Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 2 of 14

Toddler Nipped by Offleash Dog at Avalon Beach as Council Dog Attack Reports Hit Record High

A young toddler walking to Avalon Beach children’s pool with his mother and sister was nipped by an offleash dog on 14 January, highlighting growing concerns among Avalon residents about dog control in public spaces.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:20am at south Avalon Beach when a dog, walking at least 10 metres behind its owner, approached the family. The owner’s response was to verbally abuse the mother before walking away with the dog still offleash and continuing towards busy Barrenjoey Road.

Witnesses reported the incident to Northern Beaches Council, and photographs of the dog and owner were forwarded to council as requested.

The incident was one of four dogs observed offleash in the same area within half an hour that morning. The Avalon Beach children’s pool is considered one of the few safe swimming areas for young children in the region.

The incident comes as newly released statistics reveal Northern Beaches Council recorded 247 dog attack reports for the financial year from July 2024 to June 2025, according to NSW Office of Local Government data. This represents the highest number on record for the local government area.

Of these reported incidents, 45 were classified as serious attacks on people requiring hospitalisation or medical treatment, whilst 146 involved attacks on animals.

The figures are particularly concerning when compared to Central Coast Council, which recorded 195 attacks despite having more than twice the number of registered dogs. Central Coast Council has 163,466 registered dogs compared to Northern Beaches Council’s approximately 77,896 microchipped dogs.

Under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998, dogs in public places must be under effective control by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash, except in designated offleash areas.

Local residents have expressed frustration with what they describe as widespread non-compliance with leash laws across Pittwater and the broader Northern Beaches area. Many say they can no longer find public spaces where dogs are consistently kept onleash as required.

Wildlife concerns have also been raised. On 16 January, a visibly distressed swamp wallaby was filmed racing along Collaroy to Narrabeen beach at 6:15am, appearing to flee from something pursuing it. Macropods, which include wallabies and kangaroos, can suffer from capture myopathy, a potentially fatal condition caused by extreme stress or pursuit.

Avalon residents who witness dog attacks or dogs offleash in prohibited areas are encouraged to report incidents immediately by calling 1300 434 434, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Outside council hours, incidents can be reported to the local police station, as police officers are authorised officers under the Companion Animals Act 1998.

Anonymous reports can also be submitted through Northern Beaches Council’s online portal at help.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/s/submit-request?topic=Pets_Animals.

Statistics for the current financial year from July 2025 to December 2025 have not yet been released.

Published 26-January-2026

Landslide Destroys Great Mackerel Beach Home as Storms Devastate Avalon

Photo Credit: gofundme / Fleur Johns

Severe storms battered Avalon on Saturday afternoon, bringing torrential rain that caused widespread flooding and a devastating landslide that destroyed a home at Great Mackerel Beach.

The deluge began around 2.00pm, with Avalon Beach recording 62.5 millimetres of rainfall in just one hour. The intense downpour overwhelmed drainage systems and stormwater infrastructure, flooding hundreds of homes and dozens of roads across the area.

Shopping centres along Barrenjoey Road at both Avalon Beach and Palm Beach were inundated, while emergency services fielded multiple Triple Zero calls from motorists trapped by rising waters. The rainfall continued throughout the afternoon and evening, with approximately 170 millimetres falling across the area.

At Therry Street in Avalon Beach, NSW State Emergency Service crews rushed to assist a family shortly after 9.00pm. Four adults, two children and two pets were trapped on the upper level of their home as floodwaters engulfed the ground floor.

Great Mackerel Beach bore the brunt of the storm system, recording 264 millimetres of rain over 24 hours. The offshore community’s only road access via fire trail became impassable, leaving residents isolated.

The Great Mackerel Beach Rural Fire Brigade began receiving calls for assistance mid-afternoon as significant flooding affected Monash Parade and Diggers Crescent. By 5.00pm, residents were protecting their homes with sandbags whilst a local electricity substation faced the threat of water inundation.

Although flooding appeared to ease by 7.00pm, the respite proved temporary. Around 9.30pm, the waterlogged hillside behind homes at Diggers Crescent gave way, sending mud and rocks cascading down the slope.

A large tree was uprooted and pushed into the rear of a house, shifting the structure approximately 400 millimetres from its foundations. A couple in their 60s were inside at the time, with the woman reportedly struck by debris as the tree slammed into the building.

Local RFS crews arrived quickly and reported that the couple had been evacuated to a nearby property where two doctors were providing care. The home has been deemed uninhabitable.

Poor weather conditions prevented helicopter access, and even the West Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade boat could not be launched. NSW Police Marine Area Command led a multi-agency response from Church Point, with NSW Ambulance deploying intensive care paramedics, special operations paramedics and two inspectors. Specialist Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters from Narrabeen Station joined the mission.

The rescue teams departed for Great Mackerel Beach by water police boat shortly after 10.30pm. Additional FRNSW crews, including rescue specialists from Darlinghurst and an Urban Search and Rescue team from Blacktown, were mobilised to Church Point.

Upon arrival, paramedics assessed the couple whilst firefighters examined the structural damage. Two neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution, though they appeared undamaged with no imminent risk identified.

The man was unharmed, whilst the woman suffered minor leg injuries and was assessed for shock but declined hospital transport after recovering.

The rescue teams’ return to Church Point was delayed whilst water police responded to a vessel torn from its mooring near Coasters Retreat. They arrived back shortly before 1.00am.

Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS and NSW SES crews worked into the early hours of Sunday morning responding to downed trees and flooded homes across the Avalon area.

Published 18-January-2026

Local Surfer Escapes Serious Injury After Early Morning Shark Encounter at Little Avalon

Photo Credit: Facebook / Toby Play

Avalon Beach was closed for 24 hours on Saturday following a close encounter between a local surfer and a shark at the Little Avalon surf break.

Paul Stanton, an Avalon resident, was surfing south of the rock pool at approximately 5.40am on 10 January when a shark emerged from beneath him and made contact with his surfboard while he was paddling.

Mr Stanton instinctively pushed the animal away, but sustained a minor laceration to his left thumb when it made contact with the shark’s tooth. The encounter left two distinct tooth marks on the fin of his surfboard, along with drops of blood.

After alerting other surfers in the water, Mr Stanton paddled back to shore. Despite the incident, he was reported to be in good spirits and the injury to his hand was minor enough that it did not require bandaging. According to another local surfer, Mr Stanton later went surfing at Whale Beach after Avalon Beach was closed.

The type of shark involved in the incident could not be determined, as low light conditions at the time prevented Mr Stanton from seeing it clearly in the water.

Following standard protocol for shark incidents, Surf Life Saving NSW closed Avalon Beach and conducted extensive searches of the area using jet skis, inflatable rescue boats and drones. However, drone operations were hampered by high winds on the day. The shark was not located during these patrols.

Despite the beach closure and warnings from surf lifesavers, some swimmers and surfers chose to enter the water throughout the day as temperatures climbed.

The incident occurred approximately four months after a fatal shark attack claimed the life of 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis at nearby Long Reef in September 2025.

Sharks were also reportedly sighted at several other beaches along the Northern Beaches and NSW coast on Saturday.

Published 10-January-2026

Avalon Beach SLSC Patrol Commitment Acknowledged With National Medals

Photo Credit: Avalon Beach SLSC/Facebook

Two members from Avalon Beach SLSC have been recognised with National Medals, highlighting years of verified frontline patrol service and long-standing volunteer commitment within the local beach community.

National Recognition Details

The honours were announced as part of a national recognition round administered by Surf Life Saving Australia, which acknowledged 212 members across the country for long and sustained service involving risk to life and property.

*Photo Credit: Avalon Beach SLSC/Facebook*

The awards form part of the Australian honours system and recognise members who meet eligibility standards set by the Commonwealth. The Avalon Beach recipients were named in the latest National Medal batch released by Surf Life Saving Australia.

Avalon Beach Recipients

Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club members Mark Head and Wilson Gamble were recognised for meeting national service thresholds through consistent patrol participation across many seasons.

Head received a National Medal with a 1st Clasp, reflecting service beyond the initial 15-year requirement, while Gamble was awarded the National Medal for completing the minimum period of eligible patrol service. Their recognition reflects years spent patrolling Avalon Beach, maintaining annual proficiency, and completing required patrol hours each season.

How National Medal Service is Measured

Eligibility for the National Medal is governed by federal regulation rather than club or organisational discretion. Members must complete at least 30 patrol or lifeguarding hours per season across a minimum of 15 full years, measured by recognised patrol seasons running from 1 July to 30 June. Service does not need to be continuous, though only approved and proficient patrol seasons are counted.

Junior activities, cadet service, and approved leave periods do not contribute toward eligibility. Additional clasps are awarded for each further 10 years of verified service, with full service records reassessed at each stage.

Community Impact at Avalon Beach

Avalon Beach SLSC has a long history of volunteer patrol work, training, and community safety dating back to its formation in 1925. The club continues to support beachgoers through regular patrols, rescue response, and water safety education.

National Medal recognition places local members among a limited number nationwide who have met long-term operational service requirements. For the Avalon community, the awards reflect the steady commitment required to keep the beach safe season after season.

Published 29-December-2025

Community Fundraiser Builds On Avalon’s Link To Timor Leste

Photo Credit: Friends Of Soibada/Facebook

What started in Avalon as a simple school idea has grown into a Northern Beaches charity recognised by the President of Timor Leste, with the community now coming together for a major fundraiser at a Brookvale brewery.

Avalon’s Role In The Partnership

The story began more than 15 years ago at Maria Regina School in Avalon, where students wanted to support children in the remote Timor Leste village of Soibada. Their idea spread beyond the classroom and brought in parents, teachers, and local groups, forming the foundation of Friends of Soibada.

*Photo Credit: Friends Of Soibada/Facebook*

The charity formally registered in 2010 and built a long-term partnership between the Northern Beaches and the village. Avalon remains central to its history, as early fundraising, awareness events, and support grew from the school community before expanding to surf clubs, churches, Rotary groups, the council, and 18 other schools.

Friends of Soibada focuses on sustainable development, with volunteers visiting twice a year to work with residents on education, health, hygiene, and community needs.

Recognition And Community Impact

Earlier this year, Friends of Soibada received the Order of Timor Leste, awarded by President Jose Ramos Horta. The honour recognised the charity’s long-standing contribution to improving daily life in Soibada. The award also highlighted the unusual beginnings of the organisation, which grew from a student-led idea into a cross-community partnership spanning two countries.

Many of the original Avalon students have since grown into adults who continue to support the work. Some have travelled to Soibada as volunteers, strengthening personal ties between the Northern Beaches and the village.

January Fundraiser At 7th Day Brewery

The next chapter of the partnership takes place at 7th Day Brewery in Brookvale on 24 January 2026, where Friends of Soibada is hosting a large community fundraiser.

BUY TICKETS HERE

The event features live music from local bands, raffles, and stalls, with all funds directed toward projects in Soibada. Money raised supports teacher wages, health initiatives, and a dental program aimed at improving access to basic care.

The fundraiser reflects the same community-driven spirit that started in Avalon. Local businesses, musicians, and residents are contributing time and resources to support the cause.

A Continuing Avalon Connection

While the charity’s reach now extends across the Northern Beaches, Avalon remains closely linked to its identity. The suburb is regularly referenced in the charity’s story as the place where the partnership began.

Supporters describe the work as proof that small, local actions can lead to long-term change when a community stays involved.

Published 17-December-2025

Avalon RSL To Host Stop On 360’s 2026 Regional Tour

Photo Credit: 360/Facebook

ARIA Award winning rapper 360 will bring his Back N Forth Tour to Avalon RSL, giving local fans the chance to see the Australian hip hop artist at their community venue.

Tour Background

The tour runs from 5 February to 27 June and includes 43 regional stops across the country. The Avalon RSL date forms part of a national run announced after his sold out Out Of The Blue capital city tour and the chart success of his fifth studio album.

360’s regional tour follows the strong chart debut of his album Out Of The Blue, which entered at number one on the ARIA Australian Hip Hop Albums Chart. The tour schedule places his focus on regional towns after the release of the new record and the completion of his capital city series.

The announcement states that his live set will feature tracks from the album along with earlier favourites that shaped his rise in Australian hip hop.

Partnership With PEZ

The tour bills longtime collaborator PEZ alongside 360 across the full regional run. Both artists began working together as Forthwrite in the late 2000s and have continued releasing collaborations throughout the past decade.

Their onstage dynamic is close and energetic, and 360 has said they plan to revisit classics and older tracks they do not usually perform on solo tours. Their recent work on the track Broken from Out Of The Blue adds to their shared history.

What Fans Can Expect

Tour announcements describe a high energy, career spanning show built on new material from Out Of The Blue and older hits such as Falling and Flying and The Festival Song.

buy tickets here

The event listing emphasises storytelling, familiarity between the two performers and a mix of songs that reflect their long working partnership.

Local Community Interest

The Avalon RSL date means fans in the area have access to the Back N Forth Tour without travelling to larger venues. As a club venue, Avalon RSL offers a closer view of the stage than major arenas, offering a different live setting for long time listeners.

Shows of this scale can support local hospitality and entertainment businesses by drawing visitors into the surrounding neighbourhood.

Published 02-December-2025

Students Help Shape Avalon Public School’s Renewed Nura Djaroba

Photo Credit: NSW Department of Education/Facebook

Avalon Public School’s community gathered to see a well-loved natural play space return to daily use after a major upgrade, marking a new chapter for an area shaped by students, families and local supporters for nearly three decades.

History And Community Roots

The school welcomed families, staff, students and local community members back into Nura Djaroba during its reopening events held in mid November 2025. Planning and fundraising efforts for the renewal began several years earlier, supported by a NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant matched by school community contributions.

*Photo Credit: NSW Department of Education/Facebook*

Nura Djaroba began in the early 1990s when parents, teachers and local designers worked together to build a natural space that reflected bushland surroundings and Aboriginal knowledge. The space opened in 1996 and supported generations of children who played, learned and explored outdoors.

Student-Led Redesign

Over time the area needed repairs and updates to meet modern standards, prompting the school community to begin renewal work around 2020. Longtime contributors, including members of the original design team, attended the 2025 reopening to see the refreshed area return to use.

The renewal placed students at the centre of planning. School leaders explained that students shaped ideas for features, accessibility and layout. Their input guided choices such as a wider stage, clearer pathways, new natural play elements and full accessibility through the site. The school emphasised that the space forms part of its identity, and student participation ensured the design continued to reflect the children who use it.

Cultural And Environmental Elements

The reopening featured cultural acknowledgement, including a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by local First Nations representatives. A new sculpture named Kip the Koala was introduced as a symbol of respect for local heritage, created by Richard Stutchbury, one of the original designers involved in the 1996 project.

*Photo Credit: Avalon Public School/Facebook*

Native plants were added throughout the play area, with each student planting one, continuing a tradition from the original opening. A waratah was planted as a further link between past and present.

A Space For Learning And Play

School staff described the area as a place that encourages creativity, social connection and outdoor learning. Children use the space for play that grows from their imagination, supported by the natural setting and upgraded features.

The project brought together families, students, educators and local residents who share a long connection to the site. The reopening reinforced the importance of community involvement in shaping school environments that support both learning and belonging.

Published 26-November-2025

Avalon Pet Owners Warned as Tick Cases Triple in Early Season Surge

Photo Credit: Pexels

Families in Avalon are being urged to check their pets daily after reports confirmed that life-threatening tick paralysis cases have tripled across the region.

The Invisible Intruder

Veterinary clinics on the Northern Beaches have reported a worrying trend where the number of pets affected by these parasites has tripled compared to this time last year. The surge is driven by unseasonably warm weather and high humidity, creating perfect breeding conditions earlier than usual.

While many owners assume their animals are safe if they stay inside, experts at Sydney Animal Hospitals, which operates in Newport and Avalon, warn that fences and walls are no longer enough protection.

Dr Ben Brown, a vet at the hospital, explained that ticks are incredibly opportunistic. He noted that staff members are seeing cats that have never left their property succumb to tick paralysis. These parasites easily hitch a ride indoors on human clothing, other household pets, or local wildlife. Dr Brown stressed that it takes only a single tick bite to cause severe paralysis, making vigilance essential even for animals that spend their days on the couch.

A Close Call for Tiggy

The danger became all too real for Newport resident Lily Hewitson and her eight-year-old tabby cat, Tiggy. The family rushed Tiggy to the hospital after she became lethargic, disoriented, and struggled to breathe. Ms Hewitson later recalled realising something was wrong when her cat refused food and could not walk properly the next morning.

Upon arrival, the veterinary team quickly located and removed a large paralysis tick near the cat’s shoulder blade. Tiggy required oxygen therapy and overnight hospitalisation to survive the ordeal. Ms Hewitson admitted that Tiggy had missed just one prevention tablet, which was all the opportunity the tick needed. She expressed relief at having her pet home and hoped her experience would remind others that tick prevention is vital for all pets, not just those who roam the bush.

Recognising the Signs

Time is the most critical factor when dealing with tick paralysis. Dr Brown advised owners to watch closely for early warning signs, such as wobbliness in the back legs, a change in the pet’s bark or meow, vomiting, or laboured breathing. He stated that immediate veterinary treatment is necessary, often involving antiserum and oxygen support.

To keep pets safe, the veterinary team recommends consistent use of preventative measures like monthly chews, topicals, or collars. Dr Brown mentioned that dog owners can also ask about a yearly injection that offers continuous protection. To help the community stay ahead of this early season spike, Sydney Animal Hospitals is currently offering free lump checks throughout November.

Published Date 24-November-2025

Police Probe $1 Million Bitcoin Theft In Avalon

An Avalon resident lost more than $1 million in a bitcoin scam, a case that has raised concern across the community as police warn locals about rising online fraud targeting everyday investors.

Timeline Of Events

The victim reported the loss after he received a phone call from someone pretending to be a staff member from a well-known cryptocurrency exchange. The call took place in late October, and the person on the line claimed his account faced a security problem.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

He followed the caller’s instructions and shared details that gave the scammer access to his digital wallet. Once inside, the scammer transferred more than $1 million in bitcoin to a series of external accounts. By the time the victim realised the problem, the funds had already moved through several wallets.

How The Scam Worked

Information from the sources shows the caller used pressure and fear to push the victim into acting quickly. The scammer said the account needed to be protected and guided him through steps that allowed them to gain entry.

This method is known as social engineering. It relies on fast talk and confidence tricks rather than technical hacking. The victim believed the caller because the instructions sounded official and the situation felt urgent. The transfers happened only minutes after the scammer gained access.

Police Investigation

Local police took the initial report and referred the matter to the NSW State Crime Command Cybercrime Squad. Officers explained that cryptocurrency transfers are often difficult to recover because they move fast and cross borders.

Investigators are now tracing the bitcoin trail to see if it passed through any platforms that require identity checks. Police encouraged residents to stay alert for any messages or calls that ask for account access or login details.

Community Response

The case has sparked concern across Avalon as more residents find themselves dealing with suspicious calls and emails. Many locals say the story is a reminder to check any unexpected messages with the official support channels of financial platforms.

Community groups have also shared warnings online, urging people to slow down and verify information before taking action. Police say reporting early gives investigators a better chance to follow the digital trail before funds are mixed with other transactions.

Published 19-November-2025

Avalon Sailing Club: Discover Sailing at Pittwater’s Community Hub

On the sheltered waters of Pittwater, Avalon Sailing Club stands as an accredited Discover Sailing Centre, offering children, adults and families a structured pathway into dinghy sailing. The club provides a welcoming environment where learners build confidence, acquire skills and enjoy being part of a wider sailing community.

Read: Local Reaction Over Avalon Beach Filming Puts Spotlight on NSW Film Fee Rules

Learning to sail, the Avalon way

Photo credit: Facebook/Avalon Sailing Club

The club’s Learn to Sail programmes begin with the Blue Group, covering Start Sailing 1 & 2, where absolute beginners gain foundational sailing skills using the club’s fleet of Nippas designed for junior trainees.

As sailors develop, they move into the Red Group, covering Better Sailing 3 and Start Racing 4. Older or more experienced juniors can then join the Gold Group and race in O’pen Skiffs, Manly Juniors or Flying 11s. For adults there is a four‑Saturday Learn to Sail course which leads into the Red or Gold groups, sailing classes including Spirals, Lasers or Aeros. Sailors register for the full season from September through to April, which supports continuity and participation over time.

The club also promotes coaching from within: many of the teenage coaches started as junior learners, and parents are encouraged to engage on the water, assist with safety launches or join the Adult Learn to Sail programme themselves.

A legacy on Pittwater

Photo credit: Google Maps/Avalon Sailing Club

Founded in 1938, Avalon Sailing Club has remained active on the Northern Beaches since its establishment. Located at Clareville, the club benefits from calm bay conditions ideal for learning alongside more open water for competitive sailing. Over the decades it has grown into a multigenerational community of sailors, from children first learning the ropes to older members enjoying regular racing and social events.

Building confidence and community

The clear progression from Blue to Gold creates more than a skill ladder — it fosters engagement. Many past participants return as coaches and helpers, strengthening the club’s sense of community and giving younger sailors role‑models from within the club. Parents who engage alongside their children contribute to a broader culture of sailing together.

Read: Locana Cullen Lands Perfect Score in Lennox Head Win

Since gaining accreditation as a Discover Sailing Centre in 2022, the club has maintained its focus on making sailing accessible. Notable alumni include Olympians and high‑performance sailors whose early experiences at the club reflect its impact beyond the local area. For the Avalon community, the club is more than a place to sail — it is a hub for learning, participation and long‑term engagement in sailing.

Published 11-November-2025