Collaroy Archives - Page 3 of 3

Collaroy’s Historic Boat Winches at Fishermans Beach to be Reinstated as Modern Art

Photo Credit: Laurie Wilson/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED

Collaroy’s picturesque Fishermans Beach will soon be home to a unique transformation as the historic boat winches that once graced its shoreline are set to become modern art installations.

These winches, steeped in a rich history dating back over 150 years, had fallen into disrepair, but one dedicated resident, Michell Cudmore, and the late Tony Davis, former President of the Long Reef Fisherman’s Club, are breathing new life into these fading relics.

A Grand Restoration Project

Fishermans Beach, Collaroy, was once a hub of maritime activity, where heavy fishing boats were hauled up the shore using the very winches that have now captured the attention of preservationists. Over the years, these historic winches had rusted and deteriorated, with some even succumbing to coastal erosion, teetering on the edge of oblivion.

Ms Cudmore took it upon herself to safeguard this piece of Collaroy’s heritage. Her inspiration stemmed from a desire to honour the area’s history and her cherished memories of spending time on the beach with her late father, Mr Davis.

Turning History into Art

Recognising that the deteriorating winches needed urgent attention, Ms Cudmore approached Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins with a visionary idea: restoring the winches as sculptures along the coastal walkway. This artistic transformation, she believed, would breathe new life into the historical significance of the area.

With the support of the local community and a grant of $29,500 from the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries Recreational Fishing Trusts – Saltwater, the ambitious project took its first steps towards reality.

A Community Effort

Northern Beaches Council embraced the initiative and joined hands with Ms Cudmore to facilitate the project. The concrete blocks that once housed the winches are being replaced with decorative sandstone plinths along the pathway, a stark improvement over their previous placement on the water’s edge. Furthermore, retaining works are underway to prevent further shoreline erosion in the area.

Ms Heins lauded the project for its ability to connect the public with the rich history of the region. She noted that many people had long wondered about the purpose of these enigmatic structures, and the project will bring their story to life.

A New Chapter for Fishermans Beach

As the restoration project progresses, the historic boat winches of Fishermans Beach will soon be returned to their former glory. However, their purpose will shift from utility to artistry, becoming a unique feature of the Northern Beaches Coastal Walkway.

These restored winches, once lifelines to the fishing community, will soon invite both locals and tourists to explore the area’s rich history and appreciate the seamless fusion of art and heritage. A storyboard detailing the area’s fishing history will be installed, providing the public with an educational and engaging experience.

Published 20-Oct-2023

The Origins of Collaroy: A Sydney Suburb Named for a Shipwreck

Did you know that Collaroy got its name from a paddle-steamer that ran aground in the area over a century ago?

Read: Collaroy-Narrabeen Seawall Extension Now Underway Amidst Mounting Opposition

Over 140 years ago, the iron-hulled paddle-steamer SS Collaroy often sailed between Newcastle and Sydney. It was launched in 1853 in Birkenhead, England and named after a sheep station near Cassilis in the Hunter Valley.

Though the SS Collaroy enjoyed many years of service along the NSW coast, it met an ignoble end when it ran aground on the southern end of Narrabeen Beach in 1889. This stranded steamer became so well-known that the area eventually took on the name Collaroy Beach.

Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies

The paddle-steamer was built by John Laird and Son & Co in Birkenhead. Though originally launched with three masts in 1853, modifications in 1859 reduced the number of masts to two and increased the ship’s gross tonnage from 356 to 419 tons.

For most of its career, the Collaroy sailed without major incident. However, in 1875 it collided with the schooner Ida near Long Reef, causing serious damage.

Throughout its service along the NSW coast, the steamer proved a popular and reliable vessel, despite being slow. It was this lack of speed that led the ship’s master to sail too close to the coast in an attempt to make up for lost time.

On 20 January 1889, the ship left Newcastle bound for Sydney with cargo and passengers. Off Collaroy, it ran aground on the southern end of Narrabeen Beach, where it lay stranded for nearly four years in full view of passing ships.

The stranded paddle-steamer (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

The wreck of the ship became a landmark, drawing significant attention and even a visit from royalty. Although it took several decades for the name to become official, the southern end of Narrabeen Beach eventually became known as Collaroy Beach due to the grounded paddle steamer.

Collaroy Beach in 1907 (Photo credit: National Library of Australia)

Other than Resolute Beach, Collaroy is the only suburb on Sydney’s Northern Beaches peninsula named after a shipwreck along its shores.

Read: A Little Slice of the Summer Holidays: Beachfront Eatery Opens in Collaroy

The SS Collaroy itself faded into history. But its legacy remains in the name of the Sydney northern beaches suburb. So next time you’re in the beach, think of the old paddle-steamer that gave the suburb its name over a century ago.

Published 24-September-2023

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

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/Martin Mischkulnig

The new community hub of the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club in Collaroy has finally opened its doors after nearly two years of construction, offering a welcoming space to Northern Beaches locals and visitors.

Designed by award-winning Adriano Pupilli Architects, the new clubhouse, which was officially unveiled in February 2023, comprises three distinct weathered timber pavilions along the rugged coastal dune scape.

The main building houses the gym and training area, first aid room and function rooms for community activities. The second floor of this building offers sweeping views of the ocean. The other buildings have the cafe and the community storage lockers for the Council Lifeguards and the Board Rider group.

At the heart of the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club is the courtyard, a centralised public area with amenities like barbecues, plenty of seating and shade, and gorgeous landscaping.

Long Reef SLSC — *Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council/Martin Mischkulnig*

The $9.5-million fit-for-purpose building, which replaces the old clubhouse, is sustainable and fitted with modern and flexible features that are sympathetic to the local environment.

The structures are made of natural materials from sustainably sourced timber, whilst water fittings and fixtures have been designed to save water. The building has LED lighting on automated controls, drought-tolerant planting, green roofs, bike racks, and permeable paving.

“I said when the fences went up that I was sad to see the old buildings go, but it was well and truly past its used-by date. This new site is both spectacular and functional,” Peter Kinsey, President of Long Reef Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club, said. “I am so glad I could be here to witness its completion after being part of the Club for more than 60 years. It’s a real special feeling.”

“This facility will provide a welcoming centre of activity for the broader beach-loving community, and a long-term base for future generations of volunteer surf lifesavers to share their skills, conduct vital patrols and provide a safe beach environment for everyone to enjoy,” Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said.

Founded in 1950 with 29 members, the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club currently has over 1,000 members.

Published 1-April-2023

For a Limited Time! Mr Gelato in the Northern Beaches Offers Customised Egg Gelato Easter Cakes

Make your Easter celebration unforgettable this year by serving and indulging in truly delightful egg-shaped gelato-filled Easter cakes from Mr Gelato by Matteo, with outlets in Collaroy and Freshwater.

Available only until Sunday, 17 April 2022, the customisable dessert from Mr Gelato by Matteo is prepared fresh on the site with the customers picking out the biscuit crumble for the base, their ice cream flavour for the filling, the glaze, and the toppings.

Among the most popular choices include:

BASE	GELATO	GLAZE TOPPING
Caramel crumble Chocolate crumble Classic Italian crumble	Apple pie Chocolate Coffee Dulce De Leche Ferrero Rocher Lemon Nutella Pistachio	Dark Chocolate Ferrero Rocher Lemon Nutella Pistachio

The Egg Gelato Easter Cakes are guaranteed to be a hit with the family but customers may also indulge in heaps of other desserts like its classic gelato, crepes and other unique cakes.

Who can ever resist the original gelato artigianale Italiano, which comes in different flavours? Served in a cup, a cone, a cannoli, or as a split, the creamy and smooth gelato melts in your mouth and contains less fat than regular ice cream.

The Northern Beaches store, which uses traditional family recipes, has been around since 1996 in Rome, and then expanded in the two local outlets.

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A post shared by Mr Gelato by Matteo 👑 (@mrgelatobymatteo)

Mr Gelato by Matteo use locally sourced fresh fruits for its wonderful flavours, top-quality Australian milk, and some of the best ingredients from Italy.

Follow the store on Instagram for updates.

$14.7 Million Revamp for Pittwater House in Collaroy Proceeds as Scheduled

Upgrades to Pittwater House in Collaroy have started more than a year after the school received approval for its development application. Once completed, the $14.7 million revamp will see the school with a new library, new classrooms, and an improved drop-off/pick-up zone that will fix the traffic issues in the surrounding streets.

Pittwater House lodged DA2019/1274 in November 2019 outlining the masterplan for its senior school building, library and resource centre, reception and admissions office, classroom upgrades, and the drop-off and pick-up zones.

The school cited the need for the upgrades as it projects an increase in the student body to more than 1,000 by 2030. The school also stated in its masterplan that there is a need to “augment existing facilities with more modern facilities that reflect new ways of learning” to continue to provide high-quality instruction for the children.

The DA received approval in October 2020 with the construction, spread out in several stages for four to five years, set to start by Term 4 2021.

In September 2021, the school had the turning the sod ceremony with Dr Nancy Hillier, the school’s principal for more than three decades. The first stage will cover the Kiss and Drop zone and then followed by the Senior School upgrades.

The drop-off/pick-up zone will consist of a new driveway on South Creek Road to allow cares to enter the campus. This driveway will be closed to the public outside of the drop-off/pick-up times and will be used as a play area for the kids.

“This is a plan for renewal, not expansion,” school officials stated. “Our School will continue to operate on-site as normal, so the construction program will be managed to minimise dust and noise. Careful design and supervision of building works will allow for our students to continue to engage in all the activities that comprise each day with minimal adverse impact.”

*Photo Credit: DA/NorthernBeachesCouncil*

Pittwater House was established as a preparatory school for boys in 1961 with just six students. In 1975, the school opened its Girls’ College and throughout the ’80s and ’90s, the school expanded with more blocks and facilities.

Today, it has more than 900 students with a student-teacher ratio of just 9.4 per class. The school said that the small class size will remain the same, amidst the upgrades, so every student will get equal attention from the teachers.

New Pedestrian Safety Program to be Implemented in Collaroy Plateau

The Northern Beaches Council is currently implementing a new pedestrian safety program, with an ongoing trial which began in March 2021, in cooperation with Collaroy Plateau Public School and other schools.

Using funding from the Commonwealth government’s Federal Stimulus – School Infrastructure Program, the $8.57 million safety upgrades will affect a total of 32 schools across the Northern Beaches over the next twelve months. Among the first two institutions slated for inclusion are Manly West and Collaroy Plateau Public School.

According to Mayor Michael Regan, pedestrian safety is a top priority and the program should speed up the improvements or replacements of existing school pedestrian crossings; introduce new footpaths and user paths; as well as implement safety infrastructure such as kerb ramps.

“This is an exciting program which will ensure we improve safety for our kids and community around our schools,” says Mayor Regan. “We have been working on a Safer Schools program for some time with the school community to identify hotspot areas which need urgent safety upgrades.”

Some of the proposed upgrades include the raising and/or relocation of pedestrian crossings. This will contribute to community safety by increasing the visibility of the crossings and the people using them while forcing vehicles to slow down as they approach.

Those interested in following the program or providing feedback can do so by visiting YourSay.

$6-Million Long Reef Surf Club Redevelopment in Collaroy Set for April 2020

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council

The Northern Beaches Council has given initial approval to the redevelopment of a new clubhouse at Long Reef Beach in Collaroy. Following years of deliberation and meetings between members of the Long Reef SLSC and council officials, an agreement has been reached with regards the $6 million renovation project.

The submission of the development application (DA) will be filed in May 2019. Once filed, the Northern Beaches Council anticipates that construction will start by April 2020.

The Long Reef SLSC worked with architects and designers, conducted consultations with the community, and prepared reports to get this project underway. In January 2019, the club presented a full report with inputs from the following groups below to gain a Council endorsement:

Long Reef SLSC Exec Committee
Board Riders Group
Manly Surf School
Local Residents
Environmental groups
Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
Key user/hirer
Local Community Rep (incl Youth)
Save Long Reef

*Photo Credit:* *Long Reef SLSC/Facebook*

However, the Council also asked for an alternative concept design for the new Long Reef SLSC clubhouse following an objection from a small percentage of the community, which did not like the original configurations. Concerns were raised regarding the building’s height, the lack of an enclosed courtyard, and the addition of community lockers.

Over 500 people shared their comments and opinions about the new clubhouse’s design. At least 96 percent agreed that the redevelopment is due.

“Northern Beaches Council voted to ALLOW the construction on a new clubhouse to commence in April 2020,” a statement read on the Long Reef SLSC Facebook page. “This is a fantastic result that we had all been working towards, and look forward to being apart of the next chapter of Longy!”