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Dee Why Public Safety Round-Up: Late December Incidents

Police and emergency services responded to several incidents across Dee Why in the final days of December, according to reports received by authorities.

Disorderly Behaviour

Just after 1.00am on Saturday, 27 December, NSW Police received a report of a group of disorderly youths gathered near Howard Avenue, Dee Why.

Shortly before 10.00pm on Sunday, 28 December, police received a report of a group of intoxicated youths gathered near Pittwater Road, Dee Why.

Assault Reports

Shortly before 2.30pm on Saturday, 27 December, NSW Police were called to a report of a fight at Pacific Parade, Dee Why.

Later that same day, shortly after 7.00pm, police responded to a report of a person assaulted at Pittwater Road, Dee Why.

Just after 10.30pm on Wednesday, 31 December, NSW Police were called to a report of a person assaulted at St David Avenue, Dee Why.

Traffic and Injury Incident

Shortly before 6.00pm on Tuesday, 30 December, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a van on Pittwater Road, Dee Why, near Howard Avenue. Paramedics treated the pedestrian, a man in his 50s, for abrasions and a head laceration before transporting him to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition.

Police observed the driver of the van pretending not to speak English when officers explained the right of way for pedestrians crossing at traffic lights.

Fire Response

Just after 5.00pm on Wednesday, 31 December, Fire and Rescue NSW Narrabeen Station responded to a report of a fire at Westminster Avenue, Dee Why. Firefighters identified the source of smoke as unattended cooking inside a unit.

Police and emergency services responded to the above incidents as they were reported during the late December period.

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

Fake $50, $100 Notes Circulating In Dee Why Spark Community Alert

Counterfeit $50 and $100 notes have surfaced across Dee Why and nearby Northern Beaches suburbs, with police urging residents and business owners to check their cash carefully after several local shops were handed fake money.

Growing Concern Among Local Businesses

Since August, police have confirmed at least 10 reports of counterfeit notes used at fast food outlets, bottle shops, and pubs across Dee Why, Brookvale, and Freshwater. The discovery comes as part of a wider trend seen in parts of New South Wales and Queensland in recent months.

Northern Beaches Police said the fake notes appear convincing at first glance but show small printed words such as “PROPS” or “COPY” upon closer inspection. Officers said some businesses spotted the fakes and challenged customers, while others unknowingly accepted them. Once discovered, the notes are worthless and not eligible for reimbursement.

Local reports indicate counterfeit cash was often passed at high-traffic venues such as fast food outlets and bottle shops. Many are reviewing CCTV footage to help identify those involved, and police have encouraged all retailers to report suspicious payments immediately.

Similar Cases Across NSW And Queensland

The issue extends beyond Sydney’s beaches. In Kingaroy, Queensland, local police reported fake $50 and $100 notes printed on paper rather than polymer being used in grocery stores, fuel stations, and takeaway outlets in late September and early October. Meanwhile, NSW Police in the Hunter Valley region received reports of counterfeit notes circulating through towns such as Cessnock and Kurri Kurri between May and October.

Police said the notes resemble “prop money” often sold online for film or photography. They are warning that using these notes in real transactions is a criminal offence.

How To Identify Counterfeit Notes

Police are reminding residents and staff to inspect every note before accepting it. Genuine Australian banknotes are made of a special polymer that feels firm and difficult to tear. Authentic $50 notes feature a clear window with the Southern Cross, while $100 notes show a lyrebird. Each note should display the Australian Coat of Arms when held up to light.

Other signs include raised printing on the main image, a seven-pointed star inside a circle, and sharp background patterns without distortion. Under UV light, the serial numbers on real notes become visible. Police urge anyone who finds a suspected fake to retain it safely and contact local authorities.

Community Action And Police Response

Police are reviewing CCTV footage from affected Dee Why businesses and monitoring reports of suspicious transactions. Police across both states continue to share updates through official channels as new cases emerge.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert, report any suspicious activity, and pass this information on to local shop staff and family members. Police emphasise that community awareness helps prevent counterfeit circulation.

Published 11-November-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 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