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Construction Resumes on Iconic Coast Walk That Includes Newport to Avalon Link

Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council / northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Construction works have resumed on the iconic Coast Walk, spanning 36 kilometres from Manly to Palm Beach including the Newport to Avalon link. Much of the construction work is already complete, despite previous unforeseen delays.

The coastal walkway is the centrepice project of the $32.6-million ‘Connecting the Northern Beaches’ initiative. The program will provide communities with an integrated link to major B-Line transport hubs and services whilst showcasing the breathtaking coastline views and artwork installations.

Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 restrictions and Council taking careful considerations of community inputs in finalising the designs, the Coast Walk is moving forward with the Manly to Newport pathway already open for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Newport to Avalon section of the project is divided into three sections in which draft concepts were exhibited for public feedback in late 2020.

Coast Walk — Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council / northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Newport Beach to The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach

This section of the pedestrian and cycle link spans from the northern end of Newport Beach carpark to The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach. To minimise the impact of the project on vegetation, the width of the pathway was reduced to three metres from 3.5 metres.

Streets As Shared Spaces: The Serpentine, Bilgola

Council proposed a 12-month trial of walking and cycling-friendly link within The Serpentine, Bilgola.

The proposed trial included:

more space for cycling with cycle lanes on the uphill sections of The Serpentine
a 10 km/h posted speed limit
planter boxes, pavement paintings and marked parking bays
regular check-ins with the community to monitor how the trial is going.

Community consultation was held in November 2020 and after considering the outcomes of the public engagement, council decided not to proceed with the trial.

The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach to Avalon Beach

This third section of the pedestrian and cycle link is between the northern intersection of The Serpentine and Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade in Avalon. The link will feature a 2.5m-wide shared path from The Serpentine to Surfside Avenue as well as a new path on eastern side of Surfside Avenue.

The Newport to Avalon link is expected to be completed by late 2022.

Funding for the Connecting Northern Beaches project was made possible through the Stronger Communities Fund – an NSW Government grant provided to the newly merged councils – and further investment by the NSW Government through its B-Line, walking, and cycling programs.

Avalon Beach Gentleman Resolves to Clean Up Careel Creek for the New Year

If you’re passing by Careel Creek, you’ll likely see a wonderful Avalon Beach local, Lionel Kools, who has made cleaning up Careel Creek his New Year’s resolution, after a cathartic realisation some months ago.

Lionel shared that he used to be ticked off seeing rubbish around Careel Creek each time he walked his dog at lunch. Around November 2021, he spotted a long-necked turtle in the water.

“She was the valid reason to buy a wader and jump into the water,” Lionel wrote.

Careel Creek Lionel Kooks — *Photo Credit: Lionel Kools/Facebook*

Since then, Lionel has been voluntarily cleaning-up after gaining a deeper understanding of what Careel Creek represents for him.

“Careel Creek is somehow a mirror of our emotional content; It can be filled with content that we do not necessarily own, want and/or carry against our will. Careel Creek is tidal, and like our emotional content, it goes backwards and forwards without our permission and control.

“I picked the Careel Creek clean-up as a New Year resolution because this yearly goal is perfectly unachievable. Cleaning Careel Creek is a business of layers, not everything can be taken out in one go. The more you clean, the more you see, the more need to be addressed, just like our emotional content that requires attention – ongoing attention!”

“Before starting on this journey, I was getting pretty mad about strangers damaging our beautiful nature. This feeling is over! I can’t control people; I can only change and adjust how I relate to them.”

On 15 Jan 2022, Lionel joined the first Careel Creek Cleaning Session of the year and removed about 600 kilograms of wastes — from old bike parts, to signboards, to heaps of plastic — at the playing fields and the mangroves.

Earlier, he has inspired four people to join him in cleaning as well.

Careel Creek Lionel Kools — *Photo Credit: Tom Borge McGee/Facebook*

“Lionel ‘Creek Lord’ Cools (sorry mate 🤣) was back at it again this morning, cleaning up and promoting the aesthetics and ecological wellbeing of the valuable, but long term abused and neglected waterway… full of flora and fauna but also much polluting garbage,” shared Tom Borge McGee.

“Was great to join him this morning and together with Vicky and Michael, who literally went home and geared up to join us after stopping to chat on their morning walk (lords). We pulled a lot of ‘creek bounty’ including a large pram, scooters, bikes and an enormous array of mainly plastic garbage that must weigh above 30kg at least.”

But more needs to be done and Lionel will be there to do just that, whilst also encouraging the community to do their part. He has gotten in touch with the Northern Beaches Council to pick-up some of the rubbish that can’t be easily removed. He has also gotten in touch with Tony Hawk, one of the world’s best skateboarders, to “endorse” cleaning up Careel Creek.

Video Credit: Lionel Kools/Cameo

Far from being called a hero, Lionel said that he’s doing this New Year’s resolution for his love of nature…and that long-necked turtle.

“I do not have any political, religious or personal motivation behind my love for nature,” Lionel said. “My action does not make a hero, a God, a Lord, the Creek Lord or whatever. I thank you for your praises, but nature is the true hero here, and the turtle has touched the soft spot in my heart just like you do as a loving community.”

Nash & Banks Flagship Store Now Open in Avalon Beach

Photo credit: Nash & Banks / Facebook

Great news, sustainability heroes! Popular online shopping site Nash & Banks has opened its flagship brick-and-mortar store in Avalon Beach.

As an online shopping platform, Nash & Banks features more than 3,000 carefully curated products with some only available in the store. They make sure that each beauty product, garment, and homeware item adheres to one or more of their core values: ethical, sustainable, minimal waste, artisan, vegan, Australian made, gives back, and natural.

Now, Nash & Banks takes a leap forward with a bigger and better project, their Avalon Beach shop, which will allow their loyal and new patrons to actually see, feel, and experience the products.

Much like the online shop offerings, the physical store will feature home decors, vegan Australian-made personal care products, synthetic-free perfume and candles, vegan chocolates, clothing, jewellery and loads of other products specially made for its pro-sustainability customers.

Nash & Banks bags — Photo credit: Nash_&_Banks / Facebook

They also made sure that the store’s fit-out is consistent with the Nash & Banks brand. From choosing only a green energy supplier to utilizing reclaimed timber and eco-friendly non-toxic paint, each process ensured that sustainable materials were prioritised and minimal waste was produced wherever possible.

Nash & Banks store interior — Photo credit: Nash_&_Banks / Facebook

Even the brickwork was handmade using traditional artisan methods and windows were covered with repurposed packaging paper prior to opening.

According to its founder, Niccii Kugler, who used to work for an NGO in Costa Rica, the idea of an environmentally-friendly store came after she gave birth to her child. It was at that time that she realised the escalating environmental cost of overconsumption and felt that she needed to do something in her own capacity to help bring about change.

Her search for alternative brands that align with her vision allowed her to connect with a like-minded community of artisans and innovators. Handpicking and vetting the creators and designers was a tedious process but it was all to ensure that they only deal with brands that demonstrate one or more of Nash & Banks’ core values.

The store is located at Shop 1 / Angophora Arcade 55 old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach. The store is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

Nash and Banks |Shop 1, ‘Angophora Arcade’ 55 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach, NSW 2107

Volunteers Needed! Two Avalon Community Sites Need Help

Two Avalon community sites on Old Barrenjoey Road need volunteers to help sustain operations. Here’s your chance to give back during these trying times.

Avalon Community Library

The Avalon Community Library on Old Barrenjoey Rd needs book lovers who can watch over the site for four hours a week. The volunteer’s task involves some people skills as you will be asked to assist visitors who may want to check out or return books or help out those who may want to use the library’s facilities, such as the photocopying machine and the internet.

Some alphabetising and organising are also required and the volunteer must know how to use certain computer software so that they can efficiently do their work. If this is something you think you can do in your spare time, email avalonlibrary@ozemail.com.au to inquire about the opportunity.

Opened in 1983, the Avalon Community Library has always been run by volunteers and one employed Library Coordinator.

Australian Red Cross Avalon Volunteers

Also found on Old Barrenjoey Rd, the Australian Red Cross Avalon needs dedicated volunteers who can help with the site’s merchandising and help out the customers. Though the site is like a retail store, volunteers do not need to have any retail experience. However, they will be trained to develop some skills in dealing with the customers in a positive manner, which could be helpful for their job-hunting.

Donations to the Australian Red Cross — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Aside from manning the shop, the volunteers will also help sort the donated items. Volunteers are expected to provide four hours of work a week for six months. Check the Australian Red Cross site to apply.

How to Volunteer Safely

In-person volunteer work is still possible in the time of COVID-19 but organisations are expected to abide by the directives of NSW Health to ensure the safety of both visitors and workers. As such, establishments like the library and the Australian Red Cross have a COVID-19 safety plan in place so everyone can continue to be in the facility.

‘Murradjulbi Lane’: Aboriginal Name Proposed for Unnamed Avalon Laneway

An unnamed laneway in Avalon, previously referred to as ‘rear lane of Bellevue Avenue ‘or ‘rear lane off Kempbridge Avenue’ may soon be called Murradjulbi Lane, the Aboriginal term for ‘Singing Bushlark.‘

Read: Keoride On Demand Transport Now Permanent in Avalon, Northern Beaches

The Northern Beaches Council had proposed a name for the laneway, following a request from a resident to name the road after suffering minor property damage in a car accident and seeking clarity regarding her exact location at the time.

The proposed Murradjulbi Lane provides access to the driveway of the residential property at 47 Bellevue Avenue, Avalon; access to Chakana Day Spa at the rear of 45A Avalon Parade; and is used by businesses from 47-55 Avalon Parade as a loading zone.

When naming or renaming a street, Council is required to follow the guidelines of the Geographical Names Board (GNB) of NSW Property Addressing Policies, Guidelines and Standards and Council’s Policy for the Naming of Reserves, Facilities and Roads.

Suitable road names, according to the GNB guidelines, are Aboriginal names and/or names of early settlers, war servicemen and women, and other persons who have contributed to the heritage of an area, local history themes, flora, fauna, and ships.

Location of ‘Murradjulbi Lane’

“Whilst the laneways are used to access various business premises for deliveries, the lack of street names hinders wayfinding. It is unlikely that businesses are able to refer to the unnamed laneways as a business address, or publish it on business correspondence such as letterheads, however there are a small number of instances referencing Rear Lane of Bellevue Avenue or rear lane off Kempbridge Avenue,” the Northern Beaches Council has stated on a report.

The name was put forward by the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO) and is in the local aboriginal language for road naming purposes within the Northern Beaches Local Government Area.

Your Feedback Please! Survey About Woolworths Metro Avalon

Following confirmed plans that the Avalon Beach Woolworths outlet in Old Barrenjoey Road will be transformed into a Woolworths Metro store, three groups have come together to collect more feedback from the residents.

The Avalon Preservation Association, Palm Beach Whale Beach Association, and the Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents Association are looking to survey a large group of residents to determine how much the planned change will impact the community. The groups also plan to speak with senior executives at Woolworths based on the responses in the survey.

In late October 2021, Woolworths said that there were no plans to switch to a Woolworths Metro after a Bilgola resident learned about the potential changes from a staff when she asked about the price changes to the Woolworths Supermarkets special catalogue. However, a week after the confusion, Woolworths Metro General Manager Justin Nolan confirmed that this branch will become a Metro store by Easter 2022.

As a new Woolworths Metro Avalon, shoppers could expect a more extensive inventory of fruits and vegetables, essentials, meat and seafood, packed dinners, and other ranges of grocery products.

Mr Nolan also said that they will have community drop-in information sessions before implementing the changes. Customers will have more information in the coming months.

Woolworths Metro Survey

Click to download the survey form here and then mail or drop off responses to:

Management Committee
Avalon Preservation Trust
Incorporated as Avalon Preservation Association
PO Box 1
Avalon Beach NSW 2107

Meanwhile, a resident said she received information from the corporation’s legal team that Woolworths Metro Avalon isn’t the typical Metro store that residents have in mind. Instead, it will be a “Neighbourhood Metro,” which is already in more than 50 locations across the country, and not an “On the Go” Metro most commonly found in the CBD.

“Neighbourhood Metro stores focus on a strong fresh food offer, particularly fresh Australian fruit and vegetables, artisan bakery, entertaining etc. This is backed by a great range of everyday essentials for a grocery shop, tailored to meet the needs of the local community.”

woolies-avalon — Photo Credit: Google Maps

However, the residential groups said that there are concerns about the product ranges that will be offered in a Neighbourhood Metro.

“Everyday grocery items may not be so readily available, or prices may rise. This could mean it may then be necessary to travel to Woolworths in Mona Vale or Coles in Newport, or order online.”

Grab Your Healthy Breakfast At This Popular Avalon Beach Cafe

If you’re looking for an Avalon Beach cafe that not only has great caffeinated beverages, but also features a healthy menu so you can start the day right, you’ve got to visit The Sneaky Grind along Old Barrenjoey Rd.

Read: Sea Wave Thai Makes a Splash in Avalon Beach

Established in 2014 by James Sledmere and Lauren Morris, The Sneaky Grind has become a neighbourhood favourite for years now because of their great coffee, decent selection of food, and friendly staff. The place itself is very inviting, with its chilled vibe and spacious laneway seating outside, where fur babies are welcome to dine with their pet parents.

They have a range of beverages aside from usual cappuccino, flat white, and latte. They also have hot choco, mocha, babycino, and English Breakfast Tea. One of the most popular choices on the drinks menu is Dandy by Jake, a highly spiced, organic, sugar free dandelion root chai.

If you wish to stay longer, pair your drinks with a serving of their all-day brekky, with options like The SOHO (their version of classic toastie), The Avolonian (avo on toast), baked falafel, banana bread, and fruit/raisin toast.

This cafe is not just all about coffee and good times though, because they are also known for their healthy dine-in or grab-and-go food including some banging vegetarian and vegan options. They have the Morning Glory Bowl, a protein-packed bowl of cocoa and oat milk infused rolled-oats, with fresh fruit, berry reduction, almond butter and pepitas; and their own take on vegetarian Reuben.

Sneaky Grind is open seven days a week and is available for both dine-in and takeaway. You can check them out on Facebook or on Instagram @thesneakygrind for more details.

Historic Agreement to Benefit Preschool Students in Avalon and Elsewhere in NSW

Do you have a preschooler? Did you know that two preschools in Avalon have been rated “Excellent” by NSW Education? Also, did you know that for the next four years, every family in New South Wales with children in preschool may have access to high-quality early childhood education regardless of their background or where they live?

In a historic deal, the NSW Government has been the first state to sign the $840-million agreement with the Commonwealth Government to ensure that families will have quality preschool options to prepare them for primary school. NSW has committed $560 million for this initiative whilst $280 million will come from federal funding.

Stuart Robert, the acting Federal Minister for Education and Youth, said that this deal will provide all preschool kids “at least 15 hours of preschool a week in the year before they start school.” The state may also use the money for more programs to boost the quality of early education, targetting more disadvantaged kids.

According to NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, this is the state’s most important economic asset.

“Investing in our people, our families and our kids will help us grow today’s economy by increasing workforce participation rates and it will help our future prosperity by giving our kids the best possible start in life,” Mr Kean said.

“This is a game-changing deal for families in NSW, providing parents and carers the freedom to participate in the workforce in ways that better suit their needs.”

The Preschool Reform Agreement will cover the 2022 to 2025 school year. Per the statement, the Commonwealth has “guaranteed ongoing funding for preschools” during this four-year agreement.

Excellent Preschool Options in Avalon

Mr Robert and Mr Kean visited one of KU Children’s Services facilities in announcing the good news. In Avalon, two preschools received an excellent rating in a recent assessment from the NSW Department of Education.

KU Avalon Preschool

KU Children’s Services, which has 128 facilities across the country, including KU Avalon Preschool in Avalon Parade, specialist education tailored for young learners to build their competencies and readiness for big school.

“Throughout KU’s 130 services, children experience high-quality early education preschool, child care, early intervention and inclusion programs, and small acts of kindness happen every day. They learn it’s OK to be different, and we can all be different, together.”

Rosey Pot Kindergarten

Rosey Pot Kindergarten follows the Reggio Emilia education approach that encourages the children to develop their natural curiosity. The programs offered in this school are geared towards holistic learning in literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts.

“Providing children with a holistic approach to early childhood education we honour the child’s whole being, including their families supporting their learning in a more tangible, relevant and meaningful way.”

Childhood Dementia Initiative Ramping Up Support On First Year Anniversary

Childhood Dementia Initiative (CDI), a distinct organisation formed in the Northern Beaches, is ramping up support for funding and raising awareness about an illness affecting more than 700,000 children across the world.

The organisation’s CEO, Megan Donnell from Freshwater, and Head of Care, Gail Hilton from Avalon, have been working at Childhood Dementia Initiative with a primary goal of having Greg Hunt, the Commonwealth Minister of Health, acknowledge that this is a concerning health issue in Australia.

Ms Hilton said that they approached health professionals, researchers, and families with children who have symptoms of childhood dementia in CDI’s first year to gather data that could drive change and fill in the gaps. As there is no specialised treatment for dementia for children anywhere in New South Wales, families turn to the NDIS or palliative care services.

Ms Donnell and Ms Hilton believe that there should be programs, medical studies, innovation, collaboration, and awareness focussed on treatments for the children, in the same way that childhood cancer received much attention 30 years ago.

“Focusing on dementia, the commonality, rather than the underlying genetic cause will drive progress in therapeutic development and care for the 70+ genetic disorders as a collective,” the group stated.

“Seventy-five per cent of children with dementia have a life expectancy of 18 or less, with fewer than 5 per cent of childhood dementia disorders having any therapies. Care for these children and their families is often inadequate and inequitable.”

In early November, Mr Hunt confirmed that $239 million will be provided for 248 research projects, including childhood dementia.

On the other hand, Dementia Support Australia (DSA) has also been extending its support to families with kids living with dementia by offering practical support strategies and behavioural support programs specific to each child.

“The support provided by Dementia Support Australia was the most practical, useful and effective service that I’ve accessed since Isla and Jude’s diagnoses,” Ms Hilton said, referring to her kids with dementia due to Sanfilippo Syndrome.

Get involved with the Childhood Dementia Initiative by becoming a donor. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Keoride On Demand Transport Now Permanent in Avalon, Northern Beaches

After a four-year trial, the Keoride On Demand Transport servicing Avalon and the rest of Northern Beaches has been permanently adopted as another option for commuters. To mark the permanent arrangement, four additional small buses were added to the fleet for Keolis Downer Northern Beaches.

Mark Dunlop, the Keolis Downer managing director for Northern Beaches said that customers gave their Keoride On Demand Transport a 98 per cent satisfaction rating during the trial. With the addition of the new mini-buses, residents and visitors around this Sydney area are guaranteed flexibility and convenience during their commute.

Keoride On Demand Public Transport is an app-based public transport system operated by Keolis Downer in partnership with Transport for NSW and the Via, a leader in transit technology.

“We are delighted to continue to partner with Keolis Downer to deliver flexible journeys to riders in the Northern Beaches,” Ben Hague, Via’s APAC Regional Manager, said.

“The continuation of Keoride is a testament to the enduring impact that efficient, flexible, and sustainable public transportation can bring to a community — ultimately helping residents and visitors more easily connect with both essential and leisure opportunities.”

At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Keoride operated for essential workers passengers who need to go on essential errands.

“The Keolis Downer customer culture Think Like a Passenger, is a major part of the success of this service,” said Keolis Downer CEO David Frank. “Our drivers are part of the community, and go through an extensive training to enable them to deliver an optimal passenger experience. They are committed, and go above and beyond to keep our customers happy”.

Keoride’s main base in Northern Beaches is in Warriewood with transport hubs in Avalon, Narrabeen, and Mona Vale. The buses run on these schedules below:

DAY	TIME
Monday to Wednesday	6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday and Friday	6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday	7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday	7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Public Holidays	7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m

To use Keoride’s services, download the app on the Android Play Store or iOS.

Register for an Opal Connect account and then input the pick-up or drop-off locations. Use the app to track the vehicle. Commuters may also book via the website or by calling 1800 536 743.