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Aussie Swimmer Dean Summers Writes History with Newcastle to Sydney Swim

In a remarkable display of perseverance and resolve, 64-year-old Dean Summers made swimming history by being the first person to successfully finish the daunting journey from Newcastle to Sydney unassisted.

On a sunny morning, Dean began his epic swim from Newcastle’s stunning shores in the presence of admirers and onlookers who wanted to witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience. He went out into the vast ocean with nothing but his unbreakable spirit and sheer grit, determined to overcome the huge distance that lay ahead.

With years of experience as a swimmer and a strong desire to push the limits of human potential, Dean Summers completed months of intense training and careful planning to take on this daring challenge. Dean set out on his historic quest, not discouraged by how hard it would be. He had carefully planned his route and had a dedicated support crew keeping an eye on him from afar.

Ignoring the unpredictable currents, fighting the never-ending waves, and facing the loneliness of the open sea, Dean Summers kept going with determination.

As the hours turned into days and the coast of Sydney slowly came into view, Dean’s determination was put to the final test. He was tired and had a lot of doubts, but with each stroke, he got closer to his goal. The thought of making history and encouraging other people to follow their goals, no matter how hard they may seem, kept him going.

Dean Summers finally came out of the water in Sydney Harbour after a long, hard journey that lasted several days. A large group of supporters welcomed him and came to celebrate his amazing accomplishment. In a moment that everyone who saw it will never forget, Dean raised his arms in victory. It was a powerful display of the human spirit and the unwavering drive to be great.

Dean expressed gratitude to his support team and shared about the difficulties he had faced. “This journey was about pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring others to chase their dreams,” he said. “I hope that my journey serves as a reminder that with determination, perseverance, and unwavering belief in oneself, anything is achievable.”

Published Date 28 March-2024

Revamping Palm Beach: The Rise of The Joey

An up-market waterside eatery named The Joey has recently emerged as a focal point in the $7 million reconstruction of the Barrenjoey Boatshed, nestled along the revitalised Palm Beach jetty.

Spearheaded by hospitality veteran Rob Domjen and restaurateur Ben May, former owner of the Manly Wharf Hotel, this new dining destination aims to elevate Palm Beach’s culinary scene.

The Boatshed’s grand reopening on 15 February 2024 marked a significant milestone, replacing the deteriorating structure famously featured as Alf’s bait shop in the Channel 7 drama series “Home and Away,” which was demolished two years ago.

Despite initial expectations for The Boathouse Group to reclaim the cafe lease, local entrepreneurs, Mr Domjen and Mr May, seized the opportunity, who envision transforming the Barrenjoey Boatshed and The Joey into premier hospitality venues.

Efforts are underway to expand The Joey’s offerings beyond lunch, with a pending development application seeking approval for evening dining seven nights a week. The eatery only serves lunch daily, with dinner available exclusively on Friday and Saturday nights.

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The prospect of evening service at The Joey aligns with the duo’s aspiration to provide diverse culinary experiences reflective of Palm Beach’s allure as an iconic waterfront destination. Plans for additional amenities, such as high-end motorboat charters and recreational equipment rentals, underscore their commitment to enriching the local lifestyle.

Despite the modernisation efforts, preserving the rustic charm of the original boatshed remains a priority. Mr Domjen emphasises the owners’ dedication to retaining the essence of the beloved structure while enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

With ongoing discussions with Channel 7 regarding the continued use of the jetty for “Home and Away” filming, the revitalised Barrenjoey Boatshed is poised to maintain its cultural significance while embracing new growth opportunities.

Beyond its role as a dining destination, The Joey aims to become a community hub, offering various services and experiences for locals and visitors alike. Plans for paddle board and “retro” bicycle rentals complement the establishment’s commitment to providing recreational opportunities that harmonise with Palm Beach’s natural beauty.

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Follow The Joey on Facebook for updates.

Published 21-February-2024

Northern Beaches Council Expands Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Network to Meet Rising Demand

Photo Credit: Markus Distelrath from Pixabay

Did you know that 12 sites have been identified for EV charging stations, in an effort to expand public charging infrastructure in various locations in the northern beaches, including Palm Beach?

Recent data reveals that the Northern Beaches Council area boasts the highest adoption rate of EVs in NSW, with 1,387 EVs registered among locals in August 202. This equates to an 84 per cent increase from the previous year, as reported by the Australian Automobile Association.

In response to this growing trend, the council in collaboration with Australian Renewable Energy Agency is taking part in a 12-month trial that will allow residents living in flats and townhouses to have easier access to EV charging stations.

The Intellihub EV Streetside Charging Project involves converting street power poles into convenient charging points. The council has identified 12 potential sites stretching from Palm Beach to Manly, including locations like Terrey Hills, Frenchs Forest, and Allambie Heights, for the installation of these innovative chargers.

Currently, the council has secured funding for seven streetside chargers. As more funding becomes available, they plan to expand this network to cover the remaining proposed sites. This initiative will provide essential charging infrastructure for the roughly 20 percent of EV owners who don’t have the luxury of home charging facilities, particularly those living in apartments, townhouses, or units.

Following the closure of public submissions on October 4, the council is now reviewing feedback from nearly 400 submissions regarding the proposed locations for the power pole chargers.

Apart from the Intellihub project, plans for additional free EV charging stations to be between Seaforth and Palm Beach are now in progress. This project is in partnership with JOLT, a private Sydney-based EV charging company.

The ‘Intellihub’ streetside EV charging points proposed sites:

Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach (outside Dunes Palm Beach)
59 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach
Dearin Reserve – opposite 13 Kalinya Street, Newport
19 Yulong Ave, Terrey Hills
15 Coronation Street, Mona Vale
Boondah Road, Warriewood – Boondah Reserve Field 5
Blackbutts Road (opposite Malbara Crescent), Frenchs Forest
9 Anzac Ave, Collaroy
118 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights
25-27 Ashburner Street, Manly
11 Gilbert Street, Manly
4 West Promenade, Manly.

The proposed sites for the free public charging stations:

Pittwater Park South, Palm Beach
Berry Reserve Carpark, Narrabeen
Collaroy Beach Reserve Carpark
Civic Centre Carpark, Dee Why
Oaks Ave, Dee Why (outside 7 The Strand)
South Steyne, Manly (south of Wentworth Street intersection)
Kempbridge Ave, Seaforth

Published 12-October-2023

No Decision Yet on Overnight Stays at Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach

Photo Credit: Jeremy/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

Deliberations are still being held on whether or not tourists may be allowed to stay overnight at the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach, a location familiar to many as the filming location for the popular Australian TV series “Home And Away.”

The proposal to introduce paying tourists to the historic Northern Beaches lighthouse, situated in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is part of a comprehensive draft management plan. The plan, released prior to the recent election, has been met with opposition from the NSW Labor government, led by Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Environment and Heritage.

During a protest rally in January 2023, Ms Sharpe, who was the Opposition spokeswoman at the time, voiced her party’s stance against the commercialization of national parks. She emphasized that adequate funding for the National Parks and Wildlife Service could eliminate the need for commercial operations at Barrenjoey Headland.

The draft management plan proposed the conversion of the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage into short-stay visitor accommodations and also suggested the possibility of mobile food and drinks services on the headland.

However, the Palm Beach and Whale Beach Association, a community lobby group, strongly oppose the plan, considering it tantamount to vandalism. They express concerns about potential noise, loud music, and unruly behaviour from visitors, as well as the negative impact on the natural heritage site and wildlife.

In response to the controversy, Ms Sharpe stated that the government’s primary objective is to ensure that national parks are open for everyone to enjoy, without prioritising commercial interests. She acknowledged that the previous government had deferred signing the draft plan and assured that she would consider the submissions and community feedback before finalising the new management plan.

Rory Amon, the newly elected Liberal MP for Pittwater, has supported the community’s opposition to short-stay accommodations at Barrenjoey Headland. He has raised questions in parliament about the removal of the proposal from the plan and the expected a finalised timeline.

The Barrenjoey Lighthouse, prominently featured in the closing credits and promotions of the TV series “Home And Away,” is a popular attraction for fans and tourists. It is often included in tours of the show’s filming locations. The lighthouse is referred to as the “Stewarts Point Lighthouse” in the series.

As the debate continues, residents, environmental groups, and political figures remain divided on the issue of commercialising heritage-listed buildings and the future of Barrenjoey Headland.

Published 21-June-2023

DA Rejected for $13-Million Palm Beach Apartment Block

Planning officials have rejected a bid to build a $13.5-million apartment block in the heart of Palm Beach because of its height and size.

The three-storey, five-block unit “shop-top” development on Barrenjoey Rd was proposed by tech entrepreneur Robin Khuda, Australia’s 207th richest man, but close to 100 public submissions opposing the development were lodged via DA2021/2362. A reworked development application was also submitted, which attracted approximately 70 opposing submissions.

The development was set to be built next door to the 98-year-old Barrenjoey House in the small retail strip opposite the Pittwater ferry wharf.

The original consent was granted in November 2014, but the new application was referred to the independent Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel due to a large number of opposing submissions and the fact that exceeded the local zoned height limit.

Palm Beach apartment block — *Photo Credit: DA2021/2362*

The council recommended the project be approved, but the panel deferred making a decision in February 2023 and requested the developer submit amended plans that reduced the overall height, bulk, and scale of the building.

In late April 2023, the developer was advised that the changes to the plans put forward to the panel were not satisfactory and the amended development application was rejected. Locals had argued that the proposed development would have dwarfed neighbouring properties and destroyed the area’s “seaside atmosphere.”

President of the Palm Beach & Whale Beach Association, Richard West, celebrated the decision, stating that the block would have been totally out of context with the local character and a gross overdevelopment of the site.

Published 12-May-2023

NSW Gas Exploration Resumption Looms, Whale Migration Under Threat

Photo credit: Asset Energy / assetenergy.com.au

The PEP-11 gas exploration license which covers more than 4,000 square kilometres offshore from Manly to Newcastle could potentially be reactivated following the Federal Government’s decision to negotiate the end of a Court appeal. Environmental groups say the plan threatens whale migration, marine environment, coastlines and environment.

Announced in early February 2023, the Australian Government has reached an agreement with Asset Energy to end the ongoing Court action and subsequently filed proposed consent orders with the Federal Court of Australia,

If the proposed consent orders get accepted, it would mean that the decision on the project will now be left to the Commonwealth-New South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority. The NSW Government will be the first to consider its position on the matter.

“I assure Australians that any decisions that I take as the federal minister for resources will always be based on sound evidence and in accordance with the law,” The Minister for Resources, the Hon Madeleine King MP said.

“Australians quite rightly expect this of their elected leaders.

“I am not going to provide an ongoing commentary on future official decisions that come before the joint authority, whether in relation to PEP-11 or any other matter.”

In December 2021, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that he would reject any renewal of the Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 or PEP-11 license in light of strong community opposition to the project. The application to extend the license for two years was refused the following year, effectively banning the consortium from exploiting the area.

Principal permit holders, Asset Energy, however, took the matter to Federal Court after it was revealed that Scott Morrison failed to disclose to his Cabinet colleagues and to the public that he had sworn himself into the resources portfolio and to four other departments of state.

Photo credit: Google Maps

Friends of the Earth Australia believes that overturning the decision could put whales and other marine mammals under threat. The group argues that seismic blasting will disrupt the whale migration route and potentially render aquatic animals deaf, thus, they are urging the State Government not to let it go ahead.

“Allowing fossil methane gas exploration or extraction in the busy east coast whale migration route is absolute madness,” Friends of the Earth Australia’s Offshore Fossil Gas Campaigner, Jeff Waters, said.

“Queensland’s spectacular annual whale migration will be drastically disrupted.”

“The constant, massive explosions in the sea that will be needed to survey the site will not only scare whales away from this important corridor, but it has also been shown to send aquatic mammals deaf, guaranteeing their deaths.”

“Seismic blasting is also known to kill other sea life, including krill, which is an important food source for fish and other wildlife,” he said.

The Greens, on the other hand, are calling on the NSW Government to recommit to opposing PEP-11 and work with their federal colleagues to have the plan resolved once and for all.

“PEP 11 is an unreasonable and dangerous project that is universally opposed by communities from Sydney’s Northern Beaches through to Newcastle. The NSW Government needs to guarantee that they will do everything in their power to stop these gas bullies from ruining our marine environment, coastlines and our climate,” Greens spokesperson Sue Higginson said.

“The gas companies are threatening NSW and Australia with a gas shortage that they have created by exporting domestic gas overseas for massive profits. This project will do nothing to alleviate the energy crisis and if the gas is extracted and burnt, it will become a primary driver of worsening climate change disasters.

“Matt Kean needs to contact the Federal Resources Minister and demand that the decision to end this seismic testing is re-made in no uncertain terms so that NSW residents are released from this cycle of bullying by gas corporations.”

Published 10-February-2023

Local Community Group up in Arms Against Short-Stay Accommodation Plans for Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Photo credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service / nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

A proposal to allow short-stay accommodation at the Barrenjoey Headland at Palm Beach under new management plans for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park met with strong opposition from a local community group.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) recently revealed its Draft Plan of Management for Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Lion Island, Long Island and Spectacle Island Nature Reserves.

The draft plan includes the proposed adaptive reuse of the historic buildings at Barrenjoey Head, for community opportunities or to improve visitor services, including Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, and Boatman’s Cottage.

Part of the document states that potential future use for the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage includes short-stay visitor accommodation. The same is also suggested for the Boatman’s Cottage which is currently being used for staff accommodation.

“Adaptive reuse of historic heritage buildings and collections can help preserve heritage values and provide greater levels of public appreciation,” the draft management plan said.

Local Community Group up in Arms Against Short-Stay Accommodation Plans for Barrenjoey Lighthouse — Photo credit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service / nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

Community group The Palm Beach & Whale Beach Association, however, opposes the suggestion to repurpose the heritage buildings at Barrenjoey Headland into commercial accommodation, describing it as “tantamount to vandalism”.

“We are not in favour of providing shortstay commercial letting of the heritage buildings,” the Association stated.

“We agree that the Fishers’ cottages, which contain asbestos and are falling down, should be removed. The Boatman’s Cottage provides long-term staff accommodation which is appropriate.

“The other cottages are in reasonable condition as historical buildings but would need substantial expenditure to become suitable for commercial letting thus obliterating the original interiors and their link to the past.

“Far better to increase the number of events to be held in them such as historical talks and exhibitions in daylight hours when safety issues are not so acute.”

Public consultation on the Draft Plan of Management ended on 22 November 2022.

The group is slated to hold a rally on 22 January 2023 at Governor Phillip Park in Palm Beach.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse is among the most iconic landmarks on Sydney’s northern beaches. It was built in 1881 using sandstone quarried on-site. Barrenjoey Lighthouse is part of a number of lighthouse projects in the 19th century. To this day, its oil room and keepers’ cottages retain their original stone finish.

The Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Island Nature Reserves Draft Plan of Management can be found here.

Published 13-January-2023

Plans Revived to Use Barrenjoey Lighthouse Cottages as a Tourist Accommodation

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Proposals to turn the Barrenjoey Lighthouse cottages into a tourist accommodation have been rejected more than once before, but here’s a new plan for the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Island Nature Reserves, the second oldest national park in the country, that could just turn things around.

Released by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in September 2022, the draft plan for the 14,977-hectare national park includes a section on the Barrenjoey Headland, which covers 34 hectares of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It cites that the area could be considered for visitor or caretaker accommodation as part of the overall plans for the massive reserve.

“There are several buildings at Barrenjoey Head that have the potential to be adaptively re-used for visitor facilities and experiences such as visitor accommodation, interpretation and/or used as caretaker accommodation,” the draft plan underscored. “It is proposed to investigate such use of the buildings and the potential to lease their use for this purpose.”

Currently, the Barrenjoey Lighthouse cottages are only open for guided tours. Whilst National Parks and Wildlife Service made it clear that there are “no plans to change the existing use or increase access to the lighthouse or historic buildings on the headland,” the draft plans for Ku-ring-gai Chase also include supporting documents from a 2019 report.

This report outlines the potential uses of the Keeper’s Cottage, the Boatman’s Collage and the Basin’s Beechwood Cottage for short-stay guests or group functions, including other hospitality venues like a cafe, restaurant, kiosks, or mobile food and drinks operators. Proposals to install tracks and trails for biking, bush walking or horse riding have also been raised.

The Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Island Nature Reserves is open for public consultation until 22 November 2022 but could be given the go-ahead before the 2023 state elections.

It comes as the National Parks and Wildlife Service also opened a public consultation in May 2022 to construct and install amenities like unisex toilets, baby changing stations, water refilling stations, and screened walls and timber screens at the Barrenjoey Headlands for the personal/health requirements of people who tour the site. Construction of these amenities has been entered into the spring 2022 calendar, pending approvals.

Public Exhibition Anticipated For Proposed Palm Beach Dog Off-leash Areas

A public exhibition will soon start for a draft Review of Environmental Factors regarding the proposed dog off-leash areas at Palm Beach and Mona Vale Beach.

Read: Proposed Dog Off-Leash Area in Palm Beach Sparks Controversy

This comes after Council has resolved to undertake environmental assessments for the 12-month trial of off-leash areas in the Northern Beaches.

The draft review will recommend a number of measures to manage the risk of potential environmental impacts, such as installation of clear and well-placed signages, provision of bags suitable for the collection of animal waste at off-leash areas and/or access points, and increased patrols by Council officers during peak times.

It should also consider utilising existing poles for the provision of new signage and monitoring of compliance with the Companion Animals Act 1998 and the undertaking of appropriate regulatory and enforcement action, as needed.

Proposed dog off-leash area at Palm Beach

palm beach off leash areas — Photo credit: NSW Government

The length of the proposed off-leash area at Palm Beach is 400 metres. The trial area and boundaries are the following:

Northern boundary – 280 m south of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Southern boundary – 300 m north of the North Palm Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
Western boundary – the eastern edge of the dunes in Governor Phillip Park.
Eastern boundary – 130 m east of the eastern edge of the dunes.

During the community engagement held in 2021, around 84 percent of all respondents supported the proposal, whilst only 3 percent supported the proposal with recommended changes.

“Every suburb should have an off leash area for dogs according to general recommendations of the Government. In Palm Beach the next one is 5 km away in Avalon and impossible to be reached without a car due to the lack of infrastructure in the form of a footpath,” one local said during the community engagement.

Use of both of the off-leash dog trial project areas will be restricted to the following times:

5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m., Monday to Sunday (seven days a week)
6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00pm to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Sunday (seven days a week)

The draft review will go on exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days, with dates yet to be announced. See Northern Beaches Council’s website to stay updated about the dates of the exhibition.

Planned Midget Farrelly Statue at Palm Beach Gets Greenlight

Photo Credit: Dendy Darma Satyazi / Unsplash

Did you know that a statue will be erected at Palm Beach as part of plans to immortalise Midget Farrelly’s legacy?

No less than surfing icons Kelly Slater, Layne Beachley, and Tom Carroll, along with the Midget Farrelly Recognition Committee, are spearheading the campaign to erect the life-sized bronze statue of the first men’s world surfing champion.

Through their efforts, the Northern Beaches Council agreed and gave permission to proceed with the statue design which will be commissioned by the Public Art Working Group.

A design concept of the bronze statue, which the group hopes to be installed at the Palm Beach Plaza, depicts Midget’s iconic surfing stance during his prime with his arm up in the air.

The Midget Farrelly Recognition Committee is led by Gordon Lang, Bruce Raymond, Christine Hopton OAM and Nick Carroll. They are now campaigning for financial support to go towards the project. The group hopes to raise at least $150,000 that will help cover the cost of its creation, installation and launching.

Born in Sydney in 1944, Bernard “Midget” Farrelly came to prominence when he won the inaugural World Surfing Championships held at Manly Beach in 1964, he was coming fresh from his Australian National Titles victory. His first major win was at the 1962 Makaha International at age 17, considered as the first unofficial world championship.

Midget, with his refined surfing style, would become the dominant figure in surfing during that decade winning again the Australian national title in 1965, bagging the runner-up world titles in 1968 and 1970, winning the Peruvian International Small Waves title in 1966 and the Bobby Brown memorial in 1968.

He established Surfblanks in Sydney in 1972, complementing his Farrelly Surfboard shaping business.

Farrelly was inducted into the Sports Australia Hall of Fame in 1985, into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame the following year and into the Surfing Walk of Fame at California’s Huntington Beach in 2007.

Midget died in 2016 due to stomach cancer at the age of 71. He was posthumously awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM) the following year.