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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.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matt Formston (@mattformston)

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.

Protect Yourselves! Ross River and Barmah Forest Viruses Detected at the Narrabeen Lagoon

Residents of Narrabeen, along with the rest of the Northern Beaches, are urged to protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing proper clothing as authorities detect the Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses at the Narrabeen Lagoon.

The Northern Beaches Council was advised by NSW Health about the presence of the Barmah Forest virus in May whilst the Ross River virus was detected in March. The viruses come from animals like kangaroos or wallabies but it can be passed to humans due to the mosquito bites.

Symptoms of the virus include joint pain or inflammation that are not fatal but can be debilitating for people of all ages. Additionally, those bitten by the mosquitoes may develop fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, weakness, and rashes that last for seven to 10 days. Many will recover after a week but some may still experience joint pains and tiredness for months.

The Council and NSW Health have established a Mosquito Management Plan given the number of mosquito species in the area. There is no vaccine for these viruses.

Instead, the experts advise the following protection and safety measures:

Cover up with a loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt and long pants when outside.
Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin.
Take special care during peak mosquito-biting hours, especially around dawn and dusk.
Remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home and screen windows and doors.
Take extra precautions when travelling or camping in areas with a higher risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquitoes also thrive in very small amounts of water pooling, such as in basins or pots left open in the backyard. To reduce the risks, Council advised the following:

Clean up your backyard and remove all water-holding rubbish, including tyres and containers.
Keep your lawn mowed.
Flush and wipe out birdbaths and water features once a week.
Fill pot plant bases with sand to avoid standing water.
Store anything that can hold water undercover or in a dry place, and keep bins covered.
Flush out the leaves of water-holding plants such as bromeliads once a week.
Keep drains and roof guttering clear to avoid standing water.
Cover or securely screen the openings of septic tanks and rainwater tanks.
Ensure tarpaulins covering boats or trailers do not collect water.
Use fly screens on doors, windows and consider screening chimneys, vents, and other entrances.

More details are on the NSW Health Mosquitoes Fact Sheet.

Works Progressing On New Narrabeen Lagoon Pedestrian Bridge

Commuters, walkers, and cyclists will soon enjoy a wider shared path as the construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge at the Narrabeen Lagoon has finally started earlier in February 2022.

Read: Enjoy a Lovely Nature Hike Along Narrabeen Lagoon Trail

Works involve extending the bridge and widening the footpath at the western end to ensure that there are no bottlenecks created.

Due to the narrow width of the existing pedestrian path on the western side of the bridge along Pittwater Road, it is not suitable to be used as a shared path. The existing bridge was built in 1946 and has a limited lifespan.

Once the existing bridge is upgraded, it will be constructed to a higher flood level to comply with current bridge design standards (to the same level as the new pedestrian and cycle bridge).

The new pedestrian bridge, which will be 3m wide, was designed to comply with a 100-year flood level. The original concept estimated installation of six piers, however following detailed engineering, the Northern Beaches Council identified the need for additional piers to reduce flex and support the stability of the bridge.

narrabeen bridge design — Narrabeen bridge arrangement plan (Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council)

It was proposed back in 2018 as locals used to complain to Council about the narrow shared path being a ‘bottleneck’ and a ‘safety hazard’ for cyclists and walkers.

“At the moment, a one-metre wide section of the Pittwater Road bridge is shared by walkers, joggers and bike riders. It’s led to bottlenecks and become a bit of a safety hazard,” said Rob Stokes MP, Member for Pittwater, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Cities, and Minister for Active Transport.

“This project will make it safer and more inviting for people to walk, jog or ride along what is one of Sydney’s great waterfront links,” Mr Stokes added.

The $3-million bridge is funded through a grant from Transport for NSW and supplemented by funding from Councils Stronger Communities Fund. Depending on weather conditions, works are expected to be complete by May 2022.

Bereavement Walks Help People in Narrabeen Deal with Grief

Bereavement Walks, a new and unique outdoor counseling technique that helps people cope with the loss of loved ones, are now available in Narrabeen and Long Reef.

Set up by palliative and aged care provider HammondCare, specifically their Northern Beaches Palliative Care Service, the new outdoor counseling program dubbed The Bereavement Walks Group was created to let those dealing with grief meet up in an informal setting to share their feelings while getting some exercise.

The program was launched in July 2020, and each of these walks are facilitated by a trained counsellor as well as volunteers who are trained to help people cope with grief and loss. The walks themselves last one to two hours, and given their success, it is likely that HammondCare will expand their reach to cater to people in the lower and upper north shore.

These walks are particularly therapeutic as they allow people in need of counseling to seek help and assistance by themselves, giving them avenues to unwind and talk about their feelings with other people while simultaneously receiving professional help. Volunteer counsellors occasionally interact with runners even outside of the organised group settings to have chats.

One trait that differentiates Bereavement Walks from traditional counselling is the less formal and emotionally demanding setting than the average indoor sit-in counselling sessions people have. Physical activity such as exercise also improves moods by creating positive focuses during challenging times.

In order to participate in these walks, registration is mandatory, and the eligibility criteria for involvement was the loss of a partner, a child, or a parent following palliative care at a HammondCare Hospital or HammondCare Community Service, or at a Northern Sydney Health District Hospital.

It is estimated that two new Bereavement Walks groups will open in Wahroonga and the lower North Shore at the end of June 2021. For more information on HammondCare’s Northern Beaches Palliative Care Service, visit their website here.

Barmah Forest Virus Detected at Narrabeen Lagoon

A mosquito-borne virus has been detected at the Narrabeen Lagoon prompting the NSW Ministry of Health to issue an advisory for locals enjoying their outdoor activities within this Northern Beaches site to protect themselves against the Barmah Forest virus.

Nature enthusiasts visiting the Narrabeen Lagoon are encouraged to cover up properly and wear light-coloured clothes. They must also use an effective insect repellent and re-apply this every few hours if they have exposed skin. The effectiveness of mosquito repellants usually wears off with perspiration.

Narrabeen Lagoon is an ideal site for bushwalking, jogging, cycling, fishing and kayaking. There is also a small protected beach by the lake’s entrance, where families enjoy swimming or a picnic.

If the locals are bringing their babies and children for outdoor walks or play, their exposed skin must be protected as well. According to the health officials, repellants are safe for babies above three months but parents are advised to read the labels carefully for the products they use.

The Barmah Forest virus, named after a northern Victorian region where it was first detected in 1974, can cause joint pain and usually develop after seven to 10 days of exposure. Most people recover from the disease.

“These infections can cause symptoms including tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints,” Dr Michael Staff, Director, Northern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit said.

“The symptoms usually resolve after several days, but some people may experience these symptoms for weeks or even months.”

Mr Staff also said that mosquitoes are more active during the “early and late parts of the day” so he recommends extra protection for locals going to the lagoon at these times.

“Preventing infection with these viruses depends on avoiding mosquito bites, especially as the mosquitoes have become active after recent rain, warm days and high tides,” Mr Staff added.