Tag: Belrose

Police Seize 3D-Printed Replica Firearms in Belrose

Photo Credit: Pexels

Police in Belrose have seized realistic 3D-printed replica firearms after images shared online prompted an investigation by local officers.

Read: Like Watching Family Succeed’: Terrey Hills Club Celebrates Historic Wins

Social Media Images Triggered Police Inquiries

Officers attached to the Northern Beaches Police Area Command became aware of social media posts made in September 2025 that showed items resembling a rifle and a handgun. The images depicted objects similar in appearance to an AK-47-style rifle and a Glock-style pistol.

While the items were incapable of firing live ammunition, police initiated inquiries due to their realistic appearance. Investigators traced the origin of the images to a residential address in Belrose.

Belrose printed guns
Photo Credit: Pexels

Replica Firearms Located And Assessed

Police attended the Belrose address and located the items shown in the images. Officers confirmed the objects were plastic replicas produced using a three-dimensional printer. Further assessment determined the replicas were inert and not capable of being used as firearms.

Police established the items had been created by a teenage boy. Officers were satisfied the replicas were not produced with the intention of committing an offence. The teenager’s parents were cooperative throughout the investigation and surrendered the items to police.

Legal Context Under NSW Law

Police confirmed the replicas met the definition of imitation firearms under the NSW Firearms Act. The Act defines an imitation firearm as an object that substantially duplicates the appearance of a real firearm, regardless of its material, weight, or functionality, unless it is clearly identified as a children’s toy.

Police reiterated that possessing an imitation firearm without appropriate authorisation is an offence in NSW. This includes gel blasters, which remain illegal in the state despite being readily available for purchase online from interstate sellers.

printed guns
Photo Credit: Pexels

Community Reminder And Outcome

The replica firearms were destroyed by police, and no charges were laid in relation to the incident. Police used the matter as an opportunity to remind the community that realistic replica weapons can cause significant alarm and may be treated as real firearms during any police response.

Police also cautioned that carrying or displaying imitation firearms in public can create serious safety risks, regardless of whether the items are capable of firing.

Outlook

Read: Hidden General Store Transforms Dining Scene in Terrey Hills

The Belrose investigation has concluded with no further action. Police have reiterated the importance of understanding imitation firearm laws and the potential consequences of creating or possessing realistic replicas, even when no criminal intent is involved.

Published 19-Dec-2025

Local Restaurant Guide – 2085

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!

Read: Manchester City’s Holiday Clinics Head to Lionel Watts Reserve in Belrose

1. Inakaya Japanese Restaurant

About Inakaya Japanese Restaurant
4.2 Google Rating

31/56-58 Glen St, Belrose NSW 2085

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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 👍

2. Club Belrose

About Club Belrose
4.2 Google Rating

146 Forest Way, Belrose NSW 2085

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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!

3. Cafe Belrose

About Cafe Belrose
4.8 Google Rating

b1/15 Narabang Way, Belrose NSW 2085

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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?

4. Acacia Eatery

About Acacia Eatery
4.5 Google Rating

58 Glen St, Belrose NSW 2085

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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.

5. The Shed Cafe – Belrose

About The Shed Cafe – Belrose
4.4 Google Rating

Homeco. Belrose, Ground Floor, Shop 16/4-6 Niangala Cl, Belrose NSW 2085

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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 🤙🏽

Read: Three Belrose Residents Recognised in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours

Mandy M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fast, friendly staff and awesome food and coffee. Clean and nice atmosphere would eat here again. Thank you

Closure of Davidson School Echoed in Belrose Student’s Prize-Winning Speech

Photo Credit: MattCrossMP/Facebook

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.

Read: Davidson Community Mobilises to Keep Kambora Public School Open

A bittersweet achievement

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. 

Photo Credit: MattCrossMP/Facebook

A school in recess amid dwindling numbers

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.

Read: RFS Inspector Honoured for 48 Years of Service in Belrose

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.

Published 3-Oct-2025

RFS Inspector Honoured for 48 Years of Service in Belrose

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A tribute event in Belrose recognised the retirement of NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector George Sheppard, marking the end of his decades-long service.

Read: Manchester City’s Holiday Clinics Head to Lionel Watts Reserve in Belrose

Long-Standing Service Recognised

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.

George Sheppard retirement
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.

George Sheppard
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.

Read: Three Belrose Residents Recognised in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours

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.

Published 13-July-2025

Three Belrose Residents Recognised in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours

Photo Credit: NSW Gov

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.

Read: Davidson Community Mobilises to Keep Kambora Public School Open

Recognition for Service in Belrose

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.

King’s Birthday Honours
Photo Credit: Freshwater SLSC/Facebook

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.

Belrose King’s Birthday Honours
Photo Credit: Zambia’s Child/Facebook

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.

Ongoing Contributions from Belrose

Read: Major Upgrade Planned for Wesley Gardens Aged Care Site in Belrose

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.

Published 19-June-2025

Major Upgrade Planned for Wesley Gardens Aged Care Site in Belrose

Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958

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.

Read: New Plus Fitness Belrose: The Largest in Australia

Background and Context

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.

Uniting Wesley Gardens
Photo Credit: DA/SSD-71378958

Redevelopment Scope

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.

Belrose development
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.

Uniting Wesley Gardens development public consultation
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.

Next Steps

Read: Terrey Hills Crash Leaves Sydney Dad in Long Road to Recovery

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.

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Published 24-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.

Read: Belrose Sanitiser Dumping Sparks ICAC Probe

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.

Plus Fitness Belrose
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.

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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.

Read: Community Divided Over $33m Restaurant Complex in Terrey Hills

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

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.

Read: TradeMutt Work Shirts Spark Mental Health Conversations in Belrose

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.

2025 Australia Day
Photo Credit: CrVincenDeLuca/ Facebook

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.

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

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.

Photo credit: Regis

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.” 

Photo credit: Google Street View

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.

TradeMutt
Photo Credit: Supplied

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
Photo Credit: Supplied

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