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Avalon Beach Next to Receive NBN Fibre Upgrade

Following a rollout spanning eight years, NBN has announced that 300,000 more businesses and homes, including those in Avalon Beach, will be upgraded from fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) to fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband connections.

The company stated that the NBN fibre upgrade expansion will increase the total number of eligible areas with NBN fibre speed of up to 1Gbps to 1.4 million across the country as part of its $3.5 billion network investment program.

Switching from fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) to fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) entails replacing the old copper wiring technology that delivers slower internet. FTTP is now the fastest internet connection in the country.

The upgrade will mean no more buffering issues which will benefit households with at least four logged-on users simultaneously. This is especially significant to residents who are working from home whilst the kids are also learning online.

Apart from Avalon Beach, the following NSW areas will also receive upgrades:

Albion Park Rail, Alstonville, Ambarvale, Banora Point, Beaumont Hills, Berkeley, Brighton-Le-Sands, Broulee, Bundeena, Callala Bay, Callala Beach, Campbelltown, Currans Hill, Dalmeny, Farmborough Heights, Figtree, Glen Alpine, Glenmore Park, Glenwood, Goonellabah, Goulburn, Harrington Park, Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge, Keiraville, Lake Heights, Lennox Heads, Mollymook Beach, Mount Warrigal, North Nowra, Palm Beach, Pottsville, Rouse Hill, Ruse, Stanhope Gardens, Sussex Inlet, Sutherland, The Ponds, Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South, Unanderra, Warrawong, Windang, and Yamba.

“We’re very pleased to announce the latest list of suburbs and towns across Australia – from Avalon Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches peninsula to Fremantle, Western Australia – that will ultimately see around 2 million FTTN premises become eligible to upgrade to Fibre to the Premises and gain access to NBN Home Ultrafast services, on demand,” NBN Co chief operating officer Katherine Dyer said.

“We will launch a small-scale pilot of the FTTN to FTTP upgrade program to enable the first eligible premises to access a higher speed NBN Home Fast, NBN Home Superfast or NBN Home Ultrafast service via their chosen internet retailer in November this year.”

Essentially, customers may opt for the FTTP plan with their internet service provider once the upgrades are done.

Bookoccino Avalon Does Click-and-Collect Delivery During the Lockdown

Tired of binge-watching Netflix shows during the lockdown? Whilst stay-at-home orders will remain in Sydney for at least another month, Bookoccino Avalon has offered a click-and-collect delivery service for those looking to catch up on their reading.

Online or phone orders at Bookoccino Avalon will be prepared by one or two workers, which could be picked up at their Barrenjoey site or delivered for free for residents from Narrabeen to Palm Beach. The bookstore will also ship across the country for free as well, for book orders above $50.

Thriving for three decades as one of the Northern Beaches’ cultural hubs, Bookoccino Avalon sustains trading in this pandemic by keeping patrons updated on their social media pages. The staff, who are also complying with the stay-at-home orders, have been sharing their own reading lists and book collections for booklovers who may be wondering what they should read next.

Among Bookoccino’s recent page-turners include Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson, and Double Blind by Edward St Aubyn. They also have some of the titles added in the 2021 Booker Longlist, such as Second Place by Rachel Cusk, The Promise by Damon Galgut, Circle by Maggie Shipstead, and Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford.

Check the shop’s latest inventory at their online store and follow the shop’s Instagram page for updates.

In Memoriam

Meanwhile, Bookoccino founder and longtime Avalon resident, Roger Hutchings, has passed away peacefully in late July following a lingering illness. He was 85 years old.

His daughter, Ellie, said that her father “breathed Bookoccino and the Avalon community” and invested his time tending to the independent bookshop he co-founded in 1992 until his retirement in 2017.

Mr Hutchings supported the work of many local authors and collaborated with publishers to develop the Northern Beaches’ creative industry. A pioneer of late-night shop hours and reusable bookstore bags, Mr Hutchings was also well-travelled. He yearned to constantly learn about the world and brought back ideas and concepts he discovered to his bookstore.

Calls Renewed to Remove Shark Nets Across Avalon, NSW Beaches

A new study has revealed that shark nets installed across the beaches in NSW, including Avalon, have harmed and killed more turtles, dolphins, fur seals, and even whales than the sharks that are its target species.

Of the 375 marine animals caught on the shark nets from 2020 to 2021, 62 percent have died and 89 percent of these deaths were non-targets, as per the data released by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). The nets caught just 40 of the intended species (bull, tiger, white sharks) but it was more common to see southern eagle rays (95), smooth hammerheads (60), and bronze whalers (38) trapped in the mesh. Twelve of 18 turtles caught on the nets also died within the said period.

This has renewed calls from the Humane Society International Australia (HSI) and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) to end the state’s Shark Meshing Program. Representatives of groups said that this strategy, developed over 100 years ago, has to be replaced with new technology to make the beaches safe for both marine life and swimmers.

The HSI and AMCS are hoping that DPI will come up with a modern and sophisticated bather protection program that will be more effective at deterring targetted species.

Lawrence Chlebeck of the HSI said that it’s heartbreaking to see marine animals dying every year due to the “false sense of security provided by shark nets.” He said that NSW needs to end these “indiscriminate deaths” as it contributes to the reduction of marine wildlife.

For years, advocates for marine life have been saying that shark nets do not work. Two high-profile shark bite incidents within this decade, which took place in Bondi and Avalon, occurred when the shark nets were in place in the water. The majority of the sharks caught on the net on the swimmers or shore’s side were also trying to get out and swim back to safety.

Shark nets are usually deployed from 1 September and 30 April each year at NSW beaches stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong. To date, just six local councils have revoked the program and established non-lethal solutions like SMART drumlines.

Top 3 Places Around Avalon to Call for Health Food Deliveries to Your Home

Although staying at home reduces your risk of contracting COVID-19, the disruption in your daily activities due to the lockdown could lead to unhealthy eating habits. To maintain a healthy diet, you’ll need a regular supply of greens, sprouts and fruits. Here are three shops to conveniently order nutritious food from if you live in Avalon.

Omsai Ayurveda

Website: https://www.omsaiayurveda.com.au/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/omsai.ayurveda/

This specialty kitchen is managed by Nettie who took courses on Ayurvedic Medicine at Nature Care College. She also trained under Ayurvedic chef Hale Pule and Dr Adjit, Australasia’s most experienced Ayurvedic doctor.

The food from Omsai Ayurveda makes use of wholesome medicinal herbs and spices. Nettie’s meal plans are often customised for her client’s dietary needs and will benefit new mums, people living or working at high-stress levels, as well as those with digestive issues, and fatigue conditions. Inquire about her meal plan here.

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The Fruitful Boxes

Website: https://thefruitfulboxes.com.au/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/thefruitfulboxes/

Avalon locals Tony and his wife Gloria are behind The Fruitful Boxes and as the name implies, their business is anchored on delivering boxes of fruits and vegetables for families who love to eat healthily. The idea for their business started years ago at their children’s soccer matches, where many parents kept asking for fruit boxes for their kids as well.

Today, the store delivers a variety of fruit boxes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday around the Northern Beaches. Some of the packages include yogurt, freshly squeezed juices, or bread. Order online and secure a delivery schedule.

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Forage Gourmet Edibles

Website: https://www.foragegourmetedibles.com.au/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/foragegourmetedibles/

Another family-owned business, Forage Gourmet Edibles has partnered with Urban Green Sydney to supply fresh edible plants to restaurants, cafes, and the Sydney Market from its own sprawling farm in Terrey Hills.

If you need a steady supply of herbs and flowers for your homecooked meals, the shop has a regular pick-up schedule every Thursday and Friday at The Deli Bilgola on Plateau Road. You may place your order online or email info@foragegourmetedibles.com.au for enquiries.

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Power Up with Immune-Boosting Meals from Girdlers Avalon Beach

Good nutrition ties with good health and in these challenging times, people need a strong immune system to fight back against the virus. Whilst the lockdowns might limit people’s options for nutritious meals, Girdlers in Avalon Beach remains open for takeaway, pick-up, and delivery.

For health-conscious locals who want tasty food, Girdlers has wide-ranging choices of immune-boosting meals made with wholesome and natural ingredients. Preferred by people with food sensitivities, vegans, and vegetarians, the shop on Hilltop Road can cater to pre-ordered meals to stock up at home.

Choices include a flavourful helping of Bacon & Egg Roll Gone Healthy (organic bacon and organic fried eggs topped with baby spinach and homemade vegan mayo with organic bun or a gluten-free roll), the Goodness Bowl (avocado, kale, organic boiled egg, grilled halloumi, chives & pomegranate quinoa, homemade purple kraut with Green Goddess Dressing), or a variety of sweet and savoury crepes, including plant-based choices.

Every Friday and Saturday, the cafe serves Mexican takeaways like jack fruit burritos or tacos paired with loaded nachos using organic corn chips, smashed avo, and vegan sour creme. These dishes are perfect for a guilt-free binge when winding down on the weekend.

Girdlers is also known for its filling super smoothies that promote a healthy gut. Even the kids will love their variety of healthy but delicious drinks.

*Photo Credit: GirdlersAvalonBeach/Facebook*

“At Girdlers we are all about staying in harmony with the seasons and our dishes contain the freshest seasonal fruit & vegetables that are beaming with antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamins, magnesium, potassium, iodine and fiber,” the team said.

“Healthy eating should never be a punish or deprivation but instead a celebration of the freshest food available, a treat for your palate and nourishment for your whole being. We are deeply honoured to play a small part in your personal health journey – now more than ever!”

Aside from Avalon, Girdlers has shops in Dee Why, Manly, and Warringah Mall. If the name sounds familiar to NRL fans, it’s because the restaurant is from Ryan Girdler, the former football player, and his partner, Katja. Mr Girdler said that they review their business model every week to adjust to the lockdown orders.

Follow their Facebook page for the opening hours, delivery arrangements, latest menu, and other deals.

We are returning customers, I bring my blind client every couple of weeks and we love it. Friendly helpful staff, food amazing, Coffee,Tea and smoothies etc yummy also very good access ramp for getting my client with her walker to the tables.
Maria J

Amazing food. So healthy but still tastes so good!!! Well priced and amazing service. We drive an hour to come here!!
Melisa Yilmaz

Avalon AVPals Digital Classes for Seniors Shifts Online

Did you know that there is a non-profit organisation helping senior residents in Northern Beaches learn and improve their computer skills? The Avalon Computer Pals (AVPALS) has helped thousands of locals get on board with the digital landscape with heaps of free courses but this year’s Term 3 classes will run online via the Zoom platform.

AVPALS normally holds Monday to Friday classes at the Maria Regina Church Hall on Central Road in Avalon Beach. Due to the COVID situation in the Northern Beaches, Term 3 sessions will have to be suspended.

However, Zoom (online) sessions will be underway every Tuesday afternoon for five weeks. These classes have been originally planned for the Newport attendees but AVPALS is now offering slots to Northern Beaches residents who might want to have an enriching time during the lockdown.

Each of the Zoom sessions is estimated to last 30 minutes. Here’s what participants can expect if they sign up for AVPALS’ Zoom courses:

CLASS	WHEN
Covid Digital Vaccination Certificate	20 July 2021 1:30 p.m.	Learn how to add your Covid vaccination certificate on your mobile devices. Discussions will also cover preparations needed when travel opens once the virus has been defeated.
Bring your old laptop to life!	3 Aug 2021 1:30 p.m.	Learn how to install a free operating system on your laptop.
Don’t lose your identity!	17 Aug 2021 1:30 p.m.	Learn how to wise up against cybercriminals
Password Protection	31 Aug 2021 1:30 p.m.	Pick out the best passwords and learn why this is important for your protection
What is new with iOS15?	14 Sept 2021 1:30 p.m.	The latest Apple gadgets will be released in September, including the new Apple software. The topic will circle around the latest changes for Apple devices, as well as tricks to make the gadgets more user-friendly.

Interested participants can register for a slot online. A stable internet access is required for the Zoom classes.

Incidentally, AVPALS is also hosting one-on-one computer training sessions for more customised learning. Phone 80643574 for enquiries.

Avalon Beach to Have Increased Property Listings Within 6 Months: Westpac

Avalon Beach has been projected to have an increase in property listings in the next six months and it’s welcome news for investors who dream of buying a house or unit in one of Sydney’s most sought-after areas.

Westpac released its latest projections for property availability amidst rising demands, increased competition among buyers, and lack of supply. Managing Director of Mortgages Anthony Hughes said that more homeowners (39 percent) are considering selling their homes, motivated by the fact that they could get a good return if they unload during the current real estate climate.

The company commissioned the survey among 2,017 Australians, which was completed in May 2021. Data also showed that one in five of the respondents said that were discouraged to buy as there weren’t enough listing.

However, that trend could soon change and temper down the soaring demand as many homeowners realise the potential of their properties.

“For the first time, more homeowners are telling us increased infrastructure and amenities in their desired area is also motivating them to sell, with public transport, local shops and parks ranking as the most desirable suburban features,” Mr Hughes said.

Below are the top areas in Sydney where homeowners are likely to sell their house or unit in the next six months.

Per realestate.com.au, Avalon Beach’s median property price as of June 2021 stands at $2.5 million for houses and $1.088 million for units. The suburb has seen a compound growth rate of 11 percent in the last five years.

Avalon Beach Receives $143,000 for Careel Creek Clean-Up

Careel Creek in Avalon is due for a clean-up to mitigate the risks of flooding that could impact surrounding homes. The project also aims to remove noxious weeds that encroach on the native vegetation and habitat for birds, small fish and woodland animals.

The NSW Government has pledged $143,000 to the Northern Beaches Council to support this clean-up, which will be underway for six weeks between July and September. Soil conservation specialists will be helping with the clean-up as well to remove sediment and gross pollutants.

“Local bushcare volunteers have been fantastic in regenerating stretches of the creek bank, and the upcoming works will provide an important boost to these efforts,” Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said.

“Together with the NSW Government and our amazing Bushcare volunteers, we’ll be removing about 400 tonnes of sediment and stormwater debris that has accumulated within the creek line,” Mayor Michael Regan said.

“The first stage of the creek clean-up started in January. Thanks to Government funding, we’ll get started immediately on the second stage of work to restore this much-loved Avalon waterway.”

Careel Creek is an open drain that passes under the Avalon Shopping Centre, Barrenjoey High School, Barrenjoey Road and on to Careel Bay. It was urbanised and developed to impede the flow of stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding onto the wetlands and the community.

Avalon Market Day Permanently Scrapped After 3 Decades

Avalon Market Day, the largest and most successful market day in the Northern Beaches, has permanently come to a close after more than 30 years of activity.

Dubbed as the crown jewel of Sydney’s market events, the annual showcase of products from various local merchants, creatives and small businesses will no longer take place during its expected run every third Sunday of November.

In an email sent to subscribers, the manager of the Avalon Market Day cited that COVID-19 has changed the priorities of the small group of volunteer workers organising this event. With smaller manpower, they could no longer mount and sustain this iconic community affair. The social pages of Avalon Market Day have also been shut down.

At the Avalon community group on Facebook, locals expressed disappointment over the cancellation.

“Any form of Avalon Market Day would be great for our community. Our local businesses have been knocked for six this year and last year and I’m not sure how much more we can take. We all need something to really look forward to,” Wendy Brown said.

“That is so sad. Avalon Market Day was something I always looked forward to, as well as the opportunity for small businesses in Avalon to get known and flourish. It is such a shame and a disgrace to the Northern Beaches Council for not supporting this community event. I am sure they would have collected enough revenue from stallholders to cover this event,” Sue Bell posted.

The group has been finding a way to revive the market by asking for volunteers who could help set up the logistics of mounting a large event, including securing Council permissions and insurance or asking businesses to take part. Extra measures have to be planned out as well due to the looming threats of virus transmission, especially after Avalon became a Sydney COVID-19 hotspot in late 2020.

*Photo Credit: Avalon Market Day/Twitter*

Hosted by the Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber Inc. Avalon Market Day converts main streets around Avalon Beach Village and Dunbar Park as a shopping mecca, live music venue and family recreational spot for a full day. About 40,000 visitors come to the annual market for their Christmas shopping and some even come with their dogs in tow.

In February 2021, Avalon Palm Beach Business Chamber announced its merger with the chambers of Newport and Mona Vale. Locals speculated the restructure might have also affected the process of organising the event.

Airbnb Hotspot Avalon Beach Bounces Back with Long-Term Lettings

Avalon Beach was a hotspot for Airbnb short-term vacation rentals until the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on local tourism. However, a new study has revealed that Avalon Beach is bouncing back from this slump in a big way.

According to the experts from the City Futures Research Centre at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Airbnb landlords in Avalon Beach have experienced an average of 23.5 percent rise in rental demands from August 2020 to April 2021. It’s the biggest increase among other Airbnb suburb hotspots, such as Bondi, Manly, Darlinghurst, Redfern and Surry Hills, per the study published in the journal Urban Findings.

The report cited that most Airbnb landlords shifted from short-term arrangements to long-term lettings to avoid mortgage stress.

“Many Airbnb’s were converted to long-term rentals, presumably by landlords who are now seeking a more stable income source, particularly given that Airbnb wasn’t even operating for a few months,” study author William Thackway said.

“Now, when you get Airbnb’s converted back to long-term rentals, there’s a new influx of supply to the rental market, and there has been a corresponding reduction in rental prices, and that’s been observed for almost all active Airbnb areas.”

*Photo Credit: Jonathan Atkin/Google Maps*

Airbnb rental markets in Manly, Queenscliff, Curl Curl, Fairlight and Freshwater are also bouncing back, with some areas surpassing their highest demands before the pandemic. Bondi, Coogee and Bronte Airbnb markets are slowly ticking up as well but not as much as their numbers before COVID-19 hit.

In late 2020, the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) policy was updated to help the industry’s recovery post-COVID and extend a reprieve for renters:

A 180-day cap for homes across Greater Sydney where the owner lives elsewhere, while giving other NSW councils the option to apply to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for this cap;
Hosted STRA homeowners being able to rent their homes out 365 days of the year;
Minimum fire safety standards; and
A Code of Conduct for hosts, guests, online booking platforms and agents.

“The sector has suffered during the pandemic but our whole-of-government approach will get businesses and homeowners back on their feet as restrictions ease and we provide certainty ahead of the popular summer months,” Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Executive Director of Local Government and Economic Policy Luke Walton said.

“We can now share a clear set of rules that support the $30 billion a year industry while protecting the rights of hosts, guests and neighbours.”

However, concerned residents in these Airbnb hotspots said that this should be a temporary fix and must be amended again when more tourists are back in Sydney.