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Narrabeen Sports High School Teachers Honoured for 50+ Years of Service

Narrabeen Sports High School/Google Maps

Two teachers from Narrabeen Sports High School received recognition in December for dedicating more than 50 years each to public education, with Jeffrey Conroy completing 52 years and Robert McClung marking 51 years in the classroom.

The celebration honoured over 50 teachers and staff who have served a minimum of 50 years in NSW public schools, representing more than 2600 years of combined service. The recognition event acknowledged some of the state’s most committed education professionals who have shaped generations of students.

Narrabeen Sports High School expressed pride in celebrating both educators, particularly Technology and Applied Studies teacher Robert McClung, who began his teaching journey in 1974 and has dedicated over 51 years to inspiring generations of students through technology education.

A Beloved Member of the Community

McClung is known as a passionate advocate for public education and a much-loved member of the Narrabeen community. Students regard him as a favourite teacher, while colleagues appreciate his generosity, warmth and sense of fun, including his love of sailing and the many times he has welcomed Narrabeen Sports High School staff aboard his sailing boat after hours.

The high school described feeling privileged to work alongside such an exceptional educator who combines technical expertise with genuine care for students and staff. His 51 years specialising in Technology demonstrate a sustained commitment to helping young people develop practical skills and confidence.

*Photo Credit: Narrabeen Sports High School/Google Maps*

Five Decades Across Northern Beaches Schools

Jeffrey Conroy earned his BA (Honours) and Diploma of Education in History, English and Philosophy from Macquarie University in 1973. He commenced his teaching career at Riverstone High School, where he spent eight years before moving to Pittwater High School in 1982.

Conroy taught at Pittwater High School throughout the next decade, becoming established in the northern beaches education community. In February 1992, he relocated to Narrabeen Sports High School, where he has remained for over three decades, dedicating 52 years total to educating the next generation in History and English.

Recognising Decades of Dedication

The recognition of Conroy and McClung highlights the significant role Narrabeen Sports High School teachers play in shaping young lives across the northern beaches. Both educators have demonstrated decades of commitment to their students, with McClung’s technology expertise and Conroy’s humanities teaching creating lasting impact on countless students who have passed through their classrooms.

The celebration of these milestone achievements reflects the deep dedication required to teach for 50-plus years and the profound influence these educators have had on the Narrabeen community over five decades.

Published 17-February-2026.

Sea Eagles Star Makes Narrabeen His Home With Renovated Residence Purchase

Photo Credit: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

A prominent Manly Sea Eagles star has recently purchased a renovated residence in Narrabeen, continuing a trend of property investment in the local area by members of the football club.

Jake Trbojevic, who plays for the Sea Eagles, and his wife Alix, a physiotherapist, acquired the lakeside property during the off-season for $5.15 million.

The home, located near Narrabeen Lake, underwent significant renovations after its previous sale in 2023 for $2,365,000. The upgrades incorporated natural timber and sandstone elements throughout the property.

The renovated residence now features five bedrooms across two levels—three upstairs and two downstairs. Each level includes separate living areas, with the upper floor offering a full-width covered deck with filtered lake views.

The ground floor contains a kitchen, dining and living space that opens onto a covered balcony equipped with an outdoor kitchen. The 695-square-metre property includes a swimming pool, spa and a small putting green.

The Trbojevics married in late 2024 in a Hunter Valley ceremony, as reported in the same publication.

This marks Jake Trbojevic’s third property purchase in Narrabeen. His first was a two-bedroom apartment acquired in 2014 for $680,000. In 2020, he purchased a unit in The Bathers development near the beach for $1.555 million, which reportedly sold last week.

The Sea Eagles player was born and raised in nearby Mona Vale alongside his two brothers, Tom and Ben, who also play for the club.

Property records show that in 2018, Jake and Tom Trbojevic both purchased house and land packages in a Warriewood development. Jake recently transferred his Warriewood property to his parents, Melissa and John, for $2.35 million.

Tom sold his Warriewood property in June 2025 for $2,556,000 before purchasing a family home in Collaroy Plateau for $4.3 million, the publication reported.

The youngest brother, Ben, also invested in Narrabeen in 2024, purchasing a two-bedroom apartment for $1,175,000 at age 22. According to property reports, he initially leased the unit for $750 per week.

Jake Trbojevic is entering the final year of his six-year contract with the Manly Sea Eagles.

Published 11-February-2026

Narrabeen Boardrider Clubs to Pilot New Sharks Surveillance Drones

Photo Credit: NSW

The Narrabeen community and its local boardrider clubs are set to receive new drone technology and flight training to monitor the waves for sharks following a multi-million dollar state safety expansion.

Surfers Take the Lead on Coastal Safety

The local surfing community between Narrabeen and Dee Why is stepping into a primary role for beach safety as part of a new partnership between the state government and Surfing NSW. This initiative provides boardrider clubs with their own drones and the necessary training to operate them, creating a dedicated “eye in the sky” for local surfers. The shift focuses on empowering those who are in the water every day, allowing clubs to monitor their own training sessions and competitive events.

This movement grew from discussions with the family of Mercury Psillakis, a well-regarded local surfer who was lost in a shark incident at Dee Why last spring. The goal is to create a lasting safety legacy that acknowledges the important role surfers play in looking out for one another.

Extended Patrols and Emergency Resources

The broader safety program is also increasing the presence of professional surveillance across the Northern Beaches. Drones operated by Surf Life Saving NSW are now scheduled to fly for a longer season, with daily patrols running through the busiest summer weeks and continuing on weekends until the end of March. For beaches that do not have regular lifeguard patrols, new emergency medical kits are being distributed.

These kits were designed by Danny Schouten after his friend survived an attack in 2024. They are stocked with vital supplies like tourniquets and compression bandages, specifically intended to help bystanders stop life-threatening bleeding in the first few minutes after an injury occurs.

Technological Layers and Local Advocacy

While drones and first-aid kits are the most visible changes, they are supported by a wider network of hardware including SMART drumlines and listening stations that track tagged sharks in real time. When a tagged shark passes a station, an alert is sent directly to a mobile app to keep the public informed.

Local advocates have noted that while these measures are a significant step forward for the region, there is still a push for even more coverage. Future efforts are likely to focus on securing year-round funding and increasing the number of beaches that have permanent drone surveillance to ensure that all coastal users, from young nippers to experienced boardriders, can feel more secure in the water.

Published Date 02-February-2026

Narrabeen Residents Return Home After Emergency Overnight Evacuation

Photo Credit: Facebook / Joel Shanahan

Residents and holidaymakers around Narrabeen Lagoon were able to return to their properties yesterday morning after an emergency evacuation overnight as dangerous flash flooding swept through the Northern Beaches.

The NSW State Emergency Service issued an evacuation order at 10.41pm on Saturday for areas surrounding Narrabeen Lagoon, including the BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, as rapidly rising floodwaters threatened properties. More than 60 people were directed to leave before 11.30pm, with many heading to the temporary evacuation centre set up at Mona Vale Memorial Hall.

The warning was downgraded to “return with caution” just before 9am yesterday, as water levels peaked and began slowly receding.

NSW SES volunteers worked alongside local Rural Fire Service members to help isolated residents and holidaymakers relocate to higher ground. Transport assistance was provided on-site at the holiday park for those who needed it.

The emergency followed intense rainfall that saw Terrey Hills weather station record 179.6mm in the 24-hour period to 9am. The deluge overwhelmed drainage systems and caused flooding across the Northern Beaches from Manly to Palm Beach.

At Great Mackerel Beach near Barrenjoey Headland, a landslide damaged three properties overnight. Residents from those homes were accommodated locally, according to the NSW SES.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Sonya Oyston said severe weather impacted parts of the Illawarra, greater Sydney and Hunter regions with locally intense rainfall.

Across the state, SES crews responded to more than 1,400 incidents within 24 hours and carried out 20 flood rescues, mostly involving people who had driven into floodwaters.

Authorities have warned that floodwaters at Narrabeen are expected to take several days to recede. Residents returning to affected areas are urged to check their properties for damage before entering and to avoid any remaining floodwaters.

Sydney’s Observatory Hill weather station recorded 127mm of rain, marking its wettest January day in 38 years, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Rain is forecast to continue over coming days, with the possibility of more thunderstorms along the coast.

For emergency assistance during floods or storms, contact the NSW SES on 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000). Stay updated via the Hazards Near Me app or visit ses.nsw.gov.au.

Published 18-January-2026

Unusual Wallaby Encounter Recorded At South Narrabeen Beach

Photo Credit: NBC

An unexpected macropod sighting at South Narrabeen Beach drew attention after an animal believed to be a wallaby was seen moving across the sand and into the water.

Early Morning Sighting At South Narrabeen

The animal was first seen at South Narrabeen Beach on 16 January, shortly after 6:15 a.m., by members of the Collaroy Cannons surf boat team following a training session.

Staff at South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club later confirmed the sighting and said the animal was observed again at around 11:30 a.m., indicating it remained in the area for several hours.

Northern Beaches wildlife — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Identification And Habitat Context

The species has not been formally confirmed, but the animal was described as resembling a black-faced swamp wallaby. Some social media posts initially referred to the animal as a kangaroo, however multiple observers later identified it as a wallaby.

Swamp wallabies typically inhabit dense bushland, heath, and forest undergrowth, often near waterways. Nearby areas such as the Warriewood Wetlands are known habitats for the species, making appearances on open beaches uncommon.

Narrabeen wallaby sighting — *Caption: A photo of a swamp wallaby.*
*Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Wildlife Response And Search Efforts

Wildlife rescue organisation WIRES received multiple reports throughout the day. A volunteer attended the area and searched likely locations from Collaroy to Narrabeen, but the adult animal was not located.

WIRES encouraged caution, including keeping dogs leashed, to reduce stress on the animal if it remained in the area.

Later that day, a live joey was found on the beach and taken to a local veterinary clinic. It did not survive.

Last Reported Sighting

A reader later reported seeing the adult animal during the evening at North Narrabeen, above the rockpool toward the headland. Its current location and condition have not been confirmed.

Community reaction to the incident included concern for the animal’s welfare and calls for people to give native wildlife space during unexpected encounters.

Published 17-Jan-2026

Four Narrabeen SLSC Volunteers Honoured With National Medals

Photo Credit: Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc./Facebook

Four Narrabeen SLSC volunteers have received National Medals for years of frontline patrol service at Narrabeen Beach.

Service Rooted In Narrabeen

The awards were confirmed through Surf Life Saving Australia under the Australian honours system in late 2025. Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club has protected Narrabeen Beach for more than 60 years through volunteer patrols across long summer seasons.

*Photo Credit: Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc./Facebook*

The four recipients met strict national requirements tied to active patrol duty, annual proficiency, and verified service records. Each completed at least 15 years of service with a minimum of 30 patrol hours per season, measured from July to June and limited to frontline patrol work.

Who Received The Medals

The Narrabeen SLSC members recognised with National Medals are Tony Fitzgibbon, Matthew Murphy, Alexander Singh, and Brett Worne. Each was acknowledged for long and consistent patrol service carried out through their local club, often during the busiest and most demanding periods on the beach.

Their recognition places Narrabeen alongside surf clubs across New South Wales and Australia whose members qualified in the same national batch. In total, 212 surf lifesavers nationwide received National Medals in this round, reflecting long-term service delivered by volunteers and lifeguards across the country.

How The National Medal Works

The Commonwealth established the National Medal in 1975 and governs it through regulation, not internal surf lifesaving policy. Surf Life Saving Australia administers applications but does not set or change eligibility rules.

Members apply individually or through their club, with service records checked at club and state level before submission to Government House. Additional clasps are awarded for each extra 10 years of eligible service and require full resubmission of service history.

Award Presentation And Community Impact

National Medals are presented locally through clubs or services. This keeps recognition tied to the beaches and communities where service occurs. For Narrabeen SLSC, the honours recognise years of volunteer work supporting beach safety and emergency response.

The awards reflect verified service records and the commitment of members who return season after season to patrol one of Sydney’s busiest beaches.

Published 29-December-2025

Proposed Seniors Housing Project Draws Formal Objections

Photo Credit: SSD-76220734

Northern Beaches authorities have raised formal objections to a proposed seniors housing development in Narrabeen, citing concerns about height, traffic impacts, tree loss and inconsistency with the surrounding character.

Background and Context

The plan for 156–164 Ocean Street was exhibited as a State Significant Development from 23 October to 6 November 2025. The proposal seeks approval for a five-storey complex containing 149 independent living units, 10 care suites and three basement levels, replacing the former Wesley Taylor facility.

Authorities’ assessment found that the proposal would exceed the 8.5-metre height limit in the local environmental plan and the 12.3-metre allowance under bonus provisions, with a building height reaching about 21 metres. Officials stated this represents a significant departure from the low-scale character of the area.

local planning impacts — *Photo Credit: SSD-76220734*

Assessment Findings

Authorities identified that the design includes long building lengths with limited articulation and reduced setbacks that do not reflect the established streetscape. The scale was assessed as resulting in overshadowing, privacy impacts and potential view impacts for neighbouring properties.

Technical reports also found that visitor parking was substantially below expectations for a project of this size, with five spaces proposed instead of the 30 anticipated. Traffic modelling was assessed as incomplete, particularly for peak summer conditions and nearby intersections. Servicing requirements for large waste vehicles and removalist trucks were also raised.

Ocean Street development — *Photo Credit: SSD-76220734*

Environmental assessments found substantial tree removal is required, including prescribed canopy trees. Authorities noted that the available deep-soil areas would not support meaningful replanting and that retaining structures and constrained setbacks would limit the ability to soften the built form.

Narrabeen seniors development — *Photo Credit: SSD-76220734*

Community Sentiment in Narrabeen

A public protest was held on 6 November 2025 on Ocean Street, where residents raised concerns about height, parking, tree loss and the impact of increased density. Some attendees noted difficulties lodging submissions during the exhibition period due to intermittent access to the online portal.

The proponent responded by stating confidence in the proposal and disputing claims made by community groups. The organisation reported strong interest from prospective residents and maintained that the development addresses demand for seniors housing.

seniors housing — *Photo Credit: SSD-76220734*

Next Steps

Council has requested an extension to the consultation period and has submitted detailed objections. The proposal remains within the State Significant Development process, with further assessment to be undertaken by the planning authority based on submissions and technical reports.

Published 7-Dec-2025

Dramatic Pursuit Ends in Narrabeen Lake, ‘John Wick’ Faces Court

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A 32-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences following a dramatic police pursuit across Sydney’s Northern Beaches on Sunday that ended with him fleeing into Narrabeen Lake.

Corey Clark appeared at Manly Local Court yesterday facing ten charges after an alleged crime spree that began in western Sydney and concluded with his arrest in waters near Pittwater Road.

According to court documents, the incident began around 9.30am on Sunday morning when a man allegedly forced his way into a home on Magowar Road in Girraween. Three people were inside the residence at the time, though police say there was no interaction between them and the intruder. The alleged offender took keys to a white Toyota Corolla parked in the driveway and drove away in the vehicle.

The stolen car was first spotted by police just before 11am on the North Shore, with officers attempting to pull the vehicle over on the Warringah Freeway near Northbridge. When the driver failed to stop, a pursuit began towards Roseville Bridge before being called off due to safety concerns. During this initial chase, the vehicle was observed driving on the wrong side of the road on multiple occasions.

A second pursuit commenced shortly afterwards when the car was spotted in the Mona Vale area. The chase continued south through Warriewood, with witnesses reporting the driver avoided road spikes deployed by police near Jacksons Road and was involved in a collision with another vehicle near North Narrabeen High School.

The dramatic pursuit came to an end around 12.10pm on Pittwater Road near Garden Street in North Narrabeen. The vehicle allegedly mounted the kerb before coming to a stop. The driver then abandoned the car and ran towards Narrabeen Lake in an attempt to evade capture.

Officers, including members of the Public Order and Riot Squad, pursued the man into the water where he was detained. During the arrest, a senior constable from the riot squad suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Following his arrest, Clark was taken to Manly Police Station where police allege he refused to undergo breath and drug testing. Whilst in custody, he allegedly punched another police officer in the face, causing minor injuries.

Court documents reveal Clark also provided false details to police when asked for his name, allegedly telling officers he was “John Wick” — a reference to the fictional assassin character from the popular film franchise.

Clark, who has been listed as having no fixed address, faces charges including aggravated break and enter whilst people were present, taking and driving a vehicle without consent, failing to stop during a police pursuit, driving recklessly, assaulting a police officer, refusing breath and drug tests, and giving false particulars to police.

He was refused bail at yesterday’s court appearance and will return to Manly Local Court on 15 December.

Published 2-December-2025

Narrabeen Ambulance Station Set for Full Rebuild on Existing Site

Narrabeen Ambulance Station is set for a full rebuild on its long-time Pittwater Road site, after officials confirmed it remains the strongest location for fast emergency response across the northern beaches.

Why The Station Will Be Rebuilt

The decision came after months of review and planning. Authorities said the current location gives the most reliable response coverage, based on triple zero call data and site assessments. The decision follows a difficult period for local paramedics, who had raised concerns about ageing conditions and safety issues inside the station.

*Photo Credit: northernbeachesadvocate/instagram*

Health officials spent more than a year searching for alternative land in Dee Why. They found no site that matched the operational value of the Narrabeen location. The building, which opened in 1960, had been affected by mould, broken windows and ageing structures.

What The New Facility Will Include

Paramedics had temporarily walked out in October after describing the facility as no longer suitable for safe work. The review concluded that keeping services in Narrabeen would protect emergency response times and keep coverage stable for nearby suburbs.

The redevelopment will replace the structure entirely and add new features designed to support current and future emergency needs. Plans include internal parking for up to ten ambulances, a vehicle wash area, administration spaces, multipurpose and logistics rooms and improved staff amenities. Officials said the station will be purpose built for the workload and conditions that modern paramedics face.

How Services Will Continue During Construction

Ambulance coverage for the community will stay active every hour of the day through the construction program. NSW Ambulance confirmed that crews may work from Mona Vale Ambulance Station during the rebuilding period.

The temporary shift aims to keep staff safe while ensuring response times do not change. Authorities stated that residents on the northern beaches will continue to receive the same level of emergency support throughout all stages of the project.

What Happens Next

The project now moves into design development and planning approvals. Construction will begin once these stages are completed. Health Infrastructure and NSW Ambulance will release updates as timelines are finalised.

Officials said the new station will help paramedics continue to provide reliable care for the community once the redevelopment is complete.

Published 01-December-2025

Northern Beaches Teams Stand Out At Narrabeen Boardriders Battle

Photo Credit: Surfing Australia/Facebook

A strong field of Northern Beaches clubs lined the sand at Narrabeen as Avoca Boardriders won the Central NSW round of the Australian Boardriders Battle. The event brought together teams from across the region for a full day of competition.

Local Clubs Drive The Action

The qualifier took place on 8 November at North Narrabeen. Seventeen clubs entered the regional round with eight places available for the national final at Burleigh Heads in March.

*Photo Credit: Surfing Australia/Facebook*

Northern Beaches clubs featured prominently throughout the day. North Narrabeen, Queenscliff and Freshwater reached the final stages after steady performances across their earlier heats. North Narrabeen’s consistent support from the shoreline led to the club receiving the team spirit award.

Close Results Across Heats

Queenscliff remained competitive late in the event. Winter Vincent produced strong scores that helped carry the club into the final. Freshwater also reached the top four after clean performances in their earlier rounds.

Avoca secured the overall win with a late wave score in the final heat. Event officials noted that the tide dropped during the afternoon, which increased the power of the incoming sets.

Community Presence Along The Beach

Local surf culture was on display through the presence of multiple Northern Beaches clubs. The event format brought junior and senior divisions together, giving many residents an opportunity to support teams familiar to the community.

Supporters moved along the beachfront and viewing areas as each heat progressed.

Northern Beaches Club Snapshots

North Narrabeen Boardriders delivered standout surfing highlighted by Jordy Lawler’s strong scoring ride in the semi final. Queenscliff Boardriders made the final and recorded notable individual performances, led by Winter Vincent.

Freshwater Boardriders also finished in the top four. Dee Why Surf Fraternity, Curl Curl United, Mona Vale, Newport Plus and North Avalon rounded out the local representation in the draw, adding to the strong Northern Beaches presence at the qualifier.

Published 21-November-2025