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Dee Why Tragedy Spurs Tech Shift as Shark Numbers Rise

A tragic shark attack at Dee Why has spurred a massive community shift towards personal high-tech safety solutions as residents confront an ocean environment altered by recent flooding.

A Community Seeks Answers

The recent death of surfer Mercury Psillakis at Dee Why has deeply affected the Northern Beaches. This shift in caution is clear from new figures showing downloads of the NSW government’s SharkSmart app. On September 6, the day of the attack, downloads jumped from a daily average of 30 or 40 to 308. In the following weeks, more than 8,400 new users downloaded the app, showing a clear community desire for real-time information before entering the water.

A Changed Ocean Environment

That information is becoming more vital as data shows a changing coastline. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has recorded a 53 per cent increase in the number of tiger sharks caught on satellite-linked drum lines. This past year, 170 tiger sharks were found, a significant jump from 111 the previous year.

Dr Paul Butcher, a principal research scientist at DPIRD, explained that the state’s record-breaking wet season is largely responsible for the increase. He said that major floods and creek run-off have washed new food sources into the ocean. This attracts tiger sharks, which Dr Butcher described as opportunistic animals that will eat almost anything. He noted this trend is visible not only in New South Wales but as far south as Tasmania.

From Drum Lines to Phone Alerts

The SharkSmart app is directly linked to the state’s SMART drum line program. More than 300 of these lines, which use baited hooks, are set up to intercept sharks beyond the surf break. If an animal is caught, government contractors must respond within 30 minutes. If it is a white, tiger, or bull shark, it is fitted with a tag and released about one kilometre from the coast.

Dr Butcher explained that any time one of these tagged animals swims within 500 metres of 37 listening stations along the coast, it sends an instant, real-time alert to every person with the SharkSmart app.

The Future of Personal Safety

In the wake of the Dee Why attack, the NSW government has paused a trial that would have removed some shark nets from beaches. At the same time, it is funding research into new, personal forms of protection.

Scientists from Flinders University and the DPIRD recently published findings on bite-resistant wetsuits. Dr Thomas Clarke, from the university’s Southern Shark Ecology Group, said his team tested four different materials on wild sharks in South Australia and near Norfolk Island. They used baited boards covered in a foam that mimics human flesh, enticing about 30 white sharks and 15 tiger sharks to bite.

Dr Clarke stated that all four bite-resistant materials were able to reduce critical damage, such as the large lacerations and punctures that typically lead to major blood loss and fatalities. These wetsuits often use materials like Kevlar. While it is not known if the suits would protect from crushing or internal injuries, Dr Clarke suggested the results show they could go a long way to reducing deaths from serious bites.

Published Date 06-November-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

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

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

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

Dee Why Commuters See Relief as Bendy Buses Return

Photo Credit: davdaven/Flickr

Dee Why locals who’ve been stuck waiting for crowded, delayed buses are finally catching a break—those long bendy buses are making a comeback.

Bendy Buses Back in Dee Why After Long Absence

Commuters in Dee Why are finally seeing signs of relief as bendy buses begin returning to Northern Beaches routes after a six-month absence that caused widespread delays, overcrowding and frustration.

Bendy buses were pulled from service in October 2024 after cracks were found in the chassis of the 83-vehicle fleet, forcing key routes like the 190X to run fewer services and leaving areas like Dee Why feeling the impact.

Repairs Underway, Services Slowly Restoring

Transport for NSW launched a major rebuild of the buses, involving structural reinforcements and moving the rear doors to improve stability. As of April 2025, the first six repaired buses are back on the roads. The rest are expected to follow progressively over the coming months.

State officials say the return of bendy buses is key to easing pressure on busy routes like the 190X, which is slowly being restored. In Dee Why, where many rely on regular service to the city and nearby suburbs, it signals the start of a more stable commute.

Community Disruption in Dee Why

When the bendy buses were pulled, the 190X lost nearly a quarter of its trips, leading to longer waits and packed buses. In Dee Why, some commuters were left stranded by delays and cancellations.

Residents reported longer travel times and difficulty securing seats during peak hours. Bus operators scrambled to fill the gap with alternative vehicles, but without the same passenger capacity, these replacements struggled to meet demand.

New Buses Coming by Year’s End

To prevent future disruptions, the NSW Government is investing in 60 new buses, including 50 articulated models like the current bendy fleet and 10 double-deckers. Some of the new buses will be cleaner, low-emission or fully electric.

The first of these new buses are expected to roll out by the end of 2025. Transport for NSW has confirmed that the Northern Beaches will be a key focus area for these upgrades, ensuring that suburbs like Dee Why receive continued attention as one of the region’s busiest corridors.

Published 21-April-2025

Truck Torched in Alleged Insurance Scam in Dee Why

Photo Credit: Pexels

A man has admitted to deliberately setting fire to a truck in the car park of a club in Dee Why as part of an alleged $50,000 insurance fraud scheme.

Background and Context

A 21-year-old man, Bailey Chapman, has pleaded guilty to intentionally setting fire to a tipper truck in the car park of Dee Why Bowling Club. The fire occurred on the night of 2 April 2023. The truck, a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, was jointly owned by a couple and used for a rubbish collection business operating on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Following the incident, police launched an investigation which included the release of CCTV footage in September 2024. The footage showed a man, later identified as Mr Chapman, fleeing the scene shortly after the vehicle caught fire.

Dee Why truck fire — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Insurance Fraud Allegation

According to court documents presented at Manly Local Court, Mr Chapman set the fire after reaching an agreement with one of the truck’s owners, a 38-year-old woman. Police allege the motive was financial gain. The woman lodged an insurance claim for $48,830 the day after the incident. No payout has been issued.

Mr Chapman, now in custody and residing in Mortons Creek, has admitted to the charge of intentionally damaging property by fire. He is scheduled to be sentenced on 23 April.

*Caption: A photo of* *a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter* *similar to the torched truck.*
*Photo Credit:* *Mitsubishi Fuso*

Events Leading to the Fire

On the day of the incident, Mr Chapman spent over five hours at Dee Why Bowling Club with the truck’s owners. After leaving the club, police allege he retrieved a jerry can from the owners’ garage and filled it with petrol at a nearby Shell service station at 8:39 p.m. Surveillance footage shows him wearing a face covering during the purchase.

At 8:45 p.m., he was dropped off near the bowling club. Phone records indicate he made calls to a mobile phone linked to the female owner before and after the fire. At 9:52 p.m., CCTV captured Mr Chapman igniting an object and throwing it under the vehicle, which immediately caught alight. He then ran south along Fisher Road North.

Additional Legal Proceedings

The female co-owner of the truck has been charged with dishonesty for gain and damage to property by fire. Her matter remains before the courts. The male co-owner is not facing any charges.

Police confirmed both arrests were made following a public appeal in September 2024, which included the release of CCTV footage.

The case remains ongoing with Mr Chapman awaiting sentencing and the female owner’s matter yet to be finalised. Investigations by NSW Police continue as the court process unfolds.

Published 22-Mar-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

Dee Why: A Coastal Black Spot on the Northern Beaches

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) has raised concerns about the Northern Beaches, especially Dee Why, as it highlights the suburb as a “coastal black spot” for the second consecutive year.

With six out of 48 drowning deaths in NSW happening on the Northern Beaches in the past year, SLSNSW Sydney Northern Beaches CEO Tracey Hare-Boyd emphasised the importance of swimming between flags at patrolled beaches during patrol hours.

“It is not a statistic that we are greatly proud of,” Ms Hare-Boyd stated, acknowledging various factors such as medical and mental health conditions contributing to these incidents.

Extended Patrol Hours and Dye Demonstrations

In response to the alarming statistics, Dee Why will extend patrol hours until 7:00 p.m. this summer, as many rescues occur after standard closing times.

Additionally, Clinton Rose, Northern Beaches Council Beach Services Coordinator, used environmentally friendly dye to show the rapid movement of rips from the shore. This demonstration underlines the new advice for those caught in rips: conserve energy, go with the flow, and signal for help.

Awareness Campaign by Northern Beaches Council

Mayor Sue Heins of the Northern Beaches Council announced a new campaign to raise beach safety awareness. This initiative will include informative videos, signage at high-risk areas, and practical tips for beachgoers.

“As we embrace the extreme weather, we are concerned our beaches will be extremely busy with locals and visitors seeking relief from the heat. More people on beaches could mean more rescues and drownings,” Ms Heins said.

“Last year, over 10.8 million people visited our beaches, with 1,427 rescues and 4,300 first aid cases requiring attention. Sadly, six people lost their lives in the Sydney Northern Beaches Surf Life Saving Branch area over the last year.

“We’re doing our bit to arm beachgoers with tips to stay safe this beach season with a new ‘Be Beach Safe’ campaign. Please do your bit by taking beach safety seriously and spreading the word with your visiting friends and relatives.”

Lifeguard Efforts and Visitor Statistics

Northern Beaches Council professional lifeguards, alongside volunteers from 21 Surf Life Saving Clubs, work tirelessly to ensure beach safety. A significant number of preventative actions (425k) were also taken to guide swimmers and boardriders to safer areas. Notably, no deaths were reported on patrolled beaches within the flagged areas during patrol hours.

With a heatwave warning issued, a surge in beachgoers is expected. In anticipation, safety measures and vigilance are being heightened to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The community is encouraged to stay informed and prepared, especially during these peak times.

Published 13-Dec-2023