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Avalon Public School Turns 75: A Diamond Jubilee in Avalon Beach

Avalon Public School is marking 75 years in Avalon Beach, with its Diamond Jubilee carrying the school’s story from its first pupils and early classrooms through to alumni memories and present-day celebrations.

The anniversary year will continue with an Open Day on Thursday, 17 September 2026, followed by the Avalon Public School fete on Sunday, 20 September 2026.

The fete will run from 10am to 3pm at Avalon Public School, 11 Old Barrenjoey Road, and will be open to past students, current families, local residents, friends of the school and visitors.

The event will include rides, laser tag, sideshow alley, a petting zoo, live music, a silent disco, an art auction, tombolas, games, food trucks, a community barbecue, market stalls, craft stalls and a photo booth.

Avalon Public School anniversary fete — Photo Credit: Avalon Public School

Local sponsors and partners have also been announced, with the P&C inviting people to contribute memories, ideas, volunteer time, sponsorship and other support.

These events form part of a broader anniversary program that brings together generations of the Avalon community, linking present-day celebrations with the school’s long history.

From Newport Pupils to a New Avalon School

Avalon Public School was established on 26 May 1951, but its beginnings reach back to the year before.

In August 1950, 66 pupils who had been travelling to Newport Public School from areas north of Newport became the first pupils of the new Avalon school.

Early Avalon school building — Photo Credit: Avalon Public School

By late 1950, the first school building was in place. Doss McGuire, the headmaster’s wife, taught Kindergarten to Year 3 in one half of the building, with teacher Bonnie Kissen also part of the school’s early story.

The school’s first attendance book recorded some of the children who moved from Newport Public School to Avalon, marking the start of a local school community that would continue to grow through the decades.

Avalon pupils on opening day — Caption: Pupils march along Old Barrenjoey Road towards Avalon Public School on its official opening day, 26 May 1951. The procession passed through the shopping centre, including the site now occupied by Woolworths near Avalon Parade. The teacher pictured is believed to be Mr Jim Lane.
Photo Credit: Avalon Public School/*Photo and information from the Avalon Beach Historical Society written by Geoff Searl*

Early Days on Old Barrenjoey Road

The school’s official opening followed on 26 May 1951, when pupils walked south along Old Barrenjoey Road through the shopping centre towards the school.

At that time, the route passed parts of Avalon that have since changed, including the former Avalon Milk Bar and General Store site near Avalon Parade.

Avalon Public School pupils — Caption: Avalon Public School’s first building in late 1950, after 66 pupils from Newport Public School became the first students of the new Avalon school. Doss McGuire, the headmaster’s wife, taught Kindergarten to Year 3 in one half of the building, with teacher Bonnie Kissen standing behind her.
Photo Credit: Avalon Public School/*Photo and information from the Avalon Beach Historical Society written by Geoff Searl*

The first years were shaped by simple buildings, wet weather challenges and steady growth. Heavy rain had delayed the assembly of the first demountable in 1949, before the school’s first classrooms became part of daily life for local children.

By around 1952, the first two school buildings were established, along with a flagpole gifted by A.J. Small. The school grounds also included the beginnings of an open-air theatre and an activity room used by performers.

Traditions That Carried Forward

The school’s early life was not only about classrooms. By the mid-1950s, school events were already becoming part of Avalon Public School’s identity.

In 1956, school captain Jim Small lit a flame during the school’s own version of the Olympic Games, adding another moment to the school’s growing record of assemblies, performances and shared activities.

Caption: Around 1952, Avalon Public School’s first two buildings were established, with the flagpole gifted by A.J. Small in place. The beginnings of the open-air theatre can be seen above the first classroom roof, with the Activity Room, also used as a dressing room for performers, further to the right. Sanders Lane had only recently been formalised.
*Photo Credit: Avalon Public School/Photo and information from the Avalon Beach Historical Society written by Geoff Searl*

Those traditions have continued into the anniversary year, with current students working on poems for a special 75th anniversary edition of We Sing a Song, a school tradition that was also recreated for the 50th anniversary.

A K–6 assembly has also marked the milestone, featuring teacher performances, a combined choir performance and school captains as comperes.

Alumni Memories Return to Avalon Public School

The anniversary has invited past students and families to share memorabilia, photographs, stories and keepsakes, adding personal memories to the school’s formal records.

Former students are also being featured as part of the celebrations, including Katja Davis-Raiss, Class of 2003, founder of Katapult Performing Arts. Her alumni feature connects her time at Avalon Public School with dance, leadership, friendships and memories of a Year 6 musical.

Avalon Public School Alumni — Photo Credit: Avalon Public School

Other alumni listed as part of the anniversary material include Bec and Sam Watson, Mathias Macallister, Simon Herfort, Sam Verrils, Jim Colley, Zac Meatchem, Morgan Webster and Tim Cruickshank.

Students, staff and P&C members have also formed the school crest and the number 75 as part of the anniversary program. The moment was captured in a timelapse video by Tim Seaton, a former Avalon student.

From its first pupils and early buildings to its alumni memories and September events, Avalon Public School’s 75th anniversary places the school’s history at the centre of a year of celebration in Avalon Beach.

Published 25-June-2026

Former PM Backs Campaign Against Proposed HMAS Penguin Sell-Off

Residents in Clareville are being urged to pay attention to a growing campaign against the proposed sale of land associated with HMAS Penguin, with part of the naval facility’s broader footprint extending to Sydney’s northern beaches.

Read: Paddle Up at Clareville Beach in Avalon

The issue gained fresh momentum after former prime minister Tony Abbott addressed a packed public meeting in Mosman, where community members gathered to discuss the future of the Middle Head naval base and neighbouring angophora forest.

Mr Abbott used the forum to voice strong opposition to plans to divest part of the Defence site, arguing local communities should be prepared to campaign vigorously to keep the land in public hands.

While much of the debate has centred on Middle Head, the proposal has broader implications for residents interested in the future of Defence land around Sydney Harbour and the northern beaches, including facilities linked to HMAS Penguin’s operations.

The Commonwealth identified HMAS Penguin for partial divestment as part of the 2023 Defence Estate Audit, which reviewed military properties across Australia and recommended the disposal of a number of sites considered surplus to Defence requirements.

According to Defence, key capabilities based at HMAS Penguin, including clearance diver training and specialist underwater medicine services, would remain in operation. However, campaigners say important questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the exact boundaries of any future land sale.

A major focus of community concern is an area of angophora forest adjoining the base at Middle Head. Campaigners argue the bushland has significant environmental and heritage value and should remain protected from future development.

The Headland Preservation Group has launched an open letter calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Environment Minister Murray Watt and independent MP Zali Steggall to exclude the forest from any divestment plans.

Community opposition has steadily grown since details of the proposed sale emerged earlier this year. Public meetings, advocacy efforts and letter-writing campaigns have sought to persuade decision-makers to reconsider the proposal.

Mr Abbott’s intervention has added a high-profile voice to the debate. Drawing on examples of past grassroots campaigns that protected parts of Sydney from redevelopment, he encouraged residents to remain active and engaged as discussions continue.

Read: Get To Know The Early Residents Of Hilltop Road In Avalon

Defence Minister Richard Marles has argued that disposing of some Defence land could ultimately improve public access to areas that are currently restricted. Campaigners, however, remain unconvinced and continue to push for long-term protection of the forest and surrounding landscape.

For residents of Clareville and across the northern beaches, the debate highlights broader questions about the future use of publicly owned land, environmental conservation and the preservation of sites with longstanding links to Australia’s defence history.

The final extent of any HMAS Penguin land sale has not yet been released, meaning the future of the affected areas remains uncertain. Until further details emerge, community groups say they will continue lobbying and building public support for their campaign.

Published 21-June-2026

Avalon Public Safety Round-Up: 30 May to 5 June Incidents

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Police, fire, ambulance and surf lifesaving crews dealt with a series of reported incidents across Avalon Beach, Palm Beach, Bilgola Beach, Bilgola Plateau and Newport from Saturday, 30 May to Friday, 5 June, according to reports received by authorities.

Disorder Reports

A disturbance involving an intoxicated person was reported on Riviera Avenue, Avalon Beach, just after 12:30am on Sunday, 31 May. NSW Police attended the area.

Another disorder matter was recorded shortly after 8:00pm on Friday, 5 June, when NSW Police received information about a group of youths gathered near Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach.

Assault Report

NSW Police attended Plateau Road, Avalon Beach, shortly after 9:30am on Sunday, 31 May, after a person was reportedly assaulted.

Theft And Break-In Matters

A reported break-in on Central Road, Avalon Beach, was referred to NSW Police shortly after 11:00am on Sunday, 31 May.

In Newport, police received a report shortly before 1:30pm on Sunday, 31 May, that goods had been stolen from a store on Barrenjoey Road.

Police were also sent to Livingstone Place, Newport, just before midday on Tuesday, 2 June, following a reported break-in.

A vehicle parked on Bardo Road, Newport, was the subject of a property theft report made to NSW Police just after 5:00am on Thursday, 4 June.

Traffic Incidents

On Ocean Road, Palm Beach, NSW Police and firefighters from Avalon Station responded just before 12:30am on Saturday, 30 May, after a single vehicle hit a parked car. No injuries were reported, and the vehicles were later towed.

A separate collision report was made to NSW Police just before 9:45am on Saturday, 30 May, on Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach.

In Avalon Beach, NSW Police received a report just before 4:30pm on Wednesday, 3 June, about a motor vehicle collision on Elouera Road.

Fire and Rescue NSW Avalon Station and NSW Ambulance attended Plateau Road, Bilgola Plateau, shortly after 1:00pm on Monday, 1 June, after a vehicle hit a parked car. A man in his 80s was assessed by paramedics for a chest injury and taken to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

On Barrenjoey Road, Newport, near Bramley Avenue, NSW Ambulance came across a two-car collision shortly after 6:00pm on Thursday, 4 June. No injuries were reported.

Fire And Hazard Responses

Firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW Avalon Station were called to Bilgola Beach just after 10:15am on Sunday, 31 May, after a fire was reported in the sand dunes. Crews found a campfire and put it out with sand.

A gas leak was reported on Queens Parade, Newport, just before 9:00am on Monday, 1 June. Fire and Rescue NSW Mona Vale Station attended and found that street works had damaged a gas line. The road was closed until Jemena arrived to carry out repairs.

Later that day, just after 4:00pm, Fire and Rescue NSW Mona Vale Station responded to smoke reported at a Grandview Drive property in Newport. Firefighters found a small section of bush alight near a home and extinguished it using a hose reel from their truck.

Beach Reports

A Surf Life Saving NSW drone patrol detected a two-metre shark off the southern end of Bilgola Beach just after 11:30am on Monday, 1 June. No swimmers were at risk, and the beach was not patrolled at the time.

Another shark sighting was recorded just before 2:00pm the same day, when a Surf Life Saving NSW drone patrol identified a one-metre shark about 100 metres off the northern end of Bilgola Beach. No swimmers were at risk, and the beach remained unpatrolled.

Authorities responded to each reported matter according to the circumstances, with further inquiries continuing where required.

Published 6-June-2026

Award-Winning Piemaker Still Baking at Avalon Beach’s Careel Bay Shops

Photo Credit: Oliver's Pies/Facebook

At Careel Bay Shops in Avalon Beach, Oliver’s Pies remains open while the rest of the site moves towards change, with award-winning piemaker Daniel Roberts continuing to trade from 1 Careel Head Road until the end of his current lease.

Roberts has said he intends to keep making pies at the shop until the lease ends, which at this stage is the end of August 2026. No discussions have yet taken place with the owners about renewing the lease.

The bakery is now the last remaining trader at the site after other retailers left the premises because of an approved development application. Cranzgots Pizza Cafe has recently closed, leaving Roberts and his team continuing to serve customers from the Careel Bay Shops location.

Careel Bay Shops — Photo Credit: Oliver’s Pies/Facebook

Oliver’s Pies Remains Open in Avalon Beach

Oliver’s Pies continues to operate seven days a week from 6 am, offering pies, cakes, breakfast quiches and vegetarian options. The shop remains a morning stop for tradies heading north, with the business still trading as the colder months approach.

Roberts has operated Oliver’s Pies for 13 years and has worked in baking for 26 years. He began baking at 16 with his father, and his three brothers are also bakers.

Avalon Beach bakery — Photo Credit: Oliver’s Pies/Facebook

The Avalon Beach business has built a strong awards record over that time. In 2017, Oliver’s Pies won five gold medals, including first place in the seafood pie category at the Great Aussie Pie Competition for its smoked fish pie. Roberts also received another four gold medals and five silver medals in that edition.

The bakery’s award history was again marked in 2023, when Roberts was pictured with gold medal certificates for his pies. His ideas come from home-style recipes, observing other bakeries and following trends in the pie industry.

Careel Bay Shops Site Set For Redevelopment

The future of the broader Careel Bay Shops site is tied to Development Application DA2024/1091, which covers demolition works and construction of a mixed-use development with basement parking, retail uses and a childcare centre at 1–3 Careel Head Road, Avalon Beach.

The application was submitted on 11 September 2024 and placed on exhibition from 30 June 2025 to 28 July 2025. It was determined on 4 September 2025, with approval granted after amended plans. The listed cost of work is $7,246,888.

The approved proposal includes one childcare centre and three retail premises. A separate entry for the childcare centre is now part of the plans.

A packaged liquor application for a Dan Murphy’s at 1–3 Careel Head Road was posted on 16 December 2025, with the submission period closing on 15 January 2026. That application remains under assessment.

Oliver’s Pies continues to trade from Careel Bay Shops, keeping the bakery open while the next stage for the Avalon Beach site remains ahead.

Published 27-May-2026

Avalon Beach Public Safety Round-Up: 09–14 May Incidents

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Police, ambulance, fire and surf lifesaving crews responded to several reported incidents in Avalon Beach between 09 May and 14 May, according to reports received by authorities.

Disorderly Behaviour

Just after 3:45 pm on Saturday, 09 May, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance attended Therry Street, Avalon Beach, following a report of an armed man threatening to harm himself and others.

Specialist police and tactical paramedics were sent to the area. Police used a taser to restrain the man just after 5:45 pm before he was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital for a mental health assessment.

At about 6:00 pm on Tuesday, 12 May, NSW Police were notified of a group of youths behaving in a disorderly manner near Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach.

Shortly before 8:45 am on Thursday, 14 May, NSW Police were notified of a separate group of youths behaving in a disorderly manner near Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach.

Assault

Shortly after 10:30 pm on Saturday, 09 May, NSW Police were called to Simmonds Lane, Avalon Beach, following a report of a fight.

Theft and Intruder Reports

Shortly before 8:30 pm on Sunday, 10 May, NSW Police attended Patterson Lane, Avalon Beach, after an intruder was reported.

Just after 9:30 am on Tuesday, 12 May, NSW Police were notified that goods had been stolen from a store on Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach.

Injury

Shortly before 1:45pm on Monday, 11 May, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance were called to Hilltop Road, Avalon Beach, where a man had reportedly fallen from a home’s roof.

Paramedics assessed a 77-year-old man who had fallen about three metres onto concrete. He was treated for a head injury and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition.

Beach Hazard

Just after 10:15 am on Tuesday, 12 May, Surf Life Saving NSW’s drone patrol detected a shark measuring about two metres near the northern end of Avalon Beach.

Surfers were warned to leave the water.

Fire and Infrastructure Response

Shortly before 10:30 am on Wednesday, 13 May, Fire and Rescue NSW Avalon Station responded to Whale Beach Road, Avalon Beach, after a report that powerlines had been brought down by a truck.

Firefighters found the pole had been damaged, but the powerlines remained in place. Ausgrid was contacted to assess the damage.

No further details were listed for the remaining reports.

Published 15-May-2026

Major Police Operation in Avalon Ends With Man Taken to Hospital

Photo Credit: NSW Police/Facebook

A major police operation in Avalon ended with a 44-year-old man taken to hospital for a mental health assessment after specialist officers responded to a residential property in Therry Street.

Specialist Units Called To Therry Street

NSW Police and NSW Ambulance were called to the Avalon Beach property shortly after 3:45 pm on Saturday, 9 May, following reports of an armed man making threats of harm to himself and others.

The incident took place at a home in Therry Street, a cul-de-sac off George Street. As the response developed, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were joined by specialist police, including the Tactical Operations Unit, the Public Order and Riot Unit, and police negotiators.

NSW Ambulance paramedics equipped for tactical operations also attended the scene.

The street was blocked off while emergency crews managed the response. Nearby residents reported hearing yelling from the property before police arrived, but the position of the home up a steep driveway limited visibility from the street.

Avalon Police Operation Draws Local Attention

The number of sirens and emergency vehicles drew residents and other locals towards the area as the operation continued. People gathered nearby on foot, on e-bikes and in cars, with Therry Street becoming congested at one stage.

Police directed onlookers to move well away from the scene while officers worked to bring the incident under control.

Police later clarified that the man was alone inside the property and that the public was not at risk. They also indicated that mental health was a significant factor in the incident.

Man Taken For Assessment After Taser Deployment

Negotiators were used during the operation, which continued for about two hours. Shortly after 5:45 pm, the man was subdued with a taser, restrained and brought out of the property.

He was placed into an intensive care ambulance and taken under police escort to Northern Beaches Hospital shortly after 6 pm for a mental health assessment.

No injuries were reported.

Police later said the matter had concluded with the man taken for assessment, and indicated that no further details would be provided due to the sensitive nature of the incident.

Published 11-May-2026

Avalon Beach To Palm Beach Road Safety Works Set To Start

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Road safety works are set to begin across the Avalon to Palm Beach route, with upgrades planned in Avalon Beach, Whale Beach and Palm Beach to improve local streets for pedestrians, school children and other road users.

Avalon To Palm Beach Works Move Into Construction

Road safety upgrades across Avalon Beach, Whale Beach and Palm Beach are moving into construction, with works planned across the designated zones from May to July 2026.

The works form part of the Safer Neighbourhoods Program for the Avalon Beach to Palm Beach route. The program is focused on improving road safety and access for road users travelling to key local destinations, including Palm Beach and Whale Beach.

The construction program includes flat top speed humps and roundabouts across the planned areas. The broader package has also included traffic calming devices, signage, a raised pedestrian crossing at Whale Beach Road near Barrenjoey Road, new street lighting, pram ramp realignment, lane width improvements and line marking.

The upgrades follow consultation held in October and November 2024, when feedback was sought on proposed road safety changes across Avalon Beach, Whale Beach and Palm Beach. Revised plans were reported on 15 April 2025 after community feedback and an independent road safety audit.

Traffic Control Planned Across Work Areas

Kelbon Project Services Pty Ltd will carry out the construction works on behalf of the project team.

Works are expected to take place at different times across the planned zones between May and July 2026. Standard construction hours will usually be Monday to Friday, between 7am and 5pm.

Some night works may be required to reduce daytime traffic impacts. Where this occurs, nearby residents will receive advance notice from the contractor.

Traffic control will be present to help pedestrians, school children and road users move safely around work areas. Drivers have been asked to slow down near construction sites and follow warning signs and directions from traffic controllers.

Construction Noise Expected During Road Safety Works

Construction activity may create noise from demolition, formwork and concrete pouring. The project team has advised that disruption will be reduced where possible while the upgrades are delivered.

The earlier proposal for the Avalon Beach to Palm Beach route included a 30km/h speed limit in some sections east of Barrenjoey Road, along with a 10km/h zone in high pedestrian beachfront parking areas. Those changes were presented alongside infrastructure treatments intended to support safer speeds through local streets.

Safer Neighbourhoods Program — *Photo Credit: NBC*

Works Expected To Finish In July

The works are expected to be completed in July 2026, weather permitting.

Once finished, the Avalon to Palm Beach upgrades will add new road safety infrastructure across the route, including traffic calming treatments designed for local streets and pedestrian areas.

The construction period will bring temporary traffic and noise impacts, but the project is now moving into its delivery stage after earlier consultation, design revisions and safety review.

Published 28-Apr-2026

Anzac Day in Avalon Beach

Avalon Beach will once again come together to honour ANZAC Day with a series of commemorative events hosted by the Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch. Residents and visitors are invited to pay their respects and reflect on the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand service personnel.

Avalon Beach Dawn Service

5:50 AM | Dunbar Park

Find out more

The Dawn Service will take place at the commemorative area and surrounding lawn outside the Avalon Beach RSL Club in Dunbar Park. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to join veterans inside the RSL Club for light refreshments.

Avalon Beach ANZAC Day March

11:00 AM | Bowling Green Lane

Find out more

The march will assemble at 10.45am for an 11.00am start outside Avalon Public School on Old Barrenjoey Road. It will proceed along Avalon Parade before turning right into Bowling Green Lane. The procession will include local veterans, along with bands and representatives from nearby schools, sporting clubs, and community organisations..

Avalon Beach ANZAC Service

11:30 AM | Dunbar Park, Avalon Beach

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The service will be conducted by Commodore Richard Menhinick AM, CSC, RAN, President of the Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch. He will be joined by Lieutenant Commander Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM, Vice-President of the Sub-Branch, with Guest Speaker RADM Lee Goddard, CSC. The service will include wreath laying and moments of reflection in honour of Australia and New Zealand’s service personnel.

Avalon Beach RSL Commemorative Service

12:00 PM (Sunday 26 April) | 1 Bowling Green Ln, Avalon Beach

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A follow-up ANZAC commemorative service hosted by the Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch, continuing the weekend of remembrance for the local community.

Helen Pitt Returns To Avalon For Luna Park Book Conversation

Photo Credit: Helen Pitt/Facebook

An author event will be held at the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club, where Helen Pitt will discuss her book on the history of Luna Park.

Avalon Event Centres On Luna Park Story

A literary event in Avalon on Thursday 7 May 2026 will bring Helen Pitt back to the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club for a discussion on her book Luna Park. The event will feature a conversation with broadcaster and writer Sarah Macdonald, focusing on the history of the Sydney amusement park.

The discussion will cover figures connected to the park’s past, including showmen and criminal elements, as well as key events linked to its development.

Avalon author event — *Photo Credit: Humanitix*

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Tracing Luna Park From Overseas Origins To Sydney

The book follows the origins of Luna Park from late 19th-century America through to its development in Australia. It examines the emergence of amusement parks overseas before focusing on Sydney’s harbourfront site.

The narrative includes the transfer of rides, including the Big Dipper, from South Australia to Sydney, where the park opened in 1935. It also outlines periods of closure, legal disputes and ongoing challenges connected to the site.

The 1979 Ghost Train fire forms part of the history examined in the book, alongside other events linked to the park over time.

Career Spanning Decades In Journalism

Pitt is an Australian journalist and author whose career has spanned several decades in media. She reported for The Sydney Morning Herald from 1986 to 2024 and has also worked across publications including The Bulletin, New York Times Digital and Euronews.

Her first book, The House, examined the history of the Sydney Opera House and received the 2018 Walkley Book Award. In addition to her writing, she has worked as a tour guide specialising in cultural travel.

Personal Connections Behind The Research

Pitt’s work draws on personal memories and family links to Luna Park, alongside historical research. Her connection to the site includes family involvement with the Big Dipper during the park’s early years.

The Avalon appearance continues her previous connection with the venue, where she earlier presented The House. Her background as a lifelong Sydneysider also informs her focus on local history and cultural landmarks.

Event Details In Avalon

The event in Avalon is scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026 at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5.15 p.m. It is hosted by Bookoccino as part of its author event program.

The Avalon session will centre on Pitt’s research and her discussion with Sarah Macdonald, focusing on the history and development of Luna Park.

Published 23-Apr-2026

From Avalon’s Coastline To Waitara, A New Cathedral Precinct Takes Shape

Photo Credit: Pexels

From coastal parishes such as Avalon to Sydney’s north shore, a proposed cathedral precinct in Waitara is drawing together communities across the Diocese of Broken Bay, marking a rare development described as the first of its kind in more than a century.

From Coast To Centre

Avalon, set along the Northern Beaches, sits within a network of parishes that stretch across the Diocese of Broken Bay. That network now converges on Waitara, where plans announced in April 2026 outline a 7.7-hectare cathedral precinct intended to serve communities across the region.

The proposal has been described as the first Roman Catholic cathedral precinct in Australia to be masterplanned from inception in over 100 years, placing the project within a rare historical frame while connecting distant communities through a single site.

Waitara cathedral precinct — Photo Credit: Níall McLaughlin Architects

A Shared Diocese Across Distance

The Diocese of Broken Bay spans the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Central Coast, supporting around 250,000 Catholics across 26 parishes. Within this structure, Avalon forms part of a coastal grouping that links back to the broader diocesan framework.

The Waitara precinct is designed to operate within this structure, not as a local project but as a central point where diocesan life comes together. For communities like Avalon, its relevance is defined by that shared framework rather than geography.

A Precinct Shaped For More Than Worship

At the centre of the proposal is a cathedral, but the broader precinct extends well beyond a single building. Plans include education facilities, community services, a parish hall, a pastoral centre, diocesan offices and residences for clergy.

Public-facing features such as a forecourt, café and bookshop are also part of the design, introducing everyday use into the space and reinforcing its role as a multi-purpose environment.

Design Reflecting The Landscape

The architectural concept draws on the natural environment, with references to the Hawkesbury River informing the design. Timber framing and sandstone elements are proposed to reflect surrounding landscapes of forest and rock.

An existing blue gum forest within the site is planned to be retained, alongside rooftop gardens aimed at supporting biodiversity and integrating the development into its setting.

A Long-Term Project Still In Motion

The Waitara proposal is expected to proceed through planning approval, with construction timing dependent on regulatory processes and funding raised through church-led initiatives and dedicated appeals. The project is set to evolve over several years as these stages progress.

From Avalon’s coastline to Waitara’s proposed precinct, the connection remains grounded in the Diocese of Broken Bay, linking local parish communities to a central development still taking shape.

Published 20-Apr-2026