A planned outdoor gym at James Meehan Reserve in Dee Why has divided locals, with some supporting the free fitness facility while others fear it could overcrowd the area.
A plan to install outdoor exercise equipment in James Meehan Reserve in Dee Why has been met with both support and criticism from residents. Some are favourable towards the free gym equipment, while others are concerned about overcrowding and the loss of green areas.
The Northern Beaches Council wants to establish a fitness hub to promote outdoor exercise, utilizing money from developer contributions.
Proposed Equipment and Locations
The plan includes calisthenic and strength training stations, such as parallel bars, roman rings, sit-up benches, and gorilla bars.
Two locations within James Meehan Reserve are under consideration: one near the existing playground, and another behind the carpark. The Council says the design considers accessibility and minimal visual impact.
Support and Concerns from Residents
Some locals welcome the project, citing that it will encourage community health and be a free option compared to gyms.
Others state that James Meehan Reserve is already utilized extensively by sporting teams, families, and casual users, and the introduction of fitness equipment would lead to overcrowding and safety concerns.
Community Consultation and Next Steps
The period for the community consultation of the Council expired on March 16, 2025, when feedback was obtained through its “Have Your Say” portal. The next thing is to study public feedback before a decision can be made.
If approved, construction will begin in winter 2025 and be completed in spring 2025. Will this new gym add to Dee Why’s outdoor lifestyle, or will it pose more problems for an already congested public area?
Shane Herring, the Dee Why surfer who once defeated Kelly Slater at the peak of his career in the Coke Classic finals in Sydney in 1992, has died at home, leaving the Australian surfing community in mourning.
The local Dee Why community and the wider surfing world are remembering Shane Herring, a man whose talent shone brightly but briefly. Herring, aged 53, passed away in his West Tweed apartment after a fall down stairs in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Reports indicate he suffered a head injury, ate something from his fridge, and then went to sleep, never to wake up. Herring was a figure of immense talent, known for his explosive surfing style and influence on modern surfboard design.
Born and raised in the heart of Dee Why, Herring began surfing at a young age, quickly developing a reputation for his exceptional skill. By the early 1990s, he had become a leading figure in the “banana board” movement, riding highly rockered surfboards with deep concaves designed by Greg Webber.
His unique style, characterised by powerful turns and high-speed manoeuvres, set him apart from his peers. In 1992, Herring achieved his most famous victory, defeating Kelly Slater in the final of the Coke Classic at Narrabeen. This win propelled him to the top of surfing, with many predicting a long and successful career.
Despite his early success, Herring’s career was short-lived. He struggled with the pressures of fame and the professional surfing lifestyle, and his form began to decline. He faced challenges with the big waves of Pipeline in Hawaii, which hindered his chances of a world title. By 1994, he had retired from the World Championship Tour.
Off the waves, Herring battled with alcohol and drug addiction for many years, leading to a period of isolation and health problems. He struggled with the transition from surfing success to a regular life. Friends and fellow surfers noted he struggled to cope with the spotlight.
Despite his challenges, Herring’s impact on surfing remains significant. His innovative surfing style and influence on surfboard design have left a lasting mark on the sport. Kelly Slater, among others, acknowledged Herring’s talent and his contribution to surfing.
In recent years, Herring has been working on a new line of surfboards with shaper Jimmy Young-Whitforde, collaborating with Greg Webber, and aiming to produce custom designs. Friends described Herring as a “classic little leprechaun” with a kind and gentle nature. His legacy is remembered by those who saw him surf at Dee Why Point and those who saw him ride the waves with a connection to the water itself.
Herring’s passing is a sad loss to the Dee Why community and the wider surfing world.
Ska fans are in for a high-energy night as Monkey Spanner prepares to take the stage at Dee Why RSL. The Sydney-based band, known for delivering authentic 2 Tone Ska, is set to perform on Friday, 28 March, as part of their farewell tour.
Following a successful 2024 Australian tour, Monkey Spanner is set to return with an exciting mix of tracks. They will bring tracks from legendary 2 Tone bands such as The Specials, Madness, Bad Manners, The Beat, The Selecter, and The Bodysnatchers. Their setlist also includes reggae influences from Toots & The Maytals, along with elements of classic Rocksteady
The band, originally founded by two British expats, embodies the essence of traditional ska with a full horn section, keys, and guitars, paired with a distinct visual style. Their performances recreate the energy and spirit of the 2 Tone movement, making them a standout act in Australia’s ska scene.
Joining them on the night will be special guests Long Way South and The Upbeat Ambassadors, adding further depth to the event’s lineup.
The Final Tour: ‘The Last Dance’
After captivating audiences across Australia, Monkey Spanner is set to wrap up their national performances with their final tour, “The Last Dance”. Over the years, the band has built a dedicated following, known for their dynamic shows that leave audiences engaged from start to finish.
With their farewell performances now underway, this Dee Why RSL show will be one of the last opportunities for fans to experience their high-energy ska celebrations live.
Excitement Builds Among Fans
Monkey Spanner has earned a reputation for delivering high-impact performances, drawing praise for their lively stage presence, powerful instrumentation, and crowd engagement. Many attendees from previous shows have described their experiences as energetic and unforgettable, with some returning multiple times to see the band in action.
Their ability to bring ska to life on stage, combined with a dedicated fan base, has set expectations high for the Dee Why RSL event. With their farewell tour marking the end of an era, fans are eager to witness one last night of non-stop ska rhythms and dancing.
With limited tickets available, those eager to attend are encouraged to secure their spots early for what promises to be a memorable night of ska and live music.
Construction is underway on a major residential development in Dee Why, “Casa Delmar. ” It is one of the first projects approved under new NSW Government planning rules that fast-track developments.
The new state government scheme allows a streamlined assessment process for major projects deemed “state significant development” (SSD). This pathway allows developers to bypass local councils, which have often been accused of delaying or rejecting projects, and gain approval directly from the state government.
Landmark Group’s two projects, Casa Delmar in Dee Why and Live Caringbah in the Sutherland Shire, represent a combined investment of $600 million. Both developments include 15 per cent affordable housing designated for essential service workers, such as nurses and police officers. A representative for Landmark Group noted their commitment to raising the standard for affordable living in Australia.
The Dee Why and Caringbah projects will deliver nearly 500 apartments combined. Landmark Group plans to deliver 1,450 apartments across Sydney by 2026, with a total development pipeline exceeding $5 billion.
Landmark Group’s CEO emphasised the company’s dedication to addressing the housing crisis. He stated that housing affordability is a significant challenge, and they aim to be part of the solution. He added that the company is committed to delivering quality, affordable homes that allow essential workers to live closer to their jobs.
Police responded to reports of a possible armed robbery just before 8:00 p.m. at a store on The Strand on 6 February.
According to authorities, a group of five young males entered the store and refused to leave when asked by a staff member. An argument broke out, and one of the boys was allegedly carrying a knife.
The group then stole several items before running away, and headed north towards Dee Why Lagoon.
Dee Why Convenience Store CCTV Footage Helps Identify Suspects
Officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command arrived quickly and spoke with the store employee. After reviewing CCTV footage, they recognised some of the youths as individuals known to them. With this information, police and the Dog Unit focused their search on the Collaroy area.
Around 45 minutes later, officers spotted three boys walking along Pittwater Road near the shops. Two of them, aged 16 and 13, were taken into custody and transported to Manly Police Station for questioning.
Police Continue Search for Remaining Suspects
While two arrests have been made, police are still working to identify and locate the other three individuals involved. Detectives spent the evening at the Dee Why convenience store, gathering evidence.
Authorities confirmed that the two arrested teenagers would be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. This legislation allows young people accused of certain offences to go through alternative legal processes, such as youth justice conferences, cautions, or warnings, rather than formal court proceedings.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This marks the second such incident in recent months, raising concerns about the presence of these venomous creatures in the area.
The incident occurred shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Monday, 27 January, while the girl explored rock pools at the southern end of Dee Why Beach. After experiencing a sharp pain in her foot, she alerted lifeguards, who observed a welt on her ankle and noted her increasing nausea.
Suspecting a blue-ringed octopus bite, the lifeguards immobilised her and called for an ambulance.
NSW Ambulance paramedics, including an intensive care team, arrived quickly and treated the girl. Although she did not display life-threatening symptoms, paramedics decided to transport her to Northern Beaches Hospital as a precaution.
This incident follows a similar occurrence on 27 October 2024, when a 34-year-old woman was also hospitalised after a suspected blue-ringed octopus bite at the same location.
A proposal to redevelop a prime location near Dee Why Beach into a luxury apartment complex has been unveiled, potentially changing the face of the popular beachfront area.
The $11 million project aims to replace two well-known restaurants with a four-storey building comprising high-end apartments and commercial space.
The site, located on the corner of Pacific Pde and Griffin Rd, currently houses the JB & Sons burger restaurant and the Beach Burrito Co. If approved, these eateries would be demolished to make way for a new structure designed by Platform Architects. The proposed building would feature nine residential units, two ground-floor commercial spaces, and a two-level basement car park.
Photo Credit: Google Map
The developer, Harrington Property, purchased the property in 2014 for $2.75 million. One of Harrington’s executive directors, Matt Davison, suggested that the existing restaurants could lease space in the new development. He envisions the commercial spaces being occupied by cafes or restaurants, contributing to the area’s vibrant atmosphere.
The project also addresses the need for more downsizing options in the Northern Beaches. The apartments, boasting views of Dee Why and Long Reef beaches, are intended to appeal to residents looking to scale down without compromising on quality or location. The development includes a mix of 3-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 1-bedroom units, catering to various needs.
In addition, the development will incorporate three affordable housing units designed for low to moderate-income earners.
Davison emphasised the project’s potential to enhance the area. He highlighted the high-quality design and finishes, stating that the development would set a new standard for Dee Why. As a resident, he expressed his investment in creating a development that would be a source of pride for the community.
The development application is open for public feedback, allowing residents to have their say on the proposed project.
This is the first time in the event’s history that so many people have signed up, with 3,000 more participants than last year. The popular event follows a scenic coastal route, starting at Dee Why and finishing at Manly Beach.
Participants can choose to tackle either a 10km or 7km course. The route takes them past stunning views of Curl Curl, Freshwater, and Queenscliff beaches. This is open to everyone, from serious runners to families who want to enjoy a healthy day out. It’s not just about fitness; it’s also about community spirit and giving back.
The event raises money for charities across Australia, and this year, they aim to raise $100,000. So far, $60,000 has already been donated.
This year’s event is officially the biggest one ever and sold out earlier than expected. Organisers encourage participants to check the event website for important information before race day. The Northern Beaches Council produces the Sun Run, with support from sponsors like Bioglan, The Athlete’s Foot, and Muscle Republic.
It’s a big community effort, with local businesses like Harbord Diggers and Harris Farm Markets also supporting. The Sun Run is happening on the same weekend as another big Manly event, the Cole Classic Ocean Swim.
The Dee Why Civic Centre is being considered for addition to the NSW Heritage Register. It will join a growing list of over 1,000 sites protected in the last five years, including a dinosaur statue, a horse trough, and even road guttering.
In the past five years, local councils across NSW have added various unusual sites to their heritage registers. These include Ploddy the Dinosaur, a roadside attraction near the Australian Reptile Park, a section of kerb and guttering in Maclean, and a horse trough in the Blue Mountains.
This trend has sparked debate about whether councils use heritage listings to prevent new housing developments. The Dee Why Civic Centre, constructed in the Brutalist style in 1973 when Warringah Council relocated from Brookvale, is among the buildings considered for heritage protection.
Councils Accused of Using Heritage Listings to Block Development
Sydney YIMBY, an organisation advocating for increased housing in Sydney, argues that many recently listed sites are “unremarkable” and that councils are using heritage protection to halt housing growth. They believe heritage listings should be reserved for truly unique places, and councils should focus on meeting current housing needs.
Jim Carroll, strata chair for the Ithaca Gardens tower in Elizabeth Bay, which the City of Sydney Council is proposing to list, expressed concern that heritage status would impose delays, costs, and restrictions on unit owners.
However, others argue that heritage protection is crucial for preserving history. Cheryl Bates, Sydney branch president of the National Trust, emphasises the importance of respecting heritage as a significant part of our story, particularly in rapidly changing areas like Parramatta.
She points out that some heritage in Parramatta is over 200 years old and that the area has already seen the destruction of historic sites.
The Property Council of Australia believes heritage laws must balance current housing demands. NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully agrees, stating that councils should not use heritage protection to avoid their responsibility to increase housing supply. He emphasised that each local government area has a housing target to meet.
The recent appearance of marble-sized grime balls on Dee Why Beach has raised concerns over Sydney’s sewage system, with experts linking the pollution to outdated wastewater management.
Dee Why Beach was among nine Northern Beaches Suburbs temporarily closed in January 2025 after white and grey grime balls washed ashore. The phenomenon follows similar incidents over the past six months, including discovering black grime balls on beaches from Bondi to Coogee in late 2024. The balls, which range from pea to marble size, have been found to contain fats, oils, human hair, and traces of medications, strongly indicating a link to sewage pollution.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Sydney Water are investigating the origin of the debris, but no conclusive answers have been found. Experts have suggested that Sydney’s wastewater system, which relies on primary treatment, could be the source of the recurring pollution.
Sydney’s primary treatment plants at North Head, Malabar, and Bondi only remove solids and skim fats and grease from wastewater before discharging the effluent into the ocean via deepwater outfalls. These pipes, built in the 1990s, extend 2 to 4 kilometres offshore but do not address dissolved contaminants, oils, or smaller particles in the water.
Stuart Khan, a water treatment expert from the University of Sydney, believes the grime balls could form when untreated fats and oils discharged from outfall pipes mix with seawater. Heavy rainfall, like Sydney’s recent summer storms, may worsen the issue by causing leaks or overflows from stormwater systems, which can carry untreated sewage into the ocean.
The Role of Environmental Factors
Experts say ocean currents may distribute the balls across Sydney’s beaches, including Dee Why. The EPA’s chemical analysis of previous incidents found petroleum hydrocarbons linked to shipping fuels, but human-generated waste was confirmed as the primary component. The presence of materials such as hair, calcium, and pharmaceuticals strongly implicates Sydney’s wastewater system.
CSIRO scientist Dr Sharon Hook said the balls appear to form when fats, oils, and non-water-soluble materials combine in the ocean. She warned that while the exact source remains unknown, the balls clearly pose environmental and public health risks, advising beachgoers to avoid touching them.
Historical Context and Calls for Change
Sydney’s reliance on primary sewage treatment has been criticised for decades. In the 1980s, the Stop the Ocean Pollution (STOP) campaign advocated for secondary treatment to be added to Sydney’s wastewater plants, which would include biological filtration and finer contaminant removal. However, the city instead opted to extend the outfalls, citing cost concerns.
Environmental advocate Dr Richard Gosden, a member of STOP, said Sydney’s decision to forgo secondary treatment decades ago is now contributing to ocean pollution. He described the situation as a failure to protect both marine ecosystems and the community. Similar sentiments were echoed by Professor Sharon Beder, who has studied Sydney’s sewage engineering history and argues that authorities need to act swiftly to modernise the system.
Investigations and Future Plans
The EPA and Sydney Water are working with external experts to trace the origin of the grime balls. Potential sources under investigation include illegal dumping, sewage outfalls, and stormwater runoff. Sydney Water has announced a $30 billion investment plan to modernise wastewater infrastructure over the next decade, but experts believe more immediate action is needed.
Beachgoers at Dee Why and other affected areas are urged to report any new debris to local authorities and avoid closed beaches. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with councils working closely with the EPA to manage and dispose of the pollution safely.
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