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| December 3, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Newsletter
for
Offshore Residents
of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 10, Issue 447
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Editorial: A slightly belated edition this month following some changes by our trusty domain handler. During the downtime our email was not working so it is quite likely we have missed a number of your emails. Apologies if this has inconvenienced anyone, especially if you had a notice that you wanted sent out. Please resend your notices and we will endeavor to get them out as quickly as possible. As usual a busy December coming up with quite a few things happening leading up to Christmas, hopefully we have covered them all - however if there any other events that you would like to notify the community about then please let me know as soon as you can. Gwyn Perkins our illustrious calendar illustrator has a great Scotland Island Dog Race T-shirt that he would like to make available to everyone. The plan is to sell them on the Ferry and maybe a couple of other outlets for about $25.00 with share of profits going to the Scotland Island Rural Fire Service. However, first he must get an idea of the general interest out there and possible quantities that would need to be produced. For further details and how to register your interest please see below, and by the way, have a look at his December Calendar. Finally a very Happy Christmas to all PON readers and thank you to all those who have provided assistance and contributions to the newsletters this last year. Enjoy! Contents:
 Scotland Island Dog Race  It's On Again! Same Time Same Place! Christmas Eve 6pm Church Point DETAILS: Register your Dog before 5:30pm Entry fee is 1 Longneck (Cold) and 1 x Large Tin Dog Food Official starting time 6pm (or thereabouts) Contact Rus from Pittwater Offshore Services on 0415-464-733 for information
 5-6pm - Start, Harold
Reserve, Carols wharf6.30pm - Mystery Guest arrives 8.00pm - Carol singing accompanied by local musicians  An
evening for the whole family. Bring along a picnic blanket, drinks,
food, torches & your best singing voices.To help our Mystery Guest, please bring a small gift with your child's name on it. Please keep gifts under $5. Scotland Island Turns 200 Celebrations Looking for ideas and volunteers Scotland Island becomes 200 years old as of the 1st of January 2010. Andrew Thompson was first given the Land Grant in August 1809, however it was officially granted by Governor Macquarie on the 1st of Jan, 1810. To help celebrate this event we are calling on all members of the Community to gather together on the 31st of January, 2010. We've delayed the Celebrations until then to make sure everyone is back home from the holidays. Pittwater Council will be putting on a Historic Photo Exhibition to be held at the Mona Vale Library come January. We will hold a photographic Exhibition of our own in the Island Hall. Please pass on any photos you would like to have shown. Any other suggestions are most welcome. Please contact Lisa on 0432 893 590 Scotland Island Kindy News Kindy Update: October/ November Over the past two months at Kindy the children have enjoyed listening to a number of visitors who have joined us to share their knowledge, skills and stories. Maria Mackiewicz taught the Wallabies how to create traditional Polish paper cuttings, followed by everyone learning how to sing the Polish version of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” Annabel Kristovic has been spending many hours outside the Kindy creating a beautiful garden area. Annabel also shared her knowledge on Insects in the garden with the children. The children were very enthusiastic to go on an Insect and Spider walk with Annabel after learning about camouflage, legs numbers and the compound eye. Emmie Collins also took groups of children for a walk around the bush regeneration site outside of the Kindy. Here the children learnt how to look after ‘baby’ plants, by not running on them or taking away their stick, with a black plastic tube on top. Nettie Lodge also visited the Kindy to read a couple of her children’s books; Natemba and Red Fred. The children loved hearing Nettie’s stories of looking after the real Natemba in Africa, and were then able to share their pet stories after hearing Red Fred. Thanks so much Maria, Annabel, Emmie and Nettie. We have all felt so lucky to have you share your experiences. Kindy Broken Into The Kindy was broken into on Friday night Nov 27th (early Saturday morning) and was vandalised, with some items also stolen. The Water Police have taken fingerprints, and are investigating further. It was reported by witnesses that there was a group of people in the park late Friday night/Saturday morning (leaning towards the younger side of life). As the end of year and Christmas festivities approaches could we ask all residents of the Island to keep an eye out for any strange activity happening in Catherine Park or around the Hall and Kindy and if there is anything suspicious please contact the Water Police immediately. Many thanks Kind regards SIOCS Committee Christmas Choir Susan's Update The choir practise is on Tuesday night, 7.00 p.m. here at Tarrangaua. A light supper after singing is provided, and bring a bottle if you're that way inclined. At this stage, we're planning to sing on Toby and Dave's barge, which will be anchored at 8.p.m. in Frog Hollow, where the accoustics are wondrous on December 22. Anyone who wants to come along in tinnies (with picnics and maybe a safe candle or torch) can throw out an anchor. Then we're moving to Church Point ferry wharf, for an abbreviated sing-along. Again, all welcome to join in the singing. Provided it's a soft night. If there's a howling southerly (like today), we'll shelter in Lovett Bay and hang off the boatshed. Or something. Right now, we're still struggling to come up to the choir master's standards. He's so patient and he inspires us to do better each time. We're also struggling with our German. But we'll get there. Because it's such FUN! After our rehearsal last night, a few things have changed - and will probably continue to change as we evolve. We think that touring the wharves is too hard given the choir numbers, equipment etc. However, we are still thinking Frog Hollow - but beginning at 7.30 p.m. We will then go to Church Point for a grand finale. Picnics in tinnies etc. is still the go. Although in Frog Hollow, people will need to be able to throw over an anchor to hold still. We're going to try to find a couple of empty moorings so tinnies can raft up but that's not certain at this stage. The rehearsal went VERY well last night. Everyone was in fine voice, the dogs have settled and there wasn't even a snarl although Ziggy and Chippy tried to join in at one stage, which added interest but certainly no recognisable tune to the carol. Chuck was great on drums, Marty wondrous on the triangle and bells. The food, provided by the Towlers Bay choristers, was superb. Thin based pizzas, ham off the bone on deliciously crusty baguettes, with mustard, lettuce, tomato and cucumber. A corn flan. We ended with mince pies and thick cream. It was all too good. Next rehearsal is on Tuesday, 7.00 p.m. Bob Bolton will play the piano as John Lloyd will be away. The First Choir Practice - Ear Witness Account from Gillian Croft : Last night Tarrangaua's old beams shivered at our concerted efforts to follow John's earnest attempts to make the beginnings of a Christmas choir of us. We tried John, we really did. Well, some of us did, the rest decided to opt for the easy version and sing the tune, as loudly as we could. We really tried John and lots of us thought we did pretty well, all things considered. We were not put off by the ritual offshore dog fight, nor by the thoughts of what delicacies lay in waiting for us in the kitchen. We even tried to sing in German, though we jibbed at Latin. The foreigners among us were charmed by the Aussie carols, the soprano descant lady was divine. We'll all be there next Tuesday, John, never fear - and we'll be even more trying - I mean we'll be trying even more - well you know what I mean John - thankyou John. Scotland Island Dog Race T-Shirt for Sale Are you are interested in purchasing this unique T-shirt? If you are, please let Gwyn or the Editor know how many you want and what sizes. Gwyn can be reached on g.perkins@gwyn.com.au or the Editor at editor@scotlandisland.org.au  Emergency Water Notice The silly season is almost upon us and your Water Monitors would request that you check your tanks and assess your water needs prior to Xmas. The Monitors would like a break between Xmas and New Year and, unless there is an unforeseen emergency, would appreciate your help in making this possible. Bookings are already being requested either side of the Xmas break, so please look into your requirements as soon as you can and give your Monitor a call if necessary. Keeping your tanks full during fire season is thoroughly recommended. Nathalie and Cass take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!!! Cass Gye 02 9979 5853 0418 220 107 Sandy's Book Sale Sunday December 6  Operation Lights On NSW Police Force Media Release  Marine Area Command  November 2009 Broken Bay Water Police have launched a new campaign - Operation lights on or its lights out - encouraging boating enthusiasts to make sure their lights are on when navigating at night. “Navigating at night requires special care,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Morgan, from Broken Bay Water Police. “As part of Operation lights on or its lights out, Broken Bay Water Police will be targeting vessels in numerous areas throughout the command, making sure that they are using their lights at night;” “ Displaying your lights correctly and sticking to the speed limit helps keep our waterways safer for all users. Police want waterways to be safe for everyone and are encouraging people to navigate responsibly;” click image
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“Boaties need to remember that although they may be able to see others, if they don’t have their lights on, others can’t see them. It really is a case of lights on or else it could be lights out” D/Snr Sgt Morgan said. Operation lights on or its lights out with be an on-going campaign within the Broken Bay Water Police. Posters promoting the campaign will be distributed throughout Pittwater, Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury river. E86 bus service update Service will not stop at the Mall On 31 July 2009 I wrote to Rob Stokes about the State Transit/NSW government decision to change the E86 bus service so that it no longer stopped at Warringah Mall. This decision has meant that anyone wanting to join or alight from that bus between McCarrs Creek and Bayview for transport to or from the Mall can’t do that without changing buses. Rob Stokes passed on my letter to the Minister for Transport, David Campbell. The Minister has now responded. The news is not good. The government and State Transit are sticking with their line that the changes are in the interests of the large majority of passengers. One reason was that they wanted to reduce confusion by reducing the variety of stopping patterns. So, in the case of the E86, its stopping patterns were changed to mimic the stopping patterns of the E87 (even though the E87 doesn’t serve the Bayview to McCarrs Creek branch). The Minister wrote about the consultation period and the awareness campaign before the changes were introduced. Its confounding because I did not, nor anyone I’ve spoken to on the E86, know anything of the changes until the day before the new timetable took effect. The Minister’s letter appears below. Regards Boyd Attewell 0417 991 499 02 9979 2296 PO Box 230 Church Point NSW 2105 Letter from David Campbell, Minister for Transport, NSW Government (GPO Box 5341 Sydney NSW 2001 david@campbell.minister.nsw.gov.au, ph 4229 5744), dated 6 November 2009 to Rob Stokes MP, Member for Pittwater Mr Rob Stokes MP Member for Pittwater 1725 Pittwater Road Mona Vale NSW 2103 Dear Rob Thank you for your correspondence on behalf of Mr Boyd Attewell of 43 Richard Road, Scotland Island concerning changes to E86 bus service on the Northern Beaches. I have taken careful note of Mr Attewell’s views. I apologise for the delay in responding. In the recent bus network review, stopping patterns on all the northern beaches and lower shore buses were reviewed. Previously there were 26 different limited stop and express stopping patterns in the Northern Beaches that was confusing to passengers and bus drivers. When designing the new network State Transit in conjunction with the then Ministry of Transport (now Transport and Infrastructure) simplified and standardised the stopping patterns by reducing them to six then, after public consultation and considering community feedback, amended the number to 10 keeping in mind passengers demand and travel times. Express and Limited stop buses are designed to take passengers from a region catchment area to/from the city in the quickest time available topping up at major stops along the corridor. In the case of Route E86 it was decided that this express bus from McCarrs Creek to the City have the same stopping pattern as Route E87. On inward services – all stops to Narrabeen then Collaroy, Dee Why, Neutral Bay, City extending to Railway Square. On outward services – pick up in the City then Neutral Bay Junction then pick up and set down at Collaroy, Narrabeen then all stops. This eliminated the stop at Warringah Mall. The decision to eliminate the Warringah Mall stop was not taken lightly and was designed to benefit the large majority of passengers. Total weekday outward trip boardings at Warringah Mall for a 4 week period from 4 May 2009 to 29 may 2009 revealed 29 out of 3155 passengers and from 1 June 2009 to 26 June 2009 revealed 34 from 2908 passengers boarded the Route E86. This equates to less than 1.5 passengers over 4 trips per day. Warringah Mall passengers joining the outward service have the alternative all stop Route 156 to McCarrs Creek. In the morning peak, passengers need to transfer from the Route E86 to an all stop bus to Warringah Mall. The first direct service to Warringah mall is Route 156 departing McCarrs Creek at 8.29am. Consultation period ran from 28 July 2009 to 29 August 2009. It involved the distribution of a brochure to approximately 85,000 households and business in the vicinity of proposed route changes, display of posters in buses and shopping centres, mail out to local schools and organisations, briefing to local Members of Parliament. As well, State Transit officials addressed public meetings at Dee Why, Seaforth and Mosman. More than 3300 responses were received and as a result a number of changes were amended including stopping patterns (6 to 10). Marketing campaign for the changes on 2 August commenced in June and went through to commencement in August. The campaign included newspaper advertisements and radio announcements, notices placed in buses, updated website, timetable handouts at major northern terminals in the week prior and during the implementation. A new regional guide was published and distributed to households. Mr Attewell was correct in that the E86 did show Warringah Mall in the text part of the brochure. Unfortunately this was a printing error but it was clearly defined that in the diagrammatic part of the brochure that the E87 and E86 did not stop at the Mall. Again, thank you for taking time to write to me with Mr Attewell’s perspective on this issue. If you require further information on this matter, please feel free to contact Ms Belinda Groves, Policy Advisor, in my office on (02) 9228 3777. Yours sincerely David Campbell MP Minister for Transport Minister for the Illawarra Scotland Island Community Vehicle Christmas Day Service Bookings MUST be made in advance!  click image
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Pittwater’s drivers will be targeted over the next two months in an intensive blitz on drink-driving, with police joining forces with local entertainment venues to raise awareness. Last year northern beaches drivers were Sydney’s worst for drink-driving, with 919 people charged with being over the limit between July 2008 and June 2009. Mona Vale is Pittwater’s worst suburb for drink driving, and the second highest on the northern beaches. As the holiday season gets underway, mobile random breath testing units (RBTs) will be stationed around Pittwater’s streets targeting drinkers who get behind the wheel of a car. Pubs, clubs and other venues will be issued with coasters, T-shirts for bar staff and posters promoting the You Won’t Know Where. You Won’t Know When Campaign. Bottle shops will be issued with brown paper bags and restaurants with free after-dinner chocolates with the campaign message printed on them. Free wallet-sized transport guides are also being distributed to restaurants, pubs, clubs and bottle shops. Pittwater Council’s road safety officer Michelle Carter said that the RBT campaign would focus on drink-drivers across Pittwater. “We’re not only targeting people who’ve been out to restaurants, pubs and clubs but also drivers going to private parties or dinners,” she said. “Figures from last year show that while 33% of drink drivers had been to a licensed premises, 41% were detected after leaving a private residence.” The You Won’t Know Where. You Won’t Know When campaign will begin on 27 November and will run for two months up to the end of January. For more information about the campaign, visit www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au. The Art of Christmas Sale Sunday December 6 10am-4pm at Artspace Rouge, Lovett Bay  Jazz on the Water at Church Point First Sunday of Every Month at Waterfront Store/Cafe 6th December - 12pm-3pm Enjoy "The Offbeats" with Evan Harris (Alto and Tenor Sax) Brendan Paul ( Drums) and Tom Gatward (Bass Guitar) Booking Essential - 9979 6633 Free RunClub Every Saturday at 8pm from top of bell Wharf... "Are you having difficulty getting into your skinny jeans? And don’t have the luxury of a personal trainer?  Because
I am so passionate about injecting the residents of Scotland Island
with fitness I will be taking a FREE Runclub every Saturday at 8am from
the top of bells wharf.A great way to get active, with your friends, family and who knows....you may meet some new friends! Go for a run around the island at your own pace, with the motivation running right beside you! See you this Saturday! Sammy Inspire PT 0415543131 inspirepittwater@gmail.com" Offshore I.T Computer and Laptop Services REPAIRS and SALES Servicing Scotland Island and the Bays All onsite repairs in home or office or pickup All repairs done So don't pay too much 5% of all Island sales go to the local Kindy ABN Supplied MCP Qualified For a fast friendly and fair service Please ring Robert the 46 yr old GEEK 0427890357 7 days (Locals Monthly Laptop Specials 18% off) You Asked.. Rental Accommodation needed: I'm looking for a quiet space (periodic accommodation) at Pittwater (not on the mainland). If anyone has modest rental accommodation - maybe a small granny flat, or refurbished boat shed - with phone line and electricity that they'd like to rent out for several weeks every three months I am most interested. The object is to achieve some writing where there are not too many distractions, and the environment is natural and beautiful. References available - please phone Val 0438 600 346 valdenny7@hotmail.com Free Boxes FREE moving boxes-- enough to move contents of 3 bedroom home. Currently packed flat. Call Skip or Betsi: 9999 6306 Wanted Polycraft "Wanted to buy - Polycraft boat for new resident, ideally with forward steering and in very good condition. Please contact Iain at ismale@blueglider.com or 0412 525 448 Hi Pittwater offshore notices, Hammocks! Last year I had the chance to attend to the Dogs Race, and I sent some pictures of me with the Dogs that you kindly publish, that was amazing! This year however I wont be able to attend because I am going to Mexico!!! Anyway, I have a Hammock shop on 2/410 Pittwater Rd, North Manly. It is the only shop in Australia where you can walk in, try and touch 20+ different types of hammocks before you buy! Hammock Heaven would love to offer a 10% OFF any hammock to the Scotland Island residents. If you want to look at the website as a reference please check: http://www.hammockheaven.com.au Thanks!!! Ana Lucia For Sale If you have something for sale that you think locals would like - let us know and we will put an entry in the PON at the beginning of each month... Free to a good Home....  Kitchen Dresser free,( apart from
delivery cost) to good home.Has some cracking paint on cupboard door, but is solid & in reasonable condition. Height - 200 cm Width - 140 cm Depth - 56 cm Contact Amber on 9997 3078 Washing Machine & Dryer $50.00 Available now Fully functional Front loading washing & dryer Please contact Tanya on 0411 113 317 Christmas Moving Sale bric-a-brac and knick-knacks from around the world WHERE : Ferryman's Cottage on Robertson Road between Tennis and Cargo Wharf DATE : Sunday 29th November 2010 Time : 10am start (no early birds please) Philip & Trilby Bond Dresser for Sale Solid Pine with 3 shelves, 3 drawers and 3 cupboards in good condition CONTACT : Trilby Bond 9979.5958 or m. 0419.600.792 PRICE : $200.00 The Local Guide
Emergency Contact Numbers:
Airlines, Buses and Railways:
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) |
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