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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

Dee Why Reef Sees Crayweed Return After 40-Year Absence

Photo Credit: Operation Crayweed/Facebook

For the first time in four decades, young crayweed plants are sprouting across the reef at Dee Why, marking a major step in one of Australia’s most ambitious marine restoration projects. This local success is part of Operation Crayweed, a scientific effort to bring back the lost seaweed forests that once lined Sydney’s coastline.

The Loss Beneath the Surface

Back in the 1980s, untreated sewage discharge wiped out crayweed, golden-brown seaweed essential for marine life, across a 70-kilometre stretch of Sydney’s reefs. Although the city later upgraded its water treatment systems, the crayweed never naturally returned.

*Photo Credit: Operation Crayweed/Facebook*

Without these underwater forests, species like abalone, lobsters and many small fish lost their habitat, affecting both biodiversity and recreational fishing. Local marine ecologists from UNSW and SIMS (Sydney Institute of Marine Science) have since been leading efforts to reverse that loss.

How Dee Why Turned Green Again

In winter 2024, Dee Why was selected as a crayweed restoration site through a partnership between scientists and property group Investa. More than 200 adult crayweed were transplanted onto biodegradable mats placed on the seafloor, but none survived, likely due to waves and herbivore damage.

However, by February 2025, over 1,500 juvenile crayweed, or “craybies,” were thriving and had spread more than 10 metres from the original site. A second planting in March aimed to boost canopy cover and protect these new recruits. The strong natural growth showed Dee Why’s reef was ready to recover and that the restoration methods were working.

Community Effort Below the Waves

Crayweed restoration at Dee Why isn’t just a science project, it’s a community effort. Volunteers from Investa rolled up their sleeves alongside researchers, helping with everything from plant prep to underwater mapping.

The project has also sparked public interest, with social media and local events bringing the issue to light. South Maroubra, restored around the same time, is showing similar signs of success. Together, these sites show how local teamwork and steady monitoring are helping Sydney’s underwater forests grow back.

A Model for Coastal Recovery

As of mid-2025, Operation Crayweed has planted at 16 different sites along the Sydney coast, with seven now supporting self-sustaining crayweed forests. The project continues to track what works and adapt to each site’s challenges.

operation crayweed funding

At places like Dee Why, where new plants are thriving even when adult transplants fail, the data is helping refine future strategies.

With more locations planned for restoration in the next two years, the hope is that crayweed will return not just to individual patches of reef, but to entire sections of the coastline. By bringing back this critical underwater habitat, the project is offering coastal communities better biodiversity, healthier fisheries and stronger ecosystems for years to come.

Published 11-July-2025

Dee Why Parking Hotspots Targeted as Council Asks Residents to Report Boats

Photo Credit: NSW

Local officials are now formally asking residents in suburbs like Dee Why to report illegally parked boats, trailers, and caravans as part of a new strategy to reclaim local streets from long-term storage.

The new approach follows a unanimous vote by councillors to address what has become one of the most complained-about issues in the community. The plan was confirmed after a council meeting this month, which addressed ongoing safety and parking concerns.

A Formal System for Complaints

Council will develop a strategy that encourages the community to identify and report “hot spots” where boats, trailers, and caravans are left for extended periods. This may include a dedicated online form, which would be promoted through community newsletters and social media to streamline the process.

Once a location is identified as a problem area, council rangers will increase patrols or install “Motor Vehicles Only” signage to prioritise street parking for residents’ cars. Independent councillor Vincent De Luca stated that the area is effectively being used as a car park for boats and storage trailers, creating significant issues. He explained that large craft and trailers often obstruct drivers’ vision, leading to accidents. Greens councillor Kristyn Glanville added that the goal is to address safety issues and ensure residents can park their cars, rather than having streets used for long-term vehicle storage.

Scope of the Problem

The move comes after Council received 288 complaints last financial year about parked trailers and boats causing road safety problems and being a visual nuisance. A staff report identified Cromer and Collaroy as the suburbs with the highest number of complaints, though waterside areas like Bayview are also affected. There are approximately 17,000 registered boat trailers, box trailers, and caravans across the Northern Beaches, with some vehicles parked long-term belonging to owners from outside the local government area.

In the 2024/25 period, rangers have already impounded 10 boat trailers and 14 other trailers, mostly for being in disrepair or not having number plates. Council also issued 43 fines for abandoned vehicles and 240 for unregistered trailers.

State Rules and a Push for Change

Under current NSW Government rules, a registered vehicle left unattended in one spot for more than 28 days can be reported. If a vehicle is causing an obstruction or safety risk, it must be moved immediately. Council can issue a $660 fine if owners fail to move their vehicles within the specified timeframes after being notified.

In addition to the new reporting strategy, Council will prepare a submission to the state government. It will ask for a review of current road rules to allow for tougher penalties and the potential introduction of a local parking permit scheme to further discourage the practice.

Published Date 03-July-2025

Once-Overlooked Dee Why Becomes Northern Beaches Hotspot

Relative affordability, a seaside village atmosphere, and a vibrant multicultural community are drawing Sydney homebuyers priced out of other beachside markets to the once-overlooked Northern Beaches suburb of Dee Why.

A Change in Perception

The suburb’s growing appeal is attracting residents from all over Sydney, with a notable increase in buyers from the city’s eastern suburbs. Newcomer Al Bentley, who purchased an apartment with his wife, Anki Mehta, said they had initially dismissed the suburb. He explained that after a year of searching for a home, they were surprised by the area’s charm when they finally inspected a property near the water.

Mr Bentley stated that the beach area felt like a small, welcoming seaside town, and they were particularly impressed by the cafe strip along the beachfront. Since moving to the area in 2023, he said they have found the community to be exceptionally friendly and diverse, a characteristic he hopes will remain as the suburb continues to evolve.

Transformation of the Town Centre

Dee Why — *Photo Credit:* *Meriton Group / Facebook*

According to Harrison McDonald from Belle Property Northern Beaches, a major turning point for the suburb was the 2018 opening of Meriton’s Lighthouse project. He noted that the large mixed-use development injected new life into what was a tired shopping precinct, effectively creating a new town centre for Dee Why.

Mr McDonald confirmed the trend of buyers moving from areas like the eastern suburbs, where they feel priced out of the market. He described Dee Why as an affordable alternative for those wanting a beach lifestyle and a convenient middle ground for accessing Manly, the city, Palm Beach, and Frenchs Forest.

Real Estate Market Snapshot

The current property market in Dee Why is moving quickly. Mr McDonald reported that apartments at all price points are selling within just two to three weeks of being listed. Houses, however, are very tightly held, with few available on the market. When a house is listed for sale, it typically attracts large crowds of interested buyers.

Current listings reflect the variety of homes available. One example is a full-brick clifftop home designed in the 1980s, offering ocean views and a central swimming pool. Another property on the market is a two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment in the Latitude 33 Degrees complex, which features a private courtyard and is located near the Dee Why Grand Shopping Centre.

For those looking in the area, Mr McDonald suggested Richmond Avenue as a desirable street for apartments due to its privacy and level walk to the beach. For houses, he recommended Tarra Crescent, which backs onto Dee Why Park.

Published Date 03-July-2025

E-Scooter Crash in Dee Why Leaves Local Man Fighting for Life

Photo Credit: northernbeachesadvocate/instagram

A man has been left in critical condition after crashing his e-scooter on a poorly lit street in Dee Why, raising serious safety concerns in the Northern Beaches community.

Emergency Response and Hospitalisation

The incident happened just after 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 June, on May Road. Emergency crews responded to reports that the man, believed to be in his 50s or 60s, had suffered a major fall after hitting a pothole. He was found unconscious with serious head injuries.

*Photo Credit: northernbeachesadvocate/instagram*

NSW Ambulance paramedics rushed to the scene alongside the Toll Rescue Helicopter and a specialist medical team. After stabilising the man at the site, they placed him in an induced coma. Due to the critical nature of his injuries, he was taken by road to Royal North Shore Hospital for further treatment.

Paramedics confirmed that the man had suffered significant trauma. Authorities said he was not accompanied by anyone at the time, and the crash is believed to have occurred at high speed.

Uneven Road Conditions Blamed

At the time of the crash, road resurfacing works were underway in the area. Residents nearby told local media that the road surface was uneven, and lighting was limited along parts of May Road. It’s believed the rider struck a pothole caused by the works, causing the scooter to flip and throw him onto the roadway.

Police say the scene showed clear signs of impact consistent with a fall from an e-scooter. Early investigations have not confirmed whether the man was wearing a helmet or if the scooter was privately owned or part of a shared fleet.

Police Investigation Underway

Northern Beaches Police Area Command has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Officers are looking at road conditions, the presence of warning signs, the man’s speed, and whether safety gear was used.

No other vehicle was involved, and officers have not reported any eyewitnesses so far. Authorities are appealing to the public for information or dashcam footage that may help explain what happened in the moments before the fall.

Community Concerns and Calls for Safety

The crash has renewed concerns about e-scooter safety in the Northern Beaches. Residents have raised issues around helmet use, speeding, and footpath riding.

Seniors in particular have called for stricter rules and better infrastructure. With usage on the rise, locals want a safer balance between access and road conditions.

Published 03-July-2025