Dee Why Beach Archives - Dee Why News

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

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

Beach Walk Turns Into Rare Find at Dee Why Beach

Photo Credit: alifitfantastic/Instagram

A beach walk along Dee Why Beach quickly turned unforgettable when a local spotted a rarely seen creature known as a blue dragon washed up on the sand. The striking sea slug, famous for its bright blue colour and unusual shape, is not only beautiful but can deliver a nasty sting if touched.

Sightings Spark Local Fascination

On Thursday, April 24, Ali Cavill, owner of Fit Fantastic, encountered a vibrant blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) lying motionless on the sand at Dee Why Beach. The sighting captivated locals, and quickly shared the photo online, while marine experts urged the public to admire the creature from a safe distance.

Though only about three centimetres long, the blue dragon feeds on bluebottle jellyfish and stores their venom, allowing it to deliver a painful sting if touched.

What Makes Blue Dragons Special?

Blue dragons float upside down on the ocean’s surface, using their vibrant blue topside to blend with the water and their silver-grey underside to hide from predators. They feed on venomous prey like bluebottle jellyfish, storing the captured venom for their own defence.

Although rare, experts said blue dragons can wash ashore after storms or strong onshore winds, with sightings reported last year at Lake Macquarie and Coolangatta Beach.

Experts Urge Caution

Despite their small size and delicate appearance, blue dragons can cause serious discomfort. Marine specialists advise rinsing stings with seawater, immersing the area in hot water for 20 minutes, and seeking medical help if needed.

Authorities have urged residents and visitors to admire the creatures from a distance, with awareness campaigns reminding families to prioritise safety at the beach.

Nature’s Surprises on Sydney Beaches

Dee Why Beach often sees natural wonders, but the blue dragon’s arrival gave locals a rare glimpse of the marine life beyond the waves.

The sighting sparked excitement across the northern beaches, and with summer approaching, experts encourage beachgoers to watch for more unusual visitors while respecting the local environment.

Published 29-April-2025

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

Photo Credit: Australian Museum

A 13-year-old girl was rushed to Northern Beaches Hospital on Monday after a suspected blue-ringed octopus bite at Dee Why Beach.

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.

Published Date 29-Jan-2025

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

Photo Credit: WildLife Media/YouTube

A dramatic rescue of an endangered leatherback turtle off Dee Why Beach has reignited an ongoing debate over shark nets along the NSW coast, and whether a decision needs to be made to remove these controversial barriers.

Turtle Rescue at Dee Why

In March 2024, lifeguards at Dee Why Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches saved a possibly 100-year-old leatherback turtle entangled in shark nets about one kilometre offshore. The rescue, captured on drone footage, showed the exhausted animal struggling to free itself from the netting that covered its entire body.

Northern Beaches lifeguards David Hooper and Tiaan Cronje responded quickly to the distressed turtle. The lifeguards spent over 20 minutes carefully cutting away the netting to free the turtle.

Shark Net Program Changes

Following incidents like the one at Dee Why, the NSW government has announced plans to remove shark nets one month earlier than usual, on 31 March 2025. This decision is part of a broader initiative to reassess shark mitigation strategies along the NSW coast, including at popular beaches like Dee Why.

Recent data has highlighted the toll of shark nets on marine ecosystems. Of 255 marine animals caught in the 2023-24 season, only 15 were target shark species. Alarmingly, 65 endangered animals were caught, including green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and a humpback whale.

Alternative Safety Measures

While some nets may be removed, other safety measures will remain in place at beaches like Dee Why. These include baited SMART drumlines, drone surveillance, listening stations, and community education programs.

“We will be working closely with local governments, SLSNSW and Surfing NSW over this season to ensure the future of this program works for the communities it operates in,” Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty stated.

Consultations with coastal councils will be scheduled, with measures potentially allowing them to choose how to keep their beaches safe up for discussion. This could mean the removal of nets at beaches like Dee Why in the future.

Published 2-Aug-2024

Police Pursuit Ends In Dee Why Beach Car Park Crash

Photo Credit: Instagram / @creaturesofmanly

On Thursday night, July 18, 2024, a police pursuit tore through local streets, ending in a crash at Dee Why Beach car park.

Nathaniel Menere, a 19-year-old Dee Why local, allegedly led police on a dangerous chase that began on Pittwater Road. Menere, driving his employer’s Toyota Camry, reportedly caught the attention of police due to excessive speeding.

The pursuit came to an end when Menere’s vehicle crash occurred with an unoccupied Toyota ute in the Dee Why Beach car park. Fortunately, no bystanders were injured in the incident.

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Local police successfully apprehended Menere and his passengers, including a 16-year-old, after a brief foot chase.

This incident is particularly concerning for locals as it was revealed that Menere had been granted bail for previous driving offences just over a week earlier. Despite being under house arrest at the time, he was allegedly able to access a vehicle and engage in this high-risk behaviour.

In a decision that may surprise many, Menere was granted bail again on Friday, July 19, under strict conditions. These include a curfew and a prohibition on driving.

Published 19-July-2024