Northern Beaches Archives - Page 3 of 4

Dee Why SLSC Names Five Members Awarded National Medals

Five members from Dee Why SLSC have been recognised with National Medals, reflecting years of volunteer patrol work carried out within the local beach community and recognising service that has helped keep Dee Why Beach safe season after season.

Dee Why SLSC Recipients

The recognition forms part of a national honours round announced by Surf Life Saving Australia, which acknowledged 212 members across Australia for long and diligent service in roles involving risk to life and property. The recognised Dee Why SLSC members are Sean Cassidy, Steve Haggett, Simon Navin, Tim Parker, and Herve Vichemont.

Each met National Medal requirements, including at least 15 years of active patrol service and a minimum of 30 patrol hours per qualifying season. Their awards reflect years of returning to the beach, maintaining qualifications, working within patrol teams, and committing to public safety.

What The National Medal Recognises

The National Medal is a Commonwealth honour established in 1975. It recognises sustained service in roles that protect life and property and involve personal risk. Eligibility rules are set by government regulation, not by Surf Life Saving Australia.

Only operational service counts, measured through recognised patrol seasons from 1 July to 30 June with verified proficiency records. Junior activities, cadet seasons, and approved leave periods are excluded.

Service At Dee Why Beach

Dee Why Beach attracts high visitor numbers during the surf season. This increases the need for trained volunteer patrols. Members of Dee Why SLSC patrol on weekends and public holidays with council lifeguards to manage changing surf conditions.

Their duties include monitoring swimmers, giving first aid, offering safety advice, and carrying out rescues as needed.

Community Recognition And Presentation

National Medal applications are lodged by members or clubs and endorsed by state centres. Surf Life Saving Australia processes them before approval through the Australian honours system overseen by the Governor-General of Australia.

Applications must meet strict service thresholds. Awards are usually presented at club or service level to reflect local service. For Dee Why SLSC, the honours recognise long volunteer service supporting beach safety across many seasons.

Published 29-December-2025

Dee Why Community Responds To Urgent Blood Donation Call

Photo Credit: Pexels

Residents in Dee Why have turned out in large numbers to support blood donation efforts, as Lifeblood worked to meet urgent hospital demand following the Bondi attack.

Urgent Demand For Blood Supplies

Hospitals across Sydney faced immediate and significant pressure after the Bondi attack, prompting Lifeblood to issue urgent appeals for blood donations. Emergency-use blood types, particularly O negative, were identified as critical for trauma care, where patient blood types are often unknown.

The surge in demand led to increased activity at donation centres across the city, including mobile services operating in Northern Beaches suburbs.

Dee Why Donation Site At Capacity

On Monday, 15 December 2025, the mobile Lifeblood donation truck operating in Dee Why reached full capacity. Staff at the site reported they were unable to accept additional walk-in donors due to the volume of people attending.

Throughout the morning, residents continued to arrive at the Dee Why site seeking to donate. By lunchtime, the truck was displaying a closed sign, with people still gathering nearby to show support and enquire about future availability.

Booking Disruptions And Service Strain

Due to heightened demand, Lifeblood encouraged donors to book appointments rather than attend without one. The organisation’s website experienced outages caused by high traffic, while phone lines were also heavily congested.

People wishing to donate were advised to try again later or contact Lifeblood by phone on 13 14 95, noting that delays were expected. To help meet demand in New South Wales, Lifeblood also transferred blood donations from multiple states.

Dee Why blood donations — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

National Donation Records

The response extended beyond Dee Why, with Lifeblood reporting close to 50,000 people made appointments to donate blood nationwide on Monday. Within a 24-hour period, 7,810 donations of blood, plasma and platelets were recorded across Australia, marking a national record.

What Happens Next In Dee Why

Lifeblood staff indicated the mobile donation service is expected to remain in the Dee Why area until Thursday, 18 December. Members of the public were encouraged to continue donating later in the week, with Lifeblood noting the need for blood would continue into next week and beyond.

Published 17-Dec-2025

Widow Calls for Stronger Protections After Dee Why Shark Incident

Photo Credit: Yannis Michalandos/Facebook

Maria Psillakis has spoken publicly for the first time after her husband, Mercury Psillakis, died in a shark attack in Dee Why, calling for improved safety measures in the area.

Shark Attack in Dee Why Sparks Renewed Safety Focus

On 6 September, Mercury Psillakis was surfing with friends near Dee Why when he was fatally injured by a great white shark. He had been in the water for around half an hour and was approximately 80 metres offshore at the time.

The attack occurred two weeks before the patrol season began, and the shark alarm was not triggered for 45 minutes. Children were later seen swimming close to the site, heightening concerns about the response time.

Advocacy for Evidence-Based Protection

Maria Psillakis is urging improvements to shark detection and monitoring. She has highlighted that drones are operated only during the summer period in Sydney, and that the shark involved was untagged, preventing tracking through existing systems.

Her goal is to reduce the risk of similar incidents by pushing for broader use of evidence-based technology and coordinated safety discussions involving surf lifesaving groups, scientific experts and community representatives.

*Photo Credit: Yannis Michalandos/Facebook*

A Life Remembered at Dee Why

A paddle-out was held on 27 September, drawing around 1,500 participants who gathered in the water to honour Mercury’s life. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, friend and keen surfer with a deep passion for rare palms.

Mercury had a long history with surfing and community surf clubs, and that he was known for both his humour and his commitment to those around him.

Final Moments and Family Reflections

According to Maria’s tribute, Mercury alerted his friends to the presence of the shark shortly before the attack. She described him as vigilant in the ocean and focused on protecting others.

His family shared memories of their life together, including years of working side-by-side, his love for their daughter, and their choice to slow down after health challenges to prioritise time together.

Community Support for the Psillakis Family

Community support has been significant. Friends, surfers, school groups, palm enthusiasts and locals have offered help through tributes, attendance at the paddle-out, and personal contributions.

Maria expressed that the support from both close connections and strangers has brought comfort during a difficult period.

Continuing the Call for Change in Dee Why

Maria intends to continue advocating for improved safety in Dee Why, aiming to minimise risk for ocean users and ensure that lessons from the incident contribute to more robust protection measures.

Published 26-Nov-2025

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