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Dee Why Public Safety Round-Up: Late December Incidents

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.

Dee Why SLSC Names Five Members Awarded National Medals

Photo Credit: Dee Why SLSC/Facebook

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.

Dee Why SLSC Recipients

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.

Published 29-December-2025

Dee Why Community Responds To Urgent Blood Donation Call

Photo Credit: Pexels

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.

Urgent Demand For Blood Supplies

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.

Dee Why Donation Site At Capacity

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.

Dee Why blood donations — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

National Donation Records

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.

What Happens Next In Dee Why

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.

Published 17-Dec-2025

New Food Waste Recycling Trial Hits Dee Why: What Residents Need to Know

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.

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

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.

Food waste collection trial map – Dee Why (Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council)

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.

Read: Dee Why Beach at the Centre of Parking Permit Shake-Up

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.

Published 21-November-2025

Christmas by the Beach Returns to James Meehan Reserve with a Festive Family Celebration

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/Facebook

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.

A Local Christmas Tradition

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.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/Facebook*

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.

Published 11-November-2025

Fake $50, $100 Notes Circulating In Dee Why Spark Community Alert

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.

Growing Concern Among Local Businesses

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.

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.

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.

Published 11-November-2025

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