Dee Why Archives - Dee Why News

Dee Why Civic Centre Among Unusual Sites Proposed for Heritage Listing

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.

Heritage Protection Vital for Preserving History

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.

Balancing Heritage with Housing Needs

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.

Published Date 22-Jan-2025

Dee Why Beach Among 9 Closed After Pollution Scare

Photo Credit: popejon2/CC BY 2.0

Hundreds of mysterious grey, marble-sized balls have washed ashore at Dee Why and eight other sites in the Northern Beaches, prompting immediate closures for public safety.

In coordination with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Council has launched an investigation to identify the nature and origin of the debris.

Impact on the Community

The affected beaches include Dee Why, Manly, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne, and North Narrabeen. Council representatives have urged beachgoers to avoid these areas until further notice, advising the public not to touch the debris while clean-up efforts are underway.

Officials and EPA experts are working to collect and test the balls, described as grey or white, with most the size of marbles and a few larger. Results from sample testing would determine the next steps.

Residents who notice similar debris on other beaches are encouraged to contact the council hotline at 1300 434 434.

@emilyinoz
So no sharks today… yet (still bluebottles) but apparently most northern beaches are closed due to water pollution 😫
♬ Stereo Love – 𝑳𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂 🇧🇷

A Pattern of Coastal Pollution

This latest incident mirrors similar events along the Sydney coastline in recent months. In October 2024, thousands of black, tar-like balls were found along beaches in the city’s eastern suburbs, including Coogee and Bondi. Tests revealed that those earlier balls contained a mixture of human-generated waste, including petroleum hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and traces of organic materials.

While the exact source of the current debris remains unclear, investigators are exploring whether it could be linked to industrial or wastewater pollution, as seen in past occurrences.

Environmental and Public Health Concerns

Community members have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact and health risks posed by the debris. Previous findings have linked similar materials to pollutants like motor oil and wastewater discharge, which can harm marine ecosystems and potentially expose humans to hazardous substances.

Beaches will remain closed until authorities complete testing and confirm that conditions are safe for public access. Clean-up crews have been deployed to affected areas, and additional inspections of nearby beaches are ongoing.

Published 14-January-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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Creatures of Manly (@creaturesofmanly)

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

Dee Why RSL Proposes 10-Storey Retirement Village Amidst Local Opposition

Dee Why RSL has submitted a planning proposal to the Northern Beaches Council, seeking a change in planning rules to construct a 10-storey retirement village to cater to the increasing demand for senior living spaces.

The development aims to address the critical need for units by downsizing seniors on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The club’s ambitious plan involves the demolition of an existing three-storey block and a former late-night pharmacy to make way for the expansive Oceangrove retirement village extension.

Situated on the strategic corner of Pittwater Rd and Dee Why Pde, the proposed site currently exceeds the required height limits, prompting the request to elevate the permissible building height from 12 metres to 32 metres.

Dee Why RSL — *Photo Credit: PEX2024/0002*

Despite the project’s potential to significantly alleviate the housing shortage for seniors, the proposal has yet to be warmly received by all community members.

Over 30 public submissions opposing the project have been filed via PEX2024/0002. They cite concerns over increased traffic congestion, loss of views for neighbouring properties, and the encroachment on the Dee Why Kindergarten childcare centre, which is partially located on the proposed development site.

“We object to the approval of this proposal as the height of the new building is nearly 3 x the existing allowance and contrary to the WLEP and is of excessive height,” Ms Inger Ohlsson wrote.

“The proposal is for 51 new units and will increase the density and increase traffic and noise pollution that are already terrible on the streets of Dee Why (Richmond Ave, Dee Why Pde, Avon Rd, Clarence Ave etc.) and Pittwater Road.

“The proposal will set a precedent (overdevelopment), and we believe that additional senior housing can be achieved without changing the current WLEP.”

“The decision to live in a beach location was influenced by the desire for unobstructed views of the ocean and surrounding natural beauty. The construction of tall buildings would not only block these views but also detract from the unique character and charm that drew me to this area in the first place,” Ms Alison Cavill wrote.

“High-rise developments typically bring in more residents, leading to increased population density. This can put pressure on local infrastructure such as roads, schools, and utilities,” Mrs Marcela Spence stated.

“More residents mean greater demand for public services like garbage collection, emergency services, and recreational facilities. These services may need to be expanded to accommodate the increased population.”

Despite the controversy, Dee Why RSL remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing senior living options in the area. The club’s planning consultants have emphasised the significant waiting list for the Oceangrove residence, indicating a pressing need for such a development.

The proposal is about expanding housing options and creating an age-friendly environment that promotes inclusivity and access to essential services.

The Northern Beaches Council is currently reviewing the Planning Proposal.

Published 2-April-2024

Historic Salvation Army Home in Dee Why Transforms into Luxury Wellness Spa

Dee Why is witnessing a transformation as the historic 130-year-old Pacific Lodge, a former Salvation Army hostel, is set to become the centrepiece of the new Hamptons development.

The heritage-listed Pacific Lodge building on Fisher Rd, which dates back to 1892, will be integrated into the modern apartment complex, retaining its timeless elegance whilst catering to the changing needs of the community.

Hamptons, developed by the renowned Rose Group, promises an exquisite collection of one and two-bedroom apartments, with a limited release of rare three-bedroom apartments and finely-crafted penthouses. The development – CC2023/0372 will be situated on the scenic Fisher Road, offering captivating views of Dee Why Library, Council Chambers, the town centre, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

According to Paul Ferrari, Head of Projects for Upstate Realty, the Pacific Lodge will play a pivotal role in the development’s design and landscaping. Working with heritage consultants, they aim to bring back the building to its former grandeur, preserving its rendered masonry, corrugated iron-hipped roof, tall chimneys, and veranda adorned with cast iron balustrades and columns.

Ferrari revealed that Rose Group had sought a particular tenant to complement the development and provide minimal disruption to the residents. As a result, the Pacific Lodge will be converted into a high-class wellness facility, featuring spa and beauty services. The building, being part of the strata, will have a single tenant, ensuring the preservation of its historic charm.

The Pacific Lodge holds immense historical significance, originally built as a Salvation Army Home of Rest for officers in need of recuperation. Over the years, it transformed into a centre for the treatment of ‘inebriates’ and later served as the Pacific Lodge Aged Men’s Home. The Salvation Army eventually sold the property in 2016 for $25 million and moved its residents to new facilities in Collaroy.

Recognising the importance of this heritage-listed building, public access to the Pacific Lodge will be maintained, allowing visitors to experience the wellness spa services. The site’s public footpath, the Dee Why Heritage Walk which is a part of the heritage listing, will also remain accessible from Fisher Road.

Hamptons and the refurbished Pacific Lodge are scheduled for completion in early 2025, offering a seamless blend of contemporary living and historical elegance.

Published 21-July-2023

St. Luke’s Grammar School Gets the Green Light for $35M Expansion Project in Dee Why

Photo Credit: SSD-10291/NSW Planning Portal

The expansion plans of St Luke’s Grammar School, which involves building a new campus with a sports centre in Dee Why and North Curl Curl, have been approved.

The $35-million project, greenlighted on 19 April 2023 by Council, will add an additional 600 students to the new senior campus. The existing commercial site at 224 Headland Rd, North Curl Curl, and the heritage-listed site at 800 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why, will be repurposed for the project.

The Dee Why location, currently occupied by commercial facilities like Fitness First, Officeworks and I-MED Radiology Network, will be converted into a senior school campus for Years 10 to 12, complete with a 300-seat assembly theatre, a 220-seat performing arts theatre, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a wellness precinct, a library, and student learning spaces.

Its heritage elements as a former Top Dog manufacturing hall and Bonds factory will be retained, such as the curved canteen design and the exterior clock tower.

St Luke's Grammar School — *Photo Credit:* *Commercial Real Estate*

On the other hand, the North Curl Curl site will be transformed into a multipurpose indoor sports centre with two full-size and one half-size basketball courts, a dance and exercise space. The plans include a connection to the St Luke’s Grammar School Dee Why campus.

The development is expected to create 209 jobs and result in a capital investment value of $76,394,429. The project will be completed in three stages, with the first stage due to be completed in 2023, while the entire sports centre and senior campus are expected to be operational in late 2030/early 2031.

Northern Beaches Council and Transport for NSW are also preparing a transport management plan for this development to address concerns over the area’s traffic conditions.

Published 27-April-2023

Club Active Opens in Dee Why, Helps the Over-50s Stay Active and Fit

Club Active, Australia’s only gym designed to welcome boomers, grandparents, and retirees, has opened in Dee Why. Programs tailored to age, fitness level, and individual pace. Medical-grade equipment. University-trained physiologists. Monthly workshops. Opportunities for socialisation. The list goes on!

Founded by exercise physiologist Jonathan Freeman, Club Active Dee Why is the eighth location. The first Club Active outlet opened in Tweed. The Dee Why facility, like all the other locations, prides itself in creating a fun environment, where seniors may also forge new friendships aside from achieving physical fitness among the variety of classes offered for the members.

”In Australia, 1 in 2 older Australians report feeling lonely at least once a week. It’s well known that being active, especially in a group environment, is a great way to improve mood and mental health,” according to Club Active.

“Movement brings people together!”

Club Active offers a safe and supportive environment tailor-fit for the needs of the older generation, to help them prioritise their fitness or exercise at their own pace and capacity.

Members of the new gym may take advantage of the medical-grade gym equipment and consult with university-trained exercise physiologists on fitness areas where they could gain the most benefit.

“We work closely with GPs and other medical professionals to develop chronic disease management plans and exercise prescriptions tailored to individual needs, many of which are covered by health rebates,” Mr Freeman said.

There are even free monthly workshops to educate the community about chronic conditions and exercise and a variety of fundraising events.

“The goal is for Club Active to become the world’s largest active over 50s community,” Mr Freeman added. “We’ll do this by improving people’s physical, mental and social well-being, by offering a welcoming, supportive and fun environment where people can exercise safely and at their own pace while connecting with a community of like-minded individuals.

Follow Club Active on Facebook for more updates.

New Disability Housing, Lilly Pilly, Opens in Dee Why

Did you know that Lilly Pilly, a newly-opened purpose-built disability housing facility, has opened along McIntosh Road in Dee Why?

The special home, developed by Good Housing, has five villas designed for people with disability to enjoy independent living. Each villa has a carefully planned open space for a bedroom, bathroom, and spacious kitchen. The villas also open up to a private outdoor space, where residents may enjoy their personal hobbies and activities.

Residents also get to share a communal area where they can socialise with each other or welcome their guests. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible with an on-site manager and a 24-hour support staff.

Lilly Pilly has been fitted with smart technologies, voice-activated features, and ergonomically designed furniture.

The villas are open to tenants 18 to 64-year old individuals who have NDIS support.

Good Housing Co-founder and Chief Innovator Sam Graiche was motivated to create a disability housing solution because of his nephew with special needs.

Good Housing Lilly Pilly — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

“We could see the impact on quality of life for my sister and the strain that it put on her relationship with other members of the family while caring for her son, so we thought that this was critically required and we set out on a mission to produce something better than what we could find in the market,” Mr Graiche said.

With Lilly Pilly now established, Good Housing has further plans to build similar disability housing solutions in Australia within the next five years. The hope is that these NDIS registered disability accommodations will radically improve the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of residents.

Now You’re Chalking: Dad Draws Chalk Art to Amuse Toddler, Ends Up Impressing Dee Why

Sometime during the long lockdowns in mid-2021, Dee Why began to be treated to the chalk artwork of James Maltman, the creative person behind ‘Now Your Chalking.’ James initially drew interesting figures on the boring grey walls and streets outside his unit block to amuse his toddler.

But James also impressed several passersby in his neighbourhood, who enjoyed his creative doodles. This encouraged him to create more chalk artworks around the community and document everything on his Now You’re Chalking Instagram and Facebook accounts, where his followers have grown after a few months.

The young dad of two decided to do chalk art so he and his toddler, Freddy, could get outside of the house whilst his wife and newborn napped. The worthwhile activity not only bonded father and eldest son together but some of his Dee Why neighbours even ask him to draw their favourite characters.

The community also did chalk hunts to see where James has done his latest piece.

He also got to collaborate with another local artist for a mural with a distinctive Australian theme for New Year’s.

However, James and his family moved to Kellyville in late January 2022 for his job with a liquor retailer. He still keeps at it with his chalk art movement in The Hills Shire, where he plans to participate in street festival events.

James’ chalk artworks are often washed away when it rains or when the street cleaners do their jobs but heaps of his creations have actually been holding up in Dee Why, where people have been missing his new drawings.

They continue to follow his work on his social media pages.

Across Australia, chalk drawings and messages on the streets have given locals much joy amidst the pandemic stress. In some communities, kids draw chalk artworks together whilst getting a healthy dose of vitamin D outdoors and a mental health boost as they connect with other people without breaching social distancing rules.

Public health expert Lisa Gibbs of the University of Melbourne chalk artworks serve as a coping mechanism during the lockdowns and contribute to the neighbourhood’s beautification. Some of the adults say that creating chalk art is cathartic, beautiful, empowering and joyful — a positive experience all over.