Avalon Beach Archives - Page 4 of 5

Avalon Beach Named As One Of The Safest Northern Beaches Suburbs

Avalon Beach has been named as one of the safest northern beaches suburbs, based on the latest data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

Read: Demand Surges in Avalon Property Market as Buyers Discover ‘Paradise’

According to BOCSAR’s latest crime report, which was recorded between January 2022 and December 2022, Avalon Beach only had a total of 100 serious offences, which included incidents of home theft, car theft and assault.

In the entire Northern Beaches area, violent offences have reduced by 6.2 per cent whilst property offences have diminished by 12. 5 per cent on a five-year trend.

Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach (Photo credit: Google Street View)

In the last 12 months, however, the two crime categories with the large increases were car thefts, which grew to 17 per cent in 2021 and retail theft with a 23.7 per cent increase in the same year.

In an official statement, BOCSAR said the rate of offending for many crimes was interrupted by the pandemic but the number of crimes for car theft and retail theft are now starting to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Berowra Heights, considered as one the safest northern beaches suburbs, recorded the lowest number of serious crimes, with only 24 in the previous year, with a population of 5,458 people. The three leading types of serious crimes recorded in Berowra Heights were malicious damage, assault, and stealing from dwelling.

Read: Keeping Cats Safe at Home Program Launches in Avalon, 10 NSW LGAs

Other suburbs with the lowest serious crime rates include Beecroft (57 serious offences), Cherrybrook (98 serious offences), and West Pennant Hills (95), Fairlight (38), Wahroonga (160), and St Ives (137).

Meanwhile, the areas with the highest rates of serious crime in 2022 included the Sydney CBD which consists of the suburbs of Haymarket, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Millers Point, Dawes Point, with 1559 assaults, 260 sexual assaults, and 608 incidents of malicious damage to property.

Published 8-April-2023

Plan for New Cycleways Along Avalon Beach Scrapped

Photo Credit: Hans / Pixabay

The plan to have new cycleways along Avalon Beach has been scrapped by the Northern Beaches Council, following some backlash from resident groups.

My Place: Avalon – Avalon Beach Place Plan, which identifies improvements and programs for the area, was officially adopted during a Council meeting held in late July 2022.

However, the proposed cycleways within the Avalon Beach village were scrapped, with Council recommending that the proposal be “re-investigated” within 12 months, following unfavourable feedback from the community towards the project.

The public exhibition had received 736 submissions on the draft Place Plan, many of which were critical of the proposed cycleway. The key issues raised include:

The concrete divide between the cycleway and the road would be a trip hazard
Extending the cycleway across Barrenjoey Road would be dangerous for cyclists and motorists
The cycleway will disrupt residents getting in and out of Old Barrenjoey Rd (south)
Intermingling cyclists is a dangerous outcome, for the elderly and young pedestrians
Oppose the bike path due to the loss of trees
The cycleway will result in the loss of 30 parking spaces
A dedicated cycle path on Old Barrenjoey Rd would be a disaster and only cause high anxiety between the community and the Lycra brigade who travel at high speed
Some community support for the Alternate Avalon Bike Path Plan – Avalon Preservation Association that locates the cycleway in the laneways

A Council document stated that the cycleway would have provided the community with a safe cycling route and that it was developed as a response to the community’s expressed desire for active transport options apart from vehicles.

It likewise stated that the design did not incorporate a long concrete divide between the cycle path and car parking spaces as there are other materials and structures that could be used as well as breaks that would allow prams/wheelchairs and walkers access.

“No parking spaces would have been lost as a direct consequence of the proposed cycleway and no disabled car parking spaces will be removed as part of the design concept. In total 11 parking spaces will be removed from Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade to cater for the intersection redesign and incorporated footpath widening,” the document added.

“We recognise the local community is passionate about the environment and protection of trees and vegetation and the design of the cycleway was undertaken to minimise tree removal. However, as part of the design, six trees in the centre of the Old Barrenjoey Road (south) and three small trees along the western footpath edge need to be removed.”

“As part of the Place Plan extensive additional planting would be undertaken throughout the village,” Council stated as a response to the concerns over the loss of trees as part of the Place Plan.

Considering the concerns raised, the proposed cycleway will not proceed despite the mitigation measures available.

“Our 10-year plan for Avalon Beach sets out both longer-term projects such as redesigning the Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade intersection and quick win projects that have already been completed such as improving Dunbar Park playground in 2021,” Mayor Regan said..

Council will trial temporary southbound shared along Old Barrenjoey Road between Avalon Parade and Woolworths car park entrance. Before a permanent shared zone is considered, however, the community will be invited to have their say.

Improvements on the Avalon Beach streetscape will also be part of the plan including resurfacing footpaths and roads, landscaping, installing new street furniture, increasing the opportunities for art in public spaces and performance spaces, and improving lighting. Greening of the area will also be a major component of the plan.

Endangered Sea Turtle Found on Avalon Beach Rescued and Released in Port Stephens

Avalon, an endangered Hawksbill sea turtle that washed up on Avalon Beach in November 2020, has been nursed back to health and was recently released in Port Stephens.

Now weighing more than 13 kilograms, Avalon was extremely malnourished at 3.8 kilograms when it was discovered struggling to forage for food nearly two years ago. She had barnacles and algae growth on her, which suggested that she was on adrift for quite some time.

The turtle was placed under an intensive care program with SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Curatorial Supervisor Ben Wynand and his team. She became healthy, strong and fit for release.

As soon as Avalon was in the water, she swam with all her strength at Zenith Beach, a natural turtle habitat around the Shoal Bay headland.

Also rescued and released at Port Stephens were Cutler and Warnie, a pair of Loggerhead Sea Turtles found in Victoria. The experts said that Cutler and Warnie suffered from Floater Syndrome, which prevented them from going underwater due to their buoyancy.

Sea Life Aquarium curator Laura Simmons said that they decided to bring the turtles to Zenith Beach as it had the perfect condition for Avalon, Cutler and Warnie to thrive.

Ms Simmons believes that the turtles could remain in Port Stephens for some time if there is great food and the water temperature is ideal. But turtles tend to travel a lot thus Avalon and the other turtles could be in Queensland’s water up north in no time.

Turtles wash up on the beach for many reasons but some have been unable to swim because they’ve gotten sick from ingesting plastic.

New Twist to Prison Escapee Darko “Dougie” Desic’s Story Revealed

Photo Credit: GoFundMe / gofundme.com

A new twist to the story of prison escapee Darko “Dougie” Desic, who turned himself in after 30 years of living as a handyman in Northern Beaches, has been revealed.

Desic broke out of Grafton correctional facility on July 31, 1992, after serving 13 months of his three-and-a-half years of a prison sentence for growing marijuana, using hacksaw blade and bolt cutters; he was 35 years old then.

He said he escaped prison out of fear of being deported after completing his prison term to what used to be Yugoslavia, where he believes he would be punished for failing to complete his compulsory military service.

He remained under the radar for 30 years whilst living in Avalon and working as a cash-in-hand labourer, until the pandemic happened. Left with no means to support himself and homeless, the now 64-year-old opted to hand himself to Dee Why Police Station.

Grafton Correctional Centre | Photo Credit: Photographic Collection from Australia, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, / Wikimedia Commons

Before he was sent back to prison, Darko took the time to make one request that will end up touching someone’s life. He asked his friend Scott Matthewson to search for the owner of a gold medal that he found whilst living a life on the run in Northern Beaches. The rightful owner of the gold Victory Medal turned out to be Ernest Charles May from Melbourne.

May was awarded the gold medal in 1919 after serving in the Great War. He was wounded three times, had miraculously survived being buried in a collapsed trench before getting gassed with sulphur mustard.

The war veteran gave his World War I medal to his nephew John Paul Bell back in 1962 who had it hanging on his key ring when he lost it whilst walking on Avalon Beach. Mr Bell then learned about Desic’s story whilst reading his Pittwater Life magazine which showed a photo of his uncle’s medal.

Locals who have known “Dougie” for years rallied behind him upon learning that he was in jail and organised a GoFundMe to help him “rebuild his life”.

“Seems like he was a small offender and the laws were harsher back then for people growing pot. Meanwhile, he has stayed out of trouble and has had this problem hanging over his head for half his life. Also, he has helped our community and been a decent fellow,” the fundraiser stated.

“Remember he has been in our community for thirty years and ended up homeless on our beach at Avalon. Never did he hurt anybody. He is in jail now.”

“Dougie” is set to be granted parole as early as August 2022 but he could face deportation upon release.

Avalon Beach Gentleman Resolves to Clean Up Careel Creek for the New Year

If you’re passing by Careel Creek, you’ll likely see a wonderful Avalon Beach local, Lionel Kools, who has made cleaning up Careel Creek his New Year’s resolution, after a cathartic realisation some months ago.

Lionel shared that he used to be ticked off seeing rubbish around Careel Creek each time he walked his dog at lunch. Around November 2021, he spotted a long-necked turtle in the water.

“She was the valid reason to buy a wader and jump into the water,” Lionel wrote.

Careel Creek Lionel Kooks — *Photo Credit: Lionel Kools/Facebook*

Since then, Lionel has been voluntarily cleaning-up after gaining a deeper understanding of what Careel Creek represents for him.

“Careel Creek is somehow a mirror of our emotional content; It can be filled with content that we do not necessarily own, want and/or carry against our will. Careel Creek is tidal, and like our emotional content, it goes backwards and forwards without our permission and control.

“I picked the Careel Creek clean-up as a New Year resolution because this yearly goal is perfectly unachievable. Cleaning Careel Creek is a business of layers, not everything can be taken out in one go. The more you clean, the more you see, the more need to be addressed, just like our emotional content that requires attention – ongoing attention!”

“Before starting on this journey, I was getting pretty mad about strangers damaging our beautiful nature. This feeling is over! I can’t control people; I can only change and adjust how I relate to them.”

On 15 Jan 2022, Lionel joined the first Careel Creek Cleaning Session of the year and removed about 600 kilograms of wastes — from old bike parts, to signboards, to heaps of plastic — at the playing fields and the mangroves.

Earlier, he has inspired four people to join him in cleaning as well.

Careel Creek Lionel Kools — *Photo Credit: Tom Borge McGee/Facebook*

“Lionel ‘Creek Lord’ Cools (sorry mate 🤣) was back at it again this morning, cleaning up and promoting the aesthetics and ecological wellbeing of the valuable, but long term abused and neglected waterway… full of flora and fauna but also much polluting garbage,” shared Tom Borge McGee.

“Was great to join him this morning and together with Vicky and Michael, who literally went home and geared up to join us after stopping to chat on their morning walk (lords). We pulled a lot of ‘creek bounty’ including a large pram, scooters, bikes and an enormous array of mainly plastic garbage that must weigh above 30kg at least.”

But more needs to be done and Lionel will be there to do just that, whilst also encouraging the community to do their part. He has gotten in touch with the Northern Beaches Council to pick-up some of the rubbish that can’t be easily removed. He has also gotten in touch with Tony Hawk, one of the world’s best skateboarders, to “endorse” cleaning up Careel Creek.

Video Credit: Lionel Kools/Cameo

Far from being called a hero, Lionel said that he’s doing this New Year’s resolution for his love of nature…and that long-necked turtle.

“I do not have any political, religious or personal motivation behind my love for nature,” Lionel said. “My action does not make a hero, a God, a Lord, the Creek Lord or whatever. I thank you for your praises, but nature is the true hero here, and the turtle has touched the soft spot in my heart just like you do as a loving community.”

Nash & Banks Flagship Store Now Open in Avalon Beach

Photo credit: Nash & Banks / Facebook

Great news, sustainability heroes! Popular online shopping site Nash & Banks has opened its flagship brick-and-mortar store in Avalon Beach.

As an online shopping platform, Nash & Banks features more than 3,000 carefully curated products with some only available in the store. They make sure that each beauty product, garment, and homeware item adheres to one or more of their core values: ethical, sustainable, minimal waste, artisan, vegan, Australian made, gives back, and natural.

Now, Nash & Banks takes a leap forward with a bigger and better project, their Avalon Beach shop, which will allow their loyal and new patrons to actually see, feel, and experience the products.

Much like the online shop offerings, the physical store will feature home decors, vegan Australian-made personal care products, synthetic-free perfume and candles, vegan chocolates, clothing, jewellery and loads of other products specially made for its pro-sustainability customers.

Nash & Banks bags — Photo credit: Nash_&_Banks / Facebook

They also made sure that the store’s fit-out is consistent with the Nash & Banks brand. From choosing only a green energy supplier to utilizing reclaimed timber and eco-friendly non-toxic paint, each process ensured that sustainable materials were prioritised and minimal waste was produced wherever possible.

Nash & Banks store interior — Photo credit: Nash_&_Banks / Facebook

Even the brickwork was handmade using traditional artisan methods and windows were covered with repurposed packaging paper prior to opening.

According to its founder, Niccii Kugler, who used to work for an NGO in Costa Rica, the idea of an environmentally-friendly store came after she gave birth to her child. It was at that time that she realised the escalating environmental cost of overconsumption and felt that she needed to do something in her own capacity to help bring about change.

Her search for alternative brands that align with her vision allowed her to connect with a like-minded community of artisans and innovators. Handpicking and vetting the creators and designers was a tedious process but it was all to ensure that they only deal with brands that demonstrate one or more of Nash & Banks’ core values.

The store is located at Shop 1 / Angophora Arcade 55 old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach. The store is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

Nash and Banks |Shop 1, ‘Angophora Arcade’ 55 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach, NSW 2107

Your Feedback Please! Survey About Woolworths Metro Avalon

Following confirmed plans that the Avalon Beach Woolworths outlet in Old Barrenjoey Road will be transformed into a Woolworths Metro store, three groups have come together to collect more feedback from the residents.

The Avalon Preservation Association, Palm Beach Whale Beach Association, and the Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents Association are looking to survey a large group of residents to determine how much the planned change will impact the community. The groups also plan to speak with senior executives at Woolworths based on the responses in the survey.

In late October 2021, Woolworths said that there were no plans to switch to a Woolworths Metro after a Bilgola resident learned about the potential changes from a staff when she asked about the price changes to the Woolworths Supermarkets special catalogue. However, a week after the confusion, Woolworths Metro General Manager Justin Nolan confirmed that this branch will become a Metro store by Easter 2022.

As a new Woolworths Metro Avalon, shoppers could expect a more extensive inventory of fruits and vegetables, essentials, meat and seafood, packed dinners, and other ranges of grocery products.

Mr Nolan also said that they will have community drop-in information sessions before implementing the changes. Customers will have more information in the coming months.

Woolworths Metro Survey

Click to download the survey form here and then mail or drop off responses to:

Management Committee
Avalon Preservation Trust
Incorporated as Avalon Preservation Association
PO Box 1
Avalon Beach NSW 2107

Meanwhile, a resident said she received information from the corporation’s legal team that Woolworths Metro Avalon isn’t the typical Metro store that residents have in mind. Instead, it will be a “Neighbourhood Metro,” which is already in more than 50 locations across the country, and not an “On the Go” Metro most commonly found in the CBD.

“Neighbourhood Metro stores focus on a strong fresh food offer, particularly fresh Australian fruit and vegetables, artisan bakery, entertaining etc. This is backed by a great range of everyday essentials for a grocery shop, tailored to meet the needs of the local community.”

woolies-avalon — Photo Credit: Google Maps

However, the residential groups said that there are concerns about the product ranges that will be offered in a Neighbourhood Metro.

“Everyday grocery items may not be so readily available, or prices may rise. This could mean it may then be necessary to travel to Woolworths in Mona Vale or Coles in Newport, or order online.”

Avalon Beach Residents Urged to Check for Unclaimed Money with Revenue NSW

Residents of Avalon Beach and other parts of the 2107 postcode are urged to check for unclaimed money with Revenue NSW. You may have unclaimed refunds, commissions, dividend payments, deceased estates monies, superannuation, and unpaid wages and not know it!

Whilst 1,485 claims totalling $583,741 from Avalon Beach and 2107 ratepayers have been made as of 1 Sept 2021, some 22,000 individuals still have unclaimed money amounting to $6.5 million for Northern Beaches alone. State-wide, $467 million remain unclaimed from the agency.

NSW Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said that some residents might have missed the claims because they have moved or changed their addresses or misplaced the paperwork to ensure the correct disbursement.

“We know many people are doing it tough, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with most households having to keep a close eye on their budget. This is why I am encouraging people to check their eligibility on the Revenue NSW website to see if you are owed any money, you could have hundreds or thousands of dollars that you didn’t know about,” the minister said.

“Anyone can search for unclaimed money on the Revenue NSW website. It is a free service offered by the NSW Government to get money back into the hands of its owners.”

Revenue NSW will hold the unclaimed money indefinitely.

Check for Unclaimed Money

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 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.