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Avalon Beach Land Gifted to Community Proposed for Permanent Public Open Space

A Pittwater resident has offered to give an environmentally sensitive block of land at 27 Elizabeth Street, Avalon Beach to Northern Beaches, and the community now has until 17 March 2026 to have its say on the proposed classification of the site as Community Land and public open space.

Read: Fox Sighting at Avalon Beach in Broad Daylight Puts Northern Beaches Wildlife on Alert

Northern Beaches’ local officials have placed a formal Public Notice calling for community submissions on the proposed classification of 27 Elizabeth Street, Avalon Beach (Lot 9 DP 773307) as Community Land under the Local Government Act 1993. Submissions close on 17 March 2026.

The notice marks the next formal step in a process that began at the 20 May 2025 council meeting, when councillors voted in a confidential session to accept an offer from a local Pittwater resident to gift the block to council at no cost to council, except for the legal costs incurred by the owner for the transfer.

The identity of the landowner has been kept private, in line with their wishes, and council has provided no further details about the property beyond what is required for the statutory process. What the public notice does confirm is that the council resolved to acquire the land for public open space purposes and, following the transfer, to formally classify it as Community Land.

Cr Miranda Korzy shared details of the decision in her ‘From the Chamber’ update following the meeting. Council, she wrote, would “formally thank the landowner for the proposed donation, acknowledging the significant contribution it makes to enhancing the connectivity and habitat values of the surrounding wildlife corridor and supporting long-term community and environmental outcomes.”

That phrase, wildlife corridor, is worth noting. Privately held land within such corridors can play a critical role in maintaining habitat connectivity for native animals across the landscape. If the proposed classification proceeds, the land’s habitat values will be protected under the strongest provisions available under NSW local government law.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Community Land is council-owned land designated for public use, such as parks, reserves, and sports grounds, that cannot be sold. Any lease or licence granted over it is capped at a maximum of 30 years. Council is also required to prepare a Plan of Management that sets out how the land will be used, categorised, and protected into the future.

In practical terms, once classified, the land cannot be sold regardless of future decisions, and its use will be governed by a mandatory Plan of Management. Northern Beaches has also indicated it will rezone the land to open space following classification.

Read: Babylon House Claims Prestigious Interior Architecture Award

The 28-day public notice period exists for a reason. Under Section 34 of the Local Government Act 1993, Northern Beaches is legally required to consider all submissions received before presenting a further report to councillors to determine the proposed classification. Submissions close 17 March 2026, and can be lodged in three ways:

By completing the submission form at northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

By emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

By writing to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655

For enquiries, contact Northern Beaches Council on 1300 434 434.

Published 28-February-2026

Fox Sighting at Avalon Beach in Broad Daylight Puts Northern Beaches Wildlife on Alert

A fox sighting at Avalon Beach during daylight hours this week has alarmed locals and wildlife advocates, raising fresh concern for the native species that make the Northern Beaches one of the most ecologically significant stretches of coastline in metropolitan Sydney.

A resident photographed the European red fox roaming the beachfront reserve in the middle of the day, a marked departure from the nocturnal behaviour foxes typically display. The images spread quickly through the community and divided Avalon locals between those who felt sympathy for the animal and those alarmed at what its brazen daytime appearance signals for the native wildlife living along the coast and in surrounding bushland. For ecologists and wildlife advocates who have spent years working to protect bandicoots, wallabies, possums and Sydney’s only mainland Little Penguin colony, the fox sighting came as no surprise and no comfort.

What a Daytime Fox Sighting Actually Signals

Foxes are primarily nocturnal hunters, but experts at the Invasive Species Council note that daytime fox sightings are becoming less unusual as the animals grow increasingly confident in urban and coastal environments. The shift happens when a fox reads the area as safe enough for daytime movement, or when a vixen is feeding cubs and must forage more frequently than darkness alone allows. Foxes are highly adaptable animals that adjust their behaviour based on opportunity and perceived risk, and when risk reads low and food is available, the boundary between day and night disappears quickly.

That adaptability is precisely what makes the fox such a damaging presence in the Australian environment. Native animals never evolved alongside European red foxes and carry no instinctive strategies for avoiding them. The fox, meanwhile, is an intelligent and efficient hunter that typically kills well beyond what it needs to eat, particularly when it encounters animals that offer no learned defences.

The native animals most at risk from fox predation on the Northern Beaches include swamp wallabies, ringtail possums, long-nosed bandicoots, southern brown bandicoots, ground-nesting birds and, critically, Little Penguins. The Avalon area sits within one of the last strongholds for long-nosed bandicoots remaining in the Sydney region, with significant populations concentrated along the coast between Newport and Pittwater.

A Colony Still Counting the Cost of One Fox

The stakes of a fox sighting anywhere near the Northern Beaches coastline become clear when measured against what happened at North Head, Manly, in June 2015. A single fox killed 26 Little Penguins in eleven days, devastating the only mainland breeding colony of Little Penguins in New South Wales. The Manly colony’s baseline population has never returned to where it stood before the 2015 attack, and the most recent breeding season recorded just 19 breeding pairs. The colony has been listed as endangered since 1997, and in the decade between 2013 and 2023, breeding pairs fell from 70 to 19, a record low.

*Photo Credit: Office of Environment and Heritage*

The response to the 2015 attack transformed how the colony is now protected. Motion-sensing cameras, thermal detection equipment, fox-deterrent lighting and dedicated penguin wardens stationed at breeding sites from sunset each evening now form part of an ongoing protective effort coordinated by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Fox baits are laid year-round at North Head, and rapid action including baiting, trapping and shooting follows any confirmed fox detection near the colony. Despite that sustained effort, the colony remains acutely vulnerable. It is small, closely observed and one fox away from another catastrophic event.

How Fox Control Works on the Northern Beaches

Fox management across the Northern Beaches operates as a coordinated program involving NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Land Services and other agencies with responsibilities across the region. Control activities include shooting, baiting with 1080 poison buried at confirmed activity sites, trapping, fumigation and fencing, with the specific combination of methods determined by the type of land, the species at risk and the level of confirmed activity.

When baiting programs are active in reserves, signage is placed at entry points and adjoining residents receive direct notification. Pet owners need to take particular care during active baiting periods: 1080 poison is lethal to cats and dogs, and a single bait carries enough toxicity to kill either. During baiting periods, affected reserves close to dogs entirely. In the event of accidental poisoning, immediate veterinary attention is essential.

Experts across the field consistently note that partial or isolated control efforts cannot solve the problem long-term. Foxes recolonise areas quickly when control is patchy or interrupted, making sustained effort across contiguous land managed by multiple agencies simultaneously the only approach that delivers meaningful protection for native wildlife.

What Avalon Residents Can Do

Every fox sighting reported strengthens the picture of where foxes are active and where control efforts need to focus. FoxScan, a free resource available to all residents, accepts reports of fox sightings, signs of fox activity, den locations and attacks on native or domestic animals. The FoxScan app is available free on both iOS and Android, and every new entry triggers a notification to the invasive species team responsible for the area.

Beyond reporting, the steps residents take at home carry direct consequences for both foxes and the native wildlife that foxes prey upon. Keeping bin lids closed, using enclosed compost bins, bringing pet food inside overnight, securing chicken coops and rabbit hutches and removing fallen fruit from yards all reduce the food sources that draw foxes into residential and coastal areas. Keeping cats indoors overnight and dogs supervised near bushland removes additional pressure from the already stressed native animals sharing that habitat.

Fox sightings can be reported via the FoxScan app or at feralscan.org.au/foxscan. To report injured native wildlife, contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 or Sydney Wildlife on 9413 4300.

Published 26-February-2026.

Avalon Beach’s Cranzgots Pizza to Close as Development Proposal for Boutique Dan Murphy’s Advances

Kavita Mandhyan/Google Maps

Cranzgots Pizza Cafe in North Avalon, operating since 1998, will serve its last pizza on Sunday 15 March 2026 as a development proposal to demolish and replace the Careel Shopping Village with a new mixed-use centre, anchored by a boutique Dan Murphy’s, moves through the licensing process.

The team behind Cranzgots announced the closure this week and said the decision had been far from easy. They said Cranzgots Pizza had been much more than a restaurant, serving as a gathering place filled with memories and familiar faces, and a venue for live music where the community shared laughs, danced and enjoyed unique pizzas not found anywhere else. The team said the venue had become an Avalon institution over the years.

The café at 1–3 Careel Head Road, known locally as “Cranny’s”, has drawn generations of Avalon families, surfers, soccer players and live music lovers to the Barrenjoey Road corner for 27 years. In a farewell message, the team thanked local groups, musicians and former staff, and said it will mark the closure with a final weekend of celebrations.

The prominent North Avalon site, a long-time stop for residents heading to Hitchcock Park, Careel Bay Playing Fields and Avalon Beach, has secured redevelopment approval after the NSW Land and Environment Court granted consent following conciliation between Grex Holdings Pty Ltd and Northern Beaches Council. Grex Holdings Pty Ltd lodged a liquor licence application with the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority on 16 December 2025.

What the Development Proposal Involves

The approved development consent covers the demolition of the existing shopping centre and construction of a new purpose-built three-storey mixed-use building. At ground level, the building will house the Dan Murphy’s store along with a small number of specialty retail tenancies. A childcare centre will occupy Level 1, with dedicated lift access from the basement and a separate entry on Careel Head Road that does not share any lobby or entry point with the Dan Murphy’s premises. Off-street basement parking will replace the existing surface car park, with excavation to a depth of approximately 2.3 metres required during construction.

Dan Murphy's development proposal — Photo Credit: APP-0015360276

The proposed Dan Murphy’s is considerably smaller than a typical store in the brand’s network. The trading floor covers approximately 409 square metres, roughly half the size of a standard Dan Murphy’s, and the store will carry around 2,800 product lines compared with approximately 4,000 at a full-format store. The concept is modelled on what Endeavour Group, the parent company behind Dan Murphy’s, describes as a boutique format aligned with “The Cellar by Dan Murphy’s” brand, with a focus on wine education, in-store tastings and on-demand micro-classes hosted by product specialists.

Endeavour has operated a comparable smaller-format store at Elanora Heights, also on the Northern Beaches, with a floor area of around 400 square metres. That store has received strong customer ratings since opening.

A Boutique Format for a Residential Neighbourhood

According to the liquor licence application materials, the proposed store will trade Monday to Saturday from 9am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 9pm, shorter hours than the standard trading period for packaged liquor licences in NSW. It will employ approximately eight full-time staff supported by around ten permanent part-time and casual employees, with a stated preference for hiring locally.

The application documents note that Avalon Beach already has five licensed bottle shops, including Chambers Cellars, Liquorland Cellars (formerly Vintage Cellars), Mr Liquor North Avalon, Clareville Cellars Fine Wine and Beer, and the recently opened Winona Wine Avalon. The applicant argues the new store will redistribute market share among existing retailers rather than expand overall alcohol consumption in the community, drawing on NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data showing that alcohol-related assaults in Avalon Beach fell from 17 incidents in the year to June 2007 to six incidents in the year to June 2025.

The site sits within 30 metres of Hitchcock Park and approximately 150 metres from the Careel Bay Playing Fields, which includes the Avalon Soccer Club. The Avalon Veterinary Hospital on Barrenjoey Road is roughly 60 metres away. The application documents note there are no schools, nursing homes, places of worship, detoxification facilities or alcohol-free zones within 200 metres of the proposed store. The childcare centre within the same building has been designed with physical separation from the bottle shop, including a dedicated entry and lift that do not intersect with the Dan Murphy’s premises.

Farewell to Cranny’s and How to Follow the Application

The Cranzgots team has called on the community to visit and support the café right up to its final night of trading, inviting everyone to enjoy pizza, music and celebrate the end of an incredible era. Details of the final weekend events will be announced in the coming weeks.

The public submission period for the liquor licence application formally closed on 15 January 2026, but the application remains under assessment by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority. Residents who wish to monitor progress or seek further information can visit the Liquor and Gaming NSW Noticeboard.

Published 17-February-2026.

Bilgola Beach Home Rebuild Cleared By Authorities Despite Objections

Photo Credit: Rick Osborn/Facebook

A proposed demolition and rebuild at Bilgola Beach has received approval for a site at 2A Allen Avenue, concluding a multi-year planning dispute marked by objections from nearby residents.

Background To The Bilgola Beach Proposal

The site at 2A Allen Avenue, Bilgola Beach, contains a dwelling originally constructed in 1951. The property was purchased in 2019, and a development application was lodged in 2022 seeking approval for a large replacement home.

That initial proposal attracted objections focused on height, scale and neighbourhood character. It was refused, and an appeal to the Land and Environment Court was dismissed in April 2024.

dwelling approval — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Revised Application And Court Outcome

A revised development application, DA2024/1708, was submitted on 8 January 2025. The application sought approval for demolition works and construction of a dwelling house including a swimming pool.

Following a deemed refusal, the matter proceeded to court. The appeal was upheld on 16 April 2025, subject to amended plans. The planning register lists the determination level as court and confirms approval status.

The cost of work recorded in the planning register is $4,264,221. Separately, the redevelopment has been described as a $5 million project.

The register also records an exhibition period from 8 October to 22 October 2025, which appears after the determination date.

Bilgola Beach redevelopment — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Design And Amenity Considerations

Objections raised during the process referred to the size of the proposed dwelling, the number of rooms, rooftop recreation areas, privacy impacts from overlooking, and potential loss of sunlight and views. Additional concerns related to excavation depth, landscaping provision and the fit of the development within its surroundings.

Planning arguments supporting the proposal maintained that remaining height exceedances were minor and that similar multi-storey homes exist nearby.

Community Response And Petition Activity

Community opposition included written submissions and petition activity linked to the proposal. A previous petition was reported as having attracted more than 1,500 signatures opposing the development.

Community posts continued to encourage further petition participation and urged an appeal of the court’s approval, with sign-up activity promoted in the Avalon area.

SIGN THE PETITION

Next Steps

With the appeal upheld, the approval allows demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of the approved design, subject to the amended plans attached to the determination.

Published 3-Feb-2026

Toddler Nipped by Offleash Dog at Avalon Beach as Council Dog Attack Reports Hit Record High

Photo Credit: Mike Funnell

A young toddler walking to Avalon Beach children’s pool with his mother and sister was nipped by an offleash dog on 14 January, highlighting growing concerns among Avalon residents about dog control in public spaces.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:20am at south Avalon Beach when a dog, walking at least 10 metres behind its owner, approached the family. The owner’s response was to verbally abuse the mother before walking away with the dog still offleash and continuing towards busy Barrenjoey Road.

Witnesses reported the incident to Northern Beaches Council, and photographs of the dog and owner were forwarded to council as requested.

The incident was one of four dogs observed offleash in the same area within half an hour that morning. The Avalon Beach children’s pool is considered one of the few safe swimming areas for young children in the region.

The incident comes as newly released statistics reveal Northern Beaches Council recorded 247 dog attack reports for the financial year from July 2024 to June 2025, according to NSW Office of Local Government data. This represents the highest number on record for the local government area.

Of these reported incidents, 45 were classified as serious attacks on people requiring hospitalisation or medical treatment, whilst 146 involved attacks on animals.

The figures are particularly concerning when compared to Central Coast Council, which recorded 195 attacks despite having more than twice the number of registered dogs. Central Coast Council has 163,466 registered dogs compared to Northern Beaches Council’s approximately 77,896 microchipped dogs.

Under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998, dogs in public places must be under effective control by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash, except in designated offleash areas.

Local residents have expressed frustration with what they describe as widespread non-compliance with leash laws across Pittwater and the broader Northern Beaches area. Many say they can no longer find public spaces where dogs are consistently kept onleash as required.

Wildlife concerns have also been raised. On 16 January, a visibly distressed swamp wallaby was filmed racing along Collaroy to Narrabeen beach at 6:15am, appearing to flee from something pursuing it. Macropods, which include wallabies and kangaroos, can suffer from capture myopathy, a potentially fatal condition caused by extreme stress or pursuit.

Avalon residents who witness dog attacks or dogs offleash in prohibited areas are encouraged to report incidents immediately by calling 1300 434 434, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Outside council hours, incidents can be reported to the local police station, as police officers are authorised officers under the Companion Animals Act 1998.

Anonymous reports can also be submitted through Northern Beaches Council’s online portal at help.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/s/submit-request?topic=Pets_Animals.

Statistics for the current financial year from July 2025 to December 2025 have not yet been released.

Published 26-January-2026

Landslide Destroys Great Mackerel Beach Home as Storms Devastate Avalon

Photo Credit: gofundme / Fleur Johns

Severe storms battered Avalon on Saturday afternoon, bringing torrential rain that caused widespread flooding and a devastating landslide that destroyed a home at Great Mackerel Beach.

The deluge began around 2.00pm, with Avalon Beach recording 62.5 millimetres of rainfall in just one hour. The intense downpour overwhelmed drainage systems and stormwater infrastructure, flooding hundreds of homes and dozens of roads across the area.

Shopping centres along Barrenjoey Road at both Avalon Beach and Palm Beach were inundated, while emergency services fielded multiple Triple Zero calls from motorists trapped by rising waters. The rainfall continued throughout the afternoon and evening, with approximately 170 millimetres falling across the area.

At Therry Street in Avalon Beach, NSW State Emergency Service crews rushed to assist a family shortly after 9.00pm. Four adults, two children and two pets were trapped on the upper level of their home as floodwaters engulfed the ground floor.

Great Mackerel Beach bore the brunt of the storm system, recording 264 millimetres of rain over 24 hours. The offshore community’s only road access via fire trail became impassable, leaving residents isolated.

The Great Mackerel Beach Rural Fire Brigade began receiving calls for assistance mid-afternoon as significant flooding affected Monash Parade and Diggers Crescent. By 5.00pm, residents were protecting their homes with sandbags whilst a local electricity substation faced the threat of water inundation.

Although flooding appeared to ease by 7.00pm, the respite proved temporary. Around 9.30pm, the waterlogged hillside behind homes at Diggers Crescent gave way, sending mud and rocks cascading down the slope.

A large tree was uprooted and pushed into the rear of a house, shifting the structure approximately 400 millimetres from its foundations. A couple in their 60s were inside at the time, with the woman reportedly struck by debris as the tree slammed into the building.

Local RFS crews arrived quickly and reported that the couple had been evacuated to a nearby property where two doctors were providing care. The home has been deemed uninhabitable.

Poor weather conditions prevented helicopter access, and even the West Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade boat could not be launched. NSW Police Marine Area Command led a multi-agency response from Church Point, with NSW Ambulance deploying intensive care paramedics, special operations paramedics and two inspectors. Specialist Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters from Narrabeen Station joined the mission.

The rescue teams departed for Great Mackerel Beach by water police boat shortly after 10.30pm. Additional FRNSW crews, including rescue specialists from Darlinghurst and an Urban Search and Rescue team from Blacktown, were mobilised to Church Point.

Upon arrival, paramedics assessed the couple whilst firefighters examined the structural damage. Two neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution, though they appeared undamaged with no imminent risk identified.

The man was unharmed, whilst the woman suffered minor leg injuries and was assessed for shock but declined hospital transport after recovering.

The rescue teams’ return to Church Point was delayed whilst water police responded to a vessel torn from its mooring near Coasters Retreat. They arrived back shortly before 1.00am.

Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS and NSW SES crews worked into the early hours of Sunday morning responding to downed trees and flooded homes across the Avalon area.

Published 18-January-2026

Local Surfer Escapes Serious Injury After Early Morning Shark Encounter at Little Avalon

Photo Credit: Facebook / Toby Play

Avalon Beach was closed for 24 hours on Saturday following a close encounter between a local surfer and a shark at the Little Avalon surf break.

Paul Stanton, an Avalon resident, was surfing south of the rock pool at approximately 5.40am on 10 January when a shark emerged from beneath him and made contact with his surfboard while he was paddling.

Mr Stanton instinctively pushed the animal away, but sustained a minor laceration to his left thumb when it made contact with the shark’s tooth. The encounter left two distinct tooth marks on the fin of his surfboard, along with drops of blood.

After alerting other surfers in the water, Mr Stanton paddled back to shore. Despite the incident, he was reported to be in good spirits and the injury to his hand was minor enough that it did not require bandaging. According to another local surfer, Mr Stanton later went surfing at Whale Beach after Avalon Beach was closed.

The type of shark involved in the incident could not be determined, as low light conditions at the time prevented Mr Stanton from seeing it clearly in the water.

Following standard protocol for shark incidents, Surf Life Saving NSW closed Avalon Beach and conducted extensive searches of the area using jet skis, inflatable rescue boats and drones. However, drone operations were hampered by high winds on the day. The shark was not located during these patrols.

Despite the beach closure and warnings from surf lifesavers, some swimmers and surfers chose to enter the water throughout the day as temperatures climbed.

The incident occurred approximately four months after a fatal shark attack claimed the life of 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis at nearby Long Reef in September 2025.

Sharks were also reportedly sighted at several other beaches along the Northern Beaches and NSW coast on Saturday.

Published 10-January-2026

Avalon Beach SLSC Patrol Commitment Acknowledged With National Medals

Photo Credit: Avalon Beach SLSC/Facebook

Two members from Avalon Beach SLSC have been recognised with National Medals, highlighting years of verified frontline patrol service and long-standing volunteer commitment within the local beach community.

National Recognition Details

The honours were announced as part of a national recognition round administered by Surf Life Saving Australia, which acknowledged 212 members across the country for long and sustained service involving risk to life and property.

*Photo Credit: Avalon Beach SLSC/Facebook*

The awards form part of the Australian honours system and recognise members who meet eligibility standards set by the Commonwealth. The Avalon Beach recipients were named in the latest National Medal batch released by Surf Life Saving Australia.

Avalon Beach Recipients

Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club members Mark Head and Wilson Gamble were recognised for meeting national service thresholds through consistent patrol participation across many seasons.

Head received a National Medal with a 1st Clasp, reflecting service beyond the initial 15-year requirement, while Gamble was awarded the National Medal for completing the minimum period of eligible patrol service. Their recognition reflects years spent patrolling Avalon Beach, maintaining annual proficiency, and completing required patrol hours each season.

How National Medal Service is Measured

Eligibility for the National Medal is governed by federal regulation rather than club or organisational discretion. Members must complete at least 30 patrol or lifeguarding hours per season across a minimum of 15 full years, measured by recognised patrol seasons running from 1 July to 30 June. Service does not need to be continuous, though only approved and proficient patrol seasons are counted.

Junior activities, cadet service, and approved leave periods do not contribute toward eligibility. Additional clasps are awarded for each further 10 years of verified service, with full service records reassessed at each stage.

Community Impact at Avalon Beach

Avalon Beach SLSC has a long history of volunteer patrol work, training, and community safety dating back to its formation in 1925. The club continues to support beachgoers through regular patrols, rescue response, and water safety education.

National Medal recognition places local members among a limited number nationwide who have met long-term operational service requirements. For the Avalon community, the awards reflect the steady commitment required to keep the beach safe season after season.

Published 29-December-2025

Community Fundraiser Builds On Avalon’s Link To Timor Leste

Photo Credit: Friends Of Soibada/Facebook

What started in Avalon as a simple school idea has grown into a Northern Beaches charity recognised by the President of Timor Leste, with the community now coming together for a major fundraiser at a Brookvale brewery.

Avalon’s Role In The Partnership

The story began more than 15 years ago at Maria Regina School in Avalon, where students wanted to support children in the remote Timor Leste village of Soibada. Their idea spread beyond the classroom and brought in parents, teachers, and local groups, forming the foundation of Friends of Soibada.

*Photo Credit: Friends Of Soibada/Facebook*

The charity formally registered in 2010 and built a long-term partnership between the Northern Beaches and the village. Avalon remains central to its history, as early fundraising, awareness events, and support grew from the school community before expanding to surf clubs, churches, Rotary groups, the council, and 18 other schools.

Friends of Soibada focuses on sustainable development, with volunteers visiting twice a year to work with residents on education, health, hygiene, and community needs.

Recognition And Community Impact

Earlier this year, Friends of Soibada received the Order of Timor Leste, awarded by President Jose Ramos Horta. The honour recognised the charity’s long-standing contribution to improving daily life in Soibada. The award also highlighted the unusual beginnings of the organisation, which grew from a student-led idea into a cross-community partnership spanning two countries.

Many of the original Avalon students have since grown into adults who continue to support the work. Some have travelled to Soibada as volunteers, strengthening personal ties between the Northern Beaches and the village.

January Fundraiser At 7th Day Brewery

The next chapter of the partnership takes place at 7th Day Brewery in Brookvale on 24 January 2026, where Friends of Soibada is hosting a large community fundraiser.

BUY TICKETS HERE

The event features live music from local bands, raffles, and stalls, with all funds directed toward projects in Soibada. Money raised supports teacher wages, health initiatives, and a dental program aimed at improving access to basic care.

The fundraiser reflects the same community-driven spirit that started in Avalon. Local businesses, musicians, and residents are contributing time and resources to support the cause.

A Continuing Avalon Connection

While the charity’s reach now extends across the Northern Beaches, Avalon remains closely linked to its identity. The suburb is regularly referenced in the charity’s story as the place where the partnership began.

Supporters describe the work as proof that small, local actions can lead to long-term change when a community stays involved.

Published 17-December-2025

Avalon RSL To Host Stop On 360’s 2026 Regional Tour

Photo Credit: 360/Facebook

ARIA Award winning rapper 360 will bring his Back N Forth Tour to Avalon RSL, giving local fans the chance to see the Australian hip hop artist at their community venue.

Tour Background

The tour runs from 5 February to 27 June and includes 43 regional stops across the country. The Avalon RSL date forms part of a national run announced after his sold out Out Of The Blue capital city tour and the chart success of his fifth studio album.

360’s regional tour follows the strong chart debut of his album Out Of The Blue, which entered at number one on the ARIA Australian Hip Hop Albums Chart. The tour schedule places his focus on regional towns after the release of the new record and the completion of his capital city series.

The announcement states that his live set will feature tracks from the album along with earlier favourites that shaped his rise in Australian hip hop.

Partnership With PEZ

The tour bills longtime collaborator PEZ alongside 360 across the full regional run. Both artists began working together as Forthwrite in the late 2000s and have continued releasing collaborations throughout the past decade.

Their onstage dynamic is close and energetic, and 360 has said they plan to revisit classics and older tracks they do not usually perform on solo tours. Their recent work on the track Broken from Out Of The Blue adds to their shared history.

What Fans Can Expect

Tour announcements describe a high energy, career spanning show built on new material from Out Of The Blue and older hits such as Falling and Flying and The Festival Song.

buy tickets here

The event listing emphasises storytelling, familiarity between the two performers and a mix of songs that reflect their long working partnership.

Local Community Interest

The Avalon RSL date means fans in the area have access to the Back N Forth Tour without travelling to larger venues. As a club venue, Avalon RSL offers a closer view of the stage than major arenas, offering a different live setting for long time listeners.

Shows of this scale can support local hospitality and entertainment businesses by drawing visitors into the surrounding neighbourhood.

Published 02-December-2025