October 2008
Contents:
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PITTWATER MAYOR ANNOUNCED
Pittwater Councillors elected the Mayor and Deputy Mayor at a special Council meeting on Monday 29 October.
The meeting saw the return of Cr David James as Mayor and Cr Patricia Giles as Deputy Mayor. Both were elected unopposed by the new Councillors for the next 12 months.
This marks the second year for Cr James as Mayor whose key role is to act as leader in the community and spokesperson for the Council.
Cr James has spent his working life as a marine engineer and has lived in the Pittwater/Narrabeen area since he was a child. He cites a strong commitment to protecting Pittwater's environmental assets, while recognising the implications of major infrastructure issues.
General Manager Mark Ferguson said he was looking forward to working with Cr James, Cr Giles and the new Councillors over the next year.
"All the staff are committed to working with the new Mayor and Councillors to implement the objectives of Pittwater's strategic plan.
"We have a number of significant up and coming projects that the Councillors will be involved with such as the continuing upgrade of the Newport town centre, the North Narrabeen Commercial Centre Masterplan, the Church Point Masterplan, as well as looking at ways to improve the security of our town centres", Mr Ferguson added.
David James and Patricia Giles join a mix of new and familiar faces on the Council which were elected by Pittwater residents at elections on 13 September.
Successful candidates at the elections included Harvey Rose, Bob Grace and Peter Hock for the Northern Ward of Pittwater, Bob Dunbar and Ian White who join Patricia Giles in the Central Ward and the return of Julie Hegarty and David James, with Jacqueline Townsend from the Southern Ward.
The first full meeting of the new Council will take place at 6.30pm on Monday 13 October.
For further information about the new Council visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/council
Media contact: Warwick Lawrence on 9970 1112
30 September 2008
Canine & Feline
The female paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, is found along the eastern coast of Australia and causes tick poisoning. It is more prevalent in the bushy, seaside areas where there is an abundance of its natural hosts, the bandicoot and possum. The paralysis tick is very sensitive to climatic changes and so the life cycle slows down in cold and dry weather, and accelerates very rapidly in warm, humid weather. Thus, in Sydney the worst time for ticks is between September and February, but it is important to remember that they are present all through the year and their incidence is climatically controlled.
The life cycle of the tick consists of the adult laying eggs that hatch into tiny pinhead size larvae. These larvae attach themselves to a suitable animal (the host), suck blood, fall off when full, moult and develop into a nymph. The nymph, like the larvae then repeats the process and finally develops into the adult tick. The adult then attaches itself to a host, feeds until engorged, falls off and lays 2000 to 3000 eggs, which hatch into larvae and so complete the life cycle.
The paralysis toxin which the tick produces comes from the salivary glands of the adult female tick and paralysis occurs progressively, that is, the more engorged the tick, the more toxin it produces which in turn produces more paralysis.
To our dogs and cats, the all too often result of tick paralysis is an untimely and uncomfortable death. So let us speak firstly of prevention. By far the best, if not the only means of prevention is to search your pet daily; that is running your fingers over every square inch of its body. Pay particular attention to the head, neck, shoulders and forelimbs but not forgetting between the toes, in the ears and even inside the mouth. Ticks can be found anywhere on your pet - SO BE VIGILANT! Ticks, even large ones are easily missed so the more members of your family that can spare the time to go over your pet the better. Products such as Frontline (cats and dogs) or Advantix (only to be used in dogs as very toxic to cats) do help if used every 2 weeks. Permoxin rinse, which is used weekly can also repel ticks, but again is only to be used on dogs as is toxic to cats. While use of these products does help there is unfortunately no guarantee. For this reason we highly recommend daily searching of your pet. Also, if your pet has a long or thick coat, having them clipped short for the summer months makes searching for ticks that much easier.
Let us suppose you have found a tick on your pet (remember if one is found always look for more). Do not start dabbing at it with methylated spirits, kerosene etc.- all that is going to do is further irritate the tick and burn the animal's skin as well. Grab the tick firmly at the point of attachment next to the skin with your fingers or a pair of tweezers and pull the tick out. If the body of the tick breaks off leaving the head be hind imbedded in the skin, don't worry, the tick has been killed and there will only be a slightly prolonged irritation at the site of attachment.
This is another time for close observation. If your pet is not showing any symptoms (remember symptoms can occur for up to four days after you have removed the tick), keep him cool, quiet and for the first eight hours withhold food, water and any medication.
If your pet develops any of the following symptoms:
- Wobbly or weak hind legs
- Lethargy
- Vomiting or retching
- Change in the sound of the voice
- Coughing or distressed breathing
No vet will mind a phone call. Let them ascertain the extent of the poisoning and whether you should bring your pet in for treatment. It is far better to err on the early side, apart from the fact that your pet stands a much better chance of survival. The cost of tick serum is expensive and advanced cases need a lot of other supportive therapy as well.
At this point it may be as well to explain why there is emphasis on keeping your pet cool and quiet. As the tick poison circulates through the body, there is a gradual paralysis, starting with the rear legs and moving for ward. If your pet becomes upset, too hot or you take him for a walk just to see if he becomes wobbly, you will aggravate his condition. This causes more distress and exhaustion, which in turn further aggravates his problems. If you have to transport him to the vet, be calm, re-assure your pet, keep him cool, restrain him gently and generally keep him as quiet as possible.
Most animals die of paralysis of the respiratory muscles, hence the emphasis on helping the breathing. However some animals die from a tick toxin induced pneumonia, which can be caused by two things. One is exposure. Cats have a nasty habit of crawling off somewhere when they are ill. It rains during the night, the paralysis worsens and without shelter your pet is severely stressed by chilling, leading to pneumonia. The second cause is the reason why food and water must be withheld if you suspect tick poisoning: as the larynx is not operating as it should be due to the tick poisoning, the chances of stomach contents being vomited up and inhaled into the lungs by accident is a very real risk. When this happens a bacterial infection usually occurs and - pneumonia again.
To finish up, here are a few answers to some commonly asked questions:
- No breed or crossbreed of dog or cat is more immune than any other is. All are equally susceptible
- The age of the animal does not make any
difference; all are equally vulnerable. However,
the young and the elderly do have a higher mortality rate - At the beginning of the season, ticks do appear to
have greater toxicity; therefore the
death rate is higher
The tick season is from September to April
Our thanks to Cass and we hope Bessie recovers quickly...
Wine Syndicate - Wine Tasting Invitation
Just in time to top up your Christmas & Summer stocks!
The next tasting of the Wine Syndicate is to be held on
SUNDAY 26th OCT. at PITT POINT.
Time: 3pm - 5pm
A fantastic range of wines just in time for Christmas. We will post the Wine List the minute we recieve it.
This is a great opportunity for you to buy quality wine at a remarkable price, and remember that the significant thing about the Wine Syndicate is that only the grower and the wine maker make any profit from the sale of the wine - there are no middlemen!!
Please bring a plate of nibblies to share and a tasting glass. And maybe a printed copy of the order form so that you can make some notes. There is no need to rsvp - just turn up!
We look forward to having a tasting with you.
The
first story telling evening since the publication of 'Water Access
Only' attracted new contributors as well as many of the original
participants of three years ago. An eclectic group of about thirty
gathered at Ferryman's Cottage to listen to the first of many tales,
ranging from as far and wide as India, China, Vietnam, Ireland, Outback
Australia and of course our own backyard. Host Philip Bond set the tone
with a bush poem before introducing "the original Scotland Island
Lodge, Nettie."Old and new participants covered a wide range of true experience and fiction and it was interesting to find that three of the contributors were free talking without notes or manuscript, starting with old hand John Travers and introducing newcomer Pam Bradbury.
At intervals between
the storytelling, glasses and plates were recharged and each reader
drew more
applause as the evening passed far too quickly. In all ten speakers and
writers entertained those who had come to socialise and listen.
It was generally agreed that the quality of the contributions was extremely high and that these events should be reintroduced on a regular basis.
After a final story from hostess Trilby, a highly entertaining evening was brought to a close by convenor Jenni Cover and the party dispersed around the Island and back to the Bays.
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Philip Bond
John Travis spins his yarn
Netti Lodge. Lisa McDonald. Carol Floyd
Bay visitors Lesley's Mum Betty, Alan Yuille & Lesley Woods
John Travis. Roy Baker. Jenny Cover
Photographs courtesy of June Lahm.
Momentum is building for the Friends of Currawong's RAID (Rally Against Inappropriate Development) in Hyde Park on October 19.
Approximately 40 community groups from all over NSW have now committed to sending supporters.
Shane Withington, co-convener of the Friends of Currawong says: "We've been inundated with calls, emails and faxes from people who say their rights have been trashed and trampled by Frank Sartor's anti democratic planning laws, particularly Part 3A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, which gives all power to the Planning Minister".
They're angry that their communities are being destroyed and their wishes ignored, as the Planning Minister pays back the developers for their massive political donations, by approving inappropriate high density projects all over the State.
Groups as diverse as the opponents of the latest development sacrilege, the destruction of Catherine Hill Bay, CAPO (the Coalition against Inappropriate Private Overdevelopment, Sandon Point, Callan Park and Save Our Suburbs will all be in Hyde Park on October 19, voicing their anger and frustration at this Labor Government's planning policies
And their focus is the iconic, historic Currawong Beach in Pittwater, the target of a proposed development which is 10 times the current building footprint, in an area where all development has been banned by Pittwater Council because of the risk of bushfires, rockfalls and land slips. It involves the destruction of bushland and seagrasses and denies the public access to yet another part of the endangered Sydney coastline.
But the final decision has yet to be made. The public hasn't lost Currawong yet and we've got a new Premier and a new Planning Minister who can prove their government is different, by heritage listing Currawong, as every single heritage and conservation body has recommended.
Shane Withington says: "I call on Nathan Rees and Kristina Keneally to do the right thing by the community, to show some foresight and save Currawong for the people of NSW.
For further information, visit: www.friendsofcurrawong.com
Media Inquiries:
Niamh Kenny
0418 290 431
Art mart - At Scotland Island Fireshed
19th October
The first end of year annual art sale
Snap up original artworks by offshore artists at bargain prices.
Carol Corrie Dave Walsh David Wardman Di Watts Eunice McAllister Gordon Floyd
Jan Melville Jan Sindel Hand Marion van den Driesschen Nettie Lodge Paul Smith
Penny Wise Rouge Hoffman Tracy Smith
Opening Night: Saturday, 18 October 5pm to 7pm: refreshments provided
Sunday, 19 October all day
Are you interested in a new yoga class on the island?
There is a possibility that Mino Francis, a well respected yoga teacher in Narrabeen with 20 years experience, will be able to offer a ten-week yoga class on the island. It will probably be Thursday evenings, 6 & 7:30 in the hall, and would cost around $210 for the ten-weeks.
To make it worthwhile for Mino, we need to sign up around 10 people who would be willing to pay in advance for the ten weeks. Once this requirement is met, others could come on a casual basis.
If you are interested, please email Carol Floyd (CB) ASAP at floydcbg@ozemail.com.au or phone me on 9997 2035 (ah) or 0407 066 419.
To find out more about Mino and the type of yoga she teaches, visit http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/therapist/2637.
Cleaner and helping hand wanted. Pittwater YHA is looking for a person to work at the hostel part time. Position available through summer.
Please contact Sarah or Michael on 9999 5748 or pittwater@yhansw.org.au
Mental Health Week
We have organised two free events for Mental Health Week (5-11 October 2008).
The theme for this year is 'Building Resilience - Appreciate the little things in life'.
Our first event is - Join us for a 2.5 km guided walk through the Katandra Sanctuary at Ingleside on Wednesday 8 October from 10am to 12pm.
Katandra is a sanctuary for flora and fauna, with the moderately easy walk through a lovely piece of original Hawkesbury sandstone country.
We will meet at Katandra Sanctuary, Foley's Hill, Lane Cove Rd Ingleside.
For a gold coin donation, tea and coffee will be provided.
Second event - A Free Tai chi Class in the Library with local instructor, Neil Meyers.
Come and try a' taste of tai chi' on Friday 10th October from 11am to 11.45am.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Everyone Welcome.
Bookings essential for both events, please call the Library on 9970 1600 to book.
Women's Health & Wellness Expo
Wednesday 22nd October, 2008 6.30-9pm
Flyer is attached.
Sharelle Ravenscroft
_________________________
Community Information Librarian
Pittwater Library Service
Ph: 9970 1609, Fax: 9979 1465
sharelle_ravenscroft@pittwater.nsw.gov.au
Tuesday to Thursday
| What's On in Pittwater - Self Editing Event Diary Click Here | |
| Scotland Island Traders - On-line shopping from your computer, through your door on Scotland Island. Contact Graeme on 0419460331 or click here for full details | |
| Local Real Estate Agents: |
| Century 21 Showcase Pittwater | L.J.Hooker Mona Vale |
| PMC Hill (subscribe to their newsletter here) | Pittwater Real Estate |
| Government Organisations: |
| Local Pittwater Council, or email them at pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or by clicking here. |
| Federal: Bronwyn Bishop, Member for Mackellar by clicking here or Bronwyn.Bishop.MP@aph.gov.au |
| State: Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater, at pittwater@parliament.nsw.gov.au or by clicking here |
| Local Transport: Scotland Island Community Vehicle: Info: click here. Phone (0404103700) Church Point Ferries (0408296997) Church Point Ferry Timetable click here Manly Warringah Cabs (0299725600) Palm Beach Cruises (0299974815) Pink Water Taxi (0428238190) |
| Local Accommodation |
Emergency Contact Numbers
Membership of SIRA, Emergency Scotland Island Water Contacts and Application for Water + Guidelines for water, in one document: click here for information (while online)Download the Scotland Island 'Water Agreement' by clicking here (while online) |
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| Sydney Airport: Arrivals and Departures | Qantas Information | Jetstar Information | Virgin Blue Information |
| Sydney Buses Information. | Sydney Ferries Information | City Rail Timetables & Information. | Country Link Rail Timetable |
Weather
- Tides, Moon phases, Sun rise & set for Sydney
- Weather Forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology in Sydney, Australia
- Radar weather for Sydney (128k circle)
| Join SIRA You can now join the Scotland Island Residents Association by clicking here. Please print the page and return the completed form to SIRA at this address: The Treasurer, SIRA, PO Box 70, Church Point 2105. Please NO CASH. Contact SIRA at sirapittwater@hotmail.com |
Join WPCA
To join the Western Pittwater Community Association, contact Michael Wiener at m2wiener@bigpond.net.au |
Archived Newsletters A complete set of past electronic
newsletters since May 2000 can be found and read at
https://www.ymlp.com/pubarchive.php?sira
or by clicking
here or
by visiting the Mona Vale Library. The Island website is at
www.scotlandisland.org.au
Finally:
If you would like to contribute to this newsletter it's easy!. Send an e-mail to the editor by clicking here. Type your short contribution (100 words would be fine) and assuming it is of general interest to the community, does not include matter of a political nature and is not offensive to your neighbours, it will appear next month.
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:
To get on and off this newsletter, click here or got to: http://www.scotlandisland.org.au/signup . To change your address, click the 'modify' link at the bottom of this newsletter.
The
views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the
Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA), or
the Western
Pittwater Community Association (WPCA)
