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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

Public Comment Sought on Revised Belrose Manor Plans

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

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

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

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

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

That application was withdrawn, and a subsequent proposal in 2018 was rejected by the Sydney North Planning Panel, citing concerns about overdevelopment and building height.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published 23-November-2024

TradeMutt Work Shirts Spark Mental Health Conversations in Belrose

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

Colourful Shirts Funding Free Counselling for Tradies

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

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

Designed to Start Conversations

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

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

Expanding Reach Through Community Support

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

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

Limited Stock Available in Belrose

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

Published 20-Nov-2024

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

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

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

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

Previous Application and Opposition

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

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

Bundaleer St Belrose — *Photo Credit: Vigor Master*

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

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

Developer’s Position

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

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

Published 23-Oct-2024

$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

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

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.

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.

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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.

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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.