Avalon Archives - Page 4 of 7

Get To Know The Early Residents Of Hilltop Road In Avalon

Have you ever wondered about the early residents of Hilltop Rd in Avalon? Get to know some of these trailblazers from nearly a hundred years ago.

Read: Help Plant 100 Trees in Avalon Beach to Mark 100 Years

Johnson Family

Well-known landscape artist Robert Johnson and his wife Olive bought land at Hilltop Rd in the late 1920s. They lived in a stone cottage they fondly called the ‘Ashlar.’

Ashlar, located at 32 Hilltop Rd, Avalon Beach is listed on NSW heritage list as an example of an early artists’ home in a bush setting.

ashlar avalon — Ashlar in 2014 (Photo credit: https://www.hms.heritage.nsw.gov.au/)

As an artist, Robert was drawn to the landscape around the Northern Beaches. The couple’s daughter Heather recalled his father would pack up on weekends and paint. Some of Robert’s favourite subjects were the Pittwater, gum trees and the headlands of Avalon Beach.

At the time, many houses in Hilltop Rd were considered as a weekend home or a holiday home because the area was isolated. Two of the main factors were the lack of good roads and public transport.

robert johnson — Robert Johnson working on Hilltop Road (Photo credit: Alan Rigby/Northern Beaches Council)

In the 1930s, the Warringah Council received many complaints from residents but eventually, they had to take matters into their own hands.

Residents helped maintain the roads to keep the roads passable. They needed to be resourceful particularly when it comes to road maintenance as the services during that time were very limited.

Because refrigeration was unusual in the street until the early 1950s, bread and ice were being delivered down at the bottom of the hill. Those who had ice chests would need large blocks of ice to be delivered every second or third day.

The Rigby’s

In 1935, the Johnsons introduced Avalon to their friends, artists and avid bushwalkers Alan and Enid Rigby. The couple purchased the block of land next door to the Johnsons.

Alan, who was also into photography, captured the photographic record of some early residents of Avalon Beach.

rigby house avalon — The Rigby house photographed in late 1950s (Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council)

The Rigby family lived in their stone cottage home along Hilltop Rd from 1935 to 1972.

Read: ‘Murradjulbi Lane’: Aboriginal Name Proposed for Unnamed Avalon Laneway

Charlie Erikson

The Rigby’s and Johnson’s stone cottages were both built by local stonemason Charlie Erikson. He constructed the stone cottage for the Johnsons in 1935 and another one for the Rigby’s nearly a year later.

Robert Johnson’s children Heather and Brian Johnson helped Charlie by splitting the shingles and received 1 penny per dozen for their work.

The Sibley’s

sibley family avalon — Sibley Log Cabin (Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council)

Another family who became close friends with the Johnson’s and Rigby’s were the Sibley family. The Sibley family lived in a log cabin at 53 Hudson Pde Clareville, which is in close proximity to Hilltop.

The Sibley’s are American residents living in Sydney, who considered their cabin as a weekender.

What’s unique about the Sibleys’ home was they made the logs part of the cabin instead of removing them.

Today, the house has retained its rustic feature, though the new owners have incorporated modern touches to the historic home. Based on property records, it was last sold in May 2020 for $3.6 million.

Now Open! Sandy’s Avalon Offers Healthy Sandwiches and Salads with Freshest Ingredients

Just below Avalon’s famous hangout, Bar Elvina, is Sandy’s, the latest takeaway sandwich shop that has been earning raves from the beachgoing crowd for its simple but healthy choices of quick orders.

Once a retail store, the owners of Bar Elvina had been eyeing the street-facing space because of its very convenient location. At first, Andy Emerson thought they could open a bottle shop when they have secured the lease but then decided on a sandwich and salad bar with a focus on takeout orders.

Sandy’s offers just a handful of choices for customers who do not want a complicated menu. Whilst the menu is simple, it does have an interesting and highly-recommended Prawn Dog sandwich (King prawn dog, leaves, pickles & cocktail sauce) which will leave diners wanting more.

Admittedly, Andy said that first-timers will likely think twice about trying their seafood sandwich. However, most eventually trust that it’s going to be finger-licking good as it comes from the same team as Bar Elvina, which upholds the highest standards for its food and service.

Most of the ingredients for the sandwiches and salads — such as peppers, tomatoes, green beans, chillis, and lemon — are grown from the rooftop garden up the same building. Thus, diners ensure that they are not just eating healthy food but the ingredients are always fresh.

Sandys can’t be missed as its fit-out is a lovely and trendy pink shade with Turkish marble benchtops and cedar lift windows. The space reverbs a pleasant and casual beachside vibe.

The takeaway shop got its name from its sandy beachside location, where most people forego shoes and get cosy and comfortable in such a relaxed atmosphere.

Follow Sandy’s on Facebook for updates on deals, offers, and store hours.

“Finally a sandwich place, that just makes great sandwiches! Epic post-workout/ surf lunch that really hits the spot. Chicken schnitzel sanger is our go-to. Ingredients are always fresh and the bread quality is on point.”
Tessa

“Just had the most amazing sandwich at Sandy’s. Wagyu pastrami with, slaw, BBQ pineapple and wasabi mayo followed by the gooiest GF brownies. I’ve died and gone to heaven!”
Tamsin

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

Property values in the Northern Beaches, particularly Avalon, are experiencing a surge in demand, with a 29 per cent uptick in median house price, as buyers realise that living away from the CBD, where space is not an issue and amenities abound, gives great value for money.

Highlights

The median house price in Avalon experienced a 29.19 per cent uptick from October 2020 to September 2021, as buyers finally see the value of living near the coast far away from the CBD.
Avalon’s unit market performed better than the housing market with a 54.65 per cent median increase.
The median house price during this period was at $2,777,500 whilst the median unit price was at $1,300,000. Despite the increase, these prices are still relatively more affordable for investors compared to the beachside properties in other Eastern Suburbs.

Avalon House Price Growth

According to Property Market Updates, the median house price in the Avalon property market grew by 29.19 per cent from October 2020 to September 2021, rising up to $2,777,500 from $2,150,000 in the previous year.

About 198 houses were sold for this period with an average of 32 days on market, reflecting an insatiable demand from buyers who have decided to move out of the city and enjoy the beachside lifestyle in Avalon.

Investors went for four-bedroom waterfront homes the most with 87 sold at under 30 days on market. Smaller-sized properties were also quickly snapped up with one or two-bedroom homes staying on the market for just less than three weeks.

Avalon median house price growth — *Photo Credit:* *Property Market Updates*

Despite the increasing house prices, which is good news for the homeowners in this tightly-held market, a lot of Avalon properties are still priced lower than a number of beachside properties in the Eastern Suburbs. A property in Coogee, for example, may cost around $8 million and it won’t be nearly as expansive as the properties in Avalon.

In recent years, the Avalon demographic has shifted from older, independent individuals or families to mature and established families on their second or third home. In the past, investors looked to Avalon for holiday homes but now they want a place where they can permanently call their home to fill their need for more open spaces.

Avalon Unit Price Growth

Avalon’s apartment market performed exceedingly better than the housing market at 54.65 per cent median unit price increase. The median unit price has settled at $1,300,000 for this same period, up from $840,600 in the previous year.

Sixty-five units were sold in this suburb between October 2020 to September 2021 within an average of 46 days on market. Avalon has one of the strongest demands for apartment lifestyle across Sydney despite the gloom in the sector due to the pandemic, especially in the CBD and inner city areas.

Avalon median unit price growth — *Photo Credit:* *Property Market Updates*

Buyers who want a sea change or tree change but have budget constraints look to the Avalon unit market for options as it’s more affordable than detached dwellings. The commute to the city is no longer a hindrance as most residents work from home under the new normal.

More than 80 per cent of the dwelling options in this suburb are free-standing houses thus the lack of supply for apartments.

About Avalon

Once overlooked for being quite far from where the action is in the city, Avalon has a fresh appeal for buyers who now see the value of living where beaches, bushes and the coast are more accessible.

Avalon isn’t a completely remote area as there are ample establishments where residents can buy their essentials, enjoy a healthy meal at a restaurant, or send their kids to good schools.

Though not as congested and compact as other locales in Sydney, Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade are where the business centres thrive. Undoubtedly, however, Avalon Beach is the main attraction, where Surf Life Saving and Nippers have enjoyed a long tradition.

Avalon property market Old Barrenjoey Road — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Avalon provides locals with a great sense of space where they can relax in the beauty of nature. Boating and other water sports are the most popular recreational activities in this suburb flanked by the beach on the eastern side and the Pittwater to the west, a unique waterway perfect for fishing, kayaking, sailing, and even bushwalking.

Avalon has a tight-knit community of long-time locals who regularly organise group and cultural events. Apart from surfing, Avalon has a thriving art scene and many locals adopt a sustainable green lifestyle.

“Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade are at the heart of Avalon. Over recent years there have been a number of (re)developments that have significantly improved the appeal of the area. The majority of housing in this central location comprises of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units making it ideal for young couples, downsizers or small families. Living in Old Barrenjoey Road means you are close to shops, cafes and public transport. The beach is also only a 3 minutes walk away. For people considering apartment living and who desire a central location then Old Barrenjoey Road is certainly worth consideration.”
Paul Towers

“Joseph Street is a quiet little cul de sac which is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of Avalon. Close to everything yet you feel like you are on holidays and you can hear the birds singing, not the traffic flowing.”
Kouls

“Central Road is a fairly lengthy street running from Avalon Parade (where it becomes Hudson Parade) to Barrenjoey Rd. The street is very green with many trees and is relatively level. There are many facilities within walking distance, including in the street itself. There are speed humps in the road – to slow down the occasional through-traffic.”
Cerian

Volunteers Needed! Two Avalon Community Sites Need Help

Two Avalon community sites on Old Barrenjoey Road need volunteers to help sustain operations. Here’s your chance to give back during these trying times.

Avalon Community Library

The Avalon Community Library on Old Barrenjoey Rd needs book lovers who can watch over the site for four hours a week. The volunteer’s task involves some people skills as you will be asked to assist visitors who may want to check out or return books or help out those who may want to use the library’s facilities, such as the photocopying machine and the internet.

Some alphabetising and organising are also required and the volunteer must know how to use certain computer software so that they can efficiently do their work. If this is something you think you can do in your spare time, email avalonlibrary@ozemail.com.au to inquire about the opportunity.

Opened in 1983, the Avalon Community Library has always been run by volunteers and one employed Library Coordinator.

Australian Red Cross Avalon Volunteers

Also found on Old Barrenjoey Rd, the Australian Red Cross Avalon needs dedicated volunteers who can help with the site’s merchandising and help out the customers. Though the site is like a retail store, volunteers do not need to have any retail experience. However, they will be trained to develop some skills in dealing with the customers in a positive manner, which could be helpful for their job-hunting.

Donations to the Australian Red Cross — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Aside from manning the shop, the volunteers will also help sort the donated items. Volunteers are expected to provide four hours of work a week for six months. Check the Australian Red Cross site to apply.

How to Volunteer Safely

In-person volunteer work is still possible in the time of COVID-19 but organisations are expected to abide by the directives of NSW Health to ensure the safety of both visitors and workers. As such, establishments like the library and the Australian Red Cross have a COVID-19 safety plan in place so everyone can continue to be in the facility.

‘Murradjulbi Lane’: Aboriginal Name Proposed for Unnamed Avalon Laneway

An unnamed laneway in Avalon, previously referred to as ‘rear lane of Bellevue Avenue ‘or ‘rear lane off Kempbridge Avenue’ may soon be called Murradjulbi Lane, the Aboriginal term for ‘Singing Bushlark.‘

Read: Keoride On Demand Transport Now Permanent in Avalon, Northern Beaches

The Northern Beaches Council had proposed a name for the laneway, following a request from a resident to name the road after suffering minor property damage in a car accident and seeking clarity regarding her exact location at the time.

The proposed Murradjulbi Lane provides access to the driveway of the residential property at 47 Bellevue Avenue, Avalon; access to Chakana Day Spa at the rear of 45A Avalon Parade; and is used by businesses from 47-55 Avalon Parade as a loading zone.

When naming or renaming a street, Council is required to follow the guidelines of the Geographical Names Board (GNB) of NSW Property Addressing Policies, Guidelines and Standards and Council’s Policy for the Naming of Reserves, Facilities and Roads.

Suitable road names, according to the GNB guidelines, are Aboriginal names and/or names of early settlers, war servicemen and women, and other persons who have contributed to the heritage of an area, local history themes, flora, fauna, and ships.

Location of ‘Murradjulbi Lane’

“Whilst the laneways are used to access various business premises for deliveries, the lack of street names hinders wayfinding. It is unlikely that businesses are able to refer to the unnamed laneways as a business address, or publish it on business correspondence such as letterheads, however there are a small number of instances referencing Rear Lane of Bellevue Avenue or rear lane off Kempbridge Avenue,” the Northern Beaches Council has stated on a report.

The name was put forward by the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO) and is in the local aboriginal language for road naming purposes within the Northern Beaches Local Government Area.

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.”

Historic Agreement to Benefit Preschool Students in Avalon and Elsewhere in NSW

Do you have a preschooler? Did you know that two preschools in Avalon have been rated “Excellent” by NSW Education? Also, did you know that for the next four years, every family in New South Wales with children in preschool may have access to high-quality early childhood education regardless of their background or where they live?

In a historic deal, the NSW Government has been the first state to sign the $840-million agreement with the Commonwealth Government to ensure that families will have quality preschool options to prepare them for primary school. NSW has committed $560 million for this initiative whilst $280 million will come from federal funding.

Stuart Robert, the acting Federal Minister for Education and Youth, said that this deal will provide all preschool kids “at least 15 hours of preschool a week in the year before they start school.” The state may also use the money for more programs to boost the quality of early education, targetting more disadvantaged kids.

According to NSW Treasurer Matt Kean, this is the state’s most important economic asset.

“Investing in our people, our families and our kids will help us grow today’s economy by increasing workforce participation rates and it will help our future prosperity by giving our kids the best possible start in life,” Mr Kean said.

“This is a game-changing deal for families in NSW, providing parents and carers the freedom to participate in the workforce in ways that better suit their needs.”

The Preschool Reform Agreement will cover the 2022 to 2025 school year. Per the statement, the Commonwealth has “guaranteed ongoing funding for preschools” during this four-year agreement.

Excellent Preschool Options in Avalon

Mr Robert and Mr Kean visited one of KU Children’s Services facilities in announcing the good news. In Avalon, two preschools received an excellent rating in a recent assessment from the NSW Department of Education.

KU Avalon Preschool

KU Children’s Services, which has 128 facilities across the country, including KU Avalon Preschool in Avalon Parade, specialist education tailored for young learners to build their competencies and readiness for big school.

“Throughout KU’s 130 services, children experience high-quality early education preschool, child care, early intervention and inclusion programs, and small acts of kindness happen every day. They learn it’s OK to be different, and we can all be different, together.”

Rosey Pot Kindergarten

Rosey Pot Kindergarten follows the Reggio Emilia education approach that encourages the children to develop their natural curiosity. The programs offered in this school are geared towards holistic learning in literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts.

“Providing children with a holistic approach to early childhood education we honour the child’s whole being, including their families supporting their learning in a more tangible, relevant and meaningful way.”

Childhood Dementia Initiative Ramping Up Support On First Year Anniversary

Childhood Dementia Initiative (CDI), a distinct organisation formed in the Northern Beaches, is ramping up support for funding and raising awareness about an illness affecting more than 700,000 children across the world.

The organisation’s CEO, Megan Donnell from Freshwater, and Head of Care, Gail Hilton from Avalon, have been working at Childhood Dementia Initiative with a primary goal of having Greg Hunt, the Commonwealth Minister of Health, acknowledge that this is a concerning health issue in Australia.

Ms Hilton said that they approached health professionals, researchers, and families with children who have symptoms of childhood dementia in CDI’s first year to gather data that could drive change and fill in the gaps. As there is no specialised treatment for dementia for children anywhere in New South Wales, families turn to the NDIS or palliative care services.

Ms Donnell and Ms Hilton believe that there should be programs, medical studies, innovation, collaboration, and awareness focussed on treatments for the children, in the same way that childhood cancer received much attention 30 years ago.

“Focusing on dementia, the commonality, rather than the underlying genetic cause will drive progress in therapeutic development and care for the 70+ genetic disorders as a collective,” the group stated.

“Seventy-five per cent of children with dementia have a life expectancy of 18 or less, with fewer than 5 per cent of childhood dementia disorders having any therapies. Care for these children and their families is often inadequate and inequitable.”

In early November, Mr Hunt confirmed that $239 million will be provided for 248 research projects, including childhood dementia.

On the other hand, Dementia Support Australia (DSA) has also been extending its support to families with kids living with dementia by offering practical support strategies and behavioural support programs specific to each child.

“The support provided by Dementia Support Australia was the most practical, useful and effective service that I’ve accessed since Isla and Jude’s diagnoses,” Ms Hilton said, referring to her kids with dementia due to Sanfilippo Syndrome.

Get involved with the Childhood Dementia Initiative by becoming a donor. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Keoride On Demand Transport Now Permanent in Avalon, Northern Beaches

After a four-year trial, the Keoride On Demand Transport servicing Avalon and the rest of Northern Beaches has been permanently adopted as another option for commuters. To mark the permanent arrangement, four additional small buses were added to the fleet for Keolis Downer Northern Beaches.

Mark Dunlop, the Keolis Downer managing director for Northern Beaches said that customers gave their Keoride On Demand Transport a 98 per cent satisfaction rating during the trial. With the addition of the new mini-buses, residents and visitors around this Sydney area are guaranteed flexibility and convenience during their commute.

Keoride On Demand Public Transport is an app-based public transport system operated by Keolis Downer in partnership with Transport for NSW and the Via, a leader in transit technology.

“We are delighted to continue to partner with Keolis Downer to deliver flexible journeys to riders in the Northern Beaches,” Ben Hague, Via’s APAC Regional Manager, said.

“The continuation of Keoride is a testament to the enduring impact that efficient, flexible, and sustainable public transportation can bring to a community — ultimately helping residents and visitors more easily connect with both essential and leisure opportunities.”

At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Keoride operated for essential workers passengers who need to go on essential errands.

“The Keolis Downer customer culture Think Like a Passenger, is a major part of the success of this service,” said Keolis Downer CEO David Frank. “Our drivers are part of the community, and go through an extensive training to enable them to deliver an optimal passenger experience. They are committed, and go above and beyond to keep our customers happy”.

Keoride’s main base in Northern Beaches is in Warriewood with transport hubs in Avalon, Narrabeen, and Mona Vale. The buses run on these schedules below:

DAY	TIME
Monday to Wednesday	6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday and Friday	6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday	7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday	7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Public Holidays	7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m

To use Keoride’s services, download the app on the Android Play Store or iOS.

Register for an Opal Connect account and then input the pick-up or drop-off locations. Use the app to track the vehicle. Commuters may also book via the website or by calling 1800 536 743.

Help Plant 100 Trees in Avalon Beach to Mark 100 Years

Did you know that Avalon Beach is celebrating the centenary of its naming in December 2021? To mark this monumental event, Canopy Keepers will need 100 volunteers to plant a canopy tree sapling in their backyard.

The initiative aims to “turn the tide against tree loss” in the suburb and planting trees should also provide animals and birds with more natural habitats. This act will also leave a “wonderful living legacy” for the children.

Canopy Keepers will distribute free canopy tree sapling at the Avalon Car Boot Sale on Sunday, 19 December but other arrangements may also be made. If you would like to take part in this initiative, sign the form from Canopy Keepers and someone will contact you for additional details.

Centenary of Naming Avalon Beach

Per “The Book of Sydney Suburbs” authored by Frances Pollon, the name Avalon was based on a mythical Celtic place. It’s also the name of the earthy paradise where the legendary King Arthur was buried.

In 1921, businessman and land developer Arthur J. Small identified and named a Northern Beaches area as “Avalon Beach” as he sought to establish Palmgrove Estate.

In 2012, the name was formally adopted as Avalon Beach was given full suburb status, alongside Bilgola Beach.

“This outcome is the result of widespread community consultation over several years, involving residents and the Geographical Names Board,” then Minister for Finance & Services Mr Greg Pearce said.

“The details recorded on the GNB register are used for publishing maps and directories and will greatly assist emergency services and delivery services to find the correct address.”

“A number of locality names around the Pittwater foreshore that have been in common usage for many years have also been formally adopted ensuring there is clarity for local residents and visitors to the Pittwater area and its surrounds.”