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Careel Bay Residents Push Back as Liquor Store and Childcare Plan Sparks Outcry

A development proposal for a Dan Murphy’s liquor store and a childcare centre in Careel Bay has triggered widespread backlash, with residents warning it could bring traffic chaos, flooding risks and a clash of community values to the heart of Avalon Beach.

Mixed Use Sparks Community Concern

The $10 million plan, listed as DA2024/1091, proposes replacing the Careel Bay shopping village with a two-storey retail and childcare complex. It includes underground and street-level parking, and is now before the NSW Land and Environment Court after bypassing council. Of 127 public submissions, 126 opposed the project.

Locals are alarmed by plans to pair a 500-square-metre Dan Murphy’s with a 78-place childcare centre, arguing it’s an unsuitable mix for a family-focused area.

One submission compared the proposal to “children’s TV with gambling ads,” while others warned it would hurt small businesses and erode Avalon’s village character.

Flood Risk and Traffic Pressures

Careel Bay’s flood risk is a key concern, with the site sitting below the AHD 4.9 flood level. Council notes confirm it’s in a low to medium flood zone with coastal hazards.

Residents say the development would worsen traffic at Careel Head and Barrenjoey roads, with access points likely to add congestion during peak times. Transport for NSW may also require the Barrenjoey Road exit to be closed.

Safety and Amenity Under Scrutiny

Council notes from late 2023 flagged design and safety issues, including shared lift access between the bottle shop and childcare centre, poor pedestrian safety, and minimal setbacks. The building’s scale was seen as out of step with Avalon’s low-density, coastal character.

Residents cite a past development nearby that left an open excavation for years, causing water issues and safety risks. They fear this project could follow the same path.

Council Advice: Redesign Needed

Northern Beaches Council recommended a full redesign, calling for separate childcare access, better landscaping, and smaller building mass. Planners said the mix of uses doesn’t suit the surrounding low-density homes and nearby recreation areas.

Despite lacking council approval, the application is now before the court. For many Avalon residents, the plan doesn’t reflect the needs or values of the Careel Bay community.

Published 8-May-2025

Tree Crashes Into Avalon Family Home

A large gum tree crashed into a home at Avalon Beach last Thursday evening, forcing a family to flee their residence during stormy weather.

Emergency services were called to Buyuma Place, Avalon Beach, off Catalpa Avenue, just after 7:15 PM on May 1. NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW Avalon Station, and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Warringah/Pittwater Unit responded to the incident, navigating wet conditions to reach the property located at the end of the cul-de-sac backing onto Stapleton Reserve.

Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered significant structural damage to the house caused by the fallen tree. Six people were inside the home when the incident occurred, including two elderly and infirm residents.

Firefighters assisted all occupants from the damaged structure to the street, where paramedics assessed them. Despite the severity of the incident, the residents sustained only minor scrapes, with none requiring hospitalisation or further medical treatment.

Authorities deemed the badly damaged house too dangerous for the residents to return. The displaced family was collected by relatives and taken to stay in a nearby home.

SES volunteers were unable to remove the large fallen tree in the dark and stormy conditions but secured the area to ensure the tree posed no additional threat to neighbouring properties.

The incident occurred during a period of wet weather in the Northern Beaches area, with more rain expected in the coming days according to weather forecasts.

Published 2-May-2025

Avalon Beach Beekeeper Handles 20,000 Bees Barehanded Without Stings

Photo Credit: Avalon Honey/ Facebook

An experienced Avalon Beach beekeeper astonished onlookers by calmly handling a massive swarm of 20,000 bees barehanded while dressed in shorts and thongs, successfully relocating them without receiving a single sting.

Barehanded Swarm Relocation

Giles Stoddard, who keeps several beehives at his home, recently faced a large swarm that had departed one of his hives due to overcrowding. The bees had settled on a nearby flowering crepe myrtle tree.

A remarkable video showed the beekeeper, without wearing his usual full protective gear, carefully reaching into the dense cluster of insects. He aimed to find the queen bee. By locating and moving the queen into a new, empty hive, he knew the thousands of loyal worker bees would follow her into their new home, allowing them to restart the honey-making process.

Before searching for the queen, Mr Stoddard broke off the branch holding the swarm and carefully shook the bees onto a blanket placed beside the new hive.

Understanding Swarming Bees

Mr Stoddard used the incident to educate people about bee behaviour. He reassured viewers of the video on his Avalon Honey Facebook page that the bees were not acting aggressively. He explained that most bees and wasps are generally not aggressive insects.

Their nature, he stated, is purely defensive, meaning they only become aggressive if their colony, their young (brood), or they are threatened. Mr Stoddard emphasised that bees do not actively want to sting people. He noted that bees are particularly calm during the swarming process because they are not defending a home or their young.

Local Beekeeper’s Message

Beyond managing his hives – four at Avalon Beach, four at North Avalon, and two at the War Vets home at Collaroy Plateau – Mr Stoddard is passionate about teaching the community about honey bees and their vital role in the natural world. He sells honey collected from his hives directly to locals from his front door.

The beekeeper strongly encourages people to respect their insect neighbours and aims to correct common misunderstandings, particularly the idea that swarming bees are likely to attack.

For residents who find a bee swarm and feel worried, Mr Stoddard advises contacting Amateur Beekeepers Australia for assistance. He also pointed interested locals towards the “Honey Map” resource to find backyard honey producers in their area.

Published Date 21-April-2025

Avalon’s WWII Hero Who Helped Save JFK

Photo Credit: Robert Knudsen. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

Avalon was the final home of Arthur Reginald Evans, the Australian WWII coastwatcher whose actions helped rescue a young John F. Kennedy—decades before he became President of the United States.

A Mission in the Pacific

In August 1943, while serving as a coastwatcher in the Solomon Islands, Arthur Reginald “Reg” Evans received a coconut-carved message from a missing U.S. naval officer, 26-year-old Lt. John F. Kennedy, whose patrol boat had been sunk by a Japanese destroyer.

Before crossing paths with Kennedy, Evans served in both the Australian Imperial Force and Royal Australian Navy. Born in Sydney in 1905, he had worked in the Solomon Islands for years, giving him vital local knowledge. In 1942, he joined the secretive Coast Watch Organisation.

Evans was stationed on a remote island, monitoring Japanese activity. On the night of August 2, 1943, he saw a flash in the strait—the sinking of Kennedy’s PT-109. Evans sent local scouts Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana to search for survivors. Days later, they returned with news: Kennedy and his crew were alive, along with a coconut inscribed with a plea for help.

The Rescue Plan

Evans swiftly organized a rescue, directing the scouts to bring Kennedy to him. When Kennedy arrived, exhausted and unshaven, the two exchanged brief words of relief. To avoid detection by Japanese planes, Evans hid Kennedy under palm fronds during the boat journey. That night, under cover of darkness, a U.S. vessel successfully picked up all 11 survivors of PT-109.

*Photo Credit: Robert Knudsen. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston*

The coconut message that sparked the rescue remained with Kennedy throughout his life. He later kept it on his desk in the Oval Office as a reminder of how close he had come to dying in the war and of those who had helped save him.

Lost to History, Then Found Again

Despite the significance of his role, Evans remained anonymous for many years. When journalists tried to identify the man behind the coconut message, early reports mistakenly credited a New Zealander named “Lieutenant Windcoat”, a name Evans knew was incorrect.

Evans was officially recognized in 1961 after Kennedy became President. Invited to the White House in May, he gained brief media fame and later returned with one of the scouts for a TV special on the rescue.

A Quiet Ending in Avalon

Evans lived out his later years quietly in Avalon, New South Wales, passing away on 31 January 1989. He rarely spoke about the incident, describing it simply as another day in a long war.

Yet his actions helped shape a life that would influence history. The rescue of John F. Kennedy remains one of the lesser-known but most extraordinary stories of Australian involvement in the Second World War.

Published 7-April-2025

Avalon Beach Woman Publishes First Book at 90

Photo Credit: cottonbro studio/pexels

A forgotten trunk, a family secret, and a quiet writer from Avalon Beach—Judith Friezer’s first novel at 90 years young blends fiction and life in unexpected ways.

Avalon Beach Local Publishes Her First Book at 90

Judith Friezer, a long-time Avalon Beach resident, has published her first children’s book at age 90. After decades of private writing, she’s released Wilma’s Secret, a novel for young readers about family, magic, and self-discovery.

The book launch will take place on 6 April at Bookoccino in Avalon Beach, more than 20 years after Friezer first started writing the manuscript.

A Quiet Life of Writing

Friezer has worn many hats—nurse, flight attendant, marriage celebrant—but writing has always been part of her life. Living in Avalon Beach for over 30 years, she’s filled notebooks with poems and stories inspired by nature and her personal reflections. While she never pursued publishing until recently, writing has helped her work through thoughts she found hard to express aloud.

The Story Behind Wilma’s Secret

The novel tells the story of a teenager named Wilma who stumbles upon a trunk belonging to her great-grandmother. She learns that her ancestor was a witch, and keeping the secret brings unexpected challenges. The story blends mystery with lessons about using power wisely and staying true to oneself.

Friezer sees the book as suitable for young readers and adults alike, especially those still curious about life’s possibilities.

A Dream Realised Later in Life

It took over two decades for Wilma’s Secret to make it to print. Friezer says she’s proud to finally share it with others. The book is now available through Shawline Publishing and is listed with sellers like Readings, Indigo Books, and Mighty Ape.

Published 2-April-2025

‘Brushing’ Scam Delivers Unwanted Parcels to Avalon Homes

Photo Credit: Pexels

Avalon residents are reporting unsolicited parcel deliveries as part of a global “brushing” scam. In this scam, unknown senders post low-value items to boost fake online reviews.

Unwanted Deliveries Raise Concerns in Avalon

Residents across Avalon and surrounding suburbs have received unsolicited parcels containing junk items such as socks, soft toys and rags. The deliveries are part of a growing e-commerce scam tactic known as “brushing”, used by dishonest online retailers to manipulate product rankings through fake verified reviews.

Avalon brushing scam — Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only
Photo Credit: Pexels

What Is a ‘Brushing’ Scam?

“Brushing” scams involve retailers sending packages to real addresses—often with names and contact information collected online or through data breaches. Once the item is delivered, the scammer can mark the order as “verified” and post fake product reviews under the recipient’s name, helping to falsely boost the seller’s reputation and visibility on online marketplaces.

According to cybercrime expert Simon Smith, the practice is less a security breach and more a deceptive marketing ploy. He warned that it underscores the need for consumers to be cautious about sharing personal data online.

Local Reports on the Northern Beaches

In Avalon, Narrabeen and Newport, residents have posted images of parcels containing unwanted and sometimes soiled goods. One Avalon local, Tamara Sloper-Harding, received a large parcel at her doorstep containing dirty dolls and stuffed animals. Initially, she believed it could have been a charitable donation due to her involvement with a not-for-profit supporting Timor Leste.

Other residents reported receiving socks, plastic helicopter toys, and old fabric. A North Narrabeen woman expressed concern after receiving two such parcels, both with her full name, address and telephone number displayed.

Many packages listed return addresses in Victoria, including Dingley Village, an outer-Melbourne suburb.

Avalon unwanted parcels — Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only
Photo Credit: Pexels

Community Concerns

Residents have voiced concerns, questioning how their information was obtained and the intent behind the unsolicited parcels. Though the items appear harmless, the exposure of personal data without consent has raised privacy concerns among locals.

Northern Beaches Police have confirmed they are aware of the scam and encouraged anyone who receives similar parcels to report the incident to Crime Stoppers. The Scamwatch website also provides guidance on identifying and reporting such scams.

Authorities Urge Vigilance

While the scam does not appear to involve financial fraud or stolen goods, authorities stress that it is a reminder for the public to review how their personal details are stored and shared online. No direct link has been made to theft or broader cybercrime beyond the delivery manipulation tactic.

Published 29-Mar-2025

Cold Chisel Manager Rod Willis Selling His Avalon Beach Home for $3.25M

Photo Credit: Rod Willis/Facebook

For nearly four decades, Rod Willis’ Avalon Beach home was his retreat from the world of rock and roll. Now, the former Cold Chisel manager is saying goodbye as the property hits the market.

Cold Chisel Manager’s Avalon Home Hits the Market

A home with ties to rock history in Australia is on the market in Avalon, where Rod Willis, long-time manager of Cold Chisel, is set to sell his beachfront holiday house. With only a short 300 metres from Avalon Beach and village, the 1,391sqm property has been his escape since 1987, providing a relief from the manic music lifestyle.

Now 78, Willis and wife Gay are retiring, listing the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home for sale on March 18, with a $3.25 million guide price. The home has expansive living spaces, multiple decks, a saltwater pool, and tropical gardens, epitomizing the easy Avalon lifestyle.

A Quiet Retreat from a Loud Career

As the manager of Cold Chisel, Willis played a crucial role in the band’s success, guiding them from pub gigs to legendary stadium performances. Years spent on tour and travelling on the road took its toll, so he and his wife chose Avalon as their haven, drawn by the relaxed coastal way of life.

The single-storey home has served as an isolated refuge from the demands of the music industry. Now that the couple embarks on a new chapter in their lives, they are more than happy to leave it behind for new proprietors who would appreciate its uniqueness and its address.

A Highly Sought-After Location

The property enjoys seclusion with ease of access in Sydney’s premier Northern Beaches suburb. It is a short walk from Avalon Beach and village, and therefore close proximity to local cafes, shopping, and community amenities.

With the heavy demand for Avalon properties, the March 18 auction will probably be in hot demand. To buyers, it’s not just a house—it’s the chance to own a piece of Australian music history in a sought-after beachside location.

Published 19-March-2025

Dramatic Rescue Reveals Hidden Dangers of Whale Beach

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Sardaka

On the evening of Thursday, 27 February 2025, Whale Beach became the scene of a complex rescue operation that highlighted the challenging and unpredictable nature of this secluded Northern Beaches location.

Incident Location

The rescue took place on a remote rock platform approximately 700 meters south of Whale Beach’s rock pool, an area known for its rugged and potentially hazardous terrain. Situated near Rayner Road, this stretch of coastline presents unique challenges for emergency responders due to its rocky landscape and difficult access points.

Rescue Challenges

The incident underscored the specific geographical complexities of Whale Beach:

Steep cliff faces
Treacherous rock platforms
Limited access routes
Rapidly changing tide conditions

The incoming tide, expected to peak at 9:11 PM, added significant urgency to the rescue operation, demonstrating the unforgiving nature of Whale Beach’s coastal environment.

Emergency Response

Local emergency services mounted an extensive response:

Northern Beaches Police Area Command deployed four units
NSW Ambulance sent five crews, including Intensive Care and Special Operations Paramedics
Fire and Rescue NSW Avalon Station provided critical rescue equipment
Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter was dispatched from Bankstown

Rescue Details

The operation involved two teenage boys:

A 15-year-old with an ankle injury was carried to the rock pool and transported by road to Westmead Hospital
A 14-year-old with a head and lower back injury required helicopter extraction due to the difficult terrain

The rescue was complicated by darkness and strong winds gusting up to 30 km/h, typical of Whale Beach’s exposed coastal location.

Ongoing Considerations

The incident raises important questions about safety along Whale Beach’s challenging coastline, particularly for young people navigating its rocky and potentially treacherous terrain.

Local authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances of the boys’ injuries, with particular attention to the unique geographical features of this specific Whale Beach location.

Published 28-February-2025

Avalon Beach Surf Lifesavers Honoured with National Medal for Dedication to Service

Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its members who have been recognised with the prestigious National Medal, First Clasps, and Second Clasps for their unwavering commitment to surf lifesaving.

Read: Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club Marks 100 Years of Community Service

The National Medal, awarded on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia, acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated long and diligent service in organisations dedicated to protecting life and property. Originally established as a military recognition in 1975, it has since become one of Australia’s highest civilian honours.

Photo credit: Avalon Beach SLSC/Facebook

Leading the honours for Avalon Beach SLSC is Warren Young OAM, who has been awarded the National Medal – First Clasp in recognition of 25 years of service. Several other dedicated club members have received the National Medal for 15 years of service, highlighting their commitment to keeping beachgoers safe. These recipients include:

Robert Hopton
Richard Cole
Geoffrey Ward
Peter Brennan
Jeffrey Nesbitt
William Elliott
Colin Campbell
Nicholas Wood
Michael Stanley-Jones
Roland Luke
Tim Hixson
Mark Heffernan
Jason Brown

Bilgola SLSC Awardees Recognised

Several members of Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club have also been honoured with the National Medal for their dedication to surf lifesaving. The following individuals have been recognised for 15 years of service:

Romilly Madew
Peter Fenley
Levi Broughton-Rouse
Robert Farr
Andrea Whittet
Bruce Scheffers
Geoff Raper
Craig Poppleton
John Lawson
David Gillard
Greg Franks
Louise Edgley
David Edgley
Nigel Penn

Read: Avalon Youth Hub Rebrands and Expands as “Beaches Youth Hub”

The honours received by Avalon Beach and Bilgola SLSC members highlight their dedication, selflessness, and years of service in protecting the lives of beachgoers. Their commitment plays a crucial role in maintaining surf lifesaving as an essential part of the Australian coastal community.

Published 28-February-2025

Avalon Residents Invited to Have Their Say on Draft Tree Management Policy

Photo Credit: Just Two Trees/YouTube

An open public consultation on the new Draft Tree Management Policy seeks to unify existing policies and enhance tree protection across the region, including in Avalon. The community is encouraged to input as part of efforts to manage the area’s extensive tree canopy.

A Move Towards Consistency in Tree Management

The proposed Draft Tree Management Policy replaces five separate policies from the former authorities, aiming to create a consistent and strategic approach to tree preservation. According to the city officials, the policy aligns with the Northern Beaches Tree Canopy Plan (2023) and prioritises sustainable management, public safety, and biodiversity.

The outlined key objectives of the draft policy include:

Strengthening tree assessment and protection requirements.
Expanding green links between natural areas.
Managing public trees through succession planting and maintenance programs.
Prioritising alternative solutions before tree removal.
Preferring locally occurring native species for new plantings.

Once adopted, the policies of the three former city authorities will be revoked in favour of a single streamlined policy.

Just Two Trees: The Ruskin Rowe Dispute in Avalon

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in Avalon, where removing historic Flooded Gums on Ruskin Rowe has sparked community backlash. In May 2024, NBC informed Ruskin Rowe residents of its plan to remove four trees following a fallen branch incident that damaged a parked vehicle.

While two trees were removed, the final two were protected through a month-long blockade by local residents and community groups. The dispute highlights the broader debate over risk versus environmental benefits, with many locals arguing that Avalon’s tree canopy is an irreplaceable asset.

Award-winning filmmaker Bruce Walters has documented the Ruskin Rowe fight in his latest work, “Just Two Trees”, showcasing the passion of Pittwater residents defending their local landscape.

How and When to Participate

Community members are encouraged to review the Draft Tree Management Policy and submit their feedback.

Submissions opened: Monday, 24 February 2025
Submissions close: Sunday, 30 March 2025

HAVE YOUR SAY

The feedback will be reviewed in April-May 2025, after which a final report will be presented to the NBC for a decision in mid-2025.

For more information or to provide feedback, visit Your Say Northern Beaches.

Published 25-Feb-2025