457 373
For all electrical needs including
phone, TV and data. Pittwater-based.
Reliable; quality service guaranteed.
Warrick Leggo
Call Warrick 0403 981 941
Specialising in domestic work; small
jobs welcome. Seniors’ discount;
Narrabeen-based.
FLOOR COVERINGS
Blue Tongue Carpets
Call Stephan or Roslyn 9979 7292
Northern Beaches Flooring Centre
has been family owned & run for over
20 years. Carpets, Tiles, Timber,
Laminates, Hybrids & Vinyls. Open 6
days.
GARDENS
!Abloom Ace Gardening
Call 0415 817 880
Full range of gardening services
including landscaping, maintenance
and rubbish removal.
Conscious Gardener Avalon
Call Matt 0411 750 791
Professional local team offering
quality garden maintenance,
horticultural advice; also garden
makeovers.
Melaleuca Landscapes
Call Sandy 0416 276 066
Professional design and construction
for every garden situation. Sustainable
vegetable gardens and waterfront
specialist.
Precision Tree Services
Call Adam 0410 736 105
Adam Bridger; professional tree
care by qualified arborists and tree
surgeons.
GUTTERS & ROOFING
Cloud9 R&G
Call Tommy 0447 999 929
Prompt and reliable service; gutter
cleaning and installation, leak detection,
roof installation and painting. Also roof
repairs specialist.
JEWELLER
Gold ‘n’ Things
Call 9999 4991
Specialists in remodelling. On-premises
(Mona Vale) workshop for cleaning,
repairing (including laser welding),
polishing. Family owned for nearly 40 years.
HOT WATER
Hot Water Maintenance NB
Call 9982 1265
Local emergency specialists, 7 days.
Sales, service, installation. Warranty
agents, fully accredited.
KITCHENS
Collaroy Kitchen Centre
Call 9972 9300
Danish design excellence. Local
beaches specialists in kitchens,
bathrooms and joinery. Visit the
showroom in Collaroy.
Seabreeze Kitchens
Call 9938 5477
Specialists in all kitchen needs; design,
fitting, consultation. Excellent trades.
MASSAGE & FITNESS
Avalon Physiotherapy
Call 9918 3373
Provide specialist treatment for neck &
back pain, sports injuries, orthopaedic
problems.
PAINTING
Cloud9 Painting
Call 0447 999 929
Your one-stop shop for home or office
painting; interiors, exteriors and also
roof painting. Call for a quote.
Tom Wood Master Painters
Call 0406 824 189
Residential specialists in new work &
Trades & Services
Ken Wilson Roofing
Call 0419 466 783
Leaking roofs, tile repairs, tiles
replaced, metal roof repairs, gutter
cleaning, valley irons replaced.
HANDYMEN
Local Handyman
Call Jono 0413 313299
Small and medium-sized building
jobs, also welding & metalwork;
licensed.
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 67

Trades & Services
Trades & Services
repaints / interior & exterior. Premium
paints; 17 years’ experience.
PEST CONTROL
Predator Pest Control
Call 0417 276 962
predatorpestcontrol.com.au
Environmental services at their best.
Comprehensive control. Eliminate all
manner of pests.
PLUMBING
Total Pipe Relining
Call Josh 0423 600 455
Repair pipe problems without
replacement. Drain systems fully
relined; 50 years’ guaranty. Latest
technology, best price.
RUBBISH REMOVAL
Jack’s Rubbish Removals
Call Jack 0403 385 312
Up to 45% cheaper than skips. Latest
health regulations. Old-fashioned
honesty & reliability. Free quotes.
One 2 Dump
Call Josh 0450 712 779
Seven-days-a-week pick-up service
includes general household rubbish,
construction, commercial plus
vegetation. Also car removals.
SLIDING DOOR REPAIRS
Beautiful Sliding Door Repairs
Call 0407 546 738
Fix anything that slides in your home;
door specialists – wooden / aluminium.
Free quote. Same-day repair; 5-year
warranty.
UPHOLSTERY
Luxafoam North
Call 0414 468 434
Local specialists in all aspects of
outdoor & indoor seating. Custom
service, expert advice.
Advertise
your Business
in Trades &
Services section
Ph: 0438 123 096
68 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Trades & Services
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 69

Pittwater Puzzler
Compiled by David Stickley
28 Abandoned (7)
29 Farewell (3-3)
Pittwater Puzzler
ACROSS
1 Hamburger additions for
hungry eaters (3,3)
5 Those foodies who like to try a
bit of everything (7)
9 Courage, spirit (5)
10 Any of various species of
elongated, predacious, tropical
and subtropical marine fishes (9)
11 Most recent, or most up to
date (6)
12 Type of whale encountered
by Jason Breen in the 18-down
Basin (8)
14 Professional superintendence
of young kids (5,4)
16 Equipment needed to propel
rowing boats on Pittwater (4)
19 Type of bread available at
Curry By the Curve in Clareville,
no doubt (4)
20 Modern musical (4,5)
22 Humourless (8)
23 Fibre used in hatmaking (6)
26 To do something without help
or independently (2,2,5)
27 Exceptionally bad or
displeasing (5)
DOWN
2 A place frequently visited (5)
3 Park in North Narrabeen that
will be hosting The Link Church’s
Christmas carols event (8)
4 In surfing, the hollow of a wave
as it breaks (4)
5 An irregularly fluctuating flow
of air or fluid (10)
6 Mackellar’s Independent MP, Dr
Sophie ______ (6)
7 The picking up of litter in a
camping area, school playground,
etc., by a group of organised
people (3,6)
8 A very small, usually roughly
built and poorly appointed
house (5)
9 Path that must be taken to reach
the Coastal Environment Centre in
North Narrabeen (7)
13 Suburb that contains Mater
Maria Catholic College (10)
15 The Northern Beaches man
behind Icehouse (3,6)
17 A strong barrier in the ocean
built to protect coastal properties
(3,4)
18 Northern Beaches suburb
originally known as Bongin Bongin
by local indigenous people (4,4)
21 Large artworks that are a
feature of 18-down (6)
22 Encouraged (5)
24 Number of years ago that The
Big Swim from Palm Beach to
Whale Beach started (5)
25 Rosemary, basil, or thyme, for
example (4)
[Solution page 78]
70 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Food Life
with Janelle Bloom
Food Life
Recipes: janellebloom.com.au; Insta: instagram.com/janellegbloom/
Six sensational ‘sides’ that
can’t wait for Christmas...
Christmas planning is well underway;
now December has rolled around it’s all
about the food! Our family have decided
to keep it simple this year: a traditional warm
glazed ham, fresh Aussie prawns – and then
a focus on a selection of delectable ‘sides’.
Roast potato,
burrata salad with
pesto dressing
(Serves 8)
2kg baby potatoes, skin on,
washed, dried, halved
3 tbs olive oil
1 lemon, rind shredded, juiced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp caster sugar
1 cup basil leaves
2 balls (150g each) burrata,
drained
Basil pesto dressing
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 small garlic clove, grated
¼ cup pine nuts, lightly
toasted
½ cup olive oil
2 tbs red wine vinegar
1. Place the potatoes into a
large saucepan. Cover with
cold water, add 1 tsp salt.
Place over high heat, bring
to the boil uncovered. Boil 3
minutes. Drain well.
2. Preheat oven to 220°C fanforced.
Spoon the warm
potatoes into the base of
a greased roasting pan.
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of
the oil, season. Turn to coat.
Roast for 20-30 minutes or
until golden and tender.
3. Meanwhile, whisk the
remaining 2 tablespoons oil,
2 tablespoons lemon juice,
sugar and Dijon together
in a large bowl. Season and
set aside. Add the roast
potatoes to the dressing,
toss gently to coat. Set aside
to cool.
4. For the dressing: place
the basil, garlic and pine
nuts in a food processor .
Process until finely chopped.
With the motor running,
gradually add the oil in a
thin steady stream until
well combined. Remove to
a bowl, stir in the vinegar. If
the dressing is a little thick,
thin with cold tap water.
5. Spoon the potatoes onto
a serving platter. Add
the basil leaves. Tear the
burrata into pieces and
arrange over the potatoes
with lemon rind. Spoon
over the basil dressing just
before serving.
Janelle’s Tips: Make the
dressing up to 3 days in
advance. Spoon into a clean
jar, cover the top with a layer
of olive oil and keep in the
fridge… Plus, this salad is
delicious served warm (omit
cooling potatoes in step 3).
Dukkah roasted
Broccolini with
smashed chickpeas
and tahini dressing
(Serves 8)
2 bunches Broccolini®
200g Swiss brown or cup
mushrooms, thickly sliced
½ cup olive oil
4 tbs hazelnut dukkah (see
right)
Colourful, fresh, easy and impressive is the
brief. Sides seem to be most people’s Achilles
heal – but it’s the part I love! Here are some
of my favourites that are worth saving for
Christmas and all your summer barbecues.
Stay safe and enjoy the season ahead. – Janelle
1 small garlic clove, crushed
2 x 400g can chickpeas,
drained, rinsed
1 orange, rind finely grated,
juiced
80g baby spinach
Tahini dressing
¼ cup hulled tahini
½ small garlic clove
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 orange, juiced
2 tsp maple syrup
3-4 tbs warm water
1 tsp sea salt flakes
1. Preheat oven to 220°C.
Place the broccolini and
mushrooms into separate
lightly greased roasting
pans. Spoon 1 tablespoon
of the oil over each pan.
Sprinkle each pan with
1 tablespoon of dukkah.
Season with salt and
pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Roast for 12 minutes or until
lightly charred. Cool.
2. Meanwhile, place the garlic,
chickpeas, orange rind,
juice and remaining 1/3
cup (80ml) oil in a food
processor. Pulse until the
chickpeas are smashed,
and the mixture is chunky.
Spoon into a bowl until you
are ready to serve. Wash
and dry the processor.
3. To make the tahini dressing,
combine all the ingredients
in the food processor.
Process until smooth.
4. Spoon the chickpea mixture
over the base of a platter
or serving board. Top with
the spinach, broccolini and
mushrooms. Sprinkle over
the remaining dukkah.
Serve with the dressing.
Hazelnut dukkah: Combine
½ tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp
chilli flakes, 1 tbs toasted
sesame seeds, 1 tbs ground
coriander, 1 tbs ground cumin
and 1 tsp sea salt flakes in
a jar. Stir in ½ cup chopped
roasted hazelnuts and ¼
cup chopped roasted salted
peanuts; mix well.
Crispy noodle
Mango salad
(Serves 8)
3 Calypso® mangoes
½ red cabbage, finely
shredded
¼ small green cabbage, finely
shredded
3 carrots, peeled, shredded
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup mint leaves, torn
½ cup salted roasted peanuts,
chopped
72 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

100g pkt fried noodles
(Changs brand)
Dressing
4 tbs olive oil
2 tbs soy sauce
1 lime, juiced
2 tsp sesame oil
3 tsp Sriracha chilli sauce
1. Cut the mango cheeks from
the stones. Using a large
spoon, remove the mango
fruit from the cheeks. Slice
the fruit. Place onto a plate,
cover and refrigerate until
ready to assemble.
2. For the dressing, combine
all the ingredients in a jar.
Secure the lid and shake
until well combined.
3. Just before serving,
combine the mango,
cabbage, carrot, green
onions and mint on a
large platter. Toss gently
to combine. Pour over the
dressing, scatter with the
peanuts and noodles. Serve
immediately.
Janelle’s Tip: You can replace
the peanuts with toasted
silvered almonds and add
coriander and bean sprouts.
Caramelised
Brussels Sprouts
with mozzarella
and dried cherries
(Serves 8)
600g Bambino® Brussels
Sprouts, ends trimmed
¾ cup (100g) hazelnuts
½ cup (125ml) extra olive oil
2 tbs honey, plus extra to
drizzle
¾ cup (100g) dried sour
cherries
150g streaky rindless bacon,
thinly sliced crossways
The Local Voice Since 1991
1 tbs lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard
3 balls (150g each) buffalo
mozzarella, drained
3 green shallots, finely
chopped
½ cup flat leaf parsley,
chopped
1. Cut the Brussels sprouts
in half, keeping any loose
leaves that fall off.
2. Preheat oven to 200°C fanforced.
Spread hazelnuts
into a roasting pan. Roast
for 5-8 minutes, or until the
skins start to split. Transfer
to a clean tea towel. Cool
for 10 minutes. Use the
towel to rub off the loose
skins. Discard the skins and
roughly chop the roasted
hazelnuts. Set aside.
3. Increase the oven to 230°C
fan forced. Add the Brussels
sprouts and leaves to the
roasting pan. Combine 2
tablespoons (40ml) of the
oil with the honey, spoon
over the sprouts, season.
Turn to coat. Roast for 15
minutes. Turn the sprouts
over, roast a further 5-10
minutes until crisp, golden
and caramelised.
4. Meanwhile, place the
cherries into a small
heatproof bowl. Pour over 2
tablespoons (40ml) boiling
water. Cover and stand for 5
minutes. Drain the cherries,
reserving any water. Place
the bacon into a frying pan
over medium-high heat.
Cook, stirring occasionally
for 5 minutes or until
golden and crisp. Drain on
paper towels.
5. Whisk the remaining 1/3
cup (80ml) olive oil, 1
tablespoon (20ml) cherry
For more recipes go to janellebloom.com.au
water, lemon juice and
mustard together until well
combined. Season.
6. Tear the buffalo mozzarella
into pieces and arrange
over a large serving platter.
Top with shallots and
parsley. Spoon over a little
dressing. Pile the Brussels
sprouts over the salad.
Scatter over the bacon,
cherries and hazelnuts.
Spoon over the remaining
dressing. Serve.
Janelle’s Tip: You can replace
the mozzarella with burrata or
soft, marinated feta.
Quke crunch salad
with peanut lime
dressing
(Serves 8)
2 x 250g Qukes® baby
cucumbers, halved lengthways
4 carrots, peeled, shredded
2 cos heart lettuce, shredded
6 green onions, cut into thin
5cm lengths
8 red radish, thinly sliced into
rounds
2/3 cup flaked coconut,
lightly toasted
1 cup roasted salted peanuts,
coarsely chopped
1 cup coriander leaves
Chilli oil, optional
Peanut lime dressing
2 tbs peanut oil
2 French shallot, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
2 tsp dried chilli flakes
1 1/3 cup (220g) roasted
salted peanuts
1 cup coconut cream
1½ tbs (30ml) tamari
2 tbs brown sugar
3 limes, juiced
1. For dressing, place the
oil, shallot and garlic
in a medium saucepan
over medium heat. Cook,
stirring for 3 minutes
or until softened. Add
the chilli and peanuts.
Cook, stirring for 2
minutes. Remove from
the heat. Spoon into a
food processor. Cool for 5
minutes. Add the remaining
ingredients. Process until
well combined. Season. If
the dressing is too thick (as
coconut cream can vary)
add a little warm water to
adjust to your liking.
2. Arrange the Qukes, cut
side up on a large serving
platter. Spoon over a little
dressing.
3. Combine the carrot,
lettuce, green onions and
radish and spoon over
the Qukes. Spoon over a
little more dressing. Top
with coconut, peanuts and
coriander. Drizzle over the
chilli oil if using. Serve with
the remaining dressing.
DECEMBER 2023 73
Food Life

Food Life
Pick of the Month:
Aussie Lychees
Food Life
Kumato Puttanesca
(Serves 8)
3 anchovy fillets in oil, drained
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp dried chilli flakes
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
80g mixed salad leaves
1kg Kumato® tomatoes
5 green onions, finely
chopped
4 tbs (40g) salted capers
rinsed, drained
125g (2/3 cup) pitted black
olives, roughly chopped
½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves,
roughly chopped
40g Parmesan, shaved
1. Finely chop the anchovies,
then use a fork to mash
them to a paste.
2. Finely chop Add to a small
non-stick frying pan with
1 tablespoon of oil. Cook,
stirring for 3 minutes
over medium heat until
dissolved.
3. Finely chop Add the garlic
and chilli, cook for 30
seconds. Transfer to
a bowl.
4. Finely chop Cool for
10 minutes. Stir in the
remaining oil, vinegar and
season with pepper.
5. Scatter the leaves over a
serving platter. Slice the
Kumato tomatoes and
arrange over the leaves.
6. Finely chop Top with the
onions, capers, olives,
parsley and parmesan.
7. Finely chop Just before
serving, spoon over the
dressing, season. Serve.
The lychee is a subtropical
fruit, produced on tropical
evergreen trees. After they
flower, the sprays of flowers
become bunches of fruit.
Once ripe, the bunches of
fruit are harvested by hand.
The fruit is oval to round
in shape and about the size
of a walnut. Its thin, red
bumpy skin is easily peeled
to reveal a white, juicy,
translucent ball of firm,
sweet flesh, with a texture
similar to firm grapes. The
fruit surrounds a large shiny
brown seed.
It is Chinese tradition
to offer lychees as a Lunar
New Year good-luck offering
because they are considered
a symbol of romance.
Peeling
Pierce the skin and gently
peel it away from the fruit
in small pieces. You’ll likely
notice a thin, brown layer
from the pit, which will
remain on the inside of the
fruit. Don’t try to remove this;
it’s soft and completely edible.
Lychee fruit
salad with gin and
tonic syrup
(Makes 8)
24 fresh lychees, chilled
¼ large seedless watermelon
1 rockmelon, halved, seeds
removed
1 honeydew melon, halved,
seeds removed
750g green grapes, removed
from stems
1 pomegranate
1 cup mint leaves
Gin and tonic syrup
1 1/3 cups caster sugar
1 cup tonic water
½ cup gin
2 limes, juiced
For the syrup: Place sugar,
tonic and gin in a medium
saucepan over medium heat.
Cook, stirring, until sugar
dissolves. Increase heat to
medium-high and bring to
the boil. Boil for 5-8 minutes
or until syrup thickens
slightly. Remove from
heat. Stir in the lime juice.
Refrigerate until cold.
1. Peel the lychees; place into
a large bowl. Use a melon
baller to cut balls from the
watermelon, rockmelon
and honeydew melon
(alternatively cut into
cubes). Add to the lychees
with the grapes.
2. Roll the pomegranate on
the bench to loosen the
seeds. Score around the
middle and tear open into
two halves. Hold each
pomegranate half over
fruit, seeds facing down
and tap the skin with a
wooden spoon, squeezing
a little to release the seeds
and juice. Remove and
discard any white pith.
3. Just before serving, add
the mint to the fruit, then
pour over the chilled
syrup. Spoon into 8 chilled
glasses. Serve.
Janelle’s Tips: Want to keep
this kid-friendly? Replace
the tonic and gin with apple,
orange or mandarin juice…
Other seasonal fruits that
can be added to this recipe
are cherries, berries, fresh
mango.
In Season
December
Look out for Apricots;
Raspberries, Blueberries,
Blackberries, Strawberries;
Cherries; Mangoes;
Watermelon; Australian
Pomegranates, Peaches,
Nectarines and Pineapple.
Also Hass Avocados;
Beetroot; Beans; red,
yellow and orange
Capsicum; Qukes; Radish;
Corn and Kumatoes.
74 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Tasty Morsels
with Beverley Hudec
Some Tiny Morsels to savour in December
Every Sunday is
Xmas Day in Avalon
Avalon’s festive season starts early.
The Yorkshire Rose is celebrating
Christmas on Sundays this December.
Of course, roast turkey, with all the
trimmings, is on the menu. There’s
also a choice of roast pork or roast
beef. Free bonbons make it truly
festive. Bookings are recommended.
The Yorkshire Rose is taking bookings
for Christmas parties and will be open
Christmas Eve.
Make this a daily
Grind (of good kind)
Grind Beans’ second cafe has just
opened in Warriewood. Program the
satnav for Daydream St, where you’ll
find Campos Coffee and a selection
of breakfast and lunch staples. The
tradies brekky burger is a perennial
favourite with customers. The
menu also has burgers, wraps and
sourdough toast paired with a variety
of savoury combinations.
Cafe-cum-deli
hits the Heights
Chef Chris Blatchford has
recently opened a cafe-cumdeli
and catering business in
Elanora Heights. Blatchford’s
Kitchen has ready-to-go
salads, Tuscan flatbread
sandwiches stuffed with
Australian and imported
cheeses and delicious goodies
from the deli, and Campos
Coffee. Look for the sunny
yellow-and-white-striped
awning on Kalang Road.
Head Lakeside for
freshest Xmas fare
An Aussie Christmas isn’t complete
without seafood. Lakeside Fish
Market’s focus is on Australian fish
and shellfish including lobster tails
with their distinctive black-and-green
stripes, prawns and oysters. There’s
also fresh-cooked whole lobsters. The
North Narrabeen fish shop is taking
Christmas orders from December
1. Christmas Eve opening hours are
8am-5pm.
Tasty Morsels
The Local Voice Since 1991
Three of a kind: Summer nights
Kick-start the weekend with
relaxing pre-dinner drinks
(pictured) and nibbles. Blessed
with views to Scotland island,
waterfront Marina Cafe's
outdoor deck is just the place to
do it. This Church Point venue is
now open for dinner on Friday
and Saturday nights. The menu
has weekly specials and plenty of
seafood. The market fish of the
day comes with a choice of sides.
From Japanese-style lagers to
a lightly hopped pale ale, you’ll
find Avalon Brewery's range
of craft beer, tucked behind the
butcher on Avalon Pde. Doors
open for a cheeky sundowner
on Fridays and Saturday
afternoons from 4pm. Hoppy
heaven isn’t for everyone, so
the microbrewery has sensibly
added Hickson Rd gin and tonics
to the menu.
Two-hatted Bert’s Bar &
Brasserie is Merivale’s fancy
Northern Beaches’ star. The
Newport brasserie channels
elegant European styling
of a bygone era with an ontrend
seasonal menu priced
accordingly. You’ll find an oyster
bar, raw seafood and fish and
meat dishes cooked over coals
and fruit wood. Dress up and
people-watch, that’s a must.
DECEMBER 2023 75

Garden Life
with Gabrielle Bryant
Garden Life
Keep it real! Consider a cut
or living Xmas tree this year
Christmas is
almost here and
an important job
is to find a Christmas
tree. There are dozens
of fake trees in the
department stores, but
nothing can replace
the look of a real tree,
either cut or living in a
pot, that can be brought
inside year after year.
The touch and smell of
pine needles is part of
Christmas.
With so many varieties
to choose from, it is
hard to decide.
Cut trees are radiata
pines; they have soft
green needles and a
wonderful scent that
fills the room. They are
great for one season –
but they grow fast, are
not very long-lasting in
pots, and are too big for
urban gardens.
Potted trees can be
found in any size, from
tiny table-top pots
(great for unit dwellers);
to 6-foot tall trees
depending on budget and situation. Any
conifer can survive indoors for 10 days,
kept watered.
Norfolk Island pines, slow-growing
Spruce, Cyprus pines, narrow growing
Junipers, Thuyas or any of the conifer
family have strong branches and sturdy
trunks to support lights and decorations.
These are all introduced species; for
a more Australian
Christmas, why not
think about a native
tree? Lillipillies,
Casuarinas, Port
Jackson Cyprus,
Wollemi Pines – or
best of all the Western
Australian Wooly Bush
(pictured), with its soft,
grey foliage. All can be
trimmed to shape.
Your tree will only
manage indoors for
a couple of weeks, so
don’t bring it inside
too soon. Before you
do, make sure that you
water it thoroughly. It
is best kept on a deep
saucer so that water
can’t damage the floor.
Remember to water
regularly while inside
but be very careful to
keep electric wiring
away from the water.
As with any indoor
plant, living Christmas
trees need good light,
and they won’t like air
conditioning.
Once the festivities
are over, take your tree back outside.
After several days indoors be careful of
the sun. A tree can be sunburnt. Harden
it gradually, a few days in the shade,
then a few more in morning sun before
moving it into full sun and exposure,
where with water and a slow-release
fertilizer it will be happy until next year.
Plan a fragrant
garden now
Long summer nights are here – perfect
for an evening BBQ and the time to
enjoy the sweet scent of fragrant flowers.
Fill your garden or terrace tubs with
plants that will increase in fragrance as
dusk come on.
Gardenias are unrivalled for their
scent; grow them as a hedge, as
standards or in pots. The cascading,
pendulous flowers of an apricot, white
or pink Angel’s Trumpet grow on a tall
woody shrub that will not only provide
fragrance at night but will provide
filtered shade through the day.
If you have a nearby fence or a pergola
in a sunny position, plant a stephanotis
(right) that will burst
into bloom with
clusters of creamy
white, deliciously
scented flowers,
without fail, as the
Xmas holidays begin.
Although all
frangipanis are
highly scented,
the common white
variety with the
yellow centre, that
will continue to
flower until late
Autumn, has the most intense fragrance
of all. It is a fact that the most fragrant
flowers are white and not only do they fill
the night air but the pale blooms glow in
the darker light.
76 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Green
thumb
gift ideas
It is often hard to find the
perfect gift for a friend or
family member, but if they
are gardeners nothing could
be easier.
Garden centres are full
of orchids, poinsettias,
begonias, anthuriums,
hanging baskets of colour
and tantalising succulent
bowls. No gardener can ever
have too many plants.
Hand tools, watering cans,
tap timers, gloves, secateurs,
seed packets, seeded
growing kits in coloured
buckets, mason jars, tins,
ceramic planters, grass
heads for kids, and, for the
chef, sprouting seed growing
kits to keep on the kitchen
bench.
If you are really stuck,
consider a gift voucher and a
trip to the garden centre for
breakfast.
Dance up a hydrangea storm
Hydrangeas are in full flower! They make ideal indoor plant
decorations. The huge heads of flowers last for several
weeks before fading.
Before you buy one, check the final height of a fully grown
plant. There are many different varieties, some are small,
growing just 70cm, while others can reach a height of 1.8m.
There are many different types. Amongst the most usual are
hydrangea macrophylla with full round heads of flower; hydrangea
paniculata with conical
flowers; and lace cap
hydrangeas that have
tiny flowers in the
centre surrounded by
large open flowers of a
complementing colour.
Dance party (left)
is one of the most
beautiful of all the
Japanese lace cap
hydrangeas. The large,
double pink flowers
open pale and darken
as they grow older. With
shiny green leaves it
repeats flowers from
early summer until
autumn. If you want
to change the colour,
intensify the pink
with garden lime – or
change to blue with
aluminium sulphate or
bluing tonic.
The Local Voice Since 1991
DECEMBER 2023 77
Garden Life

Garden Life
Jobs this Month
Garden Life
The rain comes and goes
without trend. The
heavy showers seem
to water the garden but the
water soon runs off, leaving
the surface very dry. It may
sound silly but the garden
needs water! Soaker hoses
are the easiest way to water
without wasting water. And
a warning: Prepare for a hot
dry summer. Clean up all
leaf litter from around the
house and clean the gutters.
Bushfire season is here.
Lawn mowing
Lawns are growing fast, don’t
cut them too short as the sun
will burn the roots that have
been shaded by the leaves. Let
the grass adapt to the warmer
weather gradually.
Veggie top-up
Time for a last planting in
the veggie garden before
the Christmas break. Plant a
second round of tomatoes,
spring onions, zucchinis and
beans that will feed you until
late autumn.
Possum control
Possums can destroy the newgrowing
tips of plants and
shrubs, and they can eat your
veggies and fruits before you
get a chance. Protect fruiting
trees with netting, secure the
net neatly around the base or
trunks of trees. Remember,
unlike birds that will fly down,
possums can climb up under
the netting! If possums are
eating the buds of ornamental
plants, try spraying the plants
with a lavender-scented
aerosol. Possums don’t like the
smell of lavender.
Fill the gaps
The longer evenings are great
for entertaining. Fill any empty
spots in the garden with white
petunias, impatiens, vinca and
alyssum. White flowers glow
in the evening light. White
gazanias look great – but
they will close as the sun goes
down.
December
Poppy planning
If you plant some poppy seeds
now you will have flowers for
Anzac Day in the Autumn.
BBQ makeover
Brighten up the BBQ area. Give
outdoor furniture a new look
with bright new cushions and
a coat of paint or timber oil.
Solar lanterns or a string of
Christmas lights will let you sit
all evening long. Don’t forget
about the mozzies. Some
citronella flares will keep them
away.
Protect fruit
Protect your citrus and fruit
trees with a fruit fly lure.
A garden treasure hunt
With Christmas holidays here it is time
to get the children away from their
computers and into the garden.
Christmas giving should be a time
of creativity, not just a trip to the local
shopping centre. Send the children on
a treasure hunt into the garden to find
gum nuts, pine cones and eucalyptus
leaves to make into painted gifts, gift
tags and decorations.
Search for interestingly shaped stones
that can be painted with colours, animal
faces, decorated as insects with paper
wings or painted with names as herb
markers in the garden.
One bait kit will protect your
garden. Fruit fly can destroy all
your crops. Place the lures as
soon as the tiny fruit appear.
If you wait too long, it will be
too late.
Crossword solution from page 70
Mystery location: TASMAN SEA
78 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Travel Life
Seven Seas’ gift of travel
Travel Life
Travel is a privilege, and
never more so than when
you can explore in luxury,
taking time to savour the rich
kaleidoscope of landscapes,
cultures and flavours that
reveal themselves along your
path like unspoken gifts.
Explore Regent Seven Seas
Cruise’s eclectic collection
of 2024 and 2025 sailings
and you will find plenty to
enthral from the mesmerising
fjords and Nordic cities
of Northern Europe to the
glittering coastlines of the
Mediterranean.
“Stroll the powder-soft
sands of the South Pacific, the
captivating cities of Japan or
picturesque Greek isles,” said
Travel View’s Sharon Godden.
“Step out amidst the
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immerse yourself in the
distinctive cultures of Africa. Or
wander the iconic coastlines,
national parks and walking
trails of Australia.
“Sip full-bodied wines in
French vineyards or relax
with a moreish cocktail
on some of the world’s
most revered
Caribbean
beaches. These
and many more
extraordinary
experiences lie
ahead when you
choose to reward yourself with
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Sharon explained Regent
Seven Seas Cruises’ ‘Unrivalled
Experience’ program had
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“Carrying no more than 746
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“Offering their ‘Unrivalled
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Sharon added that
unique to Regent Seven
Seas Cruises, unlimited
shore excursions were
available in every port,
making it the only truly
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Voyage fares also
include gourmet cuisine
in a range of speciality
restaurants and alfresco
dining venues,
fine wines and spirits,
entertainment, unlimited
internet access, valet laundry
service, pre-paid gratuities
onboard, a transfer between
hotel and ship, and a one-night,
pre-cruise hotel package for
guests staying in Conciergelevel
suites and higher.
*Don’t miss out – reserve
your suite by 31 December,
2023; more info contact
Travel View on 9918 4444
or email sales@travelview.
net.au. (Terms and conditions
apply.)
80 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991

Times Past
Times Past
The birth of ‘The Stomp’
Late in 1962 a dance called ‘The
Stomp’ surfaced at Avalon Beach in
the surf club.
Contradictory info exists abundantly
and although I didn’t join the club until
1966, clubmate Trevor ‘Pogo’ Fuller was
there at the time and some of what he
later recalled in his revamped recollections
tied in with what legend Bob
McTavish wrote in his book ‘Stoked’:
“… a bunch of us surfers were stuffing
around there one night, all of us being
lousy jivers or quick-steppers. The two
stomps with the left foot, followed by
two with the right, delightfully do-able
for us uncouth mongrels… then pumped
up with adrenalin and beer, we grabbed
girls and showed them the move and
then watched how quickly they caught
on and made it elegant – well, as elegant
as the Stomp could be!
“They added some slow
rotations and some body
swaying.”
The basic step was simple
and caught on very
quickly and although it
looked rather Aboriginal
in its style, it was said to
have been brought back
from a trip to South Africa
by a group of local surfers
or some US sailors on a visiting
warship – take your pick!
Billy Jay and the Sundowners were the
band that played and as the word spread,
‘Stompers’ began to pack the new clubhouse
on Saturday nights. The Ladies
Auxiliary provided the refreshments
which added to the takings.
It became known as the ‘Avalon Stomp’
and even radio station 2UW gave it a plug.
After a festive season layoff, the Stomp
began again on Saturday 5 January 1963
and the club, hoping for a turnout of
around 300, saw 650 roll up! By the end
NOSTALGIC: The poster used by Avalon Beach surf club in 2013 to revitalise memories
of the Stomp era and to say goodbye to the club building before its demolition;
Les Green’s tribute record; and the Stomp revisited by Bandstand in 1963.
of February numbers had
reached over 1,000 and
around 24 club members
were needed to control
and supervise the crowd.
Unfortunately, due
to the very nature of the
‘dance’, with everybody stomping in
time, this created a huge threat to the
sub-floor structure of the relatively new
first floor of the clubhouse. The Honorary
Architect of the new first floor, local
Loyal Alexander, was called to attend
one night and couldn’t believe the distortion
of the main beams.
That signalled the end of ‘The Stomp’
at Avalon Beach surf club.
However, it had provided the 600
pounds – which enabled the overdraft
the Club had taken out to cover the
building costs, to be finalised well before
the due date.
Club member Barry Feehely then took
the band and the dance to North Narrabeen
surf club.
Brian Henderson brought his ‘Bandstand’
crew down to Avalon Beach in
the early 1960s and Col Joye and the Joy
Boys provided the music for a temporary
rebirth of The Stomp on the grassed area
to the south of the old dressing sheds.
This was the last Avalon Beach saw of
the home-grown Stomp.
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.
82 DECEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991