Neighbourhood Media Dee Why Magazine | February 2024

+ HEAPS MORE MEET THE GOOD BAR LOCAL ARTIST, KATIE THOMAS

FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES

HARBORD BOWLING CLUB

BUBBLE SOCCER

60-90 MINUTES OF BUBBLE SOCCER FUN FOR KIDS AGED 8-14

WEEKLY COACHING

AFTER SCHOOL SOCCER DURING TERM TIME

KIDS PARTIES

2 HOUR HASSLE FREE KIDS SOCCER PARTIES

HELLO DEE WHY and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We are back with our first issue of 2099 magazine for 2024 and it’s a big one! We meet up with Katie Thomas, whose beautiful art is featured on the front cover, to learn more about her career as an artist.

In history we explore with Freda Du Faur, a Dee Why local and pioneering mountain climber.

The legendary Freda Du Faur

HUMANS OF 2099

Katie Thomas, bringing Dee Why to life with paint.

We caught up with Lachlan Pyke, President of the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club, to hear what’s in store for the club this year. Building a house? We went to see GJ Gardner Homes‘ new showhome at Freshwater.

Then it’s playtime! Did you know there’s an entire Putt Putt golf course on the Northern Beaches in Cromer? We also learnt more about Kik-Off - think classic soccer, but revolutionised and much more fun!

For the foodies, we learned the Sea Bar Café on Dee Why Strand, not only has the best sea views but is under new management, offering tantalising dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and we checked out the brand new GoodBar cocktail bar in Brookvale that was inspired by a Snowy Mountains river.

There’s Pets, Puzzles, our Local Directory + HEAPS More.

What’s happening at the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club?

HUMANS OF 2099

Local author, Amy Hutton

HOME PLAY

HISTORY PLAY

See you next time, Neighbourhood Media x

PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media

DESIGNER - Robert Everett

CONTRIBUTORS - Isabella Edwards, Jamie Apps, Tahney Fosdike, Alec Smart & Rob Everett

G J Gardner Homes’ brand new showhome

The Putt Putt golf course inspired by the Northern Beaches!

Kik-Off, Soccer, but Funner!

COMMUNITY DRINK

Say hello to Goodradigbee Whiskey’s brand new Good Bar

ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

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Brunch with a view of Dee Why Beach?

Check out Sea Bar Cafe!

EAT PETS BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Keep your Pup Safe in Summer | Meet our Pets of 2099

There is no better time to shop local, make

HISTORY

Emmeline ‘Freda’ Du Faur was a pioneering mountain climber and avid bushwalker, who spent the last years of her life in Dee Why and Collaroy.

Freda climbed at least 18 peaks and was the first woman to ascend to the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain).

DDESPITE breaking international climbing records in an era when women were discouraged from such pursuits, for 71 years she was left in an unmarked grave in Manly Cemetery and only honoured with a memorial in 2006.

Born 16 September 1882 in Croydon, western Sydney, she was the daughter of Blanche Woolley and (Frederick) Eccleston Du Faur.

Her father Eccleston, a keen environmentalist, was also a distinguished explorer (he co-founded the Royal Geographical Society of Australia).

In 1888, when Freda was six, the Du Faur’s settled on 10 hectares of land in a new district Eccleston persuaded the authorities to call ‘Turramurra’. The suburb was named after the Dharug Aboriginal word for ‘big hill’.

The Du Faur’s family property is still standing at 11 Pibrac Avenue, Warrawee. Later, Freda was to name a mountain peak in New Zealand after her childhood home: Mount Pibrac.

From Turramurra, Eccleston oversaw the construction of a road through the bush to Bobbin Head on Cowan Creek, and explored the foreshores extensively. It was here young Freda nurtured her sense of adventure, roaming with her dog, and she developed her incredible climbing skills clambering up the rocky escarpments.

NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTHERN ALPS BECKON

Freda, who was educated at Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School in Darlinghurst, initially went on to study nursing, but found it unsuitable.

Although she had spent summer holidays in New Zealand on the North Island, on her first trip to the South Island she was captivated by photographs of Mount Cook.

By Alec Smart

Freda travelled to the area, staying at the Hermitage Hotel in the alpine village below Mt Cook. She then set her heart on climbing the snow-peaked Southern Alps, which run along a geological boundary plate almost the entire length of New Zealand’s South Island.

After she was gifted an inheritance of $2000 from her aunt, composer Emmeline Woolley, in March 1908, Freda, aged 25, had an independent income that enabled her to pursue her passion of travelling and climbing.

Later that year, back at The Hermitage Hotel, Freda was introduced to the district’s premier mountaineering guide, Peter Graham, who had made 13 ascents to the peak of New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Graham reportedly called her a “blessed cat”!

Despite the pair’s climbing competence, social customs dictated that an unmarried woman should not camp alone overnight with a male guide. They were forced to invite a chaperone to join them.

The obligatory chaperone, a hotel porter, proved a hindrance – at one stage he slipped down a rock face and his life was saved thanks to Freda’s adroit knot-tying skills on the rescue rope that retrieved him. She dispensed with him for future climbs and thereafter ignored the malicious gossipers.

The fact that Freda was a single woman sharing a tent with a single man wasn’t the only thing that got the scandalmongers talking. Her attire was also subject to scrutiny. In a time when women were expected to wear ankle-length modest skirts, hers were trimmed, for practical purposes, at the knees.

Furthermore, Freda was homosexual during a time when it was illegal. Society saw lesbianism as a social stigma and

a psychological disorder that needed psychiatric treatment to cure. This public attitude later impacted dramatically on her life partner, Muriel Cadogan (more on that below).

CLOUD PIERCING

After her first major climbs, Freda set her sights on conquering Mt Cook, known to the Indigenous Ngāi Tahu Maoris of the South Island as Aoraki.

There is a legend that Aoraki means ‘Cloud Piercer’, derived from the Ngāi Tahu words ao (world) and raki (sky/ weather), which describes the earth cutting into the sky.

In preparation for her ascent of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Freda returned to Sydney in 1910 and spent three months at the Dupain Institute of Physical Education and Medical Gymnastics in the city. Here she met Muriel ‘Minnie’ Cadogan, a fitness trainer and co-editor of the art, music and literature magazine Dupain Quarterly, who became her lover and life partner.

After sailing back to New Zealand, on 3 December 1910 Freda became the first woman to climb to the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook, accompanied again by mountaineerguide Peter Graham with his brother Alec. They reached the 3,724m (12,218ft) summit in a record six hours (beating the previous record by 2 hours).

Regarding her monumental achievement, Freda recalled, “I was the first unmarried woman to climb in New Zealand, and in consequence I received all the hard knocks until one day when I awoke more or less famous in the mountaineering world, after which I could and did do exactly as seemed to me best.”

Over the next three climbing seasons, at the peak of her fitness, Freda immersed herself in her passion and focused on scaling all of New Zealand’s highest peaks – 15 in succession!

In her final climbing season before relocating to England, Freda and the Graham brothers made the first-ever ascents of two unnamed peaks that she personally deputed: Mount Pibrac (2,541m) – named after her family home in Warrawee, Sydney – and Mount Cadogan (2,449m) – named after her beloved girlfriend Minnie.

BRITAIN… FROM TRIUMPH TO TRAGEDIES

In early 1914, Freda and her partner Muriel Cadogan sailed to England and settled in London.

In Britain, the couple had plans to undertake mountain climbing treks along the Alps, the European mountain range that extends across eight countries, and the Himalayas, the

Asiatic ridge separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan plateau.

Given her confidence and extraordinary fitness, it is highly probable Freda would have eventually attempted Mount Everest, Earth’s highest mountain. If she’d achieved this monumental feat, she would have beaten Hillary by almost 40 years.

However, on 28 July 1914, the First World War global conflict started, effectively terminating Freda’s cloudpiercing climbing ambitions.

Whilst based in London, Freda wrote a memoir of her mountaineering achievements, The Conquest of Mount Cook and Other Climbs: An Account of Four Seasons’ Mountaineering on the Southern Alps of New Zealand, published 1915.

Whilst living together in Bournemouth after the war, something triggered a decline in Muriel Cadogan’s mental health. After seeking medical help, the couple’s then-illegal lesbian relationship was discovered and they were kept apart.

Muriel, released into the custody of her family, travelled aboard the steamship SS Port Huon for the journey home to Sydney. However, Muriel declined rapidly and died onboard, and was buried at sea. She was 44 years of age.

IN 1931, FREDA RETURNED HOME TO AUSTRALIA

Freda initially stayed with her brother’s family, then set up home in a property called The Haven on Cumberland Avenue. (Although most biographies state this was in Dee Why, Cumberland Ave is just inside the geographical boundary of Collaroy.) She spent much of her time exploring the surrounding bushland, reportedly withdrawn and unhappy.

In September 1935, Freda, overcome by depression, took her own life.

A notification in the Sydney Morning Herald deaths column, dated Friday 20 Sept 1935, states: “DU FAUR.— September 13, 1935, at her residence, The Haven, Cumberland-avenue, Deewhy, Freda Du Faur, aged 53 years. Privately interred.”

Freda’s body was interred in the Church of England section at Manly Cemetery in plot number COE-H-654. For unknown reasons she lay in an unmarked grave for seven decades, until a group of admirers honoured her incredible achievements in December 2006 with a plaque and a marker made of New Zealand greywacke stone.

www.in2balancekinesiology.com.au

Lisa

Dee

FEATURE

HFeaturing on this issues’ front cover is work from UK expat and Northern Beaches local, Katie Thomas. We sat down with her to learn more about her craft.

HOW long have you been living/working on the Northern Beaches?

I emigrated to Australia from the UK in December 2018. The first place we lived was in Dee Why. Fast forward to now and I couldn’t think of living anywhere other than the Northern Beaches.

What are some of your biggest artistic achievements over your career? How long has it spanned?

I picked up a paint brush again when my daughter was born, so 13 years ago now. One of my biggest highlights has been meeting Prince Charles and Camilla with my artwork (now King and Queen) and curating an exhibition for them to visit in Wales, UK.

Others include having my first Solo exhibition at the Northern Beaches Gallery in April 2021. I honestly didn’t think anyone was going to turn up to the opening night as I didn’t know many people at the time. To my surprise the exhibition was a huge success. Four of my artworks had sold before opening and the amount of people that came along to the event was so heartwarming. A room full of

strangers have now become friends and regular collectors of my work and the exhibition went on to be a sell out.

Also, curating an exhibition at The Curl Curl Creative Space last March which involved hanging 83 artworks by 29 local artists - the opening night was epic! And last year, organising the first Northern Beaches Gallery Art Prize. Again, bringing artists together and curating exhibitions I find so rewarding. Helping artists have a place to show their artwork is one of my biggest achievements. Working with and being part of the Northern Beaches Gallery has helped me achieve this.

How did you start out as an artist?

I have always been artistic, taking all of the creative subjects in school. I went on to do a Diploma in Art and then a Degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. After Uni it took me 6 years to pick up a paint brush again, then I started selling artworks, cards and prints at local summer shows, Christmas fairs etc.

I joined two artist collective-run shops and started selling regularly through them. And then we sold up

and packed-up our lives in the UK, moved to Australia with just 6 suitcases between 4 of us, to start all over again, from scratch.

What would be your top 3 tips to someone else looking to pick up a paint brush?

1. Create an area in your home where you can set up your paints.

2. Carve out time in your day to create.

3. Paint and paint lots, and keep painting!

Do you paint from memory or from life? Is it difficult to set up to paint outside?

I paint from photographs. I take lots of pictures wherever I go. As a family we are always visiting beaches and ocean pools on the Northern Beaches and around Sydney which is the main subject of my paintings. At the moment it is impossible for me to paint outside as I have a very busy toddler. I paint during nap times and that’s easier for me to do at home.

Do you have any upcoming exhibitions/ projects?

“we are very excited to be exhibiting again at the Curl Curl Creative Space this March as a group of Northern Beaches artists. The Exhibition is called “Stunning”, exploring the natural beauty of our surroundings”.

Yes we are very excited to be exhibiting again at the Curl Curl Creative Space this March as a group of Northern Beaches artists. The Exhibition is called “Stunning”, exploring the natural beauty of our surroundings.

Then, we are teaming up with “Head Above Water” charity with an art exhibition in May to raise money and awareness of the Northern Beaches organisation.

Later in the year, the Jane Goodall Institute is having a fundraising exhibition at the Northern Beaches Gallery in July. But there are lots of group exhibitions throughout the year and maybe even a Solo towards the end of the year. Watch this space!

Name: Katie Thomas katiethomasart.com

kb.artforsale katiethomasart

COMMUNITY

By Adeline Teoh

Lachlan Pike, President, DY SLSC: Dee Why’s reach beyond the beach.

LOCAL FAVOURITE

It’s no surprise that Lachlan Pike, Dee Why SLSC President, recommends Dee Why Beach as the place to go for visitors.

“It’s a beautiful beach to walk on,” he says. “You do an amazing walk from Dee Why down to Long Reef and back. You can stop midway and see the lagoon, and you might be lucky enough to see the black swans that often are there. They’re part of our club logo.”

WHILE many members of Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club grew up in the suburb and began their relationship with the club as Nippers, Lachlan Pike was actually a “Nipper dad” for his then-six-year-old before he underwent training at the club.

W“I turned up just as a Nipper parent and then I saw all the fun that people were having in the water,” he recounts. “To get in the water and assist with Nippers’ safety, rather than stand on the beach, you need to have done the Bronze Medallion. So I thought, ‘why not?’”

That turned into a role as Head of Water Safety for Nippers, and then a stint helping to rewrite the club constitution. Fast forward a few years and the “Nipper dad” is now club President with three Nipper children.

Forgivably, the ‘late bloomer’ hails from the North Shore rather than the Northern Beaches, but has made the role his own over the past year, dedicating a portion of every day to the volunteer role.

“The surf club interacts not just with our own members, but we are involved with many other different organisations such as council, other volunteer organisations, other safety organisations, corporates [sponsors] in some way linked to the club.

“Part of my role is making sure the logistics of all that work; doing things for the benefit of the club so we’re the best club we can be,” Pike explains.

Established in 1912, Dee Why SLSC has more than a century of surf lifesaving in its history. Located at one of the more accessible beaches in Sydney, it provides services well beyond the immediate suburbs, even extending to regional and rural NSW, where the club runs its beach safety awareness program.

There is even, Pike notes, a Bush Nippers program. “If you were down here over the Australia Day weekend, it’s more than likely the people patrolling have driven all the way from Orange in Central West NSW.”

Patrolling may be one of the more pedestrian services

offered by the club, but Pike says it’s his favourite activity. “I really like patrols. There’s something about getting down to the beach early in the morning. You’re one of the first people there.

“You look out, have a look at the surf, have a look at what’s going on. You set up the beach, get it all ready. The flags go up with assistance from the council lifeguards. It’s just a fun way to get out and about and speak to people in the community.”

And that’s how he sees the club, as the heart and hub of the northern beaches, with a membership “as diverse as Dee Why has become” both in age – from six to over 90 –and heritage. “We have members from all over NSW, also from all over the world: everywhere from the Americas to the Middle East, to Asia, to every continent bar Antarctica,” he says.

Dee Why SLSC boasts a membership base of nearly a thousand people, with about 180 of them who patrol the beach from September to April, 9am to 7pm, every weekend and holiday.

There are also a handful who volunteer their skills to keep the club running, for which Pike is grateful. “When we need volunteers who have specific skills, we typically have that within our membership. It’s usually someone in the club who has experience from pretty much every profession you can imagine. A big shout-out to our members, who should be well regarded as great members of the community.”

Pike also reminds people that they can support the club without becoming a patrolling member. “I welcome calls from people to discuss how they might look to be part of the club or help the club, or what the club can do for them or what they can do for the club. It’s a win-win.”

Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club on Dee Why Beach has a range of courses and events throughout summer and the off season. Check out dyslsc.org.au and its Facebook page for updates.

By Isabella Edwards

Romance writer and Northern Beaches local Amy Hutton talks about her upcoming novel, becoming a full-time author, and how living on the Beaches inspires her writing.

GIn her previous life, Amy Hutton was a senior producer working in network television. Nowadays, she is one of the newest faces in the Sydney book scene! Roughly six years ago, Amy stumbled across an old file of a manuscript she had begun writing years earlier. A year later, she made the change and became a full-time romance author.

“I had quite a senior role, and I think I got to a stage where I was wondering if I just kept doing the same thing or should I try something new,” Amy told Neighbourhood Media.

“Network TV can be quite reactionary, and you often don’t know what you’re walking into on any given day. The more I thought about writing as a possibility for my future, of trying to finish the novel, of really spending some time learning the craft, the more excited I got about the idea, and the more I grew to understand how passionate I was about it.”

“I’ve always loved writing, and it’s something I’ve done on and off my entire life. English was my best and favourite subject at school and that love of words continued through from childhood to adulthood. I wanted to challenge myself to write a novel. I wasn’t sure if I could, but I wanted to give it a shot.

“Once I started, I knew I’d just keep going.”

Five years later, Amy’s debut novel, Sit, Stay, Love, was published in August 2023.

Sit, Stay, Love is a heart-warming love triangle between Sera, a pet-shelter owner, her best friend Toby and silverscreen superstar Ethan James, featuring a multitude of furry creatures – the charming read also takes place on

Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Described as “a mix between the joyous chaos of Bridget Jones with the heart and kindness of All Creatures Great Small,” Amy recalled her writing process for Sit, Stay, Love. “Sit, Stay, Love came to me as the scene that opens the book. It just downloaded into my brain, and I had to get it down. Then I went back to the other book I was writing, the second book in a paranormal rom-com series I have planned.

“But Sit, Stay, Love would not leave me alone! So, I put the other book aside and wrote Sit, Stay, Love instead.

“It wasn’t a long or difficult process. It pretty much flowed out of me, and it probably took me 3 – 4 months to get the first draft down. I’m a member of Romance Writers of Australia, and a couple of my fellow aspiring writers agreed to read the first draft for me and give me some feedback. When I got a very positive response from them, I thought I might be onto something.”

“I come from a background where I am very used to having outside input into my creative work. That happened daily in my TV job, and as a creative manager myself, I also gave creative feedback to the producers on my team. I think that experience has helped me in the process of editing and publishing.

“I love knowing that we’re all caring for the same thing and have the same goal: a great book.”

Sit, Stay, Love is definitely a read for pet lovers - Amy noted that her own love of rescue animals played a role in writing

her novel.

“I think the story came from my love and experience with my own rescue dogs, Harry, and Buffy, who both star in Sit, Stay, Love. I’m passionate about animal rescue, and it was important to me that the story didn’t just give the human characters their happy-ever-after but that the shelter animals got theirs as well.”

But it wasn’t just her pups that inspired Amy – Australia and the Northern Beaches proved a fruitful source of creative stimulation as well.

“I think it’s important to have stories in Australian voices, especially in the romance genre, which is heavily populated with very successful American romance authors.

“I also wanted to write something local to the area I grew up in. I was inspired to set Sit, Stay, Love on the Northern Beaches because I love this area, and I wanted to share that love. The environment around the Beaches is so diverse I knew I could have a movie star who lived overlooking a beach, a rescue shelter on a property big enough to house a sheep and a horse, world-class restaurants for romance to blossom in, and plenty of other places to have fun with — from bush settings to urban.

“The Northern Beaches became a bit of a character in the book, and being familiar with the area and having lived in various spots around the Beaches, definitely was a creative inspiration.”

Once locals have devoured Sit, Stay, Love, Amy has another delicious romance novel on the way – Love from Scratch will be released later this year.

Amy describes Love from Scratch as a “funny and fresh, opposites attract rom-com about a heart-throb actor, the grumpy woman who minds his beloved dog and the cat that steals his heart.”

Being her second novel, Love from Scratch followed a slightly different process to writing Sit, Stay, Love.

“Sit, Stay, Love I just wrote for me, hoping one day maybe someone might like it enough to publish it, but I was to my own timeline, working to my own expectations and nothing else.

“Love from Scratch was written to a contract. I had pitched the idea to my publisher, and happily they liked it and made me an offer, and then I went about writing it. So that in itself was a different process.

“The exercise of writing was essentially the same; it did feel different somehow, and I think that was probably my fault because I felt the weight of the expectations that I didn’t

have before.

“In the long run…I ended up with something I absolutely love and can’t wait for people to read.”

Love from Scratch is scheduled to hit shelves on June 5th this year!

Throughout her writing career, Amy has received plenty of support from the Northern Beaches’ community.

“I’ve had a lot of support locally,” she confirmed, “from local online newspapers to bookshops promoting me as a local author, to local online groups like Northern Beaches Mums. I’ve also been taken under the wing of the wonderful and vibrant Northern Beaches author community.

“I have visited all the local bookshops and booksellers who carry my book to sign it for them. The booksellers have all been amazing and super supportive.”

For readers wanting more, Amy Hutton will appear at the Australian Romance Readers Event, A Romantic Rendezvous, on March 10 in Sydney.

Of her upcoming appearance, Amy had this to say: “I love asking readers who their favourite character is - that’s so informative - and I love having those discussions with them, or hearing about their favourite part of the story. The romance reader community is so passionate and engaged; it really is a joy to be a part of”.

Amy will be signing copies of Sit, Stay, Love as well as unveiling the cover for Love from Scratch at the March 10 event.

You can also catch her at the inaugural Manly Writers’ Festival in March, doing a panel on writing romance as well as meeting readers and signing books.

Amy will also appear at other events throughout the year as well as in podcasts and interviews – you can find the details for these and more information about book releases by following her socials or heading to her website: www. amyhuttonauthor.com

HOME

By Tahney Fosdike

G.J.

Gardner Homes Sydney North unveils The Bluewater with a Palm Springs Facade

In a bold departure from the ordinary, G.J. Gardner Homes Sydney North is pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation with their upcoming display home, the Bluewater with a Palm Springs facade.

UUNDER construction are two homes, each sitting across large blocks in this coveted cul-de-sac position. The front house is being constructed to the brief of “a mid-century marvel” and is designed to showcase excellence in architecture with stunning curves and textural elements. This home exhibits a Palm Springs aesthetic, exuding a sense of style that is both modern and timeless.

Meanwhile, the rear home embraces a contemporary Hamptons Beach House vibe, creating a perfect blend of elegance and relaxation. Together, these two homes will add a touch of allure and luxury to the local architectural landscape, offering two uniquely customised homes that both perfectly suit the context of their Northern Beaches neighbourhood.

EMBRACING MID-CENTURY CHARM WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST

The brainchild of the acclaimed G.J. Gardner architects, The Bluewater draws inspiration from the resurgence of mid-century modern style. Owner Horst Lueckl, reflecting on their multi-award-winning Freshwater display home, expressed a desire to present something even more bold and revolutionary to the neighbourhood. “The Bluewater with a Palm Springs facade reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of design trends,” he shared.

PLAYFUL, PURPOSEFUL, AND ARTISTIC DESIGN CHOICES

Every aspect of The Bluewater is a deliberate choice, with design elements that are both playful and purposeful. The eloquent pink kitchen, intricate coloured tiles, and a revival of glass bricks create a captivating interplay of light, texture and architectural innovation. Mr Lueckl emphasises, “We saw this as an opportunity to showcase cutting-edge products and designs.” Working renders offer a sneak peek

into the vibrant, purposeful spaces that await visitors.

To navigate the intricate waters of style and experimentation, G.J. Gardner Homes Sydney North has enlisted the expertise of Dani Dean from The Make Haus. A visionary in the field, Dani Dean’s discerning eye and perspective play a pivotal role in curating a space that not only embraces innovation but also radiates sophistication. Mr Lueckl notes, “The collaboration between G.J. Gardner Homes and The Make Haus has breathed life into a space that is both bold and purposeful. This home expertly balances on the fine line between opulence and style and is destined to be a showstopper.”

A MASTERPIECE IN THE MAKING

The Bluewater promises more than just a visual spectacle, it invites visitors on an educational and immersive journey. G.J. Gardner Homes Sydney North envisions The Bluewater as a showcase of cutting-edge products and applications, creating a display home experience like never before.

“A visit to our display home is a journey through a world of colour, texture, and cutting-edge products and applications that have not likely been used in a G.J. Gardner Home before”, Mr Lueckl states.

Built on a foundation of community support, G.J. Gardner Homes Sydney North acknowledges the contributions of local suppliers and businesses. Mr Lueckl emphasises, “This unique project would not be possible without the collaboration and dedication of our skilled local trade base and trusted network of suppliers.”

Anticipation is building for the grand unveiling of The Bluewater, with G.J. Gardner Homes Sydney North aiming for an open date in June 2024. As the construction progresses, witness the future of architectural excellence as The Bluewater with a Palm Springs facade prepares to redefine the concept of a display home.

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PLAY

A new multi-use recreational and industrial site opened in November 2023 in Cromer.

The Northern Beaches Business Park at 4-10 Inman Rd, Cromer, repurposed the abandoned former Roche Pharmaceuticals headquarters (original makers of ‘Berocca’ effervescent multi-vitamin tablets) with spacious new units.

By Alec Smart

TTHE first tenants, Precision Golf, an indoor golf driving range and 18 hole mini ‘Putt Putt’ golf course, officially opened for business on 20 November in unit 11, beneath the Heritage-listed hexagonal clocktower.

Precision Golf is run by three PGA professionals, brothers Brad and Ray Hawkins and Brad McIntosh. The latter two oversee the facilities at the new Cromer centre, including equipment selection, golf coaching lessons, children’s mini golf parties and event packages.

Precision Golf have another indoor driving range in Chatswood, with nine bays, virtual simulators, a short game practice area, two sand bunkers and a pro shop. What inspired them to establish a second facility in Cromer?

“The space and parking were both exceptional,” Ray considered, “and it was something the area badly needed.”

Historically, Cromer is inextricably linked to golf. The suburb was originally called Dee Why West, but in 1940 Cromer Country Club (founded 1926 as Dee Why Golf Club) successfully petitioned to rename the area ‘Cromer’ (the golf club itself was named after an English seaside town in Norfolk).

All Precision Golf’s simulators and driving ranges employ TrackMan Radar Technology. What is it and how does it work?

“Trackman radar is missile tracking technology and ball flight tracking,” Ray said.

The TrackMan 4 Monitors gather statistics on golfers’ accuracy, how they swing the club and strike the ball, etc. How do Precision Golf go about ‘club fitting’ whereby they recommend the best equipment to improve their playing?

“With custom club fitting we use the data given to us from Trackman to give the best possible set for the individual based on club speed, ball speed and other various numbers,” Ray explained. “We then recommend what shaft flex, length, lie angle and brand would suit that person based on all the numbers and swing data we have viewed through using the Trackman 4.”

For a relatively inexperienced player hoping to improve their technique using the Trackman 4 Monitor, does Ray recommend they start on one of Precision’s Virtual Driving Range Simulators, or one of their Indoor Driving Range Bays?

“There are nine driving range bays at our Chatswood store. There are 26 driving range bays here at Cromer making us the largest indoor golf Trackman centre in the world. The simulators are Trackman also and we have six of them here in total making that 32 in this particular store at Cromer. I would recommend both, as they are still using Trackman to improve, whether it’s with the range or the simulator.”

With the Virtual Driving Range Simulator, are there particular international golf courses that visitors favour playing on?

“With the simulators there are more than 40 courses; then there are games and targets also to choose from. Pebble Beach [ the top golf course in USA on the Monterey Peninsula, California] and St Andrew’s [where the game was first played in the early 15th century near Fife, Scotland] would be the most popular.”

Anything he’d like to add?

“Last of all, I really want to express that the Trackman 4 data is to improve your game and get the best out of your practice sessions,” Ray affirmed. “We are a members-only driving range, however the public can book the simulators any time. The members prices start at $29.95 a week for 250 balls on the driving range and added to that is a half hour on the sims per week, plus a short game area and also a full practice putting area for members.

“We use real golf balls here on the driving range which are Taylormade TP5 golf balls not like most driving ranges that use limited-flight golf balls. So, basically, we are a real practice facility driven by high-tech data.”

PLAY

It’s a new year & time to find fun new activities for the kids. KIKOFF is the perfect kid’s activity with its unique spin on football skills & games that place ‘fun’ at the core of the experience.

LLAST year football fever swept the nation thanks to our incredible Matildas team, which has flowed through to KIKOFF according to Managing Director Oli Bramley, “We’ve seen a 62% increase in female players joining our programs over the past 6 months and a 28% increase in male players following the Women’s World Cup. Female participation has been growing over the past 8 years but there has definitely been a spike in the past few months at our locations.”

Bearing that in mind, before we dive deeper into each of the KIKOFF offerings we must first explore what exactly KIKOFF is. Simply put KIKOFF is your ultimate football facility with next-generation, all-weather, 5-a-side football pitches. But in all honesty, it’s even more than that.

KIKOFF was founded by two men with an intense passion for football.

“Myself and my uncle set the business up 15 years ago,” recalled Bramley. “We’re both big football fans and we’d seen what has happened in the game in the UK over the previous 20 years with the opening of 5-a-side facilities across the country allowing players to train and play competitively on synthetic pitches 7 days a week throughout the year.

Whether you’re planning a special birthday bash, seeking engaging holiday activities, or simply want to dive into the madness that is bubble soccer then KIKOFF has you covered. KIKOFF is a place where fun, excitement & sportsmanship come together to create lasting memories for every soccer enthusiast young & old.

BUBBLE SOCCER

Bubble Soccer is a new craze taking over the internet

& now you too can play a game of soccer inside a giant bubble. These sessions are perfect for up to 20 kids to have an hour of non-stop fun.

During a game of Bubble Soccer players encase themselves inside KIKOFF’s safe, cushioned bubbles to bounce, roll & bump into each other in a hilarious & exciting spin on traditional soccer. The goal of each game isn’t simply to score more goals than the other team either, it’s all about having fun as you laugh, tumble & enjoy the beautiful game in a new way.

Ages 8-14 only

KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Do you have a soccer-obsessed kid with a birthday on the horizon? Well, look no further than KIKOFF for their next unique & unforgettable birthday party.

Imagine the excitement as the birthday boy or girl, along with their friends, engage in an action-packed soccer adventure for 2 hours. KIKOFF birthdays aren’t just about playing soccer either, so everybody will have a great time, as the kids celebrate fun, friendship & the joy of play.

During a KIKOFF birthday party, the coaches will ensure that everybody is involved & having a great time, regardless of skill level. Each party involves thrilling soccer games, skills challenges, & mini-matches, all tailored to keep kids entertained & active throughout. And the best part, as parents you don’t have to worry about anything because KIKOFF handle everything from the equipment to the organisation of games. So you can sit back & enjoy the party as well.

seen a

in female players joining our programs over the past 6

in male players following the Women’s World Cup”.

KIKOFF FOOTBALL COACHING

If your child suddenly discovers a love for football after trying out Bubble Soccer or attending a birthday party, then KIKOFF can help elevate their skills further.KIKOFF’s weekly football coaching focuses on nurturing each child so they can go from grassroots to elite.

KIKOFF’s soccer program has been specifically designed to elevate every child’s soccer skills through a mix of soccer drills and games.

Focusing on age and ability-appropriate skills, the program develops fundamental movements and key aspects of gameplay including shooting, dribbling, passing, turning, attacking, defending and much more!

Coaching sessions are guided by KIKOFF’s experienced coaching staff as they foster a fun and supportive environment that encourages teamwork & sportsmanship.

“Our programs are designed to act as an introduction to the sport for kids,” Bramley revealed. “Kids can play regularly with us but we aim to get them to a level where they can go on to represent at local, state or national level. There is no limit as to how much kids can play at our centres. If they are involved in our programs then they have unlimited use of the facilities to practice.”

Sessions run throughout the week during term time from Feb 5.

KIKOFF TEAM COACHING

It’s not just individual coaching either. If your club needs a training location and coach then KIKOFF have Team packages available. From $10 per player per week, your team can have their own coach and an all-weather pitch to train on for 25 weeks from March – September during the season.

KIKOFF also accept Active Kids Vouchers.

For more information head to KIKOFF’s website at: kikoff.com.au

EAT/DRINK

A coastal, culinary haven with panoramic ocean views of Dee Why.

SSEA BAR CAFE is taking dining to new depths, creating the ultimate beachfront experience never seen before at The Strand. Now under new management, Sea Bar offers one of Dee Why’s best spots to take in the stunning views of Dee Why beach and enjoy some incredible fare!

Diners can dig into an array of delectable dishes, served in the beachfront dining space which creates a harmonious blend of locally loved flavours, and breathtaking vistas. From the hearty DY Big Brekkie to the tantalising Fish Tacos and the indulgent Seafood Platter, Sea Bar Cafe’s menu is a celebration of coastal cuisine designed to satisfy every palate. Their local favourite - John Dory with Chips & Salad - is a time-honoured delight that keeps the local community returning, time and time again.

Open from 6am to 3pm daily, Sea Bar Cafe caters to both early risers and afternoon indulgers. Whether you prefer a leisurely dine-in experience or a quick and convenient takeaway, Sea Bar Cafe offers a seamless experience for all beachgoers!

We caught up with the new owner, Sagar, who says, “We are thrilled to welcome guests to Sea Bar Cafe, where the beauty of our coastal location is complimented by the excellence of our menu. Thoughtfully curated to showcase the best of breakfast, brunch, and lunch, all the while providing a stunning ocean-view backdrop. Sea Bar Cafe is not just a dining destination; it’s the ultimate Aussie summer experience!”

Sea Bar is committed to providing a memorable dining experience every time, one that extends beyond the menu and ambience. The cafe is conveniently located at 20 The Strand, Dee Why, making it easily accessible for both locals and those looking to explore the vibrant coastal community of the Northern Beaches. Sea Bar Cafe encourages everyone to immerse themselves in the coastal charm, savour their delicious bites, and create lasting memories against the backdrop of the endless horizon.

Join the team at Sea Bar Cafe, where every moment is an ode to good food, great company, and the beauty of the seaside!

To complement your dining experience, Sea Bar Cafe introduced a range of irresistible beverage offers:

● Sip into summer with an Aperol Spritz for just $14, or enjoy two for $20!

● Receive a complimentary glass of wine with any lunch order, adding an extra touch of sophistication to your meal

2/20 The Strand, Dee Why NSW 2099 seabar.com.au

LOCAL FAVOURITE

John O’Connor, founder of Goodradigbee Distillers and The GoodBar, says Brookvale has upped its nightlife in recent years thanks to a cluster of kindred ‘spirits’.

TThe GoodBar is a new cocktail bar in Brookvale, linked to a Snowy Mountains inspired distillery.

THERE is a stretch of water in the Snowy Mountains that John O’Connor remembers fondly. As a youth, his dad taught him to fish on the Goodradigbee River. “My experience as a young bloke fishing up there,” he recounts, “the purity and clarity of the air and water and the overwhelming beauty of the environment left a lasting impression.”

His attachment to the place lives on through his spirits brand Goodradigbee Distillers, which offers a range of Australian wood-infused malts, gins and vodka, from a peppery Tasmanian Blackwood to a sweet and spicy Jarrah.

“Every hardwood reacts differently to the spirit,” O’Connor explains. “We are constantly investing in research and development and trialling new hardwoods, new indigenous gin botanicals, and so on. Some Aussie hardwoods produce extraordinary flavour profiles, while some taste, to be blunt, rubbish.”

One new flavour to look out for this year is the Sydney Blue Gum, which he describes as “a vanilla bomb mixed with coconut” – in other words, like an Iced VoVo!

But it’s one thing to run a distillery and quite another to open a bar in the middle of Brookvale’s industrial area. “I feel The GoodBar is a natural extension for the distillery,” the founder says of levelling-up.

“I am naturally impatient but I do look back on where we were three years ago and where we are now and feel a sense of achievement. Getting The GoodBar up and running was hard work – all the while maintaining production volumes, our innovation streams, and sales – but now that we have it finished, I feel we can progress and focus on what will make us a serious player in the industry.”

Some design ideas came from Soho Farmhouse and the Soho Club in London, while other influences include input from a Canberra-based artist. “On the wall of The GoodBar is an artwork by Lynnice Letty Church, a Ngunnawal woman,” O’Connor reveals.

“Brookvale has evolved significantly. The breweries all offer something different, and we are a different experience yet again,” he says. “Now there is great dining along with a variety of music and entertainment options available to people of all ages, so it fits with so many people’s idea of a good night out.”

“Lynnice, apart from being a gem, painted the story of the river itself and of Canberra in two separate artworks for us. That has helped us guide the brand significantly.”

The GoodBar is not just focused on the spirits coming from the distillery, however. O’Connor says they’re dedicated to serving quality across the board. “We not only sell our unique spirits, we sell the best of the best from around the world: whiskies, gins, rums, mezcal, and so on. Ditto with the wines.”

And you won’t just find these on the drinks menu. “The food is created with our spirits, literally,” he explains. “The kingfish is cured in Freshwater Gin, the salmon is cured in our Grey Gum Vodka. The duck breast is cooked in Ironbark. So it was fundamental, as in everything we do, that the food be unique to us.”

Cocktails also feature inventive twists that work well with the food. O’Connor nominates Ruby Rose, a gin and watermelon number with Cocchi Americano and notes of Strawberry Gum, elderflower, ginger and mint, and Bold Fashion, “our take on an Old Fashioned” using Jarrah malt, as his favourite mixes.

“The Ruby is exceptional with the fish share plates and dukkah and dips, while the Bold Fashion complements the platters and the duck breast really well,” he recommends. “Our chocolate tart is made with the Tasmanian Blackwood malt so it, naturally enough, goes well with any whisky.”

The GoodBar operates from: Goodradigbee Distillers HQ at 41 Orchard Road, Brookvale. For masterclass and tour info, menu details and table bookings, see: goodbarbrookvale.com.

PETS

FThere is nothing better than a day out in the sunshine with your four-legged best friend, but pets feel the heat very differently to us humans. Here’s how you can keep your pets safe in the summer heat.

FIRST and foremost, there is no magical solution that will allow your pooch to safely sit alongside you on a 40 degree day for hours on end. We recommend skipping the doggie outing all together if temperatures are close to, or over, 30 degrees.

Also, remember every dog is different, some breeds are more susceptible to heat-related issues than others. Brachycephalic breeds (those with short noses and flat faces) like Bulldogs and Pugs have a harder time cooling themselves through panting and may be more prone to heat stress.

Before you head out, we highly recommend some dog shoes. These may seem over the top for some, but considering sidewalks and roadways heat up exponentially faster than the air temp, we think it’s a given for any Australian summer. 45 degree days have even been known to melt roadways, imagine how your poor pooches’ feet might feel.

A great rule of thumb, if you can’t stand barefoot for 10 seconds, they can’t stand at all. And I’m sure we don’t even need to get started on how hot sand can get. We’ve all done the tippy toe run from our towels to the water’s edge. There’s a huge range of dog shoes available - slipping over the toe and fastening above the paw. You can even get waterproof versions!

Some sunscreen can never go astray on a hot summer’s day. However, all dogs with light fur or very short fur can be susceptible to sunburn. It’s recommended to apply a petfriendly sunscreen before leaving the house, and every two hours, focusing on areas like the tips of ears and nose.

Once you’re out and about, you should remember that unlike us, dogs are terrible sweaters! When we go outside on a hot day, our body will start regulating its temperature almost immediately by activating those sweat glands we all love so much. When the sweat evaporates, air cooling

occurs, bringing down our body temp.

Dogs have two types of sweat glands; the merocrine glands and apocrine glands. The merocrine glands function similarly to human sweat glands, but are located in the paw pads. Pretty smart considering dogs are covered in fur, body bound sweat glands wouldn’t really do the trick. The apocrine glands are located across the body and their main purpose is to release pheromones.

Alas, dogs do not cool down by having sweaty paws. The main way a dog controls its body temperature is through panting! Which leads me to my next, and most important point - water! Dogs can expel a huge amount of hydration through this respiratory function. As a Great Dane owner, I can report this first hand - it ain’t pretty. In hot weather, it’s important to keep your dog hydrated. Make sure there is clean water readily available wherever you are going, and it’s always helpful to bring your own transportable supply and water bowl.

Whilst frozen ice treats can be great for dogs that are in a resting, relaxed state on a hot summer’s day - it may be best to leave the ice cold water at home for your big day out. It has been reported that ingesting a big amount of ice + ice cold water quickly can cause a cold-shock leading to a rise in internal temperature. If you’re really looking to bring your dog’s internal temperature down, externally, try a cooling mat or cooling vest.

Dogs can, and do, suffer from over exertion and heat stroke just like we do. If you think your dog may be showing symptoms, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and, in severe cases, collapse, take immediate measures to cool the dog down and remove them from any sun exposure.

If symptoms persist, contact your nearest vet. And of course, never ever leave a dog unsupervised in a car on a hot day, and if you see a dog unsupervised in a car - be sure to contact the local police.

Goodbar Opening Hours

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Tuesday:

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PETS

GATSBY

GATSBY - Have you ever seen a more handsome Havanese? Meet Gatsby, or G as he’s often called. He’s a 4 year old and calls Dee Why home. You may have seen him grabbing coffee with his mum and dad and little sister (another Havanese called Lady) down by the beachfront. He loves a good laze in the sunshine watching the waves. He’s also quite the adventurous pup, most weekends you’ll find him splashing around the beaches or on a bushwalk. He and his sister have an Instagram account if you’d like to follow their adventures gatsby_n_lady_the_beachpups

MAKO - This little 2.5 year old land shark is all about staying active, having a big social life, and making regular appearances at Northern Beaches Dog Daycare, Scruffy’s and Hanrob. He loves sticks and dried bottle brushes, often collecting 3 or 4 to carry home. He also loves getting sand in his toes at Curl Curl doggy beach occasionally. He is a forceful food critic and has exacting tastes when it comes to how well done his steak is cooked, dinner is usually followed by a bowl of lactose free yoghurt, then a big sleep with his face 6 inches from the fan every night. It’s Mako’s world, he just lets us be part of it but for the gentle, considerate, intelligent, sensitive pup that he is, we wouldn’t have it any other way. You can follow Mako on Instagram - mako_thestaffy

DAISY

In Memory of DAISY - Daisy the darling Labrador lived a very full life on the Northern Beaches, nothing made her happier than being by the beach and she enjoyed her daily walks to the ocean more than anything. She also loved to sit up on the Dee Why boardwalk and smell the salty air. Right up until the end, she was still insistent on her daily walks, all the way to the beach - and no matter how tired she was, she always had the energy to say hello to her other doggy friends with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, Daisy lost her year long battle with cancer a few months, she is terribly missed.

Is your pet a star? Submit your photos to our Facebook page

MAKO

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AGGIE

AGGIE - Now for one of Dee Why’s larger residents, meet Aggie, the one year old Great Dane who is convinced she is a lapdog. If you’ve taken a seat in Aggie’s presence, prepare to become the seat as she reverse parks her butt on any lap. She is fascinated by the sand, but very wary of those scary waves. She loves meeting other doggos and humans out on her walks, and especially adores the regular cuddles and treats she receives from beach goers.

STEVIE

STEVIE - Look at that face! Stevie is a 2.5 year old English bull terrier who is sensitive, very emotive, loves a cuddle and a daily bushwalk. Her favourite games are tug of war with other dogs and chasing sticks with her humans. Bull terriers have a bad reputation however they are the most loyal companions and are great with kids. Known to be stubborn, once they learn something new they never forget and willingly show off their tricks to anyone who will give tummy rubs (or treats) in return!

LEO - The charismatic dog of Dee Why! Leo is turning 1 on February 26, this sociable pup is a beloved member of the Dee Why community. His friendly nature extends to both humans and dogs, making him a cherished companion for walks and playdates. His enthusiasm for playing, especially with balls and games of chase, is very cute. With his fluffy & soft fur and sweet personality, Leo has captured the hearts of neighbours who adore his warm and friendly presence.

OREO

OREO - This little pooch is a real softie, he’s a 4 year old crossbreed of a French Bulldog and a Mini Poodle. He’s incredibly friendly, and spoiled rotten. He is obsessed with chasing balls, and he’s even been known to give curious bush turkeys in Dee Why a run for their feathers. When he’s not ball-hunting (or stealing), he’s either goofing around with his bestie, Luna, or hanging out with his dads. Oreo’s taste buds have a fancy for brisket, juicy lamb shoulder, and the occasional puppuccino treat. He’s the heart and soul of our family, and loves everybody unconditionally.

CROSSWORD

MATES RATES

Hunting for a local bargain? Look no further!

Brookvale Nissan Service Centre

32 Mitchell Rd, Brookvale

Just bought a car? Head into Brookvale Nissan’s Service Centre where all new customers can enjoy 15% off their first service! Call today and mention the 2099 Magazine to claim - 02 8329 3833

THE GOODBAR

41 Orchard Rd, Brookvale

Thirsty? It’s not often you can find top shelf options on a budget - head into GoodBar Wednesday to Friday, 4-6pm, for the fanciest Happy Hour on the beaches. $10 G&T’s + $10 Jarrah Single Malts.

TURNING POINTE PILATES

Suite 4121, 834 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why

Looking for a more personalised pilates experience? This one’s for you - Turning Pointe Pilates are offering a free Group Class. Just call 0149 690 609 and mention the 2099 Magazine to book your spot.

SEA BAR CAFE

2/20 The Strand, Dee Why

Is there anything better than an ice-cold cocktail on a hot summer’s day? Yep, you can drink it while overlooking the beach! Pop into Sea Bar Cafe anytime and enjoy a $14 Aperol Spritz, or bring a friend and have two for $20.

THE BUILDER’S CLUB

18-20 Fisher Rd, Dee Why

Hungry? The Builders Club has a heap of weekly food specials for Members. Pop by on a Tuesday for an $18 Chicken Schnitzel with a free drink (upgrade to a Parmi for $2.50).

DEE WHY HOTEL

834 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why

Head into the hotel weekdays between 4-6pm and enjoy the $6 Happy Hour!