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Fishing Spots in Narrabeen Get Cleaner with New Tangle Bins

The NBC is addressing fishing waste in Narrabeen by installing new tangle bins, ensuring clean and safe fishing spots for all.

Fishing-related litter has been identified as a key environmental threat across New South Wales (NSW). Discarded fishing tackle, such as fishing lines, hooks, lures, traps, and nets, poses a significant risk to aquatic habitats and wildlife. Birds, turtles, platypuses, seals, and other aquatic animals can be injured by becoming entangled in or ingesting this waste.

New Initiative

To combat this issue, the NBC, in collaboration with OzFish and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), has taken a proactive step by installing new fishing tangle bins in several popular fishing spots, including Narrabeen. This initiative aims to provide fishers with the means to properly dispose of their unwanted tackle, thereby keeping these areas clean and safe for both people and wildlife.

The new tangle bins have been installed at the following locations in Narrabeen:

Narrabeen Lagoon Bridge area

Berry Reserve, Narrabeen

What Can Be Disposed of in the Tangle Bins

The tangle bins are designed to collect various types of fishing waste, including:

Fishing lines
Rinsed bait packaging
Hooks
Lures
Sinkers
Swivels

The collected waste will be monitored and audited to assess the types of fishing waste being captured. Where possible, the waste will be recycled through the OzFish Tackle Loop program.

Community Sentiment

The local community has shown positive reactions to the installation of the tangle bins. Many fishers appreciate the convenience and environmental benefits, noting that these bins help maintain the cleanliness and safety of their favourite fishing spots.

By using the tangle bins, fishers in Narrabeen and other Northern Beaches locations can contribute to a cleaner and safer environment. The NBC, together with OzFish and the NSW EPA, continues to monitor and improve this initiative to ensure its effectiveness in protecting local wildlife and aquatic habitats.

Published 23-Jan-2025

Emergency Response Beacons Boost Safety at Narrabeen Beach

Photo Credit: NSWSLS

Volunteer lifesavers in Narrabeen have been bolstered by new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs), which are helping to cut down critical rescue times on unpatrolled beaches along the New South Wales coastline.

The rollout of ERBs, including one at Narrabeen Beach, is part of a broader $16-million initiative to install lifesaving technology at identified drowning hotspots over four years.

Since December 2024, lifesavers across the state have responded to more than 1,000 rescues, and the Narrabeen beacon is a vital addition to these efforts as beach attendance surges during the summer months.

Lifesaving Technology in Action

The ERB at Narrabeen, along with 52 others installed across the NSW coastline, connects beachgoers directly to the Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre (SOC). When activated, the beacon provides an immediate communication link between a distressed person and a State Duty Officer, who can quickly assess the situation and dispatch appropriate resources.

These resources include jetskis, inflatable rescue boats, drones, or helicopters. Cameras installed on the beacons further assist by giving operators real-time visuals of the scene.

The ERB network is particularly significant for locations like Narrabeen Beach, where lifesavers are not present year-round. State Operations Centre officials have stated that these beacons ensure even remote areas are covered, providing lifesaving measures previously unavailable in unpatrolled spots.

Community-Focused Safety

Narrabeen’s inclusion in this program highlights the community-focused approach of the initiative. Surf Life Saving NSW emphasised that no drownings have occurred on patrolled beaches during operational hours, underscoring the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags. The ERBs aim to extend these safety measures to areas beyond the reach of routine patrols, enhancing the overall safety of the coastal community.

To complement these efforts, NSW has also delivered 14 jet skis to various locations across the state this summer, with 67 expected to be deployed over the next four years. The total investment includes a record $72 million commitment to Surf Life Saving NSW, supporting lifesaving programs and technology advancements.

Expanding Coverage

The 53 ERBs currently in place span a variety of high-risk locations, including other Northern Beaches such as South Curl Curl and Fisherman’s Beach. These locations were selected based on data identifying frequent incidents, as well as their status as unpatrolled or remote beaches.

Future expansions will see an additional 15 ERBs installed in 2025, with new-generation features like flotation devices and high-definition live-streaming capabilities. These upgrades are expected to further reduce emergency response times and enhance public safety at beaches statewide.

Published 23-January-2025

Narrabeen North Public School Students Enjoy Early Upgrade Completion

Photo Credit: DanielMokkheyMLC/ Facebook

Students at Narrabeen North Public School are settling into their revamped learning environment much sooner than anticipated following the early completion of major school upgrades.

The extensive refurbishment project has delivered a range of improvements across the campus.

The upgrades, which encompassed various areas of the school, included revamping science labs, prep rooms, and chemical storerooms and replacing roofs across several blocks.

Student and staff amenities received a much-needed refresh, while the technology and applied studies classrooms were also modernised. Furthermore, existing classrooms underwent refurbishment to provide improved learning environments.

The project team has been working closely with the school’s leadership to ensure the upgrades align with the school’s needs. Designs for further improvements, including a refurbished STEM room and upgraded woodwork, textile and computer rooms, have been finalised. A tender for this project stage was awarded in August 2024, with work commencing soon after.

Plans are also in place to upgrade 20 classrooms in another block. Construction is expected to begin towards the end of 2024, primarily during the December school holidays. The school’s new PA system is currently being installed and will be operational shortly.

The final stage of the project will see the removal of temporary classrooms from the sports oval in September 2024, once essential services have been disconnected. This will open up valuable outdoor space for students to enjoy.

This significant investment in Narrabeen North Public School is part of a broader commitment to providing high-quality education facilities for students nationwide.

The 2024-25 NSW Budget allocated a record $8.9 billion for new and upgraded schools, ensuring that growing communities have access to world-class learning environments.

Published Date 01-October-2024

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.