Avalon Archives - Page 3 of 7

190X Bus Service Reductions Leave Avalon Residents Stranded

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

Pedestrian Shared Space Trial in Avalon Receives $500-K Funding

A pedestrian shared space trial in Avalon has recently received $500,000 in funding. The trial will provide expanded footpaths, more seating, and landscape, as well as a chance for the locals to connect.

The trial covers a shared pedestrian and vehicle zone between Avalon Parade and the car park at Woolworths.

This pedestrian shared space has been in the plans for decades but had previously met with funding issues. With the announced allocation, however, the concept can finally be launched as the Northern Beaches also recover from the lockdowns.

As a result of this plan, northbound vehicles between Avalon Parade and the Woolworth car park will only be limited to one lane during the trial. The travel speed for this section is 10 km/h.

“This area of the village can be particularly busy with people moving between the shops, Dunbar Park, community facilities and the beach,” Mr Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater and Minister for Active Transport said.

“The opportunity to create additional open space for people to relax, dine and move around the village is really exciting.

“Throughout COVID-19 we’ve seen a resurgence of people wanting to shop local, sit outdoors and explore the community. This project supports all of these elements and will provide a great case study for how the concept could be expanded elsewhere,” he added.

Bus routes impacting this area will be adjusted to accommodate the changes. Traffic arrangements will also be coordinated and simplified as the Council works on a seamless integration of the project with the community.

This project is part of the Avalon Beach Place 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.