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First Northern Beaches Totti’s Set For The Collaroy

Totti’s Collaroy is expected to open near the end of 2026, bringing the Italian restaurant to the Northern Beaches for the first time and adding a new dining option to The Collaroy’s seaside setting.

The restaurant will occupy the ground floor of The Collaroy, which is set to undergo extensive renovations before the opening.

It will be the first Totti’s in Sydney with water views and the brand’s first seaside location in the city. Totti’s already operates a beachside restaurant in Lorne, Victoria.

A New Dining Option For Collaroy

The planned opening will introduce the Totti’s shared-dining format to the Northern Beaches, with a menu associated with wood-fired bread, handmade pasta and spritzes.

Early community feedback has been largely positive. Online commenters expressed excitement about the announcement, tagged friends and discussed visiting the restaurant after it opens.

Totti’s wood-fired bread attracted particular attention, with several comments referring to the menu and the prospect of having the restaurant closer to the Northern Beaches.

Northern Beaches dining — *Photo Credit: Totti’s/Facebook*

The response also included some reservations. Several commenters questioned the addition of another Merivale-operated restaurant, while one raised concerns about possible drink prices.

Another commenter referred to Tothy Brothers Deli, while a separate response called for Totti’s to open in Newport. The comments indicated broad interest in the Collaroy opening while also reflecting concerns about pricing and Merivale’s growing hospitality portfolio.

Totti’s Collaroy Builds On Bondi Beginnings

Totti’s began in Bondi in 2018 as a casual Italian restaurant with food designed for sharing.

Chef Mike Eggert is behind the restaurant and its well-known puffy wood-fired bread. Since opening in Bondi, the brand has expanded to Rozelle and the Sydney CBD.

It also operates Totti’s Pasta Bar in the members’ areas at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium, as well as the beachside Totti’s Lorne in Victoria.

The restaurant has attracted visits from Mark Wahlberg and Martha Stewart, with Stewart also praising its bread.

Both Totti’s and The Collaroy are part of Merivale, the hospitality group led by chief executive Justin Hemmes. The group operates more than 90 brands and venues.

Merivale has been owned and operated by the Hemmes family for more than 60 years. The company began as a fashion house before entering hospitality in 1970 through a Thai tea café inside its Sydney CBD fashion building.

The Collaroy opening will extend Totti’s Sydney presence beyond its existing inner-city and eastern suburbs venues, with the new ground-floor restaurant expected to open near the end of 2026.

Published 15-July-2026

Collaroy Tennis Club Marks Pride Month With Inclusion Recognition

Photo Credit: Tennis NSW

Collaroy Tennis Club has marked Pride Month with renewed recognition for its inclusion work, retaining Silver Tier status in the Community Club Pride in Sport Index for the second consecutive year.

At Collaroy Tennis Club, inclusion has become part of the club’s daily identity, from its long-term planning to its signs, events and community partnerships.

The club has retained Silver Tier status in the Community Club Pride in Sport Index for the second consecutive year, recognising its continued work to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion in community tennis.

The recognition follows a series of measures embedded across the club. LGBTQ+ inclusion is included in its Strategic Plan, alongside a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, a dedicated Diversity and Inclusion sub-committee, and guiding principles centred on fairness, respect and belonging.

Around the club, rainbow “Open for All” signage and a rainbow version of the club logo have become visible parts of the venue. The measures sit alongside the club’s wider focus on making players, members, volunteers and visitors feel welcome.

Rainbow signage at tennis club — *Photo Credit: Tennis NSW*

Pride Events And Rainbow Racquets

Collaroy Tennis Club has built its inclusion work through regular programs and community activities.

The club has hosted its third Australian Open Pride Night, attracting strong attendance and community engagement. It also runs Rainbow Racquets, an inclusive tennis program designed for LGBTQ+ participants.

Beyond the courts, the club has worked with Fusion Pride Northern Beaches on inclusive events, including Roll ‘n’ Stroll, and efforts to improve access to sport. It has also been involved in Sydney WorldPride 2023 and the Australian Pride in Sport Festival.

Growing Demand At The Club

The club’s inclusion work has coincided with a period of growth. Collaroy Tennis Club now has more than 260 members, with demand leading to a waiting list.

Its events and programs have also drawn new participants and strengthened local community ties.

The club has received several honours across the sporting sector, including Most Outstanding Club – Metro from Tennis NSW and Tennis Australia, and NSW Community Club of the Year. It has again been named a finalist in 2026.

Dave Keogh, Committee Member – Inclusion and Diversity at Collaroy Tennis Club, said the second Silver Tier recognition reinforced the club’s commitment to inclusion and its focus on providing a safe and welcoming environment.

Collaroy Tennis Club courts — *Photo Credit: Tennis NSW*

Serving Pride Opens For 2026

Tennis NSW is encouraging clubs and venues across NSW to take part in the 2026 Serving Pride Initiative.

The program supports clubs to deliver inclusive tennis experiences and connect with local LGBTQIA+ communities.

Expressions of interest for the 2026 Serving Pride Initiative are open until Tuesday 30 June.

Published 6-June-2026

Firefighters Called to Burning Food Incident as Collaroy Sees Traffic and Disorder Callouts

Emergency services responded to several incidents across Collaroy between Saturday, 23 May and Wednesday, 27 May, including multiple traffic crashes, intoxication-related callouts and a fire alarm triggered by food left cooking in an apartment.

NSW Police were first called to Pittwater Road just after 12.30pm on Saturday, 23 May, to assist a person reported to be intoxicated.

A motor vehicle collision was later reported on Pittwater Road shortly after 2pm on Sunday, 24 May. Police confirmed no injuries were reported in the crash.

Another traffic incident occurred shortly after 4.30pm on Tuesday, 26 May, when a two-car collision took place in the southbound lanes of Pittwater Road near Hadleigh Avenue. Authorities again confirmed no injuries were reported.

Just before 5pm on Tuesday, 26 May, Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Narrabeen and Dee Why stations responded to a fire alarm at the Shipmates apartment building on Pittwater Road.

Firefighters forced entry into an unoccupied fifth-floor unit and discovered food burning on a stove. Crews turned off the stove, removed the burnt food and ventilated smoke from the apartment before securing the unit.

Police were again called out just before 8pm on Wednesday, 27 May, to assist a person reported to be intoxicated at Collaroy Street.

The incidents form part of a broader snapshot of recent police and emergency service activity across Collaroy.

Published 28-May-2026

Shop Thefts, Vandalism and Crash Keep Police Busy Across Collaroy Area

Police responded to a string of incidents across Collaroy and Collaroy Plateau between Saturday, 16 May and Friday, 22 May, including alleged shop thefts, vandalism and multiple traffic incidents.

Repeat Shop Theft Reports on Pittwater Road

NSW Police first received reports just after 2.15pm on Saturday, 16 May, that goods had allegedly been stolen from a store on Pittwater Road, Collaroy.

Later that evening, just after 8.45pm, police were also called following reports of a group of disorderly youths gathered near Birdwood Avenue.

Another alleged shop theft was reported on Pittwater Road just before 4.15pm on Sunday, 17 May.

Driver Taken to Hospital After Hitting Traffic Lights

Emergency services responded to a single-vehicle crash on Pittwater Road near Collaroy Street just after 11.45pm on Wednesday, 20 May.

NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and firefighters from Narrabeen Station attended the scene after a car crashed into traffic lights on the median strip.

The male driver, believed to be in his 20s, was treated for minor injuries before being transported to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition.

Vehicle Theft and Vandalism at Collaroy Plateau

Police also responded to several incidents at nearby Collaroy Plateau later in the week.

Just after 9.30am on Thursday, 21 May, officers received reports of a vehicle stolen from Edgecliffe Boulevard.

That evening, shortly before 9.30pm, police were called to Blandford Street following reports of vandalism to property.

A further traffic incident was reported just after 8.15pm on Friday, 22 May, after a motor vehicle collision at Essilia Street, Collaroy Plateau.

The incidents form part of a broader snapshot of recent police activity across the Collaroy area.

Published 23-May-2026

Northern Beaches Drone Program Honours Mercury Psillakis With Shark Surveillance Rollout

Photo Credit: CrJoelineHackman/Facebook

Mercury Psillakis’ name will now be carried above the water he loved, with shark-surveillance drones being rolled out across NSW boardrider clubs in a program shaped by his family’s support after his death in a shark attack.

Mercury Psillakis’ Legacy Takes To The Skies

On the Northern Beaches, where surfing is part of daily life for many families and clubs, the new drone program has turned grief into a practical safety measure.

Mercury Psillakis, a respected Northern Beaches surfer, died after being attacked by a white shark at Dee Why Beach on 6 September 2025. He was 57. His death left a deep mark on the local surfing community, and his family has since supported stronger use of drone surveillance to help protect surfers during club activity.

Each drone deployed through the expanded program will carry Mercury’s name. For his widow, Maria Psillakis, and twin brother, Michael Psillakis, the rollout is both a tribute and a step towards improving safety for others who enter the water.

The program does not erase the loss, but it gives Mercury’s memory a visible place in the future of beach safety. His name will be attached to equipment intended to watch over surfers during competitions, training sessions and other organised boardrider club activities.

Northern Beaches drones — *Photo Credit: CrJoelineHackman/Facebook*

Northern Beaches Training Begins Before Wider Rollout

Training has begun on the Northern Beaches before moving to Sydney’s southern beaches and then to regional training locations north and south.

The rollout will provide 60 drones to boardrider clubs that had not yet been equipped. By the end of winter, 125 volunteer drone pilots are expected to be trained.

Surfing NSW is delivering the program across its boardrider club network, which includes 120 clubs along the NSW coast and more than 11,500 active members. Half of those members are under 18, giving the program clear importance for clubs with growing junior participation.

Boardrider clubs operate beyond the regular patrol season, with competitions, training sessions and inter-club events continuing throughout the year. The drone program is intended to fill part of that gap by giving clubs their own trained volunteers and equipment during organised surfing activity.

How The Shark Surveillance System Will Work

The drones will be used to monitor the water in real time during boardrider club events and training. Volunteer pilots will be trained to identify high-risk shark species and follow set procedures when a shark is seen.

If a shark is spotted during a club event or training session, activity will be paused for at least 30 minutes unless local beach safety directions require another response. Shark sightings and warnings will also be uploaded to the SharkSmart app, giving water users access to near real-time information before entering the water.

The system is not a promise of constant surveillance across every beach. Its focus is more specific: adding another layer of monitoring during organised surfing activity, especially when regular patrols may not be operating.

That distinction matters. The program is designed around the rhythms of boardrider clubs, where surfers train early, compete on weekends and continue entering the water through seasons when formal patrol coverage may be limited.

Mercury Psillakis — *Photo Credit: CrJoelineHackman/Facebook*

A Wider NSW Surf Safety Effort

After the Northern Beaches rollout, the program will extend across Sydney’s southern beaches before further regional training is delivered. The broader rollout includes coastal areas such as Newcastle and Wollongong.

The program also points to future changes in shark surveillance. Automated drones and artificial intelligence-assisted shark detection are being considered, although the current rollout relies on trained pilots operating the drones.

For the Psillakis family, the drones carry more than equipment. They carry Mercury’s name into the daily work of keeping surfers safer. For boardrider clubs, the rollout provides training, equipment and a clearer process when sharks are sighted during organised activity.

What began on the Northern Beaches now has a wider NSW reach, linking one surfer’s memory with a community-led effort to give others in the water another layer of protection.

Published 5-May-2026

Car Taken From Collaroy Plateau Driveway as Police Probe Latest Theft

A Collaroy Plateau resident has woken to find their car gone — the latest in a string of vehicle thefts putting the suburb back on edge.

Police are investigating a quick, targeted theft on Essilia Street, where security footage shows just how fast these jobs are being done. Late on Wednesday night, a car pulls up outside the property. Within moments, a person gets out, heads straight to a vehicle parked in the driveway, and drives off. The entire sequence takes only minutes.

The car was taken sometime between Wednesday afternoon and early Thursday morning (29–30 April), with the owner discovering it missing at around 6:30am.

How the offender accessed the keys remains unclear, but the method fits a pattern seen across the Northern Beaches — offenders moving quickly, often appearing to know exactly what they’re looking for.

Recent incidents in Collaroy Plateau have included a break-in on Claudare Street earlier this year, where keys were taken and a Mazda CX-3 stolen before being recovered in Narrabeen. There have also been other attempted thefts in the area, along with the high-profile theft of a vintage Porsche in 2025.

Police have been linking a number of these matters under Strikeforce Sweetenham, which continues to investigate vehicle-related offences across the region.

Details of the vehicles involved in the latest Essilia Street incident have not yet been released. Police are urging residents to review CCTV or dashcam footage from the area and report anything suspicious.

Retail Crackdown in Dee Why

The car theft comes as police ramp up enforcement elsewhere on the Beaches.

On 30 April, officers carried out a targeted operation in Dee Why focused on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour around Howard Avenue. The crackdown, led by the Northern Beaches Youth Officer, resulted in five on-the-spot fines and five youth cautions.

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested and charged over an alleged theft at a supermarket earlier in the week. He was refused bail and is due to face the Children’s Court.

The operation forms part of a wider NSW Police push to curb retail crime, with increased patrols and closer coordination with local businesses.

$80,000 Lost in Email Scam

Police are also warning locals after a Terrey Hills business lost $80,000 in an email scam.

The company believed it was paying a legitimate supplier, but the invoice had been altered — with bank details swapped out by a scammer. The deception was only uncovered after the payment had gone through.

Investigators say these “business email compromise” scams are becoming more common again, often involving subtle changes to email addresses that can be hard to spot.

Their advice is simple: always verify bank details by phone before transferring large sums.

What Collaroy Residents Can Do

With thefts and scams both on the radar, police are urging residents to stay vigilant — lock vehicles, secure keys out of sight, and double-check financial transactions.

Anyone with information about the Essilia Street theft is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 30-April-2026

Long Reef Golf Club Plan In Collaroy Knocked Back

Photo Credit: DA2025/0764

Long Reef Golf Club’s $21.6 million clubhouse redevelopment in Collaroy has been refused, leaving plans for alterations, additions and car parking works unapproved.

Collaroy Clubhouse Proposal Refused

Long Reef Golf Club’s proposed clubhouse redevelopment at 2 Anzac Avenue, has been refused after assessment of a development application seeking major changes to the existing club facilities.

The application, listed as DA2025/0764, proposed alterations and additions to the clubhouse, along with car parking works. The cost of work was recorded at $21,596,132.

The application was submitted on 23 June 2025 and placed on exhibition from 14 July 2025 to 11 August 2025. It was determined on 15 April 2026, with the application status recorded as refused.

The proposal had been recommended for approval by professional planning staff before it was unanimously refused at determination stage.

Long Reef Golf Club — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

Scale And Information Gaps Cited

The refusal centred on concerns about the proposed building’s size and bulk in its coastal setting on community-owned land.

The application was also considered incomplete, with further information required before the proposal could be properly considered. Those issues meant the clubhouse redevelopment did not proceed to approval.

The proposal would have changed the existing Long Reef Golf Club clubhouse and included associated car parking works, making it a substantial application for the Collaroy site.

Long Reef Golf Club Responds

Long Reef Golf Club General Manager Ben Russell said the existing clubhouse, which is about 60 years old, was no longer fit for purpose.

He said the club’s goal remained to create a modern and sustainable asset for the Northern Beaches. He also noted that the proposal had been supported through the assessment process before the refusal.

Mr Russell said the decision identified a need for further technical information and clarification about specific site details. He said the club believed many of those matters had already been addressed through its submission and technical material.

The club has indicated it expects to provide further clarification through a review process, with the aim of demonstrating the project’s compliance and long-term benefit.

clubhouse redevelopment, — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

Long Reef Golf Club Plan Remains Unapproved

The current application record lists no related applications for DA2025/0764.

For now, the Long Reef Golf Club redevelopment remains unapproved. The proposal’s future will depend on any further review process or additional material pursued by the club.

Published 29-Apr-2026

Griffith Park Boardwalk Reopens After $2.1-M Coastal Upgrade

The boardwalk at Griffith Park in Collaroy is open again after a $2.1 million upgrade that replaces a section of coastal infrastructure previously vulnerable to storm damage and erosion.

Read: Swift Rescue Saves Injured Surfer At Popular Long Reef Break

The project scope included design work, site investigations and full construction. The structure was relocated further inland, where it is less exposed to storm damage and erosion. The project also included the upgrade of a 20-metre beach access ramp.

Photo credit: Facebook/NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Delivered by Northern Beaches Council and funded through the NSW Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, the project replaced and realigned around 110 metres of boardwalk and bridge, and upgraded a 20-metre beach access ramp.

The boardwalk forms part of the Long Reef Headland coastal loop, which is popular with walkers, families and visitors year-round. It is a well-known whale-watching spot and a popular destination for walkers, families and visitors year-round.

Long Reef Headland (Photo credit: Google Maps/Xufei Sun)

Visitors can view 230-million-year-old red claystone cliffs, known locally as the ‘chocolate shales’, along with panoramic views across Dee Why and Collaroy beaches. At low tide, extensive rock platforms are accessible, rich with fossils and marine life. Swimming and surfing are also popular at the reserve.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins said the project had involved broad consultation.

“We have worked closely with our community and stakeholders to deliver a solution that protects the environment, honours cultural heritage, and enriches the experience for all who enjoy this stunning stretch of coastline,” Cr Heins said.

Read: Collaroy’s Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club Opens New Sustainable Home

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the funding was aimed at improving public access to shared spaces.

“This upgrade is a fantastic boost for the local community, making it safer and easier for people to enjoy one of the Northern Beaches’ most loved coastal walks,” Mr Kamper said.

The boardwalk is now open to the public.

Published 27-April-2026

Collaroy Golf Clubhouse Redevelopment Nears Decision on $21.5m Proposal

Photo Credit: DA2025/0764

A proposed redevelopment of the Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy is nearing a decision, with plans to replace the existing oceanfront clubhouse with a larger two-storey building featuring expanded dining, event, and public-use spaces.

Decision Looms for Collaroy Proposal

The development application, lodged in June 2025, is approaching determination, with a decision expected by 15 April 2026 following assessment and a recommendation for approval.

Planning documentation dated 14 April 2026 clarified approved land use definitions and confirmed that updated parking design requirements apply specifically to the new parking areas.

Coastal Site in Collaroy Set for Change

Near Fishermans Beach, the Long Reef Golf Club clubhouse has occupied its site for decades. The proposal would replace the current single-storey structure with a two-storey building while maintaining a similar footprint.

The redevelopment introduces a revised internal layout and expanded outdoor areas intended to support member facilities alongside broader public access. The changes would extend the range of uses across the site, particularly in hospitality and events.

Collaroy Golf Clubhouse — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

Mediterranean-Inspired Design and Expanded Layout

The proposed clubhouse draws on interwar Mediterranean design, reflecting architectural styles associated with Sydney’s coastal pavilions. The layout includes spaces positioned to take advantage of the surrounding coastal setting.

At ground level, plans include indoor dining, a members’ lounge with terrace access, and a garden terrace overlooking the beach. A covered outdoor dining area and a coffee kiosk are also proposed, allowing passersby to access services without entering the main building.

The upper floor would introduce additional lounge areas, a bar, and outdoor terraces designed to maximise coastal views. Multi-use rooms across both levels are proposed for members, visitors, and events.

Community Concerns Raised During Assessment

Submissions lodged during the assessment period have raised concerns about noise, traffic, parking demand, and the scale of the redevelopment. These issues form part of the considerations ahead of the final decision.

Visual impact assessments indicate that any loss of views for nearby properties would range from negligible to minor.

Parking Expansion and Operational Changes

The proposal includes an increase in parking capacity from 43 to 92 spaces, incorporating accessible bays, staff parking, and overflow areas.

Operational changes are also outlined, including the removal of 11 gaming machines. Club material indicates a shift toward hospitality and event income, intended to help maintain affordability for both members and the public.

coastal developmen — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

If approved, construction is expected to take at least 18 months. Temporary arrangements are under consideration to allow continued operations during the redevelopment period.

The decision will determine whether the Collaroy clubhouse proceeds with the proposed redevelopment or remains in its current form.

Published 12-Apr-2026

Man Rescued From Pool After Fall At Collaroy Home

Photo Credit: Pexels

A man in his 60s was rescued from a backyard swimming pool at a residential property in Collaroy after falling from height and sustaining injuries.

Fall From Height Sparks Emergency Response In Collaroy

Emergency services were called to a home in Collaroy on Monday, 23 March 2026, after reports of an injured man in a backyard pool.

The man, identified in one report as 62, had been working at the rear of the property when he fell from height onto a hard surface near the pool before ending up in the water. Accounts differ on whether the fall occurred from scaffolding or a roof.

A family member entered the pool and helped keep him above the surface until paramedics arrived.

Collaroy pool rescue — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Multi-Agency Rescue Effort At Residential Property

NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Fire and Rescue NSW attended the scene, with one report stating that four ambulance crews, including intensive care paramedics, responded.

Paramedics found the man still in the water and applied spinal precautions before carefully removing him. He reported landing on his back and experiencing pain, particularly in his back and side.

Rescue crews then carried him from the steep backyard to a waiting ambulance on the street, managing the terrain to ensure safe transport.

CareFlight Collaroy — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

CareFlight Called As Crews Assess Injuries

A CareFlight rescue helicopter was tasked to the incident and landed at a nearby school oval in Collaroy at about 2:10 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Police cleared the landing area ahead of arrival. Medical teams conducted further assessment for possible spinal and internal injuries, with one report noting the use of portable ultrasound equipment.

The man remained conscious throughout the response and was later transported by road to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition shortly before 2.45 p.m.

What Remains Unclear

While the sequence of events is consistent, the exact structure from which the man fell has not been clearly established. No further update on his condition has been confirmed.

Published 26-Mar-2026