Avalon Archives - Avalon News

Helen Pitt Returns To Avalon For Luna Park Book Conversation

An author event will be held at the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club, where Helen Pitt will discuss her book on the history of Luna Park.

Avalon Event Centres On Luna Park Story

A literary event in Avalon on Thursday 7 May 2026 will bring Helen Pitt back to the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club for a discussion on her book Luna Park. The event will feature a conversation with broadcaster and writer Sarah Macdonald, focusing on the history of the Sydney amusement park.

The discussion will cover figures connected to the park’s past, including showmen and criminal elements, as well as key events linked to its development.

Avalon author event — *Photo Credit: Humanitix*

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Tracing Luna Park From Overseas Origins To Sydney

The book follows the origins of Luna Park from late 19th-century America through to its development in Australia. It examines the emergence of amusement parks overseas before focusing on Sydney’s harbourfront site.

The narrative includes the transfer of rides, including the Big Dipper, from South Australia to Sydney, where the park opened in 1935. It also outlines periods of closure, legal disputes and ongoing challenges connected to the site.

The 1979 Ghost Train fire forms part of the history examined in the book, alongside other events linked to the park over time.

Career Spanning Decades In Journalism

Pitt is an Australian journalist and author whose career has spanned several decades in media. She reported for The Sydney Morning Herald from 1986 to 2024 and has also worked across publications including The Bulletin, New York Times Digital and Euronews.

Her first book, The House, examined the history of the Sydney Opera House and received the 2018 Walkley Book Award. In addition to her writing, she has worked as a tour guide specialising in cultural travel.

Personal Connections Behind The Research

Pitt’s work draws on personal memories and family links to Luna Park, alongside historical research. Her connection to the site includes family involvement with the Big Dipper during the park’s early years.

The Avalon appearance continues her previous connection with the venue, where she earlier presented The House. Her background as a lifelong Sydneysider also informs her focus on local history and cultural landmarks.

Event Details In Avalon

The event in Avalon is scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026 at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5.15 p.m. It is hosted by Bookoccino as part of its author event program.

The Avalon session will centre on Pitt’s research and her discussion with Sarah Macdonald, focusing on the history and development of Luna Park.

Published 23-Apr-2026

From Avalon’s Coastline To Waitara, A New Cathedral Precinct Takes Shape

Photo Credit: Pexels

From coastal parishes such as Avalon to Sydney’s north shore, a proposed cathedral precinct in Waitara is drawing together communities across the Diocese of Broken Bay, marking a rare development described as the first of its kind in more than a century.

From Coast To Centre

Avalon, set along the Northern Beaches, sits within a network of parishes that stretch across the Diocese of Broken Bay. That network now converges on Waitara, where plans announced in April 2026 outline a 7.7-hectare cathedral precinct intended to serve communities across the region.

The proposal has been described as the first Roman Catholic cathedral precinct in Australia to be masterplanned from inception in over 100 years, placing the project within a rare historical frame while connecting distant communities through a single site.

Waitara cathedral precinct — Photo Credit: Níall McLaughlin Architects

A Shared Diocese Across Distance

The Diocese of Broken Bay spans the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Central Coast, supporting around 250,000 Catholics across 26 parishes. Within this structure, Avalon forms part of a coastal grouping that links back to the broader diocesan framework.

The Waitara precinct is designed to operate within this structure, not as a local project but as a central point where diocesan life comes together. For communities like Avalon, its relevance is defined by that shared framework rather than geography.

A Precinct Shaped For More Than Worship

At the centre of the proposal is a cathedral, but the broader precinct extends well beyond a single building. Plans include education facilities, community services, a parish hall, a pastoral centre, diocesan offices and residences for clergy.

Public-facing features such as a forecourt, café and bookshop are also part of the design, introducing everyday use into the space and reinforcing its role as a multi-purpose environment.

Design Reflecting The Landscape

The architectural concept draws on the natural environment, with references to the Hawkesbury River informing the design. Timber framing and sandstone elements are proposed to reflect surrounding landscapes of forest and rock.

An existing blue gum forest within the site is planned to be retained, alongside rooftop gardens aimed at supporting biodiversity and integrating the development into its setting.

A Long-Term Project Still In Motion

The Waitara proposal is expected to proceed through planning approval, with construction timing dependent on regulatory processes and funding raised through church-led initiatives and dedicated appeals. The project is set to evolve over several years as these stages progress.

From Avalon’s coastline to Waitara’s proposed precinct, the connection remains grounded in the Diocese of Broken Bay, linking local parish communities to a central development still taking shape.

Published 20-Apr-2026

Avalon Worker Suffers Severe Hand Crush Injury at Construction Site

Photo Credit: Pexels

A construction worker was taken to hospital after his hand was severely crushed during an incident at a worksite in Avalon Beach.

Hand Trapped Between Timber and Excavator

The incident occurred at a construction site along Marine Parade, where a worker’s hand became caught between a load of timber and the bucket of an excavator.

Emergency services were called shortly before 10:15 a.m. on 8 April 2026 after reports of a serious workplace injury. The situation unfolded during handling of materials near heavy machinery at the site.

Avalon construction injury — Photo Credit: Pexels

Paramedics Treat Severe Hand Injury

Two ambulance crews attended the Avalon scene, including an Extended Care Paramedic whose skills include managing hand injuries.

On arrival, paramedics treated a 65-year-old construction worker who had suffered a severe crush injury to his right hand. The injury included a partial amputation of his right index finger.

Treatment involved addressing multiple injuries to the hand and carefully cleaning debris from the wounds before the man was prepared for transport.

Transported to Hospital in Stable Condition

The worker remained conscious throughout the response and was taken from the site just before 11:00 a.m.

He was transported to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition for further treatment.

Incident Understood to Be Reported

The Avalon workplace incident is understood to have been reported to SafeWork NSW.

The circumstances involved a load of timber and an excavator, reflecting the type of heavy machinery and materials commonly present on construction sites.

Published 8-Apr-2026

Avalon’s Ruby Scholten Is Swapping Sails for Oars to Row the Atlantic for Women’s Health

Australian Sports Foundation

Ruby Scholten, a registered nurse and international competitive sailor from Avalon, is preparing to row 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean in December as part of the World’s Toughest Row, raising funds for two women’s charities while representing Australia from a boat eight and a half metres long.

Ruby, who grew up sailing on Pittwater and competing at the world level in women’s match racing, will take on the crossing alongside three fellow sailors she has raced against for years on the international circuit. The team’s boat, Mermaid, measures 8.64 metres long and 1.7 metres wide. It will be their home, their gym and their refuge for an estimated 40 to 50 days on open water.

From Pittwater to the World Stage

Ruby’s sporting life began on the water just a short distance from her front door. She learned to sail at Avalon Sailing Club on Pittwater, took her first dinghy out through the moorings solo as a teenager, and eventually progressed into the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s Youth Development Program. From there she moved into match racing on Elliott 7s, and in 2018 became part of the first all-female team to win the Hardy Cup, the World Sailing Grade 3 International Youth Match Racing event hosted by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. She later completed her first Sydney to Hobart race on board Insomnia.

Ruby and her team — Photo Credit: You Row Girl/Facebook

On the international circuit, Ruby has spent the better part of six years competing on the Women’s World Match Racing Tour, racing against and alongside the three women she is now about to cross an ocean with. “Over the past 6 years the 4 of us have competed mainly against each other on the Women’s World Match Racing Circuit, and now we will be racing together,” she said.

Alongside sailing, Ruby completed her nursing degree and began her career at Northern Beaches Hospital. The two threads of her life, sport and healthcare, now converge directly in this challenge.

The Crew Behind the Boat Called Mermaid

The women racing together as You Row Girl each bring something different to the boat. Hebe Hemming, from the UK, was the catalyst. She spotted an ocean rowing boat competing in the race while sailing down the coast of Africa, and the idea took hold. A boat builder working for SailGP, Hemming’s practical skills will matter significantly when 3,000 miles from the nearest shoreline.

Amy Sparks, also from the UK, was on board the moment Hemming called with the idea. A financial advisor by profession, she brings the kind of methodical thinking a multi-week ocean crossing demands. Charlotte Porter, from New Zealand, is a competitive sailor and physiotherapist currently working as the global travelling physio for SailGP. Her role in managing the team’s physical resilience across weeks of confined, repetitive exertion will be critical.

The four women work full-time jobs while training. “We are just 4 very normal women, working full time jobs, while preparing to take on this adventure of a lifetime,” Ruby said.

What the Row Actually Involves

The World’s Toughest Row Atlantic race departs from San Sebastián de La Gomera in the Canary Islands and finishes at Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, covering 3,000 nautical miles of open Atlantic Ocean. The 2025 edition, which departed on 14 December last year, gave an indication of what Ruby’s crew will face: no support vessel, no land, no escape from bad weather or rough seas.

Teams row on a two-hours-on, two-hours-off rotation around the clock, sustaining the effort through freeze-dried food and willpower alone. Ruby and her teammates estimate completing more than 1.5 million oar strokes by the time they reach Antigua. The challenge is fully unassisted, meaning no resupply, no getting off the boat and no outside physical assistance of any kind.

Training involves long sessions on rowing machines, endurance sport, rowing-specific weight work for injury prevention, and extended on-water sessions of up to five days to simulate race conditions as closely as possible.

Rowing for Two Charities That Matter

The team is raising funds for CoppaFeel!, a UK breast cancer awareness charity focused on educating young women about early detection, and Women In Sport, a research-based charity examining the disparity between girls’ participation in sport and what that gap costs society.

“By supporting these two charities we want to create space for women to pursue their dreams, while facilitating the conversation on historically taboo topics through educating women on their body and prioritising health,” Ruby said.

The decision to take on the challenge carries a message beyond the row itself. “We want other women and girls to see that they can dream fearlessly and take on big scary adventures that may challenge the social norms,” she said. It is an extension of something she experienced through sailing on Pittwater. “Sailing has shaped me to be a more empowered, resilient and confident person,” she said. “Sport is not just a game, it can change lives.”

How to Support the Team

Donations to CoppaFeel! and Women In Sport through the You Row Girl campaign can be made via the Australian Sports Foundation at asf.org.au/campaigns/yourowgirl. The team’s progress from December can be followed at yourowgirl.com, on Instagram at @yourowgirl and on Facebook at You Row Girl.

Published 04-April-2026

Sydney Water Works Resume on Old Barrenjoey Road in Avalon

Photo Credit: Pexels

Sydney Water has restarted night works in Avalon along Old Barrenjoey Road as part of its ongoing water main upgrade project.

Works Resume In Avalon After Summer Pause

Construction resumed on Monday, 16 March 2026 after a pause in late November 2025 during the summer period. The earlier pause was introduced to reduce disruption during peak activity in Avalon and provide a break for nearby residents and businesses.

The project involves upgrading a 500-metre section of water infrastructure along Old Barrenjoey Road in Avalon Beach, including pipes, valves and hydrants.

water main upgrade — *Photo Credit: Sydney Water*

Project Progress And Remaining Work In Avalon

Work on the upgrade began in March 2025, with a second stage commencing in early June 2025. Most of the new water main has already been installed using trenching and under-boring methods, along with smaller pipes to connect properties and fire services.

The remaining work in Avalon includes completing installation at the Avalon Parade intersection, followed by testing and cleaning the new pipe. Sydney Water will then connect the system, transfer services to the new main and decommission the existing pipeline.

Initial activity in March includes routine quality checks between The Crescent and Avalon Parade. These works may involve potholing and excavation.

Community Updates And Timeline

Sydney Water will continue monthly drop-in sessions for the Avalon community on the first Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Dunbar Park. The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

The project is currently targeted for completion by September 2026, depending on weather and ground conditions. Temporary restoration of affected areas will continue during the works, with permanent restoration planned after completion.

Old Barrenjoey Road — *Photo Credit: Sydney Water*

Night Work Schedule And Key Locations

Most work in Avalon will take place at night between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., from Monday nights to Friday mornings. No work is scheduled on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights, or on public holidays.

Construction will be concentrated at the Avalon Parade intersection, with additional stages planned near Barrenjoey Road and The Crescent later in 2026. Some daytime activity may occur for deliveries and site movements.

Avalon water main works — *Photo Credit: Sydney Water*

Traffic, Parking And Noise Impacts

Temporary traffic changes will be in place during work hours, with access maintained for residents, emergency services and waste collection vehicles.

A temporary compound has been re-established in the grassy area opposite 61 Old Barrenjoey Road. Some on-street parking along Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Parade and The Crescent may be used at times for work zones and storage. No car spaces are planned to be taken within the Woolworths car park.

Residents may hear construction noise during night works. Louder activities such as saw cutting and jackhammering are expected to finish by midnight, while excavation, backfilling and vacuum truck operations may continue until 5 a.m.

Published 18-Mar-2026

Fox Sighting at Avalon Beach in Broad Daylight Puts Northern Beaches Wildlife on Alert

A fox sighting at Avalon Beach during daylight hours this week has alarmed locals and wildlife advocates, raising fresh concern for the native species that make the Northern Beaches one of the most ecologically significant stretches of coastline in metropolitan Sydney.

A resident photographed the European red fox roaming the beachfront reserve in the middle of the day, a marked departure from the nocturnal behaviour foxes typically display. The images spread quickly through the community and divided Avalon locals between those who felt sympathy for the animal and those alarmed at what its brazen daytime appearance signals for the native wildlife living along the coast and in surrounding bushland. For ecologists and wildlife advocates who have spent years working to protect bandicoots, wallabies, possums and Sydney’s only mainland Little Penguin colony, the fox sighting came as no surprise and no comfort.

What a Daytime Fox Sighting Actually Signals

Foxes are primarily nocturnal hunters, but experts at the Invasive Species Council note that daytime fox sightings are becoming less unusual as the animals grow increasingly confident in urban and coastal environments. The shift happens when a fox reads the area as safe enough for daytime movement, or when a vixen is feeding cubs and must forage more frequently than darkness alone allows. Foxes are highly adaptable animals that adjust their behaviour based on opportunity and perceived risk, and when risk reads low and food is available, the boundary between day and night disappears quickly.

That adaptability is precisely what makes the fox such a damaging presence in the Australian environment. Native animals never evolved alongside European red foxes and carry no instinctive strategies for avoiding them. The fox, meanwhile, is an intelligent and efficient hunter that typically kills well beyond what it needs to eat, particularly when it encounters animals that offer no learned defences.

The native animals most at risk from fox predation on the Northern Beaches include swamp wallabies, ringtail possums, long-nosed bandicoots, southern brown bandicoots, ground-nesting birds and, critically, Little Penguins. The Avalon area sits within one of the last strongholds for long-nosed bandicoots remaining in the Sydney region, with significant populations concentrated along the coast between Newport and Pittwater.

A Colony Still Counting the Cost of One Fox

The stakes of a fox sighting anywhere near the Northern Beaches coastline become clear when measured against what happened at North Head, Manly, in June 2015. A single fox killed 26 Little Penguins in eleven days, devastating the only mainland breeding colony of Little Penguins in New South Wales. The Manly colony’s baseline population has never returned to where it stood before the 2015 attack, and the most recent breeding season recorded just 19 breeding pairs. The colony has been listed as endangered since 1997, and in the decade between 2013 and 2023, breeding pairs fell from 70 to 19, a record low.

*Photo Credit: Office of Environment and Heritage*

The response to the 2015 attack transformed how the colony is now protected. Motion-sensing cameras, thermal detection equipment, fox-deterrent lighting and dedicated penguin wardens stationed at breeding sites from sunset each evening now form part of an ongoing protective effort coordinated by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Fox baits are laid year-round at North Head, and rapid action including baiting, trapping and shooting follows any confirmed fox detection near the colony. Despite that sustained effort, the colony remains acutely vulnerable. It is small, closely observed and one fox away from another catastrophic event.

How Fox Control Works on the Northern Beaches

Fox management across the Northern Beaches operates as a coordinated program involving NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Land Services and other agencies with responsibilities across the region. Control activities include shooting, baiting with 1080 poison buried at confirmed activity sites, trapping, fumigation and fencing, with the specific combination of methods determined by the type of land, the species at risk and the level of confirmed activity.

When baiting programs are active in reserves, signage is placed at entry points and adjoining residents receive direct notification. Pet owners need to take particular care during active baiting periods: 1080 poison is lethal to cats and dogs, and a single bait carries enough toxicity to kill either. During baiting periods, affected reserves close to dogs entirely. In the event of accidental poisoning, immediate veterinary attention is essential.

Experts across the field consistently note that partial or isolated control efforts cannot solve the problem long-term. Foxes recolonise areas quickly when control is patchy or interrupted, making sustained effort across contiguous land managed by multiple agencies simultaneously the only approach that delivers meaningful protection for native wildlife.

What Avalon Residents Can Do

Every fox sighting reported strengthens the picture of where foxes are active and where control efforts need to focus. FoxScan, a free resource available to all residents, accepts reports of fox sightings, signs of fox activity, den locations and attacks on native or domestic animals. The FoxScan app is available free on both iOS and Android, and every new entry triggers a notification to the invasive species team responsible for the area.

Beyond reporting, the steps residents take at home carry direct consequences for both foxes and the native wildlife that foxes prey upon. Keeping bin lids closed, using enclosed compost bins, bringing pet food inside overnight, securing chicken coops and rabbit hutches and removing fallen fruit from yards all reduce the food sources that draw foxes into residential and coastal areas. Keeping cats indoors overnight and dogs supervised near bushland removes additional pressure from the already stressed native animals sharing that habitat.

Fox sightings can be reported via the FoxScan app or at feralscan.org.au/foxscan. To report injured native wildlife, contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 or Sydney Wildlife on 9413 4300.

Published 26-February-2026.

Synthetic Grass Microplastics Increasingly Found in Northern Beaches Waterways Including Avalon and Careel Bay

AUSMAP

Microplastic fragments from synthetic grass surfaces are showing up with increasing frequency across Sydney’s Northern Beaches waterways, with research revealing a tenfold increase in some locations between 2022 and 2025.

The Australian Microplastic Assessment Project has been tracking synthetic grass debris across metropolitan Sydney since 2019, finding that these plastic fibres are released from sports fields, residential yards and playgrounds through everyday wear, weathering and maintenance. The fragments then enter stormwater systems and accumulate along shorelines, where they can be ingested by wildlife and act as sponges for other environmental pollutants.

Careel Bay has been included in microplastic monitoring efforts by Living Ocean, which has conducted 17 surveys on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and the Central Coast using AUSMAP protocols. The citizen science study of Careel Bay examines microplastics alongside macro plastic, seagrass and mangrove research.

Dramatic Increases Recorded Across Sydney

At Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour, synthetic grass debris has increased approximately tenfold between 2022 and 2025, reaching over 20 blades per square metre. The highest average concentration recorded was at Tower Beach in Botany Bay, where up to 2,500 blades per square metre were found in 2024, likely due to nearby synthetic grass fields and local stormwater patterns.

Manly Cove has seen synthetic grass fragment concentrations triple since the fragments were first detected in 2019, despite natural year-to-year fluctuations. Researchers consistently find synthetic grass in samples from multiple Northern Beaches locations, with concentrations notably higher in 2025 than in previous years.

How the Pollution Spreads

Synthetic grass microplastic fibres escape from their sources through wear, weathering and maintenance activities like mowing and cleaning. Once mobilised, the fragments travel through stormwater networks and persist in sediments and along shorelines.

Research with Northern Beaches authorities found that 80 percent of waste entering stormwater drains near synthetic sports fields was rubber crumb and microplastics from artificial turf, compared to five percent in areas without these playing fields.

The pollution appears particularly pronounced after wet or windy weather and when many games have been played on synthetic fields. These surfaces are now commonplace across Australia, appearing on community and elite sports fields, school playgrounds, party boats, residential yards and public landscaping.

Environmental and Health Concerns

Synthetic grass installations have been associated with multiple concerns beyond microplastic pollution, including surface temperatures reaching up to 75 degrees Celsius on hot days, increased player injury risk, reduced biodiversity and intensified urban heat. The rubber crumb infill made from recycled tyres has known toxic and carcinogenic properties.

AUSMAP is calling for a five-year moratorium on new planning and approvals for synthetic grass fields until further research clarifies potential human and environmental harm.

The organisation also wants enforcement of Australian standards for pollution mitigation measures on synthetic grass fields and substantial investment into improving drainage and conditions of natural grass fields to avoid synthetic alternatives.

Authorities released guidelines in May 2025 for managing potential environmental and human health risks in the design and management of synthetic turf sports sites, acknowledging known issues with microplastic pollution and heat generation while noting the need for these fields to accommodate increasing populations.

Published 9-February-2026.

Landslide Destroys Great Mackerel Beach Home as Storms Devastate Avalon

Photo Credit: gofundme / Fleur Johns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published 18-January-2026

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

Photo Credit: Facebook / Toby Play

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published 10-January-2026

Community Fundraiser Builds On Avalon’s Link To Timor Leste

Photo Credit: Friends Of Soibada/Facebook

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

Avalon’s Role In The Partnership

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

*Photo Credit: Friends Of Soibada/Facebook*

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

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

Recognition And Community Impact

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

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

January Fundraiser At 7th Day Brewery

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

BUY TICKETS HERE

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

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

A Continuing Avalon Connection

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

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

Published 17-December-2025