Avalon Archives - Avalon News

‘Brushing’ Scam Delivers Unwanted Parcels to Avalon Homes

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

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

190X Bus Service Reductions Leave Avalon Residents Stranded

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Avalon residents are struggling to get to work. Significant reductions to the 190X bus service, with some services cut by a quarter, have left commuters stranded and late.

Changes to the 190X bus route directly linking Avalon Beach and Sydney’s central business district have sparked widespread anger among locals. Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby has voiced strong concerns about the impact of these cuts, highlighting the frustration of commuters who rely on the service. The issues have come to light as the NSW Auditor-General pointed out problems with managing bus contracts.

Commuters’ Daily Struggles

190X Bus Service Reductions Leave Avalon Residents Stranded — *Photo Credit:* *Avalon What’s On/ Facebook group*

People who use the 190X service report that the buses are often cancelled or delayed, making it difficult to get to work on time. One commuter, Adam Radcliffe, who has used the service for 16 years, said that the reliability of the buses has worsened since Keolis Downer took over operations. Another commuter, Stephanie Lamacchia, expressed concern that the unreliability of the service is putting her job at risk. A regular commuter, Shell Morgan, explained that even the B-Line service, a fast and reliable option, has experienced problems, including drivers stopping unexpectedly and leaving passengers stranded.

The problems are not limited to cancellations. One resident, Margaret Perusich, believes the bus service is being sabotaged to reduce the number of passengers and, therefore, the route needs. Another resident, Eamonn Murray, has pointed out that even with the new timetable, multiple buses are being cancelled and the queues at bus stops are longer than ever.

Political Response and Service Changes

Ms Scruby is actively collecting feedback from the community to present to the Minister for Transport and the bus operator. She stated that the cuts to the 190X service are unacceptable, especially given the existing challenges faced by commuters in the area. She also noted that the problem is not isolated to Avalon but is a symptom of wider issues within the privatised bus network.

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins attributed the service reductions to the removal of articulated buses due to chassis failures and a shortage of bus drivers. He explained that efforts are being made to minimise the impact on passengers. However, some timetable adjustments were necessary to ensure that the busiest services and school buses operate normally. An industry insider stated that repairs to the articulated buses are proving more difficult than expected and may require significant re-engineering.

Ms Scruby acknowledged that the B-Line service has improved but maintained that the cuts to the 190X service are unjustified. She urges commuters to share their experiences to help her push for action. The 190X service, which ran 12 buses Monday to Thursday mornings, is now reduced to nine. Monday, 3 March saw 3 of the 9 inbound 190x services cancelled.

Community Concerns and Historical Context

Frank Locallad, a long-time resident, expressed concern about losing other local express bus services. He stated that the current problems are part of a long-term decline in public transport in the area and highlighted that travel times have increased significantly over the years.

Published Date 23-Feb-2025

Avalon Trees: Local Community Fights to Save Flooded Gums

Photo Credit: Canopy Keepers

In a significant display of environmental activism in Avalon, northern beaches residents have mounted an extraordinary campaign to save two 60-year-old flooded gums (Eucalyptus grandis) from removal by Northern Beaches Council.

The dispute began in May last year when council ordered the removal of two trees in the tree-lined Ruskin Rowe following a risk assessment. Two additional trees were marked for removal after a branch damaged a Mercedes, but determined Avalon locals quickly organised to prevent further cutting.

Deb Collins, convener of local group Canopy Keepers, noted that the “owner of the damaged car to our knowledge didn’t take umbrage with council” or seek to have the trees removed. She emphasised that while “quite possibly those [first two] trees did have issues,” the community was “not convinced the next two trees had to come down.”

The response from Avalon residents was unprecedented, with a peaceful blockade halting the planned felling, followed by a month-long community vigil throughout June. “I’ve lived in Avalon about 12 years, and I’ve never seen… that level of interest,” Collins said, noting that over 50 people from various environmental groups and local residents participated in the action.

The community’s commitment extended to crowdfunding an independent arborist assessment by Mark Hartley, who found “nothing that suggests that the risk associated with either of these trees is outside the broadly acceptable range.”

Award-winning Avalon filmmaker Bruce Walters, who has called the northern beaches home for 20 years, documented the controversy in “Just Two Trees,” released Monday. Walters, now living in nearby Bilgola Plateau, said he has become accustomed to “the sound of chainsaws” in the area.

Greens councillor Miranda Korzy, who represents the Pittwater ward including Avalon, said the campaign “wasn’t just about” those two “magnificent” trees but represented “the community putting a stake in the ground” for stronger tree protections.

The Northern Beaches Council is expected to make a final decision following another independent arborist assessment due next month, while a new tree management policy was set for public comment release.

Published 19-February-2025

Avalon Car Theft Ends with Heartwarming Dog Rescue

Photo Credit: Freerangestock

An Avalon woman’s routine trip to the local shops turned into a community-wide search when her car was stolen with her beloved dog, Amico, still inside. The incident, which unfolded across several Northern Beaches suburbs, left residents both shocked and captivated by the strange sequence of events that followed.

The unsettling discovery occurred on Sunday, 19 January, when Virginia, an Avalon local, left her Hilux Dual Cab briefly unattended outside Palm Beach Wine Co., with her keys in the ignition and Amico, a Kelpie crossed Border Collie, in the backseat. Within ten minutes, her car was gone, sparking an emotional ordeal that stretched over two tense days.

A Strange Phone Call and a Car Left Behind

Despite immediate police involvement, no trace of the vehicle or Amico was found that day. But the mystery deepened the next morning when Virginia received an unexpected call on her landline—a number known only to those with access to her missing phone, which had been inside the stolen vehicle.

The man on the line claimed to have seen a black dog jumping in and out of a car at Nolan Reserve, Manly, before abruptly hanging up. Although his identity remains unknown, Virginia suspects he may have been the car thief himself. Acting on the tip, she located her Hilux thoughtfully parked under a tree near the reserve. However, Amico was nowhere to be seen.

Amico the rescued dog from Avalon — *Photo Credit: What’s On Avalon/Facebooka*

A Community Comes Together

The search for Amico took a hopeful turn the next day when Annie Johnson, a local social worker, spotted a distressed black dog darting around Oliver Street in Freshwater. Exhausted and visibly shaken, the dog willingly jumped into Annie’s car. Realising the dog was far from home, she brought him to Harbord Vet and posted a photo in the popular Facebook group, ‘Avalon What’s On.’

By the time Annie arrived at work, her post had exploded with comments from concerned community members. It wasn’t long before the connection was made to Virginia’s earlier plea for help, leading to a heartwarming reunion between Virginia and her beloved Amico. Despite being shaken, Amico was safe, ending the ordeal with relief and gratitude.

Unanswered Questions Linger

While Amico’s return brought joy, the case remains unsolved. Police examined Virginia’s vehicle for fingerprints and reviewed CCTV footage from Palm Beach Wine Co., but no solid leads have emerged. The identity of the mysterious caller—whether a good Samaritan or the thief with a guilty conscience—remains unknown.

Virginia has since reflected on the incident with a simple but stern message to her community: never leave your keys in the car, even in familiar places.

Published 5-February-2025

Randy’s Wine Bar in Avalon Offers Happy Hour Deals to Beat Summer Heat

Photo Credit: Randy’s Wine/ Instagram

Avalon Beach residents can enjoy discounted drinks and oysters at Randy’s Wine Bar throughout the summer.

This small but stylish wine bar, nestled in the heart of Avalon Beach, offers locals a way to socialise without breaking the bank this summer. Formerly known as Sandy’s, the venue has been transformed by the team behind the popular Bar Elvina.

Aperitivo Hour: Oysters and Drinks on the Cheap

*Photo Credit:* *Randy’s Wine/ Instagram*

Randy’s Wine offers a special aperitivo hour from Wednesday to Friday, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.. During this time, patrons can indulge in $3 oysters, $10 glasses of wine, $7 schooners of Estrella, and $12 margaritas. This provides a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind after a long day or catch up with friends while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Beyond the Bottle: Exploring the Drinks Menu

Randy's Wine Bar — *Photo Credit:* *Randy’s Wine/ Instagram*

While the name suggests a focus on wine, Randy’s offers a diverse menu with something for everyone. They have a curated selection of wines from around the world, including reds, whites, and even skin-contact varieties (also known as orange wines). For those who prefer cocktails, Randy’s has unique options like the oyster shell martini and a special zero-alcohol cocktail.

A Taste of the Sea (and Land!): Randy’s Food Offerings

The food menu at Randy’s is just as impressive. Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh Sydney rock oysters, Clarence River octopus, and fried calamari with tarragon mayo. If seafood isn’t your preference, there are other delicious options like chicken liver parfait and burrata with peach vinegar. Randy’s also offers a “let us feed you” menu for $50 per person, allowing diners to sample their best dishes.

Local Raves: Randy’s Wins Over Avalon

Randy’s Wine has quickly become a favourite among locals with its cosy atmosphere, delicious food, and extensive drinks menu. Reviewers praised the bar for its outstanding food, wine recommendations, and service. One customer even declared it has the “best food in Avalon,” highlighting the fantastic service and wine recommendations.

Published Date 22-Jan-2025

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

Photo Credit: Beaches Youth Hub/ Facebook

Young people and families on the Barrenjoey Peninsula have cause for celebration with the significant expansion of the Avalon Youth Hub, now rebranded as the “Beaches Youth Hub“.

This expansion comes after an endorsed proposal to relocate the Hub to the former Avalon Customer Contact Centre. This would allow for a broader range of services and support for young people facing challenges.

This initiative has been years in the making, originating in 2017 when then-Barranjoey High School Principal Ian Bowsher recognised the need for a dedicated youth support service in the area. He partnered with The Burdekin Association, and they launched the Avalon Youth Hub in 2018 May.

At the time, Mr Bowsher stressed the importance of having a central location where young people could access help with various issues, from mental health to substance abuse, in an open and supportive environment.

He envisioned the Hub as a place to normalise conversations around youth wellbeing and bring together different community sectors—schools, health services, and government—to collaborate on this crucial mission.

The Northern Beaches Council’s decision to grant the former Customer Contact Centre to the Youth Hub followed a thorough viability review and an Expressions of Interest process.

The Burdekin Association, as the lead agency of the Avalon Youth Hub, was selected from several applicants. This move underscores the Council’s dedication to youth wellbeing and its proactive approach to addressing mental health concerns within the community.

A celebratory event marked this new chapter. The new “Beaches Youth Hub” identity was unveiled on Wednesday, 18 September. This rebranding reflects the Hub’s expanded reach and commitment to serving the broader community.

It is located at 59 Old Barrenjoey Road, Pittwater, and welcomes drop-in visitors on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can also reach them by phone at 0487 936 875.

Published Date 01-October-2024

Avalon Beach Residents Oppose Senior Living Complex Development on Kevin Avenue

Concerned locals at Avalon Beach stand united against a controversial proposal that seeks to transform two cherished family homes on Kevin Avenue into a senior living complex, sparking fears of lost character, increased congestion, and the erosion of the area’s natural beauty.

The project (DA2024/0044), which is estimated to cost $8.6 million, aims to establish a 10-unit senior living facility at 25-27 Kevin Avenue. This development plan has caught the attention of Avalon Beach residents and stirred significant community opposition, highlighting concerns over the potential loss of the suburb’s unique “character and beauty.”

Kevin Ave Avalon — *Photo Credit: DA2024/0044*

Over 100 submissions from locals have been flooding the Northern Beaches Council, most of which express strong opposition to the development. The public notification period ran from 13 to 27 February 2024.

Critics have expressed their resistance to the development for several reasons. These include fears of increased traffic on already busy roads, loss of green spaces and tree canopies, and concerns over the adequacy of public transport options for seniors. The opposition is rooted in the belief that the development would significantly depart from the area’s current aesthetic and scale.

“I wish to object to this development taking place in Kevin Avenue. It is a difficult road to navigate at the best of times,” Brenda Haig said in her submission to Council. “Quite often it is highly congested with parked cars and traffic as it’s the only safe thoroughfare with lights to Barrenjoey road. The building of these units will be totally inappropriate by impacting the green corridor, water run off and privacy. The scale and density is an over development for this street.”

“The proposed development in Kevin Avenue, Avalon Beach will be a quick money-making venture for the developer,” says Jennifer Hall. “The proposal exceeds height limits & is high density in a low density residential area. The traffic is already like a dodgem race as the limited parking on both sides of Kevin Avenue restricts traffic visibility. The morning & afternoon is a traffic jam as people use the only lights allowing a safe right hand turn into BarrenjoeyRd! This is a disastrous proposal for Avalon!!”

“It’s too much and not needed here it will not alleviate the lack affordable housing in the in the area it will only compound it, the only people who will benefit are the developers,” wrote Les Manning, another resident.

In response to the proposed development, locals have launched a social media campaign, spreading an “urgent appeal — protect our community” message across various platforms. The campaign reflects a broader apprehension regarding the “relentless pursuit of profit by developers” and the precedent such a project could set for future developments in Avalon Beach.

“Your support in objecting to this proposal will defend the very essence of Avalon and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” the campaign stated.

The owners of the properties have not made any comments regarding the community’s response as the DA is still under assessment.

Published 27-March-2024

Avalon Customer Contact Centre to Permanently Close

Did you know that despite efforts to the contrary, plans to close the Avalon Customer Contact Centre will now move forward?

Following a decision that enjoys majority support, the centre will cease to operate by November 2023. However, the move has not been without its share of opposition.

The Avalon Preservation Association (APA) expressed concerns about the diminishing services available to the residents of Avalon and its surrounding areas.

Craig Boaden, President of the APA, highlighted that the closure of the customer service centre was part of a broader trend of service reductions that have been impacting the community. Boaden emphasized that not everyone relies on the internet for their transactions and questioned the decision to eliminate a service that served a vital role for many residents.

The recommendation to close the Avalon Customer Contact Centre was presented by Council staff, citing that the centre had an average footfall of only 13 people per day.

David Kerr, the Director of Community & Belonging at Northern Beaches Council, outlined that the cost of each visit to the centre was significantly higher compared to other locations, amounting to nearly $90 per visit as opposed to $16 at alternate centres, such as in Dee Why and Mona Vale. The closure is expected to result in an annual cost saving of approximately $270,000 for Council.

Cr Miranda Korzy (Greens) challenged the projected savings, expressing concerns about potential job redundancies and the allocation of the staff to handle incoming phone calls.

She argued that the cost savings might not be as significant as estimated. On the other hand, Cr Sarah Grattan (Manly Ward), pointed out the distribution of services across different Council wards and the relatively low footfall at the Avalon centre.

Ms Grattan underscored that the service will not be cancelled. Instead, it will be moved to a nearby location as there is convenient public transportation available between Avalon and Mona Vale.

She also said there’s a need to make challenging decisions occasionally to achieve cost savings and subsequently channel those funds back into the community. However, she believes that decisions should be made in consultation with the community to identify a more beneficial utilisation of this Council property.

Pittwater Ward Cr Michael Gencher, who was among those advocating for deferral, inserted a rider on the motion that opened the door for exploring alternative uses of the space once the customer service centre is closed. He emphasized the importance of making decisions in the community’s best interests and repurposing the space to cater to other community needs.

The final decision to close the Avalon Customer Service Centre, with the provision to explore alternative community services for the space, was approved by most of the councillors.

Published 24-Aug-2023

Mural Artist Daniel Hend Paints Amazing Landscape for Avalon RSL

Photo Credit: Daniel Hend/Facebook

Have you seen the beautiful mural on display on the wall of the Bowling Green Lane across the carpark at the Avalon RSL?

The amazing artwork is the handiwork of mural artist Daniel Hend who was tasked to paint the Australian Bush landscape and depict the stunning wildlife, flora and fauna of Avalon.

Mr Hend was contacted by Jasmine Hopcraft, who organised the fundraiser to get this project done. She saw a post from the artist offering his services at one of the community groups.

Ms Hopcraft thought that the Avalon community would be proud to have artwork depicting their amazing surrounding and believed they could raise $3,000 for the project. The Avalon RSL has contributed $1,000 to kickstart Hend’s work.

Ms Hopcraft also tapped local ecologist Jayden Walsh for the painting’s vision, which features some of the wonderful residents of Avalon, such as the owls, possums, bush turkey, kookaburra, and king parrots. The ghosts of koalas, wallabies and echidnas will also feature in the mural. These animals were once inhabitants of the suburb but are no longer missing due to the effects of development and human settlement.

As a child, Mr Hend, originally from Mullumbimby, learned to paint landscapes from his father, Len Hend and he developed his own style and familiarity with many mediums to become a multi-faceted visual artist.

Mr Hend has won heaps of recognition for his creativity and has raised funds by painting. He has murals and paintings in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.

His work on the Avalon RSL mural is expected to be completed by the end of February 2023.

Published 13 February 2023