An 11-year-old boy surfing at Dee Why Beach had a close call with a shark on Monday morning when the marine animal bit his surfboard multiple times at the southern end of the beach.
The young surfer managed to escape without injury and made it safely back to shore, despite his board sustaining several bite marks during the incident.
According to a Surf Life Saving NSW spokesperson, the beach had already been closed to the public due to hazardous water conditions at the time of the attack. The closure is expected to remain in place for up to 48 hours following the incident.
Surf lifesavers responded immediately after the boy reached the shore, deploying a drone to monitor the waters around Dee Why Beach for any signs of shark activity.
The species of shark involved has not yet been confirmed. A section of the damaged surfboard has been sent to NSW Fisheries for analysis, which may help identify what type of shark was responsible for the attack.
The Manly Observer reported that witnesses believe they spotted a bull shark measuring approximately four to five feet in length, though this sighting remains unconfirmed by authorities.
The Dee Why incident occurred just one day after a separate shark attack at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse, where a 13-year-old boy was mauled shortly after entering the water at Shark Beach around 4.20pm on Sunday.
The teenager remains in hospital in critical condition. NSW Police Superintendent Joseph McNulty commended the brave actions of the victim’s friends, particularly one who jumped into the water to help pull the injured teen to safety, describing the rescue effort as “heroic”.
That beach also remains closed, with authorities advising the public to avoid swimming in harbour waters for the time being.
Conditions at Dee Why have improved, with most seaweed clearing from the beach following a recent surge linked to large ocean swells along Sydney’s coast.
As of January 13, observations at Dee Why Beach indicate that nearly all seaweed has cleared from the shoreline. Swimming conditions were reported as favourable, with water temperatures at approximately 22°C.
The improvement follows several days where kelp had accumulated across sections of the beach, reducing usable sand and producing strong odours during hot weather.
What Led To The Seaweed Surge
The earlier build-up occurred after large swells over the New Year period dislodged offshore kelp beds. Seasonal growth through spring increased the amount of kelp available to be washed ashore once wave activity intensified.
Similar conditions were reported across multiple Sydney beaches during this period.
Photo Credit: Gaida Rodgers/Facebook
How Dee Why Responded
At Dee Why, the seaweed was left to break down and move naturally. Information published by Northern Beaches Council states that seaweed plays a role in sand recovery and supports coastal ecosystems.
Wave action and tides have since redistributed much of the kelp without mechanical removal.
Photo Credit: Gaida Rodgers/Facebook
Different Outcomes Elsewhere
Other Sydney beaches experienced different outcomes. In some locations, seaweed was removed where beach size or access was limited. These decisions varied depending on local conditions and volume.
The latest conditions at Dee Why reflect a return to normal beach use following a short-term seaweed surge. Natural coastal processes have largely resolved the accumulation as ocean conditions stabilised.
The devastating shark attack that claimed the life of Dee Why surfer Mercury Psillakis in September 2025 has sparked a major expansion of aerial shark surveillance across NSW, with $2.5 million in new funding set to put more eyes in the sky over the beaches this summer.
The additional investment will extend Surf Life Saving NSW drone patrols to cover a longer season and provide local boardrider clubs with their own drones and training through Surfing NSW. It’s a direct response to the tragedy that shook our community and left the Psillakis family searching for ways to prevent another family from experiencing such heartbreak.
Starting this season, SLSNSW drones began weekend surveillance a week earlier on 13 December 2025, and patrols will now continue until 29 March 2026. Throughout the Christmas holiday period and into the end of January, these drones will fly daily rather than just on weekends, providing crucial coverage during the busiest time of year on the beaches.
Photo credit: SLS Sydney
The partnership with Surfing NSW adds a new dimension to surf safety management. Boardrider clubs, including Long Reef on the Northern Beaches, will receive drones and training, giving surfers who often venture beyond patrolled areas an additional safety net. This collaboration emerged after SLSNSW worked with Surfing NSW to provide drone and jet-ski coverage for surfing events following Mercury’s death.
Beyond the aerial technology, the funding package includes Community Shark Bite Kits to be stationed at unpatrolled beaches. These potentially life-saving kits include items such as tourniquets, compression bandages, dressings, thermal blankets, whistles and gloves, along with first aid instructions specifically designed for serious bite injuries. The initiative came from Danny Schouten, whose friend Kai McKenzie survived a shark attack whilst surfing at Port Macquarie in 2024.
The SharkSmart app, already popular with beachgoers, will also receive improvements to enhance its usability and the quality of information it provides about shark activity and beach conditions.
Facebook/Tara Moriarty MLC
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty met with Maria and Mike Psillakis, Mercury’s wife and brother, before announcing the funding boost. Their conversations centred on increasing protection for boardriders and recognising surfers’ crucial role in beach safety as a lasting legacy for Mercury.
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby welcomed the announcement but emphasised that more needs to be done. The Northern Beaches currently has just three SLSNSW drones covering the entire coastline, alongside 15 shark nets, 30 SMART drumlines, and three tagged shark listening stations that track movements of tagged sharks.
The existing Shark Management Program already includes 305 SMART drumlines across 19 local government areas, shark nets at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong, and 37 tagged shark listening stations that send alerts to the SharkSmart app when tagged sharks are detected.
Minister Moriarty acknowledged that whilst there’s no foolproof way to eliminate shark interactions completely, combining technologies with increased public awareness significantly improves safety. The focus is on reducing interactions between swimmers, boardriders and sharks through better detection and information sharing.
For the Psillakis family and the broader Dee Why community, the announcement represents tangible change born from tragedy. Their advocacy, alongside local MPs and community leaders, has created a legacy that will benefit beachgoers and surfers across the state for years to come.
As drones take to the skies this summer, they’ll serve as both practical guardians and poignant reminders of why this technology matters—and who it honours.
A 64-year-old man remains in a critical condition after falling approximately six metres from an apartment balcony onto a shop roof in Dee Why’s main shopping precinct last night.
Emergency services were called to Oaks Avenue just before 8.00pm on Monday evening following reports of the fall from a four-storey apartment building.
The man’s family members witnessed the incident, and distressed neighbours who heard calls for help looked down from their balconies to see him lying on the corrugated metal roof, covered in blood. Despite his injuries, the man was conscious and able to respond when neighbours called out to him, though he appeared confused and could not move.
The scale of the emergency response reflected the severity of the incident, with five NSW Ambulance crews dispatched to the scene, including Intensive Care Paramedics, Special Operations Paramedics and NSW Ambulance Inspector Kylie O’Brien. Multiple units from Northern Beaches Police Area Command and Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Dee Why, Narrabeen and Manly stations also attended.
First responders arrived within five minutes but faced the challenge of accessing the injured man on the roof. Neighbours continued to relay information about his condition to emergency workers below, confirming he remained conscious and breathing.
Firefighters arrived less than ten minutes after the initial emergency call and used an extension ladder to reach the man. They found him with a suspected broken right leg and a significant head laceration that was bleeding heavily. The man, who had reportedly been cleaning at the time of the fall, informed rescuers he was taking blood-thinning medication, which heightened concerns about controlling the bleeding.
The Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter was dispatched from Bankstown, landing at Beverley Job Park in Narraweena shortly after 8.30pm. The aeromedical team, comprising a specialist trauma doctor and critical care paramedic, was escorted to the scene by police.
Firefighters carefully secured the man in a stokes litter and used a ladder slide technique to move him from the shop roof to a neighbouring apartment, where paramedics and the medical team were waiting. Given the height of the fall and concerns about potential internal injuries and bleeding, the medical team made the decision to place the man in an induced coma.
He was transported by road to Royal North Shore Hospital shortly after 9.15pm in a critical condition.
Police and emergency services responded to several incidents across Dee Why in the final days of December, according to reports received by authorities.
Disorderly Behaviour
Just after 1.00am on Saturday, 27 December, NSW Police received a report of a group of disorderly youths gathered near Howard Avenue, Dee Why.
Shortly before 10.00pm on Sunday, 28 December, police received a report of a group of intoxicated youths gathered near Pittwater Road, Dee Why.
Assault Reports
Shortly before 2.30pm on Saturday, 27 December, NSW Police were called to a report of a fight at Pacific Parade, Dee Why.
Later that same day, shortly after 7.00pm, police responded to a report of a person assaulted at Pittwater Road, Dee Why.
Just after 10.30pm on Wednesday, 31 December, NSW Police were called to a report of a person assaulted at St David Avenue, Dee Why.
Traffic and Injury Incident
Shortly before 6.00pm on Tuesday, 30 December, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a van on Pittwater Road, Dee Why, near Howard Avenue. Paramedics treated the pedestrian, a man in his 50s, for abrasions and a head laceration before transporting him to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition.
Police observed the driver of the van pretending not to speak English when officers explained the right of way for pedestrians crossing at traffic lights.
Fire Response
Just after 5.00pm on Wednesday, 31 December, Fire and Rescue NSW Narrabeen Station responded to a report of a fire at Westminster Avenue, Dee Why. Firefighters identified the source of smoke as unattended cooking inside a unit.
Police and emergency services responded to the above incidents as they were reported during the late December period.
Five members from Dee Why SLSC have been recognised with National Medals, reflecting years of volunteer patrol work carried out within the local beach community and recognising service that has helped keep Dee Why Beach safe season after season.
The recognition forms part of a national honours round announced by Surf Life Saving Australia, which acknowledged 212 members across Australia for long and diligent service in roles involving risk to life and property. The recognised Dee Why SLSC members are Sean Cassidy, Steve Haggett, Simon Navin, Tim Parker, and Herve Vichemont.
Each met National Medal requirements, including at least 15 years of active patrol service and a minimum of 30 patrol hours per qualifying season. Their awards reflect years of returning to the beach, maintaining qualifications, working within patrol teams, and committing to public safety.
What The National Medal Recognises
The National Medal is a Commonwealth honour established in 1975. It recognises sustained service in roles that protect life and property and involve personal risk. Eligibility rules are set by government regulation, not by Surf Life Saving Australia.
Only operational service counts, measured through recognised patrol seasons from 1 July to 30 June with verified proficiency records. Junior activities, cadet seasons, and approved leave periods are excluded.
Service At Dee Why Beach
Dee Why Beach attracts high visitor numbers during the surf season. This increases the need for trained volunteer patrols. Members of Dee Why SLSC patrol on weekends and public holidays with council lifeguards to manage changing surf conditions.
Their duties include monitoring swimmers, giving first aid, offering safety advice, and carrying out rescues as needed.
Community Recognition And Presentation
National Medal applications are lodged by members or clubs and endorsed by state centres. Surf Life Saving Australia processes them before approval through the Australian honours system overseen by the Governor-General of Australia.
Applications must meet strict service thresholds. Awards are usually presented at club or service level to reflect local service. For Dee Why SLSC, the honours recognise long volunteer service supporting beach safety across many seasons.
Residents in Dee Why have turned out in large numbers to support blood donation efforts, as Lifeblood worked to meet urgent hospital demand following the Bondi attack.
Hospitals across Sydney faced immediate and significant pressure after the Bondi attack, prompting Lifeblood to issue urgent appeals for blood donations. Emergency-use blood types, particularly O negative, were identified as critical for trauma care, where patient blood types are often unknown.
The surge in demand led to increased activity at donation centres across the city, including mobile services operating in Northern Beaches suburbs.
On Monday, 15 December 2025, the mobile Lifeblood donation truck operating in Dee Why reached full capacity. Staff at the site reported they were unable to accept additional walk-in donors due to the volume of people attending.
Throughout the morning, residents continued to arrive at the Dee Why site seeking to donate. By lunchtime, the truck was displaying a closed sign, with people still gathering nearby to show support and enquire about future availability.
Booking Disruptions And Service Strain
Due to heightened demand, Lifeblood encouraged donors to book appointments rather than attend without one. The organisation’s website experienced outages caused by high traffic, while phone lines were also heavily congested.
People wishing to donate were advised to try again later or contact Lifeblood by phone on 13 14 95, noting that delays were expected. To help meet demand in New South Wales, Lifeblood also transferred blood donations from multiple states.
The response extended beyond Dee Why, with Lifeblood reporting close to 50,000 people made appointments to donate blood nationwide on Monday. Within a 24-hour period, 7,810 donations of blood, plasma and platelets were recorded across Australia, marking a national record.
Lifeblood staff indicated the mobile donation service is expected to remain in the Dee Why area until Thursday, 18 December. Members of the public were encouraged to continue donating later in the week, with Lifeblood noting the need for blood would continue into next week and beyond.
Dee Why residents are among the first on the Northern Beaches to trial a new food waste recycling program that could see households managing up to five wheelie bins.
Around 1,500 homes in selected streets of Dee Why and Cromer are part of the six-month pilot, which began in late October 2025, designed to test how best to collect and recycle kitchen waste.
Participants in the first phase have been provided with a kitchen caddy and compostable liners and are asked to separate food scraps from general waste. The caddy contents are then placed into the existing green waste bin, which is collected weekly. The food waste collected will be turned into compost that can be used by local farmers.
The first phase focuses on Dee Why and Cromer, but a second phase of the pilot is set to run from April to September 2026 in areas yet to be announced. In this phase, households will receive a new burgundy bin, designated solely for food waste. Once both trials conclude, feedback from residents will guide the council in deciding the most effective system for collecting food scraps across the Northern Beaches.
If the burgundy bin is adopted, Dee Why households could end up managing five separate bins: the red general waste bin, yellow bin for bottles and cans, blue bin for paper recycling, green bin for garden and kitchen scraps, and the new burgundy bin for food waste only.
Photo credit: Facebook/Northern Beaches Council
Residents on the Northern Beaches already divert more than 46,000 tonnes of waste from landfill each year. Almost half of what goes into the red bin is food, which currently ends up in landfill. The new service aims to recycle kitchen scraps and turn them into compost for agricultural use.
Residents in the pilot areas have received letters explaining their participation, alongside instructions for using the kitchen caddy and information on what can and cannot be composted. Food waste will be collected weekly to monitor participation and logistics.
For households not included in the pilot, the council encourages residents to reduce food waste at home by planning meals carefully, composting kitchen scraps where possible, and taking part in local community sharing programs.
Feedback from residents in Dee Why and Cromer will inform the design of the wider food recycling service, which is scheduled to be rolled out across the Northern Beaches in the coming years.
Families will gather at James Meehan Reserve for a seaside Christmas celebration that turns one of Dee Why’s most loved spaces into a festive hub of music, laughter and community spirit. Organised by Northern Beaches Council, the free “Christmas by the Beach” event promises carols, children’s entertainment and beachside dining for locals of all ages.
Dee Why will come alive with festive cheer on Friday, 12 December 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at James Meehan Reserve. The event will feature live music, Christmas carols, and a lively children’s show.
Families can relax on picnic rugs or enjoy a variety of food from local eateries and food trucks. The reserve will buzz with laughter, music, and the smell of summer meals. It’s a community celebration made to bring everyone together before the holidays.
Entertainment for All Ages
The event starts at 4 p.m. with Santa photos and face painting. Boskar the Polar Bear will entertain kids in a fun show. Rock Paper Sisters will lead a Christmas sing-along. Jayden Rodrigues will finish the night with a family dance party. The event is designed to keep energy high while staying family oriented and inclusive.
Council staff confirmed that no tickets are needed, and all performances are free. The site offers full accessibility, and assistance animals are welcome. Organisers ask attendees not to bring glass bottles, pets, drones, or large chairs to keep the event safe and comfortable for everyone.
Council’s Message to the Community
Northern Beaches Council says “Christmas by the Beach” reflects its commitment to supporting community connection during the festive season. A spokesperson said the goal is to create a safe and inclusive celebration where residents can relax and enjoy the spirit of Christmas together.
The council encourages attendees to take public transport or walk to the reserve, as parking around Dee Why Beach can be limited. Refill water stations will be available on site, promoting sustainability by reducing plastic waste.
Planning Your Visit
Visitors should arrive early to secure a good spot and bring essentials such as sunscreen, hats and reusable bottles. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at James Meehan Reserve, Dee Why Beach. For more details or accessibility enquiries, the Northern Beaches Council Events team can be reached at 1300 434 434 or events@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.
Christmas by the Beach blends carols, local food, and a coastal vibe. It remains a highlight of Dee Why’s summer calendar. The event celebrates both the season and the community that makes it special.
Counterfeit $50 and $100 notes have surfaced across Dee Why and nearby Northern Beaches suburbs, with police urging residents and business owners to check their cash carefully after several local shops were handed fake money.
Since August, police have confirmed at least 10 reports of counterfeit notes used at fast food outlets, bottle shops, and pubs across Dee Why, Brookvale, and Freshwater. The discovery comes as part of a wider trend seen in parts of New South Wales and Queensland in recent months.
Photo Credit: NSW Police
Northern Beaches Police said the fake notes appear convincing at first glance but show small printed words such as “PROPS” or “COPY” upon closer inspection. Officers said some businesses spotted the fakes and challenged customers, while others unknowingly accepted them. Once discovered, the notes are worthless and not eligible for reimbursement.
Local reports indicate counterfeit cash was often passed at high-traffic venues such as fast food outlets and bottle shops. Many are reviewing CCTV footage to help identify those involved, and police have encouraged all retailers to report suspicious payments immediately.
Similar Cases Across NSW And Queensland
The issue extends beyond Sydney’s beaches. In Kingaroy, Queensland, local police reported fake $50 and $100 notes printed on paper rather than polymer being used in grocery stores, fuel stations, and takeaway outlets in late September and early October. Meanwhile, NSW Police in the Hunter Valley region received reports of counterfeit notes circulating through towns such as Cessnock and Kurri Kurri between May and October.
Photo Credit: NSW Police
Police said the notes resemble “prop money” often sold online for film or photography. They are warning that using these notes in real transactions is a criminal offence.
How To Identify Counterfeit Notes
Police are reminding residents and staff to inspect every note before accepting it. Genuine Australian banknotes are made of a special polymer that feels firm and difficult to tear. Authentic $50 notes feature a clear window with the Southern Cross, while $100 notes show a lyrebird. Each note should display the Australian Coat of Arms when held up to light.
Other signs include raised printing on the main image, a seven-pointed star inside a circle, and sharp background patterns without distortion. Under UV light, the serial numbers on real notes become visible. Police urge anyone who finds a suspected fake to retain it safely and contact local authorities.
Community Action And Police Response
Police are reviewing CCTV footage from affected Dee Why businesses and monitoring reports of suspicious transactions. Police across both states continue to share updates through official channels as new cases emerge.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert, report any suspicious activity, and pass this information on to local shop staff and family members. Police emphasise that community awareness helps prevent counterfeit circulation.
