Riley the Staffy Cross Awaits New Home at Collaroy Veterinary Hospital After Owner’s Death

Collaroy Veterinary Hospital is caring for Riley, a five-year-old Staffy cross, after his owner suddenly died on a walk near Manly Dam. The affectionate dog is now waiting in the local pound facility, with animal carers making an urgent appeal for foster or permanent homes.



A Loyal Companion Left Behind

Riley’s life changed when his owner passed away during their daily walk near Manly Dam in July. Police air support was seen in the area during the search, but while the man’s death made headlines, his dog was left behind to face his own heartbreak. 

Riley was found wandering alone. He was later taken to Collaroy Veterinary Hospital, which serves as the holding pound for Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai councils.

Why the Call is Urgent

The Animal Welfare League Northern Beaches says Riley is struggling in the pound, which is only meant for short-term stays and can be stressful for dogs with separation anxiety. He has been fostered before, but the arrangements were not the right fit. 

Staff describe him as sweet, playful and gentle with children and other dogs, with a love for tug-of-war and long walks. They believe he would thrive in a stable home where someone can spend most of the day with him.

A Community Rallies

Riley’s story has touched many in the Northern Beaches, with people leaving messages of support on the Animal Welfare League Northern Beaches’ Facebook page

Several community members said they hoped he would soon find a permanent home. Others noted that adopting an adult dog has benefits, including avoiding the challenges of puppy training. Carers echoed these thoughts, adding that Riley still has plenty of affection to give to the right family.

How to Help

Riley’s case is part of the AWLNB’s ongoing efforts to place animals into foster and adoptive homes. The group operates as a “virtual shelter,” relying on community support and its partnership with Collaroy Veterinary Hospital. Adoption fees are used to cover veterinary costs, while fostering is free after a simple registration process.



Residents who want to foster or adopt Riley can contact the AWL Northern Beaches Branch at awlnorthernbeaches@awlnsw.com.au. Even those unable to provide a home are encouraged to share his story to help find the right match.

Published 1-September-2025

Collaroy Tennis Club Named NSW’s Best Community Sports Club

Collaroy Tennis Club has been named NSW’s top community sports club, winning Community Club of the Year at the 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards. Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the club was recognised for its inclusive programs, upgraded facilities and strong community connections.



A Century of Local Sport and Service

The announcement was made on 30 June at a ceremony attended by sporting officials, local leaders and community representatives. Organised by Sport NSW and backed by the NSW Government, the award honours volunteer-run clubs that impact grassroots sport. Founded in 1922, Collaroy Tennis Club now supports over 200 members with six courts and solar-powered LED lighting. 

More than $500,000 in upgrades over the past decade have improved accessibility, sustainability and facilities. The club’s inclusive programs, run in partnership with Evolve Tennis Academy, earned it recognition as one of only three Inclusion Development Hubs in NSW.

Leading the Way in Equity and Access

In 2023, Collaroy hosted its first wheelchair tennis championship and added new sports wheelchairs for hire. These changes reflect the club’s drive to make tennis a game for everyone. They also joined Tennis NSW’s gender equity pilot program, guided by former professional player Casey Dellacqua, to build better participation pathways for women and girls.

Collaroy’s clubhouse now includes inclusive bathrooms, shaded seating areas and even table tennis facilities. Their work in creating a welcoming space for all earned them finalist status not only for Club of the Year, but also in the Inclusion Achievement and Sport Administrator categories.

Recognition Across the Board

Tennis NSW CEO Darren Simpson said the award reflected the club’s outstanding efforts across a range of programs. The 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards considered clubs from every sport in the state, not just tennis, making the win especially meaningful.

Joining Collaroy at the ceremony were Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins and Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan MP, who congratulated the club’s leadership and volunteers for their dedication. Their names lit up on the stadium’s giant screen during the event, marking a proud moment for everyone involved.

A Club Built on Community

The club credits its success to the dedicated volunteers, players, coaches and supporters who make Collaroy more than just a place to play. Members benefit from free social sessions, subsidised competition entry and a welcoming, family-friendly environment. 



Previously recognised as Tennis Australia’s Most Outstanding Club in 2022 and earning silver status in the 2025 Pride in Sport Index, Collaroy is no stranger to awards. This latest honour, however, highlights its deeper commitment to inclusion, community and grassroots sport.

Published 29-July-2025

Patagonia Coffee Van Faces Potential Closure Over New Rules in Collaroy

A mobile coffee and food caravan operating in the Long Reef Headland car park at Collaroy is facing an uncertain future due to the imposition of stricter conditions on its operation.



Background and Permit Conditions

Since August 2024, a mobile food caravan, Patagonia Northern Beaches, has been operating from the public car park at Long Reef Headland in Collaroy, providing takeaway food and beverages. The business was approved under a one-year agreement issued by the NBC. In June 2025, Xavier Ambrosio, the owner, was instructed to remove seating and small tables after a single public complaint claimed the furniture posed a safety hazard.

Officials confirmed that permission for such furniture had not been included in the existing permit. Although the owner had paid over $6000 for a parking permit, they had not paid any outdoor dining levy.

Patagonia Northern Beaches
Caption: Official proposal for tables and chairs sent to NBC.
Photo Credit: Patagonia NB/Instagram

New Compliance Measures Introduced

Ahead of the permit’s renewal, Mr Ambrosio received updated terms and conditions from the NBC. These include a requirement to remove the caravan from the site every evening, a ban on amplified or live music, a restriction against connecting to public water sources, and a prohibition on providing any form of seating or shelter such as tables, chairs, or umbrellas.

Additional conditions state that customers must not queue, loiter, or sit in the car park. The updated enforcement follows reports of noncompliance issues with other mobile vendors as part of the NBC’s broader management of open public spaces.

mobile coffee van
Caption: Official proposal for tables and chairs sent to NBC.
Photo Credit: Patagonia NB/Instagram

Community Response and Business Impact

Despite the clampdown, community support for the caravan has been strong. A petition gathered over 600 signatures requesting that the owner be allowed to provide seating. The business reportedly serves up to 300 coffees on weekends and has become a regular stop for both locals and visitors.

Mr Ambrosio has offered to pay the necessary outdoor dining fees and submitted a request to NBC seeking approval for limited seating next to the van. A meeting with NBC is scheduled to discuss the matter further.

food caravan
Caption: Official proposal for tables and chairs sent to NBC.
Photo Credit: Patagonia NB/Instagram

Uncertain Future for Mobile Vendor



Mr Ambrosio has stated that if the new terms are enforced in full, the operation may close. However, he remains open to working with NBC to find a solution. For now, the outcome depends on ongoing discussions and whether a compromise can be reached that aligns with community use of the Collaroy space.

Published 24-July-2025

Men for Menopause Golf Day Set for Collaroy

A charity golf day will be held in Collaroy, bringing together community groups to raise funds and support awareness around menopause education and support.



Men for Menopause Golf Day at Long Reef Golf Club, Collaroy

A one-day event combining sport and social awareness will take place on Friday, 5 September 2025, at Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy. The Men for Menopause Golf Day, hosted by Aviiana, Golf Australia, and Prevention magazine, aims to raise funds for the Debbie Gaunt Foundation while encouraging conversation around menopause.

Long Reef Golf Club
Photo Credit: Pexels

Community Engagement Through Golf

The event will run from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering 18 holes of golf, breakfast, and a buffet lunch. Attendees will also receive a goodie bag valued at $100. The day is designed to create open discussion on menopause, helping men become better informed and more supportive to those affected.

Competitions and Prizes

Participants will have the opportunity to compete in several contests, including Foursome, Longest Drive, Straightest Drive, and Closest to the Pin. A silent auction will run during the event, featuring prizes from golf brands like Titleist, Srixon, and Callaway, along with travel and jewellery items.

Ticketing and Facilities

The entry cost is $195 per person, covering the full day of activities and inclusions. Limited golf carts are available for hire directly through the Long Reef Golf Club. Breakfast includes an egg and bacon roll, coffee, and juice, while lunch features a barbecue buffet and a complimentary drink.

Men for Menopause
Photo Credit: Pexels

Access and Parking

Free parking is available at the golf club, with overflow parking recommended along Anzac Avenue and surrounding streets, which offer six-hour free parking.

Inclusive Participation

While the theme centres on men learning to support women through menopause, the event welcomes all genders to participate and enjoy the day.

Looking Ahead



Proceeds from the event will support the Debbie Gaunt Foundation, reinforcing the focus on long-term awareness and education around menopause.

Published 21-July-2025

Long Reef Golf Club Proposes $22 Million Upgrade in Collaroy

A $22 million redevelopment has been proposed for Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy, aiming to modernise the clubhouse and improve community access.



Background and History of the Clubhouse

Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy has lodged a development application to refurbish its clubhouse, originally built in 1965. While the golf course dates back to 1921, the clubhouse has undergone only incremental additions over six decades. The club now hosts approximately 70,000 rounds of golf annually, making it one of the busiest in New South Wales.

Long Reef Golf Club renovation
Photo Credit: DA2025/0764

Design Plans and Features

The proposed redevelopment involves replacing the existing one-storey structure with a two-storey building while maintaining a similar footprint. The redesign includes indoor dining, multi-use rooms for both members and the public, and various terraces with seating capacities ranging from 30 to 170 patrons across both levels.

The ground level will feature member and community rooms for hire, a members’ lounge and terrace, indoor dining areas, a garden terrace for 96 people, and a covered outdoor terrace for 50. The upper floor will add more multi-use spaces and terraces, expanding the venue’s potential for events and community use.

Community Integration and Facilities

A new coffee kiosk is included in the plans to accommodate passersby without requiring them to enter the clubhouse. This aims to separate member and public areas more effectively and make the club more welcoming to local residents.

Club officials said the intent is to generate income through increased event and hospitality services, keeping both member and public fees affordable, rather than relying on member subsidies.

Collaroy development
Photo Credit: DA2025/0764

Parking Expansion and Gaming Room Removal

To support extended operating hours and a higher volume of visitors, the club plans to expand parking capacity from 43 to 92 spaces. This includes an overflow area, new accessible bays, and dedicated staff parking.

The club will also remove its existing 11 pokie machines, which have not been a major source of revenue. No gaming area is included in the refurbishment plans, aligning with broader concerns about gambling harm in the Northern Beaches area.

Coastal Resilience Measures

The clubhouse is situated near Fishermans Beach but is reportedly shielded from the types of coastal threats faced further north in Collaroy. Nevertheless, a Coastal Engineering Report has outlined precautions such as using water-resistant materials, elevating power points, and installing laminated glass doors. These steps are designed to withstand rare storm events, including a one-in-one-hundred-year scenario.

Long Reef Golf Club
Photo Credit: DA2025/0764

Project Timeline and Next Steps



The development application is currently with NBC, with exhibition yet to open as further documentation is compiled. The club expects that once approved, construction would take at least 18 months. Plans are in place to minimise disruption, including potentially using the existing Pro Shop as a temporary facility.

Published 14-July-2025

Swift Rescue Saves Injured Surfer At Popular Long Reef Break

A 64-year-old surfer is recovering in hospital after a complex rescue operation from the rocky shoreline at Long Reef on Friday afternoon.



The drama unfolded just after 1pm when a bystander at Long Reef headland spotted the injured man on the rock platform below the popular Collaroy surfing spot and called Triple Zero.

The surfer had fallen from his board while in the water and suffered what appeared to be a hip injury. Despite his pain, he managed to pull himself from the surf onto the rocks, but was unable to move any further in the challenging conditions.

Multiple emergency services responded to the call via Anzac Avenue, Collaroy, including Northern Beaches Police, specialist vertical rescue firefighters from Narrabeen Fire Station, and three NSW Ambulance crews. Among the paramedics was Special Operations Paramedic and NSW Ambulance Supervisor Jo Brigden-Jones.

The rescue teams were guided down the headland by the helpful bystander who had first spotted the injured surfer and made the emergency call.

When paramedics reached the man at the base of the cliff, they found him suffering from both his injuries and mild hypothermia due to the exposed location, cold temperature, and strong winds battering the coastline that afternoon.

Emergency crews developed an innovative solution to transport the patient from the difficult rocky terrain. Firefighters deployed a Fire and Rescue NSW all-terrain wheeled litter known as a ‘mule’ – equipment designed with a large, lightweight wheel and securing system for transporting patients across challenging surfaces.

After paramedics assessed and treated the man for his suspected pelvic injury, they wrapped him in multiple blankets and used a tarpaulin to shield him from the harsh winds. The patient was carefully secured in the specialised litter.

The rescue operation required patience and precision. With regular stops to administer pain relief, firefighters and paramedics wheeled the injured surfer around the base of the headland to the old fishing hut at Fishermans Beach, where conditions were more suitable for transferring him to a waiting ambulance.

The man was transported to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition shortly after 2:30pm, bringing the hour-and-a-half rescue operation to a successful conclusion.

Long Reef is a well-known surfing location among Northern Beaches locals, with Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club describing the area as “partly protected by an offshore reef to the north”. However, the rocky shoreline can present challenges for surfers, particularly during rougher conditions.

The incident highlights both the risks inherent in ocean activities and the excellent coordination between emergency services in the Northern Beaches area. Fire and Rescue NSW Station 068 Narrabeen provides specialised fire and rescue services to the Northern Beaches, while the area is also supported by experienced surf life saving clubs and paramedic teams.



The injured surfer’s condition following his admission to Northern Beaches Hospital has not been disclosed, but emergency responders reported he was stable and conscious throughout the rescue operation.

Published 12-July-2025

Local Restaurant Guide – 2097

We’ve combed Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Clontarf, Manly Vale, and North Balgowlah for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!



1. The Collaroy


About The Collaroy
4.2 Google Rating


1064 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy NSW 2097

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Google Reviews

Mel M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Make sure you go to upstairs to enjoy the beach view! It’s stunning! The food is delicious and portion is decent! It can get crowd after 1pm, so make sure you come around 12 to get windows seats.

Saviore67
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended by a mate, though I hadn’t been here for over 12 yrs. I was pleasantly surprised or rather it’s recommendation was correct. Great atmosphere, service and food. I had the spatchcock it was delicious 😋

Peter S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had a beautiful lunch with my wife for a belated Birthday present. Mitch and the team made sure we had a memorable day and my Wagyu Sirloin was exquisite! Great venue and lovely staff.
Want to come back and try their pizzas.

2. The Indian Joint


About The Indian Joint
4.8 Google Rating


2/23 Telopea St, Collaroy Plateau NSW 2097

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Warren P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
First time my wife and I have eaten in at the Indian Joint since moving to Collaroy Plateau. My first impression was of us being welcomed in by just about every staff member. Next was the aroma of fresh spices and herbs that waft out of the kitchen. Service was really good. We were not rushed to order. The food was fantastic. You know how some Indian restaurant food tastes like it has been cooking for too long? This is NOT one of those restaurants. The food was fresh, tender and tasty. The serving sizes were spot on. Everything was just great. We will definitely be back to wander up the menu and see what else they have to offer. Try the Indian Joint out and I bet you’ll love it too. Cheers.

Lauren M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hands down best Indian on the northern beaches!

A Google User
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great food. Amazing people. Must go to. Very recommend.

3. CHILLAX meets ALIMENTO


About CHILLAX meets ALIMENTO
4.6 Google Rating


1095 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy NSW 2097

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Kathryn N
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had an unexpected dining experience here 10/10. The food & staff service was amazing 🙂

William T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best in Sydney!
The staff feel like family
Quality ingredients
Generous portions

House Manager
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best pizza on the Beaches. Mario is a legend and superstar and always makes the meal enjoyable! Don’t miss this gem at Collaroy!!!!

4. Crento Italian Collaroy


About Tamagawa Japanese Restaurant
4.5 Google Rating


Shop 1/1073 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy NSW 2097

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Julia R
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended to come here from one of our group and really glad we followed their suggestion. We were originally a group of six for Sunday lunch but two cancelled but this was no issue for the team. We were looked after as each of our group arrived and not rushed into making our choices.
The food is fabulous and the menu has a great variety along with a range of pricing so should suit many.
We had salmon, arancini (4 pieces), penne, rocket salad, & a caprese salad. Each beautifully presented and all very tasty.
A great option and parking just across the street at the beach.

Curtis S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
First time here and won’t be our last. Best Italian I have had in a while.. entrees were awesome, pasta amazing highly recommend giving it a go. Not that expensive either cocktails are super cheap and good too. Thanks guys!

Sam
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service was amazing, food was amazing and there was lovely music playing in the background too. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

5. Tothy Brothers Deli


About Tothy Brothers Deli
4.6 Google Rating


Shop 4/180 S Creek Rd, Wheeler Heights NSW 2097

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Ivy O
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Claire had a very friendly smile and made me feel welcome in this cafe, great food!!

Tim F
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The team at Tothy Brothers are always exceptional. Food and drinks are top notch.



Lauren T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Always love going to here – celiac friendly options! Great food & good vibes. Totally recommend this local gem! 💎

Australia Post Scam and E-Scooter Offence Reported in Collaroy

A woman in Collaroy and a teenage e-scooter rider have been caught up in separate incidents involving a delivery scam and a traffic offence, raising safety concerns in the area.



Delivery scam impacts Collaroy resident

A resident of Collaroy Plateau lost nearly $500 after falling victim to an Australia Post delivery scam. The woman received a text message that falsely claimed her parcel could not be delivered due to an incorrect postcode. The message provided a link and requested a small payment to redirect the parcel. After she entered her bank details as instructed, scammers accessed her account and withdrew funds.

Authorities have reiterated that scammers often use deceptive tactics to convince victims to provide personal and financial information. Clicking on links in fraudulent messages can result in identity theft, unauthorised withdrawals, or the installation of malware on digital devices.

Australia Post
Photo Credit: Australia Post

Scam warnings for residents

Australia Post has issued repeated warnings about fraudulent messages claiming to be related to failed deliveries or incorrect address details. These scams typically aim to collect sensitive information or steal funds through fake payment requests. The organisation confirms it does not ask for personal or financial information via calls, texts, or emails, and it does not request payment through these channels.

Customers are encouraged to report suspicious messages to Australia Post and to use the official app for delivery tracking. The app provides secure notifications that help reduce exposure to scam attempts.

E-scooter offence recorded in Collaroy

Police fined a 16-year-old boy after spotting him riding a private e-scooter on Pittwater Road in Collaroy. The scooter was travelling at an estimated speed of 40km/h and did not have any lights fitted, despite it being night. The rider was unlicensed, and the scooter was unregistered, resulting in combined fines of $1,500. In New South Wales, private e-scooters are not allowed on public roads, footpaths, or shared paths.

 e-scooter
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only
Photo Credit: Pexels

Authorities urge vigilance



Authorities continue to remind the community to exercise caution with unsolicited messages involving deliveries or payments. They also advise that only shared e-scooters approved for trial use may be operated legally on public roads and paths.

Published 28-June-2025

Man Charged After Knifepoint Robbery in Collaroy

A swift police operation in Collaroy has resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old man who is accused of robbing a local tobacconist at knifepoint and was later found at a nearby residence.



The incident began just after 7:00 pm on Saturday, 14 June, when police were called to a tobacconist on Pittwater Road. Officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command arrived at the store, located next to the B-Line bus stop, to respond to the report.

Police were informed that a man had entered the shop and allegedly threatened a male employee with a knife. It is alleged the man demanded cash and cigarettes from the attendant and then fled on foot. The staff member was not physically harmed during the encounter. A crime scene was established as police began their investigation, which included reviewing the store’s CCTV footage.

The focus of the investigation quickly moved to a home on Jamieson Parade, less than 500 metres from the tobacconist. Police, including the Dog Unit, attended the address where they located the 21-year-old man. Officers also found a shopping bag that contained cash and cigarettes, which they believe were stolen from the store.

The man was arrested and transported to Manly Police Station for questioning. He was later charged in connection with the robbery.

While police were at the Jamieson Parade home, a female companion of the man became highly distressed. Reports from the scene indicate she appeared to reach for an officer’s weapon while yelling, which led police to restrain her.



NSW Ambulance paramedics were called to the location to conduct a mental health assessment. The woman was then taken into police custody and transported to Northern Beaches Hospital for further observation. NSW Police have stated that the investigation into the entire incident is still active.

Published Date 01-July-2025

Collaroy Man Charged After Elderly Woman Injured in Laundry Room Dispute

A Collaroy man is facing serious charges after allegedly injuring two elderly neighbours during a heated argument over a shirt in a shared laundry room of their apartment complex.



Police Response and Timeline

The incident happened on the morning of June 5 at a unit block in Collaroy on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Police say 36-year-old Andrew Jason Cunliff accused a neighbour of stealing his shirt, sparking a heated argument. 

Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only

The dispute turned physical, leaving a 79-year-old woman in hospital and a 74-year-old man with an elbow injury. Cunliff was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault.

Allegations of Aggressive Behaviour

Police say Cunliff first shouted abuse at a 57-year-old neighbour in the laundry room. When the man tried to leave, Cunliff allegedly shoved the door into him, causing him to fall into a 79-year-old woman. She hit her head in the fall, and a second elderly neighbour who tried to help was also pushed, landing on her. 

Paramedics treated the woman for a head injury before taking both elderly residents to hospital. In court, police described Cunliff’s actions as aggressive and erratic, which the magistrate called deeply disturbing.

Bail Refused Due to Past Behaviour

Cunliff was refused bail after the court heard about his past breaches and a history of violent and intimidating behaviour. His legal team said he suffers from PTSD and a personality disorder, which may have influenced his actions. 

Magistrate Daniel Reiss said the risk was too great to grant release. He called the incident “very disturbing” and pointed to Cunliff’s ongoing issues with conflict in shared living areas. The case will return to court on June 11.

Community Reaction

The incident has raised concern among Collaroy residents, especially due to the victims’ ages. It has sparked discussion about safety and shared living arrangements for older people in the area.



Some neighbours are now reconsidering how spaces like communal laundries are managed. Authorities have urged locals to report disputes early and assured them that support services are available.

Published 6-June-2025