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

A surfer has died after being mauled by a shark while in the water at Long Reef on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, prompting extended beach closures and an urgent investigation.

Read: Dee Why Beach Incident Highlights Shark Net Controversy, Removal Being Considered

The 57-year-old man, named as Mercury Psillakis, was surfing with friends just after 9:30am on Saturday when the attack occurred. Police said he had been in the water for around half an hour and was only about 100 metres from shore when he disappeared beneath the surface. Fellow surfers managed to bring him back to land, but he had suffered catastrophic injuries and could not be revived. His surfboard was later found broken in two.

Authorities closed Dee Why Beach, the closest patrolled location, where restrictions will remain in place for up to 72 hours. Beaches between Manly and Narrabeen have also been temporarily shut. Drones have been deployed along the coastline, and five SMART drumlines are now set between Dee Why and Long Reef to detect shark movements. A shark net is already in place at Dee Why.

The Department of Primary Industries is examining photographs and damaged equipment to identify the species of shark involved. Police divers also assisted in recovering evidence from the scene.

“Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command have closed the beach and will liaise with experts from the Department of Primary Industries to determine the species of shark involved,” the NSW Police Force announced.

“Two sections of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert examination.”

“Beaches between Manly to Narrabeen have been closed pending further advice.”

Psillakis, an experienced surfer and father, leaves behind a wife and young daughter. The Northern Beaches community has expressed its grief, with tributes flowing for a man described as well-known in local surf circles. Council and Surf Life Saving officials thanked first responders and members of the public who tried to help.

Read: Teenager Rushed to Hospital After Suspected Blue-Ringed Octopus Bite at Dee Why Beach

The incident has shocked the coastal community, with authorities urging beachgoers to follow safety warnings and check updates on closures in the coming days.

Published 8-September-2025

Dee Why Hotel’s $3M Makeover Blends Retro Charm With Modern Spaces For Locals

Dee Why Hotel has completed a $3 million renovation, giving the well-known Northern Beaches pub a new retro look while keeping its community spirit at the centre.

A Long History In The Community

Dee Why Hotel has been family-owned by the Bayfields since 1977 and a fixture of local life for nearly five decades. It rose to fame in the 1980s with live music and later became a nightlife hub in the 1990s. Today it is known for its burgers, pub meals and sports culture, with the latest changes adding a new chapter for the community.

The family-run venue now features a refreshed main bar, a world-class sports bar and a greenhouse-inspired bistro designed to serve both everyday visitors and special gatherings.

Main Bar And Terrace Revitalised

The main bar and terrace have been redesigned with a timber-and-brass back bar display, soft sandy tiles around the original columns, and new pendant lighting. The aim was to keep the heart of the hotel familiar while adding warmth and brightness.

This space is intended to provide a casual but polished environment for day-to-day gatherings and weekend socialising.

Mr B’s Brings Sport To The Centre

Dee Why Hotel brought back Mr B’s, named after the late Neville Bayfield, as a nod to its past. First popular in the 1990s, the sports bar now features modern upgrades, including the largest LED screen on the Northern Beaches.

Patrons can watch NRL, UFC and other live sports from booths and high tables, surrounded by memorabilia. The new fit-out positions Mr B’s as the go-to destination for game-day viewing.

Jade’s Offers Dining And Events

Jade’s Bistro, named after the first Bayfield grandchild, has been given a new greenhouse-inspired design. The bistro is set up for casual lunches, family dinners and relaxed catch-ups.

It also has the flexibility to convert into a private event space, with steel-framed sliding doors creating a more exclusive setting for special occasions. The hotel’s leadership described Jade’s as a place that can bring locals together both for everyday meals and milestone celebrations.

Community-Focused Renewal

The project was carried out with the help of Richards Stanisich architects and Woodley Projects as builders, alongside local creatives who contributed furniture and murals.

Dee Why Hotel promoted the work as an investment in the community, stressing that while the interiors and features have been updated, the sense of local ownership and independence has not changed.

Published 02-September-2025

Pete Murray to Perform in Dee Why for New Album Launch

Photo Credit: Peter Murray/Instagram

Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray will bring his Longing album launch tour to Dee Why this October, following the release of his new single Amy.

Background on Pete Murray

Pete Murray has built a decades-long career in Australian music, with more than 1.2 million album sales and three ARIA chart-topping records. His 2003 album Feeler marked his breakthrough, featuring enduring hits such as Better Days, Opportunity and So Beautiful. Over the years, he has earned 17 ARIA Award nominations and continued to tour nationally and internationally.

Pete Murray Dee Why — *Photo Credit: Peter Murray/Instagram*

New Album and Single

Murray has announced his eighth studio album Longing, set for release on 3 October 2025. The record marks his first independent release in over 20 years, returning to a model he last embraced with his debut album The Game in 2001. The new single Amy, which introduces a fresh creative direction, is already available for streaming.

The album features a range of styles, from blues-inspired tracks and stripped-back ballads to upbeat singalong moments. Murray has described the collection as the product of years of revisiting unfinished material, ultimately forming a cohesive body of work.

Dee Why concert — *Photo Credit: Peter Murray/Instagram*

Dee Why Album Launch

As part of the Longing release, Murray has scheduled three album launch shows in New South Wales. The Dee Why Showroom will host one of these performances on Saturday, 4 October 2025. Other launch shows are set for Brunswick Heads on 3 October and Gosford on 5 October.

Australian music — *Photo Credit: Peter Murray/Instagram*

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Giveaway for Fans

To celebrate the album, Murray launched the “Longing for a Trip to Byron” competition. Fans who pre-order the album by 11:59 a.m. on 4 September 2025 can enter to win flights, accommodation at Elements of Byron, VIP tickets to the Brunswick Heads launch, and a meet-and-greet with Murray and his band.

Community Sentiment

Social media reactions to the announcements have been positive, with fans expressing excitement for the new album, praising the single Amy, and showing enthusiasm for the Byron Bay giveaway.

Looking Ahead

With Amy now available and Longing set for release in October, Murray is preparing to showcase new material alongside fan favourites. The Dee Why concert will form a key part of the celebrations marking his return as an independent artist.

Published 2-Sep-2025

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

Photo Credit: CareFlight

A routine afternoon fishing trip turned into a 15-hour nightmare for a local angler who became trapped on the rocky platform at Dee Why Headland last Monday.

The man, aged in his 50s, set out for what he expected to be a brief fishing session around 2:30pm. However, changing tidal conditions quickly transformed his peaceful afternoon into a dangerous predicament that would require a dramatic helicopter rescue.

After just one hour of fishing, the angler attempted to make his way back to safety but found himself cut off by rising waters. In an attempt to find an alternative route, he travelled approximately 300 metres across the headland, only to become further trapped by the swelling tide.

What followed was a long, cold night spent waiting on the exposed rocks. It wasn’t until 3:30am – more than 12 hours after first realising his predicament – that the stranded fisherman made the call to emergency services.

The rescue operation that unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning showcased the coordination between multiple emergency services. Northern Beaches Police, Dee Why Fire and Rescue, and NSW Ambulance paramedics all responded to the scene at the headland car park near the end of Oaks Avenue.

Despite the low tide conditions, emergency crews on the ground were unable to safely access the man’s position on foot. After evaluating several options, rescuers determined that an aerial extraction would be the safest approach.

The Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter was called in from Bankstown just after 4:15am. Operating in darkness with specialised night vision equipment, the helicopter crew quickly located the stranded angler and confirmed they could safely retrieve him from his precarious position.

A Critical Care Paramedic was winched down to the rock platform, where he secured the fisherman in a rescue harness. Both men were then lifted to safety just before 4:45am, bringing the ordeal to an end.

The short flight back to solid ground concluded at James Meehan Reserve, behind Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club. After a brief medical assessment, the man was found to be uninjured and required no further hospital treatment.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change around Dee Why Headland, a popular fishing spot known for its challenging access and powerful swells. Local emergency services have previously responded to similar incidents at the location, highlighting the importance of checking tide times and weather conditions before venturing onto the rocks.

While the fisherman’s long wait for rescue ended safely, the operation required significant resources from multiple emergency services during the early morning hours. The successful outcome was testament to the skill and coordination of the rescue teams who work to keep our coastal community safe.

For anyone planning to fish from Dee Why Headland or similar locations, emergency services recommend carrying a mobile phone, informing someone of your plans, and always checking tide charts before heading out.

Published 26-August-2025

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

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/Facebook

Dee Why Beach will be one of the first places where traditional parking stickers are phased out, with permits shifting to a digital system linked to vehicle registrations.

Timeline for Change

The staged rollout will begin with smaller schemes including Western Foreshore, Church Point, Rowland Reserve and Illuka Reserve on 1 November 2025. From 1 December, about 4,500 permits will be distributed to groups such as surf clubs, schools, independent living facilities and local charities.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/Facebook*

Larger schemes, including Dee Why and Manly, will follow in mid to late 2026. Until then, current stickers will remain valid, and residents will continue to receive their 2026 beach parking stickers with annual rates.

Council’s Position

Council leaders have stated that the new system will simplify the process and cut costs. They point to annual savings of around $75,000 by removing the need to print and distribute stickers.

The system aims to prevent common issues such as lost permits, adhesive problems, and misuse of transferable stickers. Mayor Sue Heins said the staged introduction will help residents transition more smoothly across the region.

Community Concerns

Local response has been mixed, with many residents voicing frustration on social media. Several raised concerns about enforcement without a physical sticker, worrying about incorrect fines and difficulties proving they have a permit. Others questioned how the system, which ties permits strictly to one vehicle registration, will accommodate renters, people driving company cars, or multi-car households.

The shift also effectively ends the long-running practice of residents reselling extra stickers online under the guise of “pen” sales, which some families used to cover multiple vehicles. While some welcomed the end of this trade, others said it offered flexibility that will now be lost.

What It Means for Residents

Residents who rely on parking at Dee Why Beach will notice the biggest change in how they apply for and manage permits. The council plans an online portal that will let landlords nominate tenants’ vehicles.

Councillors have discussed whether landlords should be required to share permits, though no rule is in place. Broader state talks could expand access beyond locals, raising concerns about more pressure on already limited spaces.

Published 18-August-2025

Community and Police Brave Cold for Dee Why Polar Plunge

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches PAC/Facebook

Community members and police officers took part in a Polar Plunge at Dee Why, raising more than $18,000 to support Special Olympics Australia programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Cold Conditions and Event Changes

On Sunday, 3 August 2025, Northern Beaches police joined local participants at Dee Why Rock Pool for the annual Polar Plunge, part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraising program.

The morning began with a Torch Run before participants entered the water. Hazardous surf conditions prompted organisers to move the plunge from the main ocean pool to the smaller secondary pool after safety assessments by council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving NSW. At the 8:30 a.m. start, the water measured about 17 °C, warmer than the 14 °C air temperature.

Dee Why Polar Plunge — *Photo Credit: Northern Beaches PAC/Facebook*

Local Turnout and Statewide Effort

About 100 people took part at Dee Why, including serving and off-duty officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command and local community teams. As of event weekend, the Dee Why plunge had raised more than $18,000. Across New South Wales and the ACT, more than 1,000 registered participants contributed to over $250,000 in fundraising, with national totals reported at around $450,000.

Purpose and Impact

The Polar Plunge supports Special Olympics Australia, which uses sport to promote inclusion, health, and skill development for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Globally, Special Olympics involves more than 5 million athletes across over 190 national programs. Funds raised help athletes access training, competition, and community programs.

Northern Beaches police — *Photo Credit: Northern Beaches PAC/Facebook*

Looking Ahead

The next major competition for Australian athletes will be the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne in October 2026, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the organisation in Australia. Donations remain open through the Special Olympics Australia website.

Published 12-Aug-2025

Michaela Howie Playground Reopens at Dee Why Beach After Major Upgrade

Photo Credit: NSW Government

The Michaela Howie Playground has reopened at Dee Why Beach with a fresh coastal-themed design, creating a joyful space for families while honouring a local toddler who passed away more than 20 years ago.

Refreshed Space With Local Input

Located in Ted Jackson Reserve near the sand at Dee Why Beach, the Michaela Howie Playground was redesigned with ideas from the local community. Residents asked for more seating, shade, and a beach-inspired theme, all now included in the upgraded space.

*Photo Credit: Mandeep Singh Sunny Councillor/Facebook*

Children can enjoy new swings, climbing frames, a fireman’s pole, and imaginative features like a dolphin, fishing rod, and play boat. The playground is built for kids aged 0 to 8, with safe surfacing, bright colours, and shaded seating for parents.

Remembering Michaela Howie

The playground was named in memory of Michaela Howie, a 15-month-old local girl who died in a car crash with her parents in 2003. Her family, with deep roots in Dee Why, hoped the space would honour her while bringing joy to others.

At the reopening on 8 July 2025, the Howie family joined the community to celebrate the upgraded playground. The space is expected to be well-loved by locals and visitors, especially on weekends and school holidays.

Construction And Safety

Crews began construction on the playground in February 2025 but briefly paused in March after discovering non-friable asbestos in the soil. Licensed professionals quickly secured and cleared the site, allowing work to resume shortly after.

Designers kept the upgrade within the original footprint, adding turf and retaining walls to improve access without disturbing nearby trees. Despite the hiccup, the project stayed on track and wrapped up in time for a winter reopening.

Funding And Future Use

The $550,000 upgrade was co-funded by local and state contributions, with $250,000 coming from the NSW Government. Community leaders gathered at the reopening to honour the Howie family and celebrate the space’s renewed purpose.

While more play areas across the region are set for future upgrades, this one holds special meaning for the Dee Why community. It’s more than a playground, it’s a tribute to togetherness, joy, and the voices that helped shape it.

Published 01-August-2025

Dee Why E-bike Riders Stopped In Major Police Crackdown

Photo Credit: Himiway Bikes/Unsplash

Dee Why residents were among more than 300 e-bike riders stopped by local authorities during a targeted operation across Sydney’s Northern Beaches that uncovered dozens of safety breaches and illegal modifications.

Focus On Safety In School Zones

From 17 June to 15 July, NSW Police carried out Operation Kilowatt, targeting e-bike safety across suburbs including Dee Why, Manly and Avalon. Out of 305 e-bikes checked, 28 were found to be illegal and 32 fines were issued for offences like riding modified bikes or without helmets.

In Dee Why, many of those stopped were young locals, often riding through school zones and shared paths. Police said some riders were unaware of the 500-watt power limit and 25 km/h speed cap for legal e-bikes. More than 50 minors received cautions, with officers also flagging risky behaviour such as phone use while riding and footpath misuse.

Council Backs Digital Licence Trial For Students

To improve rider safety, Northern Beaches Council backed a trial bicycle licence program for students, run by Bicycle NSW. The trial involves an online safety course and road-rules test, with students earning a council-endorsed digital licence.

Schools can choose whether to adopt the program for students who use bikes or e-bikes. A 14-year-old student told councillors it was important to build good habits early, as the council committed around $3,000 to support the trial.

Legal Grey Areas Remain

Some councillors pushed back on the student licence trial, arguing the decision was rushed and didn’t include input from other safety groups. One called for a review, suggesting other programs might offer better results with wider community backing.

Still, the council is staying active on bike safety through its “Know the Code” campaign, which urges riders to slow down, use their bells and watch for sudden changes. Launched in 2024, the campaign has already drawn state-level praise as a standout approach to improving behaviour on shared paths.

State Looks At Broader Regulation

The NSW Government has recognised the surge in e-bike use and the need for clearer laws, tougher penalties, and better rider education. A recent parliamentary inquiry backed these changes, highlighting risks tied to modified or high-powered bikes.

Police say community patrols like Operation Kilowatt will continue, with a strong focus on education and enforcement. Officers reminded parents that riding a non-compliant e-bike is like using an unlicensed motorbike, and carries serious risks.

Published

$10.7m Refurbishment Approved for Dee Why RSL Club

Photo Credit: DA2025/0139

Dee Why RSL Club has received planning approval for a $10.7 million refurbishment to expand dining and gaming facilities in Dee Why.

Background on Previous Works

Dee Why RSL Club previously completed a major $100 million redevelopment in 2021, which delivered a six-level car park, new entertainment areas, multiple eateries, and a redesigned foyer and sports bar. Four years on, the club has sought further upgrades to meet continued growth in demand from members and guests.

New Dining, Gaming, and Layout Enhancements

The approved $10.7 million development will add a 140-seat a la carte Asian-style restaurant and a relocated café. The bistro will also be expanded, and the existing outdoor area on level two will be enclosed to increase usable space. These changes will raise the club’s floor area from 15,208 to 15,827 square metres, with most additions located on level two.

Internally, the gaming area will be consolidated into a single space. While the area will expand in size, the number of machines will not increase. Machines will be spaced one metre apart in response to post-pandemic preferences for greater distance between users.

Additional works include building a new communications room and adjusting internal layout to enhance functionality.

External Upgrades and Access Improvements

A key element of the plan is the relocation of the main entrance on Pittwater Road to a more central position, nearer a public bus stop. External upgrades will feature a new façade using curved aluminium panels, stone detailing, screening, and wall cladding, designed to create a visual landmark at the northern end of Dee Why Town Centre. Other outdoor works include new stairs, ramps, a roof structure, skylight, and landscaping.

Dee Why upgrade — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0139*

Focus Shift and Community Intent

The club confirmed that a previously considered childcare centre is no longer part of its development strategy. Instead, it has focused solely on enhancing the club’s core offerings. The stated aim of the project is to address growing usage demands and improve service capacity for its 77,000 members and the broader community.

Next Steps

With planning consent granted, the project will proceed to construction. Club documents state that the refurbishment is expected to create additional job opportunities and enhance operations. The upgrades are intended to meet growing usage demands and maintain the venue’s role as a local meeting place in Dee Why.

Published 22-July-2025

How Doors First Hinged Its Future on a Niche and Nailed the Details

Some people see a door. Others see an opportunity. It started with a hunch…and a hole in the market. When one British carpenter noticed what everyone else was avoiding, he leaned in, built a business around it, and quietly became one of the Northern Beaches’ most trusted specialists — one frame, one hinge, and one happy customer at a time.

A Business Built on Guts—and Gaps in the Market

Walk into the Doors First showroom in Dee Why and you’re likely to be greeted not just by timber and tools, but by a story built on guts, family, and an eye for opportunity.

“I was working as a site manager but felt I wasn’t on the right path,” says Tom Pritchard, who moved to Australia from the UK with his family six years ago. “I went back to contract carpentry and noticed that no one wanted to touch door installations. That’s when it clicked—there was a real gap.”

That gap became a thriving business. What began as a one-man operation now includes a team of six installers, a dedicated showroom, and plans to expand into Mosman. Tom’s wife pitches in on admin and scheduling, and a partnership with a long-time colleague now anchors the shopfront on Pittwater Road.

One-Stop Shop with a Three-Step Fix

The business name might sound simple, but the service is anything but. Doors First offers an end-to-end experience, from selection to installation. “We’ve streamlined everything with our 3-step process: pick your door or window, choose the hardware, and select your finish,” Tom explains. “After that, we handle the rest—no more running between suppliers.”

Their point of difference? Quality and community. Every door is either made in-house or crafted by trusted Sydney-based partners. Hardware is Australian-made. “We made a conscious decision not to rely on overseas suppliers,” he says. “It means faster turnaround times and supports local craftsmanship.”

Beyond timber and hinges, the team also specialises in digital lock installations—an increasingly popular choice among Northern Beaches homeowners. And when it comes to design, the Dee Why team keeps its finger on the pulse. “There are definitely trends here—people want statement doors with bold hardware. We customise where needed and are always up for a challenge.”

Some challenges, it turns out, come in at 350kg. That’s the weight of the largest pivot doors they’ve installed. “It took five of us to get it into place. But those projects are the most rewarding.”

Local Spirit, National Quality

While the work is serious, the vibe isn’t. The team bond over footy, cricket, and weekend family outings. Tom is a keen cyclist and still gets out into the national park when he can. Local roots run deep, and the business proudly sponsors the Collaroy/Cromer Strikers junior soccer team. Personal loss has also shaped their values—they support both cancer research and the Stroke Association in honour of family members.

Even with a showroom to run, Tom still gets his hands dirty. “I’m on-site most mornings by 6am to get the team started. Some days I stay and help, others I’m back at the shop doing quotes, taking deliveries, or talking to customers.”

What keeps him going? “The people. Both our customers and our team. If you invest in your staff—train them well, support them—they pass that confidence onto the client. That’s what builds trust.”

Asked what advice he’d give someone shopping for a new door, he doesn’t hesitate: “Know what you’re getting. A lot of ‘bargains’ aren’t real timber—they’re veneer, and they don’t last. Also, make sure your installer knows what they’re doing. We’ve seen some shockers.”

Looking ahead, Doors First is expanding—plans are underway for a new warehouse and a second location. But at its core, the business stays grounded in what made it work from day one: local roots, specialist knowledge, and doing one thing very, very well.

Doors First is a proud Promotional Partner of Dee Why News