‘Feathers & Dreams’: 50 Artworks Up for Online Bid to Benefit Belrose Charity

A remarkable selection of 50 artworks is up for bidding online to raise funds for a Belrose charity for metastatic cancer patients. The “Feathers & Dreams” exhibition features original artworks that depict feathers to symbolise “trust, honour, strength, wisdom, power and freedom.” 



Each artist involved in “Feathers & Dreams” has agreed to donate 50 percent of the sale price of their artworks during the exhibition at the gallery, diversARTy, in Cromer. Two of these artists are Clare and John, who are also metastatic cancer patients. 

“I remembered the cutest photo that my daughter had taken on the farm of this little duck. Everything just connected – a dream weekend away, and the picture of the duck, that I have painted as part of the exhibition,” Clare said.

Photo Credit: Clare Ward – Where Dreams Are Made (Bonnie)/Supplied

“Having a dream was almost like being able to start again – chemo done and new beginnings. My dream has given me awesome memories of how precious family is and how grateful I am to still be alive.” 

Gallery Director Wayne Devenny offered his full support to host this event, following his own brush with a serious illness. 

“After learning about Dreams2Live4, my wife and I thought it would be a great idea to hold an exhibition to raise awareness and funds for this amazing charity,” Devenny said, “Dreams2Live4 provides much needed respite for patients with metastatic cancer, and their families and carers. Being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019, I know firsthand what providing these ‘dreams’ truly means,” he revealed.

Dreams2Live4 was founded in 2008 by Annie Robinson, who passed away from metastatic cancer in 2009. Annie’s experience with the disease gave her the drive to “treat the soul as well as the disease” and her legacy lives on with the Belrose charity. 



To support the artists and the charity, bid on the “Feathers & Dreams” artworks online. The exhibition will run until 30 September 2021. You may also follow Dreams2Live4 on Facebook for updates. 

New Japara Aged Care Home in Belrose Nears Completion

The flagship aged care home commissioned by Japara Healthcare in Belrose is nearing completion, with an expected opening date scheduled for June 2021. 



The upcoming Belrose aged care building, which started construction in November 2019 and is currently worth $31 million, was built by Richard Crookes Constructions. It was designed by Thomson Adsett Architects, with rooftop plant and hard and soft landscaping and an aesthetic inspired and influenced by the surrounding area’s native flora.

The three-storey aged care home contains a grand total of 102 beds. Basement car parking will be provided for staff, tenants, and visitors. 

Photo credit: Richard Crookes Constructions

Only 3.7 kilometres away from the Northern Beaches Hospital, the upcoming Japara Healthcare site takes up an area of 1.03 hectares and provides tenants with views of the coast and nearby national parks. A range of amenities will also be available at the aged care home such as an in-house café and bar, as well as a cinema. 

Photo credit: Richard Crookes Constructions

Beauty, hair and nail salons will also be available for tenants looking for a makeover, and those interested in staying in shape can make full use of the on-site gymnasium. 24 hour care will be available for tenants seven days a week with qualified nursing staff who have been trained to provide personalised care tailored specifically for each resident.
For more information on Japara Healthcare, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook for the latest updates and announcements concerning the upcoming aged care home in Belrose.

John Colet School: Plan To Create New Classrooms Sparks Controversy

The $2.1-million plan to expand the John Colet School in Belrose has sparked controversy, with locals worried that the proposed development application will create more traffic in residential backstreets.



The development application for the expansion of the John Colet School in Belrose was first lodged in 2019, and it intends to increase the school’s capacity from a maximum of 255 students to 350. 

If implemented, the proposed expansion involves the construction of two new classrooms alongside an art room. Despite this, Belrose locals are displeased with such plans. By taking up more space, the school would fail to keep in touch with the low impact and low-intensity land use philosophy the area adheres to. 

Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council

One of the other primary issues concerning the development is that new classrooms would also reduce open space in the surrounding area. An increase in the school’s size would also fail to comply with the area’s building height and setback provisions. 

The lack of on-site parking in the upgrade was also an issue. These expansions could potentially have a visual impact to the suburb, as well as adverse effects and disruptions in terms of traffic and parking.

The John Colet School can be found at 6 Wyatt Avenue, Belrose. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements. 

Belrose Eats: Have You Tried Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria Special Lunch Menu?

If you’re craving for Italian comfort food, there’s a restaurant in Belrose that has been satisfying the locals for three years and counting.

Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria, located in Glen Street, is a family restaurant serving popular Italian dishes. The place may always seem packed but its busy atmosphere is a testament to its commendable food and service.

Photo Credit: Stella Blu Kitchen & Pizzeria Glenrose Village/Facebook

The pizzeria is run and managed by Nick Salerno & Pino Salerno, who grew up in traditional Italian homes where family milestones and gatherings usually take place at the kitchen or the dining table. The owners of Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria were inspired to create an extensive menu that mixes traditional Italian dishes with contemporary flavours.

Photo Credit: Stella Blu Kitchen & Pizzeria Glenrose Village/Facebook

From antipasti (starters) to pasta and risotto, to the main courses featuring chicken, salmon, steak or lamb, to the cortorni (sides), drinks and desserts, there’s a dish and a drink for every craving. Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria also has gluten-free and vegetarian selections upon request.



However, if you can’t decide on the menu, Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria has a lunch special that includes an order of medium pizza or pasta, a gelato scoop and a cup of regular coffee. This offer is good for one person at $21.90. The lunch special is available between 12:00 p.m to 2:30 p.m. daily.

Photo Credit: Stella Blu Kitchen & Pizzeria Glenrose Village/Facebook

Stella Blu Kitchen and Pizzeria is open every day from 12:00 p.m. to late at night.



“I ordered 9 variety takeaway pizzas for my birthday celebrations on 9th September for 30 people. They were so yummy and amazing. All guests enjoyed. Thank you Stella Blu for your wonderful service. Luv this restaurant as so close to home.”

~ Maria Calabrisello, via Facebook

“Not so long ago, one would say that dining on the North Shore did not match that of the city or eastern suburbs, but happily, such is now no longer the case. A good example is this fine Italian Eatery, which is perfectly located just across the road from the popular Glen Theatre, in Belrose. The food is hearty, the atmosphere pleasant, and the service friendly. What more could one want – except for ample parking, which is available nearby.”

~ CCAandEBA, via Trip Advisor

“A casual yet attractive restaurant, the food with an Italian flair is unpretentious and delicious. Friendly and attentive service. Well done.”

~ Gerard Lavrut, via Google Reviews

Belrose Eats: Savour Fresh and Wholesome Food at The Honest Chicken

You can order a chicken dinner at any restaurant in Belrose but you’ll probably enjoy it best if the chicken is chemical-free and cooked with fresh ingredients, such as the one served by The Honest Chicken at Glenrose Shopping Centre on Glen Street.

The Honest Chicken serves free-range chicken raised on a rural farm and cooled in natural air. Carefully cooked inside a rotisserie oven, the chicken remains juicy and pink and retains its taste better than conventionally prepared dishes.



Homemade dry rubs and marinades lend the flavors that make The Honest Chicken extra-savory and tasty. The beef burgers are also prepared by using fresh ingredients for the marinade and it’s flame-grilled to perfection. The restaurant also serves pork dishes, ribs and chips.

While this isn’t a fast-food joint, the meals arrive at the table in a short amount of time. If you’re famished and looking for wholesome food, The Honest Chicken might just be the right choice.

Photo Credit: The Honest Chicken/Facebook

A plate of chicken or burgers may be best paired with an order of salads or side dishes for a completely satiating meal. Fortunately, The Honest Chicken serves different kinds of side dishes to go with anyone’s preference.  

Photo Credit: The Honest Chicken/Facebook

Ideal for dine-in or takeaway,  the restaurant is also open for catering private parties, business functions, and other events.

“I know this is a chicken shop but they do the best burgers. Lots of different varieties so sure to please everyone. Staff is always welcoming and friendly.”

~ JulieCin, via TripAdvisor

“Always very happy with the food and service here at the Glenrose store. Everything I’ve had has been delicious. Love the pork dinner deal with the creamy potato bake and the pork crackling. Also the best chips and gravy ever!!”

~ Kirstie McWhannell, via Facebook

“We were at Belrose visiting family when we decided it was time for a takeaway. The chickens rolling around in the rotisserie looked pretty tasty. There is a wide variety of salads – all are nice and fresh, with lots of options. The hot chips are pretty special and well worth a visit just to get some – and the servings are generous.”

~ Portsea, via TripAdvisor