Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 5 of 7

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

New Wyatt Avenue Bike Park Opens in Belrose

The gates have opened to the long-awaited Wyatt Avenue bike park in Belrose, which is aimed at bikers of all ages, especially young kids who are looking at improving their biking skills.

The new bike park has different ranges for beginners who will need to train before they can try biking at the more complicated Bare Creek bike park or the rough ride at the Manly Dam.

The Wyatt Avenue bike park was designed with the guidance of parents, coaches and the biking advocacy group Trail Care. Thus, this facility is top-notch even for beginners with its trail loop, climb and decent section, technical features, and the bike launching area.

Visitors and companions may also enjoy the bike park because there is a view platform and picnic area with plenty of seating.

Published 22 February 2023

Concerns Raised Over Another Liquor Store At Popular Shopping Centre In Belrose

Some residents in Belrose are worried about opening another liquor store at Glenrose Shopping Village, citing the effects of increased alcohol use in the area, such as anti-social behaviour especially among the youth.

Read: Hikers are Raving About this Hidden Gem in Belrose

This comes after Vintage Cellars, which is owned by Coles group received an approval from NSW Liquor and Gaming to open an outlet at the mall, which would already be the third for Glenrose Shopping Village.

Photo credit: Adrian Compton/Google Maps

At present, there are already two bottle shops operating at the mall–Woolworths’ BWS and a separate alcohol section at Aldi supermarket. Vintage Cellars will take over the space once occupied by a seafood restaurant and a shop used to advertise a retirement village nearby.

Back in June 2021, young people were being targeted by Northern Beaches Police following a case of vandalism at Glenrose Shopping Village, which resulted in damaged fence panels at the mall.

Belrose — Photo credit: DANNY Kwon/Google Maps

Investigations revealed that young people were congregating in the area, consuming alcohol, illicit drugs, which resulted in offensive behaviour, damage to property and leaving dangerous or harmful litter in the area.

Because of the incident, the Northern Beaches Council proposed the re-establishment of alcohol-free zones.

Council consulted the residents and based on feedback received, around 79 percent of respondents support the re-establishment of the Belrose Alcohol Free Zone, and round 20 submissions identified continuing issues of alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

Residents asked to include the reserve behind Glenrose shops and bounded by the aforementioned avenues as it has been the scene of some anti-social behaviour in the past.

“It is disappointing that the reserve behind Glenrose Shopping Centre is not included inthis action. This is the major area of concern for the surrounding neighbourhood where drug and alcohol abuse and subsequent damage to public and private property takes place and where Neighbour Watch has recently started,” one neighbour wrote in the submission.

Read: Belrose Children’s Centre Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers

At present, the existing alcohol free zone in the area is bounded by Haigh, Wingara, Lowanna and Coora Avenues.

Meanwhile, some members at the Belrose, Davidson, French’s Forest & Forestville Community Page shared they would love to see a food outlet in the space, like another fish ‘n chips rather than a bottleshop.

Hikers are Raving About this Hidden Gem in Belrose

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are rediscovering and raving about this hidden gem in Belrose, comprising a 4.5km scenic trail alongside the picturesque Frenchs Creek Track.

Located inside the Garigal National Park, the exciting trail is situated some 30 minutes away from Sydney CBD by car or 10 minutes from Frenchs Forest. It ends in a beautiful cascading waterfall, also found within the massive park.

First-time visitors to the site will find the beginning of their track along a sealed area after a private residence on Wanniti Rd in Belrose by following the red ribbon marks. There is no car park in the area but there is a sign leading to a downhill walk.

After a few minutes, hikers will see the top area of the Cascades waterfalls. Pushing ahead of this hidden gem for 15 minutes or so, then hikers will hear the next body of water’s section.

The centre of the Cascades is located on a large rock platform on the creek. It makes for a great spot when resting for the hike.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eddy Agcaoili (@captchathemoment)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ku-ring-gai Living (@kuringgailiving)

Not everyone, however, will see the full beauty of the multi-tiered falls, per the Australian Waterfalls. Runners and hikers who frequent the site said the view around the walking track is a lot better during the winter months, especially after rain than during the dry summer months because the falls will not be flowing with water.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eddy Agcaoili (@captchathemoment)

The track is pretty narrow, rocky, and steep so hikers are advised to take extra caution and wear the most appropriate walking shoes. There are also no toilets in the area so plan your walk accordingly.

Belrose Residents Fight Proposed Boarding House Modifications Anew

A group of Belrose residents has found themselves fighting a development application anew, over two vacant properties on Wyatt St, next to John Colet School.

In 2019, residents heavily opposed the development proposal for a 27-room boarding house along 14 Wyatt St (DA2018/0401), They cited that the plan was an overdevelopment and was not in keeping with the “quiet family character” of the community. Belrose is a low-density residential site with a 12-room maximum for such an establishment.

The locals also opposed the project due to its potential impact on the biodiversity of its surrounding bushlands. In its submission to oppose the DA, Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment stated that these native bushlands have “complex ecosystems and wildlife corridors” that could be ruined by excessive development.

In April 2019, Northern Beaches Council rejected the DA for 14 Wyatt Ave citing that the proposal failed to comply with the requisite housing density standard despite a series of pre-lodgement meetings conducted since 2017.

In January 2021, the Land and Environment Court upheld the rejection of DA2018/0401 to construct the boarding house.

However, in October 2020, the developers appealed and submitted amended plans under DA202/0996 for 14 Wyatt Ave as well as DA2021/1039 for 16 Wyatt Ave. The house along 16 Wyatt Ave will also be knocked down to accommodate two large buildings at least three to four stories high. The proposal estimates that the boarding house will be able to accommodate 160 people.

Residents, once again, took exceptions to the plans that will include “changes in the landscaping of a non-urban property.”

The developer, however, said that the amendments “do not change the number, size, design or location of the boarding rooms, or the range, number, location and nature of the communal facilities.” The proposed amendments also do not make changes to the intensity or impacts of the development.

Northern Beaches Council opened the notification period for these amendments on 13 July 2022. Residents have until Wednesday, 27 July 2022, to file their submission.