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From Terrey Hills to Paris: 51-Year-Old Shane Rose Oldest on Team Australia

Photo Credit: shane.rose.eventing/Instagram

Equestrian Shane Rose, who began riding at age five in Terrey Hills, has become the oldest member of Team Australia at 51, securing his spot in the Paris Olympics despite suffering 19 bone fractures in a horrific training accident just four months ago.

In March, Rose was schooling a young horse over jumps at his property in Werombi, southwest of Sydney. The 550kg horse clipped a hurdle, causing Rose to fall and the animal to land on top of him. He was rushed to hospital with multiple injuries, including fractures to his elbow, pelvis, ribs, and spine.

Road to Recovery

Despite the severity of his injuries, Rose never wavered in his determination to compete in Paris. Within days of the accident, he began working on a 100-day rehabilitation plan. After a month of being confined to bed and a wheelchair, Rose moved to Canberra to undergo treatment at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Rose expressed his unwavering positivity to the press, noting that he had only experienced two or three brief moments of doubt during his rehabilitation. He explained that these fleeting concerns about his recovery were quickly replaced by renewed determination, often by the very next day.

Controversial Costume Incident

Prior to this incident, Rose made headlines for a different reason when he rode a horse wearing only boots, a helmet, and a bright orange G-string at a fancy dress show-jumping event. This led to a brief investigation by Equestrian Australia, with Rose temporarily barred from competition.

He explained that his intention was simply to make people laugh. Ultimately, Rose was cleared of any wrongdoing, with Equestrian Australia finding he had not violated any rules. The incident sparked public support for Rose, with some riders posting pictures of themselves in mankinis in solidarity.

Return to Competition

In early June, just 85 days after his accident, Rose made a triumphant return to competition at the Melbourne international three-day event in Werribee. A month later, he was named to the Australian team for Paris.

Shane Rose Terrey Hills Paris Olympics — *Photo Credit: Shane.Rose.Eventing/IG*

Rose’s resilience has impressed medical professionals. He recounted his initial discussion with one of his surgeons, who estimated it would take 10 to 12 weeks before Rose could walk again. Rose admitted that upon hearing this prognosis, he briefly considered seeking a different doctor, highlighting his determination to recover more quickly.

Olympic Aspirations

With two silver medals and one bronze from three previous Olympic Games, Rose remains driven by the pursuit of gold. He acknowledged his competitive nature and his desire to be the best in the world. Rose expressed his hope that Paris would finally bring the elusive gold medal that has so far eluded him and the Australian equestrian team.

Published 14-July-2024

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

Sections of a popular Northern Beaches garden centre in Terrey Hills is set to be bulldozed as part of a $14-million redevelopment plan.

Redevelopment Details

In 2023, plant nursery chain, Flower Power, won approval to redevelop its longstanding store at Terrey Hills despite a concerted local community pushback. The revamped complex, known locally as Bond’s Nursery on Mona Vale Rd, will be expanded to include new retail areas such as a fruit shop and pet shop leased to tenants and new cafes.

Terrey Hills Garden Centre — Photo Credit: DA2023/1224

Flower Power, Australia’s largest retail garden centre chain, stated that the massive makeover was prompted by the ageing state of the current building which “no longer met customer needs.” Sections of the current complex, taken over by Flower Power in 1998, would be demolished, according to documents lodged with the development application – DA2023/1224.

Terrey Hills Garden Centre location — *Photo Credit: DA 2023/1224*

Community Concerns

Local residents have been lobbying planning authorities for more than two years to halt the expansion due to concerns about increased traffic and noise, pedestrian safety around nearby Terrey Hills Public School, and negative impacts on the nearby bridle (horse) trail.

An original redevelopment application was lodged in early 2022 but was withdrawn in November of that year. An amended DA was lodged in September 2023 and was approved in June 2024.

There were 83 submissions opposed to the DA. All submissions were received prior to the amended plans and documentation received by Northern Beaches Council in April. In its assessment report, the council noted that the amended plans “represent a lesser environmental impact.”

Local Opposition

Paul Davenport, president of the Terrey Hills Progress Association, wrote in a submission that there were concerns with the effect of increased traffic on residents and the local road network due to the closure of access from Mona Vale Rd. He highlighted that the Myoora Rd driveway was “within metres of a bus stop, used by public and school buses daily, and immediately opposite a primary school.”

David Harris, secretary of the Duffys Forest Residents Association, added that local roads were “not suitable to handle the heavy trucks and a large volume of traffic that will enter and exit the centre”, putting the safety of the entire community, particularly children, at risk.

Impact on Bridle Trail

Duffys Forest resident Leah Walsh expressed concerns with the safety of horses and riders using the bridle trail adjacent to Cooyong Rd.

“As a horse owner, I do not support any modification to the DA that will obstruct the Bridle Trail. I understand that this is proposed to be a temporary measure during redevelopment, however, I do not support any disruption which impacts the safety of horse riders using this trail to access JJ Hills Memorial Reserve Pony Club Grounds.”

Approval and Future Plans

Flower Power stated in DA documents that the existing outlet no longer had sufficient capacity to meet the company’s business model, which “seeks to provide a range of complimentary uses as part of the garden centre.”

The centre will trade from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week, reducing to 5: 30 p.m. during the winter months.

Published 24-June-2024

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

After an extensive legal battle, the developers of a $40-million residential project in Belrose have received approval, following substantial amendments to the initial proposal.

The Land and Environment Court has finalised a lengthy dispute by sanctioning a scaled-back version of the initially ambitious mixed-use development planned for 28 Lockwood Ave.

The new plan discards elements like the gymnasium and commercial car wash, instead focusing on 49 dwellings and increasing the parking availability to 238 spaces, compared to the previously planned 190.

These changes were instrumental in addressing the council’s concerns over height, bulk, and traffic impact, which initially led to the project’s rejection (DA 2019/1427).

Northern Beaches Council initially refused the development application citing 18 different grounds, predominantly related to the proposed building’s scale and potential impacts on local amenities and public opinion. Significant alterations to the design during the court appeal satisfied the council’s appointed experts, leading to a reassessment and eventual approval by the commissioner.

Despite the legal approval, the development continues to face opposition from the Belrose community. Residents express concerns that the increased dwellings will strain local resources and significantly alter the area’s character.

Here’s a timeline of key events related to the Belrose development saga:

2017

Northern Beaches Council sells the 5,332 sqm block at 28 Lockwood Ave, formerly home to the Belrose Library, to fund a modern library nearby. The site had become an eyesore and was attracting vandalism.

January 2020

The Northern Beaches Council rejected plans for a $44 million redevelopment of the old library site. Platinum Property Advisers’ proposal included a five-storey shop-top project with 51 apartments and a gym. The rejection was due to incomplete proposals and requests to exceed the maximum permitted building height.

April 2020

The initial proposal for the $40 million mixed-use development at 28 Lockwood Ave is submitted, featuring retail space, a gymnasium, a commercial car wash, 51 apartments, and 190 parking spaces.

2020-2023

Prolonged legal and planning disputes, involving multiple amendments and community consultations. The project faced strong opposition from local residents and was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the council.

April 2024

After substantial amendments, the Land and Environment Court approves a modified version of the development plan. The approved plan now includes 49 dwellings and 238 parking spaces, but omits the gymnasium and commercial car wash.
Northern Beaches Council and the Sydney North Planning Panel endorse the amended proposal, after initial refusal based on 18 different grounds concerning the project’s scale and impact on the local community.

The development’s approval marks a contentious but decisive step forward in utilising the 28 Lockwood Ave site.

Published 23-April-2024

Controversy Brews as Terrey Hills Shooting Range Seeks to Extend Hours

Did you know that the Peninsular Firearm Academy in Terrey Hills plans to drastically change the shooting range’s operational hours? After ten years of operation, the Academy wants to expand from one Sunday session per month to five sessions per week, including an evening session, and some locals are not happy with the proposed change.

Under the new plan, the shooting range would be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an extra session on Wednesday nights from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., if authorised. In order to minimise noise disturbances to nearby households, the proposal contains an 85dB noise restriction.

The 500 participants of the Academy would be accommodated and existing site constraints would be addressed in the proposed plan.

The increased use of the facility would put it in line with other outdoor recreational pursuits, including lawn bowls, equestrian sports, skateboarding, and go-karting, according to plans presented to Council.

Neighbours of the range have expressed worries about noise pollution, the consequences it may have on the environment, and possible repercussions on property prices.

Tony Garland, Chairman of the Academy, maintains that the main source of the resistance comes from people who have not even been to the premises and that have been no responses to his requests for residents to view the institution in order to alleviate their concerns.

He said that the Academy is dedicated to encouraging target shooting as a sport and the responsible use of firearms inspite of the controversy.

Christmas Miracle in Terrey Hills: Lost Dog Reunited with Owner in Narrabi

Duke, a spirited 5-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, found himself in unfamiliar territory in Terrey Hills but was eventually reunited with his elderly owner, just in time for Christmas, thanks to the efforts of a dutiful Northern Beaches Council ranger.

The dog’s journey began when he was discovered wandering around The Palms eatery in Terrey Hills on 18 Nov 2023. Taylor, one of the waitstaff on duty that day, took notice of the lost pup and inquired about his owner, yet no one stepped forward.

Compassionately, Taylor and her partner took the dog under their care, temporarily naming him Carlos, and provided him with a loving home until his true family could be located. The couple also reached out on social media as they were committed to reuniting “Carlos” with his rightful owner.

But it was a Council ranger’s persistent efforts that would ultimately solve the mystery. Upon scanning Duke’s microchip, the ranger made an astonishing discovery—it was linked to a landline in Narrabri, over 500+ kilometres away from Northern Beaches.

After five days of trying to get in touch with the dog’s owner, the ranger finally talked to Kevin, 86. He confirmed that Duke had been missing and was utterly baffled by how his furry friend had ventured so far from home.

“Duke didn’t come home around the usual time after he’d gotten out, so I went to his usual spots to have a look,” Kevin recalled.

“I checked the caravan park, which is a usual hot spot of his, but he wasn’t there, so I walked around the streets close to home and couldn’t find him.”

“I didn’t expect him to be all the way down there. I was surprised and shocked that Duke had actually got that far. I thought he’d only get as far as Gunnedah, not Sydney! Someone must have picked him up because he wouldn’t have gone on his own.”

Terrey Hills Jack Russel Duke — Photo Credit: NorthernBeachesCouncil

With the mystery resolved, a new challenge presented itself—how to safely return Duke to his loving home in Narrabri. However, this was a task that Mona Vale Council was more than equipped to handle.

Pet Uber transported Duke to Newcastle, where he stayed with Kevin’s granddaughter for a few days. From there, Duke embarked on the final leg of his journey, as Kevin’s son-in-law drove him back to Narrabri.

As the holiday season approaches, Kevin and Duke are celebrating a heartwarming Christmas reunion. It’s clear that Kevin will be keeping a watchful eye on his adventurous companion in the days to come.

Published 20-Dec-2023

Wakehurst Public School Celebrates ‘Sticking Together’ Victory

Photo Credit: Facebook / Wakehurst Public School

Year 5 and Year 6 students from Wakehurst Public School demonstrated values such as ‘Fair go,’ ‘Mateship,’ ‘Respect,’ and ‘Inclusion’ to clinch a share of $20,000 in classroom prizes from the ‘Sticking Together’ national competition.

Their winning entry spoke volumes about their unity. “What ‘sticks’ us together is how we treat each other,” they wrote. Their words reflected kindness, teamwork, acknowledgment, empathy, and connection within their school community.

Mark Fraser AO CVO, CEO of the National Australia Day Council, praised the Wakehurst Public School students for their depiction of friendship and school camaraderie through their ‘Sticking Together’ entry, part of the ‘Aussie of the Month’ primary school program.

Pilot Pen Australia generously donated classroom stationery prizes valued at $20,000. Jarrad Murray, head of marketing at Pilot Pen Australia, expressed joy in providing these items during challenging times for schools. Their support, spanning almost 20 years, signifies a commitment to educational excellence.

The Aussie of the Month program recognizes outstanding contributions in primary school communities. It applauds students embodying values of respect, inclusion, mateship, and a fair go. The program, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the National Australia Day Council Network, aims to instill positive values among students.

Mark Fraser extended congratulations to the winning students and thanked Pilot Pen Australia for their generous contributions. He emphasized the program’s significance in acknowledging students’ meaningful community contributions.

Aussie of the Month operates from February to November, providing participating schools with materials including certificates, lapel pins, and Pilot Pen stationery prizes. Schools are urged to register early for the 2024 school year at https://www.aussieofthemonth.org.au/register.

Registered schools can look forward to details about the upcoming school competition, launching in term three, with remarkable Pilot Pen prizes up for grabs.

Residents of Belrose can learn more at www.aussieofthemonth.org.au, celebrating unity and fostering values that define the Australian spirit among its youngest citizens.

Published 9-December-2023

Preserving Patyegarang: Opposition Mounts to Belrose Housing Plan

A proposal to build 450 homes on Patyegarang, an Aboriginal-owned land in Belrose, is facing opposition from local leaders who argue the area should be preserved as bushland.

Read: Upgrades at County Road Reserve Left in Limbo

The 71-hectare property, formerly known as Lizard Rock, is owned by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. The council aims to redevelop the land to generate funds to support programs for Aboriginal people across Sydney, including social and affordable housing projects.

However, independent MP Sophie Scamps has urged the NSW government to instead designate Patyegarang as an Indigenous national park. In a submission to NSW Planning, Dr Scamps said the state should either buy the land or agree to a long-term lease so it can become a preservation area that still generates income for Aboriginal people.

The Northern Beaches Council has also voiced strong opposition to the 450-home proposal, citing destruction of bushland and other concerns. The council said the natural area should not be rezoned to make way for a large residential development.

Aerial view of site (Photo credit: Cox Architecture)

Planners defend the housing proposal as an opportunity to significantly contribute to Sydney’s urgent housing supply shortfall.

They said the plans, designed by Cox Architecture call for protecting ancient Aboriginal sites whilst delivering new homes, open spaces and a cultural centre. They said the additional housing units would have a positive impact on housing targets at both the local government area level and broader district level.

Read: Belrose Residents Fight Proposed Boarding House Modifications Anew

As Sydney grapples with a housing affordability crisis, the opposing visions for the Lizard Rock land have set up a debate over conservation versus development. Aboriginal leaders aim to lift their communities through land ownership, but some local representatives argue this natural area warrants preservation over profiteering. The dispute may ultimately fall to the state government to resolve.

Published 28-November-2023

Upgrades at County Road Reserve Left in Limbo

Plans to upgrade the sporting facilities at the County Road Reserve in Belrose have been indefinitely postponed, leaving local clubs and residents disappointed.

Read: New Wyatt Avenue Bike Park Opens in Belrose

The $6 million project, announced in September 2021, was set to deliver improved amenities to the site, including new changerooms, parking, playground equipment and walking trails.

However, a spokesperson for the Department of Planning and Environment has confirmed the project is now on hold due to “cost escalations from the pandemic.”

Artist’s impression of now halted plans for County Road Reserve (Photo credit: Arcadia Landscape Architecture)

According to Wakehurst Football Club president Greg Dick, the club uses County Road Reserve as its home ground but has no proper facilities. Without change rooms or toilets, players are forced to change outside and relieve themselves in nearby bushes. This prevents the club from hosting women’s matches at the site.

Mr Dick said the club was hoping to have additional facilities and pitches at the reserve for their growing women’s team and in preparation for the Women’s World Cup. But it appears they will have to continue making do with the current lack of amenities for now.

The project was set to be funded under the NSW Government’s Parks for People program for park upgrades across Sydney. The Belrose reserve was announced as one of eight initial sites for investment, with draft plans even developed and put on public display.

These plans, prepared by Arcadia Landscape Architecture, included new unisex changerooms, upgraded playing surface, playground, walking trail, barbecue area and 40-bay carpark.

Photo credit: Arcadia Landscape Architecture

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the council would continue advocating for the State Government to fully fund the project, calling the reserve a vital community facility that lacks even basic amenities for clubs and families.

Read: Hikers are Raving About this Hidden Gem in Belrose

Published 22-November-2023

Microbrewery Proposed as Part of Major Overhaul for The Hills Marketplace

The Hills Marketplace at Terrey Hills could soon have its own microbrewery if the proposed $9.8 million makeover of the retail complex is approved.

Read: Hikers are Raving About this Hidden Gem in Belrose

According to planning documents submitted to the Northern Beaches Council, the renovations would include a small area for brewing equipment to serve craft beers as part of a new licensed eatery that can seat up to 250 people.

The proposed microbrewery is just one component of the major redevelopment plans submitted to the council.

3D Perspective of proposed redevelopment (Photo credit: BN Group)

The plans, rendered by architects from the BN Group, also call for adding two new buildings to house a garden centre, rural supplies outlet, and a restaurant.

Additionally, the space once occupied by Piemonte Cafe, which closed two years ago, would be reconfigured to expand the existing flower shop on site.

The Hills family has operated the flower business on the property at Mona Vale Rd since 1923, growing some flowers on site and selling directly to the public. The ground floor of the existing building would also see minor upgrades as part of the $9.8 million project.

The Hills Marketplace — Photo credit: www.hillsmarketplace.com.au

The proposed renovations involve demolishing several retail spaces to allow for an expanded garden centre, new restaurant, and additional retail tenancies. The redevelopment plans also call for relocating and adding more parking spaces. Upgrading the existing mechanical services to provide fresh air throughout the complex is also part of the planned works.

The proposed renovations and additions for The Hills Marketplace did not receive strong opposition during a public exhibition period last month. However, nearby residents have expressed hope that the works will fit with the local area and not negatively impact locals.

Read: Belrose Eats: Have You Tried Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria Special Lunch Menu?

The council is currently reviewing the redevelopment plans and a decision on whether to approve the microbrewery and other proposed upgrades is expected in the coming months.

Published 16-August-2023

IKEA Expands With New Plan and Order Point In Belrose

Photo credit: IKEA / ikea.com/au/en

IKEA has revealed that it will open its second ‘Plan and Order’ point in Australia at the HomeCo shopping centre in Belrose, Sydney’s Northern Beaches area, in June 2023.

The newest Plan and Order point will open in June at the HomeCo shopping centre at Belrose in Sydney’s Northern Beaches area. Plan and Order points aim to provide customers with a more convenient and accessible shopping experience in Australia.

The store will offer Northern Beaches residents one-to-one expert planning advice in a 215 sqm area and will be the Swedish furniture retailer giant’s second smaller IKEA format in Australia.

At the Belrose store, customers can receive personalized and expert advice for planning kitchens and wardrobes on the spot by booking a planning appointment or simply walking in to browse.

In addition to displaying kitchens and wardrobe systems to facilitate planning for complex areas of the home, IKEA Belrose also offers the convenience of placing an order for any product across the complete IKEA range.

“The Plan and Order point format has opened up new opportunity for IKEA to be exactly where our customers need us to be, and this is a key part of our growth strategy for IKEA in Australia,” Johanna Gbenplay, Market Area Manager, IKEA Australia said.

“We already have a strong presence with three IKEA stores in Sydney, but we will now be on the doorstep of the many people of the Northern Beaches area, who we know are avid home furnishers and renovators, but may have not considered IKEA as close or convenient for them previously.

“We have learnt valuable lessons from our first opening at Highpoint, Melbourne, and are anticipating an exciting response from existing and new customers when IKEA Belrose arrives in June.”

In 2019, IKEA opened a temporary pop-up store at Warringah Mall in Brookvale, which operated for approximately eight months. Following that, the first Plan & order point in Australia opened at Highpoint in Melbourne’s west in September 2022.

Bookings for planning appointments at IKEA Belrose will be able to be made via the IKEA website.

Published 5-May-2023