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Park’nPay App Now Servicing Avalon Beach, Joining 22 Sydney Suburbs

Great news! There’s no need to rush back to your parked car in Avalon Beach to take care of an expiring parking meter. Tt’s now easier to pay and avoid the fines through the Park’nPay app.

The smart system, which slowly launched in New South Wales in October 2019, went live on Avalon Beach in May 2021 and is now accessible in more locations across the state. Aside from some areas in the Northern Beaches, Park’nPay’s service is also in these suburbs below, with more locations to be added in the coming months:

Avalon Beach
Artarmon
Bayview
Burwood
Chatswood
Church Point
Collaroy
Gosford
Hunters Hill
Liverpool
Manly
Mona Vale
Mosman
Narrabeen
Newport
Palm Beach
Pittwater
Port Stephens
St Leonards
Strathfield
Terrigal
The Rocks
Whale Beach

“This is a game-changer for drivers saving them precious time and allowing them to manage their parking from anywhere via the app,” said Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello. “No one should be rushing back to put money in a parking meter in 2021.”

Mr Dominello also commended the Northern Beaches Council for activating Park’nPay to benefit the locals.

“This is a big win for the community, and a region boasting world-famous beaches and popular restaurants and shops which people want to get to.”

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said that the convenience of Park’n Pay will also benefit local businesses and the management of the parking system of the region as a whole. However, Park’nPay’s launch at the Bilgola Beach carparks will have to be delayed due to limited internet connectivity.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council*

To use the Park’nPay app, Avalon residents may download the app on their preferred app store or through the official site. After setting up an account and personalising their settings, including the payment method, they can begin receiving notifications when their parking meter is almost up or if their parking spot will soon shift to the “no stopping zone.”

Users are provided the option to pay through credit card or through facilities like Google Pay or Apple Pay.

“The great thing about this new feature is it allows customers to pay for the exact amount of time they use. They simply have to select the ‘pay later’ option and they can go about their business, indicating in the app when they’ve left the spot,” per Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance.

Apartment Values in Avalon Beach Rise to 12.9%

In the last 12 months, Australia’s unit sector has been generally weak compared to houses but there are apartment markets showing signs of growth, including Avalon Beach.

The latest analysis from CoreLogic shows that apartment values in Avalon increased to 12.9 percent, whilst about a dozen other coastal areas or rural destinations across the country have been doing well in the market despite a generally underperforming unit sector.

Lennox Head in New South Wales had the highest increase in apartment values at 27.6 percent. In Brisbane, the bayside suburb of Wynnum racked up a 25.1 percent increase and the coastal setting of Cleveland rose to 18.1 percent. Ocean Grove and Torquay in Victoria had a 26.3 percent and 25.8 percent gain, respectively.

A few suburbs in the Gold Coast, such as Bilinga, Currumbin, Palm Beach and Tugun, averaged an apartment value increase of 22.8 percent.

CoreLogic’s Tim Lawless said that about 70 percent of these apartment markets are considered “lifestyle” investments for buyers “looking for a sea change or tree change,” especially in this work-from-home climate. As the prices of detached houses scale-up, people will turn to medium to high-density dwelling options but the “holiday” location will also prove to be a factor.

Meanwhile, as of 3 May 2021, the average median price of a three-bedroom unit in Avalon is $1.6 million whilst the average median price of a three-bedroom house is $1.937 million.

Mr Lawless also said that Syndey’s unit rental demand will remain weak until the borders will open for international travel. Elsewhere, listings of available units are soaring, further weakening the prices and delaying the recovery of this sector post-pandemic.

Distinct Beachcomber House in Avalon Sold for an Undisclosed Price

A distinct Beachcomber House in Avalon, one of only 118 existing mid-century homes across the country, has been sold for an undisclosed amount at auction.

The property, which stands on Kevin Avenue, belonged to Helen Thurloe, who has been a proponent of these Bauhaus-style structures as originally designed by well-known architect Nino Sydney in the 1960s. Mr Sydney has been dubbed as the “hero of Australian suburbia” for designing beautiful lifestyle houses on the budget.

Ms Thurloe decided to sell her Beachcomber house after 26 years as she and her partner, David Packer, plan to move and downsize as their children have families of their own as well. She said that it’s time for someone else to enjoy the house, which has been steep with Sydney’s history.

The homeowners once had Mr Sydney visit their place because it was one of his favourite. When Mr Thurloe bought the property nearly three decades ago, the previous owners said that she will have to do some refurbishments. She kept the style of the house intact and added a new kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a suite on the ground floor.

Location was a vital reason for picking this house as it was 10 minutes from the beach and stood on an elevated corner, delivering a gorgeous view of the water. The couple then fell in love with the house’s open plan, glass partitions, and the abundance of light, as it was perfectly fitted for the Australian lifestyle. They also love how the indoor-outdoor transition meshed well.

“Beachcombers sit lightly on the land. Mostly supported by steel posts, they were very adaptable for three-quarter sloping blocks. This was appealing for many Sydney buyers, even those with no particular interest in modernism,” Mr Thurloe said on the website she created for Beachcomber Houses.

The popularity of Beachcomber Homes has remained all these years because its architecture, though originally retro in style, could still modern and functional with a few changes.

Sea Wave Thai Makes a Splash in Avalon Beach

Opening a restaurant in the midst of a pandemic might be a scary business move and yet, against the odds, Sea Wave Thai successfully navigated risky waters when it opened for business at Avalon Beach in the last quarter of 2020.

Six months on and Sea Wave Thai continues to make a splash from its location on Avalon Parade. Slowly but surely, word got around among this suburb’s tight-knit community that there’s a new foodie haunt on the block, serving flavourful Thai dishes.

On the menu are nearly 50 dishes featuring a variety of dim sums, noodles and rice, curry, stir-fried, as well as Asian soups and salads.

First-time visitors ought to try the coconut prawn curry, a growing favourite among regulars. The prawns are so huge and it’s enough to last your cravings through the day. This dish is served in a stunning bowl — the actual coconut shell — and you’ll need to take a moment to appreciate its presentation.

To enjoy this beautiful dish, you’d have to scrape the coconut meat inside the shell to mix with the creamy sauce. This enhances the flavour and the freshness of the curry’s ingredients.

Take your time when dining at Sea Wave Thai with its lavish but cosy interior. The space evokes the feel of spending a summer holiday in Southeast Asia without having to leave Avalon.

Occasionally, the owner, who grew up in a Thai household, comes out to engage the customers and deliver her brand of warm and friendly service. Amidst social distancing restrictions, her careful approach is a breath of fresh air.

Follow Sea Wave Thai on Facebook for updates on its opening hours and deals. The restaurant is within the Avalon Pavilion, next to the homeware and handicraft stores.

Really great food. It’s a typical Australian Thai restaurant menu, but portions were generous, lots of meat in the dishes, tasted fantastic. Nice cocktails; and the outdoor seating is cosy.
Adam Frisby

Very fast service and tasty food – would recommend the salmon yellow curry! Such a tough time to be opening during lockdown, let’s show them some love.
Simon Abbott

Great food! Really fresh and full of flavour. If you like tai this is really good. Great service, laid back Avalon vibe.
Anthony Andersen

Avalon-Raised Ballet Soloist Nathan Brook Nabs Top Dance Awards

Nathan Brook, a ballet dancer who grew up on the beaches of Avalon, was named the Rising Star awardee at the 2021 Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards. A soloist with The Australian Ballet, he also won the People’s Choice award, garnering over 240,000 votes, the highest in the award’s history.

The ballet dancer also won over $40,000 in cash prizes for his two honors but more than this monetary gain, his future in ballet looks even more promising as former Rising Stars of the Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards, in the last two decades, go on to become principal artists.

At 7-years-old, whilst his brothers trained with surfboards, Brook was already attending dance classes at the Lamont Dance School in Avalon Beach until he was 14 years old. The Brook family’s neighbours in Avalon, who frequently watched him dance on their back deck, saw the boy’s potential and they told his mum he should sign up for classes at Lamont.

With his family’s all-out support, he also trained in Melbourne and was part of the Queensland Ballet’s Young Artist Program, where he toured to dance in London and Shanghai.

Brook officially joined The Australian Ballet in 2016. The company’s artistic director, David Hallberg, said that Brook works with “commitment, drive, dedication and ambition,” thus he deserves the recognition.

He earned his first Ballet Dancer Awards nomination in 2018 and again in 2020.

“I have nothing but gratitude for everyone who has come on this journey with me and I can’t thank you enough for the continued support and for voting,” the ballet dancer said.

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A post shared by Nathan Brook (@nathanbrook)

The Freshest Catch at Avalon Beaches’ Popular Restaurant ‘Bar Elvina’

Following an abrupt yet temporary shut-down due to the pandemic, Bar Elvina, the open-window restaurant and coastal passion project shared by Andy Emerson and Jesse McTavish, has finally reopened its doors to diners in Avalon Beach.

Bar Elvina’s menu features delicious local catch and foraged goods fresh from Avalon Beach, including but not limited to oysters, fish, seaweed, and wild fennel. One of the restaurant’s specialties is its John Dory with Lemon Butter — a fish dish that serves whole john dory with miso lemon butter sauce and warrigal greens.

The restaurant boasts a strong selection of seafood-based dishes, however they also offer choice cuts of red meat that partners well with a glass of wine. Their 8-hour half lamb shoulder — a dish prepared with labne, black barley, whey, mint, and karkalla — is one such meal.

Food isn’t the only thing this open-window restaurant offers, for it also takes pride in its selection of drinks as well. From their signature cocktails to their extensive collection of wine, customers will be able to complement their meals with a variety of liquor that’s sweet or strong, or bubbly or smooth.

Reviewers on Facebook raved over the restaurant’s cocktail selection and good service, and the food was particularly noteworthy as well. One reviewer in particular wrote that they were “…so lucky to have a restaurant like this in Avalon” and they had “…one of the most enjoyable dinners in a very long time.”

Bar Elvina can be found at Level 1, 50 Old Barrenjoey Rd, open every day from Wednesday until Sunday. For more information, visit their website. For the latest updates on special deals and dates, follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

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.