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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 Surf Instructors Fight for ‘Fair Go’ on Bondi’s Waves

Photo Credit: Dee Why Salty Surf School/ Facebook

A pair of Dee Why surf instructors are pushing to end a 30-year single-operator system at Bondi Beach, arguing that a lack of competition keeps lesson prices artificially high for the community.

A Local’s Long Drive for Safety

For some Eastern Suburbs families, learning to surf at Australia’s most famous beach is not an option. Resident Gloria Barton has sent her 14-year-old son to the northern beaches for lessons for the past five years. She said the hour-long trip to Dee Why is not by choice, as the instructors her son prefers are not allowed to teach at Bondi.

Barton explained it is important for kids’ safety to learn at their local beaches. This helps them understand the specific rips, rocks, and dangerous conditions unique to the waves they will surf most often.

Dee Why Duo Challenges Sole Operator

For the last three decades, Waverley Council’s licensing restrictions have meant that only one company, Let’s Go Surfing, is allowed to run a surf school at Bondi Beach.

This system is now being questioned by Dan O’Connell and Conrad Patterson, who run the Dee Why Salty Surf School. They are in a back-and-forth struggle with the council to open Bondi up to competition. Patterson described the situation as a “David and Goliath” battle, clarifying their issue is not with the other surf school, but with the system itself.

The duo argues that a second licence would create healthy competition and promote fairness. They believe this would also lead to cheaper lessons for families. Currently, a two-hour group lesson at Bondi costs $140. The same service at Maroubra, which is managed by Randwick Council, costs $100.

O’Connell and Patterson are not asking to flood the beach. They suggest the current cap of 20 students allowed on the beach at one time could simply be shared between two schools. O’Connell said this seems like an obvious solution to break up the monopoly and try things differently.

Council Decision Stays the Course

A confidential council report, obtained through freedom of information laws, noted that more competition could indeed make lessons cheaper and improve fair access to public land. However, the report also listed potential drawbacks. These included the risk of conflict between operators and extra pressure on the beach.

Waverley Council considered granting a second licence at its May 20 meeting. Less than two months later, councillors discussed the idea in a closed-door meeting and ultimately voted to maintain the single-operator model.

Waverley Council did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Let’s Go Surfing said the company is proud to have provided surf education at Bondi for nearly 30 years. They stated that the council has twice decided one licence is the best model for Bondi, and they respect that decision.

Published Date 06-November-2025

Dee Why Tragedy Renews Debate Over Shark Safety Measures

Dee Why is once again confronting its uneasy relationship with the sea after a fatal shark attack on Sydney’s Northern Beaches this spring. The incident has reignited questions about whether the shark nets lining much of New South Wales’ coastline are protecting swimmers—or putting marine life, and potentially beachgoers, at greater risk.

Reconsidering shark nets after recent incidents

It was widely noted that a shark net was in operation off Dee Why Beach at the time of the fatal incident, part of a decades-old state shark mitigation program. Following that attack, NSW paused a planned trial to remove nets at three locations.

Critics of the nets, including marine scientists and animal protection advocates, argue that these barriers are outdated, indiscriminate, and unnecessary in the age of modern tracking and alert technology.

Environmental and marine groups point to safer alternatives, such as smart drumlines and drone patrols, already operating successfully across parts of the NSW coast. These tools enable tagged sharks to be detected and tracked in real time without harming other marine species.

Drones have spotted more than 1,000 sharks off New South Wales in the past year, allowing lifeguards to act quickly when sharks approach popular beaches.

*Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0*

Modern tools and new data

According to reports, New South Wales is expanding its use of smart drumlines that trigger alerts when a shark takes the bait, allowing it to be tagged and released offshore. The technology works alongside listening stations and the Shark Smart mobile app, which notifies swimmers when a tagged shark is nearby. Researchers have also tested bite-resistant wetsuits and personal electronic deterrents to reduce bite risk for surfers and divers.

The safety debate intensified after a whale calf was found drowned in a shark net off Coledale Beach near Wollongong in late October. Humane World for Animals Australia said the incident was a “tragic, avoidable death” caused by the government’s reluctance to remove shark nets, which were reinstalled at 51 beaches in September despite ongoing humpback whale migration. Marine biologists warn that the nets not only kill non-target species such as turtles and dolphins but can also attract sharks by trapping dying animals.

Community push for safer coasts

Advocates across Sydney’s Northern Beaches say the future of shark management must balance safety with sustainability. They call for expanded trials of non-lethal systems, stronger community education, and continuous monitoring to ensure early detection.

Experts agree there is no way to eliminate risk entirely but emphasise that combining technology, communication, and responsible beach management can significantly reduce danger while protecting marine ecosystems.

Published 30-Oct-2025

Measles Alert Issued for Northern Beaches After Confirmed Case Visits Dee Why and Manly

Health authorities have issued a measles alert for Sydney’s Northern Beaches after a confirmed case visited several public places in Dee Why and Manly while infectious.

Read: Surfing Community Unites to Honour Mercury Psillakis

The person, who was a close contact of another recent measles case in northern Sydney, attended shops, cafés, and restaurants across the area in late September.

Although there is no ongoing risk at the listed venues, NSW Health has asked people who were present at those times to monitor for symptoms until the dates specified for each location.

Exposure sites include:

Dee Why Discount Vitamins, 2/681 Pittwater Road — Thursday, 25 September, 11:00am–11:30am
Twist Espresso & Wine, 23 Howard Avenue, Dee Why — Thursday, 25 September, 11:20am–12:30pm
Chemist Warehouse Dee Why, 23 Howard Avenue — Thursday, 25 September, 12:00pm–12:40pm
Woolworths Dee Why, 37 Howard Avenue — Thursday, 25 September, 12:15pm–1:30pm
Mex & Co Manly, 30–32 South Steyne, Manly — Saturday, 27 September, 6:30pm–8:30pm

measles alert — Photo credit: Google Street View

Anyone who attended these venues should monitor for symptoms until 13 October (for Dee Why locations) or 15 October (for the Manly location).

Dr Michael Staff, Director of Public Health for Northern Sydney Local Health District, explained that measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

He said: “Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore eyes, and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash which usually spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.”

It may take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Dr Staff urged anyone who develops signs of measles to phone ahead before visiting a doctor or hospital to reduce the risk of passing the illness on to others in waiting rooms.

He also stressed the importance of vaccination, noting that measles can be prevented even after exposure if the vaccine is given early enough.

“We want to again remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Anyone born in 1966 or after needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine,” he said.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months, and also available at no cost for people in NSW born after 1966 who have not received two doses.

Parents planning overseas travel with infants under 12 months are encouraged to seek advice from their GP about an early vaccination, particularly if travelling to high-risk areas.

The alert highlights how everyday places like supermarkets, cafés, and chemists can become sites of exposure to infectious diseases.

Read: Local Angler Rescued After 15-Hour Ordeal on Dee Why Headland

While the immediate risk has passed, health authorities are encouraging the community to check vaccination records, stay alert to symptoms, and seek timely medical advice if needed.

More information, including the full list of exposure sites and vaccination advice, is available on the NSW Health website.

Published 6-October-2025

Surfing Community Unites to Honour Mercury Psillakis

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Crows Nest on 18 September to farewell Mercury Psillakis, the surfer who died in a shark attack off Dee Why beach.

Read: Surfer Killed in Shark Attack off Long Reef, Dee Why Beach Closed

The 56-year-old father and long-time member of the local surfing community passed away on Saturday, 6 September, after being mauled by a five-metre great white shark. He had been surfing with friends just after 9:30 a.m. and had been in the water for around half an hour when the attack occurred.

Mercury Psillakis — Photo credit: James/Google Maps

Witnesses said he was only about 100 metres from shore when he disappeared beneath the surface. Fellow surfers managed to bring him to land, but he had suffered catastrophic injuries and could not be revived.

Psillakis was remembered as a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. His funeral service was held at 11am at the Crows Nest church, before a committal at Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery in Belrose. A wake followed at Dee Why RSL, where family and friends continued to pay tribute to his life.

At the service, surfboards carried by mourners formed a guard of honour, and a floral arrangement shaped like a surfboard stood at the pulpit, symbolising his deep connection to the ocean. Inside, his maroon casket bore the marks of kisses and touches from relatives, friends, and fellow surfers.

Tributes recalled Mercury Psillakis as a man with a strong sense of community, someone who stood by loved ones during illness and hardship, and who spent much of his time in the water with his surfing mates. His final moments, spent warning others of the danger, were described as consistent with his selfless nature.

His wife Maria and daughter Freedom were at the centre of the farewell, supported by family as they offered their last goodbyes.

Read: Once-Overlooked Dee Why Becomes Northern Beaches Hotspot

In lieu of flowers, donations were collected at the church for the Cure Cancer Australia Foundation, reflecting Psillakis’ generosity and ongoing legacy of care for others.

Published 19-September-2025

The Vanns Set to Rock Dee Why RSL as Part of Massive Australian Tour

Photo Credit: oztix

Local music lovers will have the chance to catch one of Australia’s rising rock acts when The Vanns perform at Dee Why RSL on Saturday, 10 January 2026.

The NSW South Coast four-piece has announced their most extensive headline tour to date, celebrating the release of their third studio album ‘All That’s In My Head’, which dropped on 1 August 2025.

The Dee Why show forms part of a massive national tour spanning from October 2025 through January 2026, taking the band right around Australia. Starting in Margaret River, Western Australia, the tour will visit 20 venues across all states and territories before concluding in Canberra.

The new 11-track album was produced by Oscar Dawson, known for his work with Holy Holy, and recorded across two distinct sessions. The first took place in London following the band’s UK tour, while the second was recorded closer to home in regional NSW.

This dual recording approach reflects the band’s current chapter, capturing both their touring experiences abroad and their connection to familiar Australian landscapes. The album explores themes suggested by its title, delving into the complexities of what occupies our minds and hearts.

The Vanns have built a reputation for their energetic live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting. Their sound has continued to evolve throughout their career, with this latest release marking a significant step forward in their artistic development.

For Northern Beaches residents, the Dee Why RSL show offers a rare opportunity to catch the band in an intimate venue setting. The timing in early January makes it an ideal way to kick off the new year with live music.

The tour represents one of the biggest headline runs for the group, demonstrating their growing profile in the Australian music scene. Their previous work has established them as a band worth watching, and this latest album tour is expected to further cement their reputation.

The band has expressed excitement about taking their new material on the road, particularly after the unique recording process that spanned two continents. The live shows will give audiences their first chance to hear how these new songs translate in a concert setting.

Tickets for The Vanns’ performance at Dee Why RSL on 10 January 2026 are available now through standard ticketing outlets.

get your tickets here!

Other NSW dates on the tour include shows in Newcastle, Thirroul, Port Macquarie, and Gosford, giving regional audiences multiple opportunities to catch the band during their extended run.

Published 13-September-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

Local Angler Rescued After 15-Hour Ordeal on Dee Why Headland

Photo Credit: CareFlight

A routine afternoon fishing trip turned into a 15-hour nightmare for a local angler who became trapped on the rocky platform at Dee Why Headland last Monday.

The man, aged in his 50s, set out for what he expected to be a brief fishing session around 2:30pm. However, changing tidal conditions quickly transformed his peaceful afternoon into a dangerous predicament that would require a dramatic helicopter rescue.

After just one hour of fishing, the angler attempted to make his way back to safety but found himself cut off by rising waters. In an attempt to find an alternative route, he travelled approximately 300 metres across the headland, only to become further trapped by the swelling tide.

What followed was a long, cold night spent waiting on the exposed rocks. It wasn’t until 3:30am – more than 12 hours after first realising his predicament – that the stranded fisherman made the call to emergency services.

The rescue operation that unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning showcased the coordination between multiple emergency services. Northern Beaches Police, Dee Why Fire and Rescue, and NSW Ambulance paramedics all responded to the scene at the headland car park near the end of Oaks Avenue.

Despite the low tide conditions, emergency crews on the ground were unable to safely access the man’s position on foot. After evaluating several options, rescuers determined that an aerial extraction would be the safest approach.

The Toll NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter was called in from Bankstown just after 4:15am. Operating in darkness with specialised night vision equipment, the helicopter crew quickly located the stranded angler and confirmed they could safely retrieve him from his precarious position.

A Critical Care Paramedic was winched down to the rock platform, where he secured the fisherman in a rescue harness. Both men were then lifted to safety just before 4:45am, bringing the ordeal to an end.

The short flight back to solid ground concluded at James Meehan Reserve, behind Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club. After a brief medical assessment, the man was found to be uninjured and required no further hospital treatment.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change around Dee Why Headland, a popular fishing spot known for its challenging access and powerful swells. Local emergency services have previously responded to similar incidents at the location, highlighting the importance of checking tide times and weather conditions before venturing onto the rocks.

While the fisherman’s long wait for rescue ended safely, the operation required significant resources from multiple emergency services during the early morning hours. The successful outcome was testament to the skill and coordination of the rescue teams who work to keep our coastal community safe.

For anyone planning to fish from Dee Why Headland or similar locations, emergency services recommend carrying a mobile phone, informing someone of your plans, and always checking tide charts before heading out.

Published 26-August-2025

Community and Police Brave Cold for Dee Why Polar Plunge

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches PAC/Facebook

Community members and police officers took part in a Polar Plunge at Dee Why, raising more than $18,000 to support Special Olympics Australia programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Cold Conditions and Event Changes

On Sunday, 3 August 2025, Northern Beaches police joined local participants at Dee Why Rock Pool for the annual Polar Plunge, part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraising program.

The morning began with a Torch Run before participants entered the water. Hazardous surf conditions prompted organisers to move the plunge from the main ocean pool to the smaller secondary pool after safety assessments by council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving NSW. At the 8:30 a.m. start, the water measured about 17 °C, warmer than the 14 °C air temperature.

Dee Why Polar Plunge — *Photo Credit: Northern Beaches PAC/Facebook*

Local Turnout and Statewide Effort

About 100 people took part at Dee Why, including serving and off-duty officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command and local community teams. As of event weekend, the Dee Why plunge had raised more than $18,000. Across New South Wales and the ACT, more than 1,000 registered participants contributed to over $250,000 in fundraising, with national totals reported at around $450,000.

Purpose and Impact

The Polar Plunge supports Special Olympics Australia, which uses sport to promote inclusion, health, and skill development for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Globally, Special Olympics involves more than 5 million athletes across over 190 national programs. Funds raised help athletes access training, competition, and community programs.

Northern Beaches police — *Photo Credit: Northern Beaches PAC/Facebook*

Looking Ahead

The next major competition for Australian athletes will be the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne in October 2026, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the organisation in Australia. Donations remain open through the Special Olympics Australia website.

Published 12-Aug-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