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

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

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*

get tickets

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