Northern Beaches Archives - Page 2 of 3

Avalon Beach’s Cranzgots Pizza to Close as Development Proposal for Boutique Dan Murphy’s Advances

Cranzgots Pizza Cafe in North Avalon, operating since 1998, will serve its last pizza on Sunday 15 March 2026 as a development proposal to demolish and replace the Careel Shopping Village with a new mixed-use centre, anchored by a boutique Dan Murphy’s, moves through the licensing process.

The team behind Cranzgots announced the closure this week and said the decision had been far from easy. They said Cranzgots Pizza had been much more than a restaurant, serving as a gathering place filled with memories and familiar faces, and a venue for live music where the community shared laughs, danced and enjoyed unique pizzas not found anywhere else. The team said the venue had become an Avalon institution over the years.

The café at 1–3 Careel Head Road, known locally as “Cranny’s”, has drawn generations of Avalon families, surfers, soccer players and live music lovers to the Barrenjoey Road corner for 27 years. In a farewell message, the team thanked local groups, musicians and former staff, and said it will mark the closure with a final weekend of celebrations.

The prominent North Avalon site, a long-time stop for residents heading to Hitchcock Park, Careel Bay Playing Fields and Avalon Beach, has secured redevelopment approval after the NSW Land and Environment Court granted consent following conciliation between Grex Holdings Pty Ltd and Northern Beaches Council. Grex Holdings Pty Ltd lodged a liquor licence application with the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority on 16 December 2025.

What the Development Proposal Involves

The approved development consent covers the demolition of the existing shopping centre and construction of a new purpose-built three-storey mixed-use building. At ground level, the building will house the Dan Murphy’s store along with a small number of specialty retail tenancies. A childcare centre will occupy Level 1, with dedicated lift access from the basement and a separate entry on Careel Head Road that does not share any lobby or entry point with the Dan Murphy’s premises. Off-street basement parking will replace the existing surface car park, with excavation to a depth of approximately 2.3 metres required during construction.

Dan Murphy's development proposal — Photo Credit: APP-0015360276

The proposed Dan Murphy’s is considerably smaller than a typical store in the brand’s network. The trading floor covers approximately 409 square metres, roughly half the size of a standard Dan Murphy’s, and the store will carry around 2,800 product lines compared with approximately 4,000 at a full-format store. The concept is modelled on what Endeavour Group, the parent company behind Dan Murphy’s, describes as a boutique format aligned with “The Cellar by Dan Murphy’s” brand, with a focus on wine education, in-store tastings and on-demand micro-classes hosted by product specialists.

Endeavour has operated a comparable smaller-format store at Elanora Heights, also on the Northern Beaches, with a floor area of around 400 square metres. That store has received strong customer ratings since opening.

A Boutique Format for a Residential Neighbourhood

According to the liquor licence application materials, the proposed store will trade Monday to Saturday from 9am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 9pm, shorter hours than the standard trading period for packaged liquor licences in NSW. It will employ approximately eight full-time staff supported by around ten permanent part-time and casual employees, with a stated preference for hiring locally.

The application documents note that Avalon Beach already has five licensed bottle shops, including Chambers Cellars, Liquorland Cellars (formerly Vintage Cellars), Mr Liquor North Avalon, Clareville Cellars Fine Wine and Beer, and the recently opened Winona Wine Avalon. The applicant argues the new store will redistribute market share among existing retailers rather than expand overall alcohol consumption in the community, drawing on NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data showing that alcohol-related assaults in Avalon Beach fell from 17 incidents in the year to June 2007 to six incidents in the year to June 2025.

The site sits within 30 metres of Hitchcock Park and approximately 150 metres from the Careel Bay Playing Fields, which includes the Avalon Soccer Club. The Avalon Veterinary Hospital on Barrenjoey Road is roughly 60 metres away. The application documents note there are no schools, nursing homes, places of worship, detoxification facilities or alcohol-free zones within 200 metres of the proposed store. The childcare centre within the same building has been designed with physical separation from the bottle shop, including a dedicated entry and lift that do not intersect with the Dan Murphy’s premises.

Farewell to Cranny’s and How to Follow the Application

The Cranzgots team has called on the community to visit and support the café right up to its final night of trading, inviting everyone to enjoy pizza, music and celebrate the end of an incredible era. Details of the final weekend events will be announced in the coming weeks.

The public submission period for the liquor licence application formally closed on 15 January 2026, but the application remains under assessment by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority. Residents who wish to monitor progress or seek further information can visit the Liquor and Gaming NSW Noticeboard.

Published 17-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.

Students Help Shape Avalon Public School’s Renewed Nura Djaroba

Photo Credit: NSW Department of Education/Facebook

Avalon Public School’s community gathered to see a well-loved natural play space return to daily use after a major upgrade, marking a new chapter for an area shaped by students, families and local supporters for nearly three decades.

History And Community Roots

The school welcomed families, staff, students and local community members back into Nura Djaroba during its reopening events held in mid November 2025. Planning and fundraising efforts for the renewal began several years earlier, supported by a NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant matched by school community contributions.

*Photo Credit: NSW Department of Education/Facebook*

Nura Djaroba began in the early 1990s when parents, teachers and local designers worked together to build a natural space that reflected bushland surroundings and Aboriginal knowledge. The space opened in 1996 and supported generations of children who played, learned and explored outdoors.

Student-Led Redesign

Over time the area needed repairs and updates to meet modern standards, prompting the school community to begin renewal work around 2020. Longtime contributors, including members of the original design team, attended the 2025 reopening to see the refreshed area return to use.

The renewal placed students at the centre of planning. School leaders explained that students shaped ideas for features, accessibility and layout. Their input guided choices such as a wider stage, clearer pathways, new natural play elements and full accessibility through the site. The school emphasised that the space forms part of its identity, and student participation ensured the design continued to reflect the children who use it.

Cultural And Environmental Elements

The reopening featured cultural acknowledgement, including a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by local First Nations representatives. A new sculpture named Kip the Koala was introduced as a symbol of respect for local heritage, created by Richard Stutchbury, one of the original designers involved in the 1996 project.

*Photo Credit: Avalon Public School/Facebook*

Native plants were added throughout the play area, with each student planting one, continuing a tradition from the original opening. A waratah was planted as a further link between past and present.

A Space For Learning And Play

School staff described the area as a place that encourages creativity, social connection and outdoor learning. Children use the space for play that grows from their imagination, supported by the natural setting and upgraded features.

The project brought together families, students, educators and local residents who share a long connection to the site. The reopening reinforced the importance of community involvement in shaping school environments that support both learning and belonging.

Published 26-November-2025

Avalon Pet Owners Warned as Tick Cases Triple in Early Season Surge

Photo Credit: Pexels

Families in Avalon are being urged to check their pets daily after reports confirmed that life-threatening tick paralysis cases have tripled across the region.

The Invisible Intruder

Veterinary clinics on the Northern Beaches have reported a worrying trend where the number of pets affected by these parasites has tripled compared to this time last year. The surge is driven by unseasonably warm weather and high humidity, creating perfect breeding conditions earlier than usual.

While many owners assume their animals are safe if they stay inside, experts at Sydney Animal Hospitals, which operates in Newport and Avalon, warn that fences and walls are no longer enough protection.

Dr Ben Brown, a vet at the hospital, explained that ticks are incredibly opportunistic. He noted that staff members are seeing cats that have never left their property succumb to tick paralysis. These parasites easily hitch a ride indoors on human clothing, other household pets, or local wildlife. Dr Brown stressed that it takes only a single tick bite to cause severe paralysis, making vigilance essential even for animals that spend their days on the couch.

A Close Call for Tiggy

The danger became all too real for Newport resident Lily Hewitson and her eight-year-old tabby cat, Tiggy. The family rushed Tiggy to the hospital after she became lethargic, disoriented, and struggled to breathe. Ms Hewitson later recalled realising something was wrong when her cat refused food and could not walk properly the next morning.

Upon arrival, the veterinary team quickly located and removed a large paralysis tick near the cat’s shoulder blade. Tiggy required oxygen therapy and overnight hospitalisation to survive the ordeal. Ms Hewitson admitted that Tiggy had missed just one prevention tablet, which was all the opportunity the tick needed. She expressed relief at having her pet home and hoped her experience would remind others that tick prevention is vital for all pets, not just those who roam the bush.

Recognising the Signs

Time is the most critical factor when dealing with tick paralysis. Dr Brown advised owners to watch closely for early warning signs, such as wobbliness in the back legs, a change in the pet’s bark or meow, vomiting, or laboured breathing. He stated that immediate veterinary treatment is necessary, often involving antiserum and oxygen support.

To keep pets safe, the veterinary team recommends consistent use of preventative measures like monthly chews, topicals, or collars. Dr Brown mentioned that dog owners can also ask about a yearly injection that offers continuous protection. To help the community stay ahead of this early season spike, Sydney Animal Hospitals is currently offering free lump checks throughout November.

Published Date 24-November-2025

Avalon Beach Among Sydney’s Cleanest in 2025 Beachwatch Report

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Avalon Beach ranks second overall among Sydney’s cleanest beaches, according to the 2025 Beachwatch report, confirming its excellent water quality, consistently low levels of enterococci bacteria, and minimal stormwater runoff.

Clean Waters for Avalon

The 2025 Beachwatch report assessed 249 swimming sites across New South Wales. The report found that 95 per cent of ocean beaches across the state had “very good” or “good” water quality. Avalon Beach ranked second overall in Sydney, following Whale Beach, based on consistently low levels of enterococci bacteria.

Avalon’s strong result was supported by its natural conditions and limited stormwater inflow. Local residents noted that the beach’s lack of stormwater drainage contributed to its cleanliness compared to other coastal areas.

Avalon Beach cleanliness — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Report Findings and Statewide Overview

The Beachwatch report graded beaches from “very good” to “very poor” based on microbial water quality. Among Sydney’s top-performing beaches were Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, Greenhills Beach, Palm Beach, The Basin, Wanda Beach, Shelly Beach (Sutherland), Elvina Bay, Bungan Beach, and Bilgola Beach.

The 2025 findings by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water attributed improved beach conditions to below-average rainfall, which reduced runoff and pollution in urban waterways. Statewide, 23 swimming locations recorded improved water quality over the previous year.

Sydney beaches — Photo Credit: Google Maps

How Avalon Compares

Avalon’s ranking placed it ahead of many of Sydney’s well-known beaches such as Bondi, Bronte, and Coogee. Bondi and Bronte received “good” gradings, while Coogee was rated “poor”. Beaches in the Northern Beaches and Sutherland Shire dominated the top ten for water quality, reflecting lower population density and minimal urban runoff in these coastal areas.

In contrast, enclosed sites such as Foreshores Beach and Gymea Bay Baths received “very poor” gradings due to restricted water flow and higher contamination risk.

Beachwatch report — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Community Response

Social media users celebrated Avalon’s high ranking, attributing its success to its natural drainage and community care for the coastal environment. Comments from locals highlighted the absence of major stormwater outlets and the protection of dune systems as key reasons for the beach’s pristine condition.

Residents also praised neighbouring Bilgola Beach, which placed within Sydney’s top ten cleanest beaches, reinforcing the Northern Beaches’ reputation for maintaining strong environmental standards.

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Access

The Beachwatch program continues to provide public access to real-time water quality data through its website. Environment Department officials advised swimmers to check Beachwatch updates before entering the water, particularly after rainfall, as urban runoff can temporarily affect water quality.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Careel Bay Takes Centre Stage in National Bird Count

Photo Credit: JJ Harrison/CC BY-SA 4.0

Avalon’s coastal bushland and tidal flats are more than a backdrop for weekend walks. They are a living stage for some of Australia’s rarest and most recognisable birds. This month, the suburb will once again find itself at the centre of a nationwide effort as locals join the Aussie Bird Count, recording the feathered life of backyards, headlands, and the sheltered waters of Careel Bay.

Bird Week Brings Community Together

The Aussie Bird Count, run by BirdLife Australia, is one of the largest citizen science events in the country. From 20 to 26 October 2025, Australians are encouraged to stop for just 20 minutes, anywhere they choose, and count the birds they see. Using the free app or website, participants contribute sightings that form part of an ongoing database used by scientists to track trends in bird populations.

For Avalon, participation is more than symbolic. The suburb’s wetlands and nearby bushland provide food and shelter for species of local and international importance.

At Careel Bay, shorebirds such as the critically endangered Eastern Curlew and migratory Bar-tailed Godwit can be seen during spring as they travel from breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere. Each recorded sighting adds vital data to help monitor whether these long-distance travellers are surviving their journeys and holding onto their habitats.

Everyday Birds, Critical Information

While Avalon is home to threatened species, the Bird Count does not just focus on the rare. Familiar locals such as the Rainbow Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, and Willie Wagtail are just as important to log. Shifts in their numbers can reveal much about the pressures of urbanisation, land clearing, and climate change.

BirdLife Australia notes that even a single observation contributes to science. When thousands of Australians join in, the collective data helps map population shifts across suburbs, towns, and entire states. This information informs conservation planning and guides councils on how to protect the natural spaces that communities rely on.

Avalon’s Link to Bird History

Avalon’s role in Australia’s birdwatching culture stretches back more than a century. Neville William Cayley, remembered as Australia’s first popular field guide author, made his home here. His 1931 book, What Bird is That?, offered full-colour illustrations and descriptions that opened the world of birdwatching to ordinary people.

Neville Cayley — Photo Credit: Public Domain

Cayley lived at “Ideal View,” a house on Marine Parade in Avalon, where he painted and wrote about the very species still common in the suburb today. His work bridged science and art, and laid the groundwork for a culture of everyday Australians participating in bird observation. The 2025 Aussie Bird Count continues that legacy, translating Cayley’s passion into a digital age where sightings from Avalon can be logged instantly via smartphone.

Why Avalon Matters in 2025

Conservation groups highlight Careel Bay as a key site on the Northern Beaches where community involvement has direct value. Tidal wetlands here provide feeding grounds for shorebirds that face global declines. Recording their presence, even in small numbers, helps track whether conservation measures are effective.

In recent years, residents and council initiatives have worked to maintain these habitats. Nesting platforms have been installed for Ospreys, while bushcare groups restore vegetation along foreshore areas. The Bird Count provides everyday residents with an opportunity to participate in this ongoing effort, whether by walking along the bay at low tide or observing the calls of lorikeets in street trees.

Getting Involved from Avalon

Joining the Aussie Bird Count is straightforward. Locals can register online at the official site or download the app via Apple or Google Play. Participants select a spot — whether in a backyard, at the beach, or along the Careel Bay foreshore — and spend 20 minutes observing. The app provides identification tools, making it easier for beginners to recognise common birds.

For Avalon residents, the Bird Count is not just about numbers. It’s a way to connect with local heritage, contribute to conservation, and deepen awareness of the living environment that defines the community. Every lorikeet, curlew, or magpie recorded becomes part of a much larger picture of Australia’s birdlife.

Published 2-Oct-2025

Careel Shopping Village Avalon Redevelopment Approved Despite Community Objections

Photo Credit: DA2024/1091

Childcare centre above Dan Murphy’s approved in Avalon’s Careel Shopping Village, despite community and health authority objections.

Background of the Proposal

Plans to redevelop Careel Shopping Village at 1 Careel Head Road, Avalon Beach, were lodged on 11 September 2024 as Development Application DA2024/1091. The proposal included demolition works and the construction of a new two-storey mixed-use complex with basement parking, retail space, and a childcare centre.

The application was placed on exhibition from 30 June to 28 July 2025, attracting significant public submissions. The estimated cost of the project was $7,246,888.

Community Objections

More than 220 submissions were lodged opposing the project. Local residents expressed concern about the location of a 500-square-metre Dan Murphy’s store directly beneath a childcare facility. Issues raised included the potential exposure of children to alcohol advertising, increased traffic near the intersection of Careel Head Road and Barrenjoey Road, and flooding risks affecting the proposed basement car park.

The Northern Sydney Local Health District advised against the proposal, citing links between alcohol marketing exposure and youth drinking. Community groups also argued that Avalon already had several liquor outlets nearby and that the redevelopment would be out of character for the area.

childcare centre — Photo Credit: DA2024/1091

The Ruling

Northern Beaches Council initially issued a deemed refusal of the application. The developer, Grex Holdings, appealed the decision to the Land and Environment Court. In early September 2025, the court upheld the appeal with amended plans following conciliation between the council and the developer.

The plans include a separate entrance and lift for the childcare centre, independent of the bottle shop, in response to concerns about access and safety.

Dan Murphy’s — Photo Credit: DA2024/1091

Current Retail Context

The Careel Shopping Village site also includes other retail spaces for lease, with tenants such as a pizza café and a pie shop. Leasing documents highlight multiple opportunities for shops ranging from 47 to 129 square metres, with off-street parking provided.

Looking Forward

With the court’s approval, the redevelopment of Careel Shopping Village will proceed, combining retail businesses with a 60-place childcare centre above a Dan Murphy’s store. The decision followed extended debate between community members, health authorities, and the developer, with changes made to address some concerns.

Published 22-Sep-2025

Osprey Nesting Platform Installed in Avalon

Photo Credit: NBC

A 23-metre nesting platform has been installed at Hitchcock Park in Avalon to provide a safe habitat for Eastern Ospreys.

Background

On 1 September 2025, a 23-metre pole topped with a nesting basket was installed at Hitchcock Park in Avalon. The project aims to support the threatened Eastern Osprey, a bird of prey that prefers elevated sites near waterways to build large stick nests.

In recent years, ospreys on the Northern Beaches have been found nesting in unsuitable man-made structures, such as sports field lighting and cranes. One pair even established a nest on a construction crane in Pittwater in 2024, creating safety risks for both the birds and workers.

Osprey nesting platform Avalon — Photo Credit: NBC

Purpose of the Project

The new platform provides a safe alternative that replicates natural nesting habitats, which have declined due to urban development. Similar artificial nesting towers have been successfully used in northern New South Wales, South-east Queensland and South Australia.

The Avalon installation is among the first of its kind in Sydney and is expected to help breeding pairs raise their young in a secure environment above the tree canopy and close to local fishing grounds.

Community Involvement

From May to June 2025, consultation was held with residents, with 164 people sharing their views. Feedback was overwhelmingly supportive of the project. The platform was placed in a cleared area behind the Careel Bay sportsfields to minimise disruption to regular park use.

Project Delivery

The nesting platform was funded with the support of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, along with Council. Installation works were carried out from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, with temporary fencing in place for safety.

The project followed an environmental assessment under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Once the installation was complete, an osprey was observed inspecting the new structure.

Next Steps

The platform will now be monitored to determine if it is taken up by a breeding pair. If successful, it could serve as a model for further installations across Sydney to assist in the long-term protection of the species.

Published 9-Sep-2025

Alcohol-Free Zones Approved in Avalon to Curb Street Drinking

Photo Credit: Pexels

Avalon has been included in a new series of alcohol-free zones across the Northern Beaches, aimed at reducing street drinking and related anti-social behaviour.

Background and Review Process

NBC, in consultation with NSW Police, reviewed all existing alcohol-free zones (AFZs) across the area ahead of their staggered expiry dates between August 2025 and June 2026. This review sought to identify which zones should be re-established, altered, or discontinued based on current community needs and behavioural patterns.

The public exhibition period ran from 21 March to 27 April 2025, during which 193 submissions were received. Feedback informed a report presented at the NBC meeting on 15 July 2025, where officials endorsed the revised list of AFZs.

public drinking ban — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

New Zone Established in Avalon

As part of the update, an AFZ was established in Avalon covering the town centre and surrounding roads. Specific areas include Old Barrenjoey Road from The Crescent to the intersection with Barrenjoey Road, continuing south along Barrenjoey Road and east along Avalon Parade.

This decision aligns Avalon with other newly designated zones including Collaroy, Mona Vale, and two sections of Newport, and is set to be in place from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2029.

Ongoing Zones and Locations Removed

Six zones were re-established, including Narrabeen (Pittwater Road between Ocean Street and the lagoon bridge, plus the Wellington Street carpark) and nearby Church Point. In contrast, eight zones—such as those in Belrose, Cromer, Forestville, and a second Freshwater area—were not renewed due to decreased incident reports or non-compliance with updated criteria under the Ministerial Guidelines for Alcohol-Free Zones.

alcohol-free zones — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Sentiment Mixed

Public feedback on the AFZ expansion was divided. Some community members supported the zones as effective tools to manage alcohol-related incidents and maintain the safety of public spaces. Others raised concerns about over-regulation and the perceived restriction of public freedoms.

Next Steps for Avalon and Other Areas

The established and re-established zones across the Northern Beaches, including Avalon, will remain in effect until August 2029. NBC and police will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures, using incident data and complaints to assess future needs.

Published 22-July-2025

‘Brushing’ Scam Delivers Unwanted Parcels to Avalon Homes

Photo Credit: Pexels

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