At the corner of Pittwater Road and Waterloo Street, three mosaic benches have long added colour to a busy shopping strip. Covered in glass tiles and shaped around beach and ocean scenes, the benches were created by artist Sallie Portnoy and commissioned in 1999. For 26 years, they have remained in public use at one of Narrabeen’s familiar street corners.
Now, their future is uncertain. The concrete benches have fallen into disrepair, with sections of mosaic tiles missing and visible signs of vandalism and weathering across the structures. Their condition has raised questions about whether the artworks will be repaired, moved, returned to the artist, or removed from the site.
A Public Artwork Showing Its Age
Portnoy has said she was contacted and told the three benches could be returned to her. She has also said she was asked to provide a quote for repair work.
The artist has expressed disappointment over the condition of the benches and has said there had previously been an arrangement for regular cleaning and maintenance. According to Portnoy, the benches were last upgraded in 2022.
The works are now being reviewed for their long-term viability, leaving their place at Westpac Corner unresolved.
Local Response Around The Narrabeen Benches
Portnoy later posted publicly that the benches were being returned to her and asked for ideas for a new home. She also said she wanted them to remain in a public space.
In later comments, she indicated there had been local concern and many offers of possible locations. She also said the matter was being reconsidered after the response. That reaction has added another layer to the story of the benches: not only as damaged street furniture, but as public artworks that some people still associate with the Narrabeen streetscape.
An Uncertain Next Chapter
The future of the Narrabeen mosaic benches has not yet been confirmed.
After 26 years at Westpac Corner, the artworks now sit between repair, relocation and possible removal. Whether they remain in Narrabeen or find another public home, their condition has drawn renewed attention to the care and future of a long-standing piece of local public art.
Published 6-May-2026
