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Dee Why Tragedy Spurs Tech Shift as Shark Numbers Rise

A tragic shark attack at Dee Why has spurred a massive community shift towards personal high-tech safety solutions as residents confront an ocean environment altered by recent flooding.

A Community Seeks Answers

The recent death of surfer Mercury Psillakis at Dee Why has deeply affected the Northern Beaches. This shift in caution is clear from new figures showing downloads of the NSW government’s SharkSmart app. On September 6, the day of the attack, downloads jumped from a daily average of 30 or 40 to 308. In the following weeks, more than 8,400 new users downloaded the app, showing a clear community desire for real-time information before entering the water.

A Changed Ocean Environment

That information is becoming more vital as data shows a changing coastline. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has recorded a 53 per cent increase in the number of tiger sharks caught on satellite-linked drum lines. This past year, 170 tiger sharks were found, a significant jump from 111 the previous year.

Dr Paul Butcher, a principal research scientist at DPIRD, explained that the state’s record-breaking wet season is largely responsible for the increase. He said that major floods and creek run-off have washed new food sources into the ocean. This attracts tiger sharks, which Dr Butcher described as opportunistic animals that will eat almost anything. He noted this trend is visible not only in New South Wales but as far south as Tasmania.

From Drum Lines to Phone Alerts

The SharkSmart app is directly linked to the state’s SMART drum line program. More than 300 of these lines, which use baited hooks, are set up to intercept sharks beyond the surf break. If an animal is caught, government contractors must respond within 30 minutes. If it is a white, tiger, or bull shark, it is fitted with a tag and released about one kilometre from the coast.

Dr Butcher explained that any time one of these tagged animals swims within 500 metres of 37 listening stations along the coast, it sends an instant, real-time alert to every person with the SharkSmart app.

The Future of Personal Safety

In the wake of the Dee Why attack, the NSW government has paused a trial that would have removed some shark nets from beaches. At the same time, it is funding research into new, personal forms of protection.

Scientists from Flinders University and the DPIRD recently published findings on bite-resistant wetsuits. Dr Thomas Clarke, from the university’s Southern Shark Ecology Group, said his team tested four different materials on wild sharks in South Australia and near Norfolk Island. They used baited boards covered in a foam that mimics human flesh, enticing about 30 white sharks and 15 tiger sharks to bite.

Dr Clarke stated that all four bite-resistant materials were able to reduce critical damage, such as the large lacerations and punctures that typically lead to major blood loss and fatalities. These wetsuits often use materials like Kevlar. While it is not known if the suits would protect from crushing or internal injuries, Dr Clarke suggested the results show they could go a long way to reducing deaths from serious bites.

Published Date 06-November-2025

Dee Why Surf Instructors Fight for ‘Fair Go’ on Bondi’s Waves

Photo Credit: Dee Why Salty Surf School/ Facebook

A pair of Dee Why surf instructors are pushing to end a 30-year single-operator system at Bondi Beach, arguing that a lack of competition keeps lesson prices artificially high for the community.

A Local’s Long Drive for Safety

For some Eastern Suburbs families, learning to surf at Australia’s most famous beach is not an option. Resident Gloria Barton has sent her 14-year-old son to the northern beaches for lessons for the past five years. She said the hour-long trip to Dee Why is not by choice, as the instructors her son prefers are not allowed to teach at Bondi.

Barton explained it is important for kids’ safety to learn at their local beaches. This helps them understand the specific rips, rocks, and dangerous conditions unique to the waves they will surf most often.

Dee Why Duo Challenges Sole Operator

For the last three decades, Waverley Council’s licensing restrictions have meant that only one company, Let’s Go Surfing, is allowed to run a surf school at Bondi Beach.

This system is now being questioned by Dan O’Connell and Conrad Patterson, who run the Dee Why Salty Surf School. They are in a back-and-forth struggle with the council to open Bondi up to competition. Patterson described the situation as a “David and Goliath” battle, clarifying their issue is not with the other surf school, but with the system itself.

The duo argues that a second licence would create healthy competition and promote fairness. They believe this would also lead to cheaper lessons for families. Currently, a two-hour group lesson at Bondi costs $140. The same service at Maroubra, which is managed by Randwick Council, costs $100.

O’Connell and Patterson are not asking to flood the beach. They suggest the current cap of 20 students allowed on the beach at one time could simply be shared between two schools. O’Connell said this seems like an obvious solution to break up the monopoly and try things differently.

Council Decision Stays the Course

A confidential council report, obtained through freedom of information laws, noted that more competition could indeed make lessons cheaper and improve fair access to public land. However, the report also listed potential drawbacks. These included the risk of conflict between operators and extra pressure on the beach.

Waverley Council considered granting a second licence at its May 20 meeting. Less than two months later, councillors discussed the idea in a closed-door meeting and ultimately voted to maintain the single-operator model.

Waverley Council did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Let’s Go Surfing said the company is proud to have provided surf education at Bondi for nearly 30 years. They stated that the council has twice decided one licence is the best model for Bondi, and they respect that decision.

Published Date 06-November-2025

Vicious Dog Seized After Attack in Dee Why

Photo Credit: Pexels

A woman sustained multiple injuries after a dog attack in Dee Why, prompting police and authorities to seize the animal and launch an investigation.

Incident and Response

The attack occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, 18 October, along McIntosh Road between High Street and Vale Avenue in Dee Why. A 32-year-old woman was left injured after being mauled by a large dog. She sustained injuries to her limbs, including a suspected broken arm, and was taken by NSW Ambulance to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition.

Police reported that a man in a silver utility vehicle restrained the dog and left the scene with the animal. Officers appealed to the public for information to identify both the man and the dog.

Dog Seized in Narraweena

On Sunday evening, 19 October, officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command and a NBC ranger attended a Narraweena address, where a man in his 50s surrendered a dog believed to be involved. The animal was then secured by the NBC’s canine retrieval unit.

NBC confirmed that rangers had seized the alleged animal and stated the matter remains under investigation. The NBC did not disclose the breed or confirm whether the animal was considered a restricted breed.

Investigation Under the Companion Animals Act

Authorities are assessing whether the animal will be declared “dangerous” under the Companion Animals Act, which applies to dogs that attack without provocation. Under the Act, NBC may seize a dog believed to have bitten a person within 72 hours if safety concerns exist.

No charges have been filed at this stage. If the dog is confirmed as the one involved and is found to be a restricted breed, the owner could face penalties of up to $55,000 and four years imprisonment.

Dee Why dog attack — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Response

Local residents expressed sympathy for the injured woman and concern over dog control in public areas. Online comments called for stricter enforcement of leash laws, greater accountability for owners, and increased ranger activity across the Northern Beaches.

Community group Pittwater Unleashed extended support to the victim and reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible dog ownership and public safety awareness.

Ongoing Investigation

NSW Police and NBC continue to investigate the incident. Authorities urged anyone with relevant information to contact Dee Why Police Station or Crime Stoppers.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Dee Why Tragedy Renews Debate Over Shark Safety Measures

Dee Why is once again confronting its uneasy relationship with the sea after a fatal shark attack on Sydney’s Northern Beaches this spring. The incident has reignited questions about whether the shark nets lining much of New South Wales’ coastline are protecting swimmers—or putting marine life, and potentially beachgoers, at greater risk.

Reconsidering shark nets after recent incidents

It was widely noted that a shark net was in operation off Dee Why Beach at the time of the fatal incident, part of a decades-old state shark mitigation program. Following that attack, NSW paused a planned trial to remove nets at three locations.

Critics of the nets, including marine scientists and animal protection advocates, argue that these barriers are outdated, indiscriminate, and unnecessary in the age of modern tracking and alert technology.

Environmental and marine groups point to safer alternatives, such as smart drumlines and drone patrols, already operating successfully across parts of the NSW coast. These tools enable tagged sharks to be detected and tracked in real time without harming other marine species.

Drones have spotted more than 1,000 sharks off New South Wales in the past year, allowing lifeguards to act quickly when sharks approach popular beaches.

*Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0*

Modern tools and new data

According to reports, New South Wales is expanding its use of smart drumlines that trigger alerts when a shark takes the bait, allowing it to be tagged and released offshore. The technology works alongside listening stations and the Shark Smart mobile app, which notifies swimmers when a tagged shark is nearby. Researchers have also tested bite-resistant wetsuits and personal electronic deterrents to reduce bite risk for surfers and divers.

The safety debate intensified after a whale calf was found drowned in a shark net off Coledale Beach near Wollongong in late October. Humane World for Animals Australia said the incident was a “tragic, avoidable death” caused by the government’s reluctance to remove shark nets, which were reinstalled at 51 beaches in September despite ongoing humpback whale migration. Marine biologists warn that the nets not only kill non-target species such as turtles and dolphins but can also attract sharks by trapping dying animals.

Community push for safer coasts

Advocates across Sydney’s Northern Beaches say the future of shark management must balance safety with sustainability. They call for expanded trials of non-lethal systems, stronger community education, and continuous monitoring to ensure early detection.

Experts agree there is no way to eliminate risk entirely but emphasise that combining technology, communication, and responsible beach management can significantly reduce danger while protecting marine ecosystems.

Published 30-Oct-2025

Dee Why Beach Shed to Reopen as Gusto on the Beach This Summer

Photo Credit: The Beach Shed/Facebook

The Dee Why Beach Shed, a well-loved spot overlooking the sand and surf, is officially coming back to life under a new operator and a new name after months of closure due to storm damage.

History Of A Local Favourite

The Northern Beaches Council confirmed the approval of a 10-year lease in a decision made this week, clearing the way for the café to reopen over summer as Gusto on the Beach, to be operated by husband-and-wife team Brendan and Lisa Cremin, alongside their daughter Emma.

*Photo Credit: Gusto on the Green/Facebook*

The Dee Why Beach Shed had long been a community gathering spot, popular with early morning walkers and locals who valued its casual, beachside atmosphere.

It shut down following a major offshore storm surge in April, which caused ocean swells to push into the building and destroy parts of its interior. The site was originally a council storage shed before becoming a café, and holds one of the most direct beachfront positions on the Northern Beaches.

Who Is Taking It Over

The new operators are not strangers to the community. The Cremin family previously ran the café at South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club for five years under the same name, Gusto on the Beach, until early 2024.

They now operate Gusto on the Green at Balgowlah Golf Club, which has built a steady following over the past year. They said their goal for Dee Why is to recreate the same community-driven environment, with familiar regulars and a strong local relationship rather than a commercial focus.

Council Prepares The Site For Its Return

While the shed remained unused over winter, the council reinforced the structure to better cope with severe weather events. Upgrades included double-strength shutters, a sturdier front counter and a design built to withstand heavy waves and allow quick clean up if another storm hits.

The incoming operators said they plan to keep the look minimal and functional, with an emphasis on beach life practicality and faster service.

What Locals Can Expect

The Cremins stated that any cooked menu items will continue to be prepared offsite in their Balgowlah kitchen and transported directly to Dee Why. Their priority is to recreate a welcoming social hub, the kind of place where locals recognise each other and tourists feel naturally absorbed rather than sold to.

They indicated the goal is not simply to serve coffee, but to add back a familiar public space that many locals have been waiting months to see return.

Published 27-October-2025

Measles Alert Issued for Northern Beaches After Confirmed Case Visits Dee Why and Manly

Health authorities have issued a measles alert for Sydney’s Northern Beaches after a confirmed case visited several public places in Dee Why and Manly while infectious.

Read: Surfing Community Unites to Honour Mercury Psillakis

The person, who was a close contact of another recent measles case in northern Sydney, attended shops, cafés, and restaurants across the area in late September.

Although there is no ongoing risk at the listed venues, NSW Health has asked people who were present at those times to monitor for symptoms until the dates specified for each location.

Exposure sites include:

Dee Why Discount Vitamins, 2/681 Pittwater Road — Thursday, 25 September, 11:00am–11:30am
Twist Espresso & Wine, 23 Howard Avenue, Dee Why — Thursday, 25 September, 11:20am–12:30pm
Chemist Warehouse Dee Why, 23 Howard Avenue — Thursday, 25 September, 12:00pm–12:40pm
Woolworths Dee Why, 37 Howard Avenue — Thursday, 25 September, 12:15pm–1:30pm
Mex & Co Manly, 30–32 South Steyne, Manly — Saturday, 27 September, 6:30pm–8:30pm

measles alert — Photo credit: Google Street View

Anyone who attended these venues should monitor for symptoms until 13 October (for Dee Why locations) or 15 October (for the Manly location).

Dr Michael Staff, Director of Public Health for Northern Sydney Local Health District, explained that measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

He said: “Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore eyes, and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash which usually spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.”

It may take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Dr Staff urged anyone who develops signs of measles to phone ahead before visiting a doctor or hospital to reduce the risk of passing the illness on to others in waiting rooms.

He also stressed the importance of vaccination, noting that measles can be prevented even after exposure if the vaccine is given early enough.

“We want to again remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Anyone born in 1966 or after needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine,” he said.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months, and also available at no cost for people in NSW born after 1966 who have not received two doses.

Parents planning overseas travel with infants under 12 months are encouraged to seek advice from their GP about an early vaccination, particularly if travelling to high-risk areas.

The alert highlights how everyday places like supermarkets, cafés, and chemists can become sites of exposure to infectious diseases.

Read: Local Angler Rescued After 15-Hour Ordeal on Dee Why Headland

While the immediate risk has passed, health authorities are encouraging the community to check vaccination records, stay alert to symptoms, and seek timely medical advice if needed.

More information, including the full list of exposure sites and vaccination advice, is available on the NSW Health website.

Published 6-October-2025

Town Centres Including Dee Why Set for More Homes Under New Policy

Photo Credit: UDIA NSW

Town centres in Dee Why and across the Northern Beaches, are set for major residential changes under a new policy allowing medium-density housing near key transport and commercial hubs.

Housing Growth Across the Northern Beaches

The Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, introduced from July 2024, has reshaped residential zoning across Greater Sydney. It allows housing up to six storeys within 400 metres and up to four storeys within 800 metres of town centres and transport hubs.

Dee Why, Mona Vale, Forestville, and Frenchs Forest are among nine Northern Beaches centres affected. The changes apply to more than 11,000 properties and aim to deliver 112,000 new homes across New South Wales over five years.

Northern Beaches development — *Photo Credit: UDIA NSW*

New Planning Controls and Design Standards

In September 2025, Northern Beaches Council amended its Manly, Warringah, and Pittwater Development Control Plans to preserve local design quality, heritage, and sustainability standards. The updates ensure that new developments reflect neighbourhood character despite broader state planning reforms.

These adjustments maintain requirements for landscaping, site layout, and setbacks while aligning with the new policy’s density goals.

Impact on Dee Why and Other Centres

In Dee Why, medium-density housing such as townhouses, terraces, and apartments will be permitted within walking distance of the town centre. Projects within 800 metres can reach four storeys, while those within 400 metres may rise to six storeys or 24 metres.

This mirrors similar developments in Mona Vale and Forestville, both designated for greater housing diversity under the same policy.

Dee Why housing — *Photo Credit: UDIA NSW*

Infrastructure and Community Concerns

Some community representatives have raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure improvements to support population growth. The Northern Beaches’ population is expected to reach 288,000 by 2036, creating demand for around 12,000 new homes and added pressure on transport and public services.

The council continues to seek a balance between growth and maintaining liveability within established suburbs.

Next Steps for Planning in Dee Why

Northern Beaches Council is preparing to release its amended Development Control Plans for public consultation. These plans will help guide future development applications under the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, shaping how new housing projects in Dee Why and other centres proceed in coming years.

Published 1-Nov-2025

Surfing Community Unites to Honour Mercury Psillakis

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Crows Nest on 18 September to farewell Mercury Psillakis, the surfer who died in a shark attack off Dee Why beach.

Read: Surfer Killed in Shark Attack off Long Reef, Dee Why Beach Closed

The 56-year-old father and long-time member of the local surfing community passed away on Saturday, 6 September, after being mauled by a five-metre great white shark. He had been surfing with friends just after 9:30 a.m. and had been in the water for around half an hour when the attack occurred.

Mercury Psillakis — Photo credit: James/Google Maps

Witnesses said he was only about 100 metres from shore when he disappeared beneath the surface. Fellow surfers managed to bring him to land, but he had suffered catastrophic injuries and could not be revived.

Psillakis was remembered as a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. His funeral service was held at 11am at the Crows Nest church, before a committal at Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery in Belrose. A wake followed at Dee Why RSL, where family and friends continued to pay tribute to his life.

At the service, surfboards carried by mourners formed a guard of honour, and a floral arrangement shaped like a surfboard stood at the pulpit, symbolising his deep connection to the ocean. Inside, his maroon casket bore the marks of kisses and touches from relatives, friends, and fellow surfers.

Tributes recalled Mercury Psillakis as a man with a strong sense of community, someone who stood by loved ones during illness and hardship, and who spent much of his time in the water with his surfing mates. His final moments, spent warning others of the danger, were described as consistent with his selfless nature.

His wife Maria and daughter Freedom were at the centre of the farewell, supported by family as they offered their last goodbyes.

Read: Once-Overlooked Dee Why Becomes Northern Beaches Hotspot

In lieu of flowers, donations were collected at the church for the Cure Cancer Australia Foundation, reflecting Psillakis’ generosity and ongoing legacy of care for others.

Published 19-September-2025

The Vanns Set to Rock Dee Why RSL as Part of Massive Australian Tour

Photo Credit: oztix

Local music lovers will have the chance to catch one of Australia’s rising rock acts when The Vanns perform at Dee Why RSL on Saturday, 10 January 2026.

The NSW South Coast four-piece has announced their most extensive headline tour to date, celebrating the release of their third studio album ‘All That’s In My Head’, which dropped on 1 August 2025.

The Dee Why show forms part of a massive national tour spanning from October 2025 through January 2026, taking the band right around Australia. Starting in Margaret River, Western Australia, the tour will visit 20 venues across all states and territories before concluding in Canberra.

The new 11-track album was produced by Oscar Dawson, known for his work with Holy Holy, and recorded across two distinct sessions. The first took place in London following the band’s UK tour, while the second was recorded closer to home in regional NSW.

This dual recording approach reflects the band’s current chapter, capturing both their touring experiences abroad and their connection to familiar Australian landscapes. The album explores themes suggested by its title, delving into the complexities of what occupies our minds and hearts.

The Vanns have built a reputation for their energetic live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting. Their sound has continued to evolve throughout their career, with this latest release marking a significant step forward in their artistic development.

For Northern Beaches residents, the Dee Why RSL show offers a rare opportunity to catch the band in an intimate venue setting. The timing in early January makes it an ideal way to kick off the new year with live music.

The tour represents one of the biggest headline runs for the group, demonstrating their growing profile in the Australian music scene. Their previous work has established them as a band worth watching, and this latest album tour is expected to further cement their reputation.

The band has expressed excitement about taking their new material on the road, particularly after the unique recording process that spanned two continents. The live shows will give audiences their first chance to hear how these new songs translate in a concert setting.

Tickets for The Vanns’ performance at Dee Why RSL on 10 January 2026 are available now through standard ticketing outlets.

get your tickets here!

Other NSW dates on the tour include shows in Newcastle, Thirroul, Port Macquarie, and Gosford, giving regional audiences multiple opportunities to catch the band during their extended run.

Published 13-September-2025

Dee Why Start Powers Beach2beach To $300,000 For Local Charities

Photo Credit: Beach2Beach Charity Fun Run & Festival/Facebook

Dee Why hosted the start of the Mounties Group Half Marathon, part of Beach2Beach, as 6,500 participants helped raise more than $300,000 for local charities.

Community Turns Out In Force

On Sunday, 24 August 2025, organisers and volunteers reported one of the strongest Northern Beaches turnouts in years. Longtime organiser Phil Jackson said it was the most successful Beach2Beach yet, crediting teamwork behind the scenes. First held in 1994 as Pub2Pub, the event has become a fixture for families, schools, and local clubs, with start and finish areas packed with team shirts, student runners, and costumed groups.

*Photo Credit: Beach2Beach Charity Fun Run & Festival/Facebook*

Jackson, who runs the event with Ron Allars for more than three decades, praised volunteers, surf clubs, sponsors, and residents along the route and said the result reflects years of work to keep it affordable, safe, and welcoming.

New Half Marathon Lifts Numbers

A half marathon was introduced this year under the Mounties Group banner, adding about 2,000 entrants to the field. Mexico’s Mauricio Mendez won the men’s race in 1:09:27, followed by Jack Johnson in 1:10:34 and Lucus Au in 1:15:50.

Natalea Smith won the women’s race in 1:21:44, with Anna Heath second in 1:26:31 and Jenny Wickham third in 1:27:56. Mendez described the route as beautiful, noting the coastal sections and strong support from spectators.

Course And Suburbs Along The Way

The half marathon began in Dee Why and headed south along Curl Curl Beach before looping near the Harbord Diggers. The course returned to Dee Why, then tracked the coastline to a Newport Beach finish.

Organisers also staged 14 km, 6 km, and 3 km events so families and first-timers could take part. Results for all distances are posted by the event team for anyone wanting to check placings and times.

What Happens Next

Funds from this year’s race will be presented to charities and community groups on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. Organisers said the handover is an important finish line for the event, with local beneficiaries gathering to thank participants, volunteers, and supporters.

The Beach2Beach team plans to build on the new half marathon and keep the focus on safe, family-friendly running from Dee Why to the northern beaches’ coastal hubs.

Published 09-September-2025