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St Ives Bus Collision Leaves Pedestrian in Critical Condition

A pedestrian crossing collision at a major St Ives intersection has resulted in multiple charges against a bus driver after a woman sustained critical injuries.

The collision occurred at the intersection of Mona Vale Road and Memorial Avenue in St Ives on February 4 at approximately 9:15 PM. The 40-year-old female pedestrian suffered severe head injuries when she was struck by the bus.

**The collision occurred at the intersection of Mona Vale Road and Memorial Avenue in St Ives.**
Photo Credit: Google Maps

The 54-year-old bus driver now faces several charges, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and failing to give way to a pedestrian. Police allegations state the driver proceeded through a red traffic light at the time of the incident.

Following mandatory testing at the hospital, the driver’s license has been suspended. He is scheduled to appear at Hornsby Local Court on April 2.

The woman remains in critical condition at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Published 16-February-2025

Violent Home Invasion Shocks Terrey Hills Residents

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A 68-year-old man was injured during a home invasion in Terrey Hills last night when two masked intruders armed with a machete broke into his Terrigal Road residence.

The incident occurred shortly before 10:30 PM when the attackers forced their way into the home and demanded car keys from the resident. When he refused, a struggle broke out, resulting in injuries to the victim’s hand.

The assailants fled on foot, dropping their machete on Terrigal Road during their escape. Police responded with additional resources, including the Dog Squad and PolAir support.

Paramedics treated the victim at the scene before transporting him to hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

A neighbour reported the attack was particularly surprising given the street’s normally peaceful nature, noting there was no visible target vehicle in the driveway at the time of the incident.

Police have established a crime scene and are conducting an investigation. They urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Published 4-February-2025

2025 Australia Day: Belrose Resident Takes Home Citizen of the Year Award

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/ Facebook

A Belrose resident was named Citizen of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the local community. Kevin Lee, a dedicated Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club member, received the prestigious award at the 2025 Australia Day celebrations.

2025 Australia Day — *Photo Credit:* *CrVincenDeLuca/ Facebook*

The annual awards recognise the extraordinary individuals and groups positively impacting the Northern Beaches. This year’s winners represent the diverse ways locals contribute to the community, from surf lifesaving and emergency service volunteers to community events and fundraising initiatives.

Kevin Lee has been an active Narrabeen Beach Surf Life Saving Club member since 2008. He has dedicated countless hours to patrolling the beach, completing almost 1,500 patrol hours over 15 years. This makes him one of the most dedicated members in the club’s 60-year history.

Lee is also passionate about surf lifesaving education. He holds multiple qualifications and actively supports training programs for new members. He has previously served as the club’s Surf Sports Director, coordinating competitions and training programs.

Beyond his contributions to surf lifesaving, Lee has also played a vital role in organising community events. He is the Co-Convenor of the Narrabeen Beach Challenge Ocean Swim and has organised numerous surf carnivals, including the Sydney Northern Beaches Junior Carnival. In 2021, he provided crucial support during the Narrabeen floods, demonstrating his commitment to the wider community.

The Australia Day Awards acknowledge the selfless efforts of individuals and groups who strive to improve the lives of others. The Northern Beaches Council expressed gratitude for all nominees and the many unsung heroes who contribute daily to the community. They emphasised that these contributions do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated.

Published Date 29-Jan-2025

Wyvern Private Hospital Opens in Terrey Hills

Photo Credit: Wyvern Private Hospital

A new, state-of-the-art private hospital worth nearly $100 million has opened its doors to the Terrey Hills community. The Wyvern Private Hospital, located on Myoora Road, will provide much-needed surgical and rehabilitation services to residents of the northern beaches.

The hospital boasts 85 beds, eight operating theatres, a cardiac catheterisation lab, and a hydrotherapy pool, all designed with patient comfort in mind. Features like floor-to-ceiling windows with bushland views and a rooftop garden aim to create a peaceful healing environment.

Services and Specialities

Wyvern Private Hospital will offer a wide range of medical and surgical services. These include spinal surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, vascular surgery, interventional cardiology, pain management, and ophthalmology. The hospital is expected to cater to the area’s ageing population, focusing on orthopaedics and spinal neurosurgery.

A Boost for the Community

When fully operational, the hospital is expected to create around 150 jobs, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff positions. Wyvern Health Chair Dr William Sears highlighted the importance of providing world-class healthcare close to home for residents of the northern beaches. He stressed the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality services to patients, staff, and the community.

Environmental Considerations

The hospital has been built with a focus on environmental sustainability. Wyvern has set aside 35% of the site as a protected natural area, including a coastal upland swamp. They have also installed nesting boxes for local wildlife and planted 250 banksias.

Phased Opening

While the first patients were admitted earlier this month, the hospital will gradually increase its capacity in the new year. Hospital CEO Carol Bryant said they would have a quieter period over Christmas and ramp up operations in January. She confirmed that while they are still recruiting staff, they have enough personnel to care for the first patients.

Published Date 27-December-2024

$98-Million Private Hospital Brings Advanced Care to Terrey Hills

Photo Credit: Wyvern Private Hospital

A new $98-million private hospital is now open in Terrey Hills, delivering advanced medical and surgical care to Sydney’s northern beaches community.

Opening Marks a Major Milestone

Wyvern Private Hospital, located on Myoora Road in Terrey Hills, admitted its first patients on 2 December 2024, following nearly two years of construction. The facility, which features 85 beds, eight operating theatres, and specialised units, aims to address the growing healthcare needs of the region, particularly its ageing population. Full capacity is expected to be reached in 2025, with an operational ramp-up planned after the Christmas period.

The hospital has been under development by Australian Unity’s Healthcare Property Trust, which secured a 30-year lease with Wyvern Health to operate the facility. It is part of a $3.9 billion investment in healthcare infrastructure to support communities across New South Wales.

Wyvern Private Hospital Terrey Hills — *Photo Credit: Wyvern Private Hospital/Facebook*

World-Class Facilities in a Bushland Setting

The hospital will provide a wide range of services, including spinal surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedic procedures, interventional cardiology, and pain management. Additional facilities include a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, radiology equipped with CT, MRI, and ultrasound, and rehabilitation services such as a hydrotherapy pool and gym.

Designed with patient comfort in mind, the hospital features floor-to-ceiling windows offering bushland views, a rooftop garden to reduce stress, and a café. The inclusion of a 148-space car park and 15 consulting suites ensures accessibility for patients and staff.

A Boost for Local Employment

The hospital is set to employ around 150 people, including 22 doctors and 69 nurses, when fully operational. While staff recruitment is ongoing, the facility has enough personnel to manage its initial intake of patients. Hospital CEO Carol Bryant expressed confidence in meeting the community’s healthcare needs, citing strong interest from local doctors in using the hospital’s facilities.

Australian Unity’s Chris Smith emphasised the long-term value of the hospital, noting its alignment with the area’s healthcare demands and its role in supporting investors through stable returns.

Meeting Northern Sydney’s Healthcare Needs

Wyvern Private Hospital addresses a pressing need for advanced healthcare in the northern beaches, particularly for older residents. Dr William Sears, Chair of Wyvern Health, stressed the importance of offering world-class care in a convenient, local setting. He said the hospital’s focus on delivering high-quality services extends to patients, staff, and the environment, with a commitment to enriching the surrounding community.

The facility’s combination of state-of-the-art equipment, specialised services, and a serene location makes it a significant addition to Sydney’s healthcare system.

Published 29-Nov-2024

Public Comment Sought on Revised Belrose Manor Plans

Modified plans for the Belrose Manor, an upmarket, 99-bed aged care facility have been released for public comment, more than seven years after it was first proposed.

Read: Belrose Faces Potential 117-Lodger Boarding House Expansion Amid Local Opposition

Regis Aged Care, an ASX-listed aged care provider is seeking approval for $306,000 worth of changes to the northern beaches development, which would see the number of beds decrease from 105 to 99.

The modifications include alterations to floor plans and refinements to the dementia garden and ground floor courtyard. The proposal also calls for the removal of four previously approved visitor parking spaces.

This latest adjustment comes after a complex approval process spanning more than seven years. The project’s journey began with an initial development application in 2017, which proposed demolishing an existing six-bedroom house at 181 Forest Way to make way for the four-level facility.

That application was withdrawn, and a subsequent proposal in 2018 was rejected by the Sydney North Planning Panel, citing concerns about overdevelopment and building height.

Local residents had raised several objections to the development, including the removal of 45 trees from the property, potential noise impacts, privacy concerns, issues with lighting, and increased traffic in the area.

However, the developer secured approval through the Land and Environment Court in October 2020. In his ruling, Commissioner Timothy Horton granted exemptions to building height and setback requirements, stating he was “satisfied that the development standards are complied with.”

The commissioner specifically noted that the development would “not disrupt the skyline when viewed from Narrabeen Lagoon or the Wakehurst Parkway” and determined it aligned with “the desired future character of the locality.”

Read: $40-Million Belrose Development Approved After Long-standing Legal Battle

The property was purchased in September 2021 for $14.15 million, with development approval already in place.

The approved Belrose Manor facility features a dedicated 25-bed dementia wing with ocean views, and includes numerous amenities such as a café, hair salon, and multiple dining areas with a private dining room. The development will also house lounge areas, outdoor terraces, a commercial kitchen, and laundry facilities.

The public has until November 28 to comment on the proposed modifications to the development plans.

Published 23-November-2024

TradeMutt Work Shirts Spark Mental Health Conversations in Belrose

Brightly coloured TradeMutt work shirts and reusable water bottles sold at Bunnings Belrose are helping tradies across Australia access free mental health counselling, with over $600,000 raised nationwide this year to fund vital support services.

Colourful Shirts Funding Free Counselling for Tradies

Since 26 July, the partnership between Bunnings, TradeMutt, and mental health organisation TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) has been making waves in communities like Belrose and beyond. By selling TradeMutt’s distinctive shirts and water bottles, the initiative has funded hundreds of free counselling sessions for tradies and their families through TIACS’ early intervention mental health services.

Founded in 2020 by TradeMutt co-creators Ed Ross and Dan Allen, TIACS offers no-cost professional counselling aimed at addressing mental health challenges faced by blue-collar workers. To date, TIACS has delivered over 13,000 counselling sessions, thanks to ongoing support from this collaboration.

Designed to Start Conversations

The eye-catching TradeMutt shirts and water bottles are more than just merchandise; they’re tools to encourage conversations about mental health. By wearing these items, tradies are prompted to speak openly about issues that are often stigmatised within the construction industry.

Bunnings Director of Operations and Commercial, Ben Camire, emphasised the importance of making mental health discussions more accessible for workers. He noted that the initiative is helping tradies feel more comfortable seeking help by using these bright designs as conversation starters.

Expanding Reach Through Community Support

More than 10,000 TradeMutt shirts and 15,000 water bottles have been sold in Bunnings stores across the country, allowing TIACS to extend its support to communities that might otherwise go without. The partnership’s success has been particularly felt in areas like Belrose, where locals are showing strong support for the cause.

TradeMutt co-founder Dan Allen credited Bunnings for helping their message reach tradies in remote and regional areas. The partnership has enabled TIACS to provide much-needed mental health services to those in the trade industry, many of whom work in high-pressure environments with little access to support networks.

Limited Stock Available in Belrose

For those in Belrose, a limited number of TradeMutt shirts are still available for purchase at Bunnings for $45. Locals are encouraged to grab a shirt to contribute to the cause while also sparking conversations that could make a real difference in the lives of tradies and their families.

Published 20-Nov-2024

Major $33-Million Restaurant Complex Proposed for Terrey Hills

Sydney hospitality business Boathouse Group has announced plans for a $33-million, three-restaurant complex at Terrey Hills, marking a major development for the area’s dining and community scene.

The Boathouse Group, a well-known hospitality operator in New South Wales, has detailed its vision for a new restaurant destination named The Farmhouse, Terrey Hills.

Set on a 1.6-hectare property on Myoora Road, the complex will house three separate dining venues, each designed to offer distinct experiences. The property was purchased in 2022 for $9.8 million by the group’s development company, Isaac Property Developments, led by North Shore brothers Ben and Jono Isaac.

Design and Features

Plans submitted to Northern Beaches Council (DA2024/1362) describe a “farm-style” complex with pavilions and landscaped open spaces intended to blend with Terrey Hills’ semi-rural surroundings. The proposal includes over 8,300 new plants, with 93 trees and 18 palms adding to the site’s natural aesthetic. The Farmhouse will feature an underground car park for 156 vehicles, a large lawn, pergolas, a stage for live music, and a children’s play area.

The complex will comprise three restaurants, each with its own style. The first will offer casual dining in a space inspired by a classic Australian rural shed. The central restaurant will provide a relaxed, family-oriented setting with both indoor and outdoor areas, featuring a bar and outdoor terrace for live music from midday to 10 pm. The third restaurant aims to deliver a fine dining experience with a covered outdoor section.

40 Myoora Road The Farmhouse Terrey Hills — *Photo Credit: DA2024/1362*

Community Impact

Documents submitted with the development plan suggest that The Farmhouse is intended to enhance the community feel of Terrey Hills by providing a new space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Boathouse Group committed to creating a welcoming environment, stating that while the offering would be of high quality, it would retain a casual, accessible atmosphere. The new venue will operate from 7 am to midnight, seven days a week, and is expected to accommodate up to 794 patrons at maximum capacity.

Project Background

The Boathouse Group currently operates 12 locations across New South Wales, including popular sites such as Manly Pavilion and The Boathouse Shelly Beach. This latest project comes as part of a resurgence for the company, which nearly collapsed four years ago under previous ownership, owing more than $21 million to creditors. The Isaac brothers have since taken ownership and overseen the group’s expansion, bringing it back into financial stability.

The development application for The Farmhouse will be available for public viewing and input from October 28 for three weeks, allowing the community to review and comment on the plans.

Published 6-Nov-2024

Belrose Faces Potential 117-Lodger Boarding House Expansion Amid Local Opposition

A proposal has been submitted to the Northern Beaches Council to expand a boarding house complex in Belrose, which could increase the number of residents on the site to 117.

The development application (DA2024/1256), lodged in late September 2024 by Chatswood-based property construction company Vigor Master on behalf of the landowner, outlines plans to build two new unit blocks on Bundaleer Street.

The proposed $8.75 million development includes 45 single rooms spread across two-storey buildings, which would join an existing boarding house already housing 72 lodgers. The existing complex was established in 2017 on a 1.6-hectare plot in this semi-rural part of the Northern Beaches.

Previous Application and Opposition

The current plan follows a previously rejected application from August 2021, which sought approval for a 31-room boarding house on the same site. In June 2022, the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel refused that application, citing concerns that the project would be an “overdevelopment” of the semi-rural area.

Local residents and community groups have voiced strong opposition to the latest proposal. Neighbours, along with the Belrose Rural Community Association and Garigal Landcare, argue that the expanded development would exceed local housing density limits and disrupt the area’s character. They highlight the importance of maintaining the semi-rural environment, with some residents pointing out that the surrounding bushland serves as a wildlife corridor for native animals.

Bundaleer St Belrose — *Photo Credit: Vigor Master*

One local stated that the existing boarding house was already unsuitable for the area and that they did not want a repeat of this type of large-scale development. He and others argue that the expansion would further strain the area’s housing density controls.

Conny Harris, president of the Belrose Rural Community Association and head of Garigal Landcare, also raised concerns about the environmental impact. In a written statement, she noted that the scale of the proposed development is much larger than other residential properties in the area and is “out of character” with the surrounding community. The site is located opposite Covenant Christian School, adding to concerns about how the development fits within the local setting.

Developer’s Position

Despite the opposition, Vigor Master promotes the existing and proposed boarding houses as “studio apartments” set within a lush bushland environment. According to the developer, the complex offers a balance of natural surroundings and modern amenities.

The documents submitted with the application describe the new unit blocks as including 28 single rooms in one building and 17 in the other, each with communal living spaces and kitchen facilities. Most rooms would also feature private balconies, and 30 parking spaces would be provided in a basement carpark.

Published 23-Oct-2024

Officeworks Opens New Store at HomeCo Belrose as Dee Why Location Set to Close

In a significant move for Northern Beaches shoppers, Officeworks opens its newest 1,800-square-metre store at HomeCo Belrose.

Read: Hikers are Raving About this Hidden Gem in Belrose

The opening comes as the retail giant announces plans to relocate from its iconic Dee Why location. The new store marks the company’s 171st outlet nationwide and reinforces Officeworks’ commitment to sustainable business practices.

Local resident Andrew Mattes, who will manage the Belrose location, emphasised that the recycling station would provide a convenient solution for the community to dispose of both outdated electronics and everyday office supplies, including toner cartridges, pens, and markers.

The retailer’s environmental credentials are impressive, with more than 11,000 tonnes of materials collected through their Bring it Back and tech trade-in programs since 2015.

“By keeping products and materials in use for longer through repair, reuse, and recycling, we can make a positive impact on the environment and transition to a more circular economy,” they stated in their website.

The new location at HomeCo Belrose positions Officeworks within a broader retail precinct specialising in furniture, homeware, furnishings, electronics, home entertainment, and outdoor living essentials. Customers can find the new store on Level 2 of the complex.

This opening, last 23 October, coincides with the planned closure of the Dee Why outlet, currently housed in a heritage-listed building at 800 Pittwater Road.

The 75-year-old former factory building has been a landmark location for Officeworks in the Northern Beaches area. However, the site has been chosen for St Luke’s Grammar School’s new Senior School Campus.

The $20 million campus, which will feature a performing arts theatre and an indoor pool, is anticipated to be complete by 2031.

Read: Terrey Hills Garden Centre to Be Bulldozed for $14-M Redevelopment

For local shoppers, the new Belrose store promises to maintain Officeworks’ comprehensive range of office supplies, technology solutions, and educational resources while introducing enhanced sustainability features.

Published 22-October-2024