A once-overlooked general store on the border of Mona Vale and Terrey Hills has become one of Sydney’s newest dining destinations, combining local produce, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and a relaxed bushland setting.
McCarrs General Store & Restaurant sits within the Ku-ring-gai bushland, offering visitors a calm retreat just a short drive from Sydney’s CBD. Run by Tom and Claudia Eadie, the venue blends casual daytime dining with evening service, celebrating community and simple, honest food.
The restaurant operates from a white-panelled farmhouse overlooking McCarrs Creek, while the general store — a converted shipping container — serves coffee, house-made pastries, bread, and local produce daily from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It has quickly become popular among cyclists and brunch-goers.
Photo Credit: McCarrs Restaurant & General Store/Facebook
Seasonal Menu and Mediterranean Influence
McCarrs’ menu highlights local and sustainable ingredients, with herbs from its garden and contributions from nearby residents encouraged. The Eadies’ Mediterranean-style dishes feature handmade pasta, seafood, and woodfired pizza, alongside cocktails infused with Australian botanicals.
Lunch is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, and dinner runs from 4 p.m. until late, Wednesday to Sunday.
From Berkelo Bakery to Bushland Dining
Before establishing McCarrs, Tom and Claudia founded Berkelo Bakery, known for artisanal bread and a farm-to-table ethos. They’ve brought this same philosophy to Terrey Hills, focusing on seasonal produce and supporting small local suppliers.
Photo Credit: McCarrs Restaurant & General Store/Facebook
A Community-Focused Venue
Beyond dining, McCarrs has developed into a local gathering place, offering fire pits, a spacious courtyard, and flexible event options such as aperitivo afternoons and family celebrations. The couple’s approach centres on community, sustainability, and appreciation of the surrounding natural beauty.
Since opening in 2025, McCarrs has earned recognition for its balance of simplicity, quality, and community spirit. Tucked away in the bushland of Terrey Hills, it provides a dining experience that feels far from the city — yet only minutes away.
A Belrose student, who left Kambora Public School earlier this year, has won the Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition, drawing on her former school’s looming closure to shape her speech.
On 19 September, 20 Year 5 students from public schools in the Northern Beaches addressed the theme “What does it mean to be a good friend?” in the Legislative Assembly Chamber. The winner, Sienna of Belrose Public School, delivered a speech recounting how she was uprooted from Kambora Public School at Davidson earlier this year and struggled to adjust.
Despite her reluctance, she described finding warmth, empathy, and acceptance at her new school in Belrose, illustrating the kindness extended to a child in transition. The event reaffirmed the values of connection and belonging in a time of uncertainty for many families.
Just two days earlier, on 17 September, the NSW Department of Education formally announced that Kambora Public School would be placed into recess from Term 1, 2026. The decision came in response to a dramatic fall in enrolments, from around 280 students in 2018 to just 30—including only two in kindergarten—by 2025.
As students left Kambora at the end of 2024, more than 40 graduates and several transfers, the school consolidated into three mixed-age classes (K–2, 3–4, 5–6). Local families pre-empted the closure by enrolling their children elsewhere, including at Mimosa Public School just 1.2 km away, which reported 517 students in 2025.
Community voices and concerns
The transition of students like Sienna reflects more profound community unease about losing a local school. While the Education Department emphasised that nearby schools could accommodate displaced students, parents and community committee members cautioned that the impact extends beyond logistics. They argue Kambora has long been more than a campus — it has been a community node where children feel safe, known, and supported.
Lily Stewart, president of Kambora’s Parent & Community Committee, contended that the department missed repeated warnings as enrolments declined and failed to enforce local boundaries that might have stabilised the student base. As families begin the difficult task of relocating their students, she urged that support be tailored and community concerns be taken into account.
Context of closure in Sydney
The closure of a metropolitan public school in Sydney is rare. During recent budget hearings, education officials acknowledged that most school closures in NSW tend to occur in regional areas. The Kambora case thus stands out, especially as it coincides with falling enrolments across public schools in New South Wales, and growing competition from private institutions.
With heartfelt speeches, community attendance in Parliament, and the voices of displaced children now part of the narrative, the Davidson electorate is bracing for a shift in its educational fabric.
Plans for a large-scale restaurant project in Terrey Hills have progressed after more than eight months of review and community feedback. In October 2024, the Boathouse Group submitted development application DA2024/1362 for a $33 million dining complex at 40 Myoora Road, Terrey Hills. The original design included three restaurants across two buildings, catering to up to 794 patrons.
The site, purchased in 2022 for $9.8 million by Isaac Property Developments, spans 1.6 hectares and lies just off Mona Vale Road. The initial proposal featured an underground car park for 156 vehicles, outdoor lawns, pergolas, a stage positioned on the central restaurant’s outdoor terrace, and a children’s play area. The landscaping plan included over 8,300 new plants, including 93 trees and 18 palms.
After concerns were raised by NBC and community members, the plans were revised. The final version, approved by the Sydney North Planning Panel in July 2025, reduced the project scope to a single restaurant named “The Farmhouse”. The new development is valued at $16 million and will accommodate up to 594 patrons.
The approved venue will include a large undercover dining area, outdoor seating, a private dining room, a children’s play space, and 211 car parking spots. Operating hours are set from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week. A small stage will host ambient live music between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Photo Credit: DA2024/1362
Community Sentiment
Public response to the project was evenly split. Of the 43 submissions made during the public exhibition phase, 22 supported the proposal, while 21 opposed it. Concerns focused on noise levels, traffic impact from Mona Vale Road, and the potential for events such as weddings. Supporters pointed to local job creation and increased amenities.
The final decision noted that the project was significantly scaled back compared to the original design, reducing its potential impacts on nearby residents and the environment. Feedback from council, local residents, and government bodies contributed to the final outcome.
Construction of The Farmhouse is expected to proceed under the revised plan. No exact timeline has been disclosed. Once completed, the venue will expand the Boathouse Group’s footprint, which currently includes 12 sites across New South Wales.
A large gathering of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers and staff assembled at the Belrose Hotel to honour Inspector George Sheppard’s retirement from paid service. The event, held on Saturday, 5 July, brought together around 100 attendees, including senior members of local brigades and the RFS leadership.
Inspector Sheppard began his involvement with the RFS as a volunteer 48 years ago, later transitioning into a staff role 22 years ago. His dedication to both operational response and training was noted by peers and colleagues.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
A Career Spanning Decades
Inspector Sheppard first joined the former bushfire brigades at the age of 15. In 1994, he was awarded Life Membership of the Tumbledown Dick Brigade. His career saw significant involvement in fire response and training initiatives, notably contributing to the development of the chainsaw course and the Community Fire Unit (CFU) program.
The Northern Beaches CFU program, regarded by local leadership as one of the most effective in the state, was among the programs where Inspector Sheppard’s influence was considered instrumental. He also played a key role during the 2019–2020 bushfire season, supporting both staff operations and volunteer coordination.
Returning to Volunteer Roots
Although retiring from his formal role, Inspector Sheppard confirmed his plans to return as a volunteer with the Tumbledown Dick Brigade. Speaking at the event, he said his passion remains with community engagement and volunteer support, noting that these aspects were central to his decisions throughout his career.
He also shared that his transition to paid service came at a time when balancing work and volunteering became challenging, particularly with a growing family. However, his focus stayed on ensuring strong volunteer involvement within the District.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Ongoing Community Contribution
Attendees at the Belrose tribute included long-serving members of the Northern Beaches District, with recognition given to Inspector Sheppard’s consistent support for volunteer development and district-wide initiatives. The presence of senior figures, including NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Viki Campbell, reflected the significance of his contributions.
With plans to remain active in training and local brigade efforts, Inspector Sheppard’s involvement with the RFS is set to continue, now returning to the volunteer ranks where he first began.
We’ve combed Belrose, Belrose West, and Davidson for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Amanda M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love this restaurant. Fresh & delicious food. Warm and friendly staff. Generous servings. Marinated tofu that literally explodes and then melts in your mouth. Delicious! And their miso soup? Made in house from scratch and out of this world.
Shooly S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The sushi and sashimi were exceptionally fresh, and the presentation was artistic. The staff’s warm smiles and friendly service made me feel comfortable throughout my visit. Be sure to try the tempura; it’s a must-try. The Calamari Sizzling dish was fantastic as well. With a wide variety of desserts available, tasting them all will be a delightful experience. This is truly the most beautiful sushi restaurant in this area!
Jessica Y ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best sashimi I have had! super fresh and delicious😍 The tempura is outstanding too—crispy and beautifully prepared. If you’re a sushi and Japanese food lover, this is definitely the place to go! Highly recommended 👍
Lorraine O ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We attended for a family catch up for lunch on a Monday. The food was all delicious, served hot & freshly cooked. The Manager, Am, was polite and attentive. Couldn’t recommend the venue& food more highly.
Ian O ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Has Mothers Day lunch on the Terrace. Meals came quickly and were above the normal quality for food at a club or pub. Staff were super friendly and efficient. Great spot for a family gathering.
Claire V ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 18 people for dinner and everyone loved their meals. Excellent range of high quality options. Fast and professional service. Caring staff. Looking forward to going back!
Jill S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great lunch place hidden in a light industrial area. Mostly take away but there are a few dining tables. Food is fresh and there are lots of sandwich options. Everything is very clean and the staff all friendly and efficient.
James K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really enjoyed the belrose special on Turkish bread and at a good price, definitely recommend for those on the road looking for a local spot to eat
J Sm ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hidden Gem! Food quality, freshness, price are top notch. The hot food are very tasty, not oily & very good quality rivalling if not better than some restaurants. The sandwiches, wraps & rolls are prepared with good balance of ingredients & good value. Tam & his wife are hard-working, keep the place clean & remember their customers. What more do you want?
Amanda K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve eaten there 3 times now – twice for lunch and once for dinner. Each time ordering something new. The meals are constantly excellent. Super fresh, huge portions and delicious. They can make kale taste amazing! The sizes are generous. The bacon is extra crispy. The meals are plated nicely too. If ordering hot drink I do shears ask for extra hot as it has come out a little too cold for me. It’s that’s the only thing I can fault. Hope they make a success of it and stick around as they deserve it.
John R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fabulous, way more than just a cafe! Unpretentious. Personal, caring and attentive service. A nice menu and really nice, fresh food. Some of us had the duck confit which was outstanding! Plus was served with generous fresh vegetables.! Yummy. Others loved the grilled Barramundi. The pasta ordered by others was praised as perfect. Plus a sensible wine list. We were a pre theatre party of 11 people and everything ran very smoothly. We will be back.
Mark T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fave of ours, opens early, serves great coffee & breakfast. Very high quality of service & food/drink. They also do lunch & even evening drinks, which I haven’t done yet but imagine they would be great. Highly recommend their Brekkie Burger, one of the best I’ve had.
Sharon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tried out this cafe while shopping around. Was surprised by how great the eggs Benedict was and how creamy and delicious the poached egg was with the hollandaise. I recommend getting the sourdough though definitely be prepared to struggle cutting through the bread. The haloumi add on for the egg on toast was also amazing. Would recommend.
Ben L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy ordering, great Brekky options. Filling and tasty. – had the eggs Benedict. Coffee was also good and the staff are friendly and happy 🤙🏽
Lionel Watts Reserve in Belrose will soon transform into a football training ground for young players, as Manchester City Football Club brings its official school holiday clinics to Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Children aged 7 to 14 will take part in a four-day football clinic at Lionel Watts Reserve in Belrose, led by coaches from Manchester City’s UK-based Football School. Running from 14 to 17 July, sessions will be held daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 30 Blackbutts Road.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The program is open to all skill levels and includes registration through the club’s official booking site. Coaches trained in City’s “Play” model will deliver sessions based on the same methods used at the club’s Manchester academy.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Kids will work on creativity, teamwork, and technical skills through targeted drills and small-sided games. Each day focuses on a core football concept, blending professional-style training with fun, team-based activities.
Focus on Skills and Values
The clinics focus on building football skills while also teaching respect, discipline and personal growth. Coaches give regular feedback to support each child’s development on and off the field. Parents have praised the balance between fun and structure, saying the program builds confidence and good values.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Some noted the detailed coaching helped kids understand the purpose behind each activity. Others said their children enjoyed hearing real stories from coaches with Premier League experience.
What Participants Receive
Each child who joins the clinic gets a full Manchester City x PUMA kit, including a jersey, shorts and socks to wear throughout the week. Before the program begins, families receive an info pack with all the details they need.
Photo Credit: Supplied
On day one, kids are grouped by age to help them settle in and train with peers at a similar stage. With group sizes capped at 16, coaches can focus on each player’s progress and provide tailored support. To wrap up the week, participants go home with a certificate and a personal feedback form from their coach.
Building on Local Success
The Belrose clinic is part of Manchester City’s expanding Football School program across Australia. Previous camps in Perth, Canberra and Forestville received strong support from families and local clubs.
Bringing the clinic to Belrose continues that momentum in a suburb known for its junior sports community. Organisers aim to offer kids a taste of professional training while strengthening local connections. The focus remains on providing a positive and rewarding experience for all involved.
Three Belrose residents have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for their long-term service across surf lifesaving, lawn bowls, and charitable work.
Belrose residents Michael Bate, Robert Connors, and Kim Mukuka have each received national honours in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. Their contributions span decades and cover community sport, volunteer leadership, and international development.
Michael Bate: Service to Surf Lifesaving and Business
Michael John Bate was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to surf lifesaving and business. His involvement began in 1968 and led to formal roles from the 1970s across multiple states.
Mr Bate first served at Towradgi and Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Clubs before holding executive positions in the Illawarra Branch. He later relocated to Western Australia and served at Scarborough Surf Life Saving Club. After returning to New South Wales, he joined Freshwater SLSC and took on various leadership roles including Club President from 2021.
At state and national levels, Mr Bate has served on the Surf Life Saving NSW Board and as National Director at Colliers International. His officiating and administrative work extended to international events, and he holds Life Memberships in Surf Life Saving Australia and NSW.
Robert Connors: Lifetime Commitment to Lawn Bowls
Robert George Connors received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to lawn bowls. For over 50 years, Mr Connors has been active in competitive play and administrative leadership.
He has held multiple leadership positions at Forestville RSL Bowls Club. This includes the President, the Vice President, and the Secretary. At a broader level, he served as President of Northern Beaches Zone 4 RSL Bowls and State Vice President Metro for the NSW RSL Lawn Bowls Association.
As a player, he earned state-level titles and represented New South Wales in 1999. He is also known for his support roles within the RSL community, including travel coordination and fundraising for Legacy.
Kim Mukuka: Supporting Education in Zambia and Local Communities
Kim Elizabeth Mukuka, also from Belrose, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service through charitable organisations. She is a founding member and Vice President of Zambia’s Child. It is an education-focused charity established in 2007.
From 2012 to 2020, she led on-ground operations at Ipalo Christian Community School in Chingola, Zambia. After returning to Australia, she continued supporting the initiative through mentoring and operations management.
Ms Mukuka has also taught across multiple educational institutions in New South Wales. She currently serves in administrative and teaching roles at Yanginanook School.
The recognition of Mr Bate, Mr Connors, and Ms Mukuka highlights the long-term community engagement of Belrose residents. All three remain active in their respective fields through leadership, mentoring, or volunteer administration.
Davidson residents are calling on the authorities to reconsider plans that may place Kambora Public School into recess in 2026, following a steep enrolment decline.
The Davidson community has launched a strong campaign to protect Kambora Public School after the NSW Department of Education began consultations on its future. Parents, local businesses, former students and supporters are being urged to make submissions before the 20 June deadline.
Kambora’s enrolment has fallen to 41 students in 2025, down from around 280 in 2018. Only two children entered Kindergarten this year. In response, the Department has proposed placing the school into recess in 2026 while future demand is reviewed.
The school’s Parent and Community Committee said the consultation feels like a “fast-tracked” path to closure, despite being labelled as a review process. The flyer circulated by the group outlines potential impacts of recess: school closure, staff redeployment, overcrowded neighbouring schools, and loss of community identity.
With new housing developments underway in the region, campaigners are questioning why potential future student growth is not being accounted for.
The P&C Committee is encouraging residents to email submissions directly to the Department, highlighting Kambora’s role in providing a stable, community-focused learning environment. Suggestions include merge options, site repurposing, and zoning changes.
Supporters are being asked to share personal stories, raise questions about the process, and offer local alternatives. The campaign positions recess not as a neutral measure, but as the first step towards permanent closure.
Local official Matt Cross has also expressed support for delaying any final decision to give the school more time to rebuild enrolments, especially for Kindergarten in 2026.
Nearby Schools and Enrolment Trends
Mimosa Public School, located 1.2 kilometres away, currently enrols 517 students. Other schools in the Belrose and Wakehurst areas have also seen enrolment declines, but none as sharp as Kambora’s. The consolidation of classes into multi-year groups has raised further concerns among parents.
Photo Credit: Kambora Public School/Facebook
Timeline and Next Steps
Consultations will continue over the coming weeks, with the Department confirming that no final decision has been made. Submissions to the Metro North consultation panel are open until 20 June.
Submissions can be emailed to metronorthdeewhy@det.nsw.edu.au Attention: Amber Gorrell CC: Matt.Cross@parliament.nsw.gov.au and kamborapandc@outlook.com
A $194-million redevelopment proposal has been submitted for Uniting Wesley Gardens in Belrose, aiming to replace outdated aged care buildings with a new seniors housing precinct.
Uniting (NSW.ACT) has lodged a development application to overhaul its aged care facility at 2B Morgan Road. The site spans 4.84 hectares and contains aged care buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1990s, along with an early learning facility, a house, and the Belrose Uniting Church—all of which are set to remain. The project qualifies as a State Significant Development and is publicly exhibited on the NSW Planning Portal between 8 May and 4 June 2025.
The transformation plans involve constructing six new buildings, ranging from three to five storeys, across the site. The project will deliver 267 new dwellings, including 147 independent living units and 120 residential aged care beds.
Beyond accommodation, the proposed development includes shared facilities like a wellness centre, café, salon, swimming pool, gym, Men’s Shed, and landscaped areas for recreation. The seniors gym will also be accessible to community members aged over 60.
Access to the site will continue from Morgan Road, with parking allocated for 128 residents and 30 visitors within the independent living section. An additional 12 spaces are planned for aged care residents, alongside 65 for staff.
The buildings have been designed to follow the site’s slope and integrate two central communal areas named the Passive Heart and Active Heart. These spaces will support resident interaction and link the housing with care facilities.
Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958
Planning and Design Compliance
The development complies with a site-wide floor space ratio of 0.58:1. Some building heights exceed the standard 8.5 metres, with a Clause 20 variation requested to allow these changes.
The proposal addresses the Seniors Housing Design Guide 2023 and the Apartment Design Guide, incorporating principles such as ventilation, natural light, accessibility, and deep soil planting. Sustainability features include solar panels, water-sensitive systems, and passive ventilation.
The design has undergone review by the State Design Review Panel, leading to updates in areas such as tree retention, materials, and pedestrian flow.
Construction and Operational Impacts
The project is forecast to generate 238 construction jobs. However, once operational, staffing will reduce to 109 due to the shift towards more independent living units and fewer high-care beds.
During the construction phase, existing residents will be relocated. The application identifies short-term disruptions, including traffic, dust, and noise, and outlines measures to manage these during construction. Engagement with local residents and stakeholders is expected to continue throughout the project.
Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958
Site Access and Surrounding Area
Located at the corner of Morgan Road and Forest Way, the site connects to nearby suburbs via several bus routes, including services to Chatswood, Warringah Mall, and the Sydney CBD.
Neighbouring the site are low-density residential properties and other senior living facilities, such as Glenaeon Retirement Village and Calvary Corymbia Aged Care.
The application remains on exhibition until 4 June 2025, allowing the public to provide feedback. Feedback on the proposal can be submitted through the NSW Planning Portal by referencing application number SSD-71378958. A final determination will be made by the NSW Minister for Planning.
A roofer’s early morning drive through Terrey Hills ended in disaster when his ute slammed into a power pole, leaving him critically injured and his young family in sudden crisis.
On Friday, 9 May, Mark Peebles, 32, was driving to work on Mona Vale Road in Terrey Hills when his ute veered off the road and hit a power pole. Emergency crews freed him from the wreckage as live wires hung overhead.
Mark was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital with a crushed leg, fractured spine and collapsed lung. He underwent five surgeries in intensive care, but with his spinal cord intact, doctors remain hopeful for recovery.
At home, Monika juggled full-time work, hospital visits and caring for their two young children, aged three and one. Their daughter kept asking when her dad would come home, unaware of how serious things were.
Community Steps In To Help
Friends and neighbours rallied around the Peebles family. Close friend Kim Isik launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with daily costs and hospital travel, raising over $10,000 from nearly 100 donors.
The campaign shares how Monika’s world changed overnight, juggling twice the load with half the income. While friends have stepped in with meals and childcare, the emotional strain continues to weigh heavily.
Recovery Ahead Remains Uncertain
Doctors expect Mark to spend two more months in hospital, followed by six months of rehab. He’s speaking and moving again, but memory loss remains a challenge, with conversations fading in minutes.
Before the crash, Mark had complained of dizziness, and it’s suspected he may have blacked out behind the wheel. Investigators are still reviewing the incident. For now, the focus remains on helping the Peebles family adjust to this new chapter and giving Mark the best chance to recover.
A Broader Issue Behind The Numbers
The Peebles family’s story highlights the human cost behind NSW’s road toll, with over 10,000 people hospitalised each year. Experts say the impact goes beyond injuries, leaving families and communities to carry the burden.
Local support has helped, but Monika says juggling hospital visits, work and parenting feels like a blur. She and the kids now face months of emotional and physical recovery.
