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Around the Bends: Avalon Beach’s Iconic Swim Challenge Returns

Avalon Beach SLSC is gearing up for the return of Around the Bends, the annual swim challenge from Newport to Avalon. This year’s event, however, will have a few changes but it will still be a fun workout for adults and kids with the beautiful Northern Beaches as the backdrop.

Set for Sunday, 21 March 2021, Around the Bends will start at Newport at 8:00 a.m. with the 2.5 kilometres swim challenge to Avalon, whilst another competition will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a shorter distance of 1.2 kilometres.

Participants must take note of the courses:

DISTANCE	ROUTE
Newport to Avalon (2.5km)	– Starts at the northern end of Newport Beach – Head out around the headland, past Bilgola Beach, then past another headland into Avalon
Avalon (1.2km)	– Starts at the northern end of the beach – North Avalon Express – Head out to southern headland to around the middle of the beach and then straight in towards the clubhouse

The Newport to Avalon route is open for swimmers above 13 years old, whilst the journey off Avalon Beach is perfect for 10-year-old kids and above.

Parents who are swimming with minors will need to fill out an online entry for their children before the event. Due to the pandemic threats, this year’s Around the Bends will be strictly registered. Swimmers who have not submitted their online confirmation by Saturday, 20 March 2021, at 3:00 p.m., will not be allowed to join on race day.

A special division will be opened for Back of the Pack, for groups who want to enjoy a more relaxing time in the water as their time won’t be recorded. The Back of the Pack won’t be eligible for prizes at the end of the event.

Around the Bends has a $40 entry fee, whether participants are swimming in one or both challenges. Register online to join.

Council Proposes New Draft Plan for Avalon Beach Village

The Northern Beaches Council’s new draft plan, My Place: Avalon, is currently up for community feedback to revamp and revitalise the Avalon Beach Village.

With a heavy emphasis on community engagement and participation, the My Place: Avalon project intends to consult the public and encourage locals to collaborate with the Northern Beaches Council to create a shared vision of the future.

Mayor Michael Regan says the Council has drawn up a draft plan after collecting community feedback over a number of years.

“We plan to hold pop-up events during the public exhibition period; there will be an online community survey; people can comment on the project’s YourSay page and copies of the draft plan will be available at the Mona Vale Customer Service Centre and Avalon Beach Library.”

According to the draft plan, some of the Council’s proposed changes include upgrades to the Dunbar Park’s playground, the implementation of netball and half court basketball courts, as well as ambient lighting within the VIllage. Outdoor activities will be promoted with street furniture and exercise stations in open space areas, thus creating new places for people to gather.

Render of proposed upgrades and additions to Avalon Beach Village
Photo credit: Avalon Beach Place Plan

In order to promote stewardship of the natural environment that protects and enhances the local ecosystem, the Northern Beaches Council will incorporate recycling waste bins decorated with work by local artists into streetscape enhancement works. There will also be an increase in tree and vegetation planting throughout Avalon Beach, integrated into buildings, laneways, and car parks to promote green architecture and increase biodiversity.

Avalon Beach Village
Photo credit: Avalon Beach Plan

Further details can be read about in the draft plan. Avalon Beach residents can fill out the Northern Beaches Council’s online community survey here to chip in and let their voices be heard. Submissions are expected to close on Sunday, the 16th of May, 2021. In order to comply with COVID-19 guidelines and safety measures, face-to-face meetings will not be held unless requested via their email, council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

Avalon Beach Must Vaccinate Pet Rabbits Amidst New RHDV Release

A feral rabbit control program has been rolled out yet again in NSW and pet owners in Avalon Beach and nearby suburbs are still urged to vaccinate pet rabbits to ensure their protection.

The Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus program, also known as RHDV1-K5 RHDV program, has been released in mid-February to curb the growing number of feral rabbits damaging lands and livestock throughout the region.

Biosecurity experts said that these animals, declared as pests by the NSW, have to be controlled as it contributes to the decline of other native species. Every year, feral rabbits cost over $200 million in losses for farmers and landowners.

Since 2017, the RHDV program has been carried out to manage feral rabbits, dropping their population to 42 percent. The rollout this February 2021 is the fifth release.

However, domesticated rabbits could still be at risk because the virus can easily transfer through contact with other rabbits or via mosquito bites or flies within a significant distance. According to the RSPCA, the virus is able to survive for more than three months in the environment during the warm seasons and seven months and a half during moderate temperatures, hence recommendation to vaccinate pet rabbits.

RHDV has no effect on other animals.

“The virus is spread mainly by contact between rabbits or via insects such as mosquitos and flies, meaning it can travel significant distances. Importantly, RHDV doesn’t affect any other animals and if domestic rabbits are vaccinated, they become immune to it,” Greater Sydney Biosecurity Officer Jacob French said. “This program is designed to complement ongoing control efforts on private and public land.”

Areas affected by this current RHDV program rollout include Annangrove, Avalon Beach, Balgowlah Heights, Bella Vista, Berowra, Berowra Heights, Bilgola Plateau, Castle Hill, Chatswood, Collaroy, Cromer, Davidson, East Lindfield, Glenhaven, Gordon, Grose Vale, Ingleside, Kariong, Katoomba, Kenthurst, Killara, Kulnara, Kurrajong, Lindfield, Macquarie Park, Manly, Marsfield, Maraylya, Mona Vale, Mosman, Mount Colah, Mount Ku-ring-gai, Narrabeen, Narraweena, Newport, North Epping, North Turramurra, North Wahroonga, Palm Beach, Pymble, Roseville Chase, Rouse Hill, Ryde, Seaforth, South Turramurra, Spring Farm, Somersby, St Ives Chase, St Ives, Tahmoor, Turramurra, Wahroonga, Warrawee, West Pennant Hills, West Pymble, West Riverstone and North Richmond.

Meanwhile, pet rabbit owners are also advised to rabbit-proof their outdoor spaces to keep off wild rabbits or keep their pets indoors. Contact with unfamiliar pet rabbits must also be limited. Take out uneaten food as soon as possible to prevent flies. Apply decontamination protocols at home with the rabbit’s cage, bowls and the pet owner’s clothes and shoes, especially if they have been outside.

FREE Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers Roll Out In Avalon

Residents of Avalon and other suburbs in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley may now take advantage of the free Dine & Discover NSW gift vouchers from the government in a bid to support the food and entertainment industry impacted by the pandemic lockdowns.

Beginning March 2021, locals over 18 years old can use their gift vouchers (four $25 vouchers) at participating establishments if they have applied for the privilege by logging on to their Service NSW account or by using the Service NSW mobile app.

How to Use Dine & Discover Vouchers

Participating businesses will honor the Dine & Discover NSW vouchers every Monday to Thursday (for food business) or any day of the week (for cultural, arts and live music venues). The vouchers may not be used during public holidays. Excluded in the scheme are takeaway meals, online food orders, alcohol, tobacco and gambling.

This is the second and expanded trial phase to help the hospitality, arts and tourism industry bounce back after major losses due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Earlier, the trial was launched within a small group in The Rocks and Broken Hill.

The State Government has funded $500 million into this rescue package to encourage residents to support local businesses. The scheme is expected to expand with more areas and establishments.

As such, applying for the vouchers does not carry a cut-off date and residents may still redeem when the scheme has been extended state-wide.

To use the Dine & Discover NSW vouchers:

Log in to the Service NSW App on your mobile device.
Select ‘Vouchers’.
Select the valid voucher you wish to use.
Select ‘Find a business’ to choose a participating business.
Present the voucher QR code for the business to scan at payment.
Your device will show the voucher as being used.
Residents may also download from the website the print the vouchers to be scanned at the establishment.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/Facebook*

Businesses must register to be part of the program and receive their payments from the grant.

“It’s not too late for eligible businesses to register. It can be done online and could bring more customers through the door. Customers should also download the Service NSW app now and reap the rewards,” Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said.

Cash Grants Scheme

Meanwhile, a separate cash grants scheme to complement the Dine and Discover scheme has been launched to provide relief for small businesses.

Establishments that suffered 30 percent or 50 percent losses in revenues, between December 2020 and February 2021, would be eligible to receive $3,000 or $5,000 from the government as payment. Businesses can use this payment for maintenance and rent, wages or legal fees.

In December 2020, more than 150 COVID-19 cases were linked to an Avalon outbreak, prompting officials to put the Northern Beaches under lockdown. Additional measures were also tightened in Sydney amidst the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

By January 2021, face masks became mandatory in enclosed places whilst strict fines were imposed on violators. Restaurants slowly re-opened in a limited capacity and required locals to present their confirmed bookings and passes.

On 21 February 2021, the State Government launched its vaccination program. By this time, there has been no recovered COVID-19 transmission for nearly 40 days in NSW.

The government said that restrictions will be reviewed in the middle of March.

Avalon Workshop: New Creative Space Sets March 2021 Opening

Do you need a venue for your creative workshops, crafts classes, dance rehearsals, talks and other activities? For groups with less than 14 people, the Avalon Workshop might just be the space for you! Early bird bookings are already underway before the site officially opens.

The Avalon Workshop will hold the Open Day on Saturday and Sunday, 6 to 7 March 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for its two workshop spaces and studio.

Located at the lower level of the Avalon Golf Clubhouse, the rooms are up for lease for six to 18 months. The spaces also have access to lockable storage cupboards, sinks, a kitchenette, tables, chairs and high-speed Wi-Fi.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council*

Following extensive 18-month consultations with residents, more than 80 percent of the Avalon Beach community agreed that the function space at the golf course could become a creative hub, where people could meet up, practice, or develop their skills, as well as engage in people with similar interests and inspiration.

The Avalon Workshop is an addition to the range of creative spaces around the Northern Beaches, including North Curl Curl Creative Space and the Manly Art Gallery and Museum.

Interested to rent the space? Avalon Workshop bookings are done online or you may also email creative@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or call 02 8495 5123 for expression of interest and enquiries.

PURPOSE	RATES
Workshop hire	$25 per hour
Studio hire	$60 per week (open for 12-18 month hire agreement)
Creative Program Concession	$20
Creative Program	$30 (up to 3 hours) $40 (3-4 hours) $50 (4-6 hours)

Why The Johnsons of Mitre 10 are an Avalon Institution

Anyone who has lived in Avalon in the last 70 years knows a Johnson or has heard of The Johnsons, the Mitre 10 family business on Avalon Parade. The store has been around since 1957 and continues to serve the community even today.

Brothers John and Bob Johnson opened their Avalon hardware store after moving to Freshwater from Rydalmere. Building their reputation as credible and reliable businessmen, whose service and expertise was unmatched, the Johnsons opened a second store in Mona Vale in 1989.

By 2003, the brothers expanded their Mona Vale operations and soon took over 10 Hardwoods Australia outlets.

The expansion and incorporation were renamed into JBH Timbers and Building Supplies with the Mona Vale outlet becoming a “one-stop shop,” boasting of a wide product range like timber, hardware, tools, plumbing, fixings and all kinds of houseware, electrical and gardening items.

The Johnsons moved to a bigger and better site in Mona Vale, which has a separate retail and trade section, a heavy hardware area, an outdoor department and over 150 parking spots.

Meanwhile, the original Avalon outlet continues to trade the basic hardware and household needs in its most accessible and familiar location.

In the midst of their success, John and Bob found their partners, got married and had children. All 10 of John’s sons and daughters, as well as his in-laws, are working in the family business. Bob’s 10 children are also involved in some capacity at the Johnson Bros Hardware empire.

John and Bob are no longer hands-on with the business after retiring a few years back. Their children have taken over, learning from their parents’ training after school, or the weekends and school holidays.

The Johnsons are not just prominent figures in the Avalon business community. They are also involved in local sporting clubs and surf lifesaving clubs.

Watch the story of The Johnsons, an Avalon institution, in the below video:

Avalon Property Market Picks Up Despite COVID Cluster

The pandemic hasn’t deterred investors from seeking property in Avalon Beach despite the area becoming Australia’s COVID hotspot in recent months. The latest figures show that house prices in this Northern Beaches neighbourhood jumped to 22.4 percent in the last quarter of 2020.

According to realestate.com.au, Avalon’s new median house price has risen to $2.3 million from $1.885 million during the same time period in 2020. House trades reached 157 for 2020 to current, with more than a dozen deals closed in December when a virus cluster emerged in the suburbs and Avalon was under a tight lockdown.

Realtors think that Avalon’s response to the virus threat made it more attractive to prospective buyers as the community followed the rules, made responsible decisions and rallied to curb the spread for good.

Thus, inquiries about properties in this beach suburb continue to attract buyers looking for a lifestyle home with an “increased sense of urgency,” according to James Baker of McGrath Avalon. Even the rental market is on the upswing as people look for space and properties in a less crowded neighbourhood whilst working from home.

Avalon has always appealed as a quintessential lifestyle destination. Now, people want to stick around and snap up a holiday home for a change in scenery.

Avalon Beach Reserve Now an Off-Leash Dog Park

The Northern Beaches Council has unanimously approved Avalon Beach Reserve to be a permanent off-leash dog park.

Both the Council and Mayor Michael Regan agreed that finding a balance is a must between the interests of the park users living nearby with those dog owners who want more areas to be more canine-friendly.

After receiving extensive community engagement, Council decided to make the northern section of the Avalon Beach Reserve an off-leash dog park. Other measures approved during the April 2019 meeting included putting up fences, new seating structures, extra landscaping, signages, bins, and drinking fountains throughout the said area.

The Council also responded to widespread community feedback regarding the overall maintenance of the dog park. Residents emphasised the need to keep the area maintained to a high standard, with regular ranger visits to the site.

Dog Water Parks

Dogs Swimming — *Photo credit: CCO Public Domain/ eyeImage/ Pixabay*

After Council’s approval of the Avalon Beach Reserve, up next would be the proposed off-leash area is the Station Beach at Palm Beach. However, more discussions will still be needed before this proposal can be considered for approval due to the growing tension between the proponents and residents who wish to keep things the way they are.

To ease the tension, Deputy Mayor Sue Heins called on the Council to look more closely into the introduction of dog water parks instead.

As a compromise between dog owners and residents who do not want dogs on the beach, adding water features and pools specifically designed for dogs on majority (if not all) of the approved off-leash parks was strongly suggested.

A number of Palm Beach residents have supported this idea since this seems easier to manage and more cost-effective rather than putting the open beach at risk for contamination.

Given the suggestion and support from the community, the Council officers have tabled the possibility of having dog water parks for further discussion.

Council Names Avalon Local Paris Jeffcoat as ‘Young Citizen of the Year’

Northern Beaches Council named Avalon local Paris Jeffcoat as its “Young Citizen of the Year” during Australia Day. She was one of 18 other individuals honoured and celebrated at this special event last January 2019.

Ms Jeffcoat was recognised for establishing One Eighty Avalon Inc., a non-profit youth suicide prevention organisation. Bothered by at least three incidents of suicide among the people she knew, Ms Jeffcoat created the charity to push for the improvement of mental health awareness and services in the Northern Beaches.

Two years after setting up One Eighty with her friend and fellow Avalon resident Leanne Westlake, Ms Jeffcoat and her group were able to establish training, workshops, events and counselling programs in Avalon and nearby suburbs.

One Eighty works other advocacy groups such as the Avalon Youth Hub, Lifeline and Gotcha4Life in carrying out their programs. Ms Jeffcoat was also able to tap the help of the Council, Northern Sydney Health and concerned non-profit organisations connected to mental health support.

“The lacking visibility and accessibility of youth mental health services in our area, the anger at losing too many friends to mental illness, and the poor representation of young people in the development and implementation of mental health care services were factors,” Ms Jeffcoat said of her motivation in a press release.

“One Eighty is youth mental health done differently. We’re approaching the issue from a young person’s perspective, which is really unique, and that allows us to best engage with the people we are trying to help.”

NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes also acknowledged the contribution of One Eighty to the Northern Beaches community. He commended the group for its objectives, passion and enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, the other individuals named for the invaluable contributions to Northen Beaches included Graham Whittaker (Narraweena), a juvenile custody mentor, as Citizen of the Year; Maureen Rutlidge (Elanora Heights), an adults with special needs mentor, as Senior Citizen of the Year; and Reece Hodge as Sportsperson of the Year.

Fifteen residents, on the other hand, were also awarded the Outstanding Service Awards:

Allambie Heights – Geoff McKay
Belrose – Ralph Schubert
Collaroy – James Cowan
Collaroy Plateau – Joan Reid
Collaroy Plateau – Rowena Graham
Elanora Heights – Helen Hines
Elvina Bay – Mick Miller
Fairlight – Harriet Spark
Forestville – Peter Watson
Frenchs Forest – Peter Dean
Manly – Diana Aitken
Manly – Eli Demeny
Manly – Helen Pook
Manly – Robert Owen Carlon
Warriewood – Vivian Dunstan

Avalon Beach Boat Trailer Parking Permanently Banned on Barrenjoey Road

Boat trailers not in use will no longer be permitted to park on the stretch of Barrenjoey Road in Avalon Beach. The Northern Beaches Council announced that this is one of the 11 streets in its jurisdiction which must comply with the new boat parking rule.

Last year, the Council laid out a trial run to prevent boat trailers from taking up parking spaces on busy streets. After six months, the trial run has become permanent following a successful result.

“We are getting an increasing number of complaints from residents fed up with trailers and boats taking up most of the parking next to playgrounds, parks, and fields and rarely being moved,” Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan told the press in a statement.

“The trial has resulted in the relocation of all trailers at the 11 designated problem areas with 30 per cent not returning to the area again and the remaining 70 per cent relocating to adjoining streets or nearby reserves,” Mr Regan added.

Aside from Barrenjoey Road in Avalon, below are the other areas around the Northern Beaches where boat parking will be permanently prohibited. The ruling is effective in March 2019.

Aitken Reserve, Queenscliff
Allambie Road, Allambie Heights
Balgowlah Road, Fairlight
Bassett Street, Mona Vale
Harbord Park, Freshwater
Jacka Park, Freshwater
John Fisher Park, North Curl Curl
Kenneth Road, Manly Vale
Lake Park Road, North Narrabeen
Richmond Avenue, Dee Why

The Council may add more streets to the initial 11 sites. Plans to set up a trailer parking permit and payment system with a third-party parking operator are also in consideration.