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Warringah Rugby Club Junior and Sydney Swans Captain Callum Mills Out of AFL Grand Final

In a significant blow to Sydney, Warringah Rugby Club junior and Swans captain Callum Mills has been ruled out of Saturday’s AFL Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions.

Read: Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club to Rebuild After Devastating 2021 Fire

Callum Mills fights to overcome hamstring strain

Sydney Swans made the tough decision to rule out Mills after he failed to meet the necessary fitness requirements, despite his best efforts. Coach John Longmire made the call on Wednesday following the team’s main training session.

Mills, who strained his hamstring on 10 September, faced the difficult challenge of recovering within just 18 days—an unrealistic time frame in the end. The early decision allows the team to focus on their preparation without the distraction of ongoing fitness speculation.

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The absence of Mills, who has played only seven games in an injury-marred season, leaves a gaping hole in the Swans’ leadership. However, former Sydney captain Stuart Maxfield believes Mills will continue to support his teammates despite his personal disappointment.

“Knowing Callum reasonably well, he’s a strong character and he’s a fantastic leader, a player who always puts the team first,” Maxfield states. “No doubt the next couple of days he’ll be providing the support that they need.”

From rugby prodigy to AFL star

Mills’s journey to AFL stardom is unique. Unlike many of his peers, he didn’t grow up dreaming of AFL glory. Instead, his early sporting aspirations were focused on rugby union, where he excelled as a junior.

Under the guidance of coach Clive Nettleton, Mills won three consecutive state championships for Warringah’s under-age representative team between 2008 and 2010.

His rugby union teammates included Manly Warringah Sea Eagles’ centre Brad Parker, who had recently announced his retirement from rugby league, and rugby sevens Australian representative Simon Kennewell.

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Nettleton recalls Mills as a dedicated and quick learner, attributes that have translated well to his AFL career.

“He was always a good listener and if you told him something once he did it,” Nettleton remembers. “To see what he’s done in Aussie rules, he obviously has perseverance and ability.”

Read: Narrabeen Sports High School Named Among Seven Olympic Pathway Schools

As the Swans prepare for their charter flight to Melbourne on Thursday, the team faces the challenge of regrouping without their captain. Mills will travel with the squad, likely offering support from the sidelines.

The Sydney Swans will announce their final team lineup on Thursday night, as fans eagerly await the grand final showdown against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.

Published 26-September-2024

Olympic Bound: Narrabeen’s Sariah Paki Tackles Paris 2024

Narrabeen Sports High School alumna Sariah Paki, a 22-yr-old powerhouse in women’s rugby sevens known for her brutal defensive style and infectious energy, will be competing in her second Olympic Games.

Read: Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club to Rebuild After Devastating 2021 Fire

The journey of Sariah Paki

Sariah Paki made her World Series debut in Dubai in 2019, becoming the youngest player ever to compete for Australia on the global stage. Her international career began even earlier, with her first appearance for Australia in the Dubai 7s in 2018.

The young rugby star has already amassed an impressive list of achievements:
– Participated in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo
– Won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham
– Contributed to Australia’s victory at the 2022 Sevens Rugby World Cup in Cape Town

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Paki played in every 2023–24 SVNS tour leg as Australia placed second in the league and won the Grand Finals in Madrid last June.

Known affectionately as “Big Girl” within the squad, Paki is recognized for her tenacious style of play, particularly in defence. Her impact extends beyond the field, with teammates often citing her as the team’s chief comedian.

Personal life and character

Standing at 1.72m, Paki comes from a family deeply rooted in sports. One of six siblings, her sister Aaliyah Paki has played touch football for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL Touch Premiership in Australia.

Paki’s vibrant personality shines through both on and off the field. She plays a crucial role in maintaining team morale, often using humour to deflate the pressures of high-level competition. “I like bringing that character to the crew and not always being in a serious environment every day when you come in here,” Paki says.

At just 22 years old, Paki’s rugby career continues its upward trajectory. While firmly established in the Sevens format, she has hinted at a potential interest in the 15s version of the game, showcasing her versatility and ambition.

Read: Riding Two Waves: Ruby Trew To Her Dual Olympic Glory

Paki is set to represent Australia in Paris 2024, adding another exciting chapter to her already impressive career. The sevens group stage takes place on July 28 and 29, with Australia facing South Africa, Great Britain, and Ireland. Paki and the Australian team aims to improve upon their quarterfinal finish in Tokyo 2020.

Published 19-July-2024

Riding Two Waves: Ruby Trew To Her Dual Olympic Glory

Photo Credit: Australian Olympic Committee

In the world of elite sports, specialization is often the key to success. But 15-year-old Ruby Trew from North Narrabeen is defying conventional wisdom by excelling in not one, but two Olympic disciplines: skateboarding and surfing.

Trew’s remarkable journey began when her father, James, placed her on a surfboard at just six months old. Little did he know that this playful act would ignite a passion that would lead his daughter to become one of Australia’s most promising young athletes in two distinct sports.

Embracing the Challenge: Mastering Concrete and Waves

What sets Ruby apart is not just her skill, but her unwavering commitment to both skateboarding and surfing. While many athletes her age are pressured to choose a single sport, Ruby has embraced the challenge of mastering both concrete and waves.

“I love how unique you can be with skateboarding, and surfing gives me a different kind of freedom,” Ruby explains. “I couldn’t choose between them, so I decided not to.”

Making Waves in Two Worlds

Ruby’s dedication has already paid off. She achieved silver in the women’s vert contest at the 2019 World Skateboarding Championships in Barcelona (at age 10). She claimed the top spot as the champion of 2019 NSW under-12 state surfing. She also received the silver medal at the 2023 World Skateboarding Pro Tour event in Argentina and is currently ranked fourth in the world for skateboarding.

What makes Ruby’s story truly unique is her potential to make Olympic history. While she’s currently focused on qualifying for skateboarding at the Paris 2024 Games, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of competing in surfing at future Olympics.

Photo Credit: Australian Olympic Committee

“I’d love to be on the World Championship Tour for surfing after the Paris Olympics,” Ruby says. “I’d like to try and qualify for surfing at the Olympics too. It’s super hard because the Australian girls are just amazing, but I’m going to work hard and try to improve both sports at the same time.”

If successful, Ruby could join the ranks of legendary multi-sport athletes like Clara Hughes, who won multiple Olympic medals in both cycling and speed skating.

Challenges of a Dual-Sport Life

Ruby’s dual-sport pursuit is not without its challenges. Balancing the physical demands of two intensive sports with school and a social life is a constant struggle.

“It’s hard to find time for everything,” Ruby admits. “But I love what I do, and that makes it worth it.”

Inspiring a New Generation

As Ruby Trew continues her unprecedented journey, she’s not just chasing personal glory. She’s redefining what’s possible for young athletes and inspiring a new generation to pursue their passions without limits.

Whether she’s dropping into a halfpipe or carving up a wave, Ruby Trew is proving that with enough determination, you don’t have to choose between your dreams – you can ride them all.

Published 16-July-2024

Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club to Rebuild After Devastating 2021 Fire

The Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club is poised for a comeback with plans unveiled for a new facility at Jamieson Park, following its destruction in a fierce fire in late 2021.

The proposed Jamieson Park Sports Amenities Building, designed with significant input from the 113-year-old sailing club, promises enhanced boat storage and club facilities and public amenities including a café and a multipurpose indoor space.

Some of the suggestions include:

increased boat and equipment storage
a multipurpose indoor space
balcony or veranda for lake views
separate amenities for sports clubs and the public
a kiosk or café with a kitchen
a home for the sailing club
facilities for water sports
improved access to the water from the building

Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club — *Photo Credit: NorthernBeachesCouncil*

The next stages of the consultation will determine the final design. Construction is anticipated to commence in late 2025, and the community and club members are looking forward to restoring the vibrant local sailing scene.

Community and Architectural Harmony

The Northern Beaches Council has launched a public consultation process to fine-tune the building’s design, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of both the club and the wider community. This process follows initial feedback gathered in 2022, which influenced the current architectural plans, highlighting features like improved lake access and separate amenities for public and club use.

The club lost 24 boats in the blaze on the 27th of November 2021. In the aftermath of the disaster, the sailing community, both locally and across Sydney, rallied around the Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club.

Donations and equipment loans helped the club resume its activities, including youth sailing programs quickly. The club’s resilience is underscored by the broad support it continues to receive as it plans for its new home.

Continued Engagement

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the ongoing dialogue about the new facility’s design, with the council providing multiple channels for feedback. The public may also email the Counicl via council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.auw with the subject line: Jamieson Park Sports Amenities Building for their comments and suggestions.

The project’s progress, dependent on insurance claims, potential grants, and community input, is being closely monitored, with updates available through the Council’s communication channels.

Published 30-April-2024

Narrabeen Athletics Track Closure: A Blow to Sydney’s Sports Community

The indefinite closure of the synthetic athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen has caused concern within local and elite athletics communities.

The track has been deemed unsafe due to significant surface damage, and as a result, authorities have closed the famous 400m track since December 2023. This has disrupted the training routines of numerous athletes and has also affected the scheduling of competitive events.

Unfolding Crisis

The discovery of “bubbles” and uneven surfaces has rendered the track unsafe for use, leading to its closure. This decision has impacted many users, from elite athletes to local juniors, causing frustration and concern within the sporting community.

The NSW Government’s Office of Sport is actively investigating the cause of the deterioration, which persisted despite a recent resurfacing in 2019 and subsequent repairs following flooding in 2022.

In response, the Office of Sport established a temporary six-lane track on the academy’s premises. However, this makeshift solution has faced challenges, including closures due to adverse weather conditions and limitations in accommodating the usual eight-lane competitions.

Narrabeen Sydney Academy of Sport — *Photo Credit: Sydney Academy of Sports/Facebook*

Community Response and Concerns

The closure has elicited reactions from various quarters, including former Olympic sprinter Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, who expressed concerns over the impact on athletes’ training regimes.

Jeff Wrightson, president of the Manly Warringah Athletics Association (MWAA), described the situation as a “nightmare,” emphasising the danger posed to athletes’ safety by the damaged surface.

The ongoing issues have spurred local MPs and community leaders to advocate for establishing an alternative full-sized synthetic track in the Northern Beaches. This push is driven by the urgent need to provide athletes with a safe and standard facility for training and competition, especially in light of the upcoming Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.

Investigations and Remediation Efforts

As the Office of Sport continues its investigation into the root causes of the track’s deterioration, the athletics community remains hopeful for a swift resolution.

Geotechnical investigation work, including drilling test boreholes, began on 8 February 2024, aiming to understand the site’s response to various weather conditions and guide the next stages of remediation.

The Office of Sport has also set up an FAQ for those who may have questions about the remediation efforts.

Brand New High-Performance Training Centre Opened in Narrabeen

(L to R) NSW Institute of Sport High Performance Director, Barrie-Jon Mather, State MP for Wakehurst, Michael Regan, triathlete Jayden Schofield, triathlete Chloe Bateup, NSWIS Triathlon Head Coach, Liam O'Neill and NSWIS Canoe Sprint Head Coach, Jake Michael |Photo Credit: NSW Institute of Sport / nswis.com.au

A brand-new, high-performance training centre is now open in Narrabeen. The facility provides a nurturing ground for the next generation of world-class triathletes and canoe sprint paddlers.

Located within the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, the NSW Performance Centre was unveiled last 28 August 2023. Australia’s top triathletes and canoe sprint paddlers will have access to this world-class facility to help them train and develop their skills.

The centre also offers access to existing facilities including the athletics track and gym as well as a contemporary athlete accommodation centre and an administrative building.

This new training centre was delivered with the goal of providing the country’s talented athletes with the necessary competitive advantage with an eye toward the future Paris Olympics in 2024. According to NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper, it would give athletes access to a high-performance daily training environment that places a strong emphasis on maximising their abilities.

“NSW is proud to be the new home of this state-of-the-art facility for our up-and-coming triathletes and sprint paddlers as they strive to achieve their goals at Paris 2024,” Minister Kamper said.

“The Narrabeen facility will use new and existing resources for coach and athlete education and talent identification opportunities, as well as provide the sharing of information and learning opportunities with other sports.”

Also present during the opening of the new centre is independent state MP for Wakehurst, Michael Regan. He highlighted its positive impact on the local community and sporting groups. He further stressed that the Academy of Sports facilities are not limited to elite athletes, but they also serve local schools and community groups.

The provision of athlete accommodation was praised by Barrie-Jon Mather, director of NSWIS High Performance, stating that it was a bonus for athletes and coaches.

“We were able to work with our delivery partners to understand the needs of our athletes and coaches, providing them with a high standard of accommodation to remain on site while training for major events,” Mr Mather said.

For his part, Triathlon Australia CEO, Tim Harradine said that the new centre will help produce Australia’s next generation of high-calibre athletes.

Mr Harradine said, “The centre, established with NSWIS, is integral to our high-performance strategy to deliver a world-leading program and performance culture,”

“With the support of NSW, the hub at Narrabeen provides access to an athlete-focused environment with high-quality training facilities and support.”

Triathlon Australia, Triathlon NSW, and the state government’s Office of Sport collaborated on the initiative with the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS). The NSW Performance Center was delivered with a total investment of $425,000 from NSWIS.

Published 18-September 2023

Riding the Unseen: Blind World Parasurfing Champion Masters Nazaré

Praia do Norte beach - High waves - Nazaré - Portugal | Photo Credit: Luis Ascenso from Lisbon, Portugal, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , via Wikimedia Commons

Despite doctors initially doubting his athletic potential, Matt Formston, a three-time World Parasurfing champion proved them wrong by becoming a professional athlete and Paralympian. In Nazaré, Portugal, Formston defied the odds by conquering its towering waves despite being blind.

Formston, who grew up on Narrabeen, has displayed unwavering confidence since he was a young child. Macular dystrophy gradually stole his sight, leaving him with only peripheral vision in three per cent of his right eye and one per cent in his left.

Although everything appears blurry, he can distinguish shapes and lines. Details, however, elude him, and the outline of people’s faces becomes visible only when they are very close.

Despite the discouragement from doctors who believed he could never engage in sports, Formston shattered expectations and became a professional athlete and Paralympian.

Recently, he took on an extraordinary challenge: big wave surfing. His destination of choice was the renowned Nazaré. Its adrenaline-pumping waves can tower up to an impressive 25 meters (82 feet).

Whilst many surfers shy away from Nazaré’s colossal waves, Formston fearlessly embraced the challenge. He relies heavily on his team for guidance. Although he cannot see anything once he is on the wave, his other senses and communication with his support crew become his eyes.

Accompanied by a film crew, Formston embarked on his journey to Portugal in November 2022 to document his experience in a captivating documentary titled “The Blind Sea.”

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Formston’s jet ski driver, Lucas Chumbo, and teammate Dylan Longbottom devised a whistle system to assist him. The whistle serves as a crucial form of communication. It signals when to release the tow rope, when to make a turn, and when to conclude the wave.

By following this process, Formston successfully rode approximately 25 waves during his 12-day stay, ranging in size from 20 to 50 feet. For Formston, the significance lies not in winning titles or breaking records as a blind surfer, but in the ability to compete and demonstrate what is possible.

Nazaré represents more than just a competition for him. It symbolises a responsibility to defy limitations. He wants to inspire individuals with disabilities, encouraging them to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles. Despite his visual impairment, he remains ready to conquer any challenge that comes his way.

Published 28-June-2023.

Narrabeen Sports High School Named Among Seven Olympic Pathway Schools

Video Still Credit: Facebook / Narrabeen Sports High School

In NSW’s pursuit of cultivating future Olympians, Narrabeen Sports High School joins six other distinguished public schools to become the new Australian Olympic Pathway Schools.

The official designation of the seven Sports High Schools in New South Wales (NSW) as Australian Olympic Pathway Schools marks an important milestone for the state. The main goal of this partnership is to increase the possibilities open to gifted athletes in NSW, allowing them to progress in both their athletic and academic careers.
The seven Sports High Schools that have received this prestigious recognition are as follows:
Narrabeen Sports High School
Endeavour Sports High School
The Hills Sports High School
Hunter Sports High School
Illawarra Sports High School
Matraville Sports High School
Westfields Sports High School

The state government also confirmed an additional $1.5 million investment to extend the highly successful “Olympics Unleashed” school program until 2026, emphasizing its commitment to supporting students through the transformative power of sport and equipping them with essential life skills such as decision-making, goal-setting, and resilience, which has already benefited over 75,000 Year 9 students in the past three years.

Furthermore, this extension will allow thousands more young individuals, including primary school students, to reap the program’s rewards, delivered by inspiring Olympians and aspiring athletes. This further recognises the vital role played by public schools, particularly remarkable sports high schools, in shaping Australian sporting excellence, thus solidifying their well-deserved recognition as “Australian Olympic Pathway Schools.”

Minister for Sport, Alister Henskens conveyed his excitement, stating that the students currently enrolled in these sports high schools will be the heroes standing on the podium at the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

He further stressed that this pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Australia, will inspire even more high school students to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Additionally, it will provide comprehensive programs aimed at helping young individuals remain focused and motivated whilst navigating their academic studies and striving to forge a successful pathway in their respective sports.

With the NSW Government’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence and empowering young athletes, New South Wales has established itself as a trailblazer in developing the next generation of Australian sporting champions. This momentous achievement sets a new benchmark for other regions and reaffirms NSW’s status as a powerhouse in the realm of sports education and talent development.

Published 24-May-2023

Have Your Say On Proposed Alterations To North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club

Residents are being invited to share their feedback on the proposed alterations and extensions to the North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club (NNSLSC).

Read: Works Progressing On New Narrabeen Lagoon Pedestrian Bridge

Since 1912, NNSLSC has provided a base for surf lifesavers, whilst the North Narrabeen Boardriders Club (NNBC) has been calling it home since 1964. The current clubhouse was constructed in two phases, with the final phase being unveiled in 1983.

The proposed upgrade works involve making minor extensions to the North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club building, which will provide a suitable meeting space and improved facilities.

The upgrades will also include alterations to improve accessibility, waterproofing of the first floor deck, and a general upgrade to the building to enhance community and member use of the space. Additionally, an enclosed space will be added to the first floor deck.

The proposed works have been divided into three stages. Stage 1 will comprise the renewal of the Boardriders room, BBQ area, and associated landscaping works on the ground floor, along with the extension of the slab on level one.

Stage 2 will involve the installation of a new ceiling, lighting, and flooring on level one as part of an internal refurbishment.

In Stage 3, the focus will be on renewing the decking and waterproofing works, as well as adding a new enclosed space, balustrades, and cladding on level one.

It is expected that the first stage will begin in the middle of 2024, whilst Stages 2 and 3 will be undertaken in the subsequent financial years.

Read: Narrabeen Local Receives Australian Bravery Decoration

To have your say, complete the submission form or email council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au. You may also write to the Northern Beaches Council by marking it ‘North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club Alterations and Extensions.’

The proposed alterations and extensions of the North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club are open for public submissions until 30 April 2023.

Published 13-April-2023

Narrabeen Local Receives Australian Bravery Decoration

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council / northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

A Narrabeen local was honoured for rescuing a 91-year-old para-glider who crashed into the ocean in 2020. He is among the recipients of the 2022 Australian Bravery Decoration.

The Australian Bravery Decoration is awarded to 26 courageous individuals who risked their lives to help others. One of these is Kiwi expatriate Te Reo Haronga of Narrabeen.

The decorations awarded were the Bravery Medal (6), Bar to the Bravery Medal (1), Commendation for Bravery Conduct (13), and Group Bravery Citation (6).

“The awards I am announcing today recognise people who, in a moment of peril, were selfless and brave. Confronted with danger, they chose to help others,” the Governor General announced during the ceremony held in August.

“On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate recipients and offer our thanks for their brave action. I encourage recipients to wear their Australian Bravery Decoration with pride,” he added.

Te Reo Haronga

In the afternoon of 15 November 2020, Teo Reo Haronga went fishing on the rocks of Warriewood Headland. While fishing, he saw paraglider Jos Bots crash into the ocean.

Mr Bots struggled to stay afloat as he got entangled in his parachute and tried to hold onto the rocks. It didn’t take long before he was swept away, reaching as far as 10 metres from shore. Teo wasted no time and hurried to the cliff face and jumped into the water to pull the 91-year-old to safety.

Te Reo Haronga joins 25 other people who were honoured for their acts of bravery to protect the lives or property of others. The other honourees include people who rescued others from a vehicular accident; those who have put their life at risk to rescue others from fire; and those who bravely assisted others during an attack.

“Mr Te Reo Haronga displayed considerable bravery for his actions during the rescue of an elderly para-glider from the sea at Warriewood Headland, New South Wales on 15 November 2020,” his award citation said.