Northern Beaches Archives

‘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

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

First Artificial Nesting Platform for Eastern Ospreys Launches at Avalon Beach

Northern Beaches is set to pilot the region’s first artificial nesting platform in Avalon Beach and it’s specifically designed for the Eastern Osprey, a threatened native bird species impacted by urban development.

Known for its rich biodiversity, Northern Beaches is taking a significant step towards conservation by installing a 23-metre-high artificial nesting platform at Hitchcock Park.

The installation is timed to coincide with the breeding season, following community feedback and environmental assessments in compliance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

This initiative, supported by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water (DCCEEW), aims to counteract the loss of natural habitats and promote the breeding of the Eastern Osprey.

Osprey nesting platform Avalon Beach — *Photo Credit: NorthernBeachesCouncil*

Benefits and Goals

The project’s primary goal is to establish a secure nesting area for Ospreys, fostering population growth and breeding success. Benefits of the platform include the construction of a sustainable habitat and alignment with community conservation goals. Successful breeding could lead to educational campaigns, enhanced community engagement, and further research opportunities in partnership with universities. Additionally, the installation of a live-feed camera is anticipated, allowing the public to observe osprey activity in real-time.

The location of the nesting platform at Avalon Beach was influenced by the need to replace an existing Osprey nest on a private crane. The selected site offers natural protection and minimises visual impact for local residents and field users, ensuring a harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.

Concerns regarding the safety of existing makeshift nesting sites, such as light poles and cranes, have been addressed. The new platform will provide a safer alternative for Ospreys, preventing potential wildlife and conservation issues. The proximity of the nesting pole to parking areas has been carefully planned to avoid disturbances to both wildlife and park visitors.

Future Prospects and Environmental Impact

The initiative is viewed as a pilot project, with outcomes expected to guide future conservation efforts within the Local Government Area (LGA). Continuous monitoring will assess the platform’s effectiveness in attracting and supporting Osprey populations. Environmental approvals have been secured, ensuring that the project adheres to all regulatory requirements and minimises ecological impact.

Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of June and conclude by August 2024, with operations confined to standard working hours to minimise disruption. The project is co-funded by the NSW DCCEEW and the local council, demonstrating a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship and species protection.

The Northern Beaches Council invites community input on the Osprey Nesting Platform project. Residents can view the plans and provide feedback by:

Completing the comment form below,
Emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au, or
Writing to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.

Please include ‘Osprey Nesting Platform’ in the subject line of all email or written feedback. Comments are open until Wednesday, 26 June.

Published 21-June-2024

New Twist to Prison Escapee Darko “Dougie” Desic’s Story Revealed

Photo Credit: GoFundMe / gofundme.com

A new twist to the story of prison escapee Darko “Dougie” Desic, who turned himself in after 30 years of living as a handyman in Northern Beaches, has been revealed.

Desic broke out of Grafton correctional facility on July 31, 1992, after serving 13 months of his three-and-a-half years of a prison sentence for growing marijuana, using hacksaw blade and bolt cutters; he was 35 years old then.

He said he escaped prison out of fear of being deported after completing his prison term to what used to be Yugoslavia, where he believes he would be punished for failing to complete his compulsory military service.

He remained under the radar for 30 years whilst living in Avalon and working as a cash-in-hand labourer, until the pandemic happened. Left with no means to support himself and homeless, the now 64-year-old opted to hand himself to Dee Why Police Station.

Grafton Correctional Centre | Photo Credit: Photographic Collection from Australia, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, / Wikimedia Commons

Before he was sent back to prison, Darko took the time to make one request that will end up touching someone’s life. He asked his friend Scott Matthewson to search for the owner of a gold medal that he found whilst living a life on the run in Northern Beaches. The rightful owner of the gold Victory Medal turned out to be Ernest Charles May from Melbourne.

May was awarded the gold medal in 1919 after serving in the Great War. He was wounded three times, had miraculously survived being buried in a collapsed trench before getting gassed with sulphur mustard.

The war veteran gave his World War I medal to his nephew John Paul Bell back in 1962 who had it hanging on his key ring when he lost it whilst walking on Avalon Beach. Mr Bell then learned about Desic’s story whilst reading his Pittwater Life magazine which showed a photo of his uncle’s medal.

Locals who have known “Dougie” for years rallied behind him upon learning that he was in jail and organised a GoFundMe to help him “rebuild his life”.

“Seems like he was a small offender and the laws were harsher back then for people growing pot. Meanwhile, he has stayed out of trouble and has had this problem hanging over his head for half his life. Also, he has helped our community and been a decent fellow,” the fundraiser stated.

“Remember he has been in our community for thirty years and ended up homeless on our beach at Avalon. Never did he hurt anybody. He is in jail now.”

“Dougie” is set to be granted parole as early as August 2022 but he could face deportation upon release.

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.

Keeping Cats Safe at Home Program Launches in Avalon, 10 NSW LGAs

The RSPCA NSW has launched a new program to ensure that domesticated cats in Avalon, as well as 10 urban and regional sites in New South Wales, remain safe at home. The Keeping Cats Safe at Home initiative should help the experts understand how cats and wildlife can co-exist with the help of pet owners.

The new program will provide cat owners education and seek advice from communities on how to improve cat ownership. The Councils chosen for this initiative include Northern Beaches (Avalon), Blue Mountains City, Byron Shire, Campbelltown City, City of Parramatta, Hornsby Shire, Shoalhaven City, Tweed Shire and Kyogle, Walgett Shire, and Weddin Shire.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said that domesticated cats account for the deaths of millions of native mammals, birds, and reptiles across Australia every year.

“We all love living close to bushland and even though we love our pets, we know native species and domestic cats don’t co-exist well, so we need to make sure our native wildlife is protected,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said that Keeping Cats Safe at Home will be “tailored to each council’s needs” and will engage local representatives, veterinarians, companion animal groups, cat owners, the general community, and wildlife groups. In due time, resources for schools will also be developed.

RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said that the Keeping Cats Safe at Home program is expected to facilitate real change in the next four years.

“Our job is to help people help animals, and in doing that we can ensure our furry feline friends will live longer, happier, healthier lives and so too will our native birds and wildlife.”

Avalon and Northern Beaches residents may begin contributing by answering this short online survey.

Park’nPay App Now Servicing Avalon Beach, Joining 22 Sydney Suburbs

Great news! There’s no need to rush back to your parked car in Avalon Beach to take care of an expiring parking meter. Tt’s now easier to pay and avoid the fines through the Park’nPay app.

The smart system, which slowly launched in New South Wales in October 2019, went live on Avalon Beach in May 2021 and is now accessible in more locations across the state. Aside from some areas in the Northern Beaches, Park’nPay’s service is also in these suburbs below, with more locations to be added in the coming months:

Avalon Beach
Artarmon
Bayview
Burwood
Chatswood
Church Point
Collaroy
Gosford
Hunters Hill
Liverpool
Manly
Mona Vale
Mosman
Narrabeen
Newport
Palm Beach
Pittwater
Port Stephens
St Leonards
Strathfield
Terrigal
The Rocks
Whale Beach

“This is a game-changer for drivers saving them precious time and allowing them to manage their parking from anywhere via the app,” said Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello. “No one should be rushing back to put money in a parking meter in 2021.”

Mr Dominello also commended the Northern Beaches Council for activating Park’nPay to benefit the locals.

“This is a big win for the community, and a region boasting world-famous beaches and popular restaurants and shops which people want to get to.”

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said that the convenience of Park’n Pay will also benefit local businesses and the management of the parking system of the region as a whole. However, Park’nPay’s launch at the Bilgola Beach carparks will have to be delayed due to limited internet connectivity.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council*

To use the Park’nPay app, Avalon residents may download the app on their preferred app store or through the official site. After setting up an account and personalising their settings, including the payment method, they can begin receiving notifications when their parking meter is almost up or if their parking spot will soon shift to the “no stopping zone.”

Users are provided the option to pay through credit card or through facilities like Google Pay or Apple Pay.

“The great thing about this new feature is it allows customers to pay for the exact amount of time they use. They simply have to select the ‘pay later’ option and they can go about their business, indicating in the app when they’ve left the spot,” per Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance.

FREE Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers Roll Out In Avalon

Residents of Avalon and other suburbs in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley may now take advantage of the free Dine & Discover NSW gift vouchers from the government in a bid to support the food and entertainment industry impacted by the pandemic lockdowns.

Beginning March 2021, locals over 18 years old can use their gift vouchers (four $25 vouchers) at participating establishments if they have applied for the privilege by logging on to their Service NSW account or by using the Service NSW mobile app.

How to Use Dine & Discover Vouchers

Participating businesses will honor the Dine & Discover NSW vouchers every Monday to Thursday (for food business) or any day of the week (for cultural, arts and live music venues). The vouchers may not be used during public holidays. Excluded in the scheme are takeaway meals, online food orders, alcohol, tobacco and gambling.

This is the second and expanded trial phase to help the hospitality, arts and tourism industry bounce back after major losses due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Earlier, the trial was launched within a small group in The Rocks and Broken Hill.

The State Government has funded $500 million into this rescue package to encourage residents to support local businesses. The scheme is expected to expand with more areas and establishments.

As such, applying for the vouchers does not carry a cut-off date and residents may still redeem when the scheme has been extended state-wide.

To use the Dine & Discover NSW vouchers:

Log in to the Service NSW App on your mobile device.
Select ‘Vouchers’.
Select the valid voucher you wish to use.
Select ‘Find a business’ to choose a participating business.
Present the voucher QR code for the business to scan at payment.
Your device will show the voucher as being used.
Residents may also download from the website the print the vouchers to be scanned at the establishment.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/Facebook*

Businesses must register to be part of the program and receive their payments from the grant.

“It’s not too late for eligible businesses to register. It can be done online and could bring more customers through the door. Customers should also download the Service NSW app now and reap the rewards,” Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said.

Cash Grants Scheme

Meanwhile, a separate cash grants scheme to complement the Dine and Discover scheme has been launched to provide relief for small businesses.

Establishments that suffered 30 percent or 50 percent losses in revenues, between December 2020 and February 2021, would be eligible to receive $3,000 or $5,000 from the government as payment. Businesses can use this payment for maintenance and rent, wages or legal fees.

In December 2020, more than 150 COVID-19 cases were linked to an Avalon outbreak, prompting officials to put the Northern Beaches under lockdown. Additional measures were also tightened in Sydney amidst the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

By January 2021, face masks became mandatory in enclosed places whilst strict fines were imposed on violators. Restaurants slowly re-opened in a limited capacity and required locals to present their confirmed bookings and passes.

On 21 February 2021, the State Government launched its vaccination program. By this time, there has been no recovered COVID-19 transmission for nearly 40 days in NSW.

The government said that restrictions will be reviewed in the middle of March.