Avalon Beach Archives - Page 5 of 6

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Avalon Market Day Permanently Scrapped After 3 Decades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Photo Credit: Avalon Market Day/Twitter*

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

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

Airbnb Hotspot Avalon Beach Bounces Back with Long-Term Lettings

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

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

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

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

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

*Photo Credit: Jonathan Atkin/Google Maps*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.