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Terrey Hills Crash Leaves Sydney Dad in Long Road to Recovery

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Advocate/Instagram

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.

A Family’s World Turns Upside Down

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.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Advocate/Instagram*

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.

Published 20-May-2025

New Plus Fitness Belrose: The Largest in Australia

Photo Credit: Plus Fitness Belrose/Instagram

Belrose is set to become home to Australia’s largest Plus Fitness facility. The facility features a state-of-the-art 1,400 square metre gym designed to cater to all fitness levels.

Australia’s Largest Plus Fitness Coming to Belrose

Belrose will soon be home to the largest Plus Fitness gym in Australia. Located at 3 Minna Close, the new flagship facility is expected to open in May 2025. The gym aims to offer a premium fitness experience to locals.

The sprawling 1,400-square-metre gym will feature a wide range of amenities, including a dedicated women’s area, a recovery zone, and ten squat stations. It will be open 24/7 and provide round-the-clock access for members to train, recover, and stay fit.

*Photo Credit: Plus Fitness Belrose/Instagram*

Plus Fitness is an official Hammer Strength Certified Training Centre. The new Belrose gym will have state-of-the-art strength and conditioning equipment and will set a new standard for fitness enthusiasts in the area.

Exclusive Membership Offers Ahead of Opening

Foundation memberships are currently available, offering an opportunity to secure pre-opening rates from just $17.95 per week. Members who sign up now will not be charged any joining or access fees, and payments will only begin once the gym officially opens in May.

This offer marks a rare chance for locals to access premium fitness facilities at reduced rates. Plus Fitness Belrose aims to create a welcoming and dynamic environment for everyone from athletes to beginners.

Australia's Largest Gym — *Photo Credit: Plus Fitness Belrose/Instagram*

Serving the Wider Community

The new facility is strategically positioned to serve surrounding suburbs, including Terrey Hills, St Ives, Ingleside, Duffys Forest, Frenchs Forest, Killarney Heights, Davidson, and Oxford Falls.

Residents from these areas are encouraged to take advantage of the current membership deals before the gym transitions to its flagship rates.

enquire now

Community Excitement Builds

With its size, facilities, and 24/7 accessibility, the Belrose Plus Fitness is set to become a major hub for the local fitness community. Locals are looking forward to exploring the new space and enjoying the variety of training and recovery options available.

The opening of the Belrose location highlights the growing demand for premium fitness facilities in the region, cementing Plus Fitness as a key player in the Australian gym landscape.

Published 5-Apr-2025

Belrose Sanitiser Dumping Sparks ICAC Probe

Photo Credit: ICAC

A corruption investigation into the illegal dumping of hazardous, expired hand sanitiser in Belrose raises serious integrity questions coinciding with resident anger over proposed rate rises.

Hazardous Waste Dumped in Suburb

Large amounts of expired, high-strength alcohol hand sanitiser were illegally dumped at two sites in the northern Sydney suburb of Belrose around the Australia Day weekend last year. The sanitiser, containing over 75 percent ethyl alcohol, is classified as a biohazard, even more so when out of date.

Before council investigators could fully examine the sites, it was reported that public members had disturbed some pallets, causing the high-strength ethanol to leak into local stormwater drains.

Investigation Identifies Dumper

A council waste investigator started investigating the illegal dumping incident. Using information from a neighbouring council and security camera footage from a storage business in Pymble, investigators identified a truck loading the sanitiser pallets.

Cameras also captured the same truck near the dumping locations in Belrose. The investigator tracked down and spoke with the registered owner of the sanitiser brand involved. This person reportedly admitted responsibility verbally and initially agreed to remove the dumped hazardous material.

Interference and Integrity Questions Raised

Following this admission, a superior officer allegedly directed the council investigator not to proceed with prosecution or issue fines for the illegal dumping. It was suggested that the reasoning provided was a lack of significant harm or public benefit to justify pursuing legal action. Instead, the instruction reportedly warned the dumper that such behaviour was unacceptable.

The situation became an internal integrity concern when some sanitiser boxes appeared at Northern Beaches Council offices. These products were originally brought into the country during the Covid pandemic and expired April 2023. A field officer reported this to the council’s integrity unit, expressing concerns that council staff might have taken the sanitiser. However, the integrity unit allegedly did not take further action, considering it an internal staff conduct matter rather than a larger issue.

Corruption Watchdog Takes Over

A whistleblower confidentially reported the situation to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), providing evidence, including photographs and videos of the dumped sanitiser. ICAC assessed the information and officially listed the matter as a public interest disclosure investigation. This means the state’s anti-corruption body formally investigates the council’s actions and decisions related to the dumping incident and its aftermath.

Council Faces Financial Pressure and Rate Anger

This investigation adds to the pressures facing the Northern Beaches Council, which was established in 2016 through the merger of the former Manly, Warringah, and Pittwater councils. The council states it is experiencing severe financial difficulties and has recently proposed a large rate increase, potentially up to 40 per cent phased over three years.

This increase aims to generate an additional $57 million in revenue annually. Council management has pointed to financial strains caused by the Covid pandemic and recovery costs from storms, flooding, and ongoing bushfire threats as reasons for needing the extra funds. The rate increase proposal has sparked outrage among many residents, who have described it using terms like “disgusting” and “disgraceful,” some even suggest they might refuse to pay.

Community Divided Over $33m Restaurant Complex in Terrey Hills

Photo Credit: DA2024/1362

A proposed $33 million restaurant complex by the Boathouse Group in Terrey Hills has stirred community division, with locals split between supporting the development and raising concerns about noise and traffic impacts.

From Coastal Cafés to Rural Retreats

The Boathouse Group, a Sydney-based hospitality business with 12 outlets from the Central Coast to Wollongong, has submitted plans to develop a three-restaurant complex on a semi-rural property in Terrey Hills. The project, named “The Farmhouse, Terrey Hills”, would consist of three separate dining venues, each offering a unique experience.

The site, acquired by Isaac Property Developments for $9.8 million in 2022, spans 1.6 hectares on Myoora Road. The development is designed to include low-scale, farm-style pavilions with landscaped open spaces. Features would include three licensed restaurants, outdoor dining areas, a children’s play area, a stage, pergolas, and a large lawn, with over 8,300 new plants and 93 trees to enhance the setting.

Terrey Hills restaurant complex — *Photo Credit: DA2024/1362*

The Vision: A Trio of Unique Dining Experiences

The proposed complex (DA2024/1362) would operate from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. every day, accommodating up to 794 patrons. A basement car park with 156 vehicle spaces is part of the design, addressing parking concerns raised by locals. Each restaurant would provide a distinct dining atmosphere:

Restaurant 1: Casual dining with a rural shed-style design.
Restaurant 2: Family-friendly, featuring both indoor and outdoor dining, a bar, and a small stage for live music between midday and 10 p.m.
Restaurant 3: Fine dining with a covered outdoor seating area.

Belrose restaurant complex — *Photo Credit: DA2024/1362*

Locals Speak Out: Support and Concerns

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. During a public exhibition period, 43 submissions were received: 22 in favour and 21 opposed. Supporters, including the Duffys Forest Residents Association, highlight the potential for local job creation. However, concerns include increased traffic, noise, and the potential for disruptions from events.

Paul Davenport, president of the Terrey Hills Progress Association, raised concerns about noise pollution from functions and traffic impacts, noting an anticipated increase of 135 vehicles per hour during peak times. While supportive of the economic potential, the association emphasised the need for noise management and improved traffic planning.

Boathouse Group — *Photo Credit: DA2024/1362*

What’s Next for Terrey Hills?

The NBC has presented a briefing to the Sydney North Planning Panel, highlighting the divided community response. The panel will continue to assess the proposal, considering public feedback and potential impacts on local infrastructure.

Published 29-Mar-2025

“Carousel” Celebrates 80 Years with Belrose Performances

Photo Credit: Glen Street

The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Carousel”, a story of love and hardship in 19th-century Maine, will be brought to life in Belrose by the Sydney Musical and Opera Society in a limited concert series.

Production Details

The Sydney Musical and Opera Society will present “Carousel in Concert” at Glen Street Theatre in Belrose on July 2nd and 3rd, 2025, with further performances at the Pavilion Performing Arts Centre in Sutherland on July 5th and 6th.

The performances at Glen Street Theatre will be at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday 2 July, and 2:00 p.m. on Thursday 3 July. The production follows a successful run aboard the Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship.

Musical and Theatrical Elements

The production will feature a 23-piece orchestra performing the musical score, including well-known songs such as “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “If I Loved You.” Opera Australia provided the costumes for the show. Director Julia Robertson aims to present a new interpretation of the musical, which celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025.

The story follows the complex relationship between carnival worker Billy Bigalow, played by Simon Militano, and mill worker Julie Jordan, portrayed by NIDA graduate Pippa Luscombe. The show is suitable for all ages and runs for two hours and fifteen minutes, including a 20-minute interval.

Community Involvement

The Sydney Musical and Opera Society is a community organisation. This production is intended to bring a well-loved musical to local audiences. The organisation aims to offer a high-quality theatrical experience, featuring a full orchestra and professional-level costumes.

Published Date 26-March-2025

Belrose Recycling Pop-Up Day: Officeworks Helps Reduce E-Waste

Photo Credit: Officeworks/YouTube

Belrose residents will have the opportunity to recycle their unwanted tech devices and household batteries as Officeworks hosts a Recycling Pop-Up Day at its HomeCo Belrose store. The initiative aims to divert electronic waste from landfill, aligning with Officeworks’ broader commitment to sustainability.

Officeworks Pop Up event — *Caption: Officeworks’ Recycling Pop-Up Day 2024*
*Photo Credit: Supplied*

A Push for a Greener Future in Belrose

Officeworks Belrose is continuing its mission to promote responsible waste management with its latest Recycling Pop-Up Day. The event is part of Officeworks’ ongoing People and Planet Positive initiative, designed to help Australians dispose of electronic waste responsibly. Previous pop-up events have seen significant success, collecting up to 933kg of e-waste and 18kg of batteries in a single day.

Belrose residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming event by bringing old tech devices for recycling, preventing these materials from ending up in landfill.

Event Details and Accepted Items

The Recycling Pop-Up Day will take place on Saturday, 22 March 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Officeworks HomeCo Belrose Car Park, located at 4/6 Niangala Close.

Residents can drop off various electronic items, including:

Computers
Video equipment
Game consoles
Cameras
Televisions
Printers
Hard drives
Phones
Ink and toner cartridges

Important Notice: Customers are reminded to wipe all personal data from their devices before recycling.

Recycling Pop Up Day — *Caption: Officeworks’ Recycling Pop-Up Day 202*4
*Photo Credit: Supplied*

FULL LIST OF ACCEPTED ITEMS

Officeworks’ Commitment to Sustainability

Since launching its Bring It Back program in 2015, Officeworks has diverted more than 11,000 tonnes of e-waste from landfill. The program focuses on repairing, repurposing, and recycling electronic waste to support a circular economy, reducing environmental impact by extending the life cycle of products.

Although Officeworks no longer accepts batteries in-store, residents can find alternative drop-off locations via the B-cycle website at bcycle.com.au.

Expanding Recycling Options Beyond Electronics

In addition to tech recycling, Officeworks offers a Pen and Marker Recycling Program, allowing schools and individuals to recycle used pens, markers, highlighters, and correction tape. Schools can also register for a recycling box to collect these items and participate in a rewards program.

Other recyclable materials accepted in-store include:

Ink & toner cartridges
USBs and hard drives
CDs and DVDs
Pens and markers

However, Officeworks does not accept mobile phones, consumer electronics such as toasters and hair dryers, or standard household batteries.

Community Engagement and Future Outlook

Belrose residents are increasingly aware of responsible waste management. Events like the Officeworks Recycling Pop-Up Day help encourage sustainable habits. By making e-waste recycling more accessible, Officeworks continues to strengthen its commitment to reducing landfill waste and supporting the circular economy.

Belrose recycling — *Photo Credit: Officeworks/YouTube*

For future Recycling Pop-Up Days across Australia, check the Officeworks event schedule at officeworks.com.au/recycling.

Published 18-Mar-2025

St Ives Bus Collision Leaves Pedestrian in Critical Condition

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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